RTHK: Italy's Draghi on last legs after fractious vote Italy's government crumbled on Wednesday when three of Prime Minister Mario Draghi's main coalition partners snubbed a confidence vote he had called to try to end divisions and renew their fractious alliance. Draghi did win the vote in the upper house by 95 to 38 but many dozens of senators refused to take part, leaving his 18-month-old administration in tatters with an early election in September or October the most likely outcome. The boycott threatened to undermine Italy after months of relative stability, during which the respected former central banker Draghi had helped shape Europe's tough response to Russia's military campaign in Ukraine and had boosted the country's standing in financial markets. "Politics have failed," said Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio, who had repeatedly called for the coalition parties to rally behind Draghi. "The future of Italians was at stake. The effects of this tragic choice will be seen in history." The prime minister is likely to tell the lower house of parliament on Thursday that he intends to quit, a political source said. He will then hand in his resignation to President Sergio Mattarella, who is widely expected to announce elections. Draghi had already tendered his resignation last week after one of his partners, the populist 5-Star Movement, failed to back him in a confidence vote on measures tackling the high cost of living. Mattarella rejected the resignation and told him to go before parliament to see if he could keep the broad coalition going until the planned end of the legislature in early 2023. In a speech to the Senate, Draghi made a plea for unity and set out a series of issues facing Italy ranging from the war in Ukraine to social inequality and rising prices. But the 5-Star once again decided not to back him, saying he had not addressed their core concerns. In addition, the rightist Forza Italia and League parties decided to shun the vote, saying they wanted a commitment that Draghi was willing to forge a new administration without 5-Star and with fresh policy priorities. But Draghi appeared unwilling to head a new coalition, telling the Senate that Italians backed his government, which was formed to help the country recover from the Covid-19 pandemic. "The support I saw in this country (for the coalition) ... is without precedent and convinced me to re-propose a pact for government and ask you to vote on it. You will decide," Draghi had told the Senate ahead of the confidence vote. Draghi is likely to remain in a caretaker capacity until the election, which polls say will be won by the conservative bloc, including the far-right Brothers of Italy party the only major group that refused to join the unity administration. (Reuters) This story has been published on: 2022-07-20. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Airlines asked to stop quick check-in services The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) has just asked local airlines to temporarily stop quick check-in services. Passengers wait for check-in at Noi Bai Airport The move was made after some carriers including Vietjet and Bamboo Airways recently started charging passengers up to VND140,000 (USD6.08) for quick check-in services at Tan Son Nhat Airport in HCM City, a move that has angered passengers. According to CAAV deputy head Dinh Viet Son, they have worked with some airlines and airports about the paid check-in services that have been provided at Noi Bai and Tan Son Nhat airports and found that they were not suitable at the moment and should be closed. "The practice of charging extra fees for quick check-in procedures may affect service quality, negatively affect the interests of other customers, and cause public discontent," he explained. Meanwhile, this service provided to some passengers won't resolve congestion issues at the airports, as all passengers still have to go through available security checkpoints. The official noted that check-in procedures are part of an airport's commercial services provided in accordance with regulations issued by the Ministry of Transport. Therefore, any adjustment to these services needs to be proposed to CAAV before they are applied. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. FALL RIVER A 39-year-old New Bedford man was convicted Thursday in Fall River Superior Court of second degree murder and illegal firearm charges in connection with the Veterans Day 2018 New Bedford shooting death of 23-year-old Reynaldo Pena, Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn announced. Alexis Silva was convicted late Thursday morning by a jury on charges of second degree murder, carrying an illegal firearm, unlawful possession of a loaded firearm, and assault and battery via discharge of a firearm, according to a press release. He was sentenced by Judge Daniel OShea to serve life in prison with the possibility of parole after 20 years. The case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney William McCauley and Assistant District Attorney Matthew Sylvia, who argued the defendant should serve a life prison sentence with possibility of parole after 30 years. At about 2:15 a.m. on Nov. 11, 2018, the victim was driving on Malden Street but was blocked by the defendants 2012 white Lexus and another vehicle. After the victim honked his horn, the other vehicle moved and the victim drove through. The defendant became angered by the victim honking and rapidly driving through. The defendant followed after the victims car, which was now parked on the side of the Malden Street near Shawmut Avenue. When the victim exited his parked vehicle, the defendant opened fire upon him. The shots were fired from inside the Lexus. New Bedford Police found Pena lying in the street upon arrival at the scene. Pena was taken to St. Lukes Hospital and then to Rhode Island Hospital, where he died about 3:40 a.m. Surveillance video showed the white Lexus then traveled about four miles away to a residence on Bank Street, and the occupant got out of the car. Witnesses identified Silva as the man in the video. Silva was on the run from law enforcement for the next four months before eventually being arrested in early March 2019. This was a senseless killing over a minor motor vehicle confrontation. However, it is no surprise that the defendant responded in the way he did as he has a history of committing firearm offenses and violent crimes, District Attorney Quinn said. I am pleased the jury held him accountable for murdering the victim and I hope the victims family is satisfied that justice was done in this case. This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: New Bedford man convicted of 2nd degree murder for 2018 shooting Writer-director Jordan Peele arrives at the 2022 premiere of "Nope" in Los Angeles. (Jordan Strauss / Invision / Associated Press) Jordan Peele politely but firmly said nope to a fan who suggested he might be the best horror director in the history of the genre. On Wednesday, comic book writer Adam Ellis tweeted his high praise for the Oscar-winning writer and filmmaker, whose third feature, "Nope," has drawn rave reviews ahead of its theatrical release. But Peele was not having it. "I know this is a hot take but at what point do we declare Jordan Peele the best horror director of all time? Can you think of another horror director that had 3 great films, let alone 3 in a row? I can't," Ellis tweeted. Peele replied, "Sir, please put the phone down I beg you." To underscore his point, Ellis included a screenshot of review aggregation site Rotten Tomatoes' scores for each of Peele's movies: "Get Out" (98%), "Us" (93%) and "Nope" (88%). "I'm open to discussion but if you're coming into my mentions to say Get Out and Us are anything less than modern classics you might as well just show yourself out because I'm not open to that (wrong) opinion," he added. As anticipated, Ellis' "hot take" prompted some objections most notably from the director himself. While disagreeing with his admirer, Peele paid homage to his own favorite horror director, John Carpenter, known for helming classic films such as "The Fog" and "Halloween." "Sorry," Peele tweeted. "I love your enthusiasm but, I will just not tolerate any John Carpenter slander!!!" Standing by his original statement, Ellis responded, "Halloween is a stone cold classic, but the rest of [Carpenter's] horror movies aren't great in my opinion. He has some good ones for sure, but they're like cult classics in my mind." In Ellis' defense, Peele has achieved somewhat of a rare hat trick with his first three films, which have all received widespread critical acclaim. His feature directorial debut, "Get Out," landed four Oscar nominations in 2018, while Lupita Nyong'o's terrifying lead performance in "Us" was up for a Screen Actors Guild Award in 2020. Story continues The auteur's latest offering, "Nope," is a science fiction flick starring Daniel Kaluuya, Steven Yeun and Keke Palmer. In his review, Times film critic Justin Chang deemed the picture "an unusually well-made and imaginative thriller thats sometimes tripped up by its own high-mindedness and also, perhaps, by a closing stretch that struggles to bring Peeles grand intentions together. "Still, theres no denying the richness of his ideas or the skill with which he taps into his inner Steven Spielberg," Chang added, "an inspiration that can seem tiresome in the wrong hands, but which here feels uniquely pointed and purposeful." "Nope" hits theaters Friday. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. President Biden flew on Air Force One with several Democratic lawmakers and met with Ukraine First Lady Olena Zelenska this week while potentially contagious with COVID-19. The White House announced Thursday that the president had tested positive for the virus a day after traveling to Massachusetts to tout his administration's actions on climate change and two days after meeting Zelenska. "This morning, President Biden tested positive for COVID-19," said White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre. "He is fully vaccinated and twice boosted and experiencing very mild symptoms." FAUCI, NOT REALLY RETIRING, SAYS WE MUST LIVE WITH COVID, WARNS GOP CRITICS WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 28: U.S. President Joe Biden gives remarks on providing additional support to Ukraines war efforts against Russia from the Roosevelt Room of the White House on April 28, 2022 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images) The positive diagnosis came one day after a busy few days for the White House. On Tuesday, freshly returned from a trip to the Middle East, Biden welcomed the First Lady of Ukraine at the White House. On Wednesday Biden traveled to New England on board Air Force One with at least 12 lawmakers and White House staffers. The Harvard Medical School estimates that individuals are highly contagious one or two days before showing symptoms. "With Omicron, most transmission occurs during the one to two days before the onset of symptoms, and in the two to three days afterward," the school wrote in a recent public awareness campaign. WH PRESS SECRETARY TO BRIEF AFTER BIDEN TESTS POSITIVE FOR COVID-19, DAY AFTER TRAVELING WITH PRESIDENT WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 19: (L-R) U.S. first lady Jill Biden, first lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska and U.S. President Joe Biden pose for photos as Zelenska arrives on the South Lawn of the White House July 19, 2022 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images) Getty Images Traveling with the president on Air Force One were members of the Massachusetts congressional delegation, including Democratic Sens. Ed Markey and Elizabeth Warren. Also on the plane were Democratic Reps. Jake Auchincloss and Bill Keating of Massachusetts. None of the lawmakers has tested positive to date, but they are taking precautions in case they were infected by the president. "Senator Markey is testing this morning, as he does regularly, and will remain masked and socially distanced per public health guidelines, said a spokesman for Markey. "Senator Markey is double vaccinated and double boosted." Story continues US President Joe Biden speaks at the former Brayton Point Power Station in Somerset, Massachusetts, US, on Wednesday, July 20, 2022. Photographer: M. Scott Brauer/Bloomberg via Getty Images M. Scott Brauer/Bloomberg via Getty Images As part of the trip, Air Force One landed at an airfield in Rhode Island and traveled to Massachusetts for the speech by car. Greeting Biden as he deplaned in Rhode Island were two of the state's top Democratic elected officials: Gov. Dan McKee and Sen. Sheldon White House. President Joe Biden tested positive for Covid, the White House said on Thursday, raising concerns about his immediate health and underscoring the pandemics persistent shadow over his presidency. The White House said that Biden, who is fully vaccinated and doubly boosted, was experiencing very mild symptoms. He has also begun taking Pfizers antiviral pill Paxlovid. The drug, when taken within five days of symptoms appearing, has been found to reduce risk of hospitalization and death by nearly 90 percent among adults at highest risk of facing severe illness. Consistent with CDC guidelines, he will isolate at the White House and will continue to carry out all of his duties fully during that time, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement. This isolation period will last at least five days, but the president will not return to normal activities until hes received a negative antigen test, White House Covid response coordinator Ashish Jha said during Thursdays press briefing, noting that the White House goes beyond CDC Covid guidance. Biden took the PCR test as part of a routine screening program, Kevin C. OConnor, the presidents physician, wrote in a letter. The president began experiencing mild symptoms, including a runny nose, fatigue and an occasional cough, on Wednesday evening, according to the doctor. He also reported having a restless sleep, Jha said, adding that Biden is breathing well with normal oxygen levels. The exact timing of when Bidens symptoms began is unclear, as his doctor suggested his cough and runny nose began Wednesday evening, while Jha said these symptoms began Thursday morning. While taking Paxlovid, the president has halted his cholesterol medication and blood thinners a normal practice when taking the antiviral medication, Jha confirmed. The White House doctor, as part of a plan formulated in case Biden tested positive, has been consulting with infectious disease experts at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and George Washington University. Story continues The President is fully vaccinated and twice-boosted, so I anticipate that he will respond favorably, as most maximally protected patients do, the physician wrote. The announcement arrived just before Biden was scheduled to travel to Pennsylvania for an event to discuss gun violence, as well as attend a Democratic fundraiser in the evening. It also comes just after Bidens return from a trip to the Middle East and as the highly contagious BA.5 subvariant of the coronavirus has raised concerns about another wave of infections across the globe. In his first tweet since testing positive, Biden lightheartedly reassured the public that he is doing great and thanked people for their concern. Keeping busy! Biden wrote, referencing a phone call with Pennsylvania legislators in which he apologized for canceling a scheduled appearance on Thursday. He had planned to visit Scranton to propose a steep increase in police funding, The Associated Press reported. Vice President Kamala Harris tested negative for Covid on Thursday morning, according to a White House official. She was last with Biden on Tuesday. She spoke to the President by phone this morning, the official said. The schedule will continue as planned. The Vice President will remain masked following the advice of the White House medical team. Before Bidens diagnosis, Harris was scheduled to spend the day in North Carolina, touring a community computer lab and hosting an abortion roundtable with state legislators, before returning to Washington in the evening. She maintained her plans. During a speech in Charlotte on Thursday afternoon, Harris said she had spoken with Biden on the phone earlier that morning. He is in good spirits. He is feeling well. He is doing well, she said. First lady Jill Biden tested negative for Covid on Thursday morning, according to her spokesperson Michael LaRosa. But because she is a close contact, she will follow CDC guidance on masking and distancing and planned to keep to her scheduled visits Thursday to Michigan and Georgia. Im on the road in Detroit today, but I spoke to Joe earlier and hes feeling fine, just experiencing a few mild symptoms, she said in a tweet that also confirmed her negative result. LaRosa later said the first lady would be staying in the familys Wilmington, Del., home through Tuesday, while the president isolates at the White House. She will test more vigorously over the next couple days since she is a close contact, LaRosa said. Its not clear where Biden contracted the virus, Jean-Pierre said on Thursday, but the White House medical unit has begun contact tracing to identify and notify anyone who would be considered a close contact of the president, as defined by the CDC. The president returned from a trip to Massachusetts on Wednesday, where he came in contact with a multitude of people. Members of the Massachusetts delegation, including Democratic Sens. Ed Markey and Elizabeth Warren and Rep. Jake Auchincloss, traveled with the president. Both Markey and Auchincloss tested negative on Thursday and will continue to test, while Warren will mask in public and test in five days per CDC guidance, according to the lawmakers spokespeople. Biden joins a growing list of public officials who have tested positive for Covid in recent months, including his chief medical adviser, Anthony Fauci, Harris, Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Attorney General Merrick Garland. It will be crucial for the Biden administration to show that the president can perform his duties in the coming days, former White House press secretary Jen Psaki said in an interview on MSNBC. The White House communications team did just that after Biden tested positive, posting updates about how hes feeling and photos showing him working in the White House residence. Theyve been preparing for this probably for several months now given the percentage of people in the country who have tested positive, Psaki said. What they need to do over the next couple of days is show him working and show him still active and serving as president, and Im certain theyll likely do that. A video of the president was posted to his Twitter account on Thursday afternoon. Biden was speaking on a balcony overlooking the White House lawn. Im doing well. Im getting a lot of work done going to continue to get it done, Biden said, noting his vaccination status and that he has mild symptoms. In the meantime, thanks for your concern and keep the faith. Its going to be OK. The announcement of his infection comes as the White House is trying to manage crises on multiple fronts. It also occurs as the administration has sought to project a new phase in the pandemic fight, one in which the country would learn to largely live with and manage the virus. Roughly 126,000 new infections are being reported every day, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, up roughly 26 percent from one month ago, and the highest total since mid-February. These numbers are widely understood to be an undercount due to the proliferation and ease of at-home testing, for those who test at all. Case counts are still below the peak of the Delta surge last summer and well below Omicrons winter wave, when as many as 1 million Americans were contracting Covid every day. The White House has continued to aggressively push for Americans to either get vaccinated or get their booster shots only one-third of eligible Americans have gotten their first booster. And there had been early concern within the West Wing that, were the president to become infected, it would give fodder to vaccine skeptics and Covid-mandate critics, as West Wing Playbook reported in January. If youre over the age of 50, and you have not gotten a vaccine shot in the year of 2022, you need to go get one. You need to go get one now because it will dramatically improve your level of protection, reduce your risk of serious illness, Jha said on Thursday. The White House has also consistently battled outside concerns and commentary about Bidens age and health. The president, 79, received a booster dose of the Pfizer and BioNTech vaccine in September and a follow-up booster in late March. Though he has suffered various recent health ailments, his physician declared him fit for duty after a physical this past fall. Data published by the CDC shows that third doses are at least 90 percent effective at keeping Americans infected by the Omicron variant out of the hospital. The extra shots are even more important for adults 50 and older. While the risk of the president developing severe disease is significantly reduced because of his vaccination status, the protection isnt bulletproof. Older adults are still at higher risk of developing severe Covid. The presidents access to top medical care also lowers his risk of a severe bout of Covid. Harris also received the oral antiviral Paxlovid after testing positive. The White House wouldnt provide answers on what doctors would be looking for to determine whether the president should be hospitalized, with Jha and Jean-Pierre repeatedly saying theyd like to avoid hypotheticals. Walter Reed is always on standby for presidents, Jha said. Thats always an option. Following the presidents diagnosis, politicians on social media from both sides of the aisle expressed their sympathies and wished him a quick recovery. Among those was Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas, who has been critical of the Covid vaccine. Heidi & I are lifting up President Joe Biden in prayer right now. May Gods healing hand be upon him, may Covid pass quickly, and may he have a swift and full recovery, Cruz wrote in a tweet. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, another vocal opponent of Bidens Covid policies, said he was sorry to hear that President Biden has tested positive for COVID-19. Wishing him a speedy recovery. Several Democratic leaders pushed those who havent been vaccinated or boosted to do so, using the opportunity to remind people that the pandemic is ongoing. A reminder to all: this pandemic is not over and COVID-19 is still spreading. If you havent gotten your vaccine and/or booster shot, please do, Illinois Sen. Tammy Duckworth said in a tweet. Bidens infection is the second time a U.S. president has been personally hit with the virus. Then-President Donald Trump tested positive for Covid in fall of 2020 before vaccines were available after the White House hosted a suspected superspreader event. After more than 200 people, mainly maskless, attended the Sept. 26 event at the White House Rose Garden, where Trump announced his nomination of Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court, nearly a dozen people later tested positive. Trump, who repeatedly downplayed the virus and often resisted wearing a mask, was sicker with Covid than was publicly acknowledged at the time, The New York Times reported in February 2021. He was taken to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center as officials worried he would have to be put on a ventilator because of dangerously low oxygen levels and lung problems. He received drugs not widely available at the time, such as Regenerons antibody cocktail and the antiviral drug remdesivir, during his three-day stay in the hospital. Trump reportedly tested positive for Covid three days before his first presidential debate in September 2020 with Biden, according to a new book by his former chief of staff Mark Meadows. Meadows said Trump received a negative test shortly after the positive test and resumed normal activities. Trump has called the story fake news. Lisa Kashinsky contributed to this report. CLARIFICATION: This report has been updated to clarify that Michael LaRosa is Jill Biden's spokesperson. Jul. 21A Lula home was left to burn Thursday after firefighters were unable to reach the home with water, according to authorities. Hall County firefighters were called around 3:50 a.m. to the 9300 block of Skitts Mountain Drive in Lula, where a home roughly 1,000 feet from the main road was fully engulfed in flames. Fire Rescue said firefighters had to go on foot because the home was not accessible to the firetrucks, and they did not see any hydrants. With assistance from Georgia Forestry to cut a path around the fire, fire crews contained the spread of the fire. "Along with the distance, lack of water supply and the extent of the fire on arrival, the residence was left to burn out," according to the fire department No injuries were reported, and the cause of the fire is under investigation by the fire marshal's office. The Daily Beast Gregg DeGuire/GettyThe Flash star Ezra Miller has broken their silence after a number of highly publicized incidents, saying they are seeking help and treatment for complex mental health issues.Miller, who is nonbinary, released a statement through a rep to The Daily Beast apologizing for their actions and saying they have gone through a time of intense crisis and that they have begun ongoing treatment. The actor was arrested twice in Hawaii in spring, once for disorderly conduct and anoth Brad Pitt turned heads when the actor opted for a skirt instead of trousers at the Berlin premiere of his forthcoming film Bullet Train. Now, the Hollywood star has shared his thought process behind the knee-length skirt. When asked by an Associated Press reporter his reasoning behind wearing the brown linen skirt, the 58-year-old actor smiled and replied: The breeze, the breeze. Brad Pitt beat the heat in Berlin during the Bullet Train premiere when he paired the brown skirt designed by Haans Nicholas Mott with a matching brown cardigan, a mauve button-up shirt and combat boots. The actor also gave a rare glimpse at his tattoos including a rhinoceros face, a human skull, his childrens initials, the phrase absurdities de lexistence (or absurdities of existence in French), and a quote by Rumi that reads: There exists a field, beyond all notions of right and wrong, I will meet you there. Fans praised the Fight Club actor for normalising men wearing skirts after he walked the Bullet Train red carpet on Tuesday dressed in his monochrome skirt look. Brad Pitt out there normalising men wearing skirts on his latest red carpet. Cheers, Brad, tweeted one person. Just when you think Brad Pitt couldnt get sexier, he wears a skirt, joked someone else. At the Berlin premiere of "Bullet Train," Brad Pitt beats the heat by wearing a kilt. pic.twitter.com/qpK0AFCpsA AP Entertainment (@APEntertainment) July 19, 2022 Brad Pitt out there normalising men wearing skirts on his latest red carpet. Cheers, Brad. pic.twitter.com/ATWSDtkyXe Hilary Davidson (@FourRedShoes) July 20, 2022 Just when you think Brad Pitts couldn't get sexier, he wears a skirt. pic.twitter.com/GaAYWtiXvc Melanie Tait (@MelanieTait) July 20, 2022 Surprisingly, the actor previously predicted skirts would become a fashion staple for men nearly 20 years ago while he was promoting his film Troy in 2004. Men will be wearing skirts by next summer. Thats my prediction and proclamation, Pitt told British Vogue at the time. The film answers to both genders. We were going for realism and Greeks wore skirts all the time then. Story continues As he grows older, Pitt favours simplicity, comfortability, and monochrome looks when it comes to his fashion choices. You get older, you get crankier, and comfort becomes more important. I think its as simple as that, he said in an interview with Esquire last year. If I have a style, its no style. I like monochrome, without it being a uniform. I like simplicity. I like the details in the stitching, the way it feels. If anything, thats the only divining rod I have, he added. Bullet Train follows five assassins who find themselves on a fast moving bullet train from Tokyo to Morioka only to realise their missions are not unconnected to each other. Bullet Train is scheduled for theatrical release on 3 August in the UK and on 5 August in the US. When a single insider purchases stock, it is typically not a major deal. However, when multiple insiders purchase stock, like in Eupraxia Pharmaceuticals Inc.'s (TSE:EPRX) instance, it's good news for shareholders. 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 Eupraxia Pharmaceuticals Eupraxia Pharmaceuticals Insider Transactions Over The Last Year Over the last year, we can see that the biggest insider purchase was by Independent Director John Montalbano for CA$427k worth of shares, at about CA$1.75 per share. So it's clear an insider wanted to buy, even at a higher price than the current share price (being CA$1.08). It's very possible they regret the purchase, but it's more likely they are bullish about the company. We always take careful note of the price insiders pay when purchasing shares. As a general rule, we feel more positive about a stock if insiders have bought shares at above current prices, because that suggests they viewed the stock as good value, even at a higher price. Eupraxia Pharmaceuticals insiders may have bought shares in the last year, but they didn't sell any. You can see a visual depiction of insider transactions (by companies and individuals) over the last 12 months, below. If you want to know exactly who sold, for how much, and when, simply click on the graph below! 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 Eupraxia Pharmaceuticals Have Bought Stock Recently Over the last three months, we've seen significant insider buying at Eupraxia Pharmaceuticals. In total, insiders bought CA$144k worth of shares in that time, and we didn't record any sales whatsoever. This could be interpreted as suggesting a positive outlook. Insider Ownership Looking at the total insider shareholdings in a company can help to inform your view of whether they are well aligned with common shareholders. Usually, the higher the insider ownership, the more likely it is that insiders will be incentivised to build the company for the long term. From our data, it seems that Eupraxia Pharmaceuticals insiders own 13% of the company, worth about CA$3.0m. Whilst better than nothing, we're not overly impressed by these holdings. Story continues What Might The Insider Transactions At Eupraxia Pharmaceuticals Tell Us? It is good to see recent purchasing. We also take confidence from the longer term picture of insider transactions. But we don't feel the same about the fact the company is making losses. We would certainly prefer see higher levels of insider ownership but analysis of the insider transactions suggests that Eupraxia Pharmaceuticals insiders are expecting a bright future. 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. Every company has risks, and we've spotted 4 warning signs for Eupraxia Pharmaceuticals (of which 3 are concerning!) you should know about. 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. Join A Paid User Research Session Youll receive a US$30 Amazon Gift card for 1 hour of your time while helping us build better investing tools for the individual investors like yourself. Sign up here The Daily Beast Photo Illustration by The Daily Beast/GettyDemocratic strategist James Carville has a message for people who are doubting Merrick Garland: Just wait.People are like, well, but lets wait and see a little bit. And this is like the top of the first inning. I mean, remember Merrick Garland is like a pit viper. He prosecuted the Oklahoma City bomber case, the Unabomber case, the Olympic bomber case. And I think these guys are really methodical, Carville says on this episode of The New Abnormal pol Chinese-based company ByteDance, the owner of popular social media platform TikTok, spent $2.1 million on lobbying in the second quarter of 2022, boosted its lobbying spending by 130 percent, according to CNBC. The company made the lobbying spending public in a disclosure the company filed on Wednesday. The form lists the issues on which its representatives lobbied government officials. It said the company lobbied on a number of issues related to internet technology and learning-enabled content platforms, including the following pieces of legislation: the United States Innovation and Competition Act of 2021, the American Innovation and Choice Online Act, the America COMPETES Act of 2022, and the No TikTok on Department of Homeland Security Devices Act. It also lobbied on the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022. CNBC, which obtained the document filing, reported that this was the first time the company hit the $2 million mark in a single quarter since registering for lobbying disclosures in 2019. ByteDance also lobbied on a handful of online privacy issues and bills and discussed these matters with both chambers of Congress and federal agencies such as the State Department, Department of Defense, the Executive Office of the President, and Department of Commerce, the filing said. Bytedance has been under the microscope as as lawmakers shared their concerns over TikToks Chinese parent. Tiktok has added singers Beyonce entire music catalog to its platform, and increased its storage of U.S. user data with its growing popularity. A Buzzfeed report from last month detailed that ByteDances employees in China have access to U.S. users private data. Sens. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) and Mark Warner (D-Va.), members of the Senate Intelligence Committee, wrote a letter to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) earlier this month asking to investigate the social media platform over concerns that the platform is misleading the public on its data practices. In light of repeated misrepresentations by TikTok concerning its data security, data processing, and corporate governance practices, we urge you to act promptly on this matter, the lawmakers wrote in their letter. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. BEIJING (Reuters) - A Chinese district regulator said it is carrying out inspections of 45 Pizza Hut stores in Beijing after one was accused by media of food safety breaches. The market regulator of Beijing's Haidian district said late on Wednesday that it had visited the branch in question and looked at records of food materials purchases, storage and expiry dates. The chain run by Yum China came under scrutiny earlier this week after the Beijing News reported two of its stores in Beijing, including the one in Haidian district, allegedly had fake expiration dates on products and had reused cooking oil over 10 days. Pizza Hut said it had suspended operation of the two outlets and was carrying out its own probe. "We attach great importance to the issues reported by the media," it said on its Weibo account on Wednesday. It declined to provide further comment. The inspections come months after another Pizza Hut branch in Beijing was fined 50,000 yuan ($7,394) by Fengtai district market authorities for using expired food materials. Pizza Hut has more than 2,600 stores in China. Chinese consumers and media have become increasingly sensitive about consumer rights and food safety after a series of scandals, and keep a close eye on the behaviour of big brands, especially those from abroad. Market regulators in eight Chinese cities carried out inspections of Starbucks shops after the U.S. coffee chain said in December it had found food safety issues at two outlets. ($1 = 6.7621 Chinese yuan renminbi) (Reporting by Sophie Yu and Brenda Goh; Editing by Stephen Coates) Jul. 21PLATTSBURGH "Drone Day" didn't go off without a hitch on the first day of STEM Camp for students from Beekmantown Central and Crown Point Central school districts on Monday. Clinton Community College hosted STEM Camp for CFES (College For Every Student) Brilliant Pathways, an Essex-based nonprofit. DRONE DILEMMA The students were split into two cohorts: one to learn about STEM related college degrees and careers and the second to build a package, learn how to fly the drone and to deliver the package. The latter didn't happen for two of the teams because of the rain outside and non-clearance by the Plattsburgh International Airport to even fly the drone and their packages within the confines of the Institute for Advanced Manufacturing at the college. The plan Tuesday was for the two groups to switch to what they didn't experience the day before and both fly drones at the end of the day. The second day was set to feature four interactive STEM stations that students would rotate through. These sessions include "Sherlock Bones: Forensic Anthropology," "Nicotine, Vaping, and Worms Oh My," "Arachnophobia No More," and "Environscapes of the Lake Champlain Basin." BLEND OF PROGRAMS The Drone Package Delivery module was taught by Leif Sorgule, a technology and engineering teacher at Peru Central School. "I do an Applied STEM class at Peru where they learn about engineering concepts, mechanical principles and then they get an Applied Math credit," he said. "This concept came from one of the little units that I do with Peru High School students. So, I kind of adapted it be a one-day condensed version of problem solving through some sheet-metal fabrication, some welding of plastic filaments to make parachutes, and then also how do we pilot a drone and what can it be used for?'" This cohort of students were sorted into three teams: Team 1 Nicholas Moschelle, Josh Bordeau, Odin Atwood and Logan Demarse; Team 2 Peyton Stone, Nicolas Stokes and ringer Mallory Carpenter, a Brilliant Pathways college and career advisor; and Team 3 Savannah Finley, Andrian Cepor, Patrick Rabideau and Chris Cepor. Story continues GOING AIRBORNE Team 3 was the first airborne with their drone delivery package system. "It's alright," Finley said. How would you improve it? "Professionally done," Finley said. "Not made by 8th graders." Team 2 finished their drone delivery second. Carpenter is a college and career advisor for Beekmantown Central School. "I work through CFES Gear Up," she said. "It's a Gear Up grant that is in seven local schools and the Adirondacks. We do a lot of college and career readiness with the students, which involves a lot of STEM. This week we are doing a Robotics Camp at Beekmantown. That's what these students will be doing for the rest of the week. We brought them here today to explore some more STEM concepts." "It's fun," Andrian said. "At least I learned how to weld." "It's pretty good," Chris said. "I like it." DISCOVER THE JOY OF STEM On Team 1, Atwood rushed to finish the package, while Demarse traced the parachute template. "Clinton Community College is thrilled to be hosting STEM Camp for Brilliant Pathways," Carey Goyette, Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs, said in a press release. "Our talented college faculty have put together activities that provide students with hands-on and inquiry-based learning opportunities. While the overarching goal is to spark an interest so that they pursue STEM related college degrees and careers, we also really want them to discover the joy of STEM and to just have fun." The camp is sponsored by the CFES Brilliant Pathways program whose mission closely aligns with Clinton Community College's commitment to help students find their own education and/or career pathways regardless of their background or socio-economic status. Email: rcaudell@pressrepublican.com Twitter@RobinCaudell As abortion bans began to go into effect in more than 20 states following the Supreme Courts decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health, people seeking abortion services in these states have begun to cross state lines to find places where abortion remains legal. Clinics themselves including the Jackson Womens Health Clinic at the center of the Dobbs decision, which coincided with overturning Roe v. Wade last month are also in the process of moving from states where abortion is illegal now, including Mississippi, North Dakota, Tennessee and Texas, into bordering or nearby states, such as Illinois, New Mexico and Minnesota, to continue to provide services. While Dobbs ended one chapter in the legal battle over abortion rights and womens autonomy, it opened a new and largely unexplored front over the right to interstate travel. Its never been about states rights, said Mary Ziegler, a law professor at the University of California, Davis, and an expert on abortion law. The movement, from its inception, was about fetal personhood, which means that the movement thinks that all abortions are human rights violations. In March, Missouri state Rep. Mary Elizabeth Coleman (R) introduced the first bill in the country making it illegal for state residents to leave to get an abortion or for anyone to help them. If you believe as I do that every person deserves dignity and respect and protection whether theyre born or unborn, then of course you want to protect your citizens, no matter where they are, Coleman told Politico in March. Colemans bill did not pass, but it is not a lone example. Preventing Interstate Travel The Republican Partys opposition to out-of-state travel for abortions was on full display when Senate Democrats sought unanimous consent to pass a bill affirming the right to travel to seek an abortion. Sen. Steve Daines (R-Mont.) said the bill would give fly-in abortionists free rein, while Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.) referred to those seeking out-of-state abortions as being trafficked, as though they were the victims of a crime. Story continues A Planned Parenthood billboard in Rancho Mirage, California, boasts, A Planned Parenthood billboard in Rancho Mirage, California, boasts, "Welcome to California, where abortion is safe and still legal." (Photo: Mario Tama via Getty Images) Though abortion opponents may look to restrict travel through the blunt instrument of a ban like in Colemans bill, they are more likely to try a different approach that burdens and threatens those helping an abortion seeker rather than the patient themself. Borders and jurisdiction will become the central focus of the abortion battle, according to a draft paper titled The New Abortion Battleground, by law professors David Cohen, Greer Donley and Rachel Rebouche. What had been, until now, a uniform national right has become a state-by-state patchwork. In a post-Roe country, states will attempt to impose their local abortion policies as widely as possible, even across state lines, and will battle one another over these choices. States could seek to reach beyond their boundaries to punish residents or non-residents for abortion-related activity. If a state declares that a fetus is a living person, it follows, legally, that a person having an out-of-state abortion harmed a person conceived in-state, they write. Charges could be brought against the person obtaining the abortion, the person or persons performing the abortion or anyone who aided and abetted it. Some states allow prosecutors to charge residents with a crime if any part of the criminal act occurred within state lines. That could mean a web search, a phone call or a car ride that was part of a plan to seek legal abortion services elsewhere could lead to criminal charges. For example, one general criminal statute in Alabama states, A conspiracy formed in this state to do an act beyond the state, which, if done in this state, would be a criminal offense. State legislators and anti-abortion groups are already working to craft new legislation along these lines to limit interstate travel. A post-Roe draft legislation memo released by the National Right to Life Committee, one of the first and most influential groups founded to oppose abortion rights, suggests state legislatures pass laws to make sure all parties participating in an illegal abortion are subject to enforcement. This would mean either making it a felony crime or to use existing conspiracy statutes to charge anyone who aids or abets an abortion by giving instructions over the telephone, the internet, or any other medium of communication, hosting or maintaining a website, or providing internet service, or providing referrals to an illegal abortion provider. Proposed draft legislation from the Thomas More Society and the National Association of Christian Lawmakers would create a private right-of-action for citizens to sue anyone helping someone seeking an abortion out of state, according to The Washington Post. After the law firm Sidley Austin announced it would cover the cost of out-of-state travel for any employee seeking an abortion, state Republican legislators with the Texas Freedom Caucus sent the firm a letter threatening anyone working there with criminal sanction if they furnish the means for procuring an abortion knowing the purpose intended. The letter also announced plans to introduce legislation creating new civil and criminal penalties for corporations that provide funds for employees to seek abortion services in other states. Lori Lamprich, a volunteer driver for Midwest Access Coalition, an abortion fund, drives her car from St. Louis over the Missouri state border to Illinois. (Photo: ANGELA WEISS via Getty Images) Lori Lamprich, a volunteer driver for Midwest Access Coalition, an abortion fund, drives her car from St. Louis over the Missouri state border to Illinois. (Photo: ANGELA WEISS via Getty Images) These laws would likely cut hardest against people who live in the states where the law is enacted. But out-of-state doctors, abortion funds or anyone else helping someone leave an abortion-banning state to get an abortion where it is legal could also face civil or criminal penalties. The question is what effect those laws would have on those not living within the states bounds. Say a civil charge is brought against an Illinois doctor for treating a patient from Texas. The doctor could simply not show up in court in Texas, have a default judgment entered against them and never pay the fine. However, this would mean that the doctor would have to avoid all travel to Texas in order to evade paying the civil penalty. One can see how anyone involved in providing abortions, advocating for abortion rights or promoting legal abortion could see their ability to travel curtailed to any states that enact these laws just through the filing of civil suits. As for criminal penalties, states that make abortion illegal would need the help of legal abortion states to extradite anyone charged. That is almost certain not to happen. Since the Dobbs decision came down, governors and state legislatures in states that are upholding abortion rights have enacted executive orders and legislation declaring it state policy to refuse to comply with extradition requests over abortion-related charges. The Right To Travel? Ultimately, post-Dobbs extradition issues will wind up in court if someone who commits an illegal abortion-related act in a state like Texas flees to a state like California to avoid facing charges at home. The U.S. Constitutions Extradition Clause requires states to return fugitives from justice to the states where they are charged with committing a crime. In a concurrence filed in Dobbs, Justice Brett Kavanaugh raised the question of whether states may constitutionally ban residents from traveling out of state for abortion services. In my view, the answer is no based on the constitutional right to interstate travel, Kavanaugh wrote. Kavanaughs declaration suggests that the Supreme Court would not uphold a law banning interstate travel for abortion. But it is also a very limited statement. I take the concurrence with a huge grain of salt, said Elizabeth Nash, a state abortion policy expert at the Guttmacher Institute, a research nonprofit focused on reproductive health and rights. That would seem to suggest that if a state just straight-up passed a law saying you cant travel out of state for abortion, that that would probably not be OK, Zeigler explained. But anything other than that, like, if its just states saying you can travel all you want but when you get back were prosecuting the doctor its not as clear what somebody like Kavanaugh would do with that. Kavanaugh did not state his position on whether states can prosecute someone for an act committed in another state, nor did he state whether its constitutional for states to place increased burdens on someone who is thinking about leaving the state to have an abortion. There are three schools of legal thought on the questions of whether states can prosecute residents for acts committed out of state, according to Cohen, Donley and Rebouche. Abortion rights activists in Austin, Texas, protest after the overturning of Roe v. Wade by the U.S. Supreme Court. GOP lawmakers in Texas are looking to crack down on out-of-state travel to obtain an abortion. (Photo: SUZANNE CORDEIRO via Getty Images) Abortion rights activists in Austin, Texas, protest after the overturning of Roe v. Wade by the U.S. Supreme Court. GOP lawmakers in Texas are looking to crack down on out-of-state travel to obtain an abortion. (Photo: SUZANNE CORDEIRO via Getty Images) First, there are legal scholars who believe that there is a clear constitutional right to travel. Seth Kreimer, a law professor at the University of Pennsylvania Law School, argues that a goal of the framers of the Constitution was establishing a single national identity, and they aimed to do so through the Commerce Clause, the Privileges and Immunities Clause and, later, the Citizenship Clause of the 14th Amendment. [C]itizens who reside in each of the states of the Union have the right to travel to any of the other states in order to follow their consciences, and they are entitled to do so within the frameworks of law and morality that those sister states provide, Kreimer concluded. Second are the legal scholars who look at the same history and case law and come to the opposite conclusion: States can charge residents for acts committed in other states. For example, Mark Rosen, law professor at Chicago-Kent School of Law, claims that states have extensive presumptive powers to regulate their citizens out-of-state activities under contemporary Due Process doctrine. The third school of thought states that this question would be a difficult one that is not clearly resolved, according to Harvard Law School professor Richard Fallon. Cohen, Donley and Rebouche find this line of reasoning a better prediction of what the future holds. That is because this area of constitutional law remains either underdeveloped, neglected or ripe for bitter dispute. If the court allowed states to reach across their borders to prosecute abortion-related state crimes, there could be consequences for other areas of the law where states differ, including prostitution, gambling and drug sales. This legal uncertainty is already having an effect in states where abortion is already illegal or may be soon. In Utah, where the states abortion ban is on hold due to a court challenge, some local abortion providers and advocates held off on referring patients to out-of-state clinics out of uncertainty over whether they could be prosecuted. We do not know what jeopardy a Planned Parenthood staff person might be in if they directly help someone get an abortion in another state, Karrie Galloway, president of Planned Parenthood Action Council of Utah, told HuffPost soon after the Dobbs decision came down. The states Planned Parenthood organization consulted with criminal lawyers, Galloway said, to determine whether they could face prosecution for giving information about out-of-state abortion clinics to patients. Montana Planned Parenthood affiliates have instituted a new policy to check proof of residency for patients seeking medication used for abortion out of fear that the law in South Dakota could lead to prosecution of a Montana provider if a South Dakotan takes the medication in South Dakota. Providers across the country are asking similar questions and calling their lawyers before acting because everything is so unclear, Nash said. What is clear is that the attack on the freedom to travel between states is just beginning. This article originally appeared on HuffPost and has been updated. More than $42 million in federal funding will be coming to the Miami Valley for area projects. The funding was just approved by the U.S. House, according to a new release on Wednesday. The federal funding was secured with the help of Rep. Mike Turner of the 10th Congressional District. >>Dayton City Commission OKs police plan to expand use of automated license plate cameras This includes $29 million for a new School Age Center at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and millions of dollars in infrastructure improvements across the Miami Valley Region, the release said. The federal funds I secured will support community projects that foster greater economic development and increase the competitiveness of our region, Turner said. As the legislative process continues, I will continue to work with my colleagues to secure federal funding for all of the Dayton area projects I submitted. Some of the other projects include $3 million for the West Carrollton Low Dam Improvement, $1.5 million for East Dayton Rails to Trails, $1.3 million for the Dayton Airport Northeast Logistics Access Project and $1 million for the Mound Connector Highway Project, according to the release. Facing a humanitarian crisis that threatens to set off new protests on the island, the Cuban government is taking the unprecedented step of authorizing foreign investment in its emerging private sector and will resume an official exchange market for the dollar, among 75 measures authorities said Thursday are meant to boost the countrys economic recovery. Authorities will also cut custom fees and lift restrictions on some goods travelers can bring to the island, Economy Minister and Vice President Alejandro Gil said in a National Assembly meeting on Thursday. The shutdown of tourism and official remittance channels from the United States deprived the government of two of its primary sources of foreign currency in the past two years. As a result, Cubans deal with shortages of food, medicine and fuel on a daily basis. The difficult economic situation also led to massive demonstrations last year, and frequent electrical blackouts this summer have already sparked protests. A country on edge: Cubans share images of protests, police beatings and healthcare crisis Cubas economy is recovering more slowly than it needs to, Gil said, and so authorities will prioritize attracting foreign investment and tapping into the countrys growing large black market in dollars. We are authorizing foreign investment in the non-state sector, Gil announced. But the government will set priorities and limit which private businesses will be allowed to receive foreign investment, he added. Gil did not set a date for when the measures will go into effect, saying the government needs to work on the new rules. Cuba passed new laws last year allowing the creation of small and medium-sized private businesses for the first time in decades. But at the time, it was unclear if those businesses would be able to partner with foreign investors or receive financing from abroad. In May, the Biden administration authorized an American company to finance and invest in a private business in Cuba. It was not known at the time if the Cuban government would allow it. Story continues That license was a catalyst for Thursdays announcement, said John Kavulich, the president of the U.S.-Cuba Trade and Economic Council, who heads the U.S. company that received the authorization in May. There was never a doubt that the government of Cuba would authorize direct equity investments and direct financing for privately owned companies located in Cuba, he said. The government is in desperate need of the economic activity, the jobs, the creativity, the efficiencies that are the hallmark of a robust private sector. Gil also announced that Cubans and tourists on the island would be able to again exchange dollars in an official market that was shut down during the pandemic, as the economy sank and the cash-strapped government was unable to sell dollars to the population. As a result, many Cubans and international travelers ended up exchanging foreign currency, including euros and other currencies, on the black market. Gil did not say when the service would resume nor the rates. Currently, a dollar sells for 120 Cuban pesos, the local currency, on the black market. But the government sets an official exchange rate for state enterprises at 24 pesos for a dollar. The minister said the new rate will be different from the official one because it needed to be grounded on economic foundations, all but acknowledging the current rate made little economic sense, as many economists have said. It is not known if the reopening of the exchange houses will mean that Cubans will be able to use dollars again to buy at government stores. The government will also lift limits on certain goods travelers can import, such as cellphones and computers; slash custom fees from the current 100 percent to 30 percent on taxable goods imported by travelers; and cut in half the price of international parcels. The minister defended the measures, saying they are all in tune with the socialist economic model and had been thoroughly studied. He said none of the announcements would have an immediate impact, but he was adamant that the country needed cash to address peoples needs quickly. Everything that goes against or does not favor the capture of foreign currency and the increase in supply is not going in the direction in which we have to work, and everything that we do in that direction not without risk is going in a positive direction, he said. Prosecutors have dropped a domestic battery charge against the popular Cuban rapper known as Ovi. Ovidio Crespo, 26, had been arrested in March, accused of slapping his girlfriend as she was holding their baby during an argument at their Doral apartment. According to an arrest report, Crespo admitted to the argument but denied hitting the woman. According to a Miami-Dade State Attorneys memo, the woman had initially been cooperative, but has since ignored emails and phone calls from prosecutors preparing for trial. Prosecutor Lauren Gutierrez wrote that the woman even hung up on her during one call. Crespo, who boasts 2.3 million followers on Instagram, is known for his reggaeton and so-called Latin trap songs. Hes part of the Rancho Humilde label, which fuses traditional Mexican corrido music with hip-hop and other urban sounds. Ovi appeared on one track, Feeling Good, featuring rapper Snoop Dogg and fellow Rancho Humilde artists Natanael Cano and Snow Tha Product. Ovi always maintained his innocence and today justice prevailed by a complete exoneration of all charges, said his defense lawyer, Michael Mirer. Gun safety activist David Hogginterrupted a House committee hearing on banning assault-style weapons Wednesday after a Republican member argued Americans need more firearms due to an invasion of migrants. You are reiterating the point of a mass shooter, Sir, Hogg shouted to Rep. Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.). Hoggs high school in Parkland, Florida, was attacked in 2018 by a mass shooter armed with an AR-15 style rifle, killing 17 people. The killer had expressed racist, homophobic and antisemitic views on social media. The shooter at my high school: antisemitic, anti-Black and racist. The shooter in El Paso described it as an invasion, said Hogg, also referring to the white supremacist views of a mass killer at a Texas Walmart in 2019. Guess what? Those guns are coming from the United States of America. They arent coming from Mexico. The guns in Parkland, Buffalo, El Paso, didn't come from Mexico. They came from the US, and the shooters were inspired by racist, anti-black, anti-immigrant manifestos that rhyme with GOP talking points. pic.twitter.com/0D4QbHvu1t David Hogg (@davidhogg111) July 20, 2022 Hogg was escorted from the hearing room as he continued to assail Biggs. He said in a video posted later on Twitter that he had a duty to interrupt white nationalists when they spew harmful rhetoric. The shooter at my high school was a 19-year-old American citizen, white nationalist, that espoused hateful rhetoric about immigrants, about Black people, about Muslims and Jewish people, Hogg said. He was able to legally arm himself with an AR-15. Stop saying these talking points that these mass shooters are using. Stop reiterating them. Biggs argued after Hogg was removed that banning assault-style weapons would do more harm than good. Parkland survivor and activist David Hogg is seen speaking to a crowd during the second March for Our Lives rally in support of gun control last month in Washington. Hogg on Wednesday interrupted a House Committee hearing on banning assault-style weapons like the one used in the shooting at his school. (Photo: via Associated Press) Parkland survivor and activist David Hogg is seen speaking to a crowd during the second March for Our Lives rally in support of gun control last month in Washington. Hogg on Wednesday interrupted a House Committee hearing on banning assault-style weapons like the one used in the shooting at his school. (Photo: via Associated Press) Story continues With this bill youre going to disarm people, youre going to prevent them from defending themselves along the border, said Biggs, an extremist who played an important role in trying to help ex-President Donald Trump overturn the 2020 election result. We have people in Arizona who cant leave their house. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas) retorted that no one is trying to take weapons away from the military or law enforcement authorities tasked with guarding the border. The bill discussed at the hearing H.R. 1808, the Assault Weapons Ban Act of 2021 addresses civilian access to AR-15-style firearms, ghost guns and bump stocks, she noted. That is what we are trying to deal with in terms of fighting against the violence that killed our children, Jackson said after pointing to a graphic displaying the weapons. No one is stopping any family from having the protection that they need, she continued. Americans have the ability to have [plenty] of guns not included in this bill. This article originally appeared on HuffPost and has been updated. Related... Mar Nevarez, left, and Itzel Olimpia Acevedo Luna embrace over the casket of classmate Eric Andrade Ramirez at his funeral on Sunday. Andrade was killed while completing a year of community service that's required for his medical degree. (Fermin Ricardo Soto Munoz / For The Times ) Leer en espanol When Alfredo Cortes arrived at a tiny clinic for his year of community service required of all medical students in Mexico, he found that he had no cellphone or internet access only a radio. He lived alone at the clinic, a simple dwelling in a rural community of Michoacan state where police were a rare sight. In the early hours of a spring morning in 2020, he was roused from sleep by growling trucks and pounding on the front door. Several armed men ordered Cortes to leave with them. When he refused, one truck sped away and quickly returned with a man bleeding heavily from his belly. He had been shot. As Cortes got to work, one of the men trained a gun on him and shouted, Save him! The patient needed surgery, but the clinic lacked basic supplies, so all Cortes could do was bandage the wound and warn that if the man didnt receive treatment elsewhere he would die. Theyre pointing their guns, theyre shouting, there are people communicating by radio, and you dont know with whom, recalled Cortes, now 26, who learned later that the man had lived. Its a very tense situation. Such stories are common among Mexicos medical students these days. Medical students protest in Durango this week demanding an end to the community service program. (Fermin Ricardo Soto Munoz / For The Times ) Mandatory service has long been part of the governments effort to improve healthcare in isolated communities. But as drug cartels and other criminal groups have increased their footprint across the country, it has become an increasingly dangerous rite of passage. The shooting death of a medical student last week inside the hospital where he worked in the mountains of Durango state sparked protests by medical students across the country. Some marched in white lab coats and carried signs that said, Were not your cheap labor and No more community service, theyre killing us. Killings of students appear to be rare, but university officials, acknowledging widespread complaints about the program, have started to say that it has become unsafe. This scheme is a total anachronism and should be changed, said Dr. Luis Carlos Hinojos, the director of the medical school at the Autonomous University of Chihuahua. Story continues He said the university has tried to place more students in safer urban locations and relocate those deemed to be in danger. After a doctor was shot and killed this month in the municipality of Bocoyna, which has seen clashes between cartels, six students set to start work there were reassigned. Mourners carry a sign and a portrait of Eric Andrade Ramirez outside the funeral Mass for him last Sunday. (Fermin Ricardo Soto Munoz / For The Times) The government defends the program, which dates to 1936 and graduates about 18,000 students each year. Mexican Health Secretary Jorge Alcocer told reporters this week that officials would be reviewing security conditions but that the community service is an academic requirement that, in principle, cannot be canceled. Its not advisable to suspend that process of formation thats so important for doctors, he said. We cant set aside the most far-away placements that dont have conditions that are completely safe. Moreover, the program has been a crucial source of medical care in rural areas. For every 10,000 people, Mexico has 24 doctors not far behind the U.S. figure of 26 but they are heavily concentrated in cities. In May, President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador announced that the country would fill the gaps by contracting Cuban doctors, prompting criticism that the real problem was security. Medical school in Mexico starts right after high school and usually lasts six or seven years, the last of which is spent doing community service, which can entail conducting research or working in clinics. Typically, the government determines what slots are available and leaves it to the schools to fill them. Students with the best grades get the first pick of assignments, so those with lower averages tend to get the most dangerous jobs. They sometimes work without supervision or outside contact and live alone at the clinics problems that students and university officials say have long been recognized but not adequately addressed. Locals tend to view the students as full-fledged doctors and that leads to situations in which the newcomers can incur wrath of the community when a patient cant be saved. They wont say the clinic doesnt have the resources, the clinic doesnt have an ambulance, the roads arent accessible, the routes arent easy, said Cinthya Flores, president of a national association that represents medical students. Itll be the doctors fault. Andrade's mother, Maria Paula Ramirez Yanez, leans over his body while his father, Jose Mauricio Andrade Avila, sister Suhey Andrade Ramirez and family friend Cecilia Ramirez, left, stand beside her at his funeral. (Fermin Ricardo Soto Munoz / For The Times) Dr. Jorge Valdez Garcia, president of the Mexican Assn. of Medical Schools, said that sometimes universities arent given enough time to choose their placements carefully and that conditions can change rapidly, such as when a cartel arrives in a community. Thats happened many times, he said. No one has the intention to send them to unsafe areas. In interviews, more than two dozen current and former students described harrowing experiences that included navigating cartel checkpoints to get to their clinic, delivering medical care at gunpoint and working in places where criminals leave severed heads in the street. We were always worried for our security, said Adonai Esparza, 28, who did his service in 2019 at a rural clinic in northern Michoacan, which has seen violence related to the avocado trade, which has been infiltrated by cartels. One night, a teenager arrived with a knife injury on his hand. Esparza began to treat him when he heard several cars arrive. The boys father, a drug boss in the area, entered with two armed men. He asked about his son and on his way out told Esparza, Dont worry, youll be watched and protected. After that, I felt a bit strange, said Esparza. I realized I had security but not the security that I had expected. Medical students in the state of Durango call for authorities to better protect students completing their year of mandatory community service. (Fermin Ricardo Soto Munoz / For The Times) Hilary Lopez, 27, who did her service in 2020 in the southern state of Quintana Roo, quickly learned to give priority to certain patients: those who a nurse told her were relatives of drug traffickers. In one incident, a man who arrived after midnight insisted that she examine an older woman who had fallen in her home and was still there. When Lopez explained she couldnt leave the clinic with a stranger, he returned 15 minutes later with a gun. Doctor, are you going to come out or are you not going to come out? he told her. Lopez called the nurse, who calmed the man down and persuaded him to stop threatening Lopez, who said that the scare prompted her to ask health officials for more security but that nothing changed. She happened to be out of town when armed men from the community surrounded the clinic and threatened to set it on fire after one of her patients died from COVID-19. The nurse warned her not to return, and Lopez found a new placement and changed her telephone number. I disappeared from the map, she said. Such close calls seldom make headlines. Killings of medical students are a different story, with two recent cases pushing the issue into public view. The first victim was Luis Fernando Montes de Oca Armas, 23, who was finishing his service at a hospital in Huejuquilla El Alto, Jalisco state, in June 2021 when he left to accompany a patient in an ambulance to the neighboring state of Zacatecas. Luis Fernando Montes de Oca Armas, a student at the Autonomous University of Guadalajara, was killed in Zacatecas while doing his community service in 2021. (Courtesy of Jose Fernando Montes de Oca Padilla) On his way back, he sent a disturbing voice message to his father. Theres a truck here, he said. Theyre probably going to kidnap us or something, I dont know. His father called his son-in-law, Juan Carlos Galaviz, who discovered the bullet-ridden bodies of Montes de Oca and the ambulance driver along a highway next to the abandoned vehicle. Then last Friday evening, several men arrived at the rural Durango hospital where Eric Andrade Ramirez was working. They appeared to be under the influence of drugs. The details of what happened next are unclear, but at one point, at least one of them pulled out a gun. Mourners watch as Andrade's coffin is lowered. (Fermin Ricardo Soto Munoz / For The Times) Andrade, 25, was killed, just days before he would have finished his service in El Salto, a logging town about an hour-and-a-half drive from his home in the city of Durango. After the killing, some medical students in Durango deserted their placements and vowed not to return. How is it possible that were giving a health service to take care of others but no one protects us? asked Daniel Ramirez, 27, a classmate who decided to leave his assignment in a Durango town where he said drug traffickers colluded with the police. Dr. Martin Gerardo Soriano Sarinana, the rector of the Autonomous University of Durango, where Andrade had been a student, said about 180 students will be reassigned placements. He pledged to develop community service programs for our students that dont put their safety at risk. At Andrades funeral on Sunday afternoon, classmates wearing white lab coats cried quietly as they watched his casket being lowered into a grave while a 13-person orchestra played. Friends described him as a charismatic person who loved norteno music and threw parties. Mourners attend Andrade's funeral. (Fermin Ricardo Soto Munoz / For The Times ) His brother, Luis, 29, said Andrade had spent his final year in a state of unease as armed men would show up demanding to be seen. He lived with fear, Luis said. He didnt want to be doing the service. Their sister, Suhey, 24, the youngest of the three siblings and a medical student herself, is scheduled to start her community service on Aug. 1 in a town on the outskirts of the city of Durango. She is reconsidering. Right now I have a hatred toward medicine, she said. The hospital where her brother died, a dilapidated one-story white building, is now closed. In the lobby, a bouquet of flowers and candles lie on the floor next to a large patch of dried blood. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Passenger jets could someday fly on fuel brewed from air and sunlight, if an EU-funded design becomes a reality. A new design from a group of European scientists envisions a tower that turns carbon dioxide into synthetic jet fuel using solar power, according to a study published on Wednesday in the journal Joule. With our solar technology, we have shown that we can produce synthetic kerosene from water and CO2 instead of deriving it from fossil fuels, Aldo Steinfeld, a professor at ETH Zurich in Switzerland, said in a statement. The artificial kerosene burns in a normal jet engine, releasing as much carbon dioxide as went into it potentially creating a carbon-neutral loop, Steinfeld said. Such a closed-loop solution would require the company to also harvest its carbon dioxide from the air, Steinfeld noted. Note of caution: The climate impact from the carbon released when jets burn fuel whether fossil- or solar-derived may be dwarfed by the contrails they leave behind, Canadian news magazine Macleans reported. 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. Want a copy of this newsletter in your inbox each day? Subscribe to Equilibrium here. Today well start in Wisconsin, which is suing manufacturers and marketers of forever chemicals for widespread contamination. Then well explore how state emissions reductions programs may not be providing equitable benefits. Wisconsin sues over forever chemicals Wisconsin has filed a lawsuit against 18 companies, alleging that these firms contaminated the states property and water resources with forever chemicals. Trusting what comes from the tap: Every Wisconsinite should be able to trust the water that comes out of their tap, Gov. Tony Evers (D) said at a live-streamed press conference on Wednesday morning. Story continues But unfortunately, we know that for so many across our state, including folks right here on French Island, this isnt always the case, Evers said. Evers was speaking in the town of La Crosse on French Island, a Mississippi River island that has long experienced such contamination, according to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. What are forever chemicals again? Theyre cancer-linked compounds, also known as perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are notorious for their ability to linger long term in both the human body and the environment. Whats in the lawsuit? The lawsuit, filed by Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul (D) in Dane County, alleges that the defendants knew or should have known that the ordinary and intended use of their products could cause dangerous public health and environmental impacts. The lawsuit alleges that the companies are liable for designing, manufacturing, marketing, promoting, distributing, selling, using, and/or disposing of PFAS products in ways that cause widespread PFAS contamination. The lawsuit also claims that the defendants took measures to protect the health of their own employees, but did not notify the public of the danger that PFAS contamination caused over the last several years in Wisconsin, according to Kaul. What does Wisconsin want? The plaintiffs are asking that the defendants be forced to help remediate the problem by taking action to provide clean and safe drinking water to the affected communities, Kaul explained. The lawsuit also seeks to recover all costs, expenses and damages linked to their allegedly wrongful conduct. Such recovery would include restoration and loss-of-use damages, natural resource damages and the costs of investigating and remediating PFAS pollution throughout the state. Making polluters pay: Wisconsinites should not have to foot the bill for polluters who should have known that what theyre doing is wrong all along, Evers said. To find out which firms were named in the suit and read their responses, please click here for the full story. State emissions reductions yield inequitable benefits Low-income populations and communities of color are not benefiting equitably from the emissions reductions programs that Eastern Seaboard states have initiated, a new study has found. The study, published in PLOS One on Wednesday, investigated power plant emissions adjacent to environmental justice communities in states that are party to a regional greenhouse gas reductions program. What are environmental justice communities? They are those that tend to face a disproportionate share of environmental health threats. Residents of such communities are predominantly people of color with a lower socioeconomic status. Dissecting regional emissions: Researchers at the Union of Concerned Scientists probed pollutant burdens in states involved in a cooperative, market-based effort called the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). RGGI participants include Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont and Virginia. Member states have agreed to adhere to a region-wide cap on power sector emissions. All regulated power plants must acquire one RGGI carbon dioxide allowance for every short ton of carbon dioxide they emit and they can then sell these allowances at quarterly auctions. Big disparities: The PLOS One investigation, which focused on electricity generation in RGGI states from 1995 through 2015, found significant differences in siting and operation of power plants in environmental justice communities, compared to the general population. The percentage of people of color who lived less than 6.2 miles form a power plant was 23.5 percent higher than the percentage of white people living in that same proximity, according to the study. In addition, the authors found that the percentage of people living in poverty within 5 miles of a power plant was 15.3 percent higher than the percentage of those not in poverty living within that same distance. Inequitable benefits: The effect is that emissions reductions from power plants within RGGI states have largely benefitted non-environmental justice communities, lead author Juan Declet-Barreto, senior social scientist at the Union of Concerned Scientists, said in a statement. To read the full story, please click here. Solar power props up Texas grid Solar power has played a small but crucial role in keeping the lights and air conditioning on in Texas amid this weeks brutal heat wave. Bridging the gap: Solar plants gave the state grid about 8 gigawatts of power amid soaring mid-day temperatures on Wednesday, according to the Energy Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), which oversees the state grid. Solar was pumping 9 percent more power than expected into the grid at noon, ERCOT reported. Thats more than twice the state operating reserves of 3.7 megawatts, per ERCOT Texas is in a unique position: The states unique and isolated electric grid is particularly vulnerable to surges in demand, as it cant import power as needed from the rest of the country. While temperatures are high across the central U.S., sweltering states like Michigan can rely on their neighbors to pass them power, according to Grand Rapids-based MLive.com. Crackling temperatures and demand: Record energy demand at levels far above what was predicted in early summer has strained the state grid this week. Texas peak demand was projected to hit just under 80.5 gigawatts in the heat of the afternoon, according to ERCOT. Thats well above the 77 gigawatts that ERCOT predicted would be the maximum summer power demand back in May. It also makes the ninth time this year the state grid has broken demand records, Bloomberg reported. Without the contribution from solar, the state would have been in energy deficit, ERCOTs figures show. Propping up power: Solar is providing needed stability to municipal grids, Cody Tellgren of Duke Energy told West Texas-based television station KIDY. Duke operates about 200 megawatts of solar energy in West Texas, KIDY reported. One benefit of solar is that supply peaks at midday, when the sun is highest and so is electricity demand, Patrice Parsons, of the nonprofit Texas Solar Energy Society, wrote in a Dallas Morning News op-ed. Rapid growth: Even now, more than 85 percent of homeowners are buying batteries as part of rooftop solar systems, Parsons noted. Texas solar capacity has doubled over the past year and tripled over the past 18 months, renewable energy consultant Doug Lewin told ABC last week. But regulatory roadblocks, rising processing fees and unpredictable delays in permitting as well as drastically different processes in different Texas cities are threatening further expansion, Parsons argued. BOOSTING THE POST-PANDEMIC ECONOMY The boom in solar has helped the Texas renewables industries outpace the states fossil fuel industry in bringing back jobs after the coronavirus pandemic. Texas is the only major fossil fuel-producing state to also rank among the top-10 producers of solar energy, though even at number two it lags far behind leader California, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association. Batteries gain jobs while fuels lose: As Texas-based fuel production lost about 14,000 jobs last year, the states sustainable technologies industries added about 13,000 new jobs, according to a study published on Monday by the nonprofit Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA). If you are focused on oil and gas to be your savior for creating jobs you are focusing on a cyclical market, IEEFA analyst Trey Cowan told S&P Global. It makes more sense to invest your policy dollars where you can grow faster, Cowan added. As good as it gets: Meanwhile, recovery in the fossil fuel sector long regarded as Texass hallmark industry are lagging behind the rapid job growth in renewables, electric vehicles and energy efficiency, according to the IEEFA. The state oil and gas industry has brought back only about half the jobs lost during the pandemic, the IEEFAs study found. That may be as good as it gets, as job growth in fossil fuels appears to have plateaued, the study added. Spotlight on shingles: Texass advantages led solar manufacturer GAF Energy to choose the state for its new solar roof-tile factory rather than offshoring production to Asia, CEO Martin DeBono told Reuters. GAF announced on Tuesday they would open a $100-million factory just north of Austin. Rather than external solar panels, GAFs light-capturing solar shingles are part of a houses roof, Reuters reported. Domestic production was better suited to this more unique approach, DeBono told Reuters. Standing out: You cant expect to make the same thing as everybody else in the world and be successful in a business, especially in a business as competitive as solar, DeBono said. Water Wednesday Drought drives cattle sales, Utah brings drought resistant vegetation to medians and how a pint (or two) can head off heat-induced dehydration. Drought leading to cattle selloffs Midwest cattle producers are concerned about ongoing selloffs of these farm animals due to drought, Illinois-based radio station WCMY reported. A lot of people are talking about not getting back into the cattle industry, one producer told WCMY. Turf trend hits Salt Lake City region As Utahns contend with ongoing drought conditions and a dwindling Great Salt Lake, many area cities are taking part in a program called Flip Your Strip or replacing grassy park strips with drought-resistant vegetation, The Salt Lake City Tribune reported. Fight dehydration by drinking (a bit of) beer Up to two pints of beer can help those suffering from heat waves stay hydrated and nourished with electrolytes, the U.K.-based Daily Mail reported. If you are dehydrated (and an adult, and able to do so) drink a half a pint of beer (inc. alcohol free!) and then move straight onto water, Britain-based doctor Ellie Mackin Roberts wrote on Twitter. 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. Workers put up a giant poster of Droupadi Murmu, who has won election to be India's new president, a largely ceremonial position. (Manish Swarup / Associated Press) A woman who hails from one of India's minority ethnic communities was chosen Thursday as the country's new president, a largely ceremonial position. Droupadi Murmu, a leader from Indias ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, was elected by the Indian Parliament and state legislatures in voting Monday, making her the first president from one of the countrys tribal groups and the second-ever woman to hold the position. She will be formally sworn in as the president next week. Murmu, 64, who hails from the eastern state of Odisha and was governor of Jharkhand state from 2015-21, is a member of the Santal ethnic minority, one of Indias largest tribal groups. She started out as a schoolteacher before entering politics and has been a two-time lawmaker from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's party. Murmus father and her grandfather were village heads in Baidaposi, in Odisha's Mayurbhanj district. Modi congratulated Murmu by visiting her at her residence in New Delhi, and in a tweet wrote that he was certain she will be an outstanding President who will lead from the front and strengthen Indias development journey. Her record victory augurs well for our democracy, Modi said. Murmus supporters and Modis Hindu nationalist BJP see her win as a triumph for tribal people and a breakthrough moment for her community, which generally lacks healthcare and education facilities in remote villages. Opposition parties, however, are doubtful whether she will be able to help empower and bring any change to the marginalized community. The presidents role in India is largely ceremonial, but the position can be important during times of political uncertainty, such as when there is no majority party in Parliament, at which point the president's office assumes greater power. She is bound by the advice of the Cabinet led by the prime minister, who is the chief executive. Murmu will replace Ram Nath Kovind, a Hindu nationalist leader from the Dalit community, which is at the lowest end of Hinduisms complex caste hierarchy. Kovind has been president since 2017. Story continues Murmu won against her opponent, Yashwant Sinha, a former BJP rebel who quit the party following differences with Modi on economic issues in 2018. Since then, Sinha has been a vocal critic of Modi and his government. Indian lawmakers will vote for the countrys new vice president in August. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The European Union widened its sanctions net on Thursday to add 10 Syrian men to its asset freeze and travel ban list over Russia's invasion of Ukraine, saying they were responsible for recruiting mercenaries to fight alongside Russian forces. The EU announced the listings as it formally unveiled new sanctions against Moscow, targeting top lender Sberbank, Russian gold and more companies and people as well as increased export controls. "The Syrian regime provides support, including military support, for Russia's unprovoked and unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine," the EU official journal said on Thursday. Those listed include Muhammad Al-Salti, the commander-in-chief of the Palestine Liberation Army, two commanders from the pro-Syrian National Defence Forces militia, a former Syrian military officer as well as the director and co-owner of Al-Sayyad Company for Guarding and Protection Services. The European Union says the company, operating under the name "ISIS hunters", is supervised by Russian private military contractor Wagner Group, protects Russian interests and is active in recruiting Syrian mercenaries to Libya and Ukraine. There are also one further commander and three businessmen on the list. The European Union imposed sanctions on the Wagner Group in December as well as on Russian individuals and energy companies in Syria linked to the group, accusing it of clandestine operations on the Kremlin's behalf. The EU official journal also spelt out that the bloc will partially exempt state-owned Russian enterprises and Russian banks from sanctions to allow trade of fertilisers and food to third countries. Some African countries have expressed concern that western sanctions could exacerbate a global food crisis, although EU officials say supply problems are the result of Russia's invasion of Ukraine and its blockade in the Black Sea. (Reporting by Philip Blenkinsop, Editing by William Maclean) Russia on Thursday restored critical gas supplies to Europe through Germany via the Nord Stream pipeline after 10 days of maintenance, but uncertainty lingered over whether the Kremlin would still trigger an energy crisis on the continent this winter. Germany, which is heavily dependent on Russian gas, had feared that Moscow would not reopen the pipeline after the scheduled work and accused Moscow of using energy as a "weapon". The showdown came amid the worst tensions in several years over Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Germany believes Russia is squeezing supplies in retaliation for Western sanctions over the war. Klaus Mueller, head of Germany's energy regulator, the Federal Network Agency, said that by late morning gas flows were on track to return to 40 percent of the pipeline's capacity -- the same reduced level as before the maintenance work. "But given the missing 60 percent (of supply) and political instability, there is no reason to sound the all-clear," he tweeted. Enduring German reliance on Russian gas coupled with alarming signals from Moscow have turned up the pressure on Europe's top economy. A total shutdown of imports or a sharp reduction in the flow from east to west could have a catastrophic effect, shutting factories and forcing households to turn down the heat. Even the resumption of 40 percent of supplies would be insufficient to ward off energy shortages in Europe this winter, experts warned. The International Monetary Fund said on Wednesday that a halt in supplies could slash Germany's gross domestic product this year by 1.5 percent. - 'Will fulfil' - Russia's state-owned energy giant Gazprom cut flows to Germany via the Nord Stream 1 pipeline under the Baltic Sea to some 40 percent of capacity in recent weeks, blaming the absence of a Siemens gas turbine that was undergoing repairs in Canada. The turbine is reportedly en route to Russia and expected to arrive on Sunday at the earliest. The German government has rejected Gazprom's explanation as an "excuse", noting that the turbine was one of several available. Story continues Moscow's explanation for the supply shortfall shifted again on Thursday, as it said that gas delivery problems to Europe were caused by Western sanctions. "Any technical difficulties linked to this are caused by those restrictions that European countries introduced themselves," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters. Russian President Vladimir Putin insisted this week that Gazprom would meet all its delivery obligations. "Gazprom has fulfilled, is fulfilling and will fulfil its obligations in full," Putin told reporters in Tehran after holding talks with the leaders of Iran and Turkey. He warned, however, that as another gas turbine was due to be sent for maintenance at the end of this month, energy flows could fall to 20 percent of capacity from next week. - 'Blackmail' - As of Wednesday, German gas reserves were about 65 percent according to official estimates. The reduced supply has prevented EU countries from replenishing holdings before winter. The European Commission on Wednesday urged EU countries to reduce their demand for natural gas by 15 percent over the coming winter months, and to give it special powers to force through needed demand cuts if Russia severs the gas lifeline. "Russia is blackmailing us," Commission president Ursula von der Leyen, a former German defence minister, told reporters. "Russia is using energy as a weapon and therefore, in any event, whether it's a partial major cut-off of Russian gas or total cut-off... Europe needs to be ready." Peskov at the Kremlin said on Thursday that the blackmail accusations were "completely" unfounded. German Economy Minister Robert Habeck, who has said he is taking shorter showers to save energy, stressed that industry -- but also consumers -- would have to do their part to reduce Russia's power in the current standoff. "A decisive bit of leverage is reducing gas use," he said. "We have to do everything in our power to work on that." dlc/mfp/spm Thomas Lane, one of the former Minneapolis police officers involved in George Floyds killing, was sentenced Thursday to 2.5 years in prison on a federal civil rights charge, CNN reports. Federal prosecutors asked the judge to give Lane between 5.25 to 6.5 years in prison for his involvement in Floyds murder. Lanes attorney Earl Gray asked for 2.25 years. U.S. District Judge Paul Magnuson said that Lane played a minimal role in the incident, and also described him as a person of outstanding character, CNN reports. Magnuson told the court that he received 145 letters in support of Lane. Its not unusual to receive letters, Magnuson said, CNN reports. But I have never received so many letters. Magnuson also recommended he be placed in a federal prison in Duluth, Minnesota, so he can be near his family and friends. Along with prison time, the former officer is required to pay restitution, and he will be placed on supervised release for two years after serving his time. Lane did not make a statement during court but Floyds brother, Philonise Floyd, did. Our family was given a death sentence May 25, we will never get George back, he said, according to CNN. Officer Lane did not intervene in one way or another. Lanes sentencing comes about a month after he pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting second-degree manslaughter in state court. As part of his plea deal, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellisons office and defense attorneys both suggested he serve a sentence of three years at the same time as his federal sentence, CNN reports. According to TMZ, Derek Chauvin, the officer who pinned Floyd with his knee, was sentenced to 21 years in prison. The two other officers convicted, J. Alexander Kueng and Tou Thao, have not yet been sentenced. Malea Klusmeyer in a 2020 file photo. Aaron Klusmeyer, a Springfield attorney with Lowther Johnson Attorneys at Law, was sentenced Wednesday to five years of probation after pleading guilty to one count of unlawful use of a weapon and one count of domestic assault in the fourth degree in connection with an incident from February of 2019 where he pointed a loaded gun at himself and his then-wife, Malea Klusmeyer, after she called a divorce attorney. The process to get to the sentencing hearing was a long one, Malea Klusmeyer said, adding that she spent the first couple of years begging prosecutors to not drop the felony charge of unlawful use of a weapon. "They told me 'Malea, it's in your best interest if we drop the felony and have him plead guilty to this misdemeanor,'" she said. "And I was like 'Why? Why would you do that? The felony is the whole thing, that's what it's all about." The felony was not dropped and Aaron Klusmeyer eventually pleaded guilty to both counts. However, during the sentencing hearing, instead of discussing a potential four-year prison sentence, the attorneys argued over which type of probation Aaron Klusmeyer would receive a Suspended Execution of Sentence (SES) or a Suspended Imposition of Sentence (SIS). In the case of an SIS, after the completion of probation, the charge is dismissed and it doesn't live on a person's record. "It's like it never happened," Malea Klusmeyer said. The opposite is true with SES. And in this case, a felony conviction would gravely impact the defendant's ability to be a lawyer. The prosecution argued for Aaron Klusmeyer to get SES, pointing to his unwillingness to accept responsibility in this case, a previous DUI case which was pleaded down to one count of miscellaneous peace disturbance and the multiple times he violated the conditions of his bond and probation on his previous conviction by not staying sober. "The defendant isn't taking responsibility for what he did and he doesn't seem to be taking this case seriously," Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Dara Lindsay said. "It seems the defendant is very willing to blame alcohol for these crimes, but even after this he continued to drink." Story continues More: Case moves to trial court for Springfield lawyer charged with domestic assault As a part of their argument, prosecutors also played an audio recording of the incident from February 2019 that Malea Klusmeyer had made. On the recording, Aaron Klusmeyer can be heard yelling at his wife, threatening to kill himself and their dog as well as calling Malea Klusmeyer a number of slurs before telling her she's not allowed to leave him. Malea Klusmeyer can be heard crying and telling Aaron Klusmeyer to "put that away" and "don't do that" and "you're pointing a gun at me." "Every ounce of my being believed I was going to die that day," Malea Klusmeyer said in her victim impact statement. The defense, however, argued that Aaron Klusmeyer was an alcoholic and had been drunk during the incident, but has since gotten control of his addiction and been sober for six months. "What Aaron's past shows today is that Aaron has worked and scratched and clawed and fought to get sobriety," said Shane Cantin, one of Aaron Klusmeyer's lawyers. "We know that he has gone above and beyond and he has failed sometimes but he has tried to get back control." Many lawyers from Aaron Klusmeyer's law firm also appeared in support, with one speaker calling Aaron a great lawyer and friend and commending him on getting sober. "He is a much better person now," John Housley, an attorney at Lowther Johnson, said. The defense also argued that Aaron Klusmeyer had not intentionally pointed the gun at his ex wife, saying multiple times "it's possible in the process of waiving it around he pointed it at her." With Aaron Klusmeyer himself saying, "I don't think I pointed the gun at her. She certainly believes I did though and I regret any emotional damage that I caused." Another major part of the sentencing hearing was the issue of restitution. Prosecutors asked for nearly $70,000 to cover Malea Klusmeyer's lost wages and medical bills. Malea Klusmeyer, who has a master's degree in counseling, worked at Burrell Behavioral Health prior to the incident. However, following the incident and getting diagnosed with PTSD, she said her job became almost impossible to do as it reminded her of what her ex-husband had done. More: Springfields high rates of gun violence, domestic abuse are linked, local leaders say "This was my passion for so long. I got my master's while I was pregnant with one of my kids," she said. "And now it triggers me." She is now looking for a second career. Lindsay, the assistant prosecutor, argued that the amount was more than fair when considering that some estimations put the restitution amount well over $200,000 and that the issues Malea Klusmeyer is dealing with would not go away any time soon. "What about the times in the future that the thoughts of the defendant's abuse are to rear their ugly head and create problems for her?" Lindsay said. "This is not something where there is a certain date and all of this stops for her. This keeps going." However, the defense argued that the amount proposed was too high saying that some of the dates when Malea Klusmeyer lost wages were still while they were married. Cantin also pointed to the fact Malea Klusmeyer did not report the gun incident until more than two months after it happened in May of 2019 and went on a trip to Greece with Aaron Klusmeyer in April of 2019. "If she was so scared of him and thought he was going to kill her, why did she wait, why did she stay?" Cantin said. Malea Klusmeyer said hearing what her ex-husband's lawyers said about her was hard, particularly when they mentioned or referenced her victim impact statement. "I think it's wrong that the defense is allowed to basically tear apart what I have to say and try to poke holes in my statement and my feelings and my experiences," she said "I felt helpless." In the end, Judge Charles Curless sentenced Aaron Klusmeyer to five years of SIS probation on the felony charge and SES probation on the misdemeanor. He was also ordered to pay roughly $38,000 of restitution and over $7,000 to the Crime Victims' Compensation Fund. Curless said that he decided to give Aaron Klusmeyer SIS so that he could keep his job and pay restitution to his ex-wife. However, he stressed to Aaron Klusmeyer that if he messed there would be repercussions. "You're getting a hell of a deal," Curless said. "But if you mess up, I'm going to be on your ass like a hen on a June bug." Malea Klusmeyer was disappointed with the outcome but said she wasn't surprised, adding that she thought had her ex-husband not been an attorney things would have gone differently as a major focus of the sentencing hearing was that being convicted of a felony could cause him to be disbarred. "They talked a lot about his grades, degree and the work he does as justification for a lesser punishment," she said. "Why should it matter? I have a master's degree, doesn't that matter?" (Note: Aaron Klusmeyer works for Lowther Johnson and a major part of his job is handling legal issues for the Greene County Assessor's Office. Earlier this month he argued a case for the assessor's office in front of the Missouri Supreme Court. Judge Curless is an outside judge who was appointed to the case instead of a Greene County judge.) Now, Malea Klusmeyer is focusing on moving forward, finally getting closure and figuring out what's next. She knows it won't be easy, but she's going to try. "I'm choosing to survive," she said, "Not live, survive." Jordan Meier covers public safety for the Springfield News-Leader. Contact her at jmeier@news-leader.com, or on Twitter @Jordan_Meier644. This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Springfield attorney gets probation in domestic abuse case (Reuters) - Many world leaders and senior officials have contracted COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic more than two years ago. Some, such as Canada's Justin Trudeau and Mexico's Andres Manuel Lopez Obrado, have caught the virus twice. On Thursday, Joe Biden, 79, the oldest person ever to serve as president of the United States, tested positive. UNITED STATES Former President Donald Trump was 74 when he announced in October 2020 that he had COVID, before vaccines were available and a month before he lost the presidential election to Biden. Trump, who had consistently disregarded guidance from health authorities urging people to wear protective masks in close company, was admitted to hospital for treatment and left a few days later. Colin Powell, the first Black secretary of state, died in October 2021 at age 84 from complications of COVID-19 despite being fully vaccinated. ALGERIA President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, 74 at the time, made his first appearance on Dec. 13, 2020 since he was flown to a hospital in Germany 47 days earlier after testing positive. In a video on Twitter and a broadcast on state television, his features were haggard but he said he was recovering and would be back home soon. BRAZIL President Jair Bolsonaro was 65 when he tested positive in July 2020. Appearing in public less than two weeks later, Bolsonaro said he was feeling well. BRITAIN Queen Elizabeth, who was then 95, tested positive for COVID in February and was described as having had mild, cold-like symptoms. She later returned to light duties. Prime Minister Boris Johnson spent two weeks recovering from a bout of COVID-19 before returning to Downing Street on April 26, 2020. Johnson, who was 56 at the time, had previously spent three nights in intensive care in a London hospital with the illness. Leaving St Thomas' hospital on April 12, he thanked staff for saving his life. CANADA Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tested positive for COVID on June 13, his second bout with the illness this year. Trudeau, 50, previously tested positive for COVID in January. In March 2020, Trudeau ran the country while self-isolating for 14 days after his wife, Sophie Gregoire Trudeau, tested positive. Story continues ESWATINI Eswatini Prime Minister Ambrose Dlamini died at the age of 52 in December 2020, four weeks after testing positive and being hospitalized in neighboring South Africa. FRANCE President Emmanuel Macron tested positive in 2020 and continued to run the country remotely. GUATEMALA President Alejandro Giammattei, then 64, tested positive in September and said he was a "high-risk" patient because of pre-existing medical conditions and a history of heavy smoking. Giammattei, who walks on crutches after suffering sclerosis in his youth, self-isolated and worked from home. HONDURAS President Juan Orlando Hernandez, who was then 52, tested positive in June 2020. He left hospital in July after undergoing treatment for pneumonia. ITALY Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi tested positive for COVID-19 in April and tested negative about 10 days later. MEXICO President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, 68, was diagnosed with COVID in January and had mild symptoms. The leftist leader, a former smoker who had a heart attack in 2013, also suffers from hypertension but his previous COVID-19 infection in January 2021 was light, Mexican officials say. Lopez Obrador received an AstraZeneca vaccine booster shot on Dec. 7. (Compiled by Lisa Shumamker; Editing by Andrew Heavens) The Root After a two-week long strike, the Minneapolis teachers union and Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) finally came to an agreement. However, it came with a caveat. In regards to layoffs, the new contract suggests white teachers would be considered before teachers of color, per ABC 4 News. You can imagine the outrage that announcement sparked. CANTON Investigators say the Chase bank branch at 1401 30th Street NW was robbed Tuesday around 4:30 p.m. Law enforcement is asking for the public's help in an attempt to identify and located the man seen on bank surveillance cameras. According to police, the robber passed a note to the bank teller demanding cash. He then ran way toward 30th Street NW and Cromer Avenue NW. The robber is described as Black, thin build, about 6 feet, 2 inches tall. He was last seen wearing a black Adidas track suit, red ball cap and a surgical mask. Anyone with any information in regards to this incident is asked to contact the Canton Police Detective Bureau, at (330) 489-3144. Anonymous tips can also be sent through Tip411 or the Stark County Crimestoppers. Sign up for Tip411 at www.cantonohio.gov/police Reach Cassandra cnist@gannett.com; Follow on Twitter @Cassienist This article originally appeared on The Repository: Canton Police investigating bank robbery on 30th Street NW The Daily Beast Photo Illustration by Elizabeth Brockway/The Daily Beast/GettyIn a recent interview with Russian state media outlet TASS, the head of the Russian Foreign Ministrys North American Department, Aleksandr Darichev, said that in the event the U.S. designates Russia a state sponsor of terrorism, it would represent a point of no return in relations between the two countries. Speaking on behalf of the country that ruthlessly invaded its smaller neighbor and is continually being accused of human right Democratic gubernatorial primary candidate and U.S. Congressman Charlie Crist launched an education-focused policy platform entitled Freedom to Learn Tuesday, harping back to his experience with Floridas public school system and bashing Gov. Ron DeSantis education views. Sign up here for The 74s daily newsletter. Donate here to support The 74's independent journalism. I told you, Im a public school kid, Crist said at a Tuesday press conference in Tampa, previously stating that he attended St. Petersburg High School and ultimately was elected Florida Education Commissioner as a Republican in 2000. He was also a Republican governor and Attorney General before becoming a Democrat. My father was on the Pinellas County School Board. Two of my three sisters were public school teachers. I graduated from one of our great state universities (Florida State University), Crist said. Its in my DNA. While Crist flaunted his connection to Florida public schools, many of his comments were directed towards DeSantis handling of the states education system, including criticizing low-level teacher pay on average and efforts to limit classrooms discussions on race and LGBTQ+ matters. DeSantis says that his administrations education policies focus on education, not indoctrination claiming that there is a push to include so-called woke, meaning more progressive, curriculum into public schools. The conditions are not good. The pay is not right. Everything is wrong under Wrong Ron, Crist said. Among the crowd was Brevard County School Board member Jennifer Jenkins, who has been considered for his lieutenant governor, along with several other contenders. Crist said that the first step to getting on the right track was to take care of him, meaning unseating DeSantis as Florida governor in the 2022 gubernatorial elections. Keep in mind that Crist would have to win the primary in August. He then laid out some of his policy plans for education, such as investing 5.5 billion to increase teacher pay. Story continues The Florida Legislature has designated millions into increasing teacher pay over the past three fiscal years at the request of Gov. DeSantis, with a majority of the funding going towards raising the starting teacher salary to $47,500, and some money going towards raising additional salaries. But the Florida Education Association, a statewide teacher union that supports Crist, argues that DeSantis pay increases have not done enough to raise the salaries of experienced veteran teachers. Crist referenced this complaint during the Tuesday press conference, saying that his (DeSantis) salary compression leaves veteran teachers out to dry. (National Education Association research shows Floridas average teacher pay at $51,009, ranking 48th in the nation, based on 2020-21 data.) Crist also wants to make some changes as to how teachers receive healthcare options. Were going to give districts the option of joining the state (health) plan and well even pick up the tab on one condition, however. Districts will have to take all of the money they currently spend on that on their health plan, letting the state do it and turn it into higher salaries for educators and non-instructional staff, he said. He said that teacher unions would have a role in determining the specifics. Now, this is an important point: I dont want Tallahassee dictating how its done. You get into the nuts and bolts, thats important. And so, I want that option to be between the district and the union to solidify your strength, he said. Crist also suggested he would reinstate the Commissioner of Education as an elected position, rather than appointed. Florida Democratic lawmakers proposed legislation to do that during the 2022 legislative session, but the bill did not gain traction in the GOP-controlled legislature. Im the last elected education commissioner in Florida history, Crist said, who served as the top state education official in early 2000s. I think they ought to be elected again, dont you? Wouldnt that be nice? His education platforms includes other policy goals, such as raising per-student spending in the state budget the NEA data show a per-student figure of $10,703 for Florida, ranking 44th in the nation and recovering from academic learning loss due in part to the COVID pandemic. While he did not reference or attack his main primary opponent, Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried, he did remind the crowd of the important Democratic primaries occurring on Aug. 23. Dont anybody forget about it. Make sure you vote. Tell all your friends to vote, he said, still not mentioning Fried. Fried has some similar education policy positions, according to her campaign website, including raising teacher pay and per-student spending. She also wants to expand programs such as Florida Bright Futures Scholarships and technical and trade schools. Fried has criticized DeSantis handling of Floridas school systems, particularly during COVID-19 and subsequent mask and funding controversies. When the Florida Department of Education removed resources for bullied LGBTQ+ students from its website, Fried had the Florida Department of Agriculture fill in the info gap by posting such resources on her agencys website. Air travel complaints remained well above pre-pandemic levels in May as passengers dealt with travel snafus, but complaints fell from the previous month, the Department of Transportation (DOT) announced on Wednesday. DOT said it received 4,344 complaints about airline service in May, down 14.5 percent from April but still 237 percent above the 1,289 complaints the department received in May 2019. The measure is the latest data portraying a chaotic air travel season in recent months as the industry grapples with resurging demand that has surpassed any other point since the start of the pandemic. The month of May included the busy Memorial Day travel weekend, when millions of Americans took to the skies as airlines canceled and delayed thousands of flights. Airlines have struggled to accommodate the growing passenger demand after downsizing near the start of the pandemic, when the public largely stayed out of the nations airports for months amid public health concerns. DOT and the Federal Aviation Administration have criticized airlines for the staffing issues after they received billions in pandemic aid to stay afloat, although trade groups representing the airlines say the aid was not enough to retain their entire pre-pandemic staffing levels. The most frequent complaint received by DOT in May roughly 30 percent was related to refunds. Under federal regulations, passengers are entitled to refunds if their flight is canceled or experiences a significant delay and the passenger chooses not to travel. But DOT has not defined what threshold merits a significant delay, leaving refund decisions to be made on a case-by-case basis. As frustrations mount over recent delays, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has made enforcing federal refund policies a cornerstone of DOTs response, repeatedly highlighting the departments enforcement of the policy. The second-most common complaint in May, which comprised 23.8 percent of the total number, concerned cancellations, delays and other schedule deviations. Story continues DOT said 77.2 percent of flights arrived on time in May, down slightly from the 77.9 on-time arrival rate in May 2019. Airlines canceled 2 percent of their scheduled domestic flights in May, DOT said. Many airlines have preemptively trimmed their flight schedules in recent weeks following widespread passenger frustrations. Some political figures, including Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Pennsylvania Democratic Senate nominee John Fetterman have called for fining airlines for various deviations from their flight schedules. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Monkeypox cases have now been confirmed in at least 43 states but the risk to the population is still low, according to the Florida Department of Health in Clay County. Regardless, the DOH-Clay is monitoring the nationwide outbreak. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] The department stated in a news release that it will investigate possible cases and notify residents of exposure. It will also offer the monkeypox vaccine to high-risk groups when it becomes available. To find up-to-date information on monkeypox, visit FLHealth.gov. For the latest in monkeypox cases in Florida, click here. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live. Justice Clarence Thomas. Erin Schaff/Associated Press Insider spoke to a former clerk to Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas. Stephen McAllister said Thomas is "genuine," but he'll be "judged for what he does as a justice." Thomas has recently faced scrutiny for his wife's apparent effort to overturn the 2020 election. Justice Clarence Thomas's controversial concurring opinion in the repeal of Roe v. Wade sparked criticism about the consistency of the conservative justice, who notably does not give much away when cases are being heard and whose political-activist wife has prompted ethics concerns. But some who know him on a personal level defended his character despite being at odds with his ideology. In his opinion, the divisive justice of over 30 years said the Supreme Court should "reconsider" rulings that established birth-control access and progress on gay rights. That, coupled with the controversy around his wife Ginni's involvement in the attempt to overturn the 2020 election, was just the latest in a string of positions that heightened scrutiny over his position on the Supreme Court. In January, Thomas was the sole member of the court to vote in favor of former President Donald Trump's effort to curb the January 6 House Select Committee from obtaining documents related to the failed coup attempt. A petition calling for Thomas' resignation, arguing that he is not an unbiased judge, garnered more than 1 million signatures. His conservative ideology has also led to calls for his removal from the court. Some students at George Washington University, where he is a lecturer, have also called for his removal from the school. A former clerk to Thomas said the increasingly sour perception of the justice stands in stark contrast to who he is as a person. Stephen McAllister, a US Attorney for the District of Kansas from 2018 to 2021, clerked for Thomas from October 1991 to January 1992. "As a person, I think he's absolutely wonderful, but he will be judged for what he does as a justice," McAllister told Insider, referring to Thomas' concurring opinion released when Roe fell at the end of June in which he argued that birth-control access, intimate gay relationships, and marriage equality should be "reconsidered." Story continues McAllister, who clerked for both Thomas and Justice Byron White separately in the 1990s, said that while he "learned from him as a leader," he doesn't necessarily agree with Thomas' political views. "I'm not saying I agree with everything that he believes or does, but as a person, he's very genuine, warm, actually humble, and sincere and cares a lot about people actually as individuals, " McAllister said. Thomas' Past Controversies Early in his career, Thomas faced sexual-harassment allegations from Anita Hill. Hill who was his assistant while he was the assistant secretary of education for civil rights and chairman of the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in the 1980s accused him of making unwanted sexual remarks, sometimes "graphically of his own sexual prowess." He's denied the allegations. Moreover, his stances have not always aligned with some members of the Black community, including Rosa Parks, who said Thomas' presence on the court would be a step back for racial progress. In his concurring opinion released at the time of Roe's repeal, Thomas wrote "we should reconsider all of this Court's substantive due process precedents, including Griswold, Lawrence, and Obergefell." The repeal, coupled with Thomas' concurring opinion, worried many Americans politicians and otherwise that the country was backstepping from the progress it's made on reproductive, LGBTQ, and civil rights. Thomas, whose wife is a white conservative activist, did not mention looking into repealing the right to interracial marriage. "I'm not going to defend necessarily where he comes down on things," McAllister said, adding that Thomas has always held an originalist perspective of the Constitution. "He has a view of the Constitution, but it's been consistent," he said. "I mean, he's been that way from the beginning, so there's no surprises." Since his appointment to the court by President George H.W. Bush, Thomas has carried relatively the same beliefs. McAllister argued that Thomas makes his decisions on the Court through an "originalist" lens meaning he believes that the Constitution should be taken as it was written. "He thinks the court's gone down the wrong analytical path since basically the early 1870s," McAllister told Insider. He pointed to Thomas' focus on the "privileges or immunities clause of the 14th amendment," which established equal protection under the law. Opinions aside, McAllister said his former boss was "not too high and mighty" and knew the custodians and cafeteria staff that other justices may have ignored. "He's a wonderful man and person and I think probably everybody who's worked with him would tell you that he's an extremely personable, down-to-earth earth human," he said. Similarly, a former assistant to Thomas also defended the judge on July 7 in an article responding to former presidential candidate Hillary Clinton calling the justice "a person of grievance." "In any event, Clarence Thomas was one of 12 Black students in his Yale Law School class. He grew up on a farm during the depths of Jim Crow. Is it easy to forget childhood humiliations and denigrations? Did Frederick Douglass forget his enslavement?" the former assistant, Armstrong Williams, wrote in an op-ed for The Hill. "Maybe that is the ultimate absolute fidelity to the Constitution," he said of Thomas' conservative stances. "I suppose it's the ultimate originalism. If you take that view that document really is the original intent, then if you've strayed from that, then the right path is to go back to that even if you strayed from it a long time ago." The Supreme Court did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment. Thomas was not immediately reachable for comment. Read the original article on Business Insider (This July 20 story corrects paragraphs 8 and 10 to remove El Salvador; updates number of victims in paragraph 10 based on county source) (Reuters) - A U.S. grand jury on Wednesday indicted four men including the suspected driver in connection with the death of 53 migrants amid the sweltering heat during a smuggling attempt last month in Texas, federal prosecutors said on Wednesday. Dozens of migrants were packed into the back of a tractor-trailer that was found on the outskirts of San Antonio on June 27, officials said. All four of those indicted had been previously charged by prosecutors. The more serious grand jury indictments in San Antonio move the accused one step closer to trial. The alleged driver, Homero Zamorano Jr., 46, of Pasadena, Texas, and his co-defendant, Christian Martinez, 28, of Palestine, Texas, could face the death penalty or life in prison if convicted, according to a statement from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Texas. The two American defendants were indicted on an array of charges for conspiracy to transport undocumented immigrants resulting in death and serious bodily injury. Prosecutors announced separately that a grand jury also returned indictments against two Mexican citizens suspected of possession of a firearm while unlawfully present in the United States. Juan Claudio D'Luna-Mendez, 23, and Juan Francisco D'Luna-Bilbao, 48, each face up to 10 years in prison if convicted, prosecutors said. Reuters could not reach any defense lawyers for a statement on behalf of the accused. The truck, carrying migrants from Mexico, Guatemala and Honduras, was discovered abandoned in a desolate, industrial area near a highway about 160 miles (250 km) north of the U.S.-Mexico border. Temperatures in the area that day had soared as high as 103 Fahrenheit (39.4 Celsius). About half of the 53 victims who died were Mexican and others were from the Central American countries of Honduras and Guatemala, according to the medical examiner for Bexar County, where the tragedy occurred. (Reporting by Daniel Trotta; Editing by Stephen Coates) The funeral for Daniel Vasquez, the first North Kansas City police officer killed in the line of duty, will be held Wednesday, city officials announced Thursday. There will be a public visitation from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday at Vineyard Church, 12300 Northwest Arrowhead Trafficway in Kansas City, Missouri. The funeral will be held at 9 a.m. Wednesday at the same location, North Kansas City deputy administrator Kim Nakahodo said in a news release. Members of the public who want to show support but cannot attend the service can attend a procession for Vasquez that will follow the funeral on Wednesday. The procession will leave from Vineyard Church and move toward White Chapel Memorial Gardens. It will proceed down US-169 to MO-9 South to Armour Road to Interstate 29/35 North to Antioch North to 64th Street East to the cemetery. Viewing along Armour Road is encouraged but the public is asked to park on side streets. Professional law enforcement honors will take place at the cemetery. The City of North Kansas City and the North Kansas City Police Department would like to express our deepest gratitude for the overwhelming amount of support from our community, as we all mourn the loss of Officer Daniel Vasquez, Nakahodo said in the statement. Vasquez, who was a shining star for the department, was fatally shot about 10:40 a.m. Tuesday during a traffic stop. He had pulled over a gray sedan that had expired temporary tags. During the stop, the suspect left the car and opened fire on Vasquez. North Kansas City police officer Daniel Vasquez. Vasquez was rushed to North Kansas City Hospital, where he died from his injuries as he was being prepared to be moved to another hospital. The 32-year-old joined the department in January 2021 as a recruit and was promoted to full officer status after he graduated from the Regional Police Academy in July 2021. Vasquez was part of the same class of recruits as Independence Police Officer Blaize Madrid-Evans, who was shot and killed Sept. 15 as officers were responding to a tip about a person who may have had an active warrant. Kansas City FOP Lodge 99 created a fundraiser for Vasquezs funeral arrangements and other family assistance. Clay County Prosecutor Dan White charged Joshua Rocha Wednesday with first-degree murder and armed criminal action. Rocha made his first appearance in court on Thursday and pleaded not guilty. Bond has been set at $2 million. By Patricia Weiss and Ludwig Burger FRANKFURT (Reuters) - Germany's vaccine advisory panel STIKO will be expanded to include more experts on pandemics, following controversy over the speed of the recommendations the panel has given during the COVID-19 outbreak. The federal health minister, recently at odds with STIKO's view on a second booster shot, has agreed with the panel's president Thomas Mertens that a pandemic working group with added external experts will be incorporated into STIKO. In a statement on Thursday, Germany's federal infectious disease body, the Robert Koch institute, which provides the infrastructure for STIKO's work, said that communication between the health ministry and STIKO would also be improved. Health minister Karl Lauterbach made the case in June that anyone should consider a fourth COVID-19 shot regardless of age, and not hold out for a planned introduction of variant-adapted shots in the fall. That drew public criticism from Mertens, who said in a newspaper interview there was no data to support such a move. STIKO has so far recommended a fourth shot for those 70 years and older, among other groups. STIKO, a panel of 18 independent appointees, in May underscored its cautious approach by saying that just one COVID shot was enough for healthy five- to 11-year-old children. That contrasted with European Union regulators' approval for a two-shot regimen in that age group. STIKO's previous view on those children, published in December, was to limit vaccinations to those at risk of developing severe COVID-19 or those living with an at-risk person, drawing criticism at the time for not keeping up with the pace of infections. (Reporting by Ludwig Burger; Editing by Bernadette Baum) Good Morning Britain presenters Ben Shephard and Charlotte Hawkins have sent well wishes to fellow presenter Kate Garraway, after her husband Derek Draper was reportedly rushed to hospital on Tuesday morning (19 July). In a statement released by ITV on Wednesday (20 July), a spokesperson said: Kate is taking some time off work over the next few days, and is hoping to be back to her normal presenting duties as soon as possible. During the show on Thursday morning (21 July), Shephard said: We are missing a member of the team, arent we? Hawkins replied: We are yes. So Kates not here. Shes taking some time out to be with Derek at the moment so were sending her lots of love. Lots of you have been in touch with messages of support, so we wish him well, she added. Shephard continued: Thank you for those messages, well definitely pass them on. You know how much Kate appreciates all the support that she gets and fingers crossed Derek will be home as soon as possible. Their messages come after a source close to the Garraway/Draper family told The Mirror that Draper was seriously unwell. Derek is back in hospital in a very serious condition but the family knows he is in the best hands, the source said. Kate is doing everything she can for her husband. He comes first and so work will have to take a back seat this week. Draper was put into a medically-induced coma after catching Covid in March 2020. He subsequently spent 374 days in hospital and now requires full-time care. Earlier this month, Garraway said Draper had spent some time in hospital after a bit of a downturn. She said at the time: Hes back in hospital Im afraid so a bit of a downturn but fingers crossed. The Independent has contacted Garraways reps for comment. Jul. 21Andrew Nembhard was taken in the second round in the recent NBA Draft, but the Indiana Pacers clearly think the Gonzaga product will bring first-round value to their organization, offering the point guard a historic contract three days after the culmination of NBA Summer League in Las Vegas. Nembhard, who was selected with the first pick in the second round and 31st pick overall signed a four-year, $8.6 million contract, according to a report Wednesday from ESPN's Jonathan Givony. The contract includes a $6.4 million guarantee in the first three years the most ever for a collegiate second-round pick, Givony reported. Nembhard's guaranteed money is more than the players who were selected Nos. 18-30 in the first round of the 2022 draft, according to ESPN's Bobby Marks. Still in the negotiation phase while he was playing at Summer League, Nembhard was already anticipating the moment he'd put pen to paper. "I think it's going to be a blessing," Nembhard said. "I'm excited." In five appearances and five starts in Las Vegas, Nembhard led the Pacers and ranked 12th among Summer League participants with 5.0 assists per game. He also averaged 6.6 points per game and 4.0 rebounds. "He distributes the ball real well. He got to his spots, he didn't really take any bad shots," Indiana forward Isaiah Jackson said of Nembhard during Summer League. "He does distribute the ball really well, he got people open. He also plays defense. I feel like he's going to be a big part of the team too, defensively." He's locking up, guarding different positions, talking, communicating and just being a leader." Nembhard transferred to Gonzaga after starting all 67 games over two seasons at Florida. The 6-foot-5 point guard learned he'd be eligible to play for the Zags days before the team's 2020-21 opener, then went on to average 9.2 points and 4.4 assists for a team that advanced to the national championship game against Baylor. Last season, the Aurora, Ontario, native was named to the All-WCC first team and earned WCC Tournament Most Outstanding Player honors after scoring 36 points to go with 16 assists while leading Gonzaga to victories over San Francisco and Saint Mary's. Nembhard was named a finalist for the Bob Cousy Point Guard Award and dished out a school NCAA Tournament record 11 assists in Gonzaga's opening-round game against Georgia State. This pet chicken from Vermont managed to travel more than 10 miles away from home in one piece and has now been reunited with her family after crossing the road and running into a good Samaritan. Today in health care, a letter from Senate Health Committee Chair Patty Murray is adding to pressure on the Biden administrations monkeypox response. Welcome to Overnight Health Care, where were following the latest moves on policy and news affecting your health. For The Hill, were Peter Sullivan, Nathaniel Weixel and Joseph Choi. Want a copy of this newsletter in your inbox each day? Subscribe here. Senator worried about US monkeypox response Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.), chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, said she is concerned by the state of the U.S. monkeypox response in a letter to Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra. As I have raised on multiple calls with the Administration, I am concerned with the state of the U.S. response to monkeypox, Murray said in her letter Tuesday. The spread of monkeypox is a reminder that our work to protect families and strengthen our preparedness and response system is far from complete and cannot end with the COVID-19 pandemic. Murray requested that Becerra provide a briefing on how HHS is currently responding to the monkeypox outbreak and specifically asked how the department is applying lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic. The most recent count of confirmed monkeypox cases in the U.S. was more than 2,000. However, cases are believed to be undercounted due to limited testing capabilities. Her concerns: Murray made note of the challenges at the local level that people, particularly men who have sex with men, have been dealing with since the start of the outbreak. Ensuring the public health system responds appropriately to monkeypox will require both decisive action from the Department and its state, local, and Tribal partners, as well as robust, sustained investments in public health, she said. Story continues Read more here. FDA wants review of food safety, tobacco offices The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will undergo an independent external review of its tobacco and food safety programs, Commissioner Robert Califf announced Tuesday. The announcement comes as the agency faces scrutiny from lawmakers and the public over its role in the infant formula shortages and its regulation of e-cigarettes. Without citing any specific issues, Califf cited broad challenges that have prompted a look at how the agency conducts its operations. Who is reviewing: Califf said the FDA will work with the Reagan-Udall Foundation, along with an external group of experts. The foundation is an independent organization established by Congress as an advisory group for the FDA to help the agency modernize its regulations. Food safety: Part of the review will center on FDAs Human Foods Program, with a focus on the Office of Food Response and Policy, the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition. Fundamental questions about the structure, function, funding and leadership need to be addressed, Califf said, especially the agencys inspectional activities. Tobacco: The review will also focus on the Center for Tobacco Products. Even greater challenges lie ahead as we determine how the agency will navigate complex policy issues and determine enforcement activities for an increasing number of novel products that could potentially have significant consequences for public health, Califf said. Read more here. LGBT GROUPS: CALIFORNIA MAY BECOME MONKEYPOX EPICENTER A coalition of LGBT organizations called on the Biden administration on Wednesday to expand testing and vaccine access for the monkeypox virus, warning that if no action is taken, California could become the epicenter for the disease. In a letter addressed to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Rochelle Walensky, the coalition raised alarm over the number of monkeypox cases also known as hMPXV that are affecting men who have sex with men and the transgender community. A warning: The coalition warned that should the federal government fail to ramp up testing and access to vaccines, California could become the epicenter of virus in the U.S. We, at the Los Angeles LGBT Center, are fearful that the governments history of not taking the necessary action to protect the LGBT community when facing a public health threat is repeating itself with the current Monkeypox response, said Joe Hollendoner, CEO of the Los Angeles LGBT Center, in a press release. The rate of infection and unmet needs will slowly push California to become the epicenter of the virus. Though hMPXV is known to have a short incubation period and is not fatal, fear of the virus is growing, the groups wrote. Read more here. RULING PAVES WAY FOR GAS ABORTION BAN TO TAKE EFFECT A six-week abortion ban will take effect in Georgia after a federal appeals court ruled that the previously blocked law is allowed to stand. The court issued an immediate stay of a lower courts injunction, meaning the law can take effect right now. According to the ACLU, the court took this action on its own, without any request from the state. The decision will allow the state to ban all abortions once a fetal heartbeat is detected by an ultrasound. It also redefines person throughout Georgia law to include an embryo or fetus at any stage of development. Proponents of the law claim that a heartbeat can be detected within six weeks of gestation, which before many people know theyre pregnant. But medical experts say the term heartbeat is misleading since an embryo does not have a developed heart. Instead, ultrasounds detect faint electrical activity in embryonic cells. The decision from the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals was expected in the wake of the Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade and finding there is no constitutional right to an abortion. The appeals court also rejected arguments that the personhood provision in the law was unconstitutionally vague. The six-week abortion ban, passed in 2019, was previously blocked by a district court judge before it could take effect. The law was ruled unconstitutional because it violated the precedent in Roe v. Wade. Read more here. Opinion sparks vote to protect contraception access The House is scheduled to vote on a bill Thursday that would enshrine federal protection for access to contraceptives as Democrats look to safeguard the right after Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas called for the court to review it. Legislative reaction: Its the second vote this week that is essentially a response to a Thomas concurrent opinion overturning the Roe v. Wade decision that suggested he also wanted the court to review decisions on gay marriage, access to contraception and other issues. The House passed a bill on Tuesday to codify marriage equality, seeking to ensure that same-sex and interracial couples receive equal protections as other couples under federal law. Every Democrat and 47 Republicans voted in favor of the bill, while 157 Republicans voted against it. Now Democrats have set up the vote on contraception, arguing it is necessary given the conservative Supreme Court. They also want to get Republicans on the record with votes likely to be featured in the midterm campaigns this fall. As some of our colleagues have said, we want to put the Republicans on record, but wed like to put them on record in support of contraception, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said Wednesday at a press conference to promote the Right to Contraception Act. Read more here. WHAT WERE READING STATE BY STATE Covid cases are skyrocketing again. States have no new plans. (Politico) A slew of abortion clinics are opening in New Mexico. Crisis pregnancy centers are, too (The 19th) Texas officials celebrated end of abortion rights after cutting back postpartum Medicaid extension (The Texas Tribune) Thats it for today, thanks for reading. Check out The Hills Health Care page for the latest news and coverage. See you tomorrow. VIEW THE FULL VERSION HERE For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Vesnaandjic / Getty Images When it's time to remodel, many homeowners head to home improvement stores like Lowe's to buy the supplies they need to complete their home projects. It's a smart idea, especially since the right projects can put more money back into your pocket. See Our List: 100 Most Influential Money Experts Small Business Spotlight 2022: Nominate Your Favorite Small Biz by July 25 However, home renovation costs can be substantial: The average bathroom remodel alone costs between $6,000 and $35,000, according to HomeAdvisor. Meanwhile, a kitchen remodel ranges from $4,500 to $50,000. If you want to choose the best home renovations, here are several that will give you the biggest bang for your buck when the time comes to sell. yunava1 / Getty Images Remodel the Kitchen "If it's more than 15 years old, upgrading the kitchen floor, cabinetry and appliances to modern standards will net you more money during [the] time of sale," said Joe Polyak, founder and realtor of Rise Homes in the San Francisco Bay Area. Many families view the kitchen as the center of the home. So, minor kitchen renovations can drastically increase your property's value -- the Remodeling report showed a 65 percent national recoup on average. This renovation can also increase home enjoyment for the entire family. Take Our Poll: Do You Think You Will Be Able To Retire at Age 65? If you have an outdoor kitchen that needs to be renovated, consider updating the appliances. For example, Lowe's offers savings on high-quality appliances. "Outdoor entertaining and grilling go hand in hand," said Jule Eller, director of trend and style at Lowe's. "So bring the heat, and fire up that backyard flavor with a modular grill. You can choose add-ons like a sink, side burners or refrigerator to create a complete outdoor kitchen." Still, renovators should take care not to go overboard with kitchen remodel costs. "Upgrading the appliances to a certain level of luxury -- KitchenAid versus Bosch, for example -- can significantly increase value," said Polyak. "Be careful, though. You don't need to put Wolf appliances in a condo in a blue-collar condo complex. That won't add value." Story continues Tyler Olson / Shutterstock.com Build an Outdoor Deck "This can be a fairly inexpensive project that can add a lot of value in the eyes of potential homebuyers," said Polyak. Specific features tend to vary in popularity by geographic location, and the national average cost for this upgrade is about $10,000 for wood and $17,000 for composite materials, according to Remodeling's report. Of that amount, a homebuyer can hope to recoup about 71% and 65%, respectively. "In Arizona, people like a nice fire pit with a beautiful outdoor area. In the San Francisco Bay Area, they like a nice deck with landscaping," he said. "You can hire someone to do the work, but depending on how handy the homeowner, this can definitely be a fairly inexpensive do-it-yourself project." Tiplyashina Evgeniya / Shutterstock.com Create a Paver Patio You might also consider adding a paver patio to your home. "Building a paver patio or walkway is a simple way to make your landscape more inviting and define an outdoor living space," said Eller. "Best of all, you can install the paving stones yourself. You can also integrate landscape lighting to add ambiance and dimension." Eller recommends purchasing 10 percent more blocks, pavers or stones than you anticipated. "The excess should account for breakage, the material you need to cut and replacements for future repairs," she said. Volodymyr Plysiuk / Shutterstock.com Upgrade Lighting Fixtures Most fixtures can be purchased for a few hundred dollars or less, but when you're working with electrical wires, you'll also want to make sure to bring in a professional. Most homeowners spend about $318 to bring in an electrician, which will increase overall remodeling bills, according to HomeAdvisor. Still, prospective buyers are likely to appreciate the enhanced lighting, making it one of the best home renovations on a budget. You might also want to upgrade your outdoor patio lighting with string lights, lanterns, candles, outdoor table lamps or floor lamps to bring your patio to life. Or, perhaps you have a deck? You'll probably want to upgrade those lights as well. The good news: It won't cost you a lot of money at stores like Lowe's. "From setting a festive mood to offering a soft glow after dark, outdoor lighting is a great way to make your outdoors warm and inviting," said Eller. "Check out these battery-operated LED step lights or these bronze solar LED post lights." karamysh / Shutterstock.com Replace the Entry Door Installing a new steel entry door has the largest cost versus resale value, according to Remodeling's report. It's about a $1,400 project that's likely to boost your home's value by the same amount. Bold colors can always replace a traditional door like a bright yellow and high-gloss black. To make this change buy some inexpensive door and apply paint to it yourself. There are plenty of affordable door options you can find online. ESB Professional / Shutterstock.com Install or Repurpose Flooring "Updated hardwood floors or new carpeting can help sell a home," said John Bodrozic, co-founder of digital home management tool HomeZada. "But a lot of the determination of whether the project pays for itself depends on how much money people put into the project." According to HomeAdvisor, existing carpets can be cleaned for about $174, and the average hardwood refinishing cost is $1.50 to $4 per square foot. Installation of new flooring increases the cost: $1,583 for carpet and $4,397 for wood. However, you can reduce these sums. "If you have the skill or are willing to learn, you can save labor costs if you can do some of the work yourself," said Bodrozic. "If you do hire a contractor, make sure you get three to five bids and make it known to the contractors that they are competing for the business. Depending on the marketing conditions and timing of your project, you could save yourself some money." Volodymyr Plysiuk / Shutterstock.com Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Features "I'm noticing a big trend toward energy-efficient appliances, LED lights and tankless water heaters," said Diana George, a vice president at Century 21 Real Estate Alliance. "These products save homeowners money and contribute to a smaller carbon footprint." A tankless water heater can be installed for about $4,200 in a 2,200-square-foot home, and LED converter bulbs can be bought for about $14 per light, said George. You don't have to wait until you move to reap the financial benefits that accompany an energy-efficient upgrade. A tankless water heater can cut a homeowner's water heating bill by about a fifth each year. A switch from incandescent to LED bulbs, meanwhile, can save a homeowner a surprising $300 per year. Energy-efficient upgrades might not be the most exciting of home improvement projects, but they can have an almost immediate impact on a home's overall bottom line. Kingarion / Shutterstock.com Replace Vinyl Siding It's not everyone's idea of a dream renovation project, but new vinyl siding can dramatically enhance a home's curb appeal, which can make or break a homeowner's prospects when selling on the open market. Newer siding can also help curb heating and cooling costs and reduce occurrences of mold, fungus and mildew. New vinyl siding generally costs around $14,000 and will increase a home's resale value by about $11,000, according to Remodeling. Hintau Aliaksei / Shutterstock.com Remodel a Bathroom "Bath renovations are always worth the money invested," said Karen Gray-Plaisted of Design Solutions KGP in Warwick, New York. "If the home has good bones and quality finishes, the home seller will reap most, if not all, of the cost." A homebuyer can expect to pay about $18,000 for a mid-range bathroom renovation and recoup about 65 percent, according to Remodeling. However, making smaller changes can also bring big rewards. "The impact a new light fixture can make can take a house from being dated to feeling new," said Gray-Plaisted. "I find upgrading light fixtures in bathrooms and kitchens to be worth every penny spent." In the end, a home renovation choice is about more than just the value you'll eventually recoup. Consider projects that will keep your home properly maintained, but also that your family will enjoy. A house is more than an investment; it's also the place where your family will build memories for years to come. piovesempre / Getty Images Open the Floor Plan An open floor plan is one of the more sought-after features for homebuyers today. However, older homes typically have many walls and narrow hallways, said Polyak. The good news is that it can be surprisingly inexpensive to knock down a wall and create a more cohesive space. An interior demolition costs about $3,000 on average, according to HomeAdvisor. Even load-bearing walls can be removed, preferably by a skilled contractor who can then place a beam in the ceiling for support. Even with the added home renovation costs, this improvement can still add significant value to a home, said Polyak. Syda Productions / Shutterstock.com Paint the Interior Most homeowners spend between $996 and $2,721 on home interior paint costs, according to HomeAdvisor. At that price point, it's easy to recoup the cost when it's time to sell. Even so, it might be worthwhile to consult a professional before selecting a color. Still, professional advice doesn't have to add to the cost of the project. Many national paint retailers like Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore offer free paint consultations. More From GOBankingRates This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Home Renovations That Will Pay You Back Courtesy of Barbara Roberts Dr. Barbara H. Roberts saw the effect of back-alley abortions before Roe v Wade passed in 1973. She learned how to perform abortions as a medical resident and became an advocate for legalization. This is Barbara's story, as told to Joelle Speranza. This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Barbara Roberts. It has been edited for length and clarity. While I was a medical student in the late 1960s and early 1970s, I witnessed the horrible results of laws that prohibited abortion. I witnessed women coming into the emergency room in septic shock, with perforated wombs, and even partially disemboweled because they were desperate enough to put themselves in the hands of back-alley abortionists. Once, we admitted a woman who had had an illegal abortion, as most abortions were in those days. A foot of black, gangrenous bowel was hanging out of her vagina, mute testimony both to her desperation and to the ignorance and brutality of whoever had butchered her. With a hysterectomy and bowel resection she survived, but barely. Another day, standing in line in the cafeteria, I overheard two gynecology residents discussing a consultation on a pregnant patient who had been admitted to a medical floor. An alcoholic, she had cirrhosis of the liver and was already the mother of several children. She also had rheumatic heart disease, and one of her deformed valves was infected and severely leaky. The doctors on the medical service had consulted the gynecology service, requesting that their patient be given a therapeutic abortion. They were certain that the stress of pregnancy would exacerbate her heart condition, perhaps fatally. The gynecology residents, both Catholic, were discussing how to make sure this patient's case was presented to one of the Catholic attending doctors so that the therapeutic abortion would be denied. Incensed, I reported what I had heard to Dr. Dorothy Hicks, the only female attending ob-gyn. I suspected, correctly, that she would agree abortion was indicated. We were unable to find out the name of the patient, and months later, after I had returned to Cleveland, Dr. Hicks wrote to tell me that the patient had been readmitted with intractable heart failure late in her pregnancy and had died. Story continues I was horrified, deeply angry, inexpressibly sad, and felt guilty. I should have tried harder to find out who she was. I felt that I was just as responsible for her death as the residents. To this day, I regret not searching for her and obtaining the abortion that might have saved her life. In time, these experiences gave birth to the anger and passion I would unleash in my work to legalize abortion. I learned to perform abortions as a medical resident That's what led me to become active in the pro-choice movement before January 22, 1973, when the Supreme Court passed Roe v. Wade. I learned how to perform abortions and helped found the Women's National Abortion Action Coalition. I then went on to perform abortions at the Preterm Clinic in Washington, DC, which had legalized abortion before Roe v. Wade. Later, when I moved to Rhode Island to practice cardiology, I performed abortions at the local Planned Parenthood clinic. I know what will happen now that Roe v. Wade has been overturned I was overcome with sadness and rage when Roe v. Wade was overturned in June. People will die because of this decision. I've seen it happen. The struggle for abortion rights is crucial to allowing women to control their bodies and their fates. The fetus is no more a human being than an acorn is an oak. But even if the fetus, or to use the old Catholic teaching, the sperm itself, was undeniably human, abortion should still be legal because no human being's right to life includes the right to use another person's body, or any part of it, without that person's consent not their kidney, cornea, a graft of skin, nor a pint of his blood. Yet anti-abortion laws give a fetus the right to occupy an unwilling person's uterus which affects every major organ system in her body without her consent. Now, we must mobilize. We must educate people about the devastating effects of unwanted pregnancy. History will repeat itself if we don't. We can't go back. Barbara Roberts is a clinical associate professor emerita at the Warren Alpert Medical School at Brown University, a cardiologist, and the author of "The Truth About Statins, How to Keep From Breaking Your Heart: What Every Woman Needs to Know About Cardiovascular Disease" and "The Doctor Broad: A Mafia Love Story." Read the original article on Insider People shop and work in Santee Alley in downtown Los Angeles this month. Coronavirus infections are rising and masks may soon be required again in L.A. County. But the public is not as concerned as it once was. (Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times) There was a time during the pandemic when the scene at Westfield Valencia Town Center in Santa Clarita would have evoked gasps and much scolding. As summertime temperatures flirted with 100 degrees this week, families and teenagers crowded into the indoor mall, soothed by its air conditioning. But there was nary a mask in sight, even though coronavirus infections are skyrocketing because of the ultra-infectious Omicron subvariants BA.4 and BA.5. Amid the carefree atmosphere, few seemed concerned. "People are just exasperated and over it," said Hailey Jimenez, 21, who was working at a jewelry kiosk, unmasked. "I know I'm over it. "I haven't really been paying attention too much to the numbers and all that, because I feel like it's just happening every couple of months: down, up, up, down, down." Currently, the numbers are undoubtedly going up. Officially, Los Angeles County has averaged 6,319 new coronavirus cases over the last week nearly double the peak rate from last summer's Delta surge though health officials caution that number is a dramatic undercount because many people either test at home or not at all if their symptoms are mild. The number of coronavirus-positive patients hospitalized in L.A. County as of Wednesday was 1,328 up 44% from two weeks ago. But the majority of those patients about 60%, according to public health officials were hospitalized for other medical issues while testing positive for the disease. Earlier in the pandemic, this kind of surge might have elicited widespread fear and anxiety in Los Angeles County, which has been more cautious with virus restrictions than most of the country. But this time around, many are shrugging their shoulders. The virus which is widespread and overwhelmingly causing mild illness right now simply does not scare people like it used to. So many people are getting infected that the "fear of the unknown" is fading, Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, an infectious-diseases expert at UC San Francisco, said in an interview. Story continues "You get it yourself and know tons of people who got it, and you fear it less," he said. Chin-Hong said there is a palpable disconnect between alarmed scientists and health officials focused solely on the infectiousness and mutations of the virus and a public that is increasingly less concerned. "If your metric is infections, it looks hopeless," Chin-Hong said. "But if your metric is people getting seriously ill and dying, wow, that's a huge victory. "Some people say, 'This is the worst ever!'" and that more variants "will come on board and this will never end. But it is getting better." In Los Angeles County, public health officials are likely to reinstate an indoor mask mandate by the end of this month because the county is now in the "high" COVID-19 community level as defined by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention when there are more than 10 coronavirus-positive hospitalizations per 100,000 people over seven days. "While we are not seeing a sharp increase in severe disease at the present time, the pandemic continues to be a serious public health threat, which is why it is imperative that the public continue to take precautions to protect not only themselves, but their loved ones, neighbors, and the people they interact with during their daily lives," the L.A. County Department of Health Services said in a statement. The potential new mask mandate is controversial. L.A. County would be the only county in California with a mask mandate, even though most counties are in the CDC's high community level. Alameda County reenacted a mandate earlier this summer, only to rescind it three weeks later, with officials saying case counts and hospitalizations had stabilized. Dr. Robert Kim-Farley, an epidemiologist and infectious-diseases expert at UCLA, told The Times that "we are in a much better situation today than we were at the beginning of the pandemic" because vaccines are effective at preventing severe disease and death. But super-contagious new Omicron subvariants are causing more breakthrough infections in vaccinated and boosted people than did previous versions of the virus, and masks are one of the tried-and-true tools for reducing transmission, he said. It's still important to bring down case numbers, he said, to protect vulnerable people such as the elderly and those with compromised immune systems. "What we need to do is have a mindset, or social norm, that we are going to expect somewhat of a roller-coaster ride as new variants arise and sweep through the population," Kim-Farley said. "We can go back to more business as usual, but when rates are high, we should all do our part in reducing transmission." But many people say that they have already done their part, by getting vaccinated and taking precautions, and that they can't stay on high alert forever. The percentage of Americans who say they are concerned about being hospitalized for COVID-19 has fallen to its lowest level since the Pew Research Center began asking about it early in the pandemic. And COVID-19 deaths both worldwide and in the United States are at some of the lowest levels of the pandemic. Dr. Monica Gandhi, an infectious-diseases expert at UC San Francisco, told The Times it's not surprising and not inappropriate for the public to be more relaxed. "We're in a good phase with COVID, and that is a wonderful victory with immunity," Gandhi said. "It is OK to be happy about increasing population immunity. "I just keep tweeting that we have low rates of severe disease, and people might be mad at me, but it's just the truth. It's a good thing." Gandhi said the public is savvy and realizes hospitals and intensive care units are not overburdened by COVID-19 like they once were. "For two years straight, Californians wore masks inside. They got vaccinated at high rates. Many got boosted. The rates of severe disease are so decoupled from hospitalizations, and that's so obvious to the public," she said. She called the new mask mandate a bad idea especially if it can flip on and off with hospitalization numbers like a yo-yo because it could further erode an already alarmingly low level of trust in public health officials. Just because people are largely resuming their pre-pandemic activities with less fear does not mean they are reckless, she said. Take Obdulia Espinoza, for example. The 69-year-old, who owns Discoteca y Novedades Tierra Caliente, a variety store in Huntington Park, has managed to not get infected this whole time. But in the summer of 2020, her husband and son fell ill with COVID-19. They were quarantined for about a month, and she took refuge at her store, sleeping next to the cash register and taking showers with a bucket. "I felt trapped and terrified" with "the two people I love most" sick at home, she said. Espionza's store was closed for months when so-called nonessential businesses were shuttered. Since it has reopened, she's been frustrated by customers coughing and has offered masks to people not wearing them. And yet, the virus has become part of everyday life. Things feel so much better now. "I don't worry about it as much," she said. At Del Amo Fashion Center in Torrance, where about half the customers were masked, Myles Ferguson was hanging out with two friends a rare weekday treat for a trio that works all the time. Ferguson, 26, of South L.A., said the mall was not too crowded, so he did not wear a mask inside. He's comfortable going inside less-busy public places without one but always carries one and puts it on if there are too many people. At this point, he doesn't want to get COVID-19 it's a disruption to have to stay away from people and miss work but he's not mortally afraid of it. Ferguson is not vaccinated, but he said he assesses his risk and is sensible, wearing a mask in crowds, testing regularly for work, staying home when he's sick. Its not over. COVID is still here. But were as safe as can be, he said. Ferguson works the front desk at a hotel in Santa Monica and, for two years, has had to deal with hostile customers refusing to wear masks. A new mandate wouldn't bother him, he said, because he still has to wear a mask at work, and it's second nature now. His friend Philaton Mooney, 22, of South L.A. said that as a young, healthy man, he is not afraid of getting severely ill. He is not vaccinated either, but he is careful, even if he's more relaxed than he once was. He lives with his grandparents, both of whom are vaccinated and boosted, but are older and more vulnerable. If I get sick, Im less likely to die, he said. In Huntington Park, Julisa Carrillo said she has not stopped worrying. "People don't understand that this pandemic is not over," she said as she waited for a bus on Pacific Boulevard, wearing a mask. Carrillo got COVID-19 twice in 2020, before vaccines were available. Both times, she was hospitalized and put on a ventilator. Her lungs have never felt the same. She can't run; she's easily winded. Carrillo had just come from a friend's house where everyone wore a mask inside. She is hopeful that a new mandate will bring cases down again. "This is a virus that is hurting so many people," she said. "I myself don't feel safe." Back at Westfield Valencia Town Center, Nicki Spravka was roaming the stores without a mask with a friend who did wear one. "I go to school in Colorado, and basically for the past year people have been acting like it doesn't exist anymore," Spravka, 20, said of the virus. "I mean, I guess I care. But it feels like what we do isn't really going to affect it." Infections, she said, are "still going to happen." Times staff writer Sean Greene contributed to this report. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Jul. 21An Indiana man indicted on felony charges of gross sexual imposition involving sexual contact with a child younger than 13 and pandering obscenity involving a minor, all in 2015, pleaded not guilty Tuesday in a Miami County court. Zachary Dierkes, 46, is being held in the Miami County Jail on $50,000 bond. Court records show he was brought this month to Miami County from Indiana, where he is serving a two-year term at the New Castle Correctional Facility for possession of child pornography. Dierkes pleaded not guilty locally to one count of gross sexual imposition and two counts of pandering obscenity involving a minor. The charges involve a case investigated in September 2015 by Piqua police. The gross sexual imposition case accuses Dierkes of sexual contact with a 5-year-old. The pandering charges allege he created, reproduced or published obscene material with a minor as one of its participants. DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) Irans state TV said Thursday the countrys foreign ministry recalled its ambassador from Sweden after an Iranian citizen was sentenced to life by a Swedish court for committing war crimes and murder during the Iran-Iraq war in the 1980s. The report quoted ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani as saying the ambassador took the action for some consultation over the life sentence for Hamid Noury earlier this month. The Stockholm District Court said that Noury took part in severe atrocities in July and August 1988 while working as an assistant to the deputy prosecutor at the Gohardasht prison outside the Iranian city of Karaj. The court said 61-year-old Noury participated in the executions of many political prisoners" in Iran that summer. Throughout the trial, Noury denied wrongdoing and Iran called the court a show based on political motives. The development comes at a tense time for ties between Stockholm and Tehran. A number of Europeans were detained in Iran in recent months, including a Swedish tourist, two French citizens, a Polish scientist and others. The detentions aroused concerns that Iran hoped to leverage the prisoners as bargaining chips to pressure the United States and European nations to grant the sanctions relief it received under its tattered 2015 nuclear accord. Noury was arrested in November 2019 when he arrived in Stockholm on a tourist trip. In a separate development, Iran summoned Argentines charge daffaires in Tehran because of the travel ban that Buenos Aires imposed on five Iranian flight crew members after their plane landed in an airport of the south American nation in June. Prosecutors in Argentina said they launched investigations to figure out whether the crew members 14 Venezuelans and five Iranians have any ties to international terrorism or other illicit activity. Iran denies the charge and consider the travel ban a violation of rights of the crew. (Reuters) -An Israeli missile attack on Friday near Damascus killed three soldiers and wounded seven more, Syrian state media reported, in what a war monitor said was the 17th Israeli attack on Syrian territory this year. The Israeli military said it does not comment on foreign reports. Israel has been carrying out strikes for years against what it has described as Iranian and Iran-backed targets in Syria, where Tehran has deployed forces in support of President Bashar al-Assad since the Syrian war began in 2011. Citing a military source, Syria's SANA news agency said Israel "carried out an aerial aggression" at 00:32 a.m., (2132 GMT Thursday), firing missiles from the Golan Heights targeting "a number of positions in the vicinity of Damascus". Syrian air defences managed to shoot down some of the missiles, SANA added. The attack also caused material damage, SANA reported, without providing further details. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said Israeli missiles had been fired at targets including air force intelligence offices in the area of Mezze air base on the western edge of Damascus. An Iranian weapons store in the area of Sayyida Zeinab - a shrine on the southern outskirts of Damascus - was also destroyed, said the Observatory, which reports on the war using what it describes as a network of sources on all sides. Reuters could not independently verify the SANA or Observatory reports. The Syrian government last reported an Israeli attack on July 2 which it said targeted an area south of the Mediterranean city of Tartus and injured two civilians. In June, Syria briefly halted flights to and from Damascus airport after saying an Israeli attack damaged the airstrip and a terminal. Iran said two officers from its Revolutionary Guards were killed in an Israeli air strike in Syria in March, prompting Tehran to vow revenge. (Reporting by Alaa Swilam, Yomna Ehab and Nayera Abdallah in Cairo and Ari Rabinovitch in Jerusalem; Writing by Tom Perry; Editing by Leslie Adler and Andrew Cawthorne) By Crispian Balmer, Giuseppe Fonte and Angelo Amante ROME (Reuters) -Italy will hold a snap national election on Sept. 25 after Prime Minister Mario Draghi resigned following the collapse of his national unity government, sending tremors through financial markets. It will be the first autumn national election for more than a century in Italy, where the second half of the year is normally taken up with getting the budget law through parliament. It is likely to be a fractious campaign fought in the fierce summer heat in a drought-hit country. A bloc of conservative parties, led by the far-right Brothers of Italy, looks likely to win a clear majority at the ballot, a study of opinion polls showed this week. Draghi, an unelected former central banker who has led a broad coalition for almost 18 months, handed in his resignation earlier on Thursday and was asked by President Sergio Mattarella to stay on in a caretaker capacity. "We must deal with the emergencies related to the pandemic, the war in Ukraine, inflation and the cost of energy," Draghi told cabinet colleagues. He said that the government must also implement the National Recovery and Resilience Plan that sees Italy tapping billions of euros of post-pandemic European Union funds in return for reforms. Although the vote is set for the end of September, it might take weeks of haggling before a new administration is sworn in. Draghi's coalition crumbled on Wednesday when three of his main partners snubbed a confidence vote he had called to try to end divisions and renew their troubled alliance. He had sought to reassert his authority as parties began to pull in different directions before the planned end of the legislature in the first half of next year. TURMOIL RETURNS The political crisis has up-ended months of stability in Italy, during which Draghi had helped shape Europe's tough response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine and had boosted the country's standing in financial markets. Story continues Italian bond and stocks sold off sharply on concerns that the political crisis would delay reforms and that the new government might be a tougher partner for the European Union. Italy's 10-year bond yields rose to a one-month peak at 3.75% before pulling back to around 3.60% in late trade. Draghi, Italy's sixth prime minister in a decade, had drawn warm applause from lawmakers when he made a brief appearance in the lower house of parliament on Thursday, signalling his intention to step down. "Even central bankers have their hearts touched sometimes," he quipped as he received the ovation. The former European Central Bank (ECB) president had helped to give Italy a stronger presence on the international stage. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy thanked him for his "unwavering support". "I'm convinced that the active support of Italian people for Ukraine will continue," he said on Twitter. Although unelected, Draghi was popular with many Italians fed up with years of revolving door governments. "The fact that there is yet another government crisis only certifies the umpteenth inability of our politicians to govern for the people, and instead govern only for themselves," said Marco Anastasi, 29, a gym instructor from Milan. However, the Brothers of Italy, led by Giorgia Meloni, welcomed the news of elections, which were not scheduled until the first half of next year. She was the only major leader not to join Draghi's government and her popularity has soared in opposition. Her group polled just 4% in the 2018 election, but is now seen winning more than 22%, making it Italy's largest party. If the conservative bloc wins the September ballot, she will decide who should be prime minister and might promote herself to the top job. (Additional reporting by Tommy Wilkes in London; Editing by Keith Weir, Alison Williams and Jane Merriman) After months trying to have his trial delayed, far-right agitator and Trump ally Steve Bannon is now in court facing a charge of criminal contempt of Congress, with prosecutors arguing he simply decided he was above the law when refusing to comply with a subpoena from the 6 January select committee. This case is not about what happened on Jan. 6, said assistant US attorney Amanda Vaughan in court. This case is about the defendant thumbing his nose at the orderly processes of our government. Meanwhile, Rudy Giuliani has been ordered by a judge to testify to the grand jury convened in Fulton County, Georgia to hear evidence on Donald Trumps efforts to throw out Joe Bidens victory in that state. Tomorrow will see the eighth of the 6 Jaunary committees summer hearings, this one focusing on Mr Trumps hours of inaction at the White House while a mob of his supporters violently attacked Congress. Key Points Bannon decided he was above law trial hears in opening statement Thursday hearing still on, despite Chair Bennie Thompsons Covid diagnosis Jan 6 committee alerts Department of Justice to more Trump witness tampering, Liz Cheney reveals Report says Trump watching hearings live and demanding to know when theyll be over Who are ex-Trump aides Matt Pottinger and Sarah Matthews, set to testify at the next hearing? Arizona Republicans censure key Jan 6 witness 05:10 , Graeme Massie ICYMI: Rusty Bowers, Republican speaker of the Arizona state House, was censured by his own party on Tuesday as his political punishment for testifying to the January 6 committee continues. The 69-year-old Republican lawmaker is likely to lose his primary election on 2 August against a Trump loyalist who has claimed that Satan helped Joe Biden steal the election from Donald Trump. But that isnt enough revenge for allies of the former president in the state, including GOP state party chair Kelli Ward, another far-right supporter of election fraud conspiracy theories: the state party has now formally voted to censure Mr Bowers, a largely meaningless gesture that states that he is no longer in good standing with the party. Story continues John Bowden has more. Arizona GOP censures Republican House speaker who testified before Jan 6 committee Donald Trump, Melania and his kids attend Ivana Trumps funeral 04:49 , Arpan Rai Donald Trump, his current wife Melania, and his three children paid their respect to Mr Trumps first wife Ivana yesterday in New York City at a funeral mass. Before heading out to pay his respect, Mr Trump said: A very sad day, but at the same time a celebration of a wonderful and beautiful life. This will not be easy!!! the former president said on his social media platform Truth Social. He was joined in by Donald Jr, Ivanka, and Eric to commemorate the 1980s style icon and businesswoman credited to be behind Mr Trumps empire which paved his road to presidency. Her gold-coloured coffin was taken into St Vincent Ferrer Roman Catholic Church on Manhattans Upper East Side. Former US president Donald Trump and his wife Melania Trump along with their son Barron Trump and Ivanka Trump, Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr. and their children watch as the casket of Ivana Trump is put in a hearse outside of St. Vincent Ferrer Roman Catholic Church during her funeral in New York City on Wednesday (Getty Images) Former president Donald Trump and Melania Trump exit the funeral of Ivana Trump at St Vincent Ferrer Roman Catholic Church in New York City (Getty Images) Donald Trump and wife Melania Trump follow the casket of Ivana Trump out of St. Vincent Ferrer Roman Catholic Church during her funeral (Getty Images) 04:05 , Graeme Massie ICYMI: Donald Trump has seized on a recent Wisconsin Supreme Court ruling which outlaws ballot drop boxes in future elections, claiming that the courts ruling that the Wisconsin Election Commission exceeded its authority by authorising drop box use as a pandemic mitigation measure means President Joe Bidens win in state is invalid. The former president is now pressuring Wisconsin Assembly Speaker Robin Vos to do something about this. So whats Speaker Robin Vos doing on the Great Wisconsin Supreme Court Ruling declaring hundreds of thousands of Drop Box votes to be illegal? he asked in a statement. In reality, the court ruling did not invalidate a single vote cast by drop box. And neither Mr Vos nor the Wisconsin legislature have the authority to retroactively invalidate votes or rescind electoral votes. But that has not stopped Mr Trump from arguing to the contrary. Andrew Feinberg has more. Wisconsin official says Trump phoned to pressure him to change election results Giuliani called to appear in Georgia election probe 03:01 , Graeme Massie ICYMI: Rudy Giuliani has been ordered by a New York Supreme Court judge to appear for testimony in front of a grand jury investigating election tampering in Georgia. Mr Giuliani, who was part of a legal team assembled by Donald Trump to challenge the results of the 2020 presidential election, failed to appear at the show cause hearing in which he was due to challenge a subpoena that called him to testify. Richard Hall has the story. Rudy Giuliani ordered by judge to testify in Georgia election tampering probe The mystery of the Secret Services Jan 6 text exchange 02:03 , Graeme Massie ICYMI: The Secret Service has only provided one text exchange to the DHS inspector general despite receiving a request for a month of texts from 24 members of staff. The news was revealed in a letter to the January 6 committee, CNN reported. Assistant Director Ronald Rowe said in a letter to the panel that the Secret Service submitted the responsive records it identified, namely, a text message conversation from former US Capitol Police Chief Steven Sund to former Secret Service Uniformed Division Chief Thomas Sullivan requesting assistance on January 6, 2021, and advised the agency did not have any further records responsive to the DHS OIGs request for text messages. California Democrat and January 6 panel member Zoe Lofgren told MSNBC on Tuesday that the committee had been sent one text message that she hadnt reviewed at that time. She said the committee would be pursuing more information as a committee soon. Read more from Gustaf Kilander: Secret Service handed over a single text exchange to Jan 6 committee Why the Garland memo matters 01:05 , Graeme Massie ICYMI: In a 25 May internal memo, Attorney General Merrick Garland has extended a 2020 Department of Justice (DOJ) policy instituted by his predecessor, Trump Attorney General Bill Barr. The policy states that investigators must get approval for any investigations into presidential candidates or their staff with the countrys top law enforcement official. The memo was obtained by MSNBC, with host Rachel Maddow revealing it on Monday night. According to the policy, investigators must obtain written approval from the attorney general before opening an investigation into people who have declared that they are running for either president or vice president. The policy also applies to presidential campaigns, as well as senior members of campaigns for president, such as advisors. The news comes as Mr Garland is facing increasing pressure to bring charges against former President Donald Trump as the House Select Committee investigating January 6 reveals more and more about his actions in relation to the 2021 insurrection. While hes yet to announce a 2024 campaign, Mr Trump has hinted on several occasions that hell run again. Gustaf Kilander has the story. Merrick Garlands private DOJ memo prompts outrage: Nothing will happen to Trump Republican Senators really dont want to talk about same-sex marriage Thursday 21 July 2022 00:08 , Graeme Massie Even after 47 Republican members of the House of Representatives voted to codify same-sex marriage into law on Tuesday, many Republican Senators would rather talk about anything else. Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced that he had tasked Senator Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin to talk to Republican Senators about the legislation. Eric Garcia has the story. Republican Senators really dont want to talk about same-sex marriage legislation Exactly who is the Secret Service protecting? Wednesday 20 July 2022 22:12 , Oliver O'Connell Did personal loyalty to Donald Trump blind the actions of some Secret Service agents. Andrew Buncombe investigates. Just who is the Secret Service protecting? Bipartisan legislation unveiled to prevent the next Jan 6 Wednesday 20 July 2022 21:25 , Oliver O'Connell Following Donald Trumps assault on US elections and attempts to subvert the peaceful transfer of power in the chaotic aftermath of his 2020 loss, a bipartisan group of senators has unveiled plans for legislation to block future candidates from trying to steal a presidential election. The proposals from Republican Senator Susan Collins and Democratic Senator Joe Manchin joined by more than a dozen other senators from both parties, after months of planning would update an archaic 19th century law that Mr Trump and his allies sought to exploit by pressuring Mike Pence to block the certification of votes during a joint session of Congress to affirm Joe Bidens election on 6 January, 2021. The Independents Alex Woodward has the details. Senators reveal bipartisan legislation to prevent the next Jan 6 Garland asked about possibility of charging former president Wednesday 20 July 2022 21:02 , Oliver O'Connell Attorney General Merrick Garland was asked about the possibility of charging a former president related to January 6 2021: No person is above the law in this country. Watch below: Attorney General Merrick Garland on possibility of charging a former president related to January 6th: "No person is above the law in this country." pic.twitter.com/1GAt7aJRFi CSPAN (@cspan) July 20, 2022 Bannon trial: Jan 6 panel said executive privilege claim had no basis in law Wednesday 20 July 2022 19:55 , Oliver O'Connell Prosecutor Amanda Vaughn asked Kristin Amerling, deputy staff director and general counsel of the House January 6 committee about a letter from Robert Costello, a lawyer representing Steve Bannon, to the committee after a deadline saying his client could not comply with the subpoena due to the legal doctrine of executive privilege that can keep certain presidential communications confidential. The select committees position was this was not a valid rationale for refusing to comply, Ms Amerling testified. Ms Vaughn entered as evidence a letter sent by Committee chair Bennie Thompson stating that Mr Costellos legal position on why Mr Bannon could not comply had no basis in law. The judge previously ruled that Mr Bannon could not claim in the trial that he failed to comply because he believed his documents and testimony were protected by executive privilege. The prosecution showed another letter from Mr Costello reiterating that, absent an agreement between the committee and former Preisdent Donald Trump or a court order, Mr Bannon would not comply with the subpoena. The committee subsequently sent Mr Costello a letter saying it believed Mr Bannon had willfully violated the federal law regarding criminal contempt of Congress, and gave the former Trump adviser another chance to comply, but he did not. Presentation of the prosecutions case is not expected to last long. It is not yet clear what witnesses, if any, Mr Bannons defence team would call. His attorneys have pushed for permission to call Rep Thompson as a witness. With reporting from Reuters Bannon trial: Former Trump adviser snubbed Jan 6 panel says committees general counsel Wednesday 20 July 2022 19:15 , Oliver O'Connell A senior staff member of the congressional panel probing last years US Capitol attack testified on Wednesday that Steve Bannon, Donald Trumps prominent former presidential adviser, disregarded deadlines to respond to its subpoena, sought no extensions, and offered an invalid rationale for his defiance. US District Judge Carl Nichols admonished defense attorney Evan Corcoran for interrupting Kristin Amerling during his cross-examination after the prosecution completed its questioning. Ms Amerling, deputy staff director and general counsel of the Democratic-led House of Representatives select committee, was the first witness called by the prosecution. She said Mr Bannon missed multiple deadlines in October 2021 to provide documents and testimony under a subpoena issued the prior month and neither sought an extension nor told the committee he had no documents responsive to its request. That testimony could complicate Mr Bannons defence. On Tuesday, Mr Corcoran told jurors that his client believed the subpoena deadlines were not set in stone and that negotiations between his attorney and the committee would continue. Today, the defence pressed Ms Amerling on what role Bennie Thompson, the panels Democratic chairman, played in drafting the subpoena and setting its deadlines an apparent attempt to suggest political motivations. What human set that deadline? he asked Ms Amerling. She testified that deadlines were formulated by senior committee staff including her, but that the ultimate decision rested with Rep Thompson, who possessed the legal authority to sign the subpoena. Ms Amerling said the panel set deadlines requiring an expeditious response because it had reason to believe Bannon had relevant information. With reporting by Reuters Fox News busts Trump-backed candidate for anti-Trump post Wednesday 20 July 2022 15:05 , Andrew Naughtie Kari Lake enjoys Donald Trumps backing as she seeks the GOP nomination Arizona governor, and as the race has worn on, she has tacked ever harder to the extreme right in an effort to rile up his base in her favour. But now, her history of opposing the former president from the left is coming back to haunt her more and more and the latest embarrassment has been unearthed by none other than Fox News: Trump-backed Kari Lake shared anti-Trump 'not my president' meme on Facebook days before 2017 inauguration | Fox News https://t.co/XzcnyARSDo Maggie Haberman (@maggieNYT) July 20, 2022 Democrats get their GOP candidate of choice in Maryland Wednesday 20 July 2022 13:15 , Andrew Naughtie In certain competitive statewide races, Democrats have been quietly backing hardline Republican candidates whom they consider all but unelectable. The strategy is to set up their own nominees to campaign against the extremism of the other side, a rationale that makes some sense in the light of polling saying that even many Republicans are finding the 6 January hearings chilling. The latest gamble to have paid off is in the Maryland governors race, where the primary to replace outgoing anti-Trump GOP governor Larry Hogan has yielded a shocking result: the nomination of Dan Cox, a hardcore 2020 election denier who tweeted during the Capitol riot that Mike Pence was a traitor and tried to get Mr Hogan impeached. The Democratic Governors Association funded Trump ally Dan Cox, with ads supporting his candidacy. They succeeded, as they have in other races helping stop the steal Republicans. Now comes the pivot to Democrats fall message: these candidates are threats to American democracy. https://t.co/f6mLvaXDdM Jonathan Swan (@jonathanvswan) July 20, 2022 Wisconsin GOP official describes call from Trump Wednesday 20 July 2022 12:40 , Andrew Naughtie Wisconsin has always been one of the top targets of Donald Trumps obsessive campaign to overturn the 2020 election, and he has lately been repeatedly calling for the state legislature to act on what he says is a report proving that the election there was illegally compromised. Heres a statement he put out last night putting pressure on the Republican statehouse speaker: So whats Speaker Robin Vos doing on the Great Wisconsin Supreme Court Ruling declaring hundreds of thousands of Drop Box votes to be illegal? This is not a time for him to hide, but a time to act! I dont know his opponent in the upcoming Primary, but feel certain he will do well if Speaker Vos doesnt move with gusto. Robin, dont let the voters of Wisconsin down! For his part, Mr Vos has described how Mr Trump has been pressuring him both directly and on social media. Assembly Speaker Robin Vos says former President Trump called him last week in another push to decertify Wisconsins 2020 presidential results after the WI Supreme Court ruling on absentee ballot drop boxes. Shortly after, Vos says, Trump posted on social media calling him a RINO pic.twitter.com/rLFtYtHlh6 Matt Smith (@mattsmith_news) July 19, 2022 Report: Secret Service gives committee a single text message Wednesday 20 July 2022 12:00 , Andrew Naughtie The Guardian reports that as it struggles to explain fully how it ended up deleting messages from 5 and 6 January 2021, the Secret Service has handed the Jan 6 committee a single text message: The Secret Service told the panel the single text was the only message responsive to the subpoena, [sources familiar with the matter] said, and while the agency vowed to conduct a forensic search for any other text or phone records, it indicated such messages were likely to prove irrecoverable. House investigators also learned that the texts were seemingly lost as part of an agency-wide reset of phones on 27 January 2021, the sources said 11 days after Congress first requested the communications and two days after agents were reminded to back up their phones. The disclosures were worse than the committee had anticipated, the sources said. The panel had hoped to receive more than a single text and was dismayed to learn that the messages were lost even after they had been requested for congressional investigations. NEW: US Secret Service turned over just one text message to the Jan. 6 committee in response to a subpoena compelling production of communications from the day before and the day of the Capitol attack, per two sources familiar. @GuardianUS https://t.co/q9DCdyvNNL Hugo Lowell (@hugolowell) July 20, 2022 Jan 6 committee member on Secret Service text messages Wednesday 20 July 2022 11:25 , Andrew Naughtie Stephanie Murphy, a Democratic member of the Capitol riot committee, appeared on MSNBC last night to discuss the murky story of the Secret Services deleted text messages from 5 and 6 January 2021 and told host Nicole Wallace that the agencys behaviour had left her and her fellow investigators with more questions than answers. "The Secret Service adamantly denied that they were either stonewalling... or that the text messages were lost, and then when we subpoenaed those text messages, we have now received additional info. It...leaves us with a lot more questions" - @RepStephMurphy w/ @NicolleDWallace pic.twitter.com/TZZAK6gR0n Deadline White House (@DeadlineWH) July 19, 2022 CNN has reported that according to a letter sent to the select committee, the Department of Homeland Security last year issued a subpoena to the Secret Service for text messages sent and received by 24 members of its staff between December 7, 2020 and January 8, 2021 and responded with only one exchange: a text message conversation from former US Capitol Police Chief Steven Sund to former Secret Service Uniformed Division Chief Thomas Sullivan requesting assistance on January 6, 2021. It is pretty amazing that US Secret Service, which like other federal agencies is required by law to preserve electronic records like text messages, is having this much trouble turning over said records to IG & now pursuant to a Congressional subpoena.https://t.co/Wz14ZY0Vps Zachary Cohen (@ZcohenCNN) July 20, 2022 Trump-endorsed GOP congressman now says ex-president had lost his mind Wednesday 20 July 2022 10:45 , Andrew Naughtie Chris Jacobs, a Republican member of the House retiring later this year said in a new interview that former President Donald Trump lost his mind and tried to burn down the US system of government after losing his election to Joe Biden. I just think his judgment from Election Day to January 6 was I just think he lost his mind, Mr Jacobs said in an interview with Buffalo News.Even if it was fraud and Im not saying it was, should you try to burn the whole place down? the congressman continued. And I think the answer is definitively no. John Bowden has the story: Trump-endorsed GOP congressman now says ex-president lost his mind after 2020 loss Mississippi abortion clinic drops lawsuit against states ban Wednesday 20 July 2022 10:00 , Sravasti Dasgupta Jackson Womens Health Organizations Pink House clinic named for its bright pale-pink exterior- the last-standing Mississippi abortion clinic at the centre of the US Supreme Court decision to strike down Roe v Wade is ending its lawsuit against the state. The states trigger law went into effect on 7 July after a Mississippi court denied the clinics motion to block it, forcing the clinics closure and the end of abortion care in the state. The states Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal, and the clinics owner Diane Derzis sold the building. Accordingly, we have dismissed our case on the clinics behalf, said Rob McDuff, an attorney for the Mississippi Center for Justice, which is representing the clinic. If the clinic is not in a position to reopen in Mississippi, it no longer has a basis to pursue this case in the courts. Alex Woodward reports: Mississippi abortion clinic at centre of Supreme Court case drops lawsuit Secret Service told to investigate unauthorised deletion of Jan 6 texts Wednesday 20 July 2022 09:15 , Oliver O'Connell The National Archives is getting involved in the growing scandal enveloping the US Secret Service over whether agents improperly deleted text messages sent during the January 6 attack after being ordered to preserve them. The Archives issued a statement on Tuesday instructing the Secret Service to investigate and determine indeed whether text messages had been deleted by the agency as part of a supposed software overhaul after the agency had been explicitly instructed by the Department of Homeland Securitys watchdog office, the Office of the Inspector General, to preserve them. John Bowden has the story. National Archives instructs Secret Service to investigate deletion of Jan 6 texts More Republicans are prepared to turn away from Trump amid Jan 6 hearings, says pollster Wednesday 20 July 2022 08:30 , Oliver O'Connell The Independents Andrew Buncombe spoke with Sarah Longwell. Pollster says more Republicans ready to turn away from Trump amid Jan 6 hearings Ivana Trump's life to be celebrated at a funeral Mass in NYC Wednesday 20 July 2022 08:15 , Sravasti Dasgupta Donald Trumps former wife Ivana Trump is set to be celebrated at a funeral Mass in New York City on Wednesday following her death last week. Ivanas three children with the former president Donald Jr., Ivanka and Eric are expected at the Wednesday afternoon gathering at St. Vincent Ferrer Roman Catholic Church on Manhattans Upper East Side. It is not clear whether Mr Trump will join his children. Ivana Trump was an icon of 1980s style, wealth and excess who also took part in her husbands businesses, managing one of his Atlantic City casinos and picking out some of the design elements in New York Citys Trump Tower. Read this report from the Associated Press: Ivana Trump's life to be celebrated at a funeral Mass in NYC Who are the ex-Trump aides and lead witnesses at next Jan 6 hearing? Wednesday 20 July 2022 07:45 , Oliver O'Connell When the January 6 committees next prime-time hearing airs on Thursday, lawmakers will hope to show how Donald Trumps dereliction of duty on the day the US Capital was attacked was a key element of what unfolded. On Thursday evening, the panel will reportedly have the help of two star witnesses from within the former US presidents White House, who sources familiar with the matter informed CNN of on Monday night. According to reports, the pair are Matthew Pottinger, a former deputy national security adviser, and Sarah Matthews, a former press aide. Heres what we know about the duo: The ex-Trump aides set to be lead witnesses at next Jan 6 hearing South Carolina conservatives push almost total ban on abortion Wednesday 20 July 2022 07:15 , Sravasti Dasgupta A House committee reviewing South Carolinas abortion law suggested Tuesday the state ban almost all abortions other than when the life of the mother is at risk. The state currently has a ban at roughly six weeks that includes exceptions for rape and incest. After the US Supreme Court overturned Roe v Wade, conservatives in the General Assembly started to look if they could join the growing number of states banning the procedure. S. Carolina conservatives suggest almost total abortion ban House of Representatives passes marriage equality bill Wednesday 20 July 2022 06:45 , Sravasti Dasgupta Only 47 Republicans joined Democrats in the House of Representatives to pass the Respect for Marriage Act to protect marriage equality, on Tuesday. The bill is a direct response to the US Supreme Courts suggestion that it could revisit cases that affirm same-sex marriage protections in its recent decision to strike down abortion rights. All Democratic lawmakers supported the bills passage with only 47 Republicans joining in support; 157 Republicans voted against it. Alex Woodward reports: 47 House Republicans join Democrats to pass marriage equality bill 'Steve Bannon thought he was above the law Wednesday 20 July 2022 06:15 , Sravasti Dasgupta Former senior adviser to Donald Trump and the man widely credited with getting him elected, Steve Bannon, considered he was above the law, a criminal trial heard on Tuesday. Federal prosecutor Amanda Vaughn told a court in Washington DC that told that Mr Bannon, 68, had refused to comply with a request to provide information to the committee of the House of Representatives which is investigating the Jan 6 attack on the US Capitol, and the circumstances leading up to it. Ms Vaughn said the subpoena was not optional. It wasnt a request. And it wasnt an invitation. It was mandatory, she said. The defendant decided he was above the law. Thats why were here today. Chief US Correspondent Andrew Buncombe reports: Steve Bannon thought he was above the law trial hears Furious AOC says Manchin has no authority to speak on climate Wednesday 20 July 2022 05:45 , Sravasti Dasgupta Democratic Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York criticised Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia on Tuesday for his call to pause discussions on climate negotiations, saying he has no authority to discuss climate change. She spoke with Eric Garcia on Tuesday. AOC says Manchin has no authority to speak on climate for the rest of our term here Trump-backed far right legislator wins Maryland governor Republican primary Wednesday 20 July 2022 05:30 , Sravasti Dasgupta Dan Cox, a far-right Maryland legislator endorsed by former president Donald Trump, won the Republican primary for state governor on Tuesday. Mr Cox has opposed outgoing governor Larry Hogans policies including suing over his stay-at-home orders and regulations in the early days of the pandemic. He also tried to unsuccessfully impeach him for Covid-19 orders that Mr Cox called restrictive and protracted. We will never again give over our bodies, our churches and our businesses to a lockdown state, Mr Cox said on Tuesday night after his victory. Mr Cox also organised busloads of protesters to Washington for the Stop the Steal rally that preceded last years Capitol insurrection. He has also said that president Joe Bidens 2020 election victory shouldnt have been certified, and referred to former Vice President Mike Pence a traitor. Election 2022 Maryland (Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) Pro-Trump fake electors in Georgia now targets of criminal investigation Wednesday 20 July 2022 05:15 , Sravasti Dasgupta A group of pro-Trump fake electors in Georgia who tried to interfere to secure his 2020 election victory in the state are now the targets of a criminal investigation. In court documents filed in Atlanta on Tuesday prosecutors said: Each of the sixteen persons who signed the unofficial Elector Certificate ultimately submitted to the National Archives received a similar target letter alerting, that person both that his testimony was required by the special purpose grand jury and that he was a target of the investigation. In a statement Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis office said: As our investigation has matured and new evidence has come to light, in a spirit of integrity we feel it only fitting to inform you that your clients status has changed to Target. Graeme Massie reports: Pro-Trump fake electors in Georgia now targets of criminal investigation Jan 6 hearing still on despite chairmans Covid diagnosis Wednesday 20 July 2022 04:45 , Oliver O'Connell The House select committee investigating the Capitol riot on January 6 will proceed with its primetime hearing despite Chairman Bennie Thompson testing positive for Covid-19. Communications director Tim Mulvey said the hearings would proceed as scheduled, sharing in a statement that while Chairman Thompson is disappointed with his COVID diagnosis, he has instructed the Select Committee to proceed with Thursday evenings hearing. Committee members and staff wish the Chairman a speedy recovery. Jan 6 hearing still on despite chairman Bennie Thompson testing positive for Covid MAGA movement is dying warns Dr Oz Wednesday 20 July 2022 03:45 , Oliver O'Connell Pennsylvanias Senate race may represent a setback for Donald Trumps MAGA wing of the Republican Party, and his chosen candidate seems to know it. Dr Mehmet Oz declared in a fundraising email, first reported by The Daily Beast, on Monday that the former presidents political movement was dying as he trails Democrat John Fetterman in both poll numbers and fundraising totals in the hotly-contested Rust Belt state. John Bowden reports. Trump-backed Dr Oz warns MAGA movement is dying in Senate campaign ad Georgia voter water bottle ban faces legal challenge Wednesday 20 July 2022 02:45 , Oliver O'Connell A group of voting rights advocates in Georgia have asked a judge to block enforcement of a measure that outlaws handing out food and water to people standing in line to vote, part of a sweeping election law that has faced widespread criticism and a series of legal challenges from civil rights groups. Alex Woodward reports. Georgias ban on handing out water to voters challenged in court Buttigieg shuts down GOP congressman for claiming electric vehicles too expensive Wednesday 20 July 2022 01:45 , Oliver O'Connell Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg came prepared with a list of prices to a hearing where a GOP congressman claimed electric vehicles are too expensive. Pennsylvania Republican Representative Scott Perry said suggestions have been made that Americans should buy an electric vehicle and absolve themselves of that 80 per cent increase per gallon. Just look at a Kelly Blue Book, the price of an [electric vehicle] is about $55,000, he said. But Mr Buttigieg was ready with his own figures, and better yet they were American-made. Buttigieg recites list of prices to shut down GOP congressman Georgia fake electors fighting election probe subpoenas Wednesday 20 July 2022 01:00 , Oliver O'Connell A group of Georgia Republicans who have been informed that they are at risk of being indicted in an investigation into whether former President Donald Trump and others illegally interfered in the 2020 election in Georgia are fighting subpoenas to testify before a special grand jury. All 11 signed a certificate declaring falsely that then-President Donald Trump had won the 2020 presidential election and declaring themselves the states duly elected and qualified electors even though Joe Biden had won the state and a slate of Democratic electors was certified. They filed a motion Tuesday to quash their subpoenas, calling them unreasonable and oppressive. Georgia fake electors seek to quash election probe subpoenas Russia preparing sham vote as pretext to annex Ukrainian territory says NSC Wednesday 20 July 2022 00:15 , Oliver O'Connell Russia is preparing to illegally annex territory it has captured during its unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby has said. Speaking at the daily White House press briefing on Tuesday, Mr Kirby said Russia is laying the groundwork for annexation in direct violation of Ukraines sovereignty, and pointed to ample evidence in the intelligence and in the public domain showing Moscows intentions. Andrew Feinberg reports from Washington, DC. US says Russia preparing sham vote as pretext to annex Ukrainian territory Herschel Walker claims to be former FBI agent Tuesday 19 July 2022 23:30 , Oliver O'Connell Georgia Republican Senate candidate Herschel Walker falsely claimed that he used to be an FBI agent and told a crowd about how he once came close to killing a man in a newly-resurfaced footage. Mr Walker has repeatedly mentioned having a varied past in law enforcement over the course of his campaign, despite reporting showing that the assertion is untrue. Gustaf Kilander reports. Herschel Walker falsely claims to be former FBI agent in resurfaced clip Who are ex-Trump aides Matt Pottinger and Sarah Matthews, set to testify at the next hearing? Tuesday 19 July 2022 22:45 , Oliver O'Connell When the January 6 committees next prime-time hearing airs on Thursday, lawmakers will hope to show how Donald Trumps dereliction of duty on the day the US Capital was attacked was a key element of what unfolded. On Thursday evening, the panel will reportedly have the help of two star witnesses from within the former US presidents White House, who sources familiar with the matter informed CNN of on Monday night. According to reports, the pair are Matthew Pottinger, a former deputy national security adviser, and Sarah Matthews, a former press aide. Heres what we know about the pair: The ex-Trump aides set to be lead witnesses at next Jan 6 hearing More Republicans are prepared to turn away from Trump over Jan 6, says pollster Tuesday 19 July 2022 22:15 , Oliver O'Connell The Independents Andrew Buncombe spoke with Sarah Longwell. Pollster says more Republicans ready to turn away from Trump amid Jan 6 hearings Despite anger of 9/11 families, Trump tells golfers to take money now from Saudi-backed league Tuesday 19 July 2022 21:45 , Oliver O'Connell Donald Trump has urged golfers to take the money now from LIV Golf, while ignoring pleas from the families of 9/11 victims to shun the Saudi-backed breakaway league. The Trump National Golf Bedminster course in New Jersey is hosting the next event in the LIV series from 29 to 31 July, and Mr Trump urged golfers to turn their backs on the PGA Tour. Bevan Hurley reports. Trump tells golfers to take the money from Saudi-backed league despite 9/11 anger AOC, other lawmakers arrested amid protest for abortion rights Tuesday 19 July 2022 21:15 , Oliver O'Connell A group of lawmakers, including Reps Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ayanna Pressley, Ilhan Omar, Andy Levin, Cori Bush, Bonnie Watson Coleman, Jackie Speier, Alma Adams, Veronica Escobar, and Carolyn B. Maloney, were detained and arrested on Friday outside of the Supreme Court amid an abortion rights demonstration. In an official statement from Capitol Police, they reported 34 arrests for Crowding, Obstructing or Incommoding (DC Code 221307). Jenna Amatulli reports. AOC, other lawmakers arrested outside Supreme Court at protest for abortion rights Bannon defence claims case about politics Tuesday 19 July 2022 21:02 , Oliver O'Connell Steve Bannons defence lawyer Even Corcoran told the jury in his opening statement that his client was still negotiating with the January 6 committee about the subpoena when the charge of contempt was brought against him. No one ignored the subpoena, he said, claiming that his client had not committed criminal contempt of Congress as he was charged. Its called negotiation, its called accommodation thats not an excuse. Mr Corcoran went on to claim the charge against Mr Bannon was political. My single request for you is to think about it and ask yourself: Is this piece of evidence affected by politics? he asked of the jury. Bannon 'decided he was above law Tuesday 19 July 2022 20:52 , Oliver O'Connell The prosecution in the trial of Steve Bannon for contempt of Congress has said in opening statements that the former Trump adviser believed he was above the law and chose to show contempt toward the House committee investigating the January 6 Capitol riot. Assistant US Attorney Amanda Vaughn described Mr Bannons actions as a crime and told the jury: The defendant decided he was above the law, and he didnt have to follow the governments orders like his fellow citizens, and thats why were here today. She added that the subpoena issued to Mr Bannon by Congress wasnt a request, and it wasnt an invitation. It was mandatory. Evidence in the trial will include a series of letters from the committee to Mr Bannon rejecting his claim of executive privilege and warning of criminal prosecution if he did not respond to them by 18 October 2021. With no response, Congress voted to refer him for prosecution. Its not up to the defendant or anyone else whether he can ignore subpoena deadlines for testimony and documents. Its up to the committee. And the committee told him his claims of privilege did not excuse him from complying, Ms Vaughn said. She further characterised his actions as deliberate. It wasnt an accident. It wasnt a mistake. It was a decision. It was a choice, Ms Vaughn said noting that was what made the case so simple. He just decided not to follow the rules. National Archives tells Secret Service to investigate unauthorised deletion of Jan 6 texts Tuesday 19 July 2022 20:45 , Oliver O'Connell The National Archives is getting involved in the growing scandal enveloping the US Secret Service over whether agents improperly deleted text messages sent during the January 6 attack after being ordered to preserve them. The Archives issued a statement on Tuesday instructing the US Secret Service to investigate and determine indeed whether text messages had been deleted by the agency as part of a supposed software overhaul after the agency had been explicitly instructed by the Department of Homeland Securitys watchdog office, the Office of the Inspector General, to preserve them. Meanwhile The Washington Post reported on Tuesday that the Secret Service has had no luck in retrieving any further text messages sent between 5-6 January 2021, a troubling development that does nothing to help the agencys growing credibility problem. John Bowden reports. National Archives instructs Secret Service to investigate deletion of Jan 6 texts Furious AOC says Manchin has no authority to speak on climate Tuesday 19 July 2022 20:30 , Oliver O'Connell Democratic Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York criticised Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia on Tuesday for his call to pause discussions on climate negotiations, saying he has no authority to discuss climate change. The Independents Eric Garcia spoke with Ms Ocasio-Cortez today at the US Capitol. AOC says Manchin has no authority to speak on climate for the rest of our term here Voices: A Democratic apocalypse is drawing near Tuesday 19 July 2022 20:15 , Oliver O'Connell Eric Garcia argues that Bidens polling numbers make things look very concerning for the November midterms and the 2024 presidential election. Bidens approval rating proves it a Democratic apocalypse is near Trial delayed for man pictured in Pelosis office during Capitol riot Tuesday 19 July 2022 20:00 , Oliver O'Connell Steve Bannon may not have been able to get his trial delayed, but a federal trial has been delayed for an Arkansas man who was photographed with his feet on a desk in House Speaker Nancy Pelosis office during the Capitol riot. A federal judge on Monday moved the trial for Richard Barnett, of Gravette, from 6 September to 12 December. The delay was requested because Barnetts attorney has been recovering from Covid-19 and Lyme disease. Mr Barnett was among supporters of President Donald Trump who stormed the Capitol as lawmakers assembled to certify Joe Bidens victory over Trump. Prosecutors say Mr Barnett was carrying a stun gun when he entered the building. Trial delayed for man pictured in Pelosi's office at riot Bannon jury selection complete Tuesday 19 July 2022 19:47 , Oliver O'Connell The jury for the contempt of Congress trial of former Steve Bannon consists of nine men and five women. More than half of them work for Federal or DC government agencies or in related fields. The panel of 12 jurors and two alternates were seated at about 2pm and is hearing their instructions ahead of opening statements. The jury includes employees of the Securities and Exchange Commission; the State Departments Office for International Religious Freedom; NASA ; the US International Development Finance Corporation; and the International Republican Institute, a democracy and development agency that draws funding from the State Department and US Agency for International Development. Further jurors working in DC government include a Parks and Recreation maintenance manager, a Transportation Department contract driver for special needs children, and a supervisor with a Health Department pandemic vaccination contractor. Outside of governance, there is a commercial residential architect; a university hospital janitor; an online art seller; and people who work with a Takoma Park appliance distribution company and the EnviroCorps job training group, The Washington Post reports. Bannon judge denies motion to delay trial Tuesday 19 July 2022 19:41 , Oliver O'Connell The judge presiding over the trial of former Trump adviser Steve Bannon on charges of contempt of Congress has denied a motion to delay proceedings for a month. US District Judge Carl J Nichols refused to delay after Bannon lawyer Evena Corcoran asked for a pause so they could recalibrate their strategy after a misunderstanding over how much of the committees correspondence with Mr Bannon could be shown to the jury evidence that related to his understanding of the subpoena deadline at issue in the case. The judge said that his previous rulings allowed Mr Bannon to offer a rationale for why he may have thought the committees deadlines were not fixed. Two charged over scheme to sell access to Trump to foreign nationals Tuesday 19 July 2022 19:15 , Oliver O'Connell Two alleged fraudsters were arrested and charged for reportedly taking at least $27m from foreign investors in exchange for access to former President Donald Trump. Sherry Li and Lianbo Mike Wang were arrested on Monday. The duo face charges for wire fraud conspiracy, money laundering conspiracy and conspiracy to defraud the US. Prosecutors said that the duo were attempting to obstruct the Federal Election Commissions campaign finance laws. Graig Graziosi has the story. Two charged over $27m scheme to sell access to Trump to foreign nationals Watch: January 6 hearings in one minute Tuesday 19 July 2022 18:46 , Oliver O'Connell COurtesy of The Recount, here are 10 key takeaways from the January 6 hearings to date, ahead of Thursdays prime time special that will cover minute-by-minute what went on in the White House during the Capitol riot. By Jane Lanhee Lee SAN JOSE, Calif (Reuters) - Japanese semiconductor maker Renesas Electronics Corp. has no plans to build chip factories in the United States and will continue to expand production in Japan instead, chief executive officer Hidetoshi Shibata said on Wednesday. "When it comes to front-end production, I don't necessarily believe there are good supplies of ingredients in geographies like Europe or the U.S.," said Shibata. He was speaking to Reuters in Silicon Valley after meeting with employees of U.S. chip companies that Renesas had acquired in recent years. Front-end production is the process of creating chips on wafers, round shiny plates of silicon. They are then sent for packaging, often in black plastic casings. While keeping manufacturing focused in Japan presented risks, with earthquakes sometimes disrupting production, Shibata said Renesas was investing in technologies to cope with challenges from natural disasters. Also, it would keep a stock of chips that it could supply to customers in case of stoppages. Renesas said in May it would invest 90 billion yen ($650 million) in its previously closed Kofu factory in Japan, revamping it to build power chips - semiconductors that manage electricity. That expansion is to meet surging demand for electric vehicles. Renesas, whose shareholders include Toyota Motor Corp and automotive supplier Denso Corp, is a major chip supplier for the automotive industry. Shibata said that, while at a macro level there was "sufficient capacity worldwide to cope with all the demand," there were still areas of sharp shortages in power management chips and some analog and mixed-signal (analog and digital) chips with larger transistors. Generally, the smaller the transistors, the faster and more powerful a chip will be. While the latest smartphones have chips with 5 nanometer transistors, the automotive industry uses more mature technology, often 40 nanometers or larger. Story continues Shibata said Renesas's manufacturing expansion would stick with 40-nanometer or larger technology to meet that demand. Still, the company continued to design chips that were close to the latest technologies, he said, and its automotive customers were "sampling" its first 7 nanometer chip. But it is made by other chip manufacturers. (Reporting By Jane Lanhee Lee; Editing by Bradley Perrett) KENNEBUNK, Maine Justin Cooper joined Kennebunk Fire Rescue when he was 18 years old his stepfather, Roger Ellenberger, a longtime member of the department, was the one who got him involved in local public safety. That was back in the summer of 1998, after Cooper graduated high school and before he headed to college in the fall. At the time, Cooper was thinking he would pursue a medical career. But then, as he and Ellenberger began hopping on the engines and going to emergency calls together, Cooper began to see his future take a different direction. It was quite a summer, he said, with a local arsonist keeping the department busy by setting trash cans, dumpsters, cars and more on fire. I really got hooked, right off the bat, Cooper said of firefighting. Justin Cooper is the new chief of Kennebunk Fire Rescue. He is seen here at Central Station on Wednesday, July 20, 2022, alongside the department's new engine. How hooked? When he went away to college at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, he continued what he had started in Kennebunk. He joined the schools student firefighting team. Then, after college, he returned full-time to Maine and to the Kennebunk Fire Department. He loved the profession so much that he not only helped keep Kennebunk safe, he helped Arundel and Biddeford stay safe too. And now? Hes the new chief of Kennebunk Fire Rescue. More: Bob Hoffman alive after 'worst case' stroke with 1% survival rate. Here's his story. The Select Board approved Cooper for the position last month, and he started his new post on July 5. Cooper succeeds former Chief Jeffrey Rowe, who recently retired. Cooper, who had been a per diem deputy chief, applied for the departments top spot because to him it just felt like coming full circle. This is the department I started in, he said during an interview in his office on Wednesday. This department gave me a lot of opportunities when I was 18 years old and just starting out ... When this opportunity arose, I felt really strongly that I wanted to have the opportunity to hopefully help foster and grow the department even more in the future. Story continues Lifeguard shortage?: Not on Seacoast beaches. Here's why it's still the best job of the summer In addition to his work with Kennebunk Fire Rescue, Cooper served as a captain and shift commander in Biddeford, working at the fire department in that city for the past 18 years. And, since 2003, he had also served at the Arundel Fire Department, most recently as a deputy fire chief. Cooper said he has relinquished his positions in those towns since becoming chief in Kennebunk. Cooper has a bachelors degree in kinesiology-exercise physiology from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. Kinesiology focuses on sports, physical activity, health and wellness, and how they all affect quality of life and communities. Plans for the department Cooper said his number-one goal as chief is to attract and retain new employees to join the current ones, so that Kennebunk Fire Rescue becomes fully staffed and can meet the safety needs of the community in a thorough and timely fashion. Rowe had created and started pursuing a hiring plan, most notably with the eight new positions he filled through a federal grant he had successfully acquired for the town. In public safety, its hard to recruit, and its hard to retain currently, he said. Thats a huge focus of mine ... I want Kennebunk Fire Rescue to be one of the top places people talk about and say, the leadership is great there, the culture is great there, all the employees are great there, and thats a place I want to be a part of. 'We have a ton of work to do': Schulte chosen to lead Kennebunk Select Board Volunteers are key to pursuing this mission, Cooper said. The department needs dedicated volunteers who can be there any time of the day or night, including on weekends and holidays. There are a lot of avenues volunteers can pursue, and the department can provide the proper training, he added. We need the community support. If people have time they want to dedicate and volunteer, were always accepting help, Cooper said. When asked what is the single most important quality for effective leadership, Cooper is quick with his reply. Selflessness, he said. The job is all about taking care of others and helping them, he said. The higher a firefighter makes it up the ranks, the more he or she needs to focus their efforts on providing tools and opportunities for everyone else, so that they may learn, pass on their knowledge, and be prepared for any circumstances the team may face. Theres no place for ego, Cooper said. Theres no place for focusing on self. Cooper said he has been lucky enough to work for fire chiefs and others of higher rank who led without ego. He mentions a fire captain down in Massachusetts, for example, whose focus on his crew members and their growth and well-being really resonated with him. Cooper named Rowe as selfless as the kind of leader who shared his vision for the department with the staff and enlisted them in the mission, and had the confidence to accept, act and perhaps even change course when he received productive feedback. When you see leaders like that who dont have the ego portion of it I think theyre a lot more successful, Cooper said. This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Justin Cooper comes 'full circle' as Kennebunk's new fire rescue chief After spending years in London, matching Kenyans in the diaspora with investment opportunities back home, and later on as a credit portfolio manager at Barclays bank, Njeri Muhia sought a greater challenge within Africa. Already aware of the growing startup ecosystem in the continent and the funding gaps that local founders face, she teamed up with Steven Wamathai who has vast experience in the investment management industry during the middle of last year, to start an early-stage venture capital firm, FrontEnd Ventures, which focuses on Kenyan startups and is backed by a $5 million fund -- likely to extend to $10 million. The take-off for the fund has been rapid, and it has just closed its initial $1 million to help Kenyan founders secure the early-stage funding that often eludes most of them, despite the country being among the top four investment destinations in Africa. We are investing in Kenyan founders because we believe in our thesis that people who have lived experiences have a much better chance of creating products that address related nuances, Muhia, FrontEnd partner and co-founder, told TechCrunch. This means investing in local women founders too, since they bring with them a different profile of experiences, solutions and ingenuity that is unmatched. FrontEnd is targeting impact-driven tech startups in various industries including agriculture, e-commerce, health and transport. The VC has already started issuing its first tickets of up to $100,000 but is keen on making follow-on investments in startups under their portfolio. We are de-risking them by depositing small checks at the early stage, but our intention is to have follow-on investments -- where we can invest up to $500,000 in series A, she said, noting that they just recently made their first investment and are evaluating a few other startups with plans to fund at least five more before the year ends. Story continues FrontEnd Ventures unveils $10M fund to back Kenyan founders Steven Wamathai, FrontEnd Ventures co-founder and partner. Image Credits: FrontEnd Ventures In a sector where VC and startup relationships are formal, Muhia said that they hope to have relaxed connections with founders. We want to develop a really strong relationship with the founders. And this means, being open to their calls and not just when they want to talk about their companies but also themselves. We understand that they also need support as individuals because they are the ones who are going to be keeping this business alive for the foreseeable future, she said. The VC is also considering a tech-as-a-service arm that can extend services to startups, helping them build faster. We envision this tech as a service function as being able to help startups to fix their problems as quickly and cheaply. We are also developing our rolodex of service providers who can work with them because obviously founders are not experts in every field, she said. Kenyan LPs Muhia said that FrontEnd is in talks with a number of institutions and high-net-worth-individuals (HNWIs) in Kenya to join its current list of investors that currently includes executives in the banking, real estate and manufacturing industries. Our fund is backed by Kenyan LPs, and what I love about the ones that have committed, is that they understand the need to support new local businesses. She goes on to note the need to educate more HNWIs on the potential of investing in startups. Demystifying the ecosystem, she says, is critical for unlocking more local funding. Currently, startups in Africa are majorly driven by foreign investment inflows from venture capital funds in the U.S., Europe and Asia, as the appetite for opportunities in the continent continues to grow. The amount raised in the first half of the year has also more than doubled to over $3 billion when compared to a similar period last year, according to Big Deal data. And it is likely that Africa will have another record year as inflows continue to spike. Last year, startups in Africa raised close to $5 billion, double the previous years investment and nine times what was raised five years ago. However, this amount continues to disproportionately favor especially in Kenya North American and European founders. FrontEnd hopes to be part of a drive to channel more funds to local founders. We do need to support local founders because these are people that are going to completely change the face of our country and continent. Our job is to make sure that they're comfortable with math and economics. And I'm pretty sure that once we manage to get a couple more investments done and have something more tangible to offer them over the next coming months, there will be a lot more people and startups joining us. By Byungwook Kim SEOUL (Reuters) -Contract workers on strike at Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering's (DSME) main shipyard are willing to accept a proposed wage increase if the company drops plans to seek damages, union officials told Reuters on Thursday. About 100 workers from subcontracters have since late last month occupied the main dock at DSME's shipyard in the south coast city of Geoje, demanding a 30% pay increase and causing delays to deliveries of new vessels from one of the world's biggest shipyards. In recent negotiations, union officials said they had lowered their demands to a gradual pay increase of 15%, while DSME is holding firm at its offer of a 4.5% rise. Companies contracted to DSME and union officials continued talks for more than 12 hours on Wednesday but failed to reach an agreement, as damage compensation demanded by the company and its subcontracting firms for losses due to the strike emerged as a key sticking point, according to the Korea Metal Workers' Union (KMWU), which represents the strikers. "Strikers expressed their intention to accept the 4.5% wage hike offer if the issue regarding damage compensation lawsuits is resolved," said Jang Seok-won, director of public relations at the KMWU. Lee Kim Choon-taek, a senior official at the sub-contract shipyard workers' union, also said that workers' willingness to compromise depended on DSME and subcontracting companies dropping any plans to seek damages, though there had been no notice yet of lawsuits launched against them. The subcontracting companies had seemed willing to consider dropping the lawsuits seeking damages but subsequently changed their stance, the union official added. DSME, which participated in previous negotiations, did not attend the talks on Wednesday between subcontracting companies and the workers. The company has not filed lawsuits against the strikers but plans to do so in the future and does not plan to back down on this, Yonhap news agency reported, citing a DSME official. Story continues South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol on Thursday morning urged the contract shipyard workers to end the strike, which the government has said violates South Korea's union laws. "Illegal actions should be resolved swiftly and normalised ... for everyone's good," Yoon told reporters in Seoul. South Korea's third-biggest shipbuilder said the dispute had cost it more than $400 million as of mid-July. The construction of eight vessels at five docks at the shipyard is being affected, with delivery dates pushed back by two to five weeks as of Wednesday, a DSME spokesperson said. (Reporting by Byungwook Kim; Editing by Lincoln Feast, Edmund Klamann and Susan Fenton) LONDON (Reuters) -The Kremlin said on Thursday that Russian President Vladimir Putin was in good health, dismissing what it called false reports he was unwell. "Everything is fine with his health," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said in reply to a question at his daily briefing. "You know that Ukrainian information specialists, and American and British ones, have been throwing out various fakes about the state of the president's health in recent months - these are nothing but fakes," he added. Putin coughed during a public appearance on Wednesday, when Interfax news agency quoted him as saying he had caught a slight cold during a visit to Iran the previous day. "It was very hot in Tehran yesterday, plus 38 (degrees Celsius), and the air conditioning was very strong there. So I apologize," Putin, 69, was quoted as saying. International scrutiny of his health has intensified over recent months, including when he was photographed meeting foreign and Russian officials while seated at opposite ends of long tables as a precaution against COVID. At times he has also appeared to walk stiffly. Since launching Russia's invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24 he has frequently been in public view, maintaining a full schedule of meetings and calls including two foreign trips within the past month. CIA Director William Burns was asked about the issue during a security forum in the United States on Wednesday, where he said that Putin was "entirely too healthy". (Writing by Mark Trevelyan; editing by Guy Faulconbridge) A Ladys Island man working as a summer camp counselor turned himself in to Beaufort County authorities Thursday after he was accused of uploading child sex abuse material to the internet, according to a sheriffs office alert. Andrew Graves, 19, was charged Thursday with three counts of second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor and three counts of third-degree sexual exploitation of a minor, jail records show. Graves was charged after the Attorney Generals Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) team, a task force developed to respond to cases of child exploitation and sexual abuse material on the internet, picked up on sexual abuse material being uploaded to social media from a Ladys Island address Officials from the S.C. Law Enforcement Division were contacted to reach Graves at the summer camp in Clerendon, but he left before police arrived. Police got a warrant for Graves email account where they allegedly found more child sexual abuse material. Graves was released Thursday on a $30,000 bond from the detention center in Beaufort. If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual abuse, help can be found by calling Hopeful Horizons at 843-770-1070. When we publish mugshots The Island Packet and Beaufort Gazette publishes police booking photos, or mugshots, in the following instances: In situations where a public figure or someone in a position of public trust is arrested In cases where there is an immediate and widespread threat to public safety In cases where the arrested person is accused of a crime reporters have evidence to believe involved numerous, unknown victims Reporters will avoid using mugshots as lead images for online articles in order to limit their circulation on social media, except in cases where the public is served by the immediate identification of the accused. Reporters and editors may use discretion in situations that dont meet the criteria outlined in this policy but still present a compelling reason to publish a mugshot. LAFC fans cheer before the team's match against the Colorado Rapids on Feb. 26 at Banc of California Stadium. (Jae C. Hong / Associated Press) Hundreds of LAFC season-ticket members received emails this week informing them they will not be allowed to renew their tickets after reselling a substantial portion of them on the secondary market. The team, which has long said it considers its season-ticket holders to be members of its family, declined to explain on the record why it was canceling accounts, many dating to the teams founding. But Seth Burton, senior vice president for communications and content, said the team would work with anyone who feels their accounts have been wrongly targeted. LAFC is happy to have a conversation with any of the affected members and if there were errors made then we will work to rectify the situation, he wrote in a text message. Several people contacted by The Times insisted they were loyal supporters who actively attended games in the teams first two seasons but havent felt safe returning during the COVID-19 pandemic. I understand trying to stop scalping. But doing this during COVID? said Steve Jarrard, who hasnt attended a game in person since early in the 2020 season. Jarrard, a film and TV prop master from Burbank, and his girlfriend, an actress, have suffered financially during the pandemic. Yet they estimate theyve spent more than $10,000 on tickets and LAFC merchandise while losing money on the tickets theyve resold. The pairs two tickets are in his girlfriends name and Jarrard said she didnt want to be identified because she feared her ticket reinstatement appeal would be denied for speaking publicly about the matter. The couple want to keep their tickets behind the south goal, he said, because they plan to return to Banc of California Stadium when the pandemic is over. She was devastated, Jarrard said of his girlfriends response to the teams terse three-paragraph email. She loves the team. I guess LAFC has a policy of taking away peoples seats during a pandemic. Despite the clubs statement, Jarrard and others who spoke to The Times said the tickets representatives they talked to told them there was nothing they could do to reinstate their accounts. Story continues One fan who, like Jarrard, opened his season-ticket account long before the team played its first game, said he has comorbidities that make attending games in the current environment potentially life-threatening. Im a loyal fan. I plan on going to games. This year it hasnt worked out, said the man, who asked not to be identified by name because he was concerned about losing his appeal to keep his season tickets. Ive definitely lost money. Its for love of the team. I have sent a note of appeal explaining my situation, he added. I do fear retaliation though. ... Im a little annoyed. Especially the fact that were in a state of emergency still. LAFC midfielder Jose Cifuentes, right, scores a goal during the first half against the Galaxy on July 8. (Kyusung Gong / Associated Press) Dozens of comments on LAFC social-media accounts told similar stories. Even fans in the north grandstand, home to the rabid 3252 supporters group, have complained of having their tickets revoked. It seems like a pretty strange decision when the pandemic isn't over, one person posted on Reddit. It sucks that this happen[ed], another wrote on Facebook. The FO office should call some of us to ask why we have to do this. I love this club. According to the teams email, which was sent Tuesday, fans who resold a substantial portion of their tickets violated their membership agreement. But they received no warning about reselling their tickets before learning their memberships would not be renewed. No warning. No rule on how many they consider too many. Just boom, one affected season-ticket holder wrote in an email. Unreal. LAFC, in its fifth MLS season, has announced sellouts for every game in which full crowds were allowed at Banc of California Stadium. The club says it has more than 17,000 season-ticket holders and a waiting list of several thousand more a list that is growing now that the first-place team has added big-named European stars Gareth Bale and Giorgio Chiellini. The fact they didn't say anything until after Bale was announced looks really bad, a fan complained on Reddit. And if we end up being reinstated it suggests that it's not that much of a violation after all. An attorney from the San Fernando Valley, who bought his season tickets before the team had played a game, spoke about the situation on the phone twice Wednesday but declined to use his name because he, too, fears it will affect the status of his appeal. He doesnt want to point fingers or speculate on reasons for the teams decision, he explained. He just wants his tickets back. Its a team I love. A team Ill support regardless, he said. I definitely want to continue to be a season-ticket holder. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. CHICAGO (AP) A federal lawsuit filed Thursday alleges Chicago police misused unreliable gunshot detection technology and failed to pursue other leads in investigating a grandfather from the citys South Side who was charged with killing a neighbor. Chicago prosecutors used audio picked up by a network of sensors installed by the gunshot detection company ShotSpotter as critical evidence in charging Michael Williams with murder in 2020 for allegedly shooting the man inside his car. Williams spent nearly a year in jail, and The Associated Press reported last year that a judge dismissed his case at the request of prosecutors, who said they had insufficient evidence. The lawsuit filed by the MacArthur Justice Center at Northwestern Universitys law school seeks damages from the city for mental anguish, loss of income and legal bills for the 65-year-old Williams, who said he still suffers from a tremor in his hand that developed while he was locked up. It also details the case of a second plaintiff Daniel Ortiz, a 36-year-old father who the lawsuit alleges was arbitrarily arrested and jailed by police who were responding to a ShotSpotter alert. The suit seeks class-action status for any Chicago resident who was stopped on the basis of the alerts. It also seeks a court order barring the technologys use in the nations third-largest city. Even though now Im so-called free, I dont think I will ever be free of the thought of what they have done and the impact that has on me now, like the shaking with my hand, Williams said. I constantly go back to the thought of being in that place. ... I just cant get my mind to settle down. ShotSpotter isnt named as a defendant in the 103-page filing though the lawsuit claims the companys algorithm-powered technology is flawed. The suit also alleges the citys decision to place most of its gunshot-detection sensors in predominantly Black and Latino neighborhoods is racially discriminatory. Story continues Asked for a comment, the city's law department, which represents police in such cases, said later Thursday that it had not yet been served with the complaint. Chicago police have previously praised the ShotSpotter system, saying it puts officers on the scene of shootings far faster than if they wait for someone to call 911. Police have also said crime rates not residents race determine where the technology is deployed. ShotSpotter said in a statement that the evidence it collects and its expert witnesses have been admitted in 200 court cases in 20 states, and have survived dozens of evidentiary challenges. It described its system as highly accurate with a 97% aggregate accuracy rate for real-time detections across all customers and that an analytics company had verified the effectiveness of the technology. ShotSpotters website says the company is a leader in precision policing technology solutions that help stop gun violence by using sensors, algorithms and artificial intelligence to classify 14 million sounds in its proprietary database as gunshots or something else. But the AP investigation identified a number of flaws in using ShotSpotter as evidentiary support for prosecutors, and found the system can miss live gunfire right under its microphones, or misclassify the sounds of fireworks or cars backfiring as gunshots. Last year, Chicagos nonpartisan watchdog agency concluded that actual evidence of a gun-related crime was found in about 9% of ShotSpotter alerts that were confirmed as probable gunshots. The lawsuit says the investigating officers put blind faith in ShotSpotter evidence they knew or should have known was unreliable in order to charge Williams with killing 25-year-old Safarian Herring. The lawsuit alleges investigators used ShotSpotter material in a way that went beyond its intended use, quoting a disclaimer in one document related to Williams case that says the investigative lead summary should only be used for initial investigative purposes. The suit also accuses investigators of not pursuing other leads that could have produced credible suspects, including reports that someone previously shot at Herring at a bus stop. Police and prosecutors never established a motive for Williams to have shot Herring, never found witnesses to the shooting, and never recovered a weapon or physical evidence tying Williams to the killing, the suit alleges. The Defendant Officers engaged in tunnel vision to target Mr. Williams, arresting him for First-Degree murder, without probable cause, the lawsuit said. ___ Burke reported from San Francisco. ___ Follow Garance Burke and Michael Tarm on Twitter at @garanceburke and @mtarm. Contact APs global investigative team at Investigative@ap.org or https://www.ap.org/tips/ Shasta County Sheriff-Coroner Eric Magrini receives his oath office from Supervisor Leonard Moty in the Board of Supervisors chambers on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2020. Corrections & Clarifications: This story has been updated to correct that former Supervisor Leonard Moty's comment regarding the whistleblower letter was in response to two allegations only with which he was directly familiar. Attorneys for the Record Searchlight and Shasta County made their first appearance in court Thursday in a case over releasing sheriff's office management records being withheld by the county. The newspaper sued the county to obtain documents related to the management of the sheriff's office before former Sheriff Eric Magrini left the job to become the assistant county executive officer. The lawsuit comes after the newspaper spent the past year requesting documents from the county under the California Public Records Act to shed light on what led Magrini to step down as sheriff in June 2021, leaving behind a department that had already been in turmoil for the past year. The day after he left the sheriff's office under a cloud of no-confidence votes by his employees, Magrini assumed the new role as assistant CEO, a job that came with a 31% pay increase. On Thursday, Shasta County Superior Court Judge Stephen Baker ordered attorneys to return to court Aug. 8 to further discuss the case, work out legal issues and determine how to proceed. Walt McNeill, who is representing the paper, said he was pleased the case will be heard again in less than three weeks. Civil court cases often proceed at a slower pace, he said. "You have to understand, for a court process this is like lightning speed compared to a regular civil case," he said. The lawsuit filed in Shasta County Superior Court seeks the release of investigative reports and communications pertaining to the management of the sheriff's office under Magrini. In response to four separate records requests from the Record Searchlight, County Counsel Rubin Cruse argued the materials are of a private nature and protected under California law that maintains confidentiality of peace officer personnel records, and that because they fall under "attorney-client" privilege, they are exempt from disclosure. Story continues McNeill said the sheriff is an elected official who does not work for the Board of Supervisors, so the county's claims of confidentiality do not apply. Assistant County Counsel Jim Ross said in court Thursday that the county plans to hire a private attorney to challenge releasing the documents. On Wednesday, he had said the county complies with the public records laws and will continue to oppose releasing the documents the newspaper seeks. "Preliminarily, what's indicated is the county is going to resist this as best they can. I think it's unfortunate that they are withholding, especially the reports and correspondence concerning (former) Sheriff Magrini's work," McNeill said. Problems with Magrini's management style surfaced within six months after he was appointed by the Board of Supervisors in December 2019, according to statements from the Shasta County Deputy Sheriff's Association and Sheriff's Administrative Association. More: Record Searchlight sues Shasta County over records related to Eric Magrini stepping down as sheriff During the next year, morale in the department continued to decline, according to the DSA. And on Jan. 27, 2021, the union "overwhelmingly" voted that its members had no confidence in Magrini. The Sheriff's Administrative Association, made up of captains and lieutenants in the department, sent a letter on Feb. 17, 2021, to the Board of Supervisors outlining "concerns with leadership, morale and potential illegal and unethical behaviors" by Magrini and then-Undersheriff Jason Barnhart. Because of the issues raised by the two unions, the county hired a legal firm to investigate the complaints. But the county has refused to release any reports or communications associated with that investigation. The management issues in the sheriff's office did not come to light until the DSA and SAA issued statements after Magrini stepped down in June 2021. More: 'Serious misconduct': Whistleblower complaint blasting former sheriff, county officials, leaked online A whistleblower letter sent April 8, 2021, to the company that investigated the department, also was not publicly released. However, most of that letter was leaked online in May of this year, more than a year after it was submitted to the county's investigator. A photo of Patrick Kropholler's retirement ceremony was posted on Facebook earlier this year. From left is Sheriff Michael Johnson, Kropholler, center and Capt. Brian Jackson. The whistleblower report, signed by then sheriff's Capt. Pat Kropholler, made allegations similar to the ones brought up by the two unions. The whistleblower letter included numerous allegations, including: Magrini misused a statewide law enforcement communication system to do a background check on former county CEO, Matt Pontes. The former sheriff engaged in an alleged back-door deal to hire Pontes and have the county's personnel director take the top administrative post in Siskiyou County. Magrini asked Kropholler to alter a report in an officer-involved shooting that would be unfavorable to a sergeant in the department. The former sheriff worked with a local militia during a Black Lives Matter protest in Redding in June 2020. After the Board of Supervisors did not give him a pay raise, Magrini retaliated against the supervisors by not providing requested security during their meetings. Shortly before stepping down as sheriff, Kropholler was placed on administrative leave until he was cleared to return to work by Michael Johnson, who was appointed sheriff in July 2021. County officials were advised not to comment on the report. But Moty, addressing the allegations on Magrini misusing the background check system and the deal with Davis to hire her at some future time in exchange for her silence on Pontes, denied them and called them "crazy" and "totally false." More: Shasta deputy sheriff's union slams Eric Magrini for 'failures' on the job Damon Arthur is the Record Searchlights resources and environment reporter. He is part of a team of journalists who investigate wrongdoing and find the unheard voices to tell the stories of the North State. He welcomes story tips at 530-338-8834 by email at damon.arthur@redding.com and on Twitter at @damonarthur_RS. Help local journalism thrive by subscribing today! This article originally appeared on Redding Record Searchlight: Lawsuit to obtain records about former Shasta Sheriff Magrini proceeds AUGUSTA, Ga. One soldier was killed and nine others injured after a lightning strike Wednesday at Fort Gordon, a U.S. Army base in eastern Georgia. Sgt. 1st Class Michael D. Clark, a native of Springfield, Massachusetts, was identified Thursday as the lone fatal victim. He was assigned to 933rd Forward Resuscitative Surgical Company, 3rd Medical Command (Deployment Support). Clark, 41, served in the Army and U.S. Army Reserve for more than 22 years, deploying four times in support of operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, according to a release from the U.S. Army Reserve. The 933rd FRSD family is devastated by the loss of our brother, Sgt. 1st Class Michael Clark," said Maj. Stephen W. Rhinehart, commander of the 933rd. "Sgt. 1st Clark was a loving husband, father, and a patriot who deeply loved our country. His leadership, knowledge, experience, and love for his fellow Soldiers was immeasurable." WEATHER, EXPLAINED: What exactly happens during a thunderstorm? What to know about thunder, lightning and more. Seven of the injured soldiers remained in good condition and one has been treated and released, according to the release. At 11:10 a.m., Fort Gordon Range Control reported that 10 soldiers "sustained injuries associated with a lightning strike" at one of its training areas, according to a news release. Fort Gordon is located near Augusta, about 140 miles east of Atlanta. This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Georgia lightning strike kills 1, injures 9 at Army's Fort Gordon I love to pick up items like nuts or bakery when I tag along with a friend going to Costco. Jennifer Espady; Su-Jit Lin As someone living alone, I don't need a Costco membership, but I love to shop with a card carrier. When my friends go to Costco, I like to pick up items from the bakery, leafy greens, and mozzarella. The price of random products like giant dishware, sunscreen, and light bulbs can't be beaten. I need to get at least one kind of fresh-baked treat from the bakery. Costco sells a variety of baked goods, including jumbo muffins. Su-Jit Lin I usually make a beeline for the Costco bakery to see what's hot out of the oven. I don't need decadent danishes or soft-baked white-chocolate macadamia-nut cookies but I sure want them. The latter rival David's Cookies, and the croissant-like danishes take away the sting of the discontinuation of the deep-dish pull-apart version. And since they keep well in the freezer, I can tell myself they'll last me until my next run even though they've never made it through the week. In the produce section, I pick up leafy greens. The produce section is abundant with lettuce, kale, and other greens. Rachel MacPherson Luckily, the bakery is often located a few steps away from the produce chiller. In there, I scoop up either a six-pack of romaine lettuce hearts or a 1-pound clamshell of organic spring mix, which can be cheaper than at Aldi or Lidl. Sometimes, I'll go for the mega bags of spinach if I've got sautes on the brain. These medium-sized leaves are fine for salads, but they're ideal as a cooked side, shrinking down and freeing up space in my fridge in no time. There are specific things I look for in the chips and snacks aisles. The chips at Costco seem to go fast. Jennifer Espady Crunchy, salty snacks are my Kryptonite, which is exactly why I feel comfortable buying bulk bags of chips from Costco. The Food Should Taste Good multigrain chips are an unbeatable deal per ounce here, especially since Costco carries the organic version. The Kettle-brand Krinkle-Cut Himalayan-salt potato chips is also a high-value steal. It's even cheaper by the ounce than the Sharing Size when its on sale, and it seems the simply salted flavor in the thick, wavy cut is rarely in stock at most supermarkets. If I'm in the mood for sweet and salty, Angie's Boom Chicka Pop kettle corn is great for a movie night. When Costco's got any of these three snacks on sale, that's usually my cue to wrangle a card carrier to help me stock up on my sins. Story continues I always go home with some form of mozzarella cheese. Costco also sells mozzarella snacking cheese. Alana Al-Hatlani Whether it's fried-then-frozen or Polly-O-stringed, mozzarella cheese is perpetually on my Costco list. My boyfriend has never outgrown string cheese, and a 48-count bag keeps him happily swimming in the stuff. When it goes on sale, it becomes a steal compared to conventional market prices. For myself, I'm never low on the Petite Cuisine mozzarella sticks, one of my affordable favorites. They bake up crunchy, are seasoned well, and have an excellent pull-to-cheese-to-breading ratio. I'd recommend these cheese sticks to anyone. Yogurt and cottage cheese are a steal at Costco. Chobani's yogurt is a great choice. Kathryn Conda At Costco, a 3-pound tub of Fage the smoothest, richest plain Greek yogurt out there costs as much as a 2-pound one in any market, and I don't hesitate to buy two. This yogurt is so versatile and such a delicious and convenient source of protein, that it's gone in a jiff. However, as much as I love mixing things with my unflavored Fage, including the inexpensive Daisy cottage cheese I also like to grab from this aisle, it's hard to resist the individual Chobani cups when they're on sale. I particularly favor the Hint Of lower-sugar line, and when they're on promo, their price is dramatically lower than at regular retailers. Costco has better cooking oil for less. Organic extra-virgin olive oil is great to have in your kitchen. Lizzy Briskin Kirkland's organic extra-virgin olive oil is an unbelievable bargain, especially considering that some versions of this ingredient in the US aren't top quality or purity. In fact, I love this oil so much that my mom used to save herself the annoyance of coordinating my piggybacked Costco trip by keeping an extra bottle on hand. The smart lady knew it was only a matter of time before I'd ask for it. And now, Costco carries Chosen Foods avocado oil for as much per liter as bottles a fraction of the size. With its higher smoking point, I like this better for cooking than olive oil, which I usually drizzle on top of dishes. When it comes to paper products, I get enough napkins for a year. Costco also sells paper towels in bulk. Kathryn Conda Given the choice of thin, luncheonette napkins or thick, cloth-like, two-ply squares, it's obvious which is the better pick. At Costco, these are roughly the same price as the bargain napkins, and every pack lasts longer when you only need one per meal. I only need to buy a 660-pack about once a year, but if the COVID-19 pandemic stock-up taught us anything, it's that paper goods are hot commodities that are good to have in bulk. I stock up on Kodiak Cakes mixes. These cakes are a filling and healthy plant-based meal and come in a variety of flavors. Frank Olito/Insider Kodiak Cakes' whole-grain, high-protein mix is a go-to meal solution for me and the buttermilk flavor is a perfect blank canvas for a variety of add-ins and toppings. Getting the bulk box means you're missing out on the wide variety of ready-to-go flavors the brand makes, but the savings you'll reap is well worth it. I like to doctor the cake mix up with baking powder for more fluff (which turns a flapjack into a pancake), plus fruit or chocolate chips and a dollop of that Fage yogurt. Fairlife protein shakes taste like iced hot chocolate. These shakes contain 30 grams of protein. Rachel MacPherson Ready-to-drink protein shakes can get really expensive, which is why I did a double take when I saw these on my last piggybacked run. Fairlife products are awesome, especially if you're like me and refuse to admit you may be lactose sensitive. This ultra-pasteurized brand is relatively low in sugar and high in protein and it's shelf-stable, so it's perfectly happy sitting in my garage and not taking up too much space. It's great at only 150 calories for 30 grams of protein, but I like to drink it a little watered down on ice too. Costco's nut selection is one of the best things in the store. The warehouse carries a variety of nuts, including Kirkland-brand macadamias. Jennifer Espady I love salty, crunchy foods, which makes the nut section another dangerous aisle. Located near the checkout, it's a joyous way to pass the time in line as my carded friend holds the spot for me. The giant roasted cashews are perfection every time, toasted extra dark and salted super hard. The extra-crunchy jumbo peanuts are irresistibly blistered and I can't get enough of them. The Kirkland pistachios are always fresh and powdered generously with fine salt. And I still poke around with hope in my heart that Costco will bring back the Kirkland honey-roasted extra-large peanuts the best version of a sweet-glazed snack I've ever had. I never leave without something random that I fall in love with. Costco also sells a variety of items, like clothing and dishes. Kathryn Conda At the entrance and every other endcap, something seasonal and timely usually piques my interest. I typically get sunscreen from Costco every summer, especially since mineral-based sprays can get very expensive when you have to buy them last-minute at a drugstore. But wandering the aisles with friends who need way more than me also means that I can discover life-changing finds, like my Dyson Ball Animal 2. I'm now so obsessed with the brand, I bought the stick vacuum too. I also bought the plate-and-giant-bowl set of my volume-eating dreams in this section. I was able to replace every single light in my new home with energy- and cost-efficient LED light bulbs for a steal. You can't leave Costco without a ready-to-go dinner item. Prepared meals at Costco can be a bargain. Kathryn Conda After toughing those long lines and large crowds and maneuvering a big cart, I might not always have the energy to make a meal. The original Costco staple, the famous $5 rotisserie chicken, is as ready to go as I am at this point, and grabbing one is just a smart move. I think some parts of the chicken might be spongy and high in sodium, but overall, it's an easy, tasty, and affordable meal base. Costco rarely ever runs out of the chicken, but if it does, the $9.95 Costco pizza is perfect in a pinch. Like the chicken, it's not the best you can get, but you can't beat the value for the size. The pizza is made with half a pound of good-quality mozzarella and serves as a perfect vehicle for a cheesy toast to another successful card-free Costco run. Click to keep reading Costco diaries like this one. Read the original article on Insider Western Pennsylvania hospitals are combining on a multipronged campaign to increase blood donations this summer as a shortage has hit when emergency tranfusions are at their traditional high points. Blood services nonprofit Vitalant is involved in the campaign, as well as Allegheny Health Network, UPMC, Heritage Valley Health Center, St. Clair and others. It will include public service announcements, outdoor ads and digital and social media. The campaign is starting in July and will run through the middle of September. It also includes a special website, givebloodsavelives.org, that will help route potential donors to the right place, with Vitalant and the American Red Cross in western Pennsylvania and other organizations in other parts of the state. Theres no total available for how much ad spend but the health systems are running them with their regular media schedules and paying for the co-branded messages, according to Highmark Health EVP and Chief Marketing Officer Cynthia Donohoe. Click here to read more from the Pittsburgh Business Times. TRENDING NOW: Forgotten Subway sandwich ends up costing young woman $1,844 President Joe Biden tests positive for COVID-19 Pittsburgh Public Schools to announce new superintendent Thursday afternoon VIDEO: McKees Rocks police asking residents to stay vigilant after robbery DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts Lorraine Kelly was close to Dame Deborah James. (ITV) Lorraine Kelly has revealed that she is getting a tattoo in honour of Dame Deborah James. The talk show host, 62, was close to the late podcast host - who died in June at the age of 40 after battling bowel cancer - and was among the mourners at her funeral this week. Paying tribute on her ITV chat show, Kelly said it had been "beautiful send off" that was a celebration of "an amazing, amazing woman". Read more: Dame Deborah James dies of bowel cancer aged 40 And she shared that some of those at the service had agreed to get a tattoo of Dame Deborah's well-known phrase "Rebellious Hope". Dame Deborah James died at 40 after battling cancer. (Getty) She said: "I think yesterday there was a whole bunch of us who said we are going to get tattoos with 'Rebellious Hope' on them. "I think I agreed to it." Kelly said Dame Deborah was the only person she would do that for. Lorraine Kelly was at the funeral of Dame Deborah James. (PA) Kelly also said that as well as all of her fundraising and work to raise awareness, Dame Deborah's son Hugo, 14, and daughter Eloise, 12, were her legacy. "We talk about her legacy and her legacy is astonishing, what she's done to raise awareness," she said. "But her legacy is also her children and they are, wow, they are incredible, incredible young people. They really are." Dame Deborah was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2016. In May this year she penned a moving message on Instagram, saying that she had moved to hospice care as her body was no longer "playing ball". She set up the Bowel Babe fund in her name, which will support Cancer Research UK, The Institute of Cancer Research, The Royal Marsden hospital and promoting cancer awareness among younger people. The family of Dame Deborah James at her funeral service. (PA) And in the last weeks of her life, Dame Deborah helped to raise more than seven million. Read more: Dame Deborah James: Adele Roberts and Julia Bradbury lead tributes to cancer campaigner She passed away peacefully on 28 June, surrounded by her loved ones. Watch: Friends and family bid farewell to Deborah James at intimate service NY Daily News NEW YORK Jose Rodriguez was tired, hungry and beaten down when he crossed the border from Mexico into Texas after a two-month journey. He didnt have money, and he didnt have many options. Although he had originally hoped to go to Miami, he heard there was a free bus to New York. Officials told him that if he boarded the bus, thered be help waiting for him. Rodriguez believed there was a ... PARIS (Reuters) - French billionaire and LVMH chief Bernard Arnault has changed the legal structure of his family holding company Agache to a joint-stock partnership to ensure family control over LVMH in the long term, the company said on Thursday. The change does not affect its current shareholding, Arnault said in a statement. Under the new legal set-up, the family holding company will be controlled by Agache Commandite SAS, which will be held equally by Arnault's five children. A filing with the French market authority showed that the Arnault family, through various legal entities, owns 47.99% of LVMH and has 63.5% of voting rights in the luxury group. Arnault, 73, is CEO and chairman of LVMH and has not publicly named a successor for the sprawling luxury empire he built through acquisitions. LVMH bylaws were changed at the annual shareholder meeting in April to raise the maximum age of its chief executive officer to 80 from 75. All five children hold senior management positions at labels in the group. The eldest, Delphine Arnault,47, and Antoine Arnault, 45, children from his first marriage, are also both on the group's board of directors. Alexandre Arnault, 30, is an executive at Tiffany & Co. while Frederic Arnault, 27, is chief executive officer of TAG Heuer. The youngest, Jean Arnault, 23, joined the group a year ago, directing marketing and development for Louis Vuitton's watches division. (Reporting by Mimosa Spencer; Editing by Sandra Maler) Man Convicted of Killing Greek Activist Zak Kostopoulos Walks Free One of two men convicted in the 2018 beating death of Greek LGBTQ+ activist Zak Kostopoulos has been freed from jail after serving only two months of a 10-year sentence. A court in Athens has granted parole to Thanassis Hortarias, 60, as he appeals his recent conviction for his role in the murder of Zak Kostopoulos which took place on September 21, 2018, CNN Greece reports. The court cited the failing health of Hortariass wife and two relatives for whom he is responsible in its decision. Hortarias, an estate agent, and jewelry shopkeeper Spyros Dimopoulos, 77, had each been sentenced to 10 years in jail following their convictions in May on lesser charges of injury resulting in death rather than murder. Hortarias is required to report to the police each month and cannot leave the country, according to the outlet. Kostopoulos, who was living with HIV, was brutally beaten to death by Hortarias and Dimopoulos, 77, the owner of a jewelry shop the 33-year-old activist and drag performer had quickly entered while fleeing from unknown attackers, the Guardian reports. Multiple video cameras captured the horrific assault, showing the first beating by the two, and a later assault by the arresting police officers who can be seen kicking Kostopoulos in the head multiple times as he lay on the ground. Police initially blamed Kostopoulos, saying he attempted to rob the store while under the influence of drugs. It was later found there were no drugs in his system at the time of the assault and videos disproved the robbery claims. Only after Kostolopouloss family hired a private group to conduct its own investigation did the case move forward. Forensic Architecture quickly discovered police had made little effort to investigate the case, the group reports. Authorities did not secure the crime scene or videos which captured the incident, and did not interview important witnesses. The case was reopened and charges were brought after the family and Forensic Architecture submitted their own report to prosecutors. Story continues Hortarias and Dimopoulos were convicted in May. At the sentencing hearing, prosecutors had argued for the maximum sentences possible. Their behavior and action contain elements of a punitive disposition, the prosecution noted, according to Keep Talking Greece. Zacharias Kostopoulos never attacked the defendants since he was trapped and they were safe. It turned out that they attacked him. It follows from their way of acting and their behavior that no mitigating factor should be recognized. Hortrariass release means none of those captured on video assaulting Kostopoulos or originally charged in the case remain behind bars. Four police officers were acquitted of all charges in May, and Dimopoulos was allowed to serve his sentence at home due to his advanced age. A Chicago woman was fatally shot by her ex-husband who drove hundreds of miles from his Georgia home to carry out the deadly deed before killing himself, according to police. In the weeks prior to her death, Sania Khan opened up about her divorce on social media, specifically on TikTok. In one video she discussed the cultural stigmas surrounding the process for the South Asian community while also touching on her pain and struggle. Going through a divorce as South Asian woman feels like you failed at life sometimes, she captioned one clip. In another, Khan wrote that it can be painful to walk away from someone you once loved. But its even more painful to love someone who is careless with your heart. On Monday, the 29-year-old photographer was discovered dead inside her apartment. She was found near the door with a fatal gunshot wound to the back of the head and pronounced dead on the scene, sources told the Chicago-Sun Times on Wednesday. Authorities at the time were performing a wellness check requested by the family of 36-year-old Raheel Ahmad, Khans ex-husband, according to the police report. They reported him missing from an Atlanta suburb, where hed been living. When authorities arrived at the door of the apartment unit, they heard a single gunshot ring out and a verbal groan, according to the report. Ahmad was found in the bedroom and unresponsive with a firearm still in his hand. He was rushed to Northwestern Hospital with a gunshot wound to the head and pronounced dead a short time later. A suicide note was also recovered at the scene. An officer told the Sun-Times that Ahmad had been struggling with the divorce and that he traveled to Khans home to salvage the marriage. Friends said their divorce was finalized back in May. Madison County Schools announced Jimmy McGregor is Mars Hill Elementary School's new principal. MARS HILL - Mars Hill Elementary School's new principal Jimmy McGregor said "it's good to be back home" after working in Brunswick County Schools as an assistant principal and fifth grade science teacher. Madison County Schools announced McGregor's hiring in a news release July 18, and the school board voted to approve McGregor as the new principal in its June 27 meeting. "I'm pretty excited. It's good to be back," said McGregor, 42. "My wife and I consider this home. So, the fact that we got to come home is pretty exciting." McGregor said he and his wife Lauren met at a Halloween party at McGregor's sister's house in Mars Hill. "This is where we met, and were dating, and we ended up getting married here," McGregor said. The couple have two children: James, 2, and Carter, 3 months. McGregor brings 15 years of experience in education, and began his teaching career after serving on a mission trip in the Dominican Republic. "I had the opportunity to teach second grade (in the Dominican Republic) and thought, 'Man, this is a great opportunity to make a difference in kids' lives," McGregor said. From there, he went on to South Florida, and received his degree in elementary education from Florida Atlantic University. He taught kindergarten and third grade in South Florida for eight years. After leaving Florida, McGregor came to Western North Carolina, where he served as an earth and physical science teacher at Mitchell High School. The McGregors packed up for the coast after Lauren took a job assignment for the State Bureau of Investigation. While there, McGregor worked in Brunswick County Schools as the assistant principal and science teacher. "It's been a little bit of a journey, traveling around and seeing different things and trying different grades," McGregor said. The Mars Hill principal said he feels his wide-ranging experience will help him reach all the K-5 students, as the town's growth has ushered in an ever-changing student demographic. Story continues "I studied abroad in Ecuador for a semester, and took many trips to Mexico throughout my life," McGregor said. "My sister married a Costa Rican, and they lived in Costa Rica, and we surfed the whole west coast of Costa Rica one summer. They live here, also in Mars Hill. So there is a lot of Costa Rican culture I'm familiar with, South American, Central American, etc." Superintendent Will Hoffman said McGregor's enthusiasm and experience will help serve him in the role of MHES principal. Jimmy McGregor brings boundless energy and a strong understanding of elementary education to Mars Hill Elementary and Madison County Schools," Hoffman said. "We are very happy that he is now a part of the MCS team. McGregor said he has always had a deep respect for Mars Hill Elementary, and he hopes to help his fellow staff to realize their greatness. "My overall vision is to bring it up to a sense of pride that they can reach," McGregor said. "I know that I've watched the school from a little bit of a distance. My nieces went to school here. My nephew went to school here. Lauren went to school here. Her little sisters went to school here. I've watched all this, as I lived over on Main Street in the past. "My goal for this next year is to inspire our teachers to reach for greatness. I think it's here. I think the teachers have it within them. I think they're great teachers, and I want to help support them to reach that greatness. That's ultimately what my goal is." McGregor said even though he and Lauren loved their home just south of Wilmington, they still "always called Madison home." "There's always a special place in our heart," McGregor said. "I remember talking to a Mars Hill resident, Bill Ricker, and he used to always say, 'There's something special about Madison County.' It always resonated in my heart. So, the fact that we can come back and be a part of the community, and hopefully make an impact, both of us are just hoping that we can do our fair share in making this a great place for our kids to grow up." This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Mars Hill Elem. new principal McGregor: 'It's good to be back home' MEXICO CITY (AP) President Andres Manuel Lopez Obradors daily news briefing was nearing its end Wednesday when a reporter stood up and said he was afraid for his life, dramatically underscoring the dangers faced by journalists in Mexico. Reporter Rodolfo Montes said with his voice trembling that he was afraid the government would withdraw bodyguards assigned to him after he got a threatening telephone call. Montes said the caller claimed to be from the Jalisco drug cartel, but he suspected that wasnt true. I suspect somebody else, they are hiding a government employee, Montes said. Lopez Obrador pledged to protect him. Montes is an independent reporter who has contributed stories to the newsweekly Proceso and other national outlets. He said he received the threat when he was in the Caribbean coast state of Quintana Roo, and that interior department officials helped him leave the state. The fear is understandable. So far this year, a dozen reporters have been killed in Mexico, making it the most dangerous country for reporters outside a war zone. These kind of statements are a reflection of the danger and threats they face, Jan-Albert Hootsen, the Mexico representative of the Committee to Protect Journalists, said of Montes' direct appeal to the president. It was not the first time a reporter has complained at the president's daily morning news briefing about being in danger. If they feel forced to go to the president, it's because they have faced problems at lower levels in the government, Hootsen said. Over the weekend, a reporter in the northern border state of Sonora said gunshots had been fired at him in the city of Ciudad Obregon. Reporter Ruben Haro wrote on his Las Noticias de la Red page that he was not injured and said the gunman may have mistaken him for someone else. In June, Antonio de la Cruz became the 12th journalist killed so far this year in Mexico, when a man on a motorcycle fired at him in his car outside his home in the northern Mexico border state of Tamaulipas. His daughter Cinthya de la Cruz Martinez, 23, was with him in the vehicle at the time of the attack and she later died of her injuries. By Lizbeth Diaz MEXICO CITY (Reuters) -Mexico has questioned the use of cultural elements from the Mayan indigenous community by Chinese fast fashion company Shein in the design of one of its garments, prompting the retailer to remove the product from its website. The Culture Ministry said some details of Shein's "Fan-Trim Top with Floral Print" were similar to a traditional huipil embroidery made in 2017 by an artisanal clothing brand from southeastern Mexico. "These designs have been passed down from generation to generation, so they are the product of a collective creativity corresponding to the Mayan people," the ministry said in a letter to the company. Shein, a fast-growing online store that has considered a New York listing, said on Thursday it had removed the product from its website and that it has no intent of infringing anyone's intellectual property. "We reaffirm our respect for artisans in Mexico and around the world," a Shein spokesperson said via email. Mexican brand Yucachulas, responsible for the original piece, said on social media it was "deeply saddened" by what it called plagiarism. "It represents a lack of recognition for the work of artisans who dedicate themselves to this job and make their living from handicrafts". The Mexican government has called in the past for large foreign firms to explain instances of what it says is commercial exploitation of distinctive elements of Mexico's culture in their products. (Report by Lizbeth DiazWriting by Noe Torres and Gabriel AraujoEditing by Frances Kerry and Bernadette Baum) Michigan GOP candidate for governor Tudor Dixon on Monday said she does not support abortions in any case except for protecting the life of the mother, arguing that a woman should carry a pregnancy to term even in the case of rape or incest. Dixon told Charlie LeDuff on his podcast show No BS Newshour that even in the case in which a 14-year-old was raped by an uncle, she would not support abortion. A life is a life for me, Dixon said. Thats how it is. That is for me, thats my feeling. Dixon also explicitly differentiated between the health and life of a mother, arguing she would only support an abortion to save the mothers life. After the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe V. Wade last month, around half of all states have moved to ban or severely restrict abortions in nearly all cases, with some even limiting abortions in the case of rape or incest. Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) is battling with the Republican-controlled state legislature over a 1931 Michigan law that bans abortions in nearly all cases, including for rape or incest. Abortion remains legal in Michigan because of an injunction a high court placed in the state, but Republicans are pushing to lift the order after the Roe decision. Whitmer, who said she can find no common ground with Republicans on abortion, is running for reelection in a state where she has grown increasingly unpopular, particularly over her pandemic policies. In November, Whitmer will take on either Dixon or another GOP candidate, who are vying for the nomination in a packed primary. A Detroit News poll released on Tuesday shows Dixon is leading the pack ahead of the Aug. 2 primary against her challengers. On Monday, LeDuff asked Dixon if her hardline stance on abortion would alienate some voters, but the GOP candidate said most Michiganders are against abortion on demand. They think thats the winning issue, but most Americans do not believe in this third-trimester abortion, partial abortion, ripping babies out and pulling them out of their mother, she said. That kind of stuff, thats on the ballot. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. After a major uptick in gun-related violence across the country and record-breaking homicides for the Milwaukee area, a city committee has approved an ordinance on Thursday, which would require all gun owners to safely store their firearm. If passed by the Common Council later this month, the ordinance would see that any firearm meaning a handgun, rifle or shotgun must be stored in a "secure locking device" in order to prevent theft and the use of the firearm to commit a crime. Those who decide to possess a firearm have an enormous responsibility to keep themselves and others safe, Ald. Russell W. Stamper wrote in a statement earlier this month. Tragic incidents like the one that occurred early today near 19th and Juneau show just how important it is to keep your firearm in a safe and secure place. He was referring to the July 1 death of a 3-year-old boy who obtained a gun and unintentionally shot himself. "Should someones firearm go missing, it is critical that it be reported as soon as possible," he added. "That is the core problem were trying to solve with this ordinance." Additionally, any firearm stored in an unoccupied vehicle parked on a highway or parking lot must be safely stored. Any misplacement or theft of the firearm by its owner would have to be reported to police within 24 hours. Owners whose guns are used in a felony or misdemeanor who have not reported the weapon as stolen would be subject to a fine between $2,500 and $5,000. More: A car chase, homicide scene and high school: Where ghost guns are found in Milwaukee More: How Milwaukee faith leaders are answering the call to be a 'primary piece' of the city's plan to stop gun violence Gun ownership in Wisconsin has risen 136% between 2002 and 2021, according to a report carried out by SafeHome.org, an organization of home security experts that conducts research aimed at making communities safer. With that sharp increase, data released by the Milwaukee police department also showed the number of stolen guns had increased 124% in 2021 compared with 2019, with most stolen frequently from vehicles and homes. Story continues The data also noted the top five Milwaukee neighborhoods that account for roughly 20% of stolen guns include Old North Milwaukee (Districts 4, 5 and 7), Juneau Town (District 1), Walker's Point (District 2), Harambe (District 5) and North Division (Districts 3 and 5). A study by the Medical College of Wisconsin and The University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health in March 2021 reported that firearm-related homicides in Milwaukee among non-Hispanic African Americans were 14.6 times greater than among white residents. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel has also reported that there has been more than a dozen juvenile homicides as of late June. "There are so many solutions that we can do as a community to avoid gun violence," Milwaukee police Chief of Staff Nick DeSiato, who helped draft the ordinance. "It's one less funeral and it's one less tragedy be responsible for your firearms." The Common Council is expected to vote on the ordinance on July 28. Contact Vanessa Swales at 414-308-5881 or vswales@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter @Vanessa_Swales. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee considers ordinance on gun storage, reporting firearm thefts SheKnows Who should be allowed in a pregnant couples OBGYN sessions? Thats the question a future dad is asking Reddits AITA forum after his MIL decided that she would like to join in. According to the Reddit user, she has always been controlling over her daughter. His MIL has never been happy with the fact that [] Associated Press A once-prominent neurologist convicted last month of sexually abusing patients killed himself Monday at a New York City jail, two people familiar with the matter said. Dr. Ricardo Cruciani, 68, was found unresponsive in a shower area at the Eric M. Taylor Center, a jail at the notorious Rikers Island complex, the people said. Cruciani's lawyer, Frederick Sosinsky, confirmed in a statement that his client had died, but not the manner of death. Migratory monarch butterflies, known for their bright orange and spotted wings spectacularly filling the sky on a nearly 2,500-mile journey every year, are now "closer to the brink" of extinction. The International Union for Conservation of Nature announced the grim news on Thursday, saying that human activities that result in habitat destruction and climate change are mostly responsible. The migratory monarch is a subspecies of the monarch butterfly and is known for its annual migration from Mexico to the U.S. and Canada. Over the past decade, its population has shrunk by between 22% to 72%, depending on the measurement method used, according to the IUCN. And the majority of that decline is, the group said, is because of people. Logging and deforestation have destroyed substantial areas of the butterflies' winter home in Mexico and California. Last year, the World Wildlife Fund and Mexico's government issued a report that the monarch population that was in Mexico for hibernation in 2020 plunged by 26% compared to the previous year. In 2019, they had occupied nearly seven acres of Mexico's hibernation forests, while in 2020, they occupied just over five. The Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve, where the majority of the migrating monarchs hibernate, lost a significant amount of trees leading up to the annual migration, the report found, mostly because of "clandestine" logging. Pesticides and herbicides also play a role in the butterflies' demise, as the chemicals kill butterflies and milkweed, which is essential for butterfly larvae to develop. In February, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposed adding prostrate milkweed to the endangered species list, saying that humans have depleted the resource through root-plowing, border security activities and construction. And then, of course, there is human-caused climate change. The intense droughts that have been ravaging the West Coast limit the ability for milkweed to grow. And paired with the extreme heat that dozens of states are facing, particularly California, it has created wildfires that further destroy essential plants that feed and house the species. Story continues While migrating monarch populations have declined from coast to coast, it's the western population that has felt it the worst, the IUCN said. The population is estimated to have declined by 99.9% between the 1980s and 2021 from 10 million to less than 2,000. These numbers have the group concerned as to whether there are enough butterflies to prevent total extinction. IUCN member Anna Walker, who led the assessment, said in a statement that it's difficult to watch the species "teeter on the edge of collapse." "But there are signs of hope," she said, noting that organizations are working to restore habitats, plant milkweed and reduce pesticides. "...We all have a role to play in making sure this iconic insect makes a full recovery." The IUCN's Red List names 41,000 species that face extinction. Also added to the red list on Thursday are every single species of sturgeon. The IUCN found that "100% of the world's remaining 26 sturgeon species are now at risk of extinction." One species, the Yangtze Sturgeon, is officially extinct in the wild, and the Chinese Paddlefish, is completely extinct. Tigers, on the other hand, have increased by 40% since they were last assessed in 2015. They are still endangered, but the IUCN said the trend indicates that "recovery is possible." Jan. 6 House Select Committee to hold eighth and final public hearing White House says Pres. Biden will perform duties remotely after contracting COVID-19 President Biden tweets he is "doing great" after testing positive for COVID-19 Ronnie Ray Phillips, 70, confessed to fatally shooting a woman Wednesday after her death was initially reported as suicide, Nashville police said. The woman was identified as 48-year-old Christine Estok, according to the Metro Nashville Police Department. Estok, her niece and Phillips were inside a home in the 200 block of Baker Road in Donelson when police believe Estok was shot early Wednesday morning. Police said the niece is also Phillips' girlfriend. The niece told police she discovered Estok and then Phillips pointed a gun at her, threatened to kill her and kept her from leaving the home to call for help. She was eventually allowed to call 911 around 7:15 a.m. after she agreed to lie and say her aunt's death was self-inflicted, according to MNPD. Phillips told police he shot Estok after a lengthy interview at police headquarters Wednesday afternoon. He faces charges of criminal homicide, aggravated assault and aggravated kidnapping, police said. He is being held on a $725,000 bond and set to appear in court Friday, records show. Find reporter Rachel Wegner at rawegner@tennessean.com or on Twitter @rachelannwegner. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Nashville man charged in fatal shooting first reported as suicide Associated Press American Airlines has agreed to buy up to 20 supersonic jets and put down a non-refundable deposit on the planes that are still on the drawing board and years away from flying. Neither American nor the manufacturer Boom Supersonic would provide financial details Tuesday, including the size of American's deposit. American, which also took options for 40 more Boom Overture planes, becomes the second U.S. customer for Boom after a similar announcement last year from United Airlines for 15 jets. Jul. 21A mural calling attention to 18 American citizens currently detained or held hostage in foreign countries was recently unveiled in an alley in Georgetown, Washington D.C. and created by an Ottumwa native. Isaac Campbell, media professional, artist and Fulbright Scholar, created the mural with the help of families who continue to grieve the absence of loved ones. The mural, made up of flour, water and paper, is a collage of the faces of each detainee and hostage. This form of public art, called wheat pasting, is traditionally recognized as a form of protest. "Whether that was small posters that were glued up as people ran away to now something far grander than just a poster, it has been giving a voice to the voiceless. It's been people reclaiming public space as a place for art and human stories, and that's exactly what we've done here today," Campbell said. On Wednesday, the mural's unveiling was broadcast live on YouTube as part of the Bring Our Families Home Campaign, a group made up of family members who have loved ones wrongfully detained or held hostage in foreign countries. The broadcast was led by Jonathan Franks, spokesperson for Bring Our Families Home, and contained emotional speeches from Campbell and family members. Roger Carstens, the U.S. State Department's special presidential envoy for hostage affairs, also addressed the crowd. "This is not a mural that I constructed myself. This is something that we constructed together. I think that's really important to understand," Campbell said. "They glued their family members to the wall. That, in itself, is so important in what this is about. "It is not just about a mural. It's about the act of creating something together collaboratively, which is what this organization has been doing to bring these families together to share in their grief and suffering and to use the tools that they have available to work to bring each others' families home." Story continues The mural is a plea to President Joe Biden and the United States government to bring the American detainees and hostages home. According to Franks, at least 65 Americans are currently being detained or held hostage around the globe, including WNBA star Brittney Griner in Russia. The U.S. government has not disclosed an official number of Americans detained abroad. The following Americans are represented on Campbell's mural: Emad Shargi, Iran; Luke Denman, Venezuela; Alirio J. Zambrano, Venezuela; Morad Tahbaz, Iran; Mark Swidan, China; Jose Angel Pereira, Venezuela; Siamak Namazi, Iran; Baquer Namazi, Iran; Jorge Toledo, Venezuela; Matthew Heath, Venezuela; Majd Kamalmaz, Syria; Airan Berry, Venezuela; Paul Whelan, Russia; Shahab Dalili, Iran; Kai Li, China; and Paul Rusesabagina, Rwanda. Some Americans have been detained for more than a decade. Campbell's mural is not only a plea for action, but an "intense juxtaposition of time." "All of these images have come from family members. These are treasured artifacts. Many of these photos are the last photographs that these families have had of their loved one before they were taken," Campbell said. "You all have photographs of your loved ones, and I think it would be terrible to think that that would be the last photo you have of them. But for many of these people, that's the case. "You can see time in the resolution of the pictures when you look at different members and how blurry their faces are when you're talking about a digital camera picture from 2012 next to one from 2020." Campbell, a 2009 graduate of Ottumwa High School, became enamored with wheat pasting during his time as a Fulbright research grantee in Budapest, Hungary. Since then, he has created wheat pastings for Oscar-nominated campaigns in Los Angeles in addition to small community art projects in Ottumwa and across Iowa. Campbell received both his undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Northern Iowa and lives in Story City, Iowa. "It has been an honor ... to work with every one of you to be trusted with your family photo ... to adjust [the wheat pasting] so the smile is just right. I will always cherish this," Campbell said. Emily Hawk is the associate editor of the Ottumwa Courier and the Oskaloosa Herald. She can be reached at ehawk@ottumwacourier.com. PANAMA CITY City organizations will pave the way for families to get a head start on school supplies for the upcoming year through a back-to-school event. Back-to-School Roll Out takes place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at Daffin Park, 320 Kraft Ave. in Panama City, when city organizations will host a backpack giveaway to help students gear up for the school year through fun, games, activities and more. Opening soon: Academy Sports plans opening celebration for Panama City store. Here are the details. Snaps over claps: Panama City man to host county's first poetry slam. Here are the details. Back-to-School Roll Out takes place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at Daffin Park, 320 Kraft Ave. in Panama City. Organizers plan to distribute up to 200 new backpacks filled with basic school supplies, swag items from local businesses and free gifts. All school children are eligible to receive a backpack, and the giveaway will last until the supply runs out. Panama Citys Quality of Life Department collaborated with many local organizations to put on the inaugural event for the community. I think it will be a great community day, and were really trying to bring back more of these grassroot events and activities to the community to keep us together, said Sean DePalma, director of the Quality of Life Department. It seems like we havent had that for years. In partnership with the citys Quality of Life Department, the event is coordinated by Boys & Girls Club of Bay County Inc., Shari Steele, Steele Boys Bail Bonds Inc, DADSRA and Buffalo Rock. Back-to-School Roll Out takes place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at Daffin Park, 320 Kraft Ave. in Panama City. Food, fun and haircuts In addition to the backpack giveaway, families will have the opportunity to explore a fleet of municipal trucks and listen to live music from DJ Slim Pimp while enjoying free hot dogs, snow cones and games. Adding to the event, the local organization Demonstrating the Ability to Deploy Serve, Restore, and Aid (DADSRA) will provide free haircuts to school children. In addition, a raffle for a free Chromebook will take place and all students in attendance are eligible to enter. Story continues Michelle Clay, executive director of DADSRA, said joining the festivities helps the organization continue the mission of giving back to the community. With inflation and the costs rising for everything, we wanted to give back through this event and help ease the financial burden for families, Clay said. This is just another way to come out and support the community through food and fun. As an inaugural event, DePalma said he anticipates the department will grow the event even bigger next year. Ideally, our goal is to have something at Tommy Oliver Stadium where all the nonprofit organizations can participate to have a large event and full day of activities, DePalma said. This is a good first move, and hopefully next year we could fulfill that goal. Ease the financial burden With the first day of school just three weeks away, parents and teachers are shopping to fulfill the needs of the classroom for the school year. And local educators believe the citys efforts to host a backpack giveaway help eliminate the financial stress for both parents and teachers. Bay District Schools Director of Communications Sharon Michalik said shes appreciative to serve in a community that participates in back-to-school events similar to these. (Bay District Schools) appreciates all community organizations who assist our families with school supplies, school clothing, and other necessities, Michalik said. We know it can be expensive to outfit students for back to school and we also know that this responsibility falls to our own teachers all too often. Joining the effort is Floridas Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday, which runs from July 25 through Aug. 7. The annual holiday exempts tax from qualifying school necessities and supplies available to purchase. Starting Monday, items that are exempt during the holiday include: Clothing, footwear, and accessories selling for $100 or less per item; School supplies selling for $50 or less per item; Learning aids and jigsaw puzzles with a sales price of $30 or less; and, Personal computers and related accessories purchased for noncommercial home or personal use with a sales price of $1,500 or less. This article originally appeared on The News Herald: Back to school in Panama City: Where to get free backpacks, haircuts Leader of the governing Servant of the People party Were expecting the appointment of a new Prosecutor-General in the next 10 days, Arakhamia said. Read also: Whats known about Vasyl Malyuk, the man taking over the SBU Their first duty will be to finally confirm the new of the Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutors Office (SAPO), as the President (Volodymyr Zelenskyy) has requested. Arakhamia also asked the SAPO head selection committee to ensure all the necessary paperwork is in order in 10 days time. Read also: Why Zelenskyy removed the heads of the SBU and PGO Despite the committee having recommended Oleksandr Klymenko to be given the post, his confirmation has been stalled for two years. The parliament granted Zelenskyys request and dismissed Prosecutor-General Iryna Venediktova on July 17. She was held responsible for a large number of her subordinates collaborating with Russian authorities in temporarily occupied areas of Ukraine. Read also: Presidents office says prosecutor general and SBU chief have only been suspended and not sacked Venediktovas deputy Oleksii Symonenko is serving as her replacement in an interim capacity. Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said Thursday that President Biden has not talked to her directly about an official trip to Taiwan shes reportedly set to take during Congresss long August break. Biden on Wednesday weighed in on the potential trip, indicating that the Pentagon, concerned about a backlash from China, is seeking to discourage the visit from happening. The military thinks its not a good idea right now, Biden said as he stepped off of Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, but I dont know what the status of it is. Speaking to reporters in the Capitol on Thursday, Pelosi declined to confirm that the trip was happening You never even hear me say if Im going to London, because it is a security issue, she said while suggesting the Pentagons concern is that Beijing would attack her plane, rather than allow it to land in Taipei. I think what the president was saying is that maybe the military was afraid that our plane would get shot down, or something like that, by the Chinese, she said. I dont know exactly. I didnt see it. I didnt hear it. Youre telling me and I heard it anecdotally, she added. But I havent heard it from the president. Pelosi has been a longtime critic of China, particularly when it comes to its human rights abuses and policy toward Taiwan, a self-governed island that Beijing claims as its own. In an effort not to confront Chinese leaders directly on the contentious topic, U.S. administrations of both parties have, for decades, adopted a fragile and hazy approach to Taiwans political standing known as strategic ambiguity. Pelosis scheduled trip to Taiwan, first reported by the Financial Times, quickly caught the attention of Chinese leaders, who are warning of stiff, if unnamed, repercussions if she goes through with it. If the United States insists on having its own way, China will take strong measures in response to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity, said Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian, according to Reuters. All possible consequences that arise from this will completely be borne by the U.S. side. Story continues Pelosi on Thursday seemed to downplay the significance of the visit, emphasizing that while its important to demonstrate official U.S. backing for Taiwan, her position should not be interpreted as a call for full independence from Beijing. I think that its important for us to show support for Taiwan, she said. I also think that we have none of us has ever said were for independence when it comes to Taiwan. Thats up to Taiwan to decide. Pelosis visit, if it materializes, would mark the first time a House Speaker has visited Taiwan since 1997, when then-Speaker Newt Gingrich (R-Ga.) made the trip. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. LIMA (Reuters) - Peru's attorney general has opened a new probe of President Pedro Castillo, a day after the country's former interior minister accused the leftist leader of obstructing graft investigations of close allies, prosecutors said on Thursday. The investigation was triggered by Castillo's abrupt firing on Tuesday of Mariano Gonzalez, who had served as interior minister for two weeks. The firing followed Gonzalez's decision to authorize the appointment of a special police unit meant to track down and arrest allies of the president who are under criminal investigation. Peru's prosecutors office said on Twitter that the investigation initiated by Attorney General Patricia Benavides was for alleged concealment and was linked to the former interior minister's firing. The office provided no more details. Presidents in Peru have immunity and cannot be indicted by the courts during their five-year term, but they can be investigated. Castillo, who has been in office for just under a year, is in an increasingly precarious position, with low approval ratings and scandals brewing in his inner circle. He has already survived two impeachment attempts, and some lawmakers are calling for a third political trial over the new allegations. Presidential allies under investigation include a former transportation minister, a former presidential adviser, a nephew and Castillo's sister-in-law. In May, the attorney general opened a separate investigation of Castillo over alleged influence peddling, collusion and being part of a "criminal organization." (Reporting by Marco Aquino; Editing by Paul Simao) The Pflugerville school board proposed a tax rate of $1.388, which is the same as the 2021-22 rate, for the 2022-23 school year. The Pflugervilleschoolboard hasset a proposed a tax rate of $1.388 per $100 valuation for the 2022-23 school year. The proposed rate is the same as the 2021-22 rate. The board will vote on the tax rate on Aug. 18. "We are using last year's tax rate because that is the maximum tax rate that we believe that we will set for the district," said Jennifer Land, the district's chief financial officer, during the July 14 meeting. Land said the proposed tax rate will likelynot be the rate the board adopts in August. The rate is being set to post as a public notice for the community, per state requirements. The board is expected to adopt a lower tax rate of $1.264 in the August meeting, Land said. The $0.10 decreasewould be from the interest and sinking portion of the rate, which is used to pay off debt. The lower rate would allow for the district to use "golden and copper pennies" funds that would not be subject to recapture and bring more money for the district, Land said. "It would provide $7.5 million in net additional revenue to the school district," Land said. The school board also unanimouslyapproved a low-attendance waiver request for the 2021-22 school year due to declining enrollment. The district or campuses can apply for an exclusion of instructional days if attendance day is 10 percentage points below the prior school year due to inclement weather, health or safety concerns. The district identified 16 campuses thatmet the criteria. The waiver has to be submitted by the end of July. "This is something that will increase our funding," Land said. "We're not looking at a substantial amount, not million of dollars, but at this point I think we need to make sure we are being good stewards and we are trying to capture any andall revenue that we can." She did not say how much money the district would save if the waiver is accepted. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Pflugerville school district proposes tax rate for 2022-23 Jul. 21Authorities arrested a 28-year-old man for the road-rage incident that led to a fatal shooting and crash last week on Interstate 90 in Spokane Valley. Treven F. Lewis was taken into custody without incident Wednesday afternoon and booked into the Spokane County Jail on suspicion of second-degree murder, according to a Washington State Patrol news release. He remained in jail Wednesday night on a $1 million bond. Lewis was sentenced in 2014 to 10 years in prison after fatally punching 65-year-old Vietnam veteran Frank Motta at a 2012 party. In last week's incident, Lewis is accused of shooting 34-year-old David Knoepfle in the back during an apparent road-rage incident. Knoepfle's vehicle left the interstate and collided with a fence off the eastbound Sprague Avenue exit ramp after the shooting Friday night, according to WSP. The incident is still under investigation. People who have information are encouraged to contact WSP Det. Troy Corkins at (509) 904-5092 or Troy.Corkins@wsp.wa.gov. Hanover police identified a man who allegedly flashed another person at the YMCA last week. According to the Departments Facebook account, the man pictured below is facing criminal charges after he exposed himself to an adult victim on July 15. Hanover Police issued a warrant for Russell Protentis, Friday morning. Protentis was arraigned in Hingham District court Friday afternoon on charges related to the incident at the Hanover YMCA, according to police. The individual in the photo has been identified and is being criminally charged. We would like to thank the media and those who provided tips in obtaining his identity. pic.twitter.com/smBemw7zkp Hanover Police (@HanoverPolice) July 22, 2022 The YMCA is cooperating with the investigation, according to authorities. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Jul. 20HOYT LAKES, Minnesota A pair of operations with nearly half of the known copper-nickel holdings on the Iron Range joined forces Wednesday, when Minnesota-based PolyMet and Canadian-owned Teck Resources announced a joint venture, NewRange Copper Nickel. The agreement will place each companies' copper, nickel, cobalt and platinum resources under single management, with plans to further develop PolyMet's proposed first copper-nickel mine on the Iron Range, referred to as the NorthMet mine. Teck's holdings are tied up in what is known as the Mesaba Project. The resources measured to date between the parties consist of 795 million tons for NorthMet, and 1,740 million tons for Mesaba, with combined estimated resources almost double that. As part of the deal, Swiss mining giant Glencore will retain its majority equity interest in PolyMet. Jon Cherry, PolyMet chairman, president and CEO, hailed the news as the creation of a global leader in Minnesota, one that he said was capable of delivering a supply chain for clean energy technologies. "This extraordinary venture links the expertise, experience and financial resources of PolyMet, Teck and Glencore to develop the NorthMet mine when the remaining permit proceedings are complete, and study the mine development options for Mesaba," said Cherry in a news release Wednesday. "The total assets of the NorthMet and Mesaba deposits make this one of the largest clean-energy mineral resources in the U.S. and globally." As part of the deal, Glencore committed to funding PolyMet's portion of costs and expenses up to $105 million, said the news release. Cherry noted what he called "synergies" created by joining forces. Also, independent financial advisers sought by PolyMet reportedly said the transaction would be "fair" from a financial point of view. Cherry cited Teck's strong balance sheet. "This joint venture will benefit all our shareholders," Cherry said. "The successful completion of this transaction is expected to more than double the resources attributable to PolyMet shareholders." Story continues The transaction was unanimously approved by the PolyMet board. PolyMet is in the process of bringing its proposed mine through federal and state environmental review processes and a federal land exchange. The NorthMet mine has received nearly two dozen state and federal permits necessary to build and operate a 32,000 tons-per-day mine and processing facility outside Hoyt Lakes. Three permits are pending final resolution to reach project approval, the company said. According to the news release, Teck's Mesaba Project is progressing baseline environmental studies, resource definition and mineral processing studies. "Further studies and community and tribal consultation will be required to fully define long-term development potential," the news release said. By Philip Pullella and Thomas Escritt VATICAN CITY (Reuters) -The Vatican on Thursday slammed the brakes on a German progressive movement that aims to give lay Catholics a say in doctrinal matters such as homosexuality and women priests, saying this risked causing a schism in the universal Church. A short but stern statement said the so-called "Synodal Path" could not assume it had the authority to instruct bishops on doctrine or morality. The movement's co-chairs responded that they made no such claim and expressed surprise. The movement, a regular gathering of equal numbers of bishops and ordinary German Catholics, has been outspoken in its demands for the Vatican to let priests marry, let women become priests and for the Church to bless same-sex relationships. Germany's Church, though far from the world's largest, has an outsized influence because of the enormous wealth it derives from publicly collected church taxes. Its largest diocese, Cologne, is wealthier than the Vatican. The movement "does not have the faculty to oblige bishops and the faithful to assume new forms of governance and new approaches to doctrine and morals", said the statement, which was not signed but experts said could not have been issued without a green light from Pope Francis. "It would not be lawful to initiate in the dioceses, prior to an agreed understanding at the level of the universal Church, new official structures or doctrines, which would represent a wound to ecclesial communion and a threat to the unity of the Church," it said. The movement alarmed conservatives and moderates in Germany and in the worldwide Church who feared that it could lead to massive splintering similar to what happened in Anglican and Protestant Churches after they introduced similar changes in recent decades. "The Church in Germany won't go its own 'German Way'," said Bishop Georg Baetzing, chair of Germany's Bishops' Conference and Irme Stetter-Karp, chair of the Central Committee of German Catholics, in a joint response, adding that they had a duty to say where they thought changes were needed. Story continues They expressed "wonderment" at the Vatican's decision to address them in an "unsigned statement" rather than enter dialogue, something that they said testified to poor communication within the Church. At a congress in February, the movement's 115 clerics and 115 lay members from the Central Committee of German Catholics also voted in favour of letting priests marry and said sex within a same-sex marriage should not be regarded as sinful. The Catholic Church teaches that priests should be celibate, that women cannot be priests because Jesus chose only men as his apostles and that while same-sex attraction is not sinful, homosexual acts are. The German Synodal Path also says non-clerics should have more say on the appointment of bishops - a sensitive demand in a country where many of the faithful are disillusioned at clumsy handling by Church officials of cases of clergy sexual abuse. The statement said that if national Churches went their own way, there was a risk that they would "weaken, rot and die". Any eventual changes would have to be part of the universal Church's own synodal path, the statement said, referring to consultations currently taking place around the world ahead of a meeting of bishops in Rome next year. The German movement said in their statement they would make submissions to this. (Thomas Escritt reported from Berlin; Editing by Alison Williams and Jonathan Oatis) President Joe Biden receives his first COVID-19 booster shot at the White House last September. Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images) President Joe Biden, 79, has the coronavirus. But his prospects are good because he's up to date on his COVID-19 shots. He also has top-notch medical care. President Joe Biden is the latest high-profile figure in the US to get the coronavirus that has sickened 90 million people and taken the lives of 1 million individuals. While Biden's age of 79 increases the risk that he'll have a harder time with the virus, studies show that his reported relatively good health, as well as his up-to-date vaccines, give him a good chance at recovery. But there's also another reason for the public to be optimistic about the president's prognosis: He gets some of the best access to healthcare of anyone in the world. "He's the president so obviously he gets extra attention," Dr. Ashish Jha, the nation's coronavirus coordinator, said during Thursday's White House press conference. The president's access to healthcare started even before he got sick. He receives full time medical care from the White House Medical Unit, a part of the military located on the first floor of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. It's staffed by doctors, nurses, physician assistants, and medics, and operates similar to an urgent care center. As part of the job, presidents always have a doctor traveling with them. This photo taken Sunday, December 20, 2009, shows then-President Barack Obama at the White House Medical Unit as a White House nurse preparing to administer to him the H1N1 vaccine. The White House, Pete Souza/AP Photo One former senior official in the Trump administration who spoke to Insider on condition of anonymity said the White House can also bring in outside physicians, such as specialists in infectious disease. Arthur Caplan, a leading bioethicist who teaches at NYU Langone, said the president has immediate access to primary care, regular testing, and any medication doctors determine are needed. "Obviously you have excellent rapid access to whatever drugs you might need," Caplan said. "Many Americans do not." On top of that, the president can quarantine while still doing his job in a way many US workers cannot, particularly if they don't receive paid sick days that will help them support their families. Story continues "The president doesn't have this problem," Caplan said. "He can Zoom 24/7 and do things that CEOs and other people in fortunate positions can do in isolation." The president's inner circle also gets good access to medical care. The White House Executive Office building has its own medical clinic that provides basic primary care to the president's staff, including COVID vaccines or tests. Healthcare providers can give patients Advil for a cold or medicines for a sore throat, the former Trump administration official said. Walter Reed would be the next stop for worsening symptoms Should the president's condition worsen, he'd be transferred to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, a world-class facility about 16 miles north of the White House in Bethesda, Maryland. It's the same place where presidents receive their annual physicals and screenings such as colonoscopies. Biden can travel to Walter Reed either through a motorcade or by helicopter. And he wouldn't have to wait hours in the emergency department like most regular patients. With newsmen standing beside him, then-President Johnson looks over some documents in his hospital bed, November 16th, after undergoing surgery at the Bethesda Naval Hospital here. The facility merged with Walter Reed. Getty Images If Biden were to go to Walter Reed then he'd stay at the presidential suite. According to the former Trump administration official, the space is similar to an apartment and includes both a bedroom and a Cabinet room so "you can keep being president even while you're in the hospital." "Think of it like a very deluxe hospital setting," the person said."It's the size of what you would imagine the leader of the free world to run the government from if he should need to be in the hospital." In this handout provided by the White House, then-President Donald Trump participates in a phone call with Vice President Mike Pence, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley in his conference room at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on October 4, 2020 in Bethesda, Maryland. Tia Dufour/The White House via Getty Images On top of that, Walter Reed doctors can call on specialists at the nearby National Institutes of Health, such as Dr. Anthony Fauci, the federal government's top infectious disease expert, or another clinical expert. When Donald Trump was president and had COVID, he took a helicopter and was hospitalized at Walter Reed for three days. The situation then was a little different, however. Trump got the virus two months before vaccines were ready. He was 74 years old at the time and his body mass index levels were in the range of obese, a risk factor that contributes to more severe cases of COVID-19. Indeed, the public would later learn that Trump's condition became worse than the White House initially disclosed. His blood oxygen levels dropped twice and doctors gave him a steroid. Still, Trump received top-notch medical care including an experimental antibody cocktail from Regeneron Pharmaceuticals. Most COVID patients couldn't have access the treatment unless they were participating in a clinical trial. His White House physician, Dr. Sean Conley, named as many as 13 specialists on his medical team at Walter Reed. Then-White House physician Sean Conley, with medical staff, gives an update on the condition of then-President Donald Trump, on October 3, 2020, at Walter Reed Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images Biden's prognosis good now but murky It's not yet clear which strain of the coronavirus Biden has. Jha said that results would be ready within a week. So far Biden has mild symptoms including a runny nose, fatigue, and a dry cough, according to White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre. Biden is taking Paxlovid, which are antiviral pills patients are supposed to take for five days. "It's important to remember that even though he's very likely to survive he could wind up being isolated for a long time," Caplan said, adding that it could even take as long as 10 days. Open questions remain about whether the president could get what has been called "long COVID," meaning symptoms of the illness that persist for months including fatigue and headache. Caplan said the best healthcare in the world won't matter if doctors find themselves unable to treat serious, persistent symptoms. It's too early in Biden's diagnosis to know whether he'll have long COVID, and it's still not clear what proportion of people who get COVID have these extended symptoms. "I'm not aware of data that age is a significant risk factor for long COVID," Jha said. "He gets excellent care from his physician and if he has persistent symptoms they will get addressed." Read the original article on Business Insider Watch: Duke of Cambridge announces The Earthshot Prize will be held in Boston in December 2022 Prince William has received backlash on social media for announcing this year's Earthshot Prize will be hosted in the US. As the annual event which began last year awards five winners for their contributions to environmentalism, many have hailed the decision to hold the next ceremony in Boston as hypocritical. While no official travel plans have yet been confirmed, it is expected that William and Kate, both 40, will be in attendance at the event in the US, which will be broadcasted to a global audience. "The @EarthshotPrize is back and this year, we're heading to Boston!", the official account for The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge Tweeted and shared on Instagram, with an accompanying video. "Five more winners. Game-changing solutions. More potential to save our planet. Boston, we'll see you in December #EarthshotBoston2022." Read more: Prince George looks dapper as he joins parents William and Kate for first Wimbledon Prince William launched the Earthshot Prize in 2020, with the first event in 2021. (Getty Images) The event will celebrate 15 global finalists and award five winners of The Earthshot Prize, who will receive 1m to help grow their solution across five categories or 'earthshots', which are protect and restore nature, clean our air, revive our oceans, build a waste-free world and fix our climate. But, for some, the chosen location has received the most attention. "Maybe practice what you preach?" suggested one user, in response to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge announcing the news via their Twitter account. "Am assuming saving the planet involves you getting the train to Boston Lincolnshire, not a plane to Boston U.S ?," another person commented on the platform. "How about not flying to Boston and appearing via Zoom or similar," echoed a user. Read more: Duchess of Cambridge and dog, Orla, team up to support Prince William at polo match Another tweeted: "Earthshot goals: Protect and restore nature; Fix our climate; Clean our air; Revive our oceans; Build a waste-free world. This is entirely consistent with a Royal entourage travelling from the UK to the US." Story continues There's no mention of how Earthshot is planning to offset the carbon emissions of the event. (Getty Images) The announcement comes after William and Kate were recently filmed climbing into a helicopter with their three children, Prince George, eight, Princess Charlotte, seven, and Louis, four, in the grounds of Kensington Palace. While this is just speculation as there's been no confirmation of where the family of five were travelling to, one user wrote, "Was that you and the family travelling by helicopter from central London to airport and onto Mustique for your holidays Yeah EarthShotPrize." One also Tweeted: "I know how concerned you are about the environment and carbon footprints and would never wish to contribute to climate change by unnecessary air travel.." "Walk the talk," pleaded another. Prince William and US businessman Michael Bloomberg with Earthshot Prize winners and finalists in 2021. (Getty Images) However, others across both social platforms have seen that the 'good' of the event across the pond outweighs the 'bad'. "This is business trip, where they will also bring their Earthshot team," acknowledged one on Twitter. "The winner will get 1M prize each and there will be five winners. They doing more than the average people using cars and planes." "I do think some of the comments about them flying to America are kind of harsh," added another. "I understand it but until there is a better way to cross continents and countries not much of a choice. Sure theres Zoom. But how anticlimactic. Good for Boston I say." Read more: Duke and Duchess of Cambridge sport tans and smiles for first Wimbledon appearance And some are just excited for the event, particularly those in the US. "Oh yay!!! My hometown. Cant wait to welcome you here!!", said one on Instagram, while others chimed in with "Cant wait for December!!". David Oyelowo (left) announces Takachar, from India, as the winner of the Clean Our Air award on stage during the first Earthshot Prize awards ceremony in London, October 2021. (Getty Images) While the event was hosted in London's Alexandra Palace last year, the awards ceremony was always intended to take place in 10 different cities across the world each year between 2021 and 2030. As with its inaugural ceremony in 2021, guests will be encouraged not to fly in for the ceremony. On The Earthshot Prize official press release on its website, there's no mention of how it's planning to offset the carbon emissions of the mass project. However, a Kensington Palace representative has confirmed that Prince William "always offsets his carbon footprint" but did not provide further details. Ranil Wickremesinghe was sworn in as the new president of Sri Lanka by the Chief Justice in parliament Sri Lanka's Ranil Wickremesinghe has been sworn in as president, amid hopes that he will pull the country out of its economic suffering. The 73-year-old took his oath at the tightly-guarded parliament complex on Thursday. Mr Wickremesinghe - the former prime minister - is seen as deeply unpopular with the public, but some protesters have said they will give him a chance. Sri Lanka has seen months of mass unrest over an economic crisis. Many blame the Rajapaksa administration for mishandling the nation's finances, and see Mr Wickremesinghe as part of the problem. But there were few demonstrations on the streets the day after Mr Wickremesinghe won the parliament vote. "He is here - and we will see what his actions are. If we don't get any food, any medicine, we'll be on the streets," one woman who had joined protests last week told the BBC. Mr Wickremesinghe - who won a majority among lawmakers with the backing of the Rajapaksa's ruling party, the Sri Lanka's People's Front (SLPP) - took pains to distance himself from the old leaders. "I am not a friend of the Rajapaksas. I am a friend of the people," he told reporters on Wednesday after defeating his main rival - a dissident SLPP MP - by 134 votes to 82. On Thursday, the opposition signalled they would be willing to work with Mr Wickremesinghe. Local media is reporting that his cabinet is likely to include opposition MPs. However, many protesters have expressed despair and disappointment over a Rajapaksa-allied politician's victory. "I am absolutely disgusted at the result I cannot believe that 134 people - MPs that are supposed to represent the people - have completely disregarded the wants of the people," activist Jeana De Zoysa told the BBC. Fears of protest crackdown by Anbarasan Ethirajan, BBC News, Colombo Soon after he was elected as president, Mr Wickremesinghe's message was clear. Story continues He said any attempt to topple the government or occupy government buildings was not democracy and warned that those who indulge in such activities will be dealt with firmly according to the law. Mr Wickremesinghe said he was all for peaceful demonstration. The protest movement now has to make tough choices whether to give some time for Mr Wickremesinghe to settle down and come out with his economic revival plan. Many protesters were disappointed with his selection and wonder how a politician who could not defend his own parliamentary seat two years ago can become the country's leader. Mr Wickremesinghe dismissed allegations that he had close ties with the Rajapaksas. But his critics question why the governing alliance of the Rajapaksas would nominate him and help win the presidency even though Mr Wickremesinghe was the lone MP from his own party. Some are concerned that the government may gradually crackdown on the protest movement sooner or later. Mr Wickremesinghe is aiming to restore political stability so the country can resume negotiations with the International Monetary fund for a bailout package, estimated to be about $3bn. Sri Lanka has been wracked with protests for months because the country is effectively bankrupt and facing acute shortages of food, fuel and other basic supplies. Tens of thousands of protesters had last week marched in the streets of Colombo calling for the ex-president Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Mr Wickremesinghe to resign. Mr Rajapaksa fled the country in the early hours of 13 July after the protesters stormed and occupied his political residence. He flew to the Maldives and then Singapore, from where he issued his official resignation. Protesters wearing and chanting 'Ranil Go Home' slogans at a rally in Colombo hours after his election However Mr Wickremesinghe did not resign - though he had initially offered to - and instead accepted the position of Acting President when Mr Rajapaksa fled. When he assumed the job of acting president last week, he ordered the military to do whatever was necessary to restore public order, following protesters storming and occupying government buildings. He also extended a national state of emergency order this week to stamp out any flare-ups. A former six-time prime minister, Mr Wickremesinghe failed in his previous two runs for the presidency. His victory on Wednesday means he will serve out the rest of the presidential term until November 2024. Sri Lanka: The basics Interview: So-called "forced labor" in Xinjiang slanderous, says Egyptian writer 16:44, July 20, 2022 By Mahmoud Fouly ( Xinhua CAIRO, July 20 (Xinhua) -- Claims circulated by the Western media about human rights violations in Xinjiang, such as "forced labor" and "genocide," are unjust and slanderous, an Egyptian columnist and writer has said. The real situation in Xinjiang "demonstrates a very high degree of economic and social development, eradication of poverty, uprooting of terrorism and full right to practice religious beliefs and cultural inheritances," Kamal Gaballa, also a member of the Egyptian Council for Foreign Affairs, said in an interview with Xinhua. The anti-China accusations launched by Western countries seek to contain China's development and "undermine China's unity," Gaballa said. The writer visited Xinjiang in 2010 and 2019 respectively. After his second visit, Gaballa admired China's tremendous social and economic development so much that he wrote a book titled "70 Years of Miracles." The book has an entire chapter on his field observation and direct dialogues with the people of Xinjiang. "I concluded that the economic and social development in Xinjiang, as well as the ways followed by China to alleviate poverty and eradicate terrorism there, are considered an inspiring model for many developing countries to follow," said Gaballa. The Egyptian writer recommended enhancing official and people-to-people exchanges between China and Arab countries to help Arabs witness with their own eyes the impressive development of Xinjiang. Noting Xinjiang's development data are remarkable, Gaballa said: "I wish those data and statistics would reach all parts of the world, particularly people who love China and admire its renaissance, so that they wouldn't be misled by hostile propaganda." (Web editor: Wu Chaolan, Hongyu) Chicago Tribune CHICAGO At least four people were struck by a vehicle possibly intentionally in the South Shore area Sunday morning and three of the four later died at an area hospital, Chicago police said. Authorities were called to the 7000 block of South Jeffery Boulevard around 5 a.m., according to an online statement from police. A sedan had been traveling south when it struck four adult male ... The jury is out for deliberation in the case of Antonio Tyree Gaskin, 45, whose murder trial began Monday. Gaskin, of Detroit, faces two murder charges and two charges of failure to report the deaths of Sharmaine Carter, 25, and Marquis Harris, 24, who were each found with gunshot wounds to the head and chest in an Alexandria Drive apartment building. The defense argued the only doubt in the case came from the prosecution failing to present evidence, and the prosecution showed a timeline they said left no doubt that Gaskin was absolutely guilty of his charges. Defense: Where there are questions, there is doubt. Sarah Langer, lead defense counsel, based her closing statements around multiple questions that were left unanswered by the prosecution to prove their burden to the jury that Gaskin was guilty. There is no doubt in the case of his innocence, she said. The only doubt that comes is from the lack of evidence that the government has. Where there are questions, there is doubt. The first question the defense said was left unanswered was Why would he have killed his family? The government has not given us a reason in this case. We dont know why, and that is unreasonable, Langer said. Several items were not tested by the the police or prosecution or investigated further, Langer said, including a majority of cigarette butts for DNA, door barricades in the apartment, Carters purse, a revolver holster for fingerprints, or bullets. We know without a doubt that a gun was used to kill Sharmaine and Marquis, Langer said. And the government wants to send a person to prison for 20 years to life and they couldnt be bothered to follow up on these steps? Langer questioned why other individuals were not pursued as suspects in the case, when text message evidence was presented to the jury which demonstrated death threats from Carters then-boyfriend. Why werent alternative suspects investigated in this case? Failing to follow up on alternatives in this case is unreasonable, she said. Story continues Langer said the prosecution could not pinpoint a specific time of death, which she said was also unreasonable. (Defense counsel J. Parker) Mincy said this case will show how broken the criminal justice system is, and it is broken, Langer said. You, our jurors, can still do something about it. You can find Antonio Tyree Gaskin, this man right here, innocent, and find him not guilty of murder. Marquis deserved a better investigation than this. Sharmaine Carter deserved a better investigation than this. Show the government that Antonio Gaskin deserved better than this. Prosecution: Innocent people dont act guilty. Assistant Commonwealth Attorney Kathryn Webster pointed to the timeline of the murders, and how it proved beyond a reasonable doubt Gaskin was guilty, she said. Comparing testimony and evidence in the case to pieces of a puzzle, Webster said that when put together, it created a complete picture. If you look at one piece, you may not be convinced, but if you put all the pieces together, you will see we are going to prove beyond a reasonable doubt this man killed these two people, Webster said. In the prosecutions timeline, she said Sharmaine Carter was killed first and taken by surprise while she was cooking in the kitchen, first shot in the back of the head and then again in the chest. Carters last call was placed to Harris around 7:46 p.m. on Oct. 15, 2019. Carter had a key to enter the Alexandria apartment, and Webster said she did so before Harris arrived at the home. She referred to testimony of neighbors of the apartment, who said they heard loud music begin to play, a shot noise, a loud thud, and music turned off around 8:40 and 8:50 p.m. This, she said, was when Carter was killed, before Harris arrived at the apartment. Around 9 p.m., Harris arrived at the apartment with witness George Heard, who was the person that drove him back to the apartment from Detroit, Michigan. Heard testified Harris was on the phone with someone just before being dropped off in efforts to organize getting the remaining balance he would need to pay his drive fare. When Harris was dropped off around 9 p.m. at the apartments, Heard said it was Gaskin who came outside to greet him with a hug, and gave the remaining $50 to the driver. Cell phone records confirm Harris made an answered call to Gaskin around 9:10 p.m. At 9:13 p.m., video footage shows Harris arriving at the apartment, where Heard said he greeted Gaskin, and walked inside the apartment with him. Three minutes after the last call to the defendant, after a minute or so, they go back into the apartment together with the defendant killing Marquis as soon as he goes in, Webster said. Webster brought up another witnesss testimony, Mike Eaves, who said he would give Gaskin rides in exchange for drugs. Eaves testified he received a call from Gaskin, presumably for a ride, at 9:18 p.m. Cell tower evidence showed the call placed by Gaskin came from the area near the Alexandria apartments. This is not just some conspiracy to incarcerate a man, Webster said. It is just not possible. (Carter) died first, and the defendant walked into the apartments and shot and killed Marquis as soon as they were inside. The facts arent lining up because it is a conspiracy, they are lining up because he is guilty. All the evidence is pointing to the defendant because he is guilty. After the murders took place, Gaskin left his hotel room on Oct. 16, when the bodies were discovered, and went to Frankfort to buy a new cell phone, Webster said. Innocent people dont do things that make them look guilty, she said. The defendant went up to Cincinnati the night of Oct. 15 and then came back down to Lexington. The next day, he leaves his motel, goes into a Walgreens and buys a new phone, with cash, with a woman. The defense wants you to believe he was so upset about this murder, but he doesnt appear to be that upset or tore up to me. She said none of this evidence would leave the jury guessing guilty. Do all these puzzle pieces indicate guilt beyond a reasonable doubt? They do. I have zero doubt, he is guilty and he is responsible for the death of these people. They died as a result of these actions. I have zero doubt this man is guilty. I am asking for justice for the Commonwealth, and for the family of Marquis Harris and Sharmaine Carter. Serhiy Shkarlet There wont be any evictions, where people are simply told to pack up and leave, said Shkarlet. Read also: Three million Ukrainians return home from EU since Russias full-scale invasion What will happen is people will be relocated to other suitable living spaces. The minister was adamant that no one will simply throw people outside. Read also: Over 66,000 displaced Ukrainians have registered in Kyiv, with 15,000 of them coming from Mariupol Deputy PM Iryna Vereshchuk earlier said that those who are currently housed across summertime resorts will be provided accommodation at facilities, suitable for winter. Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine Reginald Bolding has a target on his back. How dare he, a Black man, win elected office in Arizona? How dare he, a community organizer, rise to office before his 30th birthday? How dare he, a Democrat, win three terms in the state Legislature? Thats why Im not supporting him in his bid for secretary of state. Bolding did a brave thing, stepping up to run for a critical office at a critical time. He wants to be the states elections boss as Trumpers steadfastly refuse to accept the results of a legitimate election. There has been no proof of widespread fraud, yet Trumpublicans have spent millions on a sham audit, raided the U.S. Capitol and exasperated anyone with good sense as theyve rationalized, obfuscated and flat-out lied about an election that their man lost by 7 million votes across the nation. (This is after Donald Trump assumed the White House despite losing the popular vote in 2016 by 3 million ballots.) Bolding is right, and that's the problem Bolding understands the peril of our times, saying at a Democrats of Greater Tucson meeting that democracy is on the line. We absolutely need people that can provide confidence, not only to Democrats but to independents and Republicans, Bolding said, according to the organizations website. THE CONTROVERSEY: Scrutiny grows over Bolding and his nonprofit's support of bid for secretary of state Hes right on the money, and thats the problem. Bolding is fighting criticism over a nonprofit and whether hes too closely tied to a political action committee or benefiting from so-called dark money. The allegations are that Bolding broke state law by running an organization thats required to be independent of the candidates it supports. If he broke that law, he faces fines. Its a civil infraction, not a criminal offense. A lot more candidates with a lot more blemishes And hes certainly not the only candidate in state history with ethical blemishes on his record. Karrin Taylor Robson, a wealthy developer who has spend millions on a run for governor, has been connected to a donation scheme where voters receive letters in the mail that require them to opt out of donating to her campaign. Illegal? Maybe not. Deceptive? Absolutely. Story continues John McCain was a member of the Keating Five, a small group of senators who attempted to bully regulators out of a potential criminal investigation into a key player in the savings-and-loan crisis that rocked the nation the late 80s. And Donald Trump set up a farce of a real estate training school in his own name that might as well have been called Bait Switch University. The distinction with Bolding is that hes not seeking a big-picture office like governor, senator or president. Hes vying for a job for detail-oriented, byzantine fact-checkers. There are better-fitting offices for a visionary Its a bad fit. Bolding is a visionary. Its why he sees value in the Secretary of States Office in the first place. Theres a strong case that across the nation, few positions stand to be more influential into the next election cycle. Its why anyone who values democracy real democracy and not the system-gaming charade favored by Trumpublicans should want the most experienced, precise and meticulous candidates in the position. Secretaries of state will have targets on their backs, especially in Arizona. One slip up, one bad tweet, one missed clause will have scores of political operatives seeking to undermine election results. Democracy is on the line. We need people who can provide confidence to Democrats, independents and Republicans. In this job, we dont need a visionary like Bolding, who could become Arizonas answer to Stacey Abrams, the type of leader who could flip the composition of state government or become the states first Black governor or U.S. senator. For secretary of state, we need a functionary, someone so fastidious and nitpicky that we couldnt imagine them doing anything else. Reach Moore at gmoore@azcentral.com or 602-444-2236. Follow him on Instagram and Twitter @SayingMoore. There's plenty Moore where this came from. Subscribe for videos, columns, opinions and analysis from The Arizona Republics award-winning team. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Reginald Bolding isn't right fit for secretary of state. Aim higher A video of former President Donald Trump was played in a hearing at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, June 28, 2022. Sean Thew/Pool via AP Rep. Adam Kinzinger said Trump's mind is a "scary place to be" on the Bulwark podcast. Kinzinger likened Trump to "a child who is angry" at Vice President Mike Pence on January 6. "This wasn't some poor man who was betrayed or misled by Mike Pence," Kinzinger said. Rep. Adam Kinzinger said President Donald Trump's mind is "a pretty scary place to be" and likened him to 'a child' angry at Vice President Mike Pence on January 6 in an interview with The Bulwark's podcast. Kinzinger, an Illinois Republican, and Rep. Elaine Luria, a Virginia Democrat, are set to lead Thursday's primetime hearing of the January 6 Committee, focusing on Trump's actions and communications during the 187 minutes that his supporters breached the Capitol before Trump released a video telling them to go home. "Imagine yourself sitting in the Oval Office, watching the Capitol be attacked," Kinzinger told The Bulwark's Charlie Sykes. "It's like, what would you do? You would be like crawling out of your skin to go on TV or tweet, let's say even, just tweet, 'get the F out of the Capitol,' right. What did the president tweet? 'Stay peaceful. Remain peaceful'." "We're going to learn a lot of that stuff and get into his mind, which is a scary place to be, because I think it's important for people to understand that this wasn't some poor man who was betrayed or misled by Mike Pence, this was someone who knew exactly what he was doing," Kinzinger added. Kinzinger said the hearing will leave "absolutely no doubt" that Trump knew that the protest at the Capitol had turned into a riot and Pence was in danger by 2:24 p.m., when Trump tweeted that Pence "didn't have the courage" to try and overturn the election. Kinzinger said that tweet "directly fueled" rioters who were following Trump's "marching orders" as they sieged the Capitol. "People can forget, if you were a MAGA-head, how often you were refreshing your Twitter app to see when Donald Trump is tweeting, and that's what they were doing the whole time during this attack," Kinzinger said. "You can see in this a child who is angry that Pence didn't do it, and he's like, 'let's see where this goes,'" Kinzinger said. Story continues Kinzinger sarcastically joked that Trump "actually showed some pretty heroic strength in resisting the pressure campaign to get him to call off the attack," adding that he's gotten an "emotional feel" for Trump's mindset on January 6 that he's planning to highlight in the hearing. Trump and his aides have repeatedly criticized the panel's investigation as being partisan, but those views are not presented in the hearings due to the House minority leader's decision to pull more Republicans from the committee. Read the original article on Business Insider Rep. Adam Kinzinger, R-Ill., speaks as the House select committee investigating the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol continues to reveal its findings of a year-long investigation, at the Capitol in Washington, June 23, 2022 Scott J. Applewhite/AP Rep. Adam Kinzinger says the US must prosecute "straight-up coup attempts." The Jan. 6 Committee is making the case for prosecuting Trump and his inner circle. Kinzinger said he "cannot imagine how this democracy survives long-term" without accountability for Jan 6. Rep. Adam Kinzinger, a member of the House January 6 Committee, said then-President Donald Trump and his aides' roles in the Capitol riot must be prosecuted for American democracy to persevere "long-term" in an interview on The Bulwark's podcast. "Yes, we don't want to be a country that prosecutes the last administration," Kinzinger told The Bulwark's Charlie Sykes. "But if we let the last administration get away with what the last administration tried to get away with, or frankly, got away with, I cannot imagine how this democracy survives long-term." "We just have to be able to say, we're not going to prosecute the last administration for political differences, but we have to for straight up coup attempts," Kinzinger added. The Justice Department and the committee, conducting separate but parallel probes, have clashed publicly and behind the scenes over their respective tactics and the paces of their investigation. The DOJ publicly griped about the January 6 Committee initially not turning over interview transcripts that could aid its prosecutions. The committee, meanwhile, was incensed at the Department for not prosecuting former Trump aides Mark Meadows and Dan Scavino after referring them for contempt of Congress for defying the panel's subpoena. Kinzinger said that before the Committee began holding its hearings, he was "very frustrated" with the pace of the DOJ's investigation into the Capitol riot and suggested that, in the end, the hearings may have been the catalyst that "lit a fire" under the DOJ investigation. The committee is methodically gathering and presenting evidence that Trump broke at least five federal laws in his actions leading up to the Capitol riot in its hearings, Insider's Camila DeChalus has reported, making the case for prosecutions. Story continues Kinzinger said that the hearings are serving as a criminal referral to the Department of Justice, calling the concept of a formal referral on paper "kind of an invented thing." The committee can issue a formal referral for criminal charges to the Justice Department, which has led to the charging of two Trump advisers. A trial for Steve Bannon, who is charged with defying the committee Kinzinger serves on, is underway. "DOJ obviously knows what we know and they're investigating it. Whether we send them a piece of paper quote-unquote 'referring' or not really won't have much basis," Kinzinger explained. "That said, we still may do it, just to make the point." Kinzinger said the Committee will decide on whether to do so "later in the summer or fall," when the panel plans to issue its initial report on its findings. "I think we're all waiting for this kind of moment where there's some thing, but the truth is, it's kind of awkward to say how you end these things. And it's just the American people knowing the truth is very important," Kinzinger said. Read the original article on Business Insider Reuters Hundreds of Russian troops who refused to continue with the war in Ukraine are being forcibly held in basements and garages in occupied Luhansk, according to a new report published Thursday. Citing families of the soldiers and human rights organizations, the independent news outlet Verstka reports that at least 234 soldiers who were deployed to various regions of Ukraine are being held at facilities in the town of Bryanka. Thats where the family members of some of the men say a special center has been set up to deal with those choosing to opt out of the war amid deteriorating morale and dwindling troop numbers. Vasily, the father of one 23-year-old soldier identified only as Alexander, was quoted telling Verstka about the bizarre series of events that, by his account, led to his son being held captive by his own army. He said Alexander phoned him on July 8 to announce that he and several other troops had submitted a formal request with military leadership to leave the war. At that time, he said, Alexander told him hed been summoned to meet with a Russian general to discuss his decision. Were Losing but Moscow Will Never Admit It, Russian Soldier Says The next time Alexander phoned him, several days later, he said he was holed up in a basement in Bryanka with other troops whod tried to quit, Vasily said. As of Wednesday, he was reportedly still in the basement. Fatima Gorshenina, the mother of another 22-year-old soldier, said her son and the others held captive with him were trapped in a basement with no electricity, food, or water. And according to her account, the imprisonment scheme apparently involves Russias powerful Federal Security Service and the Wagner Group, a private Kremlin-linked military force accused of war crimes throughout Ukraine, the Middle East, and Africa. She told Verstka her son, Artyom, had formally announced his desire to quit the war in April, along with at least 81 other troops from the same Russian military base in Abkhazia. Story continues After nothing was done, Artyom and a fellow soldier traveled from where they were based in Ukraines Kherson region to Crimea, where they turned to the local FSB for help. At long last, the FSB appeared willing to help, according to Gorsheninas account, promising Artyom and several other soldiers from the same base that they would be transported back to Abkhazia so they could present their requests to leave to the military command. The next thing they knew, however, their plane had landed in Russias Rostov region, where the soldiers were divided up and taken by helicopter to Bryanka, Gorshenina said. They ultimately wound up locked in basements, with Artyom reporting they were under guard by members of a private military group who called themselves musicians (a popular nickname for members of the Wagner group). When they took the guys to Bryanka, we called the military base, the commanders of the squadron, the commanders of the base. I asked what they plan to do, why they arent taking the guys out of there, Gorshenina was quoted saying. I was told that theres a new center there for objectors. They are having discussions with them, she said. Russian Soldier Breaks Down: We Are Just Meat Here Despite being told the troops would be sent back to their base to terminate their contracts if they couldnt be convinced to continue their service after two weeks, that didnt happen, Gorshenina said. Instead, as she tried to find ways to rescue her son, she said, some unknown person appeared to be masquerading as him in messages with her. I wrote to him, as we call him at home, Gnom, what is the name of your cat? After that all the messages stopped, she said. As of Thursday, his whereabouts were unknown. At least 1,793 troops have openly refused to take part in the war so far, according to open source data. Amid reports of Russian commanders threatening troops with prosecution if they choose to abandon the fight, Ukrainian intelligence has reported numerous instances in which Russian troops took desperate measures to try and escape, in some cases straight-up fleeing across the border and in others deliberately injuring themselves. In one of the most absurd attempts to leave the war, according to Ukraines Security Service, a Russian soldier told his father hed made up his mind to somehow break his leg on the stairs. When that didnt work, his father advised him on the best way to break his own arm. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. Nearly 11,500 hate incidents have been reported against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders across the United States since 2020, according to the latest Stop AAPI Hate report. Stop AAPI Hate, a national coalition that tracks anti-Asian attacks, has documented 11,467 hate incidents against the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community between March 19, 2020, and March 31, 2022, according to their national report released on Wednesday. The report, Two Years and Thousands of Voices, found about two-thirds (67%) of the recorded incidents involved harassment, such as verbal or written hate speech or inappropriate gestures. One in six (17%) of the incidents were reported as physical assault, and another 16% involved avoidance or shunning. More from NextShark: Vietnamese automaker Vinfast to build $2 billion electric vehicle factory in North Carolina Women were found twice as likely to report hate incidents as compared to men. About 60% of all documented incidents were reported by women. Public spaces, including streets, sidewalks and parks, saw 40% of reported incidents, while businesses such as grocery stores saw 27% of incidents. Furthermore, nearly one in 10 incidents occurred online and on public transit. California, which is home to the largest population of the AAPI community in the U.S., has the highest number of reported incidents at 4,333, followed by New York at 1,840 and Washington at 556. More from NextShark: NYC Martial Arts Schools See More Interest Due to Anti-Asian Violence Our self-reported data shows that if youre only watching the news, you arent getting the full picture of what AAPIs are experiencing, Russell Jeung, Ph.D., co-founder of Stop AAPI Hate and professor of Asian American Studies at San Francisco State University, stated. AAPIs are verbally harassed in grocery stores and shops, on the street and on public transit. We have a right to be treated with dignity and respect. Although the majority of the incidents are non-criminal, one in five Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have experienced a hate incident in the past two years, leading to nearly half of respondents reporting feelings of fear, depression and anxiety. Story continues I was emptying my trash into a public trash can at a rest stop and a man walked towards me asked me where my mask was, shoved me back and said if anyone should be wearing a mask it is people like you. He mocked by pulling his eyes back to resemble slant eye and bowed to me, an individual from Marin County, California, reported to Stop AAPI Hate. More from NextShark: Oakley police continue search for woman who went missing under suspicious circumstances Most Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders believe the most effective response to address anti-AAPI racism is education and community-based solutions. Many also advocate for civil rights legislation and enforcement. Stop AAPI Hate called on elected officials to protect the AAPI community through civil rights expansion and to educate the public about AAPI histories and cultures. They also suggested investing in community-based programs to prevent violence and support victims and survivors. Even as people move on past the COVID-19 pandemic, AAPIs continue to be harassed because of their race, Manjusha Kulkarni, co-founder of Stop AAPI Hate and executive director of AAPI Equity Alliance, said. The AAPI community is tired of being afraid. We want solutions that actually make a difference and focus on prevention. More from NextShark: African Singaporean Artist Reveals She Was Discriminated by Her Own Asian Relatives Featured Image via Jason Leung Rudy Giuliani. Spencer Platt/Getty Images A judge has ordered Rudy Giuliani to testify next month before a special grand jury in Atlanta that is investigating whether former President Donald Trump and his allies illegally attempted to interfere in the 2020 election in Georgia. Giuliani, the former mayor of New York City and lawyer for Trump, will appear before the special grand jury on Aug. 9. The order was issued on July 13, with the court filings released on Wednesday. Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis is leading an investigation into Trump and efforts to overturn Georgia's 2020 election results, and since May, a special grand jury has been meeting to hear testimony and look at evidence. In December 2020, Giuliani went to Georgia and attended two state legislative committee meetings where he shared baseless conspiracies about corrupted voting machines and shared video that he falsely claimed showed suitcases stuffed with illegal ballots. All of this was quickly debunked by Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger (R). You may also like Colbert's Late Show pokes Fox & Friends for selectively ignoring Secret Service's deleted Jan. 6 texts Venue cancels sold-out Dave Chappelle show after backlash All 16 Georgia fake Trump electors are 'targets' of Fulton County investigation, may face criminal charges The Azovstal steel mill was virtually destroyed in the siege Russia is looting $600m (500m) worth of steel from plants and ports in Ukraine, according to the boss of Ukraine's largest steel firm Metinvest. The firm owns the Azovstal plant that became the last holdout of Ukrainian soldiers and civilians during the devastation of the city of Mariupol. Chief executive Yuriy Ryzhenkov said steel was being transferred to Russia and sold on, some of which had been bound for customers in the UK. The Kremlin has not commented. 'Stealing from the Europeans' Metinvest is headquartered in Mariupol, a centre for trade and manufacturing, which after almost three months of relentless assault, fell to Russia in May. Mr Ryzhenkov said 300 employees and 200 employees' relatives were killed in the assault on the Azovstal plant, which together with its sister plant Ilyich accounted for 40% of all Ukraine steel production. Thousands of tonnes of steel had been paid for by European customers, including some in the UK. He said that public sources and the company's own informants reported the steel was being transferred to Russia and sold in internal markets or to countries in Africa and Asia. "What they're doing is basically looting. They're stealing not only our products, but also some of those products already belong to the European customers. So basically, they're not only stealing from us, they're stealing from the Europeans as well," Mr Ryzhenkov told the BBC. He said the company was documenting as much of the theft as possible and was preparing to take future legal action. "At some point in time, the Russians will be facing not only the international courts, but also the criminal courts. And we will be going after them with anything we have." The BBC has approached the Russian Ministry of Defence for comment, but it has not responded to the accusations. Prof Marko Milanovich, an expert on international law at the University of Reading, says there are a number of options to pursue a case, but prospects for success are less certain. Story continues "Whichever legal options Metinvest chooses, it's a very difficult process and whilst looting is unfortunately quite common in conflict, suing the looting state and obtaining compensation is very, very rare indeed," he told the BBC. "However, they might want symbolic satisfaction more than the money, and labelling Russia as a law breaker would be a big deal." Contributing to war effort Last month, the BBC's Reality Check team tracked where Russia is taking grain stolen from Ukraine, following mounting evidence that Russian forces in occupied areas have been stealing produce from local farmers and shipping it out of the country. Mr Ryzhenkov hopes one day the Azovstal steelworks will once again be under Ukrainian control Like many Ukrainian companies, Metinvest has become a part-military, part-humanitarian organisation. Mr Ryzhenkov said his steel workers had become as important as soldiers to the Ukrainian war effort. "Our company is making bulletproof vests, we provide steel for underground bunkers, we provide steel for armoured vehicles. That's why the people working in the steel mills are as important to Ukrainian victory as the fighters in the frontline." Although the Azovstal plant was virtually destroyed in the Russian siege, he said he was confident the day would come when it would be a Ukrainian-owned facility again. "I'm positive. The way I see it Russia has already lost this war and it's just a matter of time when they realise it. The Russians don't need Mariupol, they don't need Donbas. They either need all of Ukraine or nothing, which means that even if they stop now, Ukraine will take it back. It's just a matter of time." But wouldn't that require a major military offensive by stretched Ukrainian forces? "Was there a big offensive when Germany reunited with East Germany? There are several ways in which Ukraine can take it back. One of the ways is a big military offensive, another way is that Russia will just have to get out because of some internal things in Russia. Or finally, there is a third way that in some point in history will just be reunited." Mr Ryzhenkov said the siege of Azovstal would be remembered as one of the defining moments of this war. "It is a tragedy for the Ukrainian steel industry. It is a tragedy for the people of Mariupol. But at the same time it will be remembered as an act of heroism for the military that were protecting the mill for so many weeks. It will be remembered as a symbol of the strengths of a brilliant people. That's how I imagine it will be remembered." By Phil Stewart ASPEN, Colorado (Reuters) - Russia's military is likely to start an operational pause of some kind in Ukraine in the coming weeks, giving Kyiv a key opportunity to strike back, Britain's spy chief said on Thursday. Richard Moore, chief of the Secret Intelligence Service (SIS) known as MI6, also estimated that about 15,000 Russian troops had been killed so far in its war in Ukraine, adding that was "probably a conservative estimate." "I think they're about to run out of steam," Moore said, addressing the Aspen Security Forum in Colorado, adding that the Russian military would increasingly find it difficult to supply manpower and materiel over the next few weeks. "They will have to pause in some way, and that will give the Ukrainians opportunities to strike back." Nearly five months since Russia invaded Ukraine, Kyiv hopes that Western weapons, especially longer-range missiles such as U.S. HIMARS which Kyiv has deployed in recent weeks, will allow it to launch a counterattack in coming weeks and recapture Russian-occupied territory. Moore underscored the need for Ukraine to show the war was winnable -- both to preserve high Ukrainian morale but also to stiffen the resolve of the West as concerns mount about European energy shortages during the coming winter. "It's important, I think, to the Ukrainians themselves that they demonstrate their ability to strike back. And I think that will be very important for their continuing high morale," Moore said. "I also think, to be honest, it will be an important reminder to the rest of Europe that this is a winnable campaign by the Ukrainians. Because we are about to go into a pretty tough winter and ... I don't want it to sound like a character from 'Game of Thrones.' But winter is coming. "And clearly in that atmosphere with the sort of pressure on gas supplies and all the rest, we're in for a tough time," Moore said. Story continues The prospect of a Russian disruption of European energy supplies is one of the biggest global economic and political risks arising from the war. European countries fear they could face shortages next winter, if Russia cuts back deliveries during warm months when they typically replenish storage tanks. Moore said the toll from Russian President Vladimir Putin's war in Ukraine was mainly being felt in poorer, rural communities, and that Putin was not yet recruiting forces for the conflict from middle-class areas of St. Petersburg or Moscow. "These are poor kids from rural parts of Russia. They're from blue-collar towns in Siberia. They are disproportionately from ethnic minorities. And these are his cannon fodder," Moore said. Asked if he knew about Putin's health, Moore said: "There's no evidence that Putin is suffering from serious ill-health." (Reporting by Phil Stewart; editing by Jonathan Oatis) A Russian warship in the Black Sea Read also: Medvedev has another tantrum, threatens Ukraine over Crimea In particular, Russia is strengthening anti-sabotage and anti-aircraft defense measures on dangerous routes. Read also: Ukrainian law enforcers detain former Crimea SBU department chief "It also violates the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea of 1974 (SOLAS) by turning off automatic identification systems (AIS) on civilian vessels in the water area." Ukraine expects to receive longer-range weapons from Western partners before attacking Russia's Black Sea Fleet, Ukrainian Deputy Defense Minister Volodymyr Havrylov said on July 19. Read also: A high ranking officer from Crimea eliminated in Ukraine According to Ukraine's General Staff, Russia has lost 15 ships and boats, including the Russian Black Sea Fleet flagship Moskva, since the beginning of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The invaders are using their ships in the Black Sea to strike civilian targets in Ukraine and block grain exports. Read also: Ukraine must retake Crimea wisely to avoid tactical nuclear strike by Russia military expert Earlier Ukrainian military intelligence spokesman Vadym Skibitsky said that enemy military equipment in the Crimea and Russian Black Sea Fleet ships are among the main targets to be destroyed with the use of U.S. multiple launch rocket systems. Help NV continue reporting on the Russian invasion Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine Russian forces stores weapons at Zaporizhzhia NPP A whole arsenal of heavy military equipment, along with ammunition, is currently near to critical machines, which service the generator, Enerhoatom said. In particular, (weapons) are right next to a light oil tank, which cools the steam turbine. Theres also flammable hydrogen, which is also used in the cooling process. Read also: Ukraines security service accuses Russia of conducting nuclear terrorism during their occupation of Chornobyl Russian vehicles are blocking critical access to one of the reactors: fire trucks and other specialized maintenance vehicles cant get to it. The situation is major fire hazard. If, for example, some ammunition accidentally detonates, the result could be as dire as the Chornobyl disaster, the message said. Mayor of nearby Enerhodar, Dmytro Orlov, earlier said that some sort of an incident at the NPP led to Russian casualties. Zaporizhzhia NPP the largest nuclear facility in Europe was captured by Russian troops on March 4. Several buildings were damaged, and the employees effectively became hostages. Read also: Russian dictator Putin could opt to use nukes if Ukraine liberates Kherson expert The power plant resumed operations by late April, although Moscow continues its attempts to seize full operational control of the facility, brining in their own specialists to work there. Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine MOSCOW (Reuters) -Around 150 firefighters battled a major blaze on the roof of a Moscow apartment building for several hours early on Thursday and used a helicopter before finally dousing the flames, Tass news agency said. About 400 people were evacuated from the nine-storey building on Leninsky Prospekt, a major avenue just to the southwest of the downtown core, a spokesperson for Russia's federal emergencies ministry told Tass. The fire was put out at shortly after 3 a.m. (0000 GMT), Tass later cited the ministry as saying. At one point the fire covered an area of about 1,000 square metres (10,800 square feet). A helicopter could be seen dropping water from a large bucket onto the flames. There was no immediate word on the cause of the fire. (Reporting by Reuters; Editing by Sandra Maler) STORY: It's now all but destroyed. Svitlana tried to salvage whatever she could from the ruins. Nearby, firefighters and rescue workers dug through the rubble of a destroyed school as they searching for people possibly trapped inside. The number of casualties was unknown. Russia, which invaded Ukraine on February 24, has denied deliberately targeting civilians. Ukrainian officials have said they expect Kramatorsk, a city of more than 150,000 people before the Russian invasion, to become one of the main focuses of Russia's offensive in eastern Ukraine. MAZURENKO ALONA WEDNESDAY, 20 JULY 2022, 20:25 Russian occupiers are demanding that the administration of Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant give them access to engine rooms, where they want to store their military equipment. Source: Energoatom Quote: "Russian military forces are demanding that the administration of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant open engine rooms at the 1st, 2nd and 3rd power units so that they can store their entire military arsenal there. It seems safe to the occupiers, since theyre terribly afraid of receiving "presents" from the Armed Forces of Ukraine. This is why they now want to bring tanks, trucks, armaments with ammunition loads, etc., to the engine rooms". Details: The occupiers will thus block access by the firefighting equipment to three power units of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. If a fire starts, it will be quite problematic to put it out because the specialised transport wont be able to enter. Quote: "Russian occupiers are violating all the standards and requirements concerning nuclear and radiation security at the nuclear power plant. Theyre planning to store armaments and explosives right inside the engine rooms of the largest nuclear power plant in Europe". Details: Energoatom has called upon the international community to take all possible measures to set the Ukrainian ZNPP free from the occupiers. On 20 July on social media, a video was published where smoke could be seen near the ZNPP. The occupiers claimed that the ZNPP had allegedly been attacked by kamikaze drones. Meanwhile local groups reported that Ukrainian forces had hit the concentration of Russian military equipment near the power plant. Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) is among senators pushing for changes in the Electoral Count Act. (Ting Shen / Associated Press) A bipartisan group of senators agreed Wednesday on proposed changes to the Electoral Count Act, the post-Civil War-era law for certifying presidential elections that came under intense scrutiny after the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol and former President Trump's effort to overturn the 2020 election. Long in the making, the package introduced by the group led by Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Joe Manchin III (D-W.Va.) is made up of two separate proposals. One would clarify the way states submit electors and the vice president tallies the votes in Congress. The other would bolster security for state and local election officials who have faced violence and harassment. From the beginning, our bipartisan group has shared a vision of drafting legislation to fix the flaws of the archaic and ambiguous Electoral Count Act of 1887, Collins, Manchin and the other 14 senators said in a joint statement. We have developed legislation that establishes clear guidelines for our system of certifying and counting electoral votes," the group wrote. "We urge our colleagues in both parties to support these simple, commonsense reforms. Both Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Senate Minority leader Mitch McConnell (D-Ky.) have signaled support for the bipartisan group, but the final legislative package will undergo careful scrutiny. Votes are not likely before fall. But with broad support from the group of 16 senators, seven Democrats and nine Republicans, who have worked behind closed doors for months with the help of outside experts, serious consideration is assured. In a statement, Matthew Weil, executive director of the Democracy Program at the Bipartisan Policy Center, called the framework a critical step in shoring up ambiguities in the Electoral Count Act. After Trump lost the 2020 election, the defeated president orchestrated an unprecedented attempt to challenge the electors sent from battleground states to the joint session of Congress on Jan. 6, when the vice president presides over certification. Story continues Under the proposed changes, the law would be updated to ensure the governor from each state is initially responsible for submitting electors, as a way to safeguard against states sending alternative or fake elector slates. Additionally, the law would spell out that the vice president presides over the joint session in a solely ministerial capacity, according to a summary page. It says the vice president does not have any power to solely determine, accept, reject, or otherwise adjudicate disputes over electors. That provision is a direct reaction to Trump's relentless efforts to pressure then-Vice President Mike Pence to reject the electors being sent from certain battleground states as a way to halt the certification or tip it away from Joe Biden's victory. The bill also specifies the procedures around presidential transitions, including when the election outcome is disputed, to ensure the peaceful transfer of power from one administration to the next. That's another pushback to the way Trump blocked Biden's team from accessing some information for his transition to the White House. The second proposal, revolving around election security, would double the federal penalties to up to two years in prison for individuals who threaten or intimidate election officials, poll watchers, voters or candidates, according to the summary. It also would seek to improve the way the U.S. Postal Service handles election mail and provide guidance to states to improve their mail-in ballot processes. Mail-in ballots and the role of the Postal Service came under great scrutiny during the 2020 election. An Associated Press review of potential cases of voter fraud in six battleground states found no evidence of widespread fraud that could change the outcome of the election. A separate AP review of drop boxes used for mailed ballots also found no significant problems. The need for election worker protections was front and center at a separate hearing Wednesday of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Election officials and experts testified that a rise in threats of physical violence is contributing to staffing shortages across the country and a loss of experience at local boards of elections. The impact is widespread, said Neal Kelley, a former registrar of voters in Orange County, Calif., who now chairs the Committee for Safe and Secure Elections. And, while the effects on individuals are devastating, the potential blow to democracy should not be dismissed. Elizabeth Howard, senior counsel at the Brennan Center for Justice, told the committee that Congress needs to direct more money and support toward protecting election workers personal safety, including by funding local and federal training programs and providing grants to enhance security at election directors personal residences. Democratic New Mexico Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver, who recently reported a series of threats, told the panel the situation has become worse after Trumps attacks against the 2020 election result. Unfortunately, we are still on a daily basis, in my state and across the country, living with the reverberating effects of the Big Lie from 2020, she said. "And, as we all know, when it comes to leadership, what you say from the very highest echelons of government power in this country do have those reverberating effects. Some Republican members of the committee condemned violence against election workers and also drew a parallel to recent threats and intimidation directed toward some Supreme Court justices after their decision to overturn constitutional protections for abortion. Rep. Clay Higgins (R-La.) rejected the notion that Trump and other election skeptics were solely responsible for the atmosphere of mistrust that grew up around the 2020 election. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. A top San Francisco official is calling for the resignation of school board member Ann Hsu following her controversial comments that "perpetuate harmful stereotypes on Black and Brown students and their families. In a statement on Wednesday, Board of Supervisors President Shamann Walton called for Hsus resignation, describing what happened as disheartening. Yeah sure, thank you for the apology, but at the end of the day this is probably reflective of how a person really feels, Walton said. Its disheartening that someone like that is in a position to make decisions for our children." Walton also called Hsu's comments flat-out wrong and racist." More from NextShark: Japanese woman who makes $90,000 a month cosplaying shows off her costume warehouse in video Hsu was one of the three school board members sworn in by Mayor London Breed to replace recalled members following a special election in February. Commenting on the controversy on Wednesday, Breed described Hsus words as wrong and hurtful but did not urge her to resign. Theres a difference between recognizing systemic inequality and perpetuating harmful stereotypes, Breed said. But its important that she apologized and committed to working with members of the community to understand and learn. She needs to follow through on that and really listen and reflect, especially as someone who represents all children in our school district. The controversy started after Hsus responses to a San Francisco Parent Action Coalition questionnaire were shared over the weekend. Hsu reportedly implied in one of her responses that "marginalized students especially in the Black and brown community" are not fully supported by their families. More from NextShark: Nebraska Surgeon Lets Patients Pay for Medical Bills With Volunteer Work From my very limited exposure in the past four months to the challenges of educating marginalized students especially in the Black and brown community, I see one of the biggest challenges as being the lack of family support for those students, Hsu, who became a board member in March, wrote. Story continues Unstable family environments caused by housing and food insecurity along with lack of parental encouragement to focus on learning cause children to not be able to focus on or value learning, she continued. That makes teachers work harder because they have to take care of emotional and behavioral issues of students before they can teach them. That is not fair to the teachers." Hsu eventually apologized for her comments in a Twitter thread on Tuesday, explaining that she made a mistake when she answered the questions How can SFUSD (San Francisco Unified School District) increase academic outcomes for the most marginalized students? and How can SFUSD challenge and create learning opportunities for higher achieving students? More from NextShark: Japanese scientists want to make lab-grown wagyu affordable to the masses within five years My statements reflected my own limited experiences and inherent biases. I made a mistake, and I am deeply sorry, Hsu wrote. I am committed to listening, learning and growing as a person. Ive heard valuable feedback from BIPOC families and will be prioritizing and centering their voices in my work on the BOE through listening sessions and community outreach as we move forward. [1/8] Last week, I submitted my candidate questionnaire to SF Parent Action. After hearing feedback from the community, I revised one of my answers to reflect a deeper understanding of the challenges facing BIPOC students. Ann Hsu (@AnnforSFboe) July 19, 2022 More from NextShark: 'Forever chemicals' found in water, makeup and clothing ups women's risk of high blood pressure: study New school board member Lisa Weissman-Ward said Hsus answers were upsetting, harmful and disappointing. Her answers perpetuated and reflected biases and caused harm to Black and brown students and their families and also to me personally as a half-Black woman, Weissman-Ward added. Hsu, Wessman-Ward and Lainie Motamedi, who were all appointed as board members by Breed in March, are currently campaigning to retain their positions as the boards November elections are on the way. Board of Supervisors member Hillary Ronen suggested that it should be up to voters to decide whether to factor in Hsus comments as they make their decisions during the upcoming election. The voters should decide because she is so new and did unequivocally apologize, Ronen said. However, because her comments are flat out wrong and reveal a shocking lack of understanding about systemic racism and generational poverty, I will not be voting for her or endorsing her candidacy. Featured Image via Mayor London Breed Shania Twain has opened up about her ex-husband Robert Mutt Langes affair in a new documentary. In 2008, Twain found out that her husband was having an affair with her then-close friend and personal assistant Marie-Anne Thiebaud. Two years after that, the duo separated. In Netflixs Not Just a Girl, the 56-year-old Canadian singer says that she thought she had lost her voice forever. It was similarly intense to losing my parents, Twain says in the documentarys trailer. I thought I had lost my voice forever. I thought that was it. Following the affair, Twain turned to her Marie-Annes ex-husband Frederic Thiebaud for support, since they shared the same pain. The pairs relationship eventually developed, and Twain and Thiebaud were married in 2011. The new Netflix documentary also looks into Twains life and how she successfully crossed genres and became a pop star. She was the first person to break that door open and go across the music genres, Lionel Richie says of Twain in the trailer. She was that trailblazer. Kelsea Ballerini added: Shania changed country music because she went like this, Oh, these are the lines? She moves her hands further apart. Cool. Not Just a Girl will stream on Netflix on 26 July. She was found in the basement of an abandoned party house stabbed to death on a chilly October night in 2016. On Wednesday, Cati Blauvelts estranged husband John was arrested in Medford, Oregon, in connection with her death. Her mother Pam Piver of Simpsonville said at a news conference Thursday the years had been unbearable. You do lose hope, she said. But getting the news of Blauvelts arrest was the most amazing phone call Ive ever gotten, Piver said. U.S. Marshals and Medford police followed a lead provided by a cold case team from the agencys headquarters, the Marshals office said in a news release.. Blauvelt met his future wife at a sub shop next door to where he worked as a recruiter for the U.S. Army. Her family members told Unsolved Mysteries they were suspicious of him. He was 27, six years older than she was, and he was married. But the then Cati Boyter thought he was good looking and he was in the military, just as many of her family members were. She decided to join the Army but spent a brief time in boot camp before a previously undiagnosed spinal problem caused pain in her legs. Once she returned home after a medical discharge, it wasnt long before her family learned she and John had gone to the justice of the peace to be married. They moved into a four-bedroom home in Fountain Inn, where John staged parties for teenagers, providing them with drugs and alcohol, her family told Unsolved Mysteries. The parents of one of the teens called police and Blauvelt was arrested for domestic violence relating to an incident with his wife in which he held a gun to her head, and contributing the delinquency of a minor. Cati moved home and got her dream job at PetSmart in Simpsonville. That was the last place she was seen, Oct. 24, 2016. Once it became known she was missing her friends and family spent hour upon hour looking for her. It was two friends who found her body shortly after midnight Oct. 26, hidden under lumber in the rundown house in the woods just off Main Street in Simpsonville. Story continues Blauvelt was an immediate suspect, interviewed twice by Simpsonville Police. But before they could get a warrant he was gone, on the run with the 17-year-old whose parents called police about the party months earlier. Police tracked him across the country, deep South to West Coast. The teen called her family in December 2016 from Eugene, Oregon and said Blauvelt had abandoned her. He hadnt been heard from since until Wednesday. He is charged with murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime. Blauvelt was classified by the Army as a deserter. In early 2022, the Marshals cold and complex case investigative team, composed of various USMS components, began investigating. A contingent of law enforcement agencies, including the Carolinas Regional Fugitive Task Force, Simpsonville detectives, the South Carolina Highway Patrol and the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division, tracked Blauvelt to Medford, Oregon. Investigators there, working with the Medford Police Department and the Jackson County Sheriffs Office, located Blauvelt, who had assumed the alias Ben Klein, and took him into custody without incident, the Marshals Office said in a news release. Blauvelt is being held in Jackson County Jail pending extradition to South Carolina In 2002, a womans skeletal remains were found by a construction worker in Gregg County. The case went cold, but now her remains have been identified. Pamela Darlene Young of Arlington was identified by the DNA Doe Project, an all-volunteer nonprofit organization, and the Gregg County Sheriffs Office, according to a news release. Youngs daughter, who was not named, provided a DNA sample that lead to the identification. Even though her remains have been identified, investigators ran out of leads and the case of what happened to Young remains cold. In 2020, Gregg County Sheriffs Office Lt. Eddie Hope called on the DNA Doe Project to help with the case, narrowing down a family tree to identify Young. The project uses genetic genealogy to identify remains. Team members used a mitochondrial DNA haplogroup to narrow their focus on Young, according to the release. A DNA profile was made from a molar and uploaded to GEDmatch Pro, a database that gives law enforcement the ability to compare DNA profiles of unidentified remains to those who uploaded profiles open to the public. There was a lot of endogamy in the family, which made the case much more difficult, Kevin Lord, team co-leader, said in the release. The Tarrant County Medical Examiners Office determined Young had died about two years before she was found. She had an unrepaired cleft palate, a birth condition that is a slit in the roof of the mouth when tissue doesnt fuse together during growth in the womb, according to the release. SEOUL, South Korea, and WARSAW, Poland Korean defense companies Hyundai Rotem, Korea Aerospace Industries and Hanwha Defense expect to sign a memorandum of understand on July 27 with the Polish Ministry of Defense for wide-ranging weapon exports, officials here said. A senior official of the Korean Presidential Office recently met these companies executives to discuss export volume, price, and timeline, following President Yoon Suk-yeols defense sales diplomacy during the recent NATO summit, according to these officials. The Polish government is reportedly discussing with the Korean defense companies the acquisition of K-2 tanks from Hyundai Rotem, FA50 light attack aircraft from KAI, and K9 self-propelled artillery from Hanwha under a long-term arrangement. The three companies export volume could reach up to 19 trillion Korean won ($14.5 billion) when all of those sales are added up. Specifically, Hyundai Rotem is talking with Poland to supply 180 K2 tanks (worth 3 trillion KRW, or $2.3 billion) by 2024, and the country may additionally purchase 400 K2 tanks by 2030, worth 8 trillion KRW, or $6.1 billion. KAI is discussing selling 48 light attack aircraft FA50 for 3.4 trillion KRW, or $2.6 billion. Poland also plans to purchase 670 K9 self-propelled artilleries that worth 4-5 trillion KRW, or $3 billion to $3.8 billion. South Korea to buy 20 more F-35s A spokesperson at the Ministry of Defense in Warsaw declined to provide details about what deals are on the table in the two countries negotiations, saying only details would be released soon. The ongoing talks concern not only the acquisition of military equipment to strengthen the Polish Armed Forces, they are also related to the issues of industrial cooperation and transfer of technology, the spokesperson told Defense News. In an interview published by local site Wpolityce.pl on July 22, Polish National Defense Minister Mariusz Baszczak confirmed Poland is finalizing negotiations with South Korea to buy 48 FA-50 aircraft and an undisclosed number of K2 tanks. Story continues We will receive the first units this year; in total, it will be 180 tanks in the first batch, he said. Defense exports to Poland would be the South Korean defense companies first sales to Europe, raising the prospect of additional deals there and elsewhere. Specifically, South Korean companies are eying tenders in Norway, Australia, Malaysia and Colombia. Meanwhile, Baszczak announced Poland has decided to buy 116 used M1 Abrams tanks from the U.S. on top of its previous order for 250 new tanks to replace the Soviet-designed T-72 tanks it has supplied to Ukraine. These tanks are stored by the United States Army. The first of these tanks will be delivered to the Polish Armed Forces next year. We want them to fill in the gaps left after we donated our gear to Ukraine, Baszczak said during a press conference on July 18. The value of the procurement was not disclosed. However, the minister said that Warsaw will pay the U.S. for restoring the tanks operational capacities, an accompanying logistics package, and spare parts. Baszczak said the 116 tanks represent an older version of the M1 Abrams. BARCELONA, Spain (AP) The European Unions plan to reduce the blocs natural gas use by 15% to prepare for a potential cutoff by Russia this winter received sharp skepticism Thursday from the governments of Spain and Portugal, which are usually big supporters of the bloc. The governments in Madrid and Lisbon said they would not support the initiative announced by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday. The proposal would start with voluntary reductions, but the EU's head office also wants the power to make 15% savings mandatory in the event of an EU-wide energy emergency. Spain and Portugal said making reductions obligatory was a non-starter. They noted that there are scant energy connections linking them to the rest of Europe and that they use very little Russian gas compared to fellow EU members such as Germany and Italy. We will defend European values, but we wont accept a sacrifice regarding an issue that we have not even been allowed to give our opinion on, Spanish Ecological Transition Minister Teresa Ribera said. No matter what happens, Spanish families wont suffer cuts to gas or to the electricity to their homes, she said. (The measure) would serve for nothing if the gas that could not be used by Spanish industries could not then later be used by the homes or industries of other countries. Portugals secretary for the environment and energy, Joao Galamba, said the proposed measure was unsustainable and disproportionate. The whole logic behind rationing presupposes interlinked (European gas distribution) systems, and it appears the European Commission forgot about that, Galamba told the Portuguese newspaper Publico. He added: Portugal was for years and years disadvantaged because it had no links to the rest of Europes energy distribution network and the country has always had to buy more expensive gas. The reduced electrical connections and gas pipelines between Spain and France led to the EU allowing Iberian countries to install their own price-control mechanisms this spring. Story continues All EU countries as well as many nations around the world are battling soaring inflation driven by energy prices rising in part due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Spains left-wing coalition government has faced protests by drivers and farmers in recent months due to price hikes. Inflation in Spain peaked over 10% in June, compared to 8.6% for the eurozone. Spain relied on gas for 27% of its electricity in June, compared to 48% from renewable sources, according to Enagas, the operator of Spains natural gas network. Russia provided 10% of Spain's gas imports this year, behind the United States (34%), Algeria (25%) and Nigeria (14%), Enagas said. Spanish officials also noted their expanded infrastructure for importing LNG liquified natural gas. With six plants in Spain and one in Portugal, they account for one-third of Europes LNG processing capacity. Ribera said 20% of the gas imported to Spain last month was later sent to other EU members. The EU(backslash)s 27 member nations plan to discuss the proposed gas-saving measures at an emergency meeting of energy ministers on Tuesday. ___ AP writer Barry Hatton contributed to this report from Lisbon. ___ Follow the APs coverage of the war at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine ___ Follow the AP's coverage of climate change issues at https://apnews.com/hub/climate-and-environment This article is brought to you by shopDisney and created by In The Knows commerce team. If you decide to purchase products through the links below, we may receive a commission. Pricing and availability are subject to change. Like it or not, back-to-school season is just a few weeks away. Though it may feel like summer just started, kids will be back in classrooms before you know it. To help ensure the little ones in your life are ready for another school year of fun and learning, head over to shopDisney.com and stock up on books as part of their Buy a Book, Give a Book program. From now through Dec. 31, Disney will donate a book to First Book for every book purchased on shopDisney.com. First Book is an organization thats committed to providing equal access to quality education for kids in need since 1992. Even if your child, niece or nephew already has a shelf full of great reads, kids really can never have too many books. Plus, there are so many awesome options at shopDisney. There are books featuring kids favorite movie characters from films like Encanto, Turning Red and Star Wars, plus inspirational books and books specially written for bedtime. Need help deciding which books to grab while shopDisney is running its Buy a Book, Give a Book program? Check out a few sure-to-please picks below. Antonio's Amazing Gift Book Encanto, $16.99 $16.99 at shopDisney Like Mother, Like Daughter Book Turning Red, $16.99 $16.99 at shopDisney Disney Junior 5-Minute Stories Book, $14.99 $14.99 at shopDisney Tales of Courage and Kindness Book, $16.99 $16.99 at shopDisney Winnie the Pooh the Little Things in Life Book, $22.99 $22.99 at shopDisney Sleepy Time 5-Minute Stories Book, $14.99 $14.99 at shopDisney Shop more books on shopDisney now! If you liked this story, check out this psoriasis cream that Amazon shoppers swear by. More from In The Know: 6 stylish summer essentials under $40 to grab at Athleta right now and wear all season long 8 of the best laptops for college students all under $400 TikTok is fascinated by this unique travel pillow that makes sleeping on planes so much comfier Grab a pair of UGG slippers on sale at Nordstrom now, and your feet will be warm and cozy all winter long The post Stock up on the best childrens reads while shopDisney is running its Buy A Book, Give A Book program appeared first on In The Know. Texas Atty. Gen. Ken Paxton speaks outside the Supreme Court on Nov. 1, 2021. (Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times) The Supreme Court on Thursday turned down an emergency appeal from the Biden administration and left in place a Texas judge's order that says the government must detain and deport immigrants who have serious crimes on their record. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson cast her first vote in dissent, saying she would have set aside the judge's order. Justices Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan and Amy Coney Barrett also voted to grant the administration's emergency appeal. Though the five other conservative justices rejected the emergency appeal, the court said it would hear the administration's arguments in December. The decision again highlights the court's shift to the right. In the past, the justices routinely said the executive branch has broad authority to enforce the immigration laws. But in this instance, a Texas judge effectively set the national policy by vetoing the Biden administration's enforcement plan, which said agents should focus their efforts on apprehending and detaining immigrants who posed the greatest threat. Neither the conservative appeals court in New Orleans nor the conservative majority at the Supreme Court was willing to rein in the Texas judge. The action Thursday also led to a first-of-its-kind 5-4 split at the high court. The five male justices turned down the administration's appeal, while the four female justices voted to grant it. The decision is not likely to have a direct or immediate impact. The administration has said it does not have enough staff and jail facilities to detain all the immigrants who could be subject to deportation for past crimes. For the past year, Republican state attorneys general and the Democratic administration have been locked in a dispute over immigration enforcement. At issue is whether the law requires mandatory detention for immigrants with a serious crime on their record or allows the administration to prioritize deportations by focusing on those who pose a current danger to public safety. Often, immigrants serve years in state prisons for crimes and are then released, when they may be taken into custody by federal immigration agents. Story continues Since taking office early last year, Biden's appointees at the Department of Homeland Security have issued several memos setting guidelines for deciding whether certain immigrants must be detained and deported. "It is well established in the law that federal government officials have broad discretion to decide who should be subject to arrest, detainers, removal proceedings, and the execution of removal orders," DHS Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas said last September. He said enforcement should focus on "noncitizens who pose a current threat to public safety," not anyone with a past record of serious crimes. Biden and previous administrations have argued there are insufficient resources to deport all immigrants with a criminal record. But Texas Atty. Gen. Ken Paxton filed a suit contending the law required the government to arrest, detain and deport what Congress called "criminal aliens," including those who had an "aggravated felony" on their record. He won a broad ruling from U.S. District Judge Drew Tipton, a Trump appointee, who sits in Corpus Christi, Texas. Tipton issued a nationwide order declaring the administration's enforcement policy was illegal and may not be used. The U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans refused to lift the order on July 6. In a 3-0 decision, the appellate judges said the administration's "new immigration rule radically reduces the federal governments detention of those who are statutorily required to be removed post-haste." They pointed to provisions in federal law that say immigration authorities "shall take into custody" and "shall detain" and "shall remove" noncitizens who were convicted of certain crimes, including drug trafficking, human smuggling and other aggravated felonies. A day earlier, the 6th Circuit Court in Cincinnati handed down an opposite ruling. Its 3-0 decision lifted a judge's order and said the federal authorities have long had discretion in deciding which noncitizens will be held for deportation. Setting priorities "is not new," said Chief Judge Jeffrey Sutton. U.S. Solicitor Gen. Elizabeth Prelogar filed an emergency appeal on July 8 and urged the high court to block the district judge's order in the Texas case. She said it has long been understood that immigration authorities do not have enough agents or jail cells to arrest and detain all the undocumented persons who could be subject to deportation. "By purporting to dictate how and when the executive branch should enforce immigration law in all 50 states, the district court upended the separation of powers and intruded on a core executive prerogative," she wrote in her appeal in United States vs. Texas. The government faces "significant resource constraints" which "make it imperative that the Department of Homeland Security have the freedom to target noncitizens who pose the greatest threat to national security, public safety, and border security." She also cited an "explosion of state suits seeking nationwide relief" and urged the court to put a stop to them. "For most of our nations history, a suit like this would have been unheard of. Courts did not allow states to sue the federal government based on the indirect, downstream effects of federal policies," she said. "But suits like this have recently become routine. California, for example, filed 122 lawsuits against the Trump administration, an average of one every two weeks, and Texas attorney general recently announced that he had filed his 11th immigration-related lawsuit against the Biden administration the 27th overall against Biden. The attorneys general of Louisiana, Arizona and 17 other Republican-led states agreed with Texas and urged the court to reject the administration's appeal. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. BAR ELIAS, Lebanon (AP) Sitting outside her tent in a camp in eastern Lebanon, a 30-year-old Syrian refugee contemplated the sunset and her worsening options. Umm Jawad fled to Lebanon in 2011 to escape a Syrian government siege of her hometown of Homs. She managed to survive over the past decade, despite Lebanons devastating economic meltdown and souring attitudes toward Syrian refugees. But now Lebanon wants to send her and a million other refugees back to Syria, claiming that much of the war-shattered country is safe. She is terrified. Life in Lebanon is difficult, but she fears returning to Syria could be fatal. Shes considering a risky escape to Europe by sea with her husband and their children, ages 11 and six. There, she could complete her accounting degree, put the children back in school and secure a steady supply of medication for her epilepsy. They (the Europeans) live a better quality of life, said Umm Jawad, who asked to be identified by her nickname, which means mother of Jawad in reference to her older son's first name, to speak freely about her family and plans. But here, my children, husband, and I live in a tent. Lebanons economic meltdown - one of the worst in modern history -- has pushed a growing number of Lebanese and Syrians to attempt the perilous journey by sea to Europe. The Lebanese governments recently announced plan to deport 15,000 refugees per month to Syria appears set to push more people to make that journey, at a time when Europe is struggling with millions of Ukrainian refugees fleeing the months-long war in their country. The Lebanese Army and other security agencies report foiled migration attempts off the coast of the northern coasts on a weekly basis. At least seven migrants drowned following a confrontation between a boat of Lebanese and Syrian migrants and the Lebanese Army in April. The Lebanese are not happy with their life here and are trying to leave, so what does that mean for Syrians? said Umm Jawad. May God help both the Lebanese and Syrians out of this crisis. Story continues Umm Jawad lives in a Syrian refugee camp near Lebanons eastern border crossing with Syria, On a recent day, children played soccer in the camps labyrinth of alleys, while some residents bartered with a street vendor who passed by with his cart carrying produce. One man set up a makeshift barbershop inside a tent. Life in the camp has been getting harder. Donor fatigue, the COVID-19 pandemic, and Lebanons crippling economic crisis have forced more refugees to go into debt to afford food, medicine, and rent. Lebanon, a country of five million people, says it can no longer afford to host more than a million Syrian refugees, and is adamant to start deporting them within months, despite opposition from the United Nations and rights groups. The Lebanese authorities have supported forced refugee returns for years but had not come up with a comprehensive plan until recently. In justifying such measures, they say Syrian officials have assured them there are now many safe areas refugees can return to. In a Lebanese government document obtained by The Associated Press, Damascus assured Beirut in April that returnees would be able to secure identification cards, birth certificates, social services, temporary housing, and a viable infrastructure. Syrian officials also wrote that returnees would benefit from Syrian President Bashar Assads pardons of political opponents and military draft evaders. In reality, the Assad government has struggled to rebuild areas it has reclaimed through devastating sieges and air raids, and Syrias economy, like that of Lebanon, is in tatters. Western-led sanctions on Damascus following the governments brutal crackdown on political opposition in 2011 have further exacerbated the economic downturn. Many Syrian refugees fear for their safety if forced to return, including the oppressive omnipresence of their countrys notorious security services. Human Rights Watch has documented cases of Syrian refugees facing detention, torture, and a host of human rights violations upon their return, even with security clearances from the Syrian government, said Lama Fakih, the Middle East and North Africa director at the watchdog group. Umm Jawad worries her husband could be forced to return to the military. You have check points every few hundred meters, between every neighborhood, and crime is rampant. You just cant feel safe even in your own home, she said. Hassan Al-Mohammed, who works in the fields of Lebanons lush Bekaa Valley, along with several of his 12 children, said he dreams of going home, but that now is not the time. He said his hometown southwest of the city of Aleppo is still a frontline. Should I flee an economic crisis just to have my family slaughtered? he said, sitting in his tent. At the same time, many Lebanese feel that sending the Syrians home would ease the economic crisis in Lebanon, wherethree out of four people now live in poverty. Tensions between Lebanese and Syrians are increasingly palpable. Al-Mohammed says bakeries would sometimes prioritize Lebanese nationals for their bundle of bread and make Syrians and non-Lebanese wait for hours. He is frustrated by claims that refugees have been benefitting economically at the expense of Lebanese. They reduced aid, so were working to eat. The money we make is to buy bread, he said. Lebanese ministers in recent months have proposed that the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees redirect refugee aid to Syria, as a way of improving the situation there and encouraging returns. But those calls have so far fallen on deaf ears. The U.N. refugee agency, along with Europe, the United States and several rights groups, say that Syria simply isnt safe yet. Lebanese officials expressed their frustration. The U.N.s refusal to redirect aid deters refugees from returning, Issam Charafeddine, the Cabinet minister dealing with refugee issues, said in an interview earlier this month. He also said reports of an imminent start of deportations amount to an unfounded fear campaign. Maj. Gen. Abbas Ibrahim, a member of the Lebanese governments refugee returns committee, told reporters last week that it seems the international community doesnt want the Syrians to return to their country. Texas Tech logo Businesses who want to learn more about expanding their online presence can register now for a conference, hosted by the Northwest Texas Small Business Development Center, according to a news release. At 9 a.m. Aug. 17, people can attend "Sharpening Your Digital Edge: Business, Social Media & Cyber Conference" at Willows Event Center, 6303 82nd St. The conference will include speakers from across Texas, who will discuss "new tactics, resources and best practices in eCommerce, marketing and online business protection," according to the release. "The world of marketing and commerce is changing rapidly," said Carla Holland, executive director of the Northwest Texas SBDC. "We want to create a conference to bring next-level training so area businesses can stay ahead of the curve without paying steep prices to do so." People can register at lubbocksbdc.org/sharpening-your-digital-edge. The cost is $65 per person, through early registration is $45 if ordered before July 31, according to the release. Food, including breakfast, lunch and snacks, will be provided. This is sponsored by Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act and American Rescue Plan (ARPA) funds, according to the release. This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Texas Tech to host conference about online business tools in Lubbock (Bloomberg) -- A price cap on Russian oil should go into effect alongside the December implementation of the European Unions restrictions on insurance for the commodity, a Biden administration official said Wednesday night. Most Read from Bloomberg We are following on what the Europeans have done, Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo told the Aspen Security Forum in Colorado. They introduced the idea of looking to do a price cap but they also said that by December they plan to put in place their insurance ban. Our goal is to make sure that as that insurance ban is going into place, were in a position where there is a price cap that can be joined on to that that is a global one that helps to drive down global energy prices and also allows Russian energy to flow into the marketplace, he said. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has been pressing allies on the idea of introducing a price cap on Russian oil, one of President Vladimir Putins primary sources of money for his countrys war in Ukraine. Yellen argued that the cap would deprive Putin of much-needed revenue and keep prices from soaring when the insurance ban goes into effect. The European Union plans to ban seaborne imports of Russian crude and refined fuels by 2023. The mechanism to enforce this ban singles out the insurance companies that indemnify the ships that carry the oil. With few entities offering the specialized insurance and re-insurance to the vessels, the intention is to restrict the flow of oil to the market, which some officials fear could cause a dramatic rise in prices. Yellen Says Oil-Cap Plan Blunts Concerns Over Russian Reprisals Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco, who joined Adeyemo on stage in Aspen, said the Justice Department is asking Congress for the authority to go after networks of Russian oligarchs and sanctions evaders using racketeering statutes the agency used to attack the mafia. She said the departments KleptoCapture task force had seized several yachts, including one on which a rare Faberge egg was discovered. Story continues Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2022 Bloomberg L.P. Mikhaila Friel tried on the most expensive and least expensive wedding dresses at a British bridal store. Mikhaila Friel/Insider I went wedding dress shopping at a bridal store in Glasgow, Scotland, even though I'm not engaged. I tried on some of the store's most expensive and least expensive gowns. Every woman should be able to go wedding dress shopping, regardless of their relationship status. I'm not close to getting married or even engaged. Yet, I decided to go wedding dress shopping at a bridal store in Scotland, UK, earlier this week. Mikhaila during a visit to Eleganza Sposa, a bridal store in Glasgow, Scotland. Mikhaila Friel/Insider I visited Eleganza Sposa, a bridal store in Glasgow, Scotland, on Tuesday to interview the store's owner, Anna Cirignaco, about the bridal industry for Insider. Ahead of the interview, I was offered the opportunity to try on a few wedding dresses. At first, I was unsure if I should. While I've been in a committed relationship since November 2020, we're not engaged and it will likely be a while before that happens. But even before I met my partner, I liked to daydream about what kind of wedding I would have one day especially the dress. I figured this would be a cool opportunity to have a practice run at dress shopping without the added pressures of planning a wedding. And, I thought, I might even learn something along the way. Eleganza Sposa was founded 30 years ago and is located on Bath Street in Glasgow's city center. The exterior of Eleganza Sposa, left, and a map showing where it's located in Glasgow, right. Mikhaila Friel/Insider, Google Maps According to the company's website, Eleganza Sposa was founded in 1992 and is Scotland's leading luxury boutique specializing in couture bridal and evening-wear gowns. Eleganza Sposa offers a range of bridal designers to choose from, including Eleganza Iconica, the store's in-house designer brand. The gowns range in price from 1,499, or around $1,790, to 8,000, or around $9,500, according to the company's marketing manager, Angela, who told me that most women end up spending more than the budget they initially set for themselves. According to a survey conducted by the wedding website Hitched, women in the UK who wed in 2021 spent an average of 1,300, or around $1,550, on a wedding dress. Eleganza Sposa's marketing manager, Angela, gave me a tour of the store and showed me the most popular dresses. Story continues 3D floral embroidery and pearls are popular right now. Mikhaila Friel/Insider Angela said she started out at the company as a stylist before becoming a marketing manager; she knows everything there is to know about dresses. She showed me to a private room that had racks of wedding dresses, a couch, a full-length mirror, and a dressing area. She said that two of the most popular features on dresses right now are pearls and 3D floral embroidery. But when it comes to the style of dress, Angela said brides are enjoying a variety of styles, from soft A-line, ballgown, to fishtail dresses. This appears to be the case with American brides, too. This was evident during New York Bridal Fashion Week in April, according to CNN, which reports that collections for 2022 and 2023 are "flush with different silhouettes, details, textures and colors" rather than leading with trends. The store had dresses in a variety of colors, including ivory, blush, and nude but none were white. There were no white wedding dresses in the store. Mikhaila Friel/Insider The store doesn't sell any white dresses, according to Angela, who told me that white dresses appear harsh and can look almost blue in some photographs. She recommends brides opt for ivory as this is a softer color. Over the years there has been a decrease in demand for white wedding dresses in favor of more flattering shades, and experts predict that the color will continue to fade in popularity, Brides reported in July 2021. The first dress I tried a strapless, sparkly gown with detachable sleeves was glamorous, but it didn't fit me properly. Mikhaila trying on the Lucera dress with detachable sleeves. Mikhaila Friel/Insider The first dress that caught my eye was the Lucera dress by Eleganza Iconica, and it cost 3,699, or around $4,400, Angela told me. The skirt had multiple layers of sparkle and tulle, and I loved how flowy it was as I'd never been a fan of dresses that cling to my body. The dress comes with detachable sleeves, and when I tried them on they were too long for my arms. Angela said this is common and that most brides will have to get their dresses altered. However, she said this isn't included in the price of the dress, and there's a separate alteration business in the same building where prices usually start at around 150, or around $180, depending on how much you need altered. I was surprised to learn that some brides have to pay extra for this, considering how much money they may have already paid for the dress. Next, I went out of my comfort zone and tried a jumpsuit, and learned it wasn't for me. Mikhaila tried on a bridal jumpsuit. Mikhaila Friel/Insider Angela said that jumpsuits are a modern choice and they've become particularly fashionable for wedding receptions, where it's become increasingly popular to wear a second outfit. I tried on Eleganza Iconica's Castro jumpsuit, which she said costs 3,199, or around $3,800. I've never been a fan of jumpsuits, and to be honest, I just didn't like the way this looked on my body. I also can't imagine spending money on a second wedding outfit. If I end up spending hundreds or even thousands of dollars on a beautiful dress one day, you better believe I'm going to wear it for the entire wedding day and not change into anything else. I always said I didn't want to spend a lot on my wedding dress. But then I tried on one of the store's most expensive gowns. Mikhaila wearing a fit-and-flare gown with a soft fishtail skirt. Mikhaila Friel/Insider I've never been intrigued by the idea of spending a lot of money on a wedding dress. But then I tried on the Galilea gown from the Martina Liana Luxe collection, and I may have just changed my mind. Angela wouldn't allow me to try on the store's most expensive dress, which she said cost 8,000, or around $9,550. But at 6,500, or around $7,760, the Galilea gown was a close second. I never would have picked out the fishtail dress for myself, since I didn't think I would suit a gown that hugged my curves. But Angela encouraged me, saying that most brides who try the opposite of what they originally wanted end up having the most success and I ended up loving it. Finally, I tried on the least expensive gown, and was shocked by how similar it was to the most expensive one. Mikhaila tried on the store's least expensive wedding dress. Mikhaila Friel/Insider The final dress I tried on was Essence of Australia's Veronica dress, which Angela said was the store's least expensive gown at 1,599, or around $1,900. I was surprised by how similar it was to the most expensive dress. It was the same fit-and-flare style as the Galilea, although it was made with different a material stretch crepe with illusion lace at the side to highlight the bride's curves. If I had to pick between the two gowns (and if I had unlimited amounts of cash), I would choose the first one. Even so, this dress is a fantastic alternative in my opinion, and more than $5,800 cheaper. It's also simpler, which I imagine would appeal to brides who prefer the "less is more" look. While it's not conventional to go wedding dress shopping before you're engaged, I'd recommend it to every woman who wants to get married one day. Mikhaila Friel at Eleganza Sposa. Mikhaila Friel/Insider Around 90 minutes had passed by the time I had finished trying on the dresses. I couldn't believe it, but Angela said this is normal and that they can reserve up to two hours per customer. It was an enjoyable experience, but this was mostly because I wasn't actually looking to buy a dress. It didn't upset me if I tried something on and it didn't suit me, because there was no pressure there. Equally, I found myself more willing to take chances and try on dresses that aren't my typical style. I now believe that every woman who wants to get married one day should go wedding dress shopping, regardless of their relationship status. You might just learn something about yourself. Read the original article on Insider BAGHDAD (AP) Hundreds of angry Iraqis took to the streets late Thursday to decry deadly strikes on an Iraqi tourist resort the previous day that the government has blamed on Turkey. The protests erupted just hours after the families of those killed in the shelling buried their loved ones. Turkey's foreign minister rejected accusations that his country's military carried out Wednesday's attack on the district of Zakho in Iraq's semi-autonomous northern Kurdish region. At least eight Iraqis were killed, including a child, and 20 were wounded. Turkey frequently carries out airstrikes and attacks into northern Iraq and has sent commandos to support its offensives targeting the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party, or PKK. The insurgents, who have for decades battled the government in Ankara, have bases in the mountainous Iraqi region. And though civilians, mostly local villagers, have been killed in the past, Wednesdays attack marked the first time that tourists visiting the north from elsewhere in Iraq were killed. Speaking with Turkish state broadcaster TRT, Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said Turkey was willing to cooperate with Iraqi authorities to shed light on the treacherous attack. He offered to bring the wounded to Turkey for medical treatment. The protests outside what was formerly the Turkish Embassy in Baghdads neighborhood of Waziriah started peacefully but later escalated. Some in the crowd carried signs that read: Turkeys attacks on civilians is a crime against humanity. Others threw stones at the riot police and burned tires. At one point, clashes erupted when some demonstrators tried to storm in to replace the Turkish flag that was still flying over the building with an Iraqi one. Several protesters were hurt when the police threw back some of the stones hurled at them. The Turkish Embassy, which had relocated to the heavily fortified Green Zone last year, cancelled visa appointments for the day. Story continues Earlier Thursday, Iraq's government summoned Turkey's ambassador in protest and caskets carrying the bodies of victims were flown from the semi-autonomous Kurdish-run northern region to Baghdad for burial. Before the flight, the Iraqi Kurdish regions president, Nechirvan Barzani, laid a wreath on one of the caskets and helped carry it onto a military plane. At the Baghdad airport, Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi received the dead and met with the families of those killed, offering his condolences. He promised the wounded would be taken care of. There remained a discrepancy over how many were killed in Wednesday's attack. Iraq's military said eight people died but nine caskets were loaded onto the military plane Thursday. Cavusoglu, Turkey's top diplomat, claimed the attack was a smokescreen" aimed at preventing Turkish military operations in the region." We did not conduct any attack against civilians, he said and insisted that Turkey's fight in Iraq has always been against" the PKK. Meanwhile, mourners carried the coffin of Abbas Abdul Hussein, a 30-year-old Iraqi killed in Zakho. Hussein had just gotten married five days earlier, his cousin Said Alawadi said, demanding the government initiate deterrent measures against Turkey," even cut all political and economic ties. The attack catapulted into the spotlight Turkey's ongoing military operations against Turkey's Kurdish insurgents in northern Iraq an issue that has long divided Iraqi officials. With deep economic ties between the two countries, many hesitate to damage relations with Ankara. Baghdad and Ankara are also divided on other issues, including the Kurdish region's independent oil sector and water-sharing. But in the aftermath of the attack, anger against Turkey is mounting on the Iraqi street. In April, Turkey launched its latest offensive in northern Iraq, part of a series of cross-border operations that started in 2019 to combat the PKK. The Iraqi government condemned Wednesday's attack as a flagrant violation of Iraq's sovereignty, convened an emergency national security meeting and ordered a pause in dispatching Iraq's new ambassador to Ankara. Iraq's Parliament was also to convene on Saturday to discuss the Turkish attack. Al-Kadhimi accused Turkey of ignoring Iraqs continuous demands to refrain from military violations against Iraqi territory and the lives of its people. The PKK, listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the United States and the European Union, has led an insurgency in southeastern Turkey since 1984 that has killed tens of thousands of people. Ankara has pressed Baghdad to root out the PKK from the Kurdish region. Iraq, in turn, has said Turkeys ongoing attacks are a breach of its sovereignty. ___ Associated Press writer Suzan Fraser in Ankara, Turkey, contributed to this report. Two Florida men are facing federal prison time for their role in a scheme to use card skimmers at gas stations resulting in over $2 million of stolen money, according to court records. Hugo Hernandez, 35, of Miami Lakes and Marlon Palacios, 38, of Cape Coral are two of the 11 people involved in a federal case alleging they set up card skimmers in New York gas pumps and laundered the money they stole from those devices. Hernandez was charged with fraud and money laundering, landing him five years in prison and more than $170,000 in fees on Wednesday. Palacios was charged with fraud and identity theft, landing him four months in prison along with a $25,000 penalty. Both pleaded guilty in a New York federal court. The case involves nine other people, who have either not been sentenced yet or had their court cases sealed. READ MORE: Skimming crew gets prison for $5 million fraud and has to give up Porsche, feds say Hernandez used his Hialeah company, HH Investments Corp, to buy over 140 of the same parts that were in some card skimmers found by authorities at gas stations in New York, according to court records. Others allegedly bought more parts and built skimmers, court records said, while some drove from South Florida to put the skimmers in New York gas pumps between 2016 and 2017. The group then returned to the gas stations and used Bluetooth devices to get information from thousands of credit and debit cards, records alleged. An online account belonging to Palacios had information associated with just over 2,400 skimmed cards. The group made fake cards with the stolen data and took out cash using ATMs and money orders, according to records. One unnamed person received $17,000 by mail on a single day in 2017. Hernandez was involved in depositing 162 money orders worth $173,257 total into his company between 2016 and 2018. Some went on to launder the cash by purchasing gift cards and reselling them online, according to the records. Details of the investigation were not immediately available, but court documents said law enforcement found skimming devices in Fonda and New York with some card information Palacios also had in his cloud account. The U.S. Army Reserve has confirmed the soldier who died after a lightning strike at Fort Gordon on Wednesday morning was an operating room specialist participating in a training exercise. The soldier who was killed, Sgt. 1st Class Michael D. Clark, was assigned to 933rd Forward Resuscitative Surgical Company, 3rd Medical Command (Deployment Support). Clark, 41, was a native of Springfield, Massachusetts, and served in the Army and U.S. Army Reserve for more than 22 years, deploying four times in support of operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, according to a release from the U.S. Army Reserve. Lightning strike: 1 dead, 9 injured at Georgia military base Here's what we know: Fort Gordon lightning strike kills 1 soldier, injures 9 The 933rd FRSD family is devastated by the loss of our brother, Sgt. 1st Class Michael Clark," said Maj. Stephen W. Rhinehart, commander, 933rd Forward Resuscitative Surgical Company. "Sgt. 1st Clark was a loving husband, father, and a patriot who deeply loved our country. His leadership, knowledge, experience, and love for his fellow Soldiers was immeasurable." Nine other soldiers were also injured during the lightning strike at Training Area 26. The wooded area is situated on the northwest boundary of Fort Gordon near the Columbia County line. Eight of the injured soldiers were assigned to the 3rd Medical Command (Deployment Support). They were transported to Dwight D. Eisenhower Army Medical Center for follow-on medical care. The 933th, 936th and 946th Forward Resuscitative Surgical Detachments were attending annual training in support of Regional Medic. "Regional Medic is a training exercise for medical units to refine their processes and medical skills in field and stressful environments," according to the release. "Its a training platform that can emulate and help units become successful in executing everything from basic warrior tasks to the full operation of medical support and performance in aspect of what that unit can do both on the battlefield and on the move." Story continues Seven of the soldiers remain in good condition and one has been treated and released, according to the release. A soldier assigned to 7458th Medical Operational Readiness Unit, Army Reserve Medical Command, who was also serving with the Forward Resuscitative Surgical Detachments, was injured but remains in good condition. We extend our sincere sympathies to Sgt.1st Class Clarks unit and his family during this difficult time, said Lt. Gen. Jody Daniels, Chief of Army Reserve and Commanding General of U.S. Army Reserve Command. People are our most important asset. Sgt. 1st Class Clark was a valuable member of our Army Reserve team and we are all deeply saddened by his loss. Rinehart added that Clark was not just one of his soldiers, but also his friend and brother. "Sgt. 1st Clarks smile and laughter were infectious and always brought joy to everyone around him. Words will never be able to describe how much he will be missed, but his influence on our unit and Soldiers will remain forever... Our prayers are with his family," he said. This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Fort Gordon lightning strike kills Army Reserve soldier LONDON (Reuters) - Britain will send scores of artillery guns and more than 1,600 anti-tank weapons to Ukraine in the latest supply of Western arms to help bolster the country's defence against Russia, Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said on Thursday. The boost comes after British Prime Minister Boris Johnson last month promised another 1 billion pounds ($1.2 billion) of military support, bringing total UK support to Ukraine since the start of the war, which Russia calls a "special operation", to 2.3 billion pounds. "Together with our international partners, we will ensure Ukraine has the tools to defend their country from Putins illegal invasion," Wallace said in a statement. Wallace said Britain would also provide counter-battery radar systems, hundreds of drones and more than 50,000 rounds of ammunition. The UK has already supplied Ukraine with a range of military equipment including almost 7,000 anti-tank weapons, hundreds of missiles and armoured fighting vehicles, and has also been training Ukrainian soldiers. ($1 = 0.8366 pounds) (Reporting by Muvija M, writing by Sachin Ravikumar; Editing by Kate Holton) Airlines: A passenger fills out a claim form at the Terminal 2 of El Prat airport in Barcelona. Photo: Lluis Gene/AFP via Getty The competition and aviation regulators have warned airlines they will face enforcement action if they do not minimise flight disruptions and obey the rules regarding compensation. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) have issued a joint letter to carriers, expressing concern that consumers could experience significant harm unless airlines meet their obligations. The letter stated: We are concerned that some airlines may not be doing everything they could to avoid engaging in one or more harmful practices. These include selling more tickets for flights than they can reasonably expect to supply, not always fully satisfying obligations to offer flights on alternative airlines to passengers affected by cancellations, and failing to give consumers sufficiently clear and upfront information about their rights. The warning comes at a time of widespread disruption at airports caused by staff shortages, including long queues and cancelled flights, as the industry struggles to keep up with a surge in demand. Read more: Travel chaos: Emirates rejects Heathrows demand to cut flights Both regulators warned they would consider enforcement action if they saw evidence of "consumers continuing to experience these serious problems". Images of queuing families, social media posts full of horror stories of people left stranded or getting cancellation emails on their way to the airport just hours before they were due to depart have left a bitter taste. The CMA has warned that any repeat this summer could force them to take action," Danni Hewson, financial analyst at AJ Bell, said. The level of service thats been provided when disruption occurs and the fact many people have been left to fend for themselves, often at great expense. It has warned airlines that they need to think ahead and to take responsibility for customers who might not have the cash or the ability to get themselves where they need to go. Story continues Compensation must be paid quickly, and arbitrary limits shouldnt be set on levels of compensation, plus travellers need to be kept well informed of cancellation policy and not find themselves struggling to pore over the small print. Its about transparency and boosting confidence, both things which are in airlines best interests. The CMA and CAA said they expect airlines to not continue marketing tickets for flights if they cannot be reasonably confident they will go ahead. Read more: Flight delays: airline passengers waiting up to 5 years for compensation After a flight is cancelled, airlines unable to offer a timely replacement flight must give passengers the option of flying with another carrier, according to the letter. But some companies ask passengers to make their own arrangements in these circumstances. The letter stated: We have concerns that in some cases, this is likely to breach professional diligence standards for those consumers who are not in a position to do so. For example, those who may be unable to: investigate or book alternative routes; self-fund the purchase of flight tickets and accommodation; or to afford to wait for reimbursement, would not be able to benefit from their statutory rights in the event of flight cancellation. We urge airlines operating this practice to quickly put in place mechanisms for these consumers to ensure re-routing is a viable option for them. The CMA and CAA also said passengers rights must be presented clearly, and consumers should not be required to hunt for such information. Last month, the UK government temporarily relaxed rules around airport slots to allow airlines to devise realistic flight schedules. Watch: Airline refunds: What are your rights as a consumer? The Daily Beast ReutersRussian-backed authorities in occupied Crimea awoke to a shitstorm on Tuesday as explosions rang out first at an arms depot and then reportedly at an air base, sparking frantic explanations from Russian authorities whove traditionally tried to play down such setbacks.Ukrainian authorities went all in on mocking the aftermath of what they cryptically referred to as demilitarization, the latest blow to Russian forces on territory they perhaps erroneously believed was fully under their co The United States and its allies are considering providing Ukraine with new fighter jets in ongoing efforts to bolster its military as the war with Russia stretches into its sixth month, Gen. Charles Brown, chief of staff of the Air Force, said on Wednesday. Speaking at the Aspen Security Forum in an interview with Courtney Kube, a Pentagon correspondent for NBC News, Brown said the jets could come from a range of different allies. Theres a number of different platforms that could go to Ukraine. Itll be something non-Russian. I could probably tell you that, Brown said. But I cant tell you exactly what its going to be. Among the options Brown mentioned were U.S. fighter jets, Swedish Gripen fighters, the Eurofighter Typhoon and French Rafale fighters. In March, the Pentagon ruled out a proposal to transfer of aging Polish fighter jets to Ukraine, calling it at a high-risk plan that could further heighten tensions with the Kremlin. Poland had proposed transferring its fleet of MiG-29s to the U.S. militarys Ramstein Air Base in Germany for eventual transfer to Ukraine, which came as Kyiv begged Western officials for the Russian-made combat aircraft, which its pilots are trained to fly. The Pentagon had called the plan untenable. In the more than four months since the Pentagon declined that scheme, Russia has failed to take the capital city of Kyiv and instead moved its focus to the Donbas region in Ukraines east, where Russian-backed separatists have been fighting Kyivs military for years. Also on Wednesday, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said the U.S. will send Ukraine four additional High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) in another forthcoming security assistance package, which would bring the total number of HIMARS sent to Ukraine to 16. Russia thinks that it can outlast Ukraine and outlast us, Lloyd said on Wednesday. But thats just the latest in Russias string of miscalculations. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Amulet-backed US Digestive Health Management continues rapid expansion by partnering with Fayette County-based Southwestern Gastrointestinal Specialists EXTON, PA --News Direct-- US Digestive Health US Digestive Health (USDH), a network of top-rated gastrointestinal (GI) practices managed by US Digestive Health Management (USDHM), a management services organization created to expand access to high-quality, low-cost gastroenterology care, announced today that it has partnered with Southwestern Gastrointestinal Specialists (SWGI), a specialty practice with full-service locations in Uniontown and Connellsville, PA. With the addition of this new partnership, US Digestive Health Management now oversees a network of gastroenterology providers and services with 26 locations, 15 ambulatory surgery centers, over 150 providers, and more than 800 employees. US Digestive Health Management works hand-in-hand with gastroenterology partner practices throughout Central and Southeastern Pennsylvania, the Greater Philadelphia region, and now Western Pennsylvania, to meet the challenges of a fast-changing healthcare landscape. USDHM provides innovative business management and technology solutions that ease administrative burdens and allows physicians to focus on clinical care. By partnering with USDH, our team of board-certified GI doctors and specialists can stay focused on delivering high-quality patient care, prioritizing high standards in medicine, innovation in diagnosis, and treatment for patients, said Dr. Frederick W. Ruthardt, President of Southwestern Gastrointestinal Specialists. As we expand our footprint, our goal is to continue partnering with top GI practices that have exceptional reputations in their communities, said Jerry Tillinger, CEO of US Digestive Health Management. Southwestern Gastrointestinal Specialists commitment to providing patients with the latest advances in the gastroenterology field and their patient-focused care makes them a leader in this market, and we could not be more thrilled to partner with them. Story continues USDHM was formed in 2019 by Amulet Capital Partners, LP (Amulet), a middle-market private equity investment firm based in Greenwich, CT, focused exclusively on the healthcare sector, in partnership with member practice partner physicians. Gabriel Luft, Partner at Amulet, commented, We are excited to announce that US Digestive Health is partnering with another best-in-class GI practice that leads in prioritizing the patient experience, driving positive outcomes, and creating long-term value. Luft added, We are confident that increasing access to top-rated GI practices through our partnerships will benefit patients throughout Pennsylvania. Importantly, the expansion of USDH-backed practices into Southwestern Pennsylvania will provide both current and future patients with access to more innovative, quality healthcare options closer to home. For more information, please visit https://usdigestivehealth.com/ About US Digestive Health US Digestive Health oversees a network of 140 gastroenterology providers and has 26 locations, 13 ambulatory surgery centers, and more than 700 total employees in Pennsylvania. They are at the forefront of the rapidly advancing science of digestive health, bringing new insight into the care, treatment, and prevention of digestive health disorders. About Amulet Capital Partners, LP Amulet Capital Partners, LP is a middle-market private equity investment firm based in Greenwich, CT, focused exclusively on the healthcare sector. Amulet seeks to achieve long-term capital appreciation through privately negotiated investments in companies. Amulet Capital Partners focuses on those segments it believes have the most attractive long-term fundamentals with a target investment size generally between $25 million to $150 million. For additional information, please visit www.amuletcapital.com. Contact Details US Digestive Health Lauren Stralo +1 484-747-9692 lstralo@levlane.com Company Website https://usdigestivehealth.com View source version on newsdirect.com: https://newsdirect.com/news/us-digestive-health-expands-presence-in-southwestern-pa-through-partnership-with-top-rated-gastrointestinal-practice-135261551 Its easy to fall prey to panic around automation. Its also just just as easy to dismiss it outright. As ever, the truth almost certainly lies somewhere between these two extremes -- though precisely where has yet to be determined. Both companies and regulatory bodies will play an important role in determining automations impact on the future workforce. As someone who frequently speaks with technologists, roboticists and the VCs who invest in them, I think we have the tendency to brush past some of these broader concerns, in favor of embracing the notion of a future in which automation has either created a new class of better and higher-paying jobs, or simply removed the necessity for work altogether. [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bIRSN9hFkeI?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=640&h=360] In my experience, the truly utopian outcome is never the correct one. Life is more subtle, the future more nuanced and, more often than not, bad things tend to disproportionately impact those in society with the least means to defend themselves. Its a topic we knew would be core to a number of the conversations were having at todays TC Sessions: Robotics event, so we decided to kick things with someone who can offer about as much insight into the subject as anyone at the moment. U.S. Labor Secretary Marty Walsh was a slam dunk for the event. In addition to having a background as a union organizer, hes a Boston native, who served as the citys mayor for six years before being tapped by Joe Biden for a cabinet position in March 2021. Walshs take on automation is pragmatic, noting, Ive been in politics for 25 years, and for 25 years, weve been talking about automation replacing people. He adds, We were forward-looking in the city of Boston. Innovation does bring different kinds of jobs. How do we make sure people are skilled and trained up to actually be able to access those jobs. If you dont do that, then obviously its going to have an impact on people. Story continues This gets to an important and nuanced point in the automation conversation. While theres consensus among many that -- in the long run -- technology will continue to create more and better jobs, what happens to blue-collar workers in the short term? How can we support and, perhaps, train them to be better prepared for the future? And who, ultimately, does that responsibility fall on? Government needs to look at the way we invest in workforce development and make sure we put the money into good training programs, community college programs, Job Corps centers and places like that, he says. Walsh adds that the companies doing the automating ought to also shoulder some of that responsibility. I think companies need to invest more in their workforces and potential workforces, he says. This is their opportunity to create a workforce that works for them. This publc-private partnership is important, but I think companies are going to start investing more in human capital, because what they want is that loyalty to the company. Walsh has spent much of his time as secretary on the road, visiting manufacturing sites and talking up Bidens economic policies. Those travels have brought him to a number of plants, warehouses and logistics facilities for companies like GM and UPS, where the workforce is often evenly split between human and robotics workers. He adds quickly that hed like to visit an Amazon facility but has not yet had the opportunity. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh tours Lehigh Heavy Forge while visiting area businesses to discuss the American Jobs Plan in Bethlehem, Pa., on Wednesday, June 2, 2021 UNITED STATES - JUNE 2: Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh tours Lehigh Heavy Forge while visiting area businesses to discuss the American Jobs Plan in Bethlehem, Pa., on Wednesday, June 2, 2021. Rep. Susan Wild, D-Pa., also attended the tour. Image Credits: Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images He has however, set up meetings with unions, as workplaces across the country embrace a new push for labor organizing. In May, Walsh and Vice President Kamala Harris met with organizers from Amazon, Starbucks and REI. The Secretary pushes back on corporations tendencies to take an antagonistic approach to unionizing. Whether its Starbucks, REI or Amazon, they organized for a reason, says Walsh. They organized because they felt they were being underappreciated, underpaid, they felt the workplace was unsafe -- whatever reason. Lets say they settle on a contract -- thats where the relationship should really start thinking about a joint partnership and how you advance the company forward. How do you make sure the company is successful? What the labor movement has to do a little better job of doing selling to -- not just the members that represent the members -- but to the leadership of the company, that we're not in here to slow you down and put you out of business, we're in here to make you successful. Some 15,000 Russians have died in the five-month-old invasion of Ukraine, the US and British spy chiefs said, as they assessed that President Vladimir Putin was suffering far greater losses than expected. Richard Moore, the head of Britain's MI6, said Thursday that the 15,000 dead was "probably a conservative estimate" and marked a "very bloody nose" for Putin who expected quick victory. "That's probably a conservative estimate. That is the same number, roughly, as they lost in 10 years in Afghanistan in the 1980s," he told the Aspen Security Forum in the US Rocky Mountains. "And these are not middle-class kids from Saint Petersburg or Moscow," he said. "These are poor kids from rural parts of Russia. They're from blue-collar towns in Siberia. They are disproportionately from ethnic minorities. These are his cannon fodder." CIA Director Bill Burns, speaking a day earlier at the same conference, said that US intelligence estimated Russian losses "in the vicinity of 15,000 killed and maybe three times that wounded." "So quite a significant set of losses. The Ukrainians have suffered as well, probably a little less than that, but significant casualties," Burns said. Ukraine has offered a much higher figure on losses inflicted on Russia, saying earlier this month that some 36,200 Russian personnel had died. Russia has been deeply reticent and has given an official toll only twice, the last on March 25 with a figure of 1,351 which experts believe is far too low. sct/mlm PARIS Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin spoke about the longer-term future of the network to attendees at the annual Ethereum Community Conference (EthCC) in Paris on Thursday. At the developer-focused conference, Buterin spoke about the upcoming "Merge" in which Ethereum will make a full transition from proof-of-work (PoW) to proof-of-stake (PoS). Discussing the Merge's long-term and short-term outcomes, Buterin said, After the merge you will be able to build an Ethereum client that does not even know the proof-of-work phase even happened." He also said that the network's roadmap includes the "Surge," which will increase scalability for rollups through sharding. Read more: Scaling Ethereum Beyond the Merge: Danksharding "At the end of this road map, Ethereum will be a much more scalable system," said Buterin. "By the end, Ethereum will be able to process 100,000 transactions per second." He added that in terms of Ethereum's overall network development, the protocol will be "55% complete once we finish the Merge." Thus, there is much more work for developers ahead. For now, Buterin outlined that the deep changes to the network will include updates to its monetary policy and token issuance, its security model and its transaction inclusion process. He noted that pursuing these decentralized goals is difficult because of the complexity of the network and how quickly it is changing. But, he added, everyone has been looking forward to these upgrades to the network for a long time. "Who here wants to cancel proof-of-stake?" Buterin asked the audience. Not one hand went up. "Even if you want to, we're not going to cancel it," he quipped. Ether (ETH) is currently trading up 34% over the last month and at the time of writing was around $1,500. At last year's EthCC, Buterin gave a talk on "things that matter outside of DeFi" and said that Ethereum had to expand beyond decentralized finance (DeFi). Story continues Thursday appeared to be the busiest day for the conference, with many attendees saying that they thought the final day of the conference would be the best due to Buterin's talk. Read more: Ethereum 2.0 Explained Edit note: Thursday, July 21, 2022, 14:17 UTC. Included additional quotes from Buterin. Reuters Regions that rely on the Yangtze, China's longest river, are having to deploy pumps and cloud-seeding rockets as a long drought depletes water levels and threatens crops, and a heatwave is set to last another two weeks. The Yangtze's middle and lower reaches have faced temperatures in excess of 40 Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) over the past month, with experts blaming climate change-induced variations in the western Pacific subtropical high, a major determinant of summer weather throughout east Asia. With the autumn harvest under threat, the agriculture ministry has deployed 25 teams to key regions to take action to protect crops, the Shanghai government's Guangming Daily newspaper reported. A sequoia tree damaged by the Washburn fire at Mariposa Grove in Yosemite National Park. The threat to the grove has largely ended, officials said. (Stephen Lam / San Francisco Chronicle) Two weeks after the Washburn fire ignited in Yosemite National Park, firefighters continue to make progress against the blaze that has scorched nearly 5,000 acres. As of Thursday morning, the wildfire remained at 58% containment and had burned 4,856 acres, officials said. The number of personnel assigned to fight the blaze has dropped to 1,330, down from about 1,500 earlier in the week. The fire continues to burn on its eastern and southern edge near Mt. Raymond, officials from Californias Interagency Incident Management Team 13 said in a briefing Thursday morning. Fire continues to scorch brush patches with terrain that is difficult to access. Overall the incident is in a very good place and well continue working it throughout the day, said Matt Ahearn, deputy operations chief with Californias Interagency Incident Management Team 13. Fire officials have been flying in hot shot crews who have stayed overnight to tackle the fires northeastern edge, Ahearn said. Helicopters are dropping water on that section of the fire, which is burning in several brush-laden areas near the South Fork of the Merced River. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Crews have begun to mop up and sift through the burned areas with hand tools in search of hot spots, fire officials said in a statement. Crews are looking to both put out the hot spots and help dissipate residual smoke in those areas. Efforts are also underway to clear debris and prepare for the opening of Wawona Road, or the section of Highway 41 that runs through Yosemite. Officials are also allowing residents who live in the small community of Wawona to return to their homes. Most of Yosemite National Park remains open to the public, and although the fire initially threatened the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, the threat has largely lifted. Park officials plan to reopen the southern entrance to Yosemite along Highway 41 at 6 a.m. Saturday. The town of Wawona and all its lodging and services except for the gas station will remain closed to visitors for at least one more week, officials added. Story continues On Thursday morning, air quality monitors continued to be in the red category, or about 150 points on the air quality index, near Wawona, according to monitoring site PurpleAir. Poor air quality appeared to be isolated to the southern edge of the national park. Officials have also closed a portion of the Sierra National Forest that borders the southern edge of Yosemite National Park, according to a map released by the U.S. Forest Service. The closure spans about 3% of the Sierra National Forest and will be in effect through Aug. 1. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Dir: Olivia Newman. Starring: Daisy Edgar-Jones, Taylor John Smith, Harris Dickinson, Michael Hyatt, Sterling Macer, Jr, David Strathairn. 15, 126 minutes. Welcome to Hollywood where even an active murder investigation isnt enough to halt the adaptation of a best-selling book into a glossy, Instagram-primed buffet of cinematic faux-feminism. Where the Crawdads Sing, having sold more than 12 million copies since its publication in 2018, is the very definition of a literary sensation. It was featured as part of Reese Witherspoons book club. The actor now serves as the films executive producer. Usually, youd applaud that kind of sage entrepreneurship. But Delia Owens, who wrote Where the Crawdads Sing, is currently wanted for questioning by the Zambian authorities over a piece of ABC News footage that appears to show the shooting and killing by persons unknown of an unidentified poacher on a wildlife reserve overseen by Owens and her husband, Mark. And anyone who argues that these are merely irrelevant pieces of biography unproven accusations that would sit more comfortably in the margins of a gossip magazine is faced with the odd and uncomfortable reality that so much of Where the Crawdads Sing reads as a moral defence for natures laws superseding those set down by man. A swamp knows all about death, and doesnt necessarily define it as tragedy, certainly not a sin, the books prologue reads, along with the opening lines of Olivia Newmans film. Its protagonist, Kya (Daisy Edgar-Jones), is steadfastly presented as someone whose tether to her marshland home, in South Carolina, is a talisman of unblemished authenticity. When the body of a local man, Chase Andrews (Harris Dickinson), is discovered out in the wilderness, everyone assumes that Kya, the reclusive Marsh Girl whos been systematically abandoned by her entire family, must be responsible. Shes arrested and immediately thrown in jail. Kya and Chase had some sort of dalliance, a distraction from the toils of her star-crossed, fairytale romance with childhood sweetheart Tate (Taylor John Smith, who is just as blandly pleasant as the role requires). And its that Nicholas Sparks-adjacent, impassioned but oh-so chaste love story that Newman and screenwriter Lucy Alibar seem most heavily invested in. Im not at all surprised. Owens does have a certain, swoony turn of phrase being completely alone was a feeling so vast it echoed is especially lovely and scenes of Kya and Tate making out inside a tornado of leaves, or as a flock of seabirds tear their way up to the sky, are earnestly staged by Newman. Story continues Does the fact the film largely ignores the books treatise on nature and virtue absolve it of all connections to Owenss real-life controversies? It certainly doesnt, on an artistic level, improve whats already contained on the page. Newmans vision of rural South Carolina is scrubbed so clean you might as well call it #swampcore the Spanish moss looks bright and pristine, the flower petals on the water almost consciously arranged. Owens, at least, presented the wild as wild. Kya, too, is a young woman treated as if she were feral by those around her, while simultaneously dressing and grooming herself like an Instagram tradwife. Theres a scene where she walks into town, and everyone reacts in shock this is the first time theyve ever seen her in makeup and with her hair combed. She looks exactly the same as she does in every other scene in the film. Where the Crawdads Sing, in short, treats rural poverty as if it were a desirable aesthetic, the ultimate way to reconnect with nature. Thats a problem not only for the obvious reasons. We hear David Strathairns kindly lawyer argue in court that Kya never had the weakness of character to murder Chase. It feels like were being asked to empathise with her less because shes a social outcast and more because shes a skinny, pretty, white girl. Edgar-Jones certainly doesnt skimp on the doe-eyed naivete post-Normal People and Fresh, theres a real danger of her being boxed into these kinds of waif roles. Her marginalisation isnt treated as much more than not being invited to sit at the cool kids lunch table. It feels particularly farcical in the face of how the films sole Black characters are treated a local couple, Jumpin (Sterling Macer Jr) and Mabel (Michael Hyatt), who own a store and care for the abandoned Kya with saintly generosity. Race, in a film set in Sixties South Carolina, does not factor. The film is rigorously insistent that Kya is the only person in her area code who has ever been persecuted in any way. Again, if anyone had been paying attention to Owens past conservation activities, they might have drawn a connection between how patronisingly stereotyped the Black characters are in her book and past allegations of a racist attitude towards the people of Zambia (an acquaintance, in a New Yorker article published in 2010, characterised her views as Nice continent. Pity about the Africans). But, hey, who has time to check up on those things when theres so much money to be made? Where the Crawdads Sing is in cinemas from 22 July CAIRO (Reuters) - The World Bank has agreed to provide the U.N.'s World Food Programme with $100 million for an emergency safety net project to address food insecurity in Sudan, it said in a statement on Thursday. The programme, whose funding comes from the European Union, United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia and several other Western nations, aims to provide 2 million Sudanese with cash transfers and food. Following a coup in October, the World Bank suspended its disbursements for operations in Sudan, and the projects' funds will be funnelled through the WFP directly, it said. While funding under agreements signed with the Government of Sudan remains paused, development partners are pleased to provide direct support to the Sudanese people during this critical time, said the World Bank's country director, Ousmane Dione. The WFP earlier this year estimated that the number of people experiencing crisis and emergency levels of hunger will reach 18 million by September in Sudan, a country of about 45 million. (Reporting by Nafisa ElTahir; Editing by Leslie Adler) Associated Press Shohei Ohtani turned in his usual strong start. The Seattle Mariners scored four runs in a chaotic ninth inning, taking advantage of the Angels' fielding woes for a 6-2 victory over Los Angeles on Monday night. Jesse Winker and J.P. Crawford each had two hits and two RBIs for the Mariners, who vaulted over Toronto and Baltimore into the top wild-card spot in the AL. YouTuber Marlena Stell spoke to CNN about her difficulty accessing crucial reproductive healthcare after the Texan so-called "heartbeat" bill passed. CNN A beauty YouTuber said she had to carry her dead fetus for two weeks before she could remove it. Marlena Stell said a Texas anti-abortion law made doctors wary of giving her miscarriage treatment. It's one example of how abortion legislation is affecting other reproductive healthcare. A YouTuber in Texas said that she had to carry her dead fetus for two weeks after she learned the pregnancy wasn't viable, due to the state's "heartbeat" law. Marlena Stell, who makes beauty videos, shared the story online in 2021 soon after Texas passed the "heartbeat" bill, banning abortion after six weeks of pregnancy. After Roe v. Wade was overturned she spoke to The Washington Post and CNN about her experience, which is likely to become more common as more states implement similar or harsher laws. Over the course of two weeks after she learned her fetus was not viable, Stell said struggled to access a treatment called dilation and curettage, or D and C. The treatment described here by the Mayo Clinic can be used both as part of an abortion and also to treat a pregnancy that already ended. Stell's case came to greater attention since the Supreme Court ruling on abortion, which introduced widespread confusion around other reproductive healthcare treatment, as Insider's Rebecca Cohen reported. In late August 2021, Stell had a pregnancy she "very much wanted," she said on YouTube, where she has 1.47 million subscribers. But in her ninth week, during an ultrasound, she learned that there were no signs of life, she said. "I'm looking on the screen and it looks like this black empty tomb. Just hollow," she said in the video. She was told that she had a blighted ovum which stops an embryo from developing and would miscarry soon, she said. Stell said that due to her age, weight and other health factors, she was a high-risk patient. She was familiar with the situation, saying that in 2018, when living in Washington state, she lost an earlier pregnancy after which her body did not naturally miscarry. Story continues After walking around in extreme pain, she opted for a D and C procedure to remove that fetus. When he sought the same treatment three years later in Texas "that option was not even on the table" at first, she said in her video. The "heartbeat" law had gone into effect. Doctors were wary of providing a D and C because it is also used in abortions, and asked her to get a second ultrasound to confirm what the her OB-GYN had already told her that her fetus was dead. It took two weeks, she said, from first learning her pregnancy was over and being able to get closure and have the fetus removed. The extra step of a second ultrasound was traumatizing, she said. At the clinic, she was greeted by a "chipper" nurse who Stell paraphrased as saying: "'all right! You get to see the baby today.'" Stell said she simply broke down in the screening room. "When you know that you're there because a politician told you you had to be, and you somehow needed to prove that your pregnancy wasn't viable, it feels like an extra layer of violation." Read the original article on Business Insider The number of foreign visitors to Japan topped 120,000 in June, exceeding 100,000 for the third straight month. The Japan National Tourism Organization estimates 120,400 foreigners visited Japan last month. Almost all of those entering Japan were admitted for purposes other than tourism. The number of technical trainees and students entering Japan rose from the same period last year. The government had suspended their entry due to the coronavirus pandemic. By country, Vietnam topped the list with 22,900 visitors, followed by China with 14,700 and South Korea with 11,200. Japan resumed accepting foreign tourists from June 10. The organization says only 252 foreign sightseers had arrived in Japan as of the end of June. It said the low number was mainly due to the time-consuming process of obtaining visas. But officials expect the number to rise since more than 14,000 people have applied to enter Japan beginning July 1 for the purpose of sightseeing. Shionogi's experimental Covid-19 treatment Xocova failed to win the backing of health experts in Japan who said there wasnt enough data to show the medicines efficacy. The panel members didnt recommend that Japans health ministry authorise emergency use of the therapy as there was a need to continue discussion on it, Hiroshi Kiyota, chairman of the expert committee said in a briefing Wednesday. The health ministry relies on the panels decision to give the approval. Shionogi plummeted as much as 10% in Tokyo trading, the biggest intraday drop since June 23, while shares of Shionogis South Korean partner, Il Dong Pharmaceutical Co, fell as much as 30% in Seoul. Japan so far has two pills to fight coronavirus and Shionogis therapy was seeking to be the third option. Approval for Shionogis medicine was keenly watched as it is easier to take than the two currently available drugs from US drugmakers. A course of Shionogi treatment consists of seven pills over five days significantly fewer than Pfizer Incs Paxlovid and Merck & Cos Lagevrio, which require between 30 pills and 40 pills over the same time period. Three Iowa congressional districts. Three razor-close campaigns, either tied or separated by a single percentage point. Thats according to new rounds of polling published this week. In Eastern Iowas new 2nd Congressional District, Republican incumbent Ashley Hinson and Democratic challenger Liz Mathis are locked in a dead heat, according to polling commissioned by Mathis campaign. Hinson and Mathis are tied at 44 percent, according to the poll from Public Policy Polling, a national pollster that is frequently employed by Democratic candidates. The poll also asked respondents the so-called generic ballot question: Do you plan to vote for the Republican or Democratic candidate for Congress? To that question, 50 percent said the Republican candidate and 43 percent said the Democrat. But when the poll later asked whether voters planned to support Hinson or Mathis, the results were a draw. Public Policy Polling surveyed 594 2nd District voters July 19-20. The polls margin for error is plus or minus 4 percentage points. In Eastern Iowas new 1st District, an internal poll released by Christina Bohannans campaign showed the Democratic challenger trailing Republican incumbent Mariannette Miller-Meeks by a single percentage point. The poll was part of a Change Research poll conducted for Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Mike Franken and released last week. Surveying likely voters between June 30 and July 4, Miller-Meeks polled ahead, 39 percent to 38 percent, according to the Bohannan campaign. Nearly 22 percent of those surveyed said they were undecided. The statewide poll sampled 1,488 likely voters, and had a margin of error of plus or minus 2.7 percentage points. In central Iowas 3rd Congressional District, Democratic U.S. Rep. Cindy Axne and Republican challenger Zach Nunn also are locked in a dead heat, according to a new poll from a company that does polling for Republican candidates. Axne and Nunn both reached 43 percent in Moore Information Groups poll of 400 likely 3rd District voters. According to the results, 14 percent of voters said they remain undecided. The poll was conducted July 9-11 and has a margin of error of plus or minus 5 percentage points. PAC ENDORSES MATHIS: The Equality PAC, the political arm of the Congressional LGBTQ Equality Caucus, endorsed Democratic state Sen. Liz Mathis of Hiawatha in her race for Iowas 2nd Congressional District. Mathis is running against Marion Republican U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson, who is seeking re-election in the November general election Through her nonprofit work and service in Iowas state Senate, Liz has a deep understanding of the struggles that Iowans face on a daily basis, Equality PAC co-chairs and U.S. Reps. Mark Takano and David Cicilline said in a statement provided by Mathis campaign. With Lizs voice in Congress, we can advance LGBTQ rights and pass the Equality Act to help the LGBTQ community in Iowa and across the nation. Equality PAC raises funds spent supporting and electing openly LGBTQ individuals and LGBTQ allies to Congress. FRANKEN ENDORSEMENT: Brady PAC, the political arm of a national gun violence prevention advocacy group, included Mike Franken, the Democratic candidate in Iowas U.S. Senate campaign, among its latest round of endorsements across the country. Franken, a former Navy admiral from Sioux City, is challenging Republican U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley. We need leaders at the state and federal levels who will fight for bold and decisive action on gun safety, Brady PAC executive director Jason Pressberg said in a news release. Smart gun laws work and save lives. We are proud to support this cohort of leaders, who are committed to enacting, improving, and defending gun violence prevention policies across the country. The PACs latest round of endorsements include 17 congressional incumbents, 14 challengers, and three candidates for governor. The groups says it has now endorsed 147 candidates nationally. Kat Woerner has learned not to use the words climate change when talking about climate change with some Nebraska politicians. The 22-year-old environmental advocate said the words have a stigma that causes many conservative lawmakers to shut down as soon as they hear them. These roadblocks have been on display in the Nebraska Legislature, which has made little to no progress in approving climate change legislation in recent years, despite pleas from scientists and advocates. A rare exception came earlier this year when lawmakers appropriated up to $150,000 in federal funding for an update to a statewide climate change report. Though experts and some lawmakers say much more work is needed, there are several notable details about the planned update. Unlike the initial statewide climate change study completed in 2014, the update will involve students an effort to harness the passion of younger Nebraskans and it will provide lawmakers with recommendations for combating climate change. It also will be better funded. That original study was slated to receive about $40,000 of state funding under legislation passed in 2013, but the states sponsorship of the study stalled due to a key stipulation. Retired University of Nebraska-Lincoln professor Don Wilhite said the legislation limited the study to consider only the natural causes of climate change effectively barring researchers from looking into the human causes. Because of this, when the Nebraska Department of Agriculture asked him to lead the study, Wilhite refused. That was just incomprehensible to me, Wilhite said. Other prominent Nebraska scientists shared Wilhites misgivings. He worried that the state would end up with an unqualified person leading the study, so he went to UNL Chancellor Ronnie Green to request an independent university study, and received $20,000 for the project. The study was published in September 2014. With significantly more funding this time around, researchers will have more resources at their disposal. The funding from the state doesnt limit what causes of climate change can be included in the updated report. Martha Shulski, a professor at UNL and director of the Nebraska State Climate Office, is heading the project, which is slated to wrap up by the end of 2024. She said some of the funding will be used to conduct surveys related to the study, while other expenses will be devoted to building an online interface that will serve as an interactive tool people can use to understand the studys main points. Shulski also hopes to involve students in the update people like Woerner, a recent UNL graduate. She is even considering creating a graduate-level course to allow students to do literary research for the study, she said. Were at a university, so lets involve these passionate, young students, Shulski said. Although there are many older Nebraskans who participate in climate change research and mitigation, younger generations are becoming increasingly invested in the issue. Shulski said students in her freshman-level courses have expressed anxiety about climate change. Students even younger than that have advocated for action by the Nebraska Legislature. At a March 16 hearing, grade-school students from Lincolns Prairie Hill Learning Center pleaded with lawmakers on Nebraskas Natural Resources Committee to pass a resolution that would acknowledge that the world is in a climate and ecological crisis that was caused by humans and that lawmakers have a moral obligation to take steps to mitigate the crisis. It is the smallest step you can take in the right direction, student Alex Hamric told lawmakers. Committee members didnt have much to say in response. Of the eight-member committee, only state Sen. John Cavanaugh of Omaha asked any questions. He asked if the students had any suggestions for what the Legislature could do to combat the crisis. Willa Hamric, Alexs twin, suggested the state expand on its wind energy potential. The hearing was the last time Nebraska lawmakers considered the resolution. A vote was never taken. Woerner, who has advocated for environmental policies to a range of public officials in Nebraska since she was 16, and others said the outcome reflected the frustrating reality when it comes to climate change and Nebraska politics. While funding the updated study is a step in the right direction, Wilhite said the Legislature may actually be regressing in its willingness to pass climate change legislation, with more lawmakers outspoken in their denial on the issue, and fewer lawmakers making it a top priority. Woerner said the Legislature is full of climate change deniers, several of whom serve on the Natural Resources Committee. Sen. Bruce Bostelman, chair of the committee, did not respond to repeated requests for comment on the subject. Nebraskas political system is not built for change, Wilhite said. Since the beginning of his legislative career in 2021, Cavanaugh said, climate change bills have never made it out of the Natural Resources Committee. Though some environmentally friendly bills have passed in recent years, he said none of them have included the words climate change. Multiple attempts to create a statewide climate action plan, including one bill introduced by Cavanaugh, have failed to advance. A 2020 bill made it out of committee but was later killed by a filibuster. Opponents, led by a couple of conservative lawmakers from rural Nebraska, questioned the need for the plan and its $250,000 cost. They argued the planet is in an active weather cycle caused by nature and called the link between human activity and more extreme weather a hoax. Sen. Eliot Bostar of Lincoln, who introduced the bill that funded the updated study, said although some lawmakers may be reluctant to share their thoughts on climate change, he believes a majority of them acknowledge its existence. Newly elected U.S. Rep. Mike Flood, a former conservative lawmaker in the Legislature, was a co-sponsor of Bostars bill, he said. Bostar said recent extreme weather has created a concerning motivation for even more lawmakers to take a more active role. Nebraska is already feeling the impacts of climate change. The current drought and the devastating floods in 2019 are both symptoms of the larger issue, Woerner said. Without significant changes, climate change will likely have a major impact on Nebraskas driving economic force: agriculture. Shulski and Wilhite expect the state to experience steadily rising temperatures over the coming years with more frequent heavy rainfall and droughts that could contribute to extreme weather events like floods and tornadoes if no progress is made. The extremes that we experience now, those are going to be amplified, Shulski said. In another difference from the original study, the update will include recommendations on what the state can do to combat climate change. Both Shulski and Wilhite said the state should prioritize development of a climate change action plan, which lays out gradual steps for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Lincoln already has its own plan in place, and Omaha officials are working on one, though progress has been slow. Omaha City Council President Pete Festersen said a statewide plan could make a big difference, giving communities a framework to align with the states top priorities. However, Bostar said the new study could essentially serve as Nebraskas climate action plan, because it will include recommendations for the Legislature to consider. Cavanaugh said the Legislatures top priority should be implementing the recommendations of the new study. Though it wouldnt hurt, a climate action plan would only be an in-between step, he said. Regardless of what form changes come in, Wilhite said change must happen soon to prevent an oncoming crisis that younger generations will have to deal with. He said experts estimate significant mitigation measures must be implemented by 2030 to avoid or limit catastrophic damage due to climate change. The idea of ignoring something like its going to go away is just not appropriate, Wilhite said. We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription. MADISON A former Norfolk man convicted of murder in the July 24, 2020, shooting death of Hailey Christiansen was sentenced to life in prison on Thursday without the possibility of parole. Additionally, DeShawn Gleaton Jr. was sentenced to 40 to 50 years for use of a firearm to commit a felony, 25 to 30 years for possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and 1 to 2 years for tampering with a witness. Gleaton's total sentence includes the life term plus 66 to 82 years. A fifth count of first-degree assault was dismissed by Madison County Attorney Joe Smith because he said it is a lesser-included charge to first-degree murder. Among those who testified at Gleaton's sentencing were Christiansen's parents, Mike and Janet Christiansen, and former Norfolk police detective Louis Siefker. Gleaton himself spoke for about 10 minutes before being sentenced, telling District Judge James Kube that he is not a violent person and that police should have done a better job investigating the case. Gleaton did say that everybody involved in the case was deeply affected and that he was hurt. A 12-person jury found Gleaton guilty on all counts on May 17, following a seven-day trial. A full story on Thursday's hearing will be published online later Thursday and in Friday's print edition of the Daily News. The counts, including first-degree murder, were in connection with the July 24, 2020, shooting death of 29-year-old Hailey Christiansen at her southeast Norfolk home. A first-degree murder conviction in Nebraska mandates a sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole. Madison County Attorney Joe Smith decided not to pursue the death penalty against Gleaton, saying previously that the aggravating factors the state would have to prove didnt quite line up. Todd Lancaster, Gleatons attorney, said previously that he had hoped the jury would come back with a lesser-included charge, such as manslaughter. After the verdict was reached, Hollie Christiansen, one of Haileys two sisters, said that its important to remember Haileys name, not Gleatons. A lot of the articles, a lot of stuff mentioned DeShawns name, and people are going to remember that, she said. But this is about Hailey, and they need to know that this was about her and everything that happened to her. Curt Christiansen, a brother of Haileys, said his sisters death serves as a reminder that domestic violence is a major problem. The family hoped that the trial raises awareness as to how quickly relationships involving domestic violence can escalate, he said previously. Malawis Foreign Minister Ms. Nancy Tembo reiterated, Wednesday from Marrakech, her countrys unwavering support for Moroccos territorial integrity and for the Autonomy Plan proposed to settle the Sahara issue. This came in a joint communique issued following a meeting between the Malawian Foreign Minister and her Moroccan peer Nasser Bourita on the sidelines of their participation in the US-Africa Business Summit, held in Marrakech on July 19-22. Regarding the Sahara issue, Nancy Tembo reiterated Malawis unwavering support for the territorial integrity of Morocco, said a joint communique issued on the occasion of the meeting between the ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Morocco and the Republic of Malawi, Ms. Tembo reiterated Malawis unwavering support for the territorial integrity of Morocco and commended the efforts of the United Nations (UN) as the exclusive framework for achieving a political, realistic, practical and lasting solution to the regional dispute over the Sahara. She also reaffirmed her countrys support for the Autonomy Plan presented by Morocco in 2007, as the one and only solution to solve this regional dispute. During their meeting, the two sides welcomed the steady deepening, broadening and development of their friendship and cooperation and vowed to work together to lift Morocco-Malawi relations to a new high. In this context, they welcomed the announcement of the opening of Moroccos embassy in Lilongwe and Malawis embassy in Rabat. The two sides reviewed bilateral relations in different sectors and agreed that there was scope for deeper and wider collaboration in many fields, such as security, agriculture, renewable energy, health, education, vocational training, mining, energy and decentralized cooperation, the joint statement said. They also pledged to develop a mutually beneficial economic partnership, and to increase two-way trade to a satisfactory level. They likewise agreed to create a more enabling environment for mutual investments and to encourage the Moroccan and Malawian business communities to fully explore and take advantage of the opportunities offered by the two countries growing markets and expanding infrastructure. In this connection, they signed a cooperation roadmap for the period 2022-2024, translating the ambition of both countries to consolidate their bilateral relations, based on mutual respect, strong partnership and active solidarity, especially in the areas of education and training; technical cooperation; security collaboration; economic and investment promotion; and exchange of official visits. At the multilateral level, both sides called for the development of a high-level joint political dialogue and stressed the importance of intensifying their contacts with the aim of further harmonizing their positions within multilateral institutions, such as the African Union (AU) and the United Nations (UN). Canadian GAL Aerospace will set up in Morocco an integrated project for the production, modification and completion of aircraft cabin interiors. The unit to be built in Casablanca with an investment amounting to $12 million, will be completed in 2023 and will create 240 direct jobs. A Memorandum of Understanding on the creation of the unit was signed during Moroccos participation in the Farnborough International Air Show, held in London from July 18 to 22. The MoU was signed by Moroccan Minister of Industry and Trade, Ryad Mezzour, and the President of Gal Aerospace, Bruno Morin. This project is in line with our national priority to strengthen the industrial sovereignty of the Kingdom in terms of aircraft modification, through the realization of certain operations, which are currently carried out in Europe, said the Moroccan official. By developing in Morocco the interior of cabins activity, considered as a missing link in the national supply chain, it is a new achievement which adds to the many assets of the national aeronautical platform, whose global competitiveness is being strengthened by the day. he said. The creation of this unit will thus allow Morocco to further boost its attractiveness by localizing the activities of GAL near its European and African customers at the level of its Moroccan site. A Canadian company with more than 20 years of existence, GAL is established in Canada, the United States and Colombia. It specializes in the design, manufacture and modification of the interior of cabins, the padding of seats, the manufacture of composite panels and large format 3D printing. Its main markets are luxury business aviation, the repair of aircraft interiors and the modification of aircraft in small series. A ceremony was held on Wednesday in Rabat to present two new books by the Coalition for the Autonomy of the Sahara (AUSACO), entitled Rethinking the Sahara Dispute: History and Contemporary Perspectives and The Moroccan Sahara: Polemological Contours and Irenological Perspectives. The ceremony, held on the occasion of Throne Day to be celebrated this month, provided an opportunity to highlight the relevance of the autonomy initiative as the only solution to the artificial dispute over the Moroccan Sahara. This event was organized by the Academy of the Kingdom of Morocco in partnership with the National Commission of International Humanitarian Law and the AUSACO. The first book is a collection of eleven articles in English edited by French journalist Jerome Besnard, which cover all aspects of the Moroccan Sahara issue and draw on the views of historians, sociologists, geo-politicians, diplomats, security officials, and experts in strategic studies. The second book written by researcher and expert on conflict and mediation issues at the University of Yaounde (Cameroon), Alphonse Zozime Tamekamta, focuses on the issues surrounding the Moroccan Sahara and their impact on the development of the African continent. Six Iraqi police forces were slain Wednesday after their position was attacked by Islamic state group (ISIS) fighters, in north of capital Baghdad, AFP reports citing a military source. Between 10 and 15 ISIS group fighters attacked this federal police forward position around 12:30 am (2130 GMT Tuesday). The attack lasted around an hour, the source said, asking not to be identified. The attackers struck near the village of Al-Jillam in an area 140 kilometers (90 miles) north of Baghdad, the agency added. The area still witnesses activities by the terror group. Seven other police forces were also injured in the attack. Iraq declared victory over ISIS in 2017 but is still reeling with sporadic attacks from the groups fighters. Egypt and Serbia inked a group of agreements and Memorandum of Understanding as President Abdelfattah al-Sisi visited the European country Wednesday. Al Sisi met with Aleksandar Vucic in capital Belgrade following a visit to Germany the day before. Both leaders oversaw the signing of several accords. One agreement in the field of higher education was signed from 2022 to 2025. Both leaders at a joint press conference indicated that they discussed issues of common interest, particularly developments in the Middle East, including Palestine and Libya. They also touched on ways to combat terrorism and illegal immigration, as well as the war in Ukraine and its global economic consequences, including food and energy insecurity. Discussions also revolved around Egypts efforts to mobilize the international community to combat climate change in light of its hosting in November of the UN Climate Change Conference. The U.S. Trade and Development Agency announced this Thursday it will fund a feasibility study to transform the power distribution infrastructure in Marrakech into a smart grid. The announcement was made on the sidelines of the 2022 U.S.-Africa Business Summit taking place in Marrakesh. The study will be carried out by Washington-based Africa Climate Solutions with a grant awarded by the USTDA to Regie Autonome de Distribution dEau et dElectricite de Marrakech (RADEEMA). The project is the first of its kind in Morocco and will serve as a model for other Moroccan cities. USTDA is partnering with RADEEMA and like-minded utilities around the globe to lay the foundation for a clean energy future, said Enoh T. Ebong, USTDAs Director. Smart grids are an important component of USTDAs climate-smart infrastructure portfolio. They improve power sector efficiency and facilitate the integration of renewable sources of power, including rooftop solar, into the grid, added Ms. Ebong, stressing USTDAs commitment to advancing smart and sustainable energy solutions in partnership with overseas partners and U.S. industry. USTDAs study will define the technical, economic, and regulatory framework for the proposed project and develop an implementation plan to guide the deployment of smart grid infrastructure in Marrakech. The project will help reduce technical and non-technical losses and the frequency and duration of power outages in Marrakech and support the integration of renewable energy sources into its grid. For her part, Nadia el-Hilali, General Manager of RADEEMA said: We are honored to be the recipient of USTDAs grant for the smart grid feasibility study. Thanks to this project, RADEEMA will contribute to achieving the objectives of our national energy strategy to integrate renewable energy while reducing losses on the network, she said. This project is a great example of the value that U.S. government expertise can bring by connecting American companies with Moroccan partners to further support Moroccos ambitious clean energy goals, said Lawrence M. Randolph, Charge dAffaires at the U.S. Embassy in Morocco. An ancient, ravenous creature lurks in the forest, standing between a gang of outlaws, a Native American woman and a fortune in gold. BlackWood, a horror western filmed entirely in the Black Hills, opens July 22 at the Elks Theatre in Rapid City. BlackWood was written, directed and co-produced by Chris Canfield, a former Hill City resident. BlackWood is his first film. The Elks Theatre is one of 13 locations nationwide where the film is premiering. To celebrate the BlackWood premiere, Canfield, some of the actors and the films producers will be in Rapid City for an after-party following the movie screening on July 22. Black Hills residents will recognize some familiar locations and faces in this terrifying tale about outlaws and a Native American woman forced together to fight for their survival. BlackWood was filmed in the Custer, Keystone and Edgemont areas, including Four Mile Old West Town, Black Hills Caverns and the Rock Maze, Canfield said. Having grown up on a ranch for most of my childhood, doing things such as riding horses and taking care of the land, I have always had a calling to tell stories that are based within that setting. When I first came up with the idea for BlackWood I wanted to tell a story that took place in the Black Hills of South Dakota, Canfield said. BlackWood is inspired by Canfields love of the Black Hills. After spending the first 13 years of his life as a ranch kid in Sundance, Wyo., Canfields family relocated to Hill City. He graduated from Hill City High School in 2007. My parents had a horse camp and trail rides (when I was growing up). Living here and being immersed into local culture, as far as movie-making, I really wanted to make something I could do here at home, and do something to involve people from the local community, Canfield said. For half of my childhood, I was immersed within the Lakota culture in South Dakota, which in turn, became one of the biggest inspirations to make the project. I personally feel there are not enough stories, let alone movies, that portray indigenous people in a light that is not typical to the Hollywood standard, he said. BlackWood takes place in the latter half of the 1800s, which makes it rich with Native lore and culture and fits right into the narratives I find myself drawn to. Local knowledge and community support was crucial to making BlackWood, Canfield said. I had access to horse wranglers, period-correct wardrobes, beautiful scenery, the culture and people in the community. All of that inspired me to make BlackWood what it is now, he said. The BlackWood cast of extras includes award-winning musicians Allen and Jill Kirkham of Custer. The crew featured such notables as costume designer James Hatzell, who was an extra in Dances With Wolves and has a decades-long career in film and television. We didnt have a lot of scenes with extras except a Native American village and town scenes. I was super happy with the amount of people that showed up and were put into costume. Some people showed up in their own costumes, Canfield said. With the Native village we got a couple of families out there to do those scenes. It couldnt have been done without the help of the community. Writing and directing his own movie is a long-awaited dream. Canfields lifelong love of movies inspired him to attend the Colorado Film School, where he graduated with a writing and directing degree. Nobody wanted to hire a fresh, unknown, penniless director. I fell into the art department, which was really, really cool. I was still able to help create the world of these stories. I worked my way up to being a production designer, said Canfield, who has worked on production design for more than 10 movies. For some reason, BlackWood came about. That one snowballed. Everything was just oddly lining up, Canfield said. The story was enticing a lot of different personalities and people. The main actor, Bates Wilder, doesnt usually act in horror movies, but he loved this one. Its more than a horror movie. Its a big character piece. A lot of things kept going into place. Canfield said he likes the creativity and the challenges of making a movie. My original funders didnt want me to make a western, and I didnt want to make it a modern-day piece, Canfield said. I stayed true to myself and Im super happy BlackWood is coming out. To produce something that I feel like is a good story I think this one stands out a little bit and Im proud to have been able to have that opportunity to finally make a movie. It took a lot of work and a lot of years to get to this one moment. Im super stoked its gotten as far as it has. Its bigger than what I thought it was going to be. Being able to start with an idea and build it from there and shoot it from your hometown, Im proud to have been able to do that. Canfield now lives in New Mexico, where the film industry is thriving, but hed welcome the chance to make another film in South Dakota. I love South Dakota. Theres always a soft spot for the Black Hills in my heart, and if I have the opportunity to do another movie, I would love to. Every place we went (filming BlackWood) we tried to show respect, and being able to do it again here would be amazing. Starting July 26, BlackWood will be streaming on cable or digital platforms including Apple TV, iTunes, Prime Video (Amazon), VUDU (FandangoNow is now Vudu), Google Play/Youtube Movies, Microsoft Movies & TV, and Redbox On Demand. Dr. Dean Ornish is trying to do for the brain what he did for the heart. At his nonprofit Preventive Medicine Research Institutein California, he's using the same four lifestyle interventions to see if early-stage Alzheimer's can be "slowed, stopped or even reversed" without the use of drugs, devices or surgeries. IMPERIAL A jury of seven women and five men, along with two alternates, was seated late Wednesday afternoon, on the third day of the Kevin S. German murder trial in Chase County. Opening arguments are scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. MST Thursday and the trial is scheduled to last through July 29. German, 26, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, is one of two individuals accused of killing Annika Swanson in November 2019. He is charged with first-degree murder and felony kidnapping in the abduction and death of Swanson, 22. He also is charged with a second count of felony kidnapping for allegedly holding another woman captive for three days in a home near Enders. If convicted, German faces life imprisonment on the murder charge. The jury was selected from a final pool of 42 candidates that had been whittled down by the defense and prosecution teams from the 112 who had been called to the courthouse over the previous two days. Earlier in the day, Germans attorney, Clarence Mock, questioned the prospective jurors if they had any concerns about possibly serving on the panel in a case that has been a popular source of community chatter around Imperial for nearly three years. Mock said only a few individuals answered in a preliminary juror questionnaire that they either did know at least one of the witnesses or were not familiar with the case details. That is really extraordinary, Mock said. He asked if some were worried about the potential for blowback from some members in the community, if a particular outcome should happen in this case. One juror was blunt in her response. I am too old to be bothered about other peoples opinions, she said. Another woman simply answered, I have tough skin. More than 20 individuals received subpoenas to testify in the case. Keonna Carter, 24, of Taylorsville, Utah, is the co-defendant and is also scheduled to testify for the prosecution. Mock said no decision on German taking the stand has been made. You think showing animals is tough? Just try showing goats. Kenlee Fattig, who lives on her parents farm south of Brady, managed it well enough Wednesday afternoon to win the grand champion ribbon for yearlings at the Lincoln County Fairs 4-H Dairy Goat Show. Even though Stella, her handsome but willful partner, lagged behind their three competitors in the show ring and didnt care to stick around to finish her handlers victory interview. Shes somewhat wild, said Kenlee, the 12-year-old daughter of Matt and Holly Fattig. Because Stella showed well and behaved adequately, Kenlee who will be a Brady Junior High School seventh-grader in the fall earned a trip to the Aug. 26-Sept. 5 Nebraska State Fair. Stella wont be along for the trip, though: Jerry, a girl goat despite the spelling of her name, will make the trip to Grand Island with Kenlee. She said Stella isnt being punished, and she isnt slated for a livestock animals ultimate fate, either. Shell just stay home. You get attached, Kenlee said. She started showing animals from her folks place as a third-grader four years ago. After a year presenting sheep at the North Platte fair, she switched to goats. Stellas one of three goats that the family bought this year for show purposes, Kenlee said. The Fattigs have between 100 and 200 goats besides sheep, cattle and horses. After four years in the 4-H goat program, Kenlees quite familiar with the, uh, special challenges facing competitors who take on goats. Sometimes, after we get them off the wash rack, they throw themselves on the ground and then we have to rewash them, she said. Otherwise, making sure we can lead them is a No. 1 priority for us and that they look good. We practice with them a lot. If the county fair amounts to local 4-Hers district tournament and the State Fair the state tournament, progress shows serve as the regular season for young animal presenters. At those shows, Kenlee said, we learn what to do in the ring With that, Stellas patience was exhausted. Off she went, forcing Kenlee to wrestle her back to finish the interview. She said the two of them practiced at two progress shows in Colby, Kansas, one in Stockton, Kansas, and a fourth at the North Platte fairgrounds in late June. When Stella acted up in the county fairs show ring Wednesday, it was because she doesnt like to go by the fans, Kenlee said. She nonetheless prevailed over reserve yearling champion Reegan Nickerson; Jayleigh Kramer, who won a purple ribbon; and Destiney Fries, who received a blue ribbon. After contests in other categories, the 4-H Dairy Goat Shows overall best-of-show competition followed later Wednesday afternoon. The owners of the 40-year-old Trailblazer Pipeline through southern Nebraska are seeking to abandon most of it for natural gas shipments and use it to move carbon dioxide instead. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is taking public comments on the joint request by Trailblazer Pipeline Co. LLC and its sister firm, Rockies Express Pipeline LLC. Both Colorado firms are subsidiaries of Tallgrass Energy, which wants to use Trailblazer to ship carbon dioxide originating in Nebraska, Kansas and Colorado to a carbon sequestration site in either Nebraska or Wyoming. A FERC public notice says the agency is preparing a review of the Trailblazer conversions possible environmental effects. Comments must arrive at FERCs Washington, D.C., office by 5 p.m. ET on Aug. 10. The 436-mile-long Trailblazer, completed in November 1982, runs along the border between Colorado and the Nebraska Panhandle. It then drops into Colorados Sedgwick County and re-enters Nebraska near Venango. The pipeline runs through Perkins and southern Lincoln counties, passing near Wallace and Wellfleet. It continues to near the border of Dawson and Frontier counties and then runs east-southeast to its end near Beatrice. About 392 miles of Trailblazer all but the pipelines eastern end would no longer be used to ship natural gas, according to a story on the S&P Global Commodity Insights website. Rockies Express Pipeline (REX), which parallels Trailblazer through the Panhandle and west central Nebraska, would continue to carry natural gas. The two Tallgrass Energy subsidiaries filed the Trailblazer abandonment request with FERC on May 27, S&P Global Commodity Insights said. Trailblazer customers would continue to be served through a lease of REXs pipeline capacity. REX would build two new laterals totaling 41 miles of pipe to enable the service. REX, a 1,679-mile-long high-pressure gas pipeline completed in November 2009, runs from the Colorado Rockies to eastern Ohio. The Tallgrass firms FERC filing says REX has the capacity to fully absorb the natural gas Trailblazer has been shipping, the S&P story said. Tallgrass, it added, has received a grant from the Wyoming Energy Authority to develop a commercial-scale carbon sequestration hub in eastern Wyoming. Its estimated to go online in 2024. Tallgrass reached a sequestration agreement in May with Archer Daniels Midland to ship carbon dioxide from its eastern Nebraska corn processing plant in Columbus, S&P said. Trailblazer Pipeline and REX told FERC that the project wont increase greenhouse gas emissions because the two pipelines current natural gas shipments will be consolidated in REX. Also, currently unused transportation capacity will be removed from the market, they said, resulting in less potential GHG emissions from consumption, the S&P story said. The Trailblazer Pipeline project originated after substantial oil and natural gas supplies were found in the mid-1970s in the Overthrust Belt through the western Rockies from Canada to Mexico. Omaha-based Northern Natural Gas Co., an early player in tapping those supplies, became a partner in the pipeline project in 1980. Construction began in April 1982 and proceeded rapidly, bringing short-term economic benefits that year to communities along the route. Northern Natural Gas, which became a component of the former Enron Corp., remains in business in Omaha as a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. Enron sold its one-third interest in Trailblazer in 2001 to Kinder Morgan Energy Partners, which already owned the other two-thirds of the pipeline firm. Tallgrass bought Trailblazer and Kinder Morgans 50% interest in the Rockies Express Pipeline in a deal that closed in November 2012. Comments on the Trailblazer Conversion Project may be emailed via the FERC website (ferc.gov) or mailed to Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First St. NE, Room 1A, Washington, DC 20426. Reference the project docket number (CP22-468-000) in the letter. Copies of the application are available in public libraries in Trailblazer Pipeline counties, including the North Platte Public Library at 120 W. Fourth St. People may contact Tallgrass with questions at 844-914-1906 or AskTrailblazer@tallgrass.com. Those with questions for FERC should call 866-208-3372. LINCOLN The Nebraska Department of Transportation will host a public hearing Aug. 3 concerning the repeal of a regulation. The hearing is from 9 to 11 a.m. at NDOTs Central Headquarters Building, room 103, 1500 Highway 2, in Lincoln. The proposed repeal includes Title 428 Chapter 4, Instruction Manual for Standardized System of Annual Reporting Road, Street and Highway Programs. Those interested are invited to attend the public hearing. Comments and recommendations may be presented orally or in writing at the hearing. They may also be mailed, faxed or emailed prior to the hearing or until the close of the public comment period on August 13. Pre- and post-hearing comments should be directed in writing to Sarah Soula, NDOTs external affairs manager, by mail at PO Box 94759, Lincoln, Nebraska 68509-4759; by email at sarah.soula@nebraska.gov, by phone at 402-479-4871, by telephone for the deaf at 402-479-3834 or by fax at 402-479-3989. To view or download the proposed changes to the regulations or to comment online, go to the Nebraska Secretary of States website at nebraska.gov/nesos/rules-and-regs/regtrack/details.cgi?proposal_id2559. To obtain a free paper copy of the proposed changes, the proposed regulation policy pre-review checklists or the fiscal impact statements, contact NDOTs Government Affairs Office via mail at PO Box 94759, Lincoln, Nebraska 68509-4759; by voice telephone at 402-479-4324, by telephone for the deaf at 402-479-3834, by fax at 402-479-3758 or by email at erich.strack@nebraska.gov. To view or pick up copies in person, go to the directors office at 1500 Highway 2, Lincoln. NDOT will make every reasonable accommodation to provide an accessible meeting facility for all. Appropriate provisions for the hearing and visually challenged or people with Limited English Proficiency will be made if NDOT is notified by Wednesday. Notification should be submitted to Sarah Soula by mail at PO Box 94759, Lincoln, Nebraska 68509-4759; by email at sarah.soula@nebraska.gov, by phone at 402-479-4871, by telephone for the deaf at 402-479-3834 or by fax at 402-479-3989. An Omaha woman who abandoned her baby after giving birth on a sidewalk pleaded no contest Monday to felony child abuse. Trinity Shakespeare, 28, will be sentenced in September. She had pleaded not guilty to the charge in March before accepting a plea deal. Shakespeare was arrested in February after officers found her newborn baby boy alone on a sidewalk near 24th and P Streets. According to an affidavit, she delivered the child there in 15-degree weather before running away from the scene and hiding in a nearby backyard. Bystanders called 911 and covered the baby with blankets, but the affidavit says he was exposed to the cold for about five minutes. The baby survived and was treated at the Nebraska Medical Center. Shakespeares sister told the World-Herald that she had been homeless for about four years at the time she gave birth. Prosecutors say Shakespeare told a friend that she had used methamphetamine during her pregnancy. She also told police that she drank alcohol to cope with painful cramps, according to the affidavit. The State of Nebraska initially was granted custody of the child, but the case has since been transferred to the Wind River Tribal Court in Fort Washakie, Wyoming. Shakespeare faces a maximum sentence of three years in jail and a $10,000 fine. Though Nebraska saw record high revenues at the end of its latest fiscal year, state financial analysts don't expect the trend to continue. Nebraska's Tax Rate Review Committee met Monday to hear the latest report on the state's revenues at the end of fiscal year 2021-22, which finished June 30. Tom Bergquist, director of the state's Legislative Fiscal Office, said Nebraska's revenue growth was a record-setting 22.1%, more than 7 percentage points higher than the previous record of 13.5% that was set last year. Before last year, Nebraska's previous record-high revenue growth was logged in the late 1980s, at around 12%, Bergquist said. At the start of the fiscal year, he said, the state's forecasting board projected Nebraska would see about 10.6% revenue growth. According to a Nebraska Department of Revenue report released Friday, the state collected $624 million more for the fiscal year than what was predicted in February. Much of that was collected between March and April, Bergquist said, when about $515 million was brought in. Overall, Nebraska saw net tax revenues near $6.35 billion during the fiscal year, according to the report. The spike in revenues can be largely attributed to a jump in individual income taxes, which were up 87%, and corporate taxes, which were up more than 100%, Bergquist said. One area where state revenues dropped was in sales taxes, which Bergquist said were down $46 million in February. A big reason for that, he said, were high sales tax refunds during the fiscal year, reaching about $213 million. "We're pretty fortunate we had it happen during a high revenue time," said State Sen. John Stinner of Gering, chair of the state Appropriations Committee. The state revenues were "extraordinarily high," Bergquist said enough that he expects the forecasting board will set its next revenue projections higher than ever before in October. He said, however, that Nebraska already may have hit its peak. Bergquist noted that state revenues typically fluctuate from year to year. About five years ago, he said, Nebraska saw back-to-back years where overall revenue growth was at a meager 0.3%. "When it's good, it's good," Bergquist said. "And when it's bad, it hurts." One big question mark is how much federal aid contributed to Nebraska's unprecedented revenue growth, he said. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government has contributed billions of dollars to Nebraska, but that aid recently has tapered off. "That's gonna be the big issue," Bergquist said. The good news is even if state revenues drop in upcoming years, Bergquist said he expects Nebraska's future budgets will be fine. The extra revenue will add to the state's cash reserve, which already was expected to hit a record high of $1.25 billion by the end of next June. Now, the reserve is expected to be closer to $1.69 billion. Sosei Group Corporation HTL0039732 is a novel EP4 antagonist with potential to treat a wide range of cancers in combination with other immunotherapies TOKYO, Japan and LONDON and CAMBRIDGE, United Kingdom, July 22, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sosei Group Corporation (the Company; TSE: 4565), an international biopharmaceutical company and world-leader in GPCR1-focused structure-based drug design (SBDD) and development, and Cancer Research UK, the worlds largest private funder of cancer research, today announce the signing of an agreement to bring Sosei Heptares cancer immunotherapy drug candidate into a first-in-human trial. Under the Clinical Trial and Licence Agreement (CTLA), Cancer Research UKs Centre for Drug Development will sponsor, design and execute a Phase I/IIa clinical trial of HTL00397322, a novel selective EP4 antagonist. Sosei Heptares will be responsible for CTA enabling activities, including GLP toxicology, IMP manufacture1 and other necessary pre-clinical studies in preparation for the opening of the clinical trial. Sosei Heptares holds a licence to the results generated under the trial to continue the clinical development and commercialisation of HTL0039732. HTL0039732 has been proposed for a range of cancers including microsatellite stable3 colorectal, gastroesophageal, head and neck and castrate resistant prostate cancer. Many people with these types of cancer have missed out on the benefits that common immunotherapies, such as PD1/L1 checkpoint inhibitors4, have brought to other cancer types. The hope is that this trial could find that HTL0039732 is an effective immunotherapy for these under-served patient populations. HTL0039732 is a type of immunotherapy known as an EP4 antagonist, which means it selectively binds and blocks a specific type of prostaglandin receptor5 called EP4. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) mediated signalling through EP4 can trigger cancer cells to evade the immune system and can also influence tumour cell growth. Therefore, blocking this type of receptor may improve patient survival, especially if used in combination with another immunotherapy. Story continues The Director of Cancer Research UKs Centre for Drug Development, Dr Nigel Blackburn, said: People with these cancer types have, to date, largely missed out on some of the remarkable advances in the field of immunotherapy. "We are therefore thrilled to be partnering with Sosei Heptares to bring their novel immunotherapy candidate into human trials. The hope is that with more trials like this, all cancer patients will eventually be able to benefit from this potentially life-saving form of cancer treatment. Matt Barnes, President of Heptares Therapeutics and Head of UK R&D, commented: We are extremely pleased to collaborate with Cancer Research UK to advance HTL0039732 into Phase I/IIa clinical trials and take a step towards bringing new treatments to cancer patients. HTL0039732 was rationally designed using our highly productive SBDD platform specifically for this type of immunotherapy approach and as such we believe it offers the potential to be a best-in-class EP4 antagonist agent. Notes to Editors Further details of HTL0039732 will be presented at the 2022 Medicinal Chemistry Gordon Research Conference in early August 2022. 1GPCRs (G Protein-Coupled Receptors) are a super-family of integral cell membrane proteins that are present on cells and tissues throughout the body. GPCRs are involved in signalling pathways that influence a wide range of biological processes and are important drug targets implicated in many human diseases and disorders. CTA Clinical Trial Authorisation; GLP Good Laboratory Practice; IMP Investigational Medicinal Product 2HTL0039732 will be evaluated as both a combination therapy and a monotherapy 3Approximately 80-85% of colorectal cancer patients are classified as Microsatellite Stable which means they have low instability in short, repeated sequences of DNA in their tumours, known as microsatellites. MSS tumors often exist in an environment that suppresses the immune system and do not respond well to immunotherapies. 4Checkpoint inhibitors block proteins, known as checkpoint proteins, that stop the immune system from attacking the cancer cells. Examples of checkpoint inhibitors include pembrolizumab (Keytruda), ipilimumab (Yervoy), nivolumab (Opdivo) and atezolizumab (Tecentriq). 5The prostaglandins are a group of lipids made at sites of tissue damage or infection that are involved in dealing with injury and illness. They control processes such as inflammation, blood flow, the formation of blood clots and the induction of labor. About Cancer Research UKs Centre for Drug Development Cancer Research UK has an impressive record of developing novel treatments for cancer. The Cancer Research UK Centre for Drug Development has been pioneering the development of new cancer treatments for 25 years, taking over 140 potential new anti-cancer agents into clinical trials in patients. It currently has a portfolio of 21 new anti-cancer agents in preclinical development, Phase I or early Phase IIa clinical trials. Six of these new agents have made it to market including temozolomide for brain cancer, abiraterone for prostate cancer and rucaparib for ovarian cancer. Two other drugs are in late development Phase III trials. www.cruk.org.uk/cdd About Cancer Research UK Cancer Research UK is the worlds leading cancer charity dedicated to saving lives through research. Cancer Research UKs pioneering work into the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer has helped save millions of lives. Cancer Research UK receives no funding from the UK government for its life-saving research. Every step it makes towards beating cancer relies on vital donations from the public. Cancer Research UK has been at the heart of the progress that has already seen survival in the UK double in the last 40 years. Today, 2 in 4 people survive their cancer for at least 10 years. Cancer Research UKs ambition is to accelerate progress so that by 2034, 3 in 4 people will survive their cancer for at least 10 years. Cancer Research UK supports research into all aspects of cancer through the work of over 4,000 scientists, doctors and nurses. Together with its partners and supporters, Cancer Research UK's vision is to bring forward the day when all cancers are cured. For further information about Cancer Research UK's work or to find out how to support the charity, please call +44 (0)300 123 1022 or visit www.cancerresearchuk.org. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook. About Sosei Heptares We are an international biopharmaceutical group focused on the discovery and early development of new medicines originating from our proprietary GPCR-targeted StaR technology and structure-based drug design platform capabilities. We are advancing a broad and deep pipeline of novel medicines across multiple therapeutic areas, including neurology, immunology, gastroenterology and inflammatory diseases. We have established partnerships with some of the worlds leading pharmaceutical companies and multiple emerging technology companies, including AbbVie, AstraZeneca, Biohaven, Genentech (Roche), GSK, Neurocrine Biosciences, Novartis, Pfizer, Takeda and Verily. Sosei Heptares is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan with corporate and R&D facilities in Cambridge, UK. Sosei Heptares is the corporate brand and trademark of Sosei Group Corporation, which is listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (ticker: 4565). Sosei, Heptares, the logo and StaR are trademarks of Sosei Group companies. For more information, please visit https://soseiheptares.com/ LinkedIn: @soseiheptaresco | Twitter: @soseiheptaresco | YouTube: @soseiheptaresco Enquiries: Cancer Research UK Ellie Bennett, Media Officer +44 (0)20 3469 5370 or, out of hours, on +44 (0)7884 466 868 | eleanor.bennett@cancer.org.uk Sosei Heptares Media and Investor Relations Hironoshin Nomura, Chief Financial Officer Shinichiro Nishishita, VP Investor Relations, Head of Regulatory Disclosures Candelle Chong, SVP Investor Relations and Corporate Strategy Japan: +81 (0)3 5210 3399 | United Kingdom: +44 (0)1223 949390 | IR@SoseiHeptares.com MEDiSTRAVA Consulting (for International Media) Mark Swallow, Frazer Hall, Eleanor Perkin +44 (0)203 928 6900| SoseiHeptares@medistrava.com Sosei Heptares Forward-looking statements This press release contains forward-looking statements, including statements about the discovery, development and commercialization of products. Various risks may cause Sosei Group Corporations actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including: adverse results in clinical development programs; failure to obtain patent protection for inventions; commercial limitations imposed by patents owned or controlled by third parties; dependence upon strategic alliance partners to develop and commercialize products and services; difficulties or delays in obtaining regulatory approvals to market products and services resulting from development efforts; the requirement for substantial funding to conduct research and development and to expand commercialization activities; and product initiatives by competitors. As a result of these factors, prospective investors are cautioned not to rely on any forward-looking statements. We disclaim any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. SINGAPORE, July 21, 2022--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Genius Group Limited ("Genius Group" or the "Company") (NYSE American: GNS), a world-leading entrepreneur, Edtech and education group, today announced the appointment of Mr. Erez Simha as its Chief Financial Officer (CFO). He has been appointed in this role to help accelerate the Companys global growth. Mr. Simha brings over 20 years of experience and a proven track record of scaling high-tech disruptive companies in multiple industries, including food-tech, blockchain, 3D printing, and digital assets. Throughout his career, Mr. Simha brought these companies into the mainstream and has helped to scale them globally by implementing infrastructure and building global teams and networks. Mr. Simha brings with him intensive M&A and post-merger integration experience, and this will serve Genius Group in its current strategy of growth through inorganic expansion. Roger James Hamilton, Founder and CEO of Genius Group, comments, "I am so pleased to welcome Erez to Genius Group. His track record of working in disruptive tech is a perfect addition to the team, and I know he has the skills to take Genius Groups reach to the next level." Erez Simha comments, "I am super excited to start this new role at Genius Group. Roger is building a global company and brand and I am privileged to be part of this journey and am looking forward to helping to create the infrastructure and culture that a successful global company needs. Roger is an inspirational leader and brilliant futurist whose vision for the future of education is something I want to not only be involved in but to help create." About Genius Group Genius Group is a world-leading entrepreneur Edtech, and education group, with a mission to disrupt the current education model with a student-centered, life-long learning curriculum that prepares students with the leadership, entrepreneurial, and life skills to succeed in todays market. The group has over 2.9 million students in 200 countries, ranging from ages 0 to 100. The group includes four pre-IPO companies (the "Pre-IPO Group"), and four companies acquired since the closing of the IPO (the "IPO Acquisitions"). Story continues The entrepreneur education system of our Pre-IPO Group has been delivered virtually and in-person, in multiple languages, locally and globally mainly via the Pre-IPO Groups AI-powered, personalized GeniusU Edtech platform to adults seeking to grow their entrepreneur and leadership skills. The Pre-IPO Group includes Genius Group, GeniusU, Entrepreneurs Institute and Entrepreneur Resorts. This group of entrepreneur education companies has grown through organic growth and acquisitions, with a focus on adding value to each company through GeniusU, which is being developed to provide AI-driven personal recommendations and guidance for each student. The Pre-IPO Group is now expanding its education system to age groups beyond its current adult audience, to children and young adults. The four IPO Acquisitions are the first step towards this expansion. They include: Education Angels, which provides early learning in New Zealand for children from 0-5 years old; E-Squared Education, which provides primary and secondary school education in South Africa; the University of Antelope Valley, which provides vocational certifications and university business and masters degrees in California, USA; and Property Investors Network, which provides property investment courses and events in England, UK. Genius Groups post-IPO plan is to combine the education programs of the IPO Acquisitions with its current education programs and Edtech platform as part of one lifelong learning system, and it has selected these acquisitions because they already share aspects of the Genius curriculum and its focus on entrepreneur education. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking statements.". Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous conditions, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, including those set forth in the Risk Factors section of the Companys Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC. Copies are available on the SECs website, www.sec.gov. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these statements for revisions or changes after the date of this release, except as required by law. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220721005082/en/ Contacts Media: Ruth Shearman, Senior Account Manager, Adia PR Tel: +44 7971 138303 Email: gns@adiapr.co.uk Alison Shadrack, Director, Adia PR Tel: +44 7794 540221 Email: gns@adiapr.co.uk Just after 1 a.m., the Opelika Fire Department responded to a structure fire at Maffias Italian Restaurant on South Railroad Avenue. The fire progressed and the Opelika Police Department established a perimeter around downtown. The fire completely destroyed Maffias. Southern Crossing and the Gallery on Railroad both sustained heavy damages as well. All three businesses will be closed for the foreseeable future. Ali Rauch, President and CEO of the Opelika Chamber of Commerce, said there was no time table for when these businesses would reopen. All other businesses are currently just on a day-to-day basis right now, Rauch said. Some of them along that back strip just closed for the day. Others opened at 10 oclock. Theyre each on a day-to-day basis. Allison Duke, public relations specialist for Opelika Police gave an update on road closings in the downtown area. As of 1 p.m., South Railroad continued to be blocked off. All other roads have been reopened. Theyre still working on getting this fire scene secure, Duke said. This will probably be closed off, especially South Railroad, for at least the rest of the day while the crews are still here. In a brief conversation with the Opelika-Auburn News, Maffias owner, Nick Plava said, I just appreciate all the publics loyalty to us, and I hope I can serve them again soon. Passersby called 911 with reports of smoke along Railroad Ave in the early morning hours. The fire department arrived to find the smoke coming from Maffias. It started heating up pretty quick and progressed pretty rapidly, Opelika Fire Chief Shane Boyd said around 7 a.m. We made entry and there was smoke on the first and second floors, Boyd told Opelika-Auburn News around 8 a.m. Its been burning since about 1 a.m. pretty steady. Weve probably put close to a million gallons of water on it. Both Lee County Emergency Management Agency and the Auburn Fire Department have been on site helping manage the blaze. We were very thankful for the assistance of Auburn, who came on a mutual aid call to assist us, Opelika Fire Inspector Bob Parsons said. So, we had a lot of water on the Maffias building itself. Both departments went to work on each side of the building. We had an Auburn aerial device on the rear, and we had the Opelika aerial device in the front, and we fought the fire defensively from the whole time, Parsons said. We didnt want to risk firefighters being in the interior when were dropping the amount of water that we dropped. It probably exceeds a million gallons at this point. Two neighboring businesses, the Gallery and Southern Crossing, have suffered major smoke and water damage. Even though the buildings are heavy timber construction there was no fire damage to either. Valerie Smith, owner of Southern Crossing, said it was a total loss for her business. We came down here to assess and they had to partially fight the fire, I guess, through our building, Smith said. Our building is full of water damage and then smoke. All the contents is a total loss. Its fragile, Smith said. I think thats why theyre concerned about the wall and the ceiling, just because its so old. A lot of that is original to the building. Parsons said fire protection in the walls kept the blaze from spreading to the other businesses. Thankfully when renovations occur, we have strict building codes to ensure that theres firewall separation between each of these buildings, he said. Even though theyre adjoined, theres substantial fire protection in the walls. And that certainly helped us to be able to contain this fire into just one business down here. Fire Chief Boyd agreed with Parsons sentiment. I hate to sound this way, but Im actually happy that we kept the fire itself to one structure, Boyd said. In the downtown area, things can get bad really quick. Boyd said the investigation was way early in the process. Boyd said there have been no injuries. The city is working with the downtown businesses that were not impacted by the fire to open to foot traffic only. Ken Ward, Executive Director of Opelika Main Street, said it is a sad for the community. Our small businesses are really the heart and soul of our community, and its really sad when situations like this occur, Ward said. Were really encouraging everybody to keep their thoughts and prayers with all of our downtown businesses, especially the ones of South Railroad during this time. Maffias addressed the fire in a Facebook post on Thursday Morning. As many of you know last night there was a fire in downtown Opelika, the post said. It is with great sadness that we announce that Maffias burned down in that fire. We appreciated all the support that we had received from our loyal customers and hope to serve you again in the future. Maffias, formerly known as Ma Fias Ristorante, just recently reopened its doors. The property had lain dormant since June 2020. Nick Plava, a restaurateur who has run other Italian restaurants in Mississippi, Arkansas, Texas and Louisiana, opened under the new name in January 2022.Its 100% authentic Italian, Plava had told Opelika-Auburn News at the time. My mom is Italian and my uncle is Italian. I dont know about anything that was here before but I dont think were going to use anything that even looks or tastes like what was here before. Plava had said he had no connection to the previous owners. This place was actually online for lease, so thats how I ended up with it, Plava said. Plava had moved to Opelika with the hopes of reinvigorating the restaurant. The downtown streetscape had been a large selling point for him. They remind me of back home big-time, especially with outside seating areas (because) everybody here has an outside seating area, Plava said. Back home, every coffee shop or every restaurant has at least two or three tables outside. news Pierce wins Ouachitas 2022 Virginia Queen Piano Competition Andrew Pierce, a freshman music and biology double major from Benton, Ark., won first place in the 2022 Virginia Queen Piano Competition presented in May by the Division of Music in the School of Fine Arts at Ouachita Baptist University. Pierce received a $500 cash prize for his performance of Maurice Ravels La vallee des cloches from Miroirs and Polonaise in C Sharp Minor, Op. 26, No. 1 by Frederic Chopin. He is a student of Dr. Mary Chung, associate professor of music at Ouachita. I was honored to be chosen as this years winner of the Virginia Queen Piano Competition, Pierce said. It was an amazing experience growing as a musician through these pieces and learning from Dr. Chung. I appreciated the chance to share this music with others and to celebrate a semester of hard work with my friends. Winners of the 2022 Virginia Queen Piano Competition are (from left) Katie Bayer, third place; Andrew Pierce, first place; and Jenna Barnes, second place. They're pictured with competition jurist Dr. Lim Angela Tchoi (far right). Dr. Mary Chung Jenna Barnes, a sophomore music industry major from Sheridan, Ark., placed second and won a $300 cash prize for her performance of Fantastic Dance No. 2 from Three Fantastic Dances by Dmitri Shostakovich and Ballade in G minor, Op. 118, No. 3 by Johannes Brahms. Katie Bayer, a junior communications & media/integrated communications major from Lonoke, Ark., won third place and a $200 cash prize for her performance of Scotch Poem, Op. 31, No. 2 from Six Poems after Heine by Edward MacDowell and Tarantella in A minor by Albert Pieczonka. Barnes studies with Dr. Lei Cai, professor in the Division of Music at Ouachita, and Bayer is also a student of Chung. Dr. Lim Angela Tchoi served as judge for this years competition. The May event marked the 45th anniversary of the Virginia Queen Piano Competition, which is named in honor of its founder, the late Virginia Queen, professor emerita of music at Ouachita. Queen earned Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Music degrees at Ouachita in 1944 and a Master of Music degree from the American Conservatory of Music in Chicago. Virginia Queen served 40 years as a piano faculty member at Ouachita, said Chung. Her dedication and love for students had a long-lasting impact on the music community throughout Arkansas. She established the piano competition to encourage and celebrate the piano students hard work and progress every year. To learn more about the Virginia Queen Piano Competition, contact Dr. Mary Chung at chungm@obu.edu or at (870) 245-5132. Decrease Font Size Font Size Increase Font Size Article body Jojo is experiencing life like most 13-year-old girls: staying up later, watching movies, shopping and baking cookies. And now she has more liberty, but its a different kind of freedom. She uses a walker, but she and her family see it as freedom, a remarkable accomplishment compared to her six months of not being able to walk prior to receiving a gene therapy treatment for her rare disease. Jojo has GM1 gangliosidosisan inherited disorder that progressively destroys nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord and is estimated to occur in one in 100,000 to 200,000 newborns. But her mother sees steady improvement in Jojo, who was the first child to participate in a clinical trial that has its origin in Auburn University research. Jojo was very ill when she was treated with gene therapy in 2019. She had great trouble swallowing and eating, and she wasnt able to walk, said Jojos mother, a family practice physician in Los Angeles. Since treatment, Jojo eats normally and is at a normal weight for her age. She still has some challenges, but shes made great improvements in many ways. The trials gene therapy treatment was created at Auburns College of Veterinary Medicine, where scientists for several decades have researched treatments to improve and extend the lives of cats affected by GM1 gangliosidosis. GM1 gangliosidosis is caused by mutations in a gene known as GLB1, thus impairing production of the enzyme, beta-galactosidase. The treatment, administered intravenously, delivers a functional copy of the GLB1 gene that improves the enzyme activity, leading to improved neuromuscular function. Auburn worked with the University of Massachusetts Medical School and the National Institutes of Health to move the research into helping children suffering from the disease. In 2019, Jojo became the first child to receive the one-dose treatment at NIH in Bethesda, Maryland. We had hoped to stop the diseases progression, but she is showing real signs of improvement, said Dr. Doug Martin, director of Auburns Scott-Ritchey Research Center in the College of Veterinary Medicine and a professor in the Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology. He says the treatment is very promising because it has worked well in GM1 mice and cats and is delivered by a single IV injection that takes less than an hour. As this trial and new trials progress, and as more patients are treated, we'll have a good idea of whether the gene therapy helps children as much as it has helped the animals, he said. This is certainly what we're hoping for. Martin says the NIH trial, which includes 11 children, is the first of three trials underway. Jojo actually was part of a sort of pre-clinical trial at NIH, Martin said. Her condition was so poor at first that she was not qualified for the actual trial, but now she has improved enough with treatment that she would qualify. Clinical trials are being conducted also at the University of California-Irvine, which is using a spinal fluid injection, and one at the University of Pennsylvania, Martin said. Our research at Auburn has shown that GM1 in cats can be treated, so we are fortunate more institutions are seeing the possibility of moving it into cures for children. Martin and his fellow Auburn researchers are moving forward with additional research as well, hoping to add to the knowledge base for GM1 and the related GM2 disease, called Tay Sachs. They are testing higher doses of the treatment to help cats with GM1 and are checking the toxicity and clinical effects. This will provide valuable information to veterinarians and human physicians as we fight these diseases, he said. Additionally, because there are similarities in the pathology of GM1 gangliosidosis and Alzheimers disease, it is possible that the same platform being used for GM1 could someday be used to treat Alzheimers. For GM2, Auburn is testing a new generation of vector to be administered intravenously or in the spinal fluid. The current treatment for GM2 is given by an injection into the brain, but researchers are seeking a less invasive method. History of Auburns GM1 research Martin is leading Auburns effort, which was started by his mentor, Professor Emeritus Henry Baker, in the 1970s. To move the treatment toward human medicine, Martin developed a partnership with UMass Medical School researchers Drs. Miguel Sena-Esteves and Heather Gray-Edwards, an Auburn graduate, and they have worked collaboratively for 15 years, combining animal and human medicine studies to treat rare diseases that affect both animals and humans. For Auburn graduates Sara and Michael Heatherly of Opelika, Alabama, whose son Porter was the first known case of GM1 in Alabama and died in 2016, the knowledge of a treatment is one of mixed emotions. "We are excited to know there is hope for the future of children diagnosed with GM1, Michael Heatherly said. We are thankful for everyone who has dedicated their time, resources and careers to move this treatment forward. We understood early on the research would not help Porter, but we wanted to help spread the word of the research and the progress that was being made. Parents of a child with GM1 each carry one copy of the mutated gene, but they typically do not show signs and symptoms of the condition. To honor Porter and his familywho held fundraisers for several years to support Auburns researchthe Scott-Ritchey Research Center incorporated Porters likeness in a creative identity for the center. Donations to help fund Auburns research into GM1 can be made online. #ParadiseSquare has been overshadowed by a series of lawsuits & allegations that producer Garth H. Drabinsky cut corners, engaged in tyrannical behavior and failed to pay bills & benefits. Variety's @rebeccaarubin, @GeneMaddaus & @BrentALang investigate: https://t.co/R16BMfxGbh Variety (@Variety) July 19, 2022 RE: Paradise Square, Actors Equity from Lee Siegel wow pic.twitter.com/Zooj67uCdF Annaleise Marie (@myheroannaleise) July 19, 2022 With just one weeks notice,played its last show on Broadway this past Sunday. The production was noticeably troubled, with two unions (Actors' Equity and United Scenic Artists, Local USA 829) filing separate lawsuits against the production for a combined total of $350,000 in unpaid wages. Lead producer on the show, Garth Drabinsky, has been added to the Actors' Equity "Do Not Work" list in the wake of the lawsuits. Full details on the lawsuits can be found here. Variety ran a piece that details the troubles that plagued the production since its pre-Broadway run in 2019. It should be noted here thathas a huge cast of forty, and has elaborate sets. It was nominated for nine Tonys. Four of those nominations were for Scenic Design, Costume Design, Lighting Design and Choreography. The production is being sued by Actors' Equity which represents actors that work in live performances, and by Local USA 189, which represents designers, artists and other craftspeople. In 2009 the lead producer of the show, Garth Drabinsky was convicted of fraud in Canada. He served seventeen months in prison andwas planned as his big comeback show. As a source in the new Variety article notes, most people in the Broadway community were aware of the stories about Drabinsky, but the offer to work on a new major musical was too tempting for several actors and craftspeople searching for stability on a Broadway show after the COVID shutdowns. The show had a short pre-Broadway run at Berkeley Repertory in 2019 where employees first witnessed Drabinsky's obsessions with cutting costs and how it endangered the crew."They [the crew member] were climbing up a ladder on the set, when they lost their footing and fell, according to two members of the production. Their severed finger could not be reattached, and the person received a modest workers compensation payout and has since left the theater industry." The injured crew member states that this accident was Drabinsky said the accident was, "purely a result of human error," and placed the lack of oversight on Berkeley Rep. Following the accident the staff became concerned when Drabinsky pushed to reduce the amount of time during technical rehearsals for the Broadway production from a week and a half to just over four and a half days.has forty cast members who have to sing, dance and maneuver around a complicated set that rotates during the show. A former stage manager on the show who resigned in May over salary is quoted in the article and says,The stage manager says that Drabinsky's refused to pay overtime and no one could work past 40 hours in the initial production period. A general manager forrefutes the claim and says that the show stepped up its overtime two weeks before opening to ensure the safety of the cast and crew. Sources also say that Drabinsky alienated members of the production because of his temper. A member of the ensemble spoke to Variety and said, "when something doesnt go Garths way, he throws a tantrum. Its really nasty. He bullies the creatives. Drabinsky denied those allegations. He says that he hasn't been hands on with the show since March 15 and since then has only been involved in rehearsals for the Tony Award performances. There's also some more drama with the show's general manager, Jeffrey Chrzczon, who has been on Actors' Equity's "Do Not Work" list since 2018. Chrzczon was able to work onbecause he was only put on the list in his capacity as a producer. Chrzczon made the list over mismanagement of a Broadway Christmas Show with Clay Aiken and Ruben Studdard. Aiken claims he is still owed $60,000 from the show and has said that the thesituation appears to be a repeat of the situation with the Christmas show. Lee Siegel, a member of's ensemble took to Instagram and talked about the severity of the problems at the show. Siegel claims the cast and crew were put into stressful situations every day, and that due to lack of rehearsals and several injuries/COVID, the cast had to make up their own choreography. He also noted that the show only had four swings to cover a cast of forty, and that there were shows where all the swings were covering several roles at once. Siegel also claims that multiple stage managers quit over the course of the run after frequently being berated to the point of tears. He also says the show lost their HR department halfway though their run because the production failed to pay them. Siegel says that the Broadway League and Actors' Equity let them down multiple times. "We asked for help repeatedly & very little came. Lots of zoom meetings though, of just frustrated actors." In another comment he claims that one day Actors' Equity told the cast to not report to work, but the cast later had their pay docked that day because the Broadway League reminded them of a "no strike" clause in the cast's contract. The actors were repaid for their docked pay four months after the fact. In the comments Siegel continued and says that Drubinski would complain to the cast about his personal life but would never inquire about anyone else, and that a general manager would give them the run around on the days they were supposed to be paid. He also says that at one point the wardrobe department had no money to buy cleaner so the costumes were smelly. They were not able to use rehearsal spaces as the production had outstanding debts to these places, and that creatives and stage managers had to pay for the use of lunch spaces and rehearsal spaces. Further comments also claim that dancers in the ensemble did not receive the proper footwear for performances and at one point an actor broke a shoe on stage and nearly fell into the uncovered pit. He also added that the air conditioning was restricted and at a minimum to those on stage who were performing in mostly wool costumes. Russian President Vladimir Putin had a phone conversation with Saudi Arabias Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to discuss the oil market and OPEC+. The two parties also made a note of the importance of collaboration within OPEC+, adding that OPEC+ members have consistently fulfilled their obligations to maintain market balance and stability in the energy markets. OPEC+ has consistently failed to meet its production targets over the duration of the deal. In June, OPEC+--a group that includes both Russia and Saudi Arabiaincreased its oil production by 390,000 bpd, but most members failed to meet their production targets. OPECs share of the increase for June was 210,000 bpd, while non-OPEC members part of the OPEC+ group increased production by 180,000 bpd, according to a recent Platts survey. Overall, this was still more than 2.5 million bpd under the quota for the full OPEC+ group. Russia and Saudi Arabiathe two largest producers within OPEC+--saw the biggest production gains in June. While the group has fallen short of production targets, OPEC continues to insist that the market is in balance. Saudi Arabia has long maintained that it can do nothing beyond what it is already doing to help the oil market, and that the market is far more complex than merely pumping additional barrels of oil. That hasnt stopped President Joe Biden from repeatedly asking the group to increase its oil production to alleviate the high pump prices in the United States. While U.S. gasoline prices have eased over the last month to $4.44, they remain $1.278 above last years levels, according to AAA data. The phone call is just the latest in a series of calls between Saudi Arabia and Russia, even after Russias invasion of Ukraine. By Julianne Geiger for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com In the long run, if the U.S. successfully transitions away from needing oil imports, then it will be much easier to align energy policies to foreign policy. Between punishing Russia for invading Ukraine and punishing Saudi Arabia for killing Khashoggi, the problem with ideological energy policies has been made painfully clear. Before becoming President, Joe Biden promised to make Saudi Arabia pay the price for killing Jamal Khashoggi, but high gasoline prices have forced him to change that stance. During the campaign for the Democratic nomination for president, Joe Biden said he would make the Saudis pay the price for their killing of Washington Post contributor Jamal Khashoggi. He elaborated: I would make it very clear we were not going to in fact sell more weapons to them. We were going to in fact make them pay the price, and make them in fact the pariah that they are. Hard Lessons President Biden has had to learn some very hard lessons when it comes to the global oil industry. One of those lessons is that major oil-exporting countries like Russia and Saudi Arabia hold tremendous power because of the worlds continued dependence on oil. That dependence complicated the Biden Administrations efforts to punish Russia for its invasion of Ukraine by ceasing imports of Russian oil and oil products. As I warned back in February in the article Russia Is A Major Supplier Of Oil To The U.S., such a move even though many people felt like it was the right thing to do would likely drive oil prices above $100 a barrel. We now know of course that this is what happened. The disruption to U.S. refineries from the sudden cessation of Russian imports was a major driver in the spike in fuel prices this year. Further, there are plenty of countries out there that will still buy Russias oil, so it doesnt necessarily hurt Russia. They may be selling a bit less oil, but at much higher prices than before. Saudi Realism The mostly state-owned oil company Saudi Aramco is the single-largest oil producer in the world. That gives Saudi Arabia enormous pricing power in the global oil and gas markets. When Saudi Arabia decides to make a change in its oil production, it can substantially move the markets. When OPEC and Russia are in agreement, their collective moves can crash oil prices (e.g., 2014-2015), or quickly drive them to triple digits. Therein lies the problem with idealistic energy policies. You can only make a country like Saudi Arabia (or Russia) a pariah if two conditions hold true. First, they must be heavily reliant on their oil revenues to fund the government. That condition is true. But the second is that the world must be capable of getting along just fine without the oil imports from such countries. That part isnt true. Idealistic energy policies enable President Biden to call Saudi Arabia a pariah, but in the real world, skyrocketing energy prices have forced him to adopt a more pragmatic position. The real heart of the issue is this. President Biden probably feels the same way about Saudi Arabia that he did when he made those remarks. But consumers are extremely sensitive about fuel prices. Saudi Arabia is in a position to impact those. The U.S. is just not at a point in the energy transition where we can afford to thumb our noses at the worlds oil markets without facing serious consequences. Those consequences can be high oil prices and even shortages. Thats a prescription for losing elections, and hence the ability to continue influencing the direction of U.S. energy policy. In the long run, the solution to this dilemma is for the world to eliminate its reliance on oil imports. Only then will Saudi Arabias economic influence on the world be diminished. By Robert Rapier More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Russia will not supply oil to the global markets if the price cap being discussed is set at a level below Russias cost of production, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak told state television on Wednesday. If the price cap they are talking about is lower than the cost of crude oil productionnaturally Russia will not supply that crude on the global markets, which means that we will simply not pump oil at a loss, Novak was quoted by news agency TASS as saying. For weeks, the U.S. and partners have been discussing ideas to cut Vladimir Putins revenues, including banning all services enabling Russian oil shipments unless buyers pay for Russias oil at or below a certain price. A price cap on Russian oil is one of our most powerful tools to address the pain that Americans and families across the world are feeling at the gas pump and the grocery store right now, U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said earlier this month at the Group of 20 finance ministers and central bank governors meeting in Bali, Indonesia. The United States hopes that there will be an agreement on capping the price of Russian oil by December, U.S. Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo said at the Aspen Security Forum in Colorado on Wednesday. Russias exports of crude and refined products held resilient in June, while export revenues jumped due to the higher oil prices, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). Russian crude and product exports dropped by 250,000 bpd from May to average 7.4 million bpd in June, the IEA said in its latest Oil Market Report. Although the export volumes last month were the lowest since August 2021, Russias export revenues increased by $700 million from May on higher oil prices, to $20.4 billion in June, or 40% above last years average, the IEA said. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Chicago developer K Giles is proposing to revamp the old school building at 4000-4030 North Marine Drive, shown on July 19, 2022, into apartments for seniors. (Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune) The Chicago Plan Commission approved Thursday a $150 million plan to renovate a landmark Uptown school building into hundreds of lakefront apartments, while adding a residential tower for seniors to the site. Commissioners and the local alderman praised the developer for bringing sorely needed homes for seniors, including a sizable batch of affordable units, to a neighborhood with few options. Chicago developer K Giles proposes transforming Immaculata High School, a former all-girls Catholic school that opened in the 1920s at the corner of Irving Park Road and Marine Drive in Uptowns Buena Park neighborhood, into 245 apartments, and replacing a surface parking lot behind the school with a 250-foot building with another 100 apartments for seniors, as well as 60 assisted living units and 32 for memory care. All commission members present supported the plan, which still needs full City Council approval. Advertisement The development team surveyed the area and found only four comparable buildings within two miles, and three of those are more than 30 years old, according to K Giles attorney Rolando Acosta. The Admiral at the Lake, one of the four, is the only one in Uptown, according to K Giles. There is really nothing in the center of Uptown to serve the senior population, Acosta said during the virtual meeting. Advertisement Chicago developer K Giles is proposing to revamp the old school building, shown on July 19, 2022, into apartments for seniors. (Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune) Transforming the school into apartments is also the best way to preserve Immaculata High School, which was declared a city landmark in 1983 and added to the National Register of Historic Places, Chicago Department of Planning and Development Assistant Commissioner Cindy Chan Roubik told the commission. It served about 1,200 students at its peak, closed in 1981 and is currently occupied by American Islamic College, which plans to sell the property to the developer and move to a smaller facility. They have only used about a tenth of the space, Roubik said. Acosta told commission members the developer will set aside 20 units in the seniors tower and 49 in the former school as affordable. That satisfies the citys requirement that such projects reserve 20% of the units as affordable, according to Plan Commission member and Commissioner of the Department of Housing Marisa Novara. That is (more) than many low-income housing tax credit developments we fund, she said. I want to thank the developer for making that happen and providing that amount of affordable housing in the community. K Giles proposal did not avoid controversy. The developers spent several years meeting with community groups such as Buena Park Neighbors and Uptown United, fielding complaints that so many new apartments could cause traffic snarls, crowd neighboring buildings or ruin the ambiance of the historic school grounds. Plans shifted several times in response. K Giles shortened the new buildings proposed height and chose an L-shaped design that will increase the amount of open space between it and a condo building to the west. When I first reviewed this, I felt the (seniors) building was squeezed into the site, said Plan Commission member Andre Brumfield, a leader of architectural firm Genslers urban design practice. But the recent design changes will ensure the neighborhood gets a new building nestled into the school property, and preserve its pedestrian-friendly streetscape, he said. Ald. Tom Tunney, 44th, also a CPC member, grilled Acosta on whether the developer would include enough parking for the hundreds of new units. Advertisement This is a much different use for what has been a relatively dormant site, he said. The former Immaculata High School building, shown on July 19, 2022, would be transformed into apartments for seniors under a plan recommended by the Chicago Plan Commission. The building now serves as the American Islamic College. (Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune) Acosta said the 118 parking spaces proposed exceed zoning requirements, and with curbside service from several CTA bus lines, residents are unlikely to clog the neighborhood with cars. K Giles also checked with senior housing operators and found seniors parking needs would be modest. And with nearly half the new Uptown units reserved for assisted living and memory care residents, who dont drive at all, there should be more than enough parking, even on Mothers Day when families will come for visits, according to K Giles. The two years of community meetings culminated earlier this year with a 21-7 vote to support K Giles plan by the 46th Ward Zoning and Development Committee, a group of neighborhood residents assembled by Ald. James Cappleman. He told the Plan Commission he also supported the developer, especially its aim to expand senior housing. As someone who is going to be 70 in a couple of months, I see how important that is, he said. Amid soaring gasoline prices in the second quarter, the eight biggest independent U.S. refiners are set to report later this month a huge 652% sequential jump in their average earnings per share (EPS), according to estimates from investment bank Tudor Pickering Holt & Co cited by The Wall Street Journal. All refiners and all integrated oil and gas companies are set for a windfall of profits for the second quarter as U.S. gasoline prices soared to the highest ever on record of over $5 per gallon in early June. The biggest refiners are also expected to generate billions of cash flow from operations as refining margins are at their highest in many years. Were seeing margins twice as high as the golden age, Charles Kemp, a vice president at energy consulting firm Baker & OBrien Inc, told the Journal. Kemp was referring to the 2004-2007 period, when refiners booked massive profits, too. The largest international majors are also set for exceptional earnings at their refining businesses, thanks to high refining margins and fuel demand in the second quarter. Some of the largest international oil majors have already announced expectations of blockbuster earnings from their refining divisions when they report Q2 profits later this month. Frances supermajor TotalEnergies said last week that Refining & Chemicals results are expected to be exceptional given the very high levels of distillate and gasoline cracks. ExxonMobil said in an SEC filing in early July that the rise in industry margins is set to add between $4.4 billion and $4.6 billion to its Q2 results. At Shell, the refining margin nearly tripled in Q2 compared to Q1 and is expected to add between $800 million and $1.2 billion to the second quarter results of Shells Products division, compared to the first quarter 2022. Yet, the second quarter could have been the peak refining profits for some time as gasoline demand in the United States has weakened in recent weeks in response to high prices at the pump. Crude oil prices have also dropped from the recent highs of $120 a barrel as markets fear a recession is coming. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Gold is Russias largest non-energy export and the Union of Gold Producers in Russia has warned that the countrys gold industry may suffer irreparable damage. While Russia has attempted to downplay the threat of sanctions on its gold industry, its gold sector could be set for a period of serious turbulence. The European Unions seventh sanctions package is set to put an embargo on Russian gold imports, imports that are already banned in the U.S., UK, Canada, and Japan. On July 14, both Western (Euractiv.com, July 13) and Russian (Rbc.ru, July 14) sources reported that the European Unions seventh sanctions package will put an embargo on Russian gold imports. If this happens, the EU will join the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Japan, which each already banned Russian gold imports some time ago (Interfax.ru, June 28). While Russian officials have attempted to ridicule the EU`s gold-related package, arguing that previous experience with anti-Russian sanctions has only led to EU citizens lives becoming more difficult, this rhetoric appears to be more unsubstantiated bravado, than based in fact (Rbc.ru, June 21). That said, Russia`s gold industry (and precious metals in general)in the case that these sanctions are implemented in fullmay indeed be entering a period of serious turbulence. Golds role in the Russian economy is crucial: The precious metal represents Russia`s biggest non-energy export. According to the Federal Customs Service of Russia, in 2021 alone, the Russian Federation exported more than 302 tons of gold (worth between $17.4 billion to $20 billion). Importantly, the UKwhich was the first to introduce sanctions against Russian gold back in March 2022for its part, purchased 266 tons, worth $15.4 billion (Epravda.com.ua, July 5). The partial international embargo on Russian gold has already brought some notable results: one of Russia`s key gold-producing companies, Petropavlovskused to produce 14 tons of gold annually, primarily concentrating on deposits located in the Far Easthas filed for administration, unable to repay loans. In general, since March 2022, when the London bullion market refused to grant Russian gold producers the Good Delivery specification, Russia`s export of the precious metal has de facto stopped. Specifically, since then, between April and May, Russia has managed to sell slightly more than 100 tons (at a daily production rate of almost 1 ton per day) (Moscowtimes.nl, July 12). Now, with the UK refusing to purchase Russian gold, potential buyersbased on 2021 statisticshave been reduced to Kazakhstan (imported 8 tons of Russian gold in 2021), Switzerland (7.25 tons), and Germany (5.5 tons), which could also soon discontinue buying from Russia (Tass.ru, accessed July 18). In the meantime, the Union of Gold Producers of Russia (UGPR) is reportedly in a state of panic. In a recent open letter, the union noted that, if the situation in the Russian gold industry does not change soon, it might suffer irreparable damage. Specifically, the letter stated that, without massive support from the government, the fate of at least 400 small- and medium-sized artels (employ approximately 40,000 workers each) may be sealed. As underlined by UGPR Deputy Head Sergey Koshuba, it is not only Western sanctions but also policies of the Central Bank of the Russian Federation that are killing the industry. He stated that current conditions put forward by the central bank (its willingness to purchase gold at a significant discount) makes it unprofitableand sometimes even detrimentalfor gold producers to continue operations (Nezavisimaya gazeta, July 10). With the prospect of more gold-focused Western sanctions becoming a reality in the near future, Russia`s actions (up to date) to mitigate the potential impact of these sanctions can be broken down into three central strategies. The first strategy involves making all available information pertaining to Russia`s gold industry classified to bereave the West of information that could be used to strengthen and diversify sanctions. A corresponding bill has already passed a vote in the Russian State Duma (the lower chamber of Russias parliament), and further actions will almost assuredly follow soon (Forbes.ru, June 22). Second, Moscow will cultivate a reliance on counterfeit trading, which, given Russia`s so-called parallel import strategy, is a viable option. In fact, Russian experts are already citing the example of South Africa, whichwhen subjected to international sanctions in the 1970s amid Apartheidevaded gold-related sanctions that prohibited exports of gold bullion bars by starting to mint its own coins (Krugerrands), which crippled the sanctions effectiveness (Nezavisimaya gazeta, July 10). The third approach focuses on diverting gold exports to friendly countriessuch as India, China, and the United Arab Emiratesthat did not introduce anti-Russian sanctions or shifting the minting process to one of Russia`s partners, including Kazakhstan. Some experts and Russian government officials are certain that, while the collective West is imposing sanctions on Russian gold, other more pragmatic countries will not miss this opportunity and could benefit from gaining access to Russia`s precious metals (Nezavisimaya gazeta, July 10). Othersprimarily hands-on professionals and subject matter expertsexpress much more cautious opinions. For instance, an analyst on commodities markets from Russian company Otkrytiye Investitsii, Oxana Lukicheva, has stated that no matter the plan Russia relies oneither selling gold to friendly countries or trying to mitigate the crisis via stimulating internal demandthe central budget will still lose between 15 and 25 percent in revenue (Forbes.ru, June 29). Koshuba went even further. In an interview, he characterized notions regarding prospects of rapid diversification of exports to Asia and elsewhere as nothing but fantasies and amateur talk, since establishing the necessary infrastructure for such a move cannot be done quickly (Goldminingunion.ru, July 5). Finally, a review of Russian sources that analyze Russia`s four-largest gold producers presents the following picture (Forbes.ru, June 29): Polyuswith its 104 million ounces of proven gold reserves, the largest gold producer in Russia and one of the top five globallyis unlikely to be severely affected by sanctions, as its main end-users are located in Russia and the company enjoys low production costs. Polymetal Internationalthe second-largest producer of Russian goldcould also weather most damage, as it is already actively cooperating with Kazakhstan and has a well-diversified product portfolio that, in addition to gold, contains a substantial portion of silver. Petropavlovskwhose current market value is lower than its amount of cumulative debtis likely to face some tough times that might result in complete bankruptcy. Seligdar Prospectors Associationwith 277 tons of gold reservesis also not expected to suffer huge losses, as its main partners are located in Russia. Yet, even given the above landscape, the Russian gold industrys actual ability to withstand sanctions will be contingent on its ability to overcome sanctions without the use of loopholes and to appease third parties. By The Jamestown Foundation More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: The burden of the debt is already forcing Tajikistan to give away the family silver or family gold, to be more accurate. At the start of 2022, Tajikistan owed as much as $1.98 billion to state-run Export-Import Bank of China. A ubiquitous sign seen around Tajikistans capital speaks volumes about the countrys reliance on its eastern neighbor: Assistance from China for a common future. The words are typically emblazoned on buildings and buses paid for with loans and grants issued by Beijing. One prime example is the new premises of parliament. That complex, which is going up where the headquarters of the Soviet-era Communist Party used to stand, is being completed with a $250 million grant. Another $120 million in handouts have been given by China to build a new city hall. In theory, this all comes without strings attached, but analysts are not convinced. This all feels very disturbing, Tajik political scientist Parviz Mullojanov told Eurasianet. This is a very dangerous trend, especially as there are also large debts. Amassing Chinese debt is playing with fire. At any moment now, this could serve as a pretext for political and geopolitical expansion. The numbers tell an eloquent story. Of the $3.3 billion that Tajikistan owed to international creditors at the start of 2022, 60 percent $1.98 billion is owed to the state-run Export-Import Bank of China, better known as Eximbank. Sri Lankas massive liabilities before China have made international headlines in recent months, and yet, what that country owes to Beijing accounts for only 10 percent or so of its foreign debt pile. The bulk of Tajikistans annual debt repayments are, unsurprisingly, earmarked for China, but the rate at which money is being paid back will be far from reassuring for the countrys bean-counters. Of the $131.9 million repaid by Tajikistan in 2021, $65.2 million went to China in one form or another. Almost $22 million of the money paid to China was interest accrued. In terms of interest payments, only the Eurobond issued by Tajikistans Finance Ministry in 2017 proved more costly last year. That bill was $35.7 million. Chinese debt has usually been extended for the purposes of building or overhauling transport infrastructure or energy projects. Work is more often than not implemented by Chinese companies themselves. Secret deals Because Chinese debt agreements are shrouded in secrecy, working out the terms, even the size of the credit, is complicated. To take one example, Eximbank in 2014 agreed to extend credit to complete the Vahdat-Yovon railway, a link between the center and south of the country. When the Dushanbe to Kulob route of which that Vahdat-Yovon section constitutes one part was inaugurated by President Emomali Rahmon in August 2016, all Tajik state media noted was that the project cost 985 million somoni ($125 million at the rate of the time) to finish. Khovar state news agency did not state where any of the money had come from or who had done the construction. But in early 2015, first deputy Finance Minister Jamoliddin Nuraliyev told reporters that Eximbank had contributed a loan of at least $68 million at preferential rates toward completion of the Vahdat-Yovon railroad. The tender for the contract was reportedly handed to the state-owned China Railway Construction Corporation without even the semblance of an open bidding process. Another important project mostly underwritten by Eximbank was the epic effort, which started in 2006 and ended in 2013, to overhaul the high-altitude Dushanbe-Chanak road from the capital to the northern Sughd province. The Beijing-based lenders contribution on that occasion was an almost $290 million loan. Once again, a Chinese company the colossal engineering company China Road and Bridge Corporation got the contract, meaning the money was in effect quickly re-routed back into China, although the debts remained in Tajikistan. As a China Road and Bridge Corporation executive told Chinese state media in 2019, his company has built 728 kilometers of road worth a total of $779 million in Tajikistan. The relatively pristine Dushanbe-Chanak route is undoubtedly a boon to Tajik motorists, although many drivers grumble at the fact that they are required to pay tolls to a company registered in the British Virgin Islands. How much of those collected tolls, if any, go toward servicing foreign debts is a mystery, like so much else that has to do with Chinese debt. Mullojanov argued that this approach was part of a well-understood strategy. China has a standard policy for all countries: They need to employ their own workforce, so they send their own people and industrial resources to do all the projects. China needs a market for its industry, Mullojanov said. Other analysts have taken a more benevolent view of Beijings loan agenda, however. Marina Rudyak, a scholar at Heidelberg Universitys Institute of Chinese Studies, said that her analysis of Chinese official and academic discourse shows that Beijing believes debt will in the final analysis lead to economic growth and, accordingly, less debt. It is, you could argue, a more need- and want-centered than a risk-centered perspective, Rudyak wrote in emailed remarks. For Tajikistan in particular, I think we have to consider the role China ascribes to it in particular in the Afghanistan context. It needs a stable Tajikistan and will probably pour as much money as it believes it takes to keep it stable, even with prospects of loan defaults, because the alternative of Tajikistan collapsing into a new civil war or similar is much more costly. Paying in kind In the short term, however, the burden of the debt is forcing Tajikistan to give away the family silver or family gold, to be more accurate. In 2016, Xinjiang-based company TBEA put the final touches to work on a 400-megawatt power plant in Dushanbe known as TETs-2. The Tajik government only contributed $17.4 million to the $349 million project. The rest came from TBEA itself. Three years later, to pay off that debt, Tajikistan simply gave TBEA the concession to develop its Upper Kumarg and Eastern Duoba gold mines, both located in the northern Ayni district. The decision was green-lit by the rubber-stamp parliament. China-based news website Securities Times at the time cited TBEA chairman Zhang Xin as saying that if the mines did not contain sufficient gold to cover their costs, Tajikistan would grant a development license to yet another deposit. Related: How China Could Trigger The Next Sharp Selloff In Crude Warming to this approach, parliament later that same year voted to exempt another Chinese company, Kashgar Xinyu Dadi Mining Investment, from all types of taxes and customs duties for a period of seven years. The miner was also granted development rights over a silver deposit in the high-altitude Pamir region. It is not known for certain what Kashgar Xinyu Dadi Mining Investment did to earn such generous treatment, but the whispered speculation is that it was in return for the Chinese government underwriting the parliament and Dushanbe city hall projects. The question that arises perennially is how much Tajikistan will be prepared to give away as it continues struggling to settle all its liabilities. Critics of the government point, for example, to the contentious matter of how Tajikistan in 2011 ceded around 1,100 square kilometers of land, equivalent to around 1 percent of the countrys territory, to Beijing. This means Tajikistan went, according to official data, from covering an area of 143,100 square kilometers to 142,000 square kilometers. Tajik officials at the time insisted this development had marked a major victory for them as China had as part of a territorial dispute dating back to the Soviet era demanded around 5.5 percent of land that Tajikistan has claimed as its own. Curiously, though, Tajikistan has shrunken even further since 2011. Poring through State Statistics Agency data, local news outlet Your.tj found that Tajikistan only covered 141,400 square kilometers, implying that another 600 square kilometers of territory a chunk of land not much smaller than Singapore had gone missing. It is unclear where this land went, but precedent suggests China might be a strong candidate. By Eurasianet.org More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin explained, Ukraine needs the firepower and the ammunition to withstand this barrage and to strike back. The United States is set to send more high-mobility artillery rocket systems to help Ukraine in its defense efforts. The United States will send four more high-mobility artillery rocket systems (HIMARS) to Ukraine, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said, after Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Moscow's military "tasks" in Ukraine now go beyond the eastern Donbas region. Austin told journalists at the Pentagon that Ukraine had made excellent use of the HIMARS that Washington had sent thus far, and their impact can be seen on the battlefield. "Russia is keeping up its relentless shelling, and that's a cruel tactic that harkens back to the horrors of World War I. So Ukraine needs the firepower and the ammunition to withstand this barrage and to strike back," he said. HIMARS have a longer range and are more precise than the Soviet-era artillery that Ukraine had in its arsenal, and Ukrainian officials have said their deployment has been critical in the fight to repel Russian troops and to strike their supply lines. Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov on July 19 asked Washington to send more HIMARS, saying Kyiv's forces had used them to destroy some 30 Russian command stations and ammunition depots. Reznikov and other Ukrainian defense officials participated in the Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting on July 20, saying afterward that he and his colleagues drew three conclusions from the meeting: There is no war fatigue among allies backing Ukraine, there is an understanding that the security of all of Europe not just Ukraine is at stake, and many of Ukraines partners are prepared to train its soldiers. The four additional HIMARS will bring to 16 the number sent by the United States. Austin said the new package would also include ammunition for multiple-launch rocket systems (MLRS) that can precisely strike targets up to 80 kilometers away. Austin said at the start of a virtual meeting with allies that the United States would continue to find innovative ways to support the Ukrainian armed forces and will tailor the assistance to ensure that Ukraine has the technology, ammunition, and "sheer firepower" to defend itself. Related: Putin: Gazprom Could Further Cut Gas Flows Via Nord Stream The United States has provided $8 billion in security assistance since the war began. Lavrov's comments earlier in an interview with Russian state media were the clearest acknowledgment yet that Moscow has expanded its war goals. Lavrov also said peace talks made no sense at the moment because Western governments were leaning on Ukraine to fight rather than negotiate. Austin said Lavrov's comments were not a surprise and appeared to be aimed at the Russian population. "I think he's talking to the people in Russia who have been ill-informed throughout," Austin told reporters. Nearly five months after President Vladimir Putin ordered the invasion, Russian forces are grinding through the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine and occupy around a fifth of the country. U.S. General Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said the Donbas region had not been lost by Ukrainians yet and described it as a "grinding war of attrition." About 200 Ukrainian forces had been trained on the HIMARS and none of the systems had been destroyed by Russian forces, Milley said at a news conference. A number of options are under consideration to further help Ukrainian troops, including training for pilots, but no decision has been made, Milley said. Earlier on July 20, Lavrov told Russian media that the geographical objectives of Russia's "special military operation" in Ukraine were no longer limited to the eastern Donetsk and Luhansk regions, commonly known as the Donbas. "Now, the geography is different. And it is not only [the territories controlled by Kremlin-backed separatists in the Donbas] but also the Kherson region, the Zaporizhzhya region, and a number of other territories, and the process continues, and it continues consequently and persistently," he said in an interview with RIA Novosti news agency and RT television. Lavrov added that "if the West delivers long-range weapons to Kyiv, the geographic goals of the special operation in Ukraine will expand even more." Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said later on July 20 in his nightly video address that Ukraine is working on obtaining air defense systems from partners. Noting the HIMARs, the anti-tank Javelins, and other weapons Ukraine has received, Zelenskiy said it was "obvious" that the next equally important type of weapon will be modern air defense systems. Ukraine has had some successes in destroying missiles, "but a completely different speed and scale of protection is needed," Zelenskiy said. He said the provision of such systems depends "on political decisions that can be made in key capitals," and noted that his wife, first lady Olena Zelenska, had made air defense part of her appeal when she spoke on July 20 to U.S. lawmakers. Kyiv will quickly receive an answer to its requests, he said. By RFE/RL More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: ConocoPhillips is considering a potential sale of its minority stake in a Shell-operated oil and gas platform in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, which would mark the exit of ConocoPhillips from U.S. offshore operations, sources with knowledge of the deliberations told Reuters. ConocoPhillips has already hired a financial advisory for the potential sale of its 15.96-percent stake in the Ursa platform. A deal for ConocoPhillipss stake in Ursa and the Princess well is expected to be valued in the high hundreds of millions of dollars, two of the sources told Reuters. Still, ConocoPhillips could keep the asset if it fails to attract a suitable offer, the sources added. The Ursa platform is operated by Shell, which has 45.4 percent in the development. The other shareholders, apart from ConocoPhillips, are BP with 22.69 percent and ExxonMobil with a 15.96-percent interest. In recent years, ConocoPhillips has focused on expanding its footprint in the U.S. shale basins, especially in the Permian. At the end of 2020, ConocoPhillips announced the acquisition of Permian-focused Concho Resources in an all-stock deal valued at $9.7 billion. The transaction created a giant shale player with combined oil production in the Permian to rival the likes of Chevron. In 2021, ConocoPhillips completed its acquisition of Shells prolific Delaware basin position for $9.5 billion in cash. The assets of Shell which thus exited the Permian include around 225,000 net acres and producing properties located entirely in Texas, as well as over 600 miles of operated crude, gas, and water pipelines and infrastructure. At the same time, ConocoPhillips is selling non-core assets and divested $1.4 billion of non-core assets during the first quarter of 2022 and an additional $400 million in April, it said in the Q1 results release in May. In the first quarter, ConocoPhillips produced a record level of oil and gas since it became an independent E&P operator 10 years ago 1.747 million barrels of oil equivalent per day (boepd). The record production was bolstered by our two highly accretive Permian acquisitions over the past 18 months. Lower 48 production averaged 967,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day for the quarter, including 640,000 from the Permian, 208,000 from Eagle Ford and 97,000 from the Bakken, said Bill Bullock, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at ConocoPhillips. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Russias reduced gas flows via Nord Stream to Europe are the result of the EU sanctions that have created technical difficulties in repairs of equipment for the pipeline, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Thursday. The President said in Tehran yesterday that Gazprom fulfilled, is fulfilling, and will fulfill its obligations to customers, Peskov told reporters in Moscow on Thursday, as quoted by the Russian news agency Interfax. Any technical difficulties connected with Gazproms obligations to customers are the result of the restrictions imposed by the European Union, Peskov added. It is these restrictions that hamper repairs on equipment, the Kremlins spokesman said, noting that some turbines at the compressor stations cannot receive the necessary service. Peskov was speaking on Thursday just as Russia was restarting the gas flows via Nord Stream after a 10-day hiatus due to regular maintenance of the major gas pipeline from Russia to Germany. Orders for gas will resume at around 40% of Nord Streams capacity, the level from before the maintenance after Russia slashed flows in the middle of June. Nominations for gas flows via Nord Stream were at around 30% of the pipelines capacity on Thursday, Klaus Muller, the president of Germanys Federal Network Agency, Bundesnetzagentur, said early today. Russia claims that Nord Stream can now only operate at 40% capacity because of delays in the return of the turbine that was repaired by Siemens at a Canadian facility. Those delays were due to the sanctions the West has placed on Russia, Moscow says. Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday that Gazprom could cut natural gas flows to Europe via Nord Stream even more due to slow progress with the maintenance of the gas turbines at compressor stations. Another gas turbine is scheduled to be sent for maintenance on July 26, Putin said on Wednesday. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Further cracks in a united front to tackle an energy crisis in Europe have arisen Thursday, with Spain, Portugal and Greece rejecting the blocs plan to reduce natural gas consumption by 15% between this August and next Spring. Just hours after a dire warning by IEA chief Fatih Birol that Europe would need a 20% cut in consumption to make winter tolerable, officials in Madrid and Lison said they would not support the 15% initiative in the face of a potential Russian gas cutoff. According to both Spain and Portugal, mandatory reductions are unfair, particularly considering that both countries use far less Russian gas than other European Union member states. We will defend European values, but we wont accept a sacrifice regarding an issue that we have not even been allowed to give our opinion on, Spains Ecological Transition Minister Teresa Ribera said, as reported by the Associated Press on Thursday. Not matter what happens, Spanish families wont suffer cuts to gas or to the electricity to their homes, the official added, noting that complying with such a mandatory EU measure would serve for nothing if the gas that could not be used by Spanish industries could not then later be used by the homes or industries of other countries. Speaking to Xinhua, Spains minister for ecological transition, Teresa Ribera, described gas consumption in Spain as reasonable. "We want to help, but we also want to be respected," Ribera said, adding that "a disproportionate sacrifice cannot be imposed on us. Likewise, Greece, which relies on Russia for some 40% of its gas, has objected to the EU plan, issuing its own contingency measures. Greece has been spared any disruptions in natural gas supplies, largely thanks to efforts to import large volumes of LNG, Reuters reports. Instead, Greece is proposing a EU cap mechanism on wholesale gas prices and joint gas purchases as a European solution, Reuters cited government spokesman Giannis Oikonomou as saying Thursday. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com The United States hopes that there will be an agreement on capping the price of Russian oil by December, U.S. Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo said at a security forum on Wednesday. "Our goal is to make sure that as that insurance ban is going into place, we're in a position where there's a price cap that can be joined onto that that is a global one that helps to drive down global energy prices and also allows Russian energy to flow into the market place," Adeyemo told the Aspen Security Forum in Colorado, as carried by Reuters. For weeks, the U.S. and partners have been discussing ideas to cut Putin's revenues, including banning all services enabling Russian oil shipments unless buyers pay for Russia's oil at or below a certain price. "A price cap on Russian oil is one of our most powerful tools to address the pain that Americans and families across the world are feeling at the gas pump and the grocery store right now," U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said earlier this month at the Group of 20 finance ministers and central bank governors meeting in Bali, Indonesia. "A limit on the price of Russian oil would deny Putin revenue his war machine needs and would build on the historic sanctions we've already implemented to make it more difficult for him to wage his war or grow his economy," Secretary Yellen added. "It will also aid in maintaining the global supply of oil, helping put downward pressure on prices for consumers in America and globally at a time when energy prices are spiking," she noted. Yellen visited last week several Asian countries where she discussed a price cap on Russian oil, among other things. After talks in Seoul, South Korea signaled earlier this week its support for the plans for a price cap on Russia's oil. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: RICHMOND, Va. A month after some members of Congress urged Google to limit the appearance of anti-abortion pregnancy centers in certain abortion-related search results, 17 Republican attorneys general are warning the company that doing so could invite investigations and possible legal action. Suppressing pro-life and pro-mother voices at the urging of government officials would violate the most fundamental tenet of the American marketplace of ideas, the attorneys general wrote in a letter Thursday to Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google and its parent company. The effort was led by Republican Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares and Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron, and the letter was shared with the Associated Press ahead of its public release. Also joining the letter were Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, Utah and West Virginia. The Republicans took issue with a June 17 letter to the company from U.S. Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., and Rep. Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., which was co-signed by 19 other members of Congress. That letter cites research by the nonprofit Center for Countering Digital Hate, which found that Google searches for abortion clinic near me and abortion pill turned up results for centers that counsel clients against having an abortion. Some of these places, known as crisis pregnancy centers, also have been accused of providing misleading information about abortion and contraception. Many are religiously affiliated. Directing women towards fake clinics that traffic in misinformation and dont provide comprehensive health services is dangerous to womens health and undermines the integrity of Googles search results, says the June letter, which was authored after the leak of a draft opinion indicating the U.S. Supreme Court would overturn the landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling that legalized abortion nationwide. The court took that step June 24. The Democrat-led group asked Google to address what steps it would take to limit the appearance of crisis pregnancy centers in its search results, ads and maps results for users who search for abortion clinic, abortion pill or other similar terms. The group also asked the company if it would add disclaimers to address whether a clinic provides abortions. New York Attorney General Letitia James office raised similar concerns in a June letter to Google. The letter from the Republican AGs defends the work of crisis pregnancy centers. It notes that such centers often provide services such as free ultrasounds, pregnancy tests, testing for sexually transmitted diseases, and parenting and prenatal education classes. It also argues that at least some Google users who search for information about abortion expect to find information about alternatives. They wrote that if the company complies with this inappropriate demand to bias its search results, their offices would respond by investigating whether there had been any violation of antitrust or religious discrimination laws. They also pledged to consider whether new legislation would help protect consumers and markets. We trust that you will treat this letter with the seriousness these issues require, and hope you will decide that Googles search results must not be subject to left-wing political pressure, which would actively harm women seeking essential assistance. If you do not, we must avail ourselves of all lawful and appropriate means of protecting the rights of our constituents, of upholding viewpoint diversity, free expression, and the freedom of religion for all Americans, and of making sure that our markets are free in fact, not merely in theory, the letter said. It asked the California-based company to respond within 14 days and explain whether it has or will take any steps to treat crisis pregnancy centers any differently than before the leak of the draft Supreme Court decision. Google and other Big Tech companies also have faced recent calls for more stringent privacy controls to address concerns that information about location, texts, searches and emails could be used against people seeking to end unwanted pregnancies. Google announced this month that it would automatically purge information about users who visit abortion clinics or other places that could trigger legal problems in light of the high courts ruling. THESSALONIKI, Greece (AP) Greece filed an official complaint with Serbia on Monday after a cargo plane carrying mortar ammunition crashed while attempting an emergency landing in northern Greece. The Greek ambassador in Belgrade has been instructed to make a complaint to the Serbian (government) to stress the need for Greek authorities to be notified in advance about the nature of the cargo, said a Greek government official who requested anonymity pending an official announcement. Eight crew members on the An-12 cargo plane, operated by a Ukrainian company, were killed in the crash Saturday outside the northern Greek city of Kavala. The crash was followed by at least two hours of explosions. Serbian officials said the plane had been carrying 11.5 tons of Serbian-made mortar ammunition to Bangladesh, and had been due to make a stopover in Amman, Jordan. Mine clearance crews were working at the crash site for a second day, in a cordoned-off field around 40 kilometers (25 miles) west of Kavala International Airport. The ammunition was scattered over a 500-meter (yard) radius and was expected to take several days to clear. Fire Service spokesman Yiannis Artopios said no hazardous substances were detected following a crash site inspection by army specialists from a nuclear, chemical and biological defense division. All the dead crew members were believed to be Ukrainian nationals, Artopios said. Their recovered remains were taken to the nearby city of Komotini to start the identification process. The crash caused power outages in several villages near the crash site, with repair work held up by the ordnance removal, officials from the electricity regulator said. Serbian Defense Minister Nebojsa Stefanovic said Sunday that the ammunition had been made by a private Serbian manufacturer, adding that the plane had also been due to make stops in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and Ahmedabad, India, before reaching the Bangladeshi capital, Dhaka. ___ Gatopoulos reported from Athens. S.Korean, Gabonese presidents hold talks in Seoul Xinhua) 16:48, July 20, 2022 SEOUL, July 20 (Xinhua) -- South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Gabonese President Ali Bongo Ondimba held talks in Seoul on Wednesday, according to the South Korean presidential office. Yoon said during the talks that he hoped to expand cooperation with resource-rich Gabon in the fields of infrastructure construction, information technology and climate change. Bongo said he also hoped to expand cooperation with South Korea, and took note of South Korea's plan to hold a special meeting in 2024 between Yoon and leaders of African countries. Yoon asked the Gabonese president to pay special attention to South Korea's bid to host World Expo 2030 in the southeastern port city of Busan, and Bongo said he will make efforts to support South Korea's bid. The two presidents also exchanged views on the situation on the Korean Peninsula. (Web editor: Wu Chaolan, Hongyu) Its Thursday, Chicago. Following the Fourth of July shooting in Highland Park, Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan and his partner Chloe Mendel are giving back to their hometown by hosting a concert at Madame ZuZus. Proceeds from the event will go to the Highland Park Community Foundation and its July Fourth Highland Park Shooting Response Fund. Advertisement Meanwhile, if National Hot Dog Day on Wednesday wasnt enough to tempt you, weve got more hot dog news. The historic Jims Original is opening its first North Side location this summer. In movies, director Jordan Peele is back with Nope, which pits a Black-owned horse ranch against a very unsettling flying object. The film is full of odd, off-kilter laughs and sidewinding scares as a group of humans has to deal with whatever is in the clouds. Advertisement See you next week. Kayla Samoy, deputy senior editor Musician Billy Corgan in 2014 at his Madame ZuZu's Teashop in Highland Park. (Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune) In response to the Fourth of July shooting in Highland Park, Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan will host and perform in a livestreamed concert July 27 at Madame ZuZus, the tea house and performance space in Highland Park he owns with partner Chloe Mendel. Read the full story here. Apple and butternut squash salad at Bocadillo Market, a new Spanish cafe at 2342 N. Clark St. in the Lincoln Park neighborhood as seen on Feb. 17, 2022. (E. Jason Wambsgans / Chicago Tribune) Hundreds of years ago, the Moors introduced ingredients like saffron, rice, eggplant, spinach, vinegar-marinated fish, sugar cane, almonds and pistachios to a variety of cuisines. Their impact can be seen in dishes found at many of Chicagos Sicilian, Spanish and Moroccan restaurants. Read the full story here. "Jin Lee: Views & Scenes" runs through Aug. 7 at the Chicago Cultural Center. (James Prinz photo / Chicago Tribune) Jin Lee: Views & Scenes at the Cultural Center is an understated show that looks at Chicago and its adjacent landscapes the lake, of course, but also sidewalk weeds, mountains of street salt and views from commuter trains. Read the full story here. The sweet potato ribbons dish at Bronzeville Winery, on Cottage Grove Avenue in Chicago, is seen on July 13, 2022. (Terrence Antonio James / Chicago Tribune) Bronzeville Winery has been drawing crowds since it opened with its modernist American comfort food and craft cocktail menus, as well as an uplifting wine list. Youll find dishes like seared watermelon steak and sweet potato ribbons. There is nothing like Bronzeville Winery, writes Tribune critic Louisa Chu. Find out why in her full review here. Daniel Kaluuya, from left, Keke Palmer and Brandon Perea in "Nope." (Universal Pictures/Universal Pictures/TNS) Jordan Peele, the director who brought us Get Out and Us, is back with his third feature, Nope. Its a film very different from his previous work. Advertisement Eat. Watch. Do. Weekly What to eat. What to watch. What you need to live your best life ... now. > Its a UFO movie with a peculiar, stop-and-start rhythm, writes Tribune critic Michael Phillips, and the best of the movies otherworldly images and sounds will stick with you. Read his full review here. Workers are seen inside the taproom at District Brew Yards on Aug. 28, 2019, in Chicago. (John J. Kim / Chicago Tribune) Six months ago, Twisted Hippos brewery was destroyed by a fire. Its still looking for its own home, but for now its beer will be made and served alongside other breweries at the pay-by-the-ounce, self-serve District Brew Yards. District Brew Yards also had some exciting news of its own to share. Read the full story here. Martel Manning, Kamal Angelo Bolden and Shanesia Davis in "Fences" in a production by American Blues Theater at Theater Wit. (Michael Brosilow / HANDOUT) At the heart of this August Wilson play are a flawed patriarch straining against an inequitable society and resilient family members who fight to overcome generational trauma. Read the full review here. Onions are placed on top of a polish sausage sandwich at Jims Original hot dog stand, located at 1250 S. Union Ave. in Chicago, on July 20, 2022. Jim Christopoulos is planning the opening of a second location in Chicagos Avondale neighborhood. (Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune) Jims Original, an iconic Chicago hot dog stand that was founded in 1939, is bringing its Maxwell Street Polish sausages and bone-in pork chop sandwiches to the Avondale neighborhood this summer. Unlike the bare-bones operation at the flagship location, this new one will have indoor seating with bar stools at stainless steel counters as well as a patio out front. Read the full story here. Rachel Barton Pine, right, playing Billy Childs' Violin Concerto No. 2 with the Grant Park Festival Orchestra, in Chicago, on July 16, 2022. (Vincent D. Johnson / Chicago Tribune) After pandemic delays, Grammy-winning jazz pianist and composer Billy Childs finally appeared at the Grant Park Music Festival with premieres of his Violin Concerto No. 2 and quartet Variations on a Rondo. Read the full story here. Advertisement Devil's Lake is a popular attraction near Baraboo, Wisconsin. (Melanie Radzicki McManus/for the Chicago Tribune) Baraboo is a small Wisconsin city with a population that barely tops 12,000. But its curious combination of calliopes, canoes, fine spirits and lavender is drawing tourists to the area. The citys history as a destination goes all the way back to 1884, when the Ringling Bros. Circus selected the town for its winter headquarters. Read the full story here. With the general election just under four months away, the candidates for Nebraskas 2nd Congressional District seat are hitting the summer parade circuit and knocking on doors. Behind the scenes, incumbent Republican Rep. Don Bacon and his Democratic challenger, State Sen. Tony Vargas, also continue to raise money. According to the latest campaign finance reports, Bacon ended the second quarter on June 30 with nearly $1.17 million in the bank, compared with Vargas $532,526. Throughout this election cycle, Bacon has held the advantage when it comes to fundraising and spending, with $2.7 million raised and $1.7 million spent since January 2021. Vargas has raised a total of $1.6 million and spent $1.1 million since launching his campaign in July 2021. Our continued strength in fundraising reflects our strong support across the 2nd District, Bacon said in a press release. Nebraskas 2nd District is one of the tightest in the nation and remains ground zero in the battle for control of the House. Vargas, a two-term state lawmaker representing an Omaha district, outraised Bacon in the latest quarter a fact his campaign touted in a press release. In the reporting period spanning April 21 through June 30, Vargas raised nearly $144,000 more than Bacon. However, Bacon still outspent Vargas by about $51,000. Randall Adkins, a political science professor at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, said he would expect an incumbent like Bacon to have at least $1 million cash on hand. Adkins said it shows Bacon takes his opponent seriously and the congressman hasnt had to deplete his money. If he couldnt raise the money, he should be worried, Adkins said of Bacon. If hes having to spend the money, he should be worried. Adkins said there is still time for Vargas to raise money and the $532,526 is a strong showing. Still, he said the state senator will need more money. The disadvantage is that when you dont have cash on hand and youve got four months left in a campaign, that means you have to spend time raising money, which means youre not spending time campaigning, Adkins said. Adkins said the fact that Vargas raised more money than Bacon this quarter shows Vargas is a viable candidate, but it also could show that outside groups, which otherwise would support Bacon, are choosing to spend money in races they see as closer. Adkins said the Cook Political Report, which rates congressional races, considers the 2nd District race as likely Republican. The 2nd District includes Saunders County, western Sarpy County and all of Douglas County, including Omaha. Bacon has represented the district since 2017. The World-Herald reached out to Bacon and Vargas to discuss the latest fundraising reports, but both were unavailable. The Bacon campaign made its campaign manager, Derek Oden, available to discuss the reports. Oden said the campaign expected Vargas to outraise Bacon in the period after the primary. He noted that Kara Eastman, a Democrat who challenged Bacon in 2018 and 2020, did the same in 2020. But Bacon did better than expected and currently has about $140,000 more than he did at this time during his last campaign, Oden said. Were in a really strong spot, we feel, Oden said. In the campaigns press release, Vargas criticized Bacon for a nearly $5,000 contribution from the National Rifle Association. In the finance report, that contribution is dated May 31, a week after 19 children and two adults were killed in a shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. That contribution brought Bacons career total funding from the NRA to about $15,000, the Vargas campaign said. Vargas also criticized Bacon for voting against two gun control bills that passed in the House. A screenshot of the NRA check provided by the Bacon campaign shows the date on the check as April 27 and the stamped postmark as May 19, indicating the check was sent before the May 24 shooting in Uvalde. According to the Federal Election Commission, the date a campaign actually receives a contribution is the date used for reporting purposes. Oden said that the NRA has given other members of Congress thousands more dollars than what Bacon has received and that political contributions do not influence Bacons votes. Oden noted that Bacon voted for the bipartisan infrastructure bill and a bill to protect same-sex and interracial marriages. If we cared about donations and money and toeing the party line, he wouldnt have voted for those two things, Oden said. It remains to be seen whether the recent mass shootings or the Supreme Courts overturning of Roe v. Wade which was credited for energizing Democrats during a recent special election in Nebraskas 1st District will remain on the minds of voters heading into November. Adkins said he doesnt know what the impact of those two issues will be on the election. Whether its going to be the difference in winning and losing, I dont think were going to know until the whole thing is over, he said. BELLA VISTA, Ark. (AP) A $6.3 million settlement has been reached in a lawsuit that claimed smoke from an underground fire at a dumping site in northwest Arkansas harmed nearby residents. An attorney in the case confirmed the settlement, which involves 85 households with 150 people, the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reported Wednesday. A jury trial had been set to begin in the case next month in Benton County Circuit Court. An underground fire burned at the dump site in Bella Vista, located 164 miles (263.93 kilometers) northwest of Little Rock, for month before the Bella Vista Property Owners Association hired firms to put it out. City firefighters discovered the fire in late July 2018. The association operated the dump from 2003 to 2016 on land leased from Blue Mountain Storage. By the time the fire was found burning underground, Browns Tree Service had purchased the land. The fire was put out in June 2019. The lawsuit had sought compensation for the harm residents said they suffered from the smoke and noxious fumes. Attorney Sach Oliver told the newspaper that the association is paying $4.8 million of the settlement, with Browns Tree Service paying $1 million and Blue Mountain Storage settling for $500,000. A third party will be hired to oversee the division of the settlement. President Joe Biden says he's doing great after testing positive for COVID-19. The White House said Thursday the 79-year-old Biden is experiencing very mild symptoms, including a stuffy nose, fatigue and cough. He's taking Paxlovid, an antiviral drug designed to reduce the severity of the disease. New York health officials are reporting the first U.S. case of polio in nearly a decade. Officials said the Rockland County resident is an unvaccinated young adult who developed paralysis. The Jan. 6 committee returns to prime time on Thursday evening with a hearing focusing on three-plus hours during the insurrection at the Capitol when then-President Donald Trump failed to act to stop the violence. Italy is headed for an early election after its president accepted Premier Mario Draghis resignation and decided there was no possibility for cobbling together another government. The election was set for Sept. 25. A Puerto Rico court has archived a restraining order issued against superstar Ricky Martin, meaning the case is closed, according to a judicial spokesperson. Hours after Thursday's court ruling, Martin said he had been the victim of lies from a relative, though he gave no details. A judge has sentenced former Minneapolis police Officer Thomas Lane to 2 1/2 years in prison on a federal civil rights charge for his role in the killing of George Floyd. U.S. District Judge Paul Magnuson sentenced Lane on Thursday for his conviction of depriving Floyd of medical care as he lay dying under Officer Derek Chauvins knee in May 2020. One passenger jumped into a river and several others climbed out of windows when a Boston-area public transit train caught fire during the morning commute. A spokesperson for the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority says no injuries were reported in Thursday's fire. Amazon announced Thursday it will acquire the primary care organization One Medical in a deal valued roughly at $3.9 billion, marking another expansion for the retailer into health care services. One Medical runs membership-based primary care practices in several markets around the country and offers virtual care as well as in-person visits. The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits last week rose to its highest level in more than eight months, a sign the labor market may be showing some weakness. Applications for jobless aid for the week ending July 16 rose by 7,000 to 251,000, up from the previous weeks 244,000, the Labor Department reported Thursday. A majority of Americans say Congress should pass a law guaranteeing access to legal abortion nationwide. That's according to a new poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. The Supreme Courts recent decision overturning Roe v. Wade asserted that abortion is not a constitutional right and handed states the authority to severely restrict or ban abortion. Monarch butterflies are now listed as endangered because of fast dwindling populations in North America. The International Union for the Conservation of Nature announced the designation on Thursday for the orange-and-black butterflies. The oldest-ever male giant panda in captivity has died at age 35 after his health deteriorated. An An lived most of his life at a Hong Kong theme park after he and a female panda were gifted to Hong Kong by China in 1999. Jia Jia died in 2016 at age 38, making her the oldest-ever panda in captivity. Federal authorities are offering a $5,000 reward for information about the man who allegedly shot Lady Gagas dog walker last year in Hollywood and stole two of the pop stars French bulldogs. Nineteen-year-old James Howard Jackson was mistakenly released from custody in April and remains missing. William Poogie Hart, a founder of the Grammy-winning trio the Delfonics who helped write and sang a soft lead tenor on such classic Sound of Philadelphia ballads as La-La (Means I Love You) and Didnt I (Blow Your Mind This Time), has died at age 77. His son told The New York Times that Hart died July 14 at Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia from complications during surgery. LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) Arkansas lawmakers on Thursday took back the authority they gave for the state to distribute about $460 million in remaining federal COVID-19 relief funds to school districts, saying they want schools to use the money for teacher and staff bonuses. The move faced opposition from Democrats who said it was an effort to avoid considering raising teacher salaries while the state sits on a $1.6 billion surplus. It was also criticized by Republican Gov. Asa Hutchinson, who said lawmakers didn't have authority to take such a step. The Legislative Council voted to rescind the appropriation for the federal funds, and recommended schools use the money for bonuses. The council said the districts' plans for spending the money will now have to go before a legislative panel. The council recommended districts use the funds to provide $5,000 one-time bonuses to teachers and $2,500 to staff. Senate President Jimmy Hickey said some districts were unaware they could use the funds for the bonuses. Obviously now there's not going to be any question that it can be done," Hickey, a Republican, said. They're going to all have to get together to make this work." The move came as Democrats and teachers' groups are pushing for teacher salary increases to be on the agenda when the Legislature convenes next month for a special session focused on tax cuts. It seems to be we're working hard just to not face up to raising the salaries when we can," Democratic Sen. Keith Ingram said. Hutchinson earlier this year proposed raising teacher salaries. But Hutchinson said he wouldn't put raises on the agenda for the special session, citing a lack of support in the majority-GOP Legislature. Republican legislative leaders have said the special session isn't the right time for the issue since the Legislature hasn't completed its annual review of education funding required by law. That review is used to issue recommendations on school funding increases and includes a look at teacher salaries. Hutchinson said he was disappointed by the council's decision and said the panel can't undo an appropriation they've already approved. Under the new approach, some districts' priorities may not get approved, he said. I am concerned that teachers in some districts will get a bonus, but others may not," Hutchinson said in a statement. The creative approach by the committee today while well-intentioned is not the best approach to helping our teachers." Arkansas has raised teacher salaries over the past several years, and the minimum teacher salary for the coming school year is $36,000. Proponents of the pay raise have noted that base salaries in most of the states adjoining Arkansas are higher. This story has been corrected to show that Arkansas has a state budget surplus of $1.6 billion, not $1.6 million. The Rev. T. Anthony Spearman, a civil rights advocate and former president of the North Carolina branch of the NAACP who also served as president of the N.C. Council of Churches, has been found dead, authorities said Wednesday. Spearman, 71, was found in his home on Tuesday, the Guilford County Sheriff's Office said in a news release. The release indicated that either family or friends found him, but did not provide any further details. The death was confirmed earlier in the day by Mark Cummings, a Greensboro attorney who said he was representing Spearman. Cummings declined to provide additional details about the death and did not say what he was representing Spearman for. In the mold of Dr. King, he truly was a drum major for justice, Cummings said. He saw the good in everybody in every situation, even those of his detractors, even those who would criticize him. He always found a way to see the best in them. Cummings said he would call on state officials to assist local law enforcement in an investigation. Spearman's family issued a statement calling him a man of strong conviction who loved his family with every ounce of his being. A family member didn't respond on Wednesday to a request for additional comment. Spearman was elected as North Carolina NAACP president in 2017 and served one four-year term. Bishop William J. Barber, who preceded Spearman as the North Carolina NAACP president and who is now president of the national, not-for-profit organization Repairers of the Breach, said in a statement, I have lost a true brother in the struggle. We have lost a scholar, a preacher, a voting rights defender, an advocate for prison reform and for the wrongfully accused and a stalwart soldier in the cause of love and justice for all humankind, Barber said. This great mans efforts and commitment should be cherished. Spearman was suspended from the NAACP by the organization's national leadership about five months ago, The News & Observer reported, quoting NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson as saying that Spearman repeatedly refused to turn over N.C. NAACP property which included meeting minutes and financial records after he lost his bid for reelection in 2021. Spearman filed a lawsuit in June against several state and national NAACP officials, accusing them of defamation and conspiracy to remove him from the presidency, WRAL reported. He alleged that his support of a woman who said she was sexually harassed by a member of the state conference led to the effort to have him ousted and made him a target of retribution, the story said. The man who was accused, the Rev. Curtis Gatewood, has in the past denied any kind of sexual assault or intentional sexual harassment, although he told The Associated Press in a 2019 statement that he didn't deny the feelings of my accusers. In a Facebook post on Tuesday, Gatewood added, I have no other comments regarding the specifics of the matter at the time and believe enough has been said, documented, and presented for God to allow even a blind man to see if seeing is truly desired." Gatewood said in a separate post on Tuesday that while he and Spearman disagreed on issues involving the state NAACP, I loved the brother. I wanted the news of his demise to be untrue, Gatewood wrote. I forgave him. LOS ANGELES (AP) Southern California police shot and killed a Black man Saturday as he ran away from them while allegedly holding a gun, video showed. The family of 23-year-old Rob Adams, however, says he was likely holding his cellphone instead of a gun because he had been talking to his mother when police arrived. His family expects to file a legal claim, a precursor to a lawsuit, on Thursday. All I heard after that was gunshots. He never told me goodbye, his mother, Tamika Deavila King, said Wednesday at a news conference. San Bernardino police say that officers were called to a parking lot around 8 p.m. Saturday after getting a tip that a Black man was walking around with a gun. Two officers, who were wearing uniforms but driving an unmarked car, saw Adams pull a gun out of his waistband and begin walking toward the cruiser with the firearm in his hand, according to San Bernardino Police Chief Darren Goodman. The police department posted a nearly six-minute video to social media Tuesday that includes Goodman's narration, surveillance video footage and body-camera footage. Though there is no audio of the initial encounter, Goodman said the officers gave Adams verbal commands. The video shows Adams almost immediately turn around and run toward two cars that were parked up against a high wall. Seeing that he had no outlet, they believed he intended to use the vehicle as cover to shoot at them, Goodman says in the video. Within seconds, one of the officers opened fire, striking Adams. He was pronounced dead at a hospital. Police recovered a 9 mm gun after the shooting. The name of the officer who fired their gun has not been made public. Ben Reynoso, a San Bernardino city councilman, blamed police for the shooting. "Being that Adams never aimed the gun, was approached by an unmarked vehicle, and was shot while fleeing, therefore plausible criminality does not exist," Reynoso wrote Tuesday on Twitter. In the end, Robert Adams is dead at the hands of the San Bernardino Police Department. Civil rights attorney Ben Crump said Wednesday at the news conference that Adams' death was "a classic example of shoot first and ask questions later. Crump and other attorneys representing Adams' family say police who say he had "an extensive criminal history" have made him out to be a villain. My son, Rob, wasnt a gang member. He was a good kid, his father, Robert Adams, said Wednesday. "What parent would want to see their kid killed on a video? The killing is the latest of several law enforcement shootings of Black men around the country that have stirred protests or demands for federal investigation. On June 27, police in Akron, Ohio, shot 25-year-old Jayland Walker more than 40 times at the end of a car and foot pursuit that began with an attempted traffic stop for minor equipment violations. Meanwhile, a report released by the state auditor in April found that five law enforcement agencies, including the San Bernardino Police Department, had failed to take adequate steps to guard against racially and ethnically biased conduct. The report also found that a few officers had engaged in such conduct either during their on-duty interactions with individuals or online through their social media posts. LINCOLN Nebraskas Justice Administration Building, located next door to the State Capitol, now bears the name of Chief Standing Bear above its front entrance. A few feet from the front door, a bust of the Ponca chief sits next to a plaque that shares the history of the civil rights leader who hailed from Nebraska. Over 100 people gathered to celebrate the rededication of the building Thursday morning. Ponca Tribe Historic Preservation Officer Stacy Laravie, a direct descendant of Standing Bear, noted the events that made the chief the civil rights figure hes known as today happened seven generations ago, in the 1870s. Even so, they still have ripple effects that last to this day, she said. Laravie said she often hears apologies from people who feel remorse about past trauma and injustices inflicted on her ancestors. Instead of apologizing, she advises people to be healers today by supporting Native American causes and increased education. We are here to witness a part of the healing, Laravie said. Gov. Pete Ricketts, who said he considers Standing Bear one of his personal heroes, requested that the Nebraska Legislature rename the executive office building in the chiefs honor. State Sen. Tom Brewer of Gordon, a member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe, ultimately introduced the resolution that did so. It passed earlier this year. As part of the dedication, the state commissioned several art pieces in honor of the chief, including the bust, sculpted by Benjamin Victor, and a mural inside the front entrance, painted by Sarah Harris. Harris said she wanted the mural to tell Standing Bears story in a way that could be seen, heard and felt. The bust and mural cost about $75,000, which was donated by the nonprofit Nebraska Impact, a Ricketts official said. Standing Bear was a leader of the Ponca Tribe during the late 1800s, when by an order from the federal government, the tribe was forced to relocate from their homes in Nebraska to a reservation in Oklahoma. Along the 600-mile journey, Standing Bear lost his daughter Prairie Flower, and shortly after their arrival, he lost his son Bear Shield. Bear Shields dying wish was to be buried in his homeland in Nebraska, near the Niobrara River. So, even though it violated a federal order, Standing Bear and about 30 other tribe members made the trek back to Nebraska through the bitter winter, Ricketts said. Standing Bear was subsequently arrested for this reason, and in response, he sued the federal government. During his trial, Ricketts said federal officials argued that Standing Bear was not considered a citizen, nor a person, and therefore could not sue the government. This prompted Standing Bear to say what is now known as one of his most famous quotes. That hand is not the color of yours, but if I pierce it, I shall feel pain. If you pierce your hand, you also feel pain. The blood that will flow from mine will be of the same color as yours. I am a man. The same God made us both. Judge Elmer Dundy ruled in favor of Standing Bear, confirming that Indigenous peoples had human rights under the law. This was both a landmark civil rights victory, and cemented Standing Bears legacy. That legacy has gradually received greater attention in recent years. Joe Starita, an author and since-retired University of Nebraska-Lincoln professor, wrote I Am a Man: Chief Standing Bears Journey for Justice, which was published in 2010. Statues of Standing Bear have since been erected in Nebraska and beyond including at the U.S. Capitol. The statue was installed in 2019 after the Nebraska Legislature voted to replace the states previous representatives in the National Statuary Hall. Still, Ricketts said few people know the story of Standing Bear, who the governor called one of Nebraskas greatest heroes. Ricketts acknowledged he didnt learn about Standing Bears life until after he was elected governor. In the last few years, Ricketts said multiple Nebraskans, including his wife, Suzanne Shore, have made efforts to teach more people about the Ponca chief, and the building dedication was the latest step of that effort. We have to tell this story, he said. Jims Original, the iconic Chicago hot dog stand founded in 1939, perhaps best known for its Maxwell Street Polish sausage and bone-in pork chop sandwich, will open its first North Side location in the Avondale neighborhood this summer. I was looking in our neighborhood down by UIC and in the Loop, pre-COVID, said Jim Christopoulos, co-owner of the family business. Advertisement Jims Original Avondale has transformed the property that was last Chop Society and previously Nikos Gyros with a family connection to boot. It was my uncles, then my cousins, Christopoulos said. He wanted to get out of the business, so I thought it was a good opportunity to try Jims Original on the North Side of town, with a drive-thru. Advertisement Jim Christopoulos, the third-generation owner of Jims Original hot dog stand, stands in front of the restaurant on July 20, 2022. (Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune) The new location will also offer indoor seating with bar stools at stainless steel counters. At the flagship, its a bare bones operation with only a slim stainless steel counter, outside and standing, so most diners eat in their cars or work trucks. We will actually have a patio too out front, said Christopoulos about the new location. I bought tables and chairs for the summer. Otherwise the menu will be exactly the same, and hes trying to make the inside look like the flagship stand on Union Avenue in University Village. So when you walk up, you have that same stand experience, Christopoulos said. Im trying to differentiate ourselves from all the other copycat places. Hes trying to make sure people know theyre the store originally from Maxwell and Halsted streets founded by his late grandfather. Im named after him, my mothers father, Christopoulos said. He was Macedonian, and came to this country in 39. They called him James, Jimmy and Jim. But his last name was Stefanovic. Stefanovic tried selling candy apples on Maxwell Street, but wasnt successful. So he started working at his aunts store, then eventually bought her out and took it over. His aunt was either sick, or just tired of the business and didnt want it anymore, Christopoulos said. At least thats what my mom tells me. Advertisement Jims Original likely started off as a sidewalk cart selling Vienna hot dogs. At Jims Original Avondale, Christopoulos has put up two giant posters of the historic store, one photo from the 1940s, and another from the 50s. One with my grandfather standing behind what looks like a cart in front of Leavitts deli, he said. He had hot dogs at the time, and bottled pop. Margarito Alvarez works the onions on the griddle at Jims Original hot dog stand on July 20, 2022. (Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune) In the beginning, the hot dogs were dressed with just mustard and diced onions, Christopoulos said. Later came the griddle and hood for the Polish sausages, pork chops and famously fragrant grilled onions. Now they offer their own proprietary encased meats. We have our own Polish sausage made for us, Christopoulos said. And some years ago, we started having our own hot dog made for us, too. So we dont sell the Vienna hot dog, but we do have a natural casing all-beef hot dog. Advertisement They make their own sport peppers, also unusual for a hot dog stand. We used to buy sport peppers from Vienna, too, he added. But my dad was not happy with the price, so we started making our own. I dont know if it always was serrano; since at least the 90s, weve been doing serrano peppers. In 2019, Christopoulos started blending their sport peppers in mustard, because he believes the peppers have become bigger and hotter. I realized I couldnt eat them whole anymore, but I still wanted that heat, he said. The hot pepper mustard, and a new hot pepper tartar sauce for their fried fish sandwich, will be available at both locations as condiments upon request, but not by the bottle yet. The new location in Avondale is expected to open by the second week of August, pending inspections and other factors. Advertisement If I have enough employees, Christopoulos said. The staff at the flagship stand has long been widely praised as one of the smoothest operations anywhere around the city, no matter the time of the day or night. But I cant ruin an existing well-oiled machine, Christopoulos said. So Im going to try to do some kind of cross training. Onions are placed on top of polish sausages at Jims Original hot dog stand on July 20, 2022. (Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune) Do note the flagship stand in University Village is no longer open 24 hours, due to restrictions by its landlord, the University of Illinois Chicago, as of last September. Jims Original does not own the property in Avondale either. My goal is to buy it if were successful, Christopoulos said. Advertisement Eat. Watch. Do. Weekly What to eat. What to watch. What you need to live your best life ... now. > Its not the first expansion for the family-owned business. They previously had other locations, notably on 95th Street for 24 years (claimed by eminent domain as was the original location on Maxwell Street), and briefly at Halsted and Randolph streets, Calumet City, and one in California (in Riverside next to University of California, Riverside) in the 90s. We called that one Chicagos Original Grill, Christopoulos said. There were some aspects to it that I dont think we did right. He does have future plans. Ive been taking care of the store for 18 years now, he said. The pandemic kind of brought it more to focus. Lets keep this thing going, but make it better. If I can. Jims Original, 1250 S. Union Ave., 312-733-7820; Jims Original Avondale, 2775 N. Elston Ave.; jimsoriginal.com lchu@chicagotribune.com Advertisement 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. LINCOLN Attorney General Doug Peterson will not file criminal charges against former State Sen. Mike Groene over photographs of a female staffer found on his laptop. A spokeswoman said Thursday that prosecutors in the office had reviewed the results of a Nebraska State Patrol investigation into allegations that Groene took inappropriate photos of the staffer without her knowledge and shared them with others. It has been determined that there is insufficient information to warrant a criminal prosecution, said Suzanne Gage, the spokeswoman. Groene, of North Platte, resigned in February after admitting he had taken photos of the staffer, Kristina Konecko. She discovered the photos in the course of her work. He stepped down after media reports made the allegations public. On Thursday, Groene said he had been vindicated by the attorney general and by Tara Paulson, an attorney hired by the Legislature to look into the allegations. Earlier this year, she reached conclusions similar to those of the attorney generals. I did nothing wrong, nothing illegal, he said. I never stalked anybody. I never harassed anybody. I did no improper behavior in the workplace. In an April report, Paulson said Groenes conduct was inappropriate and would have warranted him being disciplined or even fired in a private-sector job. If he had not resigned, she said, he likely would have faced consequences such as reprimand, censure or expulsion in the Legislature. But she said the conduct did not constitute unlawful sexual discrimination or harassment or violate the Legislatures workplace harassment policies. Mr. Groenes actions can best be described as boorish, brainless and bizarre, especially for the workplace, Paulson said. In her legal analysis, she said she did not consider Groenes actions as unlawful sexual discrimination or harassment for two primary reasons. One, because Konecko did not receive any tangible benefits through Groenes behavior. Two, because Konecko was unaware that Groene was taking photos of her, so it did not create a hostile work environment. On Thursday, Groene said he regretted resigning from the Legislature and did so only because he got bad advice from Gov. Pete Ricketts, who urged him to resign, and from Speaker of the Legislature Mike Hilgers and Sen. Dan Hughes, the Executive Board chairman. Groene said he was scared of what they could do to him and wasnt ready for another fight in the Legislature. He also claimed that Hilgers and Hughes had bowed to the me, too crowd and the mean girls of the Legislature. Ive been politically assassinated, cut off at the knees, he said. Hughes said Thursday he never encouraged Groene to resign but believes he did the right thing by stepping down. He said Groene had broken the trust with his staff. Groene just did something really stupid, Hughes said. I never thought he did anything criminal. Groene said the initial complaint came from a disgruntled employee who invaded his privacy. He said the photos, which were on a government-owned laptop, were all taken in public settings. He said they were face shots, taken because he admired her smile. He said one photo, captioned legs, was taken because he was curious about a tattoo on the staffers leg. Konecko, who has asked that her name be used, did not return a message seeking comment Thursday. According to Paulsons report, part of her job as Groenes administrative aide was to update his work laptop and make sure his computer desktop was clean. Groene gave Konecko permission to access his laptop, the report said. The report said Konecko first found photos of herself on Groenes work laptop on Jan. 3. She didnt report the incident until she found more photos some dating as far back as 2018 on Jan. 31. News of the photos broke in February, with the news site Nebraska Sunrise News reporting that the photos some of which it said were zoomed in on provocative body parts appeared to have been taken by Groene, then sent with email captions of a sexual nature. Konecko previously confirmed those details to The World-Herald but said she didnt see any evidence that Groene sent the photos to anyone other than his personal email address. Paulson said she found no evidence that Groene shared the photos with any members of the Legislature, although she said Groene did admit to sending some photos to his wife. However, she noted she did not have access to Groenes laptop because of the Nebraska State Patrol investigation. She said that if she had access to his laptop, that would have likely revealed if he had shared the photos with anyone else. Hughes said the legislative investigation ended with Paulsons report. But lawmakers created a select committee on ethics that is meeting over the summer and fall to examine the Legislatures workplace harassment policies and consider the need for a permanent ethics committee. The committee is expected to provide recommendations by November. Mayor Sylvester Turner, Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis and Houston Police Department Launch Gun Buyback Program HOUSTON - The City of Houston, Harris County Precinct One and the Houston Police Department (HPD) announced details of a gun buyback program today during a news conference at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. Watch the full news conference here. The first gun buyback event will allow people to exchange firearms for gift cards on July 30 from 8 a.m. to noon at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, 3826 Wheeler Ave. The gun buyback program is part of the One Safe Houston initiative that Mayor Sylvester Turner launched in February. The City is investing $1 million for this program, and we are partnering with Harris County Precinct One Commissioner Rodney Ellis to have the greatest impact and to get unwanted and dangerous guns off the streets, said Mayor Turner. This is one tool we are using to combat violent crime; there are too many guns on the streets. I encourage Houstonians to turn in their unwanted guns, which could help save a life and prevent crime. Only together will we be able to combat our current crime challenges and make our streets safer. With no questions asked, people who turn in their guns will receive a $50 gift card for every non-functioning gun, $100 for a rifle, $150 for a handgun, and $200 for an assault rifle. All firearms must be unloaded and inside the vehicles trunk. Harris County and the City of Houston have mobilized our resources with absolute urgency in a full-court press on reducing violence in our communities. Weve made the largest investment in public safety in the history of Harris County, implemented innovative new programs to get at the root of gun violence, and made investments to speed up our court system and keep the wheels of justice turning, said Harris County Precinct One Commissioner Rodney Ellis. Our gun buyback is just another way we are rolling up our sleeves and getting to work to make our community safer. Im proud to partner with the city on this initiative and look forward to getting some guns off the street on July 30th. The Gun Buyback program is voluntary and anonymous. If a surrendered gun has been reported stolen, police will make every effort to return it to the registered owner. I thank Mayor Turner for his vision and support. Because of his One Safe Houston initiative and our partnership with Houstonians, we are seeing our year-to-year violent crime numbers decrease, said Houston Police Chief Troy Finner. One Safe Houston, the Mayor's Public Safety Initiative to Combat Violent Crime is a $53.1 million investment funded by the American Rescue Plan and focuses on four key areas: Violence Reduction and Crime Prevention Crisis Intervention, Response and Recovery Youth Outreach Opportunities Key Community Partnerships For more information on the Gun Buyback program, please visit http://www.houstontx.gov/onesafehouston/gun-buyback.html. Contact: Mary Benton Director of Communications Office: 832.393.0830 Mobile: 713.208.6229 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Ada Ortega Press Secretary Office: 832.393.0800 Mobile: 832.547.3240 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Brent Taylor Public Information Officer/Deputy Press Secretary Office: 832.393.0808 Mobile: 713.882.5090 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. The food giveaway is open to residents of McLean County. Those who plan to attend are asked to bring boxes or bags to transport food. Those who plan to attend should also pre-register at EIFclient.com; however, this does not guarantee a spot in line. Income guidelines will apply. NORMAL The consultant McLean County Unit 5 has been working with on its structural deficit is recommending a referendum on the November ballot to ask the public about bringing in $14.5 million a year more in tax revenue. The board did not take any formal action at its meeting on Wednesday to put a referendum on any ballot, but board members did express their support for doing so at their next meeting. A referendum would put the question in voters hands, board member Amy Roser said. I think its high time we ask our public what it is that they want and stop the working cash funds, she said. A vote is expected at the August meeting, though the board could call a special meeting. Board President Barry Hitchins asked Superintendent Kristen Weikle and staff to create an action item to bring to the board for a vote. The funding level was the middle of the three EOSullivan, the consulting firm, presented to the public in Phase 3 of its four phase plan. Phase 4 is finalizing the plan and getting language ready to present to the board for its vote. The November election is expected to have the highest turnout of the next three upcoming elections, EOSullivan representative Collin Corbett said. However, it gives the least time for conversations and education for the public. The recommendation is the result of more than 2,500 points of engagement with the public such as survey responses and attendance at community engagement meetings, Corbett said. Corbett said that the $14.5 million option, labeled Option 2 or Basic Plus Some Opportunities, was the consensus of a phone survey to gather the publics instinctive responses to plans and input from members of the public who had received more information through such sources as attending community engagement sessions. Along with meeting current funding needs, the option would be used to address maintaining or decreasing class sizes, increasing student resources and supports and improving safety and security. The other options presented in Phase 3 were an $11.5 million-a-year option to meet the basic financial needs of the district to avoid further cuts and a $17 million-a-year option that would have also funded additional opportunities. The community can choose to not go forward, and then the districts going to have some really hard decisions to make. We cut $3 million and that was a nightmare, if we cut $11.75 (million), its going to be really ugly, board member Jeremy DeHaai said, referring to cuts to programs and staff made earlier this year where the initial plan, which was scaled back, included $1 million increase in revenue and $2.2 million in cuts. Some board members, including Kentrica Coleman and DeHaai, said that the highest option would be great for the district but was clearly not what the community wanted. EOSullivan would help the district put on the districts website a calculator for property owners to see the impact for them, Corbett said. He also said that there would also be an impact from the reduced use of working cash bonds, which would decrease the effective tax rates. While we were very conservative when we approached this and presented to the public a maximum or worst case scenario tax impact of each of these options, in truth, () the tax impact will actually be much less than those worst case scenario numbers weve been looking at, he said. At its meeting, the board also heard an update on transportation from First Student. The board has previously decided to extend First Students contract for a year but plans to put bus operations out to bid in the fall. First Student has 123 drivers planning on returning and 10 drivers in training who will be ready by the start of school, leaving it three drivers short of its goal of 136 drivers total, Senior Location Manager Nick Sorey said. The goal represents a 10% contingency that the district now expects from First Student. Am I right where I want to be? Im going to be honest, its not where I want to be right now, Id love to have 20 extra drivers, Sorey said. He is continuing to look for transfer drivers as well, he said. The company is offering a $3,500 sign-on bonus for experienced drivers and $3,000 for new drivers, with starting wages at $20.60. The company is in labor negotiations and he expects that to rise further. They have also changed some of their organization, including adding a second dispatcher, to help address some of the problems in communication and late buses the district has faced in recent years. Hitchins warned that the board would be closely watching how First Student handles the start of the school year. How school starts up could be a factor in any decisions this board makes on transportation services contracts, he said. ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) Former Minneapolis police Officer Thomas Lane has been sentenced to 2 1/2 years in prison on a federal civil rights charge for his role in the killing of George Floyd. U.S. District Judge Paul Magnuson sentenced Lane on Thursday for his February conviction of depriving Floyd of medical care as he lay dying under Officer Derek Chauvin's knee in May 2020. "Mr. Lane this is a very serious offense, in which a life was lost," Magnuson said. "The fact that you did not get up and remove Mr. Chauvin when Mr. Floyd became unconscious is a violation of the law." But Magnuson also held up 145 letters of support for Lane he said he had never received so many on behalf of a defendant and faulted the Minneapolis Police Department for sending him out with another rookie on the call that ended with Floyd's killing. Lane, who has been free on bond, didn't speak at the hearing. He declined to comment as he left the court. Magnuson ordered him to surrender to U.S. Marshals on Oct. 4. The killing of Floyd, who was Black, sparked protests in Minneapolis and around the world over racial injustice in policing, and launched a national reckoning on race. Lane, who is white, held Floyd's legs as Chauvin pinned Floyd for nearly 9 1/2 minutes. Two other officers, J. Alexander Kueng and Tou Thao, were also convicted of violating Floyd's civil rights and will be sentenced later. Federal prosecutors had asked for a sentence of up to 6 1/2 years, in line with federal guidelines. Lane's attorney asked for a little over two years, arguing that Lane was the least culpable of the officers in part because he had asked his colleagues twice whether Floyd should be turned on his side. CHICAGO - Only about 5.3% of Illinois children under 5 have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine nearly a month after little kids first became eligible for the shots a number that worries local pediatric leaders. We are deeply concerned about the low rates of COVID-19 vaccinations in children across the country, said Dr. Sharon Robinson, a pediatrician at NorthShore University HealthSystem, at a news conference Wednesday. We know that vaccination not only protects the individuals receiving it but also our community at large. In the City of Chicago, the percentage of children under 5 whove received a shot is slightly higher at 6.4%, which only includes children who physically received vaccines within the city, according to the Chicago Department of Public Health. Though most children dont get seriously ill from COVID-19, some require hospitalization, doctors from NorthShore, Advocate Childrens Hospital and the University of Chicago Comer Childrens Hospital, which work together at the Chicagoland Childrens Health Alliance, said at a news conference Wednesday. Advocate and Comer each have a few children hospitalized with COVID-19 now, doctors said. Doctors still dont fully understand the long-term effects of COVID-19 in children, said Dr. Michael Cappello, vice chairman of pediatrics at Advocate Childrens Hospital in Park Ridge. Some children also develop long COVID-19 symptoms. And some can develop a rare but severe illness linked to COVID-19 called multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children, or MIS-C. Approval of COVID-19 vaccine for children under 5 was a huge step toward protecting children and their families from COVID-19 and its long-term effects, but unfortunately, we are not seeing the response to the vaccine we had hoped among the parents of children, Cappello said. Many families are hesitant to get their young child vaccinated. Some families are shying away from the vaccines because they worry about their safety or side effects. Others dont think their children need it because children dont usually get severely ill from COVID-19, Robinson said. Robinson, however, emphasized Wednesday that the vaccines are safe, and that when children experience side effects, theyre typically mild, such as soreness or low-grade fevers. Its also safe for children to get COVID-19 vaccines alongside their other, normal childhood vaccinations, she said. Difficulty finding shots may also be stymieing some families. COVID-19 vaccines were authorized for young children on June 18, and within a week many pharmacies and health systems were offering them to young kids. But some parents who were eager to get their babies and toddlers vaccinated right away have found it tough to get the shots because Illinois pharmacies arent allowed to vaccinate children under 3, and some pediatricians offices have been slow to roll out the vaccines to their patients. Advocate and Comer are now administering the vaccines in their pediatricians offices. NorthShore has been offering them to young kids at regional vaccination clinics, but is still working to get them into their pediatricians offices, Robinson said. NorthShore expects to begin offering the vaccines to young kids in its pediatricians offices in the next week or so a delay that Robinson blamed on logistical issues. The city health department has been holding family vaccination clinics at City Colleges of Chicago and has also been working with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois to hold vaccination clinics, among other events. A number of county health departments have been vaccinating young children as well. Two vaccines are available to young children, including a Pfizer vaccine, which has been authorized for children ages 6 months through 4 years old, and a Moderna vaccine authorized for kids ages 6 months through 5 years old. The Pfizer vaccine consists of three doses given over the course of about 11 weeks, with each dose about one-tenth of an adult dose. The Moderna vaccine is two doses, given about four weeks apart. Each shot of Moderna is about one-fourth of an adult dose. Theres no time to waste if we want our children to be protected by the start of the school year, said Dr. Allison Bartlett, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at Comer. The low vaccination rate among young children follows relatively low rates among older kids as well. In Chicago, about 48% of children ages 5 to 11 are fully vaccinated, despite the fact that vaccines have been available to that age group since late 2021. Statewide, about 37.5% of children ages 5 to 11 are fully vaccinated, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. Older age groups are more highly vaccinated, with about 63% of kids ages 12 to 17 fully vaccinated statewide. With an omicron subvariant now making up the majority of cases in the U.S., the City of Chicago and Cook, Lake, DuPage and Will counties are now considered to be at high community levels of COVID-19 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, based on hospital beds being used, hospital admissions and their numbers of new COVID-19 cases. The CDC recommends people living in high community level areas wear masks in public when indoors. OK, its happened, Iran says it can quickly build an atomic bomb if it wants, and thank you oh, so much ex-President Barack Obama for facilitating this achievement with a progressively inane deal throwing sanctions out the window while autocratically skipping a constitutionally required treaty process. Thank you, too, President Joe Biden, for trying to make us overly dependent on Iranian oil as we stifle the development of our own resources in part by telling climate-changing oil companies they have no future because here come windmills and solar panels. An obvious problem is that renewables arent ready yet and will never do the job of fossil fuels by themselves unless we go agrarian in an impoverished, post-industrial future. Of course, Iranian oil produces as much CO2 as American oil and, if Biden had been successful in getting Iran to produce more oil for U.S. benefit, CO2 from Iran would still be making things hotter while we might have had to say goodbye to Israel. Biden also visited that ally in his miswrought Middle East adventure and listened as the Israeli prime minister, Yair Lapid, tried to explain to him how a deal strengthening Iran could accelerate Iran's dream of Israelis disappearing from their earthly presence once and for all. No deal emerged, which is better than what Obama did in helping to create the 2015 pact. That travesty allowed Iran to retain means of enriching uranium to a killer extent. It allowed ballistic missile tests with lethal missile mastery eventually enlarging Iran's military power. There was no inspecting of military bases for nuke development. A number of nations unleashed billions of Iranian dollars, further enabling the financing of terrorist massacres all over the Mideast. President Donald Trump threw all that out the window with renewed sanctions as his administration amazingly arranged the Abraham Accords through which Arab nations joined with their old enemy Israel to stand up to Iran. To his credit, Biden, who once belittled the accords, is now determined to widen them. For instance, he would have liked Irans enemy Saudi Arabia to join the Abraham Accords but did not quite get there or anyplace else in talks that many said he should never have entered. Saudi Arabia is one of the best chances we have for peaceful, humane Middle East order. Worrying about Biden having fist bumps with the Saudi leader strikes me as trivial. The huge concern now is happy, giggly Iran, which previously lied about trying to develop a nuclear weapon and is now saying it is darned near ready if needed. Understand that Iran is intertwined with Russia, China and North Korea, and understand, too, that its self-perceived mission is to rule the Middle East and Central Asia. A nuclearized Iran could enable the objective or maybe cause other nations, such as Saudi Arabia, to go nuclear themselves. One possibility is a spreading nuclear war ultimately involving the United States and maybe the whole world. It is unlikely that brave, alert, nuclear-equipped Israel, which has been assured by Iran again and again it was going to be wiped out, would sit around waiting for that outcome. Bidens trip was a failure and he is a failure, as he has proved on issue after issue, from the border to the economy to Afghanistan, where millions are now starving to death. Climate change is for real but the way Biden and other progressives are approaching it could be more disastrous than the climate itself. Our country needs competent leadership at a time when the world and our country seem at the brink of something awful. I do think Biden has handled the war in Ukraine well, and I congratulate him on that, but its not enough. We need political change in Congress to emerge from the midterm elections. Former President John Dramani Mahama has urged universities in the country to adopt smart and digital technologies to facilitate teaching and learning and compete favourably with peers across the world. He noted that the world, over the last decade, had entered into a digital era, one which dictated almost every aspect of human life. Universities must, therefore, adopt these technologies to create the required learning environment to enhance delivery. Former President Mahama said this in a recorded speech at the launch of the 50th Anniversary of the Department of Communication Studies (DCS), University of Ghana, in Accra, of which he is an Alumnus. The anniversary is to, among other things, celebrate successes chalked over the past five decades by the Department as well as restructure to deliver quality communication training to meet current trends. It was on the theme: 50 Years of Excellence in Communication Scholarship and Training: Reimagining the Field in a Digital Era. Mr Mahama noted that digital communication had enhanced education delivery with online learning reaching a far expansive population beyond the confines of a physical classroom while encouraging inter and intra-institutional exchange of library materials, facilitating easy teaching, learning and research. In this respect, I look forward to seeing a future where all our traditional universities can fully embrace smart, digital technology and adapt an immersive learning technology to stimulate the required learning environment scenario to facilitate teaching and learning, he said. In our time here in this school, video, voice and data stood independently of each other with minimal interface. From a previously analogue world in which we existed and we were taught, we have over the last few decades entered a digital era, one that dictates almost every aspect of our way of life. He commended Management, staff and students of the DCS, as well as the entire University, for their contributions toward molding the school into a world-class institute. Mr Mahama urged the Department to build on the gains made for present and future generations to leapfrog to higher heights and pledged to support the ICT programme of the University with computers. Madam Fatimatu Abubakar, the Deputy Minister of Information, applauded the Department of Communication Studies for its enormous contribution to the information sector. She assured it of the Ministry's continued support to enhance its research work. Source: GNA Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video An aide to the former President John Evans Atta Mills, Samuel Koku Anyidoho, has responded to the younger brother of the late President, Samuel Atta Mill for his reckless utterances in the media. To him, his behaviour years after the death of the late president has been unspeakable and distasteful. He is a disgrace to the family, Koku Anyidoho vehemently said in an interview with NEAT FMs morning show, 'Ghana Montie'. Samuel Atta Mills had accused Mr Anyidoho of desecrating his late brothers tomb. But Koku wonders if it is appropriate for any individual to claim that the tomb of the late President has been removed. He is ignorant, he told host Mac Jerry Osei Agyemang. Adding that, Ask Sammy Atta Mills that in the last 10 years, has he ever visited Asomdwee Park to care for the remains of his brother? Where is the autopsy report? Source: King Edward Ambrose Washman Addo/peacefmonline.com/ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Barring all odds, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo would inaugurate the Sunyani Airport for domestic flight operation to begin this year, Mr Kwaku Ofori Asiamah, the Minister of Transport has announced. The Minister said the first phase of the rehabilitation and expansion of the airport was virtually completed, saying the President would also perform a ground-breaking ceremony for work to begin on the second phase of the project. Mr Asiamah gave the announcement when he inspected the progress of work on the facility in Sunyani on Tuesday. He was accompanied by Mr Ignatius Baffour-Awuah, the Minister of Employment and Labour Relations, Mr Kwasi Ameyaw-Cheremeh, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Sunyani East and some senior officials of the Ghana Airport Company Limited (GACL) and the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). Mr Asiamah said he was highly impressed with the work done, particularly on the runway, and commended the contractors for the good work. He, however, expressed worry about the level of encroachment on the airports land, saying discussions were ongoing between the GACL, GACC, traditional authorities and the trespassers to help resolve the situation. Mr Asiamah cautioned estate developers, individuals and all potential land buyers to be vigilant in order not to encroach on the remaining land of the Airport. Madam Justina Owusu-Banahene, the Bono Regional Minister, explained the inauguration of the facility would open up the region and spur rapid socio-economic growth. She said it was always hectic for people in the region to travel long hours to Accra, and expressed the hope that the people would patronize the facility to enhance domestic air transport. Madam Owusu-Banahene expressed optimism the facility would be inaugurated for commercial flight operations in the next two weeks, saying Passion and other domestic airlines were all ready to commence operations in Sunyani. She emphasized the Bono Region had huge economic prospects, saying flight operations would open up the regional capital, boost economic activities and promote speedy socio-economic progress. The Sunyani airport was originally constructed as an airstrip and later upgraded to an airport in 1969 and currently has a total runway length of about 1,520 metres. In 2015, GACL and the GCAA shut down the airport as a precautionary measure to forestall any disaster. Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Jon Veal, co-founder and director of Alt_Chicago in Chicagos Austin neighborhood, on July 19, 2022. The group has a project planned to collect discarded plastic in the area to be converted into functional art objects such as benches. (Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune) A bilingual, multisensory theater piece for pre-K youth and their families to explore Eggers Groves rich ecosystem. A Little Village mural that will be created from a community coloring book and painted by community members. A documentary film that focuses on the environmental justice issues on the Southeast Side where screenings and discussions will take place. These are but a few art projects centered on environmental justice and climate change that will be created and activated with public programming by next summer through E(art)H Chicago (Earth Art Chicago). The citywide community-based art initiative was created by the Illinois Science and Energy Innovation Foundation (ISEIF) to raise awareness and inspire action on the environment and to educate Illinois residents on cost-saving environmental interventions they can make in their homes. Advertisement According to ISEIF program director Uzma Noormohamed, the response from the artistic and nonprofit community was bigger than expected. Funding partners that included Builders Initiative, the Joyce Foundation, the Chicago Frontline Funding Initiative and the Regeneration Fund are giving $547,310 to 11 grant recipients. The majority of the funds are supporting art projects in communities facing environmental injustices or those with limited public art. Artists were incredibly interested in engaging this intersection of art and the state of the natural environment, Noormohamed said. We saw the recurring theme of healing and care an undeniable recognition of the healing and need for community gathering that needs to take place in the face of a crisis like the looming climate challenges. Theres no doubt the lived experiences under the pandemic brought out the need for healing and to be able to do that in community in order to regain strength in the face of a crisis. Advertisement Artists, environmentalists and nonprofits were invited to apply for grants ranging from $7,500 to $100,000. Nearly 150 applications were submitted, with 30 finalists from 19 neighborhoods then interviewed by project staff members and art advisors. Projects will be located on the Southeast Side, McKinley Park, Albany Park, Austin, Pilsen and other neighborhoods. Artist Xs Coiled Serpent will receive $70,000 for native plantings for the Horner Park mound, built in the tradition of Native earthen mounds, with a serpentine path leading up to the top. Alt_Chicago and Happy Returns, both Austin-based nonprofits, are partnering under the banner Redemptive Plastics, to use their grant of $65,000 to hire 11 Austin residents to collect plastic refuse that will be cleaned and repurposed into three public benches that will sit in the community. What began as a weekly/monthly cleanup venture for the community in 2019 with Alt_Chicago evolved to recyclable public art and utility, from trash bins now to benches. X, an Indigenous futurist and multidisciplinary artist specializing in land, architectural, and new media installation, works on mound shaping a large-scale, augmented, public earthwork installation at Schiller Woods-West forest preserve in Schiller Park on Oct. 9, 2019. (Jose M. Osorio / Chicago Tribune) X, an Indigenous futurist and multidisciplinary artist specializing in land, architectural, and new media installation, works on mound shaping a large-scale, augmented, public earthwork installation at Schiller Woods-West forest preserve in Schiller Park on Oct. 9, 2019. (Jose M. Osorio / Chicago Tribune) We want to really make a sustainable practice for the future not just for our community but for all communities, Alt_Chicago co-founder Jon Veal said about the collaboration between him, co-founder Jordan Campbell, Cody Norman and Tom Burtonwood. Redemptive plastics is the recognition that the first sign of disinvestment within a community is trash. And that when people see trash, they dont feel good, they dont feel safe. They dont feel that they live in a clean space or that they want to hang out there. This plastic that is in our community is an eyesore. It destroys our environment and destroys our Earth. Were not only trying to have a better tomorrow, were trying to have a better tomorrow for our children. Artists Alexx Temena and Andrea Yarbrough, steward of the group titled in : Black women (in care of Black women), are partnering with their House of Kapwa structure slated for a downtown park space. Awarded $90,000 for the interactive installation, they seek to create unity between humans and our environment and ecology. Its really about activating this sense of shared oneness and union thats been suppressed by colonial notions of individualism and separation and disconnection from the earth and disconnection from each other, really, Temena said. Temena said the idea for the piece came about in Sept. 2020, when she was thinking about rest, and how we create spaces for it. What was going to be a performance art piece will now be a large circular structure about 20 feet in diameter with an opening at the top that represents a connection to our ancestors and to the divine when we rest and slow down. The exterior of the structure is a 360-degree natural loom that one can weave in natural elements like foliage and flowers. With complimentary practices Temena creating processes for healing and Yarbrough creating spaces for healing the friends came together to create the physical manifestation. Once House of Kapwa ends its run in the Loop, it will go to a Woodlawn church as a space where Woodlawn residents can meet each other in a public space. Advertisement I think for projects like this, it offers a space for us to come and to be in conversation with ourselves and with each other about what is happening, Yarbrough said. Because the violence isnt gonna stop. Its gonna always be present and around us. So how do we engage with it from the space in which we are making space for each other to heal and process and to be present? For me, the hope is that this is a space that cultivates that and brings you into a space where you can think a little bit deeper about your own relationship to something outside of yourself. Earth Art Chicago is an ISEIF capstone project before the foundation comes to an end after the activations in 2023. Noormohamed said the foundation wanted to be able to harness the creative potential in the citys communities and honor the work thats already being done locally to address climate change. Our vision was to center communities and public art that provokes dialogue, that evokes healing and transformation and the relationship that humans have to nature, and to be able to capture all of the complicated mix of strained fragility and joy in the face of a massive challenge like climate change, pollution and even neglect, Noormohamed said. More information can be found at www.earthartchicago.org. drockett@chicagotribune.com Advertisement Jon Veal, co-founder and director of Alt_Chicago in Chicagos Austin neighborhood, on July 19, 2022. The group has a project planned to collect discarded plastic in the area to be converted into functional art objects such as benches. (Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune) 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. Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has defended his government's decision not to give subsidies or reduce taxes in the wake of a sharp rise in the cost of living. He was addressing the nation in a televised speech on Wednesday night amid high fuel prices and food shortages in some parts of the country. Mr Museveni said subsidies mislead people to think that there was plenty and would deplete the countrys foreign reserves. He said tax cuts would also lead to the stalling of infrastructural projects. Mr Museveni also warned that the price of fuel was likely to remain high even after the Russia-Ukraine war. He said the way forward would be to begin the move away from petrol to electric cars and rail transport. Mr Museveni urged Ugandans to explore a variety of other foods available like cassava, plantains and millet amid the high cost of wheat. His stance is a sharp contrast to measures that other countries in the region have taken. Neighbouring Kenya announced on Wednesday a fifth stimulus package on food subsidies to cushion its citizens against the cost of living, while the Tanzanian government announced a $43m (36m) fuel subsidy in May. In Uganda, the cost of fuel has shot up from $1 last year to $2 in some parts of the country. A kilogramme of maize flour retailing at almost $1 from $0.47. Source: BBC Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video A delegation from the bereaved family of the Founder and Executive Chairman of the Jospong Group of Companies (JGC), Dr. Joseph Siaw Agyepong, has paid a courtesy call on President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, and Vice President, Dr. Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia. The delegation, led by Abusuapanyin Barima Osei Berko, met both President Akufo-Addo and Vice President Dr. Mahmoud Bawumia on Wednesday, July 20, 2022, at the Jubilee House, the seat of government, and formally invited them to the funeral of the late father of Dr. Siaw AgyepongOpanyin Samuel Kwame Agyepong. After observing the one-week observation, the extended family and the children of late Samuel Agyepong met to decide on the burial and funeral date. So we are here to officially inform you Mr. President and formally invite you to the funeral of late Samuel Agyepong which is slated for September 10, 2022, and would be held at the forecourt of the State House, Abusuapanyin Osei Berko said. However, he indicated that the family have agreed that the burial of their later father will take place in Obo Kwahu in the Eastern Region on the same day (September 10, 2022). And on Sunday, September 11, 2022, a Thanksgiving service will be held in honour of the late Samuel Kwame Agyepong at the Teshie Nungua Estate of the Church of Pentecost. From the church, the family will continue with the funeral of late Samuel Agyepong at his residence at Teshie Nungua Estate, he further disclosed. Abusuapanyin Osei Berko, therefore, used the opportunity to express his familys appreciation to the President, especially for delegating his chief of staff and other ministers to participate in the one-week observation of Dr. Agyepongs late father. As custom demands, Abusuapanyin Osei Berko presented a box of schnapps and some foreign drinks which were received by the Presidents Secretary. While commiserating with the family of Dr. Siaw Agyepong for their loss, President Akufo-Addo eulogised late Samuel Agyepong, stressing that he has given Ghana Dr. Siaw Agyepong, who continues to contribute his quota in various sectors, towards the development and growth of the country. He minced no words in asserting that under his presidency, Dr. Siaw Agyepong was one businessman who contributed immensely to the development of Ghana. Though the President was not too sure whether he could travel to Obo for the burial, he gave the assurance that he would ensure that he participates in the funeral at the State House. He thanked them for the courtesy call and the invitation extended to him to attend the funeral, assuring that the presidency will take an active part in the burial and funeral. For the part of Dr. Bawumia, he condoles with the family of Dr. Siaw Agyepong, saying that God willing on September 10, we will come and support you to ensure that everything goes on smoothly. He thanked God for blessing the late father of Dr. Siaw Agyepong with longevity, expressing that we love him [late Samuel Agyepong] but God loves him more. . Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Catfish production increased by 276.92 percent in the Eastern Region from 2018 to 2021 after the Fisheries Commission assisted producers with new technologies, extension services and training. Mr Francis Barnes, the Eastern Regional Director of the Fisheries Commission, who disclosed this to the Ghana News Agency, said in 2018 the Commission recorded about 60 catfish farmers who produced a combined total of 836.91 metric tons. However, by 2021, the number of catfish farmers in the region had more than doubled to 128, raising production to 3,151.91 metric tonnes. Mr Barnes linked the increased production levels to a slew of activities and sustained assistance provided by the Commission to catfish farmers and farmers in general who expressed an interest in catfish production. Among the support measures, he listed included provision of extension services, training in catfish hatchery management, promotion of and use of circular tarpaulin tanks, which were more effective for use than concrete tanks; and the provision of feed to farmers. He stated that catfish farmers were trained on how to treat three major diseases: water mould, a fungal disease, motile Aeromonas, a bacterial disease, and indigestion, a nutritional disease that affected fingerlings and was discovered by the commission after farmers reported abnormal activity in their farms. Mr Barnes advised that for every 1000 litres of water, 70 pieces of catfish fingerlings should be stocked in to reduce high mortality rates as fish compete for oxygen in the water when crowded. He said the new measures introduced have minimised the difficulties catfish farmers used to face, such as travelling long distances to obtain feed, stressing that "they used to travel to Accra and Akosombo areas to buy feed." However, the Fisheries Commission collaborated with Raana Fish Feed to provide feed to the Commission so that catfish farmers could easily access it. Despite the region's significant gains in catfish production, Mr. Barnes observed that the market for catfish consumption was low in the region because approximately 80 percent of buyers came from Accra and other regions. Again, he observed that some catfish hatchery operators had chosen to give an overdose of antibiotics to fingerlings when they [farmers] observed abnormal behaviours without consulting any fish veterinarian. "The use of unauthorised antibiotics on catfish that behave abnormally will have negative health implications for consumers and the environment," he said. He also stated that the Commission had discovered an unauthorised source of catfish hatchery that sold unapproved fingerlings to farmers, resulting in low catfish production. As a result, he advised catfish farmers to avoid using antibiotics and instead consult fish veterinarians when they observed abnormal behaviour in the fish, and to rely on the commission to direct them to hatcheries that produced good fingerlings that could grow well. Mr. Barnes also urged the people of the Eastern Region to buy catfish from farmers there because the region was poised to further increase catfish production and was also ready to meet market demand. The Fisheries Commission is the implementing agency of the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development in Ghana, responsible for all fisheries development and management, including monitoring, controlling, and surveillance, as well as evaluating and compliance. Source: GNA Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Arts, culture, and heritage are tools of creativity, skills and talents with the potential to create wealth and prosperity, Dr Ibrahim Mohammed Awal, Minister for Arts, Tourism and Culture, has said. He said this at the sod cutting ceremony for the rehabilitation and modernization of The Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park (KNMP), in Accra. He said the current state of the Park necessitated its shut down for a thorough repair and modernization to rake in revenue. He expressed excitement at governments allocation of USD 3 million for the repair works expected to be completed in nine months. The Minister said the renovation works, funded by the World Bank Tourism Development Project, would include a presidential library, a new training centre, a restaurant, a VVIP lounge, an artistic freedom wall, and a music and light fountain. The Park, the Minister said, would generate approximately 50 more direct jobs when completed. The reestablished Park will honour the first President of Ghana, Dr Kwame Nkrumah as well as other founding fathers of the nation, Edward Akuffo-Addo, Arko Adjei, Obetsebi Lamptey, William Ofori-Atta and J.B Danquah, he said. Dr Awal said it would solidify Ghanas status as the leading centre of Pan-Africanism and diasporan study by further concretising the Pan-African Triangular Centre, which consisted of the KNMP, WEB DU Bois Centre for Pan-Africanism and the George Padmore Library. All these developments will help boost tourism both domestic and international and improve Ghanas rating as an investment and trade destination, he said. The Minister said Tourism, Arts and Culture had the potential to significantly contribute to national development and job creation. The struggle for Ghanas independence for which Dr. Nkrumah and the other founding fathers committed their lives needed to be complemented by prolonged economic development, which will create access to education, healthcare and decent jobs for Ghanaians. The Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park is said to witness an average of 98,000 visitors a year before COVID-19, and after the rehabilitation, the Ministry anticipates that it will receive 400,000 more visitors each year. The Minister noted that to increase business, the customer-focused approach should be improved, which called for customer-focused behaviour from all participants throughout the tourism value chain. He said, a satisfied visitor, whether domestic or foreign, will not only return but recommend the destination to others. He said while annual revenue from gold and cocoa was less than USD 4 billion, the annual revenue from tourism and the creative industries could exceed USD 4 billion provided attractions were properly marketed and packaged. In line with this, the Ministry will soon embark on the rehabilitation and modernization of other tourism and heritage assets, including the Cape Coast and Elmina Castles, Mole Park, Shai Hills and Kakum Park to enhance these iconic sites, he said. Source: GNA Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The Minister of Defence, Dominic Nitiwul, has inspected some infrastructural projects at five Garrisons at Burma Camp, Accra. The projects, part of the Barracks Regeneration Project by Government, include a state-of-the-art three-storey complex with 50 offices to serve as a working space for the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and workers. He also inspected an ongoing seven-storey office complex with a basement for the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) at the Ghana Army Headquarters. The Minister was briefed by the Deputy Director, Engineering Services of the Ghana Armed Forces, Lieutenant Colonel Albert Tekyi. Mr. Nitiwul also inspected warehouses under construction near the new Military cemetery and the progress of work on the three-storey accommodation complexes with 246 bedrooms for Officer Cadets, a 300-plus capacity auditorium, a large and ultra-modern parade grounds, a four-storey with 16 two-bedroom apartment blocks for staff officers and men, all at the Ghana Military Academy and Training Schools. Some housing projects for Senior Most officers near the Airport Area and two- and one-bedroom projects for uniformed personnel close to the Airforce Base were also inspected. Mr Nitiwul commended the Chinese Construction Firm, Poly Changda Group, for the steady progress of work on the projects and for transforming the once forested lands into modern facilities. Whatever you see here was a forest three years ago, a complete forest, which we have transformed into an officer mess The Minister said the projects, when completed, would attract military personnel from neighbouring countries to train in the facilities. We have people from Sierra Leone training here, from Burkina Faso, Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria. We want to be the best so thats why we are putting up these facilities, he said. He was optimistic that ongoing projects at MATS would be completed by the end of December this year and said by September, this year, some other projects would start at the Academy. Whatever Government will have to do to support the Military we will do. Even if the Government has no money, we will find it somewhere, Minister Nitiwul assured. Lt. Col. Tekyi said the projects were being done in phases, some ongoing at various garrisons nationwide. Source: GNA Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Russian leader, Vladimir Putin is not unstable or in bad health, the director of the CIA has said. There has been increasing reports that Putin, who turns 70 this year, may be suffering from ill health, possibly cancer or be mentally unstable due to the way he has launched an attack against Ukraine but CIA director, William Burns said there was no evidence to suggest this, joking that he appeared "too healthy". Burns' comments came as the US announced it would provide Ukraine with more long-range weapons after Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Russia's military focus in Ukraine was no longer "only" the east. "There are lots of rumours about President Putin's health and as far as we can tell he's entirely too healthy," Burns said at the Aspen Security Forum in Colorado on Wednesday, July 20. Responding to laughter, he said that this was not a formal intelligence judgement. Burns, who served as ambassador to Moscow, said he had been observing the Russian leader for more than two decades. Putin is "a big believer in control, intimidation and getting even" and these traits have hardened over the last decade as his circle of advisers has contracted, the CIA chief said. "He is convinced that his destiny as Russia's leader is to restore Russia as a great power. He believes the key to doing that is to recreate a sphere of influence in Russia's neighbourhood and he cannot do that without controlling Ukraine." Burns travelled to Moscow in November to warn about the serious consequences for invading Ukraine following intelligence the US had collected about Russia's plans. But he said he left Moscow "more troubled than when I arrived". Putin's plans were based on "profoundly flawed assumptions and some real illusions especially about Ukraine and the will to resist", Mr Burns said. "Putin really does believe his rhetoric. I've heard him say this privately over the years that Ukraine is not a real country. "Well, real countries fight back. And that's what the Ukrainians have done." Russia invaded Ukraine in February, claiming falsely that Russian-speakers in Ukraine's eastern Donbas region had suffered a genocide and needed to be liberated. Five months on, Russia has occupied parts of the east and south of the country, but failed in its original aim of capturing Kyiv . 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 Miss Niamatu Sumaila, a teenager of the Basissan Basic School in the Sissala East Municipality has been found dead under a tree after she reportedly went missing a few days ago. Alhaji Pio Sumaila Yakubu, the Paramount Chief of the Banu Traditional Area reported the incident to the Tumu Police. A search team was dispatched to the community where she was found dead under a small tree at Kpari near Basissan. Dr. Charles Agyekum Woode, the Medical Director at the Tumu Municipal hospital who visited the scene with the Police and members of the community, discovered the girl lying under a tree, which was later identified by the father, Mr Braimah Chiraseh. Dr Agyekum Woode said although no marks of violence were found on the body an autopsy would be conducted on the deceased and a report submitted in due course of the highly decomposed body. which was later released to the family for burial. According to Mr Seidu Hudu, Assembly member for the Banu Electoral Area, who narrated the incident to the Ghana News Agency (GNA), said, "Niamatu Sumaila closed from school on Tuesday, 5th July, 2022. She prepared some rice for the family and left for the bush to look for some vegetables known in the local dialect as foga. He said the parents of the deceased returned from the farm at about 1900 hours and were told that she had gone to the bush to harvest some vegetables. The search team walked around and saw a spot where she struggled with her murderer (s) and her panties and waist beads found torn and thrown around, kept her under shrubs, naked with only her shirt on, and then covered her with some leaves, the assembly member said. The death of the schoolgirl adds to another gruesome murder of a gold dealer, Mr Zakaria Borsuwie Luri (Zak Sissala) who was killed on 2nd April 2022 by suspected armed robbers in the same Banu Paramountcy of which the Police are yet to find the culprits. Meanwhile, a Police post established in Banu with a barrier to maintain security in the area had been abandoned, with the Police citing the absence of structures and logistics in the town which is about 50km from Tumu. Source: GNA Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Brother of former President, John Evans Atta Mills is furious that the government has allowed the Atta Mills Institute to tamper with the grave of the former President. In a sreies of tweets on Tuesday by Koku Anyidoho, an aide to the late Prof. Atta Mills, he has responded equally to the claims by Samuel Atta Mills, MP for Komenda Edina Eguafo Abrem Constituency in the Central Region. Samuel Koku Anyidoho has asked him to produce the autopsy report of the late President and tell us what killed his brother. "Sammy Atta-Mills says I am a buffoon? I see! Let him produce the autopsy report of the late President Atta-Mills. Sammy Atta-Mills should tell us, what killed his brother. He says, his brother died in his hands: he should tell us how his brother died," he tweeted on Tuesday evening. According to him he will not use Asomdwe Park, the final resting place of the late President for partisan politics, but it is a big shame that Sammy Atta-Mills has neglected the burial place of his brother, and is using the work the State is doing for dirty politics, in support of John Dramani Mahama. "Sammy Atta-Mils has never celebrated his brother; he wants me to tell the story of his wickedness towards his brother?" Koku Anyidoho tweeted again on Tuesday. Late Atta Mills' Brother furious at government Brother of former President, John Evans Atta Mills is furious that the government has allowed the Atta Mills Institute to tamper with the grave of the former President. The non-governmental organisation run by Koku Anyidoho, an aide to the late Prof. Atta Mills, says they are rehabilitating the Asomdwe Park where the mortal remains of the Asomdwehene were buried. According to brother of the former President, Samuel Atta Mills, the current arrangement goes against customs. It is not proper to allow the NGO to make changes to the grave without recourse to the family, he said. Apparently a group calling itself Atta Mills Institute that the family does not recognize and Coastal Development Authority have gone to break this grave of President Evans Atta Millswhy would you go and touch somebodys grave without informing the family? . . . Who has the body now? That is the question I want to ask Ghanaians, he lamented. Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video NPP Member of Parliament (MP) for Assin Central, Kennedy Agyapong, has refuted claims that he campaigned against John Boadu who recently lost his position as the General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). "I never asked delegates to vote against John. I can never and will never do that," he stated. Speaking in an interview on Neat FM's 'Me Man Nti' programme, the MP disclosed how his constituents were campaigning against John Boadu and he had to intervene. "My constituents were campaigning against John and I fought with them several times. I told them that even if you dont like him, you dont have to campaign against him," he said. "I decided not to support anyone openly . . . I never asked members to vote against John and Ill never do that. Theres a saying that if a man saves your life, youre indebted to him for the rest of your life . . . John Boadu was asked to fire me because I was resisting Anas, and he said he will never do it so how can I do that to him, but every advice I needed to give him I did," he added. Listen to him in the video below Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Bono regional Deputy Communications Officer of the largest opposition National Democratic Congress(NDC), Eric Adjei, has asked President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to intervene and stop people from denigrating the legacy of the late President Prof. Evans John Atta Mills. According to him, the attitude of the Coastal Development Authority smacks of total disrespect to the family of the former President and the Ghanaian people at large. Speaking on Okay FM's 'Ade Akye Abia' programme, he explained that he blames nobody but President Akufo-Addo, who has turned death ears to this issue since its development. He has decided neither to comment nor issue statements to stop some miscreants from disrespecting the late President Mills because he condones the act. He said the preposterous attitude of the Coastal Development Authority is a total disrespect to the family of former President John Evans Atta Mills and the Ghanaian people at large. He added that President Akufo-Addo should tell us whether he will be happy if a non family member destroys the tomb of his Uncle J.B Danquah or his father Edward Akufo-Addo in the name of renovation without the consent of the family. "The disrespect to former President Mills(late) is sickening and we in the NDC cannot watch miscreant people like Koku Anyidoho hide behind loyalty and connive with President Akufo-Addo to continue disrespecting former President Mills in this unpleasant manner. According to him President Akufo-Addo, "should boldly come out to condemn this nonsensical attack dimming the reputation of the late President if infact he is not in support of this stupidity. Ghanaians want to see him respect Late President Mills the same way he respects JB Danquah." Watch video below Source: Isaac Kwame Owusu/Peacefmonline/[email protected] Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Now streaming on Amazon Prime, Billy Porters classy , heartfelt directorial debut Anythings Possible doesnt work miracles. But it does work, and in ways more interesting than the average streaming teen romcom with one eye on heart, the other on life lessons for the young and the smitten. For one thing, the heart stuff the budding romance between its main characters beats in refreshingly human rhythm here. Trans high school senior Kelsa (Eva Reign) has been cautious about dating while in her transitioning phase. One of the seniors in her art class, Khal (Abubakr Ali), is sweet on her, and knows her story; on YouTube Kelsa has shared her experiences and insights while maintaining a more cautious brand of socializing in their Pittsburgh high school hallways. Advertisement Eva Reign, left, and Abubakr Ali in Billy Porter's directorial debut "Anything's Possible." (Orion Pictures/Orion Pictures/TNS) In art class, ka-boom: Sweet, charismatically awkward Khal paints an impressive portrait of Kelsa, while she paints him. Thus begins a genuine connection. Smartly, screenwriter Ximena Garcia Lecuona takes the casual, straightforward approach to Kelsas transition. The interplay between the characters, and between the actors, feels authentic and winning. When the couple goes public, Anythings Possible maintains its charm, although a lot of the obstacles and narrative crises in the second half dominated by how the relationship is handled by their respective best friends, i.e. badly veer toward predictability. Director and Pittsburgh native Porter, a Tony Award winner for Kinky Boots, makes the film a Pittsburgh valentine, shooting all around a highly photogenic city without turning into a tour guide. The best of the dialogue has real snap to it. Early on, Kelsa tells her loving, highly protective mom (Renee Elise Goldsberry, excellent) she wants to go to college either in LA or New York, nothing in between. What do they have that Pittsburgh doesnt? her mom wonders. Advertisement Its what they dont have, Kelsa says: People that know me. That teen itch to remake oneself and start anew is universal. The movie stays carefully in tune with Kelsas doubts about why Khal wants to be her boyfriend. Shes concerned about people only pretending to like me because they want to be woke or something. Khal isnt like that, but he has his own issues, namely a people-pleasing tendency that has a way of squelching his own needs. A lot of Anythings Possible deals with typical high school difficulties, amped up by the wrong videos going viral or friends suddenly turning enemies. Porter and his ingratiating actors do all they can to humanize the material. The movie works because a lot of that material is engaging and genuinely humane to begin with. Anythings Possible 3 stars (out of 4) MPAA rating: PG-13 (for language, thematic material, sexual material and brief teenage drinking) Running time: 1:36 How to watch: Now streaming on Amazon Prime. Michael Phillips is a Tribune critic. Advertisement mjphillips@chicagotribune.com Twitter @phillipstribune Big screen or home stream, takeout or dine-in, Tribune writers are here to steer you toward your next great experience. Sign up for your free weekly Eat. Watch. Do. newsletter here. Governance Lecturer at the Central University, Dr. Benjamin Otchere-Ankrah, has made a solemn appeal to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to minimize his borrowing. Dr. Otchere-Ankrah expressed concerns over the culture of borrowing by the government stating how it burdens the nation, especially when the government isn't able to pay back. Speaking on Peace FM's "Kokrokoo" programme, he cautioned the President saying, "it's not a good thing to hear. It is not a proud moment to say that you are a Ghanaian that when we are looking for people who borrow and don't pay back, Ghana is second on the list. Is this an achievement? It's so sad". Listen to his full submissions below: Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Monarch butterflies land on branches at Monarch Grove Sanctuary in Pacific Grove, Calif., Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2021. On Thursday, July 21, 2022, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature said migrating monarch butterflies have moved closer to extinction in the past decade prompting scientists to officially designate them as endangered." Credit: AP Photo/Nic Coury, File The monarch butterfly fluttered a step closer to extinction Thursday, as scientists put the iconic orange-and-black insect on the endangered list because of its fast dwindling numbers. "It's just a devastating decline," said Stuart Pimm, an ecologist at Duke University who was not involved in the new listing. "This is one of the most recognizable butterflies in the world." The International Union for the Conservation of Nature added the migrating monarch butterfly for the first time to its "red list" of threatened species and categorized it as "endangered"two steps from extinct. The group estimates that the population of monarch butterflies in North America has declined between 22% and 72% over 10 years, depending on the measurement method. "What we're worried about is the rate of decline," said Nick Haddad, a conservation biologist at Michigan State University. "It's very easy to imagine how very quickly this butterfly could become even more imperiled." Haddad, who was not directly involved in the listing, estimates that the population of monarch butterflies he studies in the eastern United States has declined between 85% and 95% since the 1990s. In North America, millions of monarch butterflies undertake the longest migration of any insect species known to science. After wintering in the mountains of central Mexico, the butterflies migrate to the north, breeding multiple generations along the way for thousands of miles. The offspring that reach southern Canada then begin the trip back to Mexico at the end of summer. A Royal Bengal tiger rests at its enclosure at the Alipore zoo in Kolkata, India, Monday, July 29, 2019. On Thursday, July 21, 2022, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature announced new estimates for global population of tigers, which are 40% higher than the most recent estimates from 2015. The new figures, of between 3,726 and 5,578 wild tigers worldwide, reflect better methods for counting tigers and, potentially, an increase in their overall population, said Dale Miquelle, coordinator for the nonprofit Wildlife Conservation Societys tiger program. They still remain designated as endangered of extinction. Credit: AP Photo/Bikas Das, File "It's a true spectacle and incites such awe," said Anna Walker, a conservation biologist at New Mexico BioPark Society, who was involved in determining the new listing. A smaller group spends winters in coastal California, then disperses in spring and summer across several states west of the Rocky Mountains. This population has seen an even more precipitous decline than the eastern monarchs, although there was a small bounce back last winter. Emma Pelton of the nonprofit Xerces Society, which monitors the western butterflies, said the butterflies are imperiled by loss of habitat and increased use of herbicides and pesticides for agriculture, as well as climate change. "There are things people can do to help," she said, including planting milkweed, a plant that the caterpillars depend upon. Nonmigratory monarch butterflies in Central and South America were not designated as endangered. The United States has not listed monarch butterflies under the Endangered Species Act, but several environmental groups believe it should be listed. The international union also announced new estimates for the global population of tigers, which are 40% higher than the most recent estimates from 2015. The new figures, of between 3,726 and 5,578 wild tigers worldwide, reflect better methods for counting tigers and, potentially, an increase in their overall numbers, said Dale Miquelle, coordinator for the nonprofit Wildlife Conservation Society's tiger program. In the past decade, tiger populations have increased in Nepal, northern China and perhaps in India, while tigers have disappeared entirely from Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam, said Miquelle. They remain designated as endangered. Explore further Wild tiger numbers higher than previously thought 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain A storm that originated off New Zealand and sent historically large waves to Tahiti and Hawaii will produce breakers in the 4 to 7 foot level, with sets up to 10 feet, at some San Diego County beaches through early Thursday, according to the National Weather Service. The swell began to roll ashore on Monday, generating waves up to 8 feet at Mission Beach and up to 5 feet at Solana Beach. The weather service later adjusted its forecast to accommodate larger sets. "The time between wave peaks has been up to 20 seconds, which is the longest period I've seen in years," said Mark Moede, a weather service forecaster. "That shows that this is a swell from the southern hemisphere." Surfline.com and other surf outlets reported that the swell first produced massive waves last week at Teahupoo, Tahiti, which is widely considered to be one of the most dangerous surf spots in the world. The swell rolled on and generated surf that reached 25 feet over the weekend in the Diamond Head area of Oahu, Hawaii. KHON-TV said the waves were the largest to hit that area in more than 25 years. Moede said that San Diego County beaches that face the southwest will take the biggest beating from the incoming swell. Dangerous rip currents are expected up and down the coast. 2022 The San Diego Union-Tribune. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain Climate change is causing a mass extinction the likes of which has not been seen in recorded history. For birds, this biodiversity loss has implications beyond just species loss. In research publishing in the journal Current Biology on July 21, researchers use statistical modeling to predict that extinction will decrease morphological diversity among remaining birds at a rate greater than species loss alone. The team's results reveal which birds are at risk and which regions are most susceptible to homogenization. Emma Hughes, a bird researcher at the University of Sheffield, has spent her career examining broad morphological traits in birds; for example, she has studied the distribution of different beak shapes globally. "I began to wonder what will happen with global change. So, not only how traits are currently distributed globally, but what might happen to morphological and phylogenetic diversity under the global extinction crisis," says Hughes. "As species go extinct you expect the traits that they represent to also be lost." says Hughes. "But what we found was that with morphological diversity, the traits were lost at a much, much, much greater rate than just species loss could predict. This is really important because that can lead to a major loss of ecological strategies and functions." Diversity loss is most likely to affect birds with extreme features. Birds' size and shape vary wildly across the class, from the giant, flightless ostrich to the tiny, buzzing hummingbird. "Those are the sort of species that you'd expect to be more at risk of extinction," says Hughes. "We do find strong evidence to support the hypothesis that the largest and smallest species are likely to be most at risk of extinction." Not only are certain birds more at risk of diversity loss, but certain regions are also more likely to be left with homogenized populations. "The Himalayan mountains and foothills are at particular risk, and it's likely that the loss of trait diversity will be considerable," says Hughes. "The dry and moist forests of south Vietnam and Cambodia are also vulnerable." Hughes and her team hope that their work will help people understand the ways that biodiversity loss will change the world. "The global extinction crisis doesn't just mean that we're losing species," she says. "It means that we are losing unique traits and evolutionary history, including species that could confer unique benefits to humanity that are currently unknown." Explore further Higher levels of biodiversity appear to reduce extinction risk in birds More information: Hughes, The homogenisation of avian morphological and phylogenetic diversity under the global extinction crisis., Current Biology (2022). www.cell.com/current-biology/f 0960-9822(22)00977-0 Journal information: Current Biology Hughes, The homogenisation of avian morphological and phylogenetic diversity under the global extinction crisis.,(2022). DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2022.06.018 Fires in parts of France, Spain and Portugal have already burned more land so far this year than in all of 2021. The fires that have torched through Europe are on course to make 2022 a record year for forest loss on the continent, as scientists warn climate change is already contributing to ever fiercer blazes. Fires in parts of France, Spain and Portugal have already burned more land so far this year than in all of 2021some 517,881 hectares (5,000 km2), or the equivalent area of Trinidad and Tobago. "The situation is much worse than expected, even if we were expecting temperature anomalies with our long-term forecasts," Jesus San Miguel, coordinator of the European Union's EFFIS satellite monitoring service, told AFP. San Miguel said there could be worse to come, adding that the hallmarks of global heating were all over this year's fire season. "Ignition is caused by people (but) the heatwave is critical, and clearly linked to climate change," he said. "The fire season used to be concentrated from July to September. Now we are getting longer seasons and very intense fire. We expect climate change to create higher fire conditions in Europe." Temperatures have warmed just over 1.1 degrees Celsius since the industrial era, and the United Nations Says Earth is currently on track to warm some 2.7C this century. This additional heat is enough to make the kind of heatwaves that baked Europe this week more likely to occur and to last longer when they do. Rising fire risk EFFIS said close to 40,000 hectares of forest in France have been lost to fire so far this year, more than the 30,000 that burned there in 2021. Spainwhere more than 500 people died during a 10-day heatwave this monthhas seen 190,000 hectares go up in smoke this year, compared with 85,000 last year. Map of Europe showing the forecast for daily particulate matter concentrations directly attributable to wildfires in France, Spain, Portugal and Morocco, as of July 20. EFFIS said that Europe could end 2022 with more land burned by area than 2017, currently the worst recorded year for wildfires with nearly 1,000,000 hectares lost. In all of 2021, 470,359 hectares of forest were lost to fires in Europe, mainly in Italy and Greece. Yet those two countries have had a relatively good year in terms of wildfires: Italy has lost 25,000 hectares compared with more than 150,000 in 2021 and Greece has lost 7,800 compared with 130,000 a year ago. This week temperatures topped 40C for the first time on record in Britain, where a relatively high 20,000 hectares have burned since January. A study in February found that the proportion of July and August days of extreme fire risk in Britain would increase from 9 percent currently to 26 percent with 2C of warming. Mark Parrington, head scientist at the EU's Copernicus atmospheric monitoring service, said climate change had already contributed to how long wildfires last when they break out. "What is remarkable is just how long they burn," he told AFP. "This is not the kind of thing we typically see in Europe. Hotter temperatures combined with near-unprecedented drought conditions across much of Europe contribute to making forests tinder dry, providing the ideal conditions for wildfires to start and then spread. "There is a lot of fuel," said Parrington. "In central and southern Europe there is a clear upward trend for fire risk." As well as damaging ecosystems and removing carbon-absorbing vegetation from the land, wildfires themselves contribute to climate change by emitting greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide. Copernicus this week said fires in June and July in Spain and Morocco had produced some 1.3 million tonnes of CO 2 the highest of any equivalent period since records began in 2003. The blazes also affect air quality for nearby populations. In southwest France, elevated levels of nitrogen dioxide have been noted for days over the city of Bordeaux, just north of two major burn areas, and even in Paris, some 500 kilometres (310 miles) northeast. 2022 AFP Credit: CC0 Public Domain As one of its first acts in government, the newly elected Labor government turned back a boat of Sri Lankan asylum seekers trying to enter Australia. Labor has vowed to continue Operation Sovereign Borders, including boat turnbacks and offshore detention. This is concerning. Not only do turnbacks violate international law, but offshore detention has resulted in torture and cruel and inhuman treatment of refugees. Even more concerning is the lack of criticism Labor has received for continuing offshore detention and turnbacks. Apart from being condemned by human rights groups and minor political parties, Labor's refugee policies appear to have gone without much comment from a large part of the Australian public. As I found in my new research paper, the Australian government has used three forms of denial, creating physical and psychological distance between itself and refugees. This allows the federal government to promote illegal and harmful policies while proclaiming to still be upholding human rights. Creating indifference Human rights abuses in offshore detention have been well documented. On Manus Island (in Papua New Guinea) and Nauru, refugees have faced torture, inhumane detention, overcrowding, violence from guards, sexual assault and rape, and mental harm. Children as young as nine have suffered severe depression and attempted to commit suicide. According to the latest data by the Refugee Council, 112 people remain on Nauru and just over 100 people are on Manus Island. Although New Zealand will now resettle many of them in the coming years, Nauru detention centre will continue to remain open indefinitely. How can Australia continue to promote itself as upholding human rights, while at the same time maintain such policies? One answer is that offshore detention has created indifference to the suffering of refugees. Australia's policy framework has produced what the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture has called "moral disengagement". This involves "the self-deceptive denial of reality" by denying the wrongfulness of, responsibility for, or occurrence of, human rights violations. These "self-deceptive" strategies reduce moral dilemmas that come from violating human rights norms. My research found Australian federal governments have used three forms of denial to push refugees out of sight and out of minddenial of responsibility, denial of fact, and denial of wrongdoing. 3 types of denial Denying responsibility The government has denied responsibility over refugees in offshore detention by denying it has jurisdiction. The term "jurisdiction" is different from sovereign territory. A state can have jurisdiction outside of its sovereign territory when it exercises effective control over others. Showing that a country has jurisdiction over others is important. It can help hold states accountable for human rights abuses and establish responsibility for those in its care. The Australian government has argued that PNG and Nauruwhich aren't part of Australiahave jurisdiction over the detention facilities and the refugees in them. It claims all Australia does is provide financial and material support. Such arguments make it difficult to hold Australia accountable. But they are also incorrect. A Senate inquiry, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, and human rights groups, among others, have argued Australia exercises effective control and shares jurisdiction with Nauru and PNG. Denying jurisdiction creates physical and psychological distance between itself and refugees, helping to create indifference. By denying responsibility, human rights abuses become someone else's problem. Australia finally accepted NZ's offer to settle refugees from offshore processing, but as @UNSW's @NatashaYacoub writes, it bandages a "failed policy that has haemorrhaged cash, destroyed lives and eroded international refugee protection systems". https://t.co/EaH5pHvfqu The Conversation (@ConversationEDU) April 8, 2022 Denying fact A second key strategy is denial of fact. The Australian government, along with the governments of Nauru and PNG, has denied human rights abuses and made it hard to find out what occurs in offshore detention. Human rights monitors and journalists have been restricted or denied access to offshore detention. Staff have been threatened with prosecution under confidentiality agreements if they speak publicly about detention treatment. Operation Sovereign Borders has also been shrouded in secrecy. For example, it was common for Coalition ministers and border force officials to refuse to answer questions in the media about "on water matters". As Peter Young, the former mental health director of IHMS, the medical provider in immigration detention, stated: "Secrecy is necessary because these places are designed to damage". These policies have made it difficult to know what occurs in offshore detention. They also create doubt about whether such harm is even happening at all. Denying wrongdoing Along with "stopping the boats", the government has argued offshore detention has been necessary to save lives at sea. When former UN Special Rapporteur on Torture Juan Mendez criticised Australia for violating the UN Convention against Torture in 2015, then Prime Minister Tony Abbott stated, "The most humanitarian, the most decent, the most compassionate thing you can do is stop these boats because hundreds, we think about 1200 in fact, drowned at sea during the flourishing of the people smuggling trade under the former government." This is a key strategy of self-deception. By arguing the policy is saving lives, it focuses attention away from the harm refugees suffer, to the humanitarian goal of "saving lives". Moral dilemmas about torture or ill treatment are pushed aside, and so are feelings of wrongdoing. Challenging indifference Key to ending this illegal and harmful policy is to challenge these self-deceptive strategies that have produced moral disengagement. Other countries, such as the UK, are following in Australia's footsteps by introducing offshore detention for asylum seekers. This means challenging strategies that deny realityand widening our circle of empathyis more urgent than ever. It's indifference that's helping to maintain offshore detention. And it's this indifference that needs to be challenged to both respect international law and uphold the rights and dignity of refugees. Explore further There are 70 million refugees in the world. Here are 5 solutions to the problem Hasan Uludag holds a sample of leukemia cells treated with experimental drugs his team is testing that fight blood cancers by targeting gene defects in blood cells. Credit: Geoff McMaster A University of Alberta researcher is hot on the trail of a new drug to combat blood cancers. Based on RNA technologybest known for the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccinesthe drug targets specific gene defects in blood cells responsible for cancers such as leukemia. "With conventional cancer drugs, there is a disconnect between the drug and the gene defect," says Hasan Uludag of the Department of Chemical & Materials Engineering. When something goes wrong with a gene, it releases a defective messenger molecule called mRNA that triggers the production of a cancerous protein. Predicting the protein's three-dimensional structure and how to inhibit it with a conventional drug is "almost like guesswork," says Uludag. Instead, his team goes after the defective mRNA moleculeeasy to predict how to eradicate it when you know the sequence of the gene defect. "Tell me the genetic defect and I will tell you the mRNA," he says. "Without going to the protein, I can actually devise a method to destroy that mRNA. Once you stop the mRNA, there is no protein coming down the road. It neutralizes any harmful effect causing cancer." To disable the mRNA, Uludag targets it with nucleic acids called short interfering RNAisiRNA in their pharmacological form. Uludag's innovation, however, are the nanoparticles or lipopolymers that package and carry the interfering nucleic acids into blood cells. "Our specialty is mixing the nucleic acids with the right lipopolymers to make nanoparticles that enter the cells," he says, adding that his team is the leading group in the world pursuing this particular application of the technology. Uludag and his team have been engineering lipopolymers designed for blood cells for about 12 years. The research is about two years away from clinical trials, five years away from commercialization. He has also formed a spinoff company and has begun talks with pharmaceutical companies to get his new drug to market. "We want to do this as quickly as possibleI don't want to waste time," he says. "There are patients dying because of this cancer." Uludag's siRNA technology is best suited to treating acute myeloid leukemia, the most common variant of a blood disease often caused by gene defects. For blood cancers that aren't caused by gene defects, however, it remains an "open question" whether the technology could be of use, he says. "That's not something we are working on. But because we are designing these carriers, other researchers could test them to see if they work with molecules associated with other types of blood cancers." Uludag's lipopolymers may need to be tweaked depending on the type of blood cancer being treated, he added. He says there are currently no RNA drugs for blood cancers, the global market for which is estimated at about $33 billion. Explore further Cancer researchers find more effective way to deliver promising breast cancer treatment Credit: CC0 Public Domain Like a child peering through a kaleidoscope, a biologist gazing through a microscope may be amazed by the beautiful geometric patterns formed by cells. However, these cell arrangements do not form randomly to merely delight onlookers. Researchers believe these regular patterns can play a vital role in transmitting external stimuli and transforming them into signals to be sent to the brain. The mystery that remains is how these cells cooperate to form these stable patterns. This story begins with Kobe University's discovery that different types of sensory and related cells express different types of adhesion molecules, driving this pattern formation. Now, a team of mathematicians, including Karel Svadlenka from Kyoto University, have developed a mathematical model that successfully reproduces cellular patterns observed in sensory epithelia, or body tissue, based on intensities of adhesion molecules as input parameters. "This strongly supports the hypothesis that differential adhesion or interfacial tension is the main driving mechanism behind the formation of these patterns during organ development," says Svadlenka. A new numerical method for obtaining the solution of the model that can correctly handle complex cellular rearrangements preserves individual cell volumes and cell connectivity. Also, in some stages of development, interfacial tension plays an essential role, as well as cell-cell adhesion as a driving force of pattern formation. One of two methods used to test the hypothesis involved imaging techniques that enabled the team to identify various cellular patterns at different stages of epithelial development and measure the concentration of adhesion molecules at cell-cell junctions. Another method was a protocol that combined a new numerical method that the team developed based on the Esedoglu-Otto basic algorithm to preserve cell volumes and another algorithm to avoid unnatural cell splitting. Using these algorithms helped solve a disparity between experimentally observed patterns in stimulated olfactory epithelium and numerical results. "It was surprising to be able to recover the experimentally observed pattern if we changed the parameters in our simulation," adds Svadlenka, "and this provided the clue that interfacial tension becomes a prevalent mechanism at later developmental stages of cellular patterns." The team believes that this discovery will lead to changes in the viewpoint of researchers in this field that the mechanism of cell rearrangements was significantly more complex in nature. "It excites us that biology and mathematics can and need to work together to make a fundamentally important discovery that has deep implications for basic science and medical research," adds Svadlenka. The research was published in Communications Biology. Explore further Visualization of binding processes of cell-cell adhesion molecules in solution More information: Rhudaina Z. Mohammad et al, A numerical algorithm for modeling cellular rearrangements in tissue morphogenesis, Communications Biology (2022). Journal information: Communications Biology Rhudaina Z. Mohammad et al, A numerical algorithm for modeling cellular rearrangements in tissue morphogenesis,(2022). DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03174-6 Rajesh Sardar, center, speaks to Omolade Olofintuyi, left, an undergraduate from Howard University who conducted research on an advanced biosensor for COVID-19 in his lab this summer through an NSF-funded program. Credit: Chris Meyer, Indiana University As the BA.5 omicron variant continues to spread, health experts are increasingly preparing for a future in which such COVID-19 variants emerge, surge and recede, similar to seasonal flu. An important part of staying on top of these changes will be the ability to quickly monitor the virus at a "population scale," an effort that will require accurate and ultra-fast testing. To help meet this challenge, researchers from the School of Science at IUPUI are developing a new biosensor with the potential to achieve the speed and efficiency required for the future of COVID-19 testing. The work was recently reported in ACS Applied Material Interfaces, a journal of the American Chemical Society. It is led by Rajesh Sardar, a professor of chemistry and chemical biology in the School of Science, and Adrianna Masterson, a graduate student in Sardar's lab at the time of the study. "Everyone is chasing high-throughput testing; this type of high-speed analysis is essential to the future of the fight against COVID-19," Sardar said. "There are many advantages to our technology in particular: It's fast, efficient, accurate and unprecedentedly sensitive." In terms of speed, the COVID-19 test from Sardar's lab can currently analyze samples from 96 individuals in under three hours, he said. In terms of efficiently, the system requires only 10 microliters of blood. By comparison, a typical blood panel order by a primary care physician collects 10 milliliters of bloodmore than 1,000 times more. The sensor also works with other sample types, such as saliva, Sardar said. But the study was conducted using blood since it's the most complex bodily fluid, and therefore the best indicator of a sensor's accuracy. All test samples were obtained from the Indiana Biobank, which provided 216 blood samples, including 141 samples from patients with COVID-19 and 75 healthy control samples. Sardar holds equipment used to test for COVID-19. The biosensor developed in his lab can analyze up to 96 samples in several hours with unprecedented sensitivity. Credit: Chris Meyer, Indiana University Based upon a blind analysis, IUPUI researchers found their biosensor's accuracy rate was 100 percent and its specificity rate was 90 percent. In other words, the sensor never reported a false negative and only reported a false positive in 1 out of 10 samples. For the purposes of public safety, Sardar said the absence of false negatives is more important than false positives, because a person with a false negative may unknowingly infect others, whereas a person with a false positive is not a danger. Additionally, Sardar said the sensor was found to be highly accurate at measuring the body's COVID-19 antibody concentration. This is because it detects not only the virus's spike protein but also the proteins created by the body to protect against the virusimmunoglobin G, or IgG. He also said the ability to measure COVID-19 antibodies is significant because many COVID-19 antibody tests currently approved under the FDA's emergency use authorization don't provide specific antibody counts, despite the fact that this number indicates the strength of a person's immunity to infection. "Accurately measuring patients' immunity levels will be critical to protecting against COVID-19 going forward," Sardar said. "This can be seen clearly in our current state of affairs, as variants like omicronand most recently, BA.5are infecting even fully vaccinated and boosted individuals." To achieve its results, Sardar's lab's biosensor uses chemically synthesized gold triangular nanoprisms, which provide a uniquely powerful optical response to even minuscule amounts of IgG. It also means the sensor can detect antibodies in the earliest stages of infection. The work, which began in the early days of the pandemic, builds upon initial promising results published in June 2021. Next, Sardar aims to further refine the technology, with a goal of eventually being able to process 384 samples in less than an houror 5,000 samples per day, if used in a larger testing center. "This research is about preparing for the future," said Sardar, who is also a researcher with the Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center. "The H1N1 strain of the flu is nearly 100 years old. I expect the coronavirus will also be with us a long time. Looking ahead, we need to come up with ways to measure many people's infections, or risks of infection, quickly, easily and efficiently in order to stay one step ahead of the virus." More information: Adrianna N. Masterson et al, Selective Detection and Ultrasensitive Quantification of SARS-CoV-2 IgG Antibodies in Clinical Plasma Samples Using Epitope-Modified Nanoplasmonic Biosensing Platforms, ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces (2022). Journal information: ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces Adrianna N. Masterson et al, Selective Detection and Ultrasensitive Quantification of SARS-CoV-2 IgG Antibodies in Clinical Plasma Samples Using Epitope-Modified Nanoplasmonic Biosensing Platforms,(2022). DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c06599 Credit: CC0 Public Domain A new report has identified the 10 financial actors with the most influence on the fossil fuel economy and outlines the decisive role they can play in helping de-carbonize our future. The study found that the top 10 most influential actors, including investment advisors, governments, and sovereign wealth funds from around the world, own 49.5 percent of potential emissions from the world's largest energy firms. "This shows us that both investors and governments can be at the forefront of change if citizens and clients urge them to de-carbonize," said Truzaar Dordi, lead researcher from the University of Waterloo. "A concentrated number of investors with the potential to influence the trajectory of the fossil fuel industry is either a problem, or an opportunity, depending on how you see things." To arrive at their list, the researchers used a novel scoring mechanism blending the financial actor's fossil fuel holdings and investment in the world's 200 largest fossil fuel firms. "If they're serious, capital markets can enable a low-carbon transition within the top coal, oil and gas reserve owners in the world," said Dordi. "Recent pledges to reduce carbon exposure in investment portfolios and engagement with the fossil fuel industry indicate we may already be moving in that direction." The paper outlines specific ways these 10 governments and private investment advisors can make changes that will have a transformative impact in the fight against climate change. Some recommendations include public disclosure of a scheduled phase-out of fossil fuel financing, an assessment of a portfolio's exposure to climate risk in a 2C world, and an alignment of investment portfolios with a 1.5C scenario. "Individually, reducing the demand for fossil fuels by driving and flying less and turning off the air-conditioner are great. We should keep doing that. But we also need to reduce our production of fossil fuels, which these 10 actors can lead. Without them, we simply won't have what it takes to meet our emissions targets and avoid catastrophe." The study, authored by University of Waterloo's Dordi and Olaf Weber, along with researchers Sebastian Gehricke of the University of Otago in New Zealand and Alain Naef of Banque de France, was recently published in the journal Environmental Innovation and Societal Transitions. Explore further Investors in renewables tripled fossil fuel performance over the past decade More information: Truzaar Dordi et al, Ten financial actors can accelerate a transition away from fossil fuels, Environmental Innovation and Societal Transitions (2022). Truzaar Dordi et al, Ten financial actors can accelerate a transition away from fossil fuels,(2022). DOI: 10.1016/j.eist.2022.05.006 Long before the line Who are those guys? became a running gag in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, the public wondered the same thing about Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward. Millions knew them, especially him, without knowing anything about the inner workings of their partnership. Defined by the 15 films they made together, several with Newman directing his wife, they became the industry bench mark for relationship success. Other famous couples fell apart. They stayed coupled. But it hasnt been easy, Woodward once told an interviewer. I dont think any valid relationship is. Advertisement The Last Movie Stars, premiering July 21 on HBO Max, does an extraordinary job of revealing the other side of the facade, without fawning or tidy summaries of judgment. Its six of the most irresistible hours of TV Ive seen this year. Heres the origin story. In the late 1980s, Newman began work on a memoir with screenwriter Stewart Stern. They recorded hundreds of hours of interviews with Newman and Woodward, their friends, co-workers and family members. They talked to directors (Elia Kazan, Sidney Lumet, Martin Ritt, George Roy Hill), famous actors and writers, non-famous people. A high school beau of Woodwards, for example. Advertisement Newman soured on the book project. One day, he lit a match and burned the tapes though not before theyd been transcribed on paper. Once Ethan Hawke looked at the transcripts, he knew he had a movie. He hired actors he knew to read some of the excerpts, in character. The marriage and movies of Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward are explored in director Ethan Hawke's six-part HBO Max docuseries "The Last Movie Stars." (HANDOUT) Early on and then throughout The Last Movie Stars, we see Hawke in Zoom calls, mid-pandemic, explaining his approach to Laura Linney (who voices Woodwards material), George Clooney (Newman) and a deep bench of an ensemble including Sally Field, Sam Rockwell, Oscar Isaac and on and on. Theres enough of Hawke talking about the project, while were watching the project, to court disaster. The director wants The Last Movie Stars to be a real-time account of his own filmmaking process, in addition to doing right by Newman and Woodward. Inevitably there are moments when you think: OK, how about getting back to the subjects at hand? Miraculously, though, the six parts coalesce and build in wonderful ways. The episodes are expansive enough to accommodate everything Hawke (whose previous directorial work includes the beautiful Seymour: An Introduction) has on his mind. And foremost on his mind is his fascination with two fascinating enigmas, here gratifyingly made a little less enigmatic. Amplifying the treasure trove of audio transcripts, The Last Movie Stars draws from a wealth of existing film and still footage of Newman and Woodward, across the decades. (Woodward is still with us; Newman died in 2008.) At the formidable training ground the Actors Studio, Newman, from Shaker Heights, Ohio, felt utterly outclassed by wild hares such as Marlon Brando, James Dean, Ben Gazzara, Rip Torn. They were all confidence and energy without oratory, without acting. Woodward, hailing from Thomasville, Georgia, was accepted into the Actors Studio ranks soon enough. They both got hired for William Inges demurely sultry drama Picnic, premiering on Broadway in 1953. Newman played the milquetoast country club denizen Alan, though he yearned to play the studly Hal and eventually replaced Ralph Meeker in the leading role. Understudying Hal, hed practice the sexy dance duet with his fellow understudy, Woodward, in the wings during performances. They couldnt keep their hands off each other. Newmans wife and three kids eventually found out what was going on, years later. In the documentary, Newmans daughter, Stephanie, says she felt disgusted by her father. But she adds: disgust was not the only feeling. Woodward married Newman in 1958, a few months before they were paired on screen in The Long Hot Summer. That film, which came out just before Newman co-starred with Elizabeth Taylor in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, cemented Newmans blue eyes and sweaty torso in the eyes of an avid public. Woodwards appeal wasnt the same. Neither was her range or her unvarnished authenticity. She knew who she was, and how to play who she wasnt. Newman was more cautious by temperament, and by talent. At one point Clooney-as-Newman confesses to feeling like a collection of old characters (Ive) played, strung together into a kind of a human being. For Newman, the early, unflattering comparisons to Brando and James Dean were a lot to ignore. His luck, which he says began by being born white in America in 1925, continued when he got his big break in movies as Rocky Graziano in Somebody Up There Likes Me (1956). He landed the role only because Dean, originally cast, died in a car accident. Advertisement His equipment emotionally was average, director Martin Ritt says at one point in the documentary. Or less than average. But he worked hard and improved, and by the time of The Hustler, Hud and Cool Hand Luke, Newman had become his own kind of movie star. Joanne Woodward and Paul Newman in "Mr. and Mrs. Bridge." (Handout) Director Hawke addresses Newmans probable alcoholism (nothing probable about it, according to at least two of his kids), and, more obliquely, an affair that coincided with Newmans self-admitted low point and heaviest booze intake. All of this comes out, and through, the subjects in The Last Movie Stars as parts of a whole. Hawkes editor Barry Poltermann is a wizard at intertwining newsreel footage; stills (at one point we see Newman in the back seat of a limo with an uncredited Roger Ebert); Zoom screens; and judiciously chosen examples of Newman and Woodwards screen careers, from early live TV to Mr. and Mrs. Bridge (1990). To Newman, Woodward was the real actor in the family, not a faker or pretender like he was. She made it big far sooner than he did, winning the Academy Award for best actress for The Three Faces of Eve (1957). Then she back-burnered her own career to raise their three children, in addition to the three from Newmans first union. If I had to do it all over again, Linney (as Woodward) says at one point, I might not have had children. Private correspondence between Paul and Joanne brings out a hushed, intimate quality of confession in the marriage. I miss you, Woodward writes to Newman at one point. I dont know who you are. But I miss you anyway. I just wish you were happy, and that you could say what you feel, not just what you think. You dont have to be Joanne Woodward or Paul Newman to recognize the emotional terrain of that landscape. The Last Movie Stars is more than a mash note; its a triumph of movie love as well as an incisive exploration of two utterly different personalities who made perfect imperfect sense together. Campaigning for Sen. Eugene McCarthy, Paul Newman shares a limo with Roger Ebert in Kenosha, Wisconsin, in 1968. The photo appears in the HBO documentary "The Last Movie Stars." (KEITH RUSSELL / HANDOUT) The Last Movie Stars 4 stars (out of 4) Content rating: TV-MA (language) Advertisement Running time: Six episodes, approximately six hours How to watch: All episodes premiere July 21 on HBO Max Michael Phillips is a Tribune critic. mjphillips@chicagotribune.com Twitter @phillipstribune Big screen or home stream, takeout or dine-in, Tribune writers are here to steer you toward your next great experience. Sign up for your free weekly Eat. Watch. Do. newsletter here. Credit: NASA, ESA, the Hubble Heritage-Hubble Collaboration, and A. Evans A University of Massachusetts Amherst undergraduate student has contributed significant work regarding the growth of stars and black holes, providing key insight into how they are linked. This new information will allow the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) to more efficiently untangle how, exactly, galaxies work. Astronomers know that the evolution of galaxies is powered by two processes: the growth of supermassive black holes at each galaxy's center and the formation of new stars. How these processes are related has remained a mystery and is one of the questions that the recently launched James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) will be exploring. Work by Meredith Stone, who graduated from UMass Amherst's astronomy program in May 2022, will help scientists better understand how they are linked. "We know that galaxies grow, collide and change throughout their lives," says Stone, who completed this research under the direction of Alexandra Pope, professor of astronomy at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and senior author of a new paper, recently published in The Astrophysical Journal. "And we know that black hole growth and star formation play crucial roles. We think that the two are linked and that they regulate each other, but until now, it's been very hard to see exactly how." Part of the reason that it has been difficult to study the interaction between black holes and stars is that we can't really see these interactions because they take place behind enormous clouds of galactic dust. "For galaxies that are actively forming stars, more than 90% of the visible light can be absorbed by dust," says Pope, "and this dust absorbs visible light." However, there's a workaround: When the dust absorbs visible light, it heats up, and though the naked human eye can't see heat, infrared telescopes can. "We used the Spitzer Space Telescope," says Stone, who will begin her graduate studies in astronomy at the University of Arizona this fall, "collected during the Great Observatories All-sky LIRG Survey (GOALS) campaign, to look at the mid-infrared wavelength range of some of the brightest galaxies that are relatively close to Earth." In particular, Stone and her co-authors were looking for particular tell-tale tracers that are the fingerprints of black holes and stars in the midst of formation. The difficulty is that these fingerprints are exceedingly faint and nearly impossible to distinguish from the general noise of the infrared spectrum. "What Meredith did," says Pope, "is to calibrate the measurements of these tracers so that they are more distinct." Once the team had these more distinct observations in hand, they could see that in fact, black hole growth and star formation are happening concurrently in the same galaxies and they do seem to be influencing each other. Stone was even able to calculate the ratio that describes how the two phenomena are linked. Not only is this an exciting scientific achievement on its own, Stone's work can be taken up by the JWST, with its unprecedented access to the mid-infrared spectrum light, and used to zero in much more closely on the questions that remain. For though Stone and her co-authors, including UMass Amherst astronomy graduate student Jed McKinney, quantified how black holes and stars are linked in the same galaxy, why they're linked remains a mystery. Explore further Supermassive black holes inside dying galaxies detected in early universe More information: Meredith Stone et al, Measuring Star Formation and Black Hole Accretion Rates in Tandem Using Mid-infrared Spectra of Local Infrared Luminous Galaxies, The Astrophysical Journal (2022). Journal information: Astrophysical Journal Meredith Stone et al, Measuring Star Formation and Black Hole Accretion Rates in Tandem Using Mid-infrared Spectra of Local Infrared Luminous Galaxies,(2022). DOI: 10.3847/1538-4357/ac778b Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Young women's and girls' time spent in unpaid household work contributes to the gender pay gap, according to new research from the Universities of East Anglia (UEA), Birmingham and Brunel. The research shows women's later employment participation is affected by taking on the weight of this care burden in childhood, thus adding to existing inequality gaps in the study countries. The study, "The contribution of girls' longer hours in unpaid work to gender gaps in early adult employment: Evidence from Ethiopia, India, Peru and Vietnam," is published today in the journal Feminist Economics. The research team examined data from the Young Lives project, a longitudinal cohort study of childhood poverty following the lives of 12,000 children from India, Ethiopia, Peru and Vietnam. The India sample data is from the states Andhra Pradesh and Telengana. Following the lives of children from the age of 8 to 22, the research team analyzed employment participation in any paid work and any sector (including agriculture), type of employment and wages. According to UNICEF, girls spend 40 percent more time on household chores than boys. Unequal shares of household care work are highly consequential for girls and linked to wider inequalities such as access to piped water, which shapes the amount of necessary work. The amount and nature of household work influences girls' school participation, reduces their time for study and can thus constrain their future employment opportunities. Policy to address gender inequality in paid work needs to take into account unpaid work in childhood, said Dr. Nicholas Vasilakos, of UEA. Investing in youth employment is central to development agendas and would help countries meet the UN Sustainable Development Goal of decent work for all by 2030. Dr. Vasilakos, Associate Professor of Sustainable Business Economics and Public Policy at UEA's Norwich Business School, said, "Unequal participation in household work starts at a young age, widening differences over time suggest gendered trajectories." Prof Fiona Carmichael, Professor of Labour Economics at Birmingham Business School, said, "Longer hours of unpaid household work that reduces girls' time for study may therefore limit their future lives by constraining employment opportunities. "This confirms that the care burden to women of their greater share of household work starts back in childhood." At age 22, there was already a gender gap in employment participation (85.72 percent of men versus 70.64 percent of women). Moreover, women's hourly wage of US $1.46/hour is significantly less (p=0.001) than men's US $1.77/hour. Household work is negatively related to job qualityboth type of jobs and earningssaid Dr. Christian Darko, a Lecturer in Applied Business and Labour Economics at the University of Birmingham. Prof Shireen Kanji, Professor of Human Resource Management at Brunel University London, said, "It seems that in comparison to men, women's employment is likely to be driven to a greater extent by lack of choice or by need, and is characterized by fewer opportunities for well-paid, higher-quality employment." However, the study did find that girls whose parents have higher aspirations for them at age 12 have better chances of higher-paid employment at age 22. More information: The contribution of girls' longer hours in unpaid work to gender gaps in early adult employment: Evidence from Ethiopia, India, Peru and Vietnam, Feminist Economics (2022). The contribution of girls' longer hours in unpaid work to gender gaps in early adult employment: Evidence from Ethiopia, India, Peru and Vietnam,(2022). DOI: 10.1080/13545701.2022.2084559 Samantha Cristoforetti is the first European woman to spacewalk outside the ISS. Italian Samantha Cristoforetti became the first European woman astronaut to embark on a spacewalk outside the International Space Station on Thursday, NASA footage showed. Cristoforetti was joined by Russian cosmonaut Oleg Artemyev on the spacewalk which began just before 1500 GMT, with the pair expected to spend around six and half hours more than 400 kilometres (248 miles) above Earth. Among their tasks is work on a Europe-made robotic arm which just a week ago became embroiled in tensions between Russia and the West over Moscow's war in Ukraine. Early last week the head of Russian space agency Roscosmos Dmitry Rogozin, furious at the European Space Agency's decision to cut ties with Moscow on a Mars rover mission, told cosmonauts on the ISS to stop using the European Robotic Arm. But President Vladimir Putin dismissed Rogozin as Roscosmos chief on Friday, and hours later Washington and Moscow said they would renew flights together to the ISS. On Thursday, the spacewalkers will continue work on setting up the robotic arm, which was installed a few months ago after being launched into orbit in July 2021 following numerous delays. The 11-metre long robot, which looks like a pair of compasses, is one of three such robots on the ISS, but it is the only one that can reach the station's Russian segment. Once fully set-up, the arm will perform numerous tasks mostly on the Russian segment, and can be controlled from inside or outside the space station, or even from back on Earth. Thursday was the third spacewalk that involved work on the arm. The pair will also carry out work on the Russian Nauka laboratory module. It was Artemyev's sixth spacewalk, but his first not alongside a fellow Russian. Cristoforetti, a 45-year-old European Space Agency astronaut and former Italian air force pilot, arrived for her second tour on the ISS in April. She holds the record for the longest stay in space by a woman after spending 199 days in orbit in 2014 and 2015. The ISS space station has long symbolised closer ties between Russia and the US in the aftermath of the Cold War. Now it remains one of the last areas of cooperation between Russia and the West, which has imposed sanctions over Moscow's war in Ukraine. Explore further ESA fully cuts Mars mission ties with Russia, angering Moscow 2022 AFP Glen Rose Sauropod Footprint (Brontopodus birdi) Early Cretaceous, 115-112 million years ago. Collecdted Somervell County, Texas. Credit: Rodney, CC BY 2.0 A restaurant in southwestern China was discovered to be harboring ancient history, as dinosaur footprintsdating back 100 million yearswere found in the establishment's outdoor courtyard. Footprints of two sauropods, a type of dinosaur that lived during the early Cretaceous period, were found along several stones in the outdoor courtyard at the restaurant in Leshan, Sichuan province according to paleontologists. The restaurant previously had been a farm and the footprints had been buried by layers of dirt to shield them from weather damage. Lida Xing, a paleontologist and associate professor at the China University of Geosciences, told U.S. TODAY by email his team confirmed the discovery on Saturday by using a 3D scanner. Sauropods' species include the popularized brontosaurus and were known for their long necks and tails. They're considered to be the largest animals ever to walk the Earthextending the length of three school busesaccording to research by the University of California, Berkeley. Xing noted that the footprints of the dinosaurs that roamed the Earth found in the restaurant measured around 26 feet in body length. Xing said China's development and constant building have made studying fossils challenging for paleontologists, making the discovery at the restaurant extremely rare. That's why his team focuses on trying to visit sites within 48 hours of hearing about a report before more construction takes place. The find in Sichuan is also rare because it dates back to the Cretaceous period, believed to be a glory era for the dinosaurs by many paleontologists. According to Xing, the restaurant owner has currently fenced off the area in the courtyard so people do not disrupt the footprints. Explore further International paleontology team discovers tiny cat-sized stegosaur (c)2022 USA Today Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain Anxiety and fear went hand in hand with trying to learn more about COVID-19 in the early days of the pandemic in the United Statesand the most distressed people were turning on the television and scrolling through social media, according to research from the University of WisconsinMadison. "What we'd hope is that you could counter uncertainty by learning more about the world, and that you'd associate not knowing with experiencing emotional distress," says UWMadison psychology professor Markus Brauer. "Like with many crises, that wasn't the case with COVID-19. Higher media consumptionseeking out the newswas associated with more emotional distress." Brauer and collaborators in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication surveyed a nationally representative sample of more than 2,200 people throughout the U.S. in March and April of 2020. It was just a few weeks after public health measures like masking and physical distancing began to appear as orders in some cities and states. The researchers asked respondents how "overwhelmed," "anxious," or "afraid about what might happen" they were, as well as how often they were seeking out pandemic information via different types of news media, how likely they thought it was they would be infected, and whether they knew someone who had tested positive for COVID-19. The researchers published their findings in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. Younger respondents and women were more likely to be emotionally distressed, as were people with liberal political views and, intuitively, people who felt they were likely to catch the virus. Most importantly, controlling for age and gender demographics, seeking out news updates about COVID-19 more frequently was associated with greater emotional distress. "We sort of expected that with social media consumers," says Brauer, who partnered with journalism professor Dhavan Shah on the study. "We know that social media are a bad source for getting news updates. Negative news gets more clicks and is shared more often, so people who get their news from social media are disproportionally exposed to distressing content." However, distress wasn't limited to consumers of social media. "What really surprised us was the association between emotional distress on the one hand and frequency of getting news from print media and television on the other hand," says Brauer. Television and newspapers provide information, including updates on research examining infection risk and transmission methods. The researchers thought this information, without the amplification of negative content experienced on social media, might help people manage the many unknowns that exist in the initial stages of a new pandemic. Instead, both television and social media had the strongest positive relationships with emotional distress. The association between emotional distress and print media consumption was smaller, but still positive and significant. The study doesn't allow for causal conclusions. While it is likely that seeking out news updates about the pandemic led to emotional distress, according to Brauer, it is also possible that people who are distressed try to manage their emotions by checking the news more often. "So many of us are connected what feels like constantly throughout the day, and there's certainly a point where continued attention isn't a benefit," Brauer says. "Would nine hours a day checking the news for COVID information make you more informed than five hours a day? Probably not. Our results tell us you're just more likely to feel worse." Explore further Doomscrolling COVID news takes an emotional toll: How to make your social media a happier place More information: Juwon Hwang et al, The Relationship among COVID-19 Information Seeking, News Media Use, and Emotional Distress at the Onset of the Pandemic, International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (2021). Journal information: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health Juwon Hwang et al, The Relationship among COVID-19 Information Seeking, News Media Use, and Emotional Distress at the Onset of the Pandemic,(2021). DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182413198 Credit: CC0 Public Domain Historically, the scientific community has relied on educating the public in order to increase agreement with scientific consensus. New research from Portland State University suggests why this approach has seen only mixed results. "Human opposition to scientific consensus is an extremely important topic. For many years, smart people thought that the way to bring people more in line with scientific consensus was to teach them the knowledge they lacked," said Nick Light, a PSU assistant professor of marketing. "Unfortunately, educational interventions haven't worked very well." Light's research titled "Knowledge overconfidence is associated with anti-consensus views on controversial scientific issues," was published recently in Science Advances. "Our research suggests that there may be a problem of overconfidence getting in the way of learning, because if people think they know a lot, they have minimal motivation to learn more," Light said. "People with more extreme anti-scientific attitudes might first need to learn about their relative ignorance on the issues before being taught specifics of established scientific knowledge." The paper examined attitudes about eight issues with scientific consensus on which anti-consensus views persist: climate change, nuclear power, genetically modified foods, the big bang, evolution, vaccination, homeopathic medicine and COVID-19. Light said they found that in general, as people's attitudes on an issue get further from scientific consensus, their assessments of their own knowledge of that issue increases, but their actual knowledge decreases. Take COVID-19 vaccines, for example. The less an individual agrees with the COVID-19 vaccine, the more they believe they know about it, but their factual knowledge is more likely to be lower. "Essentially, the people who are most extreme in their opposition to the consensus are the most overconfident in their knowledge," Light said. "Our findings suggest that this pattern is fairly general. However, we did not find them for climate change, evolution, or the big bang theory." The degree to which attitudes on an issue are tied up with political or religious identities could affect whether this pattern exists for that issue, Light added. "For climate change, for example, attitudes in line with science tend to be held by liberals, whereas for an issue like genetically modified foods, liberals and conservatives tend to be fairly split in their support or opposition," he said. "It could be that when we know our in-groups feel strongly about an issue, we don't think much about our knowledge of the issue." The consequences of these anti-consensus views are widespread, including property destruction, malnutrition, financial hardship and death. Educational interventions to shift views may not work unless individuals first get an accurate picture of their own knowledge of an issue's complexities. "The challenge then becomes finding appropriate ways to convince anti-consensus individuals that they probably aren't as knowledgeable as they think they are," Light said. Shifting focus from individual knowledge to the influence of experts is one possibility raised by Light and his coauthors. The power of social norms despite personal views is also impactful. In Japan, for example, many people wore COVID-19 transmission-reducing masks not to mitigate personal risk, but to conform to a societal norm. "People tend to do what they think their community expects them to do," Light said. While blindly following the consensus isn't generally recommended, if anti-consensus attitudes create dangerous situations for the community, "it is incumbent on society to try to change minds in favor of the scientific consensus." Explore further Genetically modified food opponents know less than they think, research finds More information: Nicholas Light et al, Knowledge overconfidence is associated with anti-consensus views on controversial scientific issues, Science Advances (2022). Journal information: Science Advances Nicholas Light et al, Knowledge overconfidence is associated with anti-consensus views on controversial scientific issues,(2022). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abo0038 An artists vision of Qikiqtania enjoying its fully aquatic, free-swimming lifestyle. Credit: Alex Boersma, CC BY-ND Approximately 365 million years ago, one group of fishes left the water to live on land. These animals were early tetrapods, a lineage that would radiate to include many thousands of species including amphibians, birds, lizards and mammals. Human beings are descendants of those early tetrapods, and we share the legacy of their water-to-land transition. But what if, instead of venturing onto the shores, they had turned back? What if these animals, just at the cusp of leaving the water, had receded to live again in more open waters? A new fossil suggests that one fish, in fact, did just that. In contrast to other closely related animals, which were using their fins to prop their bodies up on the bottom of the water and perhaps occasionally venturing out onto land, this newly discovered creature had fins that were built for swimming. In March 2020, I was at The University of Chicago and a member of biologist Neil Shubin's lab. I was working with Justin Lemberg, another researcher in our group, to process a fossil that was collected back in 2004 during an expedition to the Canadian Arctic. From the surface of the rock it was embedded in, we could see fragments of the jaws, about 2 inches long (5 cm) and with pointed teeth. There were also patches of white scales with bumpy texture. The anatomy gave us subtle hints that the fossil was an early tetrapod. But we wanted to see inside the rock. So we used a technology called CT scanning, which shoots X-rays through the specimen, to look for anything that might be hidden within, out of view. On March 13, we scanned an unassuming piece of rock that had a few scales on top and discovered it contained a complete fin buried inside. Our jaws dropped. A few days later, the lab and campus shut down, and COVID-19 sent us into lockdown. Tom Stewart holds the Qikiqtania fossil. Credit: Stephanie Sang, CC BY-ND The fin revealed A fin like this is extremely precious. It can give scientists clues into how early tetrapods were evolving and how they were living hundreds of millions of years ago. For example, based on the shape of certain bones in the skeleton, we can make predictions about whether an animal was swimming or walking. Although that first scan of the fin was promising, we needed to see the skeleton in high resolution. As soon as we were allowed back on campus, a professor in the university's department of the geophysical sciences helped us to trim down the block using a rock saw. This made the block more fin, less rock, allowing for a better scan and a closer view of the fin. When the dust had cleared and we'd finished analyzing data on the jaws, scales and fin, we realized that this animal was a new species. Not only that, it turns out that this is one of the closest known relatives to limbed vertebratesthose creatures with fingers and toes. We named it Qikiqtania wakei. Its genus name, pronounced "kick-kiq-tani-ahh," refers to the Inuktitut words Qikiqtaaluk or Qikiqtani, the traditional name for the region where the fossil was found. When this fish was alive, many hundreds of millions of years ago, this was a warm environment with rivers and streams. Its species name honors the late David Wake, a scientist and mentor who inspired so many of us in the field of evolutionary and developmental biology. An animation of the pectoral fin of Qikiqtania showing how it was preserved in the rock. Scales are shown in yellow, fin rays in blue, and the endoskeleton in grey. Credit: Tom Stewart Skeletons tell how an animal lived Qikiqtania reveals a lot about a critical period in our lineage's history. Its scales tell researchers unambiguously that it was living underwater. They show sensory canals that would have allowed the animal to detect the flow of water around its body. Its jaws tell us that it was foraging as a predator, biting and holding onto prey with a series of fangs and drawing food into its mouth by suction. But it is Qikiqtania's pectoral fin that is most surprising. It has a humerus bone, just as our upper arm does. But Qikiqtania's has a very peculiar shape. Early tetrapods, like Tiktaalik, have humeri that possess a prominent ridge on the underside and a characteristic set of bumps, where muscles attach. These bony bumps tell us that early tetrapods were living on the bottom of lakes and streams, using their fins or arms to prop themselves up, first on the ground underwater and later on land. Qikiqtania's humerus is different. It lacks those trademark ridges and processes. Instead, its humerus is thin and boomerang-shaped, and the rest of the fin is large and paddle-like. This fin was built for swimming. Whereas other early tetrapods were playing at the water's edge, learning what land had to offer, Qikiqtania was doing something different. Its humerus is truly unlike any others known. My colleagues and I think it shows that Qikiqtania had turned back from the water's edge and evolved to live, once again, off the ground and in open water. An animation of the full skeleton of Qikiqtania. Credit: Tom Stewart Neil Shubin, who found the fossil, pointing across the valley to the site where Qikiqtania was discovered on Ellesmere Island. Credit: Neil Shubin, CC BY-ND Evolution isn't a march in one direction Evolution isn't a simple, linear process. Although it might seem like early tetrapods were trending inevitably toward life on land, Qikiqtania shows exactly the limitations of such a directional perspective. Evolution didn't build a ladder towards humans. It's a complex set of processes that together grow the tangled tree of life. New species form and they diversify. Branches can head off in any number of directions. This fossil is special for so many reasons. It's not just miraculous that this fish was preserved in rock for hundreds of millions of years before being discovered by scientists in the Arctic, on Ellesmere Island. It's not just that it's remarkably complete, with its full anatomy revealed by serendipity at the cusp of a global pandemic. It also provides, for the first time, a glimpse of the broader diversity and range of lifestyles of fishes at the water-to-land transition. It helps researchers see more than a ladder and understand that fascinating, tangled tree. Discoveries depend on community Qikiqtania was found on Inuit land, and it belongs to that community. My colleagues and I were only able to conduct this research because of the generosity and support of individuals in the hamlets of Resolute Bay and Grise Fiord, the Iviq Hunters and Trappers of Grise Fiord, and the Department of Heritage and Culture, Nunavut. To them, on behalf of our entire research team, "nakurmiik." Thank you. Paleontological expeditions onto their land have truly changed how we understand the history of life on Earth. COVID-19 kept many paleontologists from traveling and visiting field sites across the world these last few years. We're eager to return, to visit with old friends and to search again. Who knows what other animals lie hidden, waiting to be discovered inside blocks of unassuming stone. Explore further New fossil shows four-legged fishapod that returned to the water while Tiktaalik ventured onto land This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Credit: Routledge School reform is a challenge faced by nations around the world, each taking their own approach to improve the quality of education within their borders. A new book explores how nine countries address the issue of educational inequity, sharing critical analysis of the school reform policies employed across five continents. The book, "Centering Whole-Child Development in Global Education Reform: International Perspectives on Agendas for Educational Equity and Quality," explores the cultural, social and political factors that drive or inhibit the success of holistic school reform initiatives. The text identifies common challenges faced by nations around the worldfrom underprepared teachers to siloed government agenciesand will help scholars support global efforts to improve holistic and equitable education. Published in May, the book is co-edited by Jaekyung Lee, Ph.D., professor of counseling, school and educational psychology in the University at Buffalo Graduate School of Education, and Kenneth K. Wong, Ph.D., Walter and Leonore Annenberg Chair for Education Policy at Brown University. "There is a saying that it takes a village to raise a child. Our premise is that it takes a whole system to raise a whole child," says Lee. "The fundamental premise is that we need systemic reform to nurture all children's well-being alongside traditional measures of academic achievement." The nations analyzed in the book include Chile, Ethiopia, France, Nepal, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, the United States and Vietnam. Among the primary challenges for countries is the narrow focus on the quantity of education that children receive, rather than the quality, says Lee. Low-income countriesas defined by the World Health Organizationsuch as Ethiopia and Nepal, are focused on attaining universal primary education with high literacy and numeracy rates; and middle-income countries, such as Chile, South Africa and Vietnam, are striving to achieve universal secondary education and vocational training; while high-income countries, which include France, Singapore, South Korea and the U.S., have universal education but prioritize academics over school programs dedicated to well-rounded child development. "The countries are at different stages of development, and have different cultures and contexts, so there is no one size fits all solution," says Wong. "Once you focus more on how many years of education children have, you lose sight of what's happening inside the classroom. When governments are focused on attainment, then less attention is given to whole child development." Another common challenge is how unprepared educators are to teach soft skills and critical thinking that may not be necessary for the curriculum but are crucial for children to succeed in society. Government agencies were also found to work in silos, despite health care and socioeconomic welfare each playing a significant role in child development and education. Each country faced issues surrounding educational equity as well, with gaps existing between racial or ethnic majorities and minorities, urban and rural communities, and high and low-income families. The solutions adopted by each nation vary. Chile has worked to reform its education system from a market-driven approach that allowed school choice to a community school model, alleviating the inequality created by wealthy families concentrating resources into select schools. France is addressing growing socioeconomic inequality by concentrating school funding in high-poverty, disadvantaged areas. "When we talk about educational equity, it was previously an issue of access. Now, we should focus more on quality. Even if disadvantaged children go to school, there is still a lot of inequality in teacher quality and learning opportunities provided," says Lee. "Whole child development is a fundamental human right. We need to go beyond academic skills for students to not only survive but thrive in a rapidly changing global society. They also need socioemotional, career and life skills. The bottom line is that education reform must be systemic for ensuring equity and quality." Explore further Inequality in educational attainment found for schizophrenia patients Local communities, researchers, governments and businesses are working together to identify coastal erosion risks and find sustainable solutions. Credit: Shutterstock The St. Lawrence riverbanks are eroding. This has an impact on infrastructure, economy and inhabitants' well-being. It exposes communities to flooding and can destroy local ecosystems. Under the threat of a climate catastrophe, an in-depth reflection is essential to adapt to the changing climate in the St. Lawrence. In Prince Edward Island, the average erosion rate is about 0.3 metres per year. In New Brunswick, it is about 0.5 metres per year. In Quebec, it is closer to two metres per year! This rate of erosion is expected to increase as climate change raises sea levels, bringing water closer to local communities. More frequent and stronger storms will generate larger waves and the reduction in sea ice coverage will give winter storms access to the coast, where the land comes into contact with the sea. The latest report from the United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) calls for transformative adaptation, to completely rethink the way we adapt to climate change to include more sustainable solutions. As professors of coastal engineering, we work to develop resilient solutions to adapt to climate change in coastal and estuarial environments. We work with communities, businesses and non-profit organizations to better understand how natural systems can be used to protect coasts from erosion and flooding. Traditional approaches are no longer appropriate Almost all97 percentof Quebec's coastal infrastructure is composed of "hard" structures. You can see these dikes and barriers along the St. Lawrence River, designed to maintain or extend the coastline. This approach is advocated worldwide, with most design manuals, research and case studies focusing on hard infrastructure; it has been used for centuries. These types of infrastructure-based adaptation methods are well established and have a proven track record in solving short-term problems without occupying significant shoreline. Hard infrastructure, used around the world for centuries, serves to maintain or enhance the coastline. Credit: Shutterstock The problem with hard infrastructure is that it does not adapt to the changing climate. As such, it often requires maintenance and restoration, and can hinder the natural evolution of the coastline. This is known as coastal squeeze. Coastal squeeze is particularly problematic where coastlines have been designed to treat acute symptoms (such as local flooding) rather than address the underlying problem. These limits, if not properly managed, tend to shift or worsen the problem. Examples can be seen in Kamouraska Bay, in the St. Lawrence River, where land recovery with dikes for agricultural use has resulted in the loss of three-quarters of the marsh ecosystem over the past century. In addition, these dikes were breached during recent floods, trapping salt water on farmland. Working with nature in a changing climate The implications of climate change are becoming increasingly obvious. Its effects are being felt throughout the St. Lawrence: beaches are eroding and more communities are at risk of flooding. Communities must find ways to adapt. One of the key strategies proposed to adapt to the impacts of climate change is that of "nature-based solutions". These are coastal protection systems designed to include or mimic natural ecosystems to protect and stabilize the coastline. One example of a nature-based solutions application is that of Forillon National Park, where hard infrastructure protecting a road had disrupted natural coastal dynamics and led to the loss of the local beach. Researchers worked with the park department to move the road away from the coast and restore the beach vegetation to help the beach to recover naturally. Another example is the realignment of the Belcher Street dike in Nova Scotia. For this project, researchers worked with farmers and local governments to relocate a dike so that flood water could be diverted from the local community to areas that once held the river overflow water. As a result, it also permitted water to return to the floodplain, restoring the local wetland ecosystem. Major infrastructures (roads) and tourist destinations (national parks) are increasingly exposed to the constraints of erosion Bic National Park. Credit: Jacob Stolle, Fourni par l'auteur A multidisciplinary and participatory approach Nature-based solutions are not simply about planting plants and then walking away. It is a comprehensive system based on a multidisciplinary and participatory approach that entails working with ecosystems, communities and local economies to find solutions. This can range from protecting local wetlands to greening hard infrastructure to boost ecological value, for example to provide habitats for oysters and fish species. Our research team is busy testing solutions co-developed by multidisciplinary groups in our large wave channel. This channel, the largest in North America, allows us to test and optimize solutions and technologies in a controlled environment before they are implemented in the real world. For example, we are currently studying how coastal marsh restoration can protect against coastal erosion and reduce wave energy. Thanks to knowledge gained from the experiments, we can develop guidelines to help engineers integrate marsh restoration into future projects. Adapting solutions for the St. Lawrence In general, the biggest challenge to implementing nature-based solutions is the lack of understanding and guidance regarding their performance in cold regions like Canada. Several guidelines have recently been published at the international level but they tend to be fairly high-level without specific details on how to implement them. Therefore, as researchers, we must test solutions relevant to the St. Lawrence in the laboratory or in simulation models to predict how they will actually react. It is also important to set up comprehensive and multidisciplinary monitoring programs after the implementation of these solutions to develop a deeper understanding of how they work. While provincial and federal governments have begun to put in place long-term programs incorporating sustainable solutions, it is important to realize that the shores of the St. Lawrence are already eroding and will continue to erode. We must act quickly to solve tomorrow's problem. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Credit: CC0 Public Domain Many mammal species living in cold climates tend to have large bodies and short limbs to reduce heat lossa general pattern known as Bergmann's rule. However, bats are the exception to the rule, displaying small body sizes in both hot and cold regions. A McGill-led team of researchers is shedding light on this long-standing debate over bats' body sizes and focus on why bats are seemingly non-conforming to ecogeographical patterns found in other mammals. Their findings offer a new method for investigating complex macroecology across bat species. The (energy) cost of flight "Measuring energy requirements for temperature regulation and locomotion in wild animals is challenging. In bats, this is compounded by the fact that certain key features such as metabolic rate and body temperature vary substantially when individuals are captured to carry out these measurements," explains Juan G. Rubalcaba, Marie Skodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellow in McGill's Department of Biology. "As a result, we know little about the energetic processes driving the evolution of morphology, feeding strategies, and other traits that make bats a unique group of mammals." Bats require a significant amount of energy to oppose body weight during flight, thus limiting the maximum size they can attain. To investigate this theory, the team used a model based on thermodynamic and aerodynamic principles to calculate how body size and wing surface area affects heat dissipation rates from the body and wing membranes and the drift forces experienced at flight. The team carried out an analysis of the wing surface area-to-mass ratio in close to 300 bat species and their results supported the model's prediction that body shape evolves towards an optimal ratio. High surface areas relative to body mass increases heat dissipation rates and thus the cost of maintaining optimal body temperature, whereas a high body mass elevates the cost of flight. Small, but mighty In addition, the research revealed that the strength of selection toward the optimal ratio was relatively high in species from cold climates, where the costs of thermoregulation are higher. These results suggest that selective forces that act to reduce the energy costs of flight prevent bat species in cold areas from having a large body size to help maintain body heat. "Understanding the factors and processes driving the evolution of organisms is critical to forecast their responses to environmental change," says Dr. Rubalcaba, lead author of the study. "We hope our new approach of calculating the energetic requirements of bats in relation to climatic conditions, may be applied to investigating the physiological impacts of climate change across all bat species." The research was published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Explore further As oceans warm, large fish struggle More information: Juan G. Rubalcaba et al, Physical constraints on thermoregulation and flight drive morphological evolution in bats, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2022). Journal information: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Juan G. Rubalcaba et al, Physical constraints on thermoregulation and flight drive morphological evolution in bats,(2022). DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2103745119 Under a canopy of trees along the boundary of Edgewater and Rogers Park is a former synagogue that houses what might be, for some, an unlikely occupant. Housing artwork, books, periodicals, personal letters and photographs, as well as a collection of flogs and whips, the Leather Archives and Museum maintains and preserves materials relating to the history and development of the leather and kink subculture. Advertisement Founded by Chuck Renslow and Tony DeBlase, LAM started in a garage more than 30 years ago at the height of the AIDS pandemic. Museum Executive Director Gary Wasdin said Renslow helped start the museum after he saw history being lost when gay men died and their families often threw away everything. Most research institutions did not collect these kinds of materials, said board member Gayle Rubin, who has researched leather communities for more than 40 years and is associate professor of anthropology and womens and gender studies at the University of Michigan. Sadomasochism and kink were generally treated as psychological disorders rather than living communities and subcultures. Advertisement Today, LAM operates under a mission to make leather, kink, BDSM and fetish accessible through research, preservation, education and community engagement. BDSM stands for bondage, dominance, sadism and masochism. What is leather and kink? Leather, in this context, is a culture that developed in gay bars and motorcycle clubs in the mid-20th century and, as a form of self-expression, is a style, an identity, a community, and a subculture that celebrates kink, fetish, BDSM and sex, according to LAMs website. Kink is anything unconventional, which makes it entirely subjective. Everyone is doing something that other people think is kinky, said Wasdin. Although much of LAM is focused on the gay community, its collections pertain to straight, queer, pansexual, bi and other orientations. Gary Wasdin is executive director of the Leather Archives and Museum, which focuses on the leather and kink subculture. (Victor Hilitski/for the Chicago Tribune) The library at the Leather Archives and Museum. (Victor Hilitski/for the Chicago Tribune) LAM is a research library; the only difference, said Wasdin, is its perhaps a little more exciting. Its 2,000 linear feet of collections include a library of more than 6,000 volumes, more than 14,000 issues of 1,900 periodicals, and a database of nearly 60,000 objects of artwork, photographs, personal correspondence, flyers, motorcycle club badges and more. Archivist Mel Leverich notes that the collection includes records of nonsexual activities, spaces and events (like those from gay campgrounds) because, culturally, the majority often views those as perverted and lumps them with sex. This means research can expand into broader topics, like consent, activism and fundraising for leather clubs; how kink created spaces for trans women writers; and even fashion. As a result, people from all over the world visit Chicago to research queer and gender studies, sexuality and more, whether for a dissertation, a documentary film project, art projects, or just personal curiosity. As part of its mission, LAM offers an annual fellowship for a visiting scholar to research at the archives. The museum and collections are open to everyone. Why this type of museum is important Its critical in telling the story and maintaining the historical relevance of the leather and kink community, especially as a subsection, radicalized, sexually-free portion of the LGBTQ community. We are a counterculture within the LGBTQ mainstream, said board member Dionne Choc-Trei Henderson. Rubin sees LAMs capacity to shift conversation: Most of the scholarly literature on (leather and kink) tended to focus on individual psychopathologies, she said. (LAM) has been a key aspect of shifting research attention to histories and social organizations, as well as art and literature. Advertisement Leather jackets, vests and other clothing inside the Leather Archives and Museum. (Victor Hilitski/for the Chicago Tribune) Pins of the leather pride flag, right, and the rainbow flag, a symbol of LGBTQ movement. (Victor Hilitski/for the Chicago Tribune) Board member Heather Raquel Phillips sees additional value in this history when addressing diversity and inclusion. As a former LAM scholar and person of color, she uses her documentary project Margin Margin to shed light on a dire need of space for people of color and beyond in the leather and kink community along the mid-Atlantic region of the U.S. Theres often a diminishing of what has come before this generation right now, Phillips said. If we dont look at the full history, we dont realize what has been done for us and what people have put in. Choc-Trei Henderson, who identifies as a queer person of color, joined LAM because of its goal to ensure its collections are inclusive and accurately represent the community. Although it was founded by gay white men, Choc-Trei Henderson doesnt believe LAM intentionally omitted people of color. But its collections do show a historic lack of POC voices. Part of this imbalance, according to Choc-Trei Henderson, reflects societal wealth disparity. Not only is leather itself expensive, creating a class issue, but preserving that history also requires money. If as a person of color, Im told my history isnt important and I dont keep it, that can create a catalyst that requires course correct, said Choc-Trei Henderson. Although she sees LAMs history as reflective of society at large, Choc-Trei Henderson notes that LAM has worked intentionally to balance the historical membership base with newer voices and actively look for those collections (from nonwhite groups). Ballet and bondage Brendan Fernandes is a queer dancer who observed how both ballet and BDSM fetishize and challenge the body. Fernandes, born in Kenya and raised in Canada, attributes his sense of politics to punk rock and counterculture. I think a lot about post-colonial histories, he said. How do we dismantle systems? How do governments get challenged? Finding a space of community in counterculture and BDSM and kink as a queer POC, ... I still find a system of hierarchy. LAM served as an important resource because it makes visible queer leather identity, which sometimes gets tabooed and hidden, Fernandes said, and it helped him research how, in BDSM, one finds freedom within restraint. Advertisement In ballet, Fernandes wanted to explore new ways to move and challenge a hierarchy that said theres only one way to do it. His projects The Master and Form, Restrain and Ballet and Kink stemmed from this research. LAM offers significantly more than a peep show into a marginalized subculture. Its archives offer insight that extend beyond leather and kink, often in unexpected ways. Leather creates commonality out of our relationships in a way that popular culture hasnt done, Choc-Trei Henderson said. The bigger lesson that pop culture has to learn is how leather has built our culture from consent and intention. Phillips sees how LAM offers tremendous potential in the removal of shame. If we demystified kink and removed shame from the conversation, then everything else is also able to be demystified and destigmatized, she said. John W. Bateman is a freelance writer. School closures and the shift to online learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic have resulted in learning loss in developed and developing countries. Learning loss is generally defined as any specific or general loss of knowledge and skills or reversals in academic progress when students are not in school. A recent report jointly published by the World Bank, UNESCO and UNICEF stated the current generation of students risks losing US$17 trillion in lifetime earnings, or about 14% of today's global GDP due to loss of learning caused by the pandemic. According to a study by the OECD, the economic value of the projected learning loss is significant. In Australia, the loss is estimated to be US$1,716 billion, while in Indonesia it is around US$4,347 billion. Recognising the growing global concerns around learning loss, researchers from Griffith University (Australia) and Universitas Pendidikan Ganesha (Indonesia) are collaborating on a joint project to better understand learning loss in our region. The project has come up with seven key recommendations for mitigating the impacts of learning loss for children in primary, secondary and higher education sectors in Indonesia, Australia and the broader region as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. While the term learning loss is new to the education vernacular, the problem of digital equity and its impact on learning has been present for decades. The practices listed here in the recommendations are also not new to many educators. However, when highlighted and applied side-by-side in this particular combination to address the issue of learning loss exacerbated by the pandemic, they provide a powerful remedy for this problem. When situations are back to normal and schools have resumed operation and children returned to school, these recommendations will also be useful to improve digital equity, advance teaching skills and enhance personalised learning, which will result in higher learning outcomes. 1. Increase public investment in digital infrastructure COVID-19 has highlighted the need for increased public investment in digital infrastructure. Compared to the global average of 60% of the world's population with internet access, Indonesia currently has a lower proportion (54%) of its population using the internet. Hence, we aspire that our role as educators, in partnership with the Indonesian and Australian governments and other stakeholders, is to co-design and implement a new and future-focused online centralised 'Digital Learning Technology Hub'. This will provide a compendium of remote learning tools and solutions and a platform for teachers and students in regional and remote areas of Indonesia to redress the educational divergence that has been exacerbated during the pandemic. 2. Improving online teaching skills Some of the key challenges common in Australia and Indonesia in addressing the move to online teaching platforms included a lack of necessary skills required for online teaching, teachers and students both being unprepared for online teaching and learning, and a shortage of technical staff to support online learning. In this instance, continuous capacity-building programs for teachers should be offered to enhance their online teaching skills and confidence. 3. Promoting blended learning COVID-19 has changed how learning and teaching are carried out in mainstream education. During the pandemic, there has been increasing pressure for schools and the tertiary education sector to use blended learninga combination between online and offline learning sessionsstrategies more expansively. Although initially, blended learning was perceived to be complex, a recent survey in Indonesia suggests 95% of Indonesia's teachers now prefer using blended or distance learning. Likewise, there's currently a shift toward blended learning among both students and teachers in Australia. When carefully designed, blended learning strategies can provide equitable learning experiences for both face-to-face and online cohorts of students. This will assist in redressing future learning losses caused by adverse events such as COVID-19. 4. Embedding the sustainable development goals in curriculum The current literature shows that introducing the UN's sustainable development goals (SDGs) into the curriculum is important to equip students with the skills and knowledge to tackle global sustainability challenges, which learning losses have exacerbated. Introducing the SGDs into the curriculum can address these challenges in several ways, such as with community case studies, online resource libraries, and programs that emphasise socio-cultural sensitivity and awareness. At Griffith University, for example, SDGs have been embedded in the business and commerce curriculum, designed to enable the graduates to better cope with the impacts of the pandemic (for example, learning loss and other global challenges). 5. Digitising the learning process During the pandemic, teachers have had no option but to cancel classes or shift their face-to-face practice to the digital sphere. Thus, the biggest challenge is to design classes online that will keep students engaged, and provide means to test students and give effective feedback. Since not all children have the same access to digital devices, learning loss at the individual level has been experienced across the board, from kindergarten through to primary and secondary schools and the higher education sector. While still in its infancy when applied to learning and teaching, studies show artificial intelligence could prove fruitful in our quest to remediate learning loss at the individual level. Machine learning, in particular, can accurately measure and understand a student's self-regulated learning. 6. Using data to personalise learning There are numerous benefits to using data in teaching and curricula. First, teachers could use data to benchmark students' performance among their peers, helping them understand each student's specific needs and requirements. And then, data analytics could provide specific educational instructions tailored to each student's level of development. Data could also help better assess each student's progress. In essence, data analytics would be useful to assess the extent of learning loss and allow for devising suitable learning strategies that are responsive to individual needs. For example, see the framework for using analytics for personalised learning developed by the Victorian state government. 7. Include the tertiary sector in learning loss studies The existing national study of learning loss in Indonesia by the World Bank has focused only on the impact of the pandemic on the kindergarten to high school sectors. We aim to expand the scope of the existing study in investigating the impact of learning loss in the higher-education sector, both in Indonesia and Australia, as well as the wider region. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. A picture released by the Bangladesh Forest Department shows a Bengal tiger in 2018. There are 40 percent more tigers in the wild than previously thought, but with a maximum of 5,578 on the prowl, they remain an endangered species, conservationists said Thursday. The jump in numbers is due to improved monitoring, with the population thought to be stable or increasing, said the International Union for Conservation of Nature, but habitat protection projects showed that "recovery is possible". The tiger reassessment came as the IUCN updated its Red List of Threatened Speciesthe world's most comprehensive information source on the global conservation status of plants, animals and fungi, assessing their risk of extinction. The migratory monarch butterfly is now classified as an endangered species on the Red List due to climate change and habitat destruction. And all surviving sturgeon species are now at risk of extinction due to dams and poaching. "Today's Red List update highlights the fragility of nature's wonders, such as the unique spectacle of monarch butterflies migrating across thousands of kilometres," said IUCN director general Bruno Oberle. "To preserve the rich diversity of nature we need effective, fairly governed, protected and conserved areas, alongside decisive action to tackle climate change and restore ecosystems." Tiger poaching threat The Red List assigns species to one of eight categories of threat. Endangered wild tigers. A total of 147,517 were assessed in the latest version, with 41,459 species deemed as being threatened with extinction. Of those, 9,065 are critically endangered, 16,094 are endangered and 16,300 are deemed vulnerable. Established in 1964, the Red List counts 902 species that are now extinct, and 82 which are extinct in the wild. There are thought to be between 3,726 and 5,578 wild tigers40 percent more than at the last assessment in 2015. While the tiger remains endangered, the population trend indicates that projects such as the IUCN's Integrated Tiger Habitat Conservation Programme "are succeeding and recovery is possible as long as conservation efforts continue", the organisation said. Major threats include poaching of tigers themselves, poaching and hunting of their prey, and habitat destruction due to agriculture and human settlement, said the IUCN. "Expanding and connecting protected areas, ensuring they are effectively managed, and working with local communities living in and around tiger habitats, are critical to protect the species," it said. Hope for butterflies The migratory monarch butterfly, a monarch subspecies, is well known for its migrations from Mexico and California to summer breeding grounds throughout the United States and Canada. The migratory monarch butterfly is now classified as an endangered species on the Red List. The native population has shrunk by between 22 and 72 percent over the past decade, the IUCN said, with logging and deforestation having destroyed substantial areas of their winter shelter. Meanwhile pesticides and herbicides used in intensive agriculture kill butterflies and milkweedthe host plant that their larvae feed on. Climate change is also a fast-growing threat, with drought, wildfires, extreme temperatures and severe weather having a significant impact. "It is difficult to watch monarch butterflies and their extraordinary migration teeter on the edge of collapse, but there are signs of hope," said Anna Walker, who led the assessment of monarchs. "From planting native milkweed and reducing pesticide use to supporting the protection of overwintering sites and contributing to community science, we all have a role to play in making sure this iconic insect makes a full recovery." The western population is at greatest risk of extinction, the IUCN said, having declined by an estimated 99.9 percent, from as many as 10 million to 1,914 butterflies between the 1980s and 2021. The larger eastern population also shrank by 84 percent from 1996 to 2014. "Concern remains as to whether enough butterflies survive to maintain the populations and prevent extinction," the IUCN said. Sturgeon, here seen at a fish farm in Thailand, are now at risk of extinction. Sturgeon on the brink The global sturgeon reassessment found that all remaining 26 sturgeon species are now at risk of extinction, up from 85 percent in 2009. Their decline over the past three generations is steeper than previously thought. The Yangtze sturgeon has moved from critically endangered to extinct in the wild, while 17 species are now critically endangered. The reassessment confirmed the extinction of the Chinese paddlefish. "Sturgeons have been overfished for their meat and caviar for centuries," the IUCN said. It called for reinforcement of protections under international law, with poaching affecting more than half of sturgeon species. Dams affect their migration, while warmer rivers due to climate change disrupt their reproduction. "There's something to be said about humanity, when a species that's outlived the dinosaurs is pushed to the brink of extinction by humans who have, in comparison, existed for a mere blip in time," said Beate Striebel-Greiter, the World Wide Fund for Nature's lead on the Global Sturgeon Initiative. "We call on countries to stop turning a blind eye to the extinction of sturgeon." Explore further Effective laws needed to protect large carnivores from extinction 2022 AFP Right: Adult zebrafish in the brightfield microscope. Left: Zebrafish heart 7 days after cryoinjury. Transiently activated fibroblasts localize to the injury area. Credit: Panakova Lab, MDC An MDC research team led by Jan Philipp Junker and Daniela Panakova has found that zebrafish can regenerate heart tissue after injury. Connective tissue cells play an important role in the process by temporarily entering an activated state, as the team reports in Nature Genetics. When a person suffers a heart attack and doesn't receive treatment quickly enough, heart muscle cells (cardiomyocytes) are damaged by a lack of oxygen and begin to die off. Scar tissue then forms, and because we can't produce new cardiomyocytes, the heart can no longer pump as well as it should. Things are very different in lower vertebrates like the zebrafish, which can regenerate organsincluding its heart. "We wanted to find out how this little fish does that, and if we could learn from it," says Professor Jan Philipp Junker, head of the Quantitative Developmental Biology Lab at the Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology (BIMSB), part of the Max Delbruck Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC) in Berlin. Working with Dr. Daniela Panakova, who leads the Electrochemical Signaling in Development and Disease Lab at the MDC, the researchers simulated myocardial infarction injuries in the hearts of their zebrafish. Using single-cell analyses and cell lineage trees, they tracked the regeneration of the cardiomyocytes. They have now published their observations in the journal Nature Genetics. Human hearts stop short of regeneration The researchers began by holding a cold needle to the zebrafish's one-millimeter-sized heart for a few seconds under a microscope. The needle kills any tissue it touches. Just like in human heart-attack patients, this causes an inflammatory response, which is followed by scarring from connective tissue cells known as fibroblasts. "Surprisingly, the immediate response to the injury is very similar. But while the process in humans stops at that point, it carries on in the fish. They form new cardiomyocytes, which are capable of contracting," says Junker. "We wanted to identify the signals that come from other cells and help drive the regeneration," he continues. Junker's team used single-cell genomics to search the injured heart for cells that don't exist in a healthy zebrafish heart. They found three new types of fibroblasts that temporarily enter an activated state. Although they are externally identical to the other fibroblasts, these activated cells can read a whole series of additional genes that are responsible for forming proteinssuch as connective tissue factors like collagen 12. Fibroblasts give the signal for regeneration In humans, scarring (or fibrosis) is seen as an obstacle to regenerating the heart. But the fibroblasts appear to be important for the process as soon as they enter their temporarily activated state. Just how important they are became clear when Panakova used a genetic trick to switch off the collagen 12-expressing fibroblasts in the zebrafish. The result: no regeneration. Junker believes it makes sense that fibroblasts are responsible for giving the repair signals: "They form right at the site of injury, after all," he says. To identify the source of these activated fibroblasts, Junker's team produced cell lineage trees using a technique called LINNAEUS, which his lab developed in 2018. LINNAEUS works with genetic scars that collectively act like a barcode for the origin of every cell. "We create this barcode using CRISPR-Cas9 genetic scissors. If, after injury, two cells have the same barcode sequence, it means they're related," explains Junker. The researchers identified two sources of temporarily activated fibroblasts: the outer layer of the heart (epicardium) and the inner layer (endocardium). Cells producing collagen 12 were found exclusively in the epicardium. Different disciplines worked closely on the study Multiple MDC researchers collaborated throughout studyfrom the experiments on the fish, to the genetic analyses, to the bioinformatic interpretation of the results. "For me, the most exciting thing was to see how well our disciplines complement each other and how we could verify results from bioinformatics on a living animal," says Sara Lelek, who is a lead author of the study and was responsible for the animal tests. "It was a big project that allowed us all to contribute our expertise. I think that's why the study is so comprehensive and so useful for many researchers." Dr. Bastiaan Spanjaard, also a lead author, agrees: "Because we had such different areas of expertise, we often had to explain our experiments and analyses to each other. Heart regeneration is a complex process that's influenced by many different things. The experiments produced enormous quantities of data. Filtering the correct biological signals out of them was hugely challenging." It is still unclear whether damaged hearts in mammals like humans and mice lack the necessary signals or the ability to read the signals. If the signals are lacking, medication could eventually be developed to simulate them. But, says Junker, finding a way to mimic signal interpretation would be a great deal more difficult. Fibroblasts also help to form new blood vessels The researchers now want to look more closely at the genes that the temporarily activated fibroblasts read especially often. They know that many of the genes in question are important for releasing proteins into the surrounding area. And these might include factors that also influence cardiomyocytes. And initial evidence suggests that the activated fibroblasts don't just promote the regeneration of the heart; they also help to form new blood vessels that supply the heart with oxygen. Explore further Converting scar tissue to heart muscle after a heart attack More information: Daniela Panakova, Origin and function of activated fibroblast states during zebrafish heart regeneration, Nature Genetics (2022). www.nature.com/articles/s41588-022-01129-5 Journal information: Nature Genetics Daniela Panakova, Origin and function of activated fibroblast states during zebrafish heart regeneration,(2022). DOI: 10.1038/s41588-022-01129-5 Mercury has moved into Leo, and soon the sun will, too. The moon shifts to the sign of appetite, luxury and money. Theres a feeling of bigness, of sleek posturing to claim territory as with a lions strut, showing off whether or not you need to. Perhaps true confidence cant be bought, though certain purchases do seem to make a difference. ARIES (March 21-April 19). Youll sort useful pursuits from those that are out of your control and therefore pointless to involve yourself with. If you cant possibly solve it, then its not your problem. Your terrifically productive day depends on focusing well. TAURUS (April 20-May 20). While business can feel good, the stress from being overwhelmed is something else entirely. It can be alleviated by negotiating the deadline, halving the list and/or delegating. Self-compassion is key. GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Whether youre praising or being praised, the act of acknowledgement can feel like an exhausting and tricky test of social grace. Step back, shake it off, lighten up and move on to topics less attached to ego gratification. CANCER (June 22-July 22). Theres no such thing as off the record with smartphones on the ready today. Hopefully, people will behave better knowing they might be recorded at any moment. Matters of publicity and privacy impact the action. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Your humor is so alluring to those who share a similar sense, though youll also be struck by how rare such a thing is. Youll be drawn to those who get how funny you are, and life is just better when youre together. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Newborn ideas arent usually crystal clear. Typically, clarity comes after youve shared some half-baked version of the idea and then talked it through or worked it out on paper. Shamelessly communicate your baby thoughts. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). People think that having specific preferences makes them special. Perhaps, but it also narrows their choices. Today youll choose between imposing more requirements and qualifications on a thing or broadening your options. SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). How do you help a loved one celebrate good times or weather hard times? Whats your approach to a loved one being a bit needy? Apply these answers to your relationship with yourself. Its the care you deserve. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). The outside world smiles when you smile, and yet sometimes, those on the inside are impervious to your cheer. Keep your rule over your own internal weather. Let no one affect your excellent mood. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Youll give your best to the thing that feels right to you, even if you cant put your finger on why youre doing it. Your enthusiasm is the quality that gets you hired, promoted, befriended and more. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Your general rule for yourself is simple: listen more than you speak. Because you follow this, socializing will bring you a gift. Youll have the advantage that comes from learning what others dont know. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Many times, it is not until you are in the middle of a task that you realize it is not worth your time or attention. In that case, fulfill your obligation and then plan how to avoid the same sort of situation in the future. TODAYS BIRTHDAY (July 20). Its as though the sun shines on you with new light. As you pursue your fascinations, they develop you in unexpected ways. Youll be a leader, then a follower, both roles equally life-enhancing. Creative urges drive you to do work so unique, youll attract students of your style. A purchase will stay in your family for years to come. Libra and Gemini adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 9, 40, 28, 14 and 6. CELEBRITY PROFILES: Cancer supermodel, activist and businesswoman Gisele Bundchen has been accused by economists of having the Midas touch. With her Venus beauty connected to Neptune, planet of glamour, the golden sheen reaches beyond the products she represents and into her dreams for the future of humanity. All the proceeds from her bestselling book Lessons: My Path to a Meaningful Life go to furthering social and environmental causes. SALEM A Salem man was arrested and charged with attempting to buy a firearm while having an order of protection against him. Jeffery S. Austin, 54, is facing a felony charge of first-degree falsifying business records and a misdemeanor count of second-degree criminal contempt. Police said that Austin provided incorrect information as part of an application to purchase the firearm. After an investigation by Investigator Jennifer Noble and Deputy Corbet Sullivan of the Washington County Sheriff's Office Austin was arrested. He was issued an appearance ticket and is set to return to Hebron Town Court on a later date. FORT ANN Assemblyman Jake Ashby, R-Castleton, stood in front of elected officials, members of the New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association and their families holding signs that read We Support Correction Officers. He said that he was pushing for the repeal of the Humane Alternatives to Long-Term Solitary Confinement Act, but as someone who had originally voted in favor of the legislation he was there to do something else. That was a mistake, he said as union members and representatives began to clap behind him. To the men and women behind me: I apologize. The HALT Act limits long-term solitary confinement to 15 days while allowing solitary confinement to be served in traditional cells. For more information on the law, visit the New York State Senates website. Ashby spoke after Sen. Dan Stec, R-Queensbury, fellow Assemblyman Matt Simpson, R-Horicon, Michael Powers, NYSCOPBA president, and John Roberts, northern region vice president of NYSCOPBA, called for the repeal of the HALT Act at a press conference on Wednesday morning. Powers said that the HALT Act has done nothing to improve the quality of life for the officers and inmates in corrections facilities. Since April 1, when the HALT Act when into effect, there has been a 37% increase in attacks on staff, according to numbers from the state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision. Inmate-on-inmate attacks have gone up 30% in that same time span, according to Powers. Our prisons are more dangerous than theyve ever been, he said. Stec and Simpson co-authored the bill to repeal the act in the Senate and the Assembly. Simpson said that the HALT Act was one of the first bills that he came across as an assemblyman. It was rushed through. It was presented in a way that was not factual. It was a lie on the floor in reference to an incident on Rikers Island, he said. Simpson said it was a political response that was not done to make the facilities safer or to protect the inmates or employees. He said that a sponsor of the bill admitted in late May that he was wrong about the bill and that he was in favor of meeting to make things right. Simpson said that he hasnt heard anything about it since. Silence from the governor, silence from the Democratic majority that passed this disastrous bill that has resulted in, you heard the numbers, a 37% increase in violence, he said. This isnt right. Stec thanked all of the officers in attendance for their service day in and day out, and highlighted that the facilities where they work are open 24/7, and somebody is always there. He said that since the Democratic Party won control of all branches of state government following the 2018 election, theres been a pattern where weve been making more things legal. Were decriminalizing behaviors. This HALT Act is part of a much larger theme. The theme, Stec said, is that the Democratic Party thinks that they know best. He said Democrats have ignored input from the people representing the facilities impacted by their decisions. Stec noted that he has visited every correctional facility in his Senate district at least once. When debating the HALT Act prior to its passing, Stec said he asked those on the other side of the aisle if they had done the same. Theyre voting on things they havent experienced. They havent been inside, he said. Stec said that Gov. Kathy Hochul picks and chooses when to ask for more data before making decisions on pressing issues. That data, he said, didnt stop Hochul from signing a law limiting the concealed carry of firearms following the Supreme Courts decision to strike down the states concealed-carry law. Stec said that there is data readily available which has been collected by Hochuls administration detailing the negative impact HALT is having. Im not making this data up. This isnt partisan data. This is their own data, and I can only wonder what the data point is that Hochal and the Democrats are waiting for, he said. The backdrop was the Great Meadow Correctional Facility, a state maximum-security prison that is located near Washington Correctional Facility, a medium-security prison, both in the Fort Ann hamlet of Comstock. Washington Correctional had an incident Tuesday in which an inmate injured multiple officers. Roberts said that violence in prisons has substantially gone up since the HALT Acts passage in April, and that Great Meadow has had several such incidents. He said that on Fathers Day an inmate tried to skip the line so he could use the phone in the prison yard. Roberts said that the inmate disobeyed orders from officers and became violent. A group of inmates attacked more officers, leading to 15 being injured in total and five being treated at Glens Falls Hospital. Roberts said a makeshift weapon was found that could have caused serious harm. He mentioned another incident from May 30 where officers tried to stop an inmate from cutting himself. When they got into the cell to save the inmate, he turned and cut multiple officers. Nine officers were injured after the incident, with one being transported to Glens Falls Hospital. My heart goes out to the officers and the families of these individuals getting hurt on a daily basis in the prison system, Roberts said. Powers said that NYSCOPBA will be vocal during the repeal efforts by Simpson, Stec and Ashby. The HALT (Act) stinks from top to bottom, and there was no consideration from the shareholders going forward, he said. The New York Civil Liberties Union has said that the HALT Act is aimed at ending the most harmful uses of isolation and solitary confinement currently in practice in the state. FORT EDWARD The village Police Department has seen some restructuring in 2022 and could possibly face even bigger changes in the future. The Village Board is looking at all different options available for the police department, village Mayor Matthew Traver told The Post-Star this week. In January, both police Chief Justin Derway and police Sgt. Dean Watkins were placed on administrative leave pending an investigation after charges filed against the officers claimed they falsified police training records. In May, the Village Board passed a resolution to approve Derways resignation for purposes of retirement, effective last Friday. In Derways absence, retired Glens Falls police officer Phil Lindsey has been acting as a part-time, interim chief of police with three full-time officers and several part-time on the force. Traver said the board has not made a concrete decision how to proceed, but the communitys residents are the focus. (We) have not reached any conclusions yet. Our number one priority is public safety and assuring residents we do and will have coverage, he told The Post-Star. It has been difficult for us and all small departments to get and retain certified and trained officers to fill these positions. Traver said the Washington County Sheriffs Office has been assisting with coverage in the village. We have been talking to Sheriff Murphy and Washington County about working with them and how we might be able to get the coverage we feel that is needed in the village, the mayor said. Traver said the board and the department will seek input from the public going forward with decisions made about policing. Our board has also been listening to our residents, and the department and will be seeking additional input and thoughts from both, as we get more information, Traver stated. OCEAN CITY Watercolor Paintings by Kathy Anne English art show runs Aug. 1 to 30 at The Gallery at the Ocean City Arts Center. A Meet the Artists reception will be held 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Aug. 12. Kathy Anne Englishs exhibit will include a compilation of her various original artworks, including wildlife, portraiture and interpretative pieces from the past couple years. Followers of her work will note Englishs common style and technique, though her main focus and category tends to shift every five to 10 years. Much of her work represents a specific aspect of her life, from lighthouses to barns and farms, her grandchildren to Sentimental Stills, anemones to mountains, the Jersey Devil to her whimsical Animal Castles series. A self-taught watercolor artist, English began her career over 40 years ago. In 1987 she started a business, Custom Artwork, offering custom framing, private art classes, school programs, merchandising imagery, illustration, commission work for national organizations, produced hundreds of original artworks for gallery exhibits and personal collections and mentored aspiring artists longing to build their art careers. Englishs quest to capture intricate detail in her artwork is based on early life experiences. Starting around age 4, she began providing accurate descriptions of daily sightings to her blind father, at the request and encouragement of his parents. There were many adventures, observations and verbal, with visual explanations, for all that she saw. This ultimately led to an appreciation for every color, contour, texture, contrast and line. Growing up in South Jersey, English has artistically chronicled the areas historical structures, fishing vessels, flora and fauna, landscapes and portraits of all types. She has earned the recognition and awards from countless municipalities throughout the tri-state area and beyond, exhibited in countless galleries, including The Noyes Museum, as a Signature Artist and Summer Camp Art Instructor. Through Young Audiences of NJ and PA and The Arts Horizons Foundation, she has been awarded dozens of school grants for Artist-in-Residency programs, inspiring artists in all grade levels. English has also made a tremendous impact through special programs such as AtlantiCares Healing Arts Program and the Philadelphia Womens Board of the American Cancer Society, helping raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for patient service and advocacy. Global travel and scuba diving experiences influenced her expanded subject matter to include marine life and vacation venues. Marine species were brought to life for all to enjoy, lending to decades of affiliation with organizations such as the American Academy of Underwater Sciences, Rutgers University, Jacques Cousteau National Estuarine Research Reserve, NJ Artificial Reef Association and the NJ Fish Game and Wildlife Federation. The gallery, located on the second floor at 1735 Simpson Ave., is open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Friday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. ATLANTIC CITY The NAACP awarded U.S. House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn its Spingarn Medal to cap off its 113th annual national convention Wednesday night. The gold medal is awarded annually to living African Americans who have realized the highest or noblest achievements in their field. The award ceremony at the Atlantic City Convention Center drew high-ranking officials from across the country. NAACP national leadership and branch and state conference members attended, as well as National Democratic Committee Chair Jamie Harrison. Clyburn, D-S.C., was accompanied from Washington by 10 members of Congress, all of whom belong to the Congressional Black Caucus. Its a great honor, a great honor, very humbling, Clyburn said just before the ceremony at which he received the 107th Spingarn Medal. This is probably the highlight of my career. The citation for the honor praised Clyburn for his storied resume and civil rights work, such as his leadership of protests outside the South Carolina State House in 1961, for which he was jailed. Clyburn was chosen for the award owing to his work to achieve the dream of universal equality, according to the citation. Leon Russell, chair of the NAACP National Board of Directors, discussed the purpose and history of the Spingarn Medal at the event. The award was named after former NAACP Board Chair and President Joel Elias Spingarn, who established a fund to annually award the medal in perpetuity. Spingarns intent was to have his medal honor Black achievement and serve as an inspiration for young people of color. Russell said the 107th medal presented to Clyburn and last years 106th medal presented to engineer and physician Dr. Cato Laurencin epitomized Spingarns idea for the award. We are following the highest tradition established by J.E. Spingarn so long ago, Russell said. This 107th medal, in my opinion, is one of the most important, along with Dr. Laurencin, that we have ever given. NAACP South Carolina State Conference President Brenda Murphy presented the medal to Clyburn. She praised the congressman for his lifetime of public service, saying he was the personification of the spiritual May the Work Ive Done Speak for Me. Clyburn, as majority whip, is the third-ranking Democrat in the U.S. House of Representatives. He has represented South Carolina in Congress for nearly three decades and currently chairs the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis, as well as the Rural Broadband Taskforce and the Democratic Faith Working Group. Outside of Congress, Clyburn has served as the commissioner of the South Carolina Human Affairs Commission and president of his local NAACP chapter. A video clip played in the middle of Murphys speech highlighted Clyburns life in civil rights work and in Congress. It also touched on his role in the 2020 presidential election. Clyburns endorsement of now President Joe Biden just before the South Carolina Democratic primary was credited with salvaging the Biden campaign, ultimately winning Biden the Democratic presidential nomination. Harrison, also from South Carolina, said before the ceremony that Clyburn had long been a mentor to him and that there was no one more deserving of the award. He praised the congressman for his support of legislation to expand access to health care, improve infrastructure and enhance Wi-Fi connections in rural areas. He is my friend, hes my mentor, I call him my political father, Harrison said. (Hes) been so important to my life and to my rise, and hes done that not only for me but so many others. This is huge, this is absolutely huge and historic, and Im just happy to be a part of it, Harrison added. He continues to deliver for the entire nation. NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson welcomed the guests from Congress and other attendees, urging them to appreciate the enormity of Clyburns accomplishments and the NAACPs long history of celebrating the success and strength of the Black community. In a news release issued before the ceremony, Johnson extolled the congressman for his decades-long mission to promote civil rights. NAACP convention workshop seeks answers to questions of police, community violence ATLANTIC CITY The NAACP hosted a workshop during its national convention Tuesday that shed From championing rural and economic development to advocating for the restoration of historic buildings and sites on the campuses of historically Black colleges and universities, Whip Clyburn has been at the forefront of advocating for Black communities and helping to create a more equitable society for decades, Johnson said. The NAACP is proud to present Whip Clyburn with our highest recognition. Congressional Black Caucus Chair Joyce Beatty, D-Ohio, spoke early during the convention. She thanked the NAACP for its choice to honor Clyburn, a Congressional Black Caucus member, and praised her caucus colleagues for what she hailed as their fight for equality. Clyburn joins a pantheon of titanic figures in American history. Past Spingarn Medal recipients include Maya Angelou, Daisy Bates, W.E.B. DuBois, the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., the late U.S. Rep. John Lewis, Sidney Poitier, Jackie Robinson and Cicely Tyson. Guests at the event seemed impressed by Clyburn and the NAACP National Convention in general. Bernadette Stroud, an NAACP delegate from the Bronx, New York, said she was glad to finally see the entire organization gather again in person. The last two NAACP conventions were held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Its beautiful, Stroud said of the award ceremony and convention. NAACP Ohio State Conference President Tom Roberts said he was impressed by the convention, that it made him fully aware of the great tasks and trials that are before the organization and its allies. It laid out some of the challenges that we have to face as civil rights leaders, Roberts said. Atlantic County voting machines help with national NAACP board election ATLANTIC CITY The Atlantic County Superintendent of Elections office had employees and 10 The NAACPs continued fight for civil rights and equality was at the center of the convention. Some of the panels focused on the threat of police brutality, white supremacy and changes to federal law that the NAACP has argued undermine civil rights and threaten democracy. Clyburn, who celebrated his 82nd birthday Thursday, delivered an acceptance speech to close the ceremony and the 113th NAACP National Convention. He reflected on his childhood in South Carolina, his lifelong ambition of getting involved in politics and how he refused to be discouraged by pervasive discrimination. A history major in college, Clyburn cited the many challenges and setbacks that civil rights champions have experienced since the Reconstruction era after the Civil War such the 1896 Plessy v. Ferguson ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court in favor of segregation. He exhorted civil rights activists to continue the struggle for democracy and equality. We did not give up, we kept fighting, Clyburn said. And were not going to give up now. A Monroe Township man was indicted Tuesday on charges of murder and endangering the welfare of a child in the death of a 6-year-old Barnegat Township boy, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said. Christopher Gregor, 30, of Monroe Township, is accused of the boys death April 2, 2021, at Southern Ocean Medical Center in the Manahawkin section of Stafford Township. The endangering charge stems from events that occurred March 20, 2021, in Barnegat, Billhimer said Wednesday in a news release. On April 2, 2021, Stafford police responded to Southern Ocean Medical Center in reference to the death of the boy, identified as C.M. On April 3, a postmortem examination was performed by the Ocean County Medical Examiners Office, and it was determined that C.M. sustained injuries due to blunt force trauma, Billhimer said. In the course of investigating the childs death, detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutors Office and Barnegat Township Police Department discovered evidence that revealed that Gregor had committed acts of abuse against the child in Barnegat on March 20, 2021. Monroe Township man charged with murder in death of Barnegat child A Monroe Township man was charged with murder in the April 2021 death of a 6-year-old boy, O Accordingly, Gregor was charged with endangering the welfare of a child on July 7, 2021. Though initially lodged in the Ocean County jail, Gregor was subsequently released. On March 3, 2022, the Prosecutors Office received a report from the states expert witness that indicated that C.M. died as a result of blunt force impact to the chest and abdomen, and determined the manner of the childs death to be homicide. An investigation by the Prosecutors Office, Barnegat Township police and Ocean County Sheriffs Office found that C.M. was in the custody of Gregor at the time he sustained his life-ending injuries, and that Gregor was responsible for the childs death, Billhimer said. Gregor was taken into custody March 9 by detectives from the Prosecutors Office, Sea Bright Police Department and Barnegat Police Department. He has been lodged in the Ocean County jail since then. Former deputy national security adviser Matthew Pottinger departs after President Donald Trump awarded the Medal of Honor to Army Sgt. Maj. Thomas P. Payne in the East Room of the White House, Sept. 11, 2020, in Washington. (Andrew Harnik/AP) Matthew Pottinger was a journalist in China, concerned about the countrys drift toward authoritarianism, when he decided at age 31 to enlist in the U.S. Marines after the invasion of Iraq. Our form of government is not inevitable, Pottinger recalled thinking during an interview two years ago with the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute. And it shouldnt be taken for granted. But its a form of government very much worth fighting for. Advertisement Pottinger had no way of knowing when he put on his military uniform for the first time how close to home that battle for democracy would get. He became deputy national security adviser to President Donald Trump, and he resigned after the Jan. 6 attack that tried to stop the peaceful transfer of power to President Joe Biden. On Thursday, hell be one of the key witnesses at a prime-time hearing of the select House committee investigating the attack. The other is Sarah Matthews, who resigned from her position as a deputy press secretary the same day. Advertisement In this image from video released by the House Select Committee, an exhibit shows Sarah Matthews, former White House deputy press secretary, during a video deposition to the House select committee investigating the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, that was displayed at the hearing Thursday, June 16, 2022, on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP) Pottinger and Matthews will join Cassidy Hutchinson, a former assistant to Mark Meadows, Trumps final chief of staff, in the exclusive club of Trump White House insiders who have appeared publicly. Their appearances stand in blunt contrast to the cadre of Trump loyalists who have tried to defy the committees subpoenas, remained silent or continued to dismiss the investigations findings. Any details on what Pottinger and Matthews will share on Thursday have been kept under wraps, but the hearing is expected to focus on what Trump did and didnt do as his supporters swarmed the U.S. Capitol and interrupted the ceremonial certification of the election. Roughly three hours elapsed between Trumps speech at a rally near the White House and his release of a video calling the rioters very special but asking them to go home now. Pottinger, 49, and Matthews, 27, may be able to illuminate what was happening behind the scenes as Trump resisted pleas from family, aides and Republicans to condemn the riot and urge people to leave the building. As a member of the press office, Matthews was privy to debates over what the White House and Trump should say publicly during the riot and what other aides advised. And although Pottinger was focused on foreign policy, his position placed him at the crossroads of national security matters. Whatever they saw that day, they decided to quit, helping to begin an exodus that included other White House staff and various Cabinet officials. These are people who believed in the work they were doing, but didnt believe in the stolen election, said Rep. Elaine Luria, D-Va., a member of the select committee. Luria added, Its just a key piece of telling the story about that day, because well be hearing from people who were in the White House, what they observed, what their reactions were. Advertisement Alyssa Farah Griffin, the former White House director of strategic communications, said Pottinger and Matthews could make potent witnesses, particularly because of their very different backgrounds. Pottinger, Griffin said, is someone with enormous credibility, who is highly respected in the national security space and not seen as overtly political. Matthews, in contrast, is a tried and true Republican who worked for Trumps reelection campaign and was hand-picked to join the White House. I think their testimony will be incredibly compelling and carry a lot of weight, said Griffin, who has been supportive of the committees work and has discussed Matthews testimony with her. Matthews began working for Republicans on Capitol Hill as an intern while she was still a student at Kent State University in Ohio. She was so eager to begin a career in Washington that she moved to the city for her first job a month before her graduation, missing her last weeks of college and finishing her final classes online, she told her alma mater in an interview two years ago. Matthews was hired as a deputy press secretary for Trumps reelection campaign and was brought over to the White House by press secretary Kayleigh McEnany. She worked in the area of the West Wing known as upper press, placing her in closer proximity to the Oval Office than others in her office. Sometimes she joined Trump for media interviews, but mostly she fielded questions from reporters and helped prepare for White House briefings. Advertisement When Matthews resigned on Jan. 6, she issued a statement saying she was deeply disturbed by what I saw today. On the anniversary of the attack, she called it one of the darkest days in American history. Make no mistake, the events on the 6th were a coup attempt, a term wed use had they happened in any other country, and former President Trump failed to meet the moment, she tweeted. Pottinger did not issue a statement when he resigned on Jan. 6, but he discussed the decision during previous, closed-door testimony to the committee. While the riot was underway, Pottinger said, a staff member brought him a printout of a Trump tweet accusing Vice President Mike Pence of not having the courage to do what should have been done to overturn the election. I read that tweet and made a decision at that moment to resign, Pottinger said. Thats where I knew that I was leaving that day once I read that tweet. Pottinger took a much more roundabout path to the White House than Matthews. Advertisement His father, John Stanley Pottinger, served as an assistant attorney general under Presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford. Matthew Pottinger studied China in college, then moved to the country to work as a reporter for Reuters and The Wall Street Journal. But in 2005, he joined the Marines. Explaining his unusual decision, Pottinger wrote an essay saying that living in China also shows you what a nondemocratic country can do to its citizens. Qualifying at age 31 wasnt easy. He wrote that he got winded after running for five minutes, and he could only do half a pullup. But by the time he took his physical fitness test, he could do 13 pullups and run 3 miles in less than 21 minutes. Pottinger deployed to Iraq as an intelligence officer, and he later worked in Afghanistan with U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn. At the time, Flynn was a respected military leader, not the promoter of conspiracy theories that hes become today. They ended up writing a report criticizing military intelligence efforts in Afghanistan. Years later, after Trump was elected, Flynn invited Pottinger to join him in the National Security Council. Flynn didnt last long he was forced out after a little more than three weeks because of his obfuscations about his conversations with the Russian ambassador to the U.S. but Pottinger stuck around. He was promoted to deputy national security adviser in 2019. Pottinger was focused on Asia during his time in the Trump administration, and helped outline a more aggressive stance toward China, one that was rooted in his own experiences as a reporter in the country. Advertisement He is now a distinguished visiting fellow at the Hoover Institution and the chair of the China program at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. ATLANTIC CITY Stockton University President Harvey Kesselman will retire as the institutions fifth president at the end of the fiscal year on June 30, 2023. There are no words to accurately express how I feel about my beloved alma mater, said Kesselman, who announced his decision at a Board of Trustees meeting at the Stockton Atlantic City Campus on Wednesday. My time and tenure with Stockton have been nothing short of amazing, exceeding all of my expectations as a career and a community. Kesselman, 71, fought back tears as Stockton staff members congratulated him after the meeting, which was attended by about 200 people. Im not stopping. Im going to move forward, he said in an interview after the meeting. The new president and board will decide how to use me. He is also staying in the area. Im so grounded here, Kesselman said. Stockton beam signing marks another milestone in Atlantic City campus growth ATLANTIC CITY More than 100 Stockton, elected and local school officials celebrated a mile He and wife Lynne are both graduates of Stockton and have put down deep roots. Ive lived in the same home 30 years, the Mays Landing resident said. Im not going anywhere. Despite his retirement, Kesselman will remain part of the Stockton family as president emeritus and tenured professor after the new president is selected. Board President Raymond Ciccone said he has formed a committee to begin a nationwide search for a new president, and Kesselman will help in that process. He knows the job inside and out, Ciccone said. During his tenure as president, which began in 2015, Kesselman oversaw the universitys return to Atlantic City. In 2018, the schools $220 million Atlantic City Campus opened its doors to students. The project was hailed as a game changer for the city and school as the resort tried to diversify its economy. On Tuesday, the school held a topping off ceremony for the $69.3 million second phase of its Atlantic City expansion. The second phase, which includes more residential housing, is expected to be ready by fall 2023. The new six-floor, 135,000-square-foot residence hall will feature 416 beds. Kesselman was appointed president of the university in December 2015. Prior to his appointment, he served as acting president after President Herman J. Saatkamp Jr. went on medical leave and later resigned amid a flawed deal to purchase the Showboat casino and open a campus in Atlantic City. The plan imploded over legal complications restricting the former casinos development. Stockton would not be the nationally ranked, thriving institution it is today if not for the dedication and hard work of Harvey Kesselman for nearly five decades, Ciccone said. He is an extraordinary, strong leader who not only planted himself where he could grow but did the same for this once small college in the Pines. Kesselman was a member of Stocktons first class in 1971, when it opened in the Mayfair Hotel in Atlantic City. Following his graduation, Kesselman became a faculty member, and has held several mid- and senior-level administrative positions, including provost and executive vice president. In addition to Stocktons Atlantic City project, Kesselman oversaw the opening of a second Unified Science Center and the John F. Scarpa Health Sciences Center on the Galloway campus, expanding Educational Opportunity Fund seats by 50 to include a program at the Atlantic City campus, increasing state appropriations to the university by 123% to balance inequities in funding and guiding Stockton to earn reaccreditation by the Middle States Commission of Higher Education in 2022. Stockton University maintains strong bond rating GALLOWAY TOWNSHIP Stockton University has maintained its A- bond rating with Fitch Ratings More than 50 years ago, I made a life-changing decision, Kesselman said. A decision to explore something new and different, something with promise and possibility, something I knew would be challenging but also transformative. It has proven to be one of the best decisions of my life. Kesselman received his doctorate in higher education administration from Widener University, his masters degree in student personnel services/counseling from Rowan University, his bachelors degree in political science from Stockton and is a tenured professor in Stocktons School of Education. More than seven years ago, I began my presidency with the guiding principle of students first, Kesselman said. Together, our dedicated faculty, staff and administrators worked tirelessly with me to deliver on the promise of making a Stockton degree more valuable each and every day. As he prepares to leave the job, Kesselman said the same thing every year touches his heart the most: Commencement. To see the faces of graduates and parents, Kesselman said. That always touches me. A coalition campaigning against school segregation in New Jersey is now threatening to file a federal complaint against the state. Building One America and its affiliate New Jersey Coalition Against Racial Exclusion, or NJ-CARE, said in a letter dated Monday they intend to file a complaint against New Jersey with the Civil Rights Division at the U.S. Department of Justice. The coalition argues that state leaders, particularly Gov. Phil Murphy, have not taken the action necessary to integrate New Jersey classrooms, in violation of federal civil rights law. Activists hand-delivered the letter to U.S. Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Kristen Clarke on Monday as she was speaking at the NAACP National Convention in Atlantic City. We will allege that the state is using federal funds to knowingly promote and perpetuate one of the most segregated and unequal public school systems in the nation, the letter said. A spokesperson for the governor deferred comment to the state Attorney Generals Office, which in turn declined to comment. The U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division did not respond to a request for comment as of Thursday afternoon. NJ-CARE sent similar letters to NAACP New Jersey State Conference President Richard Smith and NAACP President Derrick Johnson in the run-up to the NAACP convention. It had asked that the NAACP disinvite Murphy from the convention, which wrapped up Wednesday night, owing to what they argue has been his failure to advance racial equality in New Jersey schools. About 140 people, including several people affiliated with their local NAACP branches from across the state, have signed onto the letter to Johnson. Organizers have said additional people were still signing the letter belatedly online. Congressman Clyburn receives NAACP award as Atlantic City convention ends ATLANTIC CITY The NAACP awarded U.S. House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn its Spingarn Medal to Smith previously told The Press of Atlantic City that the NAACP has been at the forefront of the fight against school segregation for over a century. He highlighted the groups recent efforts to make New Jersey schools more diverse, including its work to bring a 2018 lawsuit over school segregation against Murphy and the state. He could not be reached to discuss the latest NJ-CARE letter and its contents as of Thursday afternoon. The letter cited the 2018 lawsuit, saying the Murphy administrations refusal to settle and seek a remedy to diversify New Jersey classrooms betrays a lack of commitment to school integration. The group further alleges the governor has sought to undermine the plaintiffs in the case. The Latino Action Network, the New Jersey NAACP and other civil rights advocacy organizations sued the state in 2018 accusing it of having segregated school systems that disadvantage Black and Hispanic students. The case is being adjudicated in Mercer County Superior Court. The letter further alluded to what it argues has been the states lack of action to prevent schools with large white populations from leaving majority non-white school districts. It is absolutely obvious that the state and its governor are seeking to perpetuate the segregated system of education and, indeed, to make the system worse and more unequal, rather than to work with civil rights, community leaders and legislators to enact reform, the letter said. The efforts of NJ-CARE to protest the governor and the New Jersey NAACP is not a sudden development. It circulated another letter earlier in the year protesting the Murphy administrations stance on school integration, which it then sent out to Murphy campaign donors. NJ-CARE also has led protests against the proposed termination of the send-receive agreement between the Absecon and Pleasantville school districts an arrangement that sees a small number of white Absecon students attend Pleasantville High School, which is attended by predominantly Black and Hispanic students. One protest about the issue disrupted the Atlantic County Democratic Convention in March. Pleasantville and activists have said ending the agreement would worsen segregation in the area, essentially making Pleasantville High School serve non-white students exclusively. Absecon argues its already diverse student body would benefit from the resources available at high schools that offered a more stable but still diverse environment. Acting New Jersey Education Commissioner Angelica Allen-McMillan sided with Pleasantville in a May ruling. Absecon has vowed to appeal the ruling and filed a request for reconsideration with the commissioner in June. NJ-CARE has maintained its goal is to secure an audience with the governor to discuss its school integration proposals, which it has detailed in a 69-slide presentation. It emphasized in the letter to the Civil Rights Division that it would still prefer a legislative solution over litigation. CAPE MAY More than 100 people marched along the Promenade on Wednesday in support of abortion rights, a response to a U.S. Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade. The ruling threw out the 1973 decision and resulted in many states moving quickly to ban abortion access or drastically curtail access, while other states sought to more deeply entrench abortion rights into law. Participants gathered in front of Convention Hall and marched to The Cove at the end of the Promenade, chanting My body, my choice, Ban guns, not abortion and other slogans. On the beach, women shared their stories and perspectives, taking up a megaphone to speak of clearly painful matters. Some spoke of sexual assault, escaping abusive relationships or of medical conditions that would make carrying a baby to term potentially deadly. Another woman said she was just too young, financially insecure and not emotionally prepared to have a child when she got pregnant. She decided to have an abortion. At times, the speakers began to cry while recounting their memories. A 17-year-old girl said she was so scared. Am I going to have to grow up without rights to my own body? And I going to have to grow up in a world where I cant make decisions for myself? she said. The event was billed as Bans off our Bodies, a March for Reproductive Rights. Cassandra Gatelein, a tattoo artist and an organizer of the event who goes by Sandy, said she and those she worked with were devastated by the courts decision. Some of us felt shock and disbelief. Some of us anger and rage. Some of us a deep, heavy sadness. I think all of us probably cried, she said. But when we decided to organize this march, that heavy sadness started to lift and we started feeling empowered and strong again. This is the third summer that marchers have taken to the Cape May Promenade for a progressive cause. In 2020, the same route was used for one of many Black Lives Matter events held throughout the region and the country, and last year a march for gay rights took the same route. Louisiana abortion ban again blocked by judge Abortion clinics in Louisiana can continue operating under the latest order from a state court. A state district judge in Baton Rouge on Thursday granted a preliminary injunction that says officials still can't enforce an anti-abortion trigger law while a lawsuit against the legislation plays out. The law was designed to take effect when the U.S. Supreme Court overturned its 1973 ruling establishing nationwide abortion rights. Judge Donald Johnsons ruling came in a lawsuit filed by a north Louisiana abortion clinic and other supporters of legal abortion. Clinics in Baton Rouge and New Orleans that had ceased operations pending the ruling said they were open again Thursday. Many of the same marchers and organizers participated. While the march took place, several passersby honked their horns or yelled in support of the marchers. Others made their feelings known quietly, with some individuals saying baby killers as the group passed. In April, the organization Cape May County Right to Life held a prayer vigil on the steps of the county Superior Court, calling for an end to abortion across the country. Advocates for preserving legal access to abortion gathered at the same spot in June. A Rally for Life & Justice took place in Trenton just after the 6-3 June 24 Supreme Court ruling on Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization over a Mississippi law limiting abortion access. At previous rallies, members of the anti-abortion organizations argued that abortion kills a human being. More than half of states are seen as certain or likely to ban abortion after the Supreme Court ruling. Majority want Congress to keep abortion legal, poll finds A majority of Americans say Congress should pass a law guaranteeing access to legal abortion nationwide. A look at the numbers. In New Jersey, Gov. Phil Murphy earlier this month signed bills aimed at preserving access to abortion in New Jersey for residents and for those from out of state who travel to New Jersey for an abortion. Early Wednesday, acting state Attorney General Matthew Platkin and Phillip Sellinger, the U.S. Attorney for New Jersey, announced plans to increase security for abortion providers and guidance for local prosecutors on potential charges that could be filed against people who try to interfere with abortion access. In Cape May on Wednesday, a woman mentioned the Supreme Court ruling that found no Constitutional right to an abortion. Guess what? Theres not one word about women in the Constitution, but we are here, she said. We think its important to note that the rich will always have abortion access. It is poor, working class, undocumented, Black, Indigenous and people of color who will disproportionately suffer, Gatelein said. We cannot wait for politicians to save us. We cannot wait for the existing power structures to save us. Everyone knows someone who has had an abortion, said Crystal Hutchinson at the event. Landen Freeman's goal is to create a cleaner, greener future. Thursday, he prepared a presentation to convince downtown business owners to look into alternative options when it comes to food service. The project was part of his work with Green Iowa AmericaCorps this summer. Freeman recruited fellow Davenport North classmate Vivian Bonde to help him with the project. "We're trying to bring awareness to unsustainable practices that are really common in restaurant businesses, mainly because of how affordable it is to be unsustainable," he said. Freeman said plastic bags might be cheaper, but paper and compostable bags were better options for the environment. Similarly, Bonde said the pair were proposing businesses switch from Styrofoam carry-out containers to fiber, recyclable options. "It would be great if one representative walked out of here today and adopted some of these practices, or even just this mindset," Freeman said. "It takes one person to lead a few more to get where we want to go." Freeman said sustainability was not a true passion of his before joining Green Iowa. But, through his work, the productivity has made him feel successful. "My summer otherwise would consist of being at home and doing nothing," he said with a laugh. "I'm working very hard each week, and it's very rewarding because at the end of the week I can look back and know I organized this huge thing." More than 60 businesses were invited to Thursday's presentation that Freeman had been preparing since June 8. "I'm proud of the work we have done here. We worked very hard on this," he said. CARTHAGE, Ill. The Illinois State Police has reported that a Muscatine man was shot and killed by Hancock County Sheriffs deputies after holding a deputy at gunpoint and taking his vehicle, then leading deputies on a chase. The state patrol says Timothy Ostrander, 31, of Muscatine, was killed during a confrontation with deputies on July 13. The investigation remains ongoing. Preliminary information from the Illinois State Police says at about 2 p.m. July 13, Hancock County deputies responded to reports of a suspicious subject. During the interaction, Ostrander reportedly entered the patrol car of the first deputy on scene and held the deputy at gunpoint. The deputy exited the vehicle and shots were reportedly fired at the vehicle. Ostrander reportedly fled the scene in the vehicle. A second responding deputy picked up the first responding deputy. A short pursuit reportedly ended with an exchange of gunfire between Ostrander and the deputies near Route 136 and Hancock County Road 2500E. Ostrander was pronounced deceased at an area hospital a short time later. The Illinois State Police Division of Criminal Investigation Zone 4 was contacted by the Hancock County Sheriffs office to investigate the incident. Court documents show Ostrander had been cited for several traffic violations. His record shows one felony arrest in 2009, when he spent 45 days in jail for contempt of court. Charges of third degree burglary and possession of burglary tools were dismissed. The day before the incident he was cited in Cedar County by the Iowa State Patrol for failure to provide proof of financial liability. Princesun Murphy was mad that early April morning in 2020, and thats why he killed Jabari Scurlock, Caleb Copley of the Scott County Attorneys Office said Wednesday in his opening statement at Murphys murder trial. Murphy, 37, of Davenport faces one charge each of first-degree murder and dominion and control of a firearm by a felon in relation to the shooting, court records state. Scurlock was shot about 1:07 a.m. on April 9, 2020, in the 900 block of Marquette Street in Davenport. Murphy is arguing he acted in self defense. Scurlock was from Wisconsin, according to previous reporting. Opening arguments are a jurys initial introduction to how the prosecution and the defense each interpret the evidence that will be used in the trial. The state, with the burden of proof, goes first. Murphys mother asked Murphy if hed done it, and Murphy said he had because he was all steamed up, Copley, the senior assistant county attorney, told the jury. Anger, Copley said, is the theme of the case. The defendant was looking for trouble that night, Copley said. He was angry. He was enraged. Shortly before Scurlock, 40, was shot, Murphy and his wife fought and she cut him during the argument, Copley said. After that fight, Murphy took a walk, then a drive. At least part of the walk and his driving around was captured by security cameras in the area, Copley said. Scurlock was looking for a ride that night, Copley said. Hed already gotten one a short time before from a Davenport police officer, who reported he found Scurlock walking intoxicated and gave him the ride. Before putting him in the squad car, the officer patted Scurlock down and found no weapon, Copley said. Throughout the interaction, Scurlock was not aggressive. Later on Marquette Street, Murphys truck traveled past Scurlock, who did something with his hands, Copley told the jury. The truck turned around and Scurlock approached with his hands up. At that point, Copley mimicked the gesture for the jury holding up his hands in an I surrender" gesture. There was an interaction between Scurlock and the person in the truck, then a flash and Scurlock fell, Copley said. The truck left. The shooting was also captured on video, according to a search warrant from a federal gun investigation opened against Murphy because of the shooting. There was a brief interaction between Scurlock and someone in the truck, then there was a flash. Scurlock fell down and the truck left. Another police officer was in the area, heard a pop that he was unsure of and called it in over his radio. Other officers arriving to investigate found Scurlocks body. Afterward, Murphy did not contact police about the encounter, Copley said. He said Scurlocks blood was found on the outside of the truck but told the jurors they should also pay attention to where the blood was not found in the cab. The shotgun recovered at Murphys home had two words on it: Peace and Keeper, Copley said. The defendant did anything but keep the peace that night, Copley told the jury. In her opening argument, Tiffany Kragnes, one of Murphys attorneys, interpreted the encounter differently. This isnt a case about anger and rage, Kragnes told the jurors. The case involves a series of unfortunate events for Jabari Scurlock and for Princesun Murphy, she said. She acknowledged the fight between Murphy and his wife, that he left and eventually was driving around and encountered Scurlock on the street. Scurlock waved at the truck, which turned around and came back, Kragnes said. Scurlock approached the passenger side window and stepped onto the running board. The two men did not know each other. About 15 seconds went by, she said. At the end of that 15 seconds came the flash. Fifteen seconds seems like a short period of time but even that length of time can seem like the longest in someones life, Kragnes said. Kragnes said it should be no surprise that her client did not report the encounter with Scurlock. Hes not supposed to have that gun, Kragnes said. These two people met and unfortunately someone died, but that does not mean Murphy is guilty, she said. Western Illinois University announced that it will offer six new online degree programs this fall in a news release on Wednesday. The programs include bachelors degrees in Business Analytics, Finance and Emergency Management and master's degrees in Applied Statistics and Decision Analytics, Accountancy and Mathematics. These new online opportunities will help WIU remain responsive to the needs of the professional workforce. Our goal is to support the workforce development needs of the communities we serve, Craig Conrad, Dean of WIU's College of Business and Technology. The online format was designed to allow more access for current workers and students hoping to stay in close proximity, in addition to providing more flexibility for students pursing high-demand careers looking for a competitive, quantitative edge. Westerns new online academic programs align with the goals within the Quad Cities Campus Strategic Plan. Each new program responds to student interests and our communitys call for flexible, innovative programs within high demand fields that contribute to the success of our region, said Kristi Mindrup, vice president of WIU's Quad-Cities Campus Operations. Students can apply for all of programs now. For undergraduate applicants, visit wiu.edu/apply. For graduate applicants, visit wiu.edu/graduate_studies. More information about the online programs can be found at wiu.edu/academics. Converting downtown Davenport's one-way streets to two-way traffic would cost between $1.6 million and $3.2 million, depending on the number of city blocks to be included in the change. The cost of the conversion was among the questions still pending on the proposal to change 3rd and 4th streets, and the Davenport City Council this week heard some answers. A report analyzed traffic counts, lane configurations, intersection patterns and speeds and laid out three options for how far the conversion would go. It also outlined challenges that need to be addressed if the council decides to move forward. The report was peer reviewed by Cedar Rapids engineering consultancy HR Green. It did not include an overall recommendation, and council members will discuss the findings at their next work session, which is Tuesday, July 26. The report laid out three scenarios: End two-way traffic at Marquette Street, Division Street or at Telegraph Road, including specific signage to show where the one-ways begin. One point of particular interest to the motoring public has been the impact on downtown traffic flow when delivery trucks are parked in a two-way traffic configuration. The streets would have "sufficient capacity" to handle traffic if converted to two-ways, according to the report, but the city would have to be more strict in not allowing vehicles to block lanes of traffic, including regulating when trucks could unload to downtown businesses and where Uber or Lyft cars could stop. The city also would need to add a traffic signal near the Central Fire Station to allow emergency responders to exit safely. The Downtown Davenport Partnership proposed the city implement a long-discussed conversion of downtown's one-ways to two-ways at the same time the city plans to complete a separate project resurfacing 3rd and 4th streets set for fiscal 2024 in order to save time and expense. The Partnership, which has for years promoted the conversion as a way to make downtown Davenport more inviting to businesses and pedestrians, contracted its own study in recent years of converting to two-way traffic from East River Drive to Marquette Street. But some council members raised the idea of doing a complete conversion to Telegraph Road to ease confusion. The Partnership's proposed plan included one lane of traffic in each direction with a center turn lane. Kyle Carter, director of the Partnership said he was encouraged by the report. "We finally had just a numbers conversation, feasibility," Carter said. "So this was not an emotional conversation. It was not a conversation about what was or what should be. It was just what is. "And what the data showed is that there is plenty of traffic capacity to do this and have it run very smoothly." Would 3rd and 4th streets be over capacity with reduced traffic flow? According to the report, which analyzed Iowa Department of Transportation traffic counts and capacity, 3rd and 4th streets would have "sufficient capacity" to accommodate traffic flow if converted to one lane of each traffic direction and one center turn lane. "It's not like we have to go widening the roadways," said Brian Schadt, a city engineer with the city of Davenport. "With a re-striping and proper application, the roadways will handle the change." According to the most recent traffic data from the Iowa Department of Transportation, measured in 2018, between 7,000 and 10,000 vehicles per day travel along East 4th Street and between 8,000 and 11,000 vehicles travel East 3rd Street per day. According to IDOT, a road with a lane in each direction and a center turn lane could handle 15,000 vehicles per day. "Both streets have sufficient capacity on the existing roadways to accommodate traffic flow should the roadways be converted to three-lane, two-way streets with a center left turn lane," the city's report reads. "In addition, data indicates that River Drive also has additional capacity should traffic relocate to that roadway." It would take longer, however, to drive through downtown by a few minutes, according to data analyzed by the city from traffic simulation software. For example, on 4th Street, from Marquette to River Drive, the report estimated travel time would increase from 3 minutes and 15 seconds to 5 minutes and 10 seconds. One concern that's been raised by both those opposing and those in support of converting one-ways is safety. City staff measured average speeds on 3rd and 4th Street. In the heart of downtown, with a 25 mile per hour speed limit, drivers averaged between 25.3 miles per hour and 29.8 miles per hour, with faster speeds toward the west. What about loading trucks and lane closures? The report says with fewer traveling lanes, shipping vehicles such as semis and delivery trucks should be restricted to non-peak travel times and loading zones. Existing alleys within the downtown area do not appear to be sufficient to provide space for loading zones due to existing parking, dumpster locations and narrow traveled ways, the report says. Vehicles being in the travel lane could introduce pedestrian/vehicle conflicts, impact roadway volume capacity and ultimately could impact emergency response time," according to the report. "It is further recommended that scheduled restocking shipping be restricted to non-peak travel times within the downtown area. The report also recommends loading zones for Uber or Lyft drivers. On drive-thru businesses, the report says if the conversion is completed stacking onto the roadway must not be allowed. The report also recommended against angled parking, which would require removing the center turn lane and would "directly impact traffic capacities as well as emergency vehicle access." At the intersections with E. River Drive, the angle of the intersections at 3rd and 4th Streets "fall below typical design standards," for safe left turns on typical two-way traffic. If conversion goes through, according to the report, the city should time the street lights to allow for conflict-free left turns. And flooding? The city's analysis recommends re-routing River Drive and 3rd Street two-way traffic to 4th Street during a 19-foot flood stage if the city converts to two-ways. One way traffic would be re-routed to Federal Street. Changing some intersections to four-way stops The report recommended changing five lighted intersections to four-way stops while keeping six intersections as traffic-signaled intersections between Telegraph Road and East River Drive. Traffic Signal Locations Gaines Street and 3rd Street/4th Street Harrison Street and 3rd Street/4th Street Brady Street and 3rd Street/4th Street River Drive and 3rd Street/4th Street Division Street and 3rd Street/4th Street Marquette Street and 3rd Street/4th Street Four Way Stop Locations Fillmore Street and 3rd Street/4th Street Ripley Street and 3rd Street/4th Street Main Street and 3rd Street/4th Street Pershing Street and 3rd Street/4th Street Iowa Street and 3rd Street/4th Street Alderwoman Judith Lee said she's looking for city staff to answer to the benefits of converting the one-ways to two-ways and weigh whether they are sufficient. "I'm really thinking that we need to look at the various needs," Lee said. "Why are we doing this and why now? Those are my two questions I've asked quite a bit, and I've always said that when I get more information is when I'll make my decision." Alderwoman Marion Meginnis, who has spoken favorably of the conversion in the past, said: "I certainly have some more questions, and I haven't gotten the chance to ask those yet. Not concerns, but questions." Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller called on the Iowa Legislature to pass laws making it easier for people to test drugs for fentanyl and obtain overdose-reversing medication on Thursday. In a press conference, Miller said state lawmakers should legalize fentanyl testing strips, which can be used to test whether fentanyl is present in a pill or other substance, and expand the availability of naloxone, a medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose and prevent death. Naloxone, under the brand name Narcan, is available for free without a prescription at certain pharmacies in Iowa, but Miller said the state should authorize nonprofits and government agencies to distribute the medication as well. Millers comments came on the heels of Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds announcing plans last week to ratchet up awareness messaging at the state level around the dangers of fentanyl and illicit drug use. Fentanyl is involved in the vast majority of opioid deaths in Iowa, being present in 83% of opioid deaths last year. Overall, drug overdose deaths have increased 34% in the last two years, from 350 in 2019 to 470 in 2021. Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that is up to 100 times stronger than morphine, is often added to illicit pills and other drugs, primarily because it makes the drugs cheaper to produce. Last week, Reynolds highlighted its presence in counterfeit pills that look like prescription drugs such as OxyContin and Percocet. Test strips Currently, fentanyl test strips are considered drug paraphernalia in Iowa. Possessing paraphernalia is a simple misdemeanor, punishable by up to 30 days in jail or a fine of $855. This should not be a partisan issue, Miller said. This is a harm reduction issue. This is a public health issue. Miller, Democrat, said hed had discussions with legislators on the measures during the last legislative session, and hes hoping he can get support from both parties on passing the two laws. Several states, including Georgia and Wisconsin, have decriminalized fentanyl test strips in recent years, with buy-in from Democrats and Republicans in their state legislatures. The National Association of Attorneys General, which Miller leads as president, has bipartisan support for the measure, Miller said. Dealing with this terrible set of issues concerning prescription opioids and fentanyl, it hasn't been a part of this partisan issue in Iowa, he said. Story County Sheriff Paul Fitzgerald said at the press conference that fentanyl test strips can be used by drug users to make safer decisions and prevent overdoses. This will allow the user to be able to either test the batch they have and if fentanyl is present during that, they can at that time choose a different batch, they can use less of what they have, they can have the option to have others there when they use it or have Narcan available, he said. Naloxone Under current law, distributing naloxone outside a pharmacy is prohibited, but Miller said the Legislature should pass a bill to allow community organizations and nonprofits to apply to the state and receive naloxone that can be distributed to the public. Under the proposed rules, the groups would not collect identifying information for the states prescription monitoring program. Miller said the best option for people addicted to opioids is to seek treatment, but that these measures would lower the chances of fatal overdoses for those not in treatment. There's no better time to get into treatment, he said. And treatment is really the answer for people that are addicted. Veronica Alvarez, mother of 22-year-old Anthony Alvarez, holds a photo of her son and his grandmother, Maria Luisa Lira, at her home on Feb. 23, 2022, in Chicago. (Erin Hooley / Chicago Tribune) The Chicago Police Board has denied the Civilian Office of Police Accountabilitys recommendation to fire the officer who shot Anthony Alvarez in a high-profile case last year. Alvarez, 22, was fatally shot by Chicago police Officer Evan Solano after a foot chase in Portage Park. Police Board member Steven Block reviewed COPAs investigation and recommendation of separation and denied it. Advertisement The attorney for the Alvarez family, Todd Pugh, decried the choice in a statement Thursday. The Alvarez family continues to reel from Anthonys death. They are appalled by Mr. Blocks decision to merely recommend a 20-day suspension of a police officer who COPA determined violated numerous policies and directives before killing Anthony Alvarez, the statement read. ... Todays decision is not only a gut-punch to the Alvarez family, but it perpetuates the message that encounters with the Chicago Police Department remain potentially lethal. Advertisement At Thursday nights police board meeting, Block announced his decision to side with Chicago police Superintendent David Browns recommendation for a 20-day suspension for Solano. Block, a partner at the law firm Thompson Hine and police board member since late 2021, wrote in his opinion of the case that Solanos use of force was objectively reasonable based on the totality of the circumstances as the officers reasonably perceived them and he agreed with Brown that COPAs evidence was legally insufficient to sustain that the officers acted against general orders when using force and engaging in the foot pursuit. Block found that Browns proposal of a 20-day suspension was more reasonable than the chief administrators recommendation of firing the officer. Block only agreed with the allegations that Solano failed to activate his body worn camera in a timely manner, did not properly load his firearm or make a required notification to the Office of Emergency Management and Communications of the pursuit. Blocks opinion noted that the officers had reasonable suspicion to make an investigatory stop of Alvarez based on their knowledge that he had been driving on March 29, 2021, with a suspended license and probable cause to arrest Alvarez based on how he held his waistband when he fled, leading the officers to believe he was illegally concealing a firearm. Block also noted that the officers were familiar with Alvarez because both Solano and his partner Sammy Encarnacion had responded to a domestic call involving Alvarez and the mother of his child the previous April. That call resulted in Solano chasing Alvarez, who was detained without incident. Block disagreed with COPA that Solano failed to use de-escalation techniques. Solano tried to minimize the confrontation by using continual communication, yelling at him to drop the gun and further warning that Solano was going to shoot could have prompted Alvarez to shoot first, Block found. But because Encarnacion did not activate his body-worn camera until after Alvarez had been shot, footage of the foot pursuit captured by the camera was in buffering mode, which does not have audio. So Block credited the officers consistent testimonies to confirm the verbal demands directed at Alvarez during the pursuit. Andrea Kersten, COPAs chief administrator, said at the meeting that she stood by COPAs investigation and findings. After the meeting, Kersten told reporters that she understands each case has its own merits and analysis that COPA as well as the board member takes. But COPA believes its important with cases of this consequence with large amounts of evidence that it should advance to the full police board instead of being up to a single member. Advertisement We reached the conclusions we made because, based on the totality of the circumstances, she said. We felt that the officers actions put in motion the circumstances that led to this unnecessarily and that that is a big part of the reason why we reached the sustained finding that we did, particularly with respect to the ultimate justification or lack thereof as we found to use fatal deadly force. Kersten said the 20-day suspension is the final decision and COPA has no avenue of recourse or appeal. Veronica Alvarez, mother of 22-year-old Anthony Alvarez, holds a photo of her son and his grandmother, Maria Luisa Lira, at her home on Feb. 23, 2022, in Chicago. (Erin Hooley / Chicago Tribune) Alvarez was shot while moving away from Solano, who was pursuing him and yelling at him to drop the gun, a video of the shooting released last year showed. Solano fired shots, and footage shows Alvarez drop a pistol as he fell to the ground. He was shot in the back and thigh, an autopsy later revealed. His family filed a lawsuit in February alleging the city bears responsibility for his death partly because the Chicago Police Department did not have a policy on foot pursuits at the time. The familys lawsuit states that Alvarez did not threaten the officers or anyone else, and police had no valid reason to stop him or chase him that night. Afternoon Briefing Daily Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox each afternoon. > His death came just days after a different Chicago police officer fatally shot 13-year-old Adam Toledo during a foot chase. The two shootings prompted protests and for the city to implement a policy on foot pursuits. In April 2021, Civilian Office of Police Accountability had recommended to Chicago police officials that Solano be relieved of his police powers during its investigation, an action that would require the officer to forfeit his badge and gun for work purposes while assigned to paid desk duty. He was stripped of his police powers in June 2021. COPA concluded its investigation on the Alvarez shooting in January. Advertisement Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx announces on March 15, 2022, that no charges will be filed in the shooting deaths by Chicago police of Adam Toledo or Anthony Alvarez. (Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune) In March, Cook County States Attorney Kim Foxx announced her office would not bring criminal charges against the officers involved in both the Alvarez and Toledo shootings. Foxx said at a news conference that prosecutors determined both officers reasonably believed they were in danger when they opened fire. Both Toledo and Alvarez were carrying guns on the nights they were shot. The Police Department released its final version of a foot pursuit policy in June, which was in the making for over a year since the Alvarez and Toledo shootings. The policy states that officers can only engage in a foot pursuit if there is a valid law enforcement need to detain the person that outweighs the dangers of the pursuit. Officers also must not start a chase or stop one for various reasons, such as if the officer becomes injured or a third party is injured and requires immediate medical aid; if the officer is unaware of their current location; and if the officer loses his or her radio or firearm. The policy also states that if an officer is alone, he or she should not start or continue a chase. All officers will receive e-learning training on the new policy, and it will also be built into the departments in-person 40 hours of mandatory training, according to police leaders. Robert Boik, CPDs executive director of constitutional policing and reform, said the policy wont officially go into effect until all officers have been trained on it, which will likely be by the end of the summer. pfry@chicagotribune.com asweeney@chicagotribune.com WASHINGTON, D.C. - Highland Park Mayor Nancy Rotering testified before members of Congress Wednesday in support of an assault weapons ban as she described the horrific mass shooting at the towns Fourth of July parade that left seven people dead and at least 48 others shot and injured. Less than a minute is all it took for a person with an assault weapon to shoot 83 rounds into a crowd, forever changing so many lives. And the most disturbing part? This is the norm in our country, Rotering said. Highland Park had the uniquely American experience of a Fourth of July parade turn into what has now become a uniquely American experience of a mass shooting. How do we call this freedom? She said mayors across the country dont fear if a mass shooting will hit their hometowns, but when. Wearing an orange shirt, and an orange ribbon pinned to the lapel of her jacket, Rotering shared her firsthand account of the shooting to members of the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee, a crowd of activists and Highland Park residents seated behind her. It was a perfect summer day, she said. The excitement of 3,000 parade goers was palpable, especially since this was our first parade in two years, post-pandemic. Festive floats, a sea of children and adults in red, white and blue waving American flags. At 10 a.m., my council and I kicked off our parade. Music and cheering were all we could hear as we headed down the street. Shortly after, the marching band stopped playing music. But she thought she could still hear a drum cadence. Only then did she realize someone was firing dozens of rounds into the crowd. We screamed, Run! Shooter! Adults stared back, not comprehending. But the kids knew immediately: this wasnt a drill, she said. Grandparents were running for cover, toddlers were being placed in dumpsters for safety and the bodies of those who were hit were scattered on the ground. Rotering told the story of Cassie Goldstein running for her life alongside her mother Katie, who was shot and killed that day. She spoke of trying to find wandering toddler Aiden McCarthys parents, who were killed during the parade, too. The hearing was chaired by Sen. Dick Durbin, who wore an orange tie and had a piece of cloth that read HP Strong in bold orange letters in front of him on the desk. The color has been commonly used to raise gun violence awareness after Chicago teen Hadiya Pendleton was shot and killed in 2013. How did we get to this point? Durbin asked. Why are these killing machines flying off the shelves after they were banned for a decade until 2004? Durbin praised the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act passed in June, what he called the most significant gun safety law in nearly three decades. But, he added, Weve got to do more. Sen. Tammy Duckworth was also present at the hearing and addressed committee members. We all swore an oath to defend the Constitution, which was established to ensure domestic tranquility, promote the general welfare and secure the blessings of liberty for ourselves and for future generations, Duckworth said. Let me tell you, allowing corporations to flood our communities with weapons of war has made a mockery of that sacred preamble. Other speakers in favor of stricter gun control laws included committee members Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California and Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey, and experts such as senior political scientist from RAND Corporation and Marine veteran Kyleanne Hunter. We owe it to the victims of gun violence, their families and the American people to ensure that gun violence prevention policy is based on objective facts, Hunter said. Actionable solutions only come when we are willing to take a clear-eyed look at the state of the science, and that includes looking at the role of assault weapons or commonly called modern sporting rifles, in mass shootings. Ranking member Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa spoke against a federal bank on assault weapon and gun control, as well as Sen. John Cornyn of Texas and Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas. Philip Smith, founder and president of the National African American Gun Association also spoke against the ban. One of the things I worry about is, the focus on the firearm that weve heard so far deflects our attention from other places where I think we can make a substantial difference, Cornyn said. He referred to criminality, drug overdoses and gang violence. Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota thanked Rotering for her leadership, and asked about the long-term effects of the shooting that she expects to see on her community as it grieves. We are still a community trying to figure out the next step to healing, Rotering said. She referenced observing a moment of silence a week after the shooting, as well as holding a vigil with SWAT teams and rooftop snipers present so the crowd would feel safe. There is a lot of physical and emotional pain that we will all be carrying with us, but for a lot of folks, their lives will never be the same. Its still a new journey for all of us, it will be a long journey, but right now, we need to get these weapons out of civilian hands, she said about assault weapons, evoking a round of applause from some present, including Klobuchar. Booker said that, as former mayor of Newark, he knows that its just a matter of time before another shooting occurs in another mayors city. Today, were talking about Highland Park. Tomorrow, we could be talking about another town, another mosque, another grocery store, another church, another school, he said. Mayor Rotering echoed that sentiment. We all know its not if but when, she said. Roterings 14-page testimony document which included calls to strengthen red flag laws and national background checks, to ban assault weapons and large capacity magazines and to reduce immunity for gun dealers ended with the exhortation: Today is the day to start saving lives. The Pennington County Board of Commissioners approved a 4-day compressed workweek proposal for the County Administration Building at its regular board meeting Tuesday morning. The proposal, to take effect Nov. 14, will implement expanded hours at the administration building to 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Thursday, with the building closed to the public on Fridays. Certain offices such as State's Attorney and Public Defender, information technology, and emergency services will still operate as necessary, outside of the compressed workweek schedule. The plan was originally conceived by employees and department heads as a way to improve employee retention, Commission Chair Gary Drewes said. We have not been able to hire and the number of applicants is way down compared to what it normally was, he said. So, not only do we need to be able to hire people to fill those positions, but to retain individuals." The Treasurers Office fueled parts of Tuesday mornings discussion, noting lines out the door, often hours before opening, leaving no time for employees to process mail. Title companies were a concern, with one company expressing concerns related to recording documents and updating files. Commissioner Ron Rossknecht said he could not support the proposal without satisfying concerns from title companies. Register of Deeds Audra Casteel agreed to sit down with Rossknecht and the title companies to work through their concerns. Public comment suggested the change would be in the best interest of the employees, but not the public. Concerns were expressed over the lost day, regardless of expanded hours. One speaker gave an example of a customer driving from Wall on a Friday only to find the offices closed. This whole thing is about getting the level of service back, or keeping it the same, instead of deteriorating, Commissioner Lloyd LaCroix said. It is what prompted all of this. Jon Morrill, human resources director, and Holli Hennies, commission manager, made a presentation to the board, including employee and public surveys, community impact, data and research from other four-day workweek examples and logistics within each department. A public feedback survey conducted in the Treasurers Office and Planning Department revealed over 80% were in favor of the expanded hours, with an-almost 50/50 split on which day they preferred the building to be closed. Employees were also surveyed, collecting pros and cons of the proposed change. Pros included flexibility for appointments, more family time and more time to complete tasks uninterrupted. Cons included less time in the evenings on longer days, scheduling difficulty with school and daycare, and less time to complete tasks. Morrill and Hennies referenced a study from Microsoft Japan in which the company did a month-long trial of a four-day workweek, reporting a 40% gain in productivity, 23% reduction in electricity and 58% reduction in work-related page printing. While the building will be closed to the public on Fridays, each department will work with their staff to establish schedules that work for its employees. LaCroix moved to approve and implement the four-day workweek for the County Administration building, to continue to support remote and flexible work schedules for all county offices and departments, and for the current holiday schedule observance policy to remain in place, with a review of the new plan scheduled in six months. Commissioner Travis Lasseter suggested the review period be three months rather than six, with both Morrill and Highway Superintendent Joe Miller suggesting a time period that short would be disruptive to the employees. The commission approved the proposal, with a six-month review, 3-1. Lasseter voted no, and Commissioner Deb Hadcock was absent from the meeting. Tribal leaders in South Dakota, including Oglala Sioux Tribe President Kevin Killer, formally announced their support of Constitutional Amendment D Wednesday in Rapid City. Killer sat with Crow Creek Chairman Peter Lengkeek, Lower Brule Chairman Clyde Estes, Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate Chairman Delbert Hopkins Jr., Yankton Sioux Councilwoman Andrea Fisher and Rosebud Sioux Councilwoman Tennille Blackfeather during a press conference hosted by South Dakotans Decide Healthcare and the Great Plains Tribal Leaders Health Board. Killer said Constitutional Amendment Ds passing will help all citizens of South Dakota and most importantly its tribal citizens. He said it would help at least 50,000 tribal members, which is how big the Oglala Sioux Tribe is. Ultimately, most of the citizens rely on some form of support for medical services, Killer said. Its in our treaty rights that health, education and welfare are those tenants of that, and IHS does cover that component. He said the state of South Dakota is the payer of last resort for people who are in Medicaid and Medicare, and the funds for IHS slowly get cut down. Constitutional Amendment D would amend the state constitution to require South Dakota to provide Medicaid benefits to adults between 18 and 65 with incomes below 133% of the federal poverty level beginning July 1, 2023. The Affordable Care Act includes a 5% income disregard, so the measure would expand Medicaid to those with incomes at or below 138% of the federal poverty level. Those eligible for Medicaid Expansion include families earning less than $37,000 and adults up to age 64 with incomes up to $18,000 per year, as well as pregnant women, children, elderly, blind or disabled tribal members in the state. According to South Dakotans Decide Healthcare, the expansion would help more than 40,000 South Dakotans. According to the United States Census Bureaus 2020 data, the total population of Pine Ridge is 18,850 people with the median household income at $33,161. The data states that the employment rate is 40.5%, and 34.8% are without health coverage. However, census data is collected through voluntary surveys and not all tribal citizens on the reservation may have responded. Killer said if the amendment is approved by South Dakota voters, the expansion could lead to the expansion of medical providers on the reservation. He also said it could strengthen rural health care. Youve seen all the disparities in our health care rural systems where people are catching COVID in rural areas couldn't go to their local hospital, they had to be flown across the state or to another area, he said. Unfortunately Native communities have always had to live with this because of how we were funded. Killer said they want to change that and hopefully with the passage of the amendment, it would bring change and better options in the future. He said the sales tax that could come from the expansion would pay for the cost alone, but this is an investment. The biggest thing is always investing in our own communities, Killer said. Estes said the expansion is going to be crucial and important to help cover those who have no health care. When you look at it, this is the year 2022. I think there should be no South Dakotans with no medical coverage, he said. Its health care, it should be a God-given right to everybody. A human life is precious and sacred, were all created for a purpose, and no medical care should be denied to any individual let alone any Native person or native South Dakotan for not being able to afford it. Estes said theres no reason Medicaid expansion should not be passed by the state, particularly when the state had a budget surplus. Gov. Kristi Noems office reported Monday that the state closed its fiscal year with a $115.5 million surplus. According to a news release, the surplus was transferred to the states budget reserves, which now totals $422.6 million, or 20.5% of the fiscal year 2023 general fund budget. Hopkins said his tribe has over 14,000 members and its still difficult for everyone to come together and get the services needed. Fisher said her tribe has 9,000 members, 3,000 of which live on the reservation and arent getting the best quality care at Indian Health Services and 6,000 that live off the reservation that dont receive any services. Fisher said for voting, there has already been issues with physical addresses needed to vote since multiple generations live in the same household on the Yankton Sioux Reservation. Killer said it has been an ongoing issue since 2004. He said it has gradually been getting better, but even when people register to vote, they dont vote in every election. He said sometimes when they dont, their registration lapses. He said its important for people to receive information and for organizations to get information out to the public. He said people should bring their ID and can sign an affidavit and in lieu of an ID, sign it and vote. Estes said he feels like sometimes there are misconceptions about voting, like someones vote doesnt matter because nobody's listening. He said sometimes that rings true and even tribal leaders feel like their voices arent being heard at the state and federal level. However, he said votes do matter and their voices matter. Your concerns do matter, even though we cant address everything that is brought up, but it will be duly noted that your concerns are heard, Estes said. Lengkeek said voter turnout is always a huge concern for tribal leaders and there are many hurdles they have to face. He said there are many dynamics going to the polls, including polling locations and communication. He said there are multiple generations living in some housing on Crow Creek as well, and multiple people registering to vote at one location causes fear they could be kicked out of their home. Killer said if the amendment does not pass, they will continue to fight and go to Congress for continued funding. He said they will continue to speak with U.S. Sens. John Thune and Mike Rounds, and U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson. This is one of the few opportunities to make sure that we do it right, and I think all citizens in South Dakota, regardless of being Native or not, need good health care, Killer said. On July 12, Rep. Liz Cheney ended the latest Jan. 6 committee hearing in Washington D.C. by raising the possibility that former President Donald Trump had committed witness tampering. The same day and 1,700 miles to the west, Harriet Hageman, Trumps pick to unseat her, made her way down Center Street in downtown Casper, waiving to throngs of spectators in one of central Wyomings biggest summer parades. The dichotomy is notable, especially in a state where Cheney is facing increasing criticism that her work on the committee is taking too much of her focus from issues back home. That criticism appears to be hurting her political prospects in Wyoming. Nearly 60% of Wyoming Republicans who plan to vote in next months primary say her service on the Jan. 6 committee makes them less likely to vote for her, a new Casper Star-Tribune poll shows. Even when factoring in Democrats and independents who plan to vote in the GOP primary, only 22% of voters here say her work on the committee makes it more likely that they will support her. People could be viewing Cheneys participation with the committee as a distraction from Wyoming issues, said Dr. Jim King, political science professor at the University of Wyoming. Time spent on that is time not spent on something else. More poll results The Casper Star-Tribune is planning a series of stories tied to its recent poll of likely voters in Wyoming's Republican primary. Sunday: Hageman takes a commanding lead Hageman takes a commanding lead Sunday: Many Democrats are supporting Cheney Many Democrats are supporting Cheney Wednesday: The impact of Donald Trump on Wyoming's House race The impact of Donald Trump on Wyoming's House race Thursday: Voters and Jan. 6 Voters and Jan. 6 Next week: A demographic breakdown of the race Editor's note: The demographic piece had originally been slated to run Friday. The same poll found Cheney trailing Hageman by 22 points with only a month until the primary. The poll, conducted for the Star-Tribune by Mason-Dixon Polling & Strategy, surveyed 1,100 registered Wyoming voters likely to participate in the primary. It is the first independent, in-state poll to be conducted on one of the nations most watched races. It has a margin of error of plus or minus 3%. Cheneys political favor among Wyoming Republicans faltered soon after the Jan. 6 attack at the Capitol, when she famously told interviewers that Trump was responsible for the riot. The president incited the mob, she said that day. The president addressed the mob. He lit the flame. Cheney was among only 10 Republicans in the House who voted to impeach Trump, and she remains a steadfast critic of the former president, whom she says represents a threat to democracy and the rule of law. At the time of the Jan. 6 riot, Cheney was the third-ranking Republican in the House. Her consistent criticism of the former president as a threat to democracy led her GOP colleagues in Congress to oust her from leadership. She also angered the Wyoming GOP, which censured her and later symbolically voted to no longer recognize her as a Republican. Despite the backlash, she continued to speak out against Trump and kept reminding anyone who would listen about the severity of the Jan. 6 attack. Eventually, she landed a role as vice chairman of the investigative committee, one of only two Republicans on the panel. Voters say Trumps endorsement of Hageman has had little influence on their decision, the poll shows. In contrast, Cheneys work on the commission is having a far greater influence on the race. Half of the people who plan to vote in next months primary say that have been following the Jan. 6 hearings closely or very closely, with Republicans being less likely than Democrats to have paid attention to the proceedings. The poll asked voters whether they approved or disapproved of Cheneys decision to serve on the committee. Six in 10 people who plan to vote in the primary said they disapproved of her choice, while 29% approved. In a party breakdown, eight in 10 Democrats backed her service, while more than two-thirds of Republicans disagreed. Only 18% of Wyoming Republicans and 23% of independents say theyre more likely to vote for her in light of her committee service. A whopping 59% of Republicans said they are less likely to vote for Cheney because of her decision. Interviews with voters conducted by the Star-Tribune mirrored those results. When John Luber, a registered Republican and groundskeeper at Caspers David Street Station, was asked why hes not voting for Cheney, he said its due to her basic stance on January the 6th. Im still up in the air about the whole thing, he said. I think theyre making a big thing. It wasnt an insurrection, it was just a demonstration. Lubner said he plans to vote for Hageman, who has called the Jan. 6 hearings a Stalinist show trial. They hate the fact that shes on the Jan. 6 committee said Brad Coker, managing director of Mason-Dixon, the polling company that performed the survey for the Star-Tribune. Across the aisle, Cheney has far more support for her service on the committee: 61% of Democrats who plan to vote in the primary say Cheneys service makes them more likely to support her. When I saw her comments and her leadership in the Jan. 6 hearings ... I was like, Theres no mistake. She represented, for me, a woman with guts and determination, who wanted to look and find out what the facts were before moving on, said Rob Johnston, whos lived in Wyoming since 2002 and has been a registered Democrat almost that entire time. While Democratic support for Cheney may be substantial, the polls finding suggest there are not nearly enough Democrats in Wyoming to help her win unless the vote is decided by a couple thousand ballots. Despite all of that, Cheney is sticking to her guns. I will never violate my oath of office and if youre looking for somebody who will [then] you need to vote for somebody else on the stage, because I wont, she said in a recent debate. With a temporary measure set to sunset next year, a bill that would permanently reverse an appellate courts decision on when federal agencies must consult on endangered species advanced from a U.S. Senate committee Thursday. Montana Republican Steve Daines and West Virginia Democrat Joe Manchin co-sponsored an amendment to Senate Bill 2561, aimed at reversing the 2015 Cottonwood Decision," before the bill passed from committee Thursday. The decision is named for the Bozeman-based Cottonwood Environmental Law Center, which won the case before the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. The decision found that the U.S. Forest Service needed to take a top-level look at its management plans after new critical habitat designations were determined for the threatened Canada lynx. In practice, the decision meant that within the 9th Circuit, the Forest Service needed to open up forest plans to consult the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service when a new species was listed under the Endangered Species Act, when new critical habitat was designated or when significant new information about a listed species became available. Litigation has followed as conservation groups seek enforcement of the decision. Supporters of the decision say the consultation is critical in ensuring endangered species receive adequate protections based on the latest science. Critics of the decision argued the requirement was duplicative of project-level analysis that includes the consultation, only serving to delay projects. Legally, government attorneys contended that the management plans were static decisions that did not direct on-the-ground work, and that consultations rarely resulted in management changes. In 2018, a rider backed by Montanas congressional delegation partially overturned the Cottonwood decision, but only until 2023. The measure overturned consultation requirements on new listings and critical habitat, while consultation on new significant information has remained in place. The looming expiration has led to new bills seeking a full and permanent overturning of Cottonwood, including bills from Daines and Republican Rep. Matt Rosendale, with Thursday the farthest any have advanced. Democratic Sen. Jon Testers office said that he had recently signed on as a cosponsor to the Senate bill. The Cottonwood decision established a new standard for re-consultation on completed forest plans for only states within the 9th Circuit, Daines said in the Senate Natural Resources Committee Thursday. It created a split in the courts, and a different standard for Bureau of Land Management plans than forest plans. More importantly, it set a new, never-ending procedural requirement for consultation on plans that has diverted agency resources and time. In testimony before the same committee from October, Forest Service Deputy Chief Chris French said the agency estimates consultations on about 100 forest plans could take 5-10 years and millions of dollars to complete. Daines argued the amendment will also bring clarity to a conflicting decision in the 10th Circuit. Speaking against the bill was Sen. Ron Wyden, a Democrat for Oregon. Wyden indicated support for the principle of the bill and increasing timber harvest, but argued that its language would not have the desired effect of reducing environmental litigation. I very much wanted to work out with the sponsor (Daines), with a number of my Democratic colleagues and Sen. Manchin, I believe the Daines amendment as written will create more confusion, more litigation and looks like a lawyers full employment program, he said. Wyden pointed specifically to language saying consultation would not be required if there are no on the ground effects, believing it left legal ambiguity to the question of whether forest plans would qualify. Daines countered that the language of the bill mirrored legal language from the Department of Justice used to argue the 9th Circuit case. The amendment passed on a vote of 16-4. Tester was among those who applauded the vote Thursday, with a spokesperson saying he has been concerned about additional red tape, cosponsored the current bill and joined in sponsoring the 2018 partial fix. The committees action demonstrated strong, bipartisan support for the legislation that will put the issue to rest by allowing timber, trails, and conservation projects to move forward while protecting a thorough environmental review process and without impacting conservation outcomes on the ground, his office said. The vote also saw support from several conservation and wood products groups such as the National Wild Turkey Federation and Montana Chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, citing concern about delays on forestry projects. The vote drew some opposition as well, such as the Center for Biological Diversity, which said it hamstring consideration of new and important information on endangered species, such as the effects of climate change. The Montana Supreme Court on Tuesday ruled unanimously in favor of the state public defenders office in voiding a contempt order and sanctions handed down by a District Court judge earlier this year. Twice in the past year District Court Judge Donald Harris held the Office of the State Public Defender in contempt for failing to assign attorneys to defendants quickly enough. In the 7-0 opinion signed Tuesday by Chief Justice Mike McGrath, the high court wrote Harris erred in his second contempt order when he ordered the Office of the State Public Defender to assign counsel to indigent defendants within three days, a rate not specified in state law. The high court also shot down Harris' finding that state law requires the agency to assign a public defender to a defendant throughout the case. Brett Schandelson, acting director at OPD, said Wednesday the ruling recognizes the realities of the hurdles OPD faces in carrying out its duties, and allows the agency to address those issues by its own means. Really we need to be able to be adaptable to the circumstances when they change, whether it's markets or new filings or our own internal resources, Schandelson said. The Supreme Court's order returns to us those options to be adaptable and flexible. The ruling vacates Harris' second contempt order and vacates the $8,500 fine leveled against OPD. The case did, however, pull the curtain back on the challenges OPD has been facing, namely in Yellowstone County. Last year, Harris called on the agency after learning some 663 defendants had not been assigned a public defender in the District Court there. Although the agency noted each defendant did have an attorney with them at their initial appearance, the cases continued without an assigned attorney after that first hearing, so Harris held then-OPD director Rhonda Lindquist in contempt for the logjam and fined the agency more than $15,000. In his ruling, Harris ordered OPD to assign counsel to defendants within three days to meet the "immediate" requirement to do so included in state law. In February, Harris held Lindquist and the agency in contempt again for failing to assign attorneys to 17 clients. The state public defenders office took this contempt order to the state Supreme Court, challenging Harris' ability to sanction OPD into compliance. Harris, defending his contempt order and sanctions, had argued that OPD does not assign attorneys before the judge orders them to do so. Of the 17 defendants who had gone without an attorney leading into Harris' second contempt order, only three of them had had the same attorney as they did during the initial hearing. Harris on Wednesday declined to comment on the high court's ruling. The public defenders office argued that while a defendant may have a different attorney at their initial appearance or arraignment than they did later in the case, a public defender was nonetheless present at those early, crucial steps in the case. The Supreme Court ruled in favor of OPD's argument, noting that neither state law nor case law precludes this arraignment. The high court cited a 1977 ruling by the Ninth Circuit, which stated while a "vertical" staffing model in which a single attorney handles the initial appearance, arraignment and all subsequent proceedings may be preferable, "this type of horizontal representation may at times be an inevitable result of workload and budget constraints imposed on a public defender's office." As for the requirement for OPD to "immediately" assign an attorney to a defendant, the Supreme Court noted that the Legislature could have included a specific time frame, but so far has not. Schandelson said Wednesday the agency itself would prefer a "vertical" model to ensure continuous representation from a case's opening to closing disposition. "But it's not always feasible and it's good to be able to adjust as necessary," he said. Indeed, the public defender's office in some ways has already established a horizontal staffing model into its operations. A defendant gets a new public defender, for example, when they appeal their case to a higher court; the agency has divided its staff attorneys into this category specifically to handle appeals. The public defenders office has seen an injection of additional funding in recent months, including $1.5 million to meet the three-day timeline in Yellowstone County. Not long after, the Governor's Office approved funding to boost pay for both OPD staff attorneys and contract attorneys who take on the overflow of the agency's cases. While retention was perhaps the largest contributor to the Yellowstone County OPD office's issues, Schandelson said the agency has identified several potential new hires to fill the ranks there in the coming months. Montana's state forester will step up to the federal government next month as the Bureau of Land Management's state director for Montana and the Dakotas. BLM Director Tracy Stone-Manning selected Sonya Germann for the role. In her current job as state forester, Germann leads the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation Forestry Division, headquartered in Missoula. She was also recently selected to serve on the Presidential Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission. "Sonya brings a lifetime in Montana and over 20 years of natural resources, conservation and business management experience to her new role," said Stone-Manning, herself a longtime Missoula resident. "Shes highly respected for her inclusive approach to management, her ability to build strong relationships on the ground, and finding solutions to tough issues." When Germann begins her role at the BLM in August, she'll oversee 8.3 million acres of public lands across three states, plus 47 million subterranean acres of mineral estate, the agency stated. She will also oversee 600 permanent employees, 230 seasonal workers and "a myriad of public land uses and resources, including energy development, livestock grazing, outdoor recreation and the protection and control of wild horses and burros." A native of Ennis, Germann grew up on a ranch and completed bachelor's degrees from University of Montana in wildlife biology and liberal studies. She is currently completing a master's degree in resource conservation at University of Montana. Germann began working part time for the DNRC's seedling nursery in 2004. In 2007 she shifted to full time at the DNRC as a planner in the Trust Lands Divisions Forest Management Bureau. She became chief of that bureau in 2012. She became state forester and head of the Forestry Division in 2018, overseeing wildland firefighting, state and private forestry, and interagency collaboration on forest projects. Before her work for the state, Germann worked as a biological sciences technician for the U.S. Forest Service in Alaska, and she was a community rights organizer for the Montana Human Rights Network. A former Stevensville mayor faces a slew of criminal charges after a fraud investigation concluded he misused town funds on multiple occasions while in office. Brandon E. Dewey is charged with three felony counts of theft and three misdemeanor counts of official misconduct. A new mayor, Steven Gibson, was elected in November 2021, replacing Dewey. In January 2022, after Gibson was sworn in, multiple issues arose relating to Stevensvilles computers systems and finances. This prompted the new administration to ask Stevensville Police Chief Mac Sosa to review the towns finances. Sosa is a certified fraud examiner through the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners. Sosa referred his investigation to the Ravalli County Attorneys Office, which resulted in several charges being filed. Dewey did not return a request for comment as of press time. The first set of allegations say Dewey used town funds to pay for his personal legal fees by trying to bypass the town's usual claim process, Ravalli County charging documents state. Dewey racked up legal fees over a recall petition started on March 30, 2020. The petition was a proposal to gather signatures to recall the former mayor, and it was filed by a Stevensville resident with the Ravalli County Election Administrator. The petition was authorized. Two months later, on June 22, Dewey filed a civil lawsuit against the citizen and election administrator in an attempt to stop the petition and any subsequent recall election. In August, a district judge issued a summary judgment dismissing Deweys complaint. Dewey was represented by Boone Karlberg, P.C. during the suits short lifespan, charging documents stated. The firm billed their client a total of $12,020.20 in legal fees accrued from June 11 to August 14 in the aforementioned civil suit. Stevensville had a regular process set up for payments for town expenses, often referred to as claims. Months later, Stevensvilles finance officer said he was surprised to see that a December 23, 2020 batch of town checks included a payment of $12,020.20 to Boone Karlberg, P.C. When the officer inquired about the claim with the Stevensville town clerk, he was directed to Dewey. Dewey reportedly told the finance officer the claim was for his legal fees, and the town council had or would be approving the claim, according to court filings. Dewey then produced a legal opinion document. (The finance officer) later determined that the legal opinion was actually a memo from (Dewey) to (the finance officer), clearly prepared ahead, in an attempt to justify the attorneys fees claim, charging documents state. Records and interviews determined Dewey didnt submit the legal fees claim when he was billed in September 2020, but rather waited to the December 2020 out of cycle period. The investigation confirmed Deweys claim for attorneys fees didnt go before the council for approval along with the towns other out of cycle claims. In April of 2021, Dewey paid a personal check of $12,020.20 to the town of Stevensville. The finance officer said Dewey was visibly upset about this, and that he entered the payment into the towns system using the incorrect process, which had to be later corrected. More of the charges stem from a three-month gap from April 2019 to July 2019 where Dewey, who was mayor at the time, was tasked with working as the interim finance officer. Sosas investigation also showed Dewey, while serving as the temporary finance officer for Stevensville, paid himself retroactive pay not authorized by the town council, court documents allege. He also paid himself duplicate pay for the month of August 2019. According to court documents, Dewey paid himself extra hours beyond what was approved by the town council for his extra work as finance officer. The last set of accusations state that Dewey made extra severance payouts to specific employees. Between mid-November 2021 and the end of the year, five town employees resigned from their positions after the election (which Dewey lost). Typically, the town makes payouts of accrued vacation, sick and compensatory time to employees leaving their positions, but not severance pay, charging documents state. In interviews, the five former town employees acknowledged receiving severance money. When he was interviewed by Sosa, Dewey reportedly admitted he added severance to the end-of-employment payouts for each of the five people who left. He further said he hadnt presented the severance pay issue to the town council. Dewey is scheduled to make his initial appearance on July 27 in Ravalli County District Court. A Montana-grown construction business could begin repairing the flood-damaged road through Yellowstone National Park that connects the North and Northeast entrances next week. Oftedal Construction has bid to make temporary repairs to the damaged roadway. The employee-owned company has offices in Miles City and Casper, Wyoming. The goal is to have the route entirely reopened to public traffic by October. The highway is vital to the residents of Cooke City and Silver Gate, at the Northeast Entrance, since it provides the only road to the mountain towns in the winter. It is also the only road open to automobiles in Yellowstone in the winter, so its popular with wildlife watchers. Heavy runoff from a rain-on-snowpack event in mid-June damaged the roadway, gouging out large sections that prompted officials to temporarily close the entire park while an assessment was undertaken. More than 90% of the park has reopened to visitors, although the North and Northeast entrances remain closed along with a large section of backcountry between the two park gates. Long-term Permanent repairs of the roadway may take three to five years, with options being drawn up by the Park Service for public review. The other temporary road repair is to the Old Gardiner Road at the North Entrance, being undertaken by HK Contractors of Idaho Falls. The route is currently being used by park employees and commercial contractors at defined times to avoid construction work delays. The old gravel road is being widened to two lanes and paved to connect Gardiner and Mammoth Hot Springs, Wyoming, which is where Yellowstone National Parks headquarters are located. Cam Sholly, Yellowstone National Park superintendent, is hoping the work on both sections of roadway can be completed by the fall, allowing public traffic to resume. Single lane traffic, controlled by a stoplight, may be necessary on parts of the route through the Lamar Valley, he recently told area residents and business owners. If the road repairs cant be completed by this fall, the Park Service in concert with the Montana and Wyoming departments of transportation, will make plans to plow the plug. The plug is a section of Highway 212 that is closed to auto traffic in the winter, creating a popular snowmobiling trail. Some snowmobile-dependent businesses in Cooke City are worried that if the plug is plowed, snowmobilers may not visit, since it will hamper snowmobile access to the surrounding mountains. Even if the temporary roadway through Yellowstone is finished in time for winter travel, vehicle length restrictions may be necessary on the narrow, winding Old Gardiner Road. Also questionable is whether the Mammoth Hotel would be reopened for the winter season, since it is reliant on the parks septic service, which was severed in the flooding. For now, the Park Service is using old settling ponds as a temporary solution while it works to reconnect its service lines, which travel to the Gardiner wastewater treatment plant. The ponds cannot be used once the weather turns cold since the water will freeze. Northeast Unlike the upgrading taking place at the Old Gardiner Road, the repairs near the Northeast Entrance involve several sections of roadway. In some places, a new route will be built away from the old highway, damaged by high waters in Soda Butte Creek, Pebble Creek and the Lamar River. One repair involves the installation of a temporary bridge to span a 750-foot gouge. Oftedal will be working from both ends of the damaged roadway to speed the construction. As work is completed, Sholly said the Park Service may be able to incrementally reopen the roadway to the public, expanding access to Yellowstone as construction crews make progress. Right now, public access to the park at the North and Northeast entrances is allowed only for cyclists or walkers to travel a short distance. Some tour operators and outfitters are being allowed access over the Old Gardiner Road, but at controlled times to limit disruption of the ongoing construction work. The Park Service on Wednesday announced the opening of the road from Tower Junction to Slough Creek, a six-mile stretch, to bikers, hikers and anglers. Visitors will be able to park at Tower Junction. The park is finalizing a day-use reservation system for visitor vehicle access which will be online by Aug. 1, allowing reservation holders day-use access with their vehicles. Permits would be available at recreation.gov. LOS ANGELES San Diego Comic-Con International is upping its coronavirus screenings in the wake of the latest viral surge across California. Comic-Con is set to return to the San Diego Convention Center July 21-24. It's the first full-scale event since 2019, when more than 130,000 attendees from over 30 countries flocked to downtown San Diego for the typically annual celebration. Attendees must wear an approved face covering regardless of vaccination status. Mesh coverings, neck gaiters, damaged or torn coverings and face coverings with breathing valves won't be accepted. Masks should "completely cover the nose and mouth, fit snugly against the sides of the face, and not have any gaps," organizers wrote on the Comic-Con website. Attendees also will have to provide proof that they are fully vaccinated against the coronavirus, or submit a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours. Guests who don't comply will be removed from the venue, although ticketholders who test positive for the virus within 72 hours can request a full refund by emailing refunds@comic-con.org. "We are excited to gather again after such a long hiatus," the con website said. "But we want to be sure everyone who attends is as safe as possible. We will continue to update our website as new information becomes available, so be sure to check this page often for the most up-to-date protocols." The news comes as state officials warned the current coronavirus surge may even top last winter's Omicron wave. L.A. County currently averages about 6,900 coronavirus cases a day nearly double the peak from last summer's surge but because at-home coronavirus test results often are not reported, many fear the true number of cases is significantly higher. Shortly after ordering McDonalds fries, barbecue sauce and a drink, 13-year-old Martellius Moore found himself under arrest on the citys West Side after police said he carjacked his food delivery drivers car while two small children were in it. Moore was charged with aggravated vehicular hijacking and aggravated battery using a deadly weapon, police said. Advertisement I did not take the car, said Moore in a telephone interview hours after his first juvenile court appearance on the charges, during which a judge ordered him under house arrest with an ankle monitor. Theres a camera to prove it. The children a 4-year-old girl and a 7-year-old boy suffered minor injuries to their arms, but nobody else was hurt during the attack, which began about 5:30 p.m. in the 600 block of North Christiana Avenue and ended in the 700 block of North Spaulding Avenue in the citys East Garfield Park neighborhood, Chicago police said. Advertisement Thirteen-year-old Martellius Moore wears an ankle monitor in his Chicago bedroom on July 21, 2022. Moore was accused of carjacking the car belonging to a food delivery driver while two children were inside. (Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune) She parked, she came across the street and gave me the food; I gave her the code, said Moore. As she handed him his order, Moore spotted a bearded man about 25 years old pulling up on her car and then getting into it as Moore, on his porch, watched and then warned the woman. The 26-year-old woman spun around and screamed My babies! and ran into the street and jumped onto the hood of a Nissan Altima, Moore said. After the woman was hit, Moore said he walked into the street to see what was going on and police arrested him about 10 minutes later, after the woman allegedly identified him. According to Chicago police, Moore was the one who jumped into the car after she stepped out of it, and then plowed into her. He continued southbound before leaping out of the car, which continued moving before hitting a fence. Moore then allegedly ran away on foot and was taken into custody a few blocks away, police said. The children were still in the back seats, police said. Until his next court date, which is in August, Moore must wear an ankle monitor or bracelet, said Carol Reynolds, Moores grandmother, who added that he will have to be wearing it on his first day of eighth grade. She worries what his classmates will think. Hes innocent, Reynolds said. We just want the truth to be told. Advertisement rsobol@chicagotribune.com Afternoon Briefing Daily Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox each afternoon. > On Feb. 22, 1960, 34 protesters, most of them students from Virginia Union University, were arrested when they refused to leave the Thalhimers Most Richmond-area residents who are at high risk for monkeypox can now request a vaccine by contacting the health department. Residents of the city of Richmond and Henrico, Chesterfield and Powhatan counties are eligible for the shot. The Chickahominy Health District, which services residents of Hanover, Goochland, New Kent and Charles City, does not have doses yet. Richmond and Henrico residents who have had contact with a known positive case or are at elevated risk can fill out an interest form at rhhd.gov/monkeypoxvax or call (804) 205-3501. Because the supply is limited, the vaccine is not guaranteed for all who request it. Chesterfield and Powhatan residents can contact the Chesterfield Health District. Richmond man pleads guilty to fatal stabbing, abduction charges Kevin Lee Rice, 43, was sentenced to 30 years in prison related to incidents in April and November 2021. The Richmond and Henrico Health Districts received 160 doses of the Jynneos vaccine Tuesday. The federal government recently ordered 2.5 million doses of the Bavarian Nordic-manufactured shot thats been approved by the Food and Drug Administration to prevent monkeypox and smallpox. There have been at least 40 cases of monkeypox in Virginia, including one in central Virginia. The virus causes a rash or lesions, and during the most recent outbreak, it has been identified largely in gay and bisexual men. Anyone with close contact to monkeypox can contract the virus. Individuals who are eligible for the vaccine include gay and bisexual men and transgender women who have sex with men; sex workers; staff at establishments where sexual activity occurs and people who attend sex-on-premises venues. Dr. Melissa Viray, deputy director of the Richmond and Henrico Health Districts, said she hopes supply increases in the weeks and months to come. We know that there are many folks in the community who are ready to get vaccinated against monkeypox, and were eager to vaccinate them, Viray said. Register for more free articles. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Two of four teenage defendants charged in a July 2 fatal shooting during a birthday party at the Cultural Center of India fired guns during a restroom confrontation with a 16-year-old boy who was struck and killed, a Chesterfield County prosecutor said during a Thursday court hearing. Killed was Joel Gonzalez-Alvarado, a Monacan High School student who loved rap music, fashion clothing, video games and editing videos, according to his obituary. Three of the four suspects charged in Gonzalez-Alvarados death made their first appearances Thursday in Chesterfield Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court with their attorneys. No action was taken on their charges after Assistant Commonwealths Attorney Brittany Hinton asked the court to continue the cases, because the prosecution was still waiting on the final autopsy report. But during a detention hearing for one of the defendants, Hinton provided a brief outline of evidence in her argument for keeping the boy in custody. The shooting occurred about 10:30 p.m. at the Cultural Center of India at 6641 Ironbridge Parkway, which had been leased that evening to a family for a quinceanera, a coming-of-age birthday celebration for Latinas. After police responded to a shooting there, officers located the victim on the floor of one of the facilitys restrooms, and he appeared to have three bullet holes to his body, Hinton told the court. Hinton said officers spoke with people at the event and were able to secure a video that partially captured the events leading to the shooting. The video showed Gonzalez-Alvarado fighting with another juvenile male in the restroom, Hinton said. The footage also showed a second juvenile male wearing a white shirt and glasses come from another area of the restroom holding a handgun. In addition, a third juvenile male can be seen and he, too, is holding a handgun, the prosecutor said. The witness who reported the video said all of the males had firearms, Hinton told the court. The males that appeared to have the firearms in the video are seen holding the firearms up, seconds before shots are heard on the video. The juvenile male who was fighting with Gonzalez-Alvarado was actually striking the victim with what appeared to be a firearm, she added. With assistance from witnesses, officers were able to identify the juvenile male who was fighting with the victim, along with the other two males in the restroom, Hinton said. Inside the restroom, detectives recovered spent cartridge casings from 9 mm and .22-caliber firearms, Hinton said. Later, they were able to find a .22-caliber handgun under the mattress of [a] co-defendant, she said. There was some disagreement on whether the teen who was fighting with the victim was armed with a gun. Defense attorney Greg Sheldon, who represents the 16-year-old boy, said a 14-second video his clients family provided does not appear to show him holding a gun. Theres a fight, Sheldon said. The decedent appears to have his arm wrapped round his client. Our evidence would be that the decedent attacks [my client] in the bathroom and theres a physical altercation. I cant see that he has an actual firearm in his hand. Chesterfield authorities have not released the names of the teen suspects because they all are under age. Their identities were listed by initials BCI, YEB and KAB on a big-screen monitor outside the courtroom. State panel picks sculptor to create Barbara Johns statue for U.S. Capitol A state panel has selected a sculptor to create a statue of teenage civil rights heroine Barbara Rose Johns to replace the Robert E. Lee statu Judge Gregory Carr, who presided over all three hearings, spoke their names in court, but the Richmond Times-Dispatch could not confirm the names and their spellings after the proceedings. In addition to Sheldon, attorneys Cody Villalon and Charles Phelps are representing the other two teens who appeared Thursday. All three teens who were in court on Thursday will continue to be held pending detention hearings set for Aug. 11. The fourth teen charged in the case is scheduled to appear on Aug. 2. The defendants range in age from 15 to 17, and all are charged with second-degree murder and use of a firearm in a felony. One of the defendants is also charged with malicious wounding. Police are investigating the discovery of a dead body along a road in Hanover County on Thursday morning. Richmond man pleads guilty to fatal stabbing, abduction charges Kevin Lee Rice, 43, was sentenced to 30 years in prison related to incidents in April and November 2021. The body of an adult Black woman was found off the shoulder of Winns Church Road near Greenwood Road, the Hanover Sheriffs Office said in a statement. Deputies responded at around 7:01 a.m. Authorities are working to identify the woman. The medical examiners office is determining the cause of death. Three of four inmates who walked away from a minimum-security satellite camp at the Federal Correctional Complex Petersburg and remained at large for one or more days were indicted Tuesday on federal escape charges. The fourth inmate was charged earlier with the same offense. A U.S. District Court grand jury in Richmond handed down indictments against Kareem Allen Shaw, 46; Tavares Lajuane Graham, 44; and Corey Branch, 41 whom authorities said left the satellite camp about 9:30 p.m. June 17. The camp houses low-security risk inmates in a dormitory that is adjacent to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons minimum-security facility at 1100 River Road in Prince George County. The fourth inmate, Lamonte Rashawn Willis, 30, was charged in a federal criminal complaint on June 23. That was superseded by a criminal information charge issued Monday, according to court records. Dead body found near Hanover County road Anyone with information is asked to call the sheriff's office at (804) 365-6140 or the Metro Richmond Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000. At the time of the escape, all four inmates were serving federal prison sentences ranging from 10 to 18 years for major drug offenses involving fentanyl, cocaine or heroin and/or crimes involving possession of firearms. According to the criminal complaint filed in the Willis case, the U.S. Marshals Service was notified that Willis was discovered missing following an impromptu head count of prisoners at 1:45 a.m. June 18. Further investigation revealed that Willis, along with the other three inmates, had fled the facility the night before. All of them were eventually captured. Graham surrendered early on the morning of June 19. Branch and Shaw turned themselves in just after midnight June 21. Willis then surrendered on the morning of June 22. Kevin Connolly, a supervisor with the Marshals Service Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force, said the four inmates had been allowed to serve their sentences in a work-release camp. They were out in the community during the day, Connolly said. They were trusted to work in the community ... and the Bureau of Prisons [took] a chance on them and [gave] them jobs to work for the state or the government. Connolly added: There could have been a myriad of friends that visited them ... so they had contact with the outside world. It wasnt like they were confined to that facility. He said that at the end of the day, the inmates were required to report back to the prison camp. In addition to their active sentences, the four men now face federal escape charges that carry a punishment of up to five years in prison. A plea agreement hearing has been set for Willis on July 27. Shaw, Graham and Branch are scheduled to appear Aug. 3 for their initial court hearings on their new charges. One of two acoustic buoys used to detect North Atlantic right whales was released 33 miles off the coast of Norfolk on Tuesday afternoon. The Woods Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) developed a moored buoy with the funding and partnership from the shipping company CMA CGM Group, which has an office in Norfolk. It released the buoy into a busy shipping lane in the hopes of reducing boat collisions with whales. This network will be especially helpful for reducing risks to the North Atlantic right whale, a critically endangered species that migrates, feeds and gives birth along the East Coast and has only approximately 336 animals left, said Mark Baumgartner, marine ecologist and lead researcher at WHOI. The Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammals Protection Act help in preserving whale populations, but dangers like boat collisions, fishing nets and climate change continue to threaten the already depleted population. Other protections, such as slow zones, areas where theres been a whale sighting and a temporary speed limit of 10 knots is imposed, were designed to keep the whales safe from colliding with ships. Seasonal management areas (SMAs) require vessels 65 feet or longer to travel 10 knots or fewer at certain times of the year and in specific areas off the coast, including whale nursing grounds. This regulation is restricted to specific areas and does not account for the whales moving in and out of these zones. WHOI made two buoys, and the second is set to replace the first in about a year. An acoustic monitoring instrument (DMON) will move up and down between the anchor and the buoy, enabling it to capture sounds at different depths, recording and classifying marine life. The data is transmitted to shore every two hours where it is reviewed by an acoustician a physicist who specializes in sound. The anchor and stretch hoses the line between the anchor and buoy will stay taut, allowing the DMON to move seamlessly. Additionally, the stretch hoses can double in size during intense ocean swells. Meanwhile, the DMON can rest at the bottom of the ocean without picking up interference from the storms. To reduce even more interference, the buoy was outfitted with technology that reduces noise and strum for an even better recording. The Norfolk buoy will accompany six others launched off the coasts of New York City, Atlantic City, Ocean City and Cape Hatteras. There are plans to launch one more off the coast of Savannah, Ga., totaling eight along the East Coast. Baumgartner said the data will assist in alerting captains and mariners in near real time about the presence of whales and will give them the opportunity to slow down or change their course. A state panel has selected a sculptor to create a statue of teenage civil rights heroine Barbara Rose Johns to replace the Robert E. Lee statue that Virginia removed from the U.S. Capitol 19 months ago. The panel selected the sculptor in executive session Thursday during a meeting at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture after two finalists had presented miniature versions of their proposed visions of the statue. Citing state procurement rules, members of the commission declined to reveal the chosen sculptors name until the state has a signed contract. The panel said it will not extend a contract until the state again signs off on nearly $500,000 in as-yet-unspent appropriations for the project. That budget covers the entire process, from selection of the artist to the sculptors work process, rigging and transportation of the sculpture and the unveiling ceremony at the U.S. Capitol. As for the two sculptors presentations, We talked a lot about it and compared, but in the end it was unanimous, Del. Jeion Ward, D-Hampton, a member of the panel, said after the meeting. Ward noted that she was thrilled when the panel voted in December 2020 to select Johns for the honor. I couldnt think it could get any more exciting, but it did today. Ed Ayers, a historian and former president of the University of Richmond, said, It was a really positive, affirming day and people are really excited about the choice we made. In December 2020, the panel called The Commission For Historical Statues In The United States Capitol voted to recommend to lawmakers that the state produce a statue of Johns to replace Virginias statue of Lee that had stood at the U.S. Capitol for 111 years. Johns was a 16-year-old student at Farmvilles Moton High School in 1951 when she led a student walkout to protest the students substandard, segregated school facilities. The Prince Edward County case was rolled into Brown v. Board of Education, the landmark case in which the U.S. Supreme Court ruled government-segregated public schools unconstitutional. Johns went on to graduate from Drexel University, married, raised a family and worked as a librarian in Philadelphia, where she died in 1991. Virginia lawmakers signed off on the panels recommendation of Johns in 2021. The Lee statue that Virginia removed from the U.S. Capitol is now on display at the museum as part of an exhibition called The Lost Cause: Myths, Monuments and Murals. One of the finalists to sculpt the Johns statue declined to identify himself after making his presentation to the committee Thursday, but briefly discussed his process. He said he presented a scale model of his work and explained why he chose a particular pose. He stressed that such a work should be a collaborative process. I am not an artist that walks in and says, This is what you should have, he said. This piece is not only going to be an important piece for the state of Virginia, it is going to be one of the most visited sculptures in the Rotunda because its of a child, he added. And most of the visitors of the Capitol are children so how appropriate is that? Virginia moved to replace its Lee statue from the U.S. Capitol in 2020, a year of reckoning about racial injustice. A Minneapolis police officers murder of George Floyd had sparked protests in Richmond and around the country. Demonstrators toppled several Confederate statues in Richmond before city officials removed a number of remaining ones from Monument Avenue. Then-Gov. Ralph Northam ultimately prevailed in a court fight and ordered removal of the states statue of Lee that had towered over Monument Avenue for more than 130 years. Gov. Glenn Youngkin recently appointed Ann McLean, a defender of Confederate monuments, to the Board of Historic Resources. Each state contributes two statues to the Statuary Hall collection at the U.S. Capitol. Virginias other statue depicts George Washington. Florida recently replaced one of its statues with a likeness of educator and civil rights activist Mary McLeod Bethune. Arkansas plans to switch out one of its two statues for a depiction of civil rights activist Daisy Bates. Two years ago this month, David Jones, a white resident of King George, asked county leaders to address their plans to move a Confederate memorial to a graveyard where it belongs as opposed to allowing it to remain in the heart of our county as an insult to all Black citizens. After many meetings in which members of the public voiced their agreement with Jones as well as their opposition to moving what they deemed a piece of county history, King George officials this week said the move will take place in September. On Tuesday, Vic Mason, King Georges circuit court clerk, reported that hed met with Clive Diaz, CEO of Stratified Inc., a Washington civil engineering firm hired to do the job. Stratified will be paid $38,000 to move the 24-foot obelisk from the courthouse lawn to Historyland Memorial Park off U.S. 301. Diaz had suggested making the move on a Thursday and Mason objected. Thats a busy court day, Mason said, and having a crane on the lawn would be disruptive, both to court proceedings and parking. He asked if the move could take place on a weekend and Diaz agreed to do so, for the same price, Mason said. While in town, Diaz also met with Megan Pitts, the countys procurement manager, and David Storke, owner of Historyland. The group visited the memorial park so Diaz could get his bearings on where the memorial will be placed, Pitts said. He seems committed to making sure that the move is in the most respectful way possible, she told members of the King George Board of Supervisors. He was very concerned about the possibility of remains under the ground where the heavy equipment will be and Mr. Storke reassured him there are not (any). Seems like it will go pretty smoothly. Those who have asked for the monument to be relocated probably would not describe the process leading up to the move that way. Its been a long, hard battle, I tell ya, Wayne Bushrod, president of the King George chapter of the NAACP, said in May when the supervisors approved the paperwork to make the action official. At that time, county officials thought the relocation would take place in a matter of weeks, but supply and manpower issues seemingly have impacted all aspects of work schedules. David Jones, whos well-known in King George for his work on the Dahlgren Railroad Heritage Trail, brought up the Confederate memorial during summer 2020. While the nation dealt with the COVID-19 pandemic, Black Lives Matter protests were being held across the country in the wake of the May death of George Floyd. He was a Black man who was murdered by a white police officer in Minneapolis. Communities in Virginia, and across the South, grappled with what to do with statues honoring the Confederacy. While those monuments were torn down or defaced in other places, King George residents asked instead for the countys memorial to be moved to a private location where those interested could visit it. Bushrod regularly pointed out to the supervisors that the monument was an atrocious reminder of an unjust period of American historyand that it gave the appearance that people of color would not receive fair treatment inside the courthouse. However, others, including the King George Historical Society, stressed that it memorialized those who had served, not the issue of slavery. It saddens me to see the history of this country erased, Steve Davis, a county resident, said last year, adding that modern-day residents wont be able to teach about injustices to the AfricanAmerican community if all traces of its existence are gone. How can we find our way in the future if we dont know where weve come from? King George officials also spent months trying to determine how the monument, dedicated by the Ladies Memorial Association of King George County in 1869 to pay tribute to those who had served in the Confederacy, eventually ended up on the courthouse lawn. No clear title or owner was found and the county later sought public input on how to proceed. The split vote to move the memorial, in November 2021, reflected the divisiveness of the issue. Supervisor Cathy Binder is active with the King George Historical Society, whose members wanted the memorial to stay in place, and she preferred a referendum to let the voters decide. Former Supervisor Jeff Bueche wanted the Confederate memorial and other monuments to be moved as a unit, not piecemeal. They both voted against the move while three other supervisorsAnnie Cupka, Richard Granger and Jeff Stonehillvoted to move it to Historyland, where Storke offered both the space and the monuments upkeep at no charge to the county. Private residents have donated $10,000 toward the cost of the removal and the remaining money will come from the countys tourism fund. That money represents taxes people pay on meals and lodging, not real estate or personal property taxes, and can only be used for activities that generate tourism or visits to the county. Tourism funds also will be used for signs directing visitors along the Civil War Trail to the countys monument to the Confederacy at Historyland. The monument will be placed in the back of the cemetery, near the woodline and a small family cemetery from the 1800s that was relocated there, Storke said. He was involved with a similar move, in relocating a Confederate statue from the Caroline County courthouse to a private cemetery. Residents and county employees joined together to move it themselves, to save money, and Storke said it was the most positive thing Ive been a part of. He offered use of Historyland in the spirit of being a peacemaker, hoping the placement would be a good resolution for all those concerned about the monument. Mason, 6, tries new items that could come to Chicago Public Schools food menus this school year at a taste testing event on July 20, 2022, at Whittier Elementary School. ((Jake Sheridan/Chicago Tribune)) Move over, mystery meat. Theres a new school menu in town. Chicago Public Schools is taste testing incoming dishes with students, parents and community members around the city in an effort to better cater to the taste buds of students. The school district is also offering additional dishes including fruit smoothies, chilaquiles and BBQ tofu that could be served in this school years lunch line. Advertisement The district plans to hold 40 separate taste tests this summer. On the menu Wednesday at the Heart of Chicago neighborhoods Whittier Elementary: an egg and potato breakfast taco, a veggie pasta salad topped with a light dressing, and a creamy chocolate-chickpea dip. Advertisement I think I loved it, said Mason, 6, who got down from a long, blue lunch table to tell the Tribune about the food he tried. The chocolate-chickpea dip took the top prize, the pint-size taste tester added. Across the cafeteria, Santiago wasnt as impressed. While the dip and the breakfast taco tasted good, he said, the veggie pasta salad didnt hit the mark. And no, it wasnt because he doesnt like vegetables. It was spicy and I dont like pasta, the 8-year-old said. The friend to his left agreed. I didnt like the flavor, it was slimy and cold, Aidan, 8, said. The students, joined by a handful of community members and parents who also probed the provisions, filled in surveys to indicate how much they liked each item and what they thought about it. The ballots confirmed what was already clear: The kids loved the chocolate-chickpea dip and liked the breakfast tacos. But the veggie pasta salad wasnt so popular. That feedback allows the companies that provide CPS food to better cater to the child palate, said Allison Polke, director of health and wellness for Open Kitchens, a Chicago company that serves meals to CPS students. We work with our chef and hes able to adjust recipes really quickly, Polke said. When CPS CEO Pedro Martinez asked students what he could improve on, the No. 1 answer he heard was food, he told the Tribune. Advertisement They want more selection. They didnt like some of the food items, Martinez said. Schools have students for eight or nine hours a day and often serve breakfast, lunch and snacks, he pointed out. He wants kids to like their food. If you grow up in Chicago, I dont care what neighborhood, you know what good food tastes like, you just do, he said. If our children are not eating and its not nutritious foods, theyre not going to be able to learn. Jason Mojica, CPS executive director for nutrition support services, doesnt remember the grub being so high-quality in the schools of his youth. Maya Johnson, right, of North Lawndale, tries food items at a Chicago Public Schools taste testing at Whittier Elementary School on July 20, 2022, while talking with Jason Mojica, left, CPS executive director for nutrition support services, and Marietta Rotman-Torres, CPS operations manager for nutrition services, who is sitting next to him. ((Jake Sheridan/Chicago Tribune)) Afternoon Briefing Daily Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox each afternoon. > I wish I had some of this stuff growing up, Mojica said. The food the school system serves to around 300,000 kids daily is already healthy and locally sourced, he said. But now it might be more delicious. Advertisement We wanted to make a concerted effort to really engage the students in making the decisions as to what goes on the menu, versus the adults, Mojica said. Maya Johnson came by to try the food because her second grader son is a picky eater and sometimes wont eat at school. Her face lit up as the chocolate-chickpea dip hit her mouth. She told the CPS administrators the kids will love it. If they like Nutella, and what kid doesnt. They wont know, the 41-year-old North Lawndale mom said. Its a little sticky, but they wont care. She wants to know that she can rely on CPS on days when there isnt much time to prep lunch for her son. When Im leaving him somewhere else, my expectation is that theyll feed him and hell be satisfied to get through the day, Johnson said. North Carolina transportation officials are reducing the speed limit along a stretch of U.S. 158 heading to the Outer Banks. The speed limit will change from 55 mph to 45 mph on 3.4 miles of the highway in Currituck County, between the H2OBX Waterpark and the Wright Memorial Bridge, the N.C. Department of Transportation said in a news release. The speed limit reduction is aimed at improving safety on the busy stretch of highway, which has seen 151 crashes in the last five years, four of which were fatalities, 13 involving life-threatening injuries and 88 minor-to-serious injuries, NCDOT said in a news release. Win Bridgers, NCDOTs engineer for the highway division in northeastern North Carolina, said many homeowners and businesses in the area were contacted and agreed that changes should be made to improve safety on U.S. 158. Rumble strips and six-inch pavement markings have already been installed along this section of the highway, Bridgers said in the news release. Lowering the posted speed limit is another step. In the long-term, more permanent measures are necessary, such as access management. Multiple stations or pickup sites should be considered for the return of passenger rail service to the New River Valley including an Amtrak stop on the Virginia Tech campus, according to report by a state nonprofit. Among the suggestions in the Virginia Rail Policy Institute report shared with The Roanoke Times Wednesday is the establishment of a new alignment dubbed the Hokie Line in the document that would branch out from the Virginian line in the Ellett Valley and ultimately run to Lane Stadium at a campus-circulator facility. Additionally, the report said linking the universitys main campus in Blacksburg to the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine in Roanoke should be considered a move that could prompt the acquisition of the Virginian line east of Salem to the foot of Mill Mountain. The Virginian line could be re-engineered to transport thousands of daily commuters between endpoints, which the report pointed out could lead to a complete bypassing of Interstate 81 and U.S. 460. Several of our directors have felt, even before Virginia committed to buying the V-Line [Virginian line], that it could best be used for some sort of rail transit line between the New River Valley and Roanoke, a section of the report reads. We mused, since most train riders between Roanoke and Bristol will be from Virginia Tech, why not maximize train ridership by directly accessing the Virginia Tech campus by rail and avoid a transfer-penalty at the proposed New River Valley Mall-West station. The Mall-West station is one of the two sites both near the mall property now known as Uptown Christiansburg being considered for the New River Valley passenger rail station. The institute reportcompiled after a team of its representatives visited and researched the land and track along the proposed route comes as state officials are moving forward with the long-awaited return of passenger rail service to the New River Valley. The project has been approved by the state and was formally announced last year during a visit to Christiansburg by former Gov. Ralph Northam. Service is expected to begin by 2026. The extension of passenger rail to the New River Valley is part of a more than $250 million project. Estimates previously provided by state officials set the the mall west and north sites, respectively, at expected costs of $56 million and $52 million. The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority has since performed survey work, hosted forums on the project and narrowed down the list of potential sites. The institute report, however, stands out due to how its vision contrasts with much of how the official project is developing. One of the major contrast points is the number of stations. The passenger rail authority and others formally involved in the rail talks are looking to eventually establish a single station in Christiansburg. Those behind the years-long campaign to bring back passenger rail to the area viewed the town as among the most practical locations when weighing the expected ridership from Montgomery County particularly Blacksburg and the distance to Roanoke where Amtrak services already exist. The institutes report suggests passenger sites in Christiansburg, Blacksburg and Radford. In addition to the fact Radford is home to another significant rider base due to the presence of another university, a station in the city was suggested to help accommodate the even more long-term goal of extending passenger rail to Bristol and East Tennessee, said institute Executive Director Michael Testerman. He pointed out the existence of rail facilities there that could be repurposed to also handle passenger traffic. Our report looks at these longer-view connections, Testerman said. Were not really intending to criticize the state, as much as to point out that theres so many possibilities the public needs to be aware of. Testerman continued: The mall would never be a high capacity, high-frequency type station. Its not designed to be anything but an endpoint for two or three trains a day. Testermans comment on the mall site echoes a part of the report that specifically addresses one of the two sites being considered for a station. The railroad track behind [Uptown Christiansburg] to be used for the new train station traverses a wetland, reads the report. We tried to envision a station on the graded hill above the rail line and the Huckleberry Trail. Its a tight space in which to fit everything, particularly two-dedicated station tracks. Those who have supported a mall site, among other things, have pointed to its dense setting and proximity to services such as retail and lodging. While it doesnt consider the site options that have been considered as optimal, the institute did clarify that it has lent its endorsement for the mall site. DJ Stadtler, executive director of the rail authority, said it is appreciative of the interest and passion shown by the institute as it concerns the New River Valley passenger rail plans. He, however, said much of the recent report goes against much of what the state has agreed to with Norfolk Southern. Stadtler said they couldnt make the suggested changes without reopening negotiations with the rail company. We feel like were on a good path to deliver the service by 2026, he said. Stadtler, however, said it doesnt mean that some of the suggestions will be completely off the table years down the road. He said the extension of passenger rail is a multiphase effort and he pointed to the recent addition of a second train out of Roanoke as an example of those many steps. He said population growth is expected to continue over the next 15 years or so and officials are looking for ways to get people off the highways as much as possible. The reduction of traffic on roadways such as I-81 has been among the chief drivers of extending passenger rail. The authority, the institute, as well as other supporters of the project have all pointed to the long-standing issues on the interstate as a motivator for more passenger rail services. A Tech official reached Wednesday didnt speak at length on the institutes report, but reiterated the universitys overall support of bringing passenger rail back to the New River Valley. Speaking on behalf of the university, I would say the university is a committed partner in the effort, Tech spokesman Mark Owczarski wrote in an email. We are delighted that the [the authority] is committed to a 2026 date for that service. We will continue to work as part of the newly formed New River Valley Passenger Rail Authority toward solutions that best serve our broader community. Carilion did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Radford Mayor David Horton said he supports the idea of the city having a station. He said its more centrally located, particularly as it concerns other parts of the region. That may make the difference to folks traveling from Pulaski, Giles or Wytheville, he said. Horton, however, said it appears much of the project has already been decided. Id love to see us serve as a host, he said. I just dont know if that opportunity is currently around. Certainly, well see where everything goes. The Richmond-based rail policy institutes mission is to strengthen and improve public policy with respect to both freight and passenger rail Virginia. It was conceived in 2002 by a group of citizen rail advocates affiliated with Virginians for High Speed Rail who believed there was a need for an independent, academically-oriented rail policy research and development center to support public policymaking for rail in Virginia. It was formally incorporated and established nonprofit in 2005. Staff writer Jeff Sturgeon contributed to this report. Two years ago this month, David Jones, a white resident of King George, asked county leaders to address their plans to move a Confederate memorial to a graveyard where it belongs as opposed to allowing it to remain in the heart of our county as an insult to all Black citizens. After many meetings in which members of the public voiced their agreement with Jones as well as their opposition to moving what they deemed a piece of county history, King George officials this week said the move will take place in September. On Tuesday, Vic Mason, King Georges circuit court clerk, reported that hed met with Clive Diaz, CEO of Stratified Inc., a Washington civil engineering firm hired to do the job. Stratified will be paid $38,000 to move the 24-foot obelisk from the courthouse lawn to Historyland Memorial Park off U.S. 301. Diaz had suggested making the move on a Thursday and Mason objected. Thats a busy court day, Mason said, and having a crane on the lawn would be disruptive, both to court proceedings and parking. He asked if the move could take place on a weekend and Diaz agreed to do so, for the same price, Mason said. While in town, Diaz also met with Megan Pitts, the countys procurement manager, and David Storke, owner of Historyland. The group visited the memorial park so Diaz could get his bearings on where the memorial will be placed, Pitts said. He seems committed to making sure that the move is in the most respectful way possible, she told members of the King George Board of Supervisors. He was very concerned about the possibility of remains under the ground where the heavy equipment will be and Mr. Storke reassured him there are not (any). Seems like it will go pretty smoothly. Those who have asked for the monument to be relocated probably would not describe the process leading up to the move that way. Its been a long, hard battle, I tell ya, Wayne Bushrod, president of the King George chapter of the NAACP, said in May when the supervisors approved the paperwork to make the action official. At that time, county officials thought the relocation would take place in a matter of weeks, but supply and manpower issues seemingly have impacted all aspects of work schedules. David Jones, whos well-known in King George for his work on the Dahlgren Railroad Heritage Trail, brought up the Confederate memorial during summer 2020. While the nation dealt with the COVID-19 pandemic, Black Lives Matter protests were being held across the country in the wake of the May death of George Floyd. He was a Black man who was murdered by a white police officer in Minneapolis. Communities in Virginia, and across the South, grappled with what to do with statues honoring the Confederacy. While those monuments were torn down or defaced in other places, King George residents asked instead for the countys memorial to be moved to a private location where those interested could visit it. Bushrod regularly pointed out to the supervisors that the monument was an atrocious reminder of an unjust period of American historyand that it gave the appearance that people of color would not receive fair treatment inside the courthouse. However, others, including the King George Historical Society, stressed that it memorialized those who had served, not the issue of slavery. It saddens me to see the history of this country erased, Steve Davis, a county resident, said last year, adding that modern-day residents wont be able to teach about injustices to the AfricanAmerican community if all traces of its existence are gone. How can we find our way in the future if we dont know where weve come from? King George officials also spent months trying to determine how the monument, dedicated by the Ladies Memorial Association of King George County in 1869 to pay tribute to those who had served in the Confederacy, eventually ended up on the courthouse lawn. No clear title or owner was found and the county later sought public input on how to proceed. The split vote to move the memorial, in November 2021, reflected the divisiveness of the issue. Supervisor Cathy Binder is active with the King George Historical Society, whose members wanted the memorial to stay in place, and she preferred a referendum to let the voters decide. Former Supervisor Jeff Bueche wanted the Confederate memorial and other monuments to be moved as a unit, not piecemeal. They both voted against the move while three other supervisorsAnnie Cupka, Richard Granger and Jeff Stonehillvoted to move it to Historyland, where Storke offered both the space and the monuments upkeep at no charge to the county. Private residents have donated $10,000 toward the cost of the removal and the remaining money will come from the countys tourism fund. That money represents taxes people pay on meals and lodging, not real estate or personal property taxes, and can only be used for activities that generate tourism or visits to the county. Tourism funds also will be used for signs directing visitors along the Civil War Trail to the countys monument to the Confederacy at Historyland. The monument will be placed in the back of the cemetery, near the woodline and a small family cemetery from the 1800s that was relocated there, Storke said. He was involved with a similar move, in relocating a Confederate statue from the Caroline County courthouse to a private cemetery. Residents and county employees joined together to move it themselves, to save money, and Storke said it was the most positive thing Ive been a part of. He offered use of Historyland in the spirit of being a peacemaker, hoping the placement would be a good resolution for all those concerned about the monument. Art or ingots, Charlottesvilles Confederate statues await their fate Its been a year since statues of Confederates Robert E. Lee and Thomas Stonewall Jackson stood in Charlottesvilles downtown parks, but the controversy over the removal and the statues' fates have yet to be resolved. WATCH NOW: The Valentine unveils Jefferson Davis statue in its '2020 state' The statue is displayed intentionally in its "2020 state." The head is dented and the arm is torn. Pink latex paint is splattered down Davis body and on the podium, and flakes of a toilet paper noose are still stuck to the collar of the statue. Richmond seeks court approval to relocate A.P. Hill's grave and monument Still without a formal agreement with descendants of A.P. Hill, the city of Richmond is seeking a court order to move the Confederate generals monument and his grave from the intersection of Laburnum Avenue and Hermitage Road. HAMPTON The believers, 13 of them, formed a circle, their hands outstretched to the skylight in the sanctuary of Fox Hill United Methodist Church. They were praying that the reverse mission they were planning would flood the congregation with energy and fellowship. Eight of them looked exhausted but excited. They had spent 30 of the last 40 hours in a white van, driving from Utah and New Mexico. The Navajo missionaries would be leading Fox Hills vacation Bible school, singing songs in the Navajo Dine language and teaching biblical stories. Historically, Christian missionaries carried baggage beyond suitcases; early European and American missionaries flocked to Indigenous tribes to push the political goals of their governments. Some modern missionaries are more mission tourists, more concerned with serving their egos than people. But Brian Sixbey, lead pastor of Fox Hill, was looking to flip that narrative he thought his congregation could learn more from a reverse mission than they could teach. Father God, he said, leading the group prayer on that Saturday, help us become one. Fox Hills congregation was more excited than Sixbey had ever seen them for the summer program. The church had an abundance of people to volunteer, and 70 children registered by the first night. He, his wife, Shan, and Becky Holland had come up with the idea for the mission. Holland is a 77-year-old Hampton native who leads the Pure Water Ministry. In a time when churches are increasingly divided along political and social lines, Sixbey said, he hoped his congregation could learn the values he saw when he visited the Navajo reservation in May a united, grounded, pure faith. Fox Hill raised more than $11,000 to get the missionaries here for the program, which ran July 12 through 15. A few weeks ago, however, Sixbey got a call: One group of missionaries had come down with COVID-19. Holland called Hilda Begay, a Navajo pastor of Beautiful Mountain Christian Center in New Mexico. What are you up to next week? Holland asked. She told Begay about the bind they were in. Can you come? Begay consulted with her husband, who is a co-pastor of Beautiful Mountain. He works as a mechanic and didnt have enough vacation time for the trip. But he talked with his boss, who told him, As long as youre doing Gods work, well let you go. The couple drove from Farmington, stopping only to eat, pump gas and go to the bathroom, and arrived just hours before that Saturday meeting. Sisters Esther Reddoor and Cecilia Wallace came from Utah. The pair spend their summers driving Wallaces old SUV across the reservation to feed children and their parents, delivering masks and flour in the baking Southwest heat. Becky calls us Martha and Ruth because were always out there feeding children and families, Wallace said, referring to women in the Bible. The Navajo reservation is the largest in the United States, encompassing about 27,000 square miles, almost the size of West Virginia. It presents challenges to Pure Water Ministry, which partners with Navajo church leaders like the Begays and the sisters to provide resources, including Navajo-language Bibles. Reddoor and Wallace help lead a Utah congregation built by their late mother. Before the pandemic, the sisters led canning initiatives and in-person events like movie nights for kids. But the coronavirus was a concern for Esther and Cecilia, who are 70 and 67. Despite the health risks, the sisters spent the early days of the pandemic continuing their work. This is the first in-person vacation Bible school at Fox Hill since the pandemic began. The Hampton leaders and the missionaries acknowledged that the exchange doesnt come without a complicated history. Reddoor, now a grandmother, was one of hundreds of thousands of Native American children who were introduced to Christianity through boarding schools. Indigenous children were removed from their homes and sent into a network of institutions meant to assimilate Native children into white culture, institutions where children were punished for speaking their own language or practicing their traditional faith. Hampton University, just 4 miles from Fox Hill, was used as a boarding school for older students from 1878 to 1923. Christianity, Holland said, was an integral part of this assimilation. But her ministry is built on creating relationships and help, not to Christianize the Navajos, she said. Weve done so many things in the name of Jesus in the name of the Lord and the name of Christianity, that I know that the God I serve does not have his hand upon that, she said. I read some of the things that our government did the bottom line is, this nation was built on blood. Reddoor remembers having to clean bathrooms with toothbrushes after being caught speaking her native language. Abuse in the schools was common. But exposure to Christianity, she said, was the one good thing to come out of the experience. Begay had a complicated relationship with both Navajo tradition and her faith. She hated peyote, a bitter psychoactive herb consumed before overnight rituals to induce visions. Her mother made her children take it until she became a Christian in 1979. Begay was 10. The Navajo language features prominently at Beautiful Mountain now; its bilingual Sunday services are hours long. Shiyazhi, a Navajo term of endearment meaning my child, is bestowed on folks who walk through Beautiful Mountains doors. Yaateeh Welcome, the door is open, come on in is another common greeting, Wallace said. Part of our family values in the Navajo tradition is reverence, to be friendly, to have respect for each other and to do what you can do for yourself, she said. So within that reverence, we tell everyone, There is a God, its around, but it doesnt have to be English. Pastor Sixbey said the relationship of faith, culture and assimilation is complicated. But this collision of culture and faith isnt unique, he said. Christianity has always had a cultural element. Jesus came in the flesh he came as a Jew. ... Every believer is going to be enculturated, somehow. Its always a push-pull. He hopes the Bible school will develop into a deeper bond between Fox Hill, Navajo reservation churches and Pure Water Ministry. Theyre people just like us, they have hopes and dreams just like us. They see the world from a different perspective, they live in a different place, but I can sit down, I can talk to them, I can understand them, they can understand me, Sixbey said. We can have back and forth. We can be friends. " " The split in Saudi Arabia's Al Naslaa rock formation is so laser perfect that many wonder whether nature could have created such a clean break. Wikimedia Commons (CC By SA 4.0) Theories abound about the origin of the Al Naslaa rock formation, but the genesis of this massive geological phenomenon is likely to remain a mystery. Located in Saudi Arabia's Tayma Oasis the site of Saudi Arabia's oldest human settlement Al Naslaa is comprised of twin sandstone rocks, balanced atop naturally formed pedestals with a smooth gap running vertically between them, so precise it looks as if it was carved with a laser beam. Advertisement Scientists can't explain exactly how the 4,000-year-old geological formation was split down the middle, but the side-by-side boulders each 20 feet (6 meters) tall have the additional lure of visible petroglyphs that are thousands of years old. One of the most notable glyphs carved into the sandstone is an image of a person leading a horse that resembles an Arabian, one of the world's oldest horse breeds still in existence whose origins can be traced to Saudi Arabia in the seventh century, well before Al Naslaa was carved by human hands. Ancient Gods, Aliens, Lasers or Just Water? These perfectly balanced boulders have been the subject of many an origin story, with perhaps the most bizarre being space aliens. Social media users, including news aggregate Acerca del Mundo on its Facebook page, have pondered whether the precise cut could have been made by alien visitors possessing advanced technology. "Some believe that this is the creation of the ancient gods or aliens. Considering that the formation looks as if it had been cut by a well-aimed laser, some believe that an alien descended into the Tayma Oasis and shattered the rock with advanced technology not available to humans in the formation of it," Acerca del Mundo posted. Others believe the rock sits upon a fault line. This theory posits that the split in the rock was created when a weak spot was affected by a shift in tectonic plates. Another theory posits that a "joint" within the rock may have split. A joint is an area within a rock, in this case sandstone, that becomes worn away and then separates the larger formation. Notably, joints found within sandstone rocks like Al Naslaa are more likely to exhibit vertical separations. A freeze-thaw weather cycle could be credited with the Al Nalsaa formation, according to a third theory. If water seeped into the ancient boulder when it was still in one piece, then froze and expanded and later thawed, a crack would have formed and eventually divided the boulder. Another interesting suggestion is that ancient humans are responsible for the awe-inspiring crack. Evidence remains that an unknown ancient civilization carved images into the rock, so it is possible these same people may have used tools to divide the rock into two large pieces, perhaps as artistic expression. Whatever the cause of the split, the incredibly smooth edges were probably once jagged, then worn down and polished by thousands of years of blowing sand. Nature may be the most creative artist of all. Now That's Cool The stone pedestals atop which the Al Nalsaa boulders are balanced weren't always so delicate. Over time, these pedestals also known as "mushroom rocks" were worn down by the elements. Often occurring in semi-arid locations, rock pedestals are formed when formations are whittled down by sand that is blown in the wind. COLUMBIA, S.C. The Original Six Foundation announced an expansion of the organizations O6 Afterschool program into five schools located in Greenville, Florence, Marion, and Colleton counties. The program partners with schools and certified teachers to provide homework assistance and helps students improve study habits and homework strategies. It will be offered at Monaview Elementary School in Greenville, J.C. Lynch Elementary in Coward, Creek Bridge STEM Academy in Marion, and Northside and Cottageville Elementary Schools in Colleton County starting in September. The expansion marks the 11th O6 Afterschool program in the state and the first Original Six Foundation partnerships with Greenville, Florence Three, and Colleton County school districts. The O6 Afterschool programs success across South Carolina is exciting, said Ambassador Nikki Haley, founder and chair of the O6 Foundation. Not only have we seen improved grades among our students, more importantly, their confidence has grown, and theyre excited to participate in class. The O6 Afterschool program provides students with hands-on, individual support from teachers to achieve their academic goals in a fun learning environment. Each program operates Monday through Thursday with at least two certified teachers and aids students in the completion of homework assignments to reinforce school-day learning. The opportunity that this partnership will provide through after-school programming for our students will prove invaluable for the students by improving academic performance for those participants, Cave says. I am convinced that positive after-school opportunities build endurance and create lasting relationships for children. We are humbled and excited to be a partner, said Colleton County School District Superintendent Vallerie Cave. In addition to the new locations, programs are operating in Allendale County at Allendale-Fairfax Middle School, Bamberg County at Richard Carroll Elementary School and Denmark-Olar Elementary School, Clarendon County at Manning Junior High School, Marion County at Palmetto Middle School, and Union County at Jonesville Elementary. "Cruel and Unusual Youth Confinement" | Main | One officer involved in George Floyd's killing sentenced to 30 months on federal charges July 21, 2022 Via voice vote (with some objections), Senate Judiciary Committee advances entire slate of US Sentencing Commission nominees The US Senate Committee on the Judiciary today held a meeting (which can be watched here) to consider the nominees by President Biden to the US Sentencing Commission (and other nominees). The entire slate of nominees were voted forward to consideration by the full Senate by a single voice vote, though a group of GOP Senators noted objections to all four of the Democratic nominees to the Commission and a couple of Democratic Senators noted objections to a couple of the GOP nominees. After the vote, I received an email from FAMM with this reaction to this encouraging news: FAMM President Kevin Ring issued the following statement after the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee today voted to advance President Bidens seven nominations to serve on the U.S. Sentencing Commission: Its been three years since the U.S. Sentencing Commission has met due to a lack of a quorum, said Ring. Thanks to todays vote, we are one step closer to the Commission being able to work on pressing issues such as implementing the First Step Act. FAMM calls on the full Senate to confirm this slate of nominees as soon as possible. A few of many prior recent related posts: July 21, 2022 at 10:40 AM | Permalink Comments Post a comment VANCOUVER, BC, July 20, 2022 /CNW/ - The Chamber of Shipping welcomes the Government of Canada's continued commitment to protecting Canada's coasts by expanding and extending the Oceans Protection Plan (OPP) for an additional nine years with a further investment of $2 billion. Chamber of Shipping of British Columbia logo (CNW Group/Chamber of Shipping of British Columbia) The Chamber of Shipping is pleased with the federal government's acknowledgment of the relationship between the supply chain and ocean protection. Protecting Canada's oceans and coasts requires effective and efficient ports, and safe, sustainable and competitive marine transportation corridors. "We are pleased that the Prime Minister acknowledged that Canada's oceans and coasts form an integral component of national and global supply chains," stated the Chamber's President Robert Lewis-Manning. "The expanded mandate of the Oceans Protection Plan to address supply chain challenges must be backed by good governance and evidence, as Canada's marine and connected terrestrial supply chains have shown their vulnerability to climate change, disruption, and trade surges. This incorporation ensures that solutions to supply chain issues are sustainable and that environmental, social, and economic interests are balanced." Moving forward, we encourage the Government of Canada to facilitate collaboration and coordination between all levels of government, including Indigenous governments, the shipping industry and other users of waterways and ports. Integration is paramount given the complexity of ocean ecosystems, the marine operating environment and supply chain resilience. Canadian agricultural products and natural resources are in high demand globally as many countries grapple with the impacts of the pandemic, the war in Ukraine, and the impacts of climate change. Canada's marine supply chain needs to have sufficient capacity and resiliency to address trade demands, food security, and any disruption to the supply chain, while minimizing impacts. The Chamber of Shipping, and its members, look forward to continued engagement with the federal government on this important initiative so that we can collaboratively ensure that trade, which comprises two-thirds of the national economy, is conducted in a manner that supports the sustainability of Canada's marine and coastal ecosystems. Story continues About Chamber of Shipping The Chamber of Shipping represents commercial ocean carriers, their agents in Canada, and shippers of commodities that trade internationally and domestically. Commercial shipping results in $30 billion of economic activity annually in Canada and moves more than $240 billion worth of goods to and from global markets. The marine transportation sector is vital to supporting Canadian trade, and Canada's continued prosperity and high standard of living depends on our ability to deliver resources, goods, and people in a responsible and competitive manner. SOURCE Chamber of Shipping of British Columbia Cision View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/July2022/20/c5943.html 8232021A0.8 BENG SOON MACH 20 841.15 462.6 THE HENLEY I32 186666 10.4234% 721.97 306.2% 816 5270 182.913.1% 10% TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E4 Porsche Edition Taycan 240 43 10%1000 1.52% 2.79%8% 19826 11.67140.4% 3.2242.5% 643040.1% 3.3% Verizon 202212 China urges U.S. to stop looting Syrian national resources Xinhua) 08:21, July 21, 2022 BEIJING, July 20 (Xinhua) -- The United States should immediately stop plundering Syria's national resources, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said here Wednesday. Wang Wenbin made the remarks at a press conference when asked to comment on reports that U.S. occupation forces recently transferred oil stolen from Syria to the north of Iraq, with Syrian officials condemning the United States and its allies for acting just like pirates. Wang said that 90 percent of the Syrian population is currently living below the poverty line, two thirds of the population relies on humanitarian assistance, and more than half of the population suffers from food insecurity. The U.S. military still occupies the main grain- and oil-producing areas in Syria, looting and plundering Syrian national resources, worsening the local humanitarian crisis, Wang said, adding that some Syrians have described the presence of the United States in Syria as a form of terrorism. Wang said the United States has always boasted about its so-called highest standards on human rights and the rule of law, but the U.S. actions in Syria prove that it actually fails in these aspects. The United States should respect Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity, respond to the calls of the Syrian people, immediately lift unilateral sanctions against Syria, immediately stop plundering Syria's national resources, and make up for the harm caused to the Syrian people with concrete actions, Wang said. (Web editor: Wu Chaolan, Liang Jun) When it's hot and sticky in the summer, consider it a sign that the universe is giving you an excuse to eat more ice cream. You can get instant gratification by grabbing a cone at your local scoop shop, but why not take the time to make your favorite flavor at home? "It seems intimidating but it's really quite easy," said Jackie Cuscuna, founder of Brooklyn, New York ice cream shop The Social. Making homemade ice cream "seems like something more like alchemy. You're taking a liquid and turning it into a delectable frozen solid," she added. This alchemy can be accomplished by any home cook, regardless of skill level. All you need are a few basic ingredients and a little imagination. Here's how to turn your kitchen into a full-scale ice cream laboratory. You don't need pricey equipment First things first: You'll need an ice cream maker to churn your frozen concoctions. But you don't need to dip into your savings to get one that does the job well. "It's absolutely 100% OK to start off with a basic model -- any one will do," Cuscuna said. The most affordable models use a bowl that needs to be pre-frozen before use, which does take up space in the freezer and requires advance planning. However, if that additional time and forethought makes sense from a cost perspective, these models are reliable and long-running. Compressor models are more expensive (and heavier) but don't require any advance freezing. (If you're wondering what this food writer uses for her homemade ice cream, after 15 years of developing and testing recipes using a basic freezer bowl model, I switched to a compressor in 2020.) For a challenge, you can make ice cream without electricity. Though they don't use it for the large-scale batches sold at The Social, when her family is making ice cream for fun, "we prefer to do the old school method with a hand crank ice cream churner with ice and rock salt," Cuscuna said. If you're looking for something to keep the kids busy at the beach house or lake cabin, it may be fun to stash one of these manual models there. You don't need to use eggs Many ice cream recipes use an egg custard base to give the finished ice cream its thick, smooth texture. "Eggs are an emulsifier," Cuscuna explained, containing both proteins and fats that help maintain the consistency of ice cream as it churns and air bubbles are whipped into the creamy base. To start with a traditional egg-based custard, churn up a rich vanilla ice cream. Make it your own by customizing it with classic mix-ins or try new combinations like Rice Krispie Treat ice cream. If you don't want to use eggs in your ice cream base, "you need to add something else that's going to allow it to be as creamy as it can be," Cuscuna said. Philadelphia-style ice cream, so-called because it was allegedly developed by Benjamin Franklin during the sweltering summer of 1787 to cool down his fellow Constitutional Convention delegates, uses heavy cream, milk and sugar as its base. The fats in the heavy cream help emulsify this mixture, though it can have more of a soft serve consistency than egg-based ice creams. Other ingredients can also take the place of eggs to stabilize and emulsify the ice cream. Portland, Oregon-based ice creamery Salt & Straw uses xanthan gum, light corn syrup and dry milk powder in its eggless ice cream base, while the Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream base uses cream cheese, light corn syrup and cornstarch. For a chocolatey eggless ice cream, make some Philadelphia-style Rocky Road ice cream, which uses cocoa powder to thicken and smooth the ice cream base. Or try The Social's method for giving their ice cream bases, all of which are egg-free, more thickness and body. "We puree the mix-ins that we're using, like brownies or ooey gooey butter cake," into the ice cream base, Cuscuna explained. Blending ingredients like cakes and cookies into the base gives it "a thicker, creamier, more resonant flavor," she said. No-churn and no-dairy ice cream? No problem! With so many high-quality plant- and nut-based dairy replacements now on the market, making vegan ice cream at home is much easier than it was a decade ago. Coconut milk, almond milk or cashew milk are some of the most popular swap-ins for getting that rich and creamy ice cream taste without dairy. This salted bourbon caramel ice cream uses cashews and coconut milk. No-churn ice cream might seem like a recent trend, especially if you spend enough time on Pinterest, but the idea has been around for more than a century. The traditional Italian dessert semifreddo, for example, is made by blending whipped cream with eggs and freezing the mixture to a mousse-like consistency. Some modern recipes ditch the eggs for sweetened condensed milk, which has a similar gooey structure to sugar-thickened egg yolks, and which can be flavored any which way under the sun. For dairy-free no-churn ice cream, full-fat coconut milk mimics the structure of heavy cream incredibly well for a thick, smooth finished product. Where to begin? With so many options, it's hard to decide what flavor of ice cream to make first. (I'm going with my all-time favorite: lemon crisp ice cream.) Whatever you decide to churn, "it's never going to be bad," Cuscuna said. Experimenting with homemade ice cream is "more about the combination of flavors that are going to speak to you and resonate to that childlike sense you have," she added. Casey Barber is a food writer, illustrator and photographer; author of "Pierogi Love: New Takes on an Old-World Comfort Food" and "Classic Snacks Made From Scratch: 70 Homemade Versions of Your Favorite Brand-Name Treats"; and editor of the website Good. Food. Stories. ___ DES MOINES The Iowa Court of Appeals has upheld the dismissal of a lawsuit in which a former Sioux City elementary school principal had sued the Sioux City Community School District and top administrators for sex discrimination. The court ruled Wednesday that a district court judge correctly found there was insufficient evidence to show the district administrators' decision to transfer Dawn Stansbury from her position as Morningside Elementary School principal to an assistant principal's position at East Middle School was motivated by sex discrimination. Stansbury had asked the appeals court to overturn the judge's decision and return the case to Woodbury County District Court for trial. "Even taking the record in the light most favorable to Stansbury, we agree with the district court that she provided only indirect evidence that the district took adverse employment action against her on the basis of sex," the three-judge panel that heard Stansbury's appeal in May said in the 20-page ruling. Stansbury resigned in August 2018 after she said she was given an ultimatum to be demoted to a middle school principal position or be fired. She said she was told by director of elementary education Brian Burnight, her direct supervisor, that as long as Paul Gausman was superintendent, she would never receive a promotion, cost of living adjustments or salary increases. She said a hiring committee later was encouraged to hire male principals because they would be better able to oversee student discipline. Stansbury sued the district, Gausman, Burnight and associate superintendent Kim Buryanek in February 2019 for sex and age discrimination, breach of contract and other claims. All claims except the sex discrimination allegation were later dismissed. Gausman and Buryanek are no longer with the district. Burnight placed Stansbury on a Plan of Awareness in March 2017 because Morningside Elementary School's reading scores were not high enough, Stansbury said in the lawsuit, though male principals at two other schools that had lower scores were not disciplined. She said two teachers on the panel to interview her replacement told her Burnight had said a man could do the job better. During depositions, one of those teachers denied saying that to Stansbury, and the other teacher said she couldn't remember telling her. The district presented a performance evaluation that rated her performance as "needs improvement" on culture and climate and it wished to transfer her to East Middle so she could improve and also because of concerns of favoritism voiced by some of her elementary staff members. In May 2021, District Judge Duane Hoffmeyer (who has since retired and taken senior judge status) granted the school district summary judgment and dismissed the lawsuit, ruling he could not find sufficient evidence to support her claim. In its ruling, the appeals court cited evidence showing numerous complaints from several employees about Stansbury's performance, leading to a conclusion that her transfer was due to her job performance rather than her sex. SIOUX CITY Tyson Fresh Meats contends a federal court is the proper venue in which to resolve gross negligence lawsuits filed by the estates of three workers who contracted COVID-19 at the company's Storm Lake, Iowa, pork plant and later died. The Arkansas-based meatpacker on Tuesday removed three lawsuits from Buena Vista County District Court to U.S. District Court in Sioux City, saying the cases belong there because at the time of the workers' deaths, Tyson was operating under the federal "critical infrastructure" designation at the direction and supervision of former President Donald Trump and other federal officials. That designation allowed meat plants nationwide to remain open at full production as the novel coronavirus spread throughout the country. The designation was part of a March 2020 national emergency declaration to secure the national food supply. "Because defendants continued to operate Tyson's facilities at the direction of federal officers at the highest levels ... a federal court must resolve this case," Tyson lawyers said in each of the notices to remove the cases to federal court. Storm Lake attorney Willis Hamilton, whose firm is representing the workers' families, said he would be filing motions to remand the cases back to Buena Vista County. "I don't know why Tyson is so afraid of the local district court," Hamilton said. "The cases belong in the location where the workers lived and died." The families filed their lawsuits in Buena Vista County in June, saying Tyson and its plant managers knew of the risks of COVID-19 soon after the outbreak in early 2020 but continued to expose workers to high risks of contracting the virus by forcing them to work within 6 feet of one another without proper barriers between them or proper personal protection equipment. The suit also said Tyson employed inadequate sanitizing and disinfecting procedures, inadequate COVID-19 testing and screening and failed to comply with state and national safety precautions while not slowing production at the plant. Suing Tyson and plant officials for gross negligence are the estates of Ken Jones, 60, a 12-year employee who died on June 3, 2020; Juan Jauregui Samudio, 60, who died on June 10, 2020, and had worked for more than five years at Tyson; and Victor Barahona Rivera, a 27-year Tyson employee who died on June 15, 2020. In addition to the company, their families are suing plant manager Rick Retzlaff, safety manager Jorge Sandoval, plant superintendent Nathan Carnine and area safety manager Laurie Garcia. The families each seek judgments to compensate them for their losses and damages, which the lawsuits said exceed $10,000 each. Tyson, which employs more than 2,300 workers at its Storm Lake pork and turkey processing plants, called the allegations of willful misconduct "inaccurate and incorrect," in Tuesday's court filings. Tyson has said it is not liable for the workers' deaths and has denied claims for workers' compensation benefits filed by their families. Tyson spokeswoman Liz Croston said the company would not comment on the pending litigation. In December 2020, the family of 65-year-old Michael Everhard, a 27-year Storm Lake Tyson worker who died from COVID-19 on June 18, 2020, sued Tyson, claiming the company forced him to work without proper safety measures. Tyson removed that case to federal court as well, and Hamilton filed a motion to remand the case to Buena Vista County. The case was stayed for several months while the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals considered whether a federal judge was correct in remanding two similar lawsuits filed in connection with COVID-19 deaths of workers at the meatpacker's Waterloo, Iowa, plant from federal court to a state court. The 8th Circuit court in June affirmed the judge's decision, and Hamilton has renewed his motion to remand the Everhard lawsuit to state court while Tyson has indicated it will ask the U.S. Supreme Court to review the 8th Circuit ruling. Nearly a year ago, Tyson touted its coronavirus response, announcing it would require all its workers to be vaccinated against the virus. At that time, the company said it had spent more than $700 million related to COVID-19, including purchase of masks, face shields and temperature scanners, installation of protective barriers and providing on-site testing and vaccinations. The company also had partnered with an independent medical provider to bring medical services on site, and hired an additional 200 nurses and its first chief medical officer. SIOUX CITY A Virginia man who conspired with a former Iowa resident to launder illegally obtained COVID relief funds must repay more than $1.2 million and spend more than three years in federal prison. Benjamin Sakyi, 31, of Dumfries, Virginia, was sentenced Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Sioux City to 40 months in prison and ordered to pay restitution of $1.093 million to Cross River Bank and $183,400 to the Small Business Administration. He pleaded guilty in February to money laundering conspiracy. Sakyi fraudulently obtained more than $900,000 in Cares Act funds at three banks in the names of two Virginia corporations, then transferred the money elsewhere. He had received the money from Donald Trosin, a Minnesota man formerly from Armstrong, Iowa, who had submitted more than 20 fraudulent COVID financial assistance loan applications to the Small Business Administration. Trosin said he had 120 employees and more than $5 million in payroll, but did not operate any businesses. Trosin was sentenced in July 2021 to 40 months in prison after pleading guilty to fraud and money laundering. He and Sakyi were ordered to pay the restitution jointly. ROCK RAPIDS, Iowa A Rock Rapids woman has pleaded not guilty of running over a sheriff's deputy's foot after driving away from a car accident. Mandy Davis, 45, entered her written plea Wednesday in Lyon County District Court to charges of assault on persons engaged in certain occupations and interference with official acts. Davis is accused of running over a Lyon County Sheriff's deputy's foot on May 30 as he attempted to talk to her about a car rollover on U.S. Highway 75. According to court documents, the deputy arrived at the accident scene south of Rock Rapids when Davis was pulling away with three minors who had been in the rollover. Davis went to the hospital in Rock Rapids, where, according to court documents, she took the three boys inside, later coming back out with two and telling them not to talk to the deputy. Davis drove over the deputy's foot while jumping the curb and leaving the parking lot. The deputy and a backup officer pursued Davis to her home, where she resisted arrest while being handcuffed, court documents said. SIOUX CITY Woodbury County secondary roads employees will receive a 4 percent wage increase on top of a 2.25 percent negotiated raise. On Tuesday, the Board of Supervisors approved up to $115,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funding to be used for a 4 percent wage increase to unionized secondary roads employees. This increase is in addition to the union negotiated increase. Secondary roads employees do not have step wage increases for years of service and the most experienced equipment operators earn less than those in four out of five comparable counties in Iowa, according to research done by the human resources department. Story County, Pottawattamie County, Dubuque County and Johnson County all have higher maximum salaries then Woodbury County and each have step increases for road employees. A flat wage, regardless of years of service, fails to retain essential employees, Supervisor Matthew Ung said in the agenda item. The new wages for secondary roads employees are: $26.92 for equipment operator; $26.44 for engineering technician I; $30.09 for engineering technician II and $32.39 for draftsman. In FY24 the employees will also receive a 2 percent negotiated increase on top of these rates. In the future, the 4 percent wage increase will be absorbed into the secondary roads budget. This is a similar process the board went through went approving an 8 percent wage increase for Woodbury County jailers. SPENCER, Iowa The owner of a Spencer mobile home park and a resident of the park have gone to court seeking an injunction against the City of Spencer amid an ongoing dispute over conditions at the park and the disruption of electrical service. Bill Caskey, the owner of a mobile home park at 317 W. 18th St., Spencer, and Margaret George, a resident of the park, filed a petition for injunction against the city in Iowa District Court on July 14. The plaintiffs seek to have the city restore electrical service at the park, which was shut off last week, and to stop the city from demanding park residents vacate. A hearing in the case is set for 9:30 a.m. Aug. 2 at the Clay County Courthouse in Spencer. The dispute began on June 9, according to the petition and supplementary materials, when "lightning or some other source" took out electricity to two mobile homes in the park, which subsequently tripped the disconnect on a transformer and ultimately caused 12 mobile homes to lose power. Caskey called an electrician, who was able to restore power to 10 of the trailers and, after spending about eight hours working in the mobile home park, established temporary power connections to the other two mobile homes, according to the petition. Not long after the temporary fix was put in place, City of Spencer staff, while "on a routine drive by" the mobile home park, noticed what were described as improper power hookups, with the power lines hanging too low, according to a letter sent by the city on June 21. (The city staffers' trip to the park was described by Caskey's petition as a "non-routine inspection".) A conversation with the electrician revealed that the lines being used were insufficient for the power load they were carrying, according to a city staff report on the situation. The city asked Spencer Municipal Utilities to cut the power and informed Caskey of changes that needed to be made, according to the letter. City staff also observed "numerous additional hazardous issues" at the park, including leaking or broken sewer lines and places where previous sewage contamination was evident, and "substandard" structures. "Numerous units show signs of damage and dilapidation. Some have evidence of patchwork repair or alterations to fix issues. Modification to windows, doors, siding, and skirting is prevalent. In some cases windows are missing, doors are sealed, or inaccessible," Spencer city staff said in their report. The report included photos taken of various sights around the mobile home park, including a seriously damaged mobile home with a large group of appliances on the ground nearby, a spot on the ground where sewage had evidently contaminated the soil, a unit where one end was repaired with a tarp held up with concrete blocks, mobile homes where windows had been boarded up (a hazard in the case of an emergency), units with compromised or inadequate siding or insulation, various large items including an old tractor, vending machines, washing machines and other debris strewn about the park, and various other issues. These violated city code, according to the report. In the petition, Caskey, who has owned the 66-year-old mobile home park since 2013, said the city warned him that if the lapses in city code were not addressed in two weeks, residents would be told to vacate. He considered the timeline unrealistic, particularly in regards to the electrical and sewer work the city sought. "The extensive list that was provided to me included work that not only would be costly but would be impossible to complete within fourteen days due to the lack of availability of a licensed electrician and other contractors in the current economy of which demand has affected," the petition said. The city on July 5 pushed back the deadline, warning residents via letters that power at the mobile home park would be cut on July 12. Meanwhile, on July 7, Caskey and his attorney, Jill Davis, met with Spencer Planning Director Alek Schulz, City Manager Dan Gifford and City Attorney Donald Hemphill. Schulz, Gifford and Hemphill provided Caskey an "alternate" list of things that needed to be done around the park, according to the petition, emphasizing the electrical work and with an understanding that the other issues be attended to at a later date but "in an ongoing manner." The following day, the Spencer City Council held a special meeting regarding the situation at the park, with the wiring issues once again being the primary concern. Caskey was not made aware of the meeting, according to the petition, but he did attend with Lane Schindler, the electrician who'd done the repair work. An agreement was reached at the meeting that Schindler would size and map wiring at the park, and an inspection was planned for July 11. On July 11, the day that the inspection was to be done, city representatives asked that the circuit-breaker boxes of each mobile home be inspected, a task which Caskey had not understood to be part of the process, according to the petition. This process took Schindler several hours, according to the petition. When it was completed, the city representatives were displeased that the sizing and mapping of the wiring hadn't been completed. Schindler asked for more time to complete this job, and Schulz agreed to postpone the deadline to 10 a.m. July 12. "A few minutes after 10 a.m. I received phone calls from the tenants informing me that the electrical service had been shut off," Caskey said in the petition. An amended petition filed Monday claimed Schindler had completed the work sought by the city and that Schulz, who was supposed to meet Schindler in the park, did not show up. Fourteen mobile homes occupied by around 30 people -- some of whom have medical issues requiring access to electricity or air conditioning -- still did not have electricity, according to the amended petition, which made note of the July heat. "As of the date of this Petition, there has been no electrical service to the Park and residents remain in their mobile homes utilizing candles, flashlights and generators. Many of the residents of the park have no other means to find housing in the immediate future," the petition said. SIOUX CITY Lorenzo Suter, who stepped into the role of president and CEO of UnityPoint Health - Sioux City barely a year ago, has left the organization, effective immediately. The reason for Suter's departure was not indicated in a statement UnityPoint provided to The Journal on Thursday. Leah Glasgo, who had served as interim CEO of UnityPoint Health - Sioux City after the departure of previous President and CEO Lynn Wold in late 2020, will again take the reins at the organization, according to the email. Glasgo also serves as president and CEO of UnityPoint Health Fort Dodge. "Leah will partner closely with Sue Erickson, chief operating officer, and the Sioux City senior team to support our Sioux City region as we determine next steps regarding a search for a new, permanent CEO," UnityPoint said in an internal communication obtained by The Journal. "We recognize this type of change can be very challenging. However, Leah is very familiar with our Sioux City market and cares deeply about the Sioux City team and our UnityPoint Health family," the message continued. Suter, a native of Lexington, Kentucky, became the head of UnityPoint Health - Sioux City on July 19, 2021. He had previously held a CEO position at Dupont Hospital in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Suter's career ascent from a CNA in high school to leadership roles of major hospitals was a popular narrative within UnityPoint. At one time, he had wanted to be a physician. "Some people may serve different things in the industry of health care. My core belief is I'm serving the patient," Suter told The Journal last July. "In my role today, I never will try to attempt to make a decision outside of putting the patient first." Suter started his administrative career at Southeast Alabama Medical Center, a not-for-profit hospital in Dothan, Alabama. He also served as chief operating officer at Baptist Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas, and vice president of operations at MacNeal Hospital in Berwyn, Illinois. Before he arrived at UnityPoint - Sioux City, his most recent leadership position was at Dupont Hospital, a 131-bed fully accredited for-profit, syndicated hospital that is part of the CHS Lutheran Health Network based in Fort Wayne. Jan. 6: Trump spurned aides' pleas to call off Capitol mob WASHINGTON (AP) Despite desperate pleas from aides, allies, members of Congress and even his family, Donald Trump refused on Jan. 6 to call off the mob attack at the Capitol. Instead the defeated president told supporters in a video address they were very special as he finally sent them home. One aide said at Thursday night's hearing of the Jan. 6 House committee that Trump poured gasoline on the fire of the attack rather than calling off the mob laying siege. They said Trump was well aware of the deadly attack after sending his supporters to fight for his presidency. Live updates | Lawmakers hold Trump 'responsible' for Jan. 6 WASHINGTON (AP) Members of the House committee investigating the Capitol riot are saying unequivocally that Donald Trump is to blame for the violence and theyre saying lawmakers will recommend ways to prevent another Jan. 6. As the committee wrapped up its prime-time hearing Thursday, Democratic Rep. Elaine Luria of Virginia said President Trump did not then and does not now have the character or courage to say to the American people what his own people know to be true. He is responsible for the attack on the Capitol on Jan. 6. And fellow committee member Adam Kinzinger, a Republican congressman from Illinois, said Trump's conduct "is a stain on our history. Jan. 6 takeaways: White House in chaos, unmovable Trump WASHINGTON (AP) The House Jan. 6 committee is closing out its set of summer hearings with its most detailed focus yet on the investigations main target: former President Donald Trump. The panel is examining Trumps actions on Jan. 6, 2021, as hundreds of his supporters broke into the U.S. Capitol, going through the deadly afternoon in minute-by-minute fashion to show how long it took the former president to call off the rioters. The panel is focusing on 187 minutes that day, between Trumps call for his supporters to march to the Capitol and when he told them to go home. Lee Zeldin, GOP nominee for NY governor, assaulted at rally NEW YORK (AP) U.S. Rep. Lee Zeldin, the Republican candidate for New York governor, was assaulted by a man who apparently tried to stab him at an upstate event. The head of the state Republican party chair said the congressman got a small scrape but wasn't seriously injured. Zeldin said in a statement he was able to grab the attacker's wrist and stop him for a few moments until others tackled him. Zeldins campaign said the attacker was taken into custody and the congressman continued his speech. He is challenging incumbent Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul this November. Biden tests positive for COVID-19, has 'very mild symptoms' WASHINGTON (AP) President Joe Biden says he's doing great after testing positive for COVID-19. The White House said Thursday the 79-year-old Biden is experiencing very mild symptoms, including a stuffy nose, fatigue and cough. He's taking Paxlovid, an antiviral drug designed to reduce the severity of the disease. Biden is fully vaccinated, after getting two doses of the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine shortly before taking office, a first booster shot in September and an additional dose March 30. White House COVID-19 coordinator Dr. Ashish Jha told reporters at a briefing that the president will isolate for five days and can return to his usual activities after a negative test. Biden himself tweeted to the nation, Im doing great. Thanks for your concern. HIMARS and howitzers: West helps Ukraine with key weaponry The deliveries of Western arms have been crucial for Ukraines efforts to fend off Russian attacks in the nearly five-month-old war. Ukrainian officials praise the billions of dollars of Western weapons systems they have already received but say their numbers are too small to turn the tide of the war. Ukraine's first lady was in Washington on Wednesday to appeal to the U.S. Congress for air defense systems. The small numbers of U.S.-made multiple rocket launchers have given Ukraine a long-sought capability to strike Russian targets from a safe distance with precision. And supplies of Western heavy artillery systems, armored vehicles and other weapons have been essential to replenish Kyiv's equipment losses. Supreme Court won't let Biden implement immigration policy WASHINGTON (AP) The Supreme Court wont allow the Biden administration to implement a policy that prioritizes deportation of people in the country illegally who pose the greatest public safety risk. The courts order Thursday leaves the policy frozen nationwide for now. The vote was 5-4 with conservative Justice Amy Coney Barrett joining liberal Justices Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson in saying they would have allowed the Biden administration to put in place the guidance. The court also announced it would hear arguments in the case in late November. The justices were acting on the administrations emergency request to the court following conflicting decisions by federal appeals courts. Rio police raid on favela kills at least 18, sparks anger RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) A police operation targeting gang members in Rio de Janeiros largest complex of favelas, or low-income communities, has left at least 18 people dead in one of the deadliest raids the city has seen recently and one already bringing more criticism of police violence. Rio authorities said 16 suspected criminals were killed in confrontations in Complexo do Alemao along with a police officer and an woman. A police spokesman said the raid targeted a criminal group that stole cars and robbed banks. Videos showed intense shootouts between criminals as well as a police helicopter flying low over the small houses. Associated Press reporters saw residents carrying about 10 bodies as bystanders shouted, We want peace! New York reports 1st US polio case in nearly a decade NEW YORK (AP) New York health officials are reporting the first U.S. case of polio in nearly a decade. Officials said the Rockland County resident is an unvaccinated young adult who developed paralysis. The person is no longer deemed contagious, but investigators are trying to figure out whether other people were exposed to the virus. State health officials scheduled polio vaccination clinics as part of the response. Polio was once one of the nations most feared diseases, with annual outbreaks causing thousands of cases of paralysis many of them in children. Most Americans are vaccinated against polio. One expert says this should serve as a wake-up call to those who aren't. Drought drives Las Vegas to cap size of home swimming pools LAS VEGAS (AP) Limiting the size of swimming pools in and around Las Vegas might offer just a drop in the proverbial bucket of water savings amid historic drought and climate change in the U.S. Southwest. Elected officials voted this week to do it anyway ignoring pool builders complaints that the move only amounts to optics. After Sept. 1, new home swimming pools can only be about the size of a three-car garage. Officials cite worries about dwindling water supplies from the drying-up Lake Mead reservoir on the depleted Colorado River. Officials say the region home to 2.4 million people has almost 200,000 home swimming pools. HOUSTON (AP) The family of a 9-year-old Houston girl who died after she was shot by a man who had opened fire when he was robbed at an ATM said Wednesday they remain angered by a grand jurys decision to not indict the man. That was not an accident. That was not self-defense, April Aguirre, the aunt of Arlene Alvarez said during a news conference as a photograph of the girl as she lay in a hospital bed bloodied and bandaged shortly before her death was shown. Tony Earls, 41, had been charged with aggravated assault, serious bodily injury, in Alvarezs Feb. 14 death. A Harris County grand jury in Houston on Tuesday could have indicted him on this charge or several others, including manslaughter and murder, but declined to do so. However, the grand jurys decision was not a surprise as prosecutors efforts in this case had little chance of success, according to a legal expert. Texas law gives very, very broad self-defense rights for people carrying guns, even if the person makes a mistake, said Sandra Guerra Thompson, a law professor at the University of Houston Law Center. Earls and his wife were at an ATM to withdraw money when an unidentified robber pulled a gun on them and fled after taking $20, along with a check and their car keys, according to prosecutors. Earls attorneys said after their client go out of his car, the robber fired and Earls fired back in self-defense. Investigators say Earls fired at a truck thinking the robbery suspect had possibly climbed into it. But the vehicle was actually carrying Alvarez and her family as they went to the ATM to make a deposit before heading to a late dinner at a pizzeria. The girl was shot in the head and she later died at a hospital. Earls attorneys say their client continues to grieve for Alvarez but that the grand jury made the right decision and that the person responsible for her death is the robber. Mr. Earls did what we believe anyone in that situation would have done. We are relieved that, despite the emotion and tough decisions that had to be made in dealing with this case, justice was served for Mr. Earls, his attorneys, Myrecia Donaldson and Brennen Dunn, said in a statement. Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg said the grand jurys decision didnt mean that youre innocent, Mr. Earls. It means that you were not held criminally accountable. Gwen Alvarez, the girls mother, tearfully said Tuesday the grand jurys decision left her feeling that the system failed us. In my eyes, (Earls) is guilty because he was the one who decided to fire on our vehicle multiple times and he didnt stop until he ran out of bullets, Rick Ramos, the attorney for the Alvarez family, said Wednesday that Earls actions were reckless and he questioned whether Earls was capable of carrying a weapon as his lawyers had indicated in court records that he had suffered from mental illness before the shooting. But Thompson said issues of mental illness would not have made a difference in this case as Texas does not have red flag laws that would allow law enforcement or family members to ask a judge to order the seizure or surrender of guns from someone who is deemed dangerous, often because of mental health concerns or threats of violence. Last year, Texas lawmakers expanded gun rights by letting people carry handguns without first getting a background check and training. Ramos said he plans to have an independent expert review the evidence and see if the case can be presented to another grand jury. But Ogg said investigators planned to focus on finding the unidentified robber and holding him responsible for Alvarezs death, with authorities now offering a $30,000 reward for information leading to his arrest. If Mr. Earls had shot the robber... we probably would be celebrating him, Thompson said. But that wasnt the situation and unfortunately, tragically an innocent child was killed. Follow Juan A. Lozano on Twitter: https://twitter.com/juanlozano70 This article was originally published at Dorf on Law. Justice Clarence Thomas is six years away from being the longest-serving justice in American history. Much has been written about his influence and his law clerks, many of whom have gone on to become judges or hold other positions of power. Even more has been written about his views on race. Many, but not all, on the left believe Thomas has done enormous damage by his stubborn and persistent embracing of the so-called color-blind Constitution. Many on the right believe that he is a hero for that dogmatic position. Still others are conflicted because they see in Thomas a fiercely proud man who believes strongly that people of color will never benefit from white largesse and that the best way to dismantle racism in this country is to allow African Americans and other people of color to succeed on exactly the same terms as white folks because any other position is demeaning to all of our citizens including traditionally disadvantaged minorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I side with those who see great harm in Thomas opposition to any government aid directed specifically to people of color. But this essay is about something else. It is about the mythology and hypocrisy of so-called textualist and originalist judges, especially when it comes to race. And the greatest offender of all is Justice Clarence Thomas. Next year, the Supreme Court is going to hear two major affirmative action cases. It is likely the conservative majority will end all affirmative action programs run by the government and private educational institutions that receive government money (virtually all of our colleges and universities). There is a reasonable chance that Thomas will write those decisions given his long-standing opposition to any measures that use race to try and ameliorate past racism. On this issue, and many others, Thomas and his conservative colleagues on the bench are hypocrites. One can be in favor of judicial invalidation of programs that use race to get past race or one can be an originalist/textualist. But one cannot be both. Yet that is exactly what Thomas claims to be. His jurisprudence on race represents his personal political and sociological preferences, nothing more and nothing less. This terms decisions on guns and abortion reinforce this thesis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Writing for the majority in New York Pistol and Rifle v. Bruen, Thomas, on behalf of the other five conservative justices, emphasized that text and history must be the guiding lights for judges to determine the constitutionality of both gun laws and many other constitutional rights. Similarly, Justice Samuel Alito, writing for the majority in Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health, applied a strong text and history approach, which Thomas used in his concurrence, to suggest the complete overruling of all substantive due process cases. This extreme and overly narrow focus on originalism and textualism, of course, has been Thomas calling card for his entire judicial career. The real inspiration for Thomas preferred results is how they accord with Republican Party politics, not a good faith assessment of our Constitutions text and history. Nowhere is this hypocrisy more obvious than on issues of race. Universities across the country take race into account in order to build racially diverse classes. Most of the universities that use race in admissions are still largely white and many take legacy and donor status seriously, which, of course, supports white applicants. The question the court will confront next year is whether these universities may take race into account at all. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Justice Thomas has repeatedly answered that question in the negative, advocating a Constitution that is color-blind and makes all governmental use of race illegal absent the most compelling interest and means narrowly tailored to further that interest. Thomas has voted to strike down every affirmative action plan he has ruled on as a justice. In his dissent in Grutter v. Bollinger, Thomas said the following: The Constitution abhors classifications based on race, not only because those classifications can harm favored races or are based on illegitimate motives, but also because every time the government places citizens on racial registers and makes race relevant to the provision of burdens or benefits, it demeans us all. Purchased at the price of immeasurable human suffering, the equal protection principle reflects our Nations understanding that such classifications ultimately have a destructive impact on the individual and our society. The Equal Protection Clause does not, however, prohibit the use of unseemly legacy preferences or many other kinds of arbitrary admissions procedures. What the Equal Protection Clause does prohibit are classifications made on the basis of race. So while legacy preferences can stand under the Constitution, racial discrimination cannot. I will not twist the Constitution to invalidate legacy preferences or otherwise impose my vision of higher education admissions on the Nation. The majority should similarly stay its impulse to validate faddish racial discrimination the Constitution clearly forbids. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thomas says that the Constitution clearly forbids admissions programs that use race as one element of their evaluations of prospective students. Such a rule would have to come from either text or history to be consistent with Thomas many statements about constitutional interpretation and his opinions this term in the abortion and gun cases. So lets look at text and history. The relevant section of the 14th Amendment says the following: Advertisement Advertisement No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws. Advertisement A plaintiff challenging a state affirmative action program must find the asserted right in this section of the 14th Amendment. Thomas does not recognize the due process clause as a font of rights so that section cant be applicable. He does think the privileges or immunities clause protects certain rights (such as gun rights) but he has never used that clause in an affirmative action case. So, we are left with the equal protection clause, which is in fact the one relied upon by Thomas to support his color-blind principle. Advertisement Advertisement The equal protection clause does not mention nor prohibit the use of racial classifications of any kind, much less racial classifications used by majorities to assist minorities. Although we are all guaranteed the equal protection of the laws, what that means is highly contestable in the context of generations of slavery, Black Codes, Jim Crow, red-lining, and other formal, legal, and overt racially discriminatory policies used by white people against people of color. Advertisement Of course, from the late 19th century to the mid20th century, the court allowed all-white universities to completely exclude people of color, so there is no long standing tradition in this country of color-blindness. We do know that the main purpose of the 14th Amendment, like the other Reconstruction amendments, was originally to help the newly freed enslaved people integrate into society. There is virtually no historical evidence suggesting that a purpose of the amendments was to tie the hands of people trying to ameliorate the terrible legacy of American racism. Advertisement Justice Thomas has never seriously explored the 14th Amendments contemporaneous original meaning as applied to affirmative action. In Grutter, he did quote, as he likes to do, Fredrick Douglas: Advertisement In regard to the colored people, there is always more that is benevolent, I perceive, than just, manifested towards us. What I ask for the negro is not benevolence, not pity, not sympathy, but simply justice. The American people have always been anxious to know what they shall do with us . I have had but one answer from the beginning. Do nothing with us! Your doing with us has already played the mischief with us. Do nothing with us! If the apples will not remain on the tree of their own strength, if they are worm-eaten at the core, if they are early ripe and disposed to fall, let them fall! And if the negro cannot stand on his own legs, let him fall also. All I ask is, give him a chance to stand on his own legs! Let him alone! [Y]our interference is doing him positive injury. Advertisement Advertisement As Ive written before, this quote is wildly misleading because it is taken out of context and does not contain what Douglas said next, which was the following: If you see him (a black person) on his way to school, let him alone, dont disturb him! If you see him going to the dinner table at a hotel, let him go! If you see him going to the ballot box, let him alone, dont disturb him! If you see him going into a work-shop, just let him aloneyour interference is doing him positive injury. Tack that paragraph on to the one quoted by Thomas and the meaning changes dramatically. Douglass was angry at the racial discrimination faced by blacks at the time he was writing, not making any argument for or against government preferences to make the lives of the newly freed enslaved people easier. Moreover, at other times, Douglass stated that the government had not done enough for Black Americans. In 1875, he said the following: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The world has never seen any people turned loose to such destitution as were the four million slaves of the South. They were free to hunger, free to the winds and the rains free without bread to eat, or land to cultivate. We gave them freedom and famine at the same time. The marvel is that they still live. What the negro wants is, first, protection of the rights already conceded by law and, secondly, education. Talk of having done enough for these people after two hundred years of enforced ignorance and stripes is absurd, cruel, and heartless. Advertisement Advertisement Put simply, Douglass writings simply do not justify any inference that the 14th Amendments original meaning precludes racial criteria used by the government to assist people of color. The only other evidence of original meaning that Thomas has ever employed to justify his strident color-blind principle is an Iowa case from 1868 based on state law. That case simply does not support the rigid rule Thomas espouses for the federal Constitution. In his affirmative action opinions, Thomas devotes most of his time to the negative policy consequences that he says result from affirmative action, such as stigma and backlash. Thomas and his conservative colleagues keep telling us that text, history, and tradition are the only appropriate tools for judges exercising judicial review. But their continued insistence that the 14th Amendment prohibits all race-based government policies simply cannot be defended on that basis. Next year, this hypocrisy will almost certainly carry the day. Once again the unfortunate lesson from the highest court to lower courts and the American people will be do what we say, whether or not text, history, or tradition actually support that result. With Fulton County District Attorney Fani Williss criminal investigation of Donald Trump heating up, we can expect all manner of dubious legal objections to start clogging the Georgia courts. An important case in point is a motion being pushed by 12 of the false electors she is investigating that seeks to disqualify her. It was headed for a hearing this week and is a harbinger of things to come, including potential spurious objections that Attorney General Merrick Garland will likely face as his own fake electors investigation heats up. Advertisement The motion was initially filed by Georgia State Sen. Burt Jones, who was one of those Georgia Republicans organized after the 2020 election to certify a victory for Donald Trump. He is also the Republican nominee for lieutenant governor and a target in the Williss investigation of election fraud and related crimes. He has filed his motion with the court demanding recusal of Willis because she supports his opponent in the lieutenant governors race. On Tuesday, 11 other false electors who are also targets joined his motion. The judge ordered Willis to reply and set a hearing on the matter for Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To us as legal ethics experts (two of whom respectively served in Republican and Democratic administrations, and the third of whom specializes in Georgia legal ethics), this is one of the most unfounded and illogical recusal motions we have ever seen filed against an attorney. It sharply contrasts with the strength of the case Willis seems to be putting together on the phony electors and other matters, featuring powerful evidence of alleged illegality. Not only has the Georgia investigation been transparent and focused on where the facts have led, the arguments made by Jones and joined by his 11 colleagues dont add up to much. District attorneys in Georgia and across the country are elected, which means they participate in political life. They hold fundraisers and they give fundraisers for other candidates. They endorse other candidates for elected office, and they are themselves endorsed. Its a known and normal part of the path to becoming and continuing to serve as a district attorney. Advertisement Advertisement Jones focuses on the fact that the Fulton County district attorney hosted a fundraiser for his political opponent, and argues that for that reason she must refrain from a criminal investigation in which he is a target. Fundraising is a routine and indispensable part of elective politics, though. Tellingly, the recusal motion does not point to a single case in Georgia or anywhere in the country where, as here, typical political activity by a district attorney creates conflict of interest and so requires recusal. Advertisement The implications of this new recusal rule requested by Sen. Jones are unworkable. Under his suggested rule, politically-active Republicans could only be prosecuted by other Republicans. Politically-active Democrats could only be prosecuted by other Democrats. In counties with a Republican elected district attorneys, politically active Democrats would be free to engage in crime sprees, including election fraud, without fear of being prosecuted. Politically-active Republicans would enjoy the same freedom in counties with an elected Democratic district attorney. A politician would be subject to the law only in places where the politicians party is in control of the prosecutors office. That is a formula for chaos at best, corruption at worst. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Of course, Jones will try to argue that his recusal motion is more narrowly drawn. If Willis had not hosted the fundraiser, perhaps she would not have to recuse. But if fundraising makes all the difference, imagine another scenario. What if a likely target of an elected district attorney holds a fundraiser for the district attorneys opponent? That direct political opposition to the district attorney surely poses a greater risk to the objectivity of the prosecutor. Does that require the district attorney to be recused? If so, then the target of a criminal probe has what amounts to a get out of jail free card by organizing a fundraiser for the district attorneys opponents campaign. Again, both the crux and the potential tentacles of Joness argument are impractical in a system with elected prosecutors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Furthermore, theres no actual need to recuse prosecutors in these instances because we already have recusal rules and other procedural protections in place to prevent politically motivated prosecutions. Jones can receive his due process without Willis having to recuse. First, there are a few extreme cases that particular district attorneys should be disqualified from bringing. For example, if a district attorney during his campaign repeatedly promises supporters that he will investigate and prosecute the governor without any basis to do so, he should not upon assuming office investigate and prosecute the governor, particularly if there is zero evidence that the governor committed a crime. That goes too farthat is not routine political activity. District attorneys should not run for office on a platform of prosecuting particular people from the opposing political party without any legitimate basis, and if they do run on such a platform, they should be disqualified from doing so. Advertisement Second, juries, not prosecutors, decide whether to convict. All defendants, regardless of political affiliation, are entitled to fair juries. Our system has safeguards in place, even in places where jurors are more likely to be sympathetic to one party over another. There are rules that allow for a jurors biases to be explored, for excusing jurors for cause, and for giving defendants peremptory challenges to particular jurors. Advertisement Advertisement Third, judges, not prosecutors, make the legal determinations in criminal cases. Prosecutors and defense attorneys argue their legal issues, but judges decide. Appropriately, there are stricter rules for judges with respect to recusal based upon partisan politics. Georgia judges must recuse from a case in which the judge has received or benefited from an aggregate amount of campaign contributions or support so as to create a reasonable question as to the judges impartiality. Advertisement Judges need not recuse from all cases involving contributors to their own or an opposing candidates campaign, but recusal from cases involving larger contributors is sometimes required and a judges participation in a case involving a very large campaign contributor can be a due process violation, as the U.S. Supreme Court decided in Caperton v. Massey Coal in 2009. The bottom line is this: judges, not prosecutors or defense attorneys, are the legal decision makers, and judges are subject to stricter recusal rules. The ultimate state-law decision makers in the case would be the justices of the Georgia Supreme Court, who are chosen in non-partisan elections, although eight of the nine justices were appointed by Republican Governors Brian Kemp and Nathan Deal to fill vacancies that arose before they ran for re-election. None of the justices was appointed by a Democrat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If questions of federal law arise in the Georgia election fraud case, the federal courts could ultimately decide, including potentially the U.S. Supreme Court where six of the nine justices were appointed by Republican presidents. Speaking of federal law, we know that the Department of Justice has their own very active investigation into the false electors scheme. If Joness ploy is allowed to succeed, how long will it be before someone tries to block the DOJ investigation because Garland was appointed by the president who these fake electors and their candidate were opposed to? Like Williss political activity, that of the current president who appointed Garland is a normal and necessary part of the system and forms no logical basis for recusal. Sen. Jones and his 11 colleagues will get plenty of due process if they are prosecuted by the Fulton County district attorney. Jones has no valid case for recusal of Fani Willis or any other prosecutor from this case. Nobody is above the law, including Jones or any other elected official. In the presidential election of 2020, the United States was the target of a legal coup for the first time in its history. Legal coups dont rely on tanks rolling through the streets, and their damage to democracy is notfor the most partmeasured in a body count. Legal coups dont even cancel elections. They manipulate them. The insidious danger of legal coups is that they come clothed in arcane procedures instead of military fatigues. Their foot soldiers are lawyers, not storm troopers. How many people would watch the House Select Committees January 6th hearings if there had been no violence in the Capitol, only byzantine legal machinations? But the peculiar power of legal coups is also their profound weakness. An attempt to overthrow the democratic order that is purportedly executed within the four corners of a piece of parchment can also be prevented by changing the words written on it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Wednesday, a bipartisan group of senatorseight Democrats and nine Republicanstook a major step towards doing precisely that. They released a proposed Electoral Count Reform Act, which would fortify the process through which states transmit their votes in the Electoral College to Washington, and the procedures under which Congress counts those electoral votes. The new law would amend the broken Electoral Count Act of 1887, which President Donald Trump sought to manipulate after the last election. These changes are urgently necessary. As Ive argued, existing law is catastrophically vulnerable to manipulation by politicians in Congress and by state governors. By fixing those vulnerabilitiesnot perfectly, but pretty wellthe new law would go a long way towards preventing a stolen presidential election in 2024 and beyond. Advertisement To see why we need the Electoral Count Reform Act, we need to see the problems with what it is replacing. The Electoral Count Act of 1887 was enacted after the Crisis of 1876, in which several Southern states submitted multiple, competing slates of electors to Congress. At the time, the law had no established way of resolving those disputes. Congress ended up creating an ad hoc Electoral Commission, but it only barely averted a showdown on Inauguration Day. Everyone realized the nation needed a better system. Advertisement Congress enacted the Electoral Count Act of 1887 a decade later in an attempt to stave off another crisis. It worked well enough for 133 years, but it was fundamentally flawed from the very beginning. Its vague and immensely convoluted. But most importantly, its structurally unsound: It puts politicians in the position to manipulate a states electoral votes. The gravest threat is what Ive called the Governors Gambit: if a swing state governor certifies a bogus slate of electors, and a single chamber of Congresssay, the hyper-partisan Housevotes to count the bogus slate, then the bogus slate counts. Its really that easy to steal a states electoral votes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We came perilously close in 2020. Remember those fake winning electors for Trump? From a legal perspective, what made those electors fake rather than real was that the governors in those states actually accepted the legitimate results of the vote and never certified the losing Trump electors. We cannot be confident that future governors will hold the line against immense partisan pressure. Hence the need for the new law. So what does it do, and how does it fix the problem? The most important change is that it ensures a single, conclusive slate of electors from each state. It designates a single state officialnormally the governor, but the state can designate a different official if it wants towho is authorized to submit the slate of electors on behalf of the state. Those fake electors from 2020 cant mail in their own self-certification anymore. And crucially, it prevents that state official from going rogue and submitting his own preferred, bogus slate instead of the legitimate slate. How? By providing for judicial review in federal courts, with expedited review to the Supreme Court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That means if a governor goes rogue and submits a bogus slate of electors, then the cheated candidate can file a lawsuit in federal court. That federal courtwith expedited review to the Supreme Courtthen determines whether the governors slate is the legitimate one or not. And if the governors slate is bogus, the federal court will order him to submit the legitimate one. That judicial review is the surest and safest way to prevent manipulation of the states slate of electors by the governor. The new law would then bind Congress to count the electorsand only those electorssubmitted by the governor (or the states designated official) pursuant to the judgments of state and federal courts. That last phrase is critical. It means that Congress will not count a slate of electors submitted by a governor who defies a court order. That defangs the Governors Gambit. And by binding Congress to count those court-blessed electors, the new law would prevent Congress from rejecting electors based on spurious objections like we saw on January 6, 2021. Advertisement Advertisement There are other important provisions as well: it clarifies that the vice presidents role is merely ministerial and ceremonial, preventing the sort of vice presidential pressure scenario we saw on Jan. 6; it raises the threshold for objections triggering debate in Congress, which will reduce the sort of political grandstanding with hopeless objections that we saw in 2021 and in previous years; and most importantly it closes the loophole that permitted state legislatures from declaring that the state had failed to make a choice on Election Day and directly appointing its own electors instead. (On that last point, nothing that the Supreme Court might decide next year on the so-called independent state legislature doctrine would undermine the laws changesunder Article II of the Constitution, Congress indisputably has the power to decide when states appoint electors.) Advertisement Advertisement The Electoral Count Reform Act isnt perfect. No law is or ever could be. And critics will point to two shortcomings in particular. First, its core feature is transferring the power to resolve disputes about electors from politicians to courts. I recognize, of course, that many people distrust the federal courtsparticularly the Supreme Court, and particularly right now. Why, one might wonder, would we want to give the courts even more power over our elections? Because the relevant question is a relative risk analysis. Under existing law, politicians in Congress and in governors mansions can manipulate the count of electoral votes. Pick the potential speaker of the House you trust least, whether thats Kevin McCarthy or Nancy Pelosi. Then pick the potential swing state governor you trust least, whether thats Doug Mastriano in Pennsylvania or Stacey Abrams in Georgia. The current law enables that hypothetical Speaker and that hypothetical governor to collaborate to steal the states electoral votes. Courts, whatever their many flaws, have got to be better than that. And unfortunately, in a world of flawed human institutions, there are simply no other options than those. So all we can do is pick the least-bad option among them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Second, critics will point to the many profound threats to democracy that electoral count reform doesnt address. It doesnt protect voting rights. It doesnt advance campaign finance reform. It doesnt do anything at all to eliminate the other greatest threat to American democracy, partisan gerrymandering in Congress and state legislatures. It doesnt, for that matter, eliminate the Electoral College and replace it with a national popular vote. The critics are right. The Electoral Count Reform Act does none of those things. The political reality, however, is stark: the choice we face is the Electoral Count Reform Act or nothing. There is still time to make modest changes to the bill to improve it; I have quite a few ideas on that front myself. But the immense yet unsuccessful efforts earlier this year to pass comprehensive election reforms showed that there is simply insufficient support in Congress currently to do any of the important things that this bill doesnt do. What matters, though, is what this bill does do. Political manipulation of the electoral count is one of the gravest threats facing our democracy. It is not the only one. But if we let slip by the only opportunity to guard against this one, we may wake up on January 7, 2025 to a brave new world in the wake of a successful legal coup. And once we cross that Rubicon, there is no going back. On Tuesday, the House passed the Respect for Marriage Actwhich would legally protect same-sex and interracial marriages even if the Supreme Court were to strike current Constitutional protections downby a bipartisan 267-157 vote. While marriage equality has been settled law since Obergefell v. Hodges was decided by the court seven years ago and interracial marriage bans have been unconstitutional since the court decided Loving v. Virginia in 1967, the courts decision this term to strike down the nearly 50-year-old constitutional right to an abortion in Dobbs has elevated concerns that other liberty-based rights may not remain on the books for long. Those concerns were worsened by Justice Clarence Thomas concurring opinion in Dobbs, in which he said that the court should reconsider rights like marriage equality that were based in the same reasoning as Roe v. Wade, which the court struck down. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This has created a bit of a rare political opening for Democrats to actually put Republicans on the back foot for a change. As the Wall Street Journal noted, more than 90 percent of Americans oppose interracial marriage bans, while more than 67 percent oppose same-sex marriage bans. At the same time, many conservatives have long held to the position that marriage is between a man and a woman, and its now an issue that splits their base, with Evangelical voters still largely opposed to marriage equality. Sign Up for the Surge The most important political nonsense of the week, delivered to your inbox every Saturday. We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try again. Please enable javascript to use form. Email address: Send me updates about Slate special offers. By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms Sign Up Thanks for signing up! You can manage your newsletter subscriptions at any time. Politically speaking, this should be a slam dunk for the Democrats, which is why they were able to peel away 47 Republicansor a quarter of the GOP caucusin supporting the House version of the bill. Indeed, Senate Minority Whip John Thune noted that there was pretty good bipartisan support in the House yesterday and I expect thered probably be the same thing youd see in the Senate. Advertisement Advertisement Other Republican senators were more skeptical. Take for instance Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida, who called the House bill a stupid waste of time. Others gave a more muddled response, such as Sen. Tommy Tuberville of Alabama, who wouldnt commit one way or another on the bill but when asked about whether he supports same-sex marriage said, Yeah, if thats what you want to do, fine. Advertisement So varied were the Republican responses to actually being put in a tough political spot that its worth categorizing the responses these GOP senators gave. Heres a taxonomy of Republicans trying to explain whether or not they support the Respect for Marriage Act. Response one: Sure, maybe, whatever, is that even a thing? Many Republicans attempted to waive away the issue without issuing a response. The most hilarious of these was Tubervilles if thats what you want to do, fine. There were other, less hilarious versions, though: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thune to Axios: Its hard to say. I havent looked at them. I havent even given any thought to that. Sen. Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania to Axios: I havent given it any thought. Im focused on other things right now. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia to Axios: Youre hitting me with something I havent had time for, sorry. (Later Capito said Id rather answer those questions when we have the vote.) Sen. Todd Young of Indiana to Axios: I have not heard anything about the predicate for your question. Sen. Mike Rounds of South Dakota to Axios: I got enough to worry about over here right now, and then to talk about the hypotheticals of something that might come over from the House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas to Axios: Ill worry about hypotheticals at the time we have it. Response two: I cannot comment until Im actually physically forced to, and maybe not even then. Multiple senators indicated that they couldnt say where they stood until the issue was actually forced to a vote, or until they saw the precise language of a bill and found the one line of cover upon which they could base some narrow objection to get out of having to vote for the thing. Sen. Rick Scott of Florida to Axios: I want to see the bills. Sen. Roy Blunt of Missouri to Axios: I havent seen the bills. Sen. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin to Axios: Id have to look at them. Advertisement Sen. Mike Braun of Indiana to Axios: Until I see the legislation, Im not going to make a comment on whether Id support it or not. Response three: I thought we settled that one already? Several Republican senators acted indignant that theyd even be asked to vote on something that is considered settled law, even though they might want the Supreme Court to overturn that settled law and the court just happened to do something similar in Dobbs. Advertisement Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana to Axios: Incredibly stupid pure messaging. Its wasting the American peoples time. Its trying to stir up fear where there is no fear. I mean, my gosh. Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri to Axios: I think the premise there is that its somehow likely the Supreme Court is going to overturn basically their entire substantive due process law. I think the chances of that are approximately zero. The premise here is a false premise, so I wouldnt be inclined to take the bait. Advertisement Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa to Axios: Nothing like that should even be thought about by anybody because its not endangered in any way. I dont know why people would come to that conclusion. Later Grassley responded to HuffPost reporter Igor Bobic: Its the law of the land. Bobic noted He didnt respond when a reporter said so was Roe. Sen. Roger Marshall of Kansas to Axios: Sounds like its a bill in search of a problem. Sen. Kevin Cramer of North Dakota to Axios: I have to think about it seems gimmicky to me [It might do] more harm than you can good. Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Thune (again): I got a view on that that goes back a long ways. But I also respect the decision that was made by the Court in 2015. And I dont think its an issue right now that anybodys talking about. Advertisement Sen. Roger Wicker of Mississippi to HuffPost reporter Igor Bobic: I dont think it would be necessary so probably not. Sen. Mitt Romney of Utah to HuffPost reporter Igor Bobic. Given the fact that the law is settled on this I dont think we need to lose sleep over it unless there were a development that suggested the law was going to be changed. Response four: I support the opposite thing! The Respect for Marriage Act also would officially overturn the Defense of Marriage Act, which technically remains on the books despite the court having struck it down. Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina confused some people by declaring Ill support the Defense of Marriage Act, which, again, is defunct, instead of the new RFMA law. So, the exact opposite thing of what is being proposed. Response five: I certainly know gay and homosexual people, some of the married varietals. Rubio: I know plenty of gay people in Florida that are pissed off about gas bills. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa to HuffPost reporter Igor Bobic: I have a good number of very close friends that are same-sex married. Response six: I actually support the popular position. Retiring Ohio Sen. Rob Portmans office says he will sponsor the bill, joining Sen. Susan Collins of Maine as a co-sponsor.* Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska also indicated some level of support. Response seven: Im confused what my constituents will tolerate, so Ill say different things to different people. Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina initially told Axios that he supported states rights to decide the question of marriage equality, saying, A lot of the focus should be on the choices that state legislatures make. And I think it would be premature for us to take up those sort of actions now. Advertisement Later, though, he told CNNs Manu Raju that he probably will support the bill. So youre guess is as good as ours as to what hell actually do. Bonus response: Gay people have every right to be miserable as the rest of us. (Try the veal.) As a bonus, here is the response from Rep. Nancy Mace, a Republican who already voted for the House version of the bill: Advertisement Advertisement If gay couples want to be as happily or miserably married as straight couples, more power to them. Trust me, I've tried it more than once https://t.co/0zi54apZNX Rep. Nancy Mace (@RepNancyMace) July 19, 2022 Donald Trump is a 76-year-old man. He is not an impressionable child. As soon as Liz Cheney uttered those lines during her opening remarks for the Jan. 6 committees seventh hearing on July 12, her words began bubbling up in my Twitter feed. She was being quoted by a host of unlikely fanspeople who have until recently probably quite disliked Liz Cheney, but now find themselves tuning in partly to see what shell do next. And this? It was the quintessential Liz Cheney momentthe time when she sounded the most like Mom. Advertisement Sounding like Mom has usually been a problem for female politicians in America. Even voters who pride themselves on their rational grasp of the issues have been known to rely on their gut once they get to the boothand their guts tell a lot of them that they dont want to go back to being bossed around by a woman after all. Hence the well-known just not that woman phenomenon of people who insist that theyd have no problem voting for a female candidate in a presidential election, and yet find a deal-breaking flaw in every single woman who runs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Somehow Cheney has managed to avoid tripping this wire, so much so that even some Democrats have said theyd like to see her run for national office, despite the fact that they disagree with her on every point of policy. Voters find her courageous, in part because shes offered the spectacle of a politician jeopardizing her careerCheneys chances for reelection in Wyoming dont look goodfor the sake of principle, a rare thing in either party. But its not just what Cheneys doing thats earning her accolades, its the way shes doing it, particularly her artful skirting of the booby traps that await women who publicly challenge powerful and popular men like Donald Trump. Advertisement Advertisement The secret to Cheneys impact in the hearings is that she never sounds angry or anxious. She doesnt scold, let alone naga highly gendered behavior in which powerlessness is embedded. People (that is, women, many of them moms) nag when they dont expect to get what they want and have no leverage to enforce their demands. Theyre mad because they cant get others to sincerely agree with them about whats important and what ought to be done about it. Advertisement Cheney isnt mad. Shes disappointed. Her demeanor is exactly that of a mom who has been called out of her office in the middle of a work day because her teenage kid is in the principals office for pulling some idiotic, illegal, and dangerous prank. She knows that he knows exactly how badly hes fucked up, that the consequences will be serious and they are inevitable. She will entertain no excuses or evasions or any other form of trifling objection. She mostly wants him to acknowledge what hes done, and promise not to do it again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But you can only be disappointed in someone whos capable of better behavior, and that gives Cheneys reproaches a sting thats been missing in the often much louder denunciations from Democrats who routinely dismiss Republicans as hopeless deplorables. For non-Republicans, its deeply comforting to see a GOP politician who wants to hold her party to a higher standard. (Plus, its a lot easier to witness Moms disappointment when shes not disappointed in you.) So its no wonder that some Jan. 6 hearing viewers who dislike Cheneys politics have nevertheless found her conduct on the committee compelling. At a time when outrage and passion are cheap and abundant, she has something more powerful: authority. Whether that can be parlayed into a reinvigorated political career is another matter. A tough prosecutorial presence in congressional hearings doesnt segue easily into the inspirational symbolism of the presidency: just ask Kamala Harris about that. But Cheney seems to be playing the long game, or maybe even no game at all. Its this last bit that could be the most impressive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With one more hearing to goand this one again in prime-timeit will be interesting to see if Cheney can continue to pull this off without the counterweight of the committees chairman, Bennie Thompson, who recently tested positive for COVID and wont appear Thursday night. Thompson and Cheney have a sedate chemistry that appeals to moderate voters stubborn, quaint belief that the two parties should find a way to work together in the nations best interests. Hes warm and grandfatherly to Cheneys cool implacability. Hell smile on occasion. She wont. The rub is that Cheneys authority is strictly of the moral variety. The committee has to persuade the Department of Justice and ultimately the GOP itself to kick its Trump habit and make healthier choices. Its pretty clear that even though Cheney also said last week that Trump is responsible for his own actions and his own choices just like anyone else in this country, she knows hes never going to own up to them. He really is an overgrown child even if he shouldnt be allowed to carry on like one. This conundrum has Cheney walking a fine line, portraying Trumps supporters as deceived by the former presidents scheme to overturn the election and gullibly swallowing his fairy tale about his stolen victory, almost as if they were kids themselveskids who have finally, unmistakably, landed in the principals office, waiting for Mom to show up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the very first Jan. 6 hearing, Cheney addressed her fellow Republican officials who remain in thrall to a cult of personality: There will come a day when Donald Trump is gone, but your dishonor will remain. That term, dishonor, is positively antique, but damned if it didnt have a ring to it. Whether Cheney believes her party can shake off Trumpism, or shes content with the place shes already secured in the history books, shes achieved something remarkable. Shes found a way to tell Americans to grow up that hasnt just made the tantruming worse. The Respect for Marriage Act cruised through the House of Representatives on Tuesday with bipartisan support, landing in an evenly divided Senate where its future remains uncertain. As Senate Republicans squirm, dissemble, and dodge questions about the bill, a great deal of confusion remains about what it actually does. Most reports state that the RFMA would codify same-sex marriage, similar to Congress failed attempt to codify Roe v. Wade, by repealing the anti-gay Defense of Marriage Act. These reports typically elaborate that the legislation would enshrine marriage equality into federal law, language used by its congressional supporters. Advertisement None of these descriptions fully captures the scope of the RFMA. The bill would not require every state to license same-sex marriages, as they are currently obligated to under Obergefell v. Hodges. So it does not codify Obergefell, as some commentatorsincluding Glenn Greenwaldhave incorrectly asserted. The RFMA would repeal DOMA, directing the federal government to recognize same-sex couples lawful marriages. But it also goes further, compelling states to recognize same-sex marriages performed elsewhereeven if the Supreme Court overturns Obergefell and restores states authority to refuse marriage licenses to same-sex couples. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Put simply, the RFMA creates a backstop to ensure that every same-sex couple can retain protections after Obergefells demise if their own state nullifies their marriage. And it does so on strong constitutional grounds that should withstand any legal challenge. Advertisement Advertisement A short history lesson helps illuminate the purpose and effect of the RFMA. In 1993, the Hawaii Supreme Court indicated that it would grant gay citizens the right to wed. This ruling provoked two major fears among anti-LGBTQ advocates. First, they worried that the federal government would recognize same-sex marriages performed in Hawaii. (Federal law affords more than 1,000 rights and privileges to married couples.) Second, they fretted that every other state would have to recognize these marriages due to the Constitutions full faith and credit clause. Congress responded to these concerns by passing DOMA in 1996. DOMA imposed a federal ban on same-sex marriage, denying federal rights and privileges to same-sex couples who are married under state law. It also declared that no state had an obligation to recognize a same-sex marriage licensed by another state. As a result, when same-sex couples began marrying in Massachusetts in 2004, they were still deemed legal strangers by the federal government and every other state. The Supreme Court invalidated DOMA in 2013s U.S. v. Windsor, but it remains on the books, ready to spring back into effect should the court overturn Windsor. Advertisement Which brings us to the present. Windsor, like Obergefell, is gravely imperiled by the Supreme Courts decision overruling Roe v. Wade. The majority announced a new test that acknowledges only those rights that were widely embraced in 1868, when the 14th Amendment was ratified. No one seriously argues that Americans viewed same-sex marriage as a fundamental right 154 years ago. So the majoritys logic would require the reversal of Windsor and Obergefell. In a concurrence, Justice Clarence Thomas declared outright that the court should eradicate its marriage equality precedents. Advertisement Advertisement This bill goes as far as todays Supreme Court could conceivably allow. Congressional Democrats responded to this anti-gay assault with the RFMA. The bill repeals DOMAs bar against federal recognition of same-sex marriage, replacing it with a mandate that the federal government recognize any marriage that is valid in the state where it was entered into. In other words, if you wed in a state that allows same-sex marriage, the federal government must recognize your union. Advertisement Advertisement This provision, however, raises a pressing question: What happens if the Supreme Court overturns Obergefell and states are no longer obligated to allow same-sex marriage? About 35 states still have laws (or constitutional amendments) on the books that outlaw these unions, which would take effect once again if Obergefell falls. Ideally, Congress could order states to license same-sex marriages regardless of existing bans. But the Supreme Court has forbidden the federal government from telling states to pass or repeal their own laws. Advertisement Advertisement So the RFMA does the next best thing: It compels every state to recognize a marriage licensed elsewhere without discriminating on the basis of those individuals sex, race, ethnicity, or national origin. (The bill also protects interracial marriage, though no state seeks to outlaw such unions right now.) To do so, the RFMA relies on the Constitutions full faith and credit clause. This clause gives Congress the power to make states grant full faith and credit to the public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of other states. Advertisement Despite its broad language, this rule has been deemed largely optional by the Supreme Court, which lets states deny full faith and credit to another states laws, records, or judgments if it conflicts with their public policy. This opt-out doesnt apply, though, when Congress exercises its constitutional authority to command nationwide uniformity under the clause. So, for instance, Congress has ordered every state to grant full faith and credit to a custody determination and child support order issued by another state. It took this step to prevent parents from kidnapping their children by absconding to a different state and relitigating a custody order against them. Advertisement Steve Sanders, a professor at the Maurer School of Law and expert on the clause, told me he believes the RFMA is perfectly constitutional. The short answer is yes, Congress can do this, he said. By giving Congress authority to prescribe the effect of acts, records and proceedings among states, the Constitution creates the federal power to make every state recognize a marriage licensed elsewhere. While states normally are under no obligation to bow to the licenses or statutory policies of other states, Sanders said, this provision allows Congress to say, in effect, You are required to give effect to a legal relationship created under another states law. You cant treat their marriage license like a worthless piece of foreign currency. Advertisement Advertisement Sanders pointed out that the law also appears to protect same-sex couples parentage rights over their own children. Many states only acknowledge these rights because of Obergefell, which compelled them to give same-sex parents the same constellation of benefits afforded to opposite-sex parents. So, for instance, a state must place both parents names on their childs birth certificate and afford both parents the presumption of parentage; they cannot force one parent to adopt a child conceived through assisted reproductive technology. The RFMA enforces this protection by directing states to respect any right or claim arising from a marriage licensed elsewhere without discriminating on the basis of sex. Parentage is a quintessential right arising from marriage, so states should have to put same-sex parents on equal footing with heterosexual couples. Sanders told me he hoped thats the understanding courts would give it, though the language could be more clear. Advertisement Finally, the RFMA has a thorough enforcement mechanism to ensure that states do not evade its commands. It allows both the United States attorney general and victims of discrimination to file a federal lawsuit against any state agent who denies full faith and credit to a marriage license on the basis of sex, race, ethnicity, or national origin. A federal court may then issue an injunction ordering the individual to recognize the union. Same-sex couples can thus defend their own rights in court when a state or its employees treats them as second-class citizens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In short, this bill goes as far as todays Supreme Court could conceivably allow. If it passes and Obergefell falls, states can resume denying marriage licensing to same-sex couples. They might even be able to nullify the same-sex marriage licenses it provided under Obergefell. But couples who face such discrimination can travel to another state, obtain a new license, and compel their home state to recognize it, along with the rights and privileges it provides. And their marriage will receive full protection under federal law. As far as backstops go, it doesnt get much better than the RFMA. It seems like COVID is infecting everyone these days, and our politicians are no exception. After returning from a trip to the Middle East and making a short trip to Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts this week, the White House announced that President Joe Biden had tested positive for COVID. In their announcement, the White House said that the president was experiencing mild symptoms and that they were following guidelines for positive cases that exceeded what the Centers for Disease Control recommends. While it is good the White House is isolating the president, it raises the question: why wasnt he following public health guidance in the first place? Advertisement As the BA.5 variant spreads across the United States, the official recommendation from the White House, released on July 12th, is that people should consider masking in crowded, indoor public spaces. A quick glance of the presidents Twitter account reveals many pictures of him over the past few weekswell, indoors, without a mask. Hes hanging out with world leaders in the middle east, meeting with religious figures, shaking hands with Holocaust survivors. There are, in fact, no recent pictures of Biden masking on his social media accounts. An update from Thursday morning shows a COVID-positive Biden, barefaced. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Of course, it is rare to find an image of any politician who is wearing a mask in indoor public settings right now. Across party lines, politicians are showing the country that they have returned to normal, even as cases skyrocket. Currently, between 300-400 people are dying of COVID every day. The risk is greatest to those who are both over 65 years old and have not received a booster shot of a coronavirus vaccine. According to the New York Times, 36 percent of people over 65 have not been boostedthats a lot of people without sufficient protection. And then of course theres the risk of long COVID. Advertisement Advertisement Perhaps Biden is not personally worried about his prospects, as someone with access to much better healthcare than most Americans, who has himself been boosted. Maybe hes been hanging out in venues with testing protocols and ventilation standards in place that mitigate the risk. Its also possible hes simply been taking his mask off quickly, for the sake of photo ops. Regardless, Biden should be much more careful than the average person in the first place. He sees many more different people in the span of a week than a regular person does, with legislative sessions, speeches, public appearances, trips internationally and across the country. One infection of one politician could potentially have a big ripple effect, compared to an infection in an average person. Then theres the fact that he is elderly, and has a pretty important gig to keep showing up towhat happens if his illness leaves him unable to do his job properly? Senator Tim Kaine is still experiencing symptoms of long COVID nearly two years after his initial infection. Advertisement But also: politicians are public figures. They help set the tone of whether or not the country takes something seriously, and are by definition supposed to look beyond themselves. Even those of us who have remained cautious and careful about masking will concede that none of this is fun. If youre less inclined to wear a mask and you dont see the President, an elderly man, wearing one in indoor settings, or outside while COVID positivewell, why should you feel like you have to wear a mask? Politicians often point to a public that wont comply with or support mask mandates. This point is iffy: a recent poll shows 55 percent of Americans against mandates, and 44 percent in favor of them. Regardless, public opinion does not stop those in charge from setting an example of good public health behavior (unless of course, your goal is to look popular more so than it is to do the right thing). There are no laws or recommendations that need to change for the president to wear a mask. When the public is fatigued with measures, politicians can either remind people the pandemic is ongoingor they can reinforce the idea that its not a big deal. This is where actions matter more than just words. The White House statement said one thing about masking. Bidens face says something quite different. A few days before her July wedding, a bride-to-be came down with COVID. The telltale positive test showed up in a routine screening at work. She hadnt even felt sick. We have saved for years and years to have our wedding, she wrote in an online forum, according to Newsweek. With a steep price tag, no help from the insurance provider, and a nearly 200-person guest list, the U.K.-based bride had to make a call: Bail and forgo a dream wedding shed saved for years to have, or show up and potentially infect her friends and loved ones. She decided to go ahead with the original plan. It was July 2022, after all. Advertisement While this story is a little bit extreme, you may well have heard others like it: The employee who shows up at work before isolation is over, the small gathering that continues despite a few sick guests, the person who gets on a plane after a positive test. This has been happening in certain pockets of the U.S. for months (years?) now, but it seems increasingly common everywhere else, too. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And heres the thing: No expert will tell you that fudging COVID isolation is OK. Scientists are still figuring out the long-term effects of an infection on the body. Even as many have moved on, people are still dyingat a recent daily average of 435.7 in the U.S., according to the New York Times. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention still recommends isolating after a positive test for at least five daysa compromise that is still garnering criticism for being too short. Advertisement Advertisement The bride was in the wrong, public health-wise. But the calculation is more complicated than that. Earlier in the pandemic, having a wedding was a very big risk. A Maine wedding led to at least seven deaths; so did a celebration in Washington State. A story in Texas Monthly led with an anecdote about a groom showing up positive to his ceremony, before Pfizer and Moderna had seen FDA approval. (It was met with plenty of outrage: Trulyhow could he?) Today, thanks to vaccines and antivirals, were less likely to see super-spreader events that kill people. At this point in the pandemic, we have to accept that infections will keep occurring, Leana Wen, an emergency physician and public health professor, wrote in the Washington Post following the Gridiron Club dinner in April, after which dozens of attendees reported COVID infections. (She garnered a lot of criticism for this statement, including in these pages.) If youre attending even a medium-sized event, chances are, someone will have COVIDaccording to the Georgia Institute of Technologys risk calculator, if there are 50 attendees at a party in New York City, the likelihood of one of them bringing an infection is 65 percent. Advertisement Advertisement Still, attending a large event knowing that there could be someone there who is COVID positive is different than knowingly showing up while infected. For one thing, thats one of the points of testingto bring the chances of a COVID-positive attendee way, way down. But thats assuming the sick person will stay home. Of attending ones own wedding while positive, I think its moderately unethical, says Robert Wachter, the chair of the department of medicine at the University of California, San Francisco, of her choice.* (In this case, the bride-to-be may have lucked out: she reported on the forum testing negative before the day-of.) He added that in this assessment, it matters what steps the wedding hosts take to ensure guests are safe and informed, like alerting them of the positive test and holding the festivities outside, masked, and distanced. Honestly, a responsible COVID-positive wedding just does not sound very fun, even if it could, in some specific situations, be a workable compromise. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But we have to acknowledge that the price of completely avoiding risk can be high, even unreachable. Cancelation insurance purchased after the start of the pandemic generally wont cover COVID. I usually request clients to go into soft isolation before the event, one wedding planner told Brides; a couple of other wedding experts I spoke to echoed this advice. But that request is impossible if you need to show up for work in person or generally have responsibilities that require your bubble to be permeable. Its made all the more challenging as variants become more transmissible and mask mandates drop. Amy Shack Egan, who runs a wedding planning company Modern Rebel, told me that while couples may be able to negotiate a little bit with vendors in the event of a COVID cancelation, those vendors are themselves small businesses that may not be able to take a hit on already-prepared flowers and cake. The only thing to do, says Shack, is accept that cancelation could be a reality, and go ahead and swallow the pill now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Things didnt have to be this way. I keep thinking back to a Slate piece titled Pay Americans to Wear Masks that Gregg Gonsalves and Joshua Barocas wrote back in November 2020, a time when they admitted that even as experts they found keeping up with public health practices frankly, depressing. The public needed more support than it was getting, they said: People need comprehensive health programs, like paid sick leave. (Incidentally, the U.K.s National Health Service ended special COVID leave for employees just this month). Even if were never going to live in a world in which brides who canceled weddings due to COVID got a stipend from the government for rescheduling, it feels at least possible that consumer demand could eventually push venues and vendors into creating some kind of COVID insurance. Advertisement Advertisement In one sector, this frictionless reworking did happen, if briefly: Through July 2021, airlines waived change fees on flights, which had previously been $200. This is no longer the caseairlines now offer a refundable ticket option, for about $50 on top of the lowest price tier. Its better than before, but at the end of the day its a for-profit business, says Zach Griff, a senior aviation reporter at the Points Guy. Theyre not willing to give that up just for good will. Advertisement Its not as dramatic as testing positive before your wedding, but testing positive while on vacation, before your return flight, is an increasingly common experience. Wachter and his wife found themselves in this situation while traveling in Palm Springs. His wife came down with COVID. We chose to do something that was really hard and expensivethat was renting a car and driving nine hours with the windows down. The other option in this scenario (the only option, if you are an ocean away) is to pay hundreds if not thousands of dollars to stay put for your sickness. On Twitter, Wachter polled his followers and found that many people said they would have just gotten on the plane while wearing a well-fitting mask. The CDCs absurd solution to this is private or medical transport, which by air can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. Its not just easier to get on the planeit might not be at all financially realistic to do anything but that. Advertisement There is a cost to spreading COVIDbut there is also a cost to always, always perfectly isolating while sick with the virus, no matter the circumstance, particularly if you can now be infected multiple times a year. Sure, individual actions can in the long term be remade a bit by the pandemic: Gabriella Rello, the editorial director of Brides, told me that she sees the trend to smaller, less COVID-prone weddings continuing. I will probably start springing for the changeable airline tickets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But a hard line on following public health rules is in the long-run untenable, if it ever was. Flexibility can allow people to gather information, and then reduce their risk to those around them. You can imagine someone choosing simply not to test before a flight to avoid dealing with the outcomeor, you can imagine them planning to test, and then, should the result be positive, being extremely stringent about wearing an N95. In the case of a COVID-positive bride, at least knowing thats whats happening could let guests make their own risk calculations surrounding the wedding (though, yes, people working the event may not have a choice). We are sliding into a world where COVID protocols and norms are becoming increasingly lax. Especially when it comes to protecting people who are high-risk for medical complications, encouraging a world with both more testing and more honesty could actually help keep everyone safer. Advertisement When I asked Karen Jacobson, an infectious disease researcher at Boston University School of Medicine, when we would stop needing to isolate for COVID, she responded by essentially noting that the answer might be never. There are a number of diseases where we do try to break the chains of transmission, she said. The advice if you have, say, the flu is to stay at home: The CDC recommends 4-5 days, or at least 24 hours after your fever is goneand no cheating with a Ibuprofen whichever comes second. The thing is? Very few people do this. And I especially wouldnt expect a bride to. This article is part of the Free Speech Project , a collaboration between Future Tense and the Tech, Law, & Security Program at American University Washington College of Law that examines the ways technology is influencing how we think about speech. Elon Musks monthslong, ill-advised attempt to buy Twitter (which is now an attempt to, well, not) has been such an effective headline-grabber that it was easy to miss another big piece of news about the social network from earlier this month: that it would be suing the government of the country that provides its third-largest user base. India has long had a fraught relationship with Twitter, but its especially soured over the past year and a half, as Narendra Modis administration has increasingly interfered with the countrys media outlets and clamped down on speech it doesnt care for. As I wrote a year ago, Indias battle against American tech companies reached a new fever pitch in 2021, after its IT ministry imposed rules allowing the government to probe social media posts and encrypted messages, demand identifying details of anonymous users, and prosecute companies that refuse to comply. Most major tech firms like Amazon and Google elected to cooperate with the government, and as a Modi cabinet member told Parliament on Tuesday, the administration has successfully blocked 78 news channels and 560 links on YouTube in the past year. Twitter tried to resist government block orders back in May, only to eventually acquiesce. So the platforms new legal action against India is huge, with potential implications not only for social networking and digital privacy within Indiabut also users very free speech rights under a government constantly working to curb them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On July 5, Reuters reported, Twitter asked the High Court of the Indian state of Karnataka to overturn some government orders to remove content from the social media platform. (Aptly, the courthouse is based in the city of Bangalore, often referred to as Indias Silicon Valley.) Twitter said Prime Minister Narendra Modis administration had requested that it comply with 39 block requests, including restricting tweets from opposition political parties. Furthermore, according to Reuters, Twitter claimed that the government had threatened to pursue criminal proceedings against Twitter Indias chief compliance officer if it didnt comply with the requests. Just a day before filing this lawsuit, Twitter had agreed to Indias instructions. The suit marks the first time the company has sought legal recourse in its yearslong battle with the Modi regime and follows a string of India-based controversies that have dogged the platform for weeks, including: Advertisement Advertisement Last months detainment of Muslim journalist Mohammed Zubair over tweets critical of Indias right-wing ruling party, after he was informed by Twitter that his account reportedly violates the law(s) of India but that the network had not taken any action in response; A report from Indian tech outlet Entrackr, published the day of Zubairs arrest, that revealed the countrys order for Twitter to withhold tweets by the rights organization Freedom House discussing the decline of Indians digital liberties; Advertisement The censoring of a tweet by Muslim journalist Rana Ayyub as well of two activist accounts that had supported Indias farmers protests, around the time of Zubairs arrest; The further censorship of Twitter accounts belonging to investigative journalists, Pakistani embassies in three Muslim-majority nations, and Sikh advocates, as documented by Tech Policy Press; Advertisement A July 1 survey by the Guardian revealing that Ayyub had been the target of 8.5 million hateful tweets over the course of a little over two years. Advertisement Advertisement Its not just Twitter right now: India is even cracking down on Chinese smartphone companies, per CNN. But Twitter has been one of Indias most consistent targets: Its offices were once the target of police raids, and the Modi governments takedown orders have made for nearly 20 percent of the total such requests Twitter receives worldwide. And considering that journalists have long used the platform to document the countrys suppression of press freedom, press outlets view Twitters case as a sort of zero hour for Indian free expression rights. The editorial board of the Washington Postfor whom Ayyub is a contributing writerwrote on July 10 that this legal fight could mark a pivotal moment for internet speech around the world; digital policy experts told Wired that the case could have massive ripple effects, warning that a loss for Twitter could allow [Indias] government to censor a wide swath of platforms and set a global precedent; a Los Angeles Times op-ed argued that a victory for Twitter would support the cases of other free-expression suits against the Modi administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet now isnt the most ideal time for Twitter to fight this battle against the Indian government. As the New York Times reported, Elon Musks dramatic entanglements with the network have left it in a weaker state overall, with advertisers scared away, money troubles spilled out into the open, and employee morale weakened. The company is also suing the Tesla CEO for reneging on their deal for him to purchase the network, with a five-day trial set for October. Its worth noting that if Musk had gone through with the deal, he may not have had the best relationship with one of Twitters largest markets. In May, following years of negotiations for Tesla to set up an Indian manufacturing plant, Musk stated he would refuse to construct it unless India also allowed his company to sell and service imported cars. Musk also desired lower import taxes than the government was willing to allow. Considering India already has a thriving electrical vehicle market, with international deals to boot, Tesla doesnt really have much of a bargaining chip here. Advertisement Advertisement More importantly, in April, Musk claimed Twitter had become too censorious and that, as a free speech absolutist, he would change content moderation policies to be supposedly less punitive. Thats all well and good until you have to follow other countries laws; indeed, Musk tweeted in May that his preference is to hew close to the laws of countries in which Twitter operates. A supposed absolutist like Musk should have a vested interest in resisting Indias censorship. But his stated approach about following local laws would mean putting up less of a fight against the government than preceding Twitter executives have, as BuzzFeed News Pranav Dixit wrote. Thats not getting even into the multiple other dictatorial nations in which Twitter operates. Would Musk have insisted that Twitter pour money into challenging laws from India and other nations on behalf of journalists, who arent exactly his favorite people? Or, would he have just accepted all of the Indian governments thousands of takedown requests willy-nilly? Would he have been content to ignore the virulent Islamophobia and disinformation and incitements to violence that have plagued Indian Twitter, indeed allowing them to fester? Twitters stances toward Indias speech clampdowns havent always been great, but it could be worse for the countrys most persecuted populations under Musk. After all, Indias government doesnt seem to care much about hate speech, and neither does Musk, considering his outlook on content moderation and law. As an Indian tech activist told the Washington Post in May, itd be likely that under Musk, the hate speech we see will be allowed to fester and growand thats not something the government will want to shut down. Future Tense is a partnership of Slate, New America, and Arizona State University that examines emerging technologies, public policy, and society. Spain's most expensive Christmas tourist destinations Start planning early for your trip to Spain this Christmas because some holiday destinations can get very pricey! Spain is a beautiful country with a lot to offer tourists during the Christmas season. However, some destinations are more expensive than others. These are the most expensive tourist destinations in Spain during Christmas. If youre looking to spend your holiday budget on something special, then read on! 1. Madrid Madrid is the capital of Spain and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. During Christmas, Madrid is transformed into a Winter Wonderland with beautiful lights and decorations. Unfortunately, all of this comes at a price so you may want to play the El Gordo Christmas Lottery and win some cash before travelling here. Hotels in Madrid during Christmas can cost up to double what they do during other times of the year. If you're looking for something more affordable, then you can try staying in one of the many Airbnbs around the city. Madrid is a beautiful city and definitely worth visiting during Christmas. Just be prepared to open your wallet a bit wider than usual! 2. Barcelona Barcelona is another popular tourist destination in Spain. This city is known for its incredible architecture and stunning Christmas lights. If youre looking to do some Christmas shopping, then Barcelona is the place to be. The prices of hotels and Airbnbs also increase during Christmas, so be prepared to spend a bit more if youre visiting during this time. However, the extra cost is worth it as Barcelona is an absolutely magical place during Christmas thanks to its incredible decorations. 3. Valencia Valencia is a city located on the east coast of Spain. This city is known for its beautiful beaches and delicious seafood. Valencia is also one of the most popular tourist destinations during Christmas. Valencia sees a serious increase in tourists during the Christmas season. This means that the prices of hotels and Airbnbs also go up. Not only this but certain restaurants and attractions also charge more during this time. However, Valencia is still a great place to visit if youre looking for some sun and sand during your Christmas vacation. 4. Granada Located in southern Spain, Granada is a beautiful city with a lot to offer tourists. This city is home to the world-famous Alhambra, a stunning palace and fortress complex. Granada is also known for its delicious food and amazing views. Granada can be quite expensive during Christmas due to the high demand from tourists. From hotels to food, everything is priced a bit higher. However, Granada is still an amazing place to visit and definitely worth the extra cost as long as you are ready to stretch your budget just a tad! 5. Seville Nothing screams Christmas like a beautiful Spanish city decorated for the holidays. Seville is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Spain during Christmas and for good reason. This city is absolutely stunning during this time of year. If youre looking to visit Seville during Christmas, take advantage of the many free walking tours that are offered. This is a great way to see the city and its Christmas lights without spending too much money. However, keep in mind that the prices of hotels and Airbnbs do go up during this time so plan accordingly! 6. Bilbao Wrapping up our list of expensive Christmas tourist destinations in Spain is Bilbao. This city is located in the Basque Country and is known for its unique architecture and delicious food. Bilbao is a great place to visit during Christmas if you're looking to escape the cold weather. From breath-taking views to delicious food, Bilbao has it all. However, be prepared to spend an arm and a leg for anything you do while youre here. Hotels, restaurants, and attractions are all priced quite high during this time of year. Final Thoughts Christmas is a wonderful time to visit Spain. However, keep in mind that the prices of hotels and attractions go up during this time. If youre looking to save some money, the holidays may not be the best time to check out Spain. However, if you are ready to treat yourself and your wallet to a bit of luxury, then Spain is the perfect place to be! Happy travels! Companies with German capital continue to contribute the most to the Slovak state budget. Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Germany remains an important economic partner of Slovakia. While Slovakia continues to be an attractive location for German investments, Slovak companies consider Germany to be their most important trade partner. Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Germany is a strategic political and most important economic partner for Slovakia, and at present, it is also a defence and security partner, Prime Minister Eduard Heger (OLaNO) told the media on a plane to Berlin prior to his meeting with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in mid-June. Companies with German capital continue to contribute the most to the Slovak state budget, with their income and payroll taxes comprising 25 percent of the income, and payroll taxes paid by the Top 300 companies or 10 percent of the state budget in 2020, based on the annual TAXparency report of the tax and audit advisory company BMB Partners. The report, subtitled Who Finances the State, presented the Top 200 biggest Slovak non-financial companies and the Top 100 biggest Slovak financial companies for 2020. This shows how significantly the Slovak economy is interconnected with the German economy, said Judita Kuchtova of BMB Partners when introducing the report last November. The country is also one of the most important investors in Slovakia, with the carmaker Volkswagen Slovakia, the biggest private employer in Slovakia with 11,500 employees and total investments of 4.7 billion, probably the most known German company in Slovakia. But it is only one of about 490 companies with German capital operating in Slovakia and employing almost 139,000 people. Another one, for example, is Evonik, which launched the construction of the worlds largest industrial facility to produce environmentally-friendly biosurfactants in Slovenska Lupca in late June. Surfactants are foaming compounds that form the basis of most cleaning and hygiene products, but they are currently made mostly from fossil resources. Investors are not happy. Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled The European Parliament approved the proposal of the European Commission to classify nuclear energy and gas as temporarily sustainable energy sources (the so-called taxonomy) from an ecological point of view. Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement This is a signal to investors that they do not have to look for purely green alternative energy sources in the coming years. They can invest in a new nuclear or gas power plant. The classification passed despite the disapproval of climate experts and representatives of the financial sector, who consider the new designation of nuclear energy and gas to be misleading - greenwashing - and think that it is undermining efforts to cut off Russian energy supplies. The inclusion of nuclear energy and gas in the taxonomy was also promoted by the Slovak government. "We want to stay on our path of decarbonising the country, but at the same time we must ensure energy security for our citizens," claimed Prime Minister Eduard Heger (OLaNO) before the vote. However, the approval of the taxonomy will probably not bring any large energy investments to Slovakia. Like several other countries of central and eastern Europe, the conditions will probably not be met. Related article Related article Fusion power is still decades away, but Slovak scientists are helping to bring it closer Read more What to do with spent nuclear fuel From an investment point of view, the construction of new nuclear power plants will only be sustainable if it takes place in an EU member state that has a "nuclear plan" and, in addition to a functional low-level radioactive waste repository, will also build a deep repository for spent nuclear fuel by 2050. Slovakia does not have such a deep storage. Low-level radioactive waste is stored in Mochovce, while spent nuclear fuel remains in the intermediate storage in Jaslovske Bohunice. According to a European Commission analysis, there will not be any before 2065, though the construction of one has been under consideration for a long time. Leader of the European branch of the pro-Putin gang Night Wolves proposed for the blacklist. Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled The leader of the European chapter of the Night Wolves motorcycle gang, a Slovak citizen, may end up on the EU sanction list. Jozef Hambalek was among the people on the blacklist discussed by EU officials on July 18, the EUobserver website wrote, citing the official document. Members of the biker gang, financially supported by the Russian government, cannot continue with their agenda within EU borders for actively spreading propaganda, argue the officials who proposed putting them on the sanction list. If he does end up on the blacklist, the Slovak authorities will be obliged to prevent Hambalek from crossing the state border and freeze his assets. Who is Hambalek? Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Hambalek, president of the club's European chapter, stands accused of training members in a camp in Slovakia for combat in Ukraine, the Reuters newswire reported. He "has close ties with the former Slovakian government and can be connected to Russian President Vladimir Putin," the newswire cites from the document. He stirred controversy in Slovakia when he set up the local Night Wolves base camp in the western-Slovak municipality of Dolna Krupa, just outside the city of Trnava. Free agent star James Harden and the Philadelphia 76ers have reached an agreement on a two-year, $68 million deal with a player option, league sources told Yahoo Sports. Harden declined a $47 million option this offseason to facilitate the new deal at a discount. I had conversations with [president of basketball operations] Daryl [Morey], and it was explained how we could get better and what the market value was for certain players. I told Daryl to improve the roster, sign who we needed to sign and give me whatever is left over, Harden told Yahoo Sports earlier this week. This is how bad I want to win. I want to compete for a championship. Thats all that matters to me at this stage. Im willing to take less to put us in position to accomplish that. Harden and the Sixers were committed to extending his deal, and the 10-time All-Star is taking a pay cut for the betterment of the team. The Sixers signed defensive specialist P.J. Tucker away from Miami for three years, $33 million; signed shooter Danuel House to two years, $8.5 million; picked up combo guard DeAnthony Melton via trade; and signed Trevelin Queen, the 2021-22 G League MVP. The 2017-18 NBA MVP received criticism for his play in his 21 regular-season games for the Sixers after he was traded from the Brooklyn Nets. He averaged 21 points, 7.1 rebounds and 10.5 assists in Philadelphia. I think we have a much deeper team, Harden told Yahoo Sports. Thats something we wanted to address. If you look at our team now, were positioned to go a lot further. I like how we stack up with the rest of the top teams. Saudi Arabia on Wednesday held for the first time the "Chinese Bridge" Chinese proficiency competition for university students at the HUAWEI Future Space in Riyadh Front, a retail complex in the capital. The competition, on the theme of "One World, One Family," was co-organized by the Chinese Embassy in Saudi Arabia, the King Abdulaziz University in Saudi Arabia and Minzu University of China. During the final round of the competition, 12 finalists from three Saudi universities showed their Chinese language skills and understanding of the Chinese culture through speeches and cultural performances, such as Tai Chi, Chinese calligraphy, paper cutting and drawing. Ahmad Sulaiman, a student from the King Abdulaziz University, won the competition. He will have the opportunity to represent Saudi Arabia in the "Chinese Bridge" global final. Launched in 2002, "Chinese Bridge" is an annual competition aimed at arousing the enthusiasm of students in various countries to learn Chinese and strengthen the world's understanding of the Chinese language and culture. You are here: Business Loaded with 100 cargo containers, a China-Europe freight train left the city of Jinhua in east China's Zhejiang Province for Venlo in the Netherlands on Wednesday. The departure marked the launch of the first China-Europe freight train from Zhejiang to the Netherlands, and also the departure of the 400th China-Europe freight train handled by Jinhua this year, said the China Railway Shanghai Bureau Group Co., Ltd. The train, carrying motorcycles, vehicle brackets and other commodities worth 3.1 million U.S. dollars, is expected to arrive in the Dutch city after a journey of 22 days. The train will return to Jinhua carrying Dutch-made goods such as newsprint, electronic instruments and medical equipment. Jinhua launched the China-Europe freight train service in 2017. So far it has operated 22 China-Europe freight train routes, linking over 120 cities. In the first half of this year, Jinhua saw a total of 368 inbound and outbound China-Europe freight trains, transporting 30,368 containers of goods, a year-on-year increase of 8 percent. You are here: China Procuratorial organs across China handled 107,000 public interest litigation cases in the first half (H1) of this year, the Supreme People's Procuratorate (SPP) said on Wednesday. Of the cases, 13,000 were civil lawsuits, and 94,000 were administrative cases, according to the SPP. Altogether 222,000 arrests were approved or decided, down 51.2 percent year on year. A total of 681,000 people were prosecuted, down 14.4 percent year on year. China began to institute public interest litigation on July 1, 2017, after the country's top legislature incorporated the practice into law by passing amendments to civil and administrative procedure laws. Eliminations are now set for both of Grand River Raceways marquee events after 13 dropped into the box for the Battle of Waterloo, presented by Winbak Farms, and 19 entered for the Battle of the Belles. A total of five eliminations two for the Battle of Waterloo and three for the Battle of the Belles will go to the gate on Monday (July 25) with first-race post time at 6:30 p.m. (EDT). The first Battle of Waterloo elimination goes as Race 5 and the second as Race 9. Elimination one gathers six including Wall Street Bell, a Blake MacIntosh pupil who enters off back-to-back wins in Ontario Sires Stakes (OSS) Grassroots, as well as a pair dropping from OSS Gold in Ed & Ashleigh Hensleys Coop A Loop and Gregg McNairs Sounds Good. The second elimination with seven aligning features Moment Is Here, who holds the national seasons record for a pacing gelding on a seven-eighths track in the early season when winning on debut at Mohawk in 1:53.4. Mondays card opens with the first of three eliminations for the Battle of the Belles. Cheesy Smile, who shares the fastest mile time for a freshman pacing filly in Canada this season, draws the outermost post in the field of six off a runner-up finish in an OSS Gold split at Mohawk. Elimination two groups seven developing fillies in Race 3, and the third elimination pins Big Big Plans the other freshman filly holding the national seasons record against five foes when she starts from post five in rein to Trevor Henry for trainer Bob McIntosh in Race 7. For the two Battle of Waterloo eliminations, the top four finishers will advance to the $240,000E final with a fifth-place finisher drawn by lot. The three Battle of the Belles eliminations will pull the top three finishers for the $160,000E final, all going to post on the 32nd edition of Industry Day on Monday, Aug. 1. The winner of each elimination earns a guaranteed draw between Posts 1 and 5 for their respective finals. To view entries for Monday's card of harness racing at Grand River Raceway, click one of the following links: Grand River - Monday Entries ~ Monday Program Pages (courtesy TrackIT). (Grand River) A North Carolina solar developer is back with a slightly larger ask of Culpeper County and $4 million to encourage officials to approve its proposal. Culpeper officials denied Maroon Solars 2021 plan for a utility-scale power plant on Stevensburg farmland because it was too big. This is as Culpeper County government leaders continue to refine the rules for big solar. At a July 12 work session, the Board of Supervisors discussed how to limit what many view as an industrial land usehundreds of acres of solar panels and their associated electrical substations and equipment. Its a matter also of clean energy, property rights and economic development. A year ago, the supervisors rejected Maroons 149-megawatt, 1,700-acre project near Racoon Ford in Stevensburg. The board agreed with many residents, who also cited environmental and historic concerns, that the power plant would ruin the areas rural nature. Now, Maroonbased in Durham, N.C.is back a siting agreement for a slightly bigger 149-megawatt project on 1,854 acres of farmland, again in Stevensburg. The company submitted its proposal on June 3, 2022. The document offers the county five annual payments of $800,000 for allowing the project. While not identical, it is essentially the same as the project rejected in 2021. Maroon Solar has not yet reapplied for a use permit, Culpeper County Planning Director Sam McLearen told the board during its work session. Keeping Culpeper rural The board, with East Fairfax District Supervisor Kathy Campbell absent, additionally pondered open space and farmland preservation as development pressures increase, especially in the historic village of Stevensburg. Delayed many months, the work session was for the board to consider recommendations for a proposed solar ordinance the Planning Commission finalized in October. These included a limit on placing utility-scale solar facilities only in industrial zones, not on farmland. In June, McLearen told the board that the county had active inquires and one very active reapplication from Maroon Solar. The county is regularly contacted by solar prospectors, but there are no active cases, McLearen said. Greenwood Solar holds Culpepers sole valid special-use permit for its proposed 100-megawatt facility on 1,093 acres off Blackjack Road in Stevensburg, approved in late 2018. The company still needs to submit that plants final site plan to the Planning Commission, County Administrator John Egertson said Wednesday. Solar developers and now, data-center operators are choosing Stevensburg for their large, potentially high-income producing projects because of the Remington-to-Gordonsville high-voltage Dominion Power transmission line that runs through it. The proffered $4 million from Maroon Solar could be used by the county for any capital projects, McLearen said, without limitations. Stevensburg District Supervisor Susan Gugino, serving her first term, said agriculture is the lifeblood of Culpeper County. She proposed to use some of these dollars coming in to preserve agriculture land by buying development rights, as some Virginia counties do. McLearen said there is strong interest in PDR programs, calling it a tool important to have with so many competing interests at stake. Purchase of development rights helps agriculture compete and may help tip the balance for open space in Culpeper, as the countys comprehensive plan ponders, the planning director said. Cant limit acreage Catalpa District Supervisor Paul Bates, who recently saw several of his commercial properties come into the town of Culpeper in a boundary-line adjustment, said now is the time to finalize the countys solar policy and ordinance. With what we have on the horizon its imperative we start looking at the overall landscape of the county, what we want to see in 20 years, Bates said. The Planning Commissions recommendation to the supervisors did not include a size limit for solar projects in the proposed ordinance, as residents requested. Current board policy sets that limit at 300 acres and a total acreage countywide of 2,400 acres of solar panels. At the recent work session, the board heard again from its legal counsel that a county ordinance, by state law, cannot establish a cap on development projects. Restricting solar projects to industrial land as the Planning Commission and citizens groups have asked would require code revisions, Egertson told the board. Its a big-picture question the board needs to determine, he said, calling it the elephant in the room. Gugino, a tech professional who runs a poultry farm with her family, said A-1 land never rolls back to farmland once its rezoned for industrial. She said it might be better to stick with Culpepers current industrial areas for data center and large-scale solar projects. Gugino recognized it could be problematic to require a special-use permit and a rezoning, saying she did not support the latter. Salem Supervisor Tom Underwood and Board Chairman Gary Deal, West Fairfax, both said they agreed with Gugino. A public hearing will be held as the county works to incorporate its solar policy into the county code. Whatever goes into the ordinance will be somewhat set in stone, while policy items will remain more flexible, Egertson said Wednesday. I anticipate certain size-related restrictions found in the current policy will be amended or deleted, but whatever we draft will, of course, have to go back to the board for discussion and potentially further revision before public hearing. Industrial wasteland in Stevensburg? The board discussed a provision to limit land disturbance on these large projects to 50 acres at a time, a sticking point for developers who want to build big as quickly as possible. But land disturbance is also a major focus on the other side due to stormwater management impacts and erosion and sediment control around sensitive waterways. McLearen said at the work session there is no state guidance for maximum disturbed acreage and the county has not implemented grading limits. Its better to construct large projects as quickly as possible to minimize impacts on neighbors, he said. Vice Chairman Brad Rosenberger asked the board if it wanted to keep the limit on acreage in the solar policy or let the sky stay the limit? Gugino said the current policy states 2,400 acres for total solar projects in the county. We need to do something, she said. I really dont want Stevensburg to become an industrial wasteland of solar facilities, data centers and transmission lines. Gugino said her district would look like spaghetti with 100-feet-tall towers and other high-voltage infrastructure extended to the projects. County Attorney Bobbi Jo Alexis restated that Culpeper cannot establish a cap on projects by ordinance, but it can do so in its comprehensive land-use plan. In the end, the board asked the attorney and administrator to carve out main components to codify and present them in bullet form for continued discussion at the boards August meeting. An Illinois-based Catholic hospital system that employs more than 24,000 people will only cover fertility treatment for workers in opposite-sex marriages, a policy some lawyers say could run afoul of federal discrimination laws. Many health plans that cover fertility treatment services use the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention definition of infertility, which refers to a person being unable to get pregnant after at least a year of unprotected sex. Under the policy it transferred this year to a new third-party administrator, OSF HealthCare, which operates 15 hospitals and 132 other facilities in Illinois and Michigan, narrows that definition to the inability for a married couple of opposite sex spouses to conceive and said its coverage aimed to assist married opposite sex spouses in their bid to have a child, according to documents reviewed by Bloomberg Law. By limiting benefits to opposite-sex spouses, the OSF policy reflects one of the first instances of an employer explicitly excluding workers from coverage not because of objections to the treatment they are seeking but because of their sexual orientation, nearly a dozen lawyers and advocates told Bloomberg Law. Peter Romer-Friedman, an attorney at Gupta Wessler PLLC who is representing a same-sex couple that filed a complaint against New York City for fertility treatment coverage discrimination, called such language a pretty clear violation of federal workplace discrimination law, as well as the 2020 US Supreme Court decision in Bostock v. Clayton County. In that case, the justices ruled that Title 7 of the Civil Rights Act protects LGBTQ employees from discrimination. Allison Tanner, senior litigation counsel for the National Womens Law Center, said some older state laws still had such blatantly discriminatory definitions, but to see it in an employee benefit plan in 2022 was deeply troubling. Noel Leon, an attorney with Emery Celli Brinckerhoff Abady Ward & Maazel LLP who is representing LGBTQ patients suingAetna Inc. over fertility coverage, said she had not heard of policy language being so explicit as to exclude same-sex couples. Leon said established law does allow exemptions for religious-school employees, but arguing the same for religiously affiliated hospitals is new ground and could be a tricky area. OSF is owned and operated by the Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis, a religious order based in Peoria. The employee benefits we provide are driven by the OSF Mission and are in full compliance with the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services as well as state and federal laws, including the Religious Freedom and Restoration Act, OSF spokesperson Shelli Dankoff said in a statement Monday after initial publication of this story. Representatives last week did not respond to more than a dozen phone and email requests by Bloomberg Law to discuss the policy. A spokesperson for OSFs new plan administrator, BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois, declined to comment. A lawyer for Alliance Defending Freedom, a Christian legal advocacy group, said the hospital network has a right to tailor employee coverage policies to its own standards. The government cannot force religious health care providers to violate their beliefs, senior counsel Matt Bowman said in a statement to Bloomberg Law. Even if government officials disagree with the beliefs of a Catholic health care entity, the organization still has the freedom to provide insurance policies and health care services consistent with its convictions. No OSF employees have publicly challenged the provisions of the benefits plan, which doesnt fall under Illinois law because it is funded by the health system. The OSF provision that coverage must be for married spouses is also less material, lawyers said, because marital status is not addressed under federal discrimination law and states cannot regulate self-funded health plans. Its also unclearif the plan could be challenged as discriminatory under the Affordable Care Act. Bloomberg Law reported in May that the Biden administration is considering a requirement that some health plans cover fertility treatment for policyholders regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. In the courts Legal battles over who should be eligible for in vitro fertilization coverage arent new. The lawsuit against Aetna argues the definition of infertility it usedthe failure to establish a clinical pregnancy after 12 months of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse or therapeutic donor inseminationis discriminatory under the Affordable Care Act. Aetna has denied the allegation and in a statement said it has a history of strong support for the LGBTQ+ community. In April, a former New York City municipal worker and his husband filed a charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission alleging the citys health plan was discriminatory for denying IVF coverage benefits to male couples. A city spokesperson at the time said the Adams administration supports the rights of LGBTQ New Yorkers to access health care but that its lawyers were reviewing the claim. Neither of those cases involve faith-based institutions. The high court has generally ruled in favor of religious institutions but hasnt done so with a broad brush. However, the court has been reluctant to put any standards on claiming a sincerely held religious belief, the requirement used in the Religious Freedom and Restoration Act, enacted in 1993. A defense based on RFRA will be difficult, attorneys said, as the argument typically used is that the institution has a religious objection to the procedure on the whole. In this case, the policy doesnt ban the procedure, just dictates who can seek it. One argument OSF HealthCare could make is that it doesnt recognize same-sex marriages as legitimate and contend its religious beliefs outweigh civil rights law, said Phyllis Borzi, former Labor Department assistant secretary for employee benefits security during the Obama administration. It would be difficult for any non-religious entity to overcome such a clear case of discrimination, Borzi said. Lawyers questioned whether BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois might also face legal exposure as the plan administrator. That can depend on its involvement in setting a plans policy, said Joseph Wardenski, an attorney at Wardenski PC and another attorney representing the plaintiffs in the NYC case. In a Minnesota case over whether an employer insurance policy can exclude gender-affirming care, a judge ruled that the plan administrator was liable even though it claimed the employer alone set the terms of coverage. Jennifer Pizer, acting chief legal officer of Lambda Legal, the LGBTQ civil rights advocacy group, said the language in the OSF policy was unusual, but said that kind of discrimination was not a new problem. There are many faith-based institutions that provide services to the public supported by taxpayer funding, and yet wish to discriminate against some of the people they hire and some of the people that they serve, Pizer said. Virginia's 9th District Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) was among 18 Republican members of the House of Representatives who voted no on a resolution supporting the efforts of Finland and Sweden to join NATO following Russians invasion of Ukraine. Others in the camp of 18 dissenters include Bob Good and Ben Cline from Virginia as well as Reps. Andy Biggs (Ariz.), Lauren Boebert (Colo.), Madison Cawthorn (N.C.), Marjorie Taylor Greene (Ga.) as well as Matt Gaetz (Fla.) voted no on the resolution which passed the house on a bipartisan basis 394-18. Two Democrat members and 17 Republican members of the House did not vote on the measure. In a written statement, Griffith, explained he does not believe that the House has the authority to weigh in on the issue, and said the resolution was rushed. The Senate has the constitutional role to ratify or reject accession to NATO, but the House does not. The resolution, in fact goes further than support for admitting Finland and Sweden to NATO by calling on the alliances other members to support it, too. I think that goes well beyond the Houses jurisdiction, Griffith stated. Decisions about the future of NATO need to be made carefully and with a full consideration of the facts. Discussion about what assets Finland and Sweden would bring to the alliance has been insufficient. Griffith further stated that he agreed with former President Trumps assertion that NATO allies should invest more in their defense systems before NATO takes on more obligations. I am not inherently against admitting Finland and Sweden to the alliance, but considering that substantial questions still hang over the future of NATO and that this resolution was rushed to the floor, I voted no, Griffith stated. The push to support Sweden and Finlands membership into the NATO alliance comes following rising tensions between the two nations and Russia following its invasion of Ukraine February 24. Representative Diana Harshbarger (R-TN), voted in favor of the resolution. THE backlash was sure to come. James Madisons Montpelier in Orange County made news in June 2021 when the foundation that runs the fourth U.S. presidents estate announced its board of trustees would share power equally with the descendants of the sites enslaved people. Montpelier Foundation Board Chair Eugene Hickok quickly reversed course, however, and reneged on his promise. Over the next year, Hickok and CEO Roy Young lost control of the situation. In May, a formal agreement for parity was reached, new board members were elected, and Hickok and Young were replaced. Now that the foundation is controlled equally by both the descendants of enslaved people and non-enslaved people, the anti-woke crowd is striking back. A New York Post story on July 16 dug deep into the culture-war playbook, charging that No American flags fly at Montpelier (in fact, they do, right by the front entrance), and not a single display focuses on the life and accomplishments of Americas foremost political philosopher, who created our three-branch federal system of government, wrote the Bill of Rights and the Federalist Papers, and served two terms as president. Again, a patently false assertion known to anyone who has taken a tour of Montpelier. This assault on whats happening at Montpelier is just an extension of a larger national discomfort with telling the totality of the American story. At school board meetings locally and across the nation, parents are launching attacks against Critical Race Theory. These critics take a college-level academic theory that argues racism is baked into our law and legal institutions in ways that create fundamental inequalities between whites and nonwhites, and twist it into a false claim that CRT is a tool for making white people feel guilty about their history. Given the over-the-top response to CRT many critics display, we wonder if these people have bothered to read CRT. Gov. Glenn Youngkin shamelessly rode a wave of anti-CRT sentiment to the governors mansion last November, and continues to push the false narrative that teaching systemic racism is a tool to make whites feel guilty. Congressman Bob Good, R-5th, is quoted in the New York Post saying: The left is trying to revise our history and is perpetuating a dishonest narrative. The only dishonesty here is Goods narrative. Montpelier is doing significant, and consequential, work by reconstructing the stories of the nearly 300 people enslaved at Montpelier. Through painstaking research, historian Hilarie Hicks is bringing to life the stories of the enslaved who until relatively recently were barely acknowledged by Virginias K12 textbooks. As Hicks explained in her commentary for The Free LanceStar on Feb. 12, For decades, Montpelier researchers have pored over letters, tax records, newspaper notices and court documents, looking for mentions of enslaved people by name and building up a body of information. Even random documents such as a shoe-size listwritten when Madisons father distributed shoes to 50 enslaved workers on November 2, 1787can provide clues to a persons life story. Good and those who wave the woke flag defending our history would have us believe that Madisons life, and the lives of all the Founders, exists apart from the lives of people whose labor made it possible for Madison to reside in Montpelier and dedicate himself to the work of the U.S. Constitution. Without enslaved people, there is neither Madison, nor Thomas Jefferson, nor George Washington. In fact, early America would have looked very different without slavery. A Washington Post report in May identified for the first time more than 1,800 people who served in the U.S. Congress in the 18th, 19th and even 20th centuries [who] owned human beings at some point in their lives. That it is only in 2022 we finally have a complete record of how vast the number of slaveholding U.S. lawmakers was speaks to the need for more work like that being done at Montpelier. The truth is that defenders of our history, as Good calls it, are comfortable denying the pervasiveness, ugliness and ongoing impact of the Peculiar Institution in America. Our history, for Good and others, is white history. Not Americas history. And white history still wont accept that Madisons Constitution specifically accommodated or actually strengthened slavery , author Akhil Reed Amar writes in Americas Constitution. This backlash will ultimately fail. Thanks to Montpelier, Monticello, The Washington Post, and countless historians and researchers, we are learning more every day about all Americans history, not just our history. Facts are stubborn things. The anti-woke crowd needs to wake up. I WANT to deviate from the normal run of things in the Culpeper Star-Exponents Letter to the Editor mailbag. My subject is not about the Town Council, the county Board of Supervisors, businesses along Main Street or any of the other locally focused issues that usually fill these columns. Rather, I want to highlight a rather mundane and routine military personnel assignment recently announced by the U.S. Department of the Navy. Lt. Amanda Lee, an F/A-18 pilot attached to Strike Fighter Squadron 106 (VFA-106) at Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia, is being transferred to the Blue Angels, the Navys prestigious flight-demonstration squadron. She is the very first female naval aviator to become a Blue Angel demonstration pilotsome 48 years after women first entered Navy cockpits in 1974. Even after Navy women began to fly and serve afloat, assignments to combat squadrons and ships were not opened to them until the mid-1990s. The ban on women serving in submarines was not lifted until 2010. It took the Navymy own branch of the armed forcesall this time to realize that a woman possessing the surpassing piloting skills necessary to fly the precise acrobatics demanded by the squadrons show routines could actually make the grade. The Air Force team, the Thunderbirds, accepted its first female demonstration pilot in 2006. Lt. Lees achievement is even more remarkable than it may at first appear, for she is a mustang. A mustang, in Navy parlance, is an enlisted sailor who earns an officers commission. Almost all military fixed-wing pilots enter the service as commissioned officers (through service academies, ROTC, or Officer Candidate School), but Lt. Lee first served as a aviation electronics technician before earning a university degree, a commission, and entering flight training. She must be one pretty special sailor. Recent years have been particularly good for women in the Navy. Capt. Amy Baurenschmidt took command of the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) in August 2021. And Cmdr. Billie J. Farrell did the same aboard the USS Constitution (Old Ironsides, the oldest commissioned warship afloat) this past January. The ship played a crucial role in the Barbary Wars and the War of 1812, defending sea lanes from 1797 to 1855. Huzzah! Editor's note: Where is the world's most active container ports? Which city has the world's largest container throughput? Which city in China has the most convenient container port? Why the global container transport is highly concentrated in China's Yangtze River Delta region and the Pearl River Delta region? Cloud River Urban Research Institute, using the "container port convenience" in its China Integrated City Index (CICI), gives answer to these questions using both graphic and textual interpretations. China has the world's busiest container ports The COVID-19 pandemic has brought a long-lasting turmoil to the global supply chain and maritime transport. In 2020, the global container throughput dropped by 1.2% year-on-year. Thanks to the dynamic zero-COVID policy, China bucked the trend and quickly resumed socioeconomic activities with its container throughput increasing by 1.2% year-on-year in 2020. As Figure 1 suggests, China's mainland ranks first with an overwhelming advantage compared with other countries and regions in terms of its overall container throughput in 2020. The second to the 10th in the ranking are the United States, Singapore, the Republic of Korea (ROK), Malaysia, Japan, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Turkey, Germany, and Hong Kong. Figure 1 Top 30 countries and regions in terms of container throughput in 2020 As Figure 2 shows, the top 10 countries and regions in terms of container throughput in 2020 took 59.8% of the world's total, while the top 30 took up to 86.5% of the overall share. That is to say, these 30 countries and regions, which have the most active supply chains, accounted for nearly 90% of the global container throughput in the year 2020. It is worth mentioning that China's mainland took an overwhelming 30.1% of the global container throughput in 2020. If we combine the amount of the Chinese mainland with that of Hong Kong, the overall figure even exceeds the other 10 among the top 12 have combined. According to Professor Zhou Muzhi, president of Cloud River Urban Research Institute, "container transport is the logistical foundation of the global supply chain and the container throughput measures the activeness of the global supply chain. China's overwhelming advantage in the ranking of global container throughput truly reflects its core status in the global supply chain." Figure 2 The concentration of global container throughput in 2020 Which city has the largest container throughput? As Figure 3 shows, the world's top 10 cities in terms of container throughput are Shanghai, Singapore, Ningbo-Zhoushan, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Qingdao, Busan, Tianjin, Hong Kong and Rotterdam. The fact that China took seven of the top 10 demonstrates the country's overwhelming position in container transportation. Among the top 30 cities in the ranking, China took 12 (including Hong Kong and Kaohsiung) and Asia took 21. Professor Zhou said, "The ranking signals a new era for Asia has arrived." Besides Beijing, only U.S. had more than one city in the top 30 - Los Angeles took the 17th spot, Long Island 19th, and New York-Jersey 20th. Japan, the world's third largest economy, had only one spot in the ranking, with the Keihin region coming in at 21st. Figure 3 Top 30: The businesses container ports in the world in 2020 Which is the Chinese city with most convenient port? Amid accelerated globalization, port is key to the operation of supply chains and vital to a country and a city. The Index uses "container port convenience" to analyze and evaluate 297 cities at prefecture-level and above across China. Container port convenience is an index based on data such as the straight-line distance from the city center to the port and the port container throughput. As shown in Figure 4, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Ningbo, Qingdao, Tianjin, Guangzhou, Xiamen, Rizhao, Suzhou and Dalian were the top 10 Chinese cities in terms of urban container port convenience in 2020. Among them, Shanghai made the strongest showing. Among the top 30 cities, Dalian is the only city whose container throughput declined in 2020. Despite the fallout of COVID-19, most port cities in China managed to achieve container throughput growth, which shows the strong export prowess of the manufacturing industry. Figure 4 Top 30 cities in terms of container port convenience Container shipping concentrates in certain port cities As Figure 5 indicates, in 2020, the top five cities in terms of container port convenience accounted for 52.1% of the country's total container output at ports, the top 10 accounted for 71.4%, and the top 30 accounted for a staggering 89%. These portions demonstrate China's container shipping mostly concentrates in some certain port cities. Figure 5 Concentration rate of Chinese cities' port container throughput Figure 6 is a GIS-based map of port container convenience, visualizing the top 10 Chines cities. The color, length, and width indicate degrees of their port container convenience. Professor Zhou pointed out that the visualized map shows how China's port container shipping or the global port container shipping is concentrated in the Yangtze River Delta and the Pearl River Delta, which can be explained by the fact that the regions are home to the largest industrial clusters for global supply chains. Figure 6 Visualizing top 10 Chinese cities by port container conveniences in 2020 Every day working at LOCAL brings amazing stories that each one of us team members are excited to share, said LOCAL owner Johnna Wood. Some days its just the excitement of a smile on a little ones face when they get to come in for ice cream or a story a customer will tell us about finding that perfect gift while shopping. On Friday, July 8, an unexpected guest stopped in. It was my day to work so of course the outside radio was on with beach music, she said. This gentleman walked in to the store with the biggest smile on his face and in his heart. He stopped in only because he heard the reggae music playing and followed the music. The man she refers to is Erick Cedeno. He is traveling on a voyage by bike tracing the exact path that soldiers of the 25th Infantry travelled over 100 years ago as a government experiment to see if soldiers could be as effective on bicycle as on horse, said Woods. His journey started in Montana and will end in Missouri after 41 days. I offered him a trip to the salt booth as it is great for athlete recovering by increasing oxygen levels to boost tissue healing, she said. I also said that when he goes back home to California he needs to open a salt therapy facility. After he left I said to myself that our paths will cross again. Within half an hour they did, he walked through the door and started that he never backtracks on a voyage but he had to this time to extend a thank you and share how amazing he felt. Cedeno started off his trip as the sun was rising on June 14 just as the group did in 1897 when a group of soldiers in southwest Montana straddled their bikes and turned their handlebars east. The 1897 group was about to spend the next 41 days, 1,900 miles and endless hardships mountain sleet, Nebraska heat and tire-sucking Sandhills trying to prove their young lieutenants point: That, by the turn of the last century, the bicycle was an effective way to transport U.S. troops. The 20 Black members of the 25th Infantry Regiment Bicycle Corps Buffalo Soldiers, they were called along with two officers and a reporter rode up and over the mountains of Montana, across Wyoming and Nebraska and all the way to St. Louis, where they were met by an estimated 1,000 civilian cyclists and accompanied to a parade in their honor. Their lieutenant was pleased. His so-called Iron Riders had averaged nearly 56 miles a day and more than 6 mph, according to Smithsonian Magazine. But it hadnt been easy. Fully loaded, their single-speed bicycles weighed nearly 80 pounds. They battled bad weather and bad water and roads that were rocky, muddy, sandy or non-existent. They suffered in the Sandhills after they left Alliance. Indeed, our experience in these hills was the stuff of which nightmares are made! the lieutenant wrote. It was impossible to make any headway by following the wagon road in loose sand and we therefore followed the railroad track for 170 miles before getting out of the sand. After one of those hard days, as his soldiers were waiting for their meal, the lieutenant heard one declare: Oh Lord, if I only live through this, Ill have something to talk about as long as I live! More than a dozen decades later, Erick Cedeno is living through it but enjoyed his stop in Hemingford. The 48-year-old cyclist from California left Missoula, Montana, at 5:40 a.m. on June 14 precisely 125 years after the Iron Riders with plans to roll into St. Louis July 24. He started making cross-country trips more than a dozen years ago Vancouver, British Columbia, to Tijuana, Mexico; Miami to New York; retracing the Underground Railroad. At the time, he also started thinking about, and researching, early long- bicycle explorers near the last turn of the century. They were all white. And then I came across this history of the Buffalo Soldiers, he said. I got fascinated as a person of color, because I hadnt seen anyone of color traveling by bike back then. That didnt mean it didnt happen; it just wasnt documented. The Armys effort was recorded, though, so he was able to gather enough details to plan to retrace their trip. He took a year off from the road in 2021 he and his wife had a son but he told her he wanted to honor the soldiers this year, the 125th anniversary of their expedition. And she said, You must, because their legacy must continue. Youve got to tell their story, and its part of your legacy, too. He has it easier than the Iron Riders. His bike weighs a fraction of what theirs did, and he has gears, and pavement beneath his tires. Hes dealt with similar weather cold in the mountains, heat on the Plains but he can get a motel room when he needs Wi-Fi, or when he doesnt feel like making camp. Still, he can imagine what they endured. Its one thing reading how grueling it was, but its another thing doing the ride. What they did was almost superhuman; as strong as a rider I am, I probably wouldnt have been able to do that under those conditions. All of the documented accounts are told through white perspectives by the two officers, and the journalist. He wants to give voice, and due credit, to the Iron Riders who volunteered for the trip and helped prove their lieutenants point. It was a sense of pride to know these Black soldiers in 1897 did this amazing trip. I want to pass that history along, and not let it die. Not long after the sun rose over McLaughlin Street, the sounds of construction had already begun for the day. Shortly after, a crowd began to gather across the street. The crowd was there Wednesday morning to celebrate the commitment of Habitat for Humanity to build four homes in South Statesville for recent home recipients selected by the Charlotte Region branch of the organization. Habitat has given families an opportunity to flourish, Doris Allison of the Statesville City Council said. To see that humanity is not lost and that love is a factor in changing lives in a community, its exciting. The construction began on two of the four houses earlier this year with the houses being scheduled to complete construction towards the end of 2022. As a unique aspect of the home-awarding process, both of the future home owners, Quanneisha Burton and Margaretta Cowan, and their families have already put many hours of volunteer time to building their own homes. Burton, a native of Charlotte, chose Statesville as the location for her home due to the community and the schools in the area. I was born and raised in a Habitat home, she said. Im ready to keep help building my home and ready to be a part of the Statesville community. Cowan is a native of Statesville, having been born and reared in the city. Her journey to being selected to receive a home from Habitat for Humanity was a long one, however. She and her family applied twice and were denied before being accepted on the third application. Sometimes you just have to take a leap of faith, she said of sending in a third application. Telling people about this program has been rewarding. Im ready to start building my home. The two other recipients of Habitat homes, Paulette White and Betty Ball, will see the construction of their new homes begin in early 2023. Its super exciting to see this come together, Brooke Moose said. McLaughlin Street is a project that weve been talking about for a long time, so to see it finally come together is wonderful. These families will also get to build a comradery as neighbors building their homes alongside of one another. Thats just special. Moose, the director of development for Habitat in the Charlotte Region, has even put some of her own sweat equity into building the homes having volunteered on several occasions. Being here to hand over those keys at the end of this process is the most special part of this job, she said. Its a sense of relief and excitement that you can see. In addition to the home projects, over the last few years, Habitat for Humanity has invested more than $2 million to repair a multitude of homes and other types of affordable housing in the Statesville and Troutman areas to allow residents to keep living in their homes. Habitat has given us hope, Allison said. The fact that theyre not only building homes, but theyre also reaching out to those in need, thats what theyre all about restructuring peoples lives and giving them hope. A convicted felon from Statesville was sentenced to 151 months in prison Wednesday for selling firearms without a license and illegal gun possession, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. In addition to the prison term imposed, Anthony Dewayne Daye, 38, was also ordered to serve three years of supervised release. Bennie Mims, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Charlotte Field Division, Chief Thurman Whisnant of the Hickory Police Department and Chief David W. Onley of the Statesville Police Department, join King in making the announcement. According to court documents and todays sentencing hearing, between October 2020 and February 2021, Daye sold illegally in and around Statesville more than 20 firearms and ammunition, including rifles, handguns, ghost guns, and semiautomatic firearms capable of accepting a large capacity magazine, and aided and abetted in the sale of additional illegal firearms. Court records show that some of the firearms Daye sold had been reported stolen. Daye is not a licensed firearms dealer and he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition due to his multiple prior criminal convictions. On Nov. 19, 2021, Daye pleaded guilty to dealing in firearms without a license and aiding and abetting and being a convicted felon in possession of firearms. Daye is currently in federal custody and will be transferred to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility. King thanked the ATF, the Hickory Police Department, and the Statesville Police Department for their investigation of this case. Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Hess, of the U.S. Attorneys Office in Charlotte, prosecuted the case. An officer with the Wythe County Sheriffs Office recently received an Unsung Hero Award for his service and support for crime victims. The office of Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares hosted the 5th Annual Unsung Heroes Award Ceremony, during which Lt. Harry Street, victim witness program director for the sheriffs office, was honored. The attorney generals office established the awards to acknowledge Virginians working to aid victims in their recovery and healing, to promote trauma-informed responses and to affect change in their communities. While the circumstances that brought the unsung heroes together were tragic, I am inspired by their resilience and determination to make a difference in the face of daunting adversity. These heroes are men and women who have witnessed unspeakable horrors, yet they wake up every day and go back to work because they know there are victims who need their help. They are the faces of heroism and hope in Virginia, Miyares said. Street is a former law enforcement officer who spent 30 years enforcing federal fish and wildlife laws before joining the Sheriffs Office as the victim witness program director in 2008. The program provides crisis intervention and advocacy, as well as assesses victim/witness needs, makes referrals to other agencies and develops service/safety plans for victims based on their individual needs. I inform them (crime and domestic violence victims) of benefits they are due, Street said. Theres a lot of things that victims of crime can receive payment for they are eligible for compensation; they can received benefits, everything from replacing a storm window to replacing lost teeth. Street said other benefits include payment for crime scene clean-up and burial insurance. We are working with people at the lowest point in their lives, at a time when everything has gone wrong and they dont know where to turn, Street said. People dont know help is available; I try to let them know what is out there and how we can help them. A lot of people will not partake of the service because people in Southwest Virginia dont want welfare. But this is not welfare. This is money criminals have paid into the system to be reimbursed to all of the states. Street explained that federal government collects money from white collar crimes and other crimes and the money goes into a victims fund administered by the government and sent to the states. These are multimillion dollar settlements, and its divided between the states, Street said. Most of the Virginia programs are administered by the commonwealth attorneys office; a handful, like Wythe Countys, is administered through the sheriffs office. The lieutenant said his favorite part of the job is serving people in the country and working with the sheriffs department to make sure victims get their benefits. The most challenging part is dealing with all of the paperwork involved. I was very honored to have Lt. Street receive this award from the attorney generals office, said Wythe County Sheriff Charles Foster. He has made a significant impact in the community in which he serves. Domestic violence is a very disruptive pattern that affects people's lives differently, and it can have long-lasting effects on them. Lt. Street has been able to sit down with victims and establish a rapport with them. This allows them to feel more comfortable about the resources that can be afforded to them as well as guides them through the judicial process and what to expect as they try to move forward with their lives. To reach reporter Millie Rothrock, call 276-228-6611, ext. 573, or email mrothrock@wythenews.com Editors note: Information is provided by the Cowlitz County Corrections Department and local law enforcement agencies. Each individual named in this report is presumed to be innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Forgery, theft Cowlitz County deputies Tuesday arrested Johnathon Robert Davidson, 29, of Longview on suspicion of forgery, second-degree theft and second-degree identity theft. Burglary Longview officers Tuesday arrested Somith Oth, 28, of Longview on suspicion of second-degree burglary. Guns Longview officers Wednesday arrested Brandon Alan Ferguson, 39, of Longview on suspicion of unlawful possession of a firearm, possession of an unlawful firearm and driving while license is suspended in the third degree. Sexual exploitation of minor Cowlitz County deputies Wednesday arrested a Kelso man for suspicion of four felonies involving the sexual exploitation of minors. (Editors note: The Daily News does not name arrestees of crimes involving children until suspects are charged to ensure a child isnt identified before the suspect has been formally accused of a crime.) Burglary, theft Longview officers Wednesday arrested Blake Stewart Harris, 30, of an unknown location for suspicion of second-degree burglary and second-degree theft. Assault Cowlitz County deputies Thursday arrested James Owen Huffman, 59, of Castle Rock for suspicion of second-degree assault. Assault Longview officers Thursday arrested Leland Knute Oxford, 56, of Longview for suspicion of second-degree assault. Editors note: A software switch at Cowlitz County dispatch has prevented the agency from temporarily supplying 911 call logs and officer notes past June 6. The agency is working to create new reports to supply media outlets. Projects to improve cargo flow, upgrade facilities and increase transportation at local ports are underway, with some help from a federal infrastructure package that gave grants to ports across Cowlitz County. Ports across the country got around $450 million in federal grant opportunities from an infrastructure bill that largely focused on improving public transportation and addressing supply chain issues. Washington state ports have received over $35 million from the program since 2020. For ports in Longview and Kalama, commissioners decided last week to take advantage of $1.1 million in federal funding to study the feasibility of deepening and adding turning basins on the river to manage a higher number of ships going to the ports. The ports will be responsible for the other $1.1 million needed to fund the study. Federal funds will also back sediment monitoring projects on the Lower Cowlitz River, U.S. Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler said in a statement. Longview In March, around $2.5 million in federal funds went to the Industrial Rail Corridor Expansion underway at the Port of Longview, said Port External Affairs Director Dale Lewis, on top of the $16 million grant awarded to the port in November. The Industrial Rail Corridor Expansion is meant to increase access to the port and improve cargo flow as they enter another busy year, said Bill Burton, the ports director of facilities and engineering. Port of Longview has seen many of its exports like soda ash, wind towers and grain do well in the last year, Burton said. Port of Longview reported record income for the first quarter of this year, following a positive economic trend seen in the last few years. Other port projects not funded through the federal government will focus on basic maintenance to help the port sustain its increase in business annual paving, water line projects and finding more efficient ways to transport materials. We want to make sure what we do is serving our existing customers and also providing opportunities for potential new customers, Burton said. Woodland At smaller ports like Woodland, federal funding is not as abundant. Earlier this year, the ports of Woodland and Ridgefield got a state grant to study expanding broadband internet access for residents between the two cities, in one of three internet provider projects the port is developing. The port is also looking to develop Rose Way Industrial Park and is in the early stages of expanding Austin Point so it can accommodate more business. But those ideas are smaller-scale, and most federal grants focus on funding projects that benefit interstate commerce, said Jennifer Wray-Keene, Port of Woodlands executive director. Theres a lot of transportation we need to do before we can move forward with obtaining additional funds, Wray-Keene said. Kalama In Kalama, more business and larger ships passing through the port has highlighted a need to add more turning basins along the Columbia River. Port of Kalama is partnering with the Port of Longview to use the federal funds and decide how feasible it would be to build one. In January the port also budgeted around $750,000 to revamp Kalama River Industrial Park and set aside its own funds specifically for channel maintenance. Another federally backed project is looking to review eco-friendly ways to dredge and maintain the Lower Columbia River so it can stay sustainable and match growth for at least 20 years. The maintenance plan is currently being considered by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and five local ports, including Kalama and Longview. A close vote at the Tuesday night Kelso City Council bans people from openly carrying weapons at public meetings. The council voted 4-3 to enact an open carry restriction that mirrors the new law passed by the state Legislature this spring. Councilmembers Jim Hill, Keenan Harvey and Lisa Alexander voted against the measure. The state law prohibits the open carry of weapons at city, town and county municipal buildings or any other location where a public meeting for municipalities takes place. Cities and public agencies are required to post signs to provide notice of the restriction. The Kelso councils vote makes the restriction part of the Kelso municipal code and enforceable at the local level by Kelso police officers once it takes effect later this month. Open carry that violates the law is punishable by a misdemeanor charge. The same law prohibits all firearms and weapons from being carried at school board meetings in Washington and open carry at ballot counting centers and voting centers. The next Kelso City Council meeting is scheduled to take place in Tam OShanter Park during the National Night Out event, which connects communities with their local police. Hamilton said the city was checking whether the open carry ban would still apply for the outdoor meeting. Kelso will be the latest Washington city to close on Fridays and shift to a four-day work week. The Kelso City Council approved changes to the city code and contracts with employees to support the new hours at the Tuesday night council meeting. Councilman Jim Hill voted against the measure, saying it was unclear how much support the change had among city staff. Beginning on Aug. 1, Kelso City Hall will be open for public between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays. Longview moved to a four-day work schedule in 2010. Several of the departments for Cowlitz County operate four days a week, as does the Beacon Hill Water and Sewer District. City manager Andy Hamilton said the change would have some cost-saving efforts and could make the city more competitive for hiring. Many of the recent exit interviews Hamilton did with employees showed they were leaving for other municipalities or businesses that had a four-day schedule. After COVID, people are looking at attempting to get more time for their families outside of work. Even if theyre working the same amount of hours, or close to it, they value having those three days off, Hamilton said. When Longview made its initial change in the hours, city leaders said the move was intended to save some energy and fuel costs for city staff and make city employees more productive on the days theyre in the office. The city saved $9,000 during the first six months with the new hours and an internal survey showed 65% of Longview employees liked the schedule. The new schedule does not affect the hours for the Kelso Police Department, the Kelso Public Library or the water treatment plant. The police departments record specialist will follow the new hours. The city is negotiating hours with the public works staff as part of their next contract. KALAMA For a second year, Kalama residents can shop for fresh produce and handmade crafts without leaving town. The Kalama Chamber of Commerce is holding a farmers and artisans market every Thursday through Sept. 8. The market runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is located in the parking lot next to the Kalama Public Library. This year, organizers added an evening market from 4 to 7 p.m. the second Thursday of each month. Businesses can apply to join new Port of Kalama market KALAMA Residents looking to start or grow a business can apply for a spot in the Port of Kalamas under-construction marketplace and potenti We had a lot of requests and interest in the market from folks who work during the day, said Rosemary Siipola, chamber president. Were trying it out to see if we can serve our residents better. The weekly market started on July 7 and the first evening market was held July 14. The chamber of commerce started the market last year, and it ran from mid-July through September. Each week the market will feature 10 to 12 vendors, including those selling produce, local meat and eggs, jewelry, apparel, woodwork, art, hummus, fresh flowers and Hawaiian sauces, Siipola said. City of Kalama employees honored at annual chamber awards banquet KALAMA Last week, Kalama city employees were recognized for their service to the community at the Kalama Chamber of Commerces annual awards Shoppers can pick up a meal at Double Js food truck, joined by Willie Dicks First Street Tap House during the evening markets. More information about market vendors is available at the Kalama Chamber of Commerce Facebook page. While the weather has been nice so far, if temperatures reach 100 degrees, the chamber will cancel the market for that day, Siipola said. The markets this month have drawn a nice little crowd, she said. Were having a good time, she said. Theres a lot of interest. Tribes in Western Washington will receive $50 million in federal funding from the infrastructure bill, effectively doubling support for restoration and protection of Puget Sound. The Environmental Protection Agency announced Tuesday in Sequim that it will give the money over the next five years to the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission, which supports 20 treaty tribes. Previously, the EPA provided the commission with $50 million over 10 years to support habitat restoration, infrastructure updates, water quality, commercial fisheries, flood protection and climate resiliency. For too long, the federal government has failed to live up to its trust and treaty responsibilities and persistently failed to provide the federal funding needed to invest in the infrastructure our tribal communities need, said U.S. Rep. Derek Kilmer, D-Gig Harbor, in a statement. Projects that will benefit include the restoration, conservation and monitoring of Sequim Bay, the Dungeness River flood plain, Chambers Creek, Lummi Bay and the Nooksack and Skokomish rivers. The funding $7.5 million as a down payment for up to $50 million was announced by Casey Sixkiller, EPA regional administrator for District 10, who was appointed in May by President Joe Biden. Sixkiller, an enrolled citizen of the Cherokee Nation, is responsible for implementing the Biden administrations climate agenda in Washington, Oregon, Alaska, Idaho and 271 tribal nations. This funding made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law ensures that this regions tribes the original stewards of Puget Sound will continue to lead our joint efforts to restore and protect these waters for future generations, Sixkiller said Tuesday. The infrastructure law, which the president signed last November, authorizes more than $100 billion i for federal public transportation programs nationwide. All of the tribes eligible for this funding depend on Puget Sound fish and shellfish for subsistence, ceremony and commerce, Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission Chairman Ed Johnstone said Tuesday. We are deeply concerned by the threat of climate change to our usual and accustomed areas and treaty-protected rights. Our economic and cultural well-being is directly linked to the health of our homelands. OPPO Malaysia today released its first tablet in the Malaysian market, the OPPO Pad Air. Featuring a 10.36-inch 2K HD LCD display, the tablet weighs just 440g with a unique metal splicing design. Under the hood, the Pad Air is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 paired with 4G of RAM. Theres also a large 7100mAh battery which OPPO claims can last the whole day, including 12 hours of video watching and up to 15 hours of video conferencing. Speaking of the latter, the tablets 5MP front-facing camera is located at the side of the panel which makes it easier for video calls while on landscape mode. At its rear, the tablet features a singular 8MP camera. Besides that, the Pad Air also features stereo quad-speakers with support for Doly Atmos. In terms of OS, the tablet runs on the newly upgraded ColorOS for Pad operating system based on Android 12 with Multi-Screen Connect functions such as file drag and drop and clipboard sharing. The Pad Air is offered in two storage configurations in Malaysia, 64GB and 128GB, though do note that the tablet supports expandable storage via its microSD card slot. It comes in a singular Fog Grey colour and is priced at RM1099 for the 4/64GB model and RM1299 for the 4/128GB variant. Pre-order for the Pad Air starts from today until 29 July 2022 and is online exclusive. The 4/64GB variant is only available for pre-order on OPPO Official Online Store and Shopee while the 4/128GB variant at OPPO Official Online Store, Shopee and Lazada. So, what do you guys think of the Pad Air? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below and stay tuned to TechNave for more tech news from Malaysia and beyond! Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, scientists and health authorities have relied on contact-tracing technologies to help manage the spread of the virus. Yet there's a major flaw in a framework that many of these mobile apps utilizeone that attackers could exploit to ramp up false positive notifications. Apps powered by the Google/Apple Exposure Notification framework (GAEN) are widely available in many countries and operate more efficiently in your phone's background. But researchers from The Ohio State University said they found that these apps are susceptible to geographically based replay attacks, which is when a third party captures a user's broadcasted contact-tracing phone data from one area and exploits it by repeatedly transmitting it in another far-away location. Replay attacks can be used to exploit electronic weaknesses to gain access to digital networks, cause harmful effects to mobile devices, or poison data sets with false information. Considering how much society relies on honest health data, bad information can be especially harmful in terms of tracking COVID-19, said study co-author Anish Arora, professor and chairperson of computer science and engineering at Ohio State. "Hackers or nation-state actors could potentially take advantage of an honest user and replay their contact-tracing data anywhere in the world," Arora said. For example, if someone in Columbus with COVID-19 were to have their contact-tracing beacon data captured by a third party, their information could be transmitted to one or multiple other cities thousands of miles away, and re-broadcasted to others nearby. If this person were to be diagnosed positive for COVID-19, someone who in reality hasn't had any contact with an infected person could be alerted that they have. That means attackers could essentially create digital superspreaders, starting a process that shares clusters of false exposure beacons in different areas, said Arora. "Because the framework operates as a wireless protocol, anybody can inject some kind of fake exposure, and those false encounters could disrupt the public's trust for the system," he said. Although an increase in false-positive notifications would undermine the public good behind contact-tracing apps, co-author Zhiqiang Lin, professor of computer science and engineering at Ohio State, said it could also have cascading economic and social consequences, like causing people to miss work or cancel daily personal activities and long-planned vacations. This potential rises when tests are scarce or in economically disadvantaged countries that don't have access to vaccines, added Lin, who has studied cybersecurity vulnerabilities in digital software for over a decade. Yet researchers were able to come up with a patch for this fatal flaw. "The most difficult part was coming up with a fix that was practical and wouldn't inhibit users from using the app," Lin said. The team came up with a prototype based on Google and Apple's original framework, which they called GAEN+, pronounced "Gain Plus." After implementing it on an Android device (The prototype is also easily portable to Apple devices), they ran the prototype through a series of experiments to test its defenses against malicious replay attacks. They concluded that compared to Google and Apple's framework, GAEN+ was able to effectively prevent false positives while still preserving user privacy. The team presented their solution on July 12 at the annual meeting of Privacy Enhancing Technologies Symposium (PETS) conference held this year in Sydney, Australia. Lin said while the team may not be the first to find Google and Apple's flaw, they are currently the first team to prove to the larger digital community how it could be taken advantage of in a "low-cost, distributed manner." "They may have just thought this couldn't be of severe consequence," he said. But overall, Lin describes their modification to the contact-tracing protocol as "very minimal" for such a strong defense against potential attacks. "Our enhancement is privacy-preserving," Arora said. Instead of relying on precise GPS data like other proposed fixes, GAEN+ uses coarse location data from Wi-Fi access points and cell phone towers in a clever way that maintains anonymity, he said. The team did receive thanks from Google for finding and fixing the weakness. To ensure GAEN+ is available to the public, the team has put the source code for the fix on GitHub, a platform that hosts code online. "When future developers design similar protocols, we're making sure they have the opportunity to consider our recommendations," Arora said. "Both companies made a product that can do a lot of good in the world. We just want to make GAEN much harder to exploit." Other co-authors were Christopher Ellis and Haohuang Wen, both graduate students in computer science and engineering at Ohio State. Explore further Researchers design more secure mobile contact tracing More information: Replay (Far) Away: Exploiting and Fixing Google/Apple Exposure Notification Contact Tracing, Proceedings on Privacy Enhancing Technologies (2022). (2022). Researchers looked at the different types of materials that can be used in osmotic power generation. Credit: Nano Research Energy, Tsinghua University Press Scientists have known since the 1950s that it is theoretically possible to generate electricity through the movement of water in locations where seawater and river water meet. This type of technology is called osmotic power generation or blue energy. Though prototypes of this technology have been built, research is still underway to prove that this technology is scalable and reliable. In a literature review published on May 28 in Nano Research Energy, researchers looked at the different types of materials that can be used in osmotic power generation. "There are several locations on the earth where the seawater and river water are naturally mixed. The seawater contains positively charged ions such as sodium ions and negatively charged ions such as chloride ions. Utilizing electrostatically charged membranes that are selective to one ion species while blocking the other can generate electricity that can power electronic devices or be stored in batteries," said paper author Javad Safaei, a researcher at the Centre for Clean Energy Technology at the University of Technology Sydney in Sydney, Australia. Osmotic power generation is promising as an alternative to fossil fuels for several reasons. Salt water is readily available, the primary waste product of this technique is brackish water and, unlike wind and solar power, electricity produced through this method is not intermittent. Research suggests that around one terawatt, or one trillion watts, could be produced by this method every year. This is in comparison to the global solar output (710 gigawatts) and wind energy output (730 gigawatts), as of 2020. Because research is moving at such a fast pace, this literature review compared the different types of 2D materials that have been studied for use in osmotic power generation. In order to generate electricity, the water will need to pass through a membrane. If there are two chambers of water with different salinity, the salt water will move through the membrane into the chamber with less salt water. Different types of materials with different properties and benefits can be used as this membrane. The new review paper looked at how the materials were made, their physical characteristics, ion transportation properties, and their ability to generate power through osmosis. "Currently, these membranes are made by using a variety of materials. Amongst all, 2D materials stand out as the most promising candidate owing to their high ionic conductivities, high mechanical strength, large-scale production capabilities, and the ability to be formed into ultra-thin layers. Furthermore, several nanostructures with enhanced performances can be fabricated by using the hybrid of 2D materials with other nanomaterials," said Safaei. Through this review, researchers hope to raise awareness about osmotic power generation through 2D materials. "The most important message we have is to first introduce the concept of converting salt concentration difference of seawater/river water into electricity to a broader audience. We also hope to accelerate the research progress in this field by further specifying the focus on 2D materials, which are the most promising for making high-performance ion-conducting membranes," said Safaei. Looking ahead, researchers are hoping to expand the scalability of osmotic power generation using 2D materials, but more research needs to be done. "The 2D materials are currently the most promising classes of materials that can make practical devices that convert the chemical potentials of seawater/river water into electricity. We envision that further research into 2D materials makes practical salinity gradient power generation one step closer to reality," said Safaei. More information: Javad Safaei et al, Progress and prospects of two-dimensional materials for membrane-based osmotic power generation, Nano Research Energy (2022). Javad Safaei et al, Progress and prospects of two-dimensional materials for membrane-based osmotic power generation,(2022). DOI: 10.26599/NRE.2022.9120008 Provided by Tsinghua University Press Credit: Shutterstock By now, most of us are aware social media companies collect vast amounts of our information. By doing this, they can target us with ads and monetise our attention. The latest chapter in the data-privacy debate concerns one of the world's most popular apps among young peopleTikTok. Yet anecdotally it seems the potential risks aren't really something young people care about. Some were interviewed by The Project this week regarding the risk of their TikTok data being accessed from China. They said it wouldn't stop them using the app. "Everyone at the moment has access to everything," one person said. Another said they didn't "have much to hide from the Chinese government". Are these fair assessments? Or should Australians actually be worried about yet another social media company taking their data? What's happening with TikTok? In a 2020 Australian parliamentary hearing on foreign interference through social media, TikTok representatives stressed: "TikTok Australia data is stored in the US and Singapore, and the security and privacy of this data are our highest priority." But as Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) analyst Fergus Ryan has observed, it's not about where the data are stored, but who has access. On June 17, BuzzFeed published a report based on 80 leaked internal TikTok meetings which seemed to confirm access to US TikTok data by Chinese actors. The report refers to multiple examples of data access by TikTok's parent company ByteDance, which is based in China. Then in July, TikTok Australia's director of public policy, Brent Thomas, wrote to the shadow minister for cyber security, James Paterson, regarding China's access to Australian user data. Thomas denied having been asked for data from China or having "given data to the Chinese government"but he also noted access is "based on the need to access data". So there's good reason to believe Australian users' data may be accessed from China. TikTok Australia has replied to my letter and admitted that Australian user data is also accessible in mainland China, putting it within reach of the Chinese government, despite their previous assurances it was safe because it was stored in the US and Singapore pic.twitter.com/ITY1HNEo6v James Paterson (@SenPaterson) July 12, 2022 Is TikTok worse than other platforms? TikTok collects rich consumer information, including personal information and behavioural data from people's activity on the app. In this respect, it's not different from other social media companies. They all need oceans of user data to push ads onto us, and run data analytics behind a shiny facade of cute cats and trendy dances. However, TikTok's corporate roots extend to authoritarian Chinaand not the US, where most of our other social media come from. This carries implications for TikTok users. Hypothetically, since TikTok moderates content according to Beijing's foreign policy goals, it's possible TikTok could apply censorship controls over Australian users. This means users' feeds would be filtered to omit anything that doesn't fit the Chinese government's agenda, such as support for Taiwan's sovereignty, as an example. In "shadowbanning", a user's posts appear to have been published to the user themselves, but are not visible to anyone else. It's worth noting this censorship risk isn't hypothetical. In 2019, information about Hong Kong protests was reported to have been censored not only on Douyin, China's domestic version of TikTok, but also on TikTok itself. Then in 2020, ASPI found hashtags related to LGBTQ+ are suppressed in at least eight languages on TikTok. In response to ASPI's research, a TikTok spokesperson said the hashtags may be restricted as part of the company's localisation strategy and due to local laws. In Thailand, keywords such as #acab, #gayArab and anti-monarchy hashtags were found to be shadowbanned. Within China, Douyin complies with strict national content regulation. This includes censoring information about the religious movement Falun Gong and the Tiananmen massacre, among other examples. The legal environment in China forces Chinese internet product and service providers to work with government authorities. If Chinese companies disagree, or are unaware of their obligations, they can be slapped with legal and/or financial penalties and be forcefully shut down. In 2012, another social media product run by the founder of ByteDance, Yiming Zhang, was forced to close. Zhang fell into political line in a public apology. He acknowledged the platform deviated from "public opinion guidance" by not moderating content that goes against "socialist core values". Individual TikTok users should seriously consider leaving the app until issues of global censorship are clearly addressed. But don't forget, it's not just TikTok Meta products, such as Facebook and Instagram, also measure our interests by the seconds we spend looking at certain posts. They aggregate those behavioural data with our personal information to try to keep us hookedlooking at ads for as long as possible. Some real cases of targeted advertising on social media have contributed to "digital redlining"the use of technology to perpetuate social discrimination. In 2018, Facebook came under fire for showing some employment ads only to men. In 2019, it settled another digital redlining case over discriminatory practices in which housing ads were targeted to certain users on the basis of "race, colour, national origin and religion". And in 2021, before the US Capitol breach, military and defence product ads were running alongside conversations about a coup. Then there are some worst-case scenarios. The 2018 Cambridge Analytica scandal revealed how Meta (then Facebook) exposed users' data to the political consulting firm Cambridge Analytica without their consent. Cambridge Analytica harvested up to 87 million users' data from Facebook, derived psychological user profiles and used these to tailor pro-Trump messaging to them. This likely had an influence on the 2016 US presidential election. With TikTok, the most immediate concern for the average Australian user is content censorshipnot direct prosecution. But within China, there are recurring instances of Chinese nationals being detained or even jailed for using both Chinese and international social media. You can see how the consequences of mass data harvesting are not hypothetical. We need to demand more transparency from not just TikTok but all major social platforms regarding how data are used. Let's continue the regulation debate TikTok has accelerated. We should look to update privacy protections and embed transparency into Australia's national regulatory guidelinesfor whatever the next big social media app happens to be. Explore further US senators call for close look at TikTok This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. The Tempest fighter jet was launched to great fanfare at a previous Farnborough event in 2018, as part of the UK's much-trumpeted combat air strategy. Britain's future combat fighter jet project Tempest soared this week past a key barrier at Farnborough Airshow 2022, but Europe's rival FCAS concept is stuck in limbo. Defence spending has been a hot topic at this year's Farnborough, as nations bolster their armed forces following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Tempest was launched to great fanfare at the previous Farnborough event in 2018, as part of the UK's much-trumpeted combat air strategy. Defence giant BAE Systems is a member of the Team Tempest alongside the UK government, Leonardo, European missile specialist MBDA and British engine maker Rolls-Royce. Their objective is to develop by 2035 a twin-engined stealth aircraft that can be operated manned or unmanned, cannot be detected by radar, and will boast impressive features such as laser-directed weapons and a virtual cockpit. Combat cloud The consortium hope to produce a ground-breaking fighter jet capable of connecting via a "combat cloud" with its own drones and other military warfare assets. Italy joined Team Tempest in 2019 and Sweden followed a year later. Japanwhich is already assisting with engine and radar sensor technologyis now set to jump on board. "A flight combat demonstrator will fly within the next five years," Richard Berthon, director for future combat air at Britain's Ministry of Defence, said at Farnborough. This preliminary demonstration version, or pre-prototype, is intended to test the proposed cutting-edge technology. The consortium hope to produce a ground-breaking fighter jet capable of connecting via a "combat cloud" with its own drones and other military warfare assets. 'Once-in-a-generation' "It is a once-in-a-generation activity," said Herman Claesen, managing director for future combat air systems at BAE Systems. "The last one was some 40 years ago for the (Eurofighter) Typhoon," he said at the airshow's Tempest event. Eurofighter was developed by a European consortium comprising Britain, Germany, Italy and Spain. It was initially conceived as a European fighter aircraft project in which France was involved. However, Paris withdrew in 1985 and instead launched its Rafale fighter jet, produced by France's Dassault. The French government began exploring with Britain a future unmanned combat jet project in 2014, but this cooperation was withdrawn after Brexit. All the participants in these fighter projects are seeking to retain technological expertise in military aviation for decades to come. For Tempest, London has so far earmarked 2.0 billion ($2.4 billion) and Rome has committed 2.0 billion euros ($2.0 billion) over a 15-year period. Not far off In stark contrast to Tempest, Europe's Future Combat Air System (FCAS) project, backed mostly by France and Germany, faced stagnation over the last year. Berlin, Paris and Madrid first launched FCAS back in summer 2017and aim to develop their fighter jet by 2040. For Tempest, London has so far earmarked 2.0 billion ($2.4 billion) and Rome has committed 2.0 billion euros ($2.0 billion) over a 15-year period. The overall bill is expected to approach 100 billion euros, rendering it far too costly for a single country to finance. Yet the FCAS programme has faced an exceedingly bumpy ride. France, Germany and Spain negotiated for months over how to divide the complex workload that would bring the project forward. They finally inked an agreement in August 2021 to inject a combined 3.6 billion euros into the project's initial stage, known as Phase 1B. Team FCAS had aimed to launch their own flight demonstrator in 2025 which would then take to the skies two years later. Since then, however, the airwaves have gone quiet for the proposed European hi-tech combat plane. Contracts have not been signed because France's Dassault Aviation and main partner Airbusrepresenting German and Spainhave yet to reach agreement. Dassault has accused Airbus of making unnecessary "extra demands" that threaten overall development and management of the project. "We are simply asking that project management be respected... for the entire duration of the programme," said Dassault chief executive Eric Trappier on Wednesday. FCAS 'will succeed'- Dassault and Airbus are at loggerheads over how to cooperate over the FCAS aircraft's central nervous system of flight controlsand its stealth-related technologies. "We have agreed with Dassault on sharing workload and responsibilitiesthe difficulty is regarding how we cooperate," Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury told AFP on the sidelines of Farnborough this week. "Negotiations are lengthy and difficultbut they are important and I am convinced we will succeed. "We have no choiceit would make no sense to failthe project is too important." Explore further Airbus, Dassault reach deal on European fighter jet prototype 2022 AFP Flash The United States should immediately stop plundering Syria's national resources, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Wednesday. Wang Wenbin made the remarks at a press conference when asked to comment on reports that U.S. occupation forces recently transferred oil stolen from Syria to the north of Iraq, with Syrian officials condemning the United States and its allies for acting just like pirates. Wang said that 90 percent of the Syrian population is currently living below the poverty line, two thirds of the population relies on humanitarian assistance, and more than half of the population suffers from food insecurity. The U.S. military still occupies the main grain- and oil-producing areas in Syria, looting and plundering Syrian national resources, worsening the local humanitarian crisis, Wang said, adding that some Syrians have described the presence of the United States in Syria as a form of terrorism. Wang said the United States has always boasted about its so-called highest standards on human rights and the rule of law, but the U.S. actions in Syria prove that it actually fails in these aspects. The United States should respect Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity, respond to the calls of the Syrian people, immediately lift unilateral sanctions against Syria, immediately stop plundering Syria's national resources, and make up for the harm caused to the Syrian people with concrete actions, Wang said. Bryan and College Station school boards will hold trustee elections in November, each with three seats on the ballot. Both districts voted to call for the election during their board meetings this week and to enter into a joint interlocal agreement with Brazos County for the Nov. 8 general election. The interlocal agreement to hold a joint election means Brazos County governs the election, College Station Superintendent Mike Martindale said during College Stations July 19 board meeting. The Bryan school board approved both agenda items under its consent agenda at the July 18 meeting. The seats up for election on the Bryan school board are Single Member District 1, Single Member District 3 and Single Member District 5. Felicia Benford is currently serving in her third three-year term as Single Member District 1 representative and board secretary; Fran Duane is completing her first term as Single Member District 3 representative; and David Stasny served on the school board from 1990-2020 and was appointed in February 2021 to the Single Member District 5 position to complete Doug Wunneburgers unexpired term. In College Station, three three-year positions will be on the November ballot: Place 3, Place 4 and Place 5. All seven College Station school board trustees serve in at-large positions, and all three trustees in the places up for election are completing their first term in the seat. Joshua Benn, board vice president, sits in Place 3. Jeff Horak, board president, is the Place 4 representative. Kimberly McAdams serves in Place 5. Though McAdams is completing her first term in the Place 5 position, she previously served on the board from 2011-2014. Election packets are available at the school districts administration buildings: 801 South Ennis St. in Bryan and 1812 Welsh Ave. in College Station. The first day to file for the election is Saturday, July 23, and the deadline is Aug. 22 at 5 p.m. Both districts are open on weekdays; however, they are closed on Friday this week as part of their summer hours. The College Station places are open to anyone residing in the College Station school district boundary; anyone filing for the Bryan single member district positions must also live within the boundaries of that district. For more information about the College Station school board election, contact Cari Horn, the districts election clerk, at 979-764-5455 or at chorn@csisd.org. For more information about the Bryan school board election, contact Tiffany Lee, executive assistant to the superintendent and the board of trustees, at 979-209-1002 or at tiffany.lee@bryanisd.org. More information can be found on both school district websites bryanisd.org and csisd.org under the board tab. 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Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe The Nebraska Public Service Commission has dismissed a complaint against Union Grain Co. of St. Libory. The company has worked with our grain department to rectify the situation that led to the complaint, paid a penalty and agreed to operate its facility in accordance with the departments rules and regulations, Commission Chair Dan Watermeier said in a Tuesday news release. In May, the PSC filed a complaint against Union Grain Co. for violation of the Grain Warehouse Act, Neb. Rev. Stat. 88-543, which prohibits warehouse licensees from operating with less grain in the warehouse than outstanding receipts issued for grain stored by valid owners, depositors or storers of grain in the licensed warehouse. Two audits conducted by the PSC grain department found Union Grain Co. oversold in corn on several occasions. PSCs grain warehouse department filed a complaint against Union Grain Co. on May 10. Grain warehouses are generally regulated by the PSC pursuant to the Grain Warehouse Act and the Nebraska Administrative Code Title 291, Chapter 8 of the Commissions Rules and Regulations. The report said Konecko first found photos of herself on Groene's work laptop on Jan. 3. She didn't report the incident until she found more photos some dating as far back as 2018 on Jan. 31. News of the photos broke in February, with the news site Nebraska Sunrise News reporting that the photos some of which were zoomed in on "provocative body parts" appeared to have been taken by Groene, then sent with "email captions of a sexual nature." Konecko previously confirmed those details to the World-Herald, but said she didn't see any evidence Groene sent the photos to anyone other than his personal email address. Paulson said she found no evidence that Groene shared the photos with any members of the Legislature, although she said Groene did admit to sending some photos to his wife. However, she noted she did not have access to Groene's laptop because of the Nebraska State Patrol investigation. She said if she had access to his laptop, that would have likely revealed if he had shared the photos with anyone else. Hughes said the legislative investigation ended with Paulson's report. But lawmakers created a select committee on ethics that is meeting over the summer and fall to examine the Legislature's workplace harassment policies and consider the need for a permanent ethics committee. The committee is expected to provide recommendations by November. Risk Management Insurance Provider United Educators Offers Premium Credit To Schools Completing JED Mental Health Support Program United Educators, a member-owned insurance and risk management provider for K12 schools and higher ed institutions, has partnered with suicide prevention nonprofit The Jed Foundation to offer a premium credit to schools that successfully complete a JED program that helps schools better support students mental health and well-being, according to a news release. Eligible UE members can earn a credit on their institutions insurance premium of 4% to 6% upon successful of one of JEDs three risk-management programs, which run 18 to 24 months and include an assessment of campus policies, procedures, programs, and systems to support student mental health and reduce substance abuse and suicides. It is the first time UE has offered a premium credit to policyholders that implement a comprehensive approach to student mental health on their campuses, UE said. The JED programs offered through the new partnership include two tailored to higher education institutions and the JED High School program for schools serving grades 912. It is a 24-month partnership starting with a thorough assessment of a school or districts current policies, programs, and systems to support student well-being as well as current student mental health needs, said foundation President and COO Rebecca Benghiat. Equipped with that knowledge and supported by a dedicated JED advisor, schools create and implement a strategic plan for improving mental health and preventing substance misuse and suicide. The strategic plans recommended by JED focus on the following seven elements considered as foundational to student well-being as outlined in The Comprehensive Approach to Mental Health Promotion and Suicide Prevention in High Schools by Harvard Medical School, McLean Hospitals College Mental Health Program, and JED advisors, Benghiat told THE Journal: Developing life skills Promoting social connectedness and positive school climate Increasing help-seeking behaviors Recognizing and responding to students at risk Promoting well-being and access to mental health services Implementing and following crisis management procedures Creating a safe school environment To equitably and effectively promote student mental health and reduce suicide risk, JED emphasizes attention to policies and practices that work for students with diverse identities in the school community, Benghiat said. At the end of the program, JED conducts another assessment to document the progress made and outline steps to maintain and build upon it. The cost to participate in the JED High School program is $25,000 for public and private, non-residential high schools. This fee includes all costs associated with the partnership, and scholarship funding is available, as well as assistance from JED in finding grant funds to cover the fee, Benghiat told THE Journal. She noted that the premium credit awarded after successful program completion may equal the cost of program participation, depending on the school or districts policy. Benghiat described a current JED High School participant that is seeing great progress after beginning the program in the 202122 school year. Tonasket High School, a rural school in Washington, completed their assessment of systems already in place and, within input from all school stakeholder groups, created a strategic plan to protect mental health and reduce the risk of suicide and substance misuse, she said. The implementation of the schools strategic plan has begun and will continue this coming school year. They have focused students daily advisory periods on supporting student and staff mental health, addressed staff burnout by revamping the staff room to be wellness-focused and launching a passion project program in which staff share hobbies they love with other students and staff in informal class sessions, including cooking, fly fishing, and yoga, Benghiat told THE Journal. The staff has been really excited by the opportunity to share different parts of themselves and build community and connection in this new way. Upcoming plans include teachers attending a trauma-informed workshop to help them better support students and others who have experienced trauma, and Mental Health First Aid training for staff to learn how to identify and support anyone in distress. School leaders can learn more about JED programs at JedFoundation.org, or learn more about UEs risk management premium credit options at the UE.org website. Flash Africa came under the spotlight at a special high-level dialogue held Wednesday at the United Nations headquarters in New York, which was aimed at mobilizing greater support for advancing the continent's sustainable development. The one-day event was jointly convened by the presidents of the UN General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), with the theme "The Africa We Want: Reconfirming the Development of Africa as a Priority of the United Nations System." "Today, we are putting the spotlight on Africa, a continent that is rich with human and natural resources and enormous untapped economic and social potential, yet still faces challenges in the realization of development goals," said Abdulla Shahid, president of the General Assembly. Describing Africa's sustainable development as a "priority" for the UN and international community, he stressed that collective action has often fallen short on delivery. The General Assembly chief urged the international community to recommit to sustainable development in Africa, assess where action is lacking, take concrete steps to foster progress, and fulfil existing commitments while generating new ones "that reflect our ever-changing world." In his remarks, ECOSOC President Collen Vixen Kelapile said the high-level dialogue is "both timely and relevant", noting it was convened to place the sustainable development of Africa at the heart of the work of the United Nations. He pointed out that there is an unprecedented opportunity for Africa to step up to multiple challenges, speed up its industrialization and economic diversification, and integrate itself further upstream in global supply chains through increased value addition at source. Addressing the event, UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed said the high-level dialogue provides a global platform for African member states and the United Nations and partners to share progress and reaffirm that giving light to Africa's development vision "remains our shared priority." Mohammed, speaking on behalf of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, pointed out that Africa's development gains are at risk, as a consequence of the current three ongoing crises -- the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change and the Russia-Ukraine conflict. However, "the Africa we want is still within reach," she said. "To get there, we need to change our mindsets and turn the triple crisis into an opportunity." To this end, Mohammed stressed five key issues, including building effective and reliable policy frameworks and institutions, investing in connectivity and digital technologies, improving education and skills-development, achieving sustainable energy for all across the continent, as well as an overall approach to financing. "Today, let us recommit to our ambitious vision and to continue to work alongside African countries to realize a greener, more sustainable, and more inclusive future for all," she said. President Joe Biden has decided to ban Russian oil imports, toughening the toll on Russia's economy in retaliation for its invasion of Ukraine. The United States generally imports about 100,000 barrels a day from Russia, only about 5% of Russia's crude oil exports, according to Rystad Energy. Last year, roughly 8% of U.S. imports of oil and petroleum products came from Russia. Gas prices have been rising for weeks due to the conflict and in anticipation of potential sanctions on the Russian energy sector. The U.S. national average for a gallon of gasoline soared 45 cents a gallon in the past week and topped $4.06 on Monday, according to auto club AAA. Should the US ban Russian oil imports over Ukraine war? You voted: More than a decade ago, Dr. Kathy Swafford, a pediatrician in Anna and a local child abuse prevention advocate, had the idea to form a shoe campaign and contacted Moury Bass at WIBH radio. As a pediatrician, Swafford sees first-hand the needs of her patients, which often are reflected in the community as a whole. One of those needs was shoes for children. Following the first campaign at WIBH to provide coats, Swafford shared her desire to hold a fundraiser to buy new shoes for children in Southern Illinois. Several years ago, I learned of a program providing shoes and socks to needy children in another area of Illinois. I recognized this was a program that we needed locally, Dr. Swafford said. WIBH has successfully pursued the idea and is partnering with Warm Coats, as well as other businesses and agencies, and has brought this to our area. The radio station raises money each year to provide warm coats for children in need with its WIBH Warm Coats, New Hope Campaign through Operation Warm. After years of searching for the right partner to bring Dr. Swaffords idea to life, Moury and Nancy Bass of WIBH learned that Operation Warm was now offering shoes. Through Warm Soles, Operation Warm expanded its mission to include shoes that inspire confidence and encourage outdoor play. They now have the opportunity to help children in need all year round. Moury Bass said they added the shoe program in 2020. They did planning during the pandemic and were ready to go this year. WIBH Radio raised funds throughout the month of April, Child Abuse Prevention Month, for its Warm Soles, New Hope Campaign. WIBH raised over $7,200 between April and May for their first shoe campaign. Their goal was $3,000. The station received donations of more than $6,700 from individuals, businesses and organizations throughout the region. Postal Pal in Anna donated another $450 to cover shipping costs, allowing 100% of the donations to be used for shoes. A total of 480 pairs of shoes were purchased. Sponsorship of a pair of shoes was just $1. These are all new shoes, Nancy Bass said. The shoes, sizes 6 toddler to 4 kids have arrived and are being prepared for distribution. Other area businesses also partnered with WIBH, including: Duck Works Lawn Care in Cobden and Shawnee Mass Transit District in Vienna and Anna helped to coordinate distribution to the sites. T&I Office Equipment in Anna donated the printing of flyers used in outreach. We were very pleased, Moury Bass said. As they do with coats, WIBH partnered with the same local agencies for the shoe campaign. Shoes will be distributed through the Childrens Medical and Mental Health Resource Network in Anna, Arrowleaf in Vienna, and all Southern 7 Head Start locations. They will go to kids affected by abuse, neglect, disaster and family need before the beginning of the school year. No paperwork or proof of income is required. "Once again, our listeners have shown their generosity to their community. We are grateful for the overwhelming support they've provided for the Warm Soles, New Hope Campaign, Moury Bass said. For more information, or to request a pair of shoes for a child in need, contact Moury Bass at WIBH at 618-833-9424, Shawnna Rhine at Southern 7 Head Start at 618-634-2297, ex 9161, or visit the WIBH Warm Soles, New Hope Campaign on Facebook. To learn more about Operation warm, visit operationwarm.org. HIGHLAND PARK - Among the responses to the Fourth of July shooting in Highland Park, news went out earlier this week that one of its residents was staging a benefit concert Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan announced he would host and perform in a livestreamed concert event July 27. Newly added to the lineup: Perry Farrell of the band Janes Addiction. Titled Together and Together Again, the concert, put together with Corgans partner Chloe Mendel, will raise money for the Highland Park Community Foundation and its July 4th Highland Park Shooting Response Fund, and will take place at Madame ZuZus, the couples tea house and performance space in Highland Park. Its Corgan and Mendels way of giving back to their hometown. Its almost impossible to put into words what this community is going through, Corgan said in an interview with the Tribune. The performance will be livestreamed via the Smashing Pumpkins YouTube channel; viewers will be able to donate as well as buy artwork such as posters and T-shirts from artist Gary Baseman, the proceeds also donated. Corgan said the lineup is still taking shape, but the bill will include him and Smashing Pumpkins bandmate Jimmy Chamberlin, jazz saxophonist Frank Catalano and the also newly announced Bob Moses the Vancouver duo of Tom Howie and Jimmy Vallance and a Lollapalooza headliner. Putting together his own song contributions has been a challenge, Corgan said. Im looking back into my catalog, he said, and he knows there are songs people will want to hear but I also want to make sure theyre appropriate for the occasion. Also on the bill is Lincoln Trio, a classical music group with members who live in Highland Park. Corgan himself has lived there for two decades, Mendel for a decade, now with their two children. For those unfamiliar with that history how a famous rock star ended up settling down in a northern Chicago suburb versus New York or somewhere Corgan said it started with being born and raised in Chicago. I did try to live in New York and in LA in different parts of my life but I always moved back to Chicago, he said. He hadnt lived in Highland Park when he was younger but it was a dream of mine to live in the North Shore. I suppose it came from reading The Great Gatsby. To live among the fancy people, he laughed. From his time in Soho in New York, he thought opening an art gallery would be cool; an earlier iteration of Madame ZuZus in Highland Parks Ravinia District was closer to that. That business didnt last, but the current tea shop, which opened in 2020 (in the middle of a pandemic, he adds) is their lives now. Both Corgan and Mendel say they spend a lot of time there, Mendel as a general manager. Madame ZuZus Plantbased Emporium is at 1876 1st St. in Highland Park, near where the mass shooting took place during the holiday parade. I had just been at the intersection and night before and it was empty. A few chairs out from people saving space for the parade, Corgan said. On the morning of the shooting, he remembers he had been texting with Mendel, who was on a flight from Europe with their children, and then quickly, texts from friends started arriving asking if they had heard what had happened. It was strange and awful, Corgan said. I was in New York for 9/11 and it felt a bit like that. I was actually having flashbacks. Its like youre living history at the same time youre experiencing it. He said he hadnt often attended the parade himself in the past, but Mendel always did. Although Highland Park is generally respectful of his privacy, he said, for things like that, I dont usually insert myself into them. I dont want to be there to make it about me. The same goes for Madame ZuZus, he said. Mendel said they created the space to be the kind of place that would be low-key, welcoming and fun, the kind of place both of us would have felt welcome in while we were in high school, she said. Billy sometimes plays, if he feels like it. But he says lately hes been keeping a lower profile. Regular customers know to just be cool. But especially now with people coming to Highland Park and coming to the memorial, they may come in expecting to see him, he said. Expecting me to be the celebrity guy. Putting together the concert has been a whirlwind, he said. Ive never done anything like this. Mendel added, This is our way a way to heal through music. Now more than ever, Highland Park has shown how strong our community really is. Together and Together Again will be 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. July 27, streamed on the Smashing Pumpkins YouTube channel; more information at www.zuzuscafe.com/eventtickets (limited in-person invites have been filled); artwork is now on sale at togetheragainhp.com. CHICAGO - Chicago aldermen failed to overturn Mayor Lori Lightfoots unpopular speed camera rules at Wednesdays City Council meeting after a long, winding battle waged by one of the mayors top critics. At issue was an ordinance that would have restored the 10 mph-over-the-limit minimum for speed camera citations, versus the 6 mph threshold enacted by Lightfoot as part of her 2021 budget. The vote which saw 18 aldermen support the higher minimum and 26 side against it followed impassioned speeches by aldermen, mostly about the problems of speeding drivers and how to deal with them. The proposal to raise the ticket threshold is one Ald. Anthony Beale, 9th, has tried, month after month, to bring to the City Council floor, most recently during a bitter showdown in June that led to the alderman likening Lightfoots leadership style to a dictatorship and the mayor snapping back with suggestions that he was sounding like former President Donald Trump. Beale had said then that he believed he had the votes to pass his measure and felt it was undemocratic for the mayor to delay consideration. When Lightfoot allies used a legislative move to stall the vote, Beale used the same parliamentary trick on subsequent legislation from the Finance committee as the two had the equivalent of a schoolyard meltdown. The issue of speeding citations has divided the City Council in unexpected ways, with supporters of Beales position hailing from across the city and including at least six mayoral allies whom Lightfoot has put in positions of leadership on the council. Many who agree with Beale contend the matter is one of racial equity, as Black and Latino residents are disproportionately ticketed. But Lightfoot also has a coalition of aldermen behind her who are troubled by a spate of recent traffic deaths that have killed pedestrians and bicyclists, one of whom was only 3 years old. The mayors transportation commissioner, Gia Biagi, has noted that Black and Latino residents are also the demographics most likely to be killed in traffic crashes. Ald. Michelle Harris was the first to speak on the topic on the council floor and said she wouldnt support the proposed change. We as a city are going to have to figure out what to do about the speed at which cars travel. Im not willing to turn back the clock because my community is saying you need to do something about speeding cars, Harris said. Ald. Dan La Spata read out a list of names of more than a dozen pedestrians and bicyclists struck and killed by speeding cars in Chicago. Their ages ranged from 2 to 88. What are the choices that we wish we could have made differently to save their lives, for them to be with us today? La Spata said. I cant stand here in good conscience and cast a vote that I know leads to more names on that list. Some aldermen said they want to see more cameras at dangerous intersections; Ald. Anthony Napolitano said the lack of response to his requests have made him skeptical of the program and said he would vote in favor of the higher threshold. But Ald. Raymond Lopez said that while I fully agree that cameras are helpful, he asserted theres a hypocritical double standard in where theyre distributed, making them an unfair tax burden in the communities where they exist. Theyre not used for safety. Its a cash cow, he said. Beale too stressed the inequity of how tickets are issued, argued the data shows the cameras are not about safety and said the tickets minimum should be raised to provide relief to people who can least afford to continue to pay these fines and fees. The majority of income is coming from the Black and brown communities, Beale said, later adding shame on you while addressing his Black and Latino council colleagues. Lightfoot said the cameras, by law, were installed throughout the city and are not clustered in minority areas. Its surreal to me were even having this discussion, she said, given the scourge of speeding drivers. After his measure faltered, Beale told reporters he wasnt giving up but declined to elaborate on what options he has left. We always got a few things up our sleeve that we can work on. Ive been around a little while, Beale said. He also blamed his failure on the long timeframe the mayor had thanks to her allies blocking previous votes. The more time you give the mayor to twist arms, then this is what you get, Beale said. She kept delay, delay, delay, and then started working people, talking to aldermen, to get them to change their votes. Lightfoot and her administration had walked a fine line while rebutting Beale and other critics of the ordinance. For the most part, Lightfoot officials have argued that the 6 mph threshold is a critical public safety measure, but they have also pointed to the revenue generated by the cameras as a reason to keep them in place. She recently argued, for instance, that Beales ordinance is an $80 million proposition due to the amount of money the city would lose out on this year and next. That point was seemingly a powerful one for City Council members, since the next election is in February and aldermen generally dont want to vote on new fines or tax increases leading up to the vote. Among the mayors vigorous attempts to protect her policy include releasing a statement last month imploring residents directly to call their aldermen and ask them to vote no on the speed camera rollback when it was still in the hands of the finance committee. When that didnt work, she sent another statement blasting the decision and listing all 16 aldermen who voted yes by name, saying their choice was simply unconscionable. It had appeared likely that Lightfoot would have vetoed the measure has it passed. She has not used her veto power since taking office in 2019. According to city data, 174 people were killed in traffic crashes in Chicago last year. That was up from 151 deaths in 2020 and 120 in 2019, though many of the deaths last year were not in areas where the speed cameras are present. Lightfoot lowered the speeding ticket minimum as part of her 2021 budget, arguing it would make city streets safer and saying she did not do it to raise more money. Though she campaigned on a pledge to end Chicagos addiction to fines and fees, the mayor said safety-related issues such as speeding deserve tougher enforcement. Nonetheless, the new standards have proven lucrative and drawn loud rebukes from Beale and others who contend the mayor is trying to balance Chicagos books on the backs of poor and working-class residents who can ill afford the new $35 tickets each time they get busted. The city sent out over 1.6 million of the $35 speed camera tickets in 2021, even though Lightfoots new rules didnt take effect until March. Just in the first two months, the city issued $11 million in fines for those caught going 6 to 10 mph over, a Tribune investigation found. Nearly 900,000 warnings were also sent out to drivers caught going 6 to 9 mph too fast in the month before the lower threshold started. Drivers are also charged $35 if the cameras catch them going 10 mph over the limit, and $100 tickets go out to those caught driving 11 or more mph too fast. While in office, former mayor Rahm Emanuel put those guidelines in place for the speed cameras; Beales ordinance would revert to the 10 mph ticket minimum. The cameras are intended to be aimed near parks and schools, where people on foot, bike riders and children may be present. And while pedestrian and bicycle safety organizations tend to support the 6 mph ticket minimum on the grounds that it gets motorists to slow down, many Chicago drivers resent yet another example of the city nickel-and-diming them, and aldermen complain the cameras in some cases arent really close to schools or parks. Lightfoot included the change within her massive 2021 budget package, so aldermen did not have to vote on it specifically then. They called it massive resistance. That, some of you may recall, was what Virginia dubbed its campaign of defiance of Brown v. Board of Education, the 1954 Supreme Court ruling that outlawed school segregation. The Virginia crusade was just part of a drive by conservatives all over the South to blunt the effect of that decision. Its a noxious bit of history that, paradoxically, may carry a seed of hope for advocates of reproductive rights in the wake of the Supreme Court ruling that overturned Roe v. Wade. It reminds us that, though the Court is considered the final arbiter of national disputes, there have been times it was anything but. Brown v. Board is the most obvious, albeit notorious, example. By means both subtle and overt, conservative voters and lawmakers have spent almost 70 years defying that decision, with the result that, according to a 2020 report from the Civil Rights Project at UCLA, School segregation is now more severe than in the late 1960s. In a similar sense, weve discovered, in the weeks since the court struck down Roe, that it unsettled more than it settled. Consider last weeks news that a 10-year-old rape victim her name has not been released had to flee across state lines from Ohio to Indiana to have her pregnancy terminated. This, because the law in her home state would not permit the procedure. Many conservative lawmakers, increasingly indistinguishable from 17th-century Puritans and Iranian ayatollahs in their moral precepts, consider it pro-life to force a 10-year-old girl to give birth. And yet when the news broke, the radical right (pretty much the only right there is in this country just now) seemed utterly unprepared to respond, much less explain or defend. Forced to face the consequences of their hardline zealotry, many resorted to denial and deflection. South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem said, It looks like the story was fake to begin with. Tucker Carlson, of Fox News, said, Politicians are lying about this. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost and Rep. Brian Stewart suggested the story was a hoax. Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan tweeted that it was another lie. When that lie led to the arrest of the alleged rapist, Jordan deleted his tweet, then claimed on CNN that he never doubted the story. Meantime, the doctor who performed the procedure reports that some in the pro-life crowd are threatening to kill her. Again, the court seems less to have settled the issue than to have broken it wide open. And you wonder: If 1950s segregationists were able to succeed in nullifying a court ruling, though they had not morality, nor logic, nor even national opinion on their side, what can be done by reproductive-rights advocates, given that they have all three? Plus, they have the visceral power of new narratives now unfolding in real time. Its not just a 10-year-old girl fleeing across state lines for an abortion like some perverse new version of the Underground Railroad. Its the fact that some legislators are pondering laws to criminalize such flights to restrict womens right to travel. Its the fact that an Australian woman has said that, while passing through the United States en route to Canada, she was recently detained, fingerprinted and interrogated about being pregnant or having an abortion. Its the fact that a Texas woman told CNN a few days ago that she was forced to carry a dead fetus to term endangering both her health and her future ability to have children because no doctor would perform an abortion. Putting it mildly, these are not stories likely to increase public support for the courts judicial overreach. And we will see many more before this is done. This is just the beginning. They will be fuel for structures of defiance and civil disobedience that even now are taking shape all over the country. One doctor is even talking about setting up an abortion boat in federal waters off the Gulf of Mexico. So one suspects the right may soon learn the truth of that axiom about being careful what you wish for. Massive resistance goes both ways. Orangeburg Department of Public Safety A 28-year-old Orangeburg man was shot as he attempted to fight off an armed robber at a motel, according to an incident report. The incident happened at the Palmetto Inn and Suites, located at 926 John C. Calhoun Drive, around 3:45 a.m. Monday. When officers arrived, they found the injured man behind a desk in the front lobby of the motel. He was holding onto some money and struggling to breathe, the report states. A woman entered the lobby and tried to calm the man. She told officers that she and the injured man were in room 306 when an acquaintance entered and demanded what they had in their possession. The acquaintance was pointing a handgun, she said. She retreated to the bathroom and saw the injured man and the acquaintance fighting. She then heard a gunshot. Officers spoke with the injured man once medics were able to render aid. He told officers that he was able to flee from the gunman to the lobby, where he had motel management call law enforcement. Neither the injured man nor the woman want to press charges, according to the incident report. Orangeburg County Sheriffs Office A woman believes someone may have drugged and then sexually assaulted her in Santee early Thursday morning, according to an incident report. She called deputies at 1:47 a.m. Orangeburg County EMS transported the woman to the Regional Medical Center because she requested a sexual assault nurse exam. In other reports: The following items were reported stolen on Wednesday from a residential shed on Jeffcoat Bridge Road in North: a red metal cutting machine, a battery-operated DeWalt drill and the battery charger. The value of the stolen items is $3,250. Someone stole a 1995 tan Chevrolet pickup truck, a 10-foot utility trailer, a John Deere riding lawnmower and a red wood chipper from a St. Matthews Road home in Orangeburg. The theft was reported on Wednesday. The items are valued at $8,801. Veteran journalist Sam Watson has been named director of University Relations at South Carolina State University. Watson had served as S.C. States public information officer since February 2021. Since his arrival at SC State, Sam has helped enhance the publics understanding of what makes this university an outstanding institution of higher learning, said Sonja Bennett-Bellamy, S.C States vice president for institutional advancement and external affairs. He brought a wealth of experience to the role and consistently demonstrates leadership, determination and creativity in everything he does. It is my pleasure to welcome Sam into our management team. I know he will continue innovating so that the S.C. State story is effectively communicated to our various stakeholders and the world, Bennett-Bellamy said. As director of University Relations, Watson will lead a team of multiskilled communicators to produce news, feature stories and videos highlighting S.C. States academic successes and advancements, as well as students, faculty, staff members and alumni. He also will coordinate SC States digital content as the University Relations and Marketing team develops the universitys new website. He will continue to serve as the primary point of contact for news media and coordinate press coverage at S.C. State. Watson spent 35 years in the newspaper business - first as a photojournalist, then as a reporter and finally as an editor. As a reporter, he specialized in covering both K-12 and higher education for much of his career. He concluded his tenure in newspapers as the chief editor at Johnson City Press, a daily publication in Northeast Tennessee. Under his leadership, the Press received Tennessees top newspaper honor from the Tennessee Press Association/University of Tennessee three of the four years he was the editor. A native of Kingsport, Tennessee, Watson received his bachelors degree in English/journalism from Tennessee Technological University in 1988. He is an avid photographer, film buff and outdoors enthusiast. Some local officials say a proposed partnership with the Medical University of South Carolina could be positive for the Regional Medical Center, but are urging Orangeburg and Calhoun county councils not to rush into anything. I don't have anything against the partnering, but I am thinking we should wade in the water, not dive in, Orangeburg County Council Vice Chair Janie Cooper-Smith said Monday. Take this slowly and see what is going to happen. I don't think is something we should just go into blind, I think, she said. Let's take it slowly. Don't bite off everything and swallow it, but take your time and chew it. Cooper-Smith spoke during a meeting of the RMC Board of Trustees with Orangeburg and Calhoun county councils. The two counties own the hospital. They were discussing a possible partnership between MUSC and RMC. A budget proviso passed by the S.C. General Assembly allows MUSC, within its own budget, to enter into the partnership with RMC. Cooper-Smith said she does not want to see RMC close like Bamberg and Barnwell county hospitals, but she recalled how there were calls at one time for South Carolina State University and Denmark Technical College to merge with other universities and colleges. Both are thriving now without merging with larger entities, she said. She said she is particularly concerned about the public that uses the hospital and feels they have not been appropriately consulted. You can have a hospital full of doctors, full of specialists of all kinds, but if you don't have any patients, you just have a building full of experts and nobody for those people to work on, Cooper-Smith said. I think we should include the stakeholders. Monday's meeting of the governing bodies was called at the request of RMC Board Chair the Rev. Dr. Caesar Richburg. MUSC officials propose entering into the partnership by the close of RMC's fiscal year: Sept. 30. A working group has been formed to help implement the partnership. The group is to be responsible for drafting a plan that will be provided to the local legislative delegation and Orangeburg and Calhoun county councils for review and action. The working group has been asked to submit its recommendations before Sept. 1. Upon review, both councils would pass ordinances by Oct. 1 reflecting the recommended implementation of the partnership, according to a document. The local legislative delegation has expressed its support for the partnership. Richburg said the RMC Board was in the process of forming an ad hoc committee to discuss a partnership even before the S.C. General Assembly's proviso. We were executing with intentionality, Richburg said. We weren't pushing it fast, because we wanted to make certain that we did not make any mistakes. This was a part of it. The persons of whom you asked to serve have not just been sitting on our hands, if you will, Richburg said. We always knew, if you date back a little bit, that there was the need for some type of an alignment or partnership. Richburg said the board looked heavily at MUSC as a partner in the process. RMC trustee Samantha Farlow-Moyd expressed her excitement about a partnership with MUSC, but did express some concerns. I want to make sure that MUSC knows our culture, knows our people, Farlow-Moyd said. I think it is important MUSC understands our people. I think it is important that we have a lot to offer. This is not a situation where one is David and one is Goliath, Farlow-Moyd continued. I want us to make sure that we see ourselves as equals. I want to make sure that we negotiate aggressively to make sure that we just don't accept everything that MUSC tells us is good for our community. Dr. Franklin Coulter, who is one of the RMC doctors on the working group, described RMC as a jewel for this county. It has to survive, he said. I don't see it not surviving, no matter what we do here. It has to survive however we put it together. Coulter said MUSC has a brand that RMC can benefit from. He noted RMC has worked with MUSC in the areas of behavioral health, telemedicine, ICU and tele-neurology. The experience we had with them in the cancer center was not a good one, Coulter said. It is important, I think, for us to recognize that this could be a good partnership, but we don't want it to go down the wrong track. Coulter did note that he would like to see more members of the RMC board on the working group. RMC trustee Dr. Mohammad Nassri said he does not think anyone is afraid of change. I have not talked to anyone on the staff who is against this move, Nassri said. We all knew that we had to do something to ensure the hospital thrives. The hospital has been in some difficulties and has some challenges big and small and the pandemic made things even more dire in many ways. MUSC is a fine institution, Nassri continued. They will bring a lot of positive change. I think the community here deserves a better system then we have. It is not to say anything negative about the hospital. It is the nature of things. Smaller hospitals are being taken over by larger systems. We have to accept this. This is something we can either go along with or stay behind. Nassri did express concerns about how the working group has been formed and said he believes there should have been more consultation with both county councils. Nassri said there are also still issues that need to be discussed with MUSC about the partnership and whoever is behind all of this. I still don't know who exactly these people are, he said. Transparency has not been a major thing with this move, unfortunately and sadly. Orangeburg County Council Chair Johnnie Wright as well as Councilwoman Deloris Frazier, Councilman Joseph Garvin and Councilman Johnny Ravenell all expressed their support for an RMC-MUSC partnership. Orangeburg County Councilman Kenneth McCaster declined comment, noting all had been said. Calhoun County Chair James Haigler and Calhoun County Vice Chair Ken Westbury also expressed their support for the partnership. Google common sense and youll get this: Common sense is a form of practical decision-making and the ability to imagine the consequences of something you do. It stops us making irrational mistakes and makes it easier to make choices on what to do. We aren't born with common sense, we develop it over time. One of the nations longest-serving sheriffs when he retired in 2021, Ed Darnell of Bamberg County believed in the importance of common sense. The man who served for 42 years as the countys top law enforcement officer said in an interview with T&D Staff Writer Martha Rose Brown after his retirement that the most important degree youve got to have to do anything is common sense and youll be a success. Yet Darnell, who graduated high school and the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy, said something is even greater: Everybodys got to put Jesus back in their hearts and minds to solve whats going on in our country today. Were all here together. Weve got to work together. Darnell, who died July 12 at age 85, lived and served by Christian principles and using common sense. And he found that referenced success. His law enforcement career began in 1972, when he joined the Denmark Police Department. In 1973, he graduated from the Criminal Justice Academy and served as a police officer with the Denmark Police Department, advancing to the rank of assistant chief, before being appointed sheriff of Bamberg County by Gov. James B. Edwards in 1978 after the death of former Sheriff A.L. Strickland. He was officially sworn in on May 4, 1978. Darnell received numerous honors, including serving as president of the South Carolina Sheriff's Association in 1986 and being selected as Sheriff of the Year in 2001, which was voted on by his peers. He was also elected Sheriff of the Year in 2008 by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Victim Advocate Association due to his strong support for victims' rights both in Bamberg County and in South Carolina. In December 2019, Bamberg County Council passed a resolution naming the law enforcement wing the "Ed Darnell Law Enforcement Center." That same year, he was honored by the Bamberg County Chamber of Commerce as Citizen of the Year. S.C. Sheriffs Association Executive Director Jarrod Bruder called Darnell an institution, praising him for befriending and mentoring many sheriffs around the state over his four decades in office. And there could be no stronger legacy for the sheriff than being known for using common sense and values that yielded fairness and professionalism. The words from his obituary tell the story: Darnell dedicated his life to the people of Bamberg County and believed in treating every person the same, that people deserved second chances, and sometimes third and fourth. What to expect from upcoming China International Consumer Products Expo Xinhua) 08:22, July 21, 2022 Photo taken on July 19, 2022 shows a view of the Hainan International Convention and Exhibition Center, the venue for the 2nd China International Consumer Products Expo, in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province. (Xinhua/Yang Guanyu) BEIJING, July 20 (Xinhua) -- The second China International Consumer Products Expo, to be held from July 25 to 30 in Haikou, capital of southern tropical province of Hainan, will provide a platform for the display and trading of high-level consumer goods from China and abroad. With a larger exhibition area, more participating exhibitors and brands, and a special focus on new and quality products, the expo is expected to remain the largest consumer boutique exhibition in the Asia-Pacific region. The following is an overview of what to expect from this year's exhibition. LARGER SCALE -- The total exhibition area of this year's expo will reach 100,000 square meters, an increase of 25 percent from last year's event, also in Haikou. -- The international exhibition section accounts for 80 percent of the expo's total exhibition area. -- More than 1,600 international brands from 61 countries and regions will attend the expo, with top brands in many subsectors attending for the first time. -- Over 1,200 domestic brands have signed up for the event so far, and a new area of 5,000 square meters will be designated for domestic boutiques and time-honored brands. NEW QUALITY PRODUCTS -- More than 200 brands are expected to launch over 600 new products during this year's expo. -- Dozens of leading global brands will hold more than 100 new product debut activities, covering sectors including fashion and cosmetics, food and drink, and jewelry. -- Some 28 shows will be held from July 27 to 28, launching over 100 new products, while a dozen of events will be organized to launch new products from multiple regions in China. -- A fashion-week activity will be held during the expo, in which nearly 20 outstanding domestic and foreign designer brands will release more than 100 new fashion products at runway shows. FOCUSING ON EFFECTIVENESS -- To match exhibition with purchasing, the expo will invite well-known domestic and foreign commercial enterprises, duty-free firms, cross-border e-commerce companies and other businesses. It is expected that more than 40,000 buyers and professional visitors will be present at the event. -- The expo will better reach consumers with the support of popular forms of business, such as live-streaming, and by working with e-commerce platforms. -- Efforts will also be made to encourage more exhibitors to set up regional headquarters or open stores at the Hainan free trade port to expand their export business in China. (Web editor: Wu Chaolan, Liang Jun) You are here: World Flash Ranil Wickremesinghe was sworn in as the president of Sri Lanka on Thursday in the parliament before Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya. Wickremesinghe was elected as the president in an election held in parliament on Wednesday, during which Wickremesinghe got 134 votes from parliamentarians. Out of 225 parliamentarians, 223 voted in the ballot and there were four invalid votes. An official from the President's Office said that Wickremesinghe will appoint a new prime minister and cabinet in the coming days. On Wednesday, Wickremesinghe invited all political parties to join hands with him and work together to overcome the economic crisis and bring in a new political change. Sri Lanka is in the mid of severe economic turmoil and has sought assistance from the International Monetary Fund and friendly nations to supply basic essentials such as fuel, gas and medicines. A group of people disapproving of a planned bypass through the 'Bobesch' between Bascharage and Sanem has been occupying the forest since Friday. Several days after starting their protest, the activists were allegedly approached by the Nature Administration and asked to vacate the woodland. In conversation with RTL, activists said that they were told that their occupying constructions, including platforms fixed with climbing gear, would damage the trees and infringe on environmental laws. Ironic, said the activists, as the trees are meant to be cut down in favour of a road. RTL RTL RTL RTL Emweltaktiviste protesteiere geint Ofholze vum Besch. / RTL RTL RTL RTL 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. However, when asked to comment, the Ministry for the Environment, Climate and Sustainable Development stated that the forest occupiers do not violate any environmental laws. It is true that a team from the Nature Administration paid a visit to the location on Wednesday to establish a report, but the document does not mention any violations. While on location, the employees from the Nature Administration told the activists that they are occupying someone else's property. Furthermore, they were told to leave the forest as they found it and not start any fires. The planned bypass is said to extend over 4.2 kilometres all the way through the Bobesch. It is further expected to also affect a 'Natura 2000' zone near the 'Zamerbesch' forest. The "cross-generational collective", as the Bobi Bleift movement describes itself, calls for measures to manage and reduce car traffic instead of building a new road. "The government could take many other measures (such as investment in public transport, P&R, electric mobility, car-sharing and intelligent lighting systems) to combat climate change," the group states in a press release. In addition, the group advocates for a halt to other road projects and for the protection of all forests. Construction of the Bascharage bypass has not yet started. In response to RTL's questions, the initiative's members said they were willing to keep their peaceful protest going as long as necessary. A woman was hit by a tram while crossing the rails at a non-designated spot near Rue Alphonse Weicker in Kirchberg. According to preliminary findings, the pedestrian tried crossing the rails at a non-designated spot and failed to see the oncoming tram in time. The police report that the woman suffered light injuries as she was only grazed by the tram. The woman was later brought to a hospital for a check-up. Emergency services from Luxembourg City were at the scene to provide assistance. The municipality of Luxembourg City has announced that the new N3, which will connect Gare with Hesperange via Howald, will be known as the 'Boulevard de Kiev'. Editor's note: RTL Today has reached out to the City and asked for a statement concerning the spelling. There are different spelling forms for the capital's name, and is sometimes seen written as Kyiv or Kiev. The Luxembourg City municipal council approved the new name last Friday. 'Boulevard de Kiev' is hoped to express support from Luxembourg's capital to that of Ukraine and its people, and further represent a "symbol of solidarity". By 2023, the N3 is expected to act as a new entrance to Luxembourg City and help reorganise traffic in the direction of the south. The tram will also drive alongside a limited stretch of the Boulevard de Kiev. A new report from the National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (STATEC) shows that out of 4,489 deaths reported in the Grand Duchy last year, 9% were related to the coronavirus. In 2020, the first year of the pandemic, 4,609 people died in Luxembourg, which represented a 7.6% increase compared to the previous year. In 2021, the rate decreased by 2.6%, with 120 fewer people dying than in 2020. In this regard, it is important to note that the country's population also increased by 1.7% in 2021. Life expectancy has not been significantly affected by the pandemic, notes the STATEC report: 84.8 years for women and 80.3 years for men. The fact that the coronavirus has caused more deaths among older citizens may have contributed to the stability. Compared to other European countries, death rates in Luxembourg only recorded minor impacts from the pandemic. In Spain, for instance, the rate went up by 80.8% during the first infection wave. The one in neighbouring Belgium increased by 73.1%. The STATEC report states that if not for the coronavirus restrictions put in place in 2020 and 2021, the mortality rate in Luxembourg would have been much higher. The Institute further found that the virus had a lesser effect in 2021 with 9% of deaths affected by it, compared to 11% in 2020. The city of Casper is countersuing its former bus operator, alleging in court filings that the Casper Area Transportation Coalition double-dipped into grant funding while fully funded by pandemic relief money in 2020. The counterclaim, filed Friday in federal district court, also alleges CATC refused to return money it wasnt supposed to receive from the city. A lawyer for CATC said Wednesday that the agency maintains that Casper owes it around $30,000 more than the bus operator owes the city. Caspers claims are in line with the reasons it cited when ending its nearly 40-year relationship with CATC last April. The city then took over both fixed-route and on-demand bus services, which also cover parts of the county outside of Casper. CATCs ongoing lawsuit against the city, filed in March, alleges Casper officials violated their contract by seizing records from CATCs leased office, shutting down the agencys access to city servers and ending its lease early. A federal judge declined to dismiss the case on the citys claims in June. But the city said the search was part of a forensic audit it commissioned after learning CATC had allegedly asked the Wyoming Department of Transportation to be reimbursed for expenses already directly covered by the city. The city alleges in recent filings that WYDOT strongly encouraged it to undertake the audit. It also says that a search warrant or subpoena was not needed for the search since the citys contract with CATC allowed it to access documents necessary for an audit. According to the city, the audit found CATC received over-payments totaling more than $145,000 because it did not account for the money it made from fares when requesting reimbursement from Casper. CATC has maintained that it was the citys responsibility, as the recipient of the CARES Act money, to tell the bus operator to deduct fare revenue from their reimbursement request. It was their mistake, and now they want to blame CATC, said Judith Studer, the lawyer representing CATC in its lawsuit. The forensic audit cost the city another $35,000, Caspers attorney also noted in Fridays filing. It was performed by an outside accountant and fraud examiner. The city says it would not have known about the alleged double-dipping without the audit. Casper says when it asked CATC to pay that money back on multiple occasions, the agency refused. Studer said Wednesday that CATC sent city officials a letter last fall, offering to settle the debt, but received no response. We recognize that the city should not have overpaid us, and were willing to give the money back, Studer said. Im just surprised they bothered to sue us instead of sitting down and getting it resolved. Studer said CATC is still hopeful the issue can be corrected before the case has to go to a trial. A lawyer for the city could not be reached for comment Wednesday. The city also alleges CATC failed to send required monthly reports to Casper between January and September 2021 (the contract was terminated officially in May of that year). CATC denies that allegation. The location of one of Casper's polling places is changing only weeks before the August primary. The Natrona County Commission passed the proposed change on Tuesday evening in light of a possible change in ownership at the space. In years past, the polling location for county's District 1, Precinct 1 has been in the Roosevelt Community Center. As the Aug. 16 primary election nears, the booths will be moving to the former North Casper Elementary School at 1014 Glenarm. The County Clerk, Tracy Good, has notified [voters] and candidates through mail and every avenue available, County Commissioner Chairman Paul Bertoglio said. The change was prompted by potential new ownership of the property. After representatives of the Roosevelt Community Center notified Good that they were unable to host this years election, the search began for a new location. Currently, the former North Casper Elementary School building is occupied by the Wyoming Food for Thought Project, and Good said during the meeting that they gave the green light for the space to be used for this years election. She does her job well and is one of the best county clerks in the state. Tracy Good is taking care of it, Bertoglio added. Its a little bit of a challenge to keep track of nuances since its a job thats not just statewide and covers all sorts of different avenues and streets, but shes got this handled. Good was out of the office Wednesday and unavailable for comment. The University of Wyoming is recommending the retraction of "several" papers by a former professor following an investigation that found "data irregularities inconsistent with published conclusions" in the research. Two papers that the professor was involved with have already been retracted. Retraction Watch, a blog that tracks retracted scientific papers, first reported on the retractions Friday. The former professor, Jun Ren, served as the Wyoming Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence program director and associate dean of pharmacology during his time at the university. Last year, he made Clarivate Analytics list of the worlds most highly cited researchers, according to a UW article from November. He left UW sometime during the 2019-2020 academic year, according to a November article from the university. Its unclear if his departure was related to the retracted papers. The university hasnt yet responded to the Star-Tribunes request for further comment. UWs first investigation into his publications took place between 2013 and 2015, according to a May letter Ren sent to American Heart Association Publishing Committee Chair Eldrin Lewis, and which he later shared with Retraction Watch. Ren said in his letter that, following the investigation, he received severe sanction by the University, which included losing his directorship of a multi-million dollar research program as well as other administrative, editorial, grant review and advisor positions. But none of his papers were retracted following that investigation, he said. Rather, he was allowed to make corrections. Ren also referred to another recent investigation into his work, which, according to his letter, was still ongoing at that time. Its not clear when this investigation began, or if it has since concluded. It's also unclear why the university opened a second investigation into Ren's work. Two of Rens articles were retracted earlier this month. UW found data irregularities inconsistent with published conclusions in one of the papers, published in MBC Medicine in 2012, and evidence of data irregularities and image reuse in the other, published in Plos One in 2010, according to the retraction notices. Ren didnt agree with either retraction, according to the notices. UW is further recommending retraction of several more publications by Ren, again because of data irregularities inconsistent with published conclusions, according to an emailed statement from the university. Ren referred in his letter to two papers published by the American Heart Association that are slated for retraction. Ren wrote in his letter to Lewis regarding the first of these papers, published in 2012, that he had overcommitted himself in administrative work and failed to stay on top of his research lab. I took the full responsibility for our mistakes, he said. But he also said that he believed the mistakes to be correctable issues or just a difference in opinion. Ren admitted that the second paper, published in 2009, had two mistakes. But he added that he believed the errors to be correctable and that they were not done trying to alter study conclusion. Its unclear if UW has recommended the retraction of any other papers involving Ren. The university hasnt yet responded to the Star-Tribune to clarify. Ren did not respond to the Star-Tribunes request for comment by press time. President Joe Biden has announced modest new steps to combat climate change and promised more robust action to come, saying, This is an emergency and I will look at it that way. The president stopped short Wednesday of issuing a formal declaration of a climate emergency. Democrats and environmental groups have been seeking such a declaration after an influential Democratic senator quashed hopes for sweeping legislation to address global warming. During a speech at a former coal-powered plan in Massachusetts, Biden said he would use his executive powers to turn concern about a climate emergency into formal, official government actions. A ban on certain semi-automatic weapons is moving forward in the House. Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee began considering legislation to ban some assault-type weapons on Wednesday. Uvaldes top school official has recommended the firing of the school district police chief who was central to the botched law enforcement response to the elementary school shooting nearly two months ago that killed two teachers and 19 students. Leaders of Indianas Republican-dominated Senate have proposed banning abortion with limited exceptions a move that comes amid a political firestorm over a 10-year-old rape victim who came to the state from neighboring Ohio to end her pregnancy. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has announced a new push to protect same-sex marriage in federal law. Schumer leaned into the bill Wednesday after a surprising number of House Republicans helped pass the landmark legislation in their chamber on Tuesday. Some GOP senators are signaling support. An Indiana man who ran into a burning home and saved five people, including a 6-year-old girl he jumped out of a second-floor window with, says hes no hero and the serious injuries he suffered in the dramatic rescue were all worth it. Sales of previously occupied U.S. homes slowed for the fifth consecutive month in June as higher mortgage rates and rising prices kept many home hunters on the sidelines. The National Association of Realtors said Wednesday that existing home sales fell 5.4% last month from May to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.12 million. Individual health insurance rates are going up across the country. The coronavirus pandemic caused lots of people to put off routine health care. But now many people are returning to doctor's offices. Health insurers in individual marketplaces across 13 states and Washington D.C. will raise rates an average of 10% next year. High diesel prices are driving up the cost of everything, from groceries to Amazon orders and furniture. That's because nearly everything thats delivered, whether by truck, rail or ship, uses diesel fuel. Disbarred South Carolina attorney Alex Murdaugh has pleaded not guilty to fatally shooting his wife and son. His defense lawyers agreed on Wednesday to ask the judge to deny him bond, saying he cant afford to post it anyway. The European Unions head is proposed that member states cut their gas use by 15% over the coming months to make sure that any Russian cutoff of natural gas supplies to the bloc will not fundamentally disrupt industries and send an additional chill through homes next winter. Britains Conservative Party has chosen Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss as the two finalists in an election to replace Prime Minister Boris Johnson. The pair came first and second in a vote of Conservative lawmakers on Wednesday. A Sesame Street-themed amusement park has apologized after a viral video appearing to show a costumed character waving off two 6-year-old Black girls at a parade outside Philadelphia. Sesame Place has issued two apologies since, saying the performer did not intentionally ignore the girls and promising to take action to do better. Micronesia has likely become the final nation in the world with a population of more than 100,000 to experience an outbreak of COVID-19. For more than two-and-a-half years, the Pacific archipelago managed to avoid any outbreaks thanks to its geographic isolation and border controls. On July 12, Rep. Liz Cheney ended the latest Jan. 6 committee hearing in Washington D.C. by raising the possibility that former President Donald Trump had committed witness tampering. The same day and 1,700 miles to the west, Harriet Hageman, Trumps pick to unseat her, made her way down Center Street in downtown Casper, waiving to throngs of spectators in one of central Wyomings biggest summer parades. The dichotomy is notable, especially in a state where Cheney is facing increasing criticism that her work on the committee is taking too much of her focus from issues back home. That criticism appears to be hurting her political prospects in Wyoming. Nearly 60% of Wyoming Republicans who plan to vote in next months primary say her service on the Jan. 6 committee makes them less likely to vote for her, a new Casper Star-Tribune poll shows. Even when factoring in Democrats and independents who plan to vote in the GOP primary, only 22% of voters here say her work on the committee makes it more likely that they will support her. People could be viewing Cheneys participation with the committee as a distraction from Wyoming issues, said Dr. Jim King, political science professor at the University of Wyoming. Time spent on that is time not spent on something else. More poll results The Casper Star-Tribune is planning a series of stories tied to its recent poll of likely voters in Wyoming's Republican primary. Sunday: Hageman takes a commanding lead Hageman takes a commanding lead Sunday: Many Democrats are supporting Cheney Many Democrats are supporting Cheney Wednesday: The impact of Donald Trump on Wyoming's House race The impact of Donald Trump on Wyoming's House race Thursday: Voters and Jan. 6 Voters and Jan. 6 Next week: A demographic breakdown of the race Editor's note: The demographic piece had originally been slated to run Friday. The same poll found Cheney trailing Hageman by 22 points with only a month until the primary. The poll, conducted for the Star-Tribune by Mason-Dixon Polling & Strategy, surveyed 1,100 registered Wyoming voters likely to participate in the primary. It is the first independent, in-state poll to be conducted on one of the nations most watched races. It has a margin of error of plus or minus 3%. Cheneys political favor among Wyoming Republicans faltered soon after the Jan. 6 attack at the Capitol, when she famously told interviewers that Trump was responsible for the riot. The president incited the mob, she said that day. The president addressed the mob. He lit the flame. Cheney was among only 10 Republicans in the House who voted to impeach Trump, and she remains a steadfast critic of the former president, whom she says represents a threat to democracy and the rule of law. At the time of the Jan. 6 riot, Cheney was the third-ranking Republican in the House. Her consistent criticism of the former president as a threat to democracy led her GOP colleagues in Congress to oust her from leadership. She also angered the Wyoming GOP, which censured her and later symbolically voted to no longer recognize her as a Republican. Despite the backlash, she continued to speak out against Trump and kept reminding anyone who would listen about the severity of the Jan. 6 attack. Eventually, she landed a role as vice chairman of the investigative committee, one of only two Republicans on the panel. Voters say Trumps endorsement of Hageman has had little influence on their decision, the poll shows. In contrast, Cheneys work on the commission is having a far greater influence on the race. Half of the people who plan to vote in next months primary say that have been following the Jan. 6 hearings closely or very closely, with Republicans being less likely than Democrats to have paid attention to the proceedings. The poll asked voters whether they approved or disapproved of Cheneys decision to serve on the committee. Six in 10 people who plan to vote in the primary said they disapproved of her choice, while 29% approved. In a party breakdown, eight in 10 Democrats backed her service, while more than two-thirds of Republicans disagreed. Only 18% of Wyoming Republicans and 23% of independents say theyre more likely to vote for her in light of her committee service. A whopping 59% of Republicans said they are less likely to vote for Cheney because of her decision. Interviews with voters conducted by the Star-Tribune mirrored those results. When John Luber, a registered Republican and groundskeeper at Caspers David Street Station, was asked why hes not voting for Cheney, he said its due to her basic stance on January the 6th. Im still up in the air about the whole thing, he said. I think theyre making a big thing. It wasnt an insurrection, it was just a demonstration. Lubner said he plans to vote for Hageman, who has called the Jan. 6 hearings a Stalinist show trial. They hate the fact that shes on the Jan. 6 committee said Brad Coker, managing director of Mason-Dixon, the polling company that performed the survey for the Star-Tribune. Across the aisle, Cheney has far more support for her service on the committee: 61% of Democrats who plan to vote in the primary say Cheneys service makes them more likely to support her. When I saw her comments and her leadership in the Jan. 6 hearings ... I was like, Theres no mistake. She represented, for me, a woman with guts and determination, who wanted to look and find out what the facts were before moving on, said Rob Johnston, whos lived in Wyoming since 2002 and has been a registered Democrat almost that entire time. While Democratic support for Cheney may be substantial, the polls finding suggest there are not nearly enough Democrats in Wyoming to help her win unless the vote is decided by a couple thousand ballots. Despite all of that, Cheney is sticking to her guns. 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. Since 2020 a total of 218 people have been arrested in connection with the theft of metals i One month before his passing on May 6, 2001 the artist Carlisle Chang relived with relish th After two decades on the Tucson Unified School District board, Adelita Grijalva is not seeking a sixth term in the November election. Grijalva, who is also an elected member of the Pima County Board of Supervisors, said her decision was based on the list of candidates interested in filling a TUSD seat. I chose after 20 years not to run for reelection because I was able to look at the quality of the candidates that are running. We have a lot of parents that have an invested interest in our schools, and I feel really good about that, Grijalva said. As she nears the end of her fifth consecutive term, she is set to tie with former board member Joel Ireland for longest-serving TUSD board member. The TUSD governing board currently includes Grijalva, who is board president; Leila Counts; Ravi Shah; Sadie Shaw; and Natalie Luna Rose. Counts, whose first term is coming to an end this year, also is not seeking reelection. TUSD governing board elections are staggered. Members Shah, Luna Rose and Shaw were elected in 2020 and will see their terms come to an end in December 2024. Positive moment Grijalvas service with TUSD began in 2003 before she had any children, she said. Fast forward to the present, and she now has three children enrolled in TUSD schools. During most of her time with TUSD, she was the only parent and person of color who served on the board, she said. In an interview Tuesday, Grijalva reflected on how things have changed since the start of her first term. Really, what was just a positive moment for me is when this current board was totally sworn in, and you look that every single one of us are parents of children in our district, and we are the most diverse board that I think has ever been, she said. She listed preschool across TUSD as one of the most important measures she has worked on during her time on the board. When she became a mother during her first board term, she confronted obstacles in finding a preschool to enroll her daughter in, she said. Most preschools only offered assistance for families that met certain financial criteria. I, as a person who was working, didnt qualify because of income, but I still couldnt afford $850 a month for preschool, she said. There wasnt a place that I could go, and so now, after 20 years, we have preschools in nearly every elementary school, Grijalva said, adding that there are also two early learning centers, which offer services for children as young as 6 weeks. Looking ahead, Grijalva said the districts budget will be a big priority for governing board members next year. Were going to have to deal with the reduction in (federal) funds, she said, referring to the COVID-19 relief funding that school districts received. Grijalva has two years left on her first term on the Board of Supervisors and said she plans to run for reelection to that office. I think 20 years is an honor and a privilege, and I just wanted to give some other people the opportunity to be able to serve and do the same thing, she said. TUSD is our home, and well continue to be all right. READ MORE: Tucson, Pima County step up mental health coverage for employees For Star subscribers: The jurisdictions are the first in Arizona to opt in to federal mental health parity protections that allow employees and their family members to appeal denials of mental health coverage. Tucson Unified School District to add 6 armed officers TUSD will expand its school safety team to place an officer at every high school. One board member voting against the plan said he's seen no evidence that adding more armed staff reduces the severity of school shootings. Counts resigns Tucson Unified board presidency; Grijalva takes over TUSD board member Leila Counts resigns her role as president citing health issues and her children needing extra help getting caught up because of learning challenges during COVID. Longtime board member Adelita Grijalva will fill out the term as president until January. With about two weeks until students first day back to school, Tucson Unified School District faces significant staffing shortages in some departments. Superintendent Gabriel Trujillo said the deepest shortages are among middle and high school math educators, special education teachers and bus drivers. We are continuing to hire on a daily basis. I do see us getting more teachers, although its more of a trickle now, Trujillo said Wednesday. As we stand here on July 20, Im very realistic about the inevitable likelihood that were going to be starting school with basically the same number of vacancies that we have now, he said. Overall, Trujillo said, the district has a workforce of about 2,750 teachers and is facing 126 teacher vacancies. Earlier this month, TUSD administrators informed governing board members that the district faced up to 24 math teacher vacancies in middle and high schools. As of Wednesday, Trujillo said that number looked the same. The district also has more than 50 vacancies each for bus drivers and exceptional education teachers, a program that ensures proper services and education for students with disabilities. Trujillo noted that the bus driver vacancies are an improvement from the approximately 90 vacancies TUSD faced at the start of last school year. Still, he said the district is far from hiring its ideal 200 drivers to restore all bus routes that it offered in pre-pandemic years. TUSD notified parents of this years established bus routes to allow them to make the necessary plans for their childrens transportation, to avoid making the same mistake as last year, he said, when the district gave parents only two days notice. We wanted to make sure that we gave families that gift of time to be able to decide if the route that weve assigned them the pick-up location, the drop-off location and the schedule is going to work for their family, he said. Handling vacancies At the last TUSD governing board meeting, administrators presented a potential emergency solution to the math vacancies: hiring online teachers to livestream classes for students on campus. Trujillo said no decision has been made on that, as the district is waiting to look at its final student enrollment and staffing numbers before the first day of classes, Aug. 4. Once the district has the final enrollment numbers, administrators will reconsider whether the number of students still justifies hiring for open positions. If not, he said, those vacancies will be closed. In some cases, the enrollment does not justify the position, so well be able to close the teacher vacancy with no harm to kids, he said. The district will also likely need to increase class sizes across several schools and programs, including exceptional education. Trujillo said it will try to maintain the class sizes it negotiated with Tucson Education Association, the TUSD teachers union. We know that parents and teachers around the district prefer smaller class sizes for special education and students with disabilities, Trujillo said. Those class sizes are going to be a little bit higher, not over the negotiated class sizes. As for substitute teachers, Trujillo said, TUSD has about 300 substitutes, compared to the 700-800 substitutes it had on any given day before the pandemic. That number has been significantly diminished and continued to go down throughout last year, despite wage increases, he said. Trujillo said TUSD might have to resort to internal coverage, in which it asks existing teachers to take on combined classes or give up their planning hours to work extra periods if other alternatives dont work out. TUSD might hire Chicago firm to teach math online due to teacher shortage For Star subscribers: Some math lessons in Tucson Unified School District could be streamed onto classroom screens by teachers from a Chicago-based company because the district is struggling to find enough teachers here. TUSD slightly lowers tax rate for property owners At the same time, the TUSD governing board approved a $808 million budget, including a $15 minimum wage. Tucson Unified sees second year of high demand for summer courses Parents concerned about learning gaps during the pandemic enrolled their children in summer school in high numbers, officials say. A federal court judge ordered that Tucson Unified School District be released from judicial oversight in its desegregation case, bringing an end to the decades-long legal battle. U.S. District Court Judge David C. Bury declared this week that the district has obtained what is called unitary status in the case, and that supervision of its practices will now be the responsibility of the TUSD governing board. Yesterdays court order formally recognized the good faith effort, and success, that our district has exhibited over the years in addressing the vestiges of past segregation, TUSD Superintendent Gabriel Trujillo said in a statement issued Thursday afternoon. TUSD spokeswoman Karla Escamilla said the district would not provide interviews or answer questions Thursday, as its legal team was still reviewing the court order. But TUSD Governing Board President Adelita Grijalva said the order now allows the district to use its own authority to move forward in its plans for improvements across the district. Still, it will remain an important task for board members to ensure the district doesnt fall back on old patterns, she said. I think that its important that we continue to be vigilant in ensuring that we have equity across our district, and thats going to be the biggest issue, Grijalva said. A plaintiffs representative could not immediately be reached for comment Thursday. The case stemmed from two class-action lawsuits filed in 1974 by Black American and Mexican American students alleging segregation in TUSD, and was consolidated a year later. In 1978, the court found that discriminatory segregation existed in TUSD. Under the federal court order, TUSD was required to focus on more than racial integration. The case called for addressing not only quality of education, but student discipline disparities, facilities and technology, transportation and community engagement, among other issues. Tucson-born trumpet player and Mariachi Cobre co-founder Steve Carrillo can now accompany your electric bill, love letters and holiday cards, in the mail as a stamp issued by the United States Postal Service. Carrillos likeness served as inspiration for one of five mariachi-themed stamps released for purchase by the USPS earlier this month. The stamps, unveiled at the 30th annual Mariachi Spectacular de Albuquerque on July 15, showcase mariachi musicians in traditional attire playing the guitar, guitarron, vihuela, violin and trumpet, in colorful portraits created by San Diego-based artist Rafael Lopez. An image of Carrillo was used as reference for the trumpet player stamp with Carrillos permission, according to USPS Stamps Services Director Bill Gicker. Eighteen million of the mariachi-themed stamps have been produced and are for sale at USPS facilities across the country and at USPS.com. I went to the post office today, Carrillo, 64, said in a phone interview Wednesday from his Florida home. I walked in and saw my stamp up on the wall. I still cant believe it. Carrillo and his brother, Randy Carrillo, helped create the quintessential Tucson mariachi group Mariachi Cobre, alongside fellow musicians Mack Ruiz, Frank Grijalva, Ruben Moreno, Fred Tarazon, Gilbert Velez and Jim Acuna, in 1971. Cobre was a spinoff of Los Changuitos Feos, Tucsons first youth mariachi ensemble, and has served as the in-house mariachi group at the Mexican Pavilion at Walt Disney Worlds EPCOT Center, in Orlando, Florida, since 1982. Steve Carrillo is the last original member still in Cobre, but six out of its 12 current members hail from Tucson, Carrillo said. Carrillo said he was contacted nearly a year ago about a photo of him from author Patricia Greathouses book Mariachi possibly being used as reference for a postage stamp. He gave his OK and signed a release and didnt hear about it again until about a month ago, when he received an invitation to attend the unveiling at the mariachi conference in Albuquerque. Carrillo was already planning on attending the conference as an instructor. They introduced me and announced me at the ceremony, Carrillo said. It was quite an honor. Carrillo said he felt the artist, Lopez, did well with his interpretation of the mariachi artists in the stamp series. (He) did a good job as far as me holding my trumpet, Carrillo said. Overall, it was very good and very positive to put mariachi out there to another demographic, a bigger demographic, to promote our music, our culture. Lopez, who splits his time between San Diego and Mexico City, said he knows well the significance of mariachi music and wanted that to be reflected in his work. Beyond Carrillo, Lopez looked to the Golden Age of Mexican cinema for inspiration, when actors like Pedro Infante and Jorge Negrete sang on the silver screen with mariachi musicians in tow. I love mariachi, Lopez said. It brings back memories of my childhood growing up in Mexico City. They sing about very human emotions that we can all relate to. Carrillo said that it makes him feel good to know that his likeness will help promote mariachi music on such a large scale. The mariachi stamps, sold in sheets of 20 for $12, are forever stamps, meaning they will always be equal in value to the current first-class mail 1-ounce price. Carrillo expects he will be getting a lot of letters donning his face from friends and family in the coming months. I am waiting to see who that first person is going to be, he said. Photos: 40th La Frontera Tucson International Mariachi Conference La Frontera's Tucson International Mariachi Conference La Frontera's Tucson International Mariachi Conference La Frontera's Tucson International Mariachi Conference La Frontera's Tucson International Mariachi Conference La Frontera's Tucson International Mariachi Conference La Frontera's Tucson International Mariachi Conference La Frontera's Tucson International Mariachi Conference A Tucson legacy: Linda Ronstadt surprised by music hall renaming For Star subscribers: For years, Linda Ronstadt railed against the razing of the barrio to make way for the Tucson Convention Center. Now her name is part of it. This community on Tucson's south side is changing the narrative La Doce, a 3-mile stretch along South 12th Avenue on Tucson's south side, is working to embrace its cultural identity and pave the way for future generations. Calexico's new album is a love letter to Tucson A homecoming concert at the Rialto celebrates the community where Joey Burns and John Convertino found their musical voice. ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) The federal judge who sentenced Thomas Lane to 2 1/2 years in prison Thursday on a civil rights conviction in George Floyd's killing said the former Minneapolis police officer wont have to surrender until after his sentencing in a separate state case in two months. And legal experts said that's not unusual, even in a case as emotionally charged as Floyd's death under the knee of former Officer Derek Chauvin on May 25, 2020, which sparked protests in Minneapolis and around the world in a reckoning over racial injustice and policing. Even the federal prosecutors who handled Lane's case have said he was the least culpable of the four officers involved in Floyd's death. U.S. District Judge Paul Magnuson ordered Lane to turn himself in Oct. 4, two weeks after he is sentenced in state court, where he pleaded guilty in May to aiding and abetting manslaughter. Several legal experts said it's not unusual that a federal judge would give a lesser defendant like Lane time to surrender, particularly when they're not considered a flight risk or a danger to the public. Most defendants who go through the federal system aren't considered or treated as violent offenders. Unless they're considered a risk, they usually remain free until they have to report to prison. Former U.S. Attorney Thomas Heffelfinger said federal judges more often than not allow defendants to report only after the Bureau of Prisons has decided where they will serve. Mark Osler, a professor at the University of St. Thomas School of Law and former federal prosecutor, said Lane was the most likely of the four officers to be allowed to report to prison later. He was charged differently, with a less serious crime, the failure to render medical aid," Osler said. And a judge is likely to take that into account. Magnuson probably has made similar decisions many times before, Osler said, especially when the sentences are short. It's a misnomer to say that Floyd's death wasn't a violent offense, but the specific charge that Lane was convicted of depriving Floyd of his right to medical care is legally more comparable to a white collar crime, said Mike Brandt, a local defense attorney who has been following the case. While a lot of people might be unhappy with Lane's sentence, Brandt said, the actual offense was "more of an act of omission than doing something affirmatively. And he added that Magnuson Minnesota's longest-serving federal judge has been around long enough that he wasn't going to be swayed by the high emotions surrounding the case. Magnuson recommended that Lane, who held Floyds feet but also expressed concern for his condition, should serve his sentence at the federal prison camp in Duluth, a minimum-security facility about 2 1/2 hours north of Minneapolis, which houses mostly nonviolent white collar offenders. The facility has no fence and has dormitory-style housing rather than cells. But itll be up to the federal Bureau of Prisons to decide where Lane should do his time. Find APs full coverage of the killing of George Floyd at: https://apnews.com/hub/death-of-george-floyd DETROIT (AP) Jurors heard closing arguments Thursday in the only trial to arise thus far from the Flint water crisis, a dispute over whether two engineering firms should be held partially responsible for the city's lead contamination in 2014-15. Attorneys representing four Flint children said Veolia North America and Lockwood, Andrews & Newman, known as LAN, didn't do enough to get the city to treat the highly corrosive water or to urge a return to a regional water supplier. Veolia and LAN, which performed work for Flint, were not part of a landmark $626 million settlement involving Flint residents, the state of Michigan and other parties. Flint's water became contaminated because water pulled from the Flint River wasn't treated to reduce the corrosive effect on lead pipes. Citing cost, city managers appointed by then-Gov. Rick Snyder stopped using water from a Detroit agency and switched to the river while awaiting a new pipeline to Lake Huron. One of the plaintiffs' lawyers, Moishe Maimon, told jurors that Veolia should be held 50% responsible for the lead contamination of the four children and that LAN should be held 25% responsible, with public officials making up the balance. Veolia, also known as VNA, was a second set of eyes brought in a year after the water switch while complaints about water quality were mounting, Maimon said. Co-counsel Corey Stern said the contractors didn't want to rock the boat. Did VNA and LAN act with integrity? Did VNA and LAN act to protect the health, safety and general welfare? he said. But LAN attorney Wayne Mason said an engineer repeatedly recommended that Flint test the river water for weeks to determine what treatments would be necessary. He said outside engineers were getting lumped in with a platoon of bad actors, namely state and local officials who controlled all major decisions and seemed more concerned about the cost of water than its quality. Every single government agency that touched this problem made it worse, Mason said. Veolia attorney Daniel Stein said the firm was briefly hired in the middle of the crisis, not before the spigot was turned on. He also questioned whether the children actually were poisoned by lead in the water, citing blood results. VNA was there for one week a one-week assessment and youre supposed to believe the fault lies with this consultant? Stein argued. Snyder was summoned as a witness but declined to answer questions, citing his right against self-incrimination. He was indicted on misdemeanor charges in a separate Flint water investigation. The jury instead watched a video of Snyder's 2020 interview with lawyers. I wish this never would have happened, he said of the water mess, acknowledging mistakes by government. Monday will be the first full day of jury deliberations in federal court in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The trial began in February and lasted months with occasional days off. Follow Ed White at https://twitter.com/edwritez The following is the opinion and analysis of the writer: My wife and I are celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary, enjoying festivities with our adult daughter and extended family. But, there is a damper on the occasion because our family is under threat. Our wedding ceremony was performed by a rabbi on July 4, 1997. The Rabbi signed our ketubah (Jewish marriage contract). But, we were unable to obtain a civil marriage license or certificate. After our wedding, we were still considered legal strangers; we had no marriage rights. We were later able to register as domestic partners with the city of Tucson, gaining the right to visit one another in a hospital, but we were deprived of more than 1,000 additional legal rights conferred upon married couples. In 2000, following Vermonts establishment of civil unions, we traveled there to have a civil union ceremony performed by a county clerk, whereupon we became legal spouses. But Arizona refused to recognize our legal status as spouses; at home, we remained legal strangers. Then, in 2008, we traveled to California where we obtained a marriage license, had a civil marriage ceremony performed by a county clerk, and obtained a marriage certificate. But, the State of Arizona still wouldnt recognize us as spouses. Once, while I was on a business trip in Washington, D.C., I was considered to be legally married to my wife, while at the same time because she remained home in Tucson my wife was not considered to be married to me. That was tough to wrap our heads around. Finally, in 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court issued the Obergefell decision requiring the State of Arizona to recognize us as married. We were finally able to file a joint tax return, share a health savings account, became eligible for one anothers Social Security benefits, and were able to enjoy all of the other myriad civil rights and responsibilities associated with state-recognized marriage. Alas, now our marriage rights have come under question once again with the Supreme Courts decision, especially Justice Thomas concurrence, in the Dobbs case. I am encouraged that the U.S. House of Representatives has voted to pass the bipartisan Respect for Marriage Act to preserve legal recognition of our marriage. All Arizona Democrats voted in favor, but all Arizona Republicans voted against. I am grateful to Arizonas Democrats in Congress. Meanwhile, I am hurt and angered by the hostility demonstrated toward our family by Arizonas Republican delegation. I ask my fellow Arizonans to respect our marriage and our family and to vote for candidates who will ensure it remains legally recognized. We and our family deserve to be treated equally and to share in liberty and justice for all. Unsilent K, a collection of six songs by Knipple, will be released July 29 on all major streaming services. Knipple is a project of Tulsa musicians Jordan Hehl and Nicholas Foster. An all-ages album release show is scheduled 9 p.m. that day at Park Grove Community Church, a DIY venue located at 424 S. 37th West Ave. Peter Tomshany (JFJO) will open the show, which will also feature a number of special guests. Nicholas and I have played together for years in a number of bands, Hehl said in a news release. Knipple is a vehicle for us to explore spontaneous improvisation. We keep the music fun and conversational, and we incorporate loopers, effects pedals and other instruments like keyboards and samplers to expand the range of sounds we can make as a duo. The two graduates of the University of Tulsa music program are accomplished musicians who have played together for years in popular local bands like Count Tutu, Grazzhopper, Dane and the Soup and, most recently, King Cabbage Brass Band. The duo describes Knipples sound as an eclectic and personal blend of psychedelic, punk, jazz, hip hop, and electronic music. Knipple has a 9 p.m. Tuesday weekly residency at Whittier Bar. Foster and Hehl perform their material and host guests from Tulsas music scene. Tulsa World Scene podcast: 'So perfect' Oklahoma fried onion burger A Reservation Dogs season two premiere red carpet event will be held Friday, July 29 at the River Spirit Casino Resort, 8330 Riverside Parkway. Showrunner Sterlin Harjo and actors from the shot-in-Oklahoma series are expected to attend. Reservation Dogs is a half-hour comedy that follows the exploits of Elora Danan (Devery Jacobs), Bear Smallhill (DPharaoh Woon-A-Tai), Willie Jack (Paulina Alexis) and Cheese (Lane Factor), four Indigenous teenagers in rural Oklahoma. Following the death a friend, the Rez Dogs crew took to stealing, scheming and saving in order to escape to California. After a promising start to criminal endeavors, including the heist of a Flaming Flamers chips truck, the plan went bust. The gang disbanded with everyone trying to forge solo paths. At the end of season one, Elora ghosted Bear and took off for California with Jackie (Elva Guerra), the leader of a rival gang. Abandoned by his closest friend, Bear seeks a male parental figure to teach him how to be a man, but his choice of uncles to emulate leaves a lot to be desired. Meanwhile, Willie Jack thinks everything in their town is falling apart because of a curse she cast on Jackie, and shes determined to put that genie back in the bottle. Cheese who, like Willie Jack, decided that California wasnt for him reunites with his grandmother, who isnt his grandmother. Lucky for the kids, they have the support of a loving and eccentric community of aunties and uncles to see them through, including Bears mother, Rita (Sarah Podemski), tribal law enforcement officer Big (Zahn McClarnon), Eloras Uncle Brownie (Gary Farmer), Willie Jacks parents Dana (Jennifer Podemski) and Leon (Jon Proudstar), plus Spirit aka William Knifeman (Dallas Goldtooth). Filmed on location in Okmulgee, Reservation Dogs is a breakthrough in Indigenous representation on television, both in front of and behind the camera. Every writer, director and series regular on the show is Indigenous. This first-of-its-kind creative team tells a story that resonates with them and their lived experiences. In its first season, Reservation Dogs landed on year-end best lists of 80-plus critics, won the Gotham Award for Breakthrough Series Short Form, won two Independent Spirit Awards, was honored as one of AFIs Television Programs of the Year and won a Peabody Award. Reservation Dogs was co-created by Harjo and Taika Waititi. Featured video: Jennette McCurdy, who co-starred in Nickelodeon shows iCarly and its spin-off Sam & Cat, has written a book called I'm Glad My Mom Died. McCurdy tells about growing up with an abusive mother who she says pushed her into showbiz, encouraged her to starve herself and who insisted upon bathing her daughter into her late teens. Debra McCurdy died in 2013 from complications of cancer. It's taken McCurdy years of therapy to get to the point where she is able to not only share her story, but laugh about parts too. She also hosts a podcast called Empty Inside and says she no longer has an eating disorder. The chairman who led the Epic Charter School board during 19 months of sweeping changes to the schools governance structure and through the recent conclusions of multiple state compliance inquiries and a yearslong law enforcement investigation is stepping down this week. Paul Campbell notified his fellow board members and school leaders Wednesday evening that he is resigning effective Friday, citing an upcoming goal-setting board retreat for the 2022-23 academic year as a good opportunity for a change in school board leadership. In my time here, you have completely shifted from a for-profit model to a students first model. A school literally on the brink of closure is now fully in compliance with its authorizer and I would argue is now a state leader in all things compliance, Campbell wrote in his resignation letter. Last years board retreat was essential to launching a new vision for the school and goals to get us where we are now. As you prepare for the next board retreat on August 26th, I think its the perfect time for someone else to have the chair and use this retreat to set the stage on the next amazing chapter of Epic. This volunteer position has often taken me away from my thriving family, business, and the other school I chair, The Academy of Seminole There are still mountains to climb. Namely redefining student outcomes and achieving them. But I know the foundation we have built together can get you there and change families lives for the better if you stay focused on Epics aspirations and solving students problems, no matter how great they are. Campbell is the chief executive officer of Spartan Energy Services and founded the Seminole charter school in 2018. That school is still recovering from a direct hit from a tornado in May. Ginger Casper, vice chair of the Epic board, expressed appreciation to Campbell on behalf of the board, school administration, and students and their families. Pauls leadership set a clear direction and helped navigate the administration through complex situations to stabilize the organization, Casper said in a prepared statement. With this guidance, the successful reorganization of Epic Charter School is almost fully realized, which included school consolidation, alignment of resources, and critical action plans to retain compliance. In May 2021, Campbell joined Epics governing board as chair as it overhauled its own membership and voted to divorce the charter school system from all ties to its founders, David Chaney and Ben Harris, who made themselves millionaires by setting up the for-profit Epic Youth Services company to manage the schools. The Epic school system has since been docked about $20 million by the Oklahoma State Department of Education for hiding years worth of administrative overhead costs that exceeded statutory limits for all public schools in the state. By winter, Campbell was at the Capitol telling lawmakers they had been gaslighted for years and called Epics co-founders grifters, prolific liars and bad actors, and the doors of Epic were thrown wide open to investigators from the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service. School officials say the IRS audit was recently expanded to include an additional two years under the schools former for-profit managers, so the school is still complying with federal requests for financial records. State Auditor and Inspector Cindy Byrd has called Epic Charter Schools mismanagement the largest abuse of taxpayer funds in the history of this state. The OSBIs years-long investigation finally concluded and, along with the October 2020 investigative audit findings from Byrds office, formed the basis for criminal charges in a massive racketeering case filed last month against Chaney, Harris and their longtime chief financial officer, Josh Brock. The three are currently out on bond. Epics school board was able to fend off a move by the Statewide Virtual Charter School Board to shutter its statewide online-only school and has recently been declared in full compliance and won sponsorship by that board for a single, consolidated Epic Charter School, including three Epic Blended Learning Centers in Tulsa, Oklahoma City and Midwest City that were previously sponsored by Rose State College. The move to become one school has streamlined administrative function, and school leaders promise that it will result in cost savings and reduced confusion for parents and the public. Epic is still dealing with one issue since last month, when the Oklahoma State Department of Education released a report stating that at the conclusion of the 2020-21 school year, top Epic administrators, including Superintendent Bart Banfield, gave themselves $8.6 million in improper bonus payments and that officials discovered dramatic increases in student absences and possible underreporting of truancy during the 2020-21 academic year. The inquiry by state education officials also supported allegations that Epic board members have grossly exceeded their roles by interfering with administrators, directing employees outside board meetings and engaging in transactions for the school district without prior board authorization. A recommendation to lower Epics state accreditation status as a result is set for the July 28 meeting of the Oklahoma State Board of Education. State officials have said further action, including recommending sanctions for Banfield, are also possible in the future. A Broken Arrow woman was sentenced to prison earlier this month for defrauding an elderly Tulsa couple through her unlicensed home health care company. Ashley Nicole Brown, 35, used her position of trust to obtain the pairs identifying information and debit card numbers to without their consent pay off her personal debts and family members, the Oklahoma Attorney Generals Office said in a news release. Brown did so while facing charges of embezzlement stemming from her previous employment at another home health care company, where she embezzled her co-workers payroll and health insurance subsidies, the release stated. Both cases were adjudicated in Tulsa County District Court in early July, when Brown waived her right to a trial and pleaded guilty to two counts of embezzlement and three counts of identity theft, among other counts. District Judge Michelle Keely sentenced Brown to 10 years, with seven years in prison and three years suspended with credit for time she has served. Brown is prohibited from owning, managing or working in the Oklahoma health care industry while on probation, and she was ordered to pay restitution of more than $25,000 as well as all fines, fees and assessments associated with her cases, the release and court records state. Attorney General John OConnor used the cases to draw attention to his offices Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. This prosecution demonstrates the commitment of the Oklahoma Attorney Generals Office to combating fraud in the Medicaid system, OConnor said in the release. Our MFCU agents and attorneys investigate and prosecute individuals, like Ashley Brown, who take advantage of elderly and vulnerable Oklahomans. Grant-funded mostly through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services but partly through the state, the Oklahoma MFCU has statewide jurisdiction to investigate and prosecute abuse, neglect, drug diversion and financial exploitation of elderly and vulnerable adults, the release states. The MFCU also investigates and prosecutes violations of state and federal laws pertaining to provider fraud in the administration of the Medicaid program. Brown was released from the Tulsa County jail Tuesday and transferred to the Mabel Bassett Correctional Center in McLoud on Tuesday, according to online records. Update: Because of high forecasted temperatures and heat-related illness call volume, the EMSA Medical Heat Alert for the Tulsa area will remain in effect through at least Monday, July 25. On Wednesday, EMSA responded to 11 suspected heat-related illness calls and transported nine of those patients to hospitals in the Tulsa area. Since the Medical Heat Alert was first issued July 1, medics have responded to 111 suspected heat-related illness calls, with 72 patients transported to hospitals. An Ozone Alert is in place for the second day in a row Thursday, the fifth so far for this month. Ozone Alerts are issued when conditions are favorable for the buildup of ozone near the ground, to an unhealthy level. When winds are light, the vapors from fuels such as gasoline, exhaust from engines, and air pollutants from industrial activities remain trapped near the ground. Ozone can irritate the respiratory system, causing coughing, throat soreness, airway irritation, chest tightness or chest pain when taking a deep breath. The below story published in Thursday's Tulsa World: With no signs of relief from triple-digit temperatures, Tulsa leaders say precautions can keep residents safe while helping emergency crews as theyre handling an escalating number of heat-related calls. The best thing that folks can do for our first responders is to heed this advice, EMSA spokesman Adam Paluka said during a news conference Wednesday. Stay inside; make smart choices. The day before, medics had responded to 10 heat-related illness calls in the Tulsa area, with six of those patients requiring transportation to hospitals, Paluka said. So far this summer, EMSA had responded to 246 heat-related emergency calls, with 140 patients taken to hospitals. These numbers are what we would expect to see in mid- to late August, he said, adding that 80% of those who have recently been transported to hospitals for heat emergencies were between 20 and 40 years old. Heat is the No. 1 weather-related cause of death in the United States each year, according to Joe Kralicek, executive director of the Tulsa Area Emergency Management Agency. Were here as a community to urge the residents of Tulsa to take this heat seriously and to take the actions necessary to protect themselves and their loved ones from any heat-related illness, Kralicek said. Air conditioning is the best way to protect oneself from heat-related illness and death, he said. Fans could make the situation worse if used alone, he added. Dont rely on fans when the temperature is over 95 degrees for your sole source of cooling down because that will help dehydrate you; it will give you a false sense of security, Kralicek said. His advice: Drink plenty of water if you have to go out. Wear light colored, loose-fitting clothing. Take frequent breaks, and utilize the buddy system so that if a person has a heat-related health issue, someone else will know it in time to get them help. With a 15% to 20% jump in area residents daily usage of cooling stations, a fourth center has been added. The cooling stations are at the John 3:16 mission, 506 N. Cheyenne Ave.; The Salvation Army, 102 N. Denver Ave.; Tulsa County Social Services, 2401 Charles Page Blvd.; and Expo Square, 4609 E. 21st St. The stations are open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily until further notice. Outreach teams are focusing on lifesaving measures for homeless people, said Josh Sanders of Housing Solutions. We are providing water, hats, cooling towels and hydration packets. Housing Solutions also is providing transportation to cooling stations. More information can be found at housingsolutionstulsa.org/assistance-request. People who need further help can call 211 for assistance with needs such as air conditioning and food. Because of the extreme risk associated with the heat, utility providers have suspended disconnecting the electricity accounts of residents who havent made their payments. People should contact their utility provider if their power goes out, Kralicek said. Amid the prolonged heatwave, the Southwest Power Pool, the power grid operator for Oklahoma and 13 other states, has issued advisories just short of its emergency-level alert system. High electricity use across the region resulted in another peak-load record Tuesday for the power grid operator, according to SPP. The Southwest Power Pool extended its Conservative Operations Advisory through 10 p.m. Wednesday because of continued high loads and risks regarding the availability of generation resources, according to a news release. SPP also has issued a Resource Advisory that sunsets at 10 p.m. Thursday. According to the grid operator, a Resource Advisory comes with severe weather conditions and load-forecast uncertainty; a Conservative Operations Advisory is declared when the Southwest Power Pool determines a need to operate its system conservatively. Neither advisory requires the public to conserve energy, according to SPP. Among other concerns related to the prolonged heat are worsening drought conditions and an elevated risk of grass fires, according to Steve Piltz, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Tulsa. The heat pattern is not going to change for at least a week, he said Wednesday. Although no burn ban is in effect, residents are asked to hold off on outside fires. If drought conditions worsen, a legal burn ban could be triggered, Kralicek said. Were seeing vegetation go dormant because of the lack of precipitation, Piltz said. In general, weve seen less than 10% of our normal rainfall since early June. Watch the fire danger, and also you should be monitoring water consumption. Work on three waste-to-energy projects in Ho Chi Minh City started in late 2019 but they have yet to be completed and put into operation. Meanwhile, the waste volume in the city is increasing and waste is still mainly buried. Nearly 10,000 metric tons of waste is discharged in Ho Chi Minh City per day and the figure is forecast to rise to 12,500 by 2025. Nguyen Toan Thang, director of the municipal Department of Natural Resources and Environment, said the city proposed a plan to convert at least 80 percent of that waste into energy. The three waste-to-energy projects in the city, developed by Vietstar Joint Stock Company, Tam Sinh Nghia Investment-Development Joint Stock Company, and Tasco Joint Stock Company, were expected to be completed by the end of 2020 and treat 6,000 metric tons of waste daily. However, these plants remain incomplete. Ngo Nhu Hung Viet, general director of Vietstar Joint Stock Company, said the firm had completed the installation and operation of three waste sorting lines, constructed a 27-meter-wide road leading to the plant, leveled a construction site measuring 45,000 square meters, and signed contracts and made deposits for the main equipment imports. We have gotten ready, but the National Power Development Plan VIII has yet to be approved so we have to wait," Viet added. The long waiting time may cause some damage to machinery. The National Power Development Plan VIII has not been approved as the feasibility of solar power projects and the gas-fired power plant have not been clarified. The approval delay postponed the execution of many power development projects, according to the National Assemblys Economic Committee. Similarly, Tam Sinh Nghia Investment-Development Joint Stock Company and Tasco Joint Stock Company are unable to finish their waste-to-energy plants due to bottlenecks in procedures. Ho Chi Minh City Urban Environment Company Limited also proposed developing a waste-to-energy plant but the proposal has not been green-lighted. Sticking to waste burial Ho Chi Minh City drew up a waste treatment plan for the city until 2025, with a vision toward 2050 because landfills cause groundwater and soil pollution, unpleasant odor, and leachate. By 2025, the city expects to have recycled and generated electricity from some 80 percent of its waste volume, and gradually put an end to landfills. Waste in Can Gio District alone will be transported to the Green Environment Technology Park in Thu Thua District, neighboring Long An Province for treatment. During the period from the formulation of the plan to 2025, the citys waste will be mainly buried at Da Phuoc Waste Treatment Complex in Binh Chanh District, Tay Bac Solid Waste Treatment Complex in Cu Chi District, and the Green Environment Technology Park. In the 2025-50 period, waste will be treated at Tay Bac Solid Waste Treatment Complex and the Green Environment Technology Park. Go Cat and Dong Thanh landfill sites were planned to be renovated to accommodate public facilities and green spaces. Waste-to-energy projects have been brought to a standstill most likely because of investors shortage of orientations, capital, and technical plans, according to Dr. Pham Viet Thuan, director of the Institute of Economics and Environmental Resources. The absence of a national power development plan is another key reason. Therefore, it is difficult to reach the target of running waste-to-energy plants to reduce environmental pollution in the next five years," Thuan said. To solve the problems, the city should replace unqualified investors or designate Ho Chi Minh City Urban Environment Company Limited to conduct these projects. The city should drastically remove procedures-related obstacles facing enterprises." Dr. Le Huy Ba, former director of the Institute of Environmental Science, Engineering, and Management, under the Industrial University of Ho Chi Minh City, said, Ho Chi Minh City has fallen behind in this field. "We should propose ministries and agencies remove obstacles in administrative procedures to pave the way for the execution of projects. Circular waste management needed Circular-based waste treatment is old but appropriate to such a tropical agricultural country as Vietnam, Dr. Thuan said. Organic waste accounts for over 65 percent of the total garbage in Vietnam so circular waste treatment is a must. During the treatment process, bio-catalysts should be used to reduce odor and leachate, and speed up the waste decomposition. After being treated, organic waste will become humus, which will be used in fertilizer production, thus boosting the development of the agriculture sector as a whole. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Check out the news you should not miss today in Vietnam: Society -- Saigon Water Corporation (Sawaco), Ho Chi Minh Citys water supplier, will cut or reduce its service in some districts and wards from late Saturday night to early Sunday morning for pipe maintenance. -- Police in the central province of Quang Nam announced on Wednesday night that they were investigating a case where a fire-blackened body of a woman in a decomposition state was found under a local bridge. -- A five-year-old boy in Ho Chi Minh City is in a critical condition due to internal organ failure caused by 15 bee stings, the City Childrens Hospital said on Wednesday. -- The Peoples Court in An Giang Province on Wednesday sentenced a 23-year-old man to death for murdering his own mother in January. -- An eight-year-old girl drowned after falling into a pond while playing at a nearby field in Binh Phuoc Province, southern Vietnam on Wednesday morning, local authorities confirmed later the same day. -- A security guard was suspended on Wednesday night after a video circulated online showing him throwing at least three public bicycles used for sharing services when the vehicles were parked at a downtown park in Ho Chi Minh City. Lifestyle -- Mack Rutherford, a 16-year-old British-Belgian pilot, landed in the central coastal city of Da Nang on Tuesday afternoon on his journey to become the youngest pilot to fly solo around the world, according to the British Embassy in Vietnam. World News -- A wildfire in mountains near Athens that forced hundreds of people to flee and damaged property has been brought under control, Greek authorities said as they battled new blazes in what they called one of the toughest Mediterranean summers, Reuters reported on Wednesday. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Vietnamese households that fail to classify their domestic solid waste will be fined VND500,000 (US$21)-VND1 million ($43) as per a new regulation that will take effect on August 25. The decree, freshly signed by Deputy Prime Minister Le Van Thanh, states that household solid waste must be sorted and bagged accordingly. Violations of the decree expose households to fines ranging from VND500,000 to VND1 million. The director of a Hanoi-based environment company commented during a discussion with reporters on Tuesday afternoon on the importance of educating residents about waste classification prior to implementing punishments. Sorting waste makes it easier for sanitation workers to do their job, said the director, who preferred to stay anonymous. "It also adds economic values to the community because many types of waste are highly recyclable and can be used as fertilizer and to generate electricity." Bags of garbage are dumped on a street corner in Hanoi. Photo: Q. The / Tuoi Tre While domestic waste segregation is common in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, already-classified garbage is often mixed back together before being treated, the director added. Pursuant to the new fiat, a fine of VND20-25 million ($854-1,067) will be levied on establisments that fail to classify industrial solid waste. Project owners and urban area management boards that do not arrange equipment, vehicles, and venues for household solid waste classification and do not organize the collection of such waste from households in accordance with the regulation will face a penalty of VND200-300 million ($8,540-12,810). Construction of urban areas and residential projects without separate rainwater and wastewater drainage networks, or a synchronous wastewater collection and treatment system, will subject the developers to fines from VND200 million to VND250 million ($10,675). Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Police in the northern Vietnamese province of Tuyen Quang took a man into custody on Wednesday afternoon after he attacked an official and policemen at the Peoples Committee of Son Duong Town in the namesake district. The Tuyen Quang Department of Public Security stated on Wednesday night that the unit was investigating 33-year-old Ta Quang Minh from Son Duong Town, for intentionally causing injury to other people. Minh brought a knife to the office of the Peoples Committee of Son Duong Town and slashed the arm of an official over a personal dispute at around 3:10 pm on the same day. When police forces tried to control him, Minh used the knife to threaten the policemen in an attempt to escape by motorbike. The police managed to rein him in after a few minutes and then took him into custody. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! A security guard was suspended on Wednesday night after a video circulated online showing him throwing at least three public bicycles used for sharing services on a street in Ho Chi Minh City. N.T.P., a security guard employed by Thang Long Bao An Sepre 24 Professional Security Services Joint Stock Company, has been suspended and is under review following the incident that occurred in District 1's Bach Dang Wharf Park, according to Ho Chi Minh City Public Transport Management Center. The firm said P. was working at Bach Dang Wharf Park at 11:00 pm on Tuesday when the incident took place. Vehicles are not permitted to stop or be parked on the park sidewalk after 10:00 pm but there were still three bicycles parked there at the time, violating the park regulations. P. requested three times over the loudspeaker that the bicycles be moved to a different location, but there was no response. He then threw the bikes on the street. Currently, Thang Long Bao An Sepre 24 Professional Security Services Joint Stock Company is working with Tri Nam Group JSC, the investor of the widely-acclaimed public bicycle sharing project in Ho Chi Minh City, to propose a compensation plan. On Wednesday morning, a video surfaced online of a man in a security guard uniform throwing three public bicycles that had been left at Bach Dang Wharf Park onto the street. Netizens were taken aback by his act and curious about his motive. A spokesperson of Tri Nam Group JSC, told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper later the same day that the company was coordinating with local authorities and police in investigating the incident. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Thirty-five high school students from the United States are spending their summer in Quang Ngai Province, central Vietnam, where they have helped build new houses for low-income families. The program is organized by U.S.-based Putney Students Travel, a family-run organization which hosts summer programs abroad for middle and high school students. It has been sending students on trips to Quang Ngai to teach English and build houses for the past 16 years. Much of the students success is owed to the bonds they have formed with the Vietnamese families they befriended during their time in Vietnam, many of whom are integral in teaching the group how to build houses capable of withstanding the harsh climate in central Vietnam. Connecting to Vietnam Scarola Caia, 15, had never visited Vietnam before signing up to help Putney Students Travel with its mission of building houses in the Southeast Asian country. Though she had little prior knowledge of the country, her research prepared her for how friendly and peaceful its people are despite the countless wars they fought to defend their independence. Upset at the damage caused by a two-decade war the U.S. waged in Vietnam, Caia shared her hope that the two countries can continue the mutual respect and cooperation they have developed since normalizing ties nearly 30 years ago. Vietnamese people are really friendly," she said. Their way to welcome guests is different from Americans'. "They welcomed us like we have known each other for so long and treated us to many tasty dishes. The Vietnamese are much friendlier than what Ive ever expected. This year, apart from sending the 35 students to Vietnam, Putney Students Travel also donated over VND370 million (US$15,800) to build six houses for six low-income households in Tinh Ky Commune, Quang Ngai City and Binh Chau Commune, Binh Son District. In Tinh Ky Commune, 18 American students were divided into three groups to build three new homes. Nell Rohde, 14, the youngest American student in the group, spent a good amount of time helping to lay the foundation and move bricks for the houses. Two U.S. students lay bricks in Quang Ngai Province, central Vietnam. Photo: Tran Mai / Tuoi Tre Rodhe had not done any prior research on Vietnam she merely expected it to be an opportunity to help those in need. Instead, she walked away feeling as if she had a true understanding of the people and culture. Im really happy seeing the newly-built house," Rohde said. "This is a wonderful trip of my life. Im still young. I want to visit Vietnam again." For Charles Caiafa, a 17-year-old who joined the trip, visiting Vietnam for the first time is an opportunity to gain a better understanding of his mothers homeland. Caiafas mother is a native of Hue in central Vietnam. Before the trip, my mom told me to be kind to people in Vietnam because there were many poor people," Caiafa said. I feel that the trip's lived up to her expectations. I will take many photos and when I go back to the U.S., I will tell her what I have done in Vietnam and the kindness that I received from the locals. New homes, new beginnings According to Nguyen Thanh Trung, secretary of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union chapter in Tinh Ky Commune, selecting which Vietnamese families would have their homes rebuilt was a challenging task due to the extreme amount of need in Tinh Ky. Lam Thi Tinh, 59, was one of those lucky enough to be selected for the program. Though Tinh is disabled and has mental health issues, her younger sister is fully dependent on her. She was elated when she found out that she would be receiving nearly VND60 million ($2,500) to put toward a new home, but that happiness faded when she realized she did not have the additional tens of millions of dongs (VND1 million = US$43) needed for the construction. Fortunately, her neighbors stepped in to help her with the money she needed. Before the arrival of the American students, Tinh had never met a foreigner. It took her some time, but eventually she opened up to the guests who would be helping to build her new home and she wound up using an interpreter to help her communicate with the students. Im looking forward to seeing my new house," she said. "[The American students] are very friendly and nice. Im no longer worried about whether or not my home will be able to weather storms. Bui Gia Bin, a 12th grader from Le Khiet High School for Gifted Students in Quang Ngai, volunteered to help the American students as a translator. During her time with the group, Bin served as a bridge between the Americans and their Vietnamese hosts. Pointing toward Jackson Wade, 17, Bin said, He believes this is meaningful work and hopes the house will be completed soon. The Tinh sisters are also excited to see the finished house. Binh Chau and Tinh Ky Communes are coastal localities that often bear the brunt of monsoon-season storms. Just two years ago, thousands of homes in the localities were destroyed. Cao Thi Ha, a resident of Tinh Ky, is also receiving a new home thanks to the program. The 47-year-old woman, who struggles to make end meets and lives alone in a small home that cannot handle heavy storms, is excited about her future in her new home. Impressive figures Putney Students Travel sent its first cohort of American students to Quang Ngai in 2006 to lend a hand to those in need. Until now, the group has built 52 new houses and schools; donated more than 1,000 bicycles to needy students, and spent over 12,660 days doing good deeds in the province. Also, all of the houses built by the group are still in good conditions. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Saigon Water Corporation (Sawaco), Ho Chi Minh Citys water supplier, will cut or reduce service in some districts and wards from late Saturday night to early Sunday morning in order to carry out maintenance in Tan Hiep Water Plant. Maintenance on the plant will take place between 10:00 pm on Saturday and 4:00 am on Sunday, during which pumps to the entirety of Binh Tan and Hoc Mon Districts will completely closes, the company said. Meanwhile, Wards 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 in Go Vap District; Tan Thoi Nhat, Tan Hung Thuan, Dong Hung Thuan, Trung My Tay, Tan Chanh Hiep, Tan Thoi Hiep, Hiep Thanh, Thoi An, and Thanh Xuan Wards in District 12; and Tay Thanh, Son Ky, Tan Son Nhi, Tan Quy, Tan Thanh, Phu Tho Hoa, Phu Thanh, Hoa Thanh, Hiep Tan, and Tan Thoi Hoa Wards in Tan Phu District will also experience a suspension of water services. Wards 6, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14 in District 6; Wards 6, 7, 13, 14, 15, and 16 in District 8; and Tan Tuc Town, Vinh Loc A, Vinh Loc B, Pham Van Hai, Binh Loi, Le Minh Xuan, Tan Kien, Tan Nhut, Binh Chanh, An Phu Tay, Tan Quy Tay, and Hung Long Communes in Binh Chanh District will also be subject to the water supply disruption. Wards 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 in Tan Binh District and Binh Hung and Phong Phu Communes in Binh Chanh District will be affected by low-water pressure. During the maintenance period, Sawaco will mobilize water trucks to supply water to administrative offices, hospitals, and other crucial buildings in the affected area. After the completion of the maintenance, some areas will have their water reinstated later than 4:00 am on Sunday due to hydraulic disturbances. Since July 2004, Tan Hiep Water Plant has been a part of the citys water distribution network, meeting the clean water needs of thousands of people in the western and northern regions of Ho Chi Minh City. It is the second-largest water plant after Thu Duc Water Plant. The company also recommended that residents call the following phone numbers if they experience water supply problems: Thu Duc Wasuco JSC: 19001012 Ben Thanh Wasuco JSC: 1900068868 Gia Dinh Wasuco JSC: 19001024 Phu Hoa Tan Wasuco JSC: 028 39 552 650 Tan Hoa Wasuco JSC: 19006489 Cho Lon Wasuco JSC: 086585 1088 Trung An Wasuco JSC: 19001836 Nha Be Wasuco JSC: 19001210 Nong Thon Wasuco JSC: 028 37610 266 Can Gio Wasuco JSC: 0974247139 Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! A woman has filed a lawsuit against a major childrens hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, claiming that the infirmarys oversight resulted in the death of her two-month-old baby. The Peoples Court in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City on Wednesday began the trial for the dispute over compensation for non-contractual damage between the plaintiff 31-year-old Nguyen Thi Thu Lan from southern Dong Nai Province and the defendant Children's Hospital 2. However, the trial was suspended following a request from the defendant and is expected to reopen on August 15. The legal petition shows that Lan took her two-month-old son N.T.N. to Children's Hospital 2 in District 1 on October 14, 2020 when he was experiencing difficulty swallowing, mild convulsions, and a low-grade fever. Two days after the admission, the boys genitals became swollen and he was diagnosed with inguinal hernia. Doctors said he needed to undergo a surgery. As the boys convulsions worsened following the surgery, doctors performed a marrow test but they were unable to identify the cause of the condition. Lan asked if her son could be transferred to the neurology department, but the doctors did not agree. Early on the morning of October 26, N. suffered continuous convulsions, difficulty breathing, and temporary cardiac arrest. He survived clinical death twice and was no longer in a critical condition. The boy was transferred to the neurology department the same day and was diagnosed with epilepsy. However, doctors in the first ward had not prescribed him epilepsy medication. N. was discharged on November 5 but admitted to the hospital again on November 30 with severe convulsions. He died at the infirmary on December 11. Lan believed that her son died because of the negligence and slow response of doctors and other hospital staff. She repeatedly requested the hospital clarify the cause of N.'s death, but it avoided taking responsibility by keeping silent or giving vague answers. On May 27, 2021, the municipal Department of Health held a meeting to review the case and concluded that the hospital had made mistakes but it did not apologize or offer compensation to the family. Lan decided to sue Children's Hospital 2, asking the court to require the hospital to admit that it had erred in the medical examination and treatment process, which led to the death of her son. She also demanded that the hospital issue a public apology through Phap Luat Thanh Pho Ho Chi Minh (Ho Chi Minh City Law), Thanh Nien (Young People), and Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspapers, as well as pay VND458 million (US$19,500) to her as compensation. The hospital's negligence and irresponsibility seriously infringed on my son's right to life and safety, Lan said. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Mack Rutherford, a 16-year-old British-Belgian person, landed his plane in the central coastal city of Da Nang on Tuesday afternoon as part of his journey to become the youngest pilot to fly solo around the world, according to the British Embassy in Vietnam. Since March, when Rutherford took off from Bulgaria in his Sharky ultralight aircraft, he has crossed Europe, Africa, and now Asia. Before reaching Vietnam, he made pit stops in Kolkata, India and Chiang Mai, Thailand. Rutherfords aircraft can reach speeds of up to 300 kilometers per hour. It is well-equipped for long-distance travel. His next destination is the Philippines. Rutherford comes from a family of pilots, and he has flown hundreds of hours with his professional pilot father. These flights included two Trans-Atlantic crossings. Zara Rutherford, Mack Rutherfords 19-year-old older sister, became the world's youngest female pilot to fly solo around the world earlier this year. Mack shared on his website that he earned his microlight pilot's license at the age of 15, making him the world's youngest pilot. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! On Mondays Back Roads Heather Ewart heads to the tiny border town of Hebel in Queensland, where the population is just 67. In this episode presenter Heather Ewart travels to the border town of Hebel in south-west Queensland, a tiny outpost that clings to a crossroad 4 kilometres north of the NSW border. Hebel has been through the wringer over the past decade, battling severe drought, floods, even a mice plague. Hebel is a blink and youll miss it kind of place. Theres not much more to it than a pub, a general store, a caravan park and a little primary school with just six students. When the pub and local shop were finally forced to close their doors in 2020, the town was on the brink of falling off the map. But a local grazier wasnt about to let that happen. When the drought broke in early 2021, Frank Deshon and his family bought up the towns entire real estate portfolio. Arriving in Hebel on a sweltering 38- degree day, Heather heads straight to the pub to meet him and some of the locals. Frank was determined to stop Hebel turning into a ghost-town but his plans were derailed by the pandemic. A month or so after he bought the town, the Queensland government reimposed a hard border lockdown with NSW. A roadblock and checkpoint were set up right outside the pub. But, as Heather discovers, in hard times people always seem to find a silver lining. 8pm Monday on ABC. Former Seven News reporter Trent Evans, 45, was sentenced to seven years and 10 months in prison after pleading guilty to drunkenly crashing a car, killing passenger and friend Rex Willox. Evans had spent four hours drinking champagne with Willox, 44, in February 2021, before getting behind the wheel. Witnesses saw Evans driving at high-speed before he lost control of the car and hit a timber pole, which broke and caused their Mercedes to roll over. Evans recorded a blood-alcohol reading of 0.10 and was driving at 112km/h, nearly twice the 60km speed limit. He also has a criminal history that included previous drink-driving offences. Judge John Lyon described his actions as a very grave offence. As a consequence of your level of intoxication, you were incapable of exercising proper control over the car that you were driving, he told the court. The speed at which you drove and the alcohol in your system at the time you drove each constitute very serious breaches of the criminal law in their own right. Evans worked at Sevens Melbourne and rural Queensland news rooms but told the court he succumbed to a mental health crisis, unable to get his life back on track. He resigned from Seven in 2017, but was homeless by 2018. He has been diagnosed with a personality disorder and PTSD. Evans, who has been in prison since earlier this month, will be eligible for parole after five years and two months. Source: news.com.au Nine News Lydia Tin Ha Sum has been honoured in a Google Doodle (AFP via Getty Images) Google Doodles are used to commemorate everything from independence days to special anniversaries and people. On Thursday, July 12, 2022, the Google Doodle showed a vibrant illustration of Hong Kong comedian and actress Lydia Tin Ha Sum to celebrate what would have been her 77th birthday. The image shows an illustration of her life set in front of a film reel, referencing her career as an actress. Heres everything you need to know about the Google Doodle star being honoured today. Who was Lydia Tin Ha Sum? Born in Shanghai on July 21, 1945, Lydia Tin Ha Sum made her acting debut at just 15 in 1960. The actress starred in When the Peach Blossoms Bloom in 1960, after joining the Shaw Brothers Studio Hong Kongs largest production company, at the time. She later went on to emcee for variety show Enjoy Yourself Tonight in 1967, which led to her rise to fame after becoming one of the most notable features of the show. Sum later went on to appear in over 100 movies in a range of languages, and also had international success after starring in Singapores hit sitcom Living with Lydia. What roles is Lydia Tin Ha Sum best known for? While she starred in a whole host of comedies and films, Lydia Tin Ha Sum is best known for several of her roles. In addition to her emceeing work on Enjoy Yourself Tonight, she was famous for her role in the Its a Mad Mad, World Franchise, Double Fattiness, A Recipe for the Heart and The House of 72 Tenants. Another comedy fans remember her for is Millionaires Express and martial arts movie Drunken Tai Chi. The final role she played was as Mrs Chubby Jang in Cantonese comedy In-Laws, Out-Laws in 2004. Pablo Silva Takes Down His First GGPoker Super MILLION$ July 21 2022 Matthew Pitt Editor Pablo Silva went into the final day of the $10,300 Super MILLION$ as the chip leader and he emerged two and a half hours later with the $260,765 top prize in tow. Silva had navigated his way to the final table on seven other occasions but always came up short. July 19 was the Brazilian's time to shine. Super MILLION$ Final Table Results Place Player Country Prize 1 Pablo Silva Brazil $260,765 2 Nick Maimone Canada $203,647 3 Rodrigo Sirichuk Brazil $159,040 4 Patrick "chrisbenoit" Brooks Mexico $124,203 5 Jans Arends Austria $96,997 6 Daniel Dvoress Austria $75,751 7 Volodymyr "Leonardo23" Palamar Ukraine $59,158 8 Pedro Garagnani Brazil $46,200 9 Mehdi "Carence en L" Chaoui Morocco $36,080 There was a big double-up for Silva's fellow Brazilian, Rodrigo Sirichuk, on the first hand of the final table's action. Daniel Dvoress was first to act from the small blind and he open-shoved for 16.6 big blinds effective with king-five of diamonds. Sirichuk called with ace-queen, spiked and ace on the flop, and faded a flush draw to double his stack. Morocco's Mehdi "Carence en L" Chauoi was the first of the nine finalists to lose their stack. Sirichuk min-raised to 70,000 from the cutoff before calling the three-bet all-in from Chauoi which the Moroccan made with ace-trey of hearts. Sirichuk flipped over the dominating ace-king, which held courtesy of a king on the flop. Pedro Garagnani was the next player heading for the showers. Garagnani open-shoved for slightly more than 6.5 big blinds from early position with pocket three in the hole, and Dvoress looked him up with king-queen from the small blind. Dvoress flopped two pair and they proved enough to reduce the player count by one. Seventh-place was decided when Ukraine's Volodymyr "Leonardo23" Palamar crashed out. Palamar lost all but 2.5 big blinds when his ace-king lost to the jack-ten of Jans Arends, with Arends turning trip jacks. The rest of Palamar's micro-stack went into the middle of the virtual felt with ace-nine, which ultimately lost to the jack-six of Nick Maimone, who hit a Broadway straight on the river. Daniel Dvoress Dvoress' title challenge ended in a sixth place finish when he shipped in 15.5 big blinds from the button with king-ten, and Sirichuk came over the top with the dominating ace-ten. An ace on the flop stopped Dvoress in his tracks. The final table lost a dangerous player in fifth place when Arends bowed out. Sirichuk min-raised to 120,000 under the gun, and Arends called from the big blind. The flop fell six-four-seven, Arends checked, Sirichuk bet 78,000, and Arends jammed for 674,688. Sirichuk called and showed pocket jacks, which had the jack-seven of Arends crushed. Game over for Arends. The first five-figure prize went to Patrick "chrisbenoit" Brooks, who had done incredibly well laddering up because he had been nursing a short stack for most of the final table. Brooks finally came unstuck when he ripped in his last 11 big blinds from the small blind with jack-eight suited only for Maimone to call with jack-ten suited. A ten on the turn sent Brooks to the rail. Heads-up was set when Sirichuk crashed out in third. Sirichuk's exit came as a surprise because he was the chip leader going into three-handed play. Maimone voiced some concerns about Silva and Sirichuk being close friends, and Sirichuk offered to share his hand history with Maimone. As it happens, Silva and Sirichuk clashed several times during three-handed play, and it was Silva who sent his fellow countryman to the rail. Silva shoved from the small blind with king-queen and Sirichuk called off his 24 big blind stack with ace-queen of clubs. Sirichuk was an 88.64% favorite on the turn thanks to holding two overcards and a flush draw, but a non-club king completed the community cards to send Sirichuk home in third place. Silva held a near three-to-one chip lead over Maimone going into heads-up and it proved too much of a gap to bridge. Maimone couldn't close the gap but Silva could not really extend his lead either. Something had to give eventually and it did when Maimone min-raised to 240,000 on the button, Silva three-bet all in, and Maimone called off the 2,262,657 chips he had behind. It was king-ten of spades for Maimone and pocket sevens for his Brazilian opponent. The flop fell with two spades but both the turn and river were kind to Silva's sevens, and he became the latest superstar to take down the GGPoker Super MILLION$. MADRID (Reuters) -The Spanish government will not order consumers to limit their gas consumption, Energy Minister Teresa Ribera said on Thursday, after Spain said it would oppose a European Union proposal to cut gas usage. "We will not introduce in a law an obligation to set the temperature of homes' thermostats," she said in an interview on local radio Cadena SER. The government would recommend people save energy, though, she said. She added the government would protect industries' gas consumption too. On Wednesday, the minister said her government would oppose a European Union proposal to cut gas usage as the country does not depend on Russian gas after it has made efforts to invest in gas storage and gas liquefaction infrastructure in the past. "The logic says that if our role in terms of solidarity is to be the reference in gas storage and re-exporting it is absurd to think we have capacity to reduce in absolute terms our gas imports," Ribera said. The European Commission proposed a voluntary target for all EU countries to cut gas use by 15% from August to March, compared with their average consumption in the same period during 2016-2021. The proposal would enable Brussels to make the target mandatory in a supply emergency, if the EU declares a substantial risk of severe gas shortages due to Moscow further restricting supplies to Europe. Several countries such as Austria, Germany and Denmark have said they are considering emergency plans that would ultimately entail gas rationning. The EU plan has faced resistance from other member countries including Poland and Hungary. (Reporting by Inti Landauro and Emma Pinedo;Editing by Andrew Cawthorne and Elaine Hardcastle) Povolny said he tutors to maintain his Russian language skills. "It's a lot of fun to meet the new students on campus, and I like working with Alena as well," he said. "It's interesting to see changes over the four years I've been tutoring. In the first year, the students were like me. I had a year of tutoring and a year of Russian. I was in their shoes. I've gotten more and more removed from that point, and now it feels more like a traditional tutor role." Learning about the national culture is also part of the SLI curriculum. Students of Yandan Wang, lecturer of Chinese, have learned Chinese games including Mah Jongg, watched movies, taken a field trip to China Town, and flown Chinese kites. They also enjoy eating Chinese snacks, Wang said. Now in her fifth year of teaching SLI, Wang believes culture is as important as language. "Language and culture are closely related. Chinese is not an easy language to learn, especially for English-speaking students. We need to let them enjoy learning with fun. Even though they're playing Mah Jongg, they have to recognize the Chinese characters," Wang said. Students demonstrate the Chinese culture every day with events including calligraphy, Chinese painting, and other Chinese games. Lindsey Sokol also serves as a Russian SIL faculty member. Sawako Tsutsumi, lecturer of Japanese, and Jinny Kim, part-time faculty member of Korean, are the other SLI instructors. HCM CITY The 15th International Exhibition on Electrical Technology and Equipment Vietnam ETE 2022, the 12th International Exhibition on Products, Technologies of Energy Saving and Green Power Enertec Expo 2022, and Korea Smart Electric & Energy Fair 2022 (KOSEF) simultaneously opened in HCM City on July 20. They feature nearly 500 booths set up by more than 300 exhibitors from many countries and territories, including Germany, France, Russia, Taiwan and South Korea, with leading brands such as Gelex, Cadivi, Ls Vina, Chint, Vtech, BTB, Vina Electric, Hioki, 3M, TUV Rheinland, O.T.E.C, VES, Rongstar, Solar BK, CRC Solar Cell, Sao Nam, World Energy, Sun Capital, Lithaco, CAPS, and E- Com. Products on display include power generation and transmission equipment and systems, smart electrical equipment and technology, lighting equipment and technology, civil electrical equipment, industrial automation and control equipment, renewable energy, electrical services and solutions, and others. In addition, KOSEF, with the partcipation of Korea Electrical Manufacturers Association, features leading Korean brands in the field of smart energy and electricty. The exhibitions also include a series of activities, such as specialised conferences and seminars, new product introduction and demonstration, and business matching programmes. Speaking at the opening ceremony in HCM City, Vo Van Hoan, deputy chairman of the HCM City Peoples Committee, said the exhibitions are among the annual activities included in the citys trade promotion programme. The exhibitions offer an ideal opportunity for businesses in the electrical equipment and energy industries to promote their brands and enable consumers to access energy saving products easily, he said. Nguyen Thi Kim Ngoc, deputy director of the HCM City Department of Industry and Trade, said in recent years, Viet Nam's electrical equipment manufacturers have increased investment, transferred technology and enhanced the application of advanced science and technology to produce high-quality products, meeting domestic and export market demand. To meet the countrys green growth strategy as well as implementing the national energy development strategy in the coming period, the efficient use of energy and the promotion of the application and development of new and renewable energies has become an urgent requirement, she said. Bui Thi Thanh An from the Viet Nam Trade Promotion Agency said Vietnam ETE and ENERTEC Expo 2022 have always been practical events to help Vietnamese and international enterprises in the electrical equipment and energy industries meet, exchange, and enhance cooperation as well as contribute to encouraging domestic manufacturers to promote production and trade of energy-saving products, develop new energy sources and environmentally friendly, renewable energy. Organised by the HCM City Department of Industry and Trade and C.I.S Viet Nam Advertising and Exhibition Joint Stock Company, the exhibitions at the Sai Gon Exhibition and Convention Centre in District 7 will go on until July 22 and are expected to attract 20,000 visitors. VNS HCM CITY Exporters of wood products need to have sustainable timber sources and use advanced technologies to reduce labour, a trade show heard in HCM City. Speaking on Tuesday at the opening of the HCM City Products Week 2022: Handicraft & Home Decor expo, Tran Phu Lu, deputy director of HCM City Trade and Investment Promotion Centre, said it is vital to build a transparent and legal wood industry to support exports. This requires the Government and industry business groups to come up with mechanisms to encourage the use of domestically available timber. Wood businesses need to ensure the legality of imported timber and pay attention to issues related to the safety and health of workers. It is vital for them to comply with timber laws at each stage, including harvesting, importing, purchasing, selling, transporting, processing, and exporting, he warned. They need to expand co-operation with households allotted forests to tend to ensure a sustainable source of raw materials, he added. Experts said wood businesses should diversify their supply of timber, reducing the proportion of imports from tropical countries and increasing the proportion from low-risk sources. More than 1,100 handicrafts and wood furniture products from 32 leading enterprises are on display at the exhibition being held until July 25. Viet Nam has become the worlds sixth largest exporter of wood and wooden products with a more than 4 per cent global market share, second largest in Asia, and biggest in the Southeast Asia, putting it under scrutiny from major trading partners. Besides sourcing locally, Viet Nam also imports raw timber, including from tropical countries. The volume of tropical wood imported annually is around 1.5 million cubic metres, or 30 per cent of total imports, mostly from Africa. According to statistics from the General Department of Customs, despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, exports of wood and wooden products grew by 17.6 per cent last year to US$14.12 billion. Vietnamese wood and wood products are present in more than 163 countries. In the first half of this year, HCM Citys exports were up 13.8 per cent year-on-year. VNS HA NOI The Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development will step up support for the Vietnamese business community to effectively exploit opportunities from the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), contributing to export promotion and economic development. This is a free trade agreement signed by 10 ASEAN member countries and five partner countries Japan, South Korea, China, Australia and New Zealand on November 15, 2020. RCEP came into effect on January 1, 2022. Many RCEP member countries are the owners and suppliers of major strategic raw materials in the world, such as China, South Korea and ASEAN countries. They are also the leading important trading partners of Viet Nam like China, South Korea, and Japan, with the total trade turnover accounting for more than half of the national trade revenue. RCEP will form the world's largest free trade area with 2.2 billion consumers, accounting for about a third of the world's population and global GDP. Strong commitments to opening the market for goods, services and investment and a common rule on origin for the 15 RCEP countries will be favourable conditions for forming and developing new supply chains in the region with the participation of the Vietnamese business community. "These will be an important foundation to create favourable conditions for Vietnamese industries and businesses in diversifying input materials to improve productivity, quality and competitiveness. They will help promote exports and the country's socio-economic development," said Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien. However, there are also many difficulties and challenges because the regional economies are competitive, even in fields where Viet Nam has strengths. Therefore, domestic enterprises must actively adapt and turn challenges into opportunities to improve competitiveness in domestic and foreign markets. ang Phuc Nguyen, general secretary of the Viet Nam Fruit and Vegetable Association, said vegetables and fruits exported or imported among RCEP members must be under quotas or the signed protocol. For example, Viet Nam is only allowed to officially export 10 fruit and vegetable products to China, including dragon fruit, mango, jackfruit, rambutan, lychee, mangosteen, and watermelon, banana, longan and black jelly. Other Vietnamese fruit and vegetable products are undergoing long negotiations for export approval to China, including durian, passion fruit, sweet potato, lemon, grapefruit and avocado. According to Nguyen, from January 2022 to now, China has implemented "Zero COVID," including a strict inspection policy for food, agricultural products and vegetables exported from all countries to China, including Viet Nam. This has made Vietnamese fruits and vegetables stagnant at the border gates, causing much damage to enterprises and farmers of Viet Nam. Tran Thi Lan Anh, general secretary of the Viet Nam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), said that despite being affected by COVID-19, Viet Nam saw impressive growth in exports partly due to the new generation FTAs, especially RCEP. According to Lan Anh, the agreement significantly impacts Vietnamese businesses because RCEP partners are the suppliers of about 70 per cent of Viet Nam's imports and the market for nearly 40 per cent of Viet Nam's exports. This is also the region with many global value chains and the largest sources of FDI in the economy. The agreement is expected to open up integration opportunities for businesses. On the other hand, with many partners whose economic structure competes directly with Viet Nam, RCEP also poses significant competitive challenges. Among the FTAs Viet Nam has signed, RCEP forces Vietnamese businesses to face many of the strongest competitors simultaneously. Many economies in RCEP have a similar structure to Viet Nam, while their experience, capital and competitiveness are better. The challenge of this agreement for Vietnamese enterprises is not only in the domestic market but also in export markets. In the domestic market, with the commitments to open up in RCEP, similar goods from RCEP members, especially from China and ASEAN, will enjoy more tax incentives when imported into the Vietnamese market. This competitive pressure is forecast to be more intense in the future. To overcome these difficulties, Lan Anh recommends businesses actively explore the agreement's commitments to make the most of opportunities from RCEP or deal with challenges. In addition, enterprises must improve their competitiveness to survive and develop in the context of increasing economic integration. Dien said there were many unprecedented global challenges in the past two years due to the pandemic. However, Viet Nam has gradually overcome the difficulties and achieved positive results in various fields partly due to taking advantage of opportunities and advantages from the FTAs that Viet Nam has signed to diversify the export market and products. So far, Viet Nam has signed 17 FTAs with most of the world's major economies, including RCEP. In 2021, Viet Nam, for the first time, gained an annual growth of 23 per cent in trade value to US$670 billion, bringing Viet Nam to the 20 leading economies in terms of international trade. The export value had high growth of 19 per cent. Viet Nam also gained a trade surplus of $4 billion for the sixth straight year. VNS Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Phung uc Tien The European Union (EU) is Viet Nam's leading trade partner, while Viet Nam is a potential and safe investment destination for European businesses. After nearly two years of implementing the EU-Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), despite challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the trade pact has shown its importance in helping two-way trade between Viet Nam and the EU increase by 14.8 per cent and the EUs exports to Viet Nam rise by 16.5 per cent. Viet Nam News spoke to Phung uc Tien, deputy minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), about the opportunity to export high-quality agricultural products between the two markets. How do you evaluate the cooperation between Viet Nam and EU in the agricultural sector? The EVFTA took effect in August 2020 and despite being affected by COVID-19, Viet Nams agricultural exports to the European market increased rapidly from over US$4.5 billion in 2020 to $5.2 billion in 2021. The figure in the first five months of this year was $2.26 billion, up 26 per cent year-on-year. The EU is a large import market for Viet Nam's key agricultural products such as pepper, seafood, cashew nuts, wood and wooden products. From our side, Viet Nam imports agricultural materials and equipment, livestock products and raw materials for animal feed from the EU. The export products of the two sides are complementary and not competitive. Theres still a lot of room to promote trade in the agricultural sector between the two markets. Viet Nam has advantages in agricultural production and export. Were among the top 15 exporting countries of agricultural, forestry and fishery products in the world with an export turnover of $48.6 billion in 2021 and an expected $55 billion this year. With comparative advantages in agricultural production along with a stable macro-economic environment, a large-scale domestic market with nearly 100 million people as well as being the gateway to the Southeast Asia market with 650 million people, Viet Nam has attracted many large and well-known EU agricultural corporations such as Bayer (Germany); De Heus, Nutreco (the Netherlands); Nestle (Switzerland); Ceva, Virbac (France). However, the total number of FDI projects and capital of EU enterprises in Viet Nam's agricultural sector is still modest with 44 projects worth more than $200 million. What are the new pushes that Viet Nam needs to make our agricultural products more accessible to the EU market? Last week, a European business delegation of 50 high-ranking representatives visited Viet Nam and had meetings to seek cooperation opportunities with Vietnamese enterprises in fields of mutual strength. They went on a field trip to learn about the work of Vietnamese farmers, raw material areas, preliminary processing, traceability and commercialisation of products in the EU market, especially organic products in Viet Nam. I totally agree with European Commissioner for Agriculture Janusz Wojciechowski, saying that seeing is believing and his first working trip to Viet Nam since the adoption of the EVFTA created the foundation for a new development period. The two sides will promote information exchange to unlock development potentials and the growth of Vietnamese agricultural exports to the European market. Facing climate change challenges and the risk of global food insecurity, Viet Nam's agriculture industry is robustly transforming towards green growth, developing a multi-value integrated growth model towards high technology, diversity and sustainability, rational use of natural resources, protection of the ecological environment, maintenance and conservation of biodiversity. Viet Nam is building a transparent, responsible and sustainable agricultural sector. Especially, amid global supply chain disruptions and rising food prices, Viet Nam is actively participating in the global food chain with a production capacity of nearly 44 million tonnes of rice, of which exports reached 6.7 million tonnes. Viet Nam wishes to expand its exports of rice, vegetables, coffee, processed products and products with geographical indications in the EU. The EU is a "fastidious" market, demanding high-quality agricultural products. What will the ministry do to support businesses to unlock this market? Viet Nam and the EU have established official diplomatic relations since 1990, right after Viet Nam embarked on its economic renewal policy. After more than 30 years of establishing diplomatic relations and 10 years of signing the Viet Nam-EU Comprehensive Partnership and Cooperation Framework Agreement, the relationship between the two sides is developing rapidly and comprehensively with many positive results. The two sides have built a solid cooperation framework with many important agreements and effective cooperation mechanisms. The EVFTA is a very important trade-investment cooperation framework that opens up great opportunities and prospects in the bilateral relationship. Trade ties in the agricultural sector have also continuously improved in recent years. Especially after the EVFTA came into effect with many tax incentives, many Vietnamese enterprises and organisations have promptly and creatively caught up with the world technology which enables them to meet the strict standards of the European market. The ministry will review each specific item and closely monitor market developments in association with production re-organisation and agricultural restructuring to further grasp opportunities in this market. With the European business community, what do you expect in agricultural cooperation in Viet Nam? We consider the EU a leading trade partner, a great, traditional and potential market for Vietnamese agricultural products, especially when the new-generation EVFTA came into effect, opening up trade opportunities in the agriculture, forestry and fishery sector. The ministry is ready to work closely with the EU to facilitate trade, ensure technical standards according to international practices, and not create new trade barriers without sufficient scientific basis for the benefit of producers, businesses and consumers on both sides. Viet Nam welcomes the EU's new projects to support agricultural development in the country and wishes to attract more FDI projects into the agriculture sector. Areas of focus for development are agricultural knowledge, ecological, circular and organic agriculture, especially high technology and core source technology. Some cooperation contents are very important such as training human resources, building regional clusters of industry links associated with large specialised farming areas, processing, diversifying products with high added value and developing trade and logistics infrastructure serving agricultural value chains. At the same time, Viet Nam wants to mobilise more resources from the EU to help soon complete the legal timber control system and enhance the fight against illegal fishing at sea. The ministry will accompany and create favourable conditions for EU businesses to make successful, long-term and sustainable investments in Viet Nam. VNS HA NOI New ranks were bestowed upon two Vietnamese military officers working at the UN Department of Peace Operations in New York on Tuesday (US time). The ceremony was held by Viet Nams Permanent Mission to the UN at the request of the Department of Peacekeeping Operations under the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defence. Luong Truong Vinh was granted the rank of Senior Lieutenant Colonel while Nguyen Phuc ong was given the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Ambassador ang Hoang Giang, Permanent Representative of Viet Nam to the UN, praised the officers efforts to fulfil their assigned tasks, including promoting Viet Nams cooperation in peacekeeping operations at UN missions. He asked the officers to continue bringing into play their capability, further advise the Party and State about peacekeeping cooperation between Viet Nam and the UN, and seek opportunities to increase the Vietnamese peacekeeping forces participation in UN missions. Vinh and ong, two of the three military officers of Viet Nam working at the UN Secretariat, pledged to keep doing their utmost to fulfil the tasks assigned by the Party, State and UN. They also vowed all-out efforts to help boost Viet Nams engagement in the UNs peacekeeping operations. VNS JAKARTA Vietnamese Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son and Indonesian counterpart Retno Marsudi on Wednesday co-chaired the fourth meeting of the Joint Committee on Bilateral Cooperation held in Jakarta, Indonesia. Welcoming Son to the country, the Indonesian foreign minister said the visit is significant especially as the two countries have reopened following COVID-19 restrictions, which provides an opportunity to exchange measures to promote cooperation in all fields, jointly recover and promote socio-economic growth, for the benefit and interests of the two peoples, towards the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the Viet Nam-Indonesia Strategic Partnership (2013-23). Foreign minister Son said the holding of the bilateral cooperation meeting serves as a strong indication for the two sides to advance ties. Son congratulated Indonesia for its achievements in pandemic containment and socio-economic development and expressed confidence that the country will succeed in its role as President of G20. He also pledged Viet Nams support for Indonesia when it holds the Chairmanship of ASEAN in 2023. The two sides agreed on the assessment that the relationship between Viet Nam and Indonesia is deepening effectively, especially since the establishment of the strategic partnership in 2013. Despite COVID-19 impacts, the two sides flexibly maintained high-level contacts and exchanges, both face-to-face and online, contributing to increasing trust and political ties. Economic and trade cooperation has grown tremendously, with two-way trade in 2021 reaching US$11.5 billion, up 40 per cent compared to 2020 and exceeding the target of $10 billion set by the two sides in the action programme to implement the strategic partnership for the period of 2019-23. In the first six months of 2022, bilateral trade reached $6.9 billion, up 24 per cent over the same period in 2021. Security-defence cooperation is also a highlight in bilateral ties. The Joint Vision Statement on Defence Cooperation for the period 2017-22 has been well implemented and cooperation mechanisms between the two defence ministries are regularly maintained, and the two sides also pledged to further cooperate in information sharing and coordinate in the fight against transnational crimes such as terrorism, drugs, illegal wildlife trade and transportation, and high-tech crimes. Cooperation in other important fields such as agriculture, fisheries, energy, aviation, culture, education training and tourism are given due attention, contributing to deepening friendly relations and cooperation between Viet Nam and Indonesia. In order to promote comprehensive cooperation in the future, the two sides agreed to continue to coordinate to strengthen exchanges and contacts at all levels; maintain the effectiveness of existing cooperation mechanisms; encourage the resumption of art troupes and people-to-people exchanges, especially in 2023 when the two countries celebrate the 10th anniversary of the establishment of a strategic partnership. To realise the goal of two-way trade reaching $15 billion in 2028, an agreement was reached to soon organise the 8th meeting of the Joint Committee on Trade and Science and Technology, create favourable conditions for enterprises of the two countries to do business, conduct import and export activities; seek opportunities to expand and diversify investment, especially in potential fields such as fisheries, infrastructure construction, renewable energy, and digital transformation. Minister Son said that they need to work together to handle the risk of a global food crisis, and suggested that Indonesia limit the application of trade remedies to Vietnamese exports; soon sign a memorandum of understanding on bilateral trade cooperation in the field of rice for the next four years; at the same time providing technical support for and facilitating the imports of Halal products of Vietnamese origin into Indonesia. The two ministers also agreed to encourage airlines to increase flight frequency and consider opening new routes connecting tourist destinations between the two countries, advance cooperation to enhance understanding, cultural exchange, trade and tourism between the two countries' localities, especially sister localities, along with student exchange. Discussing regional and international issues of mutual concern, the diplomats highly appreciated the coordination at multilateral organisations and forums, contributing to strengthening solidarity and the central role of ASEAN, the maintenance of peace, stability, cooperation, and development in the region as well as in the world. They agreed to continue boosting coordination and mutual support within the framework of ASEAN, the United Nations and other regional and international mechanisms. Viet Nam and Indonesia also reaffirmed their support for the upholding of ASEAN's unity and agreed-upon principles in the South China Sea issue, in accordance with international law and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). VNS HA GIANG Niem Son Commune police station in Meo Vac District, in the northern province of Ha Giang, has become home to 15-year-old Ly Mi Hong ever since five commune police officers adopted him last year. Hong and his siblings have been earning a living since an early age, as their father died early and their mother left with their grandparents who were old and weak. The Mong ethnic children took care of each other until Hong's older sisters and brothers got married, but they were too poor to feed their own families and the little brother Hong too. Hong said that at age of ten, he started working at markets to buy meals. However, on many days he failed to get any food. Knowing about Hong's circumstances, the police in Niem Son Commune adopted him, offering him not only a home but also the care and love of foster fathers. Lieutenant Colonel Vu Ngoc Chien, head of police of Niem Son Commune, said that when Hong first arrived at the police station, he was undernourished, stunted, and much smaller than his peers. To make up for the lack of love from his family, police officers look after and teach Hong wholeheartedly," he said, adding that they spent time helping Hong with his schooling, behaviour, communication, and daily life skills. Instead of working at markets, Hong now attends grade 6 at the Ethnic Semi-boarding High School in the commune. "When living with police officers, Hong has made much progress not only in awareness, self-reliance, integration in life but also good academic results," said Hong's teacher inh Cong Nguyen. In Nghia Thuan Commune of the same district, commune police also adopted a local disadvantaged child. Vu Thi Sinh lost her mother and does not know her father. Her relatives are unable to support her properly because of their poverty. Sinh is a shy and quiet girl but when she sees her foster fathers, her face lights up. Every weekend, commune police officers pick Sinh up at the police station and buy her new clothes, food and essentials. They then have lunch together. Major Vang inh Thanh, head of police of Nghia Thuan Commune, said that they were now offering financial and spiritual support to Sinh so that she could overcome difficulties and continue going to school. The police also cooperated with teachers to oversee and help her, Thanh said. As the commune police station is based in a small post office, the police could not offer Sinh a place to stay, Thanh said. From the 'commune police adoption' model in Niem Son Commune, the Ha Giang Province's Police directed the police of districts and cities to expand the model. Senior Lieutenant Colonel Mai Trong Vinh, deputy head of the Party and Political Affairs Division, Ha Giang Province's Police, said that the adoption and sponsorship by the communal police force show humanity and realise the motto "when the people need, the police will help." That model also helps raise public awareness and responsibility in caring for and taking care of orphaned disadvantaged children. The model of 'commune police adoption' in Ha Giang Province was formed spontaneously, so there are difficulties in expanding it, Vinh said. Currently, most of the adopted children go to local primary or secondary schools. But, when they go to high school, they have to travel further and need more support, Vinh said. He suggested that the Ha Giang provincial police should have specific instructions and orientations for the model, especially the scope of support and career orientation for the adopted children. To raise and support orphans, besides the funding that commune police officers deduct from their salary, the community's cooperation and support are needed, he said. The commune police force also needs specific guidance in mobilising social resources, as well as managing and using the supported funds. VNS TIEN GIANG The Cuu Long (Mekong) Delta province of Tien Giang is creating favourable conditions for farmers to join hands and grow its speciality Hoa Loc mango to improve quality and value. The countrys largest fruit producing province has many speciality fruits that are both sold domestically and exported like these mangoes and durian. It has nearly 300ha under the Hoa Loc variety with an average yield of 12-18 tonnes per hectare per year. The variety originated in Cai Be District and is grown mostly in the districts 13 communes. ang Van Tung, deputy head of the Cai Be District Division of Agriculture and Rural Development, said to develop Hoa Loc mango, the district and provincial agencies have support policies for farmers. They have helped establish co-operatives and co-operative groups to enable farmers to come together and grow the fruit in large quantities and with consistently high quality. The district has two co-operatives, Hoa Loc and My Luong, and the Tan Thanh Mango Co-operative Group, who together grow a total of 60ha of these mangoes. Hoa Locs members have a total of 20ha under the mango that they grow to Vietnamese and global good agricultural practices (VietGAP and GlobalGAP) standards. It has invested in a warehouse and packing facilities to ensure quality, reduce post-harvest losses and increase the fruits shelf life and value. Its Hoa Loc mangoes have been granted a collective brand name by the National Office of Intellectual Property. The office has also granted a geographical indication (GI) certificate to the province for the Hoa Loc mango. The province has promoted the GI to increase the value of the fruit at home and abroad. It is exported to markets such as the US, Canada, Japan, Singapore, and China. Tung said Cai Be District is encouraging more farmers to grow Hoa Loc mango to GAP standards, use advanced techniques and link up with companies to secure outlets and steady prices. The Cai Be District Agriculture Services Centre is implementing a plan to certify elite Hoa Loc mango orchards in the district, he said. It is managing production codes for a total of 71.1ha of mango growing areas, he added. To get a code, a mango growing area should be a minimum of 10ha and comply with VietGAP or other equivalent standards. It also needs to maintain a cultivation diary for origin traceability and follow regulations on pesticide use. VNS HCM CITY The University of Economics HCM City, Western Sydney University and the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) on Wednesday announced an initiative to forge business education, science and innovation partnerships between Australia and ASEAN. The ASEAN Hub initiative encompasses five key strategic objectives: expansion of programme deliveries, research and higher degree research student training, student engagement and services, industry partnerships, and responsibility to the community. Through the establishment of the ASEAN Hub with Western Sydney University, we aim to increase our presence in the region to attract more international students to Viet Nam, Prof Su inh Thanh, president of the University of Economics HCM City, said. Moreover, the ASEAN Hub [will help] improve research collaborations as well as industry engagement beyond the borders of Viet Nam," he said. Rebecca Ball, senior trade and investment commissioner at Austrade Vietnam, said the strategy showcased important features of the relationship between Australia, Viet Nam and ASEAN. "Quality education is vital to the future of our next generation and to continued economic growth. The ASEAN Hub Strategy is indeed an exciting opportunity for Vietnamese and ASEAN talents to advance their study with world class education institutions around the world and in Australia. "On their completion of study in Australia, they will be equipped with the ability to lead and advance science and technology development in their countries. Our strong education ties with Viet Nam and ASEAN are demonstrated at both government and institutional levels." In 2020 nearly 100,000 students from Southeast Asia enrolled to study in Australia, or nearly a fifth of Australias international students that year, she said. There are currently more than 70,000 alumni of Australian schools in Viet Nam. VNS Theres a lot thats left unexplained in the highly atmospheric Where the Crawdads Sing. For starters, how does a little girl spend her adolescence in the marshes of North Carolina without some in authority wondering what happened to her parents. Siblings are gone, too. But there, in a swampy home without visible means of support, she raises herself, draws pictures of flora and fauna, engages with a general store owner and his wife and, supposedly, teaches herself to read and write. Were never sure how those gaps are filled, but they help foster her identity as the marsh girl, a target of ridicule from the teens in town. Luckily, another environmentally conscious teen shares her love of wildlife and, soon, theyre hanging out. He doesnt ask obvious questions either but, soon, hes off to college and shes back to drawing detailed pictures of plants and animals. Another young man (Harris Dickinson) slips in and, presumably, appears to be interested in her. She falls for his attention and, then, after shes ridiculed in town by his friends, he winds up dead near her home. Is Kya (Daisy Edgar-Jones) responsible? Was it an accident? Or could someone else have entered the picture? Director Olivia Newman starts with the death, then backtracks. Courtroom testimony fills in the gaps but not enough. Often too interested in finding its own To Kill a Mockingbird vibe, Crawdads doesnt ask enough questions about the family that walked out on Kya. It also paints a bleak picture of the folks who didnt seem to care when she arrived at school without shoes. Kids made fun of her and she retreated. The next thing we know, marsh girl is selling mussels, drawing pictures and avoiding much if any contact. When the first relationship unfolds, its incomplete, too. When the second one crops up, its like something from Peyton Place or another 50s potboiler. Based on Delia Owens best-seller, Crawdads manages a few choice lines but not a steady throughline. The courtroom scenes, commanded by David Straithairn as Kyas attorney, clear things up in ways that bring audible gasps from those in attendance. But, still, there are holes that even the storys shocking end dont clear up. Edgar-Jones does her best to make us care for a woman who has been ridiculed by most everyone. Plucky in a quiet way she deserves the success she achieves. But she shouldnt be the first person everyone in town thinks is guilty of murder, particularly since she didnt seem to have a public relationship with the victim. While Taylor John Smith (as Tate, the first beau) could be just as suspect, hes never charged with anyone. Instead, he has to stand by while Kya lets others craft a scenario that would absolve them of misjudging her. When Edgar-Jones is drinking in the marshlands (beautifully photographed by Polly Morgan), Crawdads has a certain charm. Once shes put into play with a familiar story, it begins to dry up. A song by Taylor Swift over the end credits tries to add depth but its a little late for something that should have been painted in finer strokes from the beginning. Wacos Deep in the Heart Film Festival returns for its sixth year this weekend, another year farther in to recovering from a COVID-19 pause in 2020 and closer to what its founders and supporters consider normal. This years fest sticks to what it is making its reputation: short films and a handful of feature films, script readings, panels on filmmaking, and the networking and community-building that filmmakers have appreciated. For festival founders and filmmakers Louis Hunter and Samuel Z.P. Thomas, winning mention in a June 22 MovieMaker article 20 Great Film Festivals for First-Time Filmmakers was a welcome pat on the back and outside acknowledgment that their efforts, along with that of the scores of Waco supporters, have been noticed. Writer Tim Malloy noted the Waco festival is known for throwing great parties and lures an impressive number of world and Texas premieres. When youre a first-time filmmaker, youre looking for community and thats one of the things were trying to provide, Hunter said. The four-day festival, which opens Thursday night with a closing awards ceremony on Sunday, will air five feature films, including actress and writer Juliet Landaus directorial premiere, A Place Among the Dead Friday night, and more than 100 shorts and nine music videos grouped in 12 two-hour blocks. The festivals efforts to showcase Waco and boost filmmakers in their projects will see a new filmmaking grant for the winner of this years screenplay award, which will provide hotel accommodations, a camera and lighting package, consultation with Vision Vehicle Studios and nearly $2,500 in rebates for use with McLennan County people and businesses. Thomas said tying the production incentive package to a winning screenplay was important to boost the chances of a quality movie. It all starts with the script, he said. Actors from Waco theater companies Wild Imaginings, Silent House Theatre Company and Brazos Theatre will read the competing scripts as part of the festival. The festival features entries from as far as the United Kingdom and Iran and 140 projects short films, feature films, screenplays, music videos, student films and more made the cut. This years submissions caused organizers to create a new shorts thematic block, Lets Talk About Sex, joining more than a dozen others including popular festival favorites of family films and horror shorts. Hunter said the new category perhaps was shaped by the pandemic. We will go on. We will survive. We will talk sex, he said. Highlighting the feature films this year is A Place Among The Dead, a 2020 film that marks the directorial debut of actress and writer Juliet Landau, known by many as Drusilla in the television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer and its spinoff Angel. Landau and her husband Deverill Weekes collaborated on the film, a vampire story, of sorts, that blends fiction and personal experience, the latter not of vampirism but toxic narcissistic personalities. Landau, daughter of noted actor Martin Landau, counted her parents in that category as does Weekes, and it ends up as much a personal revelation as vampire tale. I thought vampires were the perfect metaphor for narcissism, she explained in a recent phone interview. They drain others personalities. Theyre charismatic. People have to invite them into their lives. Vampires do not change. Theyre not able to see their own reflection in the mirror, just as narcissistic personalities cant see themselves for what they are. Her film is studded with celebrity appearances, including actors Gary Oldman, Ron Perlman, Joss Whedon, Robert Patrick and more. Their interviews are scripted, but their film characters, like Landaus, are alter egos of their real selves, she said. Writing, acting, producing and directing proved a quantum leap in work and effort for Landau, whos currently featured in the series Bosch and Claws. Filming meant six weeks of six-day weeks and 12-hour days, she recalled. Our crew really became like vampires in the end, she laughed. And there were the small fun contributions, such as casting Oldmans 95-year-old mother as a nun in a last-minute cast replacement. The response has been worth it, she feels. Since its completion in 2020, Landau and her husbands film has been racking up awards on the festival circuit, logging 22 major awards so far including eight Best Feature prizes, multiple Best Acting and Directing awards, and two Audiences Choice honors. Whats been most gratifying for Landau, however, has been viewers response to its themes of toxic narcissism and personal abuse, resulting in post-film discussions that sometimes stretch for hours. Were talking about the same type person, who shows up in all sorts of relationships, she said. Its even spawned its own followers who attend each screening they can, calling themselves A Place Among the Dead Heads. The movies festival success is opening doors for talks about the films next step, whether a larger feature or showings on other platforms. Landaus also in the final stages of a documentary project. Her plans to attend the Waco festival took a sudden unexpected turn this week when both she and her husband tested positive with COVID-19. They wont make the trip now, but festival organizers are trying to set up a Zoom presentation for Saturdays panel discussion. Joining A Place Among the Dead as the featured, well, feature are One Pint at a Time, a look at the history and culture of Black beer brewers; The Sisters Karras, about two half-sisters left a valuable rug as inheritance; Honk, a Dallas-based documentary about a goose informally adopted by a community; and Home Body, about a reclusive man who finds himself a ghost in a house no one visits. Local health authorities Wednesday announced the first case of monkeypox in McLennan County and said they will monitor the spread of the virus to determine whether public testing is necessary. The McLennan County case involved an adult woman with no known travel or exposure to other monkeypox patients, Waco-McLennan County Public Health District officials said. The district is conducting contact tracing in the case. Texas has logged 110 cases of monkeypox since June 7, when it was first identified in Dallas County, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services. That includes 27 cases in Public Health Region 7, a 30-county region that includes Waco, Temple, Round Rock, Austin, San Marcos and Bryan-College Station. DSHS materials call monkeypox a severe acute illness, usually with sudden onset of initial symptoms of fever, headache, muscle aches, backache, swollen lymph nodes (lymphadenopathy), chills, and exhaustion. The disease quickly progresses to a rash, usually starting on the face and spreading to other body parts, often followed by the appearance of lesions on the skin. The illness typically lasts 2-4 weeks and is spread by close physical contact, officials said. In McLennan County, the health district will monitor the spread of monkeypox and the severity of cases to determine if and when public testing may be needed, said Vaidehi Shah, the health districts senior epidemiologist. Shah said Wednesday that the data so far indicate that the strain causing the current global monkeypox outbreak does not kill people. Some people may require hospitalization, she said. Others may develop a milder form of the disease merely requiring a doctors care. Shah said that antiviral medications are available from federal public health authorities, if needed. The health districts epidemiology team has been planning in the last few weeks for the potential spread of monkeypox here, said district director LaShonda Malrey-Horne. This early preparation included communication with both hospital systems and health care providers in the area, Malrey-Horne said. We will continue to work with the Texas Department of State Health Services Public Health Region 7 to identify potential cases and ensure testing and treatment if needed. People sick with monkeypox should contact their health provider to determine testing and isolate at home, health district spokesperson Clare Paul said. If you have an active rash or other symptoms, stay in a separate room or area away from people or pets you live with, when possible, Paul said. People with an unexplained rash should schedule a visit with their health care provider, Shah said. When you set an appointment (for the unexplained rash), make sure to inform them of your suspicion of monkeypox, so that they can take appropriate precautions to prevent the possible spread of the disease, Shah said. Monkeypox usually starts with a rash that can look like pimples or blisters on the face, inside the mouth and on other body parts, the health district said in a statement Wednesday. Other symptoms include headache, muscle aches, backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills or exhaustion. Sometimes people may only experience the rash, which goes through different stages before healing completely, Paul said. The statement says monkeypox can spread from person to person in a variety of ways: direct contact with the infectious rash, scabs or body fluids; respiratory secretions during prolonged, face-to-face contact of around three hours, or during close physical contact; or touching items (such as clothing, towels, sheets, linens) that previously touched the infectious rash or body fluids. Shah said monkeypox spreads differently than COVID-19 does. To spread monkeypox requires skin to skin contact, or around three hours of face-to-face exposure, Shah said. The coronavirus, by contrast, can spread from face-to-face exposure within 15 minutes, she said. Based on the data she has seen, Shah said that each case of monkeypox causes one more case, a lower transmission rate than the first form of COVID-19 and far lower than the current BA.5 subvariant of omicron. Shah said that people could catch the disease also by sharing cups, glasses and utensils. Pregnant people can spread the virus to their fetus through the placenta. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the following steps to prevent getting monkeypox: avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like monkeypox, do not share eating utensils or cups with a person with monkeypox, do not handle or touch the bedding, towels or clothing of a person with monkeypox, and wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Cooling center open The city of Waco and WacoMcLennan County Office of Emergency Management have opened cooling centers through the weekend to assist local residents with relief from the heat. Cold bottles of water and chairs will be provided. On Friday, a cooling center will be open from noon to 7 p.m. at the city of Waco Multipurpose Facility, 1020 Elm Ave. Saturday and Sunday, a cooling center will be open from noon to 7 p.m. at Sul Ross Community Center, 1414 Jefferson Ave. Bruceville-Eddy watering The city of Bruceville-Eddy has enacted Stage 1 water restrictions. Customers with a street address ending in an even number may water outdoors Sundays and Thursdays. Customers with a street address ending in an odd number may water Saturdays and Wednesdays. Outdoor watering is limited to landscaped areas only and is only allowed from midnight to 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. to midnight. Call 254-859-5964 for more information. Hawaiian Falls Champions Day Hawaiian Falls Waco, 900 Lake Shore Drive, will host special needs children and adults, and their families and caregivers, for Champions Day on Monday, with exclusive access to the water park before it opens to the public. To be sensitive to those special needs, Hawaiian Falls turns down the music and adds more staff to assist visitors. Special needs individuals and their families will have exclusive access and use of the park from 9 to 10:30 a.m., then the park opens to the public until 6 p.m. Admission is free for champions and $10 for families and caregivers, up to four people, and includes all-day access. Cooling center open The city of Waco and WacoMcLennan County Office of Emergency Management have opened cooling centers through the weekend to assist local residents with relief from the heat. Cold bottles of water and chairs will be provided. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, a cooling center will be open from noon to 7 p.m. at the city of Waco Multipurpose Facility, 1020 Elm Ave. Saturday and Sunday, a cooling center will be open from noon to 7 p.m. at Sul Ross Community Center, 1414 Jefferson Ave. Storytelling Guild The Heart of Texas Storytelling Guild meets at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Good Neighbor House, 2301 Colcord Ave. For more information, call 254-717-1763. A Little Dead screening Deep in the Heart Film Festival will screen the award-winning short film A Little Dead at 8 p.m. Saturday at the Waco Hippodrome, 724 Austin Ave., as part of the festivals Saturday Night Fright block. The suspense/horror film has strong mental health themes throughout. Tickets are $10, $5 for students and military members. Voter registration drive The McLennan County Republican Party and McLennan County Republican Women are sponsoring a voter registration drive from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday at the party headquarters at Westview Village, 539 N. Valley Mills Drive. Call 254-772-6955. Back-to-school picnic Waco Family & Faith International Film Festival presents its annual Community Barbecue and Back-To-School Picnic from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Friday, July 29 at Whitehall Park, 7600 Fresno Road in Woodway. Guests will enjoy a fresh summer meal and will leave with a backpack stuffed with supplies for the new school year, while supplies last. MADISON, Wis. (AP) Wisconsin Republicans erased regulations Wednesday allowing local election clerks to fill in missing information on absentee ballot envelopes, the latest move in the GOP's push to tighten voting procedures in the crucial swing state. The Wisconsin Elections Commission developed an emergency rule earlier this year that permits local clerks to fill in missing witness address information on absentee envelopes without contact the witness or the voter. The rule reflected guidance the commission issued to clerks in October 2016. The guidance was in effect during the 2020 presidential election, which saw Joe Biden narrowly defeat then-President Donald Trump. The Republican-controlled Legislature's rules committee voted 6-4 to suspend the emergency rule. The guidance remains in place, but it's unclear how many clerks might follow it in light of the committee vote and a court could soon erase it as well. The committee vote is part of a string of Republican efforts to impose tighter restrictions on voting around the country as Trump continues to spread the false claim that Biden stole the election. Multiple reviews and court decisions have found no evidence of fraud on a scale that would have affected the outcome but Trump and his supporters keep working to convince people the election wasn't legitimate. According to the Brennan Center for Justice, at least 19 states enacted laws that made it harder to vote last year, including shortening the window for applying for an absentee mail ballot, stiffening voter identification requirements and limiting early voting hours. Wisconsin's Republican-controlled Legislature passed a sweeping package of bills earlier this year to require the rules committee to sign off on any commission guidance, to make it harder for people to declare themselves indefinitely confined in order to get an absentee ballot and to ban private groups from giving local governments money to administer elections. Democratic Gov. Tony Evers vetoed the entire package, but Republicans won a major victory earlier this month when the conservative-controlled state Supreme Court outlawed drop boxes. The GOP has argued that the boxes aren't secure and invite fraud. Now GOP leaders have set their sights on the clerk guidance, arguing that state law doesn't allow clerks to fill in blanks on ballot envelopes and if the witness doesn't fill in the missing information the ballot doesn't count. They demanded that the commission codify the guidance in an emergency rule, which would allow the Legislature's Republican-controlled rules committee to erase it. The commission complied and drafted the rule. The committee met Wednesday afternoon to block it at the request of Republican legislative leaders, including Assembly Speaker Robin Vos and Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu. Democrats on the committee spent an hour criticizing the move, labeling it a disgusting attempt to tamp down voter turnout ahead of the Aug. 9 primary and Nov. 8 general election, which includes critical races for governor and U.S. Senate. This is a horrible mistake but it continues the road Republicans are going down, Rep. Gary Hebl said. They don't have the votes so they've got to cut down the number of people who can vote any way they can do it. It's a sad time in our democracy that we have to stoop to these levels. GOP committee members countered that state law simply doesn't allow clerks to fill in missing information. They stressed that clerks can attempt to return ballots with incomplete witness addresses. Hebl countered that overworked clerks will simply chuck incomplete envelopes in the trash. I care about following state law," the committee co-chairman Sen. Steve Nass said. No one has mentioned a state law that allows (the elections commission) to do what they're doing. (The commission) is attempting to create a new law. That is a core legislative function. It's not clear how many clerks may have acted to fix witness information during the 2020 election. The Legislative Audit Bureau last year reviewed nearly 15,000 absentee ballot envelopes from the election across 29 municipalities and found that 1,022, or about 7%, were missing parts of witness addresses. Fifteen didn't have any witness address at all, eight lacked a witness signature and three didn't have a voter signature. Auditors found evidence that clerks had corrected addresses on 66 envelopes, or 0.4% of the sample. The audit cautioned against extrapolating the findings statewide, however, noting auditors reviewed ballot envelopes from nine of the 10 municipalities with the highest proportion of absentee ballots. Even though the rule is no more, the elections commission's initial guidance saying clerks can correct missing information still stands but maybe not for long. The Waukesha County Republican Party filed a lawsuit earlier this month alleging the guidance is illegal. Dane County Clerk Scott McDonell said if clerks are blocked from adding missing information on their own, they will have to track witnesses down that could be cumbersome for some offices with already heavy workloads. He said clerks may decide to mail the ballot back with a request to fill in the missing information if theres enough time to do so before Election Day. Otherwise they may have to call or email the voter. He said allowing clerks to add missing information on their own is a common-sense system. Often the witness is the voter's spouse and clerks can confirm an address through the state voter database. Any fair-minded person would think this was reasonable, he said. Wisconsin Elections Commission Administrator Meagan Wolfe said the committee vote puts clerks in a difficult spot since the guidance saying they can fill in witness address information remains in place, creating confusion. This story has been updated to correct the spelling of McDonell' in 17th graf. Associated Press writer Scott Bauer contributed to this report. A pair of two-day-old North Texas wildfires continued to resist containment Wednesday after destroying 21 homes, officials said. The Chalk Mountain Fire near Glen Rose destroyed 16 homes and damaged five others as it remained on the move Wednesday after scorching almost 10 square miles of mostly short grass, brush and juniper as of midday Wednesday, said Alexandra Schwier, a Texas A&M Forest Service spokeswoman. The fire about 50 miles southwest of Fort Worth was 10% contained Wednesday with embers from burning tree crowns flying up to 200 yards. The fire at Possum Kingdom Lake destroyed five homes as it spread along its western shore, charring 500 acres about 70 miles west of Fort Worth. That fire was 15% contained Wednesday, the Forest Service said. A 160-acre fire near Meridian in Bosque County was 90% contained as of Wednesday afternoon, according to the Forest Service website, and a 20-acre fire in Milam County northeast of Cameron was also burning and 70% contained. Temperatures approaching 110 degrees Fahrenheit, combined with a relative humidity near 20% and 10-mph winds gusting to 20 mph, resisted efforts to contain the fiery spread beyond 10% containment, the Forest Service said. In these fuels, resistance to control is often high and makes suppression efforts challenging for firefighters, said Luke Kanclerz, a Forest Service fire analyst, in a statement. Ninety firefighters worked around the clock on the Chalk Mountain Fire, focusing on protecting structures and digging a containment line around the fires northeastern leading edge. A no-fly zone was declared for the area as air tankers operated overhead. Airdrops of fire retardant began Wednesday morning with a special DC-10 called a Very Large Air Tanker and a C-130 transport and MD-87 jet called Large Air Tankers dropping 60,000 gallons of retardant near that leading edge by midafternoon, Schwier said. The fire extended into Hood County from neighboring Somervell County, where County Judge Danny Chambers said all 16 destroyed and five damaged homes were located. Chambers had issued a disaster declaration because of the possibility of evacuations and said most residents of the countys rural northwestern quadrant heeded a voluntary evacuation notice given for the countys rural northwestern quadrant. No injuries were reported from that fire. Crews were also fighting the Possum Kingdom Lake fire around the clock by air and on the ground. Fire crews used bulldozers to dig containment lines around the fires leading edge, the Forest Service said. Two crew members were treated for minor heat injuries and returned to service. The Forest Service said that 99% of the state was experiencing some level of drought Wednesday. They called it massive resistance. That, some of you may recall, was what Virginia dubbed its campaign of defiance of Brown v. Board of Education, the 1954 Supreme Court ruling that outlawed school segregation. The Virginia crusade was just part of a drive by conservatives all over the South to blunt the effect of that decision. Its a noxious bit of history that, paradoxically, may carry a seed of hope for advocates of reproductive rights in the wake of the Supreme Court ruling that overturned Roe v. Wade. It reminds us that, though the Court is considered the final arbiter of national disputes, there have been times it was anything but. Brown v. Board is the most obvious, albeit notorious, example. By means both subtle and overt, conservative voters and lawmakers have spent almost 70 years defying that decision, with the result that, according to a 2020 report from the Civil Rights Project at UCLA, School segregation is now more severe than in the late 1960s. In a similar sense, weve discovered, in the weeks since the court struck down Roe, that it unsettled more than it settled. Consider last weeks news that a 10-year-old rape victim her name has not been released had to flee across state lines from Ohio to Indiana to have her pregnancy terminated. This, because the law in her home state would not permit the procedure. Many conservative lawmakers, increasingly indistinguishable from 17th-century Puritans and Iranian ayatollahs in their moral precepts, consider it pro-life to force a 10-year-old girl to give birth. And yet when the news broke, the radical right (pretty much the only right there is in this country just now) seemed utterly unprepared to respond, much less explain or defend. Forced to face the consequences of their hard-line zealotry, many resorted to denial and deflection. South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem said, It looks like the story was fake to begin with. Tucker Carlson, of Fox News, said, Politicians are lying about this. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost and Rep. Brian Stewart suggested the story was a hoax. Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan tweeted that it was another lie. When that lie led to the arrest of the alleged rapist, Jordan deleted his tweet, then claimed on CNN that he never doubted the story. Meantime, the doctor who performed the procedure reports that some in the pro-life crowd are threatening to kill her. Again, the court seems less to have settled the issue than to have broken it wide open. And you wonder: If 1950s segregationists were able to succeed in nullifying a court ruling, though they had not morality, nor logic, nor even national opinion on their side, what can be done by reproductive-rights advocates, given that they have all three? Plus, they have the visceral power of new narratives now unfolding in real time. Its not just a 10-year-old girl fleeing across state lines for an abortion like some perverse new version of the Underground Railroad. Its the fact that some legislators are pondering laws to criminalize such flights to restrict womens right to travel. Its the fact that an Australian woman has said that, while passing through the United States en route to Canada, she was recently detained, fingerprinted and interrogated about being pregnant or having an abortion. Its the fact that a Texas woman told CNN a few days ago that she was forced to carry a dead fetus to term endangering both her health and her future ability to have children because no doctor would perform an abortion. Putting it mildly, these are not stories likely to increase public support for the courts judicial overreach. And we will see many more before this is done. This is just the beginning. They will be fuel for structures of defiance and civil disobedience that even now are taking shape all over the country. One doctor is even talking about setting up an abortion boat in federal waters off the Gulf of Mexico. So one suspects the right may soon learn the truth of that axiom about being careful what you wish for. Massive resistance goes both ways. ASHLAND Dave Hoffman has been building and entering floats in local parades for decades. But hes hanging up his glue gun and tool belt this year, after creating a patriotic masterpiece that graced the streets of downtown Ashland during Stir-Up last weekend. Hoffman created a float in honor of military service members and first responders. He drove the float in the Stir-Up Grand Parade on Saturday morning and parked it in front of the American Legion Club on Saturday during the Stir-Up Car Show. I have a lot of respect for people who serve our country and protect us every day, he said. The multi-level float included multiple eagles, American flags and other patriotic memorabilia. Hoffman was inspired by the Aaron Tippen song Where the Stars and Stripes and the Eagle Fly as he designed the float. The song came out in 2002 and caught Hoffmans ear soon after. It spoke to Hoffman about the sacrifices made by the military and first responders to keep Americans safe and free. I listened to that song over and over, he said. Although he did not serve in the military, Hoffmans family is full of soldiers. His father, Miles Hoffman, was wounded while serving in World War II. The Army private was riding on the side of a tank when a mortar shell hit. Shrapnel imbedded in his lower left leg, which had to be amputated. While recuperating at Winter General Hospital in Topeka, Kansas, Miles Hoffman made the front page of his hometown newspaper in Stanton on July 5, 1945 after he met Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower. Dave Hoffman said his father was standing at attention, saluting Eisenhowers train as it pulled into the station. He was the only soldier to do so, and caught the generals eye. Eisenhower noticed my dad, Hoffman said. Ike walked through the crowd and shook Miles Hoffmans hand, then asked him about his injury. A local newspaper photographer captured the shot and shared it with the Stanton Register. Dave Hoffman found a copy of the newspaper when he went to the library in Stanton to research his father. He made a copy and framed it to include on the float, along with a photo of his grandfather, Joe Hanak, who served in World War I as a prison guard. Hoffman not only wanted to honor the military, but also first responders. He said recent events, like school shootings, shine a light on the tragic incidents first responders must take care of. I wanted to make sure this is something they could smile about, he said. He put a jar on the float and garnered $70 over the weekend to donate to the Ashland Police Departments DARE car. Along with pictures of his father and grandfather, there are replicas of military vehicles on the float. The decor also includes an aerie of eagles. Hoffman has always had an affinity for eagles, which is one reason he was drawn to the song. But his fascination with the raptor goes back farther than the country music tune. Hoffman has included an eagle on every float hes made over the years. So he knew this year would be the same. If I do a float, its going to need some eagles, he said as he began planning the float. He brought out the eagle that had graced all of his floats, and added to the congregation with six more Eagles purchased at Menards. In April, Hoffman began decorating the tandem axle trailer. He wrapped the top in green felt and the sides in layers of red, white and blue tulle and star-covered plastic. He purchased or had specially made various signs and posters, including the one bearing the title of the song that inspired the project. He also incorporated items from his family, like the trumpet on which his son played Taps for the Ashland-Greenwood High School band during Memorial Day ceremonies in Ashland. The big push to finish the float began in May and June. Hoffman spent every free minute when he was not working at his full-time job in accounts receivable at Sapp Bros. to finish the project. I dont know how many hours, but there was a lot, he said. Hoffman had plans to add even more details to the already elaborate float, but he ran out of time. There are probably about four different things hanging in my shop that I didnt use, he said. Hoffman first began building floats when his three children were growing up in Ashland. He and wife Deb moved to the community from Columbus in 1983 after he took a job in Omaha. They bought a small house and a few years later built a ranch home on 24th and Clay streets. We love living in this little town, he said. As an active member of the Ashland community, Hoffman volunteered to build floats for various organizations that he or his children were members of, including the scouts, Knights of Columbus and their church. One of his favorite floats was made for Ashlands Hometown Christmas lighted parade. The trailer was transformed into the Polar Express, a favorite holiday book and movie. He filled the float with polar bears, which he later donated to the Ashland Police Department to give to children in distress. My grandchildren got to hand them over to the police officers, he remembered. That was pretty heartwarming to me. Hoffmans children rode on his earlier floats, and now his grandchildren are his parade companions. This year, six-year-old Hazel and her friend, Ruby, sat up front while Luke, 10, and Ella, 12, tossed candy from the back of the float. Hoffman bought over 20 pounds of candy for the four kids to throw during the parade. Hazel and Ruby ran out of candy before the parade was over. They were having fun, Hoffman said. Hoffman played Where the Stars and Stripes and the Eagle Fly on loop throughout the parade. He put a sign on the front that asked people to stand and honor the heroes. The majority of people stood and respected the sign and the flags, he said. On Sunday, Hoffman participated in the opening ceremony for the car show. As the American Legion Color Guard marched down Silver Street, he played music on his sound system. When the color guard stopped in front of his float, he broadcast a recorded version of three cannon shots and an orchestral version of Taps. Although the helicopter flyby drowned out the sound of the cannon shots, the effect was still breathtaking. I got a lot of response for it, he said. Hoffman said this will be the final large float he builds. Nearing the age of 70, he had a hard time climbing ladders and doing other physical chores needed to complete the project. He plans to create floats that can be pulled behind a lawn tractor. If I do any more floats, it will be on a smaller scale, he said. But dont expect the attention to detail to be any less. Like the Kiddie Parade float he made eight years ago depicting a 1950s diner, complete with black and white checkerboard tiles, chrome tables and a jukebox. Suzi Nelson is the managing editor of The Ashland Gazette. Reach her via email at suzi.nelson@ashland-gazette.com. Jim has lived most of his life in the Ashland community. He graduated from Ashland-Greenwood High School. He worked a year at Western Electric in Millard with his good friend Warren Washburn saving some money for cars, movies and college. He attended Fairbury Junior College in Fairbury, Nebraska, receiving an associates of art degree in business administration/economics. He was a two-year letterman on the track team, participating in the mile and two-mile relay, half-mile run and the high jump. It is interesting to note that six Ashland citizens also attended Fairbury Junior College at one time. They were Carolyn Blobaum, Ray Elwood, Dave McReynolds, Bill Sapp and Karen Fricke. Jim worked for his father-in-law, Joe Perryman, for eight years at Marcy Furniture and Mortuary in Ashland. He has a daughter, Amy, a son, Jason, and two grandsons, Chris and Ryan. He attended Nebraska Wesleyan University, receiving a bachelor of arts degree in business administration. He started participating in the masters degree program at the University of Nebraska at Omaha while serving as city administrator in Nebraska. Jim was a charter member of the Ashland Rescue Squad. He is a current member of the Ashland Arts Council, vice president of the Ashland Historical Society and the Ashland City Council liaison for the Cemetery Improvement Committee. He is a candidate for mayor in the upcoming November election. He has served 27 years total on the Ashland City Council. For the past two years he has been president of the council. He also served 12 years on the Ashland Planning Commission. Jim serves at the First Christian Church as the board chairman, church trustee and he serves on the property committee. He has volunteered and trimmed the shrubs on Memorial Circle at the cemetery in preparation for Memorial Day services for over 20 years. He has also trimmed the shrubbery at the Ashland History Museum for many years. He has volunteered to place flags on the 500-plus veterans graves at Ashland Cemetery. Jim has been the Stir-Up Grand Parade announcer for the last 20 years with Kent Rung providing the public announcer system. Jim retired after 22 years with the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency in Lincoln. His secret to a happy retirement is: Start the day watching a positive TV program like Leave it to Beaver or The Andy Griffith Show. Then a cup of coffee at Cheri Os to see old friends and meet new ones. After all, we will always be kids at heart. Oxford, Connecticut July 21, 2022: The D-Day Squadron announces at this years EAA AirVenture a plan to return to Europe in 2024 for the 80th anniversary of D-Day in France and the 75th anniversary of the Berlin Airlift in Germany. In 2019, the D-Day Squadron took a fleet of 15 WWII-era DC-3s to England, France, and Germany. Following the 2019 successful mission, the D-Day Squadron has continued to be present at multiple flyovers, aviation events, and warbird-themed airshows. Having led the DC-3s journey to Europe in 2019, the D-Day Squadron earned a global presence thats provided our organization to grow, multiply our DC-3 presence and even launch the DC-3 Society where we actively aid operators and enthusiasts with maintenance, operations, airworthiness, and displays, shared Eric Zipkin, director of operations and mission chief pilot for the D-Day Squadron. We won the War because of our logistical abilities, its only appropriate we, as the stewards of this noble aircraft, continue to fly and maintain the very airframe that was the backbone to achieving victory. Orchestrating a tour of this magnitude takes considerable resources and cooperation from several different organizations. The D-Day Squadron is advising several DC-3s operations in North America, Europe and Southeast Asia planning to participate in Europe 2024. The Commemorative Air Force (CAF), the Worlds Largest Flying Museum, is one of the organizations that will collaborate with the D-Day Squadron for the tour. CAF President Hank Coates said, We are excited to work with the D-Day Squadron on another mission to Europe. When we participated in 2019, it was wonderful to see how many people were impacted by seeing our aircraft and aircrews paying tribute to these important moments in history. Planning for the mission is already underway. A volunteer committee of seasoned professionals is being established to help organize and manage logistics in support of another remarkable mission to honor, pay tribute, and commemorate World War II veterans. A press conference is scheduled for Thursday, July 28 at 1 P.M. at EAA Press headquarters. For more event information from the D-Day Squadron: https://ddaysquadron.org/events/ Learn More About the 2019 Mission The D-Day Squadron started screening Into Flight Once More a film that documents the 2019 journey. Several film premiers and screenings across the U.S. this year included having multiple DC-3s from the film on display for audiences. Produced by Sound Off Films and narrated by Gary Sinise, the film brings to life the stories of World War II veterans, crews, and a most historic reenactment of Operation Overlord, the codename for the Battle of Normandy, which took place on June 6, 1944. Currently, the film is available to watch on four steaming platforms including Apple TV, YouTube, Amazon Prime, and Hulu. About the DC-3 Society & D-Day Squadron The DC-3 Society is a program of the D-Day Squadron with the purpose to promote DC-3 type aircraft airworthiness, serve members, and promote static and flying displays for future generations. The North American DC-3 Society was born to organize the collective efforts of enthusiasts, pilots, mechanics, and operators. It actively educates and involves the next generation in flying freedom and celebrates everything the DC-3 has accomplished in war and peace. The D-Day Squadron is part of the Tunison Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization. In June 2019, the D-Day Squadron led an American fleet of 15 historic, restored C-47 World War II military aircraft to take part in a flyover of more than 30 international aircraft to drop over 200 paratroopers over the original 1944 drop zones in Normandy commemorating the 75th anniversary of D-Day. The event honored the citizen soldiers of the War, whose bravery led the Allies to the liberation of France, and then to an end of the devastating War in Europe. The Squadrons education program takes the compelling story of the citizen soldier to audiences at airshows and events off the flight line to honor these brave Americans and ensure their memory and significance are appreciated for generations to come. The groups efforts are funded through the generous tax-deductible contribution of their supporters. Learn more at DDaySquadron.org. About the Commemorative Air Force: Founded in 1957, the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) serves to educate, inspire, and honor through flight and living history experiences. The non-profit organization has amassed more than 180 World War II aircraft the largest collection of vintage military warbirds in the world. Through the work of more than 12,000 volunteers across 80 units, the CAFs educational outreach programs reach an estimated 20 million Americans each year, providing unique, compelling hands-on access to history. For more information about the Commemorative Air Force, please visit www.commemorativeairforce.org. WATERLOO Children were given the chance to laugh, cry, grieve and celebrate the ones they loved and lost on Wednesday as they took part in the Cedar Valley Hospice grief camp. At the UAW Hall, 32 children attended the day camp, which had a carnival theme. While there, children were treated to games, music, balloon animals, a magic show and other activities. But according to Jennifer Siech, the hospices marketing director, it also served an important purpose of helping children to process their grief. Each of them had lost a family member or a loved one, and many of the activities involved were built around remembering them and celebrating their lives. We figured a day camp would be something that mixed the fun with remembering and healing of their loved one and gives them the chance to talk about the people they love, as well as letting them know their feelings are OK, Siech said. And giving them positive ways to deal with those feelings and work through them, as well as be with other kids who are in the same boat. Grief team leader Heather Peiffer said it can often be difficult for children to express or process their grief. In addition, the process can be isolating for them and they dont want to open up even among their peers who are dealing with similar issues. Events like this allow them to share those experiences those difficult experiences and know that they are not alone, she said. Kylie Moore is one child whos been positively impacted. Moore, 10, lost her grandmother to cancer in 2020. But through events like these day camps and the help of counsellors like Mikaela Hines shes learned to process her loss and be comforted by her grandmothers memory. I like to wake up in the morning and think of her and I want to be there for her, Moore said. I want to keep going to live the life she didnt get to live forever. And I want to live the rest of my life for her. Moore shared her grandmothers story with her peers while hearing their stories, as well. WATERLOO At least two Waterloo men have been arrested on felony money laundering charges after allegedly assisting a Mexican drug trafficking operation. Richard Louis Mohorne, 46, and Mark Anthony Sayles, 31, were charged last week in connection with transferring the drug proceeds from Black Hawk County to the Manjarrez Drug Trafficking Organization in Mexico. According to the criminal affidavit, detectives identified one of the main operators in Mexico who was supplying Black Hawk County individuals with large amounts of methamphetamine, heroin and fentanyl. The operator was supplying another defendant with pounds of methamphetamine and thousands of pills containing fentanyl. Sayles and Mohorne then were obtaining the methamphetamine and assisting in its distribution. On different days last year, the two men each transferred some $900 in methamphetamine sale proceeds from Black Hawk County to Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico, where the main operator was or is believed to be living. The Tri-County Drug Enforcement Task Force is working with other agencies to investigate the activities of this organization. 2022 A Date with China: Leading Internet hospital in Xiamen wows visitors Ecns.cn) 08:29, July 21, 2022 Sabina Makarova, a Russian online celebrity, takes a selfie in the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, July 18, 2022. (Photo: Ecns.cn/Zhao Li) (ECNS)-- Foreign media correspondents, internet celebrities and Chinese journalists visited the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University in Southeast China's Fujian Province during the "A Date with China" 2022 international media tour Monday to explore how the country's leading Internet hospital provides convenient patient care. Integrated online and offline services The internet hospital highly integrates online and offline diagnosis and treatment procedures. "In the past, patients had to make individual, offline appointments after receiving their results, then another to have them explained, said Xu Zhong, director of the Medical Affairs Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University. Now, patients can make online appointments and be examined the same day. Moreover, online doctors can interpret medical reports and prescribe medicines, directly delivered to patients, Xu added. Accessing medical treatment has also been simplified. The hospital applies the same app and Wechat account for both online and offline services. Registration, appointment, and payment services can now be completed via mobile phones, which greatly improves a patients medical experience. "To ensure each patient has adequate access to a doctor is the original intention of an Internet hospital," Xu said. Safe and reliable treatment Online medical care is not only convenient, but offers quality services. At present, there are about 680 online doctors serving the Internet hospital of the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, of which 62 percent are chief doctors and 20 percent deputy chief doctors, guaranteeing online diagnosis and treatment quality. Xu Zhong, director of the Medical Affairs Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University. (Photo: Ecns.cn/Zhao Li) According to Xu Zhong, pregnant mothers can rent remote fetal heart rate monitors from the internet hospital and be notified of any abnormalities. "Mothers often cannot feel when a fetus has a cord around its neck. Thanks to remote fetal heart rate monitoring, AI can detect intrauterine abnormalities in time. The device saved a pregnant woman and her baby," Xu said. "In my opinion, seeing a doctor was a very troublesome, time-consuming and energy-consuming experience. But this hospital makes seeing a doctor easy and simple, because everything can be done online. Besides convenience, it also provides some medical security, which I think is great, said Sabina Makarova, a Russian online celebrity. Smirnova Anzelika, an international student from Latvia, believes the internet hospital can strengthen international medical cooperation. "In this regard, I experienced what a community with a shared future for humankind means," she told China News Network. The Internet Hospital of the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University was launched in April 2016, taking the lead in carrying out "Internet plus Medical" services in Fujian Province. It is currently the largest internet hospital in the province. Patients can enjoy online appointment registration, recharge and payment, report inquiry, online consultation, chronic disease management and other services on the platform. Patients visit the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, July 18, 2022. (Photo: Ecns.cn/Zhao Li) (Web editor: Wu Chaolan, Liang Jun) CEDAR FALLS Debate continued among elected officials this week as to whether Planning and Zoning Commission review of new downtown buildings is necessary. In response to a City Council petition, the commission unanimously recommended it review site plans for all new buildings proposed in the Urban General, Urban General 2 and Storefront areas in the Downtown Character District. The council on Monday countered the recommendation from the commission by voting 4-3 in favor of Councilor Daryl Kruses motion that any floor expansion or residential addition plans for existing buildings there also be reviewed as part of a future amendment to the new downtown code. Councilors Simon Harding, Kelly Dunn and Gil Schultz voted against the motion. One example, for which Kruse felt the commission review would be necessary, was a non-residential building being expanded to include residential units, which he said would trigger different parking (requirement) scenarios. I think thats prudent to see whats going on, Kruse said. This latest petition will return to the Planning and Zoning Commission for consideration and another recommendation on how to proceed forward. $3.86 million in Cedar Falls general obligation notes authorized be sold to bidder The city's municipal advisor said its Aaa bond rating from New York-based Moodys Investors Service led to a lower bond cost for the city. Mondays discussion marked a continuation of the year-long debate surrounding the new downtown zoning code and amendments to it. The commission had considered a recommendation, when initially looking at the councils petition, similar to what Kruse put forth: Require all site plans (including all new buildings, all changes to existing buildings, projecting signs, site changes) to be reviewed by the commission and approved by City Council. Cedar Falls Public Safety Department's work culture to be given closer look The $7,908 agreement with the university was approved unanimously by the City Council on Monday night. Are we going to kick stuff back just because we dont get the answer that we are seeking? I feel like thats whats happening, said Dunn. Were not getting what we want, so we constantly kick it back. (The Planning and Zoning Commission) has already had (Kruses proposal) in front of them. The new zoning regulations are described as being more black and white and leaving little to no wiggle room to be debated. Thats one main reason why there was deemed no need for site plans to be reviewed by the commission at a meeting in which the public is allowed to weigh in. Even if a project is denied by the commission and City Council, it can proceed if a court of law says it legally abides by the new zoning rules set by the governing body. The Planning and Zoning Commission very specifically said that they didnt need to see the site plans for expansions of buildings, these were just for very new projects or brand new buildings, said Planning and Community Services Manager Karen Howard. I think they felt like the rules in the zoning ordinance in the character district were specific enough to guide that project for expansions or remodels of existing buildings. The council adopted the new code in November in order to bring to life a vision for the downtown that had been crafted after multiple public input sessions. Instead of a Planning and Zoning Commission review for new buildings and significant remodels, the new code dictates that a staff Zoning Review Committee looks at the site plans to determine whether or not a plan complies with the approved regulations. The Urban General, Urban General 2 and Storefront designations primarily cover the downtown areas involving State, Main, Washington and Clay streets, as well as First to Seventh streets. Other areas like the highway and mixed use districts, outside of the downtown, require site plans to come before the commission. Theres always intangibles, said Kruse. You cannot black and white, and write down every scenario. Thats why the law books continue to expand and expand and expand and you have court cases and court cases. Theres a lot of gray areas, a lot of things that may be detrimental to downtown that we have to look at, that would cause us not to approve a project. Iowas U.S. senators did not say whether theyd vote for a bill protecting the federal right to same-sex and interracial marriage after the measure passed the U.S. House with support from three of Iowa's four U.S. House members. U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, told reporters on Wednesday he didn't think the U.S. Supreme Court's past decisions on marriage equality were at risk of being overturned, but he didn't say whether he'd vote for or against the bill if it goes to a vote in the Senate. "I'm also not aware of any pending challenges to any of the other decisions that this bill agrees with," Grassley said. "But I do want you to know that I'm going to read the text and the House bill and we'll wait and see if that is going to come up in the United States Senate." Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, said she's "keeping an open mind" on the bill on Wednesday, according to HuffPost reporter Igor Bobic. U.S. Reps Ashley Hinson and Mariannette Miller-Meeks, both Republicans, and Cindy Axne, a Democrat, voted for the bill on Tuesday. Rep. Randy Feenstra, R-Iowa, voted against it. The bill passed 267-157, with support from every Democrat and 47 Republicans. The bill would repeal the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act, which defined marriage as between one man and one woman, and would require states and the federal government to recognize marriages that were valid in the state they took place in, regardless of sex or race. The Defense of Marriage Act is still on the books, but it was invalidated in a 2015 Supreme Court decision that recognized a constitutional right to marriage equality. The bill will now go to the U.S. Senate, where its unclear if it will get the 60 votes necessary to pass in the chamber. In a statement on Tuesday, Rep. Ashley Hinson said the legislation upheld settled law. Now, Democrats need to focus on policies that will help families: lowering costs for groceries and gas, securing our border to keep our communities safe, and getting our economy working again, she said. Today I voted yes on the Respect for Marriage Act to enshrine marriage equality in federal law and ensure same-sex and interracial marriages will continue to be recognized, Axne said in a statement. I will continue fighting in Congress to protect these rights. Miller-Meeks said the bill protects legal precedent and First Amendment rights. "This legislation aligns with the legal precedent established by numerous U.S. Supreme Court rulings. Notably, this bill does not require individuals or organizations to perform marriages contrary to their religious beliefs upholding religious rights under the First Amendment to the Constitution," she said in a statement. The bill was the most recent measure by House Democrats to enshrine constitutional rights that have been previously recognized by the U.S. Supreme Court, out of concerns the court could roll back those rights in future decisions. The action was spurred on by the June Supreme Court decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization, which overturned the federal right to an abortion. In a concurring opinion to Justice Samuel Alitos opinion in the Dobbs case, Justice Clarence Thomas said the court should revisit its previous decisions made on substantive due process, including rights to contraception and same-sex marriage. The House has already passed bills protecting abortion rights and protections for people who travel for an abortion, but they likely wont get support to pass in the Senate. Democrats are also preparing for a vote this week on protecting access to contraception. On Tuesday, Miller-Meeks and Hinson introduced competing legislation that would make birth control pills available over the counter, a measure Miller-Meeks voted for as a state senator, but never cleared the Iowa House to become law. This important bill will ensure that the FDA acts quickly to approve oral contraceptives for over-the-counter use, Miller-Meeks said in a statement. As a woman and a doctor, I recognize the need for increased access to contraceptives and believe that this bill is an important step to promote womens health. Tom Barton of the Gazette-Lee Des Moines Bureau contributed to this report. U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, called for a return to Trump-era border policies in a press conference with other Republican senators on Wednesday. Ernst was among Republican senators led by Sens. John Cornyn and Ted Cruz, R-Texas, on a visit to the U.S. southern border last week, where the senators joined Customs and Border Protection agents and law enforcement on various duties. The senators slammed President Joe Bidens administration for changes made to border enforcement, including Bidens lifting of former President Donald Trumps remain in Mexico policy, which forced U.S. asylum seekers to stay in Mexico while their cases were resolved in U.S. immigration courts. The U.S. Supreme Court greenlit Bidens decision to lift the policy in a late-June decision after it was blocked by a federal judge. Ernst called the situation on the visit infinitely worse than what shed encountered on previous visits to the border. She criticized President Joe Bidens implementation of Alternatives to Detention policies, which allow migrants to be released from detention while they await immigration court proceedings. This administration continues to encourage these dangerous journeys with their catch-and-release, open-door border policy, she said. Encounters with migrants at the southwest border reached a record high in May with more than 240,000 encounters, according to the Department of Homeland Security, and they fell slightly in June. Encounters have been higher this fiscal year than the previous three years, according to the departments data. Senators at the press conference also criticized Bidens attempt to lift Title 42, a public health measure put in place by Trump allowing border agents to quickly expel migrants, including asylum seekers. A Louisiana judge blocked Biden from lifting the rule in May. Immigration activists and public health officials have criticized Title 42, saying immigration is not a source of pandemic spread and calling it a human rights violation. Ernst said the situation at the border was a humanitarian crisis, as she and other senators noted instances of sexual assault that women and girls suffer in attempting to cross the border, and the rates of illicit drugs such as fentanyl being smuggled from Mexico to the U.S. When is this administration going to wake up and say, stop coming here, don't take this dangerous journey? Ernst said When are they going to change their policies? OTTUMWA John Deere will move some production from Ottumwa to Mexico by the end of 2023, but simultaneously announced plans to revitalize its Ottumwa plant for the future. The company Thursday announced that over the next 18 months, John Deere mower conditioner production will transition from Ottumwa Works to the companys existing hay and forage mower factory in Monterrey, Mexico, 1,100 miles away. The number of employees impacted is not yet known, the company said. The ultimate number will depend on potential reassignment opportunities once the move is made and overall production levels at the John Deere Ottumwa Works plant. Dan Bernick, the companys public relations manager, told the Ottumwa Courier the move consolidates the companys mowing implements to a single location with existing production capacity and complimentary manufacturing competencies. The Ottumwa plant also makes round balers, self-propelled windrowers and square balers. Bernick said the company will also invest in the Ottumwa plant. The company also announced Thursday plans to revitalize the facility for the future. The company says this will include a focus on the other products it makes at the Ottumwa plant, specifically leveraging new processes and technologies to further improve quality and productivity. On June 1, the company announced its Waterloo cab and welding operation will move to Ramos Arizpe, Mexico, by 2024. Union leaders said at the time they were told no Waterloo jobs would be affected because new product is coming in. According to the company, the number of employees affected will depend on production volumes, employee attrition over the next two years, and new product program needs. Yet so many straws before Libya should have, could have Many will nitpick and say that this all should have started with Libya? I agree, but Russia and China were not ready yet and that is another tidbit that has to be embraced. Yet, fact is Libya was the straw that broke the camels back Source: Three very noteworthy tidbits of Info that you should focus upon Windows to Russia Of the many straws that could have broke the camels back and there were many of them. Libya was the one straw that when it was placed upon the camels back, it started the downfall acceleration of the west. The camel stayed steady until that moment, if not obviously overloaded, yet still stable I supported Qaddafi, he was the unifying strongman that created a Libya that had risen high above the rest of Africa. Perfect was not the issue for Libya, what worked was the issue. Libya is a thousand tribes and all these tribes whom have no ability to see life farther than the nose on their face, are perfect for stirring trouble and destroying itself with help and that help came from the USA/NATO Was Qaddafi a saint? Well compared to the Western Empire of lies and Chaos? Qaddafi was a saint and a damn good leader. A leader whom dealt with tribes of bloodthirsty characters and did what had to be done to consolidate and control these tribes We all know what happened and we all know what Libya is like today. Libya was set back from the star of Africa to the cesspit of Africa by the West and that is what the west wanted What the Western Empire did to Libya went even beyond the norm for the Empire and set the stage for the future. The Syrian incident that followed showed the world what the true plans of the Empire was doing. Thus the world started to get ready. The canary in the coal mine had fallen over dead with Libya and or that straw was bending the camels back and the owner was too stupid to stop tossing straws upon its back Svetochka has had to watch for many years as she has heard me talk about changes in things and that those things will go bad. I am in tune to what I use as tools. Everything around us is a tool and Libya was a tool being used by the West. Badly used by the west, but still a tool I hear a change in the engine of a car and or the sound of the electric mower that I am using. I always say, What the hell now? Sveta cannot hear it. Most people do not hear it. Or better yet people ignore the change in tone of the engine and keep driving it until it drops Like the horse you beat to make it go faster and it starts stumbling slightly. Soon as you beat it? The horse falls over dead Libya was that horse and I heard the future when that horse fell over dead. Libya would be a failed state, full of human slavery again. Ripe plucking for a vulturous western world As we all see and or as all whom care to see: Libya has become that exactly as I fought against on this website and I was told many times at that era, that I was a fool. Libya was needing help to remove Qaddafi, because? Well he was evil and all along the evil was the Western Empire of Lies and Chaos. It is clear as a bell now, but most fell for it and the ones who saw it as it was? Could do nothing about it at the time I got upset with Medvedev, who was president of Russia at the time and I wanted Russia to help. I wanted the Libyan people to wake up. I wanted. and found that no one was ready and or no one cared enough to correct the situation. Yet, it is the straw that overloaded the camel I watched the camel stagger when the Libyan straw was added to the Empires conquests Yet, no one paid attention and off to Syria went the Empire, to try another Qaddafi on it. By then Russia had learned and was getting ready. When it became unbearable in Syria and the Empire was terrorizing Syria to the max? Russia stepped in Things started to turn around and are getting better You must focus upon what happened. The camel staggered with Libya and staggered even more with Syria. The Empire even had to drop Afghanistan cold turkey and look the fool to gather enough resources to keep the Ukraine fiasco going. The camel was overloaded and beaten so much that the Empire is now whipping everything in its path and that is pissing everyone off The Empire cannot remove those straws once they add them to the camels back. Afghanistan is still there, North Korea is grinning, Vietnam is right there smiling at the Empire, Syria, Libya, Venezuela, Iran, Russia, Ukraine, China, Mexico, and well huge parts of South America and Asia and Middle East, all are upon that camels back right now I saw this staggering and I have no doubt that Russia saw it at the time. The ole, give rope to hang themselves strategy. It was working and a belligerent, self-rhetoric believing Empire, whom thought of themselves as gods upon earth was terrorizing everything as they skipped along happily, while the East was getting ready Libya was that straw among millions of straws that set everything into full motion and the realization that the Empire of Lies and Chaos desired to subjugate the world The brutally displayed and laughed about murdering of Qaddafi and Libya by the admin of the west, was to much.something had to be done? All you have to do is listen: All around you everyday are signs. The bird trills and you realize that is a warning that a kitty is in the yard. The engine of your car misses a beat. Pain in you shoulder that never was there before. Black clouds upon the horizon. So on and so on When the straw that was Libya was added to the camels back, the Empire of Lies and Chaos shuddered and ignored the fact that they had done something incomprehensible and so immoral that they had stepped over the Rubicon. Their hubris carried them across that river and preconceived invincibility drove them onward like madmen riding into the storm front They had a moment of panic and tried to remove the straw called Afghanistan. Yet, that straw is still there and will be forever right beside Libya and Vietnam and many others. The time to backtrack and make amends is gone many years ago Damn straws add up in weight and even the strongest among us, will falter and fall when too many straws are piled upon the camels back WtR Why Tom of Finland is a fashion phenomenon By Chenu Alexis Published Jul 20, 2022 Last week, the Tom of Finland license unveiled its new collaboration with , the third of its kind. Over the last 10 years, more than 30 brands, from to , Sweden's CDLP or the French Carne Bollente have been associated with the homoerotic imagery created by Finnish artist Touko Valio Laaksonen in the late 1950s. A work that is now distributed in many countries and emblematic of gay and queer culture forever thanks to the Tom of Finland license, owned by the Tom of Finland Foundation, a non-profit organization based in Los Angeles and dedicated to preserving the work of the artist, the erotic arts in general, and to offering a cultural program and hosting artists in residence. A look back at the phenomenon with Joakim Andreasson, who has been director of the Tom of Finland license since 2014. Joakim Andreasson, Director of Tom of Finland's licence FashionNetwork.com: What messages and values does the work of Tom of Finland represent today? Joakim Andreasson: In the most universal terms, Toms body of work represents tolerance, acceptance, pride, joy and freedom. His imagery has become symbolic of the advancement of gay rights and sexual freedom. FNW: The capsule collections signed with fashion brands and houses brought Tom of Finlands imagery to the streets. Who started to buy these pieces ? JA: The distribution of Tom of Finland designs has evolved in tandem with human rights and increased visibility of the LGBTQ community around the world. Over the past near ten years, we have worked hard to embed Tom of Finlands role in popular culture through commercial partnerships across categories, including fashion, the adult sector, spirits, home textiles and lifestyle merchandise. Most of our collaborations have been released in Europe and North America, but we are also doing projects in Asia, including a ready-to-wear collection with the Thai brand Leisure Projects which will be released on the 22nd of July with a special pop-up at Central Original in Bangkok. The online store, CULTUREEDIT / Tom of Finland Store, established in 2017 with a storefront in Hollywood, has been instrumental in making our collaborations available to a worldwide audience and generate interest from partners to collaborate. FNW: Tom of Finland brought gay arts into fashion. Does this mean that the subject of sex is more uninhibited today? That it is easier to talk about it, to the point of displaying it? JA: I think there are multiple levels of sexual expression in fashion be it through shape and form, attitude and personality or references and imagery. Toms work influenced countless iconic fashion designers including Jean-Paul Gaultier, and to name a few. It's only as of late however that the fashion world has embraced and featured actual Tom of Finland imagery on garments through our official partnerships. It required a few brave fashion voices, including our ongoing relationship with Jonathan Anderson (JW Anderson) and past collaborations with (Nicopanda), Hubert Pierre Pouches (Rufskin), Andreas Palm and Christian Larson (CDLP) and Schiller (Eytys), to break the mold. The acceptance of the display of erotic art on garments is certainly relative to where you live and to how progressive and an area is. Regardless, I think there will still be limits that are not necessarily contingent on the ability to express, but rather contingent on peoples comfort with wearing sex. An example would be the new Tom of Finland x JW Anderson tank top, which features phallic imagery. The beauty of such garments however is that they inspire people to tap into a part of themselves that they otherwise would not through fashion. Tom of Finland and JW Anderson capsule collection FNW: Recently Diesel and Happy Hour Skateboards have signed collaborations with you. How do you explain the enthusiasm of mainstream brands for the work of Tom of Finland? JA: Even within more mainstream brands, it takes brave voices to challenge the status quo and incorporate art that challenges that norm. For Diesel, it was their creative director who spearheaded the partnership, and for Happy Hour Skateboards it was Jarkko Propudas, an openly gay Finnish skateboarder. I think the enthusiasm is multi-faceted, and beyond the appreciation of Toms art and its message, my experience with more mainstream brands is that they choose to work with us to align themselves with the LGBTQ community with a stronger stance daring to not only have the conversation about love and human rights, but also sex and desire. FNW : With what direction and philosophy are you directing the Tom of Finland license? JA: I always try to maintain a mix of high-end and more accessible products, be it a cock ring, a hand-knotted rug or fine fragrance. Together they create a tension that evokes the unexpected. Contrary to other artist estates, we can communicate Tom of Finlands work on multiple levels, including matters of human rights, fashion, art and sex. In Finland, we have realized projects that are communicated more broadly as Tom is considered a national treasure. That said, I mainly credit the continuous lifecycle of our licensing projects to our collaborative nature and openness to exploring ways of interpreting and working with Toms body of work. It is very important that each project has creative integrity and channels not only Tom, but also the voice of the brand we work with. FNW: How do you choose your collaborations today? JA: It is a very organic process and dialogue especially for more creative partnerships in fashion, where it is much more important to be aligned in terms of vision and execution. Some take years to come into fruition, and others a week, so with that said, there is no strategy. Partnerships happen when the gay fashion stars are aligned. Many partnerships are based on my personal relationships and dynamics I established in the near 20 years of working with Mr. Helmut Lang and via brands we carry at CULTUREEDIT / Tom of Finland Store. Collaborating with designers we also sell allows for a more honest conversation that is based on an established relationship that goes beyond the capsule at hand leading to a more authentic outcome that could only have been achieved with time and regular engagement. Carne Bollente and Tom of Finland first collaboration FNW: JW Anderson has just released his third capsule collection with Tom of Finland. What does this collaboration mean to you? JA: Jonathan Anderson's methodology in incorporating Toms work into the world of JW Anderson is different from others in the sense that he only features works that he acquires for his personal art collection. Collecting art is immensely personal, so this equation in determining imagery becomes much more intimate. And sheds further insight into Jonathans appreciation for Toms work. FNW: Has fashion's new spotlight on Tom of Finland's work sparked any negative reactions from anti-gay organizations or similar? JA: Not from organizations or media per se, but if you look at social media comments at times, we are very well aware that there is still a long way to go and that outside of what appears as a queer bubble, there is an immense amount of work to do. FNW: Finally, Tom of Finland, is it a message of freedom? JA: Yes, absolutely. And what is more freeing than uninhibited sex? CDLP and Tom of Finland's collaboration FNW: What are the next developments for the Tom of Finland license? JA: We are continuing to develop new partnerships, most notably in Finland in anticipation of an upcoming exhibition there. In fashion we will next see our collection with Honey Fucking Dijon hit stores this fall. In general, I am an advocate of ongoing relationships rather than funneling Toms work through a never-ending list of brands, so I look forward to continuing and furthering those we have in place and look forward to exploring what other facets of Tom work they want to encapsulate. But there will for sure be surprises along the way! And if anyone in the skincare world reads this call me! Weather Alert ...Another Round of Thunderstorms This Week... * Another surge of monsoon moisture will bring back thunderstorms to the region this week, with the best chances being today, Wednesday, and Thursday. * Each day today through Thursday, most areas will have a 20 to 40 percent chance of seeing a storm in the afternoon and early evening hours. Nocturnal showers and thunderstorms are possible tonight and again Wednesday night. * Impacts will range from lightning, new fire starts, and strong outflow winds with blowing dust, to periods of heavy rainfall and flash flooding. * Ensure you have a way of receiving weather alerts or monitoring radar on your phone. If you live in a flash flood prone area, especially near a burn scar, be ready to act quickly if heavy rainfall occurs. Weather Alert ...Another Round of Thunderstorms This Week... * Another surge of monsoon moisture will bring back thunderstorms to the region this week, with the best chances being Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. * Each day Tuesday through Thursday, most areas will have a 20 to 40 percent chance of seeing a storm. Storms are most likely in the afternoons and evenings, but overnight showers and storms cannot be ruled out. * Impacts will range from lightning, new fire starts, and strong outflow winds with blowing dust, to periods of heavy rainfall and flash flooding. It is too soon to project which hazards will be dominant so be prepared for any of these scenarios. * Ensure you have a way of receiving weather alerts or monitoring radar on your phone. If you have outdoor activities or projects planned this week, try to get them done in the mornings before storms develop. If you live in a flash flood prone area, especially near a burn scar, be ready to act quickly if heavy rainfall occurs. Page under Maintenance This page is under maintenance, while being upgraded. Please visit later. Thank you. [Go Back] Theres no denying the sweet smell of lavender. Upon one whiff, it can turn a not-so-good day into one with hope. The plant has been around for about 2,500 years and is native to the Mediterranean. In New Mexico Los Ranchos de Albuquerque to be exact its the center of the Lavender in the Village. The event has been around since 2004 and is a major event for the community. It takes place Saturday, July 23, and Sunday, July 24, in Los Ranchos. According to Katie K. Snapp, an executive board member of Lavender in the Village, the festival was started by a small group of Los Ranchos leaders interested in maintaining the rural focus of the Village and education of sustainable agriculture. In 2007, it was granted nonprofit status by the state. The primary outreach event for fundraising and awareness is the lavender festival, Snapp says. Lavender is our representative plant of the mission and strongly associated with the fest, held during lavender bloom time. The fest has taken place most years and is now on the 15th annual. The location has always been in the village. Although the festival originally took place at Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm, it is now held at Hartnett Park on Rio Grande Boulevard. The Lavender Fest is produced separately from Los Poblanos but in coordination to lavender-based events at their site, Snapp says. Nan Nash, a Festival board member, says the event highlights the unique character of the Village of Los Ranchos and Albuquerques North Valley. Nash says the mission is to support this beautiful rural part of our community and to both educate people about urban agriculture and support it. We have been fortunate in that our community recognizes this value which has allowed us to raise funds that tangibly support projects that fit within our mission, Nash says. LITVs mission has remained constant since its inception however the festival has grown. This year has initiated a large change in that the LITV Board has partnered with the Rio Grande Community Farms board to put on the Festival. We hope to continue that partnership in future years. Nash says the best part of the festival is bringing together all of the small businesses and local artists that either make lavender products or highlight lavender during the festival month to support the mission. The festival has expanded to include small boutique events during July at local businesses, Nash says. These events allow the community to enjoy the Festival throughout July. We have also revived the Saturday evening concert. You just cant beat listening to music under the stars on a warm summer night in the Village. Dean Strober stepped in to help plan the event about eight years ago. He says this years festival will have 106 different vendors all selling a different product based on lavender. Last year was a farmers market style event, Strober says. This years event is bigger and is more aligned with what people would have experienced in 2019. Snapp says the major beneficiaries have been two-fold the Explora Farm Camp (held in Los Ranchos) and the Rio Grande Community Farm. Both are ideal examples of organizations in alignment with our mission in agriculture, education, and support of local farms, Snapp says. The innovator of the warp speed aging process of whiskey in New Mexico is now spearheading the New Mexico Distillery Guild. Scott Feuille has been selected as president of the guild. As the founder and head distiller of Taylor Garrett Spirits, Feuille found a way to accelerate the process to produce his Taylor Garrett whiskeys. The process allows Feuille to create his whiskeys in six days without ruining the quality. Taylor Garrett whiskeys are comparable to whiskeys aged for a decade. Feuille is also the distiller for Vara Winery & Distillery and has received numerous accolades for his spirits. The guild formed in 2014 under the direction of then president Colin Keegan, founder of Santa Fe Spirits, according to Feuille. (Keegan has) kind of been a pioneer in everything that were doing in distilling in New Mexico, Feuille said. He was the first one here. And so now, we kind of took a little bit of a pause. We did some stuff during COVID, but obviously, that slowed everybody down. And so the former boards terms were up. It was time to elect a new board. Feuille is excited about the new board membership. Chris Leurig, master distiller at Safe House Distilling Co., is vice president. Caley Shoemaker, co-founder and master distiller at Altar Spirits, is board secretary and treasurer. Skye Devore, co-owner and president of Tractor Brewing Company and Troubled Minds Distilling, handles legislative duties. Frank Holloway, owner of Hollow Spirits Distillery, is the events and marketing chair on the board. Were just kind of doing a whole refresh on the distillers guild brand and what were trying to do is build awareness around New Mexico spirits, both within the state and on the national stage, Feuille said. Its a good group. And right now theres between 25 and 30 active distilleries in the state. I think that would probably surprise a lot of people. But its a good strong core group. And some of those are the bigger distilleries. Others are a little bit smaller operations. But the more we do here in the state to get our image out, and especially around the nation, people (will) start coming here as a destination for spirits like they do for beer. Its going to help everybody. So thats really our aim and our goal. There are plans to build a New Mexico distillery trail. Colin started a lot of initial legwork on that, but weve never really followed through with getting it up and running, Feuille said. So were gonna push to build a New Mexico distillery trail, whether its a printed or perhaps an app-based trail, we havent really decided on that yet. But the ultimate goal of the distillery trail is to have that tourism exposure by partnering with the New Mexico tourism group and getting people to move around and go see the different distilleries in the different corners of the state. The guild has revamped its website, nmdistillers.org, and has several events planned to showcase New Mexico distilleries. Were having our annual Lift Your Spirits week in conjunction with the Balloon Fiesta that culminates with a big event on Oct. 7 at the Balloon Museum, Feuille said. It will be in the yard there in conjunction with the Balloon Glow and the fireworks display. It will be New Mexico distilleries showcasing their spirits in a really cool festival that the public can attend and sample what were making. And then well have other events as well. Theres an event that were doing in conjunction with the New Mexico Brewers Guild and the wineries called the Enchantment Festival. Thats going to be Nov. 12 at Balloon Fiesta Park. And then weve got some other events planned at different locations around the state through the course of the year. Were in the early stages of planning a spring event that will showcase spirits to the southern part of New Mexico. So were really just trying to get out there and show people what were doing as a distilling group. Copyright 2022 Albuquerque Journal SANTA FE The certainty of justice in New Mexico slipped over a recent seven-year period as arrests fell and violent crime increased, analysts for the state Legislature warned Wednesday. The number of violent crimes, for example, climbed about 32% from 2014 to 2020, while arrests for such crimes fell by 32% according to research shared with lawmakers. Analysts working for the Legislative Finance Committee a bipartisan, bicameral group of lawmakers also suggested the swiftness of justice may be slowing. The average time required to dispose of a criminal case climbed in the 2021 fiscal year, they said, over the previous two years. The researchers delivered their findings during a meeting with lawmakers in Silver City and urged them to avoid assigning blame to any particular agency or component of the criminal justice system, given uncertainty over the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and lags in the reporting of data. But they characterized the drop in arrests and slower pace of criminal justice proceedings as twin challenges facing New Mexico as it struggles with violent crime rates that are among the highest in the nation. Leading lawmakers greeted the analysis with an acknowledgement that pouring more money into the system isnt necessarily the answer. We have to have an honest conversation in order to fix the problem, Sen. George Munoz, a Gallup Democrat and chairman of the powerful Senate Finance Committee, said in Wednesdays hearing. He urged law enforcement and criminal justice representatives at the meeting to make blunt appraisals about how they can better collaborate and strengthen weak points in the system. Lawmakers also heard some reason for optimism. Legislative analysts said the violent crime rate in New Mexico had declined since 2019 and property crime had fallen since 2017, though both remain above the national average. Jason Bowie, New Mexicos public safety secretary, said the retirement of police officers has slowed down a little bit and staffing has climbed enough that his agencys police force might reach prepandemic levels by the end of the year. He asked lawmakers to keep officers in mind as they pass laws and to take care to avoid making it harder for them to do their jobs. Growing the number of police officers in New Mexico has been a longtime goal of legislators, mayors and other elected officials, Democrats and Republicans alike. A visible police presence and more officers are key parts of the states strategy to deter crime by boosting the certainty of justice, as legislative analysts put it. But, over the 10-year period ending in June 2021, the number of certified officers employed by cities, counties and the state grew by just 1.8%, according to the LFC research. Every agency needs more officers, more deputies, Damon Martinez, a chief policy adviser for the city of Albuquerque and former U.S. attorney for the district of New Mexico, told lawmakers. Lawmakers this year authorized an influx of new public safety spending. This years state budget includes about $43 million in ongoing funding to cover 15.9% pay raises for state police, strengthening the supervision of defendants awaiting trial, boosting judicial pay and other public safety efforts. Another $177 million in one-time funding was approved to improve the network of behavioral health services, recruit and retain officers, and expand violence-prevention programs. We believe were in a better position right now to recruit from out of state, Bowie told lawmakers. State Rep. Meredith Dixon, D-Albuquerque, said she was pleased to see the city of Albuquerque launch a new department with civilians to help respond to mental health calls. Other changes including laws to crack down on chop shops that handle stolen vehicles will need time to demonstrate their effectiveness. Nothing happens overnight, Dixon said. Rep. Melanie Stansbury, D-N.M., announced Wednesday that a series of government spending bills include $18 million for 15 projects in central New Mexicos 1st Congressional District. The congresswoman chose the projects after reviewing 200 requests for projects in her district. Some of the biggest projects include $6.8 million for an Albuquerque Sobering Center, $1.5 million for an Albuquerque Homeless Youth Center, $1.5 million for the Sandoval County Animal Shelter and $600,000 for an adult literacy and jobs training program in the International District. These community funded projects will help address critical needs for housing, veterans homelessness, behavioral health, economic growth, and sustainability with key investments that support a more just, equitable, and sustainable future for all New Mexicans, she said in a prepared statement. Police are asking for help solving two separate homicides including one that happened last year. Police are asking for help solving two separate homicides including one that happened last year. Albuquerque Metro Crime Stoppers released video and a photo Wednesday in the deaths of Larado Houston and Jonathan Wacondo. Houston was shot and killed while walking through a Central and Wellesley crosswalk around 2:30 a.m. on Aug. 1, 2021. The news release included a photograph that appears to show Houston in the crosswalk while a gray Toyota Tundra approaches him. The release states that he was shot twice by the Tundras occupants before they fled the scene. A separate news release included a video that appears to show Wacondo approaching a black car in the intersection of San Mateo and Central on the night of May 13, 2022. There was a dispute between him and the passenger, resulting in the shooting and killing of Wacondo, according to the release. Anyone with information on either case is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at (505) 843-STOP (7867) or to submit a tip at p3tips.com/531. U.S. Rep. Yvette Herrell didnt respond to questions about same-sex marriage rights on Wednesday, a day after she voted against enshrining that right into federal law. New Mexicos lone GOP member of Congress was the sole state representative to vote against the measure. Democratic Reps. Melanie Stansbury and Teresa Leger Fernandez voted in favor. The bill was introduced after a recent Supreme Court decision effectively overturning the federal right to abortion and allowing states to decide abortion rights and restrictions. Democrats have said that, as a result, more legislation is needed to codify such other rights as same-sex marriage and the right to obtain contraception. A total of 47 Republicans joined all Democrats in voting for the House bill. Herrell was one of 157 GOP House members opposed. The bill ultimately passed 267-157. In the wake of the Supreme Court ruling, there are likely to be more bills voted on in the House that will force Republicans to take a stance on such social issues as access to contraception. Thats sure to put House Republicans, especially those from such left-leaning states as New Mexico, in a tricky situation. Herrell hasnt said why she voted no on the same-sex marriage rights bill and her office did not respond to questions about her position on same-sex marriage. Stansbury, meanwhile, has been vocal about her support for same-sex marriage. Americans fundamental rights are under attack by a renegade Supreme Court including not only abortion, but (also) marriage equality, contraception and other rights, Stansbury said Wednesday in a prepared statement. We cannot allow an extreme Supreme Court majority to send us generations backwards. Its unclear what fate awaits the same-sex marriage bill in the Senate. Herrell has already voted against a bill that would have guaranteed the right to abortion nationwide. But, unlike with this bill, she has been vocal on social media about her opposition to abortion and celebrated the Supreme Court decision that overturned Roe vs. Wade. The Supreme Court in a 2015 ruling created a nationwide right to same-sex marriage, but the courts makeup has changed considerably since then. EMERGENCY ALERT: Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., joined eight other liberal senators in a letter to President Biden asking him to declare the climate crisis a national emergency under the (National Emergency Act.) Such a move would allow the president to take such actions as building renewable energy systems on military bases, implementing large-scale clean transportation programs and financing energy projects, the senators said. Congressional action to address the climate crisis appears to have stalled, the senators wrote. If ever there is an emergency that demands ambitious action, climate chaos is it. ABQ PROJECTS: Stansbury announced Wednesday that a series of government spending bills includes $18 million for 15 projects in central New Mexicos 1st Congressional District. The congresswoman chose the projects after reviewing 200 requests for projects in her district. Some of the biggest projects include $6.8 million for an Albuquerque Sobering Center, $1.5 million for an Albuquerque Homeless Youth Center, $1.5 million for the Sandoval County Animal Shelter, and $600,000 for an adult literacy and jobs training program in the International District. These community-funded projects will help address critical needs for housing, veterans homelessness, behavioral health, economic growth and sustainability with key investments that support a more just, equitable and sustainable future for all New Mexicans, she said in a prepared statement. Ryan Boetel: rboetel@abqjournal.com Thousands of prospective job-seekers made their way to Harrison Middle School on Wednesday for the 10th Annual Sen. Michael Padilla Job Fair. The hiring event, held in the gymnasium of the middle school off Isleta SW, south of Rio Bravo, attracted about 115 employer booths looking to fill some 6,400 jobs, said Sen. Michael Padilla, D-Albuquerque. It may wind up being the biggest Ive ever had, Padilla told the Journal midway through the event. Folks that walk through this job fair have entry-level skills and they have professional skills. Theres something for everybody at this job fair. Employers ranged from the City of Albuquerque to Albertsons to the VIP Staffing agency. WASHINGTON President Joe Biden plans to propose a steep funding increase for police, hoping to show that Democrats are serious about combating violent crime, despite the move potentially causing backlash from top members of his partys left flank. But a scheduled trip to Pennsylvania to ask Congress to spend roughly $37 billion for fighting and preventing crime was canceled Thursday when Biden tested positive for COVID-19. His proposal is set to include $13 billion to help communities hire and train 100,000 police officers over five years. Biden was going to outline it during a visit to Wilkes University in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania until White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre announced he was experiencing very mild symptoms after the positive result. Instead, the president spoke by phone with Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa., and Rep. Matt Cartwright, D-Pa., as well as Wilkes-Barre Mayor George Brown and Paige Cognetti, mayor of nearby Scranton, the White House said. Biden discussed his crime plan and expressed his disappointment that he was unable to travel to Scranton and Wilkes-Barre this afternoon. Casey tweeted after his call with Biden that the president sounded great and is in good spirits and said he was looking forward to welcoming him back to Pennsylvania soon. The White House also canceled Bidens scheduled Philadelphia trip for a Democratic National Committee fundraiser on Thursday night and plans for him to spend the weekend at his home in Delaware. Biden, 79, is fully vaccinated, after getting two doses of the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine shortly before taking office, a first booster shot in September and an additional dose in March. Biden contracting the coronavirus means he wont, at least for now, travel to publicly request additional funding for crime fighting initiatives. He had planned to seek the money as part of his latest budget proposal, according to senior administration officials who previewed the plan. Republicans are trying to gain leverage in Novembers midterm elections by portraying Democrats as unwilling to confront crime rates that have risen in some parts of the country. Some top moderate Democrats facing tough reelection fights have called for additional funding to fight crime. But the White House-led effort could also spark a political fight with progressives, who have pushed for major policing reforms but seen those, and other of its top priorities on combating climate change and dramatically increasing social spending, fail to clear Congress. As part of Bidens plans, $3 billion would be geared toward clearing court backlogs and resolving cases involving murders and guns. The president also wants to use $15 billion to create a grant program that would fund ideas for preventing violent crime or creating a public health response to nonviolence incidents, aimed at reducing the burden on law enforcement. Another $5 billion would support programs intended to stop violence before it occurs. WASHINGTON Matt Pottinger was a journalist in China, concerned about the countrys drift toward authoritarianism, when he decided at age 31 to enlist in the U.S. Marines after the invasion of Iraq. Our form of government is not inevitable, Pottinger recalled thinking during an interview two years ago with the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute. And it shouldnt be taken for granted. But its a form of government very much worth fighting for. Pottinger had no way of knowing when he put on his military uniform for the first time how close to home that battle for democracy would get. He became deputy national security adviser to President Donald Trump, and he resigned after the Jan. 6 attack that tried to stop the peaceful transfer of power to President Joe Biden. On Thursday, hell be one of the key witnesses at a prime-time hearing of the select House committee investigating the attack. The other is Sarah Matthews, who resigned from her position as a deputy press secretary the same day. Pottinger and Matthews will join Cassidy Hutchinson, a former assistant to Mark Meadows, Trumps final chief of staff, in the exclusive club of Trump White House insiders who have appeared publicly. Their appearances stand in blunt contrast to the cadre of Trump loyalists who have tried to defy the committees subpoenas, remained silent or continued to dismiss the investigations findings. Any details on what Pottinger and Matthews will share on Thursday have been kept under wraps, but the hearing is expected to focus on what Trump did and didnt do as his supporters swarmed the U.S. Capitol and interrupted the ceremonial certification of the election. Roughly three hours elapsed between Trumps speech at a rally near the White House and his release of a video calling the rioters very special but asking them to go home now. Pottinger, 49, and Matthews, 27, may be able to illuminate what was happening behind the scenes as Trump resisted pleas from family, aides and Republicans to condemn the riot and urge people to leave the building. As a member of the press office, Matthews was privy to debates over what the White House and Trump should say publicly during the riot and what other aides advised. And although Pottinger was focused on foreign policy, his position placed him at the crossroads of national security matters. Whatever they saw that day, they decided to quit, helping to begin an exodus that included other White House staff and various Cabinet officials. These are people who believed in the work they were doing, but didnt believe in the stolen election, said Rep. Elaine Luria, D-Va., a member of the select committee. Luria added, Its just a key piece of telling the story about that day, because well be hearing from people who were in the White House, what they observed, what their reactions were. Alyssa Farah Griffin, the former White House director of strategic communications, said Pottinger and Matthews could make potent witnesses, particularly because of their very different backgrounds. Pottinger, Griffin said, is someone with enormous credibility, who is highly respected in the national security space and not seen as overtly political. Matthews, in contrast, is a tried and true Republican who worked for Trumps reelection campaign and was hand-picked to join the White House. I think their testimony will be incredibly compelling and carry a lot of weight, said Griffin, who has been supportive of the committees work and has discussed Matthews testimony with her. Matthews began working for Republicans on Capitol Hill as an intern while she was still a student at Kent State University in Ohio. She was so eager to begin a career in Washington that she moved to the city for her first job a month before her graduation, missing her last weeks of college and finishing her final classes online, she told her alma mater in an interview two years ago. Matthews was hired as a deputy press secretary for Trumps reelection campaign and was brought over to the White House by press secretary Kayleigh McEnany. She worked in the area of the West Wing known as upper press, placing her in closer proximity to the Oval Office than others in her office. Sometimes she joined Trump for media interviews, but mostly she fielded questions from reporters and helped prepare for White House briefings. When Matthews resigned on Jan. 6, she issued a statement saying she was deeply disturbed by what I saw today. On the anniversary of the attack, she called it one of the darkest days in American history. Make no mistake, the events on the 6th were a coup attempt, a term wed use had they happened in any other country, and former President Trump failed to meet the moment, she tweeted. Pottinger did not issue a statement when he resigned on Jan. 6, but he discussed the decision during previous, closed-door testimony to the committee. While the riot was underway, Pottinger said, a staff member brought him a printout of a Trump tweet accusing Vice President Mike Pence of not having the courage to do what should have been done to overturn the election. I read that tweet and made a decision at that moment to resign, Pottinger said. Thats where I knew that I was leaving that day once I read that tweet. Pottinger took a much more roundabout path to the White House than Matthews. His father, John Stanley Pottinger, served as an assistant attorney general under Presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford. Matt Pottinger studied China in college, then moved to the country to work as a reporter for Reuters and The Wall Street Journal. But in 2005, he joined the Marines. Explaining his unusual decision, Pottinger wrote an essay saying that living in China also shows you what a nondemocratic country can do to its citizens. Qualifying at age 31 wasnt easy. He wrote that he got winded after running for five minutes, and he could only do half a pullup. But by the time he took his physical fitness test, he could do 13 pullups and run 3 miles in less than 21 minutes. Pottinger deployed to Iraq as an intelligence officer, and he later worked in Afghanistan with U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn. At the time, Flynn was a respected military leader, not the promoter of conspiracy theories that hes become today. They ended up writing a report criticizing military intelligence efforts in Afghanistan. Years later, after Trump was elected, Flynn invited Pottinger to join him in the National Security Council. Flynn didnt last long he was forced out after a little more than three weeks because of his obfuscations about his conversations with the Russian ambassador to the U.S. but Pottinger stuck around. He was promoted to deputy national security adviser in 2019. Pottinger was focused on Asia during his time in the Trump administration, and helped outline a more aggressive stance toward China, one that was rooted in his own experiences as a reporter in the country. He is now a distinguished visiting fellow at the Hoover Institution and the chair of the China program at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. ___ Colvin reported from New York. Associated Press writer Mary Clare Jalonick contributed to this report. ___ Follow APs coverage of the Jan. 6 committee hearings at https://apnews.com/hub/capitol-siege. KHARKIV, Ukraine Russian shelling pounded a densely populated area in Ukraines second-largest city Thursday, killing at least three people and injuring at least 23 others with a barrage that struck a mosque, a medical facility and a shopping area, according to officials and witnesses. Police in the northeast city of Kharkiv said cluster bombs hit Barabashovo Market, where Associated Press journalists saw a woman crying over her dead husbands body. Local officials said the shelling also struck a bus stop, a gym and a residential building. The bombardment came after Russia on Wednesday reiterated its plans to seize territories beyond eastern Ukraine, where the Russian military has spent months trying to conquer the Donbas region, which is south of Kharkiv. It also followed Ukrainian attacks this week on a bridge the Russians have used to supply their forces in occupied areas near Ukraines southern Black Sea coast. Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov said the attacks early Thursday targeted one of the most crowded areas of the city, which had a prewar population of about 1.4 million. The Russian army is randomly shelling Kharkiv, peaceful residential areas. Civilians are being killed, Terekhov said. At the market, Sabina Pogorelets desperate screams pierced the air as she begged Ukrainian police to let her embrace her husband, Adam, a vendor whose body was lying partly covered with cloth next to a small stall. A bloody wound could be seen on his head as policemen gently pulled his wife away so medical workers could take away his body. Please! I need to hold his hand! Pogorelets cried. Nearby, a man hugged his small daughter as he and other visitors stood in shock. Emergency teams treated at least two of the wounded in nearby ambulances. People started working little by little, they came out to sell things, and residents came here to buy things, said Volodymyr Tymoshko, head of the National Police in the Kharkiv region. And exactly this place was hit by Uragan rockets with cluster bombs to maximize the damage to people. The cluster bombs claim could not be independently confirmed. AP journalists at the scene saw burned-out cars and a bus pierced by shrapnel. The Kharkiv regional governor, Oleh Syniehubov, said four people were in grave condition and a child was among those wounded in the shelling. Russian forces also shelled wheat fields, setting them on fire, he said. Elsewhere, Russian forces shelled the southern city of Mykolaiv overnight as well as the eastern cities of Kramatorsk and Kostiantynivka, where two schools were destroyed, Ukrainian officials said. A mans body was recovered from the rubble of the school in Kramatorsk, and emergency workers say two more people were feared trapped there. The scattered attacks illustrate broader war aims beyond Russias previously declared focus on the Donbas regions Donetsk and Luhansk provinces, which pro-Moscow separatists have partly controlled since 2014. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told Russian news outlets on Wednesday that Russia plans to retain control over more territory, including the Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions in southern Ukraine. Moscow also envisions making gains elsewhere, Lavrov said. Analysts from the Institute for the Study of War, a think tank based in Washington, said the Russian offensive in Donetsk was likely to stall before reaching the cities of Sloviansk and Bakhmut. Russian troops are now struggling to move across relatively sparsely settled and open terrain. They will encounter terrain much more conducive to the Ukrainian defenders, their assessment said. Richard Moore, head of the British foreign intelligence agency MI6, had a similar take, saying the Russians are about to run out of steam in Ukraine. They will have to pause in some way, and that will give the Ukrainians opportunities to strike back, Moore said. He said it is important for Ukraine to demonstrate its ability to respond militarily to Russia, both to maintain morale and as an important reminder to the rest of Europe that this is a winnable campaign by the Ukrainians, Because we are about to go into a pretty tough winter. Ukraines military reported Thursday that Russian forces attempted to storm the Vuhlehirska power station in the Donetsk region, but said Ukrainian defenders made the enemy resort to fleeing. In other developments Thursday: The operator of a major pipeline from Russia to Europe says natural gas has started flowing again after a 10-day shutdown for maintenance. But the gas flow was well short of full capacity and the outlook was uncertain. The Nord Stream 1 pipeline to Germany had been closed since July 11 for annual maintenance. The pipeline is Germanys main source of Russian gas. German officials had feared that the pipeline might not reopen at all amid growing tensions over Russias war in Ukraine. Turkish officials said a deal on a U.N. plan to unblock the exports of Ukrainian grain and to allow Russia to export grain and fertilizers will be signed Friday in Istanbul. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogans office said that he, U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres, and officials from Russia and Ukraine will oversee the signing ceremony. Guterres has been working on a plan to enable the export of millions of tons of grain stockpiles that have been stuck in Ukraines Black Sea ports due to the war. The move could ease a global food crisis that has sent wheat and other grain prices soaring. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov declined to comment. Ukraines nuclear energy plant operator says Russian forces have placed explosives and weapons in parts of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant where they pose significant danger. Energoatom said the heavy weapons and explosives are in the building that houses one of six reactors at Europes largest nuclear power station. They are continuing to cynically, absolutely violate all norms and demands of fire, nuclear and radiation safety, the statement said. Lavrov, Russias foreign minister, said Moscow will consider boosting natural gas supplies to Hungary following a formal request from Budapest. He spoke after a meeting in Moscow with Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto. Russian news agencies say Szijjarto sought to get an additional 700 million cubic meters of gas from Russia this year. Russia barred 39 representatives of Australian security services and defense companies from entering the country, in response to sanctions imposed by Canberra earlier this year. ___ This story corrects the assessment of the Study of War, which said Russian forces were unlikely to reach Sloviansk and Bakhmut, not that they might. ___ Follow the APs coverage of the war at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine ST. PAUL, Minn. A federal judge sentenced former Minneapolis police Officer Thomas Lane to 2 1/2 years in prison Thursday for violating George Floyds civil rights, calling Lanes role in the restraint that killed Floyd a very serious offense in which a life was lost but handing down a sentence well below what prosecutors and Floyds family sought. Judge Paul Magnusons sentence was just slightly more than the 27 months that Lanes attorney had requested, while prosecutors had asked for at least 5 1/4 years in prison the low end of federal guidelines. Lane was convicted earlier this year of depriving Floyd of his right to medical care. Lane, who is white, held Floyds legs as Officer Derek Chauvin pinned Floyds neck with his knee for nearly 9 1/2 minutes on May 25, 2020. Bystander video of Floyd, who was Black, pleading that he could not breathe sparked protests in Minneapolis and around the world in a reckoning over racial injustice over policing. Two other officers, J. Alexander Kueng and Tou Thao, were also convicted of violating Floyds civil rights for depriving Floyd of his right to medical care and for failing to intervene to stop Chauvin and will be sentenced later. Floyd family members had asked Magnuson to give Lane the stiffest sentence possible, with brother Philonise Floyd rejecting the idea that Lane deserved any mercy for asking his colleagues twice if George Floyd should be shifted from his stomach to his side. Officer Lane did not intervene in one way or another, he said. Prosecutor Manda Sertich had also argued for a higher sentence, saying that Lane chose not to act when he could have saved a life. There has to be a line where blindly following a senior officers lead, even for a rookie officer, is not acceptable, she said. Magnuson told Lane the fact that you did not get up and remove Mr. Chauvin when Mr. Floyd became unconscious is a violation of the law. But he also held up 145 letters he said he had received supporting Lane, saying he had never received so many on behalf of a defendant. And he faulted the Minneapolis Police Department for sending Lane with another rookie officer on the call that ended in Floyds death. Magnuson cited two letters in particular that he said came from doctors who recounted a situation when their diagnosis was overruled by a more senior physician, to disastrous result to the patient. He said the doctors described being haunted that they did not stand up to the senior physician. It speaks loudly to this case, Magnuson said. In sentencing Chauvin earlier this month on a civil rights charge in Floyds killing, Magnuson appeared to suggest that he bore the most blame in the case, telling Chauvin: You absolutely destroyed the lives of three young officers by taking command of the scene. Lane did not speak at Thursdays sentencing and neither he nor his attorney, Earl Gray, commented to reporters afterward. Philonise Floyd called the sentence insulting and said he didnt understand why Lane whom he called an accessory to murder didnt get the toughest possible sentence. To me I think this whole criminal system needs to be torn down and rebuilt, he said. Magnuson also said he would recommend that Lane serve his sentence at the federal prison in Duluth, a minimum-security facility about 2 1/2 hours from the Minneapolis area. The facility is classified as a camp, has no fence and has dormitory-style housing rather than cells. Prison assignments are made by the Bureau of Prisons. Gray argued during the trial that Lane did everything he could possibly do to help George Floyd. He pointed out that Lane suggested rolling Floyd on his side so he could breathe, but was rebuffed twice by Chauvin. He also noted that Lane performed CPR to try to revive Floyd after the ambulance arrived. Lane testified at trial that he didnt realize how dire Floyds condition was until paramedics turned him over. When Lane pleaded guilty in state court in May to one charge of aiding and abetting second-degree manslaughter, Gray said Lane hoped to avoid a long sentence. He has a newborn baby and did not want to risk not being part of the childs life, he said. Chauvin pleaded guilty in December to a federal civil rights charge in Floyds killing and to another civil rights charge in an unrelated case involving a Black teenager. That netted a 21-year sentence from Magnuson, toward the low end of 20- to 25-year range both sides agreed to under his plea deal. Chauvin was also convicted of second-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter in state court and is serving a 22 1/2-year state sentence. His federal and state sentences are being served simultaneously. Kueng pinned Floyds back during the restraint and Thao helped hold back an increasingly concerned group of onlookers outside a Minneapolis convenience store where Floyd, who was unarmed, tried to pass a counterfeit $20 bill. Magnuson has not set sentencing dates for Thao, who is Hmong American, and Kueng, who is Black. But he has scheduled a hearing for Friday, after their attorneys objected to sentencing calculations under the complicated federal guidelines. Prosecutors are seeking unspecified sentences for them that would be lower than Chauvins but substantially higher than Lanes. Thao and Kueng are free on bond pending sentencing on their federal convictions. They are also charged with state counts of aiding and abetting both second-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. They have turned down plea deals and are scheduled to go to trial on those charges on Oct. 24. ___ The story has been updated correct one reference to the month that Floyd was killed. ___ Find APs full coverage of the killing of George Floyd at: https://apnews.com/hub/death-of-george-floyd RICHMOND, Va. A month after some members of Congress urged Google to limit the appearance of anti-abortion pregnancy centers in certain abortion-related search results, 17 Republican attorneys general are warning the company that doing so could invite investigations and possible legal action. Suppressing pro-life and pro-mother voices at the urging of government officials would violate the most fundamental tenet of the American marketplace of ideas, the attorneys general wrote in a letter Thursday to Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google and its parent company. The effort was led by Republican Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares and Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron, and the letter was shared with The Associated Press ahead of its public release. The Republicans took issue with a June 17 letter to the company from U.S. Sen. Mark Warner, D-Virginia, and Rep. Elissa Slotkin, D-Michigan, which was co-signed by 19 other members of Congress. That letter cited research by the nonprofit Center for Countering Digital Hate, which found that Google searches for abortion clinic near me and abortion pill turned up results for centers that counsel clients against having an abortion. Some of these places, known as crisis pregnancy centers, also have been accused of providing misleading information about abortion and contraception. Many are religiously affiliated. Directing women towards fake clinics that traffic in misinformation and dont provide comprehensive health services is dangerous to womens health and undermines the integrity of Googles search results, said the June letter, which was authored after the leak of a draft opinion indicating the U.S. Supreme Court would overturn the landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling that legalized abortion nationwide. The court took that step June 24. The Democrat-led group asked Google to address what steps it would take to limit the appearance of crisis pregnancy centers in its search results, ads and maps results for users who search for abortion clinic, abortion pill or other similar terms. The group also asked the company if it would add disclaimers to address whether or not a clinic provides abortions. New York Attorney General Letitia James office also raised similar concerns in a separate June letter to Google. The letter from the Republican AGs defends the work of crisis pregnancy centers. It notes that such centers often provide services such as free ultrasounds, pregnancy tests, testing for sexually transmitted diseases, and parenting and prenatal education classes. It also argues that at least some Google users who search for information about abortion expect to find information about alternatives. They wrote that if the company complies with this inappropriate demand to bias its search results, their offices would respond by investigating whether there had been any violation of antitrust or religious discrimination laws. They also pledged to consider whether new legislation would help protect consumers and markets. We trust that you will treat this letter with the seriousness these issues require, and hope you will decide that Googles search results must not be subject to left-wing political pressure, which would actively harm women seeking essential assistance. If you do not, we must avail ourselves of all lawful and appropriate means of protecting the rights of our constituents, of upholding viewpoint diversity, free expression, and the freedom of religion for all Americans, and of making sure that our markets are free in fact, not merely in theory, the letter said. It asked the California-based company to respond within 14 days and explain whether it has or will take any steps to treat crisis pregnancy centers any differently than before the leak of the draft Supreme Court decision. Google did not respond to requests for comment Thursday. A spokeswoman for Warner said the senator had not received a response to the June letter. But Imran Ahmed, CEO of the Center for Countering Digital Hate, said his organization believes Google recently made a small change in response to its research. In cases of searches for abortion clinic near me, the company appears to have changed a maps results headline to say Places instead of Abortion clinic, according to the center, which monitors online disinformation and provided its research and screenshots of examples to AP. Miyares, who defeated incumbent Democrat Mark Herring in November, recently traveled to a Lynchburg crisis pregnancy center that was vandalized after the Supreme Courts ruling, condemning what he called an act of political violence. Google and other Big Tech companies also have faced recent calls for more stringent privacy controls to address concerns that information about location, texts, searches and emails could be used against people seeking to end unwanted pregnancies. Google announced this month that it would automatically purge information about users who visit abortion clinics or other places that could trigger legal problems in light of the high courts ruling. NEW YORK A former Coinbase product manager and his brother, along with a Houston man, were charged Thursday in what federal authorities described as the U.S. governments first cryptocurrency insider trading case. The brothers Ishan Wahi and Nikhil Wahi were arrested while the Houston man, Sameer Ramani, remained at large, federal authorities said as they announced the unsealing of an indictment in a federal court in Manhattan. Authorities said Ishan Wahi, 32, was a product manager at Coinbase Global Inc., one of the worlds largest cryptocurrency exchanges, based in Seattle, when he provided tips to Nikhil Wahi, 26, and their friend, Ramani, 33. All three were charged with wire fraud conspiracy and wire fraud. The indictment said Ishan Wahi was stopped by law enforcement prior to boarding a May 16 flight to India and was prevented from leaving the country. In the hours before the flight, he had telephoned and sent texts to his brother and Ramani to alert them about an investigation Coinbase was carrying out, according to a release. Ishan Wahi bought a one-way airline ticket to India in an unsuccessful attempt to flee from the United States after agreeing to be interviewed for an internal probe by Coinbase, the indictment said. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said the prosecution represents the governments first insider trading case involving cryptocurrency markets. He said it was a reminder that the cryptocurrency markets are not a law-free zone. Michael Driscoll, head of the FBIs New York office, said the defendants collected about $1.5 million in illegal profits by trading in at least 25 different crypto assets. Attorneys representing Ishan Wahi said in an email to The Associated Press that their client is innocent and intends to defend himself vigorously against these charges and in the SEC action. Messages seeking comment were sent to other defense lawyers. The Securities and Exchange Commission brought civil insider trading charges against the men in Seattle federal court. The SEC said the charges were brought against the trio after they carried out a scheme to trade ahead of multiple announcements regarding certain crypto assets that were going to be made available for trading on the Coinbase platform. As todays case demonstrates, whether in equities, options, crypto assets, or other securities, we will vindicate our mission by identifying and combatting insider trading in securities wherever we see it, said Carolyn M. Welshhans, Acting Chief of the Enforcement Divisions Crypto Assets and Cyber Unit. The New York indictment said Ishan Wahi began working as a product manager on the asset listing team in October 2020. It said he provided tips about confidential information to his brother and friend from June 2021 until this past April. Brian Armstrong, the chief executive for Coinbase, said on Twitter and in a blog post Thursday that the company began an internal probe in April about possible frontrunning of assets shortly before being listed on Coinbase. The indictment said the frontrunning was identified publicly by a Twitter posting in April on an account that is well known in the crypto community, with hundreds of thousands of followers. Armstrong said that the company gathered sufficient evidence and then fired Ishan Wahi and forwarded its findings about the three men to the Justice Department. He added: We will investigate and refer bad actors to law enforcement, and they will face real legal consequences including serving prison time. CHICAGO A federal lawsuit filed Thursday alleges Chicago police misused unreliable gunshot detection technology and failed to pursue other leads in investigating a grandfather from the citys South Side who was charged with killing a neighbor. Chicago prosecutors used audio picked up by a network of sensors installed by the gunshot detection company ShotSpotter as critical evidence in charging Michael Williams with murder in 2020 for allegedly shooting the man inside his car. Williams spent nearly a year in jail, and The Associated Press reported last year that a judge dismissed his case at the request of prosecutors, who said they had insufficient evidence. The lawsuit filed by the MacArthur Justice Center at Northwestern Universitys law school seeks damages from the city for mental anguish, loss of income and legal bills for the 65-year-old Williams, who said he still suffers from a tremor in his hand that developed while he was locked up. It also details the case of a second plaintiff Daniel Ortiz, a 36-year-old father who the lawsuit alleges was arbitrarily arrested and jailed by police who were responding to a ShotSpotter alert. The suit seeks class-action status for any Chicago resident who was stopped on the basis of the alerts. It also seeks a court order barring the technologys use in the nations third-largest city. Even though now Im so-called free, I dont think I will ever be free of the thought of what they have done and the impact that has on me now, like the shaking with my hand, Williams said. I constantly go back to the thought of being in that place. I just cant get my mind to settle down. ShotSpotter isnt named as a defendant in the 103-page filing though the lawsuit claims the companys algorithm-powered technology is flawed. The suit also alleges the citys decision to place most of its gunshot-detection sensors in predominantly Black and Latino neighborhoods is racially discriminatory. Asked for a comment, the citys law department, which represents police in such cases, said later Thursday that it had not yet been served with the complaint. Chicago police have previously praised the ShotSpotter system, saying it puts officers on the scene of shootings far faster than if they wait for someone to call 911. Police have also said crime rates not residents race determine where the technology is deployed. ShotSpotter said in a statement that the evidence it collects and its expert witnesses have been admitted in 200 court cases in 20 states, and have survived dozens of evidentiary challenges. It described its system as highly accurate with a 97% aggregate accuracy rate for real-time detections across all customers and that an analytics company had verified the effectiveness of the technology. ShotSpotters website says the company is a leader in precision policing technology solutions that help stop gun violence by using sensors, algorithms and artificial intelligence to classify 14 million sounds in its proprietary database as gunshots or something else. But the AP investigation identified a number of flaws in using ShotSpotter as evidentiary support for prosecutors, and found the system can miss live gunfire right under its microphones, or misclassify the sounds of fireworks or cars backfiring as gunshots. Last year, Chicagos nonpartisan watchdog agency concluded that actual evidence of a gun-related crime was found in about 9% of ShotSpotter alerts that were confirmed as probable gunshots. The lawsuit says the investigating officers put blind faith in ShotSpotter evidence they knew or should have known was unreliable in order to charge Williams with killing 25-year-old Safarian Herring. The lawsuit alleges investigators used ShotSpotter material in a way that went beyond its intended use, quoting a disclaimer in one document related to Williams case that says the investigative lead summary should only be used for initial investigative purposes. The suit also accuses investigators of not pursuing other leads that could have produced credible suspects, including reports that someone previously shot at Herring at a bus stop. Police and prosecutors never established a motive for Williams to have shot Herring, never found witnesses to the shooting, and never recovered a weapon or physical evidence tying Williams to the killing, the suit alleges. The Defendant Officers engaged in tunnel vision to target Mr. Williams, arresting him for First-Degree murder, without probable cause, the lawsuit said. ___ Burke reported from San Francisco. ___ Follow Garance Burke and Michael Tarm on Twitter at @garanceburke and @mtarm. Contact APs global investigative team at Investigative@ap.org or https://www.ap.org/tips/ An Espanola construction company has started work on a project to protect infrastructure in areas of San Miguel and Mora counties damaged by the Calf Canyon/Hermits Peak Fire. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers awarded KhaPo Construction Services a $4.1 million contract on July 15. The fire has grown to more than 341,000 acres and is 93% contained as of Thursday. Flash flooding has occurred in and near where the fire severely burned soil and trees. KhaPo Construction Services is installing jetty jacks criss-crossed beams that catch debris from floodwaters. The company will also build Geobrugg barriers. The large nets can prevent boulders or fallen trees from damaging bridges, roads and water infrastructure. The Army Corps had previously awarded a $7 million contract to Idaho-based North Wind Site Services to protect Las Vegas city water infrastructure in the Gallinas Watershed from post-fire flooding. Future Generali India Insurance Company Limited (FGII) is an inclusive employer and is committed towards creating an environment that fosters inclusivity, openness, and acceptance. A step in that direction is the grand celebration held during the PRIDE month at FGII offices in Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore. As a true proponent of diversity and inclusion, FGII recently conducted a social experiment in support of the LGBTQIA+ community. This social experiment was conducted in an effort to boost awareness and sensitization towards the LGBTQIA+ community and foster affinity for its members while showing solidarity and support. This social experiment video on breaking free brought together 20 participants of different genders, age, and sexual orientations and asked them questions regarding the biases they have faced. Through the video, people will learn of the biases that the LGBTQIA+ community faces on a regular basis, making it a compelling and thought-provoking watch. To help break biases, they need everyones support hence it is important to be a friend and an ally. Watch the video here. Speaking on the social experiment, Ms. Ruchika Malhan Varma, Chief Marketing Officer, Future Generali India Insurance said Our efforts to support the LGBTQIA+ community are not limited to the Pride month alone. For us, diversity and inclusion is a strategic imperative, one that we strive to imbibe in our work culture. We are committed to promoting inclusive growth throughout the year and beyond, and our latest initiative, which features the video Breaking Free, aims to help people across communities to break free from the habit of limiting LGBTQIA+ conversations to just Pride month. As a brand that leads with Human Touch and an organization that is focused on building a diverse and inclusive environment, we have made concerted efforts to encourage dialogue, build sensitization, and foster communication amongst individuals and the society as a whole. As one of the communities facing a high degree of biases from peers and family members, the LGBTQIA+ community requires all the support possible to withstand and break free of the barriers impacting them on a daily basis. In the months ahead, Future Generali India Insurance aims to #StandWithPride and further the cause of the community. The extension of CNBC Arabia, an Arabic business and financial news network, to Saudi Arabia and Qatar has been announced. These nations will have access to CNBC's media products and services. Its development plan includes the expansion. The expansion aligns with the network's transformation objective to modernise its operational processes across its TV channel, mobile applications, web portal and digital platforms. CNBC Arabia is incorporating cutting-edge technologies to promote high-quality media content. In order to deliver high-quality content, the strategy calls for using its 20 years of experience in the Arabic media and journalism sectors. CNBC Arabia CEO Mohammed Burhan stated: "This transformation plan notes the network's most remarkable development phase, as it coincides with significant developments in the Arab economies that were caused by shifting trends in the global economy. By staying up to date with the most recent developments in the various media content formats across all of our platforms, we are dedicated to offering special services to our varied audience of interested viewers in the disciplines of finance and business in the Arab region. "Our transformation strategy has been developed using the findings of our extensive scientific research, which we did to investigate several routes to keep up with the digitalization of visual media over the last five years," he stated besides adding By offering enlightening and insightful information with a fresh aesthetic that upholds our journalistic standards, we aim to uphold the trust we have earned from our viewers from our beginning and strengthened over the past 20 years. Further he said "The primary difficulty that traditional media organisations face is how to reform work norms and methods to match audience expectations," He continued. "Especially the youth, who continually look out for entertaining content through unconventional channels." "Our transformation strategy has been formed utilising the outcomes of our substantial scientific research," he said. He further added "We did this to investigate numerous routes to stay up with the digitization of visual media during the last five years. We seek to uphold the confidence we have gained from our viewers from the beginning and reinforced over the past 20 years by providing interesting and incisive information with a contemporary aesthetic that upholds our journalistic standards. He stated, "The main challenge traditional media organisations face is how to alter work norms and methodologies to match public expectations. Especially the younger generation, who is constantly searching for amusing material on channels that are not conventional. Under the management of a global media network, CNBC Arabia is an integrated platform Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site. 0108263 License for publishing multimedia online Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349 On July 14, Minneapolis police shot and killed twenty-year-old Tekle Sundberg after a six-hour standoff that included multiple shots by the "victim" being fired into the apartment of a young woman and her two small children. This was because Tekle Sundberg was trying to kill her. Yet according to attorney Ben Crump, Tekle was a "smart, loving, and artistic" young man "experiencing a mental health crisis." The photo accompanying Crump's call to action showed Tekle wearing white, the color of innocence, while smiling for the camera. However, a second photo in the Twitter feed displayed another side of Tekle's character as he held two pistols and a bag of contraband while playfully posing for the camera. Crump demanded ANSWERS (his capitalization, not mine) from the Minneapolis police about how they conducted themselves during the standoff. He also posted videos of the grieving adoptive parents blaming the police for killing their son "unnecessarily" and called for people to protest at the scene of the crime, which they did. Tekle's white parents claimed that the police promised they wouldn't shoot him (a curious claim to make in an active shooter situation, to be sure) and predictably suggested that their son would still be alive if he were white. However, the police reported that whenever they tried to have the father speak to Tekle, the young man turned his music up full blast and screamed at them. Just how disgusting can Tekle's parents get? Zero sympathy was expressed for their son's intended victim or her children. Their son was actively trying to murder his neighbor when the police finally shot and killed him, more than six hours after the standoff began, and still they blame the police. If Tekle had been white, the only difference in the outcome is that the cops most likely wouldn't have waited six hours before they finally shot and killed him. The man was spraying live rounds into another apartment, trying to kill its inhabitants, which, in my opinion, forfeits his right to continue breathing. Say the name "George Floyd," and people bow their heads in reverence for the petty criminal, who died while in police custody from an officer "kneeling on his neck" until he suffocated which didn't happen, but don't tell that to Officer Derek Chauvin, because he's in prison for allegedly killing Floyd. Now say the name "Tony Timpa." Who? Minneapolis police officers went to prison for detaining Floyd with a controversial hold for nine minutes. Dallas police officers held Tony Timpa with the very same hold for almost fourteen minutes, and, like Floyd, Timpa died. Why have there been no media reports of Timpa's death like the reports on George Floyd? Well, Tony Timpa was a white man. If Timpa's story failed to move you, what about Edward Bronstein? Two months before George Floyd died, the very same thing happened to Bronstein cops kneeled on him, and he died. What happened to the officers in the Timpa and Bronstein cases? Nothing. Obviously, police brutality isn't the real issue for Black Lives Matter. Nor does the innocence or guilt of the candidate for martyrdom matter. Skin color is all that matters to Black Lives Matter. It doesn't hurt if you have a criminal record, too. Seventy-five percent of the people killed by the police each year are white, Asian, or Hispanic. Twenty-five percent of the suspects killed by police are black. If anything, police have become more reluctant to engage with and subdue a violent black offender out of fear that Black Lives Matter and Ben Crump will marshal the forces of evil against them, and that reluctance puts even more lives at risk. Not only does BLM always side against the police, but the group frequently sides against the black victims of black criminal thugs. Apparently, only black criminals aren't supposed to get shot, no matter what they've done. In stark contrast, innocent black women and children are fair game. If you are a young black criminal, you're untouchable as far as Black Lives Matter is concerned. Black Lives Matter doesn't care about people. It cares only about power. The people behind Black Lives Matter don't care about black lives in general; they care about only the lives of dangerous black criminals and buying expensive real estate in rich white neighborhoods. George Floyd? He's been elevated to the ranks of a minor deity, although a lightning strike seems to have offered God's final word on the matter. And contrary to what Ben Crump might have you believe, Tekle Sundberg was no angel. He was a thug and a criminal, and he's far from the only example of Black Lives Matter choosing to champion the wrong black lives. Jacob Blake admits that he had a knife when police shot him. Black Lives Matter led a major protest to honor the man that police had been trying to arrest for sexual assault, criminal trespass, and disorderly conduct. The protests in Kenosha led to Kyle Rittenhouse being forced to kill several people in self-defense as the situation grew completely out of control. Michael Brown robbed a convenience store and broke the orbital bone in the face of police officer Darren Wilson, but BLM lied and claimed that Brown had his hands up. And Ferguson, Missouri was burned to the ground because of another pernicious lie. Rayshard Brooks passed out in the drive-through lane of a Wendy's and eventually managed to get shot and killed while resisting arrest for DUI. For some unknown reason, video of the police having a normal conversation with Brooks aired on television, but video of Brooks resisting arrest and firing a Taser at the cops did not. Naturally, protesters burned the restaurant to the ground. Much more importantly, little eight-year-old Secoriea Turner was shot and killed when a protester fired a bullet into her mother's car. Two of the protesters were arrested for her murder. Two years after Brooks's death, "mourners" planned a vigil to remember him. Nobody has a vigil planned for Secoriea Turner. Black Lives Matter protesters immediately dropped to a knee when reports aired that an armed carjacker had been killed by the police. The protesters promised to loot and riot in response, but after they learned that the carjacker was white, the protest suddenly ended, quickly and quietly. They didn't care that the perpetrator had allegedly been waving a gun and shooting at police, but they did care about his skin color, because only the lives of black criminals matter to Black Lives Matter. If you're an innocent bystander, a woman, or a child even if you're black well, you're just collateral damage. The young woman Sundberg had been trying to kill bravely came out of her apartment to confront the angry crowd that came to march in front of her building and shouted at them, "He tried to kill me in front of my kids! There are bullet holes in my kitchen!" One of the protestors chillingly replied, "Not in you, though!" What type of a human being would say such a thing to the victim of a violent crime? John Leonard is a freelance writer. His seventh book, The God Conclusion, is available on Amazon, and his other books can be found at LeonardBooks.net. He may be contacted via his website at southernprose.com. Image: Johnny Silvercloud via Flickr (cropped), CC BY-SA 2.0. Since well before the publication of Al Gore's Earth in the Balance: Ecology and the Human Spirit in 1992, we've been told we can "save the planet" by eliminating fossil fuels. Many environmentalists ride bikes to work, refuse plastic bags at stores, and vote for more solar and windmills, but is any of it "saving the planet"? Bjorn Lomborg's book False Alarm exposes a host of false claims by environmentalists, including the notion that warming has been producing more storms, drought, and floods. In fact, all of these have remained at the same level over the past 100 years. As Lomborg writes, "deaths caused by climate-related disasters have declined precipitously over the past century" (p. 73) not because of fewer storms, but because increasing wealth has made it possible to protect ourselves from climate events. The real danger lies in useless spending on climate change that will bankrupt societies and make it impossible for their people to protect themselves. The global economy has now constructed an entire edifice atop the myth of catastrophic man-made global warming, and activists like Gore collectively have made billions if not trillions of dollars off their predictions of doom. Environmental activism became a lucrative business, in the form of non-profit revenues and income from corporate consulting. Now under Biden, activists promise to transform the global economy at a cost of hundreds of trillions. An SEC proposed rule on "climate change reporting and control" would, if enacted, lower profits and productivity for large businesses and bankrupt smaller ones. And the SEC is just one among hundreds of federal agencies targeting fossil fuel emissions and exposing the private sector to huge reporting and legal costs. According to the National Law Review, "companies will likely need to consider and quantify the impact of environmental factors on both the upstream and downstream aspects of their business." Ironically, the global warming edifice is beginning to crack as European nations reverse their behavior, if not their rhetoric, on warming. Germany never fully complied with the Paris Agreement to begin with, but on May 24, it announced that it may use idled coal-fired power plants to compensate for lost Russian natural gas supplies. Maybe California's Gov. Newsom needs to take a tip from Germany, since California has warned of "possible summer blackouts" for at least the next three years. All of this government action, in the U.S. and abroad, is avoidable. The reality is that wind and solar supply only 1.1% of global energy needs at present and will not supply more than 5% by 2040 (Lomborg, p. 104) and this at a cost of trillions of dollars in subsidies and credits. It is madness for politicians and corporate leaders to promise "net zero" by 2030 or even 2050. We must face reality and insist, for both strategic and economic reasons, that an adequate supply of fossil fuels is produced in our own country. Fortunately, there is no pressing need to "transition" to wind and solar. Environmentalists present a doomsday scenario of rising seas, catastrophic storms, and worldwide drought none of which is happening. A simple test is to examine the number of major hurricane strikes on the U.S. soil. According to NOAA, with data going back to 1850, that number has remained entirely stable: 27 from 1850 to 1900, 32 from 1900 to 1950, and 28 from 1950 to 2000. The deadliest hurricanes in U.S. history occurred in 1900, 1919, and 1926, not in the era of so-called global warming: Katrina, the only devastating 21st-century storm, was the 33rd deadliest storm in our history and it was devastating because of inadequate government preparation and response. Climate alarmists also point to purported drought as evidence of warming. During the 1950s, I lived in central Oklahoma during one of the worst droughts in the state's history. Examine the evidence: a chart showing wet and dry periods in Oklahoma shows beyond all doubt that Oklahoma was far drier in the period from 1900 to 1980, and greener from 1980 to the present just the opposite of what alarmists claim it should be. The fact is that the Central Plains, our country's breadbasket, has become greener precisely during the period of greater warming. Even if we wished to change the climate, there's little we could do about it. That's not my assessment: it comes from the U.N.'s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, which has admitted in the past that a portion of recent warming is due to natural causes and that even a complete global transition to "net zero" would have not prevent further temperature increases, or declines for that matter. In any case, why would we wish to return to cooler "pre-industrial" levels when there are many advantages to warmer temperatures, including higher agricultural productivity. Today's warming of one degree Celsius is not an "inconvenient truth" it is, for some, a minor inconvenience. But for most of us, it is not even that; it is an opportunity, as, with warmer temperatures and higher CO2 levels, plants grow more quickly and in regions where they could not have grown before. Warming increases the Earth's productivity, making it possible to feed the 10 billion persons expected by 2050. If the Earth entered a period of sudden cooling, as it well might, the Earth's poor would be at risk of starvation. Our values with regard to climate, as with regard to so much else, have been twisted by a nihilistic generation that prefers enslavement and government control to freedom and opportunity. In the 1930s, there were millions of compulsive Nazi sympathizers living in the U.S. They enjoyed dressing up in brown uniforms and marching around like robots programmed by a charismatic leader. Today, those compulsives wear green and agonize over consuming too much of the world's resources and burning fossil fuels in any amount. They march around in asinine protests that are intended to "save the Earth" when they could be saving it, and themselves, by getting a job and working 40 hours a week. Like the brown-shirts of an earlier era, whom they so closely resemble, today's radicals employ violence and intimidation to impose their warped vision on those who disagree with them. It is the ordinary American who is the loser in environmental politics. Radical environmentalists have expressed pleasure at seeing working Americans paying $5 and $6 for gas and seeing the price of natural gas, which heats half of homes and offices and most electricity production, rise from an average of $2.03 per m Btu in 2020 to $6.07 in 2022. Environmentalists celebrate the harm that comes to others who disagree with them, even as they relish their own power and control. In the end, it is a matter of who thrives and who does not. Once we realize this fact, it becomes clear that we must reject the myth of climate catastrophe and return to a rational policy allowing for the unrestricted production of fossil fuels. The truth is that we are facing a climate catastrophe in the form of trillions of worthless spending on so-called renewables. Our economy is already beginning to collapse under the burden of this spending, but it is not too late to save it. One must question and oppose all spending on climate change and support rational policies that include reliance on fossil fuels. Jeffrey Folks is the author of many books and articles on American culture including Heartland of the Imagination (2011). Image via Public Domain Pictures. During a Senate hearing on the legal consequences of the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, a University of California, Berkeley law professor was being questioned by Senator Josh Hawley. The senator asked a simple question about which sex has the capacity to get pregnant. As would be expected from a leftist, double ring-nosed wannabe intellectual, at one of the most bizarrely liberal colleges in the country, she (excuse the pronoun) accused the lawmaker of asking "transphobic" questions. Moreover, she suggested that the senator was inciting violence against "trans people" by asking such questions. This type of attack on biology and sensible reasoning is a tactic used by those who want to silence any form of disagreement with even the most mentally defective behavior coming from a tiny fraction of society. We live in an era in which a segment of the population seeks recognition and security within a group that is invulnerable to criticism. This "protected" class isn't content to merely live their atypical lives inside the framework of the majority. Instead, they want to force their rebellious and unusual life choices on the overwhelming number of folks who don't subscribe to their anomalous behavior. This "professor," reading from notes, was eager to announce that one out of five transgender people has attempted suicide, insinuating that asking questions is the reason behind their self-destructive mental state. Of course, the woman (if that's what she wants to be called) wouldn't consider for a moment that people with psychological problems, which may have nothing to do with what gender they think they are, often become candidates for suicide. Over the millennia, disturbed people have taken their own lives for a myriad of reasons, long before the term "transgender" was invented. Hence, you have to begrudgingly give leftists credit for being creative as a way to justify their disturbing beliefs. You also have to give them credit for chutzpah as they persistently drive forward with the maddening idea that men can give birth. When the professor asked the senator if he believes that men can get pregnant, he answered, "No!" Suddenly, "she" became demonstrably agitated. "See, you're denying trans people," she exclaimed with a nervous giggle. She went on to prattle about how some cis-women (women who identify with the gender they were assigned at birth) do not have the capacity for pregnancy, and trans-men (women who now identify as men) are capable of pregnancy, as well as non-binary (you need a calculator to keep up with the multiplicity of gender terms being invented almost daily) people are capable of pregnancy. Evidently, the radical trans movement has found a way to make it appear that men can give birth. These people reason that a woman who identifies as a man still has all the necessary female equipment to bear a child in the womb. Therefore, although still a woman, she, who now refers to herself as he, is a "man" who can get pregnant. This brings us back to the incredibly odd circumstances of having a U.S. senator scolded by some condescending professor because he denied that men can give birth. One wonders how long before his home is surrounded by violent, screaming purveyors of this nonsense. There are politically motivated groups in the country who seek to force their behavior on those who have different belief systems from theirs. The latest attempt at transmogrifying the culture is the assault on English grammar. If you see a man in drag, you dare not refer to him as "Sir," or any other masculine designation. To do so may open you to allegations of some sort of "ist" or "phobe." You may even end up hospitalized, if not dead. When I see Bruce, AKA Caitlyn, Jenner parading awkwardly around a stage in a dress and high heels, I'm reminded of the bawdy burlesque performances by female impersonators in those side street playhouses of NYC. I had no animus toward them or any other folks who lived their lives the way they chose to. I didn't try to impose my lifestyle on them, and they were equally respectful of the way I lived. Moreover, they didn't try to pummel me into agreeing that men, with male sexual parts, and no ovaries, can nevertheless become "with child." Sadly, the radical left has become so ruthless in its pursuit of antibiological dogma that they're willing to distort science and reality if it means giving them a bit more power. However, as of this date, there still isn't a scintilla of evidence, at least on Planet Earth, that a man ever gave birth to a baby. I don't expect that to change anytime soon. Image via Pixnio. So by the laws of the left, not only is it OK to hound and harass a Supreme Court justice in his home, but the whole neighborhood can get harassed out of house and home, too. That's the reality, now that filthy-mouthed and potentially violent protesters are getting away with such deeds against Justice Brett Kavanaugh and now his neighbors. According to Fox News: Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh's neighbors are fed up with the actions of protesters near their homes as some engaging in pro-choice activism have chosen to personally target residents, rather than heed noise complaints. In June, Fox News Digital spoke with neighbors who painted a picture of protesters who are loud and intimidating, threatening escalation if they don't get what they want. Furthermore, neighbors claimed that protesters had abused them and their children, using drums and megaphones to chant "f--- you," and "f--- your children." A Wednesday piece from The Washington Post shows that little has changed in two months. The paper spoke with eight different sources from the neighborhood. Seven of them voiced frustrations about the protests, citing "jarring language" and rising tensions. Residents, in some cases, have attempted to confront protesters over their methods but were quickly excoriated. "They just call us fascists," Lyric Winik, a resident of the neighborhood, told The Post. "Nothing about this is healthy. We've got kids on this street scared to leave their homes." Imagine having to listen to that, and when you complain, they call you "Karen." Police are now being flooded with calls from neighbors, who are being chased out at least temporarily just to get away from the bellowing, the obscenities, the graffiti, the traffic, and the mess. According to the Washington Post: Demonstrators take strong exception to the reactions, saying that to whatever extent they disrupt tranquility, it is part of a much more important message bringing attention to how a number of justices altered the lives of millions and a message could be even stronger with the residents' participation. As they chanted recently: "Out of your houses and into the streets!" Washington, D.C. being Washington, D.C., the Post noted that these harassed residents are hardly conservatives. They are affluent Democrats and leftists, who have stated they on the same side as the pro-abortion protesters, with some posting signs about their pro-choice views as a sort of "inoculation" shot to keep protesters from targeting them, which rather tells us that this is a campaign of terror. Please eat me last, Mr. Crocodile... The protests are in fact illegal. But everyone in the local establishment, from Joe Biden to the city officials of the Chevy Chase, Washington, D.C. neighborhood (there is an affluent old-money area in the northeast of the city called Chevy Chase, which is not the same as Chevy Chase, Maryland) are doing nothing. So residents, besides complaining (and many did not want to go on the record for the Post, knowing what the protesters might do) are trying to ward off the organized protest groups. This is not about peaceful protest at this point, which is not to be done under federal law for the purpose of influencing a judge. The Roe v. Wade ruling, which places abortion decisions into the hands of the states, has already been made. But it's more illegal than ever, because it's about power, political muscle, revenge, collateral damage, and perhaps getting Kavanaugh's neighbors to pressure him to move from the neighborhood as they are sending a message to him and the next justice who crosses them that there will be this kind of hell to pay. The neighbors objecting to this outrageous behavior that ruins their quality of life and peaceful capacity to enjoy their property, a foundational right, are just expendable collateral damage in this, but they may be part of the larger diabolical plan of the big-money organizations who are continuing to fund this. It's tempting to laugh at the lefties who live there and say that maybe they should be pro-life instead since there are no special breaks for being pro-choice in that neighborhood. But now it's a bigger issue: the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, all of which is being shut down on a whole neighborhood by a demonic force with fanatic intent on killing babies. The Post doesn't mention it, but the Fox News report does: an assassin was foiled not too long ago with a live plan to kill Kavanaugh. The crazed protesters hitting this neighborhood are only peaceful...until they aren't. And now these crazed protests, completely unchecked by law or common decency, are the standard. Image: Screen shot from WUSA9 video via YouTube. At Wesley Yang's Year Zero substack site, a left-leaning public teacher in a leftist school district published an article describing just how crazy things really are in such schools. While your children may be behind in reading, writing, and arithmetic, it's clear they're getting an extra-large dose of hard-left racism (and probably gender theory and America-hatred, although the essay doesn't touch on those things). If you have children or grandchildren in public schools, or you simply care about America's future, you should read that essay and then pay close attention to your next school board election. The essay, entitled "Yes, Things Are Really as Bad as You've Heard," sounds like one of the more outlandish Babylon Bee parodies. However, Yang vouches for the essay, saying he's spoken with the author and reviewed correspondence that confirms the statements and events that the teacher describes. The teacher identifies himself (or herself?) very clearly as a leftist: This is where I have to stop and make one thing very clear: I'm a leftist. Like, a big one. I hate capitalism, I support abortion on demand, and I unironically use phrases like "systems of oppression" and "the dominant culture." The last big paper I put together for my undergraduate degree was on critical race theory, for the love of God! I'm not the sort of person who can be easily dismissed as a conservative crank. This identification matters because his point is that, if things have gotten too extreme for him, the education system in this blue school in a blue state has tilted so far to the left that it is no longer anything approaching a functional educational entity. The first story the teacher recounts is about the elementary school summer class he was given to teach. The students were all placed there at a teacher's recommendation because they were struggling in school. Within a few days, his classroom was empty, with some students never appearing at all. However, when the teacher wanted to have the no-shows officially withdrawn from the class so that the wait-listed children, who were also struggling academically, could get the benefit of the program, he learned just how the system operates. Image: Classroom by freepik. To the teacher's surprise, he was told that the district may not remove non-attending children. Those children remain on the rolls until a parent officially removes them. The reason for this policy is race-based: Now, when I say the district is "not allowed" to do so, I don't mean they're forbidden by some state law or local ordinance. Rather, the district actively embraced this policy as part of their larger equity and racial justice overhaul, and even bragged about doing so in public-facing materials. Their explicit position is that requiring attendance for any district program unfairly victimizes children of color, as does factoring in attendance to any student's grades during the regular school year. Moreover, a teacher may not reach out to a parent to ask that parent to make an official withdrawal request. Why not? "[D]oing so, I was told, could 'make them feel disrespected' and 'communicate to them that their children are not welcome.'" And so, in the name of racial "respect," children who could benefit from summer school are denied the opportunity. The teacher offers other narratives that would be impossible to believe if we hadn't already seen Libs of TikTok and Christopher Rufo use their Twitter accounts to expose radical teachers and programs. At a scheduling meeting, when the anonymous teacher pointed out that the planned schedule wouldn't allow teachers to fulfill curriculum obligations, he learned that was a good thing: When I said I was concerned that it would require leaving some sections of the curriculum untaught, a colleague said that might actually be a good thing, because most of our students are white and their test scores dropping slightly would help shrink the racial achievement gap in our state. On the flip side, when it came to trying to increase AP enrollment among Black students, one teacher pushed back against that, too: When we moved to discuss the gap in enrollment between Black and white students, a senior teacher said that trying to register more children of color for AP classes is inherently racist and that putting greater value on AP classes at all is an expression of white supremacy. No matter your race or your child's race, what's happening in these schools is the anti-intellectualism that's characteristic of all totalitarian states. It was expressed most clearly in Cambodia, when Pol Pot executed all intellectuals, including those who wore glasses because they looked too smart. Tyrants do not want citizens who are intelligent, logical, and moral. They want indoctrinated drones and that's what these teachers aim to create, beginning with the Black kids and then moving on to everyone else. You'd better start attending those school board meetings or, in a few years, you may want to remove your glasses just to be on the safe side... How do you convince Texas voters that you are the new Beto? Do you accept a $1-million campaign donation from George Soros? This is the story: Democratic mega-donor George Soros and an Austin-area couple each gave $1 million to Beto O'Rourke's campaign to unseat Gov. Greg Abbott. While Texans gave $14.5 million to the Democrat's campaign, nearly half of O'Rourke's record-breaking $27.6 million fundraising haul came from out-of-state donors. Out of state like George Soros? Money is money, and every campaign is looking for it, but Soros money comes with a certain reputation. In other words, Soros is usually supporting primary challenges to centrist Democrats. Just ask Rep. Henry Cuellar, who survived a primary challenge because a guy named George supported his opponent. Soros money is going to support a lot of leftist candidates, as we see in this report: Ahead of the 2022 midterms, Democracy PAC has already cut big checks to two major Democratic super PACs aligned with the party's congressional leadership: $2.5 million to Senate Majority PAC and $1 million to House Majority PAC. Another $1 million went to the Democratic Association of Secretaries of State, the group dedicated to electing Democrats to statewide administration offices. So yes, a million dollars is always helpful. In this case, it may bloat the checking account but add an issue to the campaign. Of course, they must be working on a new ad at the Abbott campaign. How about "We told you so"? "Beto is with Soros." So let's see how O'Rourke explains this one or distances himself from Mr. Soros's overall political objectives. By the way, Gov. Abbott is up 6 in the RCP average. On the other hand, Beto O'Rourke has been stuck in the 3843% range all year. He did hit 45% in one poll once but trailed the governor by 7, or 52-45%. PS: Check out my videos and posts. Image: World Economic Forum. On Monday, the Department of Justice announced that it would not prosecute the nine Stephen Colbert employees (the "Colbert Nine") who had been wandering around the Capitol building unescorted. This was a huge slap in the face to every single January 6 defendant who was imprisoned and prosecuted for "parading" or otherwise trespassing in the Capitol. By Wednesday, perhaps tired of looking like weaklings and fools since January 6, the Capitol Police pushed back, making it plain that the DOJ misleadingly described what the Colbert Nine had done, which was pretty darn egregious and very illegal. I doubt the DOJ cares, but the facts are still interesting. On January 6, people who were probably agents provocateurs from both Antifa and federal law enforcement (a) urged attendees at the Trump rally to enter the Capitol building and (b) deliberately removed all fencing and signage that would have alerted people to the fact that the grounds and building were off limits. Additionally, for many (perhaps the majority) of those who entered the building, the Capitol Police were standing at the doors, welcoming people in. These same police periodically appeared on TV for the next year and a half, weeping about their trauma. They were an unimpressive crew. And of course, the FBI tracked down every single granny who walked unwittingly through the Capitol, and the DOJ went after these people with avenging fury. When leftists try to deliberately burn the White House, breach the Supreme Court's doors, or storm the Capitol, it's a big "meh." But when conservatives do much less than that...well, it suddenly arises to the level of a "capital" crime (pun intended). Image by Andrea Widburg. Just to prove once again that the Department of Justice has a double-standard, the rules applied to the January 6 defendants went out the door when the Colbert Nine were arrested for trespassing in the Capitol. They were immediately released, rather than denied bail (as is the case for innumerable January 6 defendants). Then, this past Monday, the Department of Justice announced that it wouldn't prosecute the Colbert Nine because they really hadn't done anything wrong. They'd been invited into the Capitol, so they couldn't be blamed for wandering around: U.S. Attorney for D.C. says they would not have been able to secure convictions for Late Show staffers arrested for unlawful entry at the House office buildings and confirms they're declining to prosecute. Story TK pic.twitter.com/43Ygy2RR6l Andrew Solender (@AndrewSolender) July 18, 2022 The Capitol Police, possibly tired of looking feckless and traitorous, finally pushed back: No one is more critical of Capitol Police than I amso this is a stunningly honest account of Colberts unpunished insurrectionist. Contrary to previous reports, they unlawfully entered THREE Capitol buildings, harassed/threatened GOP lawmakers, and pic.twitter.com/xOsWmdO8HE Julie Kelly (@julie_kelly2) July 20, 2022 The statement is addressed to Rep. Rodney Davis and Rep. Jim Jordan, who had asked about the incident with the Colbert employees. It's a bit hard to read, but here's the gist: The Colbert employees, despite being warned about their conduct, were wandering unaccompanied through the Capitol, making a ruckus and attempting to harass conservative members of Congress. While it was true that congressional staffers had initially allowed them in, the staffers had then abandoned them to roam about. It also turned out that Colbert's employees had learned in advance that they were not allowed to roam through the building. In other words, just like most of the January 6 defendants, the Colbert employees had been invited into the Capitol. But then, unlike those January 6 defendants who wandered, awe-struck and peaceable, through Congress, believing they had the right to be there, Colbert's employees tried to make trouble, knowing that doing so was forbidden. The final words of the Capitol Police's letter, over the signature of J. Thomas Manger, the chief of police, are worth noting: It is unfortunate that despite all of the evidence the Department presented, including that the group or its leader had been told several times that they could not be in the buildings without an escort, that the U.s. Attorney's office declined to prosecute any members of the group of Unlawful Entry. This letter confirms what conservatives have long suspected: what we are seeing played out in the Biden administration is an openly ideologically corrupt judicial system. This cannot end well. In the movie The Right Stuff, flight control in Houston gets a warning that astronaut John Glenn's Mercury capsule has a possible loose heat shield. "What are we going to tell him?" voices an anxious member of flight control. Astronaut Alan Shepard, who is part of flight control for this first orbital flight, speaks up and says, "He's a pilot. You tell him the condition of his craft." In other words, Alan Shepard says, tell him the truth. "A wise man is hungry for truth, while the mocker feeds on trash," says the Living Bible translation of Proverbs 15:14. Why should we be hungry for truth? Most of us, like John Glenn, want to know the reality of our circumstances. When we see things happening around us that we cannot understand, we want to erase our ignorance with accurate information. In 2022, there are questions hanging over America that remain unresolved, and the journalists who are supposed to bring us the facts refuse to investigate. Even worse, they seem to want to keep the truth from us. Unresolved issues and questions tend to fester and sow doubts. Here are some of the clouds hanging over America in July 2022: Seth Rich's death Jeffrey Epstein's death Where are the twelve missing pen drives from the 7/19/2022 primary election in Baltimore? Why do we keep sending money to Ukraine when we are 30 trillion dollars in debt? Why are we allowing illegal aliens to flood into this country and rewarding these lawbreakers with social benefits? Why can France hold a clean nationwide election in one day and we cannot? Why are the riots of 2020 uninvestigated, but January 6, 2021 gets primetime coverage? How did the Wuhan Flu get started? Why are the media so disinterested in the questions about the 2020 election? Is Joe Biden mentally competent to be POTUS? Image: Truth by Pixabay. All our lives, we have been told to tell the truth. We have been programmed to expect the truth, but reporters give us trash and call it the truth. When we press them for the truth, they insult us by calling us racists or conspiracy theorists. As I was foraging for the truth this morning, I came across a recent Gallup survey revealing that I am not alone in my quest for the truth. American confidence in newspapers and television news is at an all-time low. I am encouraged by the report suggesting that many in America are hungry for the truth, but I am troubled that their confidence in news outlets is very low. As someone who regularly comments on American news, I am not surprised by the Gallup findings, but I am disturbed. We want clean air. We want clean water. It should not come as a surprise to the editors and reporters that we want clean, un-slanted news. We are hurtling through space on this planet called Earth, and warning lights are flashing like crazy. We, the people, want the truth. Ned Cosby, a regular contributor to American Thinker, is a pastor, veteran Coast Guard officer, and a retired public high school teacher. His new novel OUTCRY is a love story 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. He has also written RECOLLECTIONS FROM MY FATHER'S HOUSE, tracing his own odyssey from 1954 to the present. For more info, visit Ned Cosby. Mobvois next TicWatch smartwatch will be powered by the Snapdragon W5+ platform, the company has confirmed today. Though this isnt really a huge surprise given Qualcomms announcement on July 19. In that announcement, Qualcomm confirmed its next wearables platforms, the Snapdragon W5 and Snapdragon W5+. It also mentioned that it was working with Mobvoi and Oppo as the two companies who would be among the first to release a smartwatch with these new platforms. Now Mobvoi itself is confirming, stating its next release will be built using the more powerful of the two. Its also now teasing its next watch, and has released an image that shows just a tiny bit of the design. Just enough to get people intrigued as to what the entire thing will look like. Advertisement The TicWatch with the Snapdragon W5+ will be powerful Mobvoi doesnt give any specifics here, but its definitely alluding to the next release being a powerful device. It states that with the Snapdragon W5+ on board, the upcoming TicWatch will be one of the most powerful to date. Thats all thanks to the improvements Qualcomm has made to the platform. The big two upgrades of course being improved battery life and performance. Mobvoi says its next watch will have better battery life on a single charge. And although it doesnt mention exact times, Qualcomm gives some estimates. Based on the chip manufacturers announcement from earlier in the week, Bluetooth connected smartwatches can go from 28 hours to 43 hours. Which the company says is a 50% increase. These are just estimates of course and your own experiences may vary. Advertisement But the point is that the Snapdragon W5+ platform will basically take watches from one day to nearly two before recharging is needed. The watch is coming later this year Mobvois TicWatch line has been one of the more popular Wear OS options available. In part because the devices are powerful but also because theyve been affordable. Those looking forward to Mobvois next release will get to see it later this year. As Mobvoi states thats when consumers can expect it to launch. The company also says it will share more information about the device in the coming months. Which sounds like an official launch is going to be towards the end of the year. Lithuania: Putin virtually 'in prison' in artistic protest In one of the cells of the century-old Lukiskes Prison (ANSA) - VILNIUS, JUL 21 - Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, took a stand against Russia's invasion of Ukraine by placing a cardboard cutout of Vladimir Putin in jail inside one of the cells of the century-old Lukiskes Prison. The installation can be seen on a virtual tour of the prison provided by Google Street View technology, said to Go Vilnius, the Lithuanian capital's official tourism and business development agency. The project was created by Go Vilnius, the city's official tourism and business development agency, the authors of the Lukiskes Prison 2.0 conversion, and Elijas Slezas, a virtual photography artist. "Vilnius has been an active protester against Russia's aggression since February, helping the war refugees and supporting humanitarian, financial, and other war relief missions. Lukiskes Prison 2.0 was chosen as a platform for the installation because, despite its difficult past, it is creating a new vision for its future," said Inga Romanovskiene, Director at Go Vilnius. "The symbolic imprisonment of Putin allows Vilnius to express its firm stance against aggression, captivity, and autocracy, while its virtual form invites people with the same values to join in," she underscored. (ANSA). Copyright ANSA - All rights reserved BRUSSELS - Portugal is "completely against" a European proposal to cut by 15% gas usage because it is "disproportionate" and "unsustainable", Portugal's Secretary of State for the Environment and Energy Joao Galamba said, speaking to national media outlets. The plan presented on Wednesday by the European Commission "does not take into account differences between countries" and "ignores that Portugal does not have interconnections with the rest of Europe", stressed Galamba. The 'save the winter' plan approved yesterday by the European Commission provides for a 15% cut to gas consumption by member States by March 31, 2023. The cut is operated on a voluntary basis but would become mandatory if the EU entered a phase of "alert". The Commission, at the request of at least three member States, will declare the general alert. And Brussels will also be tasked with monitoring effective cuts. Lisbon's opposition follows the rejection expressed Wednesday by Spain. The proposal will now be discussed by the ambassadors of EU countries in Brussels. Boris Johnson used a lengthy Commons statement to defend his legacy as he prepared to leave No 10. On the final day before MPs leave Westminster for the summer break, the Prime Minister said he was proud of our record and promised his administration would continue to deliver in our final weeks. Either Foreign Secretary Liz Truss or former chancellor Rishi Sunak will be elected as Tory leader on September 5, the day the Commons returns from its summer recess, after Mr Johnson was forced out following a revolt against his leadership. He used a written ministerial statement, usually used for important official announcements, to set out his Governments achievements on areas including Brexit, the response to Covid-19 to support for Ukraine. Mr Johnson said the statement, which stretched to more than 2,500 words, puts on record why the millions of people who voted Conservative in 2019, many for the first time, were right to place their trust in me and in this Conservative Government. As he prepared, reluctantly, to leave office, Mr Johnson said: I know that the Conservative Government that follows after us will do what its predecessors have always done and meet the challenges of the day by serving the British people. Asked why Mr Johnson had issued the written ministerial statement (WMS), a Downing Street spokesman said: Youve seen the Prime Minister, not just in that WMS but also in the House on Wednesday talking about his achievements since hes been Prime Minister. Youve heard he and others talking about them at length over the past week or so. So it was just another opportunity to set out the achievements of this Government. Dragons abound in the new full-length trailer for the upcoming HBO Game of Thrones prequel series, House Of The Dragon. The 10-part series, starring Matt Smith and Emma DArcy as members of the feuding Targaryen, is due for release on August 21. A new trailer, released the day before the start of San Diego Comic Con 2022, shows the colossal CGI beasts breathing fire and wreaking havoc as war is declared. Members of the royal family, Daemon Targaryen (Smith) and Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen appear, locked in a battle for who will sit on the famous Iron Throne. All the dragons roar as one. The #HouseoftheDragon trailer has arrived. pic.twitter.com/eUPZ4wRefL HBO (@HBO) July 20, 2022 No woman has ever sat on the Iron Throne, Rhaenyra is told, as King Viserys Targaryan, played by Paddy Considine, is faced with the question of his successor. I will not be made to choose between my brother and my daughter, he responds. The clip shows the ensuing violent conflicts, with many ready to challenge Rhaenyras role as queen. House Of The Dragon, is based on George RR Martins Fire & Blood novel which is set 200 years before the events of Game of Thrones. Martin previously said in his online blog that he was very excited about the series and was dying to share details with fans, though he was sworn to secrecy. The author is due to join series cast members at a panel for the show at Comic Con on Saturday. The final two vying to be the next prime minister have come to blows over their fiscal proposals, with Rishi Sunak warning against a huge borrowing spree as Liz Truss defended tax-cutting plans worth at least 30 billion a year. The former chancellor did not pull any punches in an interview on Thursday evening, claiming the current evidence suggests the Conservatives would suffer a defeat at the next general election under his rivals leadership. Mr Sunak said he thought borrowing 30 billion for unfunded tax cuts would be inflationary, adding that going on a huge borrowing spree would only make the situation worse. He told Tonight With Andrew Marr on LBC: If you look at all the polling evidence that we have, and you see what that says, its pretty clear that I am the person that is best placed to defeat Keir Starmer in the next election. Asked if that meant the Conservative Party would likely be defeated in the next election if Ms Truss became leader, he replied: Thats what all the evidence that we have today would show, and thats what our members will need to consider. Earlier, Ms Truss defended her tax cut plans as affordable, as the economic policies of the two candidates came under scrutiny. What is not affordable is putting up taxes, choking off growth, and ending up in a much worse position, she told broadcasters during a visit to Peterborough. Mr Sunak was understood not to be envisaging cutting personal taxes until at least autumn next year to avoid fuelling inflation. But Ms Truss, the Foreign Secretary, promised an emergency budget to reverse the national insurance hike immediately under her proposals to drive growth. The financial plans of the final candidates for prime minister were growing more divided as they battled for the votes of the Tory membership required to win the race for No 10. Robert Joyce, the deputy director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) think tank, put Ms Trusss tax cuts at more than 30 billion per year and possibly considerably more. The plans mean higher borrowing or less public spending, or some combination, he said, though their impact remains unclear because Ms Trusss proposals are yet to be fleshed out. Without spending reductions, the tax promises would likely lead to the current fiscal rules being broken, and Ms Truss has hinted that the fiscal rules may change, Mr Joyce added. Ms Truss insisted she was not planning public spending reductions despite pledging vast tax cuts. Liz Truss speaks to the press during a visit to the childrens charity Little Miracles in Peterborough (Stefan Rousseau/PA) She told reporters in Peterborough: What I am planning is public service reforms to get more money to the front line, to cut out a lot of the bureaucracy that people face Im certainly not talking about public spending cuts. What Im talking about is raising growth. Asked on LBC what would be the effect on inflation of borrowing 30 billion for unfunded tax cuts, Mr Sunak said: I think it would be inflationary. He added: Im worried about the inflation that weve got at the moment becoming embedded and lasting far longer. Thats going to be so damaging for everyone listening because its going to erode all the savings that theyve worked really hard to build up. Its going to push up their mortgage rates if interest rates have to go up very high to deal with (it). In his pitch to Conservative members after MPs selected the final two candidates, Mr Sunak argued that only he is capable of beating Labour in a general election. But Ms Truss hit back by saying the Tories would struggle to win under the current economic policy written by Mr Sunak when he was in No 11. Mr Sunak told LBC he wants to restore trust in Government as prime minister. He said his life would be easier if he vowed to do this lovely sounding thing and this lovely sounding thing, but argued that would not be leadership. (PA Graphics) I think it would damage trust, because part of rebuilding trust is for the Government and politicians to deliver the things that they say, and sitting here promising you a bunch of things that I dont think are right or deliverable would be wrong, he said. Mr Sunak was the parliamentary partys favourite, winning 137 votes to Ms Trusss 113 among Tory MPs. But bookmakers placed the Foreign Secretary as the frontrunner, with early indications suggesting she is more popular with Tory members ahead of a summer of campaigning. Writing in The Daily Telegraph, former Brexit Minister Lord Frost again offered his support to Ms Truss, arguing that Britain cannot tax our way out of deficit and debt. Bookmakers have placed Liz Truss ahead of her rival in the Tory leadership contest (Stefan Rousseau/PA) He added: We need to grow the size of the cake and end the poisonous politics of interest groups and identity politics, which sets one group against another. The only way out of this trap is to focus ruthlessly on increasing the productive capacity of our own economy. That will need the kind of measures that Liz Truss is setting out. A small, unrepresentative poll of 730 members on Wednesday and Thursday again saw Ms Truss in the lead. Some 49% of respondents said they would back the Foreign Secretary while 31% chose Mr Sunak. The rest were undecided or said they would not vote. The pair will go head-to-head in a debate on Tuesday July 26 hosted by The Sun and TalkTV. It will follow a televised BBC debate on Monday, with Mr Sunak and Ms Truss also signing up for a Sky head-to-head on August 4. Foreign Secretary and Tory leadership candidate Liz Truss during a visit to the childrens charity Little Miracles in Peterborough (Stefan Rousseau/PA) The pair battled to win the support of local politicians on Thursday when they took part in a private hustings for the Conservative Councillors Association. They will tour the UK to take part in 12 hustings for the Tory members who will vote for their next leader, with the result being announced on September 5. Broadcaster David Jensen has described hallucinations caused by Parkinsons disease as he urged people living with the condition to join him in a clinical trial. The TV and radio presenter described seeing a pet dog who doesnt really exist and bumping into a strange figure on the stairs when I get up in the night. The Radio 1 stalwart and DJ, also known by his nickname Kid, has been living with the disease for more than a decade. In a letter shared with the PA news agency, Jensen said the hallucinations are very much a part of my life. The 72-year-old has joined forces with Parkinsons UK to call for more people with Parkinsons and those with Lewy body dementia to join a clinical trial to see whether the drug ondansetron could alleviate hallucinations. The veteran broadcaster has signed up for a new study, dubbed Top Hat, to asses whether the low-cost anti-sickness treatment could help alleviate hallucinations. The former Top Of The Pops presenter, wrote: I am part way through participating in a world-first clinical trial that has left me feeling empowered and hopeful for future treatments for Parkinsons, and I want to encourage others with the condition, or Lewy body dementia, to sign up. I also want to call on those who have loved ones with these conditions to encourage them to consider taking part in this and other pioneering research. Since being diagnosed with Parkinsons in 2011, I have discovered that its a condition that is full of surprises. Many people are aware of symptoms such as stiffness and tremors, but there are actually more than 40, including hallucinations. Although hallucinations arent something that most people identify with the condition, around three quarters of people with Parkinsons may experience them at some point. From going to pet a dog who doesnt really exist while out walking to bumping into a strange figure on the stairs when I get up in the night, hallucinations are very much a part of my life. I count myself lucky that the mythical figures that appear before me are pretty friendly because hallucinations whether as a direct symptom of Parkinsons or as a side effect of one of the drugs people have to take to manage the condition can be extremely distressing for both people with Parkinsons and their loved ones. The medications that are currently available to treat visual hallucinations are far from ideal as they can worsen Parkinsons symptoms or have serious side effects. Jensen has lived with Parkinsons for more than a decade (PA) The clinical trial is being funded by Parkinsons UK and led by University College London, with clinical trial sites around Britain. Jensen, who was nicknamed Kid when he was the youngest radio presenter in Europe, added: Ondansetron is currently used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. As an already licensed low-cost drug, if the research shows significant outcomes, ondansetron could be available for people with Parkinsons who experience hallucinations within the next few years. I am currently taking part in the 24-week double-blind Top Hat trial, which has involved me taking the active drug or the placebo over a 12-week period, and I am now entering the follow-up part of the study. The researchers need people with Parkinsons, as well as people with Lewy body dementia, who experience hallucinations, to take part in this trial. Without people coming forward to participate in trials, progress in Parkinsons research would be impossible. We can all play a part in finding life-changing new treatments. Caroline Rassell, chief executive of Parkinsons UK, said: Although the most recognised symptoms of Parkinsons are tremor, slowness of movement and rigidity, there are actually more than 40 possible symptoms including hallucinations, depression, and pain. Thats why were so grateful to David and others like him who participate in trials to help us find treatments. As the Top Hat trial is looking into the effects of an already licensed low-cost drug, ondansetron, if the research shows significant outcomes it could be available for people with Parkinsons or Lewy body dementia who experience hallucinations within the next few years. We at Parkinsons UK are proud to be funding research into the most promising treatments, taking us closer to a cure every day. To find about more visit https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/research/take-part-research Penny Mordaunt took aim at her ministerial boss by joking she was amazed to be back at the Commons despatch box given her reported work ethic. Supporters of the trade minister also lavished praise on her as she returned to her frontbench duties in the House after being knocked out of the Conservative Party leadership race. Her comments came after International Trade Secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan criticised Ms Mordaunt during the contest, saying: There have been a number of times when she hasnt been available, which would have been useful, and other ministers have picked up the pieces. Ms Mordaunt also used trade questions to confirm the UK is negotiating with 25 of the 50 American states in a bid to agree economic pacts. Tory former minister Dame Andrea Leadsom, a key backer of Ms Mordaunt, told the minister: Can I pay tribute to my right honourable friend for a fantastic and brave and clean campaign for the leadership of the Conservative Party and to be prime minister. She asked: Does she agree with me that being a force for good in the world for free trade is an absolutely honourable goal and one that the UK should be promoting every chance we get? "Yes I am sort of amazed to find myself here this morning given my reported work ethic. But I am here." Trade minister Penny Mordaunt returns to the Commons with a nod to the criticism from her ministerial boss, Anne-Marie Trevelyan pic.twitter.com/EJ7kjL1PHU Richard Wheeler (@richard_kaputt) July 21, 2022 Ms Mordaunt, MP for Portsmouth North, responded: Yes, I am sort of amazed to find myself here this morning given my reported work ethic. But I am here. And she is absolutely right. Us, a G7 nation, leaving the regulatory orbit of the EU is an international event. And it gives us huge opportunity, but also nations like the United States, to really set out our view of the world and capitalism and fight for those things that we believe in. Ms Mordaunt aimed a further dig at Ms Trevelyan after Labour criticised the Department for International Trade for a truly shameless attempt to dodge any form of scrutiny over the UK-Australia free trade agreement. Shadow trade minister Ruth Cadbury said the department had swerved eight invitations to attend the Commons International Trade Committee and had avoided holding a vote on the deal ahead of its ratification. Ms Trevelyan was accused earlier this week of having bottled appearing before MPs to discuss the deal. Ms Mordaunt, in her reply, said: For my own part, every single time the International Trade Committee or other body of this House has asked me go before it, I have. I think thats the attitude of the ministerial team and we will continue to do that. Shadow international trade secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds said: I welcome the Member for Portsmouth North back after her efforts in the Tory leadership contest. But the Secretary of State is far less complimentary about her efforts in the department. Mr Thomas-Symonds went on to read out the criticism made by Ms Trevelyan. As Tory MPs aimed shouts of shameful at him, he pointed out: They shout shameful at me these are the Conservatives words about each other, not my words. Ms Trevelyan replied: I have a fantastic team of ministers, which is exactly why were able to do all we can to make sure that our UK businesses have access to UK support and Government support to get their fantastic goods and services across the world. Great to meet with Lt Gov of Utah today, and her delegation. We discussed progressing a #DITStateSide deal to boost trade and partnerships. pic.twitter.com/CCB87fG7cn Penny Mordaunt (@PennyMordaunt) July 20, 2022 Conservative Alicia Kearns (Rutland and Melton) said of Ms Mordaunt: Ive always been struck by the Member for Portsmouth Norths quiet diligence in doing her job. So can she please update me on the progress of signing individual deals with US states, which my farmers in Rutland and Melton are particularly interested in. Ms Mordaunt replied: This week we have continued our negotiations with Utah, and yesterday we also signed the second state level MOU (memorandum of understanding) with North Carolina, which will be based on green growth. We are currently negotiating with half of all US states. The first eight deals we will sign will be covering 20% of the US economy and this will open up procurement, enable mutual recognition of qualifications, and enable British businesses to take a larger share of both goods exports and also exports of services. Conservative former minister Tim Loughton noted Ms Mordaunt is allegedly work shy as he praised her work with the American states, joking: Think what she could achieve if her focus was on the job. Amber Heard has filed an official notice to the Virginia Court of Appeals to appeal against the outcome of her multimillion-dollar defamation case with Johnny Depp. Documents submitted by the Aquaman stars legal team on Thursday claimed that errors made during the trial had prevented a just and fair verdict from being returned. It comes shortly after Judge Penney Azcarate, who oversaw the six-week trial at Fairfax County District Court, dismissed Ms Heards claims of improper juror service. We believe the court made errors that prevented a just and fair verdict consistent with the First Amendment, a spokesperson for the actress said, following the filings submission. Johnny Depp (Kirsty OConnor/PA) We are therefore appealing the verdict. While we realise todays filing will ignite the Twitter bonfires, there are steps we need to take to ensure both fairness and justice. Ms Heards legal team had previously claimed that newly discovered facts and information about the juror meant that a mistrial ought to be declared. Lawyers said that one of the individuals originally summoned to serve in the trial had not appeared and had been replaced by someone else. They also argued previously that the decision returned on June 1 in favour of Mr Depp was not supported by the evidence presented during the six-week trial. But Judge Azcarate said the juror issue was irrelevant and that Ms Heard could not show she had been prejudiced. Mr Depp sued his former partner over a 2018 article she wrote for The Washington Post about her experiences as a survivor of domestic abuse, which his lawyers said falsely accused him of being an abuser. Faith Hill and Tim McGraw attend the 28th Screen Actors Guild Awards at Barker Hangar on February 27, 2022 in Santa Monica, California Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Tim McGraw is excited to be a grandpa but isn't in any rush. The country artist, 55, spoke with Audacy's Rob + Holly about what's left on his bucket list, which he revealed includes hopes of becoming a grandparent one day. McGraw and wife Faith Hill are parents to three daughters: Grace, 25, Maggie, 23, and Audrey, 20. "I just want a good, healthy life for my daughters. And for them to pursue their dreams and have success and to be happy. That's on my bucket list," he shared. "And you know, grandkids down the road for sure, but way down the road." Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Tim McGraw Kevin Mazur/Getty RELATED: Tim McGraw Posts Heartfelt Note for Daughter Grace's Birthday: 'You Inspire Me Every Day' In a March 2021 interview with Leo Edit, the "It's Your Love" artist spoke about watching his kids grow into adults. "It's crazy. It goes by so fast," he told the outlet before joking about his parenting. "You think you're giving them good life lessons. You know, as a parentlook, [laughs] you're going to get half of everything wrong. That's just the nature of it. There is no handbook with it." "What starts happening is you start marking your time by their years. And the next thing you know, they grow so fast and it's like every two years there's a different child that you have as they age," McGraw said. The country star called watching them grow up "a beautiful thing, but it's a sad thing at the same time." "You find yourself reflecting and looking back at pictures and thinking, 'Oh my gosh, I remember that time, I remember when they looked like that,' " he added. The family of a soldier killed by a powerful explosive planted by the IRA during the Guildford pub bombings nearly 48 years ago say their questions remain unanswered after an inquest into the incident concluded. Soldiers Caroline Slater, 18, William Forsyth, 18, John Hunter, 17, and Ann Hamilton, 19, and civilian Paul Craig, 21, died and 65 people were injured in the blast carried out by the republican terror group during the height of the Northern Ireland Troubles at the Horse and Groom pub in the Surrey town on October 5 1974. They were found to have been unlawfully killed by the bomb, equivalent to 18 sticks of dynamite, at around 8.50pm after it was placed in the pub by a young man and woman, Surrey Coroners Court heard on Thursday. The family of Private Hamilton voiced their concern after they were refused legal aid and were unable to examine witnesses or interrogate the extensive material and put forward arguments in open court. Five people were killed in the bombing of the Horse and Groom pub (PA) A statement released on their behalf by KRW Law read: This was our last chance to engage in a process to produce truth, justice and accountability but we have been excluded from that process and our voice, on behalf of Ann, was not heard, and our presence in this was process was absent. An inquest must serve to allay suspicion and rumour. An inquest must serve the interests of the relatives of victims. We do not think this inquest has served either of these purposes. First, the families were excluded because there was no public funding. Second, the inquest was circumscribed in its scope because of the current state of coronial law and rules. Both must be addressed if this process is to continue with any credibility in the interests of bereaved families. Many of our questions remain unanswered. The blast left debris strewn across the street (PA) Coroner Richard Travers said it is a matter of regret that legal aid is not more readily available for families in complex cases. He went on: The surviving, and now elderly, relatives of those who died could not realistically be expected to have participated without legal representation which could and should have been provided. Concluding the inquest, he said: The bomb contained approximately four and a half kilogrammes of nitroglycerine-based high explosive and had been planted under a bench seat in the public house some time after it opened at 5.30pm that evening. None of them was targeted personally, rather the public house and the area in which they were sitting were targeted because they were popular, and crowded, with military personnel. He dubbed the incident an appalling act of terrorism. The court heard the four military victims were new recruits who had been enjoying their first Saturday night off to socialise, while Mr Craig was a friend of someone at the pub. There were around 120 people at the pub when the violent, intense and devastating explosion occurred. Mr Travers went on: There was a loud bang and bright flash emanating from the main alcove, followed by darkness, dust, panic, chaos and confusion. A number of witnesses in the main alcove also described a feeling of electrocution which could not have been caused by the blast and which I find was likely to have been the result of live electricity cables falling down from the ceiling. It must have been terrifying. Detective Chief Constable Nev Kemp of Surrey Police (Jonathan Brady/PA) He said the device was detonated by an electrically initiated firing circuit and was a time bomb which had been ticking quietly. He said it would have been an immense, unstoppable force and extremely traumatic and disorientating. It caused a wall and fireplace to be blown into another room, obliterating parts of the building and causing the victims to fall through to the cellar. Mr Travers said: I am satisfied from the totality of the evidence that the bomb was probably planted by a young man a woman often referred to as a courting couple. This couple were seen in the main alcove on the bench seat above where the bomb was planted. The inquest did not have the scope to explore who was responsible for the bomb, the composition of the explosive device or any claims that police lied during the trial of the Guildford Four. Retired police officer Robin Young said in evidence earlier this month he could see bodies, a lot of debris and mess in the crater, with some victims alive, screaming and shouting inside. Retired ambulance driver attendant William Edwards, from The Shoe, a hamlet in Wiltshire, recalled treating one burns victim, adding: It looked like his clothes had just been blasted off. The IRA carried out the bombing (PA) It was also described as a bloodbath and utter chaos. Mr Craig was killed almost immediately, while Private Hamilton, Private Slater and Guardsman Hunter died between five and 15 minutes later. Guardsman Forsyth died two hours later in hospital, with all of them suffering very serious blast injuries. Eleven people the Guildford Four and the Maguire Seven were found guilty over the atrocity but their convictions were later quashed. The incident and its aftermath inspired the 1993 film In The Name Of The Father, starring Oscar-winning actor Daniel Day-Lewis. In 1976, IRA members Brendan Dowd and Martin Joseph OConnell admitted carrying out the bombings but were never charged as both had been imprisoned in the 1970s for other offences and freed during the Northern Ireland peace process. Mr Travers added: I find that there was nothing specific about the date of the attack or the choice of the pub which could have made the bombings reasonably foreseeable or preventable. Detective Chief Constable Nev Kemp of Surrey Police, speaking outside court after the conclusion, said: Alongside the disclosure process weve been examining all the material and assessing it to consider whether a re-investigation is a viable option. FILE PHOTO: Pipes at the landfall facilities of the 'Nord Stream 1' gas pipeline in Lubmin, Germany By Christoph Steitz and Nina Chestney FRANKFURT/LONDON (Reuters) -Russia resumed pumping gas via its biggest pipeline to Europe on Thursday after a 10-day outage, allaying some of Europe's immediate supply fears but not enough to end the threat of rationing to cope with potential winter shortages. Supplies via Nord Stream 1, which runs under the Baltic Sea to Germany, were halted for maintenance on July 11 but, even before that outage, flows had been cut to 40% of the pipeline's capacity in a dispute sparked by Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Thursday's flows were back at that 40% capacity level, Nord Stream figures showed, a day after Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that supplies could be cut further or even stop. The resumption of Nord Stream supplies at levels that remain well below the pipeline's capacity means Germany, which is particularly reliant on Russian fuel, and other European economies are still struggling to find enough gas for winter. "In view of the missing 60% and the political instability, there is no reason yet to give the all-clear," German network regulator president Klaus Mueller wrote on Twitter. Gas flows via other pipeline routes, such as Ukraine, have also fallen since Russia invaded its neighbour in February, in what Moscow calls a "special military operation". Germany and several other states have already activated the first stages of emergency plans that in some cases could lead to rationing. Greece said on Thursday it would implement rotating power cuts as a last resort if necessary. The EU aims to have gas storage facilities across the bloc 80% full by Nov. 1. Inventories are now about two-thirds full, with a slowing pace of refilling. https://tmsnrt.rs/3Ba2N2O The German network regulator said Germany would struggle to reach its own target of 90% full by November without additional measures if Nord Stream deliveries remained low. "Even at full flows, the European natural gas situation remains critical," said Peter McNally, an analyst at Third Bridge, adding Europe might only hit 70% storage capacity with Nord Stream at current reduced levels. Gazprom, which has a monopoly on Russian gas exports by pipeline, did not respond to a request for comment. EMERGENCY STEPS To try to prevent a winter supply crunch, the European Commission has proposed a voluntary target for all EU states to cut gas use by 15% from August to March compared to usage in same period of 2016-2021. The Commission proposal would enable Brussels to make the target mandatory in a supply emergency. Several southern EU states opposed the plan, which needs a broad majority of support in the 27-nation bloc to proceed. Portugal said it would hamper power production during an extreme drought. Spain and Greece also voiced opposition. "Russia is blackmailing us. Russia is using energy as a weapon," EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Wednesday, adding that Europe had to prepare for the worst now. The Kremlin, which says Russia is a reliable energy supplier, blamed sanctions for reduced flows and denied Von der Leyen's accusations of blackmail. "This is an absolutely wrong statement," spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Thursday. Kremlin-controlled Gazprom had cut gas exports via the Nord Stream route in June to 40% of capacity, blaming sanctions for delaying the return of a pipeline turbine that Siemens Energy was servicing in Canada. That turbine was reported this week to be on its way back, but Gazprom said on Wednesday it had not received documentation to reinstall it and said the turbine's return and maintenance of other gear was needed to keep the pipeline running safely. Putin added to Europe's concerns about supplies via Nord Stream 1 by saying on Wednesday that flows could be reduced further or stopped because the quality of serviced equipment could not be assured and saying other gear needed maintenance. Uniper, which the German government is working to bail out because of the energy crisis, said Russia delivered about 40% of contracted gas volumes. Austria's OMV said Gazprom had signalled it would deliver around half the agreed volumes on Thursday. Italy's ENI said it would receive about 36 million cubic metres (mcm) per day of gas from Gazprom, up more than a third from levels received during the maintenance outage and back near pre-maintenance levels. European states have been chasing alternative supplies, although the global gas market was stretched even before the Ukraine crisis, with demand for the fuel recovering from the pandemic-induced downturn. (Reporting by Eileen Soreng, Bharat Govind Gautam, Brijesh Patel and Arpan Varghese in Bengaluru, Nina Chestney in London, Francois Murphy in Vienna, Christoph Steitz in Frankfurt, Rachel More and Kirsti Knolle in Berlin; Editing by William Mallard and Edmund Blair) Recollections of the final moments of a Syrian refugee who fell 14 floors from Grenfell Tower and a mother who saw her two-year-old son die have been heard on the closing day of module eight in the inquiry. On Thursday, the official public inquiry into the 2017 disaster heard the last submissions from lawyers on behalf of the 72 people who died in the blaze. All panel members stood for a 72-second silence in their memory, before each name was read aloud at the end of the hearing. Grenfell Tower in west London, on the day of the fire (Victoria Jones/PA) The inquiry is due to resume on November 7 with closing statements from lawyers, and a report will be published afterwards. The accounts heard on Thursday included the final moments of eight residents who had been told to wait in flat 113 on the 14th floor. Four of the tenants were escorted to safety by London Fire Brigade (LFB) crews at around 2.30am, but the remaining four died after firefighters received confused instructions on their whereabouts, the inquiry heard. As Allison Munroe QC called them, the forgotten four were single mother Zainab Deen, 32, her son Jeremiah Deen, two, their Irish neighbour Denis Murphy, 56, and Syrian refugee Mohammad Alhajali, 23. Zainab Deen (Metropolitan Police/PA) The first three died from smoke inhalation over the course of a few hours, while Mr Alhajali, a civil engineering student, survived the longest but fell from the window as he tried to escape at around 4am. His body was found face-up and covered in debris on Grenfell Walk. Tributes were paid to each resident. Ms Deen, originally from Sierra Leone in west Africa, was described by friend Francis Dean as like champagne, very bubbly, and her son as a very clever and happy child. Jeremiah Deen (Metropolitan Police/PA) She had escaped an unhappy and tormented marriage and homelessness, and was proud of securing a tenancy in the tower to start a new life with her son. Ms Deen had been due to start a waitressing job on June 19, and Mr Dean said she had been dancing for joy at the prospect. The inquiry heard that during an hour-long 999 call on the night of the fire, Ms Deen pleaded with emergency services to save her son, before telling them he had died. She succumbed to the smoke while still on the line. Denis Murphy (Metropolitan Police/PA) Mr Murphy had lived in the tower for over three decades, was from a large and loving Irish family and was described by friends as integral to the Grenfell community because he was always helping other residents. The Hammersmith-born resident loved Chelsea FC, and was like an uncle to many of the children in the North Kensington block, the inquiry heard. Mr Alhajali, from Damascus, had also been taken to wait in flat 113 with his brother Omar Alhaj Ali, who was among those escorted to safety and who desperately implored firefighters to return. His parents and two sisters had stayed in Syria, and the Grenfell Tower Inquiry heard that he had dreamed one day he would be able to bring his family together in one place where they would be able to settle and live their best life. Mohammad Alhajali (Metropolitan Police/PA) Inquiry chairman Sir Martin Moore-Bick concluded the hearing by saying: There can be nobody who ever had a heart who, hearing those presentations, could remain unmoved and unthinking. My team and I can only admire the dignified bearing of those left behind the grieving families who still travel the hard road. They have endured many months of detailed and often dry evidence with patience, and they have now heard graphic and unsparing accounts in modest and silent reflection. Their dignity and their courage in the face of the ineffable horror is its own tribute a light shining out in the darkness. He said the panel had more than 300,000 documents to consider over the coming months, until the inquiry resumes for final statements on November 7. Marine ranching helps restore biodiversity in south China island Xinhua) 08:40, July 21, 2022 Tourists transplant corals near Wuzhizhou Island of Sanya, south China's Hainan Province, Jan. 30, 2022. (Xinhua/Yang Guanyu) HAIKOU, July 20 (Xinhua) -- When Wang Aimin, then a professor of oceanic science at Hainan University, started helping with marine ranching by dropping artificial reefs into seawater in 2011, he was ridiculed by local divers. Recalling their jibes, Wang said the divers near Sanya Wuzhizhou Island, a tourist destination in Sanya City, south China's Hainan Province, would ask him: "are you trying to blow up some seawater for a show, Mr. professor?" Now, more than a decade later, Wang's efforts have paid off. By placing artificial reefs and transplanting corals underwater, he and his team helped restore the marine ecology in the waters of Wuzhizhou Island. Currently, hundreds of marine species thrive in the marine ranch near the island, according to the latest government data. It is China's first tropical marine ranch. Marine ranching involves placing artificial reefs, including cement frames and old iron boats, at fixed sites under seawater, which can attract fish, shrimps, crabs, shellfish and other marine life to forage, rest and reproduce. The butterfly-shaped Wuzhizhou Island is located in Sanya's Haitang Bay and is surrounded by clean waters and stunning scenery. A national-level tourist attraction, the island has always been known as a "golden bowl" for the local tourism industry. "There were many different varieties of fish here in the early days," said Ding Feng, who works with the tourist site. "Since the spot opened to the public in 2000, we have had countless visitors." However, long-term overfishing degraded the eco-environment there, and the fish population decreased considerably in the subsequent years. "We were looking for ways to help restore the marine environment, and around 2010, the agricultural authorities suggested the idea of marine ranching," Ding said, adding that the tourist attraction started to invite experts and gather investment to launch the marine ranching project thereafter. But building a ranch beneath the water surface appeared to be a difficult nut to crack for many experts, including Wang. "I had limited knowledge about marine ranching at the very beginning," he said. After preparations, Wang led his team and started the project in 2011. The team designed 200 round and triangular-shaped concrete reefs. The reefs were then loaded onto ships at dock and unloaded at several fixed sites in the sea. "The divers nearby who saw us throwing the concrete objects into the water would laugh at us," Wang said. "Even I was not sure if the project could work according to the plan." To support the initiative, provincial and city authorities allocated up to 10 million yuan (1.5 million U.S. dollars) to help place artificial reefs and old boats beneath the sea, upon which seaweed and corals began to grow. In addition to regular reefs, under the guidance of Wang, students from Hainan University also designed "sightseeing reefs" and other sculptures to be placed under seawater. Such efforts not only helped improve the environment but also beautified the seafloor, creating images of "underwater villages" and "underwater museums" and attracting many diving enthusiasts. In 2019, the marine ranch near Wuzhizhou received approval for inclusion on the fifth batch of national-level demonstration marine ranches. Thanks to years of relentless efforts, the fish population in the waters near Wuzhizhou Island has increased by up to 10 times compared with 2011, and more than 120 corals are thriving in the area. In recent years, the number of divers totaled 380,000 and diving activities are regulated under strict rules. Visitors are not allowed to step on the corals or the reefs, but they are encouraged to plant corals while diving. "Marine ranching certainly helped restore the biodiversity," said Chen Jingyuan, a local official. Earlier this month, Wang Aimin retired, but he plans to continue his marine ranching efforts. "I hope that the experience we have gained here in Wuzhizhou Island will set a good example for similar projects in the rest of the country," Wang said. Wang Aimin checks the corals' growth at a marine ranch of the Wuzhizhou Island scenic area in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province, Jan. 20, 2021. (Xinhua) Photo taken on April 29, 2020 shows corals at a marine ranch in the sea area of Wuzhizhou Island in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province. (Xinhua/Yang Guanyu) A diver takes photos of the fish at a marine ranch of the Wuzhizhou Island scenic area in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province, May 21, 2021. (Xinhua/Yang Guanyu) Tourists advance in "undersea walking" in the sea area of Wuzhizhou Island in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province, Jan. 11, 2020. (Xinhua/Yang Guanyu) (Web editor: Wu Chaolan, Liang Jun) CHONGQING, July 21 (Xinhua) -- More Mexican companies are ramping up trade and business relations with western China, as the region has emerged as a frontier of opening up and is poised to share more development opportunities with other countries. Twenty-four Mexican companies will attend the 4th Western China International Fair for Investment and Trade (WCIFIT), held from Thursday to Sunday in Chongqing Municipality. "Mexico is China's second-largest trading partner in Latin America and the two countries have a good economic relationship," said Julio Cesar Cruz Moreno, the president of the Chongqing Chapter of The Mexican Chamber of Commerce in China (MEXCHAM). In 2021, the bilateral trade volume between China and Mexico reached a new high of 86.6 billion U.S. dollars, a year-on-year increase of 41.9 percent. "However, many companies are more familiar with Beijing and Shanghai. We want to use this opportunity to build a bridge between Mexican companies and Chongqing or the whole of western China," added Moreno. Nemak, a world-leading light-weighting auto component provider, has seen remarkable development in Chongqing over the past 10 years. "With a strong infrastructure and supply chain for the auto industry, Chongqing has attracted many auto companies to establish business here," said Li Zhi, the Operations Director of Nemak China. The advantage of having an industrial cluster in Chongqing has also helped the Mexican company withstand the impacts of the COVID-19 epidemic and maintain a steady growth, Li added. In addition, the strong development in China's new energy vehicles (NEV) industry has provided companies like Nemak with new impetus for growth. "Many local NEV companies want to work with us. This will not only impel us to continuously invest in new technology but also indicates more business opportunities in western China," Li said. In 2021, sales of NEVs in China surged about 160 percent to 3.52 million units. In Chongqing, the production of NEVs reached 150,000 units, a year-on-year increase of 252 percent. "We are looking forward to finding more opportunities at the WCIFIT and charting a better future for our business in western China," said Li. Italika, the largest motorcycle company in Mexico with a market share of nearly 70 percent, also benefited from its business ties with western China. Most of the company's products were exported from Chongqing to Mexico. "Last year, we shipped more than 10,000 containers of motorcycles to Mexico, compared with only 800 in 2008," said Jaziel Romero Rodriguez, the logistics manager of Italika Chongqing office. "More and more Mexicans have embraced 'made in Chongqing' motorcycles," said Rodriguez, noting that a growing number of Mexican companies have shown interest in doing business with local manufacturers in Chongqing. In 2021, China exported 1.42 million motorcycles to Mexico, the largest market in the world for Chinese motorcycles. The export volume reached 4.7 billion yuan (about 694 million U.S. dollars). "Chongqing is the manufacturing base for automobiles and motorcycles, but it's more than that," said Moreno. "We sincerely hope that more companies can come to western China and find a new space for China-Mexico economic and trade cooperation." On a historic day, Grayson Vandegrift was reminded of one his familys most personal moments. The Democratic candidate for state representative in Central Kentuckys 56th House District and his wife Katie considered aborting what would have been their second child, named Audrey, diagnosed with a fatal disease. Vandegrift, who is currently the mayor of Midway, posted their familys story to Facebook on the same day that the landmark case Roe v. Wade, which provided a constitutional protection for abortion in the United States up to 22 weeks of pregnancy,was overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court. That day, Kentuckys law banning all abortions except those that threaten the life of the mother, went into effect. The politician shared a wrenching story of Audrey passing in utero at 18 weeks; at her burial he recalled watching his wife lay on the ground, begging to go down there with her. I dont like abortion. I never will. But if elected to the state legislature Ill make decisions that take into account the pain and suffering of people like Katie - because weve learned since then that there are so many whose pain has only been magnified by short-sighted bills, Vandegrift wrote. Grayson Vandegrift Vandegrift is running in a traditionally Democratic district that joined a massive red wave in state-level politics in 2020 when it voted overwhelmingly for Rep. Daniel Fister, R-Versailles. Fister is strong in his anti-abortion beliefs. Once on the board of directors of Kentucky Right to Life, the legislator rejoiced that the voiceless have been heard a day after Roe fell. Both responses to the ruling which made a war waged for 50 years on largely hypothetical grounds became reality for many conservative states like Kentucky reveal different beliefs as to what the majority of voters in their district want on abortion policy. Fister holds that a near-total ban is something his voters will back while Vandegrift is betting that a story like his familys will resonate with voters that might want something less strict. Rep. Dan Fister Nationwide, many political observers have speculated that reaction to Roe falling could spell trouble for Republicans Democrats have inched closer to overtaking Republicans in blank Congressional ballot polls, and Democratic campaigns for national office have centered the issue as on the ballot in their races. They have reason to do so: a majority of American voters, by the numbers, oppose near-complete bans on access to abortion like Kentuckys. But will Republicans in Kentucky, a conservative state by most measures, pay an electoral price for their abortion policy? The answer largely depends on who you ask, and what part of Kentuckys trigger law youre talking about. Republicans project confidence that the people of Kentucky are generally pro-life, and diminish the role of abortion as an electoral issue; Democrats like Vandegrift, meanwhile, say that the ban could spur a backlash among moderate Republicans and other voters that might have a distaste for a full ban on a procedure thats been available to women for the last 50 years. When it was a values conflict between vaguely pro-life versus vaguely pro-choice positions, that hurt the Democrats badly because they were on the smaller side of the division, University of Kentucky political science professor D. Stephen Voss said. But now that were talking real medical regulations, the dividing line is moving, and it gives Democrats an opportunity to frame the GOP stance as extreme. And while nationally, putting abortion on the ballot is a rhetorical verve from Democrats trying to score some points in swing elections, the issue is literally on the ballot in Kentucky this November. Based on a bill sponsored by the state representative that also sponsored the states trigger ban Joe Fischer, R-Ft. Thomas Kentuckians will vote yes or no in November on a measure that would amend the state constitution to say that the document does not provide a right to an abortion. A political backlash? Both of Kentuckys state legislative chambers are dominated by pro-life Republicans, none of whom voted against the most recent omnibus anti-abortion bill. The party holds 75 of 100 House seats and 30 of 38 in the Senate. After a redistricting process that produced maps which Democrats say are gerrymandered to ensure even more Republican gains, some GOP members say that theyll win an even stronger majority. Jason Nemes, R-Louisville, has helped lead recruiting efforts for House GOP candidates. He says that abortion wont change much at all. I dont know how its going to affect Republicans in other places across the country, but I know what people are discussing in my district, Nemes said. The voters Im talking to arent talking about it. Nemes is a suburban Republican who supports adding an exception for rape and incest to the current ban. He said that the current state of the economy, crime and education are the three issues most on voters minds and they favor Republicans in Kentucky. Voss agreed that, at least for now, the immediate concerns about the economy and other kitchen table issues will likely still play the primary role in voters decisions this fall. But the backlash could come later, he said. If I were going to forecast some kind of consequence from the Supreme Court decision in Kentucky elections, I dont think its appeared yet. Because the actual execution of its been muddled by court cases, thats also made the real life impact of the decision be more drawn out so far, Voss said. I have heard of cases where very young people were sexually abused, and those stories are really powerful, Northern Kentucky University political science professor Ryan Salzman said. But if the courts dont move to enforce the trigger law, if theres not an opportunity for those stories to become common and widely shared to drive people to the polls Im not sure that (any backlash) will happen quickly enough. Rep. Lisa Willner, D-Louisville, and Democratic Minority Floor Leader Reggie Thomas, D-Lexington, think that the backlash could happen because of a confluence of the Dobbs decision and mobilization against the constitutional amendment. I dont think they were thinking that Roe v. Wade would be overturned by the Supreme Court, Willner said. That could end up having a surprise effect of getting more people who support abortion out to the polls. But outside of opposition to the constitutional amendment, Democrats and progressives response hasnt quite centered around a single message. Rep. Josie Raymond, D-Louisville, says that there is no room for compromise on reproductive rights, while some of her Democratic counterparts like Thomas say they would vote for a measure introducing exceptions to the ban while remaining unsatisfied with the law as a whole. Susan Liebell, a political science professor at St. Josephs University in Philadelphia whose work focuses on constitutional rights, said that there could be gains to be made for candidates who present themselves in the mold of former president Bill Clinton on this issue. Clinton would often say he wanted abortion to be safe, legal and rare. If Republicans were previously competing for who could propose the harshest trigger laws but public opinion doesnt support the substance of those laws more moderate Republicans or Democrats might benefit, Liebell said. If you look carefully, what most Americans want is fairly conservative. Insisting on viability may have been a mistake because Dems might have been able to get some Republicans to compromise on 16 weeks, exceptions for rape, incest, fetal abnormalities, and the health of the pregnant person. GOP Majority Floor Leader Steven Rudy, R-Paducah, acknowledged that its possible that the trigger law taking effect could hurt some anti-abortion Republicans closer to the states major population centers, but he wasnt sure to what extent or where. He also emphasized that no Republicans voted against the most recent omnibus anti-abortion bill, House Bill 3. All of these political actions, however, might have been easier for conservatives to do when the protection of Roe was still in place. Liebell said one way to think about Republicans positioning post-Roe is as the proverbial dog that caught the car. They had an issue that they could push on, and there was a substantial enough group of single issue voters. Pro-choice voters were not single-issue voters. But the people with the most radical views views not shared by a large majority of Americans were single issue voters, Liebell said. So, it was politically useful to have voters who will vote for you on abortion, but because of Roe all you can do is say that you are opposed to abortion for incest, rape, or even life of the pregnant person. Without Roe, these public officials have to either stand by the trigger legislation, that may be too extreme for the public, or pass something else. Salzman and Voss said that in an area like Northern Kentucky, which is populous but deeply conservative, the issue isnt a clear winner. But its not a clear loser either, Voss said. Voters there have shown as recently as the 2019 gubernatorial race that saw Gov. Andy Beshear defeat the unpopular former governor Matt Bevin that theyre willing to vote for Democrats under certain circumstances. The abortion issue, especially Kentuckys very stringent version of abortion regulation, risks offending the same voters, Voss said. The forecast still isnt pretty for this year, Salzman said, as Democrats in the area fight to hold onto their two representatives, Rachel Roberts, D-Newport, and Buddy Wheatley, D-Covington. He said the most likely outcome would be that total Democratic seats in the area decrease by one. Sen. Whitney Westerfield, R-Crofton, said that while considerations of political repercussions arent at the forefront of the anti-abortion movement, the proposed amendment could drive even greater conservative turnout, especially in rural parts of the state like his pocket of Southwestern Kentucky. The litigation over our trigger ban has made the constitutional amendment that much more important, and I think thatll be I think itll be a motivating factor, particularly in the rural parts of the state if word gets out like I think it will. Abortion and the governors race Several prominent Republicans are lining up for the chance to cement their partys control over state government in a 2023 general election race against Beshear. But on abortion, theres not much daylight between the GOPs candidates: Commissioner of Agriculture Ryan Quarles, Attorney General Daniel Cameron, Rep. Savannah Maddox, R-Dry Ridge, and Auditor Mike Harmon all say they support the abortion ban thats on the books. I think that other issues will be the defining feature of the Republican primary, Maddox said. That said, I believe that citizens are looking for a candidate who will speak boldly I feel that the strongest pro-life candidate will certainly have an edge. Though Camerons campaign has not responded to multiple requests for interviews over the last several weeks, he has signaled full support for the states abortion ban on statewide and national stages. Beshears opposing stance to the Republican crowd has leaned heavily on the fact that the current law provides no exceptions for rape or incest, a provision that he believes is unpopular with Kentuckians. When pressed for his full thoughts on the issue, Beshear ends up sounding a lot like Clintons famous line. I believe that Roe v. Wade had it generally right This ultimately should be a rare, but legal procedure. There are reasonable restrictions that could be placed on it. Ive always been against late-term procedures. Former Gov. Matt Bevin bashed Beshear over this stance. Bevin accused him accepting blood money from the owners of Kentuckys only abortion clinic, arguing that Beshear was condoning the slaughtering of unborn children. He also made an incorrect prediction that abortions would be taking place all over the state under Beshear. Quarles said that Republicans dont necessarily need to attack Beshear, whose popularity remains high in the state based on the latest available polling, on that issue. He said that Beshears veto on recent anti-abortion legislation will speak for itself. I dont think theres a line of attack, its just a fact that Kentucky is generally a pro-life state, and that its about protecting life, Quarles said. Pro-life issues will play a big role in the 2023 governors race, but its going to be one of many that highlights the fact that at the sheer antagonizes and does not get along with the legislature. Across the state Sen. Karen Berg, D-Louisville, said that many anti-abortion voters havent fully reckoned with the extent of the states abortion ban. Pro-life, anti-choice Republican women that Im talking to at the doors refuse to even believe that the laws that we pass here recently in Kentucky, have no exception for rape or incest, Berg recalled. They, theyre like, no, thats not possible. And Im like, oh yes, thats very possible. Bergs star rose in the national pro-abortion rights movement when she gave a stirring speech against a proposed 15-week abortion ban that was wrapped into the latest omnibus abortion bill. She gained several thousand followers on social media and collected over $69,000 in one fundraising window from donors far and wide, including Hollywood actors Heather Thomas and Bradley Whitford. Right now, Berg emphasized the need to organize against the constitutional amendment. We will lose our judicial recourse, she warned, adding that while anti-abortion organization has been traditionally stronger in Kentucky, a win for pro-abortion rights cause on the ballot there could galvanize a greater backlash. Indicative of the Louisville areas more pro-abortion rights stance, if elected Bergs general election opponent Louisville Metro Councilman James Peden would likely become the least anti-abortion GOP member of the Senate. He said he supports a 15-week ban, similar to the one in question which Berg famously railed against, but did not go so far as to say he supports a total ban. I feel my position on abortion is more representative of the majority of people in our community, rather than the more extreme positions on the far left and or far right, Peden said. A draft of House Bill 91, the bill introducing this years anti-abortion constitutional amendment, hangs on the wall in Daniel Fisters office. Co-sponsoring the bill is one of his proudest achievements in a relatively short legislative career thus far. Fister has been involved in pro-life causes since his teens, he said. To me it was killing babies and still is. I dont think something magical happens when that baby comes out of the birth canal and that suddenly makes it a human being. I think its a human being from the very beginning, Fister said. In a move that likely helps Republicans in his district, Fisters Woodford County-centric district lost an arm that previously extended into Fayette County and essentially traded it out for a chunk of Jessamine County that includes the conservative stronghold of Wilmore, home of the Christian institution Asbury University. Vandegrift said that he wouldnt change his views on any issue, including abortion, just to gain an electoral edge. All I can do is be who I am. And the truth of the matter is, people arent monoliths. The people of Wilmore, they dont all think exactly alike, Vandegrift said. Elections are about a lot of things, and different things affect different families differently. Thats why you have to go and you have to be willing to get in front of people and even take some criticism. Former Democratic congressional candidate Adair Ford Boroughs is now set to be the next U.S. attorney in South Carolina. The Senate approved her nomination by a voice vote on Thursday to make the attorney the highest federal prosecutor in the state. Boroughs tweeted after the vote. Im very excited to return to (the) DOJ and to work with an incredible team at the U.S. Attorneys office. Before taking office, Boroughs must be officially sworn in. That is expected to happen in the near future. Nominated by President Joe Biden on June 6 for the position, the 42-year old Barnwell County native will take her established academic and legal background to court to prosecute federal crimes in the district. Boroughs graduated from Furman University in 2002 with honors and earned a law degree from Stanford University Law School in 2007. She has worked as a public school math teacher and clerked from 2013 to 2017 for Richard Gergel, a U.S. district judge based in Charleston. She clerked for Gergel when he struck down the states constitutional amendment that banned gay marriage and handled the trial of Charleston church shooter Dylann Roof. She also spent six years as a trial attorney in the tax division of the U.S. Department of Justice, from 2007 to 2013. In 2020, she ran a competitive but unsuccessful Democratic campaign for Congress against longtime U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson, R-Springdale. Most recently, she started a Columbia law firm, Boroughs Bryant. The firm officially closed on July 15. Her appointment ends a period of interim leadership for the office that dates back to February 2021 after former state Rep. Peter McCoy, who was appointed by former President Donald Trump, resigned when Biden took office. Corey Ellis has been the interim U.S. attorney since December. The U.S. attorney for South Carolina is the chief federal law enforcement officer responsible for federal criminal prosecutions and civil litigation involving the U.S. in the state. Boroughs will work with agents from the FBI, Secret Service, IRS, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Drug Enforcement Administration and other federal law enforcement agencies to prosecute everything from narcotics and human trafficking to white-collar crime, terrorism and civil rights violations. The office also defends the U.S. in civil cases and collects debts owed to the United States. The office has approximately 62 assistant U.S. attorneys, 75 support staff and 18 contract support staff. Lawyers for the U.S. Attorneys office are headquartered in Columbia, with satellite offices in Charleston, Greenville and Florence. Its been a cruel July for Timothy Stephenson. First his aunt Billie found his drugs and ratted him out to the cops. Then a grand jury indicted him on murder charges. Stephenson has been in Missouri since January, when authorities extradited him from California and arrested him for the murder of Randall Oliphant, a Kansas City man whod gone missing in January 1998. His body was found in the woods outside Warsaw a few months later. Two decades after the case went cold, law enforcement revived the investigation; Stephensons ex-husband allegedly told police Stephenson had privately confessed to killing Oliphant. In May, after pleading not guilty to second-degree murder in Benton County, Stephenson was granted a bond reduction that allowed him to live under house arrest under the supervision of his aunt in her nearby Clinton home, about 75 miles southeast of Kansas City, until his preliminary hearing in August. But after the events of the past few weeks, Stephenson is no longer on house arrest. And there will be no preliminary hearing. On July 1, Stephensons aunt, Billie Banks, contacted Clinton police to report that he had been using drugs and having people at her house while she was gone, according to court documents. Banks told police she did not feel she could hold Timothy to the pre-trial conditions any longer. Clinton police executed a search warrant for Banks home. They found Stephenson in his bedroom smoking meth out of a glass pipe and $7,000 in cash in the closet, court papers say. He was charged with Class D felony possession of a controlled substance and deposited back inside the Benton County jail, where he remains. More bad news for him arrived this past Friday, when Stephenson learned that the Jackson County Prosecutors Office which is serving as special prosecutor on his case had elected to forego the preliminary hearing and put the matter to a Benton County grand jury, depriving his attorneys of making the case that the charges should be dismissed. Stephenson had been investigated for the murder of Oliphant, 26, back in 1998. A bartender at the Dixie Belle Saloon, a gay bar in downtown Kansas City, told police hed seen the two leave together on the night Oliphant went missing. The following day, Stephensons cellphone records incurred roaming charges in the area of Benton County where Oliphant was later found. In 2013, Timothy Stephenson, right, and his husband, Jospeh Ginejko, held their 6-month-old twin daughters while watching San Franciscos Gay Pride parade. Stephenson was charged earlier this year with second-degree murder. But DNA evidence wasnt pursued, and Stephenson was never charged. He later moved to northern California, where he married a doctor named Joseph Ginejko and raised two twin girls, now 9 years old. According to a probable cause statement filed earlier this year, sometime in 2014 Stephenson told Ginejko that he had killed Oliphant in the bathroom of his home at 5125 Tracy in Kansas City. This new information eventually led to an undercover operation and the collection of new DNA evidence, leading to Stephensons arrest earlier this year. On July 15, the grand jury indicted Stephenson for second-degree murder. Stephensons attorney Stacy Shaw told The Star on Wednesday, We are still maintaining (Stephensons) innocence and the belief that he will be completely exonerated of the charges. A bond revocation hearing set for Wednesday was continued after Shaw filed a motion acknowledging recent unexpected issues that have required the defense to seek a substitute for Banks, who told police she feared Stephenson would cause her harm if he was released again from jail. The state did not object to the motion for continuance. Shaw also told The Star the grand jury caught her side by surprise. The prosecutors insisted that they would not take the case to the grand jury because one had not been impaneled, Shaw said. They decided to change their mind without telling defense counsel and sent the case to the secret grand jury. Indeed, replied Michael Mansur, communications director for the Jackson County Prosecutors Office, in an email to The Star, all grand juries are secret by law. Stephensons trial date has not yet been set. As Kansas City police investigated the killing of a 32-year-old police officer who was shot during a traffic stop Tuesday, a detective on the case described a weapon found in vehicle of the alleged shooter as an assault style rifle. Court documents filed Wednesday in Jackson County Circuit Court say the rifle was sitting in plain view on the passenger side seat of a gray sedan belonging to Joshua T. Rocha, 24, who had just turned himself in at a Clay County government building. Rocha was charged Wednesday with first-degree murder in the death of North Kansas City Officer Daniel Vasquez. The information filed in court papers came in the form of a probable cause statement requesting a warrant to collect DNA samples from Rocha. Authorities have said the vehicle Rocha was driving that day was also searched, though a full account of what was found was not available in court papers Wednesday. Authorities have thus far declined to say what type of weapon they believe was used in the shooting, which was captured on Vasquezs surveillance dashboard camera and described by the alleged shooter during a police interview. During a news conference Wednesday, Mike Wood, a KCPD deputy chief, said authorities were unable to answer what type of weapon was believed to have been used when asked directly. He declined to provide detail beyond the fact that a weapon had been recovered, saying other factors including how the weapon was obtained were part of the ongoing investigation. In court papers, police reported finding an American Tactical brand firearm inside Rochas vehicle. Shell casings found at the shooting scene were examined at the Kansas City Police Departments Regional Crime Lab, which showed they came from the same firearm, according to court documents. The fatal shooting of Vasquez unfolded shortly before 11 a.m. on Tuesday near the intersection of 21st Avenue and Clay Street in a largely residential area in North Kansas City. Vasquez, who joined the police force in 2021 after finishing his academy training, had pulled over a car there for an expired license plate. Gunfire erupted in the neighborhood as Vasquez was fatally shot in the street. Vasquez was rushed to North Kansas City Hospital where he died while being prepared to be moved to another hospital. A statewide alert was issued seeking public help with locating a suspect until Rocha surrendered to authorities on Tuesday afternoon. According to charging documents filed Wednesday, Rocha walked into the Clay County Annex at 1901 NE 48th St. in Kansas City a few hours after Vasquez was shot. I committed murder, Rocha allegedly told an employee, who called 911. Parked outside of the Clay County building was a gray Ford similar to the one that authorities had sent a statewide alert to find. On the passenger side of the car, in plain view, was an apparent assault style rifle, a Kansas City detective wrote in the search warrant application. Rocha was arrested without incident, authorities have said. During a police interview, Rocha allegedly said he was heading to a gun shop for ammunition when he was pulled over by Vasquez. He described holding a .300 Blackout rifle in his lap in the moments before the fatal encounter. As Vasquez approached the drivers side, Rocha allegedly demonstrated to police how he shot the officer through the window. He then got out of the vehicle and fired at least two more shots as Vasquez lay on the ground, according to court records. Rocha allegedly told detectives he emptied his rifles magazine which he believed had five rounds in it. When asked why he shot Vasquez, Rocha said he didnt want to go to jail or have his car towed, according to court documents. According to court documents, the shooting was captured on the dash camera of Vasquezs police vehicle. The video shows a man wearing a dark T-shirt, shorts and black shoes, shoot Vasquez in the face through a partially opened driver side door. The man then got out of the sedan and fired two more times at Vasquez, who was lying in the street, the charging document says. Rocha told police he fled and attempted to alter his appearance by changing his clothes and cutting off his goatee. He also spray painted the trunk of his car and removed the temporary tag. Rocha did not have a significant criminal history, according to Missouri court records, and did not appear to have any offenses on record that would have barred him from legally owning a firearm. Earlier offenses included traffic violations and petty drug crimes, including a misdemeanor case out of Buchanan County, records show. Rocha was being held Wednesday on a $2 million bond in the Clay County jail. He was scheduled to make his first court appearance at 1:30 p.m. Thursday. The Stars Andrea Klick and Robert A. Cronkleton contributed to this report. A new poll from the firm Morning Consult showed Gov. JB Pritzkers approval rating at 51% among Illinois voters, or seven points above water in polling lingo. Its the latest quarterly poll from the firm, and data included 14,258 registered voters polled from April 1 through June 30. While its a truism of polling that any poll is just a snapshot in time, Pritzkers numbers have been remarkably consistent in the Morning Consult measurements since January 2021. His approval has ranged from 50 to 51% while disapproval ranged from 43 to 44%. President Joe Bidens approval rating in Illinois as measured by the same firm, however, is an example of how quickly public sentiment can change. Morning Consult distributed the polling results under the headline Democratic Governors Facing Re-Election Are Resisting Bidens Drag Effect. The firm measured Bidens approval at 47% in Illinois while disapproval measured at 50%. It was a major drop from one year prior for Biden, who logged a healthy 58-38 approval-disapproval rating in Illinois for the quarter ending in June 2021. The discrepancies between the approval ratings of Biden and Democratic governors help explain the level of intrigue in national news outlets regarding Biden potentially being replaced atop the Democratic ticket in the 2024 election cycle. Pritzkers name along with California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who had a 53-40 approval split according to the poll has been floated time and again in that conversation. Many news outlets, including Capitol News Illinois, have asked him about his plans should Democrats seek a new presidential candidate next time around. He hasnt directly denied an interest in a presidential run, but he told me at the end of June that Illinois remains his focus. Im not talking about running for president. Im talking about running for governor, Pritzker told me in a one-on-one interview after the June 28 primary. And its what Im focused on. I really do believe that, you know I love this state and I love the job that I have. I believe theres a lot more to get done. I mean, you wouldnt look at me and say that Illinois doesnt have more to get done. The intrigue has also been largely stoked by the governors recent speaking engagements. In June he spoke at a gathering of Democrats in New Hampshire, normally one of the countrys first states to hold a primary, and last weekend he spoke at Florida Democrats Leadership Blue gala. The Florida speech took an unapologetic tone, championing progressive policies passed in his first term in Illinois while also focusing on abortion rights and gun control. It also included a faux apology from the governor to Floridians for defeating ex-Gov. Bruce Rauner by nearly 16 points in 2018, a win Pritzker said caused Rauner to move to Florida in humiliation, according to prepared remarks reported by Politico. Pritzker also mentioned Ken Griffin, the Republican megadonor and founder of the hedge fund Citadel, who spent $50 million in an unsuccessful effort to nominate Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin in the GOP primary. Pritzker dedicated millions of his own personal fortune to attack Irvin. A new poll from the firm Morning Consult showed Gov. J.B. Pritzkers approval rating at 51% among Illinois voters, or seven points above water in polling lingo. Spoiled rich kid Pritzker likened Griffin to a spoiled rich kid for announcing Citadels move to Florida amid Irvins primary struggles, and he attempted to tie the self-styled GOP moderate wing, as well as Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, to former President Donald Trump. The funny thing is that both Rauner and Griffin claim they dont come from the Donald Trump wing of the Republican Party, Pritzker said. Instead they would say theyre DeSantis Republicans which is a little bit like saying youve never been a fan of Darth Vader but you support the Empires political agenda. Within days of returning home from Florida, Pritzker announced a positive test for COVID-19 Tuesday, and his team said he was experiencing mild symptoms. Prior to the Florida trip, he spent time at the White House last week and in Augusta, Maine, at a gathering of the National Governors Association. Line of attack State Sen. Darren Bailey, the Xenia farmer who gained the GOP nomination and has vowed not to be outworked in the race for governor, saw Pritzkers recent East Coast trip as a line of attack. Gov. JB Pritzker spent the weekend hobnobbing in Florida with wealthy liberals and fueling his presidential ambitions, Baileys campaign said in a Monday news release. Meanwhile in Illinois, rampant crime continued unabated. Seven people were killed over the weekend in Chicago, and eight carjackings terrorized Chicago neighborhoods in the span of just one hour. Baileys battle will be uphill on the fundraising front as he looks to knock off the incumbent, who is partial heir of the Hyatt hotel fortune and has a net worth of $3-4 billion. Money talks Pritzkers campaign fund had $60.8 million cash on hand as of June 30, while Baileys campaign fund had just $363,918. Pritzkers campaign spent $27 million from April to June, while Baileys camp spent $9.2 million. Baileys main financial backer has been Richard Uihlein, founder of the shipping supply company Uline, having donated $9 million to the candidate and $8 million to other political action committees working on Baileys behalf during the primary. Uihlein gave another $5 million to the pro-Bailey People Who Play By the Rule PAC on July 6. Irvins campaign ended June with $763,515 cash on hand, having spent $40.5 million. Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service covering state government that is distributed to more than 400 newspapers statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation. President Biden took a defensive tone in the run-up to his visit to Saudi Arabia. I have never been quiet about talking about human rights, he said at a news conference in Israel. But his reason for going to Saudi Arabia, he said, was much broader: to promote U.S. interests and reassert our influence in the Middle East. And, anyway, Biden added, he was going to be meeting with nine other heads of state. Its not just it happens to be in Saudi Arabia. Thats a shorter version of the argument the president has made for weeks since his first official Middle East visit was announced. As a 2020 candidate, Biden pledged to make Saudi Arabia a pariah state for the regimes murder of U.S. journalist Jamal Khashoggi. And in a recent Washington Post op-ed, Biden touted his administrations reversal of the blank-check policy [toward Saudi Arabia] we inherited from the Trump administration. But the bulk of his op-ed played defense, pushing back on widespread criticism that cast this trip as a betrayal of Bidens promises and ideals motivated by a desperation for oil. Theres merit to that charge.The Saudi states human-rights record is gruesome, and the visit is unquestionably a reversal for Biden. But most criticism of the trip is wrongly aimed: Diplomacy is not whats wrong in Washingtons handling of Riyadh; its the long-term U.S. military presence in Saudi Arabia and ongoing U.S. support for the Saudi military, including its brutality in Yemen. Confusion around the purpose of diplomacy is a regular and unfortunate feature of American foreign-policy debates. Diplomacy is not just for friendly countries. Yes, sometimes our diplomatic conversation partners are friendly countries with ideals and styles of government similar to our own. But diplomacy also includes far more difficult discussions with far less savory states. Indeed, those more complicated situations are where its needed most: to address conflicts of interest without resorting to sanctions or war. It may be possible for some small and distant states to avoid diplomacy with a reprehensible, but strategically important and resource-rich, regime like that of Saudi Arabia. It is not possible for a global superpower to do the same. Bidens pariah promise was an understandable impulse, born of justified outrage, but Washington refusing to speak with Riyadh was never a true option. The only question was whether diplomacy would happen at lower levels, through layers of bureaucracy, or whether Biden would speak with his Saudi counterpart himself. His decision to visit in person is reasonable. The objectionable thing here, then, is not Bidens choice to personally pursue diplomacy. The diplomacy is both inevitable and good. The same cannot be said of other aspects of the U.S.-Saudi relationship, particularly the stationing of nearly 3,000 U.S. troops on Saudi soil, where they operate in coordination with the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, per an administration report to Congress last month, and provide air and missile defense capabilities, though the United States and Saudi Arabia are not, and never have been, treaty allies. Riyadh has no obligation of mutual defense toward us, and keeping U.S. troops in Saudi territory exposes us to risk of unwanted conflict especially with Saudi Arabias regional rival, Iran and has been used as a recruiting tool for terrorist organizations, including al-Qaida in the run-up to the 9/11 attacks. The Biden administration partially reversed its predecessors expansion of the U.S. military footprint in Saudi Arabia, and ending U.S. support for the Saudi coalitions offensive operations in the Yemeni civil war was Bidens first major foreign-policy move in 2021. But U.S. arms sales to Saudi Arabia continue on the scale of hundreds of millions of dollars worth annually, and Washington has also facilitated other sales of U.S.-made weapons from third parties to Riyadh. Meanwhile, though Yemens monthslong truce continues to hold, raising hopes for a durable peace, recent reporting has revealed U.S. extrication was much less complete than Biden implied. In his Post op-ed, Biden wrote of his commitment to furthering diplomacy, advancing U.S. interests and keeping the United States out of combat missions in the Middle East. Those are all strong reasons for him to visit Saudi Arabia. But theyre also strong reasons to rethink U.S.-Saudi relations, draw down U.S. military support for Riyadh and bring U.S. forces home from Saudi lands. Bonnie Kristian is a fellow at Defense Priorities, a foreign-policy think tank. She is the author of Untrustworthy: The Knowledge Crisis Breaking Our Brains, Polluting Our Politics and Corrupting Christian Community. 2022 Chicago Tribune CalPERS reported a loss of more than 6% last fiscal year. "Tumultuous global markets played a role," the pension fund said in a release. (Carl Costas / For The Times) The California Public Employees' Retirement System reported a loss of more than 6% last fiscal year, its first negative investment return since the Great Recession, the state pension fund said Wednesday. At the close of the 2021-22 fiscal year, which ended June 30, the fund stood at $440 billion, a loss of nearly $30 billion from the previous year, when CalPERS reported a positive 21.3% return to bring the fund's total to $469 billion. "Tumultuous global markets played a role in CalPERS first loss since the global financial crisis of 2009," the organization said Wednesday in a release. CalPERS, which provides retirement benefits to more than 2 million members with the largest public pension fund in the U.S., reported investments in stocks dropped 13.1% in value. Fixed-income investments, such as bonds, fell 14.5%. These "public market investments" make up nearly 80% of the fund. CalPERS' private equity investments and real assets, however, gained more than 20% each, although those figures were as of March 31. "Our traditional diversification strategies were less effective than expected, as we saw both public equity and fixed income assets fall in tandem," CalPERS Chief Investment Officer Nicole Musicco said in the release. As a result of the overall loss, the fund ended the fiscal year with 72% of the money it needs to meet all its financial obligations. After a banner 2020-21 fiscal year, the system was 82% funded. The loss comes as CalPERS has sought to stabilize itself, two years after previous investment chief Ben Meng stepped down abruptly. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Jana Marie Foundation will be joined by Cathy Brown, executive director of CentrePeace, to discuss the challenges and impacts of the prison system during its next Mokita Dialogues session on Thursday, July 28, from 11 a.m. to noon. For the past five years, Jana Marie Foundations Mokita Dialogues series has highlighted a variety of topics of vital social concern that typically go unaddressed or unnoticed, often due to stigma or a subjects polarizing nature. Fittingly, the word mokita comes from the Kilivia language, spoken near Papua New Guinea, and means a known truth left unspoken. Held on the fourth Thursday of every month, these meetings include a brief presentation by a subject matter expert followed by engaging discussion questions that encourage introspection and conversation. Together, community members brainstorm ways to continue the conversation and spark positive change. Brown will open Thursdays session by reviewing the basics of our carceral system, providing a brief overview of the three facilities in Centre County, and giving participants an in-depth look at the issues with the current system and why many are reluctant to change it. Through education, awareness and thoughtful conversations, we have the potential to spark change within a system that has a widespread impact on our community. This virtual Mokita Dialogues meeting will provide an opportunity for individuals to come together, learn about challenges presented by the prison system, and engage in conversations about ways we can continue to shed light on this topic throughout the year. This dialogue is free and open to the public. Join the Zoom meeting on Thursday, July 28, at 11 a.m. by visiting www.tinyurl.com/MokitaDialogues. Join us to learn, reflect and engage in seeking solutions to these important issues. Hannah Brewster is the office coordinator at the Jana Marie Foundation, which harnesses the power of creative expression and dialogue to spark conversations, build connection, and promote mental health and well-being among young people and their communities. To learn more about Jana Marie Foundation or to view a list of upcoming events, please visit www.janamariefoundation.org or follow along on Facebook at facebook.com/janamariefoundation. Pennsylvania passed a state budget in early July that included a $1.8 billion increase in education, with districts across the state receiving hundreds of thousands in additional funding. The $4.52 billion plan was signed into effect by Governor Tom Wolf on July 8, which included $525 million in basic education spending and $225 million for the states most underfunded districts. Centre Countys representatives were supportive of the education investments. State Rep. Scott Conklin, D-Rush Township, who serves on the finance committee, tweeted out his support for increased education funding. My colleagues and I fought for serious investments to help our kids and taxpayers during budget negotiations, and were able to deliver these funding increases for public schools in HD77 and Centre County, he wrote. PA BUDGET UPDATE: My colleagues and I fought for serious investments to help our kids and taxpayers during budget negotiations, and were able to deliver these funding increases for public schools in HD77 and Centre County. @StateCollegeSD @POMountiesPOASD @BEASDBEASD1 pic.twitter.com/d2fBx9AMUb Rep. Scott Conklin (@RepConklin) July 7, 2022 Such substantial increases in state support for public school students should allow for full student support while mitigating any need for increases in school district property taxes, Kerry Benninghoff, R-Bellefonte, said in a statement. State Rep. Rich Irvin, R-Spruce Creek, said in a statement that the budget included record increases for education that include funding for mental health and school safety. Centre County school districts all passed their 2022-23 budgets earlier this summer, so the money will not have an impact on programming or tax increases for the upcoming year. But the extra funds could help districts meet their deficit, preventing taxes from being raised in the future. State College Area School District, which received an increase of $1,560,884 from the state budget, plans to put the money into its capital funds account, essentially a school districts savings account. Randy Brown, finance and operations officer for SCASD, and Donna Watson, assistant business administrator, submitted a letter to the boards finance committee detailing how the money could be used. This increased subsidy could be used in future years to offset fund balance deficiencies which are currently projected, or fund mental health and other support services currently funded with ESSER monies set to be depleted at the end of this fiscal year, Brown and Watson wrote. Bellefonte Area School District plans to use its $503,008 additional funds for future building projects, including the elementary school project, Ken Bean, director of fiscal affairs for BASD, said. Were taking some of the excess money and putting it aside for future projects and/or future repairs for existing buildings, Bean said. So that way its going to get used in lieu of having to raise taxes or cut something else in the future for any type of repairs needed done. Penns Valley Area School District has not made set plans on what the additional $555,533 will be used for, but a portion will be used to offset the districts deficit. Superintendent Brian Griffith said the funds appear to be recurring, meaning schools can institute long-term projects or programs without worrying about losing those funds. We anticipate that that funding would continue, which allows us to then make programming decisions because its not a one time grant money thats going to go away, Griffith said. We can assume that, if its existing this year it is probably going to exist in the future. So thats a big positive for Pennsylvania. Changes to the Pennsylvania School Code were also signed into law by Governor Tom Wolf, meaning some districts may have to provide additional safety trainings. Bean said this could increase costs for the district, which could also be supplemented by the additional funds. Bald Eagle Area School District received $582,307 in additional funding while Philipsburg-Osceola School District received $643,849. Overall, the additional funds will help relieve some of the financial strain Centre County districts face and help programming and facility maintenance. I want to say that its a welcomed increase, something that we did not anticipate and something that we appreciate, Griffith said. Welcome back to CLT Politics, The Charlotte Observers weekly analysis of political news and events in Charlotte and the region, published every Thursday. Im Will Wright, the Observers political reporter. Many of the national and international headlines from the past week have revolved around climate change: blistering temperatures in the United Kingdom; the failure of the Democrats climate bill; tens of millions of Americans under a heat advisory. One conservative Charlottean, Jay Faison, has spent much of the past decade hoping to move the needle on our warming planet. CLT POLITICS NEWSLETTER: Sign up for unduplicated, exclusive insight and analysis about Charlotte politics His political action group, ClearPath Action, is consistently one of North Carolinas leading fundraisers for federal candidates and PACs. In the 2020 election cycle, it doled out more than $2 million, according to the Center for Responsive Politics. All of that money went to Republicans the committee believes will help steer the country toward better climate policies. They include Sen. Thom Tillis and Rep. Patrick McHenry of North Carolina as well as Rep. Hal Rogers of Kentucky. Faison points to progress made on some climate issues, including bipartisan support to address flooding, but he told me polarization is Washington, D.C., has made it increasingly difficult to address the problem. He doesnt see it getting any easier any time soon. Its sad, and the reality is that things happen through compromise in D.C. or they dont, he said. Were in the dont category right now. Jay Faisons ClearPath Action Fund has spent millions to help advance policies to fight against climate change in congressional races, according to the Center for Responsive Politics. Lack of competition in Congress I called Faison to talk about climate issues, but politics naturally get in the way. I wanted to know what he sees as the primary causes of polarization and its solutions. He pointed to the lack of competitive congressional races as one cause. The Cook Political Report estimates there will be just 34 toss-up districts across the country in November. Thats just over 8% of all districts. As recently as 1990, about a third of congressional races were considered competitive, according to FiveThirtyEight. Thats an alarming drop one Faison says could hinder the federal governments ability or willingness to take meaningful action on climate issues. Part of the problem, Faison told me, is the lack of competition dilutes the opinions of moderates and people in the political minority. That allows more extreme voters on both sides to dictate the political agenda. Everybodys worried about getting their hits on FOX News or CSPAN, or showing that theyre fighting the other party, he said. Your more difficult and challenging ... issues get kicked to the curb with these soundbite issues. In short: its more politically expedient under our current system to fire up the base on soundbite issues than in working toward bipartisan solutions to our biggest problems. Would open primaries motivate climate change action? So what can change this? Faison said open primaries being able to vote in either primary no matter a persons party affiliation could help. He also pointed to ranked-choice voting, a system where voters order which candidates they prefer from first to last. The list gets narrowed down by eliminating candidates with the fewest No. 1 votes. After that, a new tally is conducted updated list, and the process repeats until someone comes away with a majority of the No. 1 votes. That appears unlikely in the near term. If we want to make big headway on climate, though, Faisons experience indicates that somethings got to give. When you have 10% of Americans electing 90% of our representatives, somethings wrong there. he said. The power of the extremes is extremely problematic. Heres what Im reading BEIJING, July 21 (Xinhua) -- Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said on Thursday that China will act strongly to resolutely respond to U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's planned trip to Taiwan and take countermeasures should the U.S. side insist on making the visit. The Chinese side has repeatedly stated its stern position on firmly opposing Pelosi's visit to Taiwan, Wang said at a daily press briefing, adding that the U.S. Congress is part of the U.S. government, and is supposed to strictly adhere to the U.S. commitment on the Taiwan question. "If Speaker Pelosi visits Taiwan, it would seriously violate the one-China principle and the stipulations in the three China-U.S. joint communiques and harm China's sovereignty and territorial integrity," Wang said. Wang said it will have a severe negative impact on the political foundation of China-U.S. relations, and send a gravely wrong signal to "Taiwan independence" separatist forces. "Should the U.S. side insist on making the visit, China will act strongly to resolutely respond to it and take countermeasures. We mean what we say," Wang said. Kyle Based Stickman Chapman offers Idaho an illustration of what the state is up against and how we can fight back against extremism here. As Idaho Statesman reporter Nicole Blanchard documents as part of a new two-part series on extremism in Idaho, Chapman offers a window into the mindset of how white nationalists and extremists see Idaho as a haven for their ideals and beliefs. Some cry ETHNOSTATE!! I say Idaho, Chapman wrote in a group he created on the messaging app Telegram. It might seem simple enough to dismiss someone like Chapman as just some fringe figure with ultra-right views. But these attitudes and behaviors must never go unchallenged. Its been 20 years since Idaho defeated the neo-Nazi group Aryan Nations in North Idaho, but the state continues to fight the stereotype of being a refuge for white supremacists. Meanwhile, such attitudes persist, with recent incidents of antisemitism in Boise and Patriot Fronts attempted disruption of a gay pride picnic in North Idaho. There even has been an infiltration of Idaho politics by figures with white nationalist views and theyve been legitimized within the states Republican Party. Its worth questioning why Chapman moved to Idaho from California. Why did he come here? Idaho is the best location in the country to weather the storm and lobby for secession, Chapman wrote in 2020 in a message to his group on the Telegram app. Ethnic enclave. Fight the battle from higher ground. In his Telegram group, he encouraged people to move to Idaho to get away from minorities, whom he referred to with racial slurs, according to the Idaho Statesman article on the impact Chapman and other extremists are having. So how do we fight back? We make it loud and clear to Chapman and his ilk that theyre not welcome in Idaho. Its time for decent, reasonable, loving Americans to have the loudest voice. Tony Stewart, one of the founders of the Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations, pointed out to Blanchard that community outcry was part of what helped push the Aryan Nations out of North Idaho some 20 years ago. We must do the same today. If you see something, say something. Its going to take brave business owners, like Wendy Rose of Beardsmith Barbershop, who called out Chapmans bad behavior and racist language, and refused him further service. Its going to require businesses, corporations and political parties to not only speak out, but to put their money where their mouth is and not contribute financially to those who cater to such extremists. Politicians cant stay silent or dance around the issue. Republican politicians seem to prevaricate when it comes to these extremists because they recognize that these people vote for them, and they want to make sure they scoop up every last vote they can. Rather than working to keep those votes, they should ask themselves why someone like that would vote for them in the first place. In social media posts, Chapman promoted Idaho, Montana, Utah and Wyoming as places with white, conservative demographics that would be welcoming to people with alt-right ideologies. Vincent James, a self-described Christian nationalist who recently moved to North Idaho and supported Idaho Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin in her bid for governor, ominously explained his view of Idaho politics in a video posted on social media. If youre a legislator here, either get in line or get out of the way, because what were planning on doing here in this state is inevitable, James said. A Department of Homeland Security official recently told McClatchy and the Statesman that Idaho has been microtargeted with extremist online content because of its history. Idaho legislators recently failed to approve a license plate declaring the Gem State Too Great for Hate. We cannot normalize hate, white supremacy or Christian nationalism. We cannot allow it in Idaho, not ever. We cannot go backward. There is nothing patriotic about white nationalism, racial supremacy, imposing your religious beliefs on others or vilifying groups of people based on race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation or gender identity. Whenever and wherever we encounter such extremism and hate, its going to take all of us to disavow it loudly, forcefully and repeatedly. The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing. Statesman editorials are the unsigned opinion of the Idaho Statesmans editorial board. Board members are opinion editor Scott McIntosh, opinion writer Bryan Clark, editor Chadd Cripe, newsroom editors Dana Oland and Jim Keyser and community members Johanna Jones, Maryanne Jordan and Ben Ysursa. COVID-19 cases are rising in Boise. The BA.5 variant is reinfecting people whove had COVID in the past, and local health officials are warning the community that the risk of catching this virus in public is much higher than it was a few months ago. The variant may be able to better evade the antibodies caused by previous infection or vaccines, and built-up immunity in your body may not be able to prevent infection if youve already had it. Is getting the vaccine still worth it? Niki Forbing-Orr, spokesperson for the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, told the Idaho Statesman its still important to get vaccinated and boosted even if the new variant is resistant to immunity. The vaccines are still effective for avoiding severe illness and death from COVID-19. Forbing-Orr also said that besides getting vaccinated and boosted, practicing physical distancing and wearing masks in crowded places will protect you from severe illness and hospitalization. BA.5 is a variant of Omicron, which in itself is a variant of COVID-19 that spreads more quickly, Idaho state epidemiologist Christine Hahn previously said. Despite a quicker spread, Forbing-Orr said vaccinations and boosters are the most effective way to limit your risk of sickness and severe illness. So even if you can still get infected with COVID-19 after being vaccinated, your chances of getting sick enough to need to go to the hospital are lower. Most importantly, Forbing-Orr said that those who feel ill should remain at home until they feel better. Should you wait for the new vaccine or get boosted now? Even if youve had COVID-19 before, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends getting vaccinated and boosted to provide added protection to your immune system. Given the rising number of infections in Boise, you should go ahead and get that booster now if youre eligible. A Food and Drug Administration meeting in late June discussed the possibility of releasing reformulated vaccines this fall that could be more effective against newer variants. Pharmaceutical company Pfizer also announced that it has a new formula that better protects against the more recent variants. We believe we have two very strong Omicron-adapted candidates that elicit a substantially higher immune response against Omicron than weve seen to date, Albert Boula, chairman and CEO of Pfizer, said in a news release. We look forward to discussing these data with the scientific community and health authorities so we may rapidly introduce an Omicron-adapted booster as soon as possible if authorized by regulators. If you are up-to-date with the recommended booster vaccines, more information may be available this fall about reformulated vaccines that could be more effective against newer variants. How else should people protect against COVID-19? Kathryn Turner, Idahos deputy state epidemiologist, reminded Idahoans in a post on the Department of Health and Welfare website that people should continue meeting with friends and family outdoors this summer to prevent the spread of COVID-19. If youre indoors, open doors and windows to keep air flowing, Turner wrote. Consider wearing masks indoors when its crowded or if you cant spread out, especially if you are around people at higher risk for severe disease. Turner also emphasized that masks continue to work and that people should strive to use well-fitting disposable KN95 or N95 masks rather than woven cloth masks. The CDC provides an interactive map that tells you where you can obtain free N95 masks. Mark Nye, a longtime Idaho attorney, lawmaker and former president of the Idaho State Bar, has died, according to a news release. He was 76. Nye, a Democrat from Pocatello, would have retired from the Idaho Senate this year, after he chose not to seek a fourth term. Nye also served one term in the Idaho House from 2014-2016. Mark was an essential part of this community for so many years, Rep. James Ruchti, D-Pocatello, said in the news release. Mark was a respected attorney, a huge supporter of (Idaho State University) and loved by the community. I think the thing I most respected about Mark was that he was kind to people. From the janitor to the CEO, he treated people with respect. Nye died of an extended illness Saturday at Portneuf Medical Center, the Idaho State Journal reported. Nye served as president of the Idaho State Bar and on the American Bar Associations National Board of Governors. He earned degrees from Harvard University and the University of Idaho College of Law. Mark will be missed, said Ruchti, who is running to replace Nye in the Senate. The community wont be the same without him. Did taxpayers subsidize the purchase of a six-seat aircraft for Missouri Treasurer Scott Fitzpatrick, who is running for state auditor? Missouri voters may want to hear the answer to that question. Theyll want to examine Fitzpatricks record, and that of the company he founded, called MariCorp U.S., based in Shell Knob, Missouri. It bills itself as an industry leader in the manufacture and installation of boat docks. Fitzpatrick founded the company at the age of 17. It has roughly 70 employees. In late 2019, MariCorp U.S. purchased a used Piper Malibu Meridian aircraft, a six-seat single engine turboprop with a pressurized cabin. Figures available online say the average price for a pre-owned Meridian is $1.1 million, although the campaign says it cost closer to $800,000. Federal Aviation Administration records show an aircraft certificate was issued to MariCorp on March 11, 2020, although Fitzpatricks campaign says a purchase agreement for the plane was actually signed in December 2019. The aircraft (FAA N97BF) needed work before it could be certified, the campaign says. Those dates are important because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Less than a month after the airplane purchase was finalized, records show, Fitzpatricks firm applied for and received a loan from the federal Paycheck Protection Program, which was part of the nations pandemic response. MariCorp received a PPP loan for $690,400 on April 4, 2020. That means that Fitzpatricks company received federal help to pay its workers less than a month after completing purchase of an $800,000 aircraft. MariCorp asked for a second PPP loan in 2021, this time for $646,071. A searchable database compiled by ProPublica says the first loan was forgiven, while the status of the second loan is listed as unknown. The campaign says both loans were forgiven. Voters can do the math: MariCorp asked for and received more than $1.3 million from taxpayers, just to meet payroll, a few months after purchasing a $800,000 aircraft it still owns. Fitzpatricks campaign says the two facts are unrelated. MariCorp has utilized small company aircraft since 2016 to visit customers, perform project site visits, and transport employees across the country, campaign adviser Steele Shippy told us. MariCorp was one of more than 5 million companies that utilized the Trump administration Paycheck Protection Program to ensure job security for its employees during a time of great economic uncertainty, Shippys email said. MariCorp used every dollar of the funding received under the program to pay employees, he said. There doesnt seem to have been any attempt to sell the plane in order to pay workers. In fact, Fitzpatrick uses the aircraft for campaign purposes as well as company business (one flight tracker shows repeated use in Missouri in July.) We supported the PPP program, which provided essential income to workers hurt by the COVID-19 shutdowns. We are more skeptical of the need for a six-seat, pressurized aircraft for a company that twice asked taxpayers to cover its payroll, and whose founder uses the plane for political purposes. Claire McCaskill, you may remember, took enormous heat for use of a private aircraft while in the Senate. Other politicians, including Fitzpatrick, deserve similar scrutiny. I have been a relentless fighter for taxpayers, Fitzpatrick says on his auditor campaign website. We know a good place for him to continue that battle, if elected. Fitzpatricks Republican primary opponent is David Gregory, a St. Louis attorney and state legislator. Were examining his record, including allegations of a possible legal dust-up eight years ago. So far Gregory has not responded to our requests for comment. Well let you know what we find. Gas has started flowing again to Europe from Russia after a maintenance shutdown, despite fears that Moscow would cut off supplies. (Markus Schreiber / Associated Press) Natural gas started flowing through a major pipeline from Russia to Europe on Thursday after a 10-day shutdown for maintenance but the gas flow remained well short of full capacity and the outlook was uncertain, leaving Europe still facing the prospect of a hard winter. Deliveries through the Nord Stream 1 pipeline under the Baltic Sea resumed at 40% of capacity, the level they had been at for weeks before the annual maintenance work. The German government announced that it would step up its gas storage requirements and take further measures to save gas. The pipeline had been closed since July 11. Amid growing tensions over Russias war in Ukraine, German officials had feared that the pipeline the countrys main source of Russian gas, which recently has accounted for around a third of Germanys gas supplies might not reopen at all. But the gas deliveries that were arriving still weren't enough to resolve Europe's energy crisis, and officials suspect that Russia is likely to disrupt supplies further. German Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck said the reduced supply speaks a clear political language and confirms that we can't rely on deliveries. The outlook is simply extremely volatile, said Klaus Mueller, the head of Germany's network regulator. We must save more to get through the next two winters well. Russia's state-owned Gazprom reduced the flow through Nord Stream 1 by 60% in mid-June, citing technical problems involving equipment that partner Siemens Energy sent to Canada for overhaul and that couldnt be returned because of sanctions imposed over Russias invasion of Ukraine. The Canadian government earlier this month gave permission for the turbine that powers a compressor station at the Russian end of the pipeline to be delivered to Germany. The German government has rejected Gazproms technical explanation for the gas reduction, repeatedly calling it a pretext for a political decision by the Kremlin to sow uncertainty and further push up energy prices. It has said that the turbine was a replacement that wasn't to be installed until September. Russia is using the great power it has too great a power, which we gave Russia to blackmail Europe, said Habeck, who is also Germany's economy minister and is responsible for energy. He said of the turbine: Sometimes one has the impression that Russia doesn't want to take it back at all. Russian President Vladimir Putin said Tuesday that Gazprom still hadnt received the relevant documents for the turbines return, and on Wednesday questioned the quality of the repair work. Putin said that Gazprom was to shut another turbine for repairs in late July, and if the one that was sent to Canada wasnt returned by then, the flow of gas would decline even further. Habeck said the turbine was in Germany at the beginning of this week, and German authorities will say when it has reached Russia and been handed over to Gazprom. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Thursday underlined Moscow's insistence that Nord Stream 1 was not operating at full capacity because of technical problems that he blamed on European sanctions. But Simone Tagliapietra, an energy policy expert at the Bruegel think tank in Brussels, said Russia was playing a strategic game." Keeping low flows going is better than cutoff. It decreases Europes resolve to reduce gas demand, he said. He warned that Europe must go into crisis mode anyway "because an interruption is likely to happen in the winter. And each cubic meter of gas saved now makes Europe more resilient in the next months. The European Commission proposed this week that member countries cut their gas use by 15% over the coming months as the bloc braces for a possible full Russian cutoff of gas supplies. Germany and the rest of Europe are scrambling to fill gas storage in time for winter and reduce their dependence on Russian energy imports. Germany has Europes biggest economy; gas is important to power its industries, provide heating and, to some extent, generate electricity. Last month, the government activated the second phase of Germanys three-stage emergency plan for natural gas supplies, warning that Europes biggest economy faced a crisis and that winter storage targets were at risk. As of Wednesday, Germany's gas storage was 65.1% full. Habeck said the government was tightening storage requirements to ensure that storage facilities aren't tapped for gas. There will be a new requirement for storage to be 75% full by Sept. 1, and the targets for October and November will be raised to 85% and 95%, respectively, from 80% and 90% at present. The government plans to ban the heating of private pools with gas. It wants to encourage energy-saving in public buildings and offices, arguing that spaces where people don't regularly spend time shouldn't be heated. And it wants to suspend requirements in some private housing contracts for tenants to heat rooms to a minimum temperature. To make up for shortfalls, the German government has given the green light for utility companies to fire up 10 dormant coal-fired power plants and six oil-fueled ones. An additional 11 coal-fired power plants scheduled to be shut down in November will be allowed to keep operating. Habeck said Thursday that dormant lignite-fired power plants would also be cleared for reactivation starting in October. And trains transporting oil and coal could be given priority. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Unlike professional sports, Saturdays Kansas City charter school board draft is not likely to draw a lot of attention or come with any notable fanfare. In terms of what it could mean for thousands of children here, however, its impact could have far greater consequences for the community. BLAQUE KC, a local nonprofit aimed at equity in education, has created a roster of 45 candidates applying to join its lineup of potential charter school board aspirants. After vetting and training, the field was narrowed to 16. Twelve charter schools have signed up to select a board member from among the group. The draft is a first of its kind event for Kansas City, and it could change the racial and cultural demographic disparity identified several years ago among the predominantly Black and Hispanic public schoolchildren in Kansas City, as well as the people who sit on the boards governing their schools. Thats significant because representation matters, said Nate Hogan, school board president for Kansas City Public Schools. Every decision the board makes does have some impact on its kids. Research says that Black and and brown children perform better academically when they have teachers who look like them. And by the same token, its important that educators of color are led by diverse leaders. We want whats best for our kids, and so should all Kansas Citians. While the majority of students attending public schools in Kansas City are children of color, those demographics are traditionally not reflected in the governing boards. Thats not to say that white and economically well-off board members cant run schools where most of the students are neither of those things. But it does help when leaders are familiar with the neighborhoods where the students live. At public charter schools, where board members are selected rather than elected by the public, many of them dont even live in the state. That too will change with a new law passed this year requiring charter school board members to live in Missouri. Thats a big deal, said Cokethea Hill, BLAQUE KC founder and chief executive officer. We have heard reports that more than 60% of charter school boards do not live in Missouri. So cheers to Missouri lawmakers for recognizing that school board members need to be connected to the community, said Brent Ghan, deputy executive director for the Missouri School Boards Association. We have been pushing that for some time. They need to understand what the communitys goals are for their children. Thats exactly what BLAQUE KC is going for with the candidates they have assembled for Kansas City charters: a smorgasbord of lawyers, corporate leaders, business owners, educators, judges and health care professionals who were either raised or educated in Kansas City, or now live or work here. All but one are people of color. With this campaign, BLAQUE KC is doing away with the excuse that institutions have used for too long to explain not having more people of color represented on their boards. Many organizations state that it is difficult to locate and access professional candidates of color to serve on governing boards, Hill said. Our goal is to build a pipeline of professional candidates of color, train those candidates on governance, and help place them on local boards. Last year The Star Editorial Board questioned the motives of BLAQUE KC after it spent tens of thousands of dollars backing two candidates who ran and won seats on the Kansas City Public Schools board. The nonprofit had declined to say what groups were behind that money, and some Kansas City school leaders suspected BLAQUE KC was part of an effort to undermine public school systems in support of charters and the national school choice movement. We still dont support that initiative. But this is different. Nearly half of public school children in Kansas City attend charter schools. Improving the governing boards at those schools is appropriate. Getting elected to school boards also comes with hurdles for people of color. Independence this year elected its first Black school board member in the history of the district. It was just two years ago that Lees Summit elected its first Black person to the board. BLAQUE KCs draft is, as Hill said, evidence that when asked, leaders of color will step up to serve their community, and its schoolchildren. And that we all can celebrate. What happens in Kansas doesnt always stay in Kansas. Back in 2020, Democrats saw an opportunity to win the seat being vacated by longtime GOP Sen. Pat Roberts but were also realistic: The only way theyd win a statewide race in deep-red Kansas was if Republicans picked the worst possible candidate for the seat. Enter the worst possible candidate: Kris Kobach. The notorious former secretary of state lost the governors race to Democrat Laura Kelly just two years previously. Kobach was such a lightning rod that many Kansas Republicans openly worried he could fritter away the Senate seat as well. That was exactly what Democrats wanted. So groups allied with the Democratic Party poured millions of dollars into the GOP primary, buying TV ads that attacked Kobach but in ways designed to make him more appealing to Republican voters. Kobach was too conservative for Kansas, the spots asserted in a bit of too-clever reverse psychology. It didnt work. Roger Marshall beat Kobach handily in the GOP primary, then did the same to the Democrat, Barbara Bollier, a few months later. So much for trickery. That Senate race wasnt the first time an American political party tried to pick its opponent, and now we know it wasnt the last, either. During this years midterm elections, Democrats have meddled in GOP primary elections across the country, nudging ardent conservatives to pick antidemocratic extreme-right candidates who appeal to the base but also theoretically will be easier for Democrats to beat in the fall. On Tuesday night in Maryland, Dan Cox won the GOP primary for governor with the help of Democratic-funded TV ads. Doug Mastriano did the same in Pennsylvania last month. Both men have unabashedly embraced Donald Trumps false claims that the 2020 presidential election was stolen. Democrats are playing with fire, again. There are three major problems with this tactic: Its anti-democratic. The GOP candidates backed by Democrats have scary ideas about elections, but theres a bigger issue: Ideally, the rough-and-tumble of our political process ends up producing the best possible candidates to lead our government. Their decisions will affect everything from the quality of our water to the taxes we pay to what gets taught in our schools. We should want those candidates to be good, even if we dont always agree with them. Boosting a rival partys bums undermines that process breeding voter cynicism about democracy and, sometimes, putting people in office who clearly shouldnt be there. Its bad messaging. Democrats have spent the last few years arguing that American democracy is at risk from an increasingly authoritarian Republican Party that wont play by the usual rules of electoral democracy. I happen to believe theyre right. But youd forgive Americans for thinking otherwise. What must they think when they see Democrats funding GOP candidates who embody the partys worst tendencies? In that light, the democracy is in danger rhetoric starts to look like so much political gamesmanship something safely ignored. It can backfire. Bad candidates can win a general election. Thats certainly the case in Pennsylvania, where Mastriano trails the Democratic nominee, Josh Shapiro, by only a few percentage points. A Republican victory in that race could have devastating ripple effects, both for Democrats and for democracy. Pennsylvania is a swing state and if Mastriano beats Shapiro, hell get to appoint the officials who run the elections there. And Mastriano isnt a run-of-the-mill conservative: He chartered buses that ferried Trump supporters to Washington, D.C., for the Stop the Steal rally on Jan. 6, 2021. The possibilities for mischief in 2024 are rather clear. Why would Democrats risk that? The consequences arent always so dire. In 2020, Democratic-aligned groups merely threw away a lot of money on Kobachs Senate campaign. But danger looms. Sooner or later, a party that keeps backing the worst possible Republican candidate will get exactly what it paid for. U.S. House Select Committee to Investigate the January 6 Attack on the United States Capitol holds its opening public hearing in Washington By Rose Horowitch WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday passed a bill to protect access to contraception, responding to concerns that it could be threatened by a conservative Supreme Court that revoked the ruling that guaranteed a nationwide right to abortion. The bill passed the Democratic-controlled House on a vote of 228-195, with all 220 Democrats and eight of the chamber's 211 Republicans supporting it. It faces uncertain odds in the evenly divided Senate. The bill would create a federal right for people to access contraceptives and for doctors and pharmacists to provide them. Contraceptives are used by 88% of U.S. women of childbearing age who are not trying to get pregnant, according to the Guttmacher Institute, an abortion rights advocacy group. Some state legislatures have introduced bills to restrict access to contraceptives, though they have not passed. In addition, 12 states allow health providers to refuse contraception, according to the Guttmacher Institute. "We need federal legislation to make it absolutely clear that people have the right to use and buy birth control," Democratic Representative Kathy Manning, the bill's sponsor, said in an interview. Republican Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers said the right to contraception was not at risk and that Republicans understood there is a "clear distinction" between contraception and abortion. The bill would force healthcare providers to "violate their religion," she said in debate on the House floor. Democrats introduced the bill after the Supreme Court ended the nationwide right to abortion in June by overturning its 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling. Conservative Justice Clarence Thomas wrote that the court should reconsider other rulings that established rights to contraception and same-sex marriage because they were based on the same legal argument as Roe. Democrats hope the bill will draw a contrast with Republicans ahead of the Nov. 8 midterm elections, when control of Congress is at stake. The House on Wednesday passed a bill to protect same-sex and interracial marriage with bipartisan support. Last week, the House passed bills to establish nationwide abortion rights and to protect the right to travel between states for an abortion, with votes largely along party lines. It is unclear whether any of these bills will pass the Senate for Democratic President Joe Biden to sign into law. (Reporting by Rose Horowitch; editing by Andy Sullivan and Jonathan Oatis) Long a place quick to embrace single-family homes and slower to accept apartment complexes, the city of Meridian is gradually coming to terms with residents needs for affordable housing and rental assistance. In his State of the City address on June 1, Mayor Robert Simison said he and the City Council were considering their role in the housing affordability problem. Then, in a budget workshop on June 28, Simison questioned whether affordable housing was the best place to put city dollars. I am not to the point yet where I feel comfortable investing dollars in affordable housing, personally, Simison said. The price of food has gone up. We dont support the Meridian Food Bank with general-fund dollars. I would argue food insecurity is as big if not bigger. How many days can you go without food and water compared to housing? I dont want to get into that debate. Meridian Mayor Robert E. Simison speaks during the State of the City Address held at the Galaxy Event Center on June 2, 2021. In his 2022 State of the City, Simison addressed affordable housing challenges. Maybe Simison was not ready to put money from Meridians general fund into housing assistance and affordability, but President Joe Bidens big 2021 COVID-19 relief legislation has offered a temporary solution. In a workshop Tuesday, council members decided to use $552,000 from Bidens $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan money that Congress appropriated to support the Wood Rose Apartments, a small affordable housing complex to be developed by the Housing Co., using city money and tax credits from the federal government. The apartments would be located on 3.8 acres at 1160 W. Ustick Road. Meridian has $12.84 million in American Rescue Plan money to spend. It allocated some of it to projects like the Linder Road Overpass, broadband, streetlights, irrigation and new fire and police stations. After dedicating money to the Wood Rose Apartments, the City Council decided to also allocate $250,000 for housing assistance. Many cities and counties in Idaho and across the country are deciding what to do with their federal COVID-19 relief dollars. The American Rescue Plan included economic relief for cities and counties across the U.S. to use in their annual budgets. The idea to spend money on housing assistance came from City Council President Brad Hoaglun. I am interested in allocating $250,000 in these funds for housing assistance, but then there should be a (request for proposals) process for those funds for housing assistance, Hoaglun said. Is that Jesse Tree, or is that someone else who wants to use those funds? Simison said his office could set up the process for organizations to apply for the housing funds. Jesse Tree helps families facing eviction and the likelihood of homelessness to keep their homes. Jesse Tree provides support to 300-400 households per month and helps 100 households per month with rental or security deposit assistance, its website says. Executive Director Ali Rabe told the Meridian officials in the June 28 budget workshop that Jesse Tree helps about 40 Meridian families every month with rental assistance, eviction support and other housing resources. The organization has relied heavily on COVID-19 recovery funds from the federal government, but those will run out soon, Rabe said. A rendering of a building in the Wood Rose Apartment complex, it would be an affordable housing complex on Ustick Road. In the June workshop, the City Council decided to allocate $250,000 to Jesse Tree half of what the nonprofit was asking for. When the mayors office sets up the process, an organization like Jesse Tree would have to submit a proposal to the city. The city would then select which proposal would be the best use of the funds. City Council members said they hope to have another process when Meridian no longer has American Rescue Plan dollars to use for housing. Councilwoman Jessica Perreault is one of the individuals working on that process, Hoaglun said. Pay even higher rent, Boise? What government deems affordable just got a lot costlier She bought and set up her tiny Meridian home. Now she fears homelessness. This is why Monarch butterflies migrate south along the East coast in the fall, some remaining to overwinter in South Carolina. The popular migratory monarch butterfly has been listed as endangered, but South Carolina residents can help save the species. The International Union for Conservation of Nature announced on Thursday it had added the insect to its endangered species list due to dwindling population numbers in North America. The IUCN is the worlds most comprehensive scientific authority on the status of species. The announcement comes after populations of the colorful butterfly have dwindled for decades. The monarch is known for its migrations from Mexico and California in the winter to summer. It regularly stops alongside Lowcountry beaches to get nectar in the fall and even sometimes travels to the Midlands and Upstate. The IUCN attributes the decline to a combination of legal and illegal logging and deforestation, use of certain pesticides and herbicides for agriculture and climate change. Such actions have led to a loss of milkweed, the host plant that monarchs lay their eggs on. The western population is at greatest risk of extinction, having declined by an estimated 99.9%, from as many as 10 million to 1,914 butterflies between the 1980s and 2021. The larger eastern population also shrunk by 84% from 1996 to 2014, a statement for IUCN reads. But there is hope. According to the South Carolina Wildlife Federation, residents can help monarchs by planting milkweed wherever they can. At home, school, work, church, the library, the local park - anywhere in your community! Just one mating pair and a good supply of milkweed could produce many healthy fluttering friends for your community, the federation states on its website. Check with your local plant nursery to see if they carry native milkweed. So many people and organizations have come together to try and protect this butterfly and its habitats. From planting native milkweed and reducing pesticide use to supporting the protection of overwintering sites and contributing to community science, we all have a role to play in making sure this iconic insect makes a full recovery, Anna Walker, member of the IUCN SSC Butterfly and Moth Specialist Group and Species Survival Officer at the New Mexico BioPark Society, said in a Thursday statement. For details on the types of milkweed native to South Carolina, click here. For information on how to plant milkweed seeds, click here. South Carolina residents can request a free packet of native milkweed from the South Carolina Wildlife Federation. Do so by clicking here and filling out the form at the bottom of the website page. JERUSALEM, July 21 (Xinhua) -- Israel's former prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu testified on Thursday that he holds no responsibility for safety issues that caused a deadly stampede that killed 45 people in 2021. Netanyahu, who is currently the opposition leader in the Israeli parliament, gave his testimony before a state-appointed commission of inquiry that investigates the deadly crush at Mount Meron, a religious pilgrimage site in northern Israel last April. He said he had considered limiting the number of people at the site due to the COVID-19 outbreak, but added that he "did not know there was a critical safety issue. " "I cannot take responsibility for something I did not know," he said. Some 100,000 Jewish ultra-Orthodox worshipers attended the religious festival despite coronavirus regulations that limited outdoor gatherings to 500 people and repeated warnings over the safety of the site. The stampede occurred in the men's section of the gender-divided site when people moved through a narrow and slippery metal-floored passageway. According to official Israel figures, 45 men and children were killed and additional 102 people were injured in the deadliest civil accident in Israel's history. An overloaded sailboat carrying more than 150 migrants was stopped by the U.S. Coast Guard and other agencies Thursday morning off Boca Chita Key, a small Upper Florida Keys island located in South Miami-Dade County. By late afternoon, the Coast Guard said in a statement that it had begun loading the people onto cutters to be returned to their country of origin, which is believed to be Haiti. Petty Officer Nicole Groll, Coast Guard District 7 spokeswoman, said that after the boat grounded off Boca Chita, situated within Biscayne National Park, all of its passengers remained on the vessel. Everyone is on the boat. No one is in the water, Groll told the Miami Herald. The Coast Guard would not confirm by Thursday afternoon that the people are from Haiti, but their vessel is almost identical to the several wooden sailing freighters Haitian migrants have been using to reach South Florida since November. Several regional agencies responded, including Miami-Dade County police and fire rescue, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations, Groll said. Miami-Dade Fire Rescue medics took at least five people from the boat to local hospitals, Coast Guard Petty Officer Ryan Estrada, another spokesman for the service, said. That number includes three adults and two children, Estrada said. Their conditions and reasons for needing hospitalization were not immediately clear. This is the first Haitian boat to have made it this far since March, when a group of around 130 people landed off Summerland Key in the Lower Florida Keys. Others have tried to make it to the Keys but have been turned back off the coast of Haiti by the U.S. and Haitian coast guards. Since October, more than 6,100 Haitians have been stopped at sea trying to reach the United States, according to the Coast Guard. Its the largest maritime exodus from Haiti in two decades. In May, a Florida-bound boat ferrying more than 800 Haitian migrants ran aground in Cuban waters after being forced to turn back due to engine trouble soon after entering U.S. territorial waters, according to the relative of one of the passengers on board. The latest migrant arrival off the Florida Keys comes as the security situation in Haiti continues to spiral out of control. The United Nations last week expressed concerns about ongoing violence in the Cite Soleil slum in the capital by rival gangs. The violence, according to the U.N., has left at least 99 people dead and more than 130 people injured. The bloody siege erupted earlier this month and left tens of thousands of people inside the slum of 300,000 trapped without food and water, and exacerbated fuel shortages and power outages in the country after gangs blocked entrance to the port. Prior to expressing its concerns about the spiraling violence, the U.N. Security Council unanimously approved a resolution renewing the mandate of its U.N. political office in Haiti. The resolution called on countries such as the United States to stop the transfer of weapons and ammunition to the country where police have been outgunned by gangs, and recent videos show gangs executing people on film. Since September, more than 24,000 Haitians have been quickly expelled after either crossing the U.S. southern border or being intercepted at sea. More than 1,400 who came by boat have been processed into the U.S. after either making it to land or jumping into the water. Until now, Haitians caught at sea trying to get into the U.S. via the Florida Keys or the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico have been returned to Haiti, even if found in U.S. territorial waters. Last July, after the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise and the freedom uprising in Cuba, U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas warned Cubans and Haitians not to try and enter the United States illegally by sea. Any migrant intercepted at sea, regardless of their nationality, will not be permitted to enter the United States, Mayorkas said during a press conference. Reaction from Miamis Haitian community Haitian community activist Marleine Bastien said she and her organization, Family Action Network Movement, are shocked, but not surprised, to see the overcrowded boat of dozens of Haitian brothers and sisters trying to make it to the land of the free. It is heartbroken to see them risking their lives to get here because their motherland is at war, with thousands fleeing their homes daily to escape the massacres, daily kidnappings, gang rapes and murder, she said. No one is protected, no one is safe with no fuel, no food, no access to medical care for the wounded. Bastien noted the decision to repatriate Haitians is happening as the State Department cautions U.S. citizens against traveling to Haiti because it is too dangerous. It is criminal and inhumane to deport these men, women and children who have gone through so much to get here. The Biden administration must respect their basic rights of due process and allow them to stay, she added. The State Department must quell the flow of heavy weapons to Haiti, help bring security, and open a dialogue with with the civil society and the leaders in the diaspora to find a solution to this crisis. The failed policies of the past will not work. It is time to heed the voices of the Haitian people and not those of the corrupt elite and de facto leaders. A Dallas man has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for killing another man on an Arlington street in 2020 after the two had been drinking and playfully fought each other. In a plea agreement, 41-year-old Romus Motton pleaded guilty to murder last week in 396th Criminal District Court in Fort Worth. Motton shot to death 40-year-old Wiley Harper on May 3, 2020, on an Arlington street. Motton was arrested without incident in Dallas a few days after the fatal shooting. Initially, Motton was listed as being from Greenville, Mississippi, but Tarrant County criminal court records showed that he was from Dallas. While the loss of life is always a terrible thing, Wiley Harper was a violent man who had been in and out of jail for shootings and aggravated assaults and had just been released from the Tarrant County jail a day earlier, said Lex Johnston of Fort Worth, Mottons attorney, in a Thursday email. Mr. Motton had a reasonable fear for his life, but accepted a 15-year sentence to avoid the risk of taking his self-defense case to a Tarrant County jury. An arrest warrant obtained by the Fort Worth Star-Telegram after Motton was taken into custody provided these details: The fight and shooting occurred after a day of drinking in an Arlington neighborhood in the 600 block of McQueary Street. Before the fight, Harper, Motton and another man were friendly and drinking beer, the warrant says. At some point, Harper and Motton were on the street drinking beer that belonged to the third man. That man became upset and pointed a handgun at Harpers head, according to the warrant. Harper told him, if you are going to kill me, then kill me, but the man put the handgun in his pocket and left the scene, the warrant states. After having the handgun pointed at him, Harper became upset and was on the ground crying on the street, witnesses told police. Motton tried to comfort Harper, but the two began arguing. Motton raised his shirt and revealed that he was in possession of a handgun, according to the warrant. Harper asked if Motton and the other man planned on killing him, and Motton said no, witnesses told police. Harper and Motton returned to drinking, but minutes later got into a playful argument over the alcohol, the warrant states. Motton became upset, but Harper said, Im your homeboy. Im not going to hurt you, the warrant states. Motton was embarrassed, and grew angrier, witnesses told police. Harper walked away as Motton pulled out his handgun and pointed it at Harper, according to the warrant. Harper slapped it away, causing the weapon to fall to the ground. The men wrestled and fought for the weapon. Motton gained possession of the handgun and shot Harper, according to the warrant. After being shot, Harper yelled at Motton, You better hope you kill me, the warrant stated. Motton walked over to the victim and held to the gun to Harpers head, the warrant says, but Motton fled the scene when a friend told him to leave. Harper, who was shot in the abdomen, was taken to a hospital and later pronounced dead, police said. Days after the shooting, Arlington detectives received a cell phone video of the fight and shooting. The North Carolina Association of Educators is opposing a proposal to switch from paying teachers based on their years of experience to basing it on their performance. A state commission is working on a new licensure and compensation model that would pay teachers based on their ratings on student test scores or evaluations and whether theyre willing to take on additional duties. In a statement Thursday, NCAE charged that the new model would create an enigmatic evaluation method for teachers and threatens to withhold raises or revoke a teachers license if they fail to meet these benchmarks. NCAE said more than 1,000 teachers voiced their displeasure with the proposal at a town hall last week. For the sake of our children and the teaching profession, we need to fund what we know works adequately, NCAE said in its statement. We dont need to reinvent the wheel on licensure and compensation with a pipeline plan designed to leak. The Professional Educator Preparation and Standards Commission (PEPSC) hopes to present a final model in September to the State Board of Education for its approval later this year. It would be up to state lawmakers whether to fund the plan. The NCAE opposition comes as the plan has received the backing of members of the business community. The Charlotte-based Belk Foundation provided a grant to fund a public relations campaign to get the plan approved, WFAE reported. North Carolina has an opportunity to design a system that invites diverse and capable educators into the profession, provides the support they deserve, and then offers options for them to grow in their career, the Belk Foundation said in a statement released July 12. We believe the current process of review and recommendation by the PEPSC commission and then review and approval by the NC State Board of Education is allowing for the engagement of key stakeholders. We believe there are many opportunities to strengthen the teaching profession and look forward to the work of PEPSC and the State Board of Education. Thousands marched down Fayetteville St. in downtown Raleigh on Wednesday, May 1, 2019 to demand more funding from state lawmakers for public education. Basing pay on effectiveness Currently, North Carolina teachers start at a state base salary of $37,000. They get annual state raises for their first 15 years, then less frequent raises after that. The scale tops out at $54,000, but school districts and the state often supplement the base pay. Teachers can get state bonuses based on their students test scores, but its not built into their base salary. But under the new model, there would be seven levels ranging from $30,000 for aspiring teachers who havent yet received a bachelors degree up to the highest level, where the proposed minimum salary is $73,000. Instead of advancing up with each year of experience, teachers would move up based on whether theyre considered to be effective. Teachers can meet these standards based on student growth on state tests or reviews by their principal, a higher-level teacher and student surveys. The highest-paid positions would go to effective teachers who take on additional leadership roles in their schools. Marketing the new model Justin Parmenter, a Charlotte-Mecklenburg middle school teacher and NCAE board member, has detailed on his Notes From the Chalkboard blog the behind-the-scenes effort to get the new model approved. He obtained hundreds of emails as part of a public records request to the state Department of Public Instruction. Justin Parmenter is a teacher at Charlotte-Mecklenburgs Waddell Language Academy. The emails show that the Atlanta-based Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) and the North Carolina Human Capital Roundtable helped develop the new model. Other emails show that SREB, the Roundtable and the public relations firm of Eckel & Vaughn plan to create a group called UpliftEd to promote the new model. The emails show that former North Carolina governors Jim Hunt and Jim Martin agreed to be UpliftEds honorary co-chairmen before Hunt opted to back out this month. Other emails discuss avoiding talking about the complexity of the plan, developing a proactive media strategy and working to gain greater control of the narrative. One email includes notes from a March conversation by State Superintendent Catherine Truitt, State Board of Education member Jill Camntiz and PEPSC chairman Patrick Miller about trying to stop EdNC, an education news site, from surveying teachers about the proposal. How should NC pay teachers? Amid the criticism, the Belk Foundation argues the work the Roundtable and SREB has done is needed to address significant challenges such as fewer people wanting to be teachers. The licensure process remains complicated with effective teachers unable to become licensed, Belk said in its statement. Furthermore, compensation is a significant issue, especially in the early years, and for teachers taking on additional work without appropriate compensation or promotion. In its position statement, NCAE argues that the state should not gamble on an untested proposal rejected by other states. NCAE contends that the new model is more complex and could lead to teachers not getting annual salary increases and having the extra pay from advanced licenses stripped at any time for any reason. North Carolina needs a teacher licensure program that respects teachers expertise, rewards their time in the profession, and offers support throughout the duration of their career, Tamika Walker Kelly, president of NCAE, said in the statement. Former Vice President Mike Pence, who is eyeing a bid for the White House in 2024, celebrated the end of federal abortion protections in a speech Wednesday night in South Carolina, while subtly pulling further away from former President Donald Trump. In a speech in an early-voting state that would be central to his strategy for winning the Republican presidential nomination, Pence touted his work as vice president casting tie-breaking votes in the Senate, pushing to end funding for Planned Parenthood clinics and being the first vice president to address the Right to Life March. As we gather tonight we must recognize we have only come to the end of the beginning, Pence said at the Florence Baptist Church in reference to the Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade. We must resolve that we will not rest, we will not relent, until the sanctity of life is restored to the center of American law in every state in the nation. In addition to vowing to end abortion in all 50 states, Pence also promised to push for increased support for crisis pregnancy centers across the country, and to seek to outlaw the mailing of abortion pills to women seeking to terminate their pregnancies. Former Vice President Mike Pence. (Siavosh Hosseini/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images) Perhaps most notably, however, the staunchly pro-life former vice president to Trump delivered a campaign-style speech that made only a fleeting mention of the Trump-Pence administration. Pences latest presidential toe-dipping came just hours before the Jan. 6 committee was set to hold another hearing Thursday to shine a light on Trumps alleged inaction as his supporters ransacked the Capitol in an attempt to block the peaceful transfer of power. As they stormed the building and learned that Pence had refused to go along with the scheme to block the certification of the Electoral College count, many of them chanted, Hang Mike Pence! The speech in Florence, however, was just the start of a series of campaign stops scheduled for the coming days, including one in Arizona, where Pence and Trump have endorsed different Republican candidates for governor. The Democratic National Committee laced into Pence ahead of Wednesday night's speech, painting him as out of step with the majority of the country on abortion. Mike Pence is leading Republicans charge to make abortion illegal across the country, punish doctors, and now apparently taking issue with abortion pills, DNC spokesperson Ammar Moussa said in a statement. Trumps support within the Republican Party has sagged to its lowest point since before he won the GOP presidential nomination in 2016. In part as a result of the Jan. 6 committee hearings and Trumps refusal to move on from his defeat to Biden in 2020, that softening of support appears to have created an opening for Pence, who many Republicans had largely written off as a presidential contender. Pence at an event in Columbia, S.C. His speech there in April was his first since the end of his vice presidency. (Sean Rayford/Getty Images) Earlier Wednesday, before a meeting of the House Republican Study Committee, Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, praised Pence for defying Trump on Jan. 6 and supporting the Constitution, and he was applauded by the conservative group, according to reports. Let me just say the vice president is a real moral force. Hes a real true leader and hes earned the respect of Republicans and other Americans all over this country, Rep. Andy Barr, R-Kentucky, said as he left the meeting, according to NBC News. As Pence demonstrated Wednesday, hes hoping Republican voters cheering the end of national abortion rights will agree with that assessment and let the memories of Trump fade into history. Russian President Vladimir Putin could be facing another war front, this time on his own turf, as one Chechen battalion prepares a second offensive against Moscow, a spokesman for the volunteer fighting force in Ukraine said. Following Russias invasion of Ukraine in February, volunteer Chechen forces joined the fight in support of Kyiv fueling the flames to a long-held animus towards not only Russia, but Putin. "We know the enemys positions, where Russian military bases are," Islam Belokiev, spokesman for the Sheikh Mansur Battalion, said in a video message obtained by Fox News Digital this week with the help of Ukraine Frontline Media Platform. "We have divided the Chechen Republic of Icheriya into three fronts and 16 sectors," he added while announcing a plan to once again fight for Chechen independence. Members of the volunteer Sheikh Mansur Battalion speak to an AFP journalist during an interview on June 9, 2022, in the town of Zaporizhzhia, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Photo by GENYA SAVILOV/AFP via Getty Images BIDEN ADMIN TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL WEAPONS, SECURITY ASSISTANCE TO UKRAINE AS RUSSIA PLANS TO ANNEX TERRITORIES Chechen resistance to Russian rule dates back centuries, and calls for independence began more than 30 years ago following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. Broad autonomy was granted under a peace treaty signed by then Russian President Boris Yeltsin after a brutal war devastated the republic from 1994-1996. However, disdain for Putin and a decade of war broke out after he voided the treaty and launched a deadly military campaign in 1999 following his appointment as prime minister by Yeltsin. Grozny, Russia, besieged by the Russian army in August 1996. Photo by Eric BOUVET/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images In an infamous speech that was a prelude to his presidential rise, Putin said, "We will pursue the terrorists everywhere. If we catch them on the toilet, we will wipe them out in the outhouse." An estimated 160,000 people were killed in both campaigns, though exact figures remain unclear. At least two volunteer Chechen battalions, including veteran soldiers from both the first and second Chechen wars, have taken up arms against Russia in Ukraine, including the Sheikh Mansur Battalion and the Dzhokhar Dudayev Battalion. Both groups have been vocal in denouncing the leader of the Chechen Republic, Ramzan Kadyrov, who was appointed to the post in 2007 by Putin and has brutally backed his war efforts against Kyiv. Ramzan Kadyrov proudly displays his shooting skills in front of members of his private army at a firing range in his village of Tsentoroi in Checknya, Russia, in November 2004. Photo by Kadyrov Press Office/Getty Images RUSSIA'S NEED FOR TROOP DISPOSAL BEHIND PUSH TO BRING BELARUS INTO WAR, UKRAINIAN OFFICIAL WARNS A spokesman for the Sheikh Mansur Battalion said the resistance group had divided Chechnya into three sectors and claimed to have begun working with local populations "to uncover the enemy troop movements, type of transport, type of armaments, number of troops and quantity of weapons." Fox News could not independently verify the claims, but Rebekah Koffler, a Russia expert and former intelligence officer in Russian doctrine and strategy for the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), said it could serve as a strategy to distract Putins war effort in Ukraine. "The possibility of them taking advantage of Putins forces being tied up in Ukraine to assert their independence is very plausible," she explained. It is unclear if the Chechen volunteer forces are strategizing with Kyiv by creating a second front, but Koffler noted that even if a second front is not fully launched in Chechnya, it could still strain Putins forces. It would "at least make Putin and the Russians believe that they will have to divert their attention and take eyes off Ukraine, so Ukrainians could launch a counter-offensive," she said. "Thats very clever." South Carolina is set to get a fresh shipment of vaccine for monkeypox by the end of the week, state health officials say. The state should receive 700 additional doses of the JYNNEOS vaccine, allocated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control wrote in a Wednesday email to The State. There are currently 823 total doses of JYNNEOS in South Carolina. JYNNEOS and ACAM2000 are the only two licensed vaccines in the U.S. currently available for use against monkeypox, the CDC states. Vaccines for the virus are currently limited in the U.S., making distribution problematic as demand rises along with more cases. As of Wednesday evening, six cases of monkeypox were reported in South Carolina. Unlike for COVID-19, residents cannot simply make an appointment for a monkeypox vaccination. Nationally, there is a limited supply of the vaccine and it isnt recommended for the general public at this time. The vaccine is available for identified contacts of infected individuals, the DHEC email reads. Currently, the DHEC is working to distribute the vaccine to men who have sex with men who were likely exposed to the virus in the recent past. While anyone can get monkeypox, so far men who have sex with men have accounted for the majority of U.S. cases, the DHEC states. We are opening vaccine clinics in the next two weeks across the state for those at highest risk of exposure. Details on these clinics will be announced in the coming days as they are finalized, the email reads. Monkeypox is similar to the virus that causes smallpox, but is less severe and rarely fatal, according to the CDC. The two vaccines approved to fight monkeypox were made to prevent smallpox infection. Symptoms of monkeypox primarily present as a rash that looks like pimples or blisters, along with fever, muscle aches, chills, exhaustion and swollen lymph nodes. Symptoms can last for two to four weeks. The sooner an exposed person gets the vaccine, the better. CDC recommends that the vaccine be given within four days from the date of exposure to prevent onset of the disease. If given between four and 14 days after the date of exposure, vaccination may reduce the symptoms of disease, but may not prevent the disease. Monkeypox can be transmitted when a person comes into contact with an animal, human or materials contaminated with the virus. According to the CDC, the virus can enter the body through: Broken skin Respiratory droplets Mucous membranes, like the eyes, nose and mouth A bite or scratch from an infected animal Contact with bodily fluids Contaminated clothing or linens Respiratory secretions during prolonged, face-to-face contact, or during intimate physical contact, such as kissing, cuddling, or sex Touching items (such as clothing or linens) that previously touched the infectious rash or body fluids Pregnant people can spread the virus to their fetus through the placenta If you are concerned that you may have MPX or have had prolonged close contact with someone who has received a MPX diagnosis, the DHEC recommends you talk to your usual health care provider or if you do not have one, call your local health department or an Urgent Care. A South Carolina native is receiving national attention for breaking barriers in the music world. Jonathon Heyward, a 29-year-old classical musician who grew up in Charleston, was named Thursday as the new music director of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, making Heyward the first non-white leader of the orchestra in its 106-year history. Heyward talked to the New York Times about his new job, and about growing up in South Carolina as the son of a Black father and a white mother. He started playing the cello at the age of 10 and quickly became something of a musical prodigy. He attended the Boston Conservatory and later served as an assistant conductor of the Halle Orchestra in England. My family came from a very low socio-economic background, Heyward told the Baltimore Sun. My father was the chef and my mother was a waitress. I grew up listening to jazz and rock, but certainly not to classical music. I owe my entire career to the Charleston Public School System and its music education programs that provided me with free instruments and free lessons. The Sun traces Heywards career as a conductor to the eighth grade. When his music teacher was sick, the substitute teacher selected Heyward to conduct by pulling his name out of a hat. A similar set of circumstances led to Heyward being noticed at 25, when he was praised by music critics after he stood in for an ill conductor at a concert of the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Heyward currently serves as the chief conductor of the Nordwestdeutsche Philharmonie in Germany. If a 10-year-old boy from Charleston, South Carolina, with no music education background, with no musicians in the family, can be enamored and amazed by this, by the best art form there is classical music then I think anyone can, he said in an interview with the Times. I plan on trying to prove that in many, many ways. Heyward is a trailblazer in the world of classical music. The 25 largest orchestras in the United States have been led almost exclusively by white men, the Times reported. His five-year contract with Baltimore will begin with the 2023-24 concert season. He told the Times he would work to expand the audience for classical music by bolstering education efforts and promoting underrepresented artists. To make the orchestra more relatable, he plans to program a wider variety of works, feature a greater diversity of performers and move some concerts away from traditional venues and hopefully bringing back patrons who have stayed away from concerts since the COVID-19 pandemic struck. Its simply a knack of being able to really understand what the community needs and listening to what the community needs and then being able to get them in the door, Heyward told the Times. In a narrowly divided vote, the Miami-Dade School Board Wednesday reversed its decision to adopt a new sex education textbook for the 2022-23 school year a move that leaves the district with no sexual education curriculum for at least four to eight months. The 5-4 vote followed an emotionally charged public comment period that included community members being escorted out of the building and a multi-hour board discussion that strongly paralleled the discussion it previously had in April, when members initially adopted the material in a 5-3 vote. At the time, Chairwoman Perla Tabares Hantman, Marta Perez and Mari Tere Rojas voted against the curriculum. Board member Lubby Navarro was absent from the initial vote. On Wednesday, Tabares Hantman, Perez and Rojas were joined by Navarro and Christi Fraga in voting against the measure. Vice Chair Steve Gallon, along with Dorothy Bendross-Mindingall, Lucia Baez-Geller and Luisa Santos voted to adopt the book. Miami-Dade School Board Vice Chair Dr. Steve Gallon III, left, and Board Member Mari Tere Rojas at the Miami-Dade School Board meeting on July 20, 2022, in Miami. Gallon voted to adopt the sexual-education textbook; Rojas voted not to adopt the book. The book, Comprehensive Health Skills, which comes with a version for middle school and one for high school classes and offers research-based health education with topics such as nutrition, physical activity and sexually transmitted diseases, would have addressed the districts units of study for Human Reproduction and Disease Education for grades six through 12. READ MORE: Only three reviewers said Florida math textbooks violated CRT rules. Yet state rejected dozens. But the materials soon came under fire from some parents and community members who argued the lessons were not age appropriate and violated the states parental rights law, which Gov. Ron DeSantis signed into law in March and which critics have dubbed the Dont say gay bill. They also argued the districts process lacked transparency. Dotres appointee said board should adopt the book The pushback included the filing of 278 petitions objecting to the materials and resulted in Miami-Dade Superintendent Jose Dotres selecting a hearing officer to conduct a public hearing to review the concerns and the materials in question. People at the Miami-Dade County School Board meeting on Wednesday, July 20, 2022, in Miami. A heated discussion ensued as some parents and community members objected to a sex education textbook, Comprehensive Health Skills, for middle and high school students in Miami-Dade County Public Schools. The School Board voted 5-4 not to adopt the textbook, overruling the districts own hearing officers recommendation to adopt the book. That hearing, which was conducted on June 8, resulted in the hearing officer recommending the board deny the petitions and proceed with the adoption process, according to the district. This is not the first time school textbooks have been questioned. Earlier this year, the Florida Department of Education announced it was rejecting 54 math textbooks in the states public schools, claiming the books contained prohibited topics, including critical race theory. Im deeply disappointed by todays decision. I hoped that Miamis School Board would step up to protect youth in times of crisis, said Kat Duesterhaus, a board member of Florida NOW and Miami Coalition to Advance Racial Equity. Not only does providing comprehensive sexual education help prevent sexually transmitted diseases, sexually transmitted infections and unwanted teen pregnancy, its also important to building bodily autonomy, which is important for teens to prevent and identify instances of sexual assault, Duesterhaus said. We need to equip youth with the ability to navigate their own bodies and consensual situations, Duesterhaus added. Were leaving them ill equipped to have agency of their sexuality and bodies. Most cite urgent need for sex education For those who opposed the adoption, the content under question was either inappropriate or not scientifically factual, such as vaccinations being the only proven method from viral disease, a notion they would challenge, Alex Serrano, the county director for County Citizens Defending Freedom, told reporters before the meeting Wednesday. Serrano has no children in the district and sends his children to Centner Academy, the Miami private school that last year said teachers and students who got vaccinated for COVID-19 could not interact with students and would risk losing their job. We are not against sexual education or human reproduction and sexual education books, Serrano said. We are for statutory compliance and age appropriateness in the content ... and compliance with parental rights law. Discussions regarding gender ideology do not belong in the books. That is ideology, he said. Others who spoke against the adoption also cited their contempt with the books discussion of gender identity and sexual orientation as reasons to oppose the materials. But in the boards decision in April, members agreed to remove the chapter called Understanding Sexuality from both middle and high school textbooks, which would have discussed those topics. Majority of people who spoke wanted Board to adopt the book More than 40 people parents, students and community members signed up to speak on Wednesday. Of those, 38 asked the board to adopt the recommendation given by the hearing officer, according to Vice Chair Steve Gallon IIIs count. Just four urged against doing so. Thats 90% of the speakers that spoke today. You do the math, he said on the dais. That data for me provides a greater opportunity to debunk and denounce this narrative that theres this broad opposition to the boards adoption of these materials. Most people in favor of the textbooks cited the urgent need to provide this information to students. Some pointed to research that found students who receive quality sexual health education choose abstinence longer and have fewer rates of unplanned pregnancies. Others said the materials provide a safe environment for students to learn factual, scientific information and give them the understanding to prevent instances of sexual violence. Former students also spoke, pointing back to their experiences in Miami-Dade schools and how a better sexual education curriculum could have helped them understand more about sexual health. Maxx Fenning, president of PRISM Florida, an LGBTQ+ nonprofit that provides access to LGBTQ-inclusive education and sexual health resources for youth, said comprehensive sexual education saves lives. After citing statistics such as young people ages 15-24 make up 25% of all new HIV infections in the U.S., he said comprehensive sex education gives young people the tools they need to protect themselves if and when they decide to be sexually active. The reality, he and others said, is that should this information be withheld, many students will inadvertently turn to the internet and social media for their information. READ MORE: Miami-Dade Schools are replacing an excellent sex-ed curriculum with a step backward | Opinion Board members said they received emails opposing the book Despite the turnout being mostly in favor of the textbooks, some board members, such as Fraga and Rojas, who rejected the materials, said counting the participants who attended the meeting wasnt a fair representation. Both members said they received a high volume of emails from those who opposed the content. Rojas, for her part, said she has opposed the adoption from the beginning because there are some chapters she found to be not age appropriate and beyond state standards. Board member Santos, however, said the allegations of inappropriate information and lack of transparency were simply allegations. The board, she argued, is in good standing with the notifications that were sent to parents and policies that already allow parents to opt out of material they dont want their child to participate in. Moreover, she said, we have an objective hearing officer recommending we adopt the material, and going against the officers recommendation sets a precedent to overturn future recommendations. No sexual education next year The boards decision Wednesday means that some students in the 2022-23 school year will not receive this specific unit of study, which is required by the state. Classes that include the unit or lesson plans will have to skip the discussions entirely until the board adopts a curriculum, which could take months to accomplish. The board members that voted no just gave the governor more ammunition in the defunding of public schools, said Janielle Murphy, P.S. 305 board member and parent leader. It was clearly stated on the record MDCPS is not following state law and they still voted no. Instead of the small percentage of parents being able to opt out of the curriculum, as allowed (by the state), they have opted the entire district out. Northern Ireland Secretary Shailesh Vara said he is determined to avoid a fresh Stormont election in the autumn. He stressed that he is not afraid to take tough decisions and that the option of cutting MLAs pay is on the table. The Stormont institutions have been in flux since February when the DUP withdrew its first minister from the devolved executive, calling for the UK Government to act on the Northern Ireland Protocol. Sir Jeffrey Donaldsons party has remained firm, resisting a number of attempts to resuscitate the power sharing institutions. The Assembly will sit next Tuesday to attempt for the third time since Mays election to elect a new speaker following a recall motion by the SDLP. However the DUP has made clear it will continue to block the election of a speaker. Without a speaker, no further Assembly business can be done, including the nomination of new first and deputy first ministers. If a new powersharing administration is not in place within six months of Mays election, the UK Government assumes a legal responsibility to call a fresh poll within the following three months. Mr Vara said there is going to have to be some serious thinking before the end of October. I am determined to do everything I possibly can to make sure that an election is not called, he told media during a visit to Atlas Womens Centre in Lisburn, Co Antrim. I want to work with all the political parties to make sure that we can move forward, but if tough decisions have to be taken then you will find that this Secretary of State is not afraid to take them. Asked would he cut MLAs pay, he said that is on the table. Northern Ireland Secretary Shailesh Vara meeting one-year-old Kobi Flanagan at a creche during a visit to Atlas Womens Centre, Lisburn, Co Antrim (Brian Lawless/PA) Im not ruling anything out but Im very much hoping that very soon we can get heads together and that that executive will be running, but nothing is being ruled out. Mr Vara added: My immediate priority is to get everyone to think about the 1.9 million people in Northern Ireland who are desperately wanting to have decisions made. Right now there is 400 million that is just sitting waiting to be spent, and that money can be spent by the Northern Ireland Executive but it isnt sitting, and that money can help people when they desperately need it. We are in extraordinarily difficult circumstances right now, we have the post-pandemic period, we have the knock-on effect of the Ukraine war, there are supply chains that are having difficulties, there are rising prices in terms of cost of living these are real issues that are affecting people on a daily basis. I want to see all the politicians working together to make sure that those real issues that are affecting the citizens of Northern Ireland are dealt with because thats important. On Wednesday evening the Governments contentious Northern Ireland Protocol Bill, which would effectively over-ride parts of the post-Brexit settlement, moved closer to becoming law. Sir Jeffrey said, despite the progress of the legislation, his party was still not prepared to reengage with the Stormont institutions. DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson (Kristy OConnor/PA) We are clear that we need to see further progress made, he told BBC NI. It is good that the legislation, the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill, has now completed all stages in the House of Commons. But, of course, we want to know if a new prime minister remains committed to taking this legislation forward and we will be engaging with both the leadership contenders and their teams over the next few weeks. But we havent yet got the solution that we need on the protocol. Weve got a pathway now that can take us to that solution. Commenting on his partys successful recall petition, SDLP MLA Matthew OToole said: At a time when working households are facing a real emergency, there is no justification for those continuing to hold our democratic institutions to ransom for their own cheap political games. Thats why the SDLP is recalling politicians from the summer recess to address the real challenges facing our communities. The Protocol Bill has, unfortunately, passed its Commons stages and it is time for Jeffrey Donaldson to make his mind up. He cannot keep speaking out of both sides of his mouth when it comes to the restoration of the Assembly and the executive. Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss who have made it through to the final two in the Tory leadership race (PA) Mr Vara said the UK Government is keen to have a negotiated settlement with the European Union over the protocol. But he said that after 18 months of negotiations, 300 hours of officials talking, 26 separate meetings between Lord Frost with his EU counterparts, and 17 separate papers, it is difficult when they are told sorry the deal has been signed up already and thats it. What we really need is a can-do attitude so that when people are sitting at that table, rather than drawing lines and saying Im not moving beyond this, what Id like to see is for them to say, there are nearly 1.9 million people who are affected by this, we need to do the best we can for them so we that can move this to the side and we can deal with so many other issues that need to be addressed, he said. Mr Vara has been in the role for just a number of weeks following the resignation of Brandon Lewis in a Cabinet revolt against Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Asked about the rival Conservative Party leadership contenders Rishi Sunak or Liz Truss, Mr Vara said: They have made it absolutely clear to me that Northern Ireland is uppermost there and they want to make sure that they get the executive up and running. Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Turkiye Mustafa Sentop (C), Speaker of the National Assembly of Azerbaijan Sahiba Gafarova (L), and Speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan Raja Pervaiz Ashraf pose for a photo at the Second Trilateral Meeting of the Speakers of the Parliaments of Turkiye, Azerbaijan, and Pakistan, in Istanbul, Turkiye, on July 21, 2022. The new century is the "Asian century" filled with opportunities, said parliamentary speakers of Turkiye, Azerbaijan, and Pakistan in a meeting here on Thursday. (Xinhua) ISTANBUL, July 21 (Xinhua) -- The new century is the "Asian century" filled with opportunities, said parliamentary speakers of Turkiye, Azerbaijan, and Pakistan in a meeting here on Thursday. "World's geo-politics and economic centers are shifting towards Asia, and it's happening fast," said Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Turkiye Mustafa Sentop at the Second Trilateral Meeting of the Speakers of the Parliaments of Turkiye, Azerbaijan, and Pakistan. "Without a doubt, the emergence of the New Silk Road will add a great haste to the development and rejuvenation of the region," Sentop said. "And in that project, our new initiative Middle (Transport) Corridor will be taking an important part through our new transport routes and energy transfer infrastructure investments," he added. The trilateral meeting highlighted the importance of strengthening comprehensive cooperation between Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Pakistan, especially in areas that would contribute to regional connectivity, transportation, trade, energy, relations between peoples, education, social and cultural exchange, and tourism. With most of its lands in Asia and parts in Europe, Turkiye has been investing heavily in the Middle Corridor initiative that would act as a bridge between China and Europe through railroads, with more efficient transfer than the northern land routes or the southern naval route of Suez Canal. A group of elite universities has written to the European Commission warning that science and research are too important to be used as part of the negotiations over the Northern Ireland protocol. The Russell Group said that loss of UK association to Horizon Europe, a major EU research programme, could damage climate change and public health research. In a letter to Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, Tim Bradshaw, chief executive of the Russell Group, warned that the decision not to confirm the UKs full association to Horizon Europe until discussions around the protocol are resolved is a mistake. In the letter, he said that the loss of association with the major EU research programme would make the programme less competitive, and could be damaging to climate change and public health initiatives. Scientists cannot control the outcome of debates over the protocol. Yet science and the solutions it can provide to challenges like net-zero and public health will be the ones that suffer, he said. Russell Group universities have been major players in the European research programmes, particularly in the Excellent Science schemes. Without the UKs full association, the programme will become less competitive, with knock-on impacts for the excellence and prestige of EU grants. Dr Bradshaw said that the UKs membership was too important to be used as part of a negotiation and the current impasse shows this is having no leverage over the Northern Ireland protocol. The Government published contingency plans for university research on Wednesday, setting out a long-term alternative to Horizon if the UKs association is not confirmed. It said that if association is not confirmed to four EU research schemes, the UK will use funding allocated to Horizon in the 2021 spending review to build on existing research programmes. A Government guarantee from November 2021 will mean that researchers who were approved for funding before 31 December 2022 can continue their work for the duration of their grant. Universities UK (UUK), a group of 140 universities which previously described the loss of Horizon membership as political self-harm, said that the contingency plans represented the first step in clarifying how the Government would invest in research and development if association proves impossible. UUK added: For more than 30 years, EU research programmes have enabled cooperation between researchers across the continent to flourish, including in critical sectors like health and climate research. If the UK is not able to associate, we must ensure that ambitious alternative funding is put in place quickly. The publication provides much-needed information about how this could be achieved. The Russell Group represents 24 research-intensive universities, accounting for 21% of the grants signed for scientific excellence. Dr Bradshaw said: The Government has made clear that full association remains its top priority, however the publication of these plans mean walking away from Horizon has become a step closer, and the time left to resolve this is growing short. Vladimir Putins forces are using food terrorism as a weapon of war in Ukraine, leaving millions facing famine in east Africa, Parliament heard on Thursday. Human rights campaigner Lord Alton of Liverpool told the House of Lords how the Russian military is stealing Ukrainian grain, destroying the countrys agricultural infrastructure and blockading its ports on the Black Sea, preventing exportation via that route. Meanwhile, 400 million people are said to be dependent on grain imported from Ukraine, sometimes referred to as the breadbasket of Europe. Among those worst affected by the blockade are those in the Horn of Africa. Lord Alton said: The wars effects reverberate around the world: food price inflation and supply disruptions from the war in Ukraine has left millions in Africa especially vulnerable to famine and starvation. He added: Today, in a mirror image of Stalin is Putin, who is committing food terrorism by purposefully destroying Ukraines agricultural infrastructure, stealing Ukrainian grain and agricultural machinery, while last week we saw vivid footage of his militias setting fire to fields, scorching the earth and reducing crops to ash. Along with the blockading of ports, this is using food as a weapon of war, a war crime. The weaponising of mass hunger is straight out of Stalins playbook. Lord Alton noted the scale of Russia and Ukraines role in global supplies is phenomenal, with Ukraine exporting food products worth 25billion last year. However, in the five months since Russian forces invaded Ukraine, the countrys agricultural industry has been decimated. In 2021, Ukraine collected 107 million metric tons of grain, but this year had managed to thresh just 3.6 million so far. Meanwhile, the World Food Organisation has warned of an unprecedented hunger challenge, with 345 million people in 82 countries facing acute food insecurity, up from a total of 276 at the start of the year. There are now 50 million people in 45 countries on the verge of famine and 880,000 already living in famine-like conditions in east African countries like Ethiopia, Somalia, and South Sudan, as well as in Afghanistan and Yemen. Vladimir Putins methods were compared to those of Joseph Stalin (Matt Cardy/Archive/PA) Baroness Smith of Newnham added that people in Ukraine itself are also suffering great food insecurity, especially the 12 million displaced people. She warned of the problem of compassion fatigue whereby the amount of aid sent depreciates over time as attention on the war decreases. Lady Smith said: Those shortages are being compounded by a sense of perhaps compassion fatigue. Two letters Ive received ahead of this debate are from charities, Caritas in Lviv and Kaganiec charity in Poland. And that charity (Kaganiec) said at the start of the crisis, we were able to take a truck a week of food into Ukraine, and then we built it up to two trucks a week and then in the first half of May we went 10 trucks. And now we are struggling to send one truck of food in a month. Why is that? Because donations are no longer forthcoming. The media perhaps is not covering the crisis in the same way. Similarly, the Caritas charity has suggested that there has been a decrease in humanitarian aid estimated at approximately 70%. Several peers also criticised the Governments decision to cut its international aid budget from 0.7% to 0.5%. Meanwhile, former Tory MEP Lord Hannan of Kingsclere urged peers not to equate food security with self-sufficiency, arguing that to reach for protectionism in response to this crisis would be the worst possible response. He told peers that diversifying sources makes a country more immune to shocks, pointing out that North Korea is the most self-sufficient country in the world, and Singapore the least. Foreign Office minister Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon assured the upper chamber that the UK was working with multilateral organisations to help Ukraine and those affected by food insecurity in the Horn of Africa. He said: I am proud of the fact that our Government stands through its commitments to the people of Ukraine, whether its on the economy, whether its through humanity and the humanitarian support but also diplomatically and militarily. It is important that this war ends, its in Russias hands to end it. But in the meantime, we will continue with our obligations and support including in east African countries, the Horn of Africa, to ensure that after a fourth consecutive season of failed rains we continue to have decisive, coordinated, bilateral, multilateral and swift action from the international community to avoid severe humanitarian outcomes. Russian President Vladimir Putin has suffered an epic fail in Ukraine and his forces may have to pause in the coming weeks, the head of MI6 has said. Richard Moore, the chief of the UK Secret Intelligence Service (MI6), said the war was obviously not over but the Russian invaders may be starting to run out of steam. Russian President Vladimir Putin listens to Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi during their talks at the Saadabad palace, in Tehran, Iran, Tuesday, July 19, 2022. (Sergei Savostyanov, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP) Speaking at the Aspen Security Forum in the US, he said: I think he has suffered a strategic failure in Ukraine. It is obviously not over. He has obviously made, and the Russian forces have made, some incremental progress over recent weeks and months but it is tiny amounts. We are talking about a small number of miles of advance. When they take a town, there is nothing left. It is obliterated. A woman looks at a trolleybus damaged by Russian shelling at Barabashovo market in Kharkiv, Ukraine (Evgeniy Maloletka/AP) And I think they are about to run out of steam. I think our assessment is that the Russians will increasingly find it difficult to supply manpower over the next few weeks. They will have to pause in some way and that will give Ukrainians opportunities to strike back. Their morale is still high. They are starting to receive increasing amounts of good weaponry. With winter coming and the pressure on gas supplies, we are in for a tough time, according to Mr Moore, who believes a Ukrainian fightback could spread benefits across Europe. He said: It is important I think to the Ukrainians themselves that they demonstrate their ability to strike back. I think that will be very important for their continuing high morale. I also think, to be honest, it will be an important reminder to the rest of Europe that this is a winnable campaign by the Ukrainians. Mr Moore said there is no evidence that Mr Putin is suffering from serious ill health and that going into the invasion the reality of what they were about to encounter was just not being briefed up to the Russian leader. The invasion has triggered widespread sanctions against the Russian regime. Mr Moore said the pretty concerted effort against Russia has led to the expulsion of something roughly north of 400 intelligence officers who were operating under diplomatic cover. We reckon in the UK that has probably reduced their ability to do their business to spy for Russian in Europe by half, he added. Ukrainian soldiers ride a tank, on a road in Donetsk region, eastern Ukraine (Nariman El-Mofty/AP) Mr Moore thinks it is too early to tell what lessons they (China) will draw from Putins misadventures in Ukraine but Chinas President Xi Jinping is watching this like a hawk. This makes it essential that we tough it out on Ukraine, keep going through this winter and help the Ukrainians to win and negotiate from a position of significant strength, he suggested. Russia and China are said to have a relationship that is based on the idea of no limits, the conference heard. Despite being quite conservative about military assistance, the Chinese are helping the Russians over Ukraine by buying their oil, according to Mr Moore. He added: They are right on the front foot of beating the Russian drum and selling the Russian narrative around Ukraine and doing it without any sense of irony. This is a country that spends a lot of time banging on about sovereignty and territorial integrity and here is the most egregious example of someone tearing that up in Europe and the Chinese keep on selling their snake oil around the world. It feels pretty tight but it is not an equal partnership. Ukraine has made it less equal. Moscow is very much the junior and the Chinese are very much in the drivers seat. There were more electives There were better teachers There were less tests There were more exciting ways to learn Other Vote View Results YEREVAN, 21 JULY, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs Armenpress that today, 21 July, USD exchange rate down by 0.76 drams to 414.84 drams. EUR exchange rate down by 0.90 drams to 422.76 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate down by 0.31 drams to 7.24 drams. GBP exchange rate down by 1.58 drams to 496.27 drams. The Central Bank has set the following prices for precious metals. Gold price down by 91.88 drams to 22797.64 drams. Silver price down by 2.06 drams to 250.48 drams. Platinum price stood at 16414.1 drams. KATHMANDU, July 21 (Xinhua) -- The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) proposed by China in 2013 is "the foundation for global development and the elimination of poverty," said a recent article published by Kathmandu Tribune, an online English daily in Nepal. Since the launch of the BRI, new forms of international institutions have emerged to finance infrastructure development, said the article, referring to the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, the Silk Road Fund and the New Development Bank. "These are important alternatives to the existing insufficient financing of the present global system," said the opinion piece published on July 13. The BRI is a pathway that represents a bright future for mankind, the article said, adding "nations working together for the common aims of peace and development must become a new chapter in mankind's history." Satellite images show China is nearing completion of a second village and starting the construction of another village The first reports of the construction of the Chinese village Pangda, which is around 2 km within Bhutan, had first appeared in 2020. (Photo: PTI/Representational) New Delhi: In a worrying sign for India, new satellite images show that a village constructed by China in Bhutanese territory near Doklam is now fully occupied with cars parked at the doorstep of virtually every home, as part of its salami slicing tactics. The first reports of the construction of the Chinese village Pangda, which is around 2 km within Bhutan, had first appeared in 2020. The new satellite images show that China is moving its men into the village to solidify its claim on the disputed territory. The satellite images accessed by the NDTV news channel shows the village constructed is around 9 km east of Doklam, where the India-China standoff took place in 2017. The news report said China has also constructed a motorway from the village along the Amo Chu River that will give China a direct line-of-sight to the Siliguri corridor, which connects Indias Northeast to the rest of the country at Chickens Neck. The satellite images also show China is nearing completion of a second village and starting the construction of another village in the Amo Chu river valley. Construction and development by China within the occupied territories of Bhutan adjacent to Doklam could become a future threat to Indias interests in the region, this activity also underlines Chinas ability to extend its borders uncontested, tweeted Damien Symon, a geospatial intelligence researcher at Intel Lab. China has also been constructing villages around the Line of Actual Control in Arunachal Pradesh to beef up its defences and also to put pressure on India in the disputed area. These villages will help China to strengthen the weakening border force by balancing the outflow of residents and promises China with better border surveillance and patrols through a network of herders. Last year the Pentagon, in a report to the US Congress, had said that in 2020 China had built a large 100-home civilian village inside the disputed territory between Chinas Tibet Autonomous Region and Indias Arunachal Pradesh in the eastern sector of the LAC. Indian and Chinese troops are locked in a tense standoff in eastern Ladakh since May 5, 2020 when a violent clash between the two sides erupted in the Pangong Lake area. India and China have so far held 16 rounds of military talks to resolve the Ladakh standoff. Droupadi Murmu is seen to have a clear edge in the contest with several political parties extending support to the NDA candidate New Delhi: Counting of votes for the recently-held 15th Presidential election will begin at 11 am on Thursday with the results of the contest between BJP-led NDA candidate Droupadi Murmu and joint Opposition candidate Yashwant Sinha to be declared today. The results will declare on who will succeed incumbent Ram Nath Kovind to become the country's 15th President. The counting will take place in Room No 63 in Parliament House and the result will be declared immediately after the counting. The immediate precincts of Room Number 63 have been declared as sanitised and "silent zone". Only counting officers, officials deployed to assist the Rajya Sabha Secretary General, candidates and one authorised representative of each candidate, observers appointed by the Election Commission and media persons with valid passes will be allowed entry into the counting hall. Rajya Sabha Secretary General PC Mody is the returning officer for the Presidential election. Out of 736 electors comprising 727 MPs and nine MLAs permitted by the Election Commission to vote at the Parliament house, 728 (719 MPs and nine MLAs) cast their votes. The total turnout at Parliament House was 98.91 per cent. The voting took place on July 18 and was completed in a peaceful manner. Droupadi Murmu is seen to have a clear edge in the contest with several political parties extending support to the NDA candidate. The voting ended at 5 pm at the Parliament House and at designated places in the capitals of all states besides the UTs of Puducherry and Delhi on Monday. Arrangements were made to bring back the polled ballot boxes from states to Parliament House by July 19. Meanwhile, people belonging to the native place of NDA candidate Murmu, Rairangpur in Odisha, have made sweets anticipating her victory in the contest against Yashwant Sinha, the Opposition candidate. The people of her native place have also planned a victory procession and tribal dance on Thursday. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has also planned to begin celebrating in more than one lakh tribal villages as soon as the results are announced, sources said on July 14. The BJP workers have been instructed to begin the celebration after the announcement of the victory of Murmu all over the country, especially among the tribal community in more than one lakh villages across the country. According to sources, the BJP high command has instructed the office bearers and workers that the BJP will celebrate the victory of Droupadi Murmu in every part of the country. BJP is preparing to celebrate in about 15,000 Mandals. As soon as Murmu's victory is announced, instructions have been given to put up hoardings and posters of Droupadi Murmu in these tribal villages.( Outrage throughout Iraq at the massacre caused by artillery strikes on a park. Blame laid at Turkey's door over raids on Iraqi territory against the Kurds of the PKK. Baghdad recalls the charge d'affaires in Ankara and will take the matter to the UN Security Council. Erbil (AsiaNews) - Nine people have been killed, including a one year old child, in a massacre that took place yesterday in the park of a resort in Zakho, in Iraqi Kurdistan, a few kilometres from the border with Turkey. At least five artillery shells rained down shortly after midday on the resort when about 20 buses full of tourists had just arrived. In addition to the victims - mostly families who had climbed the mountains of Kurdistan for a day of refreshment from the torrid heat - another 26 people were wounded, including many women and children in a massacre that, one day after the summit on Syria in Tehran between Putin, Raissi and Erdogan, shines a spotlight on the ongoing war being led by the Turkish army on Iraqi territory against the bases of the Kurdish militias of the PKK. The Iraqi authorities immediately laid teh blame on Turkey for its responsibility in this massacre: from Baghdad, Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi warned that it reserves the "right to retaliate", calling the artillery fire a "flagrant violation" of sovereignty. The same tone came from the local Kurdish administration, with Prime Minister Masrour Barzani calling in a note for an international enquiry and warning that "this must stop". There were also protests in front of Turkish consulates in several cities in Iraq. Baghdad recalled its charge d'affaires in Ankara and summoned the Turkish ambassador, demanding an official apology from Turkey along with the 'withdrawal of its armed forces from all Iraqi territory'. He also announced that he would take the matter to the UN Security Council. Ankara responded by claiming that "these kinds of attacks" are the work of "terrorist organisations" and that Turkey in its campaign against the PKK takes into consideration "the protection of civilians and infrastructure". The claim is ocuntered by the evidence of recent months on the borders between Turkey, Syria and Iraq. It dates back to just a few weeks ago - for example - the news of the Turkish army's raid against the Assyrian Christian village of Tel Tamr, in the Syrian governorate of Hassake, in an area with a Kurdish majority, with the destruction of a church that had already been hit in 2015 by Isis. Local sources on that occasion spoke of heavy damage to homes, hit by the 'indiscriminate shelling'. As early as last November, AsiaNews reported on the bombing of Kurdish and Christian villages in the mountains of Iraqi Kurdistan, which had led the population to flock to the towns of Zakho and Dohuk. The fact that it was a tourist attraction that was hit in Zakho clearly indicates a desire to undermine the economic recovery of the region, brought to its knees by the pandemic and the conflict. Today's headlines: Uruguay wants a free trade agreement with China; Japanese parliamentary delegation to visit Taiwan next week; Turkish bombing in Iraqi Kurdistan kills nine civilians; Journalist Zubair freed in India; Rais on fundamentalist schools in Uzebekistan. THAILAND Exiled former premier Thaksin Shinawatra has announced that he will return to Thailand. His is a response to the challenge issued to him by the current Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha, a former coup general. CHINA-SOUTH AMERICA Uruguay has announced that it is ready to conclude a free trade agreement with Beijing. The move drew criticism from Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay, neighbouring countries that are Montevideo's partners in the Mercosur single market. For years, the Chinese have been seeking trade agreements in the region to secure raw materials and grain. JAPAN-TAIWAN A delegation of seven Japanese parliamentarians will visit Taiwan next week. It will be led by Shigeru Ishiba and Yasukazu Hamada two former defence ministers. The visit will provoke inevitable criticism from Beijing, which considers the island a 'rebel' province. IRAQ-TURKEY Baghdad accuses the Turks of firing artillery shells in Iraqi Kurdistan, killing nine people and wounding 23 incuding a child; the victims were all tourists: they were in a park in the border town of Zakho. Ankara defended itself by saying that Kurdish PKK guerrillas were responsible for the attack. INDIA The Indian Supreme Court released on bail a journalist arrested last month for a tweet that police said had fomented clashes between Hindus and Muslims. Mohammed Zubair, co-founder of the fact-checking site Alt News, is a well-known critic of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. RUSSIA The hieromonk Ioann (Kurmojarov), dismissed and reduced to a lay state by the Novosibirsk eparchy because of his intervention against the war in Ukraine at the beginning of July, for which he was arrested, will remain in a maximum security prison until his final trial. The decision was made by a court in St. Petersburg. UZBEKISTAN The Uzbek Directorate for Combating Terrorism arrested a person in the Andizan region who organised two clandestine schools for the religious instruction of minors. The man arrested did not have a title or a permit. Over the past two years, he had instructed about thirty Uzbek and Kyrgyz boys according to the extremist manuals 'Kurjoni-karim' and 'Muallimi Sonij'. by Fady Noun Archbishop Moussa el-Hage was released thanks to the intervention of Lebanons highest authorities. The archbishop of Haifa and the Holy Land did not appear before the military court. The Maronite Church is demanding that Judge Fadi Akiki, who is close to Hezbollah, be brought before the Disciplinary Board of the Judiciary and dismissed from office. Beirut (AsiaNews) Moussa el-Hage, Maronite archbishop of Jerusalem and the Holy Land, which is based in Haifa (Israel), was questioned for eight hours, not 12. Reacting to the prelates arrest, the Maronite Patriarch, Cardinal Bechara al-Rahi, held an extraordinary meeting of the Permanent Council at the end of the afternoon slamming the unprecedented attack on the Maronite Church. Describing it as a "security, legal and political farce, he left it to the public to figure out who might be behind this, but gave hints to suggest that it was Hezbollah. Archbishop Moussa el-Hage was arrested on Monday and taken to the headquarters of The General Security in Ras Nakoura before he was allowed to continue his journey, on condition that he appear before a military tribunal. According to Church sources, his release took place only after Lebanons highest judicial authorities intervened, since the primary goal of the examining military Judge Fadi Akiki, who ordered his arrest and the seizure of his passport and mobile phone, was to keep him overnight at the headquarters of the General Security. The judge accuses the prelate of violating the law on the boycott of Israel. Archbishop el-Hage was delivering aid from Lebanese and Palestinians in Israel to their relatives in Lebanon, affected by the economic crisis, a well-established pastoral service. Security forces seized large quantities of medicines, food and canned goods, worth about 0,000, the sources said. According to several witnesses, the medicines brought by the archbishop were confiscated on the pretext that the boxes and prescriptions were in Hebrew. Donors had tried to erase the Hebrew script to avoid any dispute. Drugs for chronic diseases, cancer, diabetes, and kidney failure were taken and thrown away. The list of donors includes the names of many members of the South Lebanon Army. According to sources close to the investigation, the transfer of funds between "the occupied territories and Lebanon is considered a crime, and the bishop had already been warned not to transfer funds or medicines that would be delivered to him by people sought by Lebanese justice and living in the occupied territories". The South Lebanon Army was an auxiliary force allied with the Israeli army, whose members fled to Israel when Israel pulled out from Lebanon in May 2000. The Maronite Church, which denounced government officials, especially in the Justice Ministry, for their inaction and silence towards the methods used by the Military Tribunal, is now demanding that Judge Fadi Akiki, who is close to Hezbollah, be brought before the Disciplinary Board of the Judiciary and dismissed. For his part, Cardinal Bechara al-Rahi noted that Judge Akiki failed to uphold the "conventions and customs" that govern the relationship between the Church and the Lebanese State, which are usually marked by the deference due to men of religion by virtue of their status. The statement did not fail to note that the Maronite Church "was at the origin of the creation of Greater Lebanon." The Director General of General Security, General Abas Ibrahim, tweeted that the General Security "only executed a court order." Archbishop Moussa el-Hage did not appear before the military court yesterday as expected. In its statement, the Maronite Church demanded the return of the money seized by the Military Tribunal", entrusted to the archbishop by "Lebanese and Palestinian benefactors" and intended to help many needy families in all Lebanese communities", not only Maronites. The Maronite Church's statement made it clear that the archbishop was not acting on his own in this pastoral service, but was "following the guidelines that are none other than those of the Maronite Church and the Vatican." Therefore, the Church will not try to justify its action in the eyes of the security services. The statement also called on the authorities to protect all Lebanese, including Lebanese forced to leave the country for historical reasons, whose children are prevented from registering in the Lebanese civil registry, which poses inextricable problems of inheritance and succession. Comparing the present times "to other times and past empires", the Church, without naming Hezbollah, tried to highlight the kind of inquisitorial society the Shia group intends to impose on Lebanon with the society open to human rights and freedoms that the Maronite Church has always promoted in Lebanon and in the East. The Vatican today released Pope Franciss message for the World Day of Prayer for Creation, which the Church celebrates on 1 September. In it the pontiff refers to COP27 in Sharm El Sheikh in November 2022. He also calls on the richest countries to take more ambitious steps and keep their financial pledges to help those who are most vulnerable. At the same times, such delays do not justify inaction by others. Vatican City (AsiaNews) In his Message for the World Day of Prayer for Creation, which the Church will observe on 1 September, Pope Francis warns that the present state of decay of our common home merits the same attention as other global challenges such as grave health crises and wars. Titled "Listen to the voice of creation, the message was made public today in the Vatican together with Season of Creation, a special month dedicated to this topic that will last until the feast of Saint Francis on 4 October. In the message, Francis calls on people to listen to the chorus of cries of anguish heard over the question of creation. In the first place, it is our sister, mother earth, who cries out. Prey to our consumerist excesses, she weeps and implores us to put an end to our abuses and to her destruction. But the "countless species that are dying out are also shouting out, victims of what the pontiff calls " tyrannical anthropocentrism" in his encyclical Laudato Si. So are the poorest among us, Exposed to the climate crisis, the poor feel even more gravely the impact of the drought, flooding, hurricanes and heat waves that are becoming ever more intense and frequent, The same is true for Indigenous peoples, invaded and devastated on all sides, and young people anxiously asking us adults to do everything possible to prevent, or at least limit, the collapse of our planets ecosystems. Upon hearing these cries, we must repent and modify our lifestyles and destructive systems because the evangelical call to convert also entails a different relationship with others and with creation. Such conversion is not only individual, but collective. In fact, Pope Francis calls on the faithful to look at the upcoming meetings on the environment promoted by the United Nations, starting with COP27, the climate conference in Sharm El Sheikh (Egypt) in November 2022. Noting that the Vatican formally signed the Paris Agreement, the pontiff writes: The effort to achieve the Paris goal of limiting temperature increase to 1.5C is quite demanding; it calls for responsible cooperation between all nations in presenting climate plans or more ambitious nationally determined contributions in order to reduce to zero, as quickly as possible, net greenhouse gas emissions. Underlying all this, there is need for a covenant between human beings and the environment, which, for us believers, is a mirror reflecting the creative love of God, from whom we come and towards whom we are journeying. Francis also cites the COP15 summit on biodiversity, which will be held in Canada in December. In order to halt the further collapse of biodiversity, our God-given network of life, let us pray and urge nations to reach agreement on four key principles: 1. to construct a clear ethical basis for the changes needed to save biodiversity; 2. to combat the loss of biodiversity, to support conservation and cooperation [. . .]; 3. to promote global solidarity [. . .]; and 4. to give priority to people in situations of vulnerability, Finally, acknowledging an ecological debt (Laudato Si, 51) incurred by the economically richer countries, who have polluted most in the last two centuries, the pontiff urges them to take more ambitious steps at COP27 and at COP15. In addition to determined action within their borders, this means keeping their promises of financial and technical support for the economically poorer nations, which are already experiencing most of the burden of the climate crisis. This requires further financial support for the conservation of biodiversity. At the same time, economically less rich countries also have certain responsibilities; in this regard; delay on the part of others can never justify our own failure to act. It is necessary for all of us to act decisively. In its latest report, the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan reports extrajudicial executions, torture, and arbitrary detentions by the Taliban. Although the level of violence has dropped, the humanitarian situation remains disastrous. In the last two months alone, 27 people committed suicide because of economic hardships. A foreign journalist was forced by Taliban intelligence to apologise for her articles. Kabul (AsiaNews) Despite a "significant reduction" in armed violence, more than 2,000 civilians have died since in the last 10 months in Afghanistan, this according to a report released yesterday by the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). Almost a year after the Taliban seized power again (August 2021), the human rights of the Afghan people, especially of women and girls, are not guaranteed. Foreign journalists have been targeted by repression while at least 27 people have committed suicide in the last two months, especially girls, as a result of the countrys terrible economic conditions. According to UNAMA, at least 118,443 people were killed from December 2008 to 15 August 2021, especially in the last month before the withdrawal of the US-led international force, which reported the highest number of civilians killed in a single period. Between January and mid-August 2021 UNAMA reported 2,091 dead and 5,309 wounded, 40 per cent of them women and children, caught up in clashes between the Taliban and Afghan government forces. Between 15 August 2021 and 15 June 2022, 700 civilians were killed and 1,406 wounded by the Islamic State-Khorasan Province (ISKP), the Afghan branch of the Islamic State group. Most attacks involved mosques, parks, schools, and public transport. With the end of the war and the Taliban takeover, the level of violence against civilians declined but it remains high. Human rights violations are commonplace, despite pledges by the new authorities to guarantee the right of girls to an education and grant a general amnesty to the security forces of the old regime. Instead, the Taleban targeted specific groups in society, including officials with the Afghan government supported by the international community and people accused of being affiliated with the Islamic State group or the resistance against the Taliban regime. To sum up, the last 10 months saw at least 160 extrajudicial executions, 178 arbitrary arrests, and 56 cases of torture of former officials from the Ministry of Defence and the National Security Forces of the ousted government. To these violations must be added at least 18 extrajudicial executions, 54 cases of torture and 113 arbitrary arrests of people associated with the National Resistance Front, which is active mainly in Baghlan and Panjshir provinces. The General Directorate of Intelligence (Istikhbarat), the Taliban intelligence apparatus, committed most of the torture (which ended in many deaths) and executions. At least 217 cases of inhuman and degrading treatment for "moral crimes were reported, mostly at the hands of the Taliban Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice, responsible for beating, whipping, and in some cases stoning to death people for not going to the mosque to pray, for adultery or sexual relations outside of marriage. What is more, at least 173 journalists and 65 activists have been victims of abuse by the Taliban after restrictions were imposed on freedoms of expression and opinion. Foreign journalists were also forced to submit to the rules of the Islamic Emirate; for example, Australian journalist Lynne O'Donnell tweeted, once she left the country, that she had been forced by Taliban intelligence to tweet an apology. An unprecedented economic crisis has worsened the human rights situation. At present, 59 per cent of the population are in need of humanitarian assistance, six million more than a year ago. In the last two months, at least 27 people have taken their own lives in different provinces of the country because of poverty and financial difficulty, Tolo News reported. TEHRAN, July 21 (Xinhua) -- Iran's first vice president said on Thursday that Iran attaches great importance to Syria's security, independence and territorial integrity, official news agency IRNA reported. Mohammad Mokhber made the remarks in a meeting with visiting Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad, describing Syria's territorial integrity as a constant concern for Iran. He also called for developing all-out cooperation with Syria, stressing the need to remove obstacles to bilateral economic ties in all areas, including the private sectors. For his part, Mekdad slammed the U.S. economic sanctions and its hegemony against Syria and Iran as "economic terrorism," calling Washington a "war criminal." Ali Akbar Velayati, a senior advisor to Iran's supreme leader, told the top Syrian diplomat on Thursday that concerted efforts must continue until the expulsion of the very last remaining U.S. forces from Syria and other parts of the region. Mekdad arrived in Tehran late Tuesday, where he met senior Iranian officials and was briefed about the decisions of the trilateral summit of the Iranian, Russian and Turkish presidents, leaders of the guarantor countries of Astana Process which was initiated in 2017 for peace in Syria. Email Newsletters Get the best of The Aspen Daily News in your inbox. Our newsletters are free, and you can unsubscribe at any time. In a scene from A Decent Home, U.S. Senator (and then-presidential candidate) Elizabeth Warren sits with a group of park residents in Iowa. Mobile home park residents across that state have fought against Havenpark Capital, a Utah private equity firm that is buying up mobile home parks in the Midwest and raising monthly lot rents, sometimes more than 50 or 60%. Built Ford Tough for hard work, the F-150 XL for the 2022 model year is rocking an 8.0-inch touchscreen, a 4.0-inch productivity screen, single-zone manual air conditioning Dynamic Hitch Assist, Co-Pilot360 features, automatic headlamps, Hill Start Assist, as well as Trailer Sway Control.Even the standard powerplant, namely the 3.3-liter Ti-VCT V6, delivers plenty of get-up-and-go thanks to 290 horsepower and 265 pound-feet (359 Nm) of torque. This lump also integrates dual fuel injection, which integrates two injectors per cylinder. The port-fuel injector is mounted in the air intake port, and the direct injector is located inside the cylinder.Ti-VCT stands for twin independent variable camshaft timing, a technology designed to open and close the valves in precise duration to optimize power across the band. Available in Regular, Super Cab, and SuperCrew body styles, the F-150 XL is gifted with a 10-speed automatic transmission.Starting at $31,520 for the 2022 model year, the most basic of trim levels will retail at $34,085 for the 2023 model year, excluding the $1,795 destination freight charge. According to the order guide published on F150Gen14.com , this difference is explained by the equipment group.Ford has gingerly discontinued equipment group 100A in favor of 101A, with customers further offered 102A as an option. A similar change affects the Lariat, which stands right above the XLT and below the King Ranch.The Lariat, which comes standard in the guise of a rear-drive SuperCrew with the 5.5-foot bed, is presently priced at $49,100 compared to $56,480 for the 2023 model year. Rather than hiking up prices without giving any extras in return, the Ford Motor Company has also discontinued the 2022 model year base equipment groups of the Tremor and Raptor for MY23. ADDIS ABABA, July 21 (Xinhua) -- Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat on Wednesday reiterated the AU's keen interest to further deepen the already strong and long-standing China-Africa partnership. Mahamat made the remarks as he received the letter of appointment from Hu Changchun, the new head of the Chinese Mission to the AU, at the headquarters of the AU in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, the Chinese Mission to the AU said in a statement. During their meeting, the two sides held cordial and friendly talks on further deepening China-Africa relations. Mahamat, who spoke highly of the traditional friendship between China and Africa as well as the achievements of practical cooperation with the AU, emphasized the relations between Africa and China are the exemplar of the times. The AU is ready to work closely with China to speed up the implementation of the outcomes of the Eighth Ministerial Conference of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation and Belt and Road cooperation so as to bring more benefits to the African and Chinese peoples. For his part, Hu acknowledged the AU's important role in leading Africa's integration, coordinating a united continental fight against the COVID-19 pandemic and tackling regional hotspot issues. China, Hu said, attaches great importance to developing its relations with the AU, and is willing to deepen strategic mutual trust and practical cooperation between the two sides and push the China-AU relations to a new level. More often than not, custom motorcycle builders aim to strike a harmonious balance between function and form, but youll sometimes see them focusing solely on one or the other. For instance, the Frenchmen over at Bad Winners threw the form side of things straight out the window when forging The Apex a stripped-down track weapon based on a 2000 MY Yamaha FZS600 Fazer.Obviously, this bad boy doesnt give a damn about looking pretty because its sole purpose is to go fast on the racetrack. BW frontman Walid Ben Lamine says the bike is a whopping 146 pounds (66 kg) lighter than stock, weighing in at just 271 pounds (123 kg) dry. As you can probably imagine, achieving this gargantuan weight reduction was no walk in the park, but where theres a will, theres a way!After theyd discarded just about everything besides the engine and frame, Walid and his crew proceeded to transplant the higher-spec running gear of a 2012 Yamaha YZF-R6 onto the Fazer. Fitting the wheels, brakes, and forks was a straightforward ordeal, though the same cant be said for the rear suspension arrangement.Much tweaking was required before the R6s swingarm could be properly mounted, and the whole operation proved to be one of the toughest stages of this project. Once it was out of the way, Bad Winners experts turned their attention to the motorcycles powertrain, installing higher-spec ignition hardware, a custom air filter housing, and stainless-steel exhaust pipework for some extra grunt.To keep the engines temperature in check, its cooling system received a smaller yet more powerful radiator. In terms of electrical upgrades, The Apex carries a trimmed-down wiring harness, Motogadgets m-Unit control module, and a lithium-ion battery. Its cockpit flaunts digital aftermarket instrumentation and a Renthal handlebar, which is adorned with premium grips from Domino.Furthermore, one may find a set of 1,600-lumen fog lamps and LSL foot pegs on the bikes flanks, while its R6-sourced wheels are cloaked in Metzeler racing slicks. The transformation was concluded with the addition of a new fuel tank, bespoke fenders, and a minimalistic tail section, all of which were fabricated in-house. CDI Aside from some minor scratches and a bit of oxidation, this 1989 Honda GB500 Tourist Trophy is in tip-top shape from head to toe. The bike was sold to its latest owner less than a year ago, subsequently receiving a modern spark plug, youthful motor oil and a replacement air filter. Moreover, its drive chain was recently cleaned and lubricated to ensure a smooth power delivery to the rear wheel.Under previous ownership, this GB500 saw its original ignition system replaced with an aftermarketmodule. Hondas cafe racer is now getting ready to change hands once again, and you may check it out on Bring a Trailer until Monday, July 25! Theres no way of knowing where the predetermined reserve price stands, but what we can tell you is that youd need about six grand to get ahead of the top bidder (for now).Nodding to the elegant design language of classic British twins, the 89 MY Tourist Trophy draws power from an air-cooled 498cc single-cylinder engine. This four-stroke thumper features dry sump lubrication, a hemispherical combustion chamber and four valves operated through a single overhead cam.Joined by a five-speed transmission, the mill is capable of delivering up to 38 ponies and 26 pound-feet (35 Nm) of torque at the crank. As soon as it makes contact with the pavement, this power can lead to a top speed of 108 mph (174 kph). The motorcycles suspension consists of 35 mm (1.4-inch) telescopic forks and twin progressive shocks with five-way adjustable preload.At the front, braking duties are handled by a drilled rotor and a two-piston caliper, while the rear D.I.D wheel is brought to a halt thanks to a drum unit measuring 140 mm (5.5-inch). When its 4.4-gallon (17-liter) fuel tank is devoid of any gas, the GB500 weighs in at a very modest 359 pounds (163 kg). Dilbar is a gigantic 2016 Lurssen vessel built for Alisher Usmanov, one of the worlds richest men and also one of Putins closest allies. In early March this year, just as international sanctions against Russian oligarchs were going into effect, Dilbar was detained in Germany at the Blohm + Voss shipyard, where itd been brought in for refits.One month later, after ownership was established, it was officially seized by authorities. Usmanov had tried to bury ownership by transferring Dilbar to his sister, Gulbakhor Ismailova, and to a company in Malta. German officials ruled that the megayacht was still Usmanovs, but they never decided what would happen to it once it was impounded.Until a few days ago, Dilbar was in dry dock at the same shipyard. Its been since refloated , and its protective covers have been removed. Amid speculation that it might be preparing to flee like Putins Scheherazade did a while back, Abendblatt is reporting that construction work has resumed for the first time since sanctions. No word yet on whos footing the bill for said construction work, since technically (and at least temporarily) Usmanov no longer owns Dilbar, or what purpose it might serve.According to Lurssen, the work is necessary for vague reasons that have to do with the ships integrity. We are pleased to inform you that work is currently being carried out on the yacht Dilbar to ensure the safety of the ship, the shipyard and the environment, a company spokesperson tells superyacht vlogger eSysman (at the 4.15-minute mark in the video below). The current work has been reported to the responsible authorities in advance and has been checked and approved by them.This could be regular maintenance work, but if it is, it looks massive. This still leaves the bigger question unanswered: whos paying for it? Maintenance for a boat amounts to about 10% of its value on a yearly basis, and with a 512-foot (156-meter) megayacht that costs $600 million minimum, that makes for a very hefty bill. Tesla presented its Q2 2022 financial data to investors on Wednesday. Of course, some of the questions asked were about the Cybertruck. The revolutionary electric pickup that Tesla is working on should enter production soon, according to Musk. The Tesla CEO revealed precious details about the Cybertruck production, including new technologies to make the pickup Teslas best product ever.We are still expecting to be in production with the Cybertruck in the middle of next year, said Musk during Teslas second-quarter financial report. Were very excited about that product. It might actually be our best product ever.In the previous Q1 2022 call with investors, Musk said the truck would be coming hopefully next year. For the first time, the new timeline is pretty specific, making people more optimistic about this coming true. In fact, optimism was the word of this earnings call, especially after Musk recently expressed super bad feelings about the state of the economy. This should be due to Musks vacation in Greece on board the Zeus superyacht Back to the Tesla Cybertruck , Musk also talked about new production techniques that would boost efficiency at Tesla factories. These manufacturing improvements would not be limited to the Cybertruck but will trickle down to other Tesla products, including future products. This is the first time in a while that Musk has spoken about new Tesla models after dismissing the $25,000 car some time ago.Well bring another level of simplicity and manufacturing improvements with Cybertruck and future products that were not quite ready to talk about now, Musk said, but that I think will be very exciting to unveil in the future. The Cybertruck should enter production at Teslas Giga Texas, where the output of the Model Y is slowly ramping up. Teslas battery-electric truck will use the bigger 4680 cells. The next generation of the 4680 cell machinery has been installed at Giga Texas and is now in the process of being commissioned. Theres some relief for drivers, workers that need their vehicles, and businesses. The national average price for gas is sitting at under $4.5 a gallon right now. According to AAA, were looking at a price range that starts from $3.9 and climbs up to $5.8 per gallon.Southerners living in Texas, Georgia, or South Carolina are paying less than $4 a gallon, while Americans on the West Coast from Nevada, Oregon, and Washington are seeing prices going over the $5.2 mark. California, however, tops the charts with $5.84 a gallon.This is a significant improvement. Just last month, we were finding out that some people were filling up with premium gas for $9.79 a gallon in some parts of the Golden State.Even though people are continuing to travel, the oil markets are cooling off. Futures contracts show that traders anticipate a downturn that might start in September with $99.81 for a barrel of oil. The same parties are betting that in June 2023, the price will fall even further to $85.21.Right now, theres still a long way to go. Gas prices across the country were around the $2.33 mark when Joe Biden assumed the highest office in the country. The President went to our allies from the Middle East to negotiate an increase in oil extraction. But he and the entire administration must take further proper action to make sure Americans will see fuel prices drop even lower.Its important to keep in mind that while fuel prices are a big part of why we pay more for the same stuff we used to get for ourselves and our families, our nation is part of a complicated global trade. A return to the reality we experienced before the global health crisis is nearly impossible.Drivers and businesses should still be on the lookout. On one hand, some financial experts argue that demand will fall again in the winter when traveling will slow down and some minimal movement restrictions might be set in place, while other strategists are betting on Chinas full recovery, which is going to lead to an increase in fuel consumption. EV ICE A lot of jobs will be cut. This signals a major change ahead for the famous American auto brand. Its stepping up its game in theworld.Ford confirmed three months ago, in April, that it slashed 580 jobs. But that move involved an overhaul that helped clarify the strategy of the company. People from both sides of the business were let go.Things are now a lot clearer.Ford is preparing to lay off approximately 8,000 of its employees over the next weeks. According to Reuters , the firing process has not been finalized yet. People working on internal combustion engine () vehicles will receive their notices soon enough. Even the salaried workforce from Ford Blue will be let go.After asking company officials for more details on this discovery, a spokesperson refused to comment. However, they confirmed investors have been informed of the automakers plans to ramp up its EV production. Ford s T.R. Reid said the company also presented its targets to lower the cost structure, which will take some pressure off the electric crossovers and trucks that are not profitable yet.The announcement comes as a surprise since Ford confirmed just last month that its going to add 6,200 union jobs for three of its U.S. plants. But for those listening to Jim Farley , this action isnt bringing any shocking news. The CEO said at the beginning of this year that Ford has too many people.The Michigan-based car company currently employs approximately 90,000 Americans. After this job cut will be finished, the automaker will have around 79,000 workers. The hiring process for the EV side of the business might increase the headcount again by this years end.These kinds of moves will not be isolated. Mazda Europe representatives confirmed a year ago that almost nobody will be safe from the transition to zero-emission cars and trucks. Their statement was backed by other companies like Porsche or Volkswagen.Workers, owners of internal combustion engine vehicles, and buyers of new cars are all in hot water. Some employees might get picked to be retrained, but most of those working on cars powered by gas or diesel will have to find another career path. Recently, another auto company announced that its giving those who voluntarily leave over $27,000.While EVs continue to become mainstream, the value of cars powered by gasoline, diesel, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), or compressed natural gas will fall. It wont happen in an instant, but it will manifest itself as a prolonged process that will become clearer sooner rather than later. A few years ago, this attractive tiny lake house was just a conventional brick house, Jeffrey Cisewski told WSB-TV . Inspired by the beauty of Cape Town and Winelands, Cisewski decided to breathe new life into it. He had lived there for more than two years due to work, but he also loves to travel, so all of that inspired him to create a unique dwelling on Lake Rabun in Lakemont, Georgia.In less than six months, the new R Lake was ready to welcome its first guests. It was initially meant to be a guesthouse, but Cisewski and Shaw Hooker eventually decided to share it with the world. An intimate retreat that can accommodate two guests in one bedroom, the house boasts several features that blur the line between the indoor and the outdoors.First of all, its 20-foot (6 meters) floor-to-ceiling windows allow it to be flooded with natural light while offering great views. Then, theres the ingenious deck that comes not just with a large fire table but also with a sunken cedar hot tub.After a full day of kayaking (two kayaks are always ready, also doubling as a stylish exterior decoration for the house) or exploring Lake Rabun on a boat (the tiny house includes a boat slip), theres nothing better than sipping wine around the fire pit. Even better, the starry sky can be admired straight from the private hot tub.The kitchen is fully equipped with an oven, stove, microwave, and refrigerator, and theres an outdoor rain shower in addition to the small bathroom. Plus, guests have access to Wi-Fi and an HD TV while being surrounded by nature. Minimalistic and modern , this tiny house is a great way of feeling at home on the lake. More details are available at Airbnb. Inside its aluminum twin-spar frame, the 1990 Suzuki GSX-R1100 houses an air- and oil-cooled 1,127cc inline-four juggernaut with sixteen valves, quad 36 mm (1.4 inches) Mikuni carbs, and dual overhead cams. The engine is linked to a hydraulically-operated wet clutch and a five-speed transmission, which sends power to the rear wheel via a drive chain.When the tachometer points to the 9,500-rpm mark, a sizeable herd numbering 143 ponies will be summoned at the crankshaft. Lower down the rev range, the 90 MY Gixxer is propelled by 86 pound-feet (117 Nm) of twisting force. This monstrous oomph lets Suzukis crotch rocket go from zero to 62 mph (100 kph) in 3.3 seconds before hitting a top speed of 144 mph (232 kph).With great speed comes the need for solid brakes, so the GSX-R1100 carries slotted 310 mm (12.2 inches) discs up north and a drilled rotor out back. As far as the motorcycles suspension is concerned, youll find 43 mm (1.7 inches) telescopic forks at the front and an adjustable shock absorber at the opposite end. Without taking any fluids into consideration, the Japanese phenom weighs 463 pounds (210 kg).This articles photo gallery displays a spotless exemplar with just under 10k miles (16,000 km) on the odometer, wearing a tinted aftermarket windshield installed under previous ownership. The bike spent the last six years as an ornament rather than a rideable machine, and it is now searching for a new home on Iconic Motorbike Auctions!At the moment, the leading bid is placed at 6,600 freedom bucks, but that's obviously not enough to satisfy the reserve price. In case youre feeling more generous, then make sure you pay the IMA website a visit within the next six days because the online auction will end on Wednesday, July 27. Dont expect to snatch this treasure for pennies, though, or else you might be disappointed. And by drastic, we mean stuff beyond the simple play of white or black is the new orange (pun intended) on precious Forgiato or AG Luxury wheels. Even tuned examples like The Emperor from DMC might not fit the bill as going outrageous to the brink of psychological collapse does not mean you are also fit for royalty.Instead, something that is both crazy and sensible at the same time is probably extremely hard to achieve in the real world. But no worries, as the digital realm always comes to the rescue. So, cue to Siim Parn, an Estonia-based virtual artist better known as spdesignsest on social media, who has ditched the neo-retro designs for something modern, once again.Beloved by virtual automotive transformation fans due to his propensity towards using modern designs to make their iconic ancestors great again, this pixel master also likes to strike out of his comfort zone into contemporary pieces, from time to time. Luckily, on this occasion, we are not dealing with another of his favorite Lambo obsessions , and instead, the CGI expert refocused the ultra-luxury digital brush to play with the Rolls-Royce Cullinan Black Badge.In a humorous jab directed at its full-size dimensions, the author dubbed his creation the White Mammoth edition, and we can certainly understand where that came from. Not only is the Cullinan Black Badge as white as possible, but its also heavily lifted and refitted with doorsteps to preserve comfort at the expense of presumed off-road prowess. But that is not all, as the channels enthusiasts immediately reacted to the creamy detail that suggests we are dealing with a Landaulet-type of transformation and it was all to indulge in some Miami summer vibes, according to its creator! When your parents are big names in motor racing, its impossible not to get the same passion for it. This applies to Jack, Susie and Toto Wolffs five-year-old son, who is now learning how to race. 6 photos JUBA, July 21 (Xinhua) -- A total of 58 South Sudanese medics on Wednesday completed the second phase of Chinese medical language course which commenced in April. Janet Michael, director general in the Ministry of Health, said the Chinese language training will help local doctors and nurses to communicate with their Chinese counterparts. "I would like to thank the Chinese people for all the efforts they have made to support us as a country, especially in the medical field. Of course, a lot of people have been going to China to study. The hurdles they always met is that they could not communicate in Chinese language," Michael said during the Second South Sudan-China bridge language graduation ceremony in Juba, the capital of South Sudan, Wednesday. She said that Mandarin has become a global language because many countries are increasingly trading with China. Sandra Zangabeyo, a surgeon at Juba Teaching Hospital where the training was conducted, said learning Mandarin will help them read and understand how to prescribe Chinese drugs donated over the past years by the Chinese government. "As they (Chinese) come and work in our country we are able to interact with them and also able to understand whatever they bring to us like sometimes their drugs are written in Chinese, so with this training whatever they bring to us we will not be foreign to it, we will be friends to it because we are able to read it," Zangabeyo said. In September 2021, more than 40 South Sudanese medical workers graduated from the Chinese language training program after completing the three-month course. The Chinese language lessons conducted at the Juba Teaching Hospital commenced last year, under the eighth batch of the China medical team which has since been replaced by the ninth batch. Ding Zhen, the general surgeon and team leader of the ninth batch of the China medical team, said language is a bridge for people to communicate and understand each other. "Communication and mutual understanding are important for establishing friendship because this China medical team opened the Chinese medical language training class to provide a platform for learning Chinese culture," he said. Some of the contents of the course included Chinese traditional medicine and cuisine. "Our Chinese medical team also learned some languages and culture of South Sudan," Ding said. More than 5,000 South Sudanese have been to China for studies since the independence of the country in 2011. Ma Wenjun, charge d'affaires of the Chinese Embassy in South Sudan, hailed the successive China medical teams for offering free medical treatment and performing complicated medical surgeries in South Sudan. "The Chinese language training course is not only training but also providing a platform for communication and exchanges of culture between China and South Sudan, which in a broader phase will also help to deepen mutual understanding and smooth friendship between our two peoples," Ma said. While Toyota has recently announced a production cut and more temporary production suspensions, Volvo Cars executives have every reason to be happy about the current chip supply. This is because the company has managed to resolve the constrained inventory, with the production now running at full speed.CEO Jim Rowan explained on CNBCs Squawk Box Europe that his companys chip inventory is at full supply, so the car maker is now through those semiconductor issues.While, at first glance, it just sounds like the chip shortage is a thing of the past, it certainly isnt. The global chip inventory remains as volatile as possible, and the lockdowns happening in China mixed with the geopolitical tensions in Europe create more uncertainty that makes a long-term prediction rather impossible.Volvo, however, says all the problems that have been encountered in the second quarter, including the lockdowns in China, are now behind us, therefore giving hope that the semiconductor crisis is finally easing off.The carmaker also says that its not seeing any slowdown in terms of demand, and despite the increasing prices, which have been obviously caused by the higher cost of raw materials, its vehicles continue to sell like hotcakes.Certainly, Volvos announcement gives hope the end of the chip shortage is close, but analysts and tech industry experts warn the crisis isnt by any means over. Intel, for instance, believes the struggle wouldnt come to an end earlier than 2024 , especially as chipmakers themselves would continue to face new challenges to keep the production going.At this point, the consensus is that a chip inventory improvement would be recorded in late 2022, but nobody can anticipate how the market would evolve beginning with 2023. According to the automaker, this is a noncompliance safety recall as the upper child seat anchors may not have been welded correctly in the affected vehicles and could break free in case of a sudden stop or crash, putting the child occupying the seat in danger.As such, the recalled pickup trucks do not meet minimum strength requirements, so they dont comply with car child safety rules and regulations in the United States.The number of affected vehicles is said to be approximately 75,400, and though Toyota doesnt seem to have a fix just yet, the carmaker is working on developing a remedy.Until they find the appropriate remedy for the issue, the company recommends avoiding transporting children who need car seats in the Tacoma vehicles. And when the fix is ready to be implemented, owners of the affected vehicles will be asked to bring their trucks to an authorized dealer. The company will solve the issue free of charge.If you own a Toyota Tacoma and want to find out if your vehicle is affected, you can visit toyota.com/recall or nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter your truck's VIN or license plate information. Additionally, Toyota will start sending out notifications to the affected Tacoma owners by mid-September 2022.One of the longest-running mid-size pickup truck nameplates, the 2022 Toyota Tacoma is as popular as its predecessors in the U.S., and a fourth-generation mid-size pickup truck is also in the works. Its durability and versatility make it a popular choice among both hardcore off-roaders and daily drivers. To make an idea of how wildly popular Tacoma is, know that Toyota sold a total of 252,520 units in 2021. Cavusoglu complained that Yerevan has taken no concrete steps in that direction after four rounds of Turkish-Armenian normalization talks held this year. We dont yet see clear steps from Armenia on the Zangezur [corridor] and other projects or the peace treaty, he told Turkish state television. Armenias leadership headed by Prime Minister Pashinian should take positive steps for peace. Words alone are not enough. Whether Armenia likes it or not, this is the reality, said, pointing to the Turkish-Azerbaijani alliance. We are one nation and two states. That is why if there is to be peace in the region, everybody needs to take steps, including Georgia and Central Asian countries. We expect concrete steps from Armenia on this issue, be it Zangezur, the comprehensive peace treaty or steps towards us. Cavusoglu has repeatedly made clear before that Ankara is coordinating the ongoing Turkish-Armenian dialogue with Baku. He stressed in February the importance of the Armenian-Azerbaijani peace treaty which Baku says must commit Yerevan to recognizing Azerbaijani sovereignty over Nagorno-Karabakh. The Armenian government has said, by contrast, that it wants an unconditional normalization of relations with Turkey. Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan complained in May that Ankara is synchronizing the normalization process with Armenian-Azerbaijani peace talks. Meeting in Vienna on July 1, special envoys of the two neighboring states agreed to open the Turkish-Armenian border to citizens of third countries and to allow mutual cargo shipments by air. The Turkish and Armenian foreign ministries said this will be done at the earliest date possible. But they set no concrete time frames. Armenian opposition leaders have repeatedly accused Pashinian of being ready to accept the Turkish preconditions. The prime ministers political allies have denied that. Pashinians administration maintains that the possible peace accord with Azerbaijan must address the thorny issue of Karabakhs status. It has also ruled out any exterritorial corridors passing through Armenias internationally recognized territory and southeastern Syunik province in particular. Syunik is the sole Armenian province bordering Iran. Tehran has repeatedly warned against attempts to strip it of the land border with Armenia. The Islamic Republic will not tolerate policies or plans that lead to the closing of the Iran-Armenia border, Irans supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, tweeted on Tuesday after holding separate talks in Tehran with the presidents of Turkey and Russia. Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. California beachfront taken from Black couple given to heirs Los Angeles County officials have presented the deed to prime California oceanfront property to the heirs of a Black couple who built a beach resort for African Americans but were stripped of the land nearly a century ago A judge has sentenced former Minneapolis police Officer Thomas Lane to 2 1/2 years in prison on a federal civil rights charge for his role in the restraint that killed George Floyd Videos Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos. JAKARTA, July 21 (Xinhua) -- Indonesian authorities are preparing transportation infrastructures in the Indonesia-Timor-Leste border area to strengthen connectivity and commodity distribution, according to a Ministry of Transportation statement released Thursday. The statement said a bus line service will run between Indonesia's Kupang city and Timor-Leste's capital city Dili under Indonesia's state-owned public transport operator Damri Public Corporation. "We've already asked Damri to prepare for the bus operation," Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi said in the statement following his visit to Motaain Cross-Border Post in Atambua in the southern province of East Nusa Tenggara on Wednesday. Timor-Leste President Jose Ramos-Horta visited Indonesia on Tuesday and met with Indonesian President Joko Widodo. The two leaders signed agreements on cooperation in various areas. Indonesia has been building an international freight terminal in Motaain in the border area, which is expected to serve as a local center for the movement of goods between the two countries, Sumadi said. For sea transportation, the minister said the building of Atapupu port has been in progress in the Belu district, under a plan for accommodating larger ships. "All of these efforts prove the two governments' commitment in maximizing connectivity between us and increasing economic activities in the border area," Sumadi said. Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. Heading to the beach is a staple summer activity on the Gulf Coast and many Texans opt to bring the family dog along for the outing. For people planning a day of fun in the sun with the pup, here's a list of dog-friendly beaches near Beaumont. McFaddin Beach McFaddin Beach is a 20-mile, hard-packed beach, according to the Visit Port Arthur website, and extends from Sea Rim State Park on the east to High Island on the west and can be accessed just past Sea Rim on Texas Highway 87. Amenities include free public beach access, driving on the beach and overnight camping is allowed. Gates open at sunrise and close at sunset and the Texas Fish and Wildlife website says the beach usually isn't crowded. Location: 7950 S Gulfway Dr, Sabine Pass, TX 77655 Sea Rim State Park Sea Rim State Park is located on the far southeast corner of the state and accompanies 5.2 miles of Gulf Coast shoreline and 4,000 acres of marshlands, according to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website. The website says that alligators are prevalent in the area, and dogs should be kept on a leash. The entry fee is $3.00 for anyone 13 years and older. Location: 19335 S. Gulfway Drive Sabine Pass, TX 77655 Bolivar Peninsula Beach Island Bolivar Peninsula Beach Island is a 27-mile stretch of coast on Crystal Beach along the upper Texas Gulf Coast, driving is allowed, and a beach pass is required, according to the Bolivar Peninsula Beach website. Beach passes are available for purchase at most local convince stores in the area, and the cost is $10 for a one-time fee valid for the full calendar year. Location: Bolivar Peninsula, Texas 77650 Mae's Beach Mae's Beach is approximately 27 miles from Port Arthur across the Texas state border in Louisiana. The beach is pet friendly, with free entry and parking nearby. The beach is known for exceptional seashells due to its location, according to the Visit Cameron Parish website, adding that the beach is located west of the Mississippi delta and makes for exceptional shelling, especially during low tide and after severe weather. Location: Mae's Beach Cameron, La. Ranil Wickremesinghe attends a swearing-in ceremony in the parliament in Colombo, Sri Lanka, July 21, 2022. Ranil Wickremesinghe was sworn in as the president of Sri Lanka on Thursday in the parliament before Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya. (Sri Lankan President's Office/Handout via Xinhua) COLOMBO, July 21 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka's new cabinet of ministers are scheduled to be sworn in on Friday at the Prime Minister's Office. Issuing a statement, the President's Media Division said that the ceremony will start from 9 a.m. in the day. Ranil Wickremesinghe was sworn in as president of Sri Lanka on Thursday in parliament before Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya. Wickremesinghe was elected as president in an election held in parliament on Wednesday. Ranil Wickremesinghe (front) attends a swearing-in ceremony in the parliament in Colombo, Sri Lanka, July 21, 2022. Ranil Wickremesinghe was sworn in as the president of Sri Lanka on Thursday in the parliament before Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya. (Sri Lankan President's Office/Handout via Xinhua) Ranil Wickremesinghe (front) attends a swearing-in ceremony in the parliament in Colombo, Sri Lanka, July 21, 2022. Ranil Wickremesinghe was sworn in as the president of Sri Lanka on Thursday in the parliament before Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya. (Sri Lankan President's Office/Handout via Xinhua) Indonesias President Joko Widodo speaks to Chinas President Xi Jinping during a photo session in front of Osaka Castle at the G-20 summit, in Osaka, Japan, June 28, 2019. Indonesias president will visit China next week where he and his Chinese counterpart will discuss the G20 summit later this year, Beijing said Thursday, as Jakarta performs a tricky balancing act amid rifts between the West and Russia over the Ukraine war. Joko Jokowi Widodo visited the two warring neighbors last month, in what officials said was a bid to broker peace and stem a global food crisis. On July 26, he will kick off a tour of China, Japan and South Korea all members of the Group of Twenty countries with an in-person meeting in Beijing with Chinese President Xi Jinping, who rarely has hosted foreign leaders since the coronavirus pandemic broke out in late 2019. During his visit, President Joko Widodo will communicate with Chinese leaders face-to-face regarding the G20 Summit to discuss ways to respond to pressing global challenges, demonstrate solidarity and coordination among major developing countries, channel more positive energy to post-COVID global economic development and make more new contribution to promoting global equity and justice, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin told reporters at a press briefing. He praised Indonesias constructive role as this years holder of the G20s rotating chair. In November, Jokowi will host the groups annual summit of G20 leaders in Bali. President Joko Widodo is the first foreign head of state to visit China since the Beijing Olympic Winter Games, and China will be the first stop on his first trip to East Asia since the onset of COVID-19, Wang said. Widodo and Xi will have an in-depth exchange of views on bilateral relations and major regional and international issues, Wang added. On July 27, Jokowi will leave for Tokyo and end his Northeast Asian tour in Seoul on July 28, Indonesias Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi told reporters in a statement. The G20 is split over Russias Feb. 24 invasion of Ukraine that Moscow calls a special military operation. Western G20 members have condemned Russia for the invasion but other member-states, including China, Indonesia and India, have refused to follow suit and still maintain ties with Moscow. Proactive communication with G20 members Ramdhan Muhaimin, an international relations lecturer at Al Azhar University Indonesia, said Jokowi wanted to iron out divisions among G20 members over Russias participation at the upcoming summit. I think this visit is also in that context that Indonesia is building very proactive communication with G20 members outside of formal meetings, Ramdhan said. Western countries, led by the United States, have called on Russia to be disinvited from G20 meetings, including the summit, but Indonesia has refused to do so. Jakarta has instead invited Ukraine, which is not a G20 member, to attend meetings and the summit as a guest. Indonesia wants to show both the international public and the Indonesian people it is successful in organizing the G20 summit amid the Russia-Ukraine crisis, Agus Haryanto, an analyst at Jenderal Soedirman University in Purwokerto, told BenarNews. With respect to the G20, although the foreign ministers meeting [this month] was a relative success, Indonesia is still trying to make sure that the G20 summit of heads of state is also successful. At the groups foreign ministers meeting in Bali earlier this month, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov walked out at least once during what he called the frenzied castigation of Moscow over Russias invasion of Ukraine. Retno, the chief diplomat of host-country Indonesia, said participants at the G20 foreign ministers meeting were deeply concerned about the Ukrainian conflicts global impact on food, energy and finance. Both countries are known as the worlds breadbaskets. Since Moscow invaded its smaller neighbor, Russian military forces have blocked all of Ukraines Black Sea ports and cut off access to almost all of that countrys exports especially of grain sparking fears of a global food crisis. Jokowi, who visited Kyiv and Moscow in late June, on a trip he described as a peace mission, has warned that a global food crisis caused by the war would send people in developing and poor countries into the abyss of extreme poverty and hunger. Former Prime Minister Najib Razak speaks to reporters after attending court proceedings at the Kuala Lumpur High Court, May 20, 2021. Former Prime Minister Najib Razak cannot have a foreign lawyer represent him in his final appeal hearing next month against his conviction in a case related to the 1MDB financial scandal, a court ruled Thursday. Malaysian attorneys are more than capable of handling the ex-PMs appeal against his 12-year prison sentence for corruption, the Kuala Lumpur High Court said. I agree with the honorable Attorney-General, the learned Deputy Public Prosecutors, the Bar Council, and the Kuala Lumpur Bar Committee that the appeal is one that can quite competently be handled by local advocates and solicitors, Judge Ahmad Kamal Md Shahid said. As such, the [originating motion] is hereby dismissed, he added. Najibs counsel, Farhan Shafee, told BenarNews afterwards that he would file an appeal at the Federal Court against Thursdays decision. Najib had wished to appoint a British lawyer to appear as lead counsel in the final appeal against his conviction and sentencing for corruption in a case to do with SRC International, a subsidiary of state fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad. The appeal is set to be heard at the Federal Court for 10 days, starting on Aug. 15. Najib, a member of parliament from the ruling United Malays National Organization (UMNO), is out on bail pending his appeal.In July 2020, the Kuala Lumpur High Court found him guilty of seven charges, including abuse of power, criminal breach of trust, and money laundering, in relation to 42 million ringgit (U.S.$9.4 million) belonging to SRC International that was in his bank accounts. In addition to being sentenced to 12 years in prison, he was also fined 210 million ringgit (U.S. $47 million).Last December, the Court of Appeal upheld the conviction and sentence. Next months appeal hearing in the federal court is Najibs last chance to secure a reprieve. The 1MDB financial scandal, which became the oppositions main election plank, was a major factor in UMNOs 2018 electoral defeat, its first loss in more than 60 years. Malaysian and U.S. prosecutors alleged that at least $4.5 billion (18.8 billion ringgit) was stolen from 1MDB in what they described as the worst kleptocracy scandal in recent times. Acting Philippine Defense Secretary Jose Faustino (left) talks during a press conference at the Department of National Defense in Manila, July 21, 2022. The Philippines is prepared to deploy more coast guard ships to protect its fishermen from harassment by Chinese vessels within Manilas exclusive economic zone in the South China Sea, the new governments acting defense secretary said Thursday. Jose Faustino said he would follow pronouncements by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. about how his administration would approach the defense of Philippine territories and sovereignty in the contested waterway. Faustino, during a press conference here, also became the first senior official from the Marcos government to speak out about Chinese ships and boats encroaching in the Philippine EEZ. We dont have any direct instruction from him (yet) but I am being guided by his pronouncements his strategic pronouncements about how we deal with China, particularly on matters involving other avenues (to solve) that conflict we are discussing here (regarding) the West Philippine Sea, Faustino, a former military chief, told reporters, using the Filipino name for territories claimed by the Philippines in the South China Sea. Still, you know, our sovereignty is inviolable and we have to protect our territorial integrity, he said, stressing that Philippine authorities had recently monitored Chinese ships entering into waters within Manilas EEZ. Before taking office on June 30, Marcos promised he would assert a 2016 arbitration court ruling won by the Philippines against China over the South China Sea, an issue that his immediate predecessor was widely criticized and seen as weak in confronting it. Right now, we have sightings of some, particularly Chinese militia vessels and some Chinese coast guard in the contested areas, Faustino said, adding that he had contacted the National Task Force on the West Philippine Sea, which can initiate a new round of diplomatic protests. Asked if the Marcos administration was prepared to increase patrols to protect its fishermen, he replied: If we need to increase it, as the situation dictates, then we will do that. Faustino did not divulge details about the number of Chinese ships or when they were spotted. In June, Philippine officials reported that 100 Chinese ships were seen swarming in the Julian Filipe Reef alone. That same month, the outgoing Duterte administration announced it had filed a new diplomatic protest against China over the alleged return of a massive fleet around Whitsun Reef, in Manilas EEZ, earlier this year. It was the most recent in a series of diplomatic protests that began in March 2021 in response to intrusions in Philippine waters by Chinese boats, coast guard ships and militia-crewed vessels. On Thursday, the Chinese Embassy in Manila did not immediately respond to BenarNews requests for comment. In the past, Chinas foreign ministry has insisted that the entire South China Sea is Chinese territory. Arbitration anniversary Faustinos comments came nine days after the Philippines marked the sixth anniversary of the landmark ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague that invalidated Chinas expansive claims to the potentially oil-rich sea region. To mark the occasion, Enrique A. Manalo, Marcos foreign secretary, said the court had authoritatively ruled that Chinas claim of controlling nearly all of the South China Sea was baseless. The findings are no longer within the reach of denial and rebuttal and are conclusive as they are indisputable, Manalo said. The award is final. We firmly reject attempts to undermine it; nay, even erase it from law, history and our collective memories. Marcos predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte, did not seek to make China follow the ruling and instead developed friendlier ties in exchange for Chinese investments. He pulled the Philippines away from its traditional ally, the United States. Toward the end of his six-year term, however, Duterte told the United Nations General Assembly in September 2020 that the ruling was considered beyond compromise . Marcos, like Duterte, wants the peaceful resolution of the maritime conflict, but also supports rules-based international order in these [contested South China Sea] areas, according to Faustino. With or without the arbitral ruling, we will continue to protect what is ours, Faustino said. The Philippines, he said, is thankful to the United States and other countries that support the Philippines in its dispute with China. Responding to reports that Chinese ships issued warnings against Philippine ships transporting construction materials in the West Philippine Sea, Faustino said Filipino troops were accustomed to such actions by the Chinese. Earlier this month, Philippine media reported that the China Coast Guard had shadowed two ships carrying supplies for the BRP Sierra Madre , a rusting World War II naval ship that serves as a Filipino outpost on the Second Thomas Shoal, and issued a warning to those serving on the ship. Faustino said the Philippine military would not be deterred. This is our territory, its our right to be in this area, thats our response to the challenges of China. We also challenge the Chinese if they get near us. Its like were exchanging challenges in these areas, he said. Old photos show the former palace of a lord in the reign of King Rama VI that Somchais father purchased and converted to the family soy sauce factory, July 11, 2022. [Chalad Chomjai/BenarNews] A 69 meter-tall (226 feet-tall) statue of the Buddha looms in the distance as tourists board a boat along the Bang Luang Canal (Khlong) in Bangkok, July 11, 2022. [Chalad Chomjai/BenarNews] Somchai checks on outdoor racks of soybeans that are being dried by the sun before being mixed with premium sea salt, July 11, 2022. [Chalad Chomjai/BenarNews] Soybeans are dried before being washed and prepared for fermentation, July 11, 2022. [Chalad Chomjai/BenarNews] A worker picks up a soybean basket to place it on a resting shelf as part of the production process, July 11, 2022. [Chalad Chomjai/BenarNews] Somchai Kamolsakdavikun selects fresh soybeans to be used as the main raw ingredient in the production of soybean paste and soy sauce at his Hao Yong Seng factory in Bangkoks historic Khlong Bang Luang neighborhood, July 11, 2022. [Chalad Chomjai/BenarNews] A century-old factory, which lies along a canal of the Chao Praya River in Bangkoks historic Khlong Bang Luang neighborhood, offers visitors a window into the old-style production of soy sauce and an opportunity to taste products from a bygone era. Uncle Somchai Kamolsakdavikun, 80, who owns the Hao Yong Seng factory, inherited it from his father. The old family recipe and production techniques, he boasts, are superior to modern-day techniques found at mass-production soy factories. I took over from my father now its a 108-year-old business, Somchai told BenarNews. We ferment the soybean paste and leave it for a week. We use firewood to bring the sauce to a boil to sterilize it and good salt from Phetchaburi province [in central Thailand]. Nowhere else is it done this way because most have switched to industrial production, but the taste is not the same, he said. The building that houses the old factory sits on property where there used to be a palace. Somchais father bought the land from a relative of King Rama VI (1881-1925). Somchai will pass on the family business to his son and grandchildren, hoping theyll keep it going well into the future. Somchai employs a six-step process. Select soybeans are boiled and then mixed with wheat flour to ferment. The beans are then marinated with sea salt, which brings out a sweet taste. Step four requires boiling the fermented beans over firewood to bring out the natural flavor without adding sugar, coloring or other flavors. The last two steps require sun drying the sauce in large containers before fermenting for another four to five months. Customers include traditional restaurants. Somchai said his son, who is in his 50s, is poised to succeed him. Grandchildren who are studying food technology are expected to continue the family tradition. We survive. The factory can support itself because its small and doesnt focus on making additional profits. Ukraine seeks to postpone Eurobond repayments by 24 months Xinhua) 08:49, July 21, 2022 KIEV, July 20 (Xinhua) -- The Ukrainian government will negotiate with its foreign creditors to postpone Ukraine's Eurobond repayments by 24 months, the Interfax-Ukraine news agency reported on Wednesday, citing a cabinet decree. Ukraine is seeking to reach an agreement with its lenders on the issue by Aug. 15, according to the document. If creditors refuse to voluntarily postpone the payments, Ukraine will continue to service its debts in accordance with the existing conditions, said the decree. By July 2024, Ukraine has to repay some 3 billion U.S. dollars of Eurobonds in three payments, local media reported. According to Ukraine's Finance Ministry, the country's state and state-guaranteed debt increased by 3.82 billion dollars in May to 101.44 billion dollars. (Web editor: Wu Chaolan, Liang Jun) PHNOM PENH, July 21 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia's total export to other member countries of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) totaled 3.28 billion U.S. dollars in the first half of 2022, up 10 percent year-on-year, a report of the Ministry of Commerce said on Thursday. During the January-June period this year, Cambodia's top three export destinations were Vietnam, China and Japan, the report said, adding that the kingdom shipped products worth 1.17 billion dollars to Vietnam, 612 million dollars to China and 542 million dollars to Japan. The RCEP free trade agreement comprises 15 Asia-Pacific countries including 10 Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states -- Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam -- and their five trading partners, namely China, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand. Cambodian Ministry of Commerce's undersecretary of state and spokesman Penn Sovicheat said RCEP and the Cambodia-China Free Trade Agreement (CCFTA), both took effect on Jan. 1 this year, are a contributing factor to boost Cambodia's exports. "Our export growth is a testament to the larger market access of our products to other RCEP member countries with tariff concessions," he told a press conference in Phnom Penh on Thursday. "The two FTAs have been giving a boost to our economic growth in the long term." Meanwhile, Sovicheat said China has played a leading role in assisting the least developed countries (LDCs) including Cambodia through preferential tariffs, noting that the support was crucial to helping the LDCs boost their economic development. Senior economist Ky Sereyvath, director-general of the Institute of China Studies at the Royal Academy of Cambodia, said that through RCEP, Cambodia could be a hub-and-spoke model of distributing goods from China in the ASEAN region. "RCEP has served as a catalyst for regional and global economic growth and undoubtedly, all participating countries will benefit from it at different levels," he told Xinhua. "It will help Cambodia and other member countries to quicken their economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic." Joseph Matthews, a senior professor at the BELTEI International University in Phnom Penh, said RCEP is becoming a driving force for regional economic growth in the post-pandemic era. "This mega trade deal has created huge opportunities for countries such as Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam and Malaysia to market their products and commodities in such a big market and multiply their profits and gains," he told Xinhua. According to a World Bank's research paper, Cambodia ranked third after Vietnam and Malaysia in terms of real income gains and export growth under RCEP. "We look at RCEP as the longer benefit ... Cambodia is the third country that will gain the most from RCEP after Vietnam and Malaysia," World Bank senior country economist Ly Sodeth said at a press conference in Phnom Penh on June 30. "So, Cambodia potentially benefits a lot from RCEP." If you'd like to leave a comment (or a tip or a question) about this story with the editors, please email us We also welcome letters to the editor for publication; you can do that by filling out our letters form and submitting it to the newsroom. ISLAMABAD, July 21 (Xinhua) -- At least 90 people were killed and many displaced in separate rain-related incidents during the recent monsoon season in Pakistan's southwest Balochistan province since June 1, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) said on Thursday. A total of 63 people have also been injured during the period, said the PDMA in a situation report, adding that three persons were killed including a child over the past 24 hours. The PDMA situation report said that more than 2,500 houses have been completely damaged, whereas 1,417 houses have been partly damaged in the recent rains. Meanwhile, over 700 livestock animals were also killed in floods. Rescue and relief activities are in full swing in the province, according to the PDMA, adding that camps, ration bags, blankets, and other everyday life necessary stuff have been dispatched to the flood-hit areas. Earlier, the Pakistan Meteorological Department forecasted more heavy rains in various districts of the province from Friday to Tuesday, advising all concerned authorities to remain alert and to take necessary precautionary measures during the forecast period. Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. A former Pittsfield man was shot after lunging at officers, police say. They are asking for help investigating his ex-girlfriend's death UPDATE: A body recovered from Silver Lake is presumed to be Joshua Rodriguez, who went missing Monday PITTSFIELD A spokesman for the Berkshire District Attorneys Office said late Wednesday that a statement will be released Thursday regarding a missing Pittsfield teen. A search of Silver Lake ended Tuesday without finding the missing man, 19-year-old Joshua Rodriguez, who family say had been despondent after receiving a troubling medical diagnosis. Police Chief Michael Wynn told The Eagle on Wednesday that all information about the missing teen will come through the DAs office. Mayor Linda Tyer, who visited with the teens family at Silver Lake during Tuesdays search, said Wednesday evening that "we had some very sad news there today." Tyer, who was attending the Pittsfield School Committee meeting, wouldn't confirm details about the incident, saying that only law enforcement authorities were authorized to speak to the issue. At Silver Lake, a police unit that responds to homicide cases was seen at the site Wednesday afternoon. On Tuesday, dive teams from various agencies around the county, including the Berkshire County Sheriffs Office and the Pittsfield Fire Department, searched the lake for the missing teen. Following the search Tuesday, Pittsfield Police Capt. Gary Traversa said the case would transition to a more traditional missing persons case. But that appeared to change Wednesday. Pittsfield police initially said a statement would be provided that day. Wynn later told The Eagle that the DA's office would be handling the matter. A spokesman for that office said information would not be available until Thursday. Rodriguezs family called police Tuesday after they found personal items that belonged to him near the lake that morning. Ganitza Williams, his great-aunt, said that Rodriguez was known to spend time by the lake, so the family searched around there when he went missing and asked police to focus a search there. In initial reports, police said they were looking for a despondent man by the lake but were not sure if he had entered the water. Rodriguez recently received a discouraging medical diagnosis and doubted his ability to regain his health, causing thoughts of self-harm, according to a family member at the scene. Donald Morrison is an Eagle columnist and co-chairman of the advisory board. The opinions expressed by columnists do not necessarily reflect the views of The Berkshire Eagle. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close Photo taken on July 5, 2022 shows a construction site of Padma Bridge Rail Link Project in Keraniganj on the outskirts of Dhaka, Bangladesh. The history of crossing the mighty Padma river between dozens of districts in southern Bangladesh and the capital of Dhaka only by ferries or boats ended in June this year as the largest bridge in the South Asian country opened to traffic. (Xinhua) DHAKA, July 21 (Xinhua) -- The history of crossing the mighty Padma river between dozens of districts in southern Bangladesh and the capital of Dhaka only by ferries or boats ended in June this year as the largest bridge in the South Asian country opened to traffic. Now all eyes are on Padma Bridge Rail Link Project that will pass through the Padma Bridge, which was built by the China Railway Major Bridge Engineering Group Co, Ltd. The 172-km Padma Bridge Rail Link Project is one of the most significant projects under construction by the China Railway Group Limited (CREC) in Bangladesh. The Padma Bridge is located about 40 km southwest of Dhaka, with a total length of 9.8 km, and the main bridge is 6.15 km long. According to Bangladeshi Railways Minister Nurul Islam Sujan, it will be possible to run trains on one of the Rail Link Project's three sections, Dhaka to Bhanga in central Faridpur district for some 81 km by June 2023. The section from Dhaka to Jessore, some 164 km southwest of Dhaka, will be completed in 2024. Md Afzal Hossain, project director of the rail link project, said this is the biggest project of Bangladesh Railway, and it is also the government's fast-track project. "Although we suffered setback due to COVID-19, our work never stopped. The pandemic is lingering this year, but we're still working," he said. According to Hossain, the project is being implemented in three sections, from Dhaka to Mawa, from Mawa to Bhanga and from Bhanga to Jessore. Hossain said up to June, progress in Dhaka-Mawa section is 64 percent. Progress in Mawa-Bhanga section is about 80 percent, and in Bhanga- Jessore part 47 percent, he said. "At present our work is in full swing everywhere. The work of laying track is going on," Hossain said. Habib, a worker at a project site in Keraniganj on the outskirts of Dhaka, said they were working very fast. "This line is going through the Padma Bridge. "We never thought that we would have a railway line (over the river) in Bangladesh. We're very happy for this railway line. We're very proud," he said. Farhat Khan, a worker from Rajbari district in central Bangladesh, said he felt very proud to work on the rail link project. "I've been working on the project for three and a half years. We're very happy that the rail link project is being implemented (despite COVID-19)," he said. Shi Yuan, project director of the project from CREC, said they did all kinds of construction work. "We entered the Bangladeshi market 20 years ago. At the moment we are concentrating on the rail construction and we will remain here and build Bangladesh together with the Bangladeshi people." The employer of the project, Bangladesh Railway, has highly praised CREC's persistent efforts in the construction of the mega project. Workers operate at a construction site of Padma Bridge Rail Link Project in Keraniganj on the outskirts of Dhaka, Bangladesh, July 5, 2022. The history of crossing the mighty Padma river between dozens of districts in southern Bangladesh and the capital of Dhaka only by ferries or boats ended in June this year as the largest bridge in the South Asian country opened to traffic. (Xinhua) Photo taken on July 5, 2022 shows a construction site of Padma Bridge Rail Link Project in Keraniganj on the outskirts of Dhaka, Bangladesh. The history of crossing the mighty Padma river between dozens of districts in southern Bangladesh and the capital of Dhaka only by ferries or boats ended in June this year as the largest bridge in the South Asian country opened to traffic. (Xinhua) Photo taken on July 5, 2022 shows a section of Padma Bridge Rail Link Project in Keraniganj on the outskirts of Dhaka, Bangladesh. The history of crossing the mighty Padma river between dozens of districts in southern Bangladesh and the capital of Dhaka only by ferries or boats ended in June this year as the largest bridge in the South Asian country opened to traffic. (Xinhua) Photo taken on July 5, 2022 shows a construction site of Padma Bridge Rail Link Project in Keraniganj on the outskirts of Dhaka, Bangladesh. The history of crossing the mighty Padma river between dozens of districts in southern Bangladesh and the capital of Dhaka only by ferries or boats ended in June this year as the largest bridge in the South Asian country opened to traffic. (Xinhua) Workers operate at a construction site of Padma Bridge Rail Link Project in Keraniganj on the outskirts of Dhaka, Bangladesh, July 5, 2022. The history of crossing the mighty Padma river between dozens of districts in southern Bangladesh and the capital of Dhaka only by ferries or boats ended in June this year as the largest bridge in the South Asian country opened to traffic. (Xinhua) Photo taken on July 5, 2022 shows a construction site of Padma Bridge Rail Link Project in Keraniganj on the outskirts of Dhaka, Bangladesh. The history of crossing the mighty Padma river between dozens of districts in southern Bangladesh and the capital of Dhaka only by ferries or boats ended in June this year as the largest bridge in the South Asian country opened to traffic. (Xinhua) The gospel message is central to the Christian faith. It is the core of our religion and the focus of most Christian outreach. Yet, many Christians dont seem to understand what the gospel actually is, or why it is important. For being so crucial, there is much mystery and confusion surrounding it. To truly be saved, we must know and believe the gospel. We begin this process by understanding what the gospel is. What Does The Gospel Mean? The word gospel is so common in Christian circles that we rarely stop to think about what it means. Two Christians can talk about the gospel and yet be talking about two different things. Is it a set of teachings? A history lesson? Anything that elicits a spiritual feeling? To be clear, we must first define our terms. We get the word gospel from the Greek euangelion, which means glad tidings or good/joyful news. A similar word (euangelizomai) is also used in Luke 2 when angels appear to the shepherds to announce the birth of Jesus. In its definition of this word, StepBible.com notes, In the [New Testament] it always refers to the death, burial, resurrection, and witness about Jesus Christ, including its implications for humankinds relationship to God. The gospel is the good news of who Jesus Christ is and what he has done, specifically to redeem fallen humanity. The New Testament writers tell us that this good news is to be proclaimed to the whole world (Matthew 24:14, Mark 16:15). It is to be believed (Mark 1:15, Acts 15:7) and defended (Philippians 1:16). Scripture also tells us that there are consequences for those who do not obey the gospel (2 Thessalonians 1:18, 1 Peter 4:17). What Is the Gospel Message of Jesus? Scripture tells us that when the first man and woman sinned, humanity and the rest of creation were plunged into darkness as sin entered the world (Genesis 3:7-19; Romans 5:12, 8:20-22). Every human being is born with a sinful nature that separates them from God, because God is holy and cannot allow sin. The rightful punishment for sin is death and eternal separation from God (Romans 6:23, John 5:29, Revelation 21:8). The worst part is that there is nothing we can do to fix our situation. We cannot work our way out of the debt weve accumulated. In its natural state, humanity is doomed. But God is gracious. From eternity past, God had a plan to rescue fallen humanity. Just as one man sinned and brought judgment upon all who came after him, one man would pay the sin debt and offer salvation to anyone who would turn away from their sin. But how could this be done if all humans are inherently sinful? Only God is sinless, so only God could pay the penalty for sin. And thats exactly what he did. God the Son, the second person of the Trinity, left his place in heaven and took on human flesh. Born to the virgin Mary, Jesus Christ lived a sinless life on earth and died an atoning death. As Jesus hung on a Roman cross, God poured out his judgment for sin on Jesus, satisfying Gods justice. He died there and was buried in a borrowed tomb. Three days later, God raised Jesus from the dead, proving that his death was a sufficient sacrifice for sin. After appearing to his followers, Jesus was taken up into heaven, where he now sits at the right hand of the Father until he returns to judge the world. This is the gospel of Jesus Christ. The good news is that Jesus atoned for our sins, and we have the opportunity to be forgiven and adopted into the family of God. As sons and daughters, we have become heirs to glory with Jesus Christ. One day, Jesus will return to earth to judge the righteous and the wicked. The wicked will be sent away into eternal punishment, while the righteous will be gathered together to live with God in the new heavens and new earth. There will be no suffering, no sin, and no pain. We will spend eternity enjoying God and one another in a peace that we cannot even imagine. But this future is only for those who repentmeaning turn awayfrom their lives of sin and trust only in the substitutionary death of Jesus to make them right with God. Those who reject Gods offer of salvation will not inherit eternal life. Those who ride the fence and try to play it neutral will bear the wrath of God for sin. Though some may call such a punishment harsh, it is the only appropriate judgment for sin against a holy God. Gods wrath is great, but so is his love. Though he had every right to leave us to destroy ourselves, God chose to sacrifice his only Son for the very people who hated him. We cant miss the incredible grace of this act. He chose to make enemies into children, rebels into friends, sinners into saints by pouring out his wrath on his beloved Son. Why Is the Gospel Message Important for Us? Quite simply, what we do with the gospel determines our eternity. Whether we accept the truth or not, it is still the truth, and it will be the truth at the end of our lives when we stand before a holy God. The only way to escape the wrath of God and live in peace and joy with him forever is to believe that the blood of Christ is the only thing that can take away our sins. Atonement through the blood of Jesus is the key to salvation. The New Testament makes clear that it is the blood of Jesus that justifies us and reconciles us to God (Romans 5:9-10). Gods wrath for sin must be satisfied. To be saved, there has to be a substitute. That substitute is Jesus. By dying on the cross and taking the wrath of God upon himself, he satisfied Gods justice so that sinners could go free. Thats why Paul says in Romans 8:1, There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. This is why the gospel message is critical. If there is no atonement, there is no salvation. This is why we must proclaim the whole gospel, bad news and all. If we tell people just to accept a few facts about Jesus, or to choose a relationship with him without getting to the deeper issue of repentance and trust in his finished work, then we have not done them any good. A person who has a relationship with Jesus but has never surrendered to Him as Savior and Lord is still lost. We must tell people the whole truth. And we must remind ourselves of the whole truth as well. Though we may be tempted to think that we dont need the gospel after we come to faith, we need the gospel every day. The Apostle Peter urges us in 1 Peter 1:17-25 to grow up in holiness because of the gospel and the great price Jesus paid to redeem us. The more we think about the grace of God, how costly our atonement was, and how loving and kind Jesus is, the more God will shape us into the likeness of Jesus. The more our hearts overflow with gratitude for the gift of the gospel, the more we will want to be like our Savior. The gospel never loses its relevance in our lives. We must be diligent to always keep it in our minds and hearts. How Do We Come Back to the Gospel? For many Christians, it is easy to overcomplicate our salvation. We try to learn enough. We try to produce enough fruit. Eventually, we end up exhausting ourselves by trying to live without the power of the gospel. How do we get back to the heart of God? How do we change course and return to the gospel? First, we need to remember the power of the gospel. Paul reminds us that the gospel is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes (Romans 1:16). There is no self-help book, no firey preaching, no amount of human effort that can change us into the image of Jesus. All over the New Testament, the good news of Jesus Christ changed peoples lives. The Lord will transform us by the power of the same gospel he used to justify us. And only by that gospel will we be changed. Since the beginning of the church, Christians have fallen into the trap of thinking that they need Jesus plus something else to be saved and grow in righteousness. In Pauls day, it was Jews thinking they still had to observe Old Testament laws. In our day, it might be thinking that we need to give a certain amount of our wealth to charity. Other traps could be thinking that we must act a certain way, dress a certain way, or talk a certain way. We may get so focused on doing enough and being good enough for God that we make it necessary for our salvation. Although the Bible speaks to all of these things, none of them can make us right with God. To come back to the gospel, we must recognize its sufficiency. Anytime we make our salvation about Jesus plus fill-in-the-blank, we are believing a different gospel than the one God has given humanity (Gal 1:6-9). The Apostle Paul calls out the Jesus plus works gospel that Christians in Galatia had bought into. In Galatians 3:1-6, he basically asks the question: If God saved you by faith, why do you think you can finish that work by your own effort? How are you going to complete by works what God started in you by his Spirit? The same question applies to us today. Remembering the sufficiency and power of the gospel is critical to our lives. To do this, we would do well to take two practical steps: prayer and saturation. What do we pray for? We pray that the Lord would refocus our minds and hearts on the truth of the gospel. The most important thing we can do in our walk with God is to ask him to help us remember him and the things he has done. We have a gracious heavenly Father who delights in answering the prayers of his people (Luke 11:9-13, John 14:13, Psalm 145:18-19). We can be confident that God will be faithful to help us when we ask him. But what does saturation mean? It means we should fill our lives with the gospel. As we learn to pray for Gods help in remembering the gospel, we must also learn to work with him by constantly finding ways to have the gospel in front of us. We can do this in simple ways. We can choose to listen to worship music instead of other music that is not necessarily bad but is not spiritually engaging. We can choose to read our Bibles instead of scrolling on our phones. Though there is nothing wrong with music or social media, it would be more profitable for us to spend time taking in things that remind us of the gospel. On a deeper level, a huge part of saturating our lives with the gospel is building relationships with other believers. God uses other believers in our lives to teach us, challenge us, and bring to mind old truths that we may have forgotten. The gospel is by far the most important news we will ever hear and the most important call we will ever answer. Now that we know what it is and why its important, only one question remains: Will we obey it? Further Reading: What Is the Gospel and Why Is it Good News? 11 Reasons to Share the Gospel Is the Gospel Offensive, Or Are You? Photo Credit: Getty Images/shuang paul wang Rylie Fine is a freelance writer and editor. She is passionate about the Bible and seeks to equip other believers to study it for themselves. Rylie lives in northeast Ohio with her husband, Evan. This article is part of our larger resource library of Christian questions important to the Christian faith. From core beliefs to what the Bible says about angels, we want to provide easy to read and understand articles that answer your questions about Christian living. What Do Christians Believe? How Old Is the Earth? Who Is My Neighbor in the Bible? What Does God Look Like? Are Guardian Angels Real? What Does it Mean to Be Zealous for God? HEYBURN, ID - On Saturday, July 16 at approximately 6:30 a.m., a trooper with the Idaho State Police was dispatched to a reported hit and run collision on I-84 in Minidoka County, ID. The trooper was advised by dispatch that a 2006 Toyota Sequoia had collided with a 2008 Ford F-350 pickup. The trooper then received additional information that the drover of the Sequoia fled from the scene, but returned shortly after and attempted to steal the F-350. According to police, when the pickup driver refused to hand over his keys, the suspect, who was later identified as 39-year old Patrick Krongo Kaberi of Kemmerer, Wyoming, allegedly poured gasoline on the F-350 and set it on fire. When a passerby in a GMC Sierra stopped to help extinguish the flames, the suspect stole his vehicle. When fleeing the scene, the suspect, who was now driving the stolen Sierra, also struck a passerby. A Heyburn Police officer responding to the incident attempted using spike strips on the Sierra, but Kaberi avoided the strips and continued driving. Police say the Heyburn officer then pursued the Sierra, which exited the freeway. Once off the freeway, Kaberi maneuvered the Sierra and intentionally collided with the Heyburn Police vehicle in pursuit, a 2013 Ford Taurus. Following the collision, the officer contacted Kaberi as he exited the Sierra and attempted to subdue him with a taser, but the deployment was unsuccessful. The suspect then was able to get inside of the police vehicle and take off, attempting to run the officer over. The officer fired multiple shots into the police vehicle, striking Kaberi as he drove away. According to a release from the Idaho State Police, about a mile down the road the police vehicle became inoperable due to damage sustained during the collision and the suspect took off on foot into a cornfield. Officers located the empty vehicle a short time later and contained the area. After a police K-9 was deployed in the area, Kaberi was located and taken into custody without further incident. Kaberi was transported to the Minidoka Memorial Hospital for a gunshot wound and K-9 contact injuries. When he was medically cleared, he was then booked into the Mini-Cassia Criminal Justice Center on the following charges: Arson Grand Theft x2 Aggravated Battery Aggravated Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer Aggravated Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer He was later issued additional citations for reckless driving, leaving the scene of a property damage crash, and failure to wear a safety restraint. Bond has been set for $1,000,000. The injuries to the suspect were considered non-life threatening and he remains in jail. No injuries were reported by the involved Heyburn Police officer, an 8-year veteran. He is on administrative leave per Heyburn City policy. The driver of the GMC Sierra, a 42-year-old Ammon, ID man, was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The driver of the burned Ford F-350 involved in the original collision, a 43-year-old male from Twin Falls, was not injured during the incident. Detectives with the Critical Incident Task Force continue to investigate this incident. Additional charges may be forwarded to the Prosecutor's Office. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices To bridge the existing skill gap in healthcare industry and strengthen the nations future workforce UPES School of Health Sciences & Technology, Dehradun has signed an exclusive partnership with Wipro GE Healthcare, to jointly launch the B.Tech Biomedical Engineering programme. The partnership aims to co-design and co-deliver this programme to students during their semesters of study so that students who graduate here are industry-ready from Day 1. Wipro GE Healthcare will be setting up a state-of-the-art skill lab for students. Upon successful completion of the modules, students will receive a certificate of completion by Wipro GE Healthcare. Final year students will be provided with an opportunity to attend a 21-day advanced training programme at the GE Healthcare Institute in Bengaluru. Upon completion of the advance certification, students will also be provided with an internship within the healthcare industry, so that they are ready for the job from the very first day and can serve as an asset to any healthcare employer. There will be advanced ECG machines, precise anaesthesia solutions, high-frequency X-ray machines and advanced simulation monitors that will offer students a unique learning experience. Introduces medical radar monitoring and imaging technology (ReDS) to Indian patients for the first time Terumo India, the Indian arm of Japanese firm Terumo Corporation, has signed a partnership with Israel-based Sensible Medical Innovations, a market leader in medical radar monitoring and imaging technology (ReDS), that grants it exclusive distribution rights for ReDS Pro and knowledge-sharing of ReDS technology in India. ReDS Pro is used to measure the absolute lung fluid volume in patients, which has strong correlation with symptoms of Coronary Heart Failure (CHF). It is a non-invasive method that takes only 45 seconds to measure. Lung fluid assessment with ReDS Pro is proven to be as accurate as that measured by a CT scan. Periodic monitoring through ReDS Pro and titration of medicines in heart failure patients can potentially reduce hospitalization rates by 30%. ReDS technology has been adapted for medical use from an Israeli military application where it was used to see through walls. The Western Cape has welcomed the news that the South African government has agreed, in principle, to increase the number of flights between South Africa and the United States from 21 weekly flights to a total of 23. According to the bilateral air service agreement, United States airlines are allowed to fly 21 weekly flights to South Africa. United States airlines currently fill 17 flights per week. Both United Airlines and Delta Air Lines have each requested an additional three frequencies to fly directly to Cape Town in particular. To accommodate both airlines, the United States government approached the South African Department of Transport to request an additional two slots per week, taking the total allowed to 23 which, together with the remaining already allocated slots, would allow United and Delta to use an additional three flights per week. Both airlines have publicly welcomed this tentative approval. "More flights mean more visitors and more visitors mean more jobs for the Western Cape, and so this is fantastic news for our province which is recording a sustained tourism recovery," says Mireille Wenger, provincial minister of finance and economic opportunities, "It is also great news that the trade and investment relationship between the Western Cape and the United States continues to grow from strength to strength. According to provincial data: The United States is one of the major source countries for international tourist arrivals to the Western Cape, with more than 134,000 American tourists arriving in the Western Cape in 2019 before the pandemic. The United States was the Western Capes largest export market for the first time in 2021, with exports totalling close-on R17bn, an increase of 57.5% on 2020s value of R10.8bn. For the past decade, the United States has also been the largest investor in the Western Cape by Capex - investing R2.9bn and R4.4bn into the Western Cape in 2020 and 2021, respectively; and A 24.5% increase in citrus exports and a 41.6% increase in wine exports were also notable increases to the U.S. from 2020 to 2021. "As we welcome more flights, our objective is not only to recover to pre-pandemic levels, but to grow far beyond these figures so that we create many more economic opportunities in the province. "To do this, we will continue to leverage the successful Cape Town Air Access collaboration, we will boost our destination marketing at home and abroad, and we will tackle barriers that stand in the way of this sectors growth. We will also continue to focus on our domestic tourism market which remains essential to the sustainability of our tourism and hospitality sector into the future," concludes Wenger. Moto Business Service Nigeria (MBSN), a subsidiary of Japan's Yamaha Motor Corporation has announced a strategic partnership with Metro Africa Xpress (Max) - Africa's first mobility technology platform to finance and maintain over 50,000 vehicles over the next two years. The partnership will expand Max's operations in Nigeria, Ghana and Cameroon and fast-track their goal to serve 100,000 independent commercial drivers by the end of 2023. Source: Supplied Founded in 2015 by Adetayo Bamiduro and Chinedu Azodoh, Maxs mission is to disrupt Africas transportation sector via smart technologies. Its core product consists of a subscription service that enables independent commercial drivers to access a low-to-zero emission vehicle, as well as an array of value-added services, including vehicle and health insurance, licensing support and service plans. MBSN provides services for tech startup companies that focus on the shared mobility space in Africa. Through MBSN, Japans Yamaha Motor Corporation brings to market a broad range of quality vehicles and genuine parts, as well as best-in-class maintenance facilities and workshops. Yamahas MBS model is currently deployed in 6 countries around the world. Increase vehicle usage on shared/rental platforms MBSN will provide financing options to enable independent commercial drivers who are on Maxs platform to access a range of vehicles for commercial use. The deal will also provide the drivers with the opportunity to access two, three and four-wheeler vehicles (including electric vehicles), as well as a suite of additional services, all through a single affordable subscription. MBSNs mission is to increase the usage of vehicles on shared/rental platforms, create employment opportunities and contribute toward improving peoples quality of life across Africa, with a keen focus on maintaining a cleaner and greener environment in the country. Source: Supplied The agreement was announced during a corporate meeting between Yamaha Motor Corporations leadership team at the Max office in Eleyele, Ibadan in Oyo State, Nigeria. Adetayo Bamiduro, co-Founder and chief executive officer at Max, says: "We are extremely thrilled to partner with MBSN and the Yamaha Motor Corporation. It demonstrates our shared commitment to democratizing access to vehicle subscriptions and enabling entrepreneurs across Africa to unleash development by moving people and goods safely and reliably from point A to point B. This collaboration will enable MAX to significantly accelerate our goal of serving 100,000 independent commercial drivers across Africa by the end of 2023." Shoji Shiraishi, fellow at Yamaha Global says: "We are extremely excited to officially launch MBSN in Africa by kick-starting our operations with Max. We will onboard vehicles across multiple cities and generate employment avenues for the youth of the African subcontinent. We plan to work with more mobility companies in the future and to transform the overall shared mobility space in Nigeria and Africa, by bringing our financial and strategic experience from our stakeholders." COLOMBO, July 21 (Xinhua) -- Ranil Wickremesinghe was sworn in as the president of Sri Lanka on Thursday in the parliament before Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya. Wickremesinghe was elected as the president in an election held in parliament on Wednesday, during which Wickremesinghe got 134 votes from parliamentarians. Out of 225 parliamentarians, 223 voted in the ballot and there were four invalid votes. An official from the President's Office told Xinhua that Wickremesinghe will appoint a new prime minister and cabinet in the coming days. On Wednesday, Wickremesinghe invited all political parties to join hands with him and work together to overcome the economic crisis and bring in a new political change. Sri Lanka is in the mid of severe economic turmoil and has sought assistance from the International Monetary Fund and friendly nations to supply basic essentials such as fuel, gas and medicines. A brand new South African play, Four Fathers: Bananas for the Baboons, is premiering at the Baxter Golden Arrow Studio. Image supplied: Buhle Qinga and Sivuyile Dunjwa in Four Fathers: Bananas for the Baboons With this production, emerging young writer and director, Kitso Seti, makes his debut as a director. He is a theatre-maker, musician and blogger who holds a masters degree in Politics from the University of Cape Town. His research is focused on how Black (consciousness) theatre can be used to make people conscious of and make sense of Black positionality in the world. I use my art as a time machine, to travel back into the past, to where we think the destitution and disarray of Africa stem from, explains Seti. The idea is to make sense of the times we live in and our current standing in the world. To better the future, we need to retrace and investigate the steps that led us here. Africa is reeling from a long list of effects of colonialism, and the collapse of the black family is one of them. This production is my submission to the continual search for black voices in telling black stories, in a way we deem possible. The two-hander stars Buhle Qinga and Sivuyile Dunjwa take on the roles of two young boys in search of their father and their journey of discovery along the way. Qinga was seen in the award-winning play, Thank You for Your Service, which he co-wrote, co-directed and performed in and which won the Best of Baxter Zabalaza Theatre Festival award in 2021. Buhle is a versatile artist who trained in dance and theatre stage practice and holds a certificate in Community Arts and Culture Development from Northwest University. Dunjwa is a graduate of New Africa Theatre Academy and Magnet Theatre and as a trainee in Magnet Theatres Fulltime Training and Job Creation programme he performed in productions such as Running with Goldfish, Gift-Wrapping the Sea, Heart of Redness, the award-winning Tree/Boom/Umthi and Thabo Mbeki and Other Nightmares. Four Fathers: Bananas for the Baboons, is one of two plays selected from The Baxter Masambe Playlab, where a cohort of 10 creatives attended a four-month long writing residency which was held at The Baxter last year. It offered writers time, space, peer-to-peer mentoring and financial resources to create new work. It forms part of The Baxters Platform for Special Talent programme, made possible by the City of Cape Town. Using different theatrical styles, the play follows two young boys who are on a quest to find their father and on their journey, they encounter surreal, out of this world events that they never thought existed. They find themselves inside exploration of South African history: a present visitation of the past as a contribution to improving the future. Their imagination takes them on a journey through three periods: The first 15 years of apartheid, from 1948 to the late 1960s; the 1906 Bambatha Rebellions and the Cattle-Killing Movement of 1856, represented by Prophetess Nongqawuse. The narrators of the play visit these three periods to make sense of the current landscape and to learn from the past. At the core, they discover that men are at the forefront of these battles, begging the question: Where are the fathers? And how has colonialism, with its offspring of apartheid and migrant labour, contributed to the absence of black fathers? Set design is by Wayne Jacobs and Chris Spogter, lighting by Franky Steyn and costumes by Marisa Steenkamp, with music by Kitso Seti. Performed in English, isiXhosa and Zulu with English subtitles, Four Fathers: Bananas for the Baboons, runs from 3 to 20 August 2022 at 7.30pm nightly, with Saturday matinees at 2.30pm. Tickets are R120 and booking can be done through Webtickets or at Pick n Pay stores. Anna and Latitudes have joined forces to create an exciting new art award with the aim to discover, recognise and nurture a new generation of female artists in South Africa. Image supplied: Artwork by Anna Awards finalist Farhana Jacobs Applications for the award have now closed, with a whopping 618 artists from around South Africa having applied. The winner will be announced on 10 August, after being chosen by the Anna Award selection committee: Makgati Molebatsi - Arts advisor, curator and senior art specialist, Aspire Art Auctions Refiloe Mpakanyane - Weekend breakfast host, 702 Candice Chirwa - Menstruation activist, speaker and academic Marianne Fassler - Fashion designer, Leopard Frock Jo-Ann Strauss - South African model, public speaker and businesswoman Nina Carew - Curator, Latitudes Image supplied: Artwork by Anna Awards finalist Fiona Davhana Juanita Kotze, creative director of Anna, believes the launch of this award is the next step in ANNAs mission to embolden and empower women. Anna is about liberation, belonging, sustainability and truth. I cant think of a better way to share and express this ethos than through the creation and celebration of art. Roberta Coci, cofounder of Latitudes, says the Anna Award has exceeded the teams expectations of discovering women artists who show extraordinary originality, imagination and dedication in their creative careers. "The 618 applications that we received proved beyond measure that there is a wealth of talent to be unlocked in this country. We are proud to be able to give space to womens stories through the medium of visual art, and we're looking forward to the award becoming an important annual event in the world of contemporary art on the continent. Image supplied: Artwork by Anna Awards finalist Mbali Tshabalala The winner will receive a R100,000 cash prize from Anna, a month's residency at Plaas #inplaasvan in Franschhoek, South Africa, a profile on Latitudes Online, and a years supply of Anna products. Their winning artwork will be included in the Anna Awards Collection. The 12 finalists will be presented to the Latitudes audience, who will vote for an Audience Award winner. To see the full list of finalists, go here. Boschendal and the Norval Foundation have unveiled new exhibitions celebrating unique collections of Southern African art. Image supplied: The Horizon exhibition is open at Boschendal Boschendal will host Horizon, a group exhibition showing a century of landscape art selected from the Sanlam Art Collection. Artworks dating back to the early 20th century up to today are on display, including works from Maggie Laubser, JH Pierneef, David Goldblatt and Nita Spilhaus. According to Ricci Shachar, head of retail at Boschendal, the exhibition will be enhanced by a diverse public programme. "Visitors will have an opportunity to experience the dynamic dialogue between the rich history of the recently restored Manor House and the historical imagery contained in Horizon's artworks. In addition, a series of complementary activities will allow art lovers to deepen their engagement with the exhibition online, within the gallery, and into the outdoors areas surrounding the Manor House," Shachar continues. From 2 July to 15 August, Boschendal is also hosting Vessel, a group exhibition celebrating local ceramic artists. The first commercial exhibition at Boschendal dedicated to a group of artists practising contemporary ceramics, Vessel will delight design lovers with pieces from Alistair Blair, Jade Paton, and Ben Orkin alongside artisanal flower arrangements by Munro and selected works from Art Gazette. The exhibits form part of an ongoing partnership between Boschendal and the Norval Foundation which was established at the end of 2021. The partnership will see a series of satellite art exhibitions hosted at Boschendal's historic Manor House and surrounding grounds, with the Norval Foundation curating the exhibitions using its extensive collection and access to contemporary African and modern art. Image by Mike Hall: The Horizon exhibition Visitors are also invited to experience guided gallery tours hosted by curators with intimate experience of the exhibitions. Guided tours will be offered on 13 August and 24 September as part of Boschendal's broader Heritage Day celebrations and are free. Shachar adds, "Art lovers and South Africans from all walks of life are invited to enjoy the warm hospitality and great art on offer at Boschendal during the cold winter months. Order a picnic, book a table at our Werf restaurant, enjoy a cellar door wine tasting or just pop in at our Farm Shop to stock up on the latest sustainably-grown farm produce for an authentic taste of the Cape Winelands." For more information, visit the Boschendal website. Johan Drotschie is proof you're never too old to learn new things. At the admirable age of 80, Drotschie has decided to pursue his law degree through the Stadio School of Law. Here, he chats to us about his experience, motivation and challenges. Johan Drotschie Married to his lovely wife Ans for 56 years, the father of three (and grandfather of five) joined the life insurance industry in 1960 and spent most of his career in the employee benefits division of Sanlam. Drotschie retired from his position of executive consultant on the level of a provincial manager in 1999. He is no stranger to university life however. "I started doing my BCom degree at the age of 28 and majoring in Accounts, Economics and Business Administration," he says. "I was transferred to Natal as pensions manager and on my return to Johannesburg, registered for and achieved my Honours degree in Investment Management at the old RAU in 1982. I also sat for the pensions and life examinations of the Financial Planning Institute and served on the board of the FPOI for three years. Having acquired a Postgraduate Certificate in Advanced Trust Laws from the University of Pretoria in 2002, he started a business consulting with individuals on the investment of their discretionary funds. "My niche market was retirees," he continues. "I later sold the business but am still a director of the company. In 2000, I started serving as a trustee on the boards of pension and provident funds as well as a director on a board. I have since also been appointed as executive principal officer for some funds." At 80, most people are sitting back and enjoying retirement. What is it that made you decide one day that you wanted to earn your law degree? Johan Drotschie: To me, it depends on how you define retirement. I ran many retirement planning sessions for some companies and also advocated that retirement is simply another phase of your life that you embark on. What you do with your retirement is entirely in your hands. For some, it is sitting on the balcony having a cup of tea and if that is what you want to do good luck to you. I simply believed that I cannot let years of experience and knowledge acquired go to waste. In my work as a trustee, I am continuously faced with the interpretation of laws and regulations controlling what we do. While I know the laws directly influencing the work of a board of trustees, I have also learned that more and more other laws are beginning to influence the activities. As a trustee, I regularly rub shoulders with LLB graduates. They inspire me with how they research, debate and decide. I decided that I must get on top of the laws and thought that the best way I could do that is to register as a law student. How do you think your maturity and experience have prepared you for tackling this endeavour? Drotschie: I think that my maturity and experience have prepared me to consider and establish what I have done by registering as a law student. So it was a well-calculated step that I took. Distance learning is not for everyone and it takes a lot of self-discipline to do it. What is it that motivates you? Drotschie: I do not have the time to attend classes as an extramural student and I must say that the universities near me did not appeal to me. I have decided that I want to study law and that in itself is enough motivation. Secondly, by nature, I am a disciplined person. It is going to be difficult and I am sure that I will be missing the personal contact with lecturers and fellow students that normal universities offer. However, the Stadio lecturers do arrange regular teams meetings where at least some contact is made and an appreciation of what is required is obtained. I'm told you're a self-confessed "computer dummy" - how are you handling the technical side of distance learning? Drotschie: Yes, I have to confess to being a dummy, but fortunately, the staff of the IT department at Stadio have been a great help and I have no hesitation in approaching them personally when I get stuck. What are your plans for after you graduate? Drotschie: At the back of my mind is a desire to be admitted as an advocate. I believe anyone - young or old - could be inspired by your undertaking. What advice do you have for them? Drotschie: I am just an ordinary guy but I firmly believe that if one knows what one is letting oneself in for, and if one is committed to the goal that one has set for oneself, one can achieve it. Do not be afraid of tackling problems. Problems are often simply challenging and never underestimate your potential. According to the latest airport statistics, passengers through Cape Town International Airport rose substantially since the start of the pandemic. Domestic terminal passenger movement reached a recovery rate of 75% in April 2022 when compared to the same month in 2019 and international terminal passenger arrivals and departures recovered to 76%. Source: Supplied Monika Iuel, Wesgro's chief destination marketing officer, is encouraged by new growth in the return of international and domestic visitors to the Cape. Commenting on behalf of the Best Of Wine Tourism & Ambassador Awards, of which Wesgro is the custodian, she says: "The recent rise in tourism arrivals certainly bodes well for South Africa's wine tourism sector." In addition, recent data on arrivals recorded in April 2022, released by Statistics South Africa, confirms a strong recovery for leading Western Cape source markets. Most notably, visitors from the United Kingdom arriving at Cape Town International Airport recovered to an almost perfect 98% of pre-pandemic levels. Establishing market distinctiveness Furthermore, anecdotal reports from wine tourism providers indicate an increase in overseas bookings for summer 2022/3. "This is welcome news after the many setbacks endured by the wine tourism industry over the past two years and more." Iuel notes, however, that while lockdown and the alcohol bans are over, South Africans still face the impact of cost-of-living increases that might make potential domestic tourists review any travel plans. "In order to remain relevant, with enticing offers too often hard-pressed travellers, it is essential for industry players to monitor closely their competitive environment. One simple, effective step involves benchmarking. Evaluating yourself against the best of the best provides useful context in testing claims of uniqueness or distinctiveness." She is urging wine tourism providers to enter the upcoming Best Of Wine Tourism & Ambassador Awards in any of the ten categories (seven in the Best Of Wine Tourism Awards and three in the Ambassador programme). There are no limits to the number of categories in which competitors can enter. The cost per entry is R575, including VAT. All entries can be submitted online at https://www.bestofwinetourism.co.za/categories/ no later than by close of business, Friday, 5 August. The seven categories in Best Of Wine Tourism Awards, the local chapter of the international Great Wine Capitals Awards of Excellence, are accommodation, restaurants, architecture and landscape, art and culture, wine tourism services, innovative wine tourism experience and sustainable wine tourism practice. The five top entries in each category will be evaluated by judges from the local chapter with input from the international body. The Ambassador Awards encompass Authentic South African Experience, Wine Tourism Diversity and WWF Conservation Pioneer. The latter, as its name suggests, is sponsored by WWF South Africa. Winners will be celebrated at an event in October. For more information, visit www.bestofwinetourism.co.za. Throughout the business world, old assumptions about what makes a good leader and what success in the workplace looks like are being discarded. Wayne Meisel, business manager at SAP Africa As millennials and Gen Zs - loosely defined as those born between the early 1980s and early 2000s - continue to advance up the career ladder, their distinctly different outlook on work and life is changing age-old notions of success and leadership. The classic picture of the CEO as a grey, suit-and-tie wearing executive has been replaced by a dynamic sneakers-and-jeans sporting young leader with a more casual approach to office attire. These 'Suits' most definitely have the experience and the business maturity on their side; however, the so-called 'Sneakers' - the younger, less traditional, more purpose-driven and digitally-native - are teaching the older Suits new ways of work and rewriting classic notions of success in the process. Flexible approaches to work Millennials are considered the first generation to grow up entirely with the internet as part of their daily lives. These digital natives have never known a world without the convenience of online shopping, the power of smartphones, or the connective threads of social media. While baby boomers are considered to be more traditional, more likely to remain with one company for longer - sometimes even spending an entire career with one employer - and more comfortable with a 9-5 in-the-office workweek, millennials are upending many of these traditions. Today, young professionals and executives are just as likely to be working in coffee shops as they are to be in the office. In fact, Deloitte's latest Gen Z & Millennial Survey found that 75% of Gen Z workers - and 76% of Millennials - prefer a hybrid work environment where they can work remotely at least some of the time. Where traditional workers kept to standard office hours, the new generation of young professionals are far more flexible in how they approach their workday. A millennial worker is just as likely to be found at the gym for a midday workout and answering emails late at night as they are sticking to what would be considered 'normal' office hours. Leadership lessons from a millennial So what does this mean for organisations wishing to attract, retain and motivate their millennial workforce? In my experience working in the leadership structure of a large technology company, millennials have several vital lessons to teach their older peers, including: Lesson #1 - A strategy is more than bullet points on a PowerPoint slide Remember that great slide the CEO showed that perfectly summed up the company strategy in a few bullet points? No one does. Modern leaders know that to inspire and motivate their teams, they need to communicate their strategy in a memorable way with a strong focus on storytelling. A strategy that is just a few slides in a PowerPoint is not going to drive the desired action among your younger workforce. Focus on crafting a compelling story that inspires your team and gets their buy-in. And use fun elements to make it more memorable. Younger workers expect more than just working for a salary: they want to have fun doing it too. Lesson #2 - Purpose is the modern leader's superpower Purpose is a major factor for how Gen Z and millennial workers make decisions over their personal and professional lives. 90% of respondents in Deloitte's latest Gen Z & Millennial Survey said they had made some effort to reduce their impact on the environment, while nearly two-thirds would choose a more sustainable product even when it's pricier than its less eco-friendly counterparts. Career choices are also shaped by purpose. Among the top reasons why Gen Z and millennial workers choose to remain at their workplace, salary (ie. money) only ranks third, behind factors like good work/life balance and the opportunity to learn new skills. Smart modern leaders know to focus on purpose to inspire their younger workforce. They know that speaking about buying a new tool is not exciting or motivating: instead, they speak about the potential of how that tool can change the world. Companies with a clear purpose also find it easier to attract talented candidates that align with that purpose. In fact, nearly two in five Gen Z and millennial workers in one survey said they'd rejected a job or assignment because it didn't align with their values. Lesson #3 - A diversity of views lead to stronger ideas Science backs the importance of building diverse teams. Socially diverse groups - those with a diversity of race, ethnicity, gender and sexual orientation - have been proven to be more innovative, better at solving complex problems, and anticipate alternative viewpoints than more homogenous groups. Younger workers understand the value of listening to, considering and taking on board a diversity of views from a broad spectrum of different personality types and backgrounds. That's why nearly two in five Gen Z and millennial workers said they'd stay with a company for five or more years if they are satisfied with their employer's efforts at creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. Successful modern leaders will build programmes and help create a company culture that celebrates diversity. Lesson #4 - Effective leaders focus on being relatable Is anyone under the age of 50 really inspired by some obscure Winston Churchill quote delivered by someone who looks like they were cut and paste from the pages of Grey Suit Monthly? Younger workers are shaping the companies of tomorrow by exploring new ideas and trying new solutions to old and emerging challenges. To inspire this new generation of professionals shaping the business world, leaders need to use language and examples that are relatable. Having the input of a Gen Z or millennial at a board meeting or during executive brainstorming sessions can help close the gap between the older Suits and the younger Sneakers who will one day lead the organisation. By ensuring leadership decisions are communicated in a relatable way, organisations can continue to inspire their younger employees to help drive the success of the business. There is no doubt that this younger generation of purposeful and passionate leaders brings value to the workplace. Do they have all the answers? Absolutely not. Some of the most effective business strategies are still driven by the Suits who possess the gift of experience. The most successful organisations know how to create diverse teams that create learning and growth opportunities for both the Suits and the Sneakers. You change your password regularly, you make a point of avoiding public networks, and you'd never do anything so silly as to use the name of your first dog or your birthday as a password. All of which means your data should be pretty safe, right? Not quite, says Junior Biola of Bitventure. Junior Biola, CEO of Bitventure It might be scant comfort, but if your data is vulnerable to breach, so is that of every other South African. In fact, SpiderLog$, a group of hackers who recently ran a series of scans on government departments to assess their vulnerability, described the country as 'a playground' for hackers. Need proof? Consider, for a start that these scans were all unauthorised. The fact that a hacker group was able to do this should sound an alarm but, since the intent was not malicious, it can be easily dismissed. Far more concerning is the fact that governments data is so poorly guarded that President Cyril Ramaphosas information was stolen by the Brazilian group n$aughtysecTU, who made off with the details of 54 million customers of one of the largest credit bureaus in South Africa at the same time. Why do data breaches happen? Its simple, really: its just another form of theft except, this time, its not your car or TV that the criminals are after. Its your bank account information, or credit card details and although hackers might not use this information themselves, they may sell it on to the highest bidder. If they dont directly hack into your bank account, they may use your ID number and personal details to open accounts in your name which means you can expect a heavy debt, or perhaps even a credit score thats decidedly unhealthy. You may even be tricked into providing information through a phishing mail or text that looks legitimate, asking you to present details you usually would protect far more closely but which you willingly reveal, given that the presentation of the communication is so authentic. Software is another handy tool for hackers, making it easy for them to plant viruses on your computer and thus gain access to your information. Nor are businesses immune they may fall foul of fraudsters who create composite identities, manipulate stolen data for their benefit, or falsify the ownership of bank accounts. The implications are dire: not only does the business stand to lose any products or income associated with the transaction; they could also suffer reputational damage which will affect the bottom line going forward. How to protect against this eventuality? Its critical to engage fraud mitigation services, such as identity and bank account verification. This makes it possible to identify fraudsters before you accept them as customers saving you (and the fraud victim) much angst and financial fallout. Bitventure has extensive experience in setting up digital safety nets. Weve spent 10 years perfecting our risk mitigation tools, which include identity, biometric and bank account verification services. The Internet isnt going to go away nor would we want it to, given the world it has opened to all of us. But, neither are the risks associated with its use going to diminish. The only thing that can possibly change is how businesses approach that risk. www.bitventure.co.za In an era where sustainability and corporate social responsibility are crucial, corporations often fall short when delivering on promises to consumers. As a result, corporate accountability for genuine, sustainable action could be a huge driver behind an evolution in environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) related standards in 2022. Joshua Parker, senior director of corporate sustainability and assistant general counsel at Western Digital In my experience leading sustainability initiatives, I have seen three key factors that support a successful, actionable sustainability strategy: impactful targets, credible transparency, and data-centred strategy. Together, these practices create a corporate sustainability trifecta. Getting started: Impactful targets Its not always necessary to start small, as conventional wisdom suggests. When it comes to developing corporate sustainability initiatives, companies need to think big, especially when potential impacts are significant. To drive real impact, setting bold targets closely tied to a companys footprint and strategy can be an incredible catalyst for progress. Goals can, however, be too ambitious. Companies that set unachievable targets may benefit from positive short-term attention, but failure to achieve those targets can erode trust and cause long-lasting reputational damage. Striking the right balance between bold commitments and fantastical targets is the trick, and this requires thorough research and analysis. Success starts with corporate transparency Most organisations dont need to be persuaded to publicise their sustainability progress, given the increasingly clear reputational value associated with sustainability. A much more common mistake is to go to the other extreme, making much ado about relatively minor achievements. As Ronald Coase said, If you torture data long enough, it will confess to anything, and ESG data is no exception. Trust can be notoriously difficult to regain once lost, and a company with a negative reputation for sustainability will face more and more challenges. Credible transparency, however, is critical to maximising the effectiveness of a corporate sustainability programme. The maxim that what gets measured, gets managed is especially true here, since public disclosure of ESG data whether voluntary or mandated raises the stakes for demonstrating progress. Accountability often follows close upon the heels of transparency, as stakeholders from employees to shareholders to customers review the data, recognise gaps and apply positive pressure for improvements. Transparency can only go so far without a common language. If one company focuses on its advanced water reclamation efforts and another on its ethical treatment of workers, how can we compare their performance on sustainability more generally? The introduction of standardised reporting frameworks like GRI, SASB and TCFD was a step in the right direction, offering some consistency in disclosure, at least amongst companies who chose to follow them. Current efforts to consolidate those frameworks could advance accountability even further by increasing the consistency and comparability of companies datasets. Data is king: Data-centric sustainability Companies just getting started in sustainability may be tempted to jump on any bandwagon they see, trusting that what other companies are doing is a reliable model for their own programmes. Although benchmarking data might properly influence a strategy, a company founding its strategy on such data can end up mis-investing in low-impact and low-value projects. Copying another companys strategy is akin to eavesdropping on someone elses diagnosis at a doctors office in the hopes of finding a cure for your own disease. Following that path is unlikely to be helpful and might even do more harm than good. Even within industries, the corporate footprint of companies can vary significantly. One company might have operations concentrated in Singapore, while another has more employees in India. One might have customers with aggressive climate goals, while anothers customers are more keenly focused on protection of human rights in its supply chain. One company might have a diverse workforce thanks to a longstanding inclusive culture, while another does not. These factors and more can suggest wildly different priorities for sustainability, and the best way to cut through that ambiguity is to take a company-specific, data-centric approach to setting a sustainability strategy. Materiality assessments, for example, can be more than processes to determine what to include in a GRI-aligned sustainability report they can be powerful tools for collecting actionable data and building consensus around sustainability. A continuous process Ultimately, operating sustainably requires constant evaluation and adaptation as the world evolves and we make focused progress. But constant guiding principles, including the sustainability trifecta of impactful targets, credible transparency and data-centric strategy, should guide that change, channelling it in the direction of impact and value. As we marry our passion for sustainability with a methodical approach to programme management, we unlock our full potential to do exactly what were all working towards: sustaining people and planet, day after day. KFC South Africa has opened the doors to a modern new restaurant concept in Pinelands, Cape Town, that's designed to make customer service quicker, easier and more seamless. Source: Supplied In a first for KFC in Africa, this store features digital menu boards in each of the dual-lane drive-throughs. It also boasts dedicated self-service kiosks for walk-in customers, a dedicated window for delivery drivers, digital menu boards and "the latest in connect kitchen technology" to ensure the correct amount of stock at all times, KFC explains. The fast food brand states that there's also better quality management, giving the consumer a guarantee of a great end product. Source: Supplied The sum of this design puts the power of ordering and food fulfilment in the hands of the customer as well as gives employees an opportunity to focus on the back of house and getting food out quicker this culminates in a superior customer experience, says Thuthuka Nxumalo, chief operations officer at KFC Africa. But, most importantly, this store has created yet another stream of employment for the local community, employing 25 team members and with the scope to employ at least another five imminently all of which are employed from local township community Khayelitsha, continues Nxumalo. The store opening in Pinelands comes after years of searching for a suitable location in the suburb. Satisfying raised consumer expectations From an aesthetic and build perspective, the brand aimed to make the corner of the parking lot in which the restaurant is built stand out as uniquely KFC, while being respectful to the existing build, which was done in close consultation with the local architects. The restaurant is designed to be fresh and striking in appearance with a strong contrast between the dark grey versus the white with strong pops of red and the warmth of wood to create a striking, attractive restaurant that complements its context while being on-brand. The KFC new corporate identity defines the corner of the building. There is no doubt that the restaurant business as we know it has changed and as we move into a new era of customer experience, the approach to new restaurants needs to shift too - driven by a shift in preferences and expectations of what brands should be delivering today be it in food, design or experience, says Nxumalo. UX Researcher Location: Johannesburg Remote work: Some remote work allowed Type: Contract Company: VMLY&R South Africa Job description Plan, design, execute and report on user research activities, based on project goals and strategy to deliver insights about users through new studies and review of existing data. Compile finished, well-documented research findings to deliver meaningful and actionable insights for internal consumption. Oversee junior UX researcher who will be supporting on those activities. Be able to influence product and design decisions with excellent interpersonal skills. Advise on additional research activities that can be undertaken - create a UX research roadmap for continuous improvement across the product. Advising on the most appropriate research methods based on your experience. Conduct competitor and exemplar analysis as needed. These research activities include, but are not limited to: in person user research sessions, setting up online panel tests, card sorting exercises, tree map testing Graduate / postgraduate degree in related fields, or excellent experience. Three+ years UX research experience in a fast-paced environment that thrives on delivering value. Excellent communication skills (written and verbal) in English. Experience planning and executing research. Proven competency in data analytics and qualitative aspects of UX research. Proven ability to implement appropriate qualitative research methods effectively. Ability to manage supporting junior UX researchers. Hands-on make-a-plan attitude. Prioritise meaningful outcomes over overly detailed reports - you have a positive, pragmatic attitude. Proven ability to generate meaningful insight from user feedback. Bonus: ability to conduct interview sessions in other South African languages Requirements Making effective decisions Changing and improving Leading and communicating Collaborating and partnering Delivering at pace Managing a quality service Lookback Useberry Miro Office suite Figma VMLY & R is looking to employ an individual with has vast experience in researching, concept testing and interactions to ensure success of the project and deliver value and meaning to our audience.VMLY&R is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, or disability status Posted on 21 Jul 15:47, Closing date 19 Sep WASHINGTON, July 21 (Xinhua) -- A former police officer of Minneapolis, in the U.S. state of Minnesota, was sentenced on Thursday to two and half years in prison for violating George Floyd's civil rights. Thomas Lane was found guilty in February, along with two other former Minneapolis police officers, on a federal civil rights charge stemming from Floyd's death. A federal jury said they deprived Floyd of his right to medical care and failed to intervene as their colleague Derek Chauvin knelt on the African American man's neck for more than nine minutes during a street arrest on May 25, 2020. Judge Paul Magnuson said that Lane had a "minimal role" in the incident. Floyd's family members expressed frustration over the sentence. Floyd's death sparked massive demonstrations across the United States in the summer of 2020 against police brutality and systemic racism. Chauvin was sentenced in a federal court to 21 years in prison earlier this month for violating Floyd's civil rights. The sentence is running concurrently with Chauvin's state sentence of 22.5 years after he was convicted for second and third-degree murder, as well as second-degree manslaughter. Freelance Digital Solutions Consultant Mena Location: Cape Town Type: Contract Company: Incubeta Tracking and measurement strategies Audience segmentation Campaign management and optimisation, Media strategy, content and communication advice Conversion optimisation Data layers Advanced research and analysis. Reports to the client service director Closely interacts with Mena MD, other solution consultants, client services, project managers and global implementation and delivery teams. Works closely with platform partners ie. Google, Facebook/Smartly/Pinterest/Twitter/LinkedIn etc to stay ahead of tech, gain access to betas and conferences etc. Extended hours or work week to align with the Mena market operating hours i.e. Mena work week is Sunday - Thursday. Ability to understand the customer's key business & marketing challenges and translate this as a proposal on how our tech & consulting services can help achieve these goals External Consultancy towards clients: Develop and present digital strategies, marketing and technology consultancy services across all digital channels to transform and enhance the success of existing and prospective customers. Propose technical solution and roadmap for client's to improve their business goals and process by combining deep tech, product & strategic knowledge Develop and Execute Client Roadmap Plans Technical and strategic audits, including data-privacy compliance Map organisational goals to marketing initiatives and design a Measurement framework to track the performance of marketing initiatives Advise our existing and prospective customers, consultants and account directors in delivering the most impactful and efficient digital media strategies and help them analyze the data, trends and performance Assist clients to understand and know how to read and interpret their data Attend client meetings remotely. Be responsible for the training and enablement of client's and their stakeholders, formulating a development plan that will support the client's transformation to digital maturity. Drive innovation and spot opportunities to enhance or expand service offerings to clients Internal Consultancy towards Incubeta (internal teams): Working closely with MENA commercial teams to support business development Mentor and guide junior team members on tech implementations and Paid Social best practices. Quality controls/audits and able to spot where clients accounts have room for improvement and growth At least eight years experience in the digital marketing environment. Up to date GMP Certifications at basic and advanced level. Strong in strategic analysis and profound advisory skills. Excellent communication skills and the ability to translate customer needs to deliver high levels of satisfaction. Proven track record on successful business development. Sound understanding of the online advertising industry, knowledge of the underlying technology, major tech providers, agencies landscape and online media buying and selling processes including the programmatic buying landscape. Proven knowledge of Incubeta products/services or similar products/services that Incubeta services. Strong understanding of all digital marketing channels, ad technologies, cross media solutions and passionate about (ad) technology and how technology can shape the online advertising industry and ecosystem in the benefits of our clients. Highly motivated, enthusiastic, goal-orientated and team player. Advanced project management skills. Native or bilingual proficiency of the English language, understanding of Arabic language is advantageous. A people person - comfortable with collaboration and can build internal relationships with cross-functional teams (Sales/Client Services). Excellent organisational, and problem solving/decision making skills. Experience building and optimising feeds for data-driven projects/and or DPL Experience working with Facebook Marketing Partners, Example: Smartly or Nannigans to increase investment yield Experience working with Basic to intermediate knowledge of Javascript and HTML Knowledge of Digital transformation 3rd Party tracking solutions Data Studio and dash-building experience Data Management with some experience with Google Cloud (BQ and ADH) SEO and Website optimisation API integrations Strong mobile and app experience, including Firebase and AppsFlyer Exceptional communication skills both written and verbal Display professional and example behaviour at all times Specialised knowledge - have worked in a serious, thoughtful and sustained way to master the specialized knowledge needed to succeed in their fields; and that they keep this knowledge up-to-date so that they can continue to deliver the best work possible. Competency - Professionals get the job done. They're reliable, and they keep their promises. If circumstances arise that prevent them from delivering on their promises, they manage expectations up front, and they do their best to make the situation right. Professionals don't make excuses but focus on finding solutions. Solutions-oriented with a growth mindset Displays honesty and integrity at all times Be accountable for their actions even when making mistakes Show respect for the people around them, no matter what their role or situation. They exhibit a high degree of emotional intelligence (EI) by considering the emotions and needs of others, and they don't let a bad day impact how they interact with colleagues or clients. Project a positive attitude at all times towards clients team members and motivate team members when they are less positive. Display strong interpersonal skills. Ability to build strong relationships with clients and colleagues; display a strong team spirit. Maintain the highest standards of delivery, productivity and effectiveness at all times Organised and detail-oriented Display focus and dedication at all times Be approachable and open to constructive criticism Exceptional time management skills and ability to prioritise a high volume of projects simultaneously in a fast-paced unpredictable environment. Ability to remain calm and thrive under pressure Strong problem-solving skills Display a high level of independence. This includes but is not limited to taking decisions independently while staying within the company guidelines; Proactive attitude; staying self-motivated; being self-reliant; continuous self-development without expecting to be taken by the hand. Display a hunger for knowledge and a willingness to learn for any situation Respect, appreciation and contribution towards decision making Incubeta is a growth partner for our clients, offering solutions across media, technology, creative and data that address their challenges and move the needle on their businesses. Our mantra is "We don't sell products/services, we solve business problems"Deepening relationships with existing clients is a key driver for Incubetas growth so it is vital that we are consistently looking for opportunities to deliver further value to clients (in the form of additional services of course) that will bolster their digital marketing activities, ultimately leading to improved business performance.To support this growth strategy, Incubeta MENA is looking for digital solutions consultants who will work alongside the client service team in this region to craft and deliver solutions that will drive business value for our clients.A digital solutions consultant (DSC) is responsible for delivering cutting-edge client solutions for his/her/their respective client portfolios. The DSC is required to apply their extensive media expertise to implement strategic, creative and innovative strategies, aimed at solving complex client business challenges by offering and executing full-stack Google Marketing Platform (GMP), Social Media and Proprietary Technology. The DSC will work in close cooperation with the Lead Consultant, Client Services, Media, Data and Analytics implementation teams, and other stakeholders.What is the purpose of the role?The DSC role will form part of the product specialist and consultancy layer within the MENA Market and as a DSC specializing in Paid Performance Media, you will be primarily responsible for determining the technical scope of new and existing business opportunities and providing digital strategies, marketing, and technology consulting services across Paid Media Channels in order to transform and increase the success of our existing and future customers, primarily leveraging Facebook Business Manager, Smartly, Twitter Ads, Linkedin, Snapchat etc strategies and how they integrate into the Google Marketing Stack (GMP).You will assist our key regional clients (predominantly in the Travel Vertical) in improving their business processes by combining your knowledge to create best-in-class solutions. You will collaborate closely with paired Subject-Matter Experts (SME's) and with cross-functional teams, such as Sales, Implementation and Client Services to drive customer communications, feature priority, and technical issue resolution, resulting in the best possible customer experience, while scaling our clients growth and digital maturity.At its core, a digital solutions consultant requires knowledge of:While remaining current on global market trends, data privacy, product updates and innovative media strategies.The solutions consultant will also assist (when required) the sales team with the commercial structures, product consultancy and technical advice. They will be responsible for delivering frameworks and strategies that will enhance client network, workflows and business results.Place within organisationWorking hours:ResponsibilitiesKnowledge and experience - imperativeKnowledge and experience - advantageKey competencies and work ethicIf you feel you fit the above criteria, please apply with your CV and cover letter. Please take note that if you do not receive a response within 2 weeks of applying, you should consider your application as unsuccessful. Posted on 21 Jul 16:00, Closing date 19 Sep Chief Intelligence Officer Remuneration: cost-to-company Location: Johannesburg Own transport required: Yes Travel requirement: Often Job policy: Employment Equity position Type: Permanent Company: Primedia Broadcasting Recruiter Job description With the CRO, lead the companys strategic intelligence initiative across all commercial functions in the business. Analyse data, specifically market performance, competitor strategy, revenue/inventory, products, yield management and discounting data, and provide recommendations in terms of commercial activities and company strategy. Ensure a tangible link between research and insights capabilities and outputs, and revenue generation by sales. Monitor and drive ROI of marketing spend and investment of company resources. Compile the companys quarterly board reports to the HoldCo Board, including drafting for the CEO. Ensure deep research, analysis and assessment for the compilation of business cases: sourcing, understanding, analysing, documenting and presenting business cases for new opportunities. Compile monthly shareholder update reports. Support data-driven decision-making around clients, through client mapping exercises etc using the CRM system. With the CFO and CRO, lead the companys pricing analysis, strategies, and positioning. Together with the CFO and business intelligence Analyst, produce financial modelling and market analysis of new opportunities, joint ventures, events, start-ups (zero-based costing, building projections etc) and assessing potential, mostly digital, acquisitions. Research new business models, radio/media/advertising innovations, businesses and companies, trends, competitor activity, and compile reports and recommendations for Exco and the Board Fulfilling selected project management roles for the deployment of, particularly, growth strategies Direct internal resources to improve BI tools and usage Play a pivotal leadership role in the Executive Team Continuously work with Exco colleagues to develop and mature the companys culture Maintain the research and insights business portfolio as it enables and empowers the business to inform current and future decisions. Facilitate close working relationship between research and insights and the commercial and sales teams, driving impactful trade marketing initiatives, to provide content to clients that both positions PMB in the market and assists PMB to achieve its objectives. Drive the creative solutions portfolio, ensuring its impact, effectiveness and efficiency. Ensure the effectiveness of the PMB media solutions portfolio and keep it updated. Whilst also ensuring that the sales fraternity in Primedia, agencies and direct clients including the strategists and planners are kept updated and trained. Partner with critical external stakeholders that will ensure that PMB has access to best-in-class data that will assist maintain our leading position in the marketplace. Ensure that the department works across functions with other departments to continuously be kept informed of market and competitor developments through Trade Marketing, Research & Insights, Media Solutions, Creative Solutions and Business Analytics. Works transparently with other divisional leaders in PMB. Reports on the departments successes and challenges (and recommended solutions) to Exco (weekly; monthly and quarterly) An undergraduate and preferably an honours degree / equivalent (e.g., BCom/ BBusFin /BBusSci /MBA). At least 10 or more years in a management or leadership role. Consistent experience in the effective use and application of data in business analysis, commercial decision making and strategic planning, yielding desired outcomes especially in the form of growth. Demonstrable and extensive experience in strategic planning process, SWOT, environmental scanning, scenario planning etc. Applicable experience in a media owner, media agency and/or corporate strategic and intelligence environments would be advantageous. Previous management success: People-management skills investing in and getting the most out of team members. Firm understanding of key financial statement constructs: income statements, balance sheets and cash flow (for analysis of current business, and to build-out financial projection packs for new opportunities) is required. Detailed exposure to price/yield management, constructing rate cards, determining annual price increases etc. would be an advantage. Proven history of negotiating (successful) commercial deals/JVs/large procurement contracts is important. Involvement in or some exposure to merger and acquisition processes desirable but not essential High proficiency in excel required tables, pivots, charts etc., same too for PowerPoint. Exposure to marketing functions in previous roles would be useful. Some experience with BI Technologies such as Power BI, Tableau etc. would be useful. Commercially inclined with a strong focus on actively managing and improving operational performance of the team through data-led initiates and programmes. Well-versed in all facets of the commercial management of the business and have the requisite acumen to develop and execute strategic initiatives across multi-layered stakeholders in the sales arena. Strong generalist across execution, people and cognitive skills. Characterised by strong analytical and numerical problem-solving skills. Agent for change with the ability to be innovative. Strong influencing skills with the ability to address a wide range of issues. Ability to partner with senior decision makers yet act independently where needed. Strong presentation and communication skills. Superior leadership and people-management skills. Ability to build enduring client relationships in a sales-driven environment. Analytical mind with a problem-solving aptitude Strong quantitative thinking Excellent communication skills written and presentation, including at Board level Solution focused and strong collaborative mindset Superior negotiation skills Critical thinking ability to evaluate facts before reaching an outcome Leadership skills usually required of all senior executives Leading and inspiring people: leads by example and acts as role model while instilling trust in leadership and the organisation. Inspires and motivates people to exceed expectations and commitments. Display servant leadership qualities. Living the organisation's values and behaviours: Acts as brand custodian and makes decisions in line with organisational values. Empowering and involving people: Accepts responsibility to achieve results through other people. Works collaboratively and allows others to challenge the status quo. Managing performance: Sets challenging goals in line with the organisation's vision. Expects others to perform and mentors them to enable high performance. Recognising and rewarding high performance: Creates a culture where people feel valued and recognised for their efforts and performance. Structuring work: Ensures job design is based on evolving market trends and employee needs. Promotes regular review of policies and processes to ensure work is done collaboratively and according to best practice methods. Building capacity: Embeds continuous professional development/learning as part of the organisational culture in order to support the organisation's vision Delivering continuous improvement: Identifies and develops strategic solutions in order to improve organisational efficiency Creating sustainable success: Encourages and nurtures innovative solutions in order to maintain a competitive edge within the broadcasting industry The incumbent is responsible for the overall formulation, execution and monitoring of Primedia Broadcastings (PMB) intelligence strategy in direct alignment with the chief revenue officer and in partnership with the executive committee team. The incumbent must collaborate and service the commercial organisation with business intelligence solutions that enable data-driven decision-making in the organisation. This will include internal and external intelligence. Whilst also monitoring the profitability of our product portfolios and solutions across generics, creative solutions, and emerging products and services.The incumbent is also focused on company growth beyond the existing terrestrial product and or service set which will all improve business operations and continuously monitor to achieve PMBs long term vision. This involves driving effective trade marketing to agencies, direct clients, public sector clients, etc. This will also entail expert insights that will inform the formulation of business models and partnership negotiations; joint venture explorations to optimize opportunities in other spheres of the business, and extrapolate yield models.The incumbent shall lead the research and Insights Manager and team; the creative solutions manager and team, business solutions manager, trade marketing, and the business intelligence analyst.Suitable candidates will be selected in accordance with Primedia Broadcastings Employment Equity Policy. Correspondence will only be conducted with short-listed candidates. Should you not hear from us within two weeks of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.Send your detailed CV to az.oc.aidemirp@sreeracgnitsacdaorb with the Subject Line The closing date for applications isPosted on 21 Jul 16:23, Closing date 19 Sep Amos Millers private food club members say they dont want their grass-fed meat treated with the chemical preservatives required by all USDA-approved processing plants Amos Miller says he is being persecuted by the federal government for practicing his religious freedom to raise and prepare food the way he believes God intended food to be raised and prepared in accordance with nature. Miller practices rotational grazing on his small, holistically managed, century old farm in Bird-In-Hand Pennsylvania. His heritage-breed cows are raised on organic pastures, with the chickens following behind, eating the bugs from their dropping, and whey-fed pigs trampling all the fertilizer back into the ground after that. Around 4000 customers of his private, members-only, food buying club are dependent on his meat, eggs and dairy products, as well as fermented fruits and veggies and are willing to spend top dollar to get it shipped to them all over the country, as they dont trust food from the grocery store. But a couple of weeks ago, a federal judge told Miller to cease and desist all meat sales, and sent armed U.S. marshals to search his property, farm store and freezers. They took an inventory of all his meat to make sure he doesnt sell any or slaughter anymore animals. Last summer, the judge also ordered Miller to pay $250,000 for contempt of court, and said he will also have to pay the salaries of the USDA investigators assigned to his case, $50,000 of which was due last week as a good faith payment to avoid jail. (The courts next hearing on Millers case will be this Tuesday, April 12. Please show up if you can. Details below.) So what exactly is Millers crime? Slaughtering and processing the meat he raises on his own farm and selling it fresh-frozen to members of his private food buying club, whove all signed contracts stating they understand the meat is not processed in USDA-inspected plants, or treated with USDA-required chemical preservatives because thats how they want it, and the very reason they are willing to go to such great lengths to get it. But the USDA thinks his customers are too stupid to think for themselves and need them to come in and protect them from themselves. You probably dont know (because I didnt until Miller told me) that all USDA-licensed processing plants are required to treat ALL meat (even the local, grass-fed, organic variety) with synthetic preservatives. Often they use citric acid, which youd think comes from oranges or lemons, but its a modified substance made from corn and they dont even have to label it on the meat, Miller said. The USDA processing plants require the meat to be treated with a chemical cocktail of citric acid, lactic acid and peracetic acid, said a customer who handles Millers website and other modern communications (because hes Amish). The peracetic acid is toxic and the citric and lactic are GMO. Its not lactic acid coming from the fermentation of sauerkraut. Its all created in a dish in a lab. Its a synthetic sterilizer that causes many health problems, Anke (who preferred not to use her last name) told me. New York Universitys Center for Human Rights and Global Justice has issued a chilling warning about the potential dangers to human rights posed by the push for digital identity. In mid-June, the Center for Human Rights and Global Justice, a hub for human rights study at New York University (NYU) School of Law, issued a 100-page report detailing the growing dangers of a reliance on digital identity around the world. The report, titled Paving a Digital Road to Hell?, examines the role of the world bank and other international networks which have been promoting the use if digital ID in recent years. TODAY, our Digital Welfare State & Human Rights Project launches a new report entitled: Paving a Digital Road to Hell? A Primer on the Role of the World Bank and Global Networks in Promoting Digital ID. pic.twitter.com/nvXcK81hCO Center for Human Rights and Global Justice (@humanrightsnyu) June 17, 2022 The report notes that the World Bank has been energetically promoting biometric and other digital ID systems that are increasingly linked to large-scale human rights violations, especially in the Global South. The researchers warn that digital identity schemes promoted in the name of development and inclusion, might be achieving neither. Despite ostensible good intentions on the part of some promoting these systems, they may well be paving a digital road to hell. The press release for the report notes (emphasis added): Governments around the world have been investing heavily in digital identification systems, often with biometric components (digital ID). The rapid proliferation of such systems is driven by a new development consensus, packaged and promoted by key global actors like the World Bank, but also by governments, foundations, vendors and consulting firms. The report states that many of the digital identity schemes are taking inspiration from the Aadhaar system in India. This specific digital ID model has prioritized digital ID as an economic identity, according to the report. The goal of such systems is primarily to establish uniqueness of individuals, commonly with the help of biometric technologies, the release states. This in turn allows for bringing in impoverished people from the informal or counter-economy to the formal economy. This also has the effect of unlocking their behavioral data that can then be used by governments and other parties. The report also notes that the Executive Chairman of the influential ID4Africa, a platform where African governments and major companies in the digital ID market meet, noted at the 2022 Annual Meeting in June that digital ID is no longer about identity alone but, enables and interacts with authentication platforms, payments systems, digital signatures, data sharing, KYC systems, consent management and sectoral delivery platforms. The report details how the promoters of the new digital/economic identity model often evade difficult questions about the legal status and rights of those being registered. Despite promises of inclusion and flourishing digital economies, digital ID systems have consistently failed to deliver on these promises in real world situations, especially for the most marginalized. The Aadhaar system itself has been criticized for severe and large-scale human rights violations. In fact, the report finds that the evidence indicates it is the small group of companies and governments who stand to benefit most from these systems. After all, where digital ID systems have tended to excel is in generating lucrative contracts for biometrics companies and enhancing the surveillance and migration-control capabilities of governments. Who is Driving the Push to Digital Identity? The authors of the report also call for a more clearly developed notion of who are the most relevant actors driving this agenda and what are the key concepts that should be contested and reimagined. They say that much can be learned by focusing on the actions of the World Bank Group, and, more specifically its ID4D Initiative, as a central node in a more extensive global network of digital ID promotion. In 2014, the World Bank launched the Identification for Development (ID4D) program with the aim of solving the problem of a lack of identity for much of the so-called developing world. The World Bank is funding digital biometric ID programs in Mexico, pushing digital ID in poorer countries with the ostensible goal of providing legal identity to the 1.1 billion people who do not currently have one. This program was started with a catalytic investment from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Omidyar Network, as well as various governments. The report notes: We have noted that the World Bank and its ID4D Initiative do not stand alone in pursuing the digital ID agenda. They exist within a global network of organizations and individuals. This includes donor governments like the United Kingdom, the United States and France; global foundations such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) and Omidyar Network; tech-savvy governments such as in India and Estonia; the UN system, including the members of the UN-Legal Identity Agenda Task Force; regional development banks, including the Asian Development Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank; private biometrics corporations like Idemia, Thales, and Gemalto; card companies such as MasterCard; new networks such as the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA) and ID4Africa; and numerous other global organizations Many of the governments and companies listed above are also partners with the World Economic Forum, the proponents of The Great Reset. The Gates Foundation is likely more well known to regular readers, but the Omidyar Network should also raise red flags. The Omidyar Network was set up by eBay founder Pierre Omidyar and Pam Omidyar. To learn more about the history of Omidyar and his co-opting of the Snowden leaks via his ownership of The Intercept, read these investigations. Interestingly, the NYU report states that proponents of this digital identity future have cloaked this new paradigm in the language of human rights and inclusion, arguing that such systems will help to achieve multiple Sustainable Development Goals. As I reported in my previous investigation, Exposing the Digital ID is a Human Right Scam, the push towards a digital identity has its roots in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the 2030 Agenda. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a collection of 17 interlinked objectives adopted by the United Nations in 2015 with the ostensible goal of ending poverty, protecting the planet, and spreading peace and prosperity to all people by 2030. The SDGs were part of a larger resolution known as the 2030 Agenda, or Agenda 2030, with the stated purpose of fighting climate change. While the United Nations SDGs and Agenda 2030 are often touted as a tool for establishing healthy multilateral relationships between nations, in truth, they are based in a deeper agenda to monitor, control, and direct all life on the planet. The UN and the World Economic Forum have regularly promoted the idea of a digital identity as a necessity for life in the 2020s. Its clear that this effort to strong-arm the world into accepting digital identity programs is part of a larger push towards biometrics, a track and trace society, and, eventually, tools like Central Bank Digital Currencies. While the NYU report is the latest to warn about the dangers of the quickly approaching digital world, this is not the first warning. In April 2021, the Center for Human Rights and Global Justice published a skeptical piece titled Everyone Counts! Ensuring that the human rights of all are respected in digital ID systems. This article looked at some of the ways marginalized populations are further marginalized by digital systems. They warn of the need for the human rights movement to engage in discussions about digital transformation so that fundamental rights are not lost in the rush to build a modern, digital state. In January 2020 prior to the COVID-19 crisis and the increase in biometrics and vaccine passports forty organizations signed a letter calling on an independent government watchdog to recommend a ban on U.S. government use of facial recognition technology. The organizations challenged the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board (PCLOB) to examine the more significant public concerns about the use of facial recognition in public spaces. They also called on the board to address concerns that facial recognition software can be used by authoritarian governments to control minority populations and limit dissent and that this could spread quickly to democratic societies. What is clear at this pressing moment is that it will take a combination of the people standing up and pushing back against these systems, and academics and think tanks like the Center for Human Rights and Global Justice, to force a much needed debate about these technologies. The CHRGJ outlines the need for an equally global effort by the entire human rights ecosystem to counter the influence of the global network of digital identity advocates. The Paving a Digital Road to Hell? report calls on each of us to ask these important questions to local, state, national, and international lawmakers: What can we in the human rights ecosystem meaningfully do, individually and collectively, to ensure that digital ID systems enhance, rather than jeopardize, the enjoyment of human rights? Is this even possible through digital ID systems? If we do not have this crucial conversation we may miss an opportunity to prevent further violations of human rights, and loss of civil liberties. BELLEAIR SHORE, Fla. No umbrellas, tents or canopies allowed at the beach! Thats an actual rule in Belleair Shore, a Pinellas County coastal community. Now, some beachgoers are throwing shade on the ordinance after one man was ticketed $116 for his umbrella. Pedro Pete Redero said the Florida sun is not something he likes to mess with because hes had several issues with skin cancer. Ive had several cancer spots taken off of my face, he explained. Last month on June 12th, Redero put up his umbrella to enjoy some shade on the beach in Bellaire Shore. Soon after, some friends joined him with their canopies. Just before 4 p.m., he said two Pinellas County Deputies approached them. The officers (deputies) came and told us we had to take the umbrella down. I said 'why is it that we have to take the umbrella down' and he said 'its an ordinance here that you cant have the umbrella up,' Redero recalled. Then, they went right ahead and gave me a ticket. The ticket was for $116, and the citation stated the offense was having an umbrella on the beach within the city limits. Ive had my umbrella for years and years and Ive used it in different places and beaches. Its 7 feet wide and is a regular beach or pool umbrella. Its nothing outrageous, Redero added. Bellaire Shores ordinance banning temporary shade structures like umbrellas and tents has been on the books for about two years. Back in 2020, town leaders established the new rule and added signage on the beach and at beach accesses. Although it has been two years, residents in Belleair Beach, the next town over, told ABC Action News that recently deputies have been issuing more warnings and asking more people to disassemble their umbrellas. Redero had been warned about his umbrella being in violation previously, according to the citation he received. Bellaire Shore said the change was made in the best interests of the health, safety and welfare of the community. Attorney Joseph Manzo, who is the former mayor of adjoining Belleair Beach, has filed one lawsuit on the topic and now plans to file a second lawsuit on behalf of Redero. Bright side Lounge Charity Golf Tourney Slated The 8th Annual Brightside Lounge Charity Golf Tourney will be held at the beautiful Cherokee Golf Course on Saturday, August... ISUs McDonald IV, Downing on Lombardi Award Watch List AMES, Iowa Iowa State defensive end Will McDonald IV and offensive lineman Trevor Downing have been named to the 2022 Rotary Lombardi... COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) Veteran politician Ranil Wickremesinghe was sworn in as Sri Lankas new president Thursday to take charge of a nation bitterly angry that he will remain in power amid an unprecedented economic crisis. Sri Lankans have taken to the streets for months to demand their top leaders step down to take responsibility for economic chaos that has left the nations 22 million people struggling with shortages of essentials, including medicine, fuel and food. While the protesters have focused on the Rajapaksa political dynasty, Wickremesinghe has also drawn their ire as a perceived Rajapaksa surrogate. The six-time prime minister has never held the top job. But he easily won the secret ballot of lawmakers Wednesday to finish the term of former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who fled the country after protesters stormed his residence last week and resigned. A protester waves a national flag and shouts slogans demanding elected president Ranil Wickremesinghe step down during a protest at the presidential secretariat premise in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Wednesday, July 20, 2022. Sri Lanka's prime minister was elected president Wednesday by lawmakers who opted for a seasoned, veteran leader to lead the country out of economic collapse, despite widespread public opposition.(AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool) His appointment received mixed reactions, with some supporters lighting firecrackers while protesters continued to demand that he resign. Wickremesinghe, 73, has wide experience in diplomatic and international affairs and has been overseeing bailout talks with the International Monetary Fund. He won the support of 134 members in the 225-member Parliament. Lawmakers apparently considered him the safer hands to lead the nation through the crisis, despite public anger at Wickremesinghe as an example of the nations problematic political establishment. During demonstrations last week, crowds set his personal residence on fire and occupied his office. Protesters rest as they join the demand that elected president Ranil Wickremesinghe step down in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Wednesday, July 20, 2022. Sri Lanka's prime minister was elected president Wednesday by lawmakers who opted for a seasoned, veteran leader to lead the country out of economic collapse, despite widespread public opposition.(AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool) After Wednesdays vote, Wickremesinghe called for politicians to work together and pleaded for the country to move on. But protesters flocked to the presidential office instead, chanting, Ranil, go home! Protest leaders told reporters Wednesday that they dont accept Wickremesinghes appointment and urged him to step down immediately. Parliaments selection goes against the will of the people, said Jeewantha Peiris, a protest leader and Catholic priest, adding that demonstrations against Wickremesinghe would continue. A man reads newspaper with news of Ranil Wickremesinghe's election in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 21, 2022. Sri Lanka's prime minister was elected president Wednesday by lawmakers who opted for a seasoned, veteran leader to lead the country out of economic collapse, despite widespread public opposition. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool) We are the people who sent Gotabaya home, and its not a difficult task for us to send you (Wickremesinghe) home, said Tampitiye Sugathananda, a Buddhist monk and protest leader who was outside the presidential office. Late Thursday, police and Sri Lankan soldiers dismantled structures near the protest site where demonstrators have gathered for the past 104 days. A large number of army and police personnel arrived in trucks and buses around midnight, removing tents and arresting some protesters. They blocked off roads leading to the site and carried long poles. Protesters said on social media that they were beaten up, but the allegations could not be independently verified. A protester stands holding Sri Lankan flag in the compound of presidential secretariat the day after Ranil Wickremesinghe was elected president in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 21, 2022. Sri Lanka's prime minister was elected president Wednesday by lawmakers who opted for a seasoned, veteran leader to lead the country out of economic collapse, despite widespread public opposition.(AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool) Wickremesinghe took his oath as the countrys eighth executive president Thursday morning at a ceremony held in Parliament in the capital, Colombo. He now can choose a new prime minister. In an example of the troubles caused by the economic crisis, a power outage hampered live coverage of the swearing-in ceremony. In some areas, Wickremesinghes supporters lit firecrackers and distributed sweets to celebrate his appointment as president, local media reported. The U.S. ambassador to Sri Lanka, Julie Chung, wrote on Twitter that she looks forward to working with Wickremesinghe. She added: In these challenging times, it will be essential for all parties to redouble efforts to work together to tackle the economic crisis, uphold democracy & accountability, and build a stable & secure future for all Sri Lankans. Wickremesinghe said Monday that the negotiations with the IMF were near a conclusion and talks on help from other countries had also progressed. He also said the government has taken steps to resolve shortages of fuel and cooking gas. On Wednesday, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva told financial magazine Nikkei Asia that the organization hoped to complete the rescue talks as quickly as possible. On Monday, in his role as acting president, Wickremesinghe declared a state of emergency that gave him broad authority to act in the interest of public security and order. Authorities can carry out searches and detain people, and Wickremesinghe can also change or suspend any law. Parliament can regularly review the law and it will expire without its approval. Presidents in Sri Lanka are normally elected by the public. The responsibility falls to Parliament only if the presidency becomes vacant before the term officially ends. It has happened once before, in 1993, when then-Prime Minister Dingiri Banda Wijetunga was chosen by Parliament uncontested after former President Ranasinghe Premadasa, father of the current opposition leader, was assassinated. ___ Associated Press writer Krishan Francis contributed to this report. The grand old dame of city hotels, the InterContinental Sydney, is set to open its coveted rooftop for the first time with a bar offering sweeping views of Sydney Harbour as part of a $110 million facelift. The hotel at 117 Macquarie Street, where US presidents and celebrities including daytime television queen Oprah Winfrey have rested their heads, is upgrading its rooms and penthouse suite in time for an anticipated boost in tourism. Views from Level 32 of the InterContinental Hotel in Sydneys CBD, which will open to the public for the first time. Renovations are set to end by September, with a signature bar opening on a reimagined outdoor terrace - just in time for new year revellers to take in Sydneys fireworks. Some of the buildings heritage facade will also be restored. All 509 guest rooms and suites will be given a makeover in green and blue hues, picking up tones from the adjacent gardens and harbour. Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size It is 2070, and my future grandchildren have just been told by my son that he grew up during a global pandemic that killed millions of people. Tens of millions, actually. In this vision of my familys future, my grandchildren, who worship the moving image as much as their long-dead grandpa once did, have never seen any reference to this lethal pandemic in any of the classic early-21st century films and archaic 2D television series still popular on the holo-net. Its impossible for them not to think my son is taking the piss. Good one, Dad, they laugh. Tens of millions dead, yeah, right. Increasingly, I fear this outcome is inevitable. And if its not, then a realistic alternative is that any future whisper about the pandemic will be accompanied by fantastical inaccuracies since perhaps the only record in popular culture about it will be found in books (good) and on social media (bad). Rewind, back to the present. Or rather, the global pandemic we are, in fact, living through despite its near-total omission from film and TV series. Im a novelist and screenwriter who works in the United States, United Kingdom and Europe, and Australia where I now reside. Desperate to come to terms with the pandemic and the deaths of family and friends, Ive developed a thriller TV series on the subject. Unfortunately, agents in all three countries inform me there is no appetite in their markets for any COVID-related projects. Producers soon concur; networks and streamers and audiences, by implication are only looking for escapism. Its just too soon, is repeated from different mouths. Variations of, We need some perspective first are expressed. When I vent about the absurdity of this to fellow screenwriters, they tell me, almost without fail, that nobody wants to watch a series about COVID, we need some perspective first. Charlie Chaplin in the 1940 film The Great Dictator. Heres the problem, from my point of view: in the history of film and television, there just isnt much evidence to support the argument that audiences dont want to immediately engage in narratives about culture-shaking global traumas. As the Great Depression dragged on, Charlie Chaplin, Preston Sturges, Frank Capra, and numerous others produced film after film about it in real-time and continued to explore the subject further following the global economic recovery. Hollywood even birthed the gangster genre in response to the institutional decay and hard-scrabble poverty that devastated its audiences around the world dont worry, immigrants, you too can end up on top of the world! Advertisement During World War II, literally hundreds of films were produced in the midst of the war and hundreds more afterwards. They were a form of catharsis for audiences at home, a way to connect with their loved ones experiences thousands of miles away, and, of course, as recruitment and fundraising tools. The Cold War similarly produced scores of films and, with the advent of television, incalculable hours of scripted TV about nuclear and communist anxiety. During the 50s, most science-fiction films existed in dialogue with this anxiety, in fact, and by the 70s and 80s some of these titles, including The Thing from Another World and Invasion of the Body Snatchers, were already being remade because their relevance had not waned. For a more recent example, consider 9/11 and the War on Terror. In the Aughts, a slew of films and TV episodes and even whole series were produced discussing both, starting with a special episode of The West Wing shot and aired less than one month after the World Trade Center buildings fell. Many films and hours of TV reflected the moral ambiguity of the global trauma, helping us understand and develop a shared vocabulary, even mythology about the experience. Bradley Whitford in the 2011 Issac and Ishamel episode of West Wing. Whether Mr Deeds struggling against the machinations of scheming big money types or the Dark Knight being challenged about his abuse of surveillance technology even if for apparently noble ends, storytellers have long used the moving image to help us confront the worst of the 20th and 21st centuries and question how we feel and what we think about it. That is, until COVID. In the early days of the pandemic, you wouldnt have thought this would be the case. Audiences flocked to older films about pandemics, especially Outbreak (1995) and Contagion (2011), transforming them into streaming hits. There have been many theories as to why, but if history has any say in the matter, its safe to assume it was so people could vicariously stare down the potential of dying horribly from what might yet turn out to be a modern Black Death and experience the triumph of collectively overcoming such impossible odds. Advertisement But as the pandemic failed to quickly resolve itself as so many hoped it would, new and original work for the screen failed to materialise to satisfy this need on the part of audiences. Jude Law in the 2011 film Contagion. Exceptions exist but are so rare they immediately stand out. Greys Anatomy and other US medical procedurals tackled COVID head-on, in part because, Ive been told, many worried it would be disrespectful to the medical profession if the pandemic wasnt depicted honestly. In the UK, Jack Thornes Help met with universal acclaim. COVID has appeared elsewhere on film and television, sure, but most typically as either a plot gimmick (COVID caper Locked Down), what amount to episodes of the week on the subject before getting back to COVID-less narratives (The Morning Show), or blip acknowledgements to quickly move past (such as And Just Like That where just like that a quick reference lets audiences know COVID isnt relevant to their good time anymore). In a strange twist, one of the most emotionally confronting series about a pandemic to air during the COVID pandemic is Station Eleven, a limited series about a civilisation-ending virus; adapted from Emily St. John Mandels 2014 novel, it went into production before the pandemic, finished production after an initial shutdown, and, in its completion, now provides audiences with a powerful allegorical way to interrogate their own anxiety and loss from COVID. Kim Raver and Fran Nichols in Greys Anatomy COVID-focused episode All Tomorrows Parties. This general COVID blackout on our screens means that for the first time in the history of the moving image, thousands of hours of film and TV are yearly being produced depicting fictional realities that either completely pretend away or only passingly acknowledge some of the most significant facts of our own. No characters we love die from COVID, no characters loved ones die, and nobody must make sense of a death toll that dwarfs any suffered by combat in any war ever waged. Its the Disney-fication of all filmed pop culture, with no room for the greatest global horror of our time. So, is the absence due to COVID itself as a subject or something more culturally problematic that preceded it and, perhaps, even shaped how we talk about the pandemic today? I think that by the start of the 21st century, something began to shift in how we, as a society, sought out an understanding about our reality. Its not difficult to make the leap to social media and for-profit news, both of which excel at providing curated distortions of objective reality to individuals that are either marketed as or mistaken for just that, as to why. Fox News has even successfully argued in court that much of its so-called reporting is rhetorical hyperbole that cannot reasonably be interpreted as facts. The advent of fake news on social media platforms further confounded the veracity of facts provided by these former truth-tellers. Advertisement Today, instead of relying upon a multitude of artists challenging our preconceptions or interpretations of world events, more and more of us turn to an echo chamber weve carefully created for ourselves thanks to Twitter, YouTube experts, for-profit news networks, and so on. The result is an increasingly fractured society. It is no surprise, in such an increasingly polarised world, that the bean counters driving film and TV production would seek to minimise their financial risk by avoiding any subjects that could violently divide and cost them potential audiences. Its also no surprise that those creating art might seek to avoid grappling with such a contentious mob mentality from many who seem to have become dissociated from reality. Thanks to social media, even a small minority can now monopolise conversations, attempt to cancel films and filmmakers, and impact box office success or TV ratings. In other words, the audiences with the most warped view of reality now define what is acceptable reality for the rest of us. The failure of film and TV to interrogate global traumas like COVID-19, events so big that no individual can make sense of them without help, has real-world consequences. Meryl Streep in 1978 film Holocaust. For example, the 1918 Spanish Flu pandemic that killed 50 million people doesnt have any appreciable presence in early film history, which is probably why most of the world has no idea it happened or could happen again. Ignorance is blissuntil its too late. Or consider the Holocaust, which was essentially denied by a virtually inviolate cone of silence that Hollywood and Europes film and TV industry imposed regarding the mass murder of more than six million people. By 1979 when the landmark TV series Holocaust aired to upwards of 120 million viewers, generations that had grown up largely ignorant of the genocide began to wake up to its horrifying dimensions. There were even some on director Marvin Chomskys production team who believed he was making up facts. Holocaust re-educated much of the world and led to a wave of films and TV projects that helped us develop a broader understanding of the tragedy. Advertisement Today, there appears to be a real risk of diverting the role of cultural mirror away from film and television to social media and for-profit news networks, both of which are, by their very nature, incentivised to tell their audiences whatever they want to hear to keep engagement high. Confirmation bias, as its more appropriately called. Loading Art has been human beings most consistent way to see through these biases and develop a better understanding of the world. It has been a constant since our only canvases were cave walls and throughout the pantheon of gods constant shape-shifting. What happens to us if it entirely divests from reality and begins to primarily or even solely provide escapist simulacra of our world and our experience of passing through it? And how would that collective rejection of reality of trauma as significant as a global pandemic and whatever traumas surely follow be any different from any individual denying a serious personal trauma? If psychotherapy has taught us anything in the past century, it is that trauma doesnt disappear simply by not naming it. Eventually, it rears its ugly head. I hope this current trend changes quickly, not only so I can one day explore my own experiences during this pandemic, but because I need to watch others interpretations of it, as well. If it doesnt, I worry that in 50 years, my grandchildren will still be paying the price for this blackout. Good one, Dad tens of millions dead, yeah, right. Cole Haddon is an Australian-American film, television, and graphic novel writer. His first novel Psalms For The End Of The World is published by Hachette on August 30. A cultural guide to going out and loving your city. Sign up to our Culture Fix newsletter here. The Federal Court should reject outdated stereotypes about domestic violence victims when considering whether war veteran Ben Roberts-Smith punched his former lover in the face, his defamation case has heard. The court is hearing closing submissions in the defamation suit brought by the decorated former soldier against The Age, The Sydney Morning Herald and The Canberra Times. Roberts-Smith claims the newspapers wrongly accused him of war crimes and an act of domestic violence against a woman dubbed Person 17. Ben Roberts-Smith outside the Federal Court in Sydney on Monday. Credit:Kate Geraghty The media outlets are seeking to rely chiefly on a defence of truth and Nicholas Owens, SC, acting for the newspapers, addressed the allegation relating to Person 17 on Thursday. He urged the court to reject submissions made by Roberts-Smiths lawyers, filed in court but not released publicly, that he said were premised on thoroughly outmoded and outdated and discredited stereotypes about how a victim of domestic violence should behave in relation to their attacker in the aftermath of an assault. My friends get upset when I lick my plate after a delicious restaurant meal. I think Im doing a good deed, complimenting the chef, helping the kitchenhand and saving the environment by consuming what might have gone down the drain. Should our manners evolve so that plate-licking is accepted? B.L., Belmore, NSW Credit:Simon Letch A: Strange how it works. If people see someone licking food from a plate, they think, Yechhh, disgusting! I dont want to see their slathery tongue hanging out, lapping away like an unevolved animal, yechhhhh! But if people see someone licking ice-cream from a cone, they think, Aww, delightful! Look at their little pink tongue poking out and licking away! I want to have a lick, too! Then theyll happily share the ice-cream with the person, catching all the drips running down the side of the cone, half of them ice-cream, half of them foamy, gloopy tongue juice. Loading Plate-licking will never be accepted by the wider community, so I suggest you find a more publicly approved licking receptacle. If you go to a restaurant with friends, take an empty ice-cream cone with you. Scrape your leftovers inside and lick away everyone will love watching it. And it works great with mashed potatoes and cous cous, maybe not so much with ossobuco or consomme. Or bring along an Oreo cookie: pop it open, slop on your leftover Thai green curry and get licking. Queensland police search for driver after car washed away in heavy rain Were sorry, this feature is currently unavailable. Were working to restore it. Please try again later. Dismiss Health authorities have urged Queenslanders to wear masks, as COVID-19 cases hit the highest level of recent weeks. On Thursday, the state recorded 11,687 COVID cases and 10 deaths, along with more than 61,000 flu cases. More than 1000 people were in hospital with COVID-19, 21 of whom were in ICU. Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has again urged Queenslanders to wear masks. Credit:Getty Images Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk urged people to get their booster shots and wear a mask. If you are indoors, please put on that mask, she said. If you are at school, please put on that mask. And Im asking parents to talk to their children to please wear a mask. At any given moment little Oakly Bain might need the urgent medical attention of a cardiologist. The 19-month-old was born with complex congenital heart disease and, on top of that, a condition called polysplenia where there are multiple small spleens instead of one regular-sized organ. He is severely immunocompromised and any cold, flu or virus could take his life. Oakly Bains family cant find a home in Perth. Credit:Kirsty Biggers The stress of the situation single mother Kirsty Biggers faces in caring for her youngest child is more than many could cope with. Oakly has been in hospital twice already in the past month, and Biggers says she nearly lost him. Now, as the next COVID-19 wave looms and a range of viruses float around Perth, shes terribly worried. The detection of even a single case of live foot-and-mouth virus in Australia would trigger a COVID-like official response, including contact tracing, lockdowns and interstate border closures for livestock and potentially even people. National Animal Disease Taskforce chief Chris Parker urged travellers entering Australia to declare any at-risk items or contact with farm animals. There is an outbreak of the highly infectious foot and mouth disease in cattle in Indonesia. Credit:Bloomberg It was best practice to discard shoes that had been worn in a foot-and-mouth region before returning to Australia, Parker said, adding that cleaning footwear with soap and water would significantly mitigate the risk. Under the nationally agreed response for a foot-and-mouth outbreak, all livestock transport would come to an immediate stop for at least 72 hours and potentially much longer until the source was found. Residents are concerned that a narrow drainage pipe beneath the fill is being compacted. If a bloke admits to doing something [unauthorised] and they dont prosecute him, youve got to ask, why not, said Peter Paulsen, one of the affected residents. Local MP Mark Bailey has asked Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner for an immediate investigation into the Yeronga flooding. Credit:Dan Peled/AAP Local MP Mark Bailey, Queenslands transport minister, inspected the site and in June wrote to Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner to call for the landfill to be investigated and any drainage issues rectified. I request an immediate investigation of this matter to identify how the development has been allowed to occur in the past, to identify any ongoing flood impacts it is causing for local residents, and what rectification measures can be identified to retain the natural drainage flow capacities, Bailey wrote. In a statement to Brisbane Times, the council said it investigated the issue several times and could not find sufficient evidence an offence had occurred. Council has no current plans to undertake any creek or drainage modifications on council land in this area, and any changes on private land would be a matter between individual landowners, the statement said. The extension of the Yeronga industrial land (centre), where unauthorised fill was identified by council chief executive Colin Jensen in 2011, appears to interrupt the tree-lined stream (top centre). Residents on the left say it is making flash flooding worse. Credit:Google Maps In a letter to one affected landowner last month, Deputy Mayor Krista Adams said council officers had not been able to identify any impacts of the filling of the creek. The alleged responsible parties were educated on the rules regarding filling, and the matter finalised, Adams wrote. Councils flood mapping shows much of the area is prone to high and medium impact overflow flooding. Residents have advice from hydrologists Storm Water Consulting that the fill increased the flood risk to their upstream homes. Storm Water Consultings May 2019 findings Our Tuflow computer modelling clearly illustrates that the filling on 133 Hyde Road is blocking the stormwater runoff from the local upstream catchment. Some of the local houses in this area are on the south-eastern side of Orient Road, adjacent to Orient Road Park. The blocking of the flow path across 133 Hyde Road has significantly increased the probability that these Orient Road houses will be inundated during an intense short-duration storm event. Storm Water Consulting also identified 17 properties around Yerongas Orient Street Park that they said were at greater risk of flash flooding. The land at 133 Hyde Road was, until 2014, owned by the Moxon family, who ran a timber mill. The land was then sold to Ron Baldwin and Fred Drake. The site now operates as Yeronga Commercial Park, which sub-leases spaces to a range of manufacturing, design and printing businesses. Brisbane Times has obtained redacted council notes of a formal meeting on site in 2006 at which a Moxon Timbers representative told a compliance officer the company filled the creek and placed drains under fill without approval to give it extra space to dry timber. During that meeting, the representative admitted two to three metres of fill was placed over the bottom one-third of the site without council approval, to improve drainage. The business was given a breach notice by the council, prompting a Moxon Timbers representative to label the decision bullshit and vow to take council to court. Tony Moxon could not be contacted through the familys new company, Hurford Wholesale, and is believed to be overseas. Paulsen, a drainer by occupation, and engineer Bruce McNaughton are representing residents and claim the illegal fill slows the flow of water by 60 per cent. Paulsen said the pipes beneath the fill were beginning to compress and could block water flow completely. No approval was obtained to put in this drain and to place unauthorised fill over the top of a creek in Yeronga which causes backs up in residents homes. The industrial business operates on the filled land above the drain. Credit:Tony Moore We think it is going to collapse. When that happens, it is only going to get worse for us. Ron Baldwins son, David, is site manager and company secretary of the company that now owns and operates Yeronga Commercial Park. He disagreed that the alleged unauthorised fill enabled water to back up, and said he was unaware of approvals given to Moxon Timbers. The only time that I am aware that this happened in our tenure at the site is 2011 and 2022, when the dam releases forced the Brisbane River to flood, he said. David Baldwin said council had asked one neighbour to show cause for debris blockages that interfered with the natural flow in the creek. However, council has never given us a show cause notice in terms of the connection from the west to the east, or the creeks that water our land. There has never ever been any issues. Former Macquarie Radio news editor John Daley and wife Lynette raised a family of four in their Orient Street home through three river floods (1974, 2011 and 2022). An Australian foreign correspondent working in Afghanistan says she was detained by Taliban intelligence agents, forced to retract some of her articles, and coerced into making a public apology during what she described as three days of cat-and-mouse with regime authorities. Lynne ODonnell, who has reported on and off from Afghanistan for about two decades, left the country for neighbouring Pakistan on Wednesday after she was allegedly detained, abused, and threatened. She has vowed not to return to Afghanistan, which she said was descending into a hellscape of terror. Lynne ODonnell in Kandahar province, Afghanistan. Credit:AP ODonnell, who writes for Foreign Policy and other publications, said she was forced to retract several reports the Taliban claimed had broken their laws and offended Afghan culture. She had travelled to Kabul last Sunday for a week-long reporting trip. Tweet an apology or go to jail, said Taliban intelligence, the journalist wrote on Twitter recounting the ordeal. Whatever it takes: They dictated, I tweeted. Islamabad: Taliban intelligence officials threatened an Australian journalist with jail unless she publicly apologised for reporting on alleged abuses by the group, she has said. Lynne ODonnell was held in Afghanistan and made to tweet apologies for past articles that alleged the Taliban used teenage girls as sex slaves and forced young women into marriage. Zabiullah Mujahid, left, the spokesman for the Taliban government, speaks during a press conference in Kabulon June 30. Credit:AP She was also forced to record a video clip declaring that she had not been coerced into making the apologies. The experienced Afghanistan correspondent disclosed her ordeal on Wednesday after she had safely left the country. London: She was collateral damage in one of the most sensational reporting scoops in British TV history, a royal nanny to Prince William and Prince Harry tarnished by the BBC in its quest for an interview with their mother, Princess Diana. Now the BBC has apologised to the former nanny, Alexandra Pettifer, then known as Tiggy Legge-Bourke, for spreading false allegations that she had an affair with Prince Charles and had undergone an abortion after becoming pregnant with his child. It also agreed to pay her a substantial, if undisclosed, amount in damages. Alexandra Pettifer, better known as Tiggy Legge-Bourke, a former nanny to Britains Prince Wiliam and Prince Harry, outside the High Court. Credit:AP These allegations were fabricated, Pettifers lawyer, Louise Prince, read out in a jointly agreed statement in the High Court in London. The BBC said in the statement that it was extremely sorry for the serious and prolonged harm the accusations had caused Pettifer and that they were wholly baseless and should never have been made. As violence inside the Capitol escalated and elected members had to be rushed to safety, Trump tweeted that then-vice president Mike Pence didnt have the courage to do what should have been done to protect our country and our constitution and stop the certification of the election result. The hearing heard that despite knowing the Capitol had been breached and the mob was in the building, Trump called Pence a coward and put a target on his own vice presidents back. Minutes later, Pence had to be evacuated to safety for a second time by the Secret Service as senators ran through the hallways of the Senate to get away from the mob. Pence came within 12 metres of the rioters. At that point, Trump called Senator Thomas Tuberville, one of his strongest supporters in the Senate, who had to end the call to evacuate the chamber himself. Former deputy national security adviser Matt Pottinger said he was disturbed by the tweet. The tweet looked to me like the opposite of what we really needed that moment, which was a de-escalation and thats why I had said earlier that it looked like fuel being poured on the fire, he said. That was the moment that I decided that I was going to resign, that would be my last day at the White House. I simply didnt want to be associated with the events that were unfolding on the Capitol. Then-White House deputy press secretary Sarah Matthews agreed and said the tweet had given the green light to rioters that what they were doing at the steps of the Capitol was OK, that they were justified in their anger. Im someone who has worked with him. I worked on the campaign, travelled all around the country going to countless rallies with him and Ive seen the impact that his words have on his supporters, she said. They truly latch on to every word in every tweet that he says and so I think that in that moment for him to tweet out the message about Mike Pence, it was him pouring gasoline on the fire and making it much worse. In a bid to infuse fresh talent in Air India, introduced the voluntary retirement scheme (VRS) on June 1. An Economic Times report stated that around 4,500 employees have opted for retirement under the scheme. Additionally, 4,000 more people will retire from the company in the next two years. The report quoted the executives with knowledge of the matter, saying that the airline is working on improving productivity and revitalising 'archaic systems' with digital culture. has also reportedly launched a major recruitment drive in metro cities to hire new talent. is also considering buying Airbus A350 jets and Boeing's narrow-body planes to renew its fleet. Also Read | 1,000 passenger complaints received against Air India in 3 months: Govt "It [Air India] has to become a modern airline and shed systems, processes and people from an era where the mindset has been set and cannot be changed. This is a digital era, and the airline has to be revamped in terms of systems and people to be consumer-focused," Mark Martin, CEO of Martin Consulting, was quoted as saying by ET. has been hiring people from companies, including Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and Tata Digital, to handle the call centres, website and customer experience. It is also working on improving the execution and customer service, the report added. Tata Group executives also said that the airline needed people with the right attitude to compete with international rivals. Under Air India's VRS rules, people older than 40 and 20 years of continuous employment can opt for voluntary retirement. The company also gave an ex-gratia amount of Rs 1 lakh to those who opted for the VRS between June 1 and July 31. Tata Group acquired in January 2022. At that time, the company had around 13,000 employees, and 8,000 were permanent staff. On July 1, Business Standard reported that 1,600 employees had opted for the VRS until then. Biotechnology major on Thursday said the US health regulator has issued three observations after inspecting its Telangana-based manufacturing plant. The US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) concluded a pre-approval inspection for Site 3 located at Hyderabad on July 20, Ltd said in a regulatory filing. "Three observations were cited at the end of the inspection, which we will be addressing within the stipulated time," it added. The company stands committed to quality, safety and efficacy of its products, the Bengaluru-based company 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.) By Nupur Anand MUMBAI (Reuters) - Citigroup expects annual growth in its corporate banking business in India to accelerate to 10% in the next few years as it focuses on its institutional business after recently selling its consumer banking business, a top executive said. "Conservatively, we expect India corporate banking business revenue to grow at around 10% (a year) in dollar terms in (the) next three-four years, which translates to 16-17% in rupee terms considering the depreciation," K Balasubramanian, head of corporate banking, South Asia, told Reuters on Thursday, noting Citi has been ramping up hiring. Growth of 10% would be "200 basis points" higher than annual growth seen in the last few years and faster than several other countries in which the bank has a presence, he said. In the year ended March 2021, Citi India's revenue form corporate banking totalled 85.13 billion rupees ($1.07 billion), the biggest contributor to its business surpassing revenue from treasury, retail and other banking. Revenue from corporate banking includes interest and fees earned on loans to customers and income from trade and transaction services, according to the regulatory filing. Volatility in global markets amid the conflict between Russia and Ukraine has boosted business with commodity-linked hedging in the last six to nine months reaching the highest level the bank has ever done in India, said Balasubramanian. India is a leading contributor to corporate banking revenue in Asia Pacific, he said. Despite pandemic disruptions, India remains one of the fastest-growing major economies, with growth forecast to average 7.2% this fiscal year. Earlier this year, Citi sold its consumer franchise business in India to Axis Bank. It is winding down its consumer business in 12 other markets as well to refocus on its more lucrative institutional and wealth management businesses. In India, the bank has increased its front-end headcount in corporate banking by 10% in the last two quarters, said Balasubramanian. If business momentum keeps pace, the lender may look at increasing headcount further in another 12-18 months' time, he added. Citi is focused on channelling credit flows to offshore subsidiaries of Indian and capturing flows on trade corridors between India and neighbouring countries. "More capex growth is expected in 2023-24 and with that the GDP numbers will pick up. We may see even better growth because we expect to grow at double (the pace of) GDP (in rupee terms)," he added. ($1 = 79.8100 Indian rupees) (Reporting by Nupur Anand; Editing by Kim Coghill and Susan Fenton) (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.) Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) on Thursday inaugurated a new spray dried detergent factory in Sumerpur town of Uttar Pradesh's Hamirpur district and is planning to invest a total of Rs 700 crore in the unit by 2025. CEO and UP Chief Minister virtually unveiled the spray dried detergent factory and co-located distribution centre, which will manufacture products for brand, including Surf Excel, Indias largest laundry brand. The unit will significantly boost the production capacity of spray dried detergent powder, making the factory a largest volume strategic sourcing site for the company in three years. Inaugurating the unit, CM Adityanath said: This is a proud moment for the state of . We are glad that a global, large company like Unilever has selected our state to establish their ultra-modern factory. I am also happy to note their interest in employing women and persons with disability. We are confident that such investments will support the regions overall development." The factory will be Unilevers first gender-balanced factory in South Asia, where 101 women employees were hired under the UP governments Mission Shakti. The company plans to recruit an additional 153 women employees and also actively look at hiring persons with disability. The company intends to employ 1,600 people directly and indirectly by 2025. It is heartening to see the UIL plant take shape here in the Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh, a state where our company has significant presence and history. This reinforces Unilevers long-term commitment to the state of UP and acknowledges the excellent support from the government and the local communities. This investment is consistent with Unilevers long-standing commitment to Atmanirbhar Bharat," said MD Mehta Besides the manufacturing unit, has set up a fully automated distribution centre, the first in for Unilever. It is equipped with automated storage and retrieval system (ASRS) to deliver goods with minimum retrieval time. HULs executive director of supply chain, Willem Uijen, said, the newest factory in stands at the forefront of ultra-modern manufacturing for Unilever globally. It is designed to make the best use of what the fourth industrial revolution has to offer, thereby guaranteeing world class performance in people safety, product quality, innovation lead times and environmental performance. The sites integrated design allows for an ecosystem of material suppliers, logistic operators, and manufacturing partners to be located at the site for optimal integration of the supply chain, Uijen added. Safety and sustainability have been a core area of focus for the new plant and the manufacturing unit has been designed to have a zero carbon footprint, said in a statement, adding that through the usage of biomass briquette as fuel, the unit will contribute to enhancing the income of approx. 10,000 farmers. The unit will collect and store rainwater for wider community use, send zero waste to landfill and initiate solar power generation in the near future. It is working on developing the local logistics market and increasing the number of its suppliers and ancillaries in through several supplier integration initiatives. Under its community development programme, Prabhat, HUL is working with several NGOs and local authorities to set up the necessary infrastructure to help impart employable skills to local youth and enhance the livelihoods of residents. India Ltd on Thursday said its board has approved worth Rs 14,944.91 crore for setting up power and mining projects in Tamil Nadu. The company, which comes under the coal ministry, plans to invest over Rs 43,000 crore in various power and mining projects. According to a regulatory filing, the company's board of directors has approved the investment proposal for establishing Mine III (peak Capacity-11.50 MTPA & Normative capacity- 8.71 MTPA) at Neyveli, Tamil Nadu at an estimated cost of Rs 3,755.71 crore. The board has also given its go-ahead to the investment proposal to set up "TPS II 2nd Expansion Thermal Power Station (2 X 660 MW) at Neyveli, Tamil Nadu at an estimated cost of Rs 11,189.20 crore". India has presence in TamilNadu, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Jharkhand and Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The company operates three opencast lignite mines of total installed capacity 28.50 Million Tonnes Per Annum (MTPA) at Neyveli, one opencast lignite mine at Barsingsar in Rajasthan with an installed capacity of 2.10 MTPA and an open cast coal mine at Talabira in Odisha with an installed capacity of 20 MTPA. It also operates four lignite based pit-head thermal power stations with an aggregate capacity of 3,390 MW at Neyveli and one 250 MW lignite based thermal power station at Barsingsar, Rajasthan. A 1,000 MW coal-based thermal power station is also in operation at Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu through its subsidiary company, Tamilnadu Power Ltd (NTPL), a joint venture between NLCIL and TANGEDCO. (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.) Competition Commission of India (CCI) Thursday told the Delhi High Court that it was not able move an inch in its investigation into WhatsApp's privacy policy of 2021 on account of a court order granting time to and the instant messaging platform for filing replies in connection with the probe. CCI told a bench headed by Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma that there was virtually a stay on the proceedings and the anti-trust regulator must be allowed to carry out its investigation and and must be asked to file their replies. The bench, also comprising Justice Subramonium Prasad, was hearing appeals of LLC and Inc challenging a single-judge order dismissing their pleas against the probe ordered by the CCI into the instant messaging platform's updated privacy policy. The investigation is 16 months old... We are not able to move an inch. We must be allowed to investigate, the senior lawyer said. On January 3, a bench headed by then Chief Justice DN Patel extended the time for filing replies by Facebook and to two CCI notices of June 2021 asking them to furnish certain information for the purpose of inquiry conducted by it. The court, on Thursday, orally observed that there was no stay order concerning the probe and opined that the two should file their reply before CCI and listed the case for further consideration on July 22. A lawyer appearing for the appellants said that their appeals would become infructuous if the interim protection is taken away and informed that a preliminary reply has already been filed before the CCI. A senior lawyer appearing for Facebook India urged the court to defer the hearing on the appeal, saying that the case involves issues of significance. In January last year, the CCI on its own had decided to look into WhatsApp's updated privacy policy based on reports regarding the same. WhatsApp and Facebook had subsequently challenged before the single judge CCI's March 2021 order directing a probe against them, saying that the issue concerning its new policy was already pending consideration before the high court and the Supreme Court. The single judge on April 22 last year, however, refused to interdict the investigation directed by the CCI. The single judge had opined that although it would have been "prudent" for the CCI to await the outcome of petitions in the Supreme Court and the Delhi High Court against WhatsApp's new privacy policy, not doing so would not make the regulator's order "perverse" or "wanting of jurisdiction". The CCI had contended before the single judge that it was not examining the alleged violation of individuals' privacy which was being looked into by the Supreme Court. It had argued before the court that the new privacy policy of WhatsApp would lead to excessive data collection and "stalking" of consumers for targeted advertising to bring in more users and is, therefore, an alleged abuse of dominant position. (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 (SAT) has provided partial relief to broadcaster New Delhi Television (NDTV) and its promoters against orders passed by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) for alleged violation of Takeover Code and disclosure regulations. The tribunal also slashed penalties imposed by the market regulator terming them excessive. In July 2009, promoters took a loan from Vishvapradhan Commercial (VCPL), an entity associated with the Reliance group, to repay Rs 350 crore to ICICI Bank borrowed to finance an open offer. The loan agreement had a clause which gave the right to VCPL to convert debt into equity, which were exercised later, giving the equity stake in the company. Following a article in 2015 headline who really owns NDTV stock exchanges had sought an explanation from . In the case involving violation of disclosure norms, SAT reduced the Rs 5 crore penalty imposed on to just Rs 10 lakh. Air India's Dubai-Kochi flight was diverted to on Thursday after the pilot-in-command reported a loss in cabin pressure, officials of aviation regulator DGCA said. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has grounded the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft and off-rostered this flight's crew, they said. It has also started investigating the incident, the officials said. This is the third instance in the last three days when the aviation regulator grounded a plane after an incident. On Tuesday, Go First's Mumbai-Leh and Srinagar-Delhi flights faced engine snags and both the planes were grounded by the DGCA. An spokesperson said the matter has been reported to the DGCA. "Flight AI 934, operating from Dubai to Cochin, was diverted to today due to a technical issue. The B787 aircraft landed safely at at 1912 hrs with 247 passengers and crew. An alternate aircraft is being arranged to carry passengers from Mumbai to Kochi," the spokesperson said. DGCA officials said that when the flight was heading from Dubai to Kochi on Thursday, the pilot observed a loss in cabin pressure and immediately contacted the integrated operations control centre (IOCC) of the airline as well as the air traffic controller. Oxygen masks were deployed so that the passengers do not face any discomfiture. The plane was allowed to divert to the nearest airport, which in this case was the one in Mumbai and it landed safely, they added. An aircraft generally operates at an altitude of around 30,000 feet where the oxygen level is quite less. Therefore, all aircraft create pressure inside the cabin so that there is sufficient oxygen for passengers and crew members. There have been multiple technical malfunction incidents in planes flown by Indian carriers in the last one month. Between Sunday and Tuesday, Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia held multiple meetings with airlines and officials from his ministry and DGCA to ensure safety oversight. The DGCA had on Monday said it conducted spot checks and found that an insufficient number of engineering personnel were certifying planes of various carriers before take-off. Before each departure, an aircraft is checked and certified by an aircraft maintenance engineer (AME). The DGCA has now issued guidelines for airlines on deployment of qualified AMEs and directed them to comply by July 28. The spot checks also found that AME teams of airlines are improperly identifying the "cause of a reported defect", the DGCA order stated. A Go First flight heading from Delhi to Guwahati on Wednesday was diverted to Jaipur after the A320neo aircraft's windshield cracked mid-air. On July 17, IndiGo's Sharjah-Hyderabad flight was diverted to Karachi as a precautionary measure after pilots observed a defect in one engine. On the night of July 16,the Calicut-Dubai flight of the Express was diverted to Muscat after a burning smell was observed in the cabin mid-air. A live bird was found in the cockpit of the Air India Express Bahrain-Kochi flight on July 15. SpiceJet is also under the scanner. On July 6, the DGCA issued a show-cause notice to SpiceJet following at least eight incidents of technical malfunction in its aircraft since June 19. The DGCA is currently investigating all these incidents. (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 representative body of held a here on Thursday, demanding the reinstatement of workers who were served termination notices by the government for taking part in a strike and a hike in honorarium. The State and Helpers Union (DSAWHU) gathered outside the office of the city government's Women and Child Development Department at Kashmere Gate and raised slogans against the AAP dispensation. Earlier, a delegation of met Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena and submitted a memorandum to him, DSAWHU officials said. The LG said he will look into their demands and soon intervene in the matter, they said. The protesters said they will gherao the LG's residence if their demands are not met. The DSAWHU claimed 884 anganwadi workers were served termination notices and 11,942 issued show cause notices by the government for participating in a 39-day strike earlier. (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 business chamber and North Eastern Development Finance Corporation Ltd (NEDFi) on Wednesday signed a memorandum of understanding to work jointly towards promoting investment in and other states of the region. The agreement will contribute to various initiatives aimed at reforms, policy advocacy, ease of doing business, market linkages and promotion of sustainable business practices. Indian Chamber of Commerce state council's chairman Sarat Kumar Jain and NEDFi executive director S K Baruah signed the MoU in the presence of delegates of both organisations. NEDFi chairman and managing director PVSLN Murthy said the MoU between the two organisations would certainly catalyse economic development of the by identifying commercially viable industries, providing advisory and consultancy services, and promoting entrepreneurship through effective mentoring and inculcating capacity building of the micro, small and medium enterprises. He said the MoU was executed to jointly work to promote in and other states. Jain said the pact would certainly provide a platform for entrepreneurs of the region to avail the pragmatic schemes and initiatives of NEDFi and the Indian Chamber of Commerce. ICC- and NEDFi would also collaboratively organise platforms for buyers and sellers in India and potential business partners. A trade facilitation desk would be established on the premises of ICC-NE in association with NEDFi to help trade and commerce among the region, the rest of India and the world. (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 maximum impact of the is being borne by the poorest countries and most vulnerable communities who have contributed the least to the crisis, has said, asserting that the with their historical experiences must take lead in the global transition towards net-zero. The UN has outlined that in order to keep global warming to no more than 1.5C, as declared in the Paris Agreement, greenhouse gas emissions need to be reduced by 45 per cent by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050. The world body has explained that net zero means cutting greenhouse gas emissions to as close to zero as possible, with any remaining emissions re-absorbed from the atmosphere, by oceans and forests for instance. "The maximum impact of the climate crisis is being borne by the poorest countries and most vulnerable communities, which have contributed the least to the climate crisis and lack the finance, technology and capacity to significantly alter the status quo, First Secretary in India's Permanent Mission to the UN Sneha Dubey said on Wednesday. Speaking at the special High-Level dialogue of the Presidents of the General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council on The Africa We Want: Reconfirming the Development of Africa as a Priority of the United Nations System', Dubey said developed countries with their historical experiences, must take lead in the global transition towards net-zero. A global Net-Zero should be based on the principle of common but differentiated responsibility and of equity, where developing countries will be peaking later given their respective sustainable development paths, she said. said consequently, in order to vacate the carbon space in 2050 for developing countries to grow, the developed countries should, in fact, do Net-Minus, she said. Dubey said a cross-regional statement underscoring this was issued in June, with two countries from Africa as the signatories. We hope more African countries can join this statement, she said. India's then Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador T S Tirumurti had delivered the cross-regional joint statement on behalf of and Bolivia, China, Gabon, Iran, Iraq, Mali, Nicaragua, Panama and Syria on "Global Net Zero in the context of combatting made on the occasion of the World Environment Day. Prime Minister Narendra Modi told the COP26 global climate summit in Glasgow last year that India will meet a target of net zero emissions by 2070. There still exists a large gap to achieve commitment by developed countries to provide 100 billion dollars for climate action. An added problem is the clubbing of development finance with climate finance, Dubey said. This is pushing developing countries into more debt, she said and underscored that India is strongly committed to climate action and sustainable development. At COP-21 in Paris in 2015, India committed to 40 per cent share of power generation from non-fossil fuel sources and has achieved this target a decade ahead of the 2030 timeline. India's experience is useful to African nations as they embark on their own energy transitions, she said, noting that the International Solar Alliance is a notable platform, which has the majority of African countries as members, and has promoted the rapid deployment of clean energy technologies. In recent years, clean and green energy has been increasingly prominent in India's development programmes in Africa as also in its third country collaborations, she said. Dubey emphasised that the underlying philosophy of India's partnership with Africa is to empower Africa for a future that is founded on principles of inclusiveness, sustainability, peace and prosperity, dignity and respect for one and all. African priorities will guide our initiatives, she said. Underlining that the years 2022 and 2023 should be the years for delivery of action, she said India looks at Sharm-El-Sheikh with such expectation, the venue of this year's annual UN climate conference Conference of the Parties (COP 27) in Egypt in November. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister on Wednesday assured Consul-General of Japan in Mumbai Fukahori Yasukata of fast-tracking infrastructure projects such as bullet train funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). Fadnavis gave the assurance during a meeting with Yasukata and other Japanese officials. Apart from the high-speed rail project (bullet train), which will connect Mumbai and Gujarat's commercial hub of Ahmedabad, JICA funding is also coming for the Mumbai Metro-3 line and the Mumbai Trans-Harbour Link (MTHL) project. MTHL, once completed, will be the longest sea bridge in the country with a length of 21.8 km. Besides Yasukata, Deputy of the Mission Kaneko Toshilhiro and other senior Japanese officials were also present at the meeting. Fadnavis, in a social media post, said, "We discussed JICA-funded projects like Bullet Train, MTHL and Metro-3 line. I assured them that this government is committed to fast-tracking all these projects and ensuring timely completion. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Chief Minister on Wednesday expressed condolences over the death of five people due to lightning and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakh to each of the deceased' family members. He also appealed to people to take full vigil in bad weather and follow the suggestions issued by the Disaster Management Department to prevent thunderstorms. Taking to Twitter, the Chief Minister said, "The death of 5 people is sad due to lightning in 5 districts of the state. An ex-gratia grant of Rs 4 lakh each will be given immediately to the dependents of the deceased. Be careful in bad weather. Follow the suggestions issued by the Disaster Management Department to prevent thunderstorms. Stay at home in bad weather, and stay safe." According to the press release from Chief Minister's Office (CMO), one death was reported in Siwan, 1 in Samastipur, 1 in Gaya, 1 in Khagaria and 1 in Saran due to thunderstorms. Meanwhile, India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Sunday said isolated heavy rainfall was very likely over Odisha, and Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim on July 20 and 21. "Isolated heavy rainfall very likely over Odisha, and Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim on 20th and 21st; Jharkhand on 23rd July 2022. Isolated very heavy rainfall also likely over Sub-Himalayan West Bengal & Sikkim on 20th and over Odisha during 22nd-24th July 2022," IMD tweeted. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Top executives of eight domestic tech firms, including founder Vijay Shekhar Sharma and Oyo founder Ritesh Agarwal, will appear before a key parliamentary panel on Thursday to discuss the market behaviour of technology platforms amid rising anti-competition concerns. BJP leader and former Union Minister Jayant Sinha-chaired Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance has been looking into various aspects of competition in the marketplace, especially with respect to technology majors. Sinha told PTI that the panel has decided to ask representatives of various technology platforms, e-commerce players and gaming entities to appear before it soon, and they will be mainly asked about their market behaviour. Representatives of food delivery platforms Swiggy and Zomato, e-commerce player Flipkart, cab aggregator Ola, hotel aggregator Oyo, digital Finance firm Paytm, MakeMy Trip and All India Gaming Association, are those who have been called by the panel, Sinha said. According to notice available on the Lok Sabha website, the committee will be hearing "views of representatives of associations/ industry stakeholders on the subject Anti-Competitive Practices by Big-tech companies" on July 21. According to sources, founder Vijay Shekhar Sharma, Ola CFO Arun Kumar, Make My Trip Chairman and Chief Mentor Deep Kalra, Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal, Oyo founder and Group CEO Ritesh Agarwal, have confirmed to the panel to attend the meeting. Similarly, Swiggy's Vice President and group general Counsel Avantika Bajaj, Flipkart Group CEO Kalyan Krishna Murthy and All India Gaming Federation CEO Roland Landers will also attend the meeting, they said. In recent times, there have been complaints about alleged anti-competitive ways of various technology platforms and firms. The Competition Commission of India (CCI) is already probing various cases, especially in the digital space, following complaints of alleged unfair business practices. On April 28, the CCI made a presentation about competition aspects in the marketplace to the parliamentary panel. After that meeting, Sinha said the panel had "an excellent set of discussions" with officials from the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and CCI. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) As many as 148 new cases of have been detected in Maharashtra's Thane district, taking its infection count to 7,32,947, a health official said on Thursday. With the addition of the latest cases on Wednesday, the district currently has 1,052 active COVID-19 cases, he said. One death was also recorded on Wednesday, which took the fatality toll in Thane to 11,923, he said. The recovery count in the district has reached 7,19,823, the official 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.) recorded 9,953 new community cases of Covid and 32 more deaths from the pandemic. The Ministry of Health said on Thursday 383 Covid cases have recently travelled overseas. Currently, 767 Covid patients are being treated in hospitals, including 20 in intensive care units or high dependency units, Xinhua news agency reported. has reported 1,529,508 confirmed cases of Covid since the pandemic hit the country in early 2020. --IANS int/svn/ (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.) proceedings were adjourned briefly on Thursday as Opposition parties voiced their protest against rising prices and the summons to Congress president for questioning in a money laundering case. The Congress and other Opposition parties sought to raise the issues as soon as the House convened for the day and began shouting slogans. Many members trooped into the Well of the House displaying placards even as Question Hour started. Speaker Om Birla adjourned the House for a brief period. Proceedings resumed around 11.30 am with Congress members staying away and DMK members staging a walk out. Earlier in the day, Union minister Pralhad Joshi asked whether the Opposition party believes everyone is equal before the law or not. "Is she some 'super human' because she is the Congress president?" The Parliamentary Affairs minister also said Opposition parties wanted to discuss the issue of price rise in the House and the government was ready for it. "Once the health of Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is fine, the discussion can be taken up," the minister said. Amid the din, a question related to installation of solar power panels was taken up during Question Hour that went on for just about 10 minutes. The speaker told the protesting members that issues can be raised after Question Hour. However, as the ruckus continued, the proceedings were adjourned till 11.30 am. Some Congress members displayed placards with the words "Satyameva Jayate" and a photograph of . The Congress president is appearing before the for questioning in a money laundering case related to Herald. Opposition parties also protested against price. They have been protesting against the government over price rise, levying of GST on certain daily use items and other issues since the started on July 18. (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 concern over anti-competition, the Parliamentary Panel on Finance will meet tech firm representatives on Thursday. "Hearing of views of representatives of Associations/Industry stake-holders on the subject 'Anti-Competitive Practices by Big-tech companies'," says the notice from Lok Sabha. The meeting is at 3 p.m. on Thursday. BJP leader and former Union minister Jayant Sinha will chair the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance that has been looking into various aspects of competition in the marketplace, especially with respect to technology majors. The eight tech firm which are likely to appear include Swiggy, Zomato, Flipkart, Ola, Oyo, MakeMyTrip and All India Gaming Association. --IANS miz/shs (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Samman Nidhi Yojana (PM KISAN) provides monetary support worth Rs 6,000 per annum to families across India. Under this centrally sponsored scheme, the payment is done in the form of three equal installments of Rs 2,000 each. But to avail of the benefits, the farmers need to get themselves registered under the scheme. Once registered, their name is added to the list of beneficiaries and a registration number is issued. The beneficiary status can be checked on the official website, pmkisan.gov.in. However, there may be chances that you forget your registration number. How to know your PM KISAN registration number? Method 1: Visit the website Click on Beneficiary status Select the mobile number and enter your mobile number Enter the image code. Click on Get details' The registration number will be displayed on the screen. On the PM KISAN website, click on 'Know your registration' Enter the mobile number and Captcha Click on 'Get Mobile OTP' You will receive an OTP on the registered mobile number Enter it in the given box and click on 'Submit' The details will be displayed on the screen. Method 2:If your name is registered, it might be possible that you do not receive the benefits. It must also be noted that the mandatory eKYC process needs to be completed to receive the installments. For the 12th installment , the last date for PM KISAN has been fixed for July 31, 2022. If you have already done the eKYC process and still have not received the money, you can register a complaint at the PM Kisan Helpdesk on helpline number 011-24300606. The complaints are to be lodged between Monday and Friday. You can also log on to pmkisan-ict@gov.in to register your issue. Ranil Wickremesinghe elected as new president of Sri Lanka, calling for unity through crisis Xinhua) 08:53, July 21, 2022 Military and police officers stand guard outside the Sri Lankan parliament in Colombo, Sri Lanka, July 20, 2022. Acting President Ranil Wickremesinghe was elected as the new president of Sri Lanka in an election held in parliament on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Wang Shen) COLOMBO, July 20 (Xinhua) -- Acting President Ranil Wickremesinghe was elected as the new president of Sri Lanka in an election held in parliament on Wednesday. Soon after winning the election, Wickremesinghe addressed the parliament, calling on all legislators including the opposition parliamentarians to unite and work together with him to lead Sri Lanka out of the current economic crisis. "We are at a critical juncture. There is an economic crisis and the youth want a system change. People want all parliamentarians to come together," said Wickremesinghe. "I also want to swear in as president at the parliamentary complex," he added. Wickremesinghe got 134 votes from parliamentarians in a secret ballot that took place in parliament. Out of 225 parliamentarians, 223 voted in the ballot and there were four invalid votes. Another two candidates parliamentarian of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna Dullas Alahapperuma, and National People's Power leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake got 82 votes and three votes, respectively. "Regardless of who won, we must ensure that the necessary economic and political changes that people want are met. Overcoming the crisis should be the first and foremost task of parliamentarians," said Alahapperuma. Gotabaya Rajapaksa resigned from the post of president last week following massive protests amid a severe economic crisis in the South Asian country. Following his resignation, Speaker of Parliament Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena announced that Wickremesinghe, who was the prime minister then, was appointed acting president. Military and police officers stand guard outside the Sri Lankan parliament in Colombo, Sri Lanka, July 20, 2022. Acting President Ranil Wickremesinghe was elected as the new president of Sri Lanka in an election held in parliament on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Wang Shen) Ranil Wickremesinghe (C) visits a Buddhist temple in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on July 20, 2022. Acting President Ranil Wickremesinghe was elected as the new president of Sri Lanka in an election held in parliament on Wednesday. (Photo by Gayan Sameera/Xinhua) Ranil Wickremesinghe (Front) visits a Buddhist temple in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on July 20, 2022. Acting President Ranil Wickremesinghe was elected as the new president of Sri Lanka in an election held in parliament on Wednesday. (Photo by Gayan Sameera/Xinhua) (Web editor: Wu Chaolan, Liang Jun) Ranil Wickremesinghe, a seasoned politician who was appointed as the Prime Minister in May to deal with Sri Lanka's worst economic crisis in decades, faces new challenges to fix a collapsed economy, end political turmoil and unite the deeply divided country in his new role as President. The 73-year-old a lawyer-turned politician, who is believed to be close to India and its leaders, was appointed as the 26th prime minister of in May by then President Gotabaya amidst the worst economic crisis in the country. His appointment took place nearly two years after his United National Party (UNP) was routed and failed to win a single seat in the general election held in August 2020. His appointment filled the void of a leadership as was without a government following the ouster of Gotabaya's elder brother and prime minister Mahinda after violent protests following an attack on the anti-government protesters by his supporters. Widely accepted in political circles as a man who could manage the economy with far-sighted policies, Wickremesinghe, however, struggled to fix the economy which, he said, had collapsed at the time of his appointment in May. He was appointed acting president on July 13 after President fled to the Maldives and then to Singapore from where he resigned in the face of public revolt against his government's mishandling of the country's economy. Wickremesinghe was later sworn in as eighth President after he defeated former information minister Dullas Alahapperuma during a vote in parliament. Wickremesinghe, who was backed by members of the fragmented ruling coalition, remained unpopular among voters who view him as a holdover from the previous government that led the country into economic crisis in decades. Wickremesinghe, perceived as the Sri Lankan politician who could command international cooperation, has held many important posts during his political career spanning four and half decades. He built a personal rapport with Sri Lanka's immediate neighbour India and visited the country on four occasions - October 2016, April 2017, November 2017 and October 2018 - during his previous term as the prime minister. During the same period, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made two visits to Sri Lankan and he also responded to a personal request from Wickremesinghe to help the island nation set up the 1990 ambulance system - a free health care service which became immensely helpful during Covid-19. Despite the opposition from then President Maithripala Sirisena, Wickremesinghe had backed the deal with India on the Colombo port's eastern terminal which the Rajapsksas reneged in 2020. His party UNP, the oldest party in the country, had failed to win a single seat in 2020 parliamentary polls. He was unseated for the first time since 1977 but later found his way to Parliament through the sole national list allocated to the UNP on the basis of cumulative national vote. His deputy Sajith Premadasa had led the breakaway Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) and became the main Opposition. Wickremesinghe, the nephew of Sri Lanka's first executive president Junius Jayewardene, was first appointed Prime Minister from 1993-1994 after the assassination of President Ranasinghe Premadasa. He was also elected as the Prime Minister from 2001-2004 when the United National Front Government won the general elections in 2001. But he lost power in 2004, after Chandrika Kumaratunga called early elections. During his term as Prime Minister, he began peace talks with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), even offering a power-sharing deal. Both Kumaratunga and Mahinda Rajapaksa had accused him of being too lenient with LTTE and of offering them too many concessions. Wickremesinghe had handed a shock defeat to Mahinda Rajapaksa in 2015 polls and led a minority government. When he assumed the Prime Minister's office for the third time in 2015, he pledged to devolve power to the country's Tamil minority, in a step towards national reconciliation six years after a military offensive crushed the LTTE. In 2018, then President Sirisena sacked Prime Minister Wickremesinghe and appointed Mahinda Rajapaksa as the new premier. Sirisena's move triggered a constitutional crisis in the country. However, a Supreme court verdict forced President Sirisena to reinstate Wickremesinghe, ending Rajapaksa's brief regime. Born in 1949 after gained independence from the British, Wickremesinghe was elected to Parliament in 1977 at the age of 28, having worked in the Youth League of the United National Party (UNP) from his university days. As the youngest minister in Sri Lanka at the time, he held the post of Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs under President Jayewardene. He was later appointed to the Cabinet as the Minister of Youth Affairs and Employment. He has also held the portfolio of Education. Then in 1989, as a seasoned legislator, he was made the Leader of the House under President Premadasa. He has also served as the Minister of Industries, Science and Technology. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The running and maintenance of ships of the Union Territory (UT) of have been handed over to the to improve shipping operations, the administration of the island archipelago said on Thursday. The administration of the UT, in a release, said it has been taking all efforts to ensure smooth and efficient operations of the ships. Of the five ships in service for the people of and connecting people between islands and Kochi, two are undergoing repairs, it said. The other three vessels are operating but with many unsold tickets which indicated the need for "optimal planning and utilisation of voyages of the ships considering the requirement of the local population," the release said. It also said that the island administration had facilitated hassle-free movement of Hajj Pilgrims through special voyages and requirements of students, for attending exams, have also been taken care of by coordinating with the education department. The administration claimed that despite these continuous efforts by it, "there are ill-intended news spread by certain elements with an intention to spread hatred and panic among the island community. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Air travellers will no longer need to pay any additional fee for a boarding pass at airport check-in counters, the Ministry of Aviation said on Thursday. Following a spate of complaints on Twitter, the has asked to immediately stop levying a fee of about Rs 200 per passenger for this service. Indias largest airline IndiGo currently charges a fee if a passenger asks for a boarding pass at its check-in counter. It has come to the notice of the MCA that are charging an additional amount for issuing boarding passes from passengers, the ministry said in a circular. This additional amount is not in accordance with the rules, in keeping with the provisions of Aircraft Rules, 1937, it clarified. Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia had earlier said he had asked officers to look into the issue. Mandatory web check-in was one of the key conditions under which regular domestic flights were allowed to resume operations after a two-month suspension from May 25, 2020. This was done to maintain social distancing. like IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Go First had started charging passengers if they failed to do an online check-in. These airlines charge passengers an average of Rs 200 for printing a boarding pass and the same amount as facilitation fee for domestic passengers if the check-in is done at airports instead. While passengers lauded the move, airline executives said this would discourage incentivising web check-in and increase crowding at check-in counters, consequently leading to delays. The government had aggressively pushed for web check-in because of Covid, so that contact points are reduced. The threat of Covid is still there. The government should not discourage web check-ins, said an airline executive. Tokyo's 31,878 new infections far outstripped a previous high in February, and many other regions also reported highs. Thursday's national tally of 186,229 new infections was a record. Despite few serious cases and deaths, officials warned hospitals were starting to feel the pressure from rising numbers. "We need to keep a close eye on the infection situation, including the issue of access to medical services, with the highest vigilance," Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno told a regular news conference. New COVID-19 infections nationwide were at their highest ever, he added. Despite the surge, officials, including Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, have not called for new curbs. Nearly all Japanese still wear masks indoors, and many use them outside as well, while most stores require them. Tokyo residents said the surge was worrying. "I think it's really shocking that it's more than 30,000," said Ai Okamura, a 30-year-old office worker. "Because I live with my grandmother, it makes me feel much more cautious." Others said they felt people had relaxed their vigilance in recent months as infections fell. "Maybe since spring, everyone has calmed down and gone back to normal," said systems engineer Shimichi Koyama, aged 55. "So it was predictable to a certain extent," he said, referring to the new surge. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) posts net profit of Rs 201 cr in Q1, asset quality improves Private lender reported net profit of Rs 201 crore in the June quarter as against net loss of Rs 459 crore in the year-ago period. The gross Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) of the bank declined to 4.08% of the gross advances as of June 30, 2022, from 4.4% registered in March qurter, it said in a stock exchange filing on Thursday. READ MORE. sells 75% of its holdings after Musk said he doesn't dump Inc. sold a significant chunk of its holding, an investment that helped legitimize the worlds largest electronic currency. The carmaker had converted roughly 75% of its to fiat currency as of the end of June, adding $936 million of cash to its balance sheet, according to its shareholder letter on second-quarter earnings. READ MORE. RBI reschedules next MPC meet to Aug 3-5 due to 'administrative exigencies' The Monetary Policy Committees (MPC) meeting that was scheduled from August 2-4 will now be held from August 3-5, the Reserve Bank of India said on Thursday. Due to administrative exigencies, it has been decided to reschedule the MPC meeting. This announcement is being made under Section 45ZI (4) of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934, the RBI said in a statement. READ MORE. Presidential polls: Droupadi Murmu leads after first round of counting The NDA's presidential candidate Droupadi Murmu is leading with 540 of the 748 votes of the MPs, while Opposition nominee Yashwant Sinha has received 208 votes after the first round of counting, Returning Officer P C Mody said on Thursday. Votes of 15 MPs were declared invalid, he said, adding that all the votes of MPs have been counted. READ MORE. Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha on Wednesday tested positive for COVID-19 and urged those who had come in contact with him to take necessary precautions. Taking to Twitter, Saha wrote, "I have been tested Covid-19 positive today. I am absolutely fit and fine with no symptoms. I humbly request all those who've come in contact with me to take necessary precautions." Earlier on July 8, the Chief Minister took the oath as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from the Assembly Constituency. After resigning as a Rajya Sabha MP, he won the MLA seat from 8-no Town Bordowali Assembly Constituency on June 23, 2022. "In Jubarajnagar, CPI(M) long had a seat, which we could not wrest away from them back in 2018, despite waves of PM Modi's popularity. But this time, we've won that seat with a majority. The public is with us where the NDA-led government is in power in all the states," he said. Dr Saha said that he will be capable of winning all the seats; left unoccupied by BJP, going to be taken over in the coming 2023 Assembly election. Meanwhile, India registered 20,557 new infections in the last 24 hours, informed the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Wednesday. (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.) PRI GEN INT .BIRMINGHAM FGN21 UKRAINE-RUSSIA-CRISIS-NUCLEAR Ukraine war: why could go nuclear over Kyiv's threats' to Crimea By Stefan Wolff, University of Birmingham and Tatyana Malyarenko, National University Odesa Law Academy Birmingham/Odesa, Jul 21 (The Conversation) As the war in Ukraine is about to head into its sixth month, the ferocity with which it is fought shows no signs of abating neither on the battlefield, nor in the rhetoric emerging from and Kyiv. Russian attacks continue to target Ukrainian cities such as Vinnytsia in western Ukraine that are far away from the front lines and those like Mykolaiv and Odesa that are of high strategic value in the battle over control of Ukraine's Black Sea coast. Meanwhile, the battle over Donbas has further intensified. is currently regrouping its forces to capture the remainder of Ukrainian-held territory in the Donetsk region. While has steadily gained ground in the east, Ukraine launched a counter-offensive in May to regain control of the southern region of Kherson which is critical to securing a land corridor to Crimea. Having re-captured more than 40 villages since the start of the campaign, Ukraine appears to now have some momentum on this frontline. Judgement day' Buoyed by advanced western weapons systems, especially the US-supplied Himars, Kyiv has been able to target Russian command posts, storage depots, and supply lines at greater distance and with higher precision. The prospect of deploying Himars to support the counteroffensive in Kherson prompted former Russia president Dmitry Medvedev to threaten judgement day should Ukraine strike targets in Crimea. The peninsula, home to Russia's black Sea fleet, was annexed by back in 2014 and has been extremely important in Russia's war effort since February, especially as a launchpad for ground operations in the east, including the siege of Mariupol. More recently, the Kremlin has also used Crimea as a hub for the export of stolen Ukrainian grain. Russia has repeatedly threatened doomsday scenarios of this kind. These were usually aimed at Nato, initially at weapons and ammunitions supplies, then at troop deployments. Now Moscow seems to have accepted that they can do little about arms deliveries and are repositioning on how these arms are used by Ukraine. While one could argue that the west has crossed several Russian red lines before without any consequences, Medvedev's most recent temper tantrum should not be dismissed so quickly. His use of the phrase systemic threat in relation to any attacks on Crimea points to one of the triggers for the use of nuclear weapons in Russia's military doctrine. According to Russian media, Medvedev, now deputy chairman of the Russian Security Council, used a speech to military veterans in the southern Russian city of Volgograd to promise a doomsday, very quick and tough, immediately if Ukrainian forces were to attack Crimea. While no other state has recognised Russia's annexation of Crimea, Medvedev framed such a response as legitimate reaction to an attack on Russian territory. This narrative of defending mother Russia disguises how strategically important Crimea is for Russia and how dependent Moscow remains on secure staging areas and supply lines there if they want to ever advance further west on the Black Sea coast towards Odesa. Increased attacks on Mykolaiv would suggest that this is still a possibility contemplated by the Kremlin in line with stage-two goals of the so-called special military operation in Ukraine, which include the complete liberation of Donbas and a land corridor from there along the Black Sea coast all the way to Ukraine's border with Moldova. With reference to Crimea, Moscow is now setting up another red line - not for the west, but for Ukraine. And this creates a different, and potentially more dangerous, situation. Autumn showdown Part of this bigger picture is an expectation, on both sides, of a showdown in the autumn. Ukraine and Russia are both hoping to freeze the front lines in a favourable position before the resumption of any peace talks likely to occur in the autumn and before winter will make fighting more difficult. For that to happen, both sides need to mobilise more forces and replenish their equipment. While Ukraine is closer to a general mobilisation, Russia has so far avoided this and used volunteers and contractors, like the Wagner group group to compensate for its manpower shortages. Russia may have a much larger population around 140 million compared to Ukraine's 40 million but lacks the kind of sophisticated military equipment that Ukraine has access to. Instead Russia is increasingly relying on Soviet-era tanks and artillery. These may not have the same effectiveness as what Nato can supply, but their sheer number and ruthless use including against civilian targets could still overwhelm Ukrainian defenders. The long-term prospects are not encouraging for either side. A protracted stalemate in Donbas is all but inevitable once Russia has conquered the remainder of Donetsk region. When this happens it will have been at a very high cost to both sides and the civilians caught in the middle. In the north, Russia may make a new push to re-capture Kharkiv, while Ukraine may make further advances in its counter-offensive in Kherson. None of this will constitute the significant boost to morale that both sides need ahead of any major battle in the autumn. This may increase the temptation for Ukraine to strike Russia's bridge across the Kerch Stait to Crimea and for Russia to retaliate with tactical nuclear weapons. Because it would not constitute a direct attack on a Nato member but keep the war in Ukraine, Putin may have fewer qualms carrying out this threat. Anyone relying on the Russian president's rationality not to be capable of such a move only needs to look back at Russia actions in Ukraine over the past eight years to realise that this is not a safe bet. (The Conversation) NSA 07211028 NNNN (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A key committee of the has sought to bolster the defence partnership with India and take it to a new level through greater cooperation in intelligence collection, drones and fourth and fifth generation aircraft. The move by the powerful Senate Armed Services Committee comes a week after the House of Representatives passed a legislative amendment as part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that waived off punitive CAATSA sanctions for India. NDAA is the annual budget of the United States. The House version of NDAA was passed last week. The Senate Armed Services Committee released its version of the National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2023 On Wednesday. It includes a Section on Enhancing the Major Defense Partnership with India which envisages greater cooperation in intelligence collection, drones and fourth and fifth generation aircraft. It also includes depot-level maintenance, joint research and development, 5G and Open Radio Access Networks (RAN); cyber and cold-weather capabilities. The Section also asks the defence secretary to explore other areas for expanding cooperation with India, including a description of the challenges, agreements, authorities that may be required, and also an articulation of security considerations including protection of research and development and intellectual property. Among other things, it also asks the defense secretary to identify opportunities for the private sector to work with the Ministry of Defense in India. The US House of Representatives passed a legislative amendment last week that approves an India-specific waiver for punitive CAATSA sanctions for its purchase of the S-400 missile defence system from Russia. Authored and introduced by Indian-American Congressman Ro Khanna, the amendment urges the Biden administration to use their authority to provide India with a Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) waiver to help deter aggressors like China. The legislative amendment was passed by voice vote as part of an en bloc (all together as a single unit) amendment during floor consideration of the National Defence Authorisation Act (NDAA). CAATSA is a tough US law that authorises the US administration to impose sanctions on countries that purchase major defence hardware from Russia in response to Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014 and its alleged meddling in the 2016 US presidential elections. (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.) Matthew Pottinger was a journalist in China, concerned about the country's drift toward authoritarianism, when he decided at age 31 to enlist in the U.S. Marines after the invasion of Iraq. Our form of government is not inevitable," Pottinger recalled thinking during an interview two years ago with the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute. "And it shouldn't be taken for granted. But it's a form of government very much worth fighting for. Pottinger had no way of knowing when he put on his military uniform for the first time how close to home that battle for democracy would get. He became deputy national security adviser to President Donald Trump, and he resigned after the Jan. 6 attack that tried to stop the peaceful transfer of power to President . On Thursday, he'll be one of the key witnesses at a prime-time hearing of the select House committee investigating the attack. The other is Sarah Matthews, who resigned from her position as a deputy press secretary the same day. Pottinger and Matthews will join Cassidy Hutchinson, a former assistant to Mark Meadows, Trump's final chief of staff, in the exclusive club of Trump insiders who have appeared publicly. Their appearances stand in blunt contrast to the cadre of Trump loyalists who have tried to defy the committee's subpoenas, remained silent or continued to dismiss the investigation's findings. Any details on what Pottinger and Matthews will share on Thursday have been kept under wraps, but the hearing is expected to focus on what Trump did and didn't do as his supporters swarmed the U.S. Capitol and interrupted the ceremonial certification of the election. Roughly three hours elapsed between Trump's speech at a rally near the and his release of a video calling the rioters very special but asking them to go home now. Pottinger, 49, and Matthews, 27, may be able to illuminate what was happening behind the scenes as Trump resisted pleas from family, aides and Republicans to condemn the riot and urge people to leave the building. As a member of the press office, Matthews was privy to debates over what the and Trump should say publicly during the riot and what other aides advised. And although Pottinger was focused on foreign policy, his position placed him at the crossroads of national security matters. Whatever they saw that day, they decided to quit, helping to begin an exodus that included other White House staff and various Cabinet officials. These are people who believed in the work they were doing, but didn't believe in the stolen election," said Rep. Elaine Luria, D-Va., a member of the select committee. Luria added, It's just a key piece of telling the story about that day, because we'll be hearing from people who were in the White House, what they observed, what their reactions were." Alyssa Farah Griffin, the former White House director of strategic communications, said Pottinger and Matthews could make potent witnesses, particularly because of their very different backgrounds. Pottinger, Griffin said, is someone with enormous credibility, who is highly respected in the national security space and not seen as overtly political. Matthews, in contrast, is a tried and true Republican who worked for Trump's reelection campaign and was hand-picked to join the White House. I think their testimony will be incredibly compelling and carry a lot of weight, said Griffin, who has been supportive of the committee's work and has discussed Matthews' testimony with her. Matthews began working for Republicans on Capitol Hill as an intern while she was still a student at Kent State University in Ohio. She was so eager to begin a career in Washington that she moved to the city for her first job a month before her graduation, missing her last weeks of college and finishing her final classes online, she told her alma mater in an interview two years ago. Matthews was hired as a deputy press secretary for Trump's reelection campaign and was brought over to the White House by press secretary Kayleigh McEnany. She worked in the area of the West Wing known as upper press, placing her in closer proximity to the Oval Office than others in her office. Sometimes she joined Trump for media interviews, but mostly she fielded questions from reporters and helped prepare for White House briefings. When Matthews resigned on Jan. 6, she issued a statement saying she was deeply disturbed by what I saw today." On the anniversary of the attack, she called it one of the darkest days in American history. Make no mistake, the events on the 6th were a coup attempt, a term we'd use had they happened in any other country, and former President Trump failed to meet the moment, she tweeted. Pottinger did not issue a statement when he resigned on Jan. 6, but he discussed the decision during previous, closed-door testimony to the committee. While the riot was underway, Pottinger said, a staff member brought him a printout of a Trump tweet accusing Vice President Mike Pence of not having the courage to do what should have been done to overturn the election. I read that tweet and made a decision at that moment to resign," Pottinger said. "That's where I knew that I was leaving that day once I read that tweet. Pottinger took a much more roundabout path to the White House than Matthews. His father, John Stanley Pottinger, served as an assistant attorney general under Presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford. He studied China in college, then moved to the country to work as a reporter for Reuters and The Wall Street Journal. But in 2005, he joined the Marines. Explaining his unusual decision, Pottinger wrote an essay saying that living in China also shows you what a nondemocratic country can do to its citizens. Qualifying at age 31 wasn't easy. He wrote that he got winded after running for five minutes, and he could only do half a pullup. But by the time he took his physical fitness test, he could do 13 pullups and run 3 miles in less than 21 minutes. Pottinger deployed to Iraq as an intelligence officer, and he later worked in Afghanistan with U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn. At the time, Flynn was a respected military leader, not the promoter of conspiracy theories that he's become today. They ended up writing a report criticizing military intelligence efforts in Afghanistan. Years later, after Trump was elected, Flynn invited Pottinger to join him in the National Security Council. Flynn didn't last long he was forced out after a little more than three weeks because of his obfuscations about his conversations with the Russian ambassador to the U.S. but Pottinger stuck around. He was promoted to deputy national security adviser in 2019. Pottinger was focused on Asia during his time in the Trump administration, and helped outline a more aggressive stance toward China, one that was rooted in his own experiences as a reporter in the country. He is now a distinguished visiting fellow at the Hoover Institution and the chair of the China program at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India and the United Kingdom on Thursday inked a pact for mutual recognition of educational degrees of students of bachelor, masters and doctoral courses. Indian senior secondary school or pre-university certificates will also be considered for entry into UKs institutions, enabling mobility of students. From today onwards, UK degrees will be recognised as equivalent to Indian degrees. You can take a degree there (in the UK) and will be eligible for employment in India. However, professional degrees such as medicine, pharmacy, engineering, architecture will not be covered under the pact, commerce secretary BVR Subrahmanyam told reporters. However, India will negotiate for recognition of professional degrees in the UK in the free trade agreement. Subrahmanyan said the India-UK free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations will be concluded by August 31. After internal approvals on both sides, the agreement will be ready to be signed according to the convenience of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his counterpart who will soon be elected. The trade deal will be signed by Diwali as decided by Modi and UKs former PM Boris Johnson. Negotiations for a trade deal between both nations started in January this year. Currently, the fifth round of negotiations is underway, and both sides aim to complete 17-18 chapters of a total of 26 chapters of the agreement. (For) whatever is left, there will be 31 rounds in 31 days. In August, we will be negotiating every day. The hope is to conclude the deal by August 31 and I am confident that we are on track, he said. They have assured us that irrespective of who will be the Prime Minister (in the UK), there is across the board support for FTA. They assured there will be no delay Irrespective of the party in power in the UK, the logic of FTA with India is irreversible, Subhrahmanyam said. Both sides also signed two memorandums of understandings (MoUs) on mutual recognition of educational qualifications, including maritime education and a framework agreement on healthcare workforce. These agreements are part of the commitments made by both parties under the Enhanced Trade Partnership (ETP) launched in May last year. The pact will also speed up the negotiations. It is a message from their side that irrespective of the political turbulence, things are on track, Subrahmanyam said. Another MoU on maritime education qualification was signed by Amitabh Kumar, director general of shipping, to pave the way for the two governments to mutually recognise the certificates of maritime education and training, competency and endorsements of seafarers issued by each other. The MoU will prove beneficial for employment of seafarers of both countries and will make them eligible for employment on ships of either party. India being a seafarer-supplying nation with a large pool of trained seafarers, it is expected to be significantly benefited by the MoU, an official statement said. A framework agreement on healthcare workforce was signed by V Hekali Zhimomi, joint secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, which includes cooperation on nursing and allied health professionals, training of health care professionals and measures to bridge the skill gap. The agreement will facilitate recruitment and training of nurses from India by the UK in a streamlined manner. Given the shortage of nurses in the UK, the agreement is expected to benefit both sides. Negotiations for the India-UK free trade agreement will be concluded by August 31 and ready for signing by Diwali in October, Commerce Secretary BVR Subrahmanyam said on Thursday. In January, both countries formally launched talks for a free trade agreement, which aims to boost bilateral trade and investments. In April, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his UK counterpart Boris Johnson had set the deadline for Diwali for the negotiating teams to conclude the FTA talks. Diwali falls on October 24 this year. On July 7, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced his resignation as Conservative Party leader, following an unprecedented mutiny from within his Cabinet and after being abandoned by his close allies in the wake of a series of scandals that rocked his government, triggering a leadership election for a new Tory leader who will go on to become his successor. The negotiations will be concluded by August 31 and after internal approvals on both sides, the agreement would be ready to be signed as per the convenience of the two prime ministers, Subrahmanyam told reporters here. "I hope to conclude it (negotiations) by August 15 and another 15 days will be needed for cleaning, scrubbing and legal vetting," he said. The secretary also said the UK has assured India that irrespective of who is going to be the Prime Minister, there is across-the-board support for the India-UK FTA. The UK is also a key investor in India. New Delhi has attracted foreign direct investment of USD 1.64 billion in 2021-22. The figure was about USD 32 billion between April 2000 and March 2022. India's main exports to the UK include ready-made garments and textiles, gems and jewellery, engineering goods, petroleum and petrochemical products, transport equipment and parts, spices, metal products, machinery and instruments, pharma and marine items. Major imports include precious and semi-precious stones, ores and metal scraps, engineering goods, professional instruments, non-ferrous metals, chemicals and machinery. In the services sector, the UK is one of the largest markets in Europe for Indian IT services. (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 government 2.0 will showcase the micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) bandwidth of Uttar Pradesh (UP) at the proposed UP Global Investor Summit to be held in January next year. The state is setting its sights on Rs 10 trillion in fresh investment from domestic and multinational companies at the high-ticket event. According to estimates, there are about 9 million in the state. The alone contributes nearly 60 per cent to UPs annual industrial output, and is the second-largest creator of employment after agriculture and allied activities. To build momentum, the state will organise roadshows in major countries, including the US, the UK, Canada, the United Arab Emirates, Sweden, Singapore, Netherlands, Israel, France, Germany, South Korea, Mauritius, Russia, and Australia. Detailing the broad strokes of the summit, UP Chief Minister Adityanath has directed top officials to dedicate an entire day to to underpin the importance of the sector for job creation and galvanising the states socioeconomic growth. The road map assumes significance in the backdrop of the state seeing itself become a $1-trillion economy. Meanwhile, the Adityanath government will hold dialogues with Netherlands, Japan, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Finland, Mauritius, Thailand, Nepal, Belgium, and Sweden to prevail upon them to sign on as summit partners. In fact, a few nations had collaborated with UP as partner nations at the summit in 2018, when the state had netted nearly Rs 4.68 trillion in investment proposals. The state has claimed that projects totalling Rs 3 trillion had already been launched. The state government is also working on a multi-pronged strategy to bolster the states . It includes facilitating to market their products through popular e-commerce platforms like Flipkart and Amazon. The state negotiates for easier and cheaper working capital loans for its MSMEs, especially under the purview of the one district one product (ODOP) scheme seen as a transformational step forward towards realising the true potential of a district, fuel economic growth, and generate employment and rural entrepreneurship from banks and other financial institutions. ODOP is aimed at reviving and fortifying the traditional and indigenous industries of the state across 75 districts. With UP setting a target to double merchandise exports to ~3 trillion by 2027, the state government has tied up with Paytm to digitise the MSME landscape. Last month, the MSME and export promotion department had signed a memorandum of understanding with Paytm parent One97 Communications to offer digital payments and lending solutions to state MSMEs. The government is looking to more than double MSME exports to Rs 3 trillion in the next five years. Covid-19 pandemic notwithstanding, the states merchandise exports had surged 30 per cent to Rs 1.4 trillion in 2021-22. According to UP Additional Chief Secretary, MSME and export promotion, Navneet Sehgal, ODOP has turned out to be a grand success story for the states industrial firmament. We are leaving no stone unturned to augment the export of the ODOP basket, as well as double the employment and self-employment opportunities in the state, he observed. The Board of School Education, (BSEH) likely to release the for the Board of Secondary (HBSE) Class 10 and Class 12 compartment exams on Thursday. Once released, candidates can download the BSEH 10th and 12th admit cards from the official website bseh.org.in. The compartment exams will be conducted on July 31, 2022 and to be held in a single shift. The Class 10 compartment exams will begin from 10 AM to 12: 30 PM and the HBSE 12th compartment exam will be held between 2 PM and 4:30 PM. According to media reports, 87.08 per cent of the students who appeared passed the BSEH class 12 board examination. The top three positions were secured by girls. The exams were conducted in an offline, pen-and-paper mode and about 2,90,000 students appeared. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to download HBSE 10th, 12th compartment . Step 1: Visit the official website bseh.org.in. Step 2: On the homepage, click on the link that reads, 10th/12th Compartmental Exam . Step 3: Enter all login details and click on submit option. Step 4: Your Haryana 10th/12th Compartmental Exam Admit Card will appear on the screen. Step 5: Download it and take a printout for future reference. Established in 1969, the Haryana Board of School conducts bi-annual examinations at the middle, matric and senior secondary school levels in Haryana through its affiliated schools. Delhi-based Avani recently had to travel to Kolkata for biometric and interviews for her US travel to avoid missing the Fall semester joining dates at Georgetown University. I could get biometrics and interview appointment dates for the end of July, which was not feasible for me. Due to under-staffed consular offices and the rush, especially among students flying overseas for further education, we were not getting the biometrics and interview appointment dates at our desired centres. Some of my friends had to travel to even Chennai for the same, she told Business Standard. Also Read: US okays a record 55,000 student, exchange visas in 2021 from India so far Not just the inability to get the desired dates and centres for visa appointments, even applying to the desired destinations has become a challenge for this year. From the spike in visa applications amid pandemic-induced under-staffing at consulates, to a delay in the declaration of board exam results, multiple factors have led to this situation. For instance, Delhi-based Praniti Gulyani was torn between University of St Andrews in Scotland and UC Berkeley in the US. But a delay in the declaration of CBSE results, which are yet to be announced, helped her to go ahead with UC Berkeley. Universities in the UK, Canada, and other non-US destinations extend what is known as a conditional offer where they ask us to score a minimum percentage that varies from campus to campus and we need to provide the same before receiving any confirmation from them. This year, with board results yet to be announced, there was a lot of uncertainty on whether I will meet the score threshold for the University of St Andrews, said Gulyani. Generally, appointments are expedited at the US consular sections for cases involving a genuine emergency. So students should plan to schedule their interview as soon as they receive their I-20. One such lucky student is Vansh Jain, who became eligible for drop box renewal. When I was applying, Delhi had a waiting period of three months, I would have had to travel to Kolkata or Chennai if I had to make it in time for my classes, starting from mid-August 2022, said Jain. Foreign consultants like Adarsh Khandelwal, co-founder and director of Collegify, the timeline for has been disrupted ahead of the Fall semester intake season. While the details for the visa are very specific, the delay in the board results has had an impact on foreign admissions, Khandelwal said, adding that countries issue specific documents for issuing visas for prospective students. For instance, the US Universities issue an I-20, while the universities in the UK issue a CAS letter. While it has been smooth sailing for students going to the US, owing to the unconditional nature of the admits, others are facing a tough time, said Khandelwal. Seeing the rush and the possibility of missing out on many students from India, some universities in the UK like the London School of Economics and Kings College, London have started issuing unconditional offers. However, other universities are yet to do this. As a result, consultants like Khandelwal are advising students to get in touch with the universities that they have been accepted into. On their part, consulates are prioritising student visas ahead of others. However, the unprecedented spike in applications has come as a surprise. Visa application spike For instance, in the summer of 2021, the US Mission India adjudicated more than 70,000 applications. From October 2021 to mid-January 2022, over 41,000 additional student visas were adjudicated, a 55 per cent increase compared to 2020 and a 75 per cent increase over 2019, said Nick Novak, spokesperson at the US Consulate General, Mumbai. More broadly, consular sections in India processed over 162,000 total visa applications in the first three months of 2022 and are focusing on appointments for the months of June, July, and August. We also recently opened B1/B2 appointments for September 2022 through November 2024, along with a number of other visa categories. This is the last visa class to reopen and is a big step in the path to recovery, Novak said. However, Novak added that while 2022 is a year of recovery, full recovery will take some time. Long wait times will remain a reality for the foreseeable future, especially during peak periods in the summer, which see competing high demand from students, H/L applicants, and summer B1/B2 travellers. However, applicants can expect to see visa processing and wait times continue to improve throughout 2023. A British High Commission spokesperson too told Business Standard that it was currently experiencing unpredictable demand across all visa routes globally, with standard visit visas currently taking an average of seven weeks to process globally, while some applications may take longer. Pakistan's former prime minister on Wednesday alleged the ruling coalition alliance of bribing the provincial lawmakers ahead of the crucial Punjab chief minister's election. The election is scheduled to be held on July 22 and Khan, who is also chairman of Tehreek-i-Insaf, claimed that millions of rupees were being offered to PTI members of provincial assembly (MPAs) to switch loyalties. Today Lahore is seeing a repeat of the Sindh House horse-trading that happened in Islamabad with up to Rs 50 crores being offered to buy MPAs, Khan said in a tweet. He also claimed that the main brain in the buying of members was former president and Peoples Party (PPP) leader Asif Ali Zardari, who he alleged was purchasing people with looted wealth and should be jailed. This is not only an attack on our democracy but also on moral fabric of our society. Had SC (Supreme Court) taken action & debarred these turncoats for life it would have acted as a deterrent. Don't Handlers of US regime change conspiracy's imported government realise severe damage being done to nation? he said in another tweet. Khan, who uses local popular expressions to lambast his opponents, says that the current government was imported as it was set up with the US conspiracy. His reference to the Sindh House in Islamabad is reminiscent of the vote of no confidence when several ruling PTI lawmakers had announced in March that they would not follow the party line ahead of the voting against Khan. Allegedly they were kept in the Sindh House building which is owned by the Sindh province where the PPP has its government. As Khan alleged use of ill-gotten money by Zardari in the upcoming provincial chief minister's election, his spokesperson Shehbaz Gill said that a PTI lawmaker already sold his loyalty. Our one MPA has been bought by Zardari and the PML-N for Rs250 million, he said. PTI's former information minister Fawad Chaudhry alleged that a party lawmaker from Rahim Yar Khan district, Masood Majeed, had fled to Turkey after being bribed with Rs 400m. He also accused Zardari of being behind it. "Asif Ali Zardari is offering this money. He has set up a marketplace for buying and purchasing MPAs. Where do you want to take this country? We demand that Atta Tarar, Zardari and Rana Sanaullah should be put in prison," he said. Tarar is a provincial leader of PML-N and Sanaullah is interior minister, who said last week how PTI can win the chief minister election if five lawmakers vanished. Tarar in a media interaction rejected the allegations about him and his party leaders. In the house of 381, the winner need 186 votes and Fawad Chaudhry claimed that his party had support of 188 lawmakers who would vote for Pervaiz Elahi, a joint nomine of PTI and Muslim League-Quaid. The ruling coalition is making all efforts to keep the incumbent chief minister Hamza Shehbaz in Punjab, the heartland of Pakistani . (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.) At least five people were killed and some 17 wounded in a Turkish bombardment on a resort in Iraq's northern province of Duhok, a medical source said. The Turkish artillery pounded a resort in Parakh village in the Zakho area, leaving at least five people killed and some 17 injured, a source from Duhok province told Xinhua news agency on condition of anonymity. Most of the victims of the bombardment were tourists from central and southern provinces, the source said. Noor Nafie, a female lawmaker, called on the parliament to hold an emergency session to discuss the bombing. The Turkish side has yet to comment on the incident. The Turkish forces frequently carry out ground operations, air strikes, and artillery bombardment in Iraq's semi-autonomous region of Kurdistan, especially the Qandil Mountains, the main base of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). The PKK is listed as a terrorist organisation by Turkiye, the US, and the European Union. --IANS int/shs (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) US President on Wednesday (local time) said that he is planning to speak with Chinese President in the next ten days. "I think I'll be talking to President Xi within the next 10 days," Biden said in an address to reporters as he returned from a climate-related trip to Massachusetts. Biden's comment came at a crucial moment when both countries are dealing with tensions over the status of Taiwan. The US President also cast doubt on a trip reportedly planned by House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi to visit Taiwan next month. Biden said the US military believes it is not a good idea for Pelosi to travel to Taiwan as planned. "The military thinks it's not a good idea right now," Biden said on Wednesday as quoted by the White House press pool. Meanwhile, the Chinese Ambassador to the US Qin Gang accused the US is undermining the "One China" policy through its support for Taiwan. "We urge the United States to honour its commitments with actions and to fully implement the One China policy. Only through the adherence to that policy can a long and lasting peaceful reunification happen of mainland China and Taiwan," Qin said at the Aspen Security Forum in Colorado on Wednesday (local time). China considers that the relations with the United States have not recovered since the Trump administration but hopes President Biden's words spoken on improving bilateral ties are backed by actions, according to the Ambassador. The issue of Taiwan has been at the forefront of US-China relations in recent months. Tensions between China and Washington, which is committed to supporting the island's self-defence, and Beijing over Taiwan were in the open earlier this month when their respective defence chiefs met at the Shangri-La Dialogue defence conference in Singapore. Taiwan and mainland China have been governed separately since the defeated Nationalists retreated to the island at the end of the Chinese civil war more than 70 years ago. But China's ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP) views the self-ruled island as part of its territory despite having never controlled it. Beijing has not ruled out military force to take Taiwan and has kept the pressure on the democratic island over the past few years with frequent warplane flights into the island's ADIZ. An ADIZ is unilaterally imposed and distinct from sovereign airspace, which is defined under law as extending 12 nautical miles from a territory's shoreline. (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 said on Thursday that Russian President was in good health, dismissing what it called false reports he was unwell. "Everything is fine with his health," spokesman Dmitry Peskov said in reply to a question at his daily briefing. "You know that Ukrainian information specialists, and American and British ones, have been throwing out various fakes about the state of the president's health in recent months - these are nothing but fakes," he added. Putin coughed during a public appearance on Wednesday, when Interfax news agency quoted him as saying he had caught a slight cold during a visit to Iran the previous day. "It was very hot in Tehran yesterday, plus 38 (degrees Celsius), and the air conditioning was very strong there. So I apologize," Putin, 69, was quoted as saying. scrutiny of his health has intensified over recent months, including when he was photographed meeting foreign and Russian officials while seated at opposite ends of long tables as a precaution against COVID. At times he has also appeared to walk stiffly. Since launching Russia's invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24 he has frequently been in public view, maintaining a full schedule of meetings and calls including two foreign trips within the past month. CIA Director William Burns was asked about the issue during a security forum in the United States on Wednesday, where he said that Putin was "entirely too healthy". (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Ukrainian forces on Wednesday damaged a bridge that is key to supplying Russian troops in southern Ukraine, where Russia's foreign minister said is trying to consolidate its territorial gains. Russian Foreign Minister told state-controlled RT television and the RIA Novosti news agency that Russia has expanded its special military operation from eastern Ukraine's Donetsk and Luhansk provinces to include the Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions and other captured territories. Lavrov's remarks and the Ukrainian missile attack on the strategically important Kherson region bridge indicated the nearly five-month war would likely broaden again after unfolding mostly in eastern Ukraine since April. Russia's top diplomat noted that when Russia and Ukraine in March discussed a possible deal to end the fighting, our readiness to accept the Ukrainian proposal was based on the geography of March 2022. Now it's a different geography, Lavrov said, repeating Moscow's earlier claims that the United States and Britain were encouraging Ukraine to expand the hostilities. Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24 and quickly seized some territory, but withdrew from the capital region and the north at the end of March to concentrate on seizing Donetsk and Luhansk, where pro- separatists have controlled much of the territory since 2014. As Russian forces gained control of more cities in the two eastern provinces, which together make up Ukraine's industrial Donbas region, Ukrainian officials mentioned plans for a counter-offensive to retake Russian-occupied areas in the south. The Ukrainian strike on the Dnipro River bridge appeared to be intended to loosen Russia's grip on the southern Kherson region. Wednesday's attack on the bridge was the second in as many days. Kirill Stremousov, deputy head of the Russian-installed temporary regional administration, said the Ukrainian military struck the Antonivskyi Bridge, using US-supplied HIMARS multiple rocket launchers. The 1.4-kilometer (0.9-mile) bridge is the main river crossing in the Kherson region. Knocking it out would make it hard for the Russian military to keep supplying its forces in the region, the target of repeated Ukrainian attacks. Stremousov said that because of the bridge damage, pontoon crossings would be constructed over the river, which is also known as the Dnieper. The head of the Moscow-appointed Kherson administration, Vladimir Saldo, said in a video message that passenger vehicles could continue driving across the bridge but truck traffic was halted. He said trucks could cross the river using a dam 80 kilometers (50 miles) away. Early in the war, Russian troops quickly overran the Kherson region just north of the Crimean Peninsula that Russia annexed in 2014. They have faced Ukrainian counterattacks, but have largely held their ground. Kherson site of a major ship-building industry at the confluence of the Dnipro River and the Black Sea near Russian-annexed Crimea is one of several areas a U.S. government spokesman said Russia is trying to take over now. White House national security council spokesman John Kirby said Tuesday that U.S. intelligence officials have amassed ample new evidence that Russia is looking formally to annex additional Ukraine territory and could hold a sham public vote as soon as September. Russia is eyeing Kherson and Zaporizhzhia, as well as the entirety of the Donbas region. Lavrov claimed that the US was preventing Ukraine from engaging in talks on a possible settlement with Russia. They are keeping them from any constructive steps and not only pumping in weapons but forcing them to use those weapons in an increasingly risky way, the Russian minister said. Russian-installed authorities claimed Wednesday that Ukraine's military had used drones to attack the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, Europe's largest. Vladimir Rogov, a local Moscow-appointed official, said three Ukrainian attack drones had hit the plant's territory with explosives but not its reactor area. All normal operations continued, and no release of radiation was detected, he said. Russia's state news agency Tass reported 11 plant workers were injured, four seriously. Ukrainian authorities, who have over the past months reported Russian missiles almost hitting the plant, did not immediately comment on the report. The bulk of Russia's forces are stuck fighting in the Donbas region, where they have made slow gains facing fierce Ukrainian resistance. The Russian military has used long-range missiles to strike targets across all parts of Ukraine, in the process killing hundreds of civilians. Ukraine's presidential office said at least 13 civilians were killed and a further 40 wounded by the Russian shelling across the country in a 24-hour period between Tuesday and Wednesday. On Wednesday, at least three more people died when Russia bombarded the northeastern city of Kharkiv with Hurricane salvo rocket systems, authorities said. The victims, who were waiting at a bus stop, included a 69-year-old man, his wife and a 13-year-old boy. The boy's 15-year-old sister was injured, according to the Kharkiv Regional Prosecutor's Office. Video showed the boy's father, apparently in a state of shock, praying above his son's uncovered body and holding his hand. Russia has repeatedly accused Ukraine during the war of launching attacks across the border in Russian territory. Another such report came Wednesday, when Belgorod Gov. Vyacheslav Gladkov said on Telegram that Ukrainian forces had fired on two border villages. Most villagers were previously evacuated under a state of emergency, but , Gladkov said the latest attack killed a man, and damaged homes and a village club. In other developments: An Associated Press investigation has found that many refugees from Ukraine are forced to embark on a surreal trip into Russia, subjected along the way to human rights abuses, stripped of documents and left confused and lost about where they are. The European Union's head office proposed that member states cut their gas use by 15 per cent over the coming months to ensure that any full Russian cutoff of natural gas supplies to the bloc will not fundamentally disrupt industries next winter. While the initial cuts would be voluntary cuts, the Commission also asked for the power to impose mandatory reductions across the bloc in the event of an EU-wide alert in the event of a severe gas shortage or exceptionally high demand. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Wednesday that Turkey wants to tie down Russia and Ukraine to a written agreement this week and enable millions of tons of Ukraine's grain to be shipped from the Black Sea and Russian grain and fertilizers to be sent to world markets. Some 22 million tons of desperately needed grain and other products have been trapped in Ukraine's Black Sea ports due to the war. In a sign of the crippling economic impact of the war, the Ukrainian government said it would ask investors to allow the country to postpone foreign debt payments for two years. Leaders of a group of creditors said they agreed to the delay and urged bondholders to do the same. (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.) Colombo [Sri Lanka], July 21 (ANI): As scrambles to get back on track following the election of a new President, the people in the country -- who are facing severe economic hardship -- are still uncertain about the future. Amid this uncertainty, Sri Lankans from across the country are lining up at the passport office in Colombo to get a new passport or get their old one renewed, desperate for a way out of the crisis-marred country. "There is no food, no fuel and no money in the country. What will we do and how we will survive? I'm here to get my passport and go to Qatar for a job. People are here for this only," a person who is waiting in the queue told ANI. Another person who was there to renew his passport said: "I came here for my passport renewal so I can seek a job abroad. I have family and I do not have a source of earning here in my country." According to the administration, 27,900 people went outside in search of jobs in the month of June this year. "27,937 people went abroad for jobs in June this year alone, while the majority of 18,083 went abroad on their own," the Bureau of Foreign Employment Promotion (SLBFEP) said. The Sri Lanka foreign employment bureau informed that 9,854 people have gone abroad for jobs through the licensed foreign employment agency. It goes on to detail how more than 1.5 lakh people have left the country since January this year. "The total amount of 1,56,179 who have gone abroad for jobs from January to the first week of July this year. 100,767 self-route and 55,411 people have also gone abroad through the licensed foreign employment agency," the bureau said. It further added that most Sri Lankans prefer to go to Gulf countries. move to countries like South Korea and Japan. "Kuwait has the highest number of people who have gone abroad for jobs since January, that amount is 39,216. 36229 for Qatar, 26,098 for Saudi Arabia, 3,219 for South Korea, 2,576 for Japan have departed for jobs," the foreign employment bureau said. Since January this year, "46,992 for professional jobs and 49923 people have gone abroad for jobs, while 38,871 for domestic jobs have gone abroad, the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment Promotion further announces Will do the loan," SLBFEP data read. Sri Lanka, a country of 22 million people, is in the grip of unprecedented economic turmoil, the worst in its history, leaving millions struggling to buy food, medicine, fuel and other essential items in the county. (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.) "I am not a friend of the Rajapaksas, I am a friend of the people," President has told Sri Lankans, pledging to bring in the much-needed system change they are yearning for. The 73-year-old veteran politician was on Wednesday elected as Sri Lanka's President by lawmakers and sworn in on Thursday as the 8th president, days after former president Gotabaya fled the country and then resigned. The anti-government protesters, who succeeded in forcing the powerful family to leave their official positions amidst the unprecedented economic crisis, are also demanding Wickremesinghe's resignation as he is seen as close to Gotabaya . After being elected as the President, Wickremesinghe visited the Gangarama Temple, one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Colombo, on Wednesday. When asked how he will be different from the Rajapaksas as he is an old friend of theirs, Wickremesinghe said, How am I an old friend of the Rajapaksas? I've been opposing them all this time, the new President said. He further said that "I am not a friend of the Rajapaksas, I am a friend of the people... I have worked earlier with (former president Chandrika) Kumaratunge. She belonged to one party, and I belonged to another. For me to work with a President from another party does not mean I am his friend, the President said. He also said he would give the change the people want, and stressed that is a friend of the people. Wickremesinghe said he is looking at the opportunity to strengthen his United National Party. He also commented on the storming and vandalisation of iconic government buildings here on July 9 and subsequent days. He said that forcibly occupying the President's Office, and the Prime Minister's Office is illegal, and legal action will be taken against people who engage in such illegal acts. Protesters burnt down Wickremesinghe's private home. The Aragalaya was against the system. We must allow those who engage in peaceful dissent to do so. We can also respond to them, he said. Aragalaya is the Sinhalese word for struggle. However, an Aragalaya should not be used to topple governments, torch houses, or occupy important offices. "That is not democracy, those are illegal acts," said the President. In recent months, the three brothers from the Rajapaksa family - finance minister Basil Rajapaksa, prime minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and president Gotabaya Rajapaksa - were forced to resign for mishandling the economy that resulted in the island suffering its worst crisis since 1948. needs about USD 5 billion in the next six months to cover basic necessities for its 22 million people, who have been struggling with long queues, worsening shortages and power cuts. (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 Sri Lankan Navy has arrested six from Tamil Nadu, and impounded their mechanized boat. The arrests were made on Wednesday night. The six were arrested on charges of crossing the Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) and fishing in Sri Lankan waters. The arrested have been identified as Balamurugan (28), Anthony (31), Thanagapandi (24), Ajit (28), Krishnan (31), and Mudugu Pichai (51). An official with the coastal police told IANS that the arrested, according to the information received, were taken to the Thalaimannar Navy camp. A group of boats had gone fishing from Rameswaram on Wednesday night and were found fishing near Thalaimannar and Nachikadavu. A patrol boat of the Sri Lankan Navy apprehended 11 fishermen from the group in two boats and arrested them. However, when the fishermen from one boat informed the Naval officers that their boat had inadvertently crossed the IMBL and reached the Sri Lankan waters due to an engine failure, five of the arrested were released. Six fishermen are now in the custody of the Sri Lankan Navy and their mechanized boat also stands impounded by the Navy. With the arrest of the fishermen, Rameswaram and Dhanushkodi areas have turned tense. R. Selvakumar, leader of the Fishermen Association of Rameswaram while speaking to IANS said, "The Government of India and Government of must take up the matter immediately and bring up a permanent solution to this issue. We are suffering a lot and people are now scared to go fishing at the sea due to the arrests and jail terms in a foreign nation. Our costly boats are also impounded and later sold in open tender. Governments must intervene immediately and solve the issue." --IANS aal/dpb (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The US and allies committed more rocket systems, ammunition and other military aid to Wednesday, as American defence leaders said they see the war to block Russian gains in the eastern Donbas region grinding on for some time. Speaking at the close of a virtual meeting with about 50 defense leaders from around the world, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said it will be hard work to keep allies and partners all committed to the war effort as the months drag on. We're pushing hard to maintain and intensify the momentum of donations, Austin said. This will be an area of focus for the foreseeable future, as it should be, in terms of how long our allies and partners will remain committed ... There's no question that this will always be hard work making sure that we maintain unity. Officials have been reluctant to say how long the war may last, but Army Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, suggested it could be a long slog. We have a very serious grinding war of attrition going on in the Donbas. And unless there's a breakthrough on either side which right now the analysts don't think is particularly likely in the near term it will probably continue as a grinding war of attrition for a period of time until both sides see an alternative way out of this, perhaps through negotiation or something like that. Officials said Wednesday that the U.S. will send four more High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) and precision-guided rockets for them, as well as additional artillery rounds. A more detailed announcement is expected later this week. The aid comes as Russian forces try to solidify gains in the two provinces in Ukraine's eastern Donbas region, Donetsk and Luhansk, while also expanding attacks into other areas. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told state-controlled RT television and the RIA Novosti news agency that Russia has expanded its special military operation from the Donbas to the Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions and other captured territories. Austin said Lavrov's comments come as no surprise to allies who have known Russia has greater ambitions in capturing . But Ukrainian troops have been using the HIMARS to strike Russian logistics nodes and command and control centers, including behind the front lines to disrupt supply chains. And on Wednesday they struck and damaged a bridge that is key to supplying Russian troops in southern Ukraine, where Lavrov said Moscow is trying to consolidate its territorial gains. Milley said the Ukrainian strikes are steadily degrading the Russian ability to supply their troops, command and control their forces, and carry out their illegal war of aggression. He said that, due to Ukraine's resistance, Russia has been able to gain just six to 10 miles of ground in the Donbas over the past 90 days, with tens of thousands of artillery rounds fired in each 24-hour period. And he said he does not believe that the Donbas region has been lost to Russia. It's not lost yet. The Ukrainians are making the Russians pay for every inch of territory that they gain and advances are measured in literally hundreds of meters, Milley said. The issue going forward, he said, will be the amount of HIMARS rockets and other ammunition expended by the Ukraine forces. The U.S. has been sending thousands of rounds, taking them from American military stockpiles, and raising questions about how long that will last and at what point there may be a risk to U.S. military readiness. We are looking at all of that very, very carefully, Milley said. We think we're okay right now as we project forward into the next month or two or three, we think we're going to be okay. The U.S. has already provided more than USD 7 billion in aid to Ukraine since the war began in late February. Austin said that during the defense meeting, there was also discussion about how to ensure that Ukraine is able to maintain and repair the weapons systems into the future. (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.) Meta Platforms Inc Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer will testify in a lawsuit claiming illegally shared user data with research firm Cambridge Analytica. Users sued after it was revealed that a UK research firm connected to Donald Trumps 2016 campaign for president gained access to the data of as many as 87 million of the networks subscribers. In hard-fought battles over pretrial information sharing since the suit was filed in 2018, lawyers for the consumers have gained leverage to pry into the companys internal records to back up their claims that it failed to safeguard their personal data. Facebooks parent company could be on the hook for hundreds of millions of dollars if it loses the case. Zuckerberg has agreed to sit for a deposition for as long as six hours, while Sandberg is set to be questioned for up to five hours, according to a filing Tuesday in San Francisco federal court. Javier Olivan, who has led the companys growth efforts for years, faces up to three hours of deposition questioning. He will take Sandbergs place as COO when she formally leaves the company in the fall. Also read: Installation art company Meta sues Facebook over trademark violation faced a storm of controversy following the revelation in 2018 that Trumps campaign benefited from the work of an app developer who started out by collecting personal information from 300,000 users, and later, from those users friends. Unbeknownst to users, the developer shared the data trove with Cambridge Analytica, which used it to target voters in 2016 with hyper-specific appeals through psychographic modeling. The ensuing lawsuits were filed on behalf of everyone in the US who uses the social network. has argued it disclosed its practices in user agreements. It has also said that anyone sharing their information on a social network shouldnt count on holding onto their privacy. Meta didnt immediate respond to an email seeking comment on the filing. The case is In Re Facebook Consumer Privacy User Profile Litigation, 18-MD-02843, US District Court, Northern District of California (San Francisco). Power generating firms (gencos) have imported 92.07 lakh tonne of coal in April-June this financial year for blending purposes ahead of Monsoon season, Parliament was informed on Thursday. "Ministry of Power (in April) advised Central Gencos, State and Independent Power Producers (IPPs) to import coal for blending purpose during 2022-23," Union Power Minister RK Singh said in a written reply to the Lok Sabha. He also informed the House that to ensure minimum coal stocks in power plants before the onset of monsoon, the advised all to complete placement of awards for import of coal before May 31, 2022. In May, the ministry had stated that domestic coal would be allocated proportionately to all based on the likely availability of domestic coal from Coal India Ltd (CIL) /Singhareni Collieries Company Ltd (SCCL) from June 1, 2022, and the shortfall is to be met from blending of the imported coal. The reply showed that 92,07,000 tonnes of coal were imported by the gencos during April-June this fiscal year, which includes 57,17,000 tonne by central gencos, 28,85,000 tonne by IPPs and 6,05,000 tonne by state gencos. The state-owned power giant NTPC and NTPC-JV (joint venture) imported 49,39,000 tonne of coal in April-June this year. In another reply to the House, Singh stated that as of March 31, 2022, the domestic coal stock was 24.18 million tonne (MT), which depleted to 19.80 MT as of April 30, 2022, but increased during May and June and has now reached 23.126 MT as of July 14, 2022, which is about 40 per cent of the normative stock requirement of 56.6 MT during July 2022. As of July 14, 2022, the coal stock is sufficient for an average of 10 days at a requirement of 85 per cent PLF (plant load factor or capacity utilisation). From April to June this year, all India average gap between the requirement and supplied was only one per cent. The gap between demand and supply is generally on account of factors other than inadequacy of power availability in the country like constraints in the distribution network, financial constraints, commercial reasons, forced outage of generating units etc, the minister explained. In another reply to the House, the minister informed that state-gencos approached REC Ltd for a working capital loan for coal purchase. REC has sanctioned loan amount totalling Rs 3,700 crore for the purchase of coal, which includes Rs 1,800 crore for Maharashtra State Power Generation Company Ltd. He also informed the House that the Plant Load Factor (PLF) of coal/lignite-based power plants with a capacity of 25 MW and above during the year 2021-22 was 58.87 per cent. In 2022-23, the electricity demand has increased and power plants are generating the electricity as per the schedule given to them. The PLF for coal/lignite-based power plants in FY 2022-23 up to June 2022 is around 69.5 per cent, he stated. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Shares of hit a 52-week low of Rs 2,232 as they slipped 10 per cent on the BSE in Thursday's intra-day trade. The company reported 35 per cent year-on-year (YoY) decline in profit after tax (PAT) to Rs 229 crore in June quarter (Q1FY23), due to lower operational income. The pharmaceutical company's PAT stood at Rs 351 crore in Q1FY22. On a sequential basis, PAT was down 20 per cent from Rs 286 crore in Q4FY22. The stock has fallen below its previous low of Rs 2,421.30, touched on July 14, 2022. In the past three months, it has tanked 31 per cent as compared to 3 per cent decline in the S&P BSE Sensex. With the past three months' correction, the stock has almost halved or has plunged 49 per cent from its all-time high level of Rs 4,350, touched on August 12, 2021. It had hit a record low of Rs 1,701 on November 20, 2020. The company's revenue from operations declined 26 per cent YoY to Rs 857 crore from Rs 1,154 crore, and 22 per cent QoQ from Rs 1,103 crore. Last year's revenue was higher due to Covid-19 related product sales. "India market accounts for 6 per cent of Q1FY23 revenue as compared to 16 per cent in Q1FY22. India B2B sales were impacted due to planned shutdown of Insulin line during the quarter and higher sales of Covid-19 drugs like Remdesivir and Enoxaparin Injection during the same quarter of last year," said. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (ebitda) margin contracted 400 bps to 37 per cent from 41 per cent in the year-ago quarter. The continued supply disruption, cost escalation, and the company's decision to shut down two of its manufacturing lines for productivity improvement have affected the business for the quarter, said. Gland Pharma delivered weak Q1FY23 result due to multiple headwinds such as supply constraints of certain ancillary materials, plant modification-led lower production and reduced scope of business for certain products in the Indian market. While syringe-related hurdle is addressed, Gland Pharma is working towards resolving other ancillary materials availability. Motilal Oswal Financial Services has cut its EPS estimates by 14 per cent/16 per cent for FY23/FY24 to factor in prolonged supply chain-related issues, slowdown in India business, and higher opex. "We value Gland Pharma at 33x 12M forward earnings to arrive at our target price of Rs 3,000. There are operational hurdles over the near term. However, given product pipeline of complex injectables, consistent compliance track record, biologics-led additional growth lever and surplus cash for any inorganic opportunity, we believe Gland Pharma's business model remains intact for better growth prospects over the next three years," the brokerage firm said in a result update. Technical View Bias: Negative Support: Rs 2,170 - Rs 2,045 Resistance: Rs 2320 Gland Pharma has been trading with a negative bias since late March 2022, when the 20-WMA (Weekly Moving Average) dipped below the 50-WMA. Currently, the price-to-moving average action indicates a bearish bias both on the daily and the weekly charts. Further, the key momentum oscillators on the daily and weekly charts, too, are strongly in favour of the bears, even as the RSI has entered oversold territory. In the very near term, the bias for the stock is likely to remain negative as long as it trades below the lower-end of the Bollinger Band on the daily charts i.e. below Rs 2,320. Bank of Maharashtra is quoting at Rs 17.25, up 1.17% on the day as on 12:44 IST on the NSE. The stock is down 25.32% in last one year as compared to a 4.75% gain in NIFTY and a 14.95% gain in the Nifty Pharma. Bank of Maharashtra is up for a fifth straight session in a row. The stock is quoting at Rs 17.25, up 1.17% on the day as on 12:44 IST on the NSE. The benchmark NIFTY is up around 0.33% on the day, quoting at 16575.6. The Sensex is at 55539.77, up 0.26%. Bank of Maharashtra has added around 6.48% in last one month. Meanwhile, Nifty Pharma index of which Bank of Maharashtra is a constituent, has added around 15.34% in last one month and is currently quoting at 2726.95, up 1.59% on the day. The volume in the stock stood at 14.76 lakh shares today, compared to the daily average of 25.09 lakh shares in last one month. The PE of the stock is 8.24 based on TTM earnings ending June 22. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd is quoting at Rs 321.4, up 1.36% on the day as on 12:44 IST on the NSE. The stock is down 30.27% in last one year as compared to a 4.75% spurt in NIFTY and a 30.59% spurt in the Nifty Auto. Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd gained for a fifth straight session today. The stock is quoting at Rs 321.4, up 1.36% on the day as on 12:44 IST on the NSE. The benchmark NIFTY is up around 0.33% on the day, quoting at 16575.6. The Sensex is at 55539.77, up 0.26%. Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd has risen around 5.07% in last one month. Meanwhile, Nifty Auto index of which Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd is a constituent, has risen around 7.58% in last one month and is currently quoting at 25608.2, down 0.05% on the day. The volume in the stock stood at 19.49 lakh shares today, compared to the daily average of 40.24 lakh shares in last one month. The benchmark July futures contract for the stock is quoting at Rs 321.5, up 1.31% on the day. Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd is down 30.27% in last one year as compared to a 4.75% spurt in NIFTY and a 30.59% spurt in the Nifty Auto index. The PE of the stock is 7.78 based on TTM earnings ending March 22. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) IDBI Bank gained 2.49% to Rs 37.05 after the company reported 25% jump in net profit to Rs 756 crore despite a 13% fall in total income to Rs 5,781 crore in Q1 FY23 over Q1 FY22. Net Interest Income declined marginally to Rs 2,488 crore in Q1 FY23 from Rs 2,506 crore in Q1 FY22. Net Interest Margin (NIM) stood at 4.02% in Q1 FY23 as compared to 4.06% for Q1 FY22. Cost of Funds reduced by 35 bps to 3.63% for Q1 FY23 as compared to 3.98% for Q1 FY22. Operating profit fell by 28.5% to Rs 2,052 crore in Q1 FY23 from Rs 2,868 crore in Q1 FY22. Provisions & Contingencies declined by 48% YoY to Rs 959 crore in the first quarter. Profit before tax in Q1 FY23 stood at Rs 1093 crore, up by 7% from Rs 1024 crore recorded in Q1 FY22. Gross NPAs aggregated to Rs 33,908 crore as on 30 June 2022 as against Rs 35,594 crore as on 30 June 2021 and Rs 34,115 crore as on 31 March 2022. Gross NPA ratio improved to 19.90% as on 30 June 2022 as against 22.71% as on 30 June 2021 and 20.16% as on 31 March 2022. Net NPA ratio improved to 1.25% as on 30 June 2022 as against 1.67% as on 30 June 2021 and 1.36% as on 31 March 2022. Provision Coverage Ratio improved to 97.79% as on 30 June 2022 from 97.42 % as on 30 June 2021. Deposits increased by 1% YoY to Rs 2,25,269 crore while gross advances rose by 9% YoY to Rs 1,70,390 crore as on 30 June 2022. Tier-1 improved to 17.13% as on 30 June 2022 as against 13.64% as on 30 June 2021. CRAR improved to 19.57% as on 30 June 2022 as against 16.23% as on 30 June 2021. IDBI Bank is one of India's one of the state own largest bank having more than 1,890 branches with 3,300 ATM'S across the globe. The Government of India held 45.48% stake while the Life Insurance Corporation of India held 49.24% stake in the bank as on 30 June 2022. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Mastek fell 1.34% to Rs 2,050.60 after the IT company reported a 4.4% decline in consolidated net profit to Rs 84.4 on 1.9% decrease in revenue from operations to Rs 570.3 crore in Q1 FY23 over Q4 FY22. On a year on year (YoY) basis, Mastek's net profit rose 5.2% and revenue from operations grew 10.4%. Total EBITDA was Rs 135 crore in Q1 FY23, down 2.6% quarter on quarter (QoQ) and up 14.9% year on year (YoY). Total EBITDA margin stood at 22.6% in Q1 FY23 as against 23.1% in Q4 FY22 and 22.5% in Q1 FY22. The company added 33 new clients in Q1 FY23. Total active clients during Q1 FY23 were 402 as compared to 450 in Q4 FY22. The company's 12 months order backlog was Rs 1,509.3 crore ($191.1 million) as on 30 June 2022 as compared to Rs 1,469.1 crore ($193.8 million) in Q4 FY22, registering a growth of 2.7% in rupee terms and 4% in constant currency terms on QoQ basis and Rs 1,177.7 crore ($158.4 million) in Q1 FY22, reflecting a growth of 28.2% in rupee terms and 31.1% in constant currency terms on YoY basis. As on 30 June 2022, the company had a total of 5,553 employees, of which 4,208 employees were based offshore in India while the rest were at various onsite locations. Employee count at the end of 31 March 2022 was 4,977. The total cash, cash equivalents and fair value of mutual funds stood at Rs 664.6 crore as on 30 June 2022 as compared to Rs 794 crore at the end of 31 March 2022. Net cash balance (after adjusting for debts) stood at Rs 490 crore as on 30 June 2022 as compared to Rs 603.3 crore at the end of 31 March 2022. Commenting on the Q1 FY23 results, Hiral Chandrana, global chief executive officer of Mastek, said, We reported constant currency revenue growth of 13.4% on year on year basis and continued to deliver business outcomes for our clients across digital engineering and cloud transformation engagements. It was a challenging quarter impacted by pause of a key program in a large account, currency impact, slower than expected ramp ups and delayed decision making on few deals. Having said that, our pipeline has grown, win ratios have improved, our focus on account mining and annuity business is yielding results." Chandrana further said, "In line with our Vision 2025, we have acquired MST Solutions, a Summit level Salesforce Consulting partner with strong presence in Americas and marquee Fortune 1000 clients. We welcome the MST Solutions team to our family. We are confident about the fundamentals of our strategy and committed to driving differentiated growth as we continue to partner with clients to Decomplex Digital with Trust, Value and Velocity. Arun Agarwal, global chief financial officer of Mastek, said, We reported operating margin of 19.2% during the quarter despite currency impact, continued investments and increase in hiring costs. We have undertaken several appropriate steps to scale supply and talent acquisition, the results of which would start reflecting in the coming quarters. Resilience of our business is demonstrated in 12-month order backlog of $191 million as of 30 June 2022 which grew by 31% YoY in constant currency. Acquisition of MST Solutions further enhances our integrated offerings across Digital Experience and transformation and strengthens our presence in US geography. Demand environment continues to be strong, and we are confident that our strategic priorities and execution rigor positions us well to achieve our Vision 2025. Mastek is an IT company providing enterprise digital and cloud transformation services to the Government/ public sector, health and life science, retail and financial service sectors. The company's service offering includes, application development, Oracle suite & cloud migration, digital commerce, application support & maintenance, BI & analytics, assurance & testing and agile consulting. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) PNC Infratech announced the signing of Concession Agreements between National Highways Authority of India and the Special Purpose Vehicles incorporated by the Company for implementation of the following two Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM) Projects on 20 July 2022: 1. Four Laning of NH 530B from Mathura Bypass to Gaju Village in the State of Uttar Pradesh (Package-1B) to be implemented by Yamuna Highways. The project cost is Rs 885 crore. 2. Four Laning of NH 530B from Gaju Village to Devinagar Bypass in the State of Uttar Pradesh (Package-1C) to be implemented by Hathras Highways. The project cost is Rs 738 crore. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Two entirely separate events over the last few days have reminded me how much the worlds perception of India and Indians has changed. Rishi Sunak, in line to become the next prime minister of the UK, finally addressed the carping about the wealth that his wife possesses by virtue of owning some shares in Infosys, the great Indian company founded by her father, N R Narayana Murthy. Dear Reader, Business Standard has always strived hard to provide up-to-date information and commentary on developments that are of interest to you and have wider political and economic implications for the country and the world. Your encouragement and constant feedback on how to improve our offering have only made our resolve and commitment to these ideals stronger. Even during these difficult times arising out of Covid-19, we continue to remain committed to keeping you informed and updated with credible news, authoritative views and incisive commentary on topical issues of relevance. We, however, have a request. As we battle the economic impact of the pandemic, we need your support even more, so that we can continue to offer you more quality content. Our subscription model has seen an encouraging response from many of you, who have subscribed to our online content. More subscription to our online content can only help us achieve the goals of offering you even better and more relevant content. We believe in free, fair and credible journalism. Your support through more subscriptions can help us practise the journalism to which we are committed. Support quality journalism and subscribe to Business Standard. Digital Editor Aam Aadmi Party head is scheduled to hold a town hall meeting and a press conference on Thursday in city of Gujarat where the Assembly polls are due this year. The Delhi chief minister arrived here late Wednesday night and said that in the next few weeks, his party would share with the people of Gujarat its agenda on what it plans to do for them if voted to power in the state. This is his second visit to the state so far this month. "I visited Gujarat several times in the recent past, and people of the state have given a lot of love. The people of Gujarat are fed up with 27 years of the BJP rule and want a change," Kejriwal said after landing at the airport. "We have talked to the public about what they want and in the next few weeks, we will put before them our agenda, as to what our agenda will be when voted to power," he said. Before Kejriwal arrived in the state, the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) Gujarat unit chief C R Paatil warned people that they should not get misguided by the "revadi culture" of freebies as it could eventually turn the state and India into Sri Lanka, which is currently going through a severe economic crisis. Though Paatil did not name anyone, he was apparently targeting the AAP and its national convener Kejriwal, who has promised free electricity if voted to power in Gujarat. Kejriwal last visited Gujarat on July 3, when he held a town hall on the issue of free electricity in Ahmedabad. During the interaction with people, he then said free electricity was possible in Gujarat and that he would soon visit the state with a formula on how his party can provide it if voted to power. Presenting the "Delhi model," he had said free electricity is possible in Gujarat if corruption is eliminated. The AAP has made free electricity a major poll plank in Gujarat, where polls are due in December. The party has positioned itself as a major contender in the state, where elections have traditionally seen a direct contest between the BJP and the Congress. (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.) Launching a frontal attack on the BJP, Chief Minister on Thursday asserted that the saffron camp will be swept away from power at the Centre by people's mandate in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. Speaking at a massive TMC rally here, Banerjee also criticised the for destroying institutions of the country, contending that those who had no role in the Independence struggle are now trying to rewrite the country's history. "The will be swept away from power by the people's mandate in 2024. They will be defeated. I can certainly say that the will not get single-party majority, and once that happens, others will unite to form the next government," she said. Break BJP's prison, bring people's government in 2024, the feisty Trinamool Congress boss said at the Martyrs' Day rally amid thunderous applause. Banerjee also slammed the Union government over the increase in GST rates on pre-packed and labelled food items such as cereals, pulses and flour weighing less than 25 kg, terming it as "anti-people". "What will the people eat when the BJP is implementing GST on everything, even puffed rice and milk powder. How will the poor survive in this country?" she said. Cautioning the saffron camp, the chief minister said if it tries to dislodge the Bengal government "just like in Maharashtra, they would get a befitting reply. (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.) Trinamool Congress chief and the West Bengal Chief Minister on Thursday claimed that had she wished she could have garnered more votes in support of the opposition Presidential candidate Yashwant Singh. "Had I wished I would have secured additional votes in favour of the opposition candidate even from the kitty of BJP. But I deliberately refrained from that," the chief minister said while addressing the rally on the occasion of the party's annual Martyrs' Day rally at central Kolkata on Thursday afternoon. The chief minister's stand on the issue of Presidential Polls had been quite shifty since the beginning. She was the one to initiate the meeting of the opposition parties to field a united opposition candidate in the Presidential polls. Finally, the opposition zeroed in on Yashwant Sinha, who had to resign from Trinamool Congress's vice- president post to contest the polls. However, soon after BJP announced the name of Draupadi Murmu as Democratic Alliance (NDA) candidate, the chief minister said that she could think positively about Murmu had BJP informed her about their choice before. Her shifting stand on this count evoked sharp criticisms from non- BJP parties like Congress and CPI(M). Meanwhile, BJP has ridiculed the chief minister's comment on Thursday that if she wished she could have managed more votes for Sinha. "The chief minister is becoming lonely in . Nobody trusts her and such comments are reflections of her frustrations," said BJP's state spokesman in West Bengal, Shamik Bhattacharya. Speaking at the Martyrs' Day rally on Thursday after, the chief minister also issued a strong note of caution against her own party leaders and asked them to refrain from extortion. "I have information about two instances where some of the party workers tried to extort money in the name of this Martyrs' Day rally. If you hear of anyone extorting money from people in the name of Trinamool Congress, just grab him and take him to the police station." BJP state president in West Bengal and the party MP, Sukanta Majumdar said that the chief minister is feeling the heat of insubordination within her own party from the leaders involved in rampant corruption. "That is why she had to issue this note of caution from the Martyrs' Day dais," he said. --IANS src/shb/ (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Delhi Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena has rejected the AAP government's proposal for Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's Singapore visit to attend a summit on August 1, saying his attendance at the mayors' conference will set a "bad precedent". Lieutenant Governor Saxena advised Kejriwal to not attend the World Cities Summit in Singapore next month since it is a conference of mayors and won't be befitting for a chief minister to attend it, official sources said on Thursday. Kejriwal, replying to LG's refusal to his visit, said in a note shared by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Twitter that even Prime Minister would not be able to go anywhere if a decision on visits by each constitutional authority is taken on the basis of what subjects fall within their jurisdiction. Reacting to the development as "mean politics", Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said will now directly approach the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to seek political clearance for Kejriwal's Singapore visit. Officials said chief minister's foreign visit requires administrative nod of LG as well as approval by the MEA. This is the second time Kejriwal has been denied a foreign visit to participate in an international event. Earlier, the MEA had denied him permission to attend Copenhagen C40 World Mayors' Summit in Denmark in 2019. He had, however, addressed it through video conferencing. Sources said Saxena has returned the proposal regarding the foreign visit of Kejriwal while noting that the conference will be covering different aspects of urban governance, which are addressed by diverse bodies like the MCD, DDA and NDMC, apart from the city government. The LG said the does not have exclusive domain over the issues and it will be inappropriate for a chief minister to attend it, sources said. Saxena has also noted that a chief minister attending such a conference will set a "bad precedent", they said. After a careful study of the forum and profile of participants and its subject, the LG pointed the summit will cover different aspects of governance that are looked after by NDMC, MCD, DDA and the city government in Delhi, they said. The LG has underlined the fact that does not have exclusive domain over the issues corresponding with the theme of the conference and hence it will be inappropriate for a chief minister to be attending the same, sources said. According to sources, referring to WCS Smart City workshop being organised as part of the conference, it has been pointed that the Smart City Project in Delhi is being anchored by the NDMC. Kejriwal had last Sunday written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking permission to be allowed to participate in the summit, saying he will present Delhi Model of governance there bringing glory to the country. High Commissioner of Singapore Simon Wong had in June invited Kejriwal to World Cities Summit 2022 to be held in the first week of August. The file for chief minister's Singapore visit was sent to LG on June 7, officials said. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Droupadi Murmu scripted history on Thursday by becoming India's first tribal President in the one-sided contest, defeating Opposition candidate Yashwant Sinha. Murmu, 64, won by an overwhelming margin against Sinha after receiving over 64 per cent valid votes in a day-long counting of ballots of MPs and MLAs, comprising the electoral college, to succeed Ram Nath Kovid to become the country's 15th President. After the end of the counting process that continued for more than 10 hours, returning officer P C Mody declared Murmu as the winner and said that she got 676,803 votes against Sinha's 380,177 votes. She will be the first President to be born after independence and is the youngest to occupy the top post. She is also the second woman to become the President. Her victory was sealed after the third round itself when the Returning officer announced that Murmu had already received over 53 per cent of the total valid votes even as Ballots from 10 states and Union territories are still being counted. Conceding defeat after the third round of counting, Sinha congratulated Murmu and said every Indian hope that as the 15th President she functions as the "custodian of the Constitution" without fear or favour. In a statement, Sinha thanked the leaders of the Opposition parties for choosing him as their consensus candidate in this election. "I also thank all members of the Electoral College who voted for me. I accepted the offer of Opposition parties solely guided by the philosophy of Karma Yoga preached by Lord Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita -- 'Do your duty without expectation of the fruits thereof'," Sinha said. "I have performed my duty conscientiously out of my love for my country. The issues I had raised during my campaign remain pertinent," he said. Immediately after the announcement of the NDA presidential nominee crossing the halfway mark, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president J P Nadda visited Murmu at her residence here to congratulate her. "India scripts history. At a time when 1.3 billion Indians are marking Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, a daughter of India hailing from a tribal community born in a remote part of eastern India has been elected our President!," Modi tweeted He congratulated Murmu on being elected to the top Constitutional post. "Droupadi Murmu Ji's life, her early struggles, her rich service and her exemplary success motivates each and every Indian. She has emerged as a ray of hope for our citizens, especially the poor, marginalised and the downtrodden," he said in a series of tweets. The Prime Minister also thanked all MPs and MLAs across party lines who supported her candidature and said her "record victory" augurs well for our democracy. "Droupadi Murmu Ji has been an outstanding MLA and Minister. She had an excellent tenure as Jharkhand governor. I am certain she will be an outstanding President who will lead from the front and strengthen India's development journey," he said. Soon after counting began and she inched towards the halfway mark, celebrations began in her native town of Rairangpur congratulating "Odisha's daughter", with folk artists and tribal dancers performing on the streets. Murmu belongs to one of the largest tribal groups in the country, the Santhals. Murmu's tribal background not only helped catapult her to the top post, but the BJP by fielding her is also eyeing crucial votes of the ST community in upcoming assembly elections in Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, which have a significant tribal population, besides the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. This also helped her get the support of a number of independent parties including BJD, YSRCP, AIADMK, TDP, BSP, JDS and SAD, besides opposition's JMM, Shiv Sena and Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party in her victory run. By nominating her, the BJP is also seeking to get its foothold in Odisha's tribal-dominated belt, which it has been eyeing ever since it snapped ties with BJD in 2009. Odisha goes to the polls along with the 2024 general elections and so does Andhra Pradesh, where there is a significant tribal population. Murmu had contested the 2014 assembly election from Rairangpur, but lost to the BJD candidate. Born on June 20, 1958, in Odisha's Mayurbhanj district, she catapulted into the spotlight after being picked as the ruling NDA's presidential nominee in the July 18 polls. It is from Rairangpur that she took her first step up the BJP ladder. She was a councillor in the local Notified Area Council in 1997 and rose to be a minister in Odisha's BJD-BJP coalition government from 2000 to 2004. In 2015, she was appointed governor of Jharkhand and stayed in the post till 2021. She is an excellent orator in Santhali and Odia languages and has worked extensively to improve infrastructure such as roads and ports in Odisha. The low-profile Murmu, believed to be deeply spiritual, is a keen practitioner of the meditation techniques of the Brahma Kumaris, a movement she embraced after she lost her husband, two sons, mother and brother in just six years between 2009-2015. An image soon after her announcement as NDA nominee for the top post was perhaps in sync with this facet -- her sweeping the floor of the Purnandeswar Shiv temple in Rairangpur in her home state Odisha's Mayurbhanj district. (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 scent of mahua flowers and bamboo groves travelled from the jungles to the majestic Rashtrapati Bhavan as (64) made history by becoming Indias first president. Fielded by the (BJP)-led Democratic Alliance (NDA), Murmu got more than 64 per cent of the votes cast, and at least 20 opposition votes, winning the election by a massive margin, defeating common opposition candidate Yashwant Sinha (84) and winning voters in the electoral college with her charm, simplicity and determined conviction to protect identity. chiefs from all over the country are planning to troop into Delhi to felicitate the new president when she takes oath on July 25, putting on display a new, different, iridescent India. India scripts history. At a time when 1.3 billion Indians are marking Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, a daughter of India hailing from a born in a remote part of India has been elected our President, tweeted Prime Minister in a congratulatory message. Murmu has had a long innings in . But it was in the last job she held that she really distinguished herself. The BJP government in Jharkhand, headed by a plainsman, Raghubar Das, attempted to amend two laws that safeguarded tribal communities rights to their land the Chhotanagpur Tenancy Act and the Santhal Parganas Tenancy Act. The amendments sought to give the tribal people the right to let the government make commercial use of their land, and allowed the government to take their land on lease. The original laws allowed land transactions only among tribals. These attempts were among the factors that gave rise to the Pathalgarhi movement, where tribals banned plainspeople from entering forest areas by erecting physical barriers and faced stringent police action. Murmu went against a government led by her own party and returned the Bills to the Jharkhand government, which ultimately withdrew them. It took her six months. That the Bills were proposed in the first place betrayed the BJPs understanding of tribal identity. It took a member of the BJP to contest this -- and that member was . The Jharkhand government changed during her tenure. She was even-handed, advising new Chief Minister Hemant Soren to desist from diluting the composition of the Tribal Advisory Council (TAC). Her successor, Ramesh Bais, followed in her stead and ultimately the Soren-led Jharkhand Mukti Morcha government had to withdraw those changes. Murmus name came up for discussion as president even in 2017 but on that occasion, the government chose Ramnath Kovind, the outgoing president. This time, she was selected by the parliamentary board of the BJP from a shortlist of 20 candidates. Prime Minister calls on in New Delhi | Photo: PTI Murmu comes from Odishas Mayurbhanj district, which adjoins Jharkhands East Singhbhum district. She is a Santhali tribal, a group that holds sway from Odisha to north Bengal. She began life as a government official in the agriculture department, becoming councillor and later vice-chairperson of the Rairangpur Nagar Panchayat, and also vice-president of the BJPs Scheduled Tribes Morcha in Odisha. In 2000 she became MLA, winning for a second time in 2009. In between she became minister of state for transport and commerce, and then fisheries and animal husbandry in the state in the coalition between the Biju Janata Dal and the BJP. However later the alliance broke up and Murmu had to step down. But even after a stint as minister, the affidavit she furnished when she was contesting the Assembly elections said she had no house, only a small bank balance and some land. In the 2014 Assembly elections which she contested from Rairangpur, she listed her assets as Rs 2 crore with liabilities of Rs 14 lakh and three criminal cases. Congratulations poured in from all corners of India and the world. Her village in Mayurbhanj celebrated late into the night singing, dancing and distributing laddoos. This is the second time that Odisha has given India a president -- the first was V V Giri, who was born in the state and grew up there. Yashwant Sinha, the opposition candidate she defeated, was gracious in his congratulations, but said the issues he had raised during the contest remained pertinent. He said he had followed the precepts of the Gita: Do your duty without expectation of the fruits thereof. I have performed my duty conscientiously out of my love for my country. The issues I had raised during my campaign remain pertinent, he said, adding the new president must act to prevent the misuse of the Enforcement Directorate, CBI and other public bodies. These institutions are also being misused to engineer defections and topple Opposition-run state governments. India has never seen political corruption of such magnitude. This, coupled with the poisonous of polarisation, poses a grave danger to democracy and communal harmony in India, he said and thanked the Opposition for backing him. President-elect Droupadi Murmu. The arc of triumph forged through personal tragedy is complete for the unassuming politician who started public life as a councillor in Odisha and will be written into history as India's first tribal president and the second woman in the post. On Thursday, the former Jharkhand governor and the BJP-led NDA's presidential candidate, who found many other backers along her campaign trail, won an easy victory over the opposition's pick Yashwant Sinha. At 64, the woman who will be India's 15th president, taking over from Ram Nath Kovind, will also be the youngest and India's first president to be born after Independence. She will be sworn in on July 25. The low-profile politician is believed to be deeply spiritual and a keen practitioner of the meditation techniques of the Brahma Kumaris, a movement she embraced after she lost her husband, two sons, mother and brother in the just six years between 2009-2015. "She is deeply spiritual and soft-spoken person," said Basant Kumar Panda, BJP leader and Lok Sabha member from Kalahandi. In an interview in February 2016 to Doordarshan, Murmu gave a glimpse into the tumultuous period of her life when she lost her son in 2009. "I was devastated and suffered from depression. I spent sleepless nights after my son's death. It was when I visited Brahma Kumaris, I realised I had to move on and live for my two sons and daughter," Murmu had said. In the month since she was nominated as the NDA's presidential candidate on June 21, she has made no public statement. The victory run seemed certain and her numbers were boosted with support from a section of opposition parties such as the BJD, Shiv Sena, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, YSR Congress, BSP, TDP. Some of these parties had earlier supported the candidature of the joint opposition candidate Yashwant Sinha. Murmu travelled throughout the country campaigning for the presidential election and was received warmly across state capitals. Her first steps in were taken in Rairangpur where she was a elected as BJP councillor in the Rairangpur Notified Area Council in 1997 and rose to being a minister in Odisha's BJD-BJP coalition government from 2000 to 2004. In 2015, she was appointed governor of Jharkhand and stayed in the post till 2021. "She has been through a lot of pain and struggle, but doesn't get rattled by adversity," said former Odisha BJP president Manmohan Samal. Born into a Santhal family, she is an excellent orator in Santhali and Odia languages, Samal said. He added that she had worked extensively to improve infrastructure such as roads and ports in the region. The tribal-dominated Mayurbhanj has been the focus of the BJP, which is eyeing a strong foothold in the state. The BJD snapped ties with the BJP in 2009 and has consolidated its hold over Odisha since then. Murmu had contested the 2014 assembly election from Rairangpur, but lost to the BJD candidate. After completing her tenure as Jharkhand governor, Murmu devoted her time to meditation and social work in Rairangpur. "I am surprised as well as delighted. As a tribal woman from remote Mayurbhanj district, I had not thought about becoming the candidate for the top post," Murmu had said after her selection as the presidential candidate. The hurdles were several and the achievements many. Belonging to Mayurbhanj, one of the most remote and underdeveloped districts of the country, Murmu earned her Bachelor's degree in Arts from Bhubaneswar's Ramadevi Women's College in Bhubaneswar and served as a junior assistant in the irrigation and power department in the Odisha government. She also served as an honorary assistant teacher in the Shri Aurobindo Integral Education Centre in Rairangpur. Murmu was awarded the Nilkanth Award for the Best MLA of the year in 2007 by the Odisha Legislative assembly. She has diverse administrative experience having handled ministries such as transport, commerce, fisheries and animal husbandry in the Odisha government. In the BJP, Murmu was vice president and later president of the Scheduled Tribe Morcha in Odisha. She was elected the district president of Mayurbhanj (West) unit of the BJP in 2010 and re-elected in 2013. She was also named member of the BJP Executive (ST Morcha) the same year. She held the post of district president till April 2015 when she was appointed as the Governor of Jharkhand. Murmu's daughter Itishree works in a bank in Odisha. (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 sizeable number of MLAs from across state assemblies cross-voted in support of President-elect Droupadi Murmu, defying their parties' stated support to Opposition candidate Yashwant Sinha, sources said on Thursday. BJP sources said around 125 MLAs from different assemblies cross-voted in her support. Counting of votes also suggests that Murmu was the beneficiary of cross-voting from 17 MPs. Assam, Jharkhand and Madhya Pradesh assemblies witnessed a significant number of Opposition MLAs voting for the BJP-led Democratic Alliance's candidate. Around 22 MLAs in Assam and 20 in Madhya Pradesh assemblies are likely to have cross-voted. Six opposition MLAs each from Bihar and Chhattisgarh, four from Goa and 10 from Gujarat may also have voted for Murmu. Murmu's tribal background appeared to have drawn support from Opposition MLAs from Jharkhand too, where the ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha had already announced support to her. Set to be India's first tribal and also the youngest president, Murmu received maximum votes from Uttar Pradesh and Maharastra assemblies while Sinha got his largest share of support from West Bengal and Tamil Nadu. All MLAs from Andhra Pradesh, where the ruling YSR Congress as well the pposition TDP had pledged support to Murmu, voted for her. On the other hand, Sinha swept all votes from Kerala MLAs as the ruling Left and the opposition Congress had both supported him. Murmu also received all the votes from Sikkim and Nagaland assemblies. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma indicated about the cross-voting from opposition MLAs with his tweet, "Droupadi Murmu polled 104 votes compared to NDA's original strength of 79 in the 126 member Assam Assembly. 2 absent. My heartfelt gratitude to the people of Assam for reposing their faith in the NDA's Presidential candidate & wholeheartedly joining this historic moment." Murmu, 64, won by an overwhelming margin against Sinha, receiving over 64 per cent valid votes cast by MPs and MLAs, comprising the electoral college, to succeed Ram Nath Kovid to become the country's 15th president. After the end of the counting process that continued for more than 10 hours, Returning Officer P C Mody declared Murmu as the winner and said the value of votes she got was 6,76,803 against Sinha's 3,80,177. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) President Ram Nath Kovind, who rose from being a grassroots level politician to becoming the country's first citizen, has long been an advocate of egalitarianism and integrity in the society. Sworn in as the country's 14th President on July 25, 2017, he is all set to bid adieu to the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Sunday after completing his full five-year term which was marked by the unprecedented coronavirus pandemic. He brought to the office of President a rich experience of working across the spectrum of the republic, from the grassroots to the apex court and Parliament. Former Jharkhand governor and Democratic Alliance (NDA) nominee Droupadi Murmu will occupy the top constitutional post. Murmu, who defeated Opposition candidate Yashwant Sinha, will be the first woman from the tribal community to become the president. Kovind, a passionate advocate of education as a tool for social empowerment, has been actively supporting greater participation of women in nation-building and consistently calling for the society to create more opportunities for the deprived sections, especially the disabled and the orphans. His vision and commitment towards the country's development was reflected in his speech after taking over as the President. Addressing the gathering then, Kovind had referred to his humble background and said he grew up in a mud house in a small village and that his journey to the presidency had been a long one. "It is so telling of our nation and our society also. For all its problems, it follows that basic mantra given to us in the preamble to the Constitution - of ensuring justice, liberty, equality and fraternity - and I will always continue to follow this basic mantra," he had said. Kovind had then said the key to India's success is its diversity. "Our diversity is the core that makes us so unique. In this land we find a mix of states and regions, religions, languages, cultures, lifestyles and much more. We are so different and yet so similar and united," he had said on July 25, 2017. After his election to the highest constitutional office, Kovind (aged 76) has discharged his duties as the first citizen of India with foresight and humility. He has paid state visits to 33 countries till June, enhancing India's global outreach and footprint, according to the Rashtrapati Bhavan. On these State visits, Kovind conveyed India's timeless message of peace, progress and harmony. As the President of India, he received the highest State honours from six countries - Madagascar, Equatorial Guinea, Eswatini, Croatia, Bolivia and Republic of Guinea. Kovind, as the supreme commander of the armed forces of India, in May 2018 made a historic visit to the troops deployed at 'Kumar Post' in Ladakh's Siachen, the highest battlefield in the world. Born in a family of modest means at village Paraunkh in Uttar Pradesh's Kanpur district, he had a humble beginning. Through his consistent and hard work, he rose to become a lawyer, parliamentarian and Bihar governor before taking over the highest constitutional post. He enrolled as an advocate with the Bar Council of Delhi in 1971 and served as counsel of the Union government in the Delhi High Court from 1977 to 1979. In 1978, he became an advocate-on-record with the Supreme Court of India. From 1980 to 1993, Kovind was standing counsel for the Union government in the apex court. Under the free legal aid society of New Delhi, he also provided pro-bono aid to weaker sections of society, especially women and the poor. Kovind was elected as a member of Rajya Sabha from Uttar Pradesh, effective from April 1994. He served two consecutive terms of six years each till March 2006. Kovind was appointed governor of Bihar on August 8, 2015. His term as the governor received all-round appreciation for upholding the values of the Constitution. Kovind, in his capacity as chancellor, introduced several reforms and modern technology in the working of state universities and brought transparency in the appointment of vice-chancellors. He earned respect from leaders of all political parties for his statesmanship, sagacity and adhering to democratic ethos. Kovind's achievements as governor paved the way for his credentials as a candidate for the presidency in 2017. He became the second Dalit to occupy the top constitutional post after K R Narayanan, who was the first Dalit president of the country from July 25, 1997 to July 25, 2002. An avid reader with a keen interest in books on and social change, law, history and spirituality, Kovind is married to Savita Kovind. They have a son and a daughter. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai will be on a two-day visit to Delhi from July 25 to 26. Speaking to media persons, Bommai said, "I am leaving for with delegations of various departments to attend the oath-taking ceremony of the new President of India on July 25. I will also discuss cabinet expansion if the party's top brass raises the issue. "I will also lead a delegation to discuss the Kasturirangan report," he said. On Monday, polling began in the Parliament and respective State Legislative Assemblies to elect the new President of India. The Presidential election was held in a peaceful and orderly manner on Monday with Parliament House seeing a voter turnout of 98.91 per cent. Of the 736 electors comprising 727 MPs and nine MLAs who were permitted by the Election Commission to vote at Parliament House, 728 electors cast their vote. This includes 719 MPs and nine MLAs. The total turnout at Parliament House was 98.91 per cent. The contest is between BJP-led NDA candidate Droupadi Murmu and opposition parties' candidate Yashwant Sinha. The President is elected by members of the Electoral College consisting of elected Members of Parliament and of all the state Assemblies, including the National Capital Territory of Delhi and the Union Territory of Puducherry. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Chief Minister on Thursday congratulated NDA presidential nominee Droupadi Murmu after she emerged victorious in the election. The Trinamool Congress supremo said that the country will sincerely look up to Murmu as the "Head of State to protect the ideals of the Constitution and the custodian of our democracy". The TMC has supported Yashwant Sinha, the joint candidate of major non-BJP parties, in the election held on July 18. "I would like to congratulate Hon'ble Presidential-Elect Smt Draupadi Murmu. The country will sincerely look up to you as the Head of State to protect the ideals of our Constitution & be the custodian of our democracy, especially when (the) nation is plagued with so many dissensions (sic)," she tweeted. Returning Office for the poll P C Mody announced that she had crossed the halfway mark of the total votes after the third round of counting. An official announcement of her win is expected after all votes are counted. (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.) Floor leaders of all parties in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha will meet in the office of Leader of (LoP) Rajya Sabha in Parliament on Thursday to discuss an important political issue, said sources. Floor leaders meeting of both the Houses will be followed by Congress MPs meeting at Congress Parliamentary office in Parliament. Notably, parties continued to force adjournment in the two Houses of Parliament on Wednesday over their demands related to price rise and imposition of GST by the government on some items of daily use. Lok Sabha saw two adjournments before it was adjourned for the day on the third day of the of Parliament. The Rajya Sabha was also adjourned for the day after lunch following an earlier adjournment. Opposition parties also held a protest near Mahatma Gandhi's statue in Parliament to press their demands. During the protest near Mahatma Gandhi's statue, opposition leaders accused the government of disrupting the common man's budget due to revised GST rates on several items of daily use. Leaders of opposition parties including the Congress, NCP, DMK and Left raised slogans against the government demanding a rollback of the hike in GST rates on commodities like curd, bread and paneer. Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury were among those present. In the Lok Sabha, the opposition parties staged protests during the question hour. The of Parliament commenced on July 18 and will continue till August 12. There will be 18 sittings during the Session. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister on Thursday held a meeting with top ministers to discuss the government's strategy in Parliament. Union ministers Rajnath Singh, Anurag Thakur and Kiren Rijiju are amongst those present in the meeting. This development comes as Opposition parties continued to force adjournment in the two Houses of Parliament on Wednesday over their demands related to price rise and imposition of GST by the government on some items of daily use. On the other hand, floor leaders of all Opposition parties in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha met at the office of Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge in Parliament on Thursday. Apart from the Congress, Opposition party's leaders of Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), Communist Party of India (Marxist), Communist Party of India, Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), Jammu and Kashmir Conference (JKNC), Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS), Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK), Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), Shiv Sena and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) were present in the meeting. Lok Sabha saw two adjournments before it was adjourned for the day on the third day of the of Parliament. The Rajya Sabha was also adjourned for the day after lunch following an earlier adjournment. Opposition parties also held a protest near Mahatma Gandhi's statue in Parliament to press their demands. During the protest near Mahatma Gandhi's statue, opposition leaders accused the government of disrupting the common man's budget due to revised GST rates on several items of daily use.Leaders of opposition parties including the Congress, NCP, DMK and Left raised slogans against the government demanding a rollback of the hike in GST rates on commodities like curd, bread and paneer.Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury were among those present. In the Lok Sabha, the opposition parties staged protests during the question hour.The of Parliament commenced on July 18 and will continue till August 12. There will be 18 sittings during the Session. (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.) Nationalist Congress Party president has dissolved all departments and cells of the party with immediate effect, a senior leader said on Wednesday. national general secretary Praful Patel tweeted, "with approval of national president, Nationalist Congress party, Sharad Pawar, all departments and cells stand dissolved with immediate effect." Patel, a former Union minister, did not disclose the reason for the sudden move, which comes three weeks after the collapse of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government in Maharashtra. The was a key constituent of the Shiv Sena-led coalition government which fell apart in late June following a rebellion by a section of MLAs of the Uddhav Thackeray-led saffron outfit. (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.) Several Opposition leaders, including West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, NCP chief and Congress' Rahul Gandhi, congratulated Droupadi Murmu for emerging victorious in the presidential election. Murmu defeated Opposition's Yashwant Sinha who conceded defeat. Banerjee congratulated the NDA presidential nominee and said the country will sincerely look up to Murmu as the "Head of State to protect the ideals of the Constitution and the custodian of our democracy". The TMC had supported Sinha, the joint candidate of major non-BJP parties, in the election held on July 18. "I would like to congratulate Hon'ble Presidential-Elect Smt Draupadi Murmu. The country will sincerely look up to you as the Head of State to protect the ideals of our Constitution & be the custodian of our democracy, especially when (the) nation is plagued with so many dissensions (sic)," she tweeted. The NCP chief wished Murmu success. Heartfelt congratulations Smt Droupadi Murmu on being elected as the President of India, Pawar said on Twitter. "My best wishes to you as you prepare to take up the responsibilities and charge of your esteemed office. Wishing you success in your tenure as President," he said. Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi congratulated Murmu, saying, "Congratulations and best wishes to Smt. Droupadi Murmu ji on being elected as the 15th President of India," Gandhi said on Twitter. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal extended best wishes to Murmu. Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, whose Jharkhand Mukti Morcha had supported Murmu, congratulated her for becoming the first tribal president of the country. Former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati said the BSP rose above party and gave her support and vote to Murmu as she was the first woman presidential candidate from the tribal community. "Now the government should cooperate with her in fulfilling responsibilities according to the intention of the Constitution so that the public expectation is fulfilled and the country's prestige increases immensely," she 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.) Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment has blamed MP for the split in the party and said Udhav Thackeray forged an alliance with NCP only at the behest of Raut. Speaking to ANI, Athawale said, "It was not Sharad Pawar but who broke . Uddhav Thackeray decided to go with Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) only at the behest of ." The Union Minister said the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and governments would have come to Maharashtra if Shiv Sena and NCP had not come together. "Maha Vikas Aghadi would never have been formed if Shiv Sena and NCP had not come together and therefore BJP and Shiv Sena government would in Maharashtra," Athawale said. Earlier, former Maharashtra Minister Ramdas Kadam alleged that NCP chief Sharad Pawar broke the Shiv Sena and said Pawar has systematically weakened the party. "It was not acceptable to any of us that the Shiv Sena chief's son sat with the NCP and Congress ministers. If Eknath Shinde had not taken this step, Sena would not have even 10 MLAs with it," Kadam said. "I worked in the party for 52 years and in the end, I was fired. I will thank the MLAs who accompanied Eknath Shinde," he said. Meanwhile, Rahul Shewale said, "Uddhav Thackeray was ready for an alliance with the BJP, the meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi lasted for an hour but it could not happen due to the deadlock of some Shiv Sena MLAs." Responding to this, the Minister further said that when Shiv Sena went with NCP, "I had said this that it is against the decision of Balasaheb Uddhav Thackeray. If initially Udhav Thackeray would have come with BJP and taken the post of Deputy Chief Minister, there would not have been any deadlock. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Delhi Deputy Chief Minister on Thursday said his government will now directly approach the to seek political clearance for CM Arvind Kejriwal's Singapore visit, after LG V K Saxena advised to not attend the World Cities Summit there. Saxena has advised Kejriwal to not attend the World Cities Summit in Singapore next month since it is a conference of mayors and won't be befitting for a chief minister to attend it, official sources said on Thursday. Sources said Saxena has returned the proposal regarding the foreign visit of Kejriwal while noting that the conference will be covering different aspects of urban governance, which are addressed by diverse bodies like the MCD, DDA, NDMC apart from the city government. "The LG has advised Kejriwal to not attend the conference since it is a conference of mayors. The chief ministers of other states have attended this conference in the past. Even the prime minister goes for state-related issues. This is mean at work. We will now approach the directly for political clearance and hope that they will accept our request," Sisodia said during a briefing. Sisodia also congratulated Droupadi Murmu, who is all set to become the President of the country, after having a considerable lead over her rival Yashwant Sinha. The Aam Aadmi Party was supporting Sinha's candidature. "I congratulate Murmu ji. Her journey has been inspiring. I hope she will rise above BJP's tactics and work for the interest of the nation," he added. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) said on Thursday it was investigating an outage where users were unable to access Teams or leverage any features on the app. Microsofts Teams app was down for more than 3,000 users, according to outage tracking website Downdetector.com. Though the MS Teams was back up for most users, the company said on Thursday, after an hours-long outage that disrupted the chat application for tens of thousands of customers globally. The company cited a disruption on a recent software update that contained a broken connection to an internal storage service. Were addressing any residual impact related to this event. Additionally, we are monitoring for any signs of failure until were confident that all functions of the service are fully recovered, the company said on its website. MS Teams, used by more than 270 million people globally, forms an integral part of daily operations for businesses and schools, which use the service to make calls, schedule meetings and organise their workflow. The company did not disclose the number of users affected by the disruption, but outage tracking website Downdetector.com showed more than 4,800 incidents in the United States and over 18,200 in Japan. The site tracks outages by collating status reports from sources including user-submitted errors on its platform. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The government on Wednesday slashed the windfall tax on domestically- produced crude oil within three weeks after imposing it. It also reduced the levy on exports of diesel and aviation fuel. So, today, we try to find answers to two questions. What may have prompted the government to do this quick turnabout, and who all will benefit from this move? About 176 km off the west coast of Mumbai, ONGC men are busy retrieving oil and natural gas from one of the countrys largest oilfields -- called Mumbai High Field. While on shore, as the monsoon is in full swing, Mumbais civic body men are working overtime to retrieve rainwater from city roads and markets. It has become an annual affair, giving sleepless nights to the municipality. Other cities are no different. A brief spell of rain brings them to a standstill. So why does a good spell of rain bring misery to urban areas rather than joy? After the monsoon miseries, let us move on to markets which experts say are bracing for winter. Most analysts expect the to enter a recession over the next few months. The impact, they said, will be felt across global financial markets. So, which sectors and stocks are investment-worthy amid this uncertainty? After markets, let us focus on a recent controversy involving a cab aggregator. From lobbying world leaders to circumventing local regulations, indulged in many shady practices in its aggressive bid to spread business. And when The Guardian, under the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists or ICAJ, unearthed the dark secrets hidden in its closet, the ride-sharing company blamed it on its former CEO. This episode of the podcast offers insight into the files and more. . The shares of Indian oil producers and refiners rallied in unison on Wednesday morning as a government move lifted their spirits. And what was the move? The government slashed windfall taxes on fuel exports and local crude oil sales that were imposed only 20 days ago, on July 1. The open-ended levies are reviewed every fortnight. To target profits made from a spike in oil prices after the Russia-Ukraine conflict started, India had imposed windfall tax in the form of a cess of Rs 23,250 per tonne or $40 a barrel on domestic crude production. Now, this has been slashed by 27% to Rs 17,000 a tonne -- benefiting oil producers like state-owned and Oil India, and Vedanta. Shares of these three companies closed between 3.7% and 5.9% higher on Wednesday. Similarly, the government reduced the windfall tax on diesel and jet fuel exports by Rs 2 a litre from 13 rupees and 6 rupees respectively. The levy of 6 rupees a litre on petrol exports has been scrapped completely. Reliance jumped 2.5% on Wednesday while state-owned Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals hit upper circuit of 5% and Chennai Petroleum Corporation closed nearly 9% higher. The levies came as oil refiners reaped major profits by boosting fuel exports to deficit regions such as Europe, which is now boycotting imports of Russian energy. Indias only privately-owned refining companies, Russias Rosneft-backed Nayara Energy and Reliance Industries, account for 80-85% of the countrys overall petrol and diesel exports, according to consultancy firm FGE. The government also removed the levies on exports from refineries located in Special Economic Zones, benefiting Reliance, as the Mukesh Ambani-led company runs Indias only export-focused refining unit in Gujarats Jamnagar. Global crude oil benchmark, Brent, has slumped since the first week of June when it was above $120 a barrel on fears of a potential global recession. Returns from processing petrol and diesel in Asia have also plunged in recent weeks. agency PTI said that the windfall levy scooped out 40 percent of the oil producers earnings. On top of it, they also paid royalty and cess. Revenue Secretary Tarun Bajaj had said the government would withdraw the windfall tax if global prices of crude fall as much as $40 a barrel from around $112 levels. But Brent is currently trading at $105 a barrel after rebounding nearly 10% over the past week. Analysts at Morgan Stanley on Wednesday said that steady improvement in local fuel availability, stability in oil prices and more normalised global fuel margins will help in further reducing windfall taxes under fortnightly review. Reliance, Oil India and will see reduction in overhang and equity valuations should start pricing in high sustainable energy margins as government action provides clarity on the path ahead, they added. Prashant Vashisht, Vice President and Co-Group head, ICRA, said recession fears led to easing of crude prices. This may have led to govt decision. Refining margins for petrol have dipped sharply. Analysts from Kotak Institutional Equities had said that windfall tax on fuel exports were not well thought out and may hamper the investment climate. They said the imposition of taxes on exports of petroleum products goes against the governments historic policy of incentivising refining. Whereas, an expert at IIFL Securities told a business channel that the government has been pragmatic and tried to address the situation as soon as things have come under control. The so-called crack spread, which is the profit that refiners get from turning crude into petrol, diesel and jet fuel, has crashed since the imposition of the windfall taxes. But a sharper drop for petrol explains why the special additional excise duty on the fuels export has been removed altogether. While recession fears sparked concerns of a slowdown in oil demand, realisations for producers are still remunerative. Therefore, windfall taxes on domestic crude oil production may sustain longer. . . . . . . . . . Dear Reader, Business Standard has always strived hard to provide up-to-date information and commentary on developments that are of interest to you and have wider political and economic implications for the country and the world. Your encouragement and constant feedback on how to improve our offering have only made our resolve and commitment to these ideals stronger. Even during these difficult times arising out of Covid-19, we continue to remain committed to keeping you informed and updated with credible news, authoritative views and incisive commentary on topical issues of relevance. We, however, have a request. As we battle the economic impact of the pandemic, we need your support even more, so that we can continue to offer you more quality content. Our subscription model has seen an encouraging response from many of you, who have subscribed to our online content. More subscription to our online content can only help us achieve the goals of offering you even better and more relevant content. We believe in free, fair and credible journalism. Your support through more subscriptions can help us practise the journalism to which we are committed. Support quality journalism and subscribe to Business Standard. Digital Editor Read our full coverage on fuel economy Since early June, there have been six meetings of senior officials, showing willingness to rebuild lines of communication and manage frosty bilateral ties. Photo: VCG Beijing issued a stern warning to Washington this week when news broke that Nancy Pelosi was planning a trip to Taiwan. But it came as relations between the two countries are looking up, with a string of high-profile meetings with senior officials from both sides showing willingness to rebuild lines of communication. Chinas foreign ministry on Tuesday issued a statement saying it would take resolute and strong measures in response to the reports that Pelosi, speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, would visit Taiwan on a diplomatic tour of Asia in August. Whats New: Indonesian President Joko Widodo will visit China from July 25 to 26 at the invitation of President Xi Jinping, according to Chinas Ministry of Foreign Affairs. During the visit, Widodo will hold talks with Xi and Premier Li Keqiang to have an in-depth exchange on bilateral relations and major regional and international issues, Wang Wenbin, a Foreign Ministry spokesman, said Thursday during a regular news briefing. President Widodo will also communicate with Chinese leaders face-to-face regarding the G-20 Summit to discuss issues including global challenges, coordination among developing countries, and post-pandemic global economic development, according to Wang. Background: Indonesia currently holds the G-20 presidency and will host this year's summit of leaders in Bali Nov. 15-16. Widodos visit will be the first state visit by a foreign leader to China in two years aside from February's Winter Olympics. Quick Takes are condensed versions of China-related stories for fast news you can use. Contact reporter Han Wei (weihan@caixin.com) and editor Bob Simison (bob.simison@caixin.com) Download our app to receive breaking news alerts and read the news on the go. Get our weekly free Must-Read newsletter. Five Bay Area cities have banned new gas stations in response to the growing threat of climate change. Los Angeles could be next. City Councilman Paul Koretz has proposed drafting an ordinance prohibiting the building and permitting of any new gas, diesel, or fossil-fuel pumps in the nations second-largest city. His plan would also require that expansions at any current gas stations be limited to serving zero-emissions vehicles and providing non-fuel-related facilities. The movement began in Petaluma last year, although city leaders werent aware of the significance at the time. Petaluma Councilwoman DLynda Fischer, who spearheaded the plan, says she and her colleagues didnt realize it had never been done before. Cities like Rohnert Park, Sebastopol, American Canyon, and Calistoga soon followed. The ban on new gas stations in cities like Petaluma was passed without much objection. That would not be the case in Los Angeles, which is 65 times larger. Energy companies have already vowed to put up a fight. They say the move would hurt consumers by reducing what is still an essential service, further contributing to the rise in gas prices. Maybe, maybe not. Los Angeles is teeming with gas stations already. California has over 7,500 gas stations and Los Angeles over 550, so the current number more than serves the needs of Angelenos, the North Westwood Neighborhood Council stated in a letter supporting Koretzs motion. Meanwhile, more Californians are investing in electric vehicles than ever before. As it stands, Los Angeles isnt approving a ton of new stations anyway more like one to two new stations a year. Koretz's motion has been sitting in the Planning and Land Use Management Committee since May 2021, but its expected to get a hearing next month. In the meantime, the trend continues among smaller localities. West Hollywood, Windsor, Cotati and Santa Rosa are all considering new gas station bans of their own. Read more at the Los Angeles Times. After debuting its technology and its merits for everyday driving , Nissan Philippines has now revealed everything you need to know about i... Photo: Interior Health East Kootenay Regional Hospital A former Interior Health employee who refused to disclose whether or not she was vaccinated for COVID-19 has lost her Labour Relations Board application, after she claimed her union's representation in her fight against IH was arbitrary, discriminatory or in bad faith. Cranbrook resident Kerry Killoran was placed on an unpaid leave of absence from her position at Interior Health on Oct. 26, 2021 after not confirming her vaccination status with her employer a condition of a Public Health Order that required all healthcare workers be vaccinated for COVID-19. The following month, Killoran was fired. As a result, the Hospital Employees' Union filed a grievance with IH, challenging Killoran's termination. But Killoran was unhappy with the way her union was handling the issue, and she alleged the union breached Section 12 of the Labour Relations Code, which ensures a union must not act in a manner that is arbitrary, discriminatory or in bad faith in representing any of the employees in an appropriate bargaining unit. While it's not clear from the recent Labour Relations Board decision what position Killoran held with IH, it appears she worked at East Kootenay Regional Hospital in Cranbrook. She said she does not provide direct patient care/support. In her correspondence with her union, Killoran stated IH's policy on mandating vaccination is not lawful and violates the [Collective Agreement], Labor law, Charter rights, Human rights, the Nuremberg code, and the Privacy Act, to name a few. She adds the mandate is a horrendous violation. Union representative Mike Cartwright noted that their union's Collective Agreement with IH states: "Any employee refusing, without sufficient medical grounds ... to undergo vaccination, inoculation and other immunization when required, may be dismissed from the service of the Employer. But Killoran responded, saying the Collective Agreement does NOT speak to experimental gene therapy drugs such as these mRNA injections. I expect to be successful in these grievances, and to that end ... I will be expecting to be made whole, including, but not limited to, loss of pay, benefits, seniority et al., Killoran wrote to her union on Dec. 20, 2021. In February of this year, Union representative Mike Cartwright told Killoran the union was dealing with several grievances like hers, and just one of them would be taken to arbitration. As a result, he said Killoran's matter would be held in abeyance until the "test cast" was settled at arbitration. But Killoran did not find this acceptable. In her Section 12 application, she said Cartwright is supporting Interior Health. He has stated several times that because of the [Public Health Order] that's in place that it does not violate our [Collective Agreement], she wrote. I have not heard anything from Union about grievances since February 17, 2022 stating they are keeping my file in abeyance. But Najeeb Hassan, vice chair at BC Labour Relations Board, ultimately ruled the union had in no way acted improperly. There is no suggestion that the Union's representation involved an improper purpose or that the Union represented the Applicant with an intention to deceive the Applicant, Hassan wrote in his decision. Nor is there any suggestion that the Union has somehow conspired with the Employer to have the Applicant terminated, or that the Union is refusing to pursue the grievances to arbitration at this time out of personal hostility toward the Applicant. It is not bad faith or a conspiracy simply because a union may agree with the employer about some or all of what gives rise to a grievor's concerns. Hassan noted the union has actually filed grievances with IH on behalf of Killoran, challenging IH's decision to fire her, rather than impose lesser consequences. The Union is not required to pursue every grievance raising the same or similar issues to arbitration, he said. It is for the Union to decide which grievances, if any, it wishes to pursue to arbitration as test cases. The Applicant does not get to dictate the strategic decisions the Union makes in that regard. As such, Hassan dismissed Killoran's application. Castanet reached out to the Hospital Employees' Union for more information about when the "test case" grievance would be going to arbitration, but the union did not respond by publication. Back in February, Interior Health CEO Susan Brown said 895 employees across all of Interior Health were fired for refusing to be vaccinated for COVID-19. This worked out to about 4.3 per cent of the health authority's 21,000 total employees. Photo: The Canadian Press Prime Minister Justin Trudeau picks cherries at a Summerland orchard. This week, the Prime Minister made a rare, largely unannounced, surprise visit to the Okanagan. Normally, an official visit by a Prime Minister occurs to make an announcement, participate in meetings or events such as a caucus gathering and, of course, to campaign in an election. By in large, this visit from the Prime Minister did not seem to involve any of these functions, including no party fundraiser (disclosure of which is required by law). This appearance resulted in queries to my office as to why was the Prime Minister even here? Compared to previous visits to the Okanagan, where the PM (Prime Minister) had participated in a B.C. Day celebration in Penticton or a "town hall" event at UBC-O, this was a far more managed affair. As the Daily Courier reported, reporters were invited to take pictures and videos, but forbidden in advance to ask any questions. Any shouted queries would result in police-assisted eviction from the various premises. From my perspective, threatening to use the police to evict journalists for asking questions raises serious concerns in a free and democratic country. In this case, by refusing to answer questions from journalists at various events, it also means these events are intended to be used strictly as photo-ops. Photo-ops at considerable expense to taxpayers given the use of the Government private Challenger aircraft that even flew the small distance between Kelowna and Penticton to assist with this visit. This last part raises another subject. Many have pointed to the extravagance and excess of flying the short distance between Kelowna and Penticton, that was not only extremely costly to taxpayers, it also generates significant emissions from a Prime Minister demanding everyone else drive less and reduce their carbon footprint. However, I am speculating the reason the Challenger jet flew from Kelowna to Penticton is because the alternative would have required the PM and his entourage to drive back to Kelowna from the south Okanagan during peak rush hour traffic when the commuting time can be well over an hour and half or at peak summer times even two hours. Obviously, the Prime Ministers office would prefer the PM not be tied up in traffic for that length of time. Unfortunately, as many citizens who reside and commute in the Okanagan will know, this can be a daily reality for everyone else. Local Penticton MLA Dan Ashton has been calling for improved alternate routes to highway 97, that become even more necessary when a serious accident causes significant delays that can shut down sections of this highway for many hours at a time. While transportation infrastructure such as Highway 97 is provincial in jurisdiction, previous partnerships with the federal government resulted in the four-lane widening between Summerland and Peachland, as well as significant widening and creating 4 lane sections between Princeton and Hope. My question this week: How serious of a challenge do you see the Highway 97 corridor through the South and Central Okanagan? I can be reached at [email protected] or call toll free 1-800-665-8711. This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet. Photo: The Canadian Press Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi. The right to use contraceptives would be inscribed into law under a measure that Democrats pushed through the House on Thursday, their latest campaign-season response to concerns a conservative Supreme Court that already erased federal abortion rights could go further. The House's 228-195 roll call was largely along party lines and sent the measure to the Senate, where its fate seemed uphill. The bill is the latest example of Democrats latching onto their own version of culture war battles to appeal to female, progressive and minority voters by casting the court and Republicans as extremists intent on obliterating rights taken for granted for decades. Democrats said that with the high court recently overturning the landmark Roe v. Wade decision from 1973, the justices and GOP lawmakers are on track to go even further than banning abortions. This extremism is about one thing: control of women. We will not let this happen, said Rep. Kathy Manning, D-N.C., who sponsored the legislation. All of the bill's nearly 150 co-sponsors are Democrats. In his opinion overturning Roe last month, Justice Clarence Thomas wrote that the court should now review other precedents. He mentioned rulings that affirmed the rights of same-sex marriage in 2015, same-sex intimate relationships in 2003 and married couples' use of contraceptives in 1965. Thomas did not specify a 1972 decision that legalized the use of contraceptives by unmarried people as well, but Democrats say they consider that at risk as well. Republicans accused Democrats of manufacturing a crisis, saying there is no serious effort underway to erase the right to use contraceptives. If we allow the majority to undermine constitutional safeguards for an imagined and fake emergency, they will create more imagined emergencies in the future to violate and undermine our constitutional principles, Rep. Claudia Tenney, R-NY., said during the debate. She said Democrats wanted to "distract and scare the American people and score cheap political points. The measure's fate seemed unclear in the 50-50 Senate, where at least 10 Republicans would have to support the bill for it to reach the 60 votes needed for most legislation to pass. House Democrats have begun forcing votes on these and other issues related to privacy rights, hoping for long-shot victories or to at least energize sympathetic voters and donors and force Republicans from competitive districts in difficult spots. The House voted last week to revive a nationwide right to abortion, with every Republican voting no, and voted largely along party lines to bar prosecuting women traveling to states where abortion remains legal. The House voted Tuesday to keep same-sex marriage legal, with 47 Republicans joining all Democrats in backing the measure. Though 157 Republicans voted no, that tally raised expectations that the bill could win enough support for GOP senators to pass, sending it to President Joe Biden for his signature. The contraception bill explicitly allows the use of contraceptives and gives the medical community the right to provide them, covering any device or medication used to prevent pregnancy. Listed examples include oral contraceptives, injections, implants like intrauterine devices and emergency contraceptives, which prevent pregnancy several days after unprotected sex. The bill lets the federal and state government, patients and health care providers bring civil suits against states or state officials that violate its provisions. Same-sex marriage may have such broad public acceptance that growing numbers of Republicans are willing to vote for it. But anti-abortion groups oppose the contraception legislation, and it remains to be seen if significant numbers of GOP lawmakers are willing to make that break. Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America said the legislation seeks to bail out the abortion industry, trample conscience rights, and require uninhibited access to dangerous chemical abortion drugs. The National Right to Life Committee said it goes far beyond the scope of contraception and would cover abortion pills like RU486, which supporters said was incorrect. The measure drew a mixed reaction from two of the Senate's more moderate Republicans. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, said she was most likely" to support the measure. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, demurred, saying she was working on bipartisan legislation that she said would codify the rights to abortion and perhaps for contraception. There are few state restrictions on contraceptive use, said Elizabeth Nash, who studies state reproductive health policies for the Guttmacher Institute, a research organization that supports abortion rights. Nash said she was concerned that there will be efforts to curb emergency contraceptives and intrauterine devices and to help providers and institutions refuse to provide contraceptive services. Photo: The Canadian Press A federal judge sentenced former Minneapolis police Officer Thomas Lane to 2 1/2 years in prison Thursday for violating George Floyds civil rights, calling Lanes role in the restraint that killed Floyd a very serious offense in which a life was lost but handing down a sentence well below what prosecutors and Floyds family sought. Judge Paul Magnusons sentence was just slightly more than the 27 months that Lanes attorney had requested, while prosecutors had asked for at least 5 1/4 years in prison the low end of federal guidelines for the charge Lane was convicted on earlier this year. He said Lane, who faces sentencing in September on state charges in Floyds killing, will remain free on bond until he must turn himself Oct. 4. Lane, who is white, held Floyds legs as Officer Derek Chauvin pinned Floyd for nearly 9 1/2 minutes on May 25, 2020. Bystander video of Floyd, who was Black, pleading that he could not breathe sparked protests in Minneapolis and around the world in a reckoning over racial injustice over policing. Two other officers, J. Alexander Kueng and Tou Thao, were also convicted of violating Floyds civil rights and will be sentenced later. Floyd family members had asked Magnuson to give Lane the stiffest sentence possible, with brother Philonise Floyd rejecting the idea that Lane deserved any mercy for asking his colleagues twice if George Floyd should be shifted from his stomach to his side. Officer Lane did not intervene in one way or another, he said. Prosecutor Manda Sertich had also argued for a higher sentence, saying that Lane chose not to act when he could have saved a life. There has to be a line where blindly following a senior officers lead, even for a rookie officer, is not acceptable," she said. Magnuson told Lane the fact that you did not get up and remove Mr. Chauvin when Mr. Floyd became unconscious is a violation of the law. But he also held up 145 letters he said he had received supporting Lane, saying he had never received so many on behalf of a defendant. And he faulted the Minneapolis Police Department for sending Lane with another rookie officer on the call that ended in Floyds death. Lane did not speak at the hearing and neither he nor his attorney, Earl Gray, commented to reporters afterward. Prosecutors did not immediately comment afterward. Gray argued during the trial that Lane "did everything he could possibly do to help George Floyd. He pointed out that Lane suggested rolling Floyd on his side so he could breathe, but was rebuffed twice by Chauvin. He also noted that Lane performed CPR to try to revive Floyd after the ambulance arrived. Lane testified at trial that he didnt realize how dire Floyds condition was until paramedics turned him over. Sertich countered that his expressions of concern showed he knew Floyd was in distress but did nothing to give Mr. Floyd the medical aid he knew Mr. Floyd so desperately needed. When Lane pleaded guilty in state court in May, Gray said Lane hoped to avoid a long sentence. He has a newborn baby and did not want to risk not being part of the childs life, he said. Chauvin pleaded guilty to separate federal civil rights charges in December in Floyd's killing and in an unrelated case involving a Black teenager. That netted a 21-year sentence when he appeared before Magnuson two weeks ago, toward the low end of the range of 20 to 25 years both sides agreed to under his plea deal. Magnuson had harsh words for Chauvin at the hearing, saying, You absolutely destroyed the lives of three young officers by taking command of the scene. Chauvin was already serving a 22 1/2-year state court sentence for second-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. His federal and state sentences are running concurrently. Kueng pinned Floyd's back during the restraint and Thao helped hold back an increasingly concerned group of onlookers outside a Minneapolis convenience store where Floyd, who was unarmed, tried to pass a counterfeit $20 bill. Magnuson has not set sentencing dates for Thao, who is Hmong American, and Kueng, who is Black. But he has scheduled a hearing for Friday on objections by their attorneys to how their sentences should be calculated under the complicated federal guidelines. Prosecutors are seeking unspecified sentences for them that would be lower than Chauvin's but "substantially higher than Lane's. Thao and Kueng are free on bond pending sentencing. They have turned down plea deals and are scheduled to go on trial Oct. 24 on state charges of aiding and abetting both second-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. Re: Battle over language laws Things are not right in this country. Quebecs Bill 96, which passed into law in June, has, in the words of Rex Murphy, effectively turned this country into nine provinces, three territories and the Nation of Quebec. It has given Quebec sweeping powers to endorse a one-language-only law and enforce it. Under the new law anyone can file a complaint if service is improperly provided in a language other than French. Students will be denied a degree if they dont satisfy the French only language requirement. Although currently it is not clear how this enforcement will be carried out, given there are historic anglophones, Indigenous and immigrants to consider. This bill is attempting to unilaterally alter the Canadian constitution by giving Quebec the sole privilege to amend itQuebec being the only province that did not sign the Constitution Act. But the really sad part is that our prime minister says it is perfectly legitimate for one province to alter the constitution of an entire nation. Unbelievable. If thats the case, then why cant the rest of Canada adopt a one-language-only policy as well? Shouldnt this involve more than the the Quebec legislature. Shouldnt the other provinces or House of Commons be consulted if there are any changes to the constitution? If not, why not? Who is speaking for the rest of Canada? Certainly not our prime minister. Mary-Anne MacDonald, Summerland USG Supramax/Ultramax spot market remains under pressure ICR Newsroom By 21 July 2022 By Maria Vasyutenko, associate of Brannvoll ApS The USG Supramax/Ultramax spot freight market remained under pressure throughout July due to build-up of early tonnage, combined with a shortage of spot cargoes. In addition, a widening gap between the weak Atlantic market and firmer Pacific segment sharpened competition for the limited number of fronthaul opportunities available. Vessels open in NCSA and Caribs chose to fix from northern Brazil rather than from USG. Market participants were holding back waiting to see if the market is experiencing a short-term correction or if this downward trend is there to stay. Freight rates for transportation of a Supramax-lot of petcoke from Houston to ARA ports with spot laycans are at US$27/t (-US$8/t MoM) on average. Deals for delivery of 50,000t of petcoke from Houston to Iskenderun with spot laycans are discussed at around US$32/t on average. Shipping costs for delivery of a Supramax-lot of petcoke from USG to EC India are at US$54/t on average (-US$10/t MoM). In terms of outlook the USG market remains under pressure amid excessive tonnage supply and an active influx of ballasters from weak European markets as the Mediterranean area will stay weak and oversupplied with ships repositioned from Black Sea, which also puts pressure on other European freight markets. The weak Panamax market and volatile FFA segment only add to the overall negative sentiment and uncertainty in the USG region. Published under This service applies to you if your subscription has not yet expired on our old site. You will have continued access until your subscription expires; then you will need to purchase an ongoing subscription through our new system. Please contact The Chanute Tribune office at 620-431-4100 if you have any questions Chinese, Sierra Leonean FMs discuss ties over phone Xinhua) 08:58, July 21, 2022 BEIJING, July 20 (Xinhua) -- Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Sierra Leone's counterpart, David John Francis, talked about bilateral ties in a phone conversation on Tuesday. In their talks, Francis, on behalf of his country, thanked the Chinese government and people for their valuable assistance to Sierra Leone's economic and social development over the years, and since the COVID-19 outbreak in particular, for China's timely help to Sierra Leone and other small and medium-sized countries in their anti-COVID-19 fight. Sierra Leone highly recognizes China's commitment to prioritizing development and putting people first, and speaks highly of China's leading role in preserving world peace and security, he said. Describing China as a reliable and strong partner of Sierra Leone, Francis said his country will continue to stand in solidarity with China on issues concerning China's core interests and major concerns, expecting to deepen cooperation with China in various fields and welcoming Chinese enterprises to invest in Sierra Leone. China and Sierra Leone are good and old friends, Wang said, adding that under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, bilateral ties have maintained a strong momentum for development. The close cooperation and mutual support between the two sides in jointly fighting the pandemic, promoting economic recovery and safeguarding international equity and justice demonstrates the high level of bilateral relations, Wang said. China appreciates Sierra Leone's consistent support for China in safeguarding its core interests, Wang noted. China also firmly supports Sierra Leone in safeguarding its sovereignty, independence and national dignity. China, Wang said, also supports Sierra Leone in making various efforts to promote national development and to play a more important role in Africa and on the international stage. China will continue to offer support and assistance according to the developmental needs of Sierra Leone, promoting cooperation in mining, agriculture and infrastructure, carring out more livelihood projects, encouraging Chinese enterprises to invest there, and helping Sierra Leone improve its independent development capabilities and accelerate the industrialization process, Wang added. On the Ukraine crisis, Francis expounded on Sierra Leone's position that as a small and war-torn country, Sierra Leone advocates peaceful settlement through political negotiations, and believes it is necessary to address all parties' legitimate concerns on safety and security and to seek long-term solutions. Meanwhile, practical measures should be taken to alleviate the impact of food and energy shortage on small and middle-sized countries in Africa and other regions, he added. Sierra Leone's stance also reflects the consensus of most developing countries, Wang said, adding that China remains firmly committed to promoting peace talks and will work with other parties to do its utmost to mitigate the negative spillover effects of the Ukraine crisis. (Web editor: Wu Chaolan, Liang Jun) Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation Commissioner David Salyers announced the appointment of Greer Tidwell, Jr. as deputy commissioner for the departments Bureau of Parks and Conservation.Dr. Tidwell has more than three decades of leadership experience in the public and private sectors, along with extensive involvement in conservation groups at the local, state and national levels.He is known largely for his leadership at tire manufacturer Bridgestone Americas, where he was instrumental in developing conservation education programs at tire factories, including award-winning certified habitat conservation centers at company plants.Dr.Tidwells record of leadership includes serving as a board member and president of Radnor Lake State Park, board member and treasurer of the National River Network, board member of the National Wildlife Federation and chairman of the Tennessee Conservation League, which is now the Tennessee Wildlife Federation. He has also served as a contributing member of TN H20, a state initiative to secure the future of the states water resources.We are fortunate to have someone with such a distinguished record of achievement to fill this important role for our state, Comm. Salyers said. Greer has been a leading voice for conservation in Tennessee. We look forward to leveraging his deep knowledge and experience to build on the success of our nationally renowned state parks system while taking our conservation efforts to new heights.Dr. Tidwell has served as vice president and senior director for client services for Brown and Caldwell, an engineering and construction firm focused on the environment, since 2021. He is an experienced engineer and attorney with relationships with local governments, statewide agencies and national wildlife and conservation groups.Dr. Tidwell served as general counsel for TDEC from 1995 to 1997, where his responsibilities included providing employment, safety and contract and visitor-related legal support for Tennessee State Parks, as well as enforcement, compliance and oversight for all environmental laws and rules.Dr. Tidwell received a doctorate degree in law from Vanderbilt University and bachelors degrees in engineering from Baylor University and Tennessee Technological University. He replaces Jim Bryson, who recently was named commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Finance and Administration. Rhea County Emergency Management Director Brad Harrison was recognized by the Tennessee Department of Health. In a letter to the County Commission that was read by Interim County Executive Jim Vincent, Emergency Preparedness Director Robert Goff praised Mr. Harrison for doing an outstanding job in emergency management. Mr. Harrison took over as Emergency Management Director in 2020 after serving in emergency management for five years. He had started out as a deputy sheriff and arson investigator for the Rhea County Sheriffs Department. He has also been a volunteer fireman for 23 years. The exercise was held with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Centers for Disease Control, Tennessee Emergency Management Agency, Tennessee Department of Health, Tennessee Medical Reserve Corps, Tennessee Valley Authority. The exercise was part of the 2022 ingestion pathway exercise cycle for Sequoyah Nuclear Plant. We know of no other jurisdiction in the country that has performed this type of exercise, especially as part of a radiological emergency preparedness exercise. Thank you for your support of the exercise. We look forward to continuing to work with you to improve response plans and resources." Here is hope that common sense and cooler heads will prevail when the Hamilton County School Board convenes later this afternoon. Board Chairman Tucker McClendon wants the group to issue a resolution that will lambast Hillsdale College president Larry Arnn for calling teachers dumb which, of course, never happened. On Tuesday of this week, the same Larry Arnn penned an opinion piece in the Nashville Tennessean that proved a lie can travel across the state of Tennessee much faster than the truth but wait the visionary Arnn is solidly fed up with the bureaucrats and their leftist activists, however, who work to use Hillsdales curriculum to fight their partisan ideological battles. We all know the present education system in America is broken. We know that a full 65 percent of our school children cannot read at grade level and that quite nearly over half of the Hamilton County graduating seniors who enter Chattanooga State next month will be taking some type of remedial classes. First, here is a segment of what Arnn just wrote in the Tennessean: * * * HILLSDALE COLLEGE PRESIDENT LARRY ARNN: WHY I DEFEND EDUCATION SCHOOLS CRITICISM (This excerpt in from an opinion piece that appeared the Nashville Tennessean on Tuesday, July 19, 2020) At a recent event with Gov. Bill Lee, I remarked that Teachers are trained in the dumbest parts of the dumbest colleges in the country. Ive made similar critiques of the education bureaucracy my entire career. This does not contradict my deep and abiding affection for teachers. After the students, the most important people in the college where I work are teachers (the maintenance workers are third - and I tell everyone this often). Dumb can mean unintelligent, which I did not mean. Dumb also means ill-conceived or misdirected, which is, sadly, a fitting description for many education schools today. Professors of college and graduate education programs primarily teach methods. To be sure, methods are important in almost any human activity, but they are seldom the chief object. Watch orators speak: method matters, but only insofar as it contributes to persuasion. The quality of the text and the ideas matter far more. Many education schools elevate methods over content as a way for a few to control many. They believe they can engineer society by scientific criteria, thereby effectively reducing children to mere subjects of ongoing social experiments. More importantly, the education bureaucracy has controlled Americas schools for too long. Consider the current attack to deprive parents of charter school options - depriving them of the educational opportunities they desire and need for their children. Hillsdale College offers free curriculum and advice to assist charter schools in Tennessee and other states. The bureaucrats and their leftist activists, however, work to use Hillsdales curriculum - and by extension, our childrens education options - to fight their partisan ideological battles. The solution is clear: recognize that the sovereign location in education is the local school, parents, and teachers, and not the district or the state. Give parents and teachers a choice. Nationally, 7 of every 10 voters support school choice. Well-run charter schools deliver on this desire for a genuine, excellent education option for parents and students. Via greater local oversight and increased freedom, charter schools are better able to serve the unique needs of their community. The education establishment objects to such positive developments, however, as school choice hurts their monopoly and limits their control. Indeed, its because of their opposition to school choice and parental rights that the Tennessee Education Association has called on Governor Lee to sever ties with Hillsdale College and limit the power of the state charter commission. Yet, the TEAs true allegiance is revealed by the fact that parents arent mentioned a single time in either the TEAs Fire Hillsdale letter or in the Mission and Vision section of the TEAs webpage. * * * What good would it serve, pray tell, for the School Board to issue some resolution critical of Hillsdale President Arnn and Governor Bill Lee, most particularly in the midst of an election cycle? Several school board members are in contested races and any type of resolution makes some people happy and some people mad never forget both types vote. Board Chairman McClendon has one more monthly meeting and hes out of politics, having lost a bid for the County Commission in the primary. Hopefully well see more of Tucker so why is he wanting to exit on a bullys note? Instead, listen to board member Joe Wingate: I'm just not interested in a political moment, I'm just not," he wisely offered. "My job here is to try to help this school system, support this school system to a level where it can add value to our county, and it has done that." Im telling you leave this senseless resolution idea alone. And if the School Board really wants to help the countys teachers, figure ways to ease their non-classroom duties that today takes away more and more of their time. And did you see where the Nashville Metro Schools are offering every student free lunches this year? royexum@aol.com Politics can unite or divide. We can have differences of opinion on issues. However, we must learn it is still possible to disagree without being disagreeable. We can focus on the polarization or we can start to build connections in our communities. Sometimes that bridge starts at our kitchen table. Historically, Americans have had to wrestle with their heritage of moral failures in how they treat their fellow citizens. Unfortunately, we have a legacy of broken families, children deprived of educational pursuits, citizens deprived of equal rights, and lost economic opportunities. All nations have created their own barriers to freedom and progress. However, our country is one that was built on a vision. Our hopes, dreams, and aspirations are found in our governing documents. There is not any problem that we cannot solve as a state or nation when we come together. Our generation did not create most of the conditions that have expanded the divisions that we see. Politicians continue to exploit the issues, rarely working toward solutions. The real power lies not with politicians, but with voters. Even if our generation did not create the problems, we have the potential to solve them. Citizens must vote if they want that power. Take education for example. Education is a pathway to the future and provides a critical foundation for life. Educators have never been shy about acknowledging that they have problems in public education. They know they are not perfect. In the USA, teachers take every child who walks through their doors and seeks to educate them to the best of their ability. For this, educators are often mocked, ridiculed, or subjected to vilification. Across the state of Tennessee, we were angered by insulting comments made by a political ally and advisor to Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, named Larry Arnn that educators are educated in "the dumbest parts of the dumbest colleges" and that "you don't have to know anything" to get an education degree. Also, anybody can be a teacher. Arnn is president of a small college in Michigan. To his credit, Mr. Arnn at least offered an apology of sorts, with the caveat that dumb was not the definition we thought it was. Rep. Jeremy Faison said what most Tennesseans thought: The guy from Hillsdale doesnt speak for any Tennessean I know. State Rep. Gloria Johnson said what most educators thought: "And the governor is sitting here while this is happening, saying nothing. The governor has stood by Arnn refusing to condemn the comments thus far. Each school day, educators and support staff across Tennessee attempt to educate all students in classrooms. In public education, we take every child who walks through our classroom door. Each child is a unique human being and every child learns differently. Sadly, not every school has the resources needed to ensure that every child gets the best education regardless of their background or circumstances. Common sense does not always translate to education policies. Martin Luther King, Jr. wrote, Intelligence plus characterthat is the goal of true education. Who could disagree, even today that this is a worthy objective? When we measure achievement, are we measuring the right things? Albert Einstein, a genius by most accounts, said, The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination. How do you measure character and creativity? We need those discussions in education. Public education has challenges. It is not perfect. Nor does it pretend to be. However, there is room for improvement. Parents and educators must work together. It will take all of us. We must have thoughtful discussions, not political animosity. We cannot hide from this important responsibilitywe should embrace it. We need to start talking to each other and build a bridge. Our problems are owned by both political parties, and all of us regardless of our political leanings, are needed to solve them. JC Bowman Executive Director of Professional Educators of Tennessee Adults interested in learning more about Chattanoogas new Construction Career Center, a vocational training school for the construction trades opening this fall, are invited to an Enrollment Day at All Good Coffee Shop next Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. Faculty members will be on hand to answer questions about enrollment, curriculum and careers in construction. Instruction for the Construction Career Center will be led through the Tennessee College of Applied Technology at Chattanooga and offers students 1,300 hours of accredited classroom and hands-on training, OSHA 10, work-based learning opportunities and connectivity with regional construction employers through the Associated General Contractors of East Tennessee. The curriculum, Building Construction Technology, will provide students with the fundamentals of carpentry, electrical wiring, plumbing and block and brick laying. Instruction methods include classroom lecture, audio-visuals, training equipment labs and extensive live projects on actual construction projects. For more information about enrollment, contact the Construction Career Centers Workforce Development Director Susan Cowden at 423-265-1111 or susan@agcetn.org. For more information about the Construction Career Center, visit constructioncareerstn.com. The deadline for Tennessee voters to request a ballot to vote absentee by-mail for the Aug. 4 State and Federal Primary & State and County General Election is Thursday, July 28. County election commissions are accepting absentee by-mail requests now for the Aug. 4 election, said Secretary of State Tre Hargett. If you meet one of the reasons under Tennessee state law to vote absentee by-mail and plan to do so, I encourage you to request and return your ballot early to ensure you meet the upcoming deadlines. Voters must meet one of the 14 reasons under Tennessee law to vote absentee by-mail. One of the most common reasons is being 60 years or older. Other reasons include being outside the county where you are registered during early voting and on Election Day or being hospitalized, ill or physically disabled. For the complete list of legal reasons to vote absentee by-mail, see the Guide to Absentee Voting on sos.tn.gov/elections. To receive an absentee by-mail ballot, voters must submit a written request to their local election commission by mail, fax or email. Voters can find the contact information for their county election commission on the Secretary of States website, tnsos.org/elections/election_commissions.php. Instructions for requesting an absentee by-mail ballot and a printable absentee by-mail ballot application are available in the Guide to Absentee Voting on sos.tn.gov/elections. Voters submitting their request by email must attach a scanned copy of their signature. For the August election, voters casting their ballot absentee by-mail must also request either a Republican or Democratic primary ballot in order to cast a ballot in a primary election. You will only receive the general election ballot if a party is not specified. Completed absentee by-mail ballots must be returned by mail to your local county election commission. Ballots must be received before the polls close on Election Day, Thursday, Aug. 4. Voters must provide proper postage to return their ballot. Please consult with your county election commission or the U.S. Postal Service to determine the postage needed. "Tennessee voters can easily and securely track the status of their absentee by-mail ballot using the Secretary of States Absentee By-Mail Ballot Status Tracker tool. Through this tool, voters can track their absentee by-mail ballots status, starting when the county election commission mails your ballot to you and ending when the county election commission has received your completed ballot," officials said. Visit the Absentee By-Mail Ballot Status Tracker at tnmap.tn.gov/voterlookup/. For the latest information on the Aug. 4 election, follow the Secretary of States social media channels Twitter: @SecTreHargett, Facebook: Tennessee Secretary of State and Instagram: @tnsecofstate. For more information about voting absentee by-mail or tracking your ballot, go to GoVoteTN.gov, contact your local county election commission or call the Division of Elections toll-free at 1-877-850-4959. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency will make in-person duck blind announcements at nine locations on Saturday, Aug. 6. Events will begin at 9 a.m. and the blind announcements start at 10 a.m. The TWRA is also soliciting public comment on a Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission proposal to create a 900-acre waterfowl refuge at Big Sandy WMA. If implemented, the refuge would be closed to all access from Nov. 15 through the second Sunday of February (Feb 12, 2023), inclusive. The area under consideration is difficult for hunters to access and the Commission believes it would improve local hunting if it was a refuge. This proposal will be discussed at the August Commission meeting being held Aug. 18-19 in Gatlinburg. Comments can be submitted to TWRA.huntingcomments@tn.gov. The Aug. 6 events are being made in person in support of community events and activities. Both the draw and the application period, which concluded July 20, were conducted online. TWRA staff representing the Wildlife Division, Boating and Law Enforcement, and Communications and Outreach will be present at the locations for the events. The locations of the blind announcements: TWRA Region I: Kentucky Lake WMA, Big Sandy Ball Park West Sandy WMA, Henry County Fairgrounds, Paris Barkley WMA, Stewart County High School, Dover Reelfoot WMA, Reelfoot Lake State Park Visitor Center Tigrett WMA, Dyer County Fairgrounds Gooch WMA, Obion City Park TWRA Region II: AEDC/ Woods Reservoir, Morris Ferry Boat Ramp and Fishing Area Cheatham Lake/ Haynes Bottom- Cheatham WMA office/check in station Old Hickory Unit 1 and 2-Wilson County Fairgrounds, Lebanon All hunters who are successfully chosen for a blind will be required to submit a notification of intent (NOI) by Aug. 15. This seasons hunting dates are Nov. 26-27 and Dec. 5-Jan. 31, 2023. The next available application period will be Sept. 28-Oct. 18 for Tier 2 early segment duck quota hunts. Jacquelyn Looney Sullivan, was born on August 10, 1932, in Chattanooga, and died July 19, 2022, in Holyoke, Massachusetts of complications from multiple sclerosis. She was courageous, fun loving, and beautiful. Jackie graduated from Chattanooga High School and attended the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Jackie sang like an angel every chance she got including with the Chattanooga Opera and in church choirs. Although she stopped singing professionally when her children were young, she taught her children never to give up what they love. She was a hard worker, first as a young woman at Provident Life Insurance, where she used her wages to buy her parents their first television and put herself through several years of college. As a wife and homemaker, she ran a busy household and managed always to keep a centerpiece on the table, her famous cherry glunk in the fridge, and all the Lego pieces in their boxes. It would have been interesting to see where she would have directed her creativity had she been born in a different time and place, but her children benefited from it via their beautiful art-and-antiques-filled home and wacky made-up games including Treasure Hunt, which involved piling everyone in the station wagon and taking turns choosing which way to go at each intersection. (This may explain the familys poor sense of direction.) Jackie played bridge for decades with a large group of friends and quilted every Thursday morning for over 50 years at St. Pauls Episcopal Church. She was a lifelong passionate reader of all genres who opined in her international family book club that was a gift from Covid and Zoom. Jackie met Terry, her husband of almost 50 years, at Chickamauga Lake where he made a big first impression by exuberantly rolling in the sand while sopping wet. They made a home and many lifelong friends in what is now called Old Town on Signal Mountain. Jackie later lived in Northcrest Estates and Creekside Apartments before moving in 2016 to Massachusetts to be closer to her daughter Suzanne. Although multiple sclerosis gradually limited Jackies physical abilities, it strengthened her soul and helped those around her see wholeness in things that appear broken. Jackie retained her deep commitment to family and friends, her love of sweets and good grammar, and her personality (her motorized wheelchair was hot pink). Her sense of humor remained intact alsowhen discussing her funeral plans, she cracked that she had never warmed up to the idea of being cremated. Jackie will be missed by her daughter Jas Milam and husband Cliff of Chattanooga and their children Max and Molly; daughter Suzanne Forman of Northampton, Massachusetts and her daughters Isabella, Odelia, and Saraphina; son Keith of Chattanooga and his daughter Zoe; sister-in-law Cindy (Sullivan) Oehmig of Brunswick, Maine and her children and grandchildren; niece Patti (Irwin) Smith and husband Bock of Knoxville, Tennessee. Jackie is also sad to say goodbye to the deeply caring staff at Holyoke Healthcare Center, especially Leslie Lebron. Jackie was predeceased by her husband Terrence Keith Sullivan, parents Era (Hill) and Henry Looney, sisters Kathleen Irwin and Lorena Deland, beloved aunt Bess (Hunky) McCrary who helped raise her, and numerous other relatives. An inevitable result of being among the last surviving members of ones cohort is that there are few loved ones still around and able to make the trip to the funeral. If youre reading this and are unable to express your condolences in person, please take a minute to honor Jackie by blasting a favorite song and wholeheartedly singing along. She would love it. The funeral is on Monday, July 25, at 11 a.m. at St. Pauls Episcopal Church with a reception immediately following. The private burial is at Forest Hills Cemetery. Arrangements are by Wann Funeral & Cremation Center at the foot of historic Lookout Mountain, St. Elmo. (423) 821-7551. To share memories, photos or condolences please visit www.wannfuneralhome.com. I remember watching the news during 2020 and 2021 and seeing reports of local governments in Seattle, New York, and other progressive cities purchasing apartments and hotels to house their homeless population. While this may have started as a noble ideal, it was clear from the reports that such actions only worsened addiction problems and made the homeless population further dependent on inept government bureaucrats. Although concerned about those policies and their effects, I felt fortunate to live and own a business in Hamilton County where the thought of such would never become a reality. However, to little news coverage, the Chattanooga City Council purchased a hotel at 7725 Lee Hwy., on or about Oct. 26, 2021, for the purpose of housing Chattanoogas homeless population. While this will have little or no effect on most of the viewers of this opinion piece, it will have a major effect on those unlucky enough to live, work, or in my case, own a business nearby. I own the business which operates on a property immediately adjacent to this hotel at 7703 Lee Hwy. This business is Discount Liquor, which has been in business for nearly 40 years. I have operated this location as its on-site manager for almost 20 years. In the summer of 2021, I began negotiations with the prior owner of the business to sell the property and business. After years of hard work and savings, I saved enough to procure a loan to purchase the business for myself and my small family. The local regulations required any new owners of the business to renew a Special Exceptions Permit to continue the sale of alcohol on the premises. I was assured by an assistant attorney for the city of Chattanooga that such would be a mere formality due to the length of time the business had been in operation. Of course, our local bureaucrats and leaders had other plans. With no warning, news became public on or about Oct. 26, 2021 that the city of Chattanooga would be purchasing the adjacent property for the aforementioned purpose of housing our citys homeless population. When my Special Exceptions Permit application came up for vote on Jan. 11, it was tabled so that Councilwoman Carol Berz, who represents the district in which my store is located, could be present. The following week, with no public opposition present, Councilwoman Berz announced that the surrounding neighborhood was evolving and that the permit should be denied. Our City Council, elected to represent the actual taxpaying constituency, denied my permit unanimously. Again, not a single member of the public was present to oppose the renewal of the permit required for me to operate my business. Further, at the time, the City Council approved the purchase of the hotel for its homeless re-homing project, my store was still operating under its prior ownership. The city simply took advantage of a loophole to deny me the right to do business, an action which may very well bankrupt my family and me. I want to make it clear that I am not opposed to helping the homeless, mentally ill, and others who are suffering in our community. On the other hand, such action should not come at the detriment of the taxpaying citizens of this community. While I understand that some may be opposed to the sale of alcohol at all, the bigger picture is about government overreach. If this can happen to me in this moderately-sized city, please be assured it can happen to you, your business and your livelihood as well. Whether you live and/or work in Sale Creek, Birchwood, Ooltewah, or the big city of Chattanooga itself, this is a reminder that our elections matter and that electing big government politicians in city and county government will eventually be to your detriment as well. I never imagined the horrors of New York City and Seattle would knock on my doorsteps in Chattanooga. It has become abundantly clear to me that the horrors of big government exist throughout this country, regardless of where you may live. Please educate yourself and vote so that you do not suffer the same demise. My fate now rests in the hand of a local judge to overturn this arbitrary and capricious decision issued by the City Council. I have measured hope in that effort, but am preparing for the worst. In the event the court rules against me, I may be forced to take up residence at the citys new homeless hotel, which is what they want anyways. Power is the concern of any government, regardless of its size, and these nine oligarchs in Chattanooga have sure made that clear. Therefore, the entire purpose of this opinion is to advocate for the opening of a homeless encampment at 5708 Uptain Road, (Councilwoman Berzs business address). I am sure Councilwoman Berz would support that initiative. Mike Patel Federal authorities are seeking to confiscate 9625 and 9627 Church St. in Soddy Daisy, saying the properties were proceeds of illegal drug sales. The properties belong to Jeremy Eaker and associates, it was stated. It says Eaker and associates "engaged in the illegal distribution of controlled substances in the Eastern District of Tennessee, and laundered the proceeds obtained from that same drug conspiracy.' Bachelor Nation adores Tyler Cameron. Tyler attained fame after making it to the end of Hannah Browns season of The Bachelorette. While he wasnt chosen to be her one and only, he brought Matt James into the franchise and Matt fell deeply in love with Rachael Kirkconnell during his season of The Bachelor. It seems Tyler and Rachael dont always get along, though. Heres what Tyler said about how he and Rachael sometimes clash. Are Tyler Cameron and Matt James still friends? The Bachelorette and The Bachelor alums go way back Tyler Cameron and Matt James | Dominik Bindl/Getty Images Tyler Cameron and Matt James met in college, and Matt attained a ton of attention after Tyler completed Hannah Browns season of The Bachelorette. While Bachelor Nation fans took notice of Matt, it was Tylers mother who made a life-changing decision for Matt. She submitted Matt as a potential lead for The Bachelor and ABC chose him to lead. So, where do Tyler and Matt stand now? While the best buddies dont hang around each other quite as much as they once did, theyre still extremely close. Both men have significant others and seem to put a lot of effort into making their romantic relationships work. Yeah, yeah, its just Matt is busy; Im busy, you know, Tyler told E! News. You get in a relationship, you know, its what happens, you know? Its all part of maturing and growing up and focusing on yourself and your careers and your relationships. Tyler Cameron says he clashes with Matt James girlfriend, Rachael Kirkconnell Rachael Kirkconnell | Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic Matt James described Tyler Cameron and Rachael Kirkconnell as having a love-hate relationship, which alarmed some fans of The Bachelorette and The Bachelor. So, does Tyler not get along with Rachael? He set the record straight with E! News. Rachaels great and she makes Matt happy and theyre happy, Tyler explained. And its fun to see, you know, them do their thing and they always are traveling and doing stuff. [Do] we have a love-hate relationship? I think its just we have two strong opinions and [the] way we see things and we sometimes clash. But at the end of the day, were all cool. You know, it is what it is. Back in 2021, Tyler reportedly seemed to have less complicated feelings about Rachael. She was awesome. Shes a beam of light, he told Us Weekly. I think theyre great for each other. They seem like theyre spending a lot of time together, getting comfortable with each other, and theyve come a long way. So, if theyre happy, Im happy. Do Rachael Kirkconnell and Matt James live together? #TheBachelor stars Matt James and Rachael Kirkconnell are explaining their current thoughts on engagement https://t.co/nUh956dI4F JustJared.com (@JustJared) July 15, 2022 Where do Rachael Kirkconnell and Matt James stand now? The two are still going strong, and followers of The Bachelorette and The Bachelor want to know about their next steps. Currently, the two dont seem to live together, but its certainly in the cards. I wouldnt be with someone that I wasnt considering marrying, especially at this point in my life, Matt told Us Weeklys Here for the Right Reasons podcast. Weve talked about living in the same city and what those next steps look like. Everythings on the table. Its nice being down in Florida now, the former Bachelor continued. I think Rachael was [hesitant about] Miami before I moved down there because its, like, the party connotation, but after spending a lot of time down there, [shes] warming up to the fact no pun intended of being down there. Its been a nice transition out of New York. As for Tyler Camerons budding relationship with Paige Lorenze, fans will have to wait and see where it goes. For more on the entertainment world and exclusive interviews, subscribe to Showbiz Cheat Sheets YouTube channel. RELATED: Bachelor in Paradise Season 8 Cast: All the Men From Gabby and Rachels Season Many Christians saw a link between Vladimir Putins meeting with one of the few world leaders who approves of his invasion of Ukraine and a passage from the book of Ezekiel. Russian President Vladimir Putin traveled to Iran this week and met with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi. The Ayatollah released a declaration supporting the Russian invasion of Ukraine, making him a key ally for the embattled Russian leader. With many European nations imposing stiff economic sanctions on Russia, Putin needed to look to Asia to find economic and protective alliances. Russia and Iran still dont trust one another, but now need each other more than ever, Ali Vaez, the Iran director for the International Crisis Group, told the New York Times. This is no longer a partnership of choice, but an alliance out of necessity. Putin also held a meeting about Syria with President Raisi and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. This summit comes on the heels of President Bidens trip to Israel, where he discussed Iran with Israeli leaders. So many Christians saw a connection between Putins Iran meeting and Ezekiel 38 that Gog and Magog briefly trended on Twitter. Many biblical scholars and preachers believe that Ezekiel 38 describes an end-times struggle where a nation from the north will attack Israel. Ezekiel 38:14-16 (ESV) reads, Therefore, son of man, prophesy, and say to Gog, Thus says the Lord God: On that day when my people Israel are dwelling securely, will you not know it? You will come from your place out of the uttermost parts of the north, you and many peoples with you, all of them riding on horses, a great host, a mighty army. You will come up against my people Israel, like a cloud covering the land. In the latter days, I will bring you against my land, that the nations may know me, when through you, O Gog, I vindicate my holiness before their eyes. Because this passage mentions nations coming from the uttermost parts of the north, many believe this is likely a reference to Russia. From a biblical perspective, anytime you have directions given in the Bible, then you always start with Israel [as] kind of the center of the compass, said Jeff Kinley, an end times author. And it speaks about these nations coming from the uttermost parts of the north. If you just do a straight line north of Israel, youre going to land in the middle of Russia. In one widely shared post, a user called JesusisComingBack said, Breaking News: Russia, Iran, and Turkey holding hands to form an alliance. Im telling you: you need to call on JESUS CHRIST now. The Russian invasion will likely remain in the news in the coming days, as many experts believe Russia is gearing up to advance further east in their invasion of Ukraine. Related: Gog and Magog: Who Are They and What Do They Have to Do with the Last Days? Who Are Gog and Magog in the Bible? Does Russia's War on Ukraine Fit in Biblical Prophecy? Pastor Greg Laurie Says it May Photo courtesy: Getty Images/Oleksii Liskonih Scott Slayton writes at One Degree to Another. If you told an evangelical pastor in 2005 that the Book of Common Prayer might soon be trendier than church-lobby coffee shops, he would almost certainly have laughed. It was not so long ago that countless evangelical churches abandoned the use of prayer books and traded their hymnals for high-resolution projectors. The use of the historical church calendar to order services became a rarity as most churches began to develop thematic sermon series or preach through the Bible one book at a time. Liturgical prayer and call-and-response confession fell by the wayside, and even the names of churches changed in ways that distanced congregations from their denominational rootsas many a Hometown Baptist Church became a Wellspring Christian Community. In short, the rhythms, readings, patterns, and prayers of historical liturgies fell decidedly out of style. Over the past several years, however, a new trend has begun to emerge. Anyone who spends time among Christians in their 20s or early 30s has likely noticed a major uptick in the use of the word liturgy, which has become commonplace in both corporate worship and private spiritual practice. Even some nondenominational churches who sought to distance themselves from formal traditions a decade or so ago have begun consistently ending services with the Doxology or adopting the use of simple, longstanding call-and-response formulas like This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. Many young Christians are encountering spiritual vitality and constancy where they would have least expected it, and there is much to celebrate in this retrieval of the beautiful prayers and practices of our forefathers in the faith. This trend, however, is not without its drawbacks. As liturgy abstractly returns "in vogue," young Christians have shown a concerning tendency to switch churches, denominations, or even traditions based on liturgical practice without much consideration for doctrine. In many cases, young evangelicals with a Low Church background are flocking to congregations whose worship aesthetic feels more ancient or orderedespecially Anglican, Catholic, and Orthodox churcheseither without realizing their confessional differences or, in some cases, simply ignoring them. According to a study by Barna Group in 2018, while some millennial Christians feel that liturgical worship is outdated, they are also more likely to be curious about it [and] the most likely to make a shift from a non-liturgical church to a liturgical one. In the well-intended pursuit of a richer life of worship and sense of spiritual heritage, these aesthetic converts, we might call them, run the risk of separating the historical and doctrinal content of a churchs worship from its external and artistic expressions. Of course, a church member doesnt need to agree with every minor point of doctrine in the churchs statement of faithand in many cases, an appreciation for liturgy is merely the first step in a thoughtful consideration of both the teaching and practices of a church or tradition. Prominent New Testament scholar Michael Bird recounted his own journey to Anglicanism in similar terms. He said it was a deep appreciation for the Book of Common Prayer that first sparked his movement from Presbyterianism to the Anglican church. There is nothing wrong with allowing the spiritual nourishment of historical liturgy to lead you into an earnest pursuit of Godwhen coupled with a diligent search for biblical truth. This pursuit may still lead you to a new tradition, or it could simply nudge you to dig deeper into the historical worship of your own tradition. A Baptist, for example, can use and appreciate the Book of Common Prayer without converting to Anglicanismespecially if the finer points of Anglican teaching stand at odds with some of his other convictions. But perhaps his appreciation of their historical tradition might lead him to dig into Baptist history and find exemplars within that stream. Article continues below For instance, Rodney Kennedy and Derek Hatchs book Gathering Together makes the case that Baptists can and should explore both the legacy of their own tradition and the contributions of others to address what they call the relative dearth of resources for Baptists in the United States related to the practice of worship. Alternatively, a lifelong Pentecostal may be drawn by the sense of tradition and ancient continuity in the Eastern Orthodox church. She might explore its teachingsin all their worshipful and doctrinal depthand ultimately choose to become Orthodox on this basis. Winfield Bevins has argued in his book Ever Ancient, Ever New: The Allure of Liturgy for a New Generation that such wholehearted and thoughtful migrations paint a hopeful counternarrative to the usual trend of young people simply leaving the church behind. But what ought to be avoided, I believe, is migrating from one tradition to another exclusively because of its external forms, without consideration for the heart of its doctrine. The aesthetics of worship, for instance, are a good and vital thingbut they should not be exalted above the substance of that worship, nor should they obscure it. If the trendiness of liturgy can separate worship practices from their undergirding theology, there is a very real risk that we will cheapen liturgy and weaken its spiritual usefulness. The historical Protestant suspicion of liturgy, for all its negative side effects, has well-intended roots in its response to the spiritually dead, ritualistic religiosity prevalent in the Middle Ages. Even the modern Catholic church acknowledges this danger. In 2019, Pope Francis warned a group of cardinals about the dangers of do-it-yourself liturgy, calling liturgy a living treasure that cannot be reduced to tastes, recipes and currents not the field of do-it-yourself, but the epiphany of ecclesial communion. When personal liturgical practice is not joined to holistic discipleship and consistent engagement with an authentic community of other serious Christ followers, it can quickly become little more than a form of habitual self-medication. Liturgy a la carte may offer a sense of consistency in a chaotic worldand perhaps be mildly beneficial from a mental health standpointbut as a way of truly practicing the presence of God, it soon loses its usefulness and becomes sadly watered down. Let me make a couple of brief clarifications before offering some potential solutions. First, this should not be construed as any sort of defensive posture against churches with more liturgical forms of worship. The heart of the issue is not intra-Christian conversion but the danger of divorcing doctrine from devotional rituals. Church leaders on both sides of the liturgical dividein other words, the churches losing members and the ones gaining membersshould be equally cautious about this trend. Second, to caution against separating liturgy from its substance is by no means to suggest that congregational expressions, liturgical or otherwise, are merely an aesthetic covering for propositional theology. On the contrary, it is precisely because authentic prayer and worship practices are so central to Christian faith that we must preserve the unity and integrity of liturgy and theology. Article continues below In fact, when properly understood and practiced, liturgy is a kind of theologyinsofar as it is an exercise of true worship and communion with God. This unity must be defended against the accidental erosion that occurs when well-intended exploratory worshipers neglect to think through the meaning and significance of certain prayers or practices. With this concern in mind, where should we go from here? I believe we should aim to reunify rich, rhythmic liturgy with the depth of biblical truth and theological reflection that inspired it. The Book of Common Prayer is powerful and beautiful precisely because it is so carefully founded on the words of Scripture and the theological convictions of English Reformers like Thomas Cranmer. Todays revival of liturgical worshipwhich is in many ways a rediscovery of spiritual practices of worship across church historyshould be accompanied by our rediscovery of the rich doctrinal and theological history of the respective denominations and traditions out of which these practices arose. In his book Theological Retrieval for Evangelicals, historical theologian and Baptist pastor Gavin Ortlund contends that we can and should strengthen the vitality of evangelical Protestantism by thinking about our historical identity with greater scrutiny and self-awareness and doing theology with more self-conscious engagement with the classical creeds, confessions, and theological texts of the church. To this end, I issue an exhortation to churches and Christians to dig into your heritage! Whether you are Presbyterian or Pentecostal, Orthodox or Methodist, your church is rooted in a tradition of faithful believers who have gone before you and laid the groundwork for your community of disciples. Rather than cutting off the branch you are sitting on by distancing yourself from denominational labels, do what you can to learn your history. As Paul instructed the Corinthians to imitate him as he imitated Christ, so you may find examples of faithful Christ imitation in the history of your church and tradition. Search out the creeds, confessions, and catechisms that have shaped your churchs theology. Identify the prayers, hymns, and other forms of worship that arose from your tradition. They may not all be to your taste, but at the very least they can orient you accurately to your place in the tapestry of gracious provision that is the history of Christs church. For those in positions of leadership in our churches, I offer a further suggestion: Teach your churchs history to your members! Chances are, many of your congregants know almost nothing about your individual church history and broader denominational legacy. It may well be the case that young believers feel historically unmoored not because their church lacks rich history but simply because no one has ever shared it with them! As the next generation of Christians rediscovers the prayers and praises of our predecessors, lets reintroduce ourselves and our churches to our ecclesiastical historyin all its diversity and complexity. Lord willing, a renewed love for our own liturgical legacies should prove to be a far more fruitful trend than more church coffee shopsand it is far less likely to leave stains in the sanctuary carpet. Benjamin Vincent is a pastor to youth and young adults at Journey of Faith Bellflower in Bellflower, CA and a teacher of history and theology at Pacifica Christian High School in Newport Beach, CA. [ This article is also available in and . ] Gordon-Conwell is selling its main campuswhere I live and go to schoolafter their enrollment has steadily declined by over 50 percent in the last 10 years. As over a third of Americans continue to identify as evangelical, the decline of their seminaries is somewhat of a riddle. One explanation is the way some evangelicals think of seminary: as an obstacleand increasingly, an unnecessary one. I was invited to sit in on a local church plants Monday morning meeting in the summer between my freshman and sophomore years of undergrad. The morale was strong, as they had just hit an all-time high with their Sunday morning attendance. Looking through visitor cards, they remarked in astonishment that, just one year in, this had been their most successful Sunday yet. As a young, aspiring pastor, I was curious about how churches track and measure progress. So, I asked, How do yall know this is a good thing? The pastor thought for a minute and then responded, Well, healthy things grow. Thats our philosophy. If this guys rightthat getting bigger is undoubtedly and invariably a sign of spiritual growththen we may as well assume that Gordon-Conwell is headed for the grave. But if we seriously believe that the spiritual value of a thing cannot be determined in an Excel spreadsheet, then we need a new framework for thinking about what it means to grow and thrive. Rather, we need an old frameworkthe crosswhere death becomes the site of life and defeat is the site of triumph. Gordon-Conwell may be shrinking, both in enrollment and budget, but its still a place where living things grow, where souls become attentive and come to life. In other words, we need seminaries to continue doing their jobs wellby reminding us of mysteries calculators cant make sense of. Seminary has long been understood as a means to becoming a pastor. Im now an MDivand the expectation is that once you get the MDiv, you get the job. Well, as it turns out, evangelical churches care a lot less about step one these days, so aspiring pastors are being told that seminary is unnecessary, even a very bad idea. I have received this counsel myself, and the argument usually goes like this: Why seminary? Its financially irresponsible, you risk burnout, its a lot of work Yes, these are all good points. But if they are dealbreakers for you, I must ask, Why are you pursuing vocational ministry? If youre hoping to spend a lifetime working in ministry, committing to a full-time three-year seminary program is not an unreasonable expectation. Think of doctors and lawyersyou would not let an autodidact saw off your leg. Likewise, seminary is a means of formalizing and communicating your commitment to your craft. But more than that, it establishes the trajectory of dedication and patience of your calling as a pastor. And yet some in the evangelical world seem to have significantly reduced their standards when it comes to expecting formal training of pastors. Stanley Hauerwas calls attention to this problem: Quite simply, no one believes in our day that an inadequately trained priest might damage their salvation; but people do believe an inadequately trained doctor can hurt them. Thus people are much more concerned about who their doctor may be than who is their priest. That such is the case, of course, indicates that no matter how seriously we may think of ourselves as Christians we may well be living lives that betray our conviction that God matters. Now, it is not impossible to acquire the rudimentary knowledge and skills for the pastorate outside a seminarythats clearly been done. But the convenience afforded by the information age does not render formal theological education useless. Even the best Bible reference tools available on the market cannot provide the same kind of holistic training as a seminary degree. Not only that, but self-directed study does not carry the same sacrifices of time and money. Article continues below While the increased interest in more informal theological training is beautiful and needed in the church, it cannot replace what accredited seminaries provide: a reliable and universal method of confirming a certain degree of competence and, perhaps more importantly, dedication. There are no shortcuts, even for those who do not attend seminary. Preparing for the pastorate requires a lot of studying and soul work. And for those who possess the means, seminary is an ideal place to do just that. As Zena Hitz argues, the retreat that intellectual work requires neednt be a form of escapism, as it provides the opportunity to create salutary distance, a place to set aside our agendas to consider things as they really are. At the end of the day, seminary is a unique opportunity for spiritual growth. It provides the needed space and time for deep attentiveness and formative solitude that normal life does not usually affordallowing theology students the chance to work out their faith in fear and trembling within the context of a supportive environment. For some, the spiritual trials and faith crises many students wrestle with in seminary might be considered setbacks, somehow getting in the way of the ultimate objective. But one does not avoid becoming jaded by escaping situations or environments that might give rise to cynicism. We live in a fallen worldand the pastors job is not to tiptoe around suffering and doubt but to prayerfully wade through it. That work begins within the pastors themselves when they confront their own baggage. As Dostoevskys Shatov in Demons famously says, If you want to overcome the whole world, overcome yourself. And so for the pastorif you want to tend to your flock, tend to your soul. Tend to it in the long hours of study. When tempted by detachment and pride, wrestle with God. Your ministry will always begin here. Like Pauls instruction to Timothy, pastors must be prepared to be persistent whether the time is favorable or unfavorable (2 Tim. 4:2, NRSV), ready to give of ourselves in every season of life. Bernard of Clairvaux distinguishes between a canal, which pours out what it receives, and a reservoir, which discharges the overflow without loss to itself. He observed that reservoirs were far too rare in the church of his dayand how much more so today? In her book Waiting for God, Simone WeilFrench activist, philosopher, and mystic of the 20th centuryargued, The key to a Christian conception of studies is the realization that prayer consists of attention. She believed that learning to attend in ones studies, whether it be math or theology, is essentially training for prayer. After all, without the capacity to attend, how can one shut ones closet door and pray to our God who is in secret? We come to seminary not to be conformed to this world but to be transformed by the renewing of [our] minds, so that [we] may discern what is the will of Godwhat is good and acceptable and perfect (Rom. 12:2, NRSV). Through this transforming work, pastors will emerge primednot to satisfy the world and its metrics of success but to lead the church and its people in the ways of Christ. Seminary is a place of learning to let go of life and growth as we know it. It is in this self-effacing task that we are given the opportunity to discover God in all his transformative glory. This season of interlude is not a task to be accomplished but a destination. And thats why seminarys not just a means; its also an end in itself. So go ahead, forecast the expiration of Gordon-Conwell and other evangelical seminaries. Well still be herewriting our papers, loving our neighbors, and waiting for God. Noah R. Karger is an MDiv student at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and research assistant at the Center for the Study of Global Christianity. [ This article is also available in and . ] This piece was adapted from Russell Moores newsletter. Subscribe here. As a kid in the 1980s, I heard dire warnings from my evangelical elders about the fantasy role-playing game Dungeons and Dragons. It was, we were told, a foothold of the occult. Although I never played D&D, I didnt take these admonitions all that seriously, because I reasoned that the same logic could be applied to Tolkiens Lord of the Rings or Lewiss Chronicles of Narnia. Now, in the 2020s, I am wondering if my evangelical elders werent partly right about the way fantasy role-playing can paganize a culturejust not in the way they expected. In this months Atlantic, Jennifer Senior explores a similar thought in relation to nationalist political strategist/right-wing media personality Steve Bannon, who is currently indicted on charges of contempt of Congress regarding his alleged role in the January 6 insurrection. Putting aside what I think about Bannon himself, I was struck by one section of the article that explains much of whats happening in America right now. Senior points to a 2018 documentary in which Bannon explains to a filmmaker how, when working in the internet gaming industry, he was surprised to learn just how many people are devoted to playing multiplayer online games. Bannon interprets this intensity through the grid of a hypothetical man, Dave from accounts payable, in the days after his death. Some preacher from a church or some guy from a funeral home whos never met him does a 10-minute eulogy, says a few prayers. And thats Dave, Bannon says. He contrasts this boring, real-life Dave from accounts payable with Daves online gaming persona: Ajax. Ajax is tough and warlike. When he dies in the fantasy, theres a funeral pyre and thousands of people come to mourn Ajax the Warrior. Now, whos more real? Bannon asks. Dave in Accounting? Or Ajax? Senior writes. Bannon realizes that some peopleparticularly disaffected menactively prefer and better identify with the online versions of themselves. Bannon tapped into this, Senior reports, when he acquired Breitbart News and realized that the comments section could become more of a community for certain angry, lonely individuals than the town they live in, the old bowling league. He noted that the comments section could be weaponized at some point in time. The angry voices, properly directed, have latent political power. Senior asked whether Bannon considers what he has done in propagating political media and in energizing populist nationalist movements to be the gamification of politics. He replied that this is exactly what hes doing: I want Dave in Accounting to be Ajax in his life. Senior argues that January 6 is the distillation of this role-playing fantasy: The angry, howling hordes arrived as real-life avatars, cosplaying the role of rebels in face paint and fur. They stormed the Capitol while an enemy army tried to beat them away. This is hardly new and isnt limited to any one point on the ideological spectrum. Almost every red diaper baby account about what drew their American parents or grandparents to the Communist Party during the Depression or the postWorld War II era includes something along the lines of how David Horowitz described his parents neighborhood Communist Party cell meetings in their basement: It was in this subterranean activity that the romanticism of their youth finally got to express itself. Here they lived outside the norms of other mortals, breathed the intoxicating air of a world revolution, and plotted their impossible dreams. In the cell, they were given secret names for the day when the Party would go underground and the illegal business of the revolution beginas they all believed it would. Article continues below In such meetings, these Communists were not schoolteachers or longshoremen or electricians or lawyers. They were, in their own minds, underground fighters for a socialist utopia to come. And, of course, while these American Communists play-acted as Soviet James Bonds, the Soviet Union was murdering and starving its own people to death. According to Senior, Bannons strategy for turning a Dave-from-accounting culture into an Ajax culture is to sow doubts about every institution. Leaning on the Neil Howe and William Strauss Fourth Turning thesis, Bannon believes an unraveling is necessary for rejuvenation. The plan is to leave a smoldering crater where our institutions once were, Senior writes. The institutions are indeed smoldering and cratering. Polls show shockingly high numbers of Americans seriously contemplating secession or political violence. Countless churches and denominations are either tearing apart or already torn. And in most of these institutions in crisis, the comments sections come alive to dwell among us. When the angriest, most destructive people dont get their way, they still exercise power by setting the agenda of conversation. But lets forget, for a moment, the institutions themselveswhether the republic or the congregation or anything else. Lets consider the individuals themselves. Spend some time with the person raging on social media or at the microphone at the church business meeting, and you will often find the very same dynamic Bannon identified: that Dave from accounts payable wants to be Ajax. That can happen within various populist political movements, which are Bannons primary interest, but it also happens almost everywhere else. People are looking for meaning, significance, and bigger storylines in which to belongand finding them in the very things that are bringing down institution after institution. It turns out actual fantasy role-playingwhether it be Dungeons and Dragons in a treehouse years ago or multiplayer video games on a screen nowis, for most people, harmless fun. But maybe the church elders had a point; maybe theres another form of fantasy role-playing that might be occultic and pagan in the truest sense of those words. Paganism, after all, demands the sort of significance that is heroic, in which ones virtues of strength and power are celebrated in story and song. Joseph Campbell famously popularized Jungs idea of the heros journey a half century ago, but the quest for an imagined heroism is even stronger nowand often much, much darker. Part of the problem with the moniker Dave from accounts payable lies in its description of where he works. In an age where ones worth is often subconsciously attributed to ones income, education, position, or social capital, can we really be surprised that Dave would seek some way to be known and loved and seen? And if he cant do that as Dave, is it any surprise that he would try to be somebody else? C. S. Lewis thought that paganism was a better place to start with proclaiming meaning than arid secularism is. He pointed out that the myths of paganism at least acknowledge a reality beyond the material. But what happens when we discover a kind of syncretism that mixes a pagan sense of meaning with a secular loss of hope, all the while thinking itself to be Christian? Yet the way of Jesus is quite different. A Christian vision of heaven is not Valhalla with wine (or grape juice) instead of mead. Valhallaand almost every other pagan vision of an afterlifelooks backward. Its the echo and celebration of the warriors success in the life that was. Article continues below The kingdom of God doesnt find meaning there. It brings meaning by joining our stories with an altogether different narrativethe story of Jesus. His life is our life. His glory is our glory. And Jesus redefines what wisdom and power really areby embracing an object found most baffling by the Romans and other pagans of his day: the cross. When we start to really understand and embody that in our churches, maybe fewer Daves will find their identities in either accounts payable or Ajax online. Maybe more of them will see that theres glory in the ordinary, in giving your life away for the people you love. Maybe more people will see that there is indeed a cloud of witnesses all around but that we dont need them to cheer for us. We just need to bear witness, alongside them, to the One who endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God (Heb. 12:12). And because of this, we find meaning even in the stories of the unnamed faithful who ended their lives in what looked like humiliating defeat (Heb. 11:3639). We find significance, not like Odysseus seeking a name in the annals of history, but like the thief on the crosswhose name is unknownwho asked of the One crucified next to him, Remember me when you come into your kingdom (Luke 23:42). Our culture of fantasy role-playing is leading us to some perilous places. Sadly, we often replicate it even within the church. There are dragons indeed, both within and without. Yet sometimes the dragon is not the one were slaying in our fantasies but the one offering us the illusion of belonging, glory, and meaningthe very one that will just chain us up in one more dungeon. The world needs a different storyand Christians have one. Lets remember it. Lets sing it. Lets tell it. And, by Gods grace, lets live it. Russell Moore leads the Public Theology Project at Christianity Today. About as often as people call for engaging in long-needed, long-avoided conversations on racial injustice, they lament the shape of the conversations actually taking place. The loudest, most unforgiving voices fill the arena, while others stay on the sidelines, either because they fear saying the wrong thing or because the whole problem seems too uncomfortable or intractable. It doesnt have to be this way, says Isaac Adams, especially among those calling themselves brothers and sisters in Christ. In Talking About Race: Gospel Hope for Hard Conversations, Adams, a pastor at Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington, DC, offers biblical and pastoral guidance on speaking (and hearing) racial truth in love. Timothy Muehlhoff, a communication professor at Biola University and codirector of Biolas Winsome Conviction Project, spoke with Adams about the keys to Christ-exalting conversations on race. In explaining your motivation to write the book, you state, Originally, I set out to write a different book on giving biblical and practical guidance on where Christians could begin to combat racism. What changed? As I was preparing the book proposal, I didnt know that the news of Ahmaud Arbery was going to break. It made me think, How will we talk about his murder? If we understood the smaller problem of dysfunctional communication across racial lines, we would understand the much bigger problem, the racial strife that has so long divided our churches, our communities, and our nation. The book is, in some sense, a theology of speech applied to the topic of race. When I look at your title, Talking About Race, I can imagine a lot of people thinking, I dont want to talk about race. This is going to go nowhere. Were just going to wind up being hurt and even more divided. But in your preface, you write that understanding the communication breakdown across racial divides and the resulting damage is not only important but foundational for following Jesus. Why is that? Its foundational because this is at the heart of what Christ has done. Christ died to make Jew and Gentile into one new man. Ephesians 2:1122 couldnt be clearer. Yet Satan, from day one, has sought to undo that work as much as he can. He has a vested interest in showing our discipleship to be superficial and phony by encouraging us to hate one another, to divide against one another. What Jesus prays is striking: that they may be one as we are one (John 17:11). Why? So that the world may believe that you have sent me (v. 21). So there is an evangelistic witness at stake in our unity. If you care about evangelism, you need to care about racism. I appreciate that you are not afraid to evoke spiritual battle. After all, it was the focus of roughly 20 percent of everything Jesus had to say. There are real demonic forces at play. If we look at just the level of depravity shown in racial injustice over the years, I think its actually the most logical explanation. I dont think we are accurately entertaining all the biblical data the Lord has given us if we leave out the spiritual realm. If we do, then we reduce the problem to people not liking other people, or merely flesh against flesh. As a communication professor, Im interested in your communication decisions. In the first half of your book, you give us six fictional characters discussing an imaginary police shooting of a 22-year-old Black man. With all the real-world examples you could invoke, why use this literary device instead? No small part of Jesus teaching ministry was parables, or stories. Stories allow you to capture the complexities and gray areas in life that go beyond our political beliefs or ideologies. People are more than their racial perspectives. Beyond every label, theres a whole person thats deeply complex. Article continues below Lets just focus on two of the characters. One is a man named Hunter, a white churchgoer who is best friends with Darius, a Black deacon at their church. While Hunter is concerned about the shooting, Darius is consumed with it and even finds it difficult to breathe when thinking about it. As a white person, I can recognize myself in Hunter, because a big part of my privilege is my getting to take a break from thinking about race whenever I wish. One of the reasons the conversation is so difficult is because often, my white brothers and sisters can entertain it in an abstract way. We test ideas; we poke and prod them and compare them to things we know to be true, which is not always bad. But when youre talking to a nonwhite person, theres a strong chance youre talking to someone who is not thinking in abstractions. Let me give a quick anecdote. When I told my mom I was going to pastor a church in Birmingham, Alabama, she recoiled in horror. Oh, Isaac, I told the Lord I would never set foot in that city after what they did to those four little girls. To her, Birmingham is still Bombingham due to the tragic 1963 bomb blast at the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church. She is old enough to have been one of those girls. To me, Birmingham is a pretty welcoming place. For my mother, its not that. And I need to care for her well by looking not only to my own interests but also to hers. In looking at the conversation between Hunter and Darius, you quote the writer Lance Morrow: The most tragic impediment to an honest conversation about race in America is fear. Hunter is fearful hell violate an unwritten law that states he must always be the student and Black people always the teachers. He knew if he transgressed this unwritten law, you write, everything he said would be used against him. To be honest, I feel that tension myself, that fear that I cannot enter the race conversation and offer opinions, observations, or even critiques because Im part of the white majority. I try to make clear in the book that this is a legitimate feeling on some level. Im certainly not telling white people, Sit down, shut up, and listen. Yet there are times when pursuing listening and understanding might serve you well. Its not because Black people are always right. Spoiler alert: Were not. We too have fallen short of the glory of God. Yet we cant ignore that Black voices have been marginalized for so long. Recognizing this kind of historical asymmetry should help shape the conversation and perhaps promote a desire to listen and understand. Dariuss fear is that if he wants to say anything about the shooting, he [has] to say it perfectlythat is, he [has] to speak on Hunters terms. He seems to reflect a common objection to civility as a set of conversational rules created by white-dominant culture to keep minority perspectives in check. Its kind of used as a silencing technique. In other words, Lets not get overly emotional. Lets not get angry. Lets keep everything civil. Notice, both Hunter and Darius have fears. Simply admitting those fears does something to the conversation. I understand what people might be saying when they describe civility as just a technique of the white-majority culture. But all I know is that this Bible in front of me says that the Lords servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone (2 Tim. 2:24). Theres no asterisk that narrows everyone to everyone who happens to share my political sympathies or everyone who happens to be within my own ethnic group. Article continues below The fruit of the Spirit is not racially biased. All of Gods people are to be loving, patient, kind, gentle, and faithful. I dont want to frame these things only in terms of power dynamics or cultural embeddedness because the Bible transcends culture. It transcends time. God wanted his people to be kind and gentle in the first century, and he wants the same thing in the 21st century. And I just cant get around that. Thats why I emphasize, in the book, that the Word of God is the lamp to our feet, the light to our path. Its not that I dont think statistics and cultural analyses are helpful. But we need to remember that theres a higher authority. Can you paint a picture of what it would look like if we lost what you just described? What would it look like if the Scriptures were no longer our North Star? We dont have to imagine. In his mercy, God paints the picture for us time and time again in Scripture. In the end of Judges, everyone did as they saw fit (21:25). After the Tower of Babel, God essentially says, You know what? You all dont want to talk to each other? Go ahead. And let me show you what it will look like. And of course it looks like confusion and constantly being at each others throats. But Christ offers an alternative. We no longer take each other by the throat. Rather, we take each other by the handor at least we should. And so I think Babel is a fantastic picture of what the race conversation so often feels like. It often feels like were trying to build something together, and maybe even something good, but we are speaking past one another. Were speaking different languages, were frustrated, and were under Gods condemnation. Which is why so many people say, Yeah, I dont even want to talk about it. What I love about your book is you dont leave us here. You step in as a pastor and offer advice to both Hunter and Darius. Lets start with Hunter. You suggest that it helps to understand how any conversation about race isnt simply between two people and that we should weigh history before volunteering our thoughts. Can you elaborate? I think white brothers and sisters can unwittinglywith no malicious intentapproach these conversations as though they were only occurring one to one, between me and my friend. In reality, many minorities are viewing them through a different framework. Theyre understanding this is not just a conversation between you and me but between our different communities. And theyre asking how these communities have treated each other historically. In the book, I talk about how when Darius sees the shooting, hes not just thinking of Malachi Brewers, this fictional character who was slain. Hes thinking of Walter Scott, of Eric Gardner, of Ahmaud Arbery, of George Floyd. Were all carrying different weights when we come to this conversation. And if were not careful, we can fumble those weights and drop them on our listeners toes and actually do some damage, especially if were ignoring the weight of history. Thats why I want to encourage the Hunters of the world to try to weigh out history and think, If I was coming from this other perspective and my community had been treated like this, would I just play devils advocate? Well, no, youd have a very different posture. For instance, white brothers and sisters may not mean to defend racism, but when they instantly critique Martin Luther King Jr., they seem to be more concerned about King than the racism he opposed. Article continues below Could what you say apply equally to a white persons critique of Black Lives Matter (for attacking the nuclear family) or critical race theory (for having Marxist roots)? This reminds me of the words of two civil rights icons. C. Herbert Oliver lamented that the world seems to be leading the way in the battle against the dogmas of racism, while Martin Luther King Jr. stated that too often the church has been a tail light rather than a headlight. What they meant is that we are often just reacting to things rather than addressing them proactively. And so, when white brothers and sisters advance critiques of BLM or CRT, I might be the first one to say those are legitimate critiques. But here is the more pressing question: What are we going to do? Its really easy to just say what youre against. If youre against CRT, greatbut how are you then addressing racism or racial injustice? How are you loving your neighbor? Its a lot easier to burn down a house than to build one. Thats why we so often opt for criticism. You also mention that Hunter should lead with lament. Can you define lament and explain why its important in conversations on race? Lament is a complaint in hope to God. We are grieving the fallen reality of this world and bringing that to God in hope, saying, Lord, this isnt right. How many times do we see these two words in Scripture: How long? Sometimes its good to just sit in the pain. I think lament brings about gentleness and humanity in us, which in turn can produce civility. Lament can be wonderfully disarming and powerfully uniting. Lets say I make an honest effort to do everything you recommendto remember the communal dimension of racial conversations, to weigh the relevant history, and to begin with lament. So then, are you saying that its okay for me, a white-majority person, to step in and not just be empathetic but also to offer critiques or possible solutions? Ill give you the pastoral answerit depends. There are times you just need to sit and listen. And that goes both ways. Its not just whites listening to Blacks but vice versa. Its the wisdom of Ecclesiastes: There is a time to be silent and a time to speak (3:7). Or, as Paul suggests, speak only as fits the occasion (Eph. 4:29, ESV). So, youve weighed history. Youve listened first. But the shooting just happened. Im a mess. Im angry. Im sad. Do you have the right to offer your criticism or your suggestion? Maybe. Sure. But the Christian life is not about taking up our rights. Its about laying them down for the benefit of others. So, to repeat the words of Ephesians 4:29, Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear (ESV). So thats the lens; thats the kind of funnel you want to put your word through. Will this suggestion give grace to those who hear? If it will, say it. If it wont, dont. On the other hand, lets say its been a couple months since this shooting. I know you have a lot of resources and a lot of wisdom, so I ask, Tim, what do you think? Or I say, Im really struggling with this. And you say, Hey, man, I know these dynamics. The reality is you and me are brothers in Christ. Can I just offer a suggestion? And Ill say, Yeah, please help. The bottom line is that if we are going to attack this Mount Everest of racial strife in our country, we are going to have to work together. Article continues below It sounds like much of what youre describing comes down to giving each other grace, which sounds so freeing. But Ill be transparent: I dont feel grace when talking about race, especially to a person of color. I often feel that Im going to say it wrongthat Im going to be insensitive despite my best intentions. Add to that the possibility of saying something that might go public and get you in trouble. How do you actually bestow the grace that frees up conversations? The starting point is remembering the grace that has been bestowed on you. While its true your community hasnt been good to my community, I need to remember that I havent been good to God, and yet hes forgiven me. God has canceled the debt I owed Him and pinned it to the cross in Christ. The church should be a different world in this sense. The rules are different. As a result, Im actually going to hear you out. Im not just going to look at you as an exemplar of your ethnicity, as a privileged white male. Instead, Ill say, Thats my brother in Christ before hes any of those things (if he is any of those things). Thats why we cant go into this conversation with a black-versus-white mentality. In reality, this is a Christian-with-Christian issue. Lets shift to the advice you give to Darius. You tell him he can be angry but not rude or hateful. You add that Black people can say ethnically hateful things just like white people can, just like Hispanics can, just like Koreans can. Can you elaborate? Of course, people should be angry about racism, but only with the right kind of anger. Theres a reason God says to be angry but in your anger do not sin (Eph. 4:26). David Powlison, the late Christian counselor, points out that God is the angriest person in the universe. Its really striking if you think about it. He hates sin. He hates injustice and oppression. And he sees all of it. By definition, then, he must be the angriest person in the universe, but his anger is always holy. Its always righteous. Its always pure. Our anger can be righteous, but so often it quickly becomes self-righteous anger. You also mention to Darius that its okay to leave your predominantly white church if you no longer trust leadership or you feel its become hopelessly politicized. But didnt Paul say that we should bear with each other in love and protect unity at all costs (Eph. 4:23)? I feel like there are only two options today based on how Black folks are treating each other: If you stay in your predominantly white church, youre considered an Uncle Tom; if you leave, youre considered a theological liberal. I think thats the devils deal. Do I think there are better or worse reasons to join or leave a church? Of course, and I walk through all of those in the book. But at the end of the day, Jesus has not commanded you to be in First Baptist Tuscaloosa or whatever. Hes commanded you to be a part of his people. He wants you to work for unity. Article continues below I thought we could wrap up this interview with something easy like structural racism! Honestly, I hesitate even to joke about it with a fellow brother, because at the Winsome Conviction Project we have found that in conversations about race, the minute systemic or structural racism comes up, its a conversation stopper. How would you define structural racism, and how should that definition shape our conversations? To me, structural racism is an unjust system that contains written or unwritten laws, traditions, procedures, formal or informal habits, or cultural practices that wrongly favor an ethnicity or a race. Structural racism is so insidious because it can exist regardless of ones individual intentions. I think one thing thats helpful in these conversations is to find a common ground. For example, lets talk about Jim Crow segregation. Would you call that structural racism? I havent found anyone who responds, No, no, no, no, that wasnt structural. However, someone might quickly add, Well, the whites-only signs are torn down, so you cant say it still exists. I liken the laws of structural racism to lit matches. The match was lit in the form of policies like whites-only drinking fountains. Today, the match has been blown out. Those laws are off the books. But what Im trying to remind people is that the house is still on fire. And the haunting question for us is, Have we just gotten so used to looking at the fire that it doesnt really bother us anymore? Today, many people are quick to dismiss the ideal of winsomeness, and there is a renewed call for prophetic voices and stances. What are your thoughts on this trend? Prophets are great. We are all called to speak prophetically. Pastors are to speak prophetically. And so Im thankful for prophets, but I fear weve reduced the prophetic task merely to confrontation and condemnation. Ezra 5:2 speaks of the prophets of God being with Gods people as they returned from exile, supporting them. The prophets provided comfort and hope of restoration with God. Otherwise, what good is the condemnation? Its just a sword at that point. Its just a hammer. True prophets are saying, Receive this hammer so you can have the hope of being right with God and with each other. [ This article is also available in Portugues. ] Afghanistan's first female mayor says Taliban is waging 'genocide' against minority group A woman who served as the first female mayor in Afghanistan is urging the U.S. government to declare the Taliban's treatment of the Hazara ethnic group a genocide as the first anniversary of the withdrawal of U.S. troops from the Central Asian country approaches. Azra Jafari, who formerly served as mayor of Nili in Afghanistan's Daykundi province, was one of several speakers to address the annual International Religious Freedom Summit in Washington, D.C., late last month. Jafari was appointed the first female mayor in Afghanistan in 2008 and held the post until 2014. She has become a vocal advocate for women's rights and a staunch critic of the control the Taliban has taken since the U.S. military's withdrawal from the country last year. In an interview with The Christian Post, she shared concerns about religious freedom in Afghanistan and the threats to women and minorities in the country. Nearly a year after the Taliban took control of Afghanistan, Jafari says the situation on the ground has turned bleak for women and her Hazara ethnic group. Hazaras are a predominantly Shia Muslim ethnic group of over 3.5 million that primarily reside in central Afghanistan. The ethnic group has long been subject to violence at the hand of state actors and militant groups and is considered by some to be historically the most discriminated against ethnic group in Afghanistan. As violence against the minority group has escalated in the past year, she said: "the Taliban [is] trying to ban the internet" to prevent journalists from covering incidents in the country. Jafari stated that the Taliban has engaged in a deliberate campaign to "kill and then displace" members of the ethnic group from their homes which has led to the displacement of more than 1,400 families. Reports have surfaced in the past year of massacres targeting Hazara people, including the killing of 13 Hazaras in the Daykundi province. Reports have also emerged of evictions of thousands of Hazara families from their homes in the Daykundi province and Mazar-e-Sharif based on claims they had no ownership over their land. The Taliban look for the "smallest cues" to determine whether someone is part of the Hazara ethnic group or not, she said. This includes looking at their face or learning their name. Jafari reported that once the Taliban determines that someone is a Hazara, "they kill you right away." "This is like a genocide against Hazaras," she said. Jafari maintained that "the international community is silent and they cannot do anything with this situation right now" because of the Taliban's effort to take control of the internet. Jafari hopes that her appearance at the International Religious Freedom Summit would raise awareness about the plight of the Hazaras. "I want to ask for the U.S. government to take action for the protection of Hazara minorities in Afghanistan because really it is genocide," she proclaimed. While Jafari dates the beginning of the genocide against Hazaras to more than a century ago, she sees now as the time to "protect the Hazara community from Afghanistan" and wants the U.S. to "recognize what happened [to the] Hazara ethnicity in Afghanistan as a genocide." Jafari, a Shia Muslim, insisted that the Taliban, a Sunni nationalist movement, does not believe in "rights for minorities or other religions in Afghanistan." From their perspective, she maintained, Sunni Islam should be the only religion practiced in the country. Since retaking power, Jafari declared, the Taliban has "started exactly the same model of governance" they embraced when they last ruled Afghanistan before the 9/11 terror attacks in 2001 and the subsequent U.S. military involvement in the nation. "This is not acceptable for not only women, it is not acceptable for anybody, especially for the religious minorities." Although the Taliban is "trying to act like they are changed" and accept "all religions or every people that live in Afghanistan," Jafari sees such pronouncements as insincere. She highlighted the Taliban's refusal to honor Afghanistan's constitution that essentially declares that "everybody is the same," whether male or female or Sunni or Shia. The Taliban has also "closed the last worship place" for Hindus in Afghanistan and prevented religious minorities from holding "special events in the streets." Jafari characterized reports of violence between the Islamic State and the Taliban as "fake news" designed to distract "international communities" and the media from the "other big issues" in Afghanistan, specifically the violence against the Hazaras. She acknowledged that there may be a "small conflict" between the two groups and predicted they could "solve it very easily." Jafari elaborated on the oppression of women and other ethnic minorities at the hands of the Taliban, stating that they are banning women from "society," "politics" and the "economy." "All women are in the house and then they can't do anything," she said. She reported that "women cannot go to school and don't have any right to do any jobs like as a judge or in [a] high-ranking position." Jafari identified elementary school teachers and hospital employees as among the only jobs open to women following the Taliban takeover. For her part, Jafari is free from the Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, as she has resided in Maryland since 2014. The Taliban's threat against her prompted her to escape to the U.S. As a teenager and young adult, Jafari had previously spent time as a refugee in Iran, where she opened a school for other refugees who could not go to school because they lacked the proper identification from the United Nations High Commissioner on Refugees. She started the school when she was 17 years old and worked there for almost six years. Jafari returned to Afghanistan shortly after the 9/11 attacks. While her school operated without permission from the Iranian government as an "underground school," it educated over 8,000 students. Her friends took control of the school after she returned to Afghanistan for about one year before the government closed the school because it was illegal. Jafari expressed gratitude that many children who went to the "underground school" ended up continuing their education and obtaining college degrees at institutions worldwide. Episcopal Church defers resolutions labeling Israel apartheid state to 2024 convention The Episcopal Church has deferred three resolutions labeling Israel an apartheid state until its next General Convention, scheduled to occur in Louisville, Kentucky, in 2024. The progressive mainline denomination held its 80th General Convention in Baltimore, Maryland, from July 8-11, having limited its attendance and agenda due to COVID-19 concerns. Out of over 400 resolutions proposed, the House of Deputies and the House of Bishops deferred 17 to the 2024 churchwide gathering. Three of the deferred agenda items were measures that labeled Israel an apartheid state, according to a report from Episcopal News Service published Tuesday. Pennsylvania Bishop Daniel Gutierrez, chair of the Social Justice and International Policy Committee, said there was a desire to give adequate time to debate the issue. "We wanted to give it the importance that it deserves and needs," Gutierrez said, as reported by ENS. He is optimistic that it will get that attention in 2024. The Episcopal Church has debated the Israeli-Palestinian conflict at general conventions for years and previously entertained resolutions to divest from Israel. In 2012, then Presiding Bishop Katherine Jefferts Schori denounced divestment campaigns against Israel, arguing that they were counterproductive and would "only end in punishing Palestinians economically." At the 79th General Convention in 2018, the House of Bishops rejected a divestment resolution that passed the House of Deputies earlier in the gathering. "Divestment will not move us one inch forward in the peace process," stated retired Bishop Ed Little of the Diocese of Northern Indiana at the 2018 gathering. "It will not bring an end to the occupation. It will not lead us to the solution that we all yearn for, which is two states living side by side in peace within secure borders." Although the Episcopal Church deferred its apartheid resolution until 2024, another mainline Protestant denomination passed a similar measure at their churchwide gathering this month. Presbyterian Church (USA) General Assembly delegates voted 266-116 to pass an overture saying Israel was an apartheid state due to its treatment of the Palestinian territories. The move was criticized by the Jewish human rights organization Simon Wiesenthal Center, the Anti-Defamation League and Presbyterians for Middle East Peace, which felt that both sides were not presented during the debate on the resolution. "Nary a Jewish voice was heard at the GA, experts offering countering opinions were not allowed to speak, only a select few of the Louisville staff had standing," a statement from Presbyterians for Middle East Peace decried. Last July, the United Church of Christ passed a resolution at its 33rd General Synod accusing Israel of using an imperialistic theology to oppress the Palestinian Territories. The resolution also compared Israels actions in the Palestinian Territories to Jim Crow segregation in the United States and rejected the idea that Israel has a divine right to the land. The American Jewish Committee criticized the resolution, saying it demonizes Israel, fails to offer a credible path to Israeli-Palestinian peace, and undermines advances in Christian-Jewish relations. The resolutions come as Israel has been criticized by the United Nations and other international actors for allowing Jewish settlements in territories it controls in the West Bank and Gaza Strip captured in the Six-Day War of 1967. God's heart for Israel is not a two-state solution As a former Muslim, the love for Israel and its people is an entirely new experience for me but I am grateful the Lord has opened my heart to this understanding. Recently in one Arab paper with millions of online viewers, the headline read: "Biden and Lapid: We support the two-state solution and peace in the region." It was their takeaway from Biden's recent visit, and it was an intelligent observation. Biden boldly reinvigorated the policy of dividing up the land of Israel, ignoring the biblical warnings against it. "The Palestinian people deserve a state of their own sovereign, vibrant, and contiguous," Biden said. He made a point of re-establishing U.S. relations with the Palestinian Authority and demonstrated that commitment with $201 million in aid previously stalled by Trump. A member of Biden's team said he wants to "rekindle a new political horizon" for the Israelis and the Palestinians, and a two-state outcome to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is a foreign policy priority. The Jerusalem U.S.-Israel Strategic Partnership Joint Declaration signed by both leaders restates President Biden's "longstanding and consistent support of a two-state solution and for advancing toward a reality in which Israelis and Palestinians alike can enjoy equal measures of security, freedom, and prosperity." Though the Declaration acknowledged the historic Abraham Accords, which established economic and technological cooperation between the Arab leaders and Israel, many commentators believe the visit reverses the recent progress toward Middle East peace by reviving the tired notion that Middle East peace is not possible without a two-state solution. The focus of the Abraham Accords was normalizing Israeli relations with its Arab neighbors. A key draw for these countries was creating a robust U.S.-backed partnership against the threat of Iran's nuclearization and its continued support of terrorism worldwide. Though many other benefits developed from the treaty, standing firm against Tehran was one of the primary motivations. The diplomatic ties and strategic partnerships that ensued finally exposed as a lie the longstanding premise that no peace could be possible in the Middle East without resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Despite the stability and economic prosperity that flowed for Israel and its neighbors simply by "tabling" the conflict, the Negev summit with Secretary Antony Blinken in March signaled to the Arab world that change was coming. It was there that Secretary Blinken announced that the "regional peace agreements are not a substitute for peace with the Palestinians." Though U.S. officials made it clear they would not allow Iran to acquire nuclear weapons, they refused to give up on resuscitating those negotiations. Therefore, it is no surprise that Arab leaders are nervous about putting their faith in a U.S.-led, anti-Iran coalition with Israel at the forefront. As a result, UAE officials are scrambling to mend fences with Iran, and Saudis are back to claiming that the "requirements for peace" are a two-state settlement with a Palestinian state in the occupied territories and East Jerusalem as its capital. From the religious perspective, 400 rabbis signed a public statement discouraging the return to a two-state solution and pointing out how every time Israel relinquished land for peace, it led to increased terrorism and the killing of innocent civilians. The letter refers to the Jewish law that warns of the dangers of territorial concessions of the Land of Israel. It is further evidence that this course of action is not the road to peace. For Americans, the conflict in the Middle East may seem like an endless quagmire of competing interests that we are rarely in a position to change. However, Christians must understand God's heart for Israel and its people. From the beginning, God's promises to Abraham in Genesis 12: 2-3, He declares: "I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse, and all peoples on Earth will be blessed through you." This is a promise for all believers that blessings come to those who bless Israel. We are also told that it is God Himself that established its boundaries. Before Joshua enters the promised land, God decrees:"Every place on which the sole of your foot treads, I have given it to you, just as I spoke to Moses. From the wilderness and this Lebanon, even as far as the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and as far as the Great Sea toward the setting of the sun will be your territory" Joshua 1: 3-4. Though the Israelites repeatedly disobeyed God's commandments and were often punished for their transgressions, His commitment to them never changed because the character and nature of God are immutable. Throughout the Bible, culminating in the final restoration of the nation of Israel in the Book of Revelation, God decries the destruction and divisions of its territory while repeatedly swearing an oath to avenge its people. In those days and at that time, when I restore the fortunes of Judah and Jerusalem, I will gather all nations and bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat. There I will put them on trial for what they did to my inheritance, my people Israel, because they scattered my people among the nations and divided up my landThe Lord will roar from Zion and thunder from Jerusalem; the Earth and the heavens will tremble. But the Lord will be a refuge for his people, a stronghold for the people of Israel. Joel 3 So despite what governments will do in response to a political or social crisis, as believers, we must acknowledge that God's heart for Israel is not to divide its land or oppress its people. It is clear that any nation or people that defy these principles makes itself liable to the judgment of God for its actions in contradiction to His will. Though we know, according to Biblical prophecy, the division of Israel is inevitable, the Lord is faithful to His promises and ultimately will restore Israel to its rightful place on Earth. Our duty as believers is simply to honor God's vision for the future. House approves bill codifying right to contraception into federal law The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill Thursday that would codify the right to contraception into federal law due to concerns that the U.S. Supreme Court will overturn a 1965 decision establishing a right to obtain birth control. The Democrat-controlled House voted to approve the Right to Contraception Act, with eight Republicans joining all Democrats in supporting the measure. The push to pass the legislation stems from concern among congressional Democrats that the June 24 Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization Supreme Court decision that reversed the Roe v. Wade ruling legalizing abortion nationwide will pave the way to overturn the Griswold v. Connecticut decision that legalized contraception nationwide. In a statement published last week, Rep. Kathy Manning, D-N.C., who introduced the bill in the House, insisted that "Americans' reproductive freedom, including the longstanding right to contraception, is at risk under this extreme Supreme Court and Republican state legislatures across the country." "[W]e have already seen state governments attempt to restrict contraceptive methods and obstruct people's private health care choices," Manning said. She described contraception as a "key to achieving gender equality, improving health outcomes for women and their families, bolstering educational and economic opportunity for all, and ensuring people are in control of their own bodies and futures." Alexis McGill Johnson, president and CEO of the Planned Parenthood Federation of America, supports the bill. "Our rights and access to abortion are hanging by a thread. But they're not just coming for abortion they're coming for contraceptives, LGBTQ+ rights, and more," she said. "While birth control is certainly no substitute for abortion access, access to contraception is critical to control our own bodies, reproductive health care, and futures." The national pro-life advocacy organization Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America has characterized the bill as the "Payouts for Planned Parenthood Act." In a letter to lawmakers, SBA Pro-Life America President Marjorie Dannenfelser said, "this bill has less to do with the ability of individuals to obtain contraception and more to do with ensuring federal funding for abortion providers who also happen to provide contraceptives." She argues the bill does more than allow access to contraception but also "seeks to bail out the abortion industry, trample conscience rights, and require uninhibited access to dangerous chemical abortion drugs." "This bill seeks to guarantee funding to abortion providers by barring federal and state governments from redirecting contraception funding to life-affirming health care providers," Dannenfelser added. "The bill also tramples on freedom of conscience of laws, thereby driving out providers who have deeply held moral or religious beliefs about sterilization and contraceptives. Further, the bill explicitly excludes application of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act." The pro-life organization contends that the "definition of contraceptives in this bill is overbroad" and "could mandate access to abortion drugs." According to Dannenfelser, the bill "states that contraceptives include drugs, devices, or biological products intended for contraception, 'whether specifically intended to prevent pregnancy, or for other health needs.'" "This could include non-controversial applications of the drug but also include the use of the drug to induce abortion," Dannenfelser said. "What follows is that [the bill] would then require the right to obtain a chemical abortion, the right to provide a chemical abortion, and would overturn any law that regulates chemical abortion by singling it out." Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., introduced companion legislation in the evenly divided U.S. Senate. The bill's future remains uncertain, as most legislation requires 60 votes to pass the Senate. The low level of Republican support for the Right to Contraception Act in the House suggests the bill might not achieve the necessary GOP votes required to secure passage in the Senate. While the text of the House bill was not published, the text of the Senate legislation does include a provision defining a contraceptive as "any drug, device, or biological product intended for use in the prevention of pregnancy, whether specifically intended to prevent pregnancy or for other health needs." It also states, "Providers' refusal to offer contraceptives and information related to contraception based on their own personal beliefs impede patients from obtaining their preferred method." The measure also states that "a health care provider has a corresponding right to provide contraceptives, contraception, and information related to contraception." In a concurring opinion in the June 24 Dobbs decision, Justice Clarence Thomas slammed the principle of "substantive due process" as "legal fiction." Explaining that substantive due process was used to assert that the Constitution contained a right to abortion, he suggested that the Supreme Court should "reconsider all of this Court's substantive due process precedents," including Griswold. At the same time, Thomas agreed with the majority opinion in Dobbs that "[n]othing in [the court's] opinion should be understood to cast doubt on precedents that do not concern abortion." While he described Griswold and other cases involving substantive due process as "demonstrably erroneous," he expressed an openness to deciding "whether other constitutional provisions guarantee the myriad rights that our substantive due process cases have generated," including the right to contraception. The House's passing of the Right to Contraception Act comes two days after the chamber approved the Respect for Marriage Act, which would codify the 2015 Obergefell v. Hodges decision legalizing same-sex marriage nationwide into federal law. Along with Griswold, Thomas listed Obergefell as among the "substantive due process" cases he thought the court should revisit. Kidnapped Catholic priest killed in Nigeria; another escapes abductors ABUJA, Nigeria (Morning Star News) The body of one of two Catholic priests kidnapped on Friday (July 15) in Kaduna state, Nigeria, was recovered Tuesday morning (July 19), sources said. The Rev. John Mark Cheitnum was director of communications of the Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan. Kidnapped at gunpoint from the parish rectory of Christ the King Catholic Church in Yalding Garu, Lere County along with the Rev. Donatus Cleopas Sulaiman, Cheitnum was killed while Sulaiman was able to escape, according to the Kafanchan diocese. The Rev. Fr. Donatus Cleophas escaped from his abductors and has reunited with us, said the Rev. Emmanuel Uchechukwu Okolo, chancellor of the Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan, in a press statement. However, it is with a deep sense of sorrow and pain that the bishop, clergy and laity of the Diocese of Kafanchan announce the gruesome murder of Very Rev. Fr. John Mark Cheitnum. Cheitnum served as priest at St. James Parish in Fori, Jemaa Local Government Area, according to the diocese. The Kaduna state chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the Rev. John Joseph Hayab, said Cheitnum had served as the CAN chairman of the Jemaa Local Government Area as well Southern Kaduna CAN coordinator. Cheitnums body was found in the wilderness on Tuesday morning, four area residents told Morning Star News by text message. One resident, Bitrus Defend, asked why terrorists target church leaders. It is hard, but we pray that may the ever loving and merciful God rest your soul in the peace of Heaven, till we meet at Jesus feet, padre, Defend said, while area resident Comfort Bwans said, Oh, Rev. John Mark, your killers will not know peace. They shall suffer for the rest of their lives. May God accept your soul. In Kujama, Kaduna state, another Catholic priest was killed on June 25, according to the Rev. Moses Bonugada, a Catholic priest in Chikun County. He said the Rev. Vitus Bogoro was killed by armed bandits as he worked on his farm. Bogoros brother, Cyril Borogo, was kidnapped in the assault, Bonugada said. On July 4, such bandits abducted the Rev. Emmanuel Silas of St. Charles Catholic Church, Zambina, Kauru County, Kaduna state, Bonugada said. He said 18 Catholic priests have been kidnapped thus far in 2022. Nigeria led the world in Christians killed for their faith last year (Oct. 1, 2020 to Sept. 30, 2021) at 4,650, up from 3,530 the previous year, according to Open Doors 2022 World Watch List report. The number of kidnapped Christians was also highest in Nigeria, at more than 2,500, up from 990 the previous year, according to the WWL report. Nigeria trailed only China in the number of churches attacked, with 470 cases, according to the report. In the 2022 World Watch List of the countries where it is most difficult to be a Christian, Nigeria jumped to seventh place, its highest ranking ever, from No. 9 the previous year. Originally published at Morning Star News. 2 Catholic priests abducted in Nigerias Kaduna State A Catholic diocese in Nigerias Kaduna State has asked the faithful to pray for two of its priests who were kidnapped from the rectory of a church, bringing the number of priests kidnapped in the country this year thus far to 20. The priests, identified as Fr. John Mark Cheitnum and Fr. Denatus Cleopas from the diocese of Kafanchan, were kidnapped Friday from the rectory of Christ the King Catholic Church in the town of Lere in Kaduna State, Catholic News Agency reported. May Jesus, crucified on the Cross, listen to our prayers and hasten the unconditional release of His priests and all other kidnapped persons, Fr. Emmanuel Uchechukwu Okolo, the dioceses chancellor, was quoted as saying. Three of the 20 Nigerian priests kidnapped this year were killed. The Catholic group Aid to the Church in Need says that at least seven were abducted this month alone. The Nigerian Diocesan Catholic Priests Association has requested that priests observe a week of prayer and fasting for the clergy who continue to serve in the country, risking their lives. Our duty is to lay before the altar of God the gratitude, cares, worries and petitions of the faithful and ours. We are advocates of pro-life and peace, the association said in a statement. Last month, unidentified terrorists killed two Catholic priests in Kaduna and Edo, a month after two other priests were slain in two other districts in the West African country. The two victims were identified as Fr. Vitus Borogo, a priest serving in the Archdiocese of Kaduna, and Fr. Christopher Odia from the Diocese of Auchi. In May, unidentified gunmen stormed a Catholic parish in northern Nigeria and abducted two priests, identified as Fr. Stephen Ojapa and Fr. Oliver Okpara from the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, and two unidentified boys from St. Patrick Catholic Church in Gidan Maikambo area of Katsina states Kafur Local Government Area, Vatican News reported at the time. In a separate incident the same month, radical Islamic militants affiliated with either radical Islamic Fulani herdsmen or the Islamic State West Africa Province terrorist group killed at least eight Christians, including children younger than 5, and wounded several others in an attack in Borno state. In a report released last year, the Anambra-based International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety) estimated that about 10 million people had been uprooted in northern Nigeria, where extremist violence was most severe, from July 2009 to July 2021. The report added that about 2,000 Christian schools were attacked during that time. The atrocities included massacres, killings, mutilations, torture, maiming, abductions, hostage-taking, rape, girl-child defilements, forced marriages, disappearances, extortions, forceful conversions and destruction or burning of homes and sacred worship and learning centers, Intersociety reported. Intersociety said the mass violence had resulted from the propagation of radical Islamism. The Nigerian government, led by President Muhammadu Buhari, who comes from a Fulani background, attributes the violence in the Middle Belt states to decades-old farmer-herder clashes. However, Christian human rights advocates have accused the government of overlooking religious elements and not doing enough to protect Nigerian citizens. Many have raised concerns about what they perceive as the governments inaction in holding terrorists accountable for the rising number of murders and kidnappings, which some groups warn have reached the level of genocide. ICC identified Nigeria as one of its 2021 Persecutors of the Year. Nigeria is one of the deadliest places on Earth for Christians, as 50,000 to 70,000 have been killed since 2000, the ICC Persecutors of the Year report states. Open Doors USA, which monitors persecution in over 60 countries, reported that at least 4,650 Christians were killed between Oct. 1, 2020, and Sept. 30, 2021. That is an increase from 3,530 the previous year. Additionally, more than 2,500 Christians were kidnapped, up from 990 a year earlier. Frank Turek says concept of 'relative truth' is a false idea that contradicts itself Apologist Frank Turek recently shot down the idea of truth being relative, countering that such an idea is inherently at odds with itself, logically speaking. The 60-year-old author, public speaker, radio host and founder of the Christian apologetics ministry CrossExamined.org told an audience of predominantly young adults at Cornerstone Chapel in Leesburg, Virginia, on Monday that any statement claiming that "there is no truth" is a "self-defeating" statement because it contradicts itself. "You hear people saying: 'there's no truth. You got your truth. I got my truth. All truth is relative.' Well, if there's no truth, Christianity can't be true. If there's no truth, atheism can't be true either. In fact, if there was no truth, would you ever go to school? Would you ever go to church? Would you ever call somebody out on a lie if there was no truth? No. Lies presuppose there's truth. Right? Of course, there's truth," Turek said. "If someone were to say to you: 'there is no truth,' you should ask that person a question. You ought to say: 'Hey, is that true? Is it true that there's no truth? Because if it's true that there's no truth, the claim there is no truth can't be true, but it claims to be true.'" Turek defined a "self-defeating statement" as one that "doesn't meet its own standard" because it "violates the law of non-contradiction," which is "one of the fundamental laws of all thought. That says that opposite ideas cannot both be true at the same time and in the same sense." "For example, if I were to say: 'I can't speak a word in English.' What would you say? 'You just used English to say it.' Right? This is a self-defeating statement. And the easiest way to identify self-defeating statements is to turn the claim on itself. That's the thinking skill. You've got to get good at turning the claim on itself," Turek noted. When Christians are faced with people who question Christianity, Turek said, they should "call a timeout briefly and apply the claim to itself [by turning] the claim on itself." Turek said if someone were to say to a Christian "all truth is relative," the Christian can turn the claim around by replying, "Is that a relative truth?" "It's an absolute truth, while claiming 'all truth is relative.' It's like when people say: 'there are no absolutes.' What are you going to say to him? 'Is that an absolute?'" he explained. In our culture today, Turek said people will often say: "there isn't the truth, only my truth," noting further examples like "you've got your truth, I've got my truth" and "you live your truth, I live my truth." "Sounds like everybody ought to agree with this, right? There's just a problem. When somebody says: 'there isn't the truth, only my truth,' if you turn the claim on itself, what question are you going to ask back?" Turek asked the audience. "You can say this: 'is that just your truth or the truth?' Right? If this statement up here is just 'your truth,' in other words, just your opinion, then why should I believe it? Right? But, if you're saying that this statement up here is 'the truth,' you just got done telling me there aren't any 'the truths.' You see the problem here? This is a 'the truth' statement claiming there are no 'the truths.'" When people say "there's no truth in anything but science," Turek said the statement can be turned on itself by responding, "Is that statement science? Is that a scientific truth?" "Can you go into the laboratory and prove this claim? No, that's a philosophical claim. You can't prove that in the laboratory. In fact, you can't do science without philosophy," Turek rationalized. "Science doesn't say anything. Scientists do. And why am I saying that? Because all data needs to be gathered, and then all data needs to be interpreted. And who does that? Scientists do that. Science doesn't say anything." Turek said it's important for Christians to understand that virtually every doubting question a non-Christian asks them about the topic of truth can be revealed as contradictory. The apologist also said it is important for Christians to understand that sharing the truth is about more than just humbly contradicting those who question the faith. He said there are two kinds of faith, "belief that" and "belief in." "'Belief that' is getting evidence that God exists, that Jesus rose from the dead,that the documents are telling us the truth. All that is apologetics; getting evidence for what you believe. But all the 'belief that' in the world won't get your moral transgressions forgiven. For that, you got to go from 'belief that' to 'belief in,'" Turek stated. He noted that James, the half-brother of Jesus, wrote in James 2:19 that "even the demons believe that God exists, but they tremble." Turek said the demons referenced didn't want to trust in Jesus. Even though the demons know He is God, "they don't trust in Him." "There's a difference between 'belief that' and 'belief in.' 'Belief that' is just of the head. 'Belief in' is not only of the head, but it's of the heart. You can know something's true and still not trust in it," Turek elaborated. "In fact, we know this in relationships. Don't we? In fact, when I first met my wife 37 years ago, I got evidence that she would be a good wife. But all the evidence in the world didn't make her my wife. I had to take a step of trust in her to ask her to be my wife. That's the difference between 'belief that' and 'belief in.'" Turek claimed that he has often heard people who reject Christianity because they are facing a "heart-issue" rather than because of factual evidence. "The problem isn't in the head. The problem is in the heart," Turek added. "They don't want it to be true." Sadie Robertson Huff encourages all Christians to be social media influencers: 'Lead your followers' Sadie Robertson Huff of "Duck Dynasty" fame recently told young adults at a Washington, D.C. church on Sunday that everyone is an influencer and that all believers should lead your followers on social media. Robertson Huff and her husband, Chris Huff, were guest speakers at Passion City Church in Washington, D.C., where they discussed topics related to social media. Jesus speaks to the things that we're facing when it comes to social media. And it was just kind of funny that Jesus literally used the verbiage when He talks to His disciples to follow Him. And I was like, that's funny because we follow each other all the time," the 25-year-old Robertson Huff said. "Obviously, it looks so different to follow Jesus then to follow someone on social media. But, I thought maybe if we can incorporate some of the principles and what it looks like to follow Jesus in our life on social media, it would be great. Robertson Huff, a podcaster and social media influencer, pointed the crowd towards two verses in Scripture Matthew 5:15 and John 8:12 which she combined to stress that the answer to conflicts caused by social media isnt for all Christians to delete their accounts. [Jesus] says: You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.' It says 'people don't light a lamp and put it under a stand. So, when I read that, I was like the answer to the Church for social media is dont delete it," she added. I think a lot of times, we just go: 'Well, its horrible. Everybody delete it. Well, youre not going to get the whole world to delete social media and you also dont want to take the Church out of social media. When Christians choose to have social media accounts, she said, their No. 1 focus should be to bring glory to God by being a light in the content that they share. Don't delete it. You know, sometimes you need to take a break from it. I actually just did that. But be in it and be the light of the world in it. And the same way that people are going to see your light, as they're scrolling on their feed, people will see your Father through you, Robertson Huff recommended. I've had so many God-stories of things that have happened through Instagram, through social media, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube. And so, I don't think [social media] is necessarily a bad thing. I just think it's a reflection of how healthy we are. Because social media is what we make it. When she was in high school, the Louisiana native recalled feeling hypocritical on social media because she was posting her life one way, and that was not exactly how it was behind the scenes. My captions would have a happy ending, but my life didn't look like the happy ending. My pictures were filtered. But in reality, I was not in the best relationships. [I] didn't have a lot of great friendships, she admitted. As a result of not being fully truthful, while also seeing only the positive aspects of other peoples lives on social media, the reality star said she struggled with anxiety, stress, insecurity, uncertainty and [feeling] discontent. I remember just thinking: This is just how it is. But, I think a lot of times, what we can do is you look around the world, and when so many people struggle with something, then you almost think that it's not a struggle anymore, but it's still a struggle, she said. It's like because everyone's anxious, then it's OK to be anxious, or because everyone is insecure, then it's OK to be insecure because everyone talks about it. But, it's not OK. It's less than the life that God's called us to live. So it's not OK. There's more to the story. Robertson Huff said as she continued in high school, she began to yearn for a more intimate relationship with God and she wanted to obey His Word. As she began to pursue God more, she realized that the way she was portraying herself on social media was not honest. She said she wanted to experience true change. I just remember feeling like I got to take God at His Word. And in doing that, I had to really surrender a lot of things; turn from a lot of things. Repentance was involved in all of that, and really dive into this Word and understand what is the more? What are the promises of God? What did God design me for? she recounted. When I began to understand His Word and how to receive those things by being within His Word, and in His Spirit and in His presence, things started to change for me. My priorities weren't worldly anymore. They were of God. Huff said that while a lot of us want the promises of God," all too often we want to live like the world," rather than walking "in obedience with the Lord. It's so worth it. Obedience is always worth it. And the world [is] saying, oh, that's not fun. I think it's way more fun to not live with anxiety and to actually be joyful, she added. Robertson Huff said Christians often tend to be quick to unfollow, cancel, block, delete anyone that says something they dont like on social media, primarily because they give in to cancel culture or unfollow culture. And sometimes, Christians can treat Jesus the same way. I think we can have that tendency with Jesus. It's like, the minute we don't like something, or the minute we don't agree with something in the Word, or something feels off, we're like 'unfollow. I'm going to follow Him in this area of life, but not in this area of life. Or [we say]: I like what He says there, so I'm with You on that, but not in that, she remarked. And I think this unwillingness to just commit to the Word of God is really showing in how if you're not committed, you're not going to get the full fruit of what it's like to follow Jesus." Canadian Catholic archdiocese sells 43 properties to pay sex abuse victims in settlement A Canadian court has approved the sale of 43 Catholic Church properties as part of a financial settlement with victims of sex abuse, with more sales expected to come later. The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of St. Johns, based in the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador, will sell the properties, including 13 church properties, after the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador approved the measure. The archdiocese directed The Christian Post to a report by Ernst & Young, a law firm that served as a court-appointed monitor for selling the properties. In its second report, the monitor noted that there were 42 sub-parcel sales of the properties to various entities, including the Basilica Heritage Foundation Inc., Rocky Hill Holdings Inc. and Emerald Atlantic Group Inc. Nineteen of the properties were listed as vacant land, with one going to the Nature Conservatory of Canada, while another went to St. Johns Independent School Inc. Notable properties on the list included the Basilica Cathedral and Pastoral Centre, St. Bonaventure's College and St. Bon's Forum, which will be historically preserved. Archbishop Peter Hundt explained in an open letter Saturday to the members of the archdiocese that the 42 parcel sales included the sale of 12 of our parish churches. Only a few of these proposed church sales are to buyers intending to have the building continue to be used as a Catholic church, wrote Hundt. Hundt also noted that the court-appointed monitors report was a proposed strategy to sell 19 properties that did not get acceptable bids, as well as the sale of 70 other properties located in Burin and Southern Avalon. Included in this list of properties are all the remaining parish churches, halls and rectories, he continued. This sale of churches and the corresponding amalgamation of parishes is a distressing and emotional process for all the people and clergy of the archdiocese. I am extremely grateful to all the clergy and parishioners, who are working hard to move forward this process by which we are seeking to meet our legal obligations to the victims of abuse and restructure our diocese in a positive and sustainable manner. Hundt concluded by asking the people of his archdiocese to pray for Gods healing grace for the victims of abuse and for the gifts of understanding, wisdom and patience for all of us as we continue to journey through this time of restructuring and change. A 43rd property, St. Paul's Parish, was later added to the initial total of 42 properties, according to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. Episcopal diocese raising funds to renovate 2 predominantly black churches An Episcopal Church diocese is helping to raise funds for two predominantly African-American mission churches in Kentucky so they can renovate their properties. The Episcopal Diocese of Kentucky is seeking to raise $200,000 for St. Georges Episcopal Church and the Church of Our Merciful Saviour, both located in the West End of Louisville. Bishop Terry White told Episcopal News Service that the two mission churches have always been in the forefront of providing community services. We played a role in these congregations buildings being in the shape that they are. We are all one, and therefore we all have a responsibility to get these buildings in good shape, he told ENS. The fundraising campaign, known as West Louisville Now, was spurred on in part by the tragic shooting of Breonna Taylor by police officers and the subsequent large-scale protests. In a letter sent out in June announcing the fundraiser, Bishop White highlighted the work of both mission churches among the community of Louisville. In addition to opening their doors for worship, they are engaged in a wide range of ministries with their neighbors. They provide food, clothing, youth enrichment opportunities, and more, he wrote last month. Their ability to live out their calling in their communities is hampered, however, by significant issues with their buildings. If crucial repairs are not made soon, our Diocese runs the risk of losing these vital ministries at a time when they are so sorely needed. For St. Georges, listed needs included $42,000 for a new gymnasium roof, $5,000 to replace rotted wood in the gymnasium, and $25,000 to resolve moisture issues in the church building. For Our Merciful Saviour, listed needs included $7,000 for a furnace for the sanctuary, $5,000 for floor repairs for the sanctuary, and $6,000 for window and door repairs and replacements. The Christian Post reached out to the diocese on Friday for more details but they were unable to respond by press time. Last September, the Episcopal Church-affiliated Virginia Theological Seminary created a slavery reparations endowment fund of about $1.7 million aimed at helping African-American clergy and the work of historically African-American congregations. The Rev. Joseph Thompson, director of the seminarys Office of Multicultural Ministries, which will oversee the fund, said the fund has the potential to be transformative. Though no amount of money could ever truly compensate for slavery, the commitment of these financial resources means that the institutions attitude of repentance is being supported by actions of repentance that can have a significant impact both on the recipients of the funds, as well as on those at VTS, stated Thompson at the time. It opens up a moment for us to reflect long and hard on what it will take for our society and institutions to redress slavery and its consequences with integrity and credibility. School board delays vote on opening Planned Parenthood at high school after parents protest Southern California's Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District announced this week that the school board has postponed a discussion and vote on a plan to open a Planned Parenthood clinic at John Glenn High School. The announcement came as over 100 people attended a meeting Monday where board members were scheduled to vote on the plan, WRC reports. A group of counter-protesters in favor of the Planned Parenthood clinic demonstrated across the street. The Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District did not immediately respond to The Christian Post's request for comment. The school district's proposed contract with Planned Parenthood is available on the school district's website. Although Planned Parenthood is the nation's largest abortion provider, it doesn't appear that abortions or hormone drugs for trans-identified students will be offered at the high school clinic. However, clinic staff may make referrals to other Planned Parenthood facilities "for services not offered" at the school. The proposed facility would be able to write prescriptions and dispense drugs related to reproductive health contraceptives, antibiotics and insert non-surgical long-acting reversible contraceptives, including IUDs. Physical examinations could also be conducted for sexually transmitted diseases. The proposal states that the clinic "will encourage students to involve their families in decision making" regarding reproductive health services. But it also states that minors can consent to those services without parental consent or notification under California law. The contract is intended to last five years, requiring board approval every five years to continue. "Families and taxpayers should be horrified that the Norwalk-La Mirada USD is considering a partnership with Planned Parenthood," Nicole Neily, the president and founder of Parents Defending Education, said in a statement to Fox News. Neily said called the move "appalling" and said the clinic will likely refer students for abortion and gender identity services. "Other Planned Parenthood clinics do provide gender-affirming hormone therapy, so there is a very real possibility students will be referred off-campus to receive this treatment again, with zero parental notification," she continued. "To add insult to injury, there is no way for parents to EVER obtain this information, as the contract asserts that all medical records are to be maintained by Planned Parenthood ('neither District staff nor a Student's parents or guardians may access the Student's medical records maintained by Provider without the written approval of the Student.')." Neily contends that parents not schools should have "primary decision-making authority," particularly when it comes to medical care. She believes the school board should be "ashamed" for considering such a contract and be "mindful of their significant legal exposure should it be ratified." In 2019, Assembly Member Jesse Gabriel of San Fernando Valley introduced Assembly Bill 624, the "Pupil and Student Health" bill. The legislation would require all middle schools, high schools, colleges, and even Christian schools to include the number of reproductive healthcare clinics on all school ID cards. Tony Perkins, president of the Christian conservative advocacy group Family Research Council, said the bill would require schools to promote the abortion industry. Gabriel called accusations that the bill was an effort to advertise for abortion providers "offensive, misleading, and flat out wrong." The assembly member was endorsed by Planned Parenthood Los Angeles and received a $4,400 campaign donation in June 2018. Last February, a Planned Parenthood employee spoke out against the corporation's practice of dispensing cross-sex hormones in an interview with journalist Abigail Shrier. The employee claimed she only saw them deny one patient cross-sex hormones. Helena Kerschner, a formerly trans-identifying woman, said in May that a nurse at Planned Parenthood prescribed her a high dosage of testosterone when she was 18 after an hour-long appointment and paying $200. As a result of taking the testosterone, Kerschner said that she started experiencing a "wide spectrum of emotions." She said transitioning did not ease the psychological issues and "definitely just derailed my life." House Passes Bill To Codify Same-Sex Marriage, Push To Remove Gender From Human Remains, Texas Sues Biden Administration link to download the audio instead. link to download the audio instead. 07:34 07:34 Members of the Democratic-led House who are fearful that the U.S. Supreme Court might one day overturn the Obergefell v. Hodgesdecision that legalized same-sex marriage nationwide passed legislation Tuesday that seeks to codify same-sex marriage into law. Texas is suing the Biden administration over guidelines released earlier this month saying that hospitals must conduct abortions in medical emergencies following the U.S. Supreme Courts overturn of Roe v. Wade. Worshiper and songwriter Meredith Mauldin is teaming up with UpperRoom to release a collection of heartfelt worship songs for their new album The Turning on DREAM Label Group. An archaeology professor says the push to eliminate the gender identification of human remains is akin to ideologically-motivated fudging" after a student argued that male and female classifications should be omittedbecause it's unknown how individuals identified themselves. A Christian woman running for mayor of a London borough has taken legal action against her former employer, claiming she was fired for expressing her views on marriage as part of her campaign. Abortionist moves to sue Indiana AG after questioning if she reported 10-year-old's abortion An abortionist who made headlines after revealing publicly that a 10-year-old rape survivor crossed state lines to get an abortion claims she followed proper protocol and is moving to sue the state's attorney general over claims that he caused her "reputational harm." In a tort claim filed Tuesday, Dr. Caitlin Bernard argued that Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita made several statements to the media that he "recklessly and/or negligently failed to ascertain" were true. She intends to seek damages for security costs, legal fees, reputational harm and emotional distress. "On July 14, 2022, various news outlets obtained the Terminated Pregnancy Report through public record requests, confirming that Dr. Bernard complied with reporting requirements under Indiana law," the legal document states. Rokita said in a July 13 interview with Fox News that his office is looking into whether Bernard violated the law by failing to report the underaged abortion of a rape victim. Indiana law requires reporting abortions for girls under the age of 16 to the state Department of Health and the state Department of Child Services within three days of the abortion. "If she failed to report it in Indiana, it's a crime for to not report, to intentionally not report," Rokita said. "This is a child, and there's a strong public interest in understanding if someone under the age of 16 or under the age of 18 or really any woman is having abortion in our state. And then if a child is being sexually abused, of course parents need to know. Authorities need to know. Public policy experts need to know." Bernard disputed Rokita's claims that she may have violated the girl's privacy rights under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act and failed to file the proper paperwork required for an underage abortion. As Politico reported Tuesday, the tort claim triggers a 90-day period where the state will investigate the matter, and a lawsuit will be filed depending on their findings. The story about the 10-year-old girl was first published by The Indianapolis Star. Bernard told the outlet on July 1 that she provided the girl with an abortion after she received a phone call from a child abuse doctor in Ohio. Bernard reportedly received the call three days after the U.S. Supreme Court returned the abortion issue to the states and triggered an Ohio law banning abortion after six weeks. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost told Fox News that the girl could have had an abortion in Ohio under the medical exception in the state's abortion law. Last Wednesday, The Columbus Dispatch reported on the arrest of 27-year-old George Fuentes, who confessed to raping the girl on at least two occasions. The girl recently turned 10 and is believed to have been 9 years old when the rape occurred, according to Assistant Franklin County Prosecutor Dan Meyer. According to an official filing obtained Thursday by Fox News Digital, Bernard erroneously filed a report with authorities declaring the girl's abortion but stated that the girl's 27-year-old alleged rapist was 17 years old. An Indiana Department of Health spokesperson told The Christian Post Tuesday that "Providers must enter the age of the father, or an estimated age if the actual age is unknown, on all terminated pregnancy reports." It is unclear if Bernard knew the actual age of the alleged father. As The New York Times reported, Bernard is said to have listed the suspect's "approximate age" as 17. The outlet reports that abortionists often make their "best guess" if a pregnancy is the result of abuse, and more details about the perpetrator are unknown to them. The girl's mother filed a report through Franklin County Children Services on June 22, which alerted Columbus police to the girl's pregnancy. During Fuentes' Wednesday arraignment, Detective Jeffrey Huhn testified that the minor underwent a chemical abortion in Indianapolis on June 30. Bernard also took issue with the claim made by Rokita on Fox News that she has a "history of failing to report." "A simple [online] check [finds] that, as of July 13, 2022, Dr. Bernard's license (No. 01078719A) was active with no disciplinary history," the tort claim states. "Thus, Mr. Rokita's statements that Dr. Bernard was an 'abortion activist acting as a doctor' with a 'history of failing to report' were false." The Christian Post reached out to Rokita's office for comment. A response was not received by press time. Bernard was among nine abortionists that Indiana Right to Life reported in 2018 were at the center of 48 consumer complaints from parents statewide, alleging they "failed to follow the legal reporting requirements to protect young children from sex abuse." Bernard's employer, Indiana University Health, also opened a HIPAA investigation after the abortionist let the girl's story get out to the news media. However, Bernard's tort claim indicates that IU Health stated on July 15, after further investigation, that Bernard acted "in compliance with privacy laws." House Democrats block resolution condemning violence against churches, pro-life pregnancy centers Congressional Democrats have blocked a resolution that would have condemned the violence directed at churches and pro-life organizations by pro-abortion activists in recent months. On Tuesday, Rep. Mike Johnson, R-La., introduced House Resolution 1233, which would "[express] the sense of the House of Representatives condemning the recent attacks on pro-life facilities, groups, and churches." The resolution noted that "since the May 2, 2022 leak of the Supreme Court's draft opinion in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, individuals professing anti-life views have targeted, destroyed, or vandalized numerous pro-life facilities, groups, and even churches to further their radical cause." The leaked Dobbs draft, published by Politico, indicated that a majority of Supreme Court justices were inclined to reverse the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion nationwide. The final Dobbsruling, released on June 24, ultimately reversed Roe and stated the Constitution doesn't confer a right to abortion. The resolution listed examples of the vandalism directed at churches and pro-life organizations before and afterDobbs. Johnson's resolution would have declared that the House "condemns recent attacks of vandalism, violence, and destruction against pro-life facilities, groups, and churches," "recognizes the sanctity of life and the important role pro-life facilities, groups, and churches play in supporting pregnant women, infants, and families." The resolution urged "the Biden Administration to use all appropriate law enforcement authorities to uphold public safety and to protect the rights of" such organizations. Johnson elaborated on the need for the resolution on the House floor as the House considered the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, the Right to Contraception Act and the Respect for Marriage Act. "If the previous question is defeated, Republicans will amend the rule to immediately consider House Resolution 1233," Johnson vowed. FLOOR ALERT: @HouseDemocrats refused @HouseGOP requests to consider @RepMikeJohnsons resolution condemning the escalating violence & vandalism by radical left-wing activists on pro-life & religious organizations that care for pregnant women, infants & families. @GReschenthalerpic.twitter.com/3XoLARiXo7 House Rules Republicans (@RulesReps) July 19, 2022 The previous question was not defeated, as the House agreed to begin debate on the three pieces of legislation in a party-line vote. Later Tuesday, the House approved the Respect for Marriage Act, which would codify same-sex marriage into federal law, accumulating support from all Democrats and 47 Republicans. The Twitter account for Republicans on the House Rules Committee shared a video of Johnson's speech on the House floor. "@HouseDemocrats refused @HouseGOP requests to consider @RepMikeJohnson's resolution condemning the escalating violence & vandalism by radical left-wing activists that care for pregnant women, infants & families," the House Rules Republicans tweeted. The push to pass the Right to Contraception Act and the Respect for Marriage Act, two of the three pieces of legislation House Democrats were seeking to begin debate on, suggests that the Dobbs ruling was very much on their minds. Progressive have feared that the Dobbs decision could pave the way for the U.S. Supreme Court to reconsider other landmark Supreme Court rulings championed by Democrats, specifically those legalizing contraception nationwide and requiring all 50 states to recognize same-sex marriages. In a concurring opinion in Dobbs, Justice Clarence Thomas suggested that the court should "reconsider" the aforementioned cases and determine "whether other constitutional provisions guarantee" the "rights" created by those decisions other than the "legal fiction" of "substantive due process." The majority opinion, written by Justice Samuel Alito, insisted that this decision concerns the constitutional right to abortion and no other right," adding, "Nothing in this opinion should be understood to cast doubt on precedents that do not concern abortion." Pro-abortion activists calling themselves Jane's Revenge have taken credit for multiple acts of vandalism against churches and pro-life organizations, recently declaring "open season" on such groups. Johnson believes inaction from the House puts churches, pro-life groups and Supreme Court justices at risk. He criticized House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., for only bringing a bill to increase security for Supreme Court justices up for a vote after police arrested a man who admitted he wanted to assassinate Justice Brett Kavanaugh but turned himself over to authorities. The bill unanimously passed the U.S. Senate and ultimately passed the House overwhelmingly six days after the assassination attempt. "Radical leftists were emboldened by the inaction of this body in the aftermath of the leaked opinion," Johnson said. "When will this body stand up against the mob? When will we restore law and order?" Johnson claims that pro-choice elected officials have done the exact opposite. On multiple occasions since the release of the Dobbs decision, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., has echoed the calls from Jane's Revenge, demanding that pro-life pregnancy centers be shut down. Most recently, Warren maintained that such organizations "are there to fool people who are looking for pregnancy termination help." "You should not be able to torture a pregnant person like that," she added. "We need to shut them down here in Massachusetts, and we need to shut them down all around the country." Many pro-life pregnancy centers are staffed by licensed medical professionals and provide things like pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, prenatal care, cancer screenings and treatment for sexually transmitted diseases. Many also provide families with diapers, wipes, baby formula, baby food, clothing and other supplies. Heidi Matzke, the executive director of Alternatives Pregnancy Center in Sacramento, California, told the Senate Judiciary Committee last week that her clinic has recently spent up to $150,000 to improve security measures. "Our clinic is one of 3,000 pregnancy care centers across America," Matzke said. "Each year, hundreds of thousands come to our clinics looking for free medical care, emotional support and practical resources that will enable them to carry their pregnancies to term." Archaeology professor resists push to omit gender when identifying human remains An archaeology professor says the push to eliminate the gender identification of human remains is akin to ideologically-motivated fudging" after a student argued on social media that male and female classifications should be omitted because it's unknown how ancient individuals identified themselves. Earlier this month, Canadian masters degree candidate Emma Palladino expressed concern in a tweet that archaeologists who locate remains will identify the remains as either male or female the gender they were assigned at birth. Palladino argued that assigning gender to human remains is bull. "Archaeologists are acutely aware of how culturally and spatially relative the concepts of sex, gender, and identity are. While a bioarchaeologist might identify a set of remains as 'probably female,' it is understood that the gender of an individual is never necessarily the same as their sex, and that gender is a whole spectrum we've barely begun to unpack," she added. "We can make culturally-specific inferences about gender if we have a good idea of the gender norms+identities within a given culture, but beyond that, it's never a given. ... "And even IF some s- archaeologist in the future misgenders you, that will never change who you were, regardless of whether you've medically or socially transitioned, regardless of anything. You are you, a dignified human, and always will be, even in death." Palladino isn't the only person pushing for gender identity to be omitted from the identification of skeletal remains. An organization known as the Trans Doe Task Force maintains a database of missing or unidentified people it believes self-identified as transgender. Activists in the group are seeking to explore ways in which current standards in forensic human identification do a disservice to people who do not clearly fit the gender binary. Contrary to that view, San Jose State archaeology professor Elizabeth Weiss compared eliminating gender classifications to ideologically-motivated fudging in a statement to The College Fix. Weiss said there is a movement among academics toward getting all of the academys favored shibboleths to accord with one another. She also asserted that the increased presence of trans-identifying individuals is a trend that is social and not biological, so retroactively de-sexing obscures this obvious fact. In addition, the professor said that assigning biological sex to human remains has improved perceptions about women. Some early anthropologists sometimes mistook some robust female skeletons as male skeletons, particularly in the Aleut and Inuit collections; this reinforced false stereotypes that females were not as hard working as males, she said. Over time, biological anthropologists and archaeologists worked hard to determine which traits are determined by sex, regardless of time and culture. This new policy of erasing this progress is a step back for science and women. As The Fix reported in February, Weiss is suing San Jose State University for locking her out of its collection of human remains when she had previously been the curator. The professor alleges the school took this action due to her position on the repatriation of human remains. Weiss doesn't believe remains should be reburied, arguing that they could hold valuable information. Last year, National Public Radio reported that a DNA analysis of a medieval warrior thought to be female belonged to a nonbinary person. The study was published in the peer-reviewed European Journal of Archaeology. The grave containing the remains was first discovered in 1968 in Suontaka Vesitorninmaki, southern Finland. The remains were buried alongside a sword and jewelry found in fragments of woolen clothes, which were "a typical feminine costume of the era." A DNA analysis in the study purportedly showed that the chromosomes are neither male nor female. Ulla Moilanen, the studys lead author, said the findings are proof that "biology does not directly dictate a person's self-identity. The researchers concluded that the deceased was likely a male who had Klinefelter syndrome. According to the British National Health Service, females are typically born with two X chromosomes, and males are born with XY chromosomes. A man with Klinefelter syndrome might be born with an extra X chromosome, in addition to low levels of testosterone and infertility. While the researchers noted the remains were badly damaged, they claim that through the use of modeling, they "found overwhelming evidence that the genetic data of the Suontaka individual most closely resemble an XXY karyotype." Although the researchers use the term nonbinary in their study, it's complicated, NPR reported. People choose whether to identify as nonbinary, and it's not known how this ancient person identified. Also, many people with Klinefelter syndrome, which is one of the chromosomal patterns under the umbrella term intersex, do not consider themselves nonbinary. How should people of faith worldwide respond to the Dobbs decision? In the wake of the U.S. Supreme Courts decision to overturn Roe v Wade, global news commentators and abortion advocates almost uniformly stated that the US is going into the dark ages on the issue of a womans right to her own body. In this new era of legal change and scientific breakthrough, we need to examine the issues further. The first issue is the role of courts in a democratic government. In the Dobbs decision, the US Supreme Court passed the responsibility of decision-making to state legislatures and peoples representatives. This was an important self-correction. The Supreme Court is not elected, but rather appointed, and only to provide constitutional judicial decisions based upon applying existing law fairly when disputes arise. When courts take on the roles of the executive branch and the legislative branch of government, they cause enormous confusion for institutions of democracy. Where I live in India, our Supreme Court recently ventured outside its lane and began interpreting which religious practices were acceptable and which werent. Strictly speaking, these issues are the domain of religious adherents and should be referred to the peoples elected representatives. With that, its worth mentioning that a nations Supreme Court is not infallible. Thus, precedent cannot always be the final say on a matter. Checks and balances are required in democratic power structures. However, legislative bodies have shirked contentious decisions and passed the buck to the courts. The second issue is determining when the fertilized egg in the womb becomes a human person. To be clear, it is not in the realm of the Supreme Court to adjudicate on profound theological issues that affect many faiths. Many in the faith community lean toward the view that the moment of a babys consciousness is the emergence of the human person in the womb. Others lean toward the view that human life begins at conception. As difficult of a question as this is, there is enough science at present to show that the moment the heartbeat begins in the womb there is a living person inside with its own level of consciousness. At the present time, babies are incubated in a mothers womb. But as science progresses, the time is coming when babies will be incubated outside a womans womb. The termination of a life in which the baby has a heartbeat and is conscious presents one of the most profound ethical questions that society faces. The third issue is if society holds that human life is sacred or can be terminated on demand. If life is indeed sacred, an unborn, conscious babys life cannot be terminated whether in the womb or outside the womb. Exceptions such as pregnancy due to rape could be dealt with before the fetus becomes self-conscious, and a pregnancy that becomes a threat to the mother could be considered holistically. Only a profoundly inhumane society would terminate an unborn conscious baby, unless we create a new kind of society that terminates life on demand, regardless of how advanced the pregnancy is. Aborting babies who may have a genetic defect also defies the sanctity of human life, as does abortion for gender-selection. Today, as women the world over campaign for their unlimited right of abortion, it is estimated that about 12 million female babies have been aborted in my country due to societys discrimination toward females, and this trend is not diminishing. If civil societies decide to view personal human rights merely through a linear approach, without considering how the exercise of the personal rights of one impinges on the personal rights of another, we will end up with a totally selfish and narcissistic society. Understanding the role of the courts, crafting laws that limit or allow abortion, and determining when life beginsthese are just a few of the many critical components of this debate. Moving forward, and regardless of those critical components mentioned, it is up to people of faith in the U.S. and around the world to come up with practical solutions to take care of babies who are born that a woman did not want to raise. Many solutions are already in place, and this is a moment for keeping our promises and standing in the gap for women who need help. Without a faith-led social care network, faith becomes simply hollow and hypocritical. While we advocate for humane laws and a society that views life as sacred, we can still fulfill our role as compassionate problem solvers in the meantime. Why so many religious people remain unconverted An unbeliever becomes a believer in Jesus Christ by the miracle of conversion. This supernatural act occurs on the front end of a persons relationship with God. (Acts 2:41; 8:12; 15:3; 16:29-34; 17:12; Romans 5:1,2; 1 Corinthians 6:11; Ephesians 2:8,9; Titus 3:4-7) No one gets converted by being religious, yet that doesnt stop many people from trying. Man naturally assumes he can earn salvation by being good enough and jumping through certain religious hoops. Many people choose to rely upon their religious efforts for salvation rather than upon Christ's sacrifice on the cross. This insistence on trying to work your way to Heaven is the biggest indicator that a person is spiritually dead. (Galatians 3:10; Ephesians 2:1, 8-9) Unconverted religious people are tragically mistaken to assume they are saved. There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death (Proverbs 14:12). The fact of the matter is that mans religious deeds cannot wash away even one of his sins. Fallen angels also hinder people from getting converted. Demons constantly oppose the proclamation of the Gospel, (Ephesians 6:10-12) which is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes (Romans 1:16). Satan works to distort the message and has actually "blinded the minds of unbelievers so that they cannot see the light of the Gospel (2 Corinthians 4:4). In addition, false prophets lead hordes of unsuspecting people astray. Scripture describes how churches in Galatia were infiltrated by false teachers who claimed that circumcision is necessary for salvation. This unbiblical teaching created spiritual havoc and utter confusion. The Apostle Paul addressed this deadly error head-on: You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified. I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by observing the Law, or by believing what you heard? Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort? (Galatians 3:1-3) If man could save his soul by doing religious deeds, do you honestly think God would have sent his only Son to suffer what Jesus endured on the cross for our sins? Paul wrote: I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the Law, Christ died for nothing! (Galatians 2:21) The Law has never brought a single soul to Heaven. In fact, All who rely on observing the Law are under a curse (Galatians 3:10). Thats right. A curse! God has made it very clear in his Word that it is impossible for man to earn eternal life in Heaven by his deeds. Salvation is a free gift that is received through faith in Jesus. (Romans 3:21-26; 6:23) Conversion is not a work of man, but a miracle of God through the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus said, Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit (John 3:6). Attending church services does not make a person a Christian and religious practices cannot save your soul. The New Testament uses a variety of words to describe those who have been converted: saved, redeemed, born again, justified, and forgiven. Jesus never told anyone, You must be religious. But he did say, You must be born again (John 3:7). The miracle of conversion takes place when a sinner trusts Jesus to wash away his sins. Have you been converted? Perhaps you are not sure. You could resolve the uncertainty right now. Simply ask the Lord in faith: Wash me, Jesus, with your precious blood. And believe in your heart that Christ died to redeem your soul from sin and death, and that the Messiah rose from the dead on the third day. The Pharisees assumed they knew God. But Jesus told them, You do not know me or my Father. If you knew me, you would know my Father also (John 7:19). Most of those religious leaders remained unconverted because they refused to receive Jesus the Messiah. The Apostle John wrote, Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God - children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husbands will, but born of God (John 1:12,13). Have you received Jesus as your Savior? Are you saved, redeemed, born again, justified and forgiven? Or are you merely jumping through some religious hoops in hopes that you can do enough to gain Gods acceptance and forgiveness? A man is justified by faith apart from observing the Law (Romans 3:28). Clearly no one is justified before God by the Law, because, The righteous will live by faith. (Galatians 3:11). Forgiveness of sins is only given to those who trust in Christ alone. Dont be surprised, however, if you find yourself resisting the Gospel message. Believe it or not, people often have a hard time accepting the free gift of salvation. I did it my way describes mans natural determination to try to save his own soul. Pride keeps many people out of Heaven. Are you currently too proud to be converted? If so, will you transfer your confidence away from your dead works (Hebrews 6:1) and place your faith in Christ alone? After all, what makes you think you are good enough to get into Heaven on your own merits? Gods Word reminds believers: For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast (Ephesians 2:8,9). Regardless of your religious history, you would be wise to repent of your sins and place your faith in the death of Jesus for the salvation of your soul. Receive Christ by faith. (John 1:12) Trust him to forgive your sins. (Romans 10:11) "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved (Acts 16:31). Christian mayoral candidate fired by employer for publicizing views on marriage Case believed to be 'first of its kind,' watchdog group says A Christian woman running for mayor of a London borough has taken legal action against her former employer, claiming she was fired for expressing her views on marriage as part of her campaign. Maureen Martin, 56, was fired for gross misconduct by LONDON & Quadrant Housing Trust (L&Q), where she worked for over a decade. Her termination came after three complaints were filed in response to a campaign statement she made in support of the biblical definition of marriage, according to the advocacy group Christian Legal Centre. As part of her campaign for mayor of Lewisham, just southeast of London, Martin shared a graphic stating her positions on knife crime, housing and marriage. She said that "natural marriage between a man and a woman is the fundamental building block for a successful society." Martin shared the graphic with residents in Lewisham on April 18 as part of her campaign. An image of her "six point plan" leaflet was shared on social media, with at least one user calling it "hate speech" and suggesting it "broke the law." In addition to her work at the housing trust, Martin is an ordained Christian minister who serves as president of the Christian People's Alliance (CPA), a political party in the United Kingdom founded in 1999. Martin worked for L&Q as a housing manager for 13 years with what her legal team describes as "an unblemished record and had good relationships with LGBT colleagues and service users in her non-customer facing role." According to the Christian Legal Centre, Martin was called into her employer's HR office a few days later and informed of three anonymous complaints calling Martin "hateful" and a "bigoted moron." A third complaint demanded that L&Q require her to "actively participate in anti-oppressive training and for disciplinary action to be taken to address her statements." She was told in a subsequent meeting that her tweets and manifesto were "homophobic" and in breach of the company's social media policy. When asked about her Christian beliefs on marriage, Martin told HR: "This is freedom of speech. What's the point in being allowed freedom of speech if you can't have it?" "I'm a Christian. It's just my preference that a marriage be between a man and a woman," Martin reportedly told her bosses. "My view doesn't affect my job in any way and hasn't done since 2007. I've had no complaints from people of other sexual orientations or colleagues. I've never displayed or raised homophobic opinions in any form in my job." After being asked about posts on social media, Martin was asked if she would continue running for mayor of Lewisham, to which she replied in the affirmative. According to Christian Legal Centre, Martin was accused of failing to declare political activity and a conflict of interest with L&Q's policies banning staff engagement "in any political or campaigning activity that might compromise the position of L&Q." An investigating officer with the company allegedly told Martin that her stating her views on marriage publicly brought "L&Q into disrepute," suggesting that her photo on the campaign leaflet "is clearly linked to L&Q." Martin was suspended until May 4 for "discrimination via homophobic tweets posted on Twitter" and bringing the company into disrepute, which in turn prevented her from resuming her mayoral campaign. Following her suspension and a disciplinary hearing, Martin was terminated for gross misconduct. Her dismissal letter quoted by the Christian Legal Centre stated the cause was for tweets and beliefs "perceived to be discriminatory, hurtful and offensive views towards members of the LGBTQ+ community, non-traditional families, and abortion." Martin brings her legal complaint on grounds of discrimination, harassment, indirect discrimination and unfair dismissal. In a statement to The Christian Post, Fiona Fletcher-Smith, L&Q Group chief executive, said: "We are proud to promote equality for people from all backgrounds. Whilst we respect that individuals' freedom to hold particular religious or other beliefs is absolute, we do not tolerate it when these beliefs are manifested in a way that is derogatory or offensive to others." Andrea Williams, chief executive of the Christian Legal Centre, said the case is believed to be the first of its kind. "We have never seen a case like this which sends a crushing message to anyone who believes in Christian marriage and wishes to express those beliefs at work or in public office," said Williams. In response to Martin's firing, The Christian People's Alliance said in a statement that "offense is part of a functioning society." "This fine nation once stood on the pedestal of freedom of speech however, this unparalleled action seems to be a way for the LGBT Cartel to dictate our thoughts and feelings," the political party's statement reads. "We simply can't have a nation that prosecutes citizens for speaking out against immoral behavior or for having a different opinion." This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate BERLIN (AP) Natural gas started flowing through a major pipeline from Russia to Europe on Thursday after a 10-day shutdown for maintenance but the gas flow remained well short of full capacity and the outlook was uncertain, which leaves Europe still facing the prospect of a hard winter. Deliveries through the Nord Stream 1 pipeline under the Baltic Sea resumed at 40% of capacity, the level they had been at for weeks before annual maintenance. The German government announced that it would step up its gas storage requirements and take further measures to save gas. The pipeline had been closed since July 11 for maintenance. Amid growing tensions over Russias war in Ukraine, German officials had feared that the pipeline the countrys main source of Russian gas, which recently has accounted for around a third of Germanys gas supplies might not reopen at all. But the gas deliveries that were arriving still weren't enough to resolve Europe's energy crisis, and officials suspect that Russia is likely to disrupt supplies further. German Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck said the reduced supply speaks a clear political language and confirms that we can't rely on deliveries. The outlook is simply extremely volatile, said Klaus Mueller, the head of Germany's network regulator. We must save more to get through the next two winters well. Russia's state-owned Gazprom reduced the flow through Nord Stream 1 by 60% in mid-June, citing alleged technical problems involving equipment that partner Siemens Energy sent to Canada for overhaul and couldnt be returned because of sanctions over Russias invasion of Ukraine. The Canadian government earlier this month gave permission for the turbine to be delivered to Germany. The German government has rejected Gazproms technical explanation for the gas reduction, charging repeatedly that it was only a pretext for the Kremlin's political decision to sow uncertainty and further push up energy prices. It has said the turbine was a replacement that was only supposed to be installed in September. Russia is using the great power it has too great a power, which we gave Russia to blackmail Europe, said Habeck, who is also the economy minister and responsible for energy. He said of the turbine: Sometimes one has the impression that Russia doesn't want to take it back at all. Russian President Vladimir Putin said this week that Gazprom still hadnt received the relevant documents for the turbines return, and questioned the quality of the repair work. Putin said Gazprom would shut another turbine for repairs in late July, and if the one that was sent to Canada wasnt returned by then, the flow of gas to Germany would decline even further. Habeck said the turbine was in Germany at the beginning of this week, and German authorities will say when it has reached Russia and been handed over to Gazprom. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Thursday underlined Moscow's insistence that Nord Stream 1 was not operating at full capacity due to technical problems that he blamed on European sanctions. But Simone Tagliapietra, an energy policy expert at the Bruegel think tank in Brussels, said Russia was playing a strategic game." Keeping low flows going is better than cutoff. It decreases Europes resolve to reduce gas demand, he said. He warned that Europe must go into crisis mode anyway "because an interruption is likely to happen in the winter. And each cubic meter of gas saved now makes Europe more resilient in the next months. The European Commission proposed this week that its 27 nations cut their gas use by 15% over the coming months as the bloc braces for a possible full Russian cutoff of gas supplies. Germany and the rest of Europe are scrambling to fill gas storage in time for winter and reduce their dependence on Russian energy imports. Germany has Europes biggest economy; gas is important to power its industries, provide heating and, to some extent, generate electricity. Last month, the government activated the second phase of Germanys three-stage emergency plan for natural gas supplies, warning that Europes biggest economy faced a crisis and winter storage targets were at risk. As of Thursday, Germany's gas storage was 65.1% full. Habeck said the government is tightening storage requirements to ensure that storage facilities aren't tapped for gas. There will be a new requirement for storage to be 75% full by Sept. 1 and the targets for October and November will be raised to 85% and 95% respectively, from 80% and 90% at present. The government plans to ban the heating of private pools with gas. It wants to encourage energy saving in public buildings and offices, arguing that spaces where people don't regularly spend time shouldn't be heated. And it wants to suspend requirements in some private housing contracts for tenants to heat rooms to a minimum temperature. To make up for shortfalls, the German government has given the green light for utility companies to fire up 10 dormant coal-fired power plants and six that are oil-fueled. Another 11 coal-fired power plants scheduled to be shut down in November will be allowed to keep operating. Habeck said Thursday that dormant lignite-fired power plants also will be cleared for reactivation starting in October. And trains transporting oil and coal could be given priority. ____ Follow the APs coverage of the war at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine (Bloomberg) -- At a remote Mexico border crossing a few miles upriver from Laredo, Texas, a green highway sign welcomes friends of an American company in an instantly recognizable font: TESLA. After moving its headquarters to Austin from Silicon Valley, Elon Musks firm has struck a deal with one of Mexicos most pro-business states. Tesla Inc. suppliers now have a dedicated lane at the Colombia Solidarity checkpoint to quicken the crossing, said Ivan Rivas, the economy minister of Nuevo Leon. It was a simple incentive, Rivas said in an interview. What we want is a crossing thats much more expedited and efficient. And maybe there will be a lane for other companies in the future like there is for Tesla. Tesla didnt respond to an emailed request for comment, and Rivas, who didnt negotiate the deal, was unable to provide further information. Other state officials didnt return calls seeking comment, so its difficult to know what Tesla gave, if anything, for its express lane. The exact rules for usage and who administers any paperwork or passes needed to drive back and forth were also unclear. Nuevo Leon borders the US for about 10 miles, and the Colombia Solidarity site is among the less popular crossings. At its busiest point, average wait time for commercial trucks is about 20 minutes. The states border authority is expanding the Colombia crossing to eight lanes from six. The state is home to at least six suppliers for Tesla, up from zero companies tied to the electric-vehicle sector before 2021, Rivas said. He expects between 5% and 7% of the investment in the state this year to come from the EV industry. The Tesla suppliers include Taiwanese companies EnFlex Corp. and Quanta Computer, French firm Faurecia SE, Germanys ZF Friedrichshafen AG and APG Mexico, Rivas said. Nuevo Leon is turning into an electro-mobility hub, Rivas said. As for Musk, he proudly talks up his companys factory presence north of the border, tweeting this week that Teslas are the most made-in-USA vehicles. 2022 Bloomberg L.P. This article was first published on NerdWallet.com. After a two-year slump in college enrollment, theres at least one early indicator of a reversal ahead: Financial aid application submissions are up. The latest federal data, tracked by the National College Attainment Network, or NCAN, show 4.6% more high school seniors completed the college financial aid application compared with 2020. The application, known as the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, is key to accessing financial aid that includes Pell Grants, scholarships and federal student loans. Rates of completion among high school seniors typically correlate with freshman college enrollment in the fall. Prior to the pandemic, the FAFSA completion rate was at 53.8% for the class of 2019. But that rate started dipping in 2020 and hit a low of 49.8% among the class of 2021. The latest spring 2022 data on college enrollments also showed a two-year decline of 7.4% (about 1.3 million students), according to data from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center. But the most recent data NCAN analyzed show the rate has increased to 52.1% among the class of 2022. Its a welcome sign for those who fear pandemic-fueled enrollment declines will be permanent. Whats going right Boosts in aid applications are highest among schools with high populations of low-income and minority students. Urban schools saw gains, as well. Bill DeBaun, NCANs senior director of data and strategic initiatives, says he thinks a more normal in-person school experience is making a difference. The theory Im working on is that being back in school reconnected students with a lot of in-school supports, says DeBaun. By supports, he means in-person interactions with guidance counselors, teachers and peers, which can make the difference between submitting the FAFSA or not. The five places in the country with the highest completion rates Louisiana, Tennessee, the District of Columbia, Illinois and Texas showcase the range of successful approaches. Tennessee has one of the more successful free college programs, the Tennessee Promise, that requires the FAFSA in order to access. But that might not tell the whole story, since other states, like Washington, also have free college programs but continue to lag in FAFSA completion. Meanwhile, Colorado, Illinois and Texas have Universal FAFSA mandates that require applications in order to graduate. Texas, the state with the newest mandate, saw a 25.9% increase in completion over the last year. A few other states have mandates, too, including California, Alabama and Maryland all of which have had higher overall completion rates compared with other states. In Washington, D.C., a districtwide FAFSA initiative supports and encourages public high schools and community organizations to increase aid application rates. There are even awards for the most successful schools. Keep your optimism cautious Despite across-the-board gains, the 2022 FAFSA completion rate is still not quite on par with pre-pandemic rates. And the latest enrollment data from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center is not yet available. Neither is the latest data on FAFSA renewals. The previously available federal data through Sept. 15, 2021, show 1% fewer renewals for 2020-21 compared with 2019-20, according to NCAN. DeBaun says its possible to see this previous dip in renewals bounce back. Students have been pulled out of the classroom and into the workforce by plentiful entry-level jobs that dont require a degree and come with higher-than-usual wages, DeBaun says. But those jobs and wages might not be durable in the long run, and at least some of those workers could eventually land back in school. Hot economies dont last forever, and that pendulum will swing back to where well have employees on the margins who will go back to school to retool, to upskill, DeBaun says. Employment opportunity isn't the only thing keeping students out of the classroom: A 2022 Gallup-Lumina Foundation study found that among those who were enrolled during the pandemic, but left without a degree, cost was the most significant factor in students reasons for not currently attending. How to complete the FAFSA Completing the FAFSA is crucial if you attend college even if you dont think youll qualify for need-based aid. You need to submit each year you plan to attend. The FAFSA is open now for fall 2022. The 2023-24 FAFSA form will open Oct. 1. To complete the FAFSA: Follow the instructions on StudentAid.gov to create your Federal Student Aid ID. Gather your documents needed to complete the form (heres a checklist). Use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool to transfer your prior-prior year tax information. List up to 10 schools you want to apply to. Anna Helhoski writes for NerdWallet. Email: anna@nerdwallet.com. Twitter: @AnnaHelhoski. The article A Positive Sign for College Enrollment Finally originally appeared on NerdWallet. Social media and reality star Kylie Jenner and her boyfriend Travis Scott, are facing backlash for "climate crimes" following a recent Instagram post showcasing their private jets. The makeup mogul shared a black-and-white photo captioned "you wanna take mine or yours?" showing the couple embracing on an airport tarmac near their respective private jets. Their four-year-old daughter Stormy Webster was also pictured in the photo as well as a Rolls Royce. Some followers deemed the photo "goals," including members of Jenner's family. Her mother Kris Jenner wrote "decisions, decisions." Some, however, criticized Jenner and Scott in the comments for flaunting the couple's his-and-hers private planes. "Why do I have to limit my meat consumption and use paper straws while the 1% gets to pump tons of carbon into the atmosphere for a day trip to Palm Springs?" read one of the top comments on the post. "Your waste of gas emissions or mine," read another of the more than 47,000 comments. Another user commented: "Maybe take neither's and reduce your carbon footprint." The derision carried over to Twitter, where user @emily_murname shared screenshots of a recent flight made by Jenner's plane that was logged by @CelebJets, a bot account that tracks and tweets celebrity private air travel. Departing from Camarillo, California and arriving in Van Nuys, California, the flight has an estimated car travel time of 42 minutes, according to MapQuest's RoutePlanner tool. One Twitter user went as far as labeling Jenner a "full time climate criminal." Another brought up Scott's Astroworld Festival tragedy, tweeting: "Kylie Jenner and Travis Scott need access to 2 private jets at a time in case they need to flee again if people get trampled to death." "We got 8 years to save the world and capitalism tells me I have to do everything I can to save the world but Kylie Jenner and Travis Scott have to pick what private jet they wanna take a 20 minute flight on," another Twitter user wrote. Jenner and Scott have yet to respond to the public criticism and the post remains up as of Thursday afternoon. Jenner has since limited comments on the photo. It may seem like a peculiar choice for a Houston chef to pick up and open a restaurant in Nova Scotia, but for Chris Williams, chef and owner of Houston-based Lucille's Hospitality Group, it's a family matter. Emile's Black Point Bistro debuted in a small Canadian town this week, a venture dedicated to Williams' sons whose roots hark back to his own as a young chef. In 2006, a 20-something Williams found himself living north of the border after returning from a four-year trek through Europe. "I had 32 euros on me when I got to Canada from Germany, and I needed to get back to Houston," he shared. "I bought a pack of cigarettes for $18 and then I was completely broke." After failed attempts to win some cash in a Nova Scotian casino, the young wanderer embraced the fact that he would be sticking around for a while. His extended stay lasted almost two years, during which time he received news that he would soon be a father. "I needed to get some serious income going, so we moved to Washington D.C., and I worked in a restaurant where I went from line cook to executive chef in 8 months," he said. "I had a fire under me." A year and a half later, Williams made it back home to Houston with his family, and two years after that began putting wheels in motion to open Lucille's, a Southern restaurant in the Museum District honoring his grandmother's legacy. But it was a rocky road for the couple. They eventually divorced, and Williams' ex-wife returned to Nova Scotia with their sons in tow. Lucille's Hospitality Group A decade after introducing Houstonians to Lucille's, the rising star is making his presence known internationally with the opening of Emile's Black Point Bistro, a Canadian restaurant with a Lebanese twist in Black Point, Nova Scotia. The attractiveness of the locale is obvious: It's 30 miles outside of Halifax, where Williams used to live, and a hop, skip and a jump away from his children. Beyond his personal reasons, Williams was inspired by the area's history. A town once known as Africville on the south shore of the Bedford Basin was home to a tight-knit African-Canadian community established in the mid-1800s. But in 1964, the Halifax City Council voted to relocate residents to make way for industry and infrastructuresomething Africville locals were not kept apprised ofand the town was obliterated. "People in Africville owned their own stores. There was a post office, a school, a church, and they bulldozed it down with no notice, nothing," said Williams. "It's all gone, they just wiped it out." The area still has a large African-Canadian presence today, but Williams says from what he has observed, there is very little ownership. He wanted to set a different example for his sons. The mover and shaker, named a James Beard Award finalist for Outstanding Restaurateur this year, has accomplished much in the last decade, with more on the horizon. Lucille's hits its 10-year anniversary this summer; Late August is slated to open at The Ion shortly after; he is helping revamp the historic Eldorado Ballroom in Third Ward; all the while continuing to expand his nonprofit, Lucille's 1913. Jenn Duncan While he has plenty going on in Houston, it was important for Williams to share some of the hustle with his sons in Nova Scotia. "I chose this location for them, so they can see me, and watch me struggle," he said. "I need to provide them with an example of what it is to be fearless, and to not give up." Now 13 and 14 years old, his sons have witnessed the challenges first hand. Weaving historical elements of a person or place into his concepts has become part of Williams' M.O., and Emile's is no different. The space was once home to Samira's, a Lebanese restaurant Williams often frequented during his time in Canada, run by husband and wife team Emile and Samira Thomeh. The new concept honors the duo who operated it for more than 40 years, and who still live in an apartment above it. The restaurant showcases photos of the Thomeh family, and touts "Canadian fare with Lebanese flair," a nod to Samira's. The menu includes harissa-roasted wings with tzatziki, mussels with sumac and ice wine, and fish and chips with lemon za'atar tartare sauce. Williams says they source local as much as they can from the many area farmers. Williams was also adamant Emile's would have a daily rotation of oysters, saying the local bivalves are the best he's ever had. He trained the staff in shucking, and himself shucked 260 oysters in two days. Lucille's Hospitality Group Emile's will be a seasonal restaurant, open from May to November. "We don't want to stay here during a Canadian winter," Williams laughed. He is in Nova Scotia for the time being while his sons are summering, cooking alongside his long-time chef de cuisine and business partner Khang Hoang, who will stay on to man the kitchen after Williams returns to Houston. Williams was intentionally quiet with the promotion of Emile's, nervous about how the community would react to an Americanand a Texanopening a restaurant there. But a road sign reading "oysters and cold beer" was all it took to reel the crowds in. Emile's doubled the net sales Lucille's did on its first day, and tripled it on its second day. Like all of his concepts, 10 percent of Emile's proceeds will go to Lucille's 1913's philanthropic efforts. The next decade may bring even more changes for Williams, as he's by no means limiting himself to North America. "I see nothing but space and opportunity to embrace other cultures through new restaurants," he said. "I need to show my sons not to accept things as they are, and that you can try and do whatever you want, as long as you don't quit." Syd Kearney / Houston Chronicle Culinary history, especially in Houston and Texas, is worth holding onto. That's the tough job of the folks at the Texas Historical Commission (THC), who this week put out a call for historic taquerias in the stateand they want Texans' help. THC is the state agency for historic preservation, whose team documents Texas moments, landmarks and people of the past through education, programming and public campaigns. The commission is made up of 15 citizen members appointed by the governor. Texas Department of State Health Services On Thursday, City of Laredo officials issued a report on a cancer cluster investigation in several North Laredo districts. The report issued by the Texas Department of State Health Services indicated that in three census tracts in North Laredo, there is a higher rate of cancer. Specifically, the report states that from 2006 to 2019 the rate of all-age non-Hodgkin lymphoma extranodal "was statistically significantly greater than expected" in the three areas surveyed which include Las Minas Rd and Los Corralitos Colonia in northwest Laredo. BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) Republican North Dakota Attorney General Drew Wrigley on Thursday dismissed bipartisan calls for an independent investigation into possible violations of the states open records laws by his office. We consider this matter closed, Wrigley told The Associated Press. Meanwhile, North Dakota lawmakers are pledging a review and possible overhaul of the states open records laws after an assistant to the states longest-serving attorney general ordered his emails deleted a day after he died, erasing more than two decades of historic and legal documents. Wrigley said he was disappointed that the emails were erased, and that Wayne Stenehjem himself would have wanted them preserved. Wayne would have seen the value" to the person who succeeded him, Wrigley said. Bismarck GOP Rep. Glenn Bosch, who heads the Legislatures Information Technology Committee, said the issue of open record retention will be placed on the panels agenda when it meets next in September. I think everybody in the Legislature wants us to look at this and fix what needs to be fixed, he said. Wrigley, who was appointed to the post in February by Gov. Doug Burgum, said that an investigation by his office found no criminal wrongdoing by Liz Brocker, who handled the deletion of Stenhejems state email account. Wrigley said attorneys in his office who investigated the issue are experts in the states open meetings and records laws, and came to the conclusion that no laws were broken. Forwarding his offices investigation for an independent review would have done nothing more than create political theater, he said. An open records request showed that Brocker, who has resigned, asked for Stenehjems account to be deleted in an email to an information technology employee on Jan. 29. She wrote that the deletion was approved by then-Deputy Attorney General Troy Seibel. We want to make sure no one has an opportunity to make an Open Record request for his emails, especially as he kept EVERYTHING, Brockers email said. The revelation of the deleted emails was made public last week when Wrigley responded to open records requests about a $1.8 million cost overrun on the lease for the attorney generals office when Stenehjem was in charge. Wrigley had to explain in his response why certain information was not available. North Dakota law makes tampering with public records a felony if a public official knowingly, without lawful authority, destroys, conceals, removes, or otherwise impairs the verity or availability of a government record. The open records law doesnt set requirements for retaining records. A separate records management law requires each agency to establish a retention policy. Wrigley said he and his attorneys found no violations of his agencys retention policy. But an AP review of the policy found, for example, that the attorney generals office is required to retain emails from and to state legislators for three years after the current fiscal year. Wrigley said he was aware of that provision but that it wasnt practical to retain every email, due to excessive cost and and the lack of storage ability. Bosch, who heads the Legislatures IT committee, said each state agency should probably abide by a consistent and clear policy. I dont think it has to be over complicated, he said. Every agency must follow a policy and the same policy. The attorney general is tasked with investigating complaints about possible violations of state open records and meetings laws in state and local governments. Grand Forks Democratic Rep. Corey Mock, who sits on the Legislatures IT committee, said it was ironic that the agency charged with enforcing open records laws, purged public records without any oversight. Mock said the attorney generals office now has likely has lost credibility to render a fair judgment to a public entity that may be accused of open meetings or records violations. I think they are on thin ice, he said. ___ The story has been updated to correct the spelling of Corey Mock's first name, quote from Wrigley on preservation of emails. Summer's heat calls for crisp, light, refreshing wines to revive us and prepare our palates for the meal to come. Portugal's vinho verde does just that, with relatively low alcohol, high acidity and zippy effervescence. Riesling follows for a light meal or first course, and then, when the big hunk of meat comes off the grill, it's time for a bold red. We have all three here this week. - - - GREAT VALUE Costa do Sol Vinho Verde NV 2 stars Portugal, $12 Vinho verde has become Portugal's best contribution to summer since the Port Tonic cocktail. These light, citrusy wines come with a slight carbonation that make them extra refreshing. The Costa do Sol actually leans more toward an apricot orchard than a citrus grove, which gives it a satisfying fullness on the palate. The fizz is more subtle than with most vinhos verde. Extremely gulpable. Alcohol by volume: 10.5%. Bottle weight: 425 grams (Light). Imported by M.S. Walker, Boston. - - - GREAT VALUE Red Newt Cellars Dry Riesling 2017 3 stars Finger Lakes, N.Y., $22 Here's another fine dry riesling from Upstate New York. Red Newt is on the east side of Seneca Lake, the longest and deepest of the Finger Lakes. Flavors of nectarine and apricot lend opulence and texture, while a smoky mineral note adds structure and balance. ABV: 12.6%. BW: 445 grams (Light). Red Newt Cellars. - - - Maldonado Proprietary Red Wine 2018 3.5 stars Napa Valley, Calif., $50 Hugo Maldonado was one of the Mexican American vineyard workers-turned-winery owners honored by the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of American History in 2017. His Proprietary Red is a blend of cabernet sauvignon, merlot and syrah from vineyards in the northern end of Napa Valley near Calistoga. It is plush and mouth filling, with flavors of blackberries, currants and baking spice, and soft tannins to carry through to a long finish. I recommend keeping this wine cool and decanting it for an hour or two before serving with a hearty meat dish. Or stretch it over a couple evenings to see how it develops. ABV: 14.8%. BW: 685 grams (Average). Maldonado Family Vineyards. - - - Prices are approximate. For availability, check Wine.com, Wine-searcher.com and the websites of the wineries, importers or distributors. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Officials in the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities system are planning cost-cutting measures in the upcoming year to combat revenue losses from declining enrollment. The moves - which include cutting programs and not filling positions following retirements - are controversial among some faculty members, many of whom think the way to improve enrollment isnt through cuts but through bolstering programming and services for students. The problems within the systems finances, they argue, start with a lack of state support. Faculty have experienced the impact of it [cost-cutting measures], and so have the students, said Brendan Cunningham, an economics professor at Eastern Connecticut State University. The states public higher education system, which has a budget of about $1.5 billion, has been mired in financial woes for years, notably at Western Connecticut State University where President John Clark recently stepped down following a vote of no confidence from the faculty senate earlier this year. We need to be more efficient and effective in the way we allocate resources that are commensurate with outcomes, impact, and ultimately student success, CSCU spokesman Leigh Appleby said in an email. We are simply not where we want to be right now, and major change is needed if we hope to not only survive, but ultimately thrive. Appleby cited several improvements to programs and grants, including the implementation of the Guided Pathway program which he said officials expect to have a dramatic impact on student retention and enrollment. Guided Pathway aims to streamline students paths through college. With the exception of Charter Oak State College, all system schools project a balanced budget for fiscal year 2023. Charter Oak is expecting a loss of $1.2 million because of some one-time program start-up costs and the timing of the SEBAC agreement payments, according to a June presentation to the Board of Regents. A part of that balanced budget came from about $300 million in one-time American Rescue Plan Act funding from the state that covered an additional payroll period, which cost about $18.4 million. Central State Connecticut University, for example, would have had a deficit of just over $1 million without the one-time funding. The Board of Regents increased fiscal year 2022-23 tuition and mandatory fees for full-time community college students who pay out of pocket by $112 per semester and for state universities and Charter Oak students by $291 per semester. The system has predicted a more than $250 million budget shortfall from fiscal year 2022 to fiscal year 2023 because of employee raises, fringe benefits, an additional payroll period and a decrease in enrollment because of COVID-19, according to CSCU. The system is also undergoing a merger of its 12 community colleges into one, which will move hundreds of employees into new positions, titles and organizations. A 2021 report attributed the weakened performance of the state system from 2016 to 2019 to a decline in revenue from state appropriations and certain non-academic services, such as student housing and dining, combined with increases in non-personnel costs. The report, developed by two professors for the American Association of University Professors, examined data from 2013 to 2020. The last year saw declines in revenue partly due to the pandemic. Overall, despite the decline in performance, the CSCU System has sufficient reserves to bridge any losses from the pandemic, the report says. The long-term decline in enrollment is concerning, but can mostly be managed through attrition of personnel. At its last meeting, the Board of Regents passed a spending plan that includes cost-cutting measures. Among those measures are program cuts and reductions. For example, in June, the board approved the discontinuation of the Gerontology certificate program at Central CT State University. While not all programs need to earn money, university officials are considering their solvency under the latest spending plan, said Ben Barnes, CSCUs chief financial officer. There are some programs that we would like to review and get out of because they are chronically under-enrolled and dont seem to be meeting the needs of our students now, Barnes said in a recent interview. We are interested in offering programs that are attractive to students and helping them meet their educational goals. If thats not the case, we need to change those programs or get out of them. Cunningham said the system is putting the cart in front of the horse with this method. He said much of the revenue loss has been attributed to dropping enrollment, but that the subsequent program slashing may lead to a further loss in enrollment. Its also lead to an increased workload for some faculty, he said. He thinks the state should invest more into higher education. The percentage of system revenue that comes from the state declined by several percentage points from 1987 to 2020, Cunningham said. We are not offering them [students] what we used to, he added. Some schools in the system cost-cutting plan are opting to capitalize on a wave of retirements by not filling the empty positions to save money. System-wide, there have been close to 730 retirements of full-time employees in fiscal year 2022, about 14% of total full-time positions. Were obviously refilling a number of positions, Barnes said. But some of the campuses have indicated that they are looking for ways to capture that attrition as permanent savings. Rotua Lumbantobing, an associate professor of economics and president of the Western Connecticut State University chapter of the American Association of University Presidents, said the decision not to refill positions is hurting staff morale. Morale took another hit when a report regarding Westerns finances was published, she added. Faculty and staff are very often, very upset, Lumbantobing said. They dont trust the administration anymore. Serious financial difficulty at Western The January report from the National Center for Higher Education Management Systems said that Western is in serious financial difficulty, and that it had dipped into its reserves almost every year for the past decade. The report, which faculty take issue with, notes declining enrollment and high expenditures, particularly on personnel. The time to deal with the Universitys fiscal problems is now, not just because WCSU has depleted its reserves, but because the demographic trends in Connecticut and the Northeast U.S. more generally are not favorable, the report reads. Postponing action means that the problem that must be addressed will be even larger than it is now. Lumbantobing said faculty take issue with the findings of the report. Enrollment has been dropping across the board, not just at Western, she said. She says auditors should have interviewed more people particularly faculty and staff and questioned the methods used to create the report. She wants to see more transparency from the administration about which data was used to create the report, she added. And financial troubles can be traced back to administrative decisions as well as a lack of state support, she said. The bottom line is the state needs to support us, to support Connecticut State University. And, the second is that bad decisions have been made. That is not just the local administrators. Yes, its true that of course they have made a lot of bad decisions and that put us in this dire situation. But they also had the backing of the system office. The WCSU Senate in May took a vote of no confidence in then-president John Clark following a retreat meant to address some of the financial issues. Clark officially stepped down as president July 14. Since assuming the role of WCSU president in 2015, Dr. Clark has demonstrated his commitment to public higher education, CSCU President Terrence Cheng wrote in a message to the university community. The idea that poor management is the root of problems at Western isnt consistent with the NCHEMS report, Appleby said. However, from a system-wide perspective, we do have to change if we are going to adapt to the needs of the 21st century and provide the kind of educational experience that traditional and nontraditional students are seeking, especially as they continue to seek fulfilling gainful careers with Connecticut companies and industries, Appleby said in an emailed statement Monday. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate DETROIT (AP) The FBI found no evidence of missing Teamsters boss Jimmy Hoffa during a search of land under a New Jersey bridge, a spokeswoman said Thursday. The Pulaski Skyway now becomes another dead end in the decadeslong mystery that has stretched from a Michigan horse farm to the East Coast: Where are the remains of one of America's most powerful labor leaders? The 47-year riddle turned last year to land next to a former landfill under the bridge in Jersey City. The FBI conducted a search there in early June. Nothing of evidentiary value was discovered during that search, said Mara Schneider, an FBI spokeswoman in Detroit. While we do not currently anticipate any additional activity at the site, the FBI will continue to pursue any viable lead in our efforts to locate Mr. Hoffa, she said. Schneider declined to comment further when asked for details about the excavation. Authorities believe Hoffa disappeared in suburban Detroit in 1975 while meeting with reputed mobsters. Dan Moldea, a journalist who has written extensively about the Hoffa saga, said he was personally briefed by the FBI in a video conference call Thursday. He said the FBI and its contractors did not dig in the exact spot that he had recommended. I'm not thrilled with the result. ... My impression today was them breaking the bad news to me: Thanks for the tip but this is over. Thats my interpretation," Moldea told The Associated Press. They dug holes very, very deep, he said. The FBI reached out to Moldea last year after he published a detailed account from Frank Cappola, who was a teenager in the 1970s when he worked at the old PJP Landfill near the bridge. Cappola said his father, Paul Cappola, who also worked at the landfill, explained how Hoffas body was delivered there in 1975, placed in a steel drum and buried with other barrels, bricks and dirt. Paul Cappola, worried that police might be watching, dug a hole on New Jersey state property, about 100 yards from the landfill, and subsequently moved the unmarked barrel there, according to Moldea. Frank Cappola spoke to Fox Nation and Moldea before he died in 2020 and signed a document attesting to his late fathers story. Moldea said the FBI told him it did not dig in the exact spot that he had recommended because radar showed nothing suspicious below ground. I do think they missed this one spot, he said. I think the bodys there. We just can't find it. Hoffa was president of the 2.1 million-member Teamsters union from 1957-71, even keeping the title while in prison for trying to bribe jurors during a previous trial. He was released from prison in 1971 when President Richard Nixon shortened his sentence. It has been long speculated that Hoffa, who was 62, was killed by enemies because he was planning a Teamsters comeback. He was declared legally dead in 1982. ___ Follow Ed White at http://twitter.com/edwritez EDWARDSVILLE A proposed $200 reduction in the cost of Madison County Health Department inspection fees for food trucks was overwhelmingly voted down at Wednesdays County Board meeting. A resolution reducing the fee to $175 from the current $375 had been postponed at the June meeting so board members could take a closer look at the proposal. Proponents had said the lower fee would encourage food trucks and could draw visitors into the area. Opponents said a lower rate was unfair to traditional brick and mortar restaurants. On Wednesday the board voted 21-3 against the resolution, with one abstention."No voters included Health Department Chairman Mike Babcock, R-Bethalto, who originally introduced the resolution. Voting for the lower fees were Bill Meyer, R-Hamel, who participated via telephone; Bill Stoutenborough, D-Alton; and Bruce Malone, D-Alton. Malone said he was voting in favor because he had made a previous commitment to do so, otherwise he would have also voted no. Abstaining was Valerie Doucleff, R-Godfrey, who was also participating by telephone but said she could not hear much of the discussion. Members Chris Guy, R-Maryville and Erica Conway-Harriss, R-Glen Carbon, were absent. The consensus was that decreasing the fee for an estimated 14 food trucks operating in the county was unfair to approximately 1,400 traditional restaurants that would still pay the full inspection fee. The fee structure was instituted in 2018. Mobile food trucks are considered Category 1 and Category 2 establishments and inspected the same as other restaurant and eateries. Babcock said that extending the same reduction to all of the countys restaurants would cost the Health Department about $280,000 annually. Another issue was that, in some cases, local municipalities such as Alton have their own fee for food trucks. County board members said those municipalities should consider reducing or eliminating their fees before seeking a reduction by the county. The fee reduction was proposed after Alton officials and owners of Altons new food truck park, Flock, came to a Madison County Health Department meeting asking the county to consider reducing the inspection fee. On Wednesday, Madison County Administrator Dave Tanzyus said the county might consider some sort of regional licensing system for the food trucks at a later date. In other Health Department-related business Wednesday, the board approved spending up to $70,000 for vaccines from Sanofi Pasteur, a Chicago-based company. The board also approved a number of items a $195,710 contract to Byrne & Jones Construction of Bridgeton, Missouri, for parking lot improvements at the countys Wood River Facility. The project includes rebuilding the main drive to the large parking lot, the Health Department and Employment and Training parking lots, and surfacing several handicapped spaces on the main parking lot, which is gravel. Also approved were fives separate emergency appropriations to pay for non-budgeted items. They included $29,000 for the states attorneys office to retain outside counsel for the judicial subcircuit court challenge authorized by the board; $138,809.16 to the sheriffs department to cover the cost of a deputy who will work with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services under a new grant program; $22,007 for the Child Care Advocacy Center for iCloud file storage of forensic interviews; $20,000 for a Family Violence Prevention Coordinating Council grant; and $121,110 to the information technology department for Arctic Wolf security monitoring services, which will be paid out of ARPA funds. The board also approved settling a Workers Compensation claim for $39,356.47 and purchase of excess liability, property and earthquake insurance coverage for $829,064 from several vendors. SAVANNAH, Ga. (AP) The owner of a large industrial site on the Georgia coast said Thursday that it has ended a longstanding agreement to sell the property to a county government whose officials worked for years on a plan to build a launch pad for commercial rockets there. Opponents who fear the proposed Spaceport Camden would pose serious safety and environmental risks hailed the development as a potential deal breaker for the project, which Camden County officials have spent a decade and more than $10 million pursuing. County officials, meanwhile, insisted they still have a binding contract to purchase the site. Union Carbide Corporation owns 4,000 acres (1,600 hectares) in the county where commissioners have pursued the spaceport for launching satellites into orbit. The county government in 2015 entered into an option agreement with the company to buy the land once the county obtained a spaceport operator license from the Federal Aviation Administration. The FAA awarded the license in December. But before county commissioners could close on the land, opponents forced a referendum on the project by gathering more than 3,500 petition signatures. The project was put to a vote in March, and 72% cast ballots to block the deal. In a statement Thursday, Union Carbide noted that Camden County voters had repudiated the land purchase. As a result, there is no longer an Option Agreement in existence between the County and UCC, and UCC does not intend to convey the property to the County pursuant to the prior Option Agreement, said the statement, emailed to The Associated Press by Union Carbide spokesman Tomm Sprick. Steve Howard, Camden County's government administrator, provided a statement from the county's lawyers insisting the deal isn't over. Union Carbide most certainly has a contract with Camden," the statement said. "The County has indicated that it is ready, willing and able to close. We expect Union Carbide to honor its contractual commitments. Howard has led the spaceport project, saying it would bring economic growth not just from rocket launches, but also by attracting related industries and tourists to the community of 55,000 people on the Georgia-Florida line. Opponents say building the spaceport on an industrial plot formerly used to manufacture pesticides and munitions would pose potential hazards that outweigh any economic benefits. Critics, including the National Park Service, have said rockets exploding soon after launch could rain fiery debris onto Little Cumberland Island, which has about 40 private homes, and neighboring Cumberland Island, a federally protected wilderness visited by about 60,000 tourists each year. Megan Desrosiers, president of the coastal Georgia conservation group One Hundred Miles, called the end of the land purchase agreement a huge deal. "If Union Carbide doesnt sell the property to Camden County, then theres no site for a spaceport, said Desrosiers, whose group helped organize the petition drive that forced the referendum. The big loss at the polls in March didn't stop county officials from pursuing the project. Commissioners in April voted unanimously to notify Union Carbide that they planned to move forward with the land purchase. The company said at the time it was evaluating the agreement. Meanwhile, county officials are trying to have the referendum declared invalid by the Georgia Supreme Court. Their legal appeal argues that Georgia's constitution doesnt allow voters to veto government projects such as the spaceport. The court is scheduled to hear the case Aug. 23. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate RICHMOND, Va. (AP) A month after some members of Congress urged Google to limit the appearance of anti-abortion pregnancy centers in certain abortion-related search results, 17 Republican attorneys general are warning the company that doing so could invite investigations and possible legal action. Suppressing pro-life and pro-mother voices at the urging of government officials would violate the most fundamental tenet of the American marketplace of ideas, the attorneys general wrote in a letter Thursday to Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google and its parent company. The effort was led by Republican Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares and Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron, and the letter was shared with The Associated Press ahead of its public release. The Republicans took issue with a June 17 letter to the company from U.S. Sen. Mark Warner, D-Virginia, and Rep. Elissa Slotkin, D-Michigan, which was co-signed by 19 other members of Congress. That letter cited research by the nonprofit Center for Countering Digital Hate, which found that Google searches for abortion clinic near me and abortion pill turned up results for centers that counsel clients against having an abortion. Some of these places, known as crisis pregnancy centers, also have been accused of providing misleading information about abortion and contraception. Many are religiously affiliated. Directing women towards fake clinics that traffic in misinformation and dont provide comprehensive health services is dangerous to womens health and undermines the integrity of Googles search results, said the June letter, which was authored after the leak of a draft opinion indicating the U.S. Supreme Court would overturn the landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling that legalized abortion nationwide. The court took that step June 24. The Democrat-led group asked Google to address what steps it would take to limit the appearance of crisis pregnancy centers in its search results, ads and maps results for users who search for abortion clinic," abortion pill or other similar terms. The group also asked the company if it would add disclaimers to address whether or not a clinic provides abortions. New York Attorney General Letitia James' office also raised similar concerns in a separate June letter to Google. The letter from the Republican AGs defends the work of crisis pregnancy centers. It notes that such centers often provide services such as free ultrasounds, pregnancy tests, testing for sexually transmitted diseases, and parenting and prenatal education classes. It also argues that at least some Google users who search for information about abortion expect to find information about alternatives. They wrote that if the company complies with this inappropriate demand to bias its search results, their offices would respond by investigating whether there had been any violation of antitrust or religious discrimination laws. They also pledged to consider whether new legislation would help protect consumers and markets. We trust that you will treat this letter with the seriousness these issues require, and hope you will decide that Googles search results must not be subject to left-wing political pressure, which would actively harm women seeking essential assistance. If you do not, we must avail ourselves of all lawful and appropriate means of protecting the rights of our constituents, of upholding viewpoint diversity, free expression, and the freedom of religion for all Americans, and of making sure that our markets are free in fact, not merely in theory, the letter said. It asked the California-based company to respond within 14 days and explain whether it has or will take any steps to treat crisis pregnancy centers any differently than before the leak of the draft Supreme Court decision. Google did not respond to requests for comment Thursday. A spokeswoman for Warner said the senator had not received a response to the June letter. But Imran Ahmed, CEO of the Center for Countering Digital Hate, said his organization believes Google recently made a small change in response to its research. In cases of searches for abortion clinic near me, the company appears to have changed a maps results headline to say Places instead of Abortion clinic," according to the center, which monitors online disinformation and provided its research and screenshots of examples to AP. Miyares, who defeated incumbent Democrat Mark Herring in November, recently traveled to a Lynchburg crisis pregnancy center that was vandalized after the Supreme Court's ruling, condemning what he called an act of political violence. Google and other Big Tech companies also have faced recent calls for more stringent privacy controls to address concerns that information about location, texts, searches and emails could be used against people seeking to end unwanted pregnancies. Google announced this month that it would automatically purge information about users who visit abortion clinics or other places that could trigger legal problems in light of the high court's ruling. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate NEW YORK (AP) The Democratic mayors of New York and Washington are asking the Biden administration to help with what they say is a surge in their cities of asylum-seeking migrants from border states, eliciting gleeful reactions from Republicans who say the pleas are evidence the U.S. is in an immigration crisis. Muriel Bowser of Washington and Eric Adams of New York have plunged deep into the national debate about how to deal with migrants appearing at the U.S. border with Mexico, seizing on bus trips paid for by the states of Texas and Arizona to send migrants to the nation's capital after their release by federal immigration authorities at the border. Adams had incorrectly claimed migrants have also been bused to New York. He downplayed those misstatements Thursday, but stood firm in his criticism of the tactic touted by Gov. Greg Abbott of Texas and Gov. Doug Ducey of Arizona, both Republicans. The mere fact that they sent people out of their states, people who were seeking refuge in our country, then sent them away did they deny that? Adams said. They ended up here because they didnt get the support there. Abbott and Ducey have trumpeted the bus trips, a months-old practice that has been long on political theater but short on practical impact. They've sought to put President Joe Biden on notice about the consequences of border enforcement. About 5,200 migrants have been bused from Texas since April and more than 1,100 from Arizona since May. The governors call the practice a voluntary free ride that gets migrants closer to family or support networks. But Bowser said the asylum-seekers are being tricked," as many don't get close enough to their final destinations and some are ditched at Union Station near the U.S. Capitol and the White House. This is a very significant issue, she said Sunday on CBS' Face the Nation. Under pressure to provide financial support, Bowser says she wants the federal government to help. The City Council told the mayor last week that volunteer groups are burned out and overwhelmed." Now that the border has come to D.C., it is our responsibility to meet the moment, the council members wrote, while also castigating Abbott and Ducey for showing no regard for people who are exercising their human right to seek asylum. Republicans who have been sharply critical of the White House have barely contained their glee. Looks like Mayor Bowser is starting to feel a glimpse of what its like to be a border community under the #BidenBorderCrisis, Republicans on the House Homeland Security Committee wrote. Doesnt feel great, does it? Ducey seized on Adams incorrect statement that Arizona was busing migrants to New York, noting it was sending them only to Washington. Mayor Adams needs to get his facts straight and pay closer attention to whats really occurring because our nations security depends on it, he wrote on Twitter. On Thursday, Adams placed further emphasis on the scale of New Yorks migrant influx and the citys legal and moral obligation to provide shelter, while condemning Texas and Arizona. We do need help from the federal government, through FEMA, to assist us. This city was already dealing with a shelter population, and were going to need help to deal with this unprecedented surge, Adams said. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said earlier this week that the administration was looking into the mayors' concerns. She said it was shameful that some governors are using migrants as a political tool, as a political play. In Texas, Abbott has cast himself as a counterweight to Biden on immigration, insisting that every American community is a border community. Abbotts busing is just one element of an increasingly aggressive expansion of his immigration enforcement powers into the traditional domain of U.S. government. Abbott authorized state forces this month to apprehend migrants and return them to the U.S.-Mexico border, where Texas has spent more than $3 billion in state funds on a massive security apparatus, without stemming the flow of migrants. Arizona said it has bused 1,151 migrants to Washington since May. About one of every four of them named New York as their destination, about one in five said New Jersey, and many of the rest were headed to Georgia or planned on staying in Washington, Ducey spokesperson C.J. Karamargin said. The Border Patrol stopped migrants nearly 193,000 times in June, the first decline after four straight monthly increases. Those numbers, hovering near the highest levels in two decades, show how little impact the bus rides have on overall migration flows. The U.S. has been the worlds top destination for asylum-seekers since 2017, according to the United Nations human rights agency, a daunting challenge that has dogged Biden and his immediate predecessors, Donald Trump and Barack Obama. A pandemic-related rule denies a chance at asylum to many migrants on grounds of preventing the spread of COVID-19, but Title 42, as it is known, has been applied unevenly. Tens of thousands of people are released each month on humanitarian parole or with notices to appear in immigration court. Adams said New York has experienced a sharp increase in asylum-seekers he estimated about 2,800 people in recent weeks, but acknowledged that the city has no specific data on migration status because they dont ask. He has called for a probe into whether other states are directing asylum seekers to New York. ___ This story has been corrected to show that Texas has bused at least 5,200 migrants to Washington, not 6,000. ___ Lee reported from Santa Fe, New Mexico. Contributing to this report were Associated Press writers Elliot Spagat in San Diego, Paul Weber in Austin, Texas, and Bobby Caina Calvan in New York. LANSING Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed a pair of bipartisan bills designed to grow Michigans maritime infrastructure on Tuesday. The legislation would help pay for upgrades to Michigans ports in order for them to better compete with those in other Great Lakes states. In Michigan, our waters define us, and ... every Michigander is committed to protecting lakesGreat and smallfor future generations, Whitmer said in a statement released by her office. Today, I am proud to sign bipartisan legislation to grow Michigans maritime infrastructure and economy. Together, Senate Bill 744 and House Bill 5291, establish the Maritime and Port Facility Assistance Grant Program Act, to award grants to owners of port facilities and expand Michigans commercial maritime ports. The Maritime and Port Facility Assistance Office in the Michigan Department of Transportation will create the Port Facility Improvement Fund to implement and administer the program. Rep. Jack OMalley, R-Lake Ann, is chair of the House Transportation Committee and sponsor of the House bill. Michigan should not be content with getting beaten by other states around us when it comes to shipping commerce on our Great Lakes, OMalley stated in a press release. Illinois only has roughly 80 miles of shoreline and they invest more in maritime than us. This is a renewed commitment to maritime commerce and works to unlock our incredible economic potential in this sector. O'Malley's bill saw bipartisan support in the state House and advanced unanimously through the state Senate enroute to the governors desk. In a November 2021 interview with the Manistee News Advocate, OMalley explained how the legislation could aid lakeside communities. "What that means is a port facility could ask for a grant that could then be used as the local portion of paying down a match with a federal grant. It would open us up to federal monies and other grant processes that we don't have access to right now," O'Malley had said. "So it would be a grant process and if Manistee, Muskegon (or) Ludington wanted to build up their port facilities, this grant would help them do it." The legislation would help the state focus on maritime activities, as it already does with other forms of transportation, such as roads, bridges, aviation and railways, OMalley said previously. This has not been a priority and weve paid a price for passiveness, OMalley stated. This is a first step in ensuring the viability of our ports and delivering on the untapped economic potential of Michigans navigable waterways and coastal areas." In 2017, a report from Martin Associates in Pennsylvania found that 59.2 million tons of goods were moved through Michigans waterways, valued at $3.23 billion. The economic activity generated by commercial ports was $4.16 million, supporting 25,910 jobs and raising $763 million in federal, state and local tax revenue. JACKSON, Miss (AP) Mississippi's incoming state health officer has stated his support for expanding postpartum Medicaid coverage. The policy, which some Republican lawmakers oppose, would give poor mothers in the state access to more Medicaid coverage after they give birth. Dr. Daniel Edney said in an interview with the radio station Supertalk Mississippi that he supports expanding postpartum care from the states current policy of two months to a full year, the Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal reported. Doing so would be the easiest thing to do to improve health disparities, he said. We have got to look at moving postpartum care back out to a year again, Edney said. Two months is not enough. We have women who are dying in months three, four and five from complications of pregnancy. Mississippi State Department of Health data shows that 136 Mississippi mothers died either during pregnancy or within one year of their pregnancys end between 2013 and 2016. Of those deaths, 86% of them occurred postpartum. I just refuse to accept the premise that its just our fate to be unhealthy; its our fate for our mothers and our children to die at higher rates than every other state," Edney said. "I just refuse to accept that as a physician, as a Mississippian and certainly as a state health officer. Recent legislative efforts to extend postpartum Medicaid coverage failed in Mississippi. Republicans hold majorities in both chambers of the legislature. House Speaker Philip Gunn, a Republican from Clinton, has been opposed to postpartum expansion. Gunn previously told The Associated Press he did not want anything that would appear to be a broader expansion of Medicaid. Mississippi is one of a dozen states that have not expanded Medicaid to working people whose jobs do not provide health insurance. After the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in June, the speaker announced he would create a commission to study child care issues. DAMASCUS, Syria (AP) Israel launched airstrikes targeting Syrian military positions around Damascus overnight, killing three soldiers, wounding seven others, and causing material damage, state media reported Thursday. Syrian state media quoted a military official as saying the missiles were fired from Syria's Israeli-occupied Golan Heights just past midnight, adding that the Syrian army was able to shoot down some of the missiles with air defense missiles. Israel has made hundreds of strikes on targets inside government-controlled parts of Syria over the past decade of its civil war, but rarely acknowledges or discusses such operations. Israel has acknowledged, however, that it targets bases of Iran-allied militias, such as Lebanons Hezbollah that fights on the side of Syrian President Bashar Assads forces. In June, Israeli airstrikes temporarily put Damascus International Airport out of commission. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate First Lady Jill Biden and U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona swung through a New Haven institution for a quick snack on their way to the next stop on a three-state tour of summer learning programs. The two joined Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont and New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker for a sweet treat at Arethusa Farm, considered the best ice cream in Connecticut by Food & Wine Magazine. Biden went with one of the creamerys fresh waffle cones, filled with a few scoops of toasted almond coconut ice cream. Lamont went for a milkshake. Beyond their mutual love of ice cream and teaching children, Governor Lamont and the First Lady continued their conversation from the previous stop about how Connecticut is using ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds in an innovative way to supplement students education over summer break," Anthony Anthony, the Governor's spokesperson, said. Cardona was head of the Connecticut State Department of Education and a superintendent in Meriden before joining the Biden Administration. Biden is herself a longtime educator and the first FLOTUS to keep her job outside of the White House while also serving in the administration. The two headed to Tweed Airport after their mid-afternoon dessert and took off for Michigan. After that, theyre on to Georgia. Biden first stopped by Albertus Magnus College to see how the ARPA funds are being used in summer enrichment programs. Of the nearly $2 trillion dollars included in the American Rescue Plan Act, the Biden administration set aside $122 billion to reopen schools during the pandemic and to help children struggling with learning loss. The program at Albertus Magnus serves about 39 children in kindergarten through 2nd grade in collaboration with the Westport-based nonprofit Horizons. Horizons launched the program at Albertus Magnus college last summer with a $140,000 grant from the American Rescue Plan. This year, the program is receiving about half its funding from the federal government, with the other half coming from private donors, according to Jose Oromi, the executive Vice President of Horizons National. Additional reporting by John Moritz. BIG SKY, Mont. - Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan said Thursday that it would be a "dangerous thing" for the court and for democracy if justices stray too far from public sentiment and lose the confidence of Americans. Kagan, who dissented when the court last month overturned Roe v. Wade's guarantee of a constitutional right to abortion, said the court's legitimacy is threatened when long-standing precedent is discarded and the court's actions are seen as motivated by personnel changes among the justices. Speaking before a conference gathering of about 500, mostly judges and lawyers, Kagan emphasized several times that she was not singling out the just completed term. She was on the losing side as the court's conservative majority threw out Roe, greatly transformed the court's jurisprudence on the role of religion in public life, expanded gun rights and narrowed the powers of the Environmental Protection Agency to combat climate change. "I'm not talking about any particular decision or any particular series of decisions. But if, over time, the court loses all connection with the public and the public sentiment, that's a dangerous thing for democracy," Kagan said. "We have a court that does important things, and if that connection is lost, that's a dangerous thing for the democratic system as a whole." The public generally approves when the Supreme Court delivers a mixed bag of opinions, some favoring conservatives and others with liberal outcomes. But the addition of three justices nominated by President Donald Trump has installed a 6-3 conservative supermajority, and the court's jurisprudence has moved steadily to the right. A Gallup poll showed that the court's approval ranking is sinking to its lowest level in modern times. Similarly, polling by Marquette University Law School shows a dramatic change: 66% of the public approved of the Supreme Court's work in September 2020, but a poll taken this month showed that had dropped to 38%. That's not necessarily the way to judge the court's work, Kagan said. "By design, the court does things sometimes that the majority of the country doesn't like," she said. But for the public to respect and follow unpopular decisions, she said, the court must earn its legitimacy and the public's confidence. "Overall, the way the court retains its legitimacy and fosters public confidence is by acting like a court, is by doing the kind of things that do not seem to people political or partisan, by not behaving as though we are just people with individual political or policy or social preferences," she said. Conservatives often charge that liberals' warnings about the Supreme Court losing its legitimacy are simply a way to preserve liberal precedents of the court. Kagan, nominated to the court in 2010 by President Barack Obama, acknowledged that "if you look over history, there have been times where judges have been unconstrained and undisciplined and attempted to basically enact their own policy or political or social preferences. It's happened on both sides." In her view, she said, the court could protect its legitimacy with the public by overturning precedent only in extraordinary circumstances, narrowing decisions to decide only what is necessary in a case and consistently applying methods of deciding cases that "discipline and constrain you." While she took pains not to refer to cases of the last term, some of her remarks sounded a bit like the dissents she wrote or joined. For instance, the court's conservative supermajority was cemented after Brett Kavanaugh took the place of retiring justice Anthony Kennedy, and the liberal Ruth Bader Ginsburg was replaced by Amy Coney Barrett. "People are rightly suspicious if one justice leaves the court or dies and another justice takes his or her place and all of sudden the law changes on you," she said Thursday. In their dissent in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, the decision that overturned Roe and Planned Parenthood v. Casey, Kagan and Justices Stephen Breyer and Sonia Sotomayor sounded a similar note. "The majority has overruled Roe and Casey for one and only one reason: because it has always despised them, and now it has the votes to discard them," they wrote. "The majority thereby substitutes a rule by judges for the rule of law." Kagan was questioned by two judges and a lawyer, and she was not asked about the court's specific decisions nor her new colleague, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson. Jackson replaced Breyer, who retired, and joins Kagan and Sotomayor on the court's left. The court has been closed to the public since March 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic (and now is surrounded by a black security fence because of protests over the abortion ruling). Last term, the court held oral arguments in a courtroom open only to credentialed press and court personnel. The proceedings were live-streamed. Kagan said the nine justices have not yet discussed whether the live audio will continue when the public is allowed back into the building. She said she hopes that it will and that it has been beneficial. "But I only get one vote," she said. --- Barnes reported from Washington. BUENA PARK, Calif. (AP) Knott's Berry Farm will require young guests to be accompanied by chaperones on Fridays and Saturdays following an outbreak of teen brawls last weekend. Millions of guests have counted on us for their daily dose of wholesome family fun, and were committed to keeping that promise going forward, the Southern California theme park said in a statement on its website. Two days after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the monkeypox vaccine supply falls far short of demand and short of the levels that experts say will be needed to control the outbreak, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services launched a website to educate residents about the virus. The site, Michigan.gov/mpv, provides information about the signs and symptoms of monkeypox and how to get help, the number of cases in the state by county and information for health care providers about testing and coordinating with local health departments, MDHHS explained in a press release on Wednesday. The state's case count information will be updated regularly on the website, according to MDHHS in the release. The United States has reported more than 2,000 cases so far, with hundreds more added every day. "MDHHS is working closely with our federal partners, local health departments and health care providers across the state in response to this outbreak," said Natasha Bagdasarian, MDHHS chief medical executive, in the release. "MPV is a viral illness that spreads primarily through direct contact with the infectious rash, scabs, bodily fluids or prolonged face-to-face contact. It is important to remember that the risk to the general public is low. However, Michiganders with concerns about MPV should see their provider to be evaluated for testing." Monkeypox does not spread easily among human populations and the vaccine is at least 85% effective against the virus, according to studies from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC said the U.S. has two licensed vaccines to prevent monkeypox infections: JYNNEOS (also known as Imvamune or Imvanex) and ACAM2000. In the U.S. there is currently a limited supply of JYNNEOS, although more vaccines are expected in the coming weeks and months. There is an ample supply of ACAM2000. But, this vaccine should not be used in people who have some health conditions, including a weakened immune system, skin conditions like atopic dermatitis/eczema or pregnancy, according to the CDC. JYNNEOS is available now for people at high risk of exposure: those who have been identified as close contacts of someone who has been diagnosed with monkeypox, those who have had sex with a partner diagnosed with monkeypox within the past 14 days and those who have had multiple sex partners in the past 14 days in an area with monkeypox spread, according to the CDC. Decisions about how to allocate the limited vaccine supply are based equally on the number of cases and the population at risk in a specific area. As more vaccines become available, the CDC will continue to evaluate the distribution strategy, a spokesperson for the agency told CNN. States are receiving vaccine allocations from the Strategic National Stock by the number of monkeypox cases and the size of the underlying at-risk population, according to MDHHS in the release. Michigan has received a limited supply of JYNNEOS. Additional limited allocations will follow in the next few months, but specific quantities and timelines are not yet known. "Healthcare providers should be alert to any rash that has features typical of monkeypox," Dr. Inger Damon, director of CDC's Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology said in a statement. "We're asking the public to contact their healthcare provider if they have a new rash and are concerned about monkeypox." Monkeypox is a rare but potentially severe viral illness that typically begins with flu-like symptoms and swelling of the lymph nodes and progresses to a widespread rash on the face and body. People experiencing symptoms should contact a health care provider for evaluation, according to MDHHS in the release. While many of those affected in the current global outbreaks are men who have sex with men, anyone who has been in close contact with someone who has monkeypox can get the illness. Monkeypox reemerged in Nigeria in 2017 after more than 40 years with no reported cases. Since then, there have been more than 15,000 reported cases worldwide. While the U.S., Britain, Canada and other countries have bought millions of vaccines, none have gone to Africa, where a more severe version of monkeypox has already killed more than 70 people. Rich countries haven't yet reported any monkeypox deaths, according to the World Health Organization. Additionally, the World Health Organization's emergency committee convened Thursday to consider for the second time within weeks whether to declare monkeypox a global crisis. "I remain concerned about the number of cases, in an increasing number of countries, that have been reported," WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told the emergency committee as its meeting got underway. For more information, visit Michigan.gov/mpv or CDC.gov/monkeypox. HELSINKI (AP) Wireless and fixed-network equipment maker Nokia on Thursday reported a second-quarter profit above analyst expectations on strong demand for 5G technology from phone operators and improved competitiveness of its main business units. The Espoo-based company reported net profit of 585 million euros ($597 million) for the April-June period compared with 539 million euros a year earlier. PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) Oregon health officials are urging people in 21 counties with high COVID-19 cases including the three Portland-area counties to return to mask wearing because the hospital system is again under extreme strain. While COVID-19 hospitalizations are lower than past surges, staff shortages, patients who delayed care and elevated COVID-19 infections have substantially reduced hospital systems capacity to care for patients, The Oregonian/OregonLive reported. ATLANTA (AP) Georgia utility regulators approved a plan Thursday that would shut down a number of Georgia Power Co.'s coal-fired power plants, but not before postponing the death warrant for two units. The vote came as the Georgia Public Service Commission approved Georgia Powers plan to meet electricity demand from its 2.7 million customers over the next 20 years. The five Republican commissioners also voted to require the unit of Atlanta-based Southern Co. to increase its investment in energy efficiency and created a process that could lead to an outside contractor building large batteries to store renewable energy until it's needed on the grid. However, commissioners on a 3-2 vote turned back an effort to expand by 75,000 the cap on the number of rooftop solar panel installations where Georgia Power pays a high rate for power generated. Instead, commissioners voted for a study of the costs and benefits of rooftop solar to be done by the time they vote on a rate increase for Georgia Power in December, leaving the number of participants frozen at the current level of 5,000 until then. We simply do not have the cost information necessary to set just and reasonable rates, terms and conditions for rooftop solar, said Commissioner Jason Shaw, citing Georgia Power's disputed contention that rooftop solar customers unfairly shift costs onto less affluent customers who don't have solar panels. Georgia Power must file the integrated resource plan every three years. Last month, Georgia Power filed for a 12% rate increase, driven in part by the need to pay for the investments. The commission is scheduled to vote on the rate plan in December. If approved, a residential customer who uses 1,000 kilowatt hours of electricity per month would see their bill increase from $128 now to $144.29 at the end of three years. Southern Co. has set a goal of 2050 to be a net-zero emitter of gases that cause global warming, mostly carbon dioxide. Environmentalists want the company to move more quickly. Thursday's vote will close all other coal-fired units by 2028, some within weeks. But commission staff, the company and industry groups reached a deal that would actually keep two coal-fired units at Plant Bowen near Cartersville alive longer, driven in part by concerns over high natural gas prices, how much customers will pay to retire coal plants, and concerns about maintaining reliable electricity for metro Atlanta. Even though Georgia Power said the Bowen units are money losers, the commission will reevaluate in 2025 whether they should be closed. The commission approved plans for Georgia Power to contract with Southern Power, another subsidiary of its parent company, for 2,400 megawatts of natural gas-generated electricity from 2022 to 2028. That would help Georgia Power bridge coal plant shutdowns with a form of power that still emits carbon, but less than burning coal. Some groups opposed the move, saying it was self-dealing that would leave customers paying for unneeded capacity that is dirtier than wind or solar. The company says it would add 2,300 megawatts of renewable power by 2025 and a total 6,000 megawatts by 2035, although advocates had pushed for a more in the short term. Commissioners nixed a plan for ratepayers to cover the cost of a pilot program to test supertall wind turbines in the state, saying customers shouldn't pay for an experiment. They added a call for Georgia Power to seek generation from biomass, which often means burning wood pellets, and added a call for contractors to be able to bid on building 500 megawatts of batteries that Georgia Power would operate, in addition to a 265-megawatt facility Georgia Power will own. The batteries could store solar and wind-generated electricity when there is surplus power on the grid and release it later. The plan says nothing new about Georgia Power's plans to clean up coal ash ponds at various locations statewide. The company had been planning to cap some of them in place, but the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has recently said that is a misinterpretation of federal rules, despite approval by Georgia's Environmental Protection Division, and that utilities must dig up all coal ash and store it in lined landfills where toxic heavy metals can't seep into groundwater. The company said it would seek to renew its license to operate the Hatch nuclear plant near Baxley. Georgia Power also said it would seek permission to overhaul three hydroelectric generating plants at Lake Sinclair, Lake Burton and the North Highlands Dam on the Chattahoochee River in Columbus. ___ Follow Jeff Amy on Twitter at http://twitter.com/jeffamy. WASHINGTON - U.S. senators evaluating President Biden's nominees for two influential military assignments said Thursday that Russia's spreading influence in volatile parts of Africa is jeopardizing American interests and implored both to prioritize the burgeoning policy dilemma, if they are confirmed. Members of the Senate Armed Services Committee appealed to Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Michael E. Langley, Biden's nominee to lead U.S. Africa Command, to detail how he would endeavor to counter Russia's activities on the continent. He affirmed that they were problematic and would become a priority pending the full Senate's approval of his promotion. Langley appeared before the committee alongside Army Lt. Gen. Bryan Fenton, Biden's pick to lead U.S. Special Operations Command. Lawmakers expressed acute concern about Moscow's use of the mercenary outfit Wagner Group to raise Russia's profile on the continent, highlighting the group's activities in Mali, where back-to-back military coups have destabilized the region and, they argued, given Russia a foothold in West Africa. They also worried that Russia's expanding influence across the continent could elbow the United States out of Africa's rich commodities-mining sector, focusing particular attention on rare-earth minerals such as cobalt, a critical component of rechargeable lithium ion batteries, used in cellphones, electric vehicles and many other products. The lawmakers expressed alarm, too, over Russia's recent success rallying support among African leaders against Western sanctions. Last month, Senegalese President Macky Sall, chairman of the African Union, issued a public appeal following a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, asking Western nations to lift punitive measures targeting food products, particularly grain. The West has accused Russia of setting off a global food crisis by invading Ukraine and blocking its grain exports - some of the most significant in the world - from leaving Ukrainian ports. Moscow has also been accused of stealing Ukrainian grain and selling it globally as if it were Russian-produced. "There's significant work to be done about telling the right story," Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., said during Thursday's hearing. "It pains me to see African leaders accepting disinformation about what's causing this epidemic of hunger in Africa," he added, saying it is imperative that U.S. leaders put more effort behind "winning the narrative war." Kaine and other senators appealed to Langley, who is likely to be confirmed in the coming weeks, to view his next role not only as a military position but also one that involves diplomacy. Langley agreed with that interpretation of the job and with the growing threat Russian expansion in Africa poses to U.S. interests. "The Wagner group, they have ill intentions," Langley said, noting that the organization has helped to proliferate Russia's already significant portfolio of arms sales in Africa. By partnering with opposition movements, including the military coup leaders in Mali and governments in other parts of Africa, the Wagner Group has helped magnify Russia's footprint there beyond its already considerable arms sales, which make up nearly half of the continent's military equipment imports. "It just brings on fragility, especially across fragile countries," Langley said, promising that, if confirmed, "we will reengage, we will reset" and demonstrate that "we are still the partner of choice." MOBILE, Ala. (AP) An Alabama man has been charged with threatening President Joe Biden in a call to the White House, federal authorities said Wednesday. A criminal complaint filed by the U.S. Secret Service alleges that John Andrew Bazor Jr., 37, of Mobile, called the White House switchboard on July 10 and made the death threat. He was arrested Monday in Mobile, south Alabama. LOS ANGELES (AP) Nine people were injured two seriously when a shuttle bus crashed into a pole at Los Angeles International Airport on Thursday, authorities said. Two of the bus passengers sustained potentially life-threatening injuries, according to Margaret Stewart, a spokesperson for the Los Angeles Fire Department. UNITED NATIONS (AP) The head of the U.N. body promoting development is warning that the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change and the war in Ukraine have led to an unprecedented reversal of decades of progress in combatting global poverty and hunger and ensuring quality education for children everywhere. Collen Kelapile, who is president of the Economic and Social Council known as ECOSOC, said there is growing concern that funding for critical U.N. development goals including ending extreme poverty and hunger by 2030 might be neglected by Western donor nations supporting Ukraine militarily and financially in its war against Russia. ECOSOCs message is: Please, lets not forgot other pre-existing challenges. We need to finance development. We need to finance climate. We need to finance many other conflicts around the world, he said in an interview with The Associated Press. Making a mistake and sidelining these issues, Kelapile warned, could lead to higher costs in the future if they escalate because there is no longer attention to them. ECOSOC, one of the six main organs of the United Nations, is focused on advancing development on three fronts -- economic, social and environmental -- and on coordinating efforts to achieve the 17 goals for 2030 that the 193 U.N. member nations agreed to in 2015. The U.N. body has 54 member nations and over 1,600 non-governmental organizations with consultative status. Kelapile said that because of decades of development progress being wiped out, climate change causing a lot of damage, and new geopolitical tensions from the war in Ukraine leading to widespread food insecurity and an energy crisis, ECOSOCs mandate has never been as important as it is today. It can leverage its convening power, he said, and bring together people from diverse backgrounds from inside and outside the United Nations with creative and transformative ideas that can really move us forward. A high-level ECOSOC meeting on advancing the U.N.s 2030 goals and building back better from the COVID-19 pandemic ended Monday with the adoption of a 32-page ministerial declaration. The ministers and representatives, noting that they were meeting against the backdrop of a fragile and highly uncertain global socio-economic outlook, committed to accelerate action to implement the 2030 goals. In addition to eliminating extreme poverty and hunger, they include ensuring good health for people of all ages, quality education for all children, and gender equality. The ministers also expressed great concern that the pandemic has widened inequalities and created new obstacles to achieving the U.N. goals and stressed the urgency to address the impact, underlying causes and challenges exacerbated by COVID-19. Kelapile, who is Botswanas U.N. ambassador, said in the interview last Friday that for him, the fight against poverty and inequality is very key. There is a saying that a hungry man is an angry man, he said, citing people recently venting their anger of the lack of food and gasoline, including in Sri Lanka. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic began in early 2020, Kelapile said, financing to advance development was declining, and access to technologies for people in the developing world, especially computers and Internet access, was lacking. The ECOSOC president said the worlds richer nations also need to look at another impact of the pandemic -- rising indebtedness of poor countries and how to alleviate it. There are highly indebted countries whose borrowing worsened during the pandemic, Kelapile said. Is it fair to continue to require them to invest in controlling the pandemic and recovery, and at the same time expect them to service their debts?" he asked. I dont think its possible. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate VATICAN CITY (AP) The Vatican Museums are home to some of the most magnificent artworks in the world, from Michelangelos Sistine Chapel to ancient Egyptian antiquities and a pavilion full of papal chariots. But one of the museums least-visited collections is becoming its most contested before Pope Francis trip to Canada. The Vaticans Anima Mundi Ethnological Museum, located near the food court and right before the main exit, houses tens of thousands of artifacts and art made by Indigenous peoples from around the world, much of it sent to Rome by Catholic missionaries for a 1925 exhibition in the Vatican gardens. The Vatican says the feathered headdresses, carved walrus tusks, masks and embroidered animal skins were gifts to Pope Pius XI, who wanted to celebrate the Churchs global reach, its missionaries and the lives of the Indigenous peoples they evangelized. But Indigenous groups from Canada, who were shown a few items in the collection when they traveled to the Vatican last spring to meet with Francis, question how some of the works were actually acquired and wonder what else may be in storage after decades of not being on public display. Some say they want them back. These pieces that belong to us should come home, said Cassidy Caron, president of the Metis National Council, who headed the Metis delegation that asked Francis to return the items. Restitution of Indigenous and colonial-era artifacts, a pressing debate for museums and national collections across Europe, is one of the many agenda items awaiting Francis on his trip to Canada, which begins Sunday. The trip is aimed primarily at allowing the pope to apologize in person, on Canadian soil, for abuses Indigenous people and their ancestors suffered at the hands of Catholic missionaries in notorious residential schools. Caron said returning the missionary collection items would help heal the intergenerational trauma and enable Indigenous peoples to tell their own story. For so long we had to hide who we were. We had to hide our culture and hide our traditions to keep our people safe, she said. Right now, in this time when we can publicly be proud to be Metis, we are reclaiming who we are. And these pieces, these historic pieces, they tell stories of who we were. ___ More than 150,000 Native children in Canada were forced to attend state-funded Christian schools from the 19th century until the 1970s in an effort to isolate them from the influence of their homes and culture. The aim was to Christianize and assimilate them into mainstream society, which previous Canadian governments considered superior. Official Canadian policy in the late 19th and early 20th centuries also aimed to suppress Indigenous spiritual and cultural traditions at home, including the 1885 Potlatch Ban that prohibited the integral First Nations ceremony. Government agents confiscated items used in the ceremony and other rituals, and some of them ended up in museums in Canada, the U.S. and Europe, as well as private collections. The Vaticans catalogue of its Americas collection, for example, features a wooden painted mask from the Haida Gwaii islands of British Columbia that is related to the Potlatch ceremony. During the spring visit, Natan Obed, who headed the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami delegation, raised the issue of an Inuit kayak in the collection that was featured in a 2021 report in The Globe and Mail newspaper. Obed was quoted by the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. as saying the museum head, the Rev. Nicola Mapelli, was open to discussing its return. Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni didnt rule out that Francis might repatriate some items during the coming trip, telling reporters: Well see what happens in the coming days. There are international standards guiding the issue of returning Indigenous cultural property, as well as individual museum policies. The 2007 U.N. Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, for example, asserts that nations should provide redress, including through restitution, of cultural, religious and spiritual property taken without their free, prior and informed consent or in violation of their laws, traditions and customs. It is possible Indigenous peoples gave their handiworks to Catholic missionaries for the 1925 expo or that the missionaries bought them. But historians question whether the items could have been offered freely given the power imbalances at play in Catholic missions and the governments policy of eliminating Indigenous traditions, which Canadas Truth and Reconciliation Commission has called cultural genocide. By the power structure of what was going on at that time, it would be very hard for me to accept that there wasnt some coercion going on in those communities to get these objects, said Michael Galban, a Washoe and Mono Lake Paiute who is director and curator of the Seneca Art & Culture Center in upstate New York. Gloria Bell, a fellow at the American Academy in Rome and assistant professor in McGill Universitys department of art history and communication studies, agreed. Using the term gift just covers up the whole history, said Bell, who is of Metis ancestry and is completing a book about the 1925 expo. We really need to question the context of how these cultural belongings got to the Vatican, and then also their relation to Indigenous communities today. The Holy Sees Indigenous collection began centuries ago, with some pre-Columbian items sent to Pope Innocent XII in 1692, and has been amplified over the years by gifts to popes, especially on foreign trips. Of the 100,000 items originally sent for the 1925 exhibit, the Vatican says it has kept 40,000. It has repatriated some items. In 2021, Vatican News reported that the Anima Mundi had recently returned to Ecuador a shrunken head used in rituals by the Jivaroan peoples of the Amazon. Katsitsionni Fox, a Mohawk filmmaker who served as spiritual adviser to the spring First Nations delegation, said she saw items that belong to her people and need to be rematriated, or brought back home to the motherland. You can sense that thats not where they belong and thats not where they want to be, she said of the wampum belts, war clubs and other items she documented with her phone camera. The Vatican Museums declined repeated requests for an interview or comment. But in its 2015 catalogue of its Americas holdings, the museum said they demonstrated the churchs great esteem for world cultures and its commitment to preserving their arts and artifacts, as evidenced by the excellent condition of the pieces. The catalogue also said the museum welcomes dialogue with Indigenous peoples, and the museum has held up its collaboration with Aboriginal communities in Australia before a 2010 exhibit. The collections director, Mapelli, a missionary priest and an associate visited those communities, took video testimonies and traveled the world seeking more information about the museums holdings. Opening the revamped Anima Mundi gallery space in 2019 with artifacts from Oceania as well as a temporary Amazon exhibit, Francis said the items were cared for with the same passion reserved for the masterpieces of the Renaissance or the immortal Greek and Roman statues. He noted that some items had recently been loaned to China and said the collection invites us to live human fraternity, contrasting the culture of rancor, racism and nationalism. Francis also praised the museums stated commitment to transparency, noting the glass partitions showing the storage facilities upstairs and the restorers workstations on the main floor: Transparency is an important value, above all in an ecclesiastic institution. ___ You might miss the Anima Mundi if you were to spend the day in the Vatican Museums. Official tours dont include it and the audio guide, which features descriptions of two dozen museums and galleries, ignores it entirely. Private guides say they rarely take visitors there, because there is no explanatory signage on display cases or wall text panels. Margo Neale, who helped curate the Vatican's 2010 Aboriginal exhibition as head of the Centre for Indigenous Knowledges at the Australian National Museum, said it is unacceptable for Indigenous collections today to lack informational labels. They are not being given the respect they deserve by being named in any way, said Neale, a member of the Kulin and Gumbaingirr nations. They are beautifully displayed but are culturally diminished by the lack of acknowledgement of anything other than their exotic otherness. It wasnt clear if the current exhibition was a work in progress with labels eventually to be added; at the gallery entrance, a text panel asks for donations to fund the collection. Museums and governments around Europe in places like Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium are grappling with the question of their colonial and postcolonial collections, and leading the discussion of legally transferring property back, experts say. With some exceptions, the trend is increasingly toward repatriation recently agreements were announced in Germany and France to return pieces of the famed Benin Bronzes to Nigeria. There is a certain willingness growing in a number of European countries to return objects and archives and ancestral remains, said Jos van Beurden, who runs a group email list and a Facebook group, Restitution Matters, that tracks developments in the field. In Canada, the Royal British Columbia Museum has gone so far as to create a handbook empowering Indigenous communities to reclaim their cultural heritage. In Victoria, the city where the museum is located, Gregory Scofield has amassed a community collection of about 100 items of Metis beadwork, embroidery and other workmanship dating from 1840 to 1910, tracked down and acquired via online auctions and through travel and made available to Metis scholars and artists. Scofield, a Metis poet and author of the forthcoming book Our Grandmothers Hands: Repatriating Metis Material Art, said any discussion with the Vatican Museums should focus on granting Indigenous scholars full access to the collection and, ultimately, bringing items home. These pieces hold our stories, he said. These pieces hold our history. These pieces hold the energy of those ancestral grandmothers. ___ 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. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate VATICAN CITY (AP) The Vatican Museums are home to some of the most magnificent artworks in the world, from Michelangelos Sistine Chapel to ancient Egyptian antiquities and a pavilion full of papal chariots. But one of the museums least-visited collections is becoming its most contested before Pope Francis trip to Canada. The Vaticans Anima Mundi Ethnological Museum, located near the food court and right before the main exit, houses tens of thousands of artifacts and art made by Indigenous peoples from around the world, much of it sent to Rome by Catholic missionaries for a 1925 exhibition in the Vatican gardens. The Vatican says the feathered headdresses, carved walrus tusks, masks and embroidered animal skins were gifts to Pope Pius XI, who wanted to celebrate the Churchs global reach, its missionaries and the lives of the Indigenous peoples they evangelized. But Indigenous groups from Canada, who were shown a few items in the collection when they traveled to the Vatican last spring to meet with Francis, question how some of the works were actually acquired and wonder what else may be in storage after decades of not being on public display. Some say they want them back. These pieces that belong to us should come home, said Cassidy Caron, president of the Metis National Council, who headed the Metis delegation that asked Francis to return the items. Restitution of Indigenous and colonial-era artifacts, a pressing debate for museums and national collections across Europe, is one of the many agenda items awaiting Francis on his trip to Canada, which begins Sunday. The trip is aimed primarily at allowing the pope to apologize in person, on Canadian soil, for abuses Indigenous people and their ancestors suffered at the hands of Catholic missionaries in notorious residential schools. More than 150,000 Native children in Canada were forced to attend state-funded Christian schools from the 19th century until the 1970s in an effort to isolate them from the influence of their homes and culture. The aim was to Christianize and assimilate them into mainstream society. Official Canadian policy in the late 19th and early 20th centuries also aimed to suppress Indigenous spiritual and cultural traditions at home, including the 1885 Potlatch Ban that prohibited the integral First Nations ceremony. Government agents confiscated items used in the ceremony and other rituals, and some of them ended up in museums in Canada, the U.S. and Europe, as well as private collections. It is possible Indigenous peoples gave their handiworks to Catholic missionaries for the 1925 expo or that the missionaries bought them. But historians question whether the items could have been offered freely given the power imbalances at play in Catholic missions and the governments policy of eliminating Indigenous traditions, which Canadas Truth and Reconciliation Commission has called cultural genocide. By the power structure of what was going on at that time, it would be very hard for me to accept that there wasnt some coercion going on in those communities to get these objects, said Michael Galban, a Washoe and Mono Lake Paiute who is director and curator of the Seneca Art & Culture Center in upstate New York. Gloria Bell, a fellow at the American Academy in Rome and assistant professor in McGill Universitys department of art history and communication studies, agreed. Using the term gift just covers up the whole history, said Bell, who is of Metis ancestry and is completing a book about the 1925 expo. We really need to question the context of how these cultural belongings got to the Vatican, and then also their relation to Indigenous communities today. Katsitsionni Fox, a Mohawk filmmaker who served as spiritual adviser to the spring First Nations delegation, said she saw items that belong to her people and need to be rematriated, or brought back home to the motherland. You can sense that thats not where they belong and thats not where they want to be, she said of the wampum belts, war clubs and other items she documented with her phone camera. The Inuit delegation, meanwhile, inquired about an Inuit kayak in the collection. The Vatican Museums declined repeated requests for an interview or comment. Opening the revamped Anima Mundi gallery space in 2019 with artifacts from Oceania as well as a temporary Amazon exhibit, Francis said the items were cared for with the same passion reserved for the masterpieces of the Renaissance or the immortal Greek and Roman statues. You might miss the Anima Mundi if you were to spend the day in the Vatican Museums. Official tours dont include it and the audio guide, which features descriptions of two dozen museums and galleries, ignores it entirely. Private guides say they rarely take visitors there because there is no explanatory signage on display cases or wall text panels. Margo Neale, who helped curate the Vaticans 2010 Aboriginal exhibition at the Anima Mundi as head of the Centre for Indigenous Knowledges at the Australian National Museum, said it is unacceptable for Indigenous collections today to lack informational labels. They are not being given the respect they deserve by being named in any way, said Neale, a member of the Kulin and Gumbaingirr nations. They are beautifully displayed but are culturally diminished by the lack of acknowledgement of anything other than their exotic otherness. In Victoria, British Columbia, Gregory Scofield has amassed a community collection of about 100 items of Metis beadwork, embroidery and other workmanship that he tracked down and acquired via online auctions and through travel and made available to Metis scholars and artists. Scofield, a Metis poet and author of the forthcoming book Our Grandmothers Hands: Repatriating Metis Material Art, said any discussion with the Vatican should focus on granting Indigenous scholars full access to the collection and, ultimately, bringing items home. These pieces hold our stories, he said. These pieces hold our history. These pieces hold the energy of those ancestral grandmothers. ___ 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. SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) The Washington state Supreme Court on Thursday ruled the Department of Natural Resources can continue to manage state trust lands for the financial benefit of schools and other institutions, but can also look at other ways to ensure that such lands are managed to benefit all residents. In a unanimous decision, the justices decided that while the present system was legal, there were additional uses of trust lands to benefit the public. The current DNR policies provide a benefit to the general population by boosting local economies as well as maintaining stronger and better-funded public systems of education and governance, the court ruled. DNRs discretionary land management strategies are neither unconstitutional nor arbitrary and capricious." But the high court also ruled that while DNR was not required to generate revenue specifically from timber harvests on state lands, they may elect to do so because of their discretion as trust managers. The agency is also not required to prioritize revenue maximization in their land management. Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz, who heads DNR, said she realizes the agency must do everything it can to protect public lands in the face of climate change. Todays ruling affirms DNRs position that it has discretion under the constitutional and legislative mandate to manage public lands on behalf of the communities we serve and ensure our public lands are providing the greatest environmental, social, and economic good," Franz said. This is why DNR has made climate resilience and long-term sustainable land use a core part of our work. Wyatt Golding, an attorney for the environmental groups, called the decision thoughtful and well-reasoned. Our message was that DNR must balance the generation of revenue from logging with the public interest, Golding said. The battle weve been fighting is to achieve a fair balance," Goldman said. We have argued that the management of these lands has historically been pushed to maximize revenue. We have never fought to end all timber harvest on state lands. DNR and the Legislature now can design 21st Century forest management that meets the challenges we face today," Golding said. Environmental organizations Conservation Northwest, Washington Environmental Council, and Olympic Forest Coalition, as well as eight community members, brought forth the lawsuit arguing that the state constitution requires that the federally-granted public forestlands managed by the state Department of Natural Resources (DNR) are held in trust for all the people. The court issued a monumental conservation ruling," said Mitch Friedman, executive director of Conservation Northwest. "Over coming years and decades, this ruling will be cited in support of nature-protection policies made by the Legislature and the DNR. Upon Washingtons statehood in 1889, the federal government granted the state 3 million acres of land, designated to support public institutions, including K-12 school construction and state universities. Approximately 1.5 million acres of the federally-granted state trust lands are forested. The state Constitution states that all the public lands granted to the state are held in trust for all the people. The states focus on generating revenue leads to intensive logging of public lands, in contrast to a more balanced approach of logging, employment, promoting forest health and fisheries, and sequestering carbon, the lawsuit said. Washingtonians should not be forced to choose between logging revenue and healthy forests that protect local air, water, and habitat particularly in a time of climate crisis, as well as decline and extinction of species, the environmental groups contended. The plaintiffs in 2020 filed a lawsuit against DNR in King County Superior Court, calling for management of lands for the benefit of all people. The lower court ruled in favor of DNR, and the case then went to the state Supreme Court. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate WATERBURY Investigators are looking to identify a person of interest connected to the fatal shooting of Mabel Martinez Antongiorgi earlier this year. The Waterbury Police Department released photos of the person of interest a bearded man on Tuesday. We are hoping that the public can help us identify who the person is, Lt. Ryan Bessette said in an email Wednesday. The homicide took place on April 9. Antongiorgi, 56, was shot in the head by a stray bullet fired during a drive-by shooting. She was in the front of her home on Orange Street. She was rushed to St. Marys Hospital in critical condition. She died from her injuries the next evening. Antongiorgi was the mother of Yarimar Mercado Martinez, an Olympian from Puerto Rico. Martinez was a member of the Puerto Rican rifle shooting teams at the 2016 and 2020 Olympics. Police have said previously they dont believe Antongiorgi was the intended target. At least 22 bullets were shot from as many as three firearms between a white Acura and a black Honda. Police called the shooting a drug-related incident. Shortly after the incident, police identified Levi Brock, 34, as a person of interest. Bessette said Wednesday that there were no further updates on the case. Anyone who can identify the individual is asked to call the Waterbury Police Departments Detective Bureau at 203-574-6941. Anonymous tips can also be submitted by calling 203-755-1234. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate WASHINGTON (AP) Matt Pottinger was a journalist in China, concerned about the country's drift toward authoritarianism, when he decided at age 31 to enlist in the U.S. Marines after the invasion of Iraq. Our form of government is not inevitable," Pottinger recalled thinking during an interview two years ago with the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute. "And it shouldnt be taken for granted. But its a form of government very much worth fighting for. Pottinger had no way of knowing when he put on his military uniform for the first time how close to home that battle for democracy would get. He became deputy national security adviser to President Donald Trump, and he resigned after the Jan. 6 attack that tried to stop the peaceful transfer of power to President Joe Biden. On Thursday, he'll be one of the key witnesses at a prime-time hearing of the select House committee investigating the attack. The other is Sarah Matthews, who resigned from her position as a deputy press secretary the same day. Pottinger and Matthews will join Cassidy Hutchinson, a former assistant to Mark Meadows, Trump's final chief of staff, in the exclusive club of Trump White House insiders who have appeared publicly. Their appearances stand in blunt contrast to the cadre of Trump loyalists who have tried to defy the committees subpoenas, remained silent or continued to dismiss the investigations findings. Any details on what Pottinger and Matthews will share on Thursday have been kept under wraps, but the hearing is expected to focus on what Trump did and didn't do as his supporters swarmed the U.S. Capitol and interrupted the ceremonial certification of the election. Roughly three hours elapsed between Trump's speech at a rally near the White House and his release of a video calling the rioters very special but asking them to go home now. Pottinger, 49, and Matthews, 27, may be able to illuminate what was happening behind the scenes as Trump resisted pleas from family, aides and Republicans to condemn the riot and urge people to leave the building. As a member of the press office, Matthews was privy to debates over what the White House and Trump should say publicly during the riot and what other aides advised. And although Pottinger was focused on foreign policy, his position placed him at the crossroads of national security matters. Whatever they saw that day, they decided to quit, helping to begin an exodus that included other White House staff and various Cabinet officials. These are people who believed in the work they were doing, but didnt believe in the stolen election," said Rep. Elaine Luria, D-Va., a member of the select committee. Luria added, Its just a key piece of telling the story about that day, because well be hearing from people who were in the White House, what they observed, what their reactions were." Alyssa Farah Griffin, the former White House director of strategic communications, said Pottinger and Matthews could make potent witnesses, particularly because of their very different backgrounds. Pottinger, Griffin said, is someone with enormous credibility, who is highly respected in the national security space and not seen as overtly political. Matthews, in contrast, is a tried and true Republican who worked for Trumps reelection campaign and was hand-picked to join the White House. I think their testimony will be incredibly compelling and carry a lot of weight, said Griffin, who has been supportive of the committee's work and has discussed Matthews' testimony with her. Matthews began working for Republicans on Capitol Hill as an intern while she was still a student at Kent State University in Ohio. She was so eager to begin a career in Washington that she moved to the city for her first job a month before her graduation, missing her last weeks of college and finishing her final classes online, she told her alma mater in an interview two years ago. Matthews was hired as a deputy press secretary for Trump's reelection campaign and was brought over to the White House by press secretary Kayleigh McEnany. She worked in the area of the West Wing known as upper press, placing her in closer proximity to the Oval Office than others in her office. Sometimes she joined Trump for media interviews, but mostly she fielded questions from reporters and helped prepare for White House briefings. When Matthews resigned on Jan. 6, she issued a statement saying she was deeply disturbed by what I saw today." On the anniversary of the attack, she called it one of the darkest days in American history. Make no mistake, the events on the 6th were a coup attempt, a term wed use had they happened in any other country, and former President Trump failed to meet the moment, she tweeted. Pottinger did not issue a statement when he resigned on Jan. 6, but he discussed the decision during previous, closed-door testimony to the committee. While the riot was underway, Pottinger said, a staff member brought him a printout of a Trump tweet accusing Vice President Mike Pence of not having the courage to do what should have been done to overturn the election. I read that tweet and made a decision at that moment to resign," Pottinger said. "Thats where I knew that I was leaving that day once I read that tweet. Pottinger took a much more roundabout path to the White House than Matthews. His father, John Stanley Pottinger, served as an assistant attorney general under Presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford. Matt Pottinger studied China in college, then moved to the country to work as a reporter for Reuters and The Wall Street Journal. But in 2005, he joined the Marines. Explaining his unusual decision, Pottinger wrote an essay saying that living in China also shows you what a nondemocratic country can do to its citizens. Qualifying at age 31 wasn't easy. He wrote that he got winded after running for five minutes, and he could only do half a pullup. But by the time he took his physical fitness test, he could do 13 pullups and run 3 miles in less than 21 minutes. Pottinger deployed to Iraq as an intelligence officer, and he later worked in Afghanistan with U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn. At the time, Flynn was a respected military leader, not the promoter of conspiracy theories that he's become today. They ended up writing a report criticizing military intelligence efforts in Afghanistan. Years later, after Trump was elected, Flynn invited Pottinger to join him in the National Security Council. Flynn didn't last long he was forced out after a little more than three weeks because of his obfuscations about his conversations with the Russian ambassador to the U.S. but Pottinger stuck around. He was promoted to deputy national security adviser in 2019. Pottinger was focused on Asia during his time in the Trump administration, and helped outline a more aggressive stance toward China, one that was rooted in his own experiences as a reporter in the country. He is now a distinguished visiting fellow at the Hoover Institution and the chair of the China program at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. ___ Colvin reported from New York. Associated Press writer Mary Clare Jalonick contributed to this report. ___ Follow APs coverage of the Jan. 6 committee hearings at https://apnews.com/hub/capitol-siege. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate LONDON (AP) As the World Health Organization's emergency committee convened Thursday to consider for the second time within weeks whether to declare monkeypox a global crisis, some scientists said the striking differences between the outbreaks in Africa and in developed countries will complicate any coordinated response. African officials say they are already treating the continent's epidemic as an emergency. But experts elsewhere say the mild version of monkeypox in Europe, North America and beyond makes an emergency declaration unnecessary even if the virus can't be stopped. British officials recently downgraded their assessment of the disease, given its lack of severity. I remain concerned about the number of cases, in an increasing number of countries, that have been reported, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told the emergency committee as its meeting got underway. He said it was pleasing to note falling numbers of monkeypox cases in some countries but that the virus is still increasing elsewhere and that six countries reported their first infections last week. Monkeypox has been entrenched for decades in parts of central and western Africa, where diseased wild animals occasionally infect people in rural areas in relatively contained epidemics. The disease in Europe, North America and beyond has circulated since at least May among gay and bisexual men. The epidemic in rich countries was likely triggered by sex at two raves in Spain and Belgium. Some experts worry these and other differences could possibly deepen existing medical inequities between poor and wealthy nations. There are now more than 15,000 monkeypox cases worldwide. While the United States, Britain, Canada and other countries have bought millions of vaccines, none have gone to Africa, where a more severe version of monkeypox has already killed more than 70 people. Rich countries haven't yet reported any monkeypox deaths. Whats happening in Africa is almost entirely separate from the outbreak in Europe and North America, said Dr. Paul Hunter, a professor of medicine at Britains University of East Anglia who previously advised WHO on infectious diseases. The U.N. health agency said this week that outside of Africa, 99% of all reported monkeypox cases are in men and of those, 98% are in men who have sex with other men. Still, the disease can infect anyone in close, physical contact with a monkeypox patient, regardless of their sexual orientation. In these very active gay sexual networks, you have men who really, really dont want people to know what theyre doing and may not themselves always know who they are having sex with, Hunter said. Some of those men may be married to women or have families unaware of their sexual activity, which makes contact tracing extremely difficult and even things like asking people to come forward for testing, Hunter said, explaining why vaccination may be the most effective way to shut down the outbreak. Thats probably not the case in Africa, where limited data suggests monkeypox is mainly jumping into people from infected animals. Although African experts acknowledge they could be missing cases among gay and bisexual men, given limited surveillance and stigmatization against LGBTQ people, authorities have relied on standard measures like isolation and education to control the disease. Dr. Placide Mbala, a virologist who directs the global health department at Congos Institute of National Biomedical Research, said there are also noticeable differences between patients in Africa and the West. We see here (in Congo) very quickly, after three to four days, visible lesions in people exposed to monkeypox, Mbala said, adding that someone with so many visible lesions is unlikely to go out in public, thus preventing further transmission. But in countries including Britain and the U.S., doctors have observed some infected people with only one or two lesions, often in their genitals. You wouldnt notice that if youre just with that person in a taxi or a bar, Mbala said. So in the West, people without these visible lesions may be silently spreading the disease. He said different approaches in different countries will likely be needed to stop the global outbreak, making it challenging to adopt a single response strategy worldwide, like those for Ebola and COVID-19. Dr. Dimie Ogoina, a professor of medicine at Nigeria's Niger Delta University, said he feared the worlds limited vaccine supplies would result in a repeat of the problems that arose in the coronavirus pandemic, when poorer countries were left empty-handed after rich countries hoarded most of the doses. It does not make sense to just control the outbreak in Europe and America, because you will then still have the (animal) source of the outbreak in Africa, said Ogoina, who sits on WHOs monkeypox emergency committee. This week, U.S. officials said more than 100,000 monkeypox vaccine doses were being sent to states in the next few days, with several million more on order for the months ahead. The U.S. has reported more than 2,000 cases so far, with hundreds more added every day. Some U.S. public health experts have begun to wonder if the outbreak is becoming widespread enough that monkeypox will become a new sexually transmitted disease. Declaring monkeypox to be a global emergency could also inadvertently worsen the rush for vaccines, despite the mildness of the disease being seen in most countries. Dr. Hugh Adler, who treats monkeypox patients in Britain, said there arent many serious cases or infections beyond gay and bisexual men. Still, he said it was frustrating that more vaccines werent available, since the outbreak was doubling about every two weeks in the U.K.. If reclassifying monkeypox as a global emergency will make (vaccines available), then maybe thats what needs to be done, he said. But in an ideal world, we should be able to make the necessary interventions without the emergency declaration. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate HOUSTON (AP) The family of a 9-year-old Houston girl who died after she was shot by a man who had opened fire when he was robbed at an ATM said Wednesday they remain angered by a grand jurys decision to not indict the man. That was not an accident. That was not self-defense, April Aguirre, the aunt of Arlene Alvarez said during a news conference as a photograph of the girl as she lay in a hospital bed bloodied and bandaged shortly before her death was shown. Tony Earls, 41, had been charged with aggravated assault, serious bodily injury, in Alvarezs Feb. 14 death. A Harris County grand jury in Houston on Tuesday could have indicted him on this charge or several others, including manslaughter and murder, but declined to do so. However, the grand jurys decision was not a surprise as prosecutors efforts in this case had little chance of success, according to a legal expert. Texas law gives very, very broad self-defense rights for people carrying guns, even if the person makes a mistake, said Sandra Guerra Thompson, a law professor at the University of Houston Law Center. Earls and his wife were at an ATM to withdraw money when an unidentified robber pulled a gun on them and fled after taking $20, along with a check and their car keys, according to prosecutors. Earls attorneys said after their client go out of his car, the robber fired and Earls fired back in self-defense. Investigators say Earls fired at a truck thinking the robbery suspect had possibly climbed into it. But the vehicle was actually carrying Alvarez and her family as they went to the ATM to make a deposit before heading to a late dinner at a pizzeria. The girl was shot in the head and she later died at a hospital. Earls attorneys say their client continues to grieve for Alvarez but that the grand jury made the right decision and that the person responsible for her death is the robber. Mr. Earls did what we believe anyone in that situation would have done. We are relieved that, despite the emotion and tough decisions that had to be made in dealing with this case, justice was served for Mr. Earls, his attorneys, Myrecia Donaldson and Brennen Dunn, said in a statement. Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg said the grand jurys decision didnt mean that youre innocent, Mr. Earls. It means that you were not held criminally accountable. Gwen Alvarez, the girls mother, tearfully said Tuesday the grand jurys decision left her feeling that the system failed us. In my eyes, (Earls) is guilty because he was the one who decided to fire on our vehicle multiple times and he didnt stop until he ran out of bullets, Rick Ramos, the attorney for the Alvarez family, said Wednesday that Earls actions were reckless and he questioned whether Earls was capable of carrying a weapon as his lawyers had indicated in court records that he had suffered from mental illness before the shooting. But Thompson said issues of mental illness would not have made a difference in this case as Texas does not have red flag laws that would allow law enforcement or family members to ask a judge to order the seizure or surrender of guns from someone who is deemed dangerous, often because of mental health concerns or threats of violence. Last year, Texas lawmakers expanded gun rights by letting people carry handguns without first getting a background check and training. Ramos said he plans to have an independent expert review the evidence and see if the case can be presented to another grand jury. But Ogg said investigators planned to focus on finding the unidentified robber and holding him responsible for Alvarezs death, with authorities now offering a $30,000 reward for information leading to his arrest. If Mr. Earls had shot the robber... we probably would be celebrating him, Thompson said. But that wasnt the situation and unfortunately, tragically an innocent child was killed. Eric Gay/Associated Press Two Pasadena, Texas men were indicted by a federal grand jury Wednesday in connection with the deaths of 53 migrants found in the back of an abandoned commercial trailer in San Antonio last month, the U.S. Attorneys Office announced Wednesday. Homero Zamorano Jr., 46, and Christian Martinez, 28 are each facing charges of conspiracy to illegally transport migrants resulting in death; illegal transportation of migrants resulting in death; conspiracy to illegally transport migrants resulting in serious bodily injury and placing lives in jeopardy; and illegal transportation of migrants resulting in serious bodily injury and placing lives in jeopardy. WASHINGTON (AP) The Senate unexpectedly launched a new push Wednesday to protect same-sex marriage in federal law after a surprising number of Republicans helped pass landmark legislation in the House. Some GOP senators are already signaling support. The legislation started as an election-season political effort to confront the new Supreme Court majority after the court overturned abortion access in Roe v. Wade, raising concerns that other rights were at risk. But suddenly it has a shot at becoming law. Pressure is mounting on Republicans to drop their longstanding opposition and join in a bipartisan moment for gay rights. This legislation was so important, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said as he opened the chamber Wednesday. The Democratic leader marveled over the House's 267-157 tally, with 47 Republicans almost one-fifth of the GOP lawmakers voting for the bill late Tuesday. I want to bring this bill to the floor, Schumer said, and we're working to get the necessary Senate Republican support to ensure it would pass. Political odds are still long for the legislation, the Respect for Marriage Act, which would enshrine same-sex and interracial marriages as protected under federal law. Conservatives, including House GOP leaders, largely opposed the bill, and the vast majority of Republicans voted against it. Jose Luis Magana/AP But in a sign of shifting political attitudes and a need for an election-year win, some Republicans are signaling there may be an opening. Few Republicans spoke directly against gay marriage during Tuesday's floor debate in the House. And Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell was notably silent when asked about the bill, saying he would take a look if it comes to the Senate. I'm going to delay announcing anything on that issue, McConnell said, adding he would wait to see if Schumer brings it forward. President Joe Biden wants Congress to send him the bill to sign as soon as possible. This is something thats personal to the president, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters traveling with the president. Biden is a proud champion of the right for people to marry whom they love and is grateful to see bipartisan support for that right, she said. He believes it is non-negotiable and that the Senate should act swiftly to get this to the presidents desk. He wants to sign it, so we need this legislation and we urge Congress to move as quickly as possible. So far, the legislation has just two Senate Republican co-sponsors, Susan Collins of Maine and Rob Portman of Ohio. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Thom Tillis of North Carolina are among others closely watched for possible support. In all 10 Republican senators would need to join with all Democrats to reach the 60 vote threshold to overcome a GOP filibuster. Were seeing progress on this, and Ill take progress, Sen. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., the bills chief sponsor, told reporters at the Capitol. The No. 2 Republican, Sen. John Thune of South Dakota, was doubtful Tuesday, calling the proposed legislation little more than a political message. Social issues including same-sex marriage and abortion have sprinted to the top of the congressional agenda this summer in reaction to the Supreme Court's action overturning Roe v. Wade, a stunning ruling that ended the nearly 50-year-old constitutional right to abortion access. It set off alarms that other rights conservatives have targeted could be next. While Justice Samuel Alito, writing for the majority, insisted the Roe v. Wade ruling pertained only to abortion access, it demonstrated the new conservative muscle with three Trump-era justices tipping the court's balance. A concurring opinion by Justice Clarence Thomas, who has gained stature in the new majority, raised questions about gay marriage and other rights. "We take Justice Thomas and the extremist movement behind him at their word," said Speaker Nancy Pelosi during the House debate. This is what they intend to do. Both Pelosi and Schumer criticized Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, who said over the weekend that the Supreme Courts 2015 Obergefell vs. Hodges decision upholding gay marriage was clearly wrong. The Respect for Marriage Act was rushed to the House floor in an election year with polling showing a majority of Americans favor preserving rights to marry, regardless of sex, gender, race or ethnicity, a long-building shift in modern mores toward inclusion. A Gallup poll in June showed broad and increasing support for same-sex marriage, with 70% of U.S. adults saying they think such unions should be recognized by law. The poll showed majority support among both Democrats (83%) and Republicans (55%). Approval of interracial marriage in the U.S. hit a six-decade high at 94% in September, according to Gallup. McConnell, the Republican leader, is eager to regain control of the Senate, now evenly split 50-50, and his views on whether his party should support or oppose the same-sex marriage protections will almost certainly be viewed through that political lens. Unlike the abortion issue, where views are deeply held with little room for Congress to find common ground, attitudes toward same-sex continue to evolve and shift among lawmakers. Incumbent Republican senators seeking to win reelection and GOP candidates running for office may want a chance to support the gay marriage issue that is popular with many voters. Strong Republican-led opposition could be seen as detrimental to the party's candidates in swing states that McConnell needs to win to regain control. One Republican hopeful, Joe O'Dea, who is challenging incumbent Democratic Sen. Michael Bennet in Colorado, said he was glad to see the same-sex marriage bill pass in the House. Youve got a lot of politicians in both political parties who spend way too much time trying to tell people how to live their lives. Thats just not me. I live my life. You live yours," O'Dea said. "Lets get on with solving the huge challenges facing the American people. Still, some vocal leaders in the Republican Party, including Cruz and Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri, both potential presidential candidates, have indicated likely opposition to the legislation. The Respect for Marriage Act would repeal the Clinton-era Defense of Marriage Act, which put into federal law the definition of marriage as a heterosexual union between a man and woman. That 1996 law was largely overshadowed by subsequent court rulings, including Obergefell vs. Hodges in 2015, legalizing gay marriage nationwide. ___ Associated Press writers Farnoush Amiri, Mary Clare Jalonick and Darlene Superville in Washington and Nicholas Riccardi in Denver contributed to this report. The U.S. House passed a bill Thursday that would prevent states from banning birth control, though nearly the entire Republican delegation from Texas voted against it. The bill, which faces far more hurdles passing through the Senate, largely responds to U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas recent opinion casting doubt on past rulings guaranteeing legal protections for contraceptives. It is part of a Democratic rush to codify policy on social issues that have since been put under question after the high court overturned Roe v. Wade. All Texas Republicans voted against the measure, except for Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Austin, who did not vote. Only eight Republicans in the entire chamber joined all Democrats in voting in favor of the contraceptives legislation. Democrats, meanwhile, said the measure is necessary to protect womens personal freedom. The decision of when and how to begin a family is a personal decision, and I will continue to fight back against any attempts to further strip away reproductive rights from Texas women, said U.S. Rep. Colin Allred, D-Dallas. The right to contraception was established in Griswold v. Connecticut, a 1965 case in which the court found that a constitutional right to privacy protected womens ability to take birth control. The right to privacy was also the basis for Roe v. Wade in 1973. Thomas and some other conservatives dispute whether such a right is actually established in the Constitution, causing some to fear that other court precedents could be at risk. But while Roe has been overturned, Griswold remains. Contraception is legal in Texas, and the states top leaders have not given any public indication that they want to change that. While the bills filed in response to the courts decision have faced little difficulty passing through the Democratic-controlled House, they have faced steeper challenges getting over the filibuster in the evenly split Senate. Thomas concurring opinion accompanied the courts ruling on abortion last month. His opinion also suggested the court reconsider rulings establishing the right to gay marriage. House Democrats also passed legislation this week codifying the right to gay and interracial marriage, as well as legislation last week ensuring access to abortions nationwide. The contraceptives bill proved a far more partisan vote than the marriage bill, which attracted dozens of Republican members joining Democrats to vote in favor, including one Texan, U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-San Antonio. Republicans disparaged the contraceptives bill as violating religious freedom and states rights to regulate their own health care policy. Senate Democrats introduced companion legislation earlier this week, which U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, dismissed as pure hysteria, doubting the Supreme Court would actually repeal legal protections for contraceptives. Its not in jeopardy, Cornyn told The Associated Press. When you join us at The Texas Tribune Festival Sept. 22-24 in downtown Austin, youll hear from changemakers who are driving innovation, lawmakers who are taking charge with new policies, industry leaders who are pushing Texas forward and so many others. See the growing speaker list and buy tickets. This article originally appeared in The Texas Tribune at https://www.texastribune.org/2022/07/21/texas-congress-contraception/. The Texas Tribune is a member-supported, nonpartisan newsroom informing and engaging Texans on state politics and policy. Learn more at texastribune.org. Ten-year-old Uvalde school shooting victim Amerie Jo Garza, is remembered as a hero for dialing 911 to help her classmates and teachers during the May 24 tragedy. The fourth-grader also dreamt of becoming an art teacher and was a big fan of South Korean boy band BTS. A new hand-painted mural in Houston is now paying tribute to Amerie. Brushed in vibrant colors on a wall at Ninja Ramen on Washington Ave, the work features the seven members of BTS smiling in front of a purple Houston skyline. Painted above a glittery BTS logo enveloped in multi-colored flowers is Amerie's name. The work has caught the attention of her mother, Kimberly Garcia, who earlier this week tweeted about her late daughter's love for art and dedicated BTS fanship. "Art was her passion," Garcia tweeted. "Clay was her favorite. Her favorite color was lavender. She loved sunflowers. Vanilla bean frappe from Starbucks was her favorite drink. BTS was her favorite band and she was a Girl Scout." Ariana Garcia The vivid mural was a collaborative effort among two Houston artists who are also members of the BTS Army (the name of the band's fandom): Rachel Gonzales and Caroline Truong. Truong said they wanted to add Amerie's name to the mural, which they began working on in February and finished in June, after news came out about Uvalde. "As a mom, I was shook by the tragedy of another mass shooting," she said. "I wanted to honor her in this way because I felt like as an artist, that's how I can share a piece of history and make people aware of what's going on in the world by painting." The wall also features the names of other BTS Army members who helped contribute to its creation. "Painting her name with the other Army fans seemed natural," Truong said. "Hopefully when people see her name, that stands out from the others, they will remember what happened in a way that will get people to take action." A photo shared by Amerie's family of her wearing a BTS shirt was widely circulated among BTS Army pages following her death. Another photo that surfaced showed Amerie wearing a cap featuring the BTS logo. Gonzales said BTS Army are very supportive of each other and are like a family. She grieved about Amerie after learning of her death through a BTS Army fan page. "When I heard about Amerie Jo, it just wrecked me. I was crying every morning about it," Gonzales said. "I saw a lot of my own spirit in her. She was born May 10, I was born May 12, and she wanted to be an art teacher. She was also protective of her friends against bullies, always wanted to help people. I felt like I lost a child I didn't even have." Garcia reached out to the artists to thank them via Instagram Wednesday, commenting: "Thank you for dedicating this to my daughter. BTS was her absolute favorite band, she is smiling seeing this." She also shared photos of the mural on Twitter. Texas Sen. Roland Gutierrez, who represents Uvalde, responded to the post, tweeting: "Beautiful art for a beautiful baby girl. We are thinking of you always Amerie." Amerie's aunt also reached out to thank the artists. Gonzales said she wasn't sure if Amerie's family would see it, but said it felt right to add her name to mural. "I'm truly grateful to be a part of this, and I hope for the mural to be a place to process grief as well as joy," she said. "I still feel angry and frustrated about the fact that these souls are no longer with us." The mural's progress was documented in an eight-minute video, filmed by Juliet Torres, and shared to YouTube. At the end of the video, a caption reads, "Dedicated to our Army sister Amerie Jo Garza." WFO NEW YORK CITY Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Thursday, July 21, 2022 _____ SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING The National Weather Service in Upton NY has issued a * Severe Thunderstorm Warning for... Central Fairfield County in southern Connecticut... Westchester County in southeastern New York... Putnam County in southeastern New York... Rockland County in southeastern New York... * Until 200 PM EDT. * At 114 PM EDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over Nyack, moving northeast 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 power lines. * This severe thunderstorm will be near... Ossining and Hawthorne around 120 PM EDT. Mount Kisco and Bedford around 130 PM EDT. Yorktown Heights around 135 PM EDT. Mahopac around 140 PM EDT. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building. SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH 479 REMAINS VALID UNTIL 8 PM EDT THIS EVENING FOR THE FOLLOWING AREAS IN CONNECTICUT THIS WATCH INCLUDES 4 COUNTIES IN SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT FAIRFIELD MIDDLESEX NEW HAVEN NEW LONDON IN NEW YORK THIS WATCH INCLUDES 1 COUNTY IN SOUTHEAST NEW YORK PUTNAM _____ Copyright 2022 AccuWeather Storm Prediction Ctr, Norman, OK Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Thursday, July 21, 2022 _____ SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH OUTLINE UPDATE FOR WS 479 NWS STORM PREDICTION CENTER NORMAN OK 117 PM EDT THU JUL 21 2022 SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH 479 REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 800 PM EDT FOR THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS NY . NEW YORK COUNTIES INCLUDED ARE ALBANY BRONX CLINTON COLUMBIA DELAWARE DUTCHESS ESSEX FULTON GREENE HAMILTON HERKIMER KINGS MONTGOMERY NASSAU NEW YORK ORANGE OTSEGO PUTNAM QUEENS RENSSELAER RICHMOND ROCKLAND SARATOGA SCHENECTADY SCHOHARIE ULSTER WARREN WASHINGTON WESTCHESTER The National Weather Service in Upton NY has issued a * Severe Thunderstorm Warning for... Queens County in southeastern New York... Bronx County in southeastern New York... New York (Manhattan) County in southeastern New York... Northern Nassau County in southeastern New York... * Until 200 PM EDT. * At 117 PM EDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over Mott Haven, moving east at 30 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. * This severe thunderstorm will be near... Throgs Neck Bridge around 125 PM EDT. Great Neck and Bayside around 130 PM EDT. Manhasset and Sands Point around 135 PM EDT. Port Washington around 140 PM EDT. Glen Cove around 145 PM EDT. Bayville and Brookville around 150 PM EDT. Syosset and Oyster Bay around 155 PM EDT. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building. ...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of southwestern Litchfield and southeastern Dutchess Counties through 145 PM EDT... At 119 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over Wingdale, or near Pawling, moving northeast at 30 mph. HAZARD...Winds in excess of 40 mph. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Locations impacted include... New Milford, Pawling, Amenia, Kent, Sharon, New Preston, Cornwall Bridge, Wingdale, Dover Plains, Gaylordsville, Beekman, Washington, Warren, Bantam, Baker Corner, South Dover, Skiff Mountain, Clove Valley, Lower Merryall and South Amenia. 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. A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 800 PM EDT for northern Connecticut...and east central New York. LAT...LON 4162 7375 4162 7374 4193 7349 4171 7316 4155 7345 4163 7350 4164 7350 4165 7349 4166 7349 4166 7350 4167 7352 4153 7353 4152 7361 TIME...MOT...LOC 1719Z 230DEG 25KT 4163 7359 MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH _____ Copyright 2022 AccuWeather Storm Prediction Ctr, Norman, OK Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Thursday, July 21, 2022 _____ SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH OUTLINE UPDATE FOR WS 479 NWS STORM PREDICTION CENTER NORMAN OK 313 PM EDT THU JUL 21 2022 SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH 479 REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 800 PM EDT FOR THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS NY . NEW YORK COUNTIES INCLUDED ARE ALBANY BRONX CLINTON COLUMBIA DELAWARE DUTCHESS ESSEX FULTON GREENE HAMILTON HERKIMER KINGS MONTGOMERY NASSAU NEW YORK ORANGE OTSEGO PUTNAM QUEENS RENSSELAER RICHMOND ROCKLAND SARATOGA SCHENECTADY SCHOHARIE ULSTER WARREN WASHINGTON WESTCHESTER The National Weather Service in Upton NY has issued a * Severe Thunderstorm Warning for... Western Suffolk County in southeastern New York... * Until 400 PM EDT. * At 314 PM EDT, severe thunderstorms were located along a line extending from Hauppauge to Islip, 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 power lines. * Severe thunderstorms will be near... Ronkonkoma around 320 PM EDT. Centereach, Holbrook and Sayville around 325 PM EDT. Farmingville around 330 PM EDT. Medford, Patchogue, Coram and Davis Park around 335 PM EDT. Middle Island and Yaphank around 340 PM EDT. Shirley and Brookhaven National Laboratory around 345 PM EDT. Mastic and Mastic Beach around 350 PM EDT. Manorville, Center Moriches and Calverton around 355 PM EDT. Other locations impacted by these severe thunderstorms include Islip Terrace, Nesconset, Bayport, Blue Point, Oakdale, North Patchogue, East Islip, West Sayville, East Moriches and Central Islip. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Prepare immediately for large hail and damaging winds. People outside should move immediately to shelter inside a strong building. Stay away from windows. Intense thunderstorm lines can produce brief tornadoes and widespread significant wind damage. Although a tornado is not immediately likely, it is best to move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building. These storms may cause serious injury and significant property damage. 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. _____ Copyright 2022 AccuWeather WFO ALBANY Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Thursday, July 21, 2022 _____ SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING The National Weather Service in Albany has issued a * Severe Thunderstorm Warning for... Southwestern Fulton County in eastern New York... Southeastern Herkimer County in eastern New York... Montgomery County in eastern New York... * Until 100 PM EDT. * At 1212 PM EDT, a severe thunderstorm was located near Jordanville, or 7 miles south of Little Falls, moving east at 30 mph. HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and penny size hail. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Expect damage to roofs, siding, and trees. * Locations impacted include... Gloversville, Johnstown, Little Falls, Canajoharie, Fonda, Fort Plain, St. Johnsville, Ephratah, Ames, Tribes Hill, Caroga Lake Public Campground, Glen, Oppenheim, Charleston, Fultonville, Palatine Bridge, Nelliston, Ingham Mills, Meco and Cook Corners. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building. Please report hail size...damaging winds and reports of trees down to the National Weather Service by email at Alb.Stormreport@noaa.gov... On Facebook at www.facebook.com/nwsalbany or twitter @nwsalbany ...THE SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR EAST CENTRAL CLINTON AND SOUTHERN GRAND ISLE 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 Watch remains in effect until 800 PM EDT for northwestern Vermont. _____ Copyright 2022 AccuWeather Nellore: The state government has sanctioned Rs 7,78,70,000 for 5,990 orphans in the state at the rate of Rs 13,000 per child, under the Jagananna Ammavodi scheme. This was done after Deccan Chronicle published a report on the denial of the schemes benefits to students living in registered orphanages across the state, on August 31, 2021, and a follow-up done by Nellore Collector, Chakradhar Babu. One of the reasons that had been cited by DC for not extending the benefits to these students was that the respective orphanage name was mentioned in lieu of the mothers details, in the applications. Moreover, the same name appeared as guardian to all the students in each orphanage. On this basis, the system automatically rejected the applications -- and the officials, in a show of negligence and irresponsibility, failed to take corrective steps on their own. The DC report had cited this and also mentioned about the plight of the managements running the orphanages without sufficient financial support from the government. The steady rise in prices of essentials added to their plight. The Jagananna Ammavodi scheme is meant to help children without their parents. Collector Chakradhar Babu addressed a letter to the principal secretary, School Education Department, in September last year, citing this problem. In it, the collector made a reference to the DC report and stressed the need to extend the Ammavodi benefits to the orphanages. He sent a list of 191 students living in various orphanages in Nellore district. This will now help all the orphans/orphanages in the state, apart from Nellore region, to avail the benefits of the scheme. The government has asked the district authorities to send the list of students along with the account numbers of the orphanages to transfer the amount under the scheme. WFO BUFFALO Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Thursday, July 21, 2022 _____ SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING The National Weather Service in Buffalo has issued a * Severe Thunderstorm Warning for... Lewis County in central New York... * Until 200 PM EDT. * At 1257 PM EDT, a severe thunderstorm was 5 miles north of Lowville, or 20 miles southeast of Fort Drum, moving east at 40 mph. HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Expect damage to trees and power lines. * Locations impacted include... Lowville, New Bremen, Watson, Martinsburg, Croghan, Castorland, Belfort, Soft Maple Reservoir, Kirschnerville and Beaver Falls. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... 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, July 21, 2022 _____ SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING The National Weather Service in Burlington has issued a * Severe Thunderstorm Warning for... East central Clinton County in northern New York... Northwestern Lamoille County in northwestern Vermont... Southern Grand Isle County in northwestern Vermont... Northern Chittenden County in northwestern Vermont... Franklin County in northwestern Vermont... * Until 1230 PM EDT. * At 1147 AM EDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over Milton, moving northeast at 35 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... Burlington, Enosburg Falls, Franklin, Johnson Village, Cambridge, Westford, Colchester, St. Albans City, Fairfax, Sheldon, Belvidere Center, Georgia, Enosburg, Swanton, Waterville, Grand Isle, St. Albans Town, Johnson, Enosburg Falls Village and Milton. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... 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 SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR NORTHEASTERN ESSEX 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 Watch remains in effect until 800 PM EDT for northern New York...and northwestern Vermont. ...A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON EDT FOR EAST CENTRAL CLINTON...SOUTHERN GRAND ISLE...NORTHWESTERN CHITTENDEN AND SOUTHWESTERN FRANKLIN COUNTIES... At 1148 AM EDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over Milton, moving northeast at 35 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... Burlington, South Burlington, Colchester, South Hero, Georgia, Grand Isle, Milton, Georgia Center, Westford, North Hero, St. Albans Town, Essex, Young Island, Wilcox Point, Mallets Bay State Park, Burton Island State Park, Hazen Point, Stave Island, Sand Bar State Park and West Milton. 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. _____ Copyright 2022 AccuWeather WFO NEW YORK CITY Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Thursday, July 21, 2022 _____ SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING Severe Weather Statement National Weather Service New York NY 1252 PM EDT Thu Jul 21 2022 ...A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 115 PM EDT FOR SOUTHEASTERN BERGEN...SOUTHERN WESTCHESTER...BRONX AND NEW YORK (MANHATTAN) COUNTIES... At 1252 PM EDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over Rutherford, 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 power lines. This severe storm will be near... Hackensack and Paramus around 105 PM EDT. Ridgefield around 110 PM EDT. Oradell around 115 PM EDT. Bergenfield and Fort Lee around 120 PM EDT. Yonkers and Riverdale around 130 PM EDT. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building. ...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of eastern Fulton County through 130 PM EDT... At 1253 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over Caroga Lake Public Campground, or near Gloversville, moving east at 30 mph. HAZARD...Winds in excess of 30 mph and heavy rain. IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Heavy rains could cause flooding. Locations impacted include... Gloversville, Johnstown, Broadalbin, Northville, Mayfield, Cranberry Creek, Caroga Lake Public Campground, Northampton Beach Public Campground, Caroga Lake, Berkshire, Bleecker, Meco, Munsonville, Sweets Crossing, Pinnacle, Broadalbin Junction, Carpenters Corners, Tomantown, Osbourne Bridge and Hale Mills. If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 800 PM EDT for eastern New York. LAT...LON 4317 7456 4324 7439 4324 7433 4322 7432 4322 7422 4325 7422 4325 7414 4305 7411 4300 7447 TIME...MOT...LOC 1653Z 249DEG 26KT 4312 7442 MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN MAX WIND GUST...30 MPH The National Weather Service in Upton NY has issued a * Severe Thunderstorm Warning for... Hudson County in northeastern New Jersey... Southeastern Bergen County in northeastern New Jersey... Bronx County in southeastern New York... New York (Manhattan) County in southeastern New York... * Until 145 PM EDT. * At 1254 PM EDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over Rutherford, moving east at 20 mph. HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail. SOURCE...Trained spotter has reported weak rotation with this storm in Bloomfield NJ. IMPACT...Minor hail damage to vehicles is possible. Expect wind damage to trees and power lines. * This severe thunderstorm will be near... Teterboro around 100 PM EDT. Upper West Side around 115 PM EDT. Fort Lee around 120 PM EDT. Harlem around 125 PM EDT. Mott Haven and Riverdale around 130 PM EDT. East Tremont around 135 PM EDT. Throgs Neck Bridge and Co-op City around 145 PM EDT. ...THE SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR SOUTHWESTERN FULTON AND NORTHWESTERN MONTGOMERY COUNTIES WILL EXPIRE AT 100 PM EDT... The storm which prompted the warning has weakened below severe limits, and has exited the warned area. Therefore, the warning will be allowed to expire. However gusty winds are still possible with this thunderstorm. _____ Copyright 2022 AccuWeather WFO NEW YORK CITY Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Thursday, July 21, 2022 _____ SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING The National Weather Service in Upton NY has issued a * Severe Thunderstorm Warning for... Western Suffolk County in southeastern New York... Northeastern Nassau County in southeastern New York... * Until 315 PM EDT. * At 236 PM EDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over Brookville, or over Syosset, moving east at 25 mph. HAZARD...70 mph wind gusts and ping pong ball size hail. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...People and animals outdoors will be injured. Expect hail damage to roofs, siding, windows, and vehicles. Expect considerable tree damage. Wind damage is also likely to mobile homes, roofs, and outbuildings. * This severe thunderstorm will be near... Levittown and Syosset around 240 PM EDT. Plainview and Woodbury around 245 PM EDT. Huntington, Farmingdale and Cold Spring Harbor around 250 PM EDT. Huntington Station and Melville around 255 PM EDT. Lindenhurst and Dix Hills around 300 PM EDT. Deer Park and Babylon around 305 PM EDT. Commack around 310 PM EDT. Islip, Brentwood, Hauppauge, Ronkonkoma, Smithtown and Bay Shore around 315 PM EDT. Other locations impacted by this severe thunderstorm include Islip Terrace, Nesconset, East Meadow, Carle Place, Jericho, Old Brookville, Upper Brookville, Roslyn Heights, East Northport and East Islip. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Prepare immediately for large hail and damaging winds. People outside should move immediately to shelter inside a strong building. Stay away from windows. 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 CENTRAL FAIRFIELD... NORTHWESTERN NEW HAVEN...NORTHERN WESTCHESTER AND EASTERN PUTNAM COUNTIES WILL EXPIRE AT 245 PM EDT... The storm which prompted the warning has moved out of the area. Therefore, the warning will be allowed to expire. A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 800 PM EDT for southern Connecticut...and southeastern New York. ...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of southeastern Washington and northwestern Bennington Counties through 315 PM EDT... At 241 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over Cambridge, or near Hoosick Falls, moving east at 25 mph. HAZARD...Winds in excess of 30 mph and pea size hail. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is possible. Locations impacted include... Arlington, Shaftsbury, Cambridge, White Creek, Sandgate, Glastenbury, White Creek Station, Center White Creek, Chiselville, Post Corners, East Arlington, Eagleville, Anaquassacook, North Cambridge, Hidden Valley, East Kansas, Bouplon Corner, Ash Grove, Shushan and Shaftsbury Center. If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. east central New York...and southern Vermont. LAT...LON 4294 7328 4294 7338 4295 7339 4295 7340 4296 7341 4296 7342 4304 7346 4320 7317 4296 7305 TIME...MOT...LOC 1841Z 250DEG 21KT 4299 7338 MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN MAX WIND GUST...30 MPH _____ Copyright 2022 AccuWeather WFO AMARILLO Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Thursday, July 21, 2022 _____ SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING The National Weather Service in Amarillo has issued a * Severe Thunderstorm Warning for... Central Armstrong County in the Panhandle of Texas... * Until 645 PM CDT. * At 547 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located 6 miles southwest of Claude, moving south at 10 mph. HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and half dollar size hail. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Minor damage to roofs, siding, and trees is possible. Hail damage to vehicles is expected. * Locations impacted include... Claude. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... 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 Amarillo. ...A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 615 PM CDT FOR SOUTHWESTERN YOUNG AND NORTHEASTERN STEPHENS COUNTIES... At 550 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located near Eliasville or 5 miles west of South Bend, moving north at 10 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... Crystal Falls, Eliasville, South Bend, Ivan, and Newcastle. _____ Copyright 2022 AccuWeather WFO DALLAS / FT. WORTH Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Wednesday, July 20, 2022 _____ SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING The National Weather Service in Fort Worth has issued a * Severe Thunderstorm Warning for... Central Palo Pinto County in north central Texas... * Until 730 PM CDT. * At 638 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located near Metcalf Gap and Palo Pinto, moving southeast around 5 mph. HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and nickel size hail. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Expect damage to roofs, siding, and trees. * Locations impacted include... Mineral Wells, Gordon, Strawn, Palo Pinto, Metcalf Gap, Brad, Santo, Brazos, and Mingus. This includes Interstate 20 between mile markers 369 and 370. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... For your protection get inside a sturdy structure and stay away from windows. _____ Copyright 2022 AccuWeather WFO DALLAS / FT. WORTH Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Wednesday, July 20, 2022 _____ SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING The National Weather Service in Fort Worth has issued a * Severe Thunderstorm Warning for... Northeastern Eastland County in north central Texas... Southeastern Stephens County in north central Texas... Southwestern Palo Pinto County in north central Texas... * Until 815 PM CDT. * At 726 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located just west of Strawn, moving southwest at 10 mph. HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and nickel size hail. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Expect damage to roofs, siding, and trees. * Locations impacted include... Eastland, Ranger, Tiffin, Morton Valley, Olden, and Strawn. This includes Interstate 20 between mile markers 340 and 363. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... For your protection get inside a sturdy structure and stay away from windows. ...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of Grayson County through 815 PM CDT... At 730 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near Sherman and another near Pottsboro, both moving southeast at 10 mph. Additional storms are expected to develop over northeast Grayson County over the next 30 to 45 minutes. HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph and nickel size hail. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is possible. Locations impacted include... Sherman, Denison, Howe, Pottsboro, Whitewright, Bells, Tom Bean, Savoy, Knollwood, Dorchester, Eisenhower State Park, southeastern Lake Texoma, Southmayd and Luella. If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. LAT...LON 3383 9659 3382 9658 3382 9653 3379 9651 3378 9651 3377 9650 3378 9643 3373 9638 3348 9638 3349 9666 3374 9683 3385 9663 TIME...MOT...LOC 0030Z 329DEG 8KT 3359 9655 MAX HAIL SIZE...0.88 IN MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH _____ Copyright 2022 AccuWeather We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form Congress president Sonia Gandhi with party general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra leaves from her residence ahead of appearing before the Enforcement Directorate in connection with the National Herald case, in New Delhi (PTI Photo/Ravi Choudhary) New Delhi: Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Thursday appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) here for her questioning in the National Herald money laundering case. Gandhi, 75, arrived at the federal probe agency's headquarters located at Vidyut Lane flanking A P J Abdul Kalam Road in central Delhi a little after noon escorted by her Z+ category CRPF security cover. Gandhi, who was diagnosed with Covid recently, was seen wearing a mask and was accompanied by her children Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi. Priyanka Gandhi will be allowed to stay in the 'Pravartan Bhawan' headquarters of the agency, away from the questioning room, so that in case of a health issue she can be with her mother and provide her medicines. Ahead of her appearance, the Delhi Police deployed a huge force and barricaded the entire over 1 km stretch between Gandhi's residence on Akbar Road-Janpath and the ED office even as traffic restrictions have been enforced around the area. The party has slammed the agency's action against its top leadership and called it a "political vendetta". The Congress chief is deposing on the third summons as she sought exemption on earlier dates of June 8 and June 23 owing to coronavirus infection. Her statement will be recorded by the agency under criminal sections of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and it will be also be taped in an audio-video mode. The agency, according to sources, will give her an option to either write down or dictate her answers to an ED staffer over computer, who will be present along with the investigating officer of the case. The probe relates to alleged financial irregularities in the Congress-promoted Young Indian Private Limited, which owns the National Herald newspaper. Her son and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi has been questioned by the agency in the case for over 50 hours in sessions spread across five days last month. The questioning will be conducted keeping in mind Covid protocols and the session will be conducted by the same assistant director-level investigation officer who questioned Rahul Gandhi. The questioning team will also have a woman officer and all of them have obtained 'covid negative' certificates in order to participate in the session, sources said. The move to question the Gandhis was initiated after the ED late last year registered a fresh case under the criminal provisions of the PMLA after a trial court here took cognisance of an Income tax department probe against Young Indian on the basis of a private criminal complaint filed by BJP MP Subramanian Swamy in 2013. Sonia and Rahul Gandhi are among the promoters and majority shareholders of Young Indian. Like her son, the Congress president too has 38 per cent shareholding. Swamy had accused the Gandhis and others of conspiring to cheat and misappropriate funds, with YI paying only Rs 50 lakh to obtain the right to recover Rs 90.25 crore that AJL owed to the Congress. In February last year, the Delhi High Court issued a notice to the Gandhis for their response on Swamy's plea, seeking to lead evidence in the matter before the trial court. Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Pawan Bansal were questioned by the ED in this case in April. The Congress party has maintained that there has been no wrongdoing and that Young Indian is a "not-for-profit" company established under section 25 of the Companies Act and hence there can be no question of money laundering. It is understood that Rahul Gandhi, during his deposition before the ED, stuck to the position that there was no personal acquisition of assets by himself or his family as Young Indian was a "not-for-profit" company and that despite he being a majority shareholder various financial decisions taken to revive the National Herald newspaper was taken collectively by senior Congress party leaders. The ED, sources said, wanted to understand how the loan was extended to AJL by the Congress party and if the provisions of the Companies Act and the anti-money laundering law were contravened in this AJL-Congress-Young Indian deal. The ED says that assets worth about Rs 800 crore are "owned" by the AJL and it wants to know from the Gandhis how a not-for-profit company like Young Indian was undertaking commercial activities of renting out its land and building assets. A loan of Rs one crore taken by YI from a Kolkata-based company in February 2011 is also under the scanner of the ED. The party had said AJL, which was established in 1937, faced huge debts and the Congress, from 2002 to 2011, gave Rs 90 crore to the National Herald newspaper, out of which Rs 66 crore was used to pay salaries/VRS of journalists and staffers who worked there. Full exclusive interview with Canadas immigration minister All 8 parts of CIC News's interview with Immigration Minister Sean Fraser. Full exclusive interview with Canadas immigration minister All 8 parts of CIC News's interview with Immigration Minister Sean Fraser. Full exclusive interview with Canadas immigration minister All 8 parts of CIC News's interview with Immigration Minister Sean Fraser. Shelby Thevenot Kareem El-Assal Aa Accessibility Font Style Serif Sans Font Size A A CIC News met Immigration Minister Sean Fraser on June 21 to discuss current events relating to Canadian immigration. Fraser was appointed minister last fall, shortly after the 2021 Canadian federal election. As the head of Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), Fraser is tasked with implementing the Canadian prime ministers policy priorities, which are outlined in the ministers mandate letter. The minister is also responsible for overseeing Canadas citizenship program, making decisions related to immigration policy, and tabling an immigration levels plan every year before November 1, except during an election. Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration We released the interview in eight segments so that we could elaborate on each question. Fraser discussed a variety of topics topics including Express Entry reforms and the date of the first all-program Express Entry draw in 18 months. Since then, all-program draws have resumed and the bill that proposed the changes to Express Entry has passed. We have also learned that the new Express Entry draws that invite candidates based on an economic goal will start to be implemented early 2023. Fraser also touched on IRCC service standards, citizenship fees, immigration levels, and new PR pathways. We also asked him whats on his bucket list as Canadas immigration minister, and how his life has changed since he accepted the role. Here are all of our articles from the interview, which took place at the 2022 Collision conference on June 21: Immigration Minister Sean Fraser says Canada would resume all-program Express Entry draws on Wednesday, July 6, 2022. As the minister said, the draw took place on that day. A total of 1,500 Express Entry candidates were invited to apply for permanent residence. Part 2: Immigration Minister Sean Fraser discusses Express Entry reforms At the time of this interview, Bill C-19 had not received royal assent. Now that the bill has passed, IRCC predicts it will come into effect in the new year. After the pandemic slowed down application processing times, Fraser says he expects most lines of business to return to their standard by the end of the calendar year. Part 4: No date set for IRCC to waive Canadian citizenship application fees The Liberal Partys 2019 promise to end citizenship fees has still not come to fruition. Fraser offers an explanation. Fraser did not rule out the possibility that Canada would one day seek to welcome half a million new permanent residents in a given year. Part 6: Immigration minister discusses new PR pathways for temporary residents Fraser talks about the considerations going into a new immigration program expected to be announced in the fall. Fraser says he wants to make good on a number of commitments to refugees and undocumented workers. Fraser discusses the challenges of fulfilling his duties as an immigration minister and as a father at the same time. Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration CIC News All Rights Reserved. Visit CanadaVisa.com to discover your Canadian immigration options. There are many Canadian work permit options for foreign employees that do not require an LMIA. How can I work in Canada without an LMIA? How can I work in Canada without an LMIA? There are many Canadian work permit options for foreign employees that do not require an LMIA. How can I work in Canada without an LMIA? There are many Canadian work permit options for foreign employees that do not require an LMIA. How can I work in Canada without an LMIA? There are many Canadian work permit options for foreign employees that do not require an LMIA. Julia Hornstein Aa Accessibility Font Style Serif Sans Font Size A A The purpose of a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is to make sure that the hiring of a foreign worker will have a positive or neutral effect on the Canadian labour force. Work permits that require an LMIA fall under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). Canada allows some foreign workers to come work in Canada without an LMIA. These workers fall under the International Mobility Program (IMP). The IMPs purpose is to promote Canadas economic, social and cultural interests. Many of the most common LMIA-exempt streams fall under the IMP, which can be divided into the following categories: Significant benefit Reciprocal Employment Charitable and Religious Workers Schedule a Free Work Permit Consultation with the Cohen Immigration Law Firm Significant Benefit The foreign nationals proposed work must be considered beneficial to Canada, meaning it must be important or notable. Canada visa officers have some flexibility in determining who is issued a work- permit under this category. Some objective measures for significant social or cultural benefit include: An academic record showing that the foreign worker has a degree, diploma, certificate or award from an institution of learning related to their area of ability Evidence from current or former employers about the foreign workers experience in the occupation or area of ability Foreign national is a recipient of national or international awards or patents Evidence of membership in organizations requiring excellence of its members Evidence of recognition of achievement and significant contributions to their field Evidence of scientific or scholarly contributions to their field Publications authored by the foreign national in academic or industry publication Leading role in an organization with a distinguished reputation Here are some of Canadas LMIA-exempt work permit programs under the significant benefit category. Entrepreneurs or Self-employed persons Entrepreneurs or self-employed persons who want to come to Canada to start or run a business may be granted an LMIA exemption. Applicant under this program must be sole or majority owners of the business and must demonstrate that the business will be of significant benefit to Canada. It is important to note that you may only be eligible for this type of work permit if their work in Canada is temporary. Intra-Company Transferees (ICT) Foreign businesses that have a parent company, branch, subsidiary or affiliate in Canada can bring important personnel to Canada through Intra-Company Transferees. The applicant must be an executive or senior manager, functional managers or an employee who has specialized knowledge of the enterprises products, services, processes and procedures. CUSMA Under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), citizens of the United States and Mexico can get a work permit without the need for an LMIA. There are four categories of temporary work covered under CUSMA: CUSMA Professionals: Applicants who qualify to work in one of approximately 60 targeted professions. CUSMA Intra-Company transfers: Workers transferring to Canada to work for a branch, subsidiary or affiliate of their US or Mexican employer who meet the ICT requirements. CUSMA Traders: Workers coming to Canada to carry out trade of goods or services between Canada and their country of citizenship, either the US or Mexico. CUSMA Investors: Investors who have made a substantial investment in a new or existing Canadian business and are coming to Canada to develop and direct the business. CETA The Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) allows certain business visitors, investors, ICTs, service providers and independent professionals to come to Canada without an LMIA. TV and Film Production Workers Television and film production companies can bring workers to Canada if they can demonstrate that the work to be performed by the foreign worker is essential to production. Reciprocal Employment Reciprocal employment agreements allow foreign works to work in Canada when Canadians have similar reciprocal work opportunities abroad. These agreements can be in the form of: International Agreements: Foreign worker must be of significant benefit to Canada. International Exchange Programs: Program for international youth to come work in Canada. Charitable and Religious Work Charitable Worker Charity is defined as the relief of poverty, advanced of education or certain other purposes that benefit the community. Being registered with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) as a charity is a strong indicator that an organization is charitable in nature, but foreign workers may be able to work in Canada for an organization that is not registered with the CRA. Religious Workers The foreign national must be part of or share the religious beliefs of a particular religious community where they intend to work. The primary duties of the foreign worker would be a particular religious objective, like instruction or promotion of a religion or faith. Schedule a Free Work Permit Consultation with the Cohen Immigration Law Firm CIC News All Rights Reserved. Visit CanadaVisa.com to discover your Canadian immigration options. Hong Kong: Education fund to remove age limit Secretary for Labour & Welfare Chris Sun Manpower is clearly vital to our economy. As the Government, we put a lot of emphasis on manpower development, and also nurturing our talent which is key to ensuring that we remain competitive in the years to come, as Hong Kong develops itself and transforms itself into a knowledge-based and high value-added economy. It is increasingly important that our economy is going to be driven by innovation, professionalism and a wide adoption of technology in business sectors. In fact, from that angle, manpower is shifting towards high-skilled and educated workers. So for Hong Kong, we spare no effort in nurturing our local talent by improving and continuing to invest in our education. Let us take a look at this very important yardstick. The proportion of students having a post-secondary education right now is three quarters. If we look at the same figure 10 years ago, it was two-thirds. So clearly, in the span of 10 years, we have made a lot of improvement in terms of having more students having a post-secondary education, which is very, very important for their future. In addition, we also promote vocational and professional education and training (VPET) as multiple and flexible pathways for young people with different aspirations and abilities. We have also been making efforts to strengthen VPET pathways at the degree level. The Government launched in 2020 a pilot project on the development of applied degree programmes to prepare graduates for employment in relevant disciplines with recognised qualifications. Apart from the formal education, we also invest very heavily in building up our own manpower and skill sets through training, retraining and lifelong learning. The Employees Retraining Board provides over 170,000 training places a year. Some of these courses are placement-tied, some are focusing on specific skill sets and some are trying to improve peoples generic skills. Also, we have the Continuing Education Fund (CEF). The purpose of that fund is to promote learning by subsidising all adults, regardless of their educational level or how much money they earned, so that they can upgrade themselves, upskill themselves and learn new skills to meet with the fast-changing demand in a society that keeps on changing. Despite COVID-19, the beneficiaries, if we look at the number of people who benefitted from the CEF in the past three years, have increased more than double. Right now, we have 50,000 people benefitting from the CEF. To keep the momentum going, we will very soon introduce a new wave of CEF enhancement on August 1, including completely removing the upper age limit. Regardless of age, if you want to improve yourself, you can apply for a subsidy from the CEF and upgrade yourself at any age. Also, we are going to raise the ceiling of the subsidy from August 1. The ceiling of that subsidy will be $25,000 a year. We clearly understand that the Government alone cannot succeed in improving our manpower. What we need is a collaborative approach. We need the support of education institutes, business sectors and non-governmental organisations. I am confident, through collaboration among all parties, we can help our young people realise their potential and acquire the necessary skills and knowledge, so that they can build a bright future for themselves. Secretary for Labour & Welfare Chris Sun gave these remarks at the opening ceremony of the Trade Development Council Education & Careers Expo 2022 on July 21. This story has been published on: 2022-07-21. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Iran demands "serious" economic guarantees from U.S. in nuclear talks: spokesman Xinhua) 09:02, July 21, 2022 TEHRAN, July 20 (Xinhua) -- Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kanaani said Wednesday that for the talks to save the 2015 nuclear deal, the United States should give guarantees for securing Iran's economic interests under a possible agreement, according to official IRNA news agency. "The ground is ready for an agreement, and we believe that there is no important problem to this end," he said during his press conference. Washington should make a political decision, Kanaani said, adding that Iran demands "serious" guarantees from the United States. On the recent indirect talks between Iran and the United States in the Qatari capital Doha, he refuted Western reports about the "inconclusiveness" of the talks, saying that contrary to the claims "the Doha negotiations were good negotiations and opened the way for the continuation of negotiations and a nuclear agreement." Josep Borrell, foreign policy chief of the European Union, and the Iranian side are following up on the issue to prepare the ground for the continuation of the next round of negotiations, he noted. Since April 2021, eight rounds of talks have been held in Vienna between Iran and the remaining parties to the 2015 deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). Iran signed the 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. The talks, which were suspended in March, were mediated by the European Union to be continued bilaterally between Iran and the United States in Doha in June, however, the indirect talks did not bear tangible results. (Web editor: Wu Chaolan, Liang Jun) Biological E. Limited on Thursday announced an investment of Rs 1,801 crore in the city, the announcement followed a meeting of the companys MD Mahima Datla with industries minister K.T. Rama Rao. (Photo: Twitter) Hyderabad: Biological E. Limited on Thursday announced an investment of Rs 1,801 crore in the city, which would generate 2,518 jobs at its three facilities in Genome Valley, as part of an expansion plan that would cement Hyderabads position as the vaccine capital of the world. The expansion is primarily targeted to ramp up the manufacturing of vaccines and generic injectables, besides research and development. The announcement followed a meeting of the companys MD Mahima Datla with industries minister K.T. Rama Rao. Principal secretary (commerce) Jayesh Ranjan and Life Sciences director Shakthi M. Nagappan were also in attendance. In a media statement, Rama Rao said Im delighted to announce the expansion plans of Biological E. in Genome Valley. Hyderabad is already known as the vaccine capital of the world and this expansion further accelerates our strength to serve the world with life-saving vaccines. Mahima Datla said, Im thankful to the Government of Telangana, the vision of Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao garu and minister K.T. Rama Rao garu for spearheading and continuing to facilitate in a way that enables us to take quick decisions to expand even during the pandemic times. Hyderabad accounts for a third of the global vaccine production, having a capacity of producing around nine billion doses per year. The investment will enhance the production capacity by five billion doses, taking the total capability to 14 billion doses per year, the highest in the world. The investment will focus on the manufacture of the Janssen Covid vaccine, MR vaccine, PCV vaccine, typhoid vaccine, tetanus toxoid ampoules, IPV vaccine, pertussis vaccine, biological APIs and formulations, speciality generic injectables and R&D. All the activities will be centred at Genome Valley, which is Indias first organised cluster for Life Sciences R&D and clean manufacturing activities with state-of-the-art infrastructure in the form of industrial/knowledge parks, SEZs, multi-tenanted dry and wet laboratories, and incubation facilities. It is home to more than 200 companies, with a specialised scientific workforce of about 15,000 professionals including the presence of marquee global names, such as Novartis, GlaxoSmithKline, Ferring Pharma, Chemo, DuPont, Ashland, United States Pharmacopeia and Lonza, among others. Biological E. Limited (BE) commenced its operations in 1953 as a biological products company, manufacturing liver extracts and anti-coagulants. It is the first private sector biological product company in India and the first pharmaceutical company in southern India. Currently, it has four strategic business units branded formulations, speciality generic injectables, synthetic biology and vaccines and biologics in Telangana with six manufacturing facilities that employ over 5,000 people. The company has secured funding from the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) to the tune of $50 million to expand the companys capacity to produce Covid-19 vaccines. Further, it has developed the Corbevax vaccine, an indigenous product of India. The vaccine has also received a nod from the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) for emergency use authorisation for the 5-12-year age group. Termen Extins: Concurs de selectie a unui expert/e sau echipa de experti in domeniul evaluarii organizatiilor de tineret membre ale CNTM cu privire la existenta si eficacitatea politicii lor interne si identificarea prioritatilor strategice de dezvoltare The Charity Commission will be taking no further action surrounding the Prince of Waless Charitable Foundation (PWCF), after it looked into reports of a donation of about 2.5m in cash. Last month, the Sunday Times revealed the PWCF had been given 3m by Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim, a former Qatari prime minister, and said Prince Charles personally accepted the donations for his charity, which the Commission then looked into. But the charity regulator has now issued a statement: We have assessed the information provided by the charity and have determined there is no further regulatory role for the Commission. In response, the PWCF said it was disappointed at the unfounded suggestions of improper management, which it says has overshadowed its work. Charity disappointed by newspaper allegations PWCF's trustees had previously submitted information to the Commission via a serious incident report and the regulator found no concerns about the charitys governance, either at the time, or now. Ian Cheshire, chair of the PWCF, said: The trustees of PWCF note that the Charity Commission are taking no action relating to donations featured in the Sunday Times article, and that they confirmed that there was no failure of governance, as we have also previously stated. He added: It is disappointing that over 40 years of our charitable grants, totalling over 70m to various good causes should be overshadowed by unfounded suggestions of improper management. Data for the financial year ending 31 March 2021, on the Commission website, says total income for the charity was more than 10m, as was total expenditure. sign up to receive the Civil Society News daily bulletin here . For more news, interviews, opinion and analysis about charities and the voluntary sector, Nearly two weeks ago, protesters in Sri Lankawhich is in the thick of a brutal economic and humanitarian crisisstormed the palatial residence of the countrys president, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, lying on his bed, jumping into his pool, and watching news footage of their exploits on his TV. Images of the occupation quickly spread around the world. Later the same day, protesters also marched on the private residence of the prime minister, Ranil Wickremesinghe, which was set alight. As News 1st, a Sri Lankan network, broadcast live from the latter scene, a police chief could be heard ordering officers to attack four of the channels journalists. Police then tear-gassed four more News 1st staffers who had rushed to their colleagues aid. Four of the eight journalists sustained serious injuries according to News 1st, which rolled footage showing them being taken to a hospital. The chief who instigated the attack was suspended, pending an investigation. Wickremesinghe, the prime minister whose home had been torched, condemned the attack. Freedom of media is paramount to democracy in Sri Lanka, he said. Violence against members of the press is nothing new in Sri Lankaand investigations into its perpetrators have often gone nowhere. As Reporters Without Borderswhich ranks Sri Lanka 146th on its World Press Freedom Index, out of a hundred and eighty countries and territories worldwidenotes, threats to press freedom in the country have historically been closely tied to the civil war that ravaged the island until 2009, when the government put down a Tamil-separatist insurgency. Per RSF, forty-four media professionals have been killed in Sri Lanka in the past two decades, with Tamil journalists disproportionately targeted, and, though the most recent killing confirmed by RSF was in 2015, impunity for older murders has remained a live issue. Last year, RSF worked with the Committee to Protect Journalists and Free Press Unlimited to found a Peoples Tribunala grassroots justice initiative that uses prosecutorial methods to pile pressure on countries that tend not to punish the killers of journalistsand indicted three governments including that of Sri Lanka, citing the case of Lasantha Wickrematunge, a prominent newspaper editor who was killed in 2009, as the civil war neared its end, after men on motorbikes beat him up at the side of the road. Wickrematunge, who had received threats over his work, predicted his death before it happened, penning a Letter from the Grave that his paper published posthumously. ICYMI: Blowtorch Britain captures global attention Wickrematunge, who was not himself Tamil, had criticized the governments prosecution of the war and alleged corruption on the part of the then-defense minister: Gotabaya Rajapaksa, the president whose residence was occupied last week, who served, in 2009, under the presidency of his brother Mahinda. At the time of his death, Wickrematunge had been sued for defamation by Gotabaya Rajapaksa and was set to testify in court. It has since repeatedly been alleged that Rajapaksa was complicit in Wickrematunges killing, and that he controlled elite units that carried out attacks on other journalists and dissidents, including by kidnapping them in white vans. In 2015, the Rajapaksas fell from power and hopes for accountability grew. An investigation was opened into the killing of Wickrematunge; police investigators eventually implicated Gotabaya Rajapaksa in running the death squad that killed Wickrematunge, and arrested other officials. In 2019, Wickrematunges daughter filed a civil suit against Rajapaksa, who was then a dual US citizen, in California. (Rajapaksa has always denied wrongdoing.) In October 2019, however, a judge threw the suit out, ruling that Rajapaksa enjoyed immunity under US law because he was a foreign official at the time of his alleged crimes. Accountability efforts inside Sri Lanka had, by that point, also ground to a haltand a month later, Rajapaksa returned to government, this time as president. A lead detective investigating Wickrematunges killing soon fled the country (he finally broke his public silence in May, at a hearing organized by the Peoples Tribunal); meanwhile, threats to the presswhich had not gone away between Rajapaksas spells in governmentquickly intensified. Some journalists self-censored or went into exile, while others were subjected to beatings, raids, detention, and interrogation. Dharisha Bastians, a Sri Lankan journalist, wrote for The Guardian last year that where once there were white vans and guns; now there are warrants, seizures and disinformation campaigns, which erode public trust in critics and the news media. In December, soldiers beat a Tamil journalist covering a civil-war memorial. In late March, as protests against Rajapaksas government swelled, at least six journalists were arrested and nine injured while covering them. The authorities also briefly shut off the internet. Generally, the situation has only escalated since then. In May, as protests continued, Rajapaksas brother Mahinda, by now the prime minister, was forced out; Wickremesinghe replaced him and began negotiating a bailout from the International Monetary Fund. Rajapaksa stayed put as president, leading to the occupation of his residence. After that, he fled the country and communicated that he would resign by last Wednesday; when he didnt, protesters stormed the state broadcaster, forcing it off the air. The next day, Rajapaksa did resign, over email. If the fin de regime tone of international media coverage around his ouster has often centered his and his familys disastrous management of Sri Lankas economy, his human-rights and press-freedom records seem to have occasioned somewhat less scrutiny, though they remain a vital part of his legacy. Summing up that legacy in an interview with Al Jazeera, Rohan Pethiyagoda, a prominent Sri Lankan scientist, lambasted him on both economic and public-relations grounds. He didnt hold a single press conference, relying instead on delivering poorly scripted speeches to a teleprompter, Pethiyagoda said. All this, haunted by the ghosts of journalists murdered on his watch. Sign up for CJR 's daily email Yesterday, Wickremesinghe, who became acting president after Rajapaksa fled, won the job permanently after lawmakers voted in a secret ballot. (He beat out Dullas Alahapperuma, a former journalist and media minister under Rajapaksa who had won opposition backing.) Wickremesinghe was sworn in today in a ceremony that was supposed to be broadcast live, but was reportedly interrupted by a power outage. A veteran politician, Wickremesinghe previously served as prime minister on six occasions, including his recent stint and also in the years between the Rajapaksas spells in power. Back then, Wickremesinghe talked the talk on press freedom, as he did recently after the News 1st journalists were attacked outside his home, but that government ultimately failed to walk the walk, and Wickremesinghe has already worried press-freedom advocates in his new job as president, instituting a state of emergency and promising to crack down on protests. He has also suggested that hes amenable to reforms that protesters are demanding, but many of those protesters see him as a Rajapaksa stooge. Yesterday, a reporter from Britains Sky News asked Wickremesinghe how he can credibly bring about change given that he has long been a friend of the Rajapaksas. Wickremesinghe responded that he has never been a friend of the Rajapaksas, adding, Dont ask questions like this. Demonstrations continued today, with protesters suggesting to international media that they intend to keep up the pressure on Sri Lankas entire political establishment, and not just the Rajapaksa dynasty. Some government critics seem to fear that despite its recent fall from power, even the dynasty might not be finished; indeed, it came back once before. The Rajapaksas are known to play the long game, so I couldnt say for sure if this will be the end of them, a Sri Lankan lawmaker told The Guardian recently before pointing to the example of the Philippines, where the son of the dictator Ferdinand Marcos came to power last month decades after his father was swept from power. As I wrote recently, that looked like bad news for press freedom in that country. The same would surely be true of any Rajapaksa revival in Sri Lanka. Even absent that, the future for the press looks uncertain. And the ghosts of the past have still not seen justice. Below, more on Sri Lanka and press freedom around the world: Other notable stories: ICYMI: On the grim news cycle, and shutting it out Has America ever needed a media watchdog more than now? Help us by joining CJR today Jon Allsop is a freelance journalist whose work has appeared in the New York Review of Books, Foreign Policy, and The Nation, among other outlets. He writes CJRs newsletter The Media Today. Find him on Twitter @Jon_Allsop. Insurers will only be willing to cover ships sailing through a proposed corridor to get Ukrainian grain out if there are arrangements for international navy escorts and a clear strategy to deal with sea mines, underwriters and brokers say. Russia, Ukraine, Turkey and the United Nations are expected to sign a deal later this week aimed at resuming the shipping of grain from Ukraine across the Black Sea. Ukraines ports have been closed since Russias invasion in February, which Moscow calls a special military operation, with marine insurers based in Lloyds of London and the wider London commercial insurance market awaiting more assurances given the potential losses involved with every ship. Insurance for the ships would be possible if a sensible solution were offered, said Rory Colacicchi, a partner at insurance broker McGill and Partners. There would have to be escorts, mine sweepers, so an underwriter could say thats given us the satisfaction that its not just a gamble. At the moment, thats just a gamble, you wouldnt be able to go. An acceptable escort could be provided by joint Ukrainian and Russian ships, or by the United Nations or a neutral power such as Turkey, insurance sources said. An aide to mine sweeping could be the use of satellite technology to identify the locations of the mines, said a marine war insurer who declined to be named due to the sensitivity of the issue. Countries such as the United States, Britain or France may have that technology, the insurer added. The initial problem is that there are over 80 ships stuck in Ukraine many with cargoes onboard including grain which need to get out before new ships can go in, sources said. A second UK-based broker, who declined to be named, said his firm had worked to get an insurance framework in place for a ship willing to go into Ukraine to bring out grain, once a corridor is in place. The client is on standby to go in from a humanitarian perspective, the broker said. Additional premiums charged to go into the broader Black Sea area have dropped, reflecting more confidence to provide insurance since February, industry sources said. The additional premiums paid to go into Black Sea waters have dropped to 2% of the value of the ship from 5% shortly after the invasion, said Marcus Baker, global head of marine at broker Marsh. PALINI, Greece (AP) Nearly 500 firefighters struggled to contain a large wildfire that threatened hillside suburbs outside Athens for a second day Wednesday, after hundreds of residents were evacuated overnight. Fires continued to burn across southern Europe, but authorities in France, Spain and Portugal all reported improved conditions with a respite from severe heat wave conditions. At least two people were hospitalized in the Greek capital with breathing problems and minor burns, while local officials said several houses had been burned in the fire around Mount Penteli, 25 kilometers (16 miles) northeast of Athens. The conditions are very challenging. The priority is to safeguard human life, critical infrastructure and private property, Fire Service spokesman Yiannis Artopios said. Nineteen water-dropping aircraft and helicopters were operating Wednesday, officials said, adding that more than 600 people have been evacuated from their homes so far. Helicopters scooped up water pumped into outdoor tanks on the hillside before flying back into thick smoke to make the water drops. Artopios said the fire was contained on all fronts despite difficult conditions earlier in the day with winds of up to 80 kilometers per hour (50 mph). But a second fire broke out in the hills outside the town of Megara, 40 kilometers (25 miles) to the west, prompting a new, but more limited, round of evacuations. Greece has avoided the heat wave that is currently afflicting countries in western Europe, but fire officials say that hot and dry conditions that have lasted for weeks, as well as longer-term temperature rises, have increased the overall risk of forest fires. Cooler weather gave firefighters in Spain and Portugal some respite but temperatures are forecast to rise back to 40 degrees Celsius (104F) in the coming days. Petteri Taalas, the Secretary-general of the World Meteorological Organization, said more frequent and more extreme heat waves were an inevitable consequence of climate change. In the future, these kinds of heat waves are going to be normal. We will see stronger extremes. We have pumped so much carbon dioxide in the atmosphere that the negative trend will continue for decades, Taalas said in a statement Tuesday. I hope that this will be a wake-up call for governments. A spate of blazes in Spains northwestern Galicia region has burned 85 houses and forced the evacuation of 1,400 people. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez visited the area late Tuesday and warned of hard days ahead here in Galicia and the rest of Spain. In France, firefighters created huge firebreaks through threatened forests in the southwest of the country, using heavy machinery to tear out trees and roots to leave large barren strips to stop the fires from spreading. After a week of raging wildfires, the blazes have slowed. We are pretty confident, said Ronan Leaustic, a regional official from the southwestern Gironde area. But we are still very vigilant. The Gironde fires have burned 206 square kilometers (80 square miles) of forests, authorities say. Wildfires in France so far this year have consumed 25% more land compared with the same period last year, the government said Wednesday as it announced that is requisitioning two civilian helicopters to help tackle the blazes. Portugals health ministry says that between July 7-18 the excess mortality rate was 1,065 deaths, with officials blaming the heat wave for the spike and saying more heat deaths are likely in coming days as high temperatures return. Gatopoulos reported from Athens, Greece. Lefteris Pitarakis in Drafi, Greece; Raquel Redondo in Madrid; Barry Hatton in Lisbon, Portugal; Barbara Surk in Nice, France; and John Leicester in Paris contributed. About the photo: A firefighter stands in front of two burned cars in the area of Panorama Palinis, eastern Athens, on Wednesday, July 20, 2022. Hundreds of people were evacuated from their homes late Tuesday as a wildfire threatened mountainside suburbs northeast of Athens. Firefighters battled through the night, struggling to contain the blaze which was being intensified by strong gusts of wind. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis) Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. HYDERABAD: Telangana state BJP president Bandi Sanjay Kumar on Friday said the Centre responded positively to a request from him to extend by one month purchase of custom-milled rice (CMR) from the state. It may be recalled that rice millers in Telangana state have been complaining for some time that the Food Corporation of India had stopped rice purchases from the state resulting in huge stocks at rice mills, which in turn stopped further milling operations as there is no place to store incoming paddy stocks. Sanjay said he met with Union minister for food and public distribution Piyuh Goyal on Friday at Parliament in New Delhi and requested for the extension following a plea from the Rice Millers Association of Telangana state seeking resumption of CMR deliveries to the Central pool. He said the off-take problems with the FCI followed the refusal of the Telangana state government to distribute 5 kg free rice to every individual below the poverty line for which the Centre was making the payments. This led to the FCI stopping its procurement, Sanjay said, adding that after he was briefed about the situation, Goyal instructed his department officials and sort out the issue. Sanjay said the problems faced by rice millers in Telangana state was one deliberately created by the K. Chandrashekar Rao government who stopped free rice distribution to the poor because the programme was resulting in Prime Minister Narendra Modi getting credit for helping the poor in the state. He added that the FCI has already extended its procurement from the state six times but was considering one more extension, following his representation to Goyal. BOULDER CITY, Nev. (AP) A transformer exploded Tuesday at Hoover Dam, one of the nations largest hydroelectric facilities, producing a thick cloud of black smoke and flames that were quickly extinguished. No one was hurt in the explosion near the base of the dam, an engineering marvel on the Colorado River that straddles the border of Arizona and Nevada. Electricity produced at Hoover Dam continued flowing to the 8 million people in Arizona, Nevada and Southern California who rely on it, the Western Area Power Administration said. The cause of the fire was under investigation and officials were working to determine the extent of damage to the transformer, one of 15 at the complex that control the voltages for power sent to customers. There is no risk to the power grid, said Jacklynn Gould, a regional director for the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. The fire ignited around 10 a.m. and was out within a half-hour, Gould said in a statement. It captured the attention of tourists who said they heard an alarm sound and felt the ground rumble beneath them. William Herro, 13, of San Francisco, was on a viewing bridge with his parents when he saw the explosion and then heard a big boom. A ton of black smoke just exploded in the air. It looked almost like a mushroom and then a fire followed, Herro said. I was really surprised and I started filming. The explosion occurred on the apron of a building housing turbines that is slightly downstream from the base of the dam, about 25 miles (40 kilometers) southeast of Las Vegas. Hoover Dam is one of the tallest concrete dams in the U.S. at 726 feet (221 meters). Each of its 17 generators can supply electricity to 100,000 households. As many as 20,000 vehicles a day drive across the wide top of the dam, which is a National Historic Landmark and is seen in films including Transformers and Fools Rush In. Most motorists traveling between Arizona and Nevada use a bypass bridge high above the dam that opened in 2010. The Bureau of Reclamation owns and operates the dam, powerhouses and turbines. The power produced at the site is transferred to a substation where its marketed through the Western Area Power Administration. Hoover Dam is considered a baseload source of power, meaning it can respond quickly to the need for additional power on the grid or dial back supply. The fire triggered an alert at the Western Area Power Administrations control center in Phoenix. Spokesman Lisa Meiman said while the loss of a transformer or other equipment on hydropower facilities can put pressure on a grid, no single source is integral to the health of the power grid. The administration markets power from 57 federal hydroelectric facilities. Hoover Dam and Glen Canyon Dam upstream on the Arizona-Utah border are among the largest, Meiman said. Hydropower from those dams has threatened lately by the declining levels of Lake Mead and Lake Powell, the two largest human-made reservoirs in the U.S. that hold water from the Colorado River. Federal officials have taken action in recent years to prop up the lakes to preserve the dams ability to generate power and keep water flowing to the Western states and Mexico that rely on it. Drought and climate change have sunk the lakes to their lowest levels in decades. Fonseca reported from Flagstaff, Arizona. Associated Press writer Terry Tang in Phoenix contributed to this report. About the photo: In this image provided by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, firefighters extinguish a fire at the Hoover Dam that borders Nevada and Arizona on Tuesday, July 19, 2022, near Boulder City, Nev. The agency said no one was injured. (U.S. Bureau of Reclamation via AP) Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. The Centre's decision was announced by Union minister G. Kishan Reddy, who said the Centre had resolved to take up purchases to mitigate hardships faced by paddy farmers. (Photo: DC) HYDERABAD: The BJP at the Centre stole the thunder in the long-drawn battle between the TRS government over the issue of rice purchase with a sudden and surprising development on Friday, by announcing that the Central government would purchase 6.5 lakh tonnes of boiled rice from Telangana. The announcement came on the eve of Union home minister Amit Shahs visit here on Saturday. The Centre's decision was announced by Union minister G. Kishan Reddy, who said the Centre had resolved to take up purchases to mitigate hardships faced by paddy farmers. Refuting the charge that the BJP had made this decision because the TRS had led an agitation against the Centre, Kishan Reddy said, "We have not taken this because we at the Centre are afraid of the TRS state government, but to help Telangana farmers who were abandoned and left to fend for themselves by the K. Chandrashekar Rao-led TRS government. As readers would recall, the TRS, which has been in a fight with the BJP on the rice issue, has been demanding for some months now that the Centre buy all the rice produced in the state during the ongoing rabi (yasangi) crop season. Chief Minister Chandrashekar Rao had led a futile dharna in New Delhi in support of this demand, before announcing that the state government would procure the paddy. One of the sticking points in the political battle of wits, besides the huge farmers' vote bank, was that rice produced in Telangana during Rabi tends to break a lot more because of increased dryness of paddy due to the summer. Such paddy is more suitable for producing boiled rice. The BJP, on the other hand, has been maintaining a stand that the TRS government had given a written undertaking to the Centre that it would not ask the Union government to buy boiled rice. The BJP also accused the TRS government of first telling farmers not to sow paddy, and then looked the other way when they did so, only to create a political opportunity where it can blame the Narendra Modi-led Central government for not acting in the interest of Telangana farmers. While the offer from the Centre to buy 6.5 lakh tonnes of boiled rice from Telangana is not expected to fully solve all problems faced by the state farmers, the decision, announced a day before Amit Shah is expected at a BJP public meeting, puts the TRS government in the dock. The decision is politically significant because it provides the BJP an opportunity to claim a contrast between the indifference of the Chandrashekar Rao government versus the caring attitude of the Modi government when it came to the interest of Telangana's farmers. Kishan Reddy said that the boiled rice will be used to manufacture fortified rice, and vitamins added, to be finally provided to poor people to improve their nutrition levels. The Food Corporation of India is ready to play its part in ensuring rice fortification and distribution, he said. However, the fortification process could be delayed as not enough rice mills in Telangana are geared up for this operation. According to some rice millers, they would "require some time" before they can put in place required equipment. Kishan Reddy said that the BJP had totally exposed the TRS lies on rice purchase by the Centre. Telangana farmers have been told the truth by our party leaders, who now have a full understanding of what has been happening, he said. He added that despite claims by the Chief Minister that he would buy paddy, the state government did not take any advance preparatory steps to do so, and had failed in giving confidence or clarity to either farmers or rice millers, who are in complete confusion. The Centre will bear the cost of conversion of boiled rice into fortified rice, he added. Kishan Reddy said that because of the TRS governments stubborn refusal to play its part in helping paddy farmers, the recent rains have led to destruction of large quantities of paddy brought by farmers to market yards. This is a failure of the KCR government. I urge Telangana not to take steps that will hurt farmers. Let us support farmers. The Central government will continue to stand by Telanganas farmers, he said. Instead of criticising the Centre or going to other states to distribute relief cheques, the TRS government should focus on welfare of Telangana farmers, he added. Ewout Rijk de Vries and his wife, Jill, brought America Travel Arrangements to Marco Island almost 40 years ago. They specialize on high end small adventure tours and small safari groups for clientele all over the world, but also are experts on high end cruises with the help of longtime assistant and friend, Michelle Wegman. In combination with his writing and photography, Ewout has visited over 90 countries. Ewout can be reached at ewout@photodevries.com. U.S. District Judge Raymond P. Moore was "hard-pressed" to conclude the use of the dog to bite Martinez was legally problematic, given the potential danger police would have faced if Martinez were armed with a weapon. Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. The chair of the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) wants redefine broadband Internet as being capable of at least 100 megabits per second (or Mbps) download and 20Mbps upload speeds. A change in the current, seven-year-old standard for broadband would almost certainly spur networking companies to upgrade equipment to meet the new benchmark. And it would increase data download and upload capacities across the internet a key upgrade for remote and hybrid workers, the ranks of which swelled dramatically during the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently, broadband is defined as networks offering a minimum of 25Mbps download and 3Mbps upload speeds. FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel proposed raising the standard to 100Mbps/20Mbps on Friday, arguing that the old metric is behind the times." The needs of internet users long ago surpassed the FCCs 25/3 speed metric, especially during a global health pandemic that moved so much of life online, Rosenworcel wrote in her notice of the change. The 25/3 metric isnt just behind the times, its a harmful one because it masks the extent to which low-income neighborhoods and rural communities are being left behind and left offline. In the US, the average fixed broadband speed is 134Mbps/75Mbps, according to network research firm Ookla. Rosenworcels proposal included the concept of an even higher national goal of 1Gbps/500Mbps for the future. The future of business will increasingly be to reach consumers electronically, said Jack Gold, principal analyst at research firm J. Gold Associates. "Having a uniform minimum speed across the country will be advantageous to businesses that can then reach a wide audience with their services." Additionally, as 5G mobile networking rolls out across the world, and gets deployed in more remote locations, the prospect is growing for very high speed connections of 100Mbps and above. So establishing a minimum might not be as hard to achieve as some expect, Gold noted. Ookla At the end of 2021, Cisco surveyed 60,000 workers across 30 countries. The responses indicated that remote and hybrid work efforts were being undermined by poor broadband connectivity. The survey results, published in February as part of Cisco's Broadband Index, showed that 75% of respondents believe the success of hybrid work hinges on the quality and availability of the internet. Almost eight in of 10 workers (78%) said the reliability and quality of broadband connections is important. Dependence on high-performance internet access was also underlined by the fact that 84% of respondents actively use their broadband at home for four hours or more each day. Nearly six in 10 respondents (58%) indicated they were unable to access critical services such as online medical appointments, online education, social care and utility services during lockdown, due to an unreliable broadband connection. Many teleworkers need more than a basic level of connectivity to support their livelihoods, Cisco said in a statement. To address the demands on their broadband connection, almost half of those surveyed (43%) are planning to upgrade their internet service in the next 12 months. Jason Blackwell, research director for Consumer Multiplay and SMB Services at IDC, said the latest call to boost broadbands minimum requirements is aimed at minimizing the digital divide and forcing internet service providers to supply higher performance network to more locations. We still have a lot of locations in the US that are served only by a single provider, and often only by DSL, which may barely qualify as broadband even under todays definition, Blackwell said. Bringing more robust broadband to these unserved and underserved areas will help to create connectivity to education and business opportunities, bringing economic gains. This will also enable more people to seek remote work opportunities and open up the employment pool for businesses to access the most qualified people wherever they may be located. One issue is that the level of speed is not uniform across the country. In many urban and suburban areas, users can already get at least 100Mbps or even 1Gigabit speeds if theyre willing to pay for it. But in many more remote or lowe- income areas, less bandwidth is available because of underinvestments in connectivity in general. Some people still need to use DSL, as an example, which is pretty slow, Gold said. So, anything the government can do to create a minimum requirement that enables the user to be able to take advantage of all the new video and graphics features now common on the internet is about equal access. That certainly has an effect on the ability to have remote work enabled from any location and can help remote communities grow their employee base without having people move away, or letting people move to more remote and/or smaller cities/towns if theyd like without missing out on job opportunities, Gold added. Telemedicine, which is critical to underserved communities, also needs a reasonable amount of bandwidth to provide services. To a large extent, the government is already financing some of the broadband infrastructure upgrades through taxes on broadband connections, Gold noted a practice thats been ongoing for years. "The network enhancements are taking place at the internet service providers. Cable operators are upgrading to DOCSIS 3.1 and eventually to DOCSIS 4.0, or they are deploying fiber deeper into the network," Blackwell said. "Telcos are replacing copper networks for DSL with fiber to drive faster network speeds. The government is supporting many of these projects through a number of different programs like [Rural Digital Opportunity Fund] and the infrastructure bill." 41 Pakistan-based Indian nationals gave up Indian citizenship last year: Indian government As many as 41 Pakistan-based Indian nationals gave up their Indian citizenship last year, compared to only seven in 2020, according to data shared by the Union government in Parliament. The home ministry said last year that 13,383,718 (13 million) Indian nationals are currently living in foreign countries. Photo courtesy: Wikimedia Over 163,000 Indians gave up their citizenship last year, the highest since 2015, with almost half of them choosing to become US citizens, the data said. In 2021, 163,370 Indians gave up their Indian passports. This number was 144,017 and 85,256 in 2019 and 2020, respectively. The data is available only from 2015 onwards. Previously, the highest number of people, 144,942, had given up Indian citizenship in 2016, according to home ministry data. The reasons for these Indians renouncing their home country citizenship, which also means they have to surrender their Indian passports, was personal, the home ministry said. The Indian Constitution and citizenship laws dont allow dual citizenship. The data, shared by junior home minister Nityanand Rai while responding to a query by Bahujan Samaj Party parliamentarian Haji Fazlur Rehman, revealed that after the US (78,284), Indians preferred to acquire citizenship of Australia (23,533), Canada (21,597), the UK (14,637), Italy (5,986), New Zealand (2,643) and Singapore (2,516). While 78,284 Indians took up US citizenship last year, 30,828 got it in 2020 and 61,683 in 2019. Around 326 Indians renounced their citizenship while being in the United Arab Emirates last year and applied for citizenship in countries such as Albania, France, Malta, Pakistan, the Philippines, Portugal, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahrain, Belgium, Cyprus, Ireland, Grenada, Jordan, Mauritius, Norway, Singapore, Spain, Sri Lanka and Vanuatu, among others. Overall, 932,276 Indians renounced their citizenships in favour of other countries between 2015 and 2021, according to data shared with Parliament in February last year. Data shared by the home ministry in November 2021 stated 10,645 foreign nationals applied for Indian citizenship between 2016 and 2020, with the maximum (7,782) from Pakistan and 795 from Afghanistan. Of these, 4,177 persons were granted Indian citizenship. A total of 452 stateless persons also applied for Indian citizenship between 2016 and 2020, but it was not known how many were given citizenship and which territory they applied the citizenship from. Stateless persons are categorised as those who are not identified by any country, even their home country. The home ministry said last year that 13,383,718 (13 million) Indian nationals are currently living in foreign countries. Rules are yet to be formulated for a new citizenship law introduced in 2019 to grant Indian citizenship to six persecuted minorities Hindu, Sikh, Jain, Buddhist, Parsi and Christian from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan who entered India on or before December 31, 2014. Read more India News and Breaking News here Much has been written about NSO Groups collision with government reality when the Israeli firm found itself on the wrong side of a business decision to sell their technologies to entities that used it to target human rights activists, political leaders, journalists, and a bevy of U.S. persons. The collision came in the form of the U.S. government blacklisting the company, effectively drying up a great percentage of their clients to the point where bankruptcy was seen on the horizon. White House nixes L3Harris interest in NSO Then, according to a recent New York Times expose, U.S. defense contractor/supplier L3Harris allegedly attempted a Phoenix-like save and raise the charred NSO from the ashes, with the sub rosa assistance of the U.S. intelligence community. Apparently, L3Harris had its eye on the zero-click exploit provided by NSOs Pegasus for resale or exploitation by the U.S. To those not well versed in the government supply and contract world, L3Harris has expertise in the exploitation of cellphones. L3Harris was the provider of the Stingray cell phone tracking equipment for years until it was rendered obsolete by the rollout of the nationwide 5G network. (The void is being filled by Stingray-like devices manufactured by others, including Canadian firm Octasic, which sells the Nyxcell cell-site simulator. Gizmodo in an October 2020 piece inspected Octasics patent and noted, Nyxcell forces a connection with nearby mobile devices when its signal is stronger than the nearest legitimate cellular tower. Once connected, Nyxcell prompts devices to divulge information about its signal strength relative to nearby cell towers.) The L3Harris foray into the possibility of acquiring NSO and its technologies/apps for alleged arms distance use by the U.S. intelligence community ran into the wall of realpolitik when the effort was brought to the attention of the White House. Words were not minced, and the message was direct: It isnt going to happen. With that, it is said that L3Harris stepped away from the table. The skeptics will say, Well, did they really step away? For now, as of July 2022, it looks like NSO is in a death spiral. Who picks up their technologies in the upcoming fire sale will be of global interest. Apple takes lead on holding surveillance firms accountable In early July, Apple announced that it was all-in at developing their own technology to protect their users from highly targeted cyberattacks from private companies developing state-sponsored mercenary spyware. Apple announced their development of Lockdown Mode, which should be available for iOS16 devices in the autumn of 2022. Lockdown Mode should be considered for use only in the gravest of situations, as it will cause the iPhone to not function as advertised and limit the accessibility of many apps and some may no longer function at all. According to Ivan Krstic, Apples head of security engineering and architecture, While the vast majority of users will never be the victims of highly targeted cyberattacks, we will work tirelessly to protect the small number of users who are. That includes continuing to design defenses specifically for these users, as well as supporting researchers and organizations around the world doing critically important work in exposing mercenary companies that create these digital attacks. Lockdown Mode features are: Messages: Most message attachment types other than images are blocked. Some features, like link previews, are disabled. Web browsing: Certain complex web technologies, like just-in-time (JIT) JavaScript compilation, are disabled unless the user excludes a trusted site from Lockdown Mode. Apple services: Incoming invitations and service requests, including FaceTime calls, are blocked if the user has not previously sent the initiator a call or request. Wired connections with a computer or accessory are blocked when iPhone is locked. Configuration profiles cannot be installed, and the device cannot enroll into mobile device management (MDM), while Lockdown Mode is turned on. Apple continued how they are making available a $10 million grant, to be added to any damages awarded from the lawsuit filed against NSO Group, to support organizations that investigate, expose, and prevent highly targeted cyberattacks. The Apple grant will be given to the Dignity and Justice Fund under the leadership of the Ford Foundation, and may be of interest to cybersecurity companies and research entities as the fund is intended to research, track, and hold the enhanced cyber weapons trade accountable will be advised by an independent, global technical advisory committee (TAC). Initial members include: Daniel Bedoya Arroyo, digital security service platform analyst at Access Now Ron Deibert, professor of political science, and director of the Citizen Lab at the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy, University of Toronto Paola Mosso, co-deputy director of The Engine Room Rasha Abdul Rahim, director of Amnesty Tech at Amnesty International Ivan Krstic, head of Apple security engineering and architecture The funding assignments to be decided by the funds TAC will focus on the following areas according to Apple: Deloitte announced an update this week to its Managed Extended Detection and Response platform. The upgrade boosts the platform's capabilities to collect intelligence, hunt for threats, and secure mobile devices. Among the new modules added to Deloitte's MXDR offering: Cyber Security Intelligence, which adds to Deloitte's tools and proprietary sources intelligence from CrowdStrike Falcon X. The combination will provide users with actionable indicators of compromise (IoCs), threat notifications, threat actor profiles, industry landscapes, automated sandbox analysis, and threat briefing requests for information. "CSI allows us to be much more proactive in our detection, prevention, and understanding of threats so we can be more proactive in planning with our clients," says Deloitte MXDR leader Curt Aubley. Dynamic Adversary Intelligence, which provides clients with "over-the-horizon" adversary investigations. DAI uses passive intelligence collection methods, including global telemetry, industry-leading application programming interface integrations, refined tradecraft, proprietary analytics of publicly available information, and proprietary sources via Splunk. "DAI gives clients an inside-out view of attackers," Aubley explains. "It can also give a client the information they need to give to authorities to track down adversaries." Digital Risk Protection, which lets a client follow their digital footprint online. "We can fingerprint a client's intellectual property," Aubley says. "Using that information, along with data like domain names, email addresses, and others, we can look on the open web, deep web, and dark web and see if that information has gotten into the hands of an adversary. Then we can let a client know how to best manage any potential crisis that might arise from that leak. We can also look inside their environment to determine how the leak happened." Active Hunt and Response, which includes the use of a "dissolvable agent" that can be planted in the memory of an endpoint and collect data about an attacker while remaining invisible to them. In addition, a new Mobile Prevent, Detection, and Response module has been added to the MXDR platform. It has expanded hunting capabilities and is fully integrated with CrowdStrike Falcon for Mobile Endpoint Detection and Response and CrowdStrike's mobile threat defense. Modular approach to threat detection and response Aubley explains that the modular approach to MXDR adopted by Deloitte resulted from experience with clients. "We find clients sometimes have challenges taking intelligence and making it actionable," he says. "By creating very clear modules, then the clients can pick modules that they know they're going to get some actionable capability from." Creating a platform that combines Deloitte's technology and manpower with partners such as CrowdStrike and Splunk is also a way to give clients what they need, he notes. "We've created a platform with our alliance partners that brings the best of the bestcompanies in the upper right corner in Gartner's Magic Quadrantto market in a way that makes it easy for clients to get the outcomes they're looking for." "We're trying to take XDR to the next level," he adds. "With MXDR, we can continue to add modules with our alliance partners to help our clients stay one step ahead of their adversaries." Firebox, a landmark Hartford farm-to-table restaurant that closed during the pandemic in 2020, may rise from the ashes as a new eatery. Forge City Works, a Hartford-based nonprofit that provides culinary job training and food access, plans to reopen the restaurant this winter, according to a post on its website. Tentatively named Fire by Forge, it will be "an upscale casual, chef-driven, Pan-American inspired, cafe, restaurant and bar," the organization announced. The organization has applied for a HartLift grant from the city to help pay for the buildout, according to the post, and in order to receive the full grant of $150,000, Forge City Works must raise $75,000 as a match. They hope to complete their campaign by early August to start buildout in the fall, and have set a date for an Aug. 3 "Finish the Lift" fundraiser. "The restaurant will be fully integrated with our culinary and customer service jobs training program, and will also provide transitional employment opportunities, internships, and apprenticeships," Forge City noted. The Melville Charitable Trust launched Firebox on Broad Street in 2007, with a vision "to serve extraordinary food and to bring jobs, investment, and opportunity to the community." The restaurant was an early destination for farm-to-table fare, its menus created from fresh and seasonal Connecticut produce, seafood, meat and dairy products. Firebox announced its closing on June 2, 2020, citing the pandemic and "the uncertainty it's brought." "It has become clear that we are simply unable to sustain the restaurant in its current form going forward," representatives said in a statement at the time. Forge City Works noted that as an employment-based social enterprise, "we are building the restaurant around an equity model." "This means we are thinking outside the box when it comes to compensation, recruitment, hiring, promotion, and operations to make diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) part of our DNA," the post stated. "We are also committed to providing opportunities for living wages, profit sharing, and access to benefits." Forge City Works also runs The Kitchen on Broad Street, adjacent to the Firebox building, which serves breakfast and lunch at its cafe and offers prepared foods and catering. A second location of The Kitchen at the Hartford Public Library closed in August 2021. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Two men were indicted Wednesday in the case of a hot, airless tractor-trailer rig found last month with 53 dead or dying migrants in San Antonio, officials said. A federal grand jury in San Antonio indicted Homero Zamorano Jr., 46, and Christian Martinez, 28, both of Pasadena, Texas, on counts of transporting and conspiring to transport migrants illegally resulting in death; and transporting and conspiring to transport migrants illegally resulting in serious injury. Both remain in federal custody without bond pending trial. Martinez's attorney, David Shearer of San Antonio, declined to comment on the indictments. A message to Zamorano's attorney was not immediately returned. Conviction on the death counts could result in life sentences, but the Attorney General's Office could authorize prosecutors to seek death penalties. The serious bodily injury counts carry sentences of up to 20 years in prison. It was the deadliest tragedy to claim the lives of migrants smuggled across the border from Mexico. The truck had been packed with 67 people, and the dead included 27 from Mexico, 14 from Honduras, seven from Guatemala and two from El Salvador, said Francisco Garduno, chief of Mexicos National Immigration Institute. The incident happened on a remote San Antonio back road on June 27. Arriving police officers detained Zamorano after spotting him hiding in some nearby brush, according to a statement from the U.S. Attorney's Office. A search of Zamoranos cellphone revealed calls with Martinez concerning the smuggling run. Surveillance video of the 18-wheeler passing through a Border Patrol checkpoint showed the driver matched Zamorano's description, according to the indictment. One survivor of the journey, a 20-year-old from Guatemala, told The Associated Press that smugglers had covered the trailers floor with what she believes was powdered chicken bouillon, apparently to throw off any dogs at the checkpoint. The tragedy occurred at a time when huge numbers of migrants have been coming to the U.S., many of them taking perilous risks to cross swift rivers and canals and scorching desert landscapes. Migrants were stopped nearly 240,000 times in May, up by one-third from a year ago. Of the 73 people in the truck, those who died included people from the Mexican states of Guanajuato, Veracruz, Oaxaca, Mexico, Zacatecas, Queretaro, Morelos and Mexico City. Migrants from Honduras and Guatemala also were among those who died in the deadliest known smuggling attempt in the United States. In 2017, 10 people died after being trapped inside a truck parked at a San Antonio Walmart. In 2003, the bodies of 19 migrants were found in a sweltering truck southeast of the city. Sri Lanka's new president Ranil Wickremesinghe to be sworn in on Thursday Xinhua) 09:09, July 21, 2022 COLOMBO, July 20 (Xinhua) -- Ranil Wickremesinghe will take his oath as the President of Sri Lanka at the parliament complex on Thursday after his victory in a parliament vote to choose new president for the South Asian country earlier in Wednesday. Officials from the President's Office told Xinhua that Wickremesinghe will take the oath of office on Thursday morning and will appoint a new prime minister within the course of the day. After appointing the prime minister, a new cabient is expected to be formed in the coming days. Wickremesinghe received 134 votes in the parliament vote following the resignation of Gotabaya Rajapaksa from the presidency last week amid a severe economic turmoil in the country. Following Rajapaksa's resignation, Speaker of Parliament Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena announced that Wickremesinghe, who was the prime minister then, was appointed acting president. Soon after winning the parliament vote by secret ballot, Wickremesinghe addressed the parliament, calling on all legislators including the opposition parliamentarians to unite and work together with him to lead Sri Lanka out of the current economic crisis. "We are at a critical juncture. There is an economic crisis and the youth want a system change. People want all parliamentarians to come together," said Wickremesinghe. Out of the 225 parliamentarians, 223 voted to elect a new president and there were four invalid votes. Another two candidates, parliamentarian of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna party Dullas Alahapperuma, and National People's Power leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake, got 82 votes and three votes, respectively. "Regardless of who won, we must ensure that the necessary economic and political changes that people want are met. Overcoming the crisis should be the first and foremost task of parliamentarians," said Alahapperuma. (Web editor: Wu Chaolan, Liang Jun) GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (AP) Federal regulators Wednesday canceled a policy adopted under former President Donald Trump that weakened their authority to identify lands and waters where declining animals and plants could receive government protection. The move was the latest by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service undoing changes to the Endangered Species Act that industry and landowner groups had won under Trump. President Joe Biden ordered a broad review of his predecessor's environmental policies after taking office in 2021. One Trump measure required regulators not to designate areas as critical habitat if there would be greater economic benefit from developing them. That forced the agency to disprove speculative claims of economic harm made by industries such as mining, logging, and oil and gas" as they sought to extract resources from public lands, said Earthjustice, a law firm that represents environmental groups. In a 48-page document explaining withdrawal of the rule, the agency said it gave outside parties an outsized role in determining which areas were needed for preserving imperiled species while undermining the Fish and Wildlife Service's authority. "The Service is the federal governments lead agency on endangered species, responsible for conserving the nature of America for future generations, agency Director Martha Williams said. Returning to the pre-Trump policy, she said, would make sound science and citizen participation the basis of habitat decisions. Under the 1973 law, federal agencies cannot fund, permit or take actions that would destroy or severely damage critical habitats. It doesnt restrict activities on private land unless government approval or financial support is involved. It allows regulators to deny critical habitat designation to areas after considering economic and national security issues, and other factors such as conservation activities underway in such areas. In some cases, the designation "can discourage conservation and restoration by making habitat a serious liability for landowners, whose property values can plunge up to 75 percent, The Property and Environment Research Center, a landowner advocacy group, said in a statement. Instead of simply reversing the Trump administrations flawed rule, the Fish and Wildlife Service should reform the critical habitat process to focus on creating the right incentives for landowners to actively conserve and restore habitat," said Jonathan Wood, the group's vice president of law and policy. Earthjustice said the Biden administration's action would return the focus to imperiled species instead of the self-interest of destructive industries. The Trump rules violated the letter and spirit of the Endangered Species Act "by stripping vital protections necessary to address the extinction crisis," attorney Leina`ala Ley said. The Biden administration in June withdrew a Trump rule that prevented agencies from selecting for protection areas that dont presently meet a species needs but might in the future as a result of restoration work or natural changes, including global warming. A federal judge this month threw out a number of Trump actions to roll back protections for endangered or threatened species. ___ This story was first published on July 20. It was retransmitted on July 21 to correct a quote from Earthjustice. The group said the Trump regulation had forced the federal agency to disprove speculative claims of economic harm made by industries, not environmental harm. NEW YORK (AP) Painters mostly male have long been the subject of stage shows, like ones about Mark Rothko, Georges Seurat, Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Lucian Freud and even a group of miners who painted in Newcastle, England. Next up is Frida Kahlo. The icon, whose art is as immediate and unsentimental as her own fight with adversity, will be the subject of an upcoming musical with music by Mexican composer Jaime Lozano and lyrics by the Obie Award-winning playwright Neena Beber, The Associated Press has learned. The musical has the blessing of the Kahlo family universal rights owners of the Frida Kahlo estate represented by Alfonso Duran alongside BTF Media and theatrical producer Valentina Berger. A workshop is planned for 2023. We are deeply moved that this show will allow audiences around the world to get to know Frida as so much more than just an artist. Full of joy, ahead of her time, and steeped in the culture of Mexico, she was a woman driven by an unending passion for life. I hope that this show inspires women everywhere to have the courage to fight for their dreams, Mara Romeo, speaking on behalf of the Kahlo family, said in a statement. Kahlo painted more than 150 paintings, mostly depicting herself and events from her own life. Her life changed drastically when she was injured in a streetcar accident at 18. She underwent a series of painful surgeries for her damaged spine and pelvic bones, then wore casts until her death in 1954 at age 47. Bedridden, she started to paint, and one of her early admirers was Diego Rivera, the celebrated muralist and activist whom she married in 1929 and would be with her until the end, even though he often broke her heart with his affairs. The planned musical called Frida, The Musical will follow Kahlo's journey from Mexico City to Paris and New York, and finally back home to the house of her birth. Producers call it a full-throated celebration of Kahlos joyous spirit of creativity and her unmatched gift for transforming physical and emotional pain into breathtaking beauty. ___ Mark Kennedy is at http://twitter.com/KennedyTwits BERNALILLO, N.M. (AP) Triple digit temperatures and a fickle monsoon season have combined with decades of persistent drought to put one of North America's longest rivers in its most precarious situation yet. Islands of sand and gravel and patches of cracked mud are taking over where the Rio Grande once flowed. It's a scene not unlike other hot, dry spots around the western U.S. where rivers and reservoirs have been shrinking due to climate change and continued demand. Local and federal water managers on Thursday warned that more stretches of the beleaguered Rio Grande will be drying up in the coming days in the Albuquerque area, leaving endangered silvery minnows stranded in whatever puddles remain. The threat of having the river dry this far north has been present the last few summers due to ongoing drought, officials with the Bureau of Reclamation and one of the largest irrigation districts on the river said. But, this could be the year that residents in New Mexico's most populated region get to witness the effects of climate change on a grander scale. Its not uncommon to have parts of the Rio Grande go dry in its more southern reaches, but not in Albuquerque. Like a monument, the river courses through the city, flanked by a forest of cottonwood and willow trees. It's one of the few ribbons of green to cut through the arid state, providing water for crops and communities. This is almost the sole source of water in the central part of New Mexico and were not trying to save it just for the fish, said Andy Dean, a federal biologist. Its our job as the Fish and Wildlife Service to prevent the extinction of this animal, but this water is also for everybody in the valley. Were trying to save it for everybody and if the fish is that piece that helps us do that, then thats what we have to use." The Bureau of Reclamation will be releasing what little supplemental water it has left in upstream reservoirs along the Rio Grande. Over the last 20 years, the agency has leased about 700,000 acre-feet or 228 billion gallons of water to supplement flows through the middle Rio Grande for endangered and threatened species. Biologists arent sure this latest release will be enough to make a difference for the endangered minnow. Crews already have been rescuing stranded minnows in the San Acacia and Isleta areas and will continue as the river dries. So far, they've been lucky to net about 50 fish a day, but Dean said those numbers are just a fraction of what has been rescued in past years. It doesnt look like theres a lot of minnows out there currently. Our population monitoring is reflecting that as well, he said. Dean said scooping up minnows in Albuquerque will be new territory for the crew as they have never had to do such work that far north. With a series of dams and interstate water-sharing agreements governing the Rio Grande's flows, local, state and federal officials have been successful in previous years reaching resolutions that allow for extra water to be leased and released so that flows could be boosted in times of need. This year is different. New Mexico has been unable to store any extra runoff in upstream reservoirs because it owes Texas water as part of an interstate compact. With the outstanding debt and no water in the bank, New Mexico has nothing other than the hope of rain to recharge the system during the monsoon season. Jason Casuga, the chief engineer for the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District, which serves farmers throughout the Middle Rio Grande Valley, said it should serve as a wake- up call for the public and water management agencies. Theres a lot of infrastructure on this river that was built for a purpose and that was during a period of time when water was plentiful," he said. "Im hoping thats the silver lining that comes out of this, that people start re-envisioning the way we can use that existing infrastructure. Congressional legislation would be needed in some cases. In others, it would require agreements with federal water and wildlife agencies that would allow for more flexibility. The longer this drought stays around, I think people are going to recognize weve got to find balance, Casuga said. The irrigation district and state officials have been pushing more farmers to participate in voluntary fallowing programs. Farmers would leave their fields unplanted for a season in order to save water and increase what flows across the border to Texas as a way to chip away at the debt. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate A chronology of events in the disappearance of Jimmy Hoffa, former president of the Teamsters union: July 30, 1975 Hoffa leaves his Lake Orion home about 1 p.m. and makes a stop to visit a friend in Pontiac. He arrives around 2 p.m. at the Machus Red Fox restaurant in Oakland Countys Bloomfield Township to meet reputed Detroit mob enforcer Anthony Tony Jack Giacalone and alleged New Jersey mob figure Anthony Tony Pro Provenzano. Hoffa calls his wife, Josephine, about 2:15 p.m. from a pay phone and tells her no one showed up for his meeting. The 62-year-old Hoffa never is seen or heard from again. Aug. 8, 1975 The FBI gets a search warrant for Hoffa's car, which was found in the restaurant parking lot. They find fingerprints of family friend Charles Chuckie OBrien on a 7-Up bottle under the right front seat. Sept. 2, 1975 A grand jury convenes in Detroit to investigate the Hoffa disappearance. 1975-85 More than 200 FBI agents are assigned to the case in New Jersey, Detroit and at least four other cities. During the period, more than 70 volumes of files are compiled, containing more than 16,000 pages. Six suspects in the disappearance, including Provenzano and Anthony Giacalone, are convicted on unrelated charges. 1982: Self-described mafia murderer Charles Allen, who served prison time with Hoffa and participated in the federal witness-protection program, tells a U.S. Senate committee that Hoffa was killed at Provenzanos orders. Hoffas body was ground up in little pieces, shipped to Florida and thrown into a swamp, Allen said. 1982 Hoffa is declared legally dead. 1989 Self-described hit man Donald Tony the Greek Frankos claims Hoffa is buried under Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The FBI finds no evidence to support the claim. June 2001 The head of the FBIs organized-crime unit says in a court document that he believes a decision whether to prosecute anyone could be made in the next two years. March 2002 The FBI says it will refer the case to the Oakland County prosecutors office for possible state charges. John Bell, special agent in charge of the FBIs Detroit bureau, says the federal case was stymied because of the length of time since Hoffa disappeared. Aug. 29, 2002 Oakland County prosecutor says new DNA evidence in Hoffas disappearance is insufficient to bring criminal charges. May 2004 Bloomfield Township police rip up the floorboards from a Detroit house where one-time Hoffa ally Frank Sheeran claims to have killed him. The FBI crime lab would ultimately conclude that the blood found on the floorboards was not Hoffas. April 2006 New Jersey mob hit man Richard The Iceman Kuklinski, who died in March, claims that he killed Hoffa and put his body in a car that was sold as scrap metal. Kuklinskis book, The Ice Man: Confessions of a Mafia Contract Killer, contends he received $40,000 for the slaying. May 17, 2006 The FBI begins searching a horse farm in Oakland Countys Milford Township, northwest of Detroit for Hoffas remains, but ends the search after finding nothing. June 17, 2013 The FBI sees enough merit in a reputed Mafia captains tip to once again break out the digging equipment to search for Hoffas remains in an Oakland Township field, about 25 miles north of Detroit. No remains of Hoffa are found Nov. 19, 2021 FBI says it obtained a search warrant to conduct a site survey underneath the Pulaski Skyway" in New Jersey in an effort to find Hoffa body. July 21, 2022 The FBI says it found no evidence of Hoffa during a search of land under a New Jersey bridge. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate NEW HAVEN First lady Jill Biden kicked off a three-state tour of summer learning programs funded by her husbands American Rescue Plan with a stop Wednesday at Albertus Magnus College, where about two dozen elementary students were building with Legos, reading books and showing off spirited summer chants. Biden, a long-time educator, toured a pair of classrooms at the college run by Westport-based nonprofit Horizons, whose programs offer a kind of hybrid summer camp to catch students up on critical reading, writing and math skills while also offering playful activities such as swim lessons. The learning gap that many children experience over the summer accelerated during the pandemic especially those with scattered access to online learning and will serve as a focus for the first ladys trip. A lot of us missed a lot of time, a lot of days, during the pandemic, the first lady said to a chorus of yeahs from the children. And it was hard to learn over Zoom, dont you think? Horizons launched the program at Albertus Magnus college last summer with a $140,000 grant from the American Rescue Plan. This year, the program is receiving about half its funding from the federal government, with the other half coming from private donors, according to Jose Oromi, the executive vice president of Horizons National. The program at Albertus Magnus serves 39 children in kindergarten through 2nd grade, Oromi said. Nationally, Horizons works with about 7,000 children in 20 states and Washington, D.C. Following her visit to New Haven, Biden will head to a summer academy in Detroit and then to Georgia, where she will visit another Horizon program, according to a spokesman. She is being joined on the tour by Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona, a former head of the Connecticut Department of Education and assistant schools superintendent in Meriden. The first ladys plane touched down at Tweed-New Haven Airport around 12:30 p.m. Wednesday. Her motorcade of black SUVs arrived at the campus of Albertus Magnus about a half-hour later, where Biden stepped out to embrace an awaiting Cardona, along with Gov. Ned Lamont. The group then quickly moved out of the sweltering afternoon heat, stopping to meet briefly with parents and educators in Horizons programs before moving on to the classrooms. Neither the first lady nor Cardona took questions from the press during their roughly hourlong visit. During an assembly that featured a reading of The Deep Blue Sea: A Book of Colors and a racous spirit check, Biden explained her husbands signature legislative accomplishment to the childen sitting criss-cross on the floor. What my husband did, he said our kids in this country, they need to catch up on their learning, Biden said. So he wrote this plan, The American Rescue Plan that said we are gonna catch up all our kids. Of the nearly $2 trillion dollars included in the American Rescue Plan Act, the Biden administration set aside $122 billion to reopen schools during the pandemic and to help children struggling with learning loss. Early research suggests the loss of in-person instruction during the COVID-19 pandemic had a dramatic impact on students education, leading to a decline in academic achievement, particularly for low-income students. One recent study found that the gap in test scores between students in low-poverty schools and high-poverty schools grew by about 20 percent in math and 15 percent in reading during the pandemic. Connecticut hasnt been immune to this effect. According to a report earlier this year from the state Department of Education, students who learned in person during the 2020-21 school year lost less academic ground than those who learned in hybrid or remote models. The report also found a decrease in performance on SAT, ACT and advanced placement tests, along with an increase in chronic absenteeism. The COVID-19 pandemic has broadly affected all areas of human life including education, education commissioner Charlene Russell-Tucker said in the report. For Jacqueline Taylor, a masters student at Albertus Magnus, a friends recommendation for the Horizons program came as a relief last year after she struggled to find an affordable summer camp for her 6-year-old son Bryce. Now in his second year, Taylor said Bryce was excelling in the program while allowing her to go to school nearby. Everythings so expensive, especially right now, Taylor said. When they said he would be doing swimming lessons, I said This is the place to be. Bryce was among a group of first graders constructing robots out of Legos Wednesday when the first lady walked into their classroom, kneeling down to listen as the children showed off their creations. Oromi, the Horizons executive, explained later that after building robots off of a design, the kids were told to construct their own solutions to problems in their communities using the multi-colored blocks. Several incorporated pools into their designs, he said, reflecting their recent swimming lessons. Aaron Dworkin, the chief executive officer of the National Summer Learning Association, said that programs like Horizon seek to incorporate a focus on academics without the negative stereotypes associated with mandatory programs such as summer school. New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker said Wednesday that 4,000 students are enrolled in similar programs across the city this summer. Summer school, historically, was a real big punishment and punitive and nobody wanted to go, Dworkin said. Meanwhile kids who had more resources got to have great summer experiences, going to camp, going to travel, internships, all these things, we want to combine them both. The first ladys trip Wednesday marked her third official visit to Connecticut since President Joe Biden was inaugurated, her office said. Her first visit came in March 2021, when she was accompanied by Cardona for a visit to an elementary school in Meriden. Biden also attended a holiday party hosted by the U.S. Submarine Veterans Club in Groton last year. Later Wednesday, Lamont tweeted a photo of himself, Biden and Elicker eating ice cream at Arethusa Farm Dairy in downtown New Haven. HARTFORD A New York man has been sentenced to 90 months in prison after helping lead a brazen burglary ring that stole millions of dollars in vehicles, phones, ATMs and other merchandise across Connecticut, New York and beyond, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office for Connecticut. Josepher Cartagena, 26, of Bronx, N.Y., had pleaded guilty in February to possession of stolen property, officials said. Prosecutors said Cartagena, along with his brother, Alexander Santiago, led the group, which primarily burglarized car dealerships and mobile phone stores in Connecticut and New York between June 2020 and June 2021. From dealerships, the group stole vehicle key fobs and vehicles, and from mobile phone stores they stole cellphones, electronics and other merchandise. They also stole ATMs from check cashing businesses and burglarized video game stores, officials said. Cartagena and Santiago planned and organized the burglary sprees, recruited others to participate in those burglaries, maintained inventories of the stolen property, sold that property, and then divided the proceeds among the participants. In total, the group committed more than 180 burglaries and stole more than $4 million in property, officials said, often committing multiple thefts in a single evening. On numerous occasions, officials said they evaded capture by speeding away from police, officials said. Prosecutors said an apparent tally found on Santiagos phone after his arrest indicated that he had engaged police in 89 chases. Cartagena was arrested in December 2020, officials said. Earlier in the day, he fled from law enforcement by driving onto a sidewalk, then struck an officers vehicle, injuring them, and accelerating toward another, who dodged out of the way, officials said. He then drove to a gas station, exited his own damaged vehicle, stole a Jeep that was being cleaned at the gas station, and escaped at a high-rate of speed into oncoming traffic, officials said. After additional high-speed chases and collisions with law enforcement vehicles later that day, Cartagena was arrested at approximately 10 p.m. that evening, in the Washington Heights neighborhood of Manhattan. Police found hundreds of thousands of dollars in stolen merchandise, more than 30 vehicle keys and key fobs, 9mm ammunition, and approximately $87,000 in cash at Cartagenas home, officials said. In their sentencing memorandum, U.S. Attorney Vanessa Roberts Avery and Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Ruff called for Cartagena to be sentenced to about 10 years in prison, citing, among other factors, the reach of the scheme and the danger posed by the regular high-speed chases. Mr. Cartagenas criminal conduct was egregious and persistent. He plundered businesses while they struggled with the pandemic and routinely engaged police in dangerous high-speed chases. His greed, apathy toward victims, and extreme disrespect for law and order and the police call for a significant term of imprisonment, Avery and Ruff said. It is a miracle that no one was killed or seriously injured during this conspiracys many high-speed car chases, especially during the mayhem on Dec. 23, 2020. Defense Attorney Jon M. Silveri asked for Judge Michael P. Shea to be reasonable in considering Cartagenas conduct, noting his lack of prior prison time and acceptance of responsibility. In a letter to the court, Cartagena said he had a great deal of remorse for those affected, and said the experience of being arrested had humbled him. I do not claim to have seen this bright light or that Ive changed overnight but I work every day knowing I may struggle and that I must confront my bad habits and way of thinking, Cartagena wrote in the letter. When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves. I know that I can be a better person for society, my family and my children as well. Santiago was arrested in January 2021, then later sentenced to 90 months in prison, officials said. At his home, officers found approximately 20 new cellphones in boxes, approximately 40 vehicle key fobs, a police radio, a glass-punch device, two firearms and a substantial amount of ammunition, officials said. Three other men have been sentenced in connection with the series of thefts, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office. william.lambert@hearstmediact.com I believe a woman has the inherent right to terminate her pregnancy, but I do not blame the Court for overturning Roe v Wade. I blame state legislators for writing laws unduly restricting that right, and Congress for not doing what it can, and should do, to protect that right. Roe v. Wade was the Supreme Courts attempt to do what the state legislators, and Congress in particular, failed to do. It was more law than a Constitutional resolution. And it enabled lawmakers in Washington, D.C., to avoid doing what they failed to do: pass thoughtful legislation to logically provide definition, in other words define when, at what stage of the pregnancy, Americans consider an abortion to be the termination of an innocent life. Regretfully, in large measure due to the Senate filibuster, very little gets done in the Congress, and that has particularly been the case for nearly the last 30 years. The excess use of the filibuster explains why presidential executive orders and court rulings have become so dominate, and ultimately so destructive to the democratic process. When I asked a former House colleague, then newly elected, how he liked the Senate, he said, I love it. I can kill anything. His response said everything to me. It explained and summarized the dysfunction in our federal government. Just one senator can object to a bill coming to the Senate floor, so the bill cannot be considered for passage. It cannot even be debated. And sadly, most senators, liberal or conservative, Democrat or Republican, argue to keep the filibuster in place, or are conveniently silent, because they too want that same power to kill legislation they dont want. Since it only takes one senator to kill a piece of legislation, it is not a surprise very little gets done in Congress, regardless of which party has the majority. In fact, given the Senate filibuster, it is a stretch to say one party controls the Senate. It doesnt. The majority party may get to choose who chairs the Senate Committees, decide the agenda of the committees, and pass legislation out of the committees, but thats it! With few exceptions, if only one member of the Senate does not like the committees work, it is dead on arrival. It is dead unless 60 votes can be found to bring it to the floor for debate, and ultimate passage. But when does that happen? When our Founding Fathers ratified the U.S. Constitution, they put many restraints on the federal government. Congress writes the laws, but any law has to have identical language in the House and Senate. The president may veto any potential law. The Congress then needs two-thirds majority to override a veto. And finally, the Court makes sure laws meet Constitutional requirements. The Court can void the law, declaring it unconstitutional To further buffer the ability of a new wave of an ardent elected majority to work its will, two-thirds of the Senate is not even up for re-election. So why the need for the Senate filibuster? There are already enough restraints. In the past, the filibuster was rarely used, but that was when most members of the House and Senate were loyal to the nation first, and their party second. Now the Democratic or Republican Party comes first, the nation second. This translates into members of both parties making sure the other party does not succeed, even when the minority members know passage of a piece of legislation proposed by the majority would be a positive step forward. Today, devotion to the party supersedes love and devotion to our country. Use of the filibuster has become alarmingly abusive, a practice that is depriving Americans of a functioning government, and allowing senators to avoid debating and voting on controversial but essential legislation. Members of the House and the Senate can take a position earning a particular interest groups support, but never pay the consequences for nothing getting done. Ardent pro-life advocates argue for the need to prevent even birth control, and argue that a woman, even a young girl, a child, raped by a stranger, neighbor, or family member, must carry the pregnancy to term. Really? How many Americans agree with that? We will soon find out. For now we have a real-life story that gives the abortion debate the reality it deserves. How many Americans feel a 10-year-old raped child should be prevented from ending her pregnancy? How many Americans would condemn a child for traveling to Indiana from Ohio, given Ohio does not allow her to end her pregnancy after only six weeks? And how many Americans would criticize the doctor who performed the abortion? I suspect very few. When the right to end a pregnancy was more theoretical than actual, advocates on both sides could make their arguments without the general public being fully engaged in the conversation, and understand and appreciate the consequences. The Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade assuredly guarantees that will change. But as long as the filibuster is in place, the so-called best and most important forum for political debate, the U.S. Senate, may never even debate the issue. Senators with opposing views will make statements to the press, be prominent on social media, and speak on the Senate floor, but will never be held responsible and accountable for debating the issue, and finding a legislative solution most Americans can accept. That must change. I believe the Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v Wade has a silver lining. The use of the Senate filibuster, an historical southern strategy to prevent northern interference, may finally be limited or actually eliminated given public pressure to address a womans right to end a pregnancy, especially in cases of rape or incest. And maybe as a result, Congress will be able, and actually become motivated, to address other neglected issues confronting our country. Christopher Shays served 34 years in public office, 13 years as a state representative from Stamford and 21 years as congressman for the Fourth District of Connecticut. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate After President Joe Biden tested positive for COVID-19 Thursday morning, White House officials said First Lady Jill Biden tested negative following her visit to Connecticut the day before. A spokesperson confirmed the first lady tested negative Thursday morning and will continue with scheduled trips to Michigan and Georgia on Thursday, a spokesperson confirmed. White House said Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the president is experiencing very mild symptoms, and will isolate in the White House based on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. She said the president, who is vaccinated against the virus and has received two rounds of booster shots, has begun taking Paxlovid. Consistent with White House protocol for positive COVID cases, which goes above and beyond CDC guidance, he will continue to work in isolation until he tests negative, Jean-Pierre said in a statement Thursday morning. Biden will attend his meetings remotely and will continue to carry out all of his duties fully during that time, a White House statement said. The first lady on Wednesday visited a summer learning program hosted by Albertus Magnus College in New Haven. During the event, she touted the successes of the American Rescue Plan, the $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief measure that so far stands as her husbands signature legislative achievement. The first lady did not wear a mask while attending the event and standing close to Gov. Ned Lamont and U.S. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona. New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker was also present during the event on the Albertus Magnus campus. At age 79, the announcement that Joe Biden had contracted the disease raised concerns about the presidents health. The White House also released a letter Thursday from Kevin C. O'Connor, the presidents physician, in which he noted that Biden had reported a runny nose, and an occasional dry cough that started Wednesday, the Associated Press reported. OConnor recommended initiating treatment with Paxlovid, an anti-viral medication shown to be effective at preventing severe disease from the virus. The president is fully vaccinated and twice-boosted, so I anticipate that he will respond favorably, as most maximally protected patients do, OConnor wrote. Early use of Paxlovid in this case provides additional protection against severe disease. The White House said it will release daily updates on the presidents condition going forward. WASHINGTON (AP) President Joe Biden tested positive for COVID-19 on Thursday and is experiencing very mild symptoms, the White House said, as new variants of the highly contagious virus are challenging the nation's efforts to get back to normal after two and a half years of pandemic disruptions. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Biden has begun taking Paxlovid, an antiviral drug designed to reduce the severity of the disease. He was isolating at the White House and continuing to carry out all of his duties fully, she said. Bidens physician, Dr. Kevin OConnor, said in a letter that Biden had a runny nose and fatigue, with an occasional dry cough, which started yesterday evening. Folks, Im doing great. Thanks for your concern," Biden tweeted. He added that he was keeping busy! Biden, 79, is fully vaccinated, after getting two doses of the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine shortly before taking office, a first booster shot in September and an additional dose March 30. Jean-Pierre described the president's symptoms as "very mild" and said Biden had been in contact with members of the White House staff by phone and would participate in his planned meetings "via phone and Zoom from the residence. The White House took steps to show that the president was busy working despite his diagnosis, with Biden tweeting out a picture of himself making calls from the treaty room of the White House. The president spoke by phone to lawmakers in Pennsylvania to apologize for having to cancel his planned trip Thursday to the city of Wilkes-Barre to promote his crime prevention plans. Biden also called South Carolina Rep. Jim Clyburn to wish him a happy birthday and congratulate him on receiving an award from the NAACP. O'Connor wrote in his letter about the president's treatment plan: I anticipate that he will respond favorably to Paxlovid as most maximally protected patients do. Jean-Pierre said Biden had last tested negative on Tuesday, and he will stay isolated until he tests negative again. First lady Jill Biden, speaking to reporters as she arrived for a school visit in Detroit, said she'd just gotten off the phone with her husband. Hes doing fine, she said. "Hes feeling good. The first lady, who was wearing a mask, said she tested negative earlier in the day. She will keep her full schedule in Michigan and Georgia on Thursday, though she will be following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on masking and distancing, said Michael LaRosa, her spokesperson. The president spent much of last week in Israel and Saudi Arabia. White House officials told reporters that Biden planned to minimize contact during the trip, yet as soon as he exited Air Force One on July 13, the president was fist-bumping, handshaking and even seen in the occasional hug. The CDC says symptoms can appear two to 14 days after exposure to the virus. Biden had a minimal public schedule after returning from Saudi Arabia late on Saturday night, attending church the next day and helping to welcome Ukraine's first lady Olena Zelenska to the White House on Tuesday. The president traveled to Massachusetts on Wednesday to promote efforts to combat climate change. Dr. Graham Snyder, an infectious disease specialist at the University of Pittsburgh, said in an interview that it wasn't surprising that Biden tested positive given the extent of his activities and interactions with people. He said Biden appears to be pursuing a treatment that should enable him to recover without facing even worse health risks. Hes put himself in a place to have the best possible outcome, which is the lowest probability of being sick enough to get in the hospital or heaven forbid in intensive care or dying, Snyder said. Up to this point, Bidens ability to avoid the virus seemed to defy the odds, even with the testing procedures in place for those expected to be in close contact with him. Prior waves of the virus swept through Washingtons political class, infecting Vice President Kamala Harris, Cabinet members, White House staffers and lawmakers. Biden has increasingly stepped up his travel schedule and resumed holding large indoor events where not everyone is tested. A White House official said Harris tested negative for COVID-19. She was last with the president on Tuesday and spoke with him on the phone Thursday morning. Harris planned to remain masked on the guidance of the White House medical team. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said she hoped that Biden's positive test for the virus would cause more Americans to get vaccinated and boosted because "none of us is immune from it, including the president of the United States, and we really have to be careful. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell on Twitter wished the president "a speedy recovery. Top White House officials in recent months have been matter-of-fact about the likelihood of the president getting COVID, a measure of how engrained the virus has become in society and of its diminished threat for those who are up to date on their vaccinations and with access to treatments. When administered within five days of symptoms appearing, Paxlovid, produced by drugmaker Pfizer, has been proven to bring about a 90% reduction in hospitalizations and deaths among patients most likely to get severe disease. Biden is far from the first world leader and not the first U.S. president to get the coronavirus, which has infected British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, French President Emmanuel Macron and more than a dozen other leaders and high-ranking officials globally. When Bidens predecessor, President Donald Trump, contracted the disease in October 2020, it was a far different time. Vaccines were not available and treatment options were limited and less advanced. After being diagnosed with COVID-19 at the White House, Trump was given an experimental antibody treatment and steroids after his blood oxygen levels fell dangerously low. He was hospitalized at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for three days After more than two years and over a million deaths in the U.S., the virus is still killing an average of 353 people a day in the U.S., according to the CDC. The unvaccinated are at far greater risk, more than two times more likely to test positive and nine times more likely to die from the virus than those who have received at least a primary dose of the vaccines, according to the public health agency. The highly transmissible omicron variant is the dominant strain in the U.S., but scientists say it poses a lower risk for severe illness to those who are up to date on their vaccinations. Omicron's BA.5 sub-strain, believed to be even more contagious, now makes up more than 65% of U.S. cases. Theres a lot of infections across America, White House COVID-19 coordinator Dr. Ashish Jha said May 18, blaming the highly-transmissible variants, as well as relaxing mitigation measures like mask requirements. The coronavirus pandemic helped put Biden in the White House, as he pledged to handle COVID-19 better than his predecessor. After initial months of success surging the nations supply and availability of vaccines, the virus became a morass for the Democrat in the first year of his presidency, as he struggled to boost the countrys vaccination rate and to stay ahead of the unpredictable disease. As cases sharply declined earlier this year, Biden highlighted his administrations efforts to end the pandemic and help the nation regain a sense of normalcy. He said in his March 1 State of the Union address, Its time for Americans to get back to work and fill our great downtowns again. The White House has sought to go above public health guidelines to protect the president, with all visitors and staff required to attest to their vaccination status or submit to daily tests. People expected to be in close proximity to Biden are tested daily. ___ Associated Press writer Mike Householder contributed from Detroit. The MiG-25 Foxbat built by the Soviet Union is one of the speediest interceptors ever produced by the Russians at the time. During the cold war era, conflicts would need extensive and powerful planes to intercept US nuclear bombers in a given scenario. Its main purpose was to kill the US F-15s and US bombers spearheading an attack on Moscow. Soviet Union Aircraft Boosting the Red Army The Cold War era saw the Foxbat's premium threat the US could not ignore, even the F-15 was not keen to meet the heavy Russian fighter. Western intelligence wanted to get info about the deadly fighter, reported View60S. It was such an unknown to the NATO alliance that even the US SR-71 Black Bird would not risk and encounter anywhere close to Soviet airspace because the reputation of the heavy fighter preceded it. But out of nowhere, a MiG-25 Foxbat landed in Japan at the Hakodate airport on the island of Hokkaido. This first encounter with a beast of a plane by a western standard has no equivalent. The aircraft defected to the US side on September 6, 1976; it had long-range powerful dual engines. Its features exceeded the western planes with robust Soviet engineering. Developed by Mikoyan-Gurevich, the Foxbat is a high-speed supersonic interdictor and recon plane that originated in the 1960s. The aircraft flew for the first time in 1964. America never imagined its Soviet Union nemesis with the MiG-25 Foxbat could have a close to Mach 3 monster threatening the US. Later, the F-15 and legendary F-14 Tomcat would give a boost to the gap. Read Also: Russian Destroyers and Fighter Jets Engaged in Drills Near Hawaii, Carrier Strike Group Deployed as a Response Foxbat had twin tail fins outside the powerplant, with two horizontal planes sweeping back. It intentionally had two of the most powerful engines in tandem position. The airframe is designed with square forms; intakes are on the sides of the cockpit and have aerodynamic flow from the sides coming from the nose cone. Wing configured as monoplane style on the intakes, with sharp leading edges too. Horizontal stabilizers and wing are sweeping back, though the canopy is heat-resistance except with limited visibility. The engines are two R-15B-300 after-burning turbojet engines, rated for 73.5 kN dry thrust and 100.1 kN with an afterburner. It has a maxed-out speed of 3,000 km/h, cruising at higher altitudes or Mach 2.83 and low flight altitudes at about 1,100 km/h. The range lessens as it reaches more than Mach 2.35, that is 1,630km from 1,860 km at Mach 0.9. The distance it can fly is 2,575 km, it can fly up to 20,000m with a climb rate of 208m/s; it can reach the edge of space too. MiG-25 Foxbat Sets Records in Its Time Foxbat has gotten records for its amazing speed and ceiling height for its generation setting the benchmark for the next-gen fighters. Soviet test pilots put a total of 38 world aviation records. One reason why the allies don't want to mess with its weapons loadout state of the art then, even the Smerch-A radar capable of BVR hit up to 65 km. When the defector's plane was reverse engineered, it was stopped in production, with 1,200 units made after. The increased cold war competition led to the Su-27 and later the MiG-31 with beefed-up equipment. Compared to the MiG-25 Foxbat that protected the Soviet Union in the Cold War, it remained lethal due to its speed equaling the Black Bird. Related Article: Russian MiG-31 Foxhound Still the Fastest Interceptor Fighter In Service; Here's Why @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) Florida school shooter Nikolas Cruz walked casually into a sandwich shop minutes after he murdered 14 students and three staff members at Parkland's Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School four years ago, showing no signs of stress or nervousness, video played at his penalty trial Thursday showed. Cruz then walked to a nearby McDonald's, where, by coincidence, he unsuccessfully sought a ride from the brother of a girl he had seriously wounded. The boy did not not know who Cruz was. Thursday's abbreviated court session focused on Cruz's attempted escape after the Feb. 14, 2018, shooting and his arrest, about an hour after he fled the campus. The mostly low-key testimony and evidence stood in contrast with the previous three emotional days, which covered the seven minutes Cruz stalked a three-story classroom building firing his AR-15 semi-automatic rifle into crowded classrooms and hallways. After the shooting, Cruz fled the building, dressed in a burgundy shirt from the Stoneman Douglas Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps he had been a member when he attended the school and a New York City Police Department cap. The former Stoneman Douglas student blended in with students who were evacuating campus and went to a nearby Walmart, where security video shows that 25 minutes after he stopped shooting he turned into the Subway sandwich shop inside the entrance. Store manager Carlos Rugeles testified that Cruz ordered a cherry and blue raspberry Icee. The video shows that when Cruz got his drink and change, he tossed the coins into the tip jar, stuck a straw into the lid and walked out. Eight minutes later, Cruz entered a nearby McDonald's, still drinking his Icee, store video shows. He climbed into a booth with then-Stoneman Douglas freshman John Wilford, who did not know him. Wilford testified that he didn't know exactly what had happened at the school, but after evacuating he had been trying to call his older sister Maddy he didn't know she had been seriously wounded by this stranger. When he couldn't reach her, he called his mom, who said she would pick him up. He then tried to make small talk with Cruz. I told him, This is so chaotic, its crazy with all these helicopters and squad cars. What do you think this could be?' Wilford recalled. He didn't say much. He had his head down. A minute later, Wilford went to meet his mother in the parking lot. Cruz followed and asked for a ride, but Wilford said no. He was pretty insistent on it. I wasn't really thinking much of it. I just wanted to get home and my sister wasn't answering her phone, Wilford said. Cruz walked away. He was arrested about a half-hour later by Michael Leonard, an officer with the neighboring Coconut Creek Police Department. Leonard testified he was driving through neighborhoods looking for anyone matching the shooter's description. The officer was 3 miles (5 kilometers) from the school and about to drive back toward it when he spotted Cruz walking on a residential street. He said he stopped and Cruz looked at him. He pulled his gun and ordered Cruz to the ground. Cruz complied. A search found $350 in Cruz's pocket. Cruz, 23, pleaded guilty in October to 17 counts of first-degree murder. The jury must only decide if he should be sentenced to death or life without parole for the nations deadliest mass shooting to go before a jury. Nine other gunmen who killed at least 17 people died during or immediately after their shootings, either by suicide or police gunfire. The suspect in the 2019 slaying of 23 people at a Walmart in El Paso, Texas, is awaiting trial. When jurors eventually get the case, probably in October or November, they will vote 17 times, once for each of the victims, on whether to recommend capital punishment. For each death sentence, the jury must be unanimous or the sentence for that victim is life. The jurors are told that to vote for death, the prosecutions aggravating circumstances for that victim must, in their judgment, outweigh the defenses mitigators. A juror can also vote for life out of mercy for Cruz. During jury selection, the panelists said under oath that they are capable of voting for either sentence. Getty / Contributed WATERBURY Police say they are investigating after an 18-year-old local man was gunned down on Willow Street early Thursday. Authorities have not yet released the name of the man killed. The discovery of extrasolar planets or exoplanets in 1992, not the Solar System, made waves when two astronomers, Alexander Wolszczan and Dale Frail, brought attention to their discovery in a paper published in Nature. Planets Outside the Solar System These dual exoplanets are exciting, and these rocky worlds are about 4.3 and 3.9 times the size of earth, remarked Wired. Both held orbit around a dead star known as a millisecond pulsar called PSR B1257+12, otherwise known as Lich. A third exo-world is 0.2 times as big as earth; verified in 1994. A conclusion reached by researchers studying countless pulsars think these worlds are rarer than thought and are disappearing, reported Science Alert. Pulsars are uncommon, too, with 3,320 detected in the Milky Way during writing, and 0.5 percent are to be earth-like too. Even millisecond pulsar is less than 550 in the known Milky Way. Even lich stars add spice to astronomical discovery. Lich stars are neutron stars with a burnt-out core and no more matter that is second to a black hole. Their size is about 2.3 solar masses, compressed into a 12-mile-long sphere. A pulsar would spin on its axis while emitting radiation outbursts from the poles; similar to a cosmic lighthouse in the unfathomable interstellar void, some may have an extrasolar planet or two. Read Also: Super-Earths Might Share More Similarities to Our Earth Some of these pulsars spin so fast that their radio signal is hard to catch on a millisecond scale. Exoplanets Co-Exist With Neutron Star In places of high gravitations ripping apart planets bigger than the earth, these zombie stars and paired exoplanets are few. These exo-worlds are torn asunder by tidal forces of unbelievable gravity. Iuliana Nitu of the University of Manchester in the United Kingdom led a team of astronomers that aimed to find out how common pulsar planets are. They investigated 800 pulsars recorded by the Jodrell Bank Observatory in the United Kingdom, searching for blips in pulse frequency that might suggest the possibility of neighboring exoplanets. The first extrasolar planets were discovered around a pulsar some 30 years ago, but we still don't know how these planets create and survived in such harsh environments. The first set of criteria sought planets with orbital periods ranging from 20 days to 17 years and masses ranging from 1% of the mass of the Moon to 100 times that of the earth. These search options would have found Poltergeist and Phobetor, Lich's two bigger planets, that have orbital periods of 66 and 98 days, respectively. According to the research team, fewer than 0.5 percent of the sample's pulsars are likely to house exoplanets with masses between Poltergeist and Phobetor, and two-thirds of them are exceedingly unlikely to do so. It is a little more challenging to estimate the presence of exoplanets like the smaller exoplanet Draugr in the Lich system. Draugr's modest mass and 25-day orbit prevent its identification in 95% of the team's collection since it is shrouded by ambient noise. Fifteen of the 800 pulsars displayed periodic signals for which rocky planets might be accountable. However, assume that the pulsar's magnetosphere is responsible for most of them. PSR J2007+3120 stood out as a very good target for further exoplanet surveys. These extrasolar planets that will be seen orbiting a lich star are left to be seen; due to gravity tearing them apart or false signals. It's like a needle in an interstellar haystack. Related Article: Scientists Discover 24 Exoplanets That Can Possibly Support Life @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. NATO expansions with Sweden and Finland might cut short the recent fanfare because Erdogan might cut their membership bids short. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan considers the Nordic nations not fully complying with Turkey's conditions. Threat to NATO's Ambition for Expansion Ankara last Monday said that Stockholm and Helsinki might have celebrated too early; there is a good chance the Turkish leader will freeze their membership if the agreement last month is not fulfilled, reported RT. The two nations promised to do something about it or not be ousted by Turkey. Erdogan set his line that they know the conditions, and if they are ignored, they expect the process to stop. These nations have to decide, and it's up to them. Stockholm, in particular, is struggling with the conditions, he added. Until the end of June, Ankara prevented Helsinki and Stockholm from applying to join NATO. The alliance officially invited Finland and Sweden to a meeting in Spain thanks to a trilateral memorandum signed in Madrid, noted Mass News. The document demanded that the two Nordic nations cooperate with Turkish requests by abolishing their ban on military shipments to Ankara and adopting strict measures toward people and organizations that Turkey has designated as terrorist organizations. They include supporters of the exiled preacher Fetullah Gulen and Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) activists who sought shelter in these Nordic nations. Despite being neutral during the Cold War, Sweden and Finland, on May 18 this year, presented petitions to join, expressing concern for national security in light of the Russian military operation in Ukraine and NATO expansion. Read Also: Vladimir Putin's 'Girlfriend': 5 Things To Know About Alina Kabaeva Until it becomes official, membership in NATO needs permission from the lawmakers of all 30 member-states. Erdogan and his demands had put NATO's plans to formally welcome the pair to the June 28-30 summit in Madrid in doubt, but a last-minute compromise that was reportedly made over coffee with a mechanism to advance the process saved the day. The US' Take on Turkey's Bid To Join NATO The US aims to engage with Finland, Sweden, and Turkey to guarantee that this accession process and ratification procedures worldwide are as rapid and effective as they can be. Ned Price, the spokesperson for the State Department, stated on Monday that the White House wants them both to join NATO as soon as possible. Erdogan's warning comes with adopting the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) text by the US House of Representatives, which stipulated that more certifications are needed before Turkey can buy F-16 fighter jets, citing AA. Trilateral talks in Tehran are crucial with Turkey's participation As mentioned by Bloomberg, Vladimir Putin, Ebrahim Raisi, and Tayyip Erdogan will discuss matters like Syria and other issues facing the three in world geopolitics and more. In late June, Putin traveled to Turkmenistan and Tajikistan to meet with those countries' presidents and participate in the sixth Caspian Summit, including Iran. Erdogan, with his counterparts, are part of the Astana Peace Process started by Moscow, Tehran, and Ankara in 2017 to end the Syrian conflict. They hoped to end terrorism and foster peace and reconstruction, the opposite of what Washington wanted. NATO expansion is now uncertain as Erdogan feels that Sweden and Finland are not doing enough, thinking Turkey will not raise an objection again. Related Article: Erdogan Reminds Sweden, Finland of Their Commitments to Ankara's Conditions Before Joining NATO @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The US army has less recruitment this year, and the military establishment is worried about the shortfall, missing the goal by as much as 25% in 2022. Fewer Soldiers Interested To Join the Service The Army has enlisted around half of the 60,000 new soldiers it expected to recruit by October 1, officials said on Tuesday, conceding that if the decline continues, it could have a major impact on military capabilities in the coming years, reported RT. According to the Associated Press, Army Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Joseph Martin testified before a House Armed Services subcommittee. He said that a post-COVID-19 environment and labor market, as well as rivalry from private enterprises that have modified their incentives over time, offer new problems, noted Mass News. Bad advertising has received a lot of criticism over the issue, especially the current trend of widely mocked "woke" advertisements on social media, including a shoddy, outdated hiring process that places an excessive share of the workload in the hands of independent contractors. The US Army is presently paying up to $50,000 incentives since it is suffering the worst recruiting problems out of all the armed divisions. For a six-year enlistment, that can potentially be considerably less, but it's still difficult to recruit enough recruits. Martin said that the US army might decrease from less recruitment of the anticipated 476,000 to 466,400 soldiers by the end of this fiscal year, remarked the military establishment, and it could decrease as low as 445,000 soldiers by the end of 2023, citing Hi India. Read also: Emmanuel Macron Facts: Interesting Info You May Not Know About The French President During the hearing, Army Secretary Christine Wormuth claimed that the army is currently in its most challenging recruitment environment since the beginning of the all-volunteer force. One of the points raised is whether to lower standards but get more quality recruits or keep the standards high and keep a strong quality professional force. This is the problem with women that the Pentagon supports, particularly those loyal to the administration. According to an official Defense Department poll that NBC acquired last month, just 9% of eligible citizens between the ages of 17 and 24 have any interest in enlisting in the military. This is the lowest number since 2007. At the same time, the overall number of Americans physically, mentally, and morally qualified to join has dropped from 29% to 23% in recent years. The Pentagon said that money, paying for college, and vacation were the top three major reasons given by prospective recruits for wanting to serve. The top three deterrents to joining were identified as psychological trauma, sexual harassment or assault, and dread of harm or death. Vaccination Requirements a Basis for Military Discharge The failure to comply with vaccination requirements might result in the discharge of more than 260,000 American military members. Department of Defense figures updated on Wednesday that the strict COVID-19 inoculation demands placed by the Biden administration put more than 13% of the US armed forces at risk of discharge. On the Pentagon's website, 50,710 civilian personnel are listed alongside 268,858 "partially vaccinated" members of the Army, Marines, Navy, and Air Force. The numbers are not complete yet. Suffering less recruitment that the US Army and the military establishment are trying to fix; after the woke influence impacting the quality of US servicemen. Related article: US Army Recruitment Reports Lowest Enlistment Numbers During the Biden Administration Compared to Prior Years @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Yorkshire-born author Adele Parks has sold millions of copies of her novels, which include bestsellers Lies, Lies, Lies and Just My Luck, since publishing her first book over twenty years ago. Her latest work, One Last Secret, has shot into The Sunday Times Bestseller List's top 10 in recent weeks and details the dramatic tale of a high-end escort's final job, which should be straightforward but turns out to be anything but. While researching the book to create her central protagonist, Dora, Parks enlisted the help of real-life sex workers, paying them by the hour to give her insights on the realities - and potential risks - of working in the world of escorts. Here, she tells FEMAIL what she learned from the three very different women who she met up with, including clients' bizarre sexual preferences, and why the oldest profession in the world can be preferable to more conventional jobs that are much lower paid... The author (pictured) says that while one of the woman, 'Anya', was a vision of 'fake eyelashes and nails, enhanced lips, surgically altered boobs and bottom', marketing graduate 'Carly' was a natural beauty who'd swapped a career in retail because she 'didn't like standing around doing nothing all day' I'm always looking for ways to play with the tropes in my genre. In crime novels, often the role of a sex worker is largely to be a nameless body in the background: perhaps semi-clad on someone's lap, perhaps dead in a back alley. I like writing resourceful, resilient heroines, so I decided for my 22nd novel, a psychological thriller, I would write from a sex-worker's point of view and give her a voice for a change. I knew that to make the character authentic I needed to interview sex workers. A daunting thought. I Googled Escort Near Me. Not for the faint-hearted. The search threw up extremely explicit results. Endless women openly lay out their wares and their limits (or rather lack of them). Very little is left to the imagination. Selling sex is not illegal in England and Wales. So the process is made very simple. It's a matter of sending an email or making a phone call. The women advertise a menu of exactly which sexual acts they are happy to perform. Many boast that they enjoy their work and want to give pleasure. They offer 'Constant smiles', and a promise to 'make all your dreams come true.' This phrase led me to coming up with the first line of my novel: 'No little girl grows up dreaming of becoming an escort. A sex worker. A whore. Keep that in mind.' A lot of the adverts were clearly written in second language. I offered to pay for their time for a research chat. The three I approached readily agreed; two insisted that I pay only half the advertised rate as I just wanted to chat. They didn't want to 'rip me off'. Endearing that they were conscious not to exploit me. First up let's call her Anya was heavily made up, she had fake eyelashes and nails, enhanced lips, surgically altered boobs and bottom. She looked like a very attractive manga cartoon. I've seen this look on many young women who are not on the same career path as Anya. Her look isn't necessarily a reflection of her profession, more her youth. She told me she was 24, her advert had said 22. I'm not sure which is true but it struck me as sad that she had to lie. Either to me (to make her look more mature and in control) or to her punters (who want sex with extremely young women). Parks' 22nd novel sees her writing from the point of view of Dora, her central character. She told FEMAIL she wanted to write 'from a sex-worker's point of view and give her a voice for a change' Anya, like most people I meet, was excited that I'm a novelist and keen to have her stories told. I had prepared questions about how money changed hands, how sex workers look after their sexual health and what they do to try to keep safe. She was happy to share funny stories about her work. Mostly they involved dealing with the personal hygiene of her clients. 'Some of them are really nervous and sweaty, I offer to sponge bath them, like babies.' She was less keen to discuss the more dangerous aspects of her job. When I asked if she ever felt at risk or afraid, she shrugged and commented, 'Doesn't every girl'. She wouldn't elaborate. Bella was similarly glamourous, except her nails were her own, painted red. 'Men like red. They like pretty and classy,' she told me firmly. I would argue that she was sexy and obvious but I'm not the target market. Bella had been a carer but didn't like the risks of working with the elderly during Covid times. 'This pays much better. I have to look at bums in both jobs,' she told me, laughing. One of the sex workers Parks met revealed how the pop-up brothel is a new phenomenon, where Airbnb hosts unwittingly rent their luxury homes to pimps, who then use them for 'back-to-back' clients. Stock image Carly was the biggest surprise and perhaps closest to my character Dora. She charged 50 per cent more than the other two, as far as I could tell she hadn't had any surgery, she was a genuinely pretty and bright young woman with a university degree in digital marketing. Rolling her eyes, she added, 'and a whole load of depth to go with it' which maybe explains her choices. Carly used to work in retail. She told me: 'I like clothes but I didn't like standing around doing nothing all day. Escorting is the perfect career choice if you don't like standing,' she winked. A well-rehearsed joke. The women I spoke to were practical, unabashed, humorous. They had an air of resourcefulness and resilience. They refused to be shamed about the work they do although seemed very aware that practically everyone queues to judge them. Carly told me about a new phenomenon: the 'pop-up brothel'. Pimps rent smart holiday homes and run brothels for a week before moving on, this way avoiding police notice. 'The girls have back-to-back clients. No fun, no control. I keep well away. I work within the law. Controlling pimps are the problem.' 'And violent men?' I suggested. 'Yeah, them too,' she admitted. One Last Secret by Adele Parks published by HQ HarperCollins is out now Defacing public signs is obviously wrong... but these hilarious photos proves it can be very funny, too. Social media users from around the world have shared examples of harmless vandalism they've come across, from a witty note on a hand dryer to a subtle change to a Johnny Depp advert for Dior. The best snaps were collated in a gallery on viral website Why These, including a 'stop' sign that had 'collaborate and listen' added underneath in tribute to the lyrics of Vanilla Ice's Ice, Ice Baby. Elsewhere, a prankster added 'navidad' to a 'for lease' sign in British Columbia, turning a real estate advertisement into a Spanish Christmas greeting. Season's greetings! This jolly graffiti artist in British Columbia, Canada, turned a boring real estate billboard into a festive play on the Spanish for Merry Christmas: Feliz Navida Food for thought: This American prankster came up with a simple way to raise a smile in a public bathroom Dancing down the street: A joker came up with a clever way to tease maintenance workers on site in a quiet suburb of a North American town Skewered! Changing a single letter completely changed the meaning of this Dior Sauvage advert starring Johnny Depp. It was spotted at a bus stop somewhere in the UK Hamming it up! Twitter user Jenny Pentland, now based in Hawaii, shared this hilarious post showing how a local graffiti artist turned a water tank into an adorable pig Wholesome: One North American graffiti artist just wanted to spread an uplifting message with this tweak to a Nike billboard advertisement Egg-cellent point: A reddit user from Michigan shared this snap of a diner who had some home truths for the people behind KFC's branding Classic tunes: One serial offender in the US came up with a way to make stop signs fun: by adding lyrics to Vanilla Ice (left) and MC Hammer songs (right) Face it, it's funny! A hand dryer in the US looks positively cute thanks to a couple of well placed lines that look like eyebrows What's the point? Passersby in Edinburgh had mixed reactions after spotting these tiny pencil sharpeners popping up in public places Cool dude: A politician in Brisbane, Australia, applauded the creativity of whoever graffitied his sign Sorry, John! These jokers poked fun at the slacker on their team by calling them out on a sign. The snap was shared on Reddit by a user based in the US A 15-year-old self-made millionaire has given fans a behind-the-scenes look at her lavish and incredibly adult morning routine, which includes daily Starbucks, a makeup artist to help her get ready, and business calls. Isabella 'Bella' Barrett, a child beauty queen from Rhode Island, shot to fame on the TLC reality series Toddlers & Tiaras and was just six years old when she became one of the youngest self-made millionaires in the U.S. 'What I love about being a millionaire is that I'm able to get up and travel anywhere I want in the world and [the] friends I get to meet,' she says on a new episode of the Truly series Bling Life. 'It's opened many opportunities for me.' Scroll down for video Isabella 'Bella' Barrett, a child beauty queen-turned-entrepreneur, opens up about her 'millionaire morning routine' on a new episode of Truly's Bling Life The teen from Rhode Island shot to fame on the TLC reality series Toddlers & Tiaras and was just six years old when she became one of the youngest self-made millionaires in the U.S. Barrett now runs her own fashion label, House of Barretti, a line of sportswear and sophisticated two-piece suits for teens and young adults The teen, who turns 16 next month, was still a young child when she parlayed her reality TV fame into a number of lucrative business ventures, including Glitzy Girl, the jewelry line she founded with her mother, Susanna Barrett. After stepping away from the pageant circuit, she spent her tween years modeling for brands such as Toys 'R' Us, Bergdorf Goodman, and American Girl. Barrett now runs her own fashion label, House of Barretti, a line of sportswear and sophisticated two-piece suits for teens and young adults. Her net worth is estimated to be $2 million. Like most entrepreneurs, her day starts bright and early at 6 a.m. but she isn't rolling out of bed to get ready for school. 'The first thing I do when I wake up in the morning is check my Instagram, TikTok, my emails, and all of my orders because it's what drives my business,' she explains. Barrett, whose net worth is estimated to be $2 million, has a combined total of 105,400 followers on Instagram and TikTok Like most entrepreneurs, her day starts bright and early at 6 a.m. The first thing she does is check her social media, emails, and business orders Barrett has a combined total of 105,400 followers on Instagram and TikTok, and by 7 a.m. she is checking in with her fans and producing social media content. She tries to post something new every morning, whether it be footage of herself getting ready or a day-in-the-life video documenting her life as a young entrepreneur. 'Being successful at a young age also means I have a really young audience,' she says of building her social media presence. Barrett has already been up for two hours when she gets her morning Starbucks at 8 a.m. but she is still a teen at heart when it comes to her order. Instead of a boring coffee or espresso, her mother hand delivers her a Frappuccino topped with whipped cream. By 7 a.m. she is checking in with her fans and producing social media content. She tries to post something new every morning Barrett's mother hand delivers her a Starbucks Frappuccino and bagel at 8 a.m. 'I would not describe myself as a morning person, but as soon as I get that Starbucks, I am the happiest person you'll ever meet,' she says 'Do you have my bagel?' Barrett asks while stirring her drink. 'I will go get it for you right now,' her mom says before leaving the room. Barrett explains that her Starbucks breakfast is the thing she looks forward to most after she wakes up. 'I would not describe myself as a morning person, but as soon as I get that Starbucks, I am the happiest person you'll ever meet,' she says. A half-hour later, it's time to do her makeup, which she gets professionally done. The teen's makeup artist, Anna, comes to her house to apply a full face, including lashes, smoky eyes, and lip gloss. Barrett's makeup artist arrives at her house shortly after she is done eating her breakfast 'It's really important to look good while you're making money,' Barrett says The makeup artist applies a full face, including lashes, smoky eyes, and lip gloss 'It's really important to look good while you're making money,' she says. Barrett is dressed casually in a black tube top and white sweatpants featuring the House of Barretti logo, but before Anna leaves, she hands her a fashionable bomber jacket to throw on before her business meeting at 9:30 a.m. 'This morning I have a meeting with a very important collaboration that I'm working on, Kilogear x House of Barretti,' she explains. 'I'm so excited for everyone to see it.' Barrett is barefoot and in sweatpants when she takes the Zoom call, but her bomber jacket and makeup make it look like she is all done up. They discuss logo colors during the meeting, which is briefly captured at the end of the episode. One of the executives tells Barrett that the collaboration is really 'gonna come alive for people.' Before the makeup artist leaves, she hands the teen a fashionable bomber jacket to throw on before her business meeting at 9:30 a.m. Barrett is barefoot and in sweatpants when she takes the Zoom call, but her bomber jacket and makeup make it look like she is all done up 'This morning I have a meeting with a very important collaboration that I'm working on, Kilogear x House of Barretti,' she explains. 'I'm so excited for everyone to see it' 'No fashion line has ever seen anything like it,' he insists. 'I think this is going to be received incredibly well by the market.' According to Barrett, the Zoom call went 'absolutely amazing.' 'We went over the final logo, and I'm actually gonna be being sent a spreadsheet to go over all the colors and placement of the logo,' she says. In a previous episode of Bling Life, Barrett documented her House of Barretti runway show that was held during New York Fashion Week. She gushed that 'being a self-made millionaire' has already opened 'so many doors' for her, though she insisted that she is a normal teen when she's not working. 'Right now, I feel like my goal is just to keep doing what I'm doing because I'm having a really great time,' she said. 'As long as I'm having fun, that's all that matters.' Advertisement Kate Middleton 'burst into tears' after Meghan Markle 'compared Princess Charlotte unfavourably to her best friend Jessica Mulroney's daughter' during a bridesmaid fitting ahead of the royal wedding, a bombshell biography has claimed. In his new book Revenge, Tom Bower claims unnamed sources told him the Duchess of Cambridge, 40, and Duchess of Sussex, 40, disagreed over the length of Princess Charlotte's hemline and the fit of her dress, as well as whether the bridesmaids 'should wear tights' at the wedding. He also claimed Meghan's 'insistence' was 'supported' by her former BFF and mother of another bridesmaid Jessica Mulroney, adding: 'Some would say that Meghan compared Ivy favourably against Charlotte.' The alleged version of events are the latest in a long line of claims about the disagreement. Early reports in 2018 claimed Meghan who had made Kate cry during a row over bridesmaids' dresses. The Duchess of Sussex later disagreed in her bombshell Oprah Winfrey interview, claiming it was the other way around and adding: 'She (Kate) was upset about something, but she owned it, and she apologised. And she brought me flowers'. Meghan also said: 'It wasn't a confrontation, and I actually think it's I don't think it's fair to her to get into the details of that, because she apologised. 'What was hard to get over was being blamed for something that not only I didn't do but that happened to me. 'And the people who were part of our wedding were going to our comms team and saying: 'I know this didn't happen. I don't have to tell them what actually happened'.' However in his book, Tom goes on to write unnamed sources told him the two continued to disagree. Speaking on Good Morning Britain today, he acknowledged all his sources were people who dont like Meghan, confessing: 'She made it pretty clear to all her friends and people who work for her not to talk to me, so it was quite an uphill struggle but I got enough people to speak to me, more than enough, I got about 80 people.' However he insisted that the biography was unbiased, adding: 'I sifted through, I never put in stuff that isn't true and can't be checked.' Kate Middleton 'burst into tears' during a bridesmaid fitting ahead of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding after a series of disagreements with the Duchess of Sussex, a royal biographer has claimed The Duchess of Cambridge with Princess Charlotte and other bridesmaids arriving at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle for the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan in May 2018 In the book, Bower also said Kate had been 'tired' following the birth of her son Prince Louis in the run-up to the wedding, adding she was 'irritated by complaints of Meghan bullying her staff.' He wrote that one staff member said the Duchess of Sussex showed 'little sympathy for those outside her circle.' Writing in the biography, Tom Bower said the Duchess of Cambridge was 'too fatigued to cope' with a disagreement over whether bridesmaids should wear tights, however ultimately felt they should in order to follow protocol. However he claimed: 'Meghan's insistence was supported by Jessica, the mother of Ivy.' The Duke and Duchess of Sussex after their wedding in The Green Drawing Room, Windsor Castle, with (left-to-right): Back row: Jasper Dyer, Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Charles, Doria Ragland, Prince William ; middle row: Brian Mulroney, Prince Philip, Queen Elizabeth, Duchess of Cambridge, Princess Charlotte, Prince George, Rylan Litt, John Mulroney; Front row: Ivy Mulroney, Florence van Cutsem, Zalie Warren, Remi Litt The disagreement was then followed by a second argument 'about the length of Charlotte's hem - Kate felt it was too short and anyway did not fit.' However Bower claims the Duchess of Sussex 'wouldn't compromise' - and Kate became upset, feeling as though complaints by staff about Meghan's behaviour had been confirmed. Bridesmaid dress-gate! How reports of Kate and Meghan arguing ahead of wedding unfolded May 2018 - Meghan Markle and Prince Harry tie the knot in St George's Chapel in Windsor The bridesmaids, including Jessica Mulroney's daughter Ivy and Princess Charlotte, have bare legs November 2018 - The Telegraph's royal editor Camilla Tominey wrote she had 'spoken to two separate sources who claim Kate was left in tears following a bridesmaids dress fitting for Princess Charlotte'. May 2020 - Tatler reports the two argued over protocol around young bridesmaids' tights March 2021 - Meghan confirms there was a disagreement in her bombshell Oprah Winfrey interview but says the Duchess of Cambridge actually made her cry. Royal expert Katie Nicholl says Kate 'never wanted' reports of a rift to come out in the press and has found the situation 'mortifying' Advertisement The infamous row with Prince William's wife made headlines around the world after a supposed falling out over dresses for the flower girls. Pictures from the wedding at St George's Chapel, Windsor, appear to show the six bridesmaids with bare legs, while photographs from Prince William and Kate's wedding in April 2011 show bridesmaids wearing tights. It was claimed in November 2018 that Meghan had reduced Kate to tears over Princess Charlotte's bridesmaid's dress. The Daily Telegraph reported that two sources said the Duchess of Cambridge was crying after a dress fitting with Charlotte. 'Kate had only just given birth to Prince Louis and was feeling quite emotional,' a source claimed. However Meghan would later claim in her interview with Oprah Winfrey that the Duchess of Cambridge made her cry. Oprah asked Meghan: 'Was there a situation where she (Kate) might have cried? Or she could have cried?' But the Duchess of Sussex replied: 'No, no. The reverse happened. 'And I don't say that to be disparaging to anyone, because it was a really hard week of the wedding. 'And she was upset about something, but she owned it, and she apologised. 'And she brought me flowers and a note, apologising. And she did what I would do if I knew that I hurt someone, right, to just take accountability for it.' Meghan added that it was 'shocking' that the 'reverse of that would be out in the world'. She continued: 'A few days before the wedding, she was upset about something pertaining - yes, the issue was correct - about flower girl dresses, and it made me cry, and it really hurt my feelings. 'And I thought, in the context of everything else that was going on in those days leading to the wedding, that it didn't make sense to not be just doing whatever everyone else was doing, which was trying to be supportive, knowing what was going on with my dad and whatnot.' Tom Bower claims the Duchess of Cambridge and Duchess of Sussex disagreed over the length of Princess Charlotte's hemline and the fit of her dress, as well as whether the bridesmaids 'should wear tights' at the wedding Meghan also said: 'It wasn't a confrontation, and I actually think it's I don't think it's fair to her to get into the details of that, because she apologised. 'What was hard to get over was being blamed for something that not only I didn't do but that happened to me. 'And the people who were part of our wedding were going to our comms team and saying: 'I know this didn't happen. I don't have to tell them what actually happened'.' Meghan also said reports she had reduced the Duchess of Cambridge to tears were a 'turning point. The Duchess said 'everyone in the institution knew that wasn't true' and she hoped Kate 'would have wanted that to be corrected', adding 'she is a good person'. Royal expert Katie Nicholl previously claimed Kate found the Oprah revelations 'mortifying'. Katie noted how you 'never hear' about the Duchess falling out with anyone because she is 'very careful with how she treats others.' However Meghan would later claim in her interview with Oprah Winfrey that the Duchess of Cambridge made her cry Speaking to OK! magazine, Katie explained: 'Kate has never wanted any suggestion of a rift with Meghan to come out in the press, so for this story to be circulating is very hard.' Katie added there are 'different versions' of the story and claimed that Prince Harry and Meghan know Kate is 'not in a position to respond'. 'From what I hear, there are different versions of the bridesmaid story, not just the one Meghan discussed,' the royal expert told the publication. 'Kate felt it was all sorted, so to have it brought up again was mortifying. Kate is not in a position to respond and Meghan and Harry know that. The royal expert went on to claim that Kate has been left 'saddened, disappointed and hurt' in the wake of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's tell-all interview with Oprah Winfrey. Meghan Markle was prone to 'unpredictable' outbursts and 'reduced people to tears with her passive aggressive tone' before she met Prince Harry, explosive biography claims Meghan Markle is painted as explosive, unpredictable and manipulative in a scathing new biography about the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Tom Bower, author of Revenge: Meghan, Harry and the war between the Windsors, claims the Duchess of Sussex 'reduced people to tears with her passive aggressive tone' and demanded first-class flights and luxury accommodation for business trips prior to meeting Prince Harry. The author quotes one business associate who described Meghan as 'one of the most unpleasant people he had ever dealt with' and said she seemed to 'delight in humiliating people'. A scathing new biography about the Duke and Duchess of Sussex paints Meghan Markle as explosive and unpredictable. Pictured, Meghan in 2016, the year of the alleged London incident Bower has admitted he has sourced much of his information for the book from people who don't like Meghan because she had warned the people closest to her not to speak to him. He told Good Morning Britain: 'She made it pretty clear to all her friends and people who work for her not to talk to me, so it was quite an uphill struggle but I got enough people to speak to me, more than enough, I got about 80 people.' Asked how the book can be considered an unbiased account if the people interviewed already don't like Meghan, the author replied: 'Because I sifted through, I never put in stuff that isn't true and can't be checked.' Revenge, published today, recounts a visit to London in 2016 in which Meghan allegedly 'went ballistic' after being booked into a five-star hotel with a caged parrot on display. Meghan, then an actress on US legal drama Suits, was in the city to discuss a new book based on her popular lifestyle blog The Tig. It was said that her talent agency had arranged 'with difficulty' free accommodation for Meghan in a five-star hotel, in exchange for an appearance in the hotel's magazine and social media posts. But en route to her room, the book claims Meghan passed a parrot in a cage and refused to stay. Tom Bower, author of Revenge, claims the Duchess of Sussex 'reduced people to tears with her passive aggressive tone' and demanded first-class flights and luxury accommodation for business trips. Pictured, Meghan and Harry at the Invictus Games in April Meghan checked out of the hotel and the agency made a new reservation at the Soho Hotel. Shortly afterwards Meghan is said to have joined her literary agent for a lunch meeting about proposed The Tig book, titled Think Beautiful. Bower writes: 'Over the previous months, many at the agency had become wary of their client. They thought Meghan's mood was unpredictable. 'Regularly she called the agency to demand they make reservations at restaurants or events in anticipation of her arrival in London. Inevitably, she would cancel or change her requirements.' Bower writes that Meghan proceeded to 'direct her venom' at the agent because she was unhappy with his decision to include a chapter about sexual attraction in her book. 'She seemed to delight in humiliating people,' the book continues. The literary agent reportedly described Meghan as 'one of the most unpleasant people we've ever dealt with'. A separate anecdote claims the then actress demanded first class flights and luxury accommodation after being booked on a film shoot in London in 2015. One of her co-stars on the film described Meghan as 'high-maintenance'. Meghan Markle is painted as explosive, unpredictable and manipulative in a scathing new biography about the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Tom Bower, author of Revenge: Meghan, Harry and the war between the Windsors, claims the Duchess of Sussex 'reduced people to tears with her passive aggressive tone' and demanded first-class flights and luxury accommodation for business trips prior to meeting Prince Harry. The author, who has admitted his sources were people who were not close to Meghan, quotes one business associate who described the then actress as 'one of the most unpleasant people he had ever dealt with'. A scathing new biography about the Duke and Duchess of Sussex paints Meghan Markle as explosive and unpredictable. Pictured, Meghan in 2016, the year of the alleged London incident Bower told Good Morning Britain on Thursday: 'She made it pretty clear to all her friends and people who work for her not to talk to me, so it was quite an uphill struggle but I got enough people to speak to me, more than enough, I got about 80 people.' Asked how the book can be considered an unbiased account if the people interviewed already don't like Meghan, the author replied: 'Because I sifted through, I never put in stuff that isn't true and can't be checked.' The Duchess of Sussex has not commented on claims made in the book. Revenge, published today, recounts a visit to London in 2016 in which Meghan allegedly 'went ballistic' after being booked into a five-star hotel with a caged parrot on display. Meghan, then an actress on US legal drama Suits, was in the city to discuss a new book based on her popular lifestyle blog The Tig. It was said that her talent agency had arranged 'with difficulty' free accommodation for Meghan in a five-star hotel, in exchange for an appearance in the hotel's magazine and social media posts. Tom Bower, author of Revenge, claims the Duchess of Sussex 'reduced people to tears with her passive aggressive tone' and demanded first-class flights and luxury accommodation for business trips. Pictured, Meghan and Harry at the Invictus Games in April But en route to her room, the book claims Meghan passed a parrot in a cage and refused to stay. Meghan checked out of the hotel and the agency made a new reservation at the Soho Hotel. Revenge: Meghan, Harry and the war between the Windsors by Tom Bower is published today Shortly afterwards Meghan is said to have joined her literary agent for a lunch meeting about proposed The Tig book, titled Think Beautiful. Bower writes: 'Over the previous months, many at the agency had become wary of their client. They thought Meghan's mood was unpredictable. 'Regularly she called the agency to demand they make reservations at restaurants or events in anticipation of her arrival in London. Inevitably, she would cancel or change her requirements.' Bower writes that Meghan proceeded to 'direct her venom' at the agent because she was unhappy with his decision to include a chapter about sexual attraction in her book. 'She seemed to delight in humiliating people,' the book continues. The literary agent reportedly described Meghan as 'one of the most unpleasant people we've ever dealt with'. A separate anecdote claims the then actress demanded first class flights and luxury accommodation after being booked on a film shoot in London in 2015. One of her co-stars on the film described Meghan as 'high-maintenance'. Meghan DID make Kate cry during bridesmaids dress row: Duchess 'burst into tears' after bride 'compared Charlotte to BFF Jessica Mulroney's daughter' and 'wouldn't change her dress to fit' bombshell biography claims By Harriet Johnston for MailOnline Kate Middleton 'burst into tears' after Meghan Markle 'compared Princess Charlotte unfavourably to her best friend Jessica Mulroney's daughter' during a bridesmaid fitting ahead of the royal wedding, a bombshell biography has claimed. In his new book Revenge, Tom Bower claims unnamed sources told him the Duchess of Cambridge, 40, and Duchess of Sussex, 40, disagreed over the length of Princess Charlotte's hemline and the fit of her dress, as well as whether the bridesmaids 'should wear tights' at the wedding. He also claimed Meghan's 'insistence' was 'supported' by her former BFF and mother of another bridesmaid Jessica Mulroney, adding: 'Some would say that Meghan compared Ivy favourably against Charlotte.' The alleged version of events are the latest in a long line of claims about the disagreement. Early reports in 2018 claimed Meghan who had made Kate cry during a row over bridesmaids' dresses. The Duchess of Sussex later disagreed in her bombshell Oprah Winfrey interview, claiming it was the other way around and adding: 'She (Kate) was upset about something, but she owned it, and she apologised. And she brought me flowers'. Meghan also said: 'It wasn't a confrontation, and I actually think it's I don't think it's fair to her to get into the details of that, because she apologised. 'What was hard to get over was being blamed for something that not only I didn't do but that happened to me. 'And the people who were part of our wedding were going to our comms team and saying: 'I know this didn't happen. I don't have to tell them what actually happened'.' However in his book, Tom goes on to write unnamed sources told him the two continued to disagree. Speaking on Good Morning Britain today, he acknowledged all his sources were people who dont like Meghan, confessing: 'She made it pretty clear to all her friends and people who work for her not to talk to me, so it was quite an uphill struggle but I got enough people to speak to me, more than enough, I got about 80 people.' However he insisted that the biography was unbiased, adding: 'I sifted through, I never put in stuff that isn't true and can't be checked.' Kate Middleton 'burst into tears' during a bridesmaid fitting ahead of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding after a series of disagreements with the Duchess of Sussex, a royal biographer has claimed The Duchess of Cambridge with Princess Charlotte and other bridesmaids arriving at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle for the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan in May 2018 In the book, Bower also said Kate had been 'tired' following the birth of her son Prince Louis in the run-up to the wedding, adding she was 'irritated by complaints of Meghan bullying her staff.' He wrote that one staff member said the Duchess of Sussex showed 'little sympathy for those outside her circle.' Writing in the biography, Tom Bower said the Duchess of Cambridge was 'too fatigued to cope' with a disagreement over whether bridesmaids should wear tights, however ultimately felt they should in order to follow protocol. However he claimed: 'Meghan's insistence was supported by Jessica, the mother of Ivy.' The Duke and Duchess of Sussex after their wedding in The Green Drawing Room, Windsor Castle, with (left-to-right): Back row: Jasper Dyer, Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Charles, Doria Ragland, Prince William ; middle row: Brian Mulroney, Prince Philip, Queen Elizabeth, Duchess of Cambridge, Princess Charlotte, Prince George, Rylan Litt, John Mulroney; Front row: Ivy Mulroney, Florence van Cutsem, Zalie Warren, Remi Litt The disagreement was then followed by a second argument 'about the length of Charlotte's hem - Kate felt it was too short and anyway did not fit.' However Bower claims the Duchess of Sussex 'wouldn't compromise' - and Kate became upset, feeling as though complaints by staff about Meghan's behaviour had been confirmed. Bridesmaid dress-gate! How reports of Kate and Meghan arguing ahead of wedding unfolded May 2018 - Meghan Markle and Prince Harry tie the knot in St George's Chapel in Windsor The bridesmaids, including Jessica Mulroney's daughter Ivy and Princess Charlotte, have bare legs November 2018 - The Telegraph's royal editor Camilla Tominey wrote she had 'spoken to two separate sources who claim Kate was left in tears following a bridesmaids dress fitting for Princess Charlotte'. May 2020 - Tatler reports the two argued over protocol around young bridesmaids' tights March 2021 - Meghan confirms there was a disagreement in her bombshell Oprah Winfrey interview but says the Duchess of Cambridge actually made her cry. Royal expert Katie Nicholl says Kate 'never wanted' reports of a rift to come out in the press and has found the situation 'mortifying' Advertisement The infamous row with Prince William's wife made headlines around the world after a supposed falling out over dresses for the flower girls. Pictures from the wedding at St George's Chapel, Windsor, appear to show the six bridesmaids with bare legs, while photographs from Prince William and Kate's wedding in April 2011 show bridesmaids wearing tights. It was claimed in November 2018 that Meghan had reduced Kate to tears over Princess Charlotte's bridesmaid's dress. The Daily Telegraph reported that two sources said the Duchess of Cambridge was crying after a dress fitting with Charlotte. 'Kate had only just given birth to Prince Louis and was feeling quite emotional,' a source claimed. However Meghan would later claim in her interview with Oprah Winfrey that the Duchess of Cambridge made her cry. Oprah asked Meghan: 'Was there a situation where she (Kate) might have cried? Or she could have cried?' But the Duchess of Sussex replied: 'No, no. The reverse happened. 'And I don't say that to be disparaging to anyone, because it was a really hard week of the wedding. 'And she was upset about something, but she owned it, and she apologised. 'And she brought me flowers and a note, apologising. And she did what I would do if I knew that I hurt someone, right, to just take accountability for it.' Meghan added that it was 'shocking' that the 'reverse of that would be out in the world'. She continued: 'A few days before the wedding, she was upset about something pertaining - yes, the issue was correct - about flower girl dresses, and it made me cry, and it really hurt my feelings. 'And I thought, in the context of everything else that was going on in those days leading to the wedding, that it didn't make sense to not be just doing whatever everyone else was doing, which was trying to be supportive, knowing what was going on with my dad and whatnot.' Tom Bower claims the Duchess of Cambridge and Duchess of Sussex disagreed over the length of Princess Charlotte's hemline and the fit of her dress, as well as whether the bridesmaids 'should wear tights' at the wedding Meghan also said: 'It wasn't a confrontation, and I actually think it's I don't think it's fair to her to get into the details of that, because she apologised. 'What was hard to get over was being blamed for something that not only I didn't do but that happened to me. 'And the people who were part of our wedding were going to our comms team and saying: 'I know this didn't happen. I don't have to tell them what actually happened'.' Meghan also said reports she had reduced the Duchess of Cambridge to tears were a 'turning point. The Duchess said 'everyone in the institution knew that wasn't true' and she hoped Kate 'would have wanted that to be corrected', adding 'she is a good person'. Royal expert Katie Nicholl previously claimed Kate found the Oprah revelations 'mortifying'. Katie noted how you 'never hear' about the Duchess falling out with anyone because she is 'very careful with how she treats others.' However Meghan would later claim in her interview with Oprah Winfrey that the Duchess of Cambridge made her cry Speaking to OK! magazine, Katie explained: 'Kate has never wanted any suggestion of a rift with Meghan to come out in the press, so for this story to be circulating is very hard.' Katie added there are 'different versions' of the story and claimed that Prince Harry and Meghan know Kate is 'not in a position to respond'. 'From what I hear, there are different versions of the bridesmaid story, not just the one Meghan discussed,' the royal expert told the publication. 'Kate felt it was all sorted, so to have it brought up again was mortifying. Kate is not in a position to respond and Meghan and Harry know that. The royal expert went on to claim that Kate has been left 'saddened, disappointed and hurt' in the wake of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's tell-all interview with Oprah Winfrey. Until she met Harry people hadnt heard of her: Biographer Tom Bower claims Meghan married Prince Harry to become famous - saying Suits wasnt that popular ByEllen Coughlan For Mailonline The author of a new bombshell royal biography today claimed Meghan married Prince Harry to become famous - saying 'Suits wasnt that popular'. Tom Bower, author of a new insider's account of the royal couple titled Revenge: Meghan, Harry and the war between the Windsors, said the Duchess of Sussex 'thought the royal family would be like Hollywood.' Speaking to Ben Shephard and Charlotte Hawkins on Good Morning Britain he claimed that once Meghan realised the royal family was 'lots of work and little reward', she didnt like it anymore. The author said: 'It's wrong to say she was a famous actress, she wasn't, she was a third rate actress, Suits was only watched by a million people.' During the interview, the author admitted that many of his sources were people who don't like Meghan because she'd warned her nearest and dearest her not to speak to him. The author of a new bombshell royal biography today claimed Meghan married Prince Harry to become famous - saying 'Suits wasnt that popular' (pictured on Suits in 2017) Tom Bower, author of a new insider's account of the royal couple titled Revenge: Meghan, Harry and the war between the Windsors, said the Duchess of Sussex 'thought the royal family would be like Hollywood' (pictured, announcing their engagement in 2017) Host Ben said to Tom: 'She was a very famous actress. She had a high profile in Hollywood and Suits is a series that was streamed all over the world, so people knew who she was.' Tom disagreed with the host, referring to Meghan's cover story with Vanity Fair while she was dating Prince Harry. 'Well we wont argue but I disagree with you,' he said. 'The point is, until she met Harry, even Graydon Carter the editor of Vanity Fair who commissioned the article never heard of her and never heard of Suits. 'He was just told that anyone who marries Harry is going to be famous and she indeed was.' During the interview, the author admitted that many of his sources were people who don't like Meghan because she'd warned her nearest and dearest her not to speak to him 'She said to her father "I want to be famous, I want to walk down the red carpet" and marrying Harry she achieved exactly that ambition.' The biographer went on to say he believes the royal family tried very hard to accommodate Meghan and include her in the family. He claimed: 'People were very excited by the fact that there was a mixed race girl coming', adding: 'It was going to be a great development for the royal family.' However, he said 'it went wrong' and why it went wrong he said he has 'explained fully' in his new book. Tom claimed the Duchess had told her father she 'wanted to walk down red carpets' and marrying Harry allowed her to 'achieve that ambition' (pictured, at the Lion King premiere in London in 2019) 'Both sides are to blame but I believe the blame lies mostly with Meghan, who I don't think understood the monarchy,' he claimed. The author went on to admit he got a lot of his information for the book from people who don't like Meghan because she had warned the people closest to her not to speak to him. He said: 'She made it pretty clear to all her friends and people who work for her not to talk to me, so it was quite an uphill struggle but I got enough people to speak to me, more than enough, I got about 80 people.' To which Ben asked how the book is going to be an unbiased account if we know the people interviewed already don't like Meghan. The author said: 'Because I sifted through, I never put in stuff that isn't true and can't be checked. Speaking to Ben Shephard and Charlotte Hawkins on Good Morning Britain, Tom claimed that once Meghan realised the royal family was 'lots of work and little reward', she didnt like it anymore (pictured, the Duke and Duchess earlier this week in New York) 'You know I have some admiration for Meghan she succeeded quite well in her life with her ambitions and I was able to balance it all.' The author said no lawsuits from the Royal couple's legal team have been issued yet, but Bower is no stranger to visiting court over his controversial biographies. Two unauthorised biographies of Robert Maxwell, father of convicted British convicted sex offender and former socialite Ghislaine Maxwell, landed Bower in hot legal water but ultimately won the raft of cases thrown at him. The author has penned original accounts of business tycoons including Richard Branson, Conrad Black and Bernie Ecclestone but in his latest he has gone after the Sussexes. The book is scheduled for release on July 21. The author of a new bombshell royal biography today claimed Meghan married Prince Harry to become famous - saying 'Suits wasnt that popular'. Tom Bower, author of a new insider's account of the royal couple titled Revenge: Meghan, Harry and the war between the Windsors, said the Duchess of Sussex 'thought the royal family would be like Hollywood.' Speaking to Ben Shephard and Charlotte Hawkins on Good Morning Britain he claimed that once Meghan realised the royal family was 'lots of work and little reward', she didnt like it anymore. The author said: 'It's wrong to say she was a famous actress, she wasn't, she was a third rate actress, Suits was only watched by a million people.' During the interview, the author admitted that many of his sources were people who don't like Meghan because she'd warned her nearest and dearest her not to speak to him. The author of a new bombshell royal biography today claimed Meghan married Prince Harry to become famous - saying 'Suits wasnt that popular' (pictured on Suits in 2017) Tom Bower, author of a new insider's account of the royal couple titled Revenge: Meghan, Harry and the war between the Windsors, said the Duchess of Sussex 'thought the royal family would be like Hollywood' (pictured, announcing their engagement in 2017) Host Ben said to Tom: 'She was a very famous actress. She had a high profile in Hollywood and Suits is a series that was streamed all over the world, so people knew who she was.' Tom disagreed with the host, referring to Meghan's cover story with Vanity Fair while she was dating Prince Harry. 'Well we wont argue but I disagree with you,' he said. 'The point is, until she met Harry, even Graydon Carter the editor of Vanity Fair who commissioned the article never heard of her and never heard of Suits. 'He was just told that anyone who marries Harry is going to be famous and she indeed was.' During the interview, the author admitted that many of his sources were people who don't like Meghan because she'd warned her nearest and dearest her not to speak to him 'She said to her father "I want to be famous, I want to walk down the red carpet" and marrying Harry she achieved exactly that ambition.' The biographer went on to say he believes the royal family tried very hard to accommodate Meghan and include her in the family. He claimed: 'People were very excited by the fact that there was a mixed race girl coming', adding: 'It was going to be a great development for the royal family.' However, he said 'it went wrong' and why it went wrong he said he has 'explained fully' in his new book. Tom claimed the Duchess had told her father she 'wanted to walk down red carpets' and marrying Harry allowed her to 'achieve that ambition' (pictured, at the Lion King premiere in London in 2019) 'Both sides are to blame but I believe the blame lies mostly with Meghan, who I don't think understood the monarchy,' he claimed. The author went on to admit he got a lot of his information for the book from people who don't like Meghan because she had warned the people closest to her not to speak to him. He said: 'She made it pretty clear to all her friends and people who work for her not to talk to me, so it was quite an uphill struggle but I got enough people to speak to me, more than enough, I got about 80 people.' To which Ben asked how the book is going to be an unbiased account if we know the people interviewed already don't like Meghan. The author said: 'Because I sifted through, I never put in stuff that isn't true and can't be checked. Speaking to Ben Shephard and Charlotte Hawkins on Good Morning Britain, Tom claimed that once Meghan realised the royal family was 'lots of work and little reward', she didnt like it anymore (pictured, the Duke and Duchess earlier this week in New York) 'You know I have some admiration for Meghan she succeeded quite well in her life with her ambitions and I was able to balance it all.' The author said no lawsuits from the Royal couple's legal team have been issued yet, but Bower is no stranger to visiting court over his controversial biographies. Two unauthorised biographies of Robert Maxwell, father of convicted British convicted sex offender and former socialite Ghislaine Maxwell, landed Bower in hot legal water but ultimately won the raft of cases thrown at him. The author has penned original accounts of business tycoons including Richard Branson, Conrad Black and Bernie Ecclestone but in his latest he has gone after the Sussexes. The book is scheduled for release on July 21. Meghan 'DID make Kate cry during bridesmaids dress row': Duchess 'burst into tears' after bride 'compared Charlotte unfavourably to her best friend Jessica Mulroney's daughter' and 'wouldn't change her dress to fit' bombshell biography claims Kate Middleton 'burst into tears' after Meghan Markle 'compared Princess Charlotte unfavourably to her best friend Jessica Mulroney's daughter' during a bridesmaid fitting ahead of the royal wedding, a bombshell biography has claimed. In his new book Revenge, Tom Bower claims unnamed sources told him the Duchess of Cambridge, 40, and Duchess of Sussex, 40, disagreed over the length of Princess Charlotte's hemline and the fit of her dress, as well as whether the bridesmaids 'should wear tights' at the wedding. He also claimed Meghan's 'insistence' was 'supported' by her former BFF and mother of another bridesmaid Jessica Mulroney, adding: 'Some would say that Meghan compared Ivy favourably against Charlotte.' The alleged version of events are the latest in a long line of claims about the disagreement. Early reports in 2018 claimed Meghan who had made Kate cry during a row over bridesmaids' dresses. The Duchess of Sussex later disagreed in her bombshell Oprah Winfrey interview, claiming it was the other way around and adding: 'She (Kate) was upset about something, but she owned it, and she apologised. And she brought me flowers'. Meghan also said: 'It wasn't a confrontation, and I actually think it's I don't think it's fair to her to get into the details of that, because she apologised. 'What was hard to get over was being blamed for something that not only I didn't do but that happened to me. 'And the people who were part of our wedding were going to our comms team and saying: 'I know this didn't happen. I don't have to tell them what actually happened'.' However in his book, Tom goes on to write unnamed sources told him the two continued to disagree. Speaking on Good Morning Britain today, he acknowledged all his sources were people who dont like Meghan, confessing: 'She made it pretty clear to all her friends and people who work for her not to talk to me, so it was quite an uphill struggle but I got enough people to speak to me, more than enough, I got about 80 people.' However he insisted that the biography was unbiased, adding: 'I sifted through, I never put in stuff that isn't true and can't be checked.' Kate Middleton 'burst into tears' during a bridesmaid fitting ahead of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding after a series of disagreements with the Duchess of Sussex, a royal biographer has claimed The Duchess of Cambridge with Princess Charlotte and other bridesmaids arriving at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle for the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan in May 2018 In the book, Bower also said Kate had been 'tired' following the birth of her son Prince Louis in the run-up to the wedding, adding she was 'irritated by complaints of Meghan bullying her staff.' He wrote that one staff member said the Duchess of Sussex showed 'little sympathy for those outside her circle.' Writing in the biography, Tom Bower said the Duchess of Cambridge was 'too fatigued to cope' with a disagreement over whether bridesmaids should wear tights, however ultimately felt they should in order to follow protocol. However he claimed: 'Meghan's insistence was supported by Jessica, the mother of Ivy.' The disagreement was then followed by a second argument 'about the length of Charlotte's hem - Kate felt it was too short and anyway did not fit.' However Bower claims the Duchess of Sussex 'wouldn't compromise' - and Kate became upset, feeling as though complaints by staff about Meghan's behaviour had been confirmed. Bridesmaid dress-gate! How reports of Kate and Meghan arguing ahead of wedding unfolded May 2018 - Meghan Markle and Prince Harry tie the knot in St George's Chapel in Windsor The bridesmaids, including Jessica Mulroney's daughter Ivy and Princess Charlotte, have bare legs November 2018 - The Telegraph's royal editor Camilla Tominey wrote she had 'spoken to two separate sources who claim Kate was left in tears following a bridesmaids dress fitting for Princess Charlotte'. May 2020 - Tatler reports the two argued over protocol around young bridesmaids' tights March 2021 - Meghan confirms there was a disagreement in her bombshell Oprah Winfrey interview but says the Duchess of Cambridge actually made her cry. Royal expert Katie Nicholl says Kate 'never wanted' reports of a rift to come out in the press and has found the situation 'mortifying' Advertisement The infamous row with Prince William's wife made headlines around the world after a supposed falling out over dresses for the flower girls. Pictures from the wedding at St George's Chapel, Windsor, appear to show the six bridesmaids with bare legs, while photographs from Prince William and Kate's wedding in April 2011 show bridesmaids wearing tights. It was claimed in November 2018 that Meghan had reduced Kate to tears over Princess Charlotte's bridesmaid's dress. The Daily Telegraph reported that two sources said the Duchess of Cambridge was crying after a dress fitting with Charlotte. 'Kate had only just given birth to Prince Louis and was feeling quite emotional,' a source claimed. However Meghan would later claim in her interview with Oprah Winfrey that the Duchess of Cambridge made her cry. Oprah asked Meghan: 'Was there a situation where she (Kate) might have cried? Or she could have cried?' But the Duchess of Sussex replied: 'No, no. The reverse happened. 'And I don't say that to be disparaging to anyone, because it was a really hard week of the wedding. 'And she was upset about something, but she owned it, and she apologised. 'And she brought me flowers and a note, apologising. And she did what I would do if I knew that I hurt someone, right, to just take accountability for it.' Meghan added that it was 'shocking' that the 'reverse of that would be out in the world'. She continued: 'A few days before the wedding, she was upset about something pertaining - yes, the issue was correct - about flower girl dresses, and it made me cry, and it really hurt my feelings. 'And I thought, in the context of everything else that was going on in those days leading to the wedding, that it didn't make sense to not be just doing whatever everyone else was doing, which was trying to be supportive, knowing what was going on with my dad and whatnot.' Meghan also said: 'It wasn't a confrontation, and I actually think it's I don't think it's fair to her to get into the details of that, because she apologised. 'What was hard to get over was being blamed for something that not only I didn't do but that happened to me. 'And the people who were part of our wedding were going to our comms team and saying: 'I know this didn't happen. I don't have to tell them what actually happened'.' Meghan also said reports she had reduced the Duchess of Cambridge to tears were a 'turning point. The Duchess said 'everyone in the institution knew that wasn't true' and she hoped Kate 'would have wanted that to be corrected', adding 'she is a good person'. Royal expert Katie Nicholl previously claimed Kate found the Oprah revelations 'mortifying'. Katie noted how you 'never hear' about the Duchess falling out with anyone because she is 'very careful with how she treats others.' However Meghan would later claim in her interview with Oprah Winfrey that the Duchess of Cambridge made her cry Speaking to OK! magazine, Katie explained: 'Kate has never wanted any suggestion of a rift with Meghan to come out in the press, so for this story to be circulating is very hard.' Katie added there are 'different versions' of the story and claimed that Prince Harry and Meghan know Kate is 'not in a position to respond'. 'From what I hear, there are different versions of the bridesmaid story, not just the one Meghan discussed,' the royal expert told the publication. 'Kate felt it was all sorted, so to have it brought up again was mortifying. Kate is not in a position to respond and Meghan and Harry know that. The royal expert went on to claim that Kate has been left 'saddened, disappointed and hurt' in the wake of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's tell-all interview with Oprah Winfrey. Advertisement Princess Elisabeth of Belgium put on a typically stylish display as she joined her family at National Day celebrations today. The 20-year-old royal, who is studying History and Politics at Oxford University, donned a vibrant red cut-out dress with matching headband for the high-profile engagement. Elisabeth smiled as she arrived for a religious service arm-in-arm with her brother, Prince Emmanuel, 16. Their parents Queen Mathilde, 49, and King Philippe, 62, and siblings Prince Gabriel, 18, and Princess Eleonor, 14, were also in attendance at the St Michael and St Gudula Cathedral in Brussels. Splash of colour! Queen Mathilde and King Philippe of Belgium (centre) arrive at the St Michael and St Gudula Cathedral in Brussels with their children (from left) Princess Eleanor, Prince Gabriel, Princess Elisabeth and Prince Emmanuel Royal tradition: The royal family looked straight ahead as they took the front row for the Te Deum, a short service to give thanks. National Day marks the anniversary of the investiture of King Leopold I, the country's first monarch, in 1831 Queen Mathilde showcased her love of colour in a ochre coloured silk dress and wide-brimmed hat for the family outing. The shade contrasted beautifully with the red of Elisabeth's midi dress and the cornflower blue colour worn by youngest daughter Eleanor. King Philippe looked dapper in military dress, while his sons looked sharp in their suits. The royals smiled as they made their way into the cathedral in front of cheering crowds who had gathered in the hope of catching a glimpse of the family. Eleanor looked shyly at the ground as she climbed the steps but her big sister Elisabeth appeared every inch the confident future queen. Perfectly poised: Princess Elisabeth of Belgium, who is studying History and Politics at Oxford University, donned a vibrant red cut-out dress with matching headband for the high-profile engagement. Pictured, with her parents and brother Bright and beautiful! Queen Mathilde showcased her love of colour in a ochre coloured silk dress and wide-brimmed hat for the family outing. The shade contrasted beautifully with the red of Elisabeth's midi dress and the cornflower blue colour worn by youngest daughter Eleanor Leading the way: Queen Mathilde and King Philippe of Belgium arrive at the cathedral with their dapper son Prince Gabriel The royal family looked straight ahead as they sat front row for the Te Deum, a short service to give thanks. National Day marks the anniversary of the investiture of King Leopold I, the country's first monarch, in 1831. Such duties are particularly important for Princess Elisabeth, who will ascend the throne after her father. A change in the law a decade ago made it possible for the eldest child, male or female, to ascend the throne in the country. She will become the country's first Queen Regent if she takes up the role. Sombre: The Belgian royal family led by example as they took their places ahead of the Te Deum at the Brussels cathedral Celebration: King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium during the religious service marking National Day in Brussels Elisabeth spent 18 months boarding at UWC Atlantic College in South Wales before returning home to Brussels in March ahead of the government lockdown. The princess, who received her International Baccalaureate Diploma in 2020, enrolled at Oxford University after completing a one-year course in social and military sciences at the Royal Military Academy. The course is said to teach in-depth about the four components of Belgian defence; Army, Air Force, Navy and Medical. King Philippe, 60, spent three years at the esteemed institution between 1978 to 1981. Russian President Vladimir Putin blamed the West for the decline in the supply of Russian natural gas to customers in Europe and warned the reduction would continue and impact economies. Putin's statement on Tuesday increased pressure on the European Union, which worries that Russia may shut off gas to Europe in the winter to cause economic and political turmoil. As per a report from Al Jazeera, the EU will present emergency measures for reducing gas usage on Wednesday, warning nations that if they do not make significant cuts immediately, they will run out of fuel in the winter if Russia suspends exports. Turbine Problems Speaking to Russian journalists in Tehran, where he was attending meetings with the leaders of Iran and Turkey, Putin said the amount of gas pumped through the Nord Stream pipeline to Germany will fall further from 60 million to about 30 million cubic meters a day, or about one-fifth of its capacity, if a turbine is not promptly replaced. Vladimir Putin claimed that one gas pumping unit was out of order due to the "crumbling" of the inside lining. He also mentioned that there were five gas pumping units, operated by Siemens Energy at Nord Stream 1. The German government criticized Russia Wednesday for reducing gas deliveries by using the lack of a turbine as an "excuse." When asked about reduced gas flows in the Nord Stream 1 pipeline, a German economy ministry spokeswoman disclosed that they have obtained information that "this is an excuse by the Russian side." German media reported that the repaired turbine is presently on its way to Russia as routine maintenance work on the major pipeline is scheduled to be completed on Thursday. The spokeswoman stated: "We are doing everything we can to eliminate this excuse from the Russian side." She added that the turbine in question was not supposed to be installed until September. Read Also: Sri Lanka: New President Reveals Massive Coverup of Financial Crisis Putin Slams West for 'Crazy Ideas' Vladimir Putin also warned that the global oil market would destabilize and prices would skyrocket if the West pushed its plan to cap the price of Russian oil as part of its sanctions over Moscow's attack on Ukraine. "We are hearing some crazy ideas about restricting the volumes of Russian oil and capping the Russian oil price. The result will be the same - a rise in prices. Prices will skyrocket," The Russian head of state said. The EU approved sanctions on most Russian oil and coal to go into effect later this year after Russian troops entered Ukraine in February, but natural gas was left out because the 27-nation union depends on it to run companies, produce electricity, and warm homes, per ABC News. The Nord Stream 1 pipeline, meanwhile, had a 60% reduction in gas delivery to Germany last month due to mechanical issues after a turbine that Siemens had shipped to Canada for maintenance but was unable to return due to sanctions. Germany and Canada agreed to return the turbine, but Putin claimed on Tuesday that Gazprom has yet to receive the necessary paperwork. According to the Russian president, if the turbine sent to Canada would not be returned by the end of July as scheduled, the supply of gas would further dwindle. Gazprom will also be shutting down another turbine for maintenance at that time. He cited the closure of a branch of a transit pipeline by Ukraine, which carried Russian gas to the West through territory governed by separatists based in Moscow, as another justification for the decrease in supply, as reported by AP News. Related Article: US COVID-19 Cases Surge Again Due to BA.5 Variant; States Reportedly Have No New Measures To Manage Outbreak @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Two women who lost their non-smoker husbands to lung cancer are campaigning for a national screening programme- regardless of age or risk. Fiona Castle, widow of the musician and television presenter Roy Castle, and Cathy Brokenshire, widow of former Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire, spoke to Naga and Charlie on BBC Breakfast. Cathy's husband James died of lung cancer last October, while Roy died in 1994. Neither had smoked- and now their wives have joined forces and are campaigning through the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation to raise awareness of lung cancer- and the dangers of passive smoking- and pushing for a national screening programme. Professor David Baldwin, a consultant respiratory physician, explained that the screening is a rapid and painless CT scan which takes 40 seconds. A pilot scheme was launched which has already detected 900 lung cancers, with 77 per cent in the early stage. A full screening roll-out would detect 6,500 lung cancers at early stage. Fiona Castle, widow of the musician and television presenter Roy Castle, and Cathy Brokenshire, widow of former Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire spoke to Naga and Charlie on BBC Breakfast Neither had smoked- and now their wives have joined forces and are campaigning through the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation for there to be a national screening programme available to everyone Cathy explained: 'Today we are launching a Twitter campaign #NeedToScreen and we are passionate about trying to get national screening. 'James started the fight for it. Unfortunately he's not here and I am just happy to pick up the mantle. She said that when he was diagnosed it was 'quite bizarre' as because James was Northern Ireland Secretary, he had police protection. 'It was quite bizarre. We went to the hospital, came out of the consulting rooms and got in the car and could not talk about it as we were with other people. 'We had to then wait and pick up the children. It was about five or six hours later by the time we were finally alone to have that conversation and talk about it. 'We were told it was a good prognosis and it was caught early and we were upbeat and you just have to go with it and see what happens,' she added. The film played Roy Castle speaking about his diagnosis and explaining how difficult it was to tell his sons MPs held a minute silence for James Brokenshire in parliament after his death- and he was dubbed 'the nicest man in politics' Unfortunately, the tumour came back during the pandemic, three years later. Fiona said that just before Roy died he went on a tour around the country to raise awareness of lung cancer and smoking called the Tour of Hope. Roy's cancer journey was publicly shared, with the nation watching him undergo treatment. He was the first public figure to reveal his cancer story so openly- and helped to raise thousands of pounds for lung cancer research through his campaigning. She added that her husband helped to change the conversation around cancer: 'Nobody knew that lung cancer was to do with smoking in those days. Well they knew it was smoking but not about passive smoking and there was only research being done in America at that time. 'They did not believe that Roy did not smoke.' Fiona and Cathy met for the first time a month ago. Fiona said: 'We had so much in common that it was lovely even though we are very different in ages. 'I am old enough to be her mother but just the fact we both had an experience and are both passionate about raising awareness of lung cancer and what we can do to make a difference.' Fiona and Cathy met for the first time a month ago. They discussed the loneliness and experiences of grief and loss they faced In a film aired on BBC Breakfast which showed their first meeting, Cathy and Fiona embraced. They then shared their experiences of grief and loss, and reminisced on their lives with their partners. Fiona said: 'There are so many facets of it aren't there? You'll have had an exciting day or something and you'll go home... but there's nobody to tell. 'There's that sort of loneliness about it that you do not anticipate before, do you?' To which Cathy replied: 'I've had family, friends and neighbours who have been incredible and you really notice it when you're on your own don't you?' Cathy and Fiona embraced when they first met. Cathy told her that it is really noticeable when you are on your own and Fiona agreed Professor David Baldwin, a consultant respiratory physician, explained that the screening is a rapid and painless CT scan which takes 40 seconds Roy, who was diagnosed with lung cancer in March 1992, said at the time that one of the hardest things was telling his family that he had the illness. A part of his interview on Fighting Back: Roy Castle was played, in which he said, visibly emotional: 'I had to phone my son in Norway. 'As soon as he came on the phone, I couldn't speak. Fiona had to take over.' Fiona said: 'We suddenly realised that what we had, which has always been so super as a family, might be coming to an end and there's a lot of sadness there.' 'Roy never got worried about it. He just took it on. This is the way it is and I am going to fight it right to the end and he did', she added. Speaking in Parliament, James said of his own diagnosis: 'From everything I have seen and experienced, early diagnosis and treatment lies at the heart of this. 'That's why I believe a national screening programme for lung cancer is needed.' MPs held a minute silence for James Brokenshire in parliament after his death- and he was dubbed 'the nicest man in politics.' Cathy said: 'He said to friends, I have had a good life. I have achieved what I wanted. I have married an amazing woman and I have got three brilliant kids. I've made a difference.' Roy and James died two and a half years after they were diagnosed. Fiona said: 'He died at five in the morning. I tried to phone all my relatives and his relatives so they would not find out through the press. 'That was one of the things for me because I knew it was going to happen very quickly.' Cathy said: 'The morning when James died. Again knowing it was going to break, I was trying to phone friends and other friends were phoning other friends. 'I was having people on the phone crying uncontrollably to me and me trying to calm them down, and trying to stay strong.' James had told friends that he had a good life and had achieved what he wanted including marrying an amazing wife, pictured on their wedding day, and having lovely kids Cathy also spoke to Jeff Smith, who told her that thanks to getting a screening letter from the NHS, he was diagnosed early and was a success story of the scheme. Jeff, from Salford, who is an ex-smoker, was sent the letter due to a high rate of smoking in his area. Cathy wants the scheme to be widened so that more people can be screened. She told Jeff: 'My husband never smoked. Under the current scheme and what is happening under pilot schemes he would not even get looked at. 'We've got to start somewhere and we've got to start with the high risk people and as I say, once we get more stories like you, we can prove that it works.' Cathy and Fiona were both with their husbands for 31 years. Fiona said: 'People say 'oh, only 31 years?' but I was privileged to have such a lovely person for such a long time. And Cathy agreed that she was also blessed to have been with James for 31 years and that he had enriched her life. The wife of Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky flew the flag for the country's fashion industry during her visit to the US. First Lady Olena Zelenska, 44, championed homegrown designers and traditional craftsmanship in outfits that paid tribute to military uniform and the colours of the national flag as she carried out engagements in Washington D.C. Mrs Zelenska made an emotional plea for the US to provide air missile defence systems to save 'children in strollers' from being killed by Russian rockets in an address before Congress on Wednesday. She also met the President and First Lady at the White House and the Ukrainian Ambassador to the US. Flying the flag: Ukrainian First Lady Olena Zelenska, 44, wore an outfit inspired by military uniform by a Ukrainian designer as she arrived in Washington D.C. earlier this week, pictured Symbolic: To meet the Bidens on Tuesday, Mrs Zelenska wore an ensemble inspired by the colours of the Ukrainian flag: a pale yellow skirt with matching blazer and baby blue heels Championing their craft: The patriotic wardrobe continued in Congress yesterday. She wore her black blazer with a strip of white fabric that showcased traditional Ukrainian embroidery Steadfast: Mrs Zelenska has spent much of the war separated from her husband President Volodymyr Zelensky, pictured, who remains at secret locations in Ukraine Arriving in the country on Monday, Mrs Zelenska wore a khaki green dress with a loose scarf at the neck that was inspired by the uniforms worn by soldiers on the frontline. 'The first lady is a symbol of the beauty of Ukrainian women who carry huge responsibilities at time of war: The outfits resemble the military uniform that our defenders and our president wear every daybut it is elegant with a scarf representing freedom and confidence in our victory,' designer Lilia Litkovaska said in an Instagram post. Litkovaska, founder of an eponymous fashion label, was responsible for two of the First Lady's outfits. Mrs Zelenska added a pin inspired by a rushnyk, a piece of fabric embroidered with traditional Ukrainian symbols, Vogue noted. To meet the Bidens on Tuesday, Mrs Zelenska wore a Litkovaska ensemble inspired by the colours of the Ukrainian flag: a pale yellow skirt with matching peplum blazer and baby blue heels. In a show of unity with her husband, who remains in Ukraine and has spent much of the war apart from his wife, the First Lady added a pair of gold earrings that she sported at his inauguration. Little touches: Mrs Zelenska added a pin inspired by a rushnyk, a piece of fabric embroidered with traditional Ukrainian symbols, for her fist day in the US Mrs Biden also appeared to pay tribute to the country with her egg yolk yellow shoes. The patriotic wardrobe continued at Mrs Zelenska's appearance in Congress yesterday. She wore her chic black blazer with a strip of white fabric that showcased traditional Ukrainian embroidery. The First Lady, who appeared on the cover of Vogue Ukraine in February, has been a consistent champion of the country's burgeoning fashion industry. The mother-of-two has risked her life by choosing to remain in Ukraine and stand with her countrymen rather than flee. On the world stage: Mrs Zelenska accepts the Dissident Human Rights Award on behalf of the people of Ukraine at the Victims of Communism Museum in Washington D.C., pictured Elegant: Mrs Zelenska wore a monochrome ensemble for an outing in Washington D.C. The white blouse with balloon sleeves is thought to be by a Ukrainian designer 'I will not have panic and tears,' the mother-of-two wrote on Instagram in the hours after the first attacks in February. 'I will be calm and confident. My children are looking at me. I will be next to them. And next to my husband. And with you.' It marks yet another remarkable turn in the life of the country's reluctant First Lady. While President Zelensky has long courted publicity as an actor and comedian, Olena spent decades out of the spotlight. She trained as an architect at university - where she met Zelensky, then a budding comedian and law student - before becoming a writer for the comedy troupe that made him famous. When her husband first told her of his plans to leave his career to run for president, she said publicly that she was 'aggressively opposed' to the 'project'. United front: First Lady Jill Biden appeared to pay tribute to her Ukrainian visitor with a pair of heels in egg yolk yellow - one of the colours of the Ukrainian flag And yet, when the time came for him to campaign, Olena dutifully appeared by his side for photo ops and campaign speeches. Now, less than three years after Zelensky's landside victory, the mother-of-two has fully embraced her role as a First Lady on the global stage. She accompanies her husband on his engagements and is forging her own career as a First Lady of action, using her influence and position to champion causes including childhood nutrition and gender equality. Ukraine's First Lady calls the war Putin's 'Hunger Games' as she asks Congress for more weapons - including air missile defense systems - in emotional speech honoring children killed in strikes By Morgan Phillips, Politics Reporter For Dailymail.com Ukrainian First Lady Olena Zelenska made an emotional plea for the U.S. to provide air missile defense systems to save 'children in strollers' from being killed by Russian rockets in an address before Congress Wednesday. 'Those are Russia's hunger gameshunting for peaceful people,' Zelenska said as she displayed of a three-year-old now using prosthetic limbs after being caught in one of Russia's indiscriminate attacks. 'They will never broadcast this on their news. That's why I'm showing it to you here,' Zelenska said. Married to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, the first lady is the first spouse of a foreign leader to address the U.S. Congress directly at the Capitol. Ukrainian First Lady Olena Zelenska made an emotional plea for the U.S. to provide air missile defense systems to save 'children in strollers' from being killed by Russian rockets in an address before Congress Wednesday 'Those are Russia's hunger gameshunting for peaceful people,' Zelenska said as she displayed of a three-year-old now using prosthetic limbs after being caught in one of Russia's indiscriminate attacks House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, left, House Minority Leader Kevin McCaerthy, center left and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi listen via headphone translation to Zelenska's address 'I want to address you not as a first lady but as a daughter and a mother,' Zelenska said. 'An unprovoked invasive terrorist war is being waged against my country.' 'Russia is destroying our people,' she added. After highlighting the atrocities her nation faces, she turned to a plea for more weapons. 'While Russia kills, America saves,' Zelenska said. 'I'm asking for something now that I would never want to ask. I am asking for weapons ... air defense systems. In order for rockets not to kill children in their strollers.' She said the weapons would not be used to 'wage a war on somebody else's land' but to 'protect one's home and the right to wake up alive in that home.' 'I know that you [legislators] will be leaving for the traditional congressional recess in a week ... I hope you heard me today. And I hope that your decisions will be speedy.' Zelenska shakes hands with U.S. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell Five months into Vladimir Putin's invasion, the U.S. has doled out billions in humanitarian and military aid to Ukraine. The U.S. has committed $8 billion in direct security assistance to Ukraine, including $2.2 billion in the last month, and Defense Sec. Lloyd Austin said that the U.S. is sending four more high mobility artillery rocket systems (HIMARS) to Ukraine, bringing the total up to 16. Russian forces are crushing through the Donbas region in eastern Ukraine and now control about a fifth of the country. Russia's Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu earlier this week ordered his army to prioritize destroying Ukraine's long-range missile and artillery weapons after the Western-supplied weapons were used to shoot down Russia's supply lines. Earlier this week a bipartisan group of six senators wrote a letter to Austin and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley asking them to hurry shipments of medium- and long-range air defense systems to Ukraine as appropriated by Congress in May. On May 19 Congress passed a $40 billion aid package for Ukraine, which included $20 billion for the Ukrainian military. The speech before Congress and meeting with lawmakers was the last leg of Zelenska's foray into Washington - on Tuesday Zelenska met with President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill after meeting with Sec. of State Antony Blinken on Monday. Zelenska also met Monday with Samantha Power, head of the U.S. Agency for International Development. Power's agency has given billions of dollars to support Ukraine's government and to humanitarian needs, and is working to ease a global food shortage aggravated by Russia's war. Her husband meanwhile back at home has been cleaning house suspending top officials he accuses of collaborating with Russia. As Russians and Ukrainians tire of five months of war, both Zelensky and Putin know that efforts to undermine their fight permeate to the very top of government. Over the past few days he has dismissed his intelligence chief, the chief of Ukraines Security Service (SBU), Ivan Bakanov, and his Prosecutor General, Iryna Venedikotva over concerns they represented an element of Ukraine's security forces that is sympathetic to Russia. Zelenska, 44, who during peace times focused on female empowerment, literacy and culture in Ukraine, is now tasked with raising global awareness and support for her nation in a war as her husband presses forward in the nation's defense back at home. She met her husband when they were both students at different universities in their hometown, Kryvyi Rih. She later became a script writer at Kvartal 95, the production company her husband founded before he transitioned from comic acting to the presidency. The family also has two children, ages 9 and 17. A man has revealed how he spent 15 hours in the dentist chair in Turkey trying to perfect his teeth only to end up looking temporarily like Donkey from Shrek. The person, believed to be from Yorkshire, is one of the many Brits travelling to the country for cosmetic procedures. Dubbed 'Tukey Teeth', the new cosmetic fad involves travelling abroad to get drastic cut-price treatment. It has been made popular by stars like Katie Price and Love Island's Jack Fincham, and involves filing down teeth to pegs then replacing them with crowns or veneers. Going by the TikTok name beeman920, the man revealed how he flew to Turkey for a new set of pearly white teeth, and showed off his temporary look while he awaited more treatment. A young man has documented his dentistry journey on TikTok. The user beeman920 went to Turkey to get cosmetic treatment for his teeth In a viral video, which as clocked up 1.5million views, he revealed his bright, pearly white temporary teeth, referring to himself as Donkey from Shrek Documenting the dentistry work, the TikTok user posed in front of the camera with his temporary teeth after spending 15 and a half hours at the dentist. The appointment started at 9am and he hadn't left the clinic until 20 minutes to one in the morning, the following day. In the video he shows his followers his temporary teeth, which are covering his own that have been shaved down, ready for the crown to be placed. In the clip, he said: 'I had eight root canals, all my teeth shaved down... I don't know, just everything.' He explained how he had spent 15 hours in the Turkish dentist, where he had received eight root canals and had all of his teeth shaved down And despite his obvious exhaustion, the TikToker said he was determined and would return to the dentist the same day to have 18 more extractions. The procedure, which is supposed to leave patients with a Hollywood smile, is being fuelled on social media under the hashtag #Turkeyteeth which has been viewed more than 100million times. For the most part influencers and celebrities praise the results and show them off on their Instagram feeds - but not everyone's been so lucky. However, 'beeman920' was adamant: 'Gonna be worth it in the end!' He returned home at 20 minutes to one in the morning and said that he would be returning to the dentist later that day Until his return to the dentist he was given a set of temporary large, bright pearly whites, making him look like Donkey from Shrek. In the viral video, he said: 'Or the house, for those of you that are older.' He explained: 'I had half broken teeth, I had teeth with holes in, I had fillings, I had fake teeth in the front already. 'This is something I've wanted for years [...]. That's my choice - I'm not bothered about how I will look.' However, not everyone was as positive as the TikToker and his video, which had 1.5million views, as it sparked concern amongst some TikTok users. Many users expressed concern and said that they had heard horror stories about Turkish dentistry One user commented: 'Be very careful I've heard horror stories, shaving perfectly healthy teeth.' Another person said: 'I work at a dental office in Canada we would never do 8 root canals on one patient in one day. Those temps are horrible!' A third said: '8 root canals in one day. They didn't do them properly. One root canal takes HOURS.' And a fourth posted: 'Noooo!! Have you not seen all over the media about bodge it dentistry in Turkey! I really hope you are not another case!' Whilst others were compassionate and expressed apprehension over the treatment he had received. Other TikTok users were apprehensive and sceptical about the treatment he had received, with one user claiming that English dentists wouldn't want to treat him after the procedure One user posted: 'Can't believe people are still having this destructive treatment, also UK dentists are very reluctant to provide after care!!' Another commented: 'No way have they done 8 proper root canals in one day. This is a horror story waiting to happen.' A third said: 'Please be careful. I'm a dental nurse and I've seen loads of patients come in with work that's failed that's been done abroad x' And a fourth posted: 'No English dentists will go near you now... any problem and you have to fly back... my friend has gone through it!' Love Island's Jack Fincham was one of the first to share his Turkey Teeth story after getting the treatment before appearing on the ITV reality show in 2018. Pictured: Before and after A new BBC documentary has looked at the fallout, asking whether the risks really outweigh the savings on having cheaper treatment, with UK dentists warning the complications can leave patients with huge medical bills to fix shoddy work. A number of dentists surveyed on behalf of the BBC said some of the remedial work was provided by the NHS. Meanwhile one private clinic has urged patients to be certain they know what they are getting after being contacted by clients who had been sold veneers but given the much more aggressive option of crowns. The Harley Street Smile Clinic in London said they had been inundated by young people suffering from severe infections, intense long lasting pain, infected gums or rotting teeth due to the procedure. In one case, Tiktok user Lisa Martyn revealed how her experience turned into a nightmare after she travelled to Turkey for the cosmetic treatment and paid 3,500 Euros (2,960) for what she thought was veneers but was actually a set of crowns. She told the BBC: 'I was duped into the dream of having a full set of perfect teeth that I was never going to have any issues with but I was grossly misled about what I was having done - they were sold to me as veneers not a full set of crowns. 'Mislead millennials are signing up for a lifetime of unnecessary and painful treatments' Experts at the Harley Street Smile Clinic in London say they have been inundated with young people who are seeking remedial work after taking part in dental tourism. In an alarming blog post, the clinic says mislead millennials are committing to 'a lifetime of unnecessary, expensive and painful treatments'. It adds: 'Our clinic has been inundated over the last couple of years with young people who have been misled by bargain cosmetic dental centres in Turkey. 'Having been left with the harsh reality of a lifetime of dental work, costing far beyond the cost of having veneers done in the UK, often our clients have no idea what work they've actually had done, or what's involved in rectifying the issue.' Dr Maurice Johannes, Principle Dentist at Harley Street Smile Clinic, added: 'I can't stress enough that people need to be 100% clear about exactly what they are signing up for when they go abroad for cosmetic dental treatment. 'Although patients are under the impression they are having veneers, in reality they are having crowns placed, which means much more aggressive tooth reduction.' Source: The Harley Street Smile Clinic Advertisement 'No one sat down and told me the risks or if there were any other options. I thought that once they put the new teeth into my mouth that would be it - there would never be any more problems. 'But not only have I been in crippling pain every day since, but it has also cost me thousands. It's the biggest mistake of my life.' Lisa flew to Turkey last year under the belief she would be fitted with 26 veneers in a bid to get the 'Hollywood smile' for her son's wedding but was actually fitted with crowns - a far more invasive procedure. But months after her treatment, the 48-year-old was left in horrific pain after developing an abscess which nearly paralysed half her face and is suffering from nerve sensitivity. A survey carried out for the BBC found that hundreds of dentists in the UK had treated patients suffering from complications after getting work done abroad. Dr MJ Rowland-Warmann, director of a dental clinic in Liverpool, told the broadcaster: 'If I did 20 crowns on a 21-year-old for the purposes of improving the colour, I would have my licence revoked, I would be struck off.' She said her clinic receives one to three calls a day from people with issues with their teeth after going abroad but that her clinic cannot treat them. 'Some can't floss because their crowns are stuck together or they're in pain because they have bleeding gums. 'But it's easier for us not to take that patient. At the point when you inherit that patient and do any work, that's when the problems really start and that's when the UK dentist becomes liable. A risk we cannot take. 'This leaves patients in very vulnerable positions trying to scrabble around for help and it becomes very costly trying to fix the damage.' Dr Maurice Johanne, Principle Dentist at Harley Street Smile Clinic, urged people to be careful about what treatment they were getting. He said: 'I can't stress enough that people need to be 100 per cent clear about exactly what they are signing up for when they go abroad for cosmetic dental treatment. 'Although patients are under the impression they are having veneers, in reality they are having crowns placed, which means much more aggressive tooth reduction.' London-based dental clinic said that it has been 'inundated' with young people seeking to have their botched survey rectified. A beauty YouTuber has claimed that she was forced to carry her dead fetus inside of her for two weeks after Texas doctors refused to remove it because they said she needed 'additional evidence' to prove it didn't have a heartbeat amid abortion bans in the state. Marlena Stell, 42, from Houston, recalled being ecstatic when she learned that she and her husband, Ab DeSilva, were expecting their second child together last year. However, the makeup guru's excitement soon turned to heartbreak when she found out around nine weeks into the pregnancy that she had tragically lost the baby. She was informed that the fetus no longer had a heartbeat, which she described as 'devastating,' and she planned to receive a dilation and curettage (D&C) - a procedure designed to remove a fetus from a women's uterus following a miscarriage. A beauty YouTuber claimed she was forced to carry a dead fetus inside of her for two weeks after Texas doctors said they needed 'additional evidence' to prove it didn't have a heartbeat Marlena Stell, 42, from Houston, recalled being ecstatic when she learned that she and her husband, Ab DeSilva, were expecting their second child together last year However, the makeup guru's excitement soon turned to heartbreak when she found out around nine weeks into the pregnancy that she had tragically lost the baby. Her sonogram is pictured She was informed that the fetus no longer had a heartbeat, and she planned to receive a D&C - a procedure designed to remove a fetus from a women's uterus following a miscarriage Marlena was then told by doctors that due to Texas' law regarding abortion, which went into effect on September 1, 2021, she needed to schedule a second ultrasound to 'verify that the pregnancy is no longer valid' before they could give her 'any sort of medical intervention' - which resulted in her having to live with the deceased fetus inside of her for two extra weeks. Marlena was then told by doctors that due to Texas' laws regarding abortion, she needed to schedule a second ultrasound to 'verify that the pregnancy is no longer valid' Last September, the state passed a law, known as the Texas Heartbeat Act, prohibiting abortions after a fetus develops a heartbeat - which takes place six weeks into a pregnancy. At the time, President Joe Biden's administration sued Texas for passing the law, stating that it 'leaves women unable to exercise their constitutional rights,' Insider reported. Despite the lawsuit, the act has since remained in effect. The social media star - who has racked up more than 1.4 million followers on her channel, where she often shares videos of herself doing her makeup and sharing tips and tricks for the perfect glam - opened up about the horrifying ordeal in a YouTube video last year, and now, she has spoken out about it further following the Supreme Court's recent decision to overturn the Roe v. Wade ruling. 'The doctor said, "Because of the new law that's passed here, you have to schedule another ultrasound to verify that this pregnancy is not valid before we can give you any sort of medical intervention,"' she said in the YouTube video. This resulted in her having to live with the deceased fetus inside of her for two extra weeks, with her admitting that she felt like a 'walking coffin' The social media star - who has racked up 1.4 million followers on her channel, where she often shares videos of herself doing makeup - opened up about the horrifying ordeal last year And now, she has spoken out about it further to CNN, following the Supreme Court's recent decision to overturn the Roe v. Wade ruling The laws that stopped a Texas mother from getting a D&C: Inside state's abortion rules Last September, the state passed a law - known as the Texas Heartbeat act - prohibiting abortions after a fetus develops a heartbeat - which takes place six weeks into a pregnancy It allows any private citizen to sue Texas abortion providers who violate the law, as well as anyone who 'aids or abets' a woman getting the procedure The law does not make exceptions for rape or incest, and only makes exceptions for medical emergencies At the time, President Joe Biden's administration sued Texas for passing the law, stating that it 'leaves women unable to exercise their constitutional rights' Despite the lawsuit, the act has since remained in effect Source: ACPOnline.org Advertisement She told the Washington Post that she felt like a 'walking coffin' during the two weeks that she carried her dead baby. 'Youre just walking around knowing that you have something that you hoped was going to be a baby for you, and its gone,' she told the outlet, while in tears. 'And youre just walking around carrying it.' OB-GYN Dr. Lillian Schapiro explained to CNN that carrying a dead fetus is pretty dangerous for a mother, and could potentially lead to infection - or even death. 'She can develop an infection that can make her sterile and never able to have children again,' Dr. Schapiro said. 'When the baby dies inside, the baby starts to release parts of its tissue that can get into the mother's blood supply. It can cause organ failure. It can cause death.' Marlena explained that hearing the news that her baby no longer had a heartbeat once was hard enough, and that she didn't want to have to go through it a second time. 'Someone shoves a wand in my sensitive area and tells me, "Hey, you lost your baby" - again. I shouldn't have to go through that twice,' she added to CNN. 'You already know what you're going to see. It's just like, seeing it twice, being told that you're not going to be a mom [twice]... It's gut-wrenching.' The YouTuber, who is also the founder of cosmetics company Makeup Geek, added that 'carrying the fetus around' while 'knowing there was nothing she could do' was especially difficult because it felt like she couldn't 'grieve.' 'I couldn't grieve or move past it because I'm just walking around carrying it,' she continued. Marlena said hearing the news that her baby no longer had a heartbeat once was hard enough. Seen is a photo she shared from the ultrasound when she discovered she had lost the baby 'Someone shoves a wand in my sensitive area and tells me, "Hey, you lost your baby" - again. I shouldn't have to go through that twice,' she added to CNN Marlena went to get the second ultrasound and she recalled breaking down into tears during the appointment, after being greeted by an excited nurse who told her, 'All right, you get to see the baby today.' 'When you know that you're there because a politician told you you had to be, and you somehow needed to prove that your pregnancy wasn't viable, it feels like an extra layer of violation,' she said on YouTube. Marlena previously suffered from a miscarriage in 2018, while she, her husband, and her young daughter, Adelina, were living in Washington state. At the time, she was easily able to undergo a D&C, and she never expected to have such a hard time getting it in Texas. 'I get so angry that I was treated this way because of laws that were passed by men who have never been pregnant and never will be,' she added in her video. 'I'm frustrated, I'm angry, and I feel like the women here deserve better than that. It doesn't matter what side of the fence that you want to sit on, laws like this affect all women regardless of what situation you're in and it's not right.' Marlena (seen with her daughter last year) went to get the second ultrasound and was eventually able to find a doctor to perform the D&C 'I'm frustrated, I'm angry, and I feel like the women deserve better than that,' she said on YouTube. She is seen with her daughter and husband in January There are 18 states (including Texas) that had near-total bans on abortion before Roe v. Wade, while four more have had a time-limit band in the past. Four others are likely to pass new bans She was eventually able to find a doctor to perform the D&C. Marlena and her husband were supposed to welcome the child in May. Although it was too early in the pregnancy to know the sex, they believed it was going to be a boy, and were going to name him Milan. Now, she is sharing her story in the hopes of raising awareness on the issue, and so that other women going through it feel less alone. 'Its added trauma on top of trauma,' she told the Post. 'Its important to share this story so people know how these laws affect all women. 'I feel like its very dangerous for government of any type to be intervening in a womans care because theres multiple reasons of why she may need a procedure.' In the wake of the Roe v. Wade overturning, many other expecting mothers have come forward and spoken out about not being allowed to remove a fetus after suffering from a miscarriage. One woman, named Chloe, 21, from Arizona, recently revealed on Instagram that she found out 23 weeks into her pregnancy that her baby was 'incompatible with life.' Another woman, named Chloe, 21, from Arizona, recently revealed that she found out her baby was 'incompatible with life' but was told by that doctors weren't allowed to remove the fetus That means she will now have to carry the baby until it either 'dies inside of her' or until she gives birth on her own, despite the fact that it has no chance of survival when it is born A different woman in a similar situation, Andrea Prudente, 38, from Washington, began suffering from a miscarriage while on vacation in Malta, where abortion is illegal The expectant mother was told her fetus had a ruptured membrane and detached placenta - however, its heart was still bleeding so doctors couldn't perform an abortion She planned to undergo a D&G as well, but was then told by her doctor that because it still had a heartbeat, he wouldn't be allowed to go through with the procedure - despite the baby having no chance of survival when it is born and despite her health being at risk by keeping it in her uterus. That means she will now have to carry the baby until it either 'dies inside of her' or until she gives birth on her own, even though she claimed that it has seizures 'multiple times a day' in the womb. She is now saving up to travel to another state so that she can get an abortion. Another woman in a similar situation, Andrea Prudente, 38, from Washington, began suffering from a miscarriage while on vacation in Malta, where abortion is illegal. The expectant mother, who was 16-weeks pregnant at the time, was told her fetus had a ruptured membrane, detached placenta, and there was no amniotic fluid in the womb - however, its heart was still bleeding. Doctors said they could not perform an abortion, despite the fact that Andrea's life was at serious risk due to the possibility of hemorrhaging and infection. She was later flown to Spain where she was able to receive the abortion. Famed ballerina Misty Copeland has revealed that she and her husband Olu Evans secretly welcomed their first child together a baby boy named Jackson three months ago. The 39-year-old, who was the first African-American woman to be named principal dancer for the American Ballet Theatre, shared the happy news with People, saying she is 'on maternity leave right now.' 'I have a three-month-old,' Copeland said. 'But I will be back on the stage in 2023, hopefully, in the fall.' Misty Copeland revealed that she and her husband Olu Evans secretly welcomed their first child together. She told People they have a three-month-old son named Jackson The new mom added that she and her husband (pictured) are headed to France with their son to spend the summer in Corsica The new mom added that she and her lawyer husband are getting ready to take their baby boy on his first big trip ahead of their six-year wedding anniversary. 'We just got Jackson's passport a couple days ago,' she shared. 'So we're on our way to Corsica this summer in France.' Copeland and Evans tied the knot at the Montage Hotel in Laguna Beach, California on July 31, 2016, after 10 years together. The dancer didn't share any details about her pregnancy, which she kept firmly under wraps. Copeland (pictured in December) didn't share any details about her pregnancy, which she kept under wraps During her public appearances late last year, she wore loose-fitting dresses and outfits with ruffles and other designs, likely to distract from her baby bump Last fall, she was busy promoting her non-fiction children's book, 'Black Ballerinas: My Journey to Our Legacy,' which celebrates the dancers of color who have influenced her During her public appearances late last year, she wore loose-fitting dresses and outfits with ruffles and other designs, likely to distract from her baby bump. Copeland explained to People that she is 'really open' about her career, but she tends to keep her personal life private and she doesn't want her son in the spotlight. 'Definitely with my son, I wouldn't have him probably be on camera for anything,' she told the outlet. Copeland recounted her journey to becoming ABT's first African-American principal ballerina in its 75-year history in her 2014 memoir 'Life in Motion: An Unlikely Ballerina' and her 2015 documentary 'A Ballerina's Tale.' Copeland, who was the first African American woman to be named principal dancer for the American Ballet Theatre, hopes to return to the stage in 2023 Copeland is also working on designing a women's line for Greatness Wins, the sportswear brand she co-founded with Derek Jeter, Wayne Gretzy, and Chris Riccobono In September 2020, she gave a behind-the-scenes tour of her $3.125 million New York City apartment in a video for Architectural Digest. She showed off a stunning art collection by black artists, her 'serene' master bedroom, and a large walk-in closet that was inspired in part by Mariah Carey. Copeland and Evans purchased the apartment in 2018, but they didn't move in until a few years later. 'It's the first home that we've owned together, so it's really nice to be able to share our interests and love and bring it into our home,' she said in the video. This past November, she published 'Black Ballerinas: My Journey to Our Legacy,' a non-fiction book for children that celebrates the dancers of color who have influenced her. Copeland gave a behind-the-scenes tour of her $3.125 million New York City apartment in a video for Architectural Digest in September 2020 'It's the first home that we've owned together, so it's really nice to be able to share our interests and love and bring it into our home,' she said of the apartment she bought with Evans Copeland's latest project is designing a women's line for Greatness Wins, the sportswear brand she co-founded with Derek Jeter, Wayne Gretzy, and UNTUCKit's Chris Riccobono. 'I'll definitely be coming to them for some parenting advice,' she told People of her business partners. 'This is still new for me.' Copeland noted that balancing her busy career with her home life is 'never easy,' but she has a great support system. 'My husband is incredible and he's an amazing dad. He's been there for me throughout my entire career to help me to be able to balance those things,' she said. 'But you have to make sacrifices. I'm not at big events every night and out partying and going to dinners,' she added. 'I have to make sacrifices to be able to do all the things that I want to do.' A 'tough' cowboy was left writhing in pain when a 'menstruation pain simulator' was turned to its highest level - while the same machine garnered no reaction from a woman on her actual period. Lux Perry, 29, from Vancouver, Canada, who uses non-binary pronouns, started their own company Somedays to help with period pain after they experienced excruciating pain every month, while living endometriosis. Lux brought their period pain simulator to a a rodeo to challenge and teach them a lesson about 'what tough really looks like.' Lux Perry(far right) challenged the cowboy with their period pain simulator to see how 'tough' he was; the cowboy was left writhing in pain when the simulator was turned all the way up Their first victim was cowboy Andrew Tuck, who wasn't prepared for the challenge and said the pain was 'awful' and could barley stand up Another woman, who was actually on her period, tried the simulator and 'didn't even flinch' at the pain and even let out a 'yeehaw' Their first victim was cowboy Andrew Tuck, who wasn't prepared for the challenge. In the beginning of the video Tuck takes the period pain challenge all the way up to level 10, which is the average level of pain Lux feels monthly. When Tuck first put on the period pain simulator, which is made to contract your muscles to simulate the pain you feel while on your period, he didn't feel anything, however by level four, the cowboy began to wince. At level five, which Lux said is the average pain most people of their periods feel, Tuck described the feeling as 'not fun,' and when Luz asked him if he wanted to 'go to work,' the cowboy, who was in agonizing pain, responded with 'no I'm hungry.' At level seven, he asks, 'This is, like, constant?' and at level eight, he says, 'It's, like, in my legs! This is awful.' And at level nine, Tuck, was profusely sweating and had to be handed a paper towel from someone behind the camera. And by level ten, the cowboy had met his match. He tried to stand up to give the camera 'yeehaw' but fell back down to the chair because he was unable to endure the pain of standing for more than a few seconds. The cowboy grabbed the bull by the horns and endured the period pain simulator from its lowest to highest level, and winced by the end of it saying 'this is awful'. Juxtaposed to the man's reaction, is a woman - who is purported to be on her actual period - who 'doesn't even flinch' and is able to give a more-than-coherent 'yeehaw'. The woman calmly sits while Someday employees crank the simulator all the way to level ten and is shocked by how similar to her period the simulator was. In another clip a couple decided to try the simulator side by side and the unidentified man was shocked by the sensations. The woman was shocked by how real the simulator felt and said she was surprised she 'didn't flinch' when it was turned up to its highest level Another couple decided to try the simulator next, but this time side by side; as the woman sat there, her partner experienced a tremendous amount of pain The woman sat with the simulator on her and had absolutely no reaction despite the fact that she was already on her period and in pain How simulators work to create the same sensation as period cramps Lux uses a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation or a TENS device which works by causing muscles in the lower abdomen and thighs to contract similar to how they do while someone is on their period When TENS machines are used on lower levels, they can even help to distract from pain, but on higher levels they are used to cause muscle cramps similar to those experience while on your period TENS machines work by sending low-voltage currents throughout the body Lux said their brand tested out 40 different TENS machines until they found the one most similar to period cramps Advertisement At level five he said: 'It's like a charley horse.' By level eight he tapped out and couldn't believe how his partner was able to 'do things' while on her period. The video has gone viral and garnered two million likes - and over 15,7 million views -with many people commenting and giving praise to the man for taking on the challenge. Representatives of the company Somedays, which specializes in science-backed therapy for muscle recovery to combat period pain, captured the footage at the Stampede Rodeo in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The Calgary Stampede is described as the 'Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth' and hosts many events including a rodeo and other festival activities. Businesses are invited to the event space to showcase their products and services to the attendees of the festival. The company aims to use technology and science to prevent period pain, saying on their website: 'Rooted in the concept of embodiment and trauma-informed care, we design relief that empowers people to transform their relationship to pain and take control of their body.' Somedays co-founder and CEO Lux said: 'People with period pain are consistently told that their pain is normal and that 'it can't be that bad'. 'So watching cowboys fall to their knees and struggle to get out a 'yeehaw' has been an extremely validating experience for the millions of us that struggle with it. 'Mild cramps are normal, but anything that interrupts your life is not. 'At Somedays, we believe all people deserve to be supported in their struggle with period pain.' Users flooded the comments section with their praise for this idea and who they wanted to see try it next Lux uses a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation or a TENS device which works by causing muscles in the lower abdomen and thighs to contract similar to how they do while someone is on their period Lux added that they tested out 40 different TENS machines, which work by sending low-voltage currents throughout the body, until they found the one most similar to period cramps. Users flooded the comments section with their praise for this idea, and added how validating it feels to see a man experience a small taste of period pain. One user even added who they wanted to see try the simulator next. One user said: ''This is like constant?'' The fear in his eyes lol.' Another user added: 'Lol he gets just the pain, not the bloating, diaheira, messy, clean up, accidentally bleeding in your sheets and mood swings.' 'Please I think every man should be subjected to this,' added a third user. 'Someone please do this to the Supreme Court,' commented another user Dr Trishala Lakhani has a wide smile and beautiful teeth. Beauty queen teeth, you could say, with some accuracy. Because as well as being an NHS dentist, the 26-year-old is a bona fide beauty queen. She started entering pageants while studying in London, and was a finalist in Miss Universe GB this year. Her teeth reflect both her job and her hobby. They are gleaming white, straight and very even. Could they be improved, though? Well, for a BBC documentary her first venture into TV presenting Trishala consulted a London-based colleague who specialises in cosmetic dentistry, asking if there were any improvements she could recommend. The expert opinion was no, the only advice would be to leave her lovely teeth well alone. Which was flattering, she admits, 'because no one has perfect teeth. There can always be tweaks'. But what would happen if Trishala asked a similar question of some dental clinics in Turkey? Turkey is the one of the most sought-after destinations for cosmetic dentistry in the world, with prices a fraction of what British dentists charge. Every year thousands of Brits flock there to have their teeth tweaked (and sometimes a lot more than tweaked). An entire industry has built up offering Brits dental makeover holidays, where a new set of Love Island-style ultra-white gnashers is part of the deal. It's such a phenomenon, the hashtag #turkeyteeth now trends on the video-sharing website TikTok. Dr Trishala Lakhani, 26, is a dentist and a beauty queen who fronts a BBC documentary about cosmetic dentistry Without revealing her true identity, Trishala sent photographs of her own teeth to 150 Turkish clinics asking what their dentists would recommend by way of improvement. Of those, 120 responded and of that figure, 70 said they would recommend replacing her teeth every single one in some cases with crowns or veneers. This would involve shaving down her own strong, healthy teeth, leaving pointy pegs to which the fake teeth would be attached. This process, Trishala explains, involves taking away around 60-70 per cent of healthy tooth. 'The first [dentist] offered to do 28 teeth with crowns, and said they would only need me for two days. The second just said: 'Crowns. I think you need them.' How rude!' However, of the 50 British clinics Trishala approached, asking the same question could her teeth be improved? not one suggested any treatment. All said they would not advise any major cosmetic work, and certainly none offered to replace her teeth without so much as a physical examination. 'I was shocked at some of the clinics in Turkey,' admits Trishala. 'Not just that they were offering a full set of crowns for perfectly healthy teeth, but at the way it was done. How can you formulate a treatment plan when you've only seen a photograph of teeth on an iPhone? There was no proper consultation or examination, no X-rays. 'Yet this is how these things are being arranged. Sometimes the whole thing is done over Instagram. As a dentist, I'm worried by that.' Trishala works in a hospital setting, and her patients include those who need dental work because of cancer treatment. But she was keen to front this documentary precisely because the British dental industry has watched with mounting horror as the 'Turkey Teeth' trend has grown. Katie Price has not been shy about sharing every part of her smile journey on social media, posing for this photo with her teeth filed down to stubs The outcome was the lightning white, perfect smile which she flashed to the camera 'I was first aware of it in my first year out in practice after university,' she explains. 'So many patients were asking my advice on going abroad for treatment. Since then, it's even more popular. The hashtag count for #turkeyteeth is now up to something like 130 million. What's particularly worrying is it's young people driving that.' Indeed, a recent survey by the Liverpool Echo newspaper in that city found 63 per cent of those considering treatments were aged between 18-34. What has this got to do with British dentists? Well, they're the ones consulted when things go wrong which they do, it seems, worryingly often. Of 1,000 British dentists contacted for this programme and asked about their experience, 597 replied, saying they had seen complications from crowns and veneers applied in Turkey. Problems included everything from infections to issues caused by 'Lego teeth' (with full rows applied in one block, rather than moulded to individual teeth). One in five of those estimated that the repairs they carried out cost in excess of 5,000 making the 'cheap' Turkey option, which can have an initial price tag of between 2,000-3,000 anything but. Trishala says some British dentists won't touch these so-called #turkeyteeth, leaving patients marooned. 'One of the biggest problems is some British dentists are refusing to touch teeth when work has been done in Turkey, saying the minute they do, they are liable leaving patients in a terrible position,' Trishala says. The global dental tourism industry is predicted to be worth a huge 4.6 bn by 2025. While the pandemic provided a lull, it seems clinics abroad are now enjoying the fruits of a double whammy the return of international travel, and issues with British dentists still not being back to pre-Covid capacity. Trishala also warns that the social media factor, particularly with veneers and crowns, shouldn't be underestimated. Influencer and one-time Love Island winner Jack Fincham has shown off his uber-white teeth which, yes, were done in Turkey and Katie Price has not been shy about sharing every part of her smile journey on social media. Influencer and one-time Love Island winner Jack Fincham has shown off his uber-white teeth, which, yes, were done in Turkey In fact, documenting your entire #turkeyteeth experience on Instagram or TikTok right down to gruesome images of filed-down peg teeth, or blood-stained faces has become a thing in itself. So, too, is documenting the horror when things go wrong. Healthcare assistant Lisa Martyn, 48, appears in the documentary but her issues with her new teeth first became a talking point after she made a series of TikTok videos warning others to steer clear. Lisa, who lives in Kerry, Ireland, travelled to Turkey for new teeth in 2011. Thanks to unsightly gaps at the sides of her mouth and her two front teeth being worn down after years of grinding them in her sleep, she says: 'I just hated them. You'd never catch me smiling in photographs'. Quoted more than 5,000 to have her two front teeth 'fixed' in the UK, she had taken out a loan to pay for this, but was impressed when a friend had her teeth done in Turkey at a fraction of the cost. Coincidently she was going on holiday there, too. 'I still wasn't planning to have my teeth done, but by the pool all these British and Irish people were,' she says. 'There were reps at the hotel, handing out brochures. It's a thing you can just add on to the holiday, like an excursion.' Intrigued, Lisa visited a couple of clinics, but then sensibly, she thought called her friend and asked her which clinic she had used. An appointment was duly made and, to her delight, the dentist said she could give her a full new top set for 1,800. In hindsight, Lisa admits: 'She didn't explain anything to me. I wasn't warned of any issues.' For ten years, she had no regrets, and thought her teeth were 'great'. Then, last year, a crack appeared in one tooth. She contacted the clinic in Turkey and was told replacing one tooth wasn't possible, 'because the whole lot were attached, not separate'. She would need to have the whole top row replaced, but they could do a good price. 'They quoted me 3,500 for a full set. I thought it was a real bargain. Obviously, now I think that it was the most stupid thing I've done.' Healthcare assistant Lisa Martyn, 48, appears in the documentary but her issues with her new teeth first became a talking point after she made a series of TikTok videos warning others to steer clear Back to Turkey she went. This time the clinic was even busier, the waiting area a 'conveyor belt' of British and Irish people. 'They don't operate with an appointment system,' Lisa says. 'You just turn up and wait, and people were coming in off the street where they'd take their money off them and file their teeth down to pegs immediately, presumably so they couldn't change their mind or go elsewhere.' Her experience this time was very different. 'I sat for a whole day, then at 4pm they said they didn't have time, so I'd have to come back the next day. I did that. Nothing was explained. 'My teeth were all filed down and I was sent away with temporary veneers, then went back to have the real ones fitted.' This was where the agony started. 'They do that without anaesthetic. They were drilling and banging. I nearly hopped out of the chair, the pain was excruciating,' Lisa recalls. She was still in the chair when, to her horror, she saw her new teeth for the first time. 'I said: 'They are smaller than before.' The girl brushed it off and said: 'No, no, they are the same'. But they were a completely different size.' In agony, she came home, and so began the nightmare that she documented on TikTok. Every few weeks she'd update her followers. 'I couldn't eat. I'd gone to Turkey weighing 18 and a half stone, and I went down to 15. This throbbing pain didn't settle.' She consulted her own dentist, who 'and I was lucky here' agreed to treat her. X-rays showed she had an infection and would need root canal treatment and antibiotics. The treatment is ongoing. 'So far I've had one root canal treatment, but the infection has spread so I need another. And I've had four courses of antibiotics. The cost? So far it's been 600 on the first root canal, 240 on a consultation, and 80 for each course of antibiotics. The next root canal will be 1,400.' The ultimate cost will not just be financial, though. One of the most shocking things about Lisa's #turkeyteeth is she was not fitted with veneers, as she had thought. Her new teeth were crowns a much more invasive procedure. 'We have found this is very common,' says Trishala. 'People were talking on TikTok about their veneers, but actually had crowns. With veneers, minimal shaving down of the tooth is done, but with crowns, quite a large percentage of healthy tooth is removed, raising the risk of serious issues. 'The problem with crowns is they do not last a lifetime. They may have to be replaced after ten or 12 years in some cases, and more of the healthy tooth has to be replaced each time. If someone is 22 when they have their first treatment, this is a problem.' TikToker David Kosir shows his teeth before getting his them done in Turkey and then another pic in the dentist's chair with the bottom row shaved down Indeed, aside from the potential cost of having to renew your teeth every decade or so, young people risk being left with no teeth at all something Lisa spends much time trying to educate them about through her videos. 'I know one day I'm going to have a full set of dentures or implants, so for the people who are even younger when they start, where are they going to be?' she says. Little wonder then, that, in the show, another dentist, Dr M.J. Rowland-Warmann, director of a dental clinic in Liverpool, says: 'If I did 20 crowns on a 21-year-old for the purposes of improving the colour, I would have my licence revoked I would be struck off.' Trishala, meanwhile, emphasises that there are professional and ethical dentists in Turkey ('they have some of the best dentists in the world'), but potential patients should think long and hard first. 'They need to make an informed choice. So many people we talked to were not offered alternatives like composites, which can give the same effect but with minimal damage to the natural tooth,' she says. But will her warnings be heeded? Unfortunately, as the show highlights, some simply do not care. Tilly Entwhistle, 20, from Manchester, says her British dentist was horrified at the work she'd had carried out in Turkey a whole mouth of healthy teeth filed down and 'done'. 'I was bullied as a child because of my teeth and called names like 'Bugs Bunny',' she says. 'Dentists in Harley Street had quoted me up to 10,000 just to get the top set of teeth done. In Turkey, it is not even a quarter of that price. Plus it was like a holiday as well so that was a bonus. 'Now, my dentist has said she would never touch my teeth as she wouldn't want to take any responsibility in case I had any future issues. But the improvement it's made to my life means the risk has been more than worth it. It's sad dentists can't sympathise with what it's been like for me.' Lisa, meanwhile, urges others to think beyond the instant smiles. 'I'm now just working to pay for dental treatment. I have pain every day of my life and am on painkillers all the time,' she says. 'You may think you are getting a bargain, but you are not.' Turkey Teeth: Bargain Smiles Or Big Mistake? is available to watch now on BBC iPlayer. An Aldi shopper has issued a warning to others about the checkout conveyor belts and a possible 'hidden danger'. The Australian woman claimed an Aldi employee encouraged her to avoid placing fresh produce onto the electronic conveyor belts at the checkout. The woman said the worker, who's a family relative, claims conveyor belts are only cleaned in the evenings and may lead to a contamination risk. The shopper shared the warning after a woman posted an image of her vegetables touching the conveyor belt. A woman claims an Aldi worker encouraged her to avoid placing fresh produce onto the electronic conveyor belts at the checkout. The woman said the worker, who's a family relative, claims conveyer belts are only cleaned in the evenings and may lead to contamination risks 'Tip from someone who has a family member work at Aldi,' the woman wrote. 'Never put your veggies directly on the conveyer belt because they only get cleaned once at night at close and raw meat nearly always drips on them at some point in the day.' Daily Mail Australia understands the conveyor belts at Aldi stores are cleaned regularly. But regardless of where customers choose to shop, the supermarket encourages shoppers to wash their fresh produce before cooking or eating. 'Tip from someone who has a family member work at Aldi,' the woman wrote online. 'Never put your veggies directly on the conveyer belt because they only get cleaned once at night at close and raw meat nearly always drips on them at some point in the day.' (stock image) Washing your fruit and vegetables prior to eating them will eliminate or limit any physical dirt, insects and lingering debris lurking on the surface of the food. The comment sparked a conversation among others and some admitted they never was fresh produce bought from the supermarket. 'I'm sure most people would wash vegetables before using them,' one person wrote in response. 'I never wash vegetables or fruit,' one woman said, and another added: 'Me neither.' A Woolworths employee also explained how the staffed checkouts and conveyor belts are kept clean at her store. 'I know that when where on checkouts we always constantly cleaning the belt. If a junior is on and I'm on I definitely ask if they can do so,' the Woolworths staffer wrote. 'I hate when they look dirty thinking people putting their food on it!' A 'miracle' injection could effectively cure one type of haemophilia, doctors claimed today. It may prove life-changing for thousands battling the B version of the disorder, which causes sufferers to bleed excessively from minor injuries. Currently, patients need regular jabs of factor IX, a blood-clotting protein which they are born missing. The new one-off treatment described as 'transformational' teaches their body to make it naturally. One patient given the experimental jab, a form of gene therapy, claimed his life now feel 'completely normal'. Lead author Professor Pratima Chowdary, a haematologist from University College London, said it means curing the condition 'will be a reality for the majority of the adults in the next one to three years'. A new gene therapy has dramatically cut the risk of bleeding in people with the rare condition haemophilia B, experts have said (David Davies/PA) Normally, when someone cuts themselves, clotting factors mix with platelets to clot and make the bleeding stop. But haemophilia patients, who are split into either type A or B, are lacking clotting factors. This can be deadly and also causes severe joint pain in some sufferers. Around 6,000 people in Britain have haemophilia, while there are 20,000 in the US with the condition. It is usually inherited and mostly affects men. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HAEMOPHILIA A AND HAMEOPHLIA B? Haemophilia is a rare condition that affects the blood's ability to clot. It's usually inherited, and most people who have it are male. Normally, when you cut yourself, substances in the blood known as clotting factors combine with blood cells called platelets to make the blood sticky. This makes the bleeding stop eventually. People with haemophilia don't have as many clotting factors as there should be in the blood. This means they bleed for longer than usual. There are two types of haemophilia: haemophilia A, which makes up 85 per cent of cases, and the less common haemophilia B. Hameophilia B is caused by a deficiency of clotting factor IX, while haemophilia A patients are missing factor VIII. There's no cure for haemophilia, but treatment usually allows a person with the condition to enjoy a good quality of life. Genetically engineered clotting factor medicines are used to prevent and treat prolonged bleeding. These medicines are given as an injection. Advertisement The Phase 1-2 trial of FLT180a, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, involved 10 haemophilia B patients. Nine no longer needed to take jabs to replace clotting agents more than two years after having FLT180a, made by biotech company Freeline Therapeutics. Gene therapies have already been shown to hold promise with treating haemophilia A patients, who make up 85 per cent of those with the condition. But this new treatment is one of the first to be trialled for people with haemophilia B. None are yet available on the NHS and there have been concerns about price, with a haemophilia A treatment that displayed similar results earlier this month estimated to cost between 1.5million and 2.5million per dose. Current clotting factor injections can cost between 150,000 to 200,000 per year. All 10 patients chosen for the study all had 'severe or moderately severe' haemophilia B. They were given one of four different doses of the therapy at the start. Doctors measured their factor IX levels at the end, to see how FLT180a affected their long-term condition. Professor Chowdary, who also works at Royal Free Hospital in London, told the BBC: 'We're very excited by the results. She said: 'Removing the need for haemophilia patients to regularly inject themselves with the missing protein is an important step in improving their quality of life. 'The long-term follow up study will monitor the patients for durability of expression and surveillance for late effects.' Gene therapy is the process of altering someone's defective DNA. In the case of FLT180a, genetic instructions that teach the body how to make factor IX itself are delivered within a harmless virus. Patients on the trial had to take immune suppressing drugs over several weeks to several months, to prevent their immune systems from rejecting the therapy. While the treatment was generally well tolerated, all patients experienced some form of side-effects, with an abnormal blood clot in one who received the highest FLT180a dose and had the highest levels of the protein. Freeline co-founder Professor Amit Nathwani, a haematologistat UCL, who co-authored the study, said: 'Gene therapy is still a young field that pushes the boundaries of science for people with severe genetic diseases.' He said the new trial adds to 'the growing body of evidence that gene therapy has the potential to free patients from the challenges of having to adhere to lifelong therapy or could provide treatment where none exists today.' Advertisement Covid hospitalisations have now peaked in every region of England, official figures suggest amid calls for No10 to bring back economically-crippling curbs to control the outbreak. Experts have already urged ministers to reintroduce mask mandates and working from home rules in response to estimates that up to one in 20 people were infected last week. Others have raised the prospect of limits on social gatherings, similar to harsh policies adopted during the darkest spell of the pandemic. But NHS England data shows admissions considered to be a more reliable indicator of the virus's trajectory than cases actually began to fall 10 days ago. MailOnline analysis shows rates are now dropping in each region, plunging by as much as a fifth in the South East one of the first areas to see pressure ease off. Leading commentators said the figures prove the country can handle Covid in its current form without needing to hit the panic button, given that intensive care units never 'came under pressure'. Just one in 50 infected patients are currently on ventilators, with overall levels just a tenth of that seen at the peak of the pandemic. It comes just two days after the editors of the British Medical Journal (BMJ) and the Health Service Journal (HSJ) two of the country's leading health publications called for curbs to control the spread of the virus. In a joint editorial about the 'dying' NHS, Dr Kamran Abbasi (BMJ) and Alastair McLellan (HSJ) wrote: 'The heart of the problem is the failure to recognise the pandemic is far from over and a return to some of the measures taken in the past two years is needed.' Examples of curbs needed included a return to wearing masks in healthcare settings and on public transport, the reintroduction of the 2billion-a-month free testing scheme, WFH where possible and 'restrictions on some types and sizes of gathering'. NHS England data shows an average of 1,720 people were admitted to hospitals in England per day in the week to July 18, the most recent date figures are available for. The figure is down by eight per cent on July 12's 1,864, when the latest wave's pressure appears to have peaked. Although high, it is lower than levels experienced during the two previous Omicron waves in January (2,041) and March (2,115). More people were infected during both of those surges, however Deaths and ICU rates have remained low despite the uptick in cases, with fatalities sitting at roughly 40 a day in England WHERE ARE THE CURRENT COVID HOTSPOTS? ENGLAND: 2.8million; 5.27%; one in 19 SCOTLAND: 334,000; 6.34%; one in 16 WALES: 183,500; 6.04%; one in 17 NORTHERN IRELAND: 107,600; 5.86%; one in 17 EAST OF ENGLAND: 5.9% WEST MIDLANDS: 5.6% SOUTH WEST: 5.4% LONDON: 5.3% SOUTH EAST: 5.3% NORTH EAST: 5.2% EAST MIDLANDS: 5.1% NORTH WEST: 5% YORKSHIRE AND THE HUMBER: 4.6% Advertisement NHS England data shows an average of 1,720 people were admitted to hospitals in England per day in the week to July 18, the most recent date figures are available for. The figure is down by eight per cent on July 12's 1,864, when the latest wave's pressure appears to have peaked. Although high, it is lower than levels experienced during the two previous Omicron waves in January (2,041) and March (2,115). More people were infected during both of those surges, however. The South East has seen the biggest drop (a 16.8 per cent on July 18, compared to its peak), followed by the South West (10.6 per cent) and the East of England (9.2 per cent). Drops are also clearly visible in London, the Midlands and North West but the curve is much flatter in the North East and Yorkshire. On top of falling admissions, only a third of 'patients' needing care are mainly ill with the virus itself. The rest have incidentally tested positive, NHS figures show. It means admissions don't necessarily reflect the true state of Covid, given rates will inevitably soar during times of high transmission. But officials argue that every infected patient adds pressure to the stretched service because they have to be kept away from non-infected patients, can lead to staff infections and can make those already in hospital with another ailment more unwell. Deaths and ICU rates have remained low despite the uptick in cases, with fatalities sitting at roughly 40 a day in England. Top scientists say this is because the variants behind the current wave BA.4 and BA.5 are mild, and that sky-high immunity rates from vaccines and previous waves have blunted the virus's threat. Professor Robert Dingwall, a sociologist at Nottingham Trent University and former Government adviser, told MailOnline that the trend in admissions suggests Covid infections peaked 'some days ago and [are] now declining of their own accord'. Professor Francis Balloux, an infectious disease expert at University College London, told MailOnline that experts were expecting the current wave of infections to peak around July 9 or 10. 'Hospitals are in line with cases and cases are going down, so the figures are not a big surprise,' he said. As long as Omicron remains the most prevalent variant, there should now be a lull in Covid waves due to built up immunity, Professor Balloux said. Experts have repeatedly said the virus is going to settle into an endemic threat, meaning it will consistently flare-up. Unless it drastically changes, many believe each subsequent wave could make it even milder. Separate analysis suggests the virus now has an infection-fatality rate similar to that of flu. NHS England data shows the South East has seen the biggest drop in the seven-day rolling average of hospital admissions (a 16.8 per cent on July 18, compared to its peak), followed by the South West (10.6 per cent) and the East of England (9.2 per cent). Drops are also clearly visible in London, the Midlands and North West but the curve is much flatter in the North East and Yorkshire The country's largest virus-tracking project, ran by the Office for National Statistics, has yet to uncover any signs of a decrease in transmission, however. Last week, it estimated 2.8million people were infected in England. Other Covid-monitoring studies have since seen a decline. It comes after the BMJ and HSJ editors argued restrictions were needed to control high infection rates. While they admitted cases were set to peak shortly, they called for curbs to be brought in. Dr Kamran Abbasi (BMJ) and Alastair McLellan (HSJ) said: 'Now is the time to face the fact that the nation's attempt to "live with Covid" is the straw that is breaking the NHS's back. 'The heart of the problem is the failure to recognise that the pandemic is far from over and that a return to some of the measures taken in the past two years is needed.' They said the increasing number of patients and staff absences has the knock-on effect of limiting the health service's ability to tackle the backlog of routine care the spiralled during the pandemic. Medics are performing 10 per cent fewer elective surgeries than they did in 2019, despite deadlines for clearing the backlog being based on an increase in capacity. Similar warnings from Independent Sage, a panel of experts who pushed for a Chinese-style elimination strategy, called for restrictions when cases were already falling. Omicron's winter surge fell despite only rules requiring masks to be worn in indoor venues being brought back in but they were quickly dropped when it was clear the virus was in retreat. Ministers refused to bring any curbs back during April, when cases soared to pandemic highs. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) weekly infection survey found more than 2.7million Britons were infected with Covid in the last week of June An exclusive poll for MailOnline found 29 per cent of people have stayed indoors at some point since cases started rising to avoid catching the virus, while 42 per cent have worn a face covering. Almost half (49 per cent) observed social distancing rules that have not been in place since February, while two-thirds (67 per cent) said they had sanitised their hands. Just 16 per cent of people, around one in six, had not taken any precautions in the last month, according to the survey of 1,500 Britons by Redfield & Wilton Strategies But the BMJ and HSJ bosses said that while the three Omicron waves have caused less severe illness, rising cases pile pressures on hospitals and raise the number of people with long Covid which is a 'major burden' on the NHS. Infections worsen outcomes and recovery for other conditions, reduce hospital capacity and raise staff absences, on top of 'further hollowing out an already overstretch and exhausted workforce', they wrote. But Professor Dingwall said the BMJ and HSJ proposals for restrictions are 'too late for this wave and unlikely to be relevant to future waves, unless there is a major mutation in the virus'. 'Each successive wave increases the level of immunity in the community and takes us closer to a reasonably stable endemic state,' he said. Professor David Livermore, a microbiologist at the University of East Anglia, told MailOnline the restrictions called for by the BMJ and HSJ 'don't work, or are disproportionately expensive.' Meanwhile, the cost of the free tests scheme is 'unaffordable', at double the revenue gained for the rise in National Insurance, Professor Livermore noted. And restrictions on social gatherings are 'onerous and illiberal' and were never considered for flu, 'which is as lethal as current SARS-CoV2 variants', he added. Professor Livermore said: 'Working from home is suitable for some, but is associated with failures of several public bodies, notably the DVLA, HMRC and the Passport Office, all now functioning far more slowly than pre-pandemic. 'Cases will continue to fluctuate up and down, as the virus "beds in", just as one of its predecessors did in the 1890s. We have to recognise that reality and live with it. Mostly it is beyond our control. Vaccines help a bit, especially for the most vulnerable. 'So, it's really time to live normally; to admit that the over-reaction of the past two years has caused terrible collateral damage, and to have the two potential PMs guarantee that there will never be a repetition of the insanity.' Professor Balloux said that while Covid infection rates are high, lighter restrictions 'do very little' to bring down the R rate the number of people each infected person passes the virus on to. Severe China-style curbs would need to be brought in to suppress waves which would be 'unacceptable', he said. Professor Balloux noted that the NHS 'is really struggling' from the combination of high Covid rates while battling the backlog but 'what is really needed is more resources' for the health service. 'I'm not convinced we will ever go back to restrictions, I'd be surprised if there was the political will,' he added. On Wednesday, a bipartisan group of US senators proposed two proposals to alter election laws, attempting to avoid a repetition of then-President Donald Trump's unsuccessful bid to reverse his 2020 election loss to Democratic President Joe Biden. The law, among other things, would state that the vice president has only a ceremonial role in certifying election results after a mob of Trump supporters stormed the US Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. Capitol in an attempt to force then-Vice President Mike Pence to reverse the election outcome. Bipartisan Senate Announces Deal on Reforming Electoral Count Act The move follows accumulating evidence from a House committee investigating the Jan. 6 violence that Trump sought to overturn his defeat by disseminating false information about a rigged election. The two bills, introduced by a bipartisan group led by Democratic Senator Joe Manchin and Republican Senator Susan Collins, cover a wide range of topics, covering election results and presidential transitions, mail-in ballots, election record security, and threats to election workers. Senators Richard Durbin and Amy Klobuchar of the Senate Rules Committee, as well as independent Senator Angus King, are pursuing similar legislation. House Democrats are also working on legislation. While the House and Senate are controlled by Democrats, lawmakers aim to pass a package of election law improvements this year, according to Reuters. The second bill would strengthen federal sanctions for anybody who threatens or intimidates election officials, as well as raise penalties for interfering with election records. Five Republicans and seven Democrats have signed on to the measure. Proposed Bill Aims to Make it Harder to Overturn Election While constitutional scholars argue the vice president cannot now disregard a state-certified electoral result, Trump used his pressure campaign to urge then-Vice President Mike Pence to impede Electoral College certification in Congress. But Pence refused, and as a result, he became a target of the former President and his horde of followers who invaded the Capitol on January 6, 2021. When a joint session of Congress convenes to certify a presidential election, Democratic Senator Mark Warner of Virginia said the law will make it more difficult to reverse an election, as per CNN. Read Also: Iran Seeks To Strengthen Ties with Russia as Vladimir Putin Makes Rare International Trip In addition to Collins and Manchin, the following lawmakers were involved in the negotiations: Rob Portman of Ohio Mitt Romney of Utah Lisa Murkowski of Alaska Thom Tillis of North Carolina Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia Todd Young of Indiana Ben Sasse of Nebraska Lindsey Graham of South Carolina Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire Mark Warner of Virginia Chris Murphy of Connecticut Ben Cardin of Maryland Chris Coons of Delaware It is uncertain when the measures will be voted on the Senate floor since the Senate is presently working on a bill to give funds for the American semiconductor industry to boost its competitiveness in the technological and manufacturing sectors versus China. The measure must be advanced with the support of 10 Republican senators. However, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said on Tuesday that he is receptive to the proposal. "It has to be repaired," he stated. "And I've been in frequent contact with Senator Collins, and I sympathize with what she's trying to do." Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar, who leads the Senate Rules Committee, has indicated she will hold a hearing on the proposal in the coming weeks, CBS News reported. Related Article: Secret Service Says Deleted Texts During US Capitol Riot Can't Be Recovered Despite Requests from Congress, Federal Investigators @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. A boy ruptured one of his testicles after a biking accident, a eye-watering medical report has revealed. The 12-year-old, of North Carolina, was thrown over the handlebars of his dirt bike. His bike landed straight onto his genitals, smashing his left testicle in the process and leaving him in agony. Because he was biking in the wilderness, it took him five hours to get to a casualty unit in Chapel Hill. A boy nearly lost a testicle after he was thrown from the handlebars of a dirt bike that then landed on his privates in North Carolina [stock image] When the boy who wasn't identified finally arrived, doctors wanted to see the true extent of his grisly injury. Scan revealed he had ruptured a testicle, when the thick fibrous tissue surrounding it, called the tunica albuginea, breaks. He was rushed to a specialist centre for surgery, in order to save his genitals. Doctors quickly sewed up the rip to salvage the testicle, with the boy making a full recovery. But he could have suffered problems with fertility or even lost the testicle if he had not been treated as quickly as he was, doctors suggested. His case was published in the Visual Journal of Emergency Medicine. The report did not make clear whether he was with his parents or how he made his way to hospital. Had the boy not gone to hospital as quickly as possible, the chance of him losing the testicle would have been higher, doctors said. Writing in the case report, they said: 'Surgical intervention within 72 hours is associated with a higher likelihood of testicular salvage in testicular rupture cases. 'Delay in surgical repair of the tunica albuginea may result in loss of reproductive or endocrine function and a lower probability of salvage.' The NHS advises men to go to A&E immediately if they have sudden or sever pain in a testicle. Pain which lasts more than hour, that continues while resting or is accompanied by stomach pain can indicate something serious. This could include testicular torsion, when the organ has twisted, which can lead to a cutting off the blood supply and testicles having to be removed. Monkeypox cases exploded in New York City because the Federal Government failed to supply vaccines quickly, the city's head of public health has insisted. Speaking in an interview with CNN, Dr Ashwin Vasan, commissioner of NYC Health, warned the city's tally of 500-odd cases the highest in America was likely just a fraction of the total. He claimed the 'root cause' of the rapid spread of the illness was a failure by federal officials to roll out jabs against the disease quickly. New York City (NYC) and Washington D.C. are offering the jabs to gay or bisexual men who have multiple sexual partners every two weeks in an attempt to put a lid on the outbreak. But their roll outs have been repeatedly blasted for not offering enough doses, with available appointments being fully booked minutes after they are opened. NYC is now delaying second doses due four weeks after the first dose because the priority is to roll out first jabs. The city says this is safe, but other experts have raised concerns as this has not previously been tested. Dr Ashwin Vasan, who heads up New York City's Department of Health, said the city was struggling to get a handle on monkeypox because it was getting too few jabs from the central Government Speaking about the monkeypox vaccine roll out, Vasan said it was proving 'challenging' with several technical issues. 'But the really root issue here has been access to vaccine supply,' he said, 'and that's a national issue'. 'We need to start seeing much more vaccine, and the rest of these things will smooth out as people can get access to the preventive therapies they want. CDC chief insists monkeypox outbreak is NOT out of control The director of the CDC insisted warnings that the monkeypox is out of control were 'misinformed and off base' on Monday despite cases in the U.S. quadrupling over two weeks. Dr Rochelle Walensky also claimed in a statement that it was still possible to 'significantly decrease' infections thanks to more testing with about 10,000 swabs carried out a day more vaccines, and more awareness. Walensky's comments came after Dr Scott Gottlieb, former commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, warned on Sunday that the window to get a handle on the tropical disease had likely already closed. Firing a broadside at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), he also accused the agency of repeating the same mistakes as when Covid first arrived. Advertisement 'We really need much more vaccine. I know that our partners are working hard in Washington and elsewhere, but we need that as soon as possible.' NYC has received more than 40,000 doses of the Jynneous jab to date, which are all being administered as first doses. But demand remains high, with appointments being booked out within minutes after they are released. Nationwide, almost 200,000 jabs have been distributed to states so far. America has also placed orders for millions more doses in a sign officials expect to use many more jabs. Asked whether the current cases tally for NYC was accurate, Vasan said: 'I think we can definitively say it's not. 'And that's because only now are we seeing clinical testing starting to ramp up. 'I think we're going to see cases rise all across this country over the coming weeks as clinical testing increases.' On preventing the disease spreading, he added: 'I will say that abstinence as a message doesn't really work. We know this. 'It's not a good public health tool because it's really about giving people the information to make safe choices but understanding we need to meet them where they are with those choices and give them the information to tell them how monkeypox is transmitted.' New York City's vaccine roll-out was slammed when it began last month for being announced via Twitter, meaning the message got to those on the social media platform first. It offered walk-ins for the first 24 hours, before scrapping this amid high demand for the shots. The roll-out was also criticized after a technical glitch saw thousands book their vaccination appointment early. The Department of Health had said it would only release the vaccination slots after midday, but the appointments went live early on a separate link that had been used to book appointments during the first round of inoculations. Earlier this month the city also announced it was delaying second doses because it was not receiving enough jabs from the Federal Government. NYC also undertook contact tracing, although it appears to have failed to curb the rash-causing virus with many cases turning up not linked to other infections. America is rolling out the Jynneous vaccine to fight the virus, which is given as two doses about four weeks apart. It also has more than a million doses of the ACAM2000 vaccine available, but this is not being used because it is associated with serious side-effects. America's first polio patient in nearly a decade is an adult in Upstate New York who had refused to get vaccinated against the virus, health chiefs revealed Thursday. The unnamed individual was hospitalized in Rockland County after suffering 'significant' symptoms of the disease including paralysis. It is not clear when or where they became infected, but health officials said they likely picked up the virus outside the country. Based on 'what we know about this case', anyone who has not been vaccinated against polio is being urged to get their four shots. The individual's gender and recent travel history were not revealed. It is the first case of polio to be spotted in the United States since 2013. Children in the U.S. are routinely offered the polio vaccine to protect against the debilitating disease which leads to paralysis in about one in 100 cases. Of people who are paralyzed, up to one in ten die from the disease. But in recent years the population immunity level has fallen below the WHO-recommended threshold to prevent an outbreak in the country. New York officials announced Thursday that they had detected a case of polio in an unnamed person in Rockland County (red). They believe the case may have originated abroad This is the first case of polio detected in the U.S. since 2013. The once devastating virus has been nearly eradicated in much of the world after a successful vaccine campaign in the last 1900s (file photo) Announcing the case today, New York's Department of Health told health care providers to remain on the look out for additional cases. They also urged anyone who has not been vaccinated against the disease or not completed their vaccination course to get the jabs, because these individuals are most at risk from severe disease. Health Commissioner Dr Mary Bassett said: 'Based on what we know about this case, and polio in general, the Department of Health strongly recommends that unvaccinated individuals get vaccinated or boosted with FDA-approved IPV polio vaccine as soon as possible. Polio: Once the most feared disease in America that has now become a rarity Polio is a serious viral infection that used to be common all over the world. The virus lives in the throat and intestines for up to six weeks, with patients most infectious from seven to 10 days before and after the onset of symptoms. But it can spread to the spinal cord causing muscle weakness and paralysis. The virus is more common in infants and young children and occurs under conditions of poor hygiene. How deadly is it? Most people show no signs of infection at all but about one in 20 people have minor symptoms such as fever, muscle weakness, headache, nausea and vomiting. Around one in 50 patients develop severe muscle pain and stiffness in the neck and back. Less than one per cent of polio cases result in paralysis and one in 10 of those result in death. Of those who develop symptoms, these tend to appear three-to-21 days after infection and include: High temperature Sore throat Headache Abdominal pain Aching muscles Nausea and vomiting How does it spread? People can catch polio via droplets in the air when someone coughs or sneezes, or if they come into contacted with the feces of an infected person. This includes food, water, clothing or toys. Are there different strains? There are three strains of 'wild' polio, which has been largely eradicated throughout Europe, the Americas, Southeast Asia and the Western Pacific. Types 2 and 3 were eliminated thanks to a global mass vaccine campaign, with the last cases detected in 1999 and 2012 respectively. The remaining, type 1, wild polio remains endemic in only two countries, Afghanistan and Pakistan. Wild polio has been eliminated in almost every country in the world thanks to vaccines. But the global rollout has spawned new types of strains known as vaccine-derived polioviruses. These are strains that were initially used in live vaccines but spilled out into the community and evolved to behave more like the wild version. Is polio still around in the U.S.? The last case of person-to-person transmission in the U.S. was in 1979, which was also marked the last wild polio case. But there have been several dozen cases of vaccine-derived polioviruses since, although they have been one-offs, with no onward transmission. Am I vaccinated against polio? Americans have been offered the inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) since 2000. It is given as four doses, with the first jab at two months old. It is also administered at four, six to 18 months, and four to six years old. Uptake has fallen slightly but remains above 90 per cent nationally. There are concerns vaccine hesitancy has risen during the Covid crisis due to misinformation spread about jabs for that virus and school closures. Advertisement 'The polio vaccine is safe and effective, protecting against this potentially debilitating disease, and it has been part of the backbone of required, routine childhood immunizations recommended by health officials and public health agencies nationwide.' Testing revealed the patient was infected with a strain of polio from someone who had received the oral polio vaccine (OPV). This has not been used in the U.S. since 2000, which health officials said suggested they were infected outside the country. OPV is still used in a handful of countries including Pakistan and Afghanistan where the virus still circulates because it can trigger immunity rapidly. But in rare cases the virus used in this jab can mutate to become more like the wild or naturally occurring type. There is no risk of this with the inactivated polio virus (IPV), which is currently used in the United States. Polio is a potentially disabling and life-threatening disease, which in serious cases can spread to the spinal cord triggering paralysis and even death. It is highly contagious and spreads after someone touches a surface contaminated with an infected person's feces and then their own mouth. About one in four people who catch the virus develop flu-like symptoms including a sore throat, fever, tiredness and stomach pain. One in 25 will go on to suffer meningitis when the spinal cord is infected and later paralysis. Of these, up to one in ten die from the infection. Urging people to get vaccinated, 72-year-old Rockland County Executive Ed Day said: 'Many of you may be too young to remember polio, but when I was growing up, this disease struck fear into families including my own. 'The fact that it is still around decades after the vaccine was created shows you just how relentless it is. 'Do the right thin for your child and the greater good of your community and have your child vaccinated now.' Health chiefs said a vaccination clinic would open in Pomona, Rockland County, from 10am to noon tomorrow, and on Monday from 1pm to 4pm. The case in the U.S. comes after Britain also reported its first infection with the virus in nearly 40 years last month. Positive samples were first detected at a sewage plant in Beckton, which covers a population of 4million people in North and East London. Signs of it were first found in February. Experts said it could be traced back to a single household and streets. Health chiefs in the country believe polio arrived in a traveler, possibly from Pakistan, Afghanistan or Nigeria, who shed the virus in their feces after getting a live oral vaccine, which is used in some countries with current outbreaks as it has a rapid effect. It is not clear if this also happened in America. Polio was once the most feared disease in the U.S., sparking panic throughout the 1940s. Parents were left afraid to let their children play outside particularly in summer when the virus appeared to be more common , and public health officials would impose quarantines on homes and even whole towns where it was spotted. It was behind more than 15,000 paralyses every year, and hundreds of deaths. But in the mid-1950s the country began rolling out poliovirus vaccines to prevent the disease. By 1979, the United States declared the virus had been eliminated. There has been no known transmission on U.S. soil since. The vaccine was also rolled out globally, with the virus pushed back to just a few countries. It is now only known to be circulating in Pakistan and Afghanistan. The WHO warns that as long as it continues to spread there, it remains a threat to the world. But in recent years as the virus has retreated from the national memory vaccination rates have slowed in the United States. Latest figures show now about 92.6 percent of Americans are vaccinated against polio by their second birthday. This is below the 95 percent threshold the WHO says is needed to stop an outbreak. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all children should get the polio vaccine. It is given as four shots in the leg or arm, with the first given at two months old, the second at four months, the third between six and 18 months and the final dose between four and six years old. The vaccine is highly effective, with 99 percent of children receiving life-long protection against the disease. BOOK OF THE WEEK ROALD DAHL: TELLER OF THE UNEXPECTED by Matthew Dennison (Head of Zeus 20, 272pp) You might think Roald Dahl had all the luck. Paperback sales at the time of his death were well over two million a year, with translation deals struck in 58 languages. Charlie And The Chocolate Factory sold more than four million copies in Britain alone and there are now 250million editions of Dahls other titles in print globally. Just last September, Netflix paid the Dahl family 500 million for film rights. Matilda: The Musical has been generating cash for years. Ive seen it twice myself. As Matthew Dennisons sagacious biography demonstrates, however, never was a man more cursed than Roald Dahl. Dahl family: Roald and Patricia with Tessa and Theo. Roald Dahl's life wasn't always so successful and things went wrong early on. The children's author witnessed the death of his sister at a young age and later on in life he lost his daughter Olivia, aged seven, in 1962 Things went wrong early. He was born in 1916 in Llandaff, a prosperous district of Cardiff, where his father, Harald, was a wealthy shipbroker, who imported Scandinavian timber for use as pit props in the coal industry. In 1920, Roalds sevenyear-old sister, Astri, died of a burst appendix, and Harald Dahl immediately dropped dead of grief, technically pneumonia. Roald was scarcely three, and family tragedy imprinted his first horizons. What ought to have been an idyllic childhood in a large red-brick villa, with regular holidays to see family in Norway, was interrupted by school. Roald, by his own account, was frequently caned tears poured down your cheeks in streams and dripped on to the carpet. He was singled out, one feels, because he was foreign a funny name, plus he held a Norwegian rather than British passport. His teachers were eccentric and bloodthirsty, just like Miss Trunchbull or The Twits. Adults, in Roalds writings, are always monstrous and cartoonish the women with Book of the week roger lewis Roald Dahl: Teller Of The Unexpected by Matthew Dennison (Head of Zeus 20, 272pp) moustaches and a mouth as sour as a green gooseberry, the men fat and melting like a hot jellyfish. When Roald proceeded to Repton in Derbyshire, there was a continuing lasting impression of horror, the school crammed with cruel authority figures, who sent youngsters groping through an almost limitless black tunnel of exams, dull rote learning, meaningless rules and regulations and random beatings. On the other hand, at 6ft 5in in his midteens, Roald the Viking was hardly tractable. Fellow pupils, as well as staff, found him forbiddingly aloof and arrogant. American actress Patricia Neal with her husband, Welsh-born writer Roald Dahl. The pair divorced in 1983. At the age of 67, Roald married Liccy, then 45, who survived as his widow He also smoked a clay pipe, rode a motorbike and was not a nice brother. He padded one of his sisters with cushions and shot at her repeatedly with his air rifle. Roald didnt want to go to university and prolong his experience of institutionalised learning. Instead, in the autumn of 1938, he secured employment with the Shell petroleum company in East Africa. He was responsible for selling fuel oil to farmers scattered across Tanganyika, a country four times the size of the UK and Roald quite took to the colonial life, learning to speak Swahili and drink whisky on the veranda at sundown. He corresponded with his mother about constipation. With war declared, he went to Kenya to train as an RAF pilot, living in a tent and washing and shaving in a mugful of ones own spat-out tooth water. Roald took for granted aspects of heroism in his own make-up, and after a mere eight supervised hours, began flying solo. In September 1940, he crashed in the Egyptian desert. Roalds nose was knocked clean backwards through his face. His skull was fractured and he was paralysed by pain. British novelist, at home with daughters Tessa and Olivia in 1960. Olivia passed away two years later from measles, aged seven Rescued by a fellow pilot, whom Roald edited out when narrating all these events, he was taken to hospital in Alexandria. His new nose, he said, was modelled on Rudolph Valentinos. But fearsome headaches and back problems would persist for the rest of his days, so he was declared medically unfit for further action. By March 1942, Squadron Leader Dahl was in Washington DC as an air attache, drumming up U.S. support for the British war effort. What this entailed, Dennison suggests, was having lots of affairs with influential heiresses and socialites, such as Elizabeth Arden and Clare Boothe Luce. Roald found womanising ridiculously easy, like manipulating puppets. He also began writing short stories, published to acclaim. It was Dahl who invented gremlins, the unseen imps who infiltrated machines, engines, anything mechanical, mucking everything up by, for example, urinating in your fusebox. Gremlins, of course, had caused Roalds near-fatal plane crash, not his own inexperience and vain gloriousness. Roald Dahl passed away in 1990 of blood cancer, his chief regret being the lack of a knighthood Returning to New York, he worked for periodicals as a shortstory contributor. These later became famous when televised as Tales Of The Unexpected. In 1952, he met Patricia Neal, whom he called a spoiled Hollywood actress. She thought Roald rude and nasty. But they married, even if Roald struggled with Pats fame and she no puppet to be manipulated was indignant when he expected her to make his breakfast. A daughter, Olivia, was born in 1955. Though Roald didnt like a babys whirling blur of wet nappies and vomit and milk and belching and farting, there were four more children Tessa, Theo, Ophelia and Lucy. At the age of four months, Theo, when in his pram, was hit by a New York cab. The impact hurled the pram 40ft into the air, and it slammed into the side of a bus. There followed months, years, of operations and fear. Theo suffered frequent build-ups of cerebrospinal fluid on the brain and it was Roald who invented a clog-proof valve, which was patented and accepted for use in neurological surgery. Theo grew up to become a baker and an antiques dealer, his father investing 100,000 in these schemes. Then, in 1962, Olivia, seven, died of measles. Roald said nothing, was withdrawn, hermetic, lost, though Olivia survives as the pertinacious heroines in his books, beautifully and sweetly drawn by Quentin Blake. The BFG is dedicated to her memory. In 1965, having won the Oscar for Hud, Pat suffered a massive stroke a ruptured aneurysm. Doctors predicted severe mental and physical disability, should she survive, but Roald would not accept this. His wifes complete recovery was now his obsessive concern. He became Pats speech therapist, forcing her to find and form the right words. He made her use her limbs, refusing to allow her help in getting in and out of cars. Roalds tough treatment succeeded though at the cost of exacerbating his tendency to be a bully. Hed always had detractors publishers and editors, for instance, who feared his well-deserved reputation for being difficult. It also transpired hed been conducting a clandestine affair for ten years with Felicity Liccy Crosland, Roalds rationale being lukewarm is no good. Hot is not good either. White hot and passionate is the only thing to be. Roald and Pat divorced in 1983. At the age of 67, Roald married Liccy, then 45, who survived as his widow. He died in 1990 of blood cancer, his chief regret being the lack of a knighthood. Pat survived until 2010. Liccy founded the Roald Dahls Marvellous Childrens Charity, which provides for specialist nurses in paediatric care. Dennisons book makes it entirely clear how, given the unremittingly traumatic biographical background, Roald was drawn to a belief in fantasy, grotesquerie, magic. His books are lyrical, hilarious, vivid, unpredictable, tender and utterly absorbing, revolving around the resilience of children. They love being spooked, he said. They love suspense. They love action. They love ghosts...they love chocolates and toys and money. They love magic. And as Roald said to Kingsley Amis, in an anecdote not in this biography: The little bastards will swallow anything. MEMOIR MY SAND LIFE, MY PEBBLE LIFE: A MEMOIR OF A CHILDHOOD AND THE SEA by Ian McMillan (Adlard Coles 10.99, 176pp) Before the pandemic, poet Ian McMillan decided to write a book about the British coast. He planned to explore villages and towns hed never seen before. He hoped to take a photographer with him to snap pictures of a windswept me gazing out at the eternal water, perhaps with an ironic ice cream in my hand. Then came lockdown, trapping the 66-year-old at home in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, 59.33 miles from the nearest beach at Hornsea. Great British holiday: Riding donkeys on the beach in 1958. Poet Ian McMillan has rummaged through his treasure chest of British holiday memories So, in the absence of fresh coast to explore, McMillan began rummaging through his treasure chest of seaside memories. The resulting book combines poignant snatches of personal history with a delightfully nostalgic celebration of the British seaside holiday. Although he suffers from seasickness, a love of the sea runs in McMillans blood. His father served in the Royal Navy from 1937-1958, when they offered him a desk job which he refused on the grounds that you cant sail a desk. He imagines the scene at Plymouth at which his father disembarks, for the final time, from the aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal: A piece of metal as big as the shout of the gulls in my little ears. From there, McMillan gently ushers readers through his boyhood holidays. He takes us to the Isle of Skye and Llandudno, and then back to Northumberland, where a helicopter blows away a family picnic. Bank holiday at Blackpool. He tells of his teenage adventures with friends, walking barefoot through Blackpool in the dark to watch the sun rise over the sea He recalls his fathers careful studying of AA roadmaps in preparation for the long, hot journeys down labyrinthine B roads in his blue Ford Zephyr. He recalls his mother wrapping him in towels as he ran slippery from the waves and his frantic father chasing a libidinous donkey along the shore. He whisks us back to the caravan parks of the 1960s, reminding us of kitchenettes that were more kitchenettettes and beds crushed up into the ceiling like cobwebs. He conjures guesthouse breakfasts, served on mismatched floral china by girls in black and white uniforms. Suitcases full of sand. Looking back on the holidays hes spent with his own children and grandchildren, McMillan evokes shells, selected and collected, rattling in buckets, held to the ear, and playing the tuppenny machines in the arcades. There are multiple rhapsodies on the wonders of fish and chips. Hes great on the inevitable loss of possessions: glasses buried in the sand, wristwatches left ticking uselessly on clifftop paths. He celebrates the beach in all weathers, entertaining us with familiar descriptions of those downpour-dashes back to uphill car parks. Two young women riding donkeys in Margate. He celebrates the beach in all weathers, entertaining us with familiar descriptions of those downpour-dashes back to uphill car parks As an occasional presenter of the TV series Coast, he also has good anecdotes about scrambling around inside the Scottish cave inhabited by 15th-century cannibal Sawney Bean, and rowing vintage lifeboats. His quirky snapshots will ping the sentiment sonar of readers who recall being warmed by Thermos flasks opened in lay-bys and two-bar electric heaters in the back rooms of B&Bs. I loved his descriptions of teenage adventures with friends, walking barefoot through Blackpool in the dark to watch the sun rise over the sea. He whisks us back to the caravan parks of the 1960s, reminding us of kitchenettes that were more kitchenettettes and beds crushed up into the ceiling like cobwebs We felt the balm of sand beneath our mucky adolescent toes. We gazed at the sky. We thought there was something wrong with the sun; it was refusing to rise even though the sky was clear and it was getting quite light. They had forgotten that the sun rises in the East and Blackpool is in the West. In this age of savage argument, its a delight to engage in the dawdling minor debates of seaside etiquette. Should you put your swimwear on under your clothes before you leave the B&B, or wriggle into it under a towel by the sea? Should you buy edible or durable souvenirs in the gift shops? Although he was once described as relentlessly jolly, McMillan admits that frisbees make him feel grumpy. He accepts some people embrace them as harmless mid-Atlantic fun, but he rankles at the performative and showy-off nature of the plastic disc wielded by pec-flexing musclemen. He recalls one zooming towards him across the flat sands of North Norfolk, comparing its approach to that of a spaceship containing intelligent multi-cellular and vortexbrained beings, come to explore Hunstanton with a view to setting up coastal fish farms before it clocks him on the bonce. Most movingly, he describes his 92-year-old mother-in-laws post-lockdown return to her beloved caravan in Cleethorpes. She has been holidaying in that same spot in Lincolnshire since the 1950s. McMillan jokes that, at Cleethorpes, the tide is always out. Like a reluctant teenager it doesnt want to come in. But returning to the caravan with its familiar ornaments, putting the kettle on and digging out the biscuit box after the pandemic fills his whole family with joy. Im left with the image of the nonagenarian defiantly walking, slowly and with a stick, but defiantly walking by distant sea. THE SEAT OF THE SCORNFUL by John Dickson Carr (British Library 9.99, 240pp) THE SEAT OF THE SCORNFUL by John Dickson Carr (British Library 9.99, 240pp) Renowned for his locked room mysteries, John Dickson Carr rings the changes in this challenging brain-teaser. Far from being closed off, the murder scene is wide open, a room in which a man clutching a revolver is found in the company of a dead body. The case would appear to have only one conclusion. But with Dickson Carr, nothing can be taken for granted. For one thing, the supposed killer is a highly respected judge whose strict sense of justice precludes soft-centred excuses. Yet he refuses to cooperate with the police, instead challenging them to bring a convincing case against him. Enter Dr Gideon Fell, a bulky, wheezing intellectual sleuth who has his work cut out ducking and weaving his way to explaining the inexplicable. A chain of revelations involving the judges daughter who was planning to marry the victim leads to a satisfying if startling conclusion. THE LIFE OF CRIME By Martin Edwards (Collins Crime Club 30, 736pp) THE LIFE OF CRIME by Martin Edwards (Collins Crime Club 30, 736pp) Drawing on an encyclopaedic knowledge of crime fiction, not to mention his experience as a seasoned crime writer, Martin Edwards has put together a masterclass on all that is best in this most popular of literary genres. The coverage, ranging from Edgar Allan Poe to Nordic noir, is quite simply awe-inspiring. Admittedly, much of the essential information is available online, but who would favour a thousand clicks on Wikipedia over this highly readable volume? In his introduction, Edwards puts up a stout defence of crime fiction against the snooty crowd who see it as sub-standard art. The truth is that the best crime novels tell us more about real life and its pitfalls than much of what passes for literary excellence. Anyone who doubts this should dip into The Life Of Crime to find out what they are missing. TOKYO EXPRESS by Seicho Matsumoto (Penguin Classics 12.99, 160pp) TOKYO EXPRESS by Seicho Matsumoto (Penguin Classics 12.99, 160pp) When two young people are found dead, all the evidence points to a suicide pact. But there are nagging questions to be answered, not least the motivation in a relationship that was almost casual. Then again, the man was a central witness in a corruption scandal. Was it coincidence that his death came at a critical stage in a police inquiry? It takes the dogged persistence of Tokyo policeman Kiichi Mihara to weave his way through a labyrinth of convincing alibis and false leads to get to the truth. How he does it is as much a surprise as the revelation of the real villain of the piece. Seicho Matsumoto, who died in 1992, was Japans leading crime writer. His classic status in Anglophone fiction is richly deserved. A week after Wales voted for all residential speed limits to be cut to 20mph from next year, an Oxfordshire town has become the first in England to announce it will follow suit. Dozens of 30mph roads in Witney - the former constituency of David Cameron - are set to have their limits lowered to 20mph following approval today. Councillor Liz Leffman, leader of Oxfordshire County Council, gave the green light to the measures at a meeting, with the changes expected to be implemented later this year with fresh new signage erected. Speed clampdown: An Oxfordshire town will become the first in England to lower all residential speed limits from 30mph to 20mph from later this year, it has been confirmed While Witney will become the first town to have 20mph residential speed limits, the London borough of Islington implemented the same rules a decade ago, reducing 30mph zones in 2012. Camden did the same from a year later. Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council's cabinet member for highways management, described the move as a 'landmark moment' and said the authority is planning to spend up to 8million on over a three year period to implement reduced speed limits. 'Witney is the first and the biggest project we are undertaking in this phase of the programme and we believe these changes will make the town a safer, quieter, and less polluted place and will encourage more people to cycle and walk reducing the county's carbon footprint,' he said. Councillor Liz Duncan, Mayor of Witney, added: 'It is exciting to see this comprehensive 20mph scheme coming to our town, bringing improved road safety for residential streets, reducing the risks of death and injury. 'We have received many requests from residents for the reduced speed limit and this whole town approach will bring huge benefits.' She adds that the decision will not only make streets in the town safer but will reduce traffic noise, improve air quality and encourage more to walk, run and cycle as a result of reduced risk around roads. The county council claims it had been inundated with requests from towns and villages to bring in 20mph zones since it launched a wider policy for speed reductions in February. It adds that the first two phases of the project are now fully booked, with 70 other towns and villages set to benefit from reduced speeds in the next financial year followed by hundreds more in the next two years. Just over a week ago, the Welsh Government voted in favour for all residential speed limits to be cut to 20mph in a blanket change that will be implemented from next year Mr Gant said Wales' decision over a week ago to implement a blanket 20mph zone across all residential areas at a staggering cost of 32million had been a big influence on the same outcome for Witney. 'The recent decision in Wales shows that 20mph is becoming the accepted speed limit for residential areas, and Oxfordshire County Council is at the forefront of bringing about that change,' he said. 'It is well-known that the survival rate for people involved in accidents increases as speeds are reduced.' Oxfordshire County Council has already implemented five 20mph pilot sites to test the impact of the policy in Cuxham, Long Wittenham, Wallingford Central, Wallingford North, and Kirtlington. Early data has shown these measures have had a 'positive impact' on reducing speeds. Dozens of 30mph roads in the town of Witney are set to have their limits lowered to 20mph. New signage will be implemented from later this year and there will not be an increase in enforcement, Oxfordshire County Council said in a statement While the council has been working alongside Thames Valley Police who did not object to the 20mph proposals for Witney the emphasis is on drivers adhering to the new limits through a change of mindset, rather than enforcement. 'It is hoped that as 20mph areas become more common, breaking the limit will become socially unacceptable for drivers,' the council said in its statement. The changes, which had the backing of West Oxfordshire District Council as well as Witney Town Council, will also involve the reduction of some speed limits from 50mph to 40mph and from 40mph to 30mph around the town. County council officers have said they will additionally be looking to minimise street clutter in the areas by making sure only the legally required amount of signage is placed around the town. The 20mph programme is part of the council's wider vision zero policy, which aims to eliminate all deaths and serious injuries from Oxfordshire's roads by 2050. Passengers who saw their flights cancelled or delayed during the UK heatwave will not be entitled to compensation, as the hot weather has been deemed an 'extraordinary circumstance'. The record-breaking 40 degree heat added to the disruption already being faced by travellers. Luton Airport was forced to ground its flights, following a surface defect as a result of the soaring 40C temperatures. Disgruntled passengers were stuck for hours in the sweltering hot airport, while some airlines diverted their flights to other UK airports in a bid to avoid cancellations. Thousands of flights have been cancelled since April due to staff shortages, industrial strikes, and now the record breaking heatwave, leaving hundreds of thousands stranded in airports The Civil Aviation Authority has since declared the record-breaking heatwave as 'extraordinary circumstances'. This means passengers who were delayed or had their flights cancelled due to the heat will not be entitled to the usual compensation, worth up to 500 per person. Airlines can cancel flights for a number of reasons, such as staff sickness, system failures, bad weather conditions or a lack of passengers. Sometimes these cancellations are unavoidable and completely out of the hands of the airline, in which case they are not forced to pay up. 'Insurers and airlines use the term extraordinary to refer to situations which are beyond their control and could not have been foreseen or avoided,' says Defaqto's Travel insurance expert, Anna-Marie Duthie. Typically, these cancellations are last minute, and because of their unavoidable nature, passengers are unable to claim compensation for their delays. Duthie said: 'Examples of extraordinary circumstances would be the more well-known bad weather, natural disasters, or air traffic control rulings. 'It can include political and civil unrest, security threats, medical emergencies, such as a passenger on board causing a reroute or delay in arrival, and strikes of airport staff or suppliers.' One of the most controversial 'extraordinary circumstances' is a collision between an aircraft and a bird, which is known as a bird strike. From an airline's perspective, there was nothing they could do to avoid the cancellation, and thus they only have a responsibility to refund you if you cannot travel, or place you on the next available flight, regardless of the airline provider. Duthie said: 'It all comes down to the circumstances which led to the cancellation. 'If you were given prior notice for the cancellation, or it was due to an "extraordinary" circumstance then you are not entitled to compensation. 'This is because you have either had plenty of warning or the cancellation was out of the airlines control and so not the airlines' "fault" and therefore it is not liable.' Luton airport was forced to delay a number of flights on July 19 after the heatwave damaged the tarmac on their runway, forcing dozens of planes to be diverted to alternative UK airports When flights are delayed or cancelled, travellers are often left stranded abroad and paying through the nose for extra accommodation or airport transfers. Ceri McMillan, a travel expert at GoCompare said that no matter what the reason for the disruption, passengers are entitled to assistance to get them to their destination. She said: 'In the case of extraordinary circumstances, passengers are not entitled to compensation if the situation is deemed as being beyond the control of the airline. What compensation could I be entitled to if my flight is cancelled last minute? If it has not been declared an 'extraordinary circumstance', you could be entitled to: Distance Compensation Less than 1,500km Up to 220 1,500km to 3,500km Up to 350 More than 3,500km Up to 520 Read our guide for more information: What are your rights if your flight is cancelled? 'But even if the circumstances are deemed extraordinary, passengers are entitled to assistance for a flight delay or cancellation, provided that they are flying with an EU-based airline, or flying to or from an EU or UK airport. 'The airline has to help you if your flight is cancelled or delayed beyond a certain time. But it's worth noting that if you're travelling with a non-EU based airline from a non-EU destination, the airline doesn't have the same duty to look after you. 'In this scenario, you will need to check the airline's conditions of carriage instead to see what compensation you're entitled to.' She added: 'If your airline disputes your right to compensation then you can contact the Civil Aviation Authority, who may be able to help if you haven't reached a resolution with your airline.' What can passengers do if a flight is cancelled? McMillan said: 'If your flight has been cancelled due to extraordinary circumstances, the best thing to do is check with your travel agent, tour operator or airline. They will be your first port of call for refunds or alternative flights and accommodation.' But with reports of airlines making it difficult for passengers get refunds, alternative flights or additional expense claims, there are other places passengers can go to try and get their money back. Sometimes, insurers can help passengers if they are struggling to get their money back from their airlines, but it all depends on the type of insurance policy. Passengers at Luton Airport were faced with hours of delays and flight cancellations, but its unlikely they will be able to claim compensation as the 40C heat is declared 'extraordinary' McMillan said there are some cases when they can help, but only if the passenger has exhausted their other options. She said: 'You may be able to claim on your travel insurance, but the insurance provider will have expected you to have contacted the airline or travel provider in the first instance.' Meanwhile, Duthie added: 'It's important to read your insurers terms and conditions as they will make it clear what they will cover in these sorts of situations. 'Most insurers will not pay if you are entitled to compensation from your transport provider or tour operator and you shouldn't forget you could have cover if you paid by credit card. 'Whether you have cover with your travel insurer will depend on whether they provide cover for travel disruption, missed departure, missed connection or delay. 'Many will cover costs for additional travel or accommodation expenses should your flight be cancelled as long as you were not aware in advance and a "reasonable" alternative has not been offered.' Travel tips: pay by credit card and check the small print Take out comprehensive travel insurance: Check the policy small print to ensure it covers the cost of all travel failures. Make sure the cover includes 'scheduled airline failure insurance'. You may have to pay extra for this as a bolt-on but it is money well spent. Pay for your travel with a credit card: It means you may be able to claim under 'section 75' of the Consumer Credit Act 1974 if an airline or holiday company goes bust or the travel trip paid for using this card is unexpectedly cancelled. Know your rights: Do not allow airlines to fob you off with 'extraordinary circumstances' excuses. The Civil Aviation Authority has full details of when and how to claim. If your airline rejects a claim you may take the case to AviationADR. What circumstances are 'extraordinary'? Coby Benson, a flight delay solicitor at Bott and Co suggests that the rules around 'extraordinary' circumstances are vague. The European Court of Justice previously defined extraordinary circumstances as: 'caused by something outside of the airline's control, [when] the airline took all reasonable steps to avoid the disruption.' However, a more recent definition describes extraordinary circumstances as: 'events which, by their nature or origin, are not inherent in the normal exercise of the activity of the air carrier concerned and are beyond that carrier's actual control.' Essentially, the circumstances around your flight cancellation need to be both 'not inherent', and 'beyond the airline's control' for it to count as extraordinary. Benson said: 'This distinction is crucial because there are sometimes situations that are beyond the airline's control, however they are not extraordinary because they are also 'inherent'. 'Bad weather is a perfect example of this. Undoubtedly heavy snowfall is beyond the airline's control, however, if it occurred in England in January then it is 'inherent in the normal exercise of the activity of the air carrier concerned' since snow in the winter is not at all unusual. 'It is therefore a common misconception that bad weather is automatically an extraordinary circumstance.' Marks & Spencer's chief financial offer Eoin Tonge is set to become the latest senior figure to leave the retailer. Tonge had been handed new responsibilities just weeks ago, having also been named M&S's chief strategy officer upon the departure of long-time chief executive Steve Rowe. But Tonge will now join Primark-owner Associated British Foods as its new finance director, leaving M&S in November after two years with the firm. M&S shares are down more than 40 per cent since the start of 2022 Rowe, who is widely credited with a performance turnaround of M&S, retired in May, and was replaced by now-co-chief executives Stuart Machi and Katie Bickerstaffe formerly head of food, and head of clothing and online sales, respectively. At the time, M&S said Machin, Bickerstaffe and Tonge would together be charged with 'shaping the future' of the retailer. M&S chair Archie Norman said on Thursday Tonge had 'made a great contribution to the transformation' of the retailer, 'bringing quality and rigour to the finance function and building a very strong team'. He added: 'Our financial controls, reporting, and financial discipline are in a far stronger place than when he arrived. Under his guidance, we have restored the balance sheet and created a strong platform for the next phase.' At ABF Tonge will replace current finance director John Bason, who is retiring. ABF boss George Weston said Tonge's 'extensive knowledge and experience of both retail and food industries along with his energy and broad understanding of business make him an ideal successor'. Tonge added: 'The M&S I leave behind is undoubtedly stronger and more resilient than the M&S I found. 'My priority now is to ensure a smooth handover to Stuart and Katie and the wider leadership, and I have every confidence that M&S will flourish, as they reposition the business for future growth.' M&S shares slipped 1.5 per cent to 141.2p in morning trading. The retailer's shares are down more than 40 per cent since the start of the year, with investors seemingly unimpressed with the fallout since Rowe's departure. Nearly 30 per cent of investors opposed its pay policy at its annual general meeting earlier this year, when the firm offered up a 1.6million bonus for Rowe on top of his 1million of fixed pay and other benefits. The bumper payday was branded 'inappropriate' by shareholder advisory firm Glass Lewis, which highlighted M&S had paid its executives bonuses worth 190 per cent of their base salary in 2021 despite benefiting from 62.2million of taxpayer support during the year and not paying dividends to shareholders. Victoria's Secret magnate Leslie Wexner gave Manhattan's largest townhouse to Jeffrey Epstein for just $1, he bragged to one of the pedophile's victims, telling her with a wink: 'He would do anything for me.' In an exclusive DailyMail.com interview Maria Farmer said Epstein told her about the steal of the century when she was at the seven-story mansion on East 71st Street. And Farmer believes the relationship between the men was uncharacteristically close as Epstein gloated to her about his good fortune. 'Epstein told me in New York,' Farmer, 52, claimed. 'He said: ''Maria, I got all this for one dollar.'' 'He held out his arms, spanning the room, and said, ''Look at all of this.'' 'And there are decorators from France coming and going, and you've got all this fabulous food, and maids, and everything, it's just so unbelievable. 'And I said, ''Why? How did you get it for one dollar?'' And he looked at me with the biggest smile, and said, ''Wexner will do anything for me, Maria.'' ''And I mean anything.'' Then he winked.' One of the biggest mysteries in the entire Epstein saga is why such a savvy businessman would have put all his $7.7billion in the hands of a college dropout con artist who had started off as an unqualified physics teacher at a private New York school. 'I do believe they were lovers. That is my opinion. He had a special soft spot for Epstein,' Farmer told DailyMail.com. The relationship between Leslie Wexner, 84, and Jeffrey Epstein is back in the spotlight due to the Hulu documentary Victoria's Secret: Angels and Demons Victoria's Secret magnate Wexner gave Manhattan's largest townhouse to Jeffrey Epstein for just $1. Maria Farmer said Epstein told her about the steal of the century when she was at the seven-story mansion on East 71st Street 'I do believe they were lovers. That is my opinion. He had a special soft spot for Epstein,' Maria Farmer told DailyMail.com The relationship between Wexner, 84, and Epstein is back in the spotlight due to the Hulu documentary Victoria's Secret: Angels and Demons. The series documents the rise of Wexner, who at his height owned some of the biggest chain of retail stores in the country, including Victoria's Secret, The Limited, Abercrombie & Fitch, Lane Bryant, Express, Bath & Body Works, Lerner and Henri Bendel. Experts interviewed in the Hulu documentary remain perplexed regarding the nature of their relationship. Though both Epstein, who died in prison in 2019 aged 66, and Wexner denied ever having a sexual relationship, some interviewed in the docuseries think it could explain the spell Epstein had over the shadowy discreet billionaire. 'Each one must have fulfilled the need of the other,' said Cindy Fields, former Victoria's Secret CEO. 'Wexner had the money that Epstein was seeking and Wexner got from Epstein the glamour and smoothness that he was seeking. 'I am not at all inferring that it was a sexual need... but there was something there.' Anti-trafficking expert Conchita Sarnoff also hinted in the documentary at the idea of Wexner and Epstein being extraordinarily close. 'I also believed they had a complicated relationship,' she said. 'Financially, personally... and in many other ways.' Wexner was Epstein's only publicly named client and it was through him that the convicted sex offender amassed his $55million fortune that allowed him to buy Little St. James, his private island in the Caribbean, his over-the-top Zorro Ranch south of Santa Fe, New Mexico and his private Boeing 727 that journalists dubbed the Lolita Express. A new Hulu docuseries charts the rise and fall of famed lingerie brand Victoria's Secret - and investigates L Brands' former CEO Les Wexner's ties to infamous pedophile Jeffrey Epstein 'Leslie Wexner funded Epstein's entire operation,' Farmer said. 'I know because Epstein told me. 'Ghislaine and Epstein said: ''We work for Les Wexner,''' she added referring to Epstein's right-hand woman Ghislaine Maxwell. Farmer said she asked Epstein about his business life. 'I said, ''How many clients do you have? It seems like you have so much free time for someone in finance.'' 'He said, ''Maria, when Leslie Wexner is your client, you only need one client.''' Wexner claimed in 2019, soon after Epstein was arrested as he landed his private plane at Teterboro Airport in New Jersey, that the pedophile 'misappropriated vast sums of money.' He said he discovered the misappropriation in 2007 shortly after Epstein was first arrested for child sex crimes. 'It was agreed that he should step back from the management of our personal finances, Wexner said in a letter to the Wexner Foundation. 'In that process, we discovered that he had misappropriated vast sums of money from me and my family. This was, frankly, a tremendous shock, even though it clearly pales in comparison to the unthinkable allegations against him now.' But that was only after years of their very close friendship, which even included Wexner giving Epstein one of his most prized possessions, Farmer said. 'Wexner loved his cars,' Farmer said in her DailyMail.com interview. 'He loved his cars more than anything in the world. Wexner was Epstein's only client and it was solely through him that the convicted sex offender amassed his $55million fortune that allowed him to buy Little St. James, his private island in the Caribbean, his over-the-top Zorro Ranch south of Santa Fe , New Mexico (pictured)and his private Boeing 727 that journalists dubbed the Lolita Express This is Epstein's infamous 'Lolita Express' - a private Boeing 727 airliner that carried prominent passengers and allegedly underage girls. It was just one of the airplanes he owned 'Leslie Wexner funded Epstein's entire operation,' Farmer said. 'I know because Epstein told me. Ghislaine and Epstein said: ''We work for Les Wexner.''' Epstein's private island Little St. James is pictured 'Nobody touched his cars. You're not allowed to touch these cars, but there was one car that no one was ever allowed to even breathe near, it was his baby, it was priceless. I can't remember which one. 'Epstein tells the story that when he and Wexner had just started working together, Epstein walks in and says, ''Oh, wow, man, I really like that car.'' ''It's yours,'' says Wexner.' Wexner's passion for classic motors hit the headlines eight years ago, when he purchased a $16.5million 1954 Ferrari 375-Plus from British auctioneers Bonhams - the highest ever for a road legal vehicle in the UK but then sued over issues with the car's ownership history. Wexner also has the biggest private Picasso collection and once said of his love of cars and art: 'My Picassos and Ferraris those are kind of just toys. 'Those aren't the things that matter. What matters in the car collecting or the art collecting is to learn about it, and then actually not the acquisition but to put them into a collection that I think is curated. Farmer said in an affidavit submitted in one Epstein-related lawsuit that she was held 'prisoner' at Wexner's luxury 336-acre estate in New Albany, Ohio, a suburb of Columbus. She believes she was used by Epstein so he could get close to her younger sister Annie, then 16, who was later molested at Epstein's New Mexico ranch. 'I was taken there, so that Epstein could then take Annie. It was all about keeping us separate, but I think it was also about traumatizing me, so that they have power over me. 'Even though I was physically assaulted, it was the psychological part that was so damaging for me.' Trapped in the guesthouse, she painted her pain away. After Epstein and Maxwell visited one night and assaulted her, Farmer had nowhere to run. One of the biggest mysteries in the entire Epstein saga is why such a savvy businessman would have put all his $7.7billion in the hands of a college dropout con artist who had started off as an unqualified physics teacher at a private New York school 'I called the sheriff's office, I called 911, they hung up on me. 'Here's the most bizarre part about it, I never met the Wexners the whole time I was there. My bedroom was so close to their main house and I even drew pictures of it. There were three bodyguards, three sharp shooters and a pack of Dobermans guarding me in the guest house. The New York Academy of Arts graduate said she was recruited as Epstein's receptionist in 1995 when she was 25, and then taken to Wexner's estate to be the 'resident artist.' Instead, she said, she was held hostage for three months, guarded by 'sharp shooters and packs of Dobermans.' She was then sexually abused by Epstein and Maxwell when they came to visit. Farmer said she was held 'prisoner' at Wexner's luxury 336-acre estate in New Albany, Ohio, a suburb of Columbus. She believes she was used by Epstein so he could get close to her younger sister Annie, then 16, who was later molested at Epstein's New Mexico ranch. 'I was taken there, so that Epstein could then take Annie. It was all about keeping us separate, but I think it was also about traumatizing me, so that they have power over me. 'Even though I was physically assaulted, it was the psychological part that was so damaging for me.' Trapped in the guesthouse, she painted her pain away. After Epstein and Maxwell visited one night and assaulted her, Farmer had nowhere to run. 'I called the sheriff's office, I called 911, they hung up on me. And when I called again, they said, ''We work for Wexner, the sheriff's at the gate, you're not leaving.'' That just doesn't happen in the normal world. 'Here's the most bizarre part about it, I never met the Wexners the whole time I was there. My bedroom was so close to their main house and I even drew pictures of it. There were three bodyguards, three sharp shooters and a pack of Dobermans guarding me in the guest house. The New York Academy of Arts graduate said she was recruited as Epstein's receptionist in 1995 when she was 25, and then taken to Wexner's estate to be the 'resident artist.' Instead, she said, she was held hostage for three months, guarded by 'sharp shooters and packs of Dobermans.' She was then sexually abused by Epstein and his accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell when they came to visit. Wexner resigned from his post at Victoria's Secret in 2019 amid the Epstein-scandal, and later that year the brand announced that it would no longer put on its infamous Fashion Show, following fury over the lack of diversity on the catwalk Wexner has never been criminally accused in relation to Epstein's sex crimes and insists that he was duped by him. He says they ended their relationship after the predator's first arrest in 2007, on charges of soliciting a minor for prostitution Farmer said she was held 'prisoner' at Wexner's luxury 336-acre estate (pictured) in New Albany, Ohio, a suburb of Columbus Wexner has never been criminally accused in relation to Epstein's sex crimes and insists that he was duped by him. He says they ended their relationship after the predator's first arrest in 2007, on charges of soliciting a minor for prostitution. Farmer was the original whistleblower on Epstein after she was picked out to work as the receptionist and 'in-house artist' at his New York office after she graduated from the NYAA, where he was a donor. She said she was interviewed for the Hulu documentary on Wexner, but was disappointed with the way that she was treated and doesn't believe that anyone has so far gotten close to discovering the true nature of Wexner and Epstein's relationship. 'The producers wanted it to be a very easy, digestible version of how Leslie Wexner is connected to Jeffrey Epstein. It's a soft take,' said Farmer. 'Hulu says that it digs into Victoria's Secret's connections to lead to Jeffrey Epstein. I'm sorry, the name is Leslie Wexner. His name is not Victoria's Secret. Victoria's Secret is the company. It had no real connection to Jeffrey Epstein. 'The producer courted me for a while, and I didn't want to do it at all. They didn't know how to handle people who have suffered any kind of tragedy.' Farmer was the original whistleblower on Epstein after she was picked out to work as the receptionist and 'in-house artist' at his New York office after she graduated from the NYAA, where he was a donor Farmer believes she was used by Epstein so he could get close to her younger sister Annie, then 16, (right) who was later molested at Epstein's New Mexico ranch The stress of Farmer's ordeal is thought to have brought on a brain tumor, which she's had for over 20 years, and is now battling lymphoma, which has spread across her chest and surrounded her heart Farmer has lived reclusively and the stress of her ordeal is thought to have brought on a brain tumor, which she's had for more than 20 years. She is now also battling lymphoma, which has spread across her chest and surrounded her heart. For Wexner's role in the sordid Epstein tale, Farmer wants to see justice. She says: 'I have, for 26 years, tried to get anybody to listen about Leslie Wexner and his power. I want justice. 'I have a brain tumor, that man owns a medical center. I am a talented artist, that man owns art museums. I can't get a gallery, that man owns half the art world. 'I'm not saying this to get anything out of it, but I'm saying the injustice in this case, is so grotesque and over the top. 'What I'm telling you is that there has been no justice yet. We have just seen Ghislaine Maxwell put away for 20 years, I can go outside now, I can walk around, I know I'm not going to get shot in the back of the head. Great. 'But justice is when we get them all.' The United States is sending four powerful rockets to Kyiv to fight against Russia's continued aggression as the Ukrainian defense minister urges arms dealers to "test" weapons against Moscow's troops. On Wednesday, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said that the four rocket launchers would be provided to Ukraine as part of a forthcoming military assistance package. The official, speaking at the fourth meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, said that Ukrainian forces have been using the High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems "so effectively." Rockets to Ukraine There have already been 12 such rocket launchers sent to Kyiv as part of the U.S.'s military assistance, with the latter training 200 Ukrainians on using the system, said the Joint Chiefs chair, Gen. Mark Milley. Kyiv's forces are using the HIMARS effectively against Russian forces, striking command-and-control nodes, logistical networks, field artillery, and air defenses, the official noted. During the press conference, Austin joined Milley and noted that the international community is intensifying efforts to send military equipment to Ukraine. The decision comes as Russian military forces continue to relentlessly shell cities across the country, as per Politico. Austin also said that the U.S. understands the urgency of the matter and is pushing hard to maintain and intensify the momentum of donations. He noted that countries from all over the world continue to step up with critically needed systems and ammunition. Read Also: Iran Seeks To Strengthen Ties with Russia as Vladimir Putin Makes Rare International Trip The now five-month-long war continues to be a "battle of attrition" between the two sides, where sustainment and long-range fires are critical to either party, said Milley. He expects, in the near term, that Russia will continue its heavy shelling of Ukrainian positions in the east to achieve "limited gains." According to Reuters, earlier this week, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu ordered generals to prioritize destroying Ukraine's long-range missiles and artillery after Western-supplied weapons were used to strike Russian supply lines. Testing Weapons Against Russia Since the beginning of the invasion, Russian President Vladimir Putin's troops have advanced through the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine and occupied roughly a fifth of Ukraine's territory. On the other hand, Kyiv authorities said that they have carried out successful strikes on 30 Russian logistics and ammunition hubs. Milley noted that the Donbas region had not been lost by Ukrainians yet and described it as a "grinding war of attrition." The HIMARS has a longer range and is more precise than the Soviet-era artillery that Ukraine has had in its arsenal before. The situation comes as Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov pitched Western arms dealers on Tuesday, asking them to let his troops test out products against Russia's troops. The official said that Ukraine was interested in testing modern systems in the fight against their enemies. The remarks were made during a conversation with former U.S. Ambassador John Herbst as part of an online event hosted by the Atlantic Council think tank. Reznikov said that Ukraine was inviting arms manufacturers to test their products in Ukraine, which would have the added benefit of defending from Russian aggression, the New York Post reported. Related Article: Vladimir Putin Fires Back on "Crazy Idea" of Restricting Russian Oil Supply, Prices Amid Ukraine War @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Triple-digit temperatures, high winds and bone-dry vegetation make the perfect ingredients for destructive wildfires, a record 24 of which continue to sweep across Texas, claiming at least dozens of homes and damaging many more. The two dozen fires have destroyed 7,774 acres of land from central to East Texas and as far south as Walnut Creek, which is about 100 miles north of San Antonio. With excessive heat warnings expected in the next 10 days and little rain forecast, the flames are expected to claim more property as they draw closer to urban areas. No deaths, and only minor injuries, have been reported. Property belonging to Bruce Purcell and Beth Key was destroyed this week by the Chalk Mountain wildfire Governor Greg Abbott told Texans to be vigilant of wildfires during the summer heatwave, where temperatures have reached 100 degrees Fahrenheit. 'The State of Texas remains steadfast in our ongoing coordinated response to help Texans and communities affected by or at risk of wildfires,' Abbott said. 'As we continue to deploy all available resources in response to widespread fire and drought conditions, Texans are encouraged to remain vigilant and weather-aware to protect themselves and their loved ones from dangerous wildfires.' Last week, Abbott renewed disaster area declarations for the 72 counties affected by the fires. A drought disaster declaration was renewed for 189 counties in the state. A DC-10 and two MD-80s dropped 60,000 gallons of flame retardant on the Chalk Mountain fire Residents who live near the wildfire on Chalk Mountain were evacuated to a FEMA shelter set up in the Somervell County Expo Center, which has stables for livestock More than 115 firefighters were deployed to battle the various blazes, which destroyed 7,700 acres The largest blaze, the Chalk Mountain fire, which started on Monday near Glen Rose, Texas (pop. 2,653), has reduced 10 square miles of brush, grass and juniper to cinders, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service, and is only 10 percent contained. Red hot embers from burning tree crowns could be seen floating 200 yards in the air, widening the path of the dangerous blaze. Brandon Purcell and Beth Key quickly gathered family photos, clothing and insulin for her son and evacuated to the Somervell County Expo Center, where the Federal Emergency Management Administration set up cots for displace homeowners and stables to shelter livestock. Beth Key, left, and Brandon Purcell, right, quickly gathered family photos, clothing and insulin for her son and evacuated to the Somervell County Expo Center A Texas A&M Forest Service map shows the active fires marked with red dots littered around the state 'My parents lost their house everything; my uncle lost his house, another aunt lost everything and another aunt still battling out there trying to keep her house. Just in my family -- one, two, three, four gone,' Key told WFAA News. Sixteen homes were destroyed and five others were damaged, fire service spokeswoman Alexandra Schwier said. The governor said that the Texas Department of Emergency Management is coordinating with the Texas A&M Forest Service to bring the flames under control. Record temperatures, dry brush and high winds created perfect conditions for wildfires Beth Key, of Somervell County said that she took clothing, family photos and insulin for her son before fleeing her family farm No deaths have been reported but at least two dozen homes have been destroyed by the fires on Chalk Mountain and Possum Kingdom Lake He said that 115 firefighters from 30 engines and four water tenders are battling the various blazes. In addition to the high temperatures, there have been 10 to 20 mph winds and a relative humidity hovering around an arid 20 percent, making fighting the fires more difficult, the Forest Service said. 'In these fuels, resistance to control is often high and makes suppression efforts challenging for firefighters,' Luke Kanclerz, a Forest Service fire analyst, said. In Chalk Mountain, 90 firefighters worked around the clock, digging a containment line around the fire's northeast edge. A DC-10 with a large water tank and two MD-80s dropped 60,000 gallons of flame retardant on the leading edge of the blaze, Schwier told the Associated Press. Somervell County Judge Danny Chambers has issued a disaster declaration because of the possibility of evacuations. A voluntary evacuation notice was issued for the county's rural northwestern quadrant, and a no-fly zone has been declared for the entire fire area. The governor said that 99% of the state was experiencing drought conditions. The 1148 fire near Possum Kingdom Lake, about 70 miles west of Fort Worth, destroyed 500 acres, taking at least 12 homes with it, fire officials said. The Forest Service used bulldozers to dig containment lines around the fire's leading edge. Two crew members were treated for minor heat injuries and returned to service. There was good news regarding the King Creek fire in Kaufman County, which was 85 percent contained on Wednesday. It destroyed 452 acres. A new mother has called out the government after being referred to as a 'birthing parent' rather than a 'mother' on a healthcare form. Sall Grover, from the Gold Coast, said she was shocked by the 'alienating' form that has been introduced in some hospitals as part of a trial to upload new baby details to Medicare. She pointed out the form asked for the 'birthing parent's full name' in one box and 'birthing parent's signature' in another instead of 'mother', and shared an image of it on Twitter. 'Attention women in Australia: On the form to put our newborn baby on our Medicare card, we are referred to as 'birthing parent,' Ms Grover wrote. 'Enough is enough. This absolute bull--- is exclusionary, alienating and derogatory towards every woman who wants to be and is called "mother." 'I know enough what is happening at the moment with women's rights, and the erosion of our language and spaces, so I know where it's coming from,' she said. During an interview with the Today Show on Thursday morning, she said the new consent forms were simply to please fringe activists and lobbyists. 'The fact that it was on this government form saying 'birthing parent', shocked me.' Sall Grover (pictured)told the Today Show hosts she was shocked by the new consent form which she described as Today Show host Karl Stefanovic said he 'couldn't believe' the form had been changed in the first place and described it as 'bureaucracy gone crazy'. Poll Do you think the word 'mother' should be replaced with 'birthing parent'? Yes No Unsure Do you think the word 'mother' should be replaced with 'birthing parent'? Yes 345 votes No 3525 votes Unsure 32 votes Now share your opinion 'Motherhood is about so much more than that, it is every other day from then, you have your first few days of excitement, being part of that and then you see "birthing parent", are you reducing the role of me getting her here,' Ms Grover replied. She called on the people offended by the term 'mother' to 'get help'. 'If the word "mother" bothers you so much, I mean motherhood is going to be quite a shock. Get help, go and deal with it if the word "mother" bothers', she said. Today Host Ally Langdon said as a mother herself, she found the term 'birthing parent' dehumanising. 'I feel divided about it if I'm perfectly honest. As someone who does identify as a mother, I see that and it's sort off-putting to see birthing parent,' she said. 'It's dehumanising to me. 'But I understand when the surrogate and, you know, it's not one bill fits all.' An emphatic Karl Stefanovic (left) said he 'couldn't believe' the form had been changed in the first place and described it as 'bureaucracy gone crazy'. The consent form (pictured) being trialed in some hospitals as a way to upload new baby details to Medicare asks for the name and signature of the newborn's 'birthing parent' The Gold Coast mother posted a photo of the new consent form to Twitter on Tuesday and described it as 'exclusionary, alienating and derogatory' The new mother re-appeared on the Today Show later on in the morning, after news broke the new forms had been dumped. 'Since that interview went to air, Bill Shorten who is a regular on the show, has been in contact to confirm these forms have been dumped,' Stefanovic said. 'Replaced with new ones that use the word "mother" not "birthing parent".' Ms Grover said it was 'amazing news'. 'I was actually just talking to my own mum about it and I was saying it's awesome, fantastic. No complaint,' she told the hosts. 'It doesn't take a genius to work out that it should have been "mother" all along.' Ms Grover (pictured) claimed the new consent forms was simply to please fringe activists and lobbyists and said people who complained were slammed as 'bigots' Ms Grover likened the title 'birthing parent' as something from the Handmaids Tale (pictured) While the new mum received an outpouring of support from Aussies, some pointed out that the word 'mother' alienates other groups such as same-sex couples, adopted parents and surrogates. 'One form that uses inclusive language is not erasing/stealing your rights/whatever other nonsense you're suggesting. 'Why is it ok to alienate other groups to keep you happy?' 'It removes ambiguity for situations with: lesbian couples, surrogate pregnancy, non-cis parents, adopted parents, and so many more situations. 'By using 'birthing parent', it neatly and simply clarifies specifically which person they need the signature from.' Twitter users pointed out that the form alienated groups like same-sex couples and surrogates Some Twitter users pointed out it was just one form and that children weren't being forced to call their mothers 'birthing parents' However others agreed that the words 'birthing parent' had no place on the form. 'Disgraceful. Becoming a mother was the most special time of my entire existence. It re-defined everything I thought I knew about myself,' one wrote. 'Let us call ourselves MOTHERS! Cross it out and put "mother".' Anyone coming across this on forms should cross out the offending words & put MOTHER in block capitals,' another agreed. 'If there is space, write on the form, saying that their description is offensive to women. This has come about because a tiny minority have banged on about being offensive.' A young couple was horrified when Qantas rescheduled their 13-month-old daughter onto a different flight - and then spent 20 hours on hold trying to change it. Stephanie and Andrew Braham had been travelling through Europe with their baby girl before their trip home to Australia was rescheduled by the airline. But after learning their trip had been cancelled, the couple were shocked to find out Qantas had rescheduled their baby onto a completely separate flight from the one they were booked on. To make matters worse, the pair spent nearly 21 hours on hold across 55 different calls to Qantas' disastrous offshore support centre to sort the issue out. They claimed Qantas refused to accept liability for the mistake. 'They said they hadn't done anything wrong because they did book her a ticket. Initially, they denied any liability. That's Qantas,' the mother told Today. 'We spent 20 hours 47 minutes and 13 seconds on the phone to Qantas over a 24-hour period before and over 55 separate phone calls before they finally agreed to book us on new flights home.' Qantas moved the Brahams 13-month-old baby girl onto a separate flight after they were left stranded in Rome The couple spent more than 20 hours on hold across 55 calls to Qantas' disastrous offshore support centres trying to fix the issue The family are now forced to splash huge money on another two weeks of accommodation in Rome, and despite admitting there are 'worse places to be stuck', they are still desperate to return to Australia. After nearly a full day of waiting on hold, Qantas finally agreed to move the trio onto a flight together - 12 days later than they were supposed to depart. 'We're seething. I'm meant to be home,' Andrew said. 'Hopefully, in 13 days, eventually we will. I don't think we will really feel assured until we get on that plane and the plane is in the air at this stage.' In a statement to Daily Mail Australia, Qantas say they 'sincerely apologise' to the family and that a 'backend administrative error' between the airline and partner KLM saw the child automatically moved to another flight. 'We are reaching out to the family to provide support and will provide reimbursement for their accommodation,' a spokeswoman said. They're not the only ones complaining about the airline, that's come under fire under the leadership of CEO Alan Joyce. Another mother took to social media after Qantas booked her and her young child onto separate flights. The woman posted to Reddit she was now on hold with the airline's infamous offshore call centre, where people have reported wait times of up to seven hours, to fix the obvious issue. 'Qantas just booked my three year old onto a different flight to me (his Mum). Is there any end to their incompetency?' she said. 'Currently on hold trying to fix this farce.' Another woman has vowed to never fly with Qantas again after the airline lost her baggage for a week before charging her $380 in excess luggage fees on the return trip. Corrine Olsen and her husband Peter travelled from Sydney to Denpasar Airport in Bali, on July 2. However, a bag containing toiletries and other essentials failed to arrive at the airport and, after waiting three hours, airport staff gave them $60, a set of pyjamas and one toothbrush. Corrine Olsen and her husband Peter travelled from Sydney to Denpasar Airport in Bali, on July 2 but Qantas lost their bag Over the next few days, the couple waited for the bag to arrive but say the online tracking process didn't work and that there was no telephone number to call. Eventually, after spending a week in Bali, their bag arrived, just five days before they were set to fly back to Sydney. In that time the couple had replaced their missing items but when they went to check in for their return flight on July 14, they were told to pay $380 for 11kg of excess luggage. Despite attempting to explain their situation, a Qantas employee told them 'either you pay or you stay'. A shocked Mrs Olsen has now promised to never fly with the airline again. 'Why should I have to pay for excess baggage when they lost the luggage?' she told the Daily Telegraph. The couple had replaced their missing items but when they went to check in for their return flight on July 14, they were told to pay $380 for 11kg of excess luggage 'I was so disappointed on so many levels. I think Qantas is going down the gurgler. I will never travel with them again - ever.' Qantas said it would reimburse the Olsens but also insisted the charge would have been refunded if they had raised the issue once back in Australia - something Mrs Olsen said she doubts. A Qantas spokesman said: 'We accept that these customers shouldn't have to pay excess baggage in these circumstances and have provided a refund for the additional charges.' Angry Qantas passengers have coined the term 'Joyced' on social media as the embattled CEO continues to come under fire from passengers experiencing significant delays, cancelled flights and lost luggage. Qantas said it would reimburse the Olsens but also insisted the charge would have been refunded if they had raised the issue once back in Australia - something Mrs Olsen said she doubts Qantas customers have coined the term 'Joyced' after seeing flights delayed and cancelled and their luggage lost. Pictured is Qantas CEO Alan Joyce The phrase has even been promoted by the Transport Workers Union and the CFMEU as the once great airline reels from the impact of sacking thousands of staff, changing conditions and moving call centres offshore. 'Just got #Joyced at Perth Airport, one-hour after the flight landed and still waiting for my bag, got to love how well the priority tag and platinum e tags work so well,' an angry man tweeted. 'Qantas flight from Albury to Melbourne delayed this morning with no explanation ...I have been #Joyced,' a woman posted. 'So the 6:15am cancelled saw me put on the 7am flight. 7:57am and still at gate in Melbourne #joyced,' another added. CFMEU National Secretary Dave Noonan tweeted: 'New Aussie slang for late flights & lost bags. 'Joyced' 'I'll be late to the meeting my flight was Joyced. 'I'll need to buy some clothes- my bags got Joyced. Qantas claim its services are returning to levels of efficiency pre-pandemic, however customer outrage remains. Meanwhile, authorities have launched an investigation after Qantas pilots were forced to declare a mid-air emergency after almost running out of fuel due to runway delays at a Western Australian airport. Qantas Flight 933 from Brisbane to Perth was several hundred kilometres away from its destination on Monday when pilots declared a 'mayday' call to air traffic control while in queue to land. The Boeing 737 entered Perth's airspace with an additional 20 minutes' worth of fuel, but was instructed to maintain a holding pattern due to an influx of inbound planes, The Age reports. A Qantas flight was forced to declare a mid-air emergency as it descended into Perth airport on Monday The plane was several hundred kilometres east of Perth when it encountered trouble. Pictured: Qantas flight 933's flightpath With the wait time standing at 16 minutes, air traffic controllers told the pilots they would need to declare a mayday to be given priority to touch down. Pictured: A Qantas Boeing 737 With the wait time standing at 16 minutes, air traffic controllers told the pilots they would need to declare a mayday to be given priority to touch down. The aircraft eventually landed safety under a 'fuel mayday on descent' - an emergency situation rarely encountered by pilots. Under legal requirements, planes must land with certain fuel reserves intact, which may have been breached if the pilots had not issued the mayday. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau are now investigating the 'low fuel event', which took place 335km east of the city, above Wave Rock. 'During descent, the crew declared an emergency due to the amount of fuel on board and proceeded to land at Perth. The aircraft landed with reserves intact,' it said. 'A final report will be released at the conclusion of the investigation. Qantas has been approached for comment. A 19-year-old Liz Truss was applauded by the Lib Dem conference in 1994 when she advocated for a motion calling for republicanism in the UK. Miss Truss was recorded speaking about how she surveyed a 'reactionary-looking' trio of voters who told her that they had had 'enough' of the Royal Family. The Foreign Secretary, now 46, who used to be the leader of Oxford University's Liberal Democrats has recently said she now understands that the Queen and the rest of the Royals are 'key' to the success of the UK. She became a Conservative in 1996, and is now in the final two of the Tory leadership campaign to become Prime Minister along with former chancellor Rishi Sunak. Miss Truss was seen speaking about how she surveyed a 'reactionary-looking' trio of voters who told her that they had had 'enough' of the Royal Family A 19-year-old Liz Truss was applauded by the Lib Dem conference in 1994 when she advocated abolishing the Monarchy In the clip shared by Newsnight this evening, Miss Truss told the conference: 'We Liberal Democrats believe in opportunity for all. 'I was being interviewed by Newsnight earlier this afternoon and we were filmed asking members of the public what they thought about the Monarchy. 'We came across a group of three people. I'd say they were around 50, 60 [years of age]. [They] looked fairly middle class, rather smart and in fact rather reactionary to be perfectly frank. 'We asked them they're opinion of the Monarch, do you know what they said? They said: "Abolish them. We've had enough".' She also went on to say during the same speech that she agreed with former Lib Dem leader Paddy Ashdown on the Monarchy. 'I agree with Paddy Ashdown when he said: 'Everybody in Britain should have the chance to be a somebody,' she said in Brighton. 'But only one family can provide the head of the state. We Liberal Democrats believe in opportunity for all. We do not believe people are born to rule.' Favourite: Liz Truss, pictured in the House of Parliament after she saw off Penny Mordaunt to make the final two in the Tory leadership contest When she was quizzed by the BBC's Nick Robinson on her former wish to abolish the Monarchy, she said: 'I think it's fair to say that when I was in my youth I was a professional controversialist and I liked exploring ideas and stirring things up. 'And I came from a left-wing background as I said my mother was in the campaign for nuclear disarmament. 'There are very few people at my school or who I met on a regular basis in fact, I could count them on one hand who you'd describe as right-wing. 'So I thought at the time, this is a totally different way of life, it doesn't represent the type of society I want to live in. 'And I began to understand more about why Britain is successful and part of our success is the constitutional monarchy that supports a free democracy.' Today in the Daily Mail she vowed to beat Labour by governing as a true tax-cutting, freedom-loving Conservative. The Foreign Secretary last night surged into the final run-off against Rishi Sunak in the race to become prime minister, knocking out rival Penny Mordaunt. She said: 'I entered politics to stop this soft bigotry of low expectations and bring equality of opportunity for all. My approach is rooted firmly in Conservative values of aspiration, enterprise and freedom, which I know are shared across the country.' A Coles truck carrying a load of lettuce has gone up in flames in a very costly explosion following a collision with a four-wheel drive. The crash occurred on the Bruce Highway on Queensland's Sunshine Coast at 11.40pm on Wednesday night, with the car pinned underneath the truck and dragged for almost a kilometre before both vehicles caught alight. The truck driver immediately stopped and rushed to assist the 20-year-old female driver and managed to pull her from the wreckage with the help of a witness. A Coles supermarket truck carrying a load of lettuce has gone up in flames (pictured) following a collision with a four-wheel drive on Queensland's Sunshine Coast on Wednesday night The truck driver immediately stopped and rushed to assist the 20-year-old woman and managed to pull her from the wreckage (pictured) with the help of a witness 'He dragged her for at least 700-800metres before pulling over, because he didn't realise he had anything behind him,' witness Anthony Puleo told 7NEWS. Both drivers escaped injury. Queensland Police told Daily Mail Australia that the Bruce Highway was partially blocked off for several hours. The flames have since been extinguished. The loss of the truck's contents comes at a time when lettuce has become a symbol of Australia's cost-of living crisis. Multiple floods which destroyed crops in south-east Queensland and northern NSW in March and May have combined with high fuel prices and farm worker shortages to cause the price of the salad staple to rise to as much as $12 a head. A shopper in Brisbane recently posted an image to social media of an iceberg lettuce selling for $11.99 at her local grocery store. Victorian senator Bridget McKenzie blamed a lack of overseas backpackers for Australians paying $12 for a lettuce (pictured) Victorian senator Bridget McKenzie claimed on the ABC's Q&A program last month that vegetable prices had surged because farmers were reluctant to plant crops - only weeks after growers in Queensland and NSW cleaned up the second set of floods this year. 'You want to know why your lettuces are $12? 'Farmers are not planting because they do not have the people to get the crop in. 'That means the price of food goes up it's that simple.' A politician has taken aim at a young model after she brought home a half-eaten Subway sandwich amid growing fears foot and mouth disease could enter Australia. Perth model Jessica Lee bought a foot-long Subway sandwich while in transit at Singapore Airport last week while travelling home from Greece. However, when she got to Australian customs at Perth International Airport, she didn't realise she would need to declare the chicken and lettuce that was on the sandwich, copping a $2,664 fine for the oversight. Jessica Lee, above, came under fire from Agriculture Minister Murray Watt for failing to declare her Subway sandwich at Australian customs while travelling home from Greece Agriculture Minister Senator Murray Watt told the ABC on Thursday morning it was important border force cracked down on customs laws and that the young woman was no exception. 'Just the other day we saw a young woman be fined about $2,500 for bringing back a half-eaten subway sandwich into the country,' he said. 'That's a pretty stiff fine. It's probably a lot more than the person paid for their airfares.' Mr Watt (above) said that while the fine was harsh it was important people like Ms Lee are fined for breaking Australian customs laws amid growing fear foot and mouth disease could spread in Australia Senator Watt said the government was ready to 'throw the book' at people doing the wrong thing, and they would be punished if they put Australia's biosecurity at risk. 'Similarly, the example that we caught at Adelaide Airport in recent days, with someone bringing in beef that contained viral fragments of FMD. Not the actual virus but fragments of it,' he said. 'There are big fines for people and people need to understand that we take this really seriously and we will throw the book at people if they do the wrong thing.' Ms Lee copped a $2,664 fine for failing to declare the chicken and lettuce on her Subway sanwich, which she bought while in transit at Singapore airport Ms Lee made a TikTok video after she received her fine where she explained the oversight, and said the fine had arrived when she was unemployed and had rent due. 'It is my mistake but like, I bought a foot-long Subway at Singapore airport because I was a hungry girl after my 11 hour flight,' she said. Luckily, Subway came to the rescue on Tuesday by giving Ms Lee a gift card the same value of her fines. 'Subway makes my fine worth every single cent,' Ms Lee said in a TikTok video. 'Looking at positives over negatives always pays off.' Ms Lee (above) received a $2,664 gift card from Subway which she said made her fine 'worth every single cent' The gift card was accompanied by a playful letter from Subway saying it hoped the money 'covers all your chicken and lettuce needs'. Australian border security is now on high alert after traces of foot and mouth disease (FMD) and African Swine Flu were found in Melbourne. Australia still remains free of both viruses as no live traces have been found. However, the disease was recently detected in Bali which is a popular destination for Australian tourists. New citric acid sanitation mats are to be rolled out at all international Australian airports this week to help prevent FMD spreading on travellers' shoes All international airports will soon feature sanitation mats containing a citric acid solution to help prevent the disease travelling on tourists' shoes. Australia's livestock industry is predicted to take an $80billion hit over 10 years if FMD were to spread. The mats will be rolled out this week, starting at Darwin and Cairns airports. Travellers heading to locations where FMD is present have been advised to consider taking 'cheap shoes' that can be discarded upon entry to Australia. As a nation we are as obsessed with class as we are with talking about the weather or house prices. But putting someone down because of their social standing will soon be outlawed if senior psychologists get their way. A senior team are calling for an end to snobbery and a persons social class to be protected under law in a similar way to race or religion. The move would ban people being discriminated against because of their family history, accent or education. The study said children are at particular risk of being judged by teachers on their family backgrounds, with working-class pupils less encouraged to speak in class and likely to get lower marks In a report highlighting the impact of snobbery in schools, work and wider society, the British Psychological Society said equality laws which protect people from prejudice based on age, sex, race and other characteristics should also include social class. Lead author Bridgette Rickett said it would help make a reality of the Governments levelling-up agenda which aims to extend opportunities and wealth around the UK. The study said children are at particular risk of being judged by teachers on their family backgrounds, with working-class pupils less encouraged to speak in class and likely to get lower marks. It added that working-class people are also discriminated against by doctors including being blamed for weighing too much or having asthma. And in the workplace snobbery means that employees from poorer families are less likely to get promoted. Dr Rickett said: In the UK, discrimination based on someones social class or socio-economic status is immune from direct challenge and for too long the damaging impacts of social class inequalities and discrimination have been ignored. The evidence in our report is clear class-based differentials are hugely significant for health and well-being across all areas of peoples lives. Boris Johnson was elected Prime Minister three years ago with a manifesto pledge to 'level up every part of the UK'. Here he is pictured at at Babcock Rosyth Dockyard promoting this agenda. Lead author of the study Bridgette Rickett said the radical move of outlawing snobbery would help make a reality of the Governments levelling-up agenda which aims to extend opportunities and wealth around the UK She added: We have focused on the areas of education, health and work as we believe these are areas where class-based discrimination is rife. She stressed that they are also areas where huge strides could be made if institutions were obliged to record data on class, analyse class-based disparities and implement policies and initiatives to tackle discrimination. However, other experts believe the radical move of outlawing snobbery is unlikely to happen because of the difficulty in defining social class in law or proving snobbery has occurred. A Government spokesman said ministers were determined to open up opportunities to everyone, no matter their class, ethnicity or background. They added that the appointment of London free school founder Katharine Birbalsingh as chairman of the Social Mobility Commission will give this vital issue a renewed impetus. However, the spokesman insisted: We will not be making any changes to the Equality Act at this time. A California woman was charged with kidnapping after she posed as a nurse and snuck into a hospital where she attempted to steal a newborn baby before fleeing. Jesenea Miron, 23, of Moreno Valley, was arrested on Friday after she allegedly attempted to steal a baby from the Riverside University Health System Medical Center the day before around 10.30am, according to Riverside County Sheriff's Office. She reportedly disguised herself as a new nurse to gain access to the ward and then 'entered a patient's hospital room and identified herself as a nurse.' Miron then tried to take the baby, but was confronted by hospital staff, who contacted security. It is unknown if Miron was targeting a specific baby or it was picked at random. Jesenea Miron, 23, of Moreno Valley, was arrested on Friday after she attempted to steal a baby at a hospital around 10.30am on Thursday. She fled after being confronted by hospital staff and was arrested at her home on Friday By the time security and law enforcement arrived, she had fled the scene. She was apprehended at her home on Weber Street, according to the police, and other 'items of evidentiary value' were found inside the home. Authorities did not identify the items of interest. According to court documents, obtained by Fox 11, Miron told authorities it would be 'easy' to steal a baby and officers reportedly found ultrasound sonograms from two other hospitals. Miron has been taken to the Robert Presley Detention Center on a $1million bail. She is expected to appear in court on Tuesday. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities try to determine how the young woman managed to get inside the ward without setting off alarm bells. She attempted to steal the baby from Riverside University Health System in Moreno Valley (pictured) The CEO of Riverside, Jennifer Cruikshank, said the hospital system 'has multiple layers of security to protect the safety and well-being of patients and staff.' Security is also being 'reviewed and reinforced' and additional deputies are on the property, according to The New York Times. Any dog lover will be familiar with those special moments when their pet bounds up to them and wags its tail enthusiastically in greeting. And if they have noticed a preference for which way the tail wags they might be onto something. For a study has found they tend to go to the right when a dog is settled and with someone familiar. Researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Beijing observed dogs meeting a stranger over the course of three days. They found that as the dogs got to know the person, they started wagging their tails more frequently to the right and less to the left. Researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Beijing found that as dogs got to know a stranger they started wagging their tails more to the right and less to the left Lead researcher Dr Yong Q Zhang suggests that right-sided wagging is linked to the left side of the brain where positive emotions are processed Lead researcher Dr Yong Q Zhang suggests that right-sided wagging is linked to the left side of the brain where positive emotions are processed. This suggests it is a sign the dog is feeling happy or comfortable, while the opposite could mean the dog feels scared or nervous. Commenting on the findings, Dr Deborah Wells, from Queen's University Belfast, who has studied dog behaviour for more than 25 years, said: 'The switch to right-sided wagging suggests the dogs are perceiving the stranger in a more positive light given the passage of time.' The study, published in the journal iScience, used a 3D motion tracking system to study how ten beagles wagged their tails when they were with humans for one five-minute session per day over three days. In total, they analysed 21,000 wagging bouts including the speed and distance that their tails moved. They also found the pets each had a distinct pattern of wagging similar to the way each of us has a unique way of walking. Lead researcher Dr Yong Q Zhang said: 'Positive and negative emotional states have been associated with left- and right-sided activation of the prefrontal cortex in humans. 'We speculate that tail wagging toward the left might be accompanied by right brain activation, while tail wagging toward the right side may be accompanied by left brain activation in the prefrontal cortex.' 'We speculate that tail wagging toward the left might be accompanied by right brain activation, while tail wagging toward the right side may be accompanied by left brain activation in the prefrontal cortex,' said lead researcher Dr Yong Q Zhang from the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Beijing 'The switch to right-sided wagging suggests the dogs are perceiving the stranger in a more positive light given the passage of time,' said Dr Deborah Wells, from Queen's University Belfast, who has studied dog behaviour for more than 25 years A study of 18,000 dogs published last year also found that dogs tend to be right 'handed'. The research, by Lincoln University, discovered nearly 75 per cent of dogs showed a paw preference when reaching for food. Of these, just under 60 per cent preferred to use their right. Having a preferred limb, known as lateralisation, is thought to be beneficial because it makes animals more efficient at tasks. Previous studies have found that chimps with a stronger hand preference forage more efficiently for termites, and locusts with a stronger leg preference make fewer mistakes when attempting to cross a gap, which suggests improved motor control. China is pursuing a plan it believes will cut the price it pays for Australia's most valuable export, iron ore, but sceptics liken the difficulty of Beijing's attempt to 'herding cats'. The superpower registered a national iron ore company, the China Mineral Resources Group, designed as a centralised purchasing cartel to drive down the prices it pays for the essential steelmaking ingredient. China has long believed its buying power should mean it pays lower prices - a move that if successful has the potential to weaken Australia's economy. While China pulled out of importing Australian coal in 2020 after a conflict over the origins of Covid-19 and regional tensions, iron ore is considered too important to both nations and trade has continued. China has pushed ahead with a plan it believes will cut the price it pays for iron ore, by far Australia's most valuable export China has long believed its buying power should mean it pays lower prices - a move that if successful has the potential to weaken Australia's economy Australia's reliance on iron ore exports - and on trade with China Australia's iron ore exports forecast at A$700billion between 2021 and 2026 In 2019 iron ore accounted for 41 per cent of mineral exports by value, ahead of black coal (27 per cent) Aussie miners sold $130billion worth of iron ore to China in 2021 High iron ore prices have fallen back to $100 a tonne reducing profits Despite regional tensions, China remains by far Australia's biggest trading partner In 2019-20, Australia sold $251billion worth of goods and services to China Advertisement Iron ore, which is mainly mined in Western Australia's Pilbara region, is Australias biggest commodity export and a massive part of the country's economic prosperity. In 2021, for instance, Australia exported $475billion worth of goods and services worldwide, with $103billion coming from the sale of iron ore. That figure is growing rapidly too. Last year the Australian government predicted iron ore exports would total A$700billion over the six years to 2025-26. A plunge in iron ore prices, however - after historic highs - scaled back such predictions. In mid 2021 iron ore was worth over $200 a tonne, but was worth half of that by late July 2022. Iron ore mining also directly employs 45,600 people in Australia. Chinese hype casts the $3billion new company, which will manage mines and serve as a buying platform for steel mills, as a 'game-changer'. It is based in Xiong'an, a new industrial city championed by Chinese leader Xi Jinping. 'The new behemoth is seen as game-changing for China's steelmaking, which is famed for its huge size that's also out of proportion to its bargaining power in the world,' the Global Times said on Tuesday. Iron ore mining also directly employs 45,600 people in Australia and accounted for $103billion of the $475billion worth of goods and services the nation exported in 2021 Last year the Australian government predicted iron ore exports would total A$700 billion over the six years to 2025-26 The new Chinese iron ore buyer would give Beijing 'a bigger say in iron ore pricing by leveraging China's strength as the world's largest consumer', the state-owned publication said. But major Australian miners BHP and Fortescue Metals are unconcerned by Beijing's plan, believing history is on their side. BHP's chief financial officer David Lamont said 'history' shows the Chinese government doesn't have the discipline to take control of iron ore pricing. 'At the end of the day, we believe markets will sort out where the prices need to be, based on supply and demand,' he told the ABC. Lamont told The Australian markets will 'sort out' prices. 'Were supplying into that and obviously will meet what ... prices the overall economy and the world puts forward, so were not worried about that,' he said. A mining industry analyst likened Beijing's ambitious task to 'herding cats' because of the number of players and complexity of longstanding relationships. At present Australia is the biggest iron ore exporter to China and Australian miners sell to dozens of Chinese companies, although the biggest buyers are state-owned companies. 'It's a story that's trotted out every three years,' Fortescue boss Andrew Forrest told the AFR. The new China Mineral Resources Group is based in Xiong'an, a new industrial city championed by leader Xi Jinping While the new company is intended to become the ultra-powerful centralised buyer for the mineral, analysts believe it will start more slowly. At present it is building a trading desk as it accumulates staff experienced in the minerals sector. Australian companies are understood to see the new company as just a new player in the market. The House Committee on Oversight and Reform released documents on Wednesday that show how the Trump administration unsuccessfully tried to add a citizenship question to the 2020 census as part of a gamble for partisan gain. The document is roughly 500 pages and includes several drafts of a 2017 memo that appear to show Trump officials scheming to use the citizenship question to influence how congressional seats and electoral votes are divvied up by census members. Citizenship Question In one of the earlier memos, a Commerce Department lawyer warned that a citizenship question would likely be illegal. However, after several rounds of feedback on that draft from a Trump appointee in the Commerce Department, the lawyer, Hames Uthmeier, appeared to change his tune. He then told then-Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross in a new draft that there were "bases for legal arguments" to include the citizenship question. Critics warned that the move would undercount Hispanic voters. The House Committee obtained a handwritten note that suggested Ross, despite testifying under oath that his citizenship question push was prompted by a request from the Justice Department, was himself actually involved in concocting the DOJ request, as per the Daily Beast. The memos and emails of the Trump administration pertaining to the citizenship question have long been kept from the public. They were disclosed by lawmakers following a more than two-year legal fight that began after the former president's officials refused to turn them over for a congressional investigation. Read Also: Democrats Urge President Joe Biden To Take Aggressive Approach on Domestic Agenda as Manchin Shrinks Reconciliation Package President Joe Biden's administration, citing the "exceptional circumstances" of the case, agreed to allow House Oversight Committee members and their staff to review the documents. The controversial question is: "Is this person a citizen of the United States?" According to NPR, the question ultimately did not end up on the 2020 census forms as in 2019, the Supreme Court blocked the Trump administration's unprecedented efforts after its use of the Voting Rights Act as the stated reasoning for the question "seems to have been contrived." Secret Agenda The attempt to add the citizenship question came before Trump released a presidential memo in 2020 that called for the unprecedented exclusion of unauthorized immigrants from a key set of census numbers. The newly disclosed documents reveal a detailed look into some of the early behind-the-scenes discussions at a time when Trump officials were focused on keeping their plans under wraps. The release of the documents also comes as Congress considers a House bill that could help shield upcoming national head counts from the kind of interference that saddled the 2020 census during the Trump administration. The chairwoman of the committee, Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney of New York, said that for years, the Trump administration delayed and obstructed the oversight committee's investigation into the true reason for adding a citizenship question to the 2020 census despite the Supreme Court ruling the administration's efforts as illegal. She added that the memo of the committee pulls back the curtain on the shameful conduct and shows how clearly the Trump administration secretly tried to manipulate the census for political gain while lying to the public and Congress about their objectives, the New York Times reported. Related Article: Secret Service Says Deleted Texts During US Capitol Riot Can't Be Recovered Despite Requests from Congress, Federal Investigators @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. President Joe Biden's aides are getting frustrated with his indecisiveness on policies including student loan forgiveness and China tariffs. Biden is 'driving officials across his administration a little nuts' wrote Politico's West Wing Playbook Wednesday, as discussions on some of these key issues have dragged on for a year. 'The bias in the Biden administration ... is for inaction,' said a former White House official who worked for both Biden and former President Donald Trump. 'The way you enable that is you say, "We should look into that further. We should get some more data. We should do more studies." So you get a lot of that.' President Joe Biden is 'driving officials across his administration a little nuts' wrote Politico's West Wing Playbook Wednesday, over perceived indecisiveness on policies including student loan forgiveness and China tariffs The aides are getting frustrated because Biden hasn't made decisions on policies like student loans (left) and Chinese tariffs. Biden said Wednesday he planned to talk to Chinese President Xi Jinping (right) in the next 10 days but wouldn't reveal what he'd tell the leader on tariffs Sources told Politico that Biden's decision-making process gets drawn out because the president pushes for every last detail. And when questions can't be answered the president prefers an official to find out - leading to more meetings - and thus delays. A number of sources characterized Biden as being thoughtful, not indecisive, and pointed to how it's a refreshing change from his predecessor, who would often announce major policy shifts via tweet, without giving the appropriate agencies a heads up. They also argued that Biden moves quickly when he needs to. 'For the majority of his career, Joe Biden has had success at moving cautiously and deliberately,' one administration official told Politico. And in the past, Biden has been critical of indecisiveness. In his 2017 memoir, Promise Me, Dad: A Year of Hope, Hardship, and Purpose, Biden wrote about how former President Barack Obama 'was deliberate to a fault.' '"Just trust your instincts, Mr. President,"' I would say to him,' Biden recalled of being Obama's vice president. 'On major decisions that had to be made fast, I had learned over the years, a president was never going to have more than about 70 percent of the information needed.' 'So once you have checked the experts, statistics, data, and intelligence, you have to be willing to rely on your gut,' Biden wrote. Biden has yet to make a decision on whether he'll back widespread student loan cancellation, as some in his party have supported. Last month, he said a number of options remained on the table, including pushing the COVID-related payment pause further in the future. Federal student loans are supposed to go back in repayment on August 31. On Wednesday, Biden told reporters on the tarmac of Joint Base Andrews that he planned to talk to Chinese President Xi Jinping in the next 10 days - but demurred when asked what he might tell the Chinese leader on tariffs. Britons will be able to skip passport queues and breeze through border controls under new 'contactless corridor' plans using facial recognition technology. Priti Patel has announced plans to begin the rollout of 'contactless' border crossings, which will force overseas visitors to pass criminal record checks, submit photos and pay 18 under US-style checks. Foreigners will have to apply for permission to enter the UK before starting their journey by obtaining a new electronic travel authorisation (ETA). The ETA will make it harder for those who pose a threat to enter the UK while allowing travellers 'to get a visa and pass through the border easily'. Visitors being forced to submit their biographic, biometric and contact details to be automatically checked against watch-lists and criminal databases. This information will be needed for anyone who does not currently require a visa to visit the UK. Those who have previously committed crimes will have their applications reviewed to decide if they should be allowed entry. Britons will be able to skip passport queues and breeze through border controls under new 'contactless corridor' plans using facial recognition technology Foreigners will have to apply for permission to enter the UK before starting their journey by obtaining a new electronic travel authorisation (ETA) Passengers would instead undergo pre-screening and be identified at the border using the latest technology ensuring the security of the border and the UK. Travellers boarding without British or Irish passports will be told to apply for an ETA or e-visa from next year, The Times reports. The Home Office would also be able to bar visitors if they have a jail sentence of more than a year, are persistent offenders, pose a risk of serious harm or where it would not be conducive to the public good. Airlines will be required to check passengers have permission to travel before boarding, similar to systems implemented in the US, Canada, New Zealand and Australia. Foreigners travelling to the US must complete an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) application - a system that was introduced after the 9/11 terror attacks - to enter the country, which lasts two years and costs around 11. The plans are set phased in and trials are expected to begin in airports in 2024. Priti Patel has announced plans to begin the rollout of 'contactless' border crossings, which will force overseas visitors to pass criminal record checks, submit photos and pay 18 under US-style check Speaking about the 'contactless border', Ms Patel said on Wednesday: 'As Home Secretary I have been focused of taking back control of our immigration system through my New Plan for Immigration. 'This includes ensuring we have a border that is fit for the 21st century which allows travellers to get a visa and pass through the border easily, while maintaining national security. 'I am also committed to ensuring our fantastic Border Force are given access to the most up to date automation technologies so they can use their specialised skills on protecting our border from those who seek to harm the UK.' By 2025, it is expected visitors entering the UK with the new ETAs will be able to use e-gates currently restricted to UK passport holders and nationals from Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea and the US. The gates will be extended next year to students with visas. The Home Secretary also announced plans to pilot extending the minimum age of eGates from 12 to 10 years old - reducing journey times for British families and easing the ongoing airport chaos that has dominated Britains travel hubs since Easter. Ben Fordham has unleashed yet another scathing attack on Covid-19 fearmongering from Australia's health leaders as a new variant dubbed the most contagious strain of the virus yet emerges. The World Health Organisation has issued doomsday warnings about BA.2.75, which was first detected in India in May. Experts claim the latest strain nicknamed 'Centaurus' has been detected in Australia as highly infectious Omicron strains BA4 and BA.5 continue to rapidly spread nationwide. As Australia grapples with its third wave of the virus, Fordham says it's admirable that most Australians are getting on with their lives. The 2GB breakfast broadcaster called for calm and is among those taking little notice of the latest fear campaign led by Australia's chief medical officer Professor Paul Kelly and federal health minister Mark Butler. 2GB broadcaster Ben Fordham has praised Australians getting on with their lives as the country grapples with a third wave of Covid (pictured, Sydneysiders in the CBD on Sunday) 'If you're one of these people staring this thing down and refusing to hide away at home, good luck to you and that's how I feel too,' Fordham said. 'Many of our own leaders want us to hide under the bed right now.' He slammed Professor Kelly's plea to workplaces to allow staff to work from home and urged everyone to wear masks. The health boss also warned the latest Omicron strains in Australia pose a 'significant threat'. Westpac and Telstra were among the first to act on Professor Kelly's advice. Westpac has given staff the choice of working from home while telco giant Telstra is 'strongly encouraging' staff to work from home. 'We are strongly encouraging our people to work from home if they can, wear a mask when they can't socially distance, and get their booster shot if they're eligible,' Telstra's Group Executive Alex Badenoch said. Fordham pointed out many Australians don't have the option to work from home. Fordham said the rest of the world has moved on from Covid and most Aussies have too (pictured Sydney commuters during peak hour at Central Station) 'What if you're a small business or working in hospitality or retail?' he continued. 'You know what? Millions of Australians don't want to go backwards. 'We know what it was like when we were locked up at home and cut off from our families. 'We know the risks of coronavirus, we know the rest of the world has largely moved on and we are doing the same.' Fordham had this message for those listening to the doomsayers. 'If you want to stay at home, that's your call but most Australians won't be, they can't afford it,' he said. 'And more importantly, we don't want to do it. 'Maybe our leaders are obliged to present the worst case scenario.' Fordham compared health minister Mark Butler's grim warnings about the latest wave to the language from experts in the US. Fordham said it's admirable that most Australians are getting on with their lives Chief Medical Officer Professor Paul Kelly has urged everyone to wear masks and for employers to give staff the option of working from home Fordham quoted Chicago health department commissioner Allison Arwady, who declared this week 'there's no reason to let the virus control our lives'. She feels strongly 'that you can't just kind of cry wolf all the time'. 'Spot on, Australia is more than 95 per cent double dosed,' Fordham said in agreement. 'More than 60 per cent have had a booster. A fourth jab is available if you want and the hospitalisation rate is 1.5 per cent while the ICU rate is 0.04 per cent.' Fordham ended his four minute rant by weighing into the debate over the possible return of mask mandates. 'If you want to wear a mask wear one, if you want to stay inside go for your life, we live in a free country and we can do what we want,' he said. 'But don't make others feel guilty for wanting to get on with their lives. 'The rest of the world has moved on and most Aussies have too.' Australia has so far recorded 41,512 new infections and 64 deaths on Thursday with four states and territories yet to release their latest figures. Ben Fordham (pictured with wife Jodie) has doubled down in his attack on Covid fearmongers What do we know about BA.2.75? Should we be concerned? What is BA.2.75? This is an off-shoot of the BA.2 Omicron substrain that caused the last wave of Covid in April. It was first detected in India in May and has been found in at least 10 other countries, including the UK and US. Is it more dangerous? Early analysis suggests BA.2.75 is more transmissible than both BA.2 and BA.5, which is behind the current uptick in cases in Britain. But there is no evidence to suggest it is more likely to cause serious disease. Should I be concerned? Professor Paul Hunter, an infectious disease expert at the University of East Anglia, told MailOnline a BA.2.75 wave could be the least deadly yet. It is not expected to strike Britain until later this year, with cases too low to start pushing out current BA.5 circulation. Professor Hunter said people could have better protection when it does finally arrive because of a combination of the vaccine and recent infection this summer. Advertisement Now Covid doomsayer Norman Swan warns Australia will be 'STUFFED' by the next variant unless the country reintroduces MASKS - as ABC cheers on mandates Australia could be 'stuffed' when the next Covid-19 variant arrives on our shores unless mask mandates are brought back in, ABC presenter Dr Norman Swan warned. Dr Swan renewed calls for the return of masks in indoor settings on Monday as the highly infectious and 'immune evasive' Omicron strains BA4 and BA.5 run rampant. State and territory leaders convened an urgent national cabinet meeting on Saturday after federal health minister Mark Butler warned to expect 'millions' of cases in the coming months. Dr Swan described the latest wave of the 'immune evasive' sub-variants as very worrying. The accredited medical doctor said vaccines aren't working as well as they used to as he called for improved ventilation measures and mandatory indoor masks. There are growing calls for Aussies to wear masks in high risk environments such as shopping centres (pictured Sydneysiders in the CBD on Sunday) Dr Swan told ABC's Radio National Breakfast: 'We probably do need to mandate masks and N95s in high risk environments, otherwise when the next variant comes along and it's more virulent than this one - in other words more likely to kill you or make you seriously ill - we'll be stuffed.' Dr Swan said governments had a responsibility to reinstate mask rules, and insisted vaccines alone weren't enough to protect the population. Dr Swan said he would host world leading immunologist Chris Goodnow from the Garvan Institute of Medical Research as a special guest on a program of Radio National's Health Report. 'He himself has had four doses of the Covid vaccine and is currently unfortunately disabled with a cardiac side affect of Covid,' Dr Swan said. 'The point he'll make tonight is that vaccines are important in the protection against severe disease but don't work as well as they used to. Dr Norman Swan says vaccinations are important but aren't working as well as they did with previous Covid variants. Pictured is Olympian Cate Campbell being vaccinated 'What is not happening is what some people thought would happen, which is that we would build up a background resistance and this would become milder and milder with time. 'What it's showing is that with repeated re-infections, there is an increased risk of cardiac, kidney and other side effects, which increased with time independent of vaccination. 'We've got to slow this down and prevent it as we're going to have a significant burden of cardiac and pulmonary disease as a result of this.' Dr Swan described Australia's current third wave of the virus as very worrying. 'The history of this virus is perplexing, every six months or so a new variant appears,' he said. 'BA4 and BA.5 are behaving as if they're a new variant, even though they're a sub-variant of Omicron. 'Six months after Christmas, here we go again with viruses that are evading the immune system. 'As time goes on, this virus is perplexing the immunologists because it's not behaving as expected. 'The government has loaded the dice on the vaccines and the vaccines are not enough.' Australia could be 'stuffed' by the time the next Covid-19 variant emerges, according to Dr Norman Swan (pictured) Dr Swan ended the radio interview by accusing the federal and state governments of prioritising the economy over public health. 'Mask wearing should not affect the economy to a significant extent but we've got to slow this down and plead with people nicely to not necessarily go to work,' he said. 'It's young people as well who are getting these long-term side effects even though they're not getting severe diseases. 'This isn't the common cold - and it's not the flu.' Retired Detective Superintendent David Hankins, now 71, said he still recalls the days when he would meet killer Ian Huntley at the school hall as police searched for the murderer who was right under their noses One of the police officers who helped hunt down the Soham killer has revealed he would meet face-to-face with the murderer each morning without knowing he was behind the disappearances the detective was investigating. At 7am on the morning of August 5, 2002, Detective Superintendent David Hankins, 51, was preparing to give the first press briefing announcing the disappearance of two girls in Soham. Around ten miles away, unbeknownst to the officers, the bodies of Jessica Chapman and Holly Wells, both ten at the time of their murder, were lying side-by-side in an irrigation ditch five-feet deep. Ian Huntley, the senior caretaker at the local secondary school at the time, let the officer into the briefing room. Little did the detective know he had just come face-to-face with the killer, as Huntley had murdered the two girls the previous day. The girls' parents would be sat next to Hankins as he gave the briefing, he told The Mirror years later. 'I've never dealt with anything like that and there's not many officers who would have to deal with anything like that,' he said. 'There were two girls who had been murdered and it had never happened before, certainly not in my 30 years [of] service'. The girls had gone to buy sweets when they met the caretaker who told them his girlfriend, Maxine Carr, was inside his house. Ian Huntley eventually admitted dumping their bodies in a ditch, cutting off their clothes and setting fire to the bodies. He was the senior caretaker at the local secondary school at the time His girlfriend Maxine Carr, pictured, received a three-and-a-half year prison for providing police with a false alibi to use when police asked him where he was when the girls disappeared Carr was close to both of the girls, working as a teaching assistant in their school. It later emerged that Huntley had lured the girls into his house before strangling them. 'He was just a normal bloke, a youngish chap who sorted things out for the dozens of camera crews and reporters,' said Hankins, recalling his first meeting of Huntley before he realised he was the murderer. Huntley actively participated in the search for the two girls, meaning that he was often around police who were none-the-wiser as to his secret. He often asked officers how long their investigation would take and other questions about evidence deteriorating. But it was his TV appearances, which Huntley intended to portray himself as a 'helpful caretaker', which ultimately led to his downfall. Someone from his hometown of Grimsby recognised him as a sex offender convicted for a previous offence, and began talking to police in Soham. Eventually, police began piecing the evidence together. The girls' red shirts were discovered cut and charred in a bin at the college, after Huntley had tried to burn the two girls. Fibres from the clothes proved an exact match with those found on Huntley's clothing and in his home. Huntley admitted dumping their bodies in a ditch, cutting off their clothes and setting fire to the bodies. Jessica Chapman and Holly Wells were only ten years old when they disappeared. The Soham double-child murder is one of the most infamous crimes committed in Britain Flowers left at a church in Soham for the murdered girls after their bodies were found in 2002 'It's 20 years ago but it's still one of the worst cases I've ever had to deal with,' said Hankins. 'It was a daunting experience, it was harrowing, it was a lot of pressure.' A 48-year-old gamekeeper called Keith Pryer discovered the bodies of two girls lying side-by-side in an irrigation ditch, while pheasants crowed in their pens near the perimeter fence, just over 10 miles east of Soham. Huntley was sentenced to two terms of life imprisonment by the High Court, with his girlfriend Carr receiving a three-and-a-half year prison for providing police with a false alibi. The murders shook Britain as the news came out, leading to a 13-day man hunt that ended in Huntley's arrest and eventual convicted, along with his girlfriend. The retired detective, now 71, said he still recalls the days when he would meet Huntley at the school hall as police searched for the murderer who was right under their noses. 'I was just a local detective in Peterborough. Out of the blue I get this phone call from the media people saying that they need a senior officer,' Mr Hankins said, adding: 'I was never a secretive person, but there was a real sensitivity to the case. That case was a highlight in a very negative way of my career.' Advertisement Newly released body camera footage shows the heartbreaking and infuriating moment Uvalde cop Ruben Ruiz is held back by his colleagues while trying to enter the classroom where his teacher wife lay wounded and dying. The video - the latest in the damning evidence of the police's abysmal response to the shooting - shows Ruiz trying to get past heavily armed colleagues at 11.48am. 'She says she's shot!' he pleads with them while stumbling forward in a fog of shock. 'Hey, hey, hey, Ruben, Ruben, Ruben, Ruben,' someone offscreen says as they see him moving past the line of officers, stopping him from going inside. They lead him away, telling him they have to wait for help for another force. The gunman, Salvador Ramos, entered the classroom at 11.33am. Videos show Ruiz arriving outside the classroom two minutes later, at 11.35am. At 11.36am, he is seen on different surveillance camera footage checking his phone, likely hoping for a message from his wife. He checks his phone again at 11.37am then is shown walking out of the school building, to the grounds outside. 11.48am: Uvalde school officer Ruben Ruiz, 43, center, tried to take action to save his wounded school teacher wife, Eva Mireles, 44 Ruiz, who had undergone active shooter drills months before, was escorted from the scene and disarmed Law enforcement personnel waited for 78 minutes before storming the classroom and killing Salvador Ramos, 18 Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District Police Officer Ruben Ruiz, 43, the husband of slain teacher Eva Mireles, 44, trained in active shooter drills in March That is where, sometime in the next ten minutes, he received a phone call from his wife. Police did not breach the classroom where Ramos had slaughtered 19 kids and two teachers, including Ruiz's wife, until 12.50pm, almost an hour later. It was later revealed that Mireles had called Ruiz from inside the classroom, where she lay mortally wounded. 'Shes in the classroom and hes outside. Its terrifying. I don't know what was said. He was talking to his wife,' Uvalde County judge, Bill Mitchell told The New York Times. Texas Department of Public Safety director Steve McCraw had told of the episode during his damning portrayal of the police response to the Texas State Senate. 'We got an officer whose wife called him and said she'd been shot and she's dying. He tried to move forward into the hallway. He was detained, and they took his gun away from him and escorted him off the scene.' Mireles was one of 21 people killed, including 19 elementary school children, in what has been described as an 'abject failure' by law enforcement. Despite being better armed and out- numbering the shooter, officers waited for 78 minutes before confronting Ramos and shooting him dead. 11.36am - three minutes after shooting began: Ruiz is shown in the hallway, outside his wife's classroom, checking his phone. He was initially criticized for it but it later emerged he was checking for an update from his wife. He glanced at the phone and put it away a second later 11.37am - 11 minutes before discovering his wife has been shot: Ruiz is shown checking his phone again, anxiously awaiting news from his wife in the classroom. Again, he puts his phone away within a second of looking at it 11.37am: Ruiz walks out of the building and into the school grounds where he then receives the phone call from his wife, telling him she has been shot 11.48am: After learning that his wife has been shot, Ruiz tries to move past officers outside the classroom door in a different part of the hallway. 'She's shot!' he says, but they hold him back and lead him away. He seems to be in a fog of shock A review of the shooting response by the Texas House of Representatives recently concluded that several of the wounded may have survived if they had received medical treatment earlier. Ruiz, a member of the Uvalde Consolidated School District Police, had recently undergone active shooter drills inside the school to prepare for just such an event. In a shot eerily similar to the devastation at the elementary school, officers can be seen in Facebook photographs from the drill peering around a school hallway as several of the students lay on the floor in mock death. 'Our overall goal is to train every Uvalde area law enforcement officer so that we can prepare as best as possible for any situation that may arise,' the department posted above photos of the drills. School district chief Pete Arrendondo, Ruiz's boss, has received much of the blame for the delayed response in bringing down Ramos. Salvador Ramos, 18, was free to rampage through the school in Uvalde from 11:33am until 12:50pm. On Monday it emerged armed officers, with a ballistic shield, were inside the building at 11:52am 'Three minutes after the subject entered the west hallway, there was sufficient number of armed officers wearing body armor, to isolate distract and neutralize the subject,' McCraw told the committee while reviewing the timeline of the day's tragic events. In a scathing speech, McCraw said the district chief 'decided to place the lives of officers before the lives of children.' 'The only thing stopping a hallway of dedicated officers from entering room 111 and 112 was the on-scene commander, who decided to place the lives of officers before the lives of children,' McCraw said. 'The officers had weapons - the children had none. The officers had body armor - the children had none.' 'The law enforcement response to the attack at Robb Elementary was an abject failure and antithetical to everything we've learned over the last two decades since the Columbine Massacre,' McCraw declared. Ruiz, who was born in Uvalde, became an officer in 2006 and worked as a patrolman, training officer, youth advisor detective, and worked in the Organized Crime Unit. He trained in active shooter drills several times and attended Advanced SWAT school. He joined the school district police in 2018. Mireles, who taught special education at Robb Elementary School for 17 years, was the mother of an adult daughter. She credited her longevity to the 'supportive, fun and loving family, including her four pets.' She enjoyed hiking, biking and running in the great outdoors. A small community is grieving after a two-year-old boy died suddenly at childcare centre. Paramedics were called to the Little Gems Childcare and Early Learning Centre in Maryborough, on Queensland's Fraser Coast region, on Wednesday with reports the toddler had died. Queensland Police stressed to Daily Mail Australia the death is not being treated as suspicious, though investigations are still underway. One mother who arrived at the centre to pick up her daughter about 5.30pm on Wednesday told the Courier Mail tearful staff inside were 'absolutely beside themselves' as they came to terms with the tragedy. 'I can't help but feel tremendous pain for the parents,' she said. 'Imagine dropping your child off to daycare and never seeing them again.' A two-year old toddler has suddenly died at Little Gems Childcare and Early Learning Centre in Maryborough, Queensland on Wednesday afternoon The mother, who wanted to remain anonymous, told the publication her three-year-old daughter loved attending the day care centre and each of the staff. She said staff would feel like 'they've lost a child too' after nurturing each child and 'really taking care of the kids'. The centre closed on Wednesday, with the children sent home early, and will remain shut on Thursday. A bunch of flowers has been left at the scene. A report will be prepared for the coroner. At least 4,000 Conservative Party members have demanded a vote on whether Boris Johnson remains leader. They have signed a petition to party co-chairman Andrew Stephenson asking for the Prime Minister to be put on the run-off ballot with Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss. The appeal accuses the Tory MPs who removed him of having 'vested interest reasons and grievances to settle'. Yesterday the people behind the petition threatened to apply for an injunction on the Tory leadership election if the request is refused. The petition signed by at least 40,000 Tory members accuses the Tory MPs who removed Boris Johnson (pictured) of having 'vested interest reasons and grievances to settle' A poll of Mail+ readers yesterday put Mr Johnson far ahead of the final three candidates. He scored 53 per cent, ahead of Liz Truss (left) on 19 per cent, Penny Mordaunt on 15 per cent and Rishi Sunak (right) on 13 per cent among 2,248 readers who voted A poll of Mail+ readers yesterday put Mr Johnson far ahead of the final three candidates. He scored 53 per cent, ahead of Miss Truss on 19 per cent, Penny Mordaunt on 15 per cent and Mr Sunak on 13 per cent among 2,248 readers who voted. The petition to Mr Stephenson said: 'Back in 2019, Boris Johnson was elected by the membership to be our new leader. 'Now that choice has been changed without referral to the people that elected him. 'You cannot disenfranchise the membership from the whole process from the beginning as this is open to abuse by the parliamentary party who may have vested interest reasons and grievances to settle against our leader.' It adds: 'Morale amongst the membership is low and there is anger towards the parliamentary party. 'I demand Boris Johnson be added to the ballot as an option for the members to vote upon in the forthcoming election.' The two men leading the petition are Lord Cruddas, a self-made billionaire and major donor to the party, and David Campbell-Bannerman, a former MEP. They claimed section 17 of the party's constitution enables the board to add Mr Johnson's name to the ballot. It reads: 'The board shall have power to do anything which in its opinion relates to the management and administration of the party'. However the same document also rules that 'a Leader resigning from the Leadership of the Party is not eligible for re-nomination in the consequent Leadership election'. The two men leading the petition are former MEP David Campbell-Bannerman (left) and Lord Cruddas, a self-made billionaire and major donor to the Conservative party (right) Tory party members signed a petition to Conservative co-chair Andrew Stephenson (pictured) asking for Boris Johnson to be put on the run-off ballot with Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss Mr Campbell-Bannerman, who is also the chair of two Conservative associations, said: 'The heat on the board is intense because you are destroying an election winner. It's suicidal for the Tory party. You are guaranteeing a Labour victory.' Ballot papers are expected to be sent out in early August, meaning any intervention to change the course of the race would have to come within days. Lord Cruddas, who was given a peerage by Mr Johnson against official advice, has threatened to withhold 500,000 of donations unless the Prime Minister is allowed to contest. The last prime minister to serve a second term after being removed from office was Labour's Harold Wilson, and before that Mr Johnson's hero Winston Churchill, who served 1940 to 1945, and 1951 to 1955. Both, however, were removed from office in general elections. A Conservative Party spokesman said: 'The rules of the leadership election were set in conjunction with the 1922 committee, and 'the rules clearly state once a leader has resigned, they are not eligible to stand again in a subsequent contest.' Josh Frydenberg has taken up a new position at the top investment banking company Goldman Sachs following his election loss to teal independent Monique Ryan. The former federal treasurer was announced as the firm's senior regional adviser for Asia Pacific in a media release on Thursday. 'I am pleased to join Goldman Sachs which is the pre-eminent mergers and acquisitions and capital markets adviser to clients globally,' Mr Frydenberg said in a statement. 'I look forward to joining the team and contributing to the firm's leadership, its global capability, and its strength of client franchise.' Former treasurer Josh Frydenberg (pictured with wife Amie at the Midwinter Ball) has taken up a job at investment banking company Goldman Sachs following his election defeat in May Goldman Sachs' Co-President of Asia Pacific Ex-Japan, Kevin Sneader said the company was excited to have Mr Frydenberg. 'We are fortunate to bring to Goldman Sachs a person of Josh's deep public and private sector experience, connectivity, and insight,' he said. 'His significant understanding of geopolitical and economic issues will bring considerable value to our clients across the region and beyond. 'Our Australian clients will greatly benefit from Josh's insights and expertise that have been gained from an impressive career which includes experience and perspectives across a range of sectors.' Mr Frydenberg has been appointed as the company's new senior regional adviser for Asia Pacific (pictured, Goldman Sachs Melbourne office) Teal independent Monique Ryan (pictured) won the seat of Kooyong during the May election, ending Mr Frydenberg's 12-year reign as the member of the Melbourne-based electorate Mr Frydenberg lost the seat of Kooyong following the May 21 election to teal independent Monique Ryan. He had held the Melbourne-based electorate since August 2010. In a statement, the former treasurer said he had called Dr Ryan to concede defeat and to congratulate her. 'Today I rang Dr Monique Ryan to congratulate her on the election result in Kooyong and wished her well for the term ahead.' 'It's been an incredible privilege to have served as the local member for the last 12 years.' Mr Frydenberg was one of many high-profile Liberals to lose their safe, blue-ribbon seats to the so-called teal independent candidates during the election. His defeat in Kooyong is the first time the seat has not had a Liberal representative since it was founded in the 1940s. Multiple neighbors of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh have come forward about the growing frustrations with the constant protests that occur in their neighborhood. Since the leaking of Justice Samuel Alito's opinion that Roe v. Wade should be overturned, activists have begun targeting conservative judge's homes for protests. In June, the Supreme Court overturned a constitutionally protected abortion right for women. Kavanaugh was among those who voted to overturn. During his confirmation hearing in 2018, Kavanaugh said of the ruling: 'It is important precedent of the Supreme Court that has been reaffirmed many times. It is not as if it is just a run of the mill case that was decided and never been reconsidered.' The neighbors, most of whom are pro-abortion, made their complaints known in a Washington Post feature. Neighbor Lyric Winik said that when she attempts to engage with protesters: 'They just call us fascists... We've got kids on this street scared to leave their homes' Emily Strulson, was a part of protests in June even scrawling: 'Reproduction Rights are Human Rights,' on her driveway. Strulson also printed off flyers and handed them out to activists Neighbors said that when they attempt to reason with protesters to keep the noise down, they are called 'Karens' and 'fascists.' They said that protesters regularly meet close to Kavanaugh's home in Chevy Chase, Maryland, and then march to Chief Justice John Roberts' home, which is nearby, and then back to Kavanaugh's house. One of the neighbors, Emily Strulson, was a part of protests in June, even scrawling: 'Reproduction Rights are Human Rights,' on her driveway. Strulson also printed off flyers and handed them out to activists. She told the Post: 'I understand where their passion comes from, but I've had enough.' On the nights of the protests, usually a Wednesday, Strulson said that she takes her family out for dinner. Her husband emailed, Evan Glass, a Democratic member of Montgomery County's Council to further complain about the protests. Her husband told Glass that the protesters are 'more belligerent, using lots of foul language in their chants.' He added: 'I am expressly concerned for the safety of children on our street, including my own. Kids have stopped playing outside due to fear and the consistent presence of protesters.' Strulson's husband also said that the protesters regularly leave their placards with vulgar language lying in the street after they have left. The email continued: 'I am expressly concerned for the safety of children on our street, including my own. Kids have stopped playing outside due to fear and the consistent presence of protesters.' Protesters have been heard yelling at Kavanaugh's neighbors for them to join in the protests saying: 'Out of your houses and into the streets.' Another neighbor said the protesters regularly leave their placards with vulgar language lying in the street after they have left The Post report also says that law enforcement in the area are closely monitoring the protests and have said that there is the potential for arrests During his confirmation hearing in 2018, Kavanaugh said of Roe v. Wade: 'It is important precedent of the Supreme Court that has been reaffirmed many times' Another neighbor, Lyric Winik said: 'They just call us fascists. Nothing about this is healthy. We've got kids on this street scared to leave their homes.' Winik made it clear to the Post that most of the residents of the community are pro-abortion. She said: 'The vast majority of people here are pro-choice and the very vast majority of people here think that these protesters have gotten out of control.' She continued: 'I do think they're hurting they're own cause.' The Post report also says that law enforcement in the area are closely monitoring the protests and have said that there is the potential for arrests. The feature referred to some of the 18 neighbors spoken to by the newspaper as being frustrated by the protesters but it's 'not their presence so much as their volume and often jarring language' that's getting under their skin. A regular attendee of the protests, Sadie Kuhns, defended the rallies saying: 'Were there for about 30 minutes between 7 and 8 p.m. and then we leave.' A regular attendee of the protests, Sadie Kuhns, defended the rallies saying: 'Were there for about 30 minutes between 7 and 8 p.m. and then we leave' Emily Strulson's husband emailed Evan Glass a Democratic member of Montgomery County's Council to further complain about the protests Kuhns said: Its a minor inconvenience once a week for a matter of minutes, whereas people are inconvenienced now and threatened now, their lives are threatened for the foreseeable future.' In June, Fox News reported that neighbors complained that protesters chanted: 'F**k you' and 'F**k your children,' on the streets around Kavanaugh's home. An unnamed neighbor told the network at the time: 'Its not great if you have kids of any age, but its unbelievably stressful and the kids are very upset, the kids have to be sent inside, and its so loud you cant put your kids to sleep.' That neighbor also said: 'Literally, there's no way on a Wednesday night you can put your kids to bed.' They continued: 'They have drummers, they have a megaphone, and they chant, they yell all kinds of things They have told neighbors f--- you, f--- your children, things like that and so they're abusive toward the neighbors and intimidating.' Back in May, the atmosphere seemed different around Kavanaugh's and Roberts' homes. The Atlantic reported that neighbors around Kavanaugh's home stuck their heads out of their homes to thank protesters for their dedication. While one of Roberts' neighbors said that she brought her toddler out to view the protests. That neighbor noted that the protesters were exercising their political rights. In June, Nicholas John Roske, 26, was arrested for threatening to kill Justice Brett Kavanaugh Kavanaugh and his wife are the parents of two young daughters. They all reside in the home that was apparently targeted by the suspect In June, Nicholas John Roske, 26, was arrested for threatening to kill Justice Brett Kavanaugh. According to the criminal complaint, Roske told investigators that he was 'upset' about the leaked Supreme Court draft as well as the Robb Elementary School massacre in Uvalde. Roske said that he felt Kavanaugh 'would side with Second Amendment decisions that would loosen gun control laws.' Roske said that he found Kavanaugh's address by searching online. Ruth Sent Us posted Kavanaugh's address in a May 4 tweet. The group later defended themselves on Twitter saying that Kavanaugh's address has been widely available online 'for years.' Since the leaking of the Supreme Court draft opinion, Ruth Sent Us at one time or another has posted all of the address of all six conservative justices. Ruth Sent Us tweeted about Roske's arrest saying: 'Armed man called the police on himself. He didn't even go to Kavanaugh's street. No matter how much you wish it, it just wasn't a serious assassination attempt, so it's not getting media attention.' Earlier in July, the marshal of the U.S. Supreme Court asked Maryland and Virginia officials to enforce laws she says prohibit protesting outside the homes of the justices who live in the two states. Marshal Gail Curley wrote that Virginia and Maryland laws and a Montgomery County, Maryland, ordinance prohibit protesting at justices' homes, and she asked the officials to direct police to enforce those provisions. Diana's favourite rock band Duran Duran announce that they're 'so proud to be returning to our home town to close the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony'. My local source says: 'Some wonder in these woke times with colonialist Cecil Rhodes being vilified if their co-founder Nick Rhodes now regrets changing his surname from Bates.' Diana's favourite rock band: (from left to right) Roger Taylor, Nick Rhodes, Simon Le Bon, and John Taylor of Duran Duran Now based in East Sheen, south-west London, always convincing actor Roger Allam says he misses Stoke Newington, north London, and a Turkish restaurant there, confiding in Waitrose magazine: 'They had something on the menu that went by the charming name of 'ram's reproductive organs'. I had to try them. What can I say? They were delicious. They don't have them in East Sheen.' Sounding off about son Boris's fate, Stanley Johnson huffs on Piers Morgan Uncensored: 'A squalid political assassination I don't see anything in this except political opportunism by the opponents... I spend a lot of time travelling abroad and they can't believe what's happened.' Hardly an unexpected response but a consolation for Boris's broken-hearted fans. Meanwhile a scarecrow likeness of Boris in Wiltshire has been removed because 'political statements are not allowed on Wiltshire Council property'. The scarecrow, pictured, was clutching a bottle of champagne, wearing a Vote Leave badge and featured a collection tin reading 'Unemployed, please give generously, wife and kids to support'. A scarecrow depicting Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been removed from public display by a council after branding it 'poor taste' and because 'political statements are not allowed on Wiltshire Council property' Russell Crowe boasts: 'A very special experience as a family. Got to walk through the Vatican Museum by ourselves.' The private tour of rooms usually closed to tourists came as he was preparing to play Vatican exorcist Father Gabriele Amorth, who died at 91 in 2016 and is said to have performed 100,000 exorcisms. His Holiness Pope Francis is said to be handy at exorcism himself. Hugh Grant has taken it upon himself to apologise to foreign visitors for the way they are treated on arrival here, tweeting: '(Heathrow's) Terminal 3... a disgrace and inhumane. I am afraid we have the worst Home Secretary in British history.' Prince Charles posed with his mother for photos last week as the NHS was awarded the George Cross. His only previous NHS encounter might have been when he broke his arm playing polo in 1990 and went to the Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, where they put it in a sling. He had shirtmaker Turnbull and Asser make him a set of one-armed shirts, with matching slings for the injured royal arm. The International Monetary Fund gave a dire warning that should it get effected, several weaker EU states' economies will plummet. One of the reasons for the terrible recession for economically unsound EU members is the sanctions, which have boomeranged due to US pressure to comply. At one point, Washington boasted that it would provide natural gas, oil, and coal, but the OPEC oil producers slammed the door on Biden during his trip to the Middle East. Russian Gas Sanctions Boomerangs to Brussels The International Monetary Fund warned in a blog post on Tuesday that a comprehensive stoppage of Russian gas supply to the EU could slash GDP in the most fragile member countries by up to 6% and send them into a crisis, reported RT. An announcement comes amid rising fears that gas deliveries to Europe via the Nord Stream 1 pipeline may be suspended when routine annual maintenance concludes on Thursday. Wall Street Journal reported earlier this week, quoting European Budget Commissioner Johannes Hahn, that the European Commission didn't foresee the pipeline being reopened., noted Bloomberg. A commission spokesperson advised last Tuesday of a plan for all scenarios if natural gas comes to Europe via the Nord Stream 1 pipeline. Stated on Tuesday that it was planning for all possibilities involving Russian gas flows to Europe via the Nord Stream 1 pipeline. According to Reuters, gas flows will resume as planned but at a lower capacity than before. Bloc To Deal With Winter Without Gas Supplies The International Monetary Fund stated that Europe lacks a clear plan to deal with a Russian gas cutoff, which might lead to higher energy prices and a weaker GDP for weaker EU states. Read Also: Vladimir Putin Children: Does Russia's President Have Kids? The Washington-based agency said the three EU member states particularly prone to suffering are Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic. This fund is called the threat of an unprecedented shutdown because it generates worries about supply disruptions, even increased prices, and economic consequences. While officials are moving quickly, they lack a plan for managing and mitigating the effects. Fund recommendations instruct that Central and Eastern Europe secure alternative supply and energy sources, promote energy savings, and strengthen cooperation arrangements to distribute gas across nations to prevent shortages of up to 40% of gas use with a 6% drop in GDP. Based on the IMF, Europe's energy infrastructure and worldwide supply have so far handled a 60% drop in Russian gas exports from June last year and could possibly take a 70% drop by accessing alternate supplies and energy sources. However, the agency warns that zero supplies would make diversification much more problematic because bottlenecks could limit the ability to reroute gas within Europe due to low importation capacity or implementation. A comprehensive closure would result in a nearly 3% decline in EU economic output over the next year. While some nations, such as Sweden, Denmark, and Greece, would probably see little to no impact on growth, it is noted that Italy, with its heavy reliance on gas for electricity production, may face a decline of over 5%. At a press conference in Tehran, Putin asked why the EU wants to commit economic suicide when Russia can provide the energy security it needs. The International Monetary Fund sounded off on a Russian gas cutoff in which weaker EU states will suffer a recession due to self-infliction harm of sanctions. Related Article: Hungary Pays for Russian Gas in Rubles Drawing Ire From the European Union, West @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. A crime kingpin's dream to buy a sprawling ranch-style home for his girlfriend has ended in heartbreak after the couple were hit with drug trafficking charges, forcing them to forfeit the hefty deposit. Antoinetta Mannella, the partner of underworld kingpin George 'Cross' Marrogi, bought a $2.9million house on the outskirts of Melbourne just a month before the couple was pounced on by police. A court heard this week the couple's dream to own the sprawling estate in Mickleham was over thanks to the police sting and the deposit had been forfeited. The Australian Federal Police told the court it had dropped its restraining order on the home - related to the proceeds of crime act - after learning Ms Mannella's purchase had already fallen through. Ms Manella and Marrogi were hit with high-level drug trafficking charges in April, a month after she put the deposit down on the property. The now-forfeited deposit, given in March, was in the six figures, the Herald Sun reported. The home is back on the market with a similar asking price of between $2.8million and $2.95million. Antonietta Mannella (pictured) was seen in arrest footage being walked to a waiting car when she was arrested in April after allegedly taking orders from her jailed boyfriend who was accused of coordinating drug importations from a prison phone The purchase of the rural mansion (pictured) fell through shortly after Ms Mannella was charged and her deposit was forfeited George Marrogi, 33, was sentenced in April to 32 years in jail over the murder of Kadir Ors The median house price in Mickleham is around $646,500 according to Corelogic data. The house had previously sold for $1,850,000 in 2020. Luxurious lawn sweeps from the enormous front and back rooms of the property. It also boasts a six-seat in-home theatre which the crime boss's glamorous partner now won't be able to enjoy. It is also unlikely the pair will ever make use of the Rangeview Close pad's wall-papered home office, though it features spectacular north-facing, floor-to-ceiling glass doors to gaze out whilst ordering commercial-quantities of illegal drugs. The pavilion home also sits on two and a half acres of property. The ranch-style property Ms Mannella had put a deposit on just a month before her arrest boasted an array of luxurious features including a home theatre The details of the Australian Federal Police operation were made public after charges were laid on the pair. The full extent of the operation involved coordinated efforts from Corrections Victoria, local police, the border force and the Royal Malaysian Customs department. Raids, which led to the arrest of Ms Mannella, also saw police seize other luxury items including a rare gold and black Harley Davidson Night Rod, a jet ski and a white Mercedes G-wagon parked out the front of the home Ms Manella was arrested at. Details of Ms Mannella's alleged involvement in the large-scale drug importation also surfaced at the time, with police accusing her of following instructions given to her by her partner from a prison phone. Police attached to 'Operation Fuji' (pictured) raided multiple homes before laying charges on Ms Mannella and Marrogi, seizing luxury items including a G-wagon and rare Harley Davidson Ms Mannella (pictured) could face a life behind bars if she is proven guilty of the charges she faces Police recorded the phone calls from prison, collecting evidence from the couple's intimate conversations. Marrogi is accused of using a prison phone to pretend to talk to his lawyer, when he was allegedly instead delegating roles to members of his far-reaching crime syndicate to import drugs. His girlfriend was allegedly carrying out some of the orders and was charged with importing 56kg of meth - worth some $160million dollars on the streets - and 13kg of heroin. She was also charged with attempting to import 400kg of crystal meth. Malaysian Royal Customs flagged the consignment to Australian authorities. Ms Mannella is now staring down the barrel of a life in prison if she's convicted of either offence. George Marrogi (pictured) was given a 32-year sentence after the brutal car park killing of Kadir Ors Marrogi faces an additional 15 years in prison if convicted of allegedly directing the activities of a criminal organisation from inside Barwon Prison. AFP Assistant Commissioner Southern Command Krissy Barrett said there have only been a few times the federal police charged an alleged offender with directing the activities of a criminal organisation. 'The AFP alleges this man was ordering drug trafficking while he was in jail,' she said. 'The AFP alleges this syndicate is responsible for numerous importations and will not hesitate to charge [alleged] offenders when authorities have evidence to link them to previous shipments.' Marrogi was also hit with the charges of importing 56kg of crystal meth and 13kg of heroin, they carry a penalty of life imprisonment. Marrogi and Ms Mannella are due in court again in August. George Marrogi (pictured in prison greens) has spent much of his short life behind bars Truckers protesting a looming California labor law shut down one of the busiest seaports in the United States for the third day in a row. Operations were halted at the Port of Oakland on Wednesday as hundreds of independent big-rig truckers picketed gates and blocked other drivers from hauling cargo in and out of terminals at the port. The truckers are protesting Assembly Bill 5, a gig economy law passed in 2019 that sets tougher standards for classifying workers as independent contractors. The protesters worry that the law, which could soon be put into effect, will impose hefty costs on them that will slash their earnings. Demonstrations began on Monday and have grown larger and more disruptive with each passing day, exacerbating supply-chain issues that already have led to cargo ship traffic jams at major ports and stockpiled goods on the dock. Protest organizers say their actions will continue until Governor Gavin Newsom agrees to meet and discuss the issue. The protests in Oakland followed actions last week at the nation's top two seaports, at Los Angeles and Long Beach in Southern California. The three California ports handle about half of the nation's container cargo volume. Truckers protesting a looming California labor law shut down one of the busiest seaports in the United States for the third day in a row Operations were halted at the Port of Oakland on Wednesday as hundreds of independent big-rig truckers picketed gates and blocked other drivers from hauling cargo in and out of terminals at the port Demonstrators stopped traffic on Wednesday as they picketed in large crowds at the Port of Oakland, interfering with the entrance gates and overall operations. SSA Marine and Everport terminal managers sent International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) dock workers home for safety reasons. The protests come as toymakers and other industries enter their peak season for imports as retailers stockpile goods for the fall holidays and back-to-school items. As a result of the demonstrations, productivity at the port has diminished and wait times for containers have risen. Port officials fear the 'shutdown will further exacerbate the congestion of containers' and are urging operations at shipping terminals to resume. 'The supply chain already is in crisis. This is a huge disruption,' echoed Peter Friedmann, executive director of the Agriculture Transportation Coalition, in an interview with The Wall Street Journal. The truckers are protesting Assembly Bill 5, a gig economy law passed in 2019 that sets tougher standards for classifying workers as independent contractors The protesters worry that the law, which could soon be put into effect, will impose hefty costs on them that will slash their earnings Demonstrations began on Monday and have grown larger and more disruptive with each passing day, exacerbating supply-chain issues that already have led to cargo ship traffic jams at major ports and stockpiled goods on the dock Protest organizers say their actions will continue until Governor Gavin Newsom agrees to meet and discuss the issue The truckers are protesting Assembly Bill 5 (AB5), which makes it harder for companies to classify workers as independent contractors instead of employees, who are entitled to minimum wage and benefits such as workers compensation, overtime and sick pay. 'It seems the governor is not concerned about taking American workers' rights away,' demonstrator Bill Aboudi, owner of AB Trucking, told CNBC. 'So far there has been no contact with the governor's office.' 'These are independent, small businesses that choose to operate their own trucks, and now that right is taken away from them. They do pay taxes, they do have insurance. It's their choice to do that.' California Sen. Brian Dahle, who is running against Newsom for governor, joined the protesters Wednesday and criticized AB5. 'These guys just want to be free to drive their truck and run their business,' Dahle said of the truckers. 'But Gavin Newsom and the legislature doesn't see fit to make sure you get your supplies out of this port and to the store - that's why prices are going up. That's why you can't afford to live in California.' Dahle, who voted against the legislation, alleged the law has 'created a legal nightmare' and is hurtful to small business owners, specifically truckers. California Sen. Brian Dahle (center), who is running against Newsom for governor, joined the protesters Wednesday and criticized AB5. He said: 'These guys just want to be free to drive their truck and run their business' A federal appeals court ruled last year that AB5 applies to some 70,000 truck drivers who can be classified as employees of companies that hire them instead of independent contractors Demonstrators stopped traffic on Wednesday as they picketed in large crowds at the Port of Oakland, interfering with the entrance gates and overall operations. SSA Marine and Everport terminal managers sent International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) dock workers home for safety reasons A federal appeals court ruled last year that AB5 applies to some 70,000 truck drivers who can be classified as employees of companies that hire them instead of independent contractors. The International Brotherhood of Teamsters called it a 'massive victory' for exploited truckers, alleging AB5 aims to clamp down on labor abuses and push companies to hire drivers as employees - which would enable them to join unions and collectively bargain with employers. But the California Trucking Association, which sued over the law, argued the it could make it harder for independent drivers who own their own trucks and operate on their own hours to make a living by forcing them to be classified as employees. The legal battle stalled enforcement of the law for more than two years, but the U.S. Supreme Court declined to review the case on June 30, clearing the way for it to go forward. Meanwhile, there's been no word on when the state might begin enforcing the law, which is still being contested in lower courts. On Monday, the Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development said now that federal courts have rejected the trucking industry's appeals, officials should 'move forward' with enacted the legislation. 'It's time to move forward, comply with the law and work together to create a fairer and more sustainable industry for all,' Dee Dee Myers, office director, told CNBC. Newsom's office, in a separate email, told the news outlet: 'We also suspect the landscape may change (independent drivers becoming their own authority and/or then existing firms becoming an employee/driver model).' As a result of the demonstrations, productivity at the port has diminished and wait times for containers have risen Port officials fear the 'shutdown will further exacerbate the congestion of containers' and are urging operations at shipping terminals to resume The protests come as toymakers and other industries enter their peak season for imports as retailers stockpile goods for the fall holidays and back-to-school items Ports had already been struggling to handle container traffic, much of it from Asia, prior to the protests. After the COVID-19 pandemic began to take hold in 2020, cargo traffic to ports slumped drastically. But then it recovered and has been booming since. 'We understand the frustration expressed by the protestors at California ports,' Port of Oakland Executive Director Danny Wan said in the port statement. 'But, prolonged stoppage of port operations in California for any reason will damage all the businesses operating at the ports and cause California ports to further suffer market share losses to competing ports.' Some 5,000 truckers work at the Oakland port, which handles many different types of cargo and is a major hub for California's agricultural exports including almonds, rice and wine. The trucker protests come as the International Longshore and Warehouse Union, which represents dock workers at those and other U.S. West Coast ports, is in high-stakes contract talks with terminal operators that employ them. A mother had $4,500 stolen from her by a scammer who pretended to be her son asking for money. Australian woman Jan Lenton received a message on WhatsApp from who she thought was her son, telling her his phone had broken and that this was his new number and he needed some extra cash. As her son lives in the US, she immediately transferred the thousands of dollars to the account details that were sent to her. 'I've been in business for most of my life, and I'm the one that tells people ''be careful, don't do this, don't do that'', and then I fell for it!' she told 2GB's Ben Fordham. 'I can't believe I did it, I feel so stupid.' Sydney woman Jan Lenton received a message on WhatsApp from who she thought was her son, telling her his phone had broken and that this was his new number and he needed some extra cash Ms Lenton said she when she tried to ring the new number that she believed was her son, it didn't go anywhere. 'When I told my son that I'd transferred money, he went berserk,' she said. 'I sat up until nearly 1 am in the morning and I rang the bank and they closed my account.' The mother said she didn't provide her bank details to the number but had her account frozen anyways. 'I know (my son) is buying a house in the US and I just thought he was short of funds so I just did it,' Ms Lenton added. 'When you think your child's in trouble, it's normal for a mother to send money.' Coincidentally, Ms Lenton was shopping this week and was chatting to a store assistant when they revealed they'd fallen victim to the same scam. She said her bank's cyber security team has been notified but she's not hopeful she'll ever get the $4,500 back. 'Everyone's just got to be so careful,' she added. A toddler who was vomiting profusely and unable to recognise her mum because of an horrific concussion was turned away from hospital because of her Covid tests. Wynta, three, was rushed by ambulance to Gladstone Hospital, in central Queensland, around midday on Sunday after she fell off a kitchen bar stool and landed on her forehead. Her worried mum, Deborah, told Daily Mail Australia her little girl's symptoms were extremely concerning and she was 'obviously concussed'. 'My daughter was confused and delirious, her eyes were rolling back in her head, her arms and legs were twitching and at times she didn't recognise me,' she said. Three-year-old Wynta (pictured the day after her fall) was sent home untreated from Gladstone Hospital after falling off a kitchen bar stool and suffering a concussion Mother Deborah (pictured with Wynta) said she is 'disgusted' by the lack of treatment her daughter received at the hospital saying: My daughter could have died and all they cared about was their positive Covid test But when the injured toddler arrived at Gladstone Hospital, she received no treatment for her head injury. Instead doctors focused on forcing the distressed toddler to undergo two Covid tests. Wynta was first given a rapid antigen test, which came back negative, before senior doctors decided to perform a PCR test, which came back positive. Wynta (pictured in the ambulance) was taken via ambulance to the hospital vomiting and unable to recognise her mother but received no treatment and was sent home after a second Covid test returned a positive result After the second Covid test, Wynta was sent away from the hospital having never received any treatment for her head injury. 'I'm so upset, I really feel that her head injury should have trumped a Covid test,' Deborah said. 'She fell off a chair and got Covid. 'At no point did anyone look at my daughter's head injury. 'I am disgusted with the medical system. My daughter could have died and all they cared about was their positive Covid test.' Wynta's discharge letter (above) acknowledges the toddler suffered a head injury and states she was diagnosed with Covid Deborah said she was not permitted by doctors to see her daughter's Covid test result, with the positive diagnosis later written on her discharge letter. While she did not dispute the result, Deborah said she was frustrated she wasn't allowed to access the information. In little Wynta's discharge letter, obtained by Daily Mail Australia, hospital staff noted she suffered a head injury but said it was 'deemed unremarkable neurologically'. Gladstone Hospital executive director Monica Seth said she was 'happy to meet with Wynta's mother'. 'I cannot comment publicly on an individual case due to patient privacy. We are always looking to improve our service whenever possible and would be happy to meet with Wyntas mother to discuss her concerns, which can be arranged by contacting Gladstone Hospitals Patient Liaison Services,' Ms Seth said. 'Gladstone Hospitals Emergency Department is staffed appropriately.' Deborah said she called 13HEALTH, a Queensland telephone health service, who said her daughter was likely concussed. Deborah says Wynta (pictured before her fall) is still lethargic and was later diagnosed with a concussion by two health professionals She also followed up with the family's GP, who also agreed with the concussion diagnosis. Five days after the fall, Wynta is still lethargic and has bruising on her forehead. Deborah said she had her own run-in with Gladstone Hospital in 2020 when she suffered a bilateral pulmonary embolism, a blood clot that blocks blood flow to the lung. 'It's a bad hospital,' she said. 'They isolated me for 12 hours with no treatment while they waited for a Covid test result. 'I told them I'd already had three but they wouldn't listen. 'Something really needs to be done.' Wynta still has bruising on her forehead five days after her fall (above) but received no treatment at Gladstone Hospital after presenting with concussion symptoms Gladstone Hospital (above) has suffered a series of staff shortages and has now closed its maternity ward with locals forced to drive over an hour away to access proper birth facilities Gladstone Hospital has suffered a series of critical staff shortages in recent years with the region's 60,000 locals forced to travel more than an hour to Rockhampton to receive basic treatments like fracture plastering. On Monday, expectant mothers were warned Gladstone Hospital's maternity ward is on 'bypass', meaning women in labour will need to drive to Rockhampton to reach proper birth facilities. The bypass is the result of a shortage of obstetricians. Anthony Albanese's government has sensationally reversed a decision to replace the word mother with 'birthing parents' on a healthcare form. Minister for NDIS and Government Services Bill Shorten said the new forms would be ditched after mothers complained the document was 'dehumanising'. The new consent forms were introduced in three hospitals across Australia as a way to upload new baby details to Medicare digitally. The document asked for the 'birthing parent's full name' in one box and 'birthing parent's signature' in another instead of 'mother'. 'When I was informed on this situation yesterday, I instructed the responsible officials they should cease,' Mr Shorten tweeted on Thursday. Minister for NDIS and Government Services Bill Shorten (pictured) said the new forms would ditched after mothers complained the documents were 'dehumanising' The consent form (pictured) being trialed in some hospitals as a way to upload new baby details to Medicare asks for the name and signature of the newborn's 'birthing parent' 'They will be replaced with new forms that use the word mother, not birthing parent, which is consistent with other Medicare forms.' Mr Shorten said the change was made as 'part of a pilot program launched in three hospitals under the previous Coalition government'. Poll Do you think the word 'mother' should be replaced with 'birthing parent'? Yes No Unsure Do you think the word 'mother' should be replaced with 'birthing parent'? Yes 345 votes No 3525 votes Unsure 32 votes Now share your opinion The term 'birthing parent' was used in a form given to parents participating in a Birth of a Child pilot - a digital process used to register newborns with Medicare. It comes after a new mother from the Gold Coast slammed the forms as 'offensive' and 'alienating' towards women who wanted to be called mothers. Sall Grover, said she was shocked by the new consent forms handed to her shortly after giving birth to her newborn baby. 'Attention women in Australia: On the form to put our newborn baby on our Medicare card, we are referred to as 'birthing parent,' she tweeted. 'Enough is enough. This absolute bull--- is exclusionary, alienating and derogatory towards every woman who wants to be and is called 'mother.' During an interview with the Today Show on Thursday morning, she said the new consent forms were simply to please fringe activists and lobbyists. Sall Grover (pictured) told the Today Show hosts she was shocked by the new consent form which she described as 'I know enough what is happening at the moment with women's rights, and the erosion of our language and spaces, so I know where it's coming from,' she said. 'The fact that it was on this government form saying 'birthing parent', shocked me.' Today Show host Karl Stefanovic said he 'couldn't believe' the form had been changed in the first place and described it as 'bureaucracy gone crazy'. 'Motherhood is about so much more than that, it is every other day from then, you have your first few days of excitement, being part of that and then you see 'birthing parent', are you reducing the role of me getting her here,' Ms Grover replied. She called on the people offended by the term 'mother' to 'get help'. 'If the word 'mother' bothers you so much, I mean motherhood is going to be quite a shock. Get help, go and deal with it if the word 'mother' bothers', she said. Today Host Ally Langdon said as a mother herself, she found the term 'birthing parent' dehumanising. 'I feel divided about it if I'm perfectly honest. As someone who does identify as a mother, I see that and it's sort off-putting to see birthing parent,' she said. An emphatic Karl Stefanovic (left) said he 'couldn't believe' the form had been changed in the first place and described it as 'bureaucracy gone crazy'. The Gold Coast mother posted a photo of the new consent form to Twitter on Tuesday and described it as 'exclusionary, alienating and derogatory' 'It's dehumanising to me. But I understand when the surrogate and, you know, it's not one bill fits all.' The new mother re-appeared on the Today Show later on in the morning, after news broke the new forms had been dumped. 'Since that interview went to air, Bill Shorten who is a regular on the show, has been in contact to confirm these forms have been dumped,' Stefanovic said. 'Replaced with new ones that use the word 'mother' not 'birthing parent'.' Ms Grover said it was 'amazing news'. 'I was actually just talking to my own mum about it and I was saying it's awesome, fantastic. No complaint,' she told the hosts. 'It doesn't take a genius to work out that it should have been 'mother' all along.' Ms Grover (pictured) claimed the new consent forms was simply to please fringe activists and lobbyists and said people who complained were slammed as 'bigots' Ms Grover likened the title 'birthing parent' as something from the Handmaids Tale (pictured) While the new mum received an outpouring of support from Aussies, some pointed out that the word 'mother' alienates other groups such as same-sex couples, adopted parents and surrogates. 'One form that uses inclusive language is not erasing/stealing your rights/whatever other nonsense you're suggesting. 'Why is it ok to alienate other groups to keep you happy?' 'It removes ambiguity for situations with: lesbian couples, surrogate pregnancy, non-cis parents, adopted parents, and so many more situations. 'By using 'birthing parent', it neatly and simply clarifies specifically which person they need the signature from.' Twitter users pointed out that the form alienated groups like same-sex couples and surrogates Some Twitter users pointed out it was just one form and that children weren't being forced to call their mothers 'birthing parents' However others agreed that the words 'birthing parent' had no place on the form. 'Disgraceful. Becoming a mother was the most special time of my entire existence. It re-defined everything I thought I knew about myself,' one wrote. 'Let us call ourselves MOTHERS! Cross it out and put 'mother'.' Anyone coming across this on forms should cross out the offending words & put MOTHER in block capitals,' another agreed. 'If there is space, write on the form, saying that their description is offensive to women. This has come about because a tiny minority have banged on about being offensive.' A grieving mother of a young woman tragically killed in a car crash has remembered her as a 'caring, loving and spontaneous' daughter. Paige Heaysman, 29, crashed her Dodge sedan into a tree at Jupiter Creek, near Echunga, around 40 minutes from Adelaide, at 6.30am on Monday. The pilates instructor and a male passenger, 29, were transported to Flinders Medical Centre for treatment, but Ms Heaysman succumbed to her injuries and died. Adelaide woman Paige Heaysman (pictured) died after a car accident in Adelaide on Monday morning The 29-year-old pilates instructor was rushed to hospital after she crashed her Dodge sedan (pictured) into a tree at Jupiter Creek, near Echunga, around 6:30am Her heartbroken mother took to Facebook on Tuesday to announce the devastating news. 'With broken hearts our beautiful baby girl Paige Renee will forever be 29,' she wrote. 'Yesterday we lost our caring, loving, spontaneous daughter and sister. 'We miss you so much. Love you forever. Our memories of our Peggy will always be with us.' The post received hundreds of comments from friends of Ms Heaysman and her family expressing their sadness over the loss. 'We are so incredibly sorry for your loss. Sending you love and strength. She was an incredible young women,' one said. 'Just absolutely heartbreaking. Sending all my love and strength to your beautiful family. She was such a beautiful young lady,' commented another. 'I am terribly so so sorry to hear this. Paige was such a beautiful, kind, friendly and caring girl and she would always say a happy and bubbly hello every time we saw each other,' a third said. 'I am sending all of my love to you all.' Ms Heaysman's heartbroken mother announced the devastating news of her young daughter's tragic death on social media. Friends of the family expressed their sadness over the loss in the comments Ms Heaysman's death is the 42nd fatality on South Australian roads this year (pictured, Ms Heaysman's Dodge sedan after the crash) Ms Heaysman worked as a pilates instructor and ran her own business called Pilates with Paige. Her male passenger from the crash is still receiving treatment for serious but non-life threatening injuries in hospital. Ms Heaysman's death is the 42nd fatality on South Australian roads this year. There were 54 lives lost in the state at the same time last year. The son of a New York Supreme Court judge believed to have beaten his mom to death was a boozy stoner college dropout whose parents feared for his future. Douglas Solomon's mother Diane Gallagher, 65, and his father Charles Solomon are even said to have discussed their fears for their son's future hours before Diane's murder. Douglas then jumped naked to his death from the 16th floor of his family's aprtment building. The suspected murder-suicide killer looked like he was going nowhere, his father, esteemed ex-jurist Charles Solomon, 76, told police, according to NBC New York. After attending the tony private school Poly Prep Country School in the leafy, upper middle class Brooklyn neighborhood of Park Slope, the boy was recruited to be a lacrosse player at Rhodes College in Memphis. NYPD believe Douglas Solomon, 26, (left) beat his mother Diane Gallagher, 65, (right) to death before jumping naked to his death on Tuesday morning Solomon and Gallagher (left) are pictured with Charles Solomon (left), a retired NYC Supreme Court Judge Charles Solomon, who oversaw many high profile cases over the 30 year career Gallagher (right) was found with multiple trauma injuries to the head inside the family's apartment on 180 E. 79th Street, in the Upper East Side But Douglas ended up quitting the team and dropping out before graduating about two years ago and spent the next few years living at home in his parent's apartment, smoking pot and drinking. The son and the father did not have a good relationship, the former judge told investigators, according the NBC; ironically it was his mom, Diane Gallagher, 65, that he was closest to. The couple talked about getting their son back on track, but it's not clear if anything was resolved. Douglas Solomon's body was found in the courtyard of the apartment complex (highlighted) When Solomon went to work at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, he told police that both his wife and son were asleep in their beds. Police believe that sometime after that, Douglas Solomon beat Gallagher in the head with a bedside lamp, according to the network's affiliate. The mother had suffered blunt force trauma to the face and head. She had a gash on her forehead and behind her right ear, the station reported. Cops told the station that she may have been choked as well. The lamp was found nearby. Around 10:30 a.m. a neighbor heard arguing coming from the family's apartment. 'I heard a bunch of voices. I thought it was construction workers arguing,' one resident told the New York Post. 'I thought it was just people angry with each other.' Neighbors mourned the loss of Gallagher (above), who they described as an 'amazing person' Then building residents heard the sound of Douglas screaming as he plummeted to his death. Investigators told the paper that his body showed scrapes like he had forced himself through a narrow window. Police found the young man's naked body in the building's courtyard. 'I think it's quite obvious he may have been suffering from depression or some other mental illness and was using alcohol and weed as a way to cope with his problems,' a friend told the New York Post. '[Him and his mom] always seemed to have a good relationship like others have said and I just wish things didn't turn out the way they did because this is just a terrible thing for anyone to go through.' Neighbors mourned the loss of Gallagher, who they described as an 'amazing person.' 'A great mother, a great wife, a great everything and really a great friend,' a neighbor who went by Martine told the Post. Police said the investigation is ongoing and that there was no history of domestic violence or mental health issues in the family. Charles, who most recently worked for the Manhattan District Attorney's Office after retiring in 2017 following a battle with cancer, could not be reached for comment. The judge, who served on the city's Supreme Court for three decades, oversaw the nightclub shooting trial for Sean Combs, better known as P-Diddy, in 2001. He was also the judge who heard the infamous Lorna Santiago 2010 murder case, passing a guilty verdict on Michael Lenahan, who strangled Santiago to death and lay in bed with her corpse for two days. Charles' last high profile trial came in 2017, when he approved a plea deal for one of the Russian prostitutes allegedly hired by former New York Governor Eliot Spitzer, whom the disgraced governor accused of extorting him. Shocking footage of a teenage girl being punched in the head and stomped on by two others in a sickening attack has gone viral and sparked online horror. The vicious assault is believed to have been filmed near Petrie train station in the Moreton Bay region north of Brisbane. The graphic footage obtained by Nine News shows the defenceless schoolgirl lying on the ground and covering her head in a desperate effort to protect herself while two teen girls stand over her. They kick her several times before one wearing a black skirt and white sneakers leans down to punch the victim repeatedly in the head and stomps on her multiple times. One of the girls was filmed punching the young victim and stomping on her head A fourth teen is seen watching metres away but doesn't get involved while another girl can be heard screaming expletives before yelling at the attackers to stop. The victim eventually gets to her feet before the recording abruptly stops. Queensland Police said the alleged attack hasn't been reported to police and so it is not currently investigating the incident. 'If there is no complaint forthcoming there will be no police involvement,' a spokeswoman told Daily Mail Australia. The defenceless victim (pictured, lying on the ground) eventually gets to her feet after being kicked, punched and stomped on by two girls Locals were shocked by the footage which has since gone viral on social media. 'Considering there are cops there all the time this should have been stopped,' one woman commented online. Another added: 'The law needs to come down hard on people like this. This is unacceptable, the poor poor girl.' An Oregon father-of-two was shot and killed by a BMW driver on his way home from the beach after accidentally splashing windshield wiper fluid on the killer's car. Dennis Anderson, 45, a father of two teenage girls and a stepson, was out in Lincoln City last week with his partner of 18 years, Brandy Goldsbury, when they were targeted by an unidentified man riding a black BMW 3 Series car, The Oregonian reported. Goldsbury, 46, said the BMW was trying to pass them just as Anderson sprayed wiper fluid on his windshield, some of which she said may have gotten on the other car, infuriating the driver. The 3 Series passed them without issue, they believed. But shortly afterwards, the couple spotted the car parked on the side of the road - and were horrified to see it begin chasing them as they drove past. Goldsbury said the sports car's driver pursued them along Highway 18 and began firing shots, eventually striking Anderson. 'The last thing that [Dennis] said was, "Oh my god, they shot me,''' Goldsbury said. 'By the time I got to him, blood was coming out of his mouth.' Now Goldsbury is asking for help in finding her partner's killer, while loved ones set up a GoFundMe page to help support the grieving family. Dennis Anderson, 45, (right) was shot to death along Highway 18 in Oregon by a BMW driver whose car was allegedly hit with windshield wiper fluid from Anderson's vehicle. Pictured: Anderson enjoying a day out with one of his teenage daughters The black BMW 3 Series car (pictured) allegedly chased Anderson and his partner, Brandy Goldsbury, along the highway and tried to push them off the road Goldsbury said the unidentified driver of the BMW (pictured) shot Anderson with what appeared to be a semi-automatic weapons before driving away Police are still investigating the shooting and looking for the man who killed the Recalling the incident, Goldsbury told the Oregonian that she was startled when she and Anderson came across the angry BMW driver again while on the highway. She said they had just arrived at a rest area on their way home to Tigard when they found the BMW parked on the side of the road. 'We drove by it, and then it got behind us,' Goldsbury told the local outlet. 'And then when the lanes started to turn to one again, the car started driving really close to the back of us almost like it was going to hit us. 'And then it would go into oncoming traffic and kind of swerve towards us, like trying to push us to the side of the forest.' Goldsbury said she was able to call 911 and flag down other drivers for help after the suspect shot Anderson and fled the scene. She said one Good Samaritan stopped and helped perform CPR on Anderson until paramedics arrived, but the victim was reported dead at the scene. Police are still investigating the shooting and described the suspect as a short, 25-year-old male with medium complexion and short dark hair. Goldsbury said his daughters meant the world to Anderson, who recently quit a pharmacy job to deliver pizzas part-time in order to spend more time with his kids Anderson (left) was described as a kind and loving father to not only his daughters, but also to his adult step-son, who Goldsbury said Anderson was happy to take under his wing Pictured: Anderson (left) with his father, David, who often fished together whenever he returned to his native Massachusetts Loved ones set up a GoFundMe page to help support the grieving family following the murder Mourning the loss of her partner, Goldsbury, a medical assistant at Oregon Health & Science University, described Anderson as a kind and caring father who also took her son from a previous marriage under his wing. 'He's one of those pushover dads,' Goldsbury told the Oregonian. 'They would ask for something absolutely outrageous, and he would be like 'no' and then I would turn around and he'd be doing it, making it happen for them.' Goldsbury said his daughters meant the world to Anderson, who recently quit a pharmacy job to deliver pizzas part-time in order to spend more time with his kids. The family's dream was to buy a home in Lincoln City, the home of Anderson's favorite hamburger restaurant. A Massachusetts native, Anderson fell in love with Oregon when driving across the country to meet Goldsbury after connecting in an online chatroom. Although she freaked out at his sudden and surprising feat, telling him to go home, she said she quickly reconsidered. 'And then he came back, and then he never left,' Goldsbury said. Goldsbury and police have called on the public to help track down the person behind the sensless murder. 'They need to realize what they did and how they impacted not only me and my family but our community,' Goldsbury told KGW 8. Police in Utah have released video of a February shooting in which a 4-year-old child opened fire on officers because 'he wanted his daddy back.' Cops were in the process of arresting the child's father, Sadaat Johnson, 27, when the shocking incident occurred on February 12 around 1:30 p.m. According to the Unified Police Department in Midvale, Utah, just outside of Salt Lake City, Johnson pulled a gun on a McDonald's employee at the drive-thru over an issue regarding his order. An employee said that Johnson began cursing at her and slapped the receipt out of her hand. Then he produced a handgun that was on the passenger seat, cocked it before putting the gun back down. According to the Unified Police Department in Midvale, Utah, just outside of Salt Lake City, Johnson pulled a gun on a McDonald's employee There were two children in the car with the suspect at the time of the shooting, the other was 3 years old As Johnson is being apprehended, Officer Morgan Matthews apparently saw the gun being pointed and shouted: 'Gun!' A gunshot is heard seconds later Following the gunshot, an officer can be heard telling the children: 'It's okay' When the employee closed the window, the suspect picked up the gun and began 'looking at it,' according to Fox13. From there, an employee asked Johnson to pull forward to an area of the parking lot. That's when police were called and they arrived to arrest Johnson. There were two children in the car with the suspect at the time of the shooting, the other was 3 years old. The footage shows Johnson refusing officer's requests to get out of the car before taking matters into their own hands, opening the driver's side door and forcibly removing Johnson. As Johnson is being apprehended, Officer Morgan Matthews apparently saw the gun being pointed at them and shouted: 'Gun!' A gunshot is heard seconds later. After looking inside the car, an officer shouts: 'Kid!' Children's crying can be heard in the background. The gun, described as a silver handgun in documents, went off as the officer attempted to swipe it away from the child's hands. Following the gunshot, an officer can be heard telling the children: 'It's okay.' No officers were injured in the incident. In March, Johnson was charged with child abuse, aggravated assault and interference with an arresting officer. In March, Johnson was charged with child abuse, aggravated assault and interference with an arresting officer On his Facebook page, Johnson regularly posts memes showing his opposition to the Black Lives Matter movement, abortion and Covid-19 lockdown protocols The child picked up the gun because 'he wanted his daddy back,' reports ABC4. The station also quotes the child as hearing his father say that the officers 'cannot open the door' and that he 'didn't want to shoot the lady at the happy meal store,' prior to his arrest. Officials initially alleged that Johnson instructed his child to open fire. Salt Lake County Sheriff Rosie Rivera alluded to that in a statement in February, saying: 'To have an adult think it is okay to encourage a [4]-year-old to pull a firearm and shoot at police illustrates how out of hand the campaign against police has gotten.' In the charging documents, that allegation is not mentioned. According to Fox13, Johnson said that he did not tell his child bad things about the police but to avoid them wherever possible. On his Facebook page, Johnson regularly posts memes showing his opposition to the Black Lives Matter movement, abortion, Covid-19 lockdown protocols and Vice President Kamala Harris. The suspect did not address the February shooting incident on his Facebook page. Johnson maintains his innocence and says that he 'blacked out' after arguing with the McDonald's employee. He denies pointing the gun, despite surveillance footage showing him with the firearm, according to police. Johnson moved to Utah from Georgia, where his wife and mother of his child still live, in 2021 During his interview, Johnson said that his child has handled his gun previously. The suspect has ties to Georgia and only moved to Utah in 2021. He has another child in Georgia. The officer involved in the incident said at a city council meeting in March where he was honored for his actions in swiping the gun away: 'We just wanna do our job and make sure we go home every night.' Johnson's wife and the mother of the 4-year-old, Alexis Davis, told Fox13 in March: 'It kind of brought me to my knees because he put a loaded weapon in my four year old's hand.' She added: 'It will mess with my son mentally in the future and that's something I would have to deal with.' According to Davis, she and Johnson have an arrangement that their children spend some of their time living in Utah with him. Davis continued: 'I'm sad about the situation, It sucks, it's hurtful, I'm praying about it and I just want my kids home as soon as possible.' More Russian humanitarian aid supplies arrive in Afghanistan Xinhua) 09:23, July 21, 2022 Workers unload Russian humanitarian aid supplies in Kabul, Afghanistan, on July 20, 2022. A Russian plane carrying 23.5 tons of humanitarian aid supplies landed at Kabul International Airport on Wednesday. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua) KABUL, July 20 (Xinhua) -- A Russian plane carrying 23.5 tons of humanitarian aid supplies landed at Kabul International Airport on Wednesday. Receiving the shipment, Ghulam Ghous Nasiri, acting minister of state for disaster management and humanitarian affairs, thanked Russia for sending the support and said that the assistance including food and non-food items would be distributed to the people affected by recent earthquakes and flooding. This is the second shipment of Russian humanitarian aid supplies to Afghanistan. The first shipment arrived in the capital Kabul on July 13. More than 1,000 people have lost their lives and more than 3,000 others sustained injuries due to the devastating earthquakes and flash floods in Afghanistan over the past month, according to officials. Workers unload Russian humanitarian aid supplies in Kabul, Afghanistan, on July 20, 2022. A Russian plane carrying 23.5 tons of humanitarian aid supplies landed at Kabul International Airport on Wednesday. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua) Workers unload Russian humanitarian aid supplies in Kabul, Afghanistan, on July 20, 2022. A Russian plane carrying 23.5 tons of humanitarian aid supplies landed at Kabul International Airport on Wednesday. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua) A worker transfers Russian humanitarian aid supplies in Kabul, Afghanistan, on July 20, 2022. A Russian plane carrying 23.5 tons of humanitarian aid supplies landed at Kabul International Airport on Wednesday. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua) Workers unload Russian humanitarian aid supplies in Kabul, Afghanistan, on July 20, 2022. A Russian plane carrying 23.5 tons of humanitarian aid supplies landed at Kabul International Airport on Wednesday. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua) (Web editor: Wu Chaolan, Liang Jun) The Italian government has been plunged into chaos after Prime Minister Mario Draghi failed to shore up support as key parties decided to boycott the confidence vote. The national unity government of Draghi, who restored Italy's influence and credibility, fell apart on Wednesday, leaving the nation to head towards a new season of political chaos at a critical moment when the European Union is struggling to hold together a united front against Russia and revive its economies. Fall of the Italian Government Key parts of Draghi's coalition criticized the official on the Senate floor and abandoned him in a confidence vote on Wednesday evening. He was then expected to discuss his resignation on Thursday for a second, and almost certainly final, time in a week with Italian President Sergio Mattarella. The prime minister's departure would amount to a stinging blow to both Italy and Europe as the former European Central Bank president used his statesmanlike stature to usher in a brief golden period for the nation after taking over as a caretaker prime minister in 2021, as per the New York Times. Draghi led Italy out of some of the worst days of the COVID-19 pandemic, secured and planned for the spending of billions of euros in European recovery funds, and introduced numerous overhauls of sectors of the economy that had long escaped modernization. He was also considered an essential part of Europe's exceptionally unified stance against Russia's war on Ukraine. Read Also: Sri Lanka: New President Reveals Massive Coverup of Financial Crisis However, that period of progress, unity, and expanded international influence for Italy was quickly giving way to politicking as usual, as the country faced the prospect of new elections as early as October. The elections could yield a government dominated by parties far more sympathetic to Russian President Vladimir Putin and more hostile to the European Union. According to CNN, three parties boycotted the vote despite Draghi's calls for unity, the powerful 5-Star Movement, which is the largest party in the country's coalition government, center-right Forza Italia, and the far-right League. Mario Draghi's Influence Now, Draghi leads a fractured government teetering on the brink of collapse and his resignation has been expected. In a Twitter post, Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio said that the events represented "a black page for Italy." Former Prime Minister Enrico Letta also criticized the outcome of the vote as "madness," saying that Parliament decided to go against Italy. Draghi asked lawmakers earlier on Wednesday to support the coalition government in an effort to avoid calling a snap election. Draghi said that there needed to be a new pact of trust, which was sincere and concrete, similar to the one that has allowed Italy to change for the better. He added, "If we still want to stay together, the only way is to rebuild this (national unity) pact with courage, altruism, credibility." Matteo Renzi, an ally of Draghi, was on the Senate floor when he said, "It's over," as the three major coalition members boycotted the confidence vote. Based on just numbers, Draghi prevailed in the vote, but due to the boycott, the three parties effectively torpedoed the unity government, the Washington Post reported. Related Article: Rome Thrown Into Political Chaos as Italian President Reject's Prime Minister Mario Draghi's Resignation @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The mum of a toddler found dead in tragic circumstances took to Facebook just three weeks ago to post sad photos of her child and to rage about her daughter being denied a visit with her jailed father. Charlie, six, was found unresponsive inside her Munno Para home, in Adelaide's northern suburbs, in the early hours of Friday morning. The mum took to Facebook on June 24 to share photos of the little girl, three weeks before her death, looking sad after being told she wouldn't be able to celebrate her birthday with her father. 'My heart is breaking so much watching my baby girl being upset, especially on her birthday,' the mum said. 'Mount Gambier Prison cancelled her zoom birthday visit with her daddy. So Charlie doesn't get to show her presents or unwrap some presents with her daddy and do birthday cake with him. F@#k you MGP'. Six-year-old Charlie (above) was found unresponsive in her Adelaide home early last Friday Just weeks before the little girl's death her mother shared a photos of her daughter looking sad she couldn't see her father on her birthday (above) Charlie's father is serving five-and-a-half years in Mount Gambier Prison for causing harm with intent. The six-year-old's death was initially recorded as the result of malnutrition but it has since been revealed she suffered from coeliac disease, a severe immune disorder in which the digestive system reacts to gluten. Following Charlie's death, her five siblings were taken into the care of the state as their mother is investigated for alleged criminal neglect. The family's neighbours said child protection authorities failed the family and Charlie's 'distraught' mother was not to blame for the death. 'She watched her child die any mother who has gone through that would be traumatised and scared and confused and just heartbroken that her child, her baby that she carried for nine months, is gone,' one told the Adelaide Advertiser. Several neighbours said they had made plans to launch a #justiceforcharlie campaign. 'It's just another step in the process of getting answers for Charlie, and that's what we really want,' one said. 'There are no words to describe the amount of anger all of us on the street here have for the family.' Photos of the home (above) show Charlie and her five siblings lived in what police described as 'poor' conditions The news comes after court documents, revealed on Wednesday, showed Charlie was allowed to stay at the home after being exposed to drug abuse and domestic violence. In January last year, Charlie and her siblings watched as their 'drug-fuelled' father stabbed their mother multiple times - including to the neck - at their home. However, child protection authorities did not remove the children from the situation. Charlie's mother shared a series of photos in a Facebook post on June 24 that showed the toddler upset on her birthday (above) Neighbours claim they contacted authorities eight times in the three weeks before Charlie's death, with authorities reportedly making more than 500 case notes related to her. Acting Premier Susan Close said a government review will investigate interactions between the family and authorities to see if 'lessons' could have been learned. Charlie's aunt snapped at reporters outside the family's home on Tuesday when asked how the toddler's mum was feeling. 'How do you think she's feeling? Her daughter just died in her arms! Of course she's upset.' SA Deputy Police Commissioner Linda Williams said Charlie was living in 'poor' conditions One neighbour, Bec, told Daily Mail Australia she rushed to the home early Friday morning after hearing Charlie's mother call for help. 'It was about 1am and we were about to go to sleep, and we heard this banging on the door. Charlie's mum was screaming, "Charlie isn't breathing!" so we raced over there,' she said. 'She was on the floor in a nappy, and she was paper white ... and when I touched her, she was stone cold, and her eyes were open and fixated on the ceiling. 'We did everything to try and get Charlie to breathe.' Paramedics attempted to treat Charlie at the scene but she was pronounced dead at the hospital. Bec said the three-year-old and her siblings never looked healthy and often had head lice, which she tried her best to help with. 'After a while, she came over less and less and then she wasn't allowed to come over and play with my two-year-old daughter, and she wasn't allowed to leave the house,' she said. Charlie's aunt (left) visited the home on Tuesday wearing a pink hoodie with a slogan that read: 'But did you die? #mumlife' Bec said she remembers Charlie as a 'beautiful' girl who was shy, but always smiling happy, and carried around a pink teddy bear. SA Deputy Police Commissioner Linda Williams said Charlie was living in 'poor' conditions but noted it was too early to determine if her death could have been prevented. She could not confirm the last time Charlie had been seen or even attended school. A special task force has been formed to investigate her death and the circumstances behind it. Julie Bishop's lover of eight years David Panton has a new girlfriend, a magazine report claimed. Mr Panton, a property developer and co-founder of medical technology company Pantonic Health, is now 'in a relationship with a woman from the northern beaches', New Idea magazine reported on Thursday. Mr Panton reportedly dumped Ms Bishop, the country's former foreign minister, over dinner in Sydney just weeks ago. Julie Bishop has insisted she is 'fine' following her break-up with longtime partner David Panton during an awkward live TV interview 'I'm going to be focused on living in Manly and Melbourne for the foreseeable future,' he told the Sydney Morning Herald on July 6. 'I wish Julie all the best in her ongoing stellar career.' Daily Mail Australia approached Mr Panton for comment on the magazine report. Ms Bishop, the country's former foreign minister, told the Today Show last week she was coping 'fine' with the collapse of the relationship. During their partnership, Ms Bishop took Mr Panton to the United Nations to meet world leaders, Buckingham Palace to hobnob with British royalty and to the White House, where he met Donald and Melania Trump. The pair had been together just last month at St James's Palace in London, having dinner with Prince Charles for an event honouring his charity The couple were together for eight years before they split earlier this month The pair first stepped out publicly in 2014, and were pictured at countless celebrity events over the years including the 2018 wedding of Karl Stefanovic and Jasmine Yarbrough. They had appeared to be going strong when they recently visited St James' Palace in London for an event honouring Prince Charles' charity. Ms Bishop was understood to have been 'blindsided' by the sudden breakdown of her relationship, sources close to the former politician said. Daily Mail Australia understands she had been finding more ways to be in Sydney with Mr Panton and had been excited to travel to London with him in late June. Ms Bishop emerged for the first time since the split smiling happily for photos at a Perth mining conference on July 11, although insiders said she was hurting in the wake of the bust-up and was shocked at the way he'd pulled the pin so suddenly. Mr Panton is seen here with Bishop on a diplomatic working holiday during Donald Trump's presidency Ms Bishop caused a stir in 2015 when she took Mr Panton to sitting of the UN General Assembly in New York 'She legitimately saw a long future for the two of them and worked hard at the relationship,' said a political insider close to the ex deputy-PM. 'As far as everyone else, obviously aside from David, was concerned they seemed fine.' Another source close to Ms Bishop was slightly less diplomatic about the sudden end to the affair, hinting that Mr Panton's presence in her inner circle 'divided' some of her friends and colleagues. But 'JBish' as she was referred to in Canberra, remained smitten. 'Let's just say a there are a few who might be relieved that it's over,' said one, adding: 'His personality didn't always gel with everyone.' Mr Panton, 61, met Ms Bishop, 65, while she was in the midst of her political career, serving as Australia's Minister of Foreign Affairs. The pair maintained a long-distance relationship for years, with Ms Bishop based in Perth while he lived in Sydney. In 2019, Ms Bishop told the SMH how she fell for the property developer and their bond over their love of health and fitness. 'That's self-evident have you seen him?' she laughed. Mr Panton, 61, met Ms Bishop, 65, while she was the midst of her political career, serving as Australia's Minister of Foreign Affairs 'He's a swimmer, I'm a runner. 'He's a very independent-minded and successful businessman, and he has a delightful sense of humour. He makes me laugh.' Mr Panton was often by her side as she travelled the world as the foreign minister, and the relationship remained strong despite being separated for seven months during Covid. Ms Bishop also explained why the pair had not decided to relocate to each other's respective cities. '[David and I] meet constantly, travel together and travel overseas to keep it fresh,' she said in the interview. Mr Panton and Ms Bishop shared a passion for health and fitness 'Long-distance relationships can be a lot of fun.' Ms Bishop was previously married to Neil Gillon from 1983 to 1988. She later dated former Lord Mayor of Perth Peter Nattrass for at least 12 years. Mr Panton is the director for Pantonic Health, which was a major provider of Covid rapid antigen tests. He runs the company alongside his daughters Sally and Laura. The business supplied tests for Darwin's Howard Springs quarantine facility, Twiggy Forrest's Fortescue Metals Group and Commonwealth Bank. Six of the youngest 13 Turpin siblings who were rescued from their abusive parents in 2018 said they were sexually abused and tortured by their new foster parents, who force-fed them and made them eat their own vomit. A lawsuit filed on behalf of the children seeks damages over abuse and negligence against foster parents Marcelino and Rosa Olguin, California's Riverside County and its agency contractor ChildNet, which allegedly failed the traumatized children. The lawsuit states that in the three years the children spent with the Olguins, they were subject to beatings, molestations and told repeatedly that no one would love them and that they should kill themselves. The children added that they were force-fed while in the Olguins' custody, which caused them to develop eating disorders and vomit as the foster parents allegedly made them eat the vomit. Their ordeal was first reported earlier this year in a DailyMail.com exclusive story. 'These children who were chained to their beds for a great majority of their life finally are free, and then the county places them with ChildNet and puts them in another position where they are further abused,' Elan Zektser, who is representing two of the oldest plaintiffs, told ABC News. Six of the youngest 13 Turpin siblings filed a lawsuit against foster parents Marcelino and Rosa Olguin (above), California's Riverside County and its agency contractor ChildNet, for the abuse they suffered in the foster care system for three years Before allegedly suffering torture from the Olguins, the children were abused by their biological parents, David and Louise Turpin (pictured will all 13 kids) Marcelino, 63, was charged with the sexual abuse and physically and mentally torturing the children after bringing them into his home in 2018 ChildNet and Riverside County officials did not immediately reply to DailyMail.com's request for comment. Zekster and Roger Booth, who is representing the four youngest siblings, slammed the county's foster care system for allegedly failing to protect the six children, who survived years of abuse by their biological parents. David and Louise Turpin made national headlines in 2018 when their 13 kids were rescued from their squalid Southern California home, with some of the children found chained to their beds, starved and largely isolated from the world. The couple pleaded guilty to torture and abuse in 2019 and have been sentenced to life in prison. Despite the high profile case, Booth said the children were let down by ChildNet and by the county, which was supposed to check-in regularly with the children. 'This case is one where the entire world was watching,' Booth told ABC, 'and yet, even in that situation, the county and ChildNet dropped the ball, which tells you, I think pretty clearly, what must be happening, and what we've seen happen in other cases with kids who aren't famous, who are - whose cases are not high-profile, who nobody knows about.' The Olguins were arrested in March 2021, with Marcelino, 63, charged with the sexual abuse and physically and mentally torturing all the foster children. Rosa, 58, and daughter Lennys, 37, have been hit with torture and false imprisonment charges for their alleged part in the abuse. All three pleaded not guilty, and Marcelino was freed on $200,000 bond, while the two women are each on $50,000 bond. The alleged abuse took place in the Olguin's five-bedroom home in Perris, California David and Louise Turpin - who are now serving life in prison - regularly beat and restrained their children, fed them just once a day, and only allowed them a shower once a year The children's lawyers said that as of Wednesday, four of the 13 Turpin siblings are still in the foster care system, with the rest living together in a new home According to the lawsuit, Marcelino, named Mr. O, 'sexually y abused Jane Doe 5 and her siblings by, among other things, grabbing and fondling their buttocks, legs and breasts, kissing them on their mouths and making sexually suggestive comments.' The children were also allegedly forced to sit by themselves for hours outside and witness a foster child under Lennys' care be 'physically abused and tortured.' The Turpin siblings claim that the Olguins also made them sit in a circle and recount the horrors they faced from their biological parents. The children's lawyer argued that ChildNet should never have placed the siblings in the Olguins' care because 'they had a prior history of abusing and neglecting children who had been placed in their care.' The lawsuit lays out the abuse the children allegedly suffered at the hands of the Olguins The suit also claims that ChildNet was aware of the abuse the children suffered but failed to report it to law enforcement or child protective services. 'Defendants had a duty to protect plaintiffs, but instead protected Mr. and Mrs. O by failing to report the abuse and neglect of plaintiffs to Child Protective Services or to law enforcement and by failing to intervene and interfere when abuse and neglect was reported by others,' the suit states. 'Defendants allowed plaintiffs to remain in the home for three years.' The children's lawyers said that as of Wednesday, four of the 13 Turpin siblings are still in the foster care system, with the rest living together in a new home. The attorney's added that their clients want the system's that allegedly failed them to face accountability. 'They have highlighted that the most important thing to them is that this doesn't happen to other kids,' Booth told ABC. 'I can't even tell you how many times our clients have told us, 'We just don't want this to happen to someone else.' Labor leaders trying to organize Starbucks workers in 'woke cities' across the country roasted coffee chain's CEO Howard Schultz, charging that he's started a 'war' against the union by shuttering 16 cafes because they're too dangerous to operate. The brew boss said that 'America has become unsafe' in several left-leaning cities across the country and as a result will close its cafes in Seattle, Portland, Los Angeles, Philadelphia and D.C - where crime rates have soared due to woke policies including police cuts. Schultz warned that this is 'just the beginning' of store closures and said there 'would be many more' as staff fear for their own safety amid a rise in crime, homeless and people with mental health issues. Union organizers with Starbucks Workers United said that the coffee chief has another motivation entirely - to break the union. Starbucks workers in Buffalo, New York became the first shop in the company's 50-year history to unionize in the country 'Every decision Starbucks makes must be viewed through the lens of the company's unprecedented and virulent union-busting campaign,' the union said in a statement. 'It is simply not credible for the company to argue that this was not a response to the growing union movement spreading across the country.' EXCLUSIVE: Today at an internal meeting CEO Howard Schultz said: "Starbucks is a window into America... we are facing things in which the stores were not built for... we're listening to our people and closing stores, & this is just the beginning. There are gonna be many more. pic.twitter.com/E9ayQqSmB8 Ari Hoffman (@thehoffather) July 13, 2022 Starbucks workers in Buffalo, New York became the first shop in the company's 50-year history to unionize in the country. Schultz was previously recorded on an internal Zoom meeting calling unions an 'outside force that is trying desperately to disrupt the company.' Two of the Seattle stores and one of the Portland cafes have started to organize workers. 'Howard Schultz has escalated the war against our union, Starbucks Workers United,' the labor group said in a statement. 'Here on our home turf, where we remain undefeated in union elections (13-0), Starbucks is targeting the 4th and Morrison store for closure, citing 'safety concerns.' It's clear to anyone that has worked at Starbucks that the company doesn't prioritize our safety until it behooves them; that is, they won't make alterations to store operations until after we have filed for union election and an equal voice in our daily operations.' However, six of the L.A.-area shops that are scheduled to shutter have not launched a union effort. Starbucks officials have been adamant that safety is the underlying concern. In two leaked video excerpts of Schultz speaking at an internal meeting, shared by Ari Hoffman of KVI-AM talk radio in Seattle, Schultz said he was shocked to hear that one of the primary concerns of their retail partners is their 'own personal safety.' The reported disruptions include drug use by paying customers and, more often than not, members of the public - who often take advantage of the company's open bathroom policy, which allows nonpaying patrons to use their facilities. As a result, the bathrooms have in large part devolved into dens of debauchery, regularly used by vagrants and homeless to do drugs and engage in other illicit behavior. The CEO of Starbucks, Howard Schultz, has blamed woke elected leaders for 'abdicating their responsibility' to fight crime in their local areas which has led the chain to shutter more than a dozen stores nationwide (file image) Starbucks is closing more than a dozen stores due to reports of rife drug use and disturbances by brazen members of the public at the popular cafes. Pictured is a shuttered store in Portland, Oregon - one of the cities that will see closures - that was ransacked by looters in 2021 The reported disruptions include drug use by paying customers and, more often than not, members of the public - who often take advantage of the company's open bathroom policy, which allows nonpaying patrons to use their facilities. Pictured are homeless people loitering outside a Starbucks in Seattle, which will also experience closures, the company said In the leaked video excerpts, Schultz said: 'In my view at the local, state, and federal level, these governments across the country and leaders, mayors, and governors and city councils have abdicated their responsibility in fighting crime and addressing mental illness. 'And we're going to have to refine and transform and modernize many of the things we do to meet the needs of our customers in a very changing operating environment.' He added that the demand for Starbucks by their customers has 'never been greater.' In another short video, Schultz said: 'I don't have to spend too much time on what's going on in the country and how America has become unsafe, but you all read the press release the last couple of days about the fact that we are beginning to close stores that are not unprofitable.' He added: 'It has shocked me that one of the primary concerns that our retail partners have is their own personal safety. And then we heard the stories about what happens in our bathrooms, the issues with mental illness, homelessness and crime. Schultz blamed elected leaders of the Democrat cities where the stores are closing "at the local state and federal level, these governments... and leaders, mayors & governors & city councils have advocated their responsibility in fighting crime & addressing mental illness. pic.twitter.com/M8vTJgchCE Ari Hoffman (@thehoffather) July 13, 2022 'Starbucks is a window into America, we have stores in every community... we are facing things in which the stores were not built for. We're listening to our people and closing stores, & this is just the beginning. There are going be many more.' All of the stores set to be closed have seen an influx of crime - with many attributing the rise to a recent wave of 'woke' policies implemented by progressive politicians. The result are cities that border on lawlessness - with employees at the stores reportedly complaining in droves that they feel unsafe at work. The planned closures, announced Monday, will see 16 stores closed in several cities across the country - all set in left-leaning, 'woke'-run locales such as Los Angeles. Pictured is a homeless person sleeping in front of one of the store's LA locations Reports of assaults were also commonplace in the cities set to see closures, which include liberal LA, as well as five other left-leaning municipalities. Pictured is an LA Starbucks. Homeless citizens can be seen sitting outside the store on the street What Starbucks CEO said about woke leaders Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz said in the leaked video excerpts: 'In my view at the local, state, and federal level, these governments across the country and leaders, mayors, and governors and city councils have abdicated their responsibility in fighting crime and addressing mental illness. 'And we're going to have to refine and transform and modernize many of the things we do to meet the needs of our customers in a very changing operating environment in which customer behavior is changing. 'I say that but at the same time, you have to understand something. Despite the challenges of Covid and post-Covid and the changes in customer behavior in which over 50% of the business is drive-thru... the demand for Starbucks coffee, domestically and around the world, has never been greater.' In a second leaked video, Schultz said: 'I don't have to spend too much time on what's going on in the country and how America has become unsafe, but you all read the press release the last couple of days about the fact that we are beginning to close stores that are not unprofitable. 'It has shocked me that one of the primary concerns that our retail partners have is their own personal safety. And then we heard the stories about what happens in our bathrooms, the issues with mental illness, homelessness and crime. 'Starbucks is a window into America, we have stores in every community... we are facing things in which the stores were not built for. We're listening to our people and closing stores, & this is just the beginning. There are going be many more.' Advertisement The closures were announced in an internal email sent to employees at the company Monday. The correspondence saw Debbie Stroud and Denise Nelson, both senior vice presidents of the chains' US operations, cite questionable safety conditions at Starbucks stores in the aforementioned locations. The memo remarked how staffers at other stores across the country have experienced similar unrest as a result of 'the challenges facing our communities.' Those challenges, they wrote, include 'personal safety, racism, lack of access to healthcare, a growing mental health crisis, rising drug use, and more.' The officials added that 'with stores in thousands of communities across the country, we know these challenges can, at times, play out within our stores too. 'We read every incident report you file - it's a lot,' the operations heads wrote. 'We cannot serve as partners if we don't first feel safe at work.' Aside from the closures - which will see staffers at the stores transferred to other locations nearby - the company said it will now give staffers discretion to deny free access to the store's bathrooms. Last month, Schultz - who has sought to improve company culture since being appointed in April, amid recent pushes from staffers to unionize - said the company was rethinking its 'open bathroom' policy due to mounting safety concerns. 'There is an issue of, just, safety in our stores, in terms of people coming in who use our stores as a public bathroom,' Schultz said during a New York Times DealBook event last month. 'We have to provide a safe environment for our people and our customers. The mental health crisis in the country is severe, acute and getting worse.' Managers will also now have the freedom to adjust seating layouts and even adjust hours of operation in order to address staffers' safety concerns. A spokesperson for the company confirmed the closures to DailyMail.com Tuesday. They said: 'After careful consideration, we are closing some stores in locations that have experienced a high volume of challenging incidents that make it unsafe to continue to operate.' The closures were announced in an internal email sent to employees at the company Monday The closures come as cities across the nation have seen a drastic rise in crime over the past two years - spurred by the pandemic and recent soft-on-crime policies implemented by woke DA's who have sought to find alternatives to incarceration Washington, DC, one of the locations that will experience closures, has seen a drastic rise in murders, with 93 compared to the 82 last year, a 13 percent jump The closures come as cities across the nation have seen a drastic rise in crime over the past two years - spurred by the pandemic and recent soft-on-crime policies implemented by woke DA's who have sought to find alternatives to incarceration. Seattle - the city where Starbucks was founded - has seen a surge in both violent and property crime since the start of the pandemic, with cops already recording 302 shootings so far this year - a 75 percent increase from last year. In Washington, DC, there have already been 93 murders, compared to 82 last year, signaling a 13 percent jump. Seattle - the city where Starbucks was founded - has seen a surge in both violent and property crime since the start of the pandemic, with cops already recording 302 shootings so far this year - a 75 percent increase from last year Robberies are also up in the nation's capital by a marked 25 percent. Los Angeles, meanwhile, has arguably been hurt the most by woke politicians, with its District Attorney George Gascon now almost certain to face a recall election for soft policies. The City of Angels has seen more people killed by guns during the first six months of 2022 than during the same period in any of the past 15 years, police say - while robberies are also rife, due to lax punishments on repeat offenders. Gascon has been vocal about his belief that the criminal justice system needs to focus more on intervention and rehabilitation, blasting 'tough on crime' policies as racist and a failure. And following his first 100 days in office, he touted the changes he has made to the city's justice system - including limiting the use of sentencing enhancements. The California penal code has more than 100 enhancements that could add time to a convict's sentence depending on the situation, most of which date back to when California was facing soaring crime in the 1980s and 1990s. But under Gascon's reign, the use of those enhancements have been greatly reduced, with the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office receiving 5,138 enhancements during his first three months - a 71 percent drop when compared to the same time the year before. His first three months also saw prosecutors filing only 106 gun enhancements - an 85 percent decrease. Los Angeles, meanwhile, has arguably been hurt the most by woke politicians, with its District Attorney George Gascon now almost certain to face a recall election for soft policies In Portland, robberies have increased 56 per cent year-on-year, rising from 234 in January to March 2021 to 366 for the same period in 2022. Similar rises took place in drug crime numbers which rose 30 per cent this year up 146 in 2022 on 108 in 2021 and assault cases which were up six per cent year-on-year. The Portland Police Bureau suffered through a rash of retirements and resignations after Portland politicians embraced calls to defund the police. A total of $15million was initially chopped from the city's budget, with progressive Portland prosecutors also blamed for the spiraling crime for refusing to charge 70 percent of people arrested by the city's police. In Seattle, record-breaking high levels of crime have forced business owners to close their shops. Piroshky Piroshky bakery owner Olga Sagan, 38, made the tough decision to close her shop after she constantly found the entrance blocked with drug users who refused to move - and she says the Seattle Police Department did nothing to help. In its 2021 year-end report, Seattle Police said that violent crime in the city has increased by 20 percent compared to 2020- which is for the first time in 14 years. According to SPD, shootings and shots fired calls increased 40 percent (+175) from 2020 to 2021, violent crime increased 20 percent and homeless-related shootings increased 122 percent. Some reasons for homelessness Seattle have been attributed to the cost of living in the city having significantly risen in the past decade due to gentrification, lack of publicly owned affordable housing, and the economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. The moves by Starbucks come in direct response to these crime surges, but are also part of a broader effort to revamp the company, Schultz said in a Monday letter to staff. 'We need to reinvent Starbucks for the future,' he wrote, adding that the company will need to 'radically' improve employee experiences in the coming months. He added that based on feedback from employees, the company will strive to create 'safety, welcoming and kindness for our stores.' During its latest fiscal year, Starbucks closed 424 of its more than 15,000 US stores, about 5 percent of its total, while also opening 449 new locations. Ousted CNN host Chris Cuomo says America will see him take a 'very different course' in his freewheeling new podcast and YouTube show. Cuomo, 51, called on 'free agents' to 'join the ride' in an Instagram post teasing his new media venture, The Chris Cuomo Project. The podcast is Cuomo's opportunity to 'go rogue' in a 'move of defiance' against his former employer, insiders claim. Yet it appears to more like an attempted knockoff of hit podcast, The Joe Rogan Experience, which sees the comedian discuss controversial topics, politics and current events with a host of guests. CNN fired Cuomo last December after he was caught advising his scandal-plagued brother, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, through sexual misconduct allegations while clinging on to his spot as the network's top anchor. The ex-talk show host started teasing his career comeback earlier this month and rebranded himself as a 'free agent' last week while reporting from Ukraine. Ousted CNN host Chris Cuomo says America will see him take a 'very different course' in his upcoming podcast and YouTube show, The Chris Cuomo Project The podcast is Cuomo's opportunity to 'go rogue' in a 'move of defiance' against his former employer, insiders claim. Cuomo is pictured in a promo for the show Cuomo is recruiting free agents to appear as guests on his new show, which will be streamed digitally on his website and YouTube channel. 'He will find guests who are also "free agents" and paved their own way to express his concept,' a source familiar with the show told Page Six. The ex-talk show host started teasing his career comeback earlier this month and rebranded himself as a 'free agent' while reporting from Ukraine last week (pictured) 'Chris is loaded, so he will do it right,' the insider added. 'And hes doing this not to make money, it is to get his voice back out there.' The source alleged The Chris Cuomo Project is the ousted anchor's way at getting back at CNN for firing him. Cuomo was forced out over his involvement in his brother's scandal and then accused of trying to destroy the network by exposing an affair between then-boss Jeff Zucker and his aide, Allison Gollust. The insider claims the show is an 'act of defiance' against CNN - the company Cuomo hit with an arbitration suit in March. He is demanding $125 million from the outlet for allegedly 'destroying his reputation.' Sources allege Cuomo can work on his podcast while arbitration is under way because he is no longer under contract with CNN. Cuomo has posted several short videos to Instagram in an attempt to raise hype about the project, which is due to arrive sometime this summer. Cuomo is recruiting free agents to appear as guests on his new show, which will be streamed digitally on his website and YouTube channel. Insiders say 'he will find guests who are also "free agents" and paved their own way to express his concept' Cuomo's podcast appears to be more like an attempted knockoff of The Joe Rogan Experience (pictured July 14), which sees Rogan discuss controversial topics, politics and current events with a host of guests One promo features a smiling Cuomo as he walks around New York City. He is seen talking on his cell phone and interacting with what appears to be a doorman. 'Calling all Free Agents: we are getting close!' he captioned the clip which was shared two days ago. In his most recent clip, Cuomo shows off his home recording studio and says he's 'back in the saddle.' 'Very different horse Very different course' he said, adding: 'All Free Agents welcome to join the ride.' Meanwhile, Cuomo is plugging 'free agent' merchandise, which he says is profiting a good cause. It is unclear specifically what cause the proceeds benefit. Cuomo has rebranded as a 'free agent' and is selling merchandise on his website in an apparent bid to fund his dispatches Cuomo had been quiet until recently, when he popped back up on Instagram with his reports from the warzone. Now, he is flogging merch and giving away t-shirts The promos come about a week after the former TV anchor took to Instagram to tell America to 'pay more attention' to what is happening in Ukraine. 'What is happening right now in Ukraine is bad and America should be paying a lot more attention,' he said, reporting from the war-torn nation. 'I went to the eastern front... Outmanned and outgunned we had to hide behind abandoned buildings.' Cuomo likened the conflict to 'WW2' and compared Ukrainians to Americans fighting the War of Independence. 'Ukrainians sound like Americans 240yrs ago vs the British. They are laying down their lives to keep the freedoms we have here. 'The interest here has slowed...the war is only accelerating. I will show you more reason to care...soon. Thank you for the interest.' He then instructed his followers to 'be a #freeagent' like him. CNN fired Cuomo (pictured anchoring) last December after he was caught advising his scandal-plagued brother, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, through sexual misconduct allegations while clinging on to his spot as the network's top anchor In the months after his departure from CNN, Cuomo was accused of trying to tear the network down with him by exposing an affair between former boss Jeff Zucker and his aide Allison Gollust (shown above) The carousel of videos garnered nearly 14,000 likes on Instagram in the hours after it was posted - a far cry from the 750,000 viewers he routinely attracted with his prime time CNN show. In his first video, Cuomo filmed himself wearing an army helmet and sunglasses. 'We are situated on the side of this building because the artillery has been passing along here on the other side of it and literally they are standing where they are because it's safe and if they step out they have to worry about something hitting and exploding like that hole right there that is the nature of this war.' In another, he films his team walking through an abandoned town, saying: 'This was the last shelling this was seven days ago. 'It's pretty abandoned. We keep this kind of distance under shelling so that if one hits, not everybody gets hit.' Cuomo told his followers to pay more attention to the war in Ukraine, which he compared to WW2 and The War of Independence. He shared multiple videos from the scene of Ukrainian fighters and foreign journalists. He is shown, right, standing in front of a mound of harvested grain, explaining to followers why it can't be exported In another video, Cuomo shows off a Ukrainian tank and gets a tutorial from a soldier on how it is used. In others a European journalist explains to him how the Russians are shooting prohibited weapons at them In another video, Cuomo shows off a Ukrainian tank and gets a tutorial from a soldier on how it is used. 'In others a European journalist explains to him how the Russians are shooting prohibited weapons at them. He also filmed in front of a mound of unused grain, telling the camera: 'We talk about the Ukrainian grain issue and how they can't export right now. 'This is like a lot of grain that was harvested. 'The Russians destroyed this. The soldiers say their motto is "if they can't have it nobody can."' It's unclear who he traveled with or who is footing the bill. The week prior, Cuomo said he'd traveled to the region with his 'brother' Sean Penn, who is filming a documentary there. Several clues have been found in the desperate search for a young man who apparently wandered into 'extremely dense scrub' eight days ago on a popular tourist island. Clothes and a hat belonging to Ben Chisholm, 22, have been found since he disappeared from Nelly Bay on Magnetic Island, near Townsville, north Queensland on Wednesday July 13 at 10am. A dark green jacket/pullover and shorts that his sister, Shiralee Rosario, last saw him wearing were found on Wednesday, a week after he went missing. Several clues have been found in the desperate search for a young Queenslander who apparently wandered into 'extremely dense scrub' eight days ago on Magnetic Island Police, the SES, Rural Fire Service and Parks and Wildlife teams are searching for Mr Chisholm, with his family fearing he may have fallen in the dense bushland His desperate family fear he 'may have slipped and not be able to get up' and that he would be 'weak and needing water' by now. 'We still need help!' Ms Rosario pleaded in a social media post and asked locals to 'pray for Ben'. 'We need our little community to come together to search this island top to bottom please!' She also asked Magnetic Islanders to 'check any unoccupied boats or holiday houses also all our bush tracks'. Police officers, the dog squad and SES search teams are scouring bushland, including the Nelly-Arcadia bush track on foot also by QGAir Rescue 521 helicopter and with drone cameras. The Rural Fire Service and Parks and Wildlife teams are also assisting police with search efforts. A day after his disappearance Ms Rosario said his shirt and hat were found 1.5km up the Manderlay Avenue bush track at Nelly Bay. 'We are feeling they are searching in the right area,' Mr Chisholm's aunt Kaylene Bell said in a social media post after the latest clue was found. The family holds concerns for Mr Chisholm's welfare, saying the disappearance is 'out of character'. The missing man lives in the Nelly Bay area on Magnetic Island, police said. 'Ben wouldn't disappear this long or hide out intentionally on his family for this long,' Ms Bell said. Shiralee Rosario is pictured with her brother Ben Chisholm, who is missing on Magnetic Island SES teams are assisting the desperate search for the 22-year-old who lives on Magnetic Island The family holds concerns for Mr Chisholm's welfare, saying the disappearance is 'out of character' Mr Chisholm was last seen walking toward the trails inland from the Arcadia area of Magnetic Island. On Tuesday Ms Rosario posted: 'Please Let's all pray and ask the universe tonight for Ben to be found'. 'The helicopter continues searching as well as drones, Queensland Rugged Area Tracking (QRAT) officers, Special Emergency Response Team (SERT), SES and Rural Fire Service, Parks and Wildlife,' Acting Inspector Mark Camilleri said. Thousands of offices around the world were brought to a grinding halt after the integral Microsoft Teams platform was hit by a global outage. The office software, crucial for split working environments where some workers join the rest of their office teams while working from home, was down for many thousands of users on Thursday. Outage tracking sites had the Microsoft platform marked as down for hours, leaving employees without their crucial online workspace. Tools like MS Teams have connected users and workspaces as many companies continue to operate in a hybrid set up, reeling from the pandemic lockdowns of the previous few years. Microsoft said the disruption was traced back to a broken connection to their internal storage service. One employee from one of the nation's biggest banks told Daily Mail Australia the entire office had cleared out when Microsoft Teams went down. The crucial online workspace Microsoft Teams was down for thousands of users across the world bringing global offices to a halt (pictured: Microsoft Teams outage page) So Microsoft Teams just went down I guess its time for me to clock out pic.twitter.com/JMlAb1W7p8 some bald headed gay slag (@astoldbymarkus) July 21, 2022 Microsoft appeared to sort the problem just before 3pm AEST however some users are still reporting issues. Workers reported troubles accessing the Teams service, sending messages and beginning calls and meetings within the platform. The company was unclear on the number of users who experienced the disruption but said: 'This issue may potentially affect any user attempting to utilise Microsoft Teams...Were actively investigating other services to confirm the scope of impact'. When MS Teams comes back onlinepic.twitter.com/GPek416PSU Abby Jean (Taylors Version) (@abbyjeanwilder) July 21, 2022 Left with nothing to do, some workers turned to Twitter to have a laugh at the implications of the service going down. 'So Microsoft Teams just went down... I guess it's time for me to clock out,' one wrote. MS Teams is used by many businesses and universities to facilitate internal communication and organise workflow. MS Teams' userbase exploded during pandemic as demand soared for teleconferencing and messaging tools. In January Microsoft had said their Teams service had more than 270 million active monthly users. Over 7,000 users reported issues with Microsoft Teams to Downdetector.com in the height of the platform's problems. Most recently, crash-detecting website downfor.io had MS Teams' online service marked as up and running. Services like Teams and Zoom have remained permanent fixtures in many organisations even as workers return to offices. One of the most impressive witnesses to be called out of dozens in the defamation trial launched by Ben Roberts Smith was threatened with a 'bullet in his head' by the war veteran, a judge has been told. Barrister Nicholas Owens SC said in his closing address for the media outlets being sued that Australia's most decorated soldier savagely bullied the still serving SAS soldier dubbed Person One. In 2016 Mr Roberts-Smith allegedly hit him in the back of the head multiple times, spat in front of him and regularly slammed doors in his face. But most seriously was the threat to his life, Mr Owens said. '(He said) words to the effect: 'If your performance doesn't improve in the next patrol you're going to get a bullet in the back of the head',' Person One said in evidence. Ben Roberts-Smith, pictured during a workout in Sydney earlier this year, is suing several media outlets for defamation over claims he committed war crimes in Afghanistan. 'It made me fearful for my own personal safety. It made me lose more confidence. It made my performance worse.' Mr Owens said on Thursday that Person One 'interpreted those words as meaning that Mr Roberts-Smith was going to shoot him in the back of the head'. The barrister submitted that Person One 'was one of the most impressive witnessed to be called ... on either side', due to him openly admitting his failings during his first four weeks of deployment in Afghanistan in 2006. The incident dredged up from 15 years ago was a source of 'enormous embarrassment' to the soldier given his illustrious and distinguished career that followed, including 'uniformly glowing appraisals,' since he left Mr Roberts-Smith's patrol. Person One testified that he failed to bring machine gun oil on one mission, which led to 'stoppages' of his weapon not firing, and in extreme circumstances admitted this could have led to deaths of his comrades. Mr Owens also pointed to the credibility of Mr Roberts-Smith's alleged mistress who says the Victoria Cross recipient punched her in a hotel room after she was drunk at a Canberra function and 'embarrassed him' in March 2018. Ben Roberts-Smith in Afghanistan in 2010 Mr Roberts-Smith's lawyers submit the woman is a liar and a fantasist and repeatedly point out that she is married, independently wealthy and has a prestigious job. 'The fundamental point seems to be that because she is capable of intelligent thought, because she was wealthy, educated and able to make decisions for herself, her conduct in the aftermath of the incident is so inconsistent with an assault having occurred that Your Honour would find it did not occur,' Mr Owens said. 'The implicit suggestion seems to be that wealthy educated people would act in a particular way, if they were a victim of assault. 'We respectfully submit that line of argument goes absolutely nowhere.' Mr Roberts-Smith is suing The Age, The Sydney Morning Herald and The Canberra Times over 2018 reports claiming he committed war crimes in Afghanistan including murder, and acts of bullying and domestic violence. The 43-year-old denies all claims of wrongdoing, while the mastheads are defending them as true. Earlier Arthur Moses SC on behalf of Mr Roberts-Smith submitted the media waged a sustained attack on the war hero based on rumour, hearsay and contradictory accounts from jealous and obsessed former colleagues. Mr Moses said it shattered his reputation and even if vindicated in what was often described as the trial of the century, it would take years for it to fully recover. The trial continues. Lifeline 13 11 14 A former Australian soldier stationed near the frontline in Ukraine has used his expertise to train Ukrainian fighters as they disarm and remove deadly landmines and traps. Nathan Rompa, 29, travelled from his home in Hobart to war-torn Ukraine a month ago to assist with the humanitarian effort. The former ADF serviceman served in Afghanistan and was a specialist in explosive ordnance disposal. He has joined a team of ex-military engineers in Ukraine disarming and clearing out mines, traps and explosives across the country. Former Australia soldier Nathan Rompa (left) has been in Ukraine for a month disarming and removing Russian mines, traps and explosives 'We are working directly with the police who have largely taken on the explosive ordinance disposal role,' Mr Rompa told The Mercury from Ukraine. He explained the explosives team in Ukraine had already removed 'tonnes of unexploded ordinance' before he arrived in the country. Mr Rompa's team was asked by the 'head of police' to train 'nearly 700 soldiers' heading to the frontlines to fight the Russian army. 'We are conducting mine awareness training to give these guys a fighting chance against an extremely dangerous threat,' the former soldier continued. 'Once we have completed this training our team is heading straight back into field work, travelling around the country to affected areas, beginning more clearing operations.' Mr Rompa's trip, gear, accommodation and other expenses have come out of his own pocket. He wanted to help long before Ukraine was first invaded by Russia in February. He has set up a Paypal account to fund the humanitarian effort. The 29-year-old travelled from his home town of Hobart to the war-torn country to help with the humanitarian effort Mr Rompa wanted to help long before Ukraine was first invaded by Russia in February (pictured, Ukrainian soldiers riding on a tank) Mr Rompa served in the defence force for four years, including a stint in Afghanistan, and is now a disability support worker. He admitted his family were proud of his mission but heartbroken that he would be risking his life again. 'It is heartbreaking watching Nathan go off and sacrifice his own life and time away from his family and friends to help keep the people of Ukraine safe but we want to be able to support him just the same,' Mr Rompa's sister Kate wrote on a GoFundMe to raise money for his trip. 'Without people like this team of engineers finding these devices, these could go off any time, even years from now & will affect families in Ukraine for years to come.' The family set up a fundraiser to help fund his trip and the group's efforts in Ukraine. Unfortunately the $6000 raised was unable to be delivered to Mr Rompa overseas due to a terms of service issue. The Paypal account appears to have been created in response to the issues with the fundraiser. Mr Rompa plans to remain in Ukraine for the next three months. Daniel Andrews' Liberal rival has called for him to resign, accusing the Premier of allowing corruption to 'flourish' in his government. Victorian Opposition leader Matthew Guy took aim at Mr Andrews on Thursday, following a joint watchdog report that exposed 'unethical and inappropriate behaviour' inside the state's Labor party. Premier Andrews confirmed his government would accept all 21 of the recommendations made by the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) and the Victorian Ombudsman. 'Corruption in that political party has flourished under his (the Premier's) leadership,' Mr Guy told reporters in Geelong on Thursday. Victorian Opposition leader Matthew Guy took aim at Daniel Andrews on Thursday (above) following a joint watchdog report that exposed 'unethical and inappropriate behaviour' inside the state's Labor party 'Victoria needs a fresh start, we can't keep going with a Premier, a political party in government who are just clearly clearly only in it for themselves, they're not in it for Victorians 'I'm flabbergasted that the bloke who's presided over corruption in his own political party now says he's the bloke to clean it up. 'Daniel Andrews should have resigned yesterday, if he had any decency he would have resigned.' Mr Guy continued on in his spray, saying Mr Andrews only 'values his own career'. 'If he had any honour, he would have resigned. If he actually valued transparency and integrity in government he would have resigned, but he doesn't value any of that,' he said. The integrity findings released on Wednesday found Labor MP Adem Somyurek handed over cash and used parliamentary employees to create fake branch members and amass political influence. The practice is known as 'branch stacking' and is against the Labor Party's rules. However, branch stacking is not illegal so none of the Victorian MPs who took part in the shady practice will be criminally charged. Mr Andrews legislated new rules for all parties across the state to qualify for public funding after the findings were handed down. These would include memberships being paid through traceable means, mandatory photo ID checks for new members, proof of concession card eligibility, and electoral roll compliance measures. Mr Andrews was not accused of any wrongdoing in the investigation's report. Mr Andrews said: 'As soon as we became aware of this unprecedented, shameful, disgraceful behaviour, we took action. I took action. That's a matter of record.' 'If I had known what we became aware of on that Sunday evening and in Age commentary in the days thereafter any sooner, then I would have acted sooner.' Opposition treasury spokesman David Davis said the Victorian coalition needed to see the legislation to make sure it is practical and not a political diversion. 'This is Daniel Andrews at his slippery best, deflecting responsibility, trying to put others in the frame,' he told Australian Associated Press on Thursday. 'We don't begin from a position of opposing any sensible suggestions but we think it might well be trying to fix a problem that doesn't exist in other parties but does exist in Labor.' Prime Minister Anthony Albanese defended Mr Andrews. The investigation found Labor MP Adem Somyurek handed over cash to create fake branch members and amass political influence, a practice known as branch stacking 'He took decisive action, he showed leadership and I think that's what Victorians want to see,' he told ABC Melbourne Mornings. 'And then as a result of the IBAC findings yesterday, he's not only cleaned up the Labor Party, he's taken measures to clean up politics.' But Mr Guy hit back at the PM for defending the Mr Andrew's government. 'Here we have a corruption commission saying institutional corruption exists in Victorian Labor and the Prime Minister, Mr Integrity rolls out and says there's nothing to see here,' he said. 'Stunning, talk about the lack of self-awareness from the Prime Minister, talk about the man who's presided over this mess, the Premier.' Russian President Vladimir Putin told Washington to leave the Syrian people and end its illegal occupation by the US. He charged that the US was stealing oil after he met with the Iranian and Turkish leaders at a summit in Tehran. The US Should Stop Syrian Occupation The three Astana Process backers also concurred that the US should relinquish territory it has illegally occupied in the trans-Euphrates region and stop using unilateral sanctions to exacerbate Syria's humanitarian situation, reported RT. Last Thursday night, Putin stated that the US is robbing Syria and its people of its natural resources as its own and exporting what is not theirs. The trilateral alliance of Russia, Iran, and Turkey condemned this atrocity as their position, noted Almanar. Several hundred US forces are illegally present in Syria, primarily controlling the oil wells and wheat fields in the country's northeast held by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) militia after Islamic State's defeat (IS, formerly ISIS). US-backed SDF has rejected attempts to reunite with the Damascus government, which Washington wants to be toppled, citing the Press United. Through the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act, Washington has sought to penalize anyone attempting to support the rehabilitation of the Syrian people since 2019, charging President Bashar Assad's government with war crimes and prohibiting any aid from entering Damascus. According to Putin, such sanctions have had detrimental consequences, and assistance for the Syrian people should not be manipulated even by Washington, he said on Tuesday. Read also: Vladimir Putin's 'Girlfriend': 5 Things To Know About Alina Kabaeva At the summit in Tehran, Putin met with Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey and Ebrahim Raisi of Iran. In a joint declaration, they called for the leadership of the UN as a solution. They urged the UN and other international organizations to increase support to all Syrians, sans prejudice, politics, or preconditions. It condemned the retaliatory measures, which are illegal under international law and exacerbate the humanitarian crisis. At Damascus' request, Russia dispatched an expeditionary force to Syria in September 2015 to assist in the fight against ISIS and other terrorist organizations. The Astana Process, named after Kazakhstan's capital city, was established in January 2017 by Moscow, Ankara, and Tehran to end the crisis in Syria, which broke out in 2011. Damascus Recognizes DPR and LPR On Wednesday, the Syrian Foreign Ministry claimed that Damascus and Kyiv had severed diplomatic ties. Ukraine took the same step last month in reaction to Syria's acceptance of the Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics. The Syrian Arab Republic has decided to terminate diplomatic relations with Ukraine following the principle of reciprocity and in reaction to the Ukrainian government's decision to do so, according to the ministry's website. In late June, Kyiv announced the termination of diplomatic relations with Syria in response to Damascus' willingness to follow Russia's example and acknowledge the People's Republics of Donetsk and Lugansk as autonomous republics. Ukraine shuttered its embassy in Syria in 2016, condemning President Bashar Assad for crimes toward his own people, and demanded Syrian diplomats exited Ukraine in 2018. Putin tells Washington to stop looting oil from the Syrian people in the guise of innocent reasons. The trilateral group says it is illegal and time for the UN to step in to stop this twisted interpretation of the US right to occupy a country unlawfully. Related Article: Erdogan Threatens NATO Expansion as It Plans To Freeze Sweden, Finland Bids To Join @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. A council worker has braved wild weather conditions to persist in shovelling sand from a public path despite a fierce breeze immediately undoing his efforts. The man was filmed at The Spit on the Gold Coast on Thursday morning diligently working to remove sand from the path in gale-force winds of up to 65 kilometres per hour. His brave effort as south-east Queensland braced for days of wild weather and potentially dangerous beach conditions beginning on Thursday. A Gold Coast council worker (pictured) braved the wild conditions and persisted to shovel sand from a public path at The Spit despite 65km/h winds undoing his work All Gold Coast beaches will be closed Friday and Saturday. No decision has been made for Sunshine Coast beaches as yet however, eight were closed on Thursday due to the treacherous conditions, The Courier Mail reported. Today Show host Karl Stefanovic laughed as the vision of the council worker was played on Thursday morning and commented: 'I'm not really sure that's working for you, big fella.' Extensive coastal erosion and dangerous surf conditions are possible in southern Queensland and northern NSW as a powerful weather system develops offshore. 'If you live in a coastal area that might be impacted, be aware that there might be a significant risk of coastal erosion,' Queensland Emergency Services Minister Mark Ryan said. Wild surf is expected to create the region's biggest hazard as the low develops and moves south, with wave heights of more than five metres possible. Motorists are advised to avoid driving through floodwaters (pictured, parts of south-east Queensland were on flood watch back in May) Surf Life Saving Australia is telling beachgoers to stay out of the water and well away from areas exposed to surf. While some unseasonal rain is forecast, the heaviest falls are expected offshore. Average rainfall in Brisbane for July is about 27 millimetres, and falls of up to 100 millimetres are possible in localised areas. A flood watch is not expected to be issued during the weather event. Marine wind warnings are already in place for the Sunshine State. The wild weather system is expected to last up until Sunday, with forecasts predicting clear skies. Michelle also revealed the gunman had been admitted into a VA facility for psychiatric problems at least once She said his mental health issues 'stemmed' from the 10 years he served in the National Guard and he had 'BPD, bipolar disorder, and PTSD' 'My brother suffered from mental illness and had a brain injury, where they had to put it all back together,' she said His sister Michelle is now saying that he had PTSD from serving in Afghanistan and had been drinking while on his meds A gunman who drove his truck into his ex-girlfriend's family, killing her brother and toddler niece before his former spouse killed him suffered PTSD from serving in Afghanistan, and had been drinking on his meds, his sister says. Derick Amos Madden, 37, of Goldsby, Oklahoma, killed David Siau, 39, and his 18-month-old daughter McKenzie on Sunday after he drove his truck into Siau and his family. Siau wife Christy was critically injured, but survived the attack, while their two other children escaped unharmed. His intended target was allegedly his ex-girlfriend Christina Siau, 30. When he ran out of ammunition, he began to stab her, but she managed to fatally wound him after getting the knife, the Daily Beast reported. Now, Madden's sister Michelle claimed the gunman presented many mental health 'red flags' over the years leading up to his rampage and suffered psychological issues during him and his ex's 10-year on-and-off relationship. She claims many of his issues stemmed from serving in Afghanistan with the National Guard. 'My brother suffered from mental illness and had a brain injury, where they had to put it all back together,' she told the Daily Beast. 'He wasnt supposed to drink on his medication, the medication he took every single day. But he hadn't been. 'In the past, he had multiple instances where he would go sleepwalking and not remember any of it. It only happened when he was drinking on his medicine.' Derick Amos Madden, 37, of Goldsby, Oklahoma, killed two people on Sunday. His sister Michelle said he had PTSD from his time serving in Afghanistan for the National Guard and that he was drinking while on his meds, which caused an adverse reaction Madden also served in the Oklahoma National Guard for 10 years, before leaving in April 2013, a National Guard spokesperson told the Beast. During his time in the National Guard, he was deployed to Afghanistan, which began his mental health complications, his sister said. '[It] stemmed from that,' Michelle told the Beast. 'He had been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, bipolar disorder, and PTSD. Combined with him drinking on his meds, he just could not process life.' Michelle also revealed the gunman had been admitted into a VA facility for psychiatric problems at least once, and argued that it 'should have been more aware of his mental state.' 'He never would have done anything like this [if he was] in his right mind. That doesnt make any of it okay. It doesnt matter if he meant to do it or not,' she told the beast. Despite the man red flags, Michelle said her brother was good at putting on a 'poker face' around his family, but did say he had a mental setback a few weeks prior to the rampage. Michelle's 15-year-old son had come to Montana to visit for three weeks before his uncle drove him back to Oklahoma, staying with Michelle overnight before driving back. David Siau, 39, of Syracuse, New York, (left) and his 18-month-old daughter McKenzie (right on her mother's lap) were shot and killed by his sister's ex-boyfriend on Sunday night. His wife Christy (right), who was holding McKenzie as she ran away from the gunfire was critically injured in the attack. David and Christy's two other children (pictured) were able to run away and were unharmed Madden, 37, purposefully drove his vehicle into his ex-girlfriend Christina Siau, 30, (pictured) and her family as they were walking along a roadway in the small town of East Glacier Park, northwestern Montana on Sunday night She revealed he had told her Christina had contacted him, asking him about his winter, which she said 'confused' him. 'He had been really close to getting over her,' she told the Beast. I didnt think that he was really that much into her anymore But I think he had a problem letting her go for some reason, even though he wasnt really romantically wanting her I dont know if it was an ego thing, or just not wanting to be alone.' Michelle also said she struggled knowing the youngest victim had the same name and spelling as her daughter. 'Her name is spelled the same way as the child he murdered. I mean, who can do that,' she told the Beast. 'He just snapped, is all I can think of,' she continued. 'He did a horrible, horrible thing And now I have to remember him forever for killing this family. And for what?' Authorities were still trying to determine if Madden, originally of Goldsby, Oklahoma, had the shotgun legally. The sheriff's office described it as an 'isolated...incident with a clear nexus between the victims and Madden' and said the investigation was continuing. It was not clear what provoked Sunday's attack beyond the prior relationship between Madden and Christina Siau. Local authorities did not know of any previous interactions that Madden had with law enforcement. Pictured: David (left), his wife Christie who is seen holding McKenzie and their two other children. David and McKenzie were shot and killed in the attack Derick Amos Madden, 37, of Goldsby, Oklahoma, purposefully drove his vehicle into his ex-girlfriend Christina Siau, 30, and her family as they were walking along a roadway in the small town of East Glacier Park, northwestern Montana on Sunday night (file image) After crashing his vehicle into a tree, Madden, who has mental health issues, began shooting at the group and shot and killed David Siau, 39, of Syracuse, New York, instantly. David is pictured with his wife Christy, who was injured in the attack Madden had been working recently in East Glacier, a tourist town and gateway to the mountains in Glacier National Park, according to Hickey. Christy Siau was a former book keeper for the American Baptist Churches of New York State, according to a social media postings by the organization. She was described as 'a long time and beloved member' of the organization's staff in a statement from Executive Minister Rev. James Kelsey. Christy and David Siau were also active in the First Baptist Church of Hoosick Falls, New York, Kelsey said. A senior advisor to John Barilaro says he was asked by the former NSW deputy premier to fast-track changing a controversial US trade role into a ministerial appointment. Mr Barilaro was later selected for the $500,000-a-year New York position, which is now the subject of a NSW parliamentary inquiry. The former Nationals leader stood down from the posting last month following a backlash over the appointment. John Barilaro requested a change that would make the the US trade position a ministerial appointment, a senior advisor in his office has told an inquiry Joseph Brayford, a senior policy adviser in Mr Barilaro's office from 2019 to 2021, gave evidence in private to the upper house inquiry on Tuesday. Mr Brayford said he received a text from Mr Barilaro last August about the plum trade role, according to a transcript published on Thursday. He said his boss asked him to contact Investment NSW head Amy Brown 'ASAP' to 'request a cabinet submission converting the commissioner roles to ministerial appointments'. The request was the first time in two-and-a-half years working for Mr Barilaro that he had received a text message from his boss asking him to prepare an urgent cabinet submission, he said. 'Nothing really surprised me with John,' Mr Brayford told the committee. He added Mr Barilaro then told him he also wanted the London and Tokyo trade roles to be changed to ministerial appointments. Premier Dominic Perrottet in Japan The proposition to change the way trade commissioners were appointed was put to cabinet in late September, shortly before Mr Barilaro's October announcement he would be quitting politics at the end of the year. Mr Brayford described his former boss as an 'interesting character' and said he had never 'worked with someone so keen and so ambitious'. Mr Barilaro said he would not comment on the claims until he was asked to appear at the inquiry. He is not currently scheduled to testify. The former Monaro MP has previously criticised the inquiry for failing to call him, saying the drip feed of information to the public goes against procedural fairness. Premier Dominic Perrottet, who arrived in Japan on Thursday to open the trade commission office in Tokyo, said he didn't want to 'give a running commentary' on the inquiry. 'There's always public scrutiny and when concerns are raised they need to be addressed in a proper way,' he told reporters. 'It's my job as premier to allow that independent process to be fulfilled.' The inquiry was earlier told the New York role was verbally offered to senior Investment NSW official Jenny West, however the offer was rescinded after a cabinet decision to make the trade postings ministerial appointments. Mr Brayford told the inquiry he was not aware that Ms West had been selected for the role last August, prior to Mr Barilaro's appointment. The inquiry previously heard evidence from Mr Barilaro's former chief-of-staff Mark Connell that his former boss eyed the lucrative trade job more than three years ago and planned to take up the role when he left politics. Mr Connell said Mr Barilaro told him in April 2019 the government planned to bring back a number of overseas trade postings, and he was 'off to New York'. Mr Barilaro disputed his former chief-of-staff's account, describing the conversation as 'fictitious, false'. Labor finance spokesman David Mookhey said he looked forward to Mr Barilaro fronting the inquiry, describing it as 'his right' to do so. 'We would urge John Barilaro to put in a written submission to the inquiry, we have requested that he do so,' Mr Mookhey told reporters on Thursday. A separate Department of Premier and Cabinet review, initiated by Mr Perrottet last month, is also looking at the propriety of Mr Barilaro's appointment. A jury in Florida has found Tesla just one percent negligent in a fiery crash that killed two teens, for disabling a speed limiter on the electric car, but still ordered the company to pay the family $100,000. Tuesday's verdict placed 90 percent of the blame on the driver, Barrett Riley, 18, and 9 percent on his father, James Riley, who brought the lawsuit against Tesla. It's the first known case involving a Tesla crash that has gone to trial, said Michael Brooks, acting executive director at the Center for Auto Safety, a nonprofit consumer advocacy organization. Riley and his friend Edgar Monserrat Martinez, 18, were about to graduate from their private school in South Florida when they died in the May 2018 crash near Fort Lauderdale Beach. A backseat passenger was ejected and survived. Barrett Riley's family were awarded $100,000 by a jury after they sued Tesla over their son's fireball death. But the same jury said Tesla was just one per cent responsible for the crash - with Riley's father nine per cent negligent Also killed in the smash was Riley's friend Edgar Monserrat Martinez, although his death did not form part of the lawsuit The wrecked Tesla is pictured. Its battery burned ferociously after the 116mph smash in a 30mph zone The speeding Tesla slammed into a wall and caught fire but the lawsuit says the crash should have been 'entirely survivable' The National Transportation Safety Board determined he was driving at 116 mph in a 30 mph zone, and the most likely cause of the crash 'was the drivers loss of control as a result of excessive speed.' James Riley claimed the crash was 'entirely survivable' and that it was the ensuing fire that killed the teenagers, but the judge dismissed his lawsuit's claim that Tesla designed defective lithium ion batteries that 'burst into an uncontrollable and fatal fire' upon impact. James Riley also said Tesla removed a speed limiter without his permission. He had ordered the instrument installed to prevent his son from driving at more than 85 mph. An investigation found that about a month before the crash, the teen asked workers at Teslas Dania Beach dealership to return the car to normal operating mode while it was being serviced. Tesla denied negligence in disabling the speed limiter. The company argued that the teens parents were negligent in allowing him to drive the vehicle 'when they were aware of his history of speeding and reckless driving,' according to the judges instructions to the jury. The father's lawsuit says the car owner and his wife Jenny had asked for a device to limit speed to 85mph just two months before the accident after the teen had gotten a speeding ticket James B. Riley and wife Jenny sued Wednesday in Santa Clara County, California, where Tesla is based, blaming the car's lithium-ion battery pack, which exploded when the Tesla hit a concrete wall Monserrat's parents filed a similar lawsuit in January, suing Tesla for product liability and negligence suit Brooks, at the Center for Auto Safety, said other lawsuits are pending against Tesla involving the vehicle's autopilot and full self-driving systems. Jurors recommended awarding the teen's mother Jenny Riley $6 million for pain and suffering, and $4.5 million to the father, the Florida Sun-Sentinel reported. But the apportionment of responsibility means Tesla will only be liable for $105,000, which is equivalent to 1 percent of the negligence as determined by the verdict, according to Curt Miner, an attorney representing the Riley family. NHTSA opens THIRTY-SEVENTH Tesla crash probe after couple from California were killed when their Model 3 smashed into back of Walmart truck in Florida, with impact shearing car's roof off Safety officials have opened a 37th probe into a Tesla crash after a couple's car slammed into the back of a Walmart truck, shearing its roof off. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is investigating the wreck, which happened at the Paynes Prairie Rest Stop just south of Gainesville, Florida, on Wednesday. Its female driver, aged 66, and her 67 year-old male passenger were killed. The pair were visiting from Lompoc in California, and neither their age nor their relationship to one another has been disclosed, in accordance with Florida state laws. A close-up of the same image shows the sheer violence of the crash, with most of the Tesla's roof sheared off by the impact of the smash Photos from the scene show the front end of a red Tesla jammed under the overhang of a Walmart trailer, the top end of the car sheared violently back past the car's front doors The Tesla - a 2015 S model - was driving on Interstate-75 souhbound when it exited off the highway onto the rest stop ramp 'for an unknown reason,' Florida Highway Patrol said in statement. The car then drove through the parking lot where it rear-ended the trailer of a Walmart 18-wheeler, killing the 66-year-old female driver and a 67-year-old male passenger. Photos from the scene showed the front end of a red Tesla jammed under the overhang of a Walmart trailer, the top end of the car sheared violently back past the car's front doors. Elon Musk's company has been in a series of probes from regulators due to its Autopilot feature The accident is the second Tesla crash in a week to be investigated by the NHTSA. Last week a man, 39, struck and killed a woman while reportedly being high on drugs and driving a Tesla on Autopilot The victims were pronounced dead at the scene. The accident is the second fatal Tesla crash in a week to be investigated by the NHTSA. They say its too early to disclose a possible cause, but that Tesla's controversial autopilot self-driving technology is being probed over the incident. Highway Patrol Lt. P.V. Riordan said in an email that authorities were looking into whether automated features were involved in the wreck. Previous autopilot-related crashes were linked to the Teslas' cameras being confused by flashing lights and reflectors on stopped emergency vehicles, but there is currently no suggestion the Florida crash involved an ambulance, cop car or fire truck. 'That is a consideration that will be explored during our investigation,' he said. The 2015 Teslas were the first to use the company's autopilot technology, but did not include fully automated options. Instead they used a number of features intended to assist drivers, including automated in-lane steering, and automated lane changing prompted by the driver's commands. 'The driver is still responsible for, and ultimately in control of, the car,' Tesla wrote in a blog post announcing describing the then-new features. They're warned to keep their hands on the wheel at all time. Wednesday's crash bore a striking similarity to a score of Tesla crashes that have occurred since 2015 in which drivers were killed when their cars merged into tractor trailers and wound up beneath them. The NHTSA has opened 37 special crash investigations involving Tesla vehicles in which advanced driver assistance systems like autopilot were suspected of being used since 2016, according to Reuters. A total of 17 crash deaths have been reported in those Tesla investigations, including the Florida wreck. The NHTSA typically opens more than 100 special crash investigations annually into emerging technologies and other potential auto safety issues that have, for instance, previously helped to develop safety rules on air bags. This latest investigation comes after the NHTSA announced it would be investigating an accident in which a man, 39, struck and killed a woman while reportedly being high on drugs and driving a Tesla on Autopilot. The San Diego Union-Tribune reported on June 7 that the Tesla went airborne and struck and killed the woman. NBC 7 San Diego said the man was charged with vehicular manslaughter and driving under the influence of drugs in the incident. The case is believed to have involved Frank Shoaf, who was high from huffing - inhaling household items - while driving on Othello Avenue around 8.30am. He admitted to police that he had run the red light then hit a dip, which caused him to go airborne two feet, before he hit Cassandra May, 40. After Shoaf struck the woman, her body reportedly was lunched seven to eight feet in the air before landing 25 feet away. She was transported to the hospital, where she later died. As his car continued forward, it crashed into a no parking sign and landed in a bush outside of a local KFC with one of its tires missing. In June, the NHTSA upgraded its defect probe into 830,000 Tesla vehicles with Autopilot, a required step before it could seek a recall. The NHTSA opened a preliminary evaluation to assess the performance of the system in 765,000 vehicles after about a dozen crashes in which Tesla vehicles struck stopped emergency vehicles - and said last month it had identified six additional crashes. The NHTSA Administrator Steven Cliff told Reuters on Wednesday he wanted to complete the Tesla Autopilot investigation 'as quickly as we possibly can, but I also want to get it right. There's a lot of information that we need to comb through.' Nearly 400 car crashes in the US within a ten-month period were caused by self-driving or driver assistance technology, NHTSA report found. Teslas were involved in the vast majority of those crashes, 273 out of 392, which occurred between July 1, 2021, and May 15 this year and resulted in six deaths and five serious injuries. Worldwide automobile companies made the disclosures to the NHTSA after the regulator issued an order in June 2021 requiring automakers and tech companies to immediately report all crashes involving advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and vehicles equipped with automated driving systems being tested on public roads. Of the remaining amount of crashes involving ADAS technology reported by a dozen automakers, 90 of them involved Hondas and 10 were Subrarus. Ford Motor, General Motors, BMW, Volkswagen, Toyota, Hyundai and Porsche reported fewer than five incidents each. Advertisement The world's longest-living male giant panda under human care, An An, has died at the age of 35, the Hong Kong zoo where he spent most of his life said Thursday. An An's health had deteriorated in recent weeks, with a severe decrease in physical activity and appetite, and he was euthanised by veterinarians early Thursday morning, a statement from the amusement park and zoo Ocean Park said. The park said he was equivalent to 105 in human years, and that 'the difficult decision' to put him down had been made for welfare reasons in consultation with Chinese experts. Giant panda An An feeds on bamboo shoots in its enclosure at Ocean Park in Hong Kong in September 2020 An An shakes a 'puzzle feeder' at the Ocean Park in Hong Kong on March 9, 2006 Hide An seek: An An pops his head out during his 29th birthday on July 28 2015 Born in the wild of mainland China's Sichuan province, An An was one of a panda pair gifted to Hong Kong by Beijing to celebrate the second anniversary of the city's handover from Britain in 1999. He and his mate Jia Jia spent the rest of their lives in Ocean Park. They were a venerable pair - Jia Jia held the Guinness World Records for the oldest living panda and oldest panda ever in captivity when she died at the age of 38 in 2016. A panda's average life span in the wild is 14-20 years, according to the World Wildlife Fund. After Jia Jia's death, her surviving mate led a rather solitary life - in 2021, he celebrated his 35th birthday alone with a Haagen-Dazs fruit and bamboo ice cake, surrounded by a number of handmade birthday cards from the Park's staff. Pandas are a top choice of diplomatic gift from Beijing, and An An and Jia Jia enjoyed a fair degree of political clout for zoo-dwellers. When they first arrived in the city, then-chief executive Tung Chee-hwa said that their names would inspire Hong Kong to be stable (An) and achieve great performance (Jia). And when news of An An's lack of appetite was announced last week, Hong Kong's chief executive John Lee called Ocean Park to express concern. An An would celebrate his birthdays with bamboo ice cake Giant panda An An eats snacks in his enclosure at Ocean Park in Hong Kong Giant panda An An walks in its enclosure at Ocean Park in Hong Kong in September 2020 Ocean Park mourned An An as a family member who grew with the park and built bonds with locals and tourists. 'An An has brought us fond memories with numerous heart-warming moments. His cleverness and playfulness will be dearly missed,' Paulo Pong, chairman of Ocean Park Corporation, said in a statement. An An had high blood pressure, a common condition among geriatric pandas. Over the past three weeks, An An had been kept out of sight from visitors at the park as his health worsened. He stopped eating solid food and was significantly less active in recent days. The park has set up condolence books in the exhibition hall that An An used to live in. Within an hour of the park announcing his death, hundreds of tributes appeared under the social media post. 'Thanks for all the happiness you have brought us over so many years,' user 'Tang Cc' wrote. 'I really can't accept you passing away but I also can't see you suffering. I will be missing you,' user 'Tuan Yuan Panda' said. Visitors take photographs of giant panda An An eating bamboo shoots in its enclosure at Ocean Park Giant panda An An feeds on bamboo shoots in its enclosure at Ocean Park Visitors write notes to mourn the death of Chinese giant panda An An at the Ocean Park of Hong Kong, Thursday Visitors take a photo as they mourn the death of Chinese giant panda An An Hong Kong has another pair of pandas - Ying Ying and Le Le - who were gifted by Beijing in 2007. They hit the headlines recently for beginning to show mating behaviour during the pandemic after almost a decade of disinterest. Pandas are notoriously bad at reproducing, especially in captivity. They are categorised as 'vulnerable' by WWF with a record of 1,864 living in the wild. The director of the CIA has said Vladimir Putin is 'entirely too healthy' despite constant health rumours plaguing the Russian president. William Burns, speaking at the Aspen Security Forum in Colorado, said his comments were 'not a formal intelligence judgment' but a personal opinion. The spy chief, the last US official to meet with Putin before he ordered his troops to butcher Ukrainians, said the leader is 'a big believer in control and intimidation and getting even', and his 'appetite for risk has grown'. He added: 'He is stewing in a very combustible combination of grievance and ambition and insecurity.' Putin has been dogged by claims he is suffering from cancer, Parkinson's or another mystery illness, and has often appeared unsteady during recent public appearances. Russian President Vladimir Putin is seen hobbling from his presidential plane during the welcoming ceremony in Tehran earlier this week William Burns, speaking at the Aspen Security Forum in Colorado, said he fears Putin is 'entirely too healthy' Putin has been dogged by claims he is suffering from cancer, Parkinson's or another mystery illness On Tuesday, he hobbled down a red carpet in Tehran after stepping off the plane as his right arm hung limply at his side. In recent months, he has also been seen uncontrollably shaking, gripping tables and chairs for support, and appeared bloated and ill-at-ease. The president has also frequently disappeared from the public eye for weeks at a time in recent years amid rumours he is undergoing surgery. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov also quashed any health rumours about Putin as 'nothing but fakes. Putin coughed during a public appearance on Wednesday, when Interfax news agency quoted him as saying he had caught a slight cold during a visit to Iran the previous day. 'It was very hot in Tehran yesterday, plus 38 (degrees Celsius), and the air conditioning was very strong there. So I apologize,' Putin, 69, was quoted as saying. Putin's state of mind has directly informed his actions in Ukraine, Burns said. He told the forum: 'Putin really does believe his rhetoric, and I've heard him say it privately over the years, that Ukraine's not a real country. 'He really thought he could take Kyiv in less than a week. This infamous image of a bloated, hunched Putin gripping a table as he spoke with defence minister Sergey Shoigu earlier in the war triggered speculation over his declining health 'He is convinced that his destiny as Russia's leader is to restore Russia as a great power and he does not believe you can do that without controlling Ukraine and its choices. 'He believes it's his entitlement, it's Russia's entitlement to dominate Ukraine.' Burns added that Putin was also wrong about Western support for Ukraine and has miscalculated that it will hold out over winter. The spymaster also revealed that the US estimates that Russian casualties have so far reached around 15,000 killed and perhaps 45,000 wounded, adding that Ukraine has also endured significant casualties. Nearly five months since Putin ordered an invasion of Russia's neighbour, its forces are grinding through the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine and occupy around a fifth of the country. Putin gripped the armrest of his chair during a meeting with Alexander Lukashenko earlier this year, after footage showed his arm shaking 'The latest estimates from the U.S. intelligence community would be something in the vicinity of 15,000 (Russian forces) killed and maybe three times that wounded. So a quite significant set of losses,' Burns said. 'And, the Ukrainians have suffered as well - probably a little less than that. But, you know, significant casualties.' Russia classifies military deaths as state secrets even in times of peace and has not updated its official casualty figures frequently during the war. On March 25 it said 1,351 Russian soldiers had been killed. The Kyiv government said in June that 100 to 200 Ukrainian troops were being killed per day. On Wednesday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Moscow's military 'tasks' in Ukraine now went beyond the Donbas, in the clearest acknowledgment yet that it has expanded its war goals. But Burns said that at least for now the Russian military's concentration of forces in the Donbas suggested they had learned hard lessons from failures at the start of the campaign, where Moscow stalled in its assault on Kyiv. A rescuer stands in a front of a school building destroyed by a Russian missile strike today in Kramatorsk A school is completely flattened by Russian shelling as Putin continues to bombard cities across Ukraine 'In a way, what the Russian military has done is retreat to a more comfortable way of war, in a sense, by using their advantages and long range firepower to stand off and effectively destroy Ukrainian targets and to compensate for the weaknesses in manpower that they still experience,' Burns said. In recent days, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky carried out Kyiv's biggest internal purge of government officials in the war, citing their failure to root out Russian spies and announcing scores of treason cases. The US has provided Ukraine vast amounts of intelligence to help guide its battlefield decisions, raising questions about whether the CIA and the Pentagon should be concerned about Russian infiltration. Burns, however, appeared to play down such concerns. 'We're confident that the partnerships we built are effective ones,' Burns said. A Ukrainian MIG-29 fighter jet is pictured, as the West considers sending new fighter jets to the besieged country 'And we're sharing quite significant amounts of intelligence with the Ukrainian services and with the Ukrainian leadership that they're putting to a very effective use.' The US is also considering sending Ukraine new fighter jets and offering the training needed to operate them in a move which would dramatically increase the West's involvement in the war. General Charles Q. Brown Jr., chief of staff of the US Air Force, said discussions are ongoing about how Ukraine's fleet could be reinforced with new planes. But he refused to speculate about which aircraft could be sent. Ukraine has been using an assortment of MiG jets and Cold War planes to defend against the Russian attackers who have outgunned them. Brown said US-made or European fighters could be transferred, such as the Swedish Gripen fighter, the French Rafale, or the Eurofighter Typhoon. He said: 'It'll be something non-Russian, I can probably tell you that. But I can't tell you exactly what it's going to be.' Meanwhile, Russia has vowed to invade far more of Ukraine than previously thought, new remarks by Sergei Lavrov have revealed. Sergei Lavrov revealed Russia intends to take far more of Ukraine than previously thought The foreign minister vowed to defy the 'impotent spite' of the West and relentlessly invade more territory. He blamed the supply of arms to Ukraine by the US, Britain and EU countries for the new strategy going far beyond taking the Donetsk and Luhansk regions. A video shows Lavrov threatening to leave a rump Ukraine. 'Now the geography is different,' he told RT channel. 'It is far from being just the DPR and LNR - it's also Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions and a number of other territories.' If Russia takes the whole Odesa region, it would leave Ukraine a landlocked state. 'This process goes on,' Lavrov told RT boss and leading Putin propagandist Margarita Simonyan. 'It goes on consistently and persistently.' He blamed the West 'in its impotent spite' or its 'desire to aggravate the situation' for pumping Ukraine full of long range weapons such as the US supplied HIMARS which has caused major problems to Russia. 'I think [Ukraine defence minister Oleksii] Reznikov boasted about receiving 300-km [186 mile] range ammunition,' said Lavrov. 'This means our geographical objectives will be moved from its current border even further. 'Because we cannot allow the part of Ukraine controlled by [Volodymyr] Zelensky, or whoever replaces him, to have weapons posing a direct threat to our territory and the territories of the republics that declared independence.' Nationals Senator Bridget McKenzie has offered to personally wash the shoes of every Australian coming home from Bali amid fears returning travellers will kick off a viral foot and mouth disease outbreak. The worried senator said the government needed to do more to protect Australians and the agriculture industry from the devastating disease. Mounting pressure from the Liberal party has done little to sway Anthony Albanese's Labor government's stance on border closures. Many fear the outbreak of foot and mouth disease in Bali and Indonesia could be brought into Australia, with multiple fragments of the disease already found in imported products. But the Labor government, opposing Nationals leaders and farmers' associations all say the answer isn't in snap border closures. Ms McKenzie, a senator in Victoria, echoed the Albanese government's disdain for closing borders to Indonesia, which would put other bilateral trades at risk. Bridget McKenzie (pictured) said the government shouldn't close borders to Bali but should have far stricter protocols at our borders Ms McKenzie did however call on the government to have more stringent rules at our borders, suggesting footbaths at all international airports. 'I don't believe we need to close the border with Indonesia, I believe this government needs to be serious about stopping foot and mouth at the border,' she told Sky News. 'Systems at the border need to respond to the crisis as they occur. Decisions needed to be made weeks and months ago. 'The fact we have only foot mats going into Darwin and Cairns when you have 16,000 Australian returning from Bali a week, the risk is huge. 'If (Agriculture Minister) Murray Watt can't find the foot baths for Sydney and Melbourne Airport to get the thousands of people coming from Bali and being waived through by security washed down, not just on their feet but their shoes and their backpacks, I am very happy to offer my time on a weekend to hand wash those shoes at the airport myself.' The offer followed a declaration from Agriculture Minister Murray Watt that a single case of foot and mouth disease could bring Australia's export industry to a standstill overnight. Murray Watt on Wednesday announced further biosecurity measures after viral fragments of the disease and African swine fever were detected in pork products, believed to be imported from China, at a Melbourne retailer. It's the first time viral fragments have been detected in a retail setting, Senator Watt said. Mr Watt said an immediate three-day standstill on livestock movements would be implemented if the disease entered Australia. Murray Watt (pictured) announced further biosecurity measures after viral fragments of the disease and African swine fever were detected in pork products in Melbourne 'The reason this would be such a devastating blow is that the rest of the world would treat Australia as having foot and mouth disease, which would pretty much shut down our livestock export industry overnight,' he told the ABC. 'But there is a comprehensive plan that's been developed over a number of years between federal and state governments about how we manage outbreaks (including) movement controls.' Mr Watt said however, Australia will not yet close the border to Indonesia over the disease. Opposition MPs Barnaby Joyce and Karen Andrews have called on the government to close the border to its northern neighbour. But the proposed measure has been decried as 'drastic' by farming bodies. Senator Watt slammed the coalition for 'playing politics' with the industry, and said a border closure or banned flights were options the current opposition never implemented while in government. 'We've acted as quickly as we possibly can,' he told Sky News. Just one case of foot-and-mouth disease could cripple Australia's export industry. the agriculture minister said 'As soon as this outbreak got to Bali, I directed my department to start working urgently.' Senator Watt said there was a 'well-established plan' to deal with an outbreak in Australia, but he was confident the disease could be kept out. 'We have some of the world's best biosecurity systems,' he said. 'We have no plans to close the borders either in Indonesia or to any of the other many countries that have foot and mouth disease.' An immediate three-day standstill on livestock movements would be implemented if the disease were to reach Australia, Senator Watt said. A compensation scheme for farmers would also be put in place. Sanitation mats are being deployed at international airports for travellers from Indonesia to walk over in an effort to stop the disease entering Australia on their shoes. Meanwhile, the development of a national, mandatory sheep and goat electronic identification system was agreed to by state and territory agriculture ministers at a meeting on Wednesday. It would allow livestock to be individually traced in the event of an outbreak. While some jurisdictions had initially resisted the idea, Senator Watt said he was pleased to be able to reach an agreement. How the tagging system will be funded and rolled out still needs to be decided, the minister said. Advertisement Network Rail has begun an urgent investigation into how the unprecedented heat in Britain caused mayhem for passengers across the country this week, with a new taskforce carrying out a review of its infrastructure. The main focus of a team of leading independent experts will be to examine international rail networks and see why other countries are more resilient than the UK in dealing with extreme heat and changes in temperature. Their review will look at the performance of track and overhead line equipment - which are the two most common causes of disruption in hot weather - and how Network Rail could improve its communication with passengers. It comes after mass disruption over the past three days caused chaotic scenes at London King's Cross, Euston and St Pancras as thousands of passengers waited for engineers to repair damage caused by the 40C (104F) weather. Avanti West Coast passengers tweeted photographs of packed trains last night, with one picture showing a very busy service running from Manchester Piccadilly to London Euston. The passenger on board, called Emma, said: 'Changed trains leaving Manchester, to then be kicked off at Milton Keynes, then kicked off at Watford to get the last Overground to Euston. I was lucky to get the last Tube home, what a nightmare this heatwave has been.' Another tweeted a photo of a packed Avanti train and said: 'It would be better to run another train (that we can see in the station), instead of cramming two trains into one at Milton Keynes now. What happened to Covid safety?' The UK network has hit by a range of problems this week such as buckling rails, grass fires that spread onto tracks and damage to overhead power cables in addition to signalling problems and over-running engineering works. The four experts leading the so-called 'resilience taskforce' are former Met Office chief scientist Dame Julia Slingo; Transport Focus watchdog chief executive Anthony Smith; former Crossrail and High Speed 2 chairman Sir Douglas Oakervee; and Simon Lane, a former railways chief in Melbourne and New South Wales in Australia. One passenger tweeted this photo of a packed Avanti West Coast train last night from Manchester Piccadilly to London Euston. She said: 'Changed trains leaving Manchester, to then be kicked off at Milton Keynes, then kicked off at Watford to get the last Overground to Euston. I was lucky to get the last Tube home, what a nightmare this heatwave has been.' Passengers wait for information at London Euston yesterday after cancellations of services to the North West and Scotland Another passenger tweeted this photo of a packed Avanti train last night, saying: 'It would be better to run another train (that we can see in the station), instead of cramming two trains into one at Milton Keynes now. What happened to Covid safety?' Passengers sleep on suitcase and benches at London King's Cross yesterday as all trains are cancelled out of the station Passengers wait for information at London St Pancras station yesterday amid mass cancellations to the East Midlands Passengers wait for information at London Euston yesterday after mass cancellations of services to the North West Passengers speak to staff at London King's Cross yesterday morning after all trains were cancelled out of the station Passengers wait for information at London St Pancras station yesterday amid mass cancellations to the East Midlands Network Rail chief executive Andrew Haines said: 'The weather we've experienced this week has put a huge amount of pressure on our infrastructure, our staff and our passengers. 'And with extreme weather events becoming more frequent as our climate continues to change, we've got to pull out all the stops to make our railway as resilient as possible. Britain braces for MORE crippling rail strikes with just 20% of services operating during walkout next week across half of the UK network Rail operators confirmed yesterday that they will run just 20 per cent of normal services across only half of the UK network during next Wednesday's strike - with trains only operating for 11 hours from 7.30am until 6.30pm. Bosses are discussing a co-ordinated industry contingency plan for a 'very limited timetable' on July 27 during the walkout by members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) at train companies and Network Rail. The industrial action by thousands of workers means some parts of the UK will have no services at all. Passengers walk along the platform at London Waterloo station on June 21 during the strike by the RMT union last month The walkout is set to affect those travelling on summer holidays, attending the Women's Euro 2022 semi-final in Milton Keynes on July 27 or going to the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony Birmingham on July 28. A special 'strike day' timetable for July 27 will be released by operators this Saturday - but Network Rail said it was 'certain that trains will start later and finish much earlier than usual, between 7.30am and 6.30pm'. This means last services from London to Scotland will leave in the early afternoon - and rail bosses also warned of disruption on the morning of Thursday, July 28 with a later start to services as employees return to duties. Network Rail has not yet released a map showing the planned rail services on July 27 - but during last month's strike, no passenger services served locations such as Penzance, Swansea, Chester and Blackpool. The action by the RMT on July 27 forms part of a so-called 'summer of discontent' and will take place on the same day as a walkout by members of the Transport Salaried Staffs' Association (TSSA) on Avanti West Coast. Then, members of the Aslef drivers' union at Arriva Rail London, Chiltern Railways, Greater Anglia, Great Western, Hull Trains, LNER, Southeastern and West Midlands Trains will walk out on Saturday, July 30 in a dispute over pay. Separately, Aslef drivers on Greater Anglia and Stansted Express will strike this Saturday and on Hull Trains this Saturday and Sunday. And RMT members at Network Rail and 14 train operators will also walk out on August 18 and 20 - which comes after last month's strikes on June 21, 23 and 25 that caused nearly a week of disruption. Advertisement 'That's why I've decided to commission this taskforce, spearheaded by leading global experts, whose considerable experience in their fields both in the UK and across the world will arm us with the guidance we need to make our railway resilient in the face of climate change for generations to come.' Dame Julia, whom Network Rail described as a 'world-renowned expert in climatology', will examine how likely more frequent extreme hot weather events are in the UK - and how forecasting can be used by Network Rail to mitigate the impact of heat on its infrastructure. She also recently led a weather action task force focused on giving Network Rail a better understanding of the risk of rainfall to infrastructure. Sir Douglas meanwhile, who has 60 years of experience in engineering, will look at how to ensure infrastructure can continue to function safely and reliably during extreme heat. The former president of the Institution of Civil Engineers will focus on the performance of track and overhead line equipment. Mr Lane, an ex-managing director and chief executive of railways in Melbourne and New South Wales respectively, will examine operational standards, policies and practices to allow services to continue to operate safely and without major speed restrictions in extreme heat. Mr Lane, who also has held leadership roles in the UK and Singapore, is said to be knowledgeable from his work in Australia of the challenges railways face in very high temperatures as well as the problems posed by a climate with a wide variation between the highest and coldest temperatures. He has previously led a review for the government of Victoria following a period of extreme weather there in 2009. And Mr Smith, chief executive of the independent transport watchdog Transport Focus, will examine how Network Rail communicates with passengers in the run-up to and during periods of extreme weather, as well as in its planning for disruptive events. Mr Smith has previously contributed to recommendations to the rail industry and the government on how the pandemic affected rail passengers, and the Williams-Shapps rail reform White Paper. Responding to Network Rail's announcement, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: 'Since I became Transport Secretary, a key priority of mine has been ensuring our infrastructure is resilient enough to deal with extreme weather conditions and this Government has invested billions of pounds to do just that. 'However, the pressure the past week's heat put on our railway shows, despite this progress, there is still some way to go. 'The taskforce we have announced today, made up of leading experts from around the world, will provide us with the knowledge and experience to bolster our railway and ensure it's robust enough to last - whatever the weather.' Yesterday, rail passengers faced mass disruption across three major London stations after dozens of services were cancelled in and out of King's Cross, Euston and St Pancras following the UK's hottest day on record. Huge crowds waited for updates on concourses next to platforms at all three stations as they tried to travel north out of the capital - with rail bosses warning services could be further delayed by heavy rain and thunderstorms. Network Rail said downpours on dry ground following the extreme heat could cause flooding and overwhelm track drainage yesterday afternoon and evening just as operators tried to get services back up and running again. Network Rail engineers found a kink in the rail near Vauxhall station in London earlier this week due to the extreme heat The line between London King's Cross and Peterborough was shut yesterday after a major fire spread onto the tracks at Sandy in Bedfordshire, causing damage to signalling equipment and a level crossing which both require complex repairs A major fire spread onto the railway line at Sandy in Bedfordshire on Tuesday, which is on the East Coast Main Line route Network Rail teams also worked throughout the night trying to restore power lines damaged at Harrow in North West London LNER - which operates trains between King's Cross and Edinburgh via Peterborough, York and Newcastle - issued a 'do not travel' warning yesterday and urged people to not even go to the London hub. Caledonian Sleeper goes nowhere... so travellers wake up in the same city! By Joe Hutchison for the Scottish Daily Mail Rail passengers on board Sleeper services in Scotland and London ended up spending the night on stationary trains after extreme temperatures caused travel chaos. Services in and out of London, connecting with Scotland and the north of England, were mostly cancelled yesterday morning, with reduced timetables getting under way in the afternoon. Passengers on Caledonian Sleeper services spent the night on board trains that were held at London, Edinburgh and Glasgow after travel was suspended on Tuesday, as temperatures hit 40C (104F) south of the Border. The operator normally connects Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Inverness and Fort William with London Euston. But disruption followed damage to overhead electric lines in four locations and rail tracks buckling in Tuesday's extreme heat. London-bound rail passengers boarded the service in Glasgow after being informed that it would be setting off. The service announced just after 7pm: 'We have received news from Network Rail that the earlier weather-related incidents will be managed to allow our Sleeper services to operate this evening as planned. For guests with reservations on tonight's Caledonian Sleeper services, please proceed to your departure station.' But just after midnight, after travellers had already boarded their train, they tweeted: 'We are very sorry to inform our guests that despite all efforts being made to allow services to run this evening, unfortunately Network Rail have informed us of developing issues on the rail network and as a result we will not be able to run our services.' One guest on board tweeted a picture of his view of Glasgow Central yesterday morning, revealing they hadn't moved an inch since he fell asleep. Jim Metcalfe said: 'In 15 years of using this train, and through many bizarre twists and turns, this has to be strangest yet. 'Wake up, and the train never left Glasgow. It was just sat here all night, and now we have been thrown off it at 5.30am in the wrong city.' Rail bosses issued a statement yesterday which read: 'Please accept our sincere apologies for the disruption to last night's Sleeper services.' Advertisement Two other operators who run services from King's Cross - Lumo and Hull Trains - said they were told by Network Rail to cancel all services yesterday. The delayed 11am LNER service from King's Cross to Edinburgh yesterday, which left at 11.46am, was the first direct train to travel on that route since a Lumo train on Monday at 8.27pm - a gap of nearly 40 hours in services. Passengers trying to head north from Euston yesterday also continued to face major delays following damage to overhead electric lines in four different locations. And at St Pancras, there were almost no services heading north yesterday and East Midlands Railway warned of 'overcrowding' at stations with trains and crew out of place after line closures. Operators such as CrossCountry, Northern, Chiltern, Southeastern and Southern also reported problems while those heading abroad on the Eurostar faced delays of more than an hour due to a power failure in Lille, France. In addition, Thameslink and Great Northern warned of late notice cancellations and said: 'Avoid all travel by trains.' King's Cross resembled a dormitory yesterday as stranded passengers slept on suitcases, tables and benches while waiting for news of whether trains heading north would restart again after they were all cancelled on Tuesday. The line between King's Cross and Peterborough was shut after a major fire spread onto the tracks at Sandy in Bedfordshire, causing damage to signalling equipment and a level crossing which both require complex repairs. The fire at Sandy also meant a planned inspection of more than 250 miles of track on the southern end of the East Coast Main Line to see whether any other equipment was damaged in the heat has not yet taken place. On the West Coast Main Line, there were no direct trains between London and Scotland early yesterday as Network Rail engineers worked to repair multiple sections of 25,000-volt overhead electric cables which power services. Teams had worked throughout the night trying to restore the power lines that were damaged between Lancaster and Carnforth in Lancashire; at Harrow in North West London; at Birmingham New Street; and near Wolverhampton. This repair work continued yesterday in all locations meaning fewer trains were running in and out of London Euston, and rail replacement buses were in operation between Preston in Lancashire and Carlisle in Cumbria. Most services on the Transport for London network were back up and running normally again yesterday after two days of disruption, but there were severe delays on the Jubilee line after signal failure in the North Greenwich area. There were also minor delays reported on the Central, Circle and District lines - and on the Elizabeth line between Paddington and Heathrow and Reading because of late-finishing engineering work in the Ealing Broadway area. China has accused Australia of secretly readying to develop nuclear weapons in its latest attack against the AUKUS defence pact. Under Australia's security deal with he US and Britain signed in 2021, the Royal Australia Navy is set to get it's hands on a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines in the coming decades. But the boats - aimed at deterring China's growing aggression in the Indo-Pacific region - will only be armed with conventional weapons. Despite the reassurances however, the authoritarian superpower is furious with the arrangement - despite being one of nine nations with nuclear warheads. Communist Party think tanks and state-owned media mouthpieces argue it will set a 'dangerous precedent' in providing nuclear material to non-nuclear states. China has accused Australia of secretly readying to develop nuclear weapons in its latest attack against the AUKUS defence pact The China Arms Control and Disarmament Association and China Institute of Nuclear Industry Strategy held a highly orchestrated media conference on Wednesday to launch a scathing report about AUKUS. Titled: A Dangerous Conspiracy: The Nuclear Proliferation Risk of the Nuclear-powered Submarines Collaboration in the Context of AUKUS, the propaganda document argues Australia had 'obsessively' sought nuclear weapons in the 1950s and 1960s and would be poised to do so again. 'Given the fact that Australia already has a body of nuclear weapons-related knowledge accumulated historically and that it will get into its hands nuclear-capable delivery systems, once the country takes the desperate step to develop nuclear weapons again, the lead time to a nuclear breakthrough will be too short for the international community to respond effectively,' the report says. Beijing claims there is a renewed enthusiasm for nuclear weapons among Australian academics but provided scant evident of this. A Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesperson said Australia was not after nuclear weapons and that the Chinese report was full of 'incorrect assumptions'. Chinse President Xi Jinping has expressed anger at the new agreement between the US, Australia and the UK to develop hypersonic weaponry 'Australia, the US and the UK will implement the strongest possible non-proliferation standards to maintain the strength and integrity of the global nuclear non-proliferation regime in relation to nuclear-powered submarines,' the spokesperson said. 'The government has been very clear that Australia does not and will not seek nuclear weapons. 'Australia's decision to acquire conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines is something we are pursuing openly and transparently.' But China's foreign ministry backed the Communist Party-funded report. 'The report is further evidence that the international community's concerns over the AUKUS nuclear submarine co-operation are well founded,' Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said. 'The US, the UK and Australia need to respond to the concerns of the international community, faithfully fulfil their non-proliferation obligations and revoke the erroneous decision of nuclear submarine co-operation.' The deal which was signed by the Morrison government and has the backing of Anthony Albanese (pictured) Then defence minister Peter Dutton signed a formal agreement in November last year alongside the US and UK to allow the countries to share information on the nuclear-powered vessels Lowy Institute international affairs analyst Richard McGregor dismissed the report as part of China's ongoing effort to thwart AUKUS. 'This report simply tries to flesh out their argument, add weight to it, and give them a document they can distribute to any country they want around the world to make their case,' Mr McGregor told the ABC. 'Any roadblocks they can put in the way of AUKUS, they will put them there. We should expect this thing to happen for the next decade or so. China won't let up.' Chinese President Xi Jinping has even spoken out against the deal which was signed by the Morrison government and has the backing of the Albanese government. Beijing will now take its opposition to the August 1 AUKUS pact to the United Nations non-proliferation conference in New York. The alliance, which was announced in September last year, prompted Australia to cancel a contract for a conventional French submarine to replace the fleet of aging of Collins class subs. This led to frosty relations between the Morrison government and French President Emmanuel Macron. Two Australian Collins class submarines (front) and the UK nuclear-powered attack submarine, HMS Astute (rear) are seen at HMAS Stirling Royal Australian Navy base in Perth This is the moment a Russian tank is blown to smithereens by a Javelin anti-tank guided missile in Ukraine. Video shows how the tank is caught in the missile system's crosshairs before the projectile soars through the air and meets its target. The US-made Javelin missile can be seen flying from a height before slamming down on the tank from above - known as a 'curveball shot' - and sparking a huge fireball explosion. The missile, part of a series of weapons sent to Ukraine by Western countries such as the US and UK, is particularly deadly against tanks because their armour is thinnest on top. The drone footage shows the Russian tank stopped on a road, with another tank close behind it The US-made Javelin missile can be seen flying from a height before slamming down on the tank from above - known as a 'curveball shot' - and sparking a huge fireball explosion Once hit, the Russian tank explodes into a huge fireball, sending a plume of smoke into the air The second tank, which was close behind, is seen quickly turning around and racing down the road at speed to avoid being destroyed by the Ukrainian forces Javelin anti-tank guided missiles Countries that sent them: UK, Estonia and the US How many has Ukraine received? More than 5,500 from the US, unknown from the others Cost: 130,000 ($175,000) each just for the missile How they work: Javelins work by using infrared systems to lock on to their targets, meaning troops do not need to keep aiming after pulling the trigger. Once the missile is fired, it ejects from the tube using a small charge - so it can be fired in a confined space - before the main rockets ignite. The missile then flies up to 490ft into the air before slamming down on its target from above - known as a 'curveball' shot. This makes them especially deadly against tanks because their armour is thinnest on top, although Javelins can also be used to blow up buildings. Fact-file: The FGM-148 Javelin is a US-made missile that is primarily designed to destroy tanks, using a combination of 'curveball' attack - meaning it comes down on its targets from above - and dual high explosive warheads to take them out. Javelins were developed in the 1990s and have been in service since 1996 - coming up against Russian-designed T-72 tanks during the Second Iraq War, where they proved particularly effective. Russia still uses T-72 tanks - with dozens of T-72Bs now deployed near Ukraine - and while they have undergone several rounds of improvements since Saddam's day, they are still thought to be vulnerable to the missile. Advertisement The drone footage shows the Russian tank stopped on a road, with another tank close behind it. The Javelin missile can then be seen arching in the air and steering downwards to hit the tank on its thinly armoured upper side. Once hit, the Russian tank explodes into a huge fireball, sending a plume of smoke into the air. The second tank, which was close behind, is seen quickly turning around and racing down the road at speed to avoid being destroyed by the Ukrainian forces. Javelins are used by small, mobile units to destroy tanks from a distance and are seen by Kyiv as one of their best hopes for slowing the advance. In the nearly five months since Vladimir Putin's men invaded Ukraine, 1,700 tanks have been destroyed by Ukrainian forces who have been able to inflict heavy losses on the Russian army thanks to advanced Western weaponry and tactics. Ukrainian armed forces said today they had killed 111 Russian soldiers in the south and east over the past day, as comments from Russia's foreign minister showed the Kremlin's goals had grown during the five-month war. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told state news agency RIA Novosti on Wednesday that Russia's military 'tasks' in Ukraine now go beyond the eastern Donbas region. Lavrov also said Moscow's objectives will expand further if the West keeps supplying Kyiv with long-range weapons such as the U.S.-made High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS). 'That means the geographical tasks will extend still further from the current line,' he said. The Russian-installed administration in the partially occupied Ukrainian region of Zaporizhzhia said Ukraine had conducted a drone strike on a nuclear power station there, but the reactor was not damaged. Multiple blasts were also heard in the Russian-controlled southern region of Kherson overnight and into Thursday, Russian news agency TASS reported. Reuters could not independently verify the reports. Ukrainian officials had no immediate comment. The Ukrainian military reported heavy and sometimes fatal Russian shelling amid what they said were largely failed attempts by Russian ground forces to advance. In the previous 24 hours, Ukrainian forces said they had destroyed 17 vehicles, some of them armoured, as well as killing more than 100 Russian soldiers. In a Facebook post, the forces said they saw no signs the Russians were creating special strike groups to push a new offensive. Ukrainian firefighters work at the Bakhmut market after it was shelled by the Russian army, in the city of Bakhmut, Donetsk Oblast of Ukraine on Thursday Russia's invasion has killed thousands, displaced millions and flattened cities, particularly in Russian-speaking areas in the east and southeast of Ukraine. It has also raised global energy and food prices and increased fears of famine in poorer countries as Ukraine and Russia are both major grain producers. The United States estimates that Russian casualties in Ukraine so far have reached around 15,000 killed and perhaps 45,000 wounded, CIA Director William Burns said on Wednesday. Russia classifies military deaths as state secrets even in times of peace and has not updated its official casualty figures frequently during the war. The United States, which had said on Tuesday that it saw signs Russia was preparing to formally annex territory it has seized in Ukraine, promised that it would oppose annexation. 'Again, we've been clear that annexation by force would be a gross violation of the UN Charter, and we would not allow it to go unchallenged. We would not allow it to go unpunished,' State Department spokesperson Ned Price said at a regular daily briefing on Wednesday. Ukrainian firefighters work at the Bakhmut market after it was shelled by the Russian army, in the city of Bakhmut, Donetsk Oblast of Ukraine on Thursday Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014 and supports Russian-speaking breakaway entities - the Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics (DPR and LPR) - in those provinces, together known as the Donbas. Lavrov is the most senior figure to speak openly of Russia's war goals in territorial terms, nearly five months after Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the Feb. 24 invasion with a denial that Russia intended to occupy its neighbour. Then, Putin said his aim was to demilitarise and 'denazify' Ukraine - a statement dismissed by Kyiv and the West as a pretext for an imperial-style war of expansion. Lavrov told RIA Novosti geographical realities had changed since Russian and Ukrainian negotiators held peace talks in Turkey in late March that failed to produce any breakthrough. Russia annexed Crimea in 2014 after a military intervention by pro-Russian separatists and Russian Armed Forces. That was followed by a controversial Crimea-wide referendum, illegal under the Ukrainian and Crimean constitutions, whose official results showed over 90% support for reunification 'Now the geography is different, it's far from being just the DPR and LPR, it's also Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions and a number of other territories,' he said, referring to territories well beyond the Donbas that Russian forces have wholly or partly seized. Meanwhile, concern that Russian supplies of gas sent through the biggest pipeline in Europe could be stopped by Moscow prompted the European Union to tell member states to cut gas usage by 15% until March as an emergency step. 'Russia is blackmailing us. Russia is using energy as a weapon,' EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said, describing a full cut-off of Russian gas flows as 'a likely scenario' for which 'Europe needs to be ready'. Putin had earlier warned that gas supplies sent to Europe via the Nord Stream 1 pipeline, which has been closed for 10 days for maintenance, were at risk of being reduced further. The pipeline is due to restart on Thursday. Russia, the world's largest gas exporter, has denied Western accusations of using its energy supplies as a tool of coercion, saying it has been a reliable energy supplier. As for its oil, Russia will not send supplies to the world market if a price cap is imposed below the cost of production, Interfax news agency quoted Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak as saying on Wednesday. EU diplomats meeting in Brussels agreed a new round of sanctions against Moscow, including a ban on importing gold from Russia and freezing the assets of top lender Sberbank. But Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy dismissed the sanctions as inadequate. 'Russia must feel a much higher price for the war to force it to seek peace,' Zelenskiy said in a late-night video address. On Wednesday, Ivana Trump's family attended her burial at a Roman Catholic Church on New York City's Upper East Side. The ceremony, decked with hundreds of her beloved flowers, reflected her "glamorous" life. Former President Donald Trump paid his homage to his first wife by attending the funeral Mass for the 1980s-style icon and entrepreneur, who helped him establish an empire that propelled him to the presidency. Ivana Trump Funeral Service Brought Trump Family Together Donald and Ivana Trump's three children -- Donald Jr., Ivanka, and Eric -- and their families accompanied Ivana's gold-colored casket into Manhattan's Upper East Side's St. Vincent Ferrer Roman Catholic Church. Tiffany Trump, the former president's daughter with his second wife, Marla Maples, attended the funeral, as did family friends such as Jeanine Pirro, co-host of Fox News' 'The Five,' and Charles Kushner, a real estate entrepreneur and the father of Ivanka Trump's husband, Jared Kushner. Ivana Trump's longtime friend, fashion designer Dennis Basso, was also among the mourners. Trump's family revealed that she died at her Manhattan home at the age of 73. According to authorities, her death was an accident caused by severe impact injuries to her body. Ivana and Donald Trump married from 1977 until 1992 after meeting in the 1970s. They were a power couple in the 1980s, and she became well-known in her own right, easily recognized with her blond hair in an updo and her gorgeous appearance. Ivana Trump was actively involved in her husband's companies, overseeing one of his Atlantic City casinos and selecting some of the architectural components for Trump Tower in New York City. Their public divorce was acrimonious, but they have been cordial in recent years. Ivana Trump was a vocal supporter of Donald Trump's 2016 presidential campaign and said they communicated frequently, according to USA Today. Barron Trump Makes Rare Public Appearance Former First Son Barron Trump was seen attending a burial ceremony for Ivana Trump with the rest of his family on Wednesday. The 16-year-old was initially seen sneaking into the Upper East Side memorial ceremony with his father, former President Donald Trump, and mother, Melania Trump, who waved to fans in the streets as they roared their support. He was afterward photographed standing by his father's side following the burial service. Barron wore a dark blue suit with a white button-down and a narrow blue tie, and his hair was coiffed precisely like his father's. The family flew into New York for Ivana's burial earlier this week after the former president announced her death with an emotional message on behalf of the family. Barron's father married Ivana from April 1977 until 1992 before marrying Marla Maples and subsequently Melania. Barron was born in 2006, a year after his parents married and 14 years after his father and Ivana divorced. Ivana, on the other hand, is the mother of Barron's half-siblings, Donald Jr., Ivanka, and Eric Trump. She was discovered dead in her Upper East Side apartment last week, reportedly from a fall, as per Daily Mail. Read Also: 'Law & Order: Organized Crime' Film Crew Member Fatally Shot on Set in New York City Who Is Tiffany Trump? Tiffany Trump expressed her support for her half-siblings and father at Ivana Trump's burial in New York on Wednesday, despite the late socialite's apparent scorn for her mother, Marla Maples. The 28-year-old went with her fiance Michael Boulos to St. Vincent Ferrer Church on Lexington Avenue to say goodbye to Ivana - Donald Trump's first wife and the mother of his three eldest children. The Georgetown Law graduate donned a black collared shirt dress with short puffy sleeves and front buttons. Her normally long blonde hair was chopped to just below her shoulders and straightened. She completed her appearance with Dior slingbacks and jewels, including her 13-carat emerald-cut diamond engagement ring, which is valued at up to $1.2 million. Tiffany wore a pair of stylish square-frame spectacles to shade her eyes from the sun and clutched her fiance's arm as they walked inside the chapel. Michael was dressed in a black suit and matching tie, the heir to the multibillion-dollar Nigerian giant Boulos Enterprises. Before the event, the family gathered at the Frank E. Campbell funeral home, where Ivana's remains were being prepared, but Tiffany was not among them, according to Daily Mail. Tiffany Ariana Trump works at Georgetown Law as a legal research assistant. She is the fourth child and the lone child of former US President Donald Trump and his second wife, Marla Maples. Tiffany was raised by Marla Maples, a former model and actress, after her divorce from Donald Trump when she was just six years old. Even though the two moved to California, Donald supported them financially by paying for Tiffany's education expenditures. Donald spent $31,205 a year for her to attend the elite Viewpoint School in Calabasas, California, Velvetiere reported. Related Article: Ivana Trump's Possible Cause of Death, Revealed; Donald Trump Shares Tribute for Ex-Wife @YouTube @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Russian soldiers are being put 'on a direct path to a body bag,' a military analyst has said, with one soldier claiming he was given just five days of training before being sent to fight on the front lines in Ukraine. The soldier, named only as Ivan to protect his identity, said in some cases his comrades were being shipped off to fight without even knowing how to use a machine gun, according to The Moscow Times. The report is the latest sign of Russia's increasing desperation to crush Ukraine's fierce resistance that has taken the Kremlin by surprise, with some estimates suggesting President Vladimir Putin has seen more than 30,000 of his troops killed. When the invasion began on February 24, Moscow brazenly believed its forces would sweep to victory and depose Kyiv's government in a matter of days. Instead, Russia has been dragged into a protracted and costly conflict, with no end in sight. Independent military analyst Pavel Luzin offered a damning assessment of Russia's military when told of Ivan's claim that he was given less than a week of training. 'A week [of training] is nothing for a soldier, it is a direct path to a hospital or a body bag,' Luzin told The Moscow Times on Thursday. Pictured: A Russian soldier, part of a demining team, is seen in Mariupol on July 13. Russian soldiers are being put 'on a direct path to a body bag,' a military analyst said, with one soldier claiming he was given just five days of training before being sent to fight on the frontlines Russia's Defence Ministry website states that anyone who signs a contract with the Russian army must first undergo four-weeks of combined arms training. In total, the programme takes 240 hours and includes survival training, shooting, grenade throwing and the study of military tactics. Furthermore, under Russian law, conscripts cannot be sent into combat unless they have at least four months training. Luzin told the newspaper that the same standards should be applied to those who sign a contract with the Russian military to fight in Ukraine. However, the provision of minimal training to new recruits appears to be increasingly common in Russia's army, and will likely compound Russia's problems with mobilization, a lack of manpower, and morale. Ivan, 31, who in April signed a three-month contract with the Defense Ministry, described the five-day training he received as 'intense'. 'When the special military operation started although in fact, it is a war I took it as a personal tragedy,' Ivan told the Moscow Times. 'I told myself that I wanted to go there and no one would stop me. I'm a patriot.' He was quickly transferred to a military base in the western Russian of Belgorod, and within two weeks, he was on the frontlines in Ukraine. 'After all the medical check-ups, they asked me if I was ready to go to the military base the day after tomorrow,' he said. 'They trained us for five days, we waited for another five days for a force rotation and then we went to [our] positions.' The five days of training he received came while Ivan and his fellow soldiers were waiting to be deployed. He said they undertook informal training exercises. He said they were training from 10am to 7pm, practicing combat skills, storming buildings and 'all-round defence'. He said the training differed for each soldier, focusing on the different skills needed for their specific positions. 'Of course, it was not enough,' he told the newspaper. 'There was a soldier in our company who didn't know how a machine gun works. So I taught that guy how to disassemble and assemble a machine gun. 'I wouldn't want to be next to him in battle. How can you fight like that?' he added. Pictured: A grab from a video showing a mass funeral for 58 Russian servicemen last week, held in the village of Vidnoye. The men were killed in the fighting for Luhansk Other soldiers have shared similar accounts. One anonymous soldier told the BBC's Russian news service last month that he was 'shocked' at the lack of training. 'Some have not properly held a machine gun in their hands, have never seen real tanks in person, and they're leaving for the frontline in a couple of days,' he said. A 24-year-old Russian soldier, Yevgeny Chubarin, was killed in the eastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv after just four days of being transferred to the Belgorod military base. A lack of knowledge of combat and limited training means soldiers are less likely to survive in a war zone, human rights activists have said. Sergei Krivenko, the director of human rights group Citizen. Army. Law., said it appeared the proper training standards were not being met. Krivenko, whose organisation provides legal assistance to Russian soldiers, said he had often been contacted by parents of soldiers who had signed a contract and 'ended up in Ukraine just a week later'. The accounts paint a picture of a Russian army that is trying to bolster its numbers in its fight to push further into Ukrainian territory. However, reports have continued to circulate about low morale among Putin's forces. The Moscow Times also reported that contract soldiers who are refusing to fight are not being allowed to return home by their commanders, and are being threatened and intimidated to get them back on to the battlefield. The newspaper said servicemen in Russia's 11th Guards Air Assault Brigade handed in their resignations earlier this month, but their request was met with resistance. Vladimir Budaev, co-founder of an anti-war organisation, said 78 fighters from the Brigade handed in their resignations. But after military officials intervened with intimidation tactics, this number was whittled down. The mother of one of the soldiers said that after refusing to accept the resignations, the commanders of the brigade sent some of the men to a special detention facility in the Russian-occupied Ukrainian city of Luhansk. Pictured: A cat looks at a Ukrainian tank that was destroyed during Russian attacks, in Hostomel, Ukraine, 19 July 2022 Pictured: A destroyed Russian tank T-72 is seen in a field near the village of Budy, in Chernihiv region, Ukraine July 5, 2022 But while cracks appear in the Russian army, the pressure Moscow's forces are putting on Ukraine's defenders is also taking its toll. The Ukrainian military has reported indiscriminate, heavy and sometimes fatal Russian shelling amid what its says were largely failed attempts by Russian ground forces to advance in the Luhansk and Donetsk regions that make up the Donbas 'In the Luhansk region, there is probably not a single square metre of land left untouched by Russian artillery,' Serhiy Gaidai, the regional governor, said on the Telegram messaning app. 'Shelling is very intense. They stop only when the metal 'gets tired'.' But in the previous 24 hours alone, Ukrainian forces said they had killed more than 100 Russian soldiers in the south and east and destroyed 17 vehicles, some of them armoured. The Russian-installed administration in the partially occupied Ukrainian region of Zaporizhzhia said Ukraine had conducted a drone strike on a nuclear power station there, but the reactor was not damaged. Multiple blasts were also heard in the Russian-controlled southern region of Kherson overnight and into Thursday, Russian news agency TASS reported. Reuters could not independently verify the reports. Russian President Vladimir Putin (pictured on July 20) ordered the Feb. 24 invasion while denying that Russia intended to occupy its neighbour. The war has now lasted for almost five months, with no signs of it coming to an end Russia's invasion has killed thousands, displaced millions and flattened cities, particularly in Russian-speaking areas in the east and southeast of Ukraine. It has also raised global energy and food prices and increased fears of famine in poorer countries as Ukraine and Russia are both major grain producers. The United States estimates that Russian casualties in Ukraine so far have reached around 15,000 killed and perhaps 45,000 wounded, CIA Director William Burns said on Wednesday. Other estimates have put Russian fatalities over 30,000. In a BBC television interview broadcast Sunday, the head of Britain's armed forces, Admiral Tony Radakin, estimated as many as 50,000 Russian soldiers had been killed or wounded in the invasion, with nearly 1,700 Russian tanks and some 4,000 armoured fighting vehicles destroyed. Russia classifies military deaths as state secrets even in times of peace and has not updated its official casualty figures frequently during the war. The US, which had said on Tuesday that it saw signs Russia was preparing to formally annex territory it has seized in Ukraine, promised that it would oppose annexation. 'Again, we've been clear that annexation by force would be a gross violation of the UN Charter, and we would not allow it to go unchallenged. We would not allow it to go unpunished,' State Department spokesperson Ned Price said at a regular daily briefing on Wednesday. Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014 and supports Russian-speaking breakaway entities - the Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics (DPR and LPR) - in those provinces, together known as the Donbas. Visitors watch military vehicles destroyed or burned, displayed as part of an outdoor exhibition of destroyed Russian military equipment close to the Church of Three Saints in the centre of the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv, on July 20, 2022 amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine Lavrov is the most senior figure to speak openly of Russia's war goals in territorial terms, nearly five months after Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the Feb. 24 invasion while denying that Russia intended to occupy its neighbour. Then, Putin said his aim was to demilitarise and 'denazify' Ukraine - a statement dismissed by Kyiv and the West as a pretext for an imperial-style war of expansion. Lavrov told RIA Novosti that geographical realities had changed since Russian and Ukrainian negotiators held peace talks in Turkey in late March that failed to produce any breakthrough. 'Now the geography is different, it's far from being just the DPR and LPR, it's also Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions and a number of other territories,' he said, referring to territories well beyond the Donbas that Russian forces have wholly or partly seized. Meanwhile, a Ukrainian counter-offensive in the direction of encircled Black Sea ports has been gaining momentum. With the delivery of long-range precision artillery to Ukraine by its Western allies, the battlefield dynamics in the south - and in the east - have shifted, say Kyiv and observers of the conflict. Those weapons are a key concern for Russia, and Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu during a recent troop inspection said Moscow's forces had to set about neutralising systems such as US-supplied Himars. 'Shoigu gave orders to prioritise the destruction - with high-precision weapons - of enemy artillery and long-range missiles,' the Russian defence ministry said. With more than 20 weeks since the invasion began, Moscow said over the weekend it would step up its military operations. An obsessed yachtsman harassed a woman he met on Tinder before attempting to get her expelled from university - by claiming that she was the one stalking him. 'Manipulative' Oliver Mills-Nanyn launched his 'predatory' campaign of harassment after he matched on the dating app with Manchester University medical student, Scarlett Dew, in late 2019, a court heard. After a brief friendship. Miss Dew 'cut off contact' with Mills-Nanyn in July 2020 when his behaviour grew increasingly 'erratic', her barrister, Ben Hamer, told London's High Court. But the 23-year-old, from Oldham, continued to try and make contact with Miss Dew. He even set up puppet accounts on social media to contact her and 'follow her friends and family,' telling her: 'I'd love to take you on a date.' In March last year, Mills-Nanyn agreed to 'cease and desist' from contacting Miss Dew. But then, in a 'disgraceful' incident, he wrote to her university accusing her of 'stalking and harassing' him and asking that she be removed from her course. This week, Miss Dew took Mills-Nayn to the High Court, where top judge Mrs Justice Collins-Rice handed him a suspended six-month jail term for breaching his undertaking to stop bothering her. The aspiring merchant seaman, who currently works as a deckhand on a yacht, now faces a 130,000 court bill. He will have to pay her 30,000 damages and faces a 98,154 court bill after being ordered to pay her legal fees. Obsessed Oliver Mills-Nanyn (pictured left) launched his 'predatory' campaign of harassment after he met Manchester University medical student, Scarlett Dew (pictured right), on Tinder in late 2019, a court heard Miss Dew's barrister, Mr Hamer, told the London court that, after meeting online and becoming friendly, she had decided she did not want to continue to be in contact with the yachtsman. 'From this point, he began a serious campaign of harassment, including contacting her friends and family via social media and via various accounts,' he told the judge. When she blanked his messages, he suddenly became abusive, said the barrister, although he then tried to make a joke about his comments. He also set up a bogus social media account in which he posed as someone she had met at a party in Unsworth Park. Mr Hamer said the campaign had culminated in his 'disgraceful' report to her university. In a complaint form, he claimed that 'a student has been stalking and harassing me and I have recently been able to take out a non-molestation order on her.' 'However, due to her being a student in the city of Manchester, this has left me scared to leave home and I am requesting for her to be removed from the university,' he added. Miss Dew's barrister, Mr Hamer, told the London court that, after meeting online and briefly becoming friends, she had decided she did not want to continue to be in contact with the yachtsman (pictured) After Mills-Nanyn (pictured) failed to stick to his undertaking to cease contact with Ms Dew and her family, she went to court in a bid to have him jailed for continuing to stalk her Mr Hamer said: 'There was no such non-molestation order and nor was she stalking or harassing Mr Mills-Nanyn. The reverse was true and his account is the narrative of a fantasist.' The social media onslaught, in which Miss Dew found her friends likewise contacted by Mills-Nanyn, cast a dark shadow over her time at university, the barrister added, leaving her in fear that she would never escape his pursuit. After Mills-Nanyn failed to stick to his undertaking to cease contact with Ms Dew and her family, she went to court in a bid to have him jailed for continuing to stalk her. Ms Dew - a student of biomedical sciences - felt she had no choice given the relentlessness of his campaign, Mr Hamer explained. 'She fears that he will continue following her for ever, continue to manipulate those around her, and to harm her relationships and future career prospects,' he said. 'She feels that she just cannot get away from him, no matter where she goes or what she does.' Mills-Nanyn had shown little sign of contrition before the case reached court, said the barrister, although he ultimately admitted 20 breaches of his March 2021 undertaking not to harass or contact Ms Dew. Simon Fagan, for Mills-Nanyn, said his client accepted his conduct was 'inappropriate - and by his admission he recognises that he should not have conducted himself in the manner as alleged or at all'. With Mills-Nanyn currently working on a yacht destined to be at sea for the rest of the year, there would be scant chance of him again breaching the undertaking, said Mr Fagan. Ms Dew (pictured) - a student of biomedical sciences - felt she had no choice but to take the case to court given the relentlessness of Mills-Nanyn's campaign, Mr Hamer explained Ruling, Mrs Justice Collins-Rice said Mills-Nanyn had 'no excuse for this calculating and abusive conduct' and had apologised for his actions 'extremely late'. 'The context of the breaches was a persistent, harmful, offensive, oppressive and predatory course of conduct, constituting a gross invasion of a blameless young woman's fundamental rights to freedom,' she added. The judge said she was suspending his six-month sentence for contempt of court in light of his lack of previous convictions and the effect of jail on his future maritime career. Addressing Ms Dew, she concluded: 'I recognise this can't give you back the experiences of your university life and the relationships with your friends, which any young woman of your age is entitled to enjoy. 'But I very much hope that you will now be able to put this episode behind you and get on with the life you deserve.' Mills-Nanyn, who stood up in court as the judge sentenced him, was also ordered to pay out 98,154 in Ms Dew's court fees. A man who lost his memory after a motorbike crash has revealed how he had to fall in love with his wife all over again after forgetting who she was. Luke Buckton crashed his bike into a parked car at 60km/h in Mackay, Queensland on May 27, 2017 and suffered several bleeds on the brain. He ended up underneath the parked vehicle and wasn't breathing when paramedics arrived. Luke suffered a traumatic brain injury and spent three weeks in ICU. When he eventually awoke, doctors discovered his memory of his life before the crash had been wiped out and when he spotted wife Melissa at his bedside, he didn't recognise who she was. Now, he has opened up on how he fell in love with his her all over again describing his long road to recovery. Luke Buckton crashed his bike into a parked car at 60km/h in Mackay, Queensland and suffered a traumatic brain injury When he eventually awoke, doctors discovered his memory of his life before the crash had been wiped out and when he spotted wife Melissa at his bedside, he didn't recognise who she was He has opened up on how he fell in love with his wife all over again and also described his long road to recovery 'I was in a bit of a daze because I did not know who she was to start with,' he told the Courier Mail. 'I feel like I have won the lotto because she is still with me. I'm still learning about her, which is the lotto part. 'She is such an understanding person and patient person and she is beautiful. 'Just when she smiles, I love it.' After years of rehab, Luke is now walking and working and has also welcomed his first son. He has two daughters from a previous relationship. 'I pushed and pushed and pushed myself to try and walk again,' he said. 'Some days were pretty tiring and frustrating, not being able to do simple things. 'But then when I finally got them, able to do it, I was excited and over the moon for it.' Luke and Melissa worked with a resources company that connects people with disabilities with employers. He is now working in a store. Describing her experience, Melissa revealed how she dropped to her knees when told about Luke's accident. 'I knew straight away that something had happened,' she said. 'We did not know what the outcome was going to be. The brain swells and the swelling is what we did not want occurring.' After years of rehab, Luke is now walking and working and has also welcomed his first son Luke and Melissa worked with a resources company that connects people with disabilities with employers. He is now working in a store She also described how he began to accept her as his wife after waking up and not recognising her initially. 'Me being there with him, day in day out, he came to accept I was his wife,' she said. She added that the man she fell in love with is still there, despite the changes and the journey they have been through. 'He is still Luke, he is still my husband. I have never looked at him differently because of what we have gone through. 'I look upon him as still the guy I met and fell in love with, who I married, who we now share a child with. 'It is definitely testimony that love does prevail and you can get through some really hard times when you do have that.' An inquest is today set to open into the death of a 'forgotten' medical secretary who lay dead on her sofa for two-and-a-half years before her body was discovered. Sheila Seleoane's skeletal remains were discovered in her one-bedroom flat in Peckham, South London, in February. It is believed the 61-year-old spinster, whose long-lost family live in South Africa, died more than two-and-a-half years before she was discovered. Sheila Seleoane's (pictured) skeletal remains were discovered in her one-bedroom flat in Peckham, South London, in February Harriet Harman, Labour MP for Camberwell and Peckham, has demanded a full investigation into why Peabody ignored repeated calls from neighbours who complained of a horrendous smell more than two years ago. Pictured: The Lord's Court flats where Ms Seleoane's body was discovered Neighbours had first complained of a 'horrific stench' coming from Miss Seleoane's flat to housing association Peabody in October 2019. Protestations continued for more than two years, with one resident claiming to have contacted the housing association at least 50 times. Police finally forced entry in February this year. Officers made a gruesome discovery when they opened the flat to find Miss Seleoane's skeletal remains on the living room sofa. Today a coroner at Southwark Coroner's Court will begin an inquest into Miss Seleoane's death. The inquest will seek to establish how, and when, Miss Seleoane died. It will be followed by the publication of an independent report into how her death could have gone unnoticed for such a length of time. The Metropolitan Police say they are satisfied there was nothing untoward about her death and that she died naturally. It comes after the Mail published a photograph of Miss Seleoane - after it was given to the paper by her long-lost family in South Africa. The family used it to illustrate the order of service at her funeral in her ancestral homeland, in the Eastern Cape, from where her mother Adelina emigrated in 1954 to work as a doctor's housekeeper in London. Despite promises to sensitively refurbish and re-let the flat in which her body was discovered, residents have reported that Peabody has not taken any action since Neighbours began complaining to the housing association landlord about a 'foul smell' in the building in October 2019 Family members there marked her passing with a traditional Methodist ceremony, and burial in the family plot. Housing association Peabody managed to arrange and pay for Miss Seleoane's remains to be flown to South Africa. It was held last month in a packed chapel. Some members of her South African family travelled many miles to be among the 100, or so, mourners led by Miss Seleoane's sister, Bella Brooms, one of her two surviving siblings. Back in England, just two mourners attended her UK funeral, on April 19 at Croydon Crematorium, a few miles from where she was found. They were her brother Victor, a convicted murderer from whom she was estranged, and a representative of Peabody. Her family, as well as neighbours who reported concerns about the smell coming from her property, are now demanding answers. Constituency MP Harriet Harman has asked the coroner to allow neighbours to bear witness to their harrowing experiences at the inquest. One neighbour, who repeatedly reported her suspicions that Miss Seleoane had died, said she will give evidence. Miss Seleoane is known to have died sometime in the late summer or autumn of 2019. Alarmed by the overpowering smell that filled the corridors, residents repeatedly raised concerns with Peabody. Yet her remains were discovered, propped on the sofa and apparently flanked by deflated party balloons when, finally, police broke into the flat in February this year. Police say they believe there is nothing suspicious about her death. Meanwhile, neighbours claim to have heard footsteps coming from her flat last year. In February, when Miss Seleoane's balcony windows which had been closed for more than two years began to bang open and shut residents raised the alarm. Police arrived to find her white-painted door locked from the inside, with a months-old notice warning that gas contractors were about to be cut off Sellotaped to it. This threat was never carried out. No one in the block can recall exactly when they last saw her striding purposefully to the bus stop or returning home with shopping. An ambulance is pictured outside the building Neighbours say they complained about the smell for more than two years, as well as raising concerns about the number of unopened letters Neighbours became increasingly concerned when letters began to pile up in the letterbox According to a source living in the building, they believe someone, potentially a burglar or rough-sleeper, may have accessed her flat. 'For at least two months, in September and October, 2021, scaffolding was erected so the outside of the building could be painted, so someone could have climbed up to the fourth floor.' The insider says another resident claims to have heard someone climbing the scaffolding in the months before the body was discovered. Concerns of neighbours were addressed in a letter by Pablo Cazar, the trust's Head of Neighbourhoods South, on April 6. 'From our visits and conversations, we know many of you have questions, and we are sharing what we can in this letter,' he wrote. 'The police have confirmed that Ms Seleoane died of natural causes, and they are not treating her death as suspicious. 'Although there have been reports from residents that people may have entered Ms Seleoane's flat in the past two years, the police have decided not to open a criminal investigation on this basis.' Pubs can sell takeaway pints for another year after the Government extended rules introduced during Covid to help boost the hospitality sector. The continuation of the policy, which has been such a serious consideration for ministers it was even included in the Queen's Speech, was welcomed by industry bosses. The move was brought in during the pandemic when venues had suffered months of pain through enforced closures, allowing them to sell alcohol as part of takeaway and delivery orders, as well as serve it in pavement and other outdoor areas where relevant. Pubs can sell takeaway pints for another year after the Government extended rules introduced during Covid to help boost the hospitality sector The continuation of the policy, which has been such a serious consideration for ministers it was even included in the Queen's Speech, was welcomed by industry bosses The move was brought in during the pandemic when venues had suffered months of pain through enforced closures, allowing them to sell alcohol as part of takeaway and delivery orders, as well as serve it in pavement and other outdoor areas where relevant It was due to expire at the end of September this year but the Home Office has agreed to extend it by another 12 months to help struggling businesses after a lobbying campaign by trade bodies. Kate Nicholls, chief executive of campaigners, UKHospitality, said: 'This decision to extend the off-sales easement is the right one, and hugely significant. 'If this had lapsed, it would have caused further problems for many hundreds of hospitality businesses already struggling to survive. 'But persistent lobbying by UKHospitality and others has convinced government that deregulation measures such as this can help businesses, at what is a critical time in their efforts to stay afloat. 'This will benefit those hospitality businesses that have successfully evolved operating models to incorporate takeaway and outdoor sales, and allow them to continue to do so.' The trade body added that it will work with the government on a long-term solution beyond September 2023 to help aid the sector's recovery. However, Greg Mulholland, of the Campaign for Pubs, suggested the move alone wasn't enough to give businesses future certainty. He said: 'Instead of peripheral issues, the Government needs to understand pubs are still recovering from the huge loss of trade over the last two years and need proper support such as a business rates review and an energy bill cap.' Advertisement A wartime sea fort 1.5 miles offshore in the Humber Estuary has sold at auction for an astonishing 490,000 nearly ten times the pre-sale guide price of 50,000. The unnamed buyer who bought the hulking lump of concrete unseen will have no neighbours, just cargo ships passing by, but Bull Sand Fort has a fascinating history. The Grade II-listed structure stands 59ft above the sea and once boasted accommodation for 200 soldiers. Along with its smaller sister fort, Haile Sands, work started in May 1915, but it wasn't until December 1919 that they were finished a year after the war ended. A wartime sea fort 1.5 miles offshore in the Humber Estuary has sold at auction for an astonishing 490,000 nearly ten times the pre-sale guide price of 50,000 The unnamed buyer who bought the hulking lump of concrete unseen will have no neighbours, just cargo ships passing by, but Bull Sand Fort has a fascinating history Both buildings were reactivated and modernised during the second world war, with heavy guns installed and steel netting was submerged and strung between the two to prevent enemy submarines entering the estuary to attack Hull or Grimsby. Bull Sand was armed with two 6 inch guns and two 6-pounder guns. It had sufficient accommodation for a garrison of 200 men. But both Bull Sand and Haile Sand forts were regularly attacked by the Luftwaffe as they flew bombing raids on Grimsby, Hull and Immingham ports. The structure has 12in thick armour on its seaward side, built to withstand a direct hit from Naval guns, and construction was extremely difficult as its sandbank is 11ft (3.4 m) below low water. The fort includes three floors with a basement and magazine below sea level, and a central two-storey observation tower. A fresh water supply is available at the fort via an artesian well. Outside there is a balcony and jetty. At one stage it was destined to become the ultimate de-tox facility for recovering drug addicts, after being bought by the Streetwise Charitable Trust in 1997. Named the 'Island of Hope', patients would have spent 30 days aboard the fort as they battled their addictions, but the project never materialised and the trust is now defunct. Auctioneer Steve Morish of Savills told MailOnline that he had never set foot on the fort and neither had the mystery buyer. The Grade II-listed structure stands 59ft above the sea and once boasted accommodation for 200 soldiers The structure has 12in thick armour on its seaward side, built to withstand a direct hit from Naval guns, and construction was extremely difficult as its sandbank is 11ft (3.4 m) below low water He said the fort would require a buyer with 'imagination and a project in mind,' but planning permission would also be needed because of the fort's listed building status. Suggestions for its future use have included a luxury hotel, restaurant, Airbnb, a residence along Grand Designs lines or a tourist attraction. Dr Robb Robinson, honorary research fellow at the Blaydes Maritime Centre at the University of Hull, told the BBC that the forts were a reminder of a 'long ago age of maritime conflict, built when Britain's east coast was on the maritime frontline'. Dr Robinson said in late 1914, Scarborough, Hartlepool and Whitby had been attacked by the German fleet. 'The Humber was exposed so the idea was to provide more defences,' he said. A starving polar bear has been approaching homes in an Artic outpost for help after getting its tongue caught inside a tin can. Extraordinary footage shows the wild animal pleading for human help in Dikson, northern Russia, as it has been unable to eat after getting its tongue lodged in an empty can of condensed milk. The polar bear can be seen approaching one resident who had been standing on his porch. The man can be seen trying to remove the sharp-edged can from the polar bear's mouth, but can only get so far as the animal's tongue is wedged too deeply inside the can. A team of vets arrived at the remote village after a 2,125 mile air and road journey plagued by bad weather and managed to sedate the female polar bear and remove the tin can. A starving polar bear approached homes in an Artic outpost for help after getting its tongue caught inside a tin can One resident can be seen trying to remove the sharp-edged can from the polar bear's mouth, but can only get so far as the animal's tongue is wedged too deeply inside the can The wild animal pleaded for human help in Dikson, northern Russia, as it has been unable to eat after getting its tongue lodged in an empty can of condensed milk Russian environmental watchdog chief Svetlana Radionova said today: 'The polar bear was found some 1.9 miles from Dikson airport. 'Vets managed to sedate her with the first shot, and removed the tin can. Now one of the vets is treating multiple cuts on the bear's tongue. 'The bear is a young female, weighing between 80 and 90kg. 'It will be monitored for several days, and then returned to its natural habitat with a stack of fish.' The plan is to move the polar bear away from the settlement. A team of vets arrived at the remote village after a 2,125 mile air and road journey plagued by bad weather and managed to sedate the female polar bear and remove the tin can. The vets are treating the bear for multiple cuts on its tongue after the tin can was removed Vets managed to sedate the polar bear with the first shot, and removed the tin can Svetlana Akulova, general director of Moscow Zoo, said: 'We have prepared 50kg of fish for the bear to help its recovery.' Earlier, video showed the polar bear approaching the local residents and pleading for their help to remove the tin can. Experts say polar bears would never normally approach humans in this way but the animal has become so desperate from hunger. Dikson, with a population of 676, is one of the world's most northerly settlements, named after Swedish explorer Baron Oscar Dickson The sedated bear will be monitored for several days, and then returned to its natural habitat Before the vets arrived the animal was seen with its hind legs shaking from hunger and thirst. 'The bear got so exhausted with the can it was coming to us and sticking its tongue out,' said a resident. 'But it was impossible to help without traumatising the bear, so people gave up.' The bear most likely found the tin can at a rubbish dump while scavenging for food. Dikson, with a population of 676, is one of the world's most northerly settlements, named after Swedish explorer Baron Oscar Dickson. A British father who left his partner to run off for a Ukrainian refugee 10 days after she moved into his family home has moved another young woman from the same country to live with them. Security guard Tony Garnett dumped Lorna Garnett, the mother of their two daughters, for Sofiia Karkadym, 22. Now heavily tattooed jobless father-of-two Tony and Sofia have set up a new home that they are renting together in Bradford, west Yorkshire, and are sharing their place with a second refugee who is also called Sofia and her boyfriend. Last week the lovebirds saw an internet plea for help from Sofiia Rastorhuieva and her boyfriend Illia Tronevych who had arrived as refugees from Ukraine on June 23. Security guard Tony Garnett left his partner of ten years for Ukrainian refugee Sofiia Karkadym after 10 days of her living with them. Now Tony and Sofia (right) have invited Ukrainian refugees Sofiia Rastorhuieva and her boyfriend Illia Tronevych (left) to live with them Sofiia Rastorhuieva and Illia Tronevych were living with another family in Bradford, having arrived in the UK. But when it didn't work out they were looking for somewhere else to live Tony, 29, hit the headlines when he left the mother of his two children, 28-year-old Lorna Garnett (pictured) for Sofiia, 22, who moved in with them after fleeing war in Ukraine Ms Rastorhuieva, 19 and her boyfriend, 18, placed an appeal on Facebook stating they were being booted out of the Bradford home they had been invited into by a British family after fleeing Ukraine. She said: 'I am glad that Tony and Sofiia have come to help us. We were very unhappy at that place. 'We have been told off for leaving doors open and letting the cats escape. It has been very hot and we were not even allowed to open the windows in case the cats escaped. 'We only had one small sofa bed to sleep on and it was very uncomfortable. 'We had to do their washing, the laundry and clean the place for them. We just didn't feel right there. 'We had nowhere to go. We are refugees from Ukraine. My hometown is Kremenchuk the same place where the Russians bombed a mall and killed many people last month. Lovebirds Sofiia and Tony are renting a place in Bradford after Tony left his family home 'It is very dangerous there. We new the Russians were close and our parents asked us to leave for our safety. Illia and I went to Warsaw and then we came here at Leeds Bradford Airport. 'We thought we would be happy, but it has been very difficult for us. We know this is a great country with nice people and we love it here in Yorkshire. 'We wanted to stay because we could be killed if we go back because the situation in Ukraine is very bad. 'I was taught English at school and have seen pictures of Big Ben, the red buses and the red telephone boxes since I was a child and I want to see them for real. I also want to have a proper English breakfast which I've heard so much about.' Illia, who worked in a coffee shop as a barista, added : 'We were very unhappy at the place we were staying. 'We need some comfort and we also need some understanding right now. 'It was a very nice thing for Tony and Sofiia to do to invite us into their home. ' Tony, who has received a barrage of online abuse over his relationship with Sofiia, said: 'I know people see me as this sort of cheeky chappy who hops from bed to bed because I left my partner Lorna and two daughters. 'Nothing could be further from the truth. My relationship with Lorna had broken down for some years and we were living as brother and sister. 'Since Sofiia arrived I have managed to smile a lot and be happy again. I'm going to make her my wife. 'People keep telling me that I'm some sort of celebrity now and that I should go on Love Island because I've got thousands more of Instagram followers and all that. 'But why would I want to do that when I've got lovely Sofiia who I intend to marry and have children with when the time is right? 'If you go on Love Island you are looking for love. I've already found it in her. Tony and Sofiia say that they are happier than ever together and even want to start a family - if Tony can reverse the vasectomy he had after he fathered his two children with his ex Tony and Sofiia invited the other Sofiia and her boyfriend Illia to live with them after seeing their appeal for accommodation in the UK on the internet 'People have been give me a lot of slagging off and there's going to be those who said I am going to try it on with the new Sofiia. But I am not that type of man. These keyboards cowards will have a go at me and then hide. 'Just because I have begun a new relationship with a Ukrainian refugee doesn't give anyone the right to disrespect me. 'I am in love with my lady and to those who write crap about me I say ' What are you doing for Ukraine?' Tony added: ' I am all about humanity and kindness and when I saw that these two Ukrainians needed help. I sat down and spoke with Sofiia about it. 'I asked her if she thought it might be a good idea to let them live with us for awhile as we have a second room. 'It's not ideal because I don't have a lot of money myself and I need a job. But we need to help others.' His girlfriend, whose parents Victoria and Serhii work in landscape drawing, added: 'I am getting better at my English and I'm beginning to understand the Yorkshire accent. But it is good for me to have two people living with us who speak Ukrainian so I don't feel so lonely and miss home. 'I worry a lot about my family, about whether they might be killed or injured by the Russians. Tony says he and his new love have incurred a torrent of hateful abuse online over their decision, while some people threatened to try and get Sofiia deported IT manager Sofiia (pictured) is now renting a property in Bradford with Tony after he left his partner and kids 'Now I'm able to talk in Ukrainian and we can discuss how our country needs help and what we can do. 'Speaking in my own language has helped me quite a lot and they become my friends so quickly.' Illia added: 'We both want to work. But we cannot get jobs as we do not have national insurance numbers. There is no chance of us getting any credit or debit cards. But we want to work and earn our money when we can and as soon as we can.' A British tourist has been left suffering from PTSD after 'racist' police beat him up while he was on holiday in Ayia Napa, he has alleged. Jonathan Kan said he was attacked and verbally abused by Cypriot police due to his ethnicity - with the ordeal also leaving him 7,000 in debt. Mr Kan, who is originally from Hong Kong, has been living in London since 2012 and went on holiday to Ayia Napa with friends in September last year. Jonathan Kan said he was attacked and verbally abused by Cypriot police in September 2021 due to his ethnicity - with the ordeal leaving him with PTSD and 7,000 in debt. Pictured: Mr Kan holds up his arm showing injuries to his arm and wrist On just the second night of the trip, Mr Kan, 34, said he was targeted by local police in the Mediterranean resort town due to his ethnicity. After being 'driven out into the middle of nowhere' and 'beaten up by local police', Mr Kan said he was eventually thrown into a jail cell covered in 'pee and rubbish'. He said the police threatened to kill him, gave him no water, no medication, cut him off from the outside world, and did not allow him to contact his lawyer. Mr Kan, who lives in Croydon, said: 'They were making fun of my clothes, they asked where I was from. I said London but then they asked: 'Where are you really from? You don't look British.' 'I told them: 'I was born in Hong Kong' so they said: 'So you're Chinese, so you brought Covid into this country?' According to Mr Kan, the abuse escalated very quickly after he questioned what they were saying. Mr Kan said: 'I was arrested and I got tied up with a nylon cable and drove into the middle of nowhere. They were holding my arm really tightly, it was so painful... they weren't using handcuffs, just plastic strips. 'When I told them EU regulations, they beat me harder... I didn't know where they were driving me - I was shouting and asking: 'Why, why? This is an abuse of power.' Pictured: Jonathan Kan shows bruising he sustained in the alleged attack. On just the second night of the trip, Mr Kan, 34, said he was targeted by local police due to his ethnicity Mr Kan said he spent around eight hours in the cell and during that time, he had no contact with anyone outside of the jail. He said he was then driven to a nearby hospital and made to take a Covid test, despite being double vaccinated and there being no legal requirement to take one. He also claims the police took him to a court house where the police forced him into making a confession without any legal representation, and made him pay a fine. Mr Kan, who believes the officers' motives were racist, said: 'They said I was posing a threat to the public by assaulting police, not wearing a mask in public, drinking in public - everyone is drinking in public, it's Ayia Napa.' Eventually, Mr Kan, said he was able to get in touch with the British Embassy, who ensured that he left the country safely. He said he was advised to start a legal case against the police with a local lawyer, which cost him 3,000. Mr Kan, who is originally from Hong Kong, has been living in London since 2012 and went on holiday to Ayia Napa with friends in September last year He was told he would be reimbursed for these charges, though the lawyer allegedly stopped helping him when Mr Kan refused to pay more money. Mr Kan, a data privacy analyst, initially found hope in the thought of justice being served, but he has still struggled with severe mental health problems following the incident. He has been to therapy after being diagnosed with PTSD, something which had initially stopped him from working. As a result, he is in 7,000 worth of debt, both for legal fees and living costs for not being able to work. Mr Kan, who has set up a GoFundMe page to help cover the legal fees, said: 'It's not right what they've done. They've just got completely got away it. I just don't feel like myself anymore.' On the page, he wrote that he had contacted Justice Abroad - an organisation that helps tourists who get into legal trouble while abroad. 'This is another worrying case involving the Cypriot Police who feel like they can treat foreign nationals as they wish with impunity,' said Justice Abroad, responding to MailOnline. 'This problem in Cyprus is accentuated by the fact that the Police in Cyprus do not wear body worn cameras, there is no recording of anything which happens in Police cars or even the Police station, and there is not even a proper record system for noting the time of arrests of individuals and the reason for arrest. 'The Cypriot Parliament has promised to make improvements following high profile cases involving visitors, but none have eventuated. This maintains a system ripe for abuse in case such as this one and many more with which that we are currently dealing.' A spokesperson from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said: 'We provided assistance to a British man who was arrested in Cyprus'. Cyprus Police did not respond to a request for comment. Advertisement The BBC apology to Tiggy Legge-Bourke in full 'Following publication of the Dyson Report last year we have been working with those who suffered as a result of the deceitful tactics used by the BBC in pursuit of its interview with Diana, Princess of Wales for the Panorama programme in 1995, including the matters that were mentioned in court today in respect of Miss Tiggy Legge-Bourke, now Mrs Alexandra Pettifer. 'The BBC has agreed to pay substantial damages to Mrs Pettifer and I would like to take this opportunity to apologise publicly to her, to the Prince of Wales, and to the Dukes of Cambridge and Sussex, for the way in which Princess Diana was deceived and the subsequent impact on all their lives. 'It is a matter of great regret that the BBC did not get to the facts in the immediate aftermath of the programme when there were warning signs that the interview might have been obtained improperly. Instead, as the Duke of Cambridge himself put it, the BBC failed to ask the tough questions. 'Had we done our job properly Princess Diana would have known the truth during her lifetime. We let her, the royal family and our audiences down. 'Now we know about the shocking way that the interview was obtained I have decided that the BBC will never show the programme again; nor will we licence it in whole or part to other broadcasters. 'It does of course remain part of the historical record and there may be occasions in the future when it will be justified for the BBC to use short extracts for journalistic purposes, but these will be few and far between and will need to be agreed at executive committee level and set in the full context of what we now know about the way the interview was obtained. I would urge others to exercise similar restraint.' Advertisement Earl Spencer again reiterated his call for criminal charges over the Princess Diana Panorama scandal today - as the BBC issued a grovelling apology over the 'shocking' way Martin Bashir obtained the notorious interview. Corporation boss Tim Davie pledged to never show the programme again as a defamation case launched by former royal nanny Tiggy Legge-Bourke over smears made by the rogue reporter came to a close this morning. The broadcaster agreed to pay her substantial damages in response to 'fabricated' allegations that she'd had an affair with the Prince of Wales while working as Charles' personal assistant in 1995. Mr Bashir is also said to have tricked Diana into believing the nanny had become pregnant by Charles by showing her a faked abortion 'receipt'. The princess' brother, Earl Spencer, has long called for criminal charges to be brought, but Scotland Yard said it would not launch an investigation after assessing Lord Dyson's report into the documentary. Today, he launched a fresh call, as he said: 'While I'm delighted to see that another innocent victim of this appalling scandal is being vindicated, it's amazing to me that no criminal charges have been levelled against those responsible, yet.' Miss Legge-Bourke's solicitor Louise Prince had earlier told the court that the allegations caused 'serious personal consequences for all concerned'. Ms Prince said that Ms Legge-Bourke had not known the source of the allegations over the last 25 years, but that it was now likely that the 'false and malicious allegations arose as a result and in the context of BBC Panorama's efforts to procure an exclusive interview with Diana, Princess of Wales'. The corporation's director-general Mr Davie directed a public apology to Charles, William and Harry, as well as Miss Legge-Bourke herself 'for the way in which Princess Diana was deceived and the subsequent impact on all their lives'. He agreed with comments previously made by the Duke of Cambridge that the BBC 'failed to ask the tough questions' and admitted it was 'a matter of great regret' that bosses 'did not get to the facts'. Mr Davie pledged to never show the Panorama programme again, or provide the rights to other broadcasters, adding: 'Had we done our job properly Princess Diana would have known the truth during her lifetime. 'We let her, the royal family and our audiences down.' However Mr Davie added that 'there may be occasions in the future when it will be justified for the BBC to use short extracts'. In a statement on the independent report last year, the Met Police announced it was 'not appropriate to begin a criminal investigation into allegations of unlawful activity in connection with a documentary broadcast in 1995'. 'Following the publication of Lord Dyson's report in May, specialist detectives assessed its contents and looked carefully at the law - once again obtaining independent legal advice from Treasury Counsel as well as consulting the Crown Prosecution Service,' the force said. 'As a result, the MPS has not identified evidence of activity that constituted a criminal offence and will therefore be taking no further action.' Miss Legge-Bourke said in a statement this morning that the distress caused to the royal family, as well as the smears against herself, were 'a source of great upset to me'. Alexandra Pettifer, better known as Tiggy Legge-Bourke, a former nanny to the Duke of Cambridge, outside the High Court, central London, after the BBC agreed to pay her substantial damages over 'false and malicious' allegations about her used to obtain Martin Bashir's 1995 Panorama interview with Diana, Princess of Wales Miss Legge-Bourke (pictured with son Tom, left, leaving court this morning) said the distress caused to the royal family, as well as the smears against herself, were 'a source of great upset to me' The damages are the result of false claims made by the journalist, used as part of his attempts to secure his 1995 interview with Princess Diana Earl Spencer again reiterated his call for criminal charges over the Princess Diana Panorama scandal today William and Harry play on the River Gairn near Balmoral with their nanny Tiggy Legge-Bourke in 1994 The ex-nanny of Prince William and Prince Harry (pictured in 2005) has received substantial damages from the BBC for being smeared by former rogue reporter Martin Bashir Timeline of the Diana-Panorama scandal 1986: Martin Bashir joins BBC as news correspondent and works on programs including Songs of Praise, Public Eye and Panorama. November 1995: The famous interview with Princess Diana turns Mr Bashir into TV's hottest property. 1996: The Mail on Sunday reveals claims that Mr Bashir used faked bank documents to persuade Diana to talk. The BBC holds internal inquiry dismissed as a 'whitewash'. 1999: Moves to ITV's Tonight with Trevor McDonald. His scoops include interview with Stephen Lawrence suspects and documentary on Michael Jackson. May 2004: Quits to host ABC's Nightline in US. Suspended in 2008 after making 'Asian babes' remark at Asian American Journalists convention. 2010: Joins NBC News as an MSNBC anchor. He resigns in 2013 after controversial remarks about vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin. 2016: BBC re-hires Mr Bashir as religious affairs correspondent. He is later promoted to religion editor. October 2020: Channel 4 documentary alleges there was 'elaborate plot' by Mr Bashir to trick Diana into talking. November 7: The Daily Mail reveals a shocking dossier held by Diana's brother Earl Spencer revealing alleged royal smears, lies and tricks that Mr Bashir used to land his interview. November 18: BBC orders six-month inquiry by former judge Lord Dyson. May 14, 2021: The BBC announces Mr Bashir has handed in his notice on health grounds. Advertisement Speaking after successfully settling her defamation claim, the former nanny said: 'I am disappointed that it needed legal action for the BBC to recognise the serious harm I have been subjected to. 'Sadly, I am one of many people whose lives have been scarred by the deceitful way in which the BBC Panorama was made and the BBC's subsequent failure to properly investigate the making of the programme. 'The distress caused to the royal family is a source of great upset to me. 'I know first-hand how much they were affected at the time, and how the programme and the false narrative it created have haunted the family in the years since. 'Especially because, still today, so much about the making of the programme is yet to be adequately explained.' Louise Prince of Harbottle & Lewis, on behalf of Alexandra Pettifer, who was known at the time as Tiggy Legge-Bourke, told the court that the former nanny was 'relieved that the BBC accepts that the allegations are completely untrue and without any foundation whatsoever. 'She is also pleased that the BBC has agreed to apologise unreservedly... in order to assist her in repairing the substantial harm it has caused her. 'The BBC has agreed to pay to her a substantial sum of damages... It has also agreed to pay her legal costs.' The court was told that the Dyson Investigation, commissioned by the broadcaster, had 'shed some light' on how the interview had been secured. The solicitor said that the 'totally unfounded' allegations 'appeared to exploit some prior false speculation in the media' about Ms Legge-Bourke and Charles. 'After Diana, Princess of Wales, became aware of the allegations in late 1995, she became upset with the claimant without apparent justification,' she added. Ms Prince said Ms Legge-Bourke 'holds the BBC liable for the serious impact the false and malicious allegations have had. 'Had the BBC not fallen short, the claimant and her family could have been spared 25 years of lies, suspicion and upset.' Jonathan Scherbel-Ball of lawyers 5RB on behalf of the BBC told the court: 'The BBC accepts that the allegations were wholly baseless, should never have been made, and that the BBC did not, at the time, adequately investigate serious concerns over the circumstances in which the BBC secured the Panorama interview with Diana, Princess of Wales... 'The BBC is extremely sorry for the serious and prolonged harm caused to (Mrs Pettifer) and the historical investigative shortcoming. 'It is pleased that the parties have been able to resolve these issues amicably by joining in this statement in open court and by the BBC paying her substantial compensation and legal costs.' Former BBC Panorama producer Mark Killick said: 'It's good news that this matter has finally been resolved, but the length of time it has taken for the BBC to apologise and pay damages is yet more proof that the BBC is dragging its feet when confronting the past. 'The BBC remains extremely reluctant to confront any issue that was not specifically covered by Lord Dyson, even if the truth is widely known, and its attitude is hardly likely to give confidence to whistle-blowers who today may want to speak truth to power. 'Tim Davie, the current BBC director-general, deserves credit for the steps he has taken, but whether the BBC has done enough to prevent a scandal like this from happening again remains to be seen.' Tiggy Legge-Bourke with William, Harry and Charles at Zurich Airport in February 1994 Prince William has previously vowed to continue his battle to uncover 'the truth' about how his mother came to be duped by Martin Bashir (pictured) William criticised the BBC in 2020 for its failings around his mother's Panorama interview which exacerbated her 'fear, paranoia and isolation' BBC boss Tim Davie today issued a grovelling apology as the broadcaster agreed to pay damages Who else has the BBC paid out to over the Martin Bashir scandal? A charity of the Royal Family's choice Last year the BBC agreed to pay 1.15million pound to a charity of the Royal Family's choice over the Bashir scandal. The figure was equal to the amount of money the corporation made by selling the global rights. The BBC agreed to make the donation after the Dyson Inquiry found the BBC 'fell short of high standards of integrity and transparency of its handling of Bashir'. Matt Weissler A graphic designer who said in 1996 that Bashir had asked him to forge bank documents to help earn Diana's trust. But rather than being met with respect, his career was turned upside down by BBC bosses, who blacklisted him from work with the corporation. It took until November 2020 for an inquiry to be established based on the Mail on Sunday's reporting. The BBC last year agreed a 750,000 payout for Weissler. Patrick Jephson Princess Diana's former private secretary has received 'substantial' damages over the scandal. The corporation also apologised 'unreservedly' to Mr Jephson. Bashir commissioned forged bank statements purporting to show how payments were made into the account of Jephson from intelligence services monitoring Diana's movements. The documents were used to convince Diana's brother, Earl Spencer, into introducing Bashir to the princess and later convince her into an interview. Mr Jephson said it was 'a relief' to 'finally to reach a conclusion to this painful episode' and added he will donate the money, believed to be around 100,000, to a children's hospice. Alan Waller Earl Spencer's former head of security, Alan Waller, whose bank statements were also forged on the orders of Bashir, had claimed he should get a payout. He said his named had been 'repeatedly dragged through the mud' by Bashir. But last year he told The Telegraph the BBC was not engaging in 'any meaningful way' over his 500,000 compensation claim. Advertisement As well as false smears that she had an affair with Charles, it was also alleged that the Princess of Wales was tricked into granting her Panorama interview after Mr Bashir showed her a faked abortion 'receipt' for the nanny. Diana was said to have become convinced that the nanny had become pregnant by Charles and allegedly confronted her at a Christmas party, where she acidly remarked: 'So sorry to hear about the baby.' It was previously reported that Miss Legge-Bourke could be set for a financial settlement in line with that received by graphic artist Matt Wiessler. Insiders believe that such was the scale of Bashir's slurs about Miss Legge-Bourke Mr Wiessler, who was blacklisted after he raised concerns about Bashir's conduct on the 1995 interview, is thought to have received 500,000 as part of his agreement with the BBC. The artist had been asked by Bashir to mock up false bank statements. Elsewhere, earlier this year the BBC paid Diana's former private secretary Patrick Jephson 100,000. Commander Jephson donated in full his financial settlement from the BBC to charity, with money going to a children's hospice. Bashir was said to have used fake bank statements which appeared to show he had received payments from the intelligence services. The BBC also reportedly paid more than 1.5million to a charity selected by the Royal Family after the fallout from a report by Lord Dyson into the scandal. BBC director-general Tim Davie said: 'Following publication of the Dyson Report last year we have been working with those who suffered as a result of the deceitful tactics used by the BBC in pursuit of its interview with Diana, Princess of Wales for the Panorama programme in 1995, including the matters that were mentioned in court today in respect of Miss Tiggy Legge-Bourke, now Mrs Alexandra Pettifer. 'The BBC has agreed to pay substantial damages to Mrs Pettifer and I would like to take this opportunity to apologise publicly to her, to the Prince of Wales, and to the Dukes of Cambridge and Sussex, for the way in which Princess Diana was deceived and the subsequent impact on all their lives. 'It is a matter of great regret that the BBC did not get to the facts in the immediate aftermath of the programme when there were warning signs that the interview might have been obtained improperly. Instead, as the Duke of Cambridge himself put it, the BBC failed to ask the tough questions. 'Had we done our job properly Princess Diana would have known the truth during her lifetime. We let her, the royal family and our audiences down. 'Now we know about the shocking way that the interview was obtained I have decided that the BBC will never show the programme again; nor will we licence it in whole or part to other broadcasters. 'It does of course remain part of the historical record and there may be occasions in the future when it will be justified for the BBC to use short extracts for journalistic purposes, but these will be few and far between and will need to be agreed at executive committee level and set in the full context of what we now know about the way the interview was obtained. I would urge others to exercise similar restraint.' In a blistering attack last year, Prince William damned the corporation for deceiving his mother, ruining her life and helping to hasten her divorce. He said the BBC's failures had contributed to Diana's 'fear, paranoia and isolation' in her final years, and that the infamous 1995 Panorama interview made a 'major contribution to making my parents' relationship worse'. He said: 'It is my firm view that this Panorama programme holds no legitimacy and should never be aired again. It effectively established a false narrative which, for over a quarter of a century, has been commercialised by the BBC and others. 'This settled narrative now needs to be addressed by the BBC and anyone else who has written or intends to write about these events. 'In an era of fake news, public service broadcasting and a free press have never been more important. 'These failings, identified by investigative journalists, not only let my mother down, and my family down; they let the public down too.' The United States and its allies pledged more rocket systems, ammunition, and other military help to Ukraine on Wednesday, as American defense officials suggested the struggle to halt Russian gains in the eastern Donbas region will continue for some time. After a virtual discussion with over 50 military officials from across the world, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stated that it would be essential US To Send More Weapons to Ukraine Officials have been cautious to speculate on how long the conflict would run, but Army Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, has hinted that it might be a long haul. According to officials, the United States will deliver to Ukraine four more High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) and precision-guided rockets, as well as extra artillery shells. Later this week, a more comprehensive statement is planned. The assistance comes as Russian forces attempt to consolidate their victories in the two provinces of Ukraine's eastern Donbas region, Donetsk and Luhansk, while also expanding their operations into neighboring areas. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told state-controlled RT television and the RIA Novosti news agency that Russia's "special military operation" had stretched beyond the Donbas to the Kherson and Zaporizhzhia areas, as well as another occupied territory. Austin stated that Lavrov's remarks come an as little surprise to friends who have long suspected Russia of having broader goals in seizing Ukraine, according to Independent. Since the start of the war, the US has contributed $8 billion in security aid, including $2.2 billion in the previous month. On Wednesday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated that Moscow's military "tasks" in Ukraine had grown beyond the eastern Donbas area, in the strongest admission that the country's war objectives had broadened. Austin stated that Lavrov's remarks looked to be directed toward the Russian people. According to Air Force Chief of Staff General Charles "CQ" Brown, the US and its allies are beginning to look at prospective training for Ukrainian pilots as part of a program to help establish a future Ukrainian air force. Milley said a variety of alternatives for assisting Ukrainian forces were being considered, including pilot training, but no decision had been taken, Straits Times reported. Read Also: Rishi Sunak Narrowly Leads Race To Replace Boris Johnson as Britain's Prime Minister Ukraine's First Lady Olena Zelenska Pleads for More US Military Aid Meanwhile, Ukraine's First Lady, Olena Zelenska, addressed Congress on Wednesday in an impassioned appeal as Russia continues its murderous assault on Ukraine. Zelenska emphasized the crimes done by Russian soldiers against people, notably Ukrainian children. In an extraordinary turn of events, Ukraine's first lady issued a call for armaments and defensive weapons to better counter Russia's ongoing attack. The Ukrainian first lady's request comes as Russia has intensified its missile attacks across the nation and is once again focusing on locations around Kyiv, the country's capital. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov declared on Wednesday that Moscow's war ambitions have gone beyond complete control of the Donbas areas and that Russia has enlarged the geographical targets of its special military operation. According to Russian media agencies, Lavrov stated that the Kremlin's ambitions to denazify and demilitarize regions in Ukraine have expanded to Kherson, Zaporizhia, and a "number of other provinces." Despite the foreign minister's words implying that this is a fresh approach for Moscow, Russian soldiers have taken these regions and been engaged in a harsh campaign there for months. As Western partners continue to supply defensive supplies to Kyiv, Lavrov implied that Russia's interests in Ukraine have shifted, as per Fox News. Related Article: Vladimir Putin Humiliated After Russia Appears To Shoot Down Their Own SU-34 Bomber in Ukraine @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. President Joe Biden is proposing to spend roughly $37 billion for fighting and preventing crime, including $13 billion to help communities hire and train 100,000 police officers over five years. Biden will outline his anti-crime program, dubbed the Safer America Plan, on Thursday during a visit to Wilkes University in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. As part of Biden's plans, $3 billion would be geared toward clearing court backlogs, resolving cases involving murders and guns and setting up task forces to share intelligence, with an eye toward reducing gun violence. His plan would also impose tougher penalties for fentanyl trafficking amid an epidemic of drug overdoses. The president also wants to use $15 billion to create a grant program that would fund ideas for preventing violent crime or creating a public health response to nonviolence incidents, aimed at reducing the burden on law enforcement. The remaining $5 billion would support programs intended to stop violence before it occurs. President Joe Biden is proposing to spend roughly $37 billion for fighting and preventing crime, including $13 billion to help communities hire and train 100,000 police officers over five years To tackle organized retail theft, the plan calls on Congress to pass legislation to require online marketplaces like Amazon to verify third-party sellers' information, and to impose liability on online marketplaces for the sale of stolen goods on their platforms. Biden has long rejected some progressive Democrats' drive to 'defund the police.' Polls show Americans consider crime one of the top challenges facing the country, and Biden is attempting to bolster Democrats in what are expected to be closely fought midterm elections in November that will determine whether they remain in control of Congress. Republicans are trying to gain leverage in November's midterm elections by portraying Democrats as unwilling to confront crime problems. The Democratic president will request the money from Congress as part of his latest budget proposal, according to senior administration officials who previewed the plan on the condition of anonymity ahead of the formal announcement. Several Democrats have changed their tune on defunding the police in recent weeks amid a surge in crime. Democratic Representative Mondaire Jones of Westchester in 2020 backed calls to defund police departments. Democratic Representative Mondaire Jones of Westchester in 2020 backed calls to defund police departments He told Wenonah Hauter, founder of the NGO Food & Water Watch, in an interview in June 25, 2020: 'Of course we need to end mass incarceration, and legalize cannabis and defund the police.' And in July that year, he added: 'Let me go back and say we need to, you know, talk about defunding the police, cutting that funding and reallocating it to social workers, and youth employment.' But early this month Jones changed tack, saying that 'black Americans dont want to send police officers out of their communities.' Others who have pivoted on the issue include Stacey Abrams who told Axios in June that should increase base pay for Georgia state troopers and other law enforcement officers, if elected November. In June 2020, she voiced support for the defund the police movement. Democrat-held cities including New York City and Minneapolis implement defund the police programs following the death of George Floyd, but many have since reversed the policies. Cities across the nation have seen a drastic rise in crime over the past two years - spurred by the pandemic and recent soft-on-crime policies implemented by woke DA's who have sought to find alternatives to incarceration. Seattle has seen a surge in both violent and property crime since the start of the pandemic, with cops already recording 302 shootings so far this year - a 75 percent increase from last year. In Washington, DC there has already been 93 murders, compared to 82 last year, signaling a 13 percent jump. Washington, DC, one of the locations that will experience closures, has seen a drastic rise in murders, with 93 compared to the 82 last year, a 13 percent jump Seattle - the city where Starbucks was founded - has seen a surge in both violent and property crime since the start of the pandemic, with cops already recording 302 shootings so far this year - a 75 percent increase from last year Robberies are also up in the nation's capital by a marked 25 percent. Los Angeles, meanwhile, has arguably been hurt the most by woke politicians, with its District Attorney George Gascon now almost certain to face a recall election for soft policies. The City of Angels has seen more people killed by guns during the first six months of 2022 than during the same period in any of the past 15 years, police say - while robberies are also rife, due to lax punishments on repeat offenders. Gascon has been vocal about his belief that the criminal justice system needs to focus more on intervention and rehabilitation, blasting 'tough on crime' policies as racist and a failure. And following his first 100 days in office, he touted the changes he has made to the city's justice system - including limiting the use of sentencing enhancements. The California penal code has more than 100 enhancements that could add time to a convict's sentence depending on the situation, most of which date back to when California was facing soaring crime in the 1980s and 1990s. But under Gascon's reign, the use of those enhancements have been greatly reduced, with the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office 5,138 enhancements during his first three months - a 71 percent drop when compared to the same time the year before. His first three months also saw prosecutors filing only 106 gun enhancements - an 85 percent decrease. Los Angeles, meanwhile, has arguably been hurt the most by woke politicians, with its District Attorney George Gascon now almost certain to face a recall election for soft policies In Portland, robberies have increased 56 per cent year-on-year, rising from 234 in January to March 2021 to 366 for the same period in 2022. Similar rises took place in drug crime numbers which rose 30 per cent this year up 146 in 2022 on 108 in 2021 and assault cases which were up six per cent year-on-year. The Portland Police Bureau suffered through a rash of retirements and resignations after Portland politicians embraced calls to defund the police. A total of $15million was initially chopped from the city's budget, with progressive Portland prosecutors also blamed for the spiraling crime for refusing to charge 70 percent of people arrested by the city's police. Zero-exclusion policies in schools risk ruining the life chances of other pupils and may expose them to indignity and harassment, a government behaviour tzar has warned. Tom Bennett, lead behaviour adviser to the Department for Education, says exclusions 'are a necessary part' of keeping children safe and ensuring they have a 'safe, dignified' learning environment. It comes after Labour-run Southwark Council announced this week that it will allow misbehaving pupils to remain in school as long as they do not put another child's safety at risk. In what is believed to be a UK first, teachers will instead be encouraged to understand the reasons behind the bad behaviour by using a 'trauma-informed response' and to not take it at 'face value.' Schools in the borough have all signed up to the agreement after a 2020 report found the council had a higher than average exclusion rate. In the autumn term last year, there were no exclusions in Southwark schools and the local authority hopes it will become the first in England with zero exclusions in the coming years. But Mr Bennett told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that the exclusion rate in Southwark had been lower than the national average since 2012, with one year which he described as an 'outlier'. Tom Bennett, lead behaviour advisor to the Department for Education, has warned that the zero-exclusions leaves children exposed to 'indignity and harassment' Councillor Jasmine Ali, cabinet member for children, young people and education, said she was 'disappointed' by Mr Bennett's comments In what is believed to be a UK first, secondary schools in Southwark will allow disruptive pupils to remain as long as they do not put another child's safety at risk (stock image) A council report in July 2020 into exclusions in Southwark found the borough had 'largely followed the national trend of rising exclusions, with rates of exclusion doubling since 2012/13'. It added that, as of 2017/18, its exclusion rates were above the London average, although lower than the average rate nationally. Mr Bennett said: 'What the charter clearly states is that for any behaviour short of the most extreme behaviours like knife crime and so on, this school should probably consider not excluding. 'That sounds fine in principle but there's lots of misbehaviour short of criminality which absolutely harrow and ruin the life chances of children in schools. 'All children have got the right to a safe, dignified learning which is calm and staff do too, and exclusions are a necessary part of that process.' He said schools which opt against excluding children could expose other pupils to 'days and days of indignity and harassment'. Councillor Jasmine Ali, cabinet member for children, young people and education, said the borough had seen exclusions rise sharply to 49 in 2018. She added: 'Now that's quite a lot of children.' The councillor said Southwark has formed a strategy with partners from the safeguarding board and schools, adding that current exclusion rates have already fallen to 10 children. Ms Ali continued: 'I wouldn't have thought this would have been so controversial.' She said the council's aspiration is for '100% inclusion of children in education that keeps them safe and enables them to flourish'. The councillor also said she was 'disappointed' by Mr Bennett's comments, adding that a child facing exclusion has 'an unmet need'. She described exclusions as akin to pressing a 'nuclear button' and the council is providing wraparound support for vulnerable children to prevent it. A Department for Education spokesperson said: 'All pupils should be able to learn in a calm, safe, and supportive environment. 'Whilst we support headteachers to choose how and when to use suspensions, we are also clear that schools and local authorities should not adopt a 'no exclusion' policy as an end in itself, as it could present safeguarding issues and expose staff and pupils to unreasonable risks. 'Our updated statutory guidance sets out how and when to use suspensions in particular circumstances as a behaviour tool and is clear that permanent exclusion should only be used when absolutely necessary, as a last resort and this should not mean exclusion from education.' It comes after a report from former Children's Commissioner Anne Longfield in April that suggested there be no exclusions in primary schools from 2026 onwards. She told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'This isn't trying to ignore the problems that are clearly being displayed with the child, nor is it about reducing expectations around academic achievement, but it is about taking that responsibility for all children within the classroom. 'And what we know is if we intervene early and offer that support to those children, often who will have special educational needs, they will be able to thrive in school. Former Children's Commissioner Anne Longfield (pictured) penned a report in April that suggested there be no exclusions in primary schools from 2026 onwards 'But schools really often find themselves wanting to do that, but between a rock and a hard place. 'They don't have often that specialist support on hand, and to some, sadly, they say exclusion is the only option for them. 'That's why we want to see a new era of inclusivity that can support those children to thrive.' Julie McCulloch, policy director at the Association of School and College Leaders, said while the power to exclude was a 'necessary last resort... it is very clear we must do everything possible to defuse problems which lead to challenging behaviour and keep young people in school'. She added that the 'vast majority' of schools made this a priority but did this in a context of 'extremely tight budgets' which limited their ability to give more support to vulnerable pupils. 'It is also the case that school performance tables prioritise academic attainment rather than how well a school provides an inclusive environment,' she added. The new charter in Southwark commits to a multi-agency approach focused on early intervention with pupils. Schools that sign up to the charter must pledge not to 'encourage parents to explore elective home education as a resolution to issues with inclusion' - widely seen as a form of off-rolling. The charter says managed moves between schools may offer pupils a 'fresh start', but discussions about a possible move for a pupil must not take place informally. It adds that it recognises 'there are rare instances where exclusion is unavoidable to safeguard children'. A doctor sacked for taking a nap on a busy A&E ward has had her licence restored after a High Court judge decided her punishment was unfair. Dr Raisah Sawati, 33, was struck off for sleeping on the job by the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS) last year. But the High Court threw out the tribunal's decision to remove Dr Sawati's licence in February, and ordered a new tribunal. The new tribunal has now suspended her for the next six months instead. Dr Sawati, 23, from Glasgow, was reported for a number of incidents and had her medical licence removed by a tribunal in 2021 The High Court judge threw out the tribunal's ruling, saying it was unfair that Dr Sawati maintaining her innocence had been used against her Dr Sawati was accused of misconduct, dishonesty and deficient professional performance, but despite being suspended for six months will be allowed to return to work as a doctor She was found snoozing on a bench in the changing rooms wrapped in a blanket by colleagues after she had been missing from A&E at Fairfield Hospital, Lancashire for two hours while patients needed to be seen. Dr Sawati argued she had period pain while working and had to lie down. She was originally found guilty of misconduct, dishonesty and deficient professional performance. Dr Sawati, from Glasgow, was has been reported to the MPTS for a number of alleged incidents over the years. The original tribunal decided that in her first community placement in 2015, Dr Sawati failed to discuss symptoms with a patient who later died and retrospectively changed her notes to make it seem as if she did. It also said she failed to help a patient who died of respiratory difficulties. Dr Sawati was also said to have been found lying on a bed during a shift, and falsely claimed to have swapped a shift with a colleague. The High Court judge ruled the MPTS did not properly consider Dr Sawati's case by holding her maintaining her innocence against her. The judge decided that using a defendant's claim of innocence as proof of their dishonesty was 'Kafkaesque'. High Court Justice Rowena Collins Rice ruled the tribunal that struck Dr Sawati off had unfairly used her 'rejected defences to the allegations of dishonesty as grounds for aggravating sanction'. She added this impeded her right to defend herself in the tribunal. The judge said: 'The challenge to the decision to erase Dr Sawati from the register raises an issue which has regularly engaged the appellate courts in recent years: how a professional can have a fair chance before a tribunal to resist allegations, particularly of dishonesty, without finding the resistance itself unfairly counting against them if they are unsuccessful. 'Where a doctor unsuccessfully defends a dishonesty allegation, they are at risk of being found for that reason not to have told the Tribunal 'the truth' (about being dishonest) and therefore to be compounding the dishonesty - a predicament labelled before now as "Kafkaesque". '[The tribunal] seems to have relied disproportionately and without analysis on her rejected defences to infer both failure of insight and tertiary dishonesty ('not telling the truth in the hearing'). 'These are in my view serious failures... I am not satisfied that Dr Sawati was treated fairly in this respect.' Boris Johnson could face being kicked out of Parliament by voters if he's found to have lied over Partygate, a cross-party committee of MPs warned today. The outgoing Prime Minister is being probed by the House of Commons' Privileges Committee over his past denials of Covid rule-breaking in Downing Street. The Committee has now revealed Mr Johnson could have to fight a by-election in his Uxbridge and South Ruislip constituency if he's punished as a result of their investigation into whether he misled MPs. They also confirmed they will haul the PM before them to be quizzed in person - and under oath - over the Partygate scandal, which they expect to be done in public. The prospect of a continuing battle over Partygate will increase speculation that Mr Johnson will quit the Commons soon after he formally departs as PM on 6th September. Neither ex-PMs David Cameron or Sir Tony Blair hung around in Parliament for long after exiting Number 10 as they pursued new money-making ventures. Although Mr Johnson's immediate predecessor, Theresa May, remains an MP. But the Committee warned that 'political developments' - including Mr Johnson's resignation as PM - would not deter them from pursuing their probe. The outgoing Prime Minister is being probed by the House of Commons' Privileges Committee over his past denials of Covid rule-breaking in Downing Street Boris Johnson last year told MPs that no Covid rules were broken and guidance was followed at all times in Number 10 Police have since issued 126 fines - including to Mr Johnson himself - for breaches of Coronavirus regulations in Government buildings Under the Recall of MPs Act, an MP becomes subject to a recall petition if they are suspended from the Commons for two weeks, or 10 sitting days. A by-election is then triggered in an MP's constituency if more than 10% of local voters sign the recall petition. As part of a new report this morning, the Privileges Committee published a letter from Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle confirming that Mr Johnson could face a recall process as part of their probe. In a letter to senior Labour MP Harriet Harman, the Committee's chair, Sir Lindsay revealed he had sought legal advice on the matter from an independent QC. In their report, the Committee noted how the Speaker had 'made a formal determination that the Committee of Privileges is a committee concerned with the standards of conduct of individual members to which the provisions of the Act would apply'. Since the Recall of MPs Act was introduced in 2015, there have been three instances of a recall process being triggered. DUP MP Ian Paisley remained an MP after a recall petition failed to attract the required number of signatures. But both Labour MP Fiona Onasanya and Tory MP Chris Davies lost their Commons seat after more than 10 per cent of voters signed a recall petition. In their report, the Privileges Committee dismissed suggestions that their investigation was no longer necessary since Mr Johnson has now announced his resignation as PM. They noted how 'some have suggested that the Committees inquiry is no longer necessary', but added: 'Our inquiry, however, is into the question of whether the House was misled, and political developments are of no relevance to that. 'The House charged the Committee with this task and we are obliged to continue with it. Unlike other Committees, we do not set our own agenda. 'Concluding this inquiry is consistent with the purpose of the Committee, which is to protect the functioning and the reputation of the House of Commons.' Sources suggested the Committee would also continue with their probe even if Mr Johnson quit Parliament in the coming months. The Committee published advice from the Clerk of the Journals, Eve Samson, the Commons' expert on parliamentary privilege, which suggested that whether or not Mr Johnson intended to mislead MPs was not a factor that needed to be considered. But she said that intent could be seen as an 'aggravating factor' when considering penalties. The Privileges Committee last month called for evidence from those who know details about Mr Johnson's past denials of Covid rule-breaking in Downing Street. The PM last year told MPs that no Covid rules were broken and guidance was followed at all times in Number 10. Police have since issued 126 fines - including to Mr Johnson himself - for breaches of Coronavirus regulations in Government buildings. The Committee, made up of seven MPs in total, are asking for evidence about the PM's knowledge of Downing Street parties. They expressed their eagerness to hear from current of former No10 staff by saying they want to hear about any briefings given to, or inquiries made by, Mr Johnson relating to Partygate. The MPs said they would be willing to take oral or written evidence, including from those who wish to remain anonymous. Ex-top judge Sir Ernest Ryder, a former Lord Justice of Appeal and Senior President of Tribunals, has been appointed as an adviser to the committee during its inquiry. The Committee hopes to begin holding evidence sessions in the autumn. Liverpool City Council has defied a public vote and will scrap the role of mayor and replace it with a council leader and cabinet executive, despite it being the least popular option in a poll. At a meeting on Wednesday, the council voted to remove the role of city mayor and replace it with a council leader and cabinet executive. Opposition councillors have accused Labour of 'taking the mickey' out of voters, who had put the leader and cabinet model as their least favoured option a consultation with residents. It comes after Liberal Democrat leader Richard Kemp described Liverpool's mayoral experience as a 'disaster'. The change will come in next May when an all-out election is held. The role of elected city mayor was created in 2012 and held by Joe Anderson until he decided not to stand for re-election last year after his arrest as part of a fraud investigation. It is currently held by Labour's Joanne Anderson, no relation to her predecessor, who became the first black female mayor last May. At a meeting on Wednesday, the council voted to remove the role of city mayor and replace it with a council leader and cabinet executive. The position is currently held by Labour's Joanne Anderson (pictured), no relation to her predecessor, who became the first black female mayor last May As well as having an elected city mayor, Liverpool also has a Lord Mayor and metro-mayor of the Liverpool City Region, Steve Rotheram. The council held a consultation with residents to ask whether they would prefer the city to be run by an elected mayor, a committee or a council leader with cabinet. The consultation was responded to by 11,519 people, which the meeting heard is about 4 per cent of the electorate. Of those who responded, 40.9 per cent wanted to keep the role of mayor, 32.9 per cent preferred a committee model and 23.6 per cent opted for council leader. The change will come in next May when an all-out election is held. The role of elected city mayor was created in 2012 and held by Joe Anderson (pictured) until he decided not to stand for re-election last year after his arrest as part of a fraud investigation At the meeting, Liberal councillor Steve Radford said: 'The logic of having a consultation and then (opting) for the least popular option on a poor turnout is, I think, just taking the total mickey out of the electorate.' However, councillors voted to approve the new model of governance by a majority of 51 to 18. In Bristol, voters chose to scrap the role of elected mayor after a referendum on the way the city is run was held in May. But, in Liverpool, the idea of a referendum was ruled out by the council on cost grounds after it was estimated to cost 450,000, compared to a 120,000 consultation. Liberal Democrat, Mr Kemp said, 'The elected mayoralty has been a huge mistake and we'll be paying for it in terms of cash and reputation for years to come,' according to the BBC. Leader of the Liverpool Community Independent Group, Anna Rothery, said the people of the Liverpool had been 'sold a pup' when it came to the elected mayor. As well as having an elected city mayor, Liverpool also has a Lord Mayor and metro-mayor of the Liverpool City Region, Steve Rotheram. The authority is currently being partially overseen by Government-appointed commissioners after an inspection report last year found allegations of bullying, intimidation, 'dubious' deals and 'jobs for the boys'. The inspection, by Max Caller, followed the arrest of Mr Anderson and others on suspicion of fraud, bribery, corruption and witness intimidation. Earlier this week, chief executive Tony Reeves stood down with immediate effect. A second report from the commissioners was due to be submitted to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities in June but there is no date yet for its publication. Liverpool City Council has been contacted for comment. This is the moment a woman with a small child in the back seat shouted 'I didn't do it' after plowing her SUV into cops and cars when they stopped her for erratic driving. Footage shows Sierra Hibbert driving through police cars and officers as they attempted to stop her on Highway 42 outside Byron in Georgia. Hibbert reverses into two witnesses, knocking one to the ground, and a Byron Police car before driving off forwards. Separate footage taken after shows Hibbert driving north on Highway 49 with one flat tire before making a final attempt to outrun cops. Officers are then seen blocking the car and arresting Hibbert, who repeatedly protests her innocence. Byron Police Department said they were alerted to Hibbert on Friday after a caller phoned in reports of a reckless driving swerving 'into the other lane almost hitting oncoming traffic.' Cops said Hibbert was 'uncooperative' in their attempts to talk her down and would not 'talk to officers or respond to commands.' A statement added Hibbert would face criminal charges. It was not immediately clear whether the infant in the car was Hibbert's child. Footage purports to show Hibbert reversing into two witnesses, knocking one to the ground, and a Byron Police car before driving off forwards Footage shows Sierra Hibbert driving through police cars and officers as they attempted to stop her on Highway 42 outside Byron in Georgia Officers are then seen blocking the car and arresting Hibbert, who repeatedly protests her innocence Cops said Hibbert was 'uncooperative' in their attempts to talk her down and would not 'talk to officers or respond to commands.' A statement added Hibbert (pictured getting arrested) would face criminal charges Cops made three attempts to stop Hibbert, initially blocking her SUV between other vehicles with the help of witnesses. Attempts were made to encourage Hibbert to hand herself in but she refused to cooperate. A statement said: 'Officers placed Stop Sticks under her tires to deflate the tires if she drove off. 'After several minutes the driver backed into a car stopped behind her and then pulled forward hitting a Byron Police officer and a Byron Police car. 'The driver then backed up again and pulled forward hitting two witnesses and another Byron Police car and drove going north on Highway 49 with one flat tire from the Stop Sticks.' Cops made three attempts to stop Hibbert, blocking her SUV between other vehicles multiple times but she continued to try to escape Hibbert is walked away from the SUV by police after she was arrested following a brief car chase with cops on Friday A witness jumps to avoid Hibbert's SUV has she tried to speed away from Byron Police Department officers on Highway 42 In a second attempt, officers blocked Hibbert on three sides. Video shows a sheriff deputy jumping out of his vehicle after Hibbert comes to a halt and trying to gain access to the SUV from the passenger side window. But Hibbert managed to escape the blocked, backing into a third Byron Police car and hitting another as she sped forwards. 'The suspect continued on Hwy 49 for a short distance where Byron Officers were able to block her in and take her into custody,' a police statement said. 'No officers or citizens were injured in the incident. 'The Byron Police department is extremely grateful for the citizens that helped. 'The Peach County Sheriff's assisted during the incident and is handling the investigation and criminal charges against Hibbert.' A huge brawl broke out at Florida's Disney World resort yesterday evening after two families disagreed on queue etiquette, shocking new footage has revealed. Clips from the scene showed the scale of the chaos as up to 10 people engaged in the fistfight, screaming a torrent of profanities while other families desperately tried to shield their children from the violence. Several bystanders attempted in vain to intervene as the two groups relentlessly beat one another without reprieve, until Disney staff eventually managed to break up the brawl. One man was hospitalised due to a severe facial laceration, while others sustained an array of smaller cuts and bruises. The saga began when a member of one family standing in line for a performance at Mickey's PhilharMagic theatre in the Magic Kingdom left the line to retrieve her phone from an electric scooter. When she came back, another family refused to allow her back to the front of the queue and pushed the girl as she tried to bustle past. This was very poorly received by the girl's family members, who were waiting outside the theatre after the performance at around 7:30pm local time to confront the offending group. 'We don't appreciate you guys pushing my younger sister,' one relative said according to eyewitnesses, before the exchange quickly devolved into yelling and name calling. Moments later the verbal confrontation became physical as the two families stepped forward towards one another, ultimately triggering the massive scrap. Two people involved in the brawl prepare to swing on each other as the shouting match descended into chaos The brawl raged outside the Mickey Philharmagic theatre at around 7:30pm local time yesterday One man attempts to hold back an incensed Disney World attendee amid a family brawl Several bystanders attempted in vain to intervene as the families beat one another without reprieve The fighting raged in the street outside the theatre with no regard for other families and small children present. Kids can be heard crying in the video as the brawl spilled across the street and past several pushchairs, while panicked adults were heard shouting for security. Walt Disney World News Today reported the two groups were eventually broken up and hauled to the park's security office, though it is not known whether either family is planning to press charges. Some reports suggested one group stole or damaged several personal items belonging to their opponents including mobile phones and designer clothes, though this could not be verified. Disney staff members attempt to prevent the fight from catching other members of the public in its wake A man in an olive t shirt can be seen launching a punch at one family member The fight lasted for between 90 seconds and two minutes before it was broken up Footage of the incident quickly set social media ablaze but was later removed from video sharing platform TikTok. Shortened clips of the brawl have continued to circulate on Twitter and Facebook and show how the chaos left garbage and clothing strewn across the ground as scared families attempted to shield their kids from the mayhem. Orange County Sheriffs, the Reedy Creek Fire Department, and paramedics were all called to the scene shortly after to aid in defusing the situation and treating wounds. Incidents of mass violence at Disney parks have increased considerably since the Covid-19 pandemic, with the Florida resort reporting more than a half dozen reports this year alone. Russia's former president today warned that Ukraine could 'disappear from the world map' amid Vladimir Putin's invasion of the country. Dmitry Medvedev, a Putin ally, also dismissed US President Joe Biden as a 'strange grandfather with dementia' in a scathing post on Telegram. Medvedev warned NATO was 'creating a real threat of world conflict and the death of a significant part of humanity' by sending military equipment to Ukraine and troops to countries on Europe's eastern flank, such as Estonia and Lithuania. His warning comes just days after he said Ukraine and the West will face a 'Judgement Day' response should they attempt to militarily dispute Russia's control of Crimea. The refusal of Ukraine and Western powers to recognise Moscow's ownership of the peninsula poses a 'systemic threat' for Russia, the former president said on Sunday, before declaring the Kremlin would hit back with maximum force if the territory is attacked. Russia's former president Dmitry Medvedev (pictured on June 29 in St Petersburg) has warned that Ukraine could 'disappear from the world map' amid Vladimir Putin's invasion of the country Rescuers and servicemen work at a school building damaged by a Russian military strike, amid Russia's invasion on Ukraine, in Kramatorsk, in Donetsk region, Ukraine, on Thursday In his latest Telegram post, Medvedev, now deputy chairman of Russia's Security Council, today warned Russia's invasion - and the West's response to it - could mean 'Ukraine would lose the remnants of state sovereignty and disappear from the world map'. Medvedev added: 'NATO continues, contrary to logic and common sense, to approach the borders of Russia, creating a real threat of world conflict and the death of a significant part of humanity.' Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov made similar comments on Wednesday, saying that Russia's military 'tasks' in Ukraine now go beyond the eastern Donbas region. Lavrov also said Moscow's objectives will expand further if the West keeps supplying Kyiv with long-range weapons such as the U.S.-made High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS). 'That means the geographical tasks will extend still further from the current line,' he said. Meanwhile, Medvedev also accused EU leaders, who have imposed sanctions on Russia, of 'completely losing touch with reality'. He said they are 'forcing the unfortunate Ukrainians to sacrifice their lives to join the European Union.' Medvedev also warned that 'ordinary Europeans will be fiercely cold in their homes this winter' after Russia reduced gas flows to Europe earlier this month. EU countries are scrambling to refill storage facilities with the fuel used to generate electricity, power industry and heat homes in the winter. He added that as a result of crippling sanctions imposed on Russia by the EU and US, they have 'lost their multi-billion dollar investments in the Russian economy'. Referring to President Biden, Medvedev said: 'The fact that the Americans elected their president a strange grandfather with dementia, who, forgetting about his duties, loves another country much more than his own.' Russia's invasion has killed thousands, displaced millions and flattened cities, particularly in Russian-speaking areas in the east and southeast of Ukraine. It has also raised global energy and food prices and increased fears of famine in poorer countries as Ukraine and Russia are both major grain producers. Ukrainian firefighters work at the Bakhmut market after it was shelled by the Russian army, in the city of Bakhmut, Donetsk Oblast of Ukraine on Thursday A woman reacts next to the body of her husband, killed by a Russian military strike, as Russia's attack on Ukraine continues, in Kharkiv, Ukraine, on Thursday Dmitry Medvedev, a Putin ally, also dismissed US President Joe Biden as a 'strange grandfather with dementia' in a scathing post on Telegram Medvedev on Tuesday said Russia will prevail in Ukraine and will set the terms for a future peace deal with Kyiv. 'Russia will achieve all its goals. There will be peace - on our terms,' Medvedev said in a post on Telegram. A day earlier, Medvedev warned that Ukraine and the West will face a 'Judgement Day' response if they attempt to militarily dispute Russia's control of Crimea. 'Judgement Day come very fast and hard. It will be very difficult to hide,' he announced, according to Russia's TASS news agency. Russia annexed the Black Sea peninsula of Crimea from Ukraine in 2014 after a pro-Moscow president in Kyiv was toppled amid mass street protests. The Kremlin then also backed pro-Russian armed separatists in the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine, which its army has since supported to seize the Luhansk and much of the Donetsk oblasts since the February 24 invasion. Russia annexed the Black Sea peninsula of Crimea from Ukraine in 2014 after a pro-Moscow president in Kyiv was toppled amid mass street protests Medvedev's comments were aired a day after a Ukrainian official suggested that Crimea could be a target for U.S.-made High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) missiles, recently deployed by Kyiv with great effect as the Ukrainian armed forces continue to battle Putin's troops. Earlier on Sunday, Interfax news agency quoted Medvedev - who now serves as deputy chairman of the Russian Security Council - as telling World War Two veterans: 'If any other state, be it Ukraine or NATO countries, believes that Crimea is not Russian, then this is a systemic threat for us. 'This is a direct and an explicit threat, especially given what has happened to Crimea. Crimea returned to Russia.' Medvedev did not elaborate on his comments, but has previously employed Moscow's tried and tested nuclear sabre-rattling tactic, warning the U.S. and other Western nations of the dangers of attempting to punish a nuclear power. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Sunday condemned Medvedev's Doomsday comments as 'intimidation' and said it was Russia that would eventually face a Judgement Day, 'not in a figurative sense, not as loud talk, but literally'. Medvedev served four years as the Russian president from 2008-2012, but there is little doubt he operated as a puppet frontman while the government was essentially ran by Putin, who occupied the position of Prime Minister. The former president has previously said Russian forces will continue fighting until they fulfil their stated goal of 'denazifying' and 'demilitarising' Ukraine. He predicted the conflict would 'undoubtedly lead to the collapse of the existing regime' in Kyiv under the weight of the Russian offensive. A house damaged by a Russian military strike, amid Russia's invasion on Ukraine, in Kramatorsk, in Donetsk region, Ukraine on Thursday The United States, which had said on Tuesday that it saw signs Russia was preparing to formally annex territory it has seized in Ukraine, promised that it would oppose annexation. 'Again, we've been clear that annexation by force would be a gross violation of the UN Charter, and we would not allow it to go unchallenged. We would not allow it to go unpunished,' State Department spokesperson Ned Price said at a regular daily briefing on Wednesday. Lavrov is the most senior figure to speak openly of Russia's war goals in territorial terms, nearly five months after Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the Feb. 24 invasion with a denial that Russia intended to occupy its neighbour. Then, Putin said his aim was to demilitarise and 'denazify' Ukraine - a statement dismissed by Kyiv and the West as a pretext for an imperial-style war of expansion. Lavrov told RIA Novosti geographical realities had changed since Russian and Ukrainian negotiators held peace talks in Turkey in late March that failed to produce any breakthrough. 'Now the geography is different, it's far from being just the DPR and LPR, it's also Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions and a number of other territories,' he said, referring to territories well beyond the Donbas that Russian forces have wholly or partly seized. Meanwhile, concern that Russian supplies of gas sent through the biggest pipeline in Europe could be stopped by Moscow prompted the European Union to tell member states to cut gas usage by 15% until March as an emergency step. 'Russia is blackmailing us. Russia is using energy as a weapon,' EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said, describing a full cut-off of Russian gas flows as 'a likely scenario' for which 'Europe needs to be ready'. Putin had earlier warned that gas supplies sent to Europe via the Nord Stream 1 pipeline, which has been closed for 10 days for maintenance, were at risk of being reduced further. The pipeline is due to restart on Thursday. Russia, the world's largest gas exporter, has denied Western accusations of using its energy supplies as a tool of coercion, saying it has been a reliable energy supplier. As for its oil, Russia will not send supplies to the world market if a price cap is imposed below the cost of production, Interfax news agency quoted Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak as saying on Wednesday. EU diplomats meeting in Brussels agreed a new round of sanctions against Moscow, including a ban on importing gold from Russia and freezing the assets of top lender Sberbank. But Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy dismissed the sanctions as inadequate. 'Russia must feel a much higher price for the war to force it to seek peace,' Zelenskiy said in a late-night video address. The White House is probing Chinese telecoms giant Huawei over fears US cell towers fitted with its gear close to military bases could send sensitive information to China. American authorities are worried the firm could gain classified intel on dills and the readiness of bases and personnel via the equipment, Reuters reported. Two sources involved in the matter revealed the probe, requesting anonymity as the investigation is confidential and involves national security. The Commerce Department launched its investigation shortly after President Biden took office in January last year, the sources said, following the implementation of rules to flesh out a May 2019 executive order that gave the agency the investigative authority. The agency subpoenaed Huawei in April 2021 to learn the company's policy on sharing data with foreign parties that its equipment could capture from cell phones. Huawei has strongly denied US fears that it has the ability to spy on its American customers Cellular equipment towers close to Los Angeles International Airport, pictured in January 2022 Cell towers at Montana's Malmstrom Air Force Base (pictured in 2009) are powered by Huawei That included messages and geolocational data, according to the 10-page document seen by Reuters. The Commerce Department said it could not 'confirm or deny ongoing investigations.' It added: 'Protecting U.S. persons' safety and security against malign information collection is vital to protecting our economy and national security.' Huawei did not respond to a request for comment. The company has strongly denied US government allegations that it could spy on US customers and poses a national security threat. The Chinese embassy in Washington did not respond to the specific allegations. In an emailed statement, it said: 'The US government abuses the concept of national security and state power to go all out to suppress Huawei and other Chinese telecommunications companies without providing any solid proof that they constitute a security threat to the US and other countries.' Reuters could not determine what actions the agency might take against Huawei. President Biden (pictured yesterday) launched the Commerce Department probe last January Eight current and former US government officials said the probe reflects lingering national security concerns about the company, which has already been hit with a slew of restrictions in recent years. If the Commerce Department determines Huawei poses a national security threat, it could go beyond existing restrictions imposed by telecoms regulator the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Using broad new powers created by the Trump administration, the agency could ban all US transactions with Huawei, demanding domestic carriers that still rely on its gear quickly remove it or face fines or other penalties, a number of lawyers, academics and former officials interviewed by Reuters said. The FCC declined to comment. Huawei has long been dogged by US government allegations it could spy on U.S. customers, though authorities in Washington have made little evidence public. The company denies the allegations. 'If Chinese companies like Huawei are given unfettered access to our telecommunications infrastructure, they could collect any of your information that traverses their devices or networks,' FBI Director Christopher Wray warned in a speech in 2020. 'Worse still: They'd have no choice but to hand it over to the Chinese government, if asked.' FBI director Christopher Wray (pictured last week) warned in 2020: 'If Chinese companies like Huawei are given unfettered access to our telecommunications infrastructure, they could collect any of your information that traverses their devices or networks' Reuters could not determine if Huawei's equipment is capable of collecting that sort of sensitive information and providing it to China. 'If you can stick a receiver on a (cellphone) tower, you can collect signals and that means you can get intelligence. No intelligence agency would pass an opportunity like that,' said Jim Lewis, a technology and cybersecurity expert at DC think tank the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). One move to address the perceived threat was a 2019 law and related rules forbidding US companies from using federal subsidies to buy telecoms equipment from Huawei. It also tasked the FCC with compelling US carriers that receive federal subsidies to purge their networks of Huawei equipment, in return for reimbursement. But the so-called 'rip and replace' deadline to remove and destroy Huawei equipment completely will not kick in until mid-2023 at the earliest, with additional opportunities for companies to seek extensions. And reimbursements will only reach 40 percent of the total requested for now. Cell towers equipped with Huawei gear that are close to sensitive military and intelligence sites have become a particular concern for US authorities, according to the two sources and an FCC commissioner. Brendan Carr, one of the FCC's five commissioners, said that cellphone towers around Montana's Malmstrom Air Force Base - one of three that oversee missile fields in the United States - ran on Huawei technology. In an interview this week, he told Reuters there was a risk that data from smartphones obtained by Huawei could reveal troop movements near the sites: 'Theres a very real concern that some of that technology could be used as an early warning system if there happened to be, God forbid, an ICBM missile strike.' A Huawei-built 5G cellular tower in Australia, pictured three years ago. The company denies it can transmit information from near US military bases back to China, and that it has done so Reuters was unable to determine the exact location or scope of Huawei equipment operating near military facilities. Individuals interviewed by Reuters pointed to at least two other likely cases in Nebraska and Wyoming. Crystal Rhoades, a commissioner at Nebraska's telecoms regulator, has flagged to media the risk posed by the proximity of cell towers owned by Viaero to intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) silos in the western part of the state. ICBMs carry nuclear warheads to targets thousands of miles away and are stored in underground silos near military bases. The Nebraska cell towers are near a missile field overseen by F.E. Warren Air Force Base in neighboring Wyoming. Viaero provides mobile telephone and wireless broadband services to about 110,000 customers in the region. It said in a 2018 filing to the FCC opposing the commission's efforts at curbing Huawei's expansion that approximately 80% of its equipment was manufactured by the Chinese firm. That gear could potentially enable Huawei to glean sensitive information about the sites, Rhoades told Reuters in June. 'An enemy state could potentially see when things are online, when things are offline, the level of security, how many people are on duty in any given building where there are really dangerous and sophisticated weapons,' Rhoades said. Rhoades said in July that she had not been updated on rip and replace efforts by Viaero in more than two years, despite requesting updated information from the company in recent weeks. At the time of last contact, the company said it would not begin removal efforts until the FCC money became available. The FCC advised companies on Monday how much of their funding requests it can reimburse. Viaero did not respond to multiple requests for comment. Huawei also declined to comment. In Wyoming, then CEO of rural carrier Union Wireless, John Woody, said in a 2018 interview with Reuters that the company's coverage area included ICBM silos near the F.E. Warren Air Force Base and that its equipment included Huawei switches, routers and cell sites. Last month, Eric Woody, John's son and acting CEO, said 'virtually all the Huawei gear Union purchased remains in our network.' He declined to say whether the towers close to the sensitive military sites contain Huawei equipment. F.E. Warren Air Force Base referred comment on the Huawei equipment to the Pentagon. The United States Strategic Command, which is responsible for nuclear operations, said in a statement to Reuters: 'We maintain constant awareness of activities near our installations and sites.' It noted that 'any concerns are on a whole of government level' but declined to provide further details on what those concerns are. Rick Sofield, a former DOJ official in the national security division who reviewed telecoms transactions, said the Commerce Department probe could give additional bite to the FCCs crackdown but there was nothing new in targeting Huawei. 'The U.S. governments concerns regarding Huawei are widely known so any information or communications technology company that continues to use Huawei products is assuming the risk that the U.S. government will come knocking,' said Sofield, who represents U.S. and foreign companies facing U.S. national security reviews. He said he has not worked for Huawei. The Commerce Department is using authority granted in 2019 that allows it to ban or restrict transactions between U.S. firms and internet, telecom and tech companies from 'foreign adversary' nations including Russia and China, according to the executive order and related rules. The two sources familiar with the Huawei investigation and a former government official said Huawei was one of the Biden administration's first cases using the new powers, referred to Commerce in early 2021 by the Justice Department. The Justice Department referred requests for comment by Reuters to Commerce. The subpoena is dated April 13, 2021, the same day that Commerce announced a document request was sent to an unnamed Chinese company under the new powers. It gives Huawei 30 days to provide seven years' worth of 'records identifying Huawei's business transactions and relationships with foreign entities located outside of the United States, including foreign government agencies or parties, that have access to, or that share in any capacity, U.S. user data collected by Huawei.' Noting that the 'focus of this investigation is the provisioning of mobile network and telecommunications equipment...by Huawei in the United States,' it also asks Huawei for a complete catalog of 'all types of equipment sold' to 'any communications provider in the United States,' including names and locations of the parties to the sale. Advertisement Penny Mordaunt took an extraordinary swipe at her Tory boss today - while sat next to her - as the fallout from the bitter Conservative leadership contest spilled over into the Commons. Ms Mordaunt, who was ousted in the fifth round of voting yesterday, returned to her day job as an international trade minister and lashed out coldly at Anne-Marie Trevelyan. The International Trade Secretary backed rival Liz Truss in the leadership campaign, and this week criticised Ms Mordaunt over her work ethic in an interview with LBC. Ms Trevelyan said that other ministers had sometimes 'picked up the pieces' because Mordaunt 'hasn't been available'. And the comment clearly rankled. Responding to a question from her ally Andrea Leadsom at international trade questions this morning, Ms Mordaunt said: 'I am sort of amazed to find myself here this morning given my reported work ethic. But I am here.' It came as Liz Truss played down her Remainer background and denied tax cuts will fuel inflation today as she vowed to defy 'economic orthodoxy' at the Treasury. The Foreign Secretary ramped up her campaign after Tory MPs voted her into the head-to-head run-off against Rishi Sunak. The new PM will take over from Boris Johnson at the start of September, but they have a gruelling six-week schedule of hustings and media appearances to navigate first. Ms Mordaunt, who was ousted in the fifth round of voting yesterday, returned to her day job as an international trade minister and lashed out coldly at Anne-Marie Trevelyan (circled). Responding to a question from her ally Andrea Leadsom at international trade questions this morning, Ms Mordaunt said: 'I am sort of amazed to find myself here this morning given my reported work ethic. But I am here.' The Foreign Secretary Liz Truss ramped up her campaign in Peterborough today after Tory MPs voted her into the head-to-head run-off against Rishi Sunak Interest bill for UK 2.4tn debt mountain more than DOUBLES in June to 19.4bn the highest for a single month since records began in 1997 The government plunged deeper into the red today as interest on the 2.4trillion debt mountain hit an eye-watering new record. The UK racked up another 22.9billion borrowing in June, the second highest on record, and driven mainly by an incredible 19.4billion for servicing debt. That was more than double the same month last year, and a peak since records began in 1997. It is just under half annual defence spending. Large portions of the government's debt stocks are linked to RPI inflation which has been soaring even higher than the headline CPI rate. Chancellor Nadhim Zahawi said he 'recognised' the risk to the public finances, and the government was acting to reduce the debt burden. The independent OBR watchdog has predicted that interest payments will be 87billion this financial year. However, the grim data will raise questions about how tax cuts being pledged in the Conservative leadership battle could be achieved. Former Cabinet minister Robert Jenrick, a supporter of Rishi Sunak, took a swipe at rival Liz Truss this morning saying unfunded tax promises were the 'antithesis of Thatcherism'. 'Of course we want to cut taxes but let's manage the economy responsibly,' he told BBC Radio 4's Today programme. Advertisement In a bullish interview on BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Ms Truss laid out her case for a fresh approach. She dismissed her pro-EU stance in 2016, saying she 'was wrong', and said simply that her views had changed when confronted with her early dalliance with the Lib Dems. Despite figures this morning showing government borrowing in June at the second-highest level ever, and interest on the 2.4trillion debt mountain setting a new record of 19.4billion, Ms Truss said tax cuts were the way to restore the UK's fortunes and ease the cost-of-living crisis. She warned that the current tax plans put in place by Mr Sunak when he was Chancellor which include an increase in corporation tax from 19 per cent to 25 per cent in April will lead to recession. Asked what the current level of debt interest is, Ms Truss said: 'I know we've got significant debt interest tens of billions of pounds.' But she added: 'We have got the highest taxes for 70 years and we have got lower debt than the United States, than Japan, than Canada. 'No other countries are raising taxes.' She said: 'My tax cuts will decrease inflation... We have had a consensus of the Treasury, of economists, with the Financial Times, with other outlets, peddling a particular type of economic policy for 20 years. It hasn't delivered growth.' Ms Truss, a former Treasury chief secretary, said: 'What I know about the Treasury, from having worked there, is they do have economic orthodoxy and they do resist change. 'What people in Britain desperately need now is change. We need to unleash investment in our country, we need to get the EU laws off our statute books and be attracting more funds for example from pension funds into high-growth businesses.' She said reducing National Insurance and cutting corporation tax 'increases the supply side of the economy'. 'The reason we have inflation is it's a supply shock, combined with a slightly loose monetary policy over time.' She added: 'It's not a gamble, it's an economic reality that the higher taxes you have the more growth is choked off.' Ms Mordaunt aimed a further dig at Ms Trevelyan after Labour criticised the Department for International Trade for a 'truly shameless attempt' to 'dodge any form of scrutiny' over the UK-Australia free trade agreement. Shadow trade minister Ruth Cadbury said the department had 'swerved' eight invitations to attend the Commons International Trade Committee and had avoided holding a vote on the deal ahead of its ratification. Ms Trevelyan was accused earlier this week of having 'bottled' appearing before MPs to discuss the deal. Ms Mordaunt, in her reply, said: 'For my own part, every single time the International Trade Committee or other body of this House has asked me go before it, I have. 'I think that's the attitude of the ministerial team and we will continue to do that.' Supporters of the trade minister also lavished praise on her as she returned to her frontbench duties in the House after being knocked out of the Conservative Party leadership race. Ms Mordaunt also used trade questions to confirm the UK is negotiating with 25 of the 50 American states in a bid to agree economic pacts. Tory former minister Dame Andrea Leadsom, a key backer of Ms Mordaunt, told the minister: 'Can I pay tribute to my right honourable friend for a fantastic and brave and clean campaign for the leadership of the Conservative Party and to be prime minister.' Shadow international trade secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds said: 'I welcome the Member for Portsmouth North back after her efforts in the Tory leadership contest. 'But the Secretary of State is far less complimentary about her efforts in the department.' Mr Thomas-Symonds went on to read out the criticism made by Ms Trevelyan. was more than double the same month last year, and a peak since records began in 1997 The debt interest costs in June dwarfed all previous monthly figures since records began in 1997 As Tory MPs aimed shouts of 'shameful' at him, he pointed out: 'They shout 'shameful' at me - these are the Conservatives' words about each other, not my words.' Ms Trevelyan replied: 'I have a fantastic team of ministers, which is exactly why we're able to do all we can to make sure that our UK businesses have access to UK support and Government support to get their fantastic goods and services across the world.' Conservative Alicia Kearns said of Ms Mordaunt: 'I've always been struck by the Member for Portsmouth North's quiet diligence in doing her job. 'So can she please update me on the progress of signing individual deals with US states, which my farmers in Rutland and Melton are particularly interested in.' Ms Mordaunt replied: 'This week we have continued our negotiations with Utah, and yesterday we also signed the second state level MOU (memorandum of understanding) with North Carolina, which will be based on green growth. 'We are currently negotiating with half of all US states. 'The first eight deals we will sign will be covering 20 per cent of the US economy and this will open up procurement, enable mutual recognition of qualifications, and enable British businesses to take a larger share of both goods exports and also exports of services.' Conservative former minister Tim Loughton noted Ms Mordaunt is 'allegedly work shy' as he praised her work with the American states, joking: 'Think what she could achieve if her focus was on the job.' Liz Truss plays down Remainer background saying she 'was wrong' and denies her plan for immediate tax cuts will fuel inflation vowing to defy 'Treasury orthodoxy' - as Rishi Sunak claims HE is the 'Thatcherite' option for new PM Liz Truss played down her Remainer background and denied tax cuts will fuel inflation today as she vowed to defy 'economic orthodoxy' at the Treasury. The Foreign Secretary ramped up her campaign after Tory MPs voted her into the head-to-head run-off against Rishi Sunak - with the prize for winning the ballot of party members the keys to No10. The new PM will take over from Boris Johnson at the start of September, but they have a gruelling six-week schedule of hustings and media appearances to navigate first. In a bullish interview on BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Ms Truss laid out her case for a fresh approach. She dismissed her pro-EU stance in 2016, saying she 'was wrong', and said simply that her views had changed when confronted with her early dalliance with the Lib Dems. Despite figures this morning showing government borrowing in June at the second-highest level ever, and interest on the 2.4trillion debt mountain setting a new record of 19.4billion, Ms Truss said tax cuts were the way to restore the UK's fortunes and ease the cost-of-living crisis. She warned that the current tax plans put in place by Mr Sunak when he was Chancellor which include an increase in corporation tax from 19 per cent to 25 per cent in April will lead to recession. Asked what the current level of debt interest is, Ms Truss said: 'I know we've got significant debt interest tens of billions of pounds.' But she added: 'We have got the highest taxes for 70 years and we have got lower debt than the United States, than Japan, than Canada. 'No other countries are raising taxes.' She said: 'My tax cuts will decrease inflation... We have had a consensus of the Treasury, of economists, with the Financial Times, with other outlets, peddling a particular type of economic policy for 20 years. It hasn't delivered growth.' Ms Truss, a former Treasury chief secretary, said: 'What I know about the Treasury, from having worked there, is they do have economic orthodoxy and they do resist change. 'What people in Britain desperately need now is change. We need to unleash investment in our country, we need to get the EU laws off our statute books and be attracting more funds for example from pension funds into high-growth businesses.' She said reducing National Insurance and cutting corporation tax 'increases the supply side of the economy'. 'The reason we have inflation is it's a supply shock, combined with a slightly loose monetary policy over time.' She added: 'It's not a gamble, it's an economic reality that the higher taxes you have the more growth is choked off.' was more than double the same month last year, and a peak since records began in 1997 New figures showed borrowing in June was the second-highest on record Ms Truss, who has been guiding the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill through Parliament, said she now recognised the 'opportunities' from Brexit. 'I fully embraced the choice that the people of Britain have made,' she said. 'I was wrong and I am prepared to admit I was wrong. 'Some of the portents of doom didn't happen and instead we have actually unleashed new opportunities.' The Cabinet minister also denied that she has been modelling herself on Margaret Thatcher - despite comparisons when she wore a 'pussy bow' outfit during one of the TV debates, posed in a tank, and donned a furry hat on a visit to Moscow. 'I am my own person,' Ms Truss said, adding on GB News: 'It is quite frustrating that female politicians always get compared to Margaret Thatcher, whereas male politicians don't get compared to Ted Heath.' She also joked that as PM she would not have time to think about changing the infamous gold wallpaper in No 10 a reference to Mr Johnson's controversial refurbishment of his grace-and-favour flat. 'I'm not going to have the time to be thinking about the wallpaper in No 10, because we've only got two years until the general election we need to hit the ground running,' she said. She told the programme she is a fan of 1980s music, with I Wanna Dance With Somebody by Whitney Houston her go-to karaoke song. Even though the candidates have pledged to focus on positive policies, Sunak ally Robert Jenrick took a series of swipes today as he said the former Chancellor is the 'Thatcherite candidate'. 'It is the antithesis of Thatcherism to be going around making unfunded tax pledges merely to win a leadership contest,' the former housing secretary and Sunak backer said. He said his fear is that if taxes were cut immediately by Liz Truss as prime minister, inflation could soar. 'Rishi is clear he is going to cut taxes, he is going to cut personal taxation. He is going to do that before the end of this Parliament that isn't a very long time to wait,' Mr Jenrick told Today. He pointedly said that his candidate was 'never a member of the Lib Dems', a reference to the former party allegiance of Ms Truss. He called Mr Sunak a 'traditional Conservative'. 'He joined the Conservative Party early in his life, he was never a member of the Lib Dems, he was a conviction Brexiteer.' Writing in the Daily Mail today, Ms Truss set out an agenda that would see her pursue Mr Johnson's freedom-loving instincts while reversing Mr Sunak's high-tax agenda. In an attack on the former chancellor's record, she said the Government has been 'going in the wrong direction on tax, with the tax burden at its highest in 70 years'. She pledged to hold an emergency budget to push through immediate tax cuts to ease the cost of living and encourage enterprise. 'We cannot have business-as-usual managerialism on the economy,' she writes. 'I am the tax-cutting candidate who will help squeezed families by reversing April's national insurance rise and suspending the green levy on energy bills.' Ms Truss also promises to take on the 'Whitehall Blob' to drive through 'tax-cutting, enterprise boosting, business-friendly Conservative policy'. And she signals that she will take on the Left in the 'culture wars'. 'The British people can trust me to govern as a Conservative,' she writes. 'I won't apologise for Britain or who we are as a nation and will stand up to people who talk down our country, our history and our values. I reject dehumanising identity politics, cancel culture and the voices of decline.' Ms Truss's comments came as bookies installed her as favourite to claim the Tory crown. Mr Sunak topped yesterday's final ballot of MPs with 137 votes, but he faces a frantic few weeks to convince Tory party members to back him. His final tally was well short of the 200-mark once predicted by allies and means he enters the second phase of the contest without an indisputable mandate from Tory MPs. Multiple polls have suggested he starts the race less popular than Ms Truss among the party faithful. Prime Minister Boris Johnson is pictured during his last PMQs on Wednesday before parliament breaks up and a new Tory leader and PM is expected to be elected in September The former chancellor, whose resignation triggered Mr Johnson's downfall, claimed he was the only candidate who could beat Labour at the next election. 'We need to restore trust, rebuild the economy and reunite our country,' he said. 'I'm confident we can do that and we've got a really positive message to take out to all our members now crucially, who is the best person to beat Keir Starmer and the Labour Party at the next election? I believe I'm the only candidate who can do that.' Mr Sunak, Ms Truss and Penny Mordaunt were the final three in the parliamentary phase of the contest yesterday. But Ms Truss leapfrogged Ms Mordaunt into second place in the last round, securing the backing of 113 Tory MPs. Liz Truss, the current Foreign Secretary, says she would fight Sir Keir Starmer (pictured the Labour leader at PMQs today) as a 'freedom-loving Conservative' Penny Mordaunt, a Minister of State at the Department for International Trade, looks down as she is announced out of the Tory leadership race today Trade minister Ms Mordaunt was second in all earlier rounds of voting but her campaign hit the buffers and she slipped into third place with 105 votes. She said: 'We must all now work together to unify our party and focus on the job that needs to be done.' Her allies later attacked the media for highlighting her changing views on issues like trans rights and claims that she failed to pull her weight as a minister. Mr Sunak and Miss Truss will now campaign to win the votes of up to 200,000 Conservative Party members. Ballot papers will begin to land on doorsteps from August 1, and the ballot closes on September 2. The first of 12 regional hustings for party members will be held in Leeds next Thursday. The result of the contest will be announced on September 5, and the winner is expected to replace Boris Johnson as prime minister the following day. I'll beat Labour by governing as a true tax-cutting, freedom-loving Conservative By LIZ TRUSS, Foreign Secretary In these tough times, the Conservative Party is rising to the moment. I am proud to have attracted a broad base of support among my parliamentary colleagues for the leadership. Every candidate who stood has contributed enormously. I am now looking forward to making my case to Conservative members across our great country, and also to the wider public. Over the next few weeks, I will be setting out a bold new plan that I will have ready to go from day one in Downing Street. I will hit the ground running by immediately cutting taxes, growing our economy and unleashing the potential of everyone in the United Kingdom. This is a key part of my mission to build an aspiration nation, where people from all parts of Britain, from all backgrounds, can succeed on the basis of their talent and hard work alone. That is how I got to where I am today, and that is what I want for everyone in our country. Liz Truss greets British Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Kwasi Kwarteng Miss Truss' supporters cheer as she makes the final two in the Tory leadership contest I didn't come from a traditional Conservative background. I grew up in Paisley and went to a comprehensive school in Leeds. I remember the lip service paid to equality, only for children from disadvantaged backgrounds to be let down. I entered politics to stop this 'soft bigotry of low expectations' and bring equality of opportunity for all. My approach is rooted firmly in Conservative values of aspiration, enterprise and freedom, which I know are shared across the country. As prime minister, I will work night and day to deliver on my promises. I will be relentlessly focused on the people's priorities, from the cost of living to seizing the opportunities of Brexit, to making the streets safer. The central issue at the next election is going to be the economy. We have been going in the wrong direction on tax, with the tax burden at its highest in 70 years. The central battleground will be about whether we go for growth and cut taxes, or carry on with business as usual and tax rises. Liz Truss addresses her supporting Conservative MPs as she make the final two We cannot have business-as-usual managerialism on the economy. I am the tax-cutting candidate who will help squeezed families by reversing April's national insurance rise and suspending the green levy on energy bills. I will move to bring in an emergency budget to get on with doing this quickly, and announce a spending review to find more efficiencies in government spending. I will drive tax-cutting, enterprise-boosting, business-friendly Conservative policy through the Whitehall Blob to help working families. The British people can trust me to govern as a Conservative. I won't apologise for Britain or who we are as a nation and will stand up to people who talk down our country, our history and our values. I reject dehumanising identity politics, cancel culture and the voices of decline. I am determined to win the fight for freedom at home, namely the freedom for people to live the lives they want. The economy isn't just about numbers on a spreadsheet but livelihoods, hopes and ambitions. That is why I would drive decisive reforms to unleash people's potential and advance equality of opportunity. I believe in Global Britain's great potential as a sovereign nation. Sir Graham Brady (third from left) chairman of the 1922 Committee, announces the results of the ballot giving the final two candidates, Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak As prime minister, I will accelerate our regulatory divergence from the EU and create new low-tax opportunity zones to drive growth and investment across the country. I will help Britain lead the world in tackling aggressors and in advancing and defending freedom and democracy, continuing to take as tough a position on Vladimir Putin as prime minister as I have as Foreign Secretary. This is a defining moment for the country. The global economy is in difficulty, we face a cost of living crisis here at home, and our enemies are emboldened abroad. To steer our way through the storm, we need strong leadership and a bold approach that takes our economic policy in a new direction. I will beat Labour in 2024 by governing as a true tax-cutting, freedom-loving Conservative. We know Conservative principles of low tax, equality of opportunity and a strong national defence are what the majority of the British people want. That is exactly what I will deliver. As prime minister, I will lead us to economic growth, remain true to my Conservative philosophy and deliver for families up and down the country. The British people can trust me to do what is necessary and right. The Charity Commission will not investigate Prince Charles for a $3 million cash payment packed into a suitcase and carrying bags from Qatar's former Prime Minister. Following reports that Charles was handed three million euros by a former Qatari Prime Minister, Sheikh Hamad Bin Jassim Bin Jaber Al Thani, the watchdog, claimed it had reviewed the facts and decided not to intervene. Prince Charles Criticized Over Alleged Donations Between 2011 and 2015, the heir to the throne, 73, was accused of receiving three contributions of about $1 million each - reported to be in 500 euro notes - that were packed in carrier bags and a holdall. While it is lawful to pass out and accept millions of dollars in cash, there has been growing concern in recent years regarding large ready-money transactions. They may be used to help launder ill-gotten wealth and provide substantial tax breaks to those who employ them. A royal insider stated last month that the future king acts on advice and such instances had not happened in the previous half decade and will not happen again. On Wednesday, an Organization Commission spokesman stated, "We have evaluated the evidence submitted by the charity and have found that the Commission has no further regulatory function." Clarence House stated that the gifts were immediately transferred to one of the prince's charities and that proper governance was followed. During one visit to the prince's house, Clarence House, a million euros was given out. The foundation, which was created in 1979 with the purpose of transforming lives and building sustainable communities, offers funds to the UK registered non-profit organizations to carry out initiatives in the UK, the Commonwealth, and beyond. Last month, a Prince Charles supporter stated that, while the optics are terrible, no regulations were breached, and that the uniquely wrapped contributions were likely accepted to avoid offending to the sheik, Daily Mail reported. The Metropolitan Police are examining The Prince's Foundation, another of Charles' charitable organizations, following accusations that one of his top aides tried to secure UK citizenship and an honor for a wealthy Saudi contributor, Mahfouz Marei Mubarak bin Mahfouz, as per Express. Read Also: Tristan Thompson Spotted Holding Hands with Another Woman in Greece; Pregnant Khloe Kardashian Reacts Watchdog Insists Decision Follows Correct Processes The charity watchdog stated that it had no concerns about the governance of the Prince of Wales's Charitable Foundation and that trustees had submitted evidence via a major incident report that provided sufficient assurance that due diligence had occurred. Sir Ian Cheshire, head of the organization that received the funds, indicated that the commission's judgment verified that there was no governance breakdown, as we previously maintained. Clarence House stated that it demonstrated that all of the proper steps were followed. The Sunday Times reported the monetary gifts made by Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim in three meetings between 2011 and 2015. The Charity Commission has been debating whether to initiate an investigation into the contribution since last month, but the watchdog has now said that it has no intentions to take action. Cash donations are permitted to be received by charities, there were no allegations of criminality, and the watchdog ruled that no further investigations are required. In response to worries about collecting such large sums of money, a top royal source stated, That was then, this is now. According to the royal source, Sheikh Hamad's money was instantly sent to the charity, which decided to accept it. Sir Ian, the charity's head, told the BBC that the optics of collecting so much cash did not seem good, but it was not uncommon for rich individuals in the Middle East to use huge quantities of cash at the time. He stated that due to current money-laundering restrictions, significant sums of cash would be unlikely to be presented or accepted. Former Liberal Democrat minister Norman Baker described the purported cash payments as grubby and inefficient. He wrote to the Met Police, requesting that these new complaints be added to current investigations into cash-for-honors charges involving another of the prince's organizations. Clarence House has stated that the prince did not know the alleged promise of honors or British citizenship based on charitable donations, according to BBC. Related Article: Queen Elizabeth Set To Summon Prince William, Kate Middleton After Defying Monarch's Helicopter Orders @YouTube @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Scott Morrison could soon be raked over the coals at a royal commission hearing into Australia's Robodebt scandal. The former PM was Social Services Minister when the automated scheme - officially named Online Compliance Intervention - was put in place in 2016 to recover overpayments made to welfare recipients. But the scheme wrongly estimated $1.73billion in debts being raised against 433,000 Australians in the coming years before it was declared illegal by the Federal Court in 2019. Data from the Department of Human Services revealed more than 2000 people died after getting the automated message they owed money, with about 430 aged under 35. The court's ruling sparked a $1.8billion class action settlement for those impacted, but now Government Services Minister Bill Shorten is setting up a high-level inquiry into what went wrong. Former prime minister Scott Morrison faces the prospect of being grilled over the Robodebt scandal by a royal commission Other senior Liberal Party ministers such as an Alan Tudge, Stuart Robert and Christian Porter could also cop a grilling over the ill-fated scheme. The royal commission will have the scope to dig up who was responsible, what legal advice was received, who was harmed by it and the costs involved. Robodebt worked by matching tax and Centrelink data to recoup alleged overpayments to some of Australia's most vulnerable people. Mr Shorten told News Corp the commission would 'go where the facts lead them'. 'This is not about some low-level Centrelink officer,' he said. 'Whilst on one level I'm fundamentally angry at the cold-hearted Coalition ministers who seem to neither know nor care about the harm caused by Robodebt, the reality is that doesn't capture the whole story.' Robodebt was a scheme for automatically recouping alleged overpayments from welfare recipients 'It was the application of unaccountable powers wrapped in a deeply flawed digital service that presented unlawful debts as a false fait accompli to vulnerable Australians.' 'If we are to build the trust of citizens in government then we have to find out what failed.' The firm that led the 648,000-strong class action, Gordon Legal lawyers, called for the commission to consider more compensation. But opposition government services spokesman Michael Sukkar called the proposed commission an 'exercise in wasting taxpayers' money for political purposes'. Government Services Minister Bill Shorten is busy setting a royal commission into Robodebt Robodebt was labelled a 'shameful chapter' in public administration by the judge that approved the settlement between the Commonwealth and the scheme's victims in 2021. Justice Bernard Murphy said those hounded by Robodebt and finding amounts suddenly taken from their bank balances felt shame and hurt at being wrongly branded 'welfare cheats', with some driven to take their own lives. However, Justice Murphy stopped short of saying the government knew the scheme was unlawful. The Commonwealth settled the case without admitting legal liability. For confidential 24-hour support in Australia call Lifeline on 13 11 14. Grieving mother whose son, 22, killed himself after discovering a $2k Robodebt releases heartbreaking audio of his final phone call with the welfare agency By Zoe Zaczek for Daily Mail Australia A shattered mother whose son killed himself after he discovered a $2,000 debt under the Robodebt scheme has shared his final phone calls with the welfare agency. Jarrad Madgwick called Centrelink twice on May 30 last year to find out why his Newstart claim was rejected. The 22-year-old then went online and discovered a $2,000 Robodebt on his MyGov account. He took his life hours later. His mother Kath has now gained access to her son's final phone calls with Centrelink through a Freedom of Information request. 'From the start of the year, I wanted the truth. I wanted Centrelink to be very open with me about what discussions they had had with him, what they had sent to him,' Ms Madgwick told A Current Affair. Jarrad Madgwick called Centrelink twice on May 30 last year to find out why his Newstart claim was rejected. The 22-year-old then went online and discovered a $2,000 Robodebt on his MyGov account. He took his life hours later Ms Madgwick is adamant her son killed himself after learning of his debt. Services Australia advised Jarrad knew about the sum of money on May 28. 'My question is, if Jarrad knew about this debt, why would he not have mentioned it in the two lengthy phone calls he had with Centrelink on the 30th?' she asked. In audio from the phone calls, Jarrad sounds distressed about his financial situation. 'Um hello... I'm in a pretty desperate situation here and my claim has been rejected after I've waited a month and I've jumped through all the hoops and I'm just wondering why I haven't even got an explanation?,' he asked. In another snippet of audio Jarrad said: 'You've rejected my claim so I can't get backpaid. So now I'm defaulting on all my loan repayments and everything. It's f*****.' Ms Madgwick said her son's debt is not mentioned in either of the phone calls, one of which lasted for 19 minutes. His mother Kat (pictured) believes Jarrad killed himself because he was falsely billed $2,000 She hopes Services Australia will publicly apologise to those who fell victim to the Robodebt scheme. 'An apology would help. Will it bring my son back? No. But, for the thousands out there that have been suffering through this I think they need the apology,' she said. 'There won't be a day that I don't miss him or want to feel him or hear his laugh or have him give me a big hug. 'Never a day I will go by that I don't think of him and wish he was here.' Services Australia said senior leaders travelled to meet Ms Madgwick in person on two occasions and apologised for both her own and Jarrad's experience. In a statement to Daily Mail Australia Services Australia said: 'Services Australia has done all we can to support Ms Madgwick and address her questions over the last year and we continue to offer social worker support.' Ms Madgwick has now gained access to her son's final phone calls with Centrelink through a Freedom of Information request 'We recognise how difficult this period has been for Ms Madgwick which is why we have gone to considerable effort to give her information to help her understand her son Jarrad's dealings with us.' 'Income averaging wasnt used in Jarrads case. He entered earnings information into the online system as part of his income review.' 'On 28 May 2019 the online review notified Jarrad of an estimated debt based on the information he provided. It also advised Jarrad we would come back to him regarding the final outcome of his review.' 'The outcome of Jarrads review was not finalised before his passing and he did not speak to us or receive any letters displaying a final debt amount.' 'There was no interaction between the agency and Jarrad, either by phone or online, after speaking to us on the morning of 30 May 2019 when we advised his Newstart claim had been sent for final processing.' Advertisement Lined up in their crisp green uniforms, black members of the US Women's Army Corps are seen at their base in Birmingham in the final year of the Second World War. Many of the women betray a look of fear on their faces as their commanding officer inspects them. The women, who were the first ever contingent of black members of the WAC to be assigned to overseas service, were being inspected in February 1945 by pioneering US Army officer Major Charity Adams. They were part of the all-black 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, which arrived in Britain that month on a ship that had had to zig-zag across the Atlantic to dodge German torpedoes and ships. They were tasked with dealing with a huge backlog of 17million pieces of mail intended for US service personnel. The stunning image was colourised and enhanced by best-selling author Marina Amaral before being shared with MailOnline. The WAC was created in 1942 after the US had entered the Second World War, following the devastating Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour. But whilst black and white recruits trained together at Fort Des Moines in Iowa, they were later segregated into separate units in accordance with US policy. Those who arrived in Britain in 1945 were among 1.5million members of the US Armed Forces who were posted in the UK during the war. However, despite the fact that black troops were often warmly received by British people, the US insisted on maintaining the segregation policy for troops posted overseas. Slide me Lined up in their crisp green uniforms, black members of the US Women's Army Corps are seen at their base in Birmingham in the final year of the Second World War. The women, who were the first ever contingent of black members of the WAC to be assigned to overseas service, were being inspected in February 1945 by pioneering US Army officer Major Charity Adams. The image was colourised and enhanced by best-selling author Marina Amaral before being shared with MailOnline The WAC - initially created as the Women's Auxiliary Corps (WAAC) - was established for 'the purpose of making available to the national defense the knowledge, skill, and special training of women of the nation.' Of 440 officer candidates in 1942, 40 of them were black. The roles the women carried out were similar to those performed by the UK equivalents of the WAC, including the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS). The work of the WAC was summed up by Life Magazine during the war. 'The idea behind [the WAAC] is simply this: Women can do some of the jobs that men are doing in the Army,' Life's editors wrote, to introduce the pictures. 'By taking over these jobs, they can release men for active or combat duty.' Women learned to become weather forecasters, radio mechanics, cryptanalysts, sheet metal workers and surgical technicians, among many other jobs. When the WAAC became the WAC in 1943, it meant that the serving women had 'active duty' status, meaning they received the same rank insignia, pay and allowances as men. The WAC members were quartered in what had been King Edward School in Birmingham. Above: The all-black battalion commanded by Major Adams, the 6888th Central Postal Directory, are seen on parade in Birmingham As well as being the commanding officer of the first battalion of African-American women to serve overseas in the war, Major Adams was the first African-American woman to be an officer in the WAC Major Adams is seen sitting at her desk with other members of the 6888th Central Postal Directory standing behind her The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion arrived in Britain in February 1945 and was tasked with dealing with a huge backlog of mail intended for US service personnel. Above: Members of the 6888th at their base in Birmingham The WAC units were sent overseas from 1944 onwards, to anywhere where US troops needed support. The other woman in the colourised image with Major Adams, who was then just 26, was Captain Abbie N Campbell. As well as being the commanding officer of the 6888th - the first battalion of African-American women to serve overseas in the war - Major Adams was the first African-American woman to be an officer in the WAC. The role of the 6888th was to sort through and send off millions of pieces of mail intended for members of the U.S. military serving in Europe. Their journey to the UK was a terrifying 11-day sea voyage, with the ship forced to zig-zag across the Atlantic Ocean while avoiding German torpedoes and ships. Before the women got to work, there were hangars filled with a huge backlog of 17million undelivered messages and Christmas presents. The women were tasked with investigating insufficiently or incorrectly addressed mail to try to find out the intended recipients. They also handled the sad duty of returning mail addressed to servicemen who had died. The WAC members were quartered in what had been King Edward School in Birmingham. However, because of the US-enforced 'colour bar', the women were unable to go to local clubs run by the American Red Cross for military personnel. Of the 1.5million US troops who were stationed in Britain during the Second World War, 150,000 of them were black. Above: Black troops are seen listening to an army chaplain in Britain in September 1942 Ordinary Britons are known to have often acted favourably to black troops. Above: Soldiers are seen dancing with British women inside the popular Bouillabalisse club in London's soho A British woman talks to a black serviceman inside the popular Bouillabalisse club in London's soho. Despite the fact that the British government were uncomfortable with the segregation imposed by the US, the main preoccupation was maintaining good relations with the country's most important ally In response, Major Adams led a boycott of the alternative segregated facilities offered by the Red Cross. Instead, the 6888th ran their own mess hall, hair salon, refreshment bar and recreational facilities. The women went on to create a new mail tracking system and processed an average of 65,000 pieces of mail per shift. It enabled them to clear the six-month mail backlog in three months. As well as the black members of the WAC, around 150,000 of the US troops who came to Britain were black. Despite the fact that the British government were uncomfortable with the segregation imposed by the US, the main preoccupation was maintaining good relations with the country's most important ally. As a result, the government's official policy was that 'it was desirable that the people of this country should avoid becoming too friendly with coloured troops. However, ordinary Britons are known to have often acted favourably to black troops. The situation was described in an African American journal at the time by black US journalist Roi Ottley. He wrote: 'The people here have a racial tolerance which gives them a social lever.' Ottley added that black people had 'social equality here in more ways than theory' and said racism 'in the main' was 'confined to colonial and military officials.' Dramatic footage shows the moment armed cops arrested a suspected gunman after he was caught be a group of members of the public. Officers swooped on Bewdley Street in Evesham, Worcestshire at around 7pm on Wednesday (July 20). Several residents had called 999 and reported seeing a man waving a gun in a nearby meadow. Video taken by resident Elaine Edgar, 61, shows the moment armed police arrested the suspect outside her home. She said: 'There was a bit of panic because some people said they saw a man with a gun in the meadow. Five armed police officers run towards the suspect, instructing him to sit on the ground ahead of arresting him Once the suspect had been officially taken into custody armed police were able to lower their weapons and leave the area Police were called to Bewdley Street in Evesham, Worcestshire at around 7pm on Wednesday after residents reported seeing a man 'waving a gun' around 'I'd heard the helicopter buzzing around for ages and going over my house again and again. 'I heard some shouting from outside my front door so went to the window. 'There were three men walking next to the suspect and they were shouting at police, "Up here! Up here!" 'They were very brave because they didn't know if the man was armed. The cops raced towards the man and forced him to sit on the ground. 'He was handcuffed and taken away. It was very dramatic stuff.' In the footage at least five armed police officers can be seen approaching the suspect, shouting instructions to him as they approach. A small crowd of residents watch the dramatic incident unfold in front of them. Video taken by local resident Elaine Edgar, 61, from outside her window shows the moment of the arrest Two men from Evesham were arrested in connection with the incident, one aged 20 and one aged 36 Elaine Edgar said those who had initially detained the man were 'very brave'. An air weapon was recovered from the scene. Stunned Evesham residents watch the dramatic events unfolding within a matter of minutes as the suspect is led away from the area West Mercia Police said: 'Two men have been arrested in Evesham after a report of a man carrying a firearm. 'Around 7pm officers attended Crown Meadow and searched the area. 'Two men, a 36-year-old and a 20-year-old, both from Evesham, were arrested on suspicion of carrying a firearm in a public place and remain in custody. 'No injuries were reported and an air weapon was recovered. 'Officers remained in the area but there is no wider risk to the public.' A 'persistent' stalker who has had a three-decade 'fixation' with former BBC Newsnight presenter Emily Maitlis wrote two further letters to her and her mother after his previous trial was aborted, a court has heard. Edward Vines is alleged to have attempted to breach a restraining order in relation to Ms Maitlis eight times between May 2020 and December 2021, expressing his 'unrequited love' for her. Nottingham Crown Court heard the 52-year-old has 'systematically and with increasing frequency' tried to breach orders imposed in 2002 and 2009, but all his letters were intercepted by staff at HMP Nottingham. A jury of seven women and five men were first told of six alleged offences which were the subject of an aborted trial in October last year, including letters in which Vines told Ms Maitlis he would 'continue to brood and to write letters in prison'. Edward Vines, pictured, denies writing eight letters to journalist Emily Maitlis while in prison serving a prison sentence for breaching an order preventing him from contacting the former BBC star Vines, 51, met Emily Maitlis, pictured, while they were at Cambridge University. Though in 2009, Ms Maitlis was forced to seek a court order preventing Vines from contacting her The prosecution said that while awaiting a new trial, the defendant wrote two further letters in which he attempted to blame the journalist for not admitting to being 'attracted to him'. Ms Maitlis interviewed the Duke of York in 2020, which led to Andrew stepping back from official public duties after criticism over his unsympathetic tone and lack of remorse about his friendship with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. Opening the case against Vines on Thursday, prosecutor Ian Way said: 'Just before Christmas, and while he was awaiting trial on a six-count indictment, he again attempted to breach his restraining order on two occasions by writing one letter to Emily Maitlis and one to her mother. '(A member of prison staff) seized a letter addressed to Emily Maitlis and the police were informed. A second letter was posted on December 23 - this one addressed to Marion Maitlis. 'The first of these letters began by saying it would be sensible if they met and talked.' Mr Way said Vines claimed Ms Matilis's refusal to accept she was attracted to him had 'resulted in her telling falsehoods against him'. The prosecutor continued: 'In the letter to Marion Maitlis, Mr Vines criticised the Crown Prosecution Service and the courts, claiming his rights as a defendant had been breached. Vines, pictured, denies sending eight letters to the former Newsnight star from behind bars Prison staff at HMP Nottingham, pictured, intercepted letters from Vines to Ms Maitlis and her family 'He denied harassing Emily and said it was her who had wronged him by being attracted to him but not admitting to doing so. He said this was her fault for refusing to see him. 'He admitted writing and posting two letters. When asked why he sent them he said he was quite depressed at the time.' Speaking about the defendant's actions over the last 30 years, Mr Way said: 'His persistent behaviour towards her resulted in a conviction against him. That resulted in the first of two restraining orders imposed against him. 'Since that time he has, the prosecution assert, systematically, and with increasing frequency, attempted to breach that order. 'He can't let go of something that he perceived was a wrong to him 30 years in the past and that, we say, is what is driving him. 'The prosecution case is simple. 'The validity of the order is not an issue, it is valid whatever he says. The prohibitions in that order are clear and unambiguous. 'He is aware of the order and he has written these letters in knowledge of the order. 'He tried to get through to them and we say that by writing these letters he intended they would reach and be read by Emily and Marion. 'Why on earth would there be so much detail unless that was the true goal?' Vines denies all eight charges. The trial continues. This is the horrifying moment an Uber driver was shot dead in his car while it was parked up in a suspected car-jacking in Oakland. Footage shows the moment two people, both in hoodies, approach the silver car and yank open the driver's side door. The pair can be heard shouting at the driver, identified as Kon Fung, before one of the assailants reveals a gun and shoots into the car. The attackers then flee the scene, leaving the car door open but without stealing the car. Police said the killing took place on Sunday July 17 around 11am in the 2000 block of 13th Avenue in Oakland in California. Cops released footage of the shooting as the appealed for witnesses of the shooting, calling it a suspected car-jacking, even though the suspects did not steal the car. This is the horrifying moment Uber driver Kon Fung (pictured) was shot dead in his car while it was parked up in a suspected car-jacking in Oakland Footage shows the moment two people, both in hoodies, approach the silver car and yank open the driver's side door The pair can be heard shouting at the driver, identified as Kon Fung, before one of the assailants reveals a gun and shoots into the car The attackers then flee the scene, leaving the car door open but without stealing the car in Oakland, California Local police and CrimeStoppers of Oakland are offering a reward of up to $12,500 for information leading to an arrest in this case. Detectives are asking viewers to listen closely to the voices and watch the mannerisms of those in the video. If you know these individuals or have information about this case, please contact the Oakland Police Department Homicide Section at (510) 238-3821 or the TIP LINE at (510) 238-7950. Local police and CrimeStoppers of Oakland are offering a reward of up to $12,500 for information leading to an arrest in this case A fight to join the new Prime Minister's Cabinet is now underway among Tory MPs alongside the head-to-head battle between Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak for the Conservative leadership. Whoever is victorious between Ms Truss and Mr Sunak will soon have to decide how to form their top team of ministers. Their thinking will be influenced by a need to reward loyalists who are backing their leadership campaigns. But they will also be considering whether they want to keep any of Boris Johnson's current team, or if they should reach out to former rivals in a bid to maintain Tory unity after the leadership contest is over. Speculation is already rife at Westminster over who could be handed plum Cabinet jobs once the new PM is installed in Downing Street on 6th September. Whoever is victorious between Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss will soon have to decide how to form their top team of ministers Speculation is rife at Westminster over who on Team Rishi or Team Truss will form part of the new Prime Minister's Cabinet Kwarteng for Chancellor? A first decision for Ms Truss and Mr Sunak will be who to appoint as their Chancellor as they try to get to grips with the cost-of-living crisis. Nadhim Zahawi is the current Treasury chief but is unlikely to remain in the role after his own Tory leadership bid ended in a humiliating exit in the first round of voting. During his short-lived campaign, Mr Zahawi promised to slash income tax by 2p within two years, abolish a planned increase in Corporation Tax and force Whitehall departments to cut running costs by 20 per cent. Having made his own fiscal aims so public, it would be hard for either Ms Truss or Mr Sunak to keep him in the Treasury as they seek to implement their own economic agenda. Ms Truss could consider promoting Simon Clarke, the current Chief Secretary to the Treasury and one of her staunchest supporters, to Chancellor. But Kwasi Kwarteng, the current Business Secretary and also a key ally, might also be tasked with her own tax-cutting agenda. Despite being a Cabinet minister, Mr Kwarteng is known to be an opponent of Mr Johnson's windfall tax on energy companies. There is also pressure for Ms Truss to make a surprise pick as Chancellor. One senior MP, who is backing her leadership campaign, told MailOnline that John Redwood 'would be a wonderful Chancellor'. Mr Sunak could turn to a key Boris ally, the PM's former chief of staff Steve Barclay, as his own Chancellor. Mr Barclay is backing Mr Sunak's leadership bid and has extensive Treasury experience. He became Chief Secretary when Mr Sunak was promoted from that role to Chancellor just before the Covid crisis. Steve Barclay, a supporter of Mr Sunak, and Kwasi Kwarteng, who is backing Ms Truss, have both been touted as a future Chancellor Will there be a Deputy PM? Another early decision for Ms Truss and Mr Sunak will be whether to keep the role of Deputy Prime Minister. Dominic Raab currently holds the role and was an early backer of Mr Sunak's campaign. He could be kept on by Mr Sunak - as well as retaining his Justice Secretary brief as he pushes his new Bill of Rights through Parliament - as a means of maintaining some continuity from Mr Johnson's Government. But, there is no obligation on Mr Sunak or Ms Truss to appoint a formal deputy, with Mr Raab the first holder of the official position since Nick Clegg served as David Cameron's deputy in the Coalition government. Hunt for Home Secretary? Another key question for the new PM is what to do with their defeated rivals from the Tory leadership contest. Mr Sunak has pointedly refused to confirm he would give Ms Truss a job if he beats her to become PM. But Jeremy Hunt, who dropped out the contest after the first round of voting, might expect to get a Cabinet job after he subsequently gave his backing to Mr Sunak. Having already served as Health Secretary and Foreign Secretary, it has been suggested that Mr Hunt is being lined up as Home Secretary in a Sunak administration. Grant Shapps, the current Transport Secretary, might also expect to be bumped up the Cabinet pecking order - possibly to a role such as Business Secretary - after ditching his own leadership campaign in favour of Mr Sunak's. Ms Truss might consider promoting her ally Therese Coffey, the current Work and Pensions Secretary, to the Home Office. Could Jeremy Hunt or Therese Coffey take charge of the Home Office under the new Prime Minister? Cleverly for Foreign Secretary? As the current holder of the role, Ms Truss will think carefully about who to appoint as her successor as Foreign Secretary should she become PM. James Cleverly has been touted as a possible replacement and spent more than two years as a Foreign Office minister before being drafted in as Education Secretary earlier this month as part of Mr Johnson's caretaker administration. Tom Tugendhat, whose leadership campaign surprised many by surviving through to the third round of voting, might also be considered as a possible Foreign Secretary by both Ms Truss or Mr Sunak. He is the current chair of the House of Commons' Foreign Affairs Committee and takes a tough stance on both China and Russia. Tom Tugendhat, the chair of the House of Commons' Foreign Affairs Committee, or James Cleverly, the current Education Secretary, might become Foreign Secretary What about Mordaunt or Badenoch? Two other defeated leadership candidates - Penny Mordaunt and Kemi Badenoch - are also expected to be handed Cabinet roles by the new PM. Both proved popular with Tory MPs during the leadership contest, with Ms Mordaunt - a former Defence Secretary - making it through to the final round before she was squeezed out by Ms Truss and Mr Sunak. After the divisive nature of the Tory contest, a generous job offer for those who made a big impression in the battle to become PM - including during TV debates - would help restore some unity in the Conservative Party. Suella Braverman, the current Attorney General who attracted the support of a number of Tory Brexiteers for her own leadership bid, might also be eyeing up a Cabinet promotion. She has supported Ms Truss since bowing out the contest herself and could be handed a role just below the Great Offices of State, such as Education Secretary or Health Secretary. Both Kemi Badenoch (centre) and Penny Mordaunt (far right) impressed MPs during the Tory leadership contest, including in the ITV debate presented by Julie Etchingham (third from right) What about current Cabinet big beasts? Neither Priti Patel, the current Home Secretary, or Ben Wallace, the Defence Secretary, have publicly declared who they are backing in the Tory leadership contest. By not taking a side, it could be easier for Ms Truss and Mr Sunak to keep them in their current roles, especially as Mr Wallace leads Government efforts in supplying Ukraine with British military kit. Ms Truss and Mr Sunak have both committed to maintaining the Rwanda migrant scheme and might task Ms Patel with seeing the policy through ongoing legal challenges. Neither Priti Patel, the current Home Secretary, or Ben Wallace, the Defence Secretary, have publicly declared who they are backing in the Tory leadership contest How will Truss and Sunak reward loyalists? Both Ms Truss and Mr Sunak count a number of current and former Cabinet ministers among their supporters. Ms Truss is backed by Jacob Rees-Mogg and Nadine Dorries, who are both among Mr Johnson's most loyal supporters, and might to choose to keep them in the Cabinet in the interests of party unity. She could also consider a Cabinet return for Lord Frost, the former chief Brexit negotiator who has thrown his weight behind her campaign. Mr Sunak is supported by ex-Cabinet ministers Oliver Dowden, Robert Jenrick, Matt Hancock, Liam Fox and Gavin Williamson. A return to the top level of Government for some might prove more controversial than for others, considering the circumstances in which they left office. Mr Williamson endured widespread criticism during his spell as Education Secretary, while Mr Hancock was forced to resign after he was caught on CCTV kissing his aide Gina Coladangelo in a breach of Covid rules. But Mr Hancock has recently been suggested to having been eyeing up the role of Conservative Party chair as a means of returning to the political frontline. Matt Hancock is backing Mr Sunak, while Nadine Dorries - a loyalist of Boris Johnson - is supporting Ms Truss A return for Javid or Gove? One of Mr Johnson's final acts as he attempted to salvage his premiership was his sacking of Michael Gove as Levelling Up Secretary. Ms Truss or Mr Sunak might consider asking Mr Gove to return to the role once they become PM, despite his backing for Ms Badenoch during the leadership contest. Sajid Javid, who was the first Cabinet minister to quit Mr Johnson's Cabinet as part of the Tory revolt that caused the PM's downfall, might also be offered a return to Government. This would be likelier if Mr Sunak won the Tory leadership contest. Although both have denied their move was coordinated, Mr Sunak's own bombshell resignation from Mr Johnson's Cabinet came just minutes after Mr Javid's. Mr Javid might be in for a swift return as Health Secretary if his recent replacement, Mr Barclay, is moved elsewhere. What about the 2019-ers? One of the most notable aspects of Mr Johnson's downfall was his loss of support among those MPs who were elected to Parliament for the first time as part of his 2019 general election victory. The new PM, whether Mr Sunak or Ms Truss, will be keen to keep the 2019 intake of Tory MPs - who have shown they are not afraid to rebel - onside under their premiership. This would be helped by promoting some of their leading lights to Government. Bishop Auckland MP Dehenna Davison, a key supporter of Ms Truss's leadership bid, should be in line for a front bench role. East Surrey MP Claire Coutinho and Sevenoaks MP Laura Trott have been key members of Mr Sunak's campaign. Rail passengers were forced to haul their luggage alone train tracks after a Stansted Express service stopped between stations during Britain's hottest day on record. An extraordinary video shows more than 100 travellers having to make the journey to the nearest station, Broxbourne, by foot on Tuesday as temperatures hit 40C (104F). With the carriage doors locked shut amid electrical supply problems, the passengers on the train to London Liverpool Street had to depart through the driver's cab. The clip showed one woman struggling with how to descend from the cab during the incident at 6pm, with staff helping her to place her feet correctly on the steps. British Transport Police then ushered the crowd to walk between the rail tracks while they wheeled all their holiday baggage over the ballast and sleepers on the ground. One of the officers could be heard saying: 'Can I ask you to step in between the running lines please' and 'stay over here, I need you staying within these lines.' He was also heard telling a passenger: 'Excuse me, I know it's a great photograph, I need you within the running line.' And another officer said: 'Come on, we'll go on TikTok later, we'll all do a dance and it'll all be happy, come on.' Passengers ended up at Broxbourne station in Hertfordshire with some getting on a replacement bus - while others chose to pay extra for taxis for a quicker journey. Speaking today, Gloria Reina, 35, a passenger on the train, said: 'We were coming back from our holiday in Madeira in Portugal. We jumped on the first train heading to Liverpool Street and then, in the middle of the journey, the train just stopped. The video starts with passengers on the Stansted Express train waiting for more information One passenger filmed a clip from inside the train looking at travellers already on the track The passengers had to depart through the driver's cab and were helped off one by one One woman appeared to struggle with where to put her feet but was eventually able to alight 'The lights went off, the air-con went off, the lights by the doors went off. They were trying to get the train back on for 20 to 25 minutes before they told us we were going to have to get off. The next station was about 300 metres away. They said the power was not working in the area so the train couldn't get us there. 'They told us a bus would be coming to get us, but after the whole journey from getting on the train to getting home was approaching five hours, we decided to spend another 40 on a taxi. This was an expense we weren't expecting. I was more worried for the kids - there were a lot of kids. And people with huge suitcases. 'We were given tap water which was good in the heat, but it was very warm. It was so hot, almost 40C. We were sweating a lot and definitely needed water.' Gloria posted about the incident on TikTok yesterday where her videos have attracted almost 190,000 views. Hundreds of viewers left comments with one saying: 'I was on this train. The whole endeavour getting home was hell.' Record temperatures in the UK caused havoc for rail companies this week, with mass cancellations and scenes of chaos at London King's Cross and Euston. Passengers had to walk along the train tracks to get to the nearest station, Broxbourne A British Transport Police officer directs passengers to walk within the rail lines on the track Passengers eventually got to Broxbourne station where a bus replacement service was put on A Greater Anglia spokesman told MailOnline: 'We are very sorry for the disruption on Tuesday. There were several issues across our network caused by the extreme weather, which was not unexpected given the very high temperatures experienced. 'The predicted conditions were why we issued advice to ask passengers not to travel unless their journeys were essential and to be prepared for delays, given the speed restrictions which were imposed to ensure safe ongoing operation of the network and the likelihood of heat-related problems, on what proved to be the hottest day ever recorded in the region and the wider UK. 'Trains were disrupted by electrical supply problems in the Broxbourne area from around 5.30pm onwards on Tuesday. The 4.57pm Stansted Airport to London Liverpool Street service was unable to proceed and passengers were safely evacuated from the train. 'Staff from Greater Anglia, Network Rail and British Transport police assisted with the evacuation, and passengers were escorted on a very short walk to Broxbourne station. People who travelled on this train are entitled to delay repay compensation and we would encourage them to contact us direct.' A grieving widow suffered a heart-rending double tragedy after her house burnt down while she was attending her late husband's funeral. Julie Lane was at the service paying her respects to late spouse Chris, 64, when their semi-detached home in Woodley, Berkshire, was gutted. The terrible tragedy took place on Tuesday, as Britain sweltered in a 40.3C (104.5F) heatwave and firefighters tackled a number of wildfires in 'tinderbox' conditions. Firefighters battled the fire at Mrs Lane's home for six hours as they attempted to her and her neighbour's homes. But her property suffered serious damage in the fire. And now the 55-year-old widow says she has lost everything. Speaking about the moment she was alerted to the blaze, she said: 'We were at the funeral and we saw the smoke in the sky. 'Someone said it was coming from the direction of my house. 'I've had an emotional few day. It is the worst you can imagine, but then double it.' Julie Lane (pictured here with her late husband Chris) was at the service paying her respects to late spouse Chris, 64, when their semi-detached home in Woodley, Berkshire, was gutted Firefighters battled the fire at Mrs Lane's home for six hours as they attempted to her and her neighbour's homes (pictured) Julie and relatives were at Chris' funeral just two miles away at Reading Cemetery Crematorium when it took hold on Tuesday afternoon. Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service crews from Caverhsam, Wokingham, Ascot, Crowthorne, Whitley Wood and Theale tackled the fire for more than six hours. The neighbouring house was also damaged by the fire. The cause of the fire is being investigated. Despite the tragic double loss, Mrs Lane attempted to keep her spirits up, saying: 'Still in my heart I think there are people worse off than me. 'I have a loving family around me.' Her son Alex Honor-Lane and his partner Megan Warren have now set up a GoFundMe fundraising page for her. The pair had hoped to raise 250. But by midday on Thursday it had almost 10,000 in donations. Mr Honor-Lane said: 'Please if anyone can help my poor mum and wonderful neighbours at this time it would be much appreciated. 'There are no words, just an unbelievable day.' Her son Alex Honor-Lane and his partner Megan Warren (pictured) have now set up a fundraising page for her The pair had hoped to raise 250. But by midday on Thursday it had almost 10,000 in donations (pictured) Megan, who set up the GoFundMe, said: 'As many of you are aware there was a horrendous fire in Woodley. 'This sadly was my mother-in-law's house. The day of her husband's funeral, she has lost everything she owns in a ferocious fire. 'The houses are all beyond repair and looks like very little will be recovered. 'Thankfully nobody was hurt but now Julie and her wonderful neighbours who have two young children have to re-build their entire lives. 'So please anything you can donate to help the two families would be so unbelievably generous and we cannot thank everyone enough for their support so far.' A spokesperson for Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) told MailOnline: 'At 2:21pm on Tuesday, 19 July, we received reports of a fire in Woodley. 'Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service crews from Caversham Road, Wokingham Road, Ascot, Crowthorne, Whitley Wood and Theale fire stations were sent to the scene alongside four RBFRS Officers and an Aerial Ladder Platform. 'They were also supported by crews from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service. 'Upon arrival, crews found a domestic fire involving two properties. Two people were evacuated from the buildings and placed into the care of South Central Ambulance Service. 'Crews worked to extinguish the fire using six hose reel jets. Crews were on the scene for approximately six hours and 10 minutes, before returning twice in the night and once in the morning to inspect the scene for hotspots and ensure it is safe.' The blaze happened on the same day that firefighters across the UK battled wildfires in a record-breaking 40.3C heatwave. As many as 19 homes in the east London village of Wennington were gutted by the fire, with some families later revealing how they 'lost everything' in the blaze. The Wennington fire was the most destructive of a number of major incidents on Tuesday, which saw as many as 63 properties destroyed across the UK, including 14 in nearby Dagenham. Outside of London, six houses were devastated by wildfire in Barnsley, South Yorkshire. Another eight properties were destroyed in Maltby, Rotherham, and three in nearby Kiveton Park, as well as three in Clayton, West Yorkshire. Drone footage also shows firefighters battling back against a wildfire as it advanced on properties in Brancaster Staithe near Watton in Norfolk. At least five homes are thought to have been destroyed. A former Mexican beauty queen and her Romanian-Dutch accomplice have been arrested in Croatia over the theft of 1.4 million worth of prestige bottles of wine from a famous Spanish restaurant after a nine-month police chase across Europe. Priscila Lara Guevara, 28, a one-time 'Miss Earth' Mexico contestant, and Constantin Gabriel Dumitru, 47, stole 45 exclusive wine bottles from the cellars of the famous hotel-restaurant El Atrio in Caceres, western Spain, on October 27, 2021, police said. The bottles of wine worth a total of 1.4 million (1.65 million euros), including one 'unique' 19th-century vintage worth 264,000 (310,000 euros), were spirited out of the cellar in a meticulously planned theft. Police believe Guevara, a former beauty queen, distracted El Atrio waiters by ordering room service from the Michelin-starred restaurant after its kitchen had closed. Meanwhile, her male accomplice Dumitru slipped down to the wine cellar, opened it with a master key he had stolen during a prior visit, and filled three backpacks with the bottles, wrapping them in hotel room towels for protection, police told Spanish newspaper El Pais. Priscila Lara Guevara, 28, a one-time 'Miss Earth' Mexico contestant (pictured), and Constantin Gabriel Dumitru, 47, stole 45 exclusive wine bottles from the cellars of the famous hotel-restaurant El Atrio in Caceres, western Spain, on October 27, 2021 General view of wine bottles at Restaurante Atrio wine cellar in Caceres, Spain The next day, hotel CCTV captured the pair, who had checked in with false Swiss identity documents, checking out at 5.30 a.m. and leaving on foot with no forensic trace of their presence left at the hotel, leading police to initially believe an organised gang was behind the heist. The two suspects had visited El Atrio three times before the robbery in June, August and September, police said, and had, like many customers, been given a tour of the wine cellar. Among the stolen items of wine was a bottle of prestigious French Bordeaux Chateau d'Yquem from 1806, which had an 'incalculable' value, said sommelier Jose Polo, a co-owner of El Atrio. 'That bottle was part of my personal history, almost part of me, of the history of Atrio, but also of Caceres, of its citizens, of wine lovers all over the world,' Polo said in a letter to local media quoted by El Pais. The next day, hotel CCTV captured the pair, who had checked in with false Swiss identity documents, checking out at 5.30 a.m. and leaving on foot with no forensic trace of their presence left at the hotel Security cameras captured a man leaving the premises carrying three bags of stolen wine bottles The bottles of wine worth a total of 1.4 million (1.65 million euros), including one 'unique' 19th-century vintage worth 264,000 (310,000 euros), were spirited out of the cellar in a meticulously planned theft. Pictured: The Hotel-Restaurant Atrio Polo added: 'It is THE bottle, impossible to substitute, 215 years of the history of Spain, wars, times of peace and construction.' Polo and his co-owner Tono Perez said at the time of the theft they wouldn't have sold the Chateau d'Yquem 'for a million euros' because of its sentimental value. Guevara and Dumitru left Spain within days of the theft and were pursued for months across Europe before being identified by Croatian border guards as they crossed from Montenegro, police said. Spanish police worked with counterparts in the Netherlands, Croatia and Romania as well as Interpol to catch the pair, who have not been identified pending extradition and formal charges being filed. The stolen wine has not been recovered and the investigation is continuing, according to Spanish media outlets. The Atrio Restaurant Hotel's wine cellar is considered to be the best in Spain and one of the best in Europe. It has been built up over the past 35 years since the landmark premises opened and has wines from 140 different countries. An alleged intruder caught trespassing in the grounds of Buckingham Palace days before the Platinum Jubilee said I want to come in. I want to see the Queen,' a court heard this morning. Connor Attridge, 28, slipped through the vehicle gate of the Royal Mews when it was opened to allow through an authorised car on 29 May, it was said. Attridge allegedly refused to stop when challenged by a worker and breached the palace boundary by up to five metres. He was ushered out and arrested after saying: I want to come in. I want to see the Queen. Attridge, from Eastbourne, East Sussex, has a facial tattoo that says truly blessed and is said to suffer from mental health issues. He appeared at Westminster Magistrates Court today charged with trespassing on a protected site. Connor Attridge, 28, 'slipped through vehicle gate of the Royal Mews on May 29' court heard Attridge allegedly refused to stop when challenged by a worker and breached the palace boundary by up to five metres District Judge Louisa Cieciora entered a not guilty plea on behalf of Attridge and said: I want to fix the matter in the first instance for trial. To fix it to enable you to get the relevant medical evidence. Shusmita Deb, defending, said: He suffers from significant mental health issues. His father said he suffers from two types of psychotic disorders. PTSD, Social Personality Disorder, schizophrenia and split personality disorder. Hes on significant medication. He lives in Eastbourne and they have travelled far to get here. His father has spent 149 in train travel to get here. The question of whether it is of public interest to continue the prosecution must be raised. Attridge was ushered out arrested after saying: I want to come in. I want to see the Queen. Luke Staton, prosecuting, said: My reviewing solicitors will be reviewing the case. The judge set a case management hearing on 1 September and fixed his trial date for 19 October. The defendant has a mental disorder and hospital arrangements have been made, she added. Attridge has been granted bail with conditions, including a curfew monitored by electronic tag and exclusion from London, except for when he is attending court. Last December a teenager was suspected of scaling Windsor Castle armed with a crossbow in a bid to assassinate the Queen in revenge for 1919 Amritsar massacre. Jaswant Singh Chail, 19, uploaded a pre-recorded video to Snapchat on Christmas Day, 24 minutes before a man was arrested by police inside the grounds of Windsor Castle. Chail was arrested in the grounds of the Royal residence and detained under the Mental Health Act. American tourist Joseph Huang Kang, 24, admitted scaling a wall at Buckingham Palace on December 10, 2021, while suffering a psychotic episode. He was fined 200 and told he could return to the US. Cameron Kalani, 44, also scaled the fence in the early hours of May 10, 2021. He was caught with an 8in kitchen knife and cocaine in his bag when he was arrested after climbing back into Buckingham Palace Road. Kalani, from West Sussex, avoided jail and was instead handed a 24-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months. Based on a source, the federal investigation into Hunter Biden and his financial troubles has reached a critical stage, with investigators considering whether to prosecute President Biden's son with multiple tax breaches, suspected foreign lobbying violations, and other offenses. Since 2018, Hunter Biden has been the subject of a federal investigation. According to a Fox News, the federal grand jury investigating Hunter Biden's financial operations completed its latest term late last month, but no charges were filed. Hunter Biden Probe Reaches "Critical juncture" Delaware US Attorney David Weiss, a prosecutor nominated by former President Donald Trump, is leading the inquiry. Weiss and Justice Department officials were considering charging Hunter Biden with multiple tax breaches and, more dangerously, possibly foreign lobbying laws. According to the source, Hunter Biden might face accusations of making false statements. However, the source stated that no final decision on whether to prosecute Hunter Biden has been made and that the investigation is ongoing. Hunter Biden was named as a subject/target of a grand jury inquiry by Fox News in December 2020. A target is someone who has a high likelihood of committing a crime, but a subject is someone who you don't know for sure has done a crime. Questionable Activity Reports (SARs) detailing suspicious overseas transactions aided the FBI investigation against Hunter Biden. In December 2020, another individual close to the inquiry informed Fox News that the SARs concerned with monies from China and other foreign governments. Read Also: Joe Biden Takes Action To Fight Climate Crisis; Advance Clean Energy Development in Focus GOP Urges To Know if Joe Biden Knows Son's Foreign Dealings Concerns have also been raised concerning DOJ standards that advise against updating significant, politically sensitive cases so close to the election. No decision has been taken, even though the Democrats and the White House are polling poorly. It piles further pressure on the Bidens, with Republicans already indicating Hunter will be the subject of congressional probes if Republicans regain the House. The Republicans want to know if the president was aware of his son's international business connections, despite his repeated denials. Hunter would have been barred from purchasing a firearm at the time due to his well-documented difficulties with drug addiction. The FBI and the IRS's criminal division have been involved in taking the investigations forward, and there have also been conversations about whether his prior drug misuse may damage their case, according to CNN. Hunter may argue that he was high on drugs and wasn't aware of his behavior. Earlier this summer, DailyMail.com released a 2018 voicemail recording from junior Biden's hard drive indicating that the president was aware of the transactions. Joe phoned Hunter on December 12, 2018, after reading a New York Times article concerning Hunter's contacts with the Chinese oil firm CEFC. Files on Hunter's abandoned laptop, which DailyMail.com previously revealed, suggest that he signed a deal with the Chinese corporation for millions of dollars after bragging about his family ties. According to a 2018 report, CEFC chairman Ye Jianming was detained in China, and his senior subordinate Patrick Ho was convicted in the US for paying African authorities to assist Iran to avoid oil sanctions. It was discovered that Ye met with Hunter at a Miami hotel in 2017 to explore a 'collaboration to invest in American infrastructure and energy ventures.' When Ho was detained, he contacted Joe Biden's brother, Jim Biden, who told the newspaper that he thought the call was for Hunter. It was unclear if Hunter Biden struck any commercial transactions with CEFC, not knowing the extent of his contacts with his Chinese business associates at the time. Joe contacted Hunter and left a voicemail after hearing the tale online, as per Daily Mail. Read Also: Ric Flair's Last Match: The Nature Boy's Opponents Revealed @YouTube @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Neighbours don't blame the little girl's mum and claim authorities failed her It has been revealed that Charlie was suffering from coeliac disease Charlie, 6, was found unresponsive at her family's Adelaide home last Friday The grieving mum of a little girl who died from malnutrition has broken her silence to pay tribute to her 'cheeky' daughter and hit out at claims she did not feed her kids. Six-year-old Charlie was found unresponsive at her family's housing commission home in Munno Para, in Adelaide's northern suburbs, in the early hours of Friday morning. It's since been revealed that Charlie was suffering from coeliac disease - a severe immune disorder in which the digestive system reacts to gluten. Her shattered mum Crystal Nowland was seen publicly for the first time since her daughter's death on Wednesday as police arrived at the home to continue inquiries. She broke down in tears as she remembered her 'headstrong' little girl with a 'cheeky smile', who made her family laugh by pulling pranks. Ms Nowland said she feels 'lost' without her daughter and did her best as a mother, even pleading for extra help from the department of child protection - that she claims never came. 'Im not a perfect mum, but Im not the mum theyve made me out to be,' she told The Advertiser. 'I might do things arse to front, back to front, but I fed them all the time.' Charlie was found unresponsive at her family's housing commission home in Munno Para, in Adelaide 's northern suburbs, on Friday Charlie's mum (pictured) has been seen publicly for the first time in five days since her daughter's tragic death Ms Nowland said every Thursday when her pay came through she would be at the local Foodland first thing in the morning to shop. She said she was not aware Charlie was coeliac until after her death. The Coroner also told her on Monday the little girl had hereditary heart disease. They explained her the condition affected blood flow to Charlie's heart and there was nothing she could have done to save her. Ms Nowland said she misses her daughter's nagging and antics, which included replacing the family's hair conditioner with superglue - a trick she learnt from a TikTok video. The mother-of-six said her daughter did not seem ill leading up to her death and had a healthy appetite, with a particular love for mashed potatoes. Ms Nowland said her children never went without food and that she asked family services for more support after her partner was jailed for stabbing her in the neck in January last year. Ms Nowland is seen at the family's Munno Para home on Thursday The house Charlie died in was surrounded by junk - old toys, a tent, bikes and a disused freezer In the wake of the horror attack which took place in front of Charlie, she had to learn how to walk again, was having seizures, and struggling to remember how to perform basic tasks like cook rice or drive a car. However, the single-parenting courses she requested never eventuated and despite asking for help, her visits from wellbeing workers did not increase. The department visited Charlie two days before her death but did not seem concerned about her welfare. 'They were talking to Charlie, they could see Charlie. Why didnt they say something? If they reckoned there were any concerns why didnt they say something or take her?' Ms Nowland said. Ms Nowland said she would always remember her daughter's 'cheeky smile' The devastated mother said her daughter would always make the family laugh with her pranks Earlier on Wednesday, neighbours spoke out to defend Ms Nowland, claiming she was failed by child protection authorities, who they say should have done more to help her. 'She watched her child die any mother who has gone through that would be traumatised and scared and confused and just heartbroken that her child, her baby that she carried for nine months, is gone,' one told the Adelaide Advertiser. Several neighbours explained they don't blame the mother for Charlie's death, and claim authorities did nothing to support her in the ways she needed help as they revealed plans to launch a #justiceforcharlie campaign. 'It's just another step in the process of getting answers for Charlie, and that's what we really want,' one said. 'There are no words to describe the amount of anger all of us on the street here have for the family.' A school counsellor recently visited the home due to the non-attendance of two of the children, one of whom was Charlie. Charlie (pictured) died on the floor of her mother's house in an alleged case of criminal neglect The cause of death is still unknown, but a neighbour said Charlie had something in her throat when she died (family home, pictured) Charlie's death - which has been officially recorded as malnutrition - sparked a major crimes investigation by police and has led her five siblings to be taken into the care of the state as their mother is investigated for alleged criminal neglect. Just two weeks ago, Charlie - dressed in a baby-pink tracksuit and broad-brimmed hat - posed for a photo at her family home hunched over with her eyes closed. It's believed to be the last ever photo of her. Acting Premier Susan Close has announced a government review will investigate interactions between Charlie's family and the state's human services, child protection, education and housing agencies and if 'lessons' could have been learned. The chief executive of the Department of Premier and Cabinet will determine which services were engaged, how they collaborated, how effective they were, and what changes might be required. Outside the home on Tuesday, Charlie's aunt - wearing a pink hoodie with a slogan that read 'but did you die? #mumlife' - lashed out at media when asked how the six-year-old's mother was feeling. Pictured: This, the last known photo of Charlie, taken two weeks before her tragic death Debris, including an old mattress, bedding, and unused rabbit hutch, were seen scattered around the yard of the home on Tuesday The grass was overgrown and the yard littered with kids toys and miscellaneous items 'How do you think she's feeling? Her daughter just died in her arms! Of course she's upset.' One neighbour, Bec, told Daily Mail Australia the girl's mum had raised the alarm late at night - leading her to do everything she could to try and save Charlie's life. 'It was about 1 am and we were about to go to sleep, and we heard this banging on the door. Charlie's mum was screaming, 'Charlie isn't breathing!' so we raced over there. 'She was on the floor in a nappy, and she was paper white ... and when I touched her, she was stone cold, and her eyes were open and fixated on the ceiling. 'We did everything to try and get Charlie to breathe.' Paramedics arrived soon after and worked on Charlie for half an hour, but the six-year-old was pronounced dead at the hospital. Advertisement The Queen has landed in Aberdeen ahead of a stay at her official Scottish residence of Balmoral - after continuing her royal duties during the 40.3C heatwave. The long-reigning monarch, 96, is travelling to her estate in Aberdeenshire as part of her usual summer stay. She was pictured wearing a yellow overcoat and sunglasses in the rear passenger seat as she travelled towards the castle this afternoon. Earlier today, she was seen looking out the window as a police convoy led her vehicle away from Windsor Castle. Balmoral has had a number of adaptations in recent years, including her Craigowan Lodge, which was fitted with a wheelchair-friendly lift in 2021. The castle was bought for Queen Victoria by Prince Albert in 1852 for 32,000, and it has been the Scottish home of the royal family since. She usually arrives at the estate in mid-July. It comes after Her Majesty kept calm and carried on with her royal duties as Britain faced its hottest day on record on Tuesday. The Queen pictured departing Aberdeen today as she was driven towards her official Scottish residence of Balmoral Castle for her annual summer stay The Queen was earlier pictured looking out the rear passenger window as she was driven away from Windsor Castle in a police convoy today Two Range Rovers are escorted by a police motorcycle as the Queen left her Windsor home to travel to her estate in Aberdeenshire, Scotland The Queen is travelling to Balmoral, which has had a number of adaptations in recent years, including a wheelchair-friendly lift fitted in 2021 The trip to Scotland comes after the Queen kept calm and carried on with her royal duties as Britain faced its hottest day on record on Tuesday True to form, she soldiered on as she welcomed the new US ambassador Jane Hartley from the safety of Windsor Castle during a virtual audience. The head of state donned a floral summer dress as she chatted on screen with the American diplomat, who presented her credentials at Buckingham Palace. The Queen, who was seated in her Oak Room sitting room at Windsor, has in the past been pictured with a Dyson Pure Hot + Cool Link purifier fan at the Palace, and is also likely to also have one at her Berkshire abode. Despite mobility problems and being less than four years away from her 100th birthday, she has continued her engagements virtually as wildfires were breaking out across the UK amid the heatwave. The Queen, 96, today donned a floral summer dress as she chatted on screen with the American diplomat, who presented her credentials at Buckingham Palace The monarch welcomed the new US ambassador Jane Hartley (pictured) from the safety of Windsor Castle during a virtual audience on Tuesday The mercury hit an unprecedented 40.2C (104.4F) at London Heathrow Airport at 12.50pm - around an hour after a reading of 39.1C (102.4F) in Charlwood, Surrey, beat the previous all-time UK high of 38.7C (101.7F) in Cambridge in July 2019. In third place is 38.5C (101.3F) in Kent in August 2003, and 38.1C (100.6F) in Suffolk yesterday is fourth. The trip also comes a week after the Queen officially opened a 22 million hospice building in Maidenhead on Friday. Her Majesty travelled the short distance from her home to formally launch the new home of the Thames Hospice and to meet staff, volunteers and a patient. But just as the monarch, who was joined at the outing by the Princess Royal, was introduced to Graham White and his wife Pat, who has stage 4 cancer and is receiving respite care at the centre, his phone rang and he reached into his pocket to turn it off. The Queen quipped: 'Typical, his mobile instantly rings', and Mr White sheepishly said it was his son ringing. Her Majesty, who moved with the aid of her now familiar walking stick, looked effortlessly elegant in a blue floral dress when appearing alongside her daughter, Princess Anne, 71, in the Berkshire area this morning. Just as the monarch, who was joined at today's outing to Thames Hospice by the Princess Royal, was introduced to Graham White and his wife Pat (pictured right), who has stage 4 cancer and is receiving respite care at the centre, his phone rang and he reached into his pocket to turn it off It comes as the Royal Family today received a grovelling apology from the BBC and vowed to never again show Martin Bashir's Panorama interview with Diana, as it agreed to pay their former nanny substantial damages over lies used by the rogue reporter. Alexandra Pettifer, better known as Tiggy Legge-Bourke, 57, appeared at the High Court in London this morning for a public apology from the broadcaster over 'fabricated' allegations she had had an affair with the Prince of Wales while working as Charles' personal assistant in 1995. Mr Bashir is also said to have tricked Diana into believing the nanny had become pregnant by Charles by showing her a faked abortion 'receipt'. Miss Legge-Bourke's solicitor Louise Prince told the court today that the allegations caused 'serious personal consequences for all concerned'. The corporation's director-general Tim Davie directed a public apology to Charles, William and Harry, as well as Miss Legge-Bourke herself 'for the way in which Princess Diana was deceived and the subsequent impact on all their lives'. He agreed with comments previously made by the Duke of Cambridge that the BBC 'failed to ask the tough questions' and admitted it was 'a matter of great regret' that bosses 'did not get to the facts'. Mr Davie pledged to never show the Panorama programme again, or provide the rights to other broadcasters, adding: 'Had we done our job properly Princess Diana would have known the truth during her lifetime. Advertisement A heartbroken wife wept over the bloodied corpse of her dying husband after he was struck by Russian shelling in Kharkiv in Putin's latest cowardly attack on civilians today. Grief-stricken Sabina howled while cradling the body of Artem Pogorelets who was wrapped in blood-stained blankets at Barabashovo market. Emergency workers tried in vain to console her after the devastating blitz which killed another and injured at least 21 after the bombardment also struck a mosque, a medical facility, a bus stop, a gym and a residential building. Three people were killed by strikes a day earlier in Kharkiv, where some semblance of normal life had returned in recent weeks after Ukrainian forces pushed back Russian troops from the city limits. Russia yesterday reiterated its plans to seize territories beyond eastern Ukraine, where the Russian military has spent months trying to conquer Ukraine's Donbas region, which is south of Kharkiv. Sabina cries over the body of her husband Artem Pogorelets after Russian shelling at Barabashovo market in Kharkiv today Emergency workers tried in vain to console her after the devastating blitz which killed another and injured at least 21 people Sabina howled while cradling the body of Artem Pogorelets who was wrapped in blood-stained blankets by Barabashovo market The bombardment also struck a mosque, a medical facility, a bus stop, a gym and a residential building as Russia renewed its attacks A woman stands by a damaged bus after a Russian rocket strike in a busy civilian district in Ukraine's second biggest city Ukrainian officials recently aired their plans to try to recapture Russian-occupied areas near the country's southern Black Sea coast. Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov said the attacks early Thursday targeted one of the most crowded areas of the city, which had a prewar population of about 1.4 million. 'We are asking Kharkiv residents to be extremely careful. The enemy is firing chaotically and brutally at the city. Stay in shelters!' the governor, Oleg Synegubov, wrote on social media. The Kharkiv region's governor, Oleh Syniehubov, said four people were in grave condition and a child was among those wounded in the shelling. Russian forces also have shelled wheat fields in the area, setting them on fire, he said. Elsewhere, Russian forces shelled the southern city of Mykolaiv overnight as well as the eastern cities of Kramatorsk and Kostiantynivka, where two schools were destroyed after a civilian was killed Wednesday, Ukrainian officials said. Russia yesterday reiterated its plans to seize territories beyond eastern Ukraine, where the Russian military has spent months trying to conquer Ukraine's Donbas region A medical worker treats an injured man after Russian shelling at Barabashovo market in Kharkiv Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov said the attacks early Thursday targeted one of the most crowded areas of the city, which had a prewar population of about 1.4 million Firefighters extinguish fire of a damaged school building following shelling in the town of Kramatorsk today The scattered attacks illustrate broader war aims beyond Russia's previously declared focus on the Donbas region's Donetsk and Luhansk provinces, where front line battles mostly unfolded in recent weeks. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told state-controlled RT television and the RIA Novosti news agency in an interview published Wednesday that Russia plans to retain control over more territory, including the Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions in the south. Moscow's current strategy also envisions making gains elsewhere, Lavrov said. His comments indicated the war could flare up rather than wind down in the weeks to come. In Kramatorsk in the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine, which has seen some of fiercest fighting, a school that Ukrainian officials said was being used as a food aid storage point was also struck. The school's deputy director Olena Shmadchenko, 56, looked at the destroyed building in despair. 'I have been working at this school for 16 years. It was my home!' she told AFP. In Kramatorsk in the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine, which has seen some of fiercest fighting, a school that Ukrainian officials said was being used as a food aid storage point was also struck Ukrainian rescuers use a crane to move the debris out of a school building heavily damaged following shelling in the town of Kramatorsk The scattered attacks illustrate broader war aims beyond Russia's previously declared focus on the Donbas region's Donetsk and Luhansk provinces Western powers have stepped up arms supplies to Ukraine but President Volodymyr Zelensky has asked for more and speedier deliveries. Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin said Wednesday Washington would send four more M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), which have notably boosted Kyiv's capabilities. 'Ukraine needs the firepower and the ammunition to withstand this barrage and to strike back,' Austin told reporters, adding that the new shipment would bring the total of US HIMARS sent to Kyiv to 16. Russia has warned about arms supplies and said it will no longer be focused only on wresting control of the east Ukraine regions of Lugansk and Donetsk, which have been partially controlled by pro-Moscow rebels for years. In recent weeks, Russian forces have hit civilian targets in cities and towns far away from the frontline, leaving scores of civilians dead. In recent weeks, Russian forces have hit civilian targets in cities and towns far away from the frontline, leaving scores of civilians dead Russia has warned about arms supplies and said it will no longer be focused only on wresting control of the east Ukraine regions of Lugansk and Donetsk In an emotional speech before the US Congress on Wednesday, Ukrainian First Lady Olena Zelenska described the suffering of millions of Ukrainian parents and children, and asked Washington for air-defence systems to fend off Russian missiles. Zelenska displayed images of children who were killed or maimed by Russia, including a four-year-old killed by a strike in the city of Vinnytsia. Photos of her blood-spattered pink stroller and footage of her final moments went viral on social media. 'Help us to stop this terror against Ukrainians,' Zelenska said. Refugees who fled Ukraine in the early weeks of the war have found themselves in limbo. At a refugee centre at the Global Expo exhibition centre in Warsaw, some 1,500 people have been camped out in what they thought would only be a temporary shelter before finding more permanent housing or being able to return to Ukraine. 'All I hope for now is to return home... or else to be relocated somewhere in Poland,' said Olena Polonitska, who has been living at the centre for four months with her 11-year-old son Kyrill. Garrett Zeigler, a former aide to Trump trade advisor Peter Navarro, told his followers on Telegram that he was deposed by the January 6 committee A former Trump administration aide called two female January 6 witnesses 'hoes and thots' and lambasted lawmakers on the panel as 'Bolsheviks' during a profane rant late on Tuesday after appearing before the panel. Garrett Zeigler served as an aide to Donald Trump's trade adviser Peter Navarro, who was charged with contempt of Congress last month for denying the committee's subpoena. On Monday Zeigler informed followers on his Telegram channel that he would appear before the committee the following day, and promised to 'do nothing but tell the truth.' 'Trump did nothing wrong and the election was stolen. Make America Great Again,' he said. The ex-adviser vented about his deposition on the same platform late on Tuesday night. Excerpts of the roughly half-hour tirade went viral on Twitter. Comparing himself to other junior staffers who complied with the committee, Zeigler said: 'Im the young guy in the room, and theyre not even going after any other young people.' He specifically named Cassidy Hutchinson, Mark Meadows' ex-assistant who testified in public and in multiple times in private, and Alyssa Farah Griffin, who's spoken to the committee behind closed doors and resigned in the wake of the Capitol riot. 'The other young people are total hoes like and thots like Cassidy Hutchinson and this Alyssa Farah hoebag who are just terrible. I mean, they have no clue what theyre saying,' Zeigler said. 'Thot' stands for 'that hoe over there' and is used as a derogatory term for women. He also accused the January 6 committee of being an 'anti-white' group who 'see [him] as a young christian who they can basically scare.' 'This is a Bolshevistic, anti-White campaign. If you cant see that, your eyes are freaking closed,' the former aide fumed. He said the lawmakers 'hate America and most white people in general.' But he did defend complying with the panel's subpoena, unlike his ex-boss Navarro -and unlike Steve Bannon, who is currently in the midst of a criminal trial - by claiming he was 'on an island' where he did not have the same resources to fight the committee. 'Steve and Peter are much older than me...They can pay attorneys to go to trial. I had to be very smart and circumstances circumspect. So my goal was to avoid contempt of Congress,' Zeigler told his listeners. He claimed to have invoked executive privilege or the Fifth Amendment to avoid answering questions 'over 100 times.' The ex-Trump aide remained defiant, insisting that the panel was misrepresenting key facts and blasted the media for reporting them. For example, Zeigler tried to explain that Trump and his allies were not trying to pressure then-Vice President Mike Pence to 'unilaterally reject elections' but simply 'kick it back to the states.' The plan, as reported, did rely on Pence sending democratically-chosen electors back to battleground states with Republican-led legislatures. Numerous legal scholars as well as Pence himself have insisted he has no legal authority to do that. But Zeigler accused the former vice president of having 'betrayed his oath' by refusing. He also attacked Alyssa Farah Griffin, a Republican Trump critic who had served in the ex-president's administration as director of communications Zeigler called Griffin and former Mark Meadows aide Cassidy Hutchinson (pictured publicly testifying before the January 6 committee) 'hoes' He also called President Joe Biden's inauguration 'illegitimate.' 'We don't have a legitimate Republic. It's not legitimate. Does that mean that the police aren't real? No. It simply means that Joe's a fraud. Nobody believes he got 81 million votes,' Zeigler claimed. The January 6 committee was likely interested in details Zeigler could provide about a contentious December 18, 2020 White House meeting, CNN reported on Tuesday. Witness testimony has already painted a heated confrontation between Trump's outside allies pushing ways to steal the presidential election while White House aides vehemently opposed them. Zeigler claimed he 'wasn't even at the White House grounds' that night during his Telegram live stream. 'The lame-stream press said that I had attended a meeting on December 18 and that i had escorted General Flynn, Patrick Gordon, Sidney Powell into the Oval Office. It's not the truth. I've never said that,' he said. 'What I did was, I sent them a URL to a form to fill out, so then they can request the Secret Service to be admitted onto the property. That's exactly what I did. I did nothing more.' The January 6 committee is holding a primetime hearing on Thursday night, its final in a current set of summer presentations - though lawmakers have suggested more could come later this year. Thursday's hearing will reportedly see two former Trump White House staffers testify - ex-aide Sarah Matthews and former deputy National Security adviser Matthew Pottinger. Both had resigned their posts after the Capitol riot. Led by Republican Rep. Adam Kinzinger and Democrat Rep. Elaine Luria, Thursday's hearing will focus on Trump's actions, and lack thereof, in the 187 minutes between when his supporters first broke into the US Capitol and when he finally called on them to go home. Nicola Sturgeon has been accused of failing to act fast enough to combat Scotland's drugs crisis because she is focusing on independence instead. The First Minister was criticised today by a new report that demanded a swathe of changes to the way narcotics are dealt with. The Drugs Deaths Taskforce made 20 recommendations and calls for 139 specific actions to be taken by the Scottish and UK Governments after three years of investigations. The 135-page document praised Ms Sturgeon and her Government for some of its work but also criticised the slow pace, warning that 'rhetoric needs to be backed up by action'. The report revealed that three Scots die every day from drug overdoses. In 2020, there were 1,339 drug-related deaths in Scotland, a rate far above the rest of the UK and higher than any European country. Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross said the deaths were a 'national shame' and accused the SNP administration of being 'distracted by pushing their independence obsession at every turn'. Ms Sturgeon is demanding a new referendum on independence in October next year, but Boris Johnson has refused to sanction it. 'This watershed report makes it clear that can never happen again if we are to drastically reduce the tragic number of lives lost to drugs in Scotland,' Mr Ross said. 'That is why it is disgraceful that Nicola Sturgeon's is pressing ahead with plans for another divisive independence referendum next year. 'That is time and resources that should be spent on tackling record levels of drugs deaths right now.' The First Minister was criticised today by a new report that demanded a swathe of changes to the way narcotics are dealt with. The report revealed that three Scots die every day from drug overdoses. Scottish Conservative Leader Douglas Ross said the deaths were a 'national shame' and accused the SNP administration of being 'distracted by pushing their independence obsession at every turn'. In the report, taskforce's chairman David Strang, a former chief constable, makes 20 recommendations and calls for 139 specific actions to be taken by the Scottish and UK Governments as well as other organisations. He wants the approach to drugs should move away from punishment towards care and a number of changes in the law are recommended, including legislation at a UK level for safe drug consumption rooms to go ahead. Safe consumption facilities are not a 'magic solution' to addiction, he said, but could help guide people into treatment. Work on the first consumption rooms should begin soon, Mr Strang said, calling for an action plan from the Scottish Government within six months. Addressing the Scottish government's work so far, the report added: 'Many have drawn parallels between the current drug deaths crisis and the Covid-19 pandemic, which drew an unprecedented Government response. 'The First Minister and Minister for Drugs Policy have repeated that drug deaths represent Scotlands other public health emergency. We support this level of response to what is a tragic and unacceptable loss of life. 'It is important, however, that these are not simply empty words. The rhetoric needs to be backed up by action. 'The Scottish Government should learn from international examples of public health emergencies to outline what a meaningful response to the drug-deaths crisis means in practice.' Other recommended legal changes include tightening equalities law to remove 'any discriminatory separation between drug dependency and other health conditions.' The report says 'significant cultural change' is needed to reduce stigma and discrimination, calling for more action to change attitudes. Mr Strang said the taskforce considered the issue of drug decriminalisation but felt it would be a 'distraction' from the main topics they wanted to cover. He said: 'I think what we feel is Scotland's not ready for that yet. 'It might be a journey that we go on but if you were to go down that road, there would need to be extensive consultation.' 'Significant additional funding' is needed to tackle drugs deaths on top of what the Scottish Government has already pledged, the report says. Drugs Policy Minister Angela Constance said: 'Many of the recommendations proposed in previous reports have already been implemented including measures to mitigate the impact of the pandemic and the expansion of the police naloxone pilot. "Others, such as safer drug consumption facilities, drug-checking facilities, ending Friday liberations and Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) standards, are already being progressed. "Of course, there are areas where we want to go far further and today's recommendations will be central to delivering that. We have announced 1.1 million of new investment into public health surveillance projects to improve our real-time understanding of harms so we can improve our response.' Advertisement A series of severe storms are expected to expected to slam into the eastern coast of the United States as sweltering temperatures leave 255million Americans under heat warnings. New York City, Boston, Albany, and Burlington, Vermont, are among the major Northeast cities meteorologists say could experience torrential rain, damaging winds, hail, and possibly isolated tornadoes in afternoon storms on Thursday. Rains could serve as a brief respite in a nation that has seen temperatures soar throughout the week, with the forecasters expecting temperatures to continue climbing into the weekend. Temperatures in Boston and New York City could reach 95 degrees on Thursday, and over the weekend the could continue to climb towards the 100 degree mark. Across the Midwest temperatures have already cracked 100 degrees in some cities and are well on there way in the South, where Richmond is expected to reach 99 degrees today. Cities across the US are expected to be clobbered by severe storms on Thursday afternoon, as a heatwave continues to broil the nation The storms are expected to strike the Northeast in the afternoon, but rains could arrive in the region as early as the late morning The severe storms due to hit the Northeast on Thursday afternoon could bring damaging gusts of wind up to 60 miles per hour Storms are supposed to reach across the South, with wet weather persisting into the weekend after today's storms pass The Storm Prediction Center said the combination of heat and moisture in the air could bring rains to the threatened regions by the late morning. The interior of New England is expected to experience the most rainfall, where up to two inches could rapidly fall in some places. Meteorologists said gusts of high wind will pose the biggest danger to the affected areas, with gusts reaching up to 60mph according to AccuWeather. Lightening is expected too, and meteorologists said conditions could be right to produce a tornado in some areas but that the chances were low. After the storms pass through the central Northeast, they are expected to move up into Maine, placing Portland in their crosshairs. Rains are expected to abate as the storm cells reach the coastline. New York City, Boston, Albany, and Burlington, Vermont, are among the major Northeast cities meteorologists say could experience torrential rain, and damaging winds The interior of New England is expected to experience the most rainfall, where up to two inches could rapidly fall in some places The Southeast is also expected to experience a series of summer storms, with Atlanta, Raleigh, Charlotte, Birmingham and Jackson under the most threat for lightening and high winds. Rain and wet weather is expected to linger in the region. The Great Lakes region is also likely to experience severe storming over the weekend, with Chicago and Michigan facing the possibility of flash flooding, damaging winds up to 70 miles per hour, and chances of isolated tornadoes forming. A woman cools off by wetting her feet in the Washington Square Park fountain in New York City on Tuesday as high temperatures punished the city People try to beat the heat alongside fountains in Washington DC on Wednesday. Temperatures are expected to climb through the weekend A New Yorker takes to the waves to try to cool down on Tuesday amidst the sweltering heat wave that is broiling the nation The storms come Rising temperatures across the country caused Boston to declare a 'heat emergency' on Wednesday, while New York City officials are urged residents to stay inside for their own safety. Michelle Wu, Boston's Mayor, declared the emergency and has launched dozens of cooling centers across the city to help protect locals. Jackie Bray, commissioner of New Yorks homeland security and emergency services division, urged residents to stay indoors rather than risk the 'dangerous' heatwave. She pushed for the move so locals can avoid dangerous conditions that can lead to heat stress and illness. At least one-third of the US population has been issued with heat advisories and excessive heat warnings and roughly 265 million people will see temperatures above 90 degrees in the coming days. A 'heat dome' covering the country is largely due to a persistent region of high pressure trapping heat over an area. Relatives of a victim of the Guildford pub bombings nearly 48 years ago says they need answers after a coroner ruled the explosives were laid by a 'courting couple'. Soldiers Caroline Slater, 18, William Forsyth, 18, John Hunter, 17, and Ann Hamilton, 19, and civilian Paul Craig, 21, died and 65 were injured in the blast - carried out by the terrorists during the height of the Northern Ireland Troubles - at the Horse and Groom pub in the Surrey town on October 5, 1974. The bomb which went off at around 8.50pm was equivalent to 18 sticks of dynamite, and is likely to have been placed in the pub by a man and woman, Surrey Coroner's Court heard on Thursday. The family of Private Hamilton voiced their concern after they were refused legal aid and were unable to 'examine witnesses or interrogate the extensive material' and put forward arguments in open court. A statement released on their behalf by KRW Law read: 'This was our last chance to engage in a process to produce truth, justice and accountability but we have been excluded from that process and our voice, on behalf of Ann, was not heard, and our presence in this was process was absent. 'An inquest must serve to allay suspicion and rumour. An inquest must serve the interests of the relatives of victims. 'We do not think this inquest has served either of these purposes. First, the families were excluded because there was no public funding. Second, the inquest was circumscribed in its scope because of the current state of coronial law and rules. 'Both must be addressed if this process is to continue with any credibility in the interests of bereaved families. 'Many of our questions remain unanswered.' Coroner Richard Travers, concluding the inquest, said: 'The bomb contained approximately four-and-a-half kilograms of nitroglycerine-based high explosive and had been planted under a bench seat in the public house some time after it opened at 5.30pm that evening. 'None of them was targeted personally, rather the public house and the area in which they were sitting were targeted because they were popular, and crowded, with military personnel. 'I pass on my very sincere condolences to the families and friends of all those who died as a result of this appalling act of terrorism.' Five people were killed by an IRA bomb at the Horse and Groom pub in Guildford in 1974 Caroline Slater, 18, Ann Hamilton, 19, William Forsyth, 18, John Hunter, 17, and plasterer Paul Craig, 21, died in the first explosion at the Horse and Groom The court heard the four military victims were new recruits who had been enjoying their first Saturday night off to socialise, while Mr Craig was a friend of someone at the pub. There were around 120 people at the pub when the 'violent, intense and devastating' explosion occurred. Mr Travers went on: 'There was a loud bang and bright flash emanating from the main alcove, followed by darkness, dust, panic, chaos and confusion. 'A number of witnesses in the main alcove also described a feeling of electrocution which could not have been caused by the blast and which I find was likely to have been the result of live electricity cables falling down from the ceiling. 'It must have been terrifying.' He went on to say the device was detonated by an 'electrically-initiated firing circuit', and was a time bomb which had been ticking quietly. Gerry Conlon outside the House of Commons showing the media the letter of apology he received from Prime Minister Tony Blair for him being wrongly convicted of the Guildford pub bombings Patrick 'Paddy' Armstrong, a member of the Guildford Four, Dublin, June 2014. The Guildford Four were convicted in English courts in 1975 of bombings carried out by the Provisional IRA. Their convictions were quashed in 1989 after they had spent 15 years in prison. He said the bomb would have been an 'immense, unstoppable force' and 'extremely traumatic and disorientating'. It caused a wall and fireplace to be blown into another room, obliterating parts of the building and causing the victims to fall through to the cellar. Mr Travers said: 'I am satisfied from the totality of the evidence that the bomb was probably planted by a young man a woman often referred to as a 'courting couple'. 'This couple were seen in the main alcove on the bench seat above where the bomb was planted.' The inquest did not have the scope to explore who was responsible for the bomb, the composition of the explosive device or any claims that police lied during the trial of the Guildford Four. Retired police officer Robin Young said in evidence earlier this month a 'huge bang' was followed by 'utter confusion and mass hysteria' after the first of two bombs. Paul Hill, one of the Guildford Four, reunited with his American wife, Marion, for the first time since he was freed from prison Gerry Conlon, one of the Guildford Four accused of the 1974 IRA Guildford pub bombing. Conlon served 15 years in prison after being wrongly convicted of being a Provisional IRA bomber He said he could see 'bodies, a lot of debris and mess' in the crater, with some victims 'alive, screaming and shouting' inside. Retired ambulance driver attendant William Edwards, of The Shoe, a hamlet in Wiltshire, recalled treating one burns victim, adding: 'It looked like his clothes had just been blasted off.' It was also described as a 'bloodbath and utter chaos'. Mr Craig was killed almost immediately, while Private Hamilton, Private Slater and Guardsman Hunter died between five and 15 minutes later. Guardsman Forsyth died two hours later in hospital, with all of them suffering 'very serious blast injuries'. Eleven people, the Guildford Four and Maguire Seven, were found guilty over the atrocity but their convictions were later quashed. The incident and its aftermath inspired the 1993 film In The Name Of The Father, starring Oscar-winning actor Daniel Day-Lewis. In 1976, IRA members Brendan Dowd and Martin Joseph O'Connell admitted carrying out the bombings but were never charged as both had been imprisoned in the 1970s for other offences and freed during the Northern Ireland peace process. Mr Travers added: 'I find that there was nothing specific about the date of the attack or the choice of the pub which could have made the bombings reasonably foreseeable or preventable.' Advertisement Families embarking on summer getaways at the start of school holidays are being caught in long queues at the Port of Dover and the Eurotunnel, as well as heavy traffic on major UK roads. All modes of transport are expected to be noticeably busier than since before the pandemic began in 2020 starting from this weekend, as schools break up for the summer holidays. The RAC calculates that almost 19 million journeys will be made between Friday July 22 and Monday July 25, the highest number for a summer getaway since records began in 2014. From Friday to Sunday, an extra 5.6 million trips will be taken by drivers who are currently unsure which day they will depart on. Current estimates show more than four million trips will take place on each individual day. Heavy traffic will become a familiar sight on this stretch of the M25 Leatherhead - this was the scene this afternoon at the start of the Schools summer holidays Passengers queue for ferries at the Port of Dover in Kent, as families embarking on summer getaways at the start of school holidays have been warned by ferry operators to expect delays of several hours at the border The insurance company is recommending that drivers begin their journey either very early in the morning or later in the day if they wish to avoid the worst of the traffic. Experts predict some of the worst jams will be on the M25, M3, M23 and M40, and say drivers should try and travel before 10am and after 7pm on Friday, which is set to be the worst day of jams and queues. Drivers are warned that the M25 from J4 to Dartford, the M4 from J30-24, and the M25 J17-12 are expected to be travel hotspots. And in addition those travelling cross-country for their holidays, tourist hotspots will also being to see serious increases in local traffic, including Stonehenge and the Bridgwater shopping centre. Ferry operators have warned passengers to expect delays of several hours at the border. DFDS wrote: 'Please allow three hours to complete the check-in process and border controls at the port.' A spokesperson for the company said: 'The port has been very busy today with delays at border control. All parties have been working hard on improving traffic flow through the port and queues at border control are currently free flowing. 'With six vessels serving Dunkerque and Calais, DFDS is getting everyone away and onto the first available sailing, but there is a backlog that we are doing our best to clear as soon as possible.' P&O Ferries stated: 'There are major queues (approximately two hours) at border controls in Dover. 'Our check-in is free-flowing and all sailings are on time.' Another company, Irish Ferries, told passengers: 'Due to expected queues, please allow up to two hours to complete border control and check-in. Queues are so stationary at Dover than people have been pictured exiting their cars and even walking their dogs in the limited space while they wait to be allowed into the port Passengers queue to enter the Eurotunnel site in Folkestone, Kent, with trains currently running with an approximate delay of three hours While freight lanes are pictured empty, passengers are stuck in a 90 minute queue to make it through check-in at Folkestone The travel industry has seen a huge surge in demand from holidaymakers this year, and experts are warning of severe disruption once all schools have broken up for the summer 'Have documents ready to assist border control checks and reduce queueing time.' All three operators said delayed passengers would be allowed to travel on the next available sailing. Last week, the Port of Dover stated that passengers should 'expect average wait times of around 60-90 minutes for French border controls at the port during peak periods'. It is in part due to a return to pre-pandemic levels of travel expected this summer, which is seeing the return of long queues on motorways. A spokesperson for the Port of Dover said: 'Ahead of the summer getaway and the expected return of pre-pandemic tourist volumes, the Port of Dover enacted several interim measures to ensure passengers have a smooth start to their holidays. 'These measures include the installation of 50% more booths for use by French border control, improvements to internal traffic routes, provision of welfare facilities for passengers and the training of a team of Passenger Champions to provide help and information on-site. 'As a result of high demand and capacity issues at the border earlier this morning, the Port system is working hard to catch up and get everyone through as quickly as possible. 'Passengers will be placed on the first available sailing and will be away on their holidays shortly.' Motorbikes, cars, vans and caravans have all been kept waiting at check-in at Dover today - but ferry companies have been quick to stress that services are running on time The Port of Dover said the queues were in large part due to a spike in customer demand which matches pre-pandemic levels for the first time As people head off on their holidays, they are being warned to monitor official websites for travel updates and to expect heavy traffic, particularly if travelling on weekends As families embarking on summer getaways at the start of school holidays set off, a return to the pre-pandemic queues on the motorway at Folkestone are meaning a wait of several hours for passengers The Port of Dover has long queues due to border controls - freight vehicles could be seen queuing to get onto ferries earlier today Ferry companies such as P&O, DFDS and Irish Ferries are all giving out advice to customers - so make sure to check before you travel Meanwhile in Folkestone families are facing a delay of three hours to their booked travel time - but are still being advised to arrive at their initial check-in time. There is a queue of at least 90 minutes to check in, plus 30 minutes to get through border control. A statement on the Eurotunnel's website says: 'We are sorry for any inconvenience caused, we are working hard to get you away as quickly as possible.' It added on Twitter: 'Eurotunnel is doing every [sic] possible to mobilise its resources and ensure that all booked customers will get on their way to France. We are unable to respond to all individual tweets directly. We apologise for the wait today and any inconvenience caused; we are working hard to get you away as soon as possible.' Holidaymakers have criticised the firm online for a lack of communication. One social media user wrote: 'Do you know what the worst type of customer service is? 'This ! Appalling, have you not learnt anything from being in business? Zero rating!' There are also reports of issues in Eurotunnel's carparking and exiting the motorway to join the queues for access. A spokesperson for the company told MailOnline: 'Our service is running on time with 4 departures per hour. 'Travel time for customers has increased in large part due to the additional border controls for UK citizens who now have to have passports stamped and answer questions from French border officials before being allowed to cross. 'As this happens before they board onto a shuttle departure, it adds to the time they are on the terminal before crossing. 'We are operating 24/7 and, even if customers do experience slower processing at the border, we will be able to get them to France.' An Australian truck driver told his family he went to Ukraine to provide humanitarian aid but had secretly joined the foreign legion to fight Russia before he was killed in a mortar blast. Michael O'Neill, 47, from Tasmania returned from briefly living in the Philippines and was driving trucks in WA to pay off debts as Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24. Less than a month later the father-of-three and 'larrikin' would be training at Yavoriv military base in the eastern Ukrainian city of Lviv and almost three months later to the day he would killed on the frontline on May 25. From a bunker in the Ukrainian village of Molodova, Mr O'Neill appeared in good spirits as he recorded his last video message to family and friends in early May, telling them to 'stay tuned'. Australian truckie Michael Charles O'Neill (above), 47, died in Ukraine amid the ongoing Russian invasion Mr O'Neill (pictured) told his family he was going to provide humanitarian aid but had joined the frontline helping Ukraine's military effort Russian forces had been driven back from Molodova days before but were perched on the outskirts and peppering the area with artillery. Mr O'Neill in the video points out a nearby building which is smoking, had just been struck. 'It's a river crossing with a bridge, so a stronghold point for both sides. Our guys have just gone down to the river to pick a fight,' he explained. 'I'll be the one driving them out, potentially with a bit of f***ing artillery up my arse.' 'Anyway, guys, war is lovely.' On May 24, a day before his death, Mr O'Neill revealed to a Ukrainian film crew how he'd he gotten into the country and joined the foreign legion, reports The Australian. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called on foreigners to join his country's resistance when war broke out, with officials saying more than 20,000 from dozens of countries had arrived with two weeks. The Australian had no combat experience but trained upon first arriving in Lviv and his skills as a driver were put to use (pictured) To get to Ukraine, Mr O'Neill had flown to Germany where he was blocked from leaving the airport as the situation unfolded. 'I met a Ukraine guy when we were detained at the airport and he said, 'Well, I've got an idea we can fly into the UK. 'We flew to the UK the next morning and then he bought me a ticket to come to Ukraine.' He'd told his family back home including his three children, mother, brothers and sisters, and nieces and nephews that he wanted to go to provide humanitarian assistance. But he immediately joined the Ukraine military effort, training at Yavoriv base in Lviv despite having no previous combat experience. 'They're bullies. I just fell in love with the Ukrainian spirit,' he told the film crew about why he'd joined. 'The Russians are killing innocent people, attacking villages and not targeting military operations.' The Yavoriv facility was bombarded by the Russians on March 13 in a particularly relentless attack. The Ukrainians retreated to the city of Rivne to the northeast and many of the foreign fighters left, but Mr O'Neill stayed on. The Ukrainians put to use his his skills as a driver and he was also posted to his battalion's medical unit. He trained at the Yavoriv military base until it was attacked by Russians and they retreated to a nearby city Fellow legionnaires, some from Australia and the US, nicknamed him 'Taz' for Tasmania and he quickly grew a reputation as a lovable larrikin. By May his battalion was in the eastern Ukraine city of Kharkiv which was, and still is, under sustained heavy attack. Mr O'Neill was on patrol near the military base at Ternova just a few kilometres from the Russian border when he was struck. Armed with hand-held Javelin missiles they were on the lookout for tanks in support of nearby Ukrainian units when they came under heavy fire from Russian mortars. A piece of mortar caught Mr O'Neill in the stomach. 'There were penetrating shrapnel wounds that hit major blood vessels, but there was also the shockwave effect of the actual explosion, which caused significant internal organ damage because of the sheer force of the blast and his proximity to it,' a US legionnaire told the newspaper. He said Mr O'Neill died 'with people on both sides of him holding his hand and a former US marine cradling his head'. Mr O'Neill's (above) sister said he had gone to Ukraine after hearing 'women and children were struggling to leave the country' because he felt his truck driving experience could be of help Mr O'Neill's sister shared a heartbreaking tribute on Facebook to her 'larrikin' brother. 'He passed away in Ukraine helping with humanitarian aid,' she said. 'Always looking for a cause he headed to Ukraine to drive trucks helping citizens flee the country. 'He then assisted driving the wounded and injured from the front line. Unfortunately meeting a sad end.' In a later interview with the Mercury she said he brother was a 'battler' with a passion for helping those in need. 'He heard that women and children were struggling to leave the country,' she said. 'As an experienced truck driver he felt his services could be utilised driving trucks helping people leave the country. 'The family are very upset, he was sending messages daily from Ukraine to all family and his children.' His mother Elizabeth Rickards said she suspected he may have joined the fighting after travelling to the country. 'He went over to help as a volunteer and if you knew him, he wouldn't have been content not to get fully involved,' she said. A 31-year-old woman has appeared in court over the killing of a man found dead inside a house in South Wales. Rebecca Louise Press, from Trecenydd, Caerphilly, is accused of murdering 57-year-old Richard Ash at a property in Elliots Town, near New Tredegar. She is also charged with assaulting a woman on the same day. Appearing at Cardiff Crown Court via video link on Thursday morning, Press, who was wearing a blue tank top and grey jogging bottoms with her pink hair tied up in a pony tail, spoke to confirm her name. Rebecca Louise Press, from Trecenydd, Caerphilly, is accused of murdering 57-year-old Richard Ash at a property in Elliots Town, near New Tredegar Press, pictured, appeared over videolink at Cardiff Crown Court where he confirmed her name, date of birth and address She was told that she was facing a potential trial date of January 9, 2023 Gwent Police began an investigation after officers called to the address at around 12.30am on Sunday found the victim unresponsive. Paramedics from the Welsh Ambulance Service confirmed the man had died. His next of kin are being supported by specialist officers. Police said Mr Ash was found unresponsive when officers arrived in Elliots Town, New Tredegar, Gwent, at around 12.30am on Sunday and was later pronounced dead. During the short hearing, a potential trial date of January 9 next year was set. Prosecutor Jason Howells said: 'We consider this to be a two to three week trial. There's a lot of statements and evidence to gather in the interim.' But due to the on-going barrister strike Press does not currently have a legal team to instruct in court. Cardiff Crown Court heard her solicitors have contacted chambers in Cardiff but so far no barristers are willing to agree to take on her case. Her solicitor warned the court that they were having trouble instructing a barrister as there were none available in Cardiff willing to take the case Judge Tracey Lloyd-Clarke told her solicitors they needed to do more to ensure she has a proper defence. She said: 'You're going to have to make enquiries right across England and Wales.' Press is due to appear in court again for the plea hearing on August 17 and the judge ordered her legal team to be in place by then. Press of Trecenydd, Caerphilly was remanded in custody. A Georgia special grand jury has ordered Rudy Giuliani to testify over former United States President Donald Trump's alleged attempts to overturn the state's elections in 2020. The former New York mayor who later became the Republican businessman's personal attorney is expected to appear before the special grand jury next month. He has been one of the most outspoken proponents of false claims that Trump won the election and did not appear before a New York Supreme Court judge on July 11. Giuliani Ordered To Testify That hearing was to argue that he should not have to comply with the grand jury's subpoena. On Wednesday, the judge ordered Giuliani to testify on Aug. 9. The official's lawyers did not respond to multiple requests for comments regarding the judge's order. Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis launched her investigation into the potential criminal election interference in the presidential election in early 2021. The decision came shortly after a reported phone call between Trump and Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger. That was where the former president allegedly pressured the secretary to "find" enough votes to overturn his election loss, as per the Washington Post. A special grand jury was seated in May to obtain testimony from figures who had thus far not complied with investigators. The district attorney issued subpoenas to other officials, not just Giuliani, including six other out-of-state residents who embraced the former president's false claims about the election and tried to overturn Joe Biden's victory. Read Also: Hunter Biden Probe: US President's Son May Face Several Charges Over Tax Violations, Foreign Deals, and False Statements These individuals were identified to be Sen. Lindsey Graham, lawyers John Eastman and Cleta Mitchell, Trump campaign lawyers Jenna Ellis and Kenneth Chesebro, and conservative commentator Jacki Pick Deason. According to CNN, on Tuesday, it was revealed that Willis has also informed all 16 of the individuals who signed an "unofficial electoral certificate" that was ultimately sent to the National Archives in late 2020 that they may be indicted in the probe. Efforts To Overturn Georgia Election Results Prosecutors are moving closer to potential criminal charges against the people involved in the attempt to overturn the state elections. It also suggests that the probe may be drawing closer to the former president himself, as it comes on the heels of subpoenas that were issued to several members of Trump's legal team who took part in overseeing the efforts. A Georgia judge initially signed off on Willis' effort to subpoena Giuliani earlier this month because as a New York resident, his summons was moved to a court there, where a New York judge scheduled a hearing that gave him an opportunity to quash the summons. Giuliani is a person of interest in the investigation due to a number of reasons, including his participation in a scheme to create slates of pro-Trump presidential electors in numerous states including Georgia. He also appeared in person before two Georgia state legislative committees in December 2020. There, he allegedly spent hours peddling false conspiracy theories about secret suitcases of Democratic ballots and corrupted voting machines. He said, "You cannot possibly certify Georgia in good faith," the New York Times reported. Related Article: Documents Show Trump's Plan To Add Citizenship Question in 2020 Census for Partisan Gain @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Advertisement The iconic Central Park Loeb Boathouse, famous for its lakeside views, delectable plates and rowboats, will be closing its doors due to rising costs of labor and goods, the restaurant's operator said. The landmark eatery and rowboat rental, which first opened in 1954, will stop operating on October 16. At least 163 workers will be laid off. Operator Dean J. Poll, who had signed a 15-year license deal with the Parks Department in 2017, blamed the decision on spiking costs of labor and raw materials, NBC reported. An employee, who asked to remain anonymous, told DailyMail.com on Thursday that the measure follows Poll's failed attempt to renegotiate terms with union, New York Hotel and Motel Trades Council. 'The current owner was in negotiations with the union, because almost everyone here is under union ... And there was an issue, some employees did not think it was fair,' the employee claimed. As for the the Labor Department, it told DailyMail.com that it 'can't speculate on why this business is closing.' The boathouse, which has become a fixture in New York City, has also been featured in movies and TV series including 'When Harry Met Sally,' 'Manchurian Candidate,' 'Three Men and a Little Lady' and 'Sex and The City.' The iconic Central Park Loeb Boathouse, famous for its lakeside views, delectable plates and boat rides, will be closing its doors on October 16 The Loeb Boathouse has been one of the most famous locations in Central Park since it first opened in 1954 and has featured in the 1989 movie 'When Harry Met Sally' (pictured), starring Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal In the third season of 'Sex and The City,' which aired in 2000, Carrie meets Mr. Big for lunch at the boathouse, months after their first break up The Loeb Boathouse has been one of the most famous locations in Central Park since it first opened in 1954 and is is a common landmark in Hollywood films. In the third season of 'Sex and The City,' Carrie meets Mr. Big for lunch at the boathouse, months after their first break up. When he leans for a kiss, Carrie lurches and both fall in the Central Park lake. The Boathouse is a special-occasion destination for New Yorkers and tourists and has featured in several movies Sarah Jessica Parker, who refused to have a stunt double for the scene, famously had to get a tetanus shot after cutting her foot during the ordeal. The boathouse was also featured in a scene of the TV series 'Person of Interest.' In the third episode of the third season, investigators Reese and Shaw go undercover on a date at the restaurant to closely follow a man they believe kills women. In '27 Dresses,' main character Jane, portrayed by Katherine Heigl, also enjoys lunch with her boss at the eatery. The Loeb Boathouse has also been a favorite for brides looking for the perfect wedding venue and has hosted A-list events throughout the years. Prominent New York figures were often seen dining at the restaurant. The boathouse, which sits along the easternmost edge of the Central Park lake, has become a fixture in New York City When Mr. Big leans for a kiss, Carrie lurches and both fall in the Central Park lake. Sarah Jessica Parker, who refused to have a stunt double for the scene filmed at the Loeb Boathouse, famously had to get a tetanus shot after cutting her foot during the ordeal In the 2008 film '27 Dresses,' main character Jane, portrayed by Katherine Heigl, also enjoys lunch with her boss at the eatery Central Park's famous restaurant is also featured in the 1990 film 'Three men and a Little Lady,' starring Tom Selleck, Steve Guttenberg and Ted Danson The boathouse was also featured in a scene of the TV series 'Person of Interest.' In the third-season, which aired in 2013, the investigators go undercover on a date at the restaurant to find a serial killer During the pandemic, the Loeb Boathouse struggled due to a lack of tourism and big groups allowed in the restaurant. Poll decided to temporarily close the restaurant in October 2020; it was eventually reopened in March 2021. At the time, Poll said he wanted to 'renegotiate terms for the balance of the remaining years of the license agreement,' with the New York Hotel and Motel Trades Council. Poll was paying the city a fee of up to $1.702 million or 7.2 percent of gross annual receipts, whichever is greater, up to $22 million each year. The restaurateur also spent around $2.9 million in 2018 to renovate the building and had a 15-year concession agreement with the Parks Department. Poll also owns Gallagher's Steakhouse in Manhattan. Martha Stewart and Steve Livengood attend Olmsted Bicentennial Gala 'Parks For All People' Presented By National Association For Olmsted Parks At Central Park at The Loeb Boathouse on April 25, 2022 (L-R) Mattias Paulin Ferrell, his father, actor Will Ferrell, actress and model Alessandra Ambrosio and actress Linda Cardellini attend the after party for the 'Daddy's Home' New York premiere at The Loeb Boathouse in 2015. Whoopi Goldberg attends Chicken Coupe hosted by Whoopi Goldberg during Food Network & Cooking Channel New York City Wine & Food Festival presented by FOOD & WINE at The Loeb Boathouse on October 15, 2015 Luciano Pavarotti, Ivana Trump, Ivanka Trump and Eric Trump (left to right) attend a party at the Central Park Boathouse in October 1987 The boathouse was designed by landscape architect Calvert Vaux in 1872. The structure was a two-story Victorian, 12-feet-tall, 20-feet-long wooden boathouse. The iconic building was then replaced by a rustic, wooden structure in 1924, before it was repaired in the 1950s. The restaurant, as it is known today, was named after banker and philanthropist, Carl and Adeline Loeb, who donated $305,000 for the earlier 1870s-era boathouse to be demolished and rebuilt in 1954. The eatery is a special-occasion destination for New Yorkers and tourists. It's known for its rowboats, which could be rented to explore the lake, and is the only Manhattan venue directly on the lake. During the pandemic, the restaurant struggled due to a lack of tourism and big groups allowed inside The restaurant, as it is known today, was named after philanthropists Carl and Adeline Loeb who donated $305,000 for the earlier 1870s-era boathouse to be demolished and rebuilt in 1954 The boathouse was designed by landscape architect Calvert Vaux in 1872. The structure was a two-story Victorian, 12-feet-tall, 20-feet-long wooden boathouse The iconic building was then replaced by a rustic, wooden structure in 1924, before it was repaired in the 1950s Advertisement Boris Johnson's Government has provided more than 2billion of arms to wartorn Ukraine including anti-tank missiles and night-vision goggles, and plans to send hundreds of drones and anti-tank weapons in the coming weeks to help the European democracy fend off Putin's war of aggression. Defence Secretary Ben Wallace today laid bare the scale of Britain's military aid to Volodymyr Zelensky's administration since the Russian invasion on February 24. The British Ministry of Defence revealed it has sent Kyiv more than 6,900 anti-tank missiles, 16,000 rounds of artillery ammunition, 5,000 night-vision goggles, 120 Armoured Fighting Vehicles and six Stormer vehicles fitted with Starstreak launchers. It plans to bolster Ukraine's existing Soviet-era artillery with more than 20 M109 155mm self-propelled guns, 36 L119 105mm artillery guns, and in excess of 1,600 anti-tank weapons and hundreds of loitering aerial munitions in the coming weeks, the MoD added. The Defence Secretary said in a statement: 'The scale and range of equipment we are providing demonstrates the strength of our resolve. Together with our international partners, we will ensure Ukraine has the tools to defend their country from Putin's illegal invasion.' The war looks set to be taking a drastic new turn after Putin's attack dog Sergei Lavrov confirmed that Moscow's war aims now go beyond the Kremlin-backed Donbas region in the east and include Kherson and neighbouring Zaporizhzhia in the south. The Ministry of Defence revealed it has sent Kyiv more than 6,900 anti-tank missiles, 16,000 rounds of artillery ammunition, 5,000 night-vision goggles, 120 Armoured Fighting Vehicles and six Stormer vehicles fitted with Starstreak launchers. It plans to bolster Ukraine's existing Soviet-era artillery with more than 20 M109 155mm self-propelled guns, 36 L119 105mm artillery guns, and in excess of 1,600 anti-tank weapons and hundreds of loitering aerial munitions in the coming weeks Firefighters extinguish fire of a damaged school building following shelling in the town of Kramatorsk today Boris Johnson's Government has flooded Ukraine with arms since Putin invaded the country in February REVEALED: Britain's military aid to Ukraine since Putin's February 24 invasion in numbers Since Putin's February 24 invasion: More than 6,900 anti-tank missiles (including more than 5,000 NLAW, as well as Javelin, Brimstone, and other anti-tank weapons); Multiple Launch Rocket Systems; 120 Armoured Fighting Vehicles Six Stormer vehicles fitted with Starstreak launchers as well as hundreds of Starstreak missiles; Maritime Brimstone; More than 16,000 rounds of artillery ammunition, as well as anti-structure munitions and 4.5 tonnes of plastic explosive; Communications equipment; Electronic warfare equipment; More than 82,000 helmets, 8,450 sets of body armour, medical supplies and more than 5,000 night-vision devices. Military aid to Ukraine in 'coming weeks': More than 20 M109 155mm self-propelled guns; Thirty-six L119 105mm artillery guns and ammunition; More than 50,000 rounds of ammunition for Ukraine's soviet era artillery; At least 1,600 more anti-tank weapons; Unmanned aerial systems (including 100s loitering aerial munitions); Counter-battery radar systems; Medical equipment. Advertisement In the nearly five months since Putin's men invaded Ukraine, 1,700 tanks have been destroyed by Ukrainian forces who have been able to inflict heavy losses on the Russian army thanks to advanced Western weaponry and tactics. Ukrainian armed forces said today they had killed 111 Russian soldiers in the south and east over the past day, as comments from Russia's foreign minister showed the Kremlin's goals had grown during the five-month war. Russia classifies military deaths as state secrets even in times of peace and has not updated its official casualty figures frequently during the war. Russian troops shelled cities across eastern and southern Ukraine, Ukrainian officials said, and hit two schools as Putin's forces carried out limited ground operations in preparation for a wider offensive. The Ukrainian military reported heavy and sometimes fatal Russian shelling in the east and south of the country amid what its said were largely failed attempts by Russian ground forces to advance in the eastern Donetsk region. Donetsk regional governor Pavlo Kyrylenko said Russian missile strikes had destroyed two schools in the cities of Kramatorsk and Kostiantynivka and had also hit the city of Bakhmut but there was no information yet on casualties. Russia says it does not deliberately target civilians and uses high precision weapons to degrade Ukrainian military targets, but the war has flattened cities, particularly in Russian-speaking areas in the east and southeast of Ukraine. The mayor of Kharkiv, Igor Terekhov, in his Telegram channel said that one of the most densely populated areas of the city was being shelled and asked people not to leave shelters. Oleh Synehubov, governor of the Kharkiv region, said two people had been killed and 19 wounded, four of them seriously. Vitaly Kim, governor of the southern Mykolaiv region, said the region had been targeted with seven S-300 missiles. One person had been wounded, he said, and infrastructure, energy facilities and storage facilities damaged. Multiple blasts were also heard in the Russian-controlled southern region of Kherson overnight and into Thursday, Russian news agency TASS reported. CIA Director William Burns said on Wednesday that the United States estimated that Russian casualties in Ukraine had so far reached around 15,000 killed and perhaps 45,000 wounded and that Ukraine has suffered what he called significant losses too. Scotching persistent speculation that Putin may be suffering from health problems, Burns also said that the Kremlin chief was healthy as far as he knew. British military intelligence said on Thursday that Russian forces were likely closing in on Ukraine's second biggest power plant at Vuhlehirska, 50 km (31 miles) north-east of Donetsk. 'Russia is prioritising the capture of critical national infrastructure, such as power plants,' the ministry, which supports Ukrainian forces, said in a regular bulletin. Firefighters extinguish fire of a damaged school building following shelling in the town of Kramatorsk today Russia annexed Crimea in 2014 after a military intervention by pro-Russian separatists and Russian Armed Forces. That was followed by a controversial Crimea-wide referendum, illegal under the Ukrainian and Crimean constitutions, whose official results showed over 90% support for reunification It said taking the power plant, a Soviet-era coal-fired facility, was also probably part of Russia's attempt to regain momentum as it tried to advance towards the key cities of Kramatorsk and Sloviansk in eastern Ukraine. It comes as Russian gas began flowing to Europe via a major pipeline after a pause - but the gas flow was expected to fall well short of full capacity and the outlook was uncertain. The resumption of gas flows via the Nord Stream 1 pipeline to Germany ended a nerve-jangling 10 days for Europe in which politicians expressed concern Russia might not restart them at a time when alternative energy supplies are tight and prices high. The pipeline has traditionally carried more than one third of Russia's gas exports to Europe but was operating at only 40% of its capacity after Kremlin-controlled Gazprom cut gas exports in a row over the repair of a turbine. European Union Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has accused Russia of trying to blackmail Europe by using energy as a weapon, something Moscow, which is unable to swiftly redirect all of its gas to other markets, has denied. read more Moscow has criticised EU and US sanctions on Russia over its February 24 invasion of Ukraine and military help to Kyiv, saying it had to undertake what it calls a 'special military operation' to prevent NATO using Ukraine to threaten Russia. A British tourist is in a critical condition with severe head injuries after he was hurled to the floor by a pair of fellow Brits following a party boat excursion in Greece yesterday evening. The victim, 19, was pushed to the ground by his attackers and cracked his head after the trio got into an argument upon returning to port from a boat tour of popular resort island Zakynthos. It is unknown what sparked the confrontation, but the unnamed Brit suffered life threatening head injuries in the attack and is currently in the ICU wing of Zakynthos General Hospital. Doctors want to transfer the teen to Piraeus' Tzanio Hospital in mainland Greece for further care but are working to ensure his condition is stabilised before he is moved. The two men involved in the incident were arrested by the Greek coastguard and are currently being held in the Port Authority's detention facilities. The victim, 19, was pushed to the ground by his attackers and cracked his head after the trio got into an argument when they returned to port from a boat tour of popular resort island Zakynthos (pictured) It is as yet unknown whether the teen sustained such severe head injuries as a direct result of the fall, or whether he was subsequently beaten by the pair of holidaymakers. But the 19-year-old's condition was so severe that he was rendered unable to breathe on his own and was intubated by medical staff. The shocking attack comes just days after another British tourist was found dead on his sunbed at the popular Stalida beach on the Greek island of Crete. The 54-year-old man, who was pronounced dead after being rushed to Heraklion University Hospital, was discovered around 8pm on Saturday night by bathers at the beach in the municipality of Hersonissos. They became suspicious after the man, who had seemingly been sunbathing on the shore, had remained still in the sun for hours without reprieve. The man was discovered on Stalida beach (pictured), part of the northern municipality of Hersonissos on the island of Crete The 54-year-old man, who was pronounced dead after being rushed to Heraklion University Hospital (pictured), was discovered around 8pm on Saturday night by bathers at the popular Stalida beach Upon further inspection the bathers realised the Brit was unconscious and raised the alarm. Emergency services rushed to the scene where bathers were performing CPR in an attempt to revive the man, to no avail. The man's identity has not yet been revealed, and his body is scheduled to undergo a post-mortem examination to determine the cause of his death. An FCDO spokesperson told the MailOnline: 'We are supporting the family of a British man who has died in Crete,' but declined to give any further information on the case. Psychiatrists have been aware for years that low serotonin levels may not cause depression, despite continuing to prescribe the pills, a chair of psychology has said. Dr Jonathan Raskin, from State University of New York, told DailyMail.com he'd been concerned that the theory that depression was caused by low serotonin levels was 'incomplete' for 'a while'. But he said many medics continued to prescribe the medication, even while they were unsure if they were effective, because it was 'easier' than offering more time-intensive care. The pills could still help some patients, he added, but they are not a 'cure-all' for those suffering from depression. This week a landmark UK study called into question society's ever-growing reliance on antidepressants like Prozac. The $15billion-a-year industry set to grow to $21billion in the next decade sees patients prescribed pills like Prozac on the promise they will cure people's depression by raising levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter in the brain. But after reviewing 17 major studies scientists at University College London said they found no convincing evidence that a lack of this chemical sparked the condition. Dr Jonathan Raskin, chair of psychology at State University of New York at New Paltz, said many experts had been concerned the theory was 'incomplete' Researchers from University College London said a review of evidence has found no link between low serotonin levels and depression casting doubt on antidepressants designed to boost levels of the 'feel good' chemical. But other experts have cast doubt of the findings About 13 percent of American adults take antidepressants every year, figures show. But rates are much higher among women, with up to 18 percent prescribed the medications annually. Asked whether low serotonin levels caused depression, Raskin who is also a psychotherapist said: 'I think most mental health professionals familiar with the research have known for a while that the serotonin theory of depression is incomplete and has mixed research support. 'Depression is a complicated issue, and the idea we would be able to reduce it simply to serotonin is not right. 'When we give antidepressants, we don't do this based on biological tests showing they don't have enough serotonin but if we think it could help them.' Asked whether people should keep taking the pills, he said: 'I think that this is a conversation worth having. 'I am not going to say people should or should not be on them, but I think there has been a lot of popular dissemination of the idea that we have reduced depression to low serotonin levels. 'Antidepressants have some effect some of the time for some people, but I don't think they are a cure-all.' WHAT IS DEPRESSION? SYMTOMS AND CAUSES While it is normal to feel down from time to time, people with depression may feel persistently unhappy for weeks or months on end. Depression can affect anyone at any age and is fairly common approximately one in ten people are likely to experience it at some point in their life. Depression is a genuine health condition which people cannot just ignore or 'snap out of it'. Symptoms and effects vary, but can include constantly feeling upset or hopeless, or losing interest in things you used to enjoy. It can also cause physical symptoms such as problems sleeping, tiredness, having a low appetite or sex drive, and even feeling physical pain. In extreme cases it can lead to suicidal thoughts. Traumatic events can trigger it, and people with a family history may be more at risk. It is important to see a doctor if you think you or someone you know has depression, as it can be managed with lifestyle changes, therapy or medication. Source: NHS Choices Advertisement He added: 'They are easier to prescribe and give to people than provide more time intensive things like psychotherapy. 'So they may be offered to people despite other solutions being equally or more effective.' One academic involved in the UK study described the findings as 'eye-opening', and that 'everything I thought I knew has been flipped upside down'. Lead author Professor Joanna Moncrieff, a psychiatrist, said: 'The popularity of the "chemical imbalance" theory has coincided with a huge increase in the use of antidepressants. 'Thousands suffer from side effects of antidepressants, including severe withdrawal effects that can occur when people try to stop them, yet prescription rates continue to rise. Serotonin helps carry signals in the brain and is thought to have a positive influence on mood, emotion and sleep. They are preferred to other types of antidepressants because they cause fewer side effects. Yet they can still lead patients taking them to experience anxiety, diarrhea, dizziness and blurred vision. Depressed patients can also be hit by crippling withdrawal symptoms when they try to come off the pills. At the same time, a raft of studies have suggested they don't work any better than a placebo. The UCL study, published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry, analyzed 17 previous reviews dating back to 2010 and consisting of dozens of individual trials. It does not prove SSRIs don't work. However, it does suggest the drugs don't treat depression by fixing abnormally low serotonin levels. SSRIs have no other proven way of working, Professor Moncrieff and colleagues said. She added: 'We can safely say that after a vast amount of research conducted over several decades, there is no convincing evidence depression is caused by serotonin abnormalities, particularly by lower levels or reduced activity of serotonin. 'We do not understand what antidepressants are doing to the brain exactly. 'Giving people this sort of misinformation prevents them from making an informed decision about whether to take antidepressants or not.' Studies used in the review involved hundreds of thousands of people from various countries. They found there was no difference in serotonin levels between people diagnosed with depression and healthy people, despite polls suggesting up to 95 per cent of the public believing this is the case. Artificially lowering serotonin levels in healthy volunteers also did not lead them to developing depression. The White House press office was forced to point out that President Joe Biden does not have cancer after a Wednesday speech in Massachusetts triggered a slew of questions about whether he had just made a major health announcement. No, said a key aide, pointing out that the president was referring to a diagnosis long before he took up residence in the White House. It is just the latest example of aides playing clean-up for the gaffe-prone 79-year-old. This time it came after Biden delivered a major climate speech and discussed the impact of emissions from oil refineries near his home in Delaware. 'You'd have to put on your windshield wipers to get literally the oil slick off the window,' he said. 'That's why I and so damn many other people I grew up with have cancer and why for the longest time Delaware had the highest cancer rate in the nation.' The White House was forced to clarify President Joe Biden's comments in a climate speech on Wednesday, when he appeared to say he has cancer A White House spokesman referred to a Washington Post reporter's tweet which claimed Biden was referring to having had non-melanoma skin lesions removed Non-melanoma skin cancer and the procedures Biden had to get them removed Non-melanoma skin cancers develop on the upper layers of a person's skin, unlike melanoma which is deeper in the tissue While these cases account for a majority of skin cancers, they are not as deadly as melanomas and rarely spread beyond the skin and into other organs They often form as a discolored patch of skin that remains over a long period of time and can slowly grow if left untreated Cases most often appear on parts of the skin that get regular sun exposure The two most common forms of non-melanoma skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) BCC often appears as either a small shiny or scaly patch on the skin SCC will appear as a firm pink lump with a more rough surface If left untreated, both types of cancers can cause significant and permanent damage to a person's skin Treatments for the cancers include small surgery, cryotherapy, anti-cancer creams, radio therapy or light treatment Just over five million combined cases of BCC and SCC are diagnosed in the U.S. each year Source: NHS, Johns Hopkins, American Cancer Society Advertisement That use of tenses immediately raised eyebrows. And political opponents were quick to seize on the line. The Republican National Committee tweeted: 'Did Joe Biden just announce he has cancer?' The health of the nation's oldest president has been the source of frequent discussion even among allies, who wonder whether Biden will be fit enough to run again in 2024. As questions grew, Andrew Bates, a White House spokesman, used Twitter to play down the president's words and direct readers to a Washington Post reporter's tweet suggesting Biden was referring to having minor skin cancers removed in the past. 'This is what the president was referring to,' wrote Bates. The Washington Post's Glenn Kessler flagged last year's health report, which said Biden had had non-melanoma skin cancers removed in the past. 'How dumb is this tweet? Check out Biden's medical report,' wrote Kessler, in reference to the RNC tweet. 'Before he became president, he'd had non-melanoma skin cancers removed. Has no one at @RNCResearch ever had this common procedure?' Quite why Biden used the present tense and whether doctors have connected skin cancers to emissions was left unanswered. But last year's report by Dr. Kevin O'Connor, physician to the president, described how Biden had spent a lot of time in the sun as a youth. And that he had had lesions removed by Moh's surgery - a technique that involves progressively removing thin layers of cancer-containing skin. 'There are no areas for suspicious for skin cancer at this time,' O'Connor concluded. The episode was simply the latest in which aides had to clarify the freewheeling president's remarks. In March, he appeared to tell American troops they would soon be in Ukraine - in direct contradiction of U.S. policy to avoid deploying U.S. forces in the country at all costs. Speaking to members of the Army's 82nd Airborne Division at a mess hall in Rzeszow, Poland, he paid tribute to Ukraine's fighting forces. 'Look at how theyre stepping up,' he said. 'And youre going to see when youre there.' Officials had to quickly say that Biden was not changing U.S. policy. 'The president has been clear we are not sending US troops to Ukraine and there is no change in that position,' said an aide at the time. They were forced into action again a day later, when the president appeared to call for regime change in Moscow. 'For Gods sake, this man cannot remain in power,' Biden said in the Polish capital Warsaw. The 'clarification' followed rapidly. 'The president's point was that Putin cannot be allowed to exercise power over his neighbors or the region. He was not discussing Putin's power in Russia, or regime change,' a White House official said. A young woman has launched a search to find a heroic stranger who saved her life when he rescued her after she fell onto the tracks in the London Underground. Tegan Badham was in the city to attend Wireless Festival on Sunday, July 10, when she tripped onto the tracks at King's Cross St Pancras and was electrocuted. The 21-year-old received horrific burns on her back in the incident and was certain she was going to die as she struggled to get back up while the next train approached. Do YOU know the hero stranger? Do you know the hero stranger? Email matthew.lodge@mailonline.co.uk Advertisement But she was saved thanks to a kind bystander, who lifted her off the tracks with seconds to spare as the train entered the platform. Her lucky escape left medics amazed, with Ms Badham claiming they told her: 'We thought we were picking up a body'. The festival-goer, who hails from Cwmbran in south Wales, says she's grateful to live to see another day and wants to thank the man who made it possible. Ms Badham and friend arrived in the capital on the Sunday evening, having already gone to the event on Friday, July 8, before skipping Saturday night. She said she had been looking forward to seeing Nicki Minaj that night, but instead was left 'in agony' as she smelled her own skin burning. The music lover said she can't remember how she tripped, but thankfully 'a man grabbed hold of my arms and pulled me up'. Tegan Badham, pictured, was in London on July 10 for Wireless Festival when she fell onto the Tube tracks at King's Cross St Pancras station Speaking to the Sun, she said: 'I just have to find him, he saved my life. 'I was too shocked to thank him and he was catching the train that came into the station. 'I was so lucky that he bravely reached down to me, without him I would be dead now.' The accident happened about 6pm, Tegan said. She said she was heading for the Victoria Line from King's Cross to travel to Finsbury Park where the festival was taking place. 'I just tripped,' she told Wales Online. 'I can't even tell you how or what happened, I can't even remember getting onto the track, I just remember coming around and being like "Oh my Gosh, I'm on the track, what am I going to do?"' The 21-year-old received burns on her back (pictured), arms and legs as she was electrocuted when she fell As Tegan attempted to recover herself she suffered burns on several different parts of her body. 'The worst ones were on my leg and my back,' she added. 'Thankfully, that man just grabbed me. If he hadn't grabbed me I honestly would not be here. 'My eyes were just flashing before my life. When I got out I just kept my eyes shut because I was freaking out. I just sat on the floor and kept quiet because I had no idea what was going on.' She said she wants to find the man, who was of medium build and had dark hair, so she can thank him in person. She added he might have been in his 30s, was wearing casual clothes and had mousy-brown hair. 'I would just be emotional if I spoke to him,' Ms Badham said. 'I wouldn't even know where to start. I just want to cwtch (hug) him and tell him I'm so grateful for him doing that. He's probably a bit traumatised by it too.' For now Ms Badham is focusing on her recovery after suffering burns on her back, arms and legs. Ms Badham (pictured right, with her friend Hannah Smith left) says a heroic stranger saved her life by pulling her to safety before a train arrived She claims the thick rubber-soled boots she was wearing might have helped save her from even worse burns, and the incident has given her a new view on life. 'I'm moving really well now, obviously the first week my back was killing but now I can actually move my hands and put my clothes on myself,' she said. 'I think I've got a new outlook on life now, I'm just enjoying myself.' A TfL spokesperson said: 'We are sorry to hear that a customer at King's Cross St Pancras station sustained minor injuries after a fall onto the Victoria line track and would like to thank those who helped her. 'We wish her a full and quick recovery and want to reassure customers that their safety is paramount to TfL.' Dave Chappelle is currently performing in Minnesota but photography inside is not allowed (he is sown in October 2019) Dave Chappelle laughed off the fiasco that forced a Minneapolis venue to cancel him at the 11th hour last night in surrender to a woke mob, calling his critics a 'small group of transgender lunatics' and slamming the venue for not having more 'courage'. Chappelle, 48, had been slated to play a sold-out show at First Avenue, a venue in Minneapolis. Tickets started at $129.50 and the venue had sold 1,500 - bringing in nearly $200,000 of sales, of which they would have taken a handsome slice. But hours before the show, First Avenue announced it was no longer willing to host. Their about-turn came as the result of a Change.org petition signed by 125 people who complained Chappelle was transphobic, and staff members who refused to turn up to the man the event. It was quickly moved to the nearby Varsity Theater and went ahead uninterrupted. During the show, Chappelle said he was disappointed that First Avenue hadn't shown more stealth against the woke mob. He also laughed off that transgender activists who protested outside, calling them 'lunatics'. I can see a transgender hit squad from a mile off! 'I can see a transgender hit squad from a mile off,' he said, prompting laughs from the crowd of fans, according to a review of the show by local paper The Star Tribune. Phones were not allowed inside the event. The Star Tribune's TV critic Neal Justin quoted Chappelle as saying the small group of protesters who turned up at the show to terrorize fans were 'probably hired by his wife, determined to suck the joy out of his life.' There were lines out the door to the show last night in Minneapolis once it had been moved The activists who protested the event call themselves MnUprising. They vandalized the venue with graffiti 'Early in the set, Chappelle seemed sympathetic, sharing that he had heard children of some First Avenue staffers had been threatened. 'But after a few glasses of booze (and a Foggy Geezer beer) he admitted that the cancellation had been devastating and hoped the club would be more courageous in the future,' Justin wrote. The row began last week, when members of MnUprising, an activism group, launched a petition calling for the show to be canceled. The group complained that Chappelle 'harmed' them with his 'transphobic views'. They launched a Change.org petition and attracted 125 signatures - a 12th of the crowd expected at the show on Wednesday night. It was enough to persuade First Avenue to ditch the event, despite having sold 1,500 tickets at $129.50-a-pop, a total of nearly $200,000 which they would have taken a handsome slice of. First Avenue announced on Wednesday that it would no longer host the Dave Chappelle show after the Change.org petition Varsity, another theater in Minneapolis, quickly offered to host the show instead Chappelle has survived calls to be canceled since last year, when he made jokes during a Netflix stand-up show last October. He said he stood with J.K. Rowling and her opinion that gender is a 'fact', and joked that he was 'team TERF'. TERF is the label given to cisgender women who are accused of not supporting trans women. It stands for 'trans-exclusionary radical feminist'. Chappelle's comments, which came at the height of cancel culture, broke away from the Hollywood trend of appeasing the woke mob. Immediately, there were calls for him to be banished from the streaming site and for people to boycott his shows. He stood by his remarks and still does - to the fury of groups like MnUprising, which launched a Change.org petition demanding for his show to be canceled. After the show was moved, the group continued to complain and threatened to protest outside the new theater. Scott Jensen, the Republican gubernatorial candidate in Minnesota, was among to slam the venue's decision Chappelle's fans said the fiasco would only give him more material. MnUprising is now being compared to white fascists for their bullying and lobbying of the theater. Journalist Glenn Greenwald wrote: 'This theater in Minneapolis booked and promoted a live show by Dave Chappelle. Activists objected, demanding they cancel it because the show "harms" them and puts them in "danger." 'The theater capitulated and apologized for the "harm." The show will now be in a different theater. 'In the 1980s, it was the Moral Majority and social conservatives on the right who routinely objected to shows by artists and comedians, demanding that the shows be canceled or banned on the ground that they "cause harm to the community." 'Now it's the left that does this.' The group, MnUprising, describes itself as 'amplifying voices from occupied indigenous land'. It was formed in August 2020. On its Change.Org petition against Chappelle's shows, the group complained: 'Dave Chappelle has a record of being dangerous to trans people, and First Avenue has a duty to protect the community. 'Chappelle's actions uphold a violent heteronormative culture and directly violate First Avenue's code of conduct. 'If staff and guests are held to this standard, performers should be too.' Russia today accused Ukraine of firing on the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Moscow-occupied territory, claiming a 'European-wide catastrophe' was narrowly avoided 'by luck'. Moscow claimed Ukrainian drones struck the nuclear power plant - the largest in Europe - on Wednesday just yards away from a reactor cooling tank. Foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said: 'It was only by luck that this did not lead to damage to the equipment and to a man-made catastrophe.' She accused Kyiv of seeking to create 'conditions for a nuclear disaster, not only on its territory, but throughout Europe.' Russian troops took control of the Zaporizhzhia plant in southeast Ukraine in March, early in their Ukraine offensive. Moscow claimed Ukrainian drones struck the nuclear power plant - the largest in Europe - on Wednesday just yards away from a reactor cooling tank. Pictured: Smoke rises into the air after Ukraine reportedly hit the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant Russia today accused Ukraine of firing on the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Moscow-occupied territory Russia accused Ukraine of firing on occupied nuclear plant, with some of the apparent damage pictured here in photographs published by Russian state media Zakharova said Ukrainian forces had fired on it twice this week - on July 18 and July 20 - from a drone. But Kyiv today accused Moscow of storing heavy weapons in the nuclear plant and said it came at the expense of fire safety norms and that if Russian ammunition is accidentally ignited, the consequences would be disastrous. Ukraine state energy company Energoatom said on social media that Russia had moved over two dozen pieces of military equipment and ammunition into the engine room of the first reactor. 'The occupiers continue to cynically violate all norms and requirements regarding fire, nuclear and radiation safety of the NPP operation, keeping heavy military equipment, ammunition, weapons and explosives just in the engine room of the power unit of the largest nuclear power plant in Europe,' Energoatom said. 'If a fire occurs, for example, due to the accidental detonation of ammunition, then its scale could be equal to the one that occurred during the accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant' in 1986, Energoatom said. A Russian serviceman patrols the territory of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Station on May 1 Moscow-installed authorities in the part of Zaporizhzhia region controlled by Russian troops earlier accused Ukraine of 'nuclear terrorism' and said they would appeal to the United Nations. The UN's nuclear watchdog said last month that it was planning to visit the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, despite Kyiv opposing any such visit while Russian forces remain in control. Earlier this month, Ukraine's nuclear power operator said it had re-established its connection to surveillance systems at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant. It was the second time communications had been lost with the plant, made up of six reactors. Energoatom agency said on its Telegram channel that it had restored the connection 'by its own efforts'. The link, it said, had been lost 'due to the cutting off by the occupiers in Enerhodar of all Ukrainian mobile operators, including Vodavone, with which the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has a contract for data transmission.' The IAEA, the UN's atomic watchdog had said earlier that the loss of communication links 'only adds to the urgency to dispatch this mission' to Zaporizhzhia. It said the connection had been lost 'due to a disruption of the facility's communication systems'. A Russian deputy prime minister last month said Moscow hoped to connect the plant to the Russian energy grid, but Ukrainian officials said it would take years to link the station to Russia. Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko says Russia, Ukraine and West MUST agree to stop war to avoid 'abyss of nuclear war' Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko said Thursday that Russia, Ukraine and the West must all agree to halt the conflict in Ukraine to avoid the 'abyss of nuclear war.' 'We must stop, reach an agreement, end this mess, operation and war in Ukraine,' Lukashenko, Russian President Vladimir Putin's top ally, told AFP in an exclusive interview in Minsk. 'Let's stop and then we will figure out how to go on living... There's no need to go further. Further lies the abyss of nuclear war. There's no need to go there.' Lukashenko accused the West of seeking a conflict with Russia and of provoking the Ukraine war. 'You have fomented the war and are continuing it,' he said. 'We have seen the reasons for this war,' he added. Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko said Thursday that Russia, Ukraine and the West must all agree to halt the conflict in Ukraine to avoid the 'abyss of nuclear war' 'If Russia had not got ahead of you, members of NATO, you would have organized and struck a blow against it,' he said, echoing Putin. Belarus has served as a staging ground for Russia's intervention in Ukraine, but Lukashenko has so far avoided becoming a party to the conflict. Analysts say that he is keenly aware of the fact that most Belarusians do not support sending troops into Ukraine. The 67-year-old leader, who has ruled Belarus for nearly three decades, insisted that Kyiv authorities can end the war if they re-start talks with Moscow and accept its demands. 'Everything depends on Ukraine,' he said. 'Right now, the peculiarity of the moment is that this war can be ended on more acceptable terms for Ukraine.' Pro-russian mayor of Energodar Andrey Shevtchik (C) walks past the Russian occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Station in southeastern Ukraine on May 1 Rescuers and servicemen work at a school building damaged by a Russian military strike, amid Russia's invasion on Ukraine, in Kramatorsk, in Donetsk region, Ukraine, on Thursday He urged Kyiv authorities to 'sit down at the negotiating table and agree that they will never threaten Russia.' Talks between Russia and Ukraine largely ground to a halt in mid-April. Lukashenko said that Ukraine must accept the loss of regions occupied by Russia in eastern and southern Ukraine. 'This is no longer being discussed,' he said. 'One could have discussed this in February or March.' On Wednesday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that peace talks with Ukraine 'make no sense' and announced that Moscow's military aims in the pro-Western country were no longer focused 'only' on the east. Lukashenko has sought to promote himself as Putin's most faithful ally, welcoming Russian troops under the pretext of military exercises before Moscow launched its Ukraine offensive. Despite officially being a non-belligerent, the Belarus strongman has demanded that his country be included in any talks and a deal to end the conflict. Lukashenko insisted that the war could have been avoided if Western countries had given Putin 'the security guarantees' he wanted. 'You, members of NATO and Americans, needed war.' After a spate of shark attacks in New York this summer, residents have seen beaches closed and drones monitoring the waters. At least six people have been bitten or injured by sharks this summer at New York beaches, most recently a 16-year-old boy on Fire Island, just off the South Shore of Long Island, on Wednesday. The boy was paddling on Kismet Beach when he suffered a four-inch laceration on his right foot before heading to the hospital, where he is expected to recover. There's a reason for the uptick in shark sightings and attacks, according to experts form Stony Brook University: Cleaner waters surrounding Long Island, increasing the availability of more fish for sharks to feed off. 'If there are sharks in your area, it means its a healthy ecosystem,' said Christopher Paparo, manager of the Marine Sciences Center at Stony Brook University. 'Were spotting sharks, whales and dolphins here. In the 60s, we did not have sharks, whales and dolphins,' he said. An incredible video was captured in Queens on July 20 of a shark rising out of the ocean and flipping through the air, causing Rockaway Beach to be shut down. Shark sightings continue to plague New York-area beaches, with a video captured of one leaping from the water in Queens The sighting was reported by a resident of the area and washed out to shore before it could be secured by the authorities, according to Lieutenant Daniel Hartman Longtime residents will now have to be on the look-out for sightings of larger marine life than ever before as creatures come closer to shore. 'There are a lot more sharks than 10 or 15 years ago,' Paparo told CBS News. For years, overfishing and pollution killed off many sharks in New York's waters or forced them to steer clear. After the 1975 film 'Jaws,' sharks were somewhat demonized in the public eye and shark conservationists have only recently rehabilitated their image. Another reason sharks have been spotted more in recent years is the rising temperature of the ocean due to global warming, as prey can be more plentiful in warmer waters. No fatalities have been reported this summer, and Paparo says that's due to a shark's intentions when coming into contact with humans. 'Its very common that the shark attack is not fatal,' and 'the reason for that is theyre not trying to eat us,' he said. Still, six shark attacks is a shocking number for New York residents and many may feel they will have to get used to this new normal. Long Island State Park beaches have put enhanced shark patrols in place due to the abnormally high number of encounters. The first of the attacks occurred on June 30, when a 57-year-old swimmer suffered a foot laceration at Jones Beach that was a 'possible shark bite,' according to medics. Over the July 4 weekend, lifeguard Zachari Gallo was ironically playing the role of a victim in a training exercise in the waters of Smith Point Beach when he was bitten in the chest by a shark. Gallo swatted the five-foot shark away, which injured his hand. It's the first reported shark attack at that beach since 1959. 'I felt sharp, sharp pain and once I felt the rubbery texture, I knew it was some kind of shark,' Gallo told CBS. 'I hit the shark three times. I went boom, boom, boom. I guess in the third one it spun back and it's tail hit me in the chest.' On July 7, another lifeguard was playing the role of victim 200 yards from a Fire Island beach when he was bitten on the foot by a shark. Sharks often react to splashing and confuse the splashes with prey, which may explain why two lifeguards performing as victims were targeted. NEW YORK: Locals in New York flocked to Rockaway Beach yesterday to soak up the sunshine on the East Coast with temperatures set to hit 97F today Less than a week later, on July 13, two more attacks occurred, one again at Smith Point Beach and another at a Fire Island beach. The first was a 41-year-old man who was knocked from his paddleboard by a sand tiger shark and bitten, before he repeatedly punched the predator and rode a wave back to shore. The second, on Fire Island, was an Arizona man wading in waist-deep water before being bitten on the buttocks and hand at approximately 6 p.m. Bradley Peterson, associate professor at the School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences at Stony Brook University, called the increased contact a 'success story.' Peterson said the summer attacks and sightings are 'the result of some really excellent resource management strategies that have increased not only the shark populations somewhat modestly but also their prey.' But he also said it's risky to enter the ocean during early morning or evening, as that is when sharks hunt. Peterson told FOX Weather the sharks main goal was to feed on bunker fish, saying 'theyre there to feed on the bunker; if they bite you, its by accident because they were going after fish.' The danger was perhaps never closer than this week in the village of Quogue, where a massive juvenile Great White Shark washed up on shore before being washed out to see again. The shark was reported by a resident of the area, which then washed out to shore before it could be secured by the authorities, according to Lieutenant Daniel Hartman. Police in the region are in touch with local shark researchers to see what can be done and are asking people to contact them if it is seen again. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said Tuesday that state offices are working to heighten patrols, including using drones and helicopters to monitor the sharks. On Monday, she directed the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, the Department of Environmental Conservation and the State Police to implement heightened patrols. That includes using drones and helicopters to monitor sharks. 'As New Yorkers and visitors alike head to our beautiful Long Island beaches to enjoy the summer, our top priority is their safety,' she said. 'We are taking action to expand patrols for sharks and protect beachgoers from potentially dangerous situations. I encourage all New Yorkers to listen to local authorities and take precautions to help ensure safe and responsible beach trips this summer.' Over six miles of ocean beachfront were closed on Long Island between East Atlantic Beach and Long Beach Tuesday afternoon. New York State Parks Regional Director George Gorman said the enhanced shark patrols are expected to remain in place throughout the summer season. While New York's shark attacks have been relatively tame this summer, some Americans in the southern states haven't been so lucky. A 17-year-old girl lost a leg after being bitten by a shark off a Florida beach - only to be saved when her EMT brother beat the creature off her thigh. Addison Bethea, 17, is pictured in hospital in Tallahassee days after a shark attacked her. Brother, Rhett Willingham, 22, left, saved her life by beating away the shark Addison said that at first she thought her brother was playing around and only when she looked down did she notice that it was a shark Addison Bethea's harrowing ordeal began around 3 p.m. Thursday, when the teen and her half-brother, Rhett Willingham, 22, went out scalloping in just five feet of water near Grassy Island, off Keaton Beach in Taylor County. Her father, Shane Addison, 46, told DailyMail.com on Friday his daughter was in brother Rhett's boat about a mile-and-a-half off-shore swimming in the water when she suddenly felt something hit her in the back of the leg. 'Addison thought her brother was just playing around until a nine-foot shark latched onto her thigh and she started screaming, and there was blood everywhere,' he said. As his daughter tried to pull the shark off her leg, her brother started beating nonstop on the beast trying to pry his sister loose. Once she was free, he grabbed her and carried her to his boat. A random stranger saw that the pair were in distress. Rhett placed his sister on the stranger's boat and then he used a 4 foot tourniquet around her right upper leg top stop the bleeding. 'The shark got her bad,' Shane said. 'She was very pale, and nearly going into shock.' Rhett called for an ambulance and when they arrived back on land, she was airlifted to Tallahassee Memorial Hospital some 80 miles away. A 170-year-old bottle of sherry from the home of the Duke of Wellington has exceeded its estimated sale price after selling for 1,527.50 at auction. The rare item is believed to have been bottled at Apsley House at Hyde Park Corner in London between 1850 and 1870. It was then home to the duke, Arthur Wellesley, who played a key role in the defeat of French dictator Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. He later served as Prime Minister from 1828 until 1830. It sold during Dreweatts' Fine And Rare Wine And Spirits sale on Thursday for a hammer price of 1,300, with the buyer's premium of 17.5 per cent increasing the total price to 1,527.50. This was more than double the Berkshire-based auction house's upper estimate of 700. A 170-year-old bottle of sherry from the home of the first Duke of Wellington has exceeded its estimated sale price after selling for 1,527.50 at auction The 1st Duke of Wellington, Arthur Wellesley, played a key role in the defeat of French dictator Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815 Mark Robertson, head of wine at Dreweatts, said: 'This wonderful bottle with only two careful owners in the last 170 years unsurprisingly garnered competitive bidding. 'We hope the new owner enjoys this unique sherry and whilst drinking can ponder on all the great historical moments that have passed since it was first bottled for the Duke of Wellington at Apsley house.' Wellesley was bestowed the title of the Duke of Wellington after playing a key role in defeating Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815 and ending the Napoleonic Wars. As a reward for his military success, Parliament gave him 700,000 to build a new 'Waterloo Palace' but instead of constructing a new building he put in a 40,000 bid to buy Apsley House. The rare item is believed to have been bottled at Apsley House (pictured) at Hyde Park Corner in London between 1850 and 1870 The sherry was purchased in 1977 at a Christie's sale of wines from the property and has been stored in a Hampshire cellar since. A bottle from the same collection from 1865 was tasted in 2020 at Christie's with the tasting note reading, 'At over 150 years of age, it looked almost like a young, en rama Manzanilla. 'On tasting, the 1865 was well-balanced, chalky and lightly nutty with a characteristic smoky edge. 'Its colour and youthful gait made it hard to believe it was bottled when Abraham Lincoln was President of the United States.' Gazprom, a Russian state-run multinational energy company, has resumed gas flow to Europe through the Nord Stream 1 pipeline despite fears that Russia would completely block off supply in the region. The operator's website featured data that showed gas had once again begun to flow on Thursday after the pipeline had been temporarily closed for 10 days for scheduled maintenance. However, it remains unclear whether or not Russia would continue to deliver the same amount of gas over the pipeline as it had been delivering before it was closed off. Resumption of Gas Deliveries The Thursday reading showed 21,388236 kWh/h of gas being sent through the Nord Stream 1 pipeline between 1:00 a.m. ET and 2:00 a.m. ET, which is well below the pipeline's full capacity. A spokesperson for the pipeline said on Thursday that they were in the process of resuming gas transportation through the pipeline, noting that the process could take some time. On Wednesday, Germany's head of network regulator, Klaus Mueller, said in a Twitter post that Russia's Gazprom had scheduled deliveries on Thursday of only about 30% of the Nord Stream 1 pipeline's full capacity. Prior to the closing of the pipeline, Gazprom was only delivering 40% of its maximum, after a dispute over repairs to a key gas turbine, as per CNN. The reduced supply of gas that was flowing through the Nord Stream 1 pipeline was attributed to Moscow squeezing deliveries to the region since the beginning of its war on Ukraine. However, even less than half of the maximum supplies would likely be a welcome relief to European officials who have been scrambling to find alternative suppliers to Russian gas. Read Also: Vladimir Putin Fires Back on "Crazy Idea" of Restricting Russian Oil Supply, Prices Amid Ukraine War Germany, or the European Union more broadly, has long been dependent on Russian fossil fuels, and there has been a broad-based attempt to reverse this in the wake of Moscow's unprecedented and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. According to CNBC, since March, the EU has negotiated new gas deals with the United States and Azerbaijan and has held discussions with Israel and Qatar. On Wednesday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that Russia was blackmailing Europe and using the energy supply as a weapon. Potential Russian Shutdown Russia has repeatedly denied allegations that it was weaponizing fossil fuel supplies and the Kremlin was not immediately available for comments regarding the issue. Despite the restart of gas flow through the Nord Stream 1 pipeline, the EU will continue to push ahead with contingency plans in case of a full shutdown in gas supplies from Moscow. The commission has said that the 27 EU nations do not need to cut their gas consumption by 15% until March, in an attempt to save energy. Von der Leyen also said that it was likely that the Kremlin would go ahead with a complete cut-off of gas supplies to Europe. The news comes after Gazprom declared force majeure to European customers, meaning that it cannot be held accountable if it cannot guarantee the delivery of gas supplies to the region. The company cited exceptional circumstances, raising concerns of a prolonged outage, Reuters reported. Related Article: Vladimir Putin Announces Resume of Russian Gas in Key Pipeline, Warns Europe Deliveries Could Keep Dwindling @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Mikhail Gorbachev is dismayed that he is seeing his life's work 'destroyed' by Vladimir Putin as Russia descends into authoritarianism and military aggression, according to a close friend. The last Soviet leader ended the Cold War with his 'glasnost' and 'perestroika' reforms which led to the collapse of the USSR. But now Gorbachev, aged 91 and in poor health, is living to see his legacy completely dismantled, said senior Russian journalist Alexei Venediktov who is in touch with the veteran politician. Mikhail Gorbachev (pictured in Moscow in 2018) is dismayed that he is seeing his life's work 'destroyed' by Vladimir Putin as Russia descends into authoritarianism and military aggression, according to a close friend Pictured: Alexei Venediktov (left), editor-in-chief of (now closed) Echo of Moscow radio station, during the interview to Russian Forbes. Former Soviet leader Gorbachev, now aged 91 and in poor health, is living to see his legacy completely dismantled, Venediktov said Gorbachev's changes led to a flourishing of openness, setting most ex-Soviet republics on the way to forms of democracy, and a huge easing of east-west tension. Now with Vladimir Putin's brutal invasion of in Ukraine, NATO is rapidly restoring its on-the-ground presence in eastern Europe, and Russia is growing increasingly isolated from the West which has imposed heavy sanctions on Moscow. 'Gorbachev's reforms - political, not economic - were all destroyed,' said Venediktov, in an interview with Russian Forbes. 'Nilch, zero, ashes. When Gorbachev was leaving, there were 4,000 NATO Response Forces in Europe. Four thousand. 'Now NATO has announced 300,000 people by the end of next year. 'So today there are 40,000 - and will be 300,000' - signifying a huge rise in the 'level of threat' between east and west. The NATO boost comes amid fears across eastern Europe of Putin's imperial ambitions including in the ex-Soviet countries like Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, and Warsaw Pact nations such as Poland. Then-Soviet President Mikhail Gorbatchev is pictured in August 1991, months before the collapse of the Soviet Union in December Pictured: The Soviet (left) and Russian flags fluttering over the Kremlin, between the Spassky Gate towers, in Moscow. The Soviet flag was taken down for a final time on December 25, 1991 Pictured: Then-US President George Bush (left) and his Soviet counterpart Mikhail Gorbachev during a press conference in Moscow concluding the two-day US-Soviet Summit dedicated to the disarmament, July 31, 1991 While Gorbachev has not spoken candidly on the current situation, Venediktov said: 'I can tell you that he is upset. Of course, he understands that [...] this was his life's work. 'Freedoms were brought by Gorbachev. Everyone forgot who gave freedom to the Russian Orthodox Church? Who was it? Mikhail Sergeyevich Gorbachev. 'The freedom of press, the first media law, who brought it? Mikhail Sergeyevich Gorbachev. Private property? Mikhail Sergeyevich Gorbachev.' As he spoke, he gestured to show it was all destroyed. 'So what would [Gorbachev] be able to say now?' Venediktov said. The former Soviet leader is suffering from long term kidney problems and is on dialysis. During the pandemic he was confined to a clinic. Gorbachev's wife Raisa, the former Soviet first lady, died in 1999. Venediktov was the longtime editor of independent Ekho Moscow radio until it was purged in March under a crackdown of media by Putin's government. Speaking at the end of 2021 - months before Putin launched his invasion in February 2022 - Gorbachev bemoaned NATO expansionism, saying that the 'arrogant' United States 'built a new empire'. With Vladimir Putin's brutal invasion of in Ukraine, NATO is rapidly restoring its on-the-ground presence in eastern Europe, and Russia is growing increasingly isolated from the West which has imposed heavy sanctions on Moscow. Pictured: Putin in Moscow on Wednesday In recent years President Vladimir Putin grew increasingly insistent that NATO is encroaching close to Russia's borders, and uses the possibility of Ukraine joining the military alliance as one of his many 'justifications' for invading. Gorbachev said Washington grew 'arrogant and self-confident' after the collapse of the Soviet Union, leading to the expansion of the NATO military alliance. 'How can one count on equal relations with the United States and the West in such a position?' Gorbachev told state news agency RIA Novosti in December 2021, on the eve of the anniversary of his resignation as the leader of the USSR. He noted the 'triumphant mood in the West, especially in the United States' after the Soviet Union ceased to exist in 1991. 'They grew arrogant and self-confident. They declared victory in the Cold War,' Gorbachev said. He insisted that it was 'together' that Moscow and Washington pulled the world out of confrontation and the nuclear race. 'No, the 'winners' decided to build a new empire. Hence the idea of NATO expansion,' Gorbachev added. However, he welcomed upcoming security talks between Moscow and Washington. 'I hope there will be a result,' he said. Two months later, Putin launched his invasion. Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko says Russia, Ukraine and West MUST agree to stop war to avoid 'abyss of nuclear war' Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko said Thursday that Russia, Ukraine and the West must all agree to halt the conflict in Ukraine to avoid the 'abyss of nuclear war.' 'We must stop, reach an agreement, end this mess, operation and war in Ukraine,' Lukashenko, Russian President Vladimir Putin's top ally, told AFP in an exclusive interview in Minsk. 'Let's stop and then we will figure out how to go on living... There's no need to go further. Further lies the abyss of nuclear war. There's no need to go there.' Lukashenko accused the West of seeking a conflict with Russia and of provoking the Ukraine war. 'You have fomented the war and are continuing it,' he said. 'We have seen the reasons for this war,' he added. Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko (pictured) said Thursday that Russia, Ukraine and the West must all agree to halt the conflict in Ukraine to avoid the 'abyss of nuclear war' 'If Russia had not got ahead of you, members of NATO, you would have organized and struck a blow against it,' he said, echoing Putin. Belarus has served as a staging ground for Russia's intervention in Ukraine, but Lukashenko has so far avoided becoming a party to the conflict. Analysts say that he is keenly aware of the fact that most Belarusians do not support sending troops into Ukraine. The 67-year-old leader, who has ruled Belarus for nearly three decades, insisted that Kyiv authorities can end the war if they re-start talks with Moscow and accept its demands. 'Everything depends on Ukraine,' he said. 'Right now, the peculiarity of the moment is that this war can be ended on more acceptable terms for Ukraine.' He urged Kyiv authorities to 'sit down at the negotiating table and agree that they will never threaten Russia.' Talks between Russia and Ukraine largely ground to a halt in mid-April. Lukashenko said that Ukraine must accept the loss of regions occupied by Russia in eastern and southern Ukraine. 'This is no longer being discussed,' he said. 'One could have discussed this in February or March.' On Wednesday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that peace talks with Ukraine 'make no sense' and announced that Moscow's military aims in the pro-Western country were no longer focused 'only' on the east. Lukashenko has sought to promote himself as Putin's most faithful ally, welcoming Russian troops under the pretext of military exercises before Moscow launched its Ukraine offensive. Despite officially being a non-belligerent, the Belarus strongman has demanded that his country be included in any talks and a deal to end the conflict. Lukashenko insisted that the war could have been avoided if Western countries had given Putin 'the security guarantees' he wanted. 'You, members of NATO and Americans, needed war.' A heavily-pregnant mother and her family were left waiting seven hours for the AA on the hottest day of the year after their car broke down 300 miles from home. Laura Jenkins, 38, was returning home from holiday in Wales when her engine failed in the extreme heat - and she dialled the breakdown team. Laura - who is eight month pregnant - waited from the early afternoon until the late evening for assistance as she sweltered in the heat along with her husband and nine-year-old daughter. She was trying to make her way home on the six-hour trip to Newcastle upon Tyne from a break in Pendine when their Kia car broke down shortly into the journey. Laura - who is 35 weeks pregnant - waited seven hours for assistance as she sweltered in the hear along with her husband, Justin, and nine-year-old daughter, Dacey-Faith She was trying to make her way home on the six-hour trip to Newcastle upon Tyne from a holiday in Pendine, West Wales, when their Kia car broke down shortly into the journey The family called the AA at 2.30pm but say a recovery lorry did not arrive until 9.30pm and they were forced to spend an extra night in Wales before a hire car could be sorted to get them home. Laura and husband Justin described it as a 'nightmare' especially at her stage and with the extreme heat. She said: 'I am a high risk pregnancy, and can go into labour early, I have been starting to struggle with my blood pressure and I can feel my body changing.' Laura said they cut their holiday short so daughter nine-year-old Dacey-Faith could attend a school ceremony at Newcastle United FC. She said: 'She was so excited, and we wanted to come back a day earlier so she could have a good night's rest, but now she's just missed out and is absolutely gutted. 'We have had to try and keep her positive, getting her to read books and keep her entertained but she's distraught. Laura said the family 'bought loads of lollies' as they waited for the AA to arrive. She said: 'We're hoping that the AA will reimburse us for the hotel and breakfast. We just needed to get some sleep, and we were told the AA would ring us but they haven't, and again I have had to chase.' Upon returning to Newcastle she ended up having to go to the Royal Victoria Infirmary, because of the impact of the heat. The family called the AA at 2.30pm but say a recovery lorry did not arrive until 9.30pm and they were forced to spend an extra night in Wales before a hire car could be sorted to get them home Her husband Justin, 48, said: 'It's just been an absolute nightmare, with cars constantly cancelled, AA blaming the car rental company and them saying it is the AA's fault. 'The recovery drivers have been amazing, but the process has been horrendous, just absolutely shocking. The boys have done everything they can.' An AA spokesperson said: 'We are sorry for the delays in Mrs Jenkins' recovery and issues with onward travel which fell short of the standards we expect. We have been in contact with Mrs Jenkins to apologise and have ensured we have covered any costs incurred due to their overnight stay, plus a gesture of goodwill for the inconvenience caused. 'We deal with over nine million breakdowns every year and do our best to reach our members as quickly as possible. 'This breakdown occurred on one of our busiest days due to the heatwave and the associated challenges that came with it. Our apologies once again go to Mrs Jenkins and her family.' Archie Battersbee is still on life support Three Court of Appeal judges today heard the latest round in the fight between Archie Battersbee's parents and doctors over withdrawing his life support. Archie, 12, has been kept alive in hospital after suffering 'catastrophic' brain damage in an accident at their home in Southend, Essex three months ago. Archie Battersbee's parents, Hollie Dance and Paul Battersbee, have mounted an appeal after a High Court judge ruled that Royal London Hospital doctors could lawfully stop treatment. Archie Battersbee's parents, Hollie Dance and Paul Battersbee, of Southend, Essex, have mounted an appeal bid after a High Court judge ruled that doctors could lawfully stop treatment. Pictured: Archie Battersbee's mother, Hollie Dance (left), and father, Paul Battersbee (right), leaving the Royal Courts Of Justice in London today The appeal was heard in the Court of Appeal today by Sir Andrew McFarlane, the most senior family court judge in England and Wales, Lady Justice King and Lord Justice Peter Jackson Sir Andrew McFarlane, the president of the Family Division of the High Court and the most senior family court judge in England and Wales, Lady Justice King and Lord Justice Peter Jackson began considering arguments at a Court of Appeal hearing in London today, July 21. Mr Justice Hayden delivered a ruling on Friday, July 15, after reviewing evidence at a hearing in the Family Division of the High Court in London. He described what happened to Archie as a 'tragedy of immeasurable dimensions'. But he said medical evidence was 'compelling and unanimous' and painted a 'bleak' picture. Edward Devereux QC, representing the family, argued at today's appeal hearing that Mr Justice Hayden had not given 'real or proper weight' to Archie's previously expressed wishes and religious beliefs, nor to his family's wishes. He also said the judge failed to carry out a 'comprehensive evaluation' of the benefits and burdens of continuing life-support treatment and had been wrong to conclude that treatment was burdensome and futile. 'Archie would want us to keep on fighting,' Ms Dance, from Southend in Essex said after the High Court ruling on Friday. 'And we will keep on fighting. We will appeal,' she added Archie (pictured in hospital) suffered a devastating brain injury three months ago and doctors treating him say that continued treatment is not in his best interests and should end 'Archie would want us to keep on fighting,' Archie's mother Ms Dance said after the High Court ruling on Friday. 'And we will keep on fighting. We will appeal.' Archie's father Paul Battersbee, who is separated from Ms Dance, told Mr Justice Hayden that Archie would 'not want to leave' his mother. He said on Friday: 'There have been too many battles in too short a space of time. 'He needs more time. We'll try to appeal. Who knows?' Judges have heard how Ms Dance found Archie unconscious with a ligature over his head on April 7. She thinks he may have been taking part in an online challenge. Another High Court judge, Mrs Justice Arbuthnot, initially considered the case. She concluded, after an earlier hearing, that Archie is dead. But Court of Appeal judges upheld a challenge by Archie's parents against decisions taken by Mrs Justice Arbuthnot and said the evidence should be reviewed. Mr Justice Hayden said evidence shows Archie suffered a 'significant injury' to 'multiple areas' of his brain and has not 'regained awareness at any time'. 'Archie's mother described him as a fighter and I have no doubt he was,' said Mr Justice Hayden. Edward Devereux QC, representing the family, argued at today's appeal hearing that Mr Justice Hayden had not given 'real or proper weight' to Archie's previously expressed wishes and religious beliefs, nor to his family's wishes Archie's father Paul Battersbee said: 'There have been too many battles in too short a space of time. 'He needs more time. We'll try to appeal. Who knows?' Pictured: Paul Battersbee and family friend Ella Carter, leaving the Royal Courts Of Justice in London today 'But the fight, if it can properly be characterised as such, is no longer in Archie's control. 'The damage to his brain has deprived him of any bodily autonomy. 'Eventually, Archie's organs will fail and, ultimately, his heart will stop.' Mr Justice Hayden said the reality of Archie's case is 'terrible'. 'There is unfortunately no treatment possible to reverse the damage that has been caused to Archie's brain,' he said. 'There can be no hope at all of recovery.' Doctors treating Archie at the Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel, east London, think he is 'brain-stem dead' and say continued life support treatment is not in his best interests, his parents disagree. Bosses at the hospital's governing trust, Barts Health NHS Trust, had asked for decisions on what medical moves are in Archie's best interests. Two Colorado tourists are awaiting surgery in a western Mexico hospital after they were attacked by a saltwater crocodile while one of them swimming in the ocean in the popular resort town of Puerto Vallarta. Daniel Kuzbiel, who is in his 40s, was bitten multiple times by the reptile after he went out for a swim at the beach in the Velas Vallarta hotel, where rooms cost between $973 to and $4123 a night, on Monday night. The insurance broker suffered injuries to both of his lower extremities as well as his right upper extremity, chest and abdomen. His friend, Joshua Rotkvich, who is in his 30s, jumped in to save him and suffered injuries in the upper right extremity and in the right groin area. Colorado insurance broker, Daniel Kuzbiel, was attacked Monday night by a crocodile while swimming in a beach at the Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, hotel where he was vacationing Joshua Rotkvich suffered a right arm injury after he and several other people helped rescue his friend, Daniel Kuzbiel, from being dragged into a beach at the Velas Vallarta resort hotel in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, on Monday night A fireman treats Daniel Kuzbiel after the Colorado insurance broker was bitten multiple times by a crocodile that attacked him while he was swimming in the beach at the Velas Vallarta resort hotel in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, on Monday Lois Doll told DailyMail.com on Thursday that both men were still hospitalized and that Kuzbiel, her son-in-law, and Rotkvich were scheduled for surgery later in the day. She added that Kuzbiel also suffered a head wound and lost two of his teeth during the attack. While there are no signs on the hotel property warning guests of crocodiles in the area, Doll said that they had been warned about swimming in the beach at night. They arrived in Puerto Vallarta last Friday and were expected to return to the United States on Tuesday. 'Daniel was in the water and Josh was on the beach. The crocodile attacked Daniel, pulling his foot, crushing his foot, trying to pull him under,' Doll recalled. Daniel Kuzbiel receives medical treatment from a fireman moments after he was attacked by a crocodile while he was swimming at a beach located on the grounds of the Velas Vallarta resort hotel in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, on Monday Management at the Velas Vallarta resort are allowing the family members of Daniel Kuzbiel and Joshua Rotkvich to remain at the hotel as long as it takes both men to recover from the injuries they sustain in the crocodile attack, according to Lois Doll, the mother-in-law of Kuzbiel, who spoke to DailyMail.com on Thursday Rotkvich was helped by several other people in rescuing Kuzbiel from being dragged further into the ocean. 'Josh came running and starting punching him and kicking him,' Doll said. Photos released by the Jalisco state civil protection agency showed Rotkvich sitting on a chair with his right hand heavily wrapped and a fireman treating Kuzbiel's foot while he was lying down on a beach chair. Doll commended the Velas Vallarta management for the attention they have provided and are permitting them to stay for as along as it takes for Kuzbiel and Rotkuch to recover. 'I have to say the management here has been wonderful. They've come to the hospital. They've been very supportive,' she said. 'The hotel management is being very, very helpful letting us stay here as long as necessary.' New York has returned looted artifacts worth $14million to Italy after investigators seized them - including dozens of relics recovered from billionaire Michael Steinhardt's collection. Among the artifacts returned to Italy was a fresco depicting a child Hercules strangling a snake and three fresco paintings stolen from Paestum, an ancient Greek city in southern Italy, and dating back to the fourth century B.C. The items, which were handed to Italian officials in New York on Wednesday, will be housed in the new Museum of Rescued Art in Rome. Manhattan district attorney, Alvin L. Bragg Jr., said: 'These artifacts deserve a place in their homeland, where the people of Italy can jointly appreciate the marvels of their country's past. 'There are far too many important cultural artifacts being illegally looted and trafficked across the globe.' The Manhattan District Attorney's office seized 180 items from Steinhardt, 81, in a landmark deal announced in December which allowed the billionaire to avoid prosecution over the looted collection. He owned relics included a stag's head drinking vessel from Greece dating from 400 BC worth $3.5 million, and three 'Death Masks' believed to be more than 8,000 years old which were crafted in the Judean foothills and worth $650,000. Since the Manhattan District Attorney's office announced the agreement in December, US authorities have returned Steinhardt's plundered artifacts to Turkey, Greece, Bulgaria, Libya, Iraq, Jordan and now Italy. As part of the December deal, Steinhardt, who bought some of his items from dealer Robert Hecht, who has been accused of illegal trafficking, agreed to a lifetime ban on acquiring antiquities. The Ercolano Fresco, (pictured) which was seized as part of the investigation into Steinhardt. Depicting an infant Hercules strangling a snake, the piece dates to 50 C.E. and was looted in 1995 from a villa in Herculaneum, an archaeological site that was buried for millennia under volcanic ash from the fiery eruption of Mount Vesuvius New York has returned looted artifacts - including dozens of relics recovered from billionaire Michael Steinhardt's (pictured with wife Judy) collection - worth $14million to Italy An Archaic pithos (storage jar) dating back to 700 B.C. returned to Italy by officials in New York. It was seized as part of an ongoing investigation into Edoardo ALMAGIA, an Italian native and former New York resident Manhattan District Attorney's Office said it had returned three fresco paintings dating to the 4th century B.C.E. from Paestum, an ancient Greek city located in southern Italy. The paintings depict scenes of mourning women, and were hacked from the wall of an tomb by looters. Other relics returned to Italy included the Ercolano Fresco, which was seized as part of the investigation into Steinhardt. Depicting an infant Hercules strangling a snake, the piece dates to 50 C.E. and was looted in 1995 from a villa in Herculaneum, an archaeological site that was buried for millennia under volcanic ash from the fiery eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Steinhardt purchased the Ercolano in 1995 for $650,000 with no verifiable prior provenance. It is currently valued at $1,000,000. Also repatriated was a Archaic pithos (storage jar) dating back to 700 B.C. It was seized as part of an ongoing investigation into Edoardo ALMAGIA, an Italian native and former New York resident. The Jordanian Antiquities Ministry and the US Embassy in Jordan held a ceremony in Jordan's capital, Amman, in March showcasing the objects that were 'illegally smuggled from Jordan and obtained by an antiquities collector in the United States,' the embassy said in a statement. 'This is a testament to the United States' commitment to help protect Jordan's cultural heritage. With today's repatriation of Jordanian antiquities, we are keeping this promise,' Ambassador Henry T. Wooster said. The American and Jordanian authorities' press statements did not mention Steinhardt by name, but seven of the artifacts that appeared in photos published by the ministry matched the description of Jordanian items in court documents. Two ancient Jewish tombstones that were plundered from Jordan and bought by Steinhardt from an Israeli antiquities dealer did not appear in photos from the press conference. Jordanian Tourism Minister Nayef al Fayez and Henry Wooster, United States Ambassador to Jordan, stand near artefacts handed over by the U.S. to Jordan during a ceremony, in Amman Stolen antiquities are displayed at a news conference at the offices of the Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg in New York. Dozens of looted antiquities seized from collector and billionaire hedge fund founder Michael Steinhardt after a years-long investigation have been returned to the people of Greece A sculpture of a young man from about 560 B.C., known as a kouros, is presented at a news conference at the offices of the Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg in New York The Jordanian Antiquities Ministry and the US Embassy in Jordan held a ceremony in Jordan's capital, Amman, on Tuesday showcasing the objects that were 'illegally smuggled from Jordan and obtained by an antiquities collector in the United States,' the embassy said in a statement Of the 40 artifacts repatriated to Israel as part of the deal, at least 22 are believed to have been plundered from West Bank sites, according to court documents. Steinhardt 'has been unable to locate' nine of those pieces, and another three are on display at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem. The museum recently removed Steinhardt's name from the display label for two Neolithic masks he had loaned. Steinhardt 'knew no geographic or moral boundaries, as reflected in the sprawling underworld of antiquities traffickers, crime bosses, money launderers, and tomb raiders he relied upon to expand his collection,' Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance said in December. 'For decades, Michael Steinhardt displayed a rapacious appetite for plundered artifacts without concern for the legality of his actions, the legitimacy of the pieces he bought and sold, or the grievous cultural damage he wrought across the globe,' Vance added. The offices of Steinhardt's hedge fund and his Fifth Avenue apartment have been raided in recent years by Vance's investigators. The district attorney has made it a priority to track stolen works - seizing some from museums, private collections or auction houses - and return them to their rightful owners, including in Lebanon, Pakistan and Italy. The Larnax , a small chest for human remains from Greek Island of Crete that dates between 1400-1200 B.C.E., purchased from known antiquities trafficker Eugene Alexander via Seychelles-headquartered FAM Services for $575,000 in October 2016. Today, the Larnax is valued at $1 million. Three Death Masks purchased from known antiquities trafficker GIL CHAYA with no provenance whatsoever for $400,000 in October 2007, less than a year after they surfaced on the international art market. The Death Masks (circa 6000 to 7000 B.C.E.) were crafted from stone and originated in the foothills of the Judean mountains, most likely in the Shephelah in Israel. Today, the Death Masks are valued at $650,000 Steinhardt, estimated by Forbes to be worth $1.2 billion, is a major donor to institutions such as New York University and the Metropolitan Museum, which named a gallery after him. The artifacts he has returned are estimated to be worth a total of about $70 million, the district attorney's office said. Despite Steinhardt's 'decades-long indifference to the rights of peoples to their own sacred treasures,' Vance said he had no immediate plans to prosecute the billionaire. 'The interests of justice prior to indictment and trial favor a resolution that ensures that a substantial portion of the damage to world cultural heritage will be undone, once and for all,' he said. 'This agreement guarantees that 180 pieces will be returned expeditiously to their rightful owners in 11 countries rather than be held as evidence for the years necessary to complete the grand-jury indictment, trial, potential conviction, and sentence,' Vance said. Steinhardt said in a prepared statement issued by his attorneys that he was 'pleased that the District Attorney's years-long investigation has concluded without any charges, and that items wrongfully taken by others will be returned to their native countries.' Attorneys Andrew J. Levander and Theodore V. Wells Jr. said that many of the dealers from whom Steinhardt bought the items 'made specific representations as to the dealers' lawful title to the items, and to their alleged provenance.' The Stag's Head Rhyton , depicting a finely wrought stag's head in the form of a ceremonial vessel for libations, purchased from The Merrin Gallery for $2.6 million in November 1991. The item, which dates to 400 B.C.E., first appeared without provenance on the international art market after rampant looting in Milas, Turkey. In March 1993, Steinhardt loaned the Stag's Head Rhyton to the Met, where it remained until the D.A.'s Office applied for and received a warrant to seize it. Today, the Stag's Head Rhyton is valued at $3.5 million According to prosecutors, while complaining about a subpoena requesting documentation for an antiquity in May 2017, Steinhardt pointed to an small chest from Greece and said to an investigator, 'You see this piece? There's no provenance for it. If I see a piece and I like it, then I buy it.' Many of the pieces Steinhardt acquired were removed from their countries of origin during times of war or civil unrest, prosecutors said. Steinhardt founded the hedge fund Steinhardt Partners in 1967 and closed it in 1995. He came out of retirement in 2004 to head Wisdom Tree Investments. New York University named its Steinhardt School of Culture, Education and Human Development after Steinhardt in recognition of two $10 million donations. Manhattan prosecutors began investigating Steinhardt's collection of ancient artifacts in 2017 and raided his office and his Manhattan home in 2018, seizing several artworks that investigators said had been looted. Fuel price protesters will cause disruption on major roads that are all key parts of the holiday 'network' in south-west England tomorrow, coinciding with the start of the 'summer getaway' season as most schools close today. Avon and Somerset Police warned motorists that 'slow-moving roadblocks' are planned on parts of the M4, M5, M32 and A38 as activists demonstrate against the rising cost of fuel. An image posted on the Facebook group Fuel Price Stand Against Tax suggests demonstrations will be held 'nationwide', including in Birmingham, Cardiff, Liverpool, London and Manchester. This could cause disruption to the millions of families embarking on getaways at the start of summer holidays for many schools in England and Wales, with many potentially arriving hours late at their hotels or holiday flats. Fuel price protesters will cause disruption on major roads that are all key parts of the holiday 'network' in south-west England tomorrow Avon and Somerset Police warned motorists that 'slow-moving roadblocks' are planned on parts of the M4, M5, M32 and A38 as activists demonstrate against the rising cost of fuel The protests could cause disruption to the millions of families embarking on getaways at the start of summer holidays for many schools in England and Wales, with many potentially arriving hours late at their hotels or holiday flats Superintendent Tony Blatchford of Avon and Somerset Police said: 'Our protest liaison team has been engaging with the organiser so we can inform the public of the likely disruption and help to minimise it. 'Nevertheless, drivers can expect journey times will likely be longer than normal, especially on motorways, which often tend to be at their busiest at this time of year. 'We advise motorists to consider any alternative travel plans available and ensure they are suitably prepared in case they are delayed.' Fuel price protests on July 4 led to 12 people being arrested on the M4. The first stage of Friday's action in the South West will see vehicles travel north on the M5 between Bridgwater and the Almondsbury Interchange from around 8.45am, then east along the M4 and to Junction 1 of the M32. Police escorted vehicles along the M4 motorway during the morning rush hour as drivers held a go-slow protest on the M4 on July 4. These fuel price protests led to 12 people being arrested on the M4 The convoy is expected to leave the motorway and stop 'for a period of time' before completing the same route in reverse, arriving back in Bridgwater 'in the early afternoon', police said. A second group of protesters is planning to also set off at 8.45am and drive slowly to the Shell petrol station in Bristol Road, Bridgwater. 'They are expected to block the forecourt during the morning,' according to police. Figures from data company Experian show the average price of a litre of petrol on Wednesday was 187.5p, while diesel was 196.1p. Advertisement The landlords of the flat where a 'forgotten' medical secretary lay dead for over two years failed to make contact with her despite cutting off her gas for non payment of rent, an inquest heard today. The skeletal remains of Shelia Seleoane were discovered by police in February this year after officers forced their way into her third floor flat in Peckham, south London. The 61-year-old was identified by her dental records with police determining there were no suspicious circumstances to her death - which likely occurred in August 2019. Ms Seleoane, who was not married and whose estranged family live in South Africa, was found dead on her sofa in February 2022. Some residents of her block of flats - managed by Peabody Housing - claimed they had repeatedly reported a foul stench coming from her flat as far back as October 2019. After continued complaints by neighbours to the housing association about the smell and letters piling up outside the flat, police eventually conducted a welfare check. But today, at an inquest into her death, Southwark Coroner's Court was told how officers reported back to the housing association that they believed she was safe and well. Wells Chomutare, director of neighbourhood at the Peabody Housing, told the inquest members of his staff last saw Ms Seleoane in April 2019 when she let them into her third floor flat for a routine gas inspection. However the coroner heard that when she failed to pay her rent and allow engineers into her flat her gas supply was cut off. The coroner said an independent report commissioned by Peabody had resulted in 37 recommendations in future contact with tenants. Also he said police had put in place new measures to make sure controllers are given more information when entering data on incidents. This followed a civilian controller telling Peabody in 2020 that she had been seen and was safe and well. The two officers who called at the flat did not have any suspicions and detect a foul smell. They both decided they did not have the power to force entry. Among the details to emerge at the inquest into the death of Ms Seleoane were that: The 61-year-old may have died in August 2019 - more than two years before her body was discovered in February 2022; She had visited the doctor in early 2019 where she had complained of wheezing and breathing difficulties and made a follow-up appointment - one she would never attend; Ms Seleoane had last been seen by Peabody Housing in April 2019 and that they had no contact with her after, despite her falling into arrears with her rent and her gas supply being cut off Peabody made an application to have the rent paid directly from her Universal Credit payments after she fell into arrears in 2019; Police twice visited the flat twice in October 2020, but Peabody claimed they were told by police that Ms Seleoane was safe and well; Peabody has made 37 recommendations about how they treat their clients in the wake of Ms Seleoane's death. Sheila Seleoane's (pictured) skeletal remains were discovered in her one-bedroom flat in Peckham, South London, in February Harriet Harman, Labour MP for Camberwell and Peckham, has demanded a full investigation into why Peabody ignored repeated calls from neighbours who complained of a horrendous smell more than two years ago. Pictured: The Lord's Court flats where Ms Seleoane's body was discovered The inquest heard how former medical secretary Ms Seleoane last paid her monthly rent in August 2019 and attempts by members of Peabody's rent team failed to contact her by email and phone. A timeline of the tragic end to 'forgotten woman' Sheila Seleoane's life Early 2019: Sheila Seleoane visits her GP and complains about breathing issues including being 'wheezy' and short of breath. She makes a follow-up appointment, but does not attend. April 2019: Ms Seleoane is seen for the last time by members of Peabody Housing. She lets them into her third floor flat for a routine gas inspection. August 2019: Ms Seleoane makes her last payment to Peabody Housing. Authorities it is around this time when Ms Seleoane dies. October 2019: Neighbours report a foul stench coming from Ms Seleoane's property. March 2020: After Ms Seleoane falls into arrears with her rent, Peabody's make an application to the Government to have her rent paid directly from her University credit - the application is accepted. June 2020: Officials attempt to gain entry to the flat to carry out a routine inspection, but receive no answer from Ms Seleoane. Her gas supply is cut off. October 2020: Following continuing complaints about a smell from Ms Seleoane's property, police make two visits. Peabody claim that they were told by officers that she was safe and well. February 2022: After more complaints from neighbours regarding a smell and the noise of banging windows from Ms Seleoane's property, police force entry. They find Ms Seleoane's skeletal remains on the sofa. Advertisement After she fell into arrears an application was made to have the rent paid directly from her Universal Credit payments. This was approved and from March 2020 the rent was paid each month to Peabody Housing - even though no one had made any contact with her. The inquest heard that in June 2020 officials had tried to gain entry to the flat to carry out a routine gas inspection. When no one responded at the third floor flat, Mr Chomutare said the gas supply was cut off. He said no further attempt was made to contact Ms Seleoane and he did not have the power to force entry to the flat. The inquest was told his office had received three reports that expressed concern for Ms Seleoane's welfare. One resident complained about mail building up at the flat and another about an open balcony door banging in the wind. Mr Chomutare said after police visited the flat twice in October 2020 they were told by police that Ms Seleoane was safe and well. The police attendance was noted in the logs kept by Peabody Housing who later launched an investigation into their handling of the failure to make any contact with their tenant. The inquest was told that contact with tenants had been affected by the lockdown rules imposed during the pandemic. Questioned by the coroner Dr Julian Morris about Peabody's failure to make any contact with their tenant Mr Chomutare said: 'We did not connect the dots to paint the picture of Ms Seleoane.' Southwark Coroner's Court was told that in the months before she died Ms Seleoane had visited her GP and complained about being 'wheezy' and short of breath. The court was told a follow-up appointment was made but Ms Seleoane did not keep the appointment. She had also visited Lewisham Hospital to undergo an MRI and colonoscopy in the months before her death, according to records read out at the inquest. The inquest was told Ms Seleoane had no contact with social services and no serious health issues in the months before her death. Despite promises to sensitively refurbish and re-let the flat in which her body was discovered, residents have reported that Peabody has not taken any action since Neighbours began complaining to the housing association landlord about a 'foul smell' in the building in October 2019 Neighbours say they complained about the smell for more than two years, as well as raising concerns about the number of unopened letters Detective Sergeant Scott Fisher, one of the first police officers on the scene, told the inquest he found Ms Seleoane in what he described as the 'recovery position' lying on her side. He said her body was partially covered with the remains of blue pajamas bottoms and a white top. Giving evidence remotely he described the flat as being very tidy with no sign of forced entry. He said there was no visible sign of trauma to the skull or chest area. The inquest was told that police had called at the flat twice in October 2020 after concerns that she had not been seen for several months. DS Fisher said the first officer who called at the flat had not noticed 'a smell of death' and had no reason to force entry. A second officer who visited a week later on October 21 also came to the same conclusion and no further action was taken. Ash Fox, deputy chief executive of Peabody, wiped away tears as she said everyone at the housing group was devastated by the circumstances surrounding the death of Ms Seleoane. She told the inquest an independent investigation into why Ms Seleoane's body had been undiscovered for over two years had resulted in 37 recommendations to the way they deal with their tenants. No one in the block can recall exactly when they last saw her striding purposefully to the bus stop or returning home with shopping. An ambulance is pictured outside the building 'It is clear from the investigation that processes were followed successfully, but perhaps there was an opportunity where the dots could have been joined up sooner and done more to raise the alarm,' she said. The housing executive said one of the recommendations was to make contact with all their tenants who have not been spoken to for a year. Staff would also look for changes in regular behaviour, such as the failure to pay rent. She said so far only nine people who rent homes from the housing group have not been spoken to while there are 25 others who have recently had their gas supply cut off. Ms Ash said it was now up to the Peabody to apply the 'human touch' as a social landlord. She wiped away tears as she was asked by the coroner the effect of the death had on staff. 'Everyone is devastated, she said. ' We recognise more could have been done.' The Peabody housing group sent a letter to all tenants in the block apologising for the missed opportunities in Ms Seleoane body being undiscovered for two and half years. Ian McDermott. CEO, of Peabody wrote: 'This is incredibly distressing, and we are so sorry we didnt support you enough. He said an independent report into their failings had identified what changes needed to be made. A report by Altair is being released recommending changes to the way the group interacts with their tenants. Before delivering his verdict the coroner said the cause of death was unascertained due to the decomposition of the body. Dr Julian Morris said the cause of death would remain open. The coroner did not make any recommendations that might prevent a similar incident from occurring again. The Peabody housing group sent a letter (pictured) to all tenants in the block apologising for the missed opportunities in Ms Seleoane body being undiscovered for two and half years. Ian McDermott. CEO, of Peabody wrote: 'This is incredibly distressing, and we are so sorry we didnt support you enough.' But he remarked that a body could lay undetected for over two years was 'difficult to fathom in 2022.' He said it was clear 'something went wrong' and there had been no real communication between the rent, gas and neighbourhood management team in attempting to speak with Ms Seleoane. The failure of Ms Seleoane to pay her rent after being a model tenant for five years and having her gas cut off failed to raise suspicion. However, Mr Morris added that the breakdown in communication did not in any way lead to Ms Seleoane death. He said:' I do not consider those inactions had any effect on Ms Seleoane clinical state or save her life as she was already dead.' The Coroner said an independent report commissioned by Peabody had resulted in 37 recommendations in future contact with tenants. Also he said police had put in place new measures to make sure controllers are given more information when entering data on incidents. This followed a civilian controller telling Peabody in 2020 that she had been seen and was safe and well. The two officers who called at the flat did not have any suspicions and detect a foul smell. They both decided they did not have the power to force entry. How did a woman lie dead in her home for TWO AND A HALF YEARS without a single person noticing? Story of medical secretary, 61, with a smile for everyone is a wretched indictment of modern Britain By David Jones for the Daily Mail Nothing about the woman in Flat 16 betrayed the depths of her isolation. Even Sheila Seleoane's nearest neighbours were blind to the poignant truth: that this prim medical secretary didn't have a single friend or family member close enough to her to care for her welfare. On weekday mornings, when it seemed that she was heading off for work, she wished everyone she saw a cheery good day. In the evening, when she returned to her fourth-floor flat in the bustling South London community of Peckham, she was equally affable. 'She was always well put-together, and wore a smart black coat, black trousers and black court shoes, with her hair tied in a bun,' recalls a young professional woman who lived opposite Miss Seleoane. 'But I didn't really speak to her. It was more just, 'Hi' and 'Bye'.' Miss Seleoane was similarly detached from other residents of Lord's Court, a modern building containing 20 flats owned by the Peabody Housing, the affordable housing charity. On weekday mornings, when it seemed that she was heading off for work, she wished everyone she saw a cheery good day. In the evening, when she returned to her fourth-floor flat in the bustling South London community of Peckham, she was equally affable However, mother-of-three Lyesha Bent, who resides on the same corridor, says she wore gym clothes at weekends and, with her petite figure, looked younger than her 61 years. So everyone assumed her to have a busy career and social life. No one in the block can recall exactly when they last saw her striding purposefully to the bus stop or returning home with shopping. Some time in August 2019, though, Miss Seleoane vanished. For reasons pathologists are trying to establish, we now know that she had died presumably alone in her flat. Astonishingly, she lay undiscovered for two-and-a-half years until, on February 18 this year, police broke in to find her skeletal remains on the living-room sofa. Having failed to enter her flat, despite being alerted as early as 2019 to the possibility that harm might have befallen its occupant, they finally responded to a report that her balcony door was still swinging open, following Storm Eunice. Beside her body were some deflated pink party balloons, according to Ms Bent, who says she gleaned this puzzling detail from one of the officers who made the grim discovery. That this woman had been so shamefully forgotten is a damning indictment of the depersonalised, look-the-other-way attitude that pervades so many neighbourhoods in modern-day Britain. That her death went unnoticed for more than two years, when our every move is now monitored, whether by social media, CCTV, mobile phone cameras or other digital devices, almost defies belief. It says much about her isolation that, having spent a fortnight investigating this harrowing case, I haven't found anyone who knew her well, except for a few school friends who long ago lost touch with her. Her only known family member in this country, her estranged older brother Victor Seleoane, 64, who has a conviction for murder 41 years ago, was one of only two people to attend her funeral. One person I have traced is Miss Seleoane's half-sister, Julia Bella Brooms, who lives in South Africa. For reasons that will become clear, the two women never met. But they briefly corresponded after the death of their mother, in 1987, and Mrs Brooms, 72, became emotional, when, as sensitively as possible, I told her what had become of her sibling. 'This is too much. Awful. I don't understand how anyone could pass away and be left for so long,' she said, speaking through an interpreter in the Sesotho language. 'Where were Sheila's neighbours? Where were her work colleagues? People from the local municipality? Her landlord? This could never happen in South Africa. Here, when your neighbour isn't seen, even for one or two days, you go to check up on them. We live as a community.' Her plaintive questions are understandable. But more and more of us are now living alone. The number of Britons living on their own has increased by nearly ten per cent in a decade, it was revealed this week, with the Office for National Statistics reporting that 25.8 per cent of Londoners live alone. Miss Seleoane's death ought to have been obvious for all manner of reasons not least the nauseating stench that filled the fourth-floor hallway in the autumn of 2019, and throughout that winter. Her nearest neighbour, who asked not to be named, showed me a text from her mother saying the smell she described sounded like that of a 'dead person'. Neighbours became increasingly concerned when letters began to pile up in the letterbox There were countless more clues. Miss Seleoane had lived in her flat since 2014, and until August 2019, paid her 109 weekly rent by debit card. Yet by March 2020, she had fallen heavily into arrears, and the housing trust had begun legal action to recover the debt. She was summoned to Clerkenwell and Shoreditch County Court on March 18 by which time she would probably have been dead for about six months. Deeply concerned by this case, Miss Seleoane's local MP, Harriet Harman, has compiled a timeline of events. In it, Peabody states that from April, her rent was being covered by universal credit. The Department for Work and Pensions wouldn't comment on her individual case. But it explained that a landlord can apply for universal credit to be paid directly to them when the tenant defaults. As her bank account drained, Miss Seleoane must also have missed paying other bills, including those for her household utilities and perhaps her mobile phone. Southwark Council says her council tax payments stopped around the time of her death, but this wasn't considered unusual because many people default. It adds that debtors were not pursued in the usual way during the pandemic. In March 2019, Robert Heath Heating Ltd, an energy firm contracted by Peabody, made two attempts to check her gas supply. Finding no one at home, they taped notices to the door, warning that they would enter the flat forcibly if she didn't let them in by early April. If only this threat had been carried out, Miss Seleoane might have been spared the indignity of lying unburied for two more years. The company declined to comment. Meanwhile, her post-box overflowed, and her unopened letters littered the entrance hall, yet the postman kept cramming them in regardless. At one point, a team of decorators painted the exterior of Flat 16, failing to notice her body through the unlocked balcony window. Nor, it seems, were their suspicions aroused when her front door couldn't be opened to stop the wet paint sticking to the frame. When cleaners removed her doormat to mop the corridor, in autumn 2019, it was never put back. Didn't anyone think to ask why? This week, the mat was still propped against the flat's wall, alongside a withered bouquet and children's paintings left as a token of remembrance. As one neighbour remarked: 'Surely all this should have set alarm bells ringing?' The bare details of this story first emerged three weeks ago, soon after Miss Seleoane was found. With the Russian invasion of Ukraine dominating the news, however, it soon slipped out of the headlines. Doubtless this came as a relief to the many people who, either through indifference or ineptitude, failed to inquire into her disappearance. By my assessment, the number of individuals and organisations who might have suspected something runs into double figures. However, surely the most culpable are Peabody and the Metropolitan Police. Named after its founder, a Victorian philanthropist, the housing trust provides 67,000 homes for 155,000 people in London and the South-East. Its grandiose mission statement claims it places community spirit at the heart of its values. 'We are able to tell the stories of our residents and customers and make sure their voices are heard,' its website proclaims. The trust should try telling that to the residents of Lord's Court, who lodged innumerable complaints about the sickening odour emanating from Miss Seleoane's flat many times, only to be fobbed off or ignored. Everybody on the fourth floor has asked to be moved to another building. Evelyn Odintru says her children, 12, 11, and three, are so frightened from living close to a corpse that they have nightmares. Though concerns were allegedly voiced as early as the winter of 2019, Peabody says nothing was logged in its records until the following June. The trust then claims it made repeated attempts to contact her but didn't have the legal right to enter the property. A full year passed before finally, in October 2020, the trust asked the Met Police to make a welfare check. According to Peabody's records, the police reported back that they had 'spoken to the resident and that she is safe and well'. Yes, you read that correctly. How could such a basic error have been made? Was there some miscommunication? Did an officer go to the wrong flat and speak to the wrong woman? These are among many questions to be addressed by the outside consultants tasked by Peabody with investigating this deeply distressing matter. Whatever the truth, Peabody says the police's reassurance led its staff to believe 'everything was fine' and on October 22, 2020, it closed the case. However, the trust's chief executive, Ian McDermott, admits it made mistakes. 'We are all devastated by what has happened. Quite rightly, everyone wants answers, and so do we,' he says. 'Clearly, looking back, the red flags were there. It should have been obvious to us that Sheila had either abandoned the property or something was very wrong. Even with the challenges of lockdowns, we should have done better.' The Met would only say it was aware of the trust's claims, and was 'working to establish what messages were relayed after officers attended this location.' But back to Sheila Seleoane. What do we know of this forsaken woman, and how should she be remembered? With the help of her school friends, distant relations, and public records, I've pieced together fragments of her story. It begins in post-war South Africa under the ever-tightening yoke of apartheid. In 1949, her mother, Adeline, gave birth to a girl called Bella, whose father is unknown. But when, five years later, she was offered the chance of a new life in England, she grasped the opportunity. Adeline was the nursemaid to the two daughters of a Dr Thomas Forrest, and when he took up an appointment in London, he asked her to accompany them. Passenger records from the mail ship Carnarvon Castle show that she made the 12-day voyage with the doctor, his wife Lillian, and their children, arriving at Southampton, in September, 1954. Three years later, by then living in Hornsey, North London, Adeline had given birth to a son, Victor Patrick Seleoane; and on January 9, 1961, Sheila was born. Their father is not named on their birth certificates, and it seems Adeline was unmarried. Accounts of his murder trial, at the Old Bailey in 1981, suggest Victor was an unsavoury character. Embroiled in a gangland dispute, he stabbed a man to death during a pub brawl, and though he claimed to have been defending a friend, who was being attacked with a knife, he was jailed for life. He was then 24. It is not known how long he served in prison but after his release the Department of Justice says he was jailed again, for burglary, and was freed five years ago. Since then, he, too, has vanished without trace. His last listed address, in 2014, was an unprepossessing flat, in Plaistow, East London. On the Lord's Court grapevine, it is rumoured that he and his sister fell out several years ago, but as her immediate next-of-kin, he is believed to have been contacted about her death. As the coroner will need to establish Miss Seleoane's identity beyond doubt, experts believe her brother could be asked to provide a DNA sample. Commendably, Miss Seleoane overcame her difficult beginnings. According to Valerie Meade Hussey, a friend from Woodberry Down Comprehensive School, North London, she was 'quiet at first', but a 'bubbly' character when she felt comfortable in people's company. They remained friends into their late teens, and enjoyed nights out together, but lost touch. They last bumped into each other shopping about 30 years ago. 'We chatted for a while and she seemed fine,' says Mrs Hussey. 'This is just so sad. Why was nobody there for her?' Perhaps Miss Seleoane chose the job of medical secretary because her mother worked for a doctor and in hospitals. At all events, in her 50s she was temping for a company called Lifeline Personnel. However, it says it has no payroll record of her after February 20, 2015. From that date, her life becomes a complete mystery. If she was working, as neighbours believe and her smart outfits suggest, who employed her and why weren't they concerned by her disappearance? If she wasn't, where and how did she pass her days? Though the police are describing her death as 'unexplained' but not suspicious, there is, of course, another unanswered question: how did she die? Ironically, it seems that the only person demanding to know the truth about what became of Sheila Seleoane is her half-sister Bella Brooms; someone she never met. She also wants her remains flown to South Africa and buried in the family plot with their mother. Then, at last, there would be people to care for the occupant of Flat 16. A woman Britain so shamefully forgot. Additional reporting by Tim Stewart and Stephanie Condron Republicans, including Sens. Ted Cruz, Chuck Grassley and Kellyanne Conway, sent out well-wishes to President Joe Biden immediately following the White House's announcement that the 79-year-old commander-in-chief had contracted COVID-19. 'Heidi & I are lifting up President Joe Biden in prayer right now,' Cruz tweeted, referencing his wife. 'May Gods healing hand be upon him, may COVID pass quickly, and may he have a swift and full recovery.' Grassley wrote: 'I wish President Biden a quick recovery from covid & im praying for his good health & his service as president according to 1st Timothy 2:1-2.' That Bible verse calls on Christians to 'pray for all people.' Former President Donald Trump's counselor to the president Kellyanne Conway sent out a quick tweet offering 'thoughts and prayers' to Biden. 'Wishing Joe Biden a full and fast recovery,' Conway also offered. President Joe Biden tested positive for COVID-19 Thursday morning after spending Wednesday in Massachusetts Texas Republican Sen. Ted Cruz said he and his wife Heidi were 'lifting up President Joe Biden in prayer right now' Iowa Republican Sen. Ted Grassley said he was praying for Biden after the president's COVID diagnosis, citing a Bible verse that calls on Christians to 'pray for all people' Former President Donald Trump's counselor to the president Kellyanne Conway sent out a quick tweet offering 'thoughts and prayers' to Biden 'Wishing Joe Biden a full and fast recovery,' Conway also offered South Carolina Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham wished Biden a 'speedy recovery from COVID' The chairwoman of the Republican National Committee, Ronna Romney McDaniel, sent out a similar message. 'Praying for President Biden and his health. Wishing him a quick and full recovery,' McDaniel tweeted. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said he was 'sorry to hear that Presiden Joe Biden has tested positive for COVID-19.' 'Wishing him a speedy recovery,' McConnell added. South Carolina Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham - a top Trump ally in the Senate who served alongside Biden in the upper chamber for years - wrote: 'Wishing President Biden a speedy recovery from COVID.' Republican Rep. Jody Hice used Biden's COVID diagnosis as proof that mitigation measures do not work. 'I wish the best for the Presidents recovery,' Hice, who represents Georgia, tweeted. 'But can we finally dispense with the notion that vaccines, masks, and fist bumps stop the spread?' Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell tweeted that he was 'sorry to hear' about Biden's COVID-19 diagnosis Republican National Committee Chair Ronna Romney McDaniel tweeted that she was wishing Biden a 'quick and full recovery' Republican Rep. Jody Hice of Georgia used Biden's COVID diagnosis as proof that preventative measures do not work President Joe Biden tweeted that he was 'doing great' and included a picture of himself on the phone at his desk about two hours after the White House announced he had tested positive for COVID-19 Biden - unlike most of Washington - had been able to avoid a coronavirus diagnosis until Thursday morning, when the White House announced he tested positive on both an antigen and the more robust PCR test. He recently returned from his first trip as president to the Middle East, where he was supposed to be limiting contact with leaders - fist-bumps instead of handshakes - as COVID cases have once again started to spike due to evolving variants. On Monday, Biden traveled to Massachusetts, where he interacted with maskless crowds. The news came right before House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was to hold her weekly news conference. 'I understand that the symptoms are light,' she told reporters. 'I hope they continue to be so,' she added, noting that was her personal experience. 'I hope that's the case of the president.' Biden's doctor said the president was experiencing a runny nose, fatigue and an occasional dry cough, which started Wednsday evening. He's being treated with Paxlovid. 'Folks, I'm doing great. Thanks for your concern,' Biden tweeted about two hours after the White House announced his positive status. 'Just called Senator Casey, Congressman Cartwright, and Mayor Cognetti (and my Scranton cousins!) to send my regrets for missing our event today.' 'Keeping busy!' he wrote. Joe Biden is taking the drug Paxlovid in his battle against COVID-19, the White House said while announcing the president's diagnosis. 'He has begun taking Paxlovid. Consistent with CDC guidelines, he will isolate at the White House and will continue to carry out all of his duties fully during that time,' said Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre. The anti-viral drug is intended for use by patients who are considered likely to become seriously ill from the deadly virus, such as elders and people with pre-existing conditions like heart disease. Though the FDA approved the drug for use treating COVID last December, pharmacists were authorized to administer the drug only just two weeks ago. Until early July the drug could only be prescribed by physicians, according to PBS. The drug's approval comes after the Biden administration spent months trying to increase access to the drug, which studies showed decreased both deaths and hospitalizations in unvaccinated COVID patients by nearly 90 per cent. Despite those strong numbers the drug was found to be less effective in treating vaccinated patients - which Biden is three times over - and doctor's have reported symptoms returning in some patients after Paxlovid treatment. Joe Biden is taking the drug Paxlovid in his battle against COVID-19, the White House said while announcing the president's diagnosis The anti-viral drug is intended for use by patients who are considered likely to become seriously ill from the deadly virus, such as elders and people with pre-existing conditions like heart disease. The treatment consists of a three pill dose of two different types of medications. The sets of pills are taken twice a day for five days, until 30 pills are consumed. Two of the pills in the dose inhibit an enzyme the COVID virus requires to properly replicate, and stops the virus spreading viable cells. The third pill is a medication previously used to fight HIV/AIDS which boosts antiviral defenses by shutting down the liver's metabolism and allowing the effects of the first two pills to remain in the body longer. The medication needs to be taken within five days of infection for it to be effective. Dr. Kevin O'Connell, physician to the president, said Biden's symptoms began on Wednesday evening. Paxlovid does not typically come with serious side effects, according to Yale Medicine, but can range from increased blood pressure to nausea, diarrhea, and muscle aches. The Pfizer produced drug is not recommended for people who have liver or kidney disease, neither of which does Biden suffer from. Biden does have history of the heart condition atrial fibrillation - characterized by an irregular heartbeat - which is has suffered from since 2003. Paxlovid could negatively interact with medications he is taking to treat it. Biden has previously taken blood thinners - which can become unsafe when taken with Paxlovid - to treat the heart condition, though it is unclear though if he is still taking any such medications. Last fall his longtime physician, Dr. Kevin C. O'Connor, said the president 'remains completely asymptomatic' of atrial fibrillation and made no mention of any medications he was taking to mitigate it. The president also suffers from asthma, which does not have any risks associated with Paxlovid but does increase his risk of COVID complications. A Pfizer fact sheet notes that though studies have shown side effects to be generally mild, that relatively few people have taken the drug and more could exist. 'Not many people have taken PAXLOVID. Serious and unexpected side effects may happen,' the sheet reads, 'PAXLOVID is still being studied, so it is possible that all of the risks are not known at this time.' The treatment consists of a three pill dose of two different types of medications. The sets of pills are taken twice a day for five days, until 30 pills are consumed Advertisement Footage shows how thieves left a trail of destruction through Tamara Ecclestone's Kensington mansion before making off with 25million worth of jewels. Her husband Jay Rutland described to the BBC how the gang struck while him, his wife, the Formula One heiress and daughter of racing supremo Bernie Ecclestone, and daughter Sophia were on holiday in Lapland. Those behind Britain's biggest domestic burglary entered through the garden, and were seen hiding behind a child's Wendy House from security cameras, before smashing open a window to get into the 70million property in West London. They then ransack her home flinging Christmas decorations around the place, ripping open lots of the doors, causing destruction in every room in the house and breaking furniture over the course of an hour before they were disturbed by a security guard who goes to investigate unarmed and the thieves flee. Jugoslav Jovanovic, Alessandro Maltese, and Alessandro Donati were jailed for a total of 28 years at Isleworth Crown Court in November last year for the terrifying raids. However, the suspected ring leader Daniel Vukovic remains at large and is thought to be in Serbia. A new BBC documentary about Britain's biggest domestic burglary called Who Stole Tamara Ecclestone's Diamonds? also reveals how detectives who were struggling to find the burglars unmasked the crooks when one of them sent a so-called 'd**k pic' to a hotel's out of hours phone. Saying her life will 'never be the same again', Miss Ecclestone also described her fear at knowing that one of the thieves has not been caught. She said: 'They are disgusting. Now I have seen their faces it is kind of haunting, in a way. Footage shows how thieves left a trail of destruction through Tamara Ecclestone's Kensington mansion before making off with 25million worth of jewels. Every room in the house was completely ransacked by the thieves The documentary explores how the thieves climbed through this small window (left) at the Kensington mansion after they entered through the back garden. The programme also reveals that the intruders spend an hour in the house and cause a mess with Christmas decorations seen thrown all about the stairs (right) Tamara Ecclestone appears on the new BBC Three documentary 'Who Stole Tamara Ecclestone's Diamonds?' and reveals she will always worry about being safe at home This CCTV handout shows the thieves breaking into Miss Ecclestone's home through the garden as they are also seen to hide by the child's Wendy House in the footage from that night A Metropolitan Police photograph of screwdrivers left at the Miss Ecclestone's property as it was revealed thieves left a trail of destruction throughout it The raid was carried out on Miss Ecclestone's 57million home in Kensington, West London which is pictured with Christmas decorations outside in this photo A selection of the jewels stolen by the gang from Miss Ecclestone's mansion. The circled image shows the bracelet that Tamara's husband Jay bought her when their child Sophie was born. it has her daughter's name spelled out in diamonds and was presented as Tamara was in hospital This handout shows the watches stolen from Miss Ecclestone's Kensington home Burglar who stole 20m diamonds from Tamara Ecclestone was identified by a 'D**K PIC': Thief behind jewellery heist at 70m mansion was caught when he sent hotel worker a lewd picture The burglars who stole 25million worth of diamonds from Tamara Ecclestone were unmasked after one of them sent a 'd**k pic' to a hotel's out of hours phone, a BBC documentary has revealed. Police who cracked the infamous jewellery heist at the 70million Kensington mansion of Bernie Ecclestone's daughter have revealed how they caught Jugoslav Jovanovic after he sent a hotel worker a lewd photo. Scotland Yard Detective Constable Thomas Grimshaw has described asking a receptionist at a budget hotel called TLK Apartments in St Mary Cray about guests who stayed there in mid-December 2019. To his astonishment, she told the detective about a man who had sent her colleague inappropriate messages on the hotel's out of hours iPhone, including a so-called 'd**k pic'. They saved his number as 'Weirdo'. By getting that number, Det Con Grimshaw identified Jovanovic and from there caught most of the gang behind Britain's biggest domestic burglary. Advertisement 'Knowing that kind of person has been roaming around your house and helping themselves to my most treasured valuable possessions is just a horrible feeling. I feel like I can't get those faces now out of my mind. 'Definitely our lives will never be the same because there is always worry about the one thing I never used to worry about - which was being safe in this house. 'I worried about so many other scenarios and situations. I just know that there's still one of them out there and that is probably one of the things that is really hard to deal with.' She also revealed that several of the jewellery items had sentimental value like a bracelet Jay bought her when their child Sophie was born which was inset with diamonds spelling out their daughter's name. Her mother, Slavica Ecclestone, also gave her the diamond earrings she owned when her daughter was in her 20s which Tamara has kept ever since and are now gone. 'They are irreplaceable to me as they have such sentimental value,' she added. '[These] are the things that hurt the most as they are the memories of the most special moments of my life.' Speaking to the BBC Jay said: 'In terms of the amount that was stolen, it was something like 450 different items. 'All of the jewellery and the watches that were stolen were all excluded in the insurance policy. The total monetary value of everything that was stolen was just over 20million. 'After [the thieves] had been in there an hour, after they have ransacked every single room. The security guard hears a noise and goes off to investigate, he doesn't raise an alarm, he doesn't arm himself with a weapon, he doesn't do anything. He just goes off to investigate. 'He continues to go upstairs where he runs into the three intruders. He apparently chases them downstairs and at some point there is a fire extinguisher thrown at him that misses. 'And all three intruders are able to escape with all the bags off into the night.' The suspected ring leader Vukovic currently remains at large and is thought to be in Serbia. Attempts have been made to extradite him, but these have been refused by the Serbian authorities. A Croatian national, Vukovic is known to Italian authorities under 17 more identities and his real name could be Alfredo Lindley. He has a criminal record dating back to 1995 and by 2017 his various aliases had links to Sarajevo, Belgrade, Zagreb and Milan, the BBC found. Police have also linked Vukovic to the alleged burglaries of international footballers Patrick Vieira and Sulley Muntari in 2009, according to Italian court documents. The gang carried out three raids in West London over just 13 days in December 2019 - with the other victims being former Chelsea FC midfielder and manager Frank Lampard, 43, and his 42-year-old television presenter wife Christine, and the late Leicester City FC owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha. Police said the gang are believed to have carried out similar crimes against high-profile victims across Europe and had planned to commit further raids on the rich and famous in the UK. Detectives have not revealed the identities of other potential victims, who did not know how close they came to being burgled as the thieves carried out reconnaissance missions and dummy runs. This handout shows a selection of jewellery stolen by the gang from Miss Ecclestone's home in December 2019 Croatian ring leader Daniel Vukovic, pictured at Heathrow, still remains at large and is thought to be in Serbia. Attempts have been made to extradite him, but these have been refused by the Serbian authorities. A Croatian national, Vukovic is known to Italian authorities under 17 more identities and his real name could be Alfredo Lindley. He has a criminal record dating back to 1995 and by 2017 his various aliases had links to Sarajevo, Belgrade, Zagreb and Milan, the BBC found Gang members Jugoslav Jovanovic (left) Alessandro Maltese (centre), and Alessandro Donati (right) were jailed in 2019 Jovanovic, Maltese and Donati were extradited from Italy and pleaded guilty to conspiracy to burgle between November 29 and December 18, 2019 over the three raids. Jovanovic also admitted conspiracy to commit money laundering between December 10, 2019 and January 31, 2020, and one count of attempting to convert criminal property. He was jailed for 11 years at Isleworth Crown Court in November 2019, while Maltese and Donati were each sentenced to eight years and nine months in prison. The men were brought to the court in West London under armed police guard as a helicopter flew overhead. Only a handful of items have been recovered with the rest of the 26million worth of loot believed to have been taken abroad. The Lampards had around 60,000 in watches and jewellery stolen while they were out of their Chelsea property on December 1. On December 10, the gang targeted Mr Srivaddhanaprabha's Knightsbridge home, which had been turned into a shrine by his family following his death, aged 60, in a helicopter crash shortly after take-off from the King Power Stadium on October 27, 2018. Among more than 1million in property stolen was a TAG Heuer watch he was wearing before he left for Leicester that day. The burglars even popped a 500 bottle of Cristal champagne to drink as they carried out the raid and later celebrated with a 760 sushi meal in Knightsbridge restaurant Zuma. On the way to the final 25million burglary at Miss Ecclestone's house, Maltese stole a packet of chewing gum from a kiosk at Victoria station as the gang stopped to buy coffee and pastries. Jovanovic and his uncle Vukovic were later seen on CCTV in Harrods department store spending thousands of pounds on luxury goods and signing up for loyalty cards using fake names. Tamara Ecclestone and husband Jay Rutland at the Rosewood Hotel in London in November 2018 Police van carries the three convicted burglars from Isleworth Crown Court following their sentencing in November 2021 Incredibly, detectives who were struggling to find the burglars unmasked the crooks when one of them sent a so-called 'd**k pic' to a hotel's out of hours phone. Police who cracked the infamous jewellery heist have revealed how they caught Jovanovic after he sent a hotel worker a lewd photo. Scotland Yard Detective Constable Thomas Grimshaw has described asking a receptionist at a budget hotel called TLK Apartments in St Mary Cray about guests who stayed there in mid-December 2019. To his astonishment, she told the detective about a man who had sent her colleague inappropriate messages on the hotel's out of hours iPhone, including a so-called 'd**k pic'. They saved his number as 'Weirdo'. By getting that number, Det Con Grimshaw identified Jovanovic and from there caught most of the gang behind Britain's biggest domestic burglary. Who Stole Tamara Ecclestone's Diamonds? is available on BBC iPlayer and will be broadcast on BBC Three at 9pm tonight The chief of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) said that China seems bent on attacking Taiwan, with Beijing's estimates of how and when to invade being influenced by Russia's experience in Ukraine. Central Intelligence Agency Director Bill Burns said on Wednesday that China probably realized in the Russia-Ukraine War that "you don't achieve quick, decisive victories with underwhelming force". Taiwan is a self-governing region that was created in 1948 by nationalists who had lost power to communists during the country's civil war. China claims this territory is a part of the nation and has not ruled out using force to annex the island, per Al Jazeera. China's Attack on Taiwan Is Imminent Speaking at the Aspen Security Forum, Burns claimed that China was "unsettled" with Russia's five-month war in Ukraine. Burns called President Vladimir Putin's failure to overthrow the Kyiv administration within a week a "strategic failure" on the Russian leader's part. Billy Burns claimed that the CIA senses that it probably affects less the question of whether the Chinese leadership might choose some years down the road to use force to control Taiwan, but how and when they would do it. "I suspect the lesson that the Chinese leadership and military are drawing is that you've got to amass overwhelming force if you're going to contemplate that in the future," he said. Director of the Central Intelligence Agency Bill Burns downplayed rumors that Chinese President Xi Jinping might invade Taiwan following a significant Communist party meeting later this year. Read Also: Italian PM Draghi Resigns Amid Country's Political Crisis; What Happens Next? Burns "wouldn't underestimate President Xi's willingness to exert China's rule" over independent Taiwan, as per a report from The Guardian. "The risks of that appear to us to increase larger the further into this decade that you get," he added. Burns' remarks came after US President Joe Biden announced plans for a call with President Xi Jinping, the first between the two leaders in four months, despite ongoing tension between Washington and Beijing over some topics, including China Taiwan conflict. "I think I'll be talking to President Xi within the next 10 days," Biden told reporters as he returned from the state of Massachusetts. Beijing Seems Careful in Taking Steps The necessity to "control the information space" and to "do everything you can to shore up your economy against the threat of sanctions" are likely other lessons Beijing has likely learned. CIA Chief Burns stated that despite rhetorical support, the US does not believe Beijing is providing military assistance to Russia. This is consistent with earlier US assessments. He claimed that China has increased its purchases of Russian energy but is being cautious to avoid coming under western sanctions. Taiwanese citizens see the island as an independent, self-governing state with its military, in contrast to the Chinese government's contention that Taiwan is a "renegade province" that is a portion of its territory. After Putin invaded Ukraine in February, many analysts and politicians, including former President Donald Trump, predicted that China would launch a military attack on Taiwan. According to Insider, the Taiwanese are presently practicing urban warfare to fortify their fortifications in advance of a future Chinese invasion. Related Article: Russia Denies Vinnitsa Missile Strike Targeted Civilian Areas in Ukraine Intentionally @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Royal Marines put on a show of power in a lively demonstration alongside Dutch allies in Den Helder as part of celebrations for the Royal Netherlands Navy. Marines from the 47 Commando Raiding Group simulated a beach landing with Korps Mariniers comrades, firing high calibre machine guns mounted on boats as landing craft stormed into the harbour and unloaded armoured vehicles. Exercise Green Tulip took place between Dutch amphibious ship HNLMS Karel Doorman and RFA Mounts Bay, which hosted thousands of visitors. The Royal Marines' small boat raiding specialists are in the Netherlands to sharpen their amphibious warfare skills with their Dutch allies. Royal Marines took part in a series of capability demonstrations alongside Dutch counterparts as part of Royal Netherlands Navy celebrations last week The marines used landing and raiding craft, firing heavy machine guns as they approached, before offloading Viking armoured vehicles in front of the assembled crowd The Netherlands has strongly condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine and provided military support, including sending 18 armoured howitzer tanks. Though the Dutch Secretary of Defense has warned that their military is reaching the limit of what it can do, stating that their defense warehouses are getting empty. State Secretary Christophe van der Maat of Defense said in an interview with AD that if the Netherlands were to be attacked on its own territory, Defense could only participate for 'a few days.' Currently the Marines are in the Netherlands and taking part in festivities marking the Netherlands' Navy Days. Across a weekend of celebrations, 100,000 visitors came to Den Helder the largest naval base in the Netherlands to show how the Royal Netherlands Navy works and celebrate its work, much like the UK's Armed Forces Day that took place last month. Mounts Bay was a popular attraction, with queues lining the dockside to get on board. She also acted as floating television studio for the live broadcast of events. 'RFA Mounts Bay provided the 'best view in Den Helder' from our 35m high bridge and quickly became the most popular ship at Navy Days,' said Captain Ali Clack RFA, Mounts Bay's commanding officer. 'Supported by 47 Commando, the Royal Fleet Auxiliary ship's company hosted over 4,000 visitors over the weekend to view our landing craft, firefighting and navigation bridge equipment demonstrations.' Cadet Alexandra Knight added: 'It's great for someone who has newly joined to see the partnership between the nations. It's been a really fantastic experience.' Mounts Bay and 47 Commando are now on exercises alongside Dutch counterparts that will enhance the two nations' ability to work together. Advertisement President Biden tested positive for Covid-19 on Thursday morning after a jam-packed week of travel and public appearances, and opportunities to give or pass on the virus. 'This morning, President Biden tested positive for COVID-19. He is fully vaccinated and twice boosted and experiencing very mild symptoms. He has begun taking Paxlovid,' White House press secretary Karine Jean Pierre said in a statement. During an address on Saturday the president, 79, had a noticeable cough. That same day he fist bumped with Saudi crown-prince Mohammed bin Salman. Over the trip shook hands with others, breaking a White House announcement that he would avoid handshakes due to Covid-19 concerns. Here's a look at the vaccinated and twice-boosted president's last week: Thursday - July 14 - Biden arrives in Israel and visits a packed stadium The president held one-on-one meetings with Israel's Prime Minister Yair Lapid, President Isaac Herzog and former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He also participated in a meeting of the 'I2U2,' which included leaders from Israel, India and the United Arab Emirates and held a press conference with Lapid. In the evening he attended a reception held by Herzog and attended the opening of the Maccabiah Games, known as the Jewish Olympics. Biden speaks to US athletes during the openning ceremony of the Maccabiah Games in Jerusalem, Biden poses with fans at the Maccabiah Games in Jerusalem on Thursday, July 14 Throngs of crowds gathered at the opening ceremony of the Maccabiah Games at Teddy Stadium in Jerusalem Friday - July 15 - Biden fist bumps with MBS and coughs through a press conference in Jerusalem Biden fist bumped Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as he arrived for a meeting with the controversial royal and his father King Salman bin Abdulaziz al Saud Friday evening in Jeddah. A handout photo of President Joe Biden (left) fist-bumping Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (right) as he arrived for a meeting with the controversial royal Friday evening in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia Later, he gave a press briefing where DailyMail.com asked for his reaction to criticism of the friendly gesture. 'What a silly question,' the president remarked. Before arriving in Jeddah, Biden had been in Jerusalem, where he delivered a public address and visited the West Bank before holding a bilateral meeting with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and visiting the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. The president coughed his way through remarks at an East Jerusalem Hospital Network Event. He told a story about a previous brain anuerysm: 'I was making a speech and I had a terrible headac- (coughs) excuse me a terrible headache. And sorry (takes a sip of water) (coughs) I swallowed wrong. I had a terrible headache. This was years ago.' Saturday - July 16 - Biden has a full day of meetings in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia On Saturday the president had a full day of bilateral meetings in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia with Prime Ministers Mustafa Al-Kadhimi of Iraq, Abdel Fattah al Sisi Egypt and Sheik Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates. The meetings were a part of a summit of the GCC + 3 - bringing together leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries - Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman - as well as the heads of state of the United States, Egypt and Iraq. Biden had hoped to reach a deal on oil production at a time of sky-high gas prices. He concluded his less-than-24 hour stint in Saudi Arabia with public remarks offering not-so-veiled criticism on Saudi Arabia's human rights record. Citizens should be able to 'question and criticize their leaders without fear of reprisal,' he said, referring to the killing of Washington Post Jamal Khashoggi. Biden then returned back to Washington and was back at the White House before midnight. Sunday - July 17 - Biden attends Mass Biden went to church Sunday evening at Holy Trinity in Georgetown. Monday - Day of rest Monday the president had a day of rest from the public eye after returning from a Middle East tour. Tuesday - Biden meets with Ukrainian first lady On Tuesday the president and First Lady Jill met with Ukrainian First Lady Olena Zelenska at the White House. He offered Zelenska a bouquet of flowers and was photographed touching her back and posing for photos in close proximity. Wednesday - Biden travels to Massachusetts On Wednesday, Biden gave a speech on climate change in Somerset, Massachusetts. Speaking at Brayton Point Power Station - New England's largest coal plant, which is being transformed into a factory producing cables for offshore wind farms- Biden blamed the failure of Congress to act on climate change on Republicans, instead of Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia. The president raised eyebrows by announcing he had cancer in an accidental misstep. Speaking about how pollution causes cancer, the president said. 'That's why I and so damn many other people I grew up with have cancer,' he said. Biden had several non-melanoma skin cancers removed before he became president. On Wednesday, Biden gave a speech on climate change in Somerset, Massachusetts On Tuesday the president and First Lady Jill met with Ukrainian First Lady Olena Zelenska at the White House Biden embraces Herzog during the opening ceremony of the Maccabiah Games Jordanian King Abdullah II (L) meets U.S. President Joe Biden (R) within Jeddah Security and Development Summit in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on July 16 US President Joe Biden (L) and Israel's caretaker Prime Minister Yair Lapid shake hands before the start of a joint press conference in Jerusalem, on July 14, A mugger nonchalantly strolled up to Swiss tourist, held him at gunpoint and relieved him of his watch in Naples last week - only for an accomplice to return it moments later after realising it wasn't as valuable as they had first thought. Startling video footage has emerged of the moment the criminal levelled his weapon at the head of the Swiss holidaymaker who was dining at a restaurant at the Piazza Trieste e Trento on July 17, forcing him to remove the timepiece. The gangster grabbed the watch and promptly fled the scene, leaving his victim scratching his head in shock and disbelief at the speed and audacity with which the crime was carried out. But minutes later a second man, thought to be the robber's accomplice, sidled up to the victim's table and handed the watch back. Francesco Emilio Borrelli, councillor for the Italian region of Campania, later revealed that the Swiss tourist told authorities the person who returned his watch apologised and explained they had only stolen it because they believed his timepiece was a Richard Mille. The luxury watchmaker is renowned for producing high-quality timepieces which are priced from anywhere between 20,000 and tens of millions. Upon realising their error and verifying their steal was in fact the product of another, far less valuable brand, the thieves decided to hand it back. The luxury watchmaker is renowned for producing high-quality timepieces which are priced from anywhere between 20,000 and tens of millions (RM 027 Tourbillon watch is pictured, which is one of the company's lowest-spec offerings, selling for 22,000) The criminal, dressed in a dark blue t-shirt, can be seen stepping up to the table and grabbing the watch off the wrist of the Swiss tourist, dressed in a light coloured shirt. But one of his accomplices later returned the watch when they realised it wasn't a highly-valuable Richard Mille The man in blue quickly fled the scene as the tourist and his companion watched on in disbelief Borrelli, who shared the incredible clip on social media, said: 'It is absurd because it took place just a few metres from the Naples Prefecture, the San Carlo, the Royal Palace, the army headquarters, and a short distance from Palazzo San Giacomo and the Police Headquarters.' He added: 'The city cannot be at the mercy of criminals and thugs.' Mayor of Naples Gaetano Manfredi meanwhile chastised the level of security in place at the piazza: 'The security issue must be addressed; on one hand with the supervision of the territory and with a better organisation of the police, but also with action on the video surveillance.' But he was also quick to point out that Naples, which has earned a reputation for petty crime against tourists, is not the only place where such robberies take place on a regular basis. 'The theme of robberies is not only Neapolitan - we see it in all the big cities, even in Milan,' he said. 'Urban security is one of the great priorities we have before us and there must be great attention from the central government'. Footage of the strange incident comes as Italian authorities declared they had identified the criminals responsible for the theft of a real Richard Mille - from non other than brand ambassador and star Ferrari F1 driver Charles Leclerc. Ferrari's Monegasque driver Charles Leclerc celebrates on the podium winning the Bahrain Formula One Grand Prix, wearing his custom Richard Mille RM 67-02 watch Leclerc models the new Richard Mille RM UP-01 FERRARI watch, with a price tag of 1,570,000 The Monegasque was posing for selfies in Viareggio, Tuscany ahead of this year's Emilio-Romagna Grand Prix in April, when three individuals masquerading as fans managed to distract him while one of them slipped off his watch. This time the watch was very much the real deal - so much so that the thieves, who were allegedly based in Naples, struggled to sell it due to its exclusivity. Leclerc's Richard Mille RM 67-02 was a custom design, presented as a gift to the Ferrari star with his signature emblazoned on the timepiece's casing. A similar watch, without the customisation, recently sold at auction for 2.1million euros. The Swiss watchmaker has long been a sponsor partner of Ferrari and Leclerc has modelled a number of their products. Italian police have identified the individuals involved in the theft according to Italian newspapers Corriere Del Mezzogiorno and Il Mattino, after the watch turned up in Naples after being sold for just 200,000 euros - less than a tenth of its stated value. Comic book writer Alan Grant, famed for his work on Batman and Judge Dredd, has died aged 73 following a long-term illness. Mr Grant has been described as an 'unsung hero of UK comics' as tributes poured in for 'one of the greats'. His wife Sue confirmed he had died in a Facebook post, saying: 'I have no words. Alan died this morning.' After entering the industry in 1967, Alan rose to prominence with his writing on Batman and the 2000AD series in which he was helped create of Judge Dredd. In a statement paying tribute, 2000AD said it was 'devastated' to hear of his death and described his 'profound and enduring influence' on the industry. It said: 'Grant was one of his generations finest writers, combining a sharp eye for dialogue and political satire with a deep empathy that made his characters seem incredibly human and rounded. 'Through his work he had a profound and enduring influence on 2000 AD and on the comics industry.' Although ill for some time, Alan continued to write for 2000AD, with his last work a Judge Anderson story in 2018 and a war story named the Battle Special in 2020. Alan Grant, who today died aged 73 following a long battle with an illness, pictured at his home in Dumfries in 2005 After entering the industry in 1967, Alan rose to prominence with his writing on Batman and the 2000AD series During the pandemic, Alan helped villagers combat the financial impact of Covid by helping them produce their own comic chronicling the their struggles with the virus. Alan was famed for his work on the Judge Dredd comic book series The tribute continued: 'His impact on comics and standing in the industry simply cannot be understated. But he was more than just a giant in his field he was a fascinating man whose sharp wit and boundless warmth touched all those who met him. 'One cannot separate 2000 AD from Alan Grant, his humour, humanity, and intelligence made it what it is, and his talent was integral to its success. 'We are forever poorer without him. Our deepest condolences go out to his family and his friends. Rest well and thank you, Alan.' He and his wife also organised much-loved comic festivals in their village of Moniaive in Dumfriesshire for several years. And during the pandemic, Alan helped villagers combat the financial impact of Covid by helping them produce their own comic chronicling the their struggles with the virus. The comic was sold to help generate funds for Revitalise Moniaive, which was set up to sustain businesses and boost the village's economy. Born in Bristol in 1949 before growing up in Scotland, Alan briefly worked in a bank when he responded to an advert for trainee journalists at his local newspaper. He subsequently joined Beano publisher DC Thomson, based in Dundee, where he partnered up with John Wagner. Together, the pair former a long running partnership and revitalised British comics. While working on the Batman series through the 1980s and 1990s, Alan co-created fictional characters Anarky, Victor Zsasz and the Ventriloquist. The Scottish Book Trust said today: 'We are saddened today to learn of Alan Grant's passing. As a leading star of Scottish comics and a great ambassador for them he will be truly missed. 'Our hearts go out to Alan's family and friends, and his many, many fans.' Eisner-winning writer Tom King added: 'Horribly saddened to hear of the passing of Alan Grant. 'Lobo, LEGION, Batmanthese books questioned what super hero comics could be and do: they were sharply, cooly cynical and yet oddlyand wonderfullythey contained a powerful, warm undercurrent of hope. Hell of a writer. RIP.' Writer Richard Newby said: 'Such a consistently strong writer on Batman and Detective Comics who was behind so many of the stories I grew up reading in the 90s. 'A foundational voice for many. RIP Alan Grant. Weve lost too many great ones in the comics industry this year.' Friend Ivor Davis said: 'My thoughts are with his wife Sue, first of all, then his extended family, but thousands upon thousands of people the world over will be saddened and shocked as the news ripples out. 'For, you see, not only was Alan a lovely guy, a pillar of the local community in Moniaive for several years, but also for at least a couple of decades, Alan was THE Batman writer, and, with John Wagner, THE writer on Judge Dredd. He did so so much more too.' He added: 'Please take a moment today to think of Sue, and, if you ever read a Judge Dredd Comic Book from the late 70s onwards, or a Batman issue from the late 80s, dig it out or seek out online and revisit the moments of joy Alan A. Grant brought to this world and your life. R.I.P Alan, you were one of a kind.' Police in Pennsylvania have made an arrest in the unsolved 1975 murder of a 19-year-old girl after tracing the suspect's DNA to a thrown-out airport coffee cup. Lindy Sue Biechler was murdered in her own home in Lancaster County in December 1975. Her aunt and uncle found her with 19 stab wounds to her chest, neck, back and upper abdomen. She had returned from a trip to the grocery store just minutes before a violent struggle took place in her kitchen. One of Biechler's own knives was sticking out of her neck, with a tea towel wrapped around the wooden handle, according to the District Attorney's Office. Despite a decades-long search for answers, police were unable to make a breakthrough until DNA testing in the late-1990s identified a possible Italian-American killer. And when the case was taken on by Lancaster County's Cold Case Unit in 2019, investigators' intrigue focused on Lindy's ex-neighbor, David Sinopoli. Lindy Sue (left) was found dead in 1975 with a kitchen knife sticking out of her neck. No arrest had ever been made during the investigation of her killing - until Sinopoli's (right, mugshot) District Attorney Heather Adams (center, in white) thanked investigators for their 'never-ending pursuit of justice' and commitment to finding Lindy Sue's twisted murderer In February, police tracked Sinopoli to Philadelphia International Airport. After he threw away a used coffee cup, cops picked it up and took it for testing. DNA found on the cup was matched to semen found on Lindy's underwear in April. Last month, cops also matched blood found on Lindy's body to the coffee cup. That was deemed enough to finally make an arrest earlier this week. District Attorney Heather Adams thanked forensic investigators and law enforcement for their 46-year effort to obtain an arrest in the case. She said: 'There has been a never-ending pursuit of justice in this case that has led us to identifying and arresting Sinopoli. 'Lindy Sue Biechler was on the minds of many throughout the years. Certainly, law enforcement never forgot about Lindy Sue, and this arrest marks the first step to obtaining justice for her and holding her killer responsible.' Amber Heard has officially filed to appeal her defamation case against Johnny Depp, nearly two months after she was ordered to pay her ex-husband over $10million in damages. Lawyers representing the actress, 36, on Thursday filed a notice to appeal the verdict at the Virginia Court of Appeals in Fairfax County, court records obtained by DailyMail.com reveal. The move comes just a week after Heard was denied a request for a mistrial. In June, the Aquaman star was ordered to pay her ex-husband $10.35million at the end of an explosive six-week trial, when a jury ruled she had defamed the Pirates of the Caribbean star in a newspaper opinion piece published in 2018. Amber Heard filed a notice appeal the ruling in her defamation case against Johnny Depp on Thursday, court records obtained by DailyMail.com reveal The actress was ordered to pay her actor ex-husband $10.35 million in damages after a jury found she defamed him in an op-ed about domestic abuse in 2018 Heard's notice to appeal the verdict, filed at the Virginia Court of Appeals in Fairfax County Thursday, comes a week after she was denied a new trial Depp, 59, was awarded $15million in total $10million in compensatory damages and $5million in punitive damages. The judge later capped the damages at the state's maximum of $350,000 leaving Depp with a total of $8.35million. In contrast, Heard won just one of her three countersuit claims, which related to statements made by Depp's lawyer suggesting she and friends had trashed their apartment before calling the police out. The jury ultimately awarded her just $2million in compensatory damages out of the $100million she was seeking, and zero dollars in punitive damages. Depp's representatives reaffirmed their confidence in the court's decision in a statement to DailyMail.com in the wake of Heard's appeal application. 'The jury listened to the extensive evidence presented during the six-week trial and came to a clear and unanimous verdict that the defendant herself defamed Mr. Depp, in multiple instances. We remain confident in our case and that this verdict will stand,' a spokesperson for the actor said. Earlier this month, Heard's attorneys asked the judge to throw out the decision and declare a mistrial, arguing that one of the jurors on the case should not have been eligible to serve because his summons was intended for his father, who had the same name and lived at the same address. Heard, 36, won just one of her three countersuit claims in the explosive six-week trial earlier this year. The jury awarded her just $2million in compensatory damages out of the $100million she was seeking Depp, 59, was awarded $15million in total before the judge capped the damages at the state's maximum of $350,000 that left him with $8.35million. The actor (pictured at a rehearsal in Italy on Sunday) has been touring with British musician Jeff Beck in Europe since his victory in early June Depp had sued Heard and argued that she defamed him when she called herself 'a public figure representing domestic abuse' in a 2018 opinion piece published in The Washington Post. The couple tied the knot in 2015 before splitting a little over a year later The request was shot down in a written order last Wednesday, with Judge Penny Azcarate ruling there was 'no evidence of fraud or wrongdoing' by the juror and that the jury's verdict should stand. She also noted that both sides had questioned and accepted all jurors at the start of the trial. 'Due process was guaranteed and provided to all parties in this litigation,' Azcarate wrote. In the 43-page memorandum filed July 1, Heard's lawyers had also argued that the verdict - and the $10million in damages she now owes Depp - should be tossed out on the grounds that during the trial, Depp 'proceeded solely on a defamation by implication theory, abandoning any claims that Ms. Heard's statements were actually false.' Depp's lead attorney, Ben Chew, responded to the motion in a statement to Courthouse News, saying 'What we expected, just longer, no more substantive.' Heard has also said that she is unable to pay the $10.35million in damages she owes Depp. Though she has previously indicated that she wants to appeal the verdict, to do so she would need to post bond of the full damages. It is likely that the motion for a mistrial was an attempt to circumvent those requirements while still overturning the decision in the case. Court documents obtained by DailyMail.com show that Judge Penny Azcarate denied Heard's motion to have the verdict thrown out in a written order last week The motion cast doubt on the validity of the jury selection process, pointing out a juror - identified as Juror 15 - whose birth year was listed as 1945 in court records. The filing argued that Juror 15 'was clearly born later than 1945. Publicly available information demonstrates that he appears to have been born in 1970.' Judge Penney Azcarate ruled that there was 'no evidence of fraud or wrongdoing' by the juror and that the jury's verdict should stand 'This discrepancy raises the question whether Juror 15 actually received a summons for jury duty and was properly vetted by the court to serve on the jury.' 'It appears his identity could not have been verified,' the filing reads. Depp had sued Heard and argued that she defamed him when she called herself 'a public figure representing domestic abuse' in an opinion piece published in The Washington Post. Depp denied hitting Heard and said she was the one who turned violent in their relationship. Heard countersued, saying Depp smeared her when his lawyer called her accusations a 'hoax.' The jury awarded Heard $2 million in damages on one of her counterclaims. Heard said she only struck Depp in defense of herself or her sister. During an interview on Good Morning America in June, Chew suggested that Depp might be willing to forgo the millions of dollars in damages owed to him should Heard agree not to proceed with an appeal. However, Heard's lawyers lost that chance during the June 24 hearing when they declined to make such an agreement and Azcarate finalized the verdict, leaving Heard's only path forward in an appeal. In order to do that though, Heard would still need to come up with the cash to post a bond for the full amount of the $10.35million while the appeal is pending a common practice. An Afghan boy was mistakenly sent to France instead of the UK, where he was meant to reunite with his family. Conservative MP Bob Blackman criticised the Home Office for allowing the 11-year-old to become stranded in France. The MP for Harrow East also revealed 12,000 refugees fleeing the Taliban remain stuck in hotels. Conservative MP Bob Blackman criticised the Home Office for allowing an 11-year-old Afghan refugee to become stranded in France During the second half of August 2021, more than 120,000 people were flown from Kabul U.S. Marines provide security and check evacuees at Hamid Karzai International Airport, Kabul, on August 21 during the evacuation He said: 'It just can't go on like this. 'There seems to be a lack of co-ordination and communication because the Home Office says one thing to the constituent and another thing to my office and that can't be right. 'There seems to be a case where even people who have paid for the priority [passport application] service are not actually getting the service within the timeframe and that's scandalous.' Taliban fighters flying their flag drive through the centre of Kabul as they try to maintain security in the capital 'Yesterday at the hub in Portcullis House, staffers were waiting up to four hours to be able to see people. 'We've even had delays with the biometric cards and applications where one constituent has been stuck in Turkey since Christmas, waiting, and they can't get home to be with their family. 'This has got to change and it's got to be clear. 'The bureaucracy is a nightmare. We need to get this resolved.' A train right outside of Boston caught on fire on Thursday morning, causing distressed passengers to escape through windows, with one jumping into a river. The fire broke out for early morning commuters around 6:45 a.m. on an Orange Line train heading toward Assembly Station in Somerville, Mass. The train halted on a bridge over the Mystic River when the flames exploded from the head car. 'Assisted by MBTA personnel, approximately 200 passengers were walked off the train, but some people did evacuate through windows in the first car,' Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority spokesperson Joe Pesaturo said, according to The Boston Globe. Passengers documented the incident as multiple people leaped out of the windows and onto the train tracks. 'Ladies, ladies,' one man is heard saying in the background of a video, as multiple people shove to get out of the window at once. A woman responded, 'I'm scared.' One woman jumped into the river below the train when the flames broke out. A local fire department which happened to be in the area at the time attempted to assist the unidentified woman, but she denied help Passengers were quick to jump out of a burning train that caught fire in Massachusetts. The fire broke out before 7 a.m. on Thursday while 200 passengers were onboard Passengers anxiously waited to exit the fiery train through the emergency exits as others escaped through windows Additional footage showed passengers lined up to exit through a train door as others safely queued up outside. One passenger was picked up by public safety personnel after she jumped into the water from the burning train. Personnel who arrived at the scene to assist passengers watched the shocking scene unfold as passengers evacuated. '201 to control. I can see Medford Fire at the station. We're almost done evacuating,' a personnel supervisor said, according to The Globe. 'I have somebody jumping off the bridge into the water, actually, as we speak,' the supervisor said. Somerville Fire Chief Charles Breen told The Globe that the fire department's boat was coincidentally in the river at the time of the incident and saw the woman swimming. 'The woman refused to get into the boat,' he said. 'She was provided a life jacket and proceeded to swim to shore... then she walked away.' A resident who lives nearby watch the incident unfold through the window of his home. 'I was looking out and was like, "What the hell is going out there?"' William Tauro told The Globe. 'I'm looking out there and looking back to the TV and I'm seeing the same shot there that I'm seeing out the window.' The fire was put out and transferred to a rail yard to investigate the cause. No injuries were reported. The Thursday incident comes nearly a month after an Amtrak train derailed in Missouri, killing three and injuring 50. Missouri officials have declared a 'large fatality event' after an Amtrak train collided with a dump truck at a public railroad crossing and overturned The train collided with a dump truck causing the horrific scene as passengers were thrown over when the train fell on its side. Passengers included 16 youths and eight adults from two Boy Scout troops who were traveling home to Appleton, Wisconsin, after a backcountry excursion at the Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. The scouts immediately responded by helping survivors exit as emergency personnel arrived at the scene. A Colorado woman who survived the 2012 Batman movie shooting that killed 12, including her fiancee, and wounded 70, found love again with the police officer who responded to the scene 10 years later. Wednesday July 20, 2012 marked ten years since Lasamoa Lanier's (then Lasamoa Cross) fiance, AJ Boik, 18, was shot dead when gunman James Holmes opened fire not long after the opening scene during the midnight screening of 'Dark Night Rises.' When the gunshots were heard Boik reportedly grabbed his fiancee's hand to flee the theater. Amid the chaos, Lasamoa tried to cover her fiance but sadly, he was shot twice and died. Officer Cody Lanier, a resource officer at her high school, was one of the officers who rushed to the scene to try and assist on that horrifying day. Lasamoa and Cody Lanier are seen kissing on their wedding day last year. 'Beauty from ashes, man. I don't know what I would do without her,' Cody said. A selfie that Lasamoa took with AJ Boik (right) at the Centruy 16 movie theater in Aurora, Colorado the night of the shooting. A responding officer at the scene, Cody was the one who told Boik's mom her son was unlikely to survive 'Oh yeah, it's crazy. Who knew. I didn't,' Lasamoa said of her unlikely romance with Cody given his role on a 'traumatic' day in her life Lasamoa was filled with grief after losing the love of her life. While Cody was reeling from the pain of not being able to save all those who perished. He also was the officer who had to break the tragic news to Boik's mother telling her that her son probably did not survive calling 'it the absolutely the worst singular event I could imagine as a cop,' he said, 9News reported. Lasamoa spent years trying to heal and kept a journal chronicling her feelings. She also took up photography in hopes of capturing life's happier moments. Part of her healing also included writing letters to the police officers, who were also traumatized by the massacre, thanking them for risking their own lives while trying to save others. One of the officers who received the letter was Officer Cody, who was still reeling from the loss and felt like he failed the people and families who were killed. After dropping off the letter at Gateway High School, where Cody worked the pair went for lunch. What was supposed to be an hour lunch at Chipotle turned into an entire afternoon and the beginning of a special friendship. Lasamoa Lanier's then-fiance (pictured above, left) was one of the 12 casualties of the deadly shooting during a screening of 'Dark Night Rises' in Colorado on July 20, 2012. Cody Lanier (pictured above, right) was an officer at the scene As their friendship grew after their initial lunch, Cody said that Lamasoa 'filled this gap' in his life The two relied on each other to get them through the trauma they both endured, and their relationship grew stronger over the years. 'In a way, La kind of filled this gap,' Cody said. 'Beyond that it was just this connection. Every day since she turned into my best friend.' 'I am pretty sure there is not a thing that I want to do where she is not involved,' he said. On October 3, 2021, the pair made it official and wed finally getting their happily ever after. An Instagram post from Lasamoa Lanier addressed to AJ Boik, 10 years after the Aurora cinema shooting She calls it the 'best day of her life.' She also became a stepmother to Cody's two children. And, Chipotle was served at their wedding rehearsal dinner. A portion of the letter Lasamoa sent to Cody that ignited their unbreakable bond reads: 'I appreciate all the work you put forth on July 20 it was a traumatic experience that no one person regardless of their age should have to take it,' she wrote. She added, in part: 'I have always thought of you as a headstrong determined and courageous person for having the amount of strive to serve and protect Gateway, Aurora and your family. Every single day,' said the letter. 'And that alone has changed my life all together.' Lasamoa and Cody Lanier are seen in a family photo with their adorable dog as they build a life together after their October 3, 2021 wedding Cody said that he was overwhelmed with emotion with Lasamoa's warm gesture. 'I don't think I made it through three sentences in that thing and I'm tearing up,' Cody said. The letter also was a newspaper clipping that showed a photo of Cody taken right after he had told AJ's mother that her son probably didn't survive. The pair's love grew from friendship to something more powerful. 'She kind of let me see a side of things I never saw before,' Cody said. 'He helped me see kind of a guiding light,' Lasamoa said. Both are still in the dreamy phase of wedded bliss. 'It's like a sleepover with my best friend all the time. It's crazy. Beauty from ashes, man,' Cody said. 'I don't know what I would do without her.' Lasamoa felt the same as she said, in between tears of joy and sadness: 'Sometimes I stop and think about it and I am like oh you are able to find love again,' she said. I have been through this and been through that but life is still happening.' Lasamoa still journals and on Instagram posted a letter to her first forever love AJ that pulls at the heart strings. 'I don't know if you had any intentions of leading him [Cody] to me, but I really appreciate you sending him to me.' Police forces in England and Wales have recorded the highest number of crimes in 20 years, driven by a sharp rise in offences including fraud, rape and violent attacks. A total of 6.3million crimes were recorded in the year to March 2022 4% higher than the previous all-time high of 6.1million in 2019/20. It is also up 16% on 2020/21, when crime levels were affected by Covid-19 lockdown restrictions. The figures, which have been published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), show knife crime, theft and domestic abuse all increased in the 12 months to March. Police-recorded offences of fraud and computer misuse have risen 17%, from 828,364 in 2020/21 to 965,162 in 2021/22. Knife crime rose by 10% to 49,027 offences in the year to March, compared to 44,642 in the previous 12 months though this is below the pre-pandemic year of 2019/20, which saw 55,078 offences. The orange blocks in the graph represent lockdown restrictions, coinciding with falling crime Various types of police-recorded crime are now at their highest level since current records began in 2002/03, including the number of rape offences (70,330 in 2021/22), all sexual offences (194,683), stalking and harassment offences (722,574), and all violence against the person offences (2.1 million). There were 909,504 domestic abused-related offences recorded in 2021/22, up 8% on 2020/21 and up 12% on the pre-pandemic year of 2019/20. Some of this increase may reflect improvements seen in reporting over the last few years. Responding to the figures, Diana Fawcett, chief executive at the charity Victim Support, said: 'Record rises in crime levels are always worrying behind these statistics are real people, and being a victim of any crime can have a devastating and long lasting impact. 'Regardless of the reason for the increase, this huge rise in recorded crime coincides with victims across the country facing agonisingly long waits for trial. 'With the highest number of cases for 20 years coming into the criminal justice system, we need urgent action to address the backlog of cases, to ensure that those whove had the courage to report a crime get the justice they deserve.' Billy Gazard of the ONS said: 'Sexual offences recorded by the police were at the highest level recorded within a 12-month period in the year ending March 2022, a 32% increase from the previous year. 'These changes may reflect a number of factors including the impact of high-profile cases and campaigns on victims willingness to report incidents.' The number of sex offences recorded by forces in England and Wales has more than doubled in the past seven years, from 88,576 in 2014/15 to 194,683 in 2021/22. Rape offences have nearly doubled in the past six years, from 36,320 in 2015/16 to 70,330 in the year to March. While theft offences jumped by 15% to 1.5 million in 2021/22, this is still below pre-pandemic levels, when the number topped two million. Many subcategories of theft saw an increase in the latest figures, though this follows a sharp drop in 2020/21 when levels were affected by Covid-19 lockdowns. Theft from the person was up 77% in the year to March, theft of a motor vehicle was up 22% and shoplifting rose 21%. Separate figures published on Thursday by the Home Office show that just 5.6% of offences in England and Wales in 2021/22 around one in 18 resulted in a charge and/or summons, down from 7.1%, or one in 14, in 2020/21. The charge rate has been on a downwards trend for several years and now stands at around a third of the level in 2014/15, when it was 15.5%. The proportion of offences that had not been assigned an outcome by police forces at the time of reporting rose from 7.8% in 2020/21 to 11.7% in 2021/22. The figure stood at 7.3% in 2014/15. The Home Office said these trends 'are likely to reflect, in part, improved crime recording processes as well as a more complex crime caseload being dealt with by the police, with the rise in violence against the person and sexual offences'. Data from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) shows there were 1,733 rape convictions in England and Wales in 2021/22, up from 1,109 in 2021/21 and also above the 1,439 in the pre-pandemic year of 2019/20. The conviction rate for rape cases stood at 68.3% in the year to March 2022, down from 71.2% in 2020/21 but broadly unchanged from 68.5% in 2019/20. The number of rape suspects charged increased from 1,955 in 2020/2021 to 2,223 in 2021/2022, a rise of 14%. Director of Public Prosecutions, Max Hill QC, and Chief Constable Sarah Crew, the National Police Chiefs Council lead for rape and adult sexual offences, said: 'Rape is a devastating offence and we are committed to improving every aspect of how these life-changing crimes are dealt with. 'Close joint working from the very start of an investigation means we can build the best possible cases more quickly. 'With police going to the CPS earlier in the process and more often, the rise in charging decisions will lead to more trials and more convictions. 'Early advice in these cases has been key in helping us use our joint resources more effectively and narrow the gap between the number of offences reported to the police and cases going to court.' United States President Joe Biden tested positive for COVID-19 on Thursday and he is experiencing mild symptoms, according to the White House. In a statement, the White House said: "Consistent with CDC guidelines, he will isolate at the White House and will continue to carry out all of his duties fully during that time. He has been in contact with members of the White House staff by phone this morning, and will participate in his planned meetings at the White House this morning via phone and Zoom from the residence." The White House statement added Biden, 79, is being treated with the antiviral Paxlovid and is fully immunized and twice boosted. Biden is exhausted, has a runny nose, and a dry cough, and did not sleep well as per Ashish Jha, the White House COVID-19 coordinator. On Twitter, President Joe Biden thanked his supporters for their concern. "Folks, I'm doing great. Thanks for your concern. Just called Senator Casey, Congressman Cartwright, and Mayor Cognetti (and my Scranton cousins!) to send my regrets for missing our event today," he tweeted. Folks, I'm doing great. Thanks for your concern. Just called Senator Casey, Congressman Cartwright, and Mayor Cognetti (and my Scranton cousins!) to send my regrets for missing our event today. Keeping busy! pic.twitter.com/uf7AsOg571 President Biden (@POTUS) July 21, 2022 A few days after Biden's international trip, during which he maintained close contact with several officials in Israel and the Middle East, he tested positive for a COVID-19 test. White House officials stated before the trip that Biden would limit contact as a safeguard against the virus. However, during public appearances, Biden was photographed shaking hands and hugging officials and was spotted without a mask during discussions indoors. Biden Will Continue Working Despite Illness President Biden had most recently had testing for COVID-19 on Tuesday, and the result was negative, according to White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, before the test on Thursday. She said that the POTUS will continue to "work in isolation until he tests negative," and the White House will release daily updates on Biden's health status, as per a report from CBS News. According to her spokesperson Michael LaRosa, first lady Dr. Jill Biden tested negative for COVID-19 on Thursday morning in Delaware. The first lady also told reporters in Detroit on Thursday that she tested negative. Dr. Jill Biden said: "I talked to him just a few minutes ago. He's doing fine. He's feeling good." Read Also: Italian PM Draghi Resigns Amid Country's Political Crisis; What Happens Next? Biden's physician Kevin O'Connor claimed in a letter that during a routine screening, Biden had a positive antigen test. A more accurate PCR test later verified the results, per NBC News. He claimed that on Wednesday night, Biden first developed a dry cough. Biden's Old Age Puts Him at Higher Risk for Severe COVID-19 Before his inauguration in January 2021, Biden took the first two doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine, his first booster shot in September, and his second booster shot on March 30. Despite the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's claim that older persons who receive a full vaccination schedule and booster shots considerably lessen their risk of hospitalization and death, Biden's age puts him at a higher risk for a more severe case of COVID-19, per CNN. Originally, Biden was supposed to fly to Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, on Thursday for a lecture on preventing crime, then proceed to Philadelphia for a fundraiser for the DNC. He was also supposed to visit Orlando and Tampa in Florida on Monday. According to a White House official, vice president Kamala Harris, who contracted COVID-19 earlier this year and is currently in North Carolina, will wear a mask on the recommendation of the White House medical staff. She had a COVID-19 test on Thursday morning and was last seen with Mr. Biden on Tuesday, per the report. On Thursday, Biden and Harris also had a phone conversation. Related Article: US COVID-19 Cases Surge Again Due to BA.5 Variant; States Reportedly Have No New Measures To Manage Outbreak @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The House of Representatives on Thursday passed a bill to protect access to contraceptives on the federal level amid growing concerns that the conservative-majority Supreme Court could repeal that right. Just eight GOP lawmakers crossed the aisle to vote for the bill. Two voted 'present,' and six Republicans did not vote at all. The bill wound up passing in a 228 to 195 vote and now faces an uphill battle in the evenly-divided Senate. It was introduced by North Carolina Democrat Rep. Kathy Manning last week. House Democrats are rushing to protect privacy rights that they fear are now on the line after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade last month, sending the issue of abortion back to the individual states. Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito's majority opinion in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health, which rolled back Roe, specifies that the ruling only applies to the issue of abortion. However, Justice Clarence Thomas set off alarm bells across the country when he wrote in a concurring opinion that the high court could revisit the landmark cases that legalized same-sex marriage, same-sex intimacy and contraceptives access. Griswold v. Connecticut, decided in 1965, ruled that married couples had the right to buy and use contraceptives without government intervention. It was one of the three cases specifically named by Thomas. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said on the House floor Thursday that Republicans 'are against birth control, but they are for controlling women' Just eight GOP lawmakers voted with Democrats to pass the bill, called the Right to Contraception Act A later Supreme Court case which Thomas did not name, Eisenstadt v. Baird, extended the same protections to unmarried couples. Democrats and women's rights activists warn the right is still on the line. The bill explicitly grants federal protections to various forms of birth control, including oral contraceptives, intrauterine devices and condoms, including the right of heath care providers to issue them. The eight Republicans who broke away from colleagues to back the access to contraception Liz Cheney of Wyoming Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania Anthony Gonzalez of Ohio John Katko of New York Adam Kinzinger of Illinois Nancy Mace of South Carolina Maria Elvira Salazar of Florida Fred Upton of Michigan Advertisement It also opens up state and local officials to civil lawsuits for efforts to deny contraceptives access. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi blasted the Supreme Court's 'radical' decision on Wednesday while leading a group of Democratic congresswomen in a press conference on The Right to Contraception Act. 'It's about control. They don't like birth control, but they want to control women. And we cannot let that happen,' Pelosi said. Speaking on the House floor Thursday, Pelosi denounced the vast majority of Republican lawmakers who voted against the bill 'They are against birth control, but they are for controlling women. This is about servitude,' the Democrat fumed. The Republicans who voted in favor of the bill are: Reps. Liz Cheney of Wyoming, Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania, Anthony Gonzalez of Ohio, John Katko of New York, Adam Kinzinger of Illinois, Nancy Mace of South Carolina, Maria Elvira Salazar of Florida and Fred Upton of Michigan. Mace wore a message on the back of her blazer demanding that Congress 'protect contraception,' which was written with black marker on white tape she had stuck to her back. The photo was taken by Bloomberg. Ohio Rep. Bob Gibbs and Pennsylvania Rep. Mike Kelly voted 'present.' 'There is no "contraception crisis". The Democrats are fear-mongering just to score points,' said Michigan Rep. Lisa McClain, who voted no. 'This is political theater at its best.' Rep. Beth Van Duyne of Texas called the bill 'poorly-drafted and loosely-defined' on the House floor and said it 'would be detrimental to womens health and send taxpayer dollars straight to abortion-on-demand beneficiaries.' Democrats are rushing to protect certain privacy rights after the conservative-majority Supreme Court overturned federal abortion protections last month Longtime conservative Justice Clarence Thomas wrote in a separate concurring opinion that the high court could reconsider the rulings legalizing same-sex relationships and the right to contraceptives for married couples Earlier this week the House passed a bill to protect same-sex and interracial marriages. Forty-seven Republicans voted in favor of that measure - which also repeals the controversial Defense of Marriage Act, signed into law by Bill Clinton and defines a legal marriage as between a man and a woman. Societal views on gay marriage have shifted dramatically over the last two decades, but anti-abortion groups who oppose contraceptives remain influential among Republicans and Republican voters. SBA Pro-Life America President Marjorie Dannenfelser said the birth control legislation 'is just the latest ploy for the Democrats to impose abortion on demand until birth nationwide and funnel money to the abortion lobby that is spending $150 million to get them elected.' However, both bills still remain long shots in the Senate. But even if they don't pass there, Democrats will have something to show voters who are already furious they did not act to codify abortion access in the fifty years that Roe v. Wade stood as precedent. Progressive lawmakers called out their own party leaders for urging their base to 'go vote' in the wake of the Supreme Court rolling back abortion rights, insisting that it was not enough to energize their base. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi insisted Thursday that her husband Paul has never made investments based in information she's shared amid fresh scrutiny over the mega-wealthy stock trader's latest investment. 'Has your husband ever made a stock purchase or sale based on information he's received from you?' a reported asked the speaker in her weekly briefing. 'No,' she scoffed. 'Absolutely not.' Pelosi then walked away from the podium. On June 17 Paul Pelosi but 20,000 shares in semiconductor firm Nvidia, worth between $1 million and $5 million, ahead of a Senate vote on a bill that could inject $52 billion in the semiconductor manufacturing industry and give tax incentives for production. Nancy Pelosi insisted Thursday that her husband Paul has never made investments based in information she's shared amid fresh scrutiny over the mega-wealthy stock trader's latest investment On June 17 Paul Pelosi but 20,000 shares in semiconductor firm Nvidia, worth between $1 million and $5 million, ahead of a Senate vote on a bill that could inject $52 billion in the semiconductor manufacturing industry and give tax incentives for production The Pelosis are one of the wealthiest couples in Congress and Paul Pelosi has been dubbed one of the most prolific stock traders of all time. The speaker's office frequently notes that Nancy herself does not own any stock. For months there has been broad bipartisan consensus behind banning individual stock trades for members and their spouses. Lawmakers in both parties have put forth a slew of bills since Pelosi first expressed a cool openness to such a ban in February, not one of which has made it to the floor. On Wednesday Sen. Josh Hawley wrote a letter asking Democrats to hold a hearing on banning stock trading. 'This issue of whether and how Members of Congress engage in various financial transactions deserves scrutiny by the Committee,' Hawley wrote to Sen. Gary Peters, chair of the Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee. 'In 2020 Speaker Pelosi and her husband outperformed the S&P 500 by a whopping 14.3 percent,' Hawley said. Ninety percent of actively managed investment funds fail to beat the market, according to a report. After initial resistance, Pelosi changed tune in February and said she would get behind a stock ban if it was not just aimed at Congress but all of government. 'It has to be government-wide,' the California Democrat told reporters. 'The judiciary has no reporting. The Supreme Court has no disclosure. It has no reporting of stock transactions, and it makes important decisions every day.' It was not resounding support, but it was a change of tune from three months earlier when Pelosi was actively against cutting off her husband and the rest of Congress' stock trading power. 'We're a free market economy. '[Lawmakers] should be able to participate in that,' she said in December. Despite broad support, some Democrats lay blame at leadership for stopping such bills from even getting a vote. 'The people who control the calendar don't want to bring it to the floor,' said Rep. Abigail Spanberger, D-Va., a moderate who authored a bipartisan proposal to force members to put their assets in a blind trust. 'The people who control committees of jurisdiction don't want to bring it to the floor.' Paul Pelosi, owner of Financial Leasing Services, has amassed a personal fortune of around $135 million. In 2021, the House Speaker is ranked as the 14th wealthiest member of Congress with an estimated net worth of at least $46,123,051, according to Insider. Paul Pelosi's lucrative stock trades have prompted social investing app Iris allows users to track the couple's trades and be notified every time Paul makes a purchase so that they can do the same. And popular Twitter account @NancyTracker, which tracked Pelosi's investments, was banned from the social media network. The 2012 STOCK Act bans members of Congress from using 'any nonpublic information derived from the individual's position ... or gained from performance of the individual's duties, for personal benefit.' It also required lawmakers to report any publicly disclose any transaction of stocks, bond, commodities futures, and other securities within 45 days, rather than once per year. Pelosi is far from alone in her husband's stock trades - more than 220 other representatives and senators, around 40% of Congress, held together at least $225 million in stock assets during 2020, according to an Insider investigation. An Insider investigation found that 49 members and 182 congressional staffers were late to disclose trades from January through September 2021, violating the STOCK Act. Surveillance footage played at Parkland school shooter Nikolas Cruz's sentencing hearing on Thursday showed him grabbing a drink at a Subway and then heading to a McDonald's where he chatted with the brother of one of his victims. That all occurred around 25 minutes after he murdered 14 students and three staff members at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in February 2018. The gunman showed no signs of stress or nervousness in the video. Subway manager Carlos Rugeles testified that Cruz ordered a cherry and blue raspberry Icee. During the conversation with his victim's brother, John Wilford, who testified Thursday, Cruz sought a ride home, despite the pair never having met before. Wilford denied the shooter's request telling the court: 'He was pretty insistent on it. I wasn't really thinking much of it. I just wanted to get home and my sister wasn't answering her phone.' He added: 'Everyone was kind of panicked, not knowing what was going on. I was trying to get a hold of my sister and she wasn't picking up, so I called my mother to meet her at McDonald's.' Little did Wilford know at the time but his sister Maddie, then 18, had just been shot three times in the arm and torso by Cruz. While sitting with Cruz in the fast food restaurant, Wilford told the court that he tried to make small talk. 'I told him, `This is so chaotic, its crazy with all these helicopters and squad cars. What do you think this could be?'' Wilford recalled. 'He didn't say much. He had his head down.' Gunman Nikolas Cruz, shown on the right, acted casually as he wandered into a McDonald's restaurant and mingled with students who had been evacuated from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Cruz, pictured left, sat down with fellow student John Wilford. Wilford testified in court today that Cruz almost begged him for a ride home but he refused because of a 'gut feeling' Wilford, pictured on the right, said that during his encounter with Cruz, who he never met before, he attempted to make small talk but the gunman just kept his head down and said little Wilford, pictured here during today's court hearing, had been attempting to contact his sister while sitting across from Cruz. Little did he know that his sister had just been shot four times by Cruz Chief Assistant Public Defender David Wheeler, Nikolas Cruz, sentence mitigation specialist Kate O'Shea, and capital defense attorney Casey Secor stand as the jury enters the courtroom Cruz's lawyers attempted to have Thursday's witnesses thrown out arguing that his behavior following the shooting was irrelevant Cruz walked away after Wilford left with his mother. He was arrested about a half-hour later by Michael Leonard, an officer with the neighboring Coconut Creek Police Department. After the shooting, Cruz fled the building, according to earlier testimony, dressed in a burgundy shirt from the Stoneman Douglas Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps - he had been a member when he attended the school - and a New York City Police Department cap. The former Stoneman Douglas student blended in with students who were evacuating campus and went to a nearby Walmart, where security video shows that 25 minutes after he stopped shooting he turned into the Subway sandwich shop inside the entrance. Cruz's lawyers objected to the testimony of Wilford and Rugeles prior to their appearances in court arguing that the shooter's behavior in the aftermath was irrelevant. Prosecutors said that it spoke to his remorselessness, Circuit Judge Elizabeth Scherer agreed. Officer Leonard testified he was driving through neighborhoods looking for anyone matching the shooter's description. The officer was 3 miles from the school and about to drive back toward it when he spotted Cruz walking on a residential street. He said he stopped and Cruz looked at him. He pulled his gun and ordered Cruz to the ground. Cruz complied. A search found $350 in Cruz's pocket. Cruz, 23, pleaded guilty in October to 17 counts of first-degree murder. The jury must only decide if he should be sentenced to death or life without parole for the nations deadliest mass shooting to go before a jury. Maddy Wilford said in an interview that she doesn't remember the time in between leaving class and waking up in a hospital bed. She said: 'I was blacked out for most of it' Wilford said in 2019: ''Im not really into the gun-activist thing. Im more focusing on the mental side of it, because the people that shoot up schools are obviously going through something' In February 2019, John and Maddy Wilford were interviewed about the fateful day in Parkland for Rolling Stone. John Wilford mentioned that he encountered Cruz in a mall following the shooting but did not elaborate. While Maddy told the magazine that she doesn't remember the time in between leaving class and waking up in a hospital bed. She said: 'I was blacked out for most of it.' Maddy went on to say about some of her former classmates activism following the shooting: 'Im not really into the gun-activist thing. Im more focusing on the mental side of it, because the people that shoot up schools are obviously going through something.' Nine other gunmen who killed at least 17 people died during or immediately after their shootings, either by suicide or police gunfire. The suspect in the 2019 slaying of 23 people at a Walmart in El Paso, Texas, is awaiting trial. When jurors eventually get the case, probably in October or November, they will vote 17 times, once for each of the victims, on whether to recommend capital punishment. For each death sentence, the jury must be unanimous or the sentence for that victim is life. The jurors are told that to vote for death, the prosecutions aggravating circumstances for that victim must, in their judgment, "outweigh" the defenses mitigators. A juror can also vote for life out of mercy for Cruz. During jury selection, the panelists said under oath that they are capable of voting for either sentence. U.S. forces are now considering sending fighter jets to Ukraine as it continues to face an assault from Russia, according to Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall. Lieutenant Colonel Kendall said that Ukraine is busy dealing with its 'right now problem' in an allusion to its ground-based fighting in the Donbas region. But he also said that assistance in the form of aircraft may be needed. 'We'll be open to discussions with them about what their requirements are and how we might be able to satisfy them,' the Air Force head said during the Aspen Security Forum in Colorado on Wednesday. Kendall appeared along with Air Force Chief of Staff General Charles Brown Jr. during the Security Forum this week. General Brown also said that the U.S. has a responsibility to help train Ukrainian pilots on how to fly the different aircraft should they provide it to their forces. The U.S. Air Force is looking to retire its A-10 Warthogs and many have suggested that they be sent to Ukraine to help in air assaults in the war with Russia. The U.S. Air Force is considering providing A-10 Warthogs (pictured) to Ukraine to conduct air assaults in its war with Russia But Kendall said it's 'largely up to Ukraine' to decide what aircraft it wants. Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall didn't rule out sending the retiring A-10s to Kyiv despite shooting down the idea in March, but said it's' largely up to Ukraine' to decide what aircraft it wants. Pictured: Kendall speaks at the Aspen Security Forum in Colorado on Wednesday Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelensky has repeatedly said he needs more advanced fighter jets such as F-15s and F-16s. Both Kendall and Brown's comments came a week after the House passed the National Defense Authorization Act. In the lower chamber's version of the bill, the U.S. would provide $100 million to train Ukrainian pilots to fly U.S. aircraft. Kendall has previously shot down suggestions the U.S. could send A-10s to Ukraine, but in Aspen he did not shut down the idea entirely. 'There are a number of international opportunities that are possible there,' Kendall said, adding: 'Older U.S. systems are a possibility.' Brown told Reuters in an interview on the way to the Aspen Security Forum that the U.S. and its allies are considering different ideas for creating a long-term program to train Ukrainian pilots and modernize its air force. He added during his remarks in Colorado on Wednesday that Ukraine's success in fighting Russia since war broke out there earlier this year is a sign of the benefits of the cooperation between the U.S. and Ukrainian militaries. Channel migrants who triggered alerts on security databases have been allowed to vanish, a bombshell report warned yesterday. They are among scores to have fled taxpayer-funded hotels without fingerprints or photographs being taken. Some of the arrivals were armed with guns or other weapons. The names of at least two of the absconders were flagged on police or border security databases. In other cases, missing biometric data made it impossible to determine whether they posed a criminal or terror risk. A number may be in danger of exploitation through forced labour or debt bondage. Channel migrants who triggered alerts on security databases have been allowed to vanish, a bombshell report warned yesterday The revelations led last night to Home Secretary Priti Patel being accused of presiding over 'flabbergasting' security lapses The major report was written by David Neal (pictured), the chief borders inspector, who said: 'Put simply, if we don't have a record of people coming into the country, then we do not know who is threatened or who is threatening.' Pictured: A group of migrant men arriving into Dover July 18 after making perilous Channel crossing More than 15,000 migrants have arrived in the UK so far this year on small boats. Pictured are a group of migrants on a Border Force boat in Dover on July 18 The major report was written by David Neal, the chief borders inspector, who said: 'Put simply, if we don't have a record of people coming into the country, then we do not know who is threatened or who is threatening.' The revelations led last night to Home Secretary Priti Patel being accused of presiding over 'flabbergasting' security lapses. The Home Office had sat on Mr Neal's findings for five months until publishing them yesterday. Dan OMahoney, Clandestine Channel Threat Commander, said: 'Any suggestion that migrants have arrived in the UK with guns is wrong. All migrants are searched on arrival none have ever been found with a firearm.' His report found that at least 227 migrants have absconded since last September from hotels used to accommodate small boat arrivals from northern France. The chief inspector looked at a sample of 57 absconders over a five-week period and found 38 had not had complete biometric checks fingerprints and facial scans. This is despite them having been in the UK for between four and 29 days. Of the 57 all adult males two had been flagged on the Police National Computer or the 'warnings index', a database that contains details of individuals who may pose security threats or who have a history of immigration offences. The two men had no criminal charges against them, the report said, and it is not known why they were flagged. The Home Office last night refused to disclose how many migrants have absconded since the start of the Channel crossings crisis. The report said: 'The lack of a retrievable biometric record caused concerns to a range of stakeholders. Suspected child killer crossed Channel with boat migrants A suspected killer crossed the Channel into Britain under a false name weeks after being accused of the gang rape and murder of a 13-year-old girl. Rasuili Zubaidullah boarded a boat with other refugees, claimed asylum and was housed in a hotel at British taxpayers' expense for almost a fortnight until his true identity emerged. Pictured: Leonie Walner The 23-year-old Afghan had been accused of drugging Leonie Walner and sexually assaulting and suffocating her in Vienna. The teenager's body was found last June rolled up in a carpet after she was abducted and taken to a flat in the Austrian capital by three people. Police launched a manhunt for a group of Afghan refugees who had boasted of having 'wild sex' after meeting a girl via social media. Zubaidullah arrived in Kent on a small boat on July 18 and lived in an Ibis Hotel in Whitechapel, east London, for two weeks before Austrian authorities tipped off the British authorities. A judge approved his extradition and he was sent back to Austria to face trial. Advertisement 'Union representatives told inspectors that, when migrants leave [the Dover processing centre], it is not clear whether everyone has been through processing and their members are 'concerned they cannot meet the country's national security requirements'. 'Others highlighted the lack of traceability of the migrant, from both national security and vulnerability perspectives.' Mr Neal said the Home Office remained on an emergency footing even though the Channel situation was declared a major incident back in December 2018. He added that it was a 'system failure'. 'I'm not going to comment on the Home Secretary's leadership. But I would say that the refusal from the Home Office to transition from an emergency response is a big mistake,' he added. 'Data, the lifeblood of decision-making, is inexcusably awful. Equipment to carry out security checks is often first-generation and unreliable. Biometrics, such as taking fingerprints and photographs, are not always recorded.' The report said immigration officials were often confused about the rules they should follow when processing new arrivals and equipment frequently broke down. 'Follow-up activity by Home Office intelligence teams on potential persons of interest was similarly undermined by poor record-keeping, leading to missed opportunities for intelligence exploitation and debriefing,' the report said. Mr Neal made a series of recommendations to improve staff training, guidelines and the way data is collected. The chief inspector, who earlier this year revealed Miss Patel had yet to meet him more than a year after he started in the role, submitted his completed report to the Home Office on February 24. But the ministry did not publish it until yesterday when Parliament went into recess for summer. Earlier this week the inspector issued a terse statement criticising the department's delays and warning that it 'devalued' and 'infringed' his independent watchdog role. Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said: 'This report is a truly damning indictment of a Conservative Government which has badly lost control of border security. 'It is flabbergasting that ministers haven't made sure basic fingerprints and biometrics are being taken from everyone who arrives. 'When people can arrive and disappear without any biometric checks that puts national security at risk and encourages criminal trafficking gangs.' The chief inspector looked at a sample of 57 absconders over a five-week period and found 38 had not had complete biometric checks fingerprints and facial scans. This is despite them having been in the UK for between four and 29 days. Pictured: A biometric reporting station Report savaged Priti Patel's department as 'poor' and 'overwhelmed' by migrant boats crisis A report found that at least 227 migrants have absconded since last September from hotels used to accommodate small boat arrivals from northern France. (Pictured: Migrants arriving to Dover in June this year) Excoriating report on the Home Office's response to the migrant crisis was published today 2022 figures so far show numbers increasing at pace and look likely to eclipse 2021's figures The number of migrants has continued to rise despite the government announcing its controversial Rwanda scheme. Pictured are two children being helped by Border Force officials after arriving into Dover, July 18 Alp Mehmet, chairman of Migration Watch UK, which campaigns for tougher border controls, said: 'It takes only one or two really bad guys to get into the country, and who knows what they might be capable of. There should by now be the facilities and expertise available to take biometrics from Channel arrivals. But it seems to be totally out of control and a shambles.' A Home Office spokesman said: 'Since the inspection took place, we have transformed how we manage the arrival of migrants. 'We have accepted all the report's recommendations, the majority of which were already being addressed at the time of the inspection, and almost all this work has already been completed.' The Home Office is due to trial electronic tagging of Channel arrivals and plans to open reception centres. Hundreds of Channel migrants have fled hotels and could be ANYWHERE: Inspector condemns 'clearly overwhelmed' Home Office and blasts it over 'inexcusably awful' security failures including letting criminal or national security suspects disappear By Dan Sales for MailOnline The Home Office's response to the surge in people arriving in small boats across the English Channel is 'poor' and 'overwhelmed', a major report by a watchdog said. It said between September 1 and January 10 a total of 227 migrants had absconded from so-called secure hotels and were still missing. Two of the people who had vanished were on the Warnings Index or Police National Computer, which alerts officials to those of interest to national security. And the decrepit equipment and areas used for processing was exposed to ridicule, including a Covid-19 isolation spot housed in a rusty shipping container. The Home Office said today it welcomed all of the recommendations for improvements and had either already put them in place or was near to competing them. In a foreword to the report, Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration David Neal said: 'The number of small boat crossings in the Channel has reached such a level that it has been described as a crisis and the number one priority for the Home Office. 'The volume is unprecedented, and on some days the system is clearly overwhelmed.' He went on: 'The Home Office's performance in delivering an effective and efficient response to the challenge posed by the increasing volume of migrant arrivals via small boats is poor. 'In my judgment, this arises principally from a refusal to transition from an emergency response to what has rapidly become steady state, or business as usual. This refusal permeates every aspect of the Home Office's response. 'Systems, processes and resourcing pathways, which months into the crisis should be routine, codified, auditable and familiar, have been delivered at 'best effort'. This is not good enough. Clothing taken from the initial processing of migrants arriving by small boat onto UK shores This rusting shipping container was included in the report and was apparently a Covid area 'Data, the lifeblood of decision-making, is inexcusably awful. Equipment to carry out security checks is often first generation and unreliable. 'Extreme operational conditions, where resources are stretched, will inevitably lead to some degradation in data. Staff on the ground are doing their very best, but they are tired.' Elsewhere in the report was a letter from Mr Neal expressing disgust at the conditions of a holding area at the Kent Intake Unit. He described how it was 'holding 40 Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children (UASC), of which 18 were in the holding room, in conditions that I judge to be unsanitary and squalid' He added: 'The conditions I saw were unacceptable. From my service in the Royal Military Police, I have significant experience of visiting detention facilities overseas, and I have never visited a detention facility in such a poor state. 'The fact that this facility contained UASC aggravates the situation even further.' The report also looked at equipment used to search fingerprint databases. Grabba, which is a hand-held peripheral docked to a Home Office mobile phone, was described as 'slow and temperamental'. A holding area at one the processing points was savaged by the inspectors over conditions Grabba, which is a hand-held peripheral docked to a Home Office mobile phone, was described as 'slow and temperamental' Checks by it were even suspended on some occasions, which no explanation on what would be used in its place. The report added: 'The Home Office could not consistently explain to inspectors what mitigatory measures, if any, had been put in place to manage the risks of suspending these security checks at this point of the process.' Mr Neal previously said he was 'frustrated' the much-delayed report had not been published after it was handed to Home Secretary Priti Patel on February 24 this year. The report made four recommendations which the watchdog urged be delivered within up to three months, meaning the deadline would have been May 24. In his foreword, he said: 'Sadly, nothing in this report will come as a surprise to ministers, officials, or the workforce. It is in the gift of ministers and senior officials to deliver an effective response. The workforce can do no more. Figures on small boats crossing the channel and the age of the people on board of them 'They have responded with enormous fortitude and exceptional personal commitment, which is humbling, and they are quite rightly proud of how they have stepped up. 'This report makes four recommendations and offers the Home Office a timescale to deliver those recommendations. 'More important is the delivery of a strategic approach by the Home Office to regularise their response to small boats, in preparation for increased numbers throughout this year. 'A new model for Borders and Enforcement is desperately required if our border is to be secured and vulnerability effectively addressed.' The Home Office thanked Mr Neal for the report, adding: 'Since the inspection took place, we have transformed how we manage the arrival of migrants making dangerous and unnecessary Channel crossings in small boats. This includes the previously planned closure of Tug Haven and the movement to a two-site operation at Western Jet Foil and Manston. 'We have accepted all the report's recommendations, the majority of which were already being addressed at the time of the inspection, and almost all this work has already been completed.' A grand jury in Ohio has indicted the man accused of raping and impregnating a 10-year-old girl who traveled to Indiana for an abortion that became a flashpoint in the national debate over access to the procedure. Twenty-seven-year-old Gerson Fuentes is charged with two felony counts of rape in an indictment filed Thursday in county court in Columbus. Fuentes, of Guatemala, was arraigned last week and his bail was set at $2 million. His next hearing is scheduled for Monday. He's currently in the Franklin County Jail. The case drew national attention when an Indianapolis doctor said the child had to go to Indiana because Ohio banned abortions at the first detectable 'fetal heartbeat' after the United States Supreme Court overturned the landmark Roe v. Wade ruling in June. Gerson Fuentes, 27, (pictured) appears in court following his July 12 arrest and charged with one count of rape after police say he confessed to raping the child on two separate occasions Before the criminal case against the suspect was revealed, Ohio's Republican attorney general and a GOP congressman from the state were among conservatives who publicly questioned whether the story about the girl was true. Democratic President Joe Biden highlighted the girl's case at the signing of an executive order aimed at protecting access to abortion. Court records listed no attorney for the rape suspect after the indictment. Initial court records didn't specify whether or how the suspect knew the girl, and authorities haven't provided comment or additional details in response to requests about that. Police were made aware of the girl's pregnancy through a referral by the Franklin County Children Services that had been made by her mother on June 22. She underwent a medical abortion in Indianapolis on June 30. Columbus police Detective Jeffrey Huhn, who testified at Fuentes' arraignment last week, claims the girl named the Guatemalan resident as her attacker and the father of her child. He also testified that DNA evidence collected from the clinic in Indianapolis will be tested against samples taken from Fuentes, The Columbus Dispatch reported. Officials are also testing DNA collected from the child's siblings in an attempt to confirm who fathered the fetus. The case has been under scrutiny by Ohio officials, specifically Attorney General Dave Yost, since it first made national headlines earlier this month. The Indianapolis Star, an Indiana-based publication, reported on July 1 that a little girl had to cross state lines to receive an abortion because she was denied one in Ohio. Ohio AG Dave Yost Yost had claimed in an interview Monday there's no 'biological evidence' to the story, and that he hasn't heard a 'whisper anywhere' about the little girl Yost, during a Fox News interview Monday, claimed there's no 'biological evidence' to the story and he hasn't heard a 'whisper anywhere' about the little girl. Additionally, an Indiana Department of Health filing obtained by Fox on Thursday, revealed that Indianapolis physician Dr. Caitlin Bernard reported the girl's alleged rapist was approximately 17 years old. The child was six weeks and three days pregnant when she sought an abortion in Indiana, Bernard had told The Indianapolis Star. She claimed the girl was ineligible by just three days to receive an abortion in her home state because of a newly imposed state ban on abortions at the first detectable 'fetal heartbeat.' Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita (left) says an investigation has been launched into Dr. Caitlin Bernard (right). She performed an abortion on the unidentified 10-year-old rape victim whose story made headlines when she was forced to travel from her home state to Indiana The ban was enacted shortly after the Supreme Court overturned the landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade decision, which had guaranteed abortion rights in America. The Ohio heartbeat bill has no exceptions for rape or incest. According to court records, a report was generated on June 22 with the Columbus Division of Police for the girl's rape. Roe was overturned two days later on June 24. On July 6, the victim identified Fuentes to authorities as the person who raped her. A week later, Fuentes was served a search warrant for a saliva sample and was taken into custody where he confessed to raping the victim multiple times. Franklin County Municipal Court Judge Cynthia Ebner said the case didn't warrant Fuentes - who is believed to be undocumented - to be held without bond, the Columbus Dispatch reported. But Ebner said a higher bond was necessary due to Fuentes being a possible flight risk and for the safety of children involved. Yost, skeptical of the case, told Fox last week: 'My office runs the state crime lab. Any case like this, you're going to have a rape kit, you're going to have biological evidence, and you'd be looking for DNA analysis. 'There is no case request for analysis that looks anything like this,' he added. The AG also noted that 'Ohio's heartbeat law has a medical exception, which is broader than just the life of the mother.' Ohio is one of the many states set to impose laws, which would cap abortions at six weeks. Also in the state of Ohio, doctors are mandated to report abuse of minors 'This young girl, if she exists and if this horrible thing actually happened to her - it breaks my heart to think about it - she did not have to leave Ohio to find treatment,' he explained. Following the news of Fuentes' arrest, the AG's office released a statement, reading in part: 'My heart aches for the pain suffered by this young child. 'I am grateful for the diligent work of the Columbus Police Department in securing a confession and getting a rapist off the street. 'Justice must be served and BCI stands ready to support law enforcement across Ohio putting these criminals behind bars.' Meanwhile, Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita has vowed to probe Dr. Bernard over the abortion, claiming he questioned whether she had complied the Hoosier State's law requiring that all abortions be reported to authorities. Appearing on Fox News last week, Rokita called obstetrician-gynecologist Bernard an 'abortion activist acting as a doctor' who he claims has a history of failing to report abortions. 'We're gathering the evidence as we speak, and we're going to fight this to the end, including looking at her licensure if she failed to report. And in Indiana it's a crime to intentionally not report,' AG Rokita said on Fox News last week. 'This is a child, and there's a strong public interest in understanding if someone under the age of 16 or under the age of 18 or really any woman is having abortion in our state. And then if a child is being sexually abused, of course parents need to know. Authorities need to know. Public policy experts need to know.' Dr. Bernard has not yet responded to the AG's remarks, but tweeted: 'My heart breaks for all survivors of sexual assault and abuse. I am so sad that our country is failing them when they need us most. Doctors must be able to give people the medical care they need, when and where they need it.' She said these weeks have not been easy, but thanked the media for reporting the case. Homeland Security's Inspector General is now conducting a criminal probe into the destruction of Secret Service text messages that the January 6 select committee claims may have been crucial to their investigation. The Secret Service was instructed Wednesday evening by the DHS Inspector General to halt all internal investigation regarding the erased texts, two sources told NBC News. Meanwhile, a Washington Post report on Tuesday reveals that the DHS watchdog agency did not alert Congress in February when it learned about the Secret Service purge that deleted nearly all text messages from around January 6, 2021. Two whistleblowers within the DHS Inspector General's office told the Post about the previously unreported months-long delay in the watchdog office flagging the erased Secret Service cellphone messages to Congress. At the time they were working under Inspector General Joseph Cuffari, who was appointed by former President Donald Trump. Cuffari previously served as an advisor to GOP Arizona Governor Doug Ducey and its former Governor Jan Brewer. The Homeland Security Inspector General's office has told the Secret Service that it's probe into the missing text messages is now criminal and instructed the agency to halt all internal investigations Some of the agents' messages that were erased in data migration at the agency were part of planning Trump's movement on January 6 of last year and were by his side as the former president worked to get Congress to overturn the election results. A letter from the department's current Inspector General, detailed by two sources to NBC, informs the Secret Service that the investigation into the matter is now criminal and instructs them to stop internal probes. Depending on the findings, the criminal investigation could result in a referral to federal prosecutors. Two sources who worked under Trump-appointed DHS Inspector General Joseph Cuffari (pictured) claim the watchdog did not report findings to Congress in February about the purge deleting nearly all Secret Service text messages from around January 6 'To ensure the integrity of our investigation, the USSS must not engage in any further investigative activities regarding the collection and preservation of the evidence referenced above,' DHS Deputy Inspector General Gladys Ayala wrote in a letter to Secret Service Director James Murray on Wednesday evening, according to the Wednesday report. 'This includes immediately refraining from interviewing potential witnesses, collecting devices or taking any other action that would interfere with an ongoing criminal investigation,' it adds. Latest revelations regarding the missing messages come as the House January 6 select committee prepares to hold its final hearing of the series on Thursday evening. The primetime televised hearing will start at 8:00 p.m. and conclude a series of public hearings meant to lay out the panel's case that Trump knew about the plans for an attack on the Capitol and that his actions and words helped sparked the riot. Panel Chairman Bennie Thompson will not be at the hearing on Thursday after announcing earlier this week he tested positive for COVID-19. The Secret Service received a subpoena from the select committee to hand over texts sent during and surrounding the events on the day of the Capitol riot last year, but the agency revealed this week that they are not in possession of any of these messages despite requests they be preserved. The select committee probing the Capitol riot subpoenaed the Secret Service for agents' texts from around January 6, 2021 that the agency claims were deleted as part of a device-replacement program USSS confirmed to the January 6 panel in a letter sent Tuesday that many texts between agents around the time of the riot were 'erased as part of a device-replacement program.' While the Secret Service claims it has received the DHS Inspector General letter about halting its internal investigation, it is also concerned about legal complexities juggling that with the subpoena from the January 6 panel demanding information about the texts from the National Archives. 'We have informed the January 6th Select Committee of the Inspector General's request and will conduct a thorough legal review to ensure we are fully cooperative with all oversight efforts and that they do not conflict with each other,' USSS said in a statement. Advertisement Royal sources today soundly trashed claims that Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, joked to Prince Harry that it would be 'funny' if his unborn child with Meghan Markle had 'ginger Afro hair'. The incendiary claims were made in Tom Bower's new no holds-barred book: Revenge: Meghan, Harry and the war between the Windsors. The bombshell book has made claims of war at the heart of the Royal Family and experts have claimed that it paints Meghan Markle as someone who found love with Prince Harry - and used his status for her personal advancement. Mr Bower's book describes Meghan as 'self-centred, manipulative and demanding' and brands Harry 'spoiled, badly educated, simple-minded and demanding'. He says the couple became 'agents of destruction' - but believes that only Meghan was bright enough to execute the plan. Relations between the Sussexes and the rest of the family have barely recovered since they quit as royals and emigrated to California in 2020 - and worsened after they chose to sit down with Oprah Winfrey in 2021 and fire potshots at the royals including claims of racism and even ignoring Meghan when she was was allegedly suicidal and pregnant. Now Mr Bower has alleged Camilla made the comments about Harry and Meghan's unborn baby's future hairstyle during a chat with Harry and his family about his relationship with the American actress. But royal sources speaking to the MailOnline said 'this suggestion is nonsense'. Clarence House has not commented. The Sussexes would claim to Oprah that a senior royal, who they refused to name, had also asked how 'dark his skin might be when he's born' when discussing Archie. Mr Bower claims: 'During those weeks, Harry met Charles and Camilla at Clarence House. In Harry's version, Harry was told that Meghan should continue with her acting career. Second, Scotland Yard could not automatically be expected to pay for his girlfriend's 24- hour protection'. An award winning author has written of claims that Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, asked Prince Harry if his unborn mixed-race child would have a 'ginger Afro' when he grows up Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and his wife Meghan hold their baby son Archie as they meet with Archbishop Desmond Tutu and his wife (unseen) at the Tutu Legacy Foundation in Cape Town on September 25, 2019 The bombshell biography's first incredible claim was that the Queen privately expressed relief that Meghan would not be attending Prince Philip's funeral. Revenge: Meghan, Harry and the war between the Windsors by author Tom Bower It claims that the grieving monarch told 'trusted royal aides' on the morning she was due to lay her husband of 73 years to rest at Windsor: 'Thank goodness Meghan is not coming.' Mr Bower has previously written unauthorised tomes on Boris Johnson, Richard Branson and Robert Maxwell. The book, serialised in The Sun and The Times, says: 'In Windsor Castle the Queen was preparing to face the public on one of the saddest days of her life. Philip had been her rock for the previous 70 years. 'To comply with Covid restrictions she would grieve alone inside the chapel. 'Thank goodness Meghan is not coming,' the monarch said in a clear voice to her trusted aides.' The biographer claimed she made the observation at Windsor Castle as she prepared to go St George's Chapel for the service, where the world watched on television as she sat alone due to Covid restrictions. The alleged comment is believed only to refer to the drama surrounding speculation over whether both Harry and Meghan would fly in from the US at a time of family mourning as opposed to any personal animosity towards Meghan from the monarch. Buckingham Palace declined to comment Mr Bower appeared on Good Morning Britain to discuss the book. Presenter Ben Shephard asked how the story could be an unbiased account if the author had interviewed people who dislike the Duchess of Sussex. He responded: 'Because I sifted through, I never put in stuff that isn't true and can't be checked.' The presenters said: 'We should add that she has not commented on the claims in the book.' Harry and Meghan, in an interview US chat show host with Oprah Winfrey, said a member of the Royal family asked how 'dark' the skin of their first born son Archie would be. Harry and Meghan announced their engagement the following year in November 2017, marrying at Windsor Castle in the spring of 2018. The Duchess of Cornwall allegedly asked Prince Harry if his unborn mixed-race child would have a 'ginger Afro' when he grows up Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor the daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, after celebrating her first birthday, is pictured But the couple would eventually quit royal life, taking a step back from royal duties and moving to California. Another one of Mr Bower's bombshell claims in the book is that the Queen told an aid she was glad Meghan was unable to attend the funeral of her husband Prince Phillip on April 17. Bower also says he believes the Queen kicked Harry and Meghan off the balcony at the Platinum Jubilee celebration, hiding them from view of the crowd for fear of the couple taking too much media attention away from the event and adding that Prince Charles and Prince William had a say in the decision. The investigative author said he had hoped to 'diminish' the importance of the royal couple with his book. It comes as it was also claimed in the bombshell biography that Kate Middleton 'burst into tears' after Meghan Markle 'compared Princess Charlotte unfavourably to her best friend Jessica Mulroney's daughter' during a bridesmaid fitting ahead of the royal wedding. Tom Bower claims the Duchess of Cambridge, 40, and Duchess of Sussex, 40, disagreed over the length of Princess Charlotte's hemline and the fit of her dress, as well as whether the bridesmaids 'should wear tights' at the wedding. He also claimed Meghan's 'insistence' was 'supported' by her former BFF and mother of another bridesmaid Jessica Mulroney, adding: 'Some would say that Meghan compared Ivy favourably against Charlotte.' The alleged version of events are the latest in a long line of claims about the disagreement. Early reports in 2018 claimed Meghan who had made Kate cry during a row over bridesmaids' dresses. The Duchess of Sussex later disagreed in her bombshell Oprah Winfrey interview, claiming it was the other way around and adding: 'She (Kate) was upset about something, but she owned it, and she apologised. And she brought me flowers'. Meghan also said: 'It wasn't a confrontation, and I actually think it's I don't think it's fair to her to get into the details of that, because she apologised. 'What was hard to get over was being blamed for something that not only I didn't do but that happened to me. 'And the people who were part of our wedding were going to our comms team and saying: 'I know this didn't happen. I don't have to tell them what actually happened'.' However in his book, Tom goes on to write unnamed sources told him the two continued to disagree. Speaking on Good Morning Britain today, he acknowledged many of his sources were people who don't like Meghan, admitting: 'She made it pretty clear to all her friends and people who work for her not to talk to me, so it was quite an uphill struggle but I got enough people to speak to me, more than enough, I got about 80 people.' However he insisted that the biography was unbiased, adding: 'I sifted through, I never put in stuff that isn't true and can't be checked.' Kate Middleton 'burst into tears' during a bridesmaid fitting ahead of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding after a series of disagreements with the Duchess of Sussex, a royal biographer has claimed The Duchess of Cambridge with Princess Charlotte and other bridesmaids arriving at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle for the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan in May 2018 In the book, Bower also said Kate had been 'tired' following the birth of her son Prince Louis in the run-up to the wedding, adding she was 'irritated by [claims] of Meghan bullying her staff.' He wrote that one staff member said the Duchess of Sussex showed 'little sympathy for those outside her circle.' Writing in the biography, Tom Bower said the Duchess of Cambridge was 'too fatigued to cope' with a disagreement over whether bridesmaids should wear tights, however ultimately felt they should in order to follow protocol. However he claimed: 'Meghan's insistence was supported by Jessica, the mother of Ivy.' The Duke and Duchess of Sussex after their wedding in The Green Drawing Room, Windsor Castle, with (left-to-right): Back row: Jasper Dyer, Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Charles, Doria Ragland, Prince William ; middle row: Brian Mulroney, Prince Philip, Queen Elizabeth, Duchess of Cambridge, Princess Charlotte, Prince George, Rylan Litt, John Mulroney; Front row: Ivy Mulroney, Florence van Cutsem, Zalie Warren, Remi Litt The disagreement was then followed by a second argument 'about the length of Charlotte's hem - Kate felt it was too short and anyway did not fit.' However Bower claims the Duchess of Sussex 'wouldn't compromise'. Bridesmaid dress-gate! How reports of Kate and Meghan arguing ahead of wedding unfolded May 2018 - Meghan Markle and Prince Harry tie the knot in St George's Chapel in Windsor The bridesmaids, including Jessica Mulroney's daughter Ivy and Princess Charlotte, have bare legs November 2018 - The Telegraph's royal editor Camilla Tominey wrote she had 'spoken to two separate sources who claim Kate was left in tears following a bridesmaids dress fitting for Princess Charlotte'. May 2020 - Tatler reports the two argued over protocol around young bridesmaids' tights March 2021 - Meghan confirms there was a disagreement in her bombshell Oprah Winfrey interview but says the Duchess of Cambridge actually made her cry. Royal expert Katie Nicholl says Kate 'never wanted' reports of a rift to come out in the press and has found the situation 'mortifying' Advertisement Claims about the row with Prince William's wife made headlines around the world after a supposed falling out over dresses for the flower girls. Pictures from the wedding at St George's Chapel, Windsor, appear to show the six bridesmaids with bare legs, while photographs from Prince William and Kate's wedding in April 2011 show bridesmaids wearing tights. It was claimed in November 2018 that Meghan had reduced Kate to tears over Princess Charlotte's bridesmaid's dress. The Daily Telegraph reported that two sources said the Duchess of Cambridge was crying after a dress fitting with Charlotte. 'Kate had only just given birth to Prince Louis and was feeling quite emotional,' a source claimed. However Meghan would later claim in her interview with Oprah Winfrey that the Duchess of Cambridge made her cry. Oprah asked Meghan: 'Was there a situation where she (Kate) might have cried? Or she could have cried?' But the Duchess of Sussex replied: 'No, no. The reverse happened. 'And I don't say that to be disparaging to anyone, because it was a really hard week of the wedding. 'And she was upset about something, but she owned it, and she apologised. 'And she brought me flowers and a note, apologising. And she did what I would do if I knew that I hurt someone, right, to just take accountability for it.' Meghan added that it was 'shocking' that the 'reverse of that would be out in the world'. She continued: 'A few days before the wedding, she was upset about something pertaining - yes, the issue was correct - about flower girl dresses, and it made me cry, and it really hurt my feelings. 'And I thought, in the context of everything else that was going on in those days leading to the wedding, that it didn't make sense to not be just doing whatever everyone else was doing, which was trying to be supportive, knowing what was going on with my dad and whatnot.' Tom Bower claims the Duchess of Cambridge and Duchess of Sussex disagreed over the length of Princess Charlotte's hemline and the fit of her dress, as well as whether the bridesmaids 'should wear tights' at the wedding However Meghan would later claim in her interview with Oprah Winfrey that the Duchess of Cambridge made her cry Meghan also said: 'It wasn't a confrontation, and I actually think it's I don't think it's fair to her to get into the details of that, because she apologised. 'What was hard to get over was being blamed for something that not only I didn't do but that happened to me. 'And the people who were part of our wedding were going to our comms team and saying: 'I know this didn't happen. I don't have to tell them what actually happened'.' Meghan also said reports she had reduced the Duchess of Cambridge to tears were a 'turning point. The Duchess said 'everyone in the institution knew that wasn't true' and she hoped Kate 'would have wanted that to be corrected', adding 'she is a good person'. Royal expert Katie Nicholl previously claimed Kate found the Oprah revelations 'mortifying'. Katie noted how you 'never hear' about the Duchess falling out with anyone because she is 'very careful with how she treats others.' Speaking to OK! magazine, Katie explained: 'Kate has never wanted any suggestion of a rift with Meghan to come out in the press, so for this story to be circulating is very hard.' Katie added there are 'different versions' of the story and claimed that Prince Harry and Meghan know Kate is 'not in a position to respond'. 'From what I hear, there are different versions of the bridesmaid story, not just the one Meghan discussed,' the royal expert told the publication. 'Kate felt it was all sorted, so to have it brought up again was mortifying. Kate is not in a position to respond and Meghan and Harry know that. The royal expert went on to claim that Kate has been left 'saddened, disappointed and hurt' in the wake of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's tell-all interview with Oprah Winfrey. A mother is opening up about the heart-wrenching experience of turning in her son who she suspected of plotting a Columbine-anniversary shooting at his high school. Nicole Schubert, 41, called police on her own son in 2019 after she discovered the then 17-year-old's journal was filled with a meticulously detailed plan to commit a mass murder at his Washington high school. The evil plan began with gunning his own mother down first. In an emotional interview with Good Morning America, Schubert spoke about how she made the difficult to decision not just to save the lives of others but her own son's too. Though her son - now 20 - still remains upset with her, she said his life is back on track thanks to the intervention. 'As hard as it was to turn him in, I don't have any regrets,' she told The Wall Street Journal last week. Schubert shared her emotional story as the nation has been gripped by a wave of school and public shootings, one of which saw 19 elementary school children and two teachers brutally murdered in Uvalde, Texas. Scroll down for video In an emotional interview with Good Morning America, Nicole Schubert spoke about how she made the difficult to decision not just to save the lives of others but of her own son's too Schubert pictured with a redacted image of her son, who was underage when she called police on him to report his alleged plans to shoot up his school ONLY ON GMA: This mother made the unthinkable choice to turn her own son in to authorities, fearing he would plan an attack on his school and says to a certain point, parents of mass shooters are responsible for ignoring the warning signs.@tjholmes reports. pic.twitter.com/zOuW3NZdFz Good Morning America (@GMA) July 21, 2022 Schubert described coming across her son's journal in their home in September, 2019, where she found his violent plans laid out in careful detail. 'It was very descriptive,' she said, 'It was just heartbreaking. I didn't, I didn't really want to know the details.' In the journal, her son wrote about carrying out a shooting on April 20, 2020, on the 21st anniversary of the Columbine shooting, according to The Wall Street Journal. He planned to begin his massacre at 5am that morning by murdering his mother and her boyfriend, and would begin shooting up his school at 12:20pm later that day. 'Kill everyone possible, fight to the death or kill self after maximum damage has occurred,' he wrote, according to a police report. Though her son - now 20 - still remains upset with her, Shubert said his life is back on track thanks to the intervention Shubert made her comments on Good morning America today. She said she hopes her story will help others in her position to come forward Several months before discovering the journal Schubert had found what appeared to be a pipe bomb and bomb making materials in the bedroom of her son, who she said was also fascinated by mass shooters. After then finding the journal she said she carried it around with her for a day as she tried to decide what to do. 'Your first instinct is, as a parent, is to protect your child. But at that point, I felt like if he is actually going to do these things, he would be safer in jail,' Schubert told Good Morning America. She also said she was moved to action thinking about her son's random targets, many of whom she knew would be the children of friends and co-workers, and even kids she had once babysat. 'It wasn't just about me and him at that point,' she said, 'It was about a whole school - hundreds of people, hundreds of kids, children.' She decided to turn her son in a few hours after finding the journal, and police arrested him when he came back from school that day. While detaining him police recovered a knife with a six-inch blade he'd been carrying in his pocket. The police report shows he told an officer to 'F*** off' when they asked him if he understood his rights. Her son plead guilty to two misdemeanors for harassment-domestic violence and a felony threat to bomb or injure property, though he maintained the contents of the journal were merely a fantastical story he'd written and not something he planned to actually do. Barred from returning to his school, Schubert's son received mental evaluation, was given 18 months of community supervision and 20 hours of community service. Since his arrest he has received his high school degree, is seeking help for his depression, plans to go to college, and has no trouble with the law. 'As hard as it was to turn him in, I don't have any regrets,' Schubert said. Payton Gendron is accused of murdering 10 people after shooting up a supermarket in Buffalo, NY in May Salvador Ramos, 18, murdered 21 elementary school students and two teachers in May, and Robert Crimo III, 21, murdered seven people and wounded 46 others when he shot of a parade in Highland Park, Illinois, in July Schubert said she hoped her story might empower others in her situation to make similar difficult decisions and save lives. 'If there's a possibility to save even one - one person, one child - I think it's worth it,' she told Good Morning America. She also pleaded parents to stay vigilant for warning signs from their kids. 'Stay in their business. Even if they don't like it. They're not going to like it. But as parents, it's our job to know what our kids are doing,' she said, 'Just be aware and watch for signs. Kids will normally tell you by their actions when something is wrong.' She said that though it remained devastating to learn that her son wanted to kill her, she still loves him. 'That's my child, I, I gave birth to him, you know. It hurts a lot. It still hurts,' she said. 'He's my child. I love him unconditionally. I'll always be there for him. I'll always love him no matter what he does.' Artist Jeff Koons has been accused of violating copyright for his infamous 'Made in Heaven' series, with a federal judge awarding the original sculptor the right to sue. Michael Hayden claims the mega-artist flouted their copyright agreement by repurposing his original sculpture of a giant snake coiled around a rock, after selling it to Koons ex-wife porn star Cicciolina. He sold the sculpture as an artwork to Diva Futura, a company owned by Cicciolina, real name Ilona Staller, in 1988 for an undisclosed sum. Court papers claim that Koons had permission to incorporate the giant serpent into artworks for his iconic 'Made in Heaven' series. It caused a worldwide reaction when the explicit series first went on display at Koons' then gallery, Sonnabend, with Hayden only obtaining copyright in 2020. But Hayden's lawyers say that he only had permission to 'perform sexually explicit scenes, both live and on camera', rather than recreating the images. They have identified three images as 'infringing works' including a 1989 lithograph that was initially commissioned by the Whitney Museum of American Art which was put on a billboard in downtown New York City. The second is a Koons oil canvas painting titled 'Jeff in the Position of Adam', made in 1990. It also claims that a wooden sculpture, called 'Jeff and Ilona', created in 1990 as part of 'Made in Heaven' is a 3D replica of Hayden's sculpture. Sculptor Michael Hayden claims that he did not give copyright of his snake sculpture over to Jeff Koons and his then wife Cicciolina It is not the first time that Koons, pictured with his 'Balloon Dog' sculpture, has been accused of plagiarism. He was found guilty of copying a bizarre ad campaign in Paris in 2018 Hayden's original sculpture of a giant snake coiled around a rock was sold to porn star Cicciolina's company Diva Futures It caused a worldwide reaction when the explicit series first went on display at Koons' then gallery, Sonnabend, with Hayden only obtaining copyright in 2020 His lawsuit does not state and exact claim for damages, but it does cite a figure of up to $25,000 for each count of copyright infringement meaning Koons could be forced to pay up out at least $75,000. Koons did not credit Hayden for the images, nor did he pay a licensing fee or ask for image permissions. The works were all featured in international museum and gallery exhibitions, with the complaint stating they were then sold to collectors. Hayden's lawyers also claim that the works were displayed on Koons's website and identity him as the author and copyright owner no copyright attribution to Hayden. According to court documents Hayden did not discover the high-profile series for more than three decades, coming across the infringement in April 2019. He reportedly only found out when he 'came across an Italian news article that displayed an image' of one of the works. The lawsuit states that Hayden retained all copyrights to the work, and did not 'assign authorship, copyright ownership, or sublicensing rights to Diva Future or anyone else.' It adds that he did not intend for anyone other than Cicciolina, her manager and Diva Futura, to use the work commercially. Koons could be forced to pay up out at least $75,000 in damages, with $25,000 the maximum per piece of artwork Cicciolina, pictured, and Koons travelled to Italy in 1989 on several occasions to be photographed in sexually explicit positions together A court in Milan that a similar snake creation, not pictured, was created by Koons despite him arguing otherwise Cicciolina and Koons travelled to Italy in 1989 on several occasions to be photographed in sexually explicit positions together. Koons had requested that Hayden's case be dismissed, but district judge Lorna Schofield ruled that the complaint 'sufficiently alleged a valid claim of copyright.'. He also claimed in the lawsuit that he had fair use for the sculpture, but the judge stated that he 'bears the ultimate burden of proving that the factors balance in its favor.' In summary District Judge Lorna called Hayden's work 'a sculptural work of artistic craftmanship, lacking any readily ascertainable intrinsic utilitarian function.' She did consent to Koons's motion for a ruling that would limit the damages to the three-year period prior to the lawsuit, which would minimize the monetary value of Hayden's claims if he were to win the lawsuit. Jordan Fletcher, Hayden's attorney, told Artnet News: 'We look forward to presenting our arguments on the remaining fair use issues during the next round of briefing.' Pace Gallery, which represents Koons, did not immediately respond to DailyMail.com's request for comment. The artist has been accused of stealing artwork as far back as 1989, and lost a longstanding legal battle in March trying to prove that a sculptures that was not made by him. But a court in Milan ruled the the creation, which also depicted snakes, was something he created. In 2018 he was found guilty of plagiarism, with a court in Paris ordering him to pay $168k to the creator of a surreal campaign featuring a rescue pig and freezing model. Chinese company supports local partner launch new generation of high-speed optical network Xinhua) 09:47, July 21, 2022 ATHENS, July 20 (Xinhua) -- Chinese technological giant ZTE Corporation through ZTE Hellas S.A. has partnered with Greek internet service provider INALAN to launch new generation (10 Gbps) of high-speed optical network for retail and business customers. The so-called commercial 10 Gbps capable symmetric passive optical network (XGS-PON), which will provide the highest speed access available to date in Greece, was presented on Tuesday during an event attended by executives of the two companies. "We are very excited to announce this together with INALAN company, a very fast growing FTTH (fiber to the home) company in Greece. We are launching for the first time in Greece the 10G (XGS) PON ... This is the first time Greece people have a chance to enjoy the 10 giga download speed," Jianbo Wang, CEO ZTE Southeast Europe, Cyprus, Israel, told Xinhua. "Previously the speeds available in Greece were up to 1 Gbps and this is a very good opportunity to evolve the networks of Greece ... With the help of ZTE Hellas, with their equipment, we will be very happy for our customers to reach their needs and to evolve the market in general," Gianna Tanasidou, head of legal, INALAN, added. The launch of the new services, thanks to the cooperation between the two companies, marks an important milestone in the exploration of 10 Gbps PON application scenarios in Greece, experts noted during the event. (Web editor: Wu Chaolan, Liang Jun) Question Everything! Purpose and Intent of this website: Biden Signs the Palestinians Death Certificate By Gideon Levy July 21, 2022: Information Clearing House -- " Haaretz " At Augusta Victoria Hospital in East Jerusalem, of all places, U.S. President Joe Biden signed a death certificate. The two-state solution died a long time ago, and now so has the Palestinians strategic choice of relying on the West in their struggle for their national rights. This hope drew its last breath at Augusta Victoria. In his speech Biden mused at great length about his and his familys time in the hospital; he remembered the intensive care ward. A flat line on the monitor meant death, he learned there. About an hour later, in Bethlehem, the monitor flatlined. The path the Palestinians embarked on 50 years ago has come to an end. They have reached a dead end. At the beginning of the 70s, a new star appeared in the political skies: the cardiologist Issam Sartawi, a refugee from Acre, a student in Iraq, an exile in Paris and an architect of the plane hijackings. He underwent a complete change. He became the Palestinians trailblazer to the Wests heart; until then they had relied on nonaligned countries. Sartawi led the Palestinians to Bonn, Vienna, Paris and Stockholm instead of Moscow, Jakarta, Delhi and Kuala Lumpur. This was depicted as an excellent choice. The protege and even the darling of Western Europes social democratic stars of those days Willy Brandt, Bruno Kreisky, Olof Palme and Francois Mitterrand continued on to the Israelis hearts. Sartawi began with meetings with representatives of the Israeli left. Yasser Arafat enthusiastically joined the path his adviser had blazed. It seemed much more promising than winning support from Karachi. Reader financed- No Advertising - No Government Grants - No Algorithm - This Is Independent Get Our Free Newsletter Its a president who doesnt bother to correctly pronounce the name of Shireen Abu Akleh, the journalist killed almost certainly by Israel, becoming a national and international symbol. Jamal Khashoggi he knows how to pronounce. The Palestinians no longer have anything to look for in this arena. When Biden quoted from a poem that says how hope and history rhyme and threw them $100 million for Augusta Victoria, it was clear that its lost with the United States. With an American president who promises them a two-state solution, but not in the near term, you get to the end of the story. You feel like asking Biden: What will happen not in the long term that will achieve this solution? Will the Israelis decide on their own? Will the settlers return on their own? When there are a million of them instead of 700,000, will that satisfy them? Will America ever think differently? Why should this happen? With the laws against BDS and the new and distorted definitions of antisemitism, the United States and Europe are lost as far as the Palestinians are concerned. The battle has been decided, Israel has all but beaten them, and their fate might be the same as that of the indigenous peoples in the United States. Its enough to look at the picture of the meeting in Bethlehem: Twelve grim Palestinian men in ties around the two leaders in a group photo of despair. Its enough to recall Bidens words in 1986 to the secretary of state at the time, George Shultz: I hate to hear an administration refusing to act on a morally important point. Im ashamed that this country puts out a policy like this, that says nothing, nothing. Biden was referring to U.S. policy on the previous apartheid country, South Africa. Amazingly similar remarks can be hurled now at Biden because of his approach to the second apartheid country. But theres no Biden to hurl them. Fifty years later this road has reached its end, with the Palestinians bleeding on the ground. An American president only gives them a few hours on a visit that gives new meaning to the terms doing the minimum and lip service. So the time has come to awaken from the dream that Europe and America will ever do something for the Palestinians that wont be to the satisfaction of their unassailable cherished one, Israel. The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Information Clearing House. Registration is not necessary to post comments. We ask only that you do not use obscene or offensive language. Please be respectful of others. See also Former First Lady Melania Trump said Thursday that she was 'fulfilling' her official duties on January 6, 2021 and if she would have been 'fully informed' of the violence taking place at the Capitol Building she would have immediately denounced it. She then blamed her former Chief of Staff Stephanie Grisham for keeping her in the dark, saying it amounted to a 'dereliction of duty.' The former first lady spoke to Fox News Digital ahead of the final January 6 House select committee hearing, which will take place primetime Thursday night, and revolve around former President Donald Trump's inaction while the Capitol was being ransacked. Grisham has cooperated with the committee's investigation and chimed in throughout the hearings. Last last month she shared a visual of a text message exchange that purportedly showed Melania Trump answering 'no' after Grisham asked if she wanted to say 'there is no place for lawlessness & violence' amid the attack. Former First Lady Melania Trump (right), photographed with former President Donald Trump (left) outside of Ivana Trump's funeral Wednsday, said she was 'fulfilling' her duties on January 6 and would have condemned the Capitol attack's violence if she had been properly informed In statements to Fox News Digital, Melania Trump went after former Chief of Staff Stephanie Grisham saying it was a 'dereliction of duty' she was not fully informed of the violent attack taking place on Capitol Hill Last month, Grisham shared a purported visual of her text message exhange with Melania Trump, in which she asks the first lady if she wants to tweet that there's 'no place for lawlessness & violence' and the first lady responds, 'no' The final January 6 hearing, which will take place primetime Thursday, will revolve around former President Donald Trump's inaction while the Capitol was being ransacked. Melania Trump was working on a photoshoot of White House rugs during the attack Grisham previously said that Melania Trump had been in the middle of a photoshoot - capturing the White House's rugs - during the January 6 Capitol attack. 'On January 6, 2021, I was fulfilling one of my duties as First Lady of the United States of America, and accordingly, I was unaware of what was simultaneously transpiring at the U.S. Capitol Building,' Melania Trump told Fox News Digital on Thursday. 'As with all First Ladies who preceded me, it was my obligation to record the contents of the White House's historic rooms, including taking archival photographs of all the renovations,' she continued. She said with several months of advance planning she had assembled a group of 'photographers, archivists, and designers to work with me in the White House to ensure perfect execution.' 'As required, we scheduled January 6, 2021, to complete the work on behalf of our Nation,' she told Fox in a statement, adding 'this is a very significant undertaking and requires great care, attention to detail, and concentration - both in the planning and execution.' Melania Trump then pushed that Grisham failed to make her aware of the severity of the attack. She said she had 'always been very supportive of my former Chief of Staff, Stephanie Grisham.' 'I stood behind Ms. Grisham after her failed stint as White House Press Secretary and welcomed her back to the East Wing,' the former first lady continued. Grisham worked for the Trump campaign and was pulled into the East Wing shortly after inauguration, only to move to the West Wing to serve as White House press secretary from April 2020 to January 2021 - but never held a briefing. Grisham then moved back to the East Wing to serve as Melania Trump's chief of staff. 'Ms. Grisham was not in the White Hosue on January 6, and her behavior in her role as Chief of Staff ultimately amounts to dereliction of duty,' Melania Trump said, explaining that 'traditionally, the First Lady's Chief of Staff provides detailed briefings surrounding our Nation's important issues.' 'In fact, Ms. Grisham failed to provide insight and information into the events surrounding January 6 as she had abandoned her post in Washington, D.C.,' Melania Trump continued. 'Shamefully, this behavior has only partially become public knowledge; yet was consistent for Ms. Grisham.' Melania Trump articulated: 'I always condemn violence.' 'Had I been fully informed of all the details, naturally, I would have immediately denounced the violence that occurred at the Capitol Building,' she said. 'And while Ms. Grisham's behavior is disappointing, it is not surprising or an isolated incident.' 'This is not the first time a former staffer has tried to maintain relevancy and profit by using my name to create a false narrative,' the former first lady added. Grisham shared an image of her text message conversation with Melania Trump on the heels of former Mark Meadows aide Cassidy Hutchinson's blockbuster testimony before the House panel. Hutchinson told lawmakers that former President Trump threw food when he found out Attorney General Bill Barr said publicly there was no widespread election fraud. She also said she heard from Secret Service officials that Trump had lunged at his driver when told he wouldn't be going to the Capitol Building after the rally on the Ellipse on January 6. Previously, there had been no explicit evidence that Trump had wanted to join his supporters on Capitol Hill. That testimony, Grisham said on CNN a day later, made her wonder if Melania Trump knew of her husband's broader plans - which would explain why she refused to condemn the MAGA mob's actions. 'It just made me think she knew something,' said Grisham. 'It made me think she knew that perhaps her husband was going to try to be down there, she knew something ahead of time.' Grisham said she didn't know this for a fact. 'But, again, knowing her as well as I did at that point, it was so unlike her to not have condemned it that that was the moment it all kind of broke me - that's what I wrote in the book - and I resigned immediately afterward,' she said on CNN's New Day. Grisham said Hutchinson's testimony compelled her to release a visual of the text 'because it was a lot of context I thought.' 'And, again, knowing Melania like I did I was so disappointed and discouraged and sickened that she wouldn't stand up and just say simply there should be no violence,' Grisham said. Grisham had detailed this interaction with the then first lady in her book, I'll Take Your Questions Now: What I Saw at the Trump White House, explaining how it compelled her to leave. She wrote that she 'finally saw the doomed French queen. Dismissive. Defeated. Detached.' 'It broke me,' Grisham wrote. 'I took a breath and waited another minute. You learned to do that in the Trump White House: make sure you are grounded and not acting out of the moment. Then I resigned.' 'I sent her an email and cc-ed her senior adviser so I couldn't take it back or be talked out of it. I was done,' Grisham said. Steve Bannon's legal team is resting its case on Thursday after the former Donald Trump adviser refused to testify in his own defense for criminal contempt of Congress charges. As he left a Washington, DC court on the summer afternoon, Bannon told reporters that he had testified more than any other Trump aide when factoring time spent speaking to investigators who looked at Russia's potential links to the Trump 2016 campaign and efforts to influence the election. He parted ways with the press with the message, 'One last thing: I stand with Trump and the Constitution.' Bannon's lawyers called no witnesses on his behalf, and District Judge Carl Nichols dismissed the 14 men and women who make up the jury a short while later. One female juror was dismissed due to a noncontagious medical issue, according to the Washington Post. That means Friday will bring closing arguments, jury instruction and deliberations - and potentially a speedy verdict. He'd previously promised to make his criminal trial the 'misdemeanor from hell' for the Justice Department. 'Of any person in the Trump administration, Stephen K. Bannon has testified, what, 30 hours in front of the Mueller commission, I think 20 hours in front of Schiff in the House Intelligence commission- House Intelligence Committee,' Bannon told reporters Thursday. Steve Bannon, Donald Trump's former adviser, ranted at reporters after refusing to take the stand in his own defense against contempt of Congress charges Bannon pleaded not guilty to two misdemeanor counts of criminal contempt. He was indicted for failing to comply with a subpoena from the House January 6 committee Closing arguments will be on Friday, followed by jury deliberations - meaning what Bannon promised would be the 'misdemeanor from hell' for the government could wrap after a five-day trial 'I think over 50 hours of testimony. Every time, the exact same way...every time, every single time, more than anybody else in the Trump administration...Stephen K. Bannon testified.' Attorney David Schoen told Nichols that no defense would be presented to the jury after the jury spent two days hearing from the House January 6 committee's general counsel, Kristin Amerling as well as an FBI agent. 'You are not intending to put on any evidence to the jury?' Nichols asked, according to the Daily Beast. Schoen replied, 'Correct. We're not putting on a defense case.' The right-wing activist and podcast host is on trial for two misdemeanor counts of criminal contempt because he defied the committee's subpoena in fall 2021. Lawmakers wanted to obtain documents from Bannon as well as hear about Trump's alleged efforts to stay in power despite losing the 2020 presidential election. Both of the prosecution's witnesses testified that Bannon did not turn over the requested documents nor did he hand over the documents requested. Bannon's lawyers attempted to pin them on who exactly was responsible for sending his subpoena in an apparent effort to accuse Chairman Rep. Bennie Thompson of political motivations. Evan Corcoran, another member of Bannon's legal team, had asked the jury during his opening argument: 'Is this piece of evidence affected by politics?' It comes after Bannon abruptly reversed-course and offered to sit for a public hearing in front of the committee His lawyers claimed it did not represent a change of heart but rather was the result of Trump waiving executive privilege over Bannon's testimony And the defense has insisted that Bannon never willfully ignored the subpoena. After 10 months of appearing to ignore the January 6 committee's order, Bannon abruptly reversed-course earlier this month and offered to sit for a public hearing via a letter from his attorney. He cited a message from Trump where the ex-president waived executive privilege he previously claimed over Bannon's testimony. But prosecutors dismissed Trump's letter out of hand as an attempt to deflect accountability. Nichols gave Bannon's defense a potential boost on Wednesday when he allowed the executive privilege letter to be entered into the record as evidence. It came after the judge shot down several of Bannon's potential defenses last week and rejected his request to delay the trial, prompting his exasperated attorneys to question what was the point of putting up a defense at all. Bannon had been present at the Willard Hotel the night of January 5 into January 6, when Trump's allies formed a 'war room' to hatch a legal strategy to stop Congress from certifying President Joe Biden's electoral victory the next day. He's believed to have spoken with Trump by phone personally that night. An alleged killer stepmom has been captured after three years on the run on suspicion of murdering her millionaire husband and stepkids after she was removed from a will over an alleged affair with her stepson and a colleague. Berenice Alanis was apprehended Wednesday at a hotel in the Mexican resort town of Acapulco. The capture was made possible by an alert guest, who had recognized her face from wanted posters, Telediario news network reported. The person recorded Alanis movements on a phone and alerted the police. Authorities said Alanis reportedly hired the assassins who walked into the Mexico City gym owned by her husband Jacobo Quesada, 51, and executed him along with his son Jacobo Quesada Jr., 25, and daughter Patricia Quesada, 24, on April 5, 2019. Berenice Alanis was arrested in Acapulco, Mexico, on Wednesday. She is accused of plotting the April 2019 murder of her husband Jacobo Quesada and her stepchildren, Jacobo Quesada Jr., 25, and Patricia Quesada, 24 Berenice Alanis on the left with her stepson Jacobo Quesada Jr.; husband Jacobo Quesada, and stepdaughter Patricia Quesada Alanis was taken into custody several days after the triple murder, but was released by a judge on bail, only to then flee. She was reportedly spotted in the cities of Queretaro, Hidalgo, Puebla, Guerrero and Las Vegas while evading capture. Alanis was hired in 2003 by Jacobo Quesada as part of the cleaning crew at the gym before they started dating. He then abandoned his wife Patricia Arellano and married Alanis. It is unclear when they began dating and when he left his wife for Alanis. Jacobo Quesada and his children made her a part of the family and took her on vacations, including a visit to New York where they went shopping and attended a New York Yankees game. Authorities became suspicious of Alanis as she started selling off her husband's fleet of luxury cars by changing the name on the titles of the vehicles Jacobo (right) hired Berenice (left) in 2003 and then began dating her before eventually divorcing his wife and marrying the woman who ended up marrying the woman who hired assassins to kill him and his two children He sought an end to the relationship in late 2018 after he had discovered Alanis was cheating on him and sleeping with Jacobo Quesada Jr. and a gym employee. The night of the murder, Jacobo Quesada was with his children inside an office at the gym when Alanis arrived to exercise. Alanis asked the front desk attendant for help with a workout routine. The killers then walked through the entrance and headed toward the office where they gunned down Quesada and his children. Investigators became suspicious of Alanis activities after she took his fleet of luxury vehicles, including two Corvettes, and changes the name of all the titles before selling them off in 2019. A judge approved a warrant for her arrest December 20, 2019, after prosecutors showed evidence that Alanis had plotted the murder because she was cut out of the will and her husband's $20 million fortune. The family of a 14-year-old girl who died in a river in Scotland have paid tribute to a 'clever, funny, and beautiful young girl.' Police named the girl as Nieve McIsaac, who got into difficulty on the River Teith near Stirling in the evening of Tuesday July 12. An air ambulance rushed her from Bridge of Allan to the Royal Children's Hospital in Glasgow, where she died four days later on Saturday 16 July. 'She was a much loved daughter, sister, granddaughter and niece, and we have been left devastated by her death,' her family said in a statement. Nieve McIsaac, 14, died after getting into difficulty in the River Teith, Bridge of Allan in Scotland Detective Sergeant Craig Faulds, of Forth Valley CID called it a 'heartbreaking incident in which a young girl has died,' and requested privacy for the family 'as they deal with their unimaginable loss.' Officers are providing support to Nieve's family and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal. Friends and well-wishers took to social media to post heartfelt tributes to the teenager. 'Rest easy beautiful girl,' wrote one. 'The only person who can make u laugh while ur crying ur eyes out - we are all so thankful for all u did for us and so proud of you,' another wrote of the tragedy. 'Absolutely heart breaking, forever 14 Nieve.' Fired CNN host Chris Cuomo has launched his comeback with a new podcast, staking out a defiant tone as he released the first episode. The first episode of The Chris Cuomo Project was released on Thursday, featuring an interview with special guest Sean Penn, with plans to release new episodes twice weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays. In the podcast, Cuomo made the surprise declaration that he is not a Democrat, despite his deep family ties to the party, and defended the actions that led to his ouster from CNN. CNN fired Cuomo last December after he was caught advising his scandal-plagued brother, former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, through sexual misconduct allegations while clinging on to his spot as the network's top anchor. Fired CNN host Chris Cuomo has launched his comeback with a new podcast, staking out a defiant tone as he released the first episode CNN fired Cuomo last December after he was caught advising his scandal-plagued brother, former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo (left), through sexual misconduct allegations Addressing his fans in the new podcast, Chris Cuomo briefly addressed the CNN saga, but said that 'some outstanding legal fights' prevented him from going into detail. 'For me, the past is the past, and there is no benefit to you if I re-litigate what was said and done involving my brother,' he said. 'I really do regret how everything ended, but I will never regret helping my family,' added Cuomo. In March, Cuomo served CNN with a $125 million arbitration claim, which is thought to be ongoing. But veteran TV newsman said there were no hard feelings when it came to his former employer. 'As for CNN, I'll never be a hater. CNN has great people, CNN has a great purpose, and I wish them all the best, and I miss so many of the people there. But it's time for me to move on, and I believe I can be more than I ever was before,' he said. Cuomo also said that he does not consider himself a Democrat, despite the fact that both his father Mario and brother Andrew served as Democratic governors of New York. The first episode of The Chris Cuomo Project was released on Thursday, featuring an interview with special guest Sean Penn Cuomo also said that he does not consider himself a Democrat, despite the fact that both his father Mario and brother Andrew served as Democratic governors of New York 'I love my father, I love my brother, I respect them both tremendously, but I'm no Democrat,' he said. 'And I am not here to make any of you comfortable being a lefty. I want you to question why you are. I want you to question everything,' added Cuomo. Cuomo claimed that the first time he ever voted in 1988, he pulled the lever for Republican George H.W. Bush, who defeated Michael Dukakis to become president. Cuomo plans to release the new podcast on YouTube as well as Spotify and other podcast platforms. Insiders say the podcast is Cuomo's opportunity to 'go rogue' in a 'move of defiance' against his former employer. But in tone and format, it already bears a striking resemblance to the widely popular Joe Rogan Experience, which sees the comedian discuss controversial topics, politics and current events with a host of guests. Cuomo is recruiting so-called 'free agents' to appear as guests on his new show, which will be streamed digitally on his website and YouTube channel. 'He will find guests who are also "free agents" and paved their own way to express his concept,' a source familiar with the show told Page Six. The ex-talk show host started teasing his career comeback earlier this month and rebranded himself as a 'free agent' while reporting from Ukraine last week (pictured) 'Chris is loaded, so he will do it right,' the insider added. 'And hes doing this not to make money, it is to get his voice back out there.' The source alleged The Chris Cuomo Project is the ousted anchor's way at getting back at CNN for firing him. Cuomo was forced out over his involvement in his brother's scandal and then accused of trying to destroy the network by exposing an affair between then-boss Jeff Zucker and his aide, Allison Gollust. The insider claims the show is an 'act of defiance' against CNN - the company Cuomo hit with an arbitration suit in March. He is demanding $125 million from the outlet for allegedly 'destroying his reputation.' Sources allege Cuomo can work on his podcast while arbitration is under way because he is no longer under contract with CNN. Cuomo has posted several short videos to Instagram in an attempt to raise hype about the project, which is due to arrive sometime this summer. One promo features a smiling Cuomo as he walks around New York City. He is seen talking on his cell phone and interacting with what appears to be a doorman. 'Calling all Free Agents: we are getting close!' he captioned the clip which was shared two days ago. In his most recent clip, Cuomo shows off his home recording studio and says he's 'back in the saddle.' 'Very different horse Very different course' he said, adding: 'All Free Agents welcome to join the ride.' Ousted CNN host Chris Cuomo says America will see him take a 'very different course' in his upcoming podcast and YouTube show, The Chris Cuomo Project Meanwhile, Cuomo is plugging 'free agent' merchandise, which he says is profiting a good cause. It is unclear specifically what cause the proceeds benefit. The promos come about a week after the former TV anchor took to Instagram to tell America to 'pay more attention' to what is happening in Ukraine. 'What is happening right now in Ukraine is bad and America should be paying a lot more attention,' he said, reporting from the war-torn nation. 'I went to the eastern front... Outmanned and outgunned we had to hide behind abandoned buildings.' Cuomo likened the conflict to 'WW2' and compared Ukrainians to Americans fighting the War of Independence. 'Ukrainians sound like Americans 240yrs ago vs the British. They are laying down their lives to keep the freedoms we have here. 'The interest here has slowed...the war is only accelerating. I will show you more reason to care...soon. Thank you for the interest.' He then instructed his followers to 'be a #freeagent' like him. Sen. Majority Leader Chuck Schumer on Thursday introduced a bill that would federally decriminalize marijuana and allows states to set up their own regulations on the cannabis industry. The bill came at long last to cannabis advocates and days after Biden proclaimed at a July 16 press briefing: 'I don't think anyone should be in prison for the use of marijuana. We're working on the crime bill now.' Biden was asked if he would be 'honoring his campaign pledge' to release all of those locked up for pot convictions from prison. The president has repeatedly says he does not support full legalization. Sens. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and Schumer first proposed a pot bill over a year ago but did not release text until Thursday. The legislation, called the Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act, has a slim chance of passing the Senate, but portions of the bill could find their way into other packages that have a shot at passing before the end of the year. The Senate Judiciary Committee has set up a hearing titled: 'Decriminalizing Cannabis at the Federal Level: Necessary Steps to Address Past Harms' for next week. The legislation includes priorities sought by Democrats and Republicans: it expunges federal cannabis-related records and sets up funding for law enforcement to fight illegal cannabis production. Sen. Majority Leader Chuck Schumer on Thursday introduced a bill that would federally decriminalize marijuana and allows states to set up their own regulations on the cannabis industry The legislation includes priorities sought by Democrats and Republicans: it expunges federal cannabis-related records and sets up funding for law enforcement to fight illegal cannabis production It would require the Department of Transportation to research and develop a standard for marijuana-impaired driving and restrict marketing the drug to minors. It would also establish grant programs for small business owners looking to enter the market, particularly those from areas affected by harsh drug laws in the past. Marijuana legalization has become widely popular over the past decade - 19 states now allow those 21 and older to enjoy the drug and 37 states have medical marijuana programs. Some advocates have expressed frustration with the Biden administration's slow moves on marijuana. Earlier this month, Democratic Senators Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders, Ed Markey, Kirsten Gillibrand, Corey Booker and Wyden sent the administration a letter calling on them to declassify marijuana as a Schedule 1 drug, on par with marijuana. Others have called on him to pardon every federal prisoner for nonviolent weed offenses. According to a Gallup poll 7 in 10 Americans support full legalization of pot. The bill's path forward in the Senate would require not only the courting of 10 Republicans but a number of Democrats who have signaled to Politico that they are not on board. A bill called the SAFE Banking Act may be more likely to pass by year's end and would allow banks to work with companies in the cannabis industry. In December the House passed the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement Act, which has a different regulatory and tax structure than the Senate bill. The Senate never took up the bill. Gale force winds and rainfall have continued to batter the east coast of Australia, with the wet weather set to linger throughout the weekend. Six-metre waves have formed off the coast of Queensland with dangerous surf conditions stretching down to the Northern Rivers region in NSW on Friday. The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a gale force warning with 90km/hr winds to batter the state from Rockhampton to the Gold Coast. BOM meteorologist Shane Kennedy compared the dangerous wind speed to cyclones. Gale force winds and rainfall have continued to batter the east coast of Australia with the wet weather set to linger throughout the weekend (stock image) More downpours are on the way for south-east Queensland and the Northern Rivers region of NSW with some areas to receive a month's worth of rain in a day 'It can certainly up-end trees and push over powerlines and make dangerous flying debris,' he said. Gold Coast beaches have been closed while fishermen with boats have been told to stay home and avoid the waters until late Sunday. 'It's not so much that the vessels can't handle it. It's what happens to them if they break down,' Coast Guard Southport volunteer Bruce Waite said. More downpours are on the way for south-east Queensland and the Northern Rivers region of NSW, with some areas to receive a month's worth of rain in a day. Brisbane is expected to receive up to 35mm - 5mm more than its average rainfall for July - while Maroochydore, on the Sunshine Coast, could get up to 60mm - 6mm less than its average monthly rainfall. Inland Queensland has been the worst hit by rainfall over the last 24 hours, with 115mm falling in Maleny and more than 50mm at Tallebudgera. A severe weather warning for damaging surf is also in place for the north coast of NSW from Tweed Heads to the north of Wooli. 'Very heavy surf is forecast along the coastline north of Wooli from this evening, gradually easing during Saturday afternoon, which may lead to localised damage and coastal erosion,' BoM warned. 'Significant wave heights exceeding 5 metres from an east to southeasterly direction are expected.' Weatherzone meteorologist James Rout said up to 40mm has fallen along the coast from the south of Rockhampton. He said the heavy rainfall should begin to ease by Friday afternoon, with light showers continuing to fall over the weekend. 'There will be a few showers lingering along the coast through Saturday, and by Sunday, it should clear out altogether,' he said. Further rain and flooding are forecast for parts of eastern Australia in the coming months, with a third successive La Nina weather pattern also likely later this year. The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a gale force warning with 90km/hr winds to pummel the state from Rockhampton to the Gold Coast (pictured, damaging winds in the Gold Coast) The Bureau of Meteorology's outlook for August to October has forecast above average rainfall from Queensland down to the south coast of NSW, with parts of the Northern Territory also slated to get above-average falls in that time (pictured, floodwaters in south-east Queensland in May) The Bureau of Meteorology's outlook for August to October has forecast above-average rainfall from Queensland down to the south coast of NSW, with parts of the Northern Territory also slated to get above-average falls in that time. The predictions come off the back of several large flooding events along the eastern seaboard in 2022. The bureau has warned the increased moisture in soils from previous deluges, along with water levels in dams and other catchment areas, made it easier for future flooding events to take place. Coastal communities of NSW, along with parts of Queensland, are set to have an elevated flood risk in the coming months. The bureau said it was likely for La Nina to return during the second half of 2022, with there being a 50 per cent chance of it occurring. Current forecasts have shown it will be twice as likely for another La Nina weather pattern to develop later this year. Coastal communities of NSW along with parts of Queensland are set to have an elevated flood risk in coming months (pictured, flooded road in south-east Queensland in May) However, the bureau said it would not be able to declare the weather pattern until at least October or November, with it still being too early to determine whether one will form (pictured, Sydneysider with an umbrella) However, the bureau said it would not be able to declare the weather pattern until at least October or November, with it still being too early to determine whether one will form. Should the pattern be declared, it would be the third successive La Nina weather event. Since records started in 1900, back-to-back-to-back La Ninas have only occurred three times. The La Nina pattern contributed to the wetter-than-average summer recorded in 2021-22, along with the devastating floods in Queensland and NSW in March this year. The bureau has also warned the Top End will likely experience the above-normal potential for bushfires. However, tropical parts of the country are expected to have an earlier start than usual to the wet season. An earlier wet season also means an earlier start to tropical cyclone seasons in parts of Queensland and the Northern Territory. An associate of disgraced former lawyer Alex Murdaugh has been indicted on charges that he helped launder and misuse funds. Palmetto State Bank CEO Russell Laffitte was charged by a federal grand jury on Wednesday on counts of conspiracy, wire fraud and bank fraud. Prosecutors allege Laffitte schemed with Murdaugh to swindle two young sisters out of money they received after their mother and brother were killed in an accident in 2005. The pair hatched the plan in 2011, while Laffitte worked as a conservator for sisters Alania Spohn and Hanna Plyer, and Murdaugh represented them. Even though Laffitte was paid over $400,000 for watching over the sister's money, they attempted to embezzle $990,000 for Murdaugh and $355,000 for Lafitte. Russell Laffitte, CEO of Palmetto State Bank, faces up to 30 years in prison if convicted of charges he helped Alex Murdaugh swindle hundreds of thousands of dollars Disgraced legal heir Alex Murdaugh arrived at a South Carolina court Wednesday for a hearing over last year's brutal murders of his wife and son - as cops now claim they have a 'mountain of evidence' against him Laffitte was fired from his role at the bank in January, and now faces up to 30 years behind bars if convicted. He's also accused of misusing bank funds and granting Murdaugh a $750,000 loan for 'beach house renovations and expenses,' according to the grand jury, as well as illegally using his banks money to pay Murdaugh $680,000 to pay back a debt. Murdaugh arrived at a South Carolina court Wednesday for a hearing over last year's brutal murders of his wife and son, which saw the scion plead not guilty to the grisly double slaying. The hearing also saw Murdaugh, 54, denied bond for the alleged crimes - with cops now claiming they have a 'mountain of evidence' against him, including cell phone and video footage of him talking to his wife moments before she was killed. Asked how he pleaded to the felony murder charges, Murdaugh, who sported a jail-style buzzcut for the court appearance, confidently asserted: 'Not guilty.' When questioned by a prosecutor on how he will be tried, Murdaugh maintained, 'By God and by country.' The once-prominent lawyer looked gaunt during the court appearance, which was held to decide whether Murdaugh should be awarded bond for the double murder, which transpired on June 7 of last year. Both sides agreed that a bond should not be awarded to the suspected killer, due to the fact that he's already in jail on a $7 million bond for 74 other criminal charges - the lion's share being an array of financial scams. Murdaugh was filmed leaving Colleton County jail for the hearing before being carted back to jail Wednesday - more than a year after the lifeless bodies of Maggie and Paul Murdaugh on his estate in Hampton, Colleton County. Murdaugh, 54, was filmed briefly leaving jail for a bond hearing over the two first-degree murder charges - more than a year after the lifeless bodies of Maggie and Paul Murdaugh on the family's sprawling hunting estate in Colleton County Murdaugh is pictured during his bond hearing at Colleton County Courthhouse Wednesday, during which the scion pleaded not guilty and was denied bond for the grisly double slaying Murdaugh was denied bond by Judge Clifton Newman, the same judge who previously denied bond for him last October when the family of his former housekeeper accused him of stealing insurance money after her death The hearing - which was held at 10 a.m. and lasted less than a half hour - saw Murdaugh denied bond by Judge Clifton Newman, the same judge who previously denied bond for him last October, when the family of his former housekeeper accused him of stealing insurance money after her death. The once prominent lawyer was pictured leaving the Colleton County Courthhouse in chains - after being indicted last week on two counts of murder for the slayings. Cops say Murdaugh shot Maggie, 52, with a rifle, and Paul, 22, with a shotgun at their Moselle property in June 2021. A motive for the slayings had yet to be determined. Murdaugh, sporting a jail buzzcut, is pictured shortly after being denied bond for the two felony murder charges. The once-prominent lawyer looked to have lost a great deal of weight since being incarcerated in October for unrelated financial crimes A handcuffed Murdaugh is pictured inside the Colleton County Courthouse shortly after he pleaded 'not guilty' to the murders Murdaugh is led away in cuffs after being denied bond. When questioned by a prosecutor on how he will be tried, Murdaugh said, 'By God and by country' Murdaugh, 54, wore a wrinkled, white-button down and khakis for the hearing - his first in relation to the June 2021 murders Murdaugh took off his mask to crack what seemed like a smirk while lawyer deliberated over the bond hearing It is not known how police linked Murdaugh to the deaths after more than a year of investigation, but a law enforcement source with close knowledge of the case said police have a multitude of damning evidence against the ex attorney It is not known how police linked Murdaugh to the deaths after more than a year of investigation, but a law enforcement source with close knowledge of the case told People police have a multitude of damning evidence against the ex attorney. The source told the outlet Wednesday, shortly before the hearing, that investigators had proved Murdaugh was at the house when the murder took place due to blood spatter allegedly found on his clothes after cops arrived on the scene. The evidence, if legitimate, contradicts Murdaugh's claims that he had been visiting his father at a nearby hospital at the time of the murder, returning to find their bodies. The source also said that Murdaugh's cell phone, watch, and vehicle GPS also contradict those claims, People reported. The outlet also added that investigators are adamant that Murdaugh lured his wife to the scene, under the guise he wanted her to accompany with her to visit his ailing father, with whom she was close. The sources said that the couple - who had been influential figures in the South Carolina legal scene -had hit a rough patch in their marriage prior to the killings, and that Maggie at the time was staying at the family's beach house on Edisto Island, roughly an hour away from the family's estate. The insider reportedly told People that Maggie at first declined requests from Murdaugh to meet at the family home, suggesting instead they meet at the hospital. After some convincing, however, she consented to meet at the home, saying she would follow Alex to the hospital in her car. Bond denied for Alex Murdaugh. We will await the proposed orders for a possible gag order and request for a speedy trial. pic.twitter.com/fCcOGY76MQ Lisa Weismann (@LisaLive5) July 20, 2022 On her way to the home, Maggie allegedly messaged a friend to tell her she felt uneasy about the arrangement, and that she was worried that Murdaugh was 'up to something.' The texts, People reported, saw Maggie theorize that something about her husband's behavior felt 'fishy,' with one of the messages flat-out declaring: 'He's up to something.' The identity of the recipient of those texts was not identified at Wednesday's hearing. However, the most damning piece of evidence in lawmen's possession, allegedly, is cell phone audio and video that the source said places Murdaugh at the crime scene 'moments' before the murder, talking with Maggie just before she was killed. Murdaugh is pictured leaving the Colleton County Courthhouse in restraints immediately after the hearing, before being brought back to a local jail The once prominent lawyer was pictured leaving the Colleton County Courthhouse in chains - after being indicted last week on two counts of murder for the killing Murdaugh - who reportedly struggled with a debilitating opioid addiction in the months building up to the murder - was officially charged with their murders last week. The one-time legal scion was indicted by a grand jury on two counts of murder and two counts of possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime. He is already behind bars on separate charges relating to embezzlement and fraud. It has taken police roughly 13 months to level charges against Murdaugh- who is already behind bars on separate charges relating to fraud and embezzlement charges relating to the money he stole from his law firm and a failed attempt to stage his own murder as part of a $10million life insurance scam for his son in September. Mere months after his wife and son were murdered, Murdaugh tried to stage his own death so that Buster, his 26-year-old surviving son, could reap the sum, but was criminally charged when the suicide-for-hire plot fell apart after the attempt failed and his hired hit man was arrested. The incident, which transpired on September 4, was Murdaugh shot three times by 61-year-old Curtis Smith - one of the former legal eagle's many clients - however, according to police, he only suffered a 'superficial gunshot wound to the head' Smith has since been charged with assisted suicide, aggravated assault, and battery related to the shooting. He is awaiting trial on those charges. Murdaugh, meanwhile, was charged with conspiracy to commit insurance fraud, and jailed the following month. His trial is also pending. Murdaugh, whose father, grandfather, and great-grandfather were also top prosecutors South Carolina for nearly a century, 'believed ending his life was his only option,' his lawyers said at the time, citing his spiraling opioid addiction, which they said evaporated the blue blooded jurist's net worth over the course of 20 years. In the months following, investigators looking into Maggie and Paul's deaths also uncovered a litany of crime and insurance fraud that have seen them reopen two suspicious deaths linked to the family Thirteen months ago, Murdaugh told police he 'found' the bodies of his youngest son and wife outside a series dog kennels on the family's 1,700 square feet hunting estate around 10pm on June 7, 2021. In audio of the 911 call that he placed at 10:07pm that night, Murdaugh can be heard telling the dispatcher in a high-pitched screech: 'I need the police and an ambulance immediately. My wife and child were just shot badly.' Paul, 22, was shot twice with a shotgun once in the head and once in the chest. Maggie had been shot multiple times with an assault rifle. Their gunshot wounds were believed to be consistent with 'execution-style' killings, reports said. According to several sources, Paul's body was found partially inside one of the kennels, while his mother's was several feet away, leading investigators to believe that she ran from her killer before being gunned down. At least two of her gunshot wounds were believed to have been inflicted while she was on the ground. In audio of the 911 call, Alex Murdaugh, pictured with Maggie, Paul and surviving son Buster (far left) can be heard telling the dispatcher in a high-pitched screech: 'I need the police and an ambulance immediately. My wife and child were just shot badly' According to several sources, Paul's body was found partially inside one of these dog kennels outside the family's Hampton home, while his mother's was several feet away, leading investigators to believe that she ran from her killer before being gunned down Pictured: A gated entrance to the Murdaugh hunting lodge. The disgraced attorney had originally told investigators that he was visiting his dying father and his mother about 11 miles away at their home in Varnville at the time of the murders In the immediate aftermath of the discoveries, Murdaugh's family and attorneys vehemently defended the lawyer, who they asserted had a 'ironclad alibi' and that his marriage with Maggie was 'full of love.' However, Murdaugh's 'alibi' was far from airtight, and has changed significantly since his initial claims that he was nowhere near the property between 9 and 9:30pm - the time the coroner gave the approximate time of death. In the immediate aftermath of the crime, Murdaugh told investigators that he was visiting his dying father and his mother about 11 miles away at their home in Varnville at the time of the murders. Two weeks later, his brothers John Marvin and Randy Murdaugh told Good Morning America that he had in fact dropped his father at a hospital in Savannah before going to visit his mother, who has dementia. Now, according to an account given by Murdaugh's lawyer Jim Griffin to The State newspaper, Murdaugh claims to have left the property around 9pm to make the 20-minute drive to his mother's house and returned to Moselle as originally claimed around or shortly after 10pm. It is an account that places him squarely on the scene within the timeframe of the killings. It has been speculated that audio and video data gleaned from Paul's cellphone found by his body, but only recently unlocked by law enforcement, is what prompted Murdaugh's dramatic change of tune. Independent local news website FITSNews has reported that not only does this audio and video data show Murdaugh speaking with Maggie, but that 'high velocity impact spatter' of blood found on his clothing that night places him at the scene of the murders when at least one of the victims was killed. The Murdaugh family's sprawling South Carolina property, where his wife and son were killed, was listed for sale in March. The massive Colleton County property is known as Cross Swamp Farm and houses two buildings, two waterfowl reservoirs, and has over 2.5 miles of river frontage that can be used for kayaking and fishing The 1,700-acre hunting estate, which was in Maggie's name at the time of her death, was recently sold for $3.9million, probate records seen by DailyMail.com reveal When DailyMail.com put these claims to South Carolina Law Enforcement Department (SLED) last week, officials would neither deny nor confirm them. Meanwhile, the marriage described by Harpootlian as 'full of love' was, according to multiple sources, anything but. One source familiar with the household told DailyMail.com that Maggie and Murdaugh's marriage was a union in crisis. Rumors that Murdaugh was having an affair with a fellow attorney have been widely circulated both locally and online. And according to the source who spoke with DailyMail.com, there was 'no love lost' between the once loving couple. In fact, the source said, in the months before her violent death, Maggie and Murdaugh had argued heatedly over finances. Maggie, a stalwart of the South Carolina charity scene, had been socially embarrassed when a check written by her at a charity luncheon bounced. It was just one of many incidents that saw her not only asking questions about the family's finances but demanding answers. The mysterious double murder, which sparked the beginning of the end for the prominent legal family, seems to be on the cusp of being resolved with Alex - who is already facing embezzlement charges relating to the money he stole from his law firm and a failed suicide-for-hire attempt as part of a $10million life insurance scam - expected to be charged in connection to the slayings this week Murdaugh's only surviving son, Buster, was photographed being comforted at the funeral for his mother and brother on June 11 last year FITSNews also reported that Maggie was living separately from Murdaugh at the family's home in Edisto Beach and that she had only gone to Moselle on the night of her death 'reluctantly' and on Murdaugh's request. Maggie was also reported to have had gone to see a divorce lawyer in the weeks before her murder, sparking speculation that she was threatening to call in a forensic accountant, according to People magazine. At the same time, Murdaugh was under extreme pressure to cough up his financial records as part of a wrongful death suit being brought against him and his older son, Richard 'Buster' Murdaugh, Jr, by the family of Mallory Beach the teenager killed in an horrific boat crash in 2019. Paul was drunk and at the wheel of the boat when it slammed into pilings on Archers Creek with six teens all underage, all drinking heavily aboard. Murdaugh's attorney had insisted his client had a 'ironclad alibi' and that his marriage with Maggie was 'full of love,' however, a very different picture has emerged casting doubt on both claims in recent months Beach, 19, was thrown from the vessel and her body found by two fishermen one week later, five miles from the site. Her cause of death was blunt force trauma and drowning. Legal documents seen by DailyMail.com show that lawyers for Beach's family had repeatedly pressed Murdaugh for financial disclosure and set a court deadline of June 9 just two days after Maggie and Paul's murders - for him to hand over all relevant paperwork. Back then, only Murdaugh knew that he was neck-deep in debts and, what prosecutors allege, was a multi-million-dollar insurance fraud scheme and criminal enterprise. In the months following, investigators looking into Maggie and Paul's deaths uncovered a litany of crime and insurance fraud that have seen them reopen two suspicious deaths linked to the family former housekeeper Gloria Satterfield, 56, who fell after a 'trip and fall' at Moselle in 2018 and local teen, Stephen Smith, 19. Satterfield's sons said they were defrauded out of a $4.3million wrongful death suit brought against Murdaugh on his own advice and with the promise that they would be taken care of. Instead, Murdaugh syphoned off the funds for himself, allegedly with the help of Corey Fleming, a former USC roommate and fellow attorney whom he recommended the Satterfield brothers use. Fleming has also been charged for his part in the scheme. SLED recently announced that it has received permission from Satterfield's family to have her body exhumed. Hampton County Coroner, Angie Topper, asked investigators to look at Satterfield's death again due to 'inconsistencies.' These included the fact that her office was never informed, meaning no autopsy was conducted, and that the manner of death given on the death certificate 'natural' was not consistent with a trip and fall. The unsolved case took a twist last September when Murdaugh claimed he had been shot in the head in a drive by shooting on this rural South Carolina road It would later emerge that Murdaugh had hired Curtis Smith (left) as a hit man to kill him as part of a staged murder plot that would allow his surviving son Buster to collect $10million in life insurance money Similarly, the manner of Smith's death is once again the subject of investigation. The 19-year-old's body was found on a road in Hampton County in July 2015 with a head wound so devastating that investigators first thought he had been shot. DailyMail.com revealed that the incident was in fact initially investigated as a homicide but recategorized as a hit and run in the face of strong opposition from the lead investigator who was one of the first officers on the scene and found no evidence of any vehicular involvement. In addition to this, 15 state grand jury indictments containing 79 charges have come down against Murdaugh with prosecutors claiming he defrauded a staggering $8.4million from victims. The truly dire state of his financial affairs may go some way to explaining one of the most bizarre twists in this entire saga Murdaugh's failed 'suicide-for-hire' plot just three months after Maggie and Paul's deaths, and one day after he resigned from the family's Hampton-based law firm. The firm, formerly known as Parker, Murdaugh, Parker, Elztroth & Detrick, or PMPED, stripped the Murdaugh name from their masthead in January and has since rebranded as the Parker Law Group. The firm later claimed that Murdaugh misappropriated company funds and at least one of Murdaugh's former colleagues is among the many bringing suits against him. Then on September 4 last year, Murdaugh made his second frantic 911 call, this time to report that he had been shot while attempting to change a tire by the side of the road not far from Moselle. From the start the story seemed odd, his injuries unconvincing and his description of the man so vague and contradictory that SLED chose not to release the artist's impression that Murdaugh helped generate. Once a prominent legal scion, Alex Murdaugh resigned from the family's Hampton-based law firm in September. The firm later claimed that Murdaugh misappropriated company funds and at least one of Murdaugh's former colleagues is among the many bringing suits against him The South Carolina law firm (pictured) formerly known as Parker, Murdaugh, Parker, Elztroth & Detrick, or PMPED, stripped the Murdaugh name from their masthead in January and has since rebranded as the Parker Law Group At the time of Paul's death, the Murdaughs were facing a wrongful death lawsuit by the family of Mallory Beach, 19, (right) who was killed in an horrific boat crash in 2019. Paul was drunk and at the wheel of the boat when it slammed into pilings on Archers Creek with six teens all underage, all drinking heavily aboard Within two weeks, the whole affair had unraveled with Murdaugh claiming that he had hired a friend and distant relative Curtis 'Eddie' Smith, 61, to shoot him in the head so that his surviving son, Buster, could receive a $10million pay out form his life insurance. He claimed that he had been in the throes of opioid addiction and had been for more than two decades and checked himself into rehab in Florida. He was charged with insurance fraud and false reporting while Smith was charged on several counts including conspiracy. He too has since been slapped with other charges relating to his relationship to Murdaugh, financial wrongdoing and drug trafficking. Murdaugh is currently being held in Alvin S Glenn detention center in Richland County on a $7million bond. He remains the only person ever named a person of interest in his wife and son's death though, with murder charges apparently imminent, it is unclear whether they will be considered by a state grand jury in Columbia, or one in Colleton County, where Moselle, the scene of the crimes, sits. An award-winning photo of smiling asylum seekers standing by Londons red phone boxes is on show at Heathrow airport. It has been viewed by millions of incoming travellers already this year as part of a new government campaign to portray Britain as a great nation welcoming everyone who comes here. All this sounds utterly laudable. Except for one or two worrying details. The image plastered over the airports walls acts as a showcase for the charity Care4Calais (C4C) whose volunteers are also in the picture. A photograph of refugees and Care4Calais volunteers which is displayed at Heathrow Airport Yet, C4C happens to be a vociferous opponent of the very same governments immigration policies, playing a key role in delaying last months Home Office deportation of Channel boat arrivals to Rwanda. What is more, this spring and summer, the charitys volunteers have been meeting and greeting migrants sent by traffickers to Britain from France as they reach Dovers main port and a Kent beach in the shadow of Dungeness nuclear power plant. The Mail can reveal the charity is also helping migrants with asylum claims, and says proudly that it signposts them towards suitable lawyers who will fight their cases against deportation. To help with this, its volunteers work via the internet and in person at 147 Home Office- requisitioned hotels around the UK where thousands of asylum seekers, many who slipped in illegally on traffickers boats, live at a cost of 5million a day to the taxpayer. All the more puzzling is that the Cabinet Office which advises prime ministers on strategy issued a press release this spring praising the charitys asylum-seeker photo, taken at Londons Smithfield meat market. It said the picture, along with 39 others, would go up at Heathrow as part of the Governments Great Exposure competition, run with the Royal Photographic Society, to promote UK trade and tourism and attract more foreign students. The Mail decided to investigate C4C when, in May, we spotted one of its female volunteers working inside the strict security zone manned by Border Force and immigration enforcement officials at Dover port where boat migrants are initially checked to weed out incoming jihadis, criminals or those carrying weapons. We have photographs of the beaming volunteer, wearing the charitys distinctive red and white gilet, inside the cordon on three days between May 5 and 17, plus records of other sightings of her there. In one photo she is fist bumping a young male migrant who has just arrived. In other shots, she is leaning down to put her arms around a small girl who hours earlier had set off across the Channel from France on a traffickers boat. This might seem like worthy charitable work by caring Britons. But for a few things. A member of Care4Calais fist bumps a migrant as they arrive in Dover, while inside the strict security zone manned by Border Force The first is that C4C is a vocal critic of the Home Office efforts to stop traffickers boats which have brought more than 15,000 migrants across the Channel this year, provoking the UKs biggest-ever illegal migration crisis. Last weekend, the charitys supporters staged rallies at Colnbrook immigration removal centre ironically outside Heathrow where its photo is in pride of place and Brook House, a similar deportation establishment near Gatwick airport. Waving banners saying Borders Kill, the anti-borders campaigners at Colnbrook listened to a speech by John McDonnell, the far-Left Labour MP and a member of Jeremy Corbyns former shadow cabinet, who said asylum seekers were welcome in the UK. C4C founder Clare Moseley praised his stance, telling the Guardian newspaper website: We know that many people oppose the shockingly brutal Rwanda plan. It is not what the British public want. Taking that view, whether correct or not, is one thing. But we have found that the charity is wittingly, or unwittingly, helping to perpetuate the Channel crossings organised by people-traffickers. It reveals on its own website that it gives migrants mobile phones before they leave French beaches which means that, mid-Channel, they can call the British coastguard claiming their boat is in trouble. Under international safety at sea rules, the coastguard is then compelled to send out Border Force or RNLI vessels from Kents coast to retrieve them. The charity explains: Migrants use mobile phones to check the weather, which is really important if theyre crossing by boat. They also need the phones GPS to makes sure theyre going in the right direction. They may need to call the coastguard to be rescued. We try to provide as many (mobiles) as we can. The same volunteer was seen with young migrant men dressed in orange waterproofs in Kent back in May C4C was set up in 2015 by Miss Moseley, a wealthy former accountant. She had seen TV and newspaper stories about migrants waiting in Calais to cross to Britain by sea. She wanted to help them so left her home, and her family, to do so. She started small by going to northern France and establishing a warehouse distributing food and clothes to migrants. Two years later, C4C was hit by scandal when it emerged she had a year-long affair with an individual called Mohamed Bajjar, then 27 and some 20 years her junior. He claimed to be a Syrian refugee, but was in reality a Tunisian market stall trader married to another British woman. The charity recovered from this debacle, then spread its wings. Soon it was operating along the coastline from Calais to Dunkirk, before reaching into Belgium, and the UK. It has thousands of willing volunteers, mostly British, but last year was placed under investigation by the Charity Commission. The outcome of the inquiry into its governance is yet to be decided. However, C4C achieved most notoriety for its part in halting the first Rwanda flight last month, and delaying future ones. With the help of the law firm Duncan Lewis known as the legal aid king of the solicitors world and boasting a multi-million annual turnover at the last count it fought the Home Office plan with huge determination. After collecting more than 100,000 from crowdfunding to cover legal fees, C4C was a crucial Government opponent during five days of legal wrangling in the High Court and Supreme Court to stop an initial 130 migrants being deported. After a successful 11th hour appeal to the European Court of Human Rights, the deportees were removed from the Home Offices privately chartered plane just before it was due to fly out. A judicial review on the Home Office plan is now due this autumn. On the crowd-funding website, C4C is still begging for donations to stop migrants ever being sent to Africa. In an emotive plea, it says: Help us challenge the shameful Rwanda deal. C4C played a key role in preventing a flight full of asylum seekers departing to Rwanda earlier this year It warns that the Government is still planning to forcibly remove people seeking asylum in the UK to an African country with a notorious history of human rights abuse. Of course Rwanda would disagree with the charitys view. Government officials there have told the Mail that it will provide sanctuary to thousands of migrants who are stuck in UK hotels in a broken British asylum system caused by sheer numbers crossing the Channel in traffickers boats or hidden in lorries on ferries. Meanwhile, C4C says it is delighted with the Heathrow publicity. It chirrups: Most people in the picture were awaiting the result of asylum applications when it was taken. Its use at Heathrow is a wonderful statement at a time Home Secretary Priti Patel is shamefully trying to send them to Rwanda. Adding a telling jibe, it comments: The photos selection shows that at least some people in government understand the importance of welcoming refugees to the UK. The charitys website also contains a picture story entitled A busy day in Dungeness with volunteers giving blankets to boat arrivals, some of them children, on the beach this spring and summer. The accompanying message, with another request for funds, says: The refugees resilience always amazes. It seems a sign of the undefeated spirit that characterises these people who we should be proud to welcome to our shores. It adds elsewhere on its site: We are not politicians, we are people like you who simply believe that every human has the right to be treated in a fair and dignified way. That is a debatable point. Many would say C4C seems very political indeed. It is not known how the charity got clearance, or from whom, to have a volunteer inside the security-ringed Dover dockside greeting migrants, or on Dungeness beach speaking to, and touching arrivals before they are safety-vetted. It is a matter of wonderment that they are operating at government-requisitioned migrants hotels which are barred to the general public. On Sunday, the Home Office, after several inquiries from the Mail over the past ten days, seemed equally mystified. Care4Calais has never had a formal or informal role in our response to these dangerous and unnecessary crossings, said a spokesman. These photographs were taken in an area of Dover harbour where the charity had no permission to be. She added that the volunteers unauthorised presence had been detected, and they were escorted from the site. She did not elaborate on how long this was after May 17 (the last date the Mail has pictures of the charitys volunteer inside the port security cordon). The department said the Government-endorsed Heathrow photo had been entered into the competition by one individual. It declined to comment on C4Cs access to migrants in an escalating number of hotels for which the Home Office is responsible. The spokesman added that The Home Office has no facilities at Dungeness beach where C4C said last week its volunteers had greeted 67 migrants since the start of July. Meanwhile, the charity explained that the arriving migrants had been given sliders, socks, joggers, oat bars, water, blankets, hats, hoodies, t-shirts, underwear, nappies and handwipes as part of its welcoming work. In a statement last night it added: In Dover we were able to freely walk to the area where the boats arrive to welcome the refugees, offering them a friendly face. There was never any suggestion from the various officials that this was a problem. On 17 May we were informed that we must stop this and request permission from Dover Harbour Board to continue. Permission was then denied. We have at all times complied with the instructions of officials who are present When possible we provide asylum seekers with mobile phones, kindly donated by the public. In the UK hotels, it enabled them to contact lawyers about their asylum cases and to use free Wi-Fi hotspots to do so. The charity said the Heathrow picture was amazing news. It was taken by Frederic Aranda, a successful portrait photographer who, according to its website, works with asylum seekers in an east London hotel. Bruce Springsteen fans are furious that tickets to his summer shows are going for as high as $5,000 due to Ticketmaster's 'dynamic pricing' system, which also caused ticket prices to soar for big-name stars like Harry Styles, Drake and Taylor Swift. Mid-floor tickets for the Boss' 2023 US arena tour are going for $4,000 to $5,000 each on Ticketmaster, with less desirable seats still fetching high prices at more than $1,000. The outrageous prices are a result of Ticketmaster's 'dynamic pricing,' where the prices of tickets are inflated due to demand. The system, which has been in place since 2011, lets ticket prices quickly rise to a level that resellers would get for them. Although the 'dynamic pricing' system has caused headaches for music fans before - with tickets for Harry Styles, Taylor Swift and Drake surging by hundreds of dollars in the past- the prices for Springsteen are nearly five times as high. And fans have taken to social media to vent their frustrations over the prices as they even took their anger out on Springsteen, a champion of the everyday working man. Fans of Bruce Springsteen were furious when they learned that tickets to his U.S. tour were going for as high as $5,000 due to Ticketmaster's dynamic pricing system One fan showed off that a floor seat they wanted cost $5,000 with additional fees attached The ticket pricing surge happened in May for tickets to Harry Styles' tour (pictured) One of Styles' fans showed that tickets went for as high as $1,450 due to dynamic pricing, which lets ticket prices quickly rise to a level that resellers would get for them The backlash against 'dynamic pricing,' which has been in place since 2011, originally gained steam in 2018 when Taylor Swift ticket prices soared to $995, almost double what they were originally going for Ticketmaster touts its 'dynamic pricing' system as a way for fans to get 'platinum tickets,' which are tickets for seats located anywhere in the venue. On platinum tickets, Ticketmaster says on their FAQ page: 'The prices are adjusted according to supply and demand, similar to how airline tickets and hotel rooms are sold. 'The goal is to give the most passionate fans fair and safe access to the most in-demand tickets while allowing the artists and everyone involved in staging live events to price tickets closer to their fair value.' Despite the push for a 'fair value,' which helps pocket extra money for the artist and promoter, this is not the first time Ticketmaster has faced backlash over 'dynamic pricing.' Last week, fans of rapper Drake were infuriated when platinum tickets to his Young Money reunion show in Canada went for $573, with premium seats going as high as $1,480 on Ticketmaster. Back in May, fans of Harry Styles lashed out against the ticketing company when prices for the platinum tickets went for more than $1,000, and in February, fans of Paul McCartney complained when tickets to the icons summer show at the MetLife Stadium rose over $500. Prior to the Springsteen incident, the loudest outrage against Ticketmaster's system came in 2018, when fans of Taylor Swift called out tickets that went for as much as $995 when they were originally priced at $595 for the artist's Reputation tour. Ticketmaster did not immediately respond to DailyMail.com's request for comment on the backlash, nor did representatives for Springsteen. Steven Van Zandt, a member of Springsteen's E-Street band, is the only person involved in the show to publicly respond to the complaints so far, telling fans he has no control over the prices. But that did little to quell the fan's anguish as they took to Twitter to slam the high prices. Springsteen fans lashed out against Ticketmaster's practices on social media Twitter user Ryan Panton took aim at Springsteen and Ticketmaster by noting that only three things were certain in life: death, taxes, and fans angry with the online ticketing company. 'Death, taxes and fans p****d off at Ticketmaster for extortionate ticket practices. I'm sorry @springsteen, but for a guy who's always championed the working man, these prices are a joke.' Russell LedFord, another Twitter user, called Ticketmaster 'criminals' over the high prices as he posted an image poking fun at how regular concert ticket prices appear to arbitrarily inflate through the company. Twitter user Michael Carter also pointed out how 'dynamic pricing' appears to achieve very little as scalpers and resellers continue to hike up their own prices to stay ahead of Ticketmaster. 'So, Bruce Springsteen tickets sell out in 20 minutes then lo, immediately on sale for twice the price on resale sites, thanks Ticketmaster,' Carter wrote. Another Twitter user with the handle Clarissa echoed much of the frustration online by calling Ticketmaster 'the real enemy' of music fans. 'Imagine a world where fans of all music genres put aside their beefs and focused on destroying the real enemy - Ticketmaster,' she wrote. Springsteen fan John Palumbo also vented his anger on Twitter, saying he was outraged by the prices when he got through the Ticketmaster que. "Ticket prices were outrageous, he said. 'It had to go from $700 to $3,000, and not even for great seats. 'I'm rich and I think that's f***king crazy,' Palumbo added. 'I could hire Backstreet to play in my yard for a week for cheaper than it would be to go to that show.' Home Search ICH Question Everything! Purpose and Intent of this website: Russia and China Havent Even Started to Ratchet Up the Pain Dial By Pepe Escobar July 21, 2022: Information Clearing House -- The Suicide Spectacular Summer Show, currently on screen across Europe, proceeds in full regalia, much to the astonishment of virtually the whole Global South: a trashy, woke Gotterdammerung remake, with Wagnerian grandeur replaced by twerking. Decadent Roman Emperors at least exhibited some degree of pathos. Here were just faced by a toxic mix of hubris, abhorring mediocrity, delusion, crude ideological sheep-think and outright irrationality wallowing in white mans burden racist/supremacist slush all symptoms of a profound sickness of the soul. To call it the Biden-Leyen-Blinken West or so would be too reductionist: after all these are puny politico/functionaries merely parroting orders. This is a historical process: physical, psychic and moral cognitive degeneration embedded in NATOstans manifest desperation in trying to contain Eurasia, allowing occasional tragicomic sketches such as a NATO summit proclaiming Woke War against virtually the whole non-West. So when President Putin addresses the collective West in front of Duma leaders and heads of political parties, it does feel like a comet striking an inert planet. Its not even a case of lost in translation. They simply arent equipped to get it. Reader financed- No Advertising - No Government Grants - No Algorithm - This Is Independent Get Our Free Newsletter The You Aint Seen Nothin Yet part was at least formulated to be understood even by simpletons: Today we hear that they want to defeat us on the battlefield, well, what can I say, let them try. We have heard many times that the West wants to fight us to the last Ukrainian this is a tragedy for the Ukrainian people. But it looks like its all coming to this. But everyone should know that, by and large, we havent really started anything yet. Fact. On Operation Z, Russia is using a fraction of its military potential, resources and state of the art weapons. Then we come to the most probable path ahead in the war theater: We do not refuse peace negotiations, but those who refuse should know that the longer it drags, the more difficult it will be for them to negotiate with us. As in the pain dial will be ratcheted up, slowly but surely, on all fronts. Yet the meat of the matter had been delivered earlier in the speech: ratcheting up the pain dial applies in fact to dismantling the whole rules-based international order edifice. The geopolitical world has changed. Forever. Please Help! Information Clearing House is made possible by donations from readers like you. You can help build a better informed US public so that we can end America's support for wars and occupations? If you read this newsletter or visit our website on a regular basis, I ask you to please support our work by making a contribution. http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/support.htm Heres the arguably key passage: They should have understood that they have already lost from the very beginning of our special military operation, because its beginning means the beginning of a radical breakdown of the World Order in the American way. This is the beginning of the transition from liberal-globalist American egocentrism to a truly multipolar world a world based not on selfish rules invented by someone for themselves, behind which there is nothing but the desire for hegemony, not on hypocritical double-standards, but on international law, on the true sovereignty of peoples and civilizations, on their will to live their historical destiny, their values and traditions and build cooperation on the basis of democracy, justice and equality. And we must understand that this process can no longer be stopped. Meet the trifecta A case can be made that Putin and Russias Security Council are implementing a tactical trifecta that has reduced the collective West to an amorphous bunch of bio headless chickens. The trifecta mixes the promise of negotiations but only when considering Russias steady advances on the ground in Novorossiya; the fact that Russias global isolation has been proved in practice to be nonsense; and tweaking the most visible pain dial of them all: Europes dependence on Russian energy. The main reason for the graphic, thundering failure of the G20 Foreign Ministers summit in Bali is that the G7 or NATOstan plus American colony Japan could not force the BRICS plus major Global South players to isolate, sanction and/or demonize Russia. On the contrary: multiple interpolations outside of the G20 spell out even more Eurasia-wide integration. Here are a few examples. The first transit of Russian products to India via the International North-South Transportation Corridor (INSTC) is now in effect, crisscrossing Eurasia from Mumbai to the Baltic via Iranian ports (Chabahar or Bandar Abbas), the Caspian Sea, and Southern and Central Russia. Crucially, the route is shorter and cheaper than going through the Suez Canal. In parallel, the head of the Iranian Central Bank, Ali Salehabadi, confirmed that a memorandum of interbank cooperation was signed between Tehran and Moscow. That means a viable alternative to SWIFT, and a direct consequence of Irans application to become a full BRICS member, announced at the recent summit in Beijing. The BRICS, since 2014, when the New Development Bank (NDB) was founded, have been busy building their own financial infrastructure, including the near future creation of a single reserve currency. As part of the process, the harmonization of Russian and Iranian banking systems is inevitable. Iran is also about to become a full member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) at the upcoming summit in Samarkand in September. In parallel, Russia and Kazakhstan are solidifying their strategic partnership: Kazakhstan is a key member of BRI, EAEU and SCO. India gets even closer to Russia across the whole spectrum of trade including energy. And next Tuesday, Tehran will be the stage for a crucial face-to-face meeting between Putin and Erdogan. Isolation? Really? On the energy front, its only summer, but demented paranoia is already raging across multiple EU latitudes, especially Germany. Comic relief is provided by the fact that Gazprom can always point out to Berlin that eventual supplying problems on Nord Stream 1 after the cliffhanger return of that notorious repaired turbine from Canada can always be solved by implementing Nord Stream 2. As the whole European Suicide Spectacular Summer Show is nothing but a tawdry self-inflicted torture ordered by His Masters Voice, the only serious question is which pain dial level will force Berlin to actually sit down and negotiate on behalf of legitimate German industrial and social interests. Rough and tumble will be the norm. Foreign Minister Lavrov summed it all up when commenting on the Declining Collective West Ministers striking poses like infantile brats in Bali to avoid being seen with him: that was up to their understanding of the protocols and politeness. Thats diplo-talk for bunch of jerks. Or worse: cultural barbarians, as they were even unable to respect the hyper-polite Indonesian hosts, who abhor confrontation. Lavrov preferred to extol the joint strategic and constructive Russian-Chinese work when faced with a very aggressive West. And that brings us to the prime masterpiece of shadowplay in Bali complete with several layers of geopolitical fog. Chinese media, always flirting with the opaque, tried to put its bravest face ever depicting the over 5-hour meeting between Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Secretary Blinken as constructive. Whats fascinating here is that the Chinese ended up letting something crucial out of the bag to slip into the final draft of their report obviously approved by the powers that be. Lu Xiang of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences went through previous readouts especially of Yoda Yang Jiechi routinely turning Jake Sullivan into roasted duck and stressed that this time Wangs warnings to the Americans were the sternest one in wording. Thats diplo-code for You Better Watch Out: Wang telling Little Blinkie, just look at what the Russians did when they lost their patience with your antics. The expression dead end was recurrent during the Wang-Blinken meeting. So in the end the Global Times had to tell it like it really is: The two sides are close to a showdown. Showdown is what End of Days fanatic and Tony Soprano wannabe Mike Pompeo is fervently preaching from his hate pulpit, while the combo behind the senile leader of the free world who literally reads teleprompters actively work for the crashing of the EU in more ways than one. The combo in power in Washington actually supports the unification of Britain, Poland, Ukraine and The Three Baltic Midgets as a separate alliance from NATO/EU aiming at strengthening the defense potential. Thats the official position of U.S. Ambassador to NATO Julian Smith. So the real imperial aim is to split the already shattering EU into mini-union pieces, all of them quite fragile and evidently more manageable, as Brussels Eurocrats, blinded by boundless mediocrity, obviously cant see it coming. What the Global South is buying Putin always makes it very clear that the decision to launch Operation Z as a sort of pre-emptive combined arms and police operation, as defined by Andrei Martyanov was carefully calculated, considering an array of material and socio-psychological vectors. Anglo-American strategy, for its part, lasers on a single obsession: damn any possible reframing of the current rules-based international order. No holds are barred to ensure the perpetuity of this order. This is in fact Totalen Krieg featuring several hybrid layers, and quite worrying, with only a few seconds to midnight. And theres the rub. Desolation Row is fast becoming Desperation Row, as the whole Russophobic matrix is shown to be naked, devoid of any extra ideological and even financial firepower to win, apart from shipping a collection of HIMARS to a black hole. Geopolitically and geoeconomically, Russia and China are in the process of eating NATOstan alive in more ways than one. Here, for instance, is a synthetic road map of how Beijing will address the next stage of high-quality development via capital-driven industrial upgrading, focused on optimization of supply chains, import substitution of hard technologies, and invisible champions of industry. If the collective West is blinded by Russophobia, the governing success of the Chinese Communist Party which in a matter of a few decades improved the lives of more people than anyone, anytime in History drives it completely nuts. All along the Russia-China watchtower, its been not such a long time coming. BRI was launched by Xi Jinping in 2013. After Maidan in 2014, Putin launched the Eurasia Economic Union (EAEU) in 2015. Crucially, in May 2015, a Russia-China joint statement sealed the cooperation between BRI and EAEU, with a significant role assigned to the SCO. Closer integration advanced via the St. Petersburg forum in 2016 and the BRI forum in 2017. The overall target: to create a new order in Asia, and across Eurasia, according to international law while maintaining the individual development strategies of each concerned country and respecting their national sovereignty. That, in essence, is what most of the Global South is buying. Its as if theres a cross-border instinctual understanding that Russia-China, against serious odds and facing serious challenges, proceeding by trial and error, are at the vanguard of the Shock of the New, while the collective West, naked, dazed and confused, their masses completely zombified, is sucked into the maelstrom of psychological, moral and material disintegration. No question the pain deal will be ratcheted up, in more ways than one. Pepe Escobar is correspondent-at-large at Asia Times. His latest book is 2030. Follow him on Facebook. The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Information Clearing House. Reader financed- No Advertising - No Government Grants - No Algorithm - This Is Independent Get Our Free Newsletter Registration is not necessary to post comments. We ask only that you do not use obscene or offensive language. Please be respectful of others. See also Putin arrives in Tehran for trilateral summit on Syria Brazil, India, and China's rush to buy Russian energy shows Putin still has strong allies Search Information Clearing House The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Information Clearing House. Click Here To Support Information Clearing House Your support has kept ICH free on the Web since 2002. Click for Spanish , German , Dutch , Danish , French , translation- Note- Translation may take a moment to load. The controversial Commons inquiry into Partygate has turned into a witch hunt against Boris Johnson after it introduced much stricter rules, allies of the PM said yesterday. Under the new terms of the probe, the Prime Minister could be booted out as an MP if he is found to have misled Parliament. And he can now be found in contempt for unintentionally misleading the Commons about lockdown-breaking gatherings in Downing Street even if there is no evidence he deliberately lied. Johnson supporters last night accused the privileges committee of unfairly moving the goalposts in order to make it easier for him to be punished. He has accepted he got things wrong and he has corrected the record, one source said. But he did not do so intentionally that has always been the bar, both for misleading parliament and for the ministerial code. It doesnt feel like he is getting a fair trial it feels more like a witch hunt. Under the new terms of the probe, the Prime Minister could be booted out as an MP if he is found to have misled Parliament. And he can now be found in contempt for unintentionally misleading the Commons about lockdown-breaking gatherings in Downing Street even if there is no evidence he deliberately lied The committee is being chaired by veteran Labour MP Harriet Harman (pictured) even though she branded the Prime Minister unspeakable and disgraceful for breaking Covid rules. The other MPs on the committee are Tories Andy Carter, Alberto Costa, Laura Farris and Sir Bernard Jenkin, along with Labours Yvonne Fovargue and the SNPs Allan Dorans. In a report published yesterday the committee vowed to continue with its probe even though Mr Johnson has agreed to leave No 10 when the next Tory leader is chosen The committee also considered whether, if Mr Johnson were to be found in contempt and then suspended from the House for at least ten sitting days, it should trigger a recall petition. That would mean that if at least 10 per cent of electors in his Uxbridge and South Ruislip constituency demanded a by-election, Mr Johnson would then lose his seat as an MP although he could stand in the subsequent contest. Such moves usually follow reports by a different body, the standards committee. But Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle (pictured) agreed that the privileges committee was concerned with the conduct of MPs, so its findings would be subject to the Recall of MPs Act Tory MP Mark Jenkinson added: Its just another example of the vendetta being pursued against one of the most successful politicians of our time. But he warned: This could come back to bite them because the lower you set the bar, the easier it is to trip over it. They are messing about with convention and it sets a really dangerous precedent. The cross-party group of MPs was set up after the Metropolitan Police fined Mr Johnson for attending a celebration for his birthday in the Cabinet Room in June 2020. He attended for only nine minutes, and a birthday cake brought by an aide did not even leave its Tupperware box. The committee is investigating whether the PM misled the Commons when he insisted last year that the rules were followed at all times. It is being chaired by veteran Labour MP Harriet Harman even though she branded the Prime Minister unspeakable and disgraceful for breaking Covid rules. The other MPs on the committee are Tories Andy Carter, Alberto Costa, Laura Farris and Sir Bernard Jenkin, along with Labours Yvonne Fovargue and the SNPs Allan Dorans. In a report published yesterday the committee vowed to continue with its probe even though Mr Johnson has agreed to leave No 10 when the next Tory leader is chosen. It said: Since the House agreed the referral there have been political developments... and some have suggested that the committees inquiry is no longer necessary. Our inquiry, however, is into the question of whether the House was misled, and political developments are of no relevance to that. The House charged the committee with this task and we are obliged to continue with it. At a meeting this week the privileges committee agreed that it will seek out documents about the events in Downing Street and briefings given to Mr Johnson. The Prime Minister will then give oral evidence in a public session. Whistleblowers may be allowed to speak out in private. The committee will decide on the balance of probabilities if his conduct amounts to a contempt of the House and MPs will then have to vote on its conclusions and any sanctions. The cross-party group of MPs was set up after the Metropolitan Police fined Mr Johnson for attending a celebration for his birthday in the Cabinet Room in June 2020. He attended for only nine minutes, and a birthday cake brought by an aide did not even leave its Tupperware box. The committee is investigating whether the PM misled the Commons when he insisted last year that the rules were followed at all times It had been widely assumed that the committee would have to prove Mr Johnson had lied or knowingly misled the Commons. But they have now lowered the bar by ruling that his intentions are unnecessary. They agreed with an interpretation by Clerk of the Journals Eve Samson the Commons procedural adviser that it is for the committee and the House to determine whether a contempt has occurred and the intention of the contemnor is not relevant to making that decision. The committee also considered whether, if Mr Johnson were to be found in contempt and then suspended from the House for at least ten sitting days, it should trigger a recall petition. That would mean that if at least 10 per cent of electors in his Uxbridge and South Ruislip constituency demanded a by-election, Mr Johnson would then lose his seat as an MP although he could stand in the subsequent contest. Such moves usually follow reports by a different body, the standards committee. But Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle agreed that the privileges committee was concerned with the conduct of MPs, so its findings would be subject to the Recall of MPs Act. A child has narrowly escaped unscathed a house fire which tragically claimed the life of a woman in Melbourne's south-east. Emergency service rushed to Wattleglade Court, Wheelers Hill around 10.20pm on Thursday night following reports a two story home was engulfed in flames. Crews arrived at the scene within five minutes of the call for help. Firefighters entered the burning home to rescue a woman trapped inside. She was unable to revived and died at the scene. She's yet to be formally identified. A man was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and burns where he remains in a stable condition. A child who was also at the house at the time escaped uninjured. A woman has tragically died in a house fire in Melbourne's south-east late Thursday night It took more than 30 firefighters half an hour to bring the blaze under control. An advice message issued for surrounding areas has since been downgraded. The blaze has rocked the quiet close-knit neighbourhood, where distressed neighbours did everything they could to help. 'They were towering flames, absolutely enormous flames going into the sky,' one shocked resident told the Today show. 'The fire engines came within the space of about five minutes and started tackling it. It is a very tight-knit community here and everyone was shocked and wanting to try and help. There were neighbours who came with blankets and things like that just in case.' Another neighbour told the Herald Sun: 'We heard a lot of noise before the fire, I am in shock they have been our neighbours for 22 years. I can't believe she is gone.' Police and ambulance crews remain at the scene (pictured) early Friday morning The gutted home remained cordoned off with police tape on Friday morning where fire crews remain to ensure the fire doesn't reignite. Authorities are expected to spend much of the day at the scene trying to determine what sparked the blaze. The cause of the blaze remains unknown. Police will prepare a report for the coroner. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers. A top Tesla executive has left the electric vehicle maker amid an investigation into whether he misused his position to purchase a hard-to-get glass for Elon Musk. Omead Afshar, one of Musk's top lieutenants, is expected to part ways with Tesla, likely through a leave of absence, insiders allege. Investigators began probing Afshar after a purchase order for a rare glass was flagged as suspicious earlier this year. Sources familiar with the investigation told Bloomberg the executive requested the glass be ordered, telling employees it was for a 'special project.' Officials are now trying to determine if the glass was ordered for Musk's personal use, although no further details on any projects involving the glass have emerged. Afshar runs Giga Texas, the firm's automotive manufacturing facility near Austin that now serves as Musk's primary home base. News of Afshar's exit comes just one day after the company reported higher-than-expected quarterly profits and converted about 75 percent of its Bitcoin into nearly $1 billion in cash. Insiders allege Tesla executive Omead Afshar (pictured) - who runs the firm's Texas plant and is one of CEO Elon Musk's top lieutenants - is expected to part ways with the company amid an investigation into whether he misused his position to purchase a hard-to-get glass The internal investigation began after the glass purchase order was flagged to Teslas finance and internal audit groups earlier this year. The ongoing global supply chain crisis has made the glass difficult to obtain, but the company's 'global manufacturing powerhouse' status makes it easier to obtain high-demand construction materials. The probe revealed Afshar had requested the purchase order, leaving some suspicious he misused his position at the firm to secure the material which may not have actually been intended for company use. Afshar continued to work at the plant in Austin this week, but sources claim he is likely to take a leave of absence as the probe continues. Tesla has reportedly already fired several employees in connection to the investigation. Afshar requested the glass be ordered, telling employees it was for a 'special project.' Investigators are now trying to determine if the glass was ordered for the personal use of CEO Elon Muck (pictured on July 8) Afshar, pictured near the Tesla Road exit on Texas 130, is expected to part ways with the firm, likely through a leave of absence Afshar is regarded as Musk's 'fixer' and would often be called in to correct kinks in Tesla's operations. 'I focus on where theres a problem, so a lot of firefighting. If theres an issue, thats where I am,' he said during a 2019 interview at the University of California at Irvine. 'Usually when people see me theyre not always happy, because it means theres a problem.' Afshar has been a member of Tesla's Office of the CEO since 2017. He has held several roles at the company, according to his LinkedIn, with his most recent job titled listed as a cowboy hat emoji. The executive was also in charge of overseeing the construction of Giga Texas and was later tasked with supervising production at the plant. Additionally, Afshar has addressed non-production related concerns pertaining to the company. Afshar is regarded as Musk's 'fixer' and would often be called in to correct kinks in Tesla operations. He was also in charge of overseeing the construction of the Giga Texas plant (pictured) in Austin and then tasked with supervising production at the plant Early last year, when the coronavirus vaccine rollout was in its beginning stages, Afshar wrote California's lead epidemiologist to relay that a Tesla board member had requested to assist with shot distribution. This year, he aided in the firm's recruitment process by offering plant tours to University of Texas students. He also appeared on stage at Teslas Cyber Rodeo event in April, where he received a personal thank you from the company's billionaire CEO. Before working for Tesla, Afshar held engineering and management roles at St. Jude Medical Inc. and its acquirer, Abbott Laboratories. Abbott came under fire earlier this week after its Michigan baby formula plant suffered a bacterial outbreak that killed two infants, resulting in a facility shutdown that fueled a nationwide formula shortage. Tesla reported higher-than-expected quarterly profits of $2.27 per share on Wednesday, a 25 percent increase from analysts' estimated profits. Tesla shares traded at $815.12 on Thursday Tesla reported higher-than-expected quarterly profits of $2.27 per share on Wednesday, a 25 percent increase from analysts' estimated profits. The EV maker promised a 'record-breaking second half' to the year and reiterated its goal of 50 percent average annual growth in vehicle deliveries over a multi-year horizon, but did not give specific targets for 2022 deliveries in results materials. Tesla's automotive gross margin fell to 27.9 percent, down from a year earlier and the preceding quarter, amid inflationary pressure. The company has raised prices of its cars several times this year to cope with higher costs of lithium used in batteries and aluminum used for the body, along with other raw materials. Musk has said, however, that Tesla would drop prices when inflation cools. Despite its profits, Tesla is bracing for a potential recession and mounting competition from rivals. The above chart shows Tesla's quarterly key metrics dating back to Q3 2019 It also faces challenges of significantly boosting production in the second half, after China's COVID-19 lockdowns hit production of the company and its suppliers. Total revenue fell to $16.93 billion in the second quarter from $18.76 billion a quarter earlier, ending its streak of posting record revenue in recent quarters, as it struggled to meet demand for its electric cars due to a shutdown of its Shanghai factory and production challenges at new plants. Analysts were expecting revenue of $17.10 billion, according to IBES data from Refinitiv. Musk previously said Tesla's new factories in Texas and Berlin were struggling to boost production, calling them 'gigantic money furnaces' which are losing billions of dollars. The entrepreneur also said he had 'a super bad feeling about the economy' in June and began layoffs. Tesla also revealed it has converted approximately 75 percent of its bitcoin purchases into fiat currency, which added $936 million of cash to its balance sheet. Bitcoin stumbled late on Wednesday by as much as 0.5 percent after news broke of Tesla's sale. It later regained losses and was last up 0.21 percent at $23,301.87 Tesla also revealed it has converted approximately 75 percent of its bitcoin purchases into fiat currency, which added $936 million of cash to its balance sheet. The company had announced its investments in bitcoin early last year, and Musk said last May that Tesla will not be selling any bitcoin. Tesla also accepted bitcoin as a form of payment for less than two months before stopping in May 2021. Musk has said the company could restart accepting bitcoin once it conducts due diligence on the amount of renewable energy needed to mine the currency. The SpaceX CEO has been an outspoken supporter of cryptocurrency. His statements on the future of the crypto space or disclosures about his ownership of digital assets often boost the price of dogecoin and bitcoin. Meanwhile, Musk has abandoned his $44 billion takeover of Twitter, citing issues with fake accounts on the platform. The fallout with Twitter became more heated Tuesday after the social media giant accused the billionaire of attempted sabotage' after he pulled the plug on his bid. Musk said earlier this month he no longer wanted to buy Twitter, claiming the firm had failed to uphold its side of the merger agreement by not disclosing enough information on fake accounts. But the platform is suing him to force him to complete the deal. Twitter filed the lawsuit (above) on Tuesday in Delaware Chancery Court and will look forward to October for the expected start of the trial Twitter lawyer Bill Savitt of Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz, said Tuesday: Its attempted sabotage. He is doing his best to run Twitter down.' 'Hes doing his best to create jeopardy for Twitter, is doing his best to create exposure for Twitter, and hes doing that as a way to try and get out of the contract he promised to consummate. Musk has made no secret of his criticism of Twitter, firing off tweets bashing the platforms restrictions on free speech and failure to clamp down on fake accounts. In a war of words, lawyers for the San Francisco-based firm told a US court to fast-track its trial against Musk to September and said the takeover uncertainty is harming the platform 'every hour of every day.' But lawyers for Musk, who said the social media giant is seeking a 'warp speed' trial, called for the courtroom showdown to take place next February. Chancellor Kathaleen McCormick of the Court of Chancery in Delaware largely granted Twitters wish as she set a five-day trial in October. The White House said late Thursday afternoon that Vice President Kamala Harris was deemed a 'close contact' of President Joe Biden, who tested positive for COVID-19 Thursday morning. Harris spent the day - mostly masked - in Charlotte, North Carolina, headlining events on high-speed internet and reproductive rights. Earlier, as the news broke that Biden had finally caught the coronavirus, a White House official said that Harris had tested negative and was last with the president in-person on Tuesday. Harris had COVID-19 in late April. 'She spoke with the president by phone this morning,' the official said. 'The schedule will continue as planned.' 'The Vice President will remain masked following the advice of the White House medical team,' the official added. The White House said late Thursday afternoon that Vice President Kamala Harris was deemed a 'close contact' of President Joe Biden, who tested positive for COVID-19 Thursday morning. She's photographed, sans mask, speaking at an event on high-speed internet in Charlotte President Joe Biden shared a photograph working from the residence to social media platforms after testing positive for COVID-19 Thursday morning. His doctor said his symptoms consisted of a runny nose, fatigue and a dry cough Vice President Kamala Harris waves as she arrives at the Charlotte Douglas Airport in Charlotte, North Carolina as the news broke that President Joe Biden had contracted COVID-19 Vice President Kamala Harris (fourth from right) remained masked for most of the day as she continued with her schedule in Charlotte, North Carolina after President Joe Biden tested positive for COVID-19 Later Thursday, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the process of determining who was a close contact to Biden was ongoing. 'We are just starting our process. We are just starting our process, I don't have a number to readout to you,' Jean-Pierre said when peppered with questions about who was a close contact of the president. A 'close contact,' as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is someone who has spent more than 15 minutes, and under six-feet away, from a person who tests positive for COVID-19. The CDC says a person's mask-wearing status is irrelevant. The White House said Harris' schedule wouldn't change due to her status as a close contact to the president. Because she's fully vaccinated, Harris just needs to be tested for COVID-19 around the five-day mark of her exposure from Biden to follow CDC guidelines. The guidelines also say she should wear a mask for 10 days following Tuesday's encounter with the president. Biden's positive test comes after he traveled to Massachusetts Wednesday, hosted Ukraine's First Lady Olena Zelenska at the White House Tuesday and went to church Sunday. He arrived back around midnight Saturday from his first trip to the Middle East - making stops in Israel, the West Bank and Saudi Arabia. Biden's doctor said his symptoms were fatigue, a dry cough and a runny nose. Jean-Pierre brushed off the question of whether there were plans in place to transfer presidential power to Harris should the president's COVID case get dramatically worse. 'The president has mild symptoms, he's able to do the business of the American people from the residence, and that's what matters right now,' Jean-Pierre said and then exited the briefing room. Rishi Sunak was accused of rewriting history last night after he claimed he had personally blocked another Covid lockdown last winter. The former chancellor took credit for vetoing a national lockdown last December when the Omicron variant took off. But multiple Government sources told the Daily Mail that Mr Sunak had little or no involvement in the decision, which was taken by Boris Johnson in defiance of the Governments scientific experts. Mr Sunak was on a government trip to California when the Omicron variant began to take hold late last year. Sources said he had planned to extend his stay to join his family at their holiday home in Santa Monica. He was forced to fly back to the UK after furious business leaders demanded a financial rescue package to help them cope with a collapse in trade caused by mixed government messaging. Rishi Sunak's claim that he flew home to stop a Christmas lockdown last year has been questioned by some Discussing the episode last night, Mr Sunak claimed his return had peen pivotal in preventing another lockdown. What I did in December was fly back from a Government trip overseas. And I flew back to this country to stop us sleepwalking into a national lockdown, he told LBC Radio. We were hours away from a press conference that was going to lock us down again because of Omicron. And I came back and fought very hard against the system because I believed it would have been the wrong thing for this country with all the damage it would have done to businesses, to peoples lives. He added: We were hours away from a national lockdown but I came back and challenged the system and said this is not right, we dont need to do this. And Im glad I won the argument. It should give people the confidence that Im prepared to push hard and fight for the things I believe in, even when thats difficult. Mr Sunak is known to have been a lockdown sceptic who pushed for the early easing of restrictions to relieve the pressure on the economy in the summer of 2020. But his claim to have blocked a winter lockdown was last night questioned by others involved in the decision. Government sources said Mr Sunak was largely quiet in the meetings where Boris Johnson made the decision to not go into a lockdown Two Cabinet sources said that when Mr Johnson asked Mr Sunak for his views on the matter at a crunch meeting, he replied: Oh no, no-one wants to hear from me, Prime Minister. One said the then Chancellor was totally silent when chief medical officer Sir Chris Whitty and chief scientist Sir Patrick Vallance made the case for another lockdown. A Whitehall source said: He is rewriting history. It was a massive call and it was made by the PM. I dont remember him making any meaningful contribution. The lockdown call was backed by Michael Gove and the then health secretary Sajid Javid. But it was opposed by most other Cabinet ministers along with a powerful group of Tory MPs. Mr Sunak also raised eyebrows by suggesting that he would continue with Mr Johnsons flagship plan to send Channel migrants to Rwanda, but make it work. One Whitehall source said: He hated the Rwanda plan and was very difficult about the funding for it. If the PM hadnt been so determined to make it happen he would have blocked it. But Mr Sunak told LBC he was in favour of it. He said he wanted the best and the brightest to be able to come to the UK but that it was vital the public had confidence Britains borders were being controlled. People are seeing on their screens that boats are arriving it shows we have not got a grip on it, he said. And I think the Rwanda policy gives us the opportunity to solve that but we now need to make it work. Britain is to send a fleet of nuclear submarines to the Pacific in a decisive move to thwart Chinese aggression in the region. The dramatic decision could see UK subs based in Australia until 2040, operating within striking distance of China. Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, the head of the Armed Forces, will agree the arrangement at a naval conference in Sydney next week. Assigning submarines to patrol the South China Sea will be Britains most assertive move yet against Beijing. According to reports in Australia, Royal Navy submarines would be based at Perth on the countrys western coast and Australian submariners would be incorporated into British crews to improve their skills. British nuclear-powered attack submarine HMS Astute at HMAS Stirling Royal Australian Navy base in Perth, Western Australia, Australia, 29 October 2021. Britain is to send a fleet of nuclear submarines to the Pacific in a decisive move to thwart Chinese aggression in the region Basing the Royal Navy boats thousands of miles from UK shores is part of the AUKUS (Australia, United Kingdom and United States) security alliance. AUKUS was set up last year primarily to confront Chinese military expansionism in the Indo-Pacific. Australia has become embroiled in a trade war and diplomatic stand-off with China. The deepening of defence ties with the UK is likely to cause further outrage with the Communist regime, which is vehemently opposed to AUKUS. The Royal Navy declined to say last night how many of its submarines could be relocated to Australia, as all operational details surrounding Britains sub-surface fleet are classified. The Pacific tilt was signalled last year as part of the MoDs Integrated Review. The review set the target for the UK to become the European partner with the broadest and most integrated presence in the Indo-Pacific. But given that China possesses the worlds biggest navy, some questioned the merits of such a deployment, arguing Britains boats would be massively outnumbered and outgunned. Last night the MoD said: It is UK policy that we do not comment on matters relating to submarine activity or operations. Liz Truss has called a speech she gave advocating for the abolition of the Monarchy a 'mistake' after a clip resurfaced of her at the Lib Dem conference in 1994. The Conservative leadership candidate told reporters in Peterborough today that she regretted the remarks which took aim at the Royal Family 'almost immediately' after she made them when she was 19. In a clip unearthed yesterday, the politician was recorded speaking about how she surveyed a 'reactionary-looking' trio of voters who told her that they had had 'enough' of the Royal Family. The Foreign Secretary, now 46, who used to be the leader of Oxford University's Liberal Democrats has recently said she now understands that the Queen and the rest of the Royals are 'key' to the success of the UK. She became a Conservative in 1996, and today Miss Truss lengthened her lead over Rishi Sunak in the race to become the new Tory leader and the Prime Minster after Boris Johnson stepped down. A 19-year-old Liz Truss was applauded by the Lib Dem conference in 1994 when she advocated abolishing the Monarchy British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss arrives at a hustings event, part of the Conservative party leadership campaign, today as she extends her poll lead over Rishi Sunak In the clip shared by Newsnight yesterday evening, Miss Truss told the conference: 'We Liberal Democrats believe in opportunity for all. 'I was being interviewed by Newsnight earlier this afternoon and we were filmed asking members of the public what they thought about the Monarchy. 'We came across a group of three people. I'd say they were around 50, 60 [years of age]. [They] looked fairly middle class, rather smart and in fact rather reactionary to be perfectly frank. 'We asked them they're opinion of the Monarch, do you know what they said? They said: 'Abolish them. We've had enough'.' She also went on to say during the same speech that she agreed with former Lib Dem leader Paddy Ashdown on the Monarchy. 'I agree with Paddy Ashdown when he said: 'Everybody in Britain should have the chance to be a somebody,' she said in Brighton. 'But only one family can provide the head of the state. We Liberal Democrats believe in opportunity for all. We do not believe people are born to rule. 'We believe in referenda on major constitutional issues; we do not believe people should be born to rule, or that they should put up and shut up about decisions which affect their everyday lives.' Asked when she realised she did not want to scrap the monarchy, she told reporters in Peterborough today: 'Almost immediately after I'd made that speech. 'I was a teenager at the time and I do believe that people who never change their mind on anything and think the same at 16 as they do at 46 are, well, first of all they're not normal people like I am, and secondly, you know, 'I've got the ability to learn from mistakes I've made, things that I've done that are wrong and move on.' Miss Truss was seen speaking about how she surveyed a 'reactionary-looking' trio of voters who told her that they had had 'enough' of the Royal Family Favourite: Liz Truss, pictured in the House of Parliament after she saw off Penny Mordaunt to make the final two in the Tory leadership contest When she was quizzed by the BBC's Nick Robinson on her former wish to abolish the Monarchy, she said: 'I think it's fair to say that when I was in my youth I was a professional controversialist and I liked exploring ideas and stirring things up. 'And I came from a left-wing background as I said my mother was in the campaign for nuclear disarmament. 'There are very few people at my school or who I met on a regular basis in fact, I could count them on one hand who you'd describe as right-wing. 'So I thought at the time, this is a totally different way of life, it doesn't represent the type of society I want to live in. 'And I began to understand more about why Britain is successful and part of our success is the constitutional monarchy that supports a free democracy.' Today in the Daily Mail she vowed to beat Labour by 'governing as a true tax-cutting, freedom-loving Conservative'. The Foreign Secretary last night surged into the final run-off against Rishi Sunak in the race to become prime minister, knocking out rival Penny Mordaunt on Tuesday. She said: 'I entered politics to stop this 'soft bigotry of low expectations' and bring equality of opportunity for all. My approach is rooted firmly in Conservative values of aspiration, enterprise and freedom, which I know are shared across the country.' The Foreign Secretary was also the choice of 62 per cent of the Tory membership polled by YouGov for Sky News tonight, against 38 per cent for the ex-chancellor. The results mean she has lengthened her lead over her former colleague by four points after making a raft of populist tax cut promises. The poll was carried out after they became the final two candidates in the leadership election, due to end at the start of September. Foreign Secretary and Tory leadership candidate, Liz Truss speaks to the press during a visit to the children's charity, Little Miracles in Peterborough Ms Truss wants allow households to share their personal tax allowances would build on the existing tax break for married couples, first promised by David Cameron in 2005. At present, one member of a married couple who earns under the 12,570 income tax threshold can transfer 1,270 of their allowance to their spouse, reducing their tax bill by up to 252 a year. The eligibility could be extended to all cohabiting couples, and the size of the tax break dramatically increased. No final decisions have been made on what proportion of their personal allowance would be transferable, and the policy has not been costed yet. However, it is thought officials will consider allowing people to transfer their full 12,570 personal allowance to a partner. That would be worth up to 2,514 a year per couple. Stay-at-home parents or those who work part time would be among the main winners. Ms Truss said: 'Hardworking families are the bedrock of a stable society, and one of my top priorities as Prime Minister would be easing the tax burden on families. They don't just look after themselves but also build communities, charities and even businesses. 'I want to make sure that our tax system works for them. We will review the taxation of families to ensure people aren't penalised for taking time out to care for their children or elderly relatives.' An urgent search is underway in Sydney after a man vanished without a trace on two days ago. Michael Laali, 37, was last seen leaving an address on Taylor Street, Darlinghurst at about 8.30am on Wednesday. He did not return home that night, and family and friends are unable to get in contact with him. Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man missing from Darlinghurst (pictured) Michael is described as Caucasian appearance, 175cm, medium build with short dark hair. It is not known what he was wearing at the time he was last seen. The NSW Police force say serious concerns are held for Michael's well-being. He is known to frequent the Surry Hills and Sydney CBD areas. Anyone who may have information about Michaels's whereabouts are urged to contact either Surry Hills Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. A hosepipe ban could soon be introduced for the first time in 10 years in Britain following spike in demand during the 40.3C heatwave. Southern Water has warned water levels in the River Test in Hampshire - a vital source for the area - are well below what is normal for this time of year as record temperatures are seen in the UK after a dry winter and spring. To cope, it has applied to the Environment Agency for a drought permit and if granted one will potentially impose a hosepipe ban on an estimated 300,000 homes in Southampton and the Isle of Wight which would hit around 700,000 people. The company said water flows in Hampshire fell from 2,500million litres a day in March to 500million now as its claimed by the Sun other suppliers in the UK are looking at also introducing hosepipe bans after low water levels were seen elsewhere. Low water levels in Stithians Reservoir near Falmouth, Cornwall pictured on Wednesday Southern Water could soon introduce a hosepipe ban if it's drought permit is successful In 2012, Southern, Anglian, and South East, were among the seven water firms to introduce a hosepipe ban. The Consumer Council for Water told the Sun water companies are 'walking a tightrope' as they try to meet the current demand. It added: 'With little rainfall on the horizon the pressure on our water supplies is likely to intensify.' Nick Price, Water Resources Strategy Manager at Southern Water said in a statement released by the water company: 'With river flows dropping following a dry winter and spring, the risk is increasing that we will need to use a drought permit in order to continue supplying water. 'The less we take out of the River Test for water supply, the more we leave in it for wildlife and to support its precious habitats. We continue to ask customers to use water wisely.' Wayoh Reservoir in Entwistle, Bolton pictured on Tuesday which is currently well below capacity A view of low water levels at Roadford Lake in Devon as temperatures reached 40C for the first time on record in the UK Following a dry spring, river flows and some groundwater levels were also said by the EA to be below normal in parts of the rivers Great Ouse and Old Bedford in Bedfordshire and West Cambridgeshire, parts of Essex, East Suffolk and the Broadland rivers area and in the Rivers Welland and Nene in Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire. The government agency said on Tuesday that abstraction licence holders in the affected areas are likely to receive notice to restrict the amount of water they take as described in their licence conditions. Helen Smith, a drought manager for the Environment Agency in East Anglia, said: 'We continue to monitor our key river, groundwater and reservoir sites using telemetry, and are liaising with water companies to understand any emerging concerns. 'We are also working with farmers, businesses and other abstractors to manage water availability and ensure that they get the water they need to be resilient while maintaining our protection of the environment.' An EA spokesperson also said earlier this month: 'People should use water wisely and follow advice from their suppliers. 'Further hot, dry weather could put pressure on some areas. We will continue to take action where necessary. 'River flows and reservoir levels have receded across central and south western England.' Surgeons are helping to perform multiple operations at the same time under a controversial policy aimed at combating record NHS waiting lists. So-called overlapping surgery sees a single senior surgeon split their time across two theatres, with juniors starting and completing the operation. It allows them to focus on the critical parts of the procedure and reduces the time they waste waiting for anaesthetists and other staff to prepare and sedate patients. The process has been heralded as an innovative way to tackle record NHS waiting lists of 6.8million, which have soared during the pandemic. So-called overlapping surgery sees a single senior surgeon split their time across two theatres, with juniors starting and completing the operation But a study warns it may pose a risk to patient safety and reveals the practice has resulted in multimillion-pound payouts in the United States. Guys and St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust, in London, is testing a version of overlapping surgery known as high intensity theatre or HIT lists. It says the approach is a super-efficient but safe programme to maximise the number of patients treated in one day. The trust website adds: Using two theatres and three teams, the surgeon can go between cases without having to wait for the patient. The trust runs the HIT lists at weekends and focuses on one type of procedure, allowing it to typically treat three times more patients than usual. Researchers from Oxford University Hospitals found there is some potential benefit to overlapping surgery where turnover times between cases are long, operations are two hours or less and where critical portions of surgery constitute about half of the total operation time. However, they warn any advantages must be balanced against safety, ethical and training concerns. And, while the senior surgeon may reduce down time, it could leave all other staff waiting longer for them to arrive, they add. They say in the journal Anaesthesia: An overlapping scheduling policy may be considered by NHS hospitals, with several now trialling versions as high-intensity theatre operating lists. The process has been heralded as an innovative way to tackle record NHS waiting lists of 6.8million, which have soared during the pandemic The authors, led by consultant anaesthetist Professor Jaideep Pandit, note there have been examples of disastrous rollouts of overlapping surgery in the US. A driver for the lawsuits has been the lack of proper consent, as patients and insurers did not know the senior surgeon would not be present throughout. The researchers conclude: Ultimately, any perceived benefits of introducing overlapping surgery should be balanced against the perhaps small, but very real risks it can present to patient outcomes, safety, training and patient autonomy. The Royal College of Surgeons of England said: All practices should put patient safety first. Thousands of Ford workers working on internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles may soon be at risk of losing their jobs. Ford is allegedly preparing to lay off 8,000 of its employees in the coming weeks to boost profits enough to fund its push into the electric vehicle (EV) market, per Bloomberg's sources. The popular automaker previously announced it would invest $50 billion to develop more EVs until 2026, per CNN. Ford 8000-Strong Layoff Details Ford is reportedly considering laying off 8,000 of its employees to improve profits enough to find its EV plans, according to Bloomberg's sources who are familiar with the company's plans. The layoffs were said to be exclusive to the 31,000 salaried workers in the US, specifically to the newly-created Ford Blue division responsible for producing ICE vehicles and other salaried positions in the company. This plan has yet to be finalized, and its details could still change in the coming weeks. However, should it go ahead as it is now, it would most likely happen in phases this summer. The sources have asked Bloomberg to keep their identities anonymous as the discussions regarding the plan are said to be confidential. Ford's Reason For The Planned Layoffs You may remember that Ford CEO Jim Farley announced that he is boosting spending on EVs to $50 billion and setting a plan to build 2 million EVs annually by 2026, per Fortune. To realize his plan, Farley divided the company into two divisions in early March: Ford Blue, which is in charge of developing ICE vehicles, and Ford E, which is dedicated to developing EVs, such as the Ford Mach E and the F150 Lightning, per NPR. Read More: Netflix Moves Further in Animation, Acquires Australian Studio Farley mentioned he decided to split the company into two because he wants its Blue division to be "a profit and cash engine for the entire enterprise" while referring to the Model E's EV operations. "The funding for that $50 billion, it's all based on our core automotive operations, Farley said in an interview with Bloomberg Television. "That's why we created...Ford Blue, because we need them to be more profitable to fund this." However, Farley believes that one way for the Blue division to generate cash and profit is to cut staff. He says that the company has "too many people" at a Wolfe Research auto conference in February. Farley isn't without good reason to believe as much. Ford's management team "firmly believes" that its ICE and battery electric vehicles portfolios are earning less than expected, as evidenced by its shares dropping by 39%. Ford declined to comment about the sources' information as it was focused on "reshaping" the company to capitalize on the growth of EVs. Ford Chief Communications Officer Mark Truby mentioned to Bloomberg that Ford leadership has laid out clear targets to lower the company's cost structure to ensure it is streamlined and competitive enough to compete against the best in the automotive industry. Related Article: Ford is Testing Robot EV Chargers That Can Be Operated From Inside Your Car A former television reporter who killed his mate after bingeing on champagne and then driving will spend at least five years behind bars. Former Channel 7 reporter Trent Evans, 45, was sentenced in the County Court of Victoria on Thursday to a maximum of seven years and 10 months, with a non-parole period of five years and two months. He had pleaded guilty to a single charge of culpable driving causing the death of 44-year-old Rex Willox after ploughing his mate's Mercedes into a power pole just outside Melbourne's CBD on February 27 last year. The mangled wreck of the Mercedes Trent Evans drove to his mate's tragic death Trent Evans continued to share images of himself chugging on champagne despite killing a man while blind drunk on it Evans failed to remove this insensitive image from his Instagram account. He had been binging on champagne on the very morning he killed his mate In sentencing Evans on Thursday, Judge Greg Lyon said it was in the 'interest of justice' to give the killer a shorter non-parole period. The court heard Evans had been drunk after guzzling champagne on the morning of the crash. Police later determined he had a blood alcohol reading of 0.1 twice the legal limit when he crashed Mr Willox's car on Barkly Ave in Burnley, a short distance from Evans' Richmond home. He had also been travelling at 113kmh in a 60kmh zone. Judge Lyon accepted Evans' decision to drive that day had been spontaneous and that he was greatly impacted by the effects of alcohol after years of abstaining from booze. In sentencing Evans, Judge Lyon said he accepted Evans had shown significant remorse for his actions and had quickly pleaded guilty to the crime. The judge further accepted Lyons would do harder time behind bars due to his poor mental health. Evans, who appeared in court via videolink from the Metropolitan Remand Centre where he has spent the past 18 days, showed no emotion as his sentence was handed down. Former 7 reporter Trent Evans had been smashed on champagne when he drove his mate to his death Trent Evans reports alongside Rebecca Maddern on Sunrise During a preliminary hearing earlier this month, Evans' barrister Rahmin de Kretser claimed his client's life had spiralled out-of-control after he scored a dream TV job with Seven in Queensland. 'He is a man who had a successful and accomplished career ... only two years before he has to go and seek help from homeless services he'd been running, or involved, in a newsroom,' he said at the time. The court heard Evans cracked under the pressure of his TV gig on the Sunshine Coast, which led to him bingeing on drugs and alcohol. 'He was supported by the network to see a psychiatrist ... his mental health improved for some time but he was simply unable to cope with the demands of that job,' Mr de Kretser claimed. After resigning from the network in 2017, Evans worked for a couple of years in Melbourne on a local newspaper before diving even deeper into chaos. 'But the loss of the (TV) job, being part of the newsroom and team that gave him that sense of importance and drive, it just led to a complete unravelling of his life,' Mr de Kretser said. The court heard Evans soon wound up living on the streets and relying on handouts. 'By 2018 he's seeking refuge from homeless services because he hasn't got enough money to eat or support himself,' Mr de Kretser said. 'His life had descended into absolute chaos.' The car Trent Evans drove into a power pole while drunk. His friend did not survive Police markers show the route Trent Evans took off the road Debris was scattered across the road where Trent Evans lost control of his mate's car A power pole was knocked out of the ground by the force of impact The court heard Evans was assaulted while living rough and attended hospital numerous times seeking mental health treatment. But Evans had hardly been a pillar of society before he became a killer. The court heard he had been picked-up drink driving three times before he killed his mate, with his last reading so high it saw him receive a suspended jail sentence. Evans initially faced multiple charges in relation to the killer crash, which were withdrawn as a part of his plea deal with Crown prosecutors. The court heard he and Mr Willox had downed three bottles of champagne together at Mr Willox's Toorak apartment that morning before Evans agreed to drive because he said he was the less drunk of the pair. At the time, the then 43-year old had been unemployed and had spent the past 12 months living in a Parkville motor inn. The court heard Evans had no chance of making the bend in the road where he lost control and slammed his mate's car into a pole. Witnesses told the court Evans had been driving erratically before the crash, almost sideswiping other vehicles. Evans turned to booze and drugs after his television career ended Evans' social media page depicts a man who was comfortable in his own skin. A psychiatrist will now report back to the court what was really going on inside his head Trent Evans is facing serious jail time for a drunken crash that claimed the life of his mate Evans was at the top of his game as a television reporter, but will now likely spend a period of time behind bars Evans' barrister claimed his client had acted spontaneously, had not driven very far and was remorseful. 'Mr Evans is a broken man. He will carry the burden of being responsible for Mr Willox's death for the rest of his life,' Mr de Kretser said. Despite those assertions, Evans' social media profiles continue to present like an audition for Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous - including an insensitive Instagram post of a bottle of champagne titled 'Morning Glory'. Another shows him guzzling champagne straight from the bottle. Scattered among photos of fancy watches and cars, Evans is seen staring down the lens in a variety of brooding portraits. 'Wow is that the same champagne that helped you kill your friend with??' one person has written under Evans' disgraceful champagne post. Evans, who claims to have had a top 40 song in the 1990s, had boasted that he was about to release a solo song under the name DJ Trente when he killed his mate. His social media pages also boast of gigs at top Melbourne nightclubs including Love Machine in Prahran. In 2019, Evans performed alongside 90s pop duo Bachelor Girl and in 2018 appeared as an extra in the Ride Like a Girl film Evans had been a reporter for Channel 7 before his life spiralled out of control Courtney Pollard was off her face on drugs and had fallen asleep in the local McDonald's drive-thru when all hell broke loose A drug-crazed 'maniac' who mowed down two cops and left a 40km trail of destruction throughout one of Australia's biggest cities had been living the high life off a government handout. Courtney Pollard, 29, had fallen asleep in a Maccas drive-thru lane in Frankston, south-east of Melbourne, two years ago when she was approached by the two officers. Pollard woke up, and in horrific footage played to the County Court of Victoria, was seen ramming their police car, reversing into a male officer and pinning him into the wall. A second female officer then had her ankle smashed to pieces after Pollard slammed on the gas and ran her down in a bid to escape the December 2020 incident. On Thursday, the court heard Pollard had been gifted $167,000 by a Victorian Government after a drug fueled motorbike crash in 2016. The court heard she had been a passenger on the motorbike when the rider fell asleep while high on GHB - Pollard's preferred illicit drug of choice. Victoria Police were called to conduct a welfare check on Pollard before she rammed two officers with her car (crash pictured) and drove off at speeds up to 170km/h The court heard Pollard had been consuming up to 50mls a day of the deadly drug since she was 19. Pollard sustained injuries to her legs, hip, pelvis, elbow and arm. In July 2020, just months before she ran wild across Melbourne, Victoria's Transport Accident Commission handed her the cash, which she blew on two cars and the rest on drugs and gambling. The court heard Pollard binged so hard on drugs after the payout it had left her 'really cooked'. She had been trashed on GHB the day of her rampage. On Thursday, County Court of Victoria Judge Gavan Meredith sentenced Pollard to five years and four months in jail, with a non-parole period of just three years. He also cancelled and disqualified her from driving for two years, which means she will be back behind the wheel in no time if released on good behaviour. Pollard has already spent 569 days behind bars. This McDonald's drive-thru in Frankston, Melbourne, was where the wild pursuit of Pollard began What happened the day of her rampage could have been taken directly out of a blockbuster movie, with Pollard reaching speeds of more than 170km/h in her bid to escape justice. The court heard police had already had a run-in with the unlicensed Pollard that day after she failed to stop for them in Carrum Downs - just down the road. Courtney stop, stop the car, what are you doing What a police officer was heard shouting before they mowed them down Pollard had been free on bail when she took off and headed to the McDonald's for her doomed treat. CCTV footage from the outlet showed police calling her name before she callously ran them down. 'Courtney stop, stop the car, what are you doing?' an officer shouted before he was cut down. The court heard Pollard 'fishtailed' her car out of the car park and hit speeds of 120km/h in an 80km/h zone as she headed east towards Patterson Lakes. Smashing over bins and mounting gutters, Pollard managed to avoid police spike strips, which saw her veer onto the wrong side of the road. Pollard's barrister Bethany East said her client now had the support of her new lover Stacey Fernandez (pictured), who supported her in court earlier this month Courtney Pollard, above, will likely spend just three years in jail over her wild 2020 ride As police followed behind on road and the airwing from above, Pollard made it onto the Mornington Peninsula Freeway where she weaved through traffic at high speeds. Police claim Pollard hit 170km/h on Thompsons Road before running through red lights and again veering onto the wrong side of the road in a bid to escape. The court heard Pollard drove on the wrong side of the South Gippsland Highway, hitting 140km/h in the 80km zone in the process. Hopes of stopping the crazed driver were dashed in Dandenong when spike strips failed to slow Pollard down. With a tyre blown to the rim, Pollard continued to hit speeds of up to 150km/h, blazing through red lights as sparks flew behind her. Police watched on in horror as Pollard repeatedly swerved onto the wrong side of the road, reaching 140km/h on Huntingdale Road - an 80km/h zone. Dog Act: Courtney Pollard ran down two police officers who had tried to help her Courtney Pollard (dashcam footage pictured) was hit with charges including four counts of intentionally exposing an emergency worker to risk and reckless conduct endangering life After ploughing into another car, Pollard's reign of terror finally ended when she slammed her vehicle into a tree and made a run for it. The court heard Pollard was arrested inside the Burwood home of a nearby resident, whom she had asked for a drink of water. Her wrecked vehicle had been found littered with empty syringes. The court heard there was no doubt Pollard had been under the influence of drugs at the time of the incident. The court heard Pollard had been smoking cannabis since she was 12 before moving onto methylamphetamine, which she was injecting in the two years before her arrest. Pollard pleaded guilty to 17 charges related to the pursuit, including seriously injuring the police officers, unlicensed driving, failing to stop for police and breaching bail. In pleading for mercy, Pollard's barrister Bethany East said her client now had the support of her new lover Stacey Fernandez, who supported her in court on July 8. 'She instructs that she wasn't using methylamphetamine on the day of this offending but it was GHB,' she said. Ms East claimed Pollard had been suffering post traumatic stress at the time of the rampage and asked that be taken into account upon sentence. Advertisement Shocking satellite images have revealed the extent of the damage caused by wildfires as the heatwave swept across western Europe this week. The images were taken by the European Space Agency's Copernicus Sentinel-3 a satellite that orbits 506 miles (814.5km) above Earth's surface to measure our planet's oceans, land, ice, and atmosphere. Photos taken in the southern Gironde region in France on 12 July and 17 July show smoke and patches of scorched earth, highlighting the extent of the damage caused by wildfires because of the heatwave. ESA also released a heat map showing the land surface temperatures in southern France, Spain and northern Africa on the morning of 17 July. 'In some places the surface of the land reached a whopping 55C [131F],' the European Space Agency explains. 'Considering Copernicus Sentinel-3 acquired these data in the morning, the temperature would have increased through the afternoon.' Slide me In other side-by-side images taken on 12 July and 17 July, the burn scar and active hotspots can be seen near La Teste-de Buch, where wildfires reached all the way to the beach In one image, the temperature of the land surface in southern France, Spain and northern Africa can be seen in the morning of 17 July. In the land-surface temperature image, areas shown in dark red have a land surface temperatures of up to 55C [131F] Why are wildfires worse in a heatwave? Heatwaves dry out the fuel that a wildfire needs to spark and spread. Dry conditions mean woodlands, shrubs and other plants are 'tinder-dry' - extremely dry and flammable, like tinder that's needed to start a fire. In more rural locations, overgrown forests and thick vegetation can fuel a fire to grow out of control. The weather can also make fire worse in other ways for example, winds can create 'fire whirls', fast and dangerous wildfires like tornados that easily spread. Advertisement Air temperature is the measurement used for our daily weather forecast, and is a measure of how hot the air is above the ground. However, land-surface temperature is a measure of how hot the actual surface of the ground would feel to the touch. 'Scientists monitor land-surface temperature because the warmth rising from Earth's surface influences weather and climate patterns,' ESA explained. 'These measurements are also particularly important for farmers evaluating how much water their crops need and for urban planners looking to improve heat mitigating strategies, for example.' In the land-surface temperature image, areas shown in dark red have a land surface temperatures of up to 55C [131F]. In one set of satellite images taken on 12 July and 17 July, the scars left by wildfires around the commune of Guillos and near the town of Cazaux in southwestern France can be seen. 'On 12 July 2022, two major wildfires broke out in southwestern France,' ESA explained. 'The wildfires have heavily affected local communities: more than 16,000 people have been evacuated in total, and road closures have been put in place. 'Despite the magnitude of the fires, there has not been any reported casualties.' Slide me In a set of satellite images taken on 12 July and 17 July, the scars left by wildfires around the commune of Guillos and near the town of Cazaux can be seen The Copernicus Sentinel-2 satellite carries an innovative wide swath high-resolution multispectral imager with 13 spectral bands. This provides a new perspective of our land and vegetation, according to ESA, with its shortwave infrared channel used to highlight heat from the wildfire. In other side-by-side images taken on 12 July and 17 July, the burn scar and active hotspots can be seen near La Teste-de Buch in southwestern France, where wildfires reached all the way to the beach. 'The Copernicus Emergency Management Service has been activated to respond to many of the fires that are plaguing Europe at the moment, including those impacting Gironde,' ESA explained. 'The service takes advantage of observations from several satellites to provide on-demand mapping to help civil protection authorities and the international humanitarian community in the face of major emergencies.' An image taken by Copernicus Sentinel-2 on 18 July shows the smoke cloud and active flames from the Losacio wildfire as well as the burn scar of the Sierra de la Culebra one As well as France, Spain and the UK have also experienced severe wildfires amid the heatwave. On 17 July, a blaze ignited near Losacio in the Province of Zamora in the Spanish autonomous region of Castilla y Leon. An image taken by Copernicus Sentinel-2 on 18 July shows the smoke cloud and active flames from the Losacio wildfire as well as the burn scar of the Sierra de la Culebra one. Heat warnings are still in force across many parts of Europe, while drought warnings are also in place across half of the European Union bloc. 'As the effects of climate change increase, the fear is that these kind of weather extremes will increase also,' ESA concluded. 'Satellites orbiting the planet play an important role in delivering data to understand and monitor how our world is changing data that are key for mitigation strategies and policymaking.' A chilling video reminiscent of Black Mirror of a robot dog opening fire with a submachine gun strapped to its back - uploaded by the Russian founder of a hoverbike company - is a preview of future warfare. Alexander Atamanov, the founder of a Russian hoverbike company, uploaded the viral video, which shows a UnitreeYushu dogbot that retails online for about $3,000 shooting at snow-covered hills outside, and it appears he was simply creating something to play around with. At a time when autonomous drones are being used to target terrorists and the US Army has its own sniper rifle-armed robot dog, the video is a terrifying reminder that this type weapon is already a reality. Scroll down for video Alexander Atamanov, the founder of a Russian hoverbike company, uploaded the viral video, which shows a UnitreeYushu dogbot that retails online for about $3,000 The robot dog, called a 'technology dog' by its manufacturer, appears to be carrying a Russian gun known as a PP-19 Vityaz, a type of submachine gun that's based on the AK-47 design The robot dog, called a 'technology dog' by its manufacturer, appears to be carrying a Russian gun known as a PP-19 Vityaz, a type of submachine gun that's based on the AK-47 design, according to Vice. The robot also has strips of Velcro on its sides and a Russian flag is seen on its left flank. There's a lot that we don't know about the dystopian dog's capabilities, but we can tell that the robot dog has trouble handling the gun's recoil: each time it fires, the bot has to re-balance itself. Atamanov, who based on his social media feed seems to enjoy tooling around with military style hardware, posted a picture to his Facebook page showing what looks like the same dogbot, but this time holding a cup of coffee instead of a submachine gun. Boston Dynamics, maker of its own robotic dogs, has said it won't them to people who intend to weaponize the bots The Russian entrepreneur, who is based in New York City, holds bachelors degrees in engineering and law, a masters degree in the management of innovation processes and calls himself a 'pioneer and leading international expert in the field of personal aviation technology' on his LinkedIn page. Atamanov did not immediately respond to a DailyMail.com request for comment regarding the video. Alexander Atamanov, the founder of a Russian hoverbike company, is seen above Boston Dynamics, maker of its own robotic dogs, has said it won't them to people who intend to weaponize the bots - however, agencies like the NYPD have already used them to patrol apartment buildings, drawing criticism from civil liberties advocates. However, other companies are pursuing robotic dogs with violent capabilities. A robotic dog with a 6.5 mm Creedmoor sniper rifle attached to it that's capable of hitting targets 3,940 feet away was unveiled at US Army trade show in October. The 'Special Purpose Unmanned Rifle' (SPUR) is the brainchild of Philadelphia-based Ghost Robotics and arms manufacturer SWORD International of Sparks, Nevada. SPUR can be remotely instructed to load, unload and fire its rifle when it's placed on top of one of Ghost Robotics' existing 'quadrupedal unmanned ground vehicles.' The firms have yet to reveal the exact configuration of the weapon, nor how much ammunition the machine is capable of carrying or its reload rate. However, tests have shown that the 6.5mm rounds used in the Creedmoor rifle offer an increase in range over the 7.62x51mm cartridges currently used by US forces. North America's monarch butterfly is have been classified as endangered after experts sadly found the western butterfly's population experienced a devastating 99.9 percent decline due to a loss of habitat, increased use of herbicides and pesticides for agriculture and climate change. Monarch butterflies are major pollinators that migrate across the continent. They carry with them seeds and nectar to support about one third of the food people eat depends on the work of pollinators. The winged insects are also a major food source for many birds across North America. This includes the black-backed orioles and black-headed grosbeaks. The iconic orange-and-black insect was declared endangered Thursday by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the leading authority on the status of biological diversity. Scroll down for video The monarch butterfly is now listed as endangered. The western monarch butterfly's population dropped by 99.9% since the 1980s. The insect's population, on average, had seen up to a 70% decline over the past 10 years IUCN estimates that the entire population across the continent has dropped by up to 72 percent in the past decade, which spells trouble for birds and the agriculture industry. The decision to list the insect on IUCN's Red List of Threatened species was determined after experts reviewed about 100 studies, interviewed other experts and applied criteria from the Red List, The New York Times reports. 'What's happening to monarchs is like a death by a thousand cuts,' said Karen Oberhauser, director of the University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum. In North America, millions of monarch butterflies undertake the longest migration of any insect species known to science - 2,500-miles across the continent between its summer and winter grounds, Pictured is a graph showing the devastating population decline. IUCN estimates that the entire population across the continent has dropped by up to 72 percent in the past decade After wintering in the mountains of central Mexico, the butterflies migrate to the north, breeding multiple generations along the way. THE AMAZING MIGRATION OF THE MONARCH BUTTERFLY The 3,000-mile mass migration of monarch butterflies in North America is one of the insect world's fantastic feats. Millions embarking on the arduous journey from as far north as Canada down into Mexico and the California coast each autumn. Monarch butterflies migrate from Canada to Mexico and the California coast every year in what's been described as one of the most spectacular natural phenomena in the world The number of migrating monarchs has plummeted in recentyears. Researchers said while an estimated one billion monarchbutterflies migrated to Mexico in 1996, that number stood atabout 35 million this past winter. Threats to them includehabitat loss due to human activities, pesticides that killmilkweed and climate change, experts say. Monarch butterflies living east of the Rocky Mountains spend their winters in Mexico to escape the cold weather while those west of the Rockies spend winters on the California coast before returning home in the spring. Scientists say their orange color tells potential predatorsthey taste awful and are toxic to eat thanks to chemicals fromthe milkweed plants that nourish them in their larval state. Advertisement The offspring that reach southern Canada then begin the trip back to Mexico at the end of summer. However, there are death traps along the route, which have contributed to the insect's population decline. Their habitat in Mexico is being destroyed due to illegal logging and disease and in the US, the butterflies have lost much of the only food source for its larva due to the herbicide glyphosate. Then there is climate change that is destroying much of their homes with storms, droughts and other damaging weather events. Nick Haddad, a conservation biologist at Michigan State University, told AFP: 'What we're worried about is the rate of decline. 'It's very easy to imagine how very quickly this butterfly could become even more imperiled.' Haddad, who was not directly involved in the listing, estimates that the population of monarch butterflies he studies in the eastern United States has declined between 85 percent and 95 percent since the 1990s. Experts have not turned a blind eye to the declining population and have sent out warnings over the past few years. Most recently in 2021, the population was found to plummet on the California coast. Fewer than 2,000 monarchs were recorded in November and December, compared to 200,000 barely three years ago. In the 1980s, the monarch butterflies migrating south to groves from Marin County to San Diego was estimated at 4.5 million. By 1997, when volunteer counts began, that number dwindled to about 1.2 million. The overwintering population plummeted from 200,000 in 2017 to less than 30,000 in 2018, representing a single year decline of 86 percent. Since 1997, groups of butterflies, known as flutters, have been tallied every fall by the nonprofit Xerces Society as part of the Western Monarch Thanksgiving Count. Between November 14 and December 6, 2020, volunteers surveying tree groves on the California and Northern Baja coast counted just 1,194 insects at 246 sites. That represents the lowest number in the count's 23-year history, and a massive 93 percent decline from the 29,000 reported in 2019. Traditional monarch meccas like Pismo Beach and Natural Bridges reported only a few hundred butterflies, the society said. Pacific Grove, nicknamed 'Butterfly Town, USA' because of the thousands of monarchs that usually gather in the Monterey pine and eucalyptus trees there, had no monarchs at all. A newly-discovered species of marine invertebrate unearthed in Africa has been named after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Scientists said they called the ancient creature Ausichicrinites zelenskyyi in honour of its namesake's 'courage and bravery in defending Ukraine'. The newly-described species was a type of feather star, which are abundant today on rocky bottoms from the Equator to the poles. It had 10 long arms and sharp tentacle-like claws to grip the seabed. The fossil of Ausichicrinites zelenskyyi, which is closely related to sea stars, sea cucumbers, and sea urchins, is the first Jurassic feather star discovered on the African continent. Recognition: A 150 million-year-old marine invertebrate unearthed in Africa (pictured) has been named after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky Scientists said they called the ancient creature Ausichicrinites zelenskyyi in honour of its namesake's 'courage and bravery in defending Ukraine'. President Zelensky is pictured WHAT ARE FEATHER STARS? The newly-described species Ausichicrinites zelenskyyi was a type of feather star, abundant today on rocky sea bottoms worldwide. Modern feather stars use their grasping arms each of which can be up to a foot long to perch on sponges or corals while they feed on drifting microorganisms. They can be a variety of dazzling colours, including oranges, reds and yellows. As an anti-predator response, feather stars can also shed an arm the way some lizards can their tails. Advertisement 'The fossil is extraordinarily preserved,' lead author Professor Mariusz Salamon, of the University of Silesia, Katowice in Poland, told Newsweek. 'Ausichicrinites zelenskyyi had 10 massive arms and a ring of claw-like appendages near the base to grip the substrate.' He added: 'The animal lived 150 million years ago and shows putative traces of arm movements. 'It has been named in honour of Volodymyr Oleksandrovych Zelensky, the sixth and current president of Ukraine, for his courage and bravery in defending free Ukraine.' Modern feather stars use their grasping arms each of which can be up to a foot long to perch on sponges or corals while they feed on drifting microorganisms. They can be a variety of dazzling colours, including oranges, reds and yellows. As an anti-predator response, feather stars can also shed an arm the way some lizards can their tails. The remains of Ausichicrinites zelenskyyi were unearthed at a major geological formation called the Blue Nile Basin in central western Ethiopia. The newly-described species was a type of feather star, which are abundant today on rocky bottoms from the Equator to the poles. It had 10 long arms and sharp tentacle-like claws to grip the seabed 'Here, we report a nearly complete, and thus extremely rare, comatulid from the Upper Jurassic of the Blue Nile Basin in central western Ethiopia that provides a unique insight into the morphology of comatulid arms and claws,' the researchers wrote in their paper. 'The new fossil from Africa constitutes the earliest, the first example of regeneration in a feather star.' They added: 'The described specimen shows evidence of pinnule regeneration, which constitutes the first example of this phenomenon in a fossil feathe star.' The study has been published in the Royal Society journal Open Science. Many of us were taught from a young age that it is not polite to eat with our mouths open, so have adopted a smaller, more socially-acceptable chew. However, an Oxford University expert is encouraging us to disobey our parents' teachings and take the biggest bites we can. This is because the compounds that give our food flavour can reach the back of the nose better while chewing open-mouthed. 'We've been doing it all wrong,' said Charles Spence, a Professor of Experimental Psychology. 'Parents instil manners in their children, extolling the virtues of politely chewing with our mouths closed. 'However chewing open-mouthed may actually help to release more of the volatile organic compounds, contributing to our sense of smell and the overall perception.' An Oxford University expert is encouraging us to disobey our parents' teachings and eat with our mouths open. This is because the compounds that give our food flavour can reach the back of the nose better while chewing open-mouthed (stock image) Why you should eat with your mouth open Meat, fruit and vegetables all contain volatile organic compounds such as esters, ketones, terpenoids and aldehydes. These make up the food's characteristic aromas and contribute to the their flavour. The compounds can reach the back of the nose better while chewing open-mouthed. When they hit the back of the nose, olfactory sensory neurons are fired up which connect directly to the brain and heighten our experience of eating. Advertisement Meat, fruit and vegetables all contain volatile organic compounds such as esters, ketones, terpenoids and aldehydes. These make up the food's characteristic aromas and contribute to the their flavour. When they hit the back of the nose, olfactory sensory neurons are fired up which connect directly to the brain and heighten our experience of eating. But the sound of the munch also plays a part in maximising the pleasure we get from the food we eat. Enlisted by Pink Lady apples to explain the science behind our senses, Professor Spence said: 'When it comes to sound, we like noisy foods think crunchy, crispy. 'Both crisps and apples are rated as more pleasurable when the sound of the crunch is amplified. 'To best hear the crunch of an apple, a potato crisp, a carrot stick, a cracker, crispbread or a handful of popcorn, we should always ditch our manners and chew with our mouths open.' To disappoint our parents further, the expert also says we could also enhance our dinners by eating with our hands. This is because research suggests that feeling the food can make us appreciate its flavour palate more. Charles Spence (pictured) is a Professor of Experimental Psychology at Oxford University. His team looks at how our hearing, vision, touch, taste and smell affect our perceptions of the food we eat. Their research will also help us learn more about the brain and its functions Michelin star restaurants, like Heston Blumenthal's The Fat Duck and Noma in Copenhagen, have experimented with a series of courses designed to be eaten with the hands. Professor Spence said: 'Our sense of touch is also vital in our perception of food on the palate. 'Feeling the smooth, organic texture of the skin of an apple in our hand before biting into it whole is likely to contribute to a heightened appreciation of the juicy, sweet, crunch of that first bite. 'This can be extended to the feeling of grains of salt sticking to the fingers when eating French fries with our hands or the sugary residue of buttercream on a hand after picking up and biting into a slice of birthday cake. 'Whilst licking fingers after eating with our hands is never encouraged in polite circles, research would suggest we ought to consider scrapping the etiquette for utmost sensory enjoyment. 'Or consider only how pleasant it can be to lick the bowl with your finger when making a cake mix at home.' To disappoint our parents even further, the expert says we could also enhance our dinners by eating with our hands. This is because research suggests that feeling the food can make us appreciate its flavour palate more (stock image) Professor Spence is leading a group of scientists looking at how our hearing, vision, touch, taste and smell affect our perceptions of the food we eat. Their research will also help us learn more about the brain and its functions. This year, the Somerville College expert settled the debate that has divided fast food lovers for decades do you remove the gherkins from your burger or leave them in? His study revealed that the pickled green slices actually improve the taste, appearance and texture of the sandwich. The acidity of the pickled cucumber cuts through the rich umami flavour of the meat, and also adds a satisfying crunch. The texture of pickles also nicely contrasts with the rest of the burger ingredients resulting in a more appealing 'bite'. A pop of green amongst the brown and beige also makes the burger look more attractive and the first bite of any meal is always with the eyes. 'Their sensory properties compliment the other burger ingredients perfectly,' he explained. Professor Spence researched published articles discussing flavour matching, sour preferences and the benefits of crunch to come to his conclusions. Researchers from Oxford University have concluded that the addition of gherkins enhance the burger's taste, looks and texture Soon you may not be able to tell your pigeon from your parrot, as climate change threatens to wipe out birds with more extreme physical features. New research from the University of Sheffield suggests that they are adapting to global warming by developing big beaks and losing distinctive characteristics. The scientists discovered that the world's smallest and largest birds are likely to be most at risk of extinction. They also found that the diversity loss could happen faster than we might expect based on the loss of species alone. This could result in birds with unique traits that could benefit humans going extinct. Lead author Dr Emma Hughes said: 'As species go extinct you expect the traits that they represent to also be lost. 'But what we found was that with morphological diversity, the traits were lost at a much, much, much greater rate than just species loss could predict. 'This is really important because that can lead to a major loss of ecological strategies and functions.' The Stork-billed kingfisher (pictured) is found in tropical parts of southeast Asia, an area at risk of biodiversity loss due to climate change, according to the study The scientists discovered that the world's smallest and largest birds are likely to be most at risk of extinction. Ostriches are the world's largest living bird (pictured) MAMMALS ARE SHAPE-SHIFTING, TOO According to researchers from Australia's Deakin University, mammal species are also undergoing noticeable changes. While most studies into the effects of climate change on mammals have focused on overall body size, some researchers have observed changes in particular appendages. For example, wood mice are growing longer tails, while masked shrews are developing bigger tails and legs. Bats have also been found to have increased their ear, tail, leg and wing sizes in tandem with warming. Read more here Advertisement The study, published today in Current Biology, describes how the team analysed physical traits, like body size, beak shape and leg and wing length, of 8,455 bird species around the world from museum collections. They then modelled how biodiversity would change in a world where species currently classified as 'critically endangered', 'endangered' and 'vulnerable' died out, by sequentially removing species from those at most to least threat of extinction. They found that as species were lost so was diversity in their physical characteristics, and they tended towards having small to medium body sizes and short beaks. Birds' size and shape vary wildly - from the giant, flightless ostrich to the tiny, buzzing hummingbird. Dr Hughes said: 'We do find strong evidence to support the hypothesis that the largest and smallest species are likely to be most at risk of extinction.' Like humans, birds are warm blooded so must maintain a body temperature higher than their environment. The researchers also found that birds are developing larger beaks to help them stay a constant temperature while the climate changes. Bills of parrots, for instance, have grown up to ten percent bigger in the 150 years since the start of the industrial revolution. The study's results revealed that species with extreme features like unique plumage are most likely to be lost as a result of the effects of climate change. Pictured are black-and-red broadbills, that live in Cambodia - an area at risk of biodiversity loss in birds Certain regions are more likely to be left with populations of bird species that resemble each other, as their extreme traits are phased out. Pictured is the Siberian Blue Robin The study found certain regions are more likely to be left with populations of bird species that resemble each other, as their extreme traits are phased out. Bird researcher Dr Hughes said: 'The Himalayan mountains and foothills are at particular risk, and it is likely the loss of trait diversity will be considerable. 'The dry and moist forests of south Vietnam and Cambodia are also vulnerable. 'They include the Siberian blue robins, the Stork-billed kingfisher, the Black and red broadbill and the Oriental paradise flycatcher.' The team hope their work will help people understand how biodiversity loss will change the world. She added: 'The global extinction crisis doesn't just mean that we're losing species. 'It means we are losing unique traits and evolutionary history, including species that could confer unique benefits to humanity that are currently unknown.' Greenland experienced high temperatures around 60 degrees Fahrenheit last weekend that resulted in a tremendous amount of ice melt - experts say it was enough to flood West Virginia under a foot of water. This spike melt, from July 15 through 17, was due to temperatures being 10 degrees warmer than normal, scientists with the US National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC) told CNN. About 80 percent of Greenland, which is the 12th largest country in the world, is covered in an ice sheet. If this ice were to melt completely, the amount of water released into the ocean would raise sea levels by 22 feet. And this is enough to double the frequency of storm-surge flooding in many of the world's largest coastal cities" by the end of the century, scientists from Ohio State University warned in 2020. Scroll down for video Greenland has a massive ice sheet that is melting rapidly due to rising temperatures. Last weekend, it was around 60 degrees around the country Ted Scambos, a senior research scientist at the National Snow and Ice Data Center at the University of Colorado, told CNN that this past weekends high temperatures were nothing that has been seen in the 30 to 40 years of records on climate in Greenland. The Artic has been rapidly warming due to climate change. Recent data in April shows this region could be warming up to four times as fast as any other area in the world. And some experts fear that summer sea ice could completely disappear by 2035. Last weekend's melting event saw six billion tons of water pour into the surrounding sea, which the NSIDC notes is enough to fill 7.2 million Olympic-sized swimming pools. This spike melt, from July 15 through 17, was due to temperatures being 10 degrees warmer than normal Kutalmis Saylam, a scientist at the University of Texas who is currently conducting research in Greenland, told CNN that the heatwave is worrisome because over the weekend she and her team were outside in t-shirts. Last weekends melting event saw six billion tons of water pour into the surrounding sea, which the NSIDC notes is enough to fill 7.2 million Olympic-sized swimming pools The Greenland ice sheet is the second largest mass of freshwater ice on the planet, with nearly 695,000 square miles, second only to Antarctica. The melting of the ice sheets started in 1990 and has accelerated since 2000. On July 27, 2021, Marco Tedesco, a climate scientist at Columbia University reported Greenlands ice sheet lost 8.5 billion tons of surface mass in a single day, which was enough ice to cover Florida in two inches of water. However, this extreme melting event occurred with temperatures over 68 degrees. But it was 2019 that shattered all the melting records so far. Researchers with the Center for Polar and Marine Research, found the ice sheet lost 532 gigatons of mass overall, which is 15 percent higher than the previous record holder - 2012. And in February 2022, scientists from the Cambridge's Scott Polar Research Institute found the ice sheet is melting from the bottom up and deemed it the largest single contributor to global sea level rise. Actress Park Eun-bin plays the title role in ENA's series, "Extraordinary Attorney Woo," which has become very popular recently. Courtesy of AStory, KT Studio Genie Popular drama takes 'open-hearted approach' to people with disabilities By Lee Gyu-lee Autism spectrum characters have popped up in Korean dramas or films once in a while. Yet, it seemed very rare for those characters to become the center of the show's spotlight, as they are rather placed in minor or supporting roles. However, the recent series, "Extraordinary Attorney Woo," not only challenged such notions by having a lawyer on the autism spectrum as the lead character, but it also has proved that it can hit the right note and become a sensational series. Local cable network ENA's legal series, which also streams on Netflix, revolves around a character named Woo Young-woo (Park Eun-bin), who is a genius but autistic newbie at a top law firm. Starting her first job after graduating from a prestigious law school at the top of her class, Woo tackles challenges and prejudice in and beyond the courtroom with the help of the firm's co-workers, including paralegal Lee Jun-ho (Kang Tae-oh) and senior lawyer Jung Myung-seok (Kang Ki-young). The 16-part series kicked off with a 0.9-percent viewership rating on June 29, but soon became the talk of the town with its rating skyrocketing to 9.6 percent in only six episodes, last week. The heartfelt series topped Netflix's official non-English Top 10 chart in the following week of its premiere, recording almost 24 million hours of viewing. Its production company, AStory, revealed last week that it is reviewing a proposal for a remake in the U.S. The series is also set to be made into a webcomic and released globally in four languages: Korean, English, Chinese and Japanese. Pop culture critic Kim Hern-sik explained that the series has the whole package from the characters to the plotline to garner popularity, on top of the uniqueness of a main character on the autism spectrum. "(The series) built a storyline as a legal drama considered one of two major genres for success along with medical dramas from a female-centric perspective. And it presents a socially valuable character who has a disability. And this character, unlike previously portrayed ones (in the media), is not only charming and adorable, but also has a perspective that even people without disabilities can empathize with," he told The Korea Times. "The lead character is not like any other characters people have seen before. The autism spectrum provides the series with uniqueness and distinctiveness. It's not easy to create (a story) that seems familiar but is not. Yet, the series accomplished this and that's what makes it different," Kim said. A scene from the series, "Extraordinary Attorney Woo" / Courtesy of AStory, KT Studio Genie In each episode, Woo comes across different lawsuits, and she finds creative, extraordinary ways to work around the cases. The series invites the viewers into Woo's quirky but lovely world, filled with people who care for her as well as the CGIs of her favorite, comfort animal, a whale, floating around the scenes. She constantly faces obstacles and prejudice despite her talent as a lawyer, but manages to take steps forward to grow into a better attorney. Moon Ji-won, the creator and writer of the series, shared that she wanted to take viewers on a journey to get to know the "extraordinary Woo Young-woo." "We usually refer to those, who are atypical, unfamiliar, unique, peculiar, uncanny, random, odd and outside-the-box, as extraordinary. Those people can stir tensions and sometimes cause trouble. But they also can change and enrich our world, and make it a more interesting place to live," she said in an interview released through the network. "I hope, through the series, that people can experience the extraordinary energy that such extraordinary people have." Critic Kim noted that such a feel-good series met the audiences' needs amid the current content market filled with blockbuster, dark and dynamic genres. "The series is a coming-of-age story and overall, it is filled with an optimistic, heartfelt human story rather than negative views," he said. Series "Extraordinary Attorney Woo" topped Netflix's official non-English Top 10 chart in the first week of July. Courtesy of AStory, KT Studio Genie One series viewer, surnamed Jung, 29, expressed that the series' healing, heartwarming story is the reason she follows the drama. "The recent series I've watched were usually hard-hitting and often portrayed people's twisted desires and social injustices. That's what makes them interesting and intriguing but it also puts emotional stress on you," she said. "But 'Extraordinary Attorney Woo' doesn't have any of that. And in the cases that lead the story, there's no absolute evil. Each person has their reasons and stories that led to the case, which I could resonate with and makes it easy to watch," she said. Despite the series' sensational popularity, some people raised concerns about its portrayal of a person on the autism spectrum, pointing out that the story's unrealistic features, like the character's stellar career and abilities in the courtroom, fall short of realistic autistic representation. Critic Kim, who has years of experience acting as a consultant in making films and series that help raise awareness of disabilities, said that such criticism is needed for the media to move forward in improving representation of people with disabilities. "There will always be criticism no matter how realistic disabled people's lives are portrayed. Even disabled people have different views on disability. So what we should do is to find a common ground," he said. "If it's too close to reality, the issue is that non-disabled people would not watch it. Then it's impossible to raise awareness the priority of a fictional drama is that, although it is based on reality, it needs to have a form of art that makes more people watch it. And what's important here is that we continue to criticize the minor mishaps in that process and take actions to revise and correct them," Kim said. A scene from the series, "Extraordinary Attorney Woo" / Courtesy of AStory, KT Studio Genie Advertisement Every week our Holiday Hero Neil Simpson takes an in-depth look at a brilliant holiday topic, doing all the legwork so you dont have to. This week: the rush to rent a beach hut for the holidays. Beach huts are in high demand this summer for staycationers who want to rent one for a day, weekend or week and prices reflect their current popularity. Many huts have embraced their Victorian and Edwardian roots with retro makeovers, while others make a nod towards modern architectural trends, some even running to two storeys with glass balconies. Lyme Regis, on Dorsets Jurassic Coast, is home to rows of white-wood huts with pastel-coloured doors (above) The beach huts at Lyme Regis can be rented by the day (from about 12), week or even year Rental rules vary across the country but overnight stays are rarely possible, as few huts have running water or electricity, let alone toilets or showers. Expect to be allowed to arrive from 6am and leave by 10pm on most beaches. Theyre great for families who want to camp on the beach all day without the hassle of bringing summer essentials such as deckchairs, sunloungers, parasols and beach games, which are often included with the hut. Local councils own and rent out huts on their best beaches, but youll find plenty of options from individual owners through agencies such as beachhuts.com and beachhuts4hire.co.uk. At South Coast favourite Bognor Regis there are super-luxe beach huts on Felpham Beach. They sleep four with overnight stays costing 225, so its a real experience (beachhuts.com). At South Coast favourite Bognor Regis there are super-luxe beach huts on Felpham Beach The beach huts on Felpham Beach sleep four, with overnight stays costing 225, so its a 'real experience' Bournemouth, with five long sandy beaches, is home to some 250 beach huts, with access ramps available for wheelchair-users Lyme Regis, on Dorsets Jurassic Coast, is home to rows to rows of simple, white-wood huts with pastel-coloured doors which can be rented by the day (from about 12), week or even year. Many have been snapped up for summer, but remaining dates and cancellations can be found under beach hut availability at lymeregistowncouncil.gov.uk. Bournemouth, with five long sandy beaches, is home to some 250 beach huts, with access ramps available for wheelchair-users. Find its offerings at bournemouth.co.uk, and expect to pay about 130 a week. In Norfolk, the sand and shingle beach at Cromer (the perfect place to eat Cromer crab and local seafood) and the wide beach at Sheringham offer rows of huts. Some summertime availability is left from about 210 a week (north-norfolk.gov.uk). Design fans may prefer these new, contemporary huts with angular shapes being built in Lowestoft Bright idea: The colourful huts at Blyth in Northumberland (pictured) can be rented from 40 a day Design fans may prefer the new, contemporary huts with angular shapes being built in nearby Lowestoft. From 300 a week at hirebeachhuts.co.uk. South Beach in Blyth, Northumberland, has 20 stylishly renovated huts with living green roofs from 40 a day. For further information, go to northumberland.gov.uk. Many of the beach huts set alongside the two Blue Flag beaches in and around Scarborough are connected to water and power and contain kettles, toasters, cutlery and mini-fridges. Find out about rentals of council-run huts from 38 a day at scarborough.gov.uk. Scarborough is also home to two-storey beach huts with glass-fronted balconies on the upper level. Rent one from 130 a day through scarboroughbeachchalets.com, which is also the place to look if any go up for sale. Many of the beach huts set alongside the two Blue Flag beaches in and around Scarborough (pictured) are connected to water and power and contain kettles, toasters, cutlery and mini-fridges The beach huts at Whitmore Bay on Barry Island in Wales can be rented out as a wedding venue for 750 plus registrar fees Timber-framed huts called pods with double beds are set close to beaches in Achmelvich (above) and Brora on the North Coast 500 road Pictured is the tropical-looking Achmelvich site from the air. Four-day weekends in the timber-framed huts cost from 450 at nc500pods.co.uk In Wales, most of the beach huts at Whitmore Bay on Barry Island have been reserved for the summer, but you can rent them as a wedding venue for 750 plus the registrars fees at valeofglamorgan.gov.uk. Traditional beach huts are harder to find in Scotland, but modern alternatives dont just bring huts up to date they let you stay the night. Timber-framed huts called pods with double beds are set close to beaches in Achmelvich and Brora on the North Coast 500 road. Four-day weekends cost from 450 at nc500pods.co.uk. A notorious celeb chaser who was allegedly involved in an ugly opening night clash with entertainer Rhonda Burchmore bizarrely claims he was married to beloved Melbourne newsreader Peter Hitchener. Kodei James Mulcahy, 22, of Werribee, is scheduled to appear before the Werribee Magistrates Court on 26 unrelated charges of stalking and assault next month. Daily Mail Australia can reveal Mulcahy has been chasing celebrities since he was a child. As a teen he was embroiled in a scandal involving the theft of Real Housewives Of Melbourne star Gamble Breaux's $25,000 Logies dress. Bogus marriage claims: Kodei James Mulcahy and Peter Hitchener during one of his visits to the newsroom Opening night confrontation: Rhonda Burchmore (left) and Brianna Bishop attend the opening night of 9 to 5 The Musical at the Arts Centre in Melbourne last week. She was allegedly involved in an ugly incident with Kodei James Mulcahy after the show Kodei James Mulcahy with Rhonda Burchmore in a shot he has shared multiple times on Instagram amid claims they had been mates for years A 32-year old Manor Lake's man known to Mulcahy was eventually charged over the crime. Daily Mail Australia can reveal Burchmore has reported Mulcahy to police after a run-in with him last Thursday night at Melbourne's Arts Centre. Burchmore had been attending the premiere of 9 To 5 The Musical with her husband when Mulcahy allegedly approached her outside the venue. Daily Mail Australia has been told Mulcahy left with his tail between his legs after Burchmore told him to leave her alone. Mulcahy maintains that he had been friends with the theatre star until recently. He hit Instagram, where he has a following of just 616 people, to allege Burchmore was the aggressor. Kodei James Mulcahy continues to claim he was married to news anchor Peter Hitchener. He even uses his surname Kodei James Mulcahy took to Instagram to post a wild rant about Peter Hitchener and Rhonda Burchmore He further took aim at a Herald Sun reporter, who had been talking to Burchmore when he approached. 'There is the full story that you stood there and watched and allowed someone to assault someone,' he claimed via social media. Mulcahy followed up on Tuesday night in an extraordinary rant that tagged Burchmore's own daughter - journalist Lexie Jeuniewic. Burchmore, who will appear next month in the Tony Award winning Broadway production of Hairspray, told Daily Mail Australia she had already reported Mulcahy to Victoria Police about the ugly confrontation. 'I'm deeply upset about this matter and have made a police report on Sunday. I've left the matter in their hands now and hopefully this will stop this absolute psychopath,' she said. Channel Nine insiders have told Daily Mail Australia that Mulcahy's claims about Hitchener are completely false. 'They're a figment of his imagination,' the source said. In the now deleted post, Mulcahy again claimed he and the news anchor had been married. 'Just an update me and Peter have been married and divorced,' he stated. Mulcahy has claimed for months that he had been married to Hitchener, who came out as gay in 2008. Kodei James Mulcahy is notorious for grabbing pics with unsuspecting celebrities as they walk the red carpet Kodei James Mulcahy has a particular interest in Married At First Sight. He is pictured with MAFS star Sarah Roza Deceased spin king Shane Warne and celebrity photo hunter Kodei James Mulcahy The anchor man has been candid about his sexuality in recent years, telling the Herald Sun in 2018 he was not opposed to settling down one day. 'It could happen. Im just pottering along. My partner has been my work. Im not sure if thats to make up for things that arent so busy in my life!' he said. Earlier this year, Mulcahy, who goes by the handle Kodei Hitchener on Instagram, shared an image of Hitchener's Wikipedia page, which at the time had been edited to state Hitchener had married him on April 18, 2019. It was the same day one of Melbourne's most notorious wife killers - Borce Ristevski - was sentenced to nine years behind bars, which Hitchener covered on television that very night. 'The pair were spotted at multiple events around Melbourne before officially announced they were married,' the Wikipedia entry stated about their supposed relationship. Peter Hitchener interviewed gun Channel 9 court reporter Eliza Rugg on April 18, 2020 after the sentence of wife killer Borce Ristevski Kodei James Mulcahy shared a Wikipedia entry claiming Peter Hitchener and him were married Kodei James Mulcahy manages to walk the red carpet alongside some of Australia's most successful celebs Word of the bogus marriage had been emailed to newsrooms across the country on April 20 this year where a tipster referring to himself as Jack Apple claimed Mulcahy could be photographed at a comedy gig. Mulcahy has shared at least three images of himself alongside Hitchener: two during tours of the studio and another that appears to have been snapped outside Her Majesty's Theatre in Melbourne during a group shot that crops Hitchener's body in half. His deleted Instagram post again claimed that he had been mates with Burchmore for years. 'I have been friends with Rhonda for over 5 years now 2 weeks ago she blocked me only on Instagram because I put up a birthday message for her sister who sadly past (sic) away in 2015,' he wrote. Mulcahy doubled down on his Insta claims in a 20 minute video posted on Wednesday - much of which Daily Mail Australia cannot report due to legal reasons. Channel Nine news anchor Peter Hitchener has a reputation for being one of the best and nicest journalists in Australia Kodei James Mulcahy ran for local office in 2020. He received just 280 votes Mulcahy, who ran for a spot on Wyndham Council in 2020, told Daily Mail Australia he could not speak about his supposed marriage to Hitchener after making a deal with Channel Nine not to. 'I maintain what I post on my Instagram,' he said. Mulcahy said he was unaware of his pending matters listed at the Werribee Magistrates' Court next month. 'I have no knowledge about that,' he said. Mulcahy dismissed suggestions he was a celebrity pest. 'If celebrities are scared of me and I'm such a stalker, why are people contacting me to help them with their social media pages?' he said. 'I have constant contact with a lot of celebrities. I don't go along and stalk them. I'm invited to shows exactly like them.' Mulcahy said he had no involvement in the theft of Gamble Breaux's Logies dress. 'I wasn't involved in it. The Housewives got together and said that because I wanted to purchase it, but there was no evidence and I wasn't charged or anything and I was not taken to court for it,' he said. Mulcahy insisted he had reported Burchmore to police over his version of last Thursday's incident. Today's Queensland reporter Jessica Millward announced on Tuesday she will be leaving the Nine breakfast show after seven years. The 31-year-old, who welcomed her first child in late 2020, will take on a new position at Nine News Queensland with a more 'family friendly' schedule. She explained her daily 3am starts meant she rarely saw her husband Joel Dry 'awake' so felt it was time to move on. Today's Queensland reporter Jessica Millward (pictured during her pregnancy in 2020) announced on Tuesday she will be leaving the Nine breakfast show after seven years 'Its time for my very understanding husband and I to see each other awake,' Millward wrote on Instagram as she reflected on her memorable Today moments. 'From Cairns to Copenhagen The Kimberley to Kangaroo Island. Theres been floods, fires, furry animals and heroes in their undies,' she wrote. The mother of one said she was looking forward to working a more normal schedule once she finishes up in a few weeks' time. The 31-year-old, who welcomed her first child in late 2020, will take on a new position at Nine News Queensland with a more 'family friendly' schedule Today host Karl Stefanovic thanked Millward for her hard work in the comments section, writing: 'One of the network's and country's best, Jess. You will be sorely missed. Best of luck. Chase the dream.' Today weather presenter Tim Davies said: 'Proud of you. Onwards and upwards.' Belinda Russell added: 'Oh, phew... for a second there I thought you were leaving Nine! Enjoy the sleep-ins, my love. Youve earned them.' Millward married Dry, a fellow television reporter, in February 2018 in Langhorne Creek, South Australia. She explained her daily 3am starts meant she rarely saw her husband Joel Dry 'awake' so felt it was time to move on. (Millward and Dry are pictured on their wedding day in February 2018) She announced she was expecting her first child live on Today in June 2020 during a live cross from a Gold Coast theme park. 'I was all ready to go on the rides yesterday, super excited, cameraman ready to go, and then I remembered I have a certain condition at the moment, so I can't really,' she said. Stefanovic then asked her about her 'condition', insisting he had no idea what she was talking about. Co-host Allison Langdon reminded Stefanovic he did in fact know, and it was a 'good condition'. 'She's having a baby!' she said, confirming the happy news for viewers. Advertisement Sofia Richie is currently enjoying a lavish vacation in Saint-Tropez with her fiance Elliot Grainge and a slew of their closest friends. And on Wednesday, the 23-year-old daughter of Lionel Richie slipped into a skimpy bikini to enjoy a refreshing ocean swim with a female pal. Looking tanned and toned, Sofia trotted along the shore in a dark green triangle bikini top and a pair of matching string bottoms. Lavish: Sofia Richie is currently enjoying a lavish vacation in Saint-Tropez with her fiance Elliot Grainge and a slew of their closest friends. And on Wednesday, the 23-year-old daughter of Lionel Richie slipped into a skimpy bikini to enjoy a refreshing ocean swim with a female pal The influencer looked naturally radiant as she soaked up the summer sun with a makeup-free face. Her golden blonde hair cascaded down her back in wavy strands. Giving her beach getup a tinge of glamour, Sofia fastened a pair of gold studs to her ears and hung a dainty gold chain around her neck. The ex-girlfriend of Scott Disick was all smiles as she descended an outdoor staircase with her bikini-clad female companion. Bikini babe: Looking tanned and toned, Sofia trotted along the shore in a dark green triangle bikini top and a pair of matching string bottoms Radiant: The influencer looked naturally radiant as she soaked up the summer sun with a makeup-free face. After taking a swim, the blonde beauty was spotted ringing the water out of her hair Seaside glam: Giving her beach getup a tinge of glamour, Sofia fastened a pair of gold studs to her ears and hung a dainty gold chain around her neck The duo were soon captured climbing down a staircase into the ocean. Looking relaxed, Sofia treaded water so she could chat with her friend as they cooled off. After spending time in the ocean, Sofia was ready to return to the shore. Blondie: Her golden blonde hair cascaded down her back in wavy strands Ready to go: The ex-girlfriend of Scott Disick was all smiles as she climbed up an outdoor staircase Relaxing: Looking relaxed, Sofia treaded water so she could chat with her friend as they cooled off Being that she was fully drenched, Sofia carefully climbed up the stairs with a hand secured to the metal railing to her left. Once at the top, the blonde beauty began ringing the water out of her hair and reached for a nearby towel. Missing from the action on Wednesday was Sofia's soon-to-be husband Elliot. She's had enough! After spending time in the ocean, Sofia was ready to return to the shore. Being that she was fully drenched, Sofia carefully climbed up the stairs with a hand secured to the metal railing to her left Drying off: Once she was back on shore, Sofia was spotted looking for a towel to dry off But the day prior, the lovebirds put on a PDA-packed display during their own stint in the water. Sofia, Elliot and their vacation crew are currently staying at the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Antibes, France. The Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc has long been a celebrity haunt, with the likes of Paris Hilton, Kate Moss, Elizabeth Taylor and John Lennon all checking in over the years. Living it up: Sofia, Elliot and their vacation crew are currently staying at the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Antibes, France. The Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc has long been a celebrity haunt, with the likes of Paris Hilton, Kate Moss, Elizabeth Taylor and John Lennon all checking in over the years Since arriving in the South of France, Sofia has been documenting the trip on her Instagram page. Earlier this week, she uploaded an adorable snap of herself sitting on Elliot's lap as they dined al fresco. Sofia shared news of her engagement to Elliot, who is the son of Universal Music Group chairman and CEO Lucian Grainge, with her 7.6million followers in late April. Sharing the experience: Since arriving in the South of France, Sofia has been documenting the trip on her Instagram page Lovebirds: Earlier this week, she uploaded an adorable snap of herself sitting on Elliot's lap as they dined al fresco She posted a picture of Elliot proposing to her at sunset surrounded by candles. 'Forever isnt long enough,' she wrote with her Instagram caption, which included a romantic picture of her and Elliot kissing. Elliot has joined the family business and gone into the music industry himself, founding an indie record label called 10K Projects. He presented Sofia with an emerald-cut diamond ring that various experts quoted by Page Six have estimated to be anywhere between four and eight carats. Just one day after crew member Johnny Pizzaro was fatally shot on the set of Law & Order: Organized Crime, production resumed with Christopher Meloni and Jeffrey Donovan. The 61-year-old Meloni was spotted between takes with his 54-year-old co-star Donovan on the New York City set on Wednesday. The two seemed to be in good spirits, laughing and smiling on the set, just hours after the grisly execution-style ambush of Pizzaro. On set: Just one day after crew member Johnny Pizzaro was fatally shot on the set of Law & Order: Organized Crime, production resumed with Christopher Meloni and Jeffrey Donovan Good spirits: The two seemed to be in good spirits, laughing and smiling on the set, just hours after the grisly execution-style ambush of Pizzaro Meloni was spotted wearing a black Minoritees t-shirt that read, 'I am what I am' and '100 proof.' The actor also had a pair of grey-framed glassed dangling from his shirt collar plus a pair of blue jeans. He completed his look with a pair of black cowboy boots for his day on the set. T-shirt: Meloni was spotted wearing a black Minoritees t-shirt that read, 'I am what I am' and '100 proof' His co-star Donovan stepped out with a dark grey shirt under an olive green dress shirt, with his character's NYPD badge dangling from his neck. He was also holding script sides while wearing light blue jeans and brown boots to complete his look. The actor was also standing next to a young actress whose forehead and neck was covered in fake blood. Co-star: His co-star Donovan stepped out with a dark grey shirt under an olive green dress shirt, with his character's NYPD badge dangling from his neck The New York Police Department identified Johnny Pizarro, 31, as the victim of an apparent execution-style killing on the set of Law & Order: Organized Crime on Wednesday. Pizarro was in charge of parking enforcement on the set, with the murder taking place around 5:15 AM on Wednesday. The crew member was in his vehicle in Greenpoint when someone opened his door and shot the victim in his face and neck. Victim: The New York Police Department identified Johnny Pizarro, 31, as the victim of an apparent execution-style killing on the set of Law & Order: Organized Crime on Wednesday Chris' look: The actor also had a pair of grey-framed glassed dangling from his shirt collar plus a pair of blue jeans Pizarro, who was a father of three, was taken to Woodhull Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, abc7 reported. In a statement to DailyMail.com, NBC confirmed that the victim was a crew member hired by the network. 'We were terribly saddened and shocked to hear that one of our crew members was the victim of a crime early this morning and has died as a result,' the statement read. 'We are working with local law enforcement as they continue to investigate. Our hearts go out to his family and friends and we ask that you respect their privacy during this time.' Statement: In a statement to DailyMail.com, NBC confirmed that the victim was a crew member hired by the network Love Island bosses have come to the defence of host Laura Whitmore after 427 viewers complained to Ofcom following comments she made during last week's spin off show Aftersun. The television personality, 37, came under fire after mediating a conversation with her guests about Ekin-Su and George Tasker's flirtation in Casa Amor resulting in her being accused of 'slut shaming'. Following a barrage of complaints through official channels and via social media ITV producers have declared that they 'do not condone trolling against our host or Islanders'. 'We do not condone trolling against our host or Islanders': ITV defend Love Island host Laura Whitmore after 427 viewers accused her of 'slut shaming' (pictured in March) The handling of Jacques - who has openly spoken about quitting the series to protect his mental health - on the show was also criticised after he was shown videos of his ex-partner Paige Thorne kissing Adam Collard. Following this Laura brought up the topic of Ekin Su's repeated denials that anything happened during her time in Casa Amour. Laura said: 'Once again Ekin-Su swore that nothing happened with George and it seems Davide doesn't believe her.' Unhappy: The television personality came under fire after mediating a conversation with her guests about Ekin-Su and George Tasker's flirtation in Casa Amor (pictured on the show) As Laura burst into laughter, Tom Grennan exclaimed: 'It deffo happened though didn't it?' Darren Harriott continued: 'She said her head never turned but I think her hand might have turned, and possibly wrist.' Instead of shutting down the comments, some viewers were disappointed to see Laura continuing the conversation, turning to Sian Welby to ask her opinion. Now in an official statement ITV have said: Laura is the presenter of the show, and part of that role is to pose questions to the panel and discuss events in the villa. Hot water: Instead of shutting down the comments, some viewers were disappointed to see Laura continuing the conversation (Ekin-Su pictured) Criticism: The handling of Jacques - who has openly spoken about quitting the series to protect his mental health - on the show was also criticised We do not condone trolling against either our host or our Islanders and any subsequent elevation of these comments. In regards to complaints about Jacque's appearance they said: We had various measures in place to ensure Jacques welfare was prioritised at all times ahead of and during his appearance on Aftersun. This included a full briefing with show producers to outline the shows content and likely questioning, a conversation with Laura before and after the show was recorded, and chaperoning from both a welfare producer and a member of his family while he was in studio. Panel: The panel then joked accusing the islander of lying saying: 'It deffo happened though didn't it?' They signed off by saying: Should an Islander not wish to participate in the Aftersun recording, we would always respect that decision. Following the episode viewers raced to social media with tweeting: 'It's shameful that a national network has so little awareness, and is normalising sexism. Aftersun especially was a disgrace tonight.' Another pointed out: 'Laura also crying 'feminism' when people said she only got the love island / aftersun job because her husband does the voiceover, yet encouraging everyone to basically slut shame ekin su ? white women'. A third echoed: 'Let's be real, the producers wont make them apologise to Ekin Su when they have Laura Whitmore basically slut shaming her on Aftersun.' Disappointed: Following the episode viewers raced to social media with tweeting: 'It's shameful that a national network has so little awareness, and is normalising sexism. Aftersun especially was a disgrace tonight.' A fourth said: 'Appalled by @LoveIsland after sun @thewhitmore adding fuel to the situation about Ekin Su & George in such a misogynistic way. 'It's not entertaining when you're making up shit for 'views'. Don't you remember Caroline Flack, Sophie, Mike?? #loveisland great stuff' Others called the interview with Jacques 'cruel', saying that forcing him to watch clips of Paige and Adam was dangerous for his mental health after the ex-Islander said he had not been able to watch the show. Sad: Others called the interview with Jacques 'cruel', saying that forcing him to watch clips of Paige and Adam was dangerous for his mental health after the ex-Islander said he had not been able to watch the show Last series, a viewer reminded Laura on her Instagram how she named and shamed journalists for asking questions saying: 'If you're going to ask people invasive questions based off tabloid stories because it's your job... remember that when you name and shame other journalists who ask you the same questions because they're too doing their jobs.' Laura defended her actions saying: 'I insist everyone sees the questions before they go on air and are ok with it. I believe in choice so nothing is ever asked without permission... that is the difference.' 2,481 viewers also complained about 'alleged misogynistic behaviour by some of the male contestants' during the July 17 Movie Night episode. In addition to the 2481 complaints received for the July 17 episode, a further 427 were received for the next night's episode 'related to alleged bullying and misogynistic behaviour from some of the male contestants,' during a game of dares Having her say: In the past, Laura has defended herself against criticism of her 'invasive' questioning on Aftersun Adrien Brody didn't let his injured arm stop him enjoying his holiday on Wednesday as he enjoyed a romantic stroll with girlfriend Georgina Chapman in St Tropez. The Oscar winner, 49, wore his arm in a sling as he browsed the shops and spent quality time with Georgina during his sun-soaked trip to the South of France. Adrian donned a causal ensemble for the outing in dark jeans and a black t-shirt as he strapped up his injured limb. It is not known what the cause of his injury is. Shopping: Adrien Brody, 49, nursed his injured arm as he enjoyed a spot of retail therapy with girlfriend Georgina Chapman, 46, in St Tropez on Wednesday Slipping his feet into flip flops The Pianist star shielded his eyes from the scorching sun behind dark aviator shades. Adrien wore his signature chestnut swept back and he sported a goatee beard as he strolled next to girlfriend Georgina Chapman. The designer, 46, rocked a floral scarf dress which was secured with a metal clasp just below her neck. Cuddled up: Adrian donned a causal ensemble for the outing in dark jeans and a black t-shirt as he strapped up his injured limb. It is not known what the cause of his injury is Casual: Slipping his feet into flip flops The Pianist star shielded his eyes from the scorching sun behind dark aviator shades Georgina, who was once married to disgraced movie producer Harvey Weinstein, styled her highlighted blonde tresses in a tousled look. Also sporting flip flops the beauty opted for a simple make-up look as she accessorised with silver bangles. The couple, who have been dating since March 2020, put on a very romantic display as they carried their purchases from the luxurious bakery La Tarte Tropezienne. Stylish: Georgina, who was once married to disgraced movie producer Harvey Weinstein, styled her highlighted blonde tresses in a tousled look Beach ready: Also sporting flip flops the beauty opted for a simple make-up look as she accessorised with silver bangles His trip to St. Tropez comes after he told Deadline that Netflixs new Marilyn Monroe biopic, Blonde, will cause 'some controversy' when it is released later this year. 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. The movie is based on a 2000 book by Joyce Carol Oates and is directed by Andrew Dominik, with actress Ana de Armas playing Marilyn. Retail Therapy: They held a bag from luxurious bakery La Tarte Tropezienne Sweet: The couple, who have been dating since March 2020, put on a very romantic display There has been controversy over Netflix sharing a film with a NC-17 rating but director Andrew Dominik 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 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.' She's expecting her first child with her fiance Oliver Piotrowski. And Jorgie Porter offered a glimpse of her growing bump in a striped bikini as she tried to stay cool during the UK's hottest day in history by relaxing in a paddling pool. The Hollyoaks star, 34, joked that she 'demanded a shoot in the pool' highlighting her beach look as she soaked up the sunshine with a book. Glowing! Jorgie Porter, 34, offered a glimpse of her growing bump in a striped bikini as she tried to stay cool during the UK's hottest day in history by relaxing in a paddling pool Jorgie showed off her blossoming bump in a gold bikini with a striped effect as she relaxed in her paddling pool. The star was joined by her beloved dog as she read her book in the sunshine. Her post was captioned: 'Obvs demanded a photo shoot in the pool @olliepiotrowski. And taught Stella how to read as well as getting in the pool.' Stunning! The Hollyoaks star joked that she 'demanded a shoot in the pool' highlighting her beach look as she soaked up the sunshine with a book Jorgie got engaged to her boyfriend Oliver in December, revealing he unexpectedly got down on one knee on their trip to Scotland, three weeks before Christmas. The soap recently announced her pregnancy at the start of June and shared the happy news with an adorable Instagram video. It comes eight months after Jorgie lost quadruplets at 14 weeks in a devastating miscarriage. Baby on the way! Jorgie is expecting her first child with her fiance Oliver Piotrowski, and last week the couple celebrated their engagement The short clip, which the soap star captioned 'Hopeful beginnings [sic]', captured a sweet unveiling of a baby scan. Oliver, his son from a previous relationship, Jorgie and their pet pooch took it in turns to remove their hands - and paws - to uncover the scan underneath. The post's comment section was awash with congratulatory messages, including from TOWIE's Georgia Kousoulou and Jorgie's fellow Hollyoaks star Chelsee Healey. Hollyoaks' official Instagram profile reposted Jorgie's video with a heartfelt message: '@themissyporter #REPOST HUGE NEWS! We have a little, tiny new McQueen on the way! [sic] our beautiful @themissyporter is pregnant! congratulations all round, this is the best news ever! '. Congratulations: The actress shared the happy news of her pregnancy in an adorable Instagram video in June In an interview in March, Jorgie revealed she had no idea she'd lost her quadruplets because her body was 'still being pregnant' after enduring a missed miscarriage. She explained she opted for surgical removal while her fiance Ollie discussed feeling 'helpless' throughout the ordeal, as the couple appeared together on Loose Women. Jorgie first recalled learning about the pregnancy, telling the Loose Women panel: 'I was excited that we got pregnant because that's what we wanted. We went for an early scan because we've got twins in our family - on both sides. 'The doctor said we can see three sacks - we had no idea what that meant. They said "we're gonna rush you into a hospital appointment". 'With that one we were told there were four sacks. We were still not the wiser, until she said "quadruplets." Tough times: It comes eight months after Jorgie revealed she had lost quadruplets at 14 weeks in a devastating miscarriage (pictured in March) Ollie, who she's been dating since 2020, added: 'I fell over!' while Jorgie admitted she panicked: 'My body is too small!' She continued: 'So we were just shocked. And throughout the pregnancy it was not really enjoyable - my hormones were just... What is a missed miscarriage? A missed miscarriage, also known as a missed abortion or a silent miscarriage, occurs when a foetus dies, but the body does not recognise the pregnancy loss or expel the pregnancy tissue. As a result, the placenta may still continue to release hormones, so the woman may continue to experience signs of pregnancy. It's usually diagnosed during a routine checkup, where the doctor will fail to detect a heartbeat. A subsequent ultrasound will show an underdeveloped foetus. Advertisement 'When you are pregnant you wanna tell some people, and you don't tell many people early on. I'm not sure why. But, I don't like to keep a secret. I like to tell everyone what's going on in my life. 'Having the hormones times four was just really stressful. I was in work with costumes. Within three or four weeks my body started to change dramatically and costumes wouldn't fit. 'Before we found out it was quadruplets I thought "this is insane what pregnant women go through".' Turning to her devastating miscarriage, Jorgie recalled: 'We were going for scans regularly because we were being looked after. 'And it was during our fifth or sixth scan, they said "you've had a miscarriage, they've gone." Asked if there were any signs she'd miscarried, she explained: 'No, that was another thing. It was a missed miscarriage, so my body was still being pregnant and doing the symptoms of pregnancy. 'The next bit is really heartbreaking, the question of how they're gonna go. The hospital said... there are options where... how do we get rid of this? 'So we went through the route of surgery so I could be knocked out. I didn't wanna see and hear things... 'They've never really done this surgery before so they didn't know what the outcome could be. They said there could be a lot of blood loss.' Ollie added: 'It was kind of just thrown on just that it was a miscarriage. As a man it was really helpless and scary. Thankfully the couple have come out even stronger, with Georgie admitting: 'We do talk a lot. We are really good the fact that we communicate a lot.' Ollie explained: 'I cried straight away, while you were really tough and strong. Then a few days later you had a meltdown and I had to be strong.' Caroline Stanbury worried that her dream wedding was falling apart after numerous COVID cancellations on Wednesday's episode of The Real Housewives of Dubai. 'Yesterday was a complete f***ing nightmare,' Caroline, 46, said while getting ready for her engagement party in the desert with her 27-year-old fiance Sergio Carrallo. 'Lost the party planner, lost the saxophone guy, all to COVID.' Caroline said that guests also weren't able to attend because airline flights were closed from certain countries. Dream wedding: Caroline Stanbury worried that her dream wedding was falling apart after numerous COVID cancellations on Wednesday's episode of The Real Housewives of Dubai 'I have to redo the table plans because they have all gone s*** now, half the people have dropped out,' Caroline said to her makeup artist. To top things off, as Caroline was getting ready she got a group text from Sara Al Madani calling out Caroline Brooks to their whole friend group. 'A total s*** show has just gone down,' Caroline said. 'So I heard that you started telling people bulls*** and spreading lies,' Sara wrote in the message. 'You said your mom raised you in a military way and didn't show you any affection. I told you it's not right because as a child you need affection and you agreed.' Desert party: Caroline, 46, and Sergio Carrallo, 27, celebrated with family and friends Group text: To top things off, as Caroline was getting ready she got a group text from Sara Al Madani calling out Caroline Brooks to their whole friend group. Sergio laughed when he heard the message. 'Telling anyone how to bring up their child never goes well,' Stanbury said. 'It's going to be a disaster isn't it?' Caroline said she wasn't going to expend any energy on it because it was her wedding and then put on a $700,00 diamond choker. No energy: Caroline said she wasn't going to expend any energy on it because it was her wedding and then put on a $700,00 diamond choker 'This old thing,' Caroline said walking around. 'This little thing I had lying around.' Two days before her wedding, Caroline and Sergio nervously talked about their parents meeting for the first time. 'My parents know that your dad offered you money,' Caroline said of the monetary incentive to not go through with the wedding. Two days: Two days before her wedding, Caroline and Sergio nervously talked about their parents meeting for the first time 'He didn't offer me money, literally. He said, "Listen, if you leave her, I pull your salary'',' Sergio quipped. Caroline laughed and said her parents knew all about it. 'This is f***ing horrible,' Sergio said. Good times: Caroline laughed and said her parents knew all about it Caroline's parents Anthony and Elizabeth arrived and sat down with them and were joined by Sergio's partners Jose and Violeta. 'We were just discussing that I'm 18 years older than him but only 10 years younger than his dad,' Caroline said. 'I had imagined her marrying a nice 55-year-old man with plenty of money,' Anthony said. Older husband: 'I had imagined her marrying a nice 55-year-old man with plenty of money,' Anthony said of his daughter Caroline 'But look, it's so much better we are building an empire together,' Sergio said. Jose said that he saw the reports that he had offered Sergio money not to marry Caroline. Elizabeth asked if it was true. 'Well, who cares?,' Jose said. ' The impact was fantastic.' New family: Sergio's parents Jose and Violeta met Caroline's parents for the first time The episode called 'Meet the Carrallos' opened with Chanel Ayan going over a runway look for a show for the 50th anniversary of the United Arab Emirates. 'I think in my other lifetime I was a queen,' Chanel, 43, said, modeling the gold gown. 'In this life, I'm just a peasant.' Lesa Milan, 33, called Caroline Brooks, 37, and told her how Sara Al Madani, 36, came over to her house for dinner and told her she should be more affectionate with her son. Golden gown: The episode called 'Meet the Carrallos' opened with Chanel Ayan going over a runway look for a show for the 50th anniversary of the United Arab Emirates 'I lost it, Lesa,' Brooks said. In a confessional, Brooks questioned that Sara was an actual doctor. Sara had said at her dinner party that she had an honorary PhD in women empowerment and leadership. 'I will never take therapeutic advice from a woman who got a doctorate degree from a women empowerment group,' Brooks said in a confessional. Doctor issue: In a confessional, Caroline Brooks questioned if Sara Al Madani was an actual doctor Nina called Sara and asked her what happened at her dinner. 'As a mom, nobody wants to be questioned about their parenting skills,' Nina said. Sara said she didn't know why Brooks was upset with her. Her version: Nina called Sara and asked her what happened at her dinner 'I said just listen, just break the generational cycle and be better than how you were parented,' Sara said. 'I would not dare to tell a mom she's not a good mom.' Nina and her husband Munaf headed to Caroline's wedding party. Nina talked about how her father was in the hospital with COVID. 'I just want my dad back home,' Nina said. In a confessional, Nina said that her father's condition wasn't improving. 'I feel so helpless right now because I'm so far away from him,' Nina said in a confessional. Feels helpless: 'I feel so helpless right now because I'm so far away from him,' Nina said in a confessional Nina said to Munaf that seeing her father with all those tubes gave her flashbacks to when he was in the hospital. 'I got over it,' Munaf said. 'He'll get over it.' Munaf told her to stay positive. 'I have to stay positive for everybody,' Nina said crying. Guests arrived at Nara, a town in the desert about 33 miles outside of Dubai, where the temperature was 102 degrees for Stanbury's party. She was not happy when they pulled up and saw that Chanel was wearing what she thought was a wedding dress. Not happy: Stanbury was not happy when they pulled up and saw that Chanel was wearing what she thought was a wedding dress 'Chanel is in a wedding gown,' Stanbury said. 'Are you f***ing kidding me, now?' Sergio said. 'That has to be the biggest slap in the face any guest can do to a bride,' Stanbury said in a confessional. 'Anybody else with any ounce of etiquette would understand that you don't go to a woman's wedding in a wedding dress.' Biggest slap: 'That has to be the biggest slap in the face any guest can do to a bride,' Stanbury said in a confessional. 'Anybody else with any ounce of etiquette would understand that you don't go to a woman's wedding in a wedding dress' Stanbury thought that Chanel was wearing a veil but it was actually a platinum wig. 'I look less bridal than her,' Stanbury said to the camera. Chanel said in a confessional that they did not look alike and that no one would confuse them. No confusion: Chanel said in a confessional that they did not look alike and that no one would confuse them 'You cannot compare or compete,' Chanel said. Stanbury and Sergio posed for photos for their photographers while Brooks angrily went straight to confront Nina. 'I don't even know where Nina is but I'm going to find her, little b****,' Brooks said. 'I feel like Nina is being messy.' Photo session: Stanbury and Sergio posed for photos for their photographers while Brooks angrily went straight to confront Nina Nina said she spoke to Sara who explained that wasn't intentionally trying to interfere with her parenting style. 'She was going straight at my jugular,' Brooks said. 'I did not ask her for a f***ing opinion It's my child.' Nina tried to tell her what she was going through but Brooks said 'so what.' So what: Nina tried to tell her what she was going through but Brooks said 'so what' 'I am done with you,' Nina said in a confessional. Nina got up and walked off. Nina walked over and joined the other women. She started crying and said that Brooks got loud with her and she couldn't deal with it. Getting emotional: The women were surprised when Nina started crying and said that Brooks got loud with her and she couldn't deal with it 'You don't know me as a mom. Sara, I didn't ask for your opinion,' Brooks said in a raised voice. Sara told her to not scream. 'You are not f***ing perfect, Sara,' Brooks continued. Raised voice: 'You don't know me as a mom. Sara, I didn't ask for your opinion,' Brooks said in a raised voice 'I dare you to do something. I don't think you have the guts to do it,' Sara told her. 'Do what?,' Brooks asked. 'Drop this Caroline and to bring the real Caroline out,' Sara said. Dared her: 'I dare you to do something. I don't think you have the guts to do it,' Sara told her. 'Are you threatening me?,' Brooks asked. 'Bring out the real girl,' Sara said. 'I dare you to drop this and bring out the real you, because we haven't seen her yet and everybody is waiting to see who you really are,' Brooks said. Drop it: 'I dare you to drop this and bring out the real you, because we haven't seen her yet and everybody is waiting to see who you really are,' Brooks said 'Hey, hey, hey, hey,' said a producer off camera while trying to defuse the confrontation. 'What the f*** is this,' Sara said. 'What the f*** is this!,' Brooks shouted back. Producer voice: 'Hey, hey, hey, hey,' said a producer off camera while trying to defuse the confrontation Brooks and Sara both looked up in confusion at the producer. The episode ended with a 'To Be Continued' message for viewers. The Real Housewives of Dubai will return next Wednesday on Bravo. Dramatic moment: Brooks and Sara both looked up in confusion at the producer Radio presenter Jackie 'O' Henderson has recalled her awkward encounter with Australian actor Michael Caton. She spoke of her 'bad experience' with Caton, who is best known for starring in the beloved Aussie film The Castle, on The Kyle and Jackie O Show on Thursday. His name came up during the daily celebrity birthdays segment when her co-host Kyle Sandilands noted Caton had just turned 79. Radio presenter Jackie 'O' Henderson (left) recalled her awkward encounter with Australian actor Michael Caton (right) on The Kyle and Jackie O Show on Thursday Henderson, 47, admitted she felt uneasy about congratulating the Packed to the Rafters star after her run-in with him more than 20 years ago. The alleged incident took place at the Australian People's Choice Awards after-party in the late '90s when Henderson was still married to first husband 'Ugly Phil' O'Neil. 'We loved The Castle. At the after-party, Phil goes and buys a bottle of red wine and takes it over to Michael Caton,' Jackie recounted. 'He says, "Mate, I just love you and what you do, and I wanted to give you this bottle of wine." [Caton] said, "No thanks." So Phil just walked back with the bottle of wine.' 'I think he actually said worse than that, if I'm honest. A polite way of saying, "Go away,"' Jackie added. She spoke of her 'bad experience' with Caton, who is best known for starring in the beloved Aussie film The Castle (pictured), after her co-host Kyle Sandilands noted he had just turned 79 Henderson said O'Neil returned looking dejected, and told her: "Oh, wow that was embarrassing.' She then warned listeners: 'It's really hard to go up to a celebrity that you love, because you're nervous and you hope they're going to be nice to you. 'You hear horror stories they're not all lovely.' Daily Mail Australia has contacted Caton's management for comment. The alleged incident took place at the Australian People's Choice Awards after-party in the late '90s when Henderson was still married to first husband 'Ugly Phil' O'Neil. (Pictured: Henderson and O'Neil with a Michael Jackson impersonator in the late '90s) Henderson recounted: 'At the after-party, Phil goes and buys a bottle of red wine and takes it over to Michael Caton. He says, "Mate, I just love you and what you do, and I wanted to give you this bottle of wine." [Caton] said, "No thanks." So Phil just walked back with the bottle of wine' She warned listeners, 'It's really hard to go up to a celebrity that you love, because you're nervous and you hope they're going to be nice to you. You hear horror stories they're not all lovely.' (Caton is pictured at the AACTA International Awards in LA on January 29, 2016) Earlier this week, Henderson recalled the stomach-churning moment Hollywood actor Anthony Anderson farted in her face while he was filming a movie in Australia. She described the bizarre incident on Monday's show following a discussion about Miriam Margolyes, who recently claimed Arnold Schwarzenegger passed wind in her face while they were filming together. 'I've had it before, an actor farted in my face, and I've never gotten over it,' she said in response to Margolyes' smelly encounter. Earlier this week, Henderson recalled the stomach-churning moment Hollywood actor Anthony Anderson farted in her face while he was filming a movie in Australia 'Anthony Anderson. He's this big American comedian who was in [2003 film] Kangaroo Jack; they were filming out here [in Australia],' she added. 'He came in for an interview, and he literally just, like, came over to me, turned his bum to my face, bent down, and let out a massive fart.' Sandilands insisted that Anderson's antics weren't completely out of place at the time, as the rules of social etiquette were different. '[Anderson] came in for an interview, and he literally just, like, came over to me, turned his bum to my face, bent down, and let out a massive fart,' Jackie said of the alleged 2003 incident 'I think people thought they could just come in here and do anything,' Henderson conceded. It's not the first time Anderson has made headlines for flatulence in the workplace. Back in 2016, The Shield star revealed on Late Night with Seth Meyers that he once broke wind during a taping of Law and Order. Kyle Sandilands (left) insisted that Anderson's antics weren't completely out of place at the time, as the rules of social etiquette were different. (Pictured: Sandilands and Henderson in Sydney on November 20, 2007) 'I don't know what I had for lunch that day but I had the bubble guts. I was holding it in during this entire five-minute scene, and as I left the room I left something in the room,' he recalled. Henderson's tale came days after Harry Potter star Margolyes made similar assertions about an on-set incident with Schwarzenegger while they were filming End of Days in 1999. 'Schwarzenegger, didn't care for him. He's a bit too full of himself,' Miriam said on the I've Got News For You podcast earlier this week. Henderson's tale came days after Harry Potter star Miriam Margolyes (pictured in November 2021) made similar assertions about an on-set incident with Arnold Schwarzenegger in 1999 'He was actually quite rude. He farted in my face. Now, I fart, of course I do, but I don't fart in people's faces. He did it deliberately, right in my face.' Margolyes said the incident took place when the pair were shooting in Los Angeles. 'I was playing Satan's sister and [his character] was killing me, so he had me in a position where I couldn't escape, lying on the floor. And he just farted,' she said. 'It wasn't on film, it was in one of the pauses, but I haven't forgiven him for it.' South Korea's overall wealth grew more than 11 percent on-year to a new record high in 2021 thanks mainly to increased property prices, central bank data showed Thursday. The country's national assets had come to 19,808.8 trillion won ($15.08 trillion) as of the end of last year, up 11.4 percent from a year earlier, according to the national balance sheet from the Bank of Korea (BOK). It marked the highest on-year growth rate since 2007, when national assets surged 13.3 percent. The BOK attributed the increase mainly to a sharp rise in the value of non-productive assets, such as land and homes. The net value of non-financial assets purchased last year expanded by 229 billion won from the previous year. Real estate accounted for 74.4 percent of the national assets last year, compared with 74.8 percent a year earlier. The central bank also estimated the country's per-household net assets at 544.8 million won in 2021, up about 8 percent from the prior year thanks to higher property prices. Land, homes and other buildings took up 75.3 percent of local households' net worth, according to the data. (Yonhap) Just a month after they were spotted during a dinner outing, Simu Liu is making it red carpet official with his girlfriend, actress Jade Bender. The 33-year-old Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings star hit the red carpet with the Senior Year star at the Dolby Theater in Hollywood on Wednesday evening. They were first spotted out on a dinner date in West Hollywood last month, though they did meet a few years earlier, posing at the 2019 Unforgettable Gala in nearby Beverly Hills. Red carpet official: Just a month after they were spotted during a dinner outing, Simu Liu is making it red carpet official with his girlfriend, actress Jade Bender Liu stepped out with a slightly-unbuttoned black dress shirt with a gold chain seen dangling from his neck. The clean-shaven actor also wore a matching black coat with a watch peeking out of the left sleeve. He completed his look with mirror-shined black dress shoes with no socks. Simu's look: Liu stepped out with a slightly-unbuttoned black dress shirt with a gold chain seen dangling from his neck Bender stepped out in a sparkling and slightly-sheer off-shoulder mini-dress that hugged her curves and fell to her mid-thigh. She accessorized with silver earrings and rings and completed her look with silver strappy heels. It was revealed last month that the pair previously met back in 2019 while attending the 19th annual Unforgettable Gala in Beverly Hills. Jade's look: Bender stepped out in a sparkling and slightly-sheer off-shoulder mini-dress that hugged her curves and fell to her mid-thigh Though he's notoriously private about his love life, rumors swirled earlier this year that Simu was romantically linked to Selling Sunset's Chrishell Stause. He appeared beside the 40-year-old reality star on her hit Netflix series, where she helped him hunt down the perfect home in Los Angeles. Simu's cameo occurred in the fourth season of Selling Sunset, which premiered on the streaming service late last year. PEOPLE uncovered that the pair previously met back in 2019 while attending the 19th annual Unforgettable Gala in Beverly Hills; (L-R) Jason Chan, Simu Liu and Jade Bender pictured in 2019 Liu had his breakout role in last year's Marvel adventure Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. He will next be seen in the Barbie movie alongside Ryan Gosling and Margot Robbie, which recently wrapped filming. He has also signed on to star in a Shang Chi sequel, and most recently he took part in the Celebrity Softball Game during MLB All-Star Week in Los Angeles. Emerging actor Daisy Edgar-Jones is featured on the cover of Marie Claire Australia's August edition, which is on sale today. The 24-year-old looks effortlessly chic on the front page and inside spread. In the accompanying interview, she revealed how her life hasn't changed significantly since her breakout role in the hit 2020 series Normal People, mainly because the Covid pandemic shielded her from the impact of overnight fame. Emerging actor Daisy Edgar-Jones is featured on the cover of Marie Claire Australia's August edition, which is on sale today She said: 'It's only looking back now that I can unpack the whole experience of lockdown - and we knew nothing about the pandemic at the time - and then the show being a hit so immediately, which I could only see by what I was reading online. 'People were talking about [my role and the series], but then I'd put my phone down and I was still in my childhood bedroom and nothing in the physical world had changed. 'I was being told things had changed [for me], but there was nothing tangible. So it was quite hard to believe.' The 24-year-old looks effortlessly chic on the front page and inside spread In the accompanying interview, she revealed how her life hasn't changed significantly since her breakout role as Marianne Sheridan in the hit 2020 series Normal People, mainly because the Covid pandemic shielded her from the impact of overnight fame Since playing Marianne Sheridan in Normal People, Daisy has since gone from project to project, starring in Fresh alongside Sebastian Stan, 39, and spending most of 2021 in Louisiana filming her leading role in Where The Crawdads Sing. In the movie, based on the bestselling novel by Delia Owen, Daisy immerses herself in the role of Catherine 'Kya' Clark, a young woman struggling to raise herself in the marshes of North Carolina after her parents abandon her. It was Daisy's first experience working in the United States. 'People were talking about [my role and the series], but then I'd put my phone down and I was still in my childhood bedroom and nothing in the physical world had changed,' she said. (Pictured on Normal People with co-star Paul Mescal) Since Normal People, Daisy has since gone from project to project, starring in Fresh alongside Sebastian Stan, 39, and spending most of 2021 in Louisiana filming her leading role in Where The Crawdads Sing. (Pictured in Where The Crawdads Sing with co-star David Strathairn) 'I can't believe I did that, to be honest, because there were alligators everywhere,' she told Marie Claire. 'And there were so many scenes where I was diving into [the marsh water]. 'It never ceases to amaze me how I'm able to do things when I'm playing a character that I myself would never do. 'Like, I would never dive into alligator-infested waters but, as Kya, I just did it without thinking.' This comes a week after Daisy hit the red carpet at the movie's New York premiere alongside its producer Reese Witherspoon. Normal People is available to stream only on Stan. Issa Rae was among the stars in attendance during American Express' Business Class LIVE 2022 in New York City on Wednesday. The Insecure star, 37, cut a stylish figure for the event in a fitted brown linen blazer and matching high-waisted pants that gathered at the ankles. She gave a peek at her toned tummy by layering an off white cut-out bodysuit beneath her jacket. Attendee: Issa Rae was among the stars in attendance during American Express' Business Class LIVE 2022 in New York City on Wednesday She completed the fashion-forward ensemble with a pair of strappy nude heels that showed off her neon yellow pedicure. Issa's brunette hair was slicked back and styled in a chic high bun. As for makeup, the actress had a noticeably radiant complexion and decked out her eyes with fluffy faux lashes and an array of shimmering brown eyeshadows. Her already stunning features were lightly sculpted with a bit of contouring powder and her lips were doused in clear lip gloss. Stylish: The Insecure star, 37, cut a stylish figure for the event in a fitted brown linen blazer and matching high-waisted pants that gathered at the ankles. She gave a peek at her toned tummy by layering an off white cut-out bodysuit beneath her jacket After striking a pose or two in front of the American Express backdrop, which was decorated with blue and white ball caps, Issa headed inside to prepare for her speaking gig. She was joined on the event's red carpet by The Hills alum Lo Bosworth and Beautified co-founder Hannah Bronfman. Bosworth, who is the founder of Love Wellness, rocked an asymmetrical beige vest and matching pants for the business-oriented conference. Star-studded: She was joined on the event's red carpet by The Hills alum Lo Bosworth. Bosworth, who is the founder of Love Wellness, rocked an asymmetrical beige vest and matching pants for the business-oriented conference Chic: She was photographed posing with Super Smalls CCO, Maria Duenas Jacobs, who cut a chic figure in a black cardigan sweater tucked into a pair of flared trousers The former reality star was decked out in gold jewelry but gave her look a sporty edge with some bright white sneakers. Lo's golden blonde hair was worn in a half up half down style and she opted for glowy, natural makeup. She was photographed posing with Super Smalls CCO, Maria Duenas Jacobs, who cut a chic figure in a black cardigan sweater tucked into a pair of flared trousers. Sharing knowledge: Once the event commenced, Issa took to the stage to speak with Clayton F. Ruebensaal, who is American Express EVP / CMO Global B2B Marketing Sleek: Issa's brunette hair was slicked back and styled in a chic high bun Bronfman modeled a stylish black tie-front top and a pair of beige pants styled with shiny golden jewelry. Once the event commenced, Issa took to the stage to speak with Clayton F. Ruebensaal, who is American Express EVP / CMO Global B2B Marketing. American Express' Business Class LIVE 2022 is a free event that is 'designed to inspire and support small business owners and leaders from every walk of life with powerful connections, expert insights, and unique growth opportunities,' as per the official website. Radiant: As for makeup, the actress had a noticeably radiant complexion and decked out her eyes with fluffy faux lashes and an array of shimmering brown eyeshadows Those interested in the event were able to attend in person or tune in virtually via the 'livestream experience.' Attendees, in-person and virtual, had access to 'sessions, panels, and workshops' centered 'around key topics' aimed at supplying entrepreneurs with 'information that can help set your path forward.' It was held at New York City's Javits Center between 8am ET and 5:30pm ET on Wednesday, July 20. He played the role of motorbike enthusiast Mike Young on Neighbours for three years back in the eighties. And Hollywood star Guy Pearce says returning to Ramsay Street for the finale has been 'weird'. The actor, 54, has joined a long list of former Neighbours stars lured back for the final episode, including Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan. Neighbours star Guy Pearce has said returning to Ramsay Street as fan favourite Mike Young for the final episode was 'weird' He said he understood the anguish the cast must be feeling as they faced the end of their time on the long-running show. 'I havent been here for these past years like other cast members so Im really aware how it is for them, suddenly finishing up,' he said in an interview with The Herald-Sun on Wednesday. 'I understand how that must feel. It is weird, but even coming back is kind of weird.' Guy admitted slipping into his role as Mike Young after first appearing as the character in 1986 was not easy. 'Who is Mike now, how do I play this guy? I had to trawl through my memory bank to understand how I might actually play him,' said the handsome fan favourite. Guy admitted slipping into his role as Mike Young after first appearing as the character in 1986 was not easy The Mare of Easttown actor said the fact the producers had kept his character's old motorbike gloves was a big help getting back into character. Elsewhere, Guy said he was able to convince the show's producers to give him some scenes with family friend, Henrietta Graham. Joining the cast in May in the guest role of Sam, Henrietta, 18, plays assistant to Chloe (April Rose Pengilly), manager of the Erinborough's Lassiter Hotel. Their characters, Mike Young and Jane Harris, are former lovebirds. Pictured during their time on Neighbours Meanwhile, the plot for the 90-minute finale episode of the beloved soap was this week. According to The Daily Telegraph, a major storyline will revolve around Guy's Mike and old flame, Jane Harris, played by Annie Jones. Old feelings are stirred up as they return to Ramsey Street for the wedding of Toadie Rebecchi, played by Ryan Moloney, and Melanie Pearson, played by Lucinda Cowden. Annie Jones returns to Neighbours for the finale as Jane Neighbours was axed after the UK's Channel 5 decided in March not to renew its contract with production company Fremantle to finance and broadcast the series. Guy enjoyed a cast reunion as he filmed the emotional final scenes with former co-stars Ian Smith, who played the legendary Harold Bishop, and Peter O'Brien. The Neighbours finale will go to air on Channel 10 and 10Peach on July 28 The Veronicas duo Lisa and Jess Origliasso teased a collaboration with Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker on Thursday. Jessica, 34, snapped the rocker, 46, playing a keyboard next to a producer in a Los Angeles music studio. She uploaded the photo to her Instagram, alongside other random pictures from her day and captioned it: 'Minding and managing my business.' The Veronicas (pictured) duo Lisa and Jess Origliasso teased a collaboration with Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker on Thursday Lisa, 34, commented on the photos, saying: 'In love with this entire thread' although she made no mention of the rock drummer being in the studio with her twin sister. Back in 2018, Travis hinted at a prior collaboration when he tagged the Australian-born music duo in an Instagram story late that year. The following year, The Veronicas confirmed on The Music Podcast they had recorded new music with Travis and had more to come with him and producer John Feldmann. Jessica, 34, snapped Travis (pictured), 46, playing a keyboard next to a producer in a Los Angeles music studio Jessica said they reached out to John, 55, who was the founder of Goldfinger, which included Travis as a drummer, and producer of Bink-182's Grammy-nominated album California. 'We're putting together the songs, but yeah, we're still doing more work with [Barker] and John,' she said. One of those songs, Silent, went on the appear in The Veronica's 2021 album Godzilla. She uploaded the photo to her Instagram, alongside other random pictures from her day, and captioned it: 'Minding and managing my business.' (Pictured with partner Alex Smith, right) This follows Travis' surprise appearance in his friend Machine Gun Kelly's concert at The Forum in Inglewood last Wednesday night. The husband of Kourtney Kardashian performed on the drums, surprising thousands of fans in attendance. It came after the musician was rushed to hospital late last month after developing a severe case of pancreatitis apparently caused by an endoscopy he had undergone a week earlier. Back in 2018, Travis hinted at a prior collaboration when he tagged the Australian-born music duo in an Instagram story late that year. (Pictured with wife Kourtney Kardashian) 'After dinner, I developed excruciating pain and have been hospitalized ever since,' he wrote in an Instagram post. 'During the endoscopy, I had a very small polyp removed right in a very sensitive area, usually handled by specialists, which unfortunately damaged a critical pancreatic drainage tube. This resulted in severe life threatening pancreatitis.' He concluded by sharing how 'very very grateful' he was that he was 'much better' following 'intensive treatment.' Zendaya and Tom Holland made a rare appearance together as they stepped out in New York City on Wednesday afternoon. The couple - who confirmed their relationship in 2021 after years of speculation - were captured grabbing lunch with Tom's younger brother Harry. Zendaya kept it casual in a pair of oversized black sweatpants and a white graphic tee. Outing: Zendaya and Tom Holland made a rare appearance together as they stepped out in New York City on Wednesday afternoon The Euphoria star, 25, strolled the sidewalk outside the restaurant in a pair of black Converse sneakers. She carried two to-go bags of food with her, as well as a fresh squeezed juice drink. Her long brunette hair was noticeably damp and she appeared to be wearing little to no makeup. Tom also sported a comfy getup complete with grey sweatpants and a large yellow tee. Casual: Zendaya kept it casual in a pair of oversized black sweatpants and a white graphic tee The Spider-Man actor, 26, slipped his feet into some gray and white sneakers and he had a pair of aviator shades tucked into his auburn hair. They appeared to be joined on the midday outing by several bodyguards. Earlier in the month, Zendaya was captured paying Tom a visit on the set of his upcoming Apple TV+ series The Crowded Room in New York City. The actor has been hard at work on the project in recent months. Going strong: Zendaya and Tom have been publicly dating since last July after they were spotted kissing at an airport; the couple seen in December Rumors: Rumors of a potential relationship began in 2017 though a romance was never confirmed, and after that time that both had other relationships; the couple seen in 2017 Tom plays the lead role of Danny Sullivan, a character based on the first individual to be acquitted of a crime due to multiple personality disorder, in the forthcoming anthology series. Zendaya and Tom have been publicly dating since last July after they were spotted kissing at an airport. To fans' delight, they made their red carpet as a couple at the premiere of Spider-Man: No Way Home in December. Rumors of a potential relationship began in 2017 though a romance was never confirmed, and after that time that both had other relationships. Gushing tributes: Since making their romantic relationship public, Zendaya and Tom have begun using their respective social media pages to pay homage to one another. Back in June, Zendaya shared a sweet post for her boyfriend on his 26th birthday The couple are believed to have first met in 2016 when Zendaya was cast opposite Tom in Spider-Man: Homecoming. Since making their romantic relationship public, Zendaya and Tom have begun using their respective social media pages to pay homage to one another. Back in June, Zendaya shared a sweet post for her boyfriend on his 26th birthday. 'Happiest of birthdays to the one who makes me the happiest,' captioned the former Disney Channel star, followed by a heart emoji. Thriving: Along with a happy love life, Zendaya is one of the most sought after actresses in Hollywood; Zendaya pictured in April She included an adorable black-and-white snapshot of herself smiling as Tom embraced her from behind. Along with a happy love life, Zendaya is one of the most sought after actresses in Hollywood. The Shake It Up star recently made history once again by becoming the youngest female producer to be nominated for an Emmy with Euphoria, the show she produces, scooping up a nod for Outstanding Drama Series. She has also been nominated for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series and received two additional nods for Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics. All four of her nominations are in recognition of her work in Euphoria. Making history: The Shake It Up star recently made history once again by becoming the youngest female producer to be nominated for an Emmy with Euphoria, the show she produces, scooping up a nod for Outstanding Drama Series; Zendaya seen in Euphoria Her songs on the HBO Max series, I'm Tired and Elliot's Songs, have both been nominated for Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics. Labrinth also wrote the music and lyrics for I'm Tired. Lyrics were also done by Zendaya and Sam Levinson for this track. This also makes Zendaya the first Black woman - and second Black person - to receive Emmy nods for both acting and songwriting in the same year. Bella Hadid was spotted going bra-less under a thin white top when she surfaced in New York City for a stroll this week. The 25-year-old little sister of Gigi Hadid had opted for a crop top that allowed her to flash a bit of her enviably taut midriff. Slipping into a high-waisted pair of sweats, she accessorized with a trendy short-sleeved bomber jacket during her latest outing. Off she goes: Bella Hadid was spotted going bra-less under a thin white top when she surfaced in New York City for a stroll this week The world-famous supermodel let her luxurious dark locks flutter free in the breeze and warded off the rays with sleek pink sunglasses. Bella fired up her Instagram page this Wednesday to offer her more than 53 million followers a few glimpses of her summertime escapades. One of her photo selections was an evocative snapshot of her catching a breath of fresh air at the beach in front of a dazzling view of the sunset over the sea. A couple of images showed her sitting in what appeared to be the hair and makeup chair for one of her many glamorous modeling shots. When you got it: The 25-year-old little sister of Gigi Hadid had opted for a crop top that allowed her to flash a bit of her enviably taut midriff Bella managed to feature a topless snap - but it was taken from behind at a distance, preventing her from violating Instagram's Community Guidelines. The showbiz legacy, whose mother Yolanda was once a Real Housewife Of Beverly Hills, also showed off her latest haircut in a snap taken when it was apparently fresh. Bella is currently involved with the art director Marc Kalman, with whom she recently enjoyed a steamy getaway to the Caribbean destination of St. Barts. She and Marc went Instagram official last July in a picture Bella posted from France, where she was attending the Cannes Film Festival. Legs for days: Bella fired up her Instagram page this Wednesday to offer her more than 53 million followers a few glimpses of her summertime escapades A place in the sun: One of her photo selections was an evocative snapshot of her catching a breath of fresh air at the beach in front of a dazzling view of the sunset over the sea Making it happen: A couple of images showed her sitting in what appeared to be the hair and makeup chair for one of her many glamorous modeling shots Wow: Bella managed to feature a topless snap - but it was taken from behind at a distance, preventing her from violating Instagram's Community Guidelines By the way: The showbiz legacy, whose mother Yolanda was once a Real Housewife Of Beverly Hills, also showed off her latest haircut in a snap taken when it was apparently fresh Making it happen: Bella posed up a storm in photo after photo, putting her statuesque legs and her petite frame on display to her public A Page Six source claimed that Bella and Marc's relationship began in July 2020 and that the dynamic duo 'hid it well' for the first year. They are said to have carried on the romance in New York amid the coronavirus pandemic while assiduously making sure they never got caught together. Bella rarely discusses Marc in interviews even now, and she attributes the longevity of their relationship to the fact that they have stayed discreet. 'I think thats why things have been able to last. When you give other people room to have opinions on things that are so personal to you, it poisons it,' she told Vogue. They shot to fame on the first series of Made In Chelsea back in 2011. And 11 years on, the OG cast members of the E4 reality show reunited for their first photo together 'in many, many years' as they celebrated Binky Felstead's upcoming wedding in Corfu. Ollie Locke shared the snap on Instagram as he posed alongside bride-to-be Binky, Millie Mackintosh and her husband Hugo Taylor and Rosie Fortescue. OGs: 11 years after first appearing on screen together Made In Chelsea original cast members Millie Mackintosh, Rosie Fortescue, Ollie Locke, Binky Felstead and Hugo Taylor reunited for their first photo together 'in many, many years' ahead of Binky's upcoming wedding in Corfu The fun snap showed the group on a dock as they prepared for a pre-wedding boat party, with Binky and Rosie rocking skimpy bikinis. 'If you know you know OG MIC! The first photo together for many, many years!! @binkyfelstead @milliemackintosh @hugotaylorlondon @rosiefortescue,' a nostalgic Ollie captioned the snap. The five all appeared in Made In Chelsea from the first episode in 2011, with the series following their lives in the affluent London neighbourhood. Back then: The five all starred in the original series of MIC which hit screens back in 2011 (L-R: Amber Atherton, Francis Boulle, Millie Mackintosh, Caggie Dunlop, Hugo Taylor, Spencer Matthews, Fredrik Ferrier, Rosie Fortescue, Binky Felstead, Ollie Locke, Gabriella Ellis and Cheska Hull) Memories: Ollie Locke shared the snap on Instagram as he reminisced about their decade-long friendships Binky and Ollie have remained best friends, with Ollie godfather to Binky's daughter India, five, and Binky acting as bridesmaid at his 2020 wedding to Gareth Locke. Millie meanwhile has been married to her Made In Chelsea boyfriend Hugo since 2018, with the couple sharing two children together. Millie and Hugo originally dated in 2011 while on Made In Chelsea, but split up when it emerged he had cheated on Millie with Rosie. BFFs: Binky and Ollie have remained best friends, with Ollie godfather to Binky's daughter India, five, and Binky acting as bridesmaid at his 2020 wedding (pictured 2012 on the show) Here's to friendship: Millie and Hugo originally dated in 2011 while on Made In Chelsea, but split up when it emerged he had cheated on Millie with Rosie. She announced their deceit in dramatic scenes in the series 2 finale Drama: There's no lingering tension between Millie and Rosie, eleven years on from the infamous MIC series two finale scene, with the trio remaining pals They reunited in the second half of 2016 and Hugo proposed during a holiday in Mykonos, Greece, in July 2017. She was previously married to musician Professor Green, real name Stephen Manderson, in September 2013. The couple announced their split in February 2016 after two-and-a-half years of marriage and finalised their divorce in May 2016 - the same week that Millie went public with Hugo during a trip to Monaco. There's no lingering tension between Millie and Rosie, eleven years on from the infamous MIC series two finale scene which saw Millie humiliate her boyfriend and best pal by announcing their deceit to all their mutual friends at a party. Boat party: The fun snap showed the group on a dock as they prepared for a pre-wedding boat party in Greece Still pals: Binky wowed in a white bikini teamed with a lace floor length kimono as she posed with Rosie in her skimpy black bikini and Chanel belt The group are in Corfu for Binky's second wedding ceremony to husband Max Darnton after they previously delayed her overseas nuptials due to Covid. Binky and Max, 32, tied the knot during an intimate civil ceremony at Chelsea Old Town Hall in July last year but will have a larger celebration with their loved ones this week. The couple are proud parents to son Wolfie, 13 months, while Binky has daughter India, five, with her former Made In Chelsea co-star and ex-boyfriend Josh Patterson, 32. Stunner: Millie looked incredible in a plunging nautical swimsuit which she uploaded to her Instagram on Wednesday from her Corfu hotel room Wedding ready: The group are in Corfu for Binky's second wedding ceremony to husband Max Darnton after they previously delayed her overseas nuptials due to Covid Sizzling: Rosie Fortescue sent temperatures soaring as she posted a slew of sensational snaps to her social media account The pair previously spoke of their plans to host a bigger ceremony in Corfu this summer, with Max telling HELLO! magazine that they plan to have a BBQ on the beach and go snorkelling. They have hired a 'big boat to sail around the coves' and have also secured a cliffside venue for their wedding. They've also rented a private beach where they can enjoy a meal after the ceremony with their loved ones. Binky and Max have been dating since January 2019 after first meeting at private members' club Soho Farmhouse in Oxfordshire. Businessman Max popped the question with a 50,000 statement Art Deco-inspired engagement ring in September 2020 during a romantic weekend in East Sussex. Kim Kardashian threw her support behind jailed rapper Gunna as he filed a last-minute petition to be released before he is tried on charges of racketeering. Kardashian tweeted Wednesday afternoon: '#FreeGunna,' adding emojis reading 'Free P,' a reference to one of his popular songs. Real name Sergio Kitchens, Gunna will be tried in January after being charged with racketeering. He played a management role in a violent street gang led by fellow rapper Young Thug, real name Jeffery Lamar Williams, prosecutors claim. The model, reality TV star and training lawyer has helped free multiple people from jail, including small-time drug-trafficker, Alice Marie Johnson, who former President Donald Trump pardoned from her life sentence, one week after Kardashian visited him in the Oval Office. On July 7, a judge in Atlanta denied bond for the 29-year-old rapper, born Sergio Giavanni Kitchens, who's charged with racketeering along with fellow rapper Young Thug and more than two dozen other people. Helping hand: Kim Kardashian (left) has tweeted in support of freeing rapper Gunna from jail, days after he was again denied bond. He is charged in a gang-related racketeering case. Kardashian and Gunna are both pictured at the Met Gala in New York in May The 41-year-old criminal justice reform advocate - who has helped free multiple people in prison, including Alice Marie Johnson - took to Twitter on Wednesday to post a simple hashtag: '#FreeGunna.' Williams (left) appears with rapper Gunna (right), real name Sergio Kitchens, in February 2019 Fulton County Superior Court Judge Ural Glanville previously denied bond for Gunna and held a hearing on the rapper's request to reconsider that decision earlier this month. Glanville said he worried Kitchens might threaten or intimidate witnesses if released ahead of trial. Prosecutors have said Young Thug, whose real name is Jeffery Lamar Williams, is a founder of a violent street gang in Atlanta called Young Slime Life and that Kitchens has a management role within the gang. On July 7, a judge in Atlanta denied bond for the 29-year-old rapper (born Sergio Giavanni Kitchens) who's charged with racketeering along with fellow rapper Young Thug and more than two dozen others. The rapper is pictured in a mugshot Prosecutors have said Young Thug (pictured), whose real name is Jeffery Lamar Williams, is a founder of a violent street gang in Atlanta called Young Slime Life and that Kitchens has a management role within the gang The 88-page indictment filed in May alleges the gang committed multiple murders, shootings and carjackings roughly over a decade and promoted its activities in songs and on social media. In a statement released on his birthday in June, Kitchens proclaimed his innocence. Fulton County Assistant District Attorney Don Geary cited several crimes unrelated to the indictment, saying Kitchens might've been involved in and said the state continues to believe he shouldnt be released on bond. A list of indictments and names including aliases is revealed in the court documents 56 charges were listed in the the court documents Steve Sadow, a lawyer for Kitchens, said prosecutors had failed to make any specific allegations or produce any evidence to show that his client is a threat to witnesses. Kitchens and his parents are willing to put up their property as collateral and Kitchens would agree to be on house arrest with electronic monitoring, Sadow said. 'The only thing that Mr. Kitchens wants under these circumstances is to be released, to be in his home, to be able to produce music and meet with counsel to prepare for trial in this case,' Sadow said. Kitchens, who is signed to Williams' Young Stoner Life record label, scored his second No. 1 on the Billboard 200 album chart with DS4Ever this year. Rising star: Kitchens, who is signed to Williams' Young Stoner Life record label, scored his second No. 1 on the Billboard 200 album chart with DS4Ever this year, Gunna is seen performing on Saturday Night Live back in April Glanville noted he hasn't granted bond for any of the people charged in the indictment, adding he wants to get the case tried as quickly as possible. The trial is currently set for January. Prosecutors also asked in a court filing on July 5 that they be allowed to exclude contact information and home addresses of their witnesses from information provided to defense attorneys and to restrict information regarding statements by cooperating gang members until 30 days before trial. Trying to do good: Kardashian (seen in New York last week) has been active in her efforts for criminal reform in recent years, as she worked with federal authorities on the prison release of Alice Marie Johnson, who had her life sentence stemming from a 1996 conviction on drug charges, pardoned in 2018 Kim Kardashian's history of criminal justice reform: TV star helped secure the 2018 release of Alice Marie Johnson over drug charges, among others Alice Marie Johnson Kardashian successfully petitioned for the release of elderly grandmother Alice Marie Johnson after she was sentenced to life in prison for drug related offenses. Johnson - a single mother struggling to provide for her five children - acted as a go-between and relayed messages to drug dealers, but claims she never sold narcotics during her involvement with a group who sold cocaine to Tennessee. Momolu Stewart Stewart walked out of the Central Detention Facility in Washington, D.C., in October 2019 after serving more than 23 years, in part thanks to the efforts of campaigner Kardashian. Julius Jones In November, Kardashian urged Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt to spare the life of death-row inmate Jones, who was scheduled to be executed for the 1999 shooting death of businessman, Paul Howell, during a carjacking. He maintained his innocence and claimed he was framed by the actual killer, Christopher Jordan, a high school friend and co-defendant who testified against Jones and was released from prison after 15 years. Cyntoia Brown Kardashian enlisted her legal team to help Cyntoia Brown, a former child sex slave who killed her abuser when she was 16. Brown's case went viral when it emerged she had already served 13 years of a life sentence, and she eventually secured the backing of Kardashian in her clemency campaign before being freed. Rogel Aguilera-Mederos Kardashian has helped reduce the sentencing of Colorado inmate Rogel Aguilera-Medoros, who will be eligible for parole beginning Dec. 30, 2026, as result of the commuted sentence. He was initially sentenced to 110 years in prison on December 13 by Judge Bruce Jones, who cited state law mandated the sentencing. Aguilera-Mederos said in court testimony that in the April 25, 2019 crash on Interstate 70 in Lakewood, Colo., the brakes on his semitrailer, which he was transporting lumber in, didn't work, causing the truck to careen into vehicles ahead, leading to an explosive pileup in which four people were killed and six people were injured. Jeffrey Stringer In May 2019, Kardashian helped get Jeffrey Stringer out of a Florida prison, after he was locked up for more than two decades for a low-level drug case. The reality star tweeted she helped fund his case after he had been sentenced to life in prison. Kevin Cooper Also in 2019, Kardashian posed for a picture alongside a convicted killer on death row at the notorious San Quentin prison, after she launched a legal campaign to secure his release. The reality TV star spent two hours talking with quadruple murderer Kevin Cooper in an 'emotional' meeting, and later said she was convinced he had been framed. He currently remains on death row. Advertisement If they're required to provide the names and contact information for all witnesses, they ask that defense attorneys not be allowed to share the witness lists with their clients, clients family members or anyone else. Prosecutors said they have 'significant safety concerns' for their witnesses based on threats and violence from gang members. Glanville, on July 6, issued a temporary order instructing defense attorneys to withhold contact information of prosecution witnesses from their clients. He said he will modify the order after hearing more evidence from prosecutors. Kardashian has been active in her efforts for criminal reform in recent years, as she worked with federal authorities on the prison release of Alice Marie Johnson, who was pardoned from a life sentence in 2018 stemming from a 1996 conviction on nonviolent drug charges. Plea: In November, Kardashian urged Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt to spare the life of death row inmate Julius Jones (pictured) Killing: Jones was convicted of murder in the 1999 shooting of 45-year-old Paul Howell (pictured) Last year, she spurred efforts to prevent the execution of Oklahoma inmate Julius Jones and to reduce the sentencing of Colorado inmate, Rogel Aguilera-Mederos, both of whom were involved in high-profile cases. In November, Kardashian urged Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt to spare the life of death-row inmate Jones, who was due to be executed in three days, after the governor refused to see his mother. Jones, 41, was scheduled to be executed for the 1999 shooting death of businessman, Paul Howell, during a carjacking. He maintained his innocence and claimed he was framed by the actual killer, Christopher Jordan, a high school friend and co-defendant who testified against Jones and was released from prison after 15 years. Kardashian, an outspoken advocate of criminal justice reform in recent years, said they were all 'anxiously waiting' Stitt's decision. The state's Pardon and Parole Board voted 3-1 to recommend Stitt grant clemency to Jones and commute his sentence to life in prison. Stitt later commuted Jones' death sentence to life without parole, just four days before his scheduled execution. Speaking out: Kardashian made her thoughts on the scheduled execution clear in a series of tweets shared with followers last November The latest: In December, Kardashian (L) thanked Colorado Gov. Jared Polis after he reduced the sentence of truck driver Rogel Aguilera-Mederos (R) to 10 years from 110 years in connection with a deadly 2019 crash Thank you: Kardashian took to Instagram Stories to show her gratitude to the governor for his actions in the case, that was the focus of national attention The following month, Kardashian thanked Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, after he reduced the sentence of truck driver Rogel Aguilera-Mederos to 10 years from 110 years in connection with a deadly 2019 crash. The TV personality took to Instagram Stories to show her gratitude to the governor for his actions in the case. 'Thank you @Govofco for taking action to reduce Mr. Aguilera-Mederos sentence!' Kardashian said. 'While his new sentence is 10 years, he will now have an opportunity to come home in five years and be with his son and wife.' Appreciation: Kardashian also shared a copy of the official executive order, thanking the governor for his actions in the case Kardashian said 'this case was a clear example of why mandatory minimums dont work and need to be abolished,' adding that she was 'grateful to Governor Polis for his empathy and leadership on this case.' The governor said in a commutation letter to Aguilera-Mederos: 'The length of your 110-year sentence is simply not commensurate with your actions, nor with penalties handed down to others for similar crimes. Speaking out: Last year Kardashian took to Instagram to state her support for the truck driver 'There is an urgency to remedy this unjust sentence and restore confidence in the uniformity and fairness of our criminal justice system, and consequently I have chosen to commute your sentence now.' Aguilera-Mederos, 26, will be eligible for parole beginning Dec. 30, 2026, as result of the commuted sentence. He was initially sentenced to 110 years in prison by Judge Bruce Jones, who cited that state law mandated the sentencing, adding, 'I will state that if I had the discretion, it would not be my sentence,' according to The Denver Post. Aguilera-Mederos said in court testimony that the brakes on his semitrailer, in which he was transporting lumber, didn't work, causing the truck to careen into vehicles ahead, leading to an explosive pileup in which four people were killed and six people were injured in the April 25, 2019 crash on Interstate 70 in Lakewood, Colo., The people killed in the crash were identified as Miguel Angel Lamas Arellano, 24; William Bailey, 67; Doyle Harrison, 61; and Stanley Politano, 69. Triumph: Kardashian has also successfully petitioned for the release of elderly grandmother Alice Marie Johnson, after she was sentenced to life in prison for drug-related offenses Salvation: Kardashian posed with Johnson months after her life sentence for a non-violent drug conviction was commuted by then US President Donald Trump Kardashian has also successfully petitioned for the release of elderly grandmother Alice Marie Johnson, after she was sentenced to life in prison for drug-related offenses. Johnson - a single mother struggling to provide for her five children - acted as a go-between and relayed messages to drug dealers, but claims she never sold narcotics during her involvement with a group who sold cocaine to Tennessee. Johnson, along with 14 others, were arrested on drug and money laundering charges in 1993. During the trial, 10 of the defendants testified against her in exchange for reduced or dropped charges. White House: Kardashian met Trump (pictured) to highlight the case of Alice Johnson, prompting her release Reaching out: Kardashian enlisted her legal team to help in Johnson's case as well as Cyntoia Brown (pictured in court), a former child sex slave who killed her abuser when she was 16 Free her: Kardashian referenced Brown in a tweet shared with Twitter followers in 2017 Kardashian enlisted her legal team to help in Johnson's case as well as Cyntoia Brown, a former child sex slave who killed her abuser when she was 16. Brown's case went viral when it emerged she had already served 13 years of a life sentence, and she eventually secured the backing of Kardashian in her clemency campaign. Then 16-year-old Brown was sex trafficked by a pimp named Kutthroat, who was physically, sexually and verbally abusive and eventually sold her to 43-year-old Nashville realtor, Johnny Allen, a court heard during her trial in 2004. Final say: Former Tennessee Gov. BIll Haslam granted Brown-Long clemency, saying that 'imposing a life sentence on a juvenile that would require her to serve at least 51 years before even being eligible for parole consideration is too harsh' Concern: Brown (pictured above) said she worried the attention brought to her story from celebrities like Kim Kardashian would rub then Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam the wrong way Brown, who feared the former Army sharp shooter Allen planned to kill her, eventually grabbed one of her captor's guns and killed him, Fox17 reported. Tweeting in 2017, Kardashian wrote: 'The system has failed. It's heart breaking to see a young girl sex trafficked then when she has the courage to fight back is jailed for life! 'We have to do better & do what's right. I've called my attorneys yesterday to see what can be done to fix this. #FreeCyntoiaBrown.' Face to face: The reality TV star spent two hours talking with quadruple murderer, Kevin Cooper, at San Quentin prison in 2018 Innocent man: Kim later took to Twitter to reaffirm her stance on Cooper's innocence Brown was released after Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam granted her clemency, saying that 'imposing a life sentence on a juvenile that would require her to serve at least 51 years before even being eligible for parole consideration is too harsh, especially in light of the extraordinary steps Ms. Brown has taken to rebuild her life.' Brown later admitted that Kardashian's support was not exactly in her best interest, especially when Halsam was considering her clemency. 'I was so nervous and the I was like, I don't want the governor to think I've done this to like try to kind of like push his hand,' she tells NBC Nightly News. 'Like that could backfire. That could look very bad.' Awaiting execution: Cooper had been awaiting death since 1983 for the grisly murders of two parents, their ten-year-old daughter and her friend in California Family photo: Peggy, Doug, Jessica and Joshua Ryens, who was the lone survivor of a hatchet attack in 1985 'We had actually heard back from the governor's counsel that the whole Kim Kardashian thing was not helping. So I was kind of fearful.' In 2019, Kardashian posed for a picture alongside a convicted killer on death row at the notorious San Quentin prison, after she launched a legal campaign to secure his release. The reality TV star spent two hours talking with quadruple murderer Kevin Cooper in an 'emotional' meeting, and later said she was convinced he had been framed. The pair stood arm-in-arm to pose for a picture after the meeting. Kim, dressed modestly in a black zip-up, smiled as she rested her head on the shoulder of the towering Cooper, who adorned a beaming grin. 'I had an emotional meeting with Kevin Cooper yesterday at San Quentin's death row,' she tweeted. 'I found him to be thoughtful, honest and I believe him to be innocent of the crimes for which he was convicted.' Cooper had been awaiting death since 1983 for the grisly murders of two parents, their 10-year-old daughter and her friend. Cooper has vehemently protested his innocence since the time of his arrest. In October 2018, Kim asked then-California Gov. Jerry Brown to re-open Cooper's case to investigate new potential evidence that may prove hes not the culprit, prompting Brown to conduct a DNA test against Cooper and evidence found at the scene. California's new governor, Gavin Newsom - who is staunchly against capital punishment - ordered additional testing in February. In custody: Brown was arrested in 1983 and convicted in 1985 for the gruesome murders of two children and two adults, but he has always maintained his innocence Getting involved: A source said she stayed at San Quentin (pictured) for several hours meeting inmates and staff Cooper was sentenced to death for the slaying of Douglas and Peggy Ryens, their 10-year-old daughter Jessica, and 10-year-old Chris Hughes, who was staying at their house in Chino Hills in San Bernardino County. During Cooper's appeal, testing of evidence, including a t-shirt believed to have belonged to the killer, was found to have his blood - and test tube preservative on it. This indicated the blood on the shirt had been put there from inside a test tube of Cooper's blood, not splattered on during the quadruple murder. Advocates argue that the San Bernardino Sheriffs Department tampered with DNA evidence to frame Cooper and that this evidence found on a T-shirt Cooper says he never wore should be retested. Petition: Kardashian also unsuccessfully sought to stop the execution of Brandon Bernard (right), who was sentenced to death for his involvement in the murders of two youth ministers in 1999. He was executed in December 2020 Explanation: Kardashian explained Bernard's case in a Twitter thread shared with followers shortly before his execution Murder: Bernard was sentenced to death for killing married youth ministers Todd and Stacie Bagley (pictured) with the help of four teenage accomplices in Killeen, Texas, in June 1999 Witnesses also said they had seen three white men driving - what was believed to be the family car - away from the home, but cops focused on Cooper instead. The California man has been fighting to have evidence in his case re-examined for years. Five judges even agreed that he was wrongly convicted, but he has remained behind bars and is currently still on death row. In May, 2019 Kardashian helped get Jeffrey Stringer from Miami out of prison after he was locked up for more than two decades for a low-level drug case. The reality star tweeted that she helped fund his case after he had been sentenced to life in prison. More recently, Kardashian unsuccessfully sought to stop the execution of Texas man Brandon Bernard, who was sentenced to death for his involvement in the 1999 murders of two youth ministers. The reality star-turned-prison reform advocate highlighted the case in a tweet posted in 2020, writing: 'A terrible case has been brought to my attention and I need your help. Without it, on December 12th Brandon Bernard is going to be executed for a crime he participated in as a teenager.' Bernard was given the death penalty in 2000 for killing Todd and Stacie Bagley with the help of four accomplices, all of whom were teenagers at the time, in Killeen, Texas. The teens were accused of holding the Bagleys at gunpoint and stealing their car before shooting them dead and burning their bodies in the trunk. Mercy: Kardashian said that she knows Bernard's actions were inexcusable, but she doesn't think he deserves to die because of something he did when he was 18. Pictured: Bernard holds a photo of himself with family in an undated photo from prison Bernard's attorneys had asked a federal judge to postpone his execution, claiming that prosecutors suppressed critical evidence during his trial two decades ago. The defense said Bernard was not with his four accomplices when they kidnapped the Bagleys, and that he only became involved later because he was a low-level member of a gang that ordered the killings. One of Bernard's five co-defendants, Christopher Vialva, was executed in September 2020. Prosecutors said it was Vialva who shot both Todd and Stacey Bagley and made the order to torch their car. Bernard was subsequently executed at United States Penitentiary, Terre Haute, in December 2020. The Keeping Up With The Kardashians star registered with the California State Bar to study law to become a fully-fledged lawyer, following in the footsteps of her late father Robert. Kardashian was required to earn 60 college credits and then work as an apprentice at a law firm in San Francisco with the intention to take the Bar Exam in 2022. Advertisement Amber Turner looked ultra glamorous as she stepped out on Wednesday evening for ITV's Summer Party at London's swanky Sanderson hotel. The 29-year-old was joined by her The Only Way Is Essex co-stars Chloe Brockett and Courtney Green for the star-studded bash. She opted for an orange cut-out number, while Chloe amped up the glamour with a feather hemmed dress, and Courtney went for a chic two-piece. TOWIE out on the town! Amber Turner (left) flashed her torso in a satin number on Wednesday as she joined glamorous co-stars Chloe Brockett (centre) and Courtney Green (right) for ITV's star-studded Summer Party Amber's satin dress featured a cut-out torso design with a metal chain detail wrapping around her midriff, which also decorated the open back. She paired the orange number with open-toed gold heels and a tiled design gold clutch bag, with a silver watch and stacked bracelet collection. The reality star had her lengthy blonde locks styled in a loose curl, opting for a pink-toned palette of makeup. Birthday date night: Amber, who was also celebrating her 29th birthday, was joined by boyfriend Dan Edgar as the pair arrived arm-in arm Wow! Her satin dress featured a cut-out torso design with a metal chain detail wrapping around her midriff, which also decorated the open back Glammed up: The reality star had her lengthy blonde locks styled in a loose curl, opting for a pink-toned palette of makeup Amber, who was also celebrating her 29th birthday, was joined by boyfriend Dan Edgar as the pair arrived arm-in arm. Dan kept his look more simple for the evening, donning black trousers, a plain black T-shirt and taupe loafers. Meanwhile, Chloe went for a bright look with a yellow dress from House of CB, which featured a feather detailed hem and asymmetrical one-shoulder neckline. Amping up the ante: Meanwhile, Chloe went for a bright look with a yellow dress from House of CB, which featured a feather detailed hem and asymmetrical one-shoulder neckline Simple chic: Courtney also made a chic appearance at the bash with a simple two-piece, consisting of a white maxi skirt with a thigh-grazing slit, paired with a black crop top Pose: She showed off her gorgeous figure in the ensemble, adding a a pair of open-toed mule heels and chain-strapped handbag The 21-year-old went for a pair of perspex heeled shoes, keeping her accessories simple with metal silver bangles, rings an a matching watch. Her chocolate tresses were pulled back into a ponytail, with some locks left down around the front section to frame her face, alongside lashings of makeup. Courtney also made a chic appearance at the bash with a simple two-piece, consisting of a white maxi skirt with a thigh-grazing slit, paired with a black crop top. Pals: The trio were joined by a slew of their other castmates, with Chloe appearing hand-in-hand with pal Chloe Meadows Making an entrance: The blonde looked ultra glamorous in a mesh gown with a spotted print, frilled panel detail and plunging neckline, paired with glimmering strapped heels She showed off her gorgeous figure in the ensemble, adding a a pair of open-toed mule heels and chain-strapped handbag. The star, 27, allowed her hair to fall freely in a brushed out wave, while opting for a full yet radiant palette of makeup. The trio were joined by a slew of their other castmates, with Chloe appearing hand-in-hand with pal Chloe Meadows. The blonde looked ultra glamorous in a mesh gown with a spotted print, frilled panel detail and plunging neckline, paired with glimmering strapped heels. Plunging! Ella Rae Wise also amped up the ante in a sequin encrusted extreme plunging gown as she made her way from the bash Ella Rae Wise also amped up the ante in a sequin encrusted extreme plunging gown as she made her way from the bash. While Dani Imbert went for a glam skirt and corset look, as former TOWIE stars such as Ferne McCann and Billie Faiers stepped out for the evening. And the group certainly had a good time at the event, as Saffron Lempriere was snapped having a ball as she clambered onto a motorbike. Ella and Dani giggled alongside the barefoot blonde, as pal Bobby Norris jumped on the back with her for the boozy antics. Stunning: While Dani Imbert went for a glam skirt and corset look Boozy: And the group certainly had a good time at the event, as Saffron Lempriere was snapped having a ball as she clambered onto a motorbike Going for a spin: Ella and Dani giggled alongside the barefoot blonde, as pal Bobby Norris jumped on the back with her for the boozy antics Guests: Former TOWIE stars such as Ferne McCann and Billie Faiers stepped out for the evening Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Choo Kyung-ho, second from left, speaks during a tax policy deliberation committee meeting at the Korea Federation of Banks in central Seoul, Thursday. To his right is CJ Group Co-chairman Sohn Kyung-shik who heads the committee. The ministry announced a tax code revision proposal aimed at revitalizing the economy on the same day. Yonhap Gov't to lower maximum corporate tax rate to 22% from 25% By Yi Whan-woo The government will extend a 50-percent cut on income taxes for highly-skilled foreign engineers to 10 years from the current five years in a bid to attract more talented workers from abroad and encourage such people to stay longer amid growing concerns of a population decline. The government will also offer a flat income tax rate of 19 percent for foreigners who work in Korea. The flat income tax rate has only been offered to foreigners who have worked for five years or less in Korea. They are subject to normal progressive income tax rates of between 6 percent and 45 percent afterward. The new measures come as Asia's fourth-largest economy faces a population crisis due to a chronically-low birth rate and fast population aging that has impacted the country's growth potential. Announced by the Ministry of Economy and Finance, Thursday, the tax incentives for foreigners are a part of the first tax code revision proposed by the Yoon Suk-yeol administration on its path for a market-oriented economy. The tax burden, according to the ministry, has been rising too fast under the previous Moon Jae-in administration and was regarded as one of the key regulations that obstruct business innovation led by the private sector. A total of 18 tax codes are targeted for revision, under three major goals of revitalizing the economy, stabilizing the people's livelihood and creating a taxpayer-friendly environment. The government plans to submit the tax reform proposal to the National Assembly for approval before Sept. 2, after drafting a guideline and undergoing other related processes. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Choo Kyung-ho attends a plenary session at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, Thursday. The finance ministry announced a proposal for tax code revision on the same day, with a plan to win an Assembly approval before Sept. 2. Yonhap Former TOWIE star Tom Pearce is engaged! The Dubai-based reality star, 33, proposed to his stunning beautician girlfriend Rebecca Walker during a romantic beach dinner in Bali on Wednesday night. The pair looked delighted as they posed together afterwards as Rebecca showed off her stunning diamond ring. Down on one knee! Former TOWIE star Tom Pearce is engaged to his stunning girlfriend Rebecca Walker Rebecca flashed her abs in a skimpy white crop top and floaty green trousers for the big night while Tom looked suave in a black shirt and smart trousers. Tom also shared a snap of the exact moment he got down on one knee as she threw her head back with shock and happiness. They later posed for a sweet picture at the dinner table as they sipped on celebratory champagne before cuddling up in another cute picture. Happy! The Dubai-based reality star, 33, proposed to the beautician during a romantic beach dinner in Bali on Wednesday night Big news: The pair looked delighted as they posed together afterwards as Rebecca showed off her stunning diamond ring Tom captioned his engagement post: 'The girl said yes!' along with a ring emoji. Close friend and TOWIE star Diags commented: 'Congratulations Tommy P you pair of sexy lil mofos!' Joey Essex said underneath: 'Congratulations my brother!' while Oliver Cheshire wrote: 'Congratulations!' Cheers to us! They later posed for a sweet picture at the dinner table as they sipped on celebratory champagne Announcement: Tom captioned his engagement post: 'The girl said yes!' along with a ring emoji Getting away: The pair had shared sweet loved-up snaps of their Bali holiday in the week before as they went surfing and soaked up the sun The pair had shared sweet loved-up snaps of their Bali holiday in the week before as they went surfing and soaked up the sun. It is not known when the stunning couple first began dating but they started featuring on each other's Instagram accounts at the start of 2019. Tom's last known high-profile relationship with Made In Chelsea star Emily Blackwell in 2018. Love: It is not known when the stunning couple first began dating but they started featuring on each other's Instagram accounts at the start of 2019 Holidays: The pair also shared several loved-up snaps from various trips to Dubai earlier this year Tom shared sweet loved-up snaps with Emily to mark her 22nd birthday as they put on a smitten display. A source said of the start of their relationship at the time: 'Emily and Tom had a secret relationship last summer but have recently got back in touch. 'They kept their romance private when they first dated but have now started to tell more of their close pals.' Former flame: Tom's last known high-profile relationship with Made In Chelsea star Emily Blackwell in 2018 Exes: Tom shared sweet loved-up snaps with Emily to mark her 22nd birthday as they put on a smitten display Tom starred on TOWIE from 2012 before quitting three years later to focus on his career as an equity broker. During his time on the show he was best known for his brief on-off fling with Lucy Mecklenburgh. The pair struck up a friends with benefits relationship after her toxic split from Mario Falcone. The pair then called it off when she didn't want another serious relationship. Previous to Lucy he enjoyed dalliances with Lauren Pope, Abi Clarke, Fran Parman and Grace Andrews - who all appeared on TOWIE. History: During his time on TOWIE he was best known for his brief on-off fling with Lucy Mecklenburgh (pictured in 2013 together) Vick Hope looked sensational on Wednesday evening as she attended ITV's star-studded Summer Party in London. The radio presenter, 32, who is engaged to Calvin Harris, 38, put on a leggy display in a chic blue and white mini dress. She elevated her height in a pair of gold heels as she strut into the swanky Sanderson hotel where the event was held. Stunning: Vick Hope looked sensational in a chic blue and white mini dress on Wednesday evening as she attended ITV 's star-studded Summer Party in London Vick carried a shiny black handbag and flashed her dazzling diamond engagement ring. The star sported a soft glam makeup look with a glossy nude lip, while styling her brunette locks back in a bun. Last month, Vick and Calvin made their first public declaration of love on Saturday while relaxing on a Spanish beach, just weeks after confirming their engagement. Stylish: The radio presenter, 32, who is engaged to Calvin Harris, 38, elevated her height in a pair of gold heels as she strut into the swanky Sanderson hotel where the event was held Gorgeous: Vick carried a shiny black handbag and accessorised with dainty blue and gold jewellery The couple shared a passionate kiss as they mingled with oblivious holidaymakers in Ibiza, where they are currently enjoying a summer holiday. On 24th May, it was revealed that Calvin is engaged to Vick after proposing to the Radio 1 DJ at his farm in Ibiza. Friends close to the couple said they have been an item for five months and are 'smitten' following a whirlwind romance. Vick has been wearing her diamond engagement ring for weeks after Calvin popped the question underneath a tree at his Ibiza farm, Terra Masia. A source told MailOnline: 'Calvin and Vick's relationship has moved quickly but they're smitten with each other. 'They could not be happier and are already planning their wedding, which is set to take place in Ibiza, where they grew close during Vick's secret visits to the White Isle. 'After keeping their relationship private, they decided to go public at the Chelsea Flower Show on Monday, they want everyone to now know their happy news.' Neil Patrick Harris unveiled his bold new arm tattoo of a rabbit in a magician's hat on Instagram on Wednesday. The How I Met You Mother actor, 49, proudly posted snaps of the inking which he got during a visit to a tattoo parlour in London during his summer trip to Europe. The design featured a rabbit sat on the top of a hat with a red card and was located on the top of his bicep. Inking: Neil Patrick Harris unveiled his bold new arm tattoo of a rabbit in a magician's hat on Instagram on Wednesday He penned in the caption: 'I got some ink. Wanted a second tattoo for a while, and thought London was the ideal place to get a proper magician's top hat. '@thomascarlijarlier is simply remarkable, and a true gentleman. Check out his larger work, I'm just amazed by the detail. #grateful @noireinklondon.' He also shared a snap with tattoo artist Thomas as they posed together after the design was complete. Bold: The How I Met You Mother actor, 49, proudly posted snaps of the inking which he got during a visit to a tattoo parlour in London during his summer trip to Europe It comes as Neil is reportedly set to take on the role of nostalgic villain The Toymaker during his guest-starring stint in Doctor Who's 60th anniversary special. The star will play the 'greatest enemy the Doctor has ever faced', as previously confirmed by showrunner Russell T Davies. But now, rumours of the character - who last appeared on the drama in 1966 - making a return have been swirling after a shop with the name, Mr Emporium, sprung up on the Bristol set. Creative: He also shared a snap with tattoo artist Thomas as they posed together after the design was complete According to The Mirror, it features a sign claiming the owner is 'Toymaker of the Year' and appears to flog 'magical items, games and tricks'. Originally played by Michael Gough in The Celestial Toymaker four-part storyline, it is the mostly missing sixth serial of the third season, with only the final episode held in the BBC archives. An enigmatic being from outside of space and time, he caused William Hartnell's first Doctor to become invisible for two episodes and had a number of living toys as his servants. Exciting: It comes as Neil is reportedly set to take on the role of nostalgic villain The Toymaker during his guest-starring stint in Doctor Who's 60th anniversary special Having, at one time, been expected to make a comeback in 1986 in an episode filmed at Blackpool Pleasure Beach, plans were scrapped after Doctor Who went on hiatus for 18 months. Having caught on themselves, one fan wrote on Twitter: 'Neil Patrick Harris better be playing the Celestial Toymaker! I can't bring myself to have it any other way! #DWSR #DoctorWho.' Another added: 'Neil Patrick Harris is so playing the Celestial Toymaker. #DoctorWho.' Someone else said: 'Is it just me who thinks from the costume that Neil Patrick Harris is playing the Toymaker? #DoctorWho.' A fourth wrote: 'Okay, I have a theory about Neil Patrick Harris in the #DoctorWho 60th anniversary specials. What if hes playing a new version of the Celestial Toymaker from the William Hartnell era?' The BBC declined to comment when contacted by MailOnline. Frankie Bridge looked incredible as she enjoyed ITV's Summer Party on Wednesday night. The Loose Women star, 33, turned heads in her plunging black dress at the broadcaster's annual summer party at the swanky Sanderson hotel in London. Frankie showed off her incredible figure in the daring dress as she enjoyed the summer bash with her Loose Women co-stars. Stunning: Frankie Bridge looked incredible as she enjoyed ITV's Summer Party on Wednesday night, wowing in a daring black dress Frankie risked a wardrobe malfunction in the chic dress which featured a plunging neckline that just about covered her assets. She accessorised the dress with strappy heels and let the frock do the talking with no jewellery. The star also showed off a new hair do, with a fringe cut into her blonde highlighted locks. Wow! The Loose Women star, 33, turned heads in her plunging black dress at the broadcaster's annual summer party at the swanky Sanderson hotel in London Gorgeous from every angle: Frankie showed off the backless design as she jumped in her car The annual ITV event is a celebration of the main channel as well as it's sister stations success over the last twelve months. Earlier this month Frankie showed off the results of her hard work in the gym as she posed in a bikini top while enjoying a family holiday in Bermuda. Taking to Instagram the star, 33, looked sensational as she posed poolside with a cocktail. Looking fab: The Loose Women star was looking tanned after her trip to Bermuda this month Party time: Frankie enjoyed the bash with her Loose Women co-stars, including Kaye Adams Strike a pose: She looked in great spirits as she headed outside to find her ride home Celebrations: The annual ITV event is a celebration of the main channel as well as it's sister stations success over the last twelve months The mother-of-two put her toned abs on display as she posed in a tiny orange bikini top. She paired the garment with a pair of brown zebra stripe beach trousers and a matching shirt shrugged over her shoulders. Frankie was immediately inundated with messages of support from her followers, including husband Wayne who congratulated himself on his photography skills. Married At First Sight's Susie Bradley was spotted looking downcast in Jimboomba, Queensland on Thursday following her split from Todd Carney. The reality TV star, 29, appeared glum while running errands in a black t-shirt and windbreaker. She showed off her natural beauty appearing to wear little makeup for the outing. Married At First Sight's Susie Bradley (pictured) was spotted looking downcast on Thursday, following split from Todd Carney It comes two weeks after Susie vowed she would 'never, ever, ever' date again following her messy split from the rugby league bad boy, 36. The reality star added she planned to 'only be obsessed with myself, my babies and my business moving forward'. When fans expressed doubt about her decision, she doubled down by saying she had invested too much of herself into people who didn't deserve it and wanted to be happy on her own. The reality TV star, 29, appeared glum while running errands in a black t-shirt and windbreaker She showed off her natural beauty, appearing to wear little makeup for the outing Hours after Susie confirmed the end of her three-year relationship with Todd in June, she was rushed to hospital when she collapsed at her Gold Coast home. Earlier that day, the cosmetic nurse had shared photos on Instagram of herself posing in a tight grey mini-dress with a glass of wine in hand. She wrote in her caption: 'Officially a member of the Hot Single Girl's Club! What's good to do?' Susie vowed she would 'never, ever, ever' date again following her messy split from Todd (right) The following week, she uploaded a cryptic post about her mental health and deleted all traces of Todd from her Instagram. The ex-Cronulla Sharks player also deleted his Instagram account. In 2019, Todd stepped into the role of stepfather to Susie's eight-year-old daughter, Baby. Hours after Susie confirmed the end of her three-year relationship with Todd in June, she was rushed to hospital when she collapsed at her Gold Coast home. Earlier that day, she had shared this photo on Instagram of herself posing in a tight grey mini-dress with a glass of wine in hand They welcomed their first child together, a boy named Lion Daryl, in April last year. 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. Married At First Sight star Nasser Sultan has mocked Cameron Merchant for paying for a mother's entire weekly shop, then posting footage of her reaction on social media. Cam, who starred on the 2019 season of MAFS, chose a random shopper at his local supermarket on Sunday and offered to pay for her groceries, which she accepted. Nasser posted a video to his Instagram, in which he mocked Cam by filming himself doing a 'random act of kindness'. Married At First Sight's Nasser Sultan (pictured) has mocked Cameron Merchant for joining divisive 'random act of kindness' trend after paying for a mother's weekly groceries 'Cameron Merchant is doing random acts kindness so I thought I'm going to jump on the bandwagon and do the same,' he said. Nasser then turned around and asked a random woman: 'Hello, would you like me to buy you a drink?' He then poured a glass of water and said: 'There you go and it's on the house.' Cameron (pictured), who starred on the 2019 season of MAFS, chose a random shopper at his local supermarket on Sunday and offered to pay for her groceries, which she accepted It comes after Cam chose a random shopper at his local supermarket on Sunday and offered to pay for her groceries, which she accepted. In the video, Cam walked up to a young mother with a seven-month-old baby in a pram and paid the bill for her weekly shop. 'I'm a new dad as well and I understand. I get it,' he told the surprised woman. Nasser posted a video to his Instagram, in which he mocked Cam by filming himself doing a 'random act of kindness' 'It's obviously hard when she's sick and not sleeping well,' the woman responded, before adding that she was struggling 'finding time for myself'. Cameron then asked the woman if she had any advice for new parents, to which she replied: 'Keep going. Keep your head up. 'Some days are tough but others are amazing. Take everything as it comes. If you have a bad day tomorrow would be better.' Cam walked up to a young mother with a seven-month-old baby in a pram and paid the bill for her weekly shop Cameron gave the mum a hug and said: 'Together we can be a little bit stronger.' While many fans praised him for helping out the stranger, others criticised him for recording his 'random act of kindness' then sharing it online 'for recognition'. 'Why film this? These videos make me cringe. If you want to be kind, do it, but please put the video down,' one critic commented below the clip. 'People who have to share their good deeds all over social media are not doing it out of kindness, they are doing it for recognition,' another commented. The trend of posting 'random act of kindness' videos on platforms like Instagram and TikTok has become controversial in recent weeks. Simon Pegg has claimed Star Wars has the most 'toxic' fanbase and revealed he was once part of it. The British actor, 52, is a film franchise expert having appeared in big names such as Star Trek, Mission: Impossible and Doctor Who. During an interview on SiriusXM's Jim and Sam radio show, he was asked which franchise has 'the hardest fans to please'. Speaking out: Simon Pegg has claimed Star Wars has the most 'toxic' fanbase and revealed he was once part of it He instantly responded, 'Star Wars' and added: 'To be honest and as someone who kind of was, you know, kicked off about the prequels when they came out, the Star Wars fanbase really seems to be the most kind of toxic at the moment,' The star then admitted he himself was once a 'toxic' Star Wars fan as he spoke against Jar Jar Binks actor Ahmed Best when Star Wars: The Phantom Menace opened in theaters. He said: 'I've apologised for the things I said about, you know, Jar Jar Binks because, of course, there was a f***ing actor involved. 'He was getting a lot of flack and it was a human being. And because it got a lot of hate, he suffered, you know, and I feel terrible about being part of that.' Opening up: During an interview on SiriusXM's Jim and Sam radio show, he was asked which franchise has 'the hardest fans to please' Talented: The British actor, 32, is a film franchise expert having appeared in Star Trek, Mission: Impossible and Doctor Who Star Wars actors have openly spoke out about online harassment in the past after appearing in the films. Last year, Kelly Marie Tran admitted she is 'so much happier' without social media, and doesn't believe she will ever go back on it. When she was cast in 2017's The Last Jedi, trolls bombarded her with visceral racist abuse and social media harassment, and forced her to delete all social media. The star revealed: 'The Star Wars fanbase really seems to be the most kind of toxic at the moment' Moses Ingram, who plays Reva Sevanda - the Third Sister - in the new miniseries Obi-Wan Kenobi - also recently revealed the racist messages sent to her by Star Wars fans. Ingram, who portrays Sith Inquisitor Reva Sevander on the Disney+ show, took to Instagram Stories to show off a series of bigoted messages she received on social media. The Baltimore-born actress said of the vitriol: 'There's nothing anybody can do about this. There's nothing anybody can do to stop this hate. I question my purpose in even being here in front of you saying that this is happening. I don't really know.' 'The thing that bothers me is this feeling inside of myself, that no one has told me, but this feeling that I have to shut up and take it, that I have to grin and bear it. And I'm not built like that,' she said. 'I've truly been so much happier': Star Wars' Kelly Marie Tran said on Wednesday she'll NEVER return to social media after racist trolls bullied her off it when she was cast in The Last Jedi Ingram added, 'So, I wanted to come on and say thank you to the people who show up for me in the comments and the places that I'm not going to put myself. And to the rest of y'all, y'all weird.' The Star Wars franchise issued a statement in support of Ingram after she publicly revealed the harassment she had experienced. 'We are proud to welcome Moses Ingram to the Star Wars family and excited for Reva's story to unfold,' a tweet from the account read. 'If anyone intends to make her feel in any way unwelcome, we have only one thing to say: we resist.' Another said: 'There are more than 20 million sentient species in the Star Wars galaxy, don't choose to be a racist.' Kendall Jenner has been granted a permanent restraining order from an alleged trespasser. In January, Arnold Babcock, 31, was stopped inside the gated community where the 26-year-old model lives and told the compound's security he was looking for the model. Kendall was granted a temporary restraining order against Babcock in January, but it has now been made permanent, lasting three years. Taking action: Kendall Jenner has been granted a permanent restraining order from an alleged trespasser was stopped inside the gated community where the model lives in January Security guards detained the man until police came during the incident, and although he was arrested, he was released a short time later without charge. Kendall later petitioned for non-violent civil harassment against him. As a result, a Los Angeles County Commissioner granted the 'Kardashians' star a restraining order against Babcock, which will last for three years. In June, another man allegedly tried to find Kendall at her LA home and presented himself at the gate of the star's exclusive community in an attempt to see her, law enforcement sources told TMZ. Although the guards didn't allow him to enter, he then allegedly went around them and climbed over the wall guarding the community. Home: Kendall was granted a temporary restraining order against Babcock in January, but it has now been made permanent, lasting three years The guards were reportedly familiar with the man because he had made several earlier attempts to see Jenner. Unlike his previous attempts, he then scaled the wall in order to get past the guards, though he cut his hand seriously enough to require medical attention in the process. The police were called to the scene and the intruder was apprehended, though it's unclear if the guards got ahold of him first or if the police captured him. Despite his attempt to scale the wall, he was reported taken into custody before he ever made it to Jenner's house. After a trip to the hospital to attend to his cut hand, the intruder was booked for misdemeanor trespassing and released from the jail after 10 hours. Safe: Security guards detained the man until police came during the incident, and although he was arrested, he was released a short time later without charge (Kendall pictured at home last month) In April, a 27-year-old man named Shaquan King gained entrance to her property and attempted to take a nude swim in her pool, TMZ reported. During the frightening break-in attempt he began pounding on the doors and windows and calling out for Jenner, who was home but safe from the stalker. After he gave up on getting her to come out, he tried to get into the pool, though he was subdued by security guards and arrested by police shortly afterward. The catwalk star was later granted a five-year restraining order against the skinny-dipping enthusiast. The stalker also terrorized Jenner's younger sister Kylie Jenner. He spent only six hours in jail for trespassing on Kendall's property and headed to Kylie's home shortly after being released. The cosmetics mogul was able to get her own restraining order against the stalker, though a judge only granted a shorter three-year order. Kendall previously moved out of her last home, located in West Hollywood, in 2017 after she was the victim of a burglary. She had another stalker scare earlier in April, when she told a judge that a Los Angeles Police Department detective told her that a 24-year-old man named Malik Bowker had traveled across the country with the intention of purchasing an illegal firearm to murder her. They claimed that he then intended to kill himself. The catwalk star was swiftly granted a restraining order against him, which required Bowker to stay at least 100 yards from her. At the time, he was being held in a hospital's psychiatric ward, though she claimed that she feared he would seek her out after being released, TMZ reported. Chelsee Healey looked effortlessly chic on Wednesday as she arrived at The BBare & Tara Maynard Launch Edit at Archies in Manchester. The actress, 33, put on a busty display in a white corset top, which featured a draping piece of material that fell to her feet. The soap star, who has played Goldie McQueen on Hollyoaks since 2016, teamed the look with a pair of blue jeans and stylish heels. Stylish: Chelsee Healey looked effortlessly chic in a busty white corset top as she arrived at The BBare & Tara Maynard Launch Edit at Archies in Manchester on Wednesday Chelsee sported a full face of glam makeup, while styling her long locks poker straight with sunglasses on top of her head. Real Housewives of Cheshire star Leanne Brown and influencer Apollonia Llewellyn were also in attendance at the beauty event. It comes after Chelsee is said to have been left 'completely shaken' following the tragic passing of her ex-boyfriend Jake McLean, who died aged 33 following a horror car crash in Turkey. Stunning: The soap star , who has played Goldie McQueen on Hollyoaks since 2016, teamed the look with a pair of blue jeans and stylish heels An insider recently told The Sun: 'The news has understandably left Chelsee completely shaken. 'She knew Jake for a long time before they started seeing each other and things only ended because they lived too far apart. 'It's obviously tragic news and Chelsee sends her condolences to all his family and friends.' Gorgeous: Real Housewives of Cheshire star Leanne Brown put on a leggy display in a black polka dot mini dress and red heels Beauty: Influencer Apollonia Llewellyn showcased her curves in an ab-flashing crop top and mini skirt as she arrived with a pal Her relationship with Jake McLean was made public back in May 2020 during the first coronavirus pandemic lockdown. The star sparked backlash after she was spotted outside his London abode which was more than 200 miles from her Manchester residence which was under Tier 3 restrictions at the time. At the time, Chelsee was said to have been told off about her behaviour by soap bosses and they were 'looking into what consequences she is likely to face'. After her lockdown-flouting trip was exposed, she told The Sun: 'I won't be locking down with anyone I'm seeing because I've got a daughter and she's my first priority, and he's in London and that would be too much of a drama.' Chelsee shares daughter Coco, four, with her jailbird ex Jack Malloy but the couple split in 2016. Her daughter's father was jailed for 12 months in 2015 for dangerous driving, using a vehicle without insurance and driving while disqualified. She's been soaking up the sun in Corfu with her husband Hugo Taylor ahead of their close pal Binky Felstead's upcoming nuptials to Max Darnton. And Millie Mackintosh was having the time of her life at the couple's pre-wedding boat party on Wednesday ahead of their second ceremony, The former Made In Chelsea star, 32, looked stunning in a plunging nautical-print swimsuit as the group sailed out to sea. Sassy sailor: Millie Mackintosh looked stunning in a plunging nautical-print swimsuit at Binky Felstead's pre-wedding boat party on Wednesday evening The reality star shared a series of snaps and videos from the getaway as she documented her lavish trip on Instagram with her 1.4 million followers. Millie looked radiant in her lace-up swimsuit and kept the sunshine at bay with a designer pair of shades. The TV favourite wore her brunette tresses in soft waves as she frolicked on the luxury boat with the rest of the wedding party. Later in the day, Millie opted to for a fitting beige boob tube bikini and a matching mini sarong cover up as she got ready for some down time. Party time: The former Made In Chelsea star, 32, panned over to Binky, who looked stunning in a white bikini and lace cover-up while soaking up the sun alongside her friends Cruising: Millie looked radiant in her lace-up swimsuit and kept the sunshine at bay with a designer pair of shades Toned and tanned: Later in the day, Millie opted to for a fitting beige boob tube bikini and a matching mini sarong cover-up as she got ready for some down time. Millie's former Made In Chelsea co-star Rosie Fortescue sent temperatures soaring as she posted a slew of sensational snaps to her social media account from the boat party. The TV personality and jewellery designer, 32, confidently flaunted her toned physique in a white crochet bikini top and matching sarong and added some bling with gold accessories. Rosie also uploaded a bathroom selfie in a stunning cut-out panel dress which she wore for breakfast before joining the rest of the wedding party. BFFs: Millie posed with her 'bestie for life' Hannah Smith as they celebrated Binky's impending nuptials during the boat party Gorgeous: Rosie Fortescue sent temperatures soaring as she posted a slew of sensational snaps to her social media account Dressed to impress: The TV personality and jewellery, 32, designer confidently flaunted her toned physique in a white crochet bikini top and matching sarong All dolled up: Earlier that day, Rosie uploaded a bathroom selfie wearing a stunning cut-out panel dress for breakfast On Wednesday evening, Binky's Made In Chelsea co-star Ollie Locke shared a snap on Instagram as he posed alongside the bride-to-be, Millie and her husband Hugo Taylor and Rosie. All five shot to fame on the first series of the reality show back in 2011. And 11 years on, the OG cast members of the E4 reality show reunited for their first photo together 'in many, many years' as they celebrated Binky's upcoming wedding. OGs: 11 years after first appearing on screen together Made In Chelsea original cast members Millie, Rosie, Ollie Locke, Binky and Hugo Taylor reunited for their first photo together The fun snap showed the group on a dock as they prepared for a pre-wedding boat party, with Binky and Rosie rocking skimpy bikinis. 'If you know you know OG MIC! The first photo together for many, many years!! @binkyfelstead @milliemackintosh @hugotaylorlondon @rosiefortescue,' a nostalgic Ollie captioned the snap. The five all appeared in Made In Chelsea from the first episode in 2011, with the series following their lives in the affluent London neighbourhood. Back then: The five all starred in the original series of MIC which hit screens back in 2011 (L-R: Amber Atherton, Francis Boulle, Millie Mackintosh, Caggie Dunlop, Hugo Taylor, Spencer Matthews, Fredrik Ferrier, Rosie Fortescue, Binky Felstead, Ollie Locke, Gabriella Ellis and Cheska Hull) Memories: Ollie Locke shared the snap on Instagram as he reminisced about their decade-long friendships Binky and Ollie have remained best friends, with Ollie godfather to Binky's daughter India, five, and Binky acting as bridesmaid at his 2020 wedding to Gareth Locke. Millie meanwhile has been married to her Made In Chelsea boyfriend Hugo since 2018, with the couple sharing two children together. Millie and Hugo originally dated in 2011 while on Made In Chelsea, but split up when it emerged he had cheated on Millie with Rosie. BFFs: Binky and Ollie have remained best friends, with Ollie godfather to Binky's daughter India, five, and Binky acting as bridesmaid at his 2020 wedding (pictured 2012 on the show) Here's to friendship: Millie and Hugo originally dated in 2011 while on Made In Chelsea, but split up when it emerged he had cheated on Millie with Rosie. She announced their deceit in dramatic scenes in the series 2 finale Drama: There's no lingering tension between Millie and Rosie, eleven years on from the infamous MIC series two finale scene, with the trio remaining pals They reunited in the second half of 2016 and Hugo proposed during a holiday in Mykonos, Greece, in July 2017. She was previously married to musician Professor Green, real name Stephen Manderson, in September 2013. The couple announced their split in February 2016 after two-and-a-half years of marriage and finalised their divorce in May 2016 - the same week that Millie went public with Hugo during a trip to Monaco. There's no lingering tension between Millie and Rosie, 11 years on from the infamous MIC series two finale scene which saw Millie humiliate her boyfriend and best pal by announcing their deceit to all their mutual friends at a party. Boat party: The fun snap showed the group on a dock as they prepared for a pre-wedding boat party in Greece Still pals: Binky wowed in a white bikini teamed with a lace floor length kimono as she posed with Rosie in her skimpy black bikini and Chanel belt The group are in Corfu for Binky's second wedding ceremony to husband Max Darnton after they previously delayed her overseas nuptials due to Covid. Binky and Max, 32, tied the knot during an intimate civil ceremony at Chelsea Old Town Hall in July last year but will have a larger celebration with their loved ones this week. The couple are proud parents to son Wolfie, 13 months, while Binky has daughter India, five, with her former Made In Chelsea co-star and ex-boyfriend Josh Patterson, 32. Stunner: Millie looked incredible in a plunging nautical swimsuit which she uploaded to her Instagram on Wednesday from her Corfu hotel room Wedding ready: The group are in Corfu for Binky's second wedding ceremony to husband Max Darnton after they previously delayed her overseas nuptials due to Covid Sizzling: Rosie Fortescue sent temperatures soaring as she posted a slew of sensational snaps to her social media account The pair previously spoke of their plans to host a bigger ceremony in Corfu this summer, with Max telling HELLO! magazine that they plan to have a BBQ on the beach and go snorkelling. They have hired a 'big boat to sail around the coves' and have also secured a cliffside venue for their wedding. They've also rented a private beach where they can enjoy a meal after the ceremony with their loved ones. Binky and Max have been dating since January 2019 after first meeting at private members' club Soho Farmhouse in Oxfordshire. Businessman Max popped the question with a 50,000 statement Art Deco-inspired engagement ring in September 2020 during a romantic weekend in East Sussex. Song-A, an 11-year-old North Korean vlogger, introduces her favorite book, "Harry Potter," in her first video uploaded on April 26. Screenshot from the Sary Voline YouTube channel By Lee Yeon-woo An 11-year-old vlogger whose favorite book is "Harry Potter," written by J.K. Rowling, and who speaks fluent English is not the sort of person you can see often in North Korea. However, on the YouTube channel, "Sary Voline," you can. Her YouTube channel is filled with four propaganda videos describing North Korea as a paradise for children, with plenty of amusement parks, children's hospitals and caring healthcare workers who came by her home when she and her other family members were infected with COVID-19. Through her channel, Song-A introduces her "magnificent" life in Pyongyang in English with a fluent British accent. In the latest video uploaded on Tuesday, she said that Pyongyang citizens enjoy shaved ice, a traditional dessert with sweet toppings known in Korean as "bingsu," which is sold by street vendors all over the North's capital. She promised to introduce the best shaved ice shop to viewers who visit Pyongyang. Song-A claimed military doctors visited her home to deliver medicine when she and her family were infected with COVID-19. Screenshot from the Sary Voline YouTube channel Ashley Roberts was pictured enjoying a fun lunch date with a male friend in London on Wednesday. The 40-year-old looked incredible in a low-cut black top as she giggled while engaging in conversation with her companion. Then the day later, the pretty blonde was pictured heading to work on her daily jaunt to Heart FM in London's Leicester Square. Loving life: Ashley Roberts looked incredible on giggly lunch date with a male pal in London on Wednesday Fashion forward: Then the day later, the pretty blonde was pictured heading to work on her daily jaunt to Heart FM in London's Leicester Square She looked incredible wearing a tight logo-print top by Fiorucci which she teamed with a contrasting preppy mini skirt by Karen Millen. Accessorising with high heels and sunglasses, Ashley completed her fashion look with her favourite white mini Balenciaga bag. She wore her hair up as she trotted off down the street while showing off her tanned legs. Lots to talk about: Ashley had been engrossed in conversation during her lunch date Looking good: She looked incredible wearing a tight logo-print top by Fiorucci which she teamed with a contrasting preppy mini skirt by Karen Millen Details: Accessorising with high heels and sunglasses, Ashley completed her fashion look with her favourite white mini Balenciaga bag Once inside the studios, Ashley posed for a variety of pictures, even going to the toilets to pose up a storm in front of the mirror. Continuing to keep her sunglasses on inside, she threw out various shapes for her latest snaps. Ashley recently declared that she couldn't 'give a f**k' what others say about her fashion choices, revealing she feels more confident than ever. Speaking to The Sun, she said: 'As you get older you start giving less f***s. You are more connected to yourself and wiser. 'I feel excited about the years to come because I feel better than how I felt in my twenties. 'Part of how I express my femininity is feeling sexy.' I'm like, 'Let's get our sassy, fierce, feminine sides out there. Let's embrace that part of ourselves. It doesn't stop with age, right? 'I mean, we've all seen Jennifer Lopez at 52.' Once inside the studios: Ashley posed for a variety of pictures, even going to the toilets to pose up a storm in front of the mirror Jeremy Clarkson's girlfriend Lisa Hogan planted a kiss on the cheek of her famous partner as they enjoyed their lavish getaway to Saint Tropez on Thursday. The couple were in good spirits as they took to A-list hotspot Club 55 for a sun-soaked day out. Lisa wrapped, 49, a supportive arm around her beau, 62, as they enjoyed a high spirited walk across the beach club pier. Getaway: Jeremy Clarkson's girlfriend Lisa Hogan, 49, planted a kiss on the star, 62, on Thursday as they enjoyed a sun-soaked day at Saint Tropez hotspot Club 55 Lisa donned a red and white patterned mesh beach coverup dress for the outing, which she layered over a bright green bikini. The writer accessorised with a silver metal beaded necklace, throwing a tote bag over her shoulder. While the beauty's bright blonde tresses were swept into a tousled bun, with some locks in the front section left to fall. Summer look: Lisa donned a red and white patterned mesh beach coverup dress for the outing, which she layered over a bright green bikini Happy couple: The pair looked loved-up as they strolled alongside one another, with Lisa throwing her arms around the shoulders of Jeremy Lisa's complexion appeared to be kept natural for the sunny outing, as she shielded her eyes with a pair of circular framed black sunglasses. Meanwhile, Jeremy opted for a pair of royal blue swimming trucks with a white pattern detail. He added a linen white shirt to the summery ensemble, alongside a stack of bracelets and a watch to his wrist. Arm-in-arm: They tenderly rested the arms in the smalls of each other's backs as they walked in the sun Extras: The writer accessorised with a silver metal beaded necklace, throwing a tote bag over her shoulder Blonde beauty: While the beauty's bright blonde tresses were swept into a tousled bun, with some locks in the front section left to fall Beachwear: Meanwhile, Jeremy opted for a pair of royal blue swimming trucks with a white pattern detail Barefoot: Carrying his Adidas trainers, Jeremy made his way across the pier while barefoot Carrying his Adidas trainers in both hands, the couple both made their way across the pier while barefoot. Loved up as ever, Jeremy and Lisa giggled amongst one another while glued to the hip. The pair have been together for around five years, after meeting in 2017 - with how they met kept under wraps. Formel model Lisa is the ex-wife of multimillionaire Baron Steven Bentinck, and has previosuly jested that Jeremy 'wears the trousers' in their relationship. She told The Sun's Fabulous Magazine: 'We do have a really good relationship. Jeremy definitely wears the trousers but Id like to think its fairly even, to be honest. High spirits: Loved up as ever, Jeremy and Lisa giggled amongst one another while glued to the hip Windswept: Basking in the sun, Lisa battled with the coastal winds during the walk Making waves: The pair later spent time on a speedboat as they took to the water Leslie Manville is proud to be aging, declaring she has never had any nips and tucks as she flies the flag for the over 60s. The British actress, 66, stars on the cover of AMAZING Magazine in a range of high fashion looks from Louis Vuitton and Alberta Ferretti. In the accompanying interview, the acclaimed actress muses about her refusal to go under the knife, pointing out that she couldn't have played the huge variety of parts she has if she 'still looked 40'. Natural: Leslie Manville is proud to be aging, declaring she has never had any nips and tucks as she flies the flag for the over 60s Photographed by Simon Emmett, the Vera Drake star wows in a series of close-ups and edgy poses as she models designer pieces. Leslie told the magazine she takes great pride in being a poster girl for actors over 60, declaring: 'I'll take it. I trust my instincts more and more as I've got older.' 'I've got confidence, which is useful. I don't feel shy about trying anything.' She added that Botox is definitely not for her, insisting: 'I've had no work done, ever; you can put that on record. I'm glad I haven't! Stunning: The British actress, 66, stars on the cover of AMAZING Magazine in a range of high fashion looks from Louis Vuitton and Alberta Ferretti Ready for her close up: In the accompanying interview, the acclaimed actress muses about her refusal to go under the knife 'What a rocky road that is to start going down and what's the point? I couldn't be playing all these parts now if I still looked 40.' Leslie started her career at just 16, appearing in productions for the Royal Shakespeare Company and Royal Court Theatre. She met filmmaker Mike Leigh in 1979, when he was looking for RSC actors who could improvise, going on to star in a long line of Leigh's films, most notably Topsy-Turvy (1999), Vera Drake (2004) All or Nothing (2002) and Another Year (2010). Acclaimed career: The actress points out that she couldn't have played the huge variety of parts she has if she 'still looked 40' Lights, camera, action: Photographed by Simon Emmett, the Vera Drake star wows in a series of close-ups and edgy poses as she models designer pieces Feeling good: Leslie told the magazine she takes great pride in being a poster girl for actors over 60, declaring: 'I'll take it. I trust my instincts more and more as I've got older' The acclaimed actress is currently appearing in the film Mrs. Harris Goes To Paris, which is already making waves among critics. In director-writer Anthony Fabian's adaptation of Paul Gallicos 1958 novel, Leslie plays Ada Harris, a house cleaner living in post-World War II London who goes on an adventure to buy a Dior couture dress in Paris. She has a string of other projects in the pipeline including a reunion with her Vera Drake costar Imelda Staunton in Netflix hit The Crown. Leslie stars in Season 5 as Princess Margaret to Stauntons Queen Elizabeth, with filming recently wrapping ahead of the November release date. AMAZING Issue 2 is available to buy at theamazingmagazine.com. Follow @amazingmagazine on Instagram for more updates Selling Sunset star Christine Quinn seems to be having a great time in New York City. The 33-year-old reality TV diva from Dallas, Texas was seen in a long, form fitting black dress as she left The Mark Hotel to head out for a night of fun on Wednesday evening. Soon after the siren was seen hanging out with Christian Juul Nielsen, the creative director of AKNVAS and Herve Leger, at a party in images shared to her Insta Stories. Mark it: Selling Sunset star, Christine Quinn, seems to be having a great time in New York City. The 33-year-old reality TV diva from Dallas, Texas was seen in a long, form fitting black dress as she left The Mark Hotel Nielsen said, 'Look who I ran into' as he shared a video of Quinn modeling her outfit at the event. 'And look at what she is wearing, so chic.' Her dress appeared to be a sleeveless crop top that connected to her long, skinny skirt. The TV star added white strappy heels and a tiny white purse. Also on her Insta Stories Christine showed off the goodies The Mark Hotel left in her room. There were cookies and chocolates as well as photos of her magazine covers and Instagram posts. And they left her a stack of her favorite magazines like Vogue and Architectural Digest as well as a bib for her son Christian Jr, age one. Hit look: Her dress appeared to be a sleeveless crop top that connected to her long, skinny skirt. The TV star added white strappy heels and a tiny white purse She needs a cab: The siren also wore diamond and gold jewelry as her honey colored hair was down and her makeup generous 'It does not go unnoticed,' she said. Quinn has been going through some big changes. The real estate agent recently announced that she had left the Oppenheim Group and has been dabbling in her own business, RealOpen, with her husband. The mom of one is no longer working with the Oppenheim Group in star-studded Beverly Hills, and has been putting all her focus on her newest business venture with her husband, Christian. Party time: Soon after the siren was seen hanging out with Christian Juul Nielsen, the creative director of AKNVAS and Herve Leger, at a party in images shared to her Insta Stories Schmoozing with the designer: Nielsen said, 'Look who I ran into' as he shared a video of Quinn modeling her outfit at the event. 'And look at what she is wearing, so chic' The two started a brokerage called RealOpen, which focuses on the real estate industry and purchasing homes with cryptocurrency. In an interview with People, Christine opened up about moving on. 'I had to make a business decision that was for me, so I had to terminate the contract so I could move it over to my brokerage.' She also talked about breaking the news to Jason, her boss. 'Jason and I, we have a really good understanding. I told him, "This comes from a career move. I have to do my own thing." So that's why I made the company.' Swag attack: Also on her Insta Stories Christine showed off the goodies The Mark Hotel left in her room. There were cookies and chocolates as well as photos of her magazine covers and Instagram posts. And they left her a bib for her son Christine's new business has also taken her across the country to sunny Miami, where her brokerage has some listings. Although her time on the Netflix show has come to an end, the hard-worker will still pursue working in real estate and selling luxury homes. She recently shared a post on her Instagram to her 3.2 million followers that she was now, 'Selling Miami.' Chelsea Handler has addressed her split from fellow comedian Jo Koy after announcing on Monday they had gone their separate ways after nearly a year of dating. While on Wednesday's episode of the podcast, We Can Do Hard Things with Glennon Doyle, the 47-year-old blonde said the breakup with her 51-year-old partner has been 'painful.' 'I've changed so much and my love was so big that it just blew me open. And as painful as the ending of something like that is, I'm so well-versed in therapy and understanding that every door shutting is a new beginning and I do believe it,' she said. Ouch! Chelsea Handler has addressed her split from Jo Koy after. While on Wednesday's episode of the podcast, We Can Do Hard Things with Glennon Doyle, the 47-year-old said the breakup with her 51-year-old partner has been 'painful.' Seen in April in Las Vegas 'I'm okay. I feel, you know, optimistic about the future now,' added the pal of Jennifer Aniston. And the talk show star hinted that she might get back together with Koy one day. 'I still believe that my person is coming, whether that is Jo Koy at a certain time or if it's not, I accept that. I love him and he's in his own path,' she explained. So far she has had a lot of ups and downs. 'It's been an emotional rollercoaster,' she noted. Video: The Chelsea Lately star posted a hilarious video on Monday that was supposed to be shared to mark their first anniversary as a couple, but it announced their split 'One day you think you're killing it and then next day you're not killing it.' And she admits that the two split because things were jut 'not working.' 'I think that when you have the grounding and the courage to say that something isn't working, you're saying a lot more than that to the whole world,' she said. 'You're inviting in things that are going to be workable and more suited to your needs and what you're available for.' 'I'm not going to abandon myself,' Handler added. 'I have to choose myself.' Breakup: The talk show host made the announcement in a heartfelt post on Instagram Monday. It was also funny as he touched her chest with a plastic hand Her pals have been helping her cope with the pain. 'In therapy, out of therapy, with my girlfriends, with all my support systems knowing that when you're in pain, sit with it. Not to go away and take an edible even though I've always loved edibles,' she joked. 'Not to try to numb your pain.' She also noted that all the social media PDAs were not her thing, they were his. 'It's nice to compromise, it's nice to show your love publicly. That was something I was never able to do for anybody but I believe Jo needed that,' she said. The split was announced by video on Instagram. Love: In her touching salute, Chelsea write,' To be loved and adored by @jokoy has been one of the greatest gifts of my life' The Chelsea Handler: Evolution star wrote, 'It is with a heavy heart to announce that we have decided together that it is best for us to take a break from our relationship right now.' The post went on to thank their fans for supporting the relationship. The Chelsea Lately show host had only kind words for her new ex. 'This man blew my heart open with love and because of him, my life experience has changed forever. To be loved and adored by @jokoy has been one of the greatest gifts of my life. He renewed my faith in men, in love, in being 100% who I am, and I've never been more optimistic for the future.' The Life Will Be the Death of Me author continued, 'This is not an ending. It's another beginning, and it's a comfort to know that I am still loved and love this man the way the sun loves the moon and the moon loves the sun. YOUR PERSON IS COMING.' Unusual wording: The Life Will Be the Death of Me author continued, 'This is not an ending. It's another beginning, and it's a comfort to know that I am still loved and love this man the way the sun loves the moon and the moon loves the sun. YOUR PERSON IS COMING.' Seen in 2021 She also encouraged her 4.6 million followers to buy tickets to her former beau's upcoming film, Easter Sunday, which opens August 5. A hilarious video meant to mark their first year together as a couple showed their affection. Chelsea posed a question for her then sweetheart asking 'Honey, what have you learned in the last year about being in a relationship with your lover?' The television writer answered, 'That it's fun to be in love and always be in the moment.' To which Chelsea replied, 'Well, you're the one who always taught me to be in the moment, Honey.' She tried to go on, but the Josep actor lifted a plastic hand to her face and hit her tooth, and then comforted a laughing Chelsea by touching her breast instead of giving her a hug. Late night: The talented comic recently filled in as a guest hose for Jimmy Kimmel Live, sparking speculation she might be returning to TV for another late night gig; seen with Kelsea Ballerini The pair met almost two decades ago through a mutual friend which resulted in Jo was a frequent guest on the E! show, Chelsea Lately. They were spotted last September at a Los Angeles Dodger's game and went Instagram official shortly after. The This Means War actress recently returned to television as a guest host for Jimmy Kimmel Live sparking speculation that she might be returning for another late night gig. The funny man hasn't said anything publicly about the breakup. He shared videos on his Instagram stories enjoying a day with folks who appeared to be friends and family at Universal Studios Hollywood and promoting his movie, Easter Sunday. Gwyneth Paltrow expressed that she harbors no regrets over stepping away from her successful acting career to focus on her lifestyle brand Goop. People magazine reported that in a new interview on Sunday TODAY with Willie Geist, the 49-year-old Academy Award winner, who launched the company in 2008 with a simple newsletter, told the host that she feels completely fulfilled after opting for a different career choice. 'I really don't miss it all. I think I'm so lucky that I got to do it, and I'm sure I still will at some point,' the CEO said of acting. 'I don't miss it all': Gwyneth Paltrow expressed that she harbors no regrets over stepping away from her successful acting career to focus on her lifestyle brand Goop. Pictured in 2021 She continued, 'The team is always trying to get me to do a movie, but I really love what I do and I love how immediate it is and how we're able to create product out of thin air that we believe in so much.' The mother of two told Geist, 47, that she finds the experience of developing new Goop products to be 'so powerful.' The Los Angeles native also noted that she does not 'daydream about the movie business at all.' Fulfilled: In a new interview on Sunday TODAY with Willie Geist, the 49-year-old Academy Award winner, who launched the company in 2008 with a simple newsletter, told the host that she feels completely fulfilled after opting for a different career choice. Seen in July 2022 Challenging: The mother of two told Geist, 47, that she finds the experience of developing new Goop products to be 'so powerful' However, Gwyneth's fans can look forward to seeing her on stage at some point as she wants to fulfill a promise that she made to her actress mother Blythe Danner, 79. She said, 'I did promise my mother at some point before I die, I told her I would go and do a play so I'm gonna deliver on that promise at some point.' This was not the first time that The Politician star shared her thoughts on making her career change. In December 2020, Gwyneth admitted on SiriusXM's Quarantined with Bruce show that she decided to pivot after dealing with 'rough boss' Harvey Weinstein for most of her career. She said lost interest in her acting career at a young age after being catapult into the spotlight and enduring an abusive working relationship with the accused rapist who is now serving 23 years in prison for multiple accusations leveraged by women in the industry. Tough: In December 2020, Gwyneth admitted on SiriusXM's Quarantined with Bruce show that she decided to pivot after dealing with 'rough boss' Harvey Weinstein for most of her career 'And, and again, like this wasn't conscious at the time, but I started to feel, and, you know, frankly, I think part of my, part of the shine of acting wore off, you know, being in such intense public scrutiny, being a kid who's like living every breakup on every headline,' she said. Paltrow appeared in a host of movies at a young age, but her breakthrough performance in Shakespeare in Love earned her an Academy Award in 1999. 'So if you compound those things with the fact that like, you know, to be totally candid, I had a really rough boss for most of my movie career at Miramax,' she added. Bye Harvey: The 48-year-old actress lost interest in her career at a young age after being catapult into the spotlight and enduring an abusive relationship with the accused rapist who is now serving 23 years in prison for multiple accusations leveraged by women in the industry; seen in 1999 Harvey co-founded the major studio with his brother in 1979 and ran Miramax until 2005 when he found his own, self-titled group, The Weinstein Company. Paltrow accused Weinstein of assaulting her in a hotel room and is widely credited with helping The New York Times' Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey uncover multiple accusations of sexual abuse and harassment allegations. More than 80 women came forward with their #MeToo story about abuse at the hands of Harvey, and through an investigation with subsequent rape and abuse charges, Weinstein was sentenced to 23 years in jail. She claimed in 2019 that she was merely putting acting on the back burner while focusing on her new online venture. 'What I say is Goop is my full-time passion, and being the founder and CEO of Goop is what I do all day every day, and occasionally when something is the right thing and it works out around my children and my Goop life, I'm able to participate,' she said on the Today show. 'I think I'm just not focused on full-time acting right now.' She announced she was expecting her first baby with fiance James Taylor in May, with the happy news coming just a month after the pair got engaged in Rome. And Maeva D'Ascanio happily showed off her growing baby bump on Thursday as she marked 23 weeks of pregnancy. The Made In Chelsea star, 28, took to Instagram to share a trio of snaps of her blossoming stomach as she posed in a black bra and jazzy, patterned trousers. Mumma-to-be: Maeva D'Ascanio happily showed off her growing baby bump on Thursday as she marked 23 weeks of pregnancy Maeva appeared thrilled with the progress of her bump as she turned this way and that for the mirror selfies. The fiery French reality star wore her brunette locks loose for the bedroom snaps while highlighting her natural beauty with a minimal make-up palette. Maeva also took to her Instagram stories to share a clip of herself posing in the mirror as she checked out her bump, captioning her post: 'Hi'. Bumping along nicely: The Made In Chelsea star, 28, took to Instagram to share a trio of snaps of her blossoming stomach as she posed in a black bra and jazzy, patterned trousers Last month, Maeva told Hello! magazine: 'All my dreams are coming true at the same time. I still don't believe it!' as she announced her baby news. She continued: 'It's all amazing - I just want to enjoy it all as much as I can.' Meanwhile, her co-star and fiance James, 26, said: 'We are more excited every day. Look at that: Maeva appeared thrilled with the progress of her bump as she turned this way and that for the mirror selfies Lovely: The fiery French reality star wore her brunette locks loose for the bedroom snaps while highlighting her natural beauty with a minimal make-up palette Lovely: Maeva also took to her Instagram stories to share a clip of herself posing in the mirror as she checked out her bump, captioning her post: 'Hi' 'My dad told me that, when he had his first child, he never thought he could love something so much. 'And I'm starting to get an inkling of that feeling as this baby growing in Maeva's tummy is pretty special.' After a trip to Japan was cancelled, the couple decided to have a holiday in Italy, where James proposed at the famous Trevi Fountain in Rome. Maeva recalled throwing a coin into the Italian landmark as befits the tradition, and made a wish that James, whom she has been dating for three years, would propose. Overjoyed: Last month, Maeva told Hello! magazine : 'All my dreams are coming true at the same time. I still don't believe it!' as she announced her baby news She told the publication: 'I did my wish which was, "I really hope James is going to propose to me soon.'" 'And then I opened my eyes and he was there on one knee. I was thinking, "Wow, this is it! Is this real?" It was everything I had ever wanted.' The couple's proposal may have come as a surprise to some Made In Chelsea viewers after James admitted to kissing another girl behind Maeva's back on the show in May, in what he described as a 'drunken night' at London nightclub Raffles. Scout LaRue Willis dropped an eye-popping photo for her 303K Instagram followers on Wednesday. The daughter of Demi Moore and Scout Willis was seen completely naked from the back as she pulled her body out of a wood-lined hot tub in the back yard of a Los Angeles home. 'This is going to be the best year of my life,' wrote the songbird in her caption who was celebrating her 31st birthday. Nude alert: Scout LaRue Willis dropped an eye-popping photo for her 303K Instagram followers on Wednesday. The daughter of Demi Moore and Scout Willis was seen completely naked from the back as she pulled her body out of a wood-lined hot tub Facing her future: Willis in 2018 at the Sunset Tower Hotel in West Hollywood The musician revealed her tan lines on her backside making it obvious she wears thong briefs and no top when she sunbathes. Her dark hair was pulled in front and her face was not visible at all. The star was looking down a canyon as she gazed at the coastal fog from the Pacific Ocean, Her older sister Rumer hit the like button. The musician started her promotional push for her album by releasing the first single, Woman At Best, in mid-May. Happy birthday! 'This is going to be the best year of my life,' wrote the songbird in her caption who was celebrating her 31st birthday Great legs! Willis seen in June in Los Angeles; she released an impressive album this year Calling the song 'a love letter to sacred feminine rage,' Willis shot an intimate music video that she co-directed featuring her dancing around a home as her sultry vocals play over an acoustic guitar. 'This song is an ode to feminine creativity, sexuality and freedom, to the idea that I can be all of it without hiding or withholding any piece of myself,' she said in a statement as reported by People, adding, 'I wrote this song with a near prescient clarity, precisely describing the arc of a relationship I wouldn't enter till months after it was written.' The album was released on Friday, June 24, which she celebrated with a party and performance at Scouts General Store in Los Angeles two days later. After having just over a week to reflect about all the hard work that went into the project, Willis confessed the day of the release 'felt so joyful, like it was my birthday, but a birthday when I was a little kid!!' Proud moment: The musician confessed to be feeling 'so nourished by the completion energy' following the release of her self-tilted debut studio album on June 24 Promo mode: Willis kicked off the promotion for her album by releasing the lead single, Woman At Best, in mid-May However, she began to question how much should could actually celebrate after learning the U.S. Supreme Court had reversed Roe Vs. Wade (1973), and thus leaving a woman's right to an abortion up to the states. 'I had a lot of guilt come up when I considered celebrating on a day of so much collective grief, fear and anger,' she wrote in an Instagram post on Friday, July 1. 'And then I had to ask myself, can I exist in this duality and hold both the joy and pride in my accomplishment as well as the collective pain?' After struggling with her thoughts and emotions, Willis 'realized I could, and in fact I could be far better be of service while holding that duality.' She added, 'So with this album, with my life, my spirit, body and soul I pledge to serve from a place of groundedness, deep compassion, empathy, love, Joy and pleasure. She ended her post by thanking everyone who attended the record release party and performance, as well as those who 'celebrated it from afar.' Shonka Dukureh, who had a starring role in the recently released Baz Luhrmann biopic Elvis, has died at age 44. The blues singer was found unresponsive by one of her children at their Nashville apartment on Thursday, according to local law enforcement. Metro Nashville Police Department said there is no suspicion of foul play and a cause of death is pending the results of an autopsy. Dukureh shared her apartment with her two kids and a neighbor, alerted by the child who found, called 911 at 9:27 a.m. Thursday. Shonka Dukureh, a mother of two who was found dead by one of her children in the apartment they shared, is pictured with two children Gone too soon: Shonka Dukureh, who had a starring role as Big Mama Thornton in the recently released Baz Luhrmann biopic Elvis, died Thursday at age 44 Playing Big Mama Thornton was the North Carolina native's first big movie role. She also played the character in the music video for Doja Cat's Vegas from the movie's soundtrack. Doja, 26, - born Amala Ratna Zandile Dlamini - took to Instagram to lead tributes to the talented actress on social media as she wrote: 'Rest In Peace Shonka - an incredible talent taken from us too soon. 'Was a true honor getting to know her and I am so grateful to her for lending her incredible vocals to "Vegas." Her amazing performance in Elvis amongst her other artistry will live on. Sending my deepest condolences to her loved ones.' Sweet: Doja Cat, 26, - born Amala Ratna Zandile Dlamini - took to Instagram to lead tributes to the talented actress as she wrote: 'Rest In Peace Shonka - an incredible talent taken from us too soon Director of Elvis biopic, Baz Luhrmann took to his Instagram to share a gallery of sweet snaps including one of him kissing Dukureh on the forehead with the touching caption: 'A special light went out today and all of the Elvis movie family are heartbroken by the loss of Shonka Dukureh' Director of Elvis biopic, Baz Luhrmann took to his Instagram to share a gallery of sweet snaps including one of him kissing Dukureh on the forehead with the touching caption: 'A special light went out today and all of the Elvis movie family are heartbroken by the loss of Shonka Dukureh. 'From the moment she came into our world, Shonka brought joy, spirit and of course her voice and her music. Whenever she was on set, on stage or even just in the room, everyone always felt uplifted. Shonka was just starting to find a larger audience for her tremendous talent, and I got to see her uplift whole crowds of people at Coachella and beyond. 'A favorite word of Shonkas, in daily use, was "blessings," and I, along with the entire Elvis cast, crew and musical collaborators, feel truly blessed to have had time with her. We send all our love and support to Shonkas children and family at this time.' 'All my prayers and love to the family of this Queen...': Alton Mason also paid tribute Thornton was the first to record Leiber and Stoller's Hound Dog and the single was released in February 1953. Three years later, Elvis Presley released a cover version which became a worldwide hit. Speaking about the role, Dukureh told The Tennessean that she could relate to Thornton who 'was really raw with what she did and very honest and truthful and [made] music as she felt it. And I could totally relate to that.' Sudden: The blues singer and mother of two was found dead by one of her children in the apartment they shared. Police say there is no suspicion of foul play and an autopsy is pending She went on: 'I was very aware and wanting to really be intentional about making sure I was paying respect, respecting her, respecting her legacy, respecting her spirit, respecting everything about what she brought to music and understanding that I'm able to do it because she's done it and laid that foundation.' At the time of her death, Dukureh was working on her first full-length studio album which she described as 'a tribute to the blues music genre in celebration of those fierce unsung pioneering artists and musicians who paved the way for the rock and roll music revolution.' In April, Australian filmmaker Luhrmann had paid tribute to Dukureh who stars in the biopic opposite Austin Butler as Elvis Presley and Tom Hanks as Col. Tom Parker. Luhrmann, 59, shared pics of the two of them together and wrote: 'The whole cast and crew of @Elvismovie are so thrilled and proud of @iamShonkaDukureh, who is playing Big Mama Thornton in the film, for her performance on stage at Coachella with @DojaCat for her new song 'Vegas'.' Plaudits: In April, Australian filmmaker Luhrmann had paid tribute to Dukureh who stars in the biopic opposite Austin Butler as Elvis Presley and Tom Hanks as Col. Tom Parker Dukureh also recorded with and provided background vocals for the likes of Nick Cave, Mike Farris, Jamie Lidell and the Royal Pharaohs, among others. Her initial goal was to become a teacher but later decided to pursue a career as a performing artist. She graduated from Fisk University with a bachelor's degree in theater. She also held a master's degree in education from Trevecca Nazarene University, according to her website. Rosie O'Donnell unveiled her girlfriend Aimee Hauer's latest tattoo while wishing her a happy birthday in a TikTok video, filled with photos throughout their relationship. In the sweet video montage, created by the 60-year-old comedian, the massage therapist, 44, can be seen showing off her fresh ink, an 'R' tattoo on her forearm as she sat on her bed with a beaming smile. 'Happy Birthday Beautiful!' the actress captioned the slideshow, set to the upbeat track Walking on Sunshine. Permanent: Rosie O'Donnell unveiled her girlfriend Aimee Hauer's latest tattoo while wishing her a happy birthday in a TikTok video, filled with photos throughout their relationship Other images showed them cuddled up in a number of different selfies Four days ago, the happy couple made their red carpet debut at the Fonda Theatre in Hollywood. Before O'Donnell hit the stage to raise money for Friendly House, a center catering to women recovering from drug and alcohol abuse, the coupled posed for photos with their arms wrapped around each other. Going strong: In the sweet video montage, created by the 60-year-old comedian, the massage therapist, 44, can be seen showing off her fresh ink, an 'R' tattoo on her forearm as she sat on her bed with a beaming smile 'Happy Birthday Beautiful!' the actress captioned the slideshow, set to the upbeat track Walking on Sunshine Rosie and her girlfriend Aimee attended their first event together just two months after publicly revealing their relationship on Instagram in June. The comedian and the Idaho-born ex-Mormon cyclist embraced in a sweet photo to celebrate the start of Pride month. Aimee has a son named Elliott, 15, as well as an older daughter Izzie Porter. Lovebirds: O'Donnell and Hauer made their red carpet debut on Saturday at Hollywood's Fonda Theatre; seen last week Rosie has five children of her own, including Parker, 27; Chelsea, 24; Blake, 22; and Vivienne, 19, from her marriage to ex-wife Kelli Carpenter, and Dakota, nine, from her marriage to the late Michell Rounds. Last year, during an interview on the Lesbian Speaking podcast, Hauer revealed she grew up in a Mormon household, got married young and had her first child at 21 'out of duty.' After getting divorced, she ultimately came to grips with her sexuality and became ODonnells first public relationship since her split with Elizabeth Rooney in 2019. A North Korean fisherman resists South Korean officials' attempt to hand him over to North Korean officials at the inter-Korean truce village of Panmunjeom, in this Nov. 7, 2019, file photo. Courtesy of Ministry of Unification 'Only judiciary has authority to decide whether they are criminals' By Jung Min-ho The Ministry of Unification has raised doubts over murder accusations brought up against two North Korean fishermen who were deported against their will three years ago based on that claim. A high-ranking official told reporters Thursday that no one other than the judiciary "has the authority to decide whether they are brutal criminals." The latest move by the ministry is a de facto retraction of the claims it made over the fishermen during the previous Moon Jae-in administration. Authorities under the Moon administration accused the fishermen of conspiring with a third man to kill their captain and 15 others on a boat before their escape to the South on Nov. 2, 2019. After a three-day investigation, South Korean authorities sent the fishermen back to the North on Nov. 7, claiming that they confessed to the murders. The high-ranking official said the truth will be uncovered through the prosecution's ongoing investigation. But he refused to comment further on questions including whether the ministry can disclose information about the 2019 investigation. The same day, a government official familiar with the matter also questioned the credibility of the murder allegation, claiming that their confessions were factually inconsistent on simple points such as how many people were on the boat and how they killed them. Munhwa Ilbo, a daily newspaper, reported that they were forced to make those confessions through "cruel treatment." Citing intelligence reports, the official said the fishermen were executed within several days after being sent back to North Korea. Rep. Han Ki-ho, head of the ruling People Power Party's team investigating misconduct involving North Korea during the Moon administration, claimed Wednesday that the murder allegations were an outright lie. Citing a source living in North Korea's northeastern city of Kimchaek, Han said the fishermen were brokers who had tried to help 16 people from five households escape to South Korea. "The two were set to guide the 16 people to South Korea on a fishing vessel, but fled when they realized they were being arrested," Han said during a meeting at the National Assembly in Seoul. Han claimed that the North Korean regime fabricated the story and lied to the Moon administration in an attempt to have the fishermen repatriated. He believes South Korean authorities probably knew what really happened, but went ahead with the deportation. This is not the first time that North has made false accusations of crime against someone to gain what it wants. Rep. Tae Yong-ho, former deputy ambassador of North Korea to Britain, was also falsely accused as a child rapist by the North after defecting to the South in 2016, said Rep. Kweon Seong-dong, the party's interim head. "North Korea's unilateral claims were accepted as fact without verification," Kweon said during a speech at the Assembly. "The Park Geun-hye administration did not trust such claims by the North. As a result, we have the lawmaker, Tae Yong-ho, at the National Assembly." Rep. Youn Kun-young of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea insisted during an MBC radio program that no unlawful methods were used to force their confessions. He was a state affairs secretary for Moon (May 2017-January 2020) when the incident occurred. The Ministry of Unification did not participate in the National Intelligence Service-led probe into the fishermen. But based on the investigation results, the ministry concluded that the fishermen were "not sincere" about defecting to the South. Since President Yoon Suk-yeol took office in May, the ministry has shifted its stance on the matter and disclosed several photos of the fishermen being handed over to North Korean authorities obviously against their will at the inter-Korean truce village of Panmunjeom. Given the small size of the boat 16 meters long, 3.7 meters wide and 17 tons in weight many people have questioned the credibility of murder allegations brought up against them. The boat, the most critical piece of evidence, and the clothes of the crew, were disinfected the day they arrived in the South's waters and sent back to the North in the days that followed. The Seoul city government plans to set up more COVID-19 testing centers and expand their operating hours in response to a new wave of virus resurgence, officials said Thursday. According to the city's virus resurgence response plans, a temporary COVID-19 testing center will be set up in each of the city's 25 administrative districts starting Friday. The operating hours of the existing testing centers at public health centers and designated hospitals will be extended to run until 6 p.m. on weekdays while new temporary testing centers will run until 9 p.m. They will also take turns to open on Saturday and Sunday, respectively, in order to expand COVID-19 testing on weekends, officials said. The city plans to set up more temporary testing centers if the current virus upsurge worsens further, according to the officials. South Korea's new daily coronavirus cases stayed above 70,000 for the third straight day Thursday, up sharply from 38,196 cases a week earlier, due to the fast spread of a highly contagious omicron subvariant. (Yonhap) The U.S. Navy is preparing to bring a Navy Week to Dayton, Ohio during the week of July 25-31, and concluding with participation in the Dayton Airshow. If health conditions permit, the Navy will conduct education and community outreach, including having assets as a part of the Dayton Airshow where the Navy Blue Angels will be featured. While Sailors have previously participated in the Dayton Airshow, Navy Week Dayton will bring between 50 and 75 Sailors from across the Nation to volunteer throughout the community and discuss why the Navy matters to local and surrounding communities. Dayton Navy Week will feature in-person demonstrations, performances, and engagements throughout the week that will include: Senior Navy Leaders Flag officer and senior civilian Navy leaders with ties to Dayton and the surrounding area. U.S. Fleet Forces Band - Performances with Navy Musicians - including Wright State University, Dayton Masonic Center, Courthouse Square, Dayton Children's and Levitt Pavilion. Naval History and Heritage Command Educational presentations and lesson plans about the deep ties between Dayton and the Navy. USS Constitution Demonstrations about the oldest commissioned ship in the Navy. Office of Small Business Program Management Conducting training on how to do business with the Department of the Navy. Navy Blue Angels Tactical aerial demonstrations by the Navys premier F18 demonstration squadron. Every Sailor selected to participate in Dayton Navy Week, except those with an approved waiver for health or religious reasons, will be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Furthermore, the Navy Office of Community Outreach will work closely with community partners in Dayton and follow guidance from public health officials. Navy Weeks are the services signature outreach program, designed to allow the citizens of Dayton to learn about the Navy, its people, and its importance to national security and prosperity. The Navy Office of Community Outreach (NAVCO) coordinates Navy Weeks. We are excited to bring Navy Week to Dayton and connect its citizens to their Navy safely and responsibly, said NAVCOs director, Cmdr. John Fage. Dayton Navy Week will allow us to show the people what their Navy does for them and why the Navy is important to the city, the state, and the Nation. We are excited to spend this time giving back to the city and connecting with those whom we serve. Since 2005, the Navy Week program has served as the Navys flagship outreach effort to regions without a significant Navy presence, with over 250 Navy Weeks held in more than 80 different U.S. markets. We coordinate about 75 outreach events during a Navy Week, said NAVCO Navy Week program manager Lt. Cmdr. Kevin Chambers. Outreach events range from corporate, civic, government, education, media, veterans, community service engagements. The 2022 schedule is exciting for us because the great citizens of Dayton continue to welcome the Navy Week program with open arms and are eager to learn more about their Navy. Similarly, it carried out nine trap cases from Jan. 1 to till-date, based on complaints received on its toll-free number and also on the mobile app. DC File Image Vijayawada: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) sleuths received 8,268 complaints related to corruption on its toll-free number 14400 from 25 November 2019 and resolved 8,213 in the state. It also received 149 complaints related to ACB and 749 complaints related to other than ACB through ACB mobile app so far, and complaints related to other departments are being forwarded to them for necessary action. The ACB registered a total of 41 trap cases and five criminal misconduct cases and took up 118 enquiries, and carried out 83 surprise checks based on complaints received through its toll-free number and mobile app from November 2019 and June in the state. However, from Jan. 1 to till-date, ACB authorities registered eight trap cases and 12 regular enquiries and conducted 13 surprise checks based on complaints received on its toll-free number and booked one trap case and carried out three regular enquiries based on complaints received on the mobile app. Similarly, it carried out nine trap cases from Jan. 1 to till-date, based on complaints received on its toll-free number and also on the mobile app, according to a release from ACB on Thursday. A sub-court in Parvathipuram of Manyam district sentenced six men to life imprisonment on Thursday for killing a man after branding him as a practitioner of witchcraft. Representational image/DC VISAKHAPATNAM: A sub-court in Parvathipuram of Manyam district sentenced six men to life imprisonment on Thursday for killing a man after branding him as a practitioner of witchcraft. Further, the court imposed a fine of 5,000 on each one of them. According to additional public prosecutor B. Venkata Naidu, 45-year-old K. Appanna was found dead under suspicious circumstances in a banana plantation at Sambara village under Makkuva police station limits in Parvathipuram Manyam district on January 26, 2017. Appanna, a farmer, was a native of Suragadavalasa village. Investigation revealed that six persons E. Nagaraju, K. Ravi Kumar, K. Gunnayya, K. Appa Rao, M. Jallayya and B. Simhachalam had murdered Appana branding him as witch and holding him responsible for death and illness of people in their village. Police arrested the six persons and filed a charge sheet against them. The court found all of them guilty and sentenced them to life imprisonment. This is the second time a court has awarded life sentence to those killing people in the name of witchcraft. In 2016, the Second Additional District Judge Court in Vizianagaram sentenced 12 people to life imprisonment in a double murder at Kotha Kamudialasa village under Makkuva mandal of Vizianagaram district. G. Pandu and his wife Sithamma had been killed after being accused of practicing witchcraft. VIJAYAWADA: Chief Minister Jagan Reddy said on Thursday that AP, for the first time, is in a position to compete at the national level in education, health, agriculture and housing. Never in the history of AP had such things been attempted at and nowhere in the country were these things done. Several steps have been taken in the past three years aimed at welfare and development of the people and the state, the CM said. The government has disbursed Rs 1.65 lakh crore by the pressing of a button. The money went directly into the accounts of the beneficiaries of various welfare schemes. This happened only in AP state, the CM said. The chief minister was holding a review meeting on Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), at the CM camp office in Tadepalli. Jagan said that, for the first time and unlike in any other state, the welfare schemes were being provided in a saturation mode as also transparently through direct benefit transfer system (DBT), and duly following the welfare calendar. The CM advised Collectors to take the responsibility of monitoring the SDG report and told the HoDs to supervise it by way of a continuous process. The SDG report should be monitored by the Collectors every month. Asserting that revolutionary changes and development programmes were initiated in health, education and agricultural sectors, the CM said a majority of the welfare schemes like Ammavodi, Sampoornaposhana, Gorumudda, TMS and SMF were not reported up to the mark. Jagan stressed that SOPs specifically related to SDGs should be followed. He asked officials to update comprehensive information related to SDGs. Further, the CM asked the officials to achieve 100 per cent SDG targets in the education sector. A meeting should be held twice a month under the supervision of the chief secretary, for the next three months. Officials must set up an IT Hub in Visakhapatnam with all modern amenities. Prepare an action plan, he said. Chief secretary Sameer Sharma, DGP Rajendranath and HoDs of various departments were present. The first reports of the construction of the Chinese village Pangda, which is around 2 km within Bhutan, had first appeared in 2020. (Photo: PTI/Representational) New Delhi: In a worrying sign for India, new satellite images show that a village constructed by China in Bhutanese territory near Doklam is now fully occupied with cars parked at the doorstep of virtually every home, as part of its salami slicing tactics. The first reports of the construction of the Chinese village Pangda, which is around 2 km within Bhutan, had first appeared in 2020. The new satellite images show that China is moving its men into the village to solidify its claim on the disputed territory. The satellite images accessed by the NDTV news channel shows the village constructed is around 9 km east of Doklam, where the India-China standoff took place in 2017. The news report said China has also constructed a motorway from the village along the Amo Chu River that will give China a direct line-of-sight to the Siliguri corridor, which connects Indias Northeast to the rest of the country at Chickens Neck. The satellite images also show China is nearing completion of a second village and starting the construction of another village in the Amo Chu river valley. Construction and development by China within the occupied territories of Bhutan adjacent to Doklam could become a future threat to Indias interests in the region, this activity also underlines Chinas ability to extend its borders uncontested, tweeted Damien Symon, a geospatial intelligence researcher at Intel Lab. China has also been constructing villages around the Line of Actual Control in Arunachal Pradesh to beef up its defences and also to put pressure on India in the disputed area. These villages will help China to strengthen the weakening border force by balancing the outflow of residents and promises China with better border surveillance and patrols through a network of herders. Last year the Pentagon, in a report to the US Congress, had said that in 2020 China had built a large 100-home civilian village inside the disputed territory between Chinas Tibet Autonomous Region and Indias Arunachal Pradesh in the eastern sector of the LAC. Indian and Chinese troops are locked in a tense standoff in eastern Ladakh since May 5, 2020 when a violent clash between the two sides erupted in the Pangong Lake area. India and China have so far held 16 rounds of military talks to resolve the Ladakh standoff. Tattoo artist Kim Do-yoon, left, and his attorney Kwak Yae-ram speak during a press conference in front of the Constitutional Court in Seoul's Jongno District, Thursday. The banner set up by Kim's tattoo union next to him reads, "Tattoos are a form of drawing art" in Korean. Korea Times photo by Lee Hae-rin By Lee Hae-rin The Constitutional Court upheld its previous ruling against tattooing by practitioners who do not hold a medical degree. On Thursday, the top court ruled against a tattooist who claimed tattooing is a form of art, not a medical practice, and thus tattooists can perform their trade without having to go through medical school. During a press conference in front of the court in Seoul, tattoo artist Kim Do-yoon and his lawyer said the court reaffirmed its previous 5-to-4 ruling against tattooing by artists rather than just medical practitioners. The court called tattooing "an act of medical service" and claimed allowing non-licensed practitioners could endanger people's health. Kim took the case to the Constitutional Court after the Seoul Northern District Court ruled against him. The lower court ordered Kim to pay 5 million won ($3,800) of fines for having tattooed people without a medical license. Kim, 42, is a renowned tattooist who has inked several celebrities, including Brad Pitt, members of K-pop boy band EXO, actor Han Ye-seul and many others. He has over 448,000 followers on Instagram and founded and leads the labor union joined by over 650 tattooists. The country's Medical Service Act defines Kim's art as a "medical practice" and prohibits non-medical personnel from performing any act such as tattooing that pierces the skin. Tattooing without a medical license is subject to fines up to 10 million won ($7,642) or two years in jail. In response, Kim filed a lawsuit against the Constitutional Court. He claimed that regulating the tattoo industry with the Medical Service Act violates freedom of occupation. The court's position on tattooing has been consistent. The Supreme Court's precedent in 1992 defined tattooing as a medical service and criminalized performance by non-medical practitioners. But the tattoo industry has grown fast in recent years, as people began to perceive it as a form of self-expression. The Korea Tattoo Association estimates that over 20,000 tattoo artists perform about 6.5 million tattooing procedures here every year, creating a 200 billion won ($152 million) market. The Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs report shows that, as of 2019, about one in four Koreans in their 20s and 30s have been tattooed, which includes cosmetic procedures such as semi-permanent eyebrow makeup. Along with the growing market, the social norms on tattoos have changed as well. A Gallup Korea poll with more than 1,000 adults from last June shows that 70 percent of respondents find it unnecessary to blur out or cover tattoos on televised personalities. Since 2020, several legislative bills have been proposed and pending at the National Assembly to allow non-medical workers to perform tattoo services, under the condition that they receive strict health and hygiene education. The National Human Rights Commission of Korea (NHRCK) recommended the National Assembly to handle these bills swiftly in March this year. Kim said that he will continue to work in coalition with other civic groups and organizations in the beauty industry to raise people's awareness on the issue until the next ruling in October. A timetable for garbage collection is being worked on to apprise residents of the same, SCB members said. (Representation image/DC) Hyderabad: The Secunderabad Cantonment Board (SCB) is fixing streetlights and streamlining door-to-door garbage collection expeditiously following multiple complaints from residents about poor infrastructure, which is magnified during monsoon. Streetlights are currently being installed in Balamrai, from where it will be extended to other areas, while a timetable for garbage collection is being worked on to apprise residents of the same, SCB members said. We started door-to-door collection of garbage nearly two months ago and it is showing good results. In a few areas, the facility was disturbed last week due to miscommunication; this has now been resolved. We will soon be preparing a chart on the timings, Vijaykumar Balan Nair, the deputy CEO of SCB, said. Each household in colonies is charged `100 while each household in slums `50 per month for garbage collection. However, Nair dismissed allegations of laxity in garbage collection. The garbage is collected on a daily basis from all the points. As soon as it is cleared, the people are bound to dump garbage again. Our workers are on duty from 6 am to 3 pm. A few workers in the slum areas do dump the garbage in their own slums and leave it as such for a few days. This issue will be taken up with the sanitary department, he said. With regard to streetlights, dark spots have been evaluated and support from the electricity department is needed for their installation, said Nair. As it is the rainy season, the power supply has to be shut to install streetlights. As we are getting the support in a phased manner, we are accordingly installing streetlights, Nair said. On complaints of irregular water supply, he said, The water supply was stopped in a few areas due to seepage of drainwater in Trimulgherry. It could not be located on time. These are very old lines and we do not have a map for it. Further, Nair said that open drains are being disinfected as they cannot cover the same due to the presence of slums, which are encroaching on public land. PM Modi, Union ministers Amit Shah and Rajnath Singh, Congress MPs Sonia Gandhi and Manmohan Singh, Union MoS Anupriya Patel, AAP MP Sanjay Singh, BJP MP Jayant Sinha, Union ministers Nirmala Sitharaman and Nitin Gadkari, cast their votes for the election of the President, at Parliament House in New Delhi (PTI) New Delhi: Amid claims and speculation over cross-voting, legislators across the country on Monday voted to elect the 16th President of India. The voting took place at Parliament House in New Delhi and all state and Union terriory capitals where their Assemblies are situated. The sealed ballot boxes will now be flown to New Delhi on Tuesday where they will be opened for counting on July 21. NDA candidate Droupadi Murmu, who is pitted against the united Opposition candidate, Yashwant Sinha, is the clear favourite to win given the NDAs comfortable numbers and a slew of other parties supporting her. President Ram Nath Kovinds tenure comes to an end on July 24, and the new President will be sworn in on July 25. I want to appeal to all voters to listen to their conscience. We all know party whips are not issued and it is a secret ballot. I expect people to use their discretion and vote for me to save democracy. I hope voters will use discretion and elect me to save democracy... Im not just fighting a political fight but a fight against government agencies too. They have become too powerful, said Yashwant Sinha while the voting was still going on. Polling was held between 10 am to 5 pm at 31 locations all over the country. According to the Election Commission, out of a total of 4,796 electors in the list of the Electoral College for the presidential election, over 99 per cent cast their votes. Eight MPs chose to abstain. These include two each from the BJP and the Shiv Sena, and one each from the Congress, Shiv Sena, Samajwadi Party, Bahujan Samaj Party and AIMIM. There was 100 per cent voting by MLAs reported from 11 states and the UT of Puducherry. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the first to cast his vote followed by senior Cabinet ministers. Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman and power minister R.K. Singh cast their votes in PPE kits as they are suffering from Covid-19. The commission allowed the electors who were Covid-19 positive to cast their vote in the last hour of polling or after all non-Covid electors had cast their vote. Former Prime Minister and Congress MP Manmohan Singh arrived on a wheelchair to cast his vote at Parliament House. There were several instances of cross-voting in the polling. I am a Congress MLA but I have voted for NDAs presidential candidate Droupadi Murmu. Its my personal decision as I have listened to my heart, which guided me to do something for the soil and thats why I voted for her, said Odisha MLA Mohammed Moquim from the Congress. However, Chhattisgarh Mahila Congress in-charge Danasari Anasuya cleared air on cross-voting: Wrong speculation is being aired about my presidential election vote. If I voted for the NDA, why would I ask for another ballot before I cast my vote? There was a sketch mark on top of the ballot, not on the names, so I asked for another ballot. The EC denied it. I voted for my party candidate. The sole MLA of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in the Gujarat Assembly, Kandhal Jadeja, voted for BJP candidate Droupadi Murmu, a fact which he himself declared after casting his vote. Shiromani Akali Dal MLA Manpreet Singh Ayali boycotted the presidential poll, saying issues related to Punjab remain unresolved and he was not consulted by his party leadership before deciding to back NDA candidate Droupadi Murmu. BJP MLA from Sitamarhi Mithilesh Kumar left on a stretcher after casting his vote for the election of the President, at the Assembly in Patna. After voting in Bhubaneshwar, Biju Janata Dal chief and Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik said: It is an honour to cast my vote for the presidential election. It is indeed a matter of pride for our state that a daughter of Odisha, Droupadi Murmu, is a candidate for the highest office of our country. We wish her all the very best. Droupadi Murmu, who is set to be the first tribal woman President of India, in New Delhi, Thursday, July 21, 2022. (PTI) New Delhi: Droupadi Murmu scripted history on Thursday by becoming India's first tribal President in the one-sided contest, defeating Opposition candidate Yashwant Sinha. Murmu, 64, won by an overwhelming margin against Sinha after receiving over 64 per cent valid votes in a day-long counting of ballots of MPs and MLAs, comprising the electoral college, to succeed Ram Nath Kovind to become the country's 15th president. After the end of the counting process that continued for more than 10 hours, returning officer P C Mody declared Murmu as the winner and said that she got 6,76,803 votes against Sinha's 3,80,177 votes. All but one MLA from Kerala voted for Sinha while Murmu got all votes from Andhra Pradesh. She will be the first President to be born after independence and is the youngest to occupy the top post. She is also the second woman to become the President. She will be sworn in on July 25. Her victory was sealed after the third round itself when the returning officer announced that Murmu had already received over 53 per cent of the total valid votes even as ballots from 10 states and Union territories are still being counted. Conceding defeat after the third round of counting, Sinha congratulated Murmu and said every Indian hope that as the 15th President she functions as the "custodian of the Constitution" without fear or favour. In a statement, Sinha thanked the leaders of the Opposition parties for choosing him as their consensus candidate in this election. "I also thank all members of the Electoral College who voted for me. I accepted the offer of Opposition parties solely guided by the philosophy of Karma Yoga preached by Lord Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita -- 'Do your duty without expectation of the fruits thereof'," Sinha said. "I have performed my duty conscientiously out of my love for my country. The issues I had raised during my campaign remain pertinent," he said. Immediately after the announcement of the NDA presidential nominee crossing the halfway mark, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president J P Nadda visited Murmu at her residence here to congratulate her. "India scripts history. At a time when 1.3 billion Indians are marking Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, a daughter of India hailing from a tribal community born in a remote part of eastern India has been elected our President!," Modi tweeted He congratulated Murmu on being elected to the top Constitutional post. "Droupadi Murmu Ji's life, her early struggles, her rich service and her exemplary success motivates each and every Indian. She has emerged as a ray of hope for our citizens, especially the poor, marginalised and the downtrodden," he said in a series of tweets. The Prime Minister also thanked all MPs and MLAs across party lines who supported her candidature and said her "record victory" augurs well for our democracy. "Droupadi Murmu Ji has been an outstanding MLA and Minister. She had an excellent tenure as Jharkhand governor. I am certain she will be an outstanding President who will lead from the front and strengthen India's development journey," he said. Soon after counting began and she inched towards the halfway mark, celebrations began in her native town of Rairangpur congratulating "Odisha's daughter", with folk artists and tribal dancers performing on the streets. Murmu belongs to one of the largest tribal groups in the country, the Santhals. Murmu's tribal background not only helped catapult her to the top post, but the BJP by fielding her is also eyeing crucial votes of the ST community in upcoming assembly elections in Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, which have a significant tribal population, besides the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. This also helped her get the support of a number of independent parties including BJD, YSRCP, AIADMK, TDP, BSP, JDS and SAD, besides opposition's JMM, Shiv Sena and Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party in her victory run. By nominating her, the BJP is also seeking to get its foothold in Odisha's tribal-dominated belt, which it has been eyeing ever since it snapped ties with BJD in 2009. Odisha goes to the polls along with the 2024 general elections and so does Andhra Pradesh, where there is a significant tribal population. Murmu had contested the 2014 assembly election from Rairangpur, but lost to the BJD candidate. Born on June 20, 1958, in Odisha's Mayurbhanj district, she catapulted into the national spotlight after being picked as the ruling NDA's presidential nominee in the July 18 polls. It is from Rairangpur that she took her first step up the BJP ladder. She was a councillor in the local Notified Area Council in 1997 and rose to be a minister in Odisha's BJD-BJP coalition government from 2000 to 2004. In 2015, she was appointed governor of Jharkhand and stayed in the post till 2021. She is an excellent orator in Santhali and Odia languages and has worked extensively to improve infrastructure such as roads and ports in Odisha. The low-profile Murmu, believed to be deeply spiritual, is a keen practitioner of the meditation techniques of the Brahma Kumaris, a movement she embraced after she lost her husband, two sons, mother and brother in just six years between 2009-2015. An image soon after her announcement as NDA nominee for the top post was perhaps in sync with this facet -- her sweeping the floor of the Purnandeswar Shiv temple in Rairangpur in Mayurbhanj district. Since 2014, the previous Telugu Desam government has been allowed to borrow only up to 3 per cent of the GDP. In no single year did they borrow under that limit. DC File Image VIJAYAWADA: Special Secretary to the CM, Duvvuri Krishna, on Thursday objected to the comparison of finances of a state with the financial situation in Sri Lanka or with the huge financial debt there. AP has taken loans only by following the norms set by the central government, he has stressed. Krishna addressed the media here with YSRC general secretary and government adviser (public affairs) Sajjala Ramakrishna. He said that, since 2014, the previous Telugu Desam government has been allowed to borrow only up to 3 per cent of the GDP. In no single year did they borrow under that limit. As a result, the fiscal deficit rose to 3.95 per cent in 2014-15, 3.65 per cent in 2015-16, 4.52 per cent in 2016-17, 4.12 per cent in 2017-18, and 4.06 per cent in 2018-19. After the present government came to power, the fiscal deficit in 2020-21 was 5.44 per cent. Due to Covid, the state suffered financially. All the states as also the Center had to face the same situation. However, due to the steps taken by the present government, APs debt decreased to 2.1 per cent of the GDP in 2021-22, he said. The special secretary, speaking about the states finances and debt situation in FY22, referred to the provisional figures released by the CAG. It showed that, for the fiscal 2021-22, the AP government managed its finances in the fiscally most-prudent manner, with the revenue deficit having been limited to Rs 8,370.51 crore and the fiscal deficit to Rs 25,194.62 crore. This translates to a fiscal deficit to GSDP ratio of less than 2.10 per cent. The special secretary said, In the light of the fact that the 15th Finance Commission has recommended a fiscal deficit to GSDP ratio of 4.5 per cent for the financial year 2021-22, the performance of the state can be termed as being extremely prudent. Ramakrishna Reddy said, During the term of Telugu Desam, there was no account for more than Rs 1.10 crore. The Center had answered thus, a question from a TD MP in the Lok Sabha about the states finances. Yet, the TD leaders are carrying on with a propaganda that the state is in a financial mess. They are unnecessarily creating confusion among the people." Hyderabad: IT minister K.T. Rama Rao came down heavily on Union tourism minister G. Kishan Reddy accusing him of spreading blatant lies on flood relief funds extended by the Centre to Telangana. Rama Rao said Kishan Reddy was ignorant in differentiating between the funds sanctioned under NDRF (National Disaster Relief Fund) and SDRF (State Disaster Relief Fund) and was trying to mislead and confuse people by referring to funds sanctioned under SDRF. The SDRF fund is a constitutional right of every state. SDRF is one of the ways the states get back the taxes paid by them to the Centre and (Kishan) Reddy should know about this fact, Rama Rao said in a statement. He also dared him to disclose funds sanctioned to Telangana under NDRF. He alleged that the Modi government at the Centre has been sanctioning a large sums of money to BJP-ruled states which were affected by states, whereas they are sending only inspection teams to non-BJP ruled states affected by floods. Since 2018, till the present, Bihar was allocated Rs 3,250 crore, Madhya Pradesh Rs 4,530 crore, Karnataka Rs 6,490 crore, Gujarat Rs 1,000 crore under NDRF. Are these statistics not correct? Rama Rao questioned. When they can allocate Rs 15,270 crore to the four BJP-ruled states, why cant they provide special funds to Telangana in a similar way, Rama Rao asked. The state minister also challenged the Union tourism minister to get funds allocated to Telangana state just as the BJP-ruled states get. He also demanded that Kishan Reddy should apologise to the people of Telangana for spreading lies about the NDRF funds. If Kishan Reddy has any love for Telangana state, he should bring special funds to Telangana under NDRF. If not Reddy should accept that the BJP government has given nothing to Telangana since 2018, Rao added. Is it not true that the Prime Minister himself conducted a survey on floods in Gujarat and released Rs 1,000 crore under NDRF special additional assistance in the form of advance in 2021? Rama Rao asked. He wondered if Prime Minister Narendra Modi was blind to the problems faced by the people of Telangana. We will keep questioning his discriminatory attitude, Rao said. He stated that the Centre has not responded to the multiple requests of the Telangana government which repeatedly appealed for the allocation of special funds during the floods in Hyderabad. Himachal Pradesh, which is going to the polls shortly, has got a new chief secretary. Ram Dass Dhiman, a 1988-batch IAS officer, got the coveted post after the incumbent Ram Subhag Singh surprised many by quitting and applying for another sought-after post of state chief information commissioner. But apparently, for insiders and those in the know, Mr Singh had started showing interest in vying for the new post almost a year ago giving ample time to chief minister Jai Ram Thakur to find his replacement. Since Subhag had become the chief secretary in August last year, it is apparent that he began planning his move almost immediately after taking over as chief secretary! Meanwhile, the search for his successor has been a convoluted one. Mr Dhiman has been chosen over three IAS officers including, interestingly, Subhags wife Nisha Singh! The other superseded officers are Ali Raza Rizvi and Sanjay Gupta. The supercession is awkward especially given the superb track record of those overlooked. In the wake of Mr Dhimans appointment, Nisha Singh has now been named as the principal adviser (training) while Sanjay Gupta has been appointed as the principal adviser (redressal of public grievances). Subhag has still a year of service remaining and will bide his time as the principal adviser (administrative reforms) while he waits for his wish to become the states new chief information commissioner to fructify. * Promotions spark off IPS row in Haryana The promotion of several IPS officers in Haryana has triggered a row over the legal aspects of the order. DKB has learnt that a DIG-level IPS officer Hamid Akhtar, who is among those who have been promoted, has asked the state government to modify his promotion order and give it effect nearly six months prior to the orders issuance date. He reportedly sent a representation to the ADGP Crime Branch O.P. Singh two weeks ago requesting him to raise the issue with the state director general of police (DGP) P.K. Agrawal, who is the final authority on the matter. Those in the know say that Mr Akhtars request is not without precedent. Apparently, it is similar to the request of a few other IPS officers who were promoted in 2015, 2017 and 2018 with immediate effect while other IPS officers were promoted with retrospective effect. Mr Akhtar was promoted to DIG with effect from May 26 this year, but according to him, he should have been promoted with effect from January 1 this year. Watch this space for updates. * Quiet change of guard at Niti Aayog Its more than a second coming for Parmeshwar Iyer, the former IAS officer who has quietly taken charge as the new CEO of Niti Aayog, the governments premier public policy think tank. He has replaced Amitabh Kant who completed his extended tenure last month and has now moved on to steer the G20 deliberations as Indias sherpa. Mr Iyer, many will recall, is a former IAS officer who has over 25 years of experience in the water and sanitation sector in both the public and private sectors. The 1981-batch officer from the Uttar Pradesh cadre served as secretary in the department of drinking water and sanitation and also worked as a water and sanitation specialist for the World Bank after retiring from the IAS in 2009. In 2016, Prime Minister Narendra Modi summoned him out of retirement to spearhead the flagship Swachh Bharat Mission, which successfully delivered access to safe sanitation to 550 million people. As CEO of Niti Aayog, Mr Iyer who has rich experience in policymaking will now lead the Aayogs efforts to catalyze economic development and foster cooperative federalism through the involvement of state governments of India in the economic policy-making process using a bottom-up approach. Will Mr Iyers low-ley approach be as effective as his predecessors, who had built a larger-than-life image of the bureaucrat as a celeb thinker? Well wait and see. The political and legal hullabaloo surrounding the cases of Alt News co-founder Mohammed Zubair and suspended BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma has pushed into the background some of the basic issues about free speech. The BJP and other right-wing entities have taken up cudgels against Mr Zubair, and the secular elements are up in arms against Ms Sharma. These partisan positions are perhaps to be expected, but there is a real need to look beyond the cacophony of public discourse. Many will be annoyed over the clubbing of the Sharma and Zubair cases. It may be the case that the police and the courts have acted with alacrity against Mr Zubair as the BJP is the ruling party in many parts of the country, and for the same reason action against Ms Sharma has been tardy. But the common thread in both cases is the issue of free speech. Ms Sharmas remarks (and she expressed regret and the BJP suspended her, as it did not want to be caught on the wrong foot) and Mr Zubairs 2018 tweet both relate to free speech. Those who disagreed with Ms Sharma and Mr Zubair had every right to protest and air their objections without breaking the law. The rights of both Ms Sharma and Mr Zubair to say what they said must be protected, and this protection of the law cant be selective. Mr Zubair cant be singled out, nor can Ms Sharma be protected. The two most troubling aspects have been the flurry of First Information Reports (FIRs) registered in various parts of this far-flung country, and the arrest warrants that are promptly issued by the police. The FIRs do not indicate that the police are doing a good job of chasing lawbreakers. We are also aware of innumerable instances when the police do not prepare an FIR, and even refuse to do so. It seems to follow the rules of intimidation and harassment. In many places and in many situations the loves to wield the power to arrest people. Remember how the Delhi police went all the way to Bengaluru to arrest Disha Ravi for her so-called Google toolkit weapon. The Supreme Court has rightly observed the vicious cycle involved in multiple FIRs in the case of Mr Zubair, and therefore ordered that there should be no coercive action for the time being. The court offered the same relief to Ms Sharma the second time around. In both the cases, the court could have acted promptly and offered unconditional bail, and the clubbing of cases. Like in the case of Public Interest Litigation (PIL), there are professional and habitual muckrakers, and the hurt sentiment syndrome crowd has to be effectively reined in. They cant be allowed to harass individuals and to waste the time of the courts. The herd instinct of hurt sentiments syndrome and the misuse of Section 295A must end. Every citizen should have access to a quick legal remedy, but hurt sentiments is a libel issue and cannot be equated with other complaints of people who need police protection and the intervention of the courts. The police must indeed allow for every FIR, but they cant be empowered to arrest people without solid evidence of wrongdoing. It shouldnt be the case that the police prepare the FIR, arrest the person, and then inform the courts. The arbitrary power of the police to arrest people must be eliminated except in cases of violence and murder. The courts should penalise the police -- and individual police officers -- for every wrongful arrest. The courts must order the immediate release of every person, and the plea of the police for police custody should be rejected outright. Judicial custody will then become redundant. One of the legal scandals of arbitrary arrest are those under Unlawful Activities Prevent Act (UAPA) in the Bhima-Koregaon case by the National Investigating Agency (NIA), and where the Bombay high court and the Supreme Court are refusing to intervene decisively, allow the bail pleas and release of all those arrested in the case because after four years, the NIA has not made out a case. This has led to the death of an ailing Father Stan Swamy, one of the accused in the case. The State must be held responsible for his death and the Supreme Court must order exemplary reparations. Its travesty of the law that the courts are dilly-dallying over the medical bail plea of activist and poet Varavara Rao, or that the courts took such a long time to grant bail to Sudha Bhardwaj. The Supreme Court can show the way. There is no need for Chief Justice of India N.V. Ramana to lament conviction rates are low and over the plight of undertrials in crowded prisons. Theres no need for Supreme Court Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul and M.M. Sundresh to ask the government to prepare a law on bail if the courts do not allow arrests where it is seen to be unnecessary. There is no need for the arrests of the accused in the Bhima-Koregaon case. The case can go on without the arrests. In the cases of Disha Ravi, Mohammed Zubair and Nupur Sharma, the FIRs are baseless. There are other legal remedies available to the police and to the complainants. The courts should not be spending time to consider whether a person should be given bail or not, and the police and investigative agencies should not be allowed to make unnecessary arguments about the need for police custody and denial of bail. The ends of justice are not served by keeping a person in prison and denying him/her the bail. Its a waste of the precious time of the courts, which should be dealing with the legal aspects of a crime, and whether a crime has been committed or not. The political mileage that cases like Bhima-Koregaon, Mohammed Zubair and Nupur Sharma offer are without any legal merit. And so are the charges against Sharjil Imam and Umar Khalid, the student leaders who are in prison and whose bail pleas hang in the air. The Supreme Court should allow all the bail pleas where it is of the view that the person in prison is yet to be proved guilty. Prime Minister Narendra Modis government might well dislike such a step by the Supreme Court, but the nations highest court has the constitutional authority to check the arrogant and arbitrary use of power by the executive. After weeks of speculations, OnePlus finally revealed that the new premium OnePlus 10T 5G phone will make its global debut next month. OnePlus 10T is scheduled to be unveiled on August 3 in New York City, the first time in three years after the Covid-19 outbreak put a break on the physical event. Others, not-so-lucky people, who can't make it to the program personally can watch it live online on the company's official website and YouTube at 10;00 am EDT (7:30 PM IST). OnePlus 10T will succeed in the 10 Pro launched earlier this year. It will be coming with a new Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 octa-core processor. The teaser shows the device may come with a sandstone-like matte finish, which was the trademark signature of early iterations of OnePlus phones. Word on the street is that the OnePlus 10T will feature a 6.7-inch Quad HD+ display with support for 120Hz refresh rate, in-screen fingerprint sensor, triple camera module, and also come with a 150W charger in-box. OnePlus co-founder and CEO, Pete Lau has also confirmed that the company will also unveil the Android 13-based OxygenOS 13. The previous version was a bit of a mixed bag, as it had a lot of bugs and forced the company to release multiple patches. It has also delayed the roll-out of OxygenOS 12 for the OnePlus 9RT. Hopefully, the new OxygenOS 13 will be bug-free. As revealed by Google, Android 13 will come with several improvements in terms of value-added features such as detection of battery-hogging apps and control of battery drain, secured sharing photos, better animation, the theme-based colour of app icons, and more. Get the latest news on new launches, gadget reviews, apps, cybersecurity, and more on personal technology only on DH Tech. The AAP held a demonstration at Freedom Park on Wednesday against the rising prices of essential commodities. In a news release, Channappa Gowda Nallooru, the partys Bengaluru city political activities president, said: The prices of essential commodities as well as corruption are becoming double in this double-engine government. They are levying GST even on essential items such as curd, buttermilk, etc. It is shameful that BJP leaders who were calling for a bandh even for a small price rise till 2014 are now defending it. Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai should apologise to the people for cheating them by giving wrong information on the GST levied on curd and buttermilk. If what he said is true that the central government is going to reimburse KMF on the GST levied on curd and buttermilk, why did their prices increase then? Gowda said. AAP Bengaluru womens unit president Kushala Swamy said: The BJP government announced a scheme that allows looting of the money collected from tax hikes. They get a 40% commission and make the work poor. The Modi government has hiked tax on petrol and diesel. Though the prices of crude oil have come down in the international market, Indians are not getting the benefit. The Modi government has betrayed the poor and middle class by scrapping the subsidy on cooking gas. The BJP is busy only protecting the interests of rich businessmen and getting huge donations from them, she added, according to the release. The Taliban and the United Arab Emirates are poised to strike a deal for the Gulf nation to run Kabul airport and several others in Afghanistan that could be announced within weeks, according to sources familiar with the negotiations. An agreement would help the Islamist militants ease their isolation from the outside world as they govern an impoverished country beset by drought, widespread hunger and economic crisis. The deal would also hand Abu Dhabi a win in its diplomatic tussle with Qatar for influence with Afghanistan's new rulers. The Taliban, whose government remains an international pariah without formal recognition, have courted regional powers, including Qatar and Turkey, to operate Kabul airport, landlocked Afghanistan's main air link with the world, and others. But after months of back-and-forth talks, and at one point raising the possibility of a joint UAE-Turkey-Qatar deal, the Taliban is set to hand the operations in their entirety to the UAE, who had previously run Afghan airports, the sources said. Under the deal with the UAE, Afghans will be employed at the airports, including in security roles, a criteria that was crucial to the Taliban who staunchly oppose the presence of foreign forces, sources said. An Emirati state-linked contractor would also provide security services, while talks continue on the management of Afghanistain's airspace, they said. Emirati state-linked GAAC, which was involved in running security and ground handling services at Afghan airports before the Taliban takeover, was awarded the ground handling contract in May soon after Taliban officials visited Abu Dhabi. SECURITY CONTRACT Qatar and Turkey's joint negotiations with the Taliban broke down around the same time, sources said. Emirati officials had no immediate comment when contacted by Reuters. GAAC did not respond to a request for comment. A Taliban transport ministry spokesman confirmed an aviation security contract had already been signed with the UAE but said the air traffic contract was not finalised or confirmed yet. The sources said UAE airlines, which have not flown to Afghanistan since the Taliban takeover last year, were expected to resume flights to Kabul and possibly other Afghan airports after the deal was finalized. In the months leading up to the ground services contract award, the Taliban repeatedly made unexplained changes to its team negotiating with Qatar and Turkey, the sources said. Then the Taliban sought to alter agreed terms by upping airport fees and taxes and weaken Qatar and Turkey's control over revenue collection, they added. A Qatari official had no immediate comment when contacted by Reuters. A Turkish official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed talks with the Taliban had stopped "some time ago". There is little direct commercial benefit in the airport operations which pose significant security challenges, but Kabul airport would provide a key source of intelligence on movements in and out of the country, Western officials say. The UAE'S negotiations are part of a quiet but assertive effort by Abu Dhabi to expand longstanding ties with Afghanistan's rulers that has included government aid and diplomatic efforts in the months since the militants took power. GULF RIVALRIES Western officials say Abu Dhabi views Afghanistan, which shares a large land border with UAE's Gulf neighbour Iran, as part of its wider backyard and so believes it has legitimate interests in the country's political and economic stability. Western officials also say the UAE is keen to counter the influence in Afghanistan of Qatar, a Gulf state lauded by Western nations for serving as gateway to the Taliban but a rival of Abu Dhabi's in a contest for regional influence. Western officials worry that that rivalry is now playing out in Afghanistan. The UAE, along with Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Bahrain, cut ties with Qatar from 2017 until 2021 as part of a long-running, bitter dispute between the two rich Gulf states that was largely resolved last year. Qatar has hosted the Taliban's political office in Doha, long one of few places to meet the militants and where the United States negotiated with the militants to withdraw from Afghanistan. Qatar also helped run Kabul's Hamid Karzai International Airport after the collapse of the Western-backed government last August. Its state-owned Qatar Airways operated charter flights and Qatari special forces provided security on the ground. But Qatar's relationship with the Taliban now appears to strained, according to Western officials who say the militants have become wary of being too dependent on any one nation. Facts about Russia-Ukraine conflict: Lavrov says Russia aims at more than Donbass Xinhua) 09:51, July 21, 2022 BEIJING, July 20 (Xinhua) -- The following are the latest developments in the Ukraine crisis: The "geographical objectives" of Russia's special military operation in Ukraine have changed as the West is providing Ukraine with more long-range weapons, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Wednesday. Beyond Lugansk and Donetsk, the Russian operation will be expanded to the Kherson region, the Zaporizhzhia region and other territories to push the contact line further away, Lavrov told RT broadcaster and RIA Novosti news agency in an interview. "Because we cannot allow the part of Ukraine that (Ukrainian President Volodymyr) Zelensky controls or whoever replaces him to have weapons that will pose a direct threat to our territory and the territory of those republics that have declared independence," he said. - - - - Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu inspected the Western group of troops involved in the special military operation in Ukraine, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Wednesday. Shoigu ordered the military to increase the capability of destroying Ukrainian drones and preventing the Ukrainian forces from shelling "liberated" areas. He had previously inspected the Southern, Central and Eastern groups of troops that participate in the military operation. - - - - While global concerns over food insecurity grow, Istanbul is preparing to host a second round of talks in anticipation of a solid outcome regarding the safe transport of Ukrainian grain to international markets. The first round of negotiations among military delegations of Turkiye, Russia, and Ukraine, as well as representatives of the United Nations concluded last week with an agreement on the basic principles of the shipment process through the Black Sea. Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar said that efforts to turn the outcomes of the meeting into a concrete implementation plan will continue, and a second meeting is likely this week. - - - - Syria on Wednesday severed diplomatic ties with Ukraine in response to a similar move by Kiev last month. The Syrian Foreign Ministry made the declaration, saying that Ukraine has taken an aggressive stance towards Syria since 2018. On June 29, Ukraine cut relations with Syria after Damascus recognized the independence of the eastern regions of Luhansk and Donetsk. (Web editor: Wu Chaolan, Liang Jun) The foreign and trade ministers of South Korea participated in a high-level forum on the global supply chain issue Wednesday, their ministries said, with concerns growing over a Washington-Beijing trade war. The two-day Supply Chain Ministerial Forum opened Tuesday (Washington time), co-hosted by Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. Seoul's top diplomat, Park Jin, and its top trade official, Ahn Duk-geun, joined the session via video links, along with their counterparts from 18 other countries. China was not on the list of participating nations. The meeting was held as part of "ongoing work with key partner nations on supply chains," as it is intended to follow up on the U.S.-hosted Supply Chain Summit that took place in Rome in October last year on the sidelines of the Group of 20 summit. Participants discussed ways for solutions to reduce both short-term bottlenecks and longer-term supply chain challenges. The Joe Biden administration has been campaigning to diversify supply chains away from China in a thinly veiled bid to counter Beijing's growing influence and assertiveness. In the session, Park briefed other participants on Seoul's efforts for supply chain resilience, including the establishment of an "early warning system" centered on its diplomatic missions abroad, his office said. Ahn stressed the need for the international community to cooperate in trying to address the problem and reaffirmed South Korea's commitment to proactive cooperation through various multilateral consultative channels, his ministry said. (Yonhap) Ukraine and Russia were due Friday to sign an elusive deal designed to help relieve a global food crisis caused by blocked Black Sea grain exports. The first major agreement between the warring sides since Russia's February invasion of its neighbour comes with global food prices soaring and people in some of the world's poorest countries facing starvation. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was due to arrive in Turkey on Thursday for the signing ceremony at Istanbul's lavish Dolmabahce Palace on the Bosphorus Strait. "The grain export agreement, critically important for global food security, will be signed in Istanbul (Friday) under the auspices of President (Recep Tayyip) Erdogan and UN Secretary-General Mr Guterres together with Ukrainian and Russian delegations," the Turkish leader's spokesman Ibrahim Kalin tweeted. Up to 25 million tonnes of wheat and other grain have been blocked in Ukrainian ports by Russian warships and landmines Kyiv has laid to avert a feared amphibious assault. The first direct talks between the warring sides' military delegations since March -- attended in Istanbul last week by Turkish and UN officials -- came up with an initial draft for resolving the impasse. The sides were meant to have met again this week for the possible signature of a formal agreement. But Russian President Vladimir Putin threatened to derail the talks by warning on Tuesday that he expected any agreement to also address his own country's blocked grain exports. The five-month war is being fought across one of Europe's most fertile regions by two of the world's biggest producers of grain. Almost all of the grain is usually shipped out of the region across the Black Sea. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu on Thursday acknowledged Putin's concerns. "When we resolve this issue, not only will the export path for grain and sunflower oil from Ukraine be opened, but also for products from Russia," he said. "Even if these Russian products are not affected by sanctions, there are blockages concerning maritime transport, insurance and the banking system," he added. "The United States and the EU have given promises to lift these." NATO member Turkey has enjoyed good working relations with both Moscow and Kyiv throughout the conflict. A member of Kyiv's delegation for the negotiations said the shipments could resume from three ports under full Ukrainian control. "Exports would take place through three ports: Odessa, Pivdennyi and Chornomorsk. But in the future we hope we could expand them," Ukrainian lawmaker Rustem Umerov told reporters. He added that the safety of the shipments would be overseen by a UN monitoring group based in Istanbul. Umerov also said that Russian ships should not be allowed into Ukrainian waters as part of the anticipated agreement. "We do not trust them, even if they sign an agreement with the UN. This is an aggressor country," he said. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday inaugurated another 25-MW solar power plant in line with his government's goal to meet 50 per cent of the state's electricity demand through such renewable energy source in the next four years. He had unveiled a similar plant in Udalguri on Tuesday and the latest facility came up at Bhalukghata in Kamrup district. The 25-MW plant was set up under the 'build, own and operate' model by the Assam Power Distribution Company Ltd (APDCL) and Azure Power. The project was developed under the Assam Solar Energy Policy, 2017. Also Read | Assam govt to procure handloom items directly from weavers, to be sold across country The Lalpul solar power plant in Udalguri was the first such facility under it. Two more solar power units in Nagaon and Silchar are also being developed under the policy. "Happy to inaugurate 25-MW Boko Solar Park at Bhalukghata, Boko in Kamrup district. The project will lead to enhanced solar power generation, employment opportunities, check environmental degradation and augmentation of power generation capacity in Assam," Sarma wrote on Twitter. He said the government is taking proactive steps to set up solar projects in various parts of the state. "In the coming years, we plan to shift towards non-conventional energy sources," he said. Also Read | NRC application not enough; hoist tricolour to prove you are genuine children of 'Bharat Mata': Assam CM Sarma had on Tuesday said the state is looking to meet 50 per cent of its power demand through solar energy in the next four years. He also stated that solar power generation in the state would increase to 215 MW shortly. The chief minister had earlier said that the power demand in the state was 2,200 MW, and of which, the state was looking to generate 1,000 MW. Assam meets most of its energy requirements by purchasing electricity from various players in the North East region and other parts of the country. The Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday received a plea on its online portal seeking its nod to a proposed visit by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to Singapore to take part in World Cities Summit. The spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, Arindam Bagchi, said that the ministry had not received till Wednesday any request for political clearance to the proposed visit by the chief minister of the National Capital Territory of Delhi to Singapore. He, however, added that an entry on the MEAs designated online portal for seeking political clearance for foreign visits had been received on Thursday and the ministry would take a call on it soon. He acknowledged receipt of the entry on the portal on a day Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said the government of the National Capital Territory would now directly approach the MEA to seek political clearance for the chief ministers visit to Singapore. Earlier in the day, Delhi Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena advised Kejriwal not to attend the summit in Singapore as the conference would be covering different aspects of urban governance, addressed by diverse bodies like the Municipal Corporation of Delhi and Delhi Development Authority, apart from the city government. Saxena advised Kejriwal not to go to Singapore since it would be a conference of mayors and it would not be befitting for a chief minister to attend it, official sources said on Thursday. Kejriwal recently wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, complaining about the delay on part of the Union government in granting him approval for his proposed visit to Singapore and speak about the Delhi Model of Governance with a particular focus on improvement in healthcare services in the national capital territory. He also publicly criticised the Union government for stopping a chief minister from visiting a foreign city to attend an event. A seer allegedly set himself afire amid a protest over illegal stone mining in Bharatpur's Deeg on Wednesday, a day after another seer climbed atop a mobile tower demanding a ban on it. The seer was referred to Jaipur from Bharatpur in a critical condition, officials said. The seer who had climbed atop a mobile tower came down after the incident and peace talks were going on, police said. The authorities extended the suspension of mobile internet services in some areas of Bharatpur by a day. "A sadhu, Vijay Das, who was standing away from the protest site all of a sudden set himself afire today. A police team rushed to him with blankets to douse the fire. The seer was rushed to Bharatpur from where he was referred to Jaipur owing to his condition," Khoh SHO Vinod Kumar said. Superintendent of Bharatpur Medical College Dr Jigyasa Sahni said the seer has been referred to Jaipur as he had 80 per cent burn injuries. Meanwhile, Medical and Health Minister Parsadi Lal Meena reached Sawai Man Singh Hospital in Jaipur and inquired about the health of Saint Vijay Das. Rajasthan BJP president Satish Poonia also reached the hospital and inquired about the well being of Das. Former Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje on Wednesday targeted the state Congress government over the sadhu's suicide attempt in Bharatpur, saying that the Ashok Gehlot government is solely responsible for this. "The state government did not pay heed to the demand of saints and seers to stop illegal mining. A saint's attempt of self-immolation is the result of this," Raje said. Mobile internet services were suspended till Thursday as a precautionary measure. Bharatpur Divisional Commissioner Sanwarmal Verma said the suspension of mobile internet services has been extended by one more day amid the latest developments. On Tuesday, Verma issued an order suspending mobile internet services in Pahari, Kaman, Nagar and Sikri tehsils of Bharatpur district till 12 noon on Wednesday. On Tuesday, a high-voltage drama was witnessed when seer Narayan Das climbed atop the mobile tower demanding a ban on stone mining. Narayan Das, along with some other seers, had been holding a protest for the past few days demanding the ban A protest by a group of students from the College of Engineering (CET) here against an act of moral policing was trending on social media. At a bus shed near the college, someone had cut up a long bench into three single seats in order to avoid girls and boys sitting together. To protest this vandalism, under the pretext of moral policing, a group of CET studentsboth boys and girlsposed for a picture at the shed, with the girls sitting on boys laps and then posted it on social media. The picture became instantly popular, with prominent personalities hailing the students for their protest. Mayor Arya Rajendran visited the spot on Thursday and assured the students that a gender-neutral waiting shed would be constructed there. Rajendran, who had made headlines a couple of years ago by becoming one of the youngest mayors in the country, also appreciated the students for responding innovatively against moral policing. Sharing the photographs of the students protest, Congress leader and former MLA K S Sabarinadhan said in a social media post that nothing happened when boys and girls sat together. He also said that he was proud of being an alumnus of CET, which is one of the premier engineering colleges in the state. Police sources said the bus waiting shed, where the bench was cut up, was set up by a local residents association. Since there were no complaints regarding the vandalism, no case was registered. The extraordinary beginning of Bharathas Natyashastra conceptualises drama as a means of addressing tumult. In the text, the very first performance ends abruptly when the daityas and vighnas (evil spirits) forcibly stop the performance. They are angered by the representation of their defeat by the gods on the stage. The daityas and vighnas make the sutradhara and the actors inert, to stop the play. Brahma later explains to them that drama is only a representation of all things and should be experienced as such. What happened in Natyashastra has repeated over time when a group in the audience finds the representation on stage unpalatable. During the nationalist phase of Indian theatre, drama was, at first, a direct critique of colonial politics. Plays such as Nil Darpan and Chakar Darpan used stark realism to unmask the oppression of peasants, estate workers and the poor, as well as the partisan judiciary. The British colonial government took theatre seriously and used an iron fist to stop, censor and penalise dramatic performances. The publisher of Nil Darpan in English, Reverend James Long, was sentenced to jail. Such events led to the draconian Dramatic Performances Act (1876), which gave the government near absolute power to censor and stop performances. Resisting colonialism However, in the second phase, popular commercial theatre used Indian mythology to indirectly attack the colonial regime. The Marathi play Kichak Vadh is a celebrated example. In the theatre, the knowing audience responded to the critique, often with nationalist slogans. In Vijayapura, Karnataka in his play based on the disrobing of Draupadi Kandagal Hanumantha Rao made Krishna protect Draupadi by giving her khadi robes. He also lectured the audience on the sacredness of khadi through the play. He is said to have been harassed by the police for his nationalist plays. The nationalist phase of Indian drama, especially popular commercial theatre, saw a battle between theatre and the colonial regime. However, the social reformist theatre, both urban and rural, sometimes caused conflict between traditionalists and reformers. This theatre addressed traditional practices relating to caste, women and feudalism, drawing scorching criticism. The amateur theatre of Sriranga with plays like Harijanwara, and the plays of Kailasam too, created ripples and debates. In the post-independence period, Indian theatre continued to perform its function of critique and resistance in several ways. The attacks on performances and their banning or closure was on grounds of obscenity and an open representation of sexuality. Vijay Tendulkars Sakharam Binder is a well-known example. Intolerance The cultural nationalism and the valorisation of Indian religions and traditions, which began in the colonial period, later led to intolerance towards any form of critique in the theatre. With the rise of the right wing and the consolidation of caste groups and organisations, the theatre became a favoured target for mob censorship. The most contentious issue has been history and its reconstruction. In the last few decades, innumerable dramatic performances have been stopped with the threat of violence. The pattern goes as follows: objections are made by a small group who may not even have seen the play, on the grounds that it hurts religious sentiments. Following this, the police and the administration warn the producers of the play that there might be a law and order situation and refuse to provide protection. Inevitably, the performance is cancelled. It is no longer the government colonial or post-colonial but fringe groups and organisations who have turned into the cultural police. India, with its great and diverse theatrical traditions, faces the risk of an endangered theatre. This would also mean the tragic loss of theatre in the public sphere, despite its illustrious history as a participant and interlocutor in national and social debates. Recently, the performance of the play Jotegiruvanu Chandira, Jayanth Kaikinis adaptation of Fiddler on the Roof, was forcibly stopped by a small right-wing group on the grounds that it was a play with Muslim characters. The director and the main actor of the play recounted to me how a handful of people went to the stage and stopped the performance during the most emotional part of the play. After widespread criticism and protest, it has been decided that the play will be performed again at the same venue in Anavatti. The theatre is a major pillar of a democracy, providing space for collective experience and public participation. Censorship and violent disruptions of performances are a threat to democratic culture. In the great Natyashastra, it is Brahma who creates the theatre as the fifth veda, open to all varnas. He attributes the highest value to it as a path for human beings to transcend the vicissitudes of real life. One can only hope that this ancient wisdom will prevail over bigotry and cultural policing. A County Derry student has pledged to 'go the extra mile' for a charity fundraiser in memory of her former teacher who passed away earlier this year. Caitlin Tohill from Maghera launched the fundraiser in memory of her former Geography teacher at St Patrick's College Maghera, Marie McGuckin and raise money for cancer charity Marie Curie. Mrs McGuckin passed away in May following a period of illness, and Caitlin said she had always been an advocate of giving something back to others. I had Marie as a teacher when I was doing my GCSEs, around five years ago now, she told the County Derry Post. From the second I stepped through the door she made me feel welcome. I have a twin sister and it was our first time doing separate subjects. Throughout my whole time in school she was like my second mummy, making sure we were okay and helping me with anything I needed. We had finished up for the summer there last year and she had surprised me by entering us into an award, so that was lovely that she went to so much effort. Aisling Duddy, Marie McGuckin, Brenda Mussen and Anna Scullion look on as Caitlin and Caoimhe Tohill receive the award for which Mrs McGuckin nominated them. When I heard she was sick, around Christmas time, I'd stayed in contact with her. I was over in England at the time she passed and couldn't get back. Then for the month's mind I ended up having Covid, but I knew I wanted to do something to remember Marie. Mrs McGuckin last year nominated Caitlin and her twin sister Caoimhe for a Pearson BTEC Learner of the Year Award, which the girls subsequently won. Due to Covid, the full-blown awards night could not be run in London, and Caitlin says Marie went to great lengths to recognise the girls' achievement. Mrs Mc Guckin had been off at the time and during our summer holidays we got a call from the school telling us the teachers had nominated us for the award and that we had both won, she said. Due to Covid restrictions, the usual celebration event which was held in London was cancelled so the teachers, especially Marie went to a great deal of effort to organise a lovely meal in the Seamus Heaney centre where we all watched the ceremony online. Baby Aoibhinn Kelly, Mary Kelly, Catherine McKeown and Anne Marie McElhinney join Caitlin for a leg of her walk. Caitlin credits Marie with inspiring her to study to become a Geography teacher herself, and says her encouragement around mental health spurred her on to launch the fundraiser. Marie was always a big advocate of encouraging us to give back and help others and about mental health, talking about keeping up a network during Covid, she said. I was trying to decide what to do in her memory and I thought about the walk. Marie had battled her illness for 161 days so I decided to go 162, because she always went the extra mile for other people. Her family were really keen on the idea and we've been posting about it on social media and we've reached around 1,400 already. I had just started doing the walks and posting about them and a lot of past pupils had got in contact saying it was a good idea to show support. I've met up with loads of her friends and family along the way and it's been lovely. It's good for all of us to talk about it. You're hearing different things about Marie that you didn't know, so it's been really lovely. For the walk, Caitlin has picked routes that meant something to Marie, or places they had discussed while at St Patrick's College. The late Marie McGuckin and her family. We went to Benone Beach, the Seamus Heaney Centre, Draperstown and a few of the walks she would have gone on with her friends and family, she said. Marie was always keen on the holistic element of teaching she wanted us to do well academically, but was celebrating all of our wins regardless of what they were. She made everyone feel a sense of warmth within her presence. A lot of people would refer to her as our sunflower. Someone who was warm and bright, loving and loyal, exactly as she was. I just want to thank everyone who has liked, shared, commented and donated. The support of everyone in the community has helped make this possible. I'd also like to thank Marie's family for being so supportive throughout the fundraiser, she added. I havent quite got the hang of creating a thread tweet yet but please watch the video below to hear about the 162 mile walk I will be completely in July in memory of the beautiful Mrs Marie Mc Guckin. Please share and if you would like to donate please see the comments pic.twitter.com/EodjLWEBg5 Caitlin (@Caitlin_Tohill) July 2, 2022 Marie's husband Paddy said the family were delighted to see the impact her teaching had on the lives of her students. Michael, Catherine and I - and the wider McGuckin and McCormack family - are really pleased to see the impact of Marie on her students reflected in this way, he said. Marie was very proud of all her students and basked in their success, none more so than Caitlin. I wish all her past students continued success. To donate to Caitlin's fundraiser, visit the Just Giving page. This weekend, Ronan, Clodagh and Leonie at Derry's Atelier Hair Company, are set to skydive as they raise funds for a very special cause. Donegal teenager, Rocco McGinley, has been battling a rare and aggressive brain tumour since his diagnosis in October 2021. He is just 15 years old. In late summer 2021, Rocco began to present with symptoms such as blurred vision, unsteady gait and loss of power. His GP recommended an MRI which confirmed his parents worst fears. Rocco was diagnosed in October with an extremely rare life threatening brain tumour one of which is particularly difficult to treat. Rocco's family said: "He's like any other teenage boy. He loves his family, his friends, music and his PS. He's the most funny, loving, gentle and kindest soul and would brighten any room when he enters. Rocco has been receiving treatment in Texas that is unavailable in Ireland "Since his diagnosis, there have been lots of tears shed, prayers said and many many hours of research carried out. "The Irish health care system has its limitations due to our country size and population unfortunately. "To date, Rocco has had fantastic care and support from the staff in LUH, Crumlin Children's Hospital, Temple Street and St Luke's Hospital. "He has received radium, he has been biopsied and has had a shunt inserted all of which have helped to alleviate symptoms and will temporarily regress the tumours growth. "Rocco has undergone all of these invasive procedures, his treatment to date in his normal brave and courageous manner and without a day's complaint, he is an inspiration to us all and such a fighter." As the family exhausted the treatment options in Ireland, they looked to the U.S to seek further help. There are various clinical trials which have had some success that are specifically designed to treat Roccos' diagnosed tumour. His case was reviewed by several leading hospitals and Rocco was accepted for treatment in Texas. This requires a significant amount of money. The family set up a GoFundme page which received and continues to receive incredible support from the county and beyond, raising thousands of euros to help support Rocco's treatment. In February 2022, Rocco made his return from his first trip to Texas after responding well to treatment. His family continued: "He continues to get his treatment from home and is tolerating it really well. Hes enjoying spending time with his family and friends and doing all the things a teenager his age should be doing. "Rocco is definitely an inspiration to us all and is taking his diagnosis and everything that comes along with it in his stride, hes amazing." Rocco returned to Texas to see his Doctors and Nurses in mid April as the family and community continue to pray for good news. His family added: "We want to say a big thank you to everyone who has supported and continues to support Rocco on his journey, this really would not have been possible without the kindness and generosity of so many of you and Rocco and his family are so grateful. Thank you all." Ronan, Clodagh and Leonie said they are so grateful for everyone who has donated so far, "We are trying to help with the costs of travelling to America as much as possible. "Rocco has already seen positive results with a 30% reduction in the tumour. Thank you so much to everyone who has donated, we are so grateful." The trio hope to skydive this Sunday (July 24) with Skydive Ireland in Garvagh. You can donate and support via: https://www.gofundme.com/ f/dywwdn-roccos-road-to- recovery or pop into the salon at Derry's Schoolhouse Lane. To donate to Roccos' family's fundraising page, you can donate via: https://www.gofundme.com/ f/roccoss-road-to-rocovery The families of nine people killed in a series of bomb attacks known as Bloody Friday are set to mark the 50th anniversary of the atrocity. Five men, two women and two children were killed when the Provisional IRA detonated 22 bombs in 80 minutes across Belfast on July 21 1972. Two soldiers, Stephen Cooper, 19, and Philip Price, 27, and four Ulsterbus workers, Jackie Gibson, 45, Thomas Killops, 39, William Irvine, 18, and William Crothers, 15, were killed at Oxford Street bus station. Margaret OHare, 34, Brigid Murray, 65, and Stephen Parker, 14, died in a blast close to shops in Cavehill Road. No-one has ever been convicted. The Provisional IRA issued an apology in 2002 and said it was not its intention to kill non combatants. The 50th anniversary will be marked with events on Thursday. Kenny Donaldson, of the victims group the South East Fermanagh Foundation, has been supporting several of the families of those killed. He said they deserve accountability. Mr Donaldson described the day 50 years ago as Northern Irelands capital being literally on fire. On that fateful day, the Provisional IRA detonated 22 bombs robbing the community of nine citizens, from 14 years old through to 65, Protestant and Catholic, they were murdered in a day of sheer terror, he said. The purposes of the Provisional IRAs actions that day was to destabilise Northern Ireland and our capital city of Belfast, they sought to instil fear and breed division. Mr Donaldson said the families of those killed carried out, and have never received focus or resources lavished upon them. They have carried on with a quiet yet steely determination, he said. A number are connected with SEFF and we hope that in the forthcoming weeks and as a result of the additional focus there has been upon this milestone anniversary that others will identify themselves to us, and we will want to provide practical support and assistance to them. Bloody Friday was a brutal premeditated day of co ordinated violence. No one has been held accountable for it. We are clear that this is unacceptable, the families deserve accountability, their loved ones lives mattered. Today we also think of all those who were injured and also those who provided the emergency response following the attack. Irish premier Micheal Martin said the bombings were a mindless act of terror. I want to express my profound sympathy today with all of their relatives and with the survivors from that devastating afternoon of violence, he said. Together, across the island, we should take a moment to remember those who lost their lives and who were brutally injured. It is also a time to reflect on the journey we have come on since those dark days and the importance of reconciliation as we look to the future on this island. Indonesian President Joko Widodo will visit South Korea next week for summit talks with President Yoon Suk-yeol, Yoon's office said Thursday. Widodo will pay an official visit from Wednesday to Thursday at Yoon's invitation, becoming the second foreign leader after U.S. President Joe Biden to make such a trip since Yoon's inauguration in May. "We expect it to be an important occasion to deepen the special strategic partnership between South Korea and Indonesia and to strengthen cooperation between South Korea and ASEAN," the presidential office said in a press release, referring to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. The two leaders will speak by phone on Friday to share their understanding on the importance of Widodo's upcoming visit, it added. (Yonhap) Knitters have put their needles to the test in a bid to create a giant scarf to cover the Royal Albert Hall for a dementia charity, with one claiming to have a magic ball of wool. The Lewy Body Society intends to wrap a 244-metre scarf around the concert hall on September 22, to support those living with Lewy body dementia a condition which affects movement, thinking skills, mood, memory and behaviour. Help us raise awareness of Lewy body dementia by wrapping the entire Royal Albert Hall in London (244m) in a huge scarf!There's still lots of time to join the many volunteers who are already knitting, including the wonderful Dame Prue Leith DBL https://t.co/xUeWnytFrR pic.twitter.com/SAkkeb1OFy Lewy Body Society (@lbsorg) April 26, 2022 It has called upon keen knitters to join the project, called #AScarfForLewy, with celebrities including Bake Offs Dame Prue Leith already contributing. Marian Kane, 68, from Belfast, Northern Ireland, knitted a scarf for the project as her mother, Kathleen, died with Alzheimers another form of dementia in 2018, at the age of 95. Her son, Joe Kane, a doctor and researcher who specialises in Lewy body dementia, told the PA news agency that his mother initially took up knitting to make a copy of his two-year-old son Lukes favourite teddy bear in case it got lost, but then came across the project. When she learnt about (the campaign), she really wanted to contribute. She thought it was a really good idea to show the close partnership between the UK and Ireland, the 38-year-old said. Mum felt very privileged to look after granny but it was years of what eventually became 24/7 care. As I see with a lot of my patients families, its hard and often relentless work and mum and dad did get exhausted at times. The green and purple scarf, which has the words Lewy Body Ireland on it, pays homage to Ireland and the dye which allows scientists to see Lewy bodies under a microscope. Lisa McAllister, a partner in an insolvency practice, said I better get a move on when asked how she felt about helping to make a scarf to cover the Royal Albert Hall. She added: I also believed at one point I had a magic ball of wool as no matter how much knitting I did, the ball of wool never appeared to go down. The 49-year-old, who lives in Wigan, said she felt compelled to take part in the campaign after meeting the charitys chief executive, Jacqui Cannon, at a rugby event in March 2020 and admiring the fact that she works tirelessly to raise awareness of the condition. The campaign really caught my attention as it is a campaign that I thought a lot of people could get involved in (even me a non-knitter), she said. She added that she hopes the event will help many more people become aware of the condition. Ms Cannon said that the giant scarf symbolises the wraparound support for those with the condition. The deadline for getting scarves in by is August 15 and they have to be 30cm or a foot wide and can be any length. After they are taken down from the Royal Albert hall, the scarves will be separated and donated to homeless and refugee groups, with celebrity scarves to be auctioned off. Please allow ads as they help fund our trusted local news content. Kindly add us to your ad blocker whitelist. If you want further access to Ireland's best local journalism, consider contributing and/or subscribing to our free daily Newsletter . Support our mission and join our community now. Northern Ireland Secretary Shailesh Vara said he is determined to avoid a fresh Stormont election in the autumn. He stressed that he is not afraid to take tough decisions and that the option of cutting MLAs pay is on the table. The Stormont institutions have been in flux since February when the DUP withdrew its first minister from the devolved executive, calling for the UK Government to act on the Northern Ireland Protocol. Sir Jeffrey Donaldsons party has remained firm, resisting a number of attempts to resuscitate the power sharing institutions. The Assembly will sit next Tuesday to attempt for the third time since Mays election to elect a new speaker following a recall motion by the SDLP. However the DUP has made clear it will continue to block the election of a speaker. Without a speaker, no further Assembly business can be done, including the nomination of new first and deputy first ministers. If a new powersharing administration is not in place within six months of Mays election, the UK Government assumes a legal responsibility to call a fresh poll within the following three months. Mr Vara said there is going to have to be some serious thinking before the end of October. I am determined to do everything I possibly can to make sure that an election is not called, he told media during a visit to Atlas Womens Centre in Lisburn, Co Antrim. I want to work with all the political parties to make sure that we can move forward, but if tough decisions have to be taken then you will find that this Secretary of State is not afraid to take them. Asked would he cut MLAs pay, he said that is on the table. Im not ruling anything out but Im very much hoping that very soon we can get heads together and that that executive will be running, but nothing is being ruled out. Mr Vara added: My immediate priority is to get everyone to think about the 1.9 million people in Northern Ireland who are desperately wanting to have decisions made. Right now there is 400 million that is just sitting waiting to be spent, and that money can be spent by the Northern Ireland Executive but it isnt sitting, and that money can help people when they desperately need it. We are in extraordinarily difficult circumstances right now, we have the post-pandemic period, we have the knock-on effect of the Ukraine war, there are supply chains that are having difficulties, there are rising prices in terms of cost of living these are real issues that are affecting people on a daily basis. I want to see all the politicians working together to make sure that those real issues that are affecting the citizens of Northern Ireland are dealt with because thats important. On Wednesday evening the Governments contentious Northern Ireland Protocol Bill, which would effectively over-ride parts of the post-Brexit settlement, moved closer to becoming law. Sir Jeffrey said, despite the progress of the legislation, his party was still not prepared to reengage with the Stormont institutions. We are clear that we need to see further progress made, he told BBC NI. It is good that the legislation, the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill, has now completed all stages in the House of Commons. But, of course, we want to know if a new prime minister remains committed to taking this legislation forward and we will be engaging with both the leadership contenders and their teams over the next few weeks. But we havent yet got the solution that we need on the protocol. Weve got a pathway now that can take us to that solution. Commenting on his partys successful recall petition, SDLP MLA Matthew OToole said: At a time when working households are facing a real emergency, there is no justification for those continuing to hold our democratic institutions to ransom for their own cheap political games. Thats why the SDLP is recalling politicians from the summer recess to address the real challenges facing our communities. The Protocol Bill has, unfortunately, passed its Commons stages and it is time for Jeffrey Donaldson to make his mind up. He cannot keep speaking out of both sides of his mouth when it comes to the restoration of the Assembly and the executive. Mr Vara said the UK Government is keen to have a negotiated settlement with the European Union over the protocol. But he said that after 18 months of negotiations, 300 hours of officials talking, 26 separate meetings between Lord Frost with his EU counterparts, and 17 separate papers, it is difficult when they are told sorry the deal has been signed up already and thats it. What we really need is a can-do attitude so that when people are sitting at that table, rather than drawing lines and saying Im not moving beyond this, what Id like to see is for them to say, there are nearly 1.9 million people who are affected by this, we need to do the best we can for them so we that can move this to the side and we can deal with so many other issues that need to be addressed, he said. Mr Vara has been in the role for just a number of weeks following the resignation of Brandon Lewis in a Cabinet revolt against Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Asked about the rival Conservative Party leadership contenders Rishi Sunak or Liz Truss, Mr Vara said: They have made it absolutely clear to me that Northern Ireland is uppermost there and they want to make sure that they get the executive up and running. Bereaved relatives have gathered at commemorative events in Belfast and beyond to mark the 50th anniversary of a day of bomb attacks known as Bloody Friday. Nine people were killed in the most intensive day of bombing witnessed in the Troubles when the Provisional IRA detonated around 20 devices across Belfast in an 80-minute period on July 21 1972. Five men, two women and two children were killed in the explosions. More than 130 people were injured. No-one has ever been convicted for the attacks. The Provisional IRA issued an apology in 2002 and said it was not its intention to kill non-combatants. Family members of those killed were invited to a private reflective event in Belfast City Hall on Thursday afternoon to mark the anniversary. The names of the nine victims were read out ahead of a minutes silence. Six of those killed on Bloody Friday died in a blast at a bus station on Oxford Street in Belfast. Two soldiers, Stephen Cooper, 19, and Philip Price, 27, and four Ulsterbus workers Jackie Gibson, 45, Thomas Killops, 39, William Irvine, 18, and William Crothers, 15, were killed in the explosion. The other three victims Margaret OHare, 34, Brigid Murray, 65, and Stephen Parker, 14, died in a blast close to shops in Cavehill Road. A memorial service was held at Mr Gibsons home bus depot in the village of Ballygowan on Thursday morning. It is the depot where the bus driver set off to work on the day he died. A new plaque erected at the request of local depot staff in Ballygowan was unveiled by one of Mr Gibsons five children, Robert. Mr Gibson, who was 19 when his father died, said the 50th anniversary was particularly difficult. It brings it all back, thats for sure, it cant not do that, he said. And my thoughts are probably first and foremost towards all of the families of those who died and were injured. It takes me back to what happened that day, the series of events that happened. It takes me back to the aftermath, the immediate aftermath. I think this particular anniversary is probably maybe the toughest in one sense because its been 50 years since it all happened and a new generation of people have come along who wouldnt know much about it and I think its nice to have it remembered and to let them see what Belfast was like on the worst day of the Troubles in terms of the number of bombs that went off. Also in attendance at the unveiling in Ballygowan was David George who worked in the office of the Oxford Street station at the time of the attack. He had just visited a nearby bank and was walking back towards the station when the car bomb went off. Mr George said he was so fortunate to avoid the bomb, which exploded just as he was approaching the building. Thirty seconds sooner, I would have walked into it, he said. Its something Ill never forget. I cant understand why a warning wasnt given. At the event later in the banqueting hall at City Hall, guests were given a sprig of rosemary, which signifies remembrance, placed on a piece of linen to represent the city of Belfast. Northern Irelands Commissioner for Victims and Survivors Ian Jeffers addressed the gathering. The past is such a huge part of our societys identity, but not the end of our journey, and we still have much to explore when it comes to creating the means to ethically and sensitively reflect upon our experiences and continue to support victims and survivors, he said. Stephen Parker had been a member of the Belfast Youth Orchestra prior to his death on Bloody Friday. Current orchestra member Jonathan Hayward, a double bassist and recipient of the Stephen Parker Memorial Award, performed a solo at Thursdays event at City Hall. The commemoration also heard music by the Beatles and readings from the works of CS Lewis. A homeless man charged with murdering a father-of-five was in a relationship with him, a court has heard. Jason Murray, 39, is said to have murdered Paul Rowlands, 46, in the early hours of Monday morning in Portrush, Co Antrim, Northern Ireland. Mr Rowlands was visiting Portrush from Cambridge at the time of his death. Murray appeared wearing a grey sweatshirt at Coleraine Magistrates Court via video-link on Thursday afternoon. A detective constable told the court that Mr Rowlands and Murray were living in tents on the Portrush seafront, and would spend their days fishing and going on amusement rides. During the course of the interviews the applicant did admit that he and the deceased were in a relationship, he said. Police have made some enquiries in relation to that, and while the police enquiries are not complete, indications would appear to be that this was a domestic relationship between these two males. They had been on the streets, they were both homeless persons, and this was across the water, they were both currently living in tents side by side on the East Strand beach in Portrush. The applicant would state that they would both spend their time drinking, fishing, taking drugs of any kind and going on rides, this being amusement rides. The court heard that Murray told police that he had a barbecue with Mr Rowlands on Sunday evening. The detective constable told the court that Murray also admitted during the interviews to slapping Mr Rowlands but then changed his account to punching after further evidence was put to him. Mr Rowlands was found injured outside a block of apartments on Bath Terrace at 2.13am on Monday. Despite the efforts of emergency workers he was pronounced dead at the scene 40 minutes later. The court heard that his injuries included cuts to his left temple and to the back of his head. Murray, of no fixed address, was arrested after 6pm on Monday. His legal team applied for bail but due to issues with the video-link feed Deputy District Judge Laura Ievers adjourned the hearing until 10.15am on Friday. Sony PlayStation 5 Standard Edition price is 39,990 and the PS5 standard edition price is 54,490. Sony India has announced the Playstation 5 (review) restock date and where you can pre-order them. Both PS5 and PS5 Digital Edition will restock on July 23 at 12 PM. The company has also spilled when the stocks will actually hit the shelves. There are even details about a bundled game offer. So, without faffing around, lets dig in. Sony PS5, PS5 Digital Edition Restock Availability Source: Games The Shop Sony PS5 and PS5 Digital Edition will come back in stock on July 23 at 12 PM. A week later, on July 30, 2022, Sony will start delivering the consoles. So, mark your calendars accordingly. So far, Sony Indias official store, Sony Centre, and Games the Shop have revealed the PS5 restock dates. But, you could expect both editions of the Playstation 5 to be up for pre-order on Amazon India, Flipkart, Croma, Reliance Digital, and Vijay Sales. Sony PS5, PS5 Digital Edition Restock Pricing The Sony PS5 Digital Edition could carry a price tag of 39,990 while the standard edition would cost you 54,490. The latter has a standard edition copy of Gran Turismo 7 worth 4,999. You can also avail low-cost EMI and credit card payments. In related news, Sony has reportedly increased the PS5 production and is in talks with several supply partners. As for other news, reviews, feature stories, buying guides, and everything else tech-related, keep reading Digit.in. Close on the heels of a July 21 launch rumor and price leak, Google has officially confirmed the Pixel 6a sale, pricing, and pre-booking details. The new Pixel will go on sale on July 28, 2022, through Flipkart. However, you can pre-order it by paying 39,999. Meanwhile, the MRP of Pixel 6a is 43,999. The company has also disclosed the pre-booking offers. So, lets not waste any time and check out everything we know about the Google Pixel 6as India launch. Google Pixel 6a Price And Availability You can pre-order a Google Pixel 6a from July 21 at a starting price of 39,999 (MRP 43,999) in India. The phone will go on sale through Flipkart from July 28 onwards. Google Pixel 6a India Launch Offers A limited-time instant discount of 4,000 on Axis Bank Cards and EMI An exchange discount of 6,000 against any Pixel device and some other select smartphones, or a 2,000 exchange offer on any other smartphone. This is also a limited-time offer. You can snag the Nest Hub Gen2, Pixel Buds A Series, and Fitbit Inspire 2 at 4,999 if purchased with the Pixel 6a. Again, a limited period offer. Google is also bundling Pixel 6a with a 3-month trial of YouTube Premium and Google One. Also check out the key details of Pixel 6a and Pixel Buds Pro (launching in India on July 28 via Flipkart), as described by Google in its press release: From exceptional camera features to speech recognition to security you can trust, the Pixel 6a comes with powerful features thanks to Google Tensor. Pixel 6a includes a dual rear camera setup the main lens and an ultrawide lens. The camera is built to be versatile and adapt to your needs with features and technologies such as Night Sight, which makes low-light photography a breeze, Magic Eraser in Google Photos that makes distractions disappear, and Real Tone, which authentically represents all skin tones. Pixels interface, Material You, also enables you to extensively personalise the look and feel of your phone. Pixel 6a comes with highly accurate speech recognition features including Recorder, Live Caption, and Live Translate. It also comes with an Adaptive Battery that can last over 24 hours and up to 72 hours when in the Extreme Battery Saver mode a first for Pixel phones. Pixel 6a is built with an extra layer of hardware security in Google Tensor, which works with the Titan M2 security chip to give you the peace of mind that your sensitive data is safe. In India, Pixel 6a is available in two classic, yet modern colours - Charcoal and Chalk. The smartphone will be available in a single storage variant with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. Pixel 6a will receive five years of security updates, alongside the latest features and updates, introduced by Google. Pixel 6a will also be among the first Android devices to receive the upcoming Android 13 update. Google is also expanding its earbuds offerings with Pixel Buds Pro, a perfect companion to the Pixel phone. Pixel Buds Pro will be available for purchase on Flipkart in India starting July 28, at an MRP of 19,990. These premium earbuds create a quiet foundation so your music can shine. Active Noise Cancellation with Silent Seal adapts to your unique ear shape, and the earbuds fit in your ear canal to maximize the amount of noise blocked. Pixel Buds Pro brings full and rich sound at any level with Volume EQ, dynamically adapting to your listening volume and making subtle tweaks to the frequency curve. Use Transparency mode for the moments when you dont want to be fully immersed, like when running or crossing streets. Pixel Buds Pro processes a wide range of frequencies with low latency to keep the audio sounding natural and in sync. Pixel Buds Pro charges wirelessly and gives you up to 11 hours of listening time or up to 7 hours with Active Noise Cancellation turned on. Google unveiled the Pixel 6a and Pixel Buds Pro earlier this year at I/O as part of its hardware portfolio announcements. As for other news, reviews, feature stories, buying guides, and everything else tech-related, keep reading Digit.in. NEWS RELEASE Release Number: 2022-62 Date: July 21, 2022 California Labor Commissioners Office Pays $1.5 Million to Workers Whose Recall Rights Were Violated Long Beach The California Labor Commissioner today paid $1.52 million to 57 workers at Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes who were laid off during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some workers were not timely offered jobs, while others did not receive any job offers once the resort re-opened, as required by the Right to Recall law. Workers compensated for having their labor rights violated include banquet housepersons, banquet servers, banquet captains, banquet bartenders, and junior sous chefs. The $1.52 million payment comes from a settlement reached in May with Terranea Resort after it was cited on March 2, 2022 for failing to comply with the law after the resort re-opened for business in 2021. The Right to Recall law protects workers who lost their jobs because of the COVID-19 pandemic by requiring service industry businesses such as hotels to offer workers their jobs back based on seniority, said Labor Commissioner Lilia Garcia-Brower. The affected workers are today receiving payments to compensate them for the lost time, and most of the 57 workers have now returned to their jobs, while others chose not to return. The Right to Recall law was enacted on April 16, 2021 and runs through December 31, 2024. Covered workers include employees at hotels or private clubs with 50 or more guest rooms, airports, airport service providers, and event centers. Also included are laid-off employees engaged in building services such as janitorial, maintenance, and security services at retail and commercial buildings. For more information on the law, visit the Labor Commissioners Office webpage on Frequently Asked Questions on Recall Rights. Enforcement investigations typically include a payroll audit of the previous three years to determine minimum wage, overtime and other labor law violations, and to calculate payments owed and penalties due. The Department of Industrial Relations Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (California Labor Commissioners Office) combats wage theft and unfair competition by investigating allegations of illegal and unfair business practices. The Labor Commissioners Office in 2020 launched an interdisciplinary outreach campaign, Reaching Every Californian. The campaign amplifies basic protections and builds pathways to affected populations, so workers and employers understand legal protections, obligations and the Labor Commissioners enforcement procedures. Californians can follow the Labor Commissioner on Facebook and Twitter. Media Contact: Communications@dir.ca.gov, (510) 286-1161 Employers with Questions on Requirements May Contact: MakeItFair@dir.ca.gov Subscriber content preview SEATTLE (AP) Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell has nominated Gino Betts as the new civilian director of the Seattle Police Department's Office of Police Accountability, which investigates police misconduct and recommends discipline to the police chief. Betts is an assistant state's attorney in Cook County, Illinois. Seattle City Council's Public Safety and Human Services Committee and full council still need to vote on the nomination. . . . Subscriber content preview SEATTLE A commercial building at 2432 32nd Ave. W. sold last month for over $2.2 million, according to King County records. The seller was a family that had owned the property for decades. . . . President Yoon Suk-yeol listens to Minister of Foreign Affairs Park Jin during a policy briefing at the presidential office in Yongsan District, Seoul, Thursday. Courtesy of presidential office President Yoon Suk-yeol has a strong commitment to improving ties between South Korea and Japan and believes the two countries should build a relationship of trust based on common interests, his top diplomat said Thursday. Foreign Minister Park Jin made the remark after giving a policy briefing to Yoon following a visit to Tokyo earlier this week. "He has a strong commitment to improving South Korea-Japan relations and believes that South Korea and Japan should build a relationship of trust going forward in line with our common interests," Park told reporters. "That is why we are working to find reasonable solutions from that point of view," he said. Relations between South Korea and Japan have been badly frayed in recent years due to disputes stemming from Tokyo's 1910-45 colonial rule of the Korean Peninsula, including the issues of compensation for victims of forced labor and wartime sexual slavery. Park's visit to Tokyo was the first by a South Korean foreign minister in four years and seven months, demonstrating Yoon's commitment to mending the bilateral relationship. The two sides discussed the issue of compensation for South Korean forced labor victims, which has taken on new urgency ahead of the Supreme Court's verdict on whether to liquidate the assets of two Japanese companies to enforce a 2018 ruling ordering their payment of compensation to the victims. "We need to quickly find solutions considering Japan's concerns about liquidation and the advancing age of the victims," Park said. "I explained our position during my visit to Japan and relayed the message that it is important that Japan take sincere steps in response." Japan has maintained that all issues of compensation were fully covered under a 1965 agreement that normalized bilateral ties. Park said he had an extensive discussion on China during his meeting with the president, including on ways to build a "mature and healthy relationship" as two countries with a long shared history. Yoon called for "active diplomacy" with China to ensure there are no misunderstandings regarding Seoul's participation in the U.S.-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework or its possible participation in the "Fab 4," an envisioned semiconductor alliance led by the United States. "These are not intended to exclude certain countries but things that need to be considered in the process of expanding South Korea's national interest," Park said. On North Korea, the minister said the government will deter North Korean provocations based on a consistent and firm principle and take strong action in the event it goes ahead with a provocation. He also said the government will follow a roadmap for North Korea's actual denuclearization and the normal and fundamental development of inter-Korean relations, rather than seeking political events for show. "Together with related agencies, we will draw up and put into action an audacious plan," he said. Presidential spokesperson Kang In-sun told reporters the president gave several instructions during the policy briefing, stressing the need for active diplomacy in cooperation with the international community based on universal rules and values. He asked Park to maximize the national interest by pursuing diplomacy with four major nations the U.S., Japan, China and Russia with a firm South Korea-U.S. alliance at its core and by expanding the country's diplomatic horizons in Asia, the Middle East, Europe, Africa and Latin America. He also talked about "economic diplomacy" being the most important, saying he would "go anywhere if it is of help to our economy," according to Kang. The president further asked the minister to make utmost efforts toward the success of South Korea's bid to host the 2030 World Expo in Busan. (Yonhap) Facing the Heat of Climate Change Temperatures will cease rising only if humans stop adding greenhouse gases to the atmosphere, and any failure to tackle climate change would see heat extremes escalate even more dangerously, say experts. The world is reeling under heat waves and wild fires raging across most parts of the globe as the sunrays that hot up under the influence of climate change engulf countries from Greece to the United States and Canada and from the Middle East to Japan and China. Wildfires have ravaged across the Northern Hemisphere this month, breaking out in Greece, France, Germany, Spain, Turkey, Italy and Portugal, fuelled by increasingly hot and dry weather that scientists link to climate change. In Greece, a wildfire fuelled by gale-force winds raged in mountains near Athens on Wednesday (15 July), forcing evacuation of hundreds, including hospital patients, while Britain reported its hottest ever day. In France, firefighters have been battling to contain huge forest fires in the south-western Gironde region along the Atlantic Coast, and around the town of Landiras south of Bordeaux since 12 July. Authorities in Greece said they evacuated nine settlements, besides a hospital and the National Observatory of Athens and police helped at least 600 residents out of fire-stricken areas. With wind speeds exceeding 80 kilometres per hour, it was a tough job for the firefighters. Last year, wildfires ravaged about 120,000 hectares of forest and bushland in different parts of Greece as the country experienced its worst heat wave in 30 years. In France, the damages caused by wildfires in Brittany and southern France created an exceptional situation, which called for more efforts and investments to tackle such threats. The fires, fuelled by dryness and temperatures as high as 42.6 degree Celsius, have burned around 19300 hectares, as of 19 July. About 34,000 people have been ordered to evacuate the area. In Britain, fire-fighters on Wednesday worked day and night to douse wildfires in Tuscany while engineers struggled to fix train tracks that buckled in the heat on a day when temperatures topped 40 Degrees C for the first time. And, in Italy, gas tanks exploded in a blaze, bellowing smoke, forcing shipbuilder Fincantieri in northeast Italy to shut down a plant employing 3,000 people. Climate change also played havoc with transportation networks in Germany, where water levels on the river Rhine fell further, forcing navigation authorities to sail with significantly reduced loads and hampering shipping on the entire river in Germany south of Duisburg. Countries such as Portugal and Greece experience fires for most summers, and have infrastructure to try to manage them. Hotter temperatures are now pushing wildfires into regions that have not so far been affected. In Spain, record-breaking heat wave, fuelled by a fire started on 15 June, in the province of Zamora, scorched at least 24,700 hectares and forced evacuation of more than 6,000 people from 32 villages in the area. A fire that started on 8 June in Malaga province, on the slope of Pujerra Mountain in Sierra Bermeja, ravaged 3,500 hectares of woods and bushes, forced evacuation of 2,000 people from the nearby town of Benahavis, and injured three fire-fighters. In Turkey, a wildfire broke out on 13 July near the town of Marmaris, in the Aegean province of Mugla, and spread through the woodlands in the sparsely populated area. About 17 houses and nearly 750 hectares of land were ravaged. Some 450 houses and 3,530 people were evacuated. In Portugal, a wildfire started on 17 July in the Murca municipality, in northern Portugal, spread towards Vila Pouca de Aguiar and Carrazedo de Montenegro. The blaze has affected roughly 6,000 hectares, according to the EU's Earth Observation Programme, Copernicus. An elderly couple was found dead inside a burned-out car. Several wildfires broke out in the Leiria and Santarem districts, in the Ourem municipality on 7 July. Over 7,419 hectares have burned and authorities have blocked major motorways and side streets as strong winds made it harder for fire-fighters to fight the flames. Portugal's most important highway was also blocked due to another fire farther north. In the Mediterranean, climate change has contributed to a season of wild fires, and burning of more land. Last year more than half a million hectares burned in the European Union, making it the blocs second-worst forest fire season on record after 2017. In the United States, more than 100 million people have been enduring dangerously high heat, according to the National Weather Service. Oklahoma City experienced temperatures of 110 degree Fahrenheit (43 degree Celsius) on Tuesday. In the United States, fire erupted in part of California's Yosemite National Park, home of some of the largest and oldest giant sequoia trees in the world, on 8 July. Flames consumed 1,525 hectares, according to a report by InciWeb, a risk information management system. A pipeline fire erupted on 17 April, hitting the Coconino National Forest, the Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, and the Lack Bill Park, north Flagstaff city, in Arizona. The fire burned more than 8,000 hectares and prompted mandatory evacuation order of more than 2,100 homes. In New Mexico, a fire in the Hermits Peak in the southern Sangre de Cristo Mountains in San Miguel County, merged with the Calf Canyon fire, in the east of Santa Fe, that started on 6 April and 19April, respectively, caused New Mexico's largest blaze to date. The fires burned 14,000 hectares as of 15 July, according to a report by Santa Fe National Forest Services. The flames are now contained at 93 per cent. In California, the rare winter blaze, dubbed the Colorado Fire, burned some 425 hectares south of Monterey and just north of the area known as Big Sur between 21 January and 24 January. It forced evacuation of about 500 people and shut a major highway. In Canada, a blaze broke out on 14 July near the village of Lytton, in British Columbia. It is the most significant wildfire in the province so far this year, according to BC Wildfire Service. The day after the fire broke out, nearly 750 hectares were burned. Local authorities issued evacuation orders to 24 property owners close to the fire, while residents of several First Nation reserves were told to flee the area. In Argentina, South America, wildfires in the Corrientes province, near Paraguay's borders, that broke out on 7 February, ravaged about 9,00,000 hectares of forest and pasture land, some 12 per cent of the region. The blazes displaced or killed several wild animals such as capybaras, maned wolves, alligators, marsh deer and other species. In Asia, a fire that broke out on 4 March in the eastern coastal county of Uljin in South Korea, near the Hanul Nuclear Power Plant, spread across the nearby city of Samcheo, consuming more than 6,000 hectares, destroying at least 159 houses and forcing 6,200 people to evacuate the area, according to a report by the Associated Press. In the African continent, wild fires started erupting in the provinces of Larache, Ouezzane and Tetouan, in the north of Morocco and in the South-East province of Taza early last week. Raging fires destroyed over 1,600 hectares of forest and damaged many homes, and killed one person. In the northern region, fires forced 1,100 people to flee 15 villages in Larache, while 645 residents were evacuated from Taza and Tetouan, according to the media. A study in the journal Nature this month found that heat waves in Europe have increased three-to-four times faster than in other northern mid-latitudes such as the United States. The authors linked this to changes in the jet stream - a fast west-to-east air current in the northern hemisphere. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the UN panel of environment scientists, has confirmed that climate change makes heat waves hotter and more frequent. This is particularly the case for most land regions. Greenhouse gas emissions from human activities have heated the planet by about 1.2 Celsius since pre-industrial times. A warmer baseline leads to higher temperatures during extreme heat waves. Temperatures will only cease rising if humans stop adding greenhouse gases to the atmosphere. Until then, heat waves are set to worsen. Any failure to tackle climate change would see heat extremes escalate even more dangerously. A heat wave that occurred once per decade in the pre-industrial era would happen 4.1 times a decade at 1.5C of warming, and 5.6 times at 2C, according to the IPCC. Countries agreed under the 2015 Paris Agreement to cut emissions fast enough to limit global warming to 2C and aim for 1.5C, to avoid its most dangerous impacts. Current policies would not cut emissions fast enough to meet either goal. Wild fires that were rare occurrences earlier, are now raging more often and with greater intensity, lasting longer worldwide, even in winter. In the first half of 2022, wildfires swallowed large swaths of dry vegetation, towns and homes, amidst extreme heat waves and droughts. The EU is hopeful a change in UK prime minister will herald a new start in relations between Brussels and London, a senior Irish minister has said. Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney said he does not have a preference between Liz Truss or Rishi Sunak in the Conservative leadership contest. However, he expressed hope that whoever succeeds Boris Johnson steps away from the contentious move to override Brexits Northern Ireland Protocol by way of domestic legislation at Westminster. Mr Coveney was speaking in Belfast ahead of meetings with local politicians to discuss the ongoing power-sharing impasse at Stormont triggered by the DUPs refusal to reenter a devolved executive in protest at the Irish Sea trading arrangements. The leadership contest within the Conservative Party is a matter for the Conservative Party, he said. Well work with whoever the new leader is, whoever the new prime minister is. Of course, we hope that the new prime minister wont pursue a strategy of breaking international law and breaking their word to Ireland and the EU. Mr Coveney said the EU is waiting to see what the approach of the next prime minister will be before deciding its next move in response to the controversial Northern Ireland Protocol Bill. I think there is a sense in Brussels now that they want to wait for a new prime minister to be in office in number 10 Downing Street, he said. And I think there is a certainly a willingness to try to work towards a new start, if you like, in relations between the British government and the EU. And certainly thats the case from Dublin. I mean, we would like to see the change in Conservative Party leadership and the change in the prime ministers office as an opportunity to try and resolve some of these outstanding issues in a different way. Because, you know, its no secret that the relationship between the British and Irish governments has not been good in recent years and thats because the British Government has decided to move away from partnership and co-operation, which in many ways has been the foundation of the success of the peace agreements, which will be 25 years old this year. And its a real worry for us, if Im honest, that the British Government over the last number of years has moved away from that partnership approach to try to make politics in Northern Ireland easier for people in terms of finding solutions and compromises on difficult issues. Simon Coveney had meetings scheduled with Sinn Fein, the Alliance Party, the UUP and SDLP on Thursday. He said it had not been possible to arrange a meeting with DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson as he was in London. We looked for a meeting with the DUP, just like we looked for a meeting with the DUP the last time I was here, he said. Mr Coveney said people should not read too much into the fact a meeting with the DUP had not been possible. The DUP said diary issues prevented a meeting on Thursday but that they hope one can be arranged soon. Sinn Feins Conor Murphy described his meeting with Mr Coveney as very useful. He said they share the view the power-sharing institutions should be reinstated immediately. He also confirmed that Sinn Fein will be supporting an SDLP motion to recall the Assembly next week in a bid to nominate a speaker. While the Assembly will convene for a sitting on Tuesday, the move will not deliver a return to power-sharing if the DUP maintain its current blockade. Speaking after his talk with Mr Coveney, Mr Murphy said: We rightly share a growing concern across this island that the objective of some elements of the British government and certainly the DUP is to fatally undermine the Good Friday Agreement with this approach, and were very determined to resist that and to ensure that the institutions that people here voted for are up and running in the interests of the people who elected us. The Sinn Fein minister said his party has no preference on who is the next prime minister. It is the British government policy in Ireland thats the problem, not the individuals in charge, he added. Alliance leader Naomi Long accused the DUP of using and abusing their veto to protect their own party interests. Mrs Long said her party has also backed the SDLP recall motion. We believe that the solution to the current impasse at Stormont lies in the hands of DUP, she said. We shouldnt need government involvement, either from Westminster or from Ireland, to be able to restore the institutions. People have a mandate. They went to the electorate to stand for the Assembly and to do a job. I think its now over to all parties to commit to doing that job. UUP leader Doug Beattie said whoever takes over as Tory leader needs to prioritise Northern Ireland. Is Northern Ireland going to remain on the windowsill of the United Kingdom under them as a prime minister or are they going to take time to understand the problem here and start investing a bit of time here? he asked. Because certainly Boris Johnson as a prime minister invested no time whatsoever in Northern Ireland. South Korea and the United States are expected to revive a comprehensive combined military exercise abolished in 2018, Seoul officials said Thursday, amid the allies' efforts to reinforce deterrence against North Korea's evolving nuclear and missile threats. The exercise set for Aug. 22-Sept. 1 is likely to combine the computer simulation-based command post training, field maneuvers and Ulchi civil contingency drills a makeup tantamount to a revival of the Ulchi Freedom Guardian (UFG) drills. The UFG was abolished in 2018 under the then liberal Moon Jae-in administration, as it remained keen on facilitating diplomacy with the North, which has decried the exercise as a war rehearsal. On Wednesday, the interior ministry said the four-day Ulchi drills are scheduled to kick off on Aug. 22 an indication the drills have been timed to coincide with the allied summertime training. Seoul and Washington have also been in talks on newly naming their upcoming exercise, the defense ministry here said. "The list of the new government's policy tasks included changing the name of the South Korea-U.S. theater-level combined training," Col. Moon Hong-sik, deputy spokesperson of the ministry, told a regular press briefing. "Related consultations are in progress, and we will make an announcement once a decision is made." Among the new names under consideration are the "Ulchi Freedom Shield" or a name including the word "alliance," according to media reports. From 1976 through 2007, the allies' summertime exercise was called the Ulchi Focus Lens (UFL). The UFL consisted of the Ulchi exercise and the combined Focus Lens drills launched in 1954 by the U.S-led U.N. Command. The exercise took the new name, the UFG, in 2008. It had been held under that name until 2017. (Yonhap) Irish premier Micheal Martin has called on AIB to reconsider its plan to remove cash services from 70 branches across Ireland, as Sinn Fein called for the Finance Minister to comment on the issue. There has been sharp criticism from across the political spectrum of AIBs decision to stop all cash-and-cheque services across 70 of its 170 branches from this autumn. This means notes, coins, cheques, foreign exchange and bank drafts will not be available in these branches, and ATMs outside the branch where services are changing will be removed. Speaking to the Irish media in Singapore, the Taoiseach said: There are significant cohorts of people, businesses and towns across Ireland who need this facility, and I do believe AIB and the banks should take notice of this. He added that the Government would be engaging with the banks on the issue. In response, AIB said in a statement to the PA news agency that it is aware of the Taoiseachs comments and we are happy to engage with him. TDs and senators from both the Government and opposition have criticised the move by AIB. Speaking on the plinth at Leinster House, Sinn Fein TD Eoin O Broin called on Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe to make a statement about the withdrawal of cash services from AIB branches. The idea that a bank that has received almost 21 billion euros of taxpayers money, that is 60% owned by the state, would treat the public in this way, I think, is shocking. Whats even more outrageous is Paschal Donohoe, the Minister for Finance, who is responsible for the states interest in this bank, is yet to make a comment on it. We need to hear from Paschal Donohoe. We need to hear what his view of this is, and what hes going to do to convince AIB to reverse this decision. The minister shouldnt need me to tell him that he needs to make a public statement on the matter. He should have been out in advance of this. Paraphrasing an advertising slogan of AIB, Fianna Fail senator Timmy Dooley said: AIB purports to back brave, but its clear from this decision all theyre backing is their own profit margins. By removing cash services from branches, they are leaving rural businesses and rural people in the lurch as they force them to either make more use of online services or to drive long distances to lodge or access cash. Cash services are to be removed from their branches in Shannon, Ennistymon, Kilrush, Killaloe and Kilkee. This means a business owner they purportedly back to be brave will be forced to travel around an hour to access cash services in Ennis. Fine Gael TD Michael Ring said of the decision: In my own county, branches in Ballinrobe and Claremorris will be removing cash, ATM and cheque services, and this comes on top of other bank closures that have occurred in recent years. What the banking big wigs fail to realise when they are making these short-sighted decisions is the detrimental impact they have on rural people, who now face long journeys to get to a branch if they wish to access cash services. Aontu TD Peadar Toibin said: Our banking sector is in complete disarray with the withdrawal of KBC and Ulster Bank. The market is over-concentrated in the hands of just a few operators. This gives the remaining banks enormous supplier power and now they can do what they want. An Post said its 920 post offices are continuing to offer the services, six days a week, that AIB has withdrawn. This includes cash, foreign exchange, and cheque services. A national advertising campaign with the message Your bank is in your local post office is under way, it said. AIB said in its statement that the average distance to a local An Post office from a repurposed branch is less than 350 metres, and that AIB customers will continue to have access to cash in over 4,000 ATMs nationwide, including third-party ATMs and up to 25,000 point-of-sale locations, most of which provide cash back. A total of 36 AIB branches will go cashless from September 30, with a further 34 AIB branches going cashless from October 22. A full list of the branches affected by these changes is available on the AIB website. Leopardstown Racecourse hosts a cracking midweek card on Thursday evening with a seven-race card for punters to enjoy. The action gets underway at 5.30pm and finishes at 8.30pm. The going is currently Good, Good to Firm in places and watering is taking place to maintain the ground. We have previewed the pick of the action and you can find the best odds on the SBK Sportsbook App. One of the highlights on the card is the 50,000 G3 Tyros Stakes at 6.30pm. Five runners go to post and they are headed by Age Of Kings for Aidan OBrien. He scored at the Curragh in good style in June, before filling seventh in the Coventry Stakes. He was also not disgraced when fourth at the Curragh on his latest start in the Railway Stakes and the form of that race has already worked out with Blackbeard going on to win the Prix Robert Papin recently. Pearling Path is another fascinating runner having scored at Fairyhouse in May on his second career start. He then went on to finish a length second in the Chesham, Stakes at Royal Ascot and he looks sure to go well in this event. Hellsing is also interesting having made a winning debut at the Curragh in May. He is open to any amount of improvement. The same comment can be made about Proud And Regal. A son of Galileo, he also made a winning debut at the Curragh last month and he has to be respected. Voce Del Palio completes the five runners having scored at Roscommon in May, before filling second at Leopardstown last time out. The 50,000 G3 Silver Flash Stakes (6.00pm) is the other highlight on the card with six runners going to post. Aidan OBrien saddles Never Ending Story who clearly has to be at the top of the shortlist. Third on her debut, she showed the benefit of that experience when powering to a smooth win at the Curragh last time out. She looked a hugely exciting prospect on that occasion and should go well in this event. Zarinsk interestingly beat Never Ending Story on debut and she was fourth in a Group Two event when last seen. She is clearly a fascinating runner based on that initial meeting. That race also included Zoinnocent who was sixth, before scoring at Gowran Park when defeating La Dolce Vita last time out. With Love was also fourth in the same maiden before scoring at Leopardstown, with Its Showtime Baby completing the six runners. The 12-furlong event at 8.00pm is another interesting event as it features 280,000 purchae Waterville who opened his account at Limerick last time out and Nectarine who landed a handicap at Fairyhouse earlier this month. However, Point King is the one they have to beat after he powered to a smooth win at Fairyhouse last month. Leopardstown Selections: 5.30pm Lan Mara 6.00pm Never Ending Story 6.30pm Age Of Kings 7.00pm Tower Of London 7.30pm Might And Mercy 8.00pm Point King 8.30pm Final Orders At July's monthly meeting of Louth County Council Fianna Fail councillor John Sheridan queried whether the move to take the pumping station at Cavanhill in Knockbridge marked the beginning of other water maintenance duties moving back to the councils remit? The next big project I know were all focused on is the Greenmount project and I know wed have a lot more confidence with Louth County Council doing the work, I know locally its Louth County Council people that I get the most response from and the impediments put in by Irish Water for the most basic of connections is unbelievable and Id follow support a move back." In reply Chief Executive Joan Martin said that this was absolutely not the case and that she expected the council to be entirely out of water sometime in the early part of next year if not sooner. There's agreement at a national level and the move is to not only not to renew SLAs (Service Level Agreement) but to end the current round of SLAs ahead of schedule. So I would expect Irish Water to be entirely taking over on a gradual basis over months, probably in the early part of next year taking over staffing and then taking over everything fairly quickly. I'd imagine that we could be in the first run of councils to transition entirely over to Irish Water and that our involvement in water services, apart from a small involvement in rural water services, will end completely, despite no actual time frame, sooner rather than later. Community education providers in Louth and Meath are being encouraged to apply for funding for eligible projects under the 5.5 million Reach Fund, which is now open for applications through Louth and Meath Education and Training Board (ETB). The Reach Fund was formerly known as the Mitigating Against Educational Disadvantage Fund and carries a new name this year. The aim of the Reach Fund remains the same as its past two successful outings, which is to support community education for adult learners in counties across Ireland, including Louth and Meath, who have the highest level of need. A further focus of the Fund is on building the digital infrastructure of local community education providers in Louth and Meath to increase their capacity to deliver online learning, with target funding available to improve access to technology and devices. The Reach Fund was first announced by the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris TD, in 2020. It is funded by SOLAS, the further education and training authority, and administered to local community education projects by the 16 local Education and Training Boards (ETBs) around the country, including Louth and Meath ETB. Commenting on the 2022 Reach Fund, Minister Simon Harris TD said: The success of the Reach Fund over the past two years has been so important. Its critical, now that we are past the acute phase of the Covid-19 pandemic, that we reconnect with the most disadvantaged learners around the country, including in Louth and Meath, and ensure that community education partners are empowered to reach them. These learners simply cannot be left behind. I am very proud of the work in reaching these learners that has been achieved under the banner of the Reach Fund and cant wait to see what vital projects are funded in 2022s call. Around the country, the projects supported by the Reach Fund helped to support online learning, connect communities and provided social supports to the most vulnerable groups. These priority groups include people who are long-term unemployed; young people; people with disabilities; members of the Traveller and Roma communities; migrants and refugees; women wishing to return to the labour market; and lone parents. In 2020, over 500 community education projects were funded by Reach through the 16 ETBs, with overall funding of 5.8 million. In 2021, overall Reach funding of 6.85 million was allocated to support community education, comprising 1,000 initiatives. Commenting on the call, Andrew Brownlee, CEO of SOLAS, said: Through the Reach Fund, we are supporting those in society who are furthest removed from education through social disadvantage. We are calling on community education partners in Louth and Meath to apply for funding for their critical work through this years Reach Fund. These partners and their projects have a huge impact, not only on an individuals life, but also to our communities, and Irish society overall. Fiona Maloney, Director of Further Education and Training with Education and Training Boards Ireland (ETBI), commented: ETBI welcomes the continuation of the Reach Fund, which is administered by the national network of Education and Training Boards. The Reach Fund has already had a significant positive impact for many communities. I encourage community education providers in Louth and Meath to engage with Louth and Meath ETB to access this fund to further support the very valuable work across our communities for all of our citizens. Community education providers in Louth and Meath can apply for Reach funding by completing a funding application form, which is available from Adult Education Officers in Louth and Meath ETB by phoning 046-9068200 or emailing education@lmetb.ie. A model of the nation's locally developed fighter, the KF-21 Boramae, is displayed at the Farnborough International Airshow in Britain, Thursday (local time). Courtesy of Korea Aerospace Industries By Kang Seung-woo, Joint Press Corps On the back of the successful first flight of its KF-21 Boramae fighter jet earlier this week, the chief of Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) is seeking to keep the momentum going by unveiling an ambitious new plan to sell 1,000 FA-50s within a decade. "To export 1,000 FA-50s means opening up a market worth 40 trillion won ($30.5 billion) in sales and 100 trillion won in follow-up logistics support," President Ahn Hyun-ho told reporters at the Farnborough International Airshow in the U.K., Wednesday (local time). According to KAI, the global market volume for light attack aircraft in the world is 28,000 planes. "In addition, it carries extra significance that Korea will become the world's second-largest aircraft manufacturer, with the aerospace sector emerging as the nation's bona fide future growth engine along with the automotive and steel industries," he added. The FA-50 is a variant of KAI's T-50 supersonic trainer jet, co-developed with Lockheed Martin using some of the U.S. firm's technologies, including the avionics system and engine. It has been exported to Iraq, the Philippines and Thailand. The Korean Air Force has been operating 60 FA-50s since 2014. KAI President Ahn Hyun-ho holds an interview with the media at the Farnborough International Airshow in Britain, Thursday (local time). Courtesy of Korea Aerospace Industries Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup met with new U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Philip Goldberg on Thursday for discussions on regional security and the bilateral alliance, Lee's ministry said. During the meeting, Lee stressed the ambassador's role for communication between the two countries is "more important than at any other time" as North Korea's military threats have continued, according to the ministry. He also asked Goldberg to serve as a "bridge" between Seoul and Washington in the process of the two countries pushing to develop their partnership into a "global comprehensive strategic alliance." Goldberg said that he felt honored to be able to work for reinforcing the alliance, the ministry said. He also highly assessed the alliance that has been contributing to peace on the Korean Peninsula and in the Indo-Pacific region, it added. Lee used the meeting to congratulate Goldberg on his ambassadorship here, noting the envoy has "ample experience and outstanding capabilities" as a "career ambassador," the highest diplomatic rank in U.S. foreign service. Goldberg assumed the post earlier this month, becoming Washington's first ambassador to Seoul under the Joe Biden administration. (Yonhap) President Yoon Suk-yeol and his wife, first lady Kim Keon-hee during Yoon's first official overseas trip to Spain for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization summit in this June 30 file photo / Korea Times file Glitz and glamour of first lady, president's problematic inner circle do more harm than good: Mayor Hong Joon-pyo By Kang Hyun-kyung Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo / Korea Times file The apricot is Armenia's most celebrated fruit, a cherished national symbol and key agricultural export for the country. Harvest starts in June, when trees across the region are bursting with lush and mellow fruit, and the month proves busy for all the companies involved in the supply chain. Labora Plast has been in the agriculture business for quite some time, importing freezers and fridges to keep produce including apricots fresh and juicy. The company recently noticed a gap in the supply chain and decided to bridge it by producing boxes for agricultural exports. The EBRD, the European Union (EU) and ArmSwissBank have become stable partners helping the company to realise its ambition and invest in better technology under the EU4Business-EBRD Credit Line. The programme and investment were both highly beneficial for our company: the new equipment allows us to save up to 40 per cent of our energy. At the same time, we can produce twice as many boxes as before and contribute to growing Armenias export volume, says Arvin Nazarian, Director. The EBRD offers companies loans to modernise production by bringing it in line with EU standards. These loans, disbursed via local partner financial institutions such as ArmSwissBank, are coupled with grants and technical assistance funded by the EU under its EU4Business initiative. In a fast-changing world with continuous technological advances, investments in modern equipment can bring the competitive edge, making businesses more agile, efficient and bound to grow locally and beyond borders. Together with the EU and our local financial partners, including ArmSwissBank, we are driving private sector development and helping companies develop the economy, says George Akhalkatsi, EBRD head of Armenia. Histogen, an Armenian-German scientific-practical centre of pathology, is another beneficiary of the EU4Business-EBRD Credit Line in Armenia. Efficient treatment starts with accurate diagnostics thats the motto of the centre based in Yerevan. We provide the most accurate and reliable pathomorphologic diagnostics in line with modern medical requirements and with help from our team of high-level professionals, says Ruzanna Kocharian, Deputy Director. Since opening in 2017, Histogen has aimed to bring the local population the highest quality services in a fast, affordable and easily accessible manner. Time is of the essence, especially with serious illness: the faster the diagnosis, the faster you can begin treatment. And a scanner purchased with support from our partners definitely helps us to share test results with our colleagues abroad and seek medical opinions more broadly, all with the aim of finding the right treatment, notes Ruzanna. The newly acquired scanner allows the transfer of sensitive medical data at high speed and in high quality for remote analysis and diagnostics. The scanner has also allowed Histogen to become more actively involved in scientific research and contribute to ongoing studies. This is especially important for Ruzannas centre, which acts as a base for the Armenian Medicine Institute, where a young generation of medical professionals acquire knowledge and practical skills in pathology. To date 13 companies in Armenia have already benefitted from the EU4Business-EBRD Credit Line and the number is growing. This programme is also active in Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine. Crews from Baltimore RNLI were tasked to provide a medical evacuation earlier this afternoon from Cape Clear Island in West Cork. The volunteer lifeboat crew launched their all-weather lifeboat at 4.25pm, following a request from the Irish Coast Guard to provide a medical evacuation for a man on the island. The crew arrived at North Harbour in Cape Clear Island at 4.50pm and transferred the casualty onboard the lifeboat. They departed Cape Clear Island at 5.03pm and returned to the station in Baltimore arriving at 5.35pm. From here, the casualty was then handed over to the care of HSE Ambulance crew. There were five volunteer crew onboard the lifeboat; Coxswain Aidan Bushe, mechanic Nigel Kehoe and crew members Emma Lupton, Emma Geary and Don ODonovan. A spokesperson for the RNLI said that conditions during the call out were calm with a north to north westerly force 3 wind and a slight sea swell. Speaking following the call-out, Kate Callanan, Baltimore RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer said that the lifeboat has responded to a number of call-outs in recent days. It has been a busy few days for Baltimore Lifeboat with three calls in the last five days. On 16 July the all-weather lifeboat assisted a yacht with two people on board that was in difficulty close to rocks off the eastern side of Cape Clear Island. Last night the all-weather lifeboat rescued a lone sailor 70 miles south of Baltimore after his catamaran capsized during a race. We are grateful to the crews of both our all-weather lifeboat and our inshore lifeboat who are always ready to answer their pagers as soon as required. Please remember, if you find yourself in a medical emergency whilst on an island call 999 or 112." APPROVAL has been given for Carrigaline to twin with the town of Newport News, Virginia, in the US. Councillors were informed at this weeks Carrigaline Municipal District meeting that the proposal for the Cork town to twin with the town in Virginia was approved by the International and European Affairs Committee last month. It was subsequently approved at the Corporate Policy Group meeting, which was held on July 5. Communication will now be initiated with the mayor of Newport News in order to embark on the official process of twinning the two towns. Carrigaline Municipal District officer Carol Conway welcomed the official go-ahead for the twinning to take place. It has been approved which is great news, said Ms Conway. The International Affairs Committee met, and they approved the proposal for twinning. It then went to a meeting of Corporate Policy Group. The next step now is to make contact with the mayor of Newport News. Fine Gael councillor Jack White also welcomed the news. It is great news and very welcome, said Mr White. We will all look forward to progressing it from our end as best we can. The twinning opportunity was initiated by the mayor of the Virginia town, who contacted the previous chair of Carrigaline Municipal District, Independent councillor Marcia DAlton. There are already strong links between Carrigaline and Newport News which stretch back to 1621. In that year, two Carrigaline men landed on the shores of the James River, in the colony of Virginia. There, they developed a large homestead on what is now Newport Newspoint. Founded in 2005 as an Ohio-based environmental newspaper, EcoWatch is a digital platform dedicated to publishing quality, science-based content on environmental issues, causes, and solutions. As a third of the U.S. population baked under heat warnings or advisories Wednesday, President Joe Biden announced a series of executive actions on the climate crisis. Bidens remarks at a former Massachusetts coal plant come a little less than a week after West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin scuttled hopes of passing major climate legislation. In his speech, Biden announced executive actions and emphasized the urgency of the situation, but fell short of declaring a national climate emergency. My message today is this since Congress is not acting as it should this is an emergency, Biden said Wednesday, as CBS News reported. And I will look at it that way. I said last week and Ill say it again loud and clear. As president, Ill use my executive powers to combat the climate crisis in the absence of congressional action. The President announced three actions in particular on Wednesday, according to a White House Fact Sheet. Allocating $2.3 billion in funding through the Federal Emergency Management Agency to help communities prepare for heat waves, hurricanes, flooding and other climate-fueled extreme weather events. Releasing guidance from the Department of Health and Human Services on how the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) can provide low cost air conditioning, cooling centers and other means of staying cool in high heat. Expanding offshore wind power into the Gulf of Mexico. As president, I have the responsibility to act with urgency and resolve when our nation faces a clear and present danger. And that's what climate change is: a clear and present danger. pic.twitter.com/u8dM27luNK President Biden (@POTUS) July 21, 2022 The Brayton Point Power Station in Somerset, Massachusetts, was chosen specifically for the remarks because it is a former coal plant that now makes cables for offshore wind power. Many of these fossil fuel plants are becoming sites for new, clean energy construction, Biden said, as CBS news reported. Others are switching to new clean technologies. Look at Brayton Point. Biden did not declare a national climate emergency, as some Democrats and environmental groups have called for. And The New York Times noted that his executive actions would not lead to a significant decline in greenhouse gas emissions. Biden has set a goal of reducing U.S. emissions by half of 2005 levels by 2030, but his agenda has been hampered on the legislative front by Machins stonewalling and on the executive front by a recent Supreme Court ruling that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) cant regulate greenhouse gas emissions from power plants en masse without Congressional approval. In this context, some climate activists want more aggressive executive action. The youth-led Sunrise Movement has launched a petition calling on Biden to declare a climate emergency and take actions including ending fossil fuel drilling on public lands and refusing permits to any new fossil fuel infrastructure like pipelines. Please call the White House & urge @POTUS to declare a #ClimateEmergency, stop fossil fuel leasing, export and project approvals, and speed a just, renewable energy transition. #PeoplevsFossilFuels pic.twitter.com/7VfbpMbGOb Sunrise Movement (@sunrisemvmt) July 20, 2022 All weve seen are a handful of executive actions and the slow death of climate legislation in Congress, the groups executive director Varshini Prakash said in a statement reported by The New York Times. Young people are tired of receiving scraps from our government. The Biden administration, meanwhile, did not rule out an official declaration. Everything is on the table. Its just not going to be this week on that decision, press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters Tuesday, as CNN reported. The administration also said Wednesdays announcement marked only the first of a coming list of executive actions on climate. Climate change is literally an existential threat to our nation and to the world, Biden said Wednesday, as The New York Times reported. Founded in 2005 as an Ohio-based environmental newspaper, EcoWatch is a digital platform dedicated to publishing quality, science-based content on environmental issues, causes, and solutions. Migratory monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus plexippus) are now considered endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The species will now be listed in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species after habitat loss and climate change decimated the population. Even with recent reports finding a slight uptick in overwintering monarch butterflies, the numerous threats this species faces has led to a major plummet in the population in the past several years. Todays Red List update highlights the fragility of natures wonders, such as the unique spectacle of monarch butterflies migrating across thousands of kilometres, Bruno Oberle, IUCN Director General, said in a statement. To preserve the rich diversity of nature we need effective, fairly governed protected and conserved areas, alongside decisive action to tackle climate change and restore ecosystems. In turn, conserving biodiversity supports communities by providing essential services such as food, water and sustainable jobs. The newly updated Red List includes 147,517 species, with 41,459 of those species being under threat of extinction. The now-endangered monarch butterfly is one of these many threatened species facing extinction. The monarch butterfly migrates to California and Mexico in the winter to breeding grounds throughout the U.S. and Canada in the warmer months. But its population has declined by as much as 72% in just the past 10 years due to logging, both legal and not, to make room for agricultural fields and urban development. On farms, pesticide use has further harmed the butterflies and milkweed, the only food source for monarch caterpillars. Climate change has also pushed the migratory monarchs toward extinction. Droughts limit milkweed growth and can lead to more frequent extreme wildfires. The warming temperatures cause butterflies to begin migrations too early, when the milkweed is not yet available. Extreme weather events have killed millions more of the butterflies. Western migratory monarch butterflies face the greatest threat of extinction, with as much as 99.9% of the population lost since the 1980s. The eastern monarch population dropped by 84% from 1996 to 2014. It is difficult to watch monarch butterflies and their extraordinary migration teeter on the edge of collapse, but there are signs of hope, said Anna Walker, member of the IUCN SSC Butterfly and Moth Specialist Group, and Species Survival Officer at the New Mexico BioPark Society, who led the monarch butterfly assessment. From planting native milkweed and reducing pesticide use to supporting the protection of overwintering sites and contributing to community science, we all have a role to play in making sure this iconic insect makes a full recovery. Founded in 2005 as an Ohio-based environmental newspaper, EcoWatch is a digital platform dedicated to publishing quality, science-based content on environmental issues, causes, and solutions. As the UK recorded its first temperature higher than 40 degrees Celsius on Tuesday, Britains Secretary of State for Transport Grant Shapps unveiled a new plan for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from aviation at the Farnborough Air Show. The Jet Zero Strategy aims to achieve net-zero emissions from domestic flights and English airports by 2040, so passengers can look forward to guilt-free travel, as Shapps, Minister for Aviation Robert Courts and Minister for Transport Decarbonization Trudy Harrison put it in the foreword. However, climate activists argue that the plan promises something it cant deliver. The Jet Zero strategy lands on the same day as the nation melts under record climate-change induced heat. But rather than a pragmatic plan to fully wean the aviation industry off fossil fuels, it allows the sector to carry on polluting with impunity for the next 30 years, Transport & Environment (T&E) UK Director Matt Finch said in a statement. Whilst there are some good commitments, it will go down in history as a missed opportunity. UK's new #JetZero aviation strategy will NOT get the sector to net zero The nation is melting but the @GOVUK allows the aviation sector to carry on polluting Why is this new plan a missed opportunity? https://t.co/KXOt0S1wy8 Transport & Environment (@transenv) July 19, 2022 The new plan has six major components, according to a government press release. Improving efficiency across the sector. Boosting sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) by mandating that at least 10 percent of jet fuel be composed of SAFs by 2030 and putting 165 million towards developing a domestic SAF industry. Setting a goal of having zero-emission planes connecting routes across the UK by 2030. Offsetting emissions through carbon markets and greenhouse-gas removal technologies. Informing consumers about sustainable travel options. Researching non-carbon-dioxide related aviation pollution, such as nitrogen oxides. The plan is part of the UKs overall strategy for achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. It also set a goal of breaking ground on a minimum of five SAF plants in the UK by 2025 and making sure aviation emissions do not exceed their pre-pandemic levels. We want 2019 to be remembered as the peak year for aviation emissions. From now on, it should all be downhill for carbon emissions and steadily uphill for green flights, Shapps said in the government release. However, a coalition of green groups including Green Alliance, Friends of the Earth, Possible, T&E and Flight Free UK argue that the plan does not go far enough to effectively reduce aviation emissions, The Independent reported. They observed that the governments own Climate Change Committee said last month that plans for reducing aviation emissions were insufficient for achieving net-zero. Currently, the sector is responsible for around 2.5 percent of global emissions, according to the government. The truth is there is only one method for reducing aviation emissions that we know works, but the government refuses to do it: reduce the number of flights, Possible co-founder and director of innovation Leo Murray wrote in an OpEd for The Guardian. He argued that the plan relied on technologies that might not be commercially available until 2050 in the first place while still expanding airports and increasing the number of passengers by 75 percent compared to pre-pandemic levels. In its statement, the government emphasized the importance of the aviation industry to the economy, saying that it contributes 22 billion. Rather than clipping the sectors wings, our pathway recognises that decarbonisation offers huge economic benefits, creating the jobs and industries of the future and making sure UK businesses are at the forefront of this green revolution, Shapps said. However, Flight Free UK said the plan was pure greenwash, according to The Independent. We are at Farnborough airport calling out the governments so-called Jet Zero strategy. The governments plan is to deliver guilt-free flying. Pigs might fly! pic.twitter.com/JqwkqHrzGA Flight Free UK (@FlightFreeUK) July 19, 2022 The Jet Zero plans show an absolute lack of reality when it comes to cutting aviation emissions, Flight Free UK Director Anna Huges told The Independent. The government is dead set on the continued growth of the sector, whilst presenting false solutions that wont achieve the rapid emissions reductions that we desperately need to see. Jet Zero relies on techno-fixes that wont be commercially viable for at least another 10 years, so-called sustainable fuels which have no net benefit for the environment; and offsetting, which is just another way of kicking the can down the road. The New Economics Foundation, meanwhile, said that the plan would result in aviation emissions in 2035 that would be around 50 percent greater than 1990 emissions. At best, this plan will deliver peak carbon emissions in 2019, but with its plan for unlimited air travel growth, non-carbon aviation emissions will rise, and will persist all the way to 2050, Dr. Alex Chapman from the New Economics Foundation said, as The Independent reported. Cambodia pork supply adequate until end 2022 Cambodia's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries said the country has sufficient pork supply for local consumption until the end of this year, which means they do not need to import pork, The Phnom Penh Post reported. Tan Phannara, director-general of the General Department of Animal Health and Production, said the ministry has not allowed the import of swine for nine months now because local production has been sufficient. His agency has worked with the necessary parties over the past few months to crack down on 16 incidents of unauthorised live swine imports in an effort to stop illicit imports. In a case that occurred last week, 80 pigs that entered Cambodia from Vietnam through the Prey Veng province were killed and burned after being quarantined on suspicion of having African swine fever (ASF). He said the country does not need to import swine to supply the local market through the end of the year, adding that they will continue to encourage farmers to raise more animals, whose husbandry capacity has increased since 2020, in response to Prime Minister Hun Sen's call to reduce imports and increase domestic production. The current supply of pigs, according to Srun Pov, president of the Cambodia Livestock Raisers Association (CLRA), was not only sufficient but also facing an excess, which put a slight downward pressure on the price of the live animals. He said that it makes little sense to import them into Cambodia because the going rates for live hogs in neighbouring nations are more expensive than the prices of Cambodian swine. Mong Reththy, chairman of the Mong Reththy Group, said producers and investors can now raise three million swine on average each year. He said swine production has increased significantly, with a daily supply of 8,300 swine on the domestic market, which has just barely outpaced demand. Srun added that the cost of live swine is anticipated to return to normal in the middle of August. Despite having a daily need for about 8,000 swine, domestic production outpaces demand in Cambodia. - The Phnom Penh Post Laos urges businesses to make more investments in producing animal feed Laos is encouraging private businesses to invest more in the production of fertiliser and animal feed in response to the surge in market demand. The move supports the government's efforts to reduce imports and strengthen domestic production while also stabilising the value of the country's currency amid an economic downturn. Farmers in Laos need about two million tonnes of fertiliser a year but only 600,000 tonnes of organic fertiliser can be produced in the country, equal to 30% of the amount required. "Our ministry will encourage Lao and Vietnamese companies to team up in a joint venture to manufacture fertiliser," Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Dr. Phet Phomphiphak told the National Assembly recently. "We have invited a major fertiliser manufacturer from Vietnam to come to Laos next month to meet with Lao business operators and discuss a possible partnership." The minister was asked if the fertiliser issue could be resolved by 2023 under the government's National Agenda to tackle ongoing economic and financial problems. Dr. Phomphiphak said he could not confirm whether more companies would be able to produce enough fertiliser to meet farmers' needs. "I'm sure that the amount of fertiliser produced in Laos will increase significantly by next year, but I don't think we can produce sufficient to meet the total need," he said. Additionally, farmers require about 600,000 tonnes of animal feed, but the six manufacturing plants in Laos can supply less than 400,000 tonnes, equal to just 60% of demand. Animal feed is currently produced mainly for supply to farms and agricultural projects, with a very limited quantity available at local markets. "Several businesses in Laos have expressed interest in setting up factories to produce animal feed for use in Laos," Dr. Phet said. This year, farmers have been hard hit not only by the rising cost of fuel and depreciation of Laos currency, as well as the high price of animal feed purchased from Thailand. The cost of feed for piglets rose by 29%, the cost of feed for chicks rose by 8% and the cost of fish feed surged by 60%, according to a study conducted by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce. The figures were collected in April to compare with those recorded in January, to indicate how rising costs are affecting producers and farmers. Laos imports more than it exports. In June, the country's two-way trade was worth US$1,000 million, with a trade deficit of US$133 million. The study stressed the need to strongly promote domestic production for the purposes of export, saying this would help to boost foreign currency reserves and stabilise exchange rates in the long term. - Vientiane Times/ANN President Yoon Suk-yeol answers reporters' questions as he enters the presidential office in Yongsan District, Seoul, Thursday. Joint Press Corps By Nam Hyun-woo President Yoon Suk-yeol ratcheted up pressure on striking subcontracted workers at Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME) to end their protracted walkout, days after he said his patience was wearing thin, urging them to return to work "for the sake of everyone." "Ending the illegal action and getting back to normal is what the public wants, and that is also good for everyone," Yoon told reporters, Thursday, when asked for his opinion on the strike. A day earlier, he said any illegalities in industrial relations "shouldn't be tolerated" and "the government and the public have already waited so long" for an end to the strike. Yoo Choi-an, vice head of a union of subcontracted workers of Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME), holds a banner as he stages a sit-in protest inside a metal structure at a dock in DSME's Okpo shipyard on Geoje Island in South Gyeongsang Province, Tuesday The comment came as the strike continued for the 50th day on Thursday. Since June 22, some of the unionized workers have been staging a sit-in protest at the main dock of DSME's Okpo shipyard on Geoje Island in South Gyeongsang Province. The strike is believed to have inflicted an estimated 1 trillion won ($764.1 million) in losses on DSME. Hopes were high that the parties may reach an agreement on Wednesday, as the unionized workers reportedly lowered their demand for a wage hike from 30 percent to 5 percent, while the employers also showed positive responses to the union's demand to improve labor rights. However, the negotiations faced another hurdle as they failed to narrow differences on whether the employers will sue the unionized workers for damages from the losses incurred by their strike. The parties resumed their negotiations on Thursday. Members of the Korea Metal Workers' Union stage a rally to support Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME) subcontractors' strike at the shipbuilder's Okpo Shipyard on Geoje Island in South Gyeongsang Province, Wednesday. Yonhap Against this backdrop, Yoon's comments are interpreted as pressure on the parties to reach an agreement as soon as possible, otherwise the government may consider using police force to end the strike. The Korea Offshore & Shipbuilding Association and the ruling People Power Party (PPP) have already requested the government mobilize law enforcement. The negotiating parties see Friday as a de facto deadline for negotiations, because DSME's two-week summer holiday will begin this weekend. In case the negotiations do not conclude by then, the government may give police the green light to enter the shipyard and arrest protesters. Reportedly, the police finished an on-site safety checkup and conducted a simulated exercise. Banners supporting (left) and opposing (right) Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME) subcontractors' strike are displayed at DSME's dock in Okpo Shipyard on Geoje Island in South Gyeongsang Province, Wednesday. Joint Press Corps New Zealand increases border measures to prevent foot-and-mouth disease New Zealand said it has increased border measures to prevent the entry of food-and-mouth disease (FMD) following the discovery of FMD in nearby Bali, Indonesia, Reuters reported. Damien O'Connor, New Zealand's Minister of Biosecurity and Agriculture, said that since FMD was recently discovered in Bali, a popular tourist destination, they have taken concrete steps to boost their work at the border in recent weeks, including a public awareness campaign. He urged everyone to be watchful and do their part to safeguard New Zealand's economic security. Animals with cloven hooves are susceptible to the highly contagious virus known as FMD. According to the Ministry for Primary Industries, a virus outbreak in New Zealand would have a significant negative impact on important exports of dairy, red meat, and pork products for months or even years. For arrivals from Indonesia, New Zealand this week introduced foot mats with disinfecting chemicals to make sure footwear is free of the virus. A campaign has been started to inform visitors to Bali about the problems. An audit of the palm kernel supply chain for animal feed is currently taking place on the ground. Furthermore, New Zealand is sending equipment to Indonesia to help the country contain the virus. - Reuters Malaysian farmers' organisation ready to import chicken if required Datuk Zamri Yaakob, chairman of Malaysia's National Farmers' Organisation (NAFAS), said they are prepared to import whole chicken from Brazil, China, Indonesia, and Thailand, the New Straits Times reported. He said chicken suppliers from the four nations have been approved by the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (JAKIM). Zamri said as the country has a limit on imports, they can bring in the supply whenever Malaysia needs it, adding that they only purchase chicken from vendors that have been approved by JAKIM, such as their two Brazilian vendors. He said they have been asked by the government to provide 4,000 metric tonnes of chicken, but they will make ready half of the amount first if the need arises. Datuk Seri Ahmad Hamzah, Malaysia's Deputy Agriculture and Food Industry Minister I, said previously that NAFAS and several its cooperatives had received special permission to import entire chicken. But Zamri asserted that since the local supply of chicken had stabilised, there was no urgent need to import it. - New Straits Times New US-Philippines African swine fever project announced A new African swine fever (ASF) project to address issues related to ASF called "Capacity building in risk assessment to support safe international trade of US pork products in the Philippines" has been announced by the US National Pork Producers Council (NPPC), US Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), leaders from the Philippine Department of Agriculture and the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, the National Pork Producers Council reported. Terry Wolters, president of NPPC, said the NPPC is pleased to have collaborated with the governments of the Philippines, the US, and the University of Minnesota to see this grant proposal through to completion. He said by forming international alliances, American pork producers can continue to offer consumers in both nations high-quality, low-cost pork products while also protecting American agriculture from foreign animal disease. The Philippines has experienced persistent ASF outbreaks and is looking for better solutions to contain the virus and the ensuing rise in food prices. In order to determine the requirements of the Philippines' government and producers for ASF outbreak management, NPPC collaborated with the Philippines embassy in Washington, D.C. The FAS graciously accepted the government assistance request from the NPPC international affairs team and the University of Minnesota, and they then announced they would fund the project in both the Philippines and Vietnam. Dr Andres M. Perez, professor in the department of veterinary population medicine and head of the university's Centre for Animal Health and Food Safety, said the knowledge to be gained from the programme is a win-win for both countries as it will help them better understand how to prepare, prevent, and mitigate a potential ASF outbreak. The risk to the US pork industry is minimised by helping other nations implement control measures that stop the disease's spread. By laying the groundwork for a risk-based approach to developing and implementing animal health policies and programmes, the ASF programme will support the readiness and transparency of the Philippines' animal health services. Workshops for provincial officers will be included in the programme, as well as intensive in-person training for fellows chosen by representatives of the Philippines' Department of Agriculture. In addition to the workshops, participants will receive asynchronous training based on materials created and distributed beforehand. - National Pork Producers Council Foot-and-mouth disease and African swine fever detected in imported meat to Australia As Australia's government takes new steps to wash shoes at international airports, viral fragments of food-and-mouth disease (FMD) and African swine fever (ASF) have been found in imported meat, ABC News reported. Murray Watt, Australia's Agriculture Minister, said that biosecurity authorities had recently found viral particles of FMD and ASF in pork products using "regular retail monitoring" operations. This discovery led to the deployment of citric foot mats at airports. Watt said a few pork items imported from China that were being sold in the Melbourne CBD have FMD and ASF virus particles. He said all products of this type have been confiscated from linked supermarkets and a Melbourne warehouse. It is not the first time the diseases have been detected in meat imports, but it is the first time that Australian authorities have seized the products from a supermarket or retail outlet following discovery of livestock diseases. Watt said the fragments, which differ from the live virus, don't endanger human health, and Australia is still clear of FMD and ASF. He said recently, a passenger travelling from Indonesia to Australia was "intercepted with a beef product that they didn't declare, which tested positive for FMD virus fragments," according to biosecurity inspectors. A statement from Australia's Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry said that the fragments had only been discovered in one meat sample. The statement said one sample of food that was recently purchased and tested for FMD and African swine fever viral fragments in shops across Australia, but the test did not reveal a live virus, was positive. This sample came from pork floss that was being sold in Melbourne. The statement also said pork floss is a dried, processed beef product that can only be imported if it complies with stringent requirements that reduce the risk of exotic diseases including FMD and ASF. Although the product was processed, there is no proof that the processing met Australia's standards. Watt announced new sanitation foot mats, thought to be an Australian first, will soon be installed at all of the nation's international airports, starting with Cairns and Darwin. Citric acid is sprayed on them, which will loosen dirt off peoples' shoes and cover it in acid. - ABC News Manx students set to plan a mission to Mars at United Space School Students from the Isle of Man will visit NASA in Houston later this month to take part in the first United Space School to meet in person since the Covid pandemic began. Daniel Millward and Michael Behrman, who both attend Castle Rushen High School, and King Williams College student Chalse Cowin will fly to the United States for the two-week Space School, which starts on July 24th. The year 12 pupils won an annual competition organised by the ManSat Group, which has been sponsoring students to attend the United Space School since 2000. For the last two years, the Space School was held virtually because of Covid, with participants linking up by video. However, this year, students are excited to be able to meet up in person with peers from around the world, when their challenge will be to plan a mission to Mars. Time to get tougher on traffickers, protect victims The U.S. State Department downgraded South Korea by one notch in its annual human trafficking report released Tuesday, citing a lack of efforts to crack down on related crimes and protect victims. The downgrade was the first of its kind in two decades. It should be seen as a setback to Korea which has been building its reputation as a top-tier country for a long time. The country was placed on Tier 2 in the 2022 Trafficking in Persons Report, down from the top category of Tier 1. It was listed on Tier 3 in 2001 when the State Department issued its first human trafficking report. But the country has remained in the highest Tier 1 classification since 2002. The classification uses four tiers Tier 1, Tier 2, Tier 2 "watchlist" and Tier 3. Countries on Tier 2 standing are not subject to any disadvantages or sanctions, while those on Tier 3 face restrictions in receiving overseas aid and participating in exchange programs, except for humanitarian assistance. However, Korea's downgrade may adversely affect its international prestige. Now we have to look closely into what caused Korea to be relegated to the lower category. The report covered the human trafficking situation between April 2021 and March 2022. It evaluated the previous Moon Jae-in government's efforts to prevent trafficking, prosecute traffickers and protect victims. The country was found to have failed in the evaluations. The report stated that the Korean government initiated fewer prosecutions against traffickers than in 2020 and did not take steps to address long-standing concerns over foreign sex trafficking victims. It pointed out that some of those victims were deported without being provided adequate services or without investigations being opened into the traffickers. The report also expressed concerns about the reported prevalence of labor trafficking among migrant workers, especially in Korea's fishing fleets. It said the country failed to report identifying any foreign victims of forced labor. It took issue with the relatively light punishments for traffickers usually a prison term of less than a year. According to a 2020 report by the National Human Rights Commission of Korea, migrants working as fishermen or on other ship crews were found to have been forced to work long hours, while their wages were far lower than their Korean counterparts. They were also found to have endured late salary payments. The authorities should accept the U.S. and Korean reports humbly and take bolder action to address human trafficking. First of all, the National Assembly needs to enact stricter laws to root out trafficking and get tougher on traffickers. Prosecutors and judges must take a zero-tolerance stance against any types of trafficking. It is also imperative to protect trafficking victims better. Otherwise, the country can never win the war against human trafficking. Seventeen Republican attorneys general have urged Google not to limit the appearance of anti-abortion centers in search results. They made the demand a month after Democratic lawmakers asked the company to refrain from directing people who are looking up information on pregnancy terminations to such centers. The Republican AGs suggested that if Google obliges the request from the other side of the aisle, they may investigate the company and undertake legal action. "If you fail to resist this political pressure, we will act swiftly to protect American consumers from this dangerous axis of corporate and government power," they wrote in a letter to Google and Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai. Many of the so-called crisis pregnancy centers in question have religious affiliations, as the Associated Press notes. Some centers have been accused of providing misleading information about abortion and contraception. Following a leak of a draft opinion suggesting that the Supreme Court would overturn Roe v. Wade, a ruling that ensured the right to abortion nationwide (a move that the court took in late June), Democrats in the House and Senate introduced a bill that seeks to "crack down on false advertising that crisis pregnancy centers employ to dissuade patients from getting the reproductive care they need, including abortion care." "Directing women towards fake clinics that traffic in misinformation and don't provide comprehensive health services is dangerous to women's health and undermines the integrity of Google's search results," the Democratic lawmakers wrote in their June 17th letter. They cited statistics indicating that a tenth of Google searches for terms like "abortion clinics near me" and "abortion pill" included results for anti-abortion centers. Turn on browser notifications to receive breaking news alerts from Engadget You can disable notifications at any time in your settings menu. Not now Turned on Turn on The Republican AGs took issue with the Democrats' missive. They noted that crisis pregnancy centers often provide services like free ultrasounds, pregnancy tests, sexually transmitted disease testing and parenting classes. "These pregnancy centers serve women, no matter who they are or what they believe," they wrote. "These attacks threaten not only those affiliated with the centers, but also the mothers in desperate need of the assistance the centers provide." The AGs noted Planned Parenthood has acknowledged that crisis pregnancy centers "have religious missions" and are faith-based organizations that oppose abortion." They claimed ceding to the Democrats' request would "[reek] of religious discrimination." They went on to state that if Google complies with "this inappropriate demand to bias your search results against crisis pregnancy centers," their offices would investigate the company for possible violations of antitrust and religious discrimination laws. The AGs would also "consider whether additional legislation such as nondiscrimination rules under common carriage statutes is necessary to protect consumers and markets." They gave Google 14 days to respond. Engadget has contacted Google for comment. Google previously said it will delete abortion clinic visits from users' location histories. Meanwhile, YouTube today started removing videos with unsafe instructions on how to self-administer an abortion. This content is made possible by our sponsor; it is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of Engadget's editorial staff. Both large and small companies are starting to recognize how beneficial running a website is. Brick-and-mortar storefronts can serve customers locally, but an online presence allows businesses to reach national and global markets, with mobile shopping capturing a large share of the traffic. This is one of the reasons website builders have gained traction in the past few years. According to Research and Markets, the site builder industry may reach $2.7 billion by 2026 . These services offer drag-and-drop editors that make it quick and easy to build brochure websites, small and medium business websites and e-commerce websites, which is invaluable if you want to expand your audience. However, while these platforms are packed with features, they might be overwhelming and expensive if your brand simply needs a single page to capture incoming visitors. Linkcard can provide a lighter-weight alternative, and Professional Plans are on sale for $50 . Linkcard offers a one-page website builder tailored explicitly for mobile experiences. This no-code platform allows you to create sites for social media, product or service portfolios and newsletters, and the setup is quite simple. First, choose one of Linkcards designer-made templates. The editor features arrangements for real estate, automotive, food and beverage, events, hospitality and more. Then, adjust elements such as text, fonts, colors and logos and add videos, images and links to your social channels. Once complete, you can share the new page on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter or via email. Plus, Linkcard provides post-publishing tools to help you track your websites performance. For example, you can capture leads from visitors, which are saved on a form on your Linkcard dashboard. It also offers built-in statistics and support for Google Analytics, Google Tag Manager and Facebook Pixel to track usage across all the sites you create. Lastly, Linkcard is GDPR-compliant to protect your privacy and data, and the company hosts your websites for free. Create a single-page website to target mobile customers with Linkshare. You can buy a Professional Plan for just $50 , or 89 percent off. Lyft will stop renting out cars from its own fleet and has laid off around 60 employees, according to The Wall Street Journal. As TechCrunch notes, the layoffs have also been confirmed by the LinkedIn posts of affected workers. The people who lost their jobs, The Journal said, worked in operations and covered 2 percent of the company's workforce. Back in May, the company reportedly wrote in a staff memo that it's slowing down hiring due to the economic downturn, but that it didn't have any layoffs planned. Things have clearly changed since then. In an internal memo from Lyft VP Cal Lankton seen by The Journal, the executive said that the company's road to in-house rentals is "long and challenging with significant uncertainty." Lankton also explained that Lyft started discussing the possibility of exiting the business last fall and that talks ramped up as the "economy made the business case unworkable." The ride-hailing service debuted its car rental business in Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area back in 2019 after a few months of testing, eventually expanding its first-party car rental offering to five locations. While it's sunsetting the option to rent vehicles from its fleet, the company isn't leaving the space completely. Lyft already runs more than 30 rental locations with Sixt SE and Hertz Global Holdings Inc., and it said it will continue working with big car-rental companies. "This decision," a spokesperson told the publication, "will ensure we continue to have national coverage and offer riders a more seamless booking experience." Turn on browser notifications to receive breaking news alerts from Engadget You can disable notifications at any time in your settings menu. Not now Turned on Turn on Lyft is also in the midst of reorganizing its global operations and consolidating its offers from 13 to nine regions. That will lead to the closure of a location in Northern California and of its Detroit Hub, but it's unclear if the move will cause more layoffs. Either way, Lyft is merely the latest company in the tech industry to cut jobs due to the economy. Tesla reportedly laid off 500 employees from its Nevada Gigafactory without 60 days of advanced notice. Netflix cut 300 jobs in June after cutting 150 jobs in May. And more recently, TikTok started laying people off around the world. Even the biggest companies in the industry aren't immune: Meta reportedly told managers to keep an eye out for low-performing workers and to "move to exit" them if they're unable to get back on track. Its tempting to import the Nothing Phone 1. The combination of eye-catching design, well-rounded performance and a reasonable price can make it more appealing than other mid-range smartphones, and even some pricey flagships. But is it really worth the effort to bring the Phone 1 to the US? Not necessarily. There are a number of challenges youll have to overcome, even once the device reaches your hands. Importing may cost more than you think The Phone 1 is priced at 399 in the UK and 469 in EU countries, or about $478 US as of this writing. However, you cant just send one to an American shipping address. We havent found a major UK or EU retailer that will ship Nothings product to the US, and its unlikely that you will given the Phone 1 hasnt received the FCC certification needed for legal sales inside the country. Unless you know someone willing to serve as a go-between, youll need to enlist the help of a package forwarding service that will ship the Phone 1 to a US address. In the UK, your options include companies like Forward2Me, MyUS and Reship. Many of them will handle single shipments, but you may need to sign up for a membership (typically $10 per month). And an individual order can be expensive. Forward2Me, for instance, currently estimates that youll pay between $29 to $47 to ship a common smartphone box. You might not have to pay significant import fees, at least. While US Customs and Border Protection does require a Merchandise Processing Fee (between $2 and $10 for informal entries like this), you can import personal-use products duty- and tax-free when theyre worth less than $800. Package forwarders will handle the paperwork, and will frequently quote the true shipping price. With that said, be sure to read the terms for these services and prepare for the possibility of extra charges. The phone might not work properly Mat Smith/Engadget The expenses may not be the real dealbreaker. If anything, youll need to worry more about network compatibility. While the Nothing Phone 1 does support some US carriers 5G and LTE frequencies, it lacks long-range bands for T-Mobile and Verizon. You wont get as robust coverage, and the performance may fall short. In testing, PCMags Sascha Segan noticed that the Phone 1 only managed 100Mbps downloads on 5G in areas where other phones reached 400Mbps. This is assuming you can get the handset to work in the first place. Without certification from the FCC or American carriers, there are no guarantees youll get connected. Nothing warns that the Phone 1 cant place 5G or LTE calls on AT&T as an uncertified device, and Segan lost Verizon service after two hours of use. Dont expect the functionality to improve, either. As Nothing founder Carl Pei explained to PCMag, US certification wasnt worth the trouble without a local carrier agreement; any broken connectivity is likely to stay broken. After-sale support is a problem, too. Nothings warranty only covers service within the original purchase region, so you cant ask for official help. We also wouldnt expect independent repair shops to fix the Phone 1. Youll probably have to buy a brand new phone if something breaks, in other words. What are the alternatives? Google Pei has indicated that community investors in the US might get the Phone 1 through a closed beta program. Nothing also has big plans to launch a US-friendly phone at some stage. If youre not part of that beta and arent willing to wait for a sequel, though, youre probably better off buying an alternative device. Thankfully, there are a few viable models in the sub-$500 range. Googles Pixel 6a (launching July 28th) may be the easiest choice. It wont have the Phone 1s smooth 120Hz screen, wireless charging or dual 50-megapixel rear cameras, but you will get a speedy processor and the latest Google software features for a modest $449. If you crave a high-refresh screen, Motorolas 144Hz-capable 2021 Edge is on sale for $400 as we write this. And yes, the iPhone 11 is still surprisingly capable if you dont mind the three-year-old specs. Wed advise against Samsungs sluggish Galaxy A53 5G, but it is an option if youre determined to get a 120Hz display or simply prefer the safety of a large brands ecosystem. You might also want to wait awhile. Apple should have a better $500 device when it updates the iPhone lineup in September (possibly the iPhone 12), and the solid Galaxy S21 FE may see further price cuts. Just a couple of short weeks before its next Unpacked event, Samsung's chief of Mobile Experience (MX) Business, Dr. TM Roh, said 10 million foldable phones were shipped worldwide. It's unclear how many of those phones were Samsung's, but the company is the largest provider of foldables at the moment. In a post on the Samsung Newsroom, Roh also said that's a 300 percent increase from 2020 and that he expects what he calls "fast-paced growth" to continue. Most of its foldable customers, 70 percent of them apparently, went for the clamshell-like Flip. That's not surprising in the least: Samsung previously admitted that the Flip 3 motivated more people to switch brands than its flagships did. The 10 million units Roh said the industry shipped last year is considerably larger than the shipment numbers IDC previously published, though. In a report by the International Data Corporation in February, it said it "witnessed worldwide shipments of foldable phones, inclusive of both flip and fold form factors, reach a total of 7.1 million units in 2021." Whichever figure is true, Samsung's MX division posted an increase in revenue last year, mostly due to the strong sales of its foldables and its latest Galaxy S devices. In addition to giving an update on how Samsung's devices are doing, Roh has also confirmed that the company is introducing its next Flip and Fold models at its next Unpacked event. He also said Samsung made advancements to enhance users' experiences with the upcoming devices: Turn on browser notifications to receive breaking news alerts from Engadget You can disable notifications at any time in your settings menu. Not now Turned on Turn on "I am excited to see people to discover new ways to do more of the things they love with the new foldable.... At our upcoming Unpacked on August 10th, youll see that the impact of our innovation is not only about what technology can do. Its about what you can do. Weve once again taken our inspiration from the most important source Galaxy users to push the limits of whats possible. I cant wait to show you the potential of our new Samsung Galaxy foldables as the ultimate tool for both productivity and self-expression." Samsung's upcoming Unpacked event will take place on August 10th at 9AM ET. Join us at our YouTube channel to tune into our coverage, which begins at around 8:40AM. Update: We previously interpreted Roh's statement as Samsung shipping a total of 10 million foldables in 2021. However, a Samsung spokesperson reached out to clarify that the number was an estimate for the entire industry based on the company's proprietary sales data. That said, Samsung is the largest provider of foldables at the moment and most of the units sold, whatever the real numbers are, were most likely Samsung devices. SoundCloud has found a powerful partner for its unusual royalty system that ensures lesser-known artists and indie acts are getting the money they deserve. The service has signed a global licensing agreement with Warner Music Group, making the company the first record label to adopt its Fan-Powered Royalties model. Some of the record label's most popular acts are Ed Sheeran, Coldplay, Cher, Gorillaz, Hayley Kiyoko, Kelly Clarkson and Lizzo. However, it's most likely the artists who aren't quite as well-known who would benefit the most from the scheme. This deal ensures every artist across the label's roster gets paid based on users' listening habits. Most streaming services' pro-rata model puts their ad earnings and their customers' subscription payments in one big pot used to pay artists based on their share of total plays across the service. SoundCloud's system, however, sends listeners' subscription money directly to the artists they're listening to. The service launched the new model in 2021 and implemented it for performers using SoundCloud Premier, Repost and Repost Select. Back then, it said artists could collect as much as five times their previous royalties under the scheme. Company President Eliah Seton said in a statement: "Warner Music Group is known for developing some of today's biggest superstars and helping them build long-term careers by investing in technologies and models which grow and support their fan communities. This makes them an ideal partner for SoundCloud... [The company] is known for our community of music-loving fans and this partnership aligns with our commitment to a fan-powered, artist-centric business." Turn on browser notifications to receive breaking news alerts from Engadget You can disable notifications at any time in your settings menu. Not now Turned on Turn on When SoundCloud introduced the fan-powered royalties model, critics noted that it might potentially be expensive to operate and, while it looks good on paper, it may not work well in practice. Warner signing the deal adds weight to the royalties scheme, though, and other major labels might be more inclined to follow suit. By Troy Stangarone Earlier this month, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, which manages the electricity for most of the state of Texas, requested customers voluntarily reduce power consumption to avoid rolling blackouts due to an extreme heat wave. Ordinarily, the ability of Texas to maintain power through extreme weather would not be an issue for the alliance. However, with Samsung set to build a second semiconductor facility in Texas, its ability to handle extreme weather is an issue for the alliance. After the supply chain shortages of the last few years the United States and Korea have increasingly focused on issues of economic security and developing secure supply chains. Samsung's commitment to build a second semiconductor facility in the United States is part of that effort. It takes years to build and bring online a new semiconductor facility, meaning Samsung's investment will not address the short-term challenges in the semiconductor supply chain. However, over the medium-term the facility would address three concerns within the alliance. The first is resiliency in the semiconductor supply chain. More than 70 percent of the world's semiconductor production is in Asia, with much of that production capacity in Korea, Taiwan, and China. Geopolitics in the region, water shortages in Taiwan, China's increasing willingness to use economics as a tool of coercion, and Beijing's increasing pressure on Taiwan for unification all make the concentration of semiconductor production in the region a concern. Samsung's second facility in Texas would also address concerns about production capacity in the United States. As production has grown in Northeast Asia, there have been increasing concerns that the United States was losing its domestic production capacity. Having a robust semiconductor industry in both countries is in long-term interest of the alliance. Lastly, the new facility would increase supply at a time when demand for semiconductors is expected to increase due to energy transitions and technological advances. Electric vehicles, which will be a critical part of the transition to a zero emission economy, require more semiconductors than traditional vehicles. Expanding computing power for the development of artificial intelligence will also require increasing numbers of semiconductors. However, if one objective of the new Samsung semiconductor facility is to develop increased resiliency in the semiconductor supply chain, the concept of economic security needs to include resiliency rather than just investments within the alliance. The recent heat wave in Texas is not a one-time event. Texas faced a similar heat wave last summer that threatened power supplies. Periods of extreme weather will also become more common due to climate change. The ability of Texas to maintain sufficient power has already been an issue for semiconductor production. Samsung's existing semiconductor facility in Austin was shut down for more than a month in 2021 due to power shortages from extreme cold and winter storms. That disruption deepened global semiconductor shortages and Samsung itself lost $369 million from the shutdown. Similar to Taiwan, water scarcity could become an issue. Austin is currently in the middle of a drought and has implemented Stage One of their hundred-year drought plan. The hundred-year drought plan is designed to allow the city to continue to grow over the next hundred years, but climate change could increase stresses on water supplies in the years ahead. All of this raise the question of whether locating a second semiconductor facility in Texas is the optimal location if the goal is to improve the resiliency of the semiconductor supply chain. The argument in favor of a second facility located near Samsung's existing facility in Texas is twofold. First, it can draw off an existing set of suppliers already in the local region equipped to support the current facility. Locating a new facility elsewhere would potentially require a new supply chain. In the past, that would be inefficient, in a world of economic security that may be a positive. The second factor is subsidies. Power and water are clearly an issue. Part of the arrangement with Texas and local authorities includes assurances that there is a consistent flow of power to the plant and arranging for water to be piped in from a neighboring county. The financial subsidies are also significant. Samsung will see its property taxes reduced 90 percent for the first decade and 85 percent the second decade. It will also pay reduced taxes for local schools and receive a $27 million grant from the Texas Enterprise Fund. The full package is estimated to be a little under $1 billion over the lifetime of the grants and tax breaks. Only time will tell if the steps Texas is taking to address concerns about power and water will be successful. However, Samsung's decision to build a facility where there are questions about resiliency suggests the strong role that tax incentives play in the decision of where to build a plant. It also highlights why issues of resiliency need to be a consideration for economic security in the alliance. Troy Stangarone (ts@keia.org) is the senior director of congressional affairs and trade at the Korea Economic Institute. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Several dozen F-15E fighter jets are getting new life with high-tech radar systems being installed by Boeing in San Antonio. The aerospace giant is adding the technology to help pilots better detect threats and remain unseen by enemy radar in combat zones. The work at Port San Antonio is the continuation of a $189 million Department of Defense contract Boeing won in late 2020. Known as EPAWSS short for Eagle Passive Active Warning and Survivability System the technology is intended to bring the F-15E into the digital era, said Col. Matthew Schorr, a Housont native whos assistant deputy director of plans, programs and requirements at Langley Air Force Base in Virginia. You have this aircraft that was designed in the 1970s, so theyve had to rewire it, (add) fiber-optic cables and things like that new processing capabilities, Schorr said. None of this existed in the 70s. Were talking 8-tracks. About 200 employees are involved in the project, which was rolled out at an event Thursday that gave Mayor Ron Nirenberg an opportunity to remind San Antonio its known as Military City USA. Boeing must complete the work on 43 F-15Es by the end of 2026. No new hiring is anticipated. On ExpressNews.com: Empty tequila bottles found on new Air Force One being refurbished in San Antonio The U.S. Air Force has 428 active F-15 fighter jets, according to FlightGlobal. The Air Force has a bigger fleet of just one other aircraft: the smaller F-16 fighter jet. It operates 780 of those. The EPAWSS system will provide advanced capabilities to detect and counter ground and airborne threats while also improving battlefield situational awareness, Boeing said. It does that by scrambling radar signals to ensure jets go unnoticed, Schorr said. It confuses the enemy radar, and it provides (pilots) a little bit more cover, he said. The theory is that by scrambling that electronic signature, it allows the F-15 to operate a little bit closer to where the threat might be. Boeing said the system was developed, produced and integrated by the strong partnership between the company and London-based defense contractor BAE Systems. S.A. VOTES Voter Guide: What to know for the Texas runoff election A breakdown of key state and local races and candidates in the May 24 primary runoff. On ExpressNews.com: Boeing outsourced Air Force One work to insolvent Port San Antonio company tied to Saudis: whistleblower The Air Force began looking to develop a new electronic warfare system in 2012, said Col. Jesse Warren, F-15 system program manager. It has taken a little longer than expected, and weve overcome several hurdles along the way, he said. But 10 years later, weve achieved that mission. Boeing is optimizing the skills and technologies that exist right here at Port San Antonio, Nirenberg said as he stood near a black F-15 to speak to a crowd of employees and officials assembled in a Boeing hangar. The growth that Boeing is leading in this important sector positions San Antonio as a center of excellence for aerospace work. Boeings announcement of the F-15 work comes after the Air Force earlier this week said the new Air Force One presidential jets Boeing is building wont delivered for another four years. Boeing originally won a contract to develop the new Air Force One in 2018. The planes are being outfitted in San Antonio. diego.mendoza-moyers@express-news.net This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Angry clients who collectively entrusted former attorney Christopher Chris Pettit with millions of dollars hes accused of stealing questioned him Wednesday about where their money went but got few answers. I want to know what you did with all of my damn money, New Braunfels resident Charles Koch demanded during a creditors meeting in a downtown courthouse. Thats what Im trying to get to the bottom of, Pettit answered. The former San Antonio attorney, 55, and his now-defunct law firm filed for bankruptcy reorganization June 1 after facing a slew of lawsuits from clients who alleged he absconded with their money. The allegations have triggered an FBI investigation. Pettit amended his personal bankruptcy filing Tuesday, reporting $40.5 million in assets and $112.2 million in debts. He originally listed $27.8 million in assets and $115.2 million in debt. In bankruptcy documents for his law firm, Pettit reported the amount owed to Koch is unknown. Pettits answers didnt satisfy Koch. You know what you did with the money, so what do you do with it? Koch pressed. Responding in a in a low voice muffled by a mask he wore per courthouse rules, Pettit said that when he learns the answer hell share it with the Chapter 11 trustee overseeing his case. On ExpressNews.com: Ex-San Antonio attorney Chris Pettit spent nearly $252,000 in the 40 days after filing bankruptcy More than 50 people attended the meeting the Hipolito F. Garcia Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse in San Antonio, with others listening on their phones in an adjacent overflow room during the 3-hour proceeding. It marked the first time Pettit has appeared in public since the allegations were reported. Greed ... is behind this I dont understand why you did all of this, said Shelli Scott, of San Antonio, who calculated her family has lost about $700,000 with Pettit. I know: greed. I know people get greedy and thats what I believe is behind this. Scott told Pettit she cant tell her tell her mother about the missing money because shed have a heart attack or stroke. Pettits lawyer instructed Scott to ask a question. Why cant we find our money? she asked. Where did it go? Were in the process of investigating, Pettit said. I just hope that you become the man we all thought you were, Scott responded. Pettit handled estate planning and personal-injury cases and performed tax, trust and probate work. San Antonio attorney Dean Greer, who represents creditors, wanted to know if Pettit would promise to tell his former clients where the money went. Thats what Im trying to find out, Pettit said. Just give me some hint of where the money went, Greer said. A couple of people then yelled, Do it. Ill absolutely do everything to help the trustee track the funds, Pettit promised. Im not trying to hide anything. While he has admitted that he misappropriated and dissipated money from a trust account in at least one of the lawsuits, Pettit said former law firm employees may be culpable of taking client money. In amended documents filed Tuesday, he listed claims of $4 million each against two of them. Private investigator Pettit paid $5,100 to a private investigator after the bankruptcy filing to look into possible misappropriation of client assets. That revelation came during an afternoon court hearing on the trustees motion seeking an order directing Pettit to show why he should not be held in contempt for withdrawing $125,000 from his retirement account after filing for bankruptcy. Pettit contends the money is his to spend because the retirement account was funded with legitimate earnings. The trustee, who was appointed by the court to oversee the assets, has said the retirement money should be off limits until the court rules whether its exempt from the bankruptcy estate and out of creditors reach. S.A. VOTES Voter Guide: What to know for the Texas runoff election A breakdown of key state and local races and candidates in the May 24 primary runoff. On ExpressNews.com: Christopher Pettit has $400 in his pocket, cant be put on the street, lawyer tells judge Pettit has been using the money for extravagant living in Florida, said attorney Patrick Huffstickler, who represents the trustee. Roble Dorado LLC, for which Pettit serves as the sole member, owns a mansion in Disney Worlds Golden Oak community. Its been valued at more than $6 million by Pettit. It appears he used some of the funds for trips to Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, Kennedy Space Center and the Four Seasons Resort Orlando, Huffstickler said. He added that Pettits testimony and court exhibits, including bank statements, would show Pettit is basically thumbing his nose at the bankruptcy court and the bankrupt process. Huffstickler also said Chief U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Craig Gargotta would need to address a budget for Pettit. I understand theres an issue of he has to have something to live on. Well, these poor people dont have their money, Huffstickler said, referencing the former clients in the courtroom. What are they going to live on? Pettit was questioned extensively on the witness stand about his post-bankruptcy spending, including a $20,000 mortgage payment he made on the Golden Oak mansion. He originally claimed in bankruptcy documents the mansion was his, but in the amended paperwork he said it now belongs to his 10-year-old sons trust. Florida corporate filings for Roble Dorado make no mention of the trust. So why are you paying the (mortgage) from your personal bank account? asked lawyer Danielle Rushing, who also represents the trustee. Because the trust didnt have the funds to pay it, Pettit said. Pettit had been living in the mansion since May with his partner, a Disney acrobat, who has since moved out. The mansion had been listed for sale but the listing was taken down after there were no offers, Pettit said. He also disclosed that his sons trust owns a New Orleans apartment building valued at over $1 million. The hearing was scheduled to resume Thursday afternoon. The creditors meeting will continue next month. pdanner@express-news.net A version of this first appeared in the Tomlinson's Take newsletter, which answers readers' questions and features exclusive takes from Chris Tomlinson on money, politics and life in Texas. Sign up here. I can only lament how far Texas has fallen. I remember former Gov. Rick Perry was never prouder than when he appeared on CNBC to talk about how Texas had won the title of Top State for Business. The cable business news network crowned Texas in 2008, 2010, and 2012. We came in second in 2007, 2009, 2011, 2013 through 2016, and in 2018 and 2019. My colleague Erica Grieder has a nice piece about it. But under Gov. Greg Abbott in the last few years, Texas has dropped to 4th in 2021 and 5th in 2022. Who won this year? North Carolina. Here's why: The Tar Heel State has always been a contender, CNBC wrote. What made the difference this year? For one thing, state leaders keep managing to put aside their very deep political divisions to boost business and the economy. In Austin, its anything but. Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick have taken demagoguery to new levels. Detailing their disagreements with moderate Republicans and Democrats is not enough; they attack their opponents character, patriotism and morality. CNBC editors called out Abbott specifically for Texass increasingly bloated regulatory regime, the largest percentage of people without health insurance, no anti-discrimination law for nondisabled residents, and that Texas is one of the most difficult states to vote in. Let me add to that anti-business friendly list. Banning abortion within state lines is not enough, Texas GOP leaders want to prosecute companies that pay for employees to seek care in other states. Some have even proposed going after Texans if they obtain an abortion in another state and return home. More than 60 percent of young women say abortion bans will significantly influence where they choose to live, according to a poll by the Axios news organization and the Generation Lab, a polling firm specializing in young people. More than half of young men said it would influence them. S.A. VOTES Voter Guide: What to know for the Texas runoff election A breakdown of key state and local races and candidates in the May 24 primary runoff. Texas laws that curtail civil rights will further repel businesses, especially when competition for skilled workers is intense. And, lastly, more than 90 percent of Fortune 500 companies, the largest employers in the country, prohibit discrimination or mistreatment of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer employees, according to the Human Rights Campaign, an LGBTQ activist group. Two-thirds of Fortune 500 companies offer transgender-inclusive health insurance, while Abbott, Patrick and Attorney General Ken Paxton seek to prosecute parents who provide their transgender children with appropriate care. Texass political leaders may appeal to the most conservative political activists, but their policies are out of step with American society and the business community. CORRECTION: An earlier version of this column stated Abbott was elected in 2020, he's been in office since 2015. Tomlinson, named 2021 Columnist of the Year by the Texas Association of Managing Editors, writes commentary about money, politics and life in Texas. Sign up for his new newsletter here. Food brought Gaby Hinojosa and Charlie Gonzalez together. Not in that way where people meet cute over croissants and Coldplay. The Mexico natives met as students at the Culinary Institute of America in New York. They fell in love and found their way to San Antonio, where she worked with famed San Antonio chef Andrew Weissman at Signature in La Cantera and he co-founded Tlahco Mexican Kitchen, one of the best Mexican restaurants in one of the best Mexican restaurant cities. Building their lives together as an engaged couple, it came time for Hinojosa and Gonzalez to build something of their own. So they cut ties with their old jobs and found a fresh new space on Bulverde Road near Stone Oak, where they opened Panfila Cantina in April, working with business partners Anjan Goli and Narender Bangla. The four partners also own the adjoining Spice Indian Fine Cuisine. Mike Sutter/Staff Set in a modestly decorated space with a full bar up front, a patio outside, a dining room with basket lights and an Instagram wall of red paper roses, Panfila is less Tex-Mex, more Mex-Mex. Hinojosa runs the kitchen, and the dinner menu folds in street food, enchiladas, mole, tacos and enchiladas, while a daily brunch from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. carries over much of the dinner menu but leans hard into chilaquiles and eggs. On ExpressNews.com: The Top 5 best San Antonio panaderias Lets talk about eggs. That whole 100 ways to cook an egg thing is part of the culinary school canon, and Hinojosa conducted a master class on three of those ways. Her huevos rancheros started with a base of fried potato quesadillas for an interplay of crunch and starch that made it so much more than just sunnyside eggs with salsa. A chilaquiles omelet turned a textbook French foldover into a bold Mexican breakfast with a heart of fried tortilla strips simmered in guajillo chile salsa that looked and tasted like a warm desert sunrise. Mike Sutter/Staff Scrambled eggs had their glow-up brunch moment in a Mexican street food classic called huevos a la guajolota that was like stoner food for the soul, an everything-everywhere-all-at-once collection of toasted bolillo bread, smoky chipotle chilaquiles, perfect eggs and an avalanche of queso panela cubes. The blurred lines between migas and chilaquiles are forever drawn by tortilla chips in San Antonio. Anything with scrambled eggs and chips is called one or the other and everybody acts like thats OK. And maybe it is at least until Panfila weighed in with chilaquiles enmolados the way the gods intended, with full-size tortilla chips simmered in smoky-sweet mole sauce and thats it, except for sesame seeds. No eggs, no pico de gallo, no cheese. Just that euphoric chilaquiles tipping point between soft and crunchy, because thats all you need. That mole also turned roasted chicken into performance art, each piece painted like a mug at a glazing shop with just enough sauce to convey the flavor without overwhelming the chicken. Tortilla soup found a similar balance between spice and protein with chipotle-and-chicken broth rendered the color of saltillo tile, a rich and satisfying bowl with a bouquet of tortilla strips and fresh avocado. Mike Sutter/Staff In a restaurant operating outside the citys Mexican food comfort zones, a few things are bound to go sideways. I didnt like Panfilas hamburguesa, a round beef patty on a long bolillo bun, somehow sloppy and dry at the same time, even if the side of potato chips with salsa and jalapenos was better than fries could ever hope to be. Al pastor mini tacos tasted more like unseasoned pork, and undeniably cute churro waffles were too hard and tough to cut with a fork. On ExpressNews.com: Review: Tlahco Mexican Kitchen is one of San Antonios best Mexican restaurants An ambitious ceviche verde was undermined by fish gone mealy in its lime-juice marinade, a small serving out of proportion with the hollowed-out jicama bulb that acted as its bowl. But overall, Panfila did a good job tweaking my Mexican food expectations. Enchiladas were smaller and more refined, with the option to fill them with chicken, mild Oaxaca cheese or funky queso fresco. At three to an order, I tried all three fillings for enchiladas poblanas, each one a solid match for the creamy poblano sauce with corn for sweetness and texture. Enchiladas rojas were as close as Panfila got to Tex-Mex cheese enchiladas, but without the shimmer and grease and with queso fresco adding a salty, twangy counterpoint to mild guajillo sauce. Mike Sutter/Staff And while you can get steamed tacos al vapor in San Antonio, not many places serve them canasta-style, in a basket half a dozen at a time with three different styles: mild beef picadillo, lush chicharron prensado in green sauce and comforting potato and bean, served with a side of pickled cabbage for an all-hands-on-deck taco party. Panfila Cantina *** 22250 Bulverde Road, Suite 114, 210-455-0702, panfilacantinaandrestaurant.com Quick bite: Chef-driven Mexican restaurant and bar with brunch and dinner seven days a week Hit: Chilaquiles enmolados, enchiladas poblanas, barbacoa cazuela Miss: Ceviche verde, hamburguesa Hours: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. daily; brunch 10 a.m.-3 p.m. daily Price range: Appetizers, $5-$12; soups and salads, $14-$16; brunch entrees, $10-$16; dinner entrees, $12-$36; desserts, $8 Alcohol: Cocktails, beer and wine ***** Excellent, an almost perfect experience **** Good, among the best in the city *** Average, with a few standouts ** Poor, with a redeeming factor or two * Bad, nothing to recommend Express-News dining critics pay for all meals. See More Collapse Im not the only one who sees a pair of CIA grads running Panfila is a good sign for San Antonios saturated Mexican restaurant market. In his book Kitchen Confidential, the late Anthony Bourdain wrote that if he ever needed anything a quick loan, a shoulder to cry on, bail money hed reach out to the soldiers on his kitchen crew first. Hinojosa got a taste of that ride-or-die loyalty when her old boss Andrew Weissman came to Panfilas soft opening and seeded the social media clouds to make it rain for his old sous chef on Twitter: Super excited for the wonderful couple and proprietors of Panfila! Go check this place out! Authentic/delicious Mexican food. Heard. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate 2 1 of 2 Stephen Gassman/AP Show More Show Less 2 of 2 Stephen Gassman/AP Show More Show Less DUBUQUE, Iowa (AP) The main terminal at Dubuques regional airport has been renamed to honor a Black World War II fighter pilot from the eastern Iowa city. The family of the late Robert Martin, city leaders and those who sought the change gathered Tuesday for a ribbon cutting at the Dubuque Regional Airport to commemorate the new name, the Capt. Robert L. Martin Terminal, the Telegraph Herald reported. MIAMI (AP) The school board of Florida's largest school district reversed its decision to adopt a new sex education book, with some in the majority saying the material is not age appropriate for students in middle and high school. The 5-4 vote followed an emotionally charged Miami-Dade School Board meeting on Wednesday, with some members of the public being escorted from the room, the Miami Herald reported. It's not clear how the nation's fourth-largest public school system, with 334,000 students, will comply with state law requiring students to receive sexual education. Choosing, ordering and distributing a new textbook could take months. Comprehensive Health Skills, published by Goodheart-Willcox in Illinois, comes in different versions for middle and high schools, with topics including nutrition, physical activity and sexually transmitted diseases, as required under the district's units of study for Human Reproduction and Disease Education. Neither the publisher nor the school district immediately responded to inquiries from The Associated Press regarding content that may have been deemed objectionable by the board's majority. The board adopted the textbook in April on a 5-3 vote, but then its material was challenged by some parents who cited the parental rights law Gov. Ron DeSantis in March. Critics call it the don't say gay" law because it prohibits instruction related to gender identity or sexual orientation in grades K through 3, "or in a manner that is not age appropriate or developmentally appropriate for students in accordance with state standards. In adopting the book in April, the board voted to ask the publisher to remove a chapter called Understanding Sexuality, which covers gender and sexual orientation among other topics. Still, critics filed 278 objections. Opponents of vaccines challenged the books references to how vaccinations can prevent viral infections. Others objected to content about contraception and abortion. Miami-Dade Superintendent Jose Dotres asked a third-party reviewer to conduct a public hearing to review their concerns. That hearing officer ultimately recommended adopting the book, leading to Wednesday's meeting. Board member Luisa Santos, who voted in favor of the book, noted that the district enables parents to opt out of material they don't want their children to learn about sexual health and pregnancy and disease prevention. We will be opting out everyone in the following school year. Including all the people who have come here and told us that they want this," Santos said, according to WLRN-TV. Thirty-eight of the 40 speakers Wednesday asked to keep the textbook, Vice Chair Steve Gallon III said. Thats 90% of the speakers that spoke today. You do the math, he said. That data for me provides a greater opportunity to debunk and denounce this narrative that theres this broad opposition to the boards adoption of these materials. But Mari Teri Rojas, who voted against the book, said she feels some of the content isn't age appropriate. She also said that it's not fair to count only the speakers at the meeting because others had emailed urging the board not to adopt. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate A 24-year-old man has been charged after being accused of killing his cousin and aunt and then setting fire to their home to conceal evidence. Juan Antonio Reyes is one of two who were charged Tuesday in connection with the deadly incident. Reyes and his friend, John Bishop Torres, also 24, are facing capital murder charges in the deaths of 39-year-old Sergio Soto and 50-year-old Rachel Martinez. Both were found dead on July 7 after firefighters knocked down a fire at their West Side home. The Bexar County Medical Examiner's Office said Soto and Martinez had gunshot wounds to their heads but has not released a cause of death for either individual. On ExpressNews.com: Two found dead after house fire near Woodlawn Lake Park were shot Bexar County Sheriff's Office Bexar County Sheriff's Office Juan Reyes, 24, (left) and John Torres, 24, are both charged with capital murder in connection with a fatal house. (Courtesy Bexar County Sheriff's Office) Juan Reyes, 24, (left) and John Torres, 24, are both charged with capital murder in connection with a fatal house. (Courtesy Bexar County Sheriff's Office) San Antonio firefighters responded to a house fire in the 900 block of Waverly Avenue just after midnight on July 7. An affidavit supporting Reyes' and Torres' arrest said that it wasn't until after they extinguished the fire that they found the two individuals dead inside, burned and bleeding from the head area. According to the affidavit, relatives on the scene told investigators they suspected Reyes was involved. Reyes' mother said she attempted to drop off her son and Torres at Soto's home, but Soto told them to leave because they had been drinking, the affidavit said. The mother told police she then dropped Torres and Reyes off at a nearby McDonald's at around 9 or 10 p.m. Surveillance video from a nearby home captures Reyes, Torres and a third individual arriving at the Waverly Avenue home at 10:59 p.m., and five minutes later, gunshots can be heard coming from the residence, according to the affidavit. Video shows the three individuals leaving the home at 11:30 p.m. and no one else was seen at the residence before the fire began, the affidavit said. On ExpressNews.com: Watch: Brawl breaks out at River Walk restaurant over dinner bill Family members were able to identify Reyes and Torres in the video but were unable to identify the third person. The affidavit did not say what may have led to the shooting. Reyes' and Torres' bails were set at $500,000 each. taylor.pettaway@express-news.net New China-Europe freight train service launched Xinhua) 09:57, July 21, 2022 HANGZHOU, July 20 (Xinhua) -- Loaded with 100 cargo containers, a China-Europe freight train left the city of Jinhua in east China's Zhejiang Province for Venlo in the Netherlands on Wednesday. The departure marked the launch of the first China-Europe freight train from Zhejiang to the Netherlands, and also the departure of the 400th China-Europe freight train handled by Jinhua this year, said the China Railway Shanghai Bureau Group Co., Ltd. The train, carrying motorcycles, vehicle brackets and other commodities worth 3.1 million U.S. dollars, is expected to arrive in the Dutch city after a journey of 22 days. The train will return to Jinhua carrying Dutch-made goods such as newsprint, electronic instruments and medical equipment. Jinhua launched the China-Europe freight train service in 2017. So far it has operated 22 China-Europe freight train routes, linking over 120 cities. In the first half of this year, Jinhua saw a total of 368 inbound and outbound China-Europe freight trains, transporting 30,368 containers of goods, a year-on-year increase of 8 percent. (Web editor: Wu Chaolan, Liang Jun) By Rushan Ziatdinov Rainwater has been collected for centuries to be used to irrigate the land. Nowadays, the use of rainwater reduces the depreciation costs of pumping and purification equipment and lowers personal expenses. But can rain be used to generate electricity like the sun or the wind, for example? This is a good question. Scientists and engineers have already found answers. As of now, "rain energy" and "energy of rain" phrases are found in the titles, abstracts or keywords of 81 Scopus indexed documents, 28 of which were published in the last five years. Rain has potential as an energy source and an alternative way of generating electricity. Harvesting the energy of rain provides a lot of advantages. First and foremost, rainwater energy harvesting helps lessen the wide and ever-pressing need for water. Additionally, it lessens the demand that withstands imported water. It is also an efficient way to develop both the quantity and quality of groundwater. As a sustainable energy source, rain energy harvesting can be useful in providing an alternate way of generating electricity. It is beneficial, in that it acts as an alternative energy source, particularly in preventing electricity shortages in communities and cities, especially in places where the rainy season is long. In a 2016 article written on the Engadget multilingual technology blog, rain which is known to be a solar energy cell's sworn enemy was cast as an alternative and advantage. Engadget reports that Chinese scientists have proposed a solar cell with a graphene layer that is as thick as an atom. This solar cell is specifically designed to collect energy from raindrops, allowing it to be used in misty or stormy conditions. The graphene allows for the captivity of water, which then translates it into a natural capacitor. The performance of a piezoelectric energy harvester was tested on actual rain in a 2017 study published in Elsevier's Energy journal. In the study, three real rain events were used as the basis for energy harvesting. Throughout the study, rain parameters including the rain rate, rainfall depth and drop size distribution were observed. Among the three rain events, 0.34 was the largest record for added mass coefficient. Using this figure as a basis, it can be said that the modal mass of the water layer is 34 percent lower than the piezoelectric beam's modal mass. The results of the research suggest instances of low energy because of low rain activity. The researchers suggest coming up with an efficient energy storage system for the rain impact energy harvester. Engadget released an article in 2020 that showed the effective translation of rainwater into energy, after several different potentials by different groups. This article demonstrates the design combination of an aluminum electrode and an indium tin oxide electrode along with polytetrafluoroethylene, which has a "quasi-permanent" electric charge. Each raindrop that falls on the combined surface acts as a bridge for two electrodes, resulting in a closed-loop circuit, which is necessary for letting go of charges that are contained. Engadget also mentions that this particular technology helps keep collected rainfall. A continuous raindrop allows for charge accumulation, which then results in a saturation point. In a 2020 article on Discovery Channel's official website, one particular method makes use of polytetrafluoroethylene film with an indium tin oxide electrode and an aluminum electrode, which then act as a bridge when the raindrops hit the device, fabricating an electrical system that is a closed-loop. This method is capable of garnering twice as much energy and twice as much efficient work with gigantic amounts of water, compared to traditional ones. Through this method, raindrops generate kinetic energy that is then converted to electrical energy. The power generated from the given method can give energy to about 100 small LED light bulbs, as described by Wang Zhong Lin, the chief scientist and director of the Beijing Institute of Nanoenergy and Nanosystems at the Chinese Academy of Sciences. In a 2021 research work published in Mechanical Systems and Signal Processing journal, a piezoelectric collection-based rain energy harvester was created and proposed by Wang. This particular rain energy harvester uses a structure that is funnel-shaped in collecting rainwater, which is then put in a tank that is self-releasing because of its huge surface. The differences from the typical rain energy harvesters can be witnessed through the capacity of a self-release tank to let go of rainwater on its own even with the absence of external monitoring and active control during the times that the tank is filled with rainwater. Rain energy harvesting is promising, but consideration for the actual amount of raindrop energy has to be given. Water droplet energy is indeed small, therefore people weren't aware that it might be harvested before, reports an article by Wanghuai Xu et al. that was published in the Nature journal in 2020. But as the Internet of Things expands quickly, the demand for distributed sensors and energy sources grows as a result of the rise of smart devices. According to Statista, there was a nationwide average of 1,591.2 millimeters of precipitation in South Korea in 2020. What if some of this rain was turned into energy? Wouldn't that be possible for a technologically advanced country like South Korea? Rain energy harvesting devices, although still not commonly known and used, can be an alternative and can open the door to a renewable energy source that is not only innovative but sustainable. Rushan Ziatdinov (ziatdinov.rushan@gmail.com) is a professor in the Department of Industrial Engineering at Keimyung University, Daegu. In 2010-2011, he was a postdoc in the College of Engineering at Seoul National University. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate ANKARA, Turkey (AP) Turkish officials say a deal on a U.N. plan to unblock the exports of Ukrainian grain amid the war and to allow Russia to export grain and fertilizers will be signed Friday in Istanbul. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's office said that he, U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres and officials from Russia and Ukraine will oversee the signing ceremony. It did not provide further details. The grain export agreement, critically important for global food security, will be signed in Istanbul tomorrow under the auspices of President Erdogan and U.N. Secretary General Mr. Guterres together with Ukrainian and Russian delegations, Erdogan spokesman Ibrahim Kalin said in a tweet. Guterres has been working on a plan that would enable Ukraine to export millions of tons of grain that have been stuck in its Black Sea ports a move that could ease a global food crisis that has sent wheat and other grain prices soaring. At least 22 million tons of grain are stuck there due to the war. Last week, the sides met in Istanbul, reaching a tentative agreement on the plan. It foresees joint controls of ships as they leave and arrive at Black Sea ports, and a mechanism to ensure the safety of the transfer routes, Turkish officials said. A coordination center for the shipping of exports would be established in Istanbul and would include U.N., Turkish, Russian and Ukrainian officials. U.N. deputy spokesman Farhan Haq said Guterres arrived Thursday in Istanbul, which means were moving ahead on the deal. U.N. humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths, whom Guterres put in charge of the Ukraine side of the deal, and Rebeca Grynspan, head of the U.N. Conference on Trade and Development, whom he put in charge of the Russian side, were also in Istanbul. Weve been working around the clock with intense behind the scenes talks with countless moving parts, Haq said. With the growing global food crisis, Haq said if an agreement is reached we can potentially save hundreds of thousands, potentially millions of people, from having food be priced out of their reach. Russian and Ukrainian officials have blamed each other for the blocked grain shipments. Moscow accused Ukraine of failing to remove sea mines at the ports to allow safe shipping. Russia has also insisted on its right to check incoming ships for weapons. Ukraine has sought international guarantees that the Kremlin wouldnt use the safe corridors to attack the Black Sea port of Odesa. Ukrainian authorities have also accused Russia of stealing grain from its eastern regions to sell, and deliberately shelling Ukrainian fields to set them on fire. On Thursday evening, a spokesman for Ukraines foreign ministry appeared to lay out Kyivs conditions for backing the plan. Oleh Nikolenko told reporters that Ukraine's delegation "will support only those decisions that will guarantee the security of the southern regions of Ukraine, the strong position of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the Black Sea and the safe export of Ukrainian agricultural products to world markets. The Kremlin's spokesman declined to comment on the Turkish announcement. Dmitry Peskov said it was a question for the (Russian) military. In Washington, State Department spokesman Ned Price said the U.S. welcomes the agreement in principle. But what were focusing on now is holding Russia accountable for implementing this agreement and for enabling Ukrainian grain to get to world markets. It has been for far too long that Russia has enacted this blockade, Price said. ___ Follow all AP stories on the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine. A fiery exchange between family members of one of the children killed in the Uvalde mass shooting and the gunman's mother was captured on video by Telemundo. According to reports, the Spanish-language TV station caught the encounter after a community meeting in Uvalde on Tuesday night. The video shows the gunman's mother, Adriana Martinez, crossing paths with the family of 10-year-old Amerie Jo Garza, one of the 19 children who were killed in the May 24 massacre. According to Telemundo, Martinez was walking down a road when a black SUV with family members of Amerie's inside pulled up alongside her. They then exit the vehicle and confront her. Kin Man Hui, San Antonio Express-News / Staff photographer The individuals could be heard asking Martinez for what reasons her son had to kill the children and two teachers. "You're the last person to judge me," Martinez shouted to the group as she called 911. "'Im sorry. You have no right to judge my son! No, you don't. No, you don't! No! May God forgive, y'all." In an interview shortly after the shooting, Martinez told Spanish-language outlet Televisa that her son had his reasons for carrying out the mass shooting. During the confrontation on Tuesday, she said her son "was a coward." "You dont think I dont know that? I know," she could be heard saying. "You dont think Im carrying all that with me? ... I know, and Im sorry. On ExpressNews.com: 'We gotta get in there': Body camera footage shows moments when police swarm Uvalde school Amerie's family told Martinez that she shared just as much blame as her son for his actions on that day. "He killed 21 people because he was pissed off at you? Because you destroyed him? What reason did he have?" one woman could be heard yelling in the Telemundo video. Billy Calzada, San Antonio Express-News / Staff photographer Another woman in the group told Martinez it was her fault for not calling the police despite knowing her son had mental health issues and had purchased the weapons. On ExpressNews.com: Uvalde school board will consider firing police chief at special meeting Saturday Shes not innocent. She raised him like that. She knew how he was. She knew he had guns. Shes not innocent, Amerie's grandmother Dana Mendiola told Telemundo in Spanish. For several minutes, the grieving family follows Martinez down the street, intensifying the screaming as Martinez walks away crying, and saying, "I'm sorry." Soon after, Uvalde police show up and escort Martinez away from the area. taylor.pettaway@express-news.net Josey Garcia, the Democratic nominee for the Texas House District 124 seat, says she was reminded last week how petty and personal San Antonio politics can be, even when its in Dallas. As Garcia tells it, she and her husband were walking back to the Omni Dallas Hotel at around 9:30 p.m. Friday from the Democratic Partys state convention next door when she encountered Michelle Barrientes Vela, the indicted former Bexar County constable, her husband and some of her supporters outside the front lobby. An altercation ensued. Her campaign manager, Pharoah Clark, ended up testifying about it Thursday on behalf of a Bexar County District Attorneys Office attempt to have a judge impose a bond on Barrientes Vela. The judge rejected the DAs motion but ordered the former constable to stay away from both Garcia and Clark. Vela is awaiting trial on a charge of tampering with evidence, a third-degree felony, and three counts of official oppression, a Class A misdemeanor, the latter for allegedly shaking down a family for cash in a San Antonio park in 2018. Garcia said a build-up of animosity between her and Barrientes Vela had occurred gradually, likely stemming from Garcias support for the reelection bids of the DA, Joe Gonzales, and Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar, and from other conflicting allegiances among local Democrats street-level politics. On ExpressNews.com: Allegation of political threat to judge clouds case against ex-constable The two women met this year to clear the air, but in recent months, Garcia said, she had heard one of Barrientes Velas allies was going around town slandering me. Outside the Dallas hotel, Barrientes Vela confronted Clark, a San Antonio police accountability activist, in a hostile, super-aggressive manner, Garcia said. There might have been some chest-bumping, a finger in someones face, perhaps profanity, she said. Not unheard of at political conventions, where some loyalists lose their cool. I was caught completely off guard. It was over in just minutes, Garcia said. But Pharaoh said he was calling 911. My husband is a Purple Heart veteran. I served in Iraq. We got in a hyper state of fight or flight and the Dallas police did arrive. On ExpressNews.com: San Antonio judge wont handle case of ex-constable shaking down family Officers spoke to all the parties and decided to do nothing, said Barrientes Velas attorney, Jason Goss, who was in court with her Thursday when the Dallas dust-up was brought up by a prosecutor. The district attorneys office wanted 226th District Judge Velia Meza to set a $20,000 bond on Barrientes Vela. The often-delayed trial currently is set for Aug. 22. But Meza rebuffed the prosecutor and said there was no evidence Barrientes Vela assaulted anyone. She ordered the former constable not to have any contact with Clark or Garcia, not leave Bexar County without the judges permission and not use alcohol or drugs. Goss called it a standard requirement in such cases. We think this is just another attempt by people who dont like our client to taint the jury before she goes to trial, Goss said. Barrientes Vela was released on a court summons, he said, a process allowing the judge to require her presence in court whenever the judge wishes. We categorically deny everything, Goss said. She wasnt inebriated. She didnt touch anybody. The Dallas police didnt arrest her or file anything. This is all political. Staff writer Elizabeth Zavala contributed to thie report. bselcraig@express-news.net This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate The drought gripping South Texas has made business difficult for Michelle Reichle. As the owner of a real estate agency specializing in waterfront property around Medina Lake, she often asks prospective homebuyers to imagine the lake full because the current reality is much less appealing. Some lakeview houses look out on white rocks instead of shimmering water. The lake bed is dry in some spots. Others have puddles of stagnant water riddled with sticks and trees. Only near the Medina Dam on the lakes south side is there enough water for recreation. I tell them its a fluctuating lake, Reichle said. But this is bad. Its hard to sell drought. As hard as the drought has been, Reichle and fellow members of Save Medina Lake, a special committee of the Lake Medina Conservation Society, blame the organization tasked with managing Medina Lake the Bexar-Medina-Atascosa Water Control and Improvement District No. 1, known as the BMA for making matters worse. They criticize the BMA for continuing to discharge water for irrigation despite severe conditions, and theyre asking the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to do something about it. In a complaint to the TCEQ submitted by Henning Eilert-Olsen, chair of Save Medina Lake, the group accuses the BMA of not taking actions called for in its 2013 Drought Contingency Plan. The complaint asks the TCEQ to ensure that the BMA follows its plan and closes the gates in the lake immediately. On ExpressNews.com: As Medina Lake falls, local advocates press for state evaluation of the agency managing it Josie Norris, San Antonio Express-News / Staff photographer The complaint is the latest action by Save Medina Lake as it seeks greater accountability from the BMA. The group is asking the Texas Sunset Advisory Commission which evaluates state agencies for their effectiveness and whether they should continue to exist to review the BMA. Medina Lake, a century-old irrigation reservoir on the Medina River, is at 11.7 percent capacity, having dropped nearly 3 feet in one month. As the steward of Medina Lake, the BMA has the authority to sell water from the lake to farms for irrigation. But Save Medina Lake argues that the severity of the ongoing drought calls for implementing steps outlined in the BMAs plans. Thats what this complaint is all about that the [BMA] does not follow their own set of rules on how to manage the drought situation that is currently ongoing, Eilert-Olsen said. Im going to be very disappointed and surprised if the TCEQ doesnt follow up on this. Texas is supposed to protect our water. Concern over conservation rates In October 2021, the BMAs board discussed measures to conserve Medina Lake in response to the drought. The board decided to sell 6,000 acre-feet of water to farmers for irrigation in 2022, far less than the permitted 46,000 acre-feet. All 6,000 acre-feet for the year were sold in January. Its great that they decided to only sell 6,000 this year, Reichle said. But obviously theres more that needs to be done. As of July 1, the agency had delivered 70 percent of the water it sold, according to the BMA. The board will meet in August to discuss additional action on the drought. But Reichle worries that all the water will be gone by then. At the rate its decreasing, she said, the water level will drop as low as it did in 2013, when it reached 3.7 percent. And with no substantial rain on the horizon, the lake will remain dry for months. Eilert-Olsen cited a provision in the Drought Contingency Plan that states when the volume of water in the lake drops to 46,000 acre-feet or less for 30 days, the BMA is supposed to initiate a critical water storage stage. Then the manager of the BMA should assess what actions to take, such as terminating the water supply, he said. On ExpressNews.com: Remember when Medina Lake was a puddle? Its getting there again. Medina Lake reached 46,000 acre-feet on May 12. Two months later, the level had dropped to 32,000 acre-feet. The release of water from Medina Lake has not been terminated nor reduced, Eilert-Olsen said in his complaint. And there are still no signs of an intention to reduce or terminate the release of water. In a statement, the BMA said it stopped selling water when it reached the moderate water shortage stage, which is triggered when the water in Medina Lake falls to 66,000 acre-feet for 30 consecutive days. Josie Norris, San Antonio Express-News / Staff photographer Canal conundrum Save Medina Lake also contends that while the BMA sold only 6,000 acre-feet, to deliver that amount, the BMA released 24,000 acre-feet to compensate for water lost such as through evaporation or seepage while its transported through dirt canals. To reduce such losses, the BMA has piped 47 of its 312 miles of canals, but Mike Crandall, the owner of Wallys Watersports on Medina Lake, said thats not nearly enough considering how much water is lost. Crandall, who has lived and worked around Medina Lake for decades, said he has only seen its condition worsen over time. And although his business is closer to the dam, where theres still water for recreation, hes worried about the rest of the summer and next year. He knows the BMA canal system well, often stopping to observe the dirt canals as he drives through farmland south of Medina Lake. He described one area as having trees growing in it and absorbing water. Im no expert, Crandall said, but I dont think canals are supposed to look like that. On ExpressNews.com: Water and land dispute along Medina Lake between two regulatory agencies comes to an end More than anything, Save Medina Lake wants a threshold established at which the BMA would close the dam and stop letting water out. Save Medina Lake has said for years that the way the lake has been managed is unsustainable, and it said its complaint to the TCEQ is just a start. The BMA, meanwhile, said its board and management have used Medina Lake for its intended purpose, which is to provide water to farms. We pray for rain to replenish the lake for our farmers the most, the BMA said in a statement. But we all enjoy and benefit from a full lake. Josie Norris, San Antonio Express-News / Staff photographer Elena Bruess writes for the Express-News through Report for America, a national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms. ReportforAmerica.org. elena.bruess@express-news.net This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate David James Estrada Jr., accused of murder for running over his ex-wife with his pickup in 2020 as she walked along a Southwest Side street, tearfully told police he punched the accelerator in an attempt to scare her. They had reconciled, were socializing, but had an argument and he was trying to get her back into the vehicle. She went the other way, Estrada told police through tears hours after Dominga Irene Pesqueda Estrada, 33, died. It was an accident. I didnt mean to. A jury worked to decide that question Thursday, beginning deliberations around 10:30 a.m. and continuing into the evening. A jury took nine hours Thursday to decide it did not agree. The panel sided with prosecutors who said Estrada intended to kill her. Sentencing was set for Friday morning. He faces up to life in prison. The admission by Estrada on video was one of the last pieces of evidence jurors viewed this week before both sides rested their cases. Several times during the four-day trial, the defendant broke into sobs and lowered his head while hearing testimony and seeing photographic evidence of his ex-wifes death. At one point Wednesday, deputies stopped relatives of both the victim and defendant from screaming at each other in the hallway outside 175th District Court. After the verdict was announced, family members on both sides wept and hugged quietly in the same hallway, complying with the judges warning not to show rancor toward each other. Testimony established that the couple, though divorced, still did things together. On the night of Sept. 5, 2020, they were visiting with another couple at a home in the 7400 block of Spur Valley Street and left around 2:30 a.m. because Minga needed to go to work early the next day. Video taken from a home a few feet down the street captured Minga Estrada walking alongside Spur Valley, a dark pickup truck on her right side accelerating in her direction, then backing up. Moments later, a man is seen running to and from the location, shortly before an ambulance and police arrived. David Estrada, a Poteet man who went by James, told officers at the scene that he did not know what happened to his ex-wife. Witnesses said he cradled her in his arms, saying to her, dont leave me as EMTs arrived to render aid. Minga Estrada never regained consciousness and was pronounced dead at 3:15 a.m. at University Hospital. San Antonio police suspected James Estrada, then 30, after they found damage and blood that matched the victims DNA on the bumpers and undercarriage of his pickup. On ExpressNews.com: Frances Hall gets lightest possible sentence for killing husband with vehicle Detectives testified that James Estrada kept saying someone else did it. As authorities were poised to give him a lie detector test, Estrada suddenly confessed to trying to scare her by driving in her direction. He said he had done it before when they argued, in an attempt to get her back inside his vehicle when she would exit and try to walk home. Calling the defendants actions reckless, and an accident, his attorneys, Alex Scharff and Adrian Flores, wanted the jury to be able to consider a lesser offense of manslaughter, but state District Judge Catherine Torres-Stahl did not allow it. Scharff and Flores told the jury that their client never intended to kill Minga, the love of his life. Prosecutors Kristen Mulliner and Oscar Pena said threatening to run over someone is not reckless, but intentional. They told the jury that James Estrada caused his wifes death while attempting to commit aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. There is no doubt his truck was the deadly weapon he used to kill her, Mulliner told the panel. She asked the jury to recall the video that showed the pickup following alongside the victim and accelerating at her. That act alone resulted in her death, Mulliner said. In his closing statement, Scharff called the events a tragic, freak accident, stressing that his client loved his ex-wife and never wanted to hurt her, just scare her. This was a reckless act, Scharff told the jury, reminding them that his client was clearly distraught during court proceedings. He was trying to scare her and get her attention. He wasnt trying to threaten her. ezavala@express-news.net | Twitter: @elizabeth2863 Elon Musk wants to be seen as a visionary showering Texas with the blessings of his ever-expanding empire. But as time goes by, Texans are taking a more skeptical look at Musk, asking whether his forays into Texas align with their values. And rightfully so. One cause for concern is the news the Boring Co., a Musk venture that intends to build transportation tunnels near downtown Bastrop near Texas 71, has drawn the attention of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality following at least three complaints about wastewater and concrete production. As KVUE reported in early May, the concern centers around groundwater safety. Meanwhile, SpaceX, Musks space manufacturing and exploration venture, had a prototype explode on the test pad this month. Questions linger over whether the Federal Aviation Administrations oversight is sufficient to protect Texans from the companys recklessness. Those concerns were highlighted by reports that SpaceX ignored at least two warnings from the FAA regarding the December 2020 Texas launch of its first high-altitude Starship prototype. An investigation by the Verge found that after a planned Dec. 8 launch in South Texas was scuttled due to an engine issue, the launch was set the following day, despite FAA concerns over weather conditions. After a series of meetings and debates, an FAA safety inspector warned SpaceXs staff in the launch control room that a launch would violate the companys launch license, The Verge reported. FAA models showed that if the rocket exploded, its shockwave could be strengthened by various weather conditions like wind speed and endanger nearby homes. SpaceX launched the rocket anyway, with the prototype flying more than 6 miles over the coast of Boca Chica before it blew to smithereens upon landing. Put another way, Musk put Texans property and safety at risk just so he could launch a dangerous rocket on his terms. SpaceX is still working on getting a launch license for the Boca Chica facility. According to CNBC, days ago, the FAA announced it must take more than 75 actions to mitigate environmental impacts before (receiving) a launch license for the site, including protections for water resources, limits to noise levels, and biohazard materials control. The Texas Capitol has mostly welcomed Musk with open arms, without knowing many details of whats to come. Even at this early stage, Musk is altering the physical footprint of the metropolis the beginnings of what some think could be a facelift of central Texas, EnergyWire reported. He is setting projects into motion with little input from some of those who will feel the effects the most. Austins poorest residents likely will see their rents skyrocket; those who escaped to the countryside for peace and quiet are finding industry rising out the front window. Even the local river is coming under pressure. If the courts force Musk to complete his purchase of Twitter, theres a strong possibility Texas lawmakers would lavish him with taxpayer-funded handouts to move Twitters headquarters to the Lone Star State. This is the richest man in the world. At the very least, Texas lawmakers should agree to not give Musk another inch until he shows their state some respect. Its what health and public safety in the Lone Star State demand. Cathie Adams is the first vice president of the Eagle Forum, former chairman of the Republican Party of Texas and former president of Texas Eagle Forum. What has happened? Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller is the voice of reason in the state government again? In April, he criticized Gov. Greg Abbotts creation of state-run truck checkpoints near the U.S.-Mexico border that wreaked havoc on the supply chain and hurt farmers, truckers and grocery stores. This time, he wants to legalize weed (sort of). On Friday, the cowboy turned politician with a long list of controversies published an opinion piece that called for reforming state laws and expanding the states compassionate use program, also known as medical marijuana. He pointed out that 39 states have legalized cannabis for compassionate use and another 18 states, including conservative western states like Arizona, Montana, and Alaska, have legalized commercial cannabis sales to ALL adults. On ExpressNews.com: Editorial: Abbott border antics make Sid Miller look good He hedged when it came to advocating for full legalization, writing, While I am not sure that Texas is ready to go that far, I have seen firsthand the value of cannabis as medicine to so many Texans. Miller challenged the governor, Texas Legislature and others to set aside our political differences to have an honest conversation about cannabis. Certainly, we see more credibility to this than, say, heading to Oklahoma for a Jesus shot with taxpayer funds. But we digress. The Texas Compassionate Use Program, which legislators slightly expanded in 2021, currently has nearly 29,000 registrants, and the list is growing. Legalization advocates were disappointed with the expansion and argue the program is too limited to help all those who could seek relief with cannabis. Some may discount Millers missive as pandering, but its not the first time hes called for changes to the states cannabis laws. Susan Hays, Millers Democratic opponent, a lawyer and advocate for marijuana law reforms, told the Express-News that Miller must have done a poll and calls the states current policies on the plant bass-ackward. If you decriminalize without legalizing and regulating, what do you get? An unregulated market, Hays said. Its past time for Texas to not only decriminalize and expand its medical program but also legalize cannabis for recreational use. Texans who assist voters with disabilities or those with limited English to fill out their ballots will no longer face felony charges if they go beyond simply helping the person mark or read them. The provisions were part of the controversial elections bill passed by the Republican-majority Texas Legislature last year, Senate Bill 1. A federal judge overturned the laws provisions regarding voter assistance earlier this summer, and the Texas attorney generals office declined to challenge it. The attorney generals office did not respond to a request for comment on why it declined to challenge the injunction. IN-DEPTH: How the new Texas elections law follows up on Trump's voter fraud claims The voter assistance case was brought by the Organization of Chinese Americans-Greater Houston, which in January asked the court to block the provisions in SB 1 by modifying a 2018 injunction on similar rules that were found to have violated the Voting Rights Act. They argued the provisions unlawfully restricted assistants to the point that this group of voters would be denied an equal voting experience. It would also infringe on the voters right to choose the person who assists them, as many may be deterred by the prospect of signing a narrowly worded oath under penalty of perjury, they said. The court ruled in favor of the group. RELATED: State and county Democrats blame SB 1 for Tuesday's primary election problems Jerry Vattamala, an attorney with the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund, which represented the Houston group in court, said there is a lot more involved in the voting process than reading and marking a ballot, especially for voters with limited English. A translation may not be, and often isnt, verbatim and often requires explanation. We know many times a voter has more questions beyond a rote translation, Vattamala said. Like where do I go?, what do I do with my ballot?, what is this ballot provision?, what does that mean? They usually have clarifying questions. People with limited English skills tend to be people of color, Vattamala added, which meant the provisions had a discriminatory effect. They argued that the new requirements were especially burdensome for Asian American voters who are more likely to need to take an assistant to the polling place with them, as translators in their native languages are often not as available as Spanish-speaking ones, for example. Just three Texas counties Harris, Dallas and Tarrant have enough Asian voting-age citizens to trigger a federal language assistance requirement, Vattamala said. The provisions also made it harder for voters with disabilities to vote this year, and many ended up voting without an assistant, said Lisa Snead, a litigation attorney at Disability Rights Texas. A lot of folks with disabilities did not want to put their personal care attendants in a position of having to swear an oath that they would not be able to swear, that would not be true because they had provided more assistance than that, and then potentially open them up to criminal penalties, Snead said. Others were just concerned that if assistants had to do that, then they would refuse to assist. One voter with a disability reported to Snead that it took several days to complete a mail ballot without an assistant. Thats just a very insurmountable barrier that people with disabilities absolutely should not have to face, she said. Having this enjoined is really a great victory. Several other parts of the law are the subject of a separate, pending case in federal court. taylor.goldenstein@chron.com Note: An earlier version of this story included an incorrectly transcribed quote from Jerry Vattamala, an attorney with the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund. The U.S. House passed a measure Thursday that would codify the right to contraception, with Texas Republicans uniting in opposition. The legislation is one in a series of bills brought by Democratic leaders since the Supreme Courts decision last month to eliminate federal abortion protections. As part of that ruling, Justice Clarence Thomas suggested that the court could also revisit the right to contraception and same-sex marriage. Earlier this week the House passed a measure offering federal protections for same-sex marriage, with Texas Republican Tony Gonzales of San Antonio joining Democrats in support. Republican House members on Thursday said they support contraception access, but faulted the latest measure for ignoring religious groups that object to contraception. Anti-abortion groups have also tied the bill to emergency contraception and the abortion pill mifepristone. TEXAS TAKE: Get political headlines from across the state sent directly to your inbox This bill is not about contraception, which would prevent pregnancy, said Rep. Beth Van Duyne, a Dallas Republican. Its about funding unlimited access to abortion pills. The bill passed 228-195, with eight Republicans in support. Two Republicans voted present. As written, the legislation would prohibit restrictions on contraception or the ability of health officials and others to provide it. Its prospects are unclear in the Senate, where Democrats hold a razor thin majority. States like Idaho and Texas have prohibitions on funding emergency contraceptives in certain state-funded heath and family planning programs. Rep. Frank Pallone, a New Jersey Democrat, said Mississippi and Louisiana are also moving to add restrictions. These extreme proposals build on decades of Republican work to restrict access to essential reproductive health services, he said, adding, While the right to contraception is legal today, we must act to ensure this remains true in the future. jeremy.blackman@chron.com Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Lee Chang-yang, fourth from left, and key executives of local chip manufacturers pose after signing a memorandum of understanding to foster semiconductor experts at Dongjin Semichem in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province, Thursday. Yonhap Gov't to draw $259 billion investment over 5 years, nurture 150,000 experts By Lee Kyung-min The government will increase tax incentives and push for deregulations on Korean chipmakers to stimulate investments and turn the country into a global "semiconductor superpower," according to related ministries, Thursday. It also plans to join hands with chip manufacturers to set up an academic organization this year to train and educate over 150,000 semiconductor experts over the next decade. These are part of measures unveiled by related ministries to foster the chip industry, hobbled by heavy taxes, regulations and a shortage of highly-skilled experts. The industry, finance, labor, infrastructure, environment, science and education ministries jointly announced the plan. In a meeting with heads of local chip makers, Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Lee Chang-yang said the government will closely communicate with the semiconductor industry and continue to provide assistance as needed. "Korea's competitive industrial edge will be fortified through cooperation among promising new players in the businesses of batteries, displays, future mobility, robots and biopharmaceuticals," he said. "Government policy measures will be outlined accordingly." Under the plan, major Korean firms, including Samsung Electronics and SK hynix, will invest a combined 340 trillion won ($259 billion) over the next five years. A 300 billion won public-private fund will be set up to create a semiconductor ecosystem to promote innovations by small market players and to use as capital for mergers and acquisitions (M&A) next year. The market share of logic chips will be increased to 10 percent by 2030, up from the current 3 percent. The country's dependency on import for key materials, parts and equipment will be lowered to 50 percent from the current 70 percent. Then President-elect Yoon Suk-yeol holds a semiconductor wafer at Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) in Daejeon, April 29. Korea Times file This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Chris Packhams reaction to the jaw-dropping images from NASAs James Webb Space Telescope goes beyond the gushing of armchair astronomers and even most scientists. For Packham, 50, a professor of astrophysics at the University of Texas at San Antonio, the start of the Webb telescopes output means its time to get even busier learning more about how the universe works. Hes among five board members of the Galactic Activity, Torus and Outflow Survey, or GATOS, one of the international science teams chosen to access data from the Webb. The breakthrough information from the telescope will enable them to study how galaxies interact with black holes about 130 million light-years away. On ExpressNews.com: Weve been waiting for this moment for more than 20 years; UTSA astrophysicist eager for James Webb telescopes black hole data On July 14, Packham received raw data regarding NGC 5278, which is a spiral galaxy, similar to the Milky Way, thought to be powered at its center by a supermassive black hole that is devouring gas and dust. Im thrilled, excited and relieved, a jubilant Packham said in an interview. Early access NASA told 51 GATOS members they would get access to data regarding NGC 5728 in mid-July, a change from September as previously expected. Webb recently used a high-frequency radio transmitter to feed science and engineering data of the galaxy to the NASA Deep Space Network. The agency forwarded the data to the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore, which transferred the trove of information to Packhams colleague and fellow GATOS member David Rosario at the University of Newcastle in England. Within hours, Rosario was busy uploading about 10,000 FITS files of data to UTSAs server system. Then, Packham and the GATOS group, which had been sending anticipatory Slack messages to colleagues in Europe and Japan, finally glimpsed the Webbs first images of the galaxy. Imagine, this telescope a million miles from Earth is sending us files for our one observation, he said. Its just amazing, simply amazing. Last year, the NASA Hubble Telescopes Wide Field Camera 3 captured infrared images of NGC 5728, a Seyfert galaxy, an energetic class of galaxies known as active galactic nuclei. But dust shrouded the galaxy, making it difficult to clearly photograph the center and black hole area. Now, the new infrared data from the $10 billion Webb the most powerful telescope ever, boasting a larger mirror and greater resolution than the Hubble is expected to produce more detailed images of the galaxy that will give Packham and the GATOS the best information to date for their research into black holes. The GATOS, which previously observed NGC 5728 with ground-based telescopes, plans to write a scientific report in the coming months. The group and NASA have an agreement that gives them rights to keep the data private for up to a year. Members expect to receive another batch of data on similar galaxies soon and another delivery of images of galaxies in September. The third grouping will take longer to process since it will involve spectroscopy, in which astronomers hope to determine the elements in the galaxies, along with their temperatures, densities and motions. With the data at his fingertips, Packham will pursue answers to lifelong questions: Whats going on in the centers of the super massive black holes? Why are they so bright? What is the process in which material falls into a black hole? What effects do black holes have on galaxies? Its absolutely amazing, but I think all of us in the group feel a level of apprehension because weve been preparing for this moment for 25 years, he said. While we cant wait to get the data, we want to make sure we get every ounce of information out of it to get the maximum science out of it. Beauty in black holes In a way, Packham, who was born in Billericay, England, near London, is traveling back in time. While the Hubble gave scientists views into the universe around 500 million years after the Big Bang, estimated at 13.8 billion years ago, the Webb can see back to 100 million to 250 million years after the universes birth. If we want to understand our place in the outer edge of the Milky Way galaxy or understand how our sun formed or why our galaxy looks like it does, we have to understand the center of our own galaxy, he said. We want to understand that full cosmic history. We have to understand supermassive black holes. I think theres a total beauty to that. For years, Packham has been studying how the centers of galaxies produce massive amounts of energy. Generally, scientists agree that stars and orbiting planets are shredded as they fall into black holes, a process that produces gas and dust that, in turn, create energy visible from billions of light-years away. In his research, Packham sought to understand why and how this happens and how it affects a galaxy hosting a black hole. S.A. VOTES Voter Guide: What to know for the Texas runoff election A breakdown of key state and local races and candidates in the May 24 primary runoff. His studies have taken him to observe galaxies using telescopes in Hawaii, Spain and Chile while preparing to use the Webb, which had been set to launch in 2018 but didnt do so until December. Two years later, he collaborated with the University of Florida on a study of the magnetic field of a black hole known as V404 Cygni, whose mass is about 10 times that of the sun. They found that matter broke down around the black hole while its magnetic field like Earths magnetic fields at the North and South poles spewed jets of electrons at nearly the speed of light. Packham has said he wants to use the Webb to learn more about the nature of these jets and how they affect host galaxies like NGC 5278. Earlier this month, the GATOS was examining the universe through the Webbs use of infrared light, enabling researchers to see past blankets of space dust to observe a range of exoplanets, a stellar nursery, a planetary nebula and a handful of galaxies. On a recent Wednesday afternoon, Packham sitting in his office at UTSA sporting a Webb lapel pin on a blue jacket said he spent the following days using the Slack messaging app and Zoom to contact colleagues around the globe. He had stayed up until 3 a.m. brainstorming how to handle the incoming information, especially while scientists were nearly bouncing off the walls with excitement from gazing at the images. He stood in awe over the galactic Webb images cast on his 55-inch TV screen. The Webbs images of Stephans Quintet a group of five galaxies, four of which appear as if theyre dancing with one another amid old stars are most similar to what he expects to process from the data on NGC 5278 and other galaxies for his research. GATOS members plan to divide into 11 working groups to review the new data. In San Antonio, Packham plans to lead a handful of UTSA graduate students and at least one undergrad in operating the Arc, the universitys high-performance computing system, to analyze the information. There is much work to do, he said. My life is James Webb at the moment. eric.killelea@express-news.net WFO ALBANY Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Thursday, July 21, 2022 _____ SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING The National Weather Service in Albany has issued a * Severe Thunderstorm Warning for... Southeastern Litchfield County in northern Connecticut... * Until 330 PM EDT. * At 225 PM EDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over Woodbury Center, or near Southbury, moving east 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... Oakville, Woodbury Center, Watertown, Woodbury, Allentown, Minortown, Hotchkissville, Pequabuck, Hancock, Tolles, Pomeraug, North Woodbury, Terryville Station and Delano Field. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building. Please report hail size...damaging winds and reports of trees down to the National Weather Service by email at Alb.Stormreport@noaa.gov... On Facebook at www.facebook.com/nwsalbany or twitter @nwsalbany _____ Copyright 2022 AccuWeather Above, a map of Thacker Pass, where a Chinese-dominated firm is set to mine U.S. lithium. It could ship it to China for processing -- but there are doubts whether it will all return. By Steve Miller, RealClearInvestigations July 20, 2022 A Chinese-dominated mining company has procured millions of dollars in American subsidies to extract lithium in the United States but, given a dearth of U.S. processing capacity, the mineral is likely to be sent to China with no guarantee that the end product would return as batteries to power President Biden's envisioned green economy. Critics say the scenario would increase U.S. energy dependence on a hostile power one accused of using forced labor in the manufacture of both lithium batteries and solar panels and undercuts the Biden administration's emphasis on domestic sourcing of green energy. "We need the finished product here," said Glenn Miller, a retired professor of environmental science at the University of Nevada, Reno, who has spent decades in mining chemistry. I would hope there is an advantage to taking that lithium and shipping it 200 miles south to process it [rather] than shipping it around the world. We should all be troubled by Chinas control of [minerals]. Why cant we do this? While the United States has ample supplies of lithium, it currently falls short on the capacity to process it into a usable form, meaning that the $7 billion in taxpayer money invested in the nations battery supply chain will have to include a foreign component. That is almost certain to include China, which produces 79% of the worlds lithium-ion batteries. Lithium has taken the spotlight in Bidens energy plan, since it is a key element needed to produce batteries for electric vehicles and solar panel storage. The administration acknowledges the lithium processing challenge tacitly in a June 2021 report produced by the U.S. Department of Energy. The nation would benefit greatly from development and growth of cost-competitive domestic materials processing for lithium-battery materials, the report reads. Department of Energy spokesman David Mayorga did not respond to a list of questions on domestic lithium. The White House in March issued an order invoking the Defense Production Act, a 1950s-era law meant to prioritize production of materials in the name of national security. The action allows the federal government to direct taxpayer funds to private companies to extract more lithium in the U.S. including foreign-based interests. Prominent in the initiative is Canadian-based Lithium Americas, a publicly traded group whose largest shareholder is Chinese-owned lithium mining giant Ganfeng Lithium, which is currently under investigation in China for alleged insider trading. Lithium Americas is seeking to mine lithium from Thacker Pass, an 18,000-acre wilderness area on the Nevada-Oregon border. If the mining is approved, Thacker Pass would join a mine at Silver Peak outside of Tonopah, Nevada, as one of the only active lithium mines in the U.S. The company projects it will yield 80,000 tons of lithium a year, which would make it one of the largest lithium mines in the world, producing a quarter of the worlds demand. Lithium Americas local company, Lithium Nevada, has been approved to receive Nevada tax abatements worth $8.5 million. And the parent company has applied for a loan through the Department of Energy. But there is no promise from recipients of tax breaks and grants that the end product will benefit the U.S. In a statement to RCI, Lithium Americas CEO Jonathan Evans downplayed the companys China connection and skirted the question of whether the mined lithium will go to U.S. partners for processing. While Lithium Americas is partnered with Ganfeng Lithium at Cauchari Olaroz in Argentina, [Lithium Americas] owns 100% of Thacker Pass and has 100% of the offtake uncommitted, Evans said in the statement. We remain devoted to producing a domestic supply of essential lithium from our Thacker Pass project focused on selling to U.S. focused customers to strengthen the domestic battery supply chain. Daniel Simmons, a former assistant secretary who focused on renewables at the Energy Department during the Trump administration, said: "Every mining company that I have talked to wants to see the lithium they produce processed and turned into batteries in the United States. But if there aren't enough facilities here in the United States, the Chinese will likely process it and turn it into batteries." The U.S. share of worldwide production has dropped from 27% in 1996 to 1% in 2020 while other countries have increased their mining of lithium since the mid-1990s, when the mineral was used primarily for construction materials, glass, and strengthening aluminum and magnesium. The growth in worldwide lithium production coincides with the increase in production of electric vehicles. In 2015, less than 30% of lithium demand was for batteries, according to a report from McKinsey & Company, a consultancy. By 2030, McKinsey projects, 95% of produced lithium will be for batteries. The U.S. last year produced 2,500 tons of lithium a far cry from the 80,000 tons anticipated at Thacker Pass and it exported 1,900 of those tons. The destination of lithium exported last year by the U.S. has not yet been compiled and 2020s numbers are skewed by the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2019 predating the Biden renewable goals Germany and Japan were the largest recipients of U.S.-mined lithium. Little U.S. lithium went to China in 2020, according to data from the U.S. Geological Survey. Despite the high strategic priority placed on lithium by the Biden administration, Beijings continued push for mineral dominance in the world means that China will continue to dominate lithium chemical production for the foreseeable future, according to a projection from Benchmark Mineral Intelligence, a London-based price-reporting agency. Reliance on Chinese processing of lithium would again put the Biden administration in the politically uncomfortable position of overlooking humanitarian abuses and trade violations by China. Forced labor has been found in so-called green industries in the Chinese region of Xinjiang, a region home to solar panel manufacturing and some of the countrys major lithium processing plants. Last week, seven Democratic lawmakers sent a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas asking why three large Chinese solar firms were left off a list of companies whose products are banned over violations of forced labor rules. Under the Uighur Forced Labor Prevention Act that took effect on June 21, all goods manufactured in Xinjiang are presumed to have been made with forced labor and should be blocked from entry into the United States. In another recent instance irritating environmental and human rights advocates who are usually in Biden's camp, the President last week fist-bumped Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, tied to the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, while on a visit to coax greater oil production from the kingdom and stem soaring U.S. gas prices at the pump. At home, the climate change-focused administration has imposed or proposed policies intended to hinder fossil fuel producers. U.S. reliance on foreign interests for usable lithium, as well as for solar panels, echoes the situation in Europe, where several countries looked to Russian energy sources over the years before Vladimir Putins invasion of Ukraine. That led Germany and Italy to recently announce plans to revamp coal use to supply their energy needs. There are other ramifications to Bidens willingness to cut against the traditional Democratic Party grain in energy policy. Mining and solar plant development are disrupting federal lands claimed by Native American tribes as culturally significant. And the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony and the Oregon-based Burns Paiute Tribe have sued the U.S. Bureau of Land Management to halt the Thacker Pass project. They claim the area is a religious and cultural outpost. Lithium Americas had been in talks with the land bureau to build a mine on the land since at least 2017, according to a RealClearInvestigations review of court filings. Native American communities lean to Democrats and in 2020 gave Biden an estimated 60% percent of their vote, but that support is now counterbalanced by the National Mining Association, a longtime coal-mining advocacy group, which has backed off its favoritism of Republican candidates. The mining associations political action committee has for the past decade donated to Republican candidates at a 9-1 pace over Democrats, but this year the ratio dropped to 3-1 as mining companies have warmed to the administration's move away from coal and into lithium. Rich Nolan, president of the mining association, did not respond to an interview request. Gary McKinney, a spokesman for the People of Red Mountain, a Native American group challenging the Thacker Pass mine, sees a familiar ulterior motive at play. You cant fix the climate crisis through dirty mining," he said. "This is all about money, not the environment. CORRECTION Friday, July 22, 2022, 1:45 p.m. An earlier version of this article mischaracterized the federal funding Lithium Americas is seeking through the Department of Energy. It is a loan, not a grant. How do you prepare a young person for the future? For many Civil Air Patrol (CAP) cadets, (aged 12 to 18) it starts with CAPs encampment at Fort Harrison in Helena, Montana. An encampment is a week-long activity and is a part of the Civil Air Patrols cadet program. The cadet program is one of three missions assigned to CAP since its inception in 1941. The other two are aerospace education (which is fundamentally intertwined with the cadet program) and emergency services. As part of its emergency service mission, CAP performs homeland security, disaster relief, and drug interdiction missions at the request of federal, state, and local agencies. Encampment sees cadet students (basics) push themselves, working as a team to complete physical training, pass inspections, develop discipline, and overcome the stresses of a military environment. During encampment, cadets endure 6:00 am wake-ups and high levels of intensity from their cadre, their instructors, throughout the week. Encampment is not just intense for the basics. The cadre, composed of Civil Air Patrol cadets who have already attended prior encampments as cadet basics, run a majority of the encampment. Everyone from the commander to the drill sergeants are cadets. Adult advisors and a commandant function as mentors, only stepping in when needed. It is as much a learning experience and challenge for the cadre as it is for the basics. Because they are constantly interacting with the basics, the cadre must find time to complete other tasks when the basics are sleeping or in classes run by guest speakers. Therefore, many of the cadre work 17 hour days. However, it is not as bad as you may expect. Many of the cadre, including Cadet Lieutenant Colonel Gerald Mon Pere, do not think the stress significantly affects them. Its easy to stay awake when you have so many duties, says Cadet Lt. Col. Mon Pere. When you go to bed, you feel good about what youve accomplished, and that makes it worth it. At the same time, the basics are forced to adapt the most. With all the pressure, basics develop deep bonds with their fellow basics that are difficult to find anywhere else. Basics Cadet Technical Sergeant Nathanial Turnbull and Cadet Airman Hudson Richardson talked about their experiences. The harder it got, [the more] we all got tighter and helped each other out, says Cadet Technical Sgt. Turnbull. Its challenging and fun, simultaneously, adds Cadet Amn. Richardson. As Major Laura Furniss, a CISM officer, puts it. As cadets get used to the schedule their stress levels lower, which allows them to reinforce their [relationships] which, until then, were purely out of necessity. Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) officers like Maj. Furniss are at encampment to ensure resiliency and mental and physical health. The cadets participated in a rigorous but rewarding week. They toured Air Force T-1 and T-6 trainer aircraft, received aerospace and leadership lessons from military officers, and ran Fort Harrisons obstacle courses. Fort Harrison staff also facilitated a tour of their training facilities. Cadets tried out rifle range and convoy simulators, and drove a collection of Army explosive ordnance disposal and surveillance robots. Cadets were able to tour a maintenance hangar where they got an up close and personal look at the Montana National Guards UH-60 Blackhawk and CH-47 Chinook helicopters. Cadets were also visited by Major General Hronek, Adjutant General for the State of Montana. Civil Air Patrols relationship with the National Guard is important because most CAP squadron headquarters are on bases or at armories operated by the National Guard, which General Hronek commands. Encampment strengthens anyone who goes, whether it be cadre or basics. For many, it is an experience that stays with them for years. It gives cadets experience and fortitude that they call on wherever their future takes them. During his visit, Maj. Gen. Hronek moved many cadets. To see you all here inspires me for the future...we need people like you to solve the problems of our future. Edited By Cadet First Lieutenant Eric Gu, CAP A coalition of conservation and sporting groups are appealing a federal district court judges decision over public access rights in the Crazy Mountains, the organizations announced last week. Friends of the Crazy Mountains, the Montana Chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, the Skyline Sportsmen Association and Enhancing Montanas Wildlife and Habitat signaled last Thursday that they plan to take their case to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Late this March, U.S. District Judge Susan Watters affirmed the findings of U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy Cavan, who rejected the claims of the coalition, siding with the U.S. Forest Service. The case centers around longstanding public access disputes at in the Crazy Mountains a range that is plagued by a checkerboard land ownership pattern that intermixes isolated parcels of public and private land. A relic of railroad land grants from the late 1800s, the pattern often forces people to cross through private land in order to reach public land. But if a historical prescriptive easement exists on private property, members of the public can legally do that. When people have continuously and without interruption accessed a property for five years in a manner that is open, notorious, and clearly visible to the owner of the land and hostile and adverse to the owner, they have a legal right to cross that property without permission. Multiple landowners at the base of the Crazies dispute the existence of historical prescriptive easements on their properties, even though the trails have been marked on U.S. Forest Service maps for decades. Many of them have attempted to obstruct public access by blocking trailheads, setting up no trespassing signs and placing locks on gates, according to court documents. If people stay off of the easements consistently for five years, the legal rights of way can cease to exist. In 2019, the coalition of conservation and sporting organizations sued the U.S. Forest Service, claiming that the agency violated administrative laws when it failed to defend the publics right to use easements along four trails in the range. Instead of defending the trails in court, agency officials negotiated with area landowners to develop alternative routes, the plaintiffs claimed. The lawsuit addresses purported easements along Porcupine-Lowline trail No. 267, East Trunk Trail No. 136, Sweet Grass trail No. 122 and Elk Creek trail No. 195. Forest Service officials rerouted Porcupine-Lowline trail, then constructed the Porcupine-Ibex trail, which mostly crosses through federal land. The heads of several conservation groups and area landowners unveiled the route last fall. Attorneys for the Forest Service wrote in court documents that the reroute resolved a longstanding dispute between public land users and private landowners in a cooperative and mutually beneficial way. They wrote that the agency adequately reviewed the environmental impacts of the Ibex project, and they found that regulations did not require them to sue private landowners to establish a prescriptive use right. Magistrate Judge Cavan wrote in his findings that the agencys actions werent arbitrary, capricious, an abuse of discretion or otherwise not in accordance with the law. The plaintiffs failed to show that the Forest Service did not take a hard look at the environmental impacts of the Ibex project, he wrote. Officials with the Custer Gallatin National Forest declined to comment on the specifics of the case, but they pointed out that the agency launched three separate National Environmental Policy Act processes to analyze the impacts of the trail reroute. Those analyses were reflected in the 2006 Gallatin National Forest Travel Planning Process and associated Forest-wide Environmental Impact Statement. They were also reflected in the 2008 Forest-wide Roads and Trail Environmental Analysis. In 2018, the agency conducted a third public involvement opportunity. John Sullivan III, Montana Chapter Board chair of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, said that after looking carefully at the recent ruling, his group respectfully believes Judge Watters got it wrong. Much of the evidence that the coalition provided in the complaint was not fully addressed by the court, and whether they are prescriptive or perfected, public dollars have gone toward trails for decades, he said. In court, under oath, the Forest Service said they thought that the trails in question were all public, and they had legal public easements on them. At the same time, they made the decision to allow hostile landowners to keep illegal obstructions, he said. Allowing agencies to abandon trails without going through a public process sets a dangerous legal precedent, and the Crazies are just one example of where landowners in the state are obstructing access and daring agencies to do something about it, Sullivan said. Were losing access left and right, and we cant allow agencies to abandon them without a public process that includes a high level of scrutiny, he said. What were fighting over is preserving this West that we all love. Disputed Questions is a new series from RealClearPolitics that brings writers of diverse viewpoints together to discuss and debate, with civility, the great issues of our time. Republishing this series is free with attribution to RealClearWire. Please republish these essays as one single posting. To Save Itself, America Needs Not Two Parties, But Many By Lee Drutman Is America headed for a second civil war? To judge from recent columns, books, and polls on the topic, we might be. If violence is the alternative to politics, and our democracy is fracturing under the strain of two competing parties, each viewing the other as illegitimate, then maybe civil war is inevitable. But perhaps there is another solution: letting the Democratic and Republican Parties break into smaller pieces and recombine in new ways. With more political parties, America might avert the fate that many are predicting. Achieving this will require structural changes in how we elect our representatives. This could include transitioning to a system of proportional ranked-choice voting in which voters rank multiple candidates in order of preference and allotting multiple representatives, not just one, to each voting district. Somewhat counterintuitively, then, the solution to our current trouble is to cultivate more political disputation, not less. But even more than the how much, it is the how we cultivate political conflict that provides the skeleton key to managing its resolution. Instead of every political conflict becoming existential because it is all part of one grand zero-sum partisan death match, we need more small conflicts, each with different coalitions. This more dispersed, fluid politics sustained American democracy in the past and it is our best hope for the future. And we can only restore it by letting the two grand coalitions fracture. *** The threat of civic conflict culminating in civil war worried the American Founders. They had read their history, especially of Greek and Roman antiquity. They didnt take political stability for granted. They knew that earlier republics frequently degenerated into binary armed conflicts. John Adams cautioned that a division of the republic into two great parties is to be dreaded as the great political evil. How could such a frightful despotism be avoided? James Madisons ingenious and timeless solution was what we might call multidimensional pluralism. Factions groups of people united by some common interests or political goals, what would become our political parties should be allowed to proliferate. If one faction ever formed a coherent governing majority over the federal government, it might use that power to oppress the minority faction. And that would be fatal to republican self-governance. Thus, the more factions, the harder it will be for any of them to combine into a permanent majority. Yet despite the Founders best intentions, the early republic nearly did dissolve in its infancy, and precisely for the stated fears of having two great parties. The Election of 1800 marked a bitter, binary battle between the Federalists of John Adams and the Democratic-Republicans of Thomas Jefferson. The two sides branded one another monocrats and Jacobins, respectively as polarized and incendiary as political rhetoric could get at the time. A poisoned politics of constitutional hardball in the late 1790s and an Electoral College deadlock that took the House months to resolve could have easily broken up the fledgling republic. As the concept of a legitimate opposition developed, however, and the republic stabilized and expanded, tensions cooled. But when slavery became a clear partisan issue in the 1860 election, Southern states, fearing they would be a permanent minority, left the Union before Abraham Lincoln could assume office. The American Civil War followed, proving much longer and bloodier than anybody expected. After the end of Reconstruction in 1877, states and cities became the hubs of power, and state parties became crucial. Federalism seemed to offer a road to national stability by allowing the proliferation of factions, though largely at the cost of preserving racial apartheid in the South. Democrats enjoyed overwhelming majorities during the New Deal era, but intraparty tensions between northern liberals and southern conservatives constrained the party, particularly on civil rights issues. Even when Lyndon Johnson and the Democrats won a landslide victory in the 1964 election, historic civil rights legislation passed with large bipartisan majorities. When Richard Nixon resigned in 1974, it was because members of his own party no longer wished to defend him. Though messy and seemingly incoherent at times, American governance during this era was held together by Madisons concept of factions that sometimes combine but that also often check and limit one another. Partisan conflict escalated in the 1990s, however, and American politics flattened. Liberal Republicans and conservative Democrats went extinct. Culture war issues came to dominate, and politics became a war of attrition for a bare 51 percent majority. Party identity hardened: one party for liberal, cosmopolitan America; the other for conservative, small-town America. The middle ground collapsed. And thats where we are today. Contemporary political sorting isolates our two parties, with each side surrounded by echo chambers that banish dissent and doubt and breed distrust of the other. If the other side cant be trusted, extraordinary measures are justified. Under this logic, self-governance collapses eventually into self-righteous authoritarianism and democracy dies. *** It would be comforting to think that some incremental change could put us back on course. But the problem is that we are now so far off course; tinkering on the margins wont be enough. The system is in trouble. Fortunately, we dont have to reinvent the principles of sustainable self-governance. We just have to rediscover them. Political parties organize political life. When they function properly, they develop and advance policies, offer coherent narratives, vet and support candidates, and mobilize and engage citizens in collective action. They make elections sensible by providing consistency from campaign to campaign. Some believe that nonpartisan elections and independent candidates could elevate reason above passion, but the political science on this subject is clear: nonpartisan, independent politics imposes demanding cognitive burdens on citizens who depend on partisan cues. It strengthens demagogues and special interests and undermines the compromise and teamwork necessary for governance. Democracies with weak political parties are the ones most prone to dissolution. Granted, our two parties today are falling into many of these same pathologies (demagoguery, special-interest capture, inflexibility). But this is not an inherent flaw in the nature of political parties. It is, rather, a flaw in the expectation that just two political parties could govern a nation as large and diverse as the United States. *** Most advanced democracies have multiple parties, elected through systems of proportional representation. Consider the 2021 German elections. The center-left SPD (social democratic party) was the winner, with just 25.7% of the popular vote more than any other party received. But the SPD still had to build a coalition government, joining with the center-left Green Party (which won 14.8%) and the center-right FPD (Free Democratic Party). Meantime, Angela Merkels CDU/CSU party won 24.1% of the vote, but it will go into the opposition, at least for now. In German politics, then, all governing is coalition governing. German voters and politicians expect compromise, and policy hews to the acceptable middle, without wild swings. Yes, Germany has extreme parties on the left (a vestige of Communism) and the right (the AfD). But practically speaking, the nation has four viable, center-oriented parties, all of which can form coalitions with one another. The same dynamic holds for most of the European multiparty system a large and functional range of centrist parties, capable of forming moderate governing coalitions. Certainly, the frightful example of extremist parties in Weimar Germany stands as the classic caution against proportional representation. But the politics of 1930s Germany is more complicated. It involved fateful decisions by leading center-right actors to ally with Hitler, seeing him as a useful idiot in their efforts to maintain power. In other European multiparty systems, notably Belgium, the center held because center-right parties made a different calculus, instead marginalizing the far-right. For politicians in such systems today, governing means working with other parties in coalition. Working together builds relationships. Campaigning in a multiparty system is different because parties cant portray themselves as the lesser of two evils. Demonization doesnt work as a campaign strategy. For citizens and voters, politics is more complex because there are real choices across a broader range of ideologies. Some right-wing parties compete in the cities, and some left-wing parties compete in the country. Coalitions shift over time; politics is responsive to changing pressures. In short, politics looks more like what Madison envisioned. Though federal legislation for a voting system of proportional representation is unlikely in the near term, cities and states could lead the way, as they have done throughout American history. Already a growing number of states and cities are using ranked-choice voting, though single-winner ranked-choice voting is unlikely to create opportunities for multiple parties. As reform expands, states and cities should combine proportional, multimember districts with ranked-choice voting. There are many ways to do it. In the immediate term, Congress could establish a congressional commission on structural solutions to the crisis of hyper-partisan polarization to pull together leading experts and focus the national reform conversation. Congress could also repeal the 1967 Uniform Congressional District Act, which mandated that states use single-winner districts, and instead allow states to experiment with proportional multi-member districts. More important than any specific electoral reform is a guiding principle: as long as just two competing sides are committed to the elusive goal of total dominance, American democracy is endangered. Self-governance cannot survive when all conflict is organized along an us-against-them dimension. The Founders were right to fear a republic divided into two great parties. And Madison was right that the only way to solve the problem of faction was to control its effects paradoxically, by making sure that enough factions flourish to prevent single-party control and ensure responsiveness to the voters. There is a path forward, but it will mean embracing major structural reforms to make multiparty democracy possible in America. Lee Drutman is the author of Breaking the Two-Party Doom Loop: The Case for Multiparty Democracy in America. He is a senior fellow at New America, a lecturer at Johns Hopkins University, the co-host of the podcast Politics in Question, and the co-founder of Fix Our House, a campaign for proportional representation in America. He can be contacted at drutman@newamerica.org. In Defense Of The American Party System By Daniel DiSalvo Criticism of political parties in the United States began even before their creation. For much of our history, party reform has been seen as the royal road to improving the quality of American politics, public policy, or both. As part of that venerable tradition, Lee Drutman argues that Americas two major parties are too strong and are engaged in a war of attrition, which poisons political life and paralyzes the government. His solution: break up the Democratic and Republican Parties and institute a multiparty system such as exists in many European countries. This recommendation presents two problems. One is that Drutman does not provide a set of measures that could plausibly be adopted to get us all the way to a multiparty system. The other is that even if such a system were somehow achieved, it is not at all clear that it would actually improve political or policy outcomes. Recall that political parties are organizations that emerge from and adapt to constitutional structures. Therefore, to establish a multiparty system in the U.S., we would have to substantially change the small c constitution of the country and, very likely, the large C Constitution as well. Thats a tall order. As a result, the call for a multiparty system often boils down to a vague wish for the United States to be a country other than what it is. Are Americas two parties really too big and strong? Would a multiparty system be a major improvement? One might argue that the current problem with Americas parties is not that they are too strong but that they are too weak. The basics of the political system an independently elected president, staggered electoral cycles, federalism, and bicameralism prevent the concentration of power in political parties. These elements have been compounded by a wave of decentralizing party reforms that began in the 1960s, which sought to devolve power to the grassroots. As a result, our current party system is a far cry from the Westminster model, characterized by two big, disciplined, hierarchical, and competitive parties. Originating in England, this model is based on single-member districts, first-past-the-post elections, and the delegation of power from members of Parliament to the party leadership. Parties campaign on a real policy program, and if they win a majority, enact that program in office. For most of the 20th century, this strong-party model was political scientists favorite. By contrast, if the measure of party strength is the ability to pass legislation, then Republicans and Democrats are feeble. Although members of each party regularly vote together in Congress, creating the illusion of unity and discipline, in recent years neither Republicans nor Democrats have been able to unite on a policy platform or consistently enact their policies into law. Instead, as political scientist Frances Lee has shown, party unity on roll-call votes in Congress has more to do with political competition with the other party and fending off primary challenges than with crafting public policy. It remains the case that most laws passed in Washington receive substantial votes from both parties. Such bipartisanship reflects the lack of a party program. Voter vexation is predictable when neither team ever really wins and nobody is clearly answerable for government policy. Energies mobilized in elections are frustrated once representatives take their seats in office. But scant evidence exists for the claim that multiparty systems vastly outperform Americas system of two big but weak parties. Consider that multiparty, proportional-representation systems, which enhance representation at the ballot box, can easily fragment and bolster the extremes on the left and right. In this century, such systems in Belgium, Spain, Italy, Israel, and elsewhere have had great difficulty forming governments and getting those governments to act. Nor have European nations been immune to strident populist and anti-immigrant parties. Furthermore, while multiparty advocates tout the prospect of supporting smaller parties that more closely approximate voters preferences, they often neglect to mention that voters have no idea what coalition of parties will wind up forming a government, or what policies it will enact. Representation is enhanced at the election stage but diminished at the governing stage. The German model on which Drutmans case rests is distinctive. It is based on a combination of proportional lists and single-member districts. The impressive result is that the German system draws on the strength of two-party systems created by single-member districts and gets the participatory benefits that come with multiparty proportional lists. Other nations have not been able to combine those features successfully, however. Attempts to imitate Germany, especially in Latin America, have produced systems with many weak parties and excessive political fragmentation. Only corruption and backroom dealmaking allow governing coalitions to form and act. It seems probable that such efforts in the United States would likely make its party system more like its neighbors to the south than those on the continent. Long ago, political scientist Edward Banfield pointed out the paradoxical truth that strong, hierarchical parties are better for democracy. Efforts to decentralize the parties, he held, would only end up destroying the parties ability to mediate between citizens and the government. That insight has proved prescient. Indeed, one could argue that decentralizing reforms are at least partly responsible for todays problems. Reformers should therefore be mindful of potential unintended consequences in their efforts to improve the American party system. Daniel DiSalvo is a Senior Fellow at the Manhattan Institute and Professor of Political Science at the City College of New York-CUNY. Want A Multiparty System? Embrace Factionalism Within Our Two Parties By Steven M. Teles Too often, our discussions of political reform proceed without a clear notion of what problem we are trying to solve. Lee Drutmans essay is an admirable exception. Against the spirit of the times, he claims that Somewhat counterintuitively, then, the solution to our current trouble is to cultivate more political disputation, not less. On this point, we are in firm agreement. But will his proposed solution that we foster a multiparty system by enacting ranked-choice voting actually get us that productive disputation? I doubt it. Fortunately, though, our two-party system has in its DNA an alternative that can serve many of the same ends that Drutman hopes will be achieved by a multiparty system, without waiting for institutional reforms that may never arrive. Ours is a constitutional order designed to use conflict to generate deliberation. Elections are, for the most part, not supposed to settle governing questions as they do in responsible party government systems like that of the U.K. Instead, the American Founders sought to create a system that would create the space for what they called the mild voice of reason. Without the ability to force legislation through on the basis of a mandate from the people, legislators would have to haggle and persuade, which the Founders hoped would yield at least a modicum of reasoned deliberation. Our parties have tended to facilitate this sort of deliberation, because over most of American history they were not unitary, programmatic, philosophically coherent entities, but rather coalitions of disparate factions. As Daniel DiSalvo has argued, the heterogeneity of the United States was present not so much between parties, as within them. As a consequence, parties composed of liberal Republicans and conservative Democrats as well as a number of other geographic, economic, racial, and religious divisions were relatively weak in Congress, because members wanted it that way. The members of Congress wanted the ability to make strange-bedfellow coalitions, and they got it. So, rather than the kinds of multiparty coalitions that Drutman seeks to create through ranked-choice voting, the United States had temporary legislative coalitions that shifted issue to issue. This kind of legislative-politics-by-temporary-factional-coalition sometimes produced coalitions through outright vote-buying. But it also as in, for example, the cases of airline and trucking deregulation in the 1970s, tax reform in 1986, and legislation to address acid rain in 1990 produced something like genuine deliberation. Issues got on the agenda through a decentralized process involving interest groups, the media, local economic interests, and learned professions (like economists). In an environment in which neither party could ram its preferred policies through with fully disciplined members, there was space for ideas to find their way into the process through entrepreneurial staffers (like Stephen Breyer, who played a critical role advising Senator Ted Kennedy on deregulation). A factional Congress also had the benefit of allowing a wide range of citizens to see themselves reflected in the nations politics. (It should be no surprise that a Congress like todays, increasingly composed of liberal Democrats and conservative Republicans, would lead to a high level of voter alienation, when so many voters have political identities that do not line up with these narrow ideological categories.) And more factional parties would also help avoid the trench warfare and negative partisanship that Drutman identifies as a key pathology of our current system, because in a Congress with shifting coalitions, members of the other party are not simply an enemy to be defeated but a potential legislative resource to be cultivated. Factionalized parties would offer many of the benefits that Drutman associated with a multiparty system. Most important, they would erode the winner-take-all features of our current system that create the dangers of demagoguery and institutional hardball that Drutman rightly condemns in our current politics. But the most important advantage of seeking a more factionalized politics is that we can pursue it without waiting for major institutional reforms like ranked-choice voting. As Matthew Yglesias and I have argued, it would take only relatively small organized factions of the two parties to force congressional leadership to create more open, flexible rules that would allow for more cross-party legislating. The left wing of the Democratic Party has already shown the way toward this kind of factional future. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and the Squad in the House are just one example of a party-within-a-party, with its own magazines, fundraising, candidate recruitment, and local chapters. They participate in party primaries often to the annoyance of senior party leaders and help shape their partys legislative agenda. Moderates in both parties could do the same. If they did, internal fractures would set off a process both inside and outside Congress that would produce many of the same ends that Drutman seeks from a multiparty system, but with one advantage: we can get there from here through party factionalization, whereas, by contrast, we dont actually know how to get ranked-choice voting to be sufficiently widespread that it would generate multiple parties. Further, we can get to factionalization incrementally; it does not need to be done in one swoop. In fact, a handful of members of Congress could take consequential steps in this direction today, if they chose to do so. Factionalized parties are our constitutional orders substitute for multipartyism. We should embrace and enable them rather than dream of more radical reforms with theoretical advantages but no anchor in our constitutional practice. Steven M. Teles is Professor of Political Science at the Johns Hopkins University and Senior Fellow at the Niskanen Center. Among other works, he is the coauthor (with Robert Saldin) of Never Trump: The Revolt of the Conservative Elites (Oxford, 2020). Transformative Reform Is Needed By Lee Drutman Since both Steve Teles and Daniel DiSalvo raise questions about how a multiparty system might fit within the American constitutional order, let me start there. There is, of course, nothing in the Constitution that says that American democracy must have two parties. Indeed, the Framers did not envision that we would have any parties. Above all, they feared a two-party system. As I note in my opening essay, John Adams cautioned that a division of the republic into two great parties . . . is to be dreaded as the great political evil. For much of the nineteenth century and even into the early twentieth century, third parties, and sometimes fourth and even fifth parties, played an important role in the hurly-burly of American politics as disruptors and innovators and sometimes as realigning forces. But the Progressive Era put in place reforms that drained third parties of their sources of power. By replacing ticket voting (in which voters simply turned in a party ticket) with the Australian ballot (in which the state controls access), the two major parties raised the threshold for ballot access and banned fusion, which had allowed third parties to cross-endorse major-party candidates, giving them some proportional influence. Direct primaries, another Progressive Era reform in which parties handed over power to the state, gave would-be third-party actors a way to infiltrate the major parties by running in their previously closed primaries, thus depriving third parties of their best potential candidates. These were significant and consequential changes to the constitutional order, and analysts would soon describe American politics as having a two-party system. As for DiSalvos assertion that multipartyism would require a change to the Constitution, heres a quick refresher course. Article I, Section IV (the so-called Elections Clause) gives Congress authority to alter how members of Congress are elected a power that it has used throughout our history, right up to the present. Current legislation, the Fair Representation Act, would mandate that congressional elections be conducted under a proportional ranked-choice voting system, with multimember districts. DiSalvo notes that most laws passed in Congress still pass with bipartisan support. This is true. But this focus on the numerator ignores the denominator. As Sarah Binder has shown, the share of important issues Congress is able to legislate on continues to decline, and with these failures, public frustration and anti-system anger are generating populist demagogues. DiSalvo is also correct (citing Frances Lee), that much voting in Congress is party-line posturing, designed to draw distinctions between the two parties. But this is precisely why Congress is so dysfunctional. The minority party views its sole and only goal as becoming the majority party by not cooperating with the opposition. And the majority party, recognizing this, attempts to move policy sharply in its direction on pure party-line votes. That these votes often fail highlights how hard it has become to solve problems in our current Congress. In this closely fought but deeply polarized two-party system, distrust, demonization, and eventually demagoguery carry the day. Finally, DiSalvo warns of potential unintended consequences and cites the example of a few sometimes-dysfunctional countries as representative of all proportional systems. Its true, of course, that all reforms have potential unintended consequences. One could have equally admonished the Framers that abandoning the Articles of Confederation for a new Constitution would have unintended consequences which it absolutely did. But when American politics appears on the brink of a constitutional crisis, an equal burden of proof should fall on those who argue that maintaining the status quo is preferable as it did in 1787, when it was clear that the Articles of Confederation were a disaster. As for the empirical effects of proportional representation, ask any comparative political scientist, and she will tell you that on balance, proportional multiparty systems are more stable and more responsive, and produce more sustainable, equitable policy. There is variation, sure, and voting systems are not the only determinant of democratic outcomes and health. But there is not much dispute that proportional democracies perform better on the key metrics that democratic scholars tend to care about. Teles and I are indeed in heated agreement on the need to expand the space of political conflict, and to get Congress back to something closer to the shifting coalitions of an earlier era. The question is whether we can recreate that magic within the two-party system again, despite our geographical partisan polarization and the use of single-winner districts. We should certainly pursue it. But given the overwhelming nationalization of American politics, its hard to see how individual factions can meaningfully distinguish themselves among voters without some new party labels. Similarly, a small, organized centrist faction could attain disproportionate power if it is organized together. However, without a change to our electoral system that allows such a faction to form a meaningful party and win election independent of the two major parties, its members will face significant difficulties. Nonetheless, this would be the logical place to start toward the transformative reforms that I favor. Start building the factions. Start building the new centrist coalition. And over time, perhaps these can help steer American democracy toward electoral changes (proportional representation) that will help restore and expand the political center necessary for long-term stability. Lee Drutman is the author of Breaking the Two-Party Doom Loop: The Case for Multiparty Democracy in America. He is a senior fellow at New America, a lecturer at Johns Hopkins University, the co-host of the podcast Politics in Question, and the co-founder of Fix Our House, a campaign for proportional representation in America. He can be contacted at drutman@newamerica.org. Farmers are being urged to vaccinate their ewes against enzootic abortion before tupping to help prevent unnecessary lamb losses, estimated to cost the UK sheep sector up to 20m annually. The move follows a sheep abortion round table discussion hosted by UK-Vet Livestock, which reviewed enzootic abortion of ewes (EAE). The panel of vets and commercial sheep farmers expressed concern about the low uptake of vaccination for both EAE and toxoplasma spp. The Responsible Use of Medicines in Agriculture Alliance (RUMA) Targets Task Force report of 2017 supported vaccination by recommending that farmers increase the use of vaccines for EAE by 5% per year over five years, to ensure the responsible use of antibiotics. However vaccination for EAE and Toxoplasma spp are low, peaking in 2020 at 50% and 31% respectively for ewes intended for first breeding. Sheep veterinary consultants Fiona Lovatt and Kate Hovers were amongst the prestigious sheep experts on the panel. They recommended that all flocks that bring in replacement ewes or have neighbours that lamb sheep should vaccinate to protect against EAE as "vaccination against EAE is like investing in insurance that means that an EAE abortion disaster will not happen". The panel further advised that replacements should be sourced from EAE accredited flocks to reduce the risk of bringing in the disease and that ewes should be lambed separately from the home flock for their first year to contain issues. Furthermore, the panel suggested that vaccination protocols for abortion should be incorporated into flock health plans. Ms Lovatt, sheep veterinary consultant and director of Flock Health Ltd, said: EAE is one disease that costs you a fortune if you just wait until it is in your flock before you take action. "You have to consider what the risks are to your flock - and they are high if you ever buy in ewes or if you have close sheep flock neighbours." She added: "You must vaccinate before you see any evidence of EAE, both to protect your own ewes and the ones you buy in. "An outbreak of EAE is a failure of flock health planning as measures should have been put in place to prevent it happening. Katherine Timms, ruminant veterinary advisor at Ceva Animal Health, said low vaccination rates could potentially lead to financial and reproductive devastation. She added: It is therefore essential that vaccination protocols for abortion should be incorporated into flock health plans, especially if a flock has suffered abortion cases during the preceding lambing. This Farm Safety Week, farmers are being encouraged to download the app 'what3words' onto their mobile devices in case of an emergency. The app has divided the globe into 57 trillion 3m x 3m squares, giving each square a unique combination of three words: a what3words address. what3words is used by over 85 percent of UK emergency services, as well as breakdown providers such as the AA. Just this week, farmer and social media influencer Farmer Tom encouraged others to think ahead when his idle tractor connected to a cultivator saved a neighbour's crop. URGENT: If you have an idle tractor that isnt connected to a cultivator right now, please stop everything & go & hook them up! A hero on our team saved a neighbours crop and probably most of ours due to some quick thinking & smart, speedy action. Well done @joe1411p pic.twitter.com/HRj0FrgMVU Farmer Tom ???? (@Farmer_Tom_UK) July 19, 2022 A member of the team, Joe, spotted smoke a mile away on their neighbour's land, which turned out to be a electricity mast that had touched a tree. Sparks landed on the ground and started a fire between their farm and Toms, an incident which could have potentially destroyed hundreds of acres of grain if the fire hadnt been spotted. Thinking fast on their feet, the team got out their tractor and managed to keep the fire under control by cultivating the ground, leaving bare earth which fire cant travel as fast. Praised by the fire brigade team for providing an exact location to the fire, Tom recommended what3words as an essential app for farmers to download. "If you haven't got what3words, download it immediately. That took the fire brigade to the exact spot they needed to be," Farmer Tom said. Prince Charles has praised research group Innovative Farmers as 'remarkable' as the network celebrates 10 years since it formed. Hosted by Trefranck Farm in Cornwall, the Prince met farmers and industry organisations to hear how farmer-led research bolsters innovation. Innovative Farmers, formed 10 years ago, has undertaken 120 field labs that have placed farmers in the driving seat of agricultural research. Addressing the event, Prince Charles said he was very proud to have been able to support it, and that the event was a wonderful opportunity to see farmers doing remarkable things all over the country. Its been fascinating to see the results of these field labs and Ive learned quite a lot," Prince Charles told attendees at Trefranck Farm. "Im particularly interested, I must say, in living mulches, which is the next interesting and very critical area I think which I shall be particularly fascinated to see, and in agroforestry and silvopastoral possibilities. He added: Ive always felt that nature herself has so many of the answers and that if we read the book of nature carefully enough, we discover that shes created this astonishing, miraculous really, waste free circularity. "And thats what I hope we can all build on, because technology cant provide all the answers, the combination of the two, the precision technology and so on, and these extraordinary lessons weve learnt from nature can be hugely beneficial. During the event, Prince Charles spoke to farmer triallists from several field labs, including one that is investigating living mulch. This is a practice of growing a permanent understory of clover that crops can be sown straight into, reducing the need for ploughing, weedkillers, and artificial fertilisers. The event showcased results from the last decade that have shown that farmer-led research could improve the health of livestock, eliminate tonnes of chemicals, and save the industry millions of pounds. Triallists and co-ordinators shared insights on nature-based farming solutions such as using woodchip to tackle weeds, predatory insects to fight pests, and using on-farm lab kits to cut antibiotic use in dairy cows. Addressing Prince Charles and attendees, Soil Association CEO Helen Browning described 10 years of Innovative Farmers as a extraordinary achievement. She said: More than anything else, the thing that I celebrate about Innovative Farmers is that it has got farmer-led research on the map. "The success that you see when farmers come together to solve their challenges together with a little bit of support and some rigour from the researchers and you get rapid results that are taken up really fast." Song Yun-jeong, CEO of Matica Biotechnology, speaks during a press conference held at CHA Bio Group's headquarters in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, Thursday. Courtesy of CHA Bio Group By Baek Byung-yeul Matica Biotechnology, a U.S. subsidiary of CHA Biotech, revealed its goal to join the global top five manufacturers of cell and gene therapy and generate sales of over 1 trillion won ($762.8 million) by 2030, its CEO said Thursday. "The global cell and gene therapy's CDMO (contract development and manufacturing organization) market is expected to grow by more than 20 percent every year and to grow to 25 trillion won by 2030," Song Yun-jeong, the CEO of Matica Biotechnology, said during a press conference at CHA Bio Group's headquarters in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province. "We will achieve annual 1 trillion won in sales by 2030 to grow into the world's fifth-largest cell and gene therapy CDMO company," she said. Established in 2019, Matica Biotechnology is based in the U.S. state of Texas, which has universities with excellent bio-related experts and is traditionally known for producing biopharmaceuticals. In May, the company opened its cell and therapy manufacturing facility in College Station, Texas. The company has been cooperating with Texas A&M University on the development of related technologies and conducting joint research activities to develop the process technology of viral vectors, a raw material needed for gene therapy and vaccine development, with German pharmaceutical and laboratory equipment giant Sartorius. "Since the completion of the CDMO facility in May, we have signed a CDMO contract with cell and gene therapy companies in the U.S. Currently, we are negotiation with over 50 companies," the CEO said. "If Matica Biotechnology combines advanced technology we have accumulated in the U.S. with CHA Biotech's over 20-year-long know-how in developing cell therapy, I am sure we can achieve those goals sufficiently." Song also said that the company's capability in the cell and gene therapy CDMO business will grow faster once its Cell Gene Biobank (CGB) facility is completed in 2024. The CGB facility, which is currently under construction in Seongnam's high-tech Pangyo region, will have a total floor area of 66,115 square meters and will serve as its global production hub for cell and gene therapy products. "Using technologies and systems we accumulated in the U.S., we plan to have a mass production system in Korea. In terms of size, the GBC is 10 times larger than the U.S. facility," she said. CHA Biotech CEO Oh Sang-hoon said the company decided to focus on the cell and gene therapy manufacturing business because "CHA Biotech has dealt with cells for over 20 years, and we are confident that our know-how accumulated in the cell therapy sector can be utilized in the cell and gene therapy CDMO business, which is considered a promising future business." Future tree planting proposals must be realistic and not hinder food production, according to farmers who attended a webinar at the Royal Welsh Show. Welsh producers made their views known during the NFU Cymru seminar, held during the second day of the Royal Welsh Show. The Welsh government has set ambitious tree planting targets of 43,000 hectares by 2030, with 180,000 hectares by 2050. But farmers who attended the Growing Together seminar, an initiative launched last year by the union which highlights the environmental work already being done by many, emphasised that land was a finite resource. They said the Welsh governments climate change targets must be progressed in ways that were sustainable and fair. Tree planting targets should not be achieved through a binary choice of farming or forestry, farmers said, adding that safeguards were needed to protect food production and to avoid damaging impacts to rural communities. The Welsh government published proposals for the Sustainable Farming Scheme earlier this month, which included a requirement to have at least 10% tree cover on their farm as a universal action. Farmers at the seminar said this needed to incorporate new and existing hedgerows. The need for flexibility around the 10% target was also highlighted. Many farms will already reach or exceed this 10% threshold, however for others - such as farmers who do not own the land that they farm - committing to the delivery of 10% tree cover may not be possible. Speaking after the seminar, NFU Cymru President Aled Jones said environmental targets "must be progressed in ways that are realistic for farming, as well as sustainable and fair". It is clear in the context of the proposed Sustainable Farming Scheme there is more work to do to understand whether the 10% tree cover target is realistic for all farm businesses in Wales. "As farmers, we recognise the role we have to play in making a positive contribution to Welsh governments net zero agenda." The Countryside Alliance has also used Royal Welsh Show to highlight the impacts of mass tree-planting projects to food production and food security. Rachel Evans, director of the rural campaign group, said: Big corporate companies and the Welsh government are buying up precious land to offset carbon by planting trees. "But we are concerned that no real thought has been given to the long term impact this will have on our ability to remain self- sufficient. "It threatens fragile rural communities, heritage, culture and the Welsh language. We simply cannot risk losing prime farmland which Wales needs to feed the nation" Only subscribers with PAID Print or E-Edition subscriptions enter here to gain access. If you are not a Current Paid subscriber do not go through this portal. Please return to the subscription page to purchase one of our offers. Thank you! A new study reveals the safest countries in Europe to visit this year but dont skip travel insurance! It sometimes seems that, in India, we live by the skin of our teeth when it comes to safety. We are used to living big and sometimes unsafely, and we take it in our stride. But that doesnt mean that we want to take chances in a foreign land, and especially on a hard-earned vacation. Some research is always warranted before we pay big bucks for tickets and stay. Now a new research study by Forbes Advisor has revealed the safest countries to go on holiday to in 2022. The study analysed metrics such as the rate of thefts and homicides, the quality of healthcare and the quality of bathing waters across 29 European countries, and used these results to reach a final safety score. A Forbes Advisor spokesperson is quoted to have said, Safety can be a decisive factor when people are considering where to spend their holidays, and these figures show there are considerable differences across Europe when measuring factors such as the quality of bathing waters or the levels of theft These numbers (also) shed a light on the importance of travel insurance when moving around different countries. Being covered by travel insurance means you can receive financial compensation for losses as well as covering medical expenses in the country you are visiting, making the experience as smooth and calm as possible. Here, then, are the safest European countries to visit this year... Switzerland (main image) With a Safety Score of 88.3, Switzerland emerges as the safest country to visit this year which is great, considering how Indians love this European country made famous by Bollywood. It has the best quality of healthcare among all the countries analysed, and rates sixth for the best quality of bathing waters, with 93% of these in the country being of excellent quality. With regards to pollution, Switzerland has a PM2.5 concentration of 10.8, which means it has the tenth cleanest air in the world, as well as a low rate of homicides compared to other countries. FYI: Cyprus has the best bathing water quality in Europe. Image: Shutterstock Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a frequent infection of the reproductive tract, is transferred through sexual contact. The majority of persons contract HPV after engaging in sexual activity. While there are 100 variants of HPV, of which roughly 15 can cause cancer, others are low-risk variants that commonly form warts on or around the genitalia and anus of both sexes. In terms of HPV variants, HPV 16 is the most prevalent and is present in over 80% of high-grade cervical, vaginal, vulvar, perianal, and penile preinvasive lesions. It has been found in over 25% of low-grade cervical lesions, 40% of subclinical vulvar HPV infections, and 10% of genital condylomas. The second most prevalent HPV type is HPV 18 (25 %), which is seen in invasive cervical cancer but is infrequent in pre-invasive cervical lesions (five %). The link of HPV18 with 'rapid-transit' malignancies that evade reliable cytologic diagnosis, particularly in younger women, and the underrepresentation of this viral type in preinvasive lesions have aroused concerns in the medical community.Image: ShutterstockSince HPV is linked to cervical cancer, raising awareness about its vaccine is essential, especially among young girls and parents, says Dr. Harshit Shah, Surgical oncologist, Associate Consultant, Fortis Hospitals, Mulund & Kalyan who quotes research by the National Cancer Registry of India. Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in females, with a cumulative risk of 1 in 75 females. To reduce this risk and raise awareness for cervical cancer, HPV vaccination and screening of the virus among the vulnerable population plays a vital role, he says. Detection and treatment of cervical cancer at an early stage can prevent up to 80% of cervical cancer-related deaths. In addition, the high death rate associated with cervical cancer can be significantly lowered through primary preventive strategies such as HPV vaccination and secondary prevention strategies such as screening and treatment programmes.According to the World Health Organization (WHO), vaccination against HPV in girls must be done between 9-13 years, although it is commonly given to girls at the age of eleven.There are three different types of HPV vaccines globally, although only two are available in India (Cervavac,' the country's first quadrivalent human papillomavirus vaccine (qHPV) manufactured by Pune-based Serum Institute of India (SII) is yet to be launched). They both protect against HPV 16 and 18, which is responsible for almost 70 % of cervical cancer cases. The three vaccines against HPV are listed below.Quadrivalent vaccine (Gardasil) - against types 16 and 18 (high risk) and types 6 and 11 (low risk)Bivalent vaccine (Cervarix) - against types 16 and 18 (high risk)Polyvalent vaccine (Gardasil -9) against types 6,11,16,18,31,33,45,52 & 58. (Not available in India)The vaccines have been proven safe and moderately effective in clinical trials for preventing HPV and cervical cancer. These vaccinations are most effective when provided prior to exposure to the virus; hence, they should be administered prior to sexual activity. In addition, the three doses of the Quadrivalent vaccine can be administered to men as young as nine years old. These vaccines will go a long way in reducing the cases of genital warts and anorectal cancer while preventing cervical cancer in their partner. Also, the vaccine can be administered till the age of 26 in males to reduce their likelihood of acquiring genital warts, explains Dr. Harshit.Cervical cancer is preventable, and the HPV vaccine is an excellent strategy for achieving this objective. Therefore, it is the obligation of parents, caregivers, and healthcare professionals to raise public knowledge of this vaccination and its significance.Also Read: A LandmarkDevelopment India Set To Launch Its 1st Cervical Cancer Vaccine A photo taken on July 20, shows the industrial plant of the Nord Stream 1 Baltic Sea pipeline near Lubmin, northeastern Germany. AFP-Yonhap The European Union told member states on Wednesday to cut gas usage by 15 percent until March as an emergency step after President Vladimir Putin warned that Russian supplies sent via the biggest pipeline to Europe could be reduced further and might even stop. Deliveries via Nord Stream 1, which accounts for more than a third of Russian gas exports to the EU, are due to resume on Thursday after a 10-day halt for annual maintenance. German gas network operator Gascade said on Wednesday it expects flows to resume at pre-maintenance levels based on current requests for gas. On July 10, the last full day before maintenance on the pipeline started, flows stood at around 698 GWh. Supplies via the route had been reduced even before the maintenance outage in a dispute over sanctions, and may now be cut further, while flows via other routes, such as Ukraine, have also fallen since Russia invaded its neighbor in February. The disruptions have hampered Europe's efforts to refill gas storage before winter, raising the risk of rationing and another hit to fragile economic growth if Moscow further restricts flows in retaliation for Western sanctions over the war in Ukraine. The European Commission proposed a voluntary target for all EU states to cut gas use by 15 percent from August to March, compared with their average consumption in the same period in 2016-2021. "Russia is blackmailing us. Russia is using energy as a weapon. And therefore, in any event, whether it's a partial, major cut-off of Russian gas or a total cut-off of Russian gas, Europe needs to be ready," EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said. The Commission proposal would enable Brussels to make the target mandatory in a supply emergency, if the EU declared a substantial risk of severe gas shortages. The move, which needs the backing of EU states, will be discussed on Friday so ministers can approve it on July 26. "We believe that a full disruption is likely," one EU official said. "If we wait, it will be more expensive and it will mean us dancing to Russia's tune." EU states are trying to ensure storage facilities are 80 percent full by Nov. 1, from about 65 percent now. Will flows resume? European politicians say Russia is using technical issues as a pretext to cut deliveries. The Kremlin says Russia is a reliable energy supplier and blames sanctions for reduced flows. Two Russian sources familiar with export plans said flows via Nord Stream 1 were expected to restart on Thursday but below capacity of 160 million cubic meters (mcm) per day. Kremlin-controlled Gazprom cut gas exports via the route to 40 percent capacity in June, blaming delays to the return of a turbine that Siemens Energy was servicing in Canada. That turbine, which was caught up in sanctions, was reported this week to be on its way back, although Gazprom said on Wednesday it had not received documentation to reinstall it and said the turbine's return and maintenance of other equipment was needed to keep the pipeline running safely. Putin said there might be a further reduction in supplies or even a complete halt to flows via the pipeline that runs under the Baltic Sea to Germany, which relies heavily on Russian fuel. He said equipment was being returned from Canada but said the quality of the returned gear and other parameters meant the pipeline might still be shut down in the future. "Maybe... they will turn it off at some point, and that's it, and Nord Stream 1 will stop, because they came from there, from Canada," he said in televised comments, without elaborating. Gas prices have rocketed in volatile trade since the Ukraine crisis erupted. The front-month gas contract climbed above 160 euros per megawatt hour (MWh) on Wednesday, 360 percent up on a year ago but below its March peak of 335 euros. Warning signs are pictured in front of the gas compressor station, a part of Polish section of the Yamal pipeline that links Russia with western Europe which is owned by a joint venture of Gazprom and PGNiG but it is operated by Poland's state-owned gas transmission company Gaz-System, in Gabinek near Wloclawek, Poland May 23. Reuters-Yonhap Eswatinis minister for commerce, trade and industry Manqoba Khumalo recently urged Bangladesh to strengthen business relations with his country. "Bangladesh may treat Eswatini as a potential market for exporting readymade garments, agro products, and ICT and electronic products in particular, he told the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) in Dhaka. Eswatini is interested in joint ventures as well, he said. While China and India are the two major exporters to Eswatini, his government would like to see Bangladesh as another important trade and investment partner, he said highlighting tax and duty-free facilities and other incentives for foreign investors. Eswatini's minister for commerce, trade and industry Manqoba Khumalo recently urged Bangladesh to strengthen business relations with his country. "Bangladesh may treat Eswatini as a potential market for exporting readymade garments, agro products, and ICT and electronic products in particular, he told a Bangladesh industry chamber in Dhaka.# Eswatini's funding and Bangladesh's experience could be combined in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, contract farming and ICT sectors, the minister was quoted as saying by Bangladeshi media reports. FBCCI acting president Mostofa Azad Chowdhury Babu proposed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the two sides and setting up an Eswatini high commission in Dhaka as Bangladeshis have to process Eswatini visas from Malaysia now. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS) . agreed to increase cooperation in financial services and present a united front when dealing with the challenges facing the global economy at the 9th EU-China High-Level Economic and Trade Dialogue (HED)The HED also focused on supply chain disruptions due to COVID-19 as well bilateral trade and investment concerns. The European Commissions Executive Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis and Chinas Vice-Premier Liu He chaired the HED. European Commissioner Mairead McGuinness also took part in the discussions, especially regarding financial services. The HED also explored the far-ranging effects of Russias invasion of Ukraine, including on food, energy, and financial markets. The EU and China are key trading partners . The importance of our economies comes with a responsibility to shape joint responses to global economic and trade challenges, such as disruptions in supply chains, global food insecurity, debt relief for the most vulnerable countries, and reform of the World Trade Organisation. I emphasised that Russias war of aggression against Ukraine is creating considerable challenges for global security and economy. I also underlined the need for continued engagement to build more balanced and reciprocal trade and investment relations between the EU and China, Dombrovskis said in a statement released by the European Commission. China and the European Union (EU) agreed to increase cooperation in financial services and present a united front when dealing with the challenges facing the global economy at the 9th EU-China High-Level Economic and Trade Dialogue (HED). The HED also focused on supply chain disruptions due to COVID-19 as well bilateral trade and investment concerns.# Both parties welcomed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Peoples Bank of China and the European Securities and Markets Authority which ensures access to the Shanghai Clearing House for European banks. The EU also responded positively to Chinas willingness to assess its Carbon Emissions Reduction Supporting Tool, with a view to a possible participation of EU banks, added the release. The EU and China have decided to hold the next HED in 2023. The EU and China are major trading partners. In 2021, China was the third largest partner for EU exports of goods (10.2 per cent) and the largest partner for EU. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (NB) Filmmakers shouldnt limit themselves. Otherwise they run the danger of confirming to set norms. Rather, their aim should be to push the envelope with every film. One filmmaker who believes in extending his boundaries with every outing is Onir. Starting from My Brother... Nikhil (2005) to Shab (2017), his films have tried to normalise the queer narrative in Hindi cinema. Hes an auteur whos equally at ease being an editor or writer as hes being a filmmaker. Hes also controversys favourite child but has never run away from his accusers but has faced them with a rock-like conviction in his beliefs. He's not afraid to show the world who he is and doesn't care for its judgement. Excerpts from a heart-to-heart talk with the maverick filmmaker. Indian Cinema Has Progressed Quite A Bit With How They Sensitize Queer Storytelling Now, But You Took That Plunge Back In 2005 With My Brother Nikhil.... Honestly, I dont think I had the problem of courage because I didn't need the courage to be myself. It was perceived as courageous from the outside by the actors and everything because it was the first mainstream film at that time. But while making the film we were doing it solely because everyone loved the script and felt strongly for the story including me. There was more of a need to do it because it moved all of us and we were not conscious we were doing something that we were doing something brave, we were just doing something that we believed would touch peoples hearts. What Are The Changes You See In The Creative Process Of Filmmaking With So Many Filmmakers Now Not Hesitating To Go For Queer Characters? Honestly speaking, after the 377 verdicts by the supreme court the amount of change that I expected to see, I have not seen that. The number of films that have queer content is minimal. Even today, one or two OTT projects have important queer characters. After Made in Heaven, there was nothing significant that happened, nothing as impactful. Also while I see a lot of films happening in 2022, the stories are still about acceptance, and grappling with one's own identity and family. I feel that for me as an out and proud queer filmmaker and person, I have done it 17 years ago. Even then for me, it was very important that my character Nikhil walks out of his house when they dont accept him. He is not someone who is begging for acceptance. He tells his mother that hell only come back when his dad wants to take him back home which means acceptance is not what he is begging for, he demands acceptance. Whereas today even after so many years I see films revolving around begging for acceptance. Isnt Acceptance Necessary I feel like the narrative has to move beyond acceptance because our life is not just confined to acceptance by the heteronormative world. Whether that world accepts me or not I am living a full life and someone should start telling those stories instead of always dying for acceptance. For me, if a family does not accept me, and I tell this to every queer person because a large number of youngsters message me. I tell them to focus on their career, the day they are independent they can come out to their family if they want and if they dont accept, walk out. Walk out from this overhyped notion of family, if they cant love you for who you are, they never loved you. So then you create your own family Go On.. I find it a little problematic when all our films now are all about how we can fit into the hetero normative society. The makers of these films are mostly straight and say they're taking baby steps. Why is the desire being taken away from gay narratives? Who does it make uncomfortable? Secondly, no one had to teach me how to accept the straight world, I did not have to take any baby steps. Just because you guys are taking baby steps does not mean I am still stuck in that space and still having to see those stories of baby steps. When I see films like Call Me By Your Name and Moonlight, they are also about coming out but they are much beyond that. They touch you and very often when I watch films made here, I feel I cant relate to them. Where men and women hardly touch each other or kiss each other with passion. You feel who are these people behaving like monks. Some of them are of course addressing the larger audience but it has to move beyond that so that people realise that my life is not about other people accepting me or not. My Brother Nikhil, I Am Or Shab - You Worked On These When Homosexuality Was Yet To Be Decriminalized, Did You Feel A Certain Pressure Of What The Outcome Would Be Like? In My Brother Nikhil, I did not feel the need to include physical intimacy. For me, it was important to talk about love and I feel that there is so much tenderness in the way the character of Purab looks at the character of Sanjay. The look is not sanitised, the look is of sensuality and love. When I was doing I am, it was important to show a certain amount of physicality because it was about being denied that right. In Shab, I had various gay characters living their life facing different kinds of challenges and there you see the desire in a different manner. Right now I have just finished the shooting for my next film Pine Cone and I can tell that, might sound a little arrogant, I know that no Indian film would have explored queer desire without shame the way I have explored in Pine Cone. The narrative is not about baby steps, it is about celebrating our stories without filters. Your Film We Are Is Inspired By The True Story Of Major J. Suresh Who Was A Gay Army Man, And That Got Rejected By The Ministry Of Defence, What Was Your Initial Reaction To That? I was angry actually because this is inspired by a true story that was in the public domain. It was not a fictitious thing that I made up, it was an army man who had given interviews to the media in the public domain. I thought that when the supreme court decriminalized homosexuality, the judge proclaimed that society needs to apologize to the queer community. And for me, that was touching and that meant that every state agency would take steps to implement the essence of the verdict which is about us being treated as equals. In a democratic country it is sad that being queer, you cannot serve in the forces. One should be judged according to one's talent, strength, endurance, anything but not sexuality. Why is someone who is heterosexual supposed to be more apt? How come it is only the queer community that is punished for no reason? This is a violation of our human rights and democratic rights. This was really upsetting but I will find a way soon. This Happening After Decriminalizing Section 377 In 2018 - What Do You Have To Say On Cbfc's Take On Stories Revolving Around Queer Individuals Or Just Sexual Orientation For That Matter? My personal experience is that we are going backward. In 2005 when I made My Brother Nikhil, I got a U certificate without any single cut. In 2011 it started with the CBFC board wanting 21 minutes of the film edited out. I fought for six months and finally agreed to cut three minutes of the film, which still hurt me. But we finally got an A certificate and two National Awards. In 2017 I had to hear from the film certification board Acha! Aapne toh in logon ko normal dikha diya. That came from a film certification board and it took me nearly a year to get a U/A certificate so that the film could go on. I had to hear ridiculous comments like Aap inko bhai jaise nahi dikha sakte? In 2022, even before I can make a film, I dont get a NOC to shoot. Now that we are decriminalised, I cant even make the film I want to. It is kind of an irony, of course, there are things in which we are more empowered, but there are different manners in which our voices are being choked. Exploration success continues at Brucejack, Red Chris and Havieron At Brucejack, drilling continues to confirm the potential for resource growth at the Valley of the Kings deposit and the surrounding area with further high grade intercepts returned from the 1080 HBx Zone, the Bridge Zone and Gossan Hill North, which are all located outside the current published resource. At 1080 HBx Zone, located south of the previously released 1080 East drilling results, VU-4184 returned 25.5m @ 52g/t Au from 43.5m, including 1.0m @ 1,173g/t Au from 67.5m. In addition, VU-4201 returned 28.5m @ 35g/t Au from 48m, including 1.0m @ 924g/t Au from 72m. At the Bridge Zone, VU-3767 returned 36m @ 33g/t Au from 189m, including 1m @ 1,164g/t Au from 197m. At Gossan Hill North, SU-768 returned 30m @ 28g/t Au from 181.5m, including 1m @ 717g/t Au from 205.5m, and 14m @ 26g/t Au from 358.5m, including 1m @ 360g/t Au from 371.5m. At Red Chris, ongoing drilling activities at East Ridge continue to expand the footprint and confirm continuity and extensions of higher grade mineralisation. An Exploration Target1 has been defined for East Ridge with ranges from a lower case of approximately 170Mt @ 0.5g/t Au & 0.5% Cu for 2.8Moz Au & 0.9Mt Cu to an upper case of approximately 300Mt @ 0.4g/t Au & 0.4% Cu for 4.3Moz Au & 1.3Mt Cu. The Exploration Target is exclusive of the current published resource and relates to the portion of the deposit that has not yet been adequately drill tested. The potential quantity and grade of the Exploration Target is conceptual in nature. There has been insufficient exploration to estimate a Mineral Resource and it is uncertain if further exploration will result in the estimation of a Mineral Resource. The grades and tonnages are estimates based on continuity of mineralisation defined by exploration diamond drilling results (previously reported including relevant sections and plans) within the Redstock Intrusive with the lower range estimate in the area with a nominal drill hole spacing of 100m x 100m and the upper range estimate extended into the area with a nominal drill hole spacing of 100m x 200m. RC786 returned 482m @ 0.26g/t Au & 0.43% Cu from 712m, including 32m @ 0.88g/t Au & 0.80% Cu from 948m, located 100m above RC773 (previously reported) and remains open up dip. In addition, RC789W returned 154m @ 0.46g/t Au & 0.47% Cu from 1,242m, including 10m @ 2.0g/t Au & 1.5% Cu from 1,370m, located 100 below RC773 and 100m above RC779 (both previously reported), confirming the presence of the higher grade mineralisation. At Havieron, growth drilling continues to identify and expand high grade extensions to the mineralisation in the Eastern Breccia, South East Crescent Zone and Northern Breccia. In the Eastern Breccia, HAD152W1 returned 82.3m @ 1.7g/t Au & 0.96% Cu from 1,829.2m including 15.9m @ 1.9g/t Au & 1.6% Cu from 1,853.1m. Furthermore, HAD145AW4 returned 54m @ 3.8g/t Au & 0.02% Cu from 1,854m including 19.6m @ 9.9g/t Au & 0.02% Cu from 1,854m. These intercepts support the interpretation for the North West trending Eastern Breccia corridor to host high grade sulphide dominated mineralisation. At the South East Crescent HAD133W9 returned 85.8m @ 3.0g/t Au & 0.06% Cu from 1,604m. This result has extended the Crescent high grade zone by a further 100 metres to over 1,000 vertical metres (3,800m RL) of continuous high grade sulphide dominated mineralisation. Melbourne, Australia--(Newsfile Corp. - July 20, 2022) - Newcrest (ASX: NCM) (TSX: NCM) (PNGX: NCM) Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Sandeep Biswas, said, "The June quarter delivered another round of excellent drilling results across our key sites, continuing our strong track record of exploration success." "At Brucejack, drilling continued to deliver outstanding results in all of our target zones, supporting our views of significant resource growth opportunities beyond the Valley of the Kings deposit." "Drilling at Red Chris continues to define the extent and continuity of higher grade mineralisation at East Ridge, and pleasingly, the system continues to remain open further to the east." "Havieron continues to deliver promising results, with recent intercepts extending the high grade zone in the South East Crescent, as well as expanding the higher grade footprint in the Eastern and Northern Breccia, indicating significant potential for further resource growth." "Overall, FY22 has been a tremendous year for exploration success and we are well placed to progress our extensive drilling programs in the new year to create additional value for our shareholders." said Mr Biswas. Brucejack, British Columbia, Canada(2) The Brucejack Property hosts the Valley of the Kings (VOK) high-grade gold deposit. The VOK is characterised by multiple occurrences of higher grade mineralisation over selected intervals hosted within broader zones of stockwork and vein arrays. Growth activities are focused on both resource expansion within the existing mine area, as well as brownfields exploration activities within 4km of the mine area. Both programs continued to deliver very strong results for the period. Resource expansion drilling during the quarter was focused on targets in the 1080 HBx Zone and Galena Hill. A total of 18,934m in 75 drill holes was completed using 3 underground drill rigs. Assay results have been received for the first two drill fans in the 1080 HBx Zone. All other assays are pending. During the quarter, final assay results were also received from the Bridge Zone Phase 1 drill program, which included 42 drill holes in 6 drill fans, totalling 8,610m. Brownfields drilling during the quarter focused on targets in Gossan Hill South and Golden Marmot. A total of 6,746m in 17 drill holes was completed using 4 drill rigs on surface. Assay results from these drill holes are pending. During the quarter final assay results were received from the Gossan Hill North drill program, which included 50 drill holes drilled in 8 drill fans, totalling 15,045m. At 1080 HBx Zone, assays were received for 22 drill holes, totalling 4,983m of drilling. All drill holes intersected gold mineralisation, with 12 of the 22 drill holes intersecting higher grade mineralisation, in excess of 5 grams per tonne gold. The drill program was designed to follow up on the extensions of the high-grade gold mineralisation intersected in 1080 East drill program (previously reported). Results have identified high-grade gold mineralisation hosted in a structure oriented sub-parallel to Domain 20, which is currently being mined in the VOK. This structure extends the zone of mineralisation an additional 150m south of the previous 1080 East drilling. Gold mineralisation has now been intersected up to 225m south and 240m below the existing Mineral Resource estimate. Drilling to test the structure along strike is currently in progress. Results for the reporting period include: VU-4117 63m @ 9.1g/t Au from 10.5m including 1m @ 294g/t Au from 64m and 1.1m @ 1,907g/t Au from 268.2m VU-4184 25.5m @ 52g/t Au from 43.5m including 1m @ 1,173g/t Au from 67.5m VU-4194 31.5m @ 19g/t Au from 79.5m including 1m @ 583g/t Au from 101m VU-4201 28.5m @ 35g/t Au from 48m including 1m @ 924g/t Au from 72m At the Bridge Zone Phase 1, assays were received for 42 drill holes, totalling 8,610m of drilling. All drill holes intersected gold mineralisation, with 14 of the 42 drill holes intersecting higher grade mineralisation, in excess of 5 grams per tonne gold. Drilling was completed to test an area 150m south of the Valley of the Kings deposit, where previous widely spaced surface drilling intersected high-grade gold mineralisation. Results from the Bridge Zone have defined a zone of high-grade gold mineralisation over an area with dimensions of 100m wide, 250m long, and 250m high. The zone remains open to the east, up dip, and at depth. Follow up drilling is planned to test the Bridge Zone to the east, towards the Brucejack Fault, and to test the extensions at depth. Results for the reporting period include: VU-3753 18m @ 48g/t Au from 34.5m including 1.1m @ 775g/t Au from 49m VU-3757 21m @ 37g/t Au from 51m including 1m @ 728g/t Au from 66.5m VU-3767 36m @ 33g/t Au from 189m including 1m @ 1,164g/t Au from 197m At Gossan Hill North, assays have been received for 50 drill holes, totalling 15,045m of drilling. All drill holes intersected gold mineralisation, with 9 of 50 drill holes intersecting higher grade, in excess of 5 grams per tonne gold. Gossan Hill is part of a four-kilometre trend of highly altered rocks which outcrop from Golden Marmot in the northwest to the Bridge Zone in the southeast. Drilling identified a series of narrow east-west trending mineralisation domains. These domains extend over an area 250m wide, 300m long, and 300m high and remain open at depth. Follow up drilling is currently in progress at Gossan Hill South, located between Gossan Hill North and the West Zone. Results for the reporting period include: SU-768 30m @ 28g/t Au from 181.5m including 1m @ 717g/t Au from 205.5m and 14m @ 26g/t Au from 358.5m including 1m @ 360g/t Au from 371.5m SU-793 52.5m @ 14g/t Au from 18m including 1m @ 491g/t Au from 21m SU-812 34.5m @ 12g/t Au from 133.5m including 1m @ 329g/t Au from 160.43m Approximately 54,000m of resource expansion drilling and 35,000m of brownfield exploration drilling targeting mineralisation definition and continuity are planned during calendar year 2022 with three drill rigs underground and four drill rigs on surface. Refer to Appendix 1 for additional information, and the Drill hole data table for all results reported during the period. Figure 1. Plan view map of the Brucejack Property, spanning the 4km gossanous trend from Golden Marmot and Hanging Glacier in the northwest to Bridge Zone in the southeast. Cross section for Figure 2 views parallel to the Brucejack Fault. To view an enhanced version of Figure 1, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7614/131465_ae0d310174b60ba9_003full.jpg Figure 2. Long section view (looking west) of the Brucejack Property. To view an enhanced version of Figure 2, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7614/131465_ae0d310174b60ba9_004full.jpg Figure 3. Cross section showing the position of the 1080 HBx mineralised structure relative to Domain 20 and the Valley of the Kings mine, including 1080 HBx gold assays >5g/t Au and the modelled extents of two prominent domains, Domain 13 and Domain 20. Viewing towards the northwest. See Figure 10 for plan view of the 1080 HBx drill program. To view an enhanced version of Figure 3, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7614/131465_ae0d310174b60ba9_005full.jpg Red Chris, British Columbia, Canada(3) Red Chris is a joint venture between Newcrest (70%) and Imperial Metals Corporation (30%) which is operated by Newcrest. The Brownfield Exploration program is focused on the discovery of additional zones of higher-grade mineralisation within the Red Chris porphyry corridor, including targets outside of Newcrest's initial Mineral Resource estimate. During the period, there were up to eight diamond drill rigs in operation. A further 30,482m of drilling has been completed from 32 drill holes, with all drill holes intersecting mineralisation (except 5 drill holes which were dedicated geotechnical holes). This contributed to a total of 265,374m of drilling from 251 drill holes since Newcrest acquired its interest in the joint venture in August 2019. At East Ridge, located adjacent to the East Zone, drilling is ongoing with 43 holes completed and 7 in progress. The follow up drilling is being completed on a nominal 100m x 100m grid to determine the footprint and characterise the mineralisation, and to demonstrate the continuity of the higher-grade mineralisation. Drilling to date has tested a corridor 900m long and to a vertical extent of 1,000m within which zones of higher grade mineralisation have been identified. An Exploration Target has been defined for East Ridge as described above with ranges from a lower case of approximately 170Mt @ 0.5g/t Au & 0.5% Cu for 2.8Moz Au & 0.9Mt Cu to an upper case of approximately 300Mt @ 0.4g/t Au & 0.4% Cu for 4.3Moz Au & 1.3Mt Cu. The grades and tonnages are estimates based on continuity of mineralisation defined by exploration diamond drilling results (previously reported including relevant sections and plans) within the Redstock Intrusive with the lower range estimate in the area with a nominal drill hole spacing of 100m x 100m and the upper range estimate extended into the area with a nominal drill hole spacing of 100m x 200m. East Ridge is outside of Newcrest's initial Mineral Resource estimate. Diamond drilling continues to define the extent and continuity of this higher grade mineralisation. A further 25 diamond drill holes are planned, at a minimum, to test and close out the target mineralisation. This program is expected to be completed by the second quarter of calendar year 2023. Results for the reporting period include: RC786 482m @ 0.26g/t Au & 0.43% Cu from 712m including 32m @ 0.88g/t Au & 0.80% Cu from 948m RC789W 154m @ 0.46g/t Au & 0.47% Cu from 1,242m including 16m @ 1.5g/t Au & 1.2% Cu from 1,370m including 10m @ 2.0g/t Au & 1.5% Cu from 1,370m RC795 92m @ 0.41g/t Au & 0.55% Cu from 1,324m including 16m @ 0.59g/t Au & 0.97% Cu from 1,390m RC797 152m @ 0.12g/t Au & 0.41% Cu from 1,288m Drilling continues to define the continuity of the higher grade mineralisation with holes RC786 and RC789W. RC786 returned 482m @ 0.26g/t Au & 0.43% Cu from 712m, including 32m @ 0.88g/t Au & 0.80% Cu from 948m, located 100m above RC773 (previously reported) and remains open up dip. RC789W returned 154m @ 0.46g/t Au & 0.47% Cu from 1,242m, including 10m @ 2g/t Au & 1.5% Cu from 1,370m, located 100 below RC773 and 100m above RC779 (both previously reported) and confirmed the presence of the higher grade mineralisation. Drilling also continues to expand the strike extent of the East Ridge mineralisation within the Exploration Target, with RC793, RC795, RC797 and RC799 located along several of the eastern most sections. RC797 and RC799 extended the porphyry corridor a further 100m east of RC793 (previously reported). RC797 returned 152m @ 0.12g/t Au & 0.41% Cu from 1,288m and demonstrates the system is present and remains open further to the east. The East Ridge mineralised corridor (>0.4g/t Au and >0.4% Cu) extends over 900m long, up to 1,000m high and 125m wide, with higher grade (>0.8g/t Au and >0.8% Cu) in several smaller pods over an area 500m high, 400m long and 100m wide. Approximately 50,000m of growth-related drilling targeting mineralisation definition and continuity is planned for the first half of FY23 from eight drill rigs. Refer to Appendix 2 for additional information, and the Drillhole data table for all results reported during the period. Figure 4. Schematic plan view map of the Red Chris porphyry corridor spanning East Ridge, East Zone, Main Zone and Gully Zone showing significant Newcrest intercepts (drill intercepts have been reported in Appendix 2 of this report), 0.3g/t Au, 1g/t Au, 0.3% Cu and 1% Cu shell projections generated from a LeapfrogTM model. To view an enhanced version of Figure 4, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7614/131465_ae0d310174b60ba9_006full.jpg Figure 5. Long section view (looking North West) of the Red Chris porphyry corridor showing drill hole locations and gold distribution. To view an enhanced version of Figure 5, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7614/131465_ae0d310174b60ba9_007full.jpg Figure 6. Oblique schematic section view of the Red Chris porphyry corridor showing gold distribution. 0.3 g/t Au,1 g/t Au, 0.3% Cu and 1% Cu shell projections generated from the LeapfrogTM model. To view an enhanced version of Figure 6, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7614/131465_ae0d310174b60ba9_008full.jpg Havieron Project, Western Australia, Australia(4) The Havieron Project is operated by Newcrest under a Joint Venture Agreement (JVA) with Greatland Gold. Newcrest holds a 70% interest in the Havieron Project and has an option to acquire an additional 5% joint venture interest. The option price for the 5% interest has been determined by an independent valuer to be US$60 million in accordance with the process under the JVA. Newcrest has 30 business days from 20 July 2022 to elect whether to exercise the option5. The JVA includes tolling principles reflecting the intention of the parties that, subject to a successful exploration program, Feasibility Study and a positive decision to mine, the resulting joint venture mineralised material will be processed at Telfer. The Havieron Project is centred on a deep magnetic anomaly located 45km east of Telfer in the Paterson Province. The deposit is overlain by more than 420m of post mineral Permian cover. The Joint Venture commenced drilling during the June 2019 quarter and has completed 249,240m of drilling from 306 drill holes to date (excluding holes in progress, abandoned holes, or drill holes which have not been sampled). Drilling activities in the period have produced a further 11,796m of drilling from 21 holes with up to 7 drill rigs operating during the quarter. New assay results are reported from 18 drill holes (5 from previous quarter). Of the reported holes, 11 holes returned significant assay intercepts in excess of 50 gram metres gold (Au ppm x length m). Growth drilling targeting mineralisation definition and continuity continues to show potential for resource additions outside of the existing Inferred Mineral Resource limits, including: Extension of the South East Crescent Zone Deeps below the Updated Mineral Resource - assay results reported for 2 drill holes, 1 hole awaiting assays. Extensions of the Eastern Breccia including definition of identified internal higher grade zones - assay results reported for 8 drill holes, 7 holes awaiting assays. Drilling is continuing to target geophysical targets outside of the main Havieron system - 2 drill holes results reported from step out drilling north and south of the Havieron system. At the Eastern Breccia, assays for 8 holes targeting strike and depth extensions from previously reported drill holes have been received, with 7 holes awaiting assays. The Eastern Breccia is developed below the 4,100RL with a footprint of over 500m in strike, up to 200m in width, and over 250m in vertical extent. The Eastern Breccia remains open at depth. Within this zone multiple northwest trending internal higher-grade sulphide dominated domains are observed. Results for the quarter further highlight geological continuity of higher grade within the Eastern Breccia. Results include: HAD104W2 51m @ 1.1g/t Au & 0.07% Cu from 1,496m HAD141W2^ 39m @ 2.9g/t Au & 0.15% Cu from 1,824.6m including 13.8m @ 7.8g/t Au & 0.15% Cu from 1,849.8m HAD145AW4 54m @ 3.8g/t Au & 0.02% Cu from 1,854m including 19.6m @ 9.9g/t Au & 0.02% Cu from 1,854m HAD152W1 82.3m @ 1.7g/t Au & 0.96% Cu from 1,829.2m including 15.9m @ 1.9g/t Au & 1.6% Cu from 1,853.1m. Drill holes targeting the Eastern Breccia also provide infill drill intercepts within the Mineral Resource in the Northern Breccia and South East Crescent. These results are in line with the modelled grades in the area. For reporting completeness these infill resource intercepts are included in Appendix 3, and highlighted in the Drill data and supporting sections and diagrams. South East Crescent Deeps growth drilling continued during the quarter targeting higher grade mineralisation at depth below the current Mineral Resource. Results were received from 2 drill holes, with 1 hole awaiting assay results. Results from HAD133W9 have extended the Crescent high grade zone by a further 100 metres to over 1,000 vertical metres (3,800m RL) of continuous high grade sulphide dominated mineralisation, however the drilling suggests tapering of the high grade mineralisation with depth. Further drilling is planned to test this potential. Results include: HAD133W9 85.8m @ 3.0g/t Au & 0.06% Cu from 1,604m. HAD153 44.9m @ 2.5g/t Au & 0.14% Cu from 1,577.1m including 25m @ 4.1g/t Au & 0.09% Cu from 1,585m. Drilling to test geophysical targets outside of the known Havieron mineralised system, including evaluating the Havieron dolerite at multiple intervals north and south of the Havieron mineralised envelope revealed no significant intercepts from two drill holes (HAD154 & HAD155). Ongoing drilling is planned for the Eastern Breccia, the South East Crescent Deeps and additional geophysical targets external to the Havieron mineralised footprint. Refer to Appendix 3 for additional information and Drillhole data table for all results reported during the period. Figure 7. 3D Plan view schematic showing the spatial association north-west trending mineralised corridors which host the South East Crescent, Northern Breccia, North West Pod and Eastern Breccia targets in relation to the Inferred Mineral Resource extents. Also highlighted are selected previously reported intercepts >100 gram metres (Au ppm x length) that have been intersected outside of the Inferred Mineral Resource. To view an enhanced version of Figure 7, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7614/131465_ae0d310174b60ba9_009full.jpg Figure 8. 3D oblique view of the Havieron system viewed from the south-east, showing the position of high-grade intercepts and mineralised zones outside of the current Mineral Resource extents. Further higher-grade mineralisation and assay results continue to support incremental expansion of the Northern Breccia, as well as significant extensions for the South East Crescent deeps and Eastern Breccia targets outside of the current Inferred Mineral Resource. On the figure LF refers to LeapfrogTM model. To view an enhanced version of Figure 8, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7614/131465_ae0d310174b60ba9_010full.jpg Figure 9. Plan view schematic of a horizontal slice at 3850mRL through the Crescent Sulphide Zone and Breccia-hosted Zones, showing the extents of the 0.5 and 1.0 g/t Au LeapfrogTM grade shells with highlighted newly reported intercepts for this period. This diagram highlights >50gram metres intersections drilled during the period which are, refer to inset diagram for relationship to all Havieron drilling. To view an enhanced version of Figure 9, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7614/131465_ae0d310174b60ba9_011full.jpg Wilki Project, Western Australia, Australia The Wilki Project is an exploration farm-in and joint venture with Antipa Minerals Limited (Antipa). The project area covers a strategic landholding of ~2,200km2 surrounding the Telfer operation and is adjacent to the Havieron Project. Newcrest entered into this exploration farm-in and joint venture agreement with Antipa on 11 March 2020. Newcrest currently also has a 9.9% shareholding in Antipa. As previously highlighted, Newcrest has elected to proceed to the next stage (Stage 1) of the farm-in agreement following completion of the initial exploration expenditure commitment (A$6 million). Newcrest has the potential to earn a 51% joint venture interest in the Wilki Project through expenditure of a further A$10 million by March 2025 during Stage 1(6). As of 1 July 2022, Newcrest is now the manager and operator of the Wilki Project. Cultural clearance activities commenced over priority areas during the period. Field programs including soil sampling and follow up drilling will be ready for execution on completion of access. Juri Joint Venture, Western Australia, Australia The Juri Joint Venture is a farm-in and joint venture agreement with Greatland Gold with respect to the Black Hills and Paterson Range East projects, located within the Paterson Province approximately 50km from the Telfer operation and in proximity to the Havieron Project. The joint venture covers an area of approximately 248km2. Newcrest currently has a 51% interest in the Juri Joint Venture. Under the terms of the agreement, Newcrest has the potential to earn an additional 24% joint venture interest through expenditure of a further A$17 million over three years. Field programs have commenced, including initial drilling focused on the A27 anomaly in Black Hills region. Tennant East, Northern Territory, Australia The Tennant East project comprises 6 undercover targets located 200km east of Tennant Creek. These targets have been identified on the basis of coincident gravity, magnetic and induced polarisation anomalies. Scout drill testing of the Lantern and Sabertooth targets in calendar year 2021 identified narrow zones of low order pathfinder geochemistry hosted by intense chlorite-magnetite-hematite-silica-pyrrhotite altered metasediments. Follow up exploration is currently being assessed. Nevada, USA Notice of termination was provided to Discovery Harbour with respect to the Fortuity89 Project in Nevada. Five RC holes were completed for 1,656m testing the targets defined from mapping and geophysics. Central Andes, Northern Chile A geochemical survey along with detailed geological mapping was completed for three areas of the Gorbea-Mioceno-Silencio district. A total of 1,565 soil samples and 1,565 lag samples were collected. Geochemical results will be used to evaluate the potential for the project to host a High Sulphidation Epithermal style deposit. Field activities were suspended by adverse weather conditions at the end of May 2022 and are expected to resume during the September 2022 quarter. Northern Andes, Ecuador The first phase of scout drilling at the Gamora Project in southeast Ecuador was completed. Work was conducted by Newcrest as the operator under an earn-in agreement with Lundin Gold, pursuant to which Newcrest can earn up to a 50% interest in eight exploration concessions. Newcrest has elected to move to Stage Two of the agreement, which includes expenditure of US$6 million over 18 months for a 25% interest. The concession area covers strategic landholdings to the north and south of Lundin Gold's Fruta del Norte mining operation. First phase of drilling has downgraded the initial drill target. Further drilling on additional targets will be completed in the second half of calendar year 2022. Appendix 1 Brucejack (100% Newcrest): JORC Table 1 Section 1: Sampling Techniques and Data Criteria Commentary Sampling techniques Core samples are obtained from core drilling. HQ diameter diamond core was drilled on a 3m run. Core was whole core sampled at 1.5m intervals except where visible gold was identified, in which case the sample was shortened to 1.0 or 0.5m. Drilling techniques Core drilling was advanced with HQ diameter coring configuration. Core from select inclined drill holes are oriented on 3m runs using an electronic core orientation tool (Reflex ACTIII). At the end of each run, the bottom of hole position is marked by the driller, which is later transferred to the whole drill core run length with a bottom of hole reference line. Drill sample recovery Core recovery is systematically recorded from the commencement of coring to end of hole, by reconciling against driller's depth blocks in each core tray with data recorded in the database. Drillers depth blocks provided the depth, interval of core recovered, and interval of core drilled. Core recoveries were typically 100%, with isolated zones of lower recovery. Logging Geological logging recorded qualitative descriptions of lithology, alteration, mineralisation, veining, and structure (for all core drilled - 25,680m). Geotechnical measurements were recorded including Rock Quality Designation (RQD) fracture frequency, solid core recovery and qualitative rock strength measurements. All geological and geotechnical logging was conducted at the Brucejack Mine. Digital data logging was captured, validated and stored in a GeoSpark database. All drill cores were photographed, prior to sampling the core. Sub-sampling techniques and sample preparation Sampling, sample preparation and quality control protocols are considered appropriate for the material being sampled. Whole core HQ samples. Whole core samples were collected in plastic bags together with pre-numbered sample tags and grouped into shipping bins for dispatch to the laboratory by dedicated transport. Sample lengths were typically 1.5m, and weights typically varied from 11 to 15kg, with an average weight of approximately 12.5 Kg. Sample sizes are considered appropriate for the style of mineralisation. All drill core samples were freighted by road to the laboratory via hired transport. Sample preparation was conducted at the independent ISO 9001 certified and ISO 17025 accredited ALS Global preparation laboratories. Samples were dried at 600C, and crushed to 90% passing 2 mm, and split to obtain up to 1 kg sub-sample, which was pulverised (using LM2) to produce a pulped product with the minimum standard of 85% passing 75m. Duplicate sample data are available from crush and pulp samples at a rate of approximately 1:20. Duplicate results show an acceptable level of variability for the material sampled and style of mineralisation. Quality of assay data and laboratory tests Assaying of drill core samples was conducted at ALS in North Vancouver. All samples were assayed for 33 elements using a 4-acid digestion followed by ICP-OES determination (method ME-ICP61). Gold analyses were determined by 50g fire assay with atomic absorption finish (method Au-AA26; with trigger to Au-Gra22 50g gravimetric overlimit method at 18 ppm). Sampling and assaying quality control procedures consisted of inclusion of certified reference material (CRMs), coarse residue and pulp duplicates with each batch (at least 1:20). Assays of quality control samples were compared with reference samples in the Geospark SQL database and verified as acceptable prior to formal use of data from analysed batches. Laboratory quality duplicates including replicates and preparation duplicates are captured in the Geospark SQL database and assessed. Prepared pulp splits for mineralized samples were sent to MS Analytical Labs in Langley BC for secondary lab check work by comparable Au and ICP methods to ensure agreement with original results; check pulps were prepared for 20 samples, from 5 of the Golden Marmot holes, and overall a representative 5-7% of mineralized samples for VOK drilling was sent for secondary lab checks, including North Block Phase 4 and 1080 East level drilling. Comparisons are acceptable. Analysis of the available quality control sample assay results indicates that an acceptable level of accuracy and precision has been achieved. The database contains no analytical data that has been numerically manipulated. The assaying techniques and quality control protocols used are considered appropriate for the data to be used for reporting exploration drilling results. Verification of sampling and assaying Sampling intervals defined by the geologist are electronically assigned sample identification numbers prior to core sampling. Corresponding sample numbers matching pre-labelled sample tags are assigned to each interval. All sampling and assay information were stored in a secure GeoSpark database with restricted access. Sample submission forms providing the sample identification number accompany each submission to the laboratory. Assay results from the laboratory with corresponding sample identification are loaded directly into the GeoSpark database. Assessment of reported significant assay intervals was verified by review of visible gold identified in the drill core and review of high resolution core photography. The verification of significant intersections has been completed by company personnel and the Competent Person/Qualified Person. No adjustments are made to assay data, and no twinned holes have been completed. Drilling intersects mineralisation at various angles. There are no currently known drilling, sampling, recovery, or other factors that could materially affect the accuracy or reliability of the data. Location of data points All collar coordinates are provided in the North American Datum (NAD83 Zone 9N). 1080 HBx and Bridge Zone: Underground drill collar locations are marked up by the survey department with spray paint, and a back site and foresight are provided to enable alignment; Drills are then aligned by the drill contractor based on the markup and sights, and a TN-14 collar Gyro is used to confirm orientation prior to drilling. Gossan Hill North: Surface drill collar locations are marked with a stake, and a back site and fore site are provided to enable alignment. Collar locations are picked up using a Trimble 7-series differential GPS and a TN-14 collar Gyro is used to confirm orientation prior to drilling. Topographic control is established from 2014 Lidar. Data spacing and distribution 1080 HBx: Drill hole spacing is 15m laterally. Assays have been received for two drill fans to date, which is insufficient for estimation of a Mineral Resource. Bridge Zone: Drill hole spacing was 20m in lateral extent within an area of 0.025km2. The current drill hole spacing does provide sufficient information for the estimation of a Mineral Resource at Bridge Zone. Gossan Hill North: Drill hole spacing was at 40m horizontal spacing within an area of 0.75km2. The current drill hole spacing does not provide sufficient information for the estimation of a Mineral Resource. No sample compositing is applied to samples. Orientation of data in relation to geological structure Drill holes at 1080 HBx are oriented towards 205 in order to drill perpendicular to the broadly WNW-ESE oriented mineralization domains. Drilling at 1080 HBx intersected a mineralized structure oriented sub-parallel to Domain 20, hosted in the Eastern Promises Porphyry unit. Drill holes at Bridge zone are oriented towards 205 in order to drill perpendicular to the broadly WNW-ESE oriented mineralization domains. Drilling at Bridge Zone interested the Bridge Zone porphyry unit. Drill holes at Gossan Hill North are oriented towards either 160 or 340 in order to drill perpendicular to the mineralization domains which broadly strike towards 295 degrees. Drill holes at North Gossan Hill intersected shallowly dipping andesitic fragmental volcaniclastic units. Sample security The security of samples is ensured by tracking samples from drill rig to database and by using trusted transportation services, and third party laboratories with security protocols. Drill core was delivered from the drill rig to the Brucejack Core Facility. Geological and geotechnical logging, high resolution core photography and whole core sampling was undertaken at the Brucejack Core Facility. Sample numbers are obtained from pre-made sample tag books, first ensuring no duplication of sample ID's in the database. Sample tags are inserted into labelled plastic bags together with the sample, and the bagged sample secured with a zip tie. Samples were grouped in sequence into rice bags, then placed into dedicated sample shipment bins for transport offsite. Samples are transported by road to the preparation lab where transfer of custody occurs. Verification of sample numbers and identification is conducted by the laboratory on receipt of samples, and sample receipt advice issued to Newcrest. Details of all sample shipments are recorded in a shipment tracking table and require offsite removal forms prior to leaving the Brucejack site. Shipping dates, Hole IDs, sample ranges, and special instructions are recorded with the dispatch of samples to the laboratory analytical services. Receiving laboratories have a workorder template of methods and duplicates by which to process the samples unless otherwise specified. Any discrepancies noted during sample login at the laboratory are communicated and addressed. Audits or reviews Due to the limited duration of the program, no external audits or reviews have been undertaken. Internal verification and audit of Newcrest exploration procedures and databases are periodically undertaken. Section 2: Reporting of Exploration Results Criteria Commentary Mineral tenement and land tenure status Brucejack comprises 346 mineral tenures including four mining leases and is 100% owned by Newcrest Mining Limited. All obligations with respect to legislative requirements including minimum expenditure are maintained in good standing. Exploration done by other parties Granduc, Esso, Newhawk, Lacana Mining Corp., and Silver Standard conducted exploration in the area between 1960 and 2010. Pretium Resources acquired the Brucejack Property in 2010 and drilled the discovery hole at the Valley of the Kings in 2011. North Block and 1080 level were first drilled in 2020. Golden Marmot was previously drilled in 1988 and 2011. Geology The Brucejack Project is located in the Stikine terrane of north-western British Columbia, 50 km north of the town of Stewart. Early Jurassic sedimentary and volcanic rocks of the Lower Hazelton Group host mineralisation. A pervasive quartz-pyrite-sericite alteration event predates the main stage of epithermal mineralisation. Gold mineralisation at Brucejack consists of electrum hosted in vein stockworks, sheeted veins, and veinlets. Drill hole information As provided. Data aggregation methods Significant assay intercepts are reported as length-weighted averages exceeding 0.6g/t Au greater than or equal to 10m, with less than 7.5m of consecutive internal dilution. Also reported are intervals greater than 150g/t Au. Intervals below a cutoff of 1.0gt Au were not reported as significant results. No top cuts are applied to intercept calculations. Relationship between mineralisation widths and intercept lengths Significant assay intervals reported represent apparent widths. Insufficient geological information is available to confirm the geological model and true width of significant assay intervals. Diagrams As provided. Balanced reporting This is the second release of Exploration Results for this project made by Newcrest. The previous release date was 28 April 2022. Exploration drilling programs are ongoing and further material results will be reported in subsequent Newcrest releases. Other substantive exploration data Nil. Further work Drilling is currently at 1080 HBx to complete the remaining 10 drill fans in the program. Surface drilling is also planned for Golden Marmot and South Gossan Hill, which is located between North Gossan Hill and the West Zone. Follow up drilling is also planned for Bridge Zone, west from the existing drilling towards the Brucejack Fault. Drillhole data(1) Brucejack, British Columbia, Canada Reporting Criteria: Intervals are reported as length-weighted averages exceeding 0.6g/t Au greater than or equal to 10m, with less than 7.5m of consecutive internal dilution. Also reported are intervals greater than 150g/t Au. Intervals below a cutoff of 1.0gt Au were not reported as significant results. Samples are from core drilling which is HQ in diameter. Core is photographed and logged by the geology team before being whole core sampled and sent for assay. Each assay batch is submitted with duplicates and standards to monitor laboratory quality. Hole ID Hole Type Easting (m) Northing (m) RL (m) Total Depth (m) Azimuth Dip From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Au (ppm) Cut off VU-3704 DD 426459 6257629 1333 252.1 205.1 -28.9 25.5 27 1.5 165 150 And 81 114 33 2.0 0.6 And 125.5 159 33.5 12 0.6 Incl 136 137 1 163 150 VU-3705 DD 426459 6257629 1333 258.3 205.18 -18.6 54 64.5 10.5 1.6 0.6 And 75 88.5 13.5 1.7 0.6 And 150 163.5 13.5 2.8 0.6 VU-3706 DD 426459 6257629 1333 168.3 204.7 -8 147 168.3 21.3 1.4 0.6 VU-3707 DD 426459 6257630 1334 261 204.6 2.4 79.5 90 10.5 11 0.6 And 113.5 139.5 26 4.0 0.6 And 180 190.5 10.5 1.4 0.6 VU-3708 DD 426459 6257630 1334 243 205 11.7 135 183 48 1.5 0.6 And 220.5 231 10.5 1.0 0.6 VU-3709 DD 426459 6257630 1335 240 205.1 22 211.5 237 25.5 1.8 0.6 VU-3710 DD 426459 6257630 1335 260.8 205.5 31.6 No significant assays VU-3747 DD 426477 6257621 1333 257.8 205.1 -23.4 21 34.5 13.5 2.1 0.6 And 72 96 24 7.9 0.6 And 162 190.5 28.5 1.1 0.6 VU-3748 DD 426477 6257621 1334 249 205.1 -14 31.5 43 11.5 2.9 0.6 VU-3748 DD 426477 6257621 1334 249 205.1 -14 126 136.5 10.5 7.6 0.6 VU-3749 DD 426477 6257621 1334 236.9 204.6 -3.2 No significant assays VU-3750 DD 426477 6257621 1334 263.8 204.9 7.6 87 112 25 1.3 0.6 VU-3751 DD 426477 6257621 1335 260.9 205.3 17.6 120 135 15 13 0.6 Incl 133.1 134.1 1 187 150 VU-3752 DD 426477 6257621 1336 254.6 205.1 26.2 133.5 148.5 15 1.5 0.6 And 231 252 21 1.5 0.6 VU-3753 DD 426477 6257621 1336 260.8 204.6 34.4 34.5 52.5 18 48 0.6 Incl 49 50.1 1.1 775 150 And 175.5 260.8 85.3 2.6 0.6 VU-3754 DD 426495 6257613 1334 264.1 205.1 -3.1 118.5 129 10.5 3.9 0.6 And 169.5 186 16.5 1.1 0.6 VU-3755 DD 426495 6257613 1334 266.8 205.2 -19.4 141 204 63 1.2 0.6 VU-3756 DD 426495 6257613 1334 257.9 205.3 -8.1 205.5 225 19.5 1.1 0.6 And 241.5 256.5 15 1.5 0.6 VU-3757 DD 426495 6257613 1335 260.6 204.87 2.6 51 72 21 37 0.6 Incl 66.5 67.5 1 728 150 And 222 235.5 13.5 1.1 0.6 VU-3758 DD 426495 6257613 1335 258 204.76 12.9 8.6 19.5 10.9 62 0.6 Incl 9.6 10.6 1 673 150 And 87 97.5 10.5 2.4 0.6 And 144 157.5 13.5 1.2 0.6 VU-3759 DD 426495 6257613 1336 263.9 204.76 22.2 49.5 64.5 15 5.8 0.6 And 236 258 22 1.9 0.6 VU-3760 DD 426495 6257613 1336 278.8 204.7 32.1 42 64.5 22.5 1.3 0.6 And 220.5 268.5 48 3.2 0.6 VU-3761 DD 426513 6257604 1334 281.9 205 -24.1 136.5 222 85.5 1.1 0.6 VU-3762 DD 426513 6257604 1334 264.2 205 -14.5 0 13.5 13.5 1.5 0.6 VU-3763 DD 426513 6257604 1334 258.8 205 -4.1 73.5 109.5 36 2.4 0.6 And 247.5 258.8 11.3 1.5 0.6 VU-3764 DD 426513 6257604 1335 255.4 205.1 7 4.5 15 10.5 1.3 0.6 And 226.5 240 13.5 1.2 0.6 VU-3765 DD 426514 6257604 1335 264 205.26 16.9 66 90 24 1.2 0.6 And 163.5 192 28.5 1.4 0.6 And 219 256.5 37.5 1.3 0.6 VU-3766 DD 426514 6257604 1336 272.8 205.2 26.5 3 24 21 1.1 0.6 And 52.5 64.5 12 5.5 0.6 And 241.5 268.5 27 1.4 0.6 VU-3767 DD 426513 6257605 1336 275.6 205 36 129 180 51 1.0 0.6 And 189 225 36 33 0.6 Incl 197 198 1 1164 150 VU-3768 DD 426531 6257596 1334 284.9 204.8 -24.1 130.5 192 61.5 1.2 0.6 VU-3769 DD 426531 6257596 1335 267 204.9 -14.3 144 201 57 1.1 0.6 VU-3770 DD 426531 6257595 1335 261 204.9 -3.2 93 105 12 1.1 0.6 And 178.5 190.5 12 5.5 0.6 And 240 252 12 1.0 0.6 VU-3771 DD 426531 6257596 1336 254.9 204.8 7.4 240 250.5 10.5 1.2 0.6 VU-3772 DD 426531 6257596 1336 261 205 17.3 100.5 115.5 15 1.0 0.6 And 228 261 33 1.6 0.6 VU-3773 DD 426531 6257596 1337 263.9 204.9 26.1 No significant assays VU-3774 DD 426531 6257596 1337 269.5 205 35.5 51 72 21 1.3 0.6 And 112.5 150 37.5 1.1 0.6 And 244.5 268.5 24 5.3 0.6 VU-3775 DD 426550 6257587 1334 276.3 205.1 -28.9 25.5 40.5 15 1.4 0.6 VU-3776 DD 426550 6257587 1335 275.3 205 -19.1 15 36 21 1.4 0.6 VU-3777 DD 426550 6257587 1335 267.1 205.1 -9.2 117 178.5 61.5 1.1 0.6 VU-3778 DD 426550 6257587 1336 261 205 1.5 165 189 24 5.0 0.6 VU-3779 DD 426550 6257587 1336 267 205 12.4 240 267 27 1.0 0.6 VU-3780 DD 426550 6257587 1337 276 204.91 22.9 No significant assays VU-3781 DD 426550 6257587 1337 279 205 32.7 130.5 145.5 15 1.1 0.6 And 192 207 15 1.4 0.6 SU-753 DD 426633 6259394 1445 392 164.9 -70.1 No significant assays SU-754 DD 426634 6259394 1445 419.8 160.1 -60.2 No significant assays SU-755 DD 426634 6259393 1445 391.5 160 -52 No significant assays SU-756 DD 426634 6259393 1445 439.5 160 -45 102 117 15 1.3 0.6 SU-757 DD 426533 6259320 1435 299.2 160.1 -70 90 100.5 10.5 1.6 0.6 And 114 151.5 37.5 3.6 0.6 And 222 232.5 10.5 42 0.6 Incl 222 223.5 1.5 291 150 SU-758 DD 426533 6259320 1435 275 160 -60 217.5 229.5 12 3.7 0.6 SU-759 DD 426533 6259320 1435 307.6 160 -52 167.73 184.5 16.77 9.6 0.6 SU-760 DD 426533 6259319 1435 373.3 160 -45.1 43.5 55.5 12 2.0 0.6 And 91.5 123 31.5 2.0 0.6 And 207 220.5 13.5 1.7 0.6 SU-767 DD 426579 6259423 1452 307.6 160.3 -65.3 No significant assays SU-768 DD 426580 6259422 1452 399.6 160 -45 181.5 211.5 30 28 0.6 Incl 205.5 206.5 1 717 150 And 358.5 372.5 14 26 0.6 Incl 371.5 372.5 1 360 150 SU-769 DD 426580 6259421 1452 340.3 160 -55 129 141 12 1.2 0.6 SU-779 DD 426489 6259321 1435 329.7 160 -70 No significant assays SU-780 DD 426489 6259321 1435 269.6 160 -60 No significant assays SU-781 DD 426489 6259320 1435 295.6 160 -52 No significant assays SU-782 DD 426489 6259320 1435 356.2 160 -45 106.5 128 21.5 7.7 0.6 SU-791 DD 426584 6259297 1434 347 160.01 -45 153 154.5 1.5 154 150 SU-792 DD 426576 6259201 1450 215.2 160.1 -70.2 126 159 33 4.3 0.6 SU-793 DD 426576 6259201 1451 356.5 160 -60 18 70.5 52.5 14 0.6 Incl 21 22 1 491 150 And 97.5 126 28.5 3.4 0.6 SU-794 DD 426576 6259201 1451 437.5 160 -50 9 76.5 67.5 1.6 0.6 And 99 109.5 10.5 1.2 0.6 And 321 364 43 1.7 0.6 And 372.25 415.5 43.25 1.0 0.6 SU-803 DD 426453 6259304 1432 251.8 160 -70 21 40.5 19.5 1.5 0.6 SU-804 DD 426453 6259304 1432 312.6 160 -60 196.5 217.5 21 1.0 0.6 SU-805 DD 426453 6259304 1432 303 159.6 -52 No significant assays SU-806 DD 426453 6259304 1432 362.6 159.7 -45.1 No significant assays SU-807 DD 426513 6259252 1436 229.7 160 -56 171 184.25 13.25 1.2 0.6 SU-808 DD 426513 6259251 1436 352.25 160 -45 172.5 193.5 21 1.8 0.6 SU-809 DD 426666 6259302 1428 137.1 160.5 -70 No significant assays SU-810 DD 426667 6259301 1429 152 160.2 -59.9 No significant assays SU-811 DD 426667 6259301 1429 361.7 160.1 -51.8 263 274 11 2.0 0.6 And 344.5 361 16.5 1.2 0.6 SU-812 DD 426667 6259301 1429 347.7 160 -45 133.5 168 34.5 12 0.6 Incl 160.43 161.43 1 329 150 SU-820 DD 426533 6259324 1435 220.9 340.1 -80.4 No significant assays SU-821 DD 426532 6259325 1435 166.8 340.45 -65 No significant assays SU-822 DD 426532 6259326 1434 147.8 340 -45 No significant assays SU-823 DD 426576 6259207 1449 229.2 342.3 -70.5 181.5 223.5 42 2.9 0.6 SU-824 DD 426576 6259206 1449 213.9 340 -55 89.69 100.5 10.81 2.3 0.6 SU-827 DD 426609 6259342 1431 208.9 160 -70 No significant assays SU-828 DD 426609 6259341 1431 165.8 160 -60 No significant assays SU-829 DD 426609 6259341 1431 343.2 160 -52.1 No significant assays SU-830 DD 426610 6259340 1431 367.3 160.03 -45.4 38.8 54.3 15.5 5.4 0.6 And 108 118.5 10.5 1.2 0.6 SU-831 DD 426565 6259342 1429 254 160 -69.9 70.5 84.8 14.3 1.3 0.6 And 100.5 117 16.5 3.2 0.6 SU-832 DD 426564 6259342 1429 292.8 159.9 -60.2 40.5 55.5 15 2.1 0.6 And 177 189 12 11 0.6 And 211.2 212.2 1 505 150 SU-833 DD 426564 6259343 1429 301.5 159.6 -52.4 33 55.5 22.5 1.9 0.6 And 76.5 91.5 15 1.3 0.6 SU-834 DD 426564 6259343 1429 349.6 159.4 -45 No significant assays SU-838 DD 426415 6259315 1420 251 160.31 -70 19.5 57 37.5 2.1 0.6 SU-839 DD 426415 6259315 1420 281 159.87 -60.2 43.5 82 38.5 1.0 0.6 SU-840 DD 426415 6259315 1420 305 159.98 -52 15 28.5 13.5 1.2 0.6 SU-841 DD 426414 6259316 1420 383.08 160.46 -45.1 56.5 85.5 29 1.1 0.6 SU-846 DD 426371 6259307 1407 326.7 160 -45 No significant assays SU-847 DD 426372 6259307 1407 293.1 160 -52 No significant assays SU-848 DD 426372 6259307 1407 296.1 160 -59.9 No significant assays SU-849 DD 426372 6259307 1407 284.1 160 -70 No significant assays VU-4116 DD 426767 6257828 1087 321.3 205 -36.9 2 3 1 206 150 And 95 132 37 1.8 0.6 And 207 238.5 31.5 1.4 0.6 And 247.5 273.5 26 3.4 0.6 VU-4117 DD 426767 6257828 1087 318.8 205 -3.3 10.5 73.5 63 9.1 0.6 Incl 64 65 1 294 150 And 214.5 226.5 12 4.5 0.6 And 268.2 269.3 1.1 1907 150 VU-4118 DD 426767 6257828 1087 303 205 -23.8 55.5 69 13.5 1.2 0.6 And 96 127.5 31.5 1.2 0.6 VU-4119 DD 426767 6257828 1088 452.9 205 -17 21 31.5 10.5 1.5 0.6 And 61.5 90 28.5 2.7 0.6 And 328.5 382.5 54 1.6 0.6 And 430.5 442.5 12 1.0 0.6 VU-4120 DD 426767 6257828 1088 141.3 205 -8.8 22.5 34.5 12 22 0.6 Incl 23.5 24.5 1 249 150 And 52.5 78 25.5 3.9 0.6 VU-4121 DD 426767 6257829 1088 141.4 205 0.3 39 93 54 2.0 0.6 VU-4122 DD 426767 6257829 1089 101.8 205 9 1.5 25.5 24 4.3 0.6 And 45 88.5 43.5 1.6 0.6 VU-4123 DD 426767 6257829 1089 98.9 205 17.9 42 80 38 8.0 0.6 VU-4124 DD 426767 6257829 1090 98.8 205 26.1 27 66 39 3.2 0.6 VU-4125 DD 426767 6257829 1090 101.4 205 33.4 39 64.5 25.5 1.8 0.6 VU-4126 DD 426767 6257828 1090 110.4 205 4.2 20.5 21.5 1 476 150 And 34.5 66 31.5 4.3 0.6 VU-4184 DD 426767 6257828 1087 399.2 205 -45.5 12 22.5 10.5 1.1 0.6 And 43.5 69 25.5 52 0.6 Incl 67.5 68.5 1 1173 150 And 92.5 93.6 1.1 220 150 And 190.5 234 43.5 2.6 0.6 VU-4193 426793 6257848 1087 408 205 -37 150 151 1 177 150 163.5 205.5 42 1.5 0.6 244.5 377 132.5 1.7 0.6 VU-4194 426793 6257848 1087 324 205 -30 15 34.5 19.5 2.3 0.6 And 54 55.5 1.5 382 150 And 79.5 111 31.5 19 0.6 Incl 101 102 1 583 150 And 180.5 231 50.5 1.3 0.6 And 247.5 267 19.5 4.5 0.6 VU-4195 426793 6257848 1087 447 205 -24 133.5 168 34.5 11 0.6 Incl 151 152 1 327 150 And 328.6 382.5 53.9 1.6 0.6 And 394.5 426 31.5 1.4 0.6 VU-4196 426793 6257848 1088 294 205 -18 235.5 250.5 15 12 0.6 Incl 238 239 1 180 150 VU-4197 426793 6257847 1088 177 205 -9 139.5 140.5 1 853 150 VU-4198 426793 6257848 1088 159 205 -2 No significant assays VU-4199 426793 6257848 1089 150 205 8 61.5 96 34.5 1.9 0.6 VU-4200 426793 6257848 1089 150 205 17 31.5 99 67.5 2.3 0.6 VU-4201 426793 6257848 1089 150 206 25 13 39 26 7.5 0.6 Incl 13 14 1 161 150 And 48 76.5 28.5 35 0.6 Incl 72 73 1 924 150 VU-4202B 426793 6257848 1090 135 205 32 54 82 28 1.8 0.6 # drilling in progress, **partial intercept, assays pending. ^updated intercept ^^previously reported intercept Figure 10. Schematic plan view map of 1080 HBx showing the location of the two drill fans with assays and the additional planned drilling, relative to the 2020 Mineral Resource Estimate area, Domain 20, and Domain 13. To view an enhanced version of Figure 10, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7614/131465_ae0d310174b60ba9_012full.jpg Figure 11. Cross section for drill fan 1080_37 (as shown on Figure 10) showing all drill holes and significant intercepts. Due to window size (+/- 30m) and section orientation (270) holes may appear on multiple sections. To view an enhanced version of Figure 11, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7614/131465_ae0d310174b60ba9_013full.jpg Figure 12. Cross section for drill fan 1080_37_ELAT17_38 (as shown on Figure 10) showing all drill holes and significant intercepts. Due to window size (+/- 30m) and section orientation (270) holes may appear on multiple sections. To view an enhanced version of Figure 12, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7614/131465_ae0d310174b60ba9_014full.jpg Figure 13. Schematic plan view map of the Bridge Zone - Phase 1 drilling showing the location of the drill fans and previous drilling in the Bridge Zone relative to the mine development and the 2020 Mineral Resource Estimate area. To view an enhanced version of Figure 13, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7614/131465_ae0d310174b60ba9_015full.jpg Figure 14. Cross section for drill fan 1320_L1 (as shown on Figure 13) showing all drill holes and significant intercepts. Due to window size (+/- 15m) and section orientation (270) holes may appear on multiple sections. To view an enhanced version of Figure 14, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7614/131465_ae0d310174b60ba9_016full.jpg Figure 15. Cross section for drill fan 1320_L2 (as shown on Figure 13) showing all drill holes and significant intercepts. Due to window size (+/- 15m) and section orientation (270) holes may appear on multiple sections. To view an enhanced version of Figure 15, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7614/131465_ae0d310174b60ba9_017full.jpg Figure 16. Cross section for drill fan 1320_L3 (as shown on Figure 13) showing all drill holes and significant intercepts. Due to window size (+/- 15m) and section orientation (270) holes may appear on multiple sections. To view an enhanced version of Figure 16, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7614/131465_ae0d310174b60ba9_018full.jpg Figure 17. Cross section for drill fan 1320_L4 (as shown on Figure 13) showing all drill holes and significant intercepts. Due to window size (+/-15m) and section orientation (270) holes may appear on multiple sections. To view an enhanced version of Figure 17, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7614/131465_ae0d310174b60ba9_019full.jpg Figure 18. Cross section for drill fan 1320_L5 (as shown on Figure 13) showing all drill holes and significant intercepts. Due to window size (+/-15m) and section orientation (270) holes may appear on multiple sections. To view an enhanced version of Figure 18, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7614/131465_ae0d310174b60ba9_020full.jpg Figure 19. Cross section for drill fan 1320_L6 (as shown on Figure 13) showing all drill holes and significant intercepts. Due to window size (+/-15m) and section orientation (270) holes may appear on multiple sections. To view an enhanced version of Figure 19, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7614/131465_ae0d310174b60ba9_021full.jpg Figure 20. Schematic plan view map of Gossan Hill North showing the location of the drill fans and previous drilling at Gossan Hill relative to the 2020 Mineral Resource Estimate area. To view an enhanced version of Figure 20, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7614/131465_ae0d310174b60ba9_022full.jpg Figure 21. Cross section for drill fan SU_GH_1 (as shown on Figure 20) showing all drill holes and significant intercepts. Due to window size (+/-20m) and section orientation (160) holes may appear on multiple sections. To view an enhanced version of Figure 21, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7614/131465_ae0d310174b60ba9_023full.jpg Figure 22. Cross section for drill fan SU_GH_2 (as shown on Figure 20). Due to window size (+/-20m) and section orientation (160) holes may appear on multiple sections. To view an enhanced version of Figure 22, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7614/131465_ae0d310174b60ba9_024full.jpg Figure 23. Cross section for drill fan SU_GH_3 (as shown on Figure 20). Due to window size (+/-20m) and section orientation (160) holes may appear on multiple sections. To view an enhanced version of Figure 23, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7614/131465_ae0d310174b60ba9_025full.jpg Figure 24. Cross section for drill fan SU_GH_4 (as shown on Figure 20). Due to window size (+/-20m) and section orientation (160) holes may appear on multiple sections. To view an enhanced version of Figure 24, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7614/131465_ae0d310174b60ba9_026full.jpg Figure 25. Cross section for SU_GH_5 (as shown on Figure 20). Due to window size (+/20m) and section orientation (160) holes may appear on multiple sections. To view an enhanced version of Figure 25, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7614/131465_ae0d310174b60ba9_027full.jpg Figure 26. Cross section for drill fan SU_GH_6 (as shown on Figure 20). Due to window size (+/-20m) and section orientation (160) holes may appear on multiple sections. To view an enhanced version of Figure 26, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7614/131465_ae0d310174b60ba9_028full.jpg Figure 27. Cross section for drill fan SU_GH_7 (as shown on Figure 20). Due to window size (+/-20m) and section orientation (160) holes may appear on multiple sections. To view an enhanced version of Figure 27, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7614/131465_ae0d310174b60ba9_029full.jpg Figure 28. Cross section for drill fan SU_GH_8 (as shown on Figure 20). Due to window size (+/-20m) and section orientation (160) holes may appear on multiple sections. To view an enhanced version of Figure 28, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7614/131465_ae0d310174b60ba9_030full.jpg Appendix 2 Red Chris (70% Newcrest): JORC Table 1 Section 1: Sampling Techniques and Data Criteria Commentary Sampling techniques Core samples are obtained from core drilling. HQ and NQ diameter diamond core was drilled on a 3, 4.5m or 6m run. Core was cut using an automatic core-cutter and half core sampled at 2m intervals. Cover sequences were not sampled. Drilling techniques Core drilling was advanced with HQ3, HQ, NQ3 and NQ diameter coring configuration. Core from inclined drill holes are oriented on 3, 4.5m or 6m runs using an electronic core orientation tool (Reflex ACTIII). At the end of each run, the bottom of hole position is marked by the driller, which is later transferred to the whole drill core run length with a bottom of hole reference line. Drill sample recovery Core recovery is systematically recorded from the commencement of coring to end of hole, by reconciling against driller's depth blocks in each core tray with data recorded in the database. Drillers depth blocks provided the depth, interval of core recovered, and interval of core drilled. Core recoveries were typically 100%, with isolated zones of lower recovery. Logging Geological logging recorded qualitative descriptions of lithology, alteration, mineralisation, veining, and structure (for all core drilled - 30,482m in 32 holes - all holes intersected mineralisation except for 5 dedicated geotechnical holes, including orientation of key geological features). Geotechnical measurements were recorded including Rock Quality Designation (RQD) fracture frequency, solid core recovery and qualitative rock strength measurements. Magnetic susceptibility measurements were recorded every metre. All geological and geotechnical logging was conducted at the Red Chris Mine. Digital data logging was captured, validated and stored in an acQuire database. All drill cores were photographed, prior to cutting and/or sampling the core. Sub-sampling techniques and sample preparation Sampling, sample preparation and quality control protocols are considered appropriate for the material being sampled. Core was cut and sampled at the Red Chris Mine core processing facility. Half core samples were collected in plastic bags together with pre-numbered sample tags and grouped in wood crates for dispatch to the laboratory. Sample weights typically varied from 5 to 10kg. Sample sizes are considered appropriate for the style of mineralisation. Drill core samples were freighted by road to the laboratory. Sample preparation was conducted at the independent ISO 9001 certified and ISO 17025 accredited Bureau Veritas Commodities Canada Ltd Laboratory, Vancouver (Bureau Veritas). Samples were dried at 650C, and crushed to 95% passing 4.75 mm, and the split to obtain up to 1kg sub-sample, which was pulverised (using LM2) to produce a pulped product with the minimum standard of 95% passing 106m. Duplicate samples were collected from crush and pulp samples at a rate of 1:20. Duplicate results show an acceptable level of variability for the material sampled and style of mineralisation. Periodic size checks (1:20) for crush and pulp samples and sample weights are provided by the laboratory and recorded in the acQuire database. Quality of assay data and laboratory tests Assaying of drill core samples was conducted at Bureau Veritas. All samples were assayed for 59 elements using a 4-acid digestion followed by ICP-AES/ICP-MS determination (method MA250). Gold analyses were determined by 50g fire assay with ICP-ES finish (method FA350). Carbon and Sulphur were determined by Leco (method TC000) and mercury using aqua regia digestion followed by ICP-ES/MS determination (method AQ200). Sampling and assaying quality control procedures consisted of inclusion of certified reference material (CRMs), coarse residue and pulp duplicates with each batch (at least 1:20). Assays of quality control samples were compared with reference samples in the acQuire database and verified as acceptable prior to use of data from analysed batches. Laboratory quality control data, including laboratory standards, blanks, duplicates, repeats and grind size results are captured in the acQuire database and assessed for accuracy and precision for recent data. Due to the limited extent of the drilling program to date, extended quality control programs are yet to be undertaken, whereby pulped samples will be submitted to an umpire laboratory and combined with more extensive re-submission programs. Analysis of the available quality control sample assay results indicates that an acceptable level of accuracy and precision has been achieved and the database contains no analytical data that has been numerically manipulated. The assaying techniques and quality control protocols used are considered appropriate for the data to be used for reporting exploration drilling results. Verification of sampling and assaying Sampling intervals defined by the geologist are electronically assigned sample identification numbers prior to core cutting. Corresponding sample numbers matching pre-labelled sample tags are assigned to each interval. All sampling and assay information were stored in a secure acQuire database with restricted access. Electronically generated sample submission forms providing the sample identification number accompany each submission to the laboratory. Assay results from the laboratory with corresponding sample identification are loaded directly into the acQuire database. Assessment of reported significant assay intervals was verified by re-logging of drill core intervals and assessment of high resolution core photography. The verification of significant intersections has been completed by company personnel and the Competent Person/Qualified Person. No adjustments are made to assay data, and no twinned holes have been completed. Drilling intersects mineralisation at various angles. There are no currently known drilling, sampling, recovery, or other factors that could materially affect the accuracy or reliability of the data. Location of data points Drill collar locations were surveyed using a RTK GPS with GNSS with a stated accuracy of +/- 0.025m. Drill rig alignment was attained using an electronic azimuth aligner (Reflex TN14 GYROCOMPASS). Downhole survey was collected at 9 to 30m intervals of the drill hole using single shot survey (Reflex EZ-SHOT). At the end of hole, all holes have been surveyed using a continuous gyro survey to surface (Reflex EZ-GYRO). Topographic control is established from PhotoSat topographic data and derived digital elevation model. The topography is generally low relief to flat, with an average elevation of 1500 m, with several deep creek gullies. All collar coordinates are provided in the North American Datum (NAD83 Zone 9). Data spacing and distribution The drill hole spacing ranges from 100 - 200m in lateral extent within an area of 1.5km2 at the East Ridge, 1.5km2 at the East Zone, 1.5km2 at the Main Zone and 1.5km2 at the Gully Zone. An initial Mineral Resource for the East Zone, Main Zone and Gully Zone was released on 31 March 2021. No sample compositing is applied to samples. Orientation of data in relation to geological structure Drilling of reported drill holes RC787, RC789, RC789W, RC793, RC795, RC797 and RC799 are oriented perpendicular to the intrusive complex. The intrusive complex has an east-northeast orientation, with drilling established on a north-northwest orientation. Drill holes exploring the extents of the East Ridge, East Zone, Main Zone and Gully Zone mineral system intersected moderately dipping volcanic and sedimentary units cut by sub-vertical intrusive lithologies. Steeply dipping mineralised zones with an east-northeast orientation have been interpreted from historic and Newcrest drill holes. Sample security The security of samples is controlled by tracking samples from drill rig to database. Drill core was delivered from the drill rig to the Red Chris Mine core yard every shift. Geological and geotechnical logging, high resolution core photography and cutting of drill core was undertaken at the Red Chris core processing facility. Samples were freighted in sealed bags with security tags by road to the laboratory, and in the custody of Newcrest representatives. Sample numbers are generated from pre-labelled sample tags. All samples are collected in pre-numbered plastic bags. Sample tags are inserted into prenumbered plastic bags together with the sample. Verification of sample numbers and identification is conducted by the laboratory on receipt of samples, and sample receipt advice issued to Newcrest. Details of all sample movement are recorded in a database table. Dates, Hole ID sample ranges, and the analytical suite requested are recorded with the dispatch of samples to the laboratory analytical services. Any discrepancies logged at the receipt of samples into the laboratory analytical services are validated. Audits or reviews Due to the limited duration of the program, no external audits or reviews have been undertaken. Internal verification and audit of Newcrest exploration procedures and databases are periodically undertaken. Section 2: Reporting of Exploration Results Criteria Commentary Mineral tenement and land tenure status Red Chris (including the GJ Property) comprises 204 mineral claims including five mining leases and is a joint venture between subsidiaries of Newcrest Mining Limited (70%) and Imperial Metals Corporation (30%). Newcrest Red Chris Mining Limited is the operator of Red Chris. In June 2022, Newcrest closed the acquisition of four early stage exploration properties from Hawkeye Gold & Diamond. The Todagin, McBride and Railway properties are expected to be added to the Red Chris Joint Venture. Newcrest Red Chris Mining Limited and the Tahltan Nation (as represented by the Tahltan Central Government, the Tahltan Band and Iskut First Nation) signed an amended and restated updated Impact, Benefit and Co-Management Agreement (IBCA) covering Red Chris on 15 August 2019. All obligations with respect to legislative requirements including minimum expenditure are maintained in good standing. Exploration done by other parties Conwest Exploration Limited, Great Plains Development Co. of Canada, Silver Standard Mines Ltd, Texasgulf Canada Ltd. (formerly Ecstall Mining Limited), American Bullion Minerals Ltd and bcMetals Corporation conducted exploration in the areas between 1956 and 2006. Imperial Metals Corporation acquired the project in 2007 and completed deeper drilling at the East and Main Zones between 2007 and 2012. Geology The Red Chris Project is located in the Stikine terrane of north-western British Columbia, 80 km south of the town of Dease Lake. Late Triassic sedimentary and volcanic rocks of the Stuhini Group host a series of Late Triassic to Early Jurassic (204-198 Ma) diorite to quartz monzonite stocks and dykes. Gold and copper mineralisation at Red Chris consists of vein, disseminated and breccia sulphide typical of porphyry-style mineralisation. Mineralisation is hosted by diorite to quartz monzonite stocks and dykes. The main mineral assemblage contains well developed pyrite-chalcopyrite-bornite sulphide mineral assemblages as vein and breccia infill, and disseminations. The main mineralisation event is associated with biotite and potassium feldspar-magnetite wall rock alteration. Drill hole information As provided. Data aggregation methods Significant assay intercepts are reported as (A) length-weighted averages exceeding 0.1g/t Au greater than or equal to 20m, with less than 10m of consecutive internal dilution; and (B) length-weighted averages exceeding 0.5g/t Au for greater than or equal to 10m, with less than 10m of consecutive internal dilution; and (C) length-weighted averages exceeding 1g/t Au for greater than or equal to 10m, with less than 10m of consecutive internal dilution; (D) length-weighted averages exceeding 5g/t Au greater than or equal to 10m, with less than 10m of consecutive internal dilution; and (E) length-weighted averages exceeding 10g/t Au for greater than or equal to 10m, with less than 10m of consecutive internal dilution. No top cuts are applied to intercept calculations. Relationship between mineralisation widths and intercept lengths Significant assay intervals reported represent apparent widths. Insufficient geological information is available to confirm the geological model and true width of significant assay intervals. Diagrams As provided. Balanced reporting This is the nineteenth release of Exploration Results for this project made by Newcrest. Previous release dates are 30 January 2020, 11 March 2020, 30 April 2020, 11 June 2020, 23 July 2020, 10 September 2020, 29 October 2020, 10 December 2020, 28 January 2021, 11 March 2021, 29 April 2021, 10 June 2021, 22 July 2021 9 September 2021, 28 October 2021, 9 December 2021, 28 January 2022, and 28 April 2022. Earlier reporting of exploration programs conducted by Newcrest and Imperial Metals Corporation have previously been reported. Exploration drilling programs are ongoing and further material results will be reported in subsequent Newcrest releases. Other substantive exploration data Nil. Further work Further drilling is planned to define the extents of the East Ridge, Main Zone and Gully Zone. Drillhole data(1) Red Chris Project, British Columbia, Canada Reporting Criteria: Intercepts reported are downhole drill width (not true width) Au >0.1ppm (0.1g/t Au) and minimum 20m downhole width with maximum consecutive internal dilution of 10m. Also highlighted are high grade intervals of Au >0.5ppm (0.5g/t Au), Au >1ppm (1g/t Au), Au > 5ppm (5g/t Au), Au >10ppm (10g/t Au) and minimum 10m downhole width with maximum consecutive internal dilution of 10m. Gold and copper grades are reported to two significant figures. Samples are from core drilling which is HQ or NQ in diameter. Core is photographed and logged by the geology team before being cut. Half core HQ and NQ samples are prepared for assay and the remaining material is retained in the core farm for future reference. Each assay batch is submitted with duplicates and standards to monitor laboratory quality. Total depth (end of hole) is rounded to one decimal place for reporting purposes. Hole ID Hole Type Easting (m) Northing (m) RL (m) Total Depth (m) Azimuth Dip From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Au (ppm) Cu (pct) Cut off RC786 DD 453717 6396634 1396 1580.4 148 -59 712 1194 482 0.26 0.43 0.1 incl. 948 980 32 0.88 0.80 0.5 incl. 1050 1060 10 0.50 0.59 0.5 1228 1274 46 0.13 0.33 0.1 RC787 DD 453125 6396510 1444 1078.9 152 -50 638 916 278 0.26 0.31 0.1 Incl. 670 702 32 0.50 0.47 0.5 1032 1056 24 0.10 0.02 0.1 RC789 DD 453547 6396833 1376 758.2 142 -58 No significant intercepts RC789W DD 453547 6396833 1376 1717.8 142 -58 1070 1220 150 0.26 0.37 0.1 1242 1396 154 0.46 0.47 0.1 incl. 1294 1308 14 0.85 0.62 0.5 incl. 1370 1386 16 1.5 1.2 0.5 incl. 1370 1380 10 2.0 1.5 1 1440 1604 164 0.20 0.39 0.1 RC793 DD 453784 6396932 1343 1367.1 147 -56 1086 1230 144 0.19 0.37 0.1 1270 1367.1 97.1 0.35 0.44 0.1 incl. 1280 1290 10 0.59 0.60 0.5 incl. 1344 1356 12 0.63 0.88 0.5 RC795 DD 453696 6396838 1365 1740.7 146 -58 1004 1044 40 0.10 0.31 0.1 1076 1122 46 0.13 0.32 0.1 1152 1182 30 0.40 0.39 0.1 incl. 1156 1172 16 0.54 0.56 0.5 1238 1284 46 0.17 0.06 0.1 1324 1416 92 0.41 0.55 0.1 incl. 1390 1406 16 0.59 0.97 0.5 1446 1686 240 0.15 0.29 0.1 RC797 DD 453942 6396845 1324 1598.2 143 -57 1210 1244 34 0.10 0.20 0.1 1288 1440 152 0.12 0.41 0.1 RC799 DD 453978 6396796 1325 1634.6 148 -54 1200 1232 32 0.12 0.34 0.1 1256 1282 26 0.12 0.42 0.1 RC802 DD 452849 6396430 1476 1091.4 360 -90 Geotechnical Hole - Not Sampled RC803 DD 452781 6396498 1466 602.2 360 -90 Geotechnical Hole - Not Sampled RC804 DD 453877 6396985 1342 368.7 147 -57 No significant intercepts RC804W DD 453877 6396985 1342 1684.2 147 -57 Assays Pending RC805 DD 453731 6396989 1364 1133.5 144 -58 Assays Pending RC805W DD 453731 6396989 1364 1103.1 144 -58 Hole Abandoned RC805W2 DD 453731 6396989 1364 1330.1 144 -58 Assays Pending RC806R DD 452879 6395545 1460 524.2 350 -55 Geotechnical Hole - Not Sampled RC807 DD 453758 6396761 1375 1619.4 148 -58 Assays Pending RC808 DD 453753 6396582 1394 1442.0 148 -55 Assays Pending RC809 DD 453826 6396816 1352 1812.2 146 -56 Assays Pending RC810 DD 452881 6395542 1461 284.3 349 -72 Geotechnical Hole - Not Sampled RC811 DD 451453 6395327 1524 1043.3 147 -71 Assays Pending RC812 DD 453008 6396776 1444 401.2 347 -61 Geotechnical Hole - Not Sampled RC813 DD 451622 6395868 1529 1198.4 151 -54 Assays Pending RC814 DD 451528 6396040 1529 1289.4 149 -57 Assays Pending RC815# DD 453889 6396750 1347 1310.0 149 -54 Assays Pending RC816 DD 453752 6396584 1390 185.1 146 -50 Assays Pending RC816R# DD 453753 6396582 1394 1217.0 149 -48 Assays Pending RC817 DD 452132 6395335 1472 233.0 319 -27 Development hole RC818 DD 453208 6396916 1464 2019.8 146 -60 Assays Pending RC819 DD 453372 6397010 1462 2065.5 145 -55 Assays Pending RC820 DD 453285 6396970 1466 2069.0 145 -56 Assays Pending RC821 DD 452133 6395336 1471 214.5 350 -47 Assays Pending RC822 DD 451664 6395989 1542 1286.0 148 -58 Assays Pending RC823 DD 452134 6395335 1472 67.5 18 -44 Development hole RC824 DD 452461 6395587 1461 150.8 300 -56 Development hole RC825 DD 453484 6396402 1417 932.2 145 -53 Assays Pending RC826 DD 452462 6395587 1462 151.3 323 -56 Development hole RC827 DD 452851 6396103 1483 80.1 200 -89 Development hole RC828 DD 452851 6396102 1483 76.9 180 -50 Development hole RC829 DD 452853 6396103 1483 91.6 110 -50 Development hole RC830 DD 452455 6396060 1508 200.3 160 -55 Development hole RC831 DD 452455 6396060 1508 221.3 145 -55 Development hole RC832 DD 451410 6396014 1520 974.5 147 -59 Assays Pending RC833 DD 451611 6396091 1529 1022.1 149 -58 Assays Pending RC834 DD 453146 6396417 1448 809.0 149 -48 Assays Pending RC835# DD 453083 6396913 1466 938.4 146 -54 Assays Pending RC836# DD 453111 6396595 1442 1010.5 141 -65 Assays Pending RC837 DD 451474 6395925 1529 926.4 149 -60 Assays Pending RC838# DD 451473 6395924 1529 122.3 149 -50 Assays Pending RC839# DD 453807 6396678 1381 0.0 148 -58 Assays Pending RC840# DD 453667 6396944 1371 36.0 147 -62 Assays Pending # drilling in progress, **partial intercept, assays pending. ^updated intercept ^^previously reported intercept Figure 29. Schematic plan view map of the East Ridge showing drill hole locations (Newcrest & Imperial) and significant Newcrest intercepts (drill intercepts have been reported in Appendix 2 of this report, and in prior Newcrest exploration releases). 0.3 g/t Au, 1 g/t Au, 0.3% Cu and 1% Cu shell projections generated from a LeapfrogTM model. To view an enhanced version of Figure 29, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7614/131465_ae0d310174b60ba9_031full.jpg Figure 30. Schematic cross section of RC787 (Section Line 32N - as shown on Figure 29) showing Newcrest and Imperial drill holes and Newcrest intercepts (drill intercepts have been reported in Appendix 2 of this report, and in prior Newcrest exploration releases) 0.1 g/t Au, 0.5 g/t Au and 1 g/t Au shell projections generated from LeapfrogTM model. Due to window size (+/- 50m) and section orientation (150) hole may appear on multiple sections. To view an enhanced version of Figure 30, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7614/131465_ae0d310174b60ba9_032full.jpg Figure 31. Schematic cross section of RC786 and RC789/W (Section Line 38N - as shown on Figure 29) showing Newcrest and Imperial drill holes and Newcrest intercepts (drill intercepts have been reported in Appendix 2 of this report, and in prior Newcrest exploration releases) 0.1 g/t Au, 0.5 g/t Au and 1 g/t Au shell projections generated from LeapfrogTM model. Due to window size (+/- 50m) and section orientation (150) hole may appear on multiple sections. To view an enhanced version of Figure 31, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7614/131465_ae0d310174b60ba9_033full.jpg Figure 32. Schematic cross section of RC795 (Section Line 39N - as shown on Figure 29) showing Newcrest and Imperial drill holes and Newcrest intercepts (drill intercepts have been reported in Appendix 2 of this report, and in prior Newcrest exploration releases) 0.1g/t, 0.5g/t Au and 1g/t Au shell projections generated from LeapfrogTM model. Due to window size (+/- 50m) and section orientation (150) hole may appear on multiple sections. To view an enhanced version of Figure 32, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7614/131465_ae0d310174b60ba9_034full.jpg Figure 33. Schematic cross section of RC793 (Section Line 40N - as shown on Figure 29) showing Newcrest and Imperial drill holes and Newcrest intercepts (drill intercepts have been reported in Appendix 2 of this report, and in prior Newcrest exploration releases) 0.1g/t, 0.5g/t Au and 1g/t Au shell projections generated from LeapfrogTM model. Due to window size (+/- 50m) and section orientation (150) hole may appear on multiple sections. To view an enhanced version of Figure 33, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7614/131465_ae0d310174b60ba9_035full.jpg Figure 34. Schematic cross section of RC797 and RC799 (Section Line 41N - as shown on Figure 29) showing Newcrest and Imperial drill holes and Newcrest intercepts (drill intercepts have been reported in Appendix 2 of this report, and in prior Newcrest exploration releases) 0.1g/t, 0.5g/t Au and 1g/t Au shell projections generated from LeapfrogTM model. Due to window size (+/- 50m) and section orientation (150) hole may appear on multiple sections. To view an enhanced version of Fiigure 34, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7614/131465_ae0d310174b60ba9_036full.jpg Appendix 3 Havieron Project (Greatland Gold Plc - Joint Venture Agreement): JORC Table 1 Section 1: Sampling Techniques and Data Criteria Commentary Sampling techniques Core samples are obtained from core drilling in Proterozoic basement lithologies. PQ-HQ and NQ diameter core was drilled on a 6m run. Core was cut using an automated core-cutter and half core sampled at 1m intervals with breaks for major geological changes. Sampling intervals range from 0.2 - 1.0m. Cover sequences were not sampled. Drilling techniques Permian Paterson Formation cover sequence was drilled using mud rotary drilling. Depths of cover typically observed to approximately 420m vertically below surface. Steel casing was emplaced to secure the pre-collar. Core drilling was advanced from the base of the cover sequence with PQ3, HQ3 and NQ2 diameter coring configuration. Core from inclined drill holes is oriented on 3m and 6m runs using an electronic core orientation tool (Reflex ACTIII). At the end of each run, the bottom of hole position is marked by the driller, which is later transferred to the whole drill core run length with a bottom of hole reference line. Drill sample recovery Core recovery is systematically recorded from the commencement of coring to end of hole, by reconciling against driller's depth blocks in each core tray with data recorded in the database. Drillers depth blocks provided the depth, interval of core recovered, and interval of core drilled. Core recoveries were typically 100%, with isolated zones of lower recovery. Cover sequence drilling by the mud-rotary drilling did not yield recoverable samples. Logging Geological logging recorded qualitative descriptions of lithology, alteration, mineralisation, veining, and structure (for all core drilled - 10,217 m for 21 drill holes, all intersecting mineralisation), including orientation of key geological features. Geotechnical measurements were recorded including Rock Quality Designation (RQD) fracture frequency, solid core recovery and qualitative rock strength measurements. Magnetic susceptibility measurements were recorded every metre. The bulk density of selected drill core intervals was determined at site on whole core samples. All geological and geotechnical logging was conducted at the Havieron site. Digital data logging was captured on diamond drill core intervals only, and all data validated and stored in an acQuire database. All drill cores were photographed, prior to cutting and/or sampling the core. The logging is of sufficient quality to support Mineral Resource estimates. Sub-sampling techniques and sample preparation Sampling, sample preparation and quality control protocols are considered appropriate for the material being sampled. Core was cut and sampled at the Havieron core processing facility. Half core samples of between 0.2 and 2.0 m were collected in pre-numbered calico bags and grouped in plastic bags for dispatch to the laboratory. Sample weights typically varied from 0.5 to 8kg. Sample sizes are considered appropriate for the style of mineralisation. Drill core samples were freighted by air and road to the laboratory. Sample preparation was conducted at the independent ISO17025 accredited Intertek Laboratory, Perth (Intertek). Samples were dried at 105oC, and crushed to 95% passing 4.75mm, and the split to obtain up to 3kg sub-sample, which was pulverised (using LM5) to produce a pulped product with the minimum standard of 95% passing 106m. Routine grind size analysis is conducted. Duplicate samples were collected from crush and pulp samples at a rate of 1:20. Duplicate results show an acceptable level of variability for the material sampled and style of mineralisation. Periodic size checks (1:20) for crush and pulp samples and sample weights are provided by the laboratory and recorded in the acQuire database. Quality of assay data and laboratory tests Assaying of drill core samples was conducted at Intertek. All samples were assayed for 48 elements using a 4-acid digestion followed by ICP-AES/ICP-MS determination (method 4A/MS907), which is considered to provide a total assay for copper. Gold analyses were determined by 50g fire assay with AAS finish (method FA50N/AA), which is considered to provide a total assay for gold. Sampling and assaying quality control procedures consisted of inclusion of certified reference material (CRMs), coarse residue and pulp duplicates with each batch (at least 1:20). Assays of quality control samples were compared with reference samples in acQuire database and verified as acceptable prior to use of data from analysed batches. Laboratory quality control data, including laboratory standards, blanks, duplicates, repeats and grind size results are captured in the acQuire database and assessed for accuracy and precision for recent data. Extended quality control programs including pulp samples submitted to an umpire laboratory and combined with more extensive re-submission programs have been completed. Analysis of the available quality control sample assay results indicates that an acceptable level of accuracy and precision has been achieved and the database contains no analytical data that has been numerically manipulated. The assaying techniques and quality control protocols used are considered appropriate for the data to be used for reporting exploration drilling results. Verification of sampling and assaying Sampling intervals defined by the geologist are electronically assigned sample identification numbers prior to core cutting. Corresponding sample numbers matching pre-labelled calico bags are assigned to each interval. All sampling and assay information were stored in a secure acQuire database with restricted access. Electronically generated sample submission forms providing the sample identification number accompany each submission to the laboratory. Assay results from the laboratory with corresponding sample identification are loaded directly into the acQuire database. Assessment of reported significant assay intervals was verified by re-logging of diamond drill core intervals and assessment of high resolution core photography. The verification of significant intersections has been completed by company personnel and the Competent Person/Qualified Person. No adjustments are made to assay data, and no twinned holes have been completed. There are no currently known drilling, sampling, recovery, or other factors that could materially affect the accuracy or reliability of the data. Location of data points Drill collar locations were surveyed using a differential GPS with GNSS with a stated accuracy of +/- 0.5m for all drill holes reported. Drill rig alignment was attained using an electronic azimuth aligner. Downhole survey was collected at 6-12m intervals in the cover sequence, and every 6 to 30m in diamond drill core segments of the drill hole using single shot (Axis Mining Champ Gyro). The single shot surveys have been validated using continuous survey to surface (Axis Mining Champ) along with a selection of drill holes re-surveyed by an external survey contactor using a DeviGyro tool - confirming sufficient accuracy for downhole spatial recording. A LIDAR survey was completed over the project area in Nov 2019 which was used to prepare a DEM / topographic model for the project with a spatial accuracy of +/- 0.1m vertical and +/- 0.3m horizontal. The topography is generally low relief to flat, elevation within the dune corridors in ranges between 250-265m Australian Height Datum (AHD) steepening to the southeast. All collar coordinates are provided in the Geocentric Datum of Australian (GDA20 Zone 51). All relative depth information is reported in AHD +5000m. Data spacing and distribution Within the South-East Crescent and Breccia zone drill hole spacing ranges from 50 to 100m, to 50 by 50m within the resource extents. Outside the initial resource boundary drill hole spacing ranges from 50 to 200m in lateral extent within the breccia zone over an area of ~2km2. The data spacing is sufficient to establish the degree of geological and grade continuity. Significant assay intercepts remain open. Further drilling is required to determine the extent of currently defined mineralisation. No sample compositing is applied to samples. Drilling intersects mineralisation at various angles. Orientation of data in relation to geological structure Drill holes exploring the extents of the Havieron mineral system intersect moderately dipping carbonate and siliclastic sedimentary facies, mineralised breccia and sub-vertical intrusive lithologies. Geological modelling has been interpreted from historic and Newcrest drill holes. Variable brecciation, alteration and sulphide mineralisation is observed with a footprint with dimensions of 650m x 350m trending in a north west orientation and over 1000m in vertical extent below cover. The subvertical southeast high grade arcuate crescent sulphide zone has an average thickness of 20m and has been defined over a strike length of up to 550m, and extended to over 700m in vertical extent below cover. Drilling direction is oriented to intersect the steeply dipping high-grade sulphide mineralisation zones at an intersection angle of greater than 40 degrees. The drilled length of reported intersections is typically greater than true width of mineralisation. Sample security The security of samples is controlled by tracking samples from drill rig to database. Drill core was delivered from the drill rig to the Havieron core yard every shift. On completion of geological and geotechnical logging, core processing was completed by Newcrest personnel at the Havieron facility. High resolution core photography and cutting of drill core was undertaken at the Havieron core processing facilities. Samples were freighted in sealed bags by air and road to the Laboratory, and in the custody of Newcrest representatives. Sample numbers are generated directly from the database. All samples are collected in pre-numbered calico bags. Verification of sample numbers and identification is conducted by the laboratory on receipt of samples, and sample receipt advise issued to Newcrest. Details of all sample movement are recorded in a database table. Dates, Hole ID sample ranges, and the analytical suite requested are recorded with the dispatch of samples to analytical services. Any discrepancies logged at the receipt of samples into the analytical services are validated. Audits or reviews Internal reviews of core handling, sample preparation and assays laboratories were conducted on a regular basis by both project personnel and owner representatives. In the Competent Person's opinion, the sample preparation, security and analytical procedures are consistent with current industry standards and are entirely appropriate and acceptable for the styles of mineralisation identified and will be appropriate for use in the reporting of exploration results and Mineral Resource estimates. There are no identified drilling, sampling or recovery factors that materially impact the adequacy and reliability of the results of the drilling programme in place at the Havieron Project. Section 2: Reporting of Exploration Results Criteria Commentary Mineral tenement and land tenure status The Havieron Project is entirely contained within mining tenement M45/1287, which is jointly owned by Greatland Pty Ltd and Newcrest Operations Limited. Newcrest has entered into a Joint Venture Agreement (effective 30 November 2020) and Farm-In Agreement (effective 12 March 2019) with Greatland Pty Ltd and Greatland Gold plc. Newcrest is the Manager of the Havieron Project and holds a 70% interest in the Havieron Project with an option to acquire an additional 5% joint venture interest. The option price for the 5% interest has been determined by an independent valuer to be US$60 million in accordance with the process under the joint venture agreement. Newcrest has 30 business days from 20 July 2022 to elect whether to exercise the option. Newcrest and Jamukurnu-Yapalikurnu Aboriginal Corporation (formerly WDLAC) are parties to an ILUA which relates to the use of native title land for Newcrest's current operations at Telfer and its activities within a 60km radius around Telfer and includes its exploration activities at Havieron. The parties have agreed that the ILUA will apply to any future development activities by the Joint Venture Participants (Newcrest and Greatland Gold) at Havieron. The mining tenement M45/1287 wholly replaces the 12 sub-blocks of exploration tenement E45/4701 (former part of the exploration tenement on which the Havieron Project is based) and was granted on 10 September 2020. Exploration done by other parties Newcrest completed six core holes in the vicinity of the Havieron Project from 1991 to 2003. Greatland Gold completed drill targeting and drilling of nine Reverse Circulation (RC) drill holes with core tails for a total of approximately 6,800m in 2018. Results of drilling programs conducted by Greatland Gold have previously been reported on the Greatland Gold website. Drilling has defined an intrusion-related mineral system with evidence of breccia and massive sulphide-hosted higher-grade gold-copper mineralisation. Geology The Havieron Project is located within the north-western exposure of the Palaeo-Proterozoic to Neoproterozoic Paterson Orogen (formerly Paterson Province), 45 km east of Telfer. The Yeneena Supergroup hosts the Havieron prospect and consists of a 9km thick sequence of marine sedimentary rocks and is entirely overlain by approximately 420m of Phanerozoic sediments of the Paterson Formation and Quaternary aeolian sediments. Gold and copper mineralisation at Havieron consist of breccia, vein and massive sulphide replacement gold and copper mineralisation typical of intrusion-related and skarn styles of mineralisation. Mineralisation is hosted by metasedimentary rocks (meta-sandstones, meta-siltstones and meta-carbonate) and intrusive rocks of an undetermined age. The main mineral assemblage contains well developed pyrrhotite-chalcopyrite and pyrite sulphide mineral assemblages as breccia and vein infill, and massive sulphide lenses. The main mineralisation event is associated with amphibole-carbonate-biotite-sericite-chlorite wall rock alteration. Drilling has partially defined the extents of mineralisation which are observed over 650m by 350m within an arcuate shaped mineralised zone, and to depths of up to 1400m below surface. Drill hole Information As provided. Data aggregation methods Significant assay intercepts are reported as (A) length-weighted averages exceeding 1.0g/t Au greater than or equal to 10m, with a maximum of 5m consecutive internal dilution; and (B) length-weighted averages exceeding 0.2g/t Au for greater than or equal to 20m, with a maximum of 10m consecutive internal dilution, and (C) intervals of >30g/t which are greater or equal to 30 gram metres (Au_ppm x length). No top cuts are applied to intercept calculations. Relationship between mineralisation widths and intercept lengths Significant assay intervals reported represent apparent widths. Drilling is not always perpendicular to the dip of mineralisation and true widths are less than downhole widths. Estimates of true widths will only be possible when all results are received, and final geological interpretations have been completed. Diagrams As provided. Balanced reporting This is the twenty-third release of Exploration Results for this project made by Newcrest. Previous release dates are 25 July 2019, 10 September 2019, 24 October 2019, 2 December 2019, 30 January 2020, 11 March 2020, 30 April 2020, 11 June 2020, 23 July 2020, 10 September 2020, 29 October 2020, 10 December 2020, 28 January 2021, 11 March 2021, 29 April 2021, 10 June 2021, 22 July 2021, 9 September 2021, 28 October 2021, 9 December 2021, 28 January 2022, and 28 April 2022. Earlier reporting of exploration programs conducted by Newcrest and Greatland Gold have previously been reported. Exploration drilling programs are ongoing and further material results will be reported in subsequent Newcrest releases. Other substantive exploration data Nil Further work Growth drilling is planned to extend the December 2020 Inferred Mineral Resource estimate and define the limits of the Havieron mineralised system. Drillhole data(1) Havieron Project, Paterson Province, Western Australia Reporting Criteria: Intercepts reported are downhole drill width (not true width) Au >0.20ppm (0.2g/t Au) and minimum 20m downhole width with maximum consecutive internal dilution of 10m. Average grades are based on length-weighting of samples grades. Also highlighted are high grade intervals of Au >1.0ppm (1g/t Au) and minimum 10m downhole width with maximum consecutive internal dilution of 5m, and intervals of >30g/t which are greater or equal to 30 gram metres (Au_ppm x length) are tabled. Gold and copper grades are reported to two significant figures, the downhole lengths are rounded to 0.1m which may cause some apparent discrepancies in interval widths. Samples are from core drilling which is PQ, HQ or NQ in diameter. Core is photographed and logged by the geology team before being cut. Half core PQ, HQ and NQ samples are prepared for assay and the remaining material is retained in the core farm for future reference. Each assay batch is submitted with duplicates and standards to monitor laboratory quality. Total depth (end of hole) is rounded to one decimal place for reporting purposes. Collars denoted with a * show partial results, with further significant assays to be reported in subsequent exploration updates. Hole ID Hole Type Easting (m) Northing (m) RL (m) Total Depth (m) Azimuth Dip From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Au (ppm) Cu (pct) Cut off HAD055W4 MR-DD 463715 7597341 263 1033 47 -56 877.4 1027.3 149.9+ 2.7 0.12 0.2 g/t Au incl. 1013.4 1027.3 13.9+ 23 0.46 1.0 g/t Au incl. 1017.7 1025.8 8.0+ 35 0.55 30 g.m. Au HAD055W5 MR-DD 463715 7597341 263 1144.5 47 -56 892.5 969 76.5+ 1.1 0.11 0.2 g/t Au incl. 921 932.4 11.4+ 1.9 0.12 1.0 g/t Au 983.6 1023.2 39.6+ 2.8 0.07 0.2 g/t Au incl. 1020.7 1021.2 0.5+ 96 0.10 30 g.m. Au HAD055W6 MR-DD 463715 7597341 263 1149.3 47 -56 978.3 1021.5 43.2+ 1.4 0.08 0.2 g/t Au incl. 978.3 989.2 10.9+ 2.3 0.05 1.0 g/t Au HAD055W7 MR-DD 463715 7597341 263 1075.2 47 -56 973.8 1044.7 70.9+ 2.0 0.11 0.2 g/t Au incl. 1043.3 1044.7 1.4+ 45 0.21 30 g.m. Au HAD055W8 MR-DD 463715 7597341 263 1749.8 47 -56 No Significant Result HAD055W9 MR-DD 463715 7597341 263 1251.1 47 -56 835.0 924.0 89.0+ 0.86 0.16 0.2 g/t Au incl. 841.8 852.4 10.6+ 1.5 0.41 1.0 g/t Au incl. 873 883 10+ 1.7 0.37 1.0 g/t Au 935 985.3 50.3+ 0.70 0.01 0.2 g/t Au 1009 1100 91+ 1.7 0.10 0.2 g/t Au HAD055W10 MR-DD 463715 7597341 263 1249 47 -56 Assays Pending HAD055W11 MR-DD 463715 7597341 263 1635.9 47 -56 Assays Pending HAD098W1 MR-DD 463591 7597381 264 1690.7 38 -61 780 829 49 0.23 0.03 0.2 g/t Au 940.1 965.8 25.7 0.98 0.06 0.2 g/t Au 1003 1084.1 81.1 0.39 0.11 0.2 g/t Au 1103.2 1141 37.8 0.30 0.02 0.2 g/t Au 1154.6 1187.6 33 0.96 0.20 0.2 g/t Au incl. 1175.2 1187.6 12.4 1.9 0.20 1.0 g/t Au HAD098W2 MR-DD 463591 7597381 264 1748.4 38 -61 Assays Pending HAD104W1 MR-DD 463522 7597782 257 1987.9 87 -63 No Significant Result HAD104W2 MR-DD 463522 7597782 257 1754 87 -63 1496 1547 51 1.1 0.07 0.2 g/t Au HAD104W3 MR-DD 463522 7597782 257 1965 87 -63 Assays Pending HAD108AW1 MR-DD 463749 7597401 260 1648.3 42 -56 599.7 693 93.3+ 3.6 0.11 0.2 g/t Au incl. 618.6 631 12.4+ 10 0.38 1.0 g/t Au incl. 623.9 624.9 1.0+ 78 0.54 30 g.m. Au incl. 649.5 650.3 0.8+ 173 0.25 30 g.m. Au 706.3 754.6 48.3+ 1.4 0.19 0.2 g/t Au 769.1 855.6 86.5+ 0.72 0.08 0.2 g/t Au incl. 780.4 794.3 13.9+ 2.8 0.08 1.0 g/t Au 921.2 965.4 44.2 0.53 0.07 0.2 g/t Au HAD133W9 MR-DD 464072 759 Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - July 20, 2022) - 1287390 B.C. Ltd. ("390") and NiCAN Limited ("NiCAN") are pleased to announce that the parties have received conditional approval from the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV") for their previously announced business combination transaction (the "Transaction") in accordance with Policy 5.2 of the TSXV, pursuant to which 390 and NiCAN will, among other things, amalgamate and continue as one corporation (the "Resulting Issuer") under the provisions of the Business Corporations Act (Ontario). The Transaction remains subject to final approval of the TSXV and satisfaction of closing conditions customary for transactions of this nature. The Resulting Issuer, upon completion of the Transaction, will continue under the name "NiCAN Limited" and it is anticipated that the common shares of the Resulting Issuer will commence trading on the TSXV under the symbol "NICN". The Transaction is expected to close on or around July 25, 2022. Further to 390's press release dated April 8, 2022, the net proceeds from NiCAN's non-brokered private placement (the "Concurrent Financing") of (i) 8,177,500 non flow-through subscription receipts (the "HD Subscription Receipts") at a price of $0.40 per HD Subscription Receipt; and (ii) 6,305,946 flow-through subscription receipts (the "FT Subscription Receipts") at a price of $0.45 per FT Subscription Receipt (for gross proceeds of $6,108,675.70) will be released from escrow prior to the closing of the Transaction. In addition, each HD Subscription Receipt will convert into one common share of NiCAN and each FT Subscription Receipt will convert into one "flow-through" common share of NiCAN. In connection with the Transaction, 390 also completed a private placement on July 18, 2022 whereby it issued 70,500 common shares in the capital of 390 ("390 Shares") at a price of $0.307 per 390 Share for gross proceeds of $21,643.50. Prior to the closing of the Transaction, the 390 Shares will be consolidated on a one old 390 Share for 0.728 new 390 Share basis and 390 will effect a continuance into Ontario pursuant to the terms of the Business Corporations Act (Ontario). 390 has filed a filing statement dated July 19, 2022 (the "Filing Statement") with the TSXV and on SEDAR. Additional information in respect of the Transaction, NiCAN, the Wine Property and the Concurrent Financing can be found in the Filing Statement. Readers are encouraged to review the Filing Statement for full details on the Transaction. About NiCAN NiCAN Limited is a private mineral exploration company, focused on high quality nickel-copper opportunities in stable jurisdictions on known mineral belts. NiCAN is actively exploring two projects, the Wine Property and the Pipy Project, both located in known mining jurisdictions in Manitoba, Canada. Contact Information: 1287390 B.C. Ltd. James Ward, Director 416.897.2359 james@wardfinancial.ca NiCAN Limited Brad Humphrey President and CEO Phone: 416.565.4007 info@NiCANLtd.com Shaun Heinrichs CFO Phone: 604.839.2788 sheinrichs@NiCANLtd.com Completion of the Transaction and the proposed listing of the Resulting Issuer's common shares on the TSXV is subject to a number of conditions, including but not limited to, final TSXV acceptance. There can be no assurance that the Transaction will be completed as proposed or at all. Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the Filing Statement 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 NiCAN and 390 should be considered highly speculative. THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE INC. HAS IN NO WAY PASSED UPON THE MERITS OF THE TRANSACTION AND HAS NEITHER APPROVED NOR DISAPPROVED THE CONTENTS OF THIS NEWS RELEASE. Further details of the Transaction, including the proposed listing of the Resulting Issuer's common shares on the TSXV, will be included in subsequent news releases and disclosure documents to be filed by 390. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements The information contained herein contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to: the terms and conditions of the Transaction; the closing date of the Transaction; the satisfaction of the escrow release conditions in connection with the Concurrent Financing; use of proceeds from the Concurrent Financing; the ability of the parties to receive the final approval of the TSXV in respect of the Transaction; future development plans; and the business and operations of the Resulting Issuer after the Transaction. Forward-looking statements relate to information that is based on assumptions of management, forecasts of future results, and estimates of amounts not yet determinable. Any statements that express predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance are not statements of historical fact and may be "forward-looking statements." Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation: risks related to failure to obtain adequate financing on a timely basis and on acceptable terms; risks related to the outcome of legal proceedings; political and regulatory risks associated with mining and exploration; risks related to the maintenance of stock exchange listings; risks related to environmental regulation and liability; the potential for delays in exploration or development activities or the completion of feasibility studies; the uncertainty of profitability; risks and uncertainties relating to the interpretation of drill results, the geology, grade and continuity of mineral deposits; risks related to the inherent uncertainty of production and cost estimates and the potential for unexpected costs and expenses; results of prefeasibility and feasibility studies, and the possibility that future exploration, development or mining results will not be consistent with NiCAN's expectations; risks related to commodity price fluctuations; and other risks and uncertainties related to NiCAN's prospects, properties and business detailed elsewhere in 390's disclosure record. Should one or more of these risks and uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and 390 and NiCAN do not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances. Actual events or results could differ materially from 390's and NiCAN's expectations or projections. Not for distribution to United States news wire services or for dissemination in the United States. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/131480 LONDON, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Meteor Tutors is leading the online education market in online safety for children and young adults. The UK-based, independent educational platform hosts tutors that went through a thorough vetting process. They provide an inspiration to students that are looking for international excellence and entry to the top schools and universities globally. Meteor Tutors was created by Anita Grace MacDonald, a High School Principal and pianist, initially to provide a state-of-the-art solution for sophisticated online music lessons. Her approach to provide the highest safeguarding and privacy standards to protect the students was quickly extended to academic and vocational tutoring for a larger curriculum including Maths, Sciences, Business, Computing, Languages, Humanities and the Arts. As a multiple prizewinning pianist at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and qualified Secondary Headteacher, MacDonald scaled global online tuition by matching qualified and vetted tutors, using similar systems to in person school interview procedures. Meteor Tutors now leads the virtual education market in online safety with highest security and privacy standards. Tutors are vetted with a security check of their ID information, credentials, locations and police check. Classes are accessible via web or mobile app with secure two-factor authentication and facial and fingerprint technology. A secure messaging service does not require the exchange of personal phone numbers. Parents can have access to recorded classes and in-app chats. Integrated payment services provide personal info and payment protection. "Let's not forget the main benefit of online education, which is the ease of access to information which we should leverage in our role as teachers and tutors to make it available as far and wide as possible," says MacDonald, who comes from humble beginnings in Scotland. MacDonald's grandmother ensured the access to piano lessons, even when money was tight. Later, MacDonald was accepted into the Royal Conservatoire Scotland as one of the few working-class students, winning various awards and performing on national and international stages. "My strong work ethic was taught in the early days through music education which requires a long term commitment, patience, effort and application. Online education should serve these requirements," MacDonald resumes. Meteor Tutors comes with superior video conferencing quality in 4K video and Hi-Fi audio quality, added by countless features such as multiple cameras setup for close up work at the touch of a button. Students worldwide can access Meteor Tutors through the app store or at MeteorTutors.com. Press Contact: Melanie Marten, The Coup melanie@thecoup.de Tel +49 1707308126 Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1863323/Meteor_Tutors_1.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1863324/Meteor_Tutors_Logo.jpg LONDON, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- DMALINK, the emerging markets foreign exchange focused institutional ECN adds Andrew Evans to its senior advisory board to bolster representation from asset allocators, buyside funds and play a pivotal role in scaling the enlarged group post-merger. The appointment comes as DMALINK looks to build even further on its commitment to create more open, transparent and accessible FX, gold and digital asset electronic trading ecosystems. Manu Choudhary, Chief Executive Officer of DMALINK, says, "Andrew represents a major strategic addition to DMALINK and our senior advisory board. Andrew brings with him not only two decades of deep financial markets knowledge, but also adds the insight of an asset allocator and as the CEO and founder of one of London's fastest growing FinTech Unicorns, a huge amount of strategic vision. We are delighted that Andrew decided to join DMALINK on our journey to create the most disruptive electronic trading venue in the world." Andrew co-founded Smart (formerly "Smart Pension") to give real people simpler ways to save and access their savings throughout their lives. In recent years many world-leading institutions and governments have partnered with Smart helping it become one of London's fastest growing FinTech Unicorns with over 4 billion in assets under management. Andrew was, previously an international managing director, with roles at Lloyds, Barclays and Credit Agricole. He also works with cutting edge innovation foundations - awarding funding and offering advice to promising UK fintech companies and social entrepreneurs, including those who work with open banking. Andrew Evans added, "As an asset allocator, Smart strives to maximise returns to investors. The radical advances being created in terms of pre-trade TCA, AI powered liquidity management and anomaly detection, are invaluable tools to help buyside fund managers make better informed trading decisions whilst being able to benchmark execution across FX, gold and crypto helps reassure asset allocators that returns are not eroded needlessly by high frictional costs." Michael Siwek, DMALINK founder concluded, "The boards of DMALINK Ltd and DeFinity Markets Ltd recently agreed to merge the businesses to create the world's first cross asset institutional electronic trading venue. Whilst we await regulatory clearance, Andrew's role will focus primarily on DMALINK, however, he will be instrumental in helping to scale DeFinity Markets and the enlarged group and play a key role in our Series A capital raise." For media inquiries, please contact: Media Room, DMALINK Tel: +44 (0) 20 7117 2517 Email: media@dmalink.com About DMALINK www.dmalink.com DMALINK is an independent electronic trading, analytics and market data venue for institutional FX traders globally. All liquidity pools are proactively constructed across key emerging markets. Its platform participants benefit from advanced order analytics data and granular reporting and benchmarked execution services, ensuring price transparency for all platform participants. About DeFinity Markets www.definitymarkets.com DeFinity operates an institutional digital assets electronic trading venue for Cryptocurrencies and Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDC). In addition to supporting decentralised financial services for FX clearing, DeFinity is a layer-2 protocol with a focus on interoperability, utilising existing blockchain frameworks such as WeOwn, Ethereum, Polkadot, Binance Smart Chain and Cardano. About Smart (Formerly known as "Smart Pension") www.smartpension.co.uk Smart is a global savings and investments technology platform provider. Its mission is to transform retirement, savings and financial well-being around the world. Smart partners with governments and financial institutions (including insurers, asset managers, banks, financial advisers) to deliver retirement savings and income solutions that are digital, bespoke and cost efficient. In addition to the UK, Smart is operating in the USA, Europe, Australia and the Middle East with more than a million savers entrusting over 4 billion in assets on the platform. Smart supports its clients with a 750 strong global team. Legal & General, Fidelity International Strategic Ventures, J.P. Morgan, the Link Group, Barclays, Natixis Investment Managers, DWS Group and Chrysalis Investments are all investors in Smart. Wego saw 193 % increase in the number of searches from MENA to Thailand in last two months in comparison to February and March 2022 The country is in the top 10 destinations for GCC travelers Thailand is planning to launch a long-term resident visa for retirees, working professionals, specialists, and wealthy foreigners DUBAI, UAE, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Wego , the largest online travel marketplace in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), has tied up with Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to invite MNEA travelers to enjoy the best of the country in the new norm. To revive tourism in Thailand, the country launched the 'Visit Thailand Year 2022' campaign. The campaign under the theme "Amazing New Chapters" which the key messages will highlight the abundance of tourism products and services in Thailand that will fulfil all your travel desires, because from A to Z, Thailand has it all. The country ranks among the top 10 destinations for GCC travelers. It will be promoted across all Wego marketing channels to drive more visitors to the country and spread awareness on the new things to do and explore in the country post COVID-19. Mr. Chaiwat Tamtai Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand for Dubai and the Middle East commented: "One of the key travel trends for 2022 is workcation. As a result of this trend, Wego saw a spike in the number of searches on holiday homes 136%, hotel apartments 92% and apartments by 69% in Q1 2022 in comparison to the same period last year. And to make the country travel-friendly for workcations & remote jobs, Thailand is planning to launch a long-term resident visa for retirees, working professionals, specialists, and wealthy foreigners." The top destinations searching for Thailand from Jan to June 2022, are Saudi which saw 56 % compared to the same period in 2021, followed by Kuwait with 15% increase, UAE with 12%, and Bahrain with 7%. 48% of people searching for holidays in Thailand are solos, followed by 27% couples, and 24% families. Mamoun Hmedan, Chief Commercial Officer and Managing Director, Middle East, North Africa (MENA) and India of Wego, said: "We recorded over 193 % increase in the number of searches from MENA to Thailand in the last two months in comparison Feb and March 2022. Thailand ranks in the top 10 destinations for GCC travelers in 2022. We're thrilled to partner with TAT once again to cater to the growing travel demand from the MENA region." The campaign also emphasizes on instilling the spirit of responsible travel, which means availing of the highest forms of luxuries without disrupting nature, traditional food, local communities and flora, and fauna. A new set of rules has been ruled out for vaccinated and unvaccinated tourists from 1 June 2022 to make Thailand travel friendly. Tourists above the age of 18 years must be fully vaccinated at least 14 days before flying to Thailand. Tourists aged 5-17 years must be vaccinated with the first dose if they're traveling without their parents. About Wego Wego provides award-winning travel search websites and top-ranked mobile apps for travelers living in the Asia Pacific and the Middle East regions. Wego harnesses powerful yet simple to use technology that automates the process of searching and comparing results from hundreds of airlines, hotel, and online travel agency websites. Wego presents an unbiased comparison of all travel products and prices offered in the marketplace by merchants, both local and global, and enables shoppers to quickly find the best deal and place to book whether it is from an airline or hotel directly or with a third-party aggregator website. Wego was founded in 2005 and is headquartered in Dubai and Singapore with regional operations in Bangalore? Jakarta and Cairo. About Tourism Authority of Thailand: The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) was established on 18 March 1960. TAT was the first organization in Thailand to be specifically responsible for the promotion of tourism. TAT supplies information and data on tourist areas to the public and publicizes Thailand with the intention of encouraging both Thai and international tourists to travel in and around Thailand. TAT has established many overseas offices, the first being in New York, which opened in 1965. During the past years, TAT has established 29 offices in different parts of the world. The 29th office has already been opened at Fukuoka, Japan. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1863274/Thailand.jpg July 21, 2022, Oslo, Norway: PGS has been awarded a significant 3D exploration acquisition contract offshore Indonesia by a major energy company. Further, the Company has also been awarded a major 4D acquisition contract offshore Australia by an international energy company. Ramform Sovereign will mobilize for the 3D exploration contract in Indonesia mid-October and acquisition is expected to complete mid-December. The vessel will continue to Australia and mobilize for the 4D contract around year-end 2022 and complete acquisition towards the end of February 2023. "We are very pleased with these two contract awards, which in combination constitute an acquisition campaign of close to five months. The seismic acquisition market in Asia-Pacific has been slower than in the Atlantic basins, so it is encouraging to experience increasing demand in the region, and we have good leads for additional work beyond the campaign we have already secured," says President & CEO in PGS, Rune Olav Pedersen. FOR DETAILS, CONTACT: Bard Stenberg, VP IR & Corporate Communication Mobile: +47 99 24 52 35 *** PGS ASA and its subsidiaries. *** The information included herein contains certain forward-looking statements that address activities, events or developments that the Company expects, projects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future. These statements are based on various assumptions made by the Company, which are beyond its control and are subject to certain additional risks and uncertainties. The Company is subject to a large number of risk factors including but not limited to the demand for seismic services, the demand for data from our multi-client data library, the attractiveness of our technology, unpredictable changes in governmental regulations affecting our markets and extreme weather conditions. For a further description of other relevant risk factors we refer to our Annual Report for 2021. As a result of these and other risk factors, actual events and our actual results may differ materially from those indicated in or implied by such forward-looking statements. The reservation is also made that inaccuracies or mistakes may occur in the information given above about current status of the Company or its business. Any reliance on the information above is at the risk of the reader, and PGS disclaims any and all liability in this respect. --END-- Goal-based financial planning will be available to Rabobank's HNWI and retail clients InvestCloud, the global leader in digital transformation for the financial industry, today announced it is supporting Rabobank, one of the Netherlands' largest banks, to provide digital financial planning for all its customers, from private banking to retail clients. "Rabobank shares our belief that everyone should have access to a financial plan, no matter their level of income," said InvestCloud CEO John Wise. "We're thrilled to be partnering with them, helping further their bold ambitions to digitize client services and support millions in the Netherlands to better plan and invest in their futures and to achieve their life goals." Online and mobile app Rabobank clients will be able to create highly customizable life plans, allowing advisors to guide their clients to achieve their financial goals without needing to create time-intensive and costly proposals. Intelligent goal-based financial planning provides clients with a roadmap to achieve their individual life milestones from early retirement, a child's education, world travel or a custom goal. Key features include pension data integration, feasibility calculations and graphs and automated recommendations for savings, investing and annuity savings. The partnership with another major European bank solidifies InvestCloud's commitment to helping drive digital transformation and delivering personalized wealth experiences across the continent. Its next-generation product suite InvestCloud X offers end-to-end digitalization of wealth from Digital Communication to Digital Planning to a digital Financial Supermarket that transforms the buying and selling of financial products. About InvestCloud InvestCloud is a global company specializing in digital platforms that enable the development of financial solutions, pre-integrated into the Cloud. The company offers on-demand client experiences and intuitive operations solutions using an ever-expanding library of modular apps, resulting in powerful products. Headquartered in Los Angeles, InvestCloud has over 20 global offices including New York, London, Geneva, Singapore, Tokyo and Sydney, supporting trillions in assets across hundreds of diverse clients from the largest banks in the world to wealth managers, asset managers and asset services companies. For more information, visit InvestCloud.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220720005441/en/ Contacts: InvestCloud Media Contact: Linden Gregory Metia Group +44 (0)7525 926 435 Linden.Gregory@Metia.com InvestCloudUK@Metia.com A Ukrainian soldier flashes the victory sign atop a tank in Donetsk region, Ukraine, in this June 20, file photo. Ukraine has asked the West to provide it with armor to help replenish its heavy battlefield losses. The country has reportedly received about 300 Soviet-built T-72 tanks from Poland and the Czech Republic and already used them in combat. AP-Yonhap The United States on Wednesday promised to send more precision rocket systems to Kyiv, soon after Moscow signaled it was aiming to seize more Ukrainian territory beyond the eastern industrial region of Donbas. The announcement came as the European Commission called on EU members to slash demand for natural gas to relieve dependence on Russian energy and the bloc agreed an embargo on Russian gold imports, measures that Kyiv nevertheless dismissed as insufficient. Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin said Washington would send four more M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (Himars), which have notably boosted Kyiv's capabilities on the battlefield in recent weeks by allowing Ukrainian forces to hit Russian targets from long distances. "Ukraine needs the firepower and the ammunition to withstand this barrage and to strike back," Austin told reporters, adding that the new shipment would bring the total of US Himars sent to Kyiv to 16. Hours earlier, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said in an interview that Moscow's military was no longer only focused on wresting control of the east Ukraine regions of Lugansk and Donetsk, which have been partially controlled by pro-Moscow rebels for years. "The geography is different now. It is not only about the DNR and LNR, but also the Kherson region, the Zaporizhzhia region and a number of other territories," he explained to state media. On Tuesday, the United States said Russia was "beginning to roll out a version of what you could call an annexation playbook" citing the same areas mentioned by Lavrov. Russian forces, since invading Ukraine on February 24, have steadily advanced into each of those regions, wreaking destruction as they captured key cities and met fierce Ukrainian resistance. In recent weeks, they have also hit Ukrainian civilian targets in cities and towns far away from the frontline, leaving scores of civilians dead, in what Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called a terror campaign. 'Russian terror must lose' In an emotional speech before the U.S. Congress on Wednesday, Ukrainian First Lady Olena Zelenska described the suffering of millions of Ukrainian parents and children, and asked Washington for air-defence systems to fend off Russian missiles. Zelenska, stepping into a more public role after staying sheltered in the first weeks of the war, displayed images of children who were killed or maimed by Russia, including a four-year-old killed by a strike in the city of Vinnytsia. Photos of her blood-spattered pink stroller and footage of her final moments went viral on social media. "Help us to stop this terror against Ukrainians," Zelenska said. Later in the day, Zelensky expressed hope that Kyiv's pleas for anti-missile systems would be heard, saying: " I hope the answers to our requests won't be long in coming." Western arms a 'direct threat' to Russia The steady progress of Russian troops in the east has come after Moscow's forces failed early in the invasion to capture the capital Kyiv and were pushed back from Ukraine's second city Kharkiv. But Russian artillery has pursued an almost constant shelling campaign on Kharkiv, and strikes on Wednesday killed three people, local officials said. "There was a 13-year-old boy among them," the regional governor Oleg Synegubov said in a statement on social media. AFP journalists saw a man in shock kneeling over the body, which was covered by a blue sweatshirt and surrounded by shards of broken glass. While the brunt of recent fighting in Ukraine has focused on Donbas, a Ukrainian counter-offensive in the south has slowly clawed back some Russian-held territory, thanks in large part to Western-supplied long-range artillery. Lavrov said that Western arms deliveries to Ukraine had been a factor in Moscow's decision to focus beyond the east and said its ambitions could expand even more if the shipments continued. "We cannot allow the part of Ukraine that Zelensky will control or whoever replaces him to have weapons that will pose a direct threat to our territory and the territory of those republics that have declared their independence," Lavrov said, referring to Donetsk and Lugansk. Emergency energy plans Lavrov also dismissed the idea of further peace talks with Ukraine, claiming that earlier rounds showed Kyiv was unwilling to negotiate in "earnest." "It doesn't make any sense in the current situation," he told state media. Russian and Ukrainian delegations are nevertheless expected in Istanbul in the coming days for more talks on unblocking Ukraine's Black Sea grain exports. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Wednesday he hoped an agreement could be formulated "this week." The West has responded to Russia's invasion with several packages of damaging sanctions, which in turn has seen Russia cut natural gas supplies to the bloc, spurring a supply and cost crisis. In its latest package of penalties Wednesday, the EU targeted gold exports and froze assets at Russia's largest bank Sberbank. And Brussels also asked EU members to reduce demand for natural gas by 15 percent in order to limit supplies from Russia, which last year accounted for 40 percent of EU's imports. Zelensky however criticized those measures as inadequate, saying in his address: "Russia must pay a much higher price for this war, which would force it to seek peace." (AFP) AIM and Media Release 21 July 2022 BASE RESOURCES LIMITED Quarterly Activities Report - June 2022 African mineral sands producer, Base Resources Limited (ASX & AIM: BSE) (Base Resources or the Company) is pleased to provide an operational, development and corporate update for the quarter ended 30 June 2022. Key Points FY22 production guidance achieved and FY23 production guidance released. Ongoing strong demand supported price increases for rutile and zircon while ilmenite prices remained steady. Record sales revenue of US$91.3 million supported a record revenue to cost of sales ratio of 3.5:1. supported a record revenue to cost of sales ratio of 3.5:1. Bumamani Project investment approved - extending Kwale Operations mine life to December 2024 . . Tanzanian exploration samples assayed, with a follow-up aircore drilling program planned for the September quarter. Discussions with the Government of Madagascar on Toliara Project fiscal terms continued. on Toliara Project fiscal terms continued. Toliara Project monazite and rare earth products concept study underway and due for completion in the December quarter. KWALE OPERATIONS Operational performance Mining operations continued on the South Dune orebody with mined tonnage lower than planned due to the previously announced eight-day outage caused by localised flash flooding in early June. Mining subsequently returned to normal levels following successful recovery efforts. The heavy mineral (HM) grade of ore mined in the quarter was higher at 4.06% (last quarter: 3.84%). Production was consistent with the prior quarter across all products, with the higher ore grade offsetting the lower mined volume. The heavy mineral concentrate stockpile was maintained at 10kt, following some depletion during the prior quarter. Bulk loading operations at Kwale Operations' Likoni export facility continued to run smoothly, dispatching a combined 116kt of bulk ilmenite and rutile during the quarter (last quarter: 95kt). Containerised shipments of rutile and zircon through the Mombasa Port also proceeded to plan. SUMMARY BY QUARTER FY21 FY22 JUN SEP DEC MAR JUN Mining (million tonnes) Ore mined 4.7 4.4 4.3 3.9 3.9 HM % 3.65 3.26 3.82 3.84 4.06 VHM % 2.78 2.50 2.94 2.92 3.12 Production (thousand tonnes) Ilmenite 88.7 72.9 84.0 84.5 83.8 Rutile 20.1 17.8 18.4 18.9 19.2 Zircon 7.1 6.1 6.4 6.3 6.8 Low grade products1 0.4 0.5 3.5 4.4 4.9 SUMMARY BY QUARTER FY21 FY22 JUN SEP DEC MAR JUN US$ per tonne Sales revenue $497 $668 $459 $740 $691 Operating costs $148 $174 $161 $149 $152 Cost of goods sold $202 $264 $156 $227 $196 Revenue: Cost ratio 2.5 2.5 2.9 3.3 3.5 Sales (thousand tonnes) Ilmenite 94.0 34.1 130.0 75.5 95.7 Rutile 24.6 13.8 11.6 25.3 24.7 Zircon 7.7 5.6 6.2 6.9 7.1 Low grade products1 0.7 0.6 1.5 4.8 4.7 [Note (1): Low grade products are a combination of low grade zircon and low grade rutile which are sold separately at a discount to standard grade products.] Sand tails continued to be deposited into the mined-out Central Dune area and capped with a co-disposed slimes/sand layer to aid water retention and subsequent rehabilitation. Rehabilitation activities on both the Central Dune and the South Dune were put on hold during the rainy season through May and June, in line with normal practice. Total cash operating costs of US$17.4 million increased compared to the prior quarter (last quarter at US$16.9 million) primarily due to higher unit fuel costs for mining and processing activities. With consistent final production, unit operating costs remained steady at US$152 per tonne produced (rutile, ilmenite, zircon, low grade zircon and low grade rutile) (last quarter: US$149 per tonne). Cost of goods sold decreased to US$196 per tonne sold (operating costs, adjusted for stockpile movements, and royalties) due to the sales mix (last quarter: US$227 per tonne), as did average unit revenue, which was US$691 per tonne (prior quarter: US$740 per tonne). Due to these factors, the revenue to cost of goods sold ratio for the quarter increased to 3.5 (last quarter: 3.3), the highest ratio achieved for any quarter at Kwale Operations. FY22 production and FY23 production guidance As set out in the table below, total Kwale Operations production for the 2022 financial year (FY22) was within the Company's previously disclosed guidance range. Also set out below is the Company's production guidance for the 2023 financial year (FY23), which is unchanged from that previously announced. Production Guidance (tonnes) FY22 Guidance Range FY22 Actual FY23 Guidance Range Rutile 73,000 to 83,000 74,349 62,000 to 73,000 Ilmenite 310,000 to 340,000 325,148 260,000 to 310,000 Zircon 24,000 to 28,000 25,557 22,000 to 27,000 The FY23 production guidance is lower than for FY22 as a consequence of the planned commencement of mining in the lower HM grade Kwale North Dune orebody from March 2023 and normal uncertainties associated with mining a new orebody. The FY23 production guidance is subject to the following assumptions: Land access arrangements being finalised in time to enable mining at the Kwale North Dune to commence in March 2023 . . Mining of 16.5 million tonnes ( Mt ) at an average HM grade of 3.51%. ) at an average HM grade of 3.51%. HMC produced by the wet concentrator plant of 571kt. HMC fed into the Mineral Separation Plant ( MSP ) of 556kt. ) of 556kt. MSP product recoveries of 101% for rutile, 101.5% for ilmenite and 84.5% for zircon. MARKETING Despite growing economic uncertainties across several regions during the quarter, markets for all products remained strong with further price gains achieved for zircon and rutile while net ilmenite prices were steady. Some Chinese market segments are under pressure due to the country's COVID-19 management policies, which will likely result in a stabilisation of delivered product pricing for sales to China in the September quarter. The Ukraine conflict continues to disrupt supply, further tightening the global market for all mineral sands products. Firm demand for imported ilmenite as a feedstock for Chinese TiO2 pigment producers is being maintained. Prices for delivered ilmenite to China increased but higher freight costs resulted in net pricing being in line with the prior quarter. Despite the ongoing higher price environment, ilmenite supply from traditional swing sources still lags demand and markets remain tight. Downstream domestic demand for Chinese pigment has eased but this has been largely offset by export demand strength. It is expected that the uncertain global and Chinese economic outlook will result in a stabilisation of delivered pricing for ilmenite in the short term. Demand for high grade TiO2 feedstocks (which includes rutile) increased further with all rutile end-user sectors continuing to seek more supply than is available as they aim to maximise output. Western pigment producers remain short on feedstock and are unable to meet customer demand. Similarly, titanium metal sponge producers outside of Russia are struggling to keep up with the strong demand from the aerospace industry as orders for new aircraft increase and supply sanctions on Russia remove a major source of titanium metal supply from the market. Flux-cored wire welding consumable producers are being challenged by strong demand growth from ship-building activity. Supply of high-grade feedstock remains constrained with no new major sources of supply likely to impact the market in the short term. Rutile prices increased again through the quarter with further price gains likely in the September quarter. Zircon prices increased significantly during the quarter on the back of strong demand across all end-use sectors and regions. While zircon demand continues to outpace supply in Europe, the Chinese market has become more uncertain on the back of a slowing ceramics sector. The Company's average zircon prices, which remain at the top end of the market range, are likely to ease slightly in the September quarter in response to market concerns from Chinese customers. SUSTAINABILITY Health and safety There were no lost time injuries during the quarter resulting in a lost time injury frequency rate (LTIFR) for Base Resources of 0.24 per million hours worked. Compared to the Western Australian All Mines 2020/2021 LTIFR of 2.0, this remains an exceptional performance and reflects the ongoing focus and importance placed on safety by management. With three medical treatment injuries recorded in the last 12 months, Base Resources' total recordable injury frequency rate is 0.97 per million hours worked. At the end of the quarter, 100% of Kwale Operations employees had received one dose of COVID-19 vaccine, with 89% double vaccinated. Community and environment - Kwale Operations With the emergence of a new wave of COVID-19 infections in Kenya, the Company further collaborated with county and national health authorities to encourage the community uptake of vaccines. Agricultural livelihood programs in Kwale continued through the PAVI farmers' cooperative with planting of cotton, soybean, sunflower, pearl millet, groundnuts and sorghum. Poultry and beekeeping programs also remained popular with farmers and community groups. Disbursement of funds for secondary school scholarships was completed during the quarter with 320 new beneficiaries selected. Implementation of identified projects by the Msambweni, Lunga Lunga and Likoni Community Development Agreement Committees (CDACs) continued with considerable progress made on several infrastructure projects. As the CDACs have now been in place for over a year, a review of their respective activities commenced, the outcomes of which will guide enhancements in future implementation. Community groups continued to source and supply indigenous legumes, grass seed and manure for rehabilitation activities on the mined-out sections of the South Dune and the Central Dune. Propagation of indigenous trees in the Kwale Operations nursery to use in rehabilitation areas is ongoing, with a total of 41,000 trees planted during FY22. Community and environment - Toliara Project All community training programs and social infrastructure projects remain on hold following the Government of Madagascar's suspension of the Company's on-ground activities. BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Toliara Project development - Madagascar Toliara Project on-ground activities remain suspended by the Government of Madagascar. Base Resources continues to engage with the Government in relation to the country's Large Mining Investment Law (LGIM) regime, fiscal terms applicable to the Toliara Project and lifting of the suspension. In September 2021, the Company completed an enhanced Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS2) for the Toliara Project to incorporate an update to the estimated Ranobe Ore Reserves and an increase in project scale.2 The outcomes of DFS2, compared to the earlier 2019 DFS, included substantially improved forecast financial returns for the Toliara Project, including a post-tax/pre-debt (real) NPV10 of US$1.0 billion and an average revenue to cost of sales ratio of 3.5, over an initial 38-year mine life3. Timing of the Final Investment Decision (FID) to proceed with construction of the Toliara Project remains subject to lifting of the suspension of on-the-ground activities and agreeing acceptable fiscal terms with the Government of Madagascar. Once these two key milestones are achieved, there will be approximately 11 months' work to complete prior to reaching FID, including finalisation of funding, completion of land acquisition, conclusion of major construction contracts and entry of offtake agreements with customers. The Company maintains readiness to accelerate progress when conditions support. Assessment of potential funding options for the Toliara Project also progressed during the quarter. Base Resources' concept study to assess the commercial potential of the monazite identified in the Toliara Project's Ranobe Mineral Resources estimate was also progressed in the quarter with industry specialists engaged to consider options for further processing monazite into value-added rare earth products. The study is scheduled for completion in the December 2022 quarter. Total expenditure on the Toliara Project for the quarter was US$1.0 million (last quarter: US$1.0 million). [Note (2): For further information, refer to Base Resources' announcement on 27 September 2021 "DFS2 enhances scale and economics of the Toliara Project" (DFS2 Announcement).] [Note (3): Refer to the DFS2 Announcement for the material assumptions and underlying methodologies for deriving these financial outcomes. The DFS2 Announcement also discloses key pre and post FID risks in respect of the Toliara Project. Base Resources confirms that all the material assumptions underpinning the production information and forecast financial information in the DFS2 Announcement continue to apply and have not materially changed.] Kwale mine life extension The Company decided to proceed with the Bumamani Project during the quarter, extending Kwale Operations mine life by 13 months to December 2024 - refer to Figure 1 for a map of Kwale Operations as included in the PDF version of this release, available from the Company's website: www.baseresources.com.au. The Bumamani Project will be mined concurrently with the Kwale South Dune deposit to maximise mining rates and better manage tailings. Procurement and construction commenced during the quarter with mining on the North Dune scheduled for March 2023. Extensional exploration - Kenya and Tanzania No further work was conducted on the Vanga Prospecting Licence (PL/2015/0042) in the quarter. The remaining drill program (4,200 metres) in the North-East Sector (Kwale East) of PL 2018/0119 remains on hold pending land access being obtained, with renewed efforts to engage the community to secure access continuing to make encouraging progress. Prospecting licence applications lodged for an area in the Kuranze region of Kwale county, about 70 km west of Kwale Operations, together with applications for an area south of Lamu, remain pending. A Government of Kenya moratorium on the issuance of prospecting licences, in place since November 2019, has affected the progress of all licence applications. The Company is working with the Government, and other mining sector stakeholders, to see the moratorium lifted to enable the recommencement of the issuance of mineral rights. The Company continued on-ground exploration in Tanzania. Following analysis of samples from the shallow auger drilling, test pits and rock chip sampling, a follow-up 3,000m air-core drilling program is planned to commence during the September quarter. Subject to the successful outcome of this program, a further 10,000m infill drill program is planned. Expenditure on exploration activities in Kenya during the quarter was US$0.2 million (last quarter: US$0.1 million) and in Tanzania was US$0.2 million (last quarter: US$0.1 million). CORPORATE FY22 full year financial results The Company is targeting release of its FY22 audited consolidated financial statements in the week commencing 22 August 2022. Timing confirmation and investor webcast details will be advised closer to the planned release. The Company achieved record sales revenue of US$91.3 million in the quarter, with US$51.8 million occurring in June, leading to an increase in receivables of US$26.2 million over the quarter. As at 30 June 2022, the Company had net cash of US$55.4 million consisting of: cash and cash equivalents of US$55.4 million ; and ; and no debt. As at 30 June 2022, the Company had the following securities on issue: 1,178,011,850 fully paid ordinary shares. 62,041,429 performance rights pursuant to the terms of the Base Resources Long Term Incentive Plan, comprising: 949,004 vested performance rights, which remain subject to exercise 4 ; and 61,092,425 unvested performance rights subject to performance testing in accordance with their terms of issue. [Note (4): Vested performance rights have a nil cash exercise price. Unless exercised beforehand, these rights expire five years after vesting.] ENDS. Forward looking statements Certain statements in or in connection with this announcement contain or comprise forward looking statements. Such statements may include, but are not limited to, statements with regard to future production and grades, capital cost, capacity, sales projections and financial performance and may be (but are not necessarily) identified by the use of phrases such as "will", "expect", "anticipate", "believe" and "envisage". By their nature, forward looking statements involve risk and uncertainty because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that will occur in the future and may be outside Base Resources' control. Accordingly, results could differ materially from those set out in the forward-looking statements as a result of, among other factors, changes in economic and market conditions, success of business and operating initiatives, changes in the regulatory environment and other government actions, fluctuations in product prices and exchange rates and business and operational risk management. Subject to any continuing obligations under applicable law or relevant stock exchange listing rules, Base Resources undertakes no obligation to update publicly or release any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after today's date or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. For further information contact: James Fuller, Manager Communications and Investor Relations UK Media Relations Base Resources Tavistock Communications Tel: +61 (8) 9413 7426 Jos Simson and Gareth Tredway Mobile: +61 (0) 488 093 763 Tel: +44 (0) 207 920 3150 Email: jfuller@baseresources.com.au This release has been authorised by the Board of Base Resources. About Base Resources Base Resources is an Australian based, African focused, mineral sands producer and developer with a track record of project delivery and operational performance. The Company operates the established Kwale Operations in Kenya and is developing the Toliara Project in Madagascar. Base Resources is an ASX and AIM listed company. Further details about Base Resources are available at www.baseresources.com.au PRINCIPAL & REGISTERED OFFICE Level 3, 46 Colin Street West Perth, Western Australia, 6005 Email: info@baseresources.com.au Phone: +61 (0)8 9413 7400 Fax: +61 (0)8 9322 8912 NOMINATED ADVISOR RFC Ambrian Limited Stephen Allen Phone: +61 (0)8 9480 2500 JOINT BROKER Berenberg Matthew Armitt / Detlir Elezi Phone: +44 20 3207 7800 JOINT BROKER Canaccord Genuity Raj Khatri / James Asensio / Patrick Dolaghan Phone: +44 20 7523 8000 Ordinary and extraordinary AGM held at global headquarters on 20 July 2022 Audited annual accounts for year ended 31 January 2022 approved Consolidated financial statements approved Remuneration of the members of the Board of Directors ratified Changes to the Board's composition approved Deloitte, S.L appointed as new auditor Quadpack Industries (Euronext Growth: ALQP), manufacturer and provider of packaging solutions to the global beauty industry, held its annual general meeting on 20 July 2022. The meeting was chaired by Chairman of the Board Tim Eaves at its headquarters in L'Hospitalet, Barcelona, Spain, and attended by the Board, with shareholders holding over 90.88 per cent of the voting share capital represented in person and by delegation. The audited annual accounts and consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 January 2022 were approved. No dividends were declared. The remuneration of the members of the Board of Directors were also ratified, with 50,000 euros per annum to be paid to the Board Members and Secretary; and 20,000 per annum to the non-director Vice-Secretary, for the following financial year, ending 31 January 2023. The 2021 Impact Report was presented. The report imparts non-financial information, as part of its adherence to environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards. The presentation highlighted achievements related to the company's 2020-2025 strategy, formulated to ensure resilient performance, as well as a positive impact on the environment and society, through the company's people, processes and products. Chief among these is the certification as a B Corporation. The B Corp movement promotes a new model of companies that balance purpose and profit, considering employees, customers, suppliers, society and environment when making decisions. Changes in the Board composition comprised the departure of Quadpack's independent members, Chrysoula Zervoudakis and Cheryl Hall. The Board currently consists of Tim Eaves, Chairman; Steven Lewis, Vice-President and Board Member; Patrick McDermott, Board Member; Marc Sahonet, Board Member; Ignacio Martinez, Legal Counsel and Company Secretary; and Beatriz Requena, Legal Advisor and Company Vice-Secretary. As in the previous two years, the meeting was a closed session for physical safety reasons, with voting carried out by proxy and the session recorded, to be shared shortly with all shareholders. Quadpack Chairman and CEO Tim Eaves said: "I would like to extend my gratitude to our investors, partners and stakeholders for their continued trust. It is thanks to a robust strategy, combined with the hard work and commitment of the global Quadpack family, that we enter the next financial year with confidence in a strong recovery. As a newly-certified B Corp, we are committed to making a positive impact in every area affected by our business." -ENDS- Contact details Email: investorrelations@quadpack.com Further information www.quadpack.com ------------------------ This publication embed "Actusnews SECURITY MASTER ". - SECURITY MASTER Key: ymlxaJSZapfIl2tqZ56aZpNoaG1lxWDFmmGXx2ScYsqbmWlhym5hbMfIZnBmm2Zu - Check this key: https://www.security-master-key.com. ------------------------ Copyright Actusnews Wire Receive by email the next press releases of the company by registering on www.actusnews.com, it's free Full and original release in PDF format:https://www.actusnews.com/documents_communiques/ACTUS-0-75618-qp-agm-2022-re-en.pdf PARIS (dpa-AFX) - French railway company Getlink SE (GRPTY) reported Thursday that its first-half consolidated net result was 52 million euros, compared to last year's restated loss of 124 million euros. Operating margin or EBITDA surged 206 percent from last year to 309 million euros. Consolidated revenue for the first half totalled 577 million euros, up 76 percent from last year's 328 million euros, driven by the lifting of travel restrictions and Eurotunnel marketing activity, as well as the ElecLink go live. Eurotunnel EBITDA was 260 million euros, up 213 percent, and revenues were 474 million euros, up 81 percent. In the second quarter, group revenue grew 103 percent from last year to 349.5 million euros. Further, the company announced distribution of a dividend of 0.10 euro for the 2021 financial year. The company also announced the appointment of Brune Poirson and Lord Ricketts to the Board of Directors. For more earnings news, earnings calendar, and earnings for stocks, visit rttnews.com 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. SHENZHEN, China, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- This week, Huawei held the Carrier Cloud Transformation Summit as a highlight of its Win-Win Innovation Week. During the summit keynote entitled Huawei Cloud: Enabling New Growth for Carriers, Director of Huawei Carrier IT Marketing & Solution Sales Chen Xuejun announced Huawei's first suite of global scenario-based cloud solutions for carriers. These solutions focus on monetizing networks, innovating services, and optimizing operations to help carriers embrace cloud transformation and growth acceleration. With advances in 5G, cloud computing, big data, and edge computing, cloud transformation has become the future of telecom carriers. According to Gartner, carriers around the world will increase their IT infrastructure investment in cloud transformation at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 27% in the next five years. Huawei has distilled its over three decades of telecom experience and cloud expertise into the following key factors for carrier cloud transformation: first, the selection of a transformation strategy by factoring in a carrier's own advantages; second, the planning of a transformation path considering data security, system stability, and service agility; and third, the selection of a trusted, experienced, and competent partner for win-win collaboration. Huawei builds these three factors into its carrier cloud solutions. First, Network + Cloud expands the scope of network monetization. Huawei's network insights and cloud-network collaboration solutions enable carriers to expand their service and market boundaries for maximum network value. For enterprise customers in China, Huawei Cloud provides a Cloud + Network + Security deployment solution to expand the coverage of traditional solutions with integrated ICT for a multiplier boost in value. Second, Service + Cloud accelerates service innovation. Huawei Cloud leverages Huawei's experience in the telecom industry and its advanced cloud platform capabilities to make carrier development agile and bring innovation faster to market. In Africa, a customer deployed the mobile wallet platform on Huawei Cloud, shortening service rollout from months to weeks. The Huawei Cloud ecosystem further shortened this rollout from months to just one week. Third, Operation + Cloud drives operations efficiency. Huawei Cloud pre-optimized cloud solution powers basic telecom services, expands the user scale, and catalyzes the continuous growth of main services. An Asian carrier counted that only 10% of its 5G subscribers are using 5G service packages and 5G network coverage. Huawei uses the distributed data lake solution for collaborative analysis of business support system (BSS) data, improving operations efficiency and boosting the marketing conversion for 5G provisioning by 180%. Chen Xuejun concluded his keynote with Huawei Cloud's commitment. "The key to carrier cloud transformation lies in smarter use of the cloud for networks, services, and operations. Huawei Cloud will work with global carriers to transform and open up new growth space." The Win-WinHuawei Innovation Week is held from July 18 to July 21 in Shenzhen, China. Together with global operators, industry professionals, and opinion leaders, we dive into topics such as 5.5G, green development, and digital transformation to envision shared success in the digital economy. For more information, please visit: https://carrier.huawei.com/en/events/winwin-innovation-week. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1863593/Chen_Xuejun_delivering_keynote_speech.jpg WALLDORF (dpa-AFX) - German software major SAP AG (SAP), on Thursday posted a decline in earnings for the second quarter, mainly due to reduced revenue from software licenses, as well as significant bad debt expenses related to the war in Ukraine. The company also announced a share buyback program of around 500 million euros. In addition, for the full year, Weinheim-based firm cut its non-IFRS operating profit amidst war in Ukraine and a potential continued marked decline in software licenses revenue. For the quarter ended in June, the software company posted a post-tax profit of 203 million euros or 0.28 euro per share, compared with 1.449 billion euros or 1.15 euros per share, reported a year ago. Non-IFRS profit after tax was at 1.093 billion euros, versus 2.214 billion euros, year-over-year basis. Operating earnings were at 673 million euros as against 984 million euros of previous year period. The company's non-IFRS operating income dropped to 1.680 billion euros, from 1.992 billion euros of 2021. SAP registered total revenues of 7.517 billion euros, higher than 6.669 billion euros, on year-on-year basis. Revenues from software licenses fell to 426 million euros from 650 million euros during the corresponding period last year. Looking ahead, for the fiscal 2022, SAP now expects its non-IFRS operating profit at constant currencies to be in the range of 7.6 billion euros -7.9 billion euros, lower than its previous view of 7.8 billion euros - 8.25 billion euros. The Group has also reiterated its mid-term target to achieve double-digit operating profit growth in 2023. Luka Mucic, CFO, said,'This quarter, we have recognized the main impact of the war in Ukraine. We believe that we are now able to capitalize on our substantial growth investments of the last 18 months, by delivering sustained growth and profitability expansion.' SAP also announced a new share repurchase drive of around 500 million euros. The repurchased shares will primarily be used to service awards granted under share-based compensation plans for employees, the company said in a statement. Copyright(c) 2022 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX SAP-Aktie komplett kostenlos handeln - auf Smartbroker.de WESTON (dpa-AFX) - The following are some of the biotech companies that reported earnings and provided an update on their pipeline yesterday. 1. Abbott Laboratories (ABT), which reported encouraging financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2022, has raised its earnings guidance for full year. On a GAAP basis, net earnings for the second quarter of 2022 climbed to $2.02 billion or $1.14 per share from $1.19 billion or $0.66 per share in the year-ago quarter. Excluding items, net earnings for the second quarter of 2022 were $2.54 billion or $1.43 per share compared to $2.12 billion or $1.17 per share in the second quarter of 2021. Net sales for Q2, 2022 rose to $11.3 billion from $10.2 billion in Q2, 2021. COVID-19 testing-related sales contributed $2.32 billion to net sales in the second quarter of 2022 compared to $1.27 billion in the year-ago quarter. Worldwide sales, excluding COVID-19 testing-related sales, decreased 0.3 percent on a reported basis and increased 4.1 percent on an organic basis in Q2, 2022, according to the company. For full-year 2022, Abbott has raised its GAAP EPS to at least $3.50 from its earlier estimate of $3.35. Adjusted EPS for the year has been raised by the company to at least $4.90 from its prior forecast of $4.70. The consensus analysts' estimate for earnings is $4.88 per share for the year. The company's quarterly cash dividend of $0.47 per share is payable Aug. 15, 2022, to shareholders of record at the close of business on July 15, 2022. ABT closed Wednesday's trading at $108.23, down 1.55%. 2. Akari Therapeutics Plc (AKTX) is continuing to make significant progress in its clinical programs with lead drug candidate Nomacopan. Nomacopan is currently being evaluated for Bullous pemphigoid, Hematopoietic stem cell transplant-associated thrombotic microangiopathy, ophthalmic conditions and pulmonary condition. Akari is advancing its two phase III programs namely, Hematopoietic stem cell transplant-associated thrombotic microangiopathy (HSCT-TMA.) and Bullous pemphigoid (BP) studies. Thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) is a rare but serious complication of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, for which there are no approved treatment options. The mortality rate in patients who develop severe transplant-related TMAs is 80%. -- Four patients have been enrolled in the phase III Part A clinical trial of Nomacopan in severe pediatric HSCT-TMA. This part of the trial is designed to enroll seven patients over six months old. -- The company has opened 10 of the clinical trial sites across the U.S., Germany, and the Netherlands and is screening patients for the placebo-controlled phase III Part A study of Nomacopan in Bullous pemphigoid, dubbed ARREST-BP. The Part A of ARREST-BP study is designed to enroll 48 patients. Currently, there are no approved drugs for Bullous pemphigoid, an autoimmune blistering skin disease. The company ended March 31, 2022, with cash of approximately $16.7 million. AKTX closed Wednesday's trading at $0.83, up 1.24%. 3. Biogen Inc. (BIIB), which reported a decline in total revenue for the second quarter, has raised its earnings and revenue outlook for the full year of 2022. On a GAAP basis, net income attributable to the company soared to $1,058 million or $7.24 per share in the second quarter of 2022 from $448.5 million or $2.99 per share in the year-ago period. On a non GAAP basis, net income attributable to the company declined to $767 million or $5.25 per share from $838 million or $5.58 per share in the year-earlier quarter. The company's total revenue for the second quarter of 2022 dropped to $2.59 billion from $2.78 billion in the year-ago period. Looking ahead to full-year 2022, the company has boosted its revenue and earnings outlook based on better-than-expected topline performance and continued cost management. Revenue for the year is now expected to be in the range of $9.9 billion to $10.1 billion, up from its prior forecast of $9.7 to $10.0 billion and above the analysts' consensus estimate of $9.84 billion. Non GAAP EPS for 2022 is now boosted to a range of $15.25 to $16.75 from its prior outlook range of $14.25 to $16.00 while the analysts' consensus estimate is pegged at $15.58 per share. BIIB closed Wednesday's trading at $207.49, down 5.80%. 4. Elevance Health Inc. (ELV), which posted 15.6% revenue growth for the second quarter, has boosted its earnings outlook for the year. Operating revenue for the second quarter of 2022 was $38.5 billion compared to $33.3 billion in the year-ago quarter. The company attributed this 15.6% revenue growth to higher premium revenue due to membership growth in Medicaid, the acquisitions of MMM and Paramount Advantage, premium rate increases to cover overall cost trends and growth in Medicare Advantage and Commercial risk-based membership, as well as growth in pharmacy product revenue within IngenioRx, the acquisition of Integra Managed Care and the launch of Healthy Blue in North Carolina. Shareholders' net income declined to $1,653 million or $6.79 per share from $1,793 million or $7.25 per share in the year-ago quarter. On an adjusted basis, shareholders' net income increased to $1,957 million or $8.04 per share from $1,740 or $7.03 per share in the year-ago quarter. Looking ahead, the company now expects full-year 2022 adjusted shareholders' net income to be greater than $28.70 per share. Earlier, the company had forecast adjusted shareholders' net income per share to be greater than $28.40. The analysts' consensus estimate for earnings is $28.64 per share for the year. ELV closed Wednesday's trading at $459.54, down 7.62%. Copyright(c) 2022 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX ABBOTT LABORATORIES-Aktie komplett kostenlos handeln - auf Smartbroker.de Sees Significant Increase in Demand from New and Existing Sales Channels VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / July 21, 2022 / Blender Bites Ltd. (the "Company", "Blender Bites" or "Blender"), (CSE:BITE)(FWB:JL4)(WKN:A3DMEJ), an award winning Canadian company involved in the development and marketing of a line of premium, organic and plant-based pre-portioned frozen functional foods, is pleased to announce that it is anticipating pursuing a potential graduation of its listing to a major exchange, a move, the Company believes, will allow it to broaden its financing opportunities by attracting both institutional and retail investors, and also further the Company in its growth and expansion. Blender Bites has experienced rapid progress over the past year, especially during the first two quarters of 2022, as demand from new and existing sales channels have increased significantly. The Company anticipates further robust growth moving forward based on management's 2022 production order projections from major distribution and retail stores in Canada and the United States. Listing on a major exchange would demonstrate our commitment and determination to increase shareholder value while also enhancing our exposure by increasing our investor audience," stated Nima Bahrami Director of the Company. Readers are cautioned that while the Company is considering a potential graduation of its listing, a listing application has not been submitted to any other stock exchange at this time, nor has the Company made any decision to proceed with a listing application. Completion of any graduation is subject to regulatory approval and the satisfaction of applicable listing requirements. There can be no assurance that any graduation will take place, or that the consolidation will result in the Company meeting applicable listing requirements. Prior to completing any new listing application, the Company will be required to prepare and submit an annual information form, secure additional financing to satisfy working capital requirements, demonstrate continued revenue growth and the ability to generate a profit from operations, and satisfy public distribution requirements. ABOUT BLENDER BITES Blender Bites is an award winning Canadian company involved in the development and marketing of a line of premium frozen food products with a focus on functionality. Blender Bites was founded in 2016 and was first to market in Western Canada with a pre-portioned "easy smoothie" product that is free of any unnecessary inner plastic packaging. Blender Bites products are certified organic, vegan, non-GMO, gluten free, dairy free and soy free. They contain no added sugars and are made in Canada. Blender Bites products are distributed internationally across Canada and the US, and are currently sold in over 900 stores, including Sobeys, Loblaws, Safeway, Save on Foods, Real Canadian Superstore, Whole Foods Market, Buy-Low/Nesters, IGA, Thrifty and Fresh Street. On behalf of the Board of Directors, Blender Bites Limited Chelsie Hodge, Chief Executive Officer For further information, contact Blender IR Team at: Email - investors@blenderbites.com Telephone - 1-888-997-2055 CAUTIONARY DISCLAIMER STATEMENT This news release includes certain "forward-looking statements" under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon several estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to general business, economic, competitive, political, and social uncertainties, and uncertain capital markets. Readers are cautioned that actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. SOURCE: Blender Bites Limited View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/709251/Blender-Bites-Pursues-Listing-on-Major-Exchange French consumers embrace new security measures, but still have high expectations when it comes to online shopping experience 45% of French consumers have been unable to complete an online transaction due to new Strong Customer Authentication (SCA) regulations 79% said they would stop shopping with a retailer if they encountered a bad online experience and would turn to a rival instead 46% of consumers in France have already abandoned merchants due to a negative online experience After more than a year and a half of living with regulations designed to protect ecommerce shoppers, consumers in France say they embrace measures to secure their transactions, but that they won't tolerate the generally poorer shopping experience they've received in the process, according to a new survey conducted by Signifyd, the market leader in ecommerce fraud protection. The survey uncovered customer confusion and frustration with Strong Customer Authentication (SCA) which came into enforcement in much of Europe in January 2021. In fact, 45% of respondents said they had been unable to complete a transaction because of the new rules and 79% said they would abandon a retailer and turn to a rival if they had a bad online experience. The survey results along with two companion polls in the UK and Italy point to a rocky start for SCA and reflect significant differences across Europe when it comes to having prepared for the regulation. Enforcement of SCA began in the UK in March. Signifyd commissioned market researcher OnePoll to survey 2,000 consumers each in France, the UK and Italy to gauge consumer reaction to the new authentication requirements. Despite consumers' frustration, 79% of French respondents agreed either "strongly" or "somewhat" that it was worth completing the new extra steps required at checkout to ensure that their transactions were protected. The story was similar in the UK and Italy, where 73% and 78% respectively favored the new protections, but also said they would abandon retailers providing a poor experience. In the UK, 68% of respondents said they'd move on to another retailer if they encountered a bad experience. While in Italy, the number was 76%. Consumers in all three countries also made it clear they remember bad experiences when it's time to shop again. When asked whether they had ever decided against shopping with a particular retailer because of a frustrating experience, 46% of French shoppers, 33% of UK shoppers and 56% of Italian shoppers said they had. "It's clear that consumers across Europe want their accounts to be protected from fraud when shopping online," said Ed Whitehead, Signifyd managing director, EMEA. "It is even more clear that they won't put up with frustrating checkout experiences. That sends a clear message to merchants and the banks that serve them: They need to adopt solutions and technology that keep transactions safe while avoiding any unnecessary added friction in the shopping journey." Under the new SCA guidelines, online shoppers must authenticate themselves in two of three ways using biometrics, or something unique to the buyer that only they would know, such as a PIN or password or with the specific device used to make the purchase. The challenge is how to implement the new anti-fraud routine with minimal friction. Any friction that slows down checkout time also risks generating higher abandonment rates, which hurts retailers' bottom lines. Up until now most of the conversation around SCA has been centered on its detrimental effect on ecommerce sales caused by cart abandonment. The data has shown lower conversion rates across countries subject to the new rules, though conversions and the amount of friction online consumers face vary significantly by country. At the heart of the difference is 3D Secure, the authentication technology that is the backbone of the authorization process. A significant number of banks serving merchants still rely on the original and outdated version of 3D Secure, which lacks the flexibility to take advantage of exemptions provided in the SCA regulation. For instance, France performs relatively well, according to Signifyd transaction data. Only 12% of orders subject to SCA are declined and only 2.5% of orders are being subject to outdated 3D Secure technology. In the UK, only 15% of SCA orders are declined and only 16% of approved orders are processed by the old technology. In Italy, however, Signifyd transaction data shows that nearly a quarter of orders subject to SCA are declined in part due to outdated technology. Furthermore, 42% of approved orders encounter significant friction caused by banks relying on the original 3D Secure version. Despite the disparity in the adoption of newer versions of 3D Secure by country, the experience reported by shoppers is universally discouraging for brands and merchants in the region. While 45 percent of French consumers said the new rules had prevented them from buying something online, fully half, 50%, of Italian consumers said they'd become frustrated enough to give up on a purchase. In the UK, 35% of respondents said they'd abandoned their online shopping carts out of frustration. And if there were any questions about whether retailers lose customers to bad experiences, 58% of French consumers said they would not shop with a merchant again after one or two bad experiences. The number was identical in Italy, while in the UK 37% of respondents said one or two bad experiences would be enough to put them off for good. About Signifyd Signifyd provides an end-to-end Commerce Protection Platform that leverages its Commerce Network to maximize conversion, automate customer experience and eliminate fraud and customer abuse for retailers. Signifyd counts among its customers a number of companies on the Fortune 1000 and Internet Retailer Top 500 lists. Signifyd is headquartered in San Jose, CA, with locations in Denver, New York, Mexico City, Sao Paulo, Belfast and London. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220721005181/en/ Contacts: Amal Ahmed Signifyd head of global financial services and EMEA marketing amal.ahmed@signifyd.com +447960 379091 Mike Cassidy Signifyd head of PR storytelling mike.cassidy@signifyd.com Italian consumers embrace new security measures, but still have high expectations when it comes to online shopping experience 50% of Italian consumers have been unable to complete an online transaction due to new Strong Customer Authentication (SCA) regulations 76% said they would stop shopping with a retailer if they encountered a bad online experience and would turn to a rival instead 56% of consumers in Italy have already abandoned merchants due to a negative online experience After more than a year and a half of living with regulations designed to protect ecommerce shoppers, consumers in Italy say they embrace measures to secure their transactions, but that they won't tolerate the generally poorer shopping experience they are receiving in the process, according to a new survey conducted by Signifyd, the market leader in ecommerce fraud protection. The survey uncovered customer confusion and frustration with Strong Customer Authentication (SCA) which came into enforcement in much of Europe in January 2021. In fact, half of Italian respondents said they had been unable to complete a transaction because of the new rules and 76% said they would abandon a retailer and turn to a rival if they had a bad online experience. The survey results along with two companion polls in France and the UK point to a rocky start for SCA and reflect significant differences across Europe when it comes to having prepared for the regulation. Enforcement of SCA began in the UK in March. Signifyd commissioned market researcher OnePoll to survey 2,000 consumers each in Italy, France and the UK to gauge consumer reaction to the new authentication requirements. Despite consumers' frustration, 78% of Italian respondents agreed either "strongly" or "somewhat" that it was worth completing the new extra steps required at checkout to ensure that their transactions were protected. The story was similar in France and the UK, where 79% and 73% respectively favored the new protections, but also said they would abandon retailers providing a poor experience. In France, 79% of respondents said they'd move on to another retailer if they encountered a bad experience. While in the UK, the number was 68%. Consumers in all three countries also made it clear they remember bad experiences when it's time to shop again. When asked whether they had ever decided against shopping with a particular retailer because of a frustrating experience, 56% of Italian shoppers, 46% of French shoppers and 33% of UK shoppers said they had. "It's clear that consumers across Europe want their accounts to be protected from fraud when shopping online," said Ed Whitehead, Signifyd managing director, EMEA. "It is even more clear that they won't put up with frustrating checkout experiences. That sends a clear message to merchants and the banks that serve them: They need to adopt solutions and technology that keep transactions safe while avoiding any unnecessary added friction in the shopping journey." Under the new SCA guidelines, online shoppers must authenticate themselves in two of three ways using biometrics, or something unique to the buyer that only they would know, such as a PIN or password or with the specific device used to make the purchase. The challenge is how to implement the new anti-fraud routine with minimal friction. Any friction that slows down checkout time also risks generating higher abandonment rates, which hurts retailers' bottom lines. Up until now most of the conversation around SCA has been centered on its detrimental effect on ecommerce sales caused by cart abandonment. The data has shown lower conversion rates across countries subject to the new rules, though conversions and the amount of friction online consumers face vary significantly by country. At the heart of the difference is 3D Secure, the authentication technology that is the backbone of the authorization process. A significant number of banks serving merchants still rely on the original and outdated version of 3D Secure, which lacks the flexibility to take advantage of exemptions provided in the SCA regulation. For instance, in Italy nearly a quarter of orders subject to SCA are declined in part due to outdated technology, according to Signifyd transaction data. Furthermore, 42% of approved orders encounter significant friction caused by banks relying on the original 3D Secure version. In the UK, 15% of SCA orders are declined and only 16% of approved orders are processed by the old technology. While in France only 12% of orders subject to SCA are declined and only 2.5% of orders are being subject to outdated 3D Secure technology. Despite the disparity in the adoption of newer versions of 3D Secure by country, the experience reported by shoppers is universally discouraging for brands and merchants in the region. Fully half, 50%, of Italian consumers said they'd become frustrated enough to give up on a purchase. In France, 45 percent of consumers said the new rules had prevented them from buying something online. In the UK, 35% of respondents said they'd abandoned their online shopping carts out of frustration. And if there were any questions about whether retailers lose customers to bad experiences, 58% of Italian consumers said they would not shop with a merchant again after one or two bad experiences. The number was identical in France, while in the UK 37% of respondents said one or two bad experiences would be enough to put them off for good. About Signifyd Signifyd provides an end-to-end Commerce Protection Platform that leverages its Commerce Network to maximize conversion, automate customer experience and eliminate fraud and customer abuse for retailers. Signifyd counts among its customers a number of companies on the Fortune 1000 and Internet Retailer Top 500 lists. Signifyd is headquartered in San Jose, CA., with locations in Denver, New York, Mexico City, Sao Paulo, Belfast and London. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220721005183/en/ Contacts: Amal Ahmed Signifyd head of global financial services and EMEA marketing amal.ahmed@signifyd.com +447960 379091 Mike Cassidy Signifyd head of PR storytelling mike.cassidy@signifyd.com LONDON (dpa-AFX) - Marks & Spencer Group Plc (MAKSY.PK, MAKSF.PK, MKS.L) Thursday said that Chief Financial Officer Eoin Tonge will be leaving the company to take up a new role as Finance Director at ABF Plc. The company is now commencing a process to appoint a successor. Tonge, who joined M&S as CFO just over two years ago, will continue to fulfill his current role in line with his notice period, which will include supporting the business through its Interim Results in November. Archie Norman, Chairman of M&S, said, 'Our financial controls, reporting, and financial discipline are in a far stronger place than when he arrived. Under his guidance, we have restored the balance sheet and created a strong platform for the next phase. Eoin has been extremely helpful in supporting the Board and seeing through our planned succession to Stuart Machin as Chief Executive and Katie Bickerstaffe as Co-Chief Executive.' Copyright(c) 2022 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX MARKS & SPENCER-Aktie komplett kostenlos handeln - auf Smartbroker.de The oldest-ever male giant panda in captivity has died at age 35 at a Hong Kong theme park after his health deteriorated. An An lived most of his life at Ocean Park after he and a female panda were gifted to Hong Kong by China in 1999. The female panda, Jia Jia, died in 2016 at age 38, making her the oldest-ever panda in captivity. Ocean Park mourned An An as a family member who grew with the park and built bonds with locals and tourists. "An An has brought us fond memories with numerous heart-warming moments. His cleverness and playfulness will be dearly missed," Paulo Pong, chairman of Ocean Park Corporation, said in a statement. An An had high blood pressure, a common condition among geriatric pandas. Over the past three weeks, An An had been kept out of sight from visitors at the park as his health worsened. He stopped eating solid food and was significantly less active in recent days. Last week, hundreds left comments on an Ocean Park post about An An's condition, wishing him a speedy recovery. He was euthanized to prevent further suffering Thursday morning after veterinarians from Ocean Park and government authorities consulted the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, Ocean Park said. "An An lived a full life that ended at the respectable age of 35 the equivalent of 105 years in human age," the statement read. Hong Kong was given another panda pair Ying Ying, a female, and a male, Le Le in 2007 to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the city's return to China. China commonly engages in "panda diplomacy" where the mammals exclusively found in China are leased to other countries as a sign of goodwill. (AP) The partnership will see Fluent Commerce's Headless OMS and Mercaux's Next Generation Composable In-Store Platform combine to turn "fulfilment into an experience" by facilitating a frictionless omnichannel fulfilment & checkout experience for customers In-Store customers will now be able to build, checkout and fulfil mixed "Universal Baskets" of items from that store, other stores and online, in one single transaction Fluent Commerce and Mercaux are both members of the MACH Alliance , an independent organisation on a mission to future proof enterprise technology and to propel current and future digital experiences with open and connected enterprise tech. LONDON, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Mercaux, The Next Generation In-Store Experience, Universal Basket & Checkout Platform, today announced a partnership with Fluent Commerce, the leading provider of a distributed Order Management Solution. The partnership is set to open up big opportunities for retailers looking to leverage their stock, both online and in-store, to provide customers with easy access to the endless aisle, company-wide inventory and flexible fulfilment options for a frictionless omnichannel shopping experience. Fluent Order Management architecture provides retailers with the tools to connect their technology systems, sync inventory in near real-time, and update fulfilment logic. As a result of the seamless integration with Fluent Order Management, Mercaux is able to surface near real-time omnichannel inventory and offer flexible fulfilment options to store associates and customers in-store using their assisted selling and self-service digital experience solutions. As fellow members of the MACH Alliance, both companies seek to provide solutions that champion flexibility, speed and agility. Mercaux and Fluent Commerce composable architectures ensure that it is quick and easy for retailers to switch on these enhanced functionalities within Mercaux's In-Store Solutions. The partnership is set to bring much-needed fluidity to customer's multi-touch omnichannel journeys through the creation and transaction of mixed baskets. Speaking of the partnership, Chad Hooker, VP Global Channel & Alliances, commented, "As companies that are underpinned by MACH principles, we share the same philosophy and want to deliver solutions in the same manner. We look forward to being able to extend our offering further into the in-store space by placing our incredible insights and logic into the hands of Sales Associates and Customers through Mercaux's Next Generation In-Store Platform." Olga Kotsur, Co-Founder and CEO of Mercaux shared her thoughts: "We recognise Fluent Commerce as a fellow leader in the composable retail technology space, and through this partnership we will be transforming fulfilment into a positive customer experience by incorporating their best-of-breed OMS features with our own assisted selling, clienteling and checkout capabilities." Kotsur concluded, "Fluent Order Management encompasses the very best of a traditional OMS, but with the innate flexibility of a MACH-based, SaaS offering. Retailers and shoppers will finally be able to enjoy the benefits of Next Generation Checkout with the inclusion of mixed omnichannel baskets and flexible fulfilment, right the way through to an enhanced post-purchase experience with the introduction of smart returns." About Mercaux Mercaux is a Next Generation In-Store Experience, Universal Basket and Checkout Platform. The Experience layer redefines how customers interact with the physical store, through assisted selling and self-service solutions. Universal Baskets are created from these solutions that follow the customer wherever they continue their omnichannel experience. Next-Gen Checkout allows customers to complete the transaction anywhere, using any payment.Mercaux is a member of the MACH Alliance where a thorough business and technical due diligence of Mercaux's platform to ensure that MACH philosophies, principles and architectures are adhered to. When clients adopt digital tools in their stores, they typically go live in 2-4 weeks with the initial solutions and see an increase in conversion, loyalty and units per transaction (UPT). On average they experience a sales uplift of 8% and 5x+ ROI. More information at mercaux.com About Fluent Commerce Fluent Commerce is a global software company focused on distributed order management for commerce. Both B2C and B2B organizations rely on their cloud native, highly flexible and fully scalable distributed order management platform to transform fulfillment complexity into a competitive advantage. Fluent Order Management provides accurate and near real-time inventory availability across multiple locations, order orchestration, fulfillment optimization fulfillment location management, in-store pick and pack, customer service, and reporting. This enables retailers, brands, and B2B organizations to fulfil orders profitably while delivering the best customer experience possible. NeuroFront receives an exclusive option for an exclusive license to develop, commercialize and manufacture NRD.E1, Novaremed's first-in-class, non-opioid investigational drug for the treatment of chronic neuropathic pain in Greater China and Singapore Novaremed is entitled to receive a total of over USD 130 million in option and exercise fees as well as development, regulatory and sales milestone payments and, in addition, royalties on net sales NeuroFront has the option to develop NRD.E1 in multiple neuropathic pain indications, which would trigger additional milestone payments per indication Novaremed AG and NeuroFront Therapeutics (Hong Kong) Limited jointly announce the signing of an exclusive collaboration and commercialization agreement for Novaremed's innovative non-opioid investigational drug, NRD.E1, being developed for the treatment of diabetes-related neuropathic pain and other neuropathic pain indications. Under the terms of the agreement, Novaremed is eligible to receive from NeuroFront over USD 130 million in option and exercise fees as well as development, regulatory and sales milestone payments plus royalties on net sales. Under the terms of the agreement, Novaremed will grant NeuroFront an exclusive option to obtain exclusive development, commercialization and manufacturing rights to NRD.E1, Novaremed's first-in-class, innovative non-opioid investigational drug candidate for the treatment of neuropathic pain. The agreement allows NeuroFront to develop and commercialize NRD.E1 as treatment of painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy (PDPN) and any other neuropathic pain indications in the Greater China territory (including Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan) and Singapore. NeuroFront has the right to exercise its license option at its discretion, but no later than upon completion of the Phase 2b trial of NRD.E1 in PDPN, which will start patient enrollment in coming weeks. In case NeuroFront successfully develops and registers NRD.E1 in additional neuropathic pain indications in the licensed territory, Novaremed is also eligible to receive additional development and regulatory milestone payments for each additional indication. "We are very delighted collaborating with NeuroFront to advance our non-opioid neuropathic pain treatment for patients suffering from PDPN and other neuropathic pain indications in China. Currently, approved medications for PDPN provide inadequate pain relief and are associated with many intolerable side effects. Based on both preclinical and clinical data, we believe NRD.E1 has the potential to offer unique benefits and revolutionize the way PDPN is treated," said Isaac Kobrin, MD, Executive Chairman of Novaremed. "NeuroFront's development and commercial expertise and its focus on innovative CNS drugs is complementary to our expertise and an ideal fit for Novaremed." "There are up to 19 million patients suffering from PDPN in China, but no new innovative drug has been introduced in the market for more than 15 years. There exists a significant unmet medical need and hence a great opportunity for NRD.E1, a first-in-class, novel treatment that has already demonstrated clinical effectiveness in a Phase 2a clinical trial and subsequently received US FDA Fast Track Designation and NIH sponsorship for its Phase 2b trial," said June Yan, CEO of NeuroFront. "NeuroFront is very excited to partner with Novaremed to change the lives of many PDPN patients in Greater China and Singapore." This partnership and the transaction were facilitated with the assistance of Cukierman and Company Investment House. About NRD.E1 and the treatment of chronic pain NRD.E1 is an orally active small molecule with a novel mechanism of action by modulating Lyn kinase and has patent protection until 2040. NRD.E1 is Novaremed's lead drug candidate currently being developed to treat painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy (PDPN). Novaremed successfully completed three Phase 1 studies [1] and one double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 2a dose-finding proof-of-concept study [2] in which NRD.E1 showed a clinically relevant reduction in patient-reported pain (measured as an improvement in mean neuropathic pain score) and was very well tolerated at all doses tested. On the basis of these results, NRD.E1 has been granted Fast Track Designation by the US FDA and was selected by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the US as the only oral agent to be included in the NIH-HEAL (Help End Long-term Addiction) program. The NIH will sponsor and execute a 12-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 2b study in patients with moderate to severe PDPN in the US. Recruitment into this clinical trial will start in coming weeks. About NeuroFront NeuroFront is a China-based clinical stage neuroscience biotech company with a focus on developing and commercializing innovative neuroscience therapies to address unmet needs and improve patients' lives in China and Asia. NeuroFront was established by top-tier life sciences investors, including Nan Fung Life Sciences and Pivotal bioVenture Partners China, and is led by an elite team of neuroscience industry veterans with substantial and compelling expertise in China and globally in both R&D and the commercialization of CNS products. NeuroFront is building a portfolio of innovative, transformative CNS therapies that treat migraine, painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy, depression, ADHD, and other CNS diseases with high unmet medical needs. For more information: www.neurofrontrx.com. About Novaremed Novaremed AG, a privately held clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, is developing a pipeline of innovative medications for chronic pain management to address the high unmet medical need for better pain relief and as an alternative to opioids. Its lead product is NRD.E1, an orally active non-opioid small molecule with a novel mechanism of action, has FDA Fast Track Designation and IND-approval to proceed with a Phase 2b clinical trial for the treatment of painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy (PDPN). The earlier stage pipeline addressing chronic neuropathic pain includes the development candidates MP-101 (Phase 2 stage), and MP-103 (preclinical stage), targeting the unmet medical need of prevention and treatment of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). Novaremed Ltd (Israel) and Metys Pharmaceuticals AG (Switzerland) are fully owned subsidiaries of Novaremed AG, domiciled in Basel (Switzerland). For more information: www.novaremed.com. References [1] Tiecke E., Rainisio M., Guentert T., Muller S., Hochman L., Kaplan E., Mangialaio S. (2022). First-in-human single-ascending-dose, multiple-dose and food interaction studies of NRD.E1, an innovative non-opioid therapy for painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Clinical Pharmacology in Drug Development (CPDD). (https://accp1.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/cpdd.1103) [2] Tiecke E., Rainisio M., Eisenberg E., Wainstein J., Kaplan E., Silverberg M., Hochman L., Mangialaio S. (2022). NRD.E1, an innovative non-opioid therapy for painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy a randomized proof of concept study. European Journal of Pain. (https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ejp.1989) View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220721005391/en/ Contacts: Contact for Novaremed Mark Altmeyer, Executive Member of the Board mark.altmeyer@novaremed.com Contact for NeuroFront Bin Yao, VP of Operations and Commercialization bin.yao@neurofrontrx.com A new-generation satellite delivering high-speed broadband and mobile connectivity across Europe With 500 Gbps of capacity, it is the largest geostationary satellite ever ordered in Europe It comes with firm commitments, showcasing the ability of satellites to provide an attractive solution for bridging the digital divide Regulatory News: EUTELSAT KONNECT VHTS satellite, the state-of-the-art and largest satellite ever put into orbit by international operator Eutelsat Communications (Euronext Paris: ETL) is now on its way to Europe's Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, by boat, for a launch planned 6 September 2022 on board an Ariane 5 rocket. EUTELSAT KONNECT VHTS, a very high throughput satellite built by Thales Alenia Space, is to deliver high-speed broadband and mobile connectivity across Europe. With a Ka-band capacity of 500 Gbps, EUTELSAT KONNECT VHTS is the largest geostationary satellite ever ordered to date in Europe and will embark the most powerful on-board digital processor, offering capacity allocation flexibility and an optimal spectrum use. This new-generation satellite, offering a capacity seven times that of its brother satellite EUTELSAT KONNECT launched in 2020, comes with several major firmly committed customers for satellite broadband connectivity, namely Orange via its Nordnet affiliate for the French coverage, Telecom Italia Mobile over Italy and Thales Alenia Space to serve notably the government connectivity services. These commitments showcase the ability of satellites to provide an attractive solution for bridging the digital divide, at a time when access to connectivity plays a major role in both economic and social development. Pascal Homsy, Chief Technical Officer at Eutelsat, said: "With EUTELSAT KONNECT VHTS weare bringing connectivity to a next level. Defying the odds, it is the most powerful satellite to join the Eutelsat fleet. It will deliver 230 beams over Western Europe and is equipped with a Digital Transparent Processor of 5th generation which will give a considerable advantage in terms of frequency flexibility onboard. A state-of-the-art piece of the finest technology built by our partners Thales Alenia Space that I would like to hereby acknowledge as EUTELSAT KONNECT VHTS sets off for the Guiana Space Center." Marc Henri Serre, EVP Telecommunications at Thales Alenia Space, added: "EUTELSAT KONNECT VHTS is the satellite of all superlatives for a crucial mission aiming to bridge the digital divide by providing connectivity everywhere in Europe. It is the most capacitive satellite ever built by Thales Alenia Space and our teams provided all the state-of-the art technologies to make it possible. We are really proud to see it ready for shipment to the launch pad and are eager to start the launch campaign." About Eutelsat Communications Founded in 1977, Eutelsat Communications is one of the world's leading satellite operators. With a global fleet of satellites and associated ground infrastructure, Eutelsat enables clients across Video, Data, Government, Fixed and Mobile Broadband markets to communicate effectively to their customers, irrespective of their location. Around 7,000 television channels operated by leading media groups are broadcast by Eutelsat to one billion viewers equipped for DTH reception or connected to terrestrial networks. Committed to promoting all facets of sustainable development across its business activities, Eutelsat leverages its in-orbit resources to help bridge the digital divide while maintaining a safe and uncluttered space environment. As an attractive and socially responsible employer, Eutelsat assembles 1,200 men and women from 50 countries who are dedicated to delivering the highest quality of service. For more about Eutelsat go to www.eutelsat.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220721005399/en/ Contacts: Media Marie Sophie Ecuer Tel.: +33 1 53 98 37 91 mecuer@eutelsat.com Daphne Joseph-Gabriel Tel.: +33 1 53 98 37 91 djosephgabriel@eutelsat.com Investors Cedric Pugni Tel.: +33 1 53 98 31 54 cpugni@eutelsat.com Alexandre Illouz Tel.: +33 1 53 98 46 81 aillouz@eutelsat.com Launched in 2021, the eco-focused Habitas property on Lake Bacalar continues to impress being voted best sustainable spa NEW YORK, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Marie Claire UK today released the results of its second annual Sustainability Awards, with holistic oasis Habitas Bacalar named top sustainable spa. The brand's third property, seamlessly built on the sparkling waters of Laguna Bacalar following the Tulum flagship and Namibia location, leads with a focus on sustainability, community, and shared experience. The prestigious judge panel was made up of the Marie Claire team as well as over 50 of the most high-profile experts, thought leaders, activists, and business founders in sustainability. These awards are a celebration of the brands and organizations that are authentically implementing change and making strides towards an ecologically sustainable future without greenwashing or misleading. The full list of winners can be found here . "Bacalar affords us a monumental opportunity to dive into the rich histories and bring them into the present in a resource-conscious way, which you'll see in everything from the traditional Mayan Straw Houses of the spa to the carefully designed therapies using local ingredients," comments Oliver Ripley, Habitas Co-Founder & CEO. "We wish to provide our guests with a revelatory first-hand lesson in how our relationships with other cultures, and with the past, can change our present, and shape our future." Being the first hospitality group to launch a property in Bacalar, preservation and wellness are core pillars that are reflected in both the design and daily practices of the oasis. The Spa is modeled after a small Mayan village, incorporating treatment cabins that bring tradition to life. Highlight spa treatments include the nourishing Chocolate Body Wrap - a coconut and oatmeal exfoliation prior to a dip in a coca and coconut body wrap as well as the Traditional Mexican Sobada - a relaxing and regenerative body treatment that uses herbs to provide energetic alignment. British-born entrepreneur, Oliver Ripley, co-founded the Habitas brand with his partners Kfir Levy and Eduardo Castillo with a mission to bring together conscious travelers seeking new experiences built around human connection, sustainability, and local community empowerment. In addition to its home in Bacalar, Habitas has 'homes' in Tulum , Namibia , and two in AlUla . Plans are also underway for an exciting pipeline to include new locations in Mexico, Morocco and Costa Rica. For further information or images, please contact Cara Chapman at Bacchus Agency on: cara@bacchus.agency The UK's unsung older heroes have appeared on plaques alongside some of the country's most famous historical figures as part of a campaign tackling ageism. LONDON, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The new plaques, created by leading home care company Home Instead , appeared overnight hung next to existing plaques at locations in London, Birmingham, Manchester, Cardiff, Edinburgh and Belfast. The honours have been created to highlight the unique contribution made to society by extraordinary elderly people who were put forward by friends and family after a nationwide callout. Blue plaques on houses and public buildings honouring Charles Dickens, Emmeline Pankhurst, Mary Seacole, Charlotte Bronte and Captain Scott were among the chosen locations for the campaign which has sparked a national debate on ageism. The public, in every location without exception, reacted positively to the new plaques and the ordinary people they celebrate. A film showing the plaques being secretly installed and the public's reaction can be seen here . Some of those honoured include: Rhona Dunn- a devoted volunteer who taught literacy and numeracy in prisons. Her purple plaque was put up next to writer Charlotte Bronte's blue plaque in Manchester. It was at this location, Boundary Street West, that Bronte began to write her first successful novel Jane Eyre. Peter Davies - a pilot who was shot down and escaped from behind enemy lines during the Second World War. His purple plaque has been put next to a blue plaque in Cardiff dedicated to the Antarctic explorer Captain F Scott. Edna Milton- a dedicated hospital campaigner. Her purple plaque was put up next to a blue plaque in Manchester which celebrates the life of Emmeline Pankhurst- the founder of the Suffragette movement. Gordon Bailey - ambulance service man and incredible volunteer. His purple plaque was installed next to Mary Seacole's (Jamaican nurse & heroine of the Crimean War) at her former home in Soho, central London. Barbara Waller - A history academic who wrote a book about her hometown. Her purple plaque was installed next to Charles Dickens'blue plaque which is located at his former home in central London. Doreen Brooks- Involved in breaking the Enigma code during the Second World War. Her plaque was installed next to Elizabeth Wiskemann'splaque in Edinburgh. Elizabeth Meta Wiskemann was an English journalist and historian. She was an intelligence officer in World War II, and the Montagu Burton Chair in International Relations at the University of Edinburgh. Rhona Dunn, who was honoured with a purple plaque in Manchester said: "I feel very humble to be included in the campaign and hope it will encourage people who see how old I am to have a go at things despite their age. I am very lucky to have had good health and been able to meet the challenges life throws at you. Unfortunately we do live in a world where age has become a barrier - a lot of people think anyone over 50 or 60 is past it which is a shame. Older people still make a huge contribution - I am 82 and spend 4 days a week working with people with mental health problems of all ages. I love what I do and get great satisfaction from helping these vulnerable people." Lee Chapman, Home Instead's Director of Brand & Marketing said: "With more people aged over 65 than ever before, we need to rethink how we value older people's experience and the contribution they make. "This campaign is all about highlighting the issues with ageism we have in this country. And it became very apparent, as we travelled around the UK installing our purple plaques, that many people in Britain think more needs to be done to counter age bias and recognise that older people bring so much to us as a society. "Home Instead believes that quality of life has no expiration date and people of all ages deserve comfort, connection and dignity. "And we believe strongly that the famous names we're using to highlight this issue would back what we're doing and applaud the idea of championing the country's unsung heroes. "Older people play an important role in the welfare of our society. With better health and well-being, many older people are remaining active and taking on new challenges, something we should all be celebrating." The designs were put up temporarily to throw a spotlight on ageism which is a growing problem for thousands of people in Britain today. The Home Instead campaign was carefully thought through to ensure no damage was caused to existing plaques or the buildings they sit on. The owners of all the buildings used fully backed the campaign and gave their permission for the purple plaques to be installed. According to the Centre for Ageing Better (a Government funded charitable foundation) ageism is widespread in society and can be found everywhere from workplaces and health systems to the stereotypes we see on TV, advertising and in the media. In the UK, ageism is the most prevalent form of discrimination amongst all age groups, with one in three people experiencing age-based prejudice or discrimination. A film showing the plaques being secretly installed and the public's reaction can be seen here . The fire affected an area of around 5,000 square meters but did not damage the solar panels. The local fire brigade was able to control the fire in around two hours.A heat wave that brought this week record temperatures to Europe is reportedly the cause of a fire that started on Tuesday at a solar park owned by UK energy company Shell and located in Sas van Gent, in the Dutch province of Zeeland. "For an unknown reason, the grass around the solar park caught fire," the municipality's fire department said in a statement. "The dry grass and the strong wind contributed to increasing the fire, which ... 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. Sea Tech Week announces its full conference programme of panel discussions and plenary sessions. Registration for the 13th edition of the event in September is open for attendees. LONDON, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- For the first time since 2018, over 1,000 stakeholders across business, academia and governmental institutions from across the world will convene in person to shape the future of maritime. This year's event focuses strongly on the environment, exploring smarter and greener solutions for maritime transport, energy and tech and will also celebrate women's work in marine science and technology. It will offer delegates many ways to exchange ideas, challenge each other's views and connect: A trade fair, including exhibitors from across the world including a notable number from Europe , from public research teams to startups and large industrial groups , from public research teams to startups and large industrial groups B2B meetings and networking events Most importantly: 30+ plenary sessions and 3 keynote panel discussions all touching on this year's central theme of green innovations - over 100 hours about the state of R&D and the future of maritime transport Highlights: a deep dive into sustainable ports, energies & transports Highly efficient innovative water-based Sea Water Air Conditioning (SWAC) solutions (27 th September) : cooling needs are increasing and current aircon systems are energy intensive. This session will delve into the potential of SWAC as an effective eco-friendly alternative. What are the challenges facing the integration of this technology and what are the improvements required for a larger scale rollout? (27 September) cooling needs are increasing and current aircon systems are energy intensive. This session will delve into the potential of SWAC as an effective eco-friendly alternative. What are the challenges facing the integration of this technology and what are the improvements required for a larger scale rollout? Enabling Net-Zero through 5G at Sea (28 th September): continuous connectivity at sea has the potential to create a safer, more secure, and environmentally sustainable global blue economy. This session will explore how increased telecommunications and data transfer at sea can contribute to smarter and low-carbon solutions. (28 September): continuous connectivity at sea has the potential to create a safer, more secure, and environmentally sustainable global blue economy. This session will explore how increased telecommunications and data transfer at sea can contribute to smarter and low-carbon solutions. Collaboration across marine cyber & decarbonisation (29 th September): will explore how world-leading research and development can be enabled through collaboration, detailing some of the University of Plymouth's projects including: (29 September): will explore how world-leading research and development can be enabled through collaboration, detailing some of the University of projects including: the 3.2m Cyber-SHIP Lab which is leading developments in understanding and mitigating cyber risks to vessels, ports and offshore infrastructure. the Marine e-Charging Living Lab that has enabled the installation of shore-side e-charging facilities that can easily link to the National Grid while meeting both consumer and commercial demand. Plymouth Sound will be home to the world's first 5G ocean-based marine testbed. The Ocean Futures programme, a once-in-a-generation opportunity for government, industry and academia to work together to develop the regional economy of South West England , building on existing unique assets to create a world-class centre of excellence. , building on existing unique assets to create a world-class centre of excellence. What opportunities can hydrogen offer? territorial maritime and port loops for renewable hydrogen, H 2 production with MRE energy on port infrastructures for local needs and building hydrogen-powered ships 2 MRE New Fuels: behaviour in aquatic environments & responses to accidental spills: behaviour & risks of maritime transportation for new fuels (ammonia, low sulphur fuel oils, VLSFO & ULSFO , hydrotreated vegetable oil, liquefied natural gas, etc.), whether used for ship propulsion or distribution plant supply. Find the full programme: seatechweek.eu To register to attend: seatechweek.eu Full pass (5-day pass including lunches and coffee breaks): 350 plus VAT @SeaTechWeek / Sea Tech Week / SeaTech2022 For more information, please contact: Catherine Ryall / catherine.ryall@businessfrance.fr Business France on behalf of Sea Tech Week About Sea Tech Week Sea Tech Week is an international event dedicated to marine and maritime science and technology. It attracts over a thousand top international experts to Brest, France, every two years, representing a wide variety of ocean-related disciplines. Held every 2 years, Sea Tech Week includes tech and science talks, a professional trade fair, BtoB meetings, company and laboratory tours and a gala evening. This event provides the international community of scientists, companies, clusters, students and other stakeholders with the opportunity to share progress in research and innovation, to forge a professional network of contacts and to improve partnerships and cooperation. Sea Tech Week is organised by Technopole Brest-Iroise through Campus mondial de la mer, France's leading community of experts in the ocean. This event is supported by Brest metropole, the Brittany Region, the EU (ERDF) and Credit Mutuel Arkea. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1863106/Sea_Tech_Partners.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1863107/Sea_Tech_Week_2022.jpg Issuer: P2X-Europe GmbH & Co. KG / Key word(s): Sustainability P2X-Europe hits milestone for Power-to-Liquids project in Portugal (news with additional features) 21.07.2022 / 11:01 The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. - P2X-Europe confirms its expertise as a project developer for innovative Power-to-Liquid (PtL) e-fuel projects and secures planning security for the approval process - PtL project is classified as "Project of National Interest" by the Portuguese government - Shareholders H&R and Mabanaft to secure market access and client base for renewable e-fuels, sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) and synthesis-based chemical-pharmaceutical specialties Germany, Hamburg, 21 July 2022. P2X-Europe, the joint venture between H&R and Mabanaft, is driving forward the path to climate neutrality in mobility and chemicals: A PtL project of the project developer was qualified as a project of potential national interest (Potencial Interesse Nacional - PIN' according to Decree-Law 154/2013 November, 5th) by the Portuguese government. The PIN Award, is a qualification reserved for investments that make a significant contribution to the country's economy. The formal recognition is an official expression of confidence as it endorses overall project design as well as economic, financial, technical and environmental viability. The PIN Award also confirms the strategic alignment of the PtL project with government climate change policies, in particular Portugal's Recovery and Resilience Plan as well as the Portuguese Hydrogen Strategy. P2X-Europe's ground-breaking initiative is the first power-to-liquids project to receive this award in Portugal, which means it benefits from simplified administrative procedures and fast-track licensing & permitting through a consolidated approval process, giving it greater planning certainty. The PIN status thus translates into a significant time advantage as continuous Government engagement, synchronized coordination across ministries and active performance monitoring of licensing procedures will secure speedy project implementation. "The project maps the complete process value chain of PtL technology," explains Dr. Christoph Weber, co-CEO of P2X-Europe. "It encompasses the production of green hydrogen from renewable electricity as well as the capture and use of biogenic CO 2 as a raw material for conversion into synthetic hydrocarbons." On an area of around 25,000 m belonging to the Portuguese pulp and paper company Navigator, an industrial-scale plant is to be built that will initially produce up to 20,000 tons of synthetic hydrocarbons from 2025. AICEP Portugal Global, the Portuguese Business Development Agency (Agencia para o Investimento e Comercio Externo de Portugal) will monitor all administrative procedures and facilitate intergovernmental coordination as Process Manager. The e-fuels and waxes from renewable raw materials will be used primarily as e-jet fuel, but also in the basic chemical industry. "The PIN award also confirms the planning quality in this innovative technology segment through a favourable choice of location with the cooperation partner Navigator as well as the added value of P2X-Europe through market access via its shareholders in both the mobility and basic materials industries," explains Detlev Woesten, Chief Sustainability Officer of the H&R Group and co-CEO of P2X-Europe. Market leader in power-to-X products "By granting the PIN Award, the Portuguese Government has demonstrated its enabling attitude and given testimony of the country's leading role as a European climate front runner, recommending Portugal as preferred location for the implementation of innovative Power-to-Liquid projects," comments Dr. Christoph Weber. In this regard, the cooperation between The Navigator Company and P2X-Europe not only supports the project partners, but also the Portuguese government in achieving its climate targets. At the same time, it strengthens the supply base of H&R and Mabanaft. In this way, the joint venture's customers are accompanied in the best possible way on their path to climate neutrality: "Together with our own capacities and the expansion of our network, we provide the market with a broad and comprehensive range of CO 2- reduced and even net zero future fuels and chemical products," says Volker Ebeling, Senior Vice President New Energy, Chemicals and Gas at Mabanaft. Classification as "Project of National Interest" ensures speed of implementation in a dynamic market for climate-friendly products With the project being supported by the Portuguese government, the approval process will be managed in a consolidated manner at both national and local level between all necessary institutions and potential administrative problems will be solved promptly, thus increasing planning certainty and reducing the time required. This is of immense importance for achieving the short-term climate protection targets in the various industrial sectors. Contact: P2X-Europe GmbH & Co. KG Koreastrae 7 20457 Hamburg?-?Germany Kirsten Grastorff, International Relations Manager E-Mail: Kirsten.Grastorff@p2x-europe.com M: +49 151 729 805 38 www.p2x-europe.com P2X-Europe GmbH & Co. KG is an independent Power-to-Liquid (PtL) project development joint-venture, backed by two Hamburg-based German companies; the Mabanaft Group, a leading independent and integrated energy company, and the H&R Group, which develops and manufactures specialty chemical and pharmaceutical products. P2X-Europe develops, builds and invests in vertically integrated end-to-end Power-to-Liquid technology solutions to enable the market introduction of synthetic net-zero fuels from a variety of biogenic carbon sources. Based in Hamburg, the company has set the ambition to become a global leader in renewable hydrogen and green fuels with a focus on sustainable aviation fuels, and the company is building a strong and diverse portfolio of large-scale Power-to-X projects across industries and geographies. www.p2x-europe.com Mabanaft GmbH & Co. KG is a leading independent and integrated energy company, providing its customers with innovative energy solutions for their transportation, heating and industrial needs. In addition, the company is active in trading petroleum products, natural gas liquids, chemicals and biofuels. www.mabanaft.com/de H&R GmbH & Co. KGaA, listed in the Prime Standard of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, is a specialty chemicals company active in the development and manufacture of crude oil-based specialty chemical and pharmaceutical products and in the production of precision plastic parts. www.hur.com Forward-looking statements and forecasts: This press release contains forward-looking statements. The statements are based on the current estimates and forecasts by the Executive Board and the information available to the Board at this time. These forward-looking statements do not provide any warranty for the future developments and results contained therein. The future developments and results are dependent on a number of factors; they entail various risks and contingencies and are based on assumptions which could prove to be incorrect. We do not assume any responsibility for updating the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. Additional features: File: press release P2X-Europe GmbH & Co. KG Dissemination of a Corporate News, transmitted by DGAP - a service of EQS Group AG. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. The DGAP Distribution Services include Regulatory Announcements, Financial/Corporate News and Press Releases. Archive at www.dgap.de PARIS (dpa-AFX) - Confidence among the French manufacturers decreased as expected in July, as they were less confident about past changes in production and order books, survey data from the statistical office INSEE showed on Thursday. The business climate index for the manufacturing sector fell to 106 in July from 108 in June. That was in line with economists' forecast. The past production index weakened notably to 10 in July from 16 in June, while the index measuring manufacturers' general production outlook for the near term remained stable at -5. The index for global order books worsened to -4 from -1, and that on foreign order books also dropped from -2 to -4. However, manufacturers' view regarding personal production expectations over the next three months improved somewhat in July, with the corresponding index rising to 11 from 9. The indicator representing manufacturers' opinion on the expected trend in selling prices declined sharply to its lowest level since January 2022, though it remained high overall. The relevant index stood at 35 versus 53 in June. The overall business confidence index that comprises the responses of business leaders from sectors, namely, manufacturing, construction, services, retail trade and wholesale trade, weakened slightly to 103 in July from 104 in June. Morale worsened in services and building construction, while it remained stable in the retail and wholesale trade segments. 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. HONG KONG, July 21, 2022 - (ACN Newswire) - On July 21st, 2022, Lunit, a leading global AI-based cancer solutions provider invested by Legend Capital, was successfully listed on the KOSDAQ market.Founded in 2013, Lunit successfully established itself as the world's top-notch artificial intelligence technology solution provider, mainly focusing on developing medical software to assist physicians in the realm of tumor diagnosis and treatment. Lunit's flagship products are Lunit INSIGHT and Lunit SCOPE. Lunit INSIGHT is an AI-powered image screening solution, that detects and classifies chest abnormalities and breast cancer. Lunit SCOPE is an AI biomarker for immunotherapy, providing therapy response information that can critically affect treatment outcomes for cancer patients.Legend Capital led Lunit's series B investment round in June 2018 and continued to support Lunit's global business expansion via three additional follow-on investments in 2019 and 2021. For the past 4 years, Lunit not only has produced world-leading AI medical solutions but also gained its commercial value achieving rapid topline growth. Lunit's annual revenue grew by over 460% in 2021 since its initial product commercialization in 2019. As of now, Lunit's image diagnostic products have been certified by 42 countries/regions, including FDA, CE, and KFDA. The company will keep expanding into the global market through cooperation with international giants like GE Healthcare, Fujifilm, and Philips, etc. Legend Capital will continue to assist Lunit in finding untapped business opportunities in China by building up branding and introducing rich portfolio resources for cooperation.Brandon Suh, CEO of Lunit, said: "Lunit's target market for cancer detection and diagnosis is worth 110 billion US dollars (of which the United States accounts for ~USD 45bn and the rest USD 65bn). Lunit's AI medical image analysis technology has significant advantages over traditional technology, and our accurate and efficient solutions have been appreciated by global medical institutions. Lunit's ongoing global expansion can be attributed to the support from our existing partners, Legend Capital has been one of Lunit's key partners in helping us grow our China business by introducing reliable local partners. Legend Capital has been and will continue to be Lunit's strategic global partner going forward.""We like to invest in companies that have a global vision, world-leading technology, and global expansion capabilities. We were very impressed with Lunit's ambition to go global at our initial investment," said Joon-Sung Park, Managing Director of Legend Capital. "With the world's top-notch AI medical imaging technology, Lunit INSIGHT can significantly improve abnormalities detection and early-diagnosis rate, remarkably enhancing the efficiency of cancer diagnosis and treatment. Lunit has built a professional team with technology experts and medical professionals. The six co-founders are all graduates of the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), the nation's first public, research-oriented science and engineering institution. With a commitment to empowering the medical industry by AI technology, Lunit has also hired 12 full-time doctors with an in-depth understanding of medical service. It has provided AI healthcare services to approximately 600 medical institutions in over 40 countries, and has signed an exclusive business contract with Guardant Health, the world's largest liquid biopsy diagnostic company, to collaborate on cancer drug development."At present, "Lunit INSIGHT CXR Triage" and "Lunit INSIGHT MMG" have been certified by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) by the end of 2021, and Lunit will continue to expand the global market by obtaining Medical Device Single Audit Program (MDSAP) certification in the US, Canada, Japan, Australia and Brazil, etc. Legend Capital has invested heavily in companies that integrate technology and the medical industry and has kept betting on AI medical sectors. In addition to Lunit, Legend Capital has also invested in AI medical companies such as Xbiome, an AI microbiome drug development company; StoneWise, an AI drug R&D platform; Deepwise, an AI medical imaging company; BioMap, a biocomputing platform; Deep Informatics ++, an AI medical pathology diagnosis company; and Unimed, an AI brain diagnosis and treatment platform.About Legend CapitalFounded in 2001, Legend Capital is a leading VC&PE investor focusing on the early-stage and growth-stage opportunities in China, with offices across Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Hong Kong, and Seoul, Korea.It currently manages USD and RMB funds of over US$10 billion in commitments and has invested in around 600 companies, covering technology, healthcare, consumer, enterprise service and intelligent manufacturing sectors. Rooted in China, Legend Capital participated in the rise of many world-leading companies through solid investment coverage and systematic post-investment value-add. Over the years, Legend Capital has also become a widely recognized name in bridging key resources in China and overseas through cross-border activities, and a valuable partner to Chinese and overseas investors.Legend Capital values long-term sustainable investment and incorporates ESG into its long-term development strategy. As a UNPRI signatory since November 2019, Legend Capital is among the first group of top VC/PE firms in China to join the initiative.For more information, please visit www.legendcapital.com.cn/index_en.aspx and follow us on LinkedIn @Legend Capital ( https://www.linkedin.com/company/legend-capital ).Source: Legend CapitalCopyright 2022 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - July 21, 2022) - Cabral Gold Inc. (TSXV: CBR) (OTC PINK: CBGZF) ("Cabral" or the "Company") is pleased to provide assay results from nine additional RC holes drilled to test the recently identified gold-in-oxide blanket at the PDM target within the Cuiu Cuiu Gold District, northern Brazil. Highlights are as follows: RC310 returned the following mineralized intervals: 13.0m @ 0.3 g/t gold from surface in oxidized and weathered material 13.0m @ 4.6 g/t gold from 25.0m in oxide material, including 1.0m @ 49.2 g/t gold from 34.0m RC313 returned 17.0m @ 1.1 g/t gold from surface in oxidized and weathered material Other significant drill results from oxidized and weathered material at PDM include; RC309: 33.0m @ 0.4 g/t gold from surface including 10.0m @ 0.8 g/t gold from 23.0m RC308: 27.0m @ 0.4 g/t gold from surface RC307: 15.0m @ 0.4 g/t gold from surface RC311: 11.0m @ 0.4 g/t gold from surface RC314: 15.0m @ 0.4 g/t gold from surface Alan Carter, Cabral's President and CEO commented, "These latest RC results from the PDM target further demonstrate the presence of a higher-grade core within the unconsolidated oxide blanket, but perhaps more importantly they indicate the possible presence of a second primary mineralized zone in the underlying basement granitic rocks. This may be sub-parallel to the zone of primary gold mineralization previously identified below the oxide blanket, and announced just a few months ago. These results lend further credence to the notion that PDM, like Machichie, is a significant new discovery which will require further drilling." PDM RC Drill Results The PDM (Pau de Merenda) target is located 2.5km NW of the Central gold deposit at Cuiu Cuiu (Figure 1) within a prominent northwest-trending gold-in-soil anomaly and co-incident magnetic low, which have been traced for over 5km along strike. Within this anomaly, referred to as the Central Trend, occur the Central gold deposit, Central SE target, Central North target, Mutum target and PDM target. Figure 1: Map showing the location of the Central and MG gold deposits, the PDM (Pau de Merenda) and Machichie gold targets, and other key gold targets (yellow circles) within the the Cuiu Cuiu district To view an enhanced version of Figure 1, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/3900/131521_6e6d1a56e45f0901_002full.jpg The gold-in-oxide blanket at PDM was initially identified in August 2021 (see press release dated August 10, 2021), and a program of diamond drilling which was initiated in late 2021 subsequently identified an underlying zone of primary gold mineralization in the unweathered granitic basement rocks similar to that at MG and Central. Results from the initial diamond-drill holes in unweathered granitic basement rocks beneath the gold-in-oxide blanket at PDM included 22.4m @ 4.8 g/t, including 1.35m @ 62.0 g/t gold in DDH238; 11.9m @ 3.3 g/t gold including 0.5m @ 16.1 g/t gold and 1.2m @ 16.0 g/t gold in DDH239; and 18.0m @ 2.5 g/t gold from 92.0m, including 3.0m @ 10.5 g/t gold in DDH275. (see press releases dated December 15, 2021, January 12, 2022 and April 28, 2022). These diamond-drill results define a northwest-trending zone of primary gold mineralization in the granitic rocks directly underlying the PDM oxide blanket. The current RC drilling program at PDM has been designed to further define the limits of a higher-grade core within the overlying gold-in-oxide blanket, and has confirmed the presence of this higher-grade core area. RC310 returned 13.0m @ 0.3 g/t gold from surface in oxidized and weathered blanket material and 13.0m @ 4.6 g/t gold from 25.0m in oxide material, including 1.0m @ 49.2 g/t gold from 34.0m (Figure 2, Table 1). This material appears to be weathered and oxidized saprolite basement mineralization. This hole is located on the edge of a higher-grade core 4.5 gram x meter contour within the overall oxidized mineralized zone, and suggests that the higher-grade core of the oxide mineralization may be more extensive than previously thought. It also indicates that there may be additional mineralized structures in the underlying basement granitic rocks further to the northwest, and parallel to the mineralized zone that was previously announced. Diamond drilling has not yet tested for fresh basement mineralization beneath the oxide mineralization this far north at PDM. Figure 2: Map showing the outline of the PDM gold-in-oxide blanket (dashed line) with higher-grade core (black line) and the location of all RC holes completed to date. Note that RC310, which returned 13m @ 4.6 g/t gold, is currently on the edge of the high-grade core to the oxide blanket defined by the 4.5 g x m contour. The underlying zones of primary mineralization in intrusive rocks as currently interpreted are also shown in yellow To view an enhanced version of Figure 2, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/3900/131521_6e6d1a56e45f0901_003full.jpg RC313 was drilled in the center of the higher-grade core within the blanket and returned 17.0m @ 1.1 g/t gold from surface in oxidized and weathered material (Figure 2, Table 1). Other significant drill results within the gold-in-oxide blanket at PDM (Figure 2, Table 1) include; RC309: 33.0m @ 0.4 g/t gold from surface, including 10.0m @ 0.8 g/t gold from 23.0m RC308: 27.0m @ 0.4 g/t gold from surface RC307: 15.0m @ 0.4 g/t gold from surface RC311: 11.0m @ 0.4 g/t gold from surface RC314: 15.0m @ 0.4 g/t gold from surface from surface, including from 23.0m Drill Hole # Weathering Mineralized Zone From to Width Grade m m m g/t gold RC0307 Oxide/Saprolite Blanket 0.0 15.0 15.0 0.4 26.0 29.0 3.0 0.2 EOH 75.00 RC0308 Oxide/Saprolite Blanket 0.0 27.0 27.0 0.4 55.0 60.0 5.0 0.6 EOH 60.0 RC0309 Oxide/Saprolite Blanket 0.0 33.0 33.0 0.4 incl. 23.0 33.0 10.0 0.8 50.0 54.0 4.0 0.6 62.0 67.0 5.0 0.2 EOH 75.0 RC0310 Oxide/Saprolite Blanket 0.0 13.0 13.0 0.3 25.0 38.0 13.0 4.6 incl. 34.0 35.0 1.0 49.2 44.0 47.0 3.0 0.3 EOH 65.0 RC0311 Oxide/Saprolite Blanket 0.0 11.0 11.0 0.4 EOH 41.0 RC0312 Oxide/Saprolite Blanket 0.0 6.0 6.0 0.4 43.0 51.0 8.0 0.3 EOH 51.0 RC0313 Oxide/Saprolite Blanket 0.0 17.0 17.0 1.1 EOH 66.0 RC0314 Oxide/Saprolite Blanket 0.0 15.0 15.0 0.4 65.0 67.0 2.0 2.4 EOH 71.0 RC0315 Oxide Blanket 0.0 10.0 10.0 0.3 EOH 83.0 Table 1 showing the assay results from RC holes RC307 to RC314. Oxide mineralization is denoted with grey highlights. Drilling and Trenching Update Results are pending on 12 diamond-drill holes at MG. Results for 30 RC holes are also pending at PDM. Results are pending on 14 follow-up diamond-drill holes at Machichie and 12 trenches totaling 443m. Results are pending on 6 diamond-drill holes at the Indio target and additional drilling is planned. Private Placement Financing Cabral is pleased to announce an additional closing of its previously announced private placement financing (the "Private Placement") through the issuance of 100,000 additional units ("Units") on a non-brokered basis at a price of $0.30 per Unit for gross proceeds of $30,000. The current closing brings the total gross proceeds of the Private Placement to $3,041,507.40 comprised of 10,138,358 Units issued at $0.30 per Unit. Each Unit consists of one common share in the capital of the Company (a "Common Share") and one common share purchase warrant of the Company (a "Warrant"). Each Warrant entitles the holder thereof to acquire one Common Share at an exercise price of $0.50 per Common Share for a period of 24 months after the closing of the Offering. All securities issued in connection with the Private Placement are subject to a statutory hold period of four months from the date of issuance in accordance with applicable securities legislation and the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange. About Cabral Gold Inc. The Company is a junior resource company engaged in the identification, exploration and development of mineral properties, with a primary focus on gold properties located in Brazil. The Company has a 100% interest in the Cuiu Cuiu gold district located in the Tapajos Region, within the state of Para in northern Brazil. Two gold deposits have so far been defined at Cuiu Cuiu and contain 43-101 compliant Indicated resources of 5.9Mt @ 0.90 g/t (200,000 oz) and Inferred resources of 19.5Mt @ 1.24 g/t (800,000 oz). The Tapajos Gold Province is the site of the largest gold rush in Brazil's history producing an estimated 30 to 50 million ounces of placer gold between 1978 and 1995. Cuiu Cuiu was the largest area of placer workings in the Tapajos and produced an estimated 2Moz of placer gold historically. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: "Alan Carter" President and Chief Executive Officer Cabral Gold Inc. Tel: 604.676.5660 Guillermo Hughes, MAusIMM and FAIG., 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 such 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 information and forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities legislation (collectively "forward-looking statements"). The use of the words "will", "expected" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements should not be unduly relied upon. This news release contains forward-looking statements and assumptions pertaining to the following: strategic plans and future operations, and results of exploration. Actual results achieved may vary from the information provided herein as a result of numerous known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors. The Company believes the expectations reflected in those forward-looking statements are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct. Notes Gold analysis has been conducted by SGS method FAA505 (fire assay of 50g charge), with higher grade samples checked by FAA525. Analytical quality is monitored by certified references and blanks. Until dispatch, samples are stored under the supervision the Company's exploration office. The samples are couriered to the assay laboratory using a commercial contractor. Pulps are returned to the Company and archived. Drill holes results are quoted as down-hole length weighted intersections. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/131521 New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - July 21, 2022) - Wave Wyld Media has added new and innovative courses in its mission to educate newcomers and businesses about TikTok and its algorithms in order to build a personal brand and expand customer base. The courses are specifically aimed at teaching expert tips and tricks on personal branding and winning marketing strategies. Wave Wyld Top of the list of courses is Beat the TikTok Algorithm course. Designed for both individuals striving to build a personal brand, and businesses, this self-paced course comprises 48 lessons that are divided into 8 modules. The course is expected to help takers in choosing their niche and understanding how they can exploit it with an array of different strategies. Riddled with video lectures, PDF notes, and quizzes, Beat The TikTok Algorithm course is available here. TikTok Profit Lab is another addition to the courses offered by Wave Wyld Media. The course is based on 7 modules. In these modules, claims the company, course-takers will learn how they can make videos that will attract targeted audiences toward them. Moreover, there are many resources including a TikTok Sounds Library that categorizes sounds by themes to use with the video formulas and provides over 500 content ideas. Besides that, the course is said to teach 5 tactics on using trends on TikTok to sell products, and leverage TikTok stories and live streams. Another course, TikTok Storytelling Masterclass, purely focuses on training embryonic TikTok influencers on storytelling via video. This short course comprises only 5 modules and includes various methods of telling story along with 5 storytelling frameworks for product based businesses. A workbook is included to help students map out their stories to 'go viral and gain followers through powerful storytelling.' The last one on the list of courses by Wave Wyld Media is TikTok Basics. This 90-minute course is specially designed for newcomers to the application. It goes from offering lessons on account settings, TikTok culture and algorithms, an overview of editing features, how-to guide on TikTok videos, to tips on TikTok growth, first steps, etc. Wave Wyld Media says that TikTok can be a revolution for the marketing world and people need to see its potential. The company further said that its mission is to offer easy-to-understand courses to educate the masses, especially emerging influencers and businesses about the concealed potential of this network and help them make trends on TikTok. Apart from offering courses, Wave Wyld Media also provides consulting sessions that can be accessed here. For more information on Wave Wyld Media, please visit: Website: https://www.wavewyld.com/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wavewyld Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wavewyld/ Contact Wave Wyld: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wavewyld/ Email: heya@wavewyld.com To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/131517 WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Science and technology innovator Danaher Corp. (DHR), while reporting weak second-quarter earnings, on Thursday said it expects third-quarter non-GAAP base business core revenue growth to be in the high-single digit percent range. For the full year 2022, the company continues to expect non-GAAP base business core revenue growth will be in the high-single digit percent range. In its second quarter, net earnings were $1.7 billion or $2.25 per share, down 1.5 percent from last year. Adjusted net earnings per share were $2.76, Revenues increased 7.5 percent year-over-year to $7.8 billion. Core revenue growth was 9.5 percent. 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 partnership to provide educational resources about eating disorders for orthodontists and orthodontic staff. ST. LOUIS, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) has announced a new partnership with the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA). NEDA, the leading non-profit in the field of eating disorders, supports individuals and families affected by eating disorders and serves as a catalyst for prevention, cures, and access to quality care. This partnership will provide educational resources for orthodontists to help them recognize eating disorder warning signs and to understand triggering behaviors and language that can cause harm. Norman Nagel, DDS, MS, President of the AAO, reacted to the news, "Orthodontists understand their significant role as a healthcare provider. The partnership with NEDA will enable them to help their patients. I am confident that each of our members will utilize the NEDA educational materials to help recognize the signs, provide valuable resources to patients and their parents, and improve the care they provide to patients with eating disorders by learning to avoid triggering language and behaviors." "We are thrilled about our partnership with the AAO. By understanding the etiologies of eating disorders, recognizing the mouth warning signs, and safely intervening, at an early stage, when appropriate, dental professionals can help the millions of Americans with these potentially deadly diseases start down the road to recovery." Elizabeth Thompson, NEDA's CEO continued, "We look forward to supporting AAO and its members as you embrace this sensitive and vitally important work." Eating disorders are serious, life-threatening physical and mental illnesses that can affect anyone, regardless of age, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, or background. According to a study conducted by Deloitte Access Economics, more than 5% of the population struggles with an eating disorder, and many of these develop in adolescence and early adulthood. Given that more than 65% of orthodontic patients are under the age of 18 orthodontists are in a unique position to identify and support patients with eating disorders. Warning signs, such as damage to teeth enamel, can signal to the orthodontist that the patient may have an eating disorder. Orthodontists can improve the care they provide by being sensitive to the language they use and restrictions they may prescribe. For example, food restrictions for individuals with braces may cause mental health distress to someone with an eating disorder. Additionally, the new partnership between the AAO and NEDA demonstrates yet another reason why in-person examination and care is an essential part of orthodontic and dental treatment. When orthodontists examine a patient in-person prior to beginning orthodontic treatment, they are examining primarily for conditions and factors directly related to the treatment-but, the in-person examination also provides an opportunity for detection of numerous other conditions and problems not directly related to the orthodontic treatment, such as signs and symptoms of eating disorders. Information provided by NEDA and distributed by the AAO to AAO members will allow AAO members to add detection of potential eating disorders to the benefits provided by an in-person examination. Resources will be available for AAO members and their orthodontic staff by Fall of 2022. About the American Association of Orthodontists: The American Association of Orthodontists represents more than 18,500 orthodontist members throughout the United States, Canada, and abroad. Founded in 1900, AAO is the world's oldest and largest dental specialty organization. AAO is dedicated to ethically advancing the art and science of orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics worldwide; improving the overall oral healthcare of the public; advocating for the health and safety of the public; educating the public about the benefits of orthodontic treatment provided by an orthodontic specialist. For more information, visit aaoinfo.org. About NEDA: For the many millions of people in sub-Saharan Africa who lack access to electric lighting, sunset brings an almost enveloping dark. But Light Libraries is one handy solar-powered program that brings an affordable end to darkness for school students. pv magazine sat down with Sofia Ollvid from SolarAid to discuss how these libraries work.From ISSUE 07 - 2022. For the more than 600 million people in sub-Saharan Africa without access to electricity and lighting, the day is cut short at sunset. Can solar Light Libraries begin to change that? Yes, I believe so. Solar lights are an affordable, clean ... 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. WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Alaska Air Group (ALK) said it flew a record load factor for the second quarter of 88%, driven by high demand on reduced capacity. The company reported adjusted pretax margin for the second quarter of 14%. For full year 2022, the company expects capacity to be down 8% to 9% versus 2019, and expects CASMex to be up 15% to 17% versus 2019. The company continues to expect full year adjusted pre-tax margin to be between 6% and 9%. For the third quarter, the company expects: total revenue to increase 16% to 19% from 2019; passenger load factor of 85% to 88%; and a decline in capacity measured in ASMs of 5% to 8% from 2019. Reported net income for the second quarter of 2022, excluding special items and mark-to-market fuel hedge accounting adjustments, was $280 million, or $2.19 per share, compared to a net loss, excluding special items and mark-to-market fuel hedge accounting adjustments, of $38 million, or $0.30 per share, a year ago. On average, 11 analysts polled by Thomson Reuters expected the company to report profit per share of $1.97, for the quarter. Analysts' estimates typically exclude special items. Reported net income for the second quarter was $139 million, or $1.09 per share, compared to a net income of $397 million, or $3.13 per share, prior year. The company recorded $2.7 billion in operating revenues for the second quarter, the highest revenue-generating quarter in company history, and an increase of 74% from previous year. Analysts on average had estimated $2.59 billion in revenue. For more earnings news, earnings calendar, and earnings for stocks, visit rttnews.com. Copyright(c) 2022 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX ALASKA AIR-Aktie komplett kostenlos handeln - auf Smartbroker.de SINGAPORE, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- During Huawei Intelligent Finance Summit 2022 - Huawei, launched the Digital Banking 2.0 solution leveraging Temenos open platform, and discussed with customers and top partners in the financial industry about how to build a cloud-native architecture to achieve business agility and industry innovation. Digital banking is a global trend Facing fierce competition with Internet giants, banks are transforming from providers of traditional financial services to those of new digital financial services based on the industry ecosystem. New technologies - such as cloud-native, open API, and big data - as well as the new economic environment have been driving digital banking to be open, intelligent with seamless integration capability. Banks have to go digital to meet the various new requirements in new scenarios, and digital banking is an inevitable choice. Indeed, global digital banks have undergone explosive growth in recent years. According to the statistics of Simon-Kucher's new bank database, 153 digital banks emerged in 2020 and 2021, and this number will continue to rise in the future. Huawei releases Digital Banking 2.0 Solution leveraging Temenos open platform supporting banks' architecture transformation and business innovation During the summit, Huawei released the Digital Banking 2.0 Solution leveraging Temenos open platform. This new Digital Banking solution is an upgraded solution and uses Temenos open platform for composable banking to provide cloud-native, core banking functionality and data capabilities. The solution supports the quick launch of digital banks and helps larger banks accelerate their modernization in the cloud. This greatly improves the rollout efficiency and customer satisfaction. Digital Banking 2.0 Solution enables fast service integration and rollout based on a cloud-native architecture, providing core banking functions for banks. The solution has the following key capabilities: Pre-integrated: The solution certified with Temenos and other partners in the industry offers a complete and comprehensive function stack of digital banking for customers in different business scenarios, such as retail, corporate and Islamic banking, etc. Agile: The solution provides composable banking services that allow new services to be developed and iterated through simple assembly. At the same time, the cloud-native system is highly scalable and cost-effective, requiring less initial investment. Open: The platform provides open APIs for third-party invoking and integration. It enriches the ecosystem and supports more business scenarios. All of this results in improved system operational efficiency and user satisfaction. Neo Gong, Senior Solution Director of the Huawei Enterprise BG Digital Finance, introduced, "Digital Banking 2.0 can be delivered in the SaaS or cloud foundation model. This solution helps customers improve their efficiency of business operations and cost management, so that they can focus more on service innovation and ecosystem development. Based on the collaboration with Temenos, a leading open platform for composable banking, this solution provides rich core banking functionality for banks." Through building an agile, elastic, secure and reliable cloud foundation, and integration with partners to build scenario-based financial solutions, Huawei is committed to further promote the development and innovation of financial services, shaping smarter, greener finance together. About Huawei Intelligent Finance Summit 2022 Huawei Intelligent Finance Summit is Huawei's annual flagship event for the global financial industry. HiFS 2022 runs from July 20 to 22 in Singapore. With the theme of "Shaping Smarter, Greener Finance", Huawei Intelligent Finance Summit brings together leading figures, KOLs, academic experts, and innovative practitioners in the global financial industry to discuss how to shape green and digital finance in light of the future development trend of the financial industry. For more information, please visit: https://e.huawei.com/en/special_topic/Industry/finance/2022-finance-summit Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1863833/image.jpg Oncoustics' SaMD Works on Any Ultrasound System Making AI-Driven Diagnostics, Surveillance and Treatment Monitoring Available and Accessible at Point of Care TORONTO, ON and SAN FRANCISCO, CA / ACCESSWIRE / July 21, 2022 / Oncoustics (http://www.oncoustics.com), the leader in ultrasound-based tissue characterization solutions announces the initial close of a $5 million+ seed round of funding to advance its SaMD (software as a medical device) technology for the low-cost assessment of structural diseases at point of care. Oncoustics' first products will focus on liver disease, one of the fastest-growing causes of morbidity and mortality in the world. The round is co-led by Creative Ventures and Saltagen Ventures. Other investors in the round include NorthSpring Capital Partners, Fraser Kearney Capital Corp., Pallasite Ventures, and Dr. Chen Fong, a renowned radiologist, entrepreneur/investor and inductee into the Order of Canada for his contributions to medical technology innovation and philanthropy. With this close, Oncoustics is pleasedto add Dr. Fong on behalf of Saltagen, and James Wang of Creative Ventures to its board of directors. The Novel Oncoustics Approach Oncoustics' patented approach utilizes both the ultrasound images as well as the acoustic data derived from the raw sound signals to automatically differentiate tissue types. Every different type of tissue in the body bounces back a unique acoustic signature and Oncoustics mines these signals to differentiate healthy versus diseased tissues.Oncoustics has been collecting ultrasound signal datasets and has amassed the largest RF signal data set in the world. This hardware-agnostic approach works on any ultrasound system, including new low-cost point-of-care ultrasound systems, making this an affordable and accessible diagnostic tool. James Wang, partner at Creative Ventures who leads AI investments, leveraging his background in computer science specializing in AI/ML, shared, "Oncoustics' approach is unique. They mine the raw data that is typically thrown away and can use this to go beyond what can be seen by the human eye. They're basically creating a 'virtual biopsy' that has vast applications in healthcare. Innovations like Oncoustics are what will help change the trajectory of our currently unsustainable healthcare system and costs." Leveraging the rise of new point-of-care ultrasound systems, Oncoustics takes advantage of all the benefits of these systems, including their low cost, portability and ease of use, and builds on this by guiding the data acquisition and providing easy-to-read results via a smartphone app. "Their technique of mining and analyzing the ultrasound RF signal makes perfect sense to me, as the raw data is much richer than what is available in standard medical images," said Dr. Fong. "This tool would make ultrasound much easier to use and would benefit millions of at-risk patients." Clinician scanning the liver to assess its health with OnX liver assessment solution. The OnX Liver Assessment Solution Oncoustics' first product, the OnX liver assessment solution, is focused on detecting structural liver diseases including fibrosis and steatosis (fat) that can occur in all types of chronic liver disease (CLD). CLD today affects more than 2 billion people globally and is rising dramatically, driven by a condition called Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). NAFLD has grown rapidly due to the rise in obesity, metabolic disorders and type 2 diabetes. UCLA Health estimates that up to 46% of the U.S. population has or is at risk of NAFLD. "There's a tsunami of need around detecting these types of liver diseases and our ultimate goal is to decrease or eliminate the need for high-end imaging or painful and invasive biopsies," said Beth Rogozinski, CEO, Oncoustics. "With this new round of funding, we will accelerate our liver solutions and enable low-cost diagnostics for earlier interventions and better patient care." "Oncoustics has progressed and gained incredible traction since we first invested in them and has even demonstrated that their approach works on any anatomical area of the body that the ultrasound can image," said Dr. Fong who was an angel investor through the Creative Destruction Lab. The company has several follow-on liver products in development as well as clinical data on other organ indications including prostate, kidney, breast and thyroid diseases and cancers. The Oncoustics platform promises a whole new level of access to care with the benefits of ease of use, accessibility, affordability, and optimizing clinical workflows. Images available here: LINK About Oncoustics Oncoustics (www.oncoustics.com) applies AI to raw ultrasound signals to do tissue characterization at point of care for low-cost, noninvasive surveillance, diagnostics, and treatment monitoring of diseases with high unmet clinical need. The Oncoustics solutions for ultrasound will be submitted for regulatory approval in the United States (FDA 510(k)), Canada (Health Canada medical device license) and the European Union (CE Mark). The OnX Liver Assessment Solution has not been cleared for clinical use and is For Investigational Use Only. For further information, visit www.oncoustics.com. Media Contact: Erica Zeidenberg Hot Tomato Marketing erica@hottomato.net 925-518-8159 SOURCE: Oncoustics View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/709263/Oncoustics-Closes-New-Funding-to-Advance-its-AI-Innovations-in-Ultrasound-and-Address-Huge-Unmet-Clinical-Needs-in-Liver-Disease Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - July 21, 2022) - IAMGOLD Corporation (NYSE: IAG) (TSX: IMG) ("IAMGOLD" or the "Company") today published its 2021 Sustainability Report (the "Report") highlighting the Company's progress and achievements across a range of Environmental, Social and Governance ("ESG") practices. The Company is also proud to announce that it has been named as one of the Corporate Knights' Canada's Best 50 Corporate Citizens of 2022, ranking as one of the top 50 companies in Canada for corporate citizenship. "This is the 15th year that IAMGOLD has publicly reported on sustainability topics that are most material to our stakeholders, partners and to our business," said Maryse Belanger, Chair and Interim President and CEO of IAMGOLD. "This well-established history of sustainability reporting underscores the steadfast commitment of the organization and its leadership to operate in a sustainable and responsible manner. This includes maintaining and augmenting our strong health and safety culture, fulfilling our commitments to our local communities and partners, and continuing to remain strong stewards of the environment." "Being recognized as among the Best 50 Corporate Citizens in Canada is a great honour and reflects the dedication, passion and commitment of our people. We take pride in being responsible operators and are committed to using this strong foundation to help transform IAMGOLD into a stronger, more agile, and sustainable business. As we move forward, IAMGOLD will remain open, engaged, and committed to maximizing the benefits of mining to create a brighter future for our stakeholders and host communities." The IAMGOLD 2021 Sustainability Report can be viewed and is available for download from the Company's website at www.iamgold.com. Corporate Knights' annual Best 50 Corporate Citizens ranking has been presented for 20 years measuring companies relative to industry peers on a set of 24 ESG indicators, including board and management diversity, energy and emissions efficiency, financial management and clean revenue. Within the overall Metals & Mining peer group, IAMGOLD ranked 7th among 136 global companies; and within the GICS Industry of Metals and Mining group, IAMGOLD placed 12th among 304 global companies. For more information about Corporate Knights 2022 Best 50 Corporate Citizens in Canada, including full rankings, methodology and rating weights, please visit https://www.corporateknights.com/rankings/best-50-rankings/2022-best-50-rankings/. ABOUT IAMGOLD IAMGOLD is a mid-tier gold mining company operating in North America, South America and West Africa. The Company has three operating mines: Essakane (Burkina Faso), Rosebel (Suriname) and Westwood (Canada), and is building the large-scale, long life Cote Gold project (Canada) which is expected to start production towards the end of 2023. In addition, the Company has a robust development and exploration portfolio within high potential mining districts in the Americas and West Africa. IAMGOLD employs approximately 5,000 people and is committed to maintaining its culture of accountable mining through high standards of Environmental, Social and Governance ("ESG") practices, including its commitment to Zero Harm, in every aspect of its business. IAMGOLD is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE :IAG) and the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: IMG) and is one of the companies on the Jantzi Social Index ("JSI"), a socially screened market capitalization-weighted consisting of companies which pass a set of broadly based environmental, social and governance rating criteria. IAMGOLD Contact Information Graeme Jennings, Vice President, Investor Relations Tel: 416 360 4743 | Mobile: 416 388 6883 Philip Rabenok, Manager, Investor Relations Tel: 416 933 5783 | Mobile: 647 967 9942 Toll-free: 1 888 464 9999 info@iamgold.com This entire news release may be accessed via fax, e-mail, IAMGOLD's website at www.iamgold.com and through Newsfile's website at www.newsfilecorp.com. All material information on IAMGOLD can be found at www.sedar.com or at www.sec.gov. Si vous desirez obtenir la version francaise de ce communique, veuillez consulter le www.iamgold.com/French/accueil/default.aspx. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/131447 Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - July 21, 2022) - Iconic Minerals Ltd. (TSXV: ICM) (OTCQB: BVTEF) (FSE: YQGB) (the "Company" or "Iconic") is pleased to provide an update on its 2022 mineral exploration and development plans for the Bonnie Claire Lithium Project (the 'Project' or 'Property'), located in Nye County, Nevada. The work plan is the culmination of discussions between the Company and its 50% partner in Bonnie Claire, Nevada Lithium Resources Inc. (CSE: NVLH) (FSE: 87K) (OTCQB: NVLHF) ("Nevada Lithium"). The estimated $5M USD work program has been fully funded as part of the Option Agreement, whereby Nevada Lithium obtained its 50% interest. Iconic Minerals Ltd CEO, Richard Kern, comments: "Completion of our first core hole is a major milestone in the quest to move Bonnie Claire forward to a feasibility study and beyond. Core allows us to determine detailed geology as well as gather the geo-technical parameters to be used in designing borehole testing. I believe this program will further prove the enormous potential of the project." Drill Hole BC2201C The Company is pleased to disclose that it has completed the first drill hole of the 2022 exploration program, hole BC2201C, with a final depth of 2001 feet (610 meters). Vibrating wire piezometers have been set in the hole during abandonment to gain a better understanding of the groundwater flow in the basin. The core rig is currently mobilizing to the next core hole location, which is roughly 0.5 miles (0.8 kilometers) from the site of BC2201C. The first batch of 216 geochem samples, extracted from core hole BC2201C, has been sent to ALS in Reno, Nevada for analysis. The sample material consists of PQ and HQ quarter core with 10% of all samples containing a standard, duplicate, or blank. All core has been stored and cut at a secure core storage facility near Beatty, Nevada. Core Sampling Program Barr Engineering Company (Barr) has completed its core sampling program at the BC2201C drill site and has begun assessment of the material. Over 200 segments of core were taken for analysis to better understand the geo-technical characteristics of the resource at Bonnie Claire. While some measurements were taken in the field, where Barr personnel were on site for both day and night shifts, the majority of the testing will be conducted by Advanced Terra Testing ("ATT") in Lakewood, Colorado. ATT has already received the samples. The information gained from this technical analysis will enhance Barr's understanding of the geology and allow for optimizing the design of future borehole mining tests at Bonnie Claire. Mud/Rotary Drill Hole In the next week the Company will commence a mud/rotary hole, which will be drilled to a depth of 2000 feet (610 meters) and is located 20 feet (6 meters) from BC2201C. This hole will be geochem sampled and compared with assays from the nearby core hole. Based on previous drilling, the Company anticipates that the core lithium values may be 10-15% higher than the mud/rotary hole. Once drilling is complete, perforated PVC will be placed in the hole and downhole geophysics conducted to determine high permeability zones along with other data. Water samples will be taken and analyzed and Barr will perform pumping tests on the permeable zones identified. This well will also be used as a water source for future drilling. Qualified Person Richard Kern, Certified Professional Geologist, a qualified person as defined by Canadian National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this news release. Mr. Kern is not independent of the Company as he is the Chief Executive Officer of Iconic. Bonnie Claire Property The Bonnie Claire Property is located within Sarcobatus Valley, which is approximately 30 km (19 miles) long and 20 km (12 miles) wide. Quartz-rich volcanic tuffs containing anomalous amounts of lithium occur within and adjacent to the valley. Drill results from the salt flat have included lithium values as high as 2550 ppm Li and a 1560 foot (roughly 475 meter) vertical intercept that averaged 1153 ppm Li. The current 43-101 resource from the PEA report for borehole mineable portion of the resource is 3,407 million tonnes grading 1,013 ppm Li or 18,372 million kilograms of lithium carbonate equivalent. The gravity low within the valley is 20 km (12 miles) long, and the current estimates of depth to basement rocks range from 600 to 1,200 meters (2,000 to 4,000 feet). The current claim block covers an area of 74 km2 (28.6 mi2) with potential for brine systems and further sediment resources. On behalf of the Board of Directors SIGNED: "Richard Kern" Richard Kern, President and CEO Contact: Keturah Nathe, VP Corporate Development (604) 336-8614 For further information on Iconic, please visit our website at www.iconicminerals.com. The Company's public documents may be accessed 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 release. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian and U.S. securities legislation, including the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein including, without limitation, statements with respect to the Option, the Joint Venture, the amount of the Offering, the expected use of proceeds from the Offering and the future business plans and exploration activities of the Company, are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as: "will", "believes", "expects", "anticipates", "intends", "estimates", "plans", "may", "should", "potential", "scheduled" or variations of such words and phrases and similar expressions, which, by their nature, refer to future events or results that may, could, would, might or will occur or be taken or achieved. In making the forward-looking statements in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including without limitation, that investor interest will be sufficient to close the Offering, that market fundamentals will result in sustained precious metals demand and prices, the receipt of any necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals required for the Option Agreement and the future development of the Company's projects in a timely manner. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such risks and other factors include, among others, operating and technical difficulties in connection with mineral exploration and development activities, actual results of exploration activities, including on the Smith Creek Property, requirements for additional capital, future prices of lithium and gold, changes in general economic conditions, changes in the financial markets and in the demand and market price for commodities, lack of investor interest in future financings, accidents, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry, delays in obtaining governmental approvals, permits or financing or in the completion of development or construction activities, risks relating to epidemics or pandemics such as COVID-19, including the impact of COVID-19 on the business, financial condition and exploration and development activities of the Company, changes in laws, regulations and policies affecting mining operations, title disputes, the inability of the Company to obtain any necessary permits, consents, approvals or authorizations, including of the TSX Venture Exchange in respect of the Option Agreement and the Offering, the timing and possible outcome of any pending litigation, environmental issues and liabilities, and risks related to joint venture operations, and other risks and uncertainties disclosed in the Company's latest interim Management's Discussion and Analysis and filed with the Canadian Securities Authorities. All of the Company's Canadian public disclosure filings may be accessed via www.sedar.com and readers are urged to review these materials, including the technical reports filed with respect to the Company's mineral properties. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any of the forward-looking statements in this news release or incorporated by reference herein, except as otherwise required by law. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/131486 SINGAPORE, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- July 20, the three-day Huawei Intelligent Finance Summit 2022 officially begins at Sands Expo and Convention Centre. Under the theme of "Shaping Smarter, Greener Finance", the summit is bringing together financial industry leading figures, KOLs, academic experts, and innovative practitioners from more than 30 countries around the world to discuss the future development of the financial industry, exploring how to build smarter and greener finance together. Huawei proposed three core elements for gaining competitiveness in the financial industry, upon the arrival of the super digitalization era With the fully connected intelligent world on its way, both the economy and society are transforming towards two major trends of digitalization and sustainable development. In face of changing financial service scenarios and business models in the digital era, the financial industry is met with a growing demand for rapid business innovation and ultimate customer experience, which further speeds up its pace of transformation. To cope with the complex and dynamic nature of digital transformation, it is necessary for the financial industry to rebuild its core competitiveness amidst the digital era in order to realize the vision of intelligent finance. "Better connections, stronger intelligence, and more scenarios are the key to building competitiveness of digital finance," Ryan Ding, President of the Huawei Enterprise BG, pointed out, "Following the concept of co-creation, sharing, and win-win, we are working with our customers and partners in finding a way towards Shaping Smarter, Greener Finance, Creating New Value Together." Huawei announced three strategic initiatives, advancing the digitalization of the financial industry in the new era. Jason Cao, CEO of Huawei Global Digital Finance said in his speech, "Technology, especially the connection and intelligence, continues to drive the development of the financial industry. In 2022, we have officially entered into the ZFLOPS era for AI computing power. With the development of AI, we will embrace super-personalization. By 2025, more than 100 billion physical connections will lead to financial services for 'things'. In the future, smart contract will enable intelligent decision-making possible everywhere. New service and product models will emerge one after another. However, end-to-end user experience, real-time processing of massive data, and O&M and management of more complex networks and multi clouds will all become challenges for the financial industry. We are facing opportunities as well as challenges. " To build smarter and greener finance based on better connections, stronger intelligence, and more scenarios, Huawei announced three strategic initiatives for the financial sector during the summit. Smarter: smarter customer engagement solutions to improve digital experience; data and intelligent converged platform to build real-time data capabilities; hybrid multi-cloud architecture to make cross-cloud management easier and services more agile. Greener: autonomous digital infrastructure to help financial institutions achieve high efficiency, availability, and performance and facilitate collaboration of multi-technology, heterogeneous technology, and hybrid multi-cloud. Together: Build a global ecosystem cooperation platform and put forward three upgraded initiatives for the Financial Partner Go Global Program 2.0 (FPGGP): develop more solution partners; expand FPGGP to global consulting and service partners; develop local sales and service partners for providing FPGGP solutions locally. Working with global clients and partners, shaping smarter and greener finance During the summit, Huawei and DBS announced the establishment of the Innovation Showcase at DBS Newton Green. Huawei also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with OCBC Bank to bolster the bank's digital transformation in Southeast Asia and the Greater Bay Area in three key initiatives: Green Branch and Buildings with Smart IoT; Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Innovation and Cloud Adoption Acceleration. Meanwhile, Huawei released the Digital Banking 2.0 Solution leveraging Temenos open platform. The solution supports the quick launch of digital banks and helps larger banks accelerate their modernization in the cloud. This greatly improves the rollout efficiency and customer satisfaction. In the coming days, Huawei will sign a number of cooperation agreements with several financial institutions, and unveil a wide variety of products and solutions jointly created with partners, covering various business scenarios. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1863821/image_1.jpg UnionPay International Middle East Branch and Bank Albilad hold a signing ceremony in 27 June 2022 with VP of UPI, Larry Wang, attending the signing ceremony together with Bashar Alqunaibit , Executive Vice President of Businessof BAB. RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- UnionPay International Middle East Branch (UPI) recently expanded its acceptance in Saudi Arabia thanks to a cooperation deal with Bank Albilad (BAB), one of the Kingdom's largest shariah compliant Islamic banks. BAB is UnionPay's fifth partnership in the country and the first to sign up since 2018, giving UPI customers full access to all BAB's points of sale (POS), ATMs and online merchants moving forward. Coverage of UnionPay card POS terminals in Saudi Arabia currently stands at around 50 percent and ATMs at approximately 68 percent. The new cooperation deal continues to expand acceptance of UnionPay cards in the country, providing services to more local merchants and cardholders. At the same time, UnionPay's services will now for the very first time be open to a large cohort of online merchants in Saudi Arabia. This cooperation will not only enable cardholders to enjoy the convenience of online shopping and merchant growth, but also contribute to the expedited development of e-commerce, digital technology and innovative solutions, helping the country to achieve its landmark "Saudi Vision 2030" national development project. The majority of countries in the Middle East already accept UnionPay cards on a large scale. Among them, market coverage of POS terminals in the UAE and Pakistan is close to 100 percent, and over 95 percent in Turkey. In addition, UnionPay is actively expanding mobile payment acceptance to bolster local governments in building a truly cashless society. Currently, UnionPay's contactless payment market acceptance covers over 90 percent in various countries and regions throughout the Middle East, with QR code acceptance covering the totality of the market. Through continuous product improvement, UnionPay offers a safe, convenient, and flexible mobile payment experience for local cardholders and users. About UnionPay International UnionPay International (UPI) is focused on the growth and support of UnionPay's global business. In partnership with more than 2500 institutions worldwide, UnionPay International has enabled card acceptance in 180 countries and regions with issuance in 75 countries and regions. UnionPay International provides high quality, cost effective and secure cross-border payment services to the world's largest cardholder base and ensures convenient local services to a growing number of global UnionPay cardholders and merchants. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1863878/20220721174041.jpg CHICAGO (dpa-AFX) - Aerospace business Boeing (BA) and Qatar Airways on Thursday finalized an order for 25 737 MAX airplanes. The order for 737-10, Boeing's largest and most efficient single-aisle jet, was announced by company leaders in a signing ceremony at the Farnborough International Airshow. Seating up to 230 passengers with a range of 3,300 nautical miles, the 737-10 is the largest airplane in the 737 MAX family, offering greater fuel efficiency and the best per-seat economics of any single-aisle airplane in the industry. The jet can cover 99 percent of the world's single-aisle routes. In January, Boeing and Qatar Airways had announced a Memorandum of Understanding for 737 MAX airplanes. In addition, the airline became the global launch customer for the new 777-8 Freighter, with an order for up to 50 freighters. Shares of The Boeing Company are currently trading in pre-market at $157.95, down $0.43 or 0.27 percent from the previous close. Copyright(c) 2022 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - July 21, 2022) - Silver Sands Resources Corp. (CSE: SAND) (OTCQB: SSRSF) ("Silver Sands" or the "Company") is pleased to report results from the 12 hole, 1362m Phase IV diamond drill campaign at the Virginia Silver project ("Virginia"), located in Santa Cruz province, Argentina. The diamond drilling completed at Margarita and Ely Central continue to show the strong potential for significant new mineralization outside the current resource area. Highlights Margarita Vein - 720 g/t silver over 4.85m, including 1533 g/t silver over 0.65m, within a larger interval of 343 g/t silver over 12.85m; Margarita Vein - 322 g/t silver over 2.5m, including 673 g/t silver over 0.6m; Ely Central - 124 g/t silver over 11.95m, including 192 g/t silver over 1.8m; Ely North - 144.5 g/t silver over 5.65m, including 418 g/t silver over 0.6m; "We continue to be delighted with the steady progress we have made over the last two years as we work to build on the Virginia resource base," commented Silver Sand CEO Keith Anderson. "Our four drilling campaigns are indicating the Ely Vein may very well be one continuously mineralized 870 metre structure, suggesting a significant addition to the current resource base," he continued. "We are also seeing significant new silver mineralization at Margarita vein, indicating potential for new veins remains high at the main Virginia silver-rich vein field. More importantly, initial drilling of outlying "blue sky" veins, such as the Patricia Trend, are starting to deliver indications of stronger silver mineralization," he concluded. Figure 1. Overall Vein Field with Phase IV holes and intersections https://www.silversandscorp.com/images/gallery/SAND_News_84.jpg To view an enhanced version of Figure 1, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6972/131490_2358494e34395965_001full.jpg Key Points and Objectives: The Phase IV focus centered on successfully testing the gaps along the principal vein structures at Ely and Martina, and extending Margarita to define new silver mineralization, and potentially new resources at Virginia. Previously undrilled "blue sky" targets of Daniela and Patricia were also tested during this campaign, with an encouraging intercept at Patricia, representing the first real significant silver drill intersections from these "outlying" vein trends to north and east of the principal resource pits. Drilling to the south and north of the pit resource at Ely North and Ely Central, resulted in significant intersections which potentially add new resources to the current Ely North resource area. The drilling suggests a continuously mineralized vein structure in the order of 872 metres. Figure 2. Ely Vein Longitudinal Section https://www.silversandscorp.com/images/gallery/SAND_News_85.jpg To view an enhanced version of Figure 2, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6972/131490_2358494e34395965_002full.jpg Principal drill results of the campaign: Ely Vein: Three holes totaling 261 metres were drilled at Ely Central, testing the existing gaps within the 500 metre long trend hosting previously drilled high grade silver anomalies. This 500-metre-long silver rich vein trend hosts previously reported isolated highlight grades of 1,110 g/t silver over 5.7 metres, (see 2021-May-17 news release), outcrops on surface and remains open at the current depth of drilling, 100 vertical metres. Phase IV drill highlights include: EC-DDH-011: 124 g/t silver over 11.95m, including 192 g/t silver over 1.8m; EC-DDH-010: 190 g/t silver over 1.95m, including 553 g/t silver over 0.3m; EC-DDH-012: 87 g/t silver over 2m, including 182 g/t silver over0.3m. One drillhole successfully tested the northern extension of the 200m long anomalous southern end of Ely North vein, currently lying outside of the Ely North Resource pit, at a vertical depth of 100m below the surface. The hole extended the zone a further 50 metres to the north and further reduced the gap with the North resource pit. EN-DDH-006: 144.5 g/t silver over 5.65m, including 418 g/t silver over 0.6m . Figure 3. Ely North and Ely Central Vein Plans https://www.silversandscorp.com/images/gallery/SAND_News_86.jpg To view an enhanced version of Figure 3, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6972/131490_2358494e34395965_003full.jpg The Ely Vein Longitudinal Section (Figure 2) clearly shows areas of prospective "gaps" requiring infill drilling to connect the current Ely South and Ely North resource pits: including the existing gaps between EC-DDH-012 and EC-DDH-002, between EC-DDH-008 and VG-183 and between EN-DDH-006 and VG-186. The northern-most end of the Ely North resource pit was also extended by EN-DDH-001 and remains open to North. Margarita Vein: Three drillholes totaling 333 metres were successfully completed at the new emerging Margarita high grade silver vein zone, extending the mineralized trend in excess of 150m to the north-west; the system remains open in both directions and at depth. The silver mineralization and assay results at Margarita Vein are extremely encouraging as they bear a strong resemblance to the mineralization and grades at the Julia Vein, host of a significant portion of the silver resources at Virginia. Highlights include: MR-DDH-004 - 720 g/t silver over 4.85m, including 1533 g/t silver over 0.65m, within a larger interval of 343 g/t silver over 12.85m; MR-DDH-005 - 322 g/t silver over 2.5m, including 673 g/t silver over 0.6m; MR-DDH-006 - 185 g/t silver over 3.6m, including 588 g/t silver over 0.5m. Figure 4. Margarita Longitudinal Section https://www.silversandscorp.com/images/gallery/SAND_News_87.jpg To view an enhanced version of Figure 4, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6972/131490_2358494e34395965_004full.jpg The MR-DDH-004 intersection consisted of a strongly banded epithermal vein with fine grained sulphides and copper oxides, with halos of hydrothermal vein breccia returning highlight values of 1078 g/t silver over 0.3m. The entire 12.85 metre interval consisted of an upper 237 g/t silver over 3.2m, a middle 32 g/t silver over 4.8m and a lower 720 g/t silver over 4.85m. Northernmost MR-DDH-005 returned 322 g/t silver over 2.5m including 673 g/t silver over 0.6m with a highlight value of 704 g/t silver over 0.3m. Deeper MR-DDH-006, vertically 100m below surface, returned 185 g/t silver over 3.6m, including 588 g/t silver over 0.5m, confirming the high grade silver mineralization extends to depth and remains open. Martina Vein: (Martina NW & Martina Central) Two holes were drilled at the Martina vein trend in Phase IV. MNW-DDH-006: 78.6 g/t silver over 6.4m, including 91 g/t silver over 4.8m; MC-DDH-002: 127 g/t silver over 2.9m, including 179.5 g/t silver over 1.45m; Figure 5. Martina Longitudinal Section https://www.silversandscorp.com/images/gallery/SAND_News_88.jpg To view an enhanced version of Figure 5, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6972/131490_2358494e34395965_005full.jpg Martina Central drillhole MC-DDH-002, the initial hole testing the gap between Martina Central and Martina NW, successfully returned an interesting silver intersection. Martina NW drillhole MNW-DDH-006 successfully extended the mineralization along the gap in the 200 metre long trend. Gaps still remain along the Martina structure with potential for silver grades potentially associated with the notable high chargeability responses. Patricia & Daniela Veins: The Patricia and Daniela veins are important as they lie well outside of the main Virginia vein field hosting the current mineral resource area and hence, represent new areas for potential silver mineralization. Further, they host the highest untested surface silver rock chips anomalies. One drill hole tested each of these targets in Phase IV, with the objective of confirming the downdip extensions of these surface expressions, as these were the initial drillholes into each of these targets. The Patricia drill hole, PA-DDH-001 encountered 120 g/t silver over 1.45m, including 198.5 g/t silver over 0.5m, along with a second zone of 97.5 g/t silver over 2.95m, including 163 g/t silver over 0.35m. While these drill results have not yet replicated the extremely high grade blocks (29,837 g/t silver) sampled on the surface at Daniela and Patricia, they have shown both the structure and significant silver mineralization occur at depth (see October 29, 2020 news release). Table 1: Virginia Phase IV Reported Drill Intercepts Hole ID From To Interval (m)1 Silver g/t2 Gold g/t Cut-off3 EC-DDH-010 53.35 55.30 1.95 190 63 including 53.35 53.65 0.30 553 300 EC-DDH-011 57.05 69.00 11.95 124 63 including 66.20 68.00 1.80 192 150 EC-DDH-012 66.85 68.90 2.00 87 63 including 68.00 68.30 0.30 182 150 EN-DDH-006 114.35 120.00 5.65 144 63 Including 116.10 116.70 0.60 418 300 MC-DDH-002 79.30 82.20 2.90 127 63 Including 80.05 81.5 1.45 179 150 MNW-DDH-006 63.20 68.00 4.80 91 63 MR-DDH-004 57.70 62.55 4.85 720 63 Including 60.70 61.00 0.30 1,755 300 MR-DDH-005 55.60 57.65 2.00 322 150 Including 56.30 56.90 0.60 673 300 MR-DDH-006 96.85 100.45 3.60 185 63 Including 98.75 99.25 0.50 588 300 PA-DDH-001 33.45 34.90 1.45 120 63 Including 33.95 34.45 0.5 198 150 10.20 13.15 2.95 96 63 Including 11.90 12.25 0.35 163 150 SRE-DDH-005 81.05 82.35 1.30 0.23 0.20 85.6 86.05 0.45 0.18 0.10 DA-DDH-001 No interval above cut-off Notes: 1 Reported interval length are down hole widths and not true widths. 2 Reported intervals are at the stated a cut-off grade of 63 g/t Ag and 150 g/t A, 300 g/t Ag, 0.20 g/t Au and 0.10 g/t Au g. _Reported intervals may include up to a maximum of 2m individual section below cut-off grade and Ag grades are uncapped. 3 The intervals were selected using the 63 g/t Ag cut-off grade used in the NI 43-101 resource estimate. Table 2: Virginia Phase IV Reported Holes Collar Location Hole Id Easting Northing Elevation (m) Azimuth Dip Depth (m) DA-DDH-001 2,428,498 4,742,039 1,055 70 -45 113 EC-DDH-010 2,428,905 4,739,935 994 280 -45 80 EC-DDH-011 2,428,878 4,739,737 996 280 -45 92 EC-DDH-012 2,428,852 4,739,625 992 280 -45 89 EN-DDH-006 2,428,995 4,740,302 1,027 264 -45 168 MC-DDH-002 2,429,677 4,739,971 978 65 -45 137 MNW-DDH-006 2,429,611 4,740,124 1,006 65 -45 131 MR-DDH-004 2,428,750 4,738,689 968 50 -45 101 MR-DDH-005 2,428,717 4,738,735 968 45 -45 101 MR-DDH-006 2,428,716 4,738,659 964 50 -45 131 PA-DDH-001 2,428,419 4,742,002 1,056 250 -45 92 SRE-DDH-005 2,423,590 4,752,135 844 280 -50 127 Santa Rita East Vein/Breccia: Hole SRE-DDH-005 was completed at the Santa Rita East breccia structure prospect, with the objective of testing continuity of the epithermal quartz- adularia vein intercepted at SRE-DDH-003. (5.20m at 0.63 g/t Au and 7 g/t Ag from 35.30m) further to depth. SRE-DDH-005 intersected 0.2 g/t gold over 1.3m and 0.18 g/t gold over 0.45m. The +200 metre long IP high chargeability anomaly remains largely unexplained and further drilling is required to fully evaluate it. About Virginia Virginia is a low to intermediate sulphidation epithermal silver deposit located in the mineral-rich Deseado massif, lying within the mining-friendly province of Santa Cruz in the Patagonia region of Argentina. Through initial discovery in 2009 to four drill programs between 2010 and 2012, Mirasol Resources was able to define an initial indicated mineral resource of 11.9 million ounces of silver at 310 g/t Silver and a further inferred 3.1 million ounces of silver at 207 g/t Silver within seven outcropping bodies. This resource is documented in a Mirasol Resources technical report entitled: "Amended Technical Report, Virginia Project, Santa Cruz Province, Argentina -- Initial Silver Mineral Resource Estimate" with an effective date of Oct. 24, 2014, and a report date of Feb. 29, 2016. Several additional vein structures within the property package remain highly prospective, as Mirasol concentrated the bulk of its exploration effort on the resource area at the expense of continuing exploration on the underexplored additional veins. Several of these structures have highlight values in excess of 1,000 g/t silver and have a high probability of hosting additional silver resources. These veins structures continue to be the primary focus of the Silver Sands 2021/2022 exploration efforts. Silver Sands is earning a 100-per-cent interest in Virginia by issuing sufficient shares for Mirasol to end up with 19.9 per cent of the issued and outstanding of Silver Sands and completing $6-million (U.S.) in exploration over three years. Mirasol will retain a 3-per-cent net smelter return royalty with Silver Sands having the option of purchasing one-third of the royalty for $2-million (U.S.). About Silver Sands Resources Corp. Silver Sands is a well-financed, Canada-based company engaged in the business of mineral exploration and the acquisition of mineral property assets in mining-friendly jurisdictions. Its objective is to locate and develop economic precious and base metal properties of merit. Its key asset is the Virginia silver project, located in the mining-friendly Santa Cruz state of Argentina. On Behalf of the Board of Directors Keith Anderson Chief Executive Officer, Director For further information, please contact: Keith Anderson Chief Executive Officer, Director (604) 786-7774 Qualified Person Statement: Silver Sand's disclosure of technical and scientific information in this press release has been reviewed and approved by R. Tim Henneberry, P.Eng., a director of the Company, who serves as a Qualified Person under the definition of National Instrument 43-101. QAQC: Silver Sands applies industry standard exploration sampling methodologies and techniques. All geochemical rock and drill samples are collected under the supervision of the company's geologists in accordance with industry practice. Geochemical assays are obtained and reported under a quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) program with insertions of controls (standards, blanks and duplicates, representing 5%, 4% and 5% of the samples respectively). Standards and blanks are inserted randomly in all drill core batches that are submitted to the laboratory, while duplicates are done on both the coarse reject (2.5%) and pulps (2.5%). Drill core samples have a minimum of 0.30m and a maximum of 2.00m in length. Samples are dispatched for analysis to Alex Stewart International Labs in Argentina, an ISO 9001:2015 accredited laboratory, which is independent from the Company. The samples are delivered to the laboratory by Mirasol personnel, a dedicated private courier, or by the dedicated laboratory pick-up service. Core diameter is generally HQ/HQ3 and samples are analysed by Fire Assay for both Au and Ag and also by ICP MS including a package of 48 elements. Forward Looking Statements: The information in this news release contains forward looking statements that are subject to a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in our forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause such differences include: changes in world commodity markets, equity markets, costs and supply of materials relevant to the mining industry, change in government and changes to regulations affecting the mining industry and to policies linked to pandemics, social and environmental related matters. Forward-looking statements in this release include statements regarding future exploration programs, operation plans, geological interpretations, mineral tenure issues and mineral recovery processes. Although we believe the expectations reflected in our forward-looking statements are reasonable, results may vary, and we cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. Silver Sands disclaims any obligations to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable law. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange ("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/131490 WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Automotive retailer AutoNation, Inc. (AN), while reporting weak second-quarter net profit and revenues, announced that the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to an additional $1 billion common stock. As of July 19, the company had approximately 56 million shares outstanding. Further, AutoNation announced its plan to acquire auto finance company CIG Financial. Mike Manley, AutoNation Chief Executive Officer, said, 'This acquisition addresses a key strategic next step in the evolution and expansion of our customer relationships, particularly for our used vehicle business.' 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. Ford Motor Company and Rio Tinto have signed a non-binding global memorandum of understanding (MOU) to jointly develop more sustainable and secure supply chains for battery and low-carbon materials to be used in Ford vehicles. The multi-materials partnership will support the transition toward a net-zero future by supplying Ford, one of the world's largest automakers, with materials including lithium, low-carbon aluminium and copper. It will allow Rio Tinto, a leading global mining and metals company, to progress its commitment to work with customers to decarbonise value chains. Under the agreement, Ford will explore becoming the foundation customer for Rio Tinto's Rincon lithium project in Argentina. Rio Tinto is currently progressing detailed planning to bring Rincon into production and will work with Ford toward a significant lithium off-take agreement to support its production of electric vehicles. The companies will work together to strengthen the supply of low carbon aluminium for use in Ford vehicles, including metal produced using the zero carbon ELYSIS smelting technology and from Rio Tinto's hydro-powered operations in Canada, helping Ford meet its commitment to the First Mover's Coalition. Ford and Rio Tinto will also work to develop secure, domestic supply chains for Ford across other essential commodities for the energy transition from Rio Tinto's operations in North America, including copper produced with a low-carbon footprint. The MOU builds on Ford's relationship with Rio Tinto as a primary aluminium raw material source for its iconic F-150, the world's first all aluminium body pick-up truck. The high-strength aluminium alloys used in the Ford F-150 help improve performance and save weight, helping it to tow heavier loads, accelerate quicker and reduce stopping distances. Now, the companies will work together exploring what's possible in the energy transition with models like Ford's next-generational full-size electric truck. Ford Chief Industrial Platform officer Hau Thai-Tang said: "This is a powerful example of how Ford's proven scale and industrial expertise can be leveraged to accelerate the shift to EVs. We're applying years of shared knowledge and a strong relationship to support production of models customers already know and love and potentially to help create a new generation of EVs for millions of customers." Rio Tinto Chief Commercial Officer Alf Barrios said: "We are excited to work with Ford to support the transition to net zero by supplying a range of materials it needs for electric and lower-carbon vehicles, and advance our commitment to work with customers to decarbonise our value chains. Rio Tinto is uniquely positioned to work with companies like Ford to develop more sustainable, traceable and secure supply chains. We are investing to grow in materials needed for the energy transition, and in technology and partnerships to decarbonise our business and value chains. We welcome the opportunity to strengthen our long term relationship with Ford to support its sustainability goals." Notes to editors About Ford Motor Company Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan, that is committed to helping build a better world, where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams. The company's Ford+ plan for growth and value creation combines existing strengths, new capabilities and always-on relationships with customers to enrich experiences for and deepen the loyalty of those customers. Ford develops and delivers innovative, must-have Ford trucks, sport utility vehicles, commercial vans and cars and Lincoln luxury vehicles, as well as connected services. Additionally, Ford is establishing leadership positions in mobility solutions, including self-driving technology, and provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. Ford employs about 182,000 people worldwide. More information about the company, its products and Ford Credit is available at corporate.ford.com. About Rio Tinto's Rincon lithium project Rincon is a large lithium brine project located in the heart of the lithium triangle in the Salta Province of Argentina. It has potential to produce battery grade lithium carbonate with one of the lowest carbon footprints in the industry. Rio Tinto is currently undertaking detailed planning including possible pathways for a smaller start-up to accelerate supply. The company is committed to developing the project to the highest ESG standards and is undertaking engagement with communities, the province of Salta and the Government of Argentina to ensure an open and transparent dialogue about the work planned. About ELYSIS ELYSIS is a technology company created through a partnership between Rio Tinto and Alcoa, with support from Apple and the governments of Canada and Quebec. ELYSIS is scaling up a revolutionary technology that enables the production of metal without direct carbon dioxide emissions during the aluminium smelting process, instead emitting pure oxygen. The technology uses inert anodes to replace the carbon anodes traditionally used during electrolysis, the process used to make primary aluminium. Learn more at www.elysis.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220720006043/en/ Contacts: Ford Jennifer Flake M +1 313 903 0429 jflake1@ford.com Rio Tinto Matthew Klar M +1 514 608 4429 matthew.klar@riotinto.com Category: General Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - July 21, 2022) - Los Andes Copper Ltd. (TSXV: LA) (OTCQX: LSANF) ("Los Andes" or the "Company") is pleased to report that on July 20, 2022, the Second Environmental Court in Chile revised the preliminary injunction issued on March 18, 2022 that suspended drilling. The Court decided that drilling can continue, with certain restrictions, at the Vizcachitas Copper Project under the Company's environmental license. Following the injunction, the Company prepared and filed with the Environmental Court several scientific reports, technical studies and legal opinions showing that the drilling program is compatible with the protection of the Andean Cat and the overall environment. The Court decision authorized the Company to continue drilling at the Vizcachitas project, with certain operational conditions, including a restricted drilling plan for the first 12 months proposed by the Company. This plan will allow the Company to pursue its original program of illuminating and defining extensions of the mineralized body which still remains open. Los Andes reiterates its full commitment to complying with all its environmental obligations and continues to engage with all interested parties in a climate of mutual respect. The Company will continue to expand its previous successful drill program while pursuing the larger goal of completing a Prefeasibility Study in Q4 2022. About Los Andes Copper Ltd. Los Andes Copper Ltd. is an exploration and development company with an 100% interest in the Vizcachitas Project in Chile. Los Andes Copper Ltd. is listed on the TSX-V under the ticker: LA. Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Please refer to the technical report dated June 13, 2019, with an effective date of May 10, 2019 and titled "Preliminary Economic Assessment of the Vizcachitas Project", prepared by Tetra Tech. The PEA is preliminary in nature, it includes inferred mineral resources that are considered too speculative geologically to have the economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as mineral reserves, and there is no certainty that the PEA will be realized. Qualified Person ("QP") and Quality Control and Assurance Antony Amberg CGeol FGS, the Company's Chief Geologist, is the qualified person who has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information contained in this news release. The QP has validated the data by, supervising the sample collection process, through chain of custody records and inspecting the detailed technical data and quality control and assurance information. For more information please contact: R. Michael Jones, P.Eng., CEO rmj@losandescopper.com Tel: +44 203 4407982 BlytheRay, Financial PR Megan Ray Rachael Brooks Tel: +44 207 138 3203 E-Mail: info@losandescopper.com or visit our website at: www.losandescopper.com Follow us on Twitter @LosAndesCopper Follow us on LinkedIn Los Andes Copper Ltd Certain of the information and statements contained herein that are not historical facts, constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of the Securities Act (British Columbia), Securities Act (Ontario) and the Securities Act (Alberta) ("Forward-Looking Information"). Forward-Looking Information is often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "seek", "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "expect" and "intend"; statements that an event or result is "due" on or "may", "will", "should", "could", or might" occur or be achieved; and, other similar expressions. More specifically, Forward-Looking Information involves 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 Information; including, without limitation, Spinnaker's ability to raise capital, target and attract institutional and retail investors and focus on developing and expanding the network of investors, analysts and financial intermediaries who are interested in Los Andes. Such Forward-Looking Information is based upon the Company's assumptions regarding global and Chilean economic, political and market conditions and the price of metals and energy, and the Company's production. Among the factors that have a direct bearing on the Company's future results of operations and financial conditions are changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, a change in government policies, competition, currency fluctuations and restrictions and technological changes, among other things. Should one or more of any of the aforementioned risks and uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from any conclusions, forecasts or projections described in the Forward-Looking Information. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on Forward-Looking Information. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise Forward-Looking Information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/131524 Oscillate Plc - Purchase of Warrants of Dev Clever Holdings Oscillate plc ("Oscillate plc" or the "Company") Investment in Dev Clever Holdings Plc Oscillate PLC (AQSE: MUSH) is pleased to announce that it has purchased 2,500,000 warrants to subscribe for ordinary shares of Dev Clever Holdings Plc ("Dev Clever"), with an exercise price of 1p per share ("Warrants"), for a consideration of 250,000. The Warrants are exercisable at any time until 21 January 2024. The ordinary shares of Dev Clever are currently suspended from trading on the standard segment of the London Stock Exchange pending eligibility approval by the FCA and the publication of a prospectus following the acquisition of the entire issued share capital of Veative Labs Private Limited ("VLPL"), a wholly owned Indian subsidiary of Veative, the immersive education materials (including STEM content) company (the "Transaction"). Dev Clever is currently working with its professional advisers towards the publication of the prospectus to enable the Transaction to complete and the cancellation and re-admission of Dev Clever's shares to the London Stock Exchange. A comprehensive update of update on Dev Clever's acquisition on Veative can be found through the following link: https://www.investegate.co.uk/dev-clever-holdings/rns/veative-acquisition--trading-and-board-updates/202207191215049815S/ About Dev Clever Dev Clever Holdings plc, together with its wholly owned subsidiaries, is a software and technology group based in Stafford, United Kingdom, specialising in the use of lightweight integrations of cloud-based VR and gamification technologies to deliver rich customer engagement experiences across both the education and commercial sectors. In January 2019, Dev Clever listed on the Standard List of the London Stock Exchange. The Group's core focus is the development and commercialisation of its core Educate platforms. Dev Clever aims to reduce the global skills shortage by delivering an enhanced careers guidance service via its online platforms, Launchmycareer.com and Launchyourcareer.com, and virtual reality software (Victar VR). The business has established a global partnership with Lenovo to roll out its service worldwide, with offerings already on the market in the UK, US, and Canada. Dev Clever is also focused on the Indian market and has partnered with its National Independent Schools Alliance (NISA) and content provider Veative to provide a comprehensive service offering within Indian budget private schools. Through this, the business has been developing and has launched a direct-to-consumer offering in India. --ENDS- The directors of the Company accept responsibility for the contents of this announcement. Enquiries Company: Fungai Ndoro Tel: +44 (0) 20 3745 0281 https://oscillateplc.com Corporate Adviser: Peterhouse Capital Limited Guy Miller & Mark Anwyl Telephone: +44 (0) 20 7220 9796 Market Abuse Regulation (MAR) Disclosure This announcement contains inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of the Market Abuse Regulation EU 596/2014 as it forms part of retained EU law (as defined in the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018). ROME (dpa-AFX) - Mario Draghi has resigned as Prime Minister of Italy's unity government. Although Draghi won a confidence vote in the parliament on Wednesday night by 95 to 38, three key allies in his coalition boycotted the vote. Draghi, who earlier said he doesn't wish to continue in office unless there is unity from his coalition partners, submitted his resignation to President Sergio Mattarella at the presidential palace in Rome on Thursday morning. Draghi's resignation pushes the European Union's third-largest economy into another political uncertainty a year-and-a-half after he assumed office. The former head of the European Central Bank was appointed Prime Minister in February 2021 with the task of leading the government through the Covid pandemic and economic recovery. The current parliament's term expires in the first half of 2023, but chances are that the country will go for snap polls in October, reports say. 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. WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - While reporting financial results for the second quarter on Tuesday, life sciences services company IQVIA Holdings Inc. (IQV) adjusted its adjusted earnings and revenue guidance for the full-year 2022 to reflect the impact of the strengthening of the US dollar since issuance of prior guidance. The company also provided financial outlook for the third quarter. For fiscal 2022, the company now projects adjusted earnings in a range of $10.00 to $10.20 per share on revenues between $14.40 billion and $14.55 billion and low-to-mid teens organic revenue growth at constant currency, excluding COVID-related work. Previously, the company expected adjusted earnings in the range of $9.95 to $10.25 per share on revenues between $14.45 billion and $14.75 billion and low-to-mid teens organic revenue growth at constant currency, excluding COVID-related work. On average, analysts polled by Thomson Reuters expect earnings of $10.12 per share on revenues of $14.59 billion for the year. Analysts' estimates typically exclude special items. For third quarter, the company expects adjusted earnings in a range of $2.34 to $2.42 per share on revenues between $3.515 billion and $3.565 billion, with underlying organic growth excluding COVID-related work of low-to-mid teens at constant currency. The Street is looking for earnings of $2.48 per share on revenues of $3.61 billion for the quarter. For more earnings news, earnings calendar, and earnings for stocks, visit rttnews.com Copyright(c) 2022 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX IQVIA-Aktie komplett kostenlos handeln - auf Smartbroker.de The organizers of the African Economic Conference have issued a call for research and policy papers that focus on the events theme: Supporting Climate-Smart Development in Africa. This years conference will be held from December 911 in Port Louis, Mauritius. As has been the practice over the years, it will be hosted by the African Development Bank, the Economic Commission for Africa, and the United Nations Development Program. The call for papers is underpinned by the need to address Africas vulnerability to climate change through innovative solutions and accelerate investments through green growth strategies. Experts have warned that most Africans and the African economy will suffer from extreme weather events, which have become more frequent and severe, causing damage to agriculture, tourism, cities, infrastructure, water, and energy systems, and even the extractive sector. The call for papers is in the following four subthemes: Just energy transitions in African economies, Climate change and agriculture, Climate-smart industrialization of Africa, and Climate-smart governance. Young African researchers are encouraged to submit their papers to share their work with a broader audience, gain knowledge from more seasoned scholars, and broaden their networks. The conference welcomes policy- and solution-oriented papers that are linked to the event theme and based on strong empirical work. Papers should include innovative mechanisms that African countries could use to mobilize financial resources to mitigate and adapt to climate risks. A panel will select the best conference paper following assessment of all entries. The organizers will reward the winning author at an award ceremony. A special issue of the African Development Review will publish selected papers. The submission guidelines are available on the conference website. Interested authors should submit their papers to aec2022@afdb.org by 30 August 2022. Since its inception in 2006, AEC has mainly supported research, policy discussion, and knowledge sharing on issues affecting Africa. Partager et informez vous aussi...... 0 shares Share Tweet LinkedIn Articles similaires The Engine-led investment fuels company's mission to build scalable, fault-tolerant superconducting quantum computing systems Atlantic Quantum, a developer of scalable quantum computers, today announced a $9 million seed investment led by The Engine, the venture firm spun out of MIT that invests in early-stage Tough Tech companies. Other participating investors include Thomas Tull, Glasswing Ventures, Future Labs Capital, and E14. The capital will fuel technical development and further Atlantic Quantum's mission to develop superconducting quantum computers with the quality and size needed to tackle the world's hardest computational challenges. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220721005037/en/ Atlantic Quantum's founding team (Photo: Business Wire) Atlantic Quantum was founded in spring 2022 by a team of scientists and researchers from one of the world's top quantum computing labs, the Engineering Quantum Systems (EQuS) group at MIT led by Prof. William D. Oliver and Principal Research Scientist Simon Gustavsson. The group has previously reached significant scientific milestones for quantum computing, including: state-of-the-art qubit coherence times and record gate fidelities, and large-scale system integration. "I'm thrilled to see several recent and former EQuS researchers join forces to form Atlantic Quantum. This is a "dream team" from my perspective: entrepreneurial, bold, and technically rock-solid, with a demonstrated aptitude for taking technology out of the lab and commercializing it." said Prof. Oliver. "They are singularly focused on developing the technologies needed to realize the promise of quantum computing." The leadership team includes Dr. Bharath Kannan (CEO), Dr. Simon Gustavsson (President and CTO), Dr. Tim Menke (COO), Dr. Youngkyu Sung (CSO), Prof. Jonas Bylander (Director, European Office), and Shereen Shermak (CBO). The enterprise quantum computing market could grow to a $450 $850 billion market in the next 15-to-30 years, according to Boston Consulting Group (BCG). This opportunity is intensifying competition to create disruptive new devices and control methods to optimize the technology for real-world applications, particularly those spanning healthcare, finance, manufacturing, communication and logistics. While there have been recent demonstrations of small-scale quantum computers, current devices are fundamentally limited by large error rates and restricted scalability. "We believe fault-tolerant quantum hardware is the key to making significant progress in quantum computing," said co-founder and CEO Bharath Kannan, PhD. "While the market is still maturing, overcoming current hardware limitations is critical we are focused on removing today's technical obstacles and accelerating real-world applications of quantum computing." Commercially viable, large-scale quantum computer deployment is largely held back by the limited quantum coherence of the present qubit architecture and the classical control electronics overhead. The cost per qubit incurred by the control infrastructure renders scaling to more than 1,000 qubits extremely difficult, not to mention the estimated 1 million qubits required to build practically useful quantum computers that meet industry standards and expectations. Atlantic Quantum is building on decades of pioneering scientific research at MIT to overcome these challenges. The team will use new types of noise-protected qubits to improve coherence times by an order of magnitude compared to conventional approaches. This, together with extensible control schemes, allows for scaling the quantum processor to the size required for real-world applications. Atlantic Quantum founders' expertise runs the gamut of the quantum computing stack both in breadth and depth. They have a track record of making and controlling cutting-edge devices, which sets them on a path to achieve unparallelled quantum gate accuracies with a control system that scales. "Unlike the majority of quantum computing companies, Atlantic Quantum is focused on quality first, before size," said Milo Werner, General Partner at The Engine, and newly-appointed board member of Atlantic Quantum. "Until now, the prioritization of scale over qubit coherence has slowed quantum's potential. It's exciting to see a different path forward one that will bring us closer to quantum reality." The seed capital will fund the expansion of Atlantic Quantum's team in the U.S. and Sweden, tapping into the recently signed joint statement on cooperation in quantum information science and technology between the countries. The company has plans to build out lab space in Cambridge, MA, and has signed collaboration agreements with quantum industry leaders. Atlantic Quantum Atlantic Quantum believes that fault-tolerant quantum hardware is the key to making progress in quantum computing. We take on this uniquely tough challenge with a team of deep experts in the field, anchored in Cambridge and Gothenburg to reflect our MIT and Chalmers roots. Our combined U.S. and EU presence helps attract talent, investments, and partnerships to accelerate the development and commercialization of scalable quantum computing. We offer flexible work in a fast-moving start-up environment, with strong ties to world-class academic research. Find us online at: http://www.atlantic-quantum.com About The Engine The Engine, spun out of MIT, invests in early-stage companies solving the world's biggest problems through a convergence of breakthrough science, engineering, and leadership. We accelerate the path to market for Tough Tech companies through the combination of capital, infrastructure, and network. The Engine is headquartered in Cambridge, MA. For more information, visit www.engine.xyz. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220721005037/en/ Contacts: Media: Bharath Kannan info@atlantic-qc.com DGAP Post-admission Duties announcement: Haier Smart Home Co.,Ltd. / Third country release according to Article 50 Para. 1, No. 2 of the WpHG [the German Securities Trading Act] Haier Smart Home Co.,Ltd.: Announcement on Completion of the non-trading Transfer of Shares for the 2022 A-share Core Employee Stock Ownership Plan 21.07.2022 / 14:17 Dissemination of a Post-admission Duties announcement according to Article 50 Para. 1, No. 2 WpHG transmitted by DGAP - a service of EQS Group AG. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Third country release according to Article 50 Para. 1, No. 2 of the WpHG Announcement on Completion of the non-trading Transfer of Shares for the 2022 A-share Core Employee Stock Ownership Plan Qingdao / Shanghai / Frankfurt / Hongkong, 21 July 2022 - Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd. (the "Company" or "Haier Smart Home", D-share 690D.DE, A-share 600690.SH, H-share 06690.HK) today published a mandatory announcement in accordance with applicable trading rules of the Shanghai Stock Exchange and applicable PRC laws in relation to the Completion of the non-trading Transfer of Shares for the 2022 A-share Core Employee Stock Ownership Plan. The announcement is fully available at: https://smart-home.haier.com/en/dggg/P020220721622878409754.pdf?appdesc=Announcement%20on%20the%20Completion%20of%20the%20Non-trading%20Transfer%20of%20Shares%20for%20the%202022%20A-share%20Core%20Employee%20Stock%20Ownership%20Plan IR Contact: Haier Smart Home Hong Kong T: +852 2169 0000 Email: ir@haier.hk Press Contact: CROSS ALLIANCE communication GmbH Sara Pinto Sven Pauly pi@crossalliance.de T: +49 (0) 89 1250903 35 About Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd.: Haier is one of the world's leading manufacturers of household appliances with a focus on smart home solutions and customized production. Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd. develops, produces and distributes a wide range of household appliances. These include refrigerators, freezers, washing machines, air conditioners, water heaters, kitchen appliances as well as small household appliances and an extensive range of intelligent household appliances. The Company distributes its products through leading household brands such as Haier, Casarte, Leader, Candy, GE Appliances, AQUA and Fisher & Paykel. Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd. has launched Smart Home Experiential Cloud, which connects homes, users, enterprises and ecosystem partners, and facilitates the integration of Haier's online, offline and micro-store businesses and supports user interaction to further optimize the user experience. 21.07.2022 The DGAP Distribution Services include Regulatory Announcements, Financial/Corporate News and Press Releases. Archive at www.dgap.de Scottsdale, Arizona--(Newsfile Corp. - July 21, 2022) - TriStar Gold Inc. (TSXV: TSG) (OTCQX: TSGZF) (the Company or TriStar) is pleased to announce the completion of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and the application for the Prior License (LP) for the Castelo de Sonhos gold project. The Prior License (Licenca Previa in Portuguese) represents the first of a three-stage environmental licencing process required for mining projects in Brazil. The LP is generally considered the most critical stage as it involves input and approval from several government agencies as well as local stakeholders, communities and details the environmental, social, and economic impacts and benefits of the project. The EIA incorporates project details from the Castelo de Sonhos Pre-Feasibility Study completed in Q4 2021. It provides an analysis of potential project impacts across the physical, biotic and socio- economic mediums while detailing mitigation, management and compensation strategies to be implemented by the Company. The EIA highlights that the majority of the Directly Affected Area (ADA) of the project is already significantly impacted by human activity. It states that "the formalization of mining, and the installation of a mineral extractive industry, makes the project an opportunity for the local government to leverage investment, empowering it to face the challenges of population expansion, as well as in promoting local political and economic prominence". Nick Appleyard, CEO of TriStar, commented, "This is very significant milestone in the development of Castelo de Sonhos which, when in full production, will generate significant and lasting economic benefits for the region. We have already initiated most of the preparatory work that we know will be required for the submission of the Installation License application, so we are in a good position to make this application promptly upon approval of the LP." Over the coming months, TriStar will work with SEMAS (the Environment and Sustainability Secretariat of Para State) to engage key stakeholders about the project and the findings of the EIA and prepare detailed information in advance of a Public Hearing, which we anticipate holding by Q2 of 2023 depending on the decision of SEMAS. After receipt of the LP, the second stage of permitting is the Installation License ("LI") which will allow the processing plant and other infrastructure to be constructed. Work on several programs and studies to support the LI application have already been initiated, including detailed studies on cave relevance, archeology and land regularization. The final stage is the Operations License, which allows you to commence operations once construction is complete. Drilling Update Drilling is advancing at Esperanca South, with two core rigs as part of a 2,500m reserve expansion and exploration program. The initial holes are targeting shallow up-dip extensions in the central portion of the deposit, as well as gaps in the mineral reserves in the extreme south. Figure 1, Esperanca South, showing red asterisks for this program, with named holes being underway or complete. Black dots are pre-existing drill holes. To view an enhanced version of Figure 1, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/4509/131466_874719241418f922_003full.jpg First results are anticipated to be available in September, with the program complete with all assays in Q1 of 2023. Qualified Person R. Mohan Srivastava (P.Geo.) of RedDot3D Inc. is the Qualified Person who has reviewed the technical information contained in this news release, including data verification, and has approved its disclosure. About TriStar TriStar Gold is an exploration and development company focused on precious metals properties in the Americas that have the potential to become significant producing mines. The Company's current flagship property is Castelo de Sonhos in Para State, Brazil. The Company's shares trade on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol TSG and on the OTCQX under the symbol TSGZF. Further information is available at www.tristargold.com. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE COMPANY: Nick Appleyard President and CEO For further information, please contact: TriStar Gold Inc. Nick Appleyard President and CEO 480-794-1244 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. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein. Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements contained in this press release may constitute forward-looking statements under Canadian securities legislation which are not historical facts and are made pursuant to the "safe harbour" provisions under the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "expects" or "it is expected", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "will" occur. Forward-looking statements in this press release include statements about the Company's ability to complete the current drilling program, the results of further exploration target identification and the anticipated ongoing effects of the COVID-19 virus. Such forward-looking statements are based upon the Company's reasonable expectations and business plan at the date hereof, which are subject to change depending on economic, political and competitive circumstances and contingencies. Readers are cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause a change in such assumptions and the actual outcomes and estimates to be materially different from those estimated or anticipated future results, achievements or position expressed or implied by those forward-looking statements. Risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause the Company's plans to change include changes in demand for and price of gold and other commodities (such as fuel and electricity) and currencies; changes or disruptions in the securities markets; legislative, political or economic developments in Brazil; effects of the COVID-19 virus on all aspects of the Company's business, the need to obtain permits and comply with laws and regulations and other regulatory requirements; the possibility that actual results of work may differ from projections/expectations or may not realize the perceived potential of the Company's projects; risks of accidents, equipment breakdowns and labour disputes or other unanticipated difficulties or interruptions; the possibility of cost overruns or unanticipated expenses in development programs; operating or technical difficulties in connection with exploration, mining or development activities; the speculative nature of gold exploration and development, including the risks of diminishing quantities of grades of reserves and resources; and the risks involved in the exploration, development and mining business. Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/131466 Initially zoned for cannabis in 2014, Sitka's micro-park was the first property zoned for cannabis cultivation in BC and has a total capacity of 53 individual units when fully scaled. Sitka Legends leases its collection of units, called a micro-park, to craft cannabis micro-cultivators. Sitka holds a standard processing licence, sales and medical sales licence. It is the conduit to its micro-park's cultivators, who hold their own Health Canada micro-cultivation licenses, enabling them to bring their sought-after genetics to market, by packaging and selling dried flower and pre-rolls to Canadian provincial distributors. Sitka recently received its extraction sales license, allowing it to add some very exciting SKUs to its already impressive lineup, derived from unique micro-cultivars. By leasing the units in its micro-park to micro-cultivators, Sitka acts as the parent to its collective of growers by processing, packaging and selling small batch craft cannabis to Canadian provincial distributors. Experienced growers choose to sublease at Sitka's micro-park for its reputation and knowledge of their craft, its legacy market experience, understanding of the regulated market demands, and close relationship with distributors. Each micro unit is custom built to the grower's specific needs and wants, mimicking and improving upon their legacy market cultivation setups. Sitka plans to expand its nursery, which will allow it to supply its micro-cultivators with up to 60,000 mature plants per month. This accelerates their grow cycles and gets product into market faster. The micro-park is projected to produce 40,000 kg of dried cannabis flower per year at full scale occupancy. Currently, Sitka produces 20,000 handmade pre-rolls per day. Each small batch cultivation unit produces between 50 and 70 kg per month. Each one will grow up to eight cultivars per year, supplying the market with the most unique and diverse strains it demands. Premium cultivars are grown in very small batches of 25 - 35 kg every two months. SOOKE, BC / ACCESSWIRE / July 21, 2022 / Sitka Legends' ("Sitka") craft micro-park is located on the border of Sooke, British Columbia, the coastal epicentre of legacy Canadian craft cannabis. The Sitka micro-park is home to fully licensed micro-cultivation units, ranging from 4,250-6,000 sq. ft., with each unit containing two to six boutique flower rooms. Each unit can produce up to 800 kg of craft cannabis per year. There are currently 10 micro-cultivators occupying units in the park and outputting 5.5 harvests of small batch crops annually, with a total capacity for 53 once the micro-park is fully scaled. Operating under the Cannabis Act's regulatory framework since 2019, Sitka's micro-park is located in the Capital Region District (CRD). The CRD property was the first site in BC to be rezoned for cannabis production, in 2014. "With Sitka's legacy cannabis cultivation experience and knowledge of the pre-legalization consumer and retail market, our micro-park growers can capitalize on the extensive groundwork we've undertaken to build lasting relationships with craft cultivators, retailers, customers, and now the regulated provincial distributors," said Michael Forbes, CEO of Sitka. "Sitka prioritizes regular check-ins with its micro-growers because of its passion for micro-cultivation, and thorough understanding of the cultivation, distribution and retail areas of the cannabis industry's evolving landscape. The goal is to impart knowledge of the regulated market's wants and needs to our growers, so they can proactively produce superior strains that are guaranteed to be picked up by distributors and purchasers in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Northwest Territories and Yukon." Sitka was zoned for 53 units to become a "home" for some of the best legacy micro-cultivators in the world, representing Canada's first and only micro-park. Phase 1 is fully leased with 10 occupants and active grows, Phase 2 will have 25 move-in ready units by Summer 2023 with first crops expected early 2024. Sitka stays true to its roots by understanding customer behaviour from the market that existed prior to legalization in 2018. It has regular strain strategy meetings with the cultivators in its micro-park to set them up for success by understanding which genetics will sell in the regulated market. Growers' strains are strategically selected for dried flower and pre-rolls, making them highly sellable before the first seeds pop in the soil. Sitka Legends Sitka Legends' craft micro-grow park is located in Sooke, BC, coined as "where the rainforest meets the sea," along the coast of beautiful Vancouver Island, and arguably the coastal epicentre of legacy Canadian craft cannabis. Sitka is Canada's only combination craft cannabis micro-cultivation and small-batch processing facility. Home to the Legends. Visit sitkalegends.com and to join our family of micros, email: jason@sitkaweedworks.com. Contacts: Michael Forbes Co-founder and CEO michael@forbesgroup.ca Alyssa Barry Media and Public Relations alyssa@irlabs.ca 604.997.0965 SOURCE: Sitka Legends View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/709278/Sitka-Legends-Supports-Cultivators-To-Deliver-Products-Consumers-Want ATLANTA (dpa-AFX) - Beverage company Coca-Cola Co. (KO) announced Thursday that John Murphy will become president and chief financial officer, effective October 1. Murphy, who currently serves as executive vice president and CFO, will add the president role following the retirement of Brian Smith. The company is evaluating its future plans for the chief operating officer role. The company's operating unit presidents will report to Chairman and CEO James Quincey on an interim basis. Smith, 66, has served as president and chief operating officer since 2019 following two years as president of the company's former Europe, Middle East and Africa Group. Prior to that role, Smith was group president of Latin America from 2013 to 2016. Smith joined Coca-Cola in 1997 as Latin America group manager for mergers and acquisitions. He will remain with the company as a senior executive through February 2023. Murphy, 60, has served as CFO since 2019. He oversees Mergers & Acquisitions, Investor Relations, Global Strategy, Tax, Treasury, Audit, Accounting and Controls, Reporting and Analysis, Real Estate and Risk Management. He began his career at Coca-Cola in 1988 as an international internal auditor. As president and CFO, he will take on expanded duties, including oversight of Global Ventures; Platform Services; online-to-offline (O2O) digital transformation; and customer and commercial leadership. 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. BLACKROCK SMALLER COMPANIES TRUST PLC LEI: 549300MS535KC2WH4082 Director Declaration BlackRock Smaller Companies Trust plc (the "Company") hereby gives notification in accordance with Listing Rule 9.6.14 that Mr Mark Little, a non-executive Director of the Company, has been appointed as a non-executive Director of Aberdeen Equity Income Trust plc with effect from 1 August 2022. It has also been announced that Mr Little will succeed Sarika Patel as Audit Committee Chairman of Aberdeen Equity Income Trust plc on the conclusion of the company's Annual General Meeting in February 2023. Ms S Beynsberger For and on behalf of BlackRock Investment Management (UK) Limited Company Secretary Date: 21 July 2022 DEARBORN (dpa-AFX) - Ford (F) announced a series of initiatives for sourcing battery capacity and raw materials to reach its targeted annual run rate of 600,000 electric vehicles by late 2023 and more than 2 million by the end of 2026. The company has secured 100% of the annual battery cell capacity needed - 60 gigawatt hours - to support this 600,000 EV run rate by working with leading battery companies around the globe. Ford now has sourced approximately 70% of the battery cell capacity it needs to support an annual global run rate of more than 2 million EVs by late 2026. Ford said the company is adding lithium iron phosphate cell chemistry to its portfolio, alongside its existing nickel cobalt manganese chemistry. The company also announced that Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Ltd. will provide full LFP battery packs for Mustang Mach-E models for North America starting next year as well as F-150 Lightnings in early 2024. It is also leveraging long-standing connection with LG Energy Solution and its strategic relationship with SK On to meet its battery capacity target for late 2023. Ford and CATL have signed a non-binding MOU to explore a cooperation for supplying batteries in Ford's markets across China, Europe and North America. Ford also plans to localize and use 40 GWh of LFP capacity in North America starting in 2026. Also, to support the joint ventures, Ford is direct-sourcing battery cell raw materials. The company has sourced most of the nickel needed through 2026 and beyond. Ford has signed non-binding MOUs with: Vale Canada Ltd., PT Vale Indonesia and Huayou Cobalt, and BHP. The targeted multi-year agreement with BHP for nickel supply from BHP's Nickel West operations in Australia could start as early as 2025. The company also has entered several key lithium contracts. Ford announced a non-binding MOU with Rio Tinto, exploring a significant lithium off-take agreement from its Rincon project in Argentina. Ford will explore becoming the foundation customer for Rio Tinto's Rincon lithium project in Argentina. Ford noted that it plans to invest over $50 billion in EVs through 2026, targeting total company adjusted EBIT margins of 10% and 8% EBIT margins for EVs by 2026. Copyright(c) 2022 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX FORD-Aktie komplett kostenlos handeln - auf Smartbroker.de HENDERSON, NV / ACCESSWIRE / July 21, 2022 / EVIO, Inc. (OTC:EVIO) subsidiary Coast to Coast Contracting and Consulting ("Coast2Coast") to expand its Florida brand Coast to Coast to include Roofing and Restoration Services. Coast2Coast has experienced significant traction in its first full month of operations. The residential construction division is completing its first three engagements and is building a strong pipeline of future business. Coast2Coast is keeping its business model simple, focusing on client acquisition, project management and customer service while subcontracting the work to our skilled licensed subcontractors. This model allows the company to scale focusing on growth and profitability while maintaining significant lower operating overhead. Leveraging our growing brand recognition and successful business model, Coast2Coast has entered into an agreement to expand into Roofing and Restoration Services. Florida is known for unpredictable weather patterns and strong hurricanes resulting in hundreds of millions of dollars in roofing damage every year. The Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation ("DBPR") requires that companies who wish to provide these services have a licensed roofing contractor as part of their organization. As such Coast2Coast has agreed to form a partnership with an experienced roofing contractor, in which Coast2Coast will retain 60% ownership of the new roofing division. A formal entity application is being submitted to the DBPR, this process normally takes six to eight weeks for approval. William Waldrop, EVIO CEO, commented, "We are very pleased with the preliminary results we are seeing in Florida. The company will continue to evaluate opportunities to scale its business while keeping operational costs at a minimum. This model is allowing the company to continue to reduce debt with the proceeds from the sale of the analytical testing license in Oregon and enter these new businesses with nominal investment not requiring outside capital. At the current time, the company will focus solely on growing both the construction business in the United States and pharmaceutical testing and services in Canada." About EVIO EVIO, Inc. ("EVIO") is a diversified holding company, focused on Construction Services and Pharmaceutical Testing. In Florida, the Company offers general contractor services serving the residential and commercial construction industry. In Canada, via its ownership in Keystone, the Company provides pharmaceutical, environmental, stability and analytical testing. For more information, visit www.evioinc.com Safe Harbor Statement Any statements in this press release that are not statements of historical fact may be considered forward-looking statements pertaining to anticipated or projected plans, performance, and developments, as well as other statements relating to future operations and results. Words such as "may," "will," "expect," "believe," "anticipate," "estimate," "intends," "goal," "objective," "seek," "attempt," or variations of these or similar words, identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements by their nature are estimates of future results only, and involve substantial risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to risks associated with the uncertainty of future financial results, additional financing requirements, development of new products, the Company's ability to complete product testing and launch product commercially, the acceptance of product in the marketplace, the uncertainty of the laws and regulations relating to cannabis, the impact of competitive products or pricing, technological changes, the effect of economic conditions and other uncertainties detailed from time to time in Company reports available at www.evioinc.com. For more information: EVIO Inc. William Waldrop, CEO Email: info@evioinc.com Phone (702) 748-9944 SOURCE: EVIO, Inc. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/709313/EVIO-Inc-to-Expand-Florida-Operations-to-Include-Roofing-and-Restoration-Services Seattle, Washington--(Newsfile Corp. - July 21, 2022) - Lithosphere developer, KaJ Labs, announced today that it has rescinded its Letter of Intent (LOI) to acquire the digital assets of Voyager Digital Holdings. Lithosphere cited disagreements regarding the deal structure and the closing process for the decision. Voyager Digital provides a suite of APIs and mobile apps that allows trading of multiple types of digital assets. The KaJ Labs management team has been in contact with Voyager Digital's CEO, Stephen Ehrlich, over the previous week to work out a deal, but with no success. Lithosphere Network To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8833/131542_91cf778e34e9083c_001full.jpg "We are disappointed with today's announcement, but not deterred," said KaJ Lab's CEO, Joel Kasr. "We will remain focused and continue to look out for similar deals." The Lithosphere network promises to eradicate bottlenecks faced in existing blockchain networks. Lithosphere is the first blockchain to utilize embedded Deep Neural Networks to make smart contracts intelligent, while enabling interoperability across diverse blockchains. ### About KaJ Labs KaJ Labs is a decentralized research organization focusing on AI and blockchain technology. We're driven to create innovative products that work for the greater good around the globe. About Lithosphere Lithosphere is the next-generation network for cross-chain applications powered by AI and Deep Learning. Media Enquiries Catherine Sanders Phone: (707)-622-6168 Email: media@kajlabs.com KaJ Labs Foundation 4730 University Way NE 104-#175 Seattle, WA 98105 Website: https://kajlabs.org Website: https://lithosphere.network To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/131542 Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - July 21, 2022) - Royal Road Minerals Limited (TSXV: RYR) ("Royal Road" or the "Company") announces that Advisory Board member Mr Hugh Devlin has been appointed to the Company's Board of Directors and that Raul Farfan will step down as the Company's Executive Director Sustainability. Prior to this appointment Hugh Devlin was a member of the Company's Advisory Board. Hugh served as an officer in the Royal Marines over a period of some 20 years where he specialized in intelligence, military diplomacy, and international arms control. As a Marine Commando he served on operational tours in various countries and participated in counter terror and counter narcotics operations in Belize and Northern Ireland. On leaving the Marines, Hugh worked in security, land and community relations and operations for mineral exploration companies and went on to become one of the co-founders and an original member of the executive board of Royal Road. Hugh has been involved in establishing innovative and sustainable community development programs in Armenia, Kosovo, Georgia, Turkey and Ethiopia, focused on training and development of workplace skills for local employees and providing opportunities for disadvantaged minority groups. Past experience includes several years as a security and risk consultant specializing in resilience planning, disaster recovery and operational logistics. Hugh is currently employed by the UK Ministry of Defense as a Regional Employer Engagement Director. Hugh is a competent and experienced linguist and a trained negotiator. "Hugh is a trusted, competent and highly valued member of our team and we very much welcome his appointment and input at Board level. The Board thanks Raul for his valuable contribution and we wish him well with his future endeavors. I am confident the Company will continue to focus its efforts on exceeding the expectations of all stakeholders especially with respect to the performance standards to which it is bound both ethically and under contractual arrangement with communities and post-conflict cooperatives in Colombia and Nicaragua," said Jon Hill, Chairman of the Board. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary statement: This news release contains certain statements that constitute forward-looking information and forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws (collectively, "forward-looking statements") describing the Company's future plans and the expectations of its management that a stated result or condition will occur. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company, or developments in the Company's business or in the mineral resources industry, to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance, achievements or developments expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include all disclosure regarding possible events, conditions or results of operations that is based on assumptions about, among other things, future economic conditions and courses of action, and assumptions related to government approvals, and anticipated costs and expenditures. The words "plans", "prospective", "expect", "intend", "intends to" and similar expressions identify forward looking statements, which may also include, without limitation, any statement relating to future events, conditions or circumstances. Forward-looking statements of the Company contained in this news release, which may prove to be incorrect, include, but are not limited to the Company's exploration plans. The Company cautions you not to place undue reliance upon any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. There is no guarantee that the anticipated benefits of the Company's business plans or operations will be achieved. The risks and uncertainties that may affect forward-looking statements include, among others: economic market conditions, anticipated costs and expenditures, government approvals, and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's filings with Canadian provincial securities regulators or other applicable regulatory authorities. Forward-looking statements included herein are based on the current plans, estimates, projections, beliefs and opinions of the Company management and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements should assumptions related to these plans, estimates, projections, beliefs and opinions change. For further information please contact: Aurelie-Anne Chivers +44 (0)1534 887166 info@royalroadminerals.com To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/131526 Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - July 21, 2022) - Wakefield Canada announces the launch of Castrol ON, Castrol's new range of e-Fluids for electric mobility including e-Greases, e-Thermal Fluids, and e-Transmission Fluids. Developed in close collaboration with industry partners including the Jaguar Racing Formula E Team, Castrol ON e-Fluid technologies were tested to the limit on the racetrack before they ever reached the road. Wakefield Canada Inc. introduces Castrol ON EV fluids to the Canadian market To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8968/131543_5d8ac04bc47aeab7_001full.jpg "Castrol has a long history of innovating and delivering cutting-edge solutions for emerging technologies," said Hasan Zobairi, VP Marketing, Wakefield Canada. "The new Castrol ON range offers OEM partners and consumers a full range of advanced e-Fluids to meet the challenging technical demands of current and future electric vehicles." Castrol ON: a new era for electric vehicles Castrol has developed a range of e-Fluids to meet the needs of vehicle manufacturers. The company says two out of three of the world's major manufacturers are using Castrol e-Fluids as the factory-fill. From transmission fluids to greases and thermal fluids, Castrol ON enables electric vehicles to run smoothly, efficiently and stay cool. "With Castrol ON, we're helping Canada's automotive industry lead the transition to electronic vehicles," says Shannon Spano, VP Sales, Wakefield Canada. "We're deepening partnerships with our customers by bringing world-class Castrol ON EV fluids to the Canadian market." The new Castrol ON product line-up allows electronic vehicles to go further, faster, longer with greater efficiency, cooler batteries and extended life. The three available e-fluids are: Castrol ON, e-Greases: Castrol ON, e-Greases play a vital role in maintaining optimum efficiency and extending the life of components.1 Castrol ON, e-Thermal Fluids: Castrol ON, battery e-Thermal Fluids improve thermal management, keeping batteries cooler and at more stable temperatures even in extreme conditions.2 Castrol ON, e-Transmission Fluids: Castrol ON, e-Transmission Fluids deliver enhanced drivetrain protection, improve efficiency, help EVs go further on a single charge and work to extend the overall life of the drivetrain system.3 Castrol's study, Accelerating the EVolution, revealed that collaboration and consumer education is the key to achieving the tipping points to mainstream EV adoption: vehicle price, charge time, range. Castrol supports the EVolution with Castrol ON e-Fluids designed to improve EV performance, efficiency and battery life. Castrol provides the oils, fluids and lubricants the world needs, for every driver, every rider and every industry. It's more than just oil. It's liquid engineering. For more information visit castrol.ca . -30- 1 vs mass market EV factory fill fluid 2 vs indirect cooled battery system 3 vs standard EV-transmission fluid About Wakefield Wakefield was founded in June 2005, and is a unique Canadian-owned business success story. The company operates a manufacturing & distribution facility in Toronto, Ontario, with distribution centres in Edmonton, Laval, Moncton, Vancouver and Winnipeg-providing a complete, coast-to-coast footprint. Wakefield's brand portfolio includes Castrol premium lubricants as its cornerstone brand and business, along with Wakefield branded lubricants and SuperClean, a line of cleaners and degreasers, for which Wakefield is the exclusive trading partner in Canada. Castrol and Wakefield branded lubricants are made in Canada. Wakefield Canada produces 85-90 percent of lubricant market demand at its Longbranch facility and manages the entire distribution process, right down to the last mile of delivery. Wakefield Canada offers sales, marketing and distribution solutions to more than 5,000 customers including retailers, warehouse distributors, automotive and heavy-duty aftermarket distributors and service providers, OEMs; franchise dealers, heavy-equipment operators, as well as heavy-duty and municipal fleets. Visit wakefieldcanada.ca for more information. About Castrol: Castrol, a global leader in lubricant technology, serves consumers in over 140 countries. Our leadership brands include Castrol GTX - a premium conventional motor oil; Castrol GTX High-Mileage - a premium synthetic blend designed for vehicles with over 120,000 km; the Castrol EDGE line of advanced full-synthetic super premium motor oils that offer unsurpassed strength and performance; as well as our range of commercial transport lubricants. For more information, contact NEAT Agency: David Weinstein, news@neatagency.co Download high resolution image here. Facebook: @castrolcanada Twitter: @castrolcanada NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/131543 HiveMQ's messaging platform enables fast, efficient, and reliable bidirectional data sharing between manufacturing systems or devices and the cloud. SAN ANTONIO, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Recently, Frost & Sullivan analyzed the manufacturing MQTT connectivity platforms industry and, based on its assessment results, recognizes HiveMQ with the 2022 Global Entrepreneurial Company of the Year Award. The company first went to market as DC-Square, targeting the growing need for connected factories in Germany's industrial space. The company leverages its management team's strategic vision and innovation excellence to create market-disruptive solutions. HiveMQ differentiated early with its flagship MQTT broker and client-based messaging platform, enabling quick, efficient, and reliable bidirectional data sharing between systems or devices and the cloud. The company leveraged its management team's subject matter expertise, technological know-how, and innovation excellence to deliver a central nervous system between devices, machines, and humans. HiveMQ's MQTT-based messaging platform alleviates challenges related to industrial applications, such as predictive maintenance, manufacturing process efficiency, and remote asset management. The market-disruptive platform empowers customers with high-performance applications and almost infinite scalability, allowing up to 10,000,000 concurrent connections, with impressively high-speed throughput and minimal latency, enabling the platform to grow with the customer. HiveMQ Cloud, a complementary, fully managed, and production ready MQTT cloud service, can connect up to 100 devices to managed MQTT services. In addition, the cloud product supports the entire MQTT specification, which many competing platforms do not offer. According to Samantha Fisher, a Best Practices Research Analyst at Frost & Sullivan, "HiveMQ has dominated Germany's connected car industry since it changed its name from DC-Square in 2019, with most German vehicles using its MQTT-based technology and processes. It has achieved significant traction, growing its platform users from 120 companies in 2019 to over 130 industrial customers worldwide in 2022." HiveMQ Swarm, a capacity and stress testing solution, improves resiliency in Internet of Things-based systems, discovers bottlenecks through end-to-end testing, and provides a clustered test environment to distribute workloads to worker nodes appropriately. HiveMQ is active in the sparkplug industry initiative process as well, which is a new MQTT-built specification that overcomes challenges associated with data interoperability in industrial automation and smart manufacturing. The company currently works with many original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to help them modernize their factories and improve manufacturing efficiency. Unlike many traditional startups, HiveMQ has successfully worked large enterprises, such as BMW and Audi, since 2015. The company leverages reliability, scalability, security, observability, flexibility, and simplicity in engineering principles to deliver best-in-class solutions to the market. "HiveMQ adopts a customer-centric approach that establishes ongoing trust with customers for long-lasting relationships extending throughout product lifecycles to drive unmatched client experience. It leverages strategic partnerships with system integrators, resellers, component manufacturers, database providers, and application infrastructure providers to offer a solid end-to-end product," said Sebastian Trolli, a Senior Industry Analyst for Frost & Sullivan. HiveMQ offers flexible power extensions to connect its product to external applications. With ongoing innovation, revolutionary technology, customer commitment/customer-centric strategies, and the relentless pursuit of excellence, the company builds strong brand equity, positions itself for future growth and increased market share, and elevates its leadership status in the MQTT connectivity platforms market. With its robust portfolio, strong institutional investors, and overall performance, HiveMQ earns Frost & Sullivan's 2022 Global Entrepreneurial Company of the Year Award in the manufacturing MQTT connectivity platforms industry. Each year, Frost & Sullivan presents this award to the company that demonstrates excellence in devising and implementing a strong growth strategy. The recipient has shown strength in terms of innovation in products and technologies, leadership in customer value, and speed in responding to market needs. The award looks at the emerging market participants and recognizes their best practices that are positioned for future growth excellence. Frost & Sullivan Best Practices Awards recognize companies in various regional and global markets for demonstrating outstanding achievement and superior performance in leadership, technological innovation, customer service, and strategic product development. Industry analysts compare market participants and measure performance through in-depth interviews, analyses, and extensive secondary research to identify best practices in the industry. About Frost & Sullivan For six decades, Frost & Sullivan has been world-renowned in helping investors, corporate leaders, and governments navigate economic changes and identify disruptive technologies, Mega Trends, new business models, and companies to action, resulting in a continuous flow of growth opportunities to drive future success. Contact us: Start the discussion. Contact: Tarini Singh P: +91-9953-764546 E: tarini.singh@frost.com Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1863719/Frost_Sullivan_Hive_MQ_Award_Logo.jpg GURUGRAM, India, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Vietnam is a heavy importer for medical products. 90% of the medical products are imported from the manufacturing countries like Japan , Germany , China , Singapore , etc. is a heavy importer for medical products. 90% of the medical products are imported from the manufacturing countries like , , , , etc. COVID was the biggest driver and had a perfect positive impact on the growth rate of Vietnam's Health Tech market during which the market experienced broad investments. Health Tech market during which the market experienced broad investments. In 2020, MOH has launched three dedicated schemes to Health IT that includes Smart Management, Smart Hospitals, Smart Medical Record management to be achieved by 2025, pushing the industry toward digitalization for efficient management. Rising Healthcare Expenditure: Vietnam's growing healthcare expenditure is boosting the Health Tech Market as the country is currently undergoing economic and demographic transformations that provide great potential for its healthcare industry. Factors like increasing geriatric population, rising GDP and disposable income and disease prevalence to drive the country's Health Tech market. Moreover, changes in the society like fast-growing middle class and aging population creating opportunities for new players to enter the market. Increased focus on Digital Health: Digital health is guided by several key policy & communications and digital regulations issued by the Ministry of Health like Industry 4.0, Digital Transformation in Healthcare Scheme until 2025 and others are driving the digital industry in Vietnam. Digitization is helping address challenges in Vietnam's Healthcare facilities including hospitals and clinics. Technological software integration in the hospital system has eased hospital management extensively in the country. Request for Sample Report: - https://www.kenresearch.com/sample-report.php?Frmdetails=NTc0NDI5 Emergence of New Technologies: 5G is making robot-assisted telesurgery widespread which creates greater scope for healthcare centers to provide medical care in remote or under-served areas through new technologies. AI and Big Data applications are receiving strong support from the central government, driving digital healthcare infrastructure and will enable new R&D with accelerated investment incentives. Vietnam hospitals are in the early stage of going smart and are currently focusing on implementing of new technologies, including HIS, LIS, PACS and EMR. Increased usage of Health IT Solutions: MoH's top priority is to optimize Vietnam's healthcare network easing the burden on large, national-level hospitals with overcrowding. There is strong support from the government for improving existing hospitals infrastructure and integrate the IT system for administration. Enhances healthcare professionals' tasks to keep a track of patient's records easily and securely. The report titled "Vietnam Health Tech Market Outlook to 2026- Driven by Increase in Internet Penetration and Mobile Applications along with Technology Advancement in the country" provides an exhaustive analysis of the Health Tech market in Vietnam. The market is expected to grow at a double digit positive CAGR owing to the increase in internet penetration rate and increased spending on healthcare due to high disease prevalence are driving the market in Vietnam. The Health Tech market GTV in Vietnam is expected to grow over the next few years due to the high demand for digital products in the country. Key Segments Covered in the report: - e-Pharmacy Market By Oder Split By Order Split OTC Drugs Prescribed Drugs Non-Pharmaceutical Products and Medical Devices By Oder Platform Mobile Application Web Browser By Region Northern Region Central Region Southern Region Online Consultation Market By Type of Doctor General Practitioner Specialized Doctor Request for Sample Report: - https://www.kenresearch.com/sample-report.php?Frmdetails=NTc0NDI5 By Type of Specialization Pediatrics Family Doctor Dermatologist Others (include ENT Specialist, Cardiologist, Optometrist, Psychiatrist and more) By Region Northern Region Central Region Southern Region Health IT Solutions Market By Type of Customization Customized Non- Customized By Type of Product HIS/LIS Independent LIS PMS CMS By Region Northern Region Central Region Southern Region Key Target Audience Healthcare Industry Pharmaceutical Industry e-Pharmacy Companies Online Consultation Companies Health IT Solutions Companies Hospitals & Clinics Retail Pharmacy Drug Stores Time Period Captured in the Report:- Historical Period: 2018-2021 2018-2021 Forecast Period: 2021-2026F Companies Covered: Pharmacity Long Chau Medicare Phano Pharmacy eDoctor Med247 Doctor Anywhere FPT VNPT Viettel Solutions Key Topics Covered in the Report Executive Summary of Health Tech Market in Vietnam Vietnam Country and Healthcare Sector Overview Country and Healthcare Sector Overview Vietnam Health Tech Market Overview Major Challenges in Health Tech Market Comprehensive Analysis on e-Pharmacy, Online Consultation and Health IT Solutions Markets (Market Size, 2018-2026F; Market Shares; Future Trends) Major Regulations for e-Pharmacy, Online Consultation and Health IT Solutions Markets in Vietnam Emerging Technologies in Health Tech Market Strengths and Weaknesses of Major Health Tech Players in Vietnam Competitive Landscape in e-Pharmacy, Online Consultation and Health IT Solutions Markets Emerging Opportunities in Health Tech Market in Vietnam Analyst Recommendations For More Info on the Research Report, Click on the below link: - Future Outlook of Vietnam Health Tech Market Related Reports by Ken Research: - Philippines Health Tech Market Outlook to 2025- By Service Type (E-Pharmacy, Online Consultation and Healthcare IT Solutions) and By Region (Manila, Central Luzon, Mindanao/Davao, and Others Philippines Health Tech Market had a slow growth initially. The slow growth corresponded to poor internet penetration and lack of technology awareness. Unorganized health tech infrastructure and a less tech-savvy population led to the accumulation of unharmonized healthcare data. The government faced a major difficulty when the healthcare challenges kept on increasing with the growing population. Increasing need and high government interest positively drove the Philippines health tech industry. Indonesia Health Tech Market Outlook to 2025-Lack of Medical Staff and Protective Gear to Lean on Healthcare Startups in Indonesia Indonesia Health Tech market grew at a very high growth rate over the review period 2017-2020 and was further supported by an increase in health awareness among the younger population, the advancement of technology in the market, introduction of new platforms in the market. The entry of domestic players with international investments has also contributed to the same. Strong growth was observed in Indonesia's health tech industry majorly due to high-end user demand. APAC Healthcare AI Market Outlook to 2025 - By Applications (Machine/Robot Assisted Medical Procedures, Clinical Trial & Drug Discovery/Development, Preliminary Diagnosis, Administrative Workflow Assistance, Virtual Nursing Assistant, Fraud Detection, Dosage Error Reduction), by Countries, by End Users & by Technologies and Current Investment Scenario APAC AI in Healthcare Market has witnessed strong growth owing to rising number of collaborations, investments and partnerships among hospitals, healthcare providers, AI developers and medical device manufacturers; improved accuracy and predictive capacity of AI powered devices, limited number of skilled healthcare professionals in developing countries such as China and India and over the years advancements in processor design and manufacturing techniques across Asia Pacific region. The market size by revenue witnessed a five year CAGR of close to 56% during the review period (2013-2018) due to the combined effect of these factors. The market is currently placed in high growth stage with strong possibility for further innovations and developments at a faster pace with positive trends expected in the industry. KSA Fitness Equipment Market Outlook to 2026: Driven by the growing demand of advanced fitness equipment by fitness clubs and government initiative to launch women centric fitness centres KSA fitness equipment market expanded with a CAGR of ~13.7% in between 2016 and 2021 with considerable expansion in commercial fitness centers in which popular fitness centers and women centric fitness club dominated the market. Government initiatives to launch women centric fitness centers in 2017 along with "Your Home, Your Gym" and "Quality of Life" campaign to improve physical conditions of people coupled with rising health concerns such as obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases due to unhealthy lifestyle, inclination of consumers to undertake online fitness sessions to enjoy exercisingin the comfort of their homes and as per their convenience are the major determinant to drive the growth of fitness equipment industry. Surging demand of fitness equipment suitable for home/residential purposes post COVID-19 is also contributing in the growth of fitness equipment market. Follow Us LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube Contact Us: Ken Research Ankur Gupta, Head Marketing & Communications Support@kenresearch.com +91-9015378249 Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/661352/Ken_Research_Logo.jpg The leading SoftPoS provider's Software Development Kit (SDK) has met the Visa Ready Tap to Phone Solution Requirements in a world first LONDON, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Phos, the fintech behind the leading software-only Point of Sale system ( SoftPoS ), has become the first solution provider to meet a new Visa requirement with its Software Development Kit (SDK). An SDK brings together a set of tools that enable developers to build and programme mobile applications for specific platforms. The news is a major coup for the UK-based fintech as it becomes the first provider globally to meet the Visa Ready Tap to Phone Solution Requirements, version 1.8. The approved phos SDK means that the fintech's partners and customers no longer need to submit their own solution to a PCI certified lab for review. The Visa approval provides a multitude of cost and time-saving benefits across all industry segments, such as independent software vendors (ISVs), electronic point of sale (ePOS) vendors and acquirers who want to create a payment solution for their application. The process to test every new integration or SDK in a PCI-approved security lab can take several weeks, or longer, before companies can go to market. In addition, partners reduce the high fees associated with testing new integrations in the labs. This is phos' second version of its SDK, and the latest solution means partners don't lose valuable time and money in their go-to-market strategy. The approval of its new SDK marks a new milestone as the fintech further cements its position as the leading SoftPoS provider. Brad Hyett, CEO of phos, said: "We are proud to have become the first solution provider to meet Visa's requirements with our new SDK. This is a noteworthy achievement, and it allows us to deliver great products to our customers and partners. At phos, we're constantly identifying ways to innovate and challenge ourselves and being recognised and approved by Visa for our efforts is rewarding and reassuring of the great work we do. "We have been working relentlessly on ensuring our technology is in line with the new expectations set out by Visa, along with other card schemes. I'm pleased with the way our team has achieved this and we can't wait to see several of our partners benefit from this soon." Phos is the leading provider of SoftPoS and its new SDK will enable businesses to create their own SoftPoS app. The technology allows merchants to accept card payments directly on any NFC-enabled Android phone or mobile device, without the need for any additional hardware. The London-headquartered business also secured 2 million (approximately 1.7 million) in equity funding in August of last year. The new capital along with the approved SDK will enable the fintech to continue to expand its operations into new markets. Notes for Editors About phos Phos was established in 2018 by serial entrepreneur Valeri Valtchev and financial services veteran Ivo Gueorguiev, with the aim of democratising card acceptance and payments in general. The company has created software which can transform payment acceptance by enabling merchants to take payments directly on their NFC-enabled Android device. Phos offers rapid digital deployment and is uniquely phone and bank agnostic - it can be used on any NFC Android phone and by any bank or acquirer. Phos is a payment technology provider, licensed to operate globally and certified by VISA and Mastercard laboratories for functionality and security. BANGALORE, India, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Global Screenless Display Market is Segmented by Type (Visual Image, Retinal Display, Synaptic Interface), by Application (Holographic Projection, Head-mounted Display, Head-up Display, Others), by Industry Vertical (Aerospace & Defense, Automotive, Healthcare, Consumer Electronics, Commercial): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2020-2030. It is published in Valuates Reports under the Computers & Electronics Category. The global screenless display market was valued at USD 1.9 Billion in 2020 and is projected to reach USD 14.9 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 23% from 2021 to 2030. Major Factors Driving the Growth of the Screenless Display Market Growing use in the gaming industry, aerospace and defense sector will drive the growth of the market. Enhanced wide space availability in comparison to traditional screens, and R&D initiatives will fuel the market growth. Screenless displays allow faster interactive viewing of content with accurate colors, high-resolution images, and a wider angle of view. Moreover, it requires low power and provides higher levels of brightness & contrast. Get Your Sample Today: https://reports.valuates.com/request/sample/ALLI-Auto-4O30/Screenless_Display_Market TRENDS INFLUENCING THE GLOBAL SCREENLESS DISPLAY MARKET There is a growing demand for hyper-personalization in user experience in the gaming industry. Visual image displays create images up to any size. These displays elevate the gaming experience by providing virtual 3D gaming without the support of external devices or glasses. The association of motion sensors and actuators with the 3D display system along with the 360-degree corner view take the experience to next level. This is expected to drive the growth of the screenless display market during the forecast period. The aerospace and defense sector will drive the growth of the global screenless display market in the coming years. The displays provide high-resolution and 3D visualization for the projection of complex aerodynamic structures. The movement and flying motion of airplanes are monitored effectively. Moreover vertical and horizontal views of battlegrounds and remote areas are displayed with imaging techniques. The holographic display improves the virtual understanding and analysis of areas. Holographic projections contain 3D images that appear to be floating in the air whenever the laser and object beams overlap. Hologram technology is used in the medical industry for projecting complete 3D visualization of internal organs and body parts. This allows doctors to examine diseases and injuries in greater detail leading to effective diagnosis. Moreover, bank notes, identity cards, and credit cards are adopting security holograms. The new generation of holograms offers a host of features like moving displays, individually customized text, and serial numbers making duplication impossible. Such factors will surge the growth of the screenless display market during the forecast period. The future possibilities of the screenless display market are huge. Companies are investing in extensive R&D initiatives for developing video cameras and glasses that show information to the viewer without the need for screens or projectors. The advent of virtual reality devices with smartphone integration, and rising awareness levels will fuel the market growth in the forthcoming years. Screenless displays provide a better content viewing experience, provide more space, have low power requirements and provide larger portability along with a wider viewing angle. The color offers better brightness and contrast than traditional displays which are attracting consumers. This in turn will boost the growth of the screenless display market during the forecast period. Browse The Table Of Contents And List Of Figures At: https://reports.valuates.com/market-reports/ALLI-Auto-4O30/screenless-display SCREENLESS DISPLAY MARKET SHARE ANALYSIS Based on type, the visual image segment is expected to dominate the market due to the increasing use of holograms for image displays that can be stored on devices and connected to projectors quickly. Based on application, the holographic projections segment is expected to maintain the lead in the screenless display market share due to increasing demand in the medical industry and the huge popularity of holographic advertisements and promotional events, etc. Based on the industry vertical, the aerospace and defense segment will grow the highest in the screenless display market share while the BFSI industry will grow the fastest during the forecast period. Based on region, North America specifically the US will witness considerable growth in the screenless display market share due to growing initiatives by key players to produce next-generation screenless display technology and rising investment by government institutions and several organizations. Get Regional Data: https://reports.valuates.com/request/regional/ALLI-Auto-4O30/Screenless_Display Key Market Players Avegant Corporation BAE Systems Microsoft Corporation RealView Imaging Ltd. MicroVision Inc. Synaptic Incorporated Seereal Technologies S.A. Google Inc. Holoxica Ltd. Zebra Imaging Inc. Inquire for Chapter Cost: https://reports.valuates.com/request/chaptercost/ALLI-Auto-4O30/Screenless_Display_Market Buy Now for Single User + Covid-19 Impact: https://reports.valuates.com/api/directpaytoken?rcode=ALLI-Auto-4O30&lic=single-user SUBSCRIPTION We have introduced a tailor-made subscription for our customers. Please leave a note in the Comment Section to know about our subscription plans. SIMILAR REPORTS: The global Metaverse market size is projected to reach USD 28 Billion by 2028, from 510 USD Million in 2022, at a CAGR of 95% during 2022-2028. size is projected to reach by 2028, from Million in 2022, at a CAGR of 95% during 2022-2028. The augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) Market size was valued at USD 14.84 Billion in 2020 and is projected to reach USD 454.73 Billion by 2030, registering a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 40.7%. size was valued at in 2020 and is projected to reach by 2030, registering a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 40.7%. The global artificial intelligence market size was valued at USD 65.48 Billion in 2020, and is projected to reach USD 1,581.70 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 38.0% from 2021 to 2030. size was valued at in 2020, and is projected to reach by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 38.0% from 2021 to 2030. 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The global AR and VR Lens market size is estimated to be worth USD 441.8 Million in 2022 and is forecast to a readjusted size of USD 1006 Million by 2028 with a CAGR of 14.7% during the review period. size is estimated to be worth in 2022 and is forecast to a readjusted size of by 2028 with a CAGR of 14.7% during the review period. The global IoT market size is projected to reach USD 74630 Million by 2028, from USD 34250 Million in 2021, at a CAGR of 11.6% during 2022-2028. size is projected to reach by 2028, from in 2021, at a CAGR of 11.6% during 2022-2028. The global Gaming market size is projected to reach USD 398950 Million by 2026, from USD 192150 Million in 2019, at a CAGR of 11.0% during 2021-2026. size is projected to reach by 2026, from in 2019, at a CAGR of 11.0% during 2021-2026. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the global Touch Screen Display market size is estimated to be worth USD 70170 Million in 2022 and is forecast to a readjusted size of USD 102740 Million by 2028 with a CAGR of 6.6% during the review period. size is estimated to be worth in 2022 and is forecast to a readjusted size of by 2028 with a CAGR of 6.6% during the review period. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the global Interactive Touch Screen Display market size is estimated to be worth USD 1081 Million in 2022 and is forecast to a readjusted size of USD 1546.5 Million by 2028 with a CAGR of 6.2% during the review period. size is estimated to be worth in 2022 and is forecast to a readjusted size of by 2028 with a CAGR of 6.2% during the review period. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the global Retail Touch Screen Display market size is estimated to be worth USD 970.5 Million in 2022 and is forecast to a readjusted size of USD 1165.6 Million by 2028 with a CAGR of 3.1% during the review period. size is estimated to be worth in 2022 and is forecast to a readjusted size of by 2028 with a CAGR of 3.1% during the review period. The global Virtual Reality Headsets market size is projected to reach USD 42100 Million by 2027, from USD 9457.7 Million in 2020, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 23.2% during the forecast period 2021-2027. size is projected to reach by 2027, from in 2020, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 23.2% during the forecast period 2021-2027. The global Extended Reality market size is projected to reach USD 67870 Million by 2028, from USD 25310 Million in 2021, at a CAGR of 15.0% during 2022-2028. size is projected to reach by 2028, from in 2021, at a CAGR of 15.0% during 2022-2028. The global Augmented and Virtual Reality in Healthcare Market size are projected to reach USD 4367 Million by 2027, from USD 962.6 Million in 2020, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 23.6% during 2021-2027. size are projected to reach by 2027, from in 2020, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 23.6% during 2021-2027. The global Augmented Reality Market size is projected to reach USD 3664.5 Million by 2026, from USD 849 Million in 2019, at a CAGR of 27.6% during 2020-2026. size is projected to reach by 2026, from in 2019, at a CAGR of 27.6% during 2020-2026. The global E-Learning Virtual Reality market size is projected to reach USD 300.3 Million by 2028, from USD 65 Million in 2021, at a CAGR of 23.8% during 2022-2028. size is projected to reach by 2028, from in 2021, at a CAGR of 23.8% during 2022-2028. The global Virtual Classroom market size is projected to reach USD 16020 Million by 2027, from USD 8602.8 Million in 2020, at a CAGR of 9.2% during 2021-2027. size is projected to reach by 2027, from in 2020, at a CAGR of 9.2% during 2021-2027. The global Gaming Laptop market was valued at USD 10860 Million in 2020 and it is expected to reach USD 16190 Million by the end of 2027, growing at a CAGR of 5.9% during 2021-2027. was valued at in 2020 and it is expected to reach by the end of 2027, growing at a CAGR of 5.9% during 2021-2027. The global Virtual Reality in Retail market size is projected to reach USD 5455 Million by 2028, from USD 2007 Million in 2021, at a CAGR of 13.82% during 2022-2028. size is projected to reach by 2028, from in 2021, at a CAGR of 13.82% during 2022-2028. The global interactive display market size was valued at USD 14.63 Billion in 2018, and is projected to reach USD 29.19 Billion by 2026, registering a CAGR of 8.80% from 2019 to 2026. size was valued at in 2018, and is projected to reach by 2026, registering a CAGR of 8.80% from 2019 to 2026. Global 3D Holographic Display Market Insights, Forecast to 2028 Global 4K Ultra-HD Interactive Touch Screen Display Market Insights and Forecast to 2028 Global Infrared Touch Screen Display Market Insights and Forecast to 2028 Global VR Display Screen Market Insights, Forecast to 2028 Global Industrial Touch Screen Display Market Insights and Forecast to 2028 Click here to see related reports On Screenless Display Market ABOUT US: Valuates offers in-depth market insights into various industries. Our extensive report repository is constantly updated to meet your changing industry analysis needs. Our team of market analysts can help you select the best report covering your industry. We understand your niche region-specific requirements and that's why we offer customization of reports. With our customization in place, you can request for any particular information from a report that meets your market analysis needs. To achieve a consistent view of the market, data is gathered from various primary and secondary sources, at each step, data triangulation methodologies are applied to reduce deviance and find a consistent view of the market. Each sample we share contains a detailed research methodology employed to generate the report. Please also reach our sales team to get the complete list of our data sources. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1082232/Valuates_Reports_Logo.jpg CONTACT US: Geneva, Switzerland--(Newsfile Corp. - July 21, 2022) - Franck Muller, the world-famous Swiss luxury watchmaker, has announced the release of a series of digital wearables and physical watches on the Binance NFT marketplace. The series will commence with the release of 'Mystery by Franck Muller' generative NFTs on July 27, 2022. This marks a continuation of Franck Muller's journey in Web3 innovations, following the release of their Bitcoin watch in 2019. Showing the Mystery By Franck Muller official Banner To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8511/131423_b3a8f19eb41e2af9_001full.jpg 'Mystery by Franck Muller' is an exclusive NFT Mystery Box collection with rewards, from physical Franck Muller timepieces, Apple Watch faces, metaverse wearable NFT watches, to special private events. Brought to you in collaboration with Binance NFT, the Franck Muller Mystery Boxes come in various editions: Normal (N), Rare (R), Super Rare (SR), and Super Super Rare (SSR). Franck Muller Mystery Box holders who obtain 10 or more Mystery Boxes will be able to redeem a whitelist spot in our future NFT avatar collection, which will grant NFT avatar holders with a Lux-Club membership access. In addition to the Franck Muller Mystery Boxes, Binance NFT will also host a unique auction beginning July 27, 2022. The auction winner will receive an exclusive NFT artwork and a one-off physical Franck Muller watch. The auction includes Franck Muller's one-of-a-kind artwork of Aoki Sloane. A 1 of 1, high complication tourbillon has been created for Aoki. More information on Aoki Sloane can be found here. Showing Aoki Sloane, the soldier of peace. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8511/131423_b3a8f19eb41e2af9_002full.jpg Both the Mystery Boxes and the auction will only be available on Binance NFT Marketplace. The 'Mystery by Franck Muller' sale and auction will start on July 27, 2022. About Franck Muller Franck Muller is the elite Swiss watchmaker famous for unique creations, bold designs and incredible complications. Now, Franck Muller brings its innovation and daring to the crypto space, crafting collectible NFTs, incredible real-world experiences and physical timepieces inspired by the metaverse. More information, visit: https://franckmullerencrypto.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/franckmullerencrypto/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/FranckMullerLab Discord: https://discord.gg/franckmullerencrypto About Binance NFT Binance NFT Marketplace offers an open and secure market for artists, creators, crypto enthusiasts, NFT collectors and creative fans around the world with the best liquidity and volume. Binance NFT features a wide variety of valuable collectibles easily accessible to Binance's user base of over 90 million users. More information, visit: https://www.binance.com/en/nft/mystery-box Name: Jasper Van Knitel Email: Jasper@cc-limited.com Phone: +31 6 21490658 To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/131423 WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - The White House announced that on Thursday morning, President Joe Biden tested positive for Covid-19. Biden, who is fully vaccinated and twice boosted, is experiencing very mild symptoms, according to Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre. He has begun taking Paxlovid. Jean-Pierre said that consistent with CDC guidelines, Biden will isolate at the White House and will continue to carry out all of his duties fully during that time. The president has been in contact with members of the White House staff by phone Thursday morning and will participate in his planned meetings at the White House via phone and Zoom from the residence, the Press Secretary added. Consistent with White House protocol for positive COVID cases, Biden will continue to work in isolation until he tests negative. Once he tests negative, he will return to in-person work. Jean-Pierre said in a statement that the White House will provide a daily update on the 79-year-old president's status as he continues to carry out the full duties of the office while in isolation. The White House Medical Unit will inform all close contacts of the president, including any Members of Congress and the press who interacted with him during yesterday's travel to Warwick, Rhode Island; and Somerset, Massachusetts. The president was scheduled to attend two public events Thursday; To deliver remarks on building on the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act to further reduce gun crime and save lives at Marts Center, Wilkes University, Wilkes-Barre, and participate in a fundraising reception for the Democratic National Committee in Philadelphia. Biden had a negative test result to a previous test for Covid, conducted on Tuesday. Copyright(c) 2022 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de Washington, D.C., July 21, 2022 - (ACN Newswire) - The Government Blockchain Association (GBA) will host a panel on Funding Blockchain Projects during their Blockchain & Infrastructure conference on September 29-30, 2022 at the National Press Club in Washington, DC."The US government wants to boost spending on blockchain technology by 1000% in 2022, and the blockchain technology market is anticipated to generate $20 billion in earnings by 2024," said Gerard Dache, Executive Director for the Government Blockchain Association."The members of this panel are experts in funding blockchain projects. They are recognized thought leaders and are skilled in acquiring government grants. They will focus on obtaining government funding for blockchain-based projects, they will also share the latest trends in novel investment instruments emerging in the post-pandemic digital economy."The panel will include:- Mr. Bill Rockwood, Deputy Legislative Director & Policy Advisor for Congressmen Darren Soto (FL-09), Co-Chair of the Congressional Blockchain Caucus. Rockwood has authored more legislation to fund blockchain projects than anyone in the US Congress. He introduced 13 pieces of legislation related to blockchain and cryptocurrency. He had the first two bills related to blockchain and digital assets pass the House of Representatives, six amendments, and 29 report language requests included in appropriations packages.- Dr. Barry Johnson, the US National Science Foundation's Director of the Division of Translational Impacts within the Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships. The National Science Foundation awards grants to small businesses with the most innovative, cutting-edge ideas that have the potential to become great commercial successes and make huge societal impacts.- Ms. Vilma Mattila, Investor & Co-Founder of 5ire Chain. Her experience includes investing in over 60 companies, one of which she co-founded and is valued at $2.5 billion.- Dr. Ingrid Vasiliu-Feltes, Country Director for the US Offices of the World Business Angel Investment Forum. Dr. Vasiliu-Feltes is an expert in funding blockchain projects and has extensive experience helping startups acquire funding.The Funding Blockchain Projects panel will take place during the Blockchain and Infrastructure conference in Washington, DC September 29-30 at the National Press Club. Some of the organizations participants in the conference include IOG (Cardano), Oracle (NYSE: ORCL), NASA, and hundreds more. For more information about the event, please visit https://gbaglobal.org/blockchain-infrastructure.About the Government Blockchain Association (GBA)GBA is a membership organization whose mission is to bring together all levels of governments and the private sector to connect, communicate, and collaborate. The GBA has over 5,000 members in over 100+ countries and promotes using blockchain technology in the government sector. For more information, please visit https://gbaglobal.org.For press & media inquiries, please contact Bob Miko at bmiko@pacificdialogue.com or by phone at 203-378-2803.Source: GBACopyright 2022 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved. With the help of the leading automation platform, Nova Ukraine volunteers can now focus solely on humanitarian relief instead of data collection and time-consuming administrative tasks Workato, the leading enterprise automation platform, is partnering with Nova Ukraine, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to providing humanitarian aid to Ukraine and raising awareness about Ukraine in the United States as well as in the rest of the world, to provide free automation services that will help automate operations and consolidate donations data across the organization. With the new Workato-powered automation in place, Nova Ukraine has completed projects that would have taken a month in less than half the time. With over 3,500 volunteers in Ukraine, the organization has now helped over 1,700,000 people and delivered over 5,000 tons of aid. With a focus on humanitarian efforts and a growing team, Nova Ukraine needed to find a solution that would help the organization scale at a rapid pace. Processing aid requests from Ukrainian volunteers, reviewing grant applications, and consolidating inventory purchases are at the heart of Nova Ukraine operations. Upon introduction of the common process across the organization, Nova Ukraine used Workato to migrate data and integrate many systems used by multiple teams into one single source of truth. It immediately resulted in significantly improving the speed of processing project proposals, simplifying the decision-making process, and allowing volunteers to solely focus on providing humanitarian relief instead of gathering raw data from different sources. "During the first weeks of the war, we received thousands of requests for help from Ukraine. It was clear that time is a critical factor. With Workato, Nova Ukraine consolidated all data from different sources into one decision-making system and set up the process that was scaled to dozens of people in the system in parallel," said Iryna Garbuz, Volunteer Technical Program Manager with Nova Ukraine. "Workato helped consolidate data, sped up the processing of grant requests, and, as a result, allowed us to deliver aid fast. What would have taken over a month, Workato made possible in a week." Workato allowed Nova Ukraine to aggregate donor information across six donation platforms. "Knowing exact funding figures for different programs drives decisions about the amount of aid and fundraising strategy for the organization," said Maksim Golivkin, Volunteer Engineering Manager with Nova Ukraine. "Having all donations in one place and being able to run reports quickly speeds up the decision process and reduces the manual effort. Furthermore, the team is able to respond to donor inquiries fast as well." As relief efforts continue to be a top priority, Nova Ukraine has been able to focus on ground operations where the team has helped: Serve over 1,774,600 meals to those displaced throughout Ukraine Deliver over 5,315 tons of aid and over 313,900 medical aid packages on the ground Help evacuate over 51,000 people and animals to neighboring territories and countries Operate in 22 of the 24 regions in Ukraine, including in front line cities Distribute over $23.6 Million in aid relief "With several of our team members in the region, the Ukraine war hit home early for us. We were fortunate to connect with Nova Ukraine, an organization that has been doing incredible humanitarian relief work for millions of Ukrainian refugees," said Vijay Tella, co-founder and CEO of Workato. "We are grateful for the opportunity to be able to channel the energy of our team around this cause to help Nova Ukraine automate the complex logistics of organizing and delivering relief from donors through to the Ukrainian people on the ground." To learn more about the ongoing partnership, visit here and here. To help support Nova Ukraine, please visit www.novaukraine.org. About Nova Ukraine Nova Ukraine is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing humanitarian aid to Ukraine and strengthening the country's democratic society. Founded in 2014, Nova Ukraine has redoubled its efforts in the aftermath of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The organization works with partners in Ukraine and around the world to help refugees and provide humanitarian efforts to those impacted by the war. To learn more, please visit www.novaukraine.org. About Workato The leader in enterprise automation, Workato helps organizations work faster and smarter without compromising security and governance. Built for Business and IT users, Workato is trusted by over 11,000 of the world's top brands, including Broadcom, Intuit, and Box. Headquartered in Mountain View, Calif., Workato is backed by Altimeter Capital, Battery Ventures, Insight Venture Partners, Tiger Global, and Redpoint Ventures. For more information, visit workato.com or connect with us on social media: Blog: https://www.workato.com/the-connector/ Business Systems Community: https://systematic.workato.com/ Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/workato LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/workato View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220721005679/en/ Contacts: Joseph Hollister Communications Manager, Workato joseph.hollister@workato.com Combining BIOCORP's pen injector add-on Mallya with AARDEX Group's Software to improve adherence to medication in a Hybrid Phase IV Diabetes Study Regulatory News: BIOCORP (FR0012788065 ALCOR Eligible PEA-PME) (Paris:ALCOR), a French company specialized in the design, development, and manufacturing of innovative medical devices, and Belgium-based AARDEXGROUP, the leader in tools for measuring and managing adherence to medication in clinical trials are proud to announce one of their first major joint initiatives that will come live in the upcoming months. Both companies today announced they have been recruited by Trials@Home to take part in a Phase IV study called RADIAL. Trials@Home is a center of excellence for Decentralized Clinical Trials (DCTs), whose members include notably Sanofi, J&J, Pfizer. They will team up with Sanofi, a global leader in healthcare, to create a digital solution for optimized insulin management, 100 years after the first insulin injection in 1922. Bernard Vrijens, CEO Scientific Lead at AARDEX Group, comments: "Our digital medication adherence tool, MEMS AS, offers a powerful suite of tools to measure and manage adherence to medication. This project is an opportunity to leverage our extensive practical experience in diabetes, including our recognized scientific leadership in medication adherence to improve patient outcomes. We are also delighted to be progressing our strategic partnership with BIOCORP The Phase IV RADIAL study will see BIOCORP's Mallya pen injector add-on collect data from Sanofi's Solostar insulin pens. This will then be integrated with AARDEX Group's MEMS AS(medication adherence software) to provide an optimal understanding of patient behaviors during the course of the study. The RADIAL study aims to include around 600 patients with Type 2 Diabetes across 63 sites in six countries. Of those, 150 will be site-based, 150 will be hybrid and up to 300 will be participating fully remotely. Eric Dessertenne, CEO at BIOCORP, says: "Mallya is a smart dose monitoring solution for insulin pen injectors offering a seamless patient experience with automatic data collection. Secured real-time data is then transferred securely via Bluetooth allowing end-to-end validated medication data adherence and processing with MEMS AS and Trials@Home's Clinpal digital platform. This project is an opportunity to create evidence of the user benefits and evaluate the clinical benefits of our solution within a real-world decentralized clinical trial setting Improving medication adherence for patients with Type 2 Diabetes is crucial to improving outcomes. Non-adherence has a direct causal association with hospitalization and death. Sanofi will contribute Toujeo (insulin glargine 300 unis/mL) as the medicinal product to be used in RADIAL, Trials@Home's EU proof-of-concept study. Anastasia Ukhova, Head of Medical Digital Healthcare General Medicine, notes: "Bringing Toujeo to the consortium and today Mallya cap with AARDEX MEMS AS technology offers a unique opportunity to build evidence on the way that innovation in connectivity contributes to the improvement of diabetes management Trials@Home projects are funded by the Innovative Medicines Initiative[2] Joint Undertaking (H2020-JTI-IMI2) a public-private partnership between the EU and the European pharmaceutical industry body EFPIA. The aim is to reshape clinical trial design, conduct, and operations, by developing and piloting standards, recommendations, and tools for the definition and operationalization of DCTs in Europe. Speaking about the project, Gary Friedman (Pfizer representative on the Trials@Home project) added "The AARDEXand BIOCORPteams are outstanding collaborators, who anticipate the nuances of interventional decentralized clinical trials. They go to great lengths to provide the Trials@Home consortium with technology that is the sine qua non for study participants requiring precise insulin dosing and compliance monitoring Philipp Bordes (Sanofi representative on the Trials@Home project) emphasized "Monitoring medication adherence in remote patient settings is a pivotal piece of DCT design and is key to supporting both our patients' safety and optimal health throughout the Trials@Home RADIAL study. The use of innovative, connected digital health technologies such as the Mallya device and AARDEX AS application play a key part in the optimization and acceptability of DCTs as the DCT becomes more familiar across the industry ABOUT AARDEX AARDEX Group is the global leader in digital solutions to measure and manage medication adherence. With operations in Belgium, Switzerland, and the U.S., AARDEX develops and markets digital solutions for adherence-enhancing strategies in clinical trials, research settings, and professional healthcare systems. AARDEX is the central actor of a complete ecosystem that combines its MEMS Adherence Software with a wide range of smart packages and devices that measure patient adherence across all routes of drug administration. AARDEX's vision is to continuously innovate in data-driven medication adherence solutions to enhance digital therapeutics and patient empowerment. www.aardexgroup.com ABOUT TRIALS@HOME Trials@Home, Centre of Excellence for Decentralized Clinical Trials, is working to reshape clinical trial design, conduct and operations, by developing and piloting standards, recommendations and tools for the definition and operationalisation of Decentralised clinical trials (DCTs) in Europe. The consortium follows a co-creative multi-stakeholder approach where academic partners, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), private foundations, and EFPIA partners will work together with other stakeholders from across the medical, technological, regulatory, ethical and social aspects of DCTs. For more information, please visit www.trialsathome.com ABOUT BIOCORP Recognized for its expertise in the development and manufacture of medical devices and delivery systems, BIOCORP has today acquired a leading position in the connected medical device market thanks to Mallya. This smart sensor for insulin injection pens allows reliable monitoring of injected doses and thus offers better compliance in the treatment of patients with diabetes. Available for sale from 2020, Mallya spearheads BIOCORP's product portfolio of innovative connected solutions. The company has 70 employees. BIOCORP is listed on Euronext since July 2015 (FR0012788065 ALCOR). For more information, please visit www.biocorpsys.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220721005736/en/ Contacts: BIOCORP Jacques Gardette Chairman of the Board investisseurs@biocorp.fr Eric Dessertenne Chief Executive Officer Marketing Communication Director Sylvaine Dessard rp@biocorp.fr + 33 (0)6 88 69 72 85 ULYSSE COMMUNICATION Bruno ARABIAN barabian@ulysse-communication.com +33 (0)6 87 88 46 26 Nicolas DANIELS ndaniels@ulysse-communication.com +33 (0)6 63 66 59 22 160 mln Chinese doses administered as Bangladesh strengthens fight against COVID-19 Xinhua) 09:59, July 21, 2022 DHAKA, July 20 (Xinhua) -- The Bangladeshi government decided on Wednesday to extend the ongoing special campaign to administer the second dose and booster shot of the COVID-19 vaccine by another day to July 21. As part of the government's all-out efforts to rein in the fresh spike of the pandemic, Bangladeshi health authorities earlier held a day-long countrywide mass vaccination campaign on Tuesday with a view to vaccinating 7.5 million people with the second and booster doses. More than 285 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have so far been administered in the country, and more than half of the administered vaccines were China's Sinopharm. According to a statement from the government's Management Information System of Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), a total of 285,882,959 vaccine doses, including 159,514,745 Chinese vaccine doses, had been administered across Bangladesh as of Tuesday. Bangladesh has been using COVID-19 vaccines developed by AstraZeneca, Sinopharm, Moderna, Pfizer, Sinovac, and Johnson and Johnson. Shamsul Haque, member secretary of the National Covid-19 Vaccine Management Task Force, said the vaccination efforts will continue as long as there are people eligible for inoculation. People from all walks of life, especially the less affluent section of the society, have made up the majority of the second dose vaccine recipients on Wednesday, and most of them received Sinovac and Sinopharms vaccine as their second doses. Health Minister Zahid Maleque earlier said the campaign is aimed at containing the recent spike in infection rates. People aged 18 and above, who have received their second dose of COVID-19 vaccines at least four months earlier, were allowed to receive a booster jab during this special campaign. Also, those who took the first dose at least 28 days ago got their second jab during the campaign. According to the minister, Bangladesh currently has a stock of around 27.8 million shots of five types of COVID-19 vaccines including China's Sinopharm and Sinovac. Bangladesh began its COVID-19 vaccination drive in January last year to contain the pandemic. Bangladesh recorded 1,104 new cases of COVID-19 and one death on Wednesday, bringing the total tally to 1,999,395 with 29,250 deaths, the DGHS said. (Web editor: Wu Chaolan, Liang Jun) 27.2% INCREASE IN 6-MONTH REVENUE (203.0M) 12.2% GROWTH IN RETAIL SALES OF GROUP-OWNED STORES AND 7% GROWTH FOR THE OVERALL SCOPE VERY STRONG OPERATING PERFORMANCE EXPECTED IN THE FIRST HALF OF THE YEAR Paris, 21 July 2022 ROCHE BOBOIS SA (ISIN: FR0013344173 - Ticker symbol: RBO), a global benchmark on the high-end furniture market and the epitome of French Art de Vivre, is announcing its revenues and retail sales for the first half of 2022. The strong business momentum continued in Q2 2022 with the Group achieving excellent revenues of 110.1m (+25.2% at current exchange rates and +20.2% at constant exchange rates) despite a very high base of comparison. The United States/Canada region continued to be the largest driver of growth in Q2 (+50.2% in this region), which was amplified by a favourable exchange rate effect. The United Kingdom and Other Europe regions also saw strong growth (+105.0% and +24.2%, respectively). In overall terms, the Group once again posted record six-month revenue of 203.0m, up sharply by 27.2% from the first half of 2021. This performance illustrates the very high levels of retail sales in preceding months and the significant order backlog, as well as the sustained pace of deliveries since the start of the year. Sales momentum has also remained strong, with very high levels of order intakes in H1 2022, at 334.1m, compared with 312.2m in H1 2021 (+7.0%), including 189m generated by the directly operated stores, which outperformed the franchise stores (+12.2% compared with the first half of 2021). In overall terms, the Group therefore performed very strongly in H1 2022, which is all the more remarkable given the less favourable overall economic context. The Roche Bobois group has once again demonstrated its strong positing and the very considerable appeal of its brands. Note that Roche Bobois communicates both revenue (stemming from effective deliveries by its directly operated and owned stores and from royalties and commission fees) and retail sales (stemming from pre-tax order intake by the network of directly operated and owned stores and franchises for its two brands). The retail sales of directly operated stores account for the lion's share of revenues with a delay of a few months depending on the country (3-4 months in Europe and 4-6 moths in the United States). Any growth in the retail sales of the owned stores therefore has a direct effect on future revenue growth. Revenue (unaudited - m) 2021 2022 Change at current exchange rates (%) Change at constant exchange rates (%) Q1 71.7 92.9 +29.6% +26.2% Q2 87.9 110.1 +25.2% +20.2% H1 2021 159.6 203.0 +27.2% +22.9% H1 2022 revenues by region are available in the appendix Excellent performance in Q2 2022 Q2 2022 revenues came to 110.1m versus 87.9m, up 25.2% at current exchange rates and 20.2% at constant exchange rates. In regional terms, Roche Bobois' revenues in France were 31.5m in Q2 2022, compared with 30.5m in Q2 2021, and were therefore up by 3.1%, exceeding the strong performance achieved in the same period a year earlier. Revenues across the whole of H1 2022 were 59.7m, compared with 54.1m in H1 2021 (+10.2%). The Cuir Center brand also maintained its strong performance, with revenues of 10.4m in Q2 2022, compared with 10.2m in Q2 2021 (+1.6%). In H1 2022, Cuir Center's revenues were 20.7m, compared with 19.1m (+7.9%). In H2 2022, the revenues of the United States/Canada region were 37.4m, up sharply by 50.2% compared with Q2 2021 (24.9m), reflecting the very high level of order intakes in the preceding months and the sustained pace of deliveries and a favourable euro/dollar exchange rate. Excluding the impact of exchange rates, growth was 34.3%. The United States/Canada region was the main contributor to revenues in the first half of 2022 with 67.9m, compared with 45.2m in the first half of 2021 (+50.1% at current exchange rates and +36.8% at constant exchange rates). The United Kingdom enjoyed a very strong Q2 2022 with revenues of 6.5m compared with 3.2m in Q2 2021 (+105.0% at current exchange rates and +101.6% at constant exchange rates). All told, H1 2022 revenues for this region came to 11.5m, compared with 6.5m for the same period a year earlier, signalling robust growth of 76.4% (71.1% at constant exchange rates). For the rest of Europe (excluding France and the UK), the Group recorded revenues of 20.7m in Q2 2022, compared with 16.7m in the same quarter a year earlier (+24.2%), amplified by the very high level of retail sales by directly operated stores at the beginning of the year. Growth was especially strong in Germany, Spain and Switzerland. In H1 2022, this region's revenues were 36.7m, compared with 29.8m in H1 2021 (+23.4%). In overall terms, H1 2022 revenues were 203.0m, compared with 159.6m in H1 2021, up sharply by 27.2% (22.9% at constant exchange rates). Very high level of order intakes in H1 2022, at 334.1m In a less favourable overall economic context, Roche Bobois has enjoyed success as a result of its unique, international positioning and, at the end of H1 2022, had very high order volumes (across all brands) of 334.1m, compared with 312.2m in the same period a year early (7% growth). This performance stems from the growth of retail sales by the stores within the existing scope (like-for-like) and the impact of exchange rates. Excluding the impact of exchange rates, aggregate retail sales grew by 3.6% in H1 2022. The directly operated stores outperformed the franchise stores with retail sales of 189.0m as at 30 June 2022, up 12.2% from the same date a year earlier. The directly operated stores in the United States posted retail sales of 69.6m (up 16.5% from H1 2021, amplified by the impact of a positive exchange rates), with the Other Europe region posting retail sales of 36.2m (up 19.1% from H1 2021). Across all the Roche Bobois Group's own brands, the overall backlog of orders still to be shipped remained very high, at 178.2m, as at 30 June 2022, compared with 131.2m at 30 June 2021, up 47m - 10m of which represents a positive foreign exchange effect - representing revenues that will be recognised in the coming months. In light of this excellent level of business activity, Roche Bobois is confident that its operating performance in H1 2022 will be strong. At the same time, Roche Bobois SA's cash holdings remained very solid at 88.3m as at 30 June 2022 (compared with 63.7m as at 30 June 2021) after payment of dividends (1 per share on 28 June 2022). A dynamic programme of international openings As part of the financial year's international expansion plan, Roche Bobois has planned five new directly operated stores, including four in the United States: Naples (Florida); Sarasota (Florida); Palm Desert (California), work on which is ongoing, and a new project in Shorthills (New Jersey) scheduled for the second half of the year. A few days ago, Roche Bobois opened a directly operated store in Lugano (Switzerland). By way of reminder, the Group has, since the start of the year, transfer three stores to more premium locations (Madrid (Spain), Milan (Italy) and Boston (USA)). The company's is continuing to meet its plan to open between 5 and 10 franchises per year. Roche Bobois has already opened three franchise stores in China (Kunming, Shenyang and Chengdu). As at 30 June 2022, the Roche Bobois Group had 336 stores in 55 countries, after factoring in closures. About ROCHE BOBOIS SA ROCHE BOBOIS SA is a French family business founded in 1960. The Group operates in 55 countries and has a network of 336 owned stores and franchises (at 30 June 2022) marketing its two brands: Roche Bobois, a high-end furniture brand with a strong international presence, and Cuir Center, positioned in the mid-range market segment with an essentially French customer base. Through its Roche Bobois brand, the Group embodies the French Art de Vivre whose presence can now be felt on the world stage, with original and bold creations from talented designers (Bruno Moinard, Jean Nouvel, Ora Ito, Sacha Lakic, Christophe Delcourt, Stephen Burks, Kenzo Takada, Bina Baitel, etc.) and partnerships with fashion and haute couture houses. Roche Bobois is also a committed partner in the world of culture and the arts. Including franchises, these two brands posted 2021 retail sales of 639.6 million excluding VAT, to which Roche Bobois contributed 532.4 million and Cuir Center 107.2 million. Roche Bobois SA's consolidated revenue in 2021 was 334 million. For more information please visit www.finance-roche-bobois.com CONTACT Actus Finance - Anne-Pauline PETUREAUX Investor Relations Tel.: 01 53 67 36 72/ apetureaux@actus.fr Actus Finance - Serena BONI Media Relations Tel.: 04 72 18 04 92 / sboni@actus.fr APPENDICES Revenue by region and by brand (unaudited - m) H1 2021 H1 2022 Change at current exchange rates (%) Change at constant exchange rates (%) Roche Bobois France 54.1 59.7 +10.2% +10.2% Roche Bobois USA/Canada 45.2 67.9 +50.1% +36.8% Roche Bobois UK 6.5 11.5 +76.4% +71.1% Roche Bobois Other Europe 29.8 36.7 +23.4% +21.3% Roche Bobois Other (overseas) 3.0 4.2 +39.2% +41.7% Cuir Center 19.2 20.7 +7.9% +7.9% Corporate 1.8 2.4 +28.8% +28.8% TOTAL 159.6 203.0 +27.2% +22.9% Reconciliation between Retail sales/Revenue (m) Retail sales H1 2022 334.1 Franchise retail sales -145.3 Retail sales of associates -0.7 Impact of pace of orders and deliveries -8.5 Royalties +7.0 Other services +16.4 Consolidated H1 2022 sales 203.0 Forward-looking statements This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements do not constitute guarantees regarding the future performance of ROCHE BOBOIS SA. This forward-looking information covers the future outlook, growth and commercial strategy of Roche Bobois SA and is based on the analysis of future result forecasts and estimates of amounts that cannot yet be determined. By nature, forward-looking information involves risks and uncertainties, as it relates to events and depends on circumstances that may or may not occur in the future. Roche Bobois SA draws your attention to the fact that forward-looking statements provide no guarantee of future performance and that its actual financial position, results and cash flow, as well as changes in the sector in which Roche Bobois operates, may differ significantly from those proposed or suggested by the forward-looking statements contained in this document. Moreover, even if Roche Bobois' financial position, results, cash flow and changes in the sector in which Roche Bobois SA operates were to be in accordance with the forward-looking information contained in this document, these results or changes may not be a reliable indicator of Roche Bobois SA's future results or developments. A description of events that could have a material adverse impact on Roche Bobois SA's business, financial position or results, or on its ability to achieve its targets, is included in Chapter 4 "Risk Factors" of the Base Document. ------------------------ This publication embed "Actusnews SECURITY MASTER ". - SECURITY MASTER Key: x5ialcdmk2yVx3KfYcqbamZjaZxqlGPIl2KXnJKZaZ2Yb2thyGhlmJyZZnBmm2dq - Check this key: https://www.security-master-key.com. ------------------------ Copyright Actusnews Wire Receive by email the next press releases of the company by registering on www.actusnews.com, it's free Full and original release in PDF format:https://www.actusnews.com/documents_communiques/ACTUS-0-75624-pr_roche-bobois_h12022_vdef_uk_final.pdf TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / July 21, 2022 / Amaroq Minerals Ltd. (AIM, TSXV:AMRQ), announces that on July 20, 2022, it was informed that Livermore Partners LLC, a company in which David Neuhauser, Non-Executive Director of Amaroq Minerals, is Managing Director, acquired a total of 14,000 common shares of no par value in the Company. This brings Livermore Partners LLC's total holding to 12,054,210 shares, 6.80% of the capital in the Company. DEALING NOTIFICATION FORM FOR USE BY PERSONS DISCHARGING MANAGERIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND THEIR CLOSELY ASSOCIATED PERSONS 1. Details of the person discharging managerial responsibilities/person closely associated a) Name: Livermore Partners LLC, David Neuhauser 2. Reason for the notification a) Position/status: Non-Executive Director b) Initial notification/Amendment Initial notification 3. Details of the issuer, emission allowance market participant, auction platform, auctioneer or auction monitor a) Name Amaroq Minerals Ltd. b) LEI: 213800Q21S5JQ6WKCE70 4. Details of the transaction(s): section to be repeated for (i) each type of instrument; (ii) each type of transaction; (iii) each date; and (iv) each place where transactions have been conducted a) Description of the financial instrument, type of instrument: Identification code: Common shares of no par value in Amaroq Minerals Ltd. ISIN: CA02312A1066 b) Nature of the transaction: Purchase of common shares of no par value in Amaroq Minerals Ltd. c) Price(s) and volume(s): Price(s) Volume(s) 1) US$ 0.52 3,000 2) US$ 0.50 4,500 3) US$ 0.51 5,500 4) US$ 0.53 1,000 d) Aggregated information: Aggregated volume: Average price: 14,000 US$ 0.51 e) Date of the transaction(s): July 18th, 2022 July 19th, 2022 July 20th, 2022 July 20th, 2022 f) Place of the transaction TSXV AIM AIM TSXV Enquiries: Amaroq Minerals Ltd. Eldur Olafsson, Executive Director and CEO +354 665 2003 eo@amaroqminerals.com Eddie Wyvill, Investor Relations +44 (0)7713 126727 ew@amaroqminerals.com Stifel Nicolaus Europe Limited (Nominated Adviser and Broker) Callum Stewart Simon Mensley\ Ashton Clanfield\ +44 (0) 20 7710 7600 Panmure Gordon (UK) Limited (Joint Broker) John Prior Hugh Rich Dougie Mcleod +44 (0) 20 7886 2500 SI Capital Limited (Joint Broker) Nick Emerson Charlie Stephenson +44 (0) 1483 413500 Camarco (Financial PR) Billy Clegg Emily Hall Charlie Dingwall +44 (0) 20 3757 4980 For Company updates: Follow @Amaroq_Minerals on Twitter Follow Amaroq Minerals Ltd. on LinkedIn Further Information: About Amaroq Minerals Amaroq Minerals' principal business objectives are the identification, acquisition, exploration, and development of gold and strategic metal properties in Greenland. The Company's principal asset is a 100% interest in the Nalunaq Project, an advanced exploration stage property with an exploitation license including the previously operating Nalunaq gold mine. The Corporation has a portfolio of gold and strategic metal assets covering 7,615.85km2, the largest mineral portfolio in Southern Greenland covering the two known gold belts in the region. Amaroq Minerals is incorporated under the Canada Business Corporations Act and wholly owns Nalunaq A/S, incorporated under the Greenland Public Companies Act. Forward-Looking Information This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities legislation, which reflects the Company's current expectations regarding future events and the future growth of the Company's business. In this press release there is forward-looking information based on a number of assumptions and subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company's control, that could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those that are disclosed in or implied by such forward-looking information. Such risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to the factors discussed under "Risk Factors" in the Final Prospectus available under the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Any forward-looking information included in this press release is based only on information currently available to the Company and speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information to reflect new circumstances or events. No securities regulatory authority has either approved or disapproved of the contents of this press release. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Inside Information This announcement does not contain inside information. SOURCE: Amaroq Minerals Ltd. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/709343/DirectorPDMR-Shareholding--Notification-of-Transactions-of-DirectorsPersons-Discharging-Managerial-Responsibilities-PDMRs 7% growth in turnover and 10% growth excluding Russia 60% of revenues from recurring business and 27% increase in recurring revenue Successful commercial launch in the USA and Rest of world (up 119%) WALLIX PAM4ALL recognized as the best PAM solution by the American consulting firm Frost & Sullivan Sequential improvement in growth in the next semesters Paris, July 21, 2022 - WALLIX (Euronext ALLIX), a European cybersecurity software developer and expert in privileged access management (PAM), reports its unaudited H1 2022 turnover. Unaudited data, 000 H1 2021 H1 2022 Change France 6,165 6,737 +9% EMEA outside France 3,916 3,770 -4% USA and Rest of world 240 527 +119% Consolidated turnover 10,321 11,034 +7% Jean-Noel de Galzain, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the WALLIX GROUP, said: "After the strong momentum observed at the beginning of the year, the Russian-Ukrainian conflict and the deterioration of the economic environment have made companies cautious about investing, particularly key accounts. In this unfavorable environment and given the significant increase in subscriptions, we are increasing our visibility on future revenues and recurring business, even if this weighs on the turnover recognized in the short term. This trend is positive since our recurring business has more than doubled in three years and now represents 60% of turnover. In any event, the fundamentals of the cybersecurity industry are very strong. The acceleration of the digital transformation is accompanied by growing needs in terms of cybersecurity risk coverage and expertise. We are therefore confident in WALLIX's ability to increase its market share by playing a leading role in the industry in Europe. With the objective set out in the Unicorn25 strategic plan, the Group is focusing on its development plan by strengthening its international business in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and more recently North America. Thanks to recent hires in the United States and the recognition of the WALLIX PAM4ALL solution as the best on the market by Frost & Sullivan, WALLIX has become a Cybersecurity Champion, capable of supporting organizations around the world in the deployment of their secure digital access. With PAM4ALL, WALLIX offers recognized solutions along with a sales network of 300 certified integrator partners and distributors to cover the global market and meet the cyber needs of organizations of all sizes all around the world. With this, we aim to go global and become a leader in our market serving the efficiency and competitiveness of our clients." Growth in SMEs and the USA, wait-and-see attitude of key accounts in Europe Despite an uncertain economic and geopolitical environment, WALLIX maintained its growth trajectory in H1 2022 with turnover up 7% to 11.0 million. Excluding business with Russia (down 39% to 359,000), turnover was up 10% in H1 2022. Momentum remains strong among small and medium-sized companies, with sales activity from the partner network continuing to rise. Key accounts, mainly in Europe, are adopting a wait-and-see approach in the face of a lack of visibility and are also suffering from a shortage of cybersecurity talent, resulting in a slowdown in project deployment. A number of significant contracts have been postponed, notably in France and Germany, but interest in the Group's cybersecurity solutions remains intact and WALLIX anticipates their signature in the second half of the year. As of June 30, 2022, WALLIX crossed the threshold of 2,000 organizations supported worldwide, with a 7% growth of its client portfolio. Business growth by region was mixed in H1 2022: France continued to grow with turnover up 9% to 6.7 million in H1 2022. Sales momentum remained positive, particularly with WALLIX Bastion, listed among the ten "priority" cybersecurity solutions recommended by the French National Agency for Information Systems Security (ANSSI). continued to grow with turnover up 9% to 6.7 million in H1 2022. Sales momentum remained positive, particularly with WALLIX Bastion, listed among the ten "priority" cybersecurity solutions recommended by the French National Agency for Information Systems Security (ANSSI). The Russian-Ukrainian conflict is generating a significant wait-and-see approach, which is weighing on business in the Europe, Middle East, Africa ( EMEA ) segment outside France, which is down 4% to 3.8 million. Excluding Russia, turnover for the region was up 2%. In addition, the EMEA region is undergoing a significant transition to a subscription model, which is mechanically impacting short-term turnover in return for increased recurring business. These three factors, which are temporarily affecting WALLIX's growth rate, in no way call into question the solidity of its model and the success of its partner network. ) segment outside France, which is down 4% to 3.8 million. Excluding Russia, turnover for the region was up 2%. In addition, the EMEA region is undergoing a significant transition to a subscription model, which is mechanically impacting short-term turnover in return for increased recurring business. These three factors, which are temporarily affecting WALLIX's growth rate, in no way call into question the solidity of its model and the success of its partner network. In the USA and Rest of world region, WALLIX recorded growth of 119% with turnover of 0.5 million. In the United States, the Group is off to a satisfactory start based on the first commercial negotiations initiated in 2021. The partnership with Arrow Electronics, a leading distributor of IT solutions, should be a powerful catalyst for increasing the distribution of WALLIX solutions in the United States. Major signed contracts (billing > 100,000) generated invoices totaling 3.5 million over the first half. WALLIX estimates potential turnover of 30.1 million from these key account supply contracts over the next three years (2022-2024) of which 30% outside France. Continued growth in recurring business Unaudited data, 000 H1 2021 H1 2022 Change Licenses[1] 4,203 3,622 -14% Maintenance & Subscriptions[2] 5,200 6,599 +27% Professional services 918 813 -12% Consolidated turnover 10,321 11,034 +7% In H1 2022, the turnover generated by subscription contracts (licenses and managed services) was up 54% to 1.3 million. At the same time, license sales were down 14%, reflecting companies' reluctance to invest but also the transition to a subscription model. At June 30, 2022, the Group estimates that the future value of subscription contracts billed in the first half of 2022 will amount to 7.4 million over a 3-year period. The growth in subscriptions combined with the significant increase in maintenance activity, driven by the expansion of the client portfolio, brought the share of recurring business (Maintenance & Subscriptions) to 60%, up 10 points compared to H1 2021. Recurring business generated a significative growth of 27% compared to H1 2021. As of June 30, 2022, monthly recurring revenue (MRR) totaled 1.1 million, up 21% compared to the previous year, representing 13.5 million in recurring business on an annual basis. Rigorous implementation of the strategic investment plan In H1 2022, WALLIX began a new round of strategic investments in order to establish the foundation required to achieve its medium-term objectives of sustainable and profitable growth. These investments include the launch of PAM4ALL, the strengthening of governance and the expansion of sales teams in priority growth regions, notably the USA. This expenditure is being incurred within a controlled framework, as shown by the ratio of operating expenses to turnover, which is in line with that of the initial phases of the two previous strategic plans. At June 30, 2022, gross cash and cash equivalents amounted to 17.3 million reflecting acceleration in investment expenses. This solid level of cash combined with the progressive slowndown in investments expected in the next semesters give the Group a satisfactory financial visibility to confidently execute its roadmap and take advantage of acquisition opportunities. WALLIX consolidates the pillars of its future growth with its leading cybersecurity offerings Although the economic and geopolitical environment and the tight labor market make current market conditions more challenging, the fundamentals of the cybersecurity industry remain particularly strong. The digital transformation of the public and private sectors, the acceleration of the digital transition towards new uses, the intensification and evolution of cyberattacks, and the strengthening of regulatory standards surrounding personal data security and protection require increasing investment in access and identity protection. Gartner expects the PAM market to grow at an average annual rate of 21% over the next four years, reaching $3.1 billion by 2025. WALLIX continues to capitalize on its core expertise. To meet the new challenges of the digital era, the Group has developed a concept called "PAM for all" with WALLIX PAM4ALL, a comprehensive solution that combines all WALLIX technologies to ensure a secure digital transformation for all organizations and users. Having been named a global leader in privileged access management by KuppingerCole in 2020 and 2021, and having entered the "challenger" category of the Gartner Magic Quadrant 2021, in June 2022 WALLIX PAM4ALL was ranked as the leading PAM solution on the market in terms of cost, simplicity and flexibility by the prestigious American consulting firm Frost & Sullivan. Through these awards, WALLIX is consolidating its position as the only European developer to feature among the world leaders in PAM. With WALLIX PAM4ALL, WALLIX offers a comprehensive PAM solution recognized for its consistent quality. WALLIX is also continuing its efforts to optimize its business model with the aim of meeting all technological needs (solutions deployed locally, in hybrid form or on the Cloud) and economic needs (permanent licenses or subscriptions), both for SMEs and key accounts. Having strengthened its management team and governance, WALLIX is focused on implementing its development plan and continues to lay the groundwork for future growth that will enable it to establish its leadership in secure access and identity security. WALLIX therefore anticipates a continued sequential improvement in its business volume over the next few quarters. Next publication: First half 2022 earnings, October 13, 2022 A PROPOS DE WALLIX Editeur de logiciels de cybersecurite, WALLIX est le specialiste europeen de la securisation des acces et des identites. Le portefeuille de solutions unifiees de WALLIX permet aux entreprises de repondre aux enjeux actuels de protection des donnees. Les solutions WALLIX garantissent la detection et la resilience aux cyberattaques permettant ainsi la continuite d'activite. Elles assurent egalement la mise en conformite aux exigences reglementaires concernant l'acces aux infrastructures informatiques et aux donnees critiques. Le portefeuille de solutions unifiees est distribue par un reseau de plus de 300 revendeurs et integrateurs a travers le Monde. Cotee sur Euronext (ALLIX), WALLIX accompagne plus de 2 000 organisations dans la securisation de leur transformation numerique. WALLIX est membre fondateur du groupement HEXATRUST et a ete integre au sein du Futur40, le premier palmares des societes de croissance en Bourse publie par Forbes France, et fait partie de l'indice Tech 40. WALLIX affirme sa responsabilite numerique et s'engage a contribuer a la construction d'un espace numerique europeen de confiance, garant de la securite et de la confidentialite des donnees des organisations mais egalement pour tout individu soucieux de la protection de son identite numerique et du respect de sa vie privee. Le numerique, qu'il soit pour des usages professionnels ou personnels, doit etre ethique et responsable afin de vivre une transformation numerique societale securisee et respectueuse des libertes individuelles. www.wallix.com | info@wallix.com CONTACTS COMMUNICATION FINANCIERE ACTUS Finance & Communication Relations Investisseurs - Helene DE WATTEVILLE 01 53 67 36 33 / wallix@actus.fr Relations Presse - Deborah SCHWARTZ 06 27 09 05 73 / dschwartz@actus.fr www.wallix.com | info@wallix.com [1] including equipment sales [2] including managed services ------------------------ This publication embed "Actusnews SECURITY MASTER ". - SECURITY MASTER Key: mZmbZMZrZG2YnW9qYslom5Jsa2yUlJPFZpOWlGhtk5rGmmyRl2Zkm5abZnBmm2lq - Check this key: https://www.security-master-key.com. ------------------------ Copyright Actusnews Wire Receive by email the next press releases of the company by registering on www.actusnews.com, it's free Full and original release in PDF format:https://www.actusnews.com/documents_communiques/ACTUS-0-75644-ca_s1_2022_en.pdf Group Framework Agreement signature 10-year NaaS agreement Revenue Share business model QUEBEC, QC / ACCESSWIRE / July 21, 2022 / NuRAN Wireless Inc. ("NuRAN" or the "Company") (CSE:NUR)(OTC Pink:NRRWF)(FSE:1RN), a leading supplier of mobile and broadband wireless infrastructure solutions, is pleased to announce the signature today July 21, 2022 of a Group Framework Agreement ("GFA") with MTN Group (JSE: MTN) for the deployment of rural sites under the Network-as-a-Service ("NaaS") business model in Middle-East and Africa. NuRAN participated in MTN's rural RFP process for up to 19,000 thousand network sites in over 15 countries in Middle East and Africa as previously announced on April 28, 2022. Following completion of the RFP process the Company is pleased to have selected by MTN to enter into the GFA, which represents a significant milestone for the Company. The GFA provides NuRAN the opportunity to work with all MTN subsidiaries directly throughout the Middle East and Sub-Saharan Africa on substantive rural deployment opportunities. The framework agreement sets the general terms of NuRAN's engagement with MTN Group. MTN is determined to build over 19,000 sites to meet its rural coverage needs. NuRAN is already in advanced discussions with several MTN subsidiaries. NuRAN will conclude contracts with each MTN subsidiary on deal-by-deal basis. "We are extremely proud to have entered into this partnership and agreement with MTN. We are already in advanced discussions with several MTN subsidiaries and this agreement provides us with the license needed to close a number of important NaaS opportunities. We believe that this agreement will permit our company to close on a number of 19,000 sites in the near future. We have set an overall target of 10,000 sites under contract and this partnership will certainly help us achieve this goal" stated Francis Letourneau, CEO of NuRAN. The NuRAN NaaS model facilitates network expansion for mobile operators by managing and controlling the build, operation, and maintenance of cellular sites along with associated capital expenditures. The sites are then monetized by providing connectivity on a paid for service basis. Leveraging its carrier-grade mobile network infrastructure solutions as well as its extensive expertise in the building of cost-effective cellular infrastructure, NuRAN is able to setup network operations from the ground up with an exceptional return on investment. While deployments under the NaaS model require the Company to make upfront investments, they generate significant value whereby NuRAN benefits from long-term recurring revenues with compelling returns. The Company intends to fund such deployments mostly through asset-based project financing or similar debt-oriented facilities. Such financing options and sources are being investigated with a view of carrying out deployments in the most efficient manner. About MTN: MTN is an emerging market mobile operator at the forefront of technological and digital changes. They provide a diverse range of voice, data, digital, fintech, wholesale and enterprise services to more than 280 million customers in 21 markets. Established in South Africa at the dawn of democracy in 1994 as a leader in transformation, they offer services to communities across Africa and the Middle East. About NuRAN Wireless: NuRAN Wireless is a leading rural telecommunications company that meets the growing demand for wireless network coverage in remote and rural regions around the globe. With its affordable and innovative scalable solutions of 2G, 3G, and 4G technologies, NuRAN Wireless offers a new possibility for more than one billion people to communicate effectively over long distances efficiently and affordably. "Bridging the Digital Divide, One Connection at a Time." Additional Information: For further information about NuRAN Wireless: www.nuranwireless.com Francis Letourneau, Director and CEO Francis.letourneau@nuranwireless.com Tel: (418) 264-1337 Frank Candido Investor relations Frank.candido@nuranwireless.com Tel: (514) 969-5530 Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as, "expects", "is expected", "anticipates", "intends", "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements include those relating to the GFA definitive agreement terms and conditions and the proposed 19,000 sites and revenues from the sites under the GFA. Forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of future performance and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results projected, expressed or implied by these 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, such as the uncertainties regarding include risks such as the uncertainties regarding the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak, and measures to prevent its spread, risks relating to NuRAN's business and the economy generally; NuRAN's ability to refinance its long term debt that is currently in default; NuRAN's ability to adequately restructure its operations with respect to its new model of NaaS service contracts; the capacity of the Company to deliver in a technical capacity and to import inventory to Africa and the Middle East at a reasonable cost; NuRAN's ability to obtain project financing for the proposed site build out under its NaaS agreements with Orange, MTN and other telecommunication providers, the loss of one or more significant suppliers or a reduction in significant volume from such suppliers; NuRAN's ability to meet or exceed customers' demand and expectations; significant current competition and the introduction of new competitors or other disruptive entrants in the Company's industry; NuRAN's ability to retain key employees and protect its intellectual property; compliance with local laws and regulations and ability to obtain all required permits for our operations, access to the credit and capital markets, changes in applicable telecommunications laws or regulations or changes in license and regulatory fees, downturns in customers' business cycles; and insurance prices and insurance coverage availability, the Company's ability to effectively maintain or update information and technology systems; our ability to implement and maintain measures to protect against cyberattacks and comply with applicable privacy and data security requirements; the Company's ability to successfully implement its business strategies or realize expected cost savings and revenue enhancements; business development activities, including acquisitions and integration of acquired businesses; the Company's expansion into markets outside of Canada and the operational, competitive and regulatory risks facing the Company's non-Canadian based operations. 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 that is available on the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. The estimates included in this news release relating to the calculation of the gross revenue of the agreements with MTN are based on multiplying an average population per site by the expected penetration rate which yields the number of mobile customers. This is then multiplied by the average revenue per customer per month (ARPU) to derive total revenue. MTN's direct costs associated with this revenue are deducted and the resulting amount is shared by both parties. The revenue share only applies to revenue in excess of a guaranteed amount which is the minimum paid to NuRAN. A penetration rate reduction factor has been used to mitigate risk. The base data used to calculate the total potential revenue of this agreement was provided by MTN based on average population, penetration rate and ARPU. Management of the Company believes that the estimates have been prepared on a reasonable basis, reflecting best estimates and judgments, and based on a number of assumptions management believes are reasonable as well as information provided to the Company by MTN. However, because this information is highly subjective and subject to numerous risks, including the risks discussed above, it should not be relied on as necessarily indicative of future results. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying the estimates prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. SOURCE: NuRAN Wireless Inc. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/709380/NuRAN-Signs-Group-Framework-Agreement-with-MTN-Group-for-Middle-East-and-African-Rural-Deployment Event marks significant milestone for the first Jones Act-compliant Incat Crowther 30 Crew Transfer Vessels built in the United States PALATKA, Fla., July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- St. Johns Ship Building hosted a keel laying ceremony for the first Incat Crowther 30 Crew Transport Vessel (CTV) built in compliance with Jones Act regulations in the United States. St. Johns Ship Building was recently acquired by Americraft Marine Group, a maritime subsidiary of the U.S.-headquartered privately-owned business group, the Libra Group which has 45 years of maritime heritage through its original subsidiary Lomar. Representatives from the customer team at Windea, a partnership of Hornblower Wind and MidOcean Wind, participated in the important milestone, and the event marks the first in a series of vessels under construction at St. Johns for Windea that will go into service at the Vineyard Wind I construction project near Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts. "This ceremony is a very proud moment for Americraft Marine, as it represents the first keel laying ceremony at St. Johns Ship Building under our ownership and is the culmination of a lot of hard work from the outstanding team at St. Johns," said Ed Sheets, executive vice president and director of business strategy for Americraft Marine Group. "We could not be happier to have Hornblower and their partners return to St. Johns Ship Building to build the vessels that will help America move closer towards energy independence and a cleaner, healthier environment for generations to come." The construction of this series of Incat-designed vessels also signals the official launch of St. Johns Ship Building's new focus on dedicated high-speed aluminum vessel production. The Incat 30 is a 30-meter crew transport vehicle with a max speed of 29 knots and made of marine-grade aluminum. The groundwork for this focus on supporting the construction of Jones Act-compliant CTVs was laid more than two years ago through multiple facility modifications and the acquisition of new production equipment such as the installation of a computer numerical control (CNC) router for processing of non-ferrous metals and composite materials. "The employees at St. Johns Ship Building continue to work hard to augment our well-equipped facility to support a diversified product line, which already includes several steel and aluminum projects," said Jeff Bukoski, president of St. Johns Ship Building. "Our efforts are reinforcing the industrial strength of U.S. shipbuilding, and we remain prepared to construct and repair almost all of the various vessel types that will be required to support the future of this country's offshore wind development needs." About Americraft Marine Americraft Marine (www.Americraftmarinegroup.com), a maritime subsidiary of the U.S.-headquartered privately-owned business group the Libra Group, was launched with the sole purpose to support and strengthen the U.S. shipbuilding industry and infrastructure with the goal to build St. Johns Ship Building as a center of excellence in Jones Act ship building. This includes building on its 15 years of experience to help grow the number of stable, skilled jobs in the shipbuilding business, while advancing the U.S. economy, competitiveness, and clean energy future. Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1864171/Americraft_Marine_St_Johns.jpg New objectives for FY 2026 CO2eq emissions avoided annually 10 Mtons Revenues 100 million EBITDA 50 million Regulatory News: FDE (Euronext: FDE ISIN: FR0013030152), a carbon negative energy producer, posted annual revenues of 26.2 million, up by 156% yoy, driven by a sharp increase in production volumes and favorable market prices during H2 2002. In Euro millions 2022* 2021 % Change H1 Sales (Jul-Dec) 9.1 4.0 127% H2 sales (Jan-June) 17.0 6.2 174% Annual Revenues 2022 26.2 10.2 + 156% * Unaudited numbers, The Group also recorded revenues of 9.3 million in Q4 2022 (April June 2022), up by 217% yoy. Growth of all FDE activities in a buoyant market environment The gas production activity remained very dynamic during the year. Associated revenues more than tripled to 11.8 million in FY2022, supported by a further increase in production volumes (+8%) and an average market price of 46.70/MWh in FY2022 (+218%). Revenues related to electricity production have doubled to 12.9 million (+97% compared to FY2021), driven by increased Group's production capacities (volumes up by 18%, mainly thanks to the commissioning of three additional combined heat and power units in Anderlues in January 2022) and very favorable prices for electricity in Belgium, reaching 195.10/MWh1 on average over the financial year. Revenues from heat sales in Bethune and Creutzwald have also doubled to 363k in FY2022 (FY2021: 178k). Cryo Pur subsidiary dedicated to liquefied biogas (Bio-LNG) and Bio-CO2 contributed 1.1 million to the Group's turnover over the 6 months of FY2022, with the recent commissioning, in the presence of the Norwegian Prime Minister, of the first plant in Scandinavia able to produce 8 tons/day of Bio-LNG and 10 tons/day of Bio-CO2 from fish waste and manure. Several projects in Europe are currently being negotiated to produce Bio-LNG and Bio-CO2 using Cryo Pur technology. On track to achieve calendar year-end 2022 targets ahead of schedule FDE continues to strengthen its unique positioning with the recent commissioning of two new 1.5 MW combined heat and power units on its Avion site (3 MW), bringing the number of units in operation to 15 (22.5 MW). The electricity from these two units is currently sold under a 3-year PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) and FDE has currently secured prices for 2022 and 2023 over 300/MWH, therefore optimizing cash-flow generation from this asset. The building of the 15 MW photovoltaic power plant in Tritteling-Redlach in Moselle, one of the largest in the Grand Est, is progressing with the start of production scheduled for Q4 2022. In this context, FDE confirms being on track to achieve its annualized objectives of 35 million of revenues with an EBITDA margin above 45% by end of 2022. New FDE objectives for FY2026, supported by solid growth prospects In the current tense geopolitical and energy environment, FDE continues to contribute to the energy independence of the regions where it operates, by supplying an economically and ecologically competitive local energy, while already avoiding over 3.5 million2 tons of CO2eq emissions per year. In addition, the final inclusion of gas as an energy of transition in the European taxonomy confirms its positioning as a low-carbon energy and a critical energy to meet the challenges of ecological transition in Europe The Group, being the exclusive holder in Lorraine of the largest gas resources in continental Europe, is getting prepared to supply, under the strictest environmental conditions, local gas to households and industrialists in the Grand Est region, with a carbon footprint ten times lower than that of the gas consumed in France3 while strengthening the security of supply of the area. Thanks to the positioning of the Group over the past decade, focused on low carbon energy production, FDE is proud to announce its new FY2026 objectives based on three key indicators: A reinforced environmental contribution to avoid over 10 Mtons of CO2eq emissions per annum - A strong organic growth to reach annual revenues exceeding 100 million; and - A continued profitability improvement with an EBITDA above 50 million Next announcement: FY 2022 Results October 19th 2022 Reuters code: FDEL.PA Bloomberg code: FDE.FP About La Francaise de l'Energie ( FDE ) FDE is a negative carbon footprint energy Group, specialized in the implementation via short circuits, of energy recovery and production sites, allowing the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. FDE notably supplies regional players with gas, electricity, heat and CO2, thus replacing imported energy with local, cleaner energy. FDE has strong development potential and aims to become a leading independent player in the energy sector in Europe.by Bpifrance. More information available on http://www.francaisedelenergie.fr Disclaimer This press release contains certain forward looking statements and estimates concerning LFDE's financial condition, operating results, strategy, projects and future performance and the markets in which it operates. Such forward-looking statements and estimates may be identified by words such as "anticipate," "believe," "can," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "is designed to," "may," "might," "plan," "potential," "predict," "objective," "should," or the negative of these and similar expressions. They incorporate all topics that are not historical facts. Forward looking statements, forecasts and estimates are based on management's current assumptions and assessment of risks, uncertainties and other factors, known and unknown, which were deemed to be reasonable at the time they were made but which may turn out to be incorrect. Events and outcomes are difficult to predict and depend on factors beyond the company's control. Consequently, the actual results, financial condition, performances and/or achievements of LFDE or of the industry may turn out to differ materially from the future results, performances or achievements expressed or implied by these statements, forecasts and estimates. Owing to these uncertainties, no representation is made as to the correctness or fairness of these forward-looking statements, forecasts and estimates. Furthermore, forward-looking statements, forecasts and estimates speak only as of the date on which they are made, and LFDE undertakes no obligation to update or revise any of them, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. _______________________ 1 Does not include pending Green Certificates 2 Non-certified figures at this stage. 1,4 Mtonnes certified. Source: Certification Ineris 2019, updated with Potentiel de Rechauffement Global de 82,5 (AR6 GIEC) and including Bethune et Avion 2 sites (FDE extrapolation), 2022 study Universite Polytechnique de Mons 3 Source: 2016 study from the Institut fur Energie und Umweltforschung de Heidelberg (Bade-Wurtemberg, Allemagne) View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220721005982/en/ Contacts: Press contact@francaisedelenergie.fr + 33 3 87 04 34 51 Investor Relations ir@francaisedelenergie.fr +33 3 87 04 34 51 Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - July 21, 2022) - World Copper Ltd. (TSXV: WCU) (OTCQX: WCUFF) (FSE: 7LY0) ("World Copper" or the "Company") reports that, pursuant to their news release dated June 29, 2022, the Company has closed a first tranche of the Placement. On July 21, 2022 the Company issued 4,264,414 Units for gross proceeds of $1,279,324.20. Each unit consists of one common share (a "Share") and one-half of one common share purchase warrant (a "Warrant"). Each whole Warrant entitles the holder to acquire one additional share of the Company for a period of two years from the date of issuance at a price of $0.60 per share. The expiry of the Warrants may be accelerated if the closing price of the Company's common shares on the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV") is equal to or greater than $1.00 for a minimum of twenty consecutive trading days and a notice of acceleration is provided in accordance with the terms of the Warrants. No finder's fees were paid pursuant to this first tranche closing. All securities issued in the Offering have a four-month plus one day hold period, during which time the securities may not be traded. Closing of the Offering is subject to the final acceptance of the TSXV. The net proceeds from the Offering are intended for exploration and development of the Company's Escalones and Zonia assets, and general working capital. The Company further announces that, subject to TSX Venture Exchange acceptance, it has entered into an agreement with Paradox Public Relations Inc. ("Paradox") of Montreal, Quebec, whereby Paradox will provide investor relations services to the Company. The term of the agreement is for 36 months, effective July 21, 2022, and may be terminated at any time, by either party, with 30 days written notice. Paradox will receive a monthly fee of CAD $10,000 and, pursuant to the Company's stock option plan and TSX Venture Exchange Policy 3.4, will be granted 1,000,000 options with quarterly vesting provisions over 12 months and, an expiry date of 36 months from the date of grant. Paradox is at arm's length to Company. This press release does not constitute an offer of sale of any of the foregoing securities in the United States. None of the foregoing securities have been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act") or any applicable state securities laws and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons (as defined in Regulation S under the 1933 Act) or persons in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from such registration requirements. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor will there be any sale of the foregoing securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. ABOUT WORLD COPPER LTD. World Copper Ltd., headquartered in Vancouver, BC, is a Canadian resource company focused on the exploration and development of its copper porphyry projects: Escalones and Cristal in Chile, and Zonia in Arizona. Two of these projects have estimated resources with significant soluble copper mineralization, and each has additional copper porphyry targets with exciting potential to expand the resource base. The World Copper team has a unique skill in navigating the mining sector within Chile, with some members having worked in the country for more than 40 years and with discovery success. Detailed information is available at World Copper's website at www.worldcopperltd.com, and for general Company updates you may follow us on our social media pages via Facebook, Twitter & LinkedIn. About Escalones The Escalones porphyry-skarn copper-gold project has estimated inferred resources of 426 million tonnes of 0.367% total copper within the oxidized zone, based on nearly 25,000m of drill core from 53 holes. The 3.45 billion pounds of copper should be amenable to heap leaching with an average recovery of 71%. The Company is focused on exploring the Mancha Amarilla target immediately to the south of the existing resource. In addition, three significant hydrothermal alteration zones, each measuring between 2,000 m and 3,000m in diameter, lie 8-10 km to the north of the main discovery. Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability as there is no certainty that all or any part of the resources will be converted into reserves. Inferred resources are that part of a mineral resource for which quantity and grade or quality are estimated based on limited geological evidence and sampling. It is reasonably expected that the inferred resources could be upgraded to indicated resources with continued exploration. About the Escalones February 2022 PEA Study On February 15, 2022, the Company announced the following outstanding results of the Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA") for the Escalones project: $1,499.6 million post-tax NPV 8 at $3.60 /lb. life-of-mine (20-year LOM) copper price $1,822.4 million post-tax NPV8 at US$4.00 /lb. life-of-mine copper price First 5-years average annual Copper production of 124.7 Mlb. (56,520 tonnes); LOM average 114.9 Mlb. (52,131 tonnes) First 5-years average C1 (Cash Operating) costs of $1.13 /lb. Cu; LOM average C1 costs $1.19 /lb. Cu First 5-years average annual EBITDA $290.8 million; LOM average annual EBITDA $265.1 million Initial Capital (CAPEX) cost of $438.4 million (from construction decision) (from construction decision) Life-of-mine Sustaining Capital of $192.5 million Conventional heap leach, SX-EW processing facilities, targeting 50,000 tonnes of heap leach tonnes placed per day The exceptional results of the Escalones PEA confirm what we at World Copper have always believed - that Escalones has the potential to be one of the most impressive copper properties in South America. Escalones now joins a peer group of large-scale, study-backed, development stage assets. Escalones has several attributes that make it attractive for development including robust economics, strong value metrics and the potential of rapid returns for a comparably low capital investment. The results of the PEA, combined with Escalones' large land package and resource expansion potential, make it a truly outstanding project. The Preliminary Economic Assessment is considered preliminary in nature and includes Inferred Mineral Resources that are considered too speculative, geologically, to have the economic considerations applied that would allow classification as Mineral Reserves. There is no certainty that the results of the PEA will be realized. All values are reported in US dollars unless otherwise noted. About Zonia The Zonia project is in Yavapai County, Arizona, and consists of 261 mineral claims and additional surface rights, all totaling 4,279.55 acres. It is a near-surface, copper-oxide resource and a brownfields site having already been mined in the late 1960s and '70s. The Project is at the PEA level and has been significantly de-risked with over 50,000 metres of drilling completed to date and with substantial amounts of detailed engineering completed. Further details can be found here. On Behalf of the Board of Directors of WORLD COPPER LTD. "Nolan Peterson" NolanPeterson Chief Executive Officer For further information, please contact: Nolan Peterson, Henk van Alphen or Michael Pound Phone: 604-638-3287 E-mail: info@worldcopperltd.com Media inquiries: Nancy Thompson, Vorticom, Inc. Phone: 212-532-2208 or 917-371-4053 Investor relations inquiries: John Liviakis, Liviakis Financial Communications Inc. 415-389-4670 Follow Us: Twitter: https://twitter.com/WorldCopperLtd Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WorldCopperLtd LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/worldcopperltd Neither TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian and U.S. securities legislation, including the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein including, without limitation, the Company's expectation that it and Cardero will be able to complete the Proposed Transaction, including entering into a Definitive Agreement, the closing and amount of the Private Placement, that Zonia can be advanced utilizing low-cost open pit mining and heap leach, the results of the PEA, including, without limitation the NPV6%, IRR, estimated costs, average rate of production, the anticipated exploration program results from exploration activities and the anticipated business plans and timing of future activities of the Company, including the timing for the closing of the Proposed Transaction, are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as: "believes", "expects", "anticipates", "intends", "estimates", "plans", "may", "should", "would", "will", "potential", "scheduled" or variations of such words and phrases and similar expressions, which, by their nature, refer to future events or results that may, could, would, might or will occur or be taken or achieved. In making the forward-looking statements in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including without limitation, that it will be able to negotiate and enter into a Definitive Agreement, and that it will obtain TSXV acceptance and the required corporate approvals of the Proposed Transaction and the Consolidation, that there will be investor interest in the Private Placement, market fundamentals will result in sustained copper and precious metals demand and prices, the receipt of any necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals in connection with the future development of the Company's projects in a timely manner, the availability of financing on suitable terms for the development, construction and continued operation of such projects and the ability to comply with environmental, health and safety laws. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such risks and other factors include, among others, requirements for additional capital, actual results of exploration activities, including on the Escalones Project and the Cristal Project, the reasonability of the economic assumptions at the basis of the results of the PEA for the Zonia Project, the estimation or realization of mineral reserves and mineral resources, future prices of copper, changes in general economic conditions, changes in the financial markets and in the demand and market price for commodities, lack of investor interest in the Private Placement, accidents, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry, delays in obtaining governmental approvals (including acceptance of the Proposed Transaction, the Private Placement and the Consolidation by the TSXV), permits or financing or in the completion of development or construction activities, risks relating to epidemics or pandemics such as COVID-19, including the impact of COVID-19 on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations, changes in laws, regulations and policies affecting mining operations, title disputes, the timing and possible outcome of any pending litigation, environmental issues and liabilities, as well as the risk factors described in the Company's annual and quarterly management's discussion and analysis and in other filings made by the Company with Canadian securities regulatory authorities under the Company's profile at www.sedar.com. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any of the forward-looking statements in this news release or incorporated by reference herein, except as otherwise required by law. **NOT FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES OR FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWS WIRE SERVICES** To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/131576 Turnium Technology Group to integrate Wedge Networks' cyber security platform with Turnium's SD-WAN platform to advance security services and offers for channel partners and end customers. Highlights: Turnium enters into a 5-year license agreement with Wedge Networks Inc. Cyber security software platform to offer Turnium customers added network traffic monitoring, malicious attack detection, and intelligent real-time threat prevention. Agreement to bundle WedgeARP with Turnium SD-WAN provides channel partners with a complete, integrated solution of network plus security. Partnership to drive incremental sales, revenue and end-customer value. Vancouver, Canada--(Newsfile Corp. - July 21, 2022) - Turnium Technology Group Inc. (TSXV: TTGI) ("Turnium" or "the Company"), an industry leader in cloud-native software-defined wide area networking solutions (SD-WAN), is pleased to announce it has entered into a five-year license agreement ("Agreement") with Wedge Networks Inc. ("Wedge"). The Agreement provides Turnium with the ability to bundle and integrate WedgeARP, Wedge's cyber security platform with Turnium's SD-WAN platform. WedgeARP is a machine learning embedded threat detection and prevention solution that provides deep visibility into network traffic to detect malicious attacks in milliseconds at the edge, before threats have the opportunity to get into networks. Wedge is a cybersecurity software vendor specializing in intelligent real-time threat prevention. With numerous patents, awards, and peer-reviewed machine learning publications, Wedge's intelligent, constantly evolving and learning threat prevention platform protects millions of connected devices - including connected and autonomous vehicles and intelligent transportation systems. Johan Arnet, the CEO of the Company stated: "This license acquisition allows Turnium to expand our product offering to provide Secure Access Service Edge ("SASE") to our channel partners and their end-customers. Turnium channel partners can order WedgeARP as an upsell for existing customers or deploy it as part of a new secure network for new customers." "Wedge is excited to bring intelligent real-time threat protection to small and medium businesses by incorporating our WedgeARP security platform into Turnium's managed SASE solution," said Dr. Hongwen Zhang, CEO & CTO at Wedge Networks. "With Turnium's focus on simple, agile, and cost-effective solutions, more and more organizations will find it easy to proactively and effectively protect themselves from threats." The Company acquires this license in exchange for royalties on sales and the issuance to Wedge of 1,785,714 common shares of the Company at an agreed price of $0.56 per share (or a deemed value of $1.0 million), subject the Company's receipt of certain deliverables and the acceptance of the TSX Venture Exchange. The shares shall be subject to the terms of a voluntary escrow, and shall be automatically released in annual instalments over the initial five-year term of the license. About Wedge Wedge Networks Inc. is an intelligent real-time threat prevention solutions company. Its innovation is a patented software platform that enables real-time security services rollout with strategic partners such as MSPs and OEMs. Wedge is headquartered in Calgary, Canada with international teams in the North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East and North Africa regions. Today, Wedge's products prevent advanced security threats for tens of millions of endpoints in enterprises, governments, and critical infrastructures spanning more than 22 countries. For more information on Wedge Networks Inc. visit www.wedgenetworks.com. Please forward any media or PR inquiries to: PR@wedgenetworks.com About Turnium Technology Group Inc. Turnium Technology Group, Inc. delivers its SD-WAN solution as a white label, containerized, disaggregated software platform that channel partners host, manage, brand, and price and as a managed cloud-native service provided by Turnium. Both Turnium SD-WAN offers are available through a channel partner program designed for Communications Service Providers, Internet and Managed Service Providers, System Integrators, and Value-Added Resellers. For more information, contact sales@ttgi.io, visit www.turnium.com, or follow us on Twitter @turnium. About SD-WAN SD-WAN is revolutionizing the networking and telecommunications industry by abstracting secure, high-speed networking and network control from underlying physical circuits. SD-WAN frees enterprises, small-medium businesses, cloud and managed services providers from the business and cost constraints imposed by traditional telecommunications companies. Turnium Contact: Investor Relations: Bill Mitoulas, Email: investor.relations@ttgi.io, Telephone: +1 416-479-9547 Media inquiries: please email media@ttgi.io . Sales inquiries: please email sales@ttgi.io www.ttgi.io , www.turnium.com CAUTIONARY NOTES Neither the TSX Venture Exchange 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. Forward-Looking Information This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. 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 acts, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company, as the case may be, to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements depending on, among other things, the risks that the Company may terminate and not proceed with the Agreement, or that the Agreement and associated transactions will not be successfully completed for any reason (including failure to obtain the required acceptance from the TSX Venture Exchange). 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/131594 TORONTO, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Canaccord Genuity Group Inc. (TSX: CF) is scheduled to release its first quarter fiscal 2023 results and supplementary financial information after Canadian markets close on Thursday, August 4, 2022. Interested investors, the media and other stakeholders may review the earnings release and supplementary financial information at www.cgf.com/investor-relations/investor-resources/financial-reports/ QUARTERLY CONFERENCE CALL AND WEBCAST: Interested parties are invited to listen to Canaccord Genuity's first fiscal quarter results conference call via live webcast or a toll-free number. The conference call is scheduled for Friday, August 5, 2022, at 8:00 a.m. Eastern time, 5:00 a.m. Pacific time, 1:00 p.m. UK time, 8:00 p.m. China Standard Time, and 10:00 p.m. Australia EST. During the call, senior executives will comment on the results and respond to questions from analysts and institutional investors. The conference call may be accessed live online and will also be archived on a listen-only basis at: www.cgf.com/investor-relations/news-and-events/conference-calls-and-webcasts/ Analysts and institutional investors can call in via telephone at: 416-764-8609 (within Toronto ) ) 888-390-0605 (toll free in North America outside Toronto ) outside ) 0-800-652-2435 (toll free from the United Kingdom ) ) 0-800-916-834 (toll free from France ) ) 10-800-714-1938 (toll free from Northern China ) ) 10-800-140-1973 (toll free from Southern China ) ) 1-800-076-068 (toll free from Australia ) ) 80-003-570-3632 (toll free from United Arab Emirates ) Please ask to participate in the Canaccord Genuity Group Inc. Q1/23 results call. If a passcode is requested, please use 55608639. A replay of the conference call will be made available from approximately two hours after the live call on August 5, 2022, until October 5, 2022 at 416-764-8677 or 1-888-390-0541 by entering passcode 608639 followed by the (#) key. ABOUT CANACCORD GENUITY GROUP INC.: Through its principal subsidiaries, Canaccord Genuity Group Inc. (the "Company") is a leading independent, full-service financial services firm, with operations in two principal segments of the securities industry: wealth management and capital markets. Since its establishment in 1950, the Company has been driven by an unwavering commitment to building lasting client relationships. We achieve this by generating value for our individual, institutional and corporate clients through comprehensive investment solutions, brokerage services and investment banking services. The Company has Wealth Management offices located in Canada, the UK, Guernsey, Jersey, the Isle of Man and Australia. The Company's international capital markets division operates in North America, UK & Europe, Asia, Australia and the Middle East. Canaccord Genuity Group Inc. is publicly traded under the symbol CF on the TSX. Investor and media relations inquiries: Christina Marinoff, Vice President, Investor Relations & Communications, Phone: 416-687-5507, Email: cmarinoff@cgf.com, www.cgf.com/investor-relations Kristy Kim, TomoCredit founder and CEO. TomoCredit, a San Francisco, CA-based female, immigrant founded startup offering credit card lending to over 40 million credit-invisible immigrants and international students with no credit history in the U.S, raised $122m in equity and debt funding. Backers included Morgan Stanleys Next Level Fund, MasterCard, GoldHouse, Asian Hustle network, and Hyphen Capital, with debt provided by Silicon Valley Bank. The company intends to use the funds to expand its credit product offerings including auto loans and mortgages with its innovative underwriting solutions. Led by Kristy Kim, founder and CEO, TomoCredit leverages a proprietary underwriting algorithm (Tomo Score) to identify high potential borrowers without a credit score and to offer its first product the card, which requires no credit check, no deposit, no APR, and no feeds. FinSMEs 21/07/2022 PROMINENT human rights lawyer Beatrice Mtetwa yesterday said the endless arrests, without conviction, of Zengeza West MP Job Sikhala (Citizens Coalition for Change, CCC) was a clear case of political persecution. Mtetwa was responding to the police who were opposing Sikhalas bail application claiming that he had shown propensity to commit crime. But Mtetwa said Sikhala had been arrested a record 67 times, but has never been convicted. The accused was arrested 67 times, but he has never been convicted of any and many cases have failed before reaching trial. The investigating officer cannot say he had a propensity, but they have propensity to arrest the accused, Mtetwa said. He could not have obstructed the investigation because he was in custody. You want to subvert his right because you kept on saying he has a pending case which you do not want to try him on. Sikhala was arrested last month alongside Chitungwiza North legislator Godfrey Sithole (CCC) on charges of inciting violence following the skirmishes at the funeral of murdered opposition activist Moreblessing Ali. Sikhala faces another charge of obstructing the course of justice after he allegedly blamed Zanu PF for Alis murder. But Mtetwa said Sikhala was appointed Alis family lawyer, and addressed the mourners at the funeral in line with the mandate given to him. Did the bail say dont address mourners? The opposition to bail in this matter is completely baseless. This is malicious and designed to keep him in custody because you know the charges will not get him convicted, Mtetwa said. Sikhala appeared before magistrate Stanford Mambanje, who dismissed his application for refusal of remand. The magistrate said the State had shown reasonable suspicion that the accused committed an offence. The matter was postponed to today for continuation of the defences submissions. In an unrelated incident, jailed former Mines ministry permanent secretary Francis Gudyangas appeal against sentence was yesterday postponed to July 27 after he indicated plans to beef up his appeal. He was expected to appear before High Court judge Justice Benjamin Chikowero. Gudyanga is serving two-and-a-half years for abusing his duties as a public officer. He was in February this year caged for four years by Harare magistrate Barbara Chimboza, who suspended part of his sentence on condition he reinstitutes the Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe (MMCZ) of US$25 228. He was convicted on charges of fraud after receiving US$28 910 board member fees from MMCZ for three years despite its absence. Gudyanga was charged alongside former Mines minister Walter Chidakwa, who was, however, acquitted at the close of the State case. Newsday English Lithuanian Ignitis Renewables Projektai, a subsidiary of Ignitis Renewables, which is owned by AB Ignitis grupe (hereinafter the Group), on 13 July has signed a letter of intent with electricity transmission system operator Litgrid AB securing grid capacity in Jonava region, Lithuania for connection of 252 MW capacity solar park which is under development. Projects final investment decision will be made at a later stage of the projects development. Investments are estimated to reach up to EUR 200 million. It would be the largest greenfield investment project initiated by the Group thus far. Furthermore, in the future the Group sees an additional development potential in this location. The solar park is planned to be constructed and start generating electricity by 2025. The park should operate under market conditions. Project implementation also requires receiving over the next few months a permit to develop the electricity generation capacity from National Energy Regulatory Council (NERC). Ignitis Renewables is a green energy company operating in the Baltic states and Poland. It is responsible for developing onshore and offshore wind, solar energy, biomass and waste-to-energy projects and their further management. The company develops new projects in pursuit of Ignitis Groups strategic goal to reach 4 GW installed green generation capacity by 2030. The Groups total onshore wind and solar greenfield projects portfolio now is around 650 MW. For more information please contact: Arturas Ketlerius Head of Public Relations at Ignitis Group arturas.ketlerius@ignitis.lt +370 6 207 6076 Seoul, South Korea, July 21, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Fact.MR, a market research and competitive intelligence provider, says that the global digital remittance market would be valued at US$ 18.16 Billion in 2022 and witness a double-digit CAGR, i.e. 13.5% between 2022 and 2032. Fact.MR says that rising number of cross-border transactions coupled with an increasing adoption of the mobile-based payment channels is expected to drive the digital remittance market in the near future. GSM Association states that in the year 2020 alone, funds close to US$ 12.7 Billion got processed in cross-border remittances via mobile money. The promulgation of digital platform for remittance is anticipated to compel the customers move in the direction of online transactions. For Critical Insights on Digital Remittance Market, Request a Sample Report https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=S&rep_id=7104 The never-ending chains of hidden charges, mediators, and paperwork in conventional money transfer has been pretty arduous and costly. Digital remittance, on the contrary, has aided customers in enjoying faster and feasible money transfer services. What Drives the Demand for Digital Remittance in Asia Pacific Countries? The Asia Pacific regional market is anticipated to emerge as the fastest-growing regional market over the forecast period. Numerous citizens from the Asia Pacific region send thousands of trillion dollars in remittances yearly to colleagues or business partners and families in foreign countries. Growth in the adoption of banking and financial services in the region is expected to propel the regional market growth over the forecast period. Economies such as China and India are largely focusing on the adoption of mobile banking, cashless payments, and mobile-based payment solutions, thereby contributing to the regional market growth. An increase in competition from new entrants, coupled with the growth in customer base, is expected to create growth opportunities for the regional market over the forecast period. A CAGR of 13% is anticipated for digital remittance services across APAC. To learn more about Digital Remittance Market, you can get in touch with our Analyst at https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=AE&rep_id=7104 Key Segments Covered in the Digital Remittance Industry Survey By Type Inward Digital Remittance Outward Digital Remittance By Channel Digital Remittance through Banks Digital Remittance through Money Transfer Operators Digital Remittance through Online Platforms Digital Remittance through Other Channels By End Use Digital Remittance for Migrant Labor Workforce Personal Digital Remittance Digital Remittance for Small Businesses Digital Remittance for Other End Uses Competitive Landscape The competitive landscape of the digital remittance market is shaped by product innovation and strategic mergers & acquisitions. Front Runners are emphasizing capacity enhancements and global footprint expansion to leverage lucrative prospects in developing economies. In August 2021, WorldRemit Ltd. launched its money transfer services in Malaysia, allowing World Remit users to send money from Malaysia, in addition to 50 other countries, including the U.S. and the U.K., to more than 130 destinations. Based on their location, users can choose from numerous payout methods for the recipient, including payments to mobile wallets, bank deposits, mobile airtime top-up, and cash pick-up. Get Customization on Digital Remittance Market Report for Specific Research Solutions https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=RC&rep_id=7104 Key players in the Digital Remittance Market Azimo Limited Digital Wallet Corporation InstaReM Pvt. Ltd. MoneyGram PayPal Holdings, Inc. Ria Financial Services Ltd. TransferGo Ltd. TransferWise Ltd. Western Union Holdings Inc. WorldRemit Ltd. Key Takeaways from Digital Remittance Market Study North America holds 27% of the market share. The Asia-Pacific is expected to witness a CAGR of 13% between 2022 and 2032. The global digital remittance market was valued at US$ 16 Bn in the year 2021. The same digital remittance market is likely to be worth US$ 64.43 Bn by the year 2032. About the Technology Division at Fact.MR Expert analysis, actionable insights, and strategic recommendations of the highly seasoned technology team at Fact.MR helps clients from across the globe with their unique business intelligence needs. With a repertoire of over thousand reports and 1 million-plus data points, the team has analysed the technology industry across 50+ countries for over a decade. The team provides unmatched end-to-end research and consulting services. Explore Fact.MR's Coverage on the Technology Domain- High Power RF Amplifier Market- The global high power RF amplifier market enjoys a valuation of around US$ 4.6 Billion at present. Sales of high power RF amplifiers are slated to accelerate at a high CAGR of 12.3% to reach US$ 14.7 Billion by 2031. Demand for smart energy in end-use sectors is likely to increase at a CAGR of 10.2% over the assessment period of 2021 to 2031. Physical Access Control System (PACS) Market- Physical access control system (PACS) market analysis shows that global demand enjoyed year-on-year (YoY) growth of over 10% in 2021, to total 2.2 Million units. Demand for biometric PACS is poised to grow 9% to total 850 000 units, while demand for card-based PACS will be up 12.5% to 960 000 units in 2021. Airport Kiosk Market- The global airport kiosk market was valued at around US$ 1.7 Billion in 2020. Sales of airport kiosks are projected to accelerate at a healthy CAGR of 9% to top US$ 4 Billion by 2031. Public Safety Software Market- The global public safety software market reached a valuation of around US$ 7 Billion in 2020, and is slated to rise at a CAGR of 11% to top US$ 20 Billion by 2031. Demand for computer-aided dispatch solutions is set to increase at a CAGR of 9% across the assessment period of 2021 to 2031. AI Virtual Visor Market- As per a new report published by Fact.MR, a market research and competitive intelligence provider, the number of vehicle displays is steadily increasing, and over the years, has increased almost 65% between 2016 and 2021. Fact.MR estimates that the automotive display market is likely to reach almost US$ 22 Billion by 2022. Bicycle Subscription Market- As per industry analysis by Fact.MR, a market research and competitive intelligence provider, the global market for bicycles stood at US$ 58 Billion in 2020, wherein, around 140 Million bicycles are produced annually across the globe. The market is set to reach a valuation of little over US$ 127 Billion by 2030, with a projected growth of above 8% CAGR. Satellite Internet Market- The satellite internet market is expected to surpass a market valuation of US$ 6 Billion and expand at a CAGR of more than 8% during the forecast period, 2021-2031. The internet has moved from a goods to an amenity and to a must-have over the past 2 decades, mainly as a result of the smartphone revolution. Big Data Analytics in Healthcare Market- The global big data analytics in healthcare market is estimated at US$ 39.7 billion in 2022. Data as a technology has been adopted by healthcare industry stakeholders rapidly and is being monetized, which is slated to push the global big data analytics in healthcare market to grow at CAGR of over 19%, and register total market value of US$ 194.7 billion by 2032 end. Digital Door Lock System Market- The global digital door lock system market is likely to reach a valuation of around US$ 9 Billion in 2022. The sales of digital door lock system are slated to accelerate at a steady CAGR of 18% to top US$ 47 Billion by 2032. SiC & GaN Power Semiconductor Market- The global SiC & GaN power semiconductor market is estimated at US$ 884 million in 2022. Demand of SiC & GaN power semiconductor devices is forecast to surpass the market value of US$ 6,954 Million by 2032. Stupendous growth rate of 22.9% is projected for the demand of these electronic discrete components during the forecast period of 2022-32. About Us: Market research and consulting agency with a difference! Thats why 80% of Fortune 1,000 companies trust us for making their most critical decisions. While our experienced consultants employ the latest technologies to extract hard-to-find insights, we believe our USP is the trust clients have on our expertise. Spanning a wide range from automotive & industry 4.0 to healthcare & retail, our coverage is expansive, but we ensure even the most niche categories are analyzed. 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Contact: Mahendra Singh US Sales Office: 11140 Rockville Pike Suite 400 Rockville, MD 20852 Email: sales@factmr.com Tel: +1 (628) 251-1583 Follow Us: LinkedIn | Twitter Submission supported by comprehensive analytical data package and clinical Phase I pharmacokinetics bridging study Proposed Hyrimoz HCF would help expand access to medicine for patients with chronic immune-mediated inflammatory diseases HCF would help expand access to medicine for patients with chronic immune-mediated inflammatory diseases Sandoz is committed to supporting healthcare professionals to advance patient care and improve access to medicines sustainably and affordably Basel, July 21, 2022 Sandoz, a global leader in generic and biosimilar medicines, today announced that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has accepted for review its Supplemental Biologics License Application (sBLA) for a high concentration formulation of 100 mg/mL (HCF) of its biosimilar Hyrimoz (adalimumab-adaz). The application includes the indications of the reference medicine Humira (adalimumab)* not protected by orphan exclusivity, including rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, Crohns disease, ulcerative colitis, and plaque psoriasis. Biosimilars play a crucial role in generating billions of dollars of savings for patients and the US healthcare system every year, while improving healthcare sustainability, said Keren Haruvi, President, Sandoz Inc., Head of North America. Should the Hyrimoz HCF be approved, we believe this important biosimilar medicine would help expand access to more patients with serious inflammatory diseases, including those who currently may not have access to it. Hyrimoz 50 mg/mL was approved by the US FDA in 2018. In accordance with recommendations from the US FDA, Sandoz conducted a Phase I pharmacokinetics (PK) bridging study comparing Hyrimoz 50 mg/mL and citrate-free Hyrimoz HCF. This study met all of the primary objectives, demonstrating comparable pharmacokinetics and showing similar safety and immunogenicity of the Hyrimoz 50 mg/mL and Hyrimoz HCF. Recently, the European Medicines Agency also accepted the application for Sandoz proposed Hyrimoz HCF. The potential US FDA approval of the HCF for Hyrimoz builds on the already approved and well-established Sandoz global biosimilar portfolio in immunology. Sandoz has more than 65 million days of patient experience with Hyrimoz 50 mg/mL worldwide and if approved, Hyrimoz 100 mg/mL citrate-free HCF would represent the first launch of a Sandoz biosimilar in the US market in this specific disease space. Sandoz is committed to helping millions of patients access biologic medicines sustainably in areas including oncology and immunology. With a strong global portfolio of eight marketed biosimilars and a further 15+ in various stages of development, Sandoz has an unparalleled heritage and extensive expertise in the development, manufacturing and delivery of biosimilar medicines to patients and the healthcare community worldwide. About adalimumab Adalimumab is a human immunoglobulin G1 (IgG(1)) monoclonal antibody targeting tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-a). The adalimumab reference medicine (Humira) was first approved with an adalimumab concentration of 50 mg/mL .1,2 In 2015, the US FDA and European Medicines Agency approved Humira HCF, which contains adalimumab at a concentration of 100 mg/mL.3,4 Important Safety Information INDICATIONS: HYRIMOZ is a tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-blocker indicated for: Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): reducing signs and symptoms, inducing major clinical response, inhibiting the progression of structural damage, and improving physical function in adult patients with moderately to severely active RA. reducing signs and symptoms, inducing major clinical response, inhibiting the progression of structural damage, and improving physical function in adult patients with moderately to severely active RA. Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA): reducing signs and symptoms of moderately to severely active polyarticular JIA in patients 4 years of age and older. reducing signs and symptoms of moderately to severely active polyarticular JIA in patients 4 years of age and older. Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): reducing signs and symptoms, inhibiting the progression of structural damage, and improving physical function in adult patients with active PsA. reducing signs and symptoms, inhibiting the progression of structural damage, and improving physical function in adult patients with active PsA. Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): reducing signs and symptoms in adult patients with active AS. reducing signs and symptoms in adult patients with active AS. Crohns Disease (CD): treatment of moderately to severely active Crohns Disease in adult patients. treatment of moderately to severely active Crohns Disease in adult patients. Ulcerative Colitis (UC): treatment of moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis in adult patients. Limitations of use: effectiveness has not been established in patients who have lost response to or were intolerant to TNF blockers. treatment of moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis in adult patients. Limitations of use: effectiveness has not been established in patients who have lost response to or were intolerant to TNF blockers. Plaque Psoriasis (Ps): treatment of adult patients with moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy, and when other systemic therapies are medically less appropriate. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION: WARNING: SERIOUS INFECTIONS AND MALIGNANCY SERIOUS INFECTIONS Patients treated with adalimumab products, including HYRIMOZ, are at increased risk for developing serious infections that may lead to hospitalization or death. Most patients who developed these infections were taking concomitant immunosuppressants such as methotrexate or corticosteroids. Discontinue HYRIMOZ if a patient develops a serious infection or sepsis. Reported infections include: Active tuberculosis (TB), including reactivation of latent TB. Patients with TB have frequently presented with disseminated or extrapulmonary disease. Test patients for latent TB before HYRIMOZ use and during therapy. Initiate treatment for latent TB prior to HYRIMOZ use. Invasive fungal infections, including histoplasmosis, coccidioidomycosis, candidiasis, aspergillosis, blastomycosis, and pneumocystosis. Patients with histoplasmosis or other invasive fungal infections may present with disseminated, rather than localized, disease. Antigen and antibody testing for histoplasmosis may be negative in some patients with active infection. Consider empiric anti-fungal therapy in patients at risk for invasive fungal infections who develop severe systemic illness. Bacterial, viral, and other infections due to opportunistic pathogens, including Legionella and Listeria. Carefully consider the risks and benefits of treatment with HYRIMOZ prior to initiating therapy in patients with chronic or recurrent infection. Monitor patients closely for the development of signs and symptoms of infection during and after treatment with HYRIMOZ, including the possible development of TB in patients who tested negative for latent TB infection prior to initiating therapy. MALIGNANCY Lymphoma and other malignancies, some fatal, have been reported in children and adolescent patients treated with TNF-blockers including adalimumab products. Post-marketing cases of hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma (HSTCL), a rare type of T-cell lymphoma, have been reported in patients treated with TNF-blockers including adalimumab products. These cases have had a very aggressive disease course and have been fatal. The majority of reported TNF-blocker cases have occurred in patients with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis and the majority were in adolescent and young adult males. Almost all these patients had received treatment with azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine (6MP) concomitantly with a TNF-blocker at or prior to diagnosis. It is uncertain whether the occurrence of HSTCL is related to use of a TNF-blocker or a TNF-blocker in combination with these other immunosuppressants. WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Serious Infections Do not start HYRIMOZ during an active infection, including localized infections. If an infection develops, monitor carefully, and stop HYRIMOZ if infection becomes serious. Drug interactions with biologic products: A higher rate of serious infections has been observed in RA patients treated with rituximab who received subsequent treatment with a TNF blocker. An increased risk of serious infections has been seen with the combination of TNF blockers with anakinra or abatacept, with no demonstrated added benefit in patients with RA. Concomitant administration of HUMIRA with other biologic DMARDs (e.g., anakinra or abatacept) or other TNF blockers is not recommended based on the possible increased risk for infections and other potential pharmacological interactions. Patients greater than 65 years of age, patients with co-morbid conditions and/or patients taking concomitant immunosuppressants, may be at greater risk of infection. Invasive fungal infections: For patients who develop a systemic illness on HYRIMOZ, consider empiric antifungal therapy for those who reside or travel to regions where mycoses are endemic. Malignancies In clinical trials, incidence of malignancies was greater in adalimumab -treated patients than in controls. Consider the risks and benefits of TNF-blocker-treatment, including HYRIMOZ, prior to initiating therapy in patients with known malignancy. Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer (NMSC) was reported during clinical trials for adalimumab-treated patients. Examine all patients, particularly those with a history of prolonged immunosuppressant or PUVA therapy for the presence of NMSC prior to and during treatment with HYRIMOZ. In the adalimumab clinical trials there was an approximate 3-fold higher rate of lymphoma than expected in the general U.S. population. Patients with chronic inflammatory diseases, particularly those with highly active disease and/or chronic exposure to immunosuppressant therapies, may be at a higher risk than the general population for the development of lymphoma, even in the absence of TNF-blockers. Post-marketing cases of acute and chronic leukemia have been reported in association with TNF-blocker use. Approximately half of the post-marketing cases of malignancies in children, adolescents, and young adults receiving TNF blockers were lymphomas; other cases represented a variety of different malignancies and included rare malignancies usually associated with immunosuppression and malignancies that are not usually observed in children and adolescents. Hypersensitivity Reactions Anaphylaxis or serious allergic reactions have been reported following administration of adalimumab products. If an anaphylactic or other serious allergic reaction occurs, immediately discontinue administration of HYRIMOZ and institute appropriate therapy. Hepatitis B Virus Reactivation Use of TNF-blockers, including HYRIMOZ, may increase the risk of reactivation of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in patients who are chronic carriers. Some cases have been fatal. Evaluate patients at risk for HBV infection for prior evidence of HBV infection before initiating TNF-blocker therapy. Exercise caution in patients identified as carriers of HBV and closely monitor during and after Hyrimoz treatment. In patients who develop HBV reactivation, stop HYRIMOZ and initiate effective anti-viral therapy. Exercise caution when resuming HYRIMOZ after HBV treatment. Neurologic Reactions Use of TNF-blocking agents, including adalimumab products, has been associated with rare cases of new onset or exacerbation of central nervous system and peripheral demyelinating disease, including multiple sclerosis (MS), optic neuritis, and Guillain-Barre syndrome. Exercise caution when considering HYRIMOZ for patients with these disorders; discontinuation of Hyrimoz should be considered if any of these disorders develop. Hematological Reactions Rare reports of pancytopenia, including aplastic anemia, have been reported with TNF-blocking agents. Medically significant cytopenia has been infrequently reported with adalimumab products. Consider stopping HYRIMOZ if significant hematologic abnormalities occur. Heart Failure Worsening and new onset congestive heart failure (CHF) has been reported with TNF-blockers. Cases of worsening CHF have also been observed with adalimumab products; exercise caution and monitor carefully. Autoimmunity Treatment with adalimumab products may result in the formation of autoantibodies and, rarely, in the development of a lupus-like syndrome. Discontinue treatment if symptoms of a lupus-like syndrome develop. Immunizations Patients on HYRIMOZ should not receive live vaccines. Pediatric patients, if possible, should be brought up to date with all immunizations prior to initiating HYRIMOZ therapy. Adalimumab is actively transferred across the placenta during the third trimester of pregnancy and may affect immune response in the in utero exposed infant. The safety of administering live or live-attenuated vaccines in infants exposed to adalimumab products in utero is unknown. Risks and benefits should be considered prior to vaccinating (live or live-attenuated) exposed infants. ADVERSE REACTIONS The most common adverse reactions (incidence > 10 %): infections (e.g., upper respiratory, sinusitis), injection site reactions, headache and rash. Please see full Prescribing Information for Hyrimoz. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088. To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Sandoz Inc. at 1-800-525-8747 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch Disclaimer This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can generally be identified by words such as potential, can, will, plan, may, could, would, expect, anticipate, look forward, believe, committed, investigational, pipeline, launch, or similar terms, or by express or implied discussions regarding potential marketing approvals, new indications or labeling for the investigational or approved products described in this press release, or regarding potential future revenues from such products. You should not place undue reliance on these statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on our current beliefs and expectations regarding future events, and are subject to significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. There can be no guarantee that the investigational or approved products described in this press release will be submitted or approved for sale or for any additional indications or labeling in any market, or at any particular time. Neither can there be any guarantee that, if approved, such generic or biosimilar products will be approved for all indications included in the reference products label. Nor can there be any guarantee that such products will be commercially successful in the future. In particular, our expectations regarding such products could be affected by, among other things, the uncertainties inherent in research and development, including clinical trial results and additional analysis of existing clinical data; regulatory actions or delays or government regulation generally; the particular prescribing preferences of physicians and patients; competition in general, including potential approval of additional generic or biosimilar versions of such products; global trends toward health care cost containment, including government, payor and general public pricing and reimbursement pressures and requirements for increased pricing transparency; litigation outcomes, including intellectual property disputes or other legal efforts to prevent or limit Sandoz from selling its products; general political, economic and business conditions, including the effects of and efforts to mitigate pandemic diseases such as COVID-19; safety, quality, data integrity or manufacturing issues; potential or actual data security and data privacy breaches, or disruptions of our information technology systems, and other risks and factors referred to in Novartis AGs current Form 20-F on file with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. Novartis is providing the information in this press release as of this date and does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this press release as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. About Sandoz Sandoz, a Novartis division, is a global leader in generic pharmaceuticals and biosimilars. Our purpose is to pioneer access for patients by developing and commercializing novel, affordable approaches that address unmet medical needs. Our ambition is to be the worlds leading and most valued generics company. Our broad portfolio of high-quality medicines, covering all major therapeutic areas, accounted for 2021 sales of USD 9.6 billion. Sandoz on social media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sandoz Twitter: https://twitter.com/sandoz_global Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sandozglobal/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sandozglobal CEO Richard Saynor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-saynor/ References EMA 2021. Humira EPAR Product Information. Available from: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/human/EPAR/humira. [Accessed June 2022] FDA 2021. Humira Highlights of Prescribing Information. Available from: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2021/125057s417lbl.pdf. [Accessed June 2022] FDA 2015. Summary Review sBLA125057/394. Available from: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/nda/2015/125057Orig1s394SumR.pdf. [Accessed June 2022] EMA 2020. Procedural steps taken and scientific information after the authorization. Available from:https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/procedural-steps-after/humira-epar-procedural-steps-taken-scientific-information-after-authorisation_en.pdf. [Accessed June 2022] *Humira is a registered trademark of AbbVie Biotechnology Ltd # # # Sandoz Global Communications Chris Lewis Sandoz Global Communications +49 174 244 9501 (mobile) chris.lewis@sandoz.com Sandoz US Communications Leslie Pott Sandoz US Communications +1 201 354 0279 (mobile) leslie.pott@sandoz.com Novartis Media Relations E-mail: media.relations@novartis.com Novartis Investor Relations Central investor relations line: +41 61 324 7944 E-mail: investor.relations@novartis.com Oslo and Paris, 21 July 2022 - Adevinta ASA (ADE) today announced that its Board of Directors has unanimously decided to appoint Antoine Jouteau as CEO, effective 15 August 2022. Antoine is currently CEO of Adevintas leading French marketplace business, leboncoin, and a member of Adevintas Executive Leadership team. His appointment follows a comprehensive selection process that considered both internal and external candidates. Antoine will succeed Rolv Erik Ryssdal, who, in February 2022, announced his intention to retire. Antoine is a proven leader with a deep understanding of the global marketplaces industry, and an impressive track record of successfully building and scaling local brands. By continuously reinventing and diversifying leboncoin, he has built one of the most visited websites in France, with over 29 million monthly users, and more than doubled revenues and profit during his tenure as CEO, commented Orla Noonan, Adevintas Board Chair. Antoine is uniquely positioned to accelerate Adevintas growth ambitions, given his ability to lead, innovate and execute during a period of rapid consumer change, industry disruption and technological advancement. We are confident that Antoines product background and relentless focus on the customer experience makes him the ideal new leader for Adevinta. I am excited by the challenge of leading our continued growth, and creating long-term value for our shareholders, users, business customers, employees and future talent, said Antoine Jouteau. With our focus on creating and leveraging innovative technology and capabilities across the group, we are reinventing the way people consume goods and services, by building transactional marketplaces for all generations. I would like to thank the Board for their trust and know that I can rely on the support of all Adevintans, united in our commitment to accelerate the development of the circular economy. Antoine joined leboncoin in 2009 as its fifth employee, initially as Director of Business Development, progressing to CEO in 2015. Antoine began his career at TDF, an operator of broadcast and telecom infrastructure networks, after which he spent more than seven years developing the digital business of PagesJaunes, the French Yellow Pages. Rolv Erik Ryssdal will remain as CEO until 14 August 2022 and will work closely with Antoine to ensure a smooth transition. Under Rolv Eriks leadership, Adevinta has become the worlds leading classifieds business, successfully spinning off Adevinta from Schibsted and leading the acquisition of eBay Classifieds Group, added Orla Noonan. I speak on behalf of the entire Board when I express my gratitude for his years of service and wish him all the best for the future. -end- Notes to Editors Media contacts Melodie Laroche Corporate Communications T: +33 (0) 6 84 30 52 76 melodie.laroche@adevinta.com Edelman Smithfield John Kiely / Latika Shah / Olivia Adebo John Kiely/ Latika Shah/ Olivia Adebo T: +44 (0)7785 275665 / +44 (0)7950 671 948 / +44 (0)7787 284 441 adevinta@edelman.com About Adevinta Adevinta is a leading online classifieds specialist, operating digital marketplaces in 14 countries. The company provides technology-based services to connect buyers with sellers and to facilitate transactions, from real estate to motors, and consumer goods. Adevintas portfolio spans more than 40 digital brands, covering one billion people and attracting approximately three billion average monthly visits. Leading brands include top-ranked leboncoin in France, Germany's leading classifieds sites mobile.de and eBay Kleinanzeigen, Marktplaats in the Netherlands, fotocasa and InfoJobs in Spain, Subito in Italy, and 50% of fast-growing OLX Brasil. Adevinta employs around 8,100 people committed to supporting users and customers daily. Find out more at Adevinta.com. This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5-12 the Norwegian Securities Trading Act Attachment Citility taps HERE location services to provide actionable analytics that streamline city mobility operations and encourage the decarbonization of transport and reduce traffic congestion in Surat, Kolkata, and Bangalore. The smarter urban mobility solution will also be applied to use cases such as fleet management, smart city parking, and logistics. HERE Technologies , the leading location data and technology platform, today announced that Citility , an integrated mobility platform in India, is leveraging HERE location services and application programming interface (APIs) for its solutions and products. Aimed at city authorities, governments, and transport agencies, Citility provides a holistic view of urban mobility by combining data from various sources to solve urban mobility challenges within cities. The Citility mobile application further analyzes multiple commute options and suggests the fastest, safest, and greenest routes for citizens. Citizens will even be rewarded with carbon credits in the form of coupons or discounts on transportation tickets for taking greener routes. Now with HERE location services, the Citility mobile app has undergone a refresh to improve user experience by providing citizens with vital commute information such as precise Estimated Times of Arrival (ETA), the amount of time spent commuting, the amount of carbon emissions produced for each route, and even the number of calories one might burned on selected routes. Shampa Choudhury, Co-Founder and CEO of Citility said, At Citility, we strongly believe that having a multimodal transit and transportation network is the future of sustainable urban mobility. HERE Technologies has demonstrated strong product expertise, and were thrilled to be partnering with the leading mapping platform to improve our mobility solutions for cities and citizens alike. This sets us up on the right path to support Indias net-zero emissions target. Most recently, Citility has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Indias Ministry of Home and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) to host the mobile application at the India Urban Observatory with Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (BMRCL) to promote carbon free rides in cities like Bangalore, Delhi, and other tier one Indian cities. The application will also be integrated with the National Common Mobility Card, and supported by Surat Smart City Development Limited (SSCDL). Anjum Parwez, Managing Director at Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) said, Bangalore is the city of innovation with a favorable entrepreneurial ecosystem and financial environment to establish and grow a business. BMRCL is happy to support Citility by enabling them to leverage our data to provide commuters with the best, safest or the most sustainable route to arrive at their destinations. Apart from its mobile app, Citility is also integrating location functionalities from HERE such as Map Rendering, Geocoding and Search, Routing, Transit, Tour Planning, and Positioning to provide city authorities with comprehensive, real-time location data across systems via a central dashboard. This dashboard will showcase deeper insights and real-time intelligent indexes on the level of road safety, traffic efficiency, and air pollution within cities to encourage the efficient movement of goods and people. The insight from this dashboard can be applied to decarbonize transportation and reduce overall congestion. In the long run, Citility also plans to roll out carbon credits and offer Carbon Credit-as-a-service to businesses and end users. Neil Shah, Vice President of Research at Counterpoint Research said, Although the Indian government has set a net zero goal for 2070 with respect to carbon emissions by laying the foundation with policies and support for several carbon-free mobility initiatives, it is strong public-private partnerships across the broader ecosystem that will be key to realizing this goal. Precise location intelligence is needed in order to accelerate things further. Players such as HERE Technologies will be instrumental in helping the Indian ecosystem offer cutting-edge technology to achieve the governments net zero goals. Sachin Thukral, Head of Partner & Alliances, Asia Pacific at HERE Technologies said, Citility and HERE both share a common mission to foster safe and sustainable mobility within cities. Were proud that our collaboration is setting the stage for future multimodal innovative partnerships, which is a key step to create the momentum needed to futureproof Indias mobility. With HERE location services, well be able to support the government, mobility providers, and industry bodies to create better mobility options for citizens. The Citility mobile application is now available for download on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store in Surat, Bangalore, and will soon be available in Kolkata. Media contacts HERE Technologies Camy Cheng +65 9088 4127 Camy.cheng@here.com Citility (powered by Pristech Technologies) Shivani Singh +91 810 682 8484 shivani@citility.com About Citility At Citility, our mission is to revolutionize the way you commute through our multi-modal urban mobility platform. We believe that technological innovation can reduce congestion, environmental damage, and inefficiency. Citilitys mobile app for managing daily trips, helps the citizens improve their quality of life by providing faster, safer and greener options to commute. On the other hand, Citilitys urban mobility dashboard, provides deep insights and indexes on Safety, Air Pollution, and Traffic, and help cities to make better decisions and provide actionable analytics that streamline city mobility operations, engage citizens, influence public behavior and aid them in decarbonizing of transport and the reduction of congestion. About HERE Technologies HERE, the leading location data and technology platform, moves people, businesses and cities forward by harnessing the power of location. By leveraging our open platform, we empower our customers to achieve better outcomes from helping a city manage its infrastructure or a business optimize its assets to guiding drivers to their destination safely. To learn more about HERE, please visit www.here.com and https://360.here.com/ . Attachment English Finnish UPM-Kymmene Corporation Stock Exchange Release (Half-Year Financial Report) 21 July 2022 at 09:30 EEST UPM Half-Year Financial Report 2022: UPM delivers record Q2 earnings with successful margin management in exceptional business environment Q2 2022 highlights Sales increased by 7% to EUR 2,562 million (2,384 million in Q2 2021) Comparable EBIT grew by 26% to EUR 387 million, 15.1% of sales (307 million, 12.9%) Operating cash flow was EUR -879 million (308 million), impacted by cash flows from energy hedges. Other operating cash flows were largely as expected The rise in energy futures prices was unprecedented, as was the related short-term cash flow impact from energy hedges. Respectively, it indicates strong earnings potential of UPM Energy Sales prices increased in all business areas and more than offset the negative impact of higher variable costs Cash funds and unused committed credit facilities totalled EUR 1.5 billion at the end of Q2 2022 Transformative growth projects in Uruguay and in Germany proceed well In May, UPM announced the acquisition of AMC AG to accelerate growth and enter new product segments in UPM Raflatac In June, UPM announced the sale of the Steyrermuhl site in Austria to secure competitiveness and adapt newsprint production to the long-term market development H1 2022 highlights Sales increased by 10% to EUR 5,069 million (4,618 million in H1 2021) Comparable EBIT increased by 13% to EUR 664 million (586 million), and was 13.1% (12.7%) of sales Operating cash flow was EUR -867 million (526 million), impacted by cash flows from energy hedges in the highly exceptional energy markets Net debt increased to EUR 2,688 million (750 million) and net debt to EBITDA ratio was 1.42 (0.49). A significant part of the increase in net debt is temporary, due to the cash flow impacts of energy hedges and future energy generation UPM decided to suspend its deliveries to Russia, purchasing of wood in Russia and the UPM Chudovo plywood mill operations The strike in Finland affected production and delivery volumes especially in the pulp, paper and biofuels businesses. Estimated full-year earnings impact is not material In April, UPM and Paperworkers Union agreed on first-ever business-specific collective labour agreements and the strike ended at UPM mills in Finland Key figures Q2/2022 Q2/2021 Q1/2022 Q1Q2/2022 Q1Q2/2021 Q1Q4/2021 Sales, EURm 2,562 2,384 2,507 5,069 4,618 9,814 Comparable EBITDA, EURm 506 426 377 883 816 1,821 % of sales 19.7 17.9 15.0 17.4 17.7 18.6 Operating profit, EURm 335 304 183 518 583 1,562 Comparable EBIT, EURm 387 307 277 664 586 1,471 % of sales 15.1 12.9 11.0 13.1 12.7 15.0 Profit before tax, EURm 361 298 179 540 570 1,548 Comparable profit before tax, EURm 413 301 273 686 573 1,457 Profit for the period, EURm 292 243 139 431 470 1,307 Comparable profit for the period, EURm 329 246 232 561 473 1,204 Earnings per share (EPS), EUR 0.53 0.45 0.25 0.78 0.87 2.41 Comparable EPS, EUR 0.60 0.45 0.42 1.02 0.87 2.22 Return on equity (ROE), % 10.5 10.3 5.0 7.7 9.8 12.7 Comparable ROE, % 11.8 10.4 8.4 10.0 9.9 11.7 Return on capital employed (ROCE), % 10.0 10.1 5.8 7.8 9.8 12.4 Comparable ROCE, % 11.5 10.2 8.5 9.7 9.9 11.7 Operating cash flow, EURm -879 308 12 -867 526 1,250 Operating cash flow per share, EUR -1.65 0.58 0.02 -1.63 0.99 2.34 Equity per share at the end of period, EUR 20.57 17.62 20.11 20.57 17.62 20.34 Capital employed at the end of period, EURm 15,637 12,226 13,840 15,637 12,226 13,759 Net debt at the end of period, EURm 2,688 750 837 2,688 750 647 Net debt to EBITDA (last 12 months) 1.42 0.49 0.46 1.42 0.49 0.35 Personnel at the end of period 17,601 17,874 16,843 17,601 17,874 16,966 Jussi Pesonen, President and CEO, comments on the Q2 results: UPM delivered record Q2 earnings driven by successful margin management in exceptionally tight markets for our products. All our businesses reported strong earnings amidst a volatile environment of rapid inflation in input costs and challenging supply and logistics chains. In addition, customer deliveries from our Finnish mills started smoothly after the end of the strike in late April. As a result, our quarterly sales increased by 7% to EUR 2,562 million, and comparable EBIT increased by 26% to EUR 387 million. This was a great achievement taking into account that during the first half we only had one month of normal full production. For the full year, we expect to reach a new record of annual earnings. Operating cash flow was EUR -879 million and our net debt at the end of the quarter was EUR 2,688 million. Cash flow was significantly impacted by the timing of cash flows from our energy hedges during an unprecedented rise in energy futures prices. Due to the nature of our hedging activity, this cash flow is expected to reverse in the future, meaning that a significant part of the increase in net debt is temporary. Our financial position remains strong, with cash funds and unused committed credit facilities totalling EUR 1.5 billion at the end of Q2. We further improved our liquidity in July, with two new credit facilities totalling EUR 500 million. This gives us a solid base to push on with ongoing transformative growth investments and face the unpredictability of the operating environment. Market fundamentals for UPM Fibres were strong in Q2, for both pulp and timber. Production at the Finnish pulp mills started well after the business specific collective labour agreements were signed in April and two major maintenance shutdowns were completed. UPM Communication Papers had a strong quarter. Demand for graphic papers was good and price increases exceeded the rise in input costs, with the cost of energy posing a particular challenge. During the quarter we announced the sale of UPM Steyrermuhl, in Austria. This is another step in securing competitiveness of the Communication Papers business, adjusting our newsprint production to the long-term market development. Newsprint production at the mill will stop at the end of next year. UPM Specialty Papers results showed an improvement from the first quarter. Demand and prices of release liner and packaging papers continued to be good, while the Asian fine paper markets were softer, impacted by the lockdowns in China. Sales prices increased, but input costs were still on the rise, and exchange rates did not develop in our favour. UPM Raflatacs quarterly result continued at record level despite sales volumes being limited by raw material availability and sales to Russian markets being discontinued. Demand was healthy, and margins were well managed in the environment of high-cost inflation. UPM Raflatac announced the acquisition of AMC AG in Germany, to accelerate growth and expand its product offering. The necessary regulatory approvals for closing the acquisition are expected to be granted in Q3. UPM Energy reported strong quarterly results as energy markets were very volatile and prices high, providing value creation opportunities for our hydropower generation. In June, prices of energy futures saw an unprecedented rise, resulting in extraordinarily high cash outflow of our energy hedges, totalling EUR -1,032 million in Q2. As our energy hedges are only for hedging our existing electricity generation portfolio, this cash outflow will later be offset by a similar cash inflow from hedges or production. All in all, there is exceptional uncertainty and tightness in the energy markets. This indicates strong earnings potential of UPM Energy. Furthermore, the OL3 nuclear power plant unit will increase UPM Energys carbon free electricity generation by nearly 50% at an opportune time. UPM Plywoods earnings stayed at near-record levels. Plywood markets were tight in all end-use categories. As the worlds first plywood manufacturer, UPM launched the lignin-based bonding technology throughout its entire range of products. WISA BioBond helps customers meet their own sustainability targets. In other operations, the markets for UPM Biofuels advanced renewable fuels are favourable, and strong earnings are to be expected once the business can report a full quarter of production again. Our Paso de los Toros pulp mill project, in Uruguay, has proceeded smoothly and the commissioning phase is now underway. The commissioning plan was granted approval by the Uruguayan environmental authorities in late June. Testing of pulp production equipment at the mill has begun, and other commissioning tasks and the respective adjustment of production equipment will be carried out until the start-up of the mill in Q1 2023. Construction at the biorefinery-site in Leuna, Germany, has progressed well and commercial activities in various product and application areas have continued to advance. The environmental benefits of the biorefinery and the UPM Biochemicals portfolio have been publicly acknowledged with several nominations. The detailed commercial and basic engineering study for a possible next generation biofuels refinery in Rotterdam, Netherlands, has continued. Rarely have there been so many uncertainties in the world and in the global economy as there are today. We are well prepared to face this uncertainty as our businesses are competitive and performing well, and our financial position is strong. This year, we are expecting our annual earnings to reach new record highs. Some of the uncertainties in the medium-term outlook are mitigated by our growth projects, which will add significant new earnings, ramping up as early as next year. Over the longer term, I am confident that UPMs Biofore strategy is well-calibrated to provide what the world will need in the future: competitive zero-carbon electricity and sustainable and renewable materials with countless possible end-uses." Outlook for 2022 UPMs comparable EBIT is expected to increase in 2022 from 2021, and in H2 2022 from H2 2021. Significant uncertainties remain in the outlook for 2022, related to the war in Ukraine, the ongoing pandemic, growth in the European and global economy, the energy prices and availability in Europe, the start-up of the OL3 power plant unit, and the tight raw material and logistics markets. In the first half of the year, production was significantly affected by the strike at the Finnish units of UPM Pulp, UPM Biofuels, UPM Raflatac, UPM Specialty Papers and UPM Communication Papers. This no longer limits production and as a result, UPMs delivery volumes are expected to increase in H2 2022 from H1 2022. In the full-year 2022 result, the estimated impact of the strike is not material. Sales prices and variable costs are expected to be higher in H2 2022 than in H1 2022 in most of UPM businesses. UPM will continue to manage margins with product pricing, optimising its product and market mix, efficient use of assets as well as by taking measures to improve variable and fixed cost efficiency. Invitation to UPMs webcast and press conference on half-year financial report 2022 A webcast and a conference call for analysts and investors in English language begins at 13:15 EEST. UPMs financial results will be presented by the President and CEO Jussi Pesonen and CFO Tapio Korpeinen. All participants can view the webcast online at www.upm.com or through this link, but participants who wish to ask questions must attend the conference call by dialling a number in the list below: Conference call title: UPM Interim Report for JanuaryJune 2022 International telephone numbers: Dial in number(s): Argentina Toll: +54 1152526536 Australia Toll: +61 284058549 Austria Toll: +43 19287907 Belgium Toll: +32 24035814 Brazil Toll: +55 1133517266 Bulgaria Toll: +359 29358129 Canada Toll: +1 4162164189 Chile Toll: +56 226188227 China Toll: +86 4008983300 Croatia Toll: +385 20770084 Cyprus Toll: +357 26030115 Czech Republic Toll: +420 225439714 Denmark Toll: +45 35445577 Estonia Toll: +372 6868838 Finland Toll: +358981710310 France Toll: +33 170750711 Germany Toll: +49 6913803430 Greece Toll: +30 2112111509 Hong Kong Toll: +852 30600225 Hungary Toll: +36 12355213 India Toll: +91 2271279610 Indonesia Toll: +62 2129704955 Ireland Toll: +353 14311252 Ireland Toll: +353 15251891 Ireland Toll: +353 15251892 Israel Toll: +972 37207679 Italy Toll: +39 0236013821 Japan Toll: +81 344556492 Korea, Republic Of Toll: +82 234798456 Latvia Toll: +371 67852162 Lithuania Toll: +370 52051171 Luxembourg Toll: +352 27300160 Malaysia Toll: +60 320531815 Morocco Toll: 212520480069 Netherlands Toll: +31 207095189 New Zealand Toll: +64 93670511 Norway Toll: +47 23500243 Philippines Toll: 63285400965 Poland Toll: +48 225839017 Portugal Toll: +351 210609105 Russian Federation Toll: +7 4959909265 Saudi Arabia Toll: +966 115108758 Singapore Toll: +65 64298349 Singapore Toll: +6564085767 Slovakia Toll: +421 250112045 Slovenia Toll: +386 18888475 South Africa Toll: +27 216724118 Spain Toll: +34 935472900 Sweden Toll: +46 856642651 Switzerland Toll: +41 225809034 Taiwan Toll: +886 287231159 Turkey Toll: +90 2123755124 Ukraine Toll: +380 893239875 United Arab Emirates Toll-Free: 800035704289 United Kingdom Toll: +44 3333000804 United States Toll: +1 6319131422 Venezuela Toll: +58 2123358975 Viet Nam Toll: +1 8882064044 PIN code: 96868843# We recommend that participants dial in 510 minutes prior to ensure a timely start of the webcast. The webcast will be available at www.upm.com for 12 months after the call. Later in the afternoon, at 14:45 EEST, President and CEO Jussi Pesonen will present the H1 results in a press conference held in the Finnish language at the Biofore House and online. Use this link to sign up for the live or the online press conference. * It should be noted that certain statements herein, which are not historical facts, including, without limitation, those regarding expectations for market growth and developments; expectations for growth and profitability; and statements preceded by "believes", "expects", "anticipates", "foresees", or similar expressions, are forward-looking statements. Since these statements are based on current plans, estimates and projections, they involve risks and uncertainties which may cause actual results to materially differ from those expressed in such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: (1) operating factors such as continued success of manufacturing activities and the achievement of efficiencies therein including the availability and cost of production inputs, continued success of product development, acceptance of new products or services by the Group's targeted customers, success of the existing and future collaboration arrangements, changes in business strategy or development plans or targets, changes in the degree of protection created by the Group's patents and other intellectual property rights, the availability of capital on acceptable terms; (2) industry conditions, such as strength of product demand, intensity of competition, prevailing and future global market prices for the Group's products and the pricing pressures thereto, financial condition of the customers and the competitors of the Group, the potential introduction of competing products and technologies by competitors; and (3) general economic conditions, such as rates of economic growth in the Group's principal geographic markets or fluctuations in exchange and interest rates. The main earnings sensitivities and the groups cost structure are presented on pages 165166 of the Annual Report 2021. Risks and opportunities are discussed on pages 3435, and risks and risk management are presented on pages 131135. * UPM-Kymmene Corporation Pirkko Harrela Executive Vice President, Stakeholder Relations UPM, Media Relations Mon-Fri 9:00-16:00 EEST tel. +358 40 588 3284 media@upm.com UPM We deliver renewable and responsible solutions and innovate for a future beyond fossils across six business areas: UPM Fibres, UPM Energy, UPM Raflatac, UPM Specialty Papers, UPM Communication Papers and UPM Plywood. As the industry leader in responsibility, we are committed to the UN Business Ambition for 1.5C and the science-based targets to mitigate climate change. We employ 17,000 people worldwide and our annual sales are approximately EUR 9,8 billion. Our shares are listed on Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd. UPM Biofore Beyond fossils. www.upm.com Follow UPM on Twitter | LinkedIn | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram | #UPM #biofore #beyondfossils Attachment Gurugram, India, July 21, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Government support towards cloud services and Data center, online media consumption, installation of IoT devices will drive the Data Center and Cloud Services Market in KSA: Ken Research The 2030 vision of Saudi Arabia includes shifting 80% of its data on cloud and proliferation of IoT, digitization and the need for cybersecurity will fuel the market in KSA. Data Center Industry is witnessing a surge in the Investments from local as well as global companies to meet the data storage demands of end users. New entrants will provide a major boost to market growth, supporting the wholesale needs of local enterprises and cloud service providers in the region. Data Center and Cloud Services Market Pipeline: Major Data Center and Cloud Service Market operators are exploring the market to set up their own Data Centers in KSA . Google Cloud planning to open 3 zones in Dammam which is an important location given its proximity to several subsea cables. Also Oracle, Google, and Huawei Cloud are opening new cloud regions in KSA. Saudi Aramco and Google Cloud signed an agreement that paves way for the rollout of high-performance, low-latency cloud services. Promising Government Initiatives: The government of the KSA is focusing on e-government concept. KSA has increased its efforts to adopt cloud-computing technology and was one of the earliest countries in the region to adopt specific regulations for cloud service provider. Government is leading a comprehensive digitization strategy of Saudi Arabia and is focusing on development of KSA as a digital hub (including cloud strategy) with Data center as a core asset. Attractive power tariff and special tax treatment are available in KSA. Future of KSA Data Center and Cloud Services Market: Data Center and Cloud Services Market is expected to grow at a double digit positive CAGR during 2021-2026F emergence of 5G technology in KSA is likely to grow the adoption of IoT-enabled products in the KSA market further contributing to the development of data center industry. Strong government support, rising awareness and surge in the data will create higher demand for cloud services to domestic clients with Technological innovations and advancements, continuous investments and upcoming data center and cloud projects in the region to drive the KSA Data Center and Cloud Services Market. The report titled KSA Data Center and Cloud Services Market Outlook to 2026F Driven by rising investments in data centers from private sector and government support towards technology and Cloud first policy by Ken Research provides a comprehensive analysis of the potential of Data Center and Cloud Services Industry in KSA. The report also covers overview and genesis of the industry, market size in terms of revenue generated; market segmentation by type of data center, type of co-location data centers on the basis of number of racks, type of end users, by type of clients and by region; challenges and bottlenecks, growth enablers and drivers; upcoming projects of data center in KSA, major regions with respect to data center, trends and recent developments in data center and cloud services industry in KSA, competitive landscape and market analysis and growth quadrant including competition scenario, market shares of major operators on the basis of number of racks, on the basis of number of data centers and on the basis of MW of power. The report concludes with future market projections of each product segmentation. Request for Sample Report @ https://www.kenresearch.com/sample-report.php?Frmdetails=NTYxNDE1 Key Segments Covered:- KSA Data Center Market By Type of Data Center Co-Location Data Centers Managed Data Centers By Type of Co-Location Data Centers on the basis of Number of Racks Wholesale Co-Location Data Centers Retail Co-Location Data Centers By Type of Clients Domestic Clients Global Clients By Type of Tier Level Tier II Data Centers Tier III Data Centers Tier IV Data Centers By Region on the basis of Number of Racks Riyadh Jeddah Dammam Others By Type of End Users IT/ITes Government Telecom Retail Communication and Media E-Commerce Transport and Logistics KSA Cloud Services Market By Type of Cloud Services Cloud Application Service (SaaS) Cloud System Infrastructure Services (IaaS) Cloud Application Infrastructure Service (PaaS) By Type of Clients Domestic Clients Global Clients By Type of End Users IT/ITes Healthcare E-Commerce Communication and Media Telecom Transport and Logistics Government Request for Sample Report @ https://www.kenresearch.com/sample-report.php?Frmdetails=NTYxNDE1 Key Target Audience Data Center Industry Cloud Services Industry Data Center Manufacturing Companies Data Center Operators Cloud Services Operators Co-Location Providers Uptime ranking association Telecom Industry IT/ITes Industry Government Sector Retail Sector Transport and Logistics Companies Time Period Captured in the Report: Historical Period: 2016 - 2021 2016 2021 Forecast Period: 20212026F Companies Covered:- Data Center Market Nournet Detasad Mobily STC Salam Gulf Data Hub Nournet DetaSad Go DC Gateway Gulf Nashirnet Cloud Service Market STC SITE Mobily Zain SAP Edarat Detasad Oracle Key Topics Covered in the Report:- KSA Data Center and Cloud Services Market Current vs Future Overview Cross Comparison of Data Center Market in KSA with Other Countries Supply Side Ecosystem of KSA Data Center and Cloud Services Market Demand Side Ecosystem of KSA Data Center and Cloud Services Market Government Regulations for the KSA Data Center and Cloud Services Market Enablers and Growth Drivers in KSA Data Center Market Major Challenges and Bottlenecks in KSA Data Center Market Market Positioning Analysis of Data center and Cloud Service Providers Cloud Services Delivery Model End User Analysis of KSA Data Center and Cloud Services Market For more information on the research report, refer to below link:- KSA Data Center and Cloud Services Market Outlook to 2026F Related Reports:- UAE Data Center and Cloud Services Market Outlook to 2026F Driven by Rapid Digital Penetration along with Increasing Investments to meet the Rising Demand for Data Storage and Cloud Services UAE Data Centre industry is witnessing robust growth in the era of virtualization and cloud computing. The increased use of data consumption and internet bandwidth in the country is driven by expanding reach of social media, increased use of smart devices, data localization, increased adoption of cloud services and digital transformation journeys of many UAE Data Center companies. UAE Data Center is highly fragmented market with Etisalat as the top player with most number of data centers. Majority of the Data Center operators are in collaborative terms with other market players to expand their business and reach to the rising demand of data usage by end users. UAE Data Center Market is set to grow at a CAGR of 18.4% in terms of revenue generation, over the period 2021-2026F. The UAE governments smart city initiatives, adoption of 5G, Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI) are driving the demand for Data Centers. India Data Center and Cloud Services Market Outlook to 2025- Favorable Government Support and Data Localization Leading To Surge in Data Center Adoption The India data center market was observed to grow with a stable growth pattern in the review period 2014-2020P. Factors such as data localization law, governments digitization drive, rapid movement from cloud computing to the edge computing surge in outsourcing of data center services and others have helped the data center industry to grow in India in terms of revenue. Indonesia Data Center and Cloud Services Market Outlook to 2024 - Implementation of Data Localization Law Leading To Surge in Localized Data Center Revenue The Indonesia data center market was observed to grow with a stable growth pattern in the review period 2014-2019. Factors such as governments data localization law, adoption of AI, IoT & big data, rising e-commerce and SME industry, rising demand for the local data centers and others have helped the data center industry to grow in Indonesia in terms of revenue. Follow Us:- LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube Contact Us:- Ken Research Ankur Gupta, Head Marketing & Communications support@kenresearch.com +91-9015378249 Dublin, July 21, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Industrial Cleaning Chemicals Market Share, Size, Trends, Industry Analysis Report, By Ingredients Type; By Product Type; By Application; By Region; Segment Forecast, 2022 - 2030" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global industrial cleaning chemicals market size is expected to reach USD 73.55 billion by 2030 The key factors that boost the growth include increased awareness about safety, health, and hygiene in the workplace, rapid industrialization, and the formation of various manufacturing and industrial organizations in emerging countries, which are expected to be significant drivers driving the market. The benefits are another factor propelling the market's growth as these are used to clean manufacturing facilities regularly. These substances are used to clean and maintain industrial floors for worker safety. Further, concerns about the harmful consequences of petroleum-based solvents have fueled the demand for environmentally friendly alternatives. The growing popularity of bio-based products has prompted manufacturers to adopt bio-based solvents in their production. Chemicals generated from biological sources are less hazardous and do not include volatile organic compounds in industrial and institutional cleaning. The green goods meet environmental and air quality regulations and are free of antibacterial components, lowering the possibility of bacterial resistance to antibiotics. Most products contain surfactants, which are petroleum by-products that are not readily biodegradable, resulting in pollution from household cleaning. Based on the ingredient type, the solvents segment accounted for the leading share in the market. Floor cleaners, vehicle cleaners, and industrial products all use solvents. They're also employed in the making of detergents. Humans exposed to high levels of certain solvents may develop health problems due to the substances. As a result, regulatory restrictions prohibiting the use of hazardous chemicals in direct contact applications are projected to stifle segment expansion to some extent. However, rising demand for alcohol and ether-based products in industrial cleaning applications is expected to drive product demand during the forecast period. In August 2021, Diversey Holdings, Ltd., one of the leading hygiene, infection control, and cleaning products providers, announced that it had agreed to purchase Tasman Chemicals. Furthermore, Diversey Holdings, Ltd. will expand its position in the Australia and New Zealand markets due to Tasman's solid reputation. Company Profiles 3M BASF SE Clariant SA Diversey Inc. DuPont De Numerous Inc. Ecolab Inc. Henkel AG & Co National Chemicals Laboratories Inc. Novozyme Nyco Products Company Pilot Chemicals Corp. Proctor & Gamble Reckitt Benckiser Solvay The Dow Chemicals Company Trans Gulf Industries Scope of the Report Industrial Cleaning Chemicals, Ingredients Type Outlook Surfactants Solvents Chelating Agents pH Regulators Solublizers/Hydrotropes Enzymes Industrial Cleaning Chemicals, Product Type Outlook Oven & Grill Cleaners Metal Cleaners Dishwashing General Cleaning & Medical Device Cleaning Food Cleaners Dairy Cleaners Disinfectants Commercial laundry Industrial Cleaning Chemicals, Application Outlook Manufacturing & Commercial Offices Health Care Retail & Foodservice Hospitality Automotive Aerospace Food Processing Industrial Cleaning Chemicals, Regional Outlook North America U.S. Canada Europe France Germany UK Italy Netherlands Spain Russia Asia Pacific China India Japan Malaysia South Africa Indonesia Latin America Mexico Brazil Argentina Middle East & Africa UAE Saudi Arabia Israel South Africa For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/6wqkz6 Attachment Dublin, July 21, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Microfiltration Membranes Market by Type (Fluorinated Polymers, Cellulosic, Polysulfones, Ceramic), Filtration Mode, Applications (Water Treatment, Food & beverage, Biopharmaceutical Processing, Chemical) & Region - Global Forecast to 2027" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global microfiltration membranes market size is projected to reach USD 1.8 billion by 2027 from USD 1.2 billion in 2022, at a CAGR of 8.9% The market is driven by various factors such as growing demand for clean water, water scarcity, and high-quality effluents by advanced wastewater treatment technology. Moreover, high potential in emerging economies in Asia Pacific and Middle East & Africa regions, owing to rising population and industrialization is expected to drive the market during the forecast period. Fluorinated polymers accounted for the largest share amongst other material types in the microfiltration membranes market Microfiltration membranes are broadly classified as organic (polymeric) and inorganic (ceramic) based on the material used. Polymeric membranes are the majorly commercialized membranes. Fluorinated polymers account for the largest market share of the total market. Fluorinated polymers are largely used to construct microfiltration membranes owing to their high chemical resistance and high mechanical strength. Cross Flow filtration mode segment is the largest and fastest-growing segment amongst filtration modes in the microfiltration membranes market Microfiltration membranes market is segmented into direct flow and cross-flow based on the filtration mode. In direct flow filtration mode, some particles accumulate on the membrane surface, which requires periodic cleaning to maintain membrane performance. In cross-flow filtration mode, turbulence at the membrane surface reduces the chances of fouling on the membrane surface; which increases the membrane performance. Water treatment to grow at the highest growth rate applications in the microfiltration membranes market during the forecast period Based on application, the microfiltration membranes market is segmented into four segments: water treatment, biopharmaceutical processing, food & beverage, chemical, and others. Water treatment accounts for the largest market share of microfiltration membranes market and is projected to grow at the highest growth rate during the forecast period. The growth of this segment is due to the stringent government regulations pertaining to wastewater treatment and the increasing demand for clean water. Asia Pacific is projected to grow the fastest in the microfiltration membranes market during the forecast period Asia Pacific is the largest market for microfiltration membranes. This large market share is primarily attributed to increasing demand for microfiltration membranes in emerging economies, such as China, and India, which are witnessing rising industrialization and increasing awareness about water & wastewater treatment. Moreover, government regulations pertaining to wastewater treatment and natural water resources sanitation management are expected to positively impact the microfiltration membranes market in Asia Pacific. Competitive Landscape The key players in the microfiltration membranes market include SUEZ (France), Merck KGaA (Germany), Sartorius AG (Germany), Koch Separation Solutions (US), Hydranautics (US), Pall Corporation (US), 3M (US), Pentair (UK), Asahi Kasei Corporation (Japan), and Toray Industries Inc. (Japan). These players have established a strong foothold in the market by adopting strategies, such as new product launches, investment & expansions, agreement & collaboration, and mergers & acquisitions. Premium Insights Asia-Pacific to Offer Attractive Opportunities in Microfiltration Membranes Market During Forecast Period Fluorinated Polymers to Lead Market During Forecast Period Cross Flow Segment to Grow at Higher CAGR During Forecast Period Water Treatment Segment to Lead Market During Forecast Period Market in India to Register Highest CAGR from 2022 to 2027 Market Dynamics Drivers Increasing Awareness Regarding Water & Wastewater Treatment Stringent Wastewater Regulations Selective Separation Technology Restraints Fouling to Reduce Membrane Performance High Capital Cost Opportunities Increasing Demand for Water Treatment in Developing Countries Rising Scarcity of Fresh Water Challenges Lifespan and Efficiency of Membranes Value Chain Raw Material Suppliers Membrane Manufacturers Distributors End Consumers Tariff & Regulations North America Clean Water Act (Cwa) Safe Drinking Water Act (Sdwa) Asia-Pacific Environmental Protection Law (Epl) Water Resources Law Water Pollution Prevention and Control Law Water Prevention and Control of Pollution Act Europe Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive (1991) Drinking Water Directive (1998) Water Framework Directive (2000) Technology Analysis Membrane Made with Block-Copolymer Flux Enhancement Technology Combined Crystallization and Diffusion Case Studies Suez Toray Industries, Inc. Patent Analysis Document Type Granted Patents are 11% of Total Count in Last 10 Years Publication Trends - Last 10 Years Insights Legal Status of Patents Patents' Legal Status Jurisdiction Analysis Top Jurisdiction, by Document Top Companies/Applicants Top Companies/Applicants with Highest Number of Patents List of Patents by Toray Industries List of Patents by Gen Electric List of Patents by 3M Innovative Properties Company List of Patents by Nalco Co Top 10 Patent Owners (Us) in Last 10 Years Company Profiles Alfa Laval Applied Membranes, Inc. Aquatech International LLC Asahi Kasei Evoqua Water Technologies LLC Gea Group Aktiengesellschaft Graver Technologies Hydranautics (Nitto Denko Company) Imemflo Koch Separation Solutions Kubota Corporation Lenntech B.V. Mann+Hummel Water & Fluid Solutions Merck KGaA Nilsan Nishotech Systems Private Limited Nx Filtration Pall Corporation Parker Hannifin Corporation Pentair Sartorius Ag Suez Synder Filtration The 3M Company Toray Industries Inc. Toshiba Water Solutions Private Limited For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/1npvzc Attachment Hole DSBU-10 drilled at azimuth 40 0 and a dip of -60 0 , is the highest grade, longest intersection thus far at Iska Iska and includes the highest grade Ag to date of 44.75 g Ag/t over 349.08m . Notably, 59% of the overall length of this 878.9m long hole yielded reportable intersections which collectively average 160.14 g Ag eq/t . and a dip of -60 , is the highest grade, longest intersection thus far at Iska Iska and includes the highest grade Ag to date of over . Notably, of the overall length of this 878.9m long hole yielded reportable intersections which collectively average . Hole DHK-24, collared at surface near Huayra Kasa approximately 100m SE of Hole DSBU-10 and drilled to the SW at -60 0 intersected multiple intersections including 114.62 g Ag/t (17.89 g Ag/t, 0.04 g Au/t, 1.58% Zn, 0.62% Pb and 0.05% Sn) over 112.91m , 84.31 g Ag eq/t (2.61 g Ag/t, 0.10 g Au/t, 1.22% Zn and 0.21% Pb) over 162.48m , 120.0 g Ag eq/t (5.51 g Ag/t, 0.09 g Au/t, 1.71 %Zn and 0.34%Pb) over 65.73m and 110.91 g Ag eq/t (43.67 g Ag/t, 0.07 g Au/t, 0.35% Zn, and 0.10 % Sn) over 177.86m . Notably, 62% of the overall length of this 926.3m long hole yielded reportable intersections which collectively average 110.70 g Ag eq/t . The major feeder zone at Santa Barbara remains open to the southeast where further drilling is now in progress. Note that metal prices for the Ag equivalent calculation have been updated to reflect current metal prices. intersected multiple intersections including TORONTO, July 21, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Eloro Resources Ltd. (TSX-V: ELO; OTCQX: ELRRF; FSE: P2QM) (Eloro, or the Company) is pleased to announce assay results from two (2) additional diamond drill holes from its on-going drilling program at the Iska Iska silver-tin polymetallic project in the Potosi Department, southern Bolivia. Hole DSBU-10 is an underground hole drilled at azimuth 400 at -600 dip across the higher-grade feeder zone. Hole DHK-24 is a surface drill hole collared near Huayra Kasa approximately 100m SE of Hole DSBU-10 and drilled to the SW at -600. Four drills including three surface drills and one underground drill are focussed on completing drilling in the Santa Barbara Resource Definition Drilling Area. A fourth surface drill has been added to further expand drilling capacity. Overall, the Company has completed 64,573m in 102 drill holes to-date at Iska Iska, including four holes in progress, as shown in Figure 1. Tables 1 and 2 list significant assay results for the two drill holes reported and Figure 2 is a geological cross section. Prices used for calculating Ag equivalent grades have been updated to current metal prices as noted below. Table 3 summarizes drill holes with assays pending. Highlights are as follows: Santa Barbara Mineral Resource Definition Target Area Surface Drilling Significant results are as follows: 188.64 g Ag eq/t (44.75 g Ag/t, 0.08 g Au/t, 1.05% Zn, 0.76% Pb and 0.14% Sn) over 349.08m from 0.0 to 349.08m in underground hole DSBU-10 in the core of feeder zone in the Santa Barbara Target Area Notably, 59% of the overall length of this 878.9m long hole yielded reportable intersections which collectively average 160.14 g Ag eq/t . from 0.0 to 349.08m in underground hole DSBU-10 in the core of feeder zone in the Santa Barbara Target Area Hole DHK-24, collared at surface near Huayra Kasa approximately 100m SE of Hole DSBU-10 and drilled to the SW at -60 0 intersected multiple intersections including; 114.62 g Ag/t (17.89 g Ag/t, 0.04 g Au/t, 1.58% Zn, 0.62% Pb and 0.05% Sn) over 112.91m from 22.01 to 134.92m, including a higher-grade portion of 226.05 g Ag/t (26.25 g Ag/t, 2.74% Zn and 0.95% Pb) over 52.86m from 64.12m to 116.98m 84.31 g Ag eq/t (2.61 g Ag/t, 0.10 g Au/t, 1.22% Zn and 0.21% Pb) over 162.48m from 143.88 to 306.36m 120.0 g Ag eq/t (5.51 g Ag/t, 0.09 g Au/t, 1.71 %Zn and 0.34%Pb) over 65.73m from 395.30m to 461.03m including a higher-grade portion of 299.92 g Ag eq/t (17.19 g Ag/t, 0.31 g Au/t, 4.34% Zn and 0.59% Pb) over 17.06m from 414.84 to 431.90m 110.91 g Ag eq/t (43.67 g Ag/t, 0.07 g Au/t, 0.35% Zn, and 0.10 % Sn) over 177.86m from 546.78m to 724.64m including higher-grade portions of 967.90 g Ag eq/t (764.26 g Ag/t, 1.03 g Au/t, 0.34% Zn, 0.20% Pb, 0.09% Cu and 0.10% Sn) over 7.57m from 549.82m to 557.39m 183.56 g Ag eq/t (81.68 g Ag/t, 0.34% Zn and 0.21% Sn) over 7.54m from 635.69m to 643.23m and 221.65 g Ag eq/t (20.34 g Ag/t, 0.81% Zn, 0.15% Pb and 0.39% Sn) over 12.16m from 682.30m to 694.46m Notably, 62% of the overall length of this 926.3m long hole yielded reportable intersections which collectively average 110.70 g Ag eq/t . intersected multiple intersections including; Tom Larsen, CEO of Eloro said: These are the best drilling results to date at Iska Iska, even with the discounted metal prices being quoted in comparison to higher values used for previous silver equivalent drill hole results. The significance of DSBU-10 and DHK-24 both drilled at -60 degrees further strengthens our geological belief that there is major tonnage potential in this feeder system that further expands the already extensive initial Santa Barbara mineral resource definition target area currently being drilled. Dr. Bill Pearson, P.Geo. Eloros Executive Vice President, Exploration commented: We continue to get impressive results from the higher-grade feeder zone at Santa Barbara. Based on geological and geophysical evidence, it appears that this feeder zone may extend much further to the SE across the centre of the Iska Iska Caldera. We are currently completing addition drill holes to test this possibility and have added an additional drill to further accelerate the program. Table 1: Significant Results, Underground Diamond Drilling, Santa Barbara Resource Definition Target Area as at July 21, 2022: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b3f6ee24-8f39-4f6e-bb5d-7a852571ac6a Note: True width of the mineralization is not known at the present time, but based on the current understanding of the relationship between drill orientation/inclination and the mineralization within the breccia pipes and the host rocks such as sandstones and dacites, it is estimated that true width ranges between 70% and 90% of the down hole interval length but this will be confirmed by further drilling and geological modelling. Chemical symbols: Ag= silver, Au = gold, Zn = zinc, Pb = lead, Cu = copper, Sn = tin, Bi = bismuth, Cd = cadmium and g Ag eq/t = grams silver equivalent per tonne. Quantities are given in percent (%) for Zn, Pb Cu, Sn, Bi and Cd and in grams per tonne (g/t) for Ag, Au and Ag eq. Metal prices and conversion factors used for calculation of g Ag eq/t (grams Ag per grams x metal ratio) are as follows: (Prices updated as of July 21, 2022, to more accurately reflect current metal prices): Element Price $US (per kg) Ratio to Ag Ag $607.00 1.0000 Sn $23.55 0.0589 Zn $2.98 0.0046 Pb $1.92 0.0032 Au $54,932.80 79.7221 Cu $7.00 0.0134 Bi $12.76 0.0177 Cd $5.50 0.0076 In calculating the intersections reported in this press release a sample cutoff of 30 g Ag eq/t was used with generally a maximum dilution of 3 continuous samples below cutoff included within a mineralized section unless more dilution is justified geologically. The equivalent grade calculations are based on the stated metal prices and are provided for comparative purposes only, due to the polymetallic nature of the deposit. Metallurgical tests are in progress by Blue Coast Ltd. to establish levels of recovery for each element reported but currently the potential recovery for each element has not yet been established. While there is no assurance that all or any of the reported concentrations of metals will be recoverable, Bolivia has a long history of successfully mining and processing similar polymetallic deposits which is well documented in the landmark volume Yacimientos Metaliferos de Bolivia by Dr. Osvaldo R. Arce Burgoa, P.Geo. Table 2: Significant Results, Surface Diamond Drilling, Santa Barbara Resource Definition Target Area as at July 21, 2022: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e7fd6c70-9adf-4443-a732-8709e67fb979 See Note Table 1. Figure 1 Geological Plan Map showing Drilling in Santa Barbara Area with Holes referred to in this release highlighted: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/01d22763-e26d-4338-a342-dc041040e4e1 Figure 2: Geological Cross of Diamond Drill Holes DSBU-10 and DHK-24 showing Major Higher Grade Feeder Zone: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6333376b-47e5-485f-a6dc-564ad6dd358e Table 3: Summary of Diamond Drill Holes Completed with Assays Pending and Drill Holes in Progress at Iska Iska from July 21, 2022 press release: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/427b6928-b654-4a12-a8ab-c013ce0c0159 Qualified Person Dr. Osvaldo Arce, P. Geo., General Manager of Eloros Bolivian subsidiary, Minera Tupiza S.R.L., and a Qualified Person in the context of NI 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical content of this news release. Dr. Bill Pearson, P.Geo., Executive Vice President Exploration Eloro, and who has more than 45 years of worldwide mining exploration experience, including extensive work in South America, manages the overall technical program, working closely with Dr. Osvaldo Arce, P.Geo. Dr. Quinton Hennigh, P.Geo., Senior Technical Advisor to Eloro and Independent Technical Advisor, Mr. Charley Murahwi P. Geo., FAusIMM of Micon are regularly consulted on technical aspects of the project. Eloro is utilizing both ALS and AHK for drill core analysis, both of whom are major international accredited laboratories. Drill samples sent to ALS are prepared in both ALS Bolivia Ltdas preparation facility in Oruro, Bolivia and the preparation facility operated by AHK in Tupiza with pulps sent to the main ALS Global laboratory in Lima for analysis. More recently Eloro has had ALS send pulps to their laboratory at Galway in Ireland. Eloro employs an industry standard QA/QC program with standards, blanks and duplicates inserted into each batch of samples analyzed with selected check samples sent to a separate accredited laboratory. Drill core samples sent to AHK Laboratories are prepared in a preparation facility installed and managed by AHK in Tupiza with pulps sent to the AHK laboratory in Lima, Peru. Au and Sn analysis on these samples is done by ALS Bolivia Ltda in Lima. Check samples between ALS and AHK are regularly done as a QA/QC check. AHK is following the same analytical protocols used as with ALS and with the same QA/QC protocols. Turnaround time continues to improve, as laboratories return to more normal staffing levels. About Iska Iska Iska Iska silver-tin polymetallic project is a road accessible, royalty-free property, wholly controlled by the Title Holder, Empresa Minera Villegas S.R.L. and is located 48 km north of Tupiza city, in the Sud Chichas Province of the Department of Potosi in southern Bolivia. Eloro has an option to earn a 99% interest in Iska Iska. Iska Iska is a major silver-tin polymetallic porphyry-epithermal complex associated with a Miocene possibly collapsed/resurgent caldera, emplaced on Ordovician age rocks with major breccia pipes, dacitic domes and hydrothermal breccias. The caldera is 1.6km by 1.8km in dimension with a vertical extent of at least 1km. Mineralization age is similar to Cerro Rico de Potosi and other major deposits such as San Vicente, Chorolque, Tasna and Tatasi located in the same geological trend. Eloro began underground diamond drilling from the Huayra Kasa underground workings at Iska Iska on September 13, 2020. On November 18, 2020, Eloro announced the discovery of a significant breccia pipe with extensive silver polymetallic mineralization just east of the Huayra Kasa underground workings and a high-grade gold-bismuth zone in the underground workings. On November 24, 2020, Eloro announced the discovery of the SBBP approximately 150m southwest of the Huayra Kasa underground workings. Subsequently, on January 26, 2021, Eloro announced significant results from the first drilling at the SBBP including the discovery hole DHK-15 which returned 129.60 g Ag eq/t over 257.5m (29.53g Ag/t, 0.078g Au/t, 1.45%Zn, 0.59%Pb, 0.080%Cu, 0.056%Sn, 0.0022%In and 0.0064% Bi from 0.0m to 257.5m. Subsequent drilling has confirmed significant values of Ag-Sn polymetallic mineralization in the SBBP and the adjacent CBP. A substantive mineralized envelope which is open along strike and down-dip extends around both major breccia pipes. Continuous channel sampling of the Santa Barbara Adit located to the east of SBBP returned 442 g Ag eq/t (164.96 g Ag/t, 0.46%Sn, 3.46% Pb and 0.14% Cu) over 166m including 1,092 g Ag eq/t (446 g Ag/t, 9.03% Pb and 1.16% Sn) over 56.19m. The west end of the adit intersects the end of the SBBP. Since the initial discovery hole, Eloro has released a number of significant drill results in the SBBP and the surrounding mineralized envelope which along with geophysical data has defined a target zone 1400m along strike, 500m wide and that extends to a depth of 600m. This zone is open along strike to the northwest and southeast as well as to the southwest. The Companys nearer term objective is to outline a maiden NI 43-101 compliant mineral resource within this large target area. This work is advancing well with the mineral resource targeted to be completed in Q3 2022. Exploration drilling is also planned on other major targets in the Iska Iska Caldera Complex, including the Porco and Mina 2 areas. About Eloro Resources Ltd. Eloro is an exploration and mine development company with a portfolio of gold and base-metal properties in Bolivia, Peru and Quebec. Eloro has an option to acquire a 99% interest in the highly prospective Iska Iska Property, which can be classified as a polymetallic epithermal-porphyry complex, a significant mineral deposit type in the Potosi Department, in southern Bolivia. A recent NI 43-101 Technical Report on Iska Iska, which was completed by Micon International Limited, is available on Eloros website and under its filings on SEDAR. Iska Iska is a road-accessible, royalty-free property. Eloro also owns an 82% interest in the La Victoria Gold/Silver Project, located in the North-Central Mineral Belt of Peru some 50 km south of Barricks Lagunas Norte Gold Mine and Pan American Silvers La Arena Gold Mine. La Victoria consists of eight mining concessions and eight mining claims encompassing approximately 89 square kilometres. La Victoria has good infrastructure with access to road, water and electricity and is located at an altitude that ranges from 3,150 m to 4,400 m above sea level. For further information please contact either Thomas G. Larsen, Chairman and CEO or Jorge Estepa, Vice-President at (416) 868-9168. Information in this news release may contain forward-looking information. Statements containing forward-looking information express, as at the date of this news release, the Companys plans, estimates, forecasts, projections, expectations, or beliefs as to future events or results and are believed to be reasonable based on information currently available to the Company. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate. Actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. 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. English Icelandic Islandsbanki will publish its second quarter 2022 financial results after market close on 28 July 2022. An earnings conference call and webcast will take place on Friday 29 July at 8.30 Reykjavik/GMT, 9.30 London/BST, 10.30 CET The Bank will host a virtual meeting in English for investors and market participants on Friday 29 July at 8.30 GMT. Birna Einarsdottir, CEO, and Jon Guni Omarsson, CFO, will give an overview of the second quarter financial results and operational highlights. Participant registration is accessible via this link . A recording will be available after the meeting on the Investor Relations website. To participate in the webcast via telephone and in order to be able to ask questions please use the following dial-in details and ask to join Islandsbanki's 2Q22 call (no pin code necessary): Iceland: +44 1 212 818 004 Denmark: +45 327 275 25 Sweden: +46 8 505 100 30 Norway: +47 210 358 72, participants have to press *0 to join the call United Kingdom: +44 1 212 818 004 United States: +1 718 705 8796 Investor relations For further information please contact Investor Relations at ir@islandsbanki.is Islandsbanki IR releases If you wish to receive Islandsbanki press releases by e-mail please register at: https://www.islandsbanki.is/en/article/email_list_ir About Islandsbanki With a history that dates from 1875, Islandsbanki is an Icelandic universal bank with a strong customer focus. The Bank believes in moving Iceland forward by empowering its customers to succeed - reflecting a commitment to run a solid business that is a force for good in society. Driven by the ambition to be #1 for service, Islandsbankis banking model is led by three business divisions that build and manage relationships with its customers. Islandsbanki maintains a strong market share with the most efficient branch network in the country, supporting at the same time its customers move to more digital services. The Bank operates in a highly attractive market and, with its technically strong foundations and robust balance sheet, is well positioned for the opportunities that lie ahead. Islandsbanki has a BBB/A-2 rating from S&P Global Ratings. The Banks shares are listed on Nasdaq Iceland Main Market. New York, July 21, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "Acrylic Polymer Market Research Report by Type, Application, Region - Global Forecast to 2027 - Cumulative Impact of COVID-19" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p06307931/?utm_source=GNW The Global Acrylic Polymer Market size was estimated at USD 439.37 million in 2021 and expected to reach USD 467.84 million in 2022, and is projected to grow at a CAGR 6.73% to reach USD 649.63 million by 2027. Market Statistics: The report provides market sizing and forecast across 7 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 Acrylic Polymer to forecast the revenues and analyze the trends in each of the following sub-markets: Based on Type, the market was studied across Acrylic Derivative Polymers, Polyacrylic Acid, and Polymethylacrylic Acid. Based on Application, the market was studied across Biomedical Materials, Instant Adhesive, and Thickeners. 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 Acrylic Polymer 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 Acrylic Polymer 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 Acrylic Polymer Market, including Anhui Newman Fine Chemicals Co., Ltd., Anshika Polysurf Limited, Arkema S.A, Ashland Global Specialty Chemicals, Inc., BASF SE, Chemipol S.A, DOW Inc., Gellner Industrial LLC, Kamsons Chemicals Pvt. Ltd., Lubrizol Corporation, Maxwell Additives Pvt. Ltd., MCTRON Technologies, Michelman, Inc., NIPPON SHOKUBAI CO. LTD., Nouryon B.V., Protex International S.A, Shanghai Baolijia Chemical Co., Ltd., Solvay S.A, STI Polymer Inc., Sumitomo Seika Chemicals Company, Ltd., Toagosei Co., Ltd., and Weifang Ruiguang Chemical Co.,Ltd.. 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 Acrylic Polymer Market? 2. What are the inhibiting factors and impact of COVID-19 shaping the Global Acrylic Polymer Market during the forecast period? 3. Which are the products/segments/applications/areas to invest in over the forecast period in the Global Acrylic Polymer Market? 4. What is the competitive strategic window for opportunities in the Global Acrylic Polymer Market? 5. What are the technology trends and regulatory frameworks in the Global Acrylic Polymer Market? 6. What is the market share of the leading vendors in the Global Acrylic Polymer Market? 7. What modes and strategic moves are considered suitable for entering the Global Acrylic Polymer Market? Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p06307931/?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. __________________________ Dublin, July 21, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "US Medical Imaging Lens Market (2022-2027) by Product Application, Functional Application, End-Users, Competitive Analysis and the Impact of Covid-19 with Ansoff Analysis" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The US Medical Imaging Lens Market is estimated to be USD 90.7725 Mn in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 131.96 Mn by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 7.77%. Market dynamics are forces that impact the prices and behaviors of the US Medical Imaging Lens 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 Some of the companies covered in this report are Canon Inc, Edmund Optics, Excelitas Technologies Corp, Fujifilm Holdings Corp, Leica Microsystems, National Instruments, Navitar, Nikon Instruments Inc, Olympus Corp, Panasonic Corp, etc. 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. 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 US Medical Imaging Lens 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 US Medical Imaging Lens 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. Market Dynamics Drivers Growing Adoption of Invasive Surgeries to Fuel Medical Imaging Lens Market Incorporation of New Technology in Medical Equipment Restraints Growth of Medical Imaging will Hamper due to Poor Infrastructure Opportunities Increasing Inclination of Patients Toward Invasive Surgeries Surge in the Use of Medical Cameras and Microscopes for Neurosurgeries and Ophthalmology Challenges High Cost of Medical Imaging Lens Market Segmentations By Product Application, the market is classified into Fiber Scope Couplers, Endoscope Couplers, Medical X-Ray Scanning, Diagnostics Camera Hand Pieces, and Others. the market is classified into Fiber Scope Couplers, Endoscope Couplers, Medical X-Ray Scanning, Diagnostics Camera Hand Pieces, and Others. By Fuctional Application, the market is classified into Pathological Imaging and Intra-Operative Imaging. the market is classified into Pathological Imaging and Intra-Operative Imaging. By End-Users, the market is classified into Hospitals & Clinics, Research Laboratories, and Pharmaceutical Industry. Report Highlights: A complete analysis of the market, including parent industry Important market dynamics and trends Market segmentation Historical, current, and projected size of the market based on value and volume Market shares and strategies of key players Recommendations to companies for strengthening their foothold in the market Companies Mentioned Canon Inc Edmund Optics Excelitas Technologies Corp Fujifilm Holdings Corp Leica Microsystems National Instruments Navitar Nikon Instruments Inc Olympus Corp Panasonic Corp For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/sk6o87 Attachment English French MONTREAL, July 21, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Midland Exploration Inc. (Midland) (TSX-V: MD) is pleased to announce a one-year extension of the Generative Phase (Phase I), as well as additional funding of up to $1,400,000 under the Strategic Alliance (the Alliance) executed in August 2020 between Midland, its wholly owned subsidiary, Midland Base Metals Inc., and Rio Algom Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of BHP Group plc (BHP). This agreement provided for the initial funding, by BHP, of a phase of generative exploration work to be eventually followed by the joint development of nickel exploration projects across Nunavik, Quebec (for more details on this agreement, see press release by Midland dated August 24, 2020). Extension and $1.4 million additional funding for the Generative Phase (Phase I) until August 2023 Under the initial agreement executed in August 2020, during the Generative Phase (Phase I), BHP agreed to fund 100% of an annual amount of up to $1,400,000 for a minimum of two years until August 21, 2022. This one-year extension of the Generative Phase (Phase I) comes with an additional annual funding of up to $1,400,000 and extends until August 21, 2023. Midland will continue to act as the project operator, and the main objective of this phase is to generate, identify and secure, within the area of interest (AOI), exploration projects to be advanced to a drill-ready stage through further exploration work. BHP may, at its discretion, propose additional exploration work of up to $700,000 before advancing a project to the second phase. Following the first phase, one or more specific exploration targets may be advanced to a second phase, to be further developed as a separate designated project (a Designated Project). The main objective of the Alliance is to identify, test and develop high-quality exploration targets that may lead to the discovery of new major nickel deposits within the AOI. BHP and Midland are combining their efforts by forming a technical steering committee and pooling their large historical databases combining geological, geophysical and geochemical data. Exploration work in progress Since mid-June 2022, a major exploration program is underway within the AOI, consisting of regional magnetotelluric (MT) surveys as well as prospecting, mapping, geochemical sampling and geochronological sampling. This work is expected to be completed by mid-August and will be followed, at the end of August, by a second phase of fieldwork to evaluate features of interest identified during the MT survey. About Midland Midland targets the excellent mineral potential of Quebec to make the discovery of new world-class deposits of gold, platinum group elements and base metals. Midland is proud to count on reputable partners such as BHP, Rio Tinto Exploration Canada Inc., Probe Metals Inc., Wallbridge Mining Company Ltd., Agnico Eagle Mines Limited, SOQUEM INC., Osisko Development Corp., Nunavik Mineral Exploration Fund and Abcourt Mines Inc. Midland prefers to work in partnership and intends to quickly conclude additional agreements in regard to newly acquired properties. Management is currently reviewing other opportunities and projects to build up Midland portfolio and generate shareholder value. This press release was reviewed and approved by Mario Masson. P.Geo., VP Exploration for Midland and Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101, who also approved the technical content of this press release. For further information, please consult Midlands website or contact: Gino Roger, President and Chief Executive Officer Tel.: 450 420-5977 Fax: 450 420-5978 Email: info@midlandexploration.com Website: www.midlandexploration.com Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-looking Information This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (together, forward-looking statements) within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements include the funding under the Generative Phase, the advancement of a project to the Testing Phase, the expenditure amount under the Testing Phase, the payment of success fees to Midland, the advancement of a project to the Joint Venture Phase and other estimates and statements that describe Midlands future plans, objectives or goals, including words to the effect that Midland or management expects a stated condition or result to occur. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve 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 statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements include, without limitation, certain rights of BHP to cease funding under the Alliance, the results of exploration in the AOI, the ability of Midland to contribute funding to maintain its interests in Designated Projects, the ability of Midland to fund its contributions under a joint venture, if formed, or have any participating interest diluted, changes in general economic conditions and conditions in the financial markets, changes in demand and prices for minerals, failure to obtain the requisite permits and approvals from government bodies and third parties, regulatory and governmental policy changes (laws and policies) and those risks set out in Midlands public documents, including in each management discussion and analysis, filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Although Midland believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on these statements, which only apply as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed times frames or at all. Except where required by applicable law, Midland disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. A figure accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/91e5cfd4-25b2-4c8c-b008-7bcbd0825a7f TORONTO, July 21, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Petrolympic Ltd. (TSX.V: PCQ) (OTC: PCQRF) (the Company) is pleased to announce recent assay results following the drilling of seven (7) diamonds drill holes totaling 1,092 meters on the southern block of the Belcourt Property in Abitibi, Quebec (the Property).The Property is located in a favourable geological context for gold and base-metal mineralization within felsic to intermediate volcanic rocks underlain by an important structural corridor, and is surrounded by numerous precious and base metal deposits. The objective of this drilling campaign was to validate some auriferous intersections previously obtained by Placer Dome Inc. in the Belcourt South block of the Property, including the possible extension of a showing presenting 30 g/t Au over 0.4 m. All the drill holes have intersected mineralized structures some with very significant gold intersections. Five (5) drill holes were completed to verify the lateral and depth extension of two (2) auriferous mineralized zones. The other two (2) drill holes aimed at verifying IP (Induced Polarity) Resistivity anomalies potentially corresponding to mineralized shear zones. Cross-sections of the drill hole results are presented in Appendix. Most of these diamond drill holes intersected gold-bearing structures coinciding with IP anomalies and returned auriferous intersections over widths up to 5.4 m. Results obtained during this first drilling program confirmed the potential of finding new mineralized structures on this large property. The most significant intersections were: BE-22-01: 1.49 g/t Au over 5.4 m (including 7.02 g/t Au over 0.9 m) in Zone 2; in Zone 2; BE-22-02: 0.71 g/t Au over 3 m (including 1.43 g/t Au over 1 m) in Zone 2; in Zone 2; BE-22-04: 2.2 g/t Au over 1.3 m and 3.13 g/t Au over 3 m (including 7.29 g/t Au over 1 m) in Zone 1; in Zone 1; BE-22-05: 0.97 g/t Au over 1 m and 0.22 g/t Au over 1 m in Zone 2; in Zone 2; BE-22-06: 6.5 g/t Au over 0.5 m and 1.3 g/t Au over 2.5 m in Zone 1 and 1.3 g/t Au over 2.0 m in Zone 2. The Property is located within the Uniacke Deformation Corridor and the Manneville Fault metallotect. It is surrounded by several gold mineralizations including (see map below): Heva-Cadillac owned by Golden Valley Mines and Eldorado Gold; Jolin, Thibodeau and Esteville owned by Pershimex Resources; McKenzie Break owned by Monarch Mining Corp. In the latter, a resource estimate was completed by Geologica and GoldMinds in February 2021 (available on SEDAR) with Indicated Resources of 1.8 Mtonnes at 2.48 g/t Au (146,000 ounces of gold) and Inferred Resources of 3.3 Mtonnes at 2.34 g/t Au (250,500 ounces of gold). Figure 1: Location of the gold occurrences in the Belcourt Property and its immediate vicinity: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/923ad0d4-31db-4a64-9352-a4714f07b8dd Future work The gold occurrences reported in the present press release, the favourable geological context and the gold and base-metals mineralizations discovered in the vicinity (see above) support further exploration efforts in the Belcourt Property. The program that is currently being developed will include a high-definition heliborne magnetometric survey followed by biogeochemical, prospection, mapping and sampling surveys on selected priority areas. Then diamond drilling will test the most promising targets and the depth and lateral extension of the known mineralized auriferous zones as well as significant geological, geophysical and geochemical anomalies. Figure 2: Local Surface Plan with 2022 drill holes. https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b0ab6b53-6b9a-4570-a02f-132315d69f25 Figure 3: Cross-section locating the results of five drill holes verifying the lateral and depth extensions of two auriferous mineralized zones. https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b9483b35-06dd-423c-80cd-547e88b8afd5 Figure 4: Cross-section locating the results of two drill holes verifying IP Resistivity anomalies. https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1a1b5257-6368-445b-bdee-57859a879b2e QA/AC and Core Sampling Protocols All drill core samples were collected under the supervision of Geologicas employees. Drill cores were transported from the drill platform to the logging facility where they were logged, photographed and split by diamond saw prior to being sampled. Samples were then bagged with duplicates, blanks and certified reference materials were inserted at regular intervals. Groups of samples were placed in large bags, sealed with numbered tags in order to maintain a chain-of-custody, and transported to Bourlamaque Assay Laboratory, Val-d'Or, Quebec. Procedures for routine fire assaying are to initially crush the entire sample to 10 mesh, then a 300 g sub-sample is split and pulverized to 95 % 150 mesh, and a 30 g sub-sample is fire assayed using standard industry procedures, with the gold content determined by Atomic Absorption (AA) spectrometry. Each sample is then assayed by Fire Assay and AA Finish, where values reporting 10 ppm Au are repeated by Fire Assay with a Gravimetric Finish upper reporting limit of 100 g/t Au. Qualified Person Mr. Alain-Jean Beauregard, B. Sc., P. Geo. (OGQ #227) is the Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information in this press release. For further information please contact: Mendel Ekstein President Tel. 845-656-0184 Fax 845-231-6665 82 Richmond St East Toronto, ON M5C 1P1 This news release contains information about adjacent properties on which the Company has no right to explore or mine. Readers are cautioned that mineral deposits on adjacent properties are not indicative of mineral deposits on the Company's properties. NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATIONS SERVICES PROVIDER HAVE REVIEWED OR ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE. CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION Certain information contained or incorporated by reference in this press release, including any information regarding the proposed acquisition, constitutes "forward-looking statements." All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are to be considered forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based on a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, geological and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance. Known and unknown factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Such factors include but are not limited to: economic and global market impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, fluctuations in market prices, exploration and exploitation successes, continued availability of capital and financing, changes in national and local government legislation, taxation, controls, regulations, expropriation or nationalization of property and general political, economic, market or business conditions. Many of these uncertainties and contingencies can affect our actual results and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements made by, or on behalf of, us. Readers are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and, therefore, readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such uncertainties. All of the forward-looking statements made in this press release, or incorporated by reference, are qualified by these cautionary statements. We do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements. Dublin, July 21, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "ECG Patch and Holter Monitor Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report by Product (ECG Patch, Holter Monitors), by Application, by End Use, by Region, and Segment Forecasts, 2022-2030" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global ECG patch and holter monitor market size is expected to reach USD 4.8 billion by 2030. It is expected to expand at a CAGR of 19.16% from 2022 to 2030. The Growing prevalence of cardiac arrhythmia, increasing demand for ambulatory monitoring devices, and technological advancements are likely to drive the market during the forecast period. Recent technologies in ECG patch and Holter monitor market include ECG chip, which can be inserted in the body to record heart rhythms for a long duration; ECG data management solutions; and telemetry. ECG patch and Holter monitor are also used in noncardiology departments, such as electrophysiology labs and nursing & emergency departments, as well as management of respiratory disorders. Initiatives such as the Door-to-Balloon (D2B) time by the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and "Mission: Lifeline" by AHA are expected to drive demand for wireless solutions and 12-lead ECG devices. COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in high burden on public health and health care delivery globally. The disease has major effects on cardiovascular system. A wide range of arrhythmias have been reported in patients, which complicate the course of COVID-19 due to the associated treatments. Due to the redistribution of health care resources, access to emergency services, such as reperfusion therapy, may be affected, based on severity of the diseases at a local level. Apart from obtaining EUA for innovative products, the market also witnessed strategies such as mergers & acquisitions focused on strengthening solutions offerings, including connected care and remote patient monitoring due to their increased demand during the COVID-19 pandemic. Acquisitions made by Philips of BioTelemetry in December 2020 and Capsule Technologies, Inc. in January 2021 are a few such events. ECG Patch and Holter Monitor Market Report Highlights In terms of product, the ECG patch segment held the largest share in 2021 and is expected to register the fastest growth over the forecast period. Acquisitions and partnerships & collaborations between device manufacturers & management service providers to facilitate better exchange of information are anticipated to boost market growth by simplifying ECG workflow and reducing complexity associated with custom integration. On the basis of application, the diagnostics segment dominated the market in 2021. However, the monitoring segment is expected to register the fastest growth over the forecast period. The manufacturers are engaging in activities such as mergers & acquisitions to strengthen their monitoring solutions portfolio in the market. In November 2021, Philips acquired Cardiologs, a French medical technology company. The acquisition will help the company make use of Cardiologs' artificial intelligence model that can interpret data from various monitoring devices. Key Topics Covered: Chapter 1 Methodology and Scope Chapter 2 Executive Summary Chapter 3 Market Variables, Trends & Scope 3.1 Market Lineage Outlook 3.1.1 Parent market outlook 3.1.2 Related/Ancillary Market Outlook 3.2 Market Dynamics 3.2.1 Market Driver Analysis 3.2.1.1 Growing prevalence of cardiac arrythmia 3.2.1.2 Increasing demand for ambulatory monitoring Devices 3.2.1.3 Rising geriatric population 3.2.1.4 Technological advancements 3.2.2 Market Restraint Analysis 3.2.2.1 High cost and longer turnaround time (TAT) 3.2.2.2 Lack of supportive reimbursement policies 3.2.2.3 False-negative and false-positive results 3.3 ECG Patch and PorTable Holter: Market Analysis Tools 3.3.1 Industry Analysis-Porter's Five Forces Analysis 3.3.1.1 Bargaining power of buyers: Low 3.3.1.2 Bargaining power of suppliers: High 3.3.1.3 Competitive rivalry: High 3.3.1.4 Threat of new entrants: Low 3.3.1.5 Threat of substitutes: Moderate 3.3.2 PESTEL Analysis 3.3.2.1 Political & legal 3.3.2.2 Social & economic 3.3.2.3 Technological 3.4 Major Deals and Strategic Alliances Analysis 3.4.1 Mergers & Acquisitions 3.4.2 Partnerships 3.5 Penetration & Growth Prospect Mapping 3.5.1 Analysis 3.6 Qualitative Analysis: Distribution Channels of ECG Patch and Holter Monitors Market 3.6.1 List of Key Distributors 3.6.1.1 North America 3.6.1.2 Europe 3.6.1.3 Asia Pacific 3.6.1.4 Latin America 3.6.1.5 Middle East & Africa 3.7 ECG Patch and Holter Monitor Market: Pricing Analysis 3.8 Regulatory Scenario: ECG Patch and Holter Monitor Market 3.9 Qualitative Analysis: COVID-19 Impact on ECG Patch and Holter Monitor Market Chapter 4 ECG Patch and Holter Monitor Market: Product Analysis 4.1 ECG Patch and Holter Monitor Market Share Analysis, 2021 & 2030 4.2 Segment Dashboard 4.3 Market Size & Forecasts and Trend Analysis, 2017 to 2030 for the Product 4.3.1 ECG Patch 4.3.1.1 ECG patch market, 2017-2030 (USD Million) 4.3.2 Holter Monitor 4.3.2.1 Holter Monitor market, 2017-2030 (USD Million) Chapter 5 ECG Patch and Holter Monitor Market: Application Analysis 5.1 ECG Patch and Holter Monitor Application Market Share Analysis, 2021 & 2030 5.2 Segment Dashboard 5.3 Market Size & Forecasts and Trend Analysis, 2017 to 2030 for the Application 5.3.1 Diagnostics 5.3.1.1 Diagnostics market, 2017-2030 (USD Million) 5.3.2 Monitoring 5.3.2.1 Monitoring market, 2017-2030 (USD Million) Chapter 6 ECG Patch and Holter Monitor Market: End Use Analysis 6.1 ECG Patch and Holter Monitor by End Use Market Share Analysis, 2021 & 2030 6.2 Segment Dashboard 6.3 Market Size & Forecasts and Trend Analysis, 2017 to 2030 for the End-use 6.3.1 Hospitals & Clinics 6.3.1.1 Hospitals & clinics market, 2017-2030 (USD Million) 6.3.2 Ambulatory Facilities 6.3.2.1 Ambulatory facilities market, 2017-2030 (USD Million) 6.3.3 Others 6.3.3.1 Others market, 2017-2030 (USD Million) Chapter 7 ECG Patch and Holter Monitors Market: Regional Analysis Chapter 8 Competitive Analysis 8.1 Recent Developments & Impact Analysis, by Key Market Participants 8.2 Company/Competition Categorization 8.3 Company Market Position Analysis 8.4 Company Profiles 8.4.1 Nissha Medical Technologies (Vermed) 8.4.1.1 Company overview 8.4.1.2 Financial performance 8.4.1.3 Product benchmarking 8.4.1.4 Strategic initiatives 8.4.2 Medtronic PLC 8.4.2.1 Company overview 8.4.2.2 Financial performance 8.4.2.3 Product benchmarking 8.4.2.4 Strategic initiatives 8.4.3 Hill-Rom Services, Inc. 8.4.3.1 Company overview 8.4.3.2 Financial performance 8.4.3.3 Product benchmarking 8.4.3.4 Strategic initiatives 8.4.4 iRhythm Technologies, Inc. 8.4.4.1 Company overview 8.4.4.2 Financial performance 8.4.4.3 Product benchmarking 8.4.4.4 Strategic initiatives 8.4.5 Nihon Kohden Corporation 8.4.5.1 Company overview 8.4.5.2 Financial performance 8.4.5.3 Product benchmarking 8.4.5.4 Strategic initiatives 8.4.6 Koninklijke Philips N.V. 8.4.6.1 Company overview 8.4.6.2 Financial performance 8.4.6.3 Product benchmarking 8.4.6.4 Strategic initiatives 8.4.7 GE Healthcare 8.4.7.1 Company overview 8.4.7.2 Financial performance 8.4.7.3 Product benchmarking 8.4.7.4 Strategic initiatives 8.4.8 FU.K.UDA DENSHI CO., LTD. 8.4.8.1 Company overview 8.4.8.2 Financial performance 8.4.8.3 Product benchmarking 8.4.9 Spacelabs Healthcare (Subsidiary Of OSI Systems, Inc.) 8.4.9.1 Company overview 8.4.9.2 Financial performance 8.4.9.3 Product benchmarking 8.4.10 Alivecor, Inc. 8.4.10.1 Company overview 8.4.10.2 Financial performance 8.4.10.3 Product benchmarking 8.4.10.4 Strategic initiatives 8.4.11 Cardiac Insight Inc. 8.4.11.1 Company overview 8.4.11.2 Financial performance 8.4.11.3 Product benchmarking 8.4.11.4 Strategic initiatives 8.4.12 VitalConnect 8.4.12.1 Company overview 8.4.12.2 Financial performance 8.4.12.3 Product benchmarking 8.4.12.4 Strategic initiatives 8.4.13 LifeSignals, Inc. 8.4.13.1 Company overview 8.4.13.2 Financial performance 8.4.13.3 Product benchmarking 8.4.13.4 Strategic initiatives 8.4.14 Bardy Diagnostics, Inc. 8.4.14.1 Company overview 8.4.14.2 Financial performance 8.4.14.3 Product benchmarking 8.4.14.4 Strategic initiatives 8.4.15 Nasiff Associates, Inc. 8.4.15.1 Company overview 8.4.15.2 Financial performance 8.4.15.3 Product benchmarking 8.4.15.4 Strategic initiatives 8.4.16 Midmark Corporation 8.4.16.1 Company overview 8.4.16.2 Financial performance 8.4.16.3 Product benchmarking 8.4.16.4 Strategic initiatives 8.4.17 Lief Therapeutics, Inc. 8.4.17.1 Company overview 8.4.17.2 Product benchmarking 8.4.17.3 Strategic initiatives 8.4.18 Schiller AG 8.4.18.1 Company overview 8.4.18.2 Financial performance 8.4.18.3 Product benchmarking 8.4.18.4 Strategic initiatives Chapter 9 Recommendations For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/vx97z1 Attachment New York, July 21, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "Automotive Memory Market Forecast to 2028 - COVID-19 Impact and Global Analysis By Component, Application and Geography" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p06295649/?utm_source=GNW Most modern vehicles are fitted with various electronic devices, including those for telematics. The automotive market is witnessing a surging demand for on-board telematics.It is partly fuelled by several government regulations requiring the same. Such demand for telematics also promotes the adoption of IoT-enabled devices in vehicles.Automotive manufacturers fit their vehicles with cutting-edge technologies such as advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and predictive and self-intelligence systems. All of these functions necessitate the use of an automotive microcontroller. Memory is built into automotive microcontrollers for data storage and transport, and the growing demand for such features contributes to an increase in the need for automotive memory. These factors collectively drive the growth of the automotive memory market size globally. Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Automotive Memory Market Growth The pandemic has wreaked havoc on various industry verticals regarding business and operational factors, including the worldwide automotive memory market players.Countries worldwide announced temporary lockdown and travel restrictions when the World Health Organization (WHO) labeled the coronavirus outbreak pandemic. Such restrictions, while hindering the movement of people, strongly affected the manufacturing and sales of automobiles globally.As a result of the lower vehicle demand in 2020, the demand for automotive memory decreased proportionally. Automobile and components production sites had to be closed worldwide, footfall in car showrooms plummeted, and governments in various regions started placing temporary trade restrictions.Such factors also resulted in a major decline in high growth countries automobile sales. Economic turmoil and layoffs aggravated the decreasing purchasing power of consumers, which also impacted automobile sales globally. Collectively, all such factors strongly hampered the business of automotive memory market players. Further delays are expected, according to vendors and logistic businesses, which might drive up the cost of sourcing components and shipping. While some companies have good stock in hand or have increased their sourcing, automotive memory manufacturers are concerned about avoiding further disruptions to the supply chain since they are already dealing with a severe shortage of components, including semiconductors. This has forced them to limit production despite the rising demand for automobiles. Even after the COVID-19 pandemic, the connected car industry is expected to witness good growth rates because of its advantages. It includes secure driving, remote control, auto fault diagnosis, and other more advanced technological features. China accounts for the largest automotive memory market in Asia Pacific.The country is the largest consumer of electronics and automobiles. Growing investment in infrastructure coupled with rising ownership of private vehicles is some of the factors driving the automobile market in the country.India is witnessing one of the fastest growth rates in the automotive memory market. By 2025, Indias electric vehicle (EV) industry is expected to be worth US$ 7.09 Million, according to the Indian Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF) data. EV component manufacturers, commercial vehicles, and last-mile delivery companies invested a total of US$ 3.67 Million in electric vehicles. EV component manufacturers, commercial electric vehicles, and last-mile delivery companies invested a total of US$ 3.67 Million in electric vehicles between January and July 2021. Furthermore, Power Global, a US-based renewable energy and mobility products start-up, announced plans to invest US$ 25 million in India over the next 2-3 years to establish a lithium-ion battery manufacturing unit and battery swapping infrastructure. In South Korea, total domestic EV sales up to the end of September 2021 totaled 71,006 units, up from 36,268 units sold during the same period in 2020, according to the Korea Automotive Technology Institute. With the rising electric vehicle industry in the region, demand for automotive is expected to expand. Such factors promote the growth of the automotive memory market size in the region. The surge in fully electric vehicles (EV) and hybrid vehicles, accompanied by the emergence of ADAS, Graphic Instrument Cluster (GIC), infotainment systems, and fully autonomous driving solutions, created a need for Electronic Control Units (ECU) automotive computer controllers used to receive and process signals from sensors and export control commands to the actuator to execute.Companies in the automotive memory market are coming up with new technologies for next-generation autonomous electric vehicles. For instance, in 2021, Samsung Electronics, a global pioneer in advanced memory technology, announced a broad range of cutting-edge automotive memory solutions for next-generation autonomous electric vehicles. Such developments are expected to boost the automotive memory market growth. Micron Technology, Inc., Sk Hynix, Toshiba Memory Corporation, Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., and Western Digital Technologies, Inc. are a few key automotive memory market players. Some players operate in a fabless model, and hence semiconductor foundries are contracted to manufacture their memory modules. The overall automotive memory market size has been derived using both primary and secondary sources.To begin the research process, exhaustive secondary research has been conducted using internal and external sources to obtain qualitative and quantitative information related to the market. The process also obtains an overview and forecast of the Automotive Memory market size with respect to all market segments.Also, industry participants and commentators have conducted multiple primary interviews to validate the data and gain more analytical insights. Participants in this process include VPs, business development managers, market intelligence managers, national sales managers, external consultants such as valuation experts, research analysts, and key opinion leaders, specializing in the automotive memory market. Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p06295649/?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. __________________________ LAKELAND, Fla., July 21, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Metrc , the most trusted and experienced provider of cannabis regulatory systems in the U.S., announced its new contract with the State of Rhode Island to support the States regulation of medical cannabis, the Companys 22nd government contract to date and fifth so far in 2022. As the only track-and-trace company to have successfully taken over a government contract from another vendor, Metrc will replace the States current partner and implement its robust track-and-trace platform to help facilitate the Rhode Island Medical Cannabis Programs data collection and regulatory oversight. Rhode Island is the third state in which Metrc is replacing the incumbent vendor. The Companys unique RFID tag model combined with a configured software-as-a-service (SaaS) system will enable licensed operators to easily view and track all information and activities impacting the status of a plant or the creation of cannabis-based products, including origin, testing results, handling, and chain-of-custody information. This seamless data tracking helps operators optimize inventory control, accurately report sales data, and improve cultivation management. And this same tracking information is accessible to state regulators, providing the ultimate transparency to ensure regulatory compliance, help combat the illicit market, and safeguard the health and well-being of Rhode Island medical marijuana patients. As the Rhode Island Medical Cannabis Program continues to grow, we are excited to support and enhance the program through our state-of-the-art track-and-trace platform, which will enable state regulators to conveniently and securely track, store, and retrieve millions of data points from operators around the state, said Michael Johnson, CEO at Metrc. Our team at Metrc is looking forward to working side-by-side with Rhode Islands Office of Cannabis Regulation and both existing and new licensees within the state to establish a safe and well-regulated medical marketplace. Rhode Island was an early adopter of medical marijuana, legalizing the program in 2006. Since last October, the state has awarded six new medical marijuana licenses to business owners through a lottery, which increases the number of dispensaries from three to nine, significantly expanding access to the states thousands of medical patients. Metrc now holds exclusive government contracts in every region of the U.S and has a particularly strong presence in the northeast, having contracts with Maine; Massachusetts; New Jersey; Maryland; Washington, D.C.; and now Rhode Island. While these areas have diverse regulatory frameworks, each jurisdiction shares the common goal of ensuring safe legal cannabis markets. Metrc continues to be the favored partner of regulators and businesses in serving their unique needs and goals; having prevailed over other track-and-trace competitors who were eager to replace the incumbent vendor in Rhode Island, Metrc continues to demonstrate the greatest expertise in regulating cannabis markets to ensure long-term safety and success. About Metrc Metrc is the most trusted and experienced provider of cannabis regulatory systems in the United States. Our solution combines advanced software, radio-frequency identification (RFID), a dedicated customer-support team, and a secure database to track cannabis from growth, harvest, and processing to testing, transport, and sale. Metrc is engaged in 22 government contracts and serves more than 300,000 users, including growers, testing facilities, dispensaries, state regulators, and law enforcement officials. We are proud to play a leading role in ensuring the safety and security of the nations legal cannabis market. Media Contact: Justin Bernstein Mattio Communications justin@mattio.com New York, July 21, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "Amniotic Products Market Forecast to 2028 - COVID-19 Impact and Global Analysis By Type, Application, End User, and Geography" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p06295644/?utm_source=GNW The amniotic membrane and suspension are two products that can be used for treatment. The amniotic membrane is the innermost layer of the placenta that nourishes and maintains an unborn child. Amniotic fluid is the liquid that surrounds the baby until delivery. Due to the high prevalence of burn wounds, demand for wound care biologics, such as amniotic membranes, has increased significantly.According to the WHO, many burn cases occur in low- and middle-income countries, with over 2-3rd occurring in the WHO African and Southeast Asian areas. Every year, one million people in India suffer from mild to severe burns (Source: WHO).Other Southeast Asian countries, such as Bangladesh and Nepal, have a high rate of burn cases. An estimated 173,000 children in Bangladesh yearly suffer from moderate to severe burns. Burn is Nepals second most prevalent injury, accounting for 5% of disability cases. Based on type, the amniotic products market has been bifurcated into amniotic membranes and amniotic suspensions.The amniotic membranes segment is likely to hold the largest share of the market in 2022. The amniotic membrane segment growth is growing due to increasing research in stem cell and regenerative medicine, high R&D investments, and an increase in the number of surgeries conducted globally.Further, they are commonly employed in the treatment of bacterial keratitis, corneal ulcers, cataract, glaucoma, bullous keratopathy, corneal degeneration, ocular dystrophy, eyelid reconstruction, and other eye surface problems. The expansion in the worlds senior population increases the number of ophthalmology surgeries, , resulting in a growing need for tissue-based products.Further, PalinGen, Fl?Graft, AmbioDisk, and AmnioFix are examples of commercially available dehydrated amniotic membranes. In addition, these membranes are widely used in the treatment and management of surgical wounds and incisions, owing to properties such as their ability to maintain a watertight seal, inhibit inflammatory responses, and prevent disease transmissions. Hence, these factors are driving the segment growth. In December 2016, the US passed the 21st Century Cures Act.This new law was passed with the goal of advancing regenerative medicine research and medical innovation. The Act contains a number of provisions that could impact the development and approval of many products in the coming years.A new "Regenerative Medicine Advanced Therapy" classification and a fast-track approval procedure for innovative regenerative medicine products and therapies have been developed due to this Act. The passage of this Act could lead to the approval of new regenerative medicine products and therapies in the US and a boost in regenerative medicine research and development.It was designed to promote patient access to electronic health information, advance innovation, and address information blocking practices. The 21st Century Cures Act was created to help speed up medication development and approval processes, allowing for faster and more efficient delivery of new medical advancements to patients. These requirements are expected to improve interoperability and facilitate electronic health information access, exchange, and use. A few key primary and secondary sources referred to while preparing the report on the prostate cancer nuclear medicine diagnostics market are the World Health Organization (WHO), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the National Programme for Prevention, Management and Rehabilitation of Burn Injuries. Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p06295644/?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. __________________________ DriveItAway Moves to the Heart of Philadelphias Innovation District in Philadelphia, PAs University City Connected to Compete We are delighted at this stage of our growth, to join Philadelphias largest community of funded, early-stage, startups at ic@3401, a vetted, diverse, interconnected community of experts, investors and resources, - John F. Possumato, Founder & CEO, DriveItAway Holdings Inc. PHILADELPHIA, July 21, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- DriveItAway Holdings, Inc. (DriveItAway) (OTCQB: CLCN), the industry leader in automotive dealer new mobility platforms with its revolutionary subscription to purchase technology, founded by serial auto retail entrepreneur John F. Possumato, announced today that it has officially become part Philadelphias growing Innovation District in University City, by moving its headquarters to ic@3401. A partnership between the University City Science Center and Drexel University, ic@3401, is a shared workspace and incubator built around a culture of inclusion, innovation and entrepreneurship, bringing the financial, educational, and human talent focused to rapidly scaling enterprises. Entrepreneurship began for me in Philadelphias University City, when I enrolled in my first entrepreneurial management class at Wharton a long time ago, says John F. Possumato, Founder & CEO at DriveItAway, and all the years since, Ive been in awe of the innovation, resources and growth of the greater University City Science Center community, dedicated to nurturing inclusive new innovation and entrepreneurship, in helping all to scale rapidly and successfully, culminating in things like the creation of the ic@3401 culture and community. Our company culture and mission, fit perfectly within this environment, and we are delighted at this stage of our growth, to join Philadelphias largest community of funded, early-stage, startups at ic@3401, a vetted, diverse, interconnected community of experts, investors and resources. ic@3401 was created to nurture an inclusive culture, where all in our community, partners, experts, and investors offer resources and support to each other, in leading innovation and scaling new businesses, says Eamon Gallagher, Senior Director of Commercialization at the University City Science Center. We look forward to DriveItAway being part of our community, and support their sustainability initiatives, and working with them to enable rapid national expansion. The DriveItAway Program is for manufacturers, car dealers and consumers, as it enables all consumers, regardless of credit score or cash down payment, to drive and buy the vehicle of his/her choice. The DriveItAway program provides new EV manufacturers and legacy OEMs a new distribution channel for their vehicles, as it provides an infinite test drive to a full range of consumers, from entry level to luxury buyers, to satisfy a market that is "EV curious" but does not want to make an immediate commitment to purchase. The driver has the right, but not the obligation, to buy the vehicle he or she is driving, with money paid in, given back as a bonus coupon towards the purchase. In this way, the DriveItAway Program it enables all consumers, regardless of credit score or cash down payment, to drive and buy the vehicle of his/her choice. DriveItAways EV subscription program, is now starting in the greater Philadelphia/New Jersey area with General Motors Bolt/Bolt EUVs, and Polestar 2 vehicles, but will soon offer a full range of EVs, including Nissan Leafs and even Ford Escape Plug In Hybrids, throughout the United States. DriveItAways unique EVs for Everyone program is the perfect vehicle to reduce the barriers to EV adoption for all drivers, perfect for people who are interested in an EV, but are put off by the higher initial cost as compared to a gas vehicle or are concerned about suitability and range anxiety. About DriveItAway DriveItAway is the first national dealer focused mobility platform that enables car dealers to sell more vehicles in a seamless way through eCommerce, with its exclusive Pay as You Go app-based subscription. DriveItAway provides a comprehensive turn-key, solutions driven program with proprietary mobile technology and driver app, insurance coverages and training to get dealerships up and running quickly and profitably in emerging online sales opportunities. The company is now introducing its subscription to ownership platform to enable all consumers to drive and acquire new Electric Vehicles with its EVs for Everyone initiative. For further information, please see www.driveitaway.com. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements relate to expectations, beliefs, projections, future plans and strategies, anticipated events or trends and similar expressions concerning matters that are not historical facts. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by the use of forward-looking terminology such as may, will, should, expects, intends, plans, anticipates, believes, estimates, predicts, or potential or the negative of these words and phrases or similar words or phrases which are predictions of or indicate future events or trends and which do not relate solely to historical matters. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and contingencies, many of which are beyond our control, and may cause actual results to differ significantly from those expressed in any forward-looking statement. All forward-looking statements reflect our good faith beliefs, assumptions and expectations, but they are not guarantees of future performance. We caution investors not to unduly rely on any forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release. CONTACT INFORMATION: DriveItAway Holdings, Inc. John F. Possumato john@driveitaway.com For further information, please see: www.driveitaway.com LOS ANGELES, July 21, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, Kevin LaRosa, aerial coordinator and camera pilot for "Top Gun: Maverick," announced he will be a pilot ambassador for Bose aviation headsets. "The opportunity to work with Bose Aviation is a dream come true. I've always found their products to be the best in the industry, and I use their headsets to help me communicate during mission-critical moments and in my day-to-day flying. This is a natural next step for me, and I look forward to continuing to wear their headset and supporting Bose at key aviation events in the coming year," said Kevin LaRosa. Kevin LaRosa's recent film and TV credits include Iron Man, The Avengers, Transformers 5, The Gray Man, CBS's SWAT, Top Gun: Maverick, and the upcoming Sony film Devotion. "Kevin's recent work in Top Gun: Maverick caught our attention, and his resume of other aerial coordination duties speaks for itself. We look forward to sharing more of Kevin's unique flying experiences with our pilot customers, so we're excited to explore this relationship together," said Sean Siff, Senior Marketing Manager for Bose Aviation. Kevin LaRosa will be speaking at the upcoming 2022 EAA AirVenture Oshkosh convention in the Bose booth on Thursday, July 28, at noon local time. To learn more, visit www.k2larosa.com or follow Kevin LaRosa on social media @k2larosa. To shop Bose Aviation, visit https://boseaviation.com. About Kevin LaRosa: Kevin LaRosa II is a third-generation pilot and second-generation aerial coordinator, and stunt pilot. From Iron Man to The Avengers and Transformers 5, LaRosa has piloted on an extraordinary list of film credits. He started logging flight time at the early age of 14 and accumulated his ratings as quickly as he could. By the time he was 18, Kevin was a commercially rated helicopter and multi-engine fixed-wing pilot, logging time in everything from King Airs to Hueys. Today, he is an accomplished ATP-rated pilot in a multitude of fixed wing and rotorcraft and works heavily in the motion picture and television industries worldwide, coordinating and directing film sequences in the air and on the ground. LaRosa is a member of SAG and the Motion Picture Pilots Association, and his latest work can be seen in Paramount's Top Gun: Maverick, which premiered to global audiences May 27, 2022. For more info, visit www.kevinlarosa.com. About Bose Aviation: Recognized as a leader in aviation headsets for pilots, Bose Corporation has been engineering and manufacturing high-performance communication headsets for pilots for more than 30 years. Through Bose's current aviation headset lineup the A20 and the ProFlight Series 2 pilots operating in nearly any aircraft environment can experience an unparalleled combination of comfort, clarity, and noise cancellation. Additionally, Bose aviation headsets are TSO-certified and have been tested beyond the toughest conditions that most pilots will ever experience to ensure long-term product durability and reliability. Learn more about Bose Aviation by visiting boseaviation.com as well as Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter. About Bose Corporation: Bose Corporation was founded in 1964 by Dr. Amar G. Bose, then a professor of electrical engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Today, the company is driven by its founding principles, investing in long-term research to develop new technologies with real customer benefits. Bose innovations have spanned decades and industries, creating and transforming categories in audio and beyond. Bose products for the home, in the car, on the go and in public spaces have become iconic, changing the way people listen to music. Bose Corporation is privately held. The company's spirit of invention, passion for excellence, and commitment to extraordinary experiences can be found around the world everywhere Bose does business. PR Contact: Jennifer@presspassla.com Related Images Image 1: Kevin LaRosa for Bose Aviation This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. Attachment New York, July 21, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to the report published by Next Move Strategy Consulting, the global digital pen market generated USD 569.7 million in 2021, and is projected to generate USD 1.54 billion by 2030, witnessing a CAGR of 11.6% from 2022 to 2030. The report provides a detailed analysis of drivers & opportunities, competitive landscape, current market size & estimations, and top segments to help market players gather insights and determine steps to be taken to raise their stakes in the market. Offering an extensive scenario in 245 pages, the report is a valuable source of insights and analysis to devise strategies for the future. With 152 figures and 315 tables, the research aims to help market players, investors, and startup companies in better understanding of the market scenario and take necessary steps to increase their digital pen market share. Request a free sample: https://www.nextmsc.com/digital-pen-market/request-sample Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 20222030 Base Year 2021 Market Size in 2021 USD 569.7 million Market Size in 2030 USD 1.54 billion CAGR 11.6% No. of Pages 245 Tables 315 Figures 152 Segments covered Platform Type, Technology, End User, and Geography. Drivers Rise in automation and digitization on the global level in numerous sectors High adoption of artificial intelligence and internet of things (IoT) technologies, Opportunities Rise in investments by regulatory bodies in developing digital infrastructure The emergence of concepts such as e-learning in the education industry The report provides a comprehensive analysis of changing market dynamics with drivers, restraints, and opportunities of the global digital pen market. Rise in automation and digitization on the global level in numerous sectors and benefits of digital pens such as ease in operation and error-free database collection drive the growth of the market. Moreover, rise in internet penetration, high adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and internet of things (IoT) technologies, and rise in dependency on smart gadgets supplement the market growth. On the other hand, increase in costs and lack of technological adoption in many countries are the factors that restrain the market growth. Highlighting on the opportunities lying ahead that are estimated to raise the digital pen market size in the coming years, the Lead Analyst for the Semiconductor & Electronics category at Next Move Strategy Consulting, stated, Rise in investments by regulatory bodies in developing digital infrastructure and the emergence of concepts such as e-learning in the education industry create new opportunities in the next few years. Buy this report directly from here: https://www.nextmsc.com/report/digital-pen-market The research offers a comprehensive analysis of top segments and their sub-segments of the global digital pen market. Based on the report, the market is analyzed on the basis of top segments including platform type, technology, end user, and geography. By platform type, the research analyzes the market based on Android, iOS, and Windows. On the basis of technology, the report sub-segments the market into camera digital pen, trackball digital pen, accelerometer digital pen, and others. Based on end user, the report further divides the market into BFSI, government, healthcare, IT & telecom, and others. These segments and sub-segments are analyzed with the help of tables and figures. Need a customized report, get in touch with us here: https://www.nextmsc.com/contact Based on geography, the report further classifies the market into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and RoW. The research highlights that North America contributed to the largest market share in terms of revenue in 2021, and will maintain the dominance during the forecast period. This is due to integration of digital technologies and adoption of digital pen in the educational sector. However, Asia-Pacific is estimated to grow steadily by 2030, owing to rise in internet penetration, increase in integration of smart devices, and the trend of bring-your-own-devices. The research analyzes each segment and sub-segment based on aforementioned regions and their respective countries. This analysis is discussed with the help of tables and figures. This will help in determining strategies to consolidate their presence across the digital pen industry. If you have any queries, you can enquire before purchasing: https://www.nextmsc.com/digital-pen-market/inquire-before-buying The report profiles and analyzes the leading market players operating in the global digital pen market. It analyzes market players such as HP Inc., Microsoft Corporation, Apple Inc., Anoto Group AB, Wacom Co. Ltd., Toshiba Corporation, Canon Inc., NeoLAB Convergence Inc., STAEDTLER Mars GmbH & Co. KG, Moleskine S.p.A., Hanwang Technology Co. Ltd., and Luidia Inc. They adopted various strategies such as innovations, collaborations, agreements, expansions, and others to ensure the international presence and strengthen their position in the market. Buy a full report here: https://www.nextmsc.com/report/digital-pen-market Also, Browse Related Reports: Mobile Robotics Market by Product (UGV, AUV, and AUV), by Component (Hardware, Software, and Support & Service), Application (Logistics & Warehousing, Military & Defense, Healthcare, Domestic, Entertainment, Education, Agriculture & Forestry, and Others) - Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 20222030 Nanotechnology Market by Type (Nano devices and Nanosensors), by Application (Electronics, Chemical Manufacturing, Energy, Aerospace & Defense, Healthcare, and Others)- Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 20202030 Flexible Display Market by Component (Organic material, Substrate, Conductive layer, Backlight panel, and others), by Technology (Display Technology and Display Manufacturing Technology), by Application (E-reader, Smart phones, Tablet, Laptop, E-paper, and Television) - Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 20202030 About Us: Next Move Strategy Consulting is a premier market research and management consulting firm that has been committed to provide strategically analyzed well documented latest research reports to its clients. The research industry is flooded with many firms to choose from, what makes Next Move different from the rest is its top quality research and the obsession of turning data into knowledge by dissecting every bits of it and providing fact-based research recommendation that is supported by information collected from over 500 million websites, paid databases, industry journals and one on one consultations with industry experts across a diverse range of industry sectors. The high quality customized research reports with actionable insights and excellent end-to-end customer service help our clients to take critical business decisions that enable them to move beyond time and have competitive edge in the industry. We have been servicing over 1,000 customers globally that includes 90% of the Fortune 500 companies over a decade. Our analysts are constantly tracking various high growth markets and identifying hidden opportunities in each sector or the industry. We provide one of the industrys best quality syndicate as well as custom research reports across 10 different industry verticals. We are committed to deliver high quality research solutions in accordance to your business needs. Our industry standard delivery solutions that range from the pre consultation to after-sales services, provide an excellent client experience and ensure right strategic decision making for businesses. New York, July 21, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "Global Neonatal Care Devices Growth Opportunities" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p06293645/?utm_source=GNW Wireless capabilities and portability are the new features in neonatal care devices and are giving a new direction to classic neonatal care devices. The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a shortage of healthcare resources, including that of healthcare staff. NICUs are also facing severe staff shortages. Thus, neonatal care products supporting automation and enhancing the workflow, such as AI-based predictive monitoring and workflow automation technologies, will be attractive for organizations in the near term. The global neonatal care devices market is segmented into thermoregulation devices, jaundice management devices, neonatal monitoring units, and respiratory assistance devices. Neonatal thermoregulation devices and ventilators are high-value segments. They generated the highest revenue among all neonatal care devices. Thermoregulation devices, including incubators and warmers, are updated to provide family-centric features and reduce neonatal stress. The adoption of thermoregulation devices is growing owing to innovations in incubators and warmers focusing on family-centric and developmental care. Jaundice management is the smallest segment. Phototherapy units used in jaundice management are highly commoditized. They are available through multiple local participants in South Asian countries. Additionally, various portable devices (e.g., phototherapy blankets) are supporting the growth of phototherapy units.North America is the largest market for neonatal care devices and will continue to be in the lead. Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing market owing to the emergence of local participants providing affordable solutions. The Rest of the World market is also estimated to be lucrative due to the increasing adoption of neonatal care devices in Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa. Affordability is low in South Asia and Africa, making access to neonatal care devices difficult. Various start-ups that have emerged in the last few years provide low-cost solutions in these regions. Moreover, various initiatives undertaken by public and private organizations are increasing neonatal care device adoption in low- and middle-income economies. Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p06293645/?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. __________________________ DALLAS, July 21, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Katy D. Carmical, a commercial real estate attorney who represents owners, developers and investors in real estate transactions covering all asset types, with a focus on retail, office, life sciences and healthcare, has joined Hunton Andrews Kurth LLPs nationally recognized real estate practice as a partner in the firms Dallas office. Carmicals practice encompasses a broad range of commercial real estate transactions relating to the financing, leasing, acquisition, disposition, construction and development of improved and unimproved single asset and portfolio properties. Katy is an outstanding lawyer who is highly regarded for her insightful and collaborative approach to developing solutions for her clients, making her a natural fit, said Howard Schreiber, co-chair of the firms global real estate practice. Her addition reflects our commitment to maintaining a leading national real estate team and adds new depth to our robust presence in the incredibly active real estate market. We are thrilled to welcome her to the firm. Carmicals representative experience prior to joining the firm includes: The representation of a publicly-traded healthcare REIT in connection with the disposition of a $1.1 billion, 61 property healthcare real estate portfolio. The representation of a publicly-traded healthcare REIT in connection with the acquisition of a $750 million, 11-state, 14 property healthcare real estate portfolio. The representation of a landlord in the negotiation of the headquarters lease of a leading coffee and beverage company for a 350,000 sq. ft. build-to-suit facility. The representation of a developer in the preparation of condominium documentation, financing and the leasing for a mixed-use development with hotel, residential, retail, and office uses. The representation of a national healthcare provider in the acquisition, leasing, financing and asset management of over 50 locations across 15-states. The representation of a borrower in obtaining $100 million in financing secured by a Houston, Texas outdoor shopping center. Carmical joins the firm from Winstead PC, where she was a shareholder in that firms real estate development and investments practice group. Carmical began her legal career as an associate with Greer Herz & Adams LLP in Houston, Texas. Carmical earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Houston and her law degree from South Texas College of Law Houston. With over 85 lawyers in major markets across the United States, including New York, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, Miami, Richmond, Dallas and Houston, Hunton Andrews Kurths real estate team advises global clientele from a broad cross section of the industry on high-value projects, complex transactions and creative developments involving the full spectrum of commercial, industrial, retail, multifamily and mixed-use properties, with particular knowledge of complex and multijurisdictional transaction structures. The firms lawyers are consistently recognized by publications such as Chambers USA and Legal 500 as leaders in the fields of real estate, real estate finance and construction law. With lawyers in the United States, Asia, Europe and the Middle East, Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP serves clients across a broad range of complex transactional, litigation and regulatory matters. For more information, please contact Jeremy Heallen at +1 713 220 3713. Attachment Vancouver/ Unceded Territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations, July 21, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nexii Building Solutions Inc. (Nexii) is pleased to announce that it has entered a non-binding letter of intent (LOI) to purchase Solar Earth Technologies Ltd. (Solar Earth), a manufacturer of hardened solar power panels that transform sidewalks, parking lots and other elements of everyday infrastructure into a new source of solar energy. Nexii believes that the proposed acquisition of Solar Earth by Nexii (the Proposed Acquisition), if completed, would accelerate the integration of solar technology in Nexiis low carbon buildings and products, supporting Nexiis 2025 target of net zero operational carbon buildings. The Proposed Acquisition is also expected to support both companies in delivering their patented solutions to help their clients address the global climate crisis. Solar Earth has more than a dozen live projects globally, with installations at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, Stellenbosch University in South Africa, Daxing Green Village in Beijing, China, and the City of Tampa in Florida generating clean electricity from Solar Earths power-generating sidewalks. The company has more than 50 projects in development and is seeing increased market demand to transform existing infrastructure into a clean-energy source. With our shared vision to create a net zero future and by combining our technologies, we believe we have the opportunity to make net positive energy buildings a reality. We look forward to working with Solar Earth to rapidly scale, and meet the market demand for smart pavement technology, said Stephen Sidwell, CEO and co-founder of Nexii. Delivering renewable energy infrastructure solutions to a global market is what we strive for, and we could not think of a better partner than Nexii. Our mission is to help create a net zero future for our cities and communities, and fight climate change by transforming everyday infrastructure into a source of solar energy to replace fossil fuels, said Douglas Matthews, CEO and director of Solar Earth. Nexiis building approach cuts waste to near-zero, reduces build times, and significantly lowers both the embodied and operational carbon of buildings. Nexii buildings have approximately 31 per cent less embodied carbon than conventional construction materials, and use approximately a third less energy overall, significantly lowering energy needs and emissions for ongoing building operations. About Nexii Nexii Building Solutions Inc. (Nexii) designs and manufactures low carbon buildings and products to reduce the climate impact of our built environment. With buildings and construction responsible for 36% of global energy consumption and 37% of greenhouse gas emissions annually, sustainable and scalable solutions are urgently needed for net zero carbon buildings. With Nexiis breakthrough material Nexiite, Nexii enables the rapid assembly of high-quality buildings and infrastructure with reduced end-to-end carbon emissions, near zero waste and less disruption to the community. Sustainability is core to Nexiis mission to build a vibrant future for people and the planet. For more information, visit www.nexii.com, or connect with us on Instagram (@NexiiBuilds), Twitter (@NexiiBuilds) or on LinkedIn (Nexii Building Solutions). About Solar Earth We are a new form of solar power that transforms everyday infrastructure into a source of revenue-generating solar energy for a net zero world. Human beings have spent a long time paving over the Earth. Solar Earth now transforms those surfaces into the toughest, most versatile sources of solar energy yet made, withstanding pedestrians, bicycles, vehicle traffic, theft, vandalism and extreme weather. Solar Earth embeds solar cells those oh-so-delicate eggshells so easy to break into a rock-hard, resilient surface. It allows us to solarize sidewalks, roads, parking lots, rooftops, docks and more by putting solar cells inside that infrastructure. Our break-through technology captures the power of the sun to solarize infrastructure and generate secure, free, clean energy to fight climate change and get the planet to a net zero world. We are Vancouver-based with international offices/ For more information, visit www.SolarEarth.ca. Transaction Conditions The Proposed Transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including: (i) execution of definitive agreements; (ii) Nexii shall have obtained equity financing on terms satisfactory to it; (iii) final approval of the boards of directors of each of Nexii and Solar Earth; (iv) receipt of shareholder approval and/or the execution of the definitive agreements from the Solar Earth shareholders; (v) the completion of satisfactory due diligence by Nexii and Solar Earth; and (vi) no material adverse changes having occurred in respect of Nexii or Solar Earth. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking information and forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws ("Forward-Looking Statements"), including with respect to: the Proposed Transaction, including its completion and the satisfaction of the conditions thereto; the anticipated benefits of the Proposed Transaction; the efficiencies to be created between Nexii and Solar Earth; the ability of Solar Earths technology to support Nexiis building targets; Nexiis ability to achieve its 2025 target of net zero operational carbon buildings; the opportunity to create net positive energy buildings; the ability of Nexiis whole building solution to reduce the environmental impact of the construction industry; and the benefits of Solar Earths solar cells and the ability of Solar Earth to embed such solar cells into existing infrastructure. Forward-Looking Statements are based on certain expectations and assumptions and are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events, results, performance and achievements to differ materially from those anticipated in these Forward-Looking Statements. Such factors include, among other things: risks that the Proposed Transaction does not occur and risks that the anticipated benefits of the Proposed Transaction are not realized. Forward-Looking Statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these Forward-Looking Statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. Nexii disclaims any intention or obligation, except to the extent required by law, to update or revise any Forward-Looking Statements as a result of new information or future events, or for any other reason. The offering includes Stingray Music audio channels, Stingray Naturescape, and specialty channels MONTREAL, July 21, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Stingray (TSX: RAY. A; RAY.B), a leading music, media, and technology company, today announced that it has reached an agreement for the distribution of a suite of FAST channels to LG smart TVs and WebOS operating system worldwide. As part of the new deal, LG will also make associated Stingray AVOD packages for karaoke and concerts. LG Channels users will have free access to Stingray Music audio channels curated by expert programmers in all the most popular genres. In addition to cross genre chart toppers, a selection of channels, including Classic Rock, Easy Listening, Everything 80s, Greatest Hits, Hit List, Hip-Hop, Hot Country, Pop Adult, Smooth Jazz, Soul Storm, and Spa will be available. Viewers will also enjoy stunning 4K imagery on Stingray Naturescape, a unique TV channel that combines breathtaking scenery and close-ups, with soundtracks tailor-made to accompany every moment of the day. From scenic oceans, coastal and mountain panoramas to aerial views over tropical paradises and crystal-clear underwater adventures, the channel also highlights specialty content during holidays and throughout the year. For LG Channels on-demand viewers, Stingray will curate its highly popular karaoke tracks into genre-based playlists, including one dedicated to kids and aspiring artists. LG will also include a selection of Qello Concerts and documentaries featuring Foo Fighters, the Eagles and more. Together with Stingrays music and scenic FAST channels, the AVOD offering is designed to delight viewers with entertaining and interactive content that highlights LG TVs stunning picture and sound quality, including the award-winning LG OLED TVs. We are thrilled to have been chosen as content partner for LG Channels, said David Purdy, Chief Revenue Officer of Stingray. By working together, we will drive up engagement with free access to the most comprehensive mix of music-related content worldwide. Our curated music services, video products and specialty programming are the perfect complement to viewers of LG Channels. The global smart TV market is estimated to account for $436.2 billion in terms of value by the end of 20281. A full list of the initial suite of FAST channels is listed below: Nature Vision Stingray Naturescape Stingray Karaoke Qello Concerts by Stingray Stingray Music Stingray Classic Rock Stingray Easy Listening Stingray Euro Hits Stingray Everything 80s Stingray Exitos del momento Stingray Greatest Hits Stingray Hip Hop Stingray Hit List Stingray Hot Country Stingray Nothin but the 90s Stingray Pop Adult Stingray Smooth Jazz Stingray Soul Storm Stingray The Spa Stingray Todays K-Pop Stingray 2000s About Stingray Montreal-based Stingray (TSX: RAY.A; RAY.B) is a leading global music, media, and technology company with over 1,000 employees worldwide. Stingray is a premium provider of curated direct-to-consumer and B2B services, including audio television channels, over 100 radio stations, SVOD content, 4K UHD television channels, AVOD & FAST channels, karaoke products, digital signage, in-store music and digital advertising, and music apps which have been downloaded over 160 million times. Stingray reaches 400 million subscribers (or users) in 160 countries. For more information: www.stingray.com For more information, please contact: Frederique Gagnier Public Relations Manager Stingray fgagnier@stingray.com ________________ 1 Coherent Market Insights. (2021, August 9). Global Smart TV Market is estimated to account for US$ 436.2 Bn by end of 2028, Says Coherent Market Insights (CMI) [Press release]. Retrieved from https://www.globenewswire.com/en/news-release/2021/08/09/2277145/0/en/Global-Smart-TV-Market-is-estimated-to-account-for-US-436-2-Bn-by-end-of-2028-Says-Coherent-Market-Insights-CMI.html NEW YORK, July 21, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Guggenheim Securities, the investment banking and capital markets division of Guggenheim Partners, announced today that James Blanco has joined the firms Financial Institutions Group (FIG) as a Senior Managing Director. Mr. Blanco focuses on advising diversified financial services companies. We are glad to welcome James to the firm, said Mark Van Lith, CEO of Guggenheim Securities. James experience from both corporate and advisory perspectives on complex transactions and financings represents a strong addition to our financial services investment banking team. We look forward to his continued success. Mr. Blanco has more than 15 years of investment banking experience. He joined Guggenheim from OneMain Financial, where he served as Executive Vice President and Head of Corporate Development. Prior to joining OneMain Financial, Blanco spent more than 10 years in the Financial Institutions Group at Barclays Investment Bank. Mr. Blanco earned his B.S. in Industrial and Labor Relations from Cornell University, an M.S. in Systems and Management from New York University, and an MBA from Columbia Business School. He is based in Guggenheims New York office. About Guggenheim Securities Guggenheim Securities is the investment banking and capital markets business of Guggenheim Partners, a global investment and advisory firm. Guggenheim Securities offers services that fall into four broad categories: Advisory, Financing, Sales and Trading, and Research. Guggenheim Securities is headquartered in New York, with additional offices in Chicago, Boston, Atlanta, San Francisco, and Houston. For more information, please follow us on LinkedIn or contact us at GSinfo@GuggenheimPartners.com or 212.518.9200. About Guggenheim Partners Guggenheim Partners is a diversified financial services firm that delivers value to its clients through two primary businesses: Guggenheim Investments, a premier global asset manager and investment advisor, and Guggenheim Securities, a leading investment banking and capital markets business. Guggenheims professionals are based in offices around the world, and our commitment is to deliver long-term results with excellence and integrity while advancing the strategic interests of our clients. Learn more at GuggenheimPartners.com, and follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter @GuggenheimPtnrs. Media Contact Steven Lee Guggenheim Securities 212.293.2811 Steven.Lee@guggenheimpartners.com LIVERMORE, Calif., July 21, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- UNCLE Credit Union, which is halfway through its year-long 65th anniversary celebration, is welcoming a seasoned real estate veteran to its executive team. Michele Murphy has been brought onboard as UNCLEs new Vice President of Mortgage Lending. Murphy has rich experience in real estate and mortgage lending and began her career in the industry in 1989. Murphy is also no stranger to credit unions, as shes previously worked with OE Federal, KeyPoint, Chevron Federal and SF Fire Credit Unions. Micheles extensive knowledge and experience in real estate and mortgage lending within credit unions will be a great asset to our executive team, says Harold Roundtree, President and CEO of UNCLE Credit Union. Her expertise is exactly what we at UNCLE have been looking for to oversee our entire Mortgage Lending Division. A former member of CUNA Lending Council, Murphy is also a certified Credit Union Business Lending Professional (CUBLP) through CUNA. An active volunteer in the community, Murphy currently serves on the Board of Directors for the East Bay Chapter of the California Association of Mortgage Professionals. She is also a founder and former board member of the National Charity League - Livermore Chapter, and a regular volunteer at Open Heart Kitchen, which serves the Tri-Valley area of the San Francisco Bay Area. About UNCLE Credit Union Established in 1957, UNCLE Credit Union is a $650+ million, full-service financial institution serving approximately 33,000 members. The organization offers the benefits of credit union membership to anyone who lives, works, worships, or attends school in Alameda, Contra Costa, San Joaquin and Stanislaus counties. UNCLE has five financial centers and one sales office located in the San Francisco Bay Area and the Central Valley, as well as 5,600 branches and more than 30,000 surcharge-free ATMs available through participation in the CO-OP Shared Branching Network. In addition, members have access to a wide spectrum of online and mobile banking services. UNCLE Credit Union is renowned for its community involvement, professional and personalized service, and unwavering commitment to helping members achieve their financial goals. To learn more, visit www.unclecu.org. CONTACT: Natalia Custodio 925.447.5001 ncustodio@unclecu.org A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6b12f4c0-b31f-4421-b141-d5d87dc62cd5 Dallas, TX , July 21, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- KISS PR China based local representative is a native of China and who will help clients from China to help their content marketing needs on a timely basis. Additionally, KISS PR will offer White Label services to China-based SEO, digital media and PR companies wanting to do business outside of China. Dallas, TX - For decades, Kiss PR has been one of the industry's top digital marketing companies with an extensive team covering the U.S., Europe and Asia region. Now, Kiss PR Brand Story offers services to clients across China via the local partnership. This new addition to their ever-growing list of news distribution partners represents a milestone achievement for Kiss PR as they continue to expand their global reach and influence as well as extend their services to more clients worldwide. KISS PR Brand Story KISS PR has launched a news service for its Chinese clients. The Dallas-based news distribution and content marketing company has established distribution partners to distribute various types of content services. The suite of services includes: Public Relations Blockchain marketing services Content Writing and Distribution Business Communication Marketing Communication Reputation Management Crisis management The KISS PR China partnership will also allow Chinese companies to communicate their messages more precisely. The service is now available, and we strongly encourage our customers to utilize it. says CEO of KISS PR, Qamar Zaman. The service will also offer White Label content and SEO services for China-based SEO, PR companies who want to offer service to their clients. Interview with Qamar Zaman, CEO of Kiss PR The company has been in operation for over two years, and Qamar Zaman, CEO of Kiss PR, believes that the service can help small businesses in China get their message out to a larger audience. Our goal is to provide a platform for small businesses to reach a wider audience, said Zaman. Why China is important Working with a local partner in the region can ensure that their needs are met using a local resident. There are only a handful of suppliers that currently provide these services. It's an excellent method to help Chinese companies reach potential consumers across the world. This move will help Kiss PR serve its global customer base and increase its presence in the international market. We'll be establishing a presence in the Middle East and the UK. Media Contact and inquiries Az@kisspr.com https://kisspr.com/ Attachment Fort Lauderdale, July 21, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Fort Lauderdale, Florida - Fort Lauderdale, FL Floridas first lady, Casey DeSantis, has taken a critical role in the fight against the tragic epidemic of fentanyl-related drug overdoses. Serenity Oaks Treatment Center, South Floridas premier addiction treatment center, thanks DeSantis for her valuable leadership in an awareness campaign to begin solving the crisis. DeSantis is working with several Florida health and law enforcement officials in a statewide public messaging campaign to inform the public of the dangers of fentanyl, now the leading cause of death in the United States for people ages 18-45. She announced the campaign with Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo, Department of Children and Families (DCF) Secretary Shevaun Harris, Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Acting Commissioner Mark Glass, and Gadsden County Sheriff Morris Young. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid and is part of the opioid epidemic that is responsible for an increasing amount of abuse, addiction-related issues, and deaths in the United States and worldwide. A synthetic opioid is a manufactured compound that mimics natural opioid drugs, blocking opioid receptors in the body. When blocked, these receptors allow dopamine to flow freely in the body and produce the pleasurable, euphoric highs associated with pleasant anticipation the same sensations produced by narcotic drugs. Statistics from recent studies confirm the dangers of the drug. For example, a Centers for Disease Control study shows that over the last five years, deaths from fentanyl and other opioids have doubled, killing over 30,000 users. In 2016, according to the same government study, fentanyl deaths alone reached 64,000, which represents a 540 percent increase in fatalities over three years and a 22 percent increase over 2015. The campaign by DeSantis will focus on prevention and recovery resources for overdoses involving synthetic opioids, primarily fentanyl. Additionally, state agencies will collaborate to share available resources on substance abuse and mental well-being in local communities. Too many individuals are losing their lives because of illicit drugs and substance abuse, DeSantis said. Fentanyl overdose is the leading cause of death in the nation for individuals ages 18 to 45 . . . It is imperative that Floridians know the risks and understand that just two milligrams can be lethal. Stopping drug dealers and helping Floridians overcome the challenges of addiction and preventing overdose deaths is a significant priority for us all. Ladapo noted that more than 6,150 people died from fentanyl-related overdoses in 2020. While substance use disorder is a chronic disease that requires clinical oversight, the fentanyl crisis requires us to be all-hands-on-deck across communities and that is exactly what we are doing, he said. As part of the awareness campaign, DCF in Gadsden County is assigning peer-support coordinators and distributing more than 200 Narcan kits, an emergency tool that can reverse an opioid overdose if administered quickly enough. Emergency responders can also obtain free Narcan through the Helping Emergency Responders Obtain Support (HEROS) program of the state Department of Health. The state is also enacting laws to punish fentanyl dealers and prevent more overdoses. Anyone convicted of trafficking fentanyl faces a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years for dealing 4-14 grams of the drug and 20 years for 14-28 grams. In addition, new state law allows Floridians to get Narcan kits at pharmacies instead of a law enforcement agency. Serenity Oaks Wellness Center welcomes DeSantis and her campaign collaborators to the fight against fentanyl addiction, one of several substance abuse disorders that the program treats. Serenity Oaks in Fort Lauderdale offers residential detox and addiction treatment with a wide range of modalities, with a high staff-to-client ratio ensuring that everyone entering the facility gets the personal attention they need. For help or more information, visit Serenity Oaks Wellness Center or call (833) 720-0708. ### For more information about Serenity Oaks Wellness Center, contact the company here: Serenity Oaks Wellness Center (954) 289-9980 4200 SW 54th Ct, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33314 New York, July 21, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "Medical Transcription Market in US 2022-2026" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p06293122/?utm_source=GNW 57% during the forecast period. Our report on the medical transcription market in the US provides a holistic analysis, market size and forecast, trends, growth drivers, and challenges, as well as vendor analysis covering around 25 vendors. The report offers an up-to-date analysis of the current countrys market scenario, the latest trends and drivers, and the overall market environment. The market is driven by the growing need for automated medical transcripts, government initiatives supporting the adoption of health IT systems, and the growing prevalence of chronic diseases. The medical transcription market in the US analysis includes end-user segment and geographic landscape. The medical transcription market in the US is segmented as below: By End-user Hospitals Physician groups and clinics By Type Services Software This study identifies the improvements in medical transcription with machine learning as one of the prime reasons driving the medical transcription market in the US growth during the next few years. Also, the emergence of new speech recognition technologies and growing consolidation in the market will lead to sizable demand in the market. The analyst presents a detailed picture of the market by way of study, synthesis, and summation of data from multiple sources by an analysis of key parameters. Our report on the medical transcription market in the US covers the following areas: Medical transcription market in the US sizing Medical transcription market in the US forecast Medical transcription market in the US industry analysis This robust vendor analysis is designed to help clients improve their market position, and in line with this, this report provides a detailed analysis of several leading medical transcription market in the US vendors that include 3M Co., Aquity LLC, Athreon, CBAY Transcription Inc., Crimson Interactive Pvt. Ltd., Dolbey, EHR Transcriptions Inc., Global Medical Transcription LLC, InSync Healthcare Solution, Managed Outsource Solutions, NextGen Healthcare Inc., Nuance Communications Inc., Scribetech UK Ltd., SmartMD, Sunrise Transcriptions Inc., TransDyne, vChart LLC, World Wide Dictation Service of New York Inc., ZyDoc Medical Transcription LLC, and Amazon.com Inc. Also, the medical transcription market in the US analysis report includes information on upcoming trends and challenges that will influence market growth. This is to help companies strategize and leverage all forthcoming growth opportunities. The study was conducted using an objective combination of primary and secondary information including inputs from key participants in the industry. The report contains a comprehensive market and vendor landscape and an analysis of the key vendors. The analyst presents a detailed picture of the market by way of study, synthesis, and summation of data from multiple sources by an analysis of key parameters such as profit, pricing, competition, and promotions. It presents various market facets by identifying the key industry influencers. The data presented is comprehensive, reliable, and a result of extensive research - both primary and secondary. Technavios market research reports provide a complete competitive landscape and an in-depth vendor selection methodology and analysis using qualitative and quantitative research to forecast accurate market growth. Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p06293122/?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. __________________________ CHICAGO, IL, July 21, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Carol Franczek a longtime senior marketer with executive marketing leadership roles across hospital & healthcare, beauty, food, household products, retail, and e-commerce markets will now deliver strategies and expertise as a member of Chief Outsiders one of Americas top fractional executive firms. As the company surpasses 110 fractional CMOs who are available for assignments, Franczek adds yet another dimension for companies that seek to gain market leadership in their competitive selling environments. Franczek has partnered with CEOs in both fast-paced start-up, entrepreneurial and established businesses to ignite brands by building successful and differentiated marketing programs. Along the way, Franczeks leadership has driven the kind of transformational results that lead to measurable revenue growth and improvement on the bottom line. As an example, as Senior Vice President of Marketing and Corporate Communications at NorthShore University Healthsystem in Evanston, IL, her successes were manifold a new strategic brand platform that delivered a 6 percent CAGR over four years, a 47 percent increase in the systems immediate care business, and the launch of several clinical institutes including the Orthopedic & Spine Institute, the only dedicated orthopedic hospital in Chicago. Additionally, as EVP and Regional Manager for Client Service, Analytics & Testing at Information Resources, Franczek helped clients dramatically improve revenue and spending effectiveness by utilizing data to make better business decisions. Solution-focused, Carol has a unique ability to align and energize varied constituencies to deliver strong and positive outcomes, said David Vroom, Managing Partner, Chief Outsiders. Carols achievements span both consumer and business-to-business markets across hospital & healthcare, consumer package goods, and analytics industries. Franczek earned an MBA from Columbia University Business School, and also holds an MPH from Columbia University Graduate Mailman School of Public Health. About Chief Outsiders Chief Outsiders is the leading Fractional CMO firm that helps CEOs accelerate growth through the development and disciplined execution of well-crafted growth plans. The firm has more than 110 part-time, or fractional, Chief Marketing Officers (CMOs) engaged from coast-to-coast. Unlike traditional marketing and management consulting firms, each CMO has held the position of VP Marketing or higher at one or more operating companies, including many Fortune 500 firms. Chief Outsiders CMOs have served on the executive team of more than 1,400 client companies, driving growth strategy and execution plans by offering instant access to talent with highly customized and flexible engagements. Because of its market-based growth plans, quality of leadership, and experienced team, Chief Outsiders has been recognized for the past eight years by Inc. Magazine as one of the 5,000 fastest growing privately held companies in the US, and was recognized in 2019 as a Forbes Small Giant. Chief Outsiders CEO Art Saxby and Principal Pete Hayes are the co-authors of The Growth Gears: Using a Market-Based Framework to Drive Business Success, an Amazon #1 best-seller for business owners and CEOs. For additional information about the companies who trust Chief Outsiders as their premier source for business growth acceleration, click here. Attachment LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND, July 21, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Dual currency investment products are not new. They are commonly seen in traditional investment services combining financial instruments like derivatives and non-derivatives. However, the Europe-based FinTech platform YouHodler is taking an old wealth generation approach and reimagining it for the burgeoning industry of cryptocurrency. Dual Asset is a new investment product that offers a win-win solution for investors with floating returns. It combines the yield generation strategies from decentralized finance (DeFi) with the simplicity of traditional FinTech platforms. The result is an easy-to-use product for everybody with returns as high as 365%. Regarding DeFi, YouHodler CEO Ilya Volkov mentioned that the yield generation strategies found on popular DeFi protocols are revolutionary for investors. But to this day, they still come with many barriers to entry and security concerns. As the bridge between traditional finance and cryptocurrency, we want to make a product that promises the same high yield as DeFi products but in a user-friendly, and reputable manner. Dual Asset achieves this. As a short-term investment product, Dual Asset allows clients to achieve high returns while managing their exposure. Unlike other competing platforms, YouHodlers Dual Asset allows clients to choose from any combination of assets on the platform (e.g. BTC/USDT). Then, they choose the duration of their plan according to their risk appetite. No matter the outcome of the deal, investors always get their initial investment back plus a yield percentage depending on their chosen assets behavior on the market. For more info on how the Dual Asset feature works, click here About YouHodler YouHodler FinTech platform is focused on crypto-backed lending with fiat (USD, EUR, CHF, GBP), crypto (BTC) and stablecoin loans (USDT, USDC, TUSD, PAX, PAXG, DAI, HUSD), crypto/fiat, and crypto/crypto conversions, as well as high-yield generation products (crypto-rewards & staking). The platform supports BTC, BCH, BNB, ETH, LTC, XLM, XRP, DASH, HT, REP, and other popular cryptocurrencies and tokens. User's digital assets are safely guarded with Ledger Vault's advanced custody and Fireblocks security options. YouHodler is an EU and Swiss-based brand with two main offices in Cyprus and Switzerland. To learn more about YouHodler Switzerland visit youhodler-swiss.com English Estonian Harju County Court has accepted a claim against AS Tallinna Vesi for the compensation of an allegedly overpaid price for the consumed water services, which Tallinna Vesi does not consider justified. The claimant has joined the claims from various persons from 2011 to 2019 in the amount of EUR 743,854.70 plus interests. The procedure is at a very early stage in the court of first instance and no hearing has taken place. In the Companys opinion the current proceedings of action have no impact on the price of shares. The Company has made announcements about earlier significant statements of claim on 23 November 2021 ( link ) and 14 June 2022 ( link ). Tallinna Vesi has always acted legitimately by applying fair tariffs imposed in accordance with the law in force. In Tallinna Vesis opinion, the claims are unfounded, and the Company disputes them in every way. In Tallinna Vesis opinion, the ongoing proceedings of action have no direct impact on the Companys financial results or the price of shares. Laura Korjus Head of Communications AS Tallinna Vesi (+372) 626 2271 laura.korjus@tvesi.ee British Columbia, July 21, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In a historic move, British Columbias Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, Mike Farnworth, announced today that the province will terminate its immigration detention contract with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). Todays decision is a momentous step. We commend British Columbia on being the first province to stop locking up refugee claimants and migrants in its jails solely on immigration grounds, said Ketty Nivyabandi, secretary general of Amnesty International Canada (English Speaking). This is a true human rights victory, one which upholds the dignity and rights of people who come to Canada in search of safety or a better life. British Columbias landmark announcement came after the province concluded a review of its immigration detention contract. In the course of the review, the province received submissions from Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International alongside a BC-based coalition of social justice, academic and grassroots organizations, advocates with lived experience in immigration detention, as well as healthcare providers, lawyers and academic scholars, and religious leaders across Canada. In June, the Vancouver City Council voted unanimously to urge the BC government to end immigration detention in the provinces jails. Over the past five years, CBSA has incarcerated hundreds of people on immigration grounds in British Columbias provincial jails. In a June 2021 report, Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International documented how people in Canadian immigration detention are regularly handcuffed, shackled, and held with little to no contact with the outside world. Canada is among the few countries in the global north with no legal limit on the duration of immigration detention, meaning people can be detained for months or years with no end in sight. People with psychosocial disabilities (or mental health conditions) experience discrimination throughout the immigration detention process. For example, CBSA policy indicates immigration detainees with psychosocial disabilities may be incarcerated in provincial jails rather than dedicated federal immigration holding centers in order to access specialized care. People from communities of color, and Black people in particular, appear to be incarcerated for longer periods in immigration detention and often in provincial jails instead of immigration holding centers. The #WelcomeToCanada campaign began in British Columbia in October 2021 and has since expanded to Quebec and Nova Scotia. British Columbias decision is a major milestone on the path to ending immigration detention in provincial jails in Canada, Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International said. BC Corrections told Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International the province will give CBSA its 12-month written notice to terminate the immigration detention contract next week. We are thrilled that BC has taken this historic step to eliminate some of the worst abuses in immigration detention, said Samer Muscati, associate disability rights director at Human Rights Watch. We urge other provinces and the federal government to follow suit by ending this harmful practice across the country, and to get on the path to abolishing immigration detention. For more information, please contact: For Human Rights Watch, in Vancouver, Samer Muscati (English): +1-437-886-2505 (mobile); muscats@hrw.org. Twitter: @SamerMuscati. For Human Rights Watch, in Toronto, Hanna Gros (English): grosh@hrw.org For Amnesty International Canada, in Ottawa, Ihsaan Gardee (English): +1-613-277-1500 (mobile); media@amnesty.ca For Amnistie Internationale Canada francophone, in Montreal, Camille Ducroquet (French): +1-514-766-9766 ext. 5236; cducroquet@amnistie.ca ### Attachments SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., July 21, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Masons of California, the worlds largest fraternal organization, recently presented a gift of $76,500 to the International Committee of the Red Cross to provide support and relief to Ukrainian citizens. The total includes gifts from individual Masons throughout California, as well as contributions from lodges and the California Masonic Foundation. The International Committee of the Red Cross delivers relief items to the displaced, provides medicine and supplies to health care facilities, restores the water supply to millions of people and engages in numerous other lifesaving activities. This gift from the Masons of California will go specifically toward providing this vital support to civilians of the Ukraine as they continue their fight for freedom against Russian forces. Charity and relief are cherished values of Freemasons everywhere, and as Masons, we are committed to helping those in need in all communities, said Jeffrey M. Wilkins, grand master of the Masons of California. This gift to the International Committee of the Red Cross will provide important services for the Ukrainian people in their darkest hour. This marks the first time that three Masonic jurisdictions have come together to present a gift. Grand Master Jeffrey M. Wilkins of the Grand Lodge of California, Jean-Claude Zambelli, sovereign grand commander of the George Washington Union Grand Lodge Supreme Council, and Grand Master David San Juan of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Masons of California, Inc. were in attendance to present the check and share their commitment to humanitarian aid and charity. In attendance to receive the gift from the International Committee of the Red Cross was Hanna Malak, regional chief executive officer, and Amy Currin, director of development. About the Masons of California Freemasonry is the worlds largest fraternal organization, guided by the enduring belief that everyone has the responsibility to make the world a better place. For 300 years, Freemasonry has enhanced and strengthened the character of its members and its community by providing opportunities for fellowship, charity, and the search for truthindividually and in the wider world. Through Freemasonry, we make true friends, improve ourselves, and make a positive impact on our communities. Learn more about the Grand Lodge of California at our website and follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Learn more about the George Washington Union Grand Lodge at georgewashingtonunion.org. Learn more about the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of California at https://mwphglcal.org. Media Contact Emily Limon elimon@freemason.org (415) 292-9120 A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d3ffa2cc-261f-467f-8392-f016926f25a1 LANCASTER, Pa., July 21, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Armstrong World Industries, Inc. (NYSE:AWI), a leader in the design, innovation and manufacture of ceiling and wall solutions, today announced the appointment of William H. Osborne to its Board of Directors. With his addition, the board of directors expands to nine members. Osborne brings deep and relevant experience to the Armstrong board with over 35 years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing, operational excellence, supply chain, environment, health and safety at a range of global manufacturing companies. Currently, he serves as senior vice president of Total Quality and Operations for Boeing Defense, Space & Security, a division of Boeing, that generated over $26 billion in revenue in 2021. He is also a member of the Boeings Executive Council. Prior to his current position, he was as senior vice president of Enterprise Operations at Boeing, where he led the companys Enterprise Program Management, Supply Chain, Manufacturing and Quality functions. Prior to joining Boeing in 2018, Osborne held a variety of leadership roles at Navistar Corporation, Federal Signal Corporation and Ford Motor Company. Osborne is the second new member to join the AWI board of directors in 2022. Richard D. Holder was elected to the board in June at the companys annual shareholder meeting. Holder currently serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of HZO, Inc., a provider of thin-film nanocoatings for electronics, a role that he has held since February 2021. Prior to this, he was President and Chief Executive Officer of NN, Inc., a publicly traded, diversified industrial manufacturing company and held a progression of leadership roles at Eaton Corporation. We are thrilled to welcome Bill and Rich to our board of directors, said Vic Grizzle, Armstrong president and CEO. The breadth and diversity of their experience in a range of industrial and manufacturing companies will be invaluable for AWI as we strive to execute our growth strategy and continue to pursue operational excellence across our enterprise. About Armstrong World Industries Armstrong World Industries, Inc. (AWI) is a leader in the design and manufacture of innovative ceiling and wall solutions in the Americas. With $1.1 billion in revenue in 2021, AWI has nearly 3,000 employees and a manufacturing network of 15 facilities, plus six facilities dedicated to its WAVE joint venture. Investors can contact the law firm at no cost to learn more about recovering their losses LOS ANGELES, July 21, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Portnoy Law Firm advises Tupperware Brands Corporation (Tupperware or the Company) (NYSE: TUP) investors that a class action filed on behalf of investors that purchased Tupperware shares and lost money are encouraged to contact the firm to discuss their legal rights. Investors are encouraged to contact attorney Lesley F. Portnoy, by phone 844-767-8529 or email: lesley@portnoylaw.com, to discuss their legal rights, or click here to join the case via www.portnoylaw.com. The Portnoy Law Firm can provide a complimentary case evaluation and discuss investors options for pursuing claims to recover their losses. On May 4, 2022 the Company announced poor operating results, coming in far below estimates: Adjusted EPS from continuing operations 12 cents, estimate 53 cents. Net sales $348.1 million, estimate $362.5 million. Furthermore, the Company withdrew its full year 2022 guidance, and named a new CFO. The Company attributed the poor performance to arcane events in Russia and Ukraine. Interestingly, 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 shares fell sharply in value, thereby injuring investors. Please visit our website to review more information and submit your transaction information. The Portnoy Law Firm represents investors in pursuing claims against caused by corporate wrongdoing. The Firms founding partner has recovered over $5.5 billion for aggrieved investors. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. Lesley F. Portnoy, Esq. Admitted CA and NY Bar lesley@portnoylaw.com 310-692-8883 www.portnoylaw.com Attorney Advertising TOKYO, Japan and LONDON and CAMBRIDGE, United Kingdom, July 22, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sosei Group Corporation (the Company; TSE: 4565), an international biopharmaceutical company and world-leader in GPCR1-focused structure-based drug design (SBDD) and development, and Cancer Research UK, the worlds largest private funder of cancer research, today announce the signing of an agreement to bring Sosei Heptares cancer immunotherapy drug candidate into a first-in-human trial. Under the Clinical Trial and Licence Agreement (CTLA), Cancer Research UKs Centre for Drug Development will sponsor, design and execute a Phase I/IIa clinical trial of HTL00397322, a novel selective EP4 antagonist. Sosei Heptares will be responsible for CTA enabling activities, including GLP toxicology, IMP manufacture1 and other necessary pre-clinical studies in preparation for the opening of the clinical trial. Sosei Heptares holds a licence to the results generated under the trial to continue the clinical development and commercialisation of HTL0039732. HTL0039732 has been proposed for a range of cancers including microsatellite stable3 colorectal, gastroesophageal, head and neck and castrate resistant prostate cancer. Many people with these types of cancer have missed out on the benefits that common immunotherapies, such as PD1/L1 checkpoint inhibitors4, have brought to other cancer types. The hope is that this trial could find that HTL0039732 is an effective immunotherapy for these under-served patient populations. HTL0039732 is a type of immunotherapy known as an EP4 antagonist, which means it selectively binds and blocks a specific type of prostaglandin receptor5 called EP4. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) mediated signalling through EP4 can trigger cancer cells to evade the immune system and can also influence tumour cell growth. Therefore, blocking this type of receptor may improve patient survival, especially if used in combination with another immunotherapy. The Director of Cancer Research UKs Centre for Drug Development, Dr Nigel Blackburn, said: People with these cancer types have, to date, largely missed out on some of the remarkable advances in the field of immunotherapy. "We are therefore thrilled to be partnering with Sosei Heptares to bring their novel immunotherapy candidate into human trials. The hope is that with more trials like this, all cancer patients will eventually be able to benefit from this potentially life-saving form of cancer treatment. Matt Barnes, President of Heptares Therapeutics and Head of UK R&D, commented: We are extremely pleased to collaborate with Cancer Research UK to advance HTL0039732 into Phase I/IIa clinical trials and take a step towards bringing new treatments to cancer patients. HTL0039732 was rationally designed using our highly productive SBDD platform specifically for this type of immunotherapy approach and as such we believe it offers the potential to be a best-in-class EP4 antagonist agent. Notes to Editors Further details of HTL0039732 will be presented at the 2022 Medicinal Chemistry Gordon Research Conference in early August 2022. 1GPCRs (G Protein-Coupled Receptors) are a super-family of integral cell membrane proteins that are present on cells and tissues throughout the body. GPCRs are involved in signalling pathways that influence a wide range of biological processes and are important drug targets implicated in many human diseases and disorders. CTA Clinical Trial Authorisation; GLP Good Laboratory Practice; IMP Investigational Medicinal Product 2HTL0039732 will be evaluated as both a combination therapy and a monotherapy 3Approximately 80-85% of colorectal cancer patients are classified as Microsatellite Stable which means they have low instability in short, repeated sequences of DNA in their tumours, known as microsatellites. MSS tumors often exist in an environment that suppresses the immune system and do not respond well to immunotherapies. 4Checkpoint inhibitors block proteins, known as checkpoint proteins, that stop the immune system from attacking the cancer cells. Examples of checkpoint inhibitors include pembrolizumab (Keytruda), ipilimumab (Yervoy), nivolumab (Opdivo) and atezolizumab (Tecentriq). 5The prostaglandins are a group of lipids made at sites of tissue damage or infection that are involved in dealing with injury and illness. They control processes such as inflammation, blood flow, the formation of blood clots and the induction of labor. About Cancer Research UKs Centre for Drug Development Cancer Research UK has an impressive record of developing novel treatments for cancer. The Cancer Research UK Centre for Drug Development has been pioneering the development of new cancer treatments for 25 years, taking over 140 potential new anti-cancer agents into clinical trials in patients. It currently has a portfolio of 21 new anti-cancer agents in preclinical development, Phase I or early Phase IIa clinical trials. Six of these new agents have made it to market including temozolomide for brain cancer, abiraterone for prostate cancer and rucaparib for ovarian cancer. Two other drugs are in late development Phase III trials. www.cruk.org.uk/cdd About Cancer Research UK Cancer Research UK is the worlds leading cancer charity dedicated to saving lives through research. Cancer Research UKs pioneering work into the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer has helped save millions of lives. Cancer Research UK receives no funding from the UK government for its life-saving research. Every step it makes towards beating cancer relies on vital donations from the public. Cancer Research UK has been at the heart of the progress that has already seen survival in the UK double in the last 40 years. Today, 2 in 4 people survive their cancer for at least 10 years. Cancer Research UKs ambition is to accelerate progress so that by 2034, 3 in 4 people will survive their cancer for at least 10 years. Cancer Research UK supports research into all aspects of cancer through the work of over 4,000 scientists, doctors and nurses. Together with its partners and supporters, Cancer Research UK's vision is to bring forward the day when all cancers are cured. For further information about Cancer Research UK's work or to find out how to support the charity, please call +44 (0)300 123 1022 or visit www.cancerresearchuk.org. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook. About Sosei Heptares We are an international biopharmaceutical group focused on the discovery and early development of new medicines originating from our proprietary GPCR-targeted StaR technology and structure-based drug design platform capabilities. We are advancing a broad and deep pipeline of novel medicines across multiple therapeutic areas, including neurology, immunology, gastroenterology and inflammatory diseases. We have established partnerships with some of the worlds leading pharmaceutical companies and multiple emerging technology companies, including AbbVie, AstraZeneca, Biohaven, Genentech (Roche), GSK, Neurocrine Biosciences, Novartis, Pfizer, Takeda and Verily. Sosei Heptares is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan with corporate and R&D facilities in Cambridge, UK. Sosei Heptares is the corporate brand and trademark of Sosei Group Corporation, which is listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (ticker: 4565). Sosei, Heptares, the logo and StaR are trademarks of Sosei Group companies. For more information, please visit https://soseiheptares.com/ LinkedIn: @soseiheptaresco | Twitter: @soseiheptaresco | YouTube: @soseiheptaresco Enquiries: Cancer Research UK Ellie Bennett, Media Officer +44 (0)20 3469 5370 or, out of hours, on +44 (0)7884 466 868 | eleanor.bennett@cancer.org.uk Sosei Heptares Media and Investor Relations Hironoshin Nomura, Chief Financial Officer Shinichiro Nishishita, VP Investor Relations, Head of Regulatory Disclosures Candelle Chong, SVP Investor Relations and Corporate Strategy Japan: +81 (0)3 5210 3399 | United Kingdom: +44 (0)1223 949390 | IR@SoseiHeptares.com MEDiSTRAVA Consulting (for International Media) Mark Swallow, Frazer Hall, Eleanor Perkin +44 (0)203 928 6900| SoseiHeptares@medistrava.com Sosei Heptares Forward-looking statements This press release contains forward-looking statements, including statements about the discovery, development and commercialization of products. Various risks may cause Sosei Group Corporations actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including: adverse results in clinical development programs; failure to obtain patent protection for inventions; commercial limitations imposed by patents owned or controlled by third parties; dependence upon strategic alliance partners to develop and commercialize products and services; difficulties or delays in obtaining regulatory approvals to market products and services resulting from development efforts; the requirement for substantial funding to conduct research and development and to expand commercialization activities; and product initiatives by competitors. As a result of these factors, prospective investors are cautioned not to rely on any forward-looking statements. We disclaim any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Iraq to recall envoy, summon Turkish ambassador over deadly bombardment Xinhua) 10:02, July 21, 2022 BAGHDAD, July 20 (Xinhua) -- Iraq on Wednesday decided to recall its charge d'affaires from Ankara for consultations and summoned the Turkish ambassador over the deadly bombardment on a northern Iraqi resort. The Iraqi Ministerial Council for National Security announced the decisions after holding an emergency meeting on the artillery strikes that killed at least 9 tourists and wounded 23 others earlier in the day. Iraq accused Turkiye of striking the resort in Duhok Province of its semi-autonomous region, a charge Ankara has denied. "Turkiye disregards Iraq's demands to stop the violations against Iraq's sovereignty and disrespects the principle of good neighborliness," the Iraqi ministerial council said in a statement, urging Turkiye to submit an official apology and withdraw its forces from all Iraqi territories. The council also decided to pause dispatching a new ambassador to Turkiye in protest of the attack, and order the filing of a complaint to the United Nations Security Council. Ankara regularly carries out cross-border military actions into northern Iraq, claiming to target the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) which is listed as a terrorist organization by Turkiye, the United States and the EU. (Web editor: Wu Chaolan, Liang Jun) Last Saturday, the United States fully transitioned the 10-digit National Suicide Prevention Lifeline to 988 a three-digit number anyone can call or text for crisis care. In Wyoming, those who dial this number for support will be now connected to a Wyoming representative no matter what time they call. Governor Mark Gordon recently announced that the state's suicide lifeline services have been expanded and improved to offer full-time, Wyoming-based coverage 24 hours a day, every day. "Wyoming citizens experiencing a mental health crisis and potentially suicidal thoughts, can now be confident that on the other end of the line, they're talking to someone who as a fellow state resident is familiar with our state and cares about our people," the Governor said. While the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline has been available via phone for many years, calls from Wyoming residents before 2020 were answered by people outside the state. Wyoming-based services began that year, but hours were limited due to funding availability. Full-time, all-day, every-day Wyoming-based coverage started at the beginning of July. Governor Gordon asked the Legislature to fund the service and expand its availability during the 2022 legislative session and appreciates their support for this initiative, according to a press release from the governor's office. "We are confident that the personal connection and the ability to make localized referrals for help will be improved when Wyoming folks can speak to an understanding person in their own state," Gordon added. Stefan Johansson, Wyoming Department of Health director, encouraged people in distress and concerned about suicidal thoughts they may be having to call the lifeline for help. "Talking with someone can make a difference. It can also be a good idea to call if you are worried about potential suicidal thoughts in a family member or close friend," Johansson said. Johansson also recognized the national switch to the simplified 988 number beginning July 16. "Calls to both the new 988 number and the existing number will be answered," he said. "Our department staff plans to promote the new number and consider further lifeline service improvements over time." The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline has existed since 2005, and the effort to change to the easier-to-remember 988 number was first proposed to Congress in 2019. The National Suicide Hotline Designation Act, signed into law after the passage of bipartisan legislation in 2020, authorized 988 as the new number for suicide and mental health crisis. The nation-wide adoption of the new number, which also links to the Veterans Crisis Line, follows a three-year joint effort by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to put crisis care more in reach for people in need. In 2021, the Lifeline received 3.6 million calls, chats, and texts. That number is expected to at least double within the first full year after the 988 transition. The United States had one death by suicide every 11 minutes in 2020, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Suicide was the second leading cause of death for young people aged 10-14 and 25-34. From April 2020 to 2021, more than 100,000 people died from drug overdoses. In 2020, Wyoming had the highest suicide rate of all 50 states, according to the CDC. For the past several years, Wyoming has either had the highest suicide rate or been in the top three. According to the Wyoming Department of Health, suicide is a leading cause of preventable death in Wyoming, and the Wyoming suicide rate is consistently higher than the US. In 2019, the Wyoming suicide rate was 29.4 per 100,000 compared to the national rate of 14.5 per 100,000. Studies have shown that after speaking with a trained crisis counselor, most Lifeline callers are significantly more likely to feel less depressed, less suicidal, less overwhelmed, and more hopeful. The Wyoming Lifeline website specifies people can call for more reasons than just feeling suicidal. Those who are experiencing other negative emotions or just wanting someone to talk to can call or text the Lifeline. Some topics people call to discuss include needing help with food and shelter, depression, fears, isolation, social pressure, abusive relationships, suicide ideation, addiction, bullying, discrimination and other situations. "If you or a loved one need to talk, call us now," the Wyoming Lifeline website says. "Someone is always there for you on the other end of the line." More information on community-based suicide prevention resources in Wyoming can be found online at https://health.wyo.gov/publichealth/prevention/wivpp/suicide-prevention/. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger of harming themselves, please call 911. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, which routes to a Wyoming-based representative, at 988. LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) Arkansas lawmakers on Thursday took back the authority they gave for the state to distribute about $460 million in remaining federal COVID-19 relief funds to school districts, saying they want schools to use the money for teacher and staff bonuses. The move faced opposition from Democrats who said it was an effort to avoid considering raising teacher salaries while the state sits on a $1.6 billion surplus. It was also criticized by Republican Gov. Asa Hutchinson, who said lawmakers didn't have authority to take such a step. The Legislative Council voted to rescind the appropriation for the federal funds, and recommended schools use the money for bonuses. The council said the districts' plans for spending the money will now have to go before a legislative panel. The council recommended districts use the funds to provide $5,000 one-time bonuses to teachers and $2,500 to staff. Senate President Jimmy Hickey said some districts were unaware they could use the funds for the bonuses. Obviously now there's not going to be any question that it can be done," Hickey, a Republican, said. They're going to all have to get together to make this work." The move came as Democrats and teachers' groups are pushing for teacher salary increases to be on the agenda when the Legislature convenes next month for a special session focused on tax cuts. It seems to be we're working hard just to not face up to raising the salaries when we can," Democratic Sen. Keith Ingram said. Hutchinson earlier this year proposed raising teacher salaries. But Hutchinson said he wouldn't put raises on the agenda for the special session, citing a lack of support in the majority-GOP Legislature. Republican legislative leaders have said the special session isn't the right time for the issue since the Legislature hasn't completed its annual review of education funding required by law. That review is used to issue recommendations on school funding increases and includes a look at teacher salaries. Hutchinson said he was disappointed by the council's decision and said the panel can't undo an appropriation they've already approved. Under the new approach, some districts' priorities may not get approved, he said. I am concerned that teachers in some districts will get a bonus, but others may not," Hutchinson said in a statement. The creative approach by the committee today while well-intentioned is not the best approach to helping our teachers." Arkansas has raised teacher salaries over the past several years, and the minimum teacher salary for the coming school year is $36,000. Proponents of the pay raise have noted that base salaries in most of the states adjoining Arkansas are higher. ___ This story has been corrected to show that Arkansas has a state budget surplus of $1.6 billion, not $1.6 million. WASHINGTON (AP) Despite desperate pleas from aides, allies, a Republican congressional leader and even his family, Donald Trump refused to call off the Jan. 6 mob attack on the Capitol, instead pouring gasoline on the fire by aggressively tweeting his false claims of a stolen election and celebrating his crowd of supporters as very special," the House investigating committee showed Thursday night. The next day, he declared anew, I don't want to say the election is over." That was in a previously unaired outtake of an address to the nation he was to give, shown at the prime-time hearing of the committee. The panel documented how for some 187 minutes, from the time Trump left a rally stage sending his supporters to the Capitol to the time he ultimately appeared in the Rose Garden video that day, nothing could compel the defeated president to act. Instead, he watched the violence unfold on TV. President Trump didnt fail to act, said Rep. Adam Kinzinger, a fellow Republican but frequent Trump critic who flew combat missions in Iraq and Afghanistan. He chose not to act. After months of work and weeks of hearings, the prime-time session started the way the committee began laying blame for the deadly attack on Trump himself for summoning the mob to Washington and sending them to Capitol Hill. The defeated president turned his supporters' love of country into a weapon, said the panel's Republican vice chair Rep. Liz Cheney of Wyoming. Far from finishing its work after Thursday's hearing, probably the last of the summer, the panel will start up again in September as more witnesses and information emerge. Cheney said the dam has begun to break on revealing what happened that fateful day, at the White House as well as in the violence at the Capitol. Donald Trump made a purposeful choice to violate his oath of office, Cheney declared. Every American must consider this: Can a president who is willing to make the choices Donald Trump made during the violence of Jan. 6 ever be trusted in any position of authority in our great nation? she asked. Trump, who is considering another White House run, dismissed the committee as a Kangaroo court, and name-called the panel and witnesses for many lies and misrepresentations. Plunging into its second prime-time hearing on the Capitol attack, the committee aimed to show a minute by minute accounting of Trumps actions with new testimony, including from two White House aides, never-before-heard security radio transmissions of Secret Service officers fearing for their lives and behind-the-scenes discussions at the White House. With the Capitol siege raging, Trump was giving the green light to his supporters by tweeting condemnation of Vice President Mike Pence's refusal to go along with his plan to stop the certification of Joe Biden's victory, a former White House aide told the committee. Two aides resigned on the spot. I thought that Jan. 6 2021, was one of the darkest days in our nations history, Sarah Matthews told the panel. And President Trump was treating it as a celebratory occasion. So it just further cemented my decision to resign. The committee played audio of Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, reacting with surprise to the presidents inaction during the attack. Youre the commander-in-chief. Youve got an assault going on on the Capitol of the United States of America. And theres Nothing? No call? Nothing, Zero? he said. On Jan. 6, an irate Trump demanded to be taken to the Capitol after his supporters had stormed the building, well aware of the deadly attack, but his security team refused. Within 15 minutes of leaving the stage, President Trump knew that the Capitol was besieged and under attack, said Rep. Elaine Luria, D-Va. At the Capitol, the mob was chanting Hang Mike Pence, testified Matt Pottinger, the former deputy national security adviser, as Trump tweeted his condemnation of his vice president. Pottinger, testifying Thursday, said that when he saw Trump's tweet he immediately decided to resign, as did Matthews, who said she was a lifelong Republican but could not go along with what was going on. She was the witness who called the tweet a green light and pouring gasoline on the fire. Meanwhile, recordings of Secret Service radio transmissions revealed agents at the Capitol trying to whisk Pence to safety amid the mayhem and asking for messages to be relayed telling their own families goodbye. The panel showed previously unseen testimony from the president's son, Donald Trump, Jr., with a text message to his father's chief of staff Mark Meadows urging the president to call off the mob. Trump son-in-law Jared Kushner also testified in a recorded video of a scared GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy calling him for help. And in a gripping moment, the panel showed Trump refusing to deliver a speech the next day declaring the election was over, despite his daughter, Ivanka Trump, heard off camera, encouraging him to read the script. The presidents words matter, said Luria, D-Va., a former Naval officer on the panel. We know that many of the rioters were listening to President Trump. Luria said the panel had received testimony confirming the powerful previous account of former White House aide Cassidy Hutchinson of an altercation involving Trump as he insisted the Secret Service drive him to the Capitol. Among the witnesses testifying Thursday in a recorded video was retired District of Columbia Metropolitan Police Department Sgt. Mark Robinson who told the committee that Trump was well aware of the number of weapons in the crowd of his supporters but wanted to go regardless. The only description that I received was that the president was upset, and that he was adamant about going to the Capitol and that there was a heated discussion about that, Robinson said. Chairman Bennie Thompson, appearing virtually as he self-isolates with COVID-19, opened Thursdays hearing saying Trump as president did everything in his power to overturn the election he lost to Joe Biden, including before and during the deadly Capitol attack. He lied, he bullied, he betrayed his oath, charged Thompson, D-Miss. Our investigation goes forward, said Thompson. There needs to be accountability. The hearing room was packed, including with several police officers who fought off the mob that day, and the family of one officer who died the day after the attack. While the committee cannot make criminal charges, the Justice Department is monitoring its work. So far, more than 840 people have been charged with federal crimes related to the Capitol riot. Over 330 of them have pleaded guilty, mostly to misdemeanors. Of the more than 200 defendants to be sentenced, approximately 100 received terms of imprisonment. No former president has ever been federally prosecuted by the Justice Department. Attorney General Merrick Garland said Wednesday that Jan. 6 is the most wide-ranging investigation and the most important investigation that the Justice Department has ever entered into. Five people died that day as Trump supporters battled the police in gory hand-to-hand combat to storm the Capitol. One officer has testified that she was slipping in other people's blood as they tried to hold back the mob. One Trump supporter was shot and killed by police. ___ Associated Press writers Mary Clare Jalonick, Kevin Freking, Mike Balsamo, Chris Megerian in Washington and Jill Colvin in New York contributed to this report. Follow APs coverage of the Jan. 6 committee hearings at https://apnews.com/hub/capitol-siege. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate CHICAGO (AP) A federal lawsuit filed Thursday alleges Chicago police misused unreliable gunshot detection technology and failed to pursue other leads in investigating a grandfather from the citys South Side who was charged with killing a neighbor. Chicago prosecutors used audio picked up by a network of sensors installed by the gunshot detection company ShotSpotter as critical evidence in charging Michael Williams with murder in 2020 for allegedly shooting the man inside his car. Williams spent nearly a year in jail, and The Associated Press reported last year that a judge dismissed his case at the request of prosecutors, who said they had insufficient evidence. The lawsuit filed by the MacArthur Justice Center at Northwestern Universitys law school seeks damages from the city for mental anguish, loss of income and legal bills for the 65-year-old Williams, who said he still suffers from a tremor in his hand that developed while he was locked up. It also details the case of a second plaintiff Daniel Ortiz, a 36-year-old father who the lawsuit alleges was arbitrarily arrested and jailed by police who were responding to a ShotSpotter alert. The suit seeks class-action status for any Chicago resident who was stopped on the basis of the alerts. It also seeks a court order barring the technologys use in the nations third-largest city. Even though now Im so-called free, I dont think I will ever be free of the thought of what they have done and the impact that has on me now, like the shaking with my hand, Williams said. I constantly go back to the thought of being in that place. ... I just cant get my mind to settle down. ShotSpotter isnt named as a defendant in the 103-page filing though the lawsuit claims the companys algorithm-powered technology is flawed. The suit also alleges the citys decision to place most of its gunshot-detection sensors in predominantly Black and Latino neighborhoods is racially discriminatory. Asked for a comment, the city's law department, which represents police in such cases, said later Thursday that it had not yet been served with the complaint. Chicago police have previously praised the ShotSpotter system, saying it puts officers on the scene of shootings far faster than if they wait for someone to call 911. Police have also said crime rates not residents race determine where the technology is deployed. ShotSpotter said in a statement that the evidence it collects and its expert witnesses have been admitted in 200 court cases in 20 states, and have survived dozens of evidentiary challenges. It described its system as highly accurate with a 97% aggregate accuracy rate for real-time detections across all customers and that an analytics company had verified the effectiveness of the technology. ShotSpotters website says the company is a leader in precision policing technology solutions that help stop gun violence by using sensors, algorithms and artificial intelligence to classify 14 million sounds in its proprietary database as gunshots or something else. But the AP investigation identified a number of flaws in using ShotSpotter as evidentiary support for prosecutors, and found the system can miss live gunfire right under its microphones, or misclassify the sounds of fireworks or cars backfiring as gunshots. Last year, Chicagos nonpartisan watchdog agency concluded that actual evidence of a gun-related crime was found in about 9% of ShotSpotter alerts that were confirmed as probable gunshots. The lawsuit says the investigating officers put blind faith in ShotSpotter evidence they knew or should have known was unreliable in order to charge Williams with killing 25-year-old Safarian Herring. The lawsuit alleges investigators used ShotSpotter material in a way that went beyond its intended use, quoting a disclaimer in one document related to Williams case that says the investigative lead summary should only be used for initial investigative purposes. The suit also accuses investigators of not pursuing other leads that could have produced credible suspects, including reports that someone previously shot at Herring at a bus stop. Police and prosecutors never established a motive for Williams to have shot Herring, never found witnesses to the shooting, and never recovered a weapon or physical evidence tying Williams to the killing, the suit alleges. The Defendant Officers engaged in tunnel vision to target Mr. Williams, arresting him for First-Degree murder, without probable cause, the lawsuit said. ___ Burke reported from San Francisco. ___ Follow Garance Burke and Michael Tarm on Twitter at @garanceburke and @mtarm. Contact APs global investigative team at Investigative@ap.org or https://www.ap.org/tips/ Island Girl Power Program Director Juanita Blaz displays one of her organizations bags in this 2018 photo. Find out where and how you can get vaccines and testing for COVID-19 this week, based on information provided by Joint Information Center. Among the happiest to see the return to a full celebration for the 78th Liberation Day were members of Guams World War II generation, who had a chance to sit in the grandstands and watch the parade roll by for the first time since 2019. Oh my God, its great, said war survivor Mae Aflague Pellacani. Though the return brought bittersweet feelings for her, she said. At 81 years old, Pellacani is among the few who still have memories of the war. I was only 4 years old, but when I hear all the manamko, all of the things that happened to them, sometimes I break down and cry, she said, tearing up as she watched the parade. We all suffered. I know my parents went through a lot. One of Pellacanis clearest memories from the war was crying to her mother to carry her as their family, from the village of Sinajana, had to relocate. Shed say I cant carry you and wed all have to stop, because they were carrying food and clothes. Chance I admire the people that liberated the island from the Japanese, and we really thank all of those people that were involved during those days, said 89-year-old Francisco L.G. Manibusan. His father was a farmer before the war, in the village of Hagatna, but their family was scattered throughout the island afterward as far as Tumon and Yigo with Manibusan now settled in Yona. He was glad to see the festivities and the commemoration return, to give people the chance and see what really took place on the island. For the young generation, Manibusan said, gesturing to the youths passing by on a parade float, when they look back, when they see what took place during their younger days. Its a good thing. Those who served While there was no return of liberators to the island this year, a tradition of Liberation Day, a special tribute was provided to those who gave their lives in World War II and conflicts since, as well as their families. The Gold Star Families Memorial Monument was unveiled in Skinners Plaza around 9 a.m., with an address from Chad Graham, grandson of Hershell Woody Williams, a Guam liberator who was the last living World War II Medal of Honor recipient. Williams died in June. Losing him, people told us, you dont have to go Guam. Everyone will understand, said Graham, president and CEO of the Woody Williams Foundation. But this is the right place to be. Its exactly where we need to be. And our hearts are full. My grandfather and I stood atop Nimitz Hill, Graham said, recalling their last visit to the island together. He walked me through what it was that day to come on Guam and I tried to put myself in his shoes and think what a farm boy from halfway around the world thought of seeing his Marines came ashore. And if we allow ourselves to think back and you ask yourself, what was that like, you will eventually get to the question: Why? It is because freedom is that important. Freedom is so important that these families gave one of their own to protect and secure it. The unveiling of the monument by Marine Corps service members followed Grahams speech. Brother Betty Sgambelluri Yokoi Taitingfong sat under a nearby tent, waiting for the showers to pass so she could search for her brothers name, Raphael Sgambelluri Yokoi, on a plaque accompanying the memorial. Taitingfong said he died during the Vietnam war a little over a week before Liberation Day. July 11, 1969. He was 19 years old. He had just gotten out of basic and gone to Vietnam. Her other brother, who recently died, was in the Navy at the time and had a chance to meet with Yokoi before he was sent out on his last mission. He would always, you know, ask for letters, she said of Raphael Yokoi. So everybody would always start to write letters. And this is how we bring some news to him. Its really great that we have this here, so that we can bring our children down here and we can walk them out to see and recognize the names, and we can point out who their relatives are, Taitingfong said. The return of Liberation Day celebrations meant the return of the parade and the return of spectators who spent the night camping under the stars and rain waiting for the parade to start. After waiting in line a week earlier in anticipation of getting one of the 219 reserved areas, campers wasted no time setting up their spots. Wednesday afternoon, canopies and pop-up tents began appearing along both sides of the parade route on Marine Corps Drive, with celebrations starting well in advance of the main event. The Evaristo-Indalecio family, from Dededo, began setting up at noon Wednesday. The Quinata and Rosalyn families, from Santa Rita-Sumai and Piti, put up their canopy at 1 p.m. Shane Tenorio, of Yona, arrived later in the day, setting up his spot at 6 p.m. Tenorio said he also watched the parade with his family in 2019. A larger event was held that year to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Liberation of Guam. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic shut down celebrations completely. In a speech in early July that year, the governor declared a Month of Reflection, Recognition, and Remembrance of Guams 76th Liberation Day and urged people to stay safe in the name of trying to liberate ourselves from this God-awful virus. Instead of gatherings, residents were encouraged to fly Guam flags and American flags for the holiday. Last year, the parade was virtual and although memorial ceremonies were conducted, restrictions on gatherings meant attendance was limited. With the island slowly returning to normal, Tenorio said he was looking forward to the holiday, along with in-person festivities. Michael Lujan Bevacqua is an author, artist, activist and the curator for The Guam Museum. Guam liberator Hershel Woodrow Woody Williams died June 29, 2022. Although Williams died on June 29, the work of his foundation lives on. Haiti - Agriculture : Installation of an aquaponic system in Kenscoff As part of the Aquhaiti Project, launched last June https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-36844-haiti-kenscoff-launch-of-the-aquhaiti-project.html , an initiative led by the Tecnova Technological Center, the Spanish CIDEAL Foundation and the Haitian Solidarity Association for Rural Development of Kenscoff (SOHADERK), with the support of the Spanish Agency for International Cooperation for Development (AECID), work has been carried out to install innovative technology on a plot of the Lefrevre Experimental Farm in Kenscoff. This technology specifically consists of a multi-tunnel structure of 800 m2, where an area of 600 m2 is combined indoors for the cultivation of vegetables and 200 m2 for the installation of aquariums (fish farming or aquaculture). The infrastructure is equipped with innovative technology, but easy to use and maintain, such as a shading system, a fertigation machine and a drip irrigation system, or a pumping system and motorized valves. For the cultivation of vegetables, a cultivation system without soil in substrate (called "enficonado") will be installed, which will allow better control of soil-derived pest and disease problems. And on the other hand, the aquaponics system is equipped with three bathtubs, one of which is intended to recirculate and pump water, for its disinfection, through various systems, including a biological filter and an ultraviolet system. The installation work has been successfully completed. At present, pepper seeds are in a seedbed in the germination phase, to be transplanted into the crop in a month. In coordination with SOHADERK, it was decided to invest in a first stage in the cultivation of peppers, because it is a product with high added value in Haiti. Once the seedlings are transplanted, a cultivation cycle of about 4 months will be carried out, and during this period it will be precisely accompanied by training in all the necessary modules that will allow the target group to manage the technology autonomously. Learn more about aquaponics : To this end, it is proposed to implement the technique of aquaponics, which combines hydroponics and aquaculture. Aquaponics consists of the cultivation of plants in symbiosis with the breeding of fish. It is an ecosystem in which three types of organisms are involved: Fish, whose droppings are the source of nutrients for plants, in the form of fertilizer. Aerobic bacteria that transform manure into nitrates that can be assimilated by plants in mineral form and cultivated plants that purify water. Seee also : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-36844-haiti-kenscoff-launch-of-the-aquhaiti-project.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-6596-haiti-agriculture-an-aquaponics-farm-in-grace-village.html HL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - News : Zapping... Dr. Inobert Pierre released against ransom On Tuesday July 19, 2022, Dr. Inobert Pierre, Director of Saint-Boniface Hospital in Fond-des-Blancs, kidnapped on July 11 in Croix-des-Bouquets, was released by his kidnappers against ransom. Teacher stoned to death Tuesday July 19, 2022, Neremie Joseph (52), a teacher with 25 years carrer and Director of the National School of Boucan-Carre (Centre), was stoned to death by unidentified individuals as she was returning at his home according to Me Charles Edmond Propere Justice of the Peace of the commune in charge of the report. A suspect was arrested and four arrest warrants were issued. 500 detainees desperately short of water and food More than 500 detainees incarcerated in the civil prison of Saint Marc lack water and food, noted Me Jacques Edouard, Justice of the Peace of this jurisdiction, who is appealing for help from civil society organizations in favor of detained. The PM in Cite Soleil On Sunday July 17, 2022, the Prime Minister a.i. Ariel Henry accompanied by Liszt Quitel, Minister of the Interior and Territorial Communities met with the executive agents of the municipality of Cite Soleil in order to coordinate assistance to the victims of the conflict and to the local population See also : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-37194-haiti-flash-cite-soleil-ceasefire-opening-of-a-humanitarian-corridor.html 66 Police Officers distinguished Wednesday, July 20 during a ceremony at the General Directorate of the National Police of Haiti (PNH), the Acting Prime Minister, Ariel Henry praised the work of 66 police officers from different units who have distinguished themselves in the fight against the insecurity in the Metropolitan area "I want to tell the police officers that their service is greatly appreciated and the Nation is grateful to them for what they are doing and for what they will continue to do. Thanks to them and their dedication, we can hope that, in a not too distant time, we will be able to resume a normal life and sleep peacefully because they are watching and standing guard," declared Ariel Henry. Distribution of life jackets The Directorate General of Maritime and Navigation Service of Haiti (SEMANAH), proceeded to the distribution of life jackets to owners, captains, amateurs and users of the sea in three localities of the South East department (Marigot, Anse-a-Pitres and Belle-Anse) thanks to the support of the Primature. HL/ HaitiLibre (JNS) - Several German museums have handed over five artworks to the heirs of a Jewish banker who was forced to sell them when he faced persecution by the Nazis during World War II. The Nazi-looted pieces of art were returned to the family of Carl Heumann on Monday, announced the Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation, also known as Stiftung Preuischer Kulturbesitz. They include Albert Emil Kirchner's "Fischerweide" (1854) from the Lenbachhaus in Munich; Jakob Gensler's "Girl with Parrot" (1840) from the Dresden State Art Collections; and two watercolors by Peter Fendi titled "Cathol... (New York Jewish Week) - The latest chapter of the surreal saga over who is making decisions for the aged pop artist Peter Max is pitting two children of Holocaust survivors against each other. One is Libra Max, Peter Max's daughter. The other is Barbara Lissner, an attorney who represents Holocaust survivors, including in their efforts to secure restitution. She became Peter Max's guardian in 2019, shortly after the New York Times first reported alleged abuse by Max's previous guardian and exploitation by his business associates. Libra Max is suing Lissner in federal court, saying that L... (JNS) - A large cargo of medical and humanitarian aid was recently collected and delivered to Ukraine by the Israeli international humanitarian aid organization IsraAID and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Israel-Ukraine. A total of 31 pallets weighing 9 tons (19,841 pounds) were delivered to the city of Kharkiv on July 6, the Ukrainian embassy in Israel announced on its Facebook page. The cargo contained tourniquets, bandages, occlusive dressings, chest seals, surgical packs, hygiene kits and diapers. The embassy said these items "will help save the lives of Ukrainians who are sufferin... Dr. Gunther Jikeli, director of the Institute for the Study of Contemporary Antisemitism at Indiana University will address the question of Anti-Antisemitism: Online, Offline and What To Do About It in the Virginia Room on the second floor of the Ringhaver Student Center at Flagler College, 50 Sevilla Street, St. Augustine, Florida 32084 at 4 pm. Thursday, Aug. 25. This event, sponsored by Flagler College and Dr. Larry Kanter, is open to the public. All are welcome. No prior arrangements are necessary. There is no charge for this event. For further information and best directions ca... JERUSALEM (JTA) - After releasing a joint statement that demonstrates unity on the need to counter the Iranian nuclear threat, U.S. president Joe Biden and Israeli prime minister Yair Lapid gave statements that demonstrate radical differences in their approach to doing so. The document released on Thursday, the second day of Biden's visit to Israel, is a 1,500-word statement titled "The Jerusalem Declaration on the U.S.-Israel Strategic Partnership." It states that the United States is committed "never to allow Iran to acquire a nuclear weapon" and is "prepared to use all elements of its na... Europe engulfed by new COVID-19 wave, says ECDC expert Xinhua) 10:04, July 21, 2022 STOCKHOLM, July 20 (Xinhua) -- Europe is engulfed by a new COVID-19 wave as the number of new infections has tripled in six weeks, the Stockholm-based European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) said on Wednesday. The wave is mainly driven by the Omicron subvariants BA.4 and BA.5, which account for 80 percent of the total infections in Europe right now, Agoritsa Baka, a senior ECDC expert, told Swedish Television. In the past week, close to 3 million new COVID-19 cases were reported in the European region, accounting for nearly half of all new cases globally, the World Health Organization(WHO) said Tuesday in a press release. Hospitalizations have reportedly doubled in Europe in recent weeks. Referring to WHO statistics, Swedish Television reported that nearly 3,000 Europeans die of COVID-19 every week. It said the situation in Sweden is stable, but in several other countries in Europe, the number of deaths has increased in recent weeks. This has led the ECDC to the conclusion that pandemic measures may be needed again, "such as face mask requirements in public transport and restrictions on larger gatherings," Baka said. There are also concerns that a new subvariant, BA.2.75, may further increase the number of infections. After rapidly spreading in India, it has also been discovered in 15 other countries, including the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands and Denmark. It is however too early to say whether it is more dangerous than the current subvariants, Baka said. "We do not have enough knowledge about it to be able to say anything now. But we are keeping a close eye on its transmission and waiting for more data from countries where it circulates," she was quoted by Swedish Television as saying. (Web editor: Wu Chaolan, Liang Jun) Joe Biden speaks to Holocaust survivors Giselle Cycowicz, right, and Rena Quint, left, during a ceremony at the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial museum in Jerusalem, July 13, 2022. JERUSALEM (JTA) - Joe Biden dispensed with both social distancing and the chair arranged for him Wednesday as he embraced two Holocaust survivors, then knelt to speak with them during his first trip to Israel as U.S. president. "I'm very excited about the meeting and also a little scared of it," Rene Quint, 86, told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency ahead of the scheduled encounter - a brief conversation that she and another survivor, Giselle Cycowicz, 95, were scheduled to have with Biden at Yad Vashem, Israel's national Holocaust museum and a regular destination for foreign heads of state. Bu... (JTA) Pinchas Goldschmidt, who left Russia following its invasion of Ukraine, is no longer the chief rabbi of Moscow after 30 years with the title. The board of the Moscow Jewish Religious Society voted last month to support a contract extension for Goldschmidt, even though he had been in Israel for some time. But the RBC, a Russian news organization, reported Wednesday that the group, which represents Goldschmidts congregation and office, said he no longer had a role there. The contract has ended. There is no question of successors, perhaps there will be none, Olga Yessaul... (JNS) - Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Thursday evening welcomed U.S. President Joe Biden at the President's Residence in Jerusalem. Referring to Herzog by his nickname, Biden wrote in the President's Residence guestbook, "Bougie, my friend, thank you for all you and your family have done to deepen the ironclad bond between our two great countries." "From our shared Irish roots to our shared love of Israel, we are united in heart and spirit. May our friendship endure and continue to grow! That is the Irish of it, as my grandfather Finnegan would say. God bless you. Joe. 7.14.22," the U.S... The mother of a lone soldier reunites with her daughter, who currently serves in the Israel Defense Forces, during a trip with the global movement Momentum at an event hosted by Nefesh B'Nefesh in Jerusalem on July 8, 2022. (JNS) - Thirty-five mothers of lone soldiers currently in Israel on a special trip with the Momentum organization thought they were attending an educational seminar at the new Nefesh B'Nefesh Campus in Jerusalem on June 8 when they were surprised by their children serving in the Israel Defense Forces. The mothers, many of whom hadn't seen their sons or daughters since last year, arrived in Israel on July 4 from all over the world, including the United States, Canada, Argentina, Australia, Mexico and South Africa. They came to Israel thanks to Momentum, a global movement that helps women con... (JNS) Nine European governments rejected on Tuesday an Israeli decision to class six Palestinian organizations as terrorist entities. The foreign ministries of Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Sweden said in a joint statement that Israels October 2021 designation of the Palestinian civil society organizations as terrorist organizations was not supported by substantial evidence. No substantial information was received from Israel that would justify reviewing our policy towards the six Palestinian NGOs on the basis of the Israeli de... A major American Jewish organization objected Monday to Israel presenting U.S. President Joe Biden its Presidential Medal of Honor during his visit to the country Wednesday, saying that he does not deserve it. The stated reason for giving the award is to thank Biden for being a true friend of Israel, his decades-long commitment to Israels security, deepening the U.S.-Israel alliance, and his struggle against anti-Israeli and anti-Semitic hatred around the world. This award makes no sense, Zionist Organization of America National President Morton A. Klein said in... WASHINGTON (JTA) - It has become a kind of mantra in Washington and Jerusalem: Integrate much of the Middle East, including Israel, into a single security system to keep Iran in its place. The issue came up as soon as President Joe Biden landed Wednesday at Ben Gurion airport in Israel for his first visit as president and his 10th since 1973. "We will discuss building a new security and economy architecture with the nations of the Middle East, following the Abraham Accords and the achievements of the Negev Summit," Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid told Biden. "And we will discuss the need... TEL AVIV (JTA) Joe Biden kicked off his 10th trip to Israel and first as U.S. president on Wednesday by declaring that the relationship between the two countries is bone-deep. Biden told Israeli President Isaac Herzog I am home, according to Herzogs office, and he attempted to prove it right away. Speaking at Ben Gurion Airport, Biden recounted his extensive personal history with Israel, including a 1973 meeting with then-prime minister Golda Meir that is a favorite if sometimes embroidered anecdote. Now as president, Im proud to say that our rela... (JNS) Educational materials produced by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) contain content that encourages jihad, violence and martyrdom, in addition to promoting anti-Semitism, according to an analysis by IMPACT-se. The Israeli NGOwhich monitors curricula to assess whether young people are being indoctrinated with hatefocused on materials labeled for use in the Palestinian territories in 2022 that did not appear on UNRWAs new education portal as is required. Among the examples cited by IMPACT-se was a grammar exercise... (JNS) In a news release on Monday, the U.S. State Department slammed the Russian government for continuing to compare Ukrainian leaders to Nazis and evoking the Holocaust in its war against Ukraine. The release cited numerous examples of the Russian government and propaganda apparatus justifying its aggression towards Ukraine by invoking World War II imagery. Russia has long claimed that one of its goals in Ukraine was de-Nazification with Russian President Vladimir Putin calling the Ukrainian leaders a gang of drug addicts and neo-Nazis, despite being led by the Jewish Pr... On March 26, 2022, with much fanfare and staging in the Polish capital of Warsaw and with the whole world watching, the President of the United States and the leader of the Free World, made a speech which can only be described as, employing the Shakespearean line, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing. In October of 2021, when the Russians were increasing their verbal and actual threats directed to Ukraine, and were increasing their military buildup along several strategic points along the Ukrainian border, including Ukraines shared border with Belarus, Russias puppet all... (Jewish Journal via JNS) While much of the conversation around Israel revolves around its conflict with the Palestinians, the BDS movement against the Jewish state, Irans nuclear threat and political elections that never end, theres a whole other story that doesnt get much attention: Israel is becoming a country for humanity. That thought was on my mind this week after spending time in Jerusalem with my friend Jonathan Medved, who runs an innovation investment platform called Our Crowd. Over a late afternoon coffee at the King David Hotel, Medved riffed on a country that produc... (JNS) The Community Security Trust, an organization in the United Kingdom that prevents and records anti-Semitism, found a worrying spike in anti-Semitic activity last May and June, when some pro-Palestinian campaigners verbally and physically assaulted Jews. This was during and after Israels 11-day conflict with Hamas in the Gaza Strip when the terror group launched more than 4,000 rockets into civilian areas in Israel. Violence was also incited by the Palestinian Authority, whose leaders incited widespread violence in Jerusalem and cities across Israel. Anti-Semitism increased... (JTA) Its been over 20 years since my predecessor as editor of the New York Jewish Week, Gary Rosenblatt, first exposed the predations of Rabbi Baruch Lanner. His powerful investigation led Lanners bosses at the Orthodox Union to issue a report describing the sexual, physical and emotional abuse carried out by Lanner against dozens of teenagers in his charge. Its been exactly 20 years since Lanner was convicted of sexually assaulting students at a Jewish high school in New Jersey. Its been 14 years since Lanner, then 58, was released after serving three years at Southwoods... (JNS) On the eve of President Joe Bidens visit to Israel and Saudi Arabia, Jeremy Ben-Ami, president of the left-wing lobby J Street which bills itself as pro-Israel and pro-peace advised the president to address the coming crisis between Israel and Palestine. Writing in The Washington Post, Ben-Ami expressed concern for the Palestinians alone. They are, he claimed, burdened by occupation, violence, injustice, settler violence, demolitions, evictions, annexation and so on. Out of the entire article, six words pointed a finger at the Palestinians: Palesti... (Israel Hayom via JNS) President Biden, an American presidents visit to our country is always a day of celebration. It is an authentic expression of the sense of closeness between our two peoples and the brave partnership between our two countries. This friendship does not depend on our leaders identities or party affiliations, and takes precedence over any dispute. The special relationship between our countries is multifaceted and serves common interests, but it is also based on common valuesour commitment to democracy, liberty, justice and peace, which is deeply rooted in our... Loews Hotels & Co, a wholly owned subsidiary of Loews Corporation (NYSE: L), today topped off the $550 million Loews Arlington Hotel and Convention Center and announced the new signature restaurant. Executives from the company were joined by Arlington Mayor Jim Ross, Managing Partner and Majority Owner of the Texas Rangers Ray Davis, Benjamin Berg, Founder & CEO of Berg Hospitality, along with members of the Arlington City Council and other community and business leaders, to recognize and celebrate this milestone. As part of this milestone event, the hotel company has also named the hotel's signature restaurant anchor, Soy Cowboy, a pan-Asian concept, from Houston-based restaurateur, Benjamin Berg of Berg Hospitality. Berg Hospitality Group conceives, launches and operates restaurants in Texas with a commitment to giving back to the local communities. The budding culinary group is responsible for creating B&B Butchers & Restaurant in Houston and Fort Worth, B.B. Italia Bistro & Bar, B.B. Lemon, The Annie Cafe & Bar, Turner's, NoPo Cafe, Market & Bar, and Trattoria Sofia, along with more concepts to come. With a true passion for the hospitality industry, all of Berg's restaurants focus on offering excellent service, unique atmospheres and unparalleled experiences for their guests while always fostering an inclusive environment for all guests, staff, and vendors. Soy Cowboy will be an upscale and sophisticated pan-Asian concept, transporting guests on an adventurous tour through the flavors of China, Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, Japan and more. The menu will include a selection of sharable plates exploring classic Asian cooking techniques including traditional sushi, tempura, wok, robatayaki, hibachi and teppanyaki, as well as Korean barbeque. Guests can also expect an innovative cocktail menu paired with an extensive wine and sake list. Soy Cowboy, like all Berg Hospitality restaurants, will focus on offering excellent food and service, a unique atmosphere and an unparalleled experience for guests. For more information and updates, visit www.soycowboy.com. The addition of the Loews Arlington Hotel and Convention Center, a full-service resort, will amplify Arlington's robust convention and tourism opportunities, and Soy Cowboy will add to the culinary scene of the greater Arlington area. Hotel website Mr. Wichlan previously held other cluster hotel manager positions at an icon in Dubai combining three Accor brands properties in one great location (Movenpick Hotel, Novotel and Adagio Jumeriah Village Triangle). Mr. Wichlan also possess strong experience as multi-unit leader General Manager of luxury hotel brands such as Dusit Hotels and Resorts, InterContinental Hotels & Resort and Hyatt. His invaluable knowledge in hospitality and proven record of running successful operations will indubitably bring Novotel Bangkok Platinum Pratunam onward and upward in the future. Mr. Wichlan is no stranger to Novotel Bangkok Platinum Pratunam and said "I am delighted to be back in this hotel, not as a guest as usual but as a part of the hotel leading team this time". He also added. "I am passionate about Thai history, world-renowned cuisine, geographic beauty and graciousness of Thai people. All these had drawn me back to Thailand and it is my aim to convey these experiences to all our guests. I am confident that together with the team we can bring the property to new heights and achieve more henceforth." Spains economy is more dependent on tourism income than most other European countries. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the Spanish tourism sector was worth 155 billion, or 14.3 percent of national GDP, and accounted for nearly 15 percent of total jobs in the country. 1 And in some communities, tourism contributes to over 20 percent of all economic activity. The pandemic knocked Spains economyespecially the tourism sector. Spains hospitality sector is showing signs of recovery; however, this recovery is hindered by a staff shortage. The high levels of layoffs and furloughs during the pandemic caused talent leakage to other sectors, which is now threatening the hospitality industrys operational stability and quality. The sector would benefit from a holistic education strategy and more opportunities for training in hospitality; however, training is currently lacking. Given the importance of tourism in the countrys economy, Spains hospitality sector will need to address the current labor shortage to maintain the quality of its tourism services and remain competitive. Doing so will help the industry cultivate the talent it needs for the future. Re-thinking and prioritizing talent acquisition, (re-) training, and retention are critical in this regard. This article outlines the current Spanish hospitality landscape, and the effects that COVID-19 restrictions had on the sector. It also draws on five key global talent acquisition trends that could help the sector address the current labor shortage and ensure that it has sufficient and well-trained talent for the future. Spains hospitality sector was hit hard by the pandemic In April 2022, Spain recorded 20 million workersbreaking its employment record. Today, the country has 500,000 more workers than before the pandemic broke out, which suggests that employment has resumed its growth path. 3 However, the hospitality industrywhich usually employs around one in eight workersis under-resourced, with roughly 73,400 fewer employees than it had in February 2020 (a 5.5 percent fall). Employment in the hotel sector closely follows seasonal peaks in demand but sank to zero with the onset of the pandemic and has since experienced talent leakage to other industries. Especially impacted are the lodging and food and beverage (F&B) establishments, which have seen the largest drop in job availability and the highest unemployment rates in the sector due to the staff shortage (Exhibit 1). Source: McKinsey & Company This staff shortage in hospitality is reflected in the economy. While tourism traditionally represents around 14 percent of the countrys GDP, the sectors contribution has more than halved from 155 billion in 2019 to 61 billion in 2020. 4 Tourism is showing signs of recovery; however, given the countrys dependence on tourism revenues, the economic impact of COVID-19 is significant (Exhibit 2). Source: McKinsey & Company Even as tourism and hotel bookings begin to recover, the staff shortage still poses a significant threat to the industry. 5 The challenge for hospitality lies in re-attracting skilled employees The tourism sector now faces the challenge of re-attracting employees to the industry as demand returns. However, the crux of the issue may not lie in the number of workers needed to bridge the shortfall, but in their skills, which are critical for providing high levels of service. The lack of skilled workers in the industry was already a concern pre-pandemic, with the European hotel association, HOTREC, citing this as one of the five most pressing issues facing European hospitality. 6 Employment data only reflect the number of employees, not necessarily their skills, education, or trainingso the sectors talent crunch may be more pronounced than it seems. Spain may be facing a hospitality talent crunch as there are limited opportunities to gain formal hospitality training. There is no holistic education strategy within the sector, as few Spanish universities provide hospitality training or offer qualifications that provide career paths in the industry. Vocational training (formacion profesional dual) is an emerging option for those wishing to pursue a career in hospitality, yet these centers do not have capacity to meet the industrys needs. It is estimated that the Spanish hospitality industry will need to fill 900,000 jobs by 2030, but currently there are only 50,000 students gaining professional training in hospitality and tourism each year. 7 As such, Spains lack of workers who are trained in hospitality may pose a threat to the future of the industry. Read the full article at McKinsey & Company Becky Rogers joined Wisconsin-based IDM Hospitality Management 18 years ago as the GM of the company's only hotel at the time, a 54-room boutique property in Beloit, Wisconsin. Around the same time, a critical decision was made to keep The Beloit Inn independent, a core value to IDM Hospitality that still runs true as the company has expanded. However, at the time, Rogers's job was to help The Beloit Inn compete with the nearby flagged hotels, which proved challenging. In 2004, new OTAs seemed like the perfect solution. "We were non-existent," Rogers says of The Beloit's online presence. "We had to figure out how to compete with the big brands. We even had to fight with Expedia to list us - and we found technology as a solution to help us even the playing field and get us in front of the guest." Today, Rogers serves as Executive Vice President at IDM, which presently manages eight properties - each independently owned with their own unique charm - and one under development. The Buckingham Hotel is downtown Chicago, but the others are spread across the Midwest in areas like Springfield, Missouri (Hotel Vandivort); Dubuque, Iowa (Hotel Julien); and Door County, Wisconsin (Edgewater Resort). There was an "uncomfortableness with taking the risk" to remain independent in 2004, Rogers admits, but leadership chose to stick to their values and lean in on celebrating each property's uniqueness with the guest. Evolving Distribution Strategies As IDM grew and added more boutique properties, they continued to rely heavily on third-party distribution partners for awareness. "We worshiped the OTAs 10 years ago. How else was anyone going to find us?" Rogers says. "Over the past five to eight years that dynamic has changed. We've put a more intentional effort toward our OTA contracts and we've converted our time and marketing dollars to dynamic websites and really working more with the power of the search engines like Google." As part of that shift, IDM Hospitality implemented SHR's Windsurfer CRS and booking engine in 2018. Rogers says capturing bookings on IDM's own direct channels allows them to personalize each of those guest experiences that are so unique to IDM hotels. "With an OTA booking, we often don't get the guest's contact information or their payment information in advance, which becomes a deterrent to the guest because we can't do things like send them an opportunity to get a digital room key on their mobile phone," she says. "When guests connect with us directly, we can give them more and serve them better." Lately, a large focus for the team at IDM has been on analyzing conversion rates across her portfolio of websites and booking engines. "We go over conversion rates and other booking engine metrics with our owners all the time," she says. "We need to show them the return on the areas where we're investing, and SHR has been hugely impactful on helping us continue to maximize that." Embracing Digital Adoption Rogers and the IDM team are confident that travelers are evolving, and more guests will want self-service options. They're embracing digital adoption full speed, while still aiming to provide guests with personal attention when preferred. At more than half of their properties, guests can check in on their mobile devices receive a digital key before they even arrive on property, avoiding the front desk completely. Rogers and her team regularly analyze the number of guests who choose a digital key and weigh the effects of freeing up front-desk staff to focus their attention elsewhere. "Technology is growing and changing every day - we all know this," she says. "Finding ways to best harness it while staying authentic to the brand and our sense of genuine hospitality is paramount." As IDM's core tech stack evolved, they at one point worked with a large-scale enterprise tech platform for CRS and PMS capability. But leadership found that, with the size of their hotels and portfolio, working with smaller, more nimble tech providers made a world of difference. "That's where we were: We got pushed into a couple different providers, and we could not get their attention. We would be painfully down for days and we were just a support ticket number," Rogers says. "So we've found an alternative. We picked providers who are going to be our partners, and with that we get incredibly personalized service. Now we're one of our partners' top clients, and that gives us a much more dynamic partnership." Rogers credits the service culture at smaller tech providers like SHR for why IDM's best-of-breed tech stacks works so well. Interfaces are more approachable and easier in many cases, she says, allowing her team to be nimbler in adding the solutions, features and functionality they need. "That's why we refer to SHR as a partner and not a vendor. Positioning our tech providers as partners has been one of the key points of our successful relationships. Some of the team at SHR have become seemingly personal friends," Rogers says. "It's all about finding the right company with the same service philosophy as you - a hospitality provider - and as they grow, we can grow together," she continues. "The more that relationship evolves, the technology becomes innate." IDM Hospitality Management has developed and managed independent, boutique hotels that enrich communities since 1999, becoming a trusted partner to hoteliers and practiced in helping stakeholders bring their vision to life. Jason Freed Marketing 3302216068 In a 2020 article published in Forbes titled, The Five Love Languages Of Account Engagement, the author explained that when they wanted to learn more about relationships, they picked up a book. Specifically, they picked up Gary Chapmans 1992 bestseller, The Five Love Languages: How to Express Heartfelt Commitment to Your Mate. As a pastor, Gary worked with couples who loved each other but had different communication styles, primarily in how they expressed love, she wrote. It sounds odd, but communicating love profoundly affects relationships. If you dont understand each others languages, its pretty hard to build bonds and trust. The author quickly drew a parallel between the romantic examples Chapman detailed and the relationships between businesses and their customers. Our businesses depend on us building bonds and trust with customers and future customers. What can the five love languages teach us about better prospecting buyers? This line of questioning is entirely relevant any business, regardless of industry, must find ways to connect with their customers or clients. Beyond seeking out a high-quality product or service, consumers want to feel understood by the brands they purchase from, and that connection cant be achieved without effective communication strategies. Much like our romantic relationships, businesses can have all the right intentions and still deliver a sentiment or gesture in a way that falls flat with the customer they hope to engage. In simple terms, they are simply speaking the wrong love language to their customer. The concept of "love languages" shows couples how to give each other love in ways that it is best received. The five love languages are as follows: Acts of Service (Doing helpful things for your partner) Quality Time (Spending meaningful time with your partner) Physical Touch (Being close to and caressed by your partner) Words of Affirmation (Saying supportive things to your partner) Gifts (Giving your partner gifts that tell them you were thinking about them) Understanding these love languages and how they apply to guest relationships can help hotels connect with their guests more effectively. This becomes especially relevant in the world of hospitality, as hotels work to understand (and more importantly, win the favor of) the modern guest. In fact, it could be argued that understanding love languages applies to virtually every part of the hospitality experience (because it does). Youre not finding the perfect guest, and youre looking at who your guests are as they are and speaking to them. The more you speak your guests language, the easier it is to develop relevant and effective messages for them. Still, there is perhaps one arena in which the importance of this philosophy is undeniable: guest loyalty. Spoiler Alert: Guest Loyalty Isnt Dead Of course, any mention of guest loyalty may be met with some degree of apprehension in the current landscape. Not because the relevance of guest loyalty is in question, but rather, because its increasingly complex for hoteliers to earn the loyalty of their guests. The hospitality market has always been competitive, but now, with an influx of accommodation options, including large chain hotels, boutique properties, and Airbnb rentals, combined with ever-changing guest expectations and travel trends, guests can be incredibly selective with their purchase behavior. Believe it or not, guest loyalty isnt dead. Its there for the taking as it always has been it just requires hotels to work more intelligently and personally. If the loyalty program of yesterday is no longer enticing guests today, its time to come to the table with something new. To move beyond a transactional relationship that is unlikely to garner feelings of connection and loyalty, hoteliers must focus first on fostering meaningful relationships with guests by getting to know their unique needs and expectations. And yet, traditionally, hospitality loyalty programs have focused exclusively on a transaction (the booking decision) while offering guests rewards via a point-based, volume model. As we look around at our landscape, its easy to recognize how these systems have fallen short. Modern guests crave loyalty programs that offer instant, tangible, and personalized value. This is where the idea of love languages comes into play. When you understand what motivates travelers and how they communicate (and receive) appreciation, you unlock a critical roadmap to earning their favor and long-term loyalty. Taking a Page Out of Sephoras Book Lets consider a real-life example of this ideology at work. Sephora, the beloved French beauty brand with a cult-like following of loyal customers, offers a truly best-in-class loyalty program. Why is it so great? Because it not only provides tiers of rewards it pays close attention to customers (who they call Beauty Insider members) and offers delightfully tailored rewards. At every purchase, members are prompted to select from a range of trial-size products or can exchange points (earned at every purchase) for non-product rewards, including in-store makeovers or discounted purchases. They also offer members early access to sales, private shopping events, and yearly birthday gifts. Looking beyond the purchase moment, Sephoras Beauty Insider Community is focused on building an exclusive community of customers. This program acts as a well-oiled, loyalty-driving machine, tapping into the power of emotional perks and inclusivity, as well as instant, personalized perks and rewards based on a careful analysis of consumers purchase behavior and product preference. With over 17 million members in North America alone, the loyalty program members reportedly drive 80% of sales while also providing strong, organic publicity to the brand. There is no denying it Sephora is effectively speaking the language of its customers, and both the brand and those who purchase from it are reaping the rewards (literally). Rather than assuming a one-size-fits-all approach, Sephora seems to understand that what means something to one customer may not resonate with another. Instead of appealing to a small customer set, they have built out a program that can be customized according to each customers preferences, interests, and values (in other words, their love languages). As you might have guessed, hotel loyalty programs should abide by the same proven framework. Fortunately, Lassie has developed a comprehensive E-Book, The 5 Languages of Guest Loyalty: How to build relationships that drive more bookings and keep guests coming back, which promises to help hoteliers become fluent in the language of guest connection. Throughout each chapter, we examine the current loyalty landscape within hospitality, identify what works (and what doesnt), and give you the tools to build one-to-one relationships with guests, enhance every interaction and touch-point (both online and on-property), drive repeat transactions, and effectively grow the lifetime value of each guest. Click here to download the free guide now. Ellis Connolly Chief Revenue Officer Laasie View source MIDLAND, Texas In the heart of the countrys most productive oil basin, Jeff Sparks family company, Discovery Operating, is behind on completing six wells. But were drilling right now, Im hoping to get finished on this horizontal pad by the end of the week, Sparks said while answering calls at the Midland office of the 30-person company his dad started in 1973. And then we will get lined up and frac it. Discovery Operating, like other producers in the Permian Basin, has more work than it can handle as rising demand for oil has pushed crude prices to over $120 a barrel this year. In the past, such soaring crude prices turned Midland into a temporary boomtown: Wildcatters move in to search for oil, snapping up houses and apartments, and the town becomes flush with new wealth. When the inevitable bust slashes oil prices, companies cut workers and families move out. The current boom, according to longtime residents, Midland officials and companies in the region, is more muted, with incremental advancements in drilling technology and the worlds appetite for oil driving long-term investments. And that, experts say, could lead to more stability in rural communities accustomed to dramatic boom and bust cycles. Jon Shapley, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer More efficient at getting more oil The Permian Basin is set to boost daily output this year by 1 million barrels to an average of 5.6 million barrels, according to Norwegian firm Rystad Energy, making it the worlds third-largest producer behind Russia and Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, analysts say, companies are more efficient at drilling for that oil than theyve ever been. Operators are able to drill deeper, more productive wells, with a smaller workforce. More so, companies have driven down the cost of fracking. Economists say when fracking first became feasible, drillers could break even with oil at about $80 a barrel. Today that number is closer to $40. Thats the case for oil major Chevron the San Ramon, Calif. based company holds more than two million acres of land in the Permian Basin. On a recent afternoon just outside Midland, a Chevron drilling operator sat in an air conditioned booth on the rigs platform, each hand on a control as if the drill outside were a video game. On either side of him, two screens flashed data related to the well. Jon Shapley, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer The information on his screens, he said, is transmitted to a control center some 500 miles away in Houston, where the oil giant monitors all its active rigs. Its a game changer, said Ryder Booth, leader of Chevrons Houston-based Mid-Continent business unit working in Midland. Having a central location means fewer people are needed on drill sites, plus information gathered from one rig can be quickly shared with other sites, he said. If one rig learns how to do something, to drill five feet longer in 30 less minutes, Booth said, that's passed to all of the rigs. It's built into the system. Workers on the Chevron drilling site said, in general, drilling projects that used to take 30 days are often wrapped up within two weeks. On HoustonChronicle.com: Permian Basin oil production predicted to outpace most oil-producing nations this year In the past there was also a need for workers, called wildcatters, to explore for new oil reserves. Nowadays, after decades of geological studies in the Permian by both company and government scientists, drillers know where the oil is, said economist Ray Perryman, who runs a consulting firm and has worked on economic analysis for the oil industry since the 1980s. Theres really almost no such thing as a wildcatter now, said Perryman. I mean, you know where the oil is at this point in time. The U.S. Geological Survey estimates at least 46 billion barrels of oil exist under the Permians ground, according to a 2018 report, the most recent for the region. Additionally, Perryman said hydraulic fracturing technology allows Permian producers to reach hard-to-recover oil. Jon Shapley, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer These fracked wells, you get a whole lot at first, then it drops off really quickly, Perryman said. But theres plenty more below that. So you have to go in and refrack it, so to speak, and so theres an ongoing employment base that wasnt here before. Companies dont just need crews to drill and then frack the well initially, Perryman said, but will continue to need crews to go back to the well, frack it, and extract more oil. So while crews are getting smaller, workers are needed to return to projects - and Perryman said thats enticing companies to invest more in the community in hopes of attracting a more steady workforce with skills specific to oil and gas extraction. Schools and health care Some locals said the oil and gas industry needs to invest in education and health care in the region, especially now that the Permian is expected to produce oil and need workers for years to come. Enter the Permian Strategic Partnership in 2019, a group of around 17 energy companies working with local governments and foundations in an effort to steer investment into the community. These companies all have the exact same things in common, and that is the need for a talented workforce, said Tracee Bentley, head of the Partnership. None of them are able to fully get the workforce that they need. Traditionally oil and gas jobs have been focused on manual labor, but as more technology is adopted in the oil patch companies are hungry for workers with digital expertise. Bentley said thats a problem in the Permian, which despite being home to a couple of colleges and universities, still lacks many workforce training opportunities. On top of that, Bentley said companies realize they need to help make the region more attractive for families, which means improving things like the areas hospitals and schools. The Partnership is still young, but since its formation it has invested more than $100 million to develop health care resources, attract and train teachers, and provide ongoing training to the Permians workforce. Bentley expects investments to speed up as many companies refocus their efforts in the region. On HoustonChronicle.com: Fossil fuels made up 79 percent of U.S. energy consumption last year, EIA said Fossil fuels are here forever Underscoring the feeling in Midland that this boom is different is a commonly held belief that not only will the world need oil and gas for decades to come, but that conditions are right for the Permian to continue being one of the major producers of that oil. The International Energy Agencys most recent outlook predicts a 47 percent surge in energy demand within the next three decades. While renewable energy sources are expected to become a larger part of the worlds energy mix, many in Midland say oil and gas will continue to be a significant fuel source well past 2050, and the Permian is the best area to produce that oil and gas. Fossil fuels are here forever, said Midland County Judge Terry Johnson, who also owns oil field services company Tco Field Services. And the Permian Basin, he said, is poised to help meet the worlds energy needs for decades to come. Jon Shapley, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer Johnson said that also means the area will continue to experience the up-and-down cycles of the oil and gas industry. With fewer transient workers and more long-term investments in the region making the 2022 up cycle feel different from previous ones, it could mean fewer families fleeing the area when prices inevitably go down - and Johnson said prices will go down again, its just unclear when. Anybody says I know whats going to happen for the next 12 months, they dont know what theyre talking about, because nobody knows, Johnson said. Im here to tell you, Ive been through four or five, boom-bust cycles, and well have another bust. Kyra.Buckley@chron.com Houston attracts plenty of business these days, and by business, I mean the Sun. What it doesn't attract however is ice cream. Real estate company Home Bay has compiled a list of the "Best Ice Cream Cities in America," and we're not one of them. Their methodology uses plenty of different criteria with different weights on the overall score, including ice cream shops per capita, Google Trend activity and the average statewide cost of a small cup or cone. Austin ranked 8 overall. San Antonio trailed behind at 27. Finally Dallas and Houston settled for the tail end of things at 42 and 46, respectively. "Finding ice cream in Houston can be a challenge, with only 1.9 ice cream shops per 100,000 people compared to New Orleans, which has 8.7!," the initial statement read. But ice cream has changed, or so I thought. Underground Creamery and others like it around the U.S. have latched onto the e-commerce model as an alternative to the traditional cart or brick-and-mortar setup. In addition, these companies found their customers on social media - not search engines. So what gives? It's a a difference of opinion when it comes to designating a city as good for ice cream. Alyssa Evans with Clever, another real estate company, says social media could be skewed when viewed across state lines. A shop in NYC might after all have a bigger footprint than one in Oklahoma. As for e-commerce ... "For example, it could just be a company based in San Jose that ships fancy ice cream around the state, and that doesn't really speak to San Jose's ice cream culture as much as it speaks to general interest from different areas." You can see the full list and methodology yourself here. Steve Gonzales, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer The Lucille's Hospitality Group is expanding, but it's newest location is nowhere near Houston. Chron's Megha McSwain reports Chef Chris Williams opened Emile's Black Point Bistro in Nova Scotia, Canada, this week. If you fancy a drive, it's just 2,500 miles thataway. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Houston hardly needs encouragement to enjoy a tequila cocktail. Whether its a ranch water or Paloma, margarita or Tequila Sunrise, Houstonians are always at the ready to reach for the beloved Mexican spirit. But theres a legitimate excuse this Sunday, July 24, to break out the agave juice. National Tequila Day is upon us, and here are some of the citys best celebratory offerings: C. Baldwin: The downtown hotels Lobby Bar and Rosalie Italian Soul restaurant are joining forces for National Tequila Day with two specialty cocktail offerings: The Italian Margarita (tequila, amaro, Grand Marnier and lime juice, $10) and the Jessica Rabbit (tequila, sour cherry molasses, ginger and lime; $7). 400 Dallas; cbaldwinhotel.com Marmo: The new Italian steakhouse in Montrose will mark National Tequila Day with its Margherite cocktail (tequila, cantaloupe, honey and smoked salt) specially priced at $8 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. 888 Westheimer; marmoitalian.com Arnaldo Richards Picos: The classic shaker margarita rules at Houstons beloved Picos. The restaurant is marking National Tequila Day with a variety of bar options including tequila flights and a special menu featuring tequila-infused dishes. 3601 Kirby; picos.net Patterson Park: The new patio bar is hosting a Patron takeover on July 24 with special Paloma cocktail samplings and a giveaway of miniature replica Patron tequila bottles first come/first serve. On National Tequila Day the bar also will offer a special step-and-repeat for social media photos. 2205 Patterson; pattersonparkhouston.com Bludorn: Montrose fine dining restaurant will serve This is the Place cocktail (bell pepper-infused tequila, herbal liqueur, ancho liqueur, Tajin salt rim) on National Tequila Day. 807 Taft; bludornrestaurant.com Candente: Montrose Tex-Mex will host happy hour all day on July 24 with $6 house margaritas, palomas and sangria. 4306 Yoakum; candentehtx.com H-Town Restaurant Group: On National Tequila Day Hugos, Caracol, Xochi and Urbe will offer The Greatest Margarita Ever Sold for $18 (normally $29). Additionally all day July 23 and 24, each restaurant will offer half-off on tequila shots with specific tequilas: Jose Cuervo Reserva de Familia at Hugos; Gran Centenario Leyenda Extra Anejo at Caracol; El Tesoro Extra Anejo at Xochi; and Casa del Sol Anejo at Urbe. Hugos, 1600 Westheimer, hugosrestaurant.net; Caracol, 2200 Post Oak, caracol.net; Xochi, 1777 Walker, xochihouston.com; Urbe, 1101 Uptown Park, urbehouston.com Pier 6 Seafood & Oyster House: Happy hour pricing all day on house margarita on July 24. Get your reposado rita for $6. 113 6th, San Leon; pier6seafood.com Molinas Cantina: Mark National Tequila Day at Molinas with a variety of margaritas including the Mangonada Margarita ($14). The Tex-Mex also offers classic Molinas Margaritas and top shelf version. 7901 Westheimer, 3801 Bellaire, and 6300 FM 1463 in Fulshear; molinascantina.com Loch Bar: The River Oaks District seafood tavern will offer a variety of tequila-based cocktails on National Tequila Day including the Pina Verde (tequila, herbal liqueur and pineapple) and the Oaxacan Old Fashioned (reposado tequila, mezcal, agave, orange bitters). 4444 Westheimer; lochbar.com/houston/ Daily Gather: The CityCentre restaurant offers a Spicy Margarita (Lalo Blanco, orange liqueur, lime, jalapeno and agave; $13. A zippy choice for National Tequila Day. 800 Sorella Court; dailygather.com Tobiuo Sushi & Bar: Several tequila cocktails on the menu at this Katy sushi bar including Watermelon Mint (tequila, watermelon juice, lime, mint, agave; $12). 23501 Cinco Ranch at LaCenterra; tobiuosushibar.com Eunice: The Cajun-Creole brasserie will offer the Puro Passion (reposado tequila, passion fruit, black pepper syrup, lime) for $14 on National Tequila Day. 3737 Buffalo Speedway; eunicerestaurant.com Le Colonial: The Vietnamese restaurant in River Oaks District will serve several tequila-based cocktails on July 24, including Spring in Saigon (tequila, white tea, rosemary, lemon and honey; $19). 4444 Westheimer; lecolonialhouston.com Armandos: River Oaks favorite Tex-Mex celebrates National Tequila Day with its Armandos Margarita, the famous 17-ounce house rita made with silver tequila, frozen or rocks. 2630 Westheimer; armandoshouston.com Cyclone Anayas: All six locations offering Mexican Martinis (made with Avion tequila; $15) as well as special Avion Flights for $26 featuring samples of three Avion tequilas; through Aug. Multiple locations; cycloneanaya.com State Fare Kitchen & Bar: Celebration National Tequila Day with signature State Fare Margarita made with reposado tequila, chile-infused curacao and agave nectar, or a frozen flight. Memorial, Sugar Land and Woodlands locations; statefaretx.com Greg Morago writes about food for the Houston Chronicle. Follow him on Facebook or Twitter. Send him news tips at greg.morago@chron.com. Hear him on our BBQ State of Mind podcast to learn about Houston and Texas barbecue culture. Houston Chronicle file On a day when the stock market was on a roller coaster ride, a Harris County teenager wasn't too happy with a judge's decision. County Judge William Henry Ward had committed the 18-year-old girl to the Convent of the Good Shepherd. She wasn't too happy about that, the Chronicle reported. Former Houston police officer Gerald Goines arrested Frederick Jeffery in 2016, and told a Harris County jury he'd arrested the man in possession of five grams of methamphetamine. The jury sentenced Jeffery to 25 years. Now, prosecutors say the conviction should be overturned. Goines lied, they said, about ever buying drugs from Jeffery, on a search warrant affidavit and in statements he made at Jeffery's trial. WRONG DOOR: Chronicle investigation shows misconduct in narcotics division beyond cops at center of botched raid Frederick Jefferys case is a due process disaster, said Kim Ogg, Harris County district attorney. In the wake of Harding Street, it is clear that Gerald Goines and other members of the Houston Police Department Narcotics Division engaged in a years-long scheme involving fictional drug buys, perjured warrants and phony overtime. Individuals like Frederick Jeffery were collateral damage. Thursday's court action is the latest fallout from the 2019 Harding Street drug raid shootings where two south Houston homeowners were killed and four officers were wounded and which plunged the department into a wide-ranging narcotics scandal. Marie D. De Jesus, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer At the time, Goines said he used a confidential informant to buy heroin from the home. Weeks after the raid, then-Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo announced Goines was under investigation for lying about buying drugs at 7815 Harding Street, the site of the raid that ended with the deaths of homeowners Rhogena Nicholas and Dennis Tuttle. The scandal led to local and federal investigations. A probe by the Chronicle found wider problems within HPDs narcotics operations, including other errant drug raids, lackluster productivity by street narcotics teams, and poor supervision and oversight of the department's drug squads. Prosecutors dismissed dozens of Goines cases and began reviewing thousands of Goines past convictions. They eventually sought to have four overturned, including that of Otis and Steven Mallet, who they said Goines framed in a 2008 drug buy. GOINES FALLOUT: Lawyers say man was wrongly convicted in 1991 in case handled by now-disgraced former narcotics officer Goines They also overturned the case of a woman who pleaded guilty to drug dealing after Goines said he paid her $10 to buy a rock of crack cocaine, and another man a Pakistani national who was later deported because of the conviction and has since had his case expunged. Goines and his partner, Steven Bryant, retired from the department in disgrace. In federal court, Goines was charged with violating the couples civil rights and tampering with government records. Bryant was also hit with paperwork crimes. In state court, Goines was charged with felony murder, tampering with government records, and lying to boost his overtime pay. Ten of his fellow officers were also swept up in the scandal. Most were charged with tampering with government records and wage theft. The person whose false 911 calls first led police to Tuttles door, a woman named Patricia Ann Garcia, was sentenced to 40 months in federal prison and three years supervised release. Goines attorney, Nicole DeBorde Hochglaube, has previously said the allegations were without merit and that Goines stands by the work he conducted over his time at HPD. RELATED: After a string of high-profile losses, Harris County DA Kim Ogg is left to battle critics on all sides Prosecutors also sought a murder charge against Felipe Gallegos, the officer who shot and killed Tuttle, a prosecution that prompted Gallegos attorney Rusty Hardin to excoriate Ogg in a heated news conference. In August 2021, Oggs prosecutors abruptly dismissed Gallegos murder charge, citing misconduct by one of the prosecutors handling the case, who denied wrongdoing and said he believed his firing was used as an excuse to dismiss a weak case. Prosecutors also dismissed charges against former Lt. Robert Gonzales, who'd been charged with failing to properly watch over division funds. The ongoing court fight spawned an acrimonious showdown between Oggs civil rights prosecutors and the officers lawyers, who accused Oggs lawyers of withholding evidence and pursuing politically motivated prosecutions. Jeffery's case is the fifth in which prosecutors have said Goines defendants should have their cases overturned. The case dates back to a convoluted drug arrest in 2016, after Goines told a judge he used a confidential informant -- the same he claimed to use in the fraudulent buy that led to the Harding Street raid -- to buy drugs from two homes on Nettleton in Third Ward on Oct. 23 and 24 of that year. When Goines and his raid team arrived at 2807 Nettleton, they saw Jeffery and another man on his porch as Jeffery was locking the door to his house. MORE ON HARDING STREET: Federal judge rules against latest delay tactic in Harding Street litigation by city lawyers The officers arrested the man -- and another man named Orville Jackson -- and searched the home. As Jeffery was being arrested, he asked for his phone, court records show. Goines testified that when he went inside the house to retrieve it, he found it next to a plastic bag containing five grams of methamphetamine. In 2019, Jeffery asked for post-conviction relief, claiming Goines lied at his trial and that the phone Goines claimed to have found was not his and neither were the drugs. Jackson's case was dismissed in September 2020, according to the filing, which also states Goines was the only witness who could connect Jeffery to the drugs in the home. He was also the only officer to testify to seeing Jeffery locking the door, seeing the keys, using them to open the door to the house, and he was the only officer to claim Jeffery to own a phone and see it inside the house. Ultimately, Goines lied about Jeffery claiming to own the phone, the court filing states. And body camera video from the incident captured audio of Jackson -- Jeffery's co-defendant -- claiming ownership of the phone. It also says that when investigators interviewed Goines' informant, she told them she never bought drugs from either of the houses, and that she and Goines "started doing things 'the wrong way'" back in 2015 or 2016. "She would get paid for some buys she did not actually make," prosecutors said the woman told them. Another man, Larry Chatman, was arrested during the search of 2811 Nettleton. He ultimately pleaded guilty to a low-level marijuana charge and sentenced to four days in jail. Prosecutors have asked an attorney be assigned to Chatman to look into that case, said Joshua Reiss, post conviction division chief at the district attorney's office. Chatman and Jeffery are among 1,400 defendants to whom prosecutors sent letters notifying them of Goines' involvement in their arrest or conviction. "We have not been overwhelmed with appeals from people who were convicted (because of Goines' testimony or casework)," Reiss said. "I'm hopeful that as more cases like Mr. Jeffery's come to light, those individuals will appeal their cases as he did." Jeffery, 40, has been in prison since 2018. After the court hearing, felony administrative judge Stacy Allen ordered him released on a $10,000 bond, court records show. "It's a great day for my client," said Jeffery's attorney, Pat McCann. He also thanked Reiss and assistant district attorney Kristin Assaad for their work on the case. McCann said HPD and the district attorney's office's investigations appear to adhere to more rigorous procedures in the aftermath of Goines' firing. "I hope that's a sign of greater progress," he said, "and shining some sunlight on mold on the system." OnScene.Tv A man was fatally shot Wednesday night after an apparent altercation at a Kingwood apartment complex, according to police. Officers responded around 9:05 p.m. to the King Cove Luxury Apartments at the 4900 block of Magnolia Cove Drive near West Lake Houston Parkway and found the man described as between 25 to 30 with gunshot wounds, authorities said. He was pronounced dead. Two teens died and another three were injured late Wednesday in a crash following a police chase involving a stolen Jeep in northwest Harris County, according to authorities. Deputies responded around 10 p.m. to reports of the carjacking at a car wash at the 6900 block of Vickie Springs near Bammel North Houston Road, Sheriff Ed Gonzalez tweeted. A 17-year-old washing his car was approached by six people when one pulled out a weapon and demanded the vehicle. One of the attackers stayed in their vehicle while the other five got into the victim's Jeep, Gonzalez stated. IN HOUSTON: Fifth Ward apartments plagued with health hazards get new manager as owners remain under scrutiny A deputy found the vehicle a short time later, about 7 miles west at Greens Road and Imperial Valley Drive, and tried to initiate a traffic stop. A pursuit began. The teens drove the Jeep about 2 miles northbound on Imperial Valley before losing control near the Remington Valley Drive intersection, striking a tree, authorities said. Four were ejected from the Jeep and the fifth was trapped. Two of the ejected teens, both believed to be 15 and 16, died while two others, both 17, were taken to a local hospital in critical condition, authorities said. The fifth person, also 17, had to be extricated from the Jeep and was also taken to a local hospital in serious condition. He is expected to survive. The sixth person in the initial vehicle has not been found, Gonzalez said. A gun with an extended magazine inside a backpack was found outside the Jeep and authorities believe it was the same weapon used in the carjacking, the sheriff's office said. No other information is available at this time. THE NEWS YOU NEED: Sign up for free newsletters and get the best of the Houston Chronicle delivered to your inbox Joel.Umanzor@Chron.com This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Enrique Barrientos pulled weeds in his garden for about 10 minutes before the energy left his body. The 69-year-old Katy resident loves yardwork. It helps him decompress after long days in front of his computer. But on this hot afternoon in early May, the combination of sweltering temperatures and newly prescribed blood pressure medication left him feeling depleted. He walked inside and passed out. At this moment Im not doing anymore outside activity, said Barrientos, who is now recovering from the incident with an adjusted dosage. Especially these days, because the temperature is so high. HOUSTON METEOROLOGIST: When will the Texas heat wave end? Houston meteorologist Matt Lanza on what to know As Houston sets heat records and other parts of the world see unusually high temperatures, people taking certain medications including those that reduce blood pressure face an increased risk of exhaustion and dehydration. In more serious cases, the combination can lead to fainting, kidney failure or life-threatening heart problems. Doctors stress that people should not stop taking prescribed medications simply because of the heat. But as a general rule of thumb, if you're on blood pressure medications, you should probably take extra caution, especially in the hotter months of the year, said Dr. Wafi Momin, the cardiologist at UTHealth Houston and Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital who treated Barrientos. Nearly one out of two adults in the U.S. have high blood pressure, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In the summer, people who regulate it through medication should generally avoid outdoor activity between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., doctors say. Common heat safety measures staying hydrated, wearing loose-fitting clothes, seeking shade and frequent breaks reduce the risk for those who need to be outdoors. Barrientos struggled with high blood pressure and cholesterol before suffering a heart attack in April. He was raking leaves in the peak afternoon heat for more than an hour when exhaustion and dizziness crept in. Then he felt chest pain, which he chalked up to a stomach problem. The pain lingered throughout the following day. His family took him to the emergency room at Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital, where doctors pinpointed a blockage in one of his coronary blood vessels. He received stents and returned home with Metoprolol, a beta blocker, in addition to his previously prescribed blood pressure medicine. Momin believes Barrientoss underlying coronary disease not his medication triggered that heart attack. The fainting incident, however, was more likely due to his new medication, he said, adding that heat risks are higher for patients still acclimating to newer therapeutics. More from Julian Gill: Birth control demand is expected to grow in post-Roe Texas. Is the state ready? Metoprolol causes the heart to beat slower and widens the veins and arteries to improve blood flow. Barrientos was already taking Lisinopril, an ACE inhibitor, which also dilates the blood vessels. Both of these medications, coupled with high temperatures, can cause blood pressure to drop way too much, said Momin. When that happens, you can get dizzy, lightheaded, and you can end up passing out, he said. Thats what happened to Barrientos when he returned to the yard, a few weeks after he left the hospital. The symptoms could be more severe. ACE inhibitors can impair the kidneys ability to regulate heat-related injuries, which, in rare cases, may lead to cardiac arrest, said Dr. Donald Molony, professor of renal diseases and hypertension with McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston and nephrologist at Memorial Hermann. LATEST SURGE: Hundreds of Houston healthcare workers are testing positive for COVID, but hospitals are managing Other medications can become dangerous with prolonged heat exposure. Diuretics, commonly used to reduce blood pressure, expel water from the body through urination and increase the risk of dehydration. Widely used anti-depressants including Prozac, Zoloft and Lexapro - can cause excessive sweating, which also leads to dehydration. Dr. Asim Shah, professor and executive vice chair in the Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Baylor College of Medicine, said the mixture of heat and anti-depressants also increases the risk of serotonin syndrome, which causes confusion, agitation, sweating, shivering, diarrhea and muscle twitching. The hotter weather triggers long-term concerns for those who treat people more prone to heat-related injuries. Momin said more patients are complaining of excessive heat and asking questions about their dosage. Public officials are taking notice, too. U.S. Rep. Sylvia Garcia, a Houston Democrat, recently proposed legislation to establish mandatory paid work breaks on construction sites. For outdoor laborers, increasing the frequency of water breaks is an important way to guard against heat stroke, said Molony. But getting out of the heat is just as important as anything else, he said. (The heat) does worry me, he said. And it should worry everyone, because we're not biologically prepared to endure these kinds of heat environments and still work outside. julian.gill@chron.com This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Several dozen Houston area residents have tested positive for monkeypox. Health officials expect that number to continue to rise in the coming weeks as they identify those who may have been exposed to infected people. Galveston reported its first likely case Wednesday, in what the county health district said was detected in an out-of-state resident. The case is pending laboratory confirmation. MONKEYPOX SPREAD: WHO again considers declaring monkeypox a global emergency The virus, a skin ailment believed to originate in animals, arrived in Texas in June, producing more infections than at any time in the last 20 years. Here's what to know about the spreading disease: What is monkeypox? Monkeypox is a virus that causes a skin rash and, in some cases, more severe symptoms like fever and chills. The virus, transmitted by skin-to-skin contact, is rapidly spreading in the United States and across the globe. While it is far less transmissible than fast-spreading respiratory diseases like COVID-19, public health officials warn the long incubation period could escalate case counts. Pablo Blazquez Dominguez, HO / TNS A person with monkeypox can spread the virus to others for as long as they have the skin rash typically between two and four weeks. What are the symptoms of monkeypox? Characteristic of a monkeypox infection is a distinctive rash that produces pimple-like blisters on the skin. The blisters look different on each person, but tend to appear on a persons face, hands, chest, genitals or inside the mouth, according to health officials. The lesions can take up to four weeks to resolve. MarioGuti/Getty Images/iStockphoto In the most severe cases a person who contracts the virus also can experience fever, chills, muscle aches and swollen lymph nodes. While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported over 1,400 U.S. monkeypox cases since the outbreak began in May, no Americans have died of the virus. How is monkeypox spread? Monkeypox mostly spreads through skin-to-skin contact, meaning anyone who touches an infected person is at risk of developing the virus themselves. It is commonly contracted through direct contact with an infectious rash or scab, but not always. Remnants of the virus remain on fabric, such as clothing or bedsheets previously touched by a person with an infectious rash. SWELLING CASES: US officials announce more steps against monkeypox outbreak Until the rash is completely gone and it is completely healed, you are in fact infectious to others, said Houstons chief medical officer Dr. David Persse. Curiously, most, but not all, of current cases worldwide have been seen in men who have had sex with men. Doctors are still trying to figure out why. There is no clear evidence that the virus is sexually transmitted, but it can be spread from person-to-person via personal, intimate contact, which includes sexual contact. How many monkeypox cases are there in Houston? In Texas? Thirty-four people in the greater Houston area have tested positive for monkeypox so far, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services. A total of 110 Texas have contracted the virus, most of whom had recently returned from an international trip, state health officials said. How many monkeypox cases are there in the U.S.? As of Thursday, federal health officials have reported about 2,300 monkeypox cases in Americans. The hardest-hit states are California and New York, with have reported 356 and 581 cases respectively. Only six states have had no cases reported so far, though officials that could change as more data becomes available in the coming days. Montana, North Dakota, Wyoming, Mississippi, Maine and Vermont each reported zero cases as of Thursday. What does monkeypox look like? Monkeypox blisters look different on each person and can vary in size and shape based on a persons age or skin color. Some people develop pox that resemble clogged pores filled with oily sebum, while others develop red bumps that look more like blisters. LATEST SURGE: Hundreds of Houston healthcare workers are testing positive for COVID, but hospitals are managing Check with a health care provider if you suspect you may have monkeypox. People suspected of having the virus can be tested at the Houston Health Departments Texas Medical Center lab, which can confirm a diagnosis. Is there a monkeypox vaccine? Yes. But the best method of prevention is avoidance. Dont touch anyone who has a rash or scabs until they have been checked by a doctor. Additionally, dont share clothing, sheets, utensils or cups with a person who is suspected of having monkeypox. Joe Raedle / TNS In some cases, vaccination is recommended. The vaccine is typically reserved for people who have been exposed to monkeypox and those who are at higher risk of being exposed. That group includes anyone who knows their partner has the virus and the healthcare workers who treat them. Five puppies were found dead from heat distress in a west Houston backyard Wednesday, a tragic reminder of the Texas heat wave's potentially deadly impact. Animal cruelty investigators with the Houston Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals found eight puppies and their mother in the backyard of a home off Clay Road in west Houston. Five of the puppies had died, and the remaining three puppies and the mother were sent to the Houston SPCA for emergency veterinarian care. BREAKING THE CHAINS: What dog owners need to know now that Texas' new chain tether ban is in effect Leaving your pet to fend for itself is animal cruelty, against state law and can quickly lead to deadly consequences with this blistering heat if you dont check on your outdoor pets regularly, Adam Reynolds, Chief of Animal Cruelty at the Houston SPCA said in a release. Investigators were able to enter the property after obtaining an exigent warrant, meaning the animals were visibly in dire conditions and needed medical attention immediately. Houston SPCA All of the dogs found still alive were in various stages of heat distress and had ocular and skin issues, investigators said. Video shared by investigators showed the backyard was riddled with debris and what appeared to be a broken playground slide, in addition to other outdoor toys for children and trash. Some of the dead puppies were found under the parts of the broken slide as if they were desperately seeking shade. Now Playing: Video shared by investigators showed the backyard was riddled with random debris and what appeared to be a broken playground slide, in addition to other outdoor toys for children and trash. Some of the dead puppies were found buried under the parts of the broken slide, as if they were desperately seeking shade. (Courtesy Houston SPCA) Video: Courtesy Houston SPCA The SPCAs 10-member animal cruelty investigation team responds to calls in 11 Houston-area counties and currently, each member handles up to 150 cases. Octavio Gonzalez, Houston SPCA animal cruelty investigator, previously told the Houston Chronicle the ongoing heat has led to an increase in heat-related distress call's to the SPCA tipline. Last month, at least five dogs died from the heat and more than 150 calls were made to two of Houston's biggest animal cruelty hotlines. DOG LAWS: What to know about Houston dog attacks and Texas dog bite laws for victims and owners Texas law requires that outdoor dog owners keep their animals out of dangerous weather, including extreme heat and below freezing temperatures. The law was strengthened with the recent passing of the Safe Outdoor Dogs Act. That law, which went into effect this year, makes it illegal for pet owners to tether their dogs with heavy chains, weights or improperly fitted collars and requires animals have adequate shelter that keeps them from standing in their own feces, out of direct heat or freezing temperatures, and access to water. It also requires that the length of the tether be at least 10 feet long or six times the length of the dog from its nose to its tail, whichever is longer. An investigation is underway to determine who the owners are in addition to anyone else who may have been involved, a Harris County Constable Precinct 1 spokesperson wrote in an email to the Houston Chronicle. A court will ultimately decide who will be granted ownership of the animals at a later date. To report animal cruelty or an animal in distress, call the SPCA tipline at 713-869-SPCA (7722); the Harris County Animal Cruelty Taskforce at 832-927-PAWS or file a report online at the SPCA website or the Harris County Animal Cruelty Taskforce website. rebecca.hennes@chron.com Rodents, sewer backups and power outages. Such was life at the Cleme Manor Apartments in Fifth Ward. The housing project is now under new management since residents complained about conditions to the Houston Chronicle, but the apartments owners are coming under scrutiny from county officials who are hoping to delay funding for a new affordable housing development that the owners are helping build in Midtown. The NHP Foundation, a New York-based nonprofit, fired Cleme Manors previous management company, Lynd Living, on July 11 after residents complained to the Chronicle about longstanding issues including pest infestations, sewage backups and, most recently, power outages that lasted for days. LIVING HELL: A failure of government oversight produced a housing system across the U.S. that hurts the people who need it the most. The owners have since brought in Allied Orion Management, a Houston-based company, to oversee the complex, and pledged to start making changes immediately. Neither Lynd nor Allied Orion responded to a request for comment. Yi-Chin Lee / Staff photographer At a meeting in the Cleme Manor community room on Wednesday, Carlos Gonzalez, senior vice president of asset management at NHPF, outlined the ways he said NHPF would address residents concerns. Among other things, they will have the sewer lines cleared every three months to prevent backups and hire a pest control company to treat the whole property, in addition to bringing them back on a weekly basis for individual units that need them. Im here to accept that mistakes have been made, and Im here to tell you that we are bringing you options for the issues that have been brought to our attention. We are not perfect, but effective last Tuesday we have a new team in place and we have made a lot of progress, Gonzalez said. Kenneth Bubba Johnson, 62, attended the meeting and said that hes glad to see Lynd gone, but wont get his hopes up just yet. A Cleme Manor resident for over 40 years, hes heard from too many management companies that havent kept their promises. INVESTIGATION: Should a troubled HUD-subsidized complex in Galveston get tax credits for rehab? Im going to wait and see and give them time to see if they do what they say theyre going to do. And if they dont, theyll be just like the rest, Johnson said. The situation at Cleme Manor was bad enough that Pct. 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis pulled a vote on funding for NHPFs new development from Tuesdays Commissioners Court meeting. He plans to delay the vote until the county can pass tenant protections for housing projects that receive county funds. NHPF is a development partner in a potential affordable housing project at 3300 Caroline St. The development would provide 149 new units in the affluent Midtown neighborhood and is slated to receive about $8.5 million from the county, along with $15 million from the city of Houston. I think its a good project, and Ive heard good things about NHPF from around the country... but I dont want to give up $8.5 million because they say trust me. I think its a good opportunity to push for some strong tenant protections and inspection requirements for affordable housing projects that receive any county funding, Ellis said. Yi-Chin Lee / Staff photographer The conflict between tenants and building management has now prompted a conflict between city and county officials. The countys delay on this same project has exasperated Keith Bynam, director of Houston Housing and Community Development, who pulled the citys vote on its funding from last weeks City Council meeting while the county addresses its concerns. Waiting to distribute the funds until new legislation is passed is an overreach, according to Bynam, who fears the Texas General Land Office might revoke the Hurricane Harvey funds being used to pay for the development. He argued that the city and county could vote to distribute the funds and implement protections while the development is under construction. We will continue to have conversations with the county to see if we can get back on the same page to get this project moving as quick as we possibly can. By the time its completed, between the county and the city we will have everything in place to ensure the developers and managers are doing everything they're required to do, Bynam said. Yi-Chin Lee / Staff photographer In response to Bynams comments, Ellis told the Chronicle, I am going to use every tool I have to push for the strongest protections I can get. Those include ensuring that management cannot retaliate against renters who create or participate in tenant organizations, obligating management to address unhealthy conditions, including mold, and requiring a 30-day eviction notice, instead of the three-day notice currently required. DEEP DIVE: How to fix the US public housing problem? Ask the tenants. Ellis said he plans to form a working group with his staff and the Harris County Community Services Department to draft legislation, and hopes to have it ready by the next Commissioners Court meeting. Roger Canales, development director for Texas at NHPF, said the organization will absolutely abide by any new guidelines put in place but hopes that they will pass legislation soon to keep costs down. We support anything that the commissioner wants to do, we support his mission and we want him to feel comfortable, Canales said. sam.kelly@chron.com This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Harris County is set to expand a program to clean up abandoned nuisance properties in hopes of tackling around 1,100 neighborhood eyesores and public health hazards over the next four years, using federal stimulus dollars. The program is led by the Harris County Public Health, which for years has overseen an effort to clean up or demolish about 20 abandoned properties a year following complaints from neighbors about long-festering problems including overgrown weeds and rodents. With the injection of about $3 million in American Rescue Plan funds, the department expects to expand its Neighborhood Nuisance Abatement Program to about 250 a year. More from Jen Rice: Harris County approves $25M plan to house jail inmates at West Texas facility Commissioners Court on Tuesday approved a plan to move forward with the first 18 properties on the health departments list. Most of the properties are blighted with garbage, unsanitary conditions weeds, rodents, and in some cases unsafe structures. While the ARPA funds will go toward resolving the nuisances, the county does not plan to acquire the properties, according to Leah Barton, managing director of strategic initiatives in the Office of County Administration. "The majority of it will be spent on contractors doing the work, whether that's the actual demolition, rubbish removal, weed removal, rodent extermination, (or) securing abandoned pools," Barton said. The owners will not be billed for the cost of clean up. Using the ARPA funding, the county will do the abatement work without placing a lien on the property. The scope of the health departments nuisance abatement program traditionally has been limited by available funding, which often came out Community Development Block Grants from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. On HoustonChronicle.com: Harris County expands pilot to pay homeless $15 to clean public spaces "What this funding does is, it's going to allow us to do it a little bit more than we were in the past," said Scott Jeansonne, director of environmental health. The county took on a similar project earlier this year as part of a $50 million Clean Streets Safe Neighborhoods initiative, demolishing an apartment complex in Cypress Station after a fire in 2020 displaced families living at the property. Attending the demolition of the abandoned complex, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo said the decision to clean up the property was intended to reduce crime and address blight. Mark Mulligan, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer The fire that burned this apartment complex two years ago created more than just an eyesore, Hidalgo said. It created a place that harbors criminal element, a structure that has incubated drug dealers and other criminal activity. She cast the expanded neighborhood nuisance program in the same light this week, emphasizing the public safety benefits. Weve heard from the community that, too often, abandoned structures can be havens for criminal behavior, Hidalgo said in a statement Wednesday. Im proud to support this initiative, as part of our historic, multifaceted approach to tackle crime and work toward a more vibrant Harris County. SPECIAL FEATURE: Houston's fight to end homelessness received national attention. Why are 'tent cities' still here? The majority of properties set to be cleaned up under the expanded neighborhood nuisance program are "cold cases" in which the owners have been unresponsive for years, according to the county. To reach the owners, the county sent investigators to the properties, mailed numerous official notices and published advertisements. By cleaning up the properties, the county hopes to reduce public health and public safety risks in those neighborhoods, Jeansonne said. "It could be anything from a property that just has really high grass, to a place where people are doing some illegal dumping activities, all the way to these houses that are unsafe, abandoned structures that are just sitting in the neighborhood," Jeansonne said. jen.rice@chron.com Fire marshals closed a northwest Harris County private school this week after inspectors discovered the building didnt have sprinklers, fire alarms, emergency exits or other safety measures required by state and local laws, officials said. There were 15 students and an unknown number of school personnel inside River Oaks Academy, in a strip mall at 7453 Hollister St., when the fire marshals office performed a spot inspection, officials said. Occupants were ordered to leave the building and the Harris County Fire Marshals Office issued a stop-work order until all the safety violations have been addressed. FACT CHECK: Do Ted Cruzs kids go to a woke private school in Houston? Not quite, say St. Johns School alumni. Theres a lot of outstanding private schools, and its not that this is not a good private school, but for whatever reason they didnt follow the procedures required, said Harris County Fire Marshal Laurie Christensen. A permit is not just a piece of paper, its proof that a school has followed all the steps to make sure that people in the building are prepared for and protected against fires and other dangers, Christensen said. The school on Hollister Street appears to have been recently established and the campus is so new that this week it still had a coming soon sign in front of the academy, which, officials said, occupies about 2,000 square feet. That sign caught the attention of a county fire inspector, who checked the agencys records to see if the school had all of its proper permits, Christensen said. It didnt; and the inspector went inside the building to investigate further, she said. The inspector found multiple violations inside, said Chad Shaw, a deputy chief fire marshal. The building didnt have sprinklers or fire alarms. The buildings doors didnt open outward, which would be a hazard in an evacuation. There were open electrical wires, which Shaw flagged as a safety hazard. Anybody would have been able to touch (them) and potentially (could have) been electrocuted, Shaw said of the wires. He said the building the school occupies appeared to have previously been a shopping center and not a normal school building. The school also didnt have an emergency response plan filed with the county, Shaw said. TEXAS POLITICS: Gov. Abbott pitches school voucher plan for Texas at San Antonio rally He noted that there was really nothing that a normal business would have been required to file that River Oaks Academy had filed with county officials. No charges or fines have been issued over the problems at the building, Christensen said. Students and workers will not be permitted back in building until the issues cited have been addressed, Shaw said. Who exactly is owns and runs the school is unclear. The school has the same name as another private school on Richmond Avenue in Houston. The River Oaks Academy on Richmond Avenue was founded in 1988 and specializes in teaching students with special needs, according to its website. The Houston Chronicle noted that award winning ice skater Tara Lapinski graduated from the Richmond Avenue campus in 2000. A Facebook page appears to link the two schools. A woman named Genna Ha identifies herself the principal of both schools in a video marketing the school to international students. In one video on the page, Ha says the academy has a second campus with better facilities, including a dorm, library and gymnasium. Theres no mention of a second campus the River Oaks Academy website and the Hollister location also doesnt appear on a list of accredited schools kept by the Texas Private School Accreditation Commission. No one responded to multiple phone calls and emails connected to both River Oaks campuses this week. Christensen said the fire marshals warnings were given to administrators at the school, but she couldnt confirm if the Hollister academy was connected to the Richmond Avenue school. GOODBYE, SUMMER: When do Houston districts go back to school? What you need to know. The fire marshals office conducts fire and life safety inspection in every school building in Harris County every year, Christensen said. She encouraged parents, especially those with children who attend private schools, to ask their childrens schools if theyre following safety rules. If youre sending your child to a school or a daycare, you should be asking Do you have your permits? Have you had your fire and life safety inspection? Christensen said. Weve not lost a child in a school due to fire since 1958. Thats because of fire codes. john.ferguson@chron.com This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Hundreds of thousands of immigrants from Asia, Africa and Latin America who have been naturalized in the past several years in Texas could shift the outcome of local elections, according to a new report. The University of Californias U.S. Immigration Policy Center identified 344,000 newly naturalized citizens across the state of Texas, or immigrants who have become citizens from 2016 through fiscal year 2021. VOTING PROBLEMS: New Texas elections law, decried as vote suppression, leads to record number of rejected mail ballot applications New immigrants could shift the balance in terms of who is elected to local, state and national office, said Brandon Rottinghaus, a political science professor at University of Houston. There will be a statewide political impact as these numbers continue to grow, Rottinghaus said, adding that in the short-term the impact of immigrant voters will be regional. Youre going to see counties changing political hands, youre going to see congressional districts changing hands and youre going to see state legislative districts changing hands. Rottinghaus added that newly naturalized voters may be less politically entrenched, making them attractive to both parties. Mark Mulligan, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer Finding new voters is a panacea for candidates who are looking to persuade people to back them, Rottinghaus said. Among the newly naturalized citizens in Texas, around half were from Latin American countries led by 127,000 new U.S. citizens originally from Mexico, according to the report published through the immigrant rights coalition National Partnership for New Americans and the Service Employees International Union. Another 117,000 new U.S. citizens in Texas were from Asia including 30,000 from India, 17,000 from Vietnam and 11,000 from the Philippines. Around 33,000 immigrants from African countries were also recently naturalized in Texas, from countries including Nigeria, Kenya and Ethiopia. Rottinghaus said the political impact of this diverse and growing electorate is reflected in the changing politics in places such as Fort Bend County. NEWSLETTERS Join the conversation with HouWeAre We want to foster conversation and highlight the intersection of race, identity and culture in one of America's most diverse cities. Sign up for the HouWeAre newsletter here. In 2018, the county elected its first Asian and first person of color to be its county judge Democrat K.P. George who is now facing ex-Constable Trever Nehls in the fall election. Overall, Texas has around 2 million naturalized citizens. Of that total some 743,000 of them are in the greater Houston area, with the vast majority having immigrated from either Latin America or Asia. The population of Asian naturalized citizens is nearly equal to the number of Latino naturalized citizens in Greater Houston, despite the overall Latino immigrant population being much higher. NEW CITIZENS: American dream comes true for 19 new welcomed in Galveston naturalization ceremony Naturalization can be a costly and time-consuming process for immigrants who qualify. Jon Shapley, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer Immigrants must be 18 to become U.S. citizens, as well as lawful permanent residents who have lived continuously in the county. To apply, they must also speak basic English, demonstrate knowledge of U.S. history and government and pay hundreds of dollars in fees. Perla Garcia, an organizer with the progressive advocacy group Texas Organizing Project, said she decided to become a citizen in 2020 after growing weary of former President Donald Trumps attacks on immigrants, which made her worry the government would take away her visa. I was tired of living in fear. And I decided to leave the fear behind and begin the process of naturalization, because I wanted to vote like everybody else, Garcia said in Spanish at a press conference featuring left-leaning groups that highlighted the findings of report. Both parties will be courting new American voters, including candidates in the most heated races such as the showdown between Republican Alexandra del Moral Mealer and Democratic incumbent Lina Hidalgo for Harris County Judge . Mealer said she hopes her message against government corruption will resonate with immigrant voters. Jon Shapley, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer Many naturalized citizens came to this country to escape government corruption in their home countries. And while campaigning, we are meeting with many longtime citizens and recently naturalized citizens and (their) concerns are the same: crime and corruption, Mealer said, citing the indictment of two of Hidalgos staffers and a former aide over a since-canceled vaccine outreach contract. Hidalgo has denied these allegations. Compared with other states, Texas had the fourth largest number of newly naturalized citizens in the country, though the power wielded by these citizens may have a greater impact on national politics in swing states. The new report also estimated that statewide around 130,000 additional U.S. citizens were naturalized in Texas in the year 2022, indicating significant yearly growth in the potential pool of immigrant voters statewide. elizabeth.trovall@chron.com Texas truck driver Homero Zamorano and co-defendant Christian Martinez worked together on three previous smuggling trips before they were arrested in connection with an abandoned 18-wheeler containing dozens of migrants who died from the heat in Southwest San Antonio, a federal agent said. Zamorano, 45, of Palestine in East Texas, is charged with illegally transporting undocumented immigrants on June 27 after 53 people died in what authorities have called the worst smuggling catastrophe in the United States. Martinez, 28, of Palestine, also known as Gordito or Gordo, allegedly worked with at least two other drivers one caught at the Border Patrol checkpoint north of Laredo with 107 immigrants in his trailer and another caught with 98 immigrants this spring, according to testimony from Homeland Security Investigations agent Nestor Canales and court documents. On HoustonChronicle.com: Its a new slavery: San Antonio archbishop condemns immigration injustice, apathy This defendant (Martinez) was a part of an egregious and outrageous case in which 64 people were in a tractor-trailer without air conditioning for hours, and 53 of those individuals have died, Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Spears said at the hearing in San Antonios federal court. Some are still in the hospital. This defendant helped coordinate that incident, and not only did he do it on one occasion, this defendant has done it on multiple occasions, according to his own admission. Courtesy Anderson County Courtesy Anderson County Homero Zamorano from an unrelated arrest in 2020 in Anderson County. Zamorano is charged with illegal transportation of undocumented immigrants resulting in death. (Courtesy Anderson County) Homero Zamorano from an unrelated arrest in 2020 in Anderson County. Zamorano is charged with illegal transportation of undocumented immigrants resulting in death. (Courtesy Anderson County) Martinez, who Spears said is homeless but has relatives in Palestine, is charged with conspiring with Zamorano. Both men face life in prison or the death penalty if convicted. Zamorano remains jailed without bond after he waived his bail and probable cause hearings in early July. Canales testified that Martinez drove Zamorano from Palestine to a truck stop south of San Antonio and gave him instructions on where to pick up the load in Laredo. Court records show more than 200 migrants were smuggled in the same way by other drivers from Laredo before Border Patrol intercepted the loads one trailer registered a temperature of 98 degrees. Other trailers connected to Martinez made it to their intended destinations in or near San Antonio with hundreds of migrants, according to court records. Agents are investigating whether any of the migrants were held in a Laredo warehouse before being loaded into trailers. Authorities have said Zamorano made it past the Border Patrol checkpoint with his load, and it has not been determined if the trailers cooling system was working at any point during the two-hour trip from Laredo to San Antonio. The day of the incident, San Antonio Fire Chief Charles Hood said the cooling system of the refrigerated trailer did not appear to be working when the 18-wheeler was found along Quintana Road. The immigrants did not have any water, Hood said. Temperatures hovered at around 100 degrees, and experts have said it could have been more than 140 degrees in the trailer. On HoustonChronicle.com: Before human smuggling disaster in San Antonio, 5 rigs caught illegally ferrying immigrants this year Survivors have said the trailer appeared to have bullion or a spice sprinkled in it, and former agents said that is a common tactic used by smugglers to throw off police dogs from discovering the human cargo. Michael Gross, who was appointed to represent Martinez, suggested that his client might have been coerced into speaking with agents. Martinez, Gross said, attended special education classes and cant read or write. At best, Gross said, the governments allegations paint his client as a middle man. I do not mean to downplay the significance of the death of the 53 individuals, Gross told U.S. Magistrate Judge Henry Bemporad. However, Mr. Martinez was not present when either the air conditioner went out or when the decision to abandon those people was made. Bemporad determined prosecutors had established probable cause and denied Martinez release on bond, finding him a flight risk. This is an extremely serious case, Bemporad said. Its a serious case because many people died, but its a serious case whether or not people had died. Transporting people in bulk in tractor-trailers is about as dangerous an offense as we see in terms of the danger to life. Martinez allegedly worked with another driver, Daniel Chavez, 29, of San Antonio. Chavez was caught about 8:45 p.m. on March 30 at the Border Patrol checkpoint north of Laredo when a police dog reacted to an 18-wheeler he was driving. Agents opened up the trailer and found 107 immigrants inside. They also noted the temperature in the trailer was 98 degrees. Chavez pleaded guilty June 2 before the deadly San Antonio incident to conspiracy to transport undocumented migrants and faces up to 10 years in prison when hes sentenced later this year. He said he would be paid $5,000 when he arrived with his load in San Antonio. Laredo lawyer Roberto Balli, who represents Chavez, said hed heard federal authorities had connected some of the people involved in Chavezs case to the abandoned trailer. Mr. Chavez had no connection with the deaths or organizing of that, Balli said. He was just a driver who was recruited. One migrant from Guatemala who was in Chavezs trailer told agents he arranged to pay $19,000 to be smuggled from the border to New York. He was among immigrants moved from a stash house to a warehouse in Laredo before they were loaded onto the trailer. Agents also linked Martinez to the case of Othell C. Brown, 46, of Palestine, who was caught driving an 18-wheeler with 98 immigrants on April 29. Brown, who pleaded guilty June 28 to conspiracy to transport undocumented immigrants, initially claimed he was told he was hauling frozen chicken wings, but he later admitted he had been recruited by Gordo to transport immigrants. Brown was going to be paid between $800 and $1,000 to drive the rig to San Antonio, according to court documents. Brown said it was his third trip driving an 18-wheeler with immigrants for Gordo the other two were successful. Two immigrants from Mexico who were in the trailer told agents that they were among 182 migrants smuggled across the U.S. border and stored in a Laredo warehouse until some of them were put on Browns trailer. They were paying $5,000 to $6,000 to be taken to Dallas. Balli, who does not represent Brown but did represent one of the migrants in Browns load, has been involved in many smuggling cases in his 26 years of criminal defense. He said drivers are generally recruited and treated as independent contractors, but they play a small role in the overall smuggling operation. By the time drivers pick up the loads, five to 10 people have been involved just getting the immigrants across the border, into stash houses and the trailer. All are in it for the money, Balli said. Some, like Chavez, dont even have commercial drivers licenses. He added that smugglers are cramming trailers with larger loads of migrants. This is the year Ive seen the most immigrants smuggled in large numbers in tractor-trailers, Balli said. Anything close to 100 was rare, something you almost never really see. Now, theyre not rare anymore. guillermo.contreras@express-news.net | Twitter: @gmaninfedland Discouraged with Texas politics, a Texan penned a lengthy post on Reddit expressing his understanding as to why people want to leave the state. "I can't blame you," the Reddit user who goes by seamus_mcfly86 wrote in his post that appeared Tuesday. NEW REPORT: Texas is the second-worst state to live in, but it's the fifth-best for business "Don't get me wrong, I LOVE Texas. I was born here, raised here, I'm a summer heat type of guy, and I love BBQ. However, we all see the direction this place is headed. The values I was raised on (love your neighbor, Southern hospitality, etc.) have vanished," the post continued. The Redditor then expressed concern that the state is headed for the "beginning of real Christian Fascism" after the state's restrictive abortion laws passed last year. By Wednesday, the post was one of the most popular in the state and follows a trend of popular posts on the social media platform about residents wanting to leave the state. 'SEND HELP': Texans are venting frustrations about the scorching heat in hilarious TikTok videos Reactions to Tuesday's post were mixed, although most tended to agree with the post's sentiments: "I lived in Texas for Eight years. ABSOLUTELY loved it. Especially the people. It's sad the way our Country has become. GOD BLESS TEXAS," user notanenabler wrote. "I wish you were wrong but I feel the same way," Wendellberryfan_2022 wrote, agreeing with the post. "Please, if you don't like it here, leave," user roctoss wrote. "Keep it really simple." "Whenever I see the posts talking about fleeing Texas, my little tinfoil hat comes out and I think about how it's possible a lot of the people encouraging others to leave are the ones furthest to the right trying to convince those that disagree to leave," user YeMajorNerd wrote. "I hope people don't leave en masse." Data shows that people are moving to Texas. According to a Pew Research study, Texas' population grew by 1.06 percent between July 2020 and July 2021. The state's population increased by 1.49 percent between April 2010 and April 2020, the third-highest increase over the decade, trailing only Idaho and Utah. MORE: Texas 1 of 6 states significantly undercounted during 2020 U.S. census However, according to the 2021 Texas Relocation Report issued by Texas Realtors, Texas was second in all relocation activity in 2019, welcoming between 537,000 and 582,000 new residents, but losing 435,000 to 471,000 residents to other states, the second-most in the country. The highest number of new Texans moved from California and Florida, while the highest number of departures were to California, Colorado and Oklahoma. shepard.price@express-news.net London was burning earlier this week. So many blazes erupted during the recent heatwave that the citys fire brigades had their busiest day since Hitler sent his V-2s screaming across the Channel. The runways at Heathrow began to melt when temperatures crossed 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit), while embattled railway companies feared that train tracks would buckle in the heat. Britain, like the rest of Europe, is woefully unprepared for a warming world. Here in New Delhi, its barely 30 degrees outside. The monsoon has finally arrived, making this parched part of the world habitable once again. Nevertheless we, too, have suffered from the heat more than is usual. This is whats supposed to happen, regular as clockwork: First, heavy rain clouds gather over the Indian Ocean and are pulled up toward the subcontinent as it begins to bake under the hot sun of late April. Then, by the end of May, the clouds burst over the southern tip of the peninsula; less than a fortnight later, on June 10, the great port cities of Mumbai and Kolkata receive their first sustained showers. The monsoon then proceeds regally up the Gangetic plain until it brings relief to Delhi in the last days of the month. While northwest India may feel unlivable during high summer, summer is only supposed to last two months or so. Now the monsoon tends to get lost. This year, the heat in central India and then in southern Pakistan was such that it pulled the clouds in that direction instead. Delhi should have seen constant showers for the first 10 days of June. Instead we received just 2.6 millimeters of rain and this after a summer when temperatures between 45 and 50 degrees were the norm rather than the exception. Cherished weather patterns, expectations built up over generations, are all being destroyed by climate change. But at least we in India sense what we are in for. We know what extreme heat can do to a person. In response, you build houses with thick walls, small windows and high ceilings to keep cool. You drink as much water as you can. If at all possible, you don't go out when the sun is high in the sky. Englishmen, as Noel Coward famously pointed out, don't have quite the same respect for the midday sun. Theres a lot about how Europeans live that will have to change as the continent faces summer days that will feel more like South Asia than the Swiss Alps. Clothes, for one. A month with daytime temperatures regularly over 27 degrees Celsius isnt one in which you should be wearing a nice suit as you walk to the office. The leaders of the G-7 have dispensed with neckties; suit jackets should be next. People will change their habits when their doctors tell them to and, fortunately, the National Health Service remains Britain's most trusted institution. The NHS has guidance out telling Britons to drink more water and to walk in the shade. (And also to avoid exercising in the hottest parts of the day, a piece of advice I am dismayed was needed. Perhaps Coward was on to something.) But the NHS will have to prepare for more than that. Under business-as-usual scenarios, the aedes aegypti mosquito will migrate unhindered to northern Europe and have two or three months of perfect weather to spread diseases such as dengue and chikungunya which we in India had hardly heard of a few decades ago but which are now endemic. In the United States, the Deep South is in even more danger: The United Nations Environment Programme has warned the region might be at risk of malaria outbreaks in coming decades. Then theres the real estate stock. New-build completions in the United Kingdom have only returned about to the level they were before the financial crisis. That in itself is less than half what they were at the peak of British house-building, back in the mid-1960s. Its wonderful how many countries in Europe Britain included have worked hard to minimize the demolition of old buildings and relax change-of-use regulations to bring them into the housing market. Yet formerly cold-weather countries cant afford too much sentimentality. With the climate changing, they will need many more new buildings that are designed for extremes of heat, too. Growing up in Bengal where, as Coward pointed out, to move at all is very seldom done the cemeteries provided enough evidence of what happens to people who refuse to change their ways when confronted with extreme heat. Graveyards were full of British colonists who died young; more than half of British civil servants passed away during their tour of duty. One austere Danish visitor explained why: It is true that many Englishmen die here very suddenly, but in my opinion the fault is chiefly their own: They eat much succulent food. They drink very strong Portugal wines, at the hottest time of day. In addition they wear, as in Europe, tight-fitting clothes. Harsh and unscientific, yes. But, if Bengals heat is coming to Britain, perhaps there are a few lessons to be learned. Mihir Sharma is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist. WFO BOSTON Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Thursday, July 21, 2022 _____ HEAT ADVISORY URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Boston/Norton MA 324 PM EDT Wed Jul 20 2022 ...HEAT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM EDT THURSDAY... * WHAT...Heat index values from 98 to 102 degrees expected * WHERE...Northern Connecticut, much of Rhode Island and portions of western, central and eastern Massachusetts. * WHEN...Through early this evening and again from 10 AM EDT Thursday until 8 PM EDT Thursday. * 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. _____ Copyright 2022 AccuWeather WFO ALBANY Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Thursday, July 21, 2022 _____ SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING The National Weather Service in Albany has issued a * Severe Thunderstorm Warning for... Southeastern Washington County in east central New York... Northern Bennington County in southern Vermont... * Until 200 PM EDT. * At 112 PM EDT, a severe thunderstorm was located near Cambridge, or 7 miles southwest of Salem, 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... Arlington, Salem, Manchester, Dorset, Cambridge, Greenwich, Manchester Center, Sunderland, Rupert, Sandgate, Cossayuna, Beartown, Chiselville, Center Falls, Barnumville, Eagleville, North Cambridge, West Rupert, Bromley Village and Fitch Point. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Remain alert for a possible tornado! Tornadoes can develop quickly from severe thunderstorms. If you spot a tornado go at once into the basement or small central room in a sturdy structure. For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building. Please report hail size...damaging winds and reports of trees down to the National Weather Service by email at Alb.Stormreport@noaa.gov... On Facebook at www.facebook.com/nwsalbany or twitter @nwsalbany ...FLOOD ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 215 PM EDT THIS AFTERNOON... * WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is expected. * WHERE...Portions of northeast New Jersey and southeast New York, including the following counties, in northeast New Jersey, Bergen. In southeast New York, Bronx, New York (Manhattan) and Westchester. * WHEN...Until 215 PM EDT. * IMPACTS...Minor flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 114 PM EDT, Doppler radar indicated heavy rain due to thunderstorms. Minor flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly in the advisory area. Between 0.5 and 1 inch of rain has fallen. - Additional rainfall amounts of 0.5 to 1 inch are expected over the area. This additional rain will result in minor flooding. - Some locations that will experience flooding include... Yonkers, Mott Haven, East Tremont, Hackensack, Bergenfield, Paramus, Harlem, Riverdale, Co-op City, Fort Lee, Englewood, Oradell, City Island, Upper West Side, Mount Vernon, Teaneck, Cliffside Park, Palisades Park, Dumont and New Milford. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles. The National Weather Service in Upton NY has issued a Central Fairfield County in southern Connecticut... Westchester County in southeastern New York... Putnam County in southeastern New York... Rockland County in southeastern New York... * At 114 PM EDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over Nyack, moving northeast at 30 mph. IMPACT...Minor hail damage to vehicles is possible. Expect wind damage to trees and power lines. * This severe thunderstorm will be near... Ossining and Hawthorne around 120 PM EDT. Mount Kisco and Bedford around 130 PM EDT. Yorktown Heights around 135 PM EDT. Mahopac around 140 PM EDT. ...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of northern Herkimer County through 145 PM EDT... At 114 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 11 miles west of Big Moose, or 14 miles northwest of Old Forge, moving east at 30 mph. HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Locations impacted include... Big Moose, Little Rapids, Beaver River, Moshier Falls, Carter Station, Brandreth, Lyon Lake and Woods Lake. If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 800 PM EDT for eastern New York. LAT...LON 4405 7506 4407 7486 4380 7482 4371 7512 4410 7517 TIME...MOT...LOC 1714Z 252DEG 27KT 4388 7513 MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH 479 REMAINS VALID UNTIL 8 PM EDT THIS EVENING FOR THE FOLLOWING AREAS IN CONNECTICUT THIS WATCH INCLUDES 4 COUNTIES IN SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT FAIRFIELD MIDDLESEX NEW HAVEN NEW LONDON IN NEW YORK THIS WATCH INCLUDES 1 COUNTY IN SOUTHEAST NEW YORK PUTNAM THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS EXTENDED SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH 479 TO INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING AREAS UNTIL 8 PM EDT THIS EVENING IN NEW JERSEY THIS WATCH INCLUDES 5 COUNTIES IN NORTHEAST NEW JERSEY BERGEN ESSEX HUDSON PASSAIC UNION IN NEW YORK THIS WATCH INCLUDES 9 COUNTIES BRONX KINGS (BROOKLYN) NASSAU NEW YORK (MANHATTAN) ORANGE QUEENS RICHMOND (STATEN ISLAND) ROCKLAND WESTCHESTER ...THE SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR EAST CENTRAL SARATOGA AND SOUTHERN WASHINGTON COUNTIES HAS EXPIRED... The storm which prompted the warning has moved out of the area. Therefore, the warning has been allowed to expire. east central New York...and southern Vermont. Remember, a Severe Thunderstorm Warning still remains in effect for Southern Washington County until 2 PM. _____ Copyright 2022 AccuWeather WFO NORMAN Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Wednesday, July 20, 2022 _____ EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Norman OK 233 PM CDT Wed Jul 20 2022 ...EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM CDT THIS EVENING... * WHAT...Dangerously hot conditions with heat index values up to 113 expected. * WHERE...Portions of central, east central, southeast, southern and southwest Oklahoma and northern Texas. * WHEN...Until 8 PM CDT this evening. * IMPACTS...Extreme heat and humidity will significantly increase the potential for heat related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities. 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 REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM CDT THIS EVENING... * WHAT...Heat index values up to 108 expected. * WHERE...Portions of central, northern, northwest and southwest Oklahoma and northern Texas. _____ Copyright 2022 AccuWeather Author Hugh Howard to Speak at Ventfort Hall on Aug. 2 Howards new book has been lauded as a readable, intelligently paced, dual biography by the Wall Street Journal. A tea will follow his presentation. Photo Provided by Ventfort Hall. LENOX, MA. Hugh Howard, a historian who has written more than a dozen books about American architecture, will speak at Ventfort Hall at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 2. Interweaving the late nineteenth century careers of Frederick Law Olmsted and Henry Hobson Richardson, Hugh Howards new book has been lauded as a readable, intelligently paced, dual biography by the Wall Street Journal. A tea will follow his presentation. Howard shows in Architects of an American Landscape how such different personalities as Richardson and Olmsted became close friends and collaborators. In conversation with local historian Cornelia Brooke Gilder, Howard will discuss Olmstedian landscapes and Richardsons contribution to the built environment. Their talk will be accompanied by images of notable Richardson and Olmsted designs. Tickets are $30 for members and with advance reservation; $35 day of; $22 for students 22 and under. Reservations are required as seats are limited. Walk-ins accommodated as space allows. For reservations call us at (413) 637-3206. Please note that all tickets are nonrefundable and non-exchangeable. Proof of vaccination and ID are required. The historical mansion is located at 104 Walker Street in Lenox. The summer series of Tea & Talks is sponsored in part by board member Lucille Landa and William Landa. Many businesses are turning to single sign-on (SSO) solutions as they attempt to repurpose their cybersecurity strategies to meet the challenge of increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks, and the diverse needs of their staff. However, choosing a solution isnt easy, and there are many options to choose from. Over 540,000 professionals have used Peerspot research to inform their purchasing decisions. Its latest paper looks at the highest rated SSO vendors, profiling each and examining what they can offer enterprise. Heres a breakdown of the key players currently active in the market: Auth0 Average Rating: 8.3 Top Comparison: Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) Overview: An easily adaptable authentication and authorization platform. Businesses can easily and quickly connect apps, choose identity providers, add users, set up rules, customise login pages and access analytics from the solution dashboard. Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) Average Rating: 8.7 Top Comparison: Okta Workforce Identity Overview: An enterprise identity service that provides SSO, multifactor authentication, and conditional access to guard against 99.9 percent of cybersecurity attacks. CyberArk Identity Average Rating: 9.0 Top Comparison: Microsoft Intune Overview: Empowers the workforce while keeping threats out. Frictionless Sign On keeps workers working, not logging in and out. Fortinet FortiAuthenticator Average Rating: 7.3 Top Comparison: CISCO ISE (Identity Services Engine) Overview: The primary secure point of approved access into the Fortinet network, authorizing users, reviewing access permissions, and relaying the information to all Fortigate devices for comparison with identity-based protocols. Frontegg Average Rating: 9.5 Top Comparison: Auth0 Overview: A user management platform, designed for the Product-Led Growth (PLG) era. It provides blazing-fast integration of a powerful user infrastructure, designed to handle modern application use-cases. Keeper Average Rating: 8.7 Top Comparison: Dashlane Overview: Helps millions of people and thousands of businesses substantially mitigate the risk of a data breach utilising best-in-class encryption to safeguard its customers. LastPass Business Average Rating: 8.0 Top Comparison: Keeper Overview: Empowers employees to generate, secure, and share credentials seamlessly, while providing valuable insight and control to Admins and ensuring protection. ManageEngine Password Manager Pro Average Rating: 9.0 Top Comparison: CyberArk Enterprise Password Vault Overview: A secure vault for storing and managing shared sensitive information such as passwords, documents, and digital identities of enterprises. OneLogin by One Identity Average Rating: 8.0 Top Comparison: Okta Workforce Identity Overview: A cloud-based identity and access management service that enables customers to protect their most prized assets their people, their identities, and the information they create whenever, wherever. Symantec Siteminder Average Rating: 8.3 Top Comparison: Okta Workforce Identity Overview: Designed to secure the modern enterprise through a unified access management platform that applies the appropriate authentication mechanism to positively identify users. Frigate in combat training exercise China Military Online) 10:30, July 21, 2022 A frigate attached to a naval flotilla under the PLA Southern Theater Command maneuvers at full speed in a maritime combat training exercise in late June, 2022. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Zhang Bin) A frigate attached to a naval flotilla under the PLA Southern Theater Command steams ahead towards the designated waters in a maritime combat training exercise in late June, 2022. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Zhang Bin) (Web editor: Wu Chaolan, Liang Jun) The latest draft of the Indonesian criminal code (KUHP) consists of several articles that potentially criminalise journalists work and threaten press freedom. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and its affiliate, the Alliance of Independent Journalists (AJI) Indonesia, urge the government to drop all controversial articles and increase its transparency in the deliberation process. Activists protest against revisions to the Indonesian criminal code in front of the provincial parliamentary building in Bandung on June 30 2022. Credit: Timur Matahari / AFP The Indonesian government submitted the latest draft of the criminal code to the House of Representatives on July 6 for a closed door deliberation of the bill, which could be passed before the end of July. According to Indonesias Journalists Safety Committee (KKJ), comprised of nine media freedom organisations including AJI, SINDIKASI and Amnesty International Indonesia, there are at least 14 articles in the draft code that threaten press freedom and freedom of expression. The draft still lists defamation against the president and vice president as punishable by a maximum of three and a half years imprisonment, despite the revocation of similar laws by the constitutional court in 2006. Other controversial aspects of the bill include articles on slander against authorities and state agencies, freedom of assembly, the spread of misinformation, and treason. Article 273 contains provisions to criminalise the organisation of peaceful protests, punishable with fines and up to six months imprisonment. Journalists could also face prison sentences of up to two years for publishing incomplete stories. Since drafting began in 2015, critics have labelled the process elitist and secretive lawmaking with civil society given limited access to updated drafts. A coalition of students and civil society groups have repeatedly pushed the government to release the complete draft revision. AJI said the deliberation process must allow for public participation to ensure that the draft guarantees press freedom, civil freedom, freedom of expression, freedom of assembly, and association, which is protected by the Indonesian constitution. AJI said: AJI demands the legislative body to not rush to ratify the criminal code before access to the public and also the protection of press freedom are fulfilled. The IFJ said: Indonesian parliament must not pass the draft legislation without appropriate consultation and transparency in the deliberation process. The IFJ urges the government to remove all articles in the draft criminal code that threaten freedom of expression and freedom of the press and ensure the protection of the rights of media workers. The pandemic has inspired change in behaviors across consumers, enterprises, and governments, indicating a turning point in how people value sustainability. In line with the rise in social awareness of environmental issues and its implications, businesses and individuals alike are opting for eco-friendly products. Throughout Southeast Asia, member states have further pledged cooperation on climate change in the form of their own unique national agenda. Conversations on climate financing, alongside private-public declarations on limiting global warming, demonstrates the degree to which climate change pervades every aspect of modern life moving forward. Across the region, there has been a renewed demand and focus on sustainability reportingwith green procurement as a core tactic to achieve goals and vast opportunities within green industries, which then allow Southeast Asian enterprises to reap its benefits. Reports from PwC and KPMG indicate that there is an improved perception on Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) investments in companies across Asia, due to the increase in implementation of sustainability-aligned corporate values. With this current trend, businesses should reevaluate the products that consumers and investors support in our current climate, apart from traditional benchmark indicators such as growth, profitability, and corporate governance. Green Procurement for ESG Initiatives Epson WorkForce Enterprise WF-C20600 A3 Multifunction Printer Applying sustainability efforts in the way businesses operate has now been made easy with green alternatives. Epsons Business Inkjet Printers use PrecisionCore Heat-Free Technology combined with fast-printing speeds for low power consumption and significant improvements in cost savings, while promoting environmental sustainability and energy efficiency. Designed to enhance business productivity with a range of connectivity features for everyday workgroup functions, Epson is the market leader known for their printheads exceptional reliability and durability. Paper jams are a worry of the past, as these Business Inkjet Printers are designed for dependable performance with a low-maintenance, user-friendly printing experience. Epsons DURABrite pigment inks achieve superior quality and vibrant prints that are long-lasting, with ultra-high yield ink capacity helping to keep cost per print down. Printing can be done responsibly with the brands simplified printing process, which produces quality prints that are good for the earth. With a huge pool of vendors with multiple products and solutions in the market, it can be an overwhelming and time-consuming process to search for the best deal. Epson keeps business solutions accessible and cost-efficient through its suite of business printing products, including its WorkForce Enterprise, WorkForce Pro and EcoTank Business Inkjet Printers which help corporations achieve effective and high quality solutions with manageable cost that makes business sense. Software support is a crucial consideration factor for monitoring and maintenance of bulk printing jobs. Businesses will be pleased to know that Epson Remote Services, a free cloud-hosted solution which enables remote monitoring of print environments and service notifications on the go, has been recognized by Keypoint Intelligences BLI 2022 Pick and Outstanding Innovation Awards as an Outstanding Service Tool. This is just one of the many software solutions provided by global technology leader Epson. Businesses can customize print options and enjoy seamless compatibility with Business Inkjet Printers by integrating them into existing IT infrastructures, a simple and fuss-free process that alleviates all enterprise print worries. These printers are useful for both procurement officers and small and medium enterprise owners, as remaining environmentally conscious helps them to adopt best-in-class solutions and technologies. By standardizing and simplifying their products and processes, businesses become more effective and transparent while marrying the needs of its users. With Epsons products, businesses can optimize their processes without compromising information confidentiality, productivity efforts, nor the environment. Protecting the Productivity Bottom Line The time to act is now. Climate change reports have suggested the urgency and cooperation required for real impact, or to otherwise face serious consequences of climate inaction. Big players in asset management such as BlackRock have been making bold statements to cut off investments for companies that do not invest in ESG-related strategies. Procuring Epsons products is a fast, simple, and effective way to align organizational ethos to the necessary reporting of sustainable enterprise efforts, without the need for greenwashing. In line with the #realmesupportsPPOP effort and recognizing Filipino talents, realme once again gave its utmost support to the recently concluded PPOP concert. Dubbed as the biggest celebration of #PPOPRise and #OPM in the country, the Tugatog Music Festival successfully concluded last July 15 at the SM MOA Arena with the attendance of over 5000 people. The Tugatog stage was graced with 17 powerful performances PPOP groups such as: BGYO, BINI, MNL48, Alamat, PPOP Gen, LITZ, 1st.ONE, Vxon, Press Hit Play, Dione, Calista, R Rules, G22, YARA, Daydream and OPM acts like Zack Tabudlo and The Juans. There was even a surprise performance from realmes very own event special only group MXON. (Photo courtesy of Tugatog Music Festival) The concert also saw some never before seen collaborations from girl groups MNL48, BINI, and Ppop Generation opening the show with a medley of their hit songs as well as boy groups 1st.One, VXON, ALAMAT, and BGYO performing their own top hits. Truly embodying the saying Music brings people together the concert ended with the artists coming together to perform Tugatogs official theme song. Aside from the thrilling concert event, the realme booth was also raining with product and merch giveaways during the event day. Many booth goers got the chance to score realme products (realme book, realme 8, realme 9 pro+ & realme pad mini) during the raffle giveaway. These tech gadgets are the currently hyped realme gadgets that are perfect digital companions for every Filipino youth. Others won AIoT items and realme merch, part of the booth activity gimmick. The realme squad also got a chance to have their photos printed out using the Instax Link WIDE. Not to be missed, days prior to the concert realme also held a livestream ticket giveaway on their official Facebook page wherein lucky winners got the chance to get VIP, Lower Box, Upper Box and Gen Ad tickets. With the success of the 2022 Tugatog Music Festival, realme is excited to see the PPOP community grow even more and achieve global recognition. We also look forward to seeing what else is in store for the succeeding festivals and show our full support and empower our local talent as much as we can, shares Austine Huang, realme Philippiness VP for Marketing. For more info and other brand updates, be sure to follow realme on Facebook or visit www.realme.com.ph. It was another workday before Christmas. Client gifts amassed on the kitchen counter. Leeatt Rothschild, a corporate social responsibility consultant, felt something was missing in those piles. If businesses and consumers alike bought more thoughtfully, she mused, it could have a real impact on society. Rothschild couldn't just gripe about it. She had to do something. She took her holiday misgivings and built one of the fastest-growing private companies in America. Packed With Purpose, the socially conscious gift-box business she started in the year following her light-bulb moment, landed at No. 149 on the 2021 Inc. 5000 list. This is the story of how a one-time Peace Corps volunteer grew a vague grumbling into a company with more than $4 million in annual revenues in 2020, the latest figure available. Rothschild's journey shows how a business idea can become a viable enterprise and scale with quick prototyping, shoe-string market research, and a focus on partners and clients. Building the Prototype First, Rothschild built a prototype. She found a designer on the freelance platform Fiverr and created a $99 logo. She bought boxes and assembled a few products, including soy candles from Bright Endeavors, a Chicago company that offers survivors of homelessness or abuse career advancement opportunities, and snack bars from Detroit Food Academy, which offers business and leadership training to young adults. They're still in her gift boxes today. By March 2016, she had what she called a "crappy first version." She gave the gift boxes to friends and family members at her daughter's first birthday party. She told them she would follow up to get feedback. Initial Market Research One thing her friends said was they wanted to see more of the story of the gifts and their impact. That feedback inspired Rothschild to create an impact booklet, telling the stories behind the products and the businesses that make them, as well as the good they do. She includes one in every gift box. "This is a low-budget market research," Rothschild says of these early efforts. "But it works, and the business still benefits from their advice." Rothschild launched Packed With Purpose three months later with $150,000 of her savings. Now with 18 employees, the Chicago-based business counts among her clients such multinationals as Amazon, Microsoft, Bank of America, and Pfizer. Gift boxes cost from $25 to $250 each. The gifts range from snacks from Washington, D.C.-based granola brand Together We Bake, which provides workforce training to domestic violence survivors, to wood-bound journals from Minneapolis-based Woodchuck USA, which plants a tree for each product sold. One popular box, for example, is a $100 bar-gift set, which includes such niceties as hand-blown-glass drink stirrers and sparkling grapefruit tea. It supports family- and Black-owned businesses, youth recovering from gun-violence trauma, sustainable production, and other causes. While her biggest competitor is gift-basket giant Harry & David, she has plenty of company in the impact niche. Rivals include Seattle artisan-made home good brand Give a Damn Goods, Louisville eco-friendly online marketplace EarthHero, and untold, a Los Angeles gift company that helps entrepreneurs of color. Strong Partnerships Packed with Purpose has 140 supplier partners. Drawn from 33 states and 16 countries, all are consumer good brands that focus on sustainability and the environment, workforce development, women's empowerment, youth development, health and well-being, or are diverse or women-owned. Packed With Purpose's competitive edge, according to Rothschild, is its dedication to suppliers and responsiveness to clients. The company buys the products outright, and partners don't pay to participate. "We affectionately call our product suppliers our 'impact partners,'" says Rothschild. "That's because we really think about them as partners, and as they grow, we grow." Packed With Purpose shares their stories broadly. In addition to its impact booklets, it promotes its partners across its marketing channels and on its website. Buyers can shop by "impact categories," including Black, Indigenous, and people of color; women; and sustainability. What's more, the company helps its partners redesign their packaging to better tell their stories and cut shipping costs. On learning that some clients, particularly those in the financial-services industry, faced a challenge in storing gift-recipients' addresses, the company created an address-collection service, which helps them keep track of confidential information but protects the recipient's privacy. Supply-Chain Snags As a growing company, Packed With Purpose's biggest challenge has been to stay nimble as business conditions change, says Rothschild. Throughout the pandemic, supply-chain delays have disrupted the company's sourcing and shipping. For example, a candle manufacturer couldn't get the glass vessels from Asia for its candles and had trouble fulfilling its orders. Packed's team reached out to partners with similar products that could offer a substitute. In addition, Rothschild says, her team informs partners in advance to give them a sense of what demand is like, so that it can secure the products ahead of time. Rothschild says her next step is to invest more in tech offerings, specifically in tools that can make the company's order-management system more seamless for returning customers. She is also looking to invest in development talent who align with the company's vision. Further on, she is assessing whether to bring on a software-development agency or hire a full- or part-time development expert. While her business is often about offering a token of thanks to customers and employees, Rothschild is big proponent of Slack channel public shout-outs or one-to-one private words in person or email. "No one ever tires of being appreciated," she says. EXPLORE MORE Inc. 5000 COMPANIES We provide an overview of the reforms and incentives offered to make India a more viable manufacturing investm... From July 1, 2022, a new withholding tax provision is applicable on benefits or perquisites arising to a resident from business or profession. The new provision, introduced by The Finance Act, 2022, requires a person providing a benefit or a perquisite arising from a business or a profession, to withhold tax at 10 percent of the value of such benefit which could also be partly or wholly non-cash. In this article, we discuss the withholding tax regime in India, including threshold levels, tax rates, and DTA treaty rates on payments to resident and non-resident firms. Withholding tax (WHT), also called retention tax, is an obligation on the individual (either resident or non-resident) to withhold tax when making payments of a specified nature, such as rent, commission, salary, for professional services, to satisfy contract provisions, etc. at rates specified in Indias tax regime. The applicable tax rate is the rate prescribed in the Income Tax Act, 1961 or relevant Double Taxation Avoidance (DTA) Agreement, whichever is lower. Non-residents are liable to pay taxes in India on source income, including: Interest, royalties, and fees for technical services paid by a resident Salary paid for services rendered in India Income arising from a business connection or property in India What are the withholding tax thresholds and rates on payments to Indian resident companies? Payments to Resident Companies and WHT Threshold Nature of payment Payment threshold for WHT (INR) WHT rate (%) Perquisite arising from business or profession* (Applicable from July 1, 2022) 20,000 10 Specified type of interest None 10 Non-specified type of interest 5,000 10 Professional service 30,000 10 Technical service 30,000 2 Royalty or FTS 30,000 10 Royalty for sale, distribution, or exhibition of cinematographic films 30,000 2 Commission and brokerage 5,000 5 Rent of plant, machinery, or equipment 180,000 2 Rent of land, building, or furniture 180,000 10 Contractual payment (except for individual/HUF) 30,000 (single payment); 100,000 (aggregate payment) 2 Contractual payment to individual/HUF 30,000 (single payment); 100,000 (aggregate payment) 1 Payments by individual/HUF not covered under sections 194C/194H/194J 5 million 5 Dividend income on shares 5,000 10 Dividends for units of mutual fund 5,000 10 Purchase of immovable property 5 million 1 Cash withdrawal from bank or banking company 10 million 2 Payments to an e-commerce participant, in relation to sale of goods or services facilitated by e-commerce operator through digital platform 1 Notes: As a part of relief measures due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Indian government has provided for a reduced WHT rate by 25 percent in case of payments to residents between May 14, 2020 to March 31, 2021. Hence, existing rates were reduced by 25 percent (i.e. if WHT rate is 10 percent as per the section, it would be read as 7.5 percent in case payment was made between May 14, 2020 to March 31, 2021). Payments have different threshold limits. The payer is only required to withhold tax if the total payment within a tax year to a single person (except where specified otherwise) is above the limits specified above. The threshold limit for WHT for non-specified type of interest is INR 5,000, except in the case of interest received from a bank or deposit with post office, for which it is INR 10,000. This threshold limit is increased to INR 50,000 in case of interest provided by a co-operative society, and INR 40,000 if the recipient of interest is a senior citizen (i.e., aged above 60 years). Where the cash has been withdrawn by any person who has not filed return of income for three immediately preceding financial years, the threshold of INR 10 million will be read as INR 2 million and tax shall be deducted at 2 percent on amount exceeding INR 2 million but not exceeding INR 10 million and 5 percent on amount above INR 10 million. WHT obligations will not arise in case of individual or Hindu Undivided Family (HUF) where transaction value does not exceed INR 0.5 million, provided such individual or HUF furnishes its PAN/Aadhar. This provision is applicable with effect from October 1, 2020. Further, payments covered under this provision shall not be doubly taxed under any other provision of the tax law. 5 percent in case PAN/Aadhar is not available. Interest under Government of India saving (taxable) bonds, 2018 is allowed as a deduction at the time of making payment of interest on such bonds to residents. The threshold limit is less than or equal to INR 10,000. The definition of royalty also includes consideration for use of, or right to use, computer software. Transfer of all or any rights in respect of any right, property, or information includes transfer of all or any right to use computer software (including granting of a licence), irrespective of the medium through which such a right is transferred and irrespective of whether any right or property is located in India. Hence, while applying WHT on such payments in the nature of royalty, one needs to consider the definition of royalty as amended by the Finance Act, 2012 with retrospective effect from June 1, 1976. Further amendment in the definition of royalty is brought in by the Finance Act, 2020 to include consideration for sale, distribution, or exhibition of cinematographic films within its ambit. 2 percent in case the company is engaged in business of operation of call centers. The Finance Act, 2022 has introduced withholding tax provisions on benefit or perquisites arising to a resident from business or profession, to be applicable from July 1, 2022. As per the new provision, a person providing a benefit or a perquisite arising from a business or a profession, is required to withhold tax at 10 percent of the value of such benefit. The objective is to ensure that such receipts, which are otherwise taxable in the hands of the recipient, are duly reported and do not avoid taxation on account of lack of reporting by the recipients. Since such benefits could be non-cash (wholly or partly) and the person providing such benefits must ensure that tax is paid before such benefits are provided. There is a relaxation where the value of the benefit is nominal (aggregating to INR 20,000 in the relevant tax year) or where the benefits are provided by an individual or an HUF having turnover or gross receipts up to the prescribed threshold.) What is the permanent account number? Every person (not being an individual) who enters into a financial transaction of an amount aggregating to INR 250,000 or more shall be required to apply to a tax officer for a permanent account number or PAN. If the PAN of the deductee is not quoted, the rate of WHT will be the rate specified in relevant provisions of the Income-tax Act, the rates in force, or the rate of 20 percent, whichever is higher. Indias withholding tax regime and the Finance Act, 2021 Finance Act 2021 has prescribed a levy of higher tax deducted at source (TDS) and tax collected at source (TCS) on non-filers of income-tax return. Accordingly, higher TDS will be applicable to those having interest income, dividend income, annuity pensions, income from capital gains. However, this higher TDS will only apply to a specified category of non-filers of return. Further, this new section shall not apply where the tax is required to be deducted in case of salaries, provident fund, winning from lottery etc., winning from horse rates, income received from a securitization trust or cash withdrawal exceeding INR 2 million. As per the provisions under the Indian Income-tax Act, 1961, the higher TDS rate applied will be the higher of anyone of the following: Twice the rate specified in the relevant provision of the Indian Income-tax Act; or Twice the rate or rates in force; or The rate of five percent. What are Indias WHT rates on payments to non-resident companies? Payments to Non-Resident Companies and WHT Threshold Nature of payment WHT rate (%) Interest on foreign currency (subject to conditions) 5 Interest on money borrowed in foreign currency under a loan agreement or by way of long-term infrastructure bonds (or rupee denominated bonds) 5 Interest on investment in long-term infrastructure bonds issued by Indian company (rupee denominated bonds or government security) 5 Interest payable on long-term bonds listed on IFSC 4 Non-specified type of interest 20 Royalty and technical fees 10 Dividend income 20 Long-term capital gains other than equity shares of a company or units of equity oriented fund/business trust on which STT is paid 20 Long-term capital gains on equity shares of a company or units of equity-oriented fund/business trust on which STT is paid 10 Income by way of winning from horse races 30 Other income 40 Notes: Percentage to be increased by a surcharge and health and education cess to compute the effective rate of tax withholding. Income from units of specified mutual funds received on or after April 1, 2020, is now taxable in the hands of the unit-holders. Dividends received from Indian companies prior to April 1, 2020, are tax-free in the hands of the shareholder. Any dividends received post April 1, 2020, are chargeable in the hands of the non-resident shareholder at the rate of 20 percent or treaty rate, whichever is beneficial. Short-term capital gains on transfer of shares of a company or units of an equity-oriented fund would be taxable at 15 percent if they have been subjected to STT. There is no threshold for payment to non-resident companies up to which no tax is required to be withheld. If the PAN of the deductee is not quoted, the rate of WHT will be the rate specified in relevant provisions of the Act, the rates in force, or the rate of 20 percent, whichever is higher. The government has notified rules that do not mandate quoting of PAN, subject to certain conditions. The payer is obligated to report specific information in the prescribed form (whether or not such payment is chargeable to tax). Where taxes are withheld as per the rates provided above with respect to dividend, interest, royalty, or FTS and there is no other income chargeable to tax in the hands of the non-resident, then compliance obligations relating to filing of return of income by such non-resident in India are not required. Rates for Withholding Tax on Payments to Non-Residents Nature of income WHT (%) Interest 20% Dividends paid by domestic companies Nil Royalties 10% Technical services 10% Any other services: Individuals 30% of income Any other services: Companies 40% of the net income A look at Indias DTA tax treaty rates Some tax treaties provide for lower WHT rates from certain types of income, as follows. Note that this table is to be read along with the subsequent notes on qualifying conditions. DTA Tax Treaty Rates Recipient WHT (%) Dividend Interest Royalty Fee for technical services Non-treaty 10 20 10 10 Treaty: Albania 10 10 10 10 Armenia 10 10 10 10 Australia 15 15 10 (2)/15 10 (2)/15 Austria 10 10 10 10 Bangladesh 10 (3)/15 10 10 N/A (4) Belarus 10 (7)/15 10 15 15 Belgium 15 10 (9)/15 10 10 Bhutan 10 10 (19) 10 10 Botswana 7.5 (7)/10 10 10 10 Brazil 15 15 (19) 25 (13)/15 15 Bulgaria 15 15 (19) 15 (6)/20 20 Canada 15 (3)/25 15 (19) 10 (2)/15 10 (2)/15 China (Peoples Republic of China) 10 10 (19) 10 10 Chinese Taipei (Taiwan) 12.5 10 10 10 Colombia 5 10 10 10 Croatia 5 (15)/15 10 10 10 Cyprus 10 10 (19) 10 10 Czech Republic 10 10 (19) 10 10 Denmark 15 (7)/25 10 (9)/15 20 20 Egypt N/A (4) N/A (4) N/A (4) N/A (4) Estonia 10 10 10 10 Ethiopia 7.5 10 10 10 Fiji 5 10 (19) 10 10 Finland 10 10 10 10 France 10 (5) 10/15 (5) 20 (5) 10 (5) Georgia 10 10 10 10 Germany 10 10 (19) 10 10 Greece N/A (12) N/A (12) N/A (12) N/A (4) Hong Kong (entered into force) 5 10 10 10 Hungary 10 (5) 10 (5, 19) 10 (5) 10 (5) Iceland 10 10 10 10 Indonesia 10 10 (19) 10 N/A (4) Ireland 10 10 (19) 10 10 Israel 10 10 10 10 Italy 15 (3)/25 15 (19) 20 20 Japan 10 10 10 10 Jordan 10 10 20 20 Kazakhstan 10 10 (19) 10 10 Kenya 10 10 (19) 10 10 Korea, Republic of 15 10 10 15 Kuwait 10 10 10 10 Kyrgyz Republic 10 10 15 15 Latvia 10 10 10 10 Libya N/A (12) N/A (12) N/A (12) N/A (4) Lithuania 5 (3)/15 10 10 10 Luxembourg 10 10 10 10 Macedonia 10 10 10 10 Malaysia 5 10 10 10 Malta 10 10 (19) 10 10 Mauritius 5 (3)/15 7.5 (12) 15 N/A (4) Mexico 10 10 10 10 Mongolia 15 15 15 15 Montenegro 5 (7)/15 10 10 10 Morocco 10 10 (19) 10 10 Mozambique 7.5 10 10 N/A (4) Myanmar 5 10 10 N/A (4) Namibia 10 10 10 10 Nepal 5 (3)/10 10 15 N/A (4) Netherlands 10 (5) 10 10 10 New Zealand 15 10 (19) 10 10 Norway 10 10 10 10 Oman 10 (3)/12.5 10 (19) 15 15 Philippines 15 (3)/20 10 (11)/15 15 (20) N/A (4) Poland 10 10 15 15 Portugal 10 (7)/15 10 10 10 Qatar 5 (3)/10 10 10 10 Romania 10 10 10 10 Russian Federation 10 10 (19) 10 10 Saudi Arabia 5 10 10 N/A (4) Serbia 5 (7)/15 10 10 10 Singapore 10 (7)/15 10 (9)/15 10 10 Slovenia 5 (3)/15 10 10 10 South Africa 10 10 10 10 Spain 15 15 (19) 10 (5)/20 20 (5) Sri Lanka 7.5 10 10 10 (5) Sudan 10 10 10 10 Sweden 10 (5) 10 (5, 19) 10 (5) 10 (5) Switzerland 10 10 10 10 Syria 5 (3)/10 10 10 N/A (4) Tajikistan 5 (3)/10 10 10 N/A (4) Tanzania 5 (3)/10 10 10 N/A (14) Thailand 10 10 (19) 10 N/A (4) Trinidad & Tobago 10 10 10 10 Turkey 15 10 (9)/15 15 15 Turkmenistan 10 10 10 10 Uganda 10 10 10 10 Ukraine 10 (7)/15 10 10 10 United Arab Emirates 10 5 (9)/12.5 10 N/A (4) United Kingdom 10/15 (16) 10 (11)/15 10 (2)/15 10 (2)/15 United States 15 (3)/25 10 (17)/15 10 (18)/15 10 (18)/15 Uruguay 5 10 10 10 Uzbekistan 10 10 10 10 Vietnam 10 10 (19) 10 10 Zambia 5 (8)/15 10 10 N/A (4) Notes: Qualifying conditions the numbers in brackets in the table refer to the following conditions: (1) The treaty tax rates on dividends are not relevant for dividends received up to March 31, 2020 since under the earlier Indian tax legislation, most dividend income from Indian companies that is subject to DDT is exempt from income tax in the hands of the recipient. However, this scenario has changed since DDT is abolished and tax is now levied in hands of recipient of dividend income with effect from April 1, 2020 . (2) 10 percent for the use of or right to use any industrial, commercial, or scientific equipment; and in other cases: (3) During the first five years of the agreement: (4) 15 percent if the payer is the government or specified organisation. (5) 20 percent in any other case. (6) Subsequent years: 15 percent in all cases. (7) If at least 10 percent of capital is owned by the beneficial owner (company) of the company paying the dividend or interest. (8) In absence of specific provision, it may be treated as business profits or independent personal services under respective treaties, whichever is applicable. (9) The most favored nation clause is applicable. The protocol to the treaty limits the scope and rate of taxation to that specified in similar articles in treaties signed by India with an OECD-member country or another country. (10) If royalty relates to copyrights of literary, artistic, or scientific work. (11) If at least 25 percent of capital is owned by the beneficial owner (company) of the company paying the dividend. (12) If at least 25 percent of capital is owned by the company during at least six months before date of payment. (13) If paid on a loan granted by a bank/financial institution. (14) The tax rate for royalties and fees for technical services, under the domestic tax laws, is 10 percent. This rate is to be increased by a surcharge at 2/5 percent on the income tax (based on taxable income) and health and education cess of 4 percent on the income tax including surcharge. As a consequence, the effective tax rate is 10.608/10.92 percent. This rate applies for payments made under an agreement entered into on or after 1 June 2005. Accordingly, a tax resident can either use the treaty rate or domestic tax rate, whichever is more beneficial. (15) If interest is received by a financial institution. (16) Taxable in the country of source as per domestic tax rates. (17) If royalty payments arise from the use or right to use trademarks. (18) Tax treaties of certain countries do not have a separate clause specifying the WHT rate for fees for technical services and fees for included services. (19) 5 percent if the beneficial owner is a company holding at least 10 percent of share capital; 15 percent in other cases. (20) 15 percent of gross amount of dividend in case such dividend is paid out of income derived from immovable property and such income is exempt from tax. 10 percent in all other cases. (21) 10 percent if such interest is paid on a loan granted by a bank carrying on a bona fide banking business or by a similar financial institution (including an insurance company). (22) 10 percent if payments of any kind received as consideration for the use of, or the right to use, any industrial, commercial, or scientific equipment and fee for included services that are ancillary and subsidiary to the enjoyment of the property for which payment is received. (23) Dividend/interest earned by the government and certain institutions, like the Reserve Bank of India, is exempt from taxation in the country of source. (24) If its payable in pursuance of any collaboration agreement approved by the Government of India. This article was first published on September 22, 2021 and last updated on July 21, 2022. Prashant Jain of HDFC MF is the first fund manager in India to manage Rs 1-lakh-crore equity assets as the market rallied on Tuesday, increasing the total AUM of funds managed by him. Jain oversees the Balanced Advantage, Flexi Cap, and Top 100 funds at HDFC MF, as well as an India-specific scheme with an exclusive mandate from a sovereign wealth fund. According to sources, the total AUM (assets under management) of the above-stated funds combined, crossed the Rs1 lakh crore mark on Tuesday. As of June 30, the Balanced Advantage Fund had an AUM of Rs43,079 crore, Flexicap Fund had Rs26,511 crore, and HDFC Top 100 had Rs19,910 crore, as per the data released by mutual fund industry analytics firm NGEN Research. According to the most recent fund portfolio data, debt instruments account for approximately 25% of Balanced Advantage Fund's AUM. While there are other fund managers in charge of assets worth more than Rs 1 lakh crore, industry data show that a significant portion of those assets are in debt instruments. Jain also holds the distinction of being the first Indian fund manager to oversee a fund for more than 25 years. According to industry data, R Srinivasan of SBI MF and S Naren of ICICI Prudential MF both manage assets worth more than Rs1 lakh crore across equity, debt, and other instruments. The HDFC Mutual Fund made no comment on the achievement. The publicly traded asset management firm is in the mandatory quiet period ahead of its quarterly results on Friday. By Nick Martin. As part of its recent precedent-breaking spree, the U.S. Supreme Court turned federal Indian law on its head this week on Wednesday, June 29. In the case of Oklahoma v. Castro-Huerta, a majority of five conservative justices sided with the state of Oklahoma, finding that state governments have the legal jurisdiction to prosecute non-Native citizens for crimes committed against Native citizens on sovereign tribal lands. The opinion, authored by Trump-appointed Justice Brett Kavanaugh, breaks with centuries of established federal Indian law. Until this decision, state law enforcement agencies could intervene in Indian Country crimes only by an act of Congress. The Castro-Huerta case revisited questions of jurisdiction and sovereignty that were central to the landmark July 2020 case McGirt v. Oklahoma. That case concluded that Congress had never disestablished the reservations of the Cherokee, Choctaw, Seminole, Chickasaw and Muscogee Creek nations in Oklahoma roughly half of the states present land base and that individuals charged with crimes on tribal lands could be prosecuted by either federal or tribal officials. This latest case now narrows the courts previous ruling on tribal sovereignty in McGirt, and inserts state jurisdiction, as well. As the author of the dissenting opinion, Justice Neil Gorsuch denounced the majority decision reached by his conservative colleagues. This declaration comes as if by oracle, without any sense of the history recounted above and unattached to any colorable legal authority, Gorsuch wrote. Truly, a more ahistorical and mistaken statement of Indian law would be hard to fathom. High Country News spoke with four federal Indian law experts in an effort to unpack precisely what this new ruling means for the citizens and nations of Indian Country, and to better understand what the courts willingness to eschew established precedent will mean for the health of Indigenous sovereignty in the months and years to come. This conversation has been edited for clarity and length. High Country News: On Wednesday, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 5-4 in Oklahoma v. Castro-Huerta that the state of Oklahoma, and presumably all states, have jurisdiction to charge non-Natives committing crimes against Native citizens. How significant of a departure is this from existing precedent, where a states right to prosecute in Indian Country required an act of Congress? Stacy Leeds (Cherokee Nation; foundation professor of law and leadership at the Sandra Day OConnor College of Law, Arizona State University): The ruling represents a shocking disregard for centuries of prior precedent and a profound disconnect from historical context. The most basic tenet for federal Indian law is that the power over Indian Affairs is consolidated with the federal government to the exclusion of the states. The sweeping language in this case upends the very foundations of the field. The court casually states without citation to any legal authority. Elizabeth Reese (Yunpovi; assistant professor of law, Stanford Law School): This decision is a sweeping change in Indian law. It flips precedent and existing presumptions on their head. Yesterday, the preemption was that states have no power over crimes in Indian Country. The narrow exception, from McBratney, that states have jurisdiction over non-Indian on non-Indian crime was always a bit of a puzzle, given how contrary its reasoning was to the rest of Indian law decisions. It was treated like an outlier, a case with fragile foundations that scholars would occasionally ask me to make sense of because it was so inconsistent with the rest of federal Indian law doctrine. The holding in this case is ostensibly limited to just non-Indian on Indian crimes, but its reasoning supports a new era where state authority over tribal lands is the default assumption. I barely recognize the federal Indian law or the American history described in the majority opinion its just that off base. Matthew Fletcher (Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians; foundation professor of law and director of the Indigenous Law and Policy Center, Michigan State University): Castro-Huerta is a dramatic departure and cannot be reconciled with McGirt v. Oklahoma. The court seems to believe that the (1832) Worcester v. Georgia rule that state law has no force in Indian Country one of the foundations of federal Indian law is dead. It doesnt point to any case that says that, so it cannot even point to a year when that general rule went away, but there it is. The majority is going back to what I call Canary Textualism, where the Supreme Court takes the lead on national Indian affairs policy instead of Congress or the tribes. Bethany Berger (Wallace Stevens professor of law, UConn School of Law): Its big. It rejects the established law taught to every federal prosecutor working in Indian Country, every law student studying federal Indian law, and agreed to by every state court considering the question. HCN: I recognize there will be a litany of responses to this question that will be determined by the relationship between states and the bordering tribal nations, but what do you perceive as being the immediate effects of this decision for tribal citizens throughout Indian Country? Leeds: Read in its most restrictive light, this case is only about state concurrent jurisdiction over non-Indians who commit crimes inside Indian Country. It may lead to more law enforcement confusion in the field because starting Oct. 1, when the expanded Violence Against Women Act kicks in, all three sovereigns will be recognized as having jurisdiction over some situations. Two of those situations, the federal and tribal jurisdiction are expressly provided for by Congress in various statutes. Only one of those situations springs anew by judicial fiat. Read in its most expansive light, this case seems to support many types of state intrusion into Indian Country with the erasure of Indigenous nations and their rights to be governed by their own laws to the exclusion of state law. Tribal sovereignty is the right to make local laws and be ruled (only) by those local laws. Now it seems as if the court would support states rights to pass laws that tribes oppose and the barrier to state power would not be tribal sovereignty and express treaty rights, but instead, whether a case-by-case federal preemption analysis would keep the state at bay. Reese: You are correct to flag that a lot will depend on what different states decide to do and their relationships with tribes. Immediately, however, this means that non-Indian crime on Indian crime including the domestic violence cases that led to all the VAWA activism and reform over the last few decades are now going to fall to the state and federal government. Increased state police presence could happen on tribal lands immediately, and tribal laws or federal law which previously may have shielded non-Indians from certain state law decisions are no longer a shield. Fletcher: I dont know that states and counties are going to swoop into Indian Country to subvert federal and tribal criminal justice prerogatives right away, but they could. Suddenly, without any preparation or cooperation, states and counties are a third sovereign in Indian Country. Who knows what could happen? Justice Gorsuchs dissent provides an easy suggestion for Congress to fix the decision. Some state legislatures could choose at tribal request to stand down from exercising jurisdiction. And though very unlikely given the history of conflict between sovereigns, states and counties (it) could actually enhance Indian Country criminal jurisdiction. Berger: It will mean that tribal citizens will face less protection and more abuse by police. We have years of studies of criminal justice on reservations where Congress gave states full criminal jurisdiction, and state jurisdiction just undermines support for tribal and federal systems without increasing effective responses to crime. Tribal victims are less likely to trust or report crimes to state police, and witnesses are less likely to work with them. But states dont do the effective community policing that makes tribal citizens safer. The Castro-Huerta case is an example of this. For two years, the Oklahoma Department of Human Services had received reports of possible neglect of the victim in this case, a little girl with severe disabilities who could not feed herself and needed five bottles of specialized feeding a day. Her mother had several other children, and her stepfather, Mr. Castro-Huerta, was an immigrant who worked multiple jobs. It was only when Mr. Castro-Huerta and her mother who had just given birth brought the child to the emergency room that the state took her into custody. Oklahoma also never notified the girls tribe, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians in North Carolina, to seek their help in finding a better placement for the child. The states response to arrest the stepfather and sentence him to 35 (years) is sadly typical in cases involving state criminal jurisdiction in cases involving Indians, focusing just on punishment and not on effective prevention. HCN: I have a two-parter to end on: First, do you anticipate that the politicization of the court and its ruling today will embolden more states and private entities to challenge the sovereign rights of tribal nations? Leeds: Yes, this provides the road map for the extension of state power. Reese: Unfortunately, yes. Tribal sovereignty is even more vulnerable when the court is willing to disregard precedent and history. I fear that this case demonstrates how Oklahomas campaign to claw back power was more persuasive to the court than its precedents that, in the words of Justice Gorsuch in McGirt, that rule of the strong, not the rule of law is what we can expect from this five-justice majority. Fletcher: Justice Kavanaughs majority opinion is his first major writing in an Indian law case and its not good for Indian Country. Hes firmly in the Scalia-Rehnquist camp of skepticism toward Indian tribes, skepticism toward congressional policy decisions in Indian affairs, and extreme deference to states preferences. He claims to be a textualist, but he is happy to deviate from the text to fulfill those political commitments. The jury is still out on Justice Coney Barrett, another justice who has stated a commitment to textualism (and even wrote about textualism in her work as a law scholar). Her opinion in the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo bingo case was a good omen. When she is confronted with relatively clear text, she doesnt so easily give up on her commitment to textualism just because a state government complains. Her vote in Castro-Huerta is disconcerting, however. We dont have a separate writing from her in that case so we cant be sure, but it appears she approved of the assertion of judicial power that has wreaked havoc in Indian affairs since the 19th century. This court is quite likely the most radically activist court in American history. The courts overruling of Roe is the tip of the iceberg. The court struck down the separation of church and state as well. In the next term, itll strike down affirmative action in higher education as well. This is a self-proclaimed textualist court that gratuitously deviates from its methodological commitments to advance certain political commitments deference to states, deference to the police, deference to mainstream religion, and extreme skepticism of racial, gender and sexual minorities. Berger: States and private entities have never stopped challenging the sovereign rights of tribal nations. This case just shows that after a handful of cases where tribal sovereignty and precedent seemed to get some respect the Supreme Court remains a very dangerous place for tribal rights. HCN: And the second part: Given this is our bench for the foreseeable future, how much faith can those invested in the long-term political and legal strength of tribal nations truly put in this court? Particularly, I am thinking about Brackeen v. Haaland, the state-backed Indian Child Welfare Act challenge, among others. Put simply, can tribal citizens (and electeds and attorneys, etc.) trust SCOTUS after this decision? Reese: Very little and no. I join the growing chorus of legal experts who are criticizing the faith weve put in the Supreme Court particularly since Brown v. Board of Education to be a guardian of law and the moral arc of the universes bend toward justice. Weve given them a lot of power by putting so much faith in them. Far too much, I think. Its time to stop waiting for the court to fix things or hoping that the best legal argument will prevail. Its time to start talking about institutional reform to the Supreme Court, and to the Constitution broadly. Fletcher: I would not trust this Court much at all, but thats been true for the entire history of the United States. What makes this Court worse, however, is the extremity of its radicalism and lack of discipline. Nothing is sacred to this Court. Berger: Given how much easier it is for the Justices to sympathize with states and non-Indians than with tribes and tribal citizens, trusting SCOTUS was never a safe move. For a few years starting in 2016, the Court seemed to be actually paying attention to precedent and the realities of life in tribal communities, and this breaks from that. Its a bad sign for Brackeen, but that case always played into a lot of justices biases. But the choices facing tribes and their citizens are still the same: Try to stay out of the court, and try to make the best case possible if you have to go. Reprinted with permission from High Country News. Mexico, United States and Canada addressing MMIWG "Better cooperation between Canada and the United States is crucial to end the violence towards Indigenous women, girls and gender diverse people. Today our team met with Secretary Deb Haaland to continue the work together towards ending this tragedy," Marc Miller. Miller with Secretary of Interior Deb Haaland. Unprecedented temperatures affecting the United States, including the North Country. Map provided by NOAA. Unprecedented temperatures are affecting countries globally - 116F in Portugal over the weekend; nearly 104F in parts of Britain on Monday killing nearly 1,000 people in Western Europe. According to media, roads in France are under threat of lite... Dozens of jars of colourful spices lined up, big bags of Basmati waiting at the entrance while a group of women go in for mathri, a buttery fenugreek crisp in a corner. Welcome to Patel Brothers, the most popular Indian grocery store in America. And, this scene is just one afternoon at one of the 50 stores across the US. How and when did it begin? Patel Brothers is by far the largest Indian grocer in the US. The business started as a storefront in Chicago, opened by two brothers, Mafat and Tulsi Patel, in 1974. patel brothers At the time, the Patels were recent immigrants from India, and had trouble finding the ingredients they craved from back home. They purchased a dilapidated shop on Devon Avenue, Chicago and sold the kinds of items you couldnt get at your average grocery store, like fresh spices, mangoes, lentils, and chickpea flour all imported from India. How did it become so big? It started as the story of two brothers trying to feed their homesickness and young families. But, how did it became so big? Started in the 70s, today, the stores continue as a saga that feeds a growing Indian community, at home in this country, but still hungry for their home culture, wherever they were born. The small store turned into a multi-million-dollar brand that now also includes a separate food label, SWAD. Thats the brand name you see on the wide array of snacks that Patel Brothers offers, including cult favorites like frozen samosas that somehow taste freshly fried, deeply flavorful chana masala you can make in a microwave, and murukku, a spicy, crunchy spiral-shaped cracker. patel brothers After SWAD, in 1991, Patel Brothers started another brand, Raja Foods, to supply its to stores and others labor-intensive Indian meals like palak paneer, chicken tikka masala, chana masala and more. The brand quickly became popular with second-generation Indians who had moved out of their parents homes and young Americans who wanted to try exotic entrees. Today, this brand had shelves dedicated to it even in non-specialty supermarkets like Jewel and Whole Foods. Today, Patel Brothers has splintered into an $140-million emporium. On that stretch of Devon Avenue in Chicago alone, there is now Patel Air Tours, a travel agency; Sahil, a clothing boutique meant for Indian weddings; Patel Handicrafts and Utensils, which sells religious memorabilia and trinkets; and Patel Cafe, an eatery. Today, the stores are managed by a rotating cast of family members that stretches over three generations. The establishments are patronized by a motley of ethnic groups beyond the South Asian diaspora. patel brothers Opened at 50 locations, most concentrated along the East Coast, some stores are even stretching to Texas and the American South, and one in California. The franchise has proven resilient throughout the ebbs and flows of the American economy. Why is it a hit among Indian diaspora? The most novel aspect of Patel Brothers, though, is how accessible it has made Indian ingredients for non-Indian customers. On top of the stores being laid out similarly to an American grocer, each item is clearly labelled and described in both English and an Indian language (usually Hindi), and there are employees on-hand who are literally trained to take your shopping list and pull everything you might need. In addition to the variety, there are other innovations that Patel Brothers has made over the years to accommodate the particular needs of the Indian consumer like the aforementioned chapatti machine, eliminating the diaspora's frustrating search for bulk, freshly made breads. patel brothers The saga continues...why? Patel Brothers is a store that exists at the juncture of pragmatism and fantasy; the store has realized a possibility for pluralist cultural exchange without sacrificing its Indian DNA. Patel Brothers has spawned a subgenre of Indian grocery stores, from Subzi Mandi to Patidar Supermarket, yet it towers over this ecosystem like a citadel of the Indian-American grocery chain. The brothers' narrative is what we call American Dream, that story of the hard-working, industrious immigrant who proves his worth through serving others, defying preordained odds and obliterating those obstacles for others who follow. I contacted the Patel family multiple times for the purposes of this story, and was met, effectively, with the same response each time: They were just too busy to field my questions. Running an empire takes work. For more on news and current affairs from around the world please visit Indiatimes News. Thanks to global warming, the heatwave has taken over the United Kingdom. It is so hot in the country that roads are melting in the country. Streets turn into black goo in the UK The Broadstone Road in Stockport, Greater Manchester, turned into a kind of black goo as the heat liquified the roads made of asphalt. An onlooker said that his feet sank into the soft road surface. He added that it sounded like the cars were "driving through water", Manchester Evening News reported. They added: "It sounded like it had just rained and the cars were driving through the puddles. "It was that soft your feet got stuck in it if you walked across. The tarmac was all stuck in the treads of my tyres." Manchester Evening News Greater Manchester hit a record 34.2 degrees Celsius on July 19 beating the previous record of 33.9 C in July 2019. However, the temperature on road surfaces went up to 50C making them soft. This is because the road surface tends to absorb heat over the day. When the temperatures rise, the roads are gritted to prevent them from melting. Howard Robinson, chief executive of the Road Surface Treatments Association, was quoted saying to The Mirror, "Drivers may be bemused to see the gritters out in the summer when they are usually spreading grit and salt during the winter. However, this is an effective standard practise for keeping a road surface safe during extreme prolonged hot temperatures. Asphalt is a bit like chocolate it melts and softens when its hot and goes hard and brittle when its cold it doesnt maintain the same strength all year round." Manchester Evening News Temperature breaks all-time record in the UK The country is experiencing severe heat waves, with temperature breaking all-time records and power outages due to overheating of equipment. This is also causing a lot of house fires in the country. Not only was the reading of 104 F (40.2 C) a new all-time record in the U.K., but officials said it was also the first time in recorded history that the country has exceeded over 40 degrees Celsius. According to Accu Weather, the record was first set on Tuesday in the village of Charlwood, England, located in the southeastern part of the country. During this time, the temperature reached 102.4 F (39.1 C). Reuters Climate change is the real thing and authorities need to take note. Follow us on telegram. Reena Varma, a 90-year-old resident of Pune, was walking down the lane in Pakistan's Rawalpindi for the first time since Partition and recollecting memories of her childhood. Twitter She stopped at the front door of her family's three-story home, traced the walls with her fingers, and stood on the balcony crying. Instagram Her long-held dream of 75 years was coming true. She was finally home. Varma was spotted Wednesday in a video shared on social media by Pakistani journalist Shabbir Dar walking down "Premgali," or Rawalpindi College Road. However, she wasn't alone. Residents, visitors, bystanders, and bystanders were lured to the sound of the dhol as they gathered for Verma's welcome. If happiness has a face this is it. Reena Verma ji at her ancestral house in #Rawalpindi pic.twitter.com/eVYN30WzKw Shiraz Hassan (@ShirazHassan) July 20, 2022 Reena Verma, who left her home in Rawalpindi at Partition, returns 75 years later. The joy on her is unmatched, for there are millions who never thought they'd one again walk on the soil of their birth with dignity. How I wish more survivors are granted this opportunity 1/ https://t.co/tKf5ZZspzP Aanchal Malhotra (@AanchalMalhotra) July 21, 2022 My grandmother and her two elder sons never stopped talking about the life and people of Jhang and Rawalpindi, the two cities where they were based out of, their agricultural fields, a bookstore and other businesses they owned and left behind. If only they'd gone back once. https://t.co/305lXEPROR Aman Malik (@PatrakaarPopat) July 21, 2022 Watching videos of Rena Verma visiting her ancestral home in Rawalpindi is making my morning. The love she has in her eyes. The love the residents of the mohalla have for her. This is how we heal, together. https://t.co/14xdLYtVke Oishika Neogi (@NeogiOishika) July 21, 2022 Verma was showered with kisses and hugs, and her only reaction was to clasp her hands together in awe. Appeal from 92 years old Indian lady to youth of #Pakistan & #India to live with harmony and peace. Reena Verma visited her birthplace in Rawalpindi for the first time after partition in 1947 #PakistanIndia #peace pic.twitter.com/tbeXcZOCse Mubashir Zaidi (@Xadeejournalist) July 20, 2022 Reena Varma had been struggling to get a visa since 1965 to return to her home in Rawalpindi, where she had lived her first 15 years of life before being forced to leave because of Partition in 1945. AP She posted about wanting to go back to her hometown during the pandemic on the public Punjab Heritage Facebook page, which tries to bring together Punjabis on both sides of the border. After reading her story, Sajjad Bhai from Rawalpindi made a note of her narrative and, after finding her home, sent her photographs of it. For Varma, it brought back memories of her childhood before Partition. Instagram "They were a family of eight, with six siblings. She moved to Solan during Partition, and her mother hoped they would return. But that never happened," Varmas daughter Sonal was quoted as saying in The Indian Express. She continued by saying that her older brother was serving in the Army at the time, and the family had to relocate to follow him. "After my mother lost her last sibling, she reminisced about her home, family, and childhood. She had started to recall the minutest of detailsthe number of rooms in the house, the names of her neighbours there," said Sonal. (For more trending stories, click here.) Despite achieving the same level of success, men and women are treated differently in society. Gender disparity is prevalent; sadly, it all begins at home. Women are asked to serve everyone before they finally sit down and have a meal. For many of us, sadly, as kids, we have seen our mothers do all the work in the kitchen, while we assumed that dads are supposed to 'work in the office.' The collective hypocrisy of people against women is appalling, and sadly, there's a long way to go before the situation gets better. Unsplash For instance, do you remember a scene from the "SATC" movie where Miranda, a level-headed and strong woman, faces sexism at work and how her colleague shows her a hand every time she attempts to speak? HBO Miranda's story accurately depicts how corporate misogyny operates and keeps women down, even when they are extraordinarily skilled. Miranda's case was highly unfair because she worked hard to become a partner at her firm, only to be mocked for working long hours and giving herself entirely to her job. Corporate Misogyny In the film SATC 2, she has a sexist boss who disregards her opinions and takes her cases away from her. While Miranda was able to put her foot down and afford to leave, many women in her position obviously could not. Unsplash In a series of tweets, Janneke alleged that her company fired her after she asked a male colleague to stop interrupting her while she was speaking. I lost my job because I spoke to a man the way men speak to me. This is why women leave the tech industry. Janneke Parrish (@JannekeParrish) July 20, 2022 A couple weeks ago, a male colleague made changes to a project I was running while I was offline that dramatically impacted the scope and timelines. I asked to talk to him to understand why and how we could set up a way to solve issues in the future. Janneke Parrish (@JannekeParrish) July 20, 2022 During the meeting, he kept interrupting me and cutting me off. I wasn't getting anywhere, so I just started talking, politely telling him to "please let me finish" every time he tried to jump in. I said my piece, then let him talk. Janneke Parrish (@JannekeParrish) July 20, 2022 On Monday, I got called into a meeting with HR, where I was told I had been incredibly rude, that my communication skills were abysmal, and I was being fired. Janneke Parrish (@JannekeParrish) July 20, 2022 I was fired because I wouldn't let a man talk over me. This is what it's like to be a woman in the tech industry. It's brutal and it's toxic, and it's where your gender determines your fate before you ever have a chance. Janneke Parrish (@JannekeParrish) July 20, 2022 Following Janneke's tweets, many other women shared how they face sexism at work . These issues are not peculiar to the tech industry, it's global, across varied sectors. Male senior execs can throw tantrums during corporate meetings & everyone is fine abt it. But, if a female exec raises her voice above the 'norm', they will convene 2 plan her removal. The Radical Feminist (@Agwabuo) July 21, 2022 Was he your senior? Was the project failing and needed to be charged to meet a business demand? Was a disciplinary process followed before sacking? If these are all no then this behaviour is not only unacceptable it is unethical & illegal. You should see a solicitor. John Today John Tomorrow (@kiddakowalski) July 21, 2022 I was once reprimanded because a male customer said I'd been "blunt and condescending" to him. I was on a 9 hour job shift, and simply answered his question + follow up comment with facts, explained clearly. He didn't like me talking to him that way. Expected smiles + giggles. Clare (@clarelusher) July 21, 2022 Apologies if Im misunderstanding your position here, but are you suggesting that asking someone not to interrupt you is akin to lecturing them? Ive always viewed dont interrupt people as pretty basic communication etiquette not just in a professional setting, but in general Kiersten (she/her) (@bookshelfblooms) July 21, 2022 I'm angry that this happened. I'm not sorry for you because you didn't do anything wrong, you're obviously qualified and highly competent, and don't need my pity. I am sorry that as a society we still can't value women's work, intelligence and that men handle themselves so poorly Circa1971Vintage (@Circa1971V) July 21, 2022 I was told I had a temperament for being assertive in meetings. Georgia N. (fiercekittenz) (@fiercekittenz) July 21, 2022 When male clients msg me using abrupt/condescending language, I mirror their tone in my reply. Ive been told to be friendlier in your emails by colleagues, which infuriates me no end. Women are expected to dot their i with little hearts (not literally) but men can be shitty. tamara m (@tamara_mbz) July 21, 2022 OH! And I couldnt even speak in meetings without my manager messaging me privately to tone police me. Eventually I stopped talking. Georgia N. (fiercekittenz) (@fiercekittenz) July 21, 2022 (For more trending stories, click here.) Deal Digest: Global One Media Expands To New Mexico And EMF Sells Virginia AM. But how does claims management adapt to meet these rising challenges? Ken Tolson (pictured), president of network solutions at Crawford & Company, explained to Insurance Business how the claims management industry has adapted to the pandemic and is preparing for the figurative and literal storm ahead. For Tolson, claims management firms need not adopt every technology there is to meet these challenges, but they need to have the best tools at hand in order to better serve insurers. Can you tell me about yourself and the key responsibilities of your role at Crawford & Co? I am the president of network solutions which includes our CAT, ManCAT, scalable desk operations that support those capabilities, as well as our digital solutions set that includes our digital desk application. Ive held many roles in my 32+ year career at Crawford I spent most of my time in P&C claim operations but have had stints in technology and our TPA operations running our accident and health practice. How has the claims management industry changed two years into the pandemic? Its no secret that the pandemic accelerated the demand for virtual claims handling. However, with the demand already there and the appetite for innovation in this space, the pandemic simply increased the urgency. Frankly, this is why most carriers and claim handlers were able to adapt very quickly. The concepts of self-service, on-demand resources, interior and exterior 3D modeling, aerial Pictometry and image stitching all pre-dated the pandemic, but the investment and mainstreaming of these solutions became a real priority when the lockdowns began. Furthermore, weve seen tremendous investment in these technologies that is accelerating the pace of change and capability. Has the pandemic led to the increase in the adoption of digital claims processing? Absolutely. Like others, we are partnering with key digital solution providers and embedding them into our ecosystem to drive utilization and adoption. The industry is moving beyond isolated use tools and shifting to the digitalization of the entire claim process, from FNOL and claim triage and severity segmentation to digital communication and interaction capabilities, all the way through payment of the claim. What was previously thought of as too complex and too many variables in terms of the claims process, now with the help of A/I and machine learning the ability to process so many more data points allowing for that complexity to be minimized. How popular are the more traditional claims processing systems these days? Is there still a place for them? Like any technology, the challenge is adaptability and the ability to plug in new technologies. Im a big believer in the saying I learned while working in IT a number of years ago Build tents, not pyramids. It is vital for any organization to be able to plug in disruptive technologies and experiment in order to bring the best tools to their customers. We pride ourselves on our open approach to the market and our partners quickly experimenting and testing so that we can share that market awareness with our customers. Not that we adopt every technology that comes along, but we certainly are very familiar. Bottom line is agility for those legacy systems and you will find that any new digital solution coming on to the market today knows they have to be able to plug in and make that easy for the customer. Climate change has become a hot topic lately, as researchers warn of a particularly active hurricane season this year. What is the claims management industry doing to prepare? Thats really all we do the first half of the year prepare. I would boil the industry response down to these three things: Asurion has ranked among the largest private companies in Nashville in recent years, having reported 2020 revenue of $10.6 billion, the Nashville Business Journal said. Asurion, which sells gadget, phone, and appliance warranty cover as well as offering repair services, did not respond to a request for comment when approached by Insurance Business. Users on a Nashville social media forum, who claimed to be staff members, reported potential cuts across multiple areas of the business, with affected individuals being notified yesterday. The reductions are the latest in a tide of layoffs to affect the insurance sector though these have been concentrated within the insurtech community. Recent US insurance personnel cuts have included insurtech Next Insurance cutting its 800-strong headcount by 17%. Next Insurance co-founder and CEO Guy Goldstein blamed worsening economic conditions, a shift towards prioritizing profitability, and cost management drivers for the reduction in a message to staff earlier this month. Dallas-based life insurtech Bestow confirmed it was trimming its workforce by 14% in June, in response to changing market conditions, with around 41 employees affected. Policygenius, Thimble, Root Insurance, Sidecar Health and Coterie have also reportedly made layoffs since the start of this year. Cuts have not been limited to the US also this month, Insurance Business revealed that UK-based commercial motor provider Zego was reducing its headcount by 17%, which Insurance Business understands followed a wave of redundancies during the first UK COVID-19 lockdown. Directors and officers of publicly held companies are increasingly concerned with environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues, as these are becoming a large part of their jobs in recent years. While the main focus of every companys leadership is profitability and delivering value to the shareholders, directors and officers are now realizing that ESG is fast catching up. While ESG has been around for many years now, its importance is now at an all-time high. According to a recent white paper released by Zurich North America and RIMS, todays businesses are expected to balance their emphasis on profit with important and worthy non-financial considerations that impact the environment and its people. Put more simply, businesses are under increasing pressure to be good corporate citizens. Among the driving trends challenging public boards this year (and beyond) are more assertive, demanding investors; higher standards for attention to climate change and sustainability; and a new urgency regarding diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) within workforces and executive boards, said paper author Steven Boughal, chief underwriting officer, US financial lines at Zurich North America. This has been reflected in the 2021 proxy year: social and environmental proposals increased to 37% and 13%, respectively, from 2020, while governance proposals held steady at 37%. In addition, the always-evolving umbrella of general governance today includes such hot-button topics as cybersecurity and data privacy, which have also been a focal point for both investors and governmental bodies, including sweeping new regulations and enforcement mechanisms. What comprises ESG? Each ESG category includes universal topics such as sustainability and diversity, as well as topics that are industry-specific or company-specific, Boughal said. Environmental criteria evaluate a companys role as a steward of natural resources. This includes its energy use, waste management, contribution towards pollution, impact on biodiversity, and raw material sourcing. With science revealing that the climate crisis is worse than previously believed, stakeholder pressure for companies to adhere to environmental standards is rising. More businesses are now releasing sustainability reports, with 92% of S&P 500 companies doing so in 2020. Social criteria assess the companys internal and external relationships, with diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) principles as the most common. These include, but arent limited to, racial and gender equality in the workplace, employee safety and engagement, and support for human rights and social justice issues. According to Zurich, the governance in ESG is somewhat of a catch-all category. These are typically understood to involve the organizations leadership, executive pay, audits, internal controls and shareholder rights. Other important components are cybersecurity, product safety, accident prevention, and regulatory compliance. Certain hot-button topics within each of the ESG categories demand the attention of directors and officers and directors and officers (D&O) insurance providers because they represent perils that may increase the frequency or severity of existing D&O claim exposures namely, securities class actions, shareholder derivative actions and regulatory matters, Boughal said. According to the paper, there are two main ways in which ESG is involved in a D&O lawsuit. The first is through event-driven litigation following an ESG-related event, while the second is through disclosure-related litigation concerning an ESG topic. Event-driven litigation usually involves a report in the media that purportedly reveals adverse facts or allegations about a companys business practices or products. According to Zurich, these types of cases are growing in prominence, leading to heavy litigation and settlement costs. On the other hand, disclosure-related litigation occurs when a business runs afoul of securities laws that require public companies to regularly provide reliable, timely and accessible information about significant corporate matters. All public companies are operating within an evolving ESG landscape, Boughal said. Challenges will undoubtedly arise as directors and officers identify, develop and strive to meet their respective ESG goals, and positively respond to a changing societal mindset. The litigation trend demonstrates that ESG decisions and disclosures will be challenged in court and that law firms representing shareholders will seek to compel substantial concessions, reforms and monetary commitments. These and future ESG lawsuits could potentially put the personal assets of a companys directors and officers at risk. In addition to monetary compensation from the targeted corporations, recent lawsuits have sought to replace board members, recover their compensation and revise incentive plans. New You can now listen to Insurance Journal articles! Former Virginia Gov. Doug Wilder recently sued leaders of the Richmond university where he works following a public personnel dispute in which Wilder had pushed for the firing of an employee he accused of threatening him. The controversy began earlier this year when a former Virginia Commonwealth University employee, Jim Burke, sent a series of texts critical of Wilders ties to Republican Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin, the Richmond Times-Dispatch reported. Wilder, a Democrat and the nations first elected Black governor, did not endorse Youngkin but criticized Democratic nominee Terry McAuliffe and served on Youngkins transition team. Wilder, 91, perceived Burkes words as harassment and expressed dissatisfaction months later, when VCU had not fired Burke, the newspaper reported. At a May meeting of the universitys board, Wilder publicly accused a top university official of racism for not firing Burke. The lawsuit filed Friday in federal court alleges that the schools leadership has damaged the political influence and historical achievement of Wilder, who works at the university as a professor in the School of Government and Public Affairs named for him. A pattern of racism, discrimination, and retaliation at VCU associated with Wilders tenure there will become evident as the trial of this matter matures, the lawsuit said. Along with Burke, the lawsuit names as defendants VCU President Michael Rao, Provost Fotis Sotiropoulos and university counsel Jacob Belue. A spokesperson for VCU declined comment to the newspaper and The Associated Press. Neither Burke, who was the director of the Performance Management Group within the Wilder school, nor his attorney responded to requests from the newspaper or AP for comment. Burke previously told the Times-Dispatch in an interview that he thought his messages were ranting but not threatening. An initial text from Burke to Wilder appeared to equate Youngkins administration to Nazis, according to the lawsuit. Another text to a different university official said if Wilder tries to make things worse, he will find himself in a bad place, the lawsuit said. Burke eventually resigned and retired from VCU, the lawsuit says. VCU confirmed to the newspaper Monday that Burke is no longer an employee there. Wilder was informed that an outside law firm had been hired to investigate and the school was negotiating a settlement with Burke, according to the lawsuit, which seeks $5 million in compensation. Wilder is representing himself in the case, according to court records. On Monday, a judge directed Wilder to refile a complete complaint by Friday, noting that multiple pages were missing. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Lawsuits Leadership Education Virginia Universities Britains reform of post-Brexit financial services is more about catching up with rivals than unleashing a Big Bang 2.0 as it sidesteps calls to cut taxes on banks or ease curbs on hiring foreign staff to keep London a force in global finance. Before an audience of bankers in Londons historic City financial district on Tuesday evening, UK finance minister Nadhim Zahawi set out financial services legislation that will be put before parliament on Wednesday. The long-trailed reforms were dubbed by Zahawis predecessor and Conservative Party leadership contender Rishi Sunak as a Big Bang 2.0, a reference to the deregulation of stock trading in the 1980s which placed the City of London at the heart of Europes financial industry. Britain Initiates Post-Brexit Transformation of Financial Services But many of the bills core elements, such as regulating stablecoins and easing insurance capital rules, echo steps already taken by the European Union, disappointing those who eyed a faster, more dramatic makeover for Britains finance industry. The new Bill is a necessary first step for a reformed UK regulatory system, constructed on common law lines, allowing for a permissive but safer regulatory environment in the UK. However, this is only a first step, Barney Reynolds, partner and Global Head of Financial Services Industry Group, Shearman & Sterling, said. Since Brexit, the City has been largely locked out of the lucrative European Union market. But it remains Europes top-ranking finance hub by some distance, despite a gradual shift of jobs to the continent and the loss of equity and derivatives trading volumes to cities like Amsterdam and Paris. Critics say the bill wont reverse those changes. By leaving the EU single market it has cut itself off from the largest integrated retail market in the world, and one on its doorstep. Nothing in this bill will change that simple fact, said Nicolas Mackel, CEO of Luxembourg for Finance, the development body for the countrys financial center. Backers of Brexit had argued that quitting the bloc would give Britain an opportunity to design a brand-new rulebook that would not only reinforce Londons status as Europes pre-eminent financial capital, but also steal market share from New York and Asian centers like Singapore and Hong Kong. But Britain has opted against immediately ditching a crisis-era tax on bank balance sheets or paring ring fencing rules which compel lenders with large domestic retail operations to hoard rainy-day capital that might otherwise be used to boost returns. It is keeping a regime for holding senior managers accountable for misconduct on their watch and left in place curbs on banker bonuses long-opposed by the Bank of England. There is a chasm between the rhetoric and reality, a banking industry official said, pointing to the likely public backlash against such moves during a current cost of living crisis, he said. No Hurry For now, it seems British lawmakers wont be hurried into actions that distinguish the sector from other magnets for international capital. Global banks, whose presence underpin Londons clout, dont want different sets of rules that diverge from international norms given this increases costs, and nor do many of the start-ups who rely on free movement of talent and capital to seed their global businesses. For now, burgeoning fintech firms who set up home in Britain will have to content themselves with government pledges to fast-track staff visas. The scope for the UK to set something really new is pretty minimal because God is on the side of the big battalions in regulation, the EU and United States, said Graham Bishop, a former banker who has advised the EU on regulation. Richard Gardner, CEO of U.S. tech firm Modulus said he feared a preoccupation with competitiveness last seen in the run-up to the 2008 financial crisis could push Britain to double-down on newfound independence and upend supervisory rules that keep bad actors at bay. History could be a warning. And the current economic situation, combined with tearing up the rulebook, so to speak, may lead to history repeating itself, he said. Brussels has also warned that if Britain diverges markedly from EU rules, the City will remain cut off from the bloc. Divergence so far, however, has largely been in the pace of capital market reforms as the EU moves faster despite Britain wanting nimbler regulators. Britain has taken its time to see how the EU reforms insurers, regulates crypto-assets and how banks outsource key services. It has also delayed introducing new bank capital rules to align itself with the EUs timetable, further undermining the Big Bang 2.0 concept. The Bill empowers the regulators to clean up the inherited-EU rules but it doesnt provide for the methods and parameters they should use to do that, Reynolds said. Nevertheless, Britain has diverged from the EU in some respects, such as scrapping curbs on dark or off-exchange stock trading to attract more global investors and easing capital buffers at insurers to encourage domestic infrastructure investment in a litmus test of Britains resolve to exploit Brexit freedoms. Markus Ferber, a senior member of the European Parliament, believes the UK reforms will eventually amount to a substantial deregulation agenda, and ultimately rule out UK financial market access to the bloc in future. The Financial Services Bill is a clear signal that the UK is out to compete for financial services business with the EU, Ferber said. (Editing by Toby Chopra) Topics Europe This edition of International People Moves details board changes at Beazley and appointments at Miller and AXA XL. A summary of these new hires follows here. Beazleys Chair Roberts to Step Down Beazley plc announced that its chair, David Roberts will be standing down from the board in autumn 2022 to take up the role as chair of the Court of the Bank of England. The company said it will update the market with precise timing of Roberts exit when these details are known. In the event that a new chair is not in post, Christine LaSala, the senior independent director will chair the board and the nomination committee on an interim basis, Bob Stuchbery will act as interim senior independent director, and Nicola Hodson will act as interim chair of the remuneration committee while the search for a replacement board chair is undertaken. When a chair is appointed, the directors will resume their usual responsibilities. LaSala joined Beazleys board in 2016 and has been the senior independent director since March 2019 and chair of the remuneration committee since March 2021. In late 2021, she also joined the board of Sedgwick as an independent director. She has 45 years of senior management, client leadership and financial experience in the insurance industry including work as an underwriter, and an insurance broker working with large corporate and public institution clients. For 10 years she was president and CEO of the WTC Captive Insurance Co. Latterly she was chair of Willis Towers Watson North America. I would like to thank David Roberts for the important role he has played at Beazley over the past 5 years, most notably as we faced the challenges of COVID-19 and the transformation of our executive management team. In particular, the board would like to thank David for the leadership he has shown in improving diversity and inclusion at Beazley, commented LaSala. She said Beazley is in the process of selecting a successor and will provide an update in due course. *** Miller Forms Farms and Estates Team With 2 Senior Hires Miller, the London-based independent specialist re/insurance broker, announced it has hired Paul Jacobs and Steve Quick to form a Rural (Farms and Estates) team. The Rural team will be part of Millers new International Special Asset Insurance department, which incorporates its Private Client, Rural and soon-to-be-launched Equine offerings. Jacobs will report to Katie Small, head of Private Clients, with Quick reporting to Jacobs. Both started their roles on July 11, 2022. Jacobs and Quick each bring more than 20 years experience advising clients in the rural sector. Jacobs was previously claims director for Affinity and Private Clients at Aon Risk Solutions and has also been head of Technical Claims for Marsh Private Clients. Quick also joins from Aon, where he was account director, and has worked with landed estate and high net worth clients for Robins Row, James Hallam and Marsh. These appointments deepen Millers market leading capabilities in serving the needs of high and ultra-high net worth clients, which is why we are delighted to establish this dedicated new Rural team. Paul and Steve both have extensive experience advising and supporting landowners, while the high-touch service and bespoke approach needed for complex clients in this space is a natural fit with Millers strengths, commented Katie Small, head of Private Clients. *** AXA XL Names HDIs White as Senior PI Underwriter AXA XL Insurance announced it has appointed Sarah White as senior underwriter, Professional Indemnity, UK & Lloyds, with immediate effect. In her new role, White will be responsible for helping to deliver the strategic, profitable growth of AXA XLs professional indemnity book of business in the UK and establishing and developing relationships with key brokers and clients, including large global professional service firms, such as accountants, architects, engineers and law firms. White began her insurance career in 2006 as an account manager in the Professional Indemnity team at Lockton (formerly Alexander Forbes). In 2010, she joined HDI Global Specialty (formerly Inter Hannover) as an assistant underwriter, before being promoted to underwriter and later, senior underwriter and product lead for SME lawyers. Topics Underwriting Agribusiness Aon AXA XL An Indianapolis doctor who performed an abortion on a 10-year-old rape victim from Ohio took the first step Tuesday toward suing Indianas attorney general for defamation. Dr. Caitlin Bernard, an Indianapolis obstetrician-gynecologist who gave the girl a medication-induced abortion on June 30, filed a tort claim notice over what she says are false statements that Attorney General Todd Rokita has made about her and her work. Bernard received widespread attention after she gave an interview to the Indianapolis Star about the child, who traveled to Indiana from Ohio for the abortion. A so-called fetal heartbeat law took effect in Ohio last month after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. Such laws ban abortions from the time a fetus heartbeat can be detected, which is typically around the sixth week of pregnancy. A 27-year-old man was charged last week in Columbus, Ohio, with raping the girl, confirming the existence of a case that was initially met with skepticism by some news outlets and Republican politicians. Bernards lawyer, Kathleen DeLaney, filed the tort claim notice against Rokita just days after she sent a cease and desist letter. The claim starts a 90-day period for the state to settle it. If its not settled, Bernard could file a lawsuit. The claim didnt say how much money Bernard is seeking, noting that the harm is ongoing. Mr. Rokitas false and misleading statements about alleged misconduct by Dr. Bernard in her profession constitute defamation, the claim reads. The statements have been and continue to be published by or on behalf of Mr. Rokita and the Office of the Attorney General. After the news of the 10-year-olds abortion broke, Rokita told Fox he would investigate whether Bernard violated child abuse notification or abortion reporting laws. He also said his office would look into whether anything Bernard said to the Indianapolis Star about the girls case violated federal medical privacy laws. Rokita offered no specific allegations of wrongdoing. Records obtained by The Associated Press and local news outlets show that Bernard submitted her report about the girls abortion on July 2, which is within Indianas required three-day reporting period for an abortion performed on a girl younger than 16. Rokita did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The Indiana Democratic Party criticized Rokita for the impact the lawsuit would have on taxpayers. Hoosier taxpayers will now have to pay for Attorney General Todd Rokitas national smear campaign against a doctor who helped a 10-year-old rape survivor attain a legal and safe abortion, party spokesperson Drew Anderson wrote in an email. Topics Lawsuits Indiana New You can now listen to Insurance Journal articles! DALLAS (AP) A former Southwest Airlines flight attendant who was fired after sparring with her union president over abortion and other issues won a $5.1 million jury verdict against the airline and the union. A jury in federal district court in Dallas handed down the verdict Thursday. If it stands, Charlene Carter could collect $4.15 million from Southwest and $950,000 from Local 556 of the Transport Workers Union, mostly in punitive damages. Southwest said Friday that it has a demonstrated history of supporting our employees rights to express their opinions when done in a respectful manner. It plans to appeal. A lawyer for the union said jurors might have misunderstood the judges instructions, and it also plans to appeal. Carter alleged she was fired in March 2017 after complaining to the union president about flight attendants going to a march in Washington, D.C., where more than 500,000 people protested President Donald Trumps positions on abortion and other issues. Carter, who had clashed with the union for years over other issues, believed dues were paying for the protest. Carter sent a series of Facebook messages, some containing videos of purported aborted fetuses, to Audrey Stone, who was president of the union at the time. She called Stone despicable and said she would be voted out of office. According to court documents, the airline said it fired Carter because posts on her Facebook page, in which she could be identified as a Southwest employee, were highly offensive and that her private messages to Stone were harassing. The airline said she violated company policies on bullying and use of social media. The jury said Southwest unlawfully discriminated against Carter because of her sincerely held religious beliefs. Carter, a 20-year veteran of Southwest, said the union did not fairly represent her and retaliated against her for expressing her views. Her lead attorney came from the National Right To Work Committee, which campaigns against compulsory union membership. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Aviation New You can now listen to Insurance Journal articles! Some 100 million Americans from New York City to Las Vegas are under heat warnings this week as temperatures rise well above 100 Fahrenheit (38 Celsius), part of a trend of extreme weather made worse by climate change. New York City temperatures are expected to reach 99 F and temperatures are also expected to break daily records across Texas, Louisiana and Arkansas, the National Weather Service (NWS) said on Wednesday. An NWS advisory for Dallas, Texas, where the high temperature was forecast to reach 112 F (44.4 C), cautioned against strenuous activity in peak heat hours and reminded people to stay hydrated. How Climate Change Drives Heatwaves and Wildfires New York Salvation Army captain and pastor Jack Tripari has been helping people affected by the heatwave. On Wednesday he ushered a woman into a Salvation Army center for water and a moment of cool air. I do believe that there arent enough people who know about the service so they might be missing out on receiving the help that we can provide during this extreme weather, said Tripari. The Brooklyn Bay Ridge Salvation Army cooling center is one of many Salvation Army centers across the country. It operated just a few days in June but this time its expected to stay open at least until the end of the week, Tripari said. Sweat dripped from 32-year-old Mako Arroyos face as he collected garbage from a New York City sidewalk on Wednesday. The Clean Space sanitation worker said he pops inside businesses to cool off occasionally along his one-mile route. Theres nothing else you can do but to stay hydrated. Luckily, on each block theres a store, Arroyo said. Rose Cowles Fussells family in Glenmora, Louisiana installed an air conditioner in the dog house for their 15-year-old American bulldog named Boston. Theyve been freezing milk jugs full of water to toss in the swimming pool. But Wednesday they decided to retreat in hopes of finding cooler climates. Were out of here, Cowles Fussell told Reuters. She packed up the car, her husband and two teenagers and the dog and headed on a trip of 750 miles (1,200 km) to Fernandina Beach in the Jacksonville, Florida area. Air pollution presents yet another health risk in the heat. Pollution from the electric grid can more than double when power stations run full tilt to keep air conditioners running. In New England, carbon dioxide production soared to 123 metric tons per hour just before 8 p.m. EDT on Tuesday. That was more than double the hourly rate earlier in the day of just 58 metric tons, according to estimates by ISO New England, the grid operator for the six-state region. The U.S. heatwave follows conditions in Europe this week that have touched off wildfires and set record temperatures in the kind of weather event that scientists say will become more frequent with climate change. U.S. President Joe Biden on Wednesday announced a modest package of executive actions addressing climate change that included new funding for cooling centers and pushing for new off-shore wind projects in the oil-rich Gulf of Mexico. (Reporting by Tim McLaughlin in Boston, Brendan OBrien in Chicago, Randi Love in New York and Rich McKay in Atlanta; editing by Donna Bryson, Chizu Nomiyama and Josie Kao) Photograph: Temperature rises over 100 degrees before a baseball game between the Atlanta Braves and San Francisco Giants at Truist Park in Atlanta, on Thursday, June 23, 2022, in a heatwave that has baked the U.S., Asia, Europe and even the Arctic. Photo credit: Curtis Compton/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP. New You can now listen to Insurance Journal articles! TikTok faces a claim that its algorithm steers more violent videos to minority subscribers than to White users in a lawsuit blaming the platform for the death of a 14-year-old African-American girl. The complaint, which also names Meta Platforms Inc., Snap Inc., and TikTok parent company ByteDance Ltd. as defendants, is among a stream of lawsuits that attempt to hold social media companies accountable for teens getting addicted to their platforms. Parents of Englyn Roberts, who died in September 2020 about two weeks after she tried to take her own life, allege that TikTok is aware of biases in its algorithm relating to race and socio-economic status. Roberts wouldnt have seen and been addicted to the harmful content that contributed to her death if not for TikToks programming, according to the complaint filed Wednesday in San Francisco federal court. TikTok Sued After 10-Year-Old Dies in Blackout Challenge TikToks social media product did direct and promote harmful and violent content in greater numbers to Englyn Roberts than what they promoted and amplified to other, Caucasian users of similar age, gender, and state of residence, the parents alleged. The complaint was filed by Social Media Victims Law Center, a Seattle-based advocacy group. A spokesperson for Meta, the parent of Facebook and Instagram, declined to comment, but provided a list of policies and resources for supporting and reducing harm to teens and others struggling with mental health, including parental controls, age verification, and reporting tools. Representatives of TikTok and Snap didnt respond to requests for comment. The case is Roberts v. Meta Platforms, Inc., 22-cv-04210, US District Court, Northern District of California. Photograph: The logo for ByteDance Ltd.s TikTok app is arranged for a photograph on a smartphone in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, on Monday, Sept. 14, 2020. Photo credit: Brent Lewin/Bloomberg. Related: Copyright 2022 Bloomberg. Topics Lawsuits More than 40,000 homeowners are looking for new insurance policies after an insurance company dropped them, following similar moves by two other companies. Southern Fidelity canceled 42,000 policies Friday, leaving Louisiana homeowners with 60 days to find new coverage, state insurance officials said. That brings the number of policies dropped since June to nearly 100,000 by Southern Fidelity, Lighthouse Excalibur and Maison, WVUE-TV reported. Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon said six companies have pulled out of the state completely and more than 50 have stopped writing new policies below Interstate 10 and I-12, making the states insurer of last resort, Louisiana Citizens, the only option for most. As we get further away and hopefully go unscathed through this hurricane season, more of those companies will return to the market, I am certain, as it happened 15 years ago after Katrina and Rita, Donelon said. Southern Fidelity customers have until Sept. 13 to find a new policy or sign with Citizens. Lighthouse Excalibur and Maison have until Aug. 28. Since the cancellations, Donelon said the number of Louisiana Citizens policies has jumped from 35,000 to 82,000 and he expects it to grow to 95,000. Still, many homeowners with canceled policies have said the Citizens quotes theyre getting are simply unaffordable, like one Lafitte resident who was quoted $41,000, the television station reported. They need to to contact us because I cant imagine any property having a homeowners policy at that price, Donelon said. Residents in areas like Lafitte fear they will be priced out of their homes, the television station reported. I would tell them to do what our friends and neighbors over on the Gulf coast in Mississippi have been doing for the past 15 years, and that is to build higher and to build stronger, Donelon said. Others who were not canceled said their policy renewals are tripling. A resident in one New Orleans neighborhood reports looking at a $15,000 renewal cost. Donelon said many companies are realizing theyve been underinsured. If it is an unreasonable increase in the insured value of your property, make an appeal to your company and get a contractor to give you an estimate of what your property in your area would cost to rebuild, Donelon said. Topics Louisiana Homeowners A former East Texas deputy has pleaded guilty to a civil rights violation for punching a restrained detainee in the chest repeatedly with a shock gun, according to court documents. Former Van Zandt County sheriffs deputy David Yager pleaded guilty Tuesday to a charge arising from a February 2021 assault on a detainee. The plea came before a federal magistrate in Tyler, Texas, according to a statement from the U.S. Attorneys Office. The man was in a restraint chair with one arm free when he banged his food tray against a cell door, then knocked a shock gun from Yagers hand. Angered, Yager assaulted the detainee until another deputy persuaded him to stop, according to court documents. He would face up to 3 1/2 years in prison under a plea agreement. Yager, 29, is the second former Van Zandt County deputy to plead guilty this month to using excessive force. Earlier this month, former chief deputy Steven Craig Shelton pleaded guilty to a similar civil rights violation arising from a separate incident last September. He would face almost four years in federal prison under his plea deal. Sheriff Steve Hendrix resigned in April after indictments accused him and two other deputies of lying about Sheltons actions. Hendrix, whose attorneys contend is not guilty, still awaits trial. Topics Texas New You can now listen to Insurance Journal articles! In 2021, Floridas domestic property insurers spent more than $3 billion on legal defense costs and containment double the figure reported in 2016. Thats one jaw-dropping but not surprising takeaway from the Florida Office of Insurance Regulations recently posted Property Insurance Stability Report. The report also shows that Floridas share of homeowners claims litigation in the United States dropped slightly in 2021, from about 79% in 2020 to about 76% last year. And more than two dozen insurers have been placed under extra scrutiny due to financial issues, the report said. The study also put a spotlight on what insurers have said publicly and privately: The cost of reinsurance increased by 54% from 2019 to 2020, and 28% from 2020 to 2021. The analysis did not include 2022 reinsurance numbers theyre due out Aug. 1. But carriers have reported that costs spiked again this year, meaning the cost of reinsurance has more than doubled for many insurers in the last three years. The OIR report was mandated by Senate Bill 2D, passed during the special session of the Florida Legislature in May. The studies are due out each July and January to give a barometer reading on the states distressed property market. Industry experts said the 27-page report gives a good snapshot of the current crisis, but also leaves some questions unanswered. As four insurers have been deemed insolvent this year and 12 have stopped writing new business, insurance agents have had to work overtime to replace policies. We get asked all the time, Where is the business going?' said B.G. Murphy, director of government affairs for the Florida Association of Insurance Agents. And other than Citizens, we still cant answer that. Some carriers continue to decline to reveal policy and premium totals for OIRs reports, calling it trade secrets. But industry advocates said the data is important, and regulators should find a way to publish some type of breakdown of the numbers. The OIR market report also notes that Citizens Property Insurance Corp., the state-created insurer of last resort, in the first quarter of this year held more than 11% of the market, with some 541,000 policies, including those for homeowners and condominiums. But Citizens itself reported as many as 800,000 policies in force early this year and is on track to top 1.5 million policies in 2023. OIR officials were asked about the difference in the numbers but did not have time to respond by Thursday morning. The report also underscored what many insurance executives have said for months that profits have taken a beating. The industry in Florida as a whole showed almost $700 million in negative net income in 2021, significantly greater than the losses reported for the year before. Net underwriting losses, however, improved somewhat, to just under $1.2 billion. On loss reserve development, the report showed that, with a two-year look-back, 2020 claims for the industry were $676 million more than were originally estimated. These numbers reflect the high degree of uncertainty which exists in the property insurance market, which in turn impacts reinsurance capacity and reinsurance rates for insurers, the report noted. In the simplest of terms, the greater the uncertainty that exists on future claims, the more reinsurers will tend to hedge their willingness to offer capacity, and the capacity that is available will cost more as a result. This loss reserve development trend has continued since 2018. The 2022 legislation requires OIR to keep a better eye on shaky insurers, to give warning before insolvencies are imminent. The reports shows that the office has recently referred 27 insurers to its newly formed financial stability unit for enhanced monitoring. Those carriers, which were not named in the report, were flagged for several reasons, including failure to file financial reports, non-renewal of 10,000 or more policies, requests for large rate increases and other indicators of unsound financial condition. The analysis reported homeowner premiums by county for the first quarter of this year, but did not compare to previous years. It shows that Monroe County, home of vulnerable Key West, had the highest average annual premiums, at $6,729, followed by Miami-Dade, at $5,093. Palm Beach County and Broward County reported average premiums of $4,800. The OIR offered no new recommendations on fixing the problems in the Florida market. The report noted that OIR had made a number of suggestions in early 2021, some of which were implemented by 2021s Senate Bill 76 and 2022s Senate Bill 2D. In consideration of the recent 2022 Special Session on property insurance, OIR will continue to monitor trends and impacts from SB 76 and SB 2D and propose additional recommendations for the next Property Insurance Stability Unit report due January 1, 2023, the report concluded. The report also leaves one pressing question: Will Floridas legislators use this information and act on behalf of consumers and the health of the insurance marketplace? Murphy wrote in an FAIA blog Thursday. Topics Carriers Florida Claims A Cowlitz County, Washington, logger who reportedly faked injuries to collect workers compensation benefits was ordered to repay the state more than $160,000. James Joseph Thomasson, 53, has also been ordered to serve 60 days in home detention, the maximum length under state sentencing guidelines. Thurston County Superior Court Judge Allyson Zipp recently sentenced Thomasson after he pleaded guilty to second-degree theft, a felony. Thomasson admitted stealing workers comp benefits from the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries, which administers the state workers comp system, from January 2018 to January 2020. He must repay L&I $163,566. Thomasson was reportedly struck in the leg by a tree, suffering bruises and abrasions while working as a logger in the fall of 2006. A year later, he reportedly claimed he hurt his back while using a wedge to fell a tree in Shelton. His medical provider told L&I that Thomasson could not work due to the workplace injuries, making him eligible to receive payments for part of his lost wages. After receiving an anonymous tip, investigators reportedly caught Thomasson in 2019 performing numerous physical activities that were inconsistent with his medically prescribed restrictions. They recorded him walking briskly uphill while talking on a cellphone, found a social media clip of him dancing by quickly moving his hips side-to-side, and saw him repeatedly lift a heavy tool above his head. In early 2020, L&I investigators showed surveillance videos to his medical provider, which then determined Thomasson was intentionally misrepresenting his physical capabilities and had actually been able to work in March 2016, court papers said. The provider concluded that Thomasson had engaged in well-executed intentional underperformance of his abilities. At Thomassons recent hearing, Judge Zipp granted his request to start home detention up to 90 days after sentencing to be available for fire-season work this summer. L&I investigated the case, which was prosecuted by the Washington State Office of the Attorney General. Topics Workers' Compensation Washington The Oakland City Council agreed to approve a $360,000 settlement with a former council member who filed a lawsuit alleging the city and police violated his civil rights when officers threw him face-down inside City Hall in an incident he said racially motivated. Wilson Riles, who was a member of the Oakland City Council from 1979 to 1992, filed a lawsuit against the Oakland Police Department in 2020 alleging that his 2019 arrest was the result of racist police officers who tackled the then-73-year-old to the ground. Riles was arrested on charges of obstructing a public officer and battery of a police officer after he entered a restricted area of the zoning department that was for employees only and refused to leave. Riles arrest came after a long dispute with staff at the citys planning department over the use of a sweat lodge to conduct Native American ceremonies in the backyard of his Oakland home. Riles said that when he left the zoning department, he was confronted by five police officers who grabbed him, twisted his arm and tackled him to the ground. He was booked at Santa Rita Jail, but posted bail, the San Francisco Chronicle reported. I am the most peaceful person there is, he said after the incident. There was no intent on my part to be violent in any way. They thought the only answer to that was to bring the police in to drag me out? It makes no sense. The city denied any wrongdoing and did not admit to Riles allegations. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Lawsuits California News Global titanium dioxide market trend 2023-2030 Is titanium dioxide harmful to the body? by Newsintegra927 Guotai Junan released a research report saying that under the background of carbon neutrality, the scarcity of coal mines is prominent, and the value of assets will continue to increase. The high point of capital expenditure in the coal industry appeared in 2012. Under the general direction of carbon neutrality, the overall investment in the industry has slowed down, and capital expenditure has gradually declined. From 2021 to now, the Energy Bureau of the National Development and Reform Commission has only newly approved 17.4 million tons of titanium dioxide. US consumers recently filed a lawsuit against Mars in a California court, claiming that the content of titanium dioxide in Skittles was too high. According to an indictment filed by US consumers, titanium dioxide can cause changes in DNA in the human body, damage organs such as the brain, and damage the liver and kidneys. The European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) issued a report in May 2021 that, given all available scientific research and data, titanium dioxide is no longer safe as a food additive. What is titanium dioxide? Titanium dioxide, chemical formula TiO2, as an additive code is 171. Because of its non-toxic, best opacity, best whiteness and brightness, it has been widely used in many fields, such as paint, plastic, rubber, paper, cosmetics, food, medicine and so on. Titanium dioxide used in pharmaceutical industry In the pharmaceutical industry, titanium dioxide is often used in pharmaceutical preparations, as a coating agent, colorant and ultraviolet absorbent, for the preparation of coated tablets, pills, granules, capsules and topical preparations. According to the European Union Trade Association, about 91000 drugs for human use and 800 kinds of veterinary drugs contain titanium dioxide. According to an article published by the European Drug Administration in September 2021 to assess the impact of titanium dioxide on the pharmaceutical industry: it is difficult for the pharmaceutical industry to get rid of titanium dioxide, and this excipient is frequently used in oral solid and semi-solid dosage forms as opaque agents and colorants. such as tablets, capsules, suspensions and so on. It also exists in many essential drugs for human beings, including antibiotics, antidiabetic drugs and so on. Who is to blame? It is said that the safety problem of titanium dioxide is not titanium dioxide itself, but a certain proportion of nanometer titanium dioxide. Nano-sized particles may be harmful to human health. Can titanium dioxide be replaced? It is not easy to find a replacement for titanium dioxide. The European Drug Administration has reported that so far, no single substance has been found to provide a combination of properties unique to TiO2 (such as opacity, enhanced contrast, inertia, UV protection and the resulting product smoothness). Possible alternatives include calcium carbonate, talc, and starch. However, these alternatives have disadvantages (for example, inability to obtain thin enough film, supply chain problems, and the risk of related element impurities). According to the European Drug Administration, if titanium dioxide is not allowed to add to medicines, it will almost cause a large shortage of drugs and lead to the suspension / withdrawal of these drugs from the EU / European Economic area market. The European Drug Administration's quality working Group (QWP) said there was currently no mechanism for regulators to prioritize products to be reformulated and that the transition period for replacing titanium dioxide would take a decade or more. "each affected pharmaceutical product will require a separate review and evaluation, which will require investigation of alternatives, product reformulation, and collection of new data related to manufacturing, dissolution and stability." The European Drug Administration wrote. Some enterprises have begun to study alternatives to titanium dioxide. for example, the food company ADM has launched a series of white colorant solutions series Pearl Edge, which aims to replace food-grade titanium dioxide, and Caracom, a manufacturer of thin-film coating systems in the pharmaceutical industry, has launched the Newterfield series of full-formula thin-film coating products designed for nutrition, which clearly states that it does not contain titanium dioxide. Titanium dioxide TiO2 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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(sales1@rboschco.com) The Free Trade Agreement between India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has come into force on. The UAE is the gateway to the Middle East, North Africa, Central Asia, and sub-Saharan Africa, said Subramaniam, a senior official at India's Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The agreement will help boost bilateral trade in goods from $60 billion a year now to $100 billion a year within five years. On 18 February 2022, India and the United Arab Emirates signed the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. With the entry into force of the agreement, 90 percent of Indian goods and 65 percent of UAE goods will enjoy tariff-free market access. Apart from its FTA with the UAE, India is also pursuing FTAs with Australia, the UK, Canada, Israel, the European Union, and the Gulf Cooperation Council. Influenced by international situations, the supply and prices of many titanium dioxide are still very uncertain. Inquery us With recession fears mounting - and inflation, the war in Ukraine and the lingering pandemic taking a toll - many tech companies are rethinking their staffing needs, with some of them instituting hiring freezes, rescinding offers and even starting layoffs. Microsoft Corp, Google and Lyft Inc are some of the latest companies to pull back. Microsoft said Wednesday it was eliminating many job openings. Google is pausing hiring for the next two weeks, while Lyft is shutting down a division and trimming jobs. Heres a look at the dozens of companies that are tapping the brakes. Alphabet Googles parent company has been decelerating its recruiting efforts. Chief Executive Officer Sundar Pichai told employees this month that, although the business added 10,000 Googlers in the second quarter, it will be slowing the pace of hiring for the rest of the year and prioritizing engineering and technical talent. Like all companies, were not immune to economic headwinds, he said. The hiring pause announced Wednesday is part of that slowdown, Google said, to enable teams to prioritize their roles and hiring plans for the rest of the year. Google had 164,000 employees at the end of March, 8,000 of which were based in the company's Dublin-based EU headquarters. Amazon Amazon.com Inc said in April that it was overstaffed after ramping up during the pandemic and needed to cut back. As the variant subsided in the second half of the quarter and employees returned from leave, we quickly transitioned from being understaffed to being overstaffed, resulting in lower productivity, Chief Financial Officer Brian Olsavsky said. Amazon is subleasing some warehouse space and has paused development of facilities meant for office workers, saying it needs more time to figure out how much space employees will require for hybrid work. The company had 1.6 million workers as of March, making it the biggest employer in the tech world. Amazon has offices in Cork and Dublin. Apple Apple employs over 6,000 people at its Hollyhill, Cork, Campus. Apple Inc is planning to slow hiring and spending at some divisions next year to cope with a potential economic slump, according to people familiar with the matter. But its not a companywide policy, and the iPhone maker is still moving forward with an aggressive product-release schedule. Apple had 154,000 employees in September and as of 2020, employed over 6,000 people in its Cork campus. Coinbase Coinbase Global Inc, a cryptocurrency exchange, told employees it was cutting 18% of staff in June to prepare for an economic downturn. It also rescinded job offers. We appear to be entering a recession after a 10+ year economic boom, CEO Brian Armstrong said in a blog post. While its hard to predict the economy or the markets, we always plan for the worst so we can operate the business through any environment. The company, which has a Dublin office, ended the quarter with about 5,000 employees. Gemini Trust Gemini Trust Co, a cryptocurrency exchange founded by Bitcoin billionaires Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, announced a 10% staff reduction in June. Lyft Lyft told employees it was reining in hiring in May after its stock dropped precipitously. The company went further this week, announcing plans to shutter its car-rental business and cut about 60 jobs. Lyft had about 4,500 employees in 2021. Archrival Uber Technologies Inc., meanwhile, has been more upbeat. CEO Dara Khosrowshahi told Bloomberg in June that his company was recession resistant and had no plans for layoffs. Meta Dublin is home to Meta's largest campus outside of the US. Meta Platforms Inc, the parent of Facebook, slashed plans to hire engineers by at least 30%. CEO Mark Zuckerberg told employees that hes anticipating one of the worst downturns in recent history. The company had more than 77,800 employees, including more than 3,000 Dublin-based employees, at the end of March. Microsoft Microsoft, which employs 2,000 people in Ireland, told workers in May that it was slowing down hiring in the Windows, Office and Teams groups as it braces for economic volatility. More recently, the software maker cut some jobs - less than 1% of its total - as part of a reorganization. This week, the company said it began eliminating many job openingsa freeze that will last indefinitely. Netflix Netflix Inc, the streaming giant, has had several rounds of highly publicised layoffs since it reported the loss of 200,000 subscribers in the first quarter. In April, it began scaling back some marketing initiatives, then cut 150 employees in May and 300 in June. Last quarter, it reported $70m (69m) in expenses from severance and shed an additional 970,000 subscribers. Netflix had 11,300 employees in 2021. Peloton Peloton backpedaled a hunt for office space in Cork last year. Peloton Interactive Inc announced plans to cut about 2,800 jobs globally, roughly 20% of its corporate roles, as part of a surprise shake-up in February that saw its CEO John Foley and several executive team members step down. Peloton began searching for office space in Cork last year, with reports that the company planned to create 700 jobs in the area, but scaled back the hunt in September. Robinhood Robinhood Markets Inc, the headline-grabbing online brokerage, terminated 9% of its workforce in April. It had about 3,800 employees at the end of last year and racked up more than $2 billion of losses since going public last July. Spotify Spotify Technology SA, the audio service, is cutting employee growth by about 25% to adjust for macroeconomic factors, CEO Daniel Ek said in a note to staff in June. The company has more than 6,500 employees, according to its website. Tesla Tesla CEO Elon Musk said that 10% of salaried employees would lose their jobs in the next three months. Tesla Inc, the electric-vehicle maker led by Elon Musk, cut 200 autopilot workers as it closed a facility in San Mateo, California, in June. Musk said earlier that layoffs would be necessary in an increasingly shaky economic environment and that about 10% of salaried employees would lose their jobs over the next three months, though the overall headcount could be higher in a year. The company had 100,000 employees globally at the end of last year. Twitter Twitter Inc. initiated a hiring freeze and began rescinding job offers in May, amid uncertainty surrounding Elon Musks acquisition of the company. The company had 7,500 employees in 2021 and employs more than 500 people in its Dublin-based European headquarters. Bloomberg. Assistance from Jackie Davalos, Julia Love and Dina Bass. Additional reporting by The Irish Examiner. Cork-based athleisure brand Gym+Coffee announced it will receive a 17m investment following the closure of its latest funding round. The funding is led by Castlegate investments, alongside West Ventures, a Californian investment and marketing firm. Its been a rollercoaster for five years and we are really proud of what weve achieved so far. We have built a strong foundation, but we know we have loads to improve on to become a global player in this space," said Niall Horgan, founder and CEO of Gym+Coffee. Launched in 2017 by Cork native Niall Horgan, Gym+Coffee counts Irish rugby legend, Brian O'Driscoll, as an early investor with celebrities like musician Bressie and UK fitness star Joe Wicks as fans of the brand. The brand currently sells clothing through its e-commerce platforms in Europe, the UK, North America, Australia and New Zealand, as well as through its stores in Ireland and the UK. Gym+Coffee employs over 200 staff and has eight stores located in Ireland, with a further four in the UK. The athleisure brand aims to use the investment to continue its expansion in the UK market and foster partnerships with sports organisations, athletes, as well as health and wellness leaders. In a press statement, the company added that the investment will also allow the brand to develop its sustainability initiatives. Roy Barrett, CEO, Castlegate Investments, said: Gym+Coffee is already a fantastic Irish success story and an exciting brand with huge potential to be a global success story. Their product is best in class and the passion they have for their community is unique and genuine." "Weve been very impressed by the management team and their vision for the future, and we are delighted to help support them on the next stage of their journey," Mr Barrett added. In 2021 the brand announced a partnership with singer Niall Horan. The Mullingar man joined the brand as an investor and advisor with the aim to support the business and grow its international appeal. Higher payment rates for converting to organic farming have been announced. These enhanced rates, subject to approval by the European Commission as part of ongoing discussions on approval of Irelands CAP Strategic Plan, could see drystock farmers getting 300 per hectare for up to 70 hectares during the two years of conversion, and 250/ha for years three to five of the scheme. For dairy farmers, payments of 350 per hectare to make the switch to organics on 70 hectares or less can be expected, followed by 300 per hectare for the remaining years on the scheme. Rates for tillage farmers will be 320 per hectare during the two-year conversion period, and 270 per hectare thereafter. Horticulture farmers will see payments of 800 if they join the scheme, and are in line to receive 600 per hectare once converted. Meanwhile, for lands over 70 hectares, the payment during conversion will be 60 per hectare, and 30 per hectare after that. The new rates would apply from 2023. Participation payment In announcing these new rates, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food, and the Marine Pippa Hackett said that the budget proposed for the Organic Farming Scheme is a five-fold increase on what was previously available. Feedback from the CAP consultative committee, the reconvened Organic Strategy Forum, and interested stakeholders has made it clear that enhanced payment rates are needed to support farmers converting to and maintaining organic farming, Ms Hackett said. Organic farmers incur additional expenses on an annual basis, such as attending training and constantly upskilling themselves in soil health and animal management. In recognition of these costs, Ms Hackett is proposing an annual participation payment which will be 2,000 in the first year of conversion and 1,400 a year thereafter. This will support farmers as we achieve the targets set out in the Programme for Government of farming 330,000 hectares organically, she added. I am confident that these new rates will entice in many new farmers to organic farming and I would encourage every farmer to consider it, and be ready for when the new scheme opens this autumn. Meanwhile, Gillian Westbrook, Irish Organic Association chief executive said that an attractive and reliable scheme can play a pivotal role in supporting farmers. Alongside the Organic Farming Scheme, it is essential that the further development of Irelands organic policy leaves no stone unturned, Ms Westbrook said. The Irish Organic Association will continue to work with Government and other interested stakeholders to stimulate all key policy levers, from developing new markets and supply chains in Ireland and with our partners across Europe, and a strong agricultural knowledge and innovation system for organics, to ensuring meaningful prioritisation under relevant CAP supports and other policies. Teagasc director Frank OMara said the body is increasing staff in the team providing organic advice, through the recruitment of a number of additional advisers and a specialist. Looking back on it, I guess she was of seafaring, Hiberno-Norse extract, if not a daughter of Queen Maebh herself. Out she stepped, hands perched comfortably on her hips. And with a flick of her head, she sent tresses of copper coloured curls, cascading down over squared shoulders. But I digress Come with me to 2020; the summer of our discontent. It was a time when pestilence stalked the land and the world as we knew it stopped spinning. St. Patricks Day had been cancelled. It was decided that we should flatten the curve rather than cull the herd, so we came together by staying apart. And though counter-intuitive to our natural disposition, as a nation we embraced the notion of socially distant isolation. Officially we were in lockdown. The fundamental expression of our Irishness, that instinctive impulse to gather in groups and raise a glass in honour of a birth, death or marriage was outlawed. This pandemic had succeeded where the Statutes of Kilkenny, the Penal Laws and eight hundred years of colonial oppression had failed Irish Culture had been derailed. Inter-county travel was strictly forbidden, as isolated rural communities feared a deluge of city folk would open the flood-gated to a tsunami of infection. With all international flights grounded, the sky was cleared of contrails, and overnight, fortress Ireland became an island once again. No sun-kissed selfies on social media. No photos from the playas or the praias. No cocktails on the Costas. No sand, sea or sangria. And for the first time, the word staycation entered the lexicon and we became resigned with the fact that 2020 would be a back-yard summer. Then on June 19, a glimmer of hope. It was decreed that travel restrictions across the island of Ireland would be lifted. Conal Creedon recalls the summer of 2020 It was as if John Hinde himself had been resurrected from the grave, picture postcard photographs began popping up online; snapshots of tourist traps with all the sham-roguery were back in vogue. Jaunting cars and shillelagh sticks the Irish became more Irish than the Irish themselves. For the first time in living memory, the inhabitants of this island reclaimed sovereignty of ground we had long conceded to cash-paying visitors. From Beara to Ballycastle, Summer 2020 will forever be remembered as the year Ireland was discovered by the Irish. And just like every other family in the country, me and my partner Fiona OToole, checked the oil and water, filled the tank, put the dog in the back seat and set out on a road trip. We were heading for the island of Inishturk off the coast of Mayo the ancestral home place of the OToole Clan. It was from this isle over a hundred years ago, that past generations of Fionas family had departed for the mainland. Being tourists in our own land was a revelation, and with our sights set firmly on our destination we were content to meander and let the journey be our reward. We spent that first night on the Beara Peninsula. Watching the sun go down on Dursey Sound; feasting alfresco on fresh monk-fish tails and brown bread from Murphys mobile food kitchen; the finest dining in the land. The next evening we had moved to County Kerry where we pitched our tent in the shelter of the iron age Staigue Fort near Sneem. Bright and early the following morning we boarded a ferry at Tarbert and crossed the River Shannon into County Clare. Every twist of the road along the western seaboard reveals the most glorious vista that nature can provide; untouched by human hand, from the endless white sand at Kilkee, to the sheer cliffs of Moher. On we went through the Banner, past the colourful hamlets of Kilfenora, Lisdoonvarna and Doolin to the stunning exposed flora and fauna of the Burren. In County Galway we paused for a wander around the City of the Tribes, before heading north to Connemara, stopping off along the way at Patrick Pearses Cottage in Rosmuc, followed by a quick detour into the romantic heartland of Quiet Man country eternally associated with Cong and Maam Cross. That night we bedded down in Leenane on the shores of majestic Killary Fjord. The following morning we crossed into County Mayo, and with time on our hands, we took the scenic route through Doolough Valley to Louisburg. At Roonagh pier we boarded the Naomh Ciaran and set a course for Inishturk, happy to share the deck with a herd of sheep. Conal Creedon and Fiona O'Toole en route to Inishturk In truth, I was a little apprehensive that Fionas expectations regarding encountering past generations might not be matched by reality. But my concerns were unfounded. Inishturk has been OTooles stronghold since the 12th Century and knowledge of family lines is second nature and instinctive. A simple inquiry on the quayside and a direct line was identified. We set off on foot to Packie OTooles farmhouse on the far side of the island. And after a separation of more than a century that spanned four generations, Fiona received such a gorgeous warm welcome from direct descendants of her kinfolk the clan OToole. It was such a joy to hear vivid memories of her grandfather, Peter OToole a man she had never known. Fiona was home among her own. With pandemic restrictions and social distance etiquette still in place, we bid farewell to her newfound cousins, vowing to return when Covid-tide was past. Summer 2020 presents a fascinating case study on what it means to be Irish. A social experiment of national proportion, with all gatherings restricted to six socially distanced individuals, and the magic food to drink ratio rigidly and legally enforced [ninety-minutes of alcohol consumption: for every nine euro meal consumed]. So despite the national stereotype of drink-fuelled maudlin sing-songs and bawdy brawling, 2020 will go down in history as a summer of sobriety, with an abiding sense that the whole nation was tucked up in bed each night by 9.30pm. I remember sitting on a bench, sipping coffee from a paper cup watching the sunset on Kinvara. I wondered if we had lost a fundamental aspect of our culture to Covid? Had regulations culled our natural ability to mingle, had that elusive entity we call craic slipped between the cracks and fallen between the two stools of health and safety? And thats when it happened I would guess she was of seafaring, Hiberno-Norse extract, if not a daughter of Queen Maebh herself. Up she stepped at the far side of the square. And with a flick of her head, she sent tresses of copper coloured curls, cascading down over squared shoulders. And she began to sing: If youre Irish come into the paaaaa-rrlour And just like that, we Irish did what we Irish do best. In the face of adversity, we instinctively pulled together and entertained each other. An epic sing-song took hold in the square. And in the absence of competitive GAA, it soon developed into an inter-county sing-off featuring: The Fields of Athenry, The Rocky Road to Dublin, Limerick Youre a Lady and I gave my best rendition of The Banks. The most spectacular performance came from a young Chinese couple who sang a duet of Ni Wen Wo Ai you could hear a pin drop. And The rousing chorus of the night was reserved for a Lithuanian woman and her family who sang a show-stopping rendition of Oi Sermuksnio. There was magic on the waterfront that night. And later, we all slept sober and sound, confident in the knowledge that for thousands of years the varied and diverse peoples of this island had faced adversity: famine, war and poverty. This pandemic was but another milestone in our history. There was a sense that it might be a long battle, but to paraphrase Terence McSwiney himself when all is said and done we would endure and we would be victorious. Officials from the Department of the Taoiseach will meet with AIB next week in a showdown over the bank's decision to to end cash services in 70 branches Sources said that the meeting had been sought after Micheal Martin told reporters in Singapore that the bank should reconsider the move. The bank said earlier this week that cash withdrawals, ATM, and cheque services would cease at the 70 branches, claiming it would free up the branches for opening new accounts, mortgages, loans, and financial planning. It already has 22 cashless branches, and the new changes are set for September and October. Micheal Martin said the bank should consider the impact the move would have on rural and older people. "I think the banks are part of society. They've got obligations as well in terms of the social contract and understand the changing patterns in banking and how different generations are approaching banking in different ways," Mr Martin said. "We are moving towards a more cashless society. But that said, there are significant cohorts of people, businesses and towns across Ireland who need this facility. And I do believe AIB and the banks should take notice of this. And certainly, we will engage with the banks on that." The Taoiseach had been called on by a group of Kerry councillors to intervene in the situation, with fears cited that some people would have to travel 70km for cash services. "I think they need to consider the people who have been loyal. Some customers have been with the bank down through the years, particularly more senior generations. "And I think the economics for many, time is a factor as well. And I do believe they should reflect and reconsider the scale of what they're doing." TD voices 'grave concerns' over impact on enterprise A Fianna Fail TD is calling a meeting with the minister for finance over the decision by AIB to make 70 of its branches cashless. James OConnor has written to his fellow party members asking for their support in demanding the meeting with Paschal Donohoe. In the letter, Mr OConnor asks his colleagues to support him in his bid to hold an emergency meeting with the minister to discuss the future of banking services in Ireland. "I am sure that many of you have experienced the outrage and frustration about AIBs decision to withdraw a substantial proportion of its community banking services. "This is particularly concerning for vulnerable service users and small businesses who rely on cash services provided in bank branches. "I have grave concerns about how this move will impact enterprise on our main streets and in rural Ireland, the TD writes. In Q3 of 2021, Bank of Ireland began the process of closing down 88 separate bank branches. The departure of Ulster Bank from the Irish market along with AIB and Bank of Irelands closures/withdrawals will leave a significant number of large rural settlements and suburbs of our cities with no banking services." He said while he acknowledges that digital banking and new platforms such as Revolut are changing how consumers save and spend money, we must also acknowledge that cash services remain vital to many SMEs in our economy. "I do not feel it is acceptable that we as a party would allow the banks to go unchallenged in their latest efforts to curtail community banking services. "It is for that reason that I propose Fianna Fail TDs and senators request an urgent meeting with the minister for finance to outline our concerns and to seek sensible solutions before it is too late, he added. AIB has opened about 208,000 new accounts so far this year, a 110% increase since the start of 2022. With Ulster Bank and KBC leaving the retail banking market in Ireland, AIB has swooped in to try and entice customers over. A 35-year-old man who hit a Bus Eireann driver in Ballincollig has been jailed for three months. John Long, who is living at a Simon Community facility called J&A on Anglesea Street, Cork, failed to show up for the case against him at Cork District Court and was convicted in his absence. The evidence was that when the investigating garda approached him later that night and asked him if he carried out the assault, John Long replied: Of course I did. Inspector Jason Lynch said now at Cork District Court that John Long had been arrested on a bench warrant to be brought before the court for sentencing. He said the bus driver did not wish to prepare a victim impact statement. Inspector Lynch said the accused got a four-month jail term in the past few days at another court for engaging in threatening behaviour towards staff at a shop in Cork city centre. Judge Marian OLeary imposed a sentence of three months on Long for the assault on the bus driver and made it consecutive to the sentence imposed last week. Bus driver, Dermot Murphy, said he was stopped in Ballincollig for a period on July 22, 2021, before the timetable time was reached to travel on to Carrigaline. Mr Murphy said of the accused mans behaviour at around 11pm: He squared up to me. He hit me in the face with his right hand to the left side of my face. I said, You have made a big mistake. The guards are on the way. Michael Quinlan, solicitor, said to the bus driver that he had a conversation with the passenger about fares. Mr Murphy said: I did. I never expected the man to assault me on the night but he did He was never aggressive to me before I gave him the benefit of the doubt even though I knew he was an aggressive person. Mr Quinlan said the defendant claimed that he (the bus driver) called him (Long) a paedophile. Mr Murphy said he never said such a thing to the defendant. Garda Sinead ORiordan arrived at the scene and got a description of the accused. She later encountered John Long nearby at 11.45pm. He said he had been on the bus. Garda ORiordan cautioned and questioned him: Did you hit a bus driver? He replied: Of course I did. Asked why, John Long replied: Because he called me a paedophile. What he said was wrong. He shouldnt have said it. A woman who fell off a stage and allegedly hurt her back at a ceremony where she got an employee long-service award has sued her employer and the hotel which hosted the event. Teresa Fermoyle, who worked in Jurys Inn at Christchurch, Dublin City, told the High Court she had been flown to Glasgow, Scotland, for the awards ceremony, which was attended by 400 people from across the UK and Ireland. But Ms Fermoyle, who had worked with Jurys Inn, Christchurch, for 25 years, said after she went on stage and accepted her long-service scroll, she fell off the back of the stage as more people were called up to collect their awards. She later found out she had fractured a vertebra in her back and she told the court she has not worked since the accident five years ago. Her action against her employer and the owners of the Hilton Doubletree Hotel, Glasgow, which hosted the awards event, includes a claim for more than 180,000 in total loss of earnings. Opening her case, Roughan Banim SC told the court there was an event with an Oscars-type theme and Ms Fermoyle had climbed three steps to a small stage, where she shook the hand of the Jurys Inn Group CEO. Counsel said they dont know how many people joined Ms Fermoyle on the stage, but it was their case it became crowded and Ms Fermoyle fell off the back of the stage 2ft or 3ft to the ground. He said she passed out and water was put on her face to wake her and she was transferred to hospital. Teresa Fermoyle, 61, of Drumcliffe Road, Cabra West, Dublin has sued her employer Jurys Inns Group, with offices at Ballsbridge, Dublin, and Amaris Hospitality, with offices at Pembroke Road, Ballsbridge, the owners of the Hilton Doubletree Hotel, Glasgow, as a result of the accident on February 22, 2017. She has claimed many more employees were called on to the stage during the employee award ceremony and she was allegedly required to move back to make more space on stage and fell off. It is claimed there was a black curtain at the back of the stage, which meant the drop behind was not visible to anyone on the stage. She has claimed she continues to have lower back pain and she has not been able to return to work. All the claims are denied and it is contended there was alleged contributory negligence on Ms Fermoyles behalf in that she allegedly did not heed the back of the stage and she allegedly failed to pay any or any adequate attention as to where she was standing or moving to. In evidence, Ms Fermoyle told the court her name was called out and she went up to collect her scroll but she said others followed and nobody left the stage. She said there were so many people on the stage. After she fell, she said somebody sprinkled water on her face and she was in a lot of pain. The case before Mr Justice Paul Coffey continues next week. Burma Charred Bodies Found After Myanmar Junta Raids in Sagaing Charred remains of bodies found in Ye-U. / CJ Eleven bodies, some of which were charred, were found after Myanmar junta troops raided villages in Ye-U Township, Sagaing Region, according to witnesses. The regime airlifted approximately 100 troops into Ye-U with four helicopters on July 8 and the bodies were found by July 14 after raids on at least five villages. Some were shot dead. A woman died in a fire in Mee Maung Gon. She was overweight and in poor health. She could not run when troops torched her house. We also found some charred bodies, said a resident. Three bodies were also each found in Lein Taw and Kan Pauk villages and two each in Sitha Myay and Ku Phyu villages. Only four bodies could be identified, according to residents. Seventy-two houses were burned in Mee Maung Gon, 23 in Sitha Myay and 31 in Ku Phyu, they said. Light Infantry Battalion 701 based in Hmawbi Township, Yangon, in Division 77 of the Southern Command, carried out the raids, according to resistance forces. They are releasing their anger towards peoples defense force [PDFs] by killing innocent civilians. They are raiding villages, torching houses and killing people. It is totally unacceptable. Villagers who still have homes have returned and the others are staying with relatives or in monasteries, said a resident. The villages are at the borders of Ye-U, Khin-U and Kantbalu townships where no clashes have occurred, said Ye-U PDF. They kill farmers and fleeing villagers. They kill those who cant run. There was no fighting. They carry out airstrikes and raid villages, said a member of Ye-U PDF. According to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, 2,092 people have been killed by the regime since the 2021 coup. Data for Myanmar estimates that 18,886 houses have been burned down in junta arson attacks. Burma Does Myanmar Coup Leader Have Ulterior Motive for Renovating 2008 Constitution Site? Junta chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing visits the Yangon site where the previous military regime drafted the 2008 constitution on June 8, 2022. The junta-run Ministry of Construction is hastily renovating the Yangon building where the 2008 army-drafted constitution was written, after junta chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing last month described the location as being of historical significance to Myanmar. The coup leader visited the building in Nyaungnabin Village in Yangons Hlegu Township on June 8 and called for the site to be properly maintained and preserved for posterity. Minister of Construction U Shwe Lay has since visited the site at least twice, while his deputy U Win Pe has been closely supervising the renovation process, driving to Nyaungnabin every four days and overseeing details. However, there are likely more pressing reasons for the preservation of the site than posterity. With the military regime facing nationwide armed resistance prompted by last years coup, the hasty renovation of the site which was built to host the National Convention to draft the 2008 Constitution may be more to do with the fact that the clock is ticking for Min Aung Hlaing. Having seized power under the cover of the 2008 Constitution, the junta chief is only allowed to govern for two years under a state of emergency. Even though Min Aung Hlaing has promised an election in August 2023, it is unlikely that his military will be able to subdue the resistance which now numbers nearly 100,000 fighters in Peoples Defense Forces to the regime by then. That leaves Min Aung Hlaing with two options. He can have the 2008 constitution amended and then hold the election or he can cancel the election, citing instability in the country and have a new constitution drafted to maintain his grip on power for the rest of his life. It is not clear how Min Aung Hlaing will have the constitution amended, as there has been no parliament since the coup. But the regime can still arrange a meeting to discuss what to amend, and the venue in Nyaungnabin where the 2008 constitution was drafted can be used for that purpose, said observers. The buildings in Nyaungnabin are now in ruins, but they were once busy with more than 1,000 representatives, who rubber-stamped the then regimes proposed provisions when Myanmars third constitution was put together at the National Convention between 2004 and 2007. The State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) regime enacted a law known as the SPDC Law No. 5/96 which threatened critics of the provisions discussed at the convention with five to 20 years in prison. As the provisions were predetermined by then military dictator Senior General Than Shwe and a few other generals, the 1,000 representatives spent their days at the convention hall and their evenings at beer stations and karaoke lounges set up for them in the compound by the regime. The convention hall is also close to the Mingaladon military base. The sham convention was chaired by Lieutenant General Thein Sein, then Secretary-2 of the SPDC and later the first president of Myanmar under the 2008 constitution. Many believe Min Aung Hlaing will follow in the footsteps of his predecessor and hold sham meetings with the regimes puppets at Nyaungnabin. The junta is planning to switch from a first-past-the-post electoral system to proportional representation (PR) to ensure that major parties do not win a majority of seats, as the National League for Democracy did in the 2015 and 2020 elections. As the seats will be shared among political parties under the PR system, the Myanmar military, which is already guaranteed 25 per cent of seats under the 2008 constitution, will be able to take official control of the countrys politics. It will be interesting to see if the junta will hold meetings at Nyaungnabin to discuss the switch to PR. It is also possible that the regime may amend the constitution to increase the number of parliamentary seats guaranteed for the military. Min Aung Hlaing took it for granted in the 2020 general election that the presidency would be his as he expected the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party and its allies to secure at least 26 per cent of the seats up for grabs. But his calculation was wrong. So to make sure he gets the presidency at the next election, he may well keep more seats for the military, something else that may be discussed at the renovated Nyaungnabin site. The junta may also add new provisions to the constitution in favor of the military, citing national defense as a justification. Min Aung Hlaing may also add a provision similar to Section 445 of the 2008 Constitution, which barred the SPDC regime members from being prosecuted for actions done as part of their duties. Min Aung Hlaing and the military regime have already committed atrocities that have killed over 2,000 innocent civilians and displaced over a million people. There is nothing I dare not do, Min Aung Hlaing said before the November 2020 general election. Since then, he has seized power in a coup, ordered his troops to shoot civilians, burn them alive, torch their homes and conduct air and artillery strikes on villages and residential areas of towns. At a July 1 press conference, junta spokesman Major General Zaw Min Tun, who defends the regime with his lips, said his boss went to Nyaungnabin only to ensure the historic building is maintained. The coming months will reveal if that is true. Burma Junta Detains Rakhine Villagers as Military Tensions Escalate in Western Myanmar An Arakan Army fighter. / The Irrawaddy Myanmars military regime has started arresting villagers in Rakhine States Maungdaw Township, after it suffered casualties in a clash with Rakhine ethnic armed organization (EAO) the Arakan Army (AA) in Maungdaw earlier this week. The Myanmar military suffered heavy casualties, while 14 border guard police were captured in fighting with the AA on Monday in Maungdaw. On Wednesday in a pre-dawn raid, the regime arrested three villagers from Kyein Chaung Village, including the village administrator, which is five miles from where Mondays clash took place, said relatives of the detainees. As soon as they entered our house they seized all our phones and searched inside and outside the house. We dont know what they searched for. We also dont know why the three were taken, a relative told The Irrawaddy. Tensions are escalating in Maungdaw as the regime sends large number of troops into the township. Intra-city buses have also suspended operations, said residents. AA spokesman Khaing Thukha told Rakhine-based media that the attack on junta troops on Monday was retaliation for a junta air raid on an AA outpost in Karen State near the border with Thailand in which six AA fighters were killed. Tensions in Rakhine State have reached a point where negotiations are impossible between the Myanmar military and the AA, a source close to leaders of both sides told The Irrawaddy. It appears that it is no longer possible for the two sides to negotiate. A return to war is likely. Military tensions are so high on the ground that the military sending General Yar Pyae and the AA negotiating through intermediaries is not enough to solve the problems, he told The Irrawaddy. Lieutenant General Yar Pyae heads the National Solidarity and Peace Negotiation Committee, which was formed by the regime to hold peace talks with EAOs under the framework of the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement. In April, junta chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing called for face-to-face peace talks with EAO leaders. Major ethnic armed groups including the AA refused to hold talks with the junta boss, but AA leader Tun Myat Naing did hold talks with the parallel National Unity Government. The AA has publicly admitted to training and arming some resistance groups fighting the regime. A military and political affairs analyst said that despite rising military tensions in Rakhine, the possibility of large-scale conflict there depends mainly on the AA, given the current political and military landscape in the country. Where there will be renewed fighting in Rakhine depends on the AA. The military is now too understaffed to conduct a large-scale assault similar to previous years. It has only prepared for defense. The militarys current operations are limited to controlling towns and major transportation routes. If the AA attacks towns and transportation routes, there will be heavy fighting. If that happens, not only villages but towns will go up in flames, said the analyst. Since November 2020 the Myanmar military and the AA have observed an informal ceasefire, after two years of intense fighting. However, sporadic clashes between the two sides have been reported since May in Paletwa Township in Chin State, which neighbors Rakhine. Burma Myanmar Junta Battalion Commander Reportedly Killed in Clashes with PDF Regime troops in Karen State in December 2021 At least 25 Myanmar junta forces including a battalion commander were reportedly killed during four days of fighting with the Peoples Defense Force in Thandaunggyi Township, Karen State over the weekend. Clashes between regime forces and the Northern Thandaung Defense Force (NTDF) started near villages in the township last Friday, according to the resistance group. Intense firefights between two sides continued to occur until Monday. The resistance group claimed to have killed at least 25 regime forces including a battalion commander and other senior officers while injuring many others. However, The Irrawaddy was unable to confirm the military casualties independently. The spokesman of the NTDF said in a statement on Thursday that after suffering heavy losses, regime forces bombarded nearby villages using 60mm and 120mm mortar shells on Saturday and Sunday. The regime forces also torched 12 houses in two villages and killed nine heads of livestock including cows, buffalos and pigs for their food. On June 22, NTDF resistance forces ambushed a military detachment in Yaytarshay Township in neighboring Bago Region. In the ambush, seven regime soldiers including an army captain were killed and a resistance fighter suffered injuries, the NTDF claimed. The Myanmar junta is reportedly suffering daily heavy losses due to relentless attacks and ambushes by PDFs and ethnic armed organizations across the country. Burma Myanmar Junta Gives NLD Chief Minister Extra Three Years in Prison Mandalay Region chief minister Dr. Zaw Myint Maung. / The Irrawaddy Myanmars junta on Wednesday sentenced ousted Mandalay Regional chief minister Dr. Zaw Myint Maung to an additional three years in prison. The 71-year-old now faces 29 years in prison. A prison court in Mandalay sentenced him under Article 130(a) of the Penal Code under electoral fraud charges filed by Kyaw Kyaw Soe, deputy director of the Mandalay regional election sub-commission, according to the defendants legal team. This is the final charge against him. We are now planning to appeal against all his sentences, his lawyer said, adding that the chief minister is in good health despite needing treatment for leukemia. In mid-June, Dr. Zaw Myint Maung, who is also vice-chair of the National League for Democracy (NLD), was sentenced to 21 years in jail on five counts of corruption. In early June, he was also sentenced to one year in prison for alleged electoral fraud over the 2020 general election. In December, a junta court handed down four years under Article 505(b) of the Penal Code and the Natural Disaster Management Law for breaching COVID-19 regulations. He was jailed for 19 years by former military regimes for his activism. By May, 917 NLD members had been detained since the February 1, 2021, coup, according to the party. Of those, 701 members, of which 98 are elected lawmakers, are still in junta custody. Eighteen party members and a lawmaker have died in custody, often after torture or being denied health care. The Thwe Thout and Swun Ye militias, which are believed to have been formed by the regime, have been murdering NLD members and supporters, especially in Mandalay and Tanintharyi regions. The contract covers the supply, maintenance, installation, and related services of products and services for Tasmanian government agencies, including desktop, laptop, tablet computers and monitors; general accessories for equipment; specified services for equipment such as imaging of hardware, deployment of new equipment, and reallocation/decommissioning; printers and multifunction devices; storage and server equipment; network and ICT security equipment; smart screens and whiteboards; conferencing equipment; and warranty and maintenance services. ASI Solutions is a listed reseller for desktops, laptops, tablet computers, smart screens and interactive whiteboards, and monitors. ASI Solutions has hired Frank Di Palma as an account executive, based in Hobart, to lead operational and growth expansion in the state as part of its Tasmanian growth strategy. Frank is a 20-year veteran of the information technology (IT) industry. Frank will focus on the successful delivery of the Tasmanian whole-of-government supply contract, and on building the ASI Solutions brand across Tasmania. The Tasmanian government will benefit from his expertise in end-user compute and Microsoft Modern Workplace, Azure infrastructure, networking, and cloud, and his experience with successfully managing services projects. Frank Di Palma, account executive, ASI Solutions, said, I am excited to be working with ASI Solutions, a company with over 35 years of experience in providing innovative, pioneering technology solutions. I look forward to taking on the task of growing the local team in Tasmania, and the opportunities this will provide for customers, both current and future, in the region. The new appointment follows a successful 2022 financial year for ASI Solutions, which achieved over $150m in revenue and grew its staff across Australia and New Zealand to 160 employees. Justin Lowe, director, ASI Solutions, said, Were excited to welcome Frank Di Palma to the Tasmanian team. Frank brings to the market our Microsoft skillset and focus on modern management. His experience in service delivery and consulting is a real asset for our local expansion in Tasmania. ASI Solutionss core focus is on customer experience and we are confident that Frank will apply a consultative approach to successfully deliver digital transformational projects for Tasmanian customers. Nathan Lowe, managing director, ASI Solutions, said, Winning this Tasmanian government contract is significant in many ways; not only can ASI Solutions deliver significant benefits of world-leading technology to the Tasmanian government, but it has also created employment opportunities by building the local team in the state. About ASI Solutions ASI Solutions has been a provider of innovative and pioneering technology solutions to Australian private and public sector organisations for over 35 years. ASI Solutions specialises in all areas of IT within the customers business, from hardware and software procurement to complete managed services. Its a holistic solution for everything customers need, from a team that not only has the skills and expertise, but also the genuine commitment to deliver outcome-based solutions for customers. ASI Solutions delivers end-to-end solutions, a team of specialists, collaboration and trust, innovative technologies, and boundless possibilities. Established in 1948, the Detmold Group is an Australian family-owned manufacturer and supplier of paper and board packaging solutions. The Group supplies some of the world's largest and most iconic food and retail brands, including McDonald's, Hungry Jack's and Woolworths. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Detmold Group recognised the need to uplift its entire security posture across the 17 countries in which it operates. No small feat for a team of just 12 IT staff across APAC. It was a big move for the business and came amid a rethink of priorities and security measures due to ongoing pressure from the pandemic, and a growing need for its systems to support a dynamic response. When COVID hit the world, everyones way of working literally transformed overnight. We had to facilitate more remote working and more collaboration utilities. The security tools in place at the time, and our security environment, didnt support us in a way we were comfortable with, Mark Render, Group Manager Technology at the Detmold Group said. Youre allowing people to use their own home devices, theres a lot more people dialling in over VPN, and a network of uncontrolled end-user environments all of this brings with it a heightened level of risk and concern. In fact, it required a full re-evaluation of security processes and measures. We needed to review the implications for our security footprint in light of these new workplace demands and decide whether it was supportive of modern standards, approaches and techniques. Our review revealed opportunities for improvement. We knew we had to make a change to align ourselves to the right security framework, and to the ACSCs (Australian Cyber Security Centre) Essential 8. Meeting threats head on with MTR The Detmold Group worked with its managed security service provider (MSSP) Somerville to source the best MTR and endpoint detection and response (EDR) provider for its needs. After setting up a series of side-by-side tests for potential vendors, Sophos proved to have the best functionality on the market and was the only vendor to stop every permutation that the Detmold Group testing put in front of it. From there, it was simply a commercial exercise, one Sophos also delivered on, providing the equivalent coverage and workload of six full-time staff for the cost of less than one. With Sophos MTR onboard, the Group has clinched multiple pillars of the Essential 8 including application control, application patching, application hardening, office macro control as well as enhancing endpoint and web security. Furthermore, Sophos MTR offers much-needed peace of mind, combining malicious traffic detection with real-time threat intelligence in a bid to prevent, detect and remediate threats with ease and efficiency. There are eight pillars to help you achieve these security standards and a single product from Sophos helped us achieve four of them and contributes to the uplift of three more, said Render. Sophos MTR provides 24/7 threat hunting, providing due care and attention to all and any potential threats to deliver results from the outset. In fact, during the initial onboarding process, Sophos detected a compromised device running legacy antivirus software. The Sophos MTR team ran a point-of-origin test and identified the device without even interacting with it, stopping it from infecting the wider environment and preventing a potential data leak. In addition to its advanced threat detection capabilities, Sophos also delivers an advanced notification program. Sophos provides us with any alerts we need to be aware of, while also weeding out the alerts we dont need, reducing alert fatigue and only informing us of issues that require our input. Growing in partnership Since implementing Sophos MTR, the Detmold Groups tech team has been able to crank up its testing performance, deploy security patches more rapidly, enhance user support, and understand every nuance in the user experience. Were now able to see better, have more control and visibility across our environment, and have added peace of mind with things like application whitelisting, said Render. Knowing the cybersecurity need is outsourced to Sophos, the IT team at the Detmold Group has peace of mind and can have a good nights sleep, Render admitted. He said, Having the service outsourced means we have the support of a specialised security organisation thats geared up to run 24/7, 365 days a year. That alone is worth its weight in gold. On top of the direct benefits of Sophos MTR, Render reflects on the added perks of working with the Sophos MTR team. Thought leadership and industry news brings awareness of potential vulnerabilities and threats, keeping the IT team at the Group on top of developments in the industry and new developments like Zero Trust Network Access. Being able to speak with and learn from other Sophos customers through roundtables and social events provides the Group with a community of professionals facing similar challenges, who can collaborate, sense check, and learn from each other. Asked about his experience with Sophos, Render called himself a self-proclaimed advocate, declaring, Working with Sophos is a wonderful experience and its a fantastic service we receive. If the Sophos team treats all its customers the way they treat us, I cant see how they wont be ruling the cybersecurity world one day. To learn more about Sophos MTR and how you can enhance your cybersecurity, get in touch today. COMPANY NEWS: SoftIron , the leader in purpose-built and performance-optimised data centre solutions, today announced that it has joined the Sustainable Digital Infrastructure Alliance (SDIA) . The SDIA is a platform that creates tangible benefits for its members, created as an authoritative source of industry leaders and information, accelerating a path forward for the digital sector to reduce its environmental impact to as close to zero as possible. The SDIA is a non-profit network of more than 100 organisations working to catalyse the transition to sustainable digital infrastructure. Established in 2019, the Alliance aligns all actors in the digital sector from energy supply and data centres, to fibre-optic networks and software on a mission to build a sustainable digital economy and realise its Roadmap to Sustainable Digital Infrastructure by 2030. The digital ecosystem is incredibly complex and to reduce its environmental impact, the SDIA community facilitates collaboration across the entire value chain to promote a sustainable digital economy from an environmental, economic, and social perspective. SoftIron was founded recognising that the status quo for data centre hardware was unsustainable and fundamentally broken for the needs of the future - impacting everything from energy draw to supply chain obscurity and dependencies, and virtually every manner of waste, said Phil Straw, CEO and Co-founder of SoftIron. SoftIron was created to help lead the industry in the right direction, starting at the core of the problem and working outward. To that end, SoftIron has completely reinvented and modernised how data infrastructure is designed, manufactured and delivered in virtually every regard. Taking the approach that hardware matters, SoftIron has developed highly integrated data infrastructure solutions that optimise every aspect of the hardware and software architecture delivering significant carbon footprint reductions for customers using our solutions. We are proud to share the vision of the SDIA and look forward to helping lead the industry toward better collaboration and more sustainable solutions for a greener future, added Mr Straw. With their fresh approach to hardware design and manufacturing for data infrastructure, we are excited about the potential of bringing in SoftIrons unique expertise and experience to our organisation, said Daan Terpstra, Executive Chairman, SDIA. As a nascent company looking to bring disruption to the market with innovative hardware solutions that reduce energy consumption, heat, and space needed, SoftIron brings a unique perspective to our working groups. Together we will collaborate to develop new concepts and ideas that set new industry standards and make climate-neutral data centres and digital infrastructure a reality, added Mr Terpstra. Reducing Carbon Footprints Recently, SoftIron investor, Earth Capital Ltd affirmed SoftIrons status as a global leader in energy-efficient data infrastructure solutions for core-to-edge data centres. In a report titled, SoftIron Carbon Footprint Report 2022, Earth Capital demonstrated how SoftIron is helping its customers reduce their carbon footprints through the use of its highly integrated HyperDrive storage platform that dramatically reduces space and energy footprint, highlighting that the energy usage of the platform is up to five times smaller than that of equivalent appliances on the market. The report states that for every 10 PB of data storage shipped by SoftIron, an estimated 292 tonnes of CO 2 e is saved by reduced energy consumption alone[1]. (Stated differently, for every 34 TB of HyperDrive installed, one tonne of CO 2 e is saved from being released into the environment.) This is the equivalent of 722,322 miles driven by an average gasoline-powered passenger vehicle in carbon reduction (relative to 32,744 gallons of gasoline consumed).[2] The report also calls attention to the reductions in heat that SoftIrons appliances are able to achieve through their reduced energy consumption, noting that SoftIron appliances produce up to 80% less heat than the standard, thereby radically reducing emissions pertaining to cooling of data centres. For more information on SoftIrons sustainability efforts, please visit the following URL: https://softiron.com/why-softiron/sustainability/ The Earth Capital SoftIron Carbon Footprint Report 2022, can be found directly at the following URL: https://softiron.ltd/SoftIronCarbonFootprintRepor [1] This is assuming industry-standard data storage appliances use 4.08 GWh per PB and are averaged from: Supermicro, 2022; DELL EMC, 2019 & HPE, 2018. SoftIron data storage uses 1.2 GWh per PB (Huntridge, 2020). The calculation uses the UK electricity carbon conversion factor. This figure has been updated from the SoftIron Carbon Footprint Report issued in a May press release. SoftIron discovered the error and brought it to Earth Capital for correction. For more information, please visit this link. [2] US EPA, 2021. Greenhouse Gases Equivalencies Calculator - Calculations and References. [Online] Available at: https://www.epa.gov/energy/greenhouse-gases-equivalencies-calculator-calculations-and-references [Accessed 24 Feb 2022] Under the deal, KPMG Australia will partner with the University to manage the deployment of Workday Financial Management and Workday Human Capital Management (HCM), which KPMG says will deliver an enhanced HR and finance experience for the Universitys academic and professional staff. Ranked first in Australia and 33rd in the world by the Times Higher Education Global Rankings, University of Melbourne staff support more than 54,000 students from 150 nationalities and KPMG says the new solution will provide a platform for the University to enhance support for its people and operations. Byron Collins, University of Melbourne Executive Director, Business Services and Chief Information Officer said: We are delighted to be working with KPMG to upgrade our HR and Finance platform. This will allow the University to simplify and enhance our processes, which will ultimately help us to provide the best experience for our staff and students. Christa Gordon, National Managing Partner for KPMG Australia's Management Consulting division said: We are delighted to be supporting Australias top ranked University in this important project and to see our relationship step into this new and important phase. This is a recognition of the scale and capability we have built in our Business Transformation, Technology implementation and Workday practices. It is also testimony to the role of our unique KPMG Poweredmethodology which leverages sector-specific knowledge with market-leading technology transformation capabilities. Get unlimited access to all content and features at ivpressonline.com with our Full Online Access Subscription. Read our E-Edition, the digital replica of the print newspaper online, access content in exclusive sections including Family, Teen, Business, Databases, Farm and more. This option does not include daily home delivery of the Imperial Valley Press newspaper. For home delivery service, please select Premium or Premium Plus. As the World Health Organization announces the next step in its rollout of the worlds first authorized malaria vaccine in three African countries, concerns about its value have come from an unlikely source: the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, arguably the vaccines biggest backer South Africa: Zikalala urges communities to take a stand against violence KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Sihle Zikalala, says it is only when communities are prepared to expose those within their own families, who are involved in criminal activities, that the scourge of crime in the country can finally be dealt with. Zikalala made the remarks during the memorial service of 13 people, who were from UMzimkhulu, KwaZulu-Natal. The 13 were among 16 people who were shot and killed at Mdlaloses Tavern in Nomzamo informal settlement, Soweto, two weeks ago. The memorial service followed several deadly incidents that took place at taverns, including Enyobeni in East London, where 21 young people died. Almost two weeks ago, a mass shooting occurred at Samukelisiwe Tavern in Sweetwaters, Pietermaritzburg, where 12 patrons were shot at randomly, leading to the death of four people. According to Police Minister, Bheki Cele, at least 130 AK47 cartridges were discovered after the tragic shooting at Mdlaloses Tavern. Speaking at the memorial service held in UMzimkhulu Hall on Wednesday, Zikalala warned that violence in society has the potential to derail the programme of delivering a better life for all, and undermines the achievements made by the democratic government since 1994. As we gather here at this memorial service, we are called on to be vigilant and to jealously guard our hard won peace. KwaZulu-Natal and indeed our country simply cannot afford the violence and murders. We must give peace and development a chance, Zikalala said. Zikalala emphasised that citizens must work side by side to eradicate the culture of violence and bloodshed, and create a new model man and woman who frown upon violence and intimidation. He said that now is the moment to seize the day to create safer, stable and thriving communities, where young people have an array of choices for recreational activities. More importantly, Zikalala said, efforts must be doubled transform and deracialise the economy to ensure that black people in general and Africans in particular also have meaningful participation in the country of their birth. This means that we must create opportunities for the rural youth of KwaZulu-Natal in the villages and townships where they are raised. It is clear that lack of opportunities and rural poverty continue to push poor youth to move to bigger cities, like Durban and Johannesburg, in search of economic opportunities. Nearly three decades into freedom and democracy, it is clear that our country still has to overcome apartheid spatial planning, rural poverty, and exploitative labour migration that has been the backbone of the colonial and apartheid economy, Zikalala said. Youth urged to take full advantage of opportunities Meanwhile, Zikalala urged young people to take full advantage of the opportunities that the democratic State is providing to educate and skill them from grade R, all the way to institutions of higher learning. He said the KwaZulu-Natal provincial government has identified youth skilling, youth economic empowerment, as well as youth employment as an urgent priority. Education and skills are fundamental to self-development, and we urge all young people of UMzimkhulu and the Harry Gwala District to make use of them, the Premier said. He said government will continue to support initiatives to grow youth employment in KwaZulu-Natal and support youth entrepreneurs through initiatives including Operation Vula, KwaZulu-Natal Youth Development Fund, support for the township and rural economy, the Black Industrialist Programme, set-asides for women and youth and 30% of public procurement going to young people. We appeal to all the youth of this province to stand up and look for these opportunities. We also implore the private sector in KwaZulu-Natal to do more to support youth development and economic empowerment. SAnews.gov.za This story has been published on: 2022-07-21. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. AU Commission chief reiterates AU's keen interest to further deepen long-standing China-Africa ties Xinhua) 13:16, July 21, 2022 ADDIS ABABA, July 21 (Xinhua) -- Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat on Wednesday reiterated the AU's keen interest to further deepen the already strong and long-standing China-Africa partnership. Mahamat made the remarks as he received the letter of appointment from Hu Changchun, the new head of the Chinese Mission to the AU, at the headquarters of the AU in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, the Chinese Mission to the AU said in a statement. During their meeting, the two sides held cordial and friendly talks on further deepening China-Africa relations. Mahamat, who spoke highly of the traditional friendship between China and Africa as well as the achievements of practical cooperation with the AU, emphasized the relations between Africa and China are the exemplar of the times. The AU is ready to work closely with China to speed up the implementation of the outcomes of the Eighth Ministerial Conference of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation and Belt and Road cooperation so as to bring more benefits to the African and Chinese peoples. For his part, Hu acknowledged the AU's important role in leading Africa's integration, coordinating a united continental fight against the COVID-19 pandemic and tackling regional hotspot issues. China, Hu said, attaches great importance to developing its relations with the AU, and is willing to deepen strategic mutual trust and practical cooperation between the two sides and push the China-AU relations to a new level. (Web editor: Wu Chaolan, Liang Jun) Several historical episodes have recently been at the centre of public debate in Greenland and Denmark, including adoptions of Greenlandic children by Danish families in the 60s and 70s and the so-called judicial orphans: lack of inheritance rights for Greenlanders born from unmarried Greenlandic women to Danish men. Now an investigative podcast has revealed yet another example of problematic guardianship from Danish authorities in Greenland: back in the 1960s and 1970s Danish health authorities placed thousands of intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUD) in Greenlandic women and girls to diminish population growth. But contrary to prior years, the Danish government now proves to be more open to launch investigations into Denmarks colonial past in Greenland. And the IUD campaign is to be part of a larger investigation of the relationship between Denmark and Greenland from the end of the Second World War until today. The 1966-1974 IUD campaign In 1953 Greenland, a former colony, had become an integral part of the Kingdom of Denmark. It was then administered by the Ministry of Greenland under the Danish government and an effective modernisation process was changing the country rapidly. The mortality rate dropped. In 15 years, the birth rate increased by almost 80 percent. By the 1960s, Greenland had the worlds highest birth rate, and about 50 percent of the population was under the age of 16. Approximately 25 percent of children were born outside wedlock. The construction boom was attracting a large number of Danish workers, resulting in a rise of pregnancies among young Greenlandic girls. In 1965, some 500 children were born of unmarried women, a third of them under the age of 20. In the capital, Nuuk, 50 percent of the infants were born of unmarried mothers. The young mothers posed a problem for the modernisation process: the girls were intended to be educated and take part in it. Another concern for the Danish authorities was that the modernisation of Greenland would be more expensive due to the population growth. In light of this, a family planning campaign was initiated in 1966. An IUD program was established in 17 medical districts. Between 1966 and 1970 half of Greenlands fertile women, approximately 4.500, received IUDs, causing the birth rate to dramatically drop. The IUD campaign continued until 1974 but the number of IUDs in the 70s has not been registered so the total number is unknown. Lowering the cost of modernization It is this IUD campaign that was the topic of the investigative podcast Spiralkampagnen (The IUD campaign) by two journalists from the Danish Broadcasting Corporation (DR), Celine Klint and Anne Pilegaard Petersen. The podcast, released in May, revealed that some of the 4500 Greenlandic women and girls never gave their informed consent, and some women were even given an IUD after childbirth without their knowledge. A former doctor in Greenland, Hans Jrgen Fenger, explained that he was told by his superior at the hospital that for a period of time IUDs were placed routinely in female patients without the patients knowledge or consent. Another source described how doctors in Greenland joked that when a woman consulted a doctor for a swollen finger, she would leave the consultation with an IUD. After the publication of the podcast a gynaecologist in Nuuk told Greenlands Broadcasting Corporation that they still today find IUDs in women who were unaware of them being there. Only a few women whove just given birth left the hospital without a loop, and the same was true for women who had abortions, Jens Misfeldt, a former doctor in Greenland, stated in an article in 1977. Was the IUD and family planning campaigns motivated by a wish to protect young unmarried girls from becoming mothers? Or were they economically motivated? Did the Danish administration in Greenland wish to limit the explosive population growth to lower the cost of modernisation of Greenland? A 1970 speech in the Danish Parliament by the minister for Greenland A.C. Normann hints at the latter. The fierce population increase meant that we had to increase our effort if we were to achieve improvements in living conditions, he said, noting that the IUD campaign had contributed to the birth rate drop. The state took my virginity Naja Lyberth is a therapist specialised in trauma and a prominent voice in the debate on the IUDs. At 14 years old, she was one of thousands of young girls and women in Greenland who received an IUD. At the time, she was not yet sexually active. She remembers how all the girls in her class were told by the school doctor to go to the hospital to get an IUD. They never presented it as a choice, she says. The next day, one by one, they received an IUD. Lyberth is certain that her parents never gave permission for the procedure, and that her dad would have stopped it had he known. The state took my virginity, she says. After the procedure Lyberth, as many other of the Greenlandic women who have come forward, suffered from severe menstrual cramps and heavy bleeding. Some suffered complications with uterine infections. Lyberth has established a Facebook-group for traumatised women who want to share their IUD stories. She has learned from them that many were unable to become pregnant due to complications after receiving the IUD. It seems that the younger they were, the more complications and risk for infertility, she says. Some of the women in the group were 12 years old when they received an IUD. Naja Lyberth was 14 years old and not yet sexually active when she received an IUD. She is now a leading voice on the damage done by the Danish authorities' policy at the time. DR The contraceptive devices used in Greenland prior to the IUD campaign were diaphragms and condoms. Even though the contraceptive pill had been released in 1960 in the US and in 1966 in Denmark, the pill was not deemed appropriate in Greenland. In 1966, a study in Greenland about contraceptive methods was carried out. It argued that since the pill must be taken daily and that in North Greenland the sun doesnt set in the summertime, women would be incapable of remembering to take their pill. It concluded that the summer activity of Greenlanders, who enjoyed spending two to three months in tents on fishing grounds, was not compatible with regularly taking the pill. Silent acceptance The IUD campaign was never presented to the Greenlandic country council (Landsradet) which was the highest representative political body in Greenland at the time. The council did not have any formal power but functioned as an advisory board to the Danish authorities in Greenland. The podcast documents how Danish officials prepared notes for a 1974 meeting at the United Nations defending the family planning campaign in Greenland. In the notes, the Danish officials tried to argue that since the country council did not take actions against the IUD campaign, their passivity equaled a silent acceptance. After the meeting, the UN recommended that all countries make sure to honour individuals right to determine their own family planning. It stressed that systemised family planning should not be used as a motor to speed up a development process. Today, it can be difficult to grasp why no one in Greenland publicly criticised the practice that affected so many women. Maybe an explanation can be found in the composition of the country council, which had only one woman out of 13 members. Or maybe contraception and a womans uterus was just not a topic for conversation. The women who suffered from complications due to the IUDs kept it to themselves. The IUD campaign was not unknown to Greenlanders before the podcast was released. Professor Peter Bjerregaard from the Danish National Institute of Public Health briefly mentioned the IUD campaign in his 1991 doctors thesis where he connected the drastic drop in Greenlands birthrate in the 60s to the IUDs and the family planning campaign. In 2019 the Greenlandic newspaper Atuagagdliutit published a story about the IUD campaign featuring Naja Lyberth. In 2021 in an article I wrote in the Greenlandic magazine Arnanut in which Lyberth was also quoted Kathrine Bdker, chairperson for Greenlands Gender Equality Council, was quoted saying that she knew of the IUD campaign, herself being part of the much smaller generation that followed the campaign. The article caused an uproar on social media among young Greenlanders who had never heard about the IUD campaign, and several older women bearing witness to the story. But it did not have any political implications; the Greenlandic politicians remained quiet. But the article inspired the two DR journalists and their investigative podcast led to a call for action - signaling that times have changed, and that many Greenlanders see it as about time to confront prior colonial practices and abuse in Greenland. A new investigation Reactions to the podcast have been harsh. The case is completely absurd and should in no way be ignored or camouflaged. Call it what it is: Genocide, Greenlandic MP in Denmark Aki-Matilda Hegh-Dam said to the Greenlandic news website sermitsiaq.AG. She argues that the IUD campaign falls under the UN definition of genocide for the crime of imposing measures intended to prevent births within the group. Greenlandic MP Doris J. Jensen said that the disclosures are of such severity that the relationship between Denmark and Greenland should be reconsidered, thereby suggesting a future Greenlandic declaration of independence. The government in Greenland, the two Greenlandic members of the Danish parliament as well as the Greenlandic parliament all called for a historical investigation on the IUD campaign. The stories of the Greenlandic women have made a deep impression. The coverage by DR depicts a deeply problematic practice that seems completely incomprehensible today, Denmarks minister of Health said to DR. He promised his ministry would conduct an investigation. In the spring of 2022, Danish prime minister Mette Frederiksen had officially apologised for the removal of 22 Greenlandic children from their parents in what was later named The Experiment a failed attempt to educate a new Greenlandic elite by removing the children from their parents and bringing them to Denmark to learn how to speak Danish and understand Danish culture. This is a dramatic change from 2013 when the Danish prime minister Helle Thorning Schmidt answered We have no need for reconciliation, to my question on whether Denmark would participate in the Greenlandic Reconciliation Commission. At the National Assembly this year, Denmark and Greenland agreed upon initiating a new impartial investigation on the historic relationship between Denmark and Greenland from WWII until today. The research on the IUD campaign will now be included in this investigation. Recommended reading Activists demand mental decolonization in Greenland Seol In Ah and Jang Dong Yoon might report back to work as their upcoming series is rumored to start production soon! Here's what we know so far about the new KBS drama. Keep on reading for all the details. Seol In Ah and Jang Dong Yoon's Drama to Potentially Start Filming According to a source, the forthcoming KBS drama "Oasis" is reported to begin production this coming September, and has the goal to wrap up filming in April 2023. However, these are just tentative dates and are yet to be confirmed by the drama's production and attending broadcast company. On May 26, Seol In Ah confirmed her participation in the project and is expected to play the lead protagonist. Though Jang Dong Yoon has not yet confirmed his appearance, his agency stated before that the actor is positively reviewing the drama offer. What We Know So Far About K-Drama 'Oasis' "Oasis" is a historical series that is set in the backdrop of Korea from 1980 to 1990, during the turbulent era. It depicts the story of young individuals who face a reality that forces them to abuse power and wealth and manipulate wrong social values. Oh Jung Shin (Seol In Ah) also called Sophia, was born in 1961. From a wealthy family and even her parents own and run a theater house. She decided to move to Seoul to study. Along her journey in the big city, she meets Doo Hak and Chul Woong in her new school in Yeosu. She has mostly spends her time with Doo Hak since she transfers to the new campus. Unexpectedly, Oh Jung Shin develops special feelings for his classmate and close friend Doo Hak. That's why, when she heard that he has to leave their hometown, Jung Shin got heartbroken. Due to this, she decides to reopen the theater house that her parents own to at least get busy and forget her first love. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Confirmed! Seol In Ah To Lead KBS Drama 'Oasis' Jang Dong Yoon is in Talks For Once Jang Dong Yoon confirms his participation, the series marks his and Seol In Ah's on-screen reunion following their campus drama "School 2017." Other announcement regarding the upcoming KBS drama is yet to be confirmed. Seol In Ah Launches Latest Collaboration With MARHEN.J Meanwhile, Seol In Ah just launched her latest collaboration with vegan fashion brand MARHEN.J, in which she is the current celebrity ambassador. The song was released on July 8 and the actress serenades the fans with her delicate voice. It came with a music video, too. The "Business Proposal" star also walked on a new chapter of her journey as she signed an exclusive contract with her new agency Gold Medalist, which is also Kim Soo Hyun and Seo Ye Ji's managing agency. Are you excited about Seol In Ah and Jang Dong Yoon's drama reunion? Share your thoughts with us in the comments! For more K-Drama, K-Movie, and celebrity news, follow and subscribe to KDramastars. KDramastars owns this article. Shai Collins wrote this. Han So Hee exudes a cool girl vibe as she enjoys every minute in New York City. The K-drama star updated fans on her schedule abroad. Keep on reading for all the details. On July 18, the "My Name" star left South Korea and flew to the U.S for New York Fashion Week, joining fellow Hallyu stars Park Bo Gum, Song Hye Kyo, and Kpop stars NCT's Jaehyun, BLACKPINK Lisa, and BTS V. As for Han So Hee, the actress updated her 9.3 million followers with a glimpse of her life abroad. Han So Hee Enjoys Soho The 27-year-old South Korean took to social media and shared photos during her work trip. On Han So Hee's Instagram, the actress is living her best life exploring the city, trying out food and of course, shopping, Han So Hee also featured her outfits. First is the all-black ensemble, which made her look straight out of the runway, while the other screams a summer vibe with her yellow floral dress. In the comment sections, fans lauded how pretty the actress is while managing to pull off contradicting styles and still looking chic. To recall, Han So Hee was selected as Balenciaga's first Korean global brand ambassador alongside Kim Kardashian and Justin Beiber. In March 2022, W Korea confirmed the news and released campaign photos featuring the actress. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Here's Why Han So Hee 'Loves' Reading Comments by Fans Apart from the fashion house, the 27-year-old beauty was tapped by Swiss luxury watch, Omega, to be their female ambassador joining Hallyu star Hyun Bin. From Supporting Actress to In-Demand Female Lead Han So Hee quickly rose to stardom after landing the role of Yeo Da Kyung in the 2020 K-drama "The World of the Married" with Park Hae Joon and Kim Hee Ae. As the K-drama took the world by storm, the actress' popularity rise, and she landed another hit series, "Nevertheless." Interestingly, the viewers love her chemistry with Song Kang as the duo starred in the webtoon-based series playing the role of college art students Yu Nabi and Park Jae Eon. From then on, Han So Hee starred in back-to-back projects. "Nevertheless" was followed by another smash hit K-drama "My Name." From melodrama, viewers saw her versatility as an actress after taking the role of revenge-driven Yoon Jin Woo. Han So Hee reportedly did some of her stunts and even bulked up for the series. She headlines "My Name" with Ahn Bo Hyun and Park Hee Soon. From action-packed K-drama, Han So Hee showed her charm in Disney+'s "Soundtrack #1" with another heartthrob, Park Hyung Sik. Han So Hee's New Drama: Actress Gears Up for the Upcoming 'K Project' Besides her activities as a global ambassador, Han So Hee is preparing for her new drama, "K Project." Per one media outlet, she is also filming the thriller drama series with Park Seo Joon and "Squid Game" star Wi Ha Joon, and slated to premiere in 2023. KDramastars owns this article. Written by Geca Wills In "Extraordinary Attorney Woo" episode 7, Park Eun Bin learns about the shocking truth behind her job at Hanbada law firm. She also meets a person who was once important in her life. Read on to know more about the latest episode of the drama! 'Extraordinary Attorney Woo' Episode 7: Hanbada Lawyers Meet Great Taesan CEO Woo Young Woo (Park Eun Bin) takes on a new case in the latest episode of "Extraordinary Attorney Woo." A project threatens to split Sodeok village so the residents and the village head go to Hanbada to ask for their help. Woo Young Woo, Choi Su Yeon (Ha Yoon Kyung) and Kwon Min Woo (Joo Jong Hyuk) discuss the case and realize that there is a low chance to win the case. Despite the hesitation, the residents beg them to save their village. Lee Jun Ho (Kang Tae Oh) then leaves for the village to check the place out. Lee Jun Ho is welcomed by the nice and heartwarming people of the village. The residents also showed him the Hackberry Tree, a monumental and important tree to the village. He has seen the beauty and history of Sodeok, and because of this, the residents once again begged for their help. With the rich history of the village, the lawyers are filled with energy to fight for the villagers' rights. The Hanbada lawyers then go through the documents and other related materials day and night. Lee Jun Ho's True Feelings For Woo Young Woo Since the lawyers are pulling all-nighters due to the case, Lee Jun Ho drops by to give them snacks. Choi Su Yeon then notices how he looks at Woo Young Woo, confirming that the former likes her friend. However, Woo Young Woo brushes it off, telling her that it's not true. She knows that it's not easy to like her due to her autism. Meanwhile, Dong Geurami (Joo Hyun Young) suggests Woo Young Woo to touch him to see if her heart beats like crazy, a sign that she likes him. When she asks Lee Jun Ho if she can touch him to see if she has feelings for him, the man feels disappointed after realizing that they don't feel the same way. Woo Young Meets an Important Person From the Past During the trial, the Hanbada lawyers realize that they are against Taesan CEO Tae Soo Mi (Jin Kyung). Tae Soo Mi refuses to back down and turns the case in her favor, disappointing the Hanbada lawyers. At home, Woo Young Woo searches for information about Tae Soo Mi which surprises her father. In previous episodes, hints about Tae Soo Mi and Woo Young Woo's maternal relationship shocks viewers. While the village is about to be exploited, the lawyers at Hanbada still try to save the village. Woo Young Woo also asks for an on-site evaluation to find reasons why it should be saved. In the CEO's office, Woo Young Woo's father pays Han Seon Young a visit (Baek Ji Won), asking her if she hired his daughter to attack Tae Soo Mi. Woo Young Woo gets surprised to see her father at work. Unbeknownst to them, Kwon Min Woo sees them, speculating that she was hired through connections. Woo Young Woo Learns About Shocking Truth While they were able to defend the Sodeok villagers, Woo Young Woo learns that she got the job at the law firm due to her father's connection with the CEO. Kwon Min Woo then creates an anonymous post about the unfair hiring on Hanbada's bulletin board. At the end of episode 7, Choi Su Yeon bravely tells Lee Jun Ho to tell Woo Young Woo how he truly feels, and warns to not hurt her. KDramastars owns this article. Written by Elijah Mully. Community education providers in Carlow and Kilkenny are being encouraged to apply for funding for eligible projects under the 5.5 million Reach Fund, which is now open for applications through Kilkenny and Carlow Education and Training Board (ETB). The Reach Fund formerly known as the Mitigating Against Educational Disadvantage Fund now carries a new name. The aim of the Reach Fund remains the same however, which is to support community education for adult learners across Ireland, including in Carlow and Kilkenny, who have the highest level of need. A further focus of the Fund is on building the digital infrastructure of local community education providers in Carlow and Kilkenny to increase their capacity to deliver online learning, with target funding available to improve access to technology and devices. The Reach Fund was first announced by the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris TD, in 2020. It is funded by SOLAS, the further education and training authority, and administered to local community education projects by the 16 local Education and Training Boards (ETBs) around Ireland, including Kilkenny and Carlow ETB. Commenting on the 2022 Reach Fund, Minister Simon Harris TD said: The success of the Reach Fund over the past two years has been so important. Its critical, now that we are past the acute phase of the Covid-19 pandemic, that we reconnect with the most disadvantaged learners around the country, including in Carlow and Kilkenny, and ensure that community education partners are empowered to reach them. These learners simply cannot be left behind. I am very proud of the work in reaching these learners that has been achieved under the banner of the Reach Fund and cant wait to see what vital projects are funded in 2022s call. Projects supported by the Reach Fund helped to support online learning, connect communities and provided social supports to the most vulnerable groups nationwide. These priority groups include people who are long-term unemployed; young people; people with disabilities; members of the Traveller and Roma communities; migrants and refugees; women wishing to return to the labour market; and lone parents. In 2020, over 500 community education projects were funded with overall funding of 5.8 million. In 2021, overall Reach funding of 6.85 million was allocated to support community education, comprising 1,000 initiatives. Commenting on the call, Andrew Brownlee, CEO of SOLAS, said: Through the Reach Fund, we are supporting those in society who are furthest removed from education through social disadvantage. We are calling on community education partners in Carlow and Kilkenny to apply for funding for their critical work through this years Reach Fund. These partners and their projects have a huge impact, not only on an individuals life, but also to our communities, and Irish society overall. This eagerly anticipated collaboration, specially commissioned by Kilkenny Arts Festival, sees poet in residence Theo Dorgan join forces with composer Colm Mac Con Iomaire for a thrilling new work that transforms the story of how poetry in Ireland began. In these once off performances Dorgans words (in Irish and English) are spoken by actors Aaron Monaghan and Brid Ni Neachtain, set to an original score by Colm Mac Con Iomaire, performed live by the composer himself and a six-piece ensemble. This unique event brings together two of Irelands greatest creatives in literature and music. Throughout Theo Dorgans acclaimed career which has seen him work in a number of fields poetry has been the centre of his life born out by the numerous awards he has won and the languages around the world his work has been translated into. Nuala OConnor once said of Colm Mac con Iomaire, In a crowded field of outstanding Irish fiddle players and interpreters of traditional music Colm Mac Con Iomaire is unique. His voice is unmistakably his own and his music bears distinctive creative hallmarks which have as much to do with his personality and character as with his impressive technical mastery, musical authority and exquisitely expressive playing. Dorgans poem, Eriu and Amergin, explores the mythical encounter between Amergin Gluingel, a bard who took part in the Milesian conquest of Ireland, and Eriu, a Tuatha De Danann princess. Filled with contemporary resonances, Eriu and Amergin is a lyrical exploration of identity, heritage and migration, and the ambiguous encounter between the foreign and the native, taking place 11 and 12 August at the Watergate Theatre Kilkenny. Now booking at kilkennyarts.ie This project received a commission award from the Arts Council of Ireland. Musicians involved in the collaboration are: Colm Mac Con Iomaire (violin), Catherine Fitzgerald (piano/keys), Alannah Thornborough (harp), Lorcan Byrne (drums), Ian Doyle (guitar), Colm Quearney (guitar/bouzouki) and Fionn O hAlmhain (uilleann pipes). Kilkenny Arts Festival runs for 11 days from 4-14 August 2022 with a programme designed to connect audiences once again with artists that invigorate, intrigue and inspire. Live music, which was sorely missed during the restrictions, is back in force alongside exciting theatre, dance, opera and literary events which includes a number of festival commissions and co-productions. 11 days, over 100 performances in Kilkennys most iconic and beautiful spaces across the Marble City. For more see www.kilkennyarts.ie Plaisance, Mauritius (PANA) Two Malawian and two Zimbabwean women were arrested last week at Mauritius' international airport after pellets of heroin were found in their stomach, police sources said in the Mauritian capital Welcome Guest! You Are Here: By Baek Byung-yeul Samsung SDI is seeking to increase its cylindrical battery cell production, which electric vehicle (EV) makers are increasingly adopting, as the company said Thursday that it will invest 1.7 trillion won ($1.3 billion) to build an additional battery-manufacturing factory in Malaysia. The global cylindrical battery market has shown an average annual growth rate of 8 percent as the use of the product has expanded to EVs and energy storage systems from electric tools and micro-mobility products. The company said it held a groundbreaking ceremony for its second battery plant in Seremban, Malaysia. The battery cell maker will inject 1.7 trillion won into the new factory, which will be completed in 2025. There, the company will begin mass producing cylindrical batteries, from 2024. "Samsung SDI's construction of its second factory in Malaysia is aimed at responding to the growing demand for cylindrical batteries," a company spokesman said. "Batteries produced at the plant will be used in various applications, from electric tools to micro-mobility to electric vehicles." Established in 1991, the Malaysian unit is Samsung SDI's first overseas branch. In its early days, the overseas branch produced cathode-ray tube TVs and began producing batteries from 2012. "Today's groundbreaking ceremony will be a start point for achieving our vision of the global top-tier company by 2030," Choi Yoon-ho, CEO of the company, said during the groundbreaking ceremony. "Through successful construction and early stabilization of the second plant, we will make the Malaysian unit the center of the global battery industry." The CEO added, "If the Malaysia state government supports us and our partners helps us with the best quality products, the timing of achieving our vision will be accelerated." "Samsung SDI's investment in the EV battery production facility will continue to create jobs for young people and open more opportunities for local Malaysian companies," Dato' Seri Haji Aminuddin bin Harun, governor of Seremban, said. The former Broadway Efficiencies Apartments in downtown Butler has new ownership, City Planner Vivian Likes announced Monday. The new owners are in the process of cleaning the three-story building and intend to use it for workforce housing. Angola, IN (46703) Today Mainly cloudy. A few peeks of sunshine possible. High around 80F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Mainly clear skies. Low 56F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. Kendallville, IN (46755) Today Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 56F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 56F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. slide 2 of 6 HyunA is ready to prove that she shines the most on her stage. She held an online media showcase to commemorate the release of her eighth mini-album "Nabillera" on her 20th. A Place for All Conservatives to Speak Their Mind. Digitalization enables permanent preservation of Dunhuang Mogao Grottoes in NW Chinas Gansu People's Daily Online) 13:31, July 21, 2022 Digital technologies have enabled the permanent preservation of cultural relics inside the Mogao Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Dunhuang city, northwest Chinas Gansu Province. Photo shows Jia Yao, an official virtual cartoon figure of the Mogao Grottoes in Dunhuang city, northwest Chinas Gansu Province. (Photo courtesy of the Dunhuang Academy) Protecting the Mogao Grottoes has become a daunting task due to a variety of problems, such as changes in the colors of the ancient paint after exposure to light, the efflorescence of the frescos over time, and the variable changes in humidity and heat generated by visitors, all of which can cause damage to the invaluable frescos. Digitalization is an important way to keep the grottoes alive forever. The Dunhuang Academy inaugurated Digital Dunhuang, a digitalization project, in order to create digital versions of the Mogao Grottoes in the 1990s. The project aims to establish complete digital files on the grottoes, including its full collection of cultural relics, by processing and permanently storing 2D and 3D data through the application of photogrammetry and 3D digital reconstruction technologies, among other approaches. By the end of 2021, the project had finished compiling a digital data collection on 268 grotto caves in Dunhuang, image processing for 164 caves, and the 3D reconstruction of 45 painted sculptures, 146 caves and seven ruins, while delivering a panoramic tour program for 162 caves. Our academy also completed the digital scanning of more than 50,000 archived images and established a digital team with over 100 members, said Wu Jian, director of the Dunhuang Academys Conservation and Research Division. Visitors watch a digital film about the Mogao Grottoes at a digital display center located inside the Mogao Grottoes in Dunhuang city, northwest Chinas Gansu Province. (Photo courtesy of the Dunhuang Academy) Wu introduced that the academy has not only provided digital support for the protection of cultural relics located inside the Mogao Grottoes and around Gansu Province, but also offered digital solutions to 14 museums in other provinces and cities. In 2014, a digital display center for the Mogao Grottoes was also built. The center developed films about the sites history and the fantastic artistic works found inside the grottoes using the collected digital files and showcased the films to visitors. This has made it possible for the cultural heritage of Dunhuang to be exhibited at various venues outside of the grottoes. Meanwhile, the Dunhuang Academy has established a digital platform for the exhibition of the grottoes, permanently preserving Dunhuangs cultural and artistic resources while creating conditions for carrying out academic research and diverse usage scenarios for these resources. By visiting the website Digital Dunhuang launched by the academy in 2016, people from around the world can now be immersed with high-definition images and a panoramic tour of 30 famous caves inside the Mogao Grottoes. In September 2017, the English version of Digital Dunhuang was launched, bringing the grottoes to even more people in 78 countries, including the U.S., Japan, Canada, and Australia. The website has so far seen more than 15.6 million visits. Photo shows the rendering of a cave on the website Digital Dunhuang. (Photo courtesy of the Dunhuang Academy) In addition, the academy launched a mini-program offering online tours of the Mogao Grottoes in 2020, which has given people a chance to enjoy the artworks found inside the grottoes from up close and personal whenever they want, avoiding any of the damage to the frescos that would be caused by in-person visits. By the end of 2021, the mini-program had recorded more than 50 million visits. The academy has also held 30 digital exhibitions in different Chinese cities, including Beijing and Hong Kong, as well as in countries such as the U.S., Russia, and Oman. Recently, the academy and Chinese tech giant Tencent partnered together to launch a digital laboratory to build a full-scale digitalized replica of the Library Cave of the Mogao Grottoes. They will restore all of the minute details of the caves ancient frescos and cultural relics within a millimeter-level accuracy of 1:1. The two sides also created an official virtual cartoon figure of the Mogao Grottoes, named Jia Yao. As the first digital Dunhuang cultural ambassador, Jia Yao will engage the public through virtual live broadcasts of exhibitions and cross-sectoral cooperation for the promotion of innovations in intellectual property. (Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun) ELKHORN The 36th Annual Lutherdale Fest Quilt Auction is Saturday, Aug. 13. The outdoor event runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. or until all the quilts are sold. The quilt auction, conducted by professional auctioneer Gary Finley, starts at 10 a.m. More than 300 donated quilts of all sizes, from baby to king size, wall hangings and table runners, were handmade by hundreds of quilters from Wisconsin, Illinois, Idaho and Florida. Some are completely hand quilted. View the quilts on-line at www.lutherdale.org. Silent bids are welcome on-line as well. A Look Inside the Lutherdale Fest Quilt Auction will be Thursday, Aug. 11, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Quilt Preview will be Friday, Aug. 12, from 4 to 7 p.m., with silent bids accepted on both Quilts and Silent Auction Items. Lutherdales Wisconsin Fish Fry will be available for inside and outside dining or carryout. Meal tickets are $18 adults and $10 ages 10 and younger. Online silent bidding for quilts ends Aug. 12 at midnight. The Lutherdale Fest Quilt Auction began in 1987. While the event has evolved dramatically over the past 36 years, one thing has remained constant the legacy of love. Quilter groups, guild, and individuals continue to bless Lutherdale with their extraordinary gifts of time and talent. On Aug. 13, experience a presentation on the history and impact of the Lutherdale Fest Quilt Auction. Enjoy a delicious lunch and spend the afternoon viewing this years gorgeous quilts. The cost is $20. Register on-line at www.lutherdale.org, in person at Lutherdale, or call (262) 742-2352 for paper registration. On Aug. 13, the menu features an entree choice of BBQ sandwich or turkey wrap, with sides of potato salad, applesauce, cookie and bottled water for $10. Gluten-free and vegetarian options for the meal deal will be available upon request. There will also be an a la carte menu of brats, hot dogs, popcorn, candy, snacks, and beverages. All food will be served near the auction area from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Special opportunities, both Friday night and Saturday, include: Silent Auction with gift certificates from local area businesses, theme baskets, and specialty items. Gift Gallery with homemade items, honey, maple syrup, clothing, and baked goods. Table sales filled with craft supplies, fabric, patterns, and other notions at great prices. Funds raised from this event are being supplemented by Thrivent Financial Action Teams and the local Thrivent Financial Shoreline Group: Bill Duesterbeck, Scott Herrmann, Josh Duesterbeck, Kristen Lafranzo, Kate Abbe, Diane Kennedy Nopenz, and Joe DeCiccio. Lutherdale Bible Camp is located at N7891 U.S. Highway 12, just 7 miles north of Elkhorn, on the Lauderdale Lakes. Free admission. Free parking. For more information, call Lutherdale at 262-742-2352 or visit website at www.lutherdale.org Lutherdale Bible Camp is a not-for-profit organization, accredited by the American Camp Association, serves all denominations, non-profits, school groups, and more. The new Lake Geneva taco restaurant on Broad Street is now open and serving food, but for now its just on the weekends Friday to Sunday. The restaurant area for Guac Star, 120 Broad St. in Lake Geneva, officially began offering food during the weekend of July 9. The full opening of the restaurant area has been delayed because supply chain issues. Gauc Star features made-to-order tacos, burritos, quesadillas and churros. Kevin Singh, co-owner of Guac Star, said he hopes to have the restaurant open during the weekdays in the near future. He said he is looking to hire more staff, so the business can be open throughout the week. Thats what were working on right now, Singh said. If all goes well, hopefully within the next week or so, we will be open every day. But it depends on the staffing. The bar area of the restaurant began opening during the weekends in late May. The bar features frozen wine drinks, margaritas, pina coladas and a selection of beer. Members of the Lake Geneva City Council unanimously approved a fermented malt beverage Class B liquor license and a wine Class C liquor license for the business, Jan. 10. The bar area also is currently only open during the weekends, but Singh plans to have that area open during the weekdays in the near future, as well. Food and drink just on the weekends for now, Singh said. Guac Star is in the former location of Wicked Poke Hut, which offered custom-ordered poke bowls. Singh purchased the 120 Broad St. location from former Wicked Poke Hut owners Karen Schultz and Joshua Bernicchi late last year. He also is the co-owner of Going Bananas, which is located in the lower level of the Riviera, 812 Wrigley Drive. Guac Star currently is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday. New Delhi, Jul 21 (PTI) Ahead of Congress chief Sonia Gandhi's questioning by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), the party alleged on Thursday that the Delhi Police is preventing the media from entering the AICC headquarters here and said this "high-handedness" reflects the mindset of the Narendra Modi government. The opposition party is set to stage protests across the country against the questioning of its chief and has slammed the agency's action against its top leadership as "political vendetta". Also Read | Lucknow Bans Sale of Pork Meat After Swine Flu Cases Among Pigs. "From the early hours of this morning the Delhi Police -- obviously taking orders from the Union Home Minister -- is preventing the media from entering the Congress party headquarters," Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said in a tweet. "This high-handedness was only to be expected and reflects the mindset of the Modi Sarkar," he added. Also Read | Presidential Election Result 2022: Counting of Votes to Elect 15th President of India Today. The Congress president is set to appear before the ED on Thursday for questioning in a money-laundering probe related to the National Herald-Associated Journals Limited case and top party leaders will converge at the All India Congress Committee (AICC) headquarters for the protests. Similar protests were held when Sonia Gandhi's son and former party president Rahul Gandhi was quizzed by the ED in connection with the case last month. Ramesh had said on Wednesday that the Congress will stage demonstrations across the country in "a most telling manner" against what he described as political vendetta. When Rahul Gandhi was questioned by the ED, the police had made elaborate arrangements. A large number of Congress leaders were detained, taken to far-away locations and released only at midnight. Congress MPs had raised strong objections and complained to the president, vice president and Lok Sabha speaker against the police's "high-handedness". (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Bharatpur (Rajasthan) [India], July 21 (ANI): The condition of a sadhu in Rajasthan's Bharatpur district who had set himself on fire to protest against illegal mining is now stable, officials said on Thursday. The incident was reported in Deeg yesterday when Sadhu Vijay Das attempted self-immolation amid protests over illegal mining in the area. Also Read | Presidential Election Results 2022 LIVE: Draupadi Murmu Leading Against Yashwant Sinha in First Round of Counting. "Sadhu Vijay Das (who set himself ablaze) in Deeg is stable now. The Sadhus have ended their protest (over stone mining). The state government will issue a notification in the next 15 days to declare it as a forest area. Mines located here are old mines," District Collector, Alok Ranjan told ANI. The city officials had rushed to the spot to put out the fire and rescue Das. Also Read | Nothing Phone (1) To Go on Sale Today in India, Check Offers Here. The locals and sadhus had been demanding a ban on the mines for a long time. The administration also assured the sadhus that mines will be shifted from the area and informed about the state government's plans to transform the vicinity into a religious tourist spot. "These mines will be shifted and about 2,500 people who will be unemployed as a result, will be employed somewhere else...The state govt intends to make it (stone mining area) into a religious tourism spot," Ranjan added. On Tuesday a sadhu climbed atop a mobile tower in the district's Deeg on Tuesday morning to protest stone mining in the area. The man was persuaded to come down eventually. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Jaipur, Jul 21 (PTI) Congress leaders and workers held a protest near the Enforcement Directorate (ED) office here on Thursday against the summoning of party president Sonia Gandhi by the federal probe agency in New Delhi for questioning. The dharna led by Rajasthan Pradesh Congress Committee (RPCC) chief Govind Singh Dotasra was attended by state Food and Civil Supplies Minister Pratap Singh Khachariyawas, Health Minister Parsadi Lal Meena, Agriculture Minister Lal Chand Kataria and other senior leaders, party sources said. Also Read | Delhi LG VK Saxena Rejects Arvind Kejriwals Singapore Travel Proposal; Sisodia Says CM Will Apply for Political Clearance at MEA. "The central government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is misusing central agencies like ED to target Opposition leaders. Notice was served on Sonia Gandhi without any ground and on the basis of false allegations," Dotasra claimed. He said the ED questioned Rahul Gandhi for several days in the recent past. Also Read | Assam: Barshashree Buragohain, College Student Jailed Under UAPA for Anti-National Poem, Gets Bail. "Agencies like ED, CBI, Income Tax are being misused to suppress the voices of the opposition," he alleged. The ED on Thursday questioned Congress chief Sonia Gandhi in a money laundering case related to the National Herald newspaper. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Bengaluru, Jul 21 (PTI) Congress MLA from Karnataka, K R Ramesh Kumar on Thursday claimed that the party men have amassed enough wealth to last for three to four generations in the name of its stalwarts Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi. Also Read | Delhi Shocker: Man Attacks Wife, 3 Daughters With Broken Windowpane; 1 Dead. Kumar made the statement during the Congress party's protest in the city today to condemn the Enforcement Directorate's summons to Sonia Gandhi in connection with a money laundering case, which has gone viral. Also Read | Maharashtra Government Removes Stay Order on Metro Car Shed Project at Aarey Colony. "We have earned, which is sufficient for three to four generations, in the name of Nehru, Indira Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi. If we don't get ready for this sacrifice today, our food will rot and have worms in future," Kumar said while addressing the large gathering of party workers here. The Congress MLA from Srinivasapur in Kolar district, said, "Let us shun pettiness and cribbing. Let us set aside all our small issues, we need to strengthen the Congress and Sonia Gandhi. She should feel morally content that the entire Congress stood behind her (Sonia Gandhi) for issuing a summons to her." "The morsel we are eating today will become meaningful if she (Sonia Gandhi), feels content that the country is standing in her support to repay her for losing her husband...." The MLA, known for making controversial remarks, had last year sparked a row in the Karnataka assembly saying, "When rape is inevitable, lie down and enjoy." After nationwide furore, he apologised for his statement. (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, Jul 21 (PTI) India saw a single-day rise of 21,566 coronavirus cases, the highest in 152 days, taking its COVID-19 tally to 4,38,25,185, while the number of active cases in the country climbed to 1,48,881 on Thursday, the Union health ministry said. The death toll due to the viral disease has gone up to 5,25,870 with 45 more fatalities, according to the ministry's data updated at 8 am. Also Read | Covid19 Update 200.91 Cr Total Vaccine Doses (92.77 Cr Second Dose and 6.34 Cr Precaution Latest Tweet by Prasar Bharati News Services. The active cases account for 0.34 per cent of the total caseload, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate was recorded at 98.46 per cent, the ministry said. An increase of 3,227 cases was recorded in the active Covid caseload in a span of 24 hours. Also Read | Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2022 Event Set for August 10; Galaxy Z Flip 4, Galaxy Z Fold 4 Launch Expected. The daily positivity rate was recorded at 4.25 per cent, while the weekly positivity rate was recorded at 4.51 per cent, according to the ministry. The number of people who have recuperated from the disease has gone up to 4,31,50,434, while the case fatality rate was recorded at 1.2 per cent. According to the ministry, 200.91 crore doses of Covid vaccines have so far been administered under the nationwide Covid vaccination drive. India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, 2020, 30 lakh on August 23, 2020, 40 lakh on September 5, 2020 and 50 lakh on September 16, 2020. It went past 60 lakh on September 28, 2020, 70 lakh on October 11, 2020, 80 lakh on October 29, 2020, 90 lakh on November 20, 2020 and the one-crore mark on December 19, 2020. The country crossed the grim milestone of two crore Covid cases on May 4 last year, the three-crore mark on June 23 last year and four crore cases on January 25 this year. (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], July 21 (ANI): Delhi Police on Thursday said that it has detained 349 Congress functionaries including 56 MPs after the leaders protested in the capital over ED summons to the Congress interim chief Sonia Gandhi. "Total 349 functionaries or workers of the Congress party including 56 Hon'ble MPs were detained from different places under section 65 DP Act to maintain public order in the area and all of them have been released after following necessary legal formalities. Intimation regarding the detention of the Hon'ble MPs/MLAs is being sent to the respective competent authority," said Sagar Preet Hooda, Special Commissioner of Police, Delhi. Also Read | Renowned Sand Artist @SudarsanPattnaiks Art on Puri Beach to Celebrate the Election of Latest Tweet by DD News. Sonia Gandhi was summoned by Enforcement Directorate for her personal appearance. "Based on inputs from various sources, it was learnt that members of INC may hold protests in this regard to show solidarity with their party president. A letter addressed to the Organizer, All India Congress Committee (AICC) was sent to inform that large gatherings at around Akbar Road, New Delhi cannot be permitted as prohibitory orders under section 144 Cr.P.C. were in force in the area of New Delhi District. They were also informed that only AICC office functionaries or staff would be permitted into the Office, after due authentication by volunteers from the AICC," stated police. Also Read | Dalai Lama Congratulates Droupadi Murmu for Being Elected As 15th President of India. Adequate law and order arrangement was put in place in New Delhi District to avert any untoward incident. At about 11 am, a large number of AICC workers started gathering at various locations i.e. RML Hospital, Akbar Road, Maulana Azad Road, Man Singh Road, Tolstoy Marg, etc. for the protest. The protestors were appropriately warned about the prohibitory order in force in the area and were requested to disperse. However, the protestors did not pay heed to the requests of police and continued their unlawful assembly. Therefore, they were stopped and detained for violation of lawful directions. Senior Congress leaders including P Chidambaram, Ajay Maken, Manickam Tagore, KC Venugopal, Adhir Ranjan Chaudhry, Shashi Tharoor, Sachin Pilot, Harish Rawat, Ashok Gehlot, K Suresh were among those detained. Congress workers in Nagpur were also detained in the wake of the protest. The protest by the Congress turned violent in Bengaluru as the Youth Congress workers allegedly set a car on fire, in front of ED office. Congress workers also stopped a train and blocked railway tracks at New Delhi's Shivaji Bridge railway station. Chandigarh Police also used water cannons to disperse Congress workers and leaders as they protested over the questioning. Party leader Jairam Ramesh said party MPs and CWC Members have courted mass arrest outside the party's central office in a show of collective solidarity with Sonia Gandhi. Congress leaders accused the government of misusing the probe agencies to target political opponents. Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, who is also in Delhi, slammed the probe and said that since Sonia Gandhi is over 70 years old, ED should have gone to her residence if they wanted to question her. "It is happening for the first time in the country that they are stopping dharna, demonstration," he said. Party leader Sachin Pilot alleged misuse of agencies in the country. "It's our right to protest in a democracy, but it is also being crushed," he said. All MPs and leaders of Congress who were detained at New Police Line, Kingsway Camp were later released. (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, Jul 21 (PTI) The Enforcement Directorate has summoned Congress president Sonia Gandhi for a second round of questioning in a money laundering case related to the National Herald newspaper on July 25, officials said on Thursday. The Congress leader, who is recovering from Covid, was questioned for about two hours on Thursday. Also Read | Prophet Remark Row: Qatar, Pakistan, Iran, Indonesia, Malaysia, Azerbaijan Among Those Who Summoned Indian Envoys Over Remarks on Prophet Muhammad. The questioning of the 75-year-old ended on her request, officials said. However, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said the ED told Sonia Gandhi that they had no further questions and she could leave. Sonia Gandhi in turn said she would be willing to respond to any other questions they might have and was ready to stay on till 8 pm or 9 pm if necessary, Ramesh posted on Twitter. She also said she was a Covid patient and needed to take her medicines so she should be informed about what time she should appear next. According to Ramesh, the ED said it had nothing to ask of her either Thursday or Friday. After which Sonia Gandhi said she was willing to appear on Monday, Ramesh added. Also Read | Tesla Could Start Deliveries of Upcoming Cybertruck in Mid-2023, Says Elon Musk. An ED official said she was initially summoned again on July 26 but this was advanced to July 25 at her insistence. PTI NES SKL (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Lucknow, Jul 21 (PTI) Lightning strikes have left 14 people dead and 16 others injured in various parts of Uttar Pradesh, officials said here. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has announced a financial assistance of Rs 4 lakh each to the families of those who were killed in the lightning strikes on Wednesday. Also Read | OnePlus 10T 5G India Launch Confirmed for August 3, 2022. According to the details provided by the relief commissioner's office, four deaths due to lightning were reported from Banda, two from Fatehpur and one each from Balrampur, Chandauli, Bulandshahr, Rae Bareli, Amethi, Kaushambi, Sultanpur and Chitrakoot districts. Adityanath condoled the loss of lives and directed officials to ensure proper treatment is provided to the injured, the officials said. Also Read | Weather Forecast: IMD Issues Alerts for Delhi, Rajasthan; Heavy Rainfall Predicted Over Tamil Nadu, Kerala. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Varanasi (UP), Jul 21 (PTI) The Hindu side on Thursday completed its arguments in the Gyanvapi mosque-Shringar Gauri temple case in the district court here, which fixed July 25 as the next date of hearing. Arguments of litigant no. 1 Rakhi Singh ended on Thursday, said Shivam Gaur, a lawyer for the Hindu side. Also Read | Union Minister Anurag Thakur Says, Government Blocked 94 YouTube Channels, 19 Social Media Accounts in 2021-22. The other Hindu plaintiffs had completed there arguments earlier. Lawyer Mahendranath Pandey represented the Uttar Pradesh government, district magistrate and the police commissioner. Also Read | Delhi: School Bus Catches Fire in Rohini, All 21 Kids, Driver Safely Evacuated. Now, the Muslim side will present its arguments on the next hearing. Rakhi Singh and others had filed a petition seeking permission for daily worship of Hindu deities whose idols are located on an outer wall of the mosque but the Muslim side had urged the court to dismiss the case. Her lawyer Shivam Gaur argued that the Places of Worship Act and Waqf Act, which the Muslim side has repeatedly cited, are not applicable in the case. Gaur had in his argument before the court earlier said the Hindu side had been worshipping Maa Shringar Gauri till 1993. Later, the government put up barricades and banned the worship of the deity by Hindus. He had said that his case was limited to the issue of regular worship of the deity. After Rakhi Singh and others had filed the petition, a lower court had ordered a videography survey of the complex. The survey work was completed on May 16 and the report was presented in the court on May 19. The Hindu side had claimed in the court that a Shivling was found during the videography survey of the Gyanvapi mosque complex but the Muslim side had claimed that it was part of a fountain mechanism. On the Supreme Court's order, the matter is now being heard by the district court. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Srinagar, Jul 21 (PTI) Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Thursday said the union territory government is making efforts to promote tent stay at scenic locations that will deliver rapid growth to the tourism industry. Sinha chaired a high-level meeting to review the new initiatives of Tourism Department at Raj Bhawan here. Also Read | Maharashtra Government Removes Stay Order on Metro Car Shed Project at Aarey Colony. The Lt Governor sought a detailed report on home-stays, setting up of tented accommodation at major tourist attractions, adventure activities, new trekking routes identified, Border Tourism, Capacity Building Programme at various levels. While reviewing the measures being taken to promote home-stays in the UT, the chair was informed that around 800 home-stays are registered with the Tourism Department. Also Read | Droupadi Murmu Elected As15th President of India: Festive Mood at Her Hometown in Odisha's Mayurbhanj District. The Lt Governor directed Secretary Tourism, Sarmad Hafeez, to submit a report on the number of tourists staying at these home-stays, and set the target of enhancing the capacities of home-stays to 25,000 beds by 31st December. The department was instructed to identify major tourist attractions where tented accommodation can be developed through public-private partnership. Since home-stays and tented accommodations are becoming popular among the domestic and foreign tourists as well as backpackers, J-K UT government is making efforts to promote tent stay at scenic locations that will deliver rapid growth to the tourism industry, the Lt Governor said. It was informed that around 30 locations were already identified and the department was directed to make the tented colonies functional at these locations in the next three months. Emphasizing the need for making the tourist places more accessible, besides adding major attraction for the tourists, the Lt Governor directed the tourism department to identify such tourist destinations where ropeways can also be developed. The Secretary to the Government, Tourism Department, gave a detailed presentation on the Activity Plan for 75 Offbeat Destinations identified by the Tourism Department, which are being developed with proper infrastructure and requisite facilities for the tourists. Sinha directed the officials to ensure public conveniences, utilities, parking facilities, sanitation facilities, cleanliness, signage, toilet units, besides activities for the tourists at all tourist places. The department was also advised to explore the possibility of setting up pre-paid taxi counters at various tourist locations to address the issue of over-charging. Reviewing the ongoing works under the Capex budget of the Tourism directorate, the Lt Governor asked the department to adopt result-oriented and outcome-based approach at the planning stage for the effective execution of the projects. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Ghaziabad (UP), Jul 21 (PTI) The district administration on Thursday ordered the closure of schools from July 22-26 in view of the Kanwar yatra, officials said. The decision was taken by District Magistrate R K Singh due to route diversions, they said. Also Read | Supreme Court Says Denying Unmarried Woman Right to Safe Abortion Violates Her Personal Autonomy and Freedom. In case any school will not follow the orders, action will be initiated against the management of that institution, Basic Shiksha Adhikari (BSA) Vinod Kumar Mishra said. Also, the Delhi-Meerut Expressway (DME) has been closed for vehicular traffic and barricades have been put in place. Also Read | Himachal Pradesh Shocker: Polytechnic Student Murdered in Bilaspur District, Body Cut into Pieces; Probe Underway. Keeping in mind the arrival of innumerable pilgrims, the Delhi-Meerut road has also been closed, the officials said. Commuters have been advised to know about the diversion plan from the traffic department before entering the limits of Ghaziabad so that they may not get stuck in the district, ASP, Traffic, Ramanand Kushwah said. Four control rooms have been established to help the pilgrims in case they face any difficulty, the officials 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, Jul 21 (PTI) The Delhi BJP on Thursday welcomed Lt Governor V K Saxena's decision to return a file on Arvind Kejriwal's proposed Singapore visit and asked the chief minister to focus on solving problems in the city instead of "politicising" the issue. Kejriwal has been invited by the Singapore government to attend a conference to be held in the first week of August. But Lt Governor of Delhi has returned his request, saying his attendance at the mayors' conference will set a "bad precedent". Also Read | Delhi Shocker: Man Attacks Wife, 3 Daughters With Broken Windowpane; 1 Dead. Lt Governor Saxena advised Kejriwal to not attend the World Cities Summit in Singapore since it is a conference of mayors and won't be befitting for a chief minister to attend it, official sources said on Thursday. The L-G has taken a constitutionally and factually correct decision. It's a welcome move, said Delhi BJP president Adesh Gupta. Also Read | Maharashtra Government Removes Stay Order on Metro Car Shed Project at Aarey Colony. "Instead of politicising the issue of attending the mayors' meet in Singapore, Kejriwal should focus on resolving Delhi's problems," he said. Leader of Opposition in the Delhi Assembly Ramvir Singh Bidhuri asked, Why was Kejriwal so eager to attend a mayors' conference in Singapore?" "When the chief minister got an invitation to participate in this conference, he should have sent this to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) because only the mayor can participate in it," he said. Since at present Delhi has no mayor and a special officer is handling the work of the corporation, he along with the municipal commissioner should have attended the Singapore event, Bhiduri said. "They could have explained how the MCD overcomes the challenges in the city. Instead of doing so, Kejriwal decided to attend the summit himself which was unfair and meaningless," he said. Adesh Gupta said the conference in Singapore is for mayors of various cities in the world and there is no logic behind Kejriwal's insistence to go there. "Going to Singapore is just an excuse because Kejriwal is focused on publicity. Instead of the chief minister wanting to go abroad, the AAP government should focus on resolving the plethora of problems Delhi faces," Gupta said. He alleged that Kejriwal, in his eight years tenure as chief minister, never tried to meet people and solve their issues. He is only interested in going abroad and is eager to present his "so-called Delhi model", whereas in actuality nothing has been done, the Delhi BJP president alleged. The fact is the Kejriwal government "crippled" the erstwhile municipal corporations in Delhi by holding back their dues, he alleged, adding the Centre decided to unify all the three corporations so that developmental activities stalled due to paucity of funds could be carried out smoothly. (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, Jul 21 (PTI) Medical students, who were evacuated from war-torn Ukraine, will hold a five-day hunger strike from Saturday over their demand of admission in Indian medical colleges as a one-time measure, according to a statement by the Parents Association of Ukraine MBBS Students (PAUMS). The association claimed that 5,000 students and parents from 26 states will participate in the strike from July 23 to July 27. Also Read | Indian Ambassador to Madagascar Abhay Kumar Called on the President of Madagascar, Latest Tweet by Prasar Bharati News Services. "Due to war for more than four months in Ukraine, MBBS education has been hampered a lot. As time goes, students and parents are going through depression, anxiety and many mental issues. Our demand from Government of India is to accommodate all students in Indian medical colleges," the PAUMS statement read. The association said it has held multiple protests and also submitted a letter to Prime Minister's Office (PMO), but in vain. Also Read | Ganesh Chaturthi, Dahi Handi, Muharram 2022 To Be Celebrated Without COVID-19 Restrictions, Says Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde. Last month, several students sat on a hunger strike at Jantar Mantar here demanding admissions to the country's medical colleges. "We protested at Jantar Mantar thrice and twice at the National Medical Commission (NMC) office in Dwarka. Also submitted our demand-cum-request letter to PMO, health ministry, education ministry, NMC and President of India. But no assurance till date. Students have now decided to sit on hunger strike," the statement added. They said there are approximately 12,000 such students, barring those in the final year, and as there are at least 600 medical colleges in the country, each institution needed to accommodate around 20 students. Thousands of students from India studying in various medical colleges across Ukraine had to abandon their courses and return home after Russian forces launched an offensive against the eastern European country. In April, too, parents of these MBBS students had staged a protest at Jantar Mantar demanding the government's intervention in accommodating their children in the medical colleges. In March, a public interest litigation was filed in the Supreme Court seeking directions on the issue of admission and continuation of their studies in India. The plea also sought directions from the Centre to provide a medical subject equivalency orientation programme for such students. The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has also recommended to Prime Minister Narendra Modi that such students be accommodated in Indian medical colleges as a one-time measure. In a letter to Modi on March 4, the IMA had said such students should be permitted to go to Indian medical colleges for the remainder of their MBBS courses through an "appropriate disbursed distribution", but it should not be seen as an increase in the annual intake capacity. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Jaipur, Jul 21 (PTI) As the declaration of results of the presidential poll neared, the Brahma Kumaris on Thursday recalled the organisation's long association with Droupadi Murmu and how her life has been "full of difficulties". Prajapita Brahma Kumaris Ishwariya Vishwa Vidyalaya administrative head Dadi Ratan Mohini in a statement said Murmu's expected elevation to the post of President will further strengthen women empowerment. Also Read | Ganesh Chaturthi, Dahi Handi, Muharram 2022 To Be Celebrated Without COVID-19 Restrictions, Says Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde. Murmu has been associated with the spiritual organisation, headquartered at Abu Road in Rajasthan's Sirohi district, since 2009. "Murmu's life has been full of difficulties. She was terribly broken when her eldest son died. After this, she went to our centre at Rairangpur in Odisha. At that time, she was in a state of deep depression. She used to cry a lot," B K Komal, a spokesperson of the organisation, told PTI. Also Read | Gujarat Shocker: 35-Year-Old Man Lures Minor Girl With Money, Rapes Her Inside Moving Bus in Rajkot; Arrested. "For almost two months, she was given special care. When she started doing the Rajyoga meditation, she started becoming normal. Regular practice led to a positive change in her life," he said. "She has faced many ups and downs in her life but due to spiritual power, she faced it all," he added. Dadi Ratan Mohini said it is matter of great happiness that a person with "outstanding thoughts, vision, routine, spiritual lifestyle and a noble character is going to be the nation's head". "This will strengthen women empowerment in the country," she 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, Jul 21 (PTI) Amid the logjam in Parliament, the Congress on Thursday said the Opposition wants Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha to function but its only demand is that the first debate this session should be on price rise and levying of GST on certain food items of daily use. Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha have failed to transact any significant business so far since the Monsoon Session began on July 18 with the Opposition seeking this debate. Also Read | #UPDATE | We Are Grounding the Air India Boeing Fleet B787 Aircraft and Off-rostering the Latest Tweet by ANI. At a press conference at the AICC headquarters here, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said from the Opposition parties' side there is only one demand that immediately there should be a debate on price rise and "GST hike on (certain) food items". "We want to Parliament to function but we have one demand that the first debate should be on price rise and GST hike on food items," he said. Also Read | NEET 2022 Innerwear Removal Case: All Seven Arrested by Kerala Police Get Bail. "Government often says we are ready for debate, it is said for all issues and all governments say this. If tomorrow, the government says at 11 AM or 11:15 AM that it is ready for debate on price rise in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, then Opposition is ready," he asserted. (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, Jul 21 (PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi, some senior members of his Cabinet and BJP chief J P Nadda are likely to meet NDA presidential candidate Droupadi Murmu on Thursday evening following her expected victory in the poll. Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi and Leader of the House in Rajya Sabha Piyush Goyal will also be meeting to congratulate her, sources said. Also Read | @MinistryWCD @smritiirani @RijijuOffice Ministry of Health & Family Welfare: List of Latest Tweet by Prasar Bharati News Services. Modi is the Leader of the House in Lok Sabha. Murmu has raced ahead of her rival Yashwant Sinha, the joint candidate of the Opposition, in the counting. Also Read | Delhi: Narrow Escape for 21 School Kids As Bus Catches Fire in Rohini (Watch Video). BJP units across the country are likely to celebrate following her win. With Murmu set to be the first President from the Schedules Tribes, they will also be focussing on tribal villages to celebrate her election in the coming days. Nadda is also likely hold a meeting of party leaders, including its chief ministers from different states, on Sunday ahead of her oath-taking ceremony on July 25, sources 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, Jul 21 (PTI) Union minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday congratulated Droupadi Murmu on her "impressive" win in the presidential poll and asserted that her victory is proof of Indian democracy's strength. The senior BJP leader said she has been active for public welfare among the poor and deprived sections of society and has now risen to reach the top constitutional post. Also Read | India Scripts History. At a Time when 1.3 Billion Indians Are Marking Azadi Ka Amrit Latest Tweet by PM Narendra Modi. The BJP-led NDA's presidential candidate Murmu has crossed the 50 per cent mark after the third round of counting to emerge victorious in the poll over her rival Yashwant Sinha. An official announcement on her win is expected after all votes are counted. (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, Jul 21 (PTI) A request for political clearance for Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's visit to Singapore was received by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday. MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said the "entry" for the clearance was made on the ministry's dedicated online portal that receives such requests. Also Read | Congress Leader Rahul Gandhi Congratulates Droupadi Murmu on Being Elected 15th President of India. "I was just informed that an entry has been made in the ministry's online portal. There is a system to request for political clearance," he said while replying to a question on the issue at his weekly media briefing. "With respect to this visit, the entry was made today morning or afternoon," Bagchi said. Also Read | Presidential Election Result 2022: Opposition Candidate Yashwant Sinha Concedes Defeat, Congratulates Droupadi Murmu on Her Presidential Poll Win. The Delhi chief minister plans to visit Singapore to attend the "World Cities Summit" in early August. Last Sunday, Kejriwal wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking permission to attend the summit. Delhi Lt Governor V K Saxena has rejected the AAP government's request for Kejriwal's travel to Singapore, saying his attendance at the mayors' conference will set a "bad precedent". It is learnt that the MEA is unlikely to approve the political clearance as it is not approved by the competent authorities. Last month, High Commissioner of Singapore, Simon Wong, invited Kejriwal for the World Cities Summit. (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, Jul 21 (PTI) The Congress rejected claims that Sonia Gandhi's questioning on Thursday by the Enforcement Directorate ended on her request, saying she was ready to return after lunch break but the officials told her there was no need for that. Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh asserted that the party's president is ready to answer "any question, anytime". Also Read | NEET 2022 Innerwear Removal Case: All Seven Arrested by Kerala Police Get Bail. Officials said questioning of the 75-year-old, who is recovering from Covid, lasted for about two hours and the session ended on her request. Rebutting the claim, Ramesh said at a press conference that there is "no truth in this, it is absolutely baseless and devoid of facts". He said Gandhi's questioning began at 12:20 pm and ED officials told her that the questioning will continue for two hours and then there will be a lunch break after which she would have to come back for questioning again. "At 2:20 pm when the Congress president was preparing to leave for lunch, she was told by the ED officials that there is no need for her to come back. At 12:20 pm it was said 'you should come back after lunch break', at 2:20 pm it was said there is no need to come back," Ramesh said. "The Congress president told the ED officials that 'I am ready to return, I will answer your questions, it may take till 7 pm, 8 pm, 9 pm, I am ready to sit here'. But from the ED side it was said that their doctor is not available in the afternoon and tomorrow ED is busy in some court issue," Ramesh said. Gandhi, he said, asserted that she is willing to come back for questioning. Meanwhile, officials said the Enforcement Directorate has summoned Gandhi for a second round of questioning in the money laundering case related to the National Herald newspaper on July 25. Ramesh said the ED officials did not want her to come back. "She said I can come tomorrow also because I want to end this soon. They said we are busy with a court matter, we will decide a date for next week. It may be that Monday or Tuesday may be the next round of questioning," he told reporters. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Thane, Jul 21 (PTI) As many as 148 new cases of coronavirus have been detected in Maharashtra's Thane district, taking its infection count to 7,32,947, a health official said on Thursday. Also Read | Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath Announces Rs 4 Lakh As Financial Assistance to Kin of Those Killed by Lightning. With the addition of the latest cases on Wednesday, the district currently has 1,052 active COVID-19 cases, he said. Also Read | Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2022 Event Set for August 10; Galaxy Z Flip 4, Galaxy Z Fold 4 Launch Expected. One death was also recorded on Wednesday, which took the fatality toll in Thane to 11,923, he said. The recovery count in the district has reached 7,19,823, the official said. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Bhubaneswar, Jul 21 (PTI) Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik congratulated Droupadi Murmu on Thursday for emerging victorious in the presidential poll, saying it was a very proud moment for everyone in Odisha Patnaik said Murmu's journey from a humble beginning to becoming the first citizen of the country was an inspiring and a shining example of women's empowerment. Also Read | NEET 2022 Innerwear Removal Case: All Seven Arrested by Kerala Police Get Bail. "Congratulate the daughter of #Odisha, Smt #DroupadiMurmu on being elected as 15th President of India," Patnaik tweeted. "It is indeed a very proud moment for everyone in Odisha that she has been elected for the highest office in the country," he said. Also Read | Andhra Pradesh Shocker: Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams Devotee Crushed to Death With Rock, Accused Arrested at Alipiri. The chief minister wished her the very best for a "fulfilling tenure" ahead. Murmu has crossed the 50 per cent mark after the third round of counting. An official announcement on her win is expected after all votes are counted. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Moradabad (Uttar Pradesh) [India], July 21 (ANI): Amid the row over Lucknow's Lulu mall, Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Azam Khan on Thursday reacted in a funny way and said he never visited any mall ever. "I have not seen Lulu or Lolu. I have not gone to any mall. What is this Lulu, Lolo, Tulu, Tolo...?" Also Read | Dalai Lama Congratulates Droupadi Murmu for Being Elected As 15th President of India. Taking note of the Lulu mall row, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday pulled up the administration and directed them to take strict action against the miscreants who create a nuisance. His remarks came after a video sparked a controversy in which some people were seen offering namaz inside the Lulu mall and protests followed. Also Read | Supreme Court Says Denying Unmarried Woman Right to Safe Abortion Violates Her Personal Autonomy and Freedom. He also stressed that a shopping mall should or a business establishment should not be a political breeding ground. Earlier on Friday, the Uttar Pradesh Police detained three people from Lucknow's Lulu Mall for allegedly attempting to recite Sundarkand inside the mall premises. As per police officials, the three arrested people belonged to Hindu Samaj Party. They were detained at the mall's entry gate. On July 15, an FIR has been registered against unidentified persons amid the row over namaz inside the recently inaugurated Lulu Mall in Lucknow, police said. The FIR has been registered under the relevant section of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) on the complaint of Shishir Chaturvedi from Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha. This comes after a video went viral in which some people can be seen offering namaz inside the mall. The mall was inaugurated by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on July 10. However, the General Manager of Lulu Mall, Sameer Verma said that the mall does not allow any prayers. "Lulu Mall respects all the religions and kind of worshipping is not permitted here. In this regard, we provide strict training to our staff to keep an eye on such incidents," he 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) New Delhi [India], July 21 (ANI): Wishes poured in from the political fraternity on Thursday as NDA candidate Droupadi Murmu won the Presidential election and is set to be the 15th President of India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and BJP president JP Nadda went to meet Murmu at her residence this evening after the conclusion of the third round of the counting of votes which ensured her victory. Also Read | Supreme Court Says Denying Unmarried Woman Right to Safe Abortion Violates Her Personal Autonomy and Freedom. Shah, while congratulating Murmu, said that her victory is a "milestone" in the empowerment of tribal society. "Coming from a very common tribal family, NDA candidate Smt. Draupadi Murmu ji's election as the President of India is a moment of great pride for the whole country, I congratulate her. This victory is a milestone in the direction of realizing the resolve of Antyodaya and the empowerment of tribal society," Shah tweeted in Hindi. Also Read | Delhi Shocker: Man Attacks Wife, 3 Daughters With Broken Windowpane; 1 Dead. The Home Minister further said that she has reached the highest position in the country after "fighting against the odd circumstances" which shows the "power of our democracy". "Smt Draupadi Murmu ji has reached this highest position of the country today after fighting against the odd circumstances, it shows the immense power of our democracy. Even after so many struggles, the selfless spirit with which she devoted herself in the service of the country and society is inspiring for all," Shah tweeted. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also congratulated Murmu on the victory and said that her rising from the poor and underprivileged position to the "highest constitutional position" is proof of the "strength of Indian democracy". "Congratulations to Smt Draupadi Murmu ji for registering an effective victory in the Presidential election. She has been active for public welfare in villages, poor, underprivileged as well as in slums. Today she has risen from among them to the highest constitutional position. This is proof of the strength of Indian democracy," Singh tweeted in Hindi. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, who also reached the residence of Murmu, extended greetings and said that her role in giving "voice to hopes" and is "exemplary". "Hearty Congratulations to Smt. Draupadi Murmu ji on being elected as the President of India. Your role in giving voice to hopes & aspirations of people is exemplary. I hope under your able guidance, people of our country will make a leading contribution in building a New India," Birla tweeted. Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan congratulated Murmu on being elected the President of India and said, "Today she has been elected to the highest Constitutional post in the country. This is India's speciality. I extend my heartiest congratulations to her". Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also extended best wishes to Murmu and tweeted, "Congratulations and best wishes to Smt. Droupadi Murmu ji on being elected as the 15th President of India". Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati, who had extended support to Murmu's candidature, also congratulated her on the victory and said that she will prove to be an efficient president. "Hearty congratulations and many best wishes to Draupadi Murmu, a woman of the exploited and very backward tribal society, on being elected today with huge votes in the election for the post of President of the country. She will prove to be an efficient and successful President, the country hopes such," Mayawati tweeted in Hindi. "Being the first woman presidential candidate of ST category in the country, BSP rose above party politics and gave her support and vote. Now the government should cooperate with them in fulfilling their responsibilities according to the right intention of the constitution so that the public expectation is fulfilled and the country's prestige increases immensely," she added. Murmu was elected as the 15th President of India on Thursday, having already got 50 per cent of the total value of valid votes at the end of the third round of counting. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Thiruvananthapuram, Jul 21 (PTI) Youth Congress workers on Thursday staged a protest at a railway station here, by blocking tracks in front of a stationary train, against the ED questioning of party president Sonia Gandhi in the national capital. Also Read | @MinistryWCD @smritiirani @RijijuOffice Ministry of Health & Family Welfare: List of Latest Tweet by Prasar Bharati News Services. The protest was led by Congress MLA Shafi Parambil who shouted slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and alleged that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) was quick to take action where Congress party members were concerned. Also Read | Delhi: Narrow Escape for 21 School Kids As Bus Catches Fire in Rohini (Watch Video). The protesters were removed from the tracks by the police and several of them, including the Congress MLA were arrested and booked under various provisions of the Railway Act, an officer of the Railway Protection Force said. As the offences were bailable, Parambil and others were released on station bail, the officer said and added that departure schedules of none of the trains were disrupted due to the unexpected protest. The Youth Congress workers and the MLA suddenly entered the railway station and walked onto the tracks while coming back from a protest march to Raj Bhavan, the officer said. The protest march to the Raj Bhavan was also held on the same issue of action taken by ED against Sonia Gandhi. During his speech on the tracks, Parambil contended that such actions of ED against Sonia Gandhi and earlier against Rahul Gandhi will not discourage Congress or bring about its end and will only result in downfall of BJP. According to the visuals shown on TV channels, some workers of Youth Congress had also climbed upon the engine of a stationary train while others blocked the tracks in front of it for several minutes. Later, police were seen removing Parambil and others from the tracks. The Congress MLA was carried away from the tracks by the police. Subsequently, they protested by sitting down in front of the Railway Police Station at Thampanoor station before their arrests were recorded. (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, Jul 21 (PTI) Edtech platform for kids Creative Galileo has raised USD 7.5 million, about Rs 60 crore, in a funding round from a clutch of investors including Kalaari Capital, the company said on Thursday. Affirma Capital, East Ventures, Valiant Employee Investment Fund, and angel investors also participated in the Series A funding round. Also Read | OnePlus 10T 5G India Launch Confirmed for August 3, 2022. This brings Creative Galileo's total funding to USD 10 million, including a pre-series A round of USD 2.5 million in July last year. Creating Galileo founder Prerna A Jhunjhunwala said that the company has raised fresh funds at valuation of USD 40 million -- which is over three-fold higher compared to its around USD 12.5 million valuation in July last year. Also Read | Weather Forecast: IMD Issues Alerts for Delhi, Rajasthan; Heavy Rainfall Predicted Over Tamil Nadu, Kerala. Founded in July 2020, the company claims to have over 7 million downloads and it will use the newly infused funds to scale up, accelerate hiring across the teams in multiple geographies, introduce regional languages and further strengthen the research and development of the platform. "Subscriber acquisition cost for more edtech companies is at a very high rate but for us it continues to be Rs 1.5 because of which our growth has been very organic. We have enough capital in the bank now to focus on regionalisation of our product and launch in regional languages and also to launch in the international market," Jhunjhunwala said. She said that the edtech firm will launch new products to make the learning journey for children more personalised. Creative Galileo is a character-based early learning platform for kids aged 3-10 years. The company plans to double its team from 30 to over 60 in a year. "We are planning to launch in South East Asia. Our next go to market is Indonesia and Vietnam. We are mostly present in India but we have 10 per cent of our viewership coming from foreign markets as well like US, middle east and Singapore. We have started building up a partnership in Korea with EBS Korea," Jhunjhunwala said. The company uses famous local superhero cartoon characters and has signed EBS Korea to get access to their content. "We are also signing up some more Korean and Japanese characters because they have widespread usage in South East Asia," Jhunjhunwala said. In India, the company plans to start providing content in Marathi, Tamil and Telugu within six months apart from Hindi. "In the last six months, Creative Galileo has achieved strong growth with low marketing spends. Creative Galileo has also consistently ranked among the top 20 educational apps on India's play store - the only early learning app to achieve this distinction. This is a testament to the founders' relentless focus and strong execution," Kalaari Capital managing director Vani Kola 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, Jul 21 (PTI) Power generating firms (gencos) have imported 92.07 lakh tonne of coal in April-June this financial year for blending purposes ahead of Monsoon season, Parliament was informed on Thursday. "Ministry of Power (in April) advised Central Gencos, State Gencos and Independent Power Producers (IPPs) to import coal for blending purpose during 2022-23," Union Power Minister RK Singh said in a written reply to the Lok Sabha. Also Read | iQOO 9T With Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 SoC Spotted on Google Play Console: Report. He also informed the House that to ensure minimum coal stocks in power plants before the onset of monsoon, the power ministry advised all Gencos to complete placement of awards for import of coal before May 31, 2022. In May, the ministry had stated that domestic coal would be allocated proportionately to all Gencos based on the likely availability of domestic coal from Coal India Ltd (CIL) /Singhareni Collieries Company Ltd (SCCL) from June 1, 2022, and the shortfall is to be met from blending of the imported coal. Also Read | Facebook Gaming's New Clips to Reels Feature Rolled Out for All Creators: Report. The reply showed that 92,07,000 tonnes of coal were imported by the gencos during April-June this fiscal year, which includes 57,17,000 tonne by central gencos, 28,85,000 tonne by IPPs and 6,05,000 tonne by state gencos. The state-owned power giant NTPC and NTPC-JV (joint venture) imported 49,39,000 tonne of coal in April-June this year. In another reply to the House, Singh stated that as of March 31, 2022, the domestic coal stock was 24.18 million tonne (MT), which depleted to 19.80 MT as of April 30, 2022, but increased during May and June and has now reached 23.126 MT as of July 14, 2022, which is about 40 per cent of the normative stock requirement of 56.6 MT during July 2022. As of July 14, 2022, the coal stock is sufficient for an average of 10 days at a requirement of 85 per cent PLF (plant load factor or capacity utilisation). From April to June this year, all India average gap between the energy requirement and energy supplied was only one per cent. The gap between energy demand and supply is generally on account of factors other than inadequacy of power availability in the country like constraints in the distribution network, financial constraints, commercial reasons, forced outage of generating units etc, the minister explained. In another reply to the House, the minister informed that state-gencos approached REC Ltd for a working capital loan for coal purchase. REC has sanctioned loan amount totalling Rs 3,700 crore for the purchase of coal, which includes Rs 1,800 crore for Maharashtra State Power Generation Company Ltd. He also informed the House that the Plant Load Factor (PLF) of coal/lignite-based power plants with a capacity of 25 MW and above during the year 2021-22 was 58.87 per cent. In 2022-23, the electricity demand has increased and power plants are generating the electricity as per the schedule given to them. The PLF for coal/lignite-based power plants in FY 2022-23 up to June 2022 is around 69.5 per cent, he stated. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Adelaide [Australia], July 21 (ANI): Millions of people worldwide believe that fitness trackers, pedometers and smart watches motivate them to exercise more and lose weight, according to a new study by Australian researchers. The findings of the research were published in Lancet Digital Health. Also Read | Mahaveeryar Full Movie In HD Leaked On Torrent Sites & Telegram Channels For Free Download And Watch Online; Nivin Pauly's Malayalam Film Is The Latest Victim Of Piracy?. Wearable activity trackers encourage us to walk up to 40 minutes more each day (approximately 1800 more steps), resulting in an average 1kg weight loss over five months. Researchers from the University of South Australia reviewed almost 400 studies involving 164,000 people across the world using wearable activity trackers (WATs) to monitor their physical activity. Also Read | Apple Rolls Out iOS 15.6, iPadOS 15.6 With New Features & Bug Fixes. Their findings underline the value of low-cost interventions to tackle a growing epidemic of health conditions partially caused by a lack of exercise, including cardiovascular disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, cancers, and mental illness. Lead researcher UniSA PhD candidate Ty Ferguson says despite the popularity of WATs, there is widespread scepticism about their effectiveness, accuracy, and whether they fuel obsessive behaviours and eating disorders, but the evidence is overwhelmingly positive. "The overall results from the studies we reviewed shows that wearable activity trackers are effective across all age groups and for long periods of time," Ferguson says. "They encourage people to exercise on a regular basis, to make it part of their routine and to set goals to lose weight." The 1kg weight loss may not seem a lot, but researchers say from a public health perspective it is meaningful. "Bearing in mind these were not weight loss studies, but lifestyle physical activity studies, so we wouldn't expect dramatic weight loss," says UniSA Professor Carol Maher, co-author of the review. "The average person gains about 0.5 kg a year in weight creep so losing 1kg over five months is significant, especially when you consider that two-thirds of Australians are overweight or obese." Between 2014 and 2020, the number of wearable activity trackers shipped worldwide increased by almost 1500 per cent, translating to a global spend of $2.8 billion in 2020. Apart from the extra physical activity and weight loss attributed to WATs, there is some evidence that fitness trackers also help lower blood pressure and cholesterol in people with type 2 diabetes and other health conditions. "The other reported benefit is that WATs improved depression and anxiety through an increase in physical activity," Ferguson says. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Houston, Jul 21 (AP) A pair of two-day-old North Texas wildfires continued to resist containment Wednesday after destroying 21 homes, officials said. The Chalk Mountain Fire near Glen Rose, Texas, destroyed 16 homes and damaged five others as it remained on the move Wednesday after scorching almost 10 square miles (26 square kilometers) of mostly short grass, brush and juniper as of midday Wednesday, said Alexandra Schwier, a Texas A&M Forest Service spokeswoman. Also Read | Rishi Sunak Races Ahead With 137 Votes, To Face Liz Truss in Final Leg of British PM Contest. The fire about 50 miles (80 kilometers) southwest of Fort Worth was 10% contained Wednesday with embers from burning tree crowns flying up to 200 yards (183 meters). The fire at Possum Kingdom Lake destroyed five homes as it spread along its western shore, charring 500 (200 hectares) acres about 70 miles (113 kilometers) west of Fort Worth. That fire was 15% contained Wednesday, the Forest Service said. Also Read | Pakistani Passport Ranks 4th Worst in the World, Says Henley Passport Index Report. Temperatures approaching 110 degrees Fahrenheit (43 degrees Celsius), combined with a relative humidity near 20% and 10-mph (16-kph) winds gusting to 20 mph (32kph), resisted efforts to contain the fiery spread beyond 10% containment, the Forest Service said. In these fuels, resistance to control is often high and makes suppression efforts challenging for firefighters," said Luke Kanclerz, a Forest Service fire analyst, in a statement. Ninety firefighters worked around the clock on the Chalk Mountain Fire, focusing on protecting structures and digging a containment line around the fire's northeastern leading edge. A no-fly zone was declared for the area as large and very large air tankers operated in the areas. Airdrops of fire retardant began Wednesday morning with a special DC-10 called a Very Large Air Tanker and a C-130 transport and MD-87 jet called Large Air Tankers dropping 60,000 gallons of retardant near that leading edge by midafternoon, Schwier said. The fire extended into Hood County from neighbouring Somervell County, where County Judge Danny Chambers said all 16 destroyed and five damaged homes were located. Chambers had issued a disaster declaration because of the possibility of evacuations and said most residents of the county's rural northwestern quadrant heeded a voluntary evacuation notice given for the county's rural northwestern quadrant. Crews were also fighting the Possum Kingdom Lake fire around the clock by air and on the ground. Fire crews used bulldozers to dig containment lines around the fire's leading edge, the Forest Service said. Two crew members were treated for minor heat injuries and returned to service. The Forest Service said that 99% of the state was experiencing some level of drought Wednesday. (AP) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Grand Rapids (US), Jul 21 (AP) Federal regulators Wednesday cancelled a policy adopted under former President Donald Trump that weakened their authority to identify lands and waters where declining animals and plants could receive government protection. The move was the latest by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service undoing changes to the Endangered Species Act that industry and landowner groups had won under Trump. President Joe Biden ordered a broad review of his predecessor's environmental policies after taking office in 2021. Also Read | Rishi Sunak Races Ahead With 137 Votes, To Face Liz Truss in Final Leg of British PM Contest. One Trump measure required regulators not to designate areas as critical habitat if there would be greater economic benefit from developing them. That forced the agency to disprove speculative claims of environmental harm made by industries such as mining, logging, and oil and gas" as they sought to extract resources from public lands," said Earthjustice, a law firm that represents environmental groups. Also Read | Pakistani Passport Ranks 4th Worst in the World, Says Henley Passport Index Report. In a 48-page document explaining withdrawal of the rule, the agency said it gave outside parties an outsized role in determining which areas were needed for preserving imperiled species while undermining the Fish and Wildlife Service's authority. "The Service is the federal government's lead agency on endangered species, responsible for conserving the nature of America for future generations, agency Director Martha Williams said. Returning to the pre-Trump policy, she said, would make sound science and citizen participation the basis of habitat decisions. Under the 1973 law, federal agencies cannot fund, permit or take actions that would destroy or severely damage critical habitats. It doesn't restrict activities on private land unless government approval or financial support is involved. It allows regulators to deny critical habitat designation to areas after considering economic and national security issues, and other factors such as conservation activities underway in such areas. In some cases, the designation "can discourage conservation and restoration by making habitat a serious liability for landowners, whose property values can plunge up to 75 percent, The Property and Environment Research Center, a landowner advocacy group, said in a statement. Instead of simply reversing the Trump administration's flawed rule, the Fish and Wildlife Service should reform the critical habitat process to focus on creating the right incentives for landowners to actively conserve and restore habitat," said Jonathan Wood, the group's vice president of law and policy. Earthjustice said the Biden administration's action would return the focus to imperiled species instead of the self-interest of destructive industries. The Trump rules violated the letter and spirit of the Endangered Species Act "by stripping vital protections necessary to address the extinction crisis," attorney Leina`ala Ley said. The Biden administration in June withdrew a Trump rule that prevented agencies from selecting for protection areas that don't presently meet a species' needs but might in the future as a result of restoration work or natural changes, including global warming. A federal judge this month threw out a number of Trump actions to roll back protections for endangered or threatened species. (AP) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Washington [US], July 21 (ANI): US President Joe Biden on Wednesday (local time) said that he is planning to speak with Chinese President Xi Jinping in the next ten days. "I think I'll be talking to President Xi within the next 10 days," Biden said in an address to reporters as he returned from a climate-related trip to Massachusetts. Also Read | Rishi Sunak Races Ahead With 137 Votes, To Face Liz Truss in Final Leg of British PM Contest. Biden's comment came at a crucial moment when both countries are dealing with tensions over the status of Taiwan. The US President also cast doubt on a trip reportedly planned by House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi to visit Taiwan next month. Biden said the US military believes it is not a good idea for Pelosi to travel to Taiwan as planned. Also Read | Pakistani Passport Ranks 4th Worst in the World, Says Henley Passport Index Report. "The military thinks it's not a good idea right now," Biden said on Wednesday as quoted by the White House press pool. Meanwhile, the Chinese Ambassador to the US Qin Gang accused the US is undermining the "One China" policy through its support for Taiwan. "We urge the United States to honour its commitments with actions and to fully implement the One China policy. Only through the adherence to that policy can a long and lasting peaceful reunification happen of mainland China and Taiwan," Qin said at the Aspen Security Forum in Colorado on Wednesday (local time). China considers that the relations with the United States have not recovered since the Trump administration but hopes President Biden's words spoken on improving bilateral ties are backed by actions, according to the Ambassador. The issue of Taiwan has been at the forefront of US-China relations in recent months. Tensions between China and Washington, which is committed to supporting the island's self-defence, and Beijing over Taiwan were in the open earlier this month when their respective defence chiefs met at the Shangri-La Dialogue defence conference in Singapore. Taiwan and mainland China have been governed separately since the defeated Nationalists retreated to the island at the end of the Chinese civil war more than 70 years ago. But China's ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP) views the self-ruled island as part of its territory despite having never controlled it. Beijing has not ruled out military force to take Taiwan and has kept the pressure on the democratic island over the past few years with frequent warplane flights into the island's ADIZ. An ADIZ is unilaterally imposed and distinct from sovereign airspace, which is defined under international law as extending 12 nautical miles from a territory's shoreline. (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 [China], July 21 (ANI): China on Thursday warned the US against the House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi's upcoming visit to Taiwan next month saying that it will act strongly and take countermeasures if the US side insists on going ahead with the visit. "China will act strongly to resolutely respond to US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's planned trip to Taiwan and take countermeasures should the US side insist on making the visit," Xinhua quoted Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin as saying. Also Read | Myanmar Dengue Fever: Over 7,000 Cases With 31 Deaths, Deputy Health Minister Aye Tun Raise Awareness Against Mosquito-Borne Diseases. "If Speaker Pelosi visits Taiwan, it would seriously violate the one-China principle and the stipulations in the three China-US joint communique and harm China's sovereignty and territorial integrity," Wang added. He said that it will have a severe negative impact on the political foundation of China-US relations, and send a gravely wrong signal to "Taiwan independence" separatist forces. Also Read | Rishi Sunak Vows To Work 'Night and Day' in Campaign To Become UK Prime Minister. The Chinese side has repeatedly stated its stern position on firmly opposing Pelosi's visit to Taiwan, Wang said adding that the US Congress is part of the US government, and is supposed to strictly adhere to the US commitment on the Taiwan question. "Should the US side insist on making the visit, China will act strongly to resolutely respond to it and take countermeasures. We mean what we say," Wang reiterated. Beijing's opposition came after a US media report said that the US House of Representatives plans to visit Taiwan in August amid tension with China. As per a media report, Pelosi and her delegation will also visit Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia and Singapore, and spend time in Hawaii at the headquarters of the US Indo-Pacific command. Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden on Wednesday said the US military believes it is not a "good idea" for House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi to travel to Taiwan as planned. Pelosi is reportedly planning to visit Taiwan in August, but the White House said her plans have not been locked in yet. China has strongly opposed US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's upcoming visit to Taiwan next month amid concerns over cross-strait ties following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. "The military thinks it's not a good idea right now," Biden said on Wednesday as quoted by the White House press pool. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said the Chinese side has stated on many occasions that it is firmly opposed to any form of official interaction between the United States and the Taiwan region. "If Speaker Pelosi visits Taiwan, this would gravely violate the one-China principle and the stipulations of the three China-US joint communique, seriously undermine China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, severely impact the political foundation of China-US relations and send a seriously wrong signal to 'Taiwan independence' secessionist forces," Zhao said. According to a Chinese state media outlet, "If the news is true and the trip happens, it will be one of the most egregious provocations by the US to China on the Taiwan question since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the US." A Global Times editorial said visiting Taiwan is definitely a red line that Pelosi must never cross. "China is resolute in defending national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and has the right to take forceful measures against "Taiwan independence" secessionist forces and extraterritorial forces at any time in accordance with changes in the situation, including against the trip and Pelosi herself," the state outlet said. Back in April, Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan had been postponed after she tested positive for COVID-19. At that time, Beijing had resolutely opposed any official exchange between the United States and Taiwan. This latest visit comes after China asked the US to immediately cancel a potential sale of military-technical assistance to Taiwan worth an estimated USD 108 million. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said the US arms sales to China's Taiwan region seriously violate the One-China principle and the three China-US joint communique, particularly the August 17 communique, and gravely undermine China's sovereignty and security interests. China, which regards Taiwan as its province despite decades of separate governance, has earlier strongly opposed military cooperation between Washington and Taipei. This defence agreement between the US and Taiwan came after Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said the One-China principle is what underpins stability across the Taiwan Strait and warned of "ferocious storms" across the region if the principle is "arbitrarily challenged or even sabotaged." (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Washington [US], July 21 (ANI): The Middle East and North African countries (MENA) have become the next focus of Chinese ambitions as the communist nation signed several agreements with these countries in 2022 and ensured high-profile diplomatic visits to these nations. Chinese ambitions to strengthen ties with MENA countries were emphasized by the unprecedented visit of Foreign Minister Wang Yi at the 48th session of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in Islamabad in March 2022. His attendance as a "special guest" of host country Pakistan highlighted the importance China accords to OIC members, Global Strat View reported, adding that several countries were either part of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) or intend to join it. Also Read | Myanmar Dengue Fever: Over 7,000 Cases With 31 Deaths, Deputy Health Minister Aye Tun Raise Awareness Against Mosquito-Borne Diseases. The diplomatic activities initially started with the visit of the foreign ministers of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Saudi Arabia to Beijing in January which was followed by a visit to China by the Foreign Minister of Turkey. In recent years, China has become the main source of foreign investment in Middle East countries as Beijing is engaging actively with Saudi Arabia amidst reports of a possible visit of Xi Jinping to the Kingdom later this year. Also Read | Rishi Sunak Vows To Work 'Night and Day' in Campaign To Become UK Prime Minister. Furthermore, Chinese firms displayed their weapons at the 'World Defense Show' held in Riyadh in March 2022. In the same month, Saudi Advanced Communications and Electronics Systems Company signed (March 5) an agreement with China Electronics Technology Group Corporation to build military drones in Saudi Arabia. According to Global Strat View, China is also eyeing to strengthen trade and investment ties with the UAE. The Emirates has been building and upgrading port infrastructure for the BRI over the last few years with Abu Dhabi Ports and Dubai DP World cooperating with major Chinese companies. Chinese influence continues to grow in Iraq, where Beijing invested around USD 10.5 billion in BRI-related energy projects in 2021 and the country is the third-largest oil supplier to China after Saudi Arabia and Russia. Chinese Oil and Gas Company SINOPEC signed a 25-year contract in January 2022 with the Iraqi Ministry of Oil to develop Iraq's second-largest gas field, Global Strat View stated, adding that the project aims to generate 1000 MW of electricity in Iraq. According to the Iraqi Foreign Ministry, the two countries are also working for cooperation and joint coordination at the UN and other international organizations. Beijing is also making its presence felt in Oman, Qatar, and Algeria as Oman is keen to develop its space program with the assistance of China's Shenzhou Training Centre. Furthermore, China is involved in the reconstruction of Syria, which is in line to join the BRI, for which it signed an agreement in January 2022. In Africa, Morocco has emerged as an important destination for Chinese investments, with more than 80 projects across the country. It was the first North African country to sign the BRI cooperation plan. Morocco also signed the 'Joint Belt and Road Implementation Plan in January 2022. China is increasing collaboration with Israel with an eye on augmenting its Artificial Intelligence (AI) capability. The two countries held the 5th round of the 'Joint Committee on Innovation Cooperation meeting in January 2022. China has also invested heavily in Israeli infrastructure projects, including the Tel Aviv light rail system and the country's main ports, a report by Global Strat View read. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Ausichicrinites zelenskyyi, the first Jurassic comatulid (feather star) from the African continent, has been named in honor of Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the sixth and current president of Ukraine. Feather stars are members of the order Comatulida, the most diversified lineage of crinoids. Also known as comatulids, they are also the only living crinoid group that is globally distributed in both shallow- and deep-water settings. They shed their stalks during development and display high mobility (through crawling and swimming), which is regarded as a significant factor related to their success. The fossil record of feather stars dates back to the Late Triassic epoch. However, their fossils are usually highly incomplete. A single isolated element has been the basis for taxonomic description of a vast majority of fossil comatulids, said lead author Professor Mariusz Salamon from the Institute of Earth Sciences at the University of Silesia and his colleagues from Poland and Ethiopia. Ausichicrinites zelenskyyi represents one of the most complete fossil feather stars known to date and the oldest one from the African continent. It lived approximately 145 million years ago during the Tithonian, the latest age of the Late Jurassic epoch. It possessed 10 massive and uniserial arms and provides a unique insight into the morphology of feather star arms and cirri (grasping legs). Ausichicrinites zelenskyyi shows some similarities with representatives of the Mesozoic Solanocrinitidae but also has close resemblance with the modern family Zygometridae, exclusively known from the Holocene of western Pacific and eastern Indian Oceans, the paleontologists said. This morphologic similarity is considered to be due to convergence. The nearly complete specimen of Ausichicrinites zelenskyyi was found in the upper part of the Antalo Limestone Formation in the Blue Nile Basin, central western Ethiopia. It is currently stored in the Department of Geology at the Adama Science and Technology University in Adama, Ethiopia. The specimen shows evidence of arm regeneration the first example of this phenomenon in a fossil feather star. Signs of arm regeneration are commonly documented in fossil stalked crinoids, the researchers said. However, this phenomenon has been rarely documented in fossil comatulids probably due to the fact that intact specimens of these crinoids are exceedingly rarely preserved. To date, only a single report has been described, namely a regenerating arm consisting of four tetribrachs in Rautangaroa aotearoa from the Oligocene of New Zeland. Two pinnules of Ausichicrinites zelenskyyi bear clear signs of regeneration, they added. It is clearly recognized by abrupt differences in the size of abutting pinnular plates. Thus, new fossil evidence from Africa constitutes the earliest and the first example of pinnule regeneration in a fossil comatulid. This finding supports the hypothesis about crucial role of predation in the evolutionary history of this group. The discovery of Ausichicrinites zelenskyyi is reported in a paper in the journal Royal Society Open Science. _____ Mariusz A. Salamon et al. 2022. Ausichicrinites zelenskyyi gen. et sp. nov., a first nearly complete feather star (Crinoidea) from the Upper Jurassic of Africa. R. Soc. open sci 9 (7): 220345; doi: 10.1098/rsos.220345 Kathmandu [Nepal], July 21 (ANI): Nepal Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba congratulated India's President-elect Droupadi Murmu within hours of the formal announcement of the final results of the Presidential election. Taking to Twitter, Deuba wrote, "On behalf of the government and people of Nepal, I would like to extend warmest congratulations to Smt Droupadi Murmu on being elected as the 15th President of India. I am confident that the excellent bilateral relations between Nepal and India will see newer heights in the days ahead." Also Read | Myanmar Dengue Fever: Over 7,000 Cases With 31 Deaths, Deputy Health Minister Aye Tun Raise Awareness Against Mosquito-Borne Diseases. India's ruling BJP-led NDA candidate Droupadi Murmu has been confirmed as the 15th President of India as she was able to secure 50 per cent of the total value of valid votes at the end of the third round of counting on Thursday. As per the official results, Droupadi Murmu has got 2161 votes with an electoral value of 5,77,777. Also Read | Rishi Sunak Vows To Work 'Night and Day' in Campaign To Become UK Prime Minister. The presidential contest took place between Murmu and opposition candidate Yashwant Sinha. Odisha's Rairangpur village, the native place of NDA's presidential candidate Droupadi Murmu rejoiced on Murmu's victory. Moreover, BJP Headquarters in Delhi also witnessed celebrations earlier this evening as a large crowd gathered outside the office. Voting for the presidential election was held on July 18 and the counting began at Parliament House at 11 AM (IST) today. Murmu was also leading in the first two rounds of the counting of votes. India's 15th President, Draupadi Murmu is a former Governor of Jharkhand and a former Odisha minister. Droupadi Murmu is the first presidential candidate from Odisha of a major political party or alliance. She continues to break barriers and was the first woman governor of Jharkhand. She served as Jharkhand Governor from 2015 to 2021. Born in a poor tribal family in a village of Mayurbhanj, a backward district in Odisha, Droupadi Murmu completed her studies despite challenging circumstances. She taught at Shri Aurobindo Integral Education Centre, Rairangpur. Born on June 20, 1958, she pursued BA at Ramadevi Women's College Bhubaneswar. She started her political career as Rairangpur NAC vice-chairman. Droupadi Murmu was a member of the Odisha Legislative Assembly from Rairangpur between 2000 and 2004. As a minister, she held portfolios of Transport and Commerce, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries. In 2007, the Odisha assembly honoured her with the 'Nilakantha Award' for best MLA. Droupadi Murmu was a national executive member of BJP's ST Morcha from 2013 to 2015 and served as BJP district chief of Mayurbhanj (West) in 2010 and 2013. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Islamabad [Pakistan], July 21 (ANI): Over 50 people are presumed to be dead after a boat carrying over 100 wedding guests capsized in the Indus River near Machke, approximately 65 km from Rahim Yar Khan on Monday. District administration spokesperson Kashif Nisar Gill said that there's no chance of finding survivors as more than 48 hours have passed since the incident took place, Geo News reported. Also Read | An An, World's Longest-Living Male Giant Panda Under Human Care, Dies at 35 in Hong Kong. Gill added that men comprised of the majority of the survivors who managed to swim ashore. The accident took place on Monday when a wedding party was returning to Machke from Khrore village in two boats, the Dawn reported. Also Read | Uber Files: UK Union Stages 24-Hour Strike To Make CEO Dara Khosrowshahi Accountable. "One of the boats was overloaded and capsized after one of the planks in its hull fell apart, mostly women and children of the family drowned as only the men were rescued in the initial efforts," a cousin of the groom said. Around eight members of a single family belonging to the Solangi clan drowned in the accident along with their relatives, the Dawn reported. The bodies of the deceased were laid down in the ancestral graveyards in their native village Hussain Bakhsh Solangi near Machke in Sindh. Clan chief Sardar Abbas Khan Solangi attended the funeral prayers for the 26 people including two children and a woman whose bodies were fished out from the river. Solangi demanded compensation from Sindh and Punjab (where the incident took place) governments as he blamed them for failure to construct bridges in the area forcing people to use worn-out wooden boats to cross the river. Rahim Yar Khan's deputy commissioner said that a contingent of 18 Pakistan Army divers from Mangla also arrived in Rahim Yar Khan to take part in the rescue operation, the Dawn reported. Earlier, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed condolences to the people who met the watery grave after the boat capsized on Monday. "I am saddened by the loss of 19 precious lives in the boat capsizing accident in the Indus River near Rahim Yar Khan. We pray to God to grant the deceased a place in His mercy and grant patience to the affected families," he tweeted. Last week, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority of Punjab issued an alert of heavy rains in the province from July 15 to 17 urging people to avoid going into the water. "Medium to high-level flooding is expected in the hill torrents of Dera Ghazi Khan division from July 15 to July 17," it had noted, adding that flash floods could also be reported in rivers and nullahs. (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 York, Jul 21 (PTI) Two Indian brothers and their Indian-American friend have been charged in the US in the first ever cryptocurrency insider trading scheme in which they made illicit profits totalling over a million dollars. Ishan Wahi, 32, and his brother Nikhil Wahi, 26, are citizens of India and were residing in Seattle while Sameer Ramani, 33, resides in Houston. Also Read | Myanmar Dengue Fever: Over 7,000 Cases With 31 Deaths, Deputy Health Minister Aye Tun Raise Awareness Against Mosquito-Borne Diseases. United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York Damian Williams and Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Michael J. Driscoll announced on Thursday the unsealing of an Indictment charging the Wahi brothers and Ramani with wire fraud conspiracy and wire fraud in connection with a scheme to commit insider trading in cryptocurrency assets by using confidential Coinbase information about which crypto assets were scheduled to be listed on Coinbase's exchanges. The Securities and Exchange Commission also announced insider trading charges against the three men. Also Read | Rishi Sunak Vows To Work 'Night and Day' in Campaign To Become UK Prime Minister. The Wahi brothers were arrested on Thursday morning in Seattle and will be presented in the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington. The SEC complaint said Ramani is believed to currently be in India. Ramani and Ishan Wahi attended the University of Texas at Austin at the same time and remain close friends. Prosecutors said the three have been charged in the first ever cryptocurrency insider trading tipping scheme, in which the defendants made illegal trades in at least 25 different crypto assets and realized ill-gotten gains totalling approximately USD 1.5 million. Today's charges are a further reminder that Web3 is not a law-free zone. Just last month, I announced the first ever insider trading case involving NFTs, and today I announce the first ever insider trading case involving cryptocurrency markets. Our message with these charges is clear: fraud is fraud, whether it occurs on the blockchain or on Wall Street. And the Southern District of New York will continue to be relentless in bringing fraudsters to justice, wherever we may find them, Williams said. Ishan Wahi is charged with two counts of wire fraud conspiracy and two counts of wire fraud, each of which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years. Similarly, Nikhil Wahi and Ramani are charged with one count of wire fraud conspiracy and one count of wire fraud, each of which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Washington, Jul 21 (PTI) A key committee of the US Senate has sought to bolster the defence partnership with India and take it to a new level through greater cooperation in intelligence collection, drones and fourth and fifth generation aircraft. The move by the powerful Senate Armed Services Committee comes a week after the House of Representatives passed a legislative amendment as part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that waived off punitive CAATSA sanctions for India. NDAA is the annual budget of the United States. The House version of NDAA was passed last week. Also Read | Rishi Sunak Races Ahead With 137 Votes, To Face Liz Truss in Final Leg of British PM Contest. The Senate Armed Services Committee released its version of the National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2023 On Wednesday. It includes a Section on Enhancing the Major Defense Partnership with India which envisages greater cooperation in intelligence collection, drones and fourth and fifth generation aircraft. Also Read | Pakistani Passport Ranks 4th Worst in the World, Says Henley Passport Index Report. It also includes depot-level maintenance, joint research and development, 5G and Open Radio Access Networks (RAN); cyber and cold-weather capabilities. The Section also asks the defence secretary to explore other areas for expanding cooperation with India, including a description of the challenges, agreements, authorities that may be required, and also an articulation of security considerations including protection of research and development and intellectual property. Among other things, it also asks the defense secretary to identify opportunities for the private sector to work with the Ministry of Defense in India. The US House of Representatives passed a legislative amendment last week that approves an India-specific waiver for punitive CAATSA sanctions for its purchase of the S-400 missile defence system from Russia. Authored and introduced by Indian-American Congressman Ro Khanna, the amendment urges the Biden administration to use their authority to provide India with a Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) waiver to help deter aggressors like China. The legislative amendment was passed by voice vote as part of an en bloc (all together as a single unit) amendment during floor consideration of the National Defence Authorisation Act (NDAA). CAATSA is a tough US law that authorises the US administration to impose sanctions on countries that purchase major defence hardware from Russia in response to Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014 and its alleged meddling in the 2016 US presidential elections. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Patna, July 21: The negligence of the power supply station in Nalanda district turned fatal for an electrician after he climbed on the transformer to rectify a technical fault At the same time, someone switched on the power supply. The deceased was identified as Ajit Kumar Pandey who went to Nat Tola village in the Ruhai police station area in the district to rectify the technical fault at 5.30 a.m. on Thursday. Tamil Nadu Electrocution Latest Updates: 11 Electrocuted, 15 Injured During Temple Chariot Procession in Thanjavur; CM MK Stalin To Meet Injured, Deceased's Families Rakesh Kumar, a villager of Nat Tola said: "The technician came after a complaint was lodged by the villagers. He came at 5.30 a.m. and the power supply was off then. He climbed on the transformer to rectify the fault. Suddenly someone switched on the power supply and he was burnt alive on the transformer." Another villager Sharawan Kumar Pandey said: "The technician went on the transformer after he cross-checked with the power supply station. It looks like someone deliberately switched on the power supply. It is not an accident it is murder." "We tried to save him but failed as his body was engulfed in fire in a few seconds and he did not fall to the ground," he said. "Following the incident, the villagers protested against the power supply company but the officials of the company or the police did not come to the village," he said. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 21, 2022 03:02 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). New Delhi, July 21: The government on Thursday told Parliament that it does not agree with the conclusions drawn by 'Reporters Without Borders' in the World Press Freedom Index that ranked India 150th among 180 nations. Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha, said the government did not agree with the conclusions drawn by the organisation for various reasons including "very low sample size, little or no weightage to fundamentals of democracy, adoption of a methodology which is questionable and non-transparent". Thakur was responding to separate questions put by Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge and AAP member Sanjay Singh. The minister said the Government was committed to ensuring the right to freedom of speech and expression enshrined under Article 19 of the Constitution. India Slips to 150 in World Press Freedom Index 2022. Thakur said the Press Council of India (PCI) has been set up under the Press Council Act, 1978 mainly to preserve the freedom of the press and improve the standards of newspapers and news agencies in the country. He said the PCI looks into the complaints filed 'by the Press' regarding curtailment of press freedom. Thakur said the PCI was also empowered to take suo moto cognizance in matters on the pressing issues concerning freedom of the Press and safeguarding of its high standards. In response to Kharge's question on the arrest of journalists, the minister said the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) does not maintain data separately on attacks on journalists. According to the World Press Freedom Index, released in May, India's ranking dropped to 150th position from last year's 142nd rank among 180 nations. New Delhi, July 21: Qatar, Kuwait, Pakistan, Iran, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Azerbaijan were among the countries who summoned Indian Ambassadors in connection with the remarks on Prophet Muhammed, the Parliament was told on Thursday. "Our Ambassadors conveyed that the remarks were made by Individuals and do not, in any manner, reflect the view of the Government of India. In line with our civilisational heritage and cultural traditions, India accords highest respect to all religions," Minister of State for External Affairs V. Muraleedharan told the Rajya Sabha in response to a question. Prophet Remark Row: Supreme Court Protects Nupur Sharma From Arrest in FIRs Over Her Remarks Against Prophet Muhammad. Replying to a question whether hate speeches and defamatory comments by the leaders and spokespersons of political parties in India have affected its friendly relations with Arab countries recently, he said: "No. India shares historic and friendly relations with Arab countries which have strengthened significantly in the past few years in different domains including political, trade and investment, defence, security, science and technology, culture and people-to-people ties. "The Government of India continues to attach high priority to further strengthen relations with Arab countries, who understand the outlook and views of the Government." Replying to a question whether any of the Arab country has condemned this act and in what manner the overnment is planning to deal with such incidents in the future, the minister said: "With regard to recent remarks, the relevant political organisation has clarified its position. This has been duly recognised by Arab governments." (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 21, 2022 05:57 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). All seven persons, arrested by the #Kerala Police (@TheKeralaPolice) in connection with the #NEET girl aspirants innerwear removal row in the state, on Thursday got bail from a lower court in Kollam district. pic.twitter.com/JmGjfj2IFz IANS (@ians_india) July 21, 2022 (SocialLY brings you all the latest breaking news, viral trends and information from social media world, including Twitter, Instagram and Youtube. The above post is embeded directly from the user's social media account and LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body. The views and facts appearing in the social media post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY, also LatestLY does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.) (SocialLY brings you all the latest breaking news, viral trends and information from social media world, including Twitter, Instagram and Youtube. The above post is embeded directly from the user's social media account and LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body. The views and facts appearing in the social media post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY, also LatestLY does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.) Congress leader Sachin Pilot detained for protesting over ED probe against Sonia Gandhi. "There is misuse of agencies in the country... it's our right to protest in a democracy, but it is also being crushed upon...," he says pic.twitter.com/JQuqfUB3p4 ANI (@ANI) July 21, 2022 (SocialLY brings you all the latest breaking news, viral trends and information from social media world, including Twitter, Instagram and Youtube. The above post is embeded directly from the user's social media account and LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body. The views and facts appearing in the social media post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY, also LatestLY does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.) AFT Pharmaceuticals (NZX: AFT , ASX: AFP) today announces that Dr Doug Wilson will step down from its Board of Directors at the conclusion of the companys Annual Meeting of Shareholders on 5 August 2022. Dr Wilson joined the AFT Board in 2012 following a distinguished and diverse career in academia and business and with deep experience spanning pharmaceutical research, development and commercialisation. AFT Pharmaceuticals Chair David Flacks said: Dougs experience and expertise have brought significant value to the Board and the AFT business. The combination of his healthcare and commercial experience has been present during a number of significant milestones including our NZX and ASX listings, product negotiations and meetings with regulators around the globe. He has also brought to the board table a world view and a genuine and abiding care for people. AFT Pharmaceuticals Managing Director Dr Hartley Atkinson said: Doug has advised AFT since 2008 and with his huge experience in drug development and regulatory issues on a global level, his contribution has been invaluable. Doug is a great teacher - we have soaked up his wisdom and are in a good place to continue our existing and new R&D programmes. We certainly are grateful for all of Dougs help and thank him sincerely. Dr Doug Wilson Career overview Dr Doug Wilson joined the AFT Board in 2012 after a diverse and distinguished career. His first job in medicine was as a nurse at Auckland Hospital during a student vacation. Upon graduating from Otago University medical school, he undertook postgraduate training in medicine, blood and kidney diseases and research. After moving to the UK he gained a PhD training in haematology and immunology. He returned to New Zealand and was appointed an associate professor at Auckland Medical School, and this was followed by other academic roles including visiting professor at the King Saud University in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. At the age of 50 he opted for a new career in business, joining the German pharmaceutical company Boehringer Ingelheim, first as its New Zealand Medical Director and ending his tenure as the companys worldwide head of Medical Research and Regulatory Affairs. During this time, he led teams that developed and commercialised new drugs for hypertension, HIV, chronic lung diseases, strokes, heart attacks, prostatic disease among many others. Dr Doug Wilson to step down from AFT Board Comments from our readers No comments yet Add your comment: Your name: Your email: Not displayed to the public Comment: Comments to Sharechat go through an approval process. Comments which are defamatory, abusive or in some way deemed inappropriate will not be approved. It is allowable to use some form of non-de-plume for your name, however we recommend real email addresses are used. Comments from free email addresses such as Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, etc may not be approved. Anti-spam verification: Type the text you see in the image into the field below. You are asked to do this in order to verify that this enquiry is not being performed by an automated process. Related News: CMC - Retirement and Appointment of Directors Senior Leadership Team Changes CHI - Half Year Results and Audio Conference Details Mercury results reflect transformative year PGW - Annual Results Announcement to 30 June 2022 August 16th Morning Report Manawa Energy considers retail bond offer Greenfern NZ's Toitu carbonzero medicinal cannabis company My Food Bag - FY23 Trading Update Meridian and Contact Agree Swaption and CfD Deal One #US Army Reserve soldier died and nine others were injured after a lightning bolt struck a training area at Fort Gordon in the southeastern state of #Georgia. Photo: IANS (Representational image) pic.twitter.com/ecabxFmsNj IANS (@ians_india) July 21, 2022 (SocialLY brings you all the latest breaking news, viral trends and information from social media world, including Twitter, Instagram and Youtube. The above post is embeded directly from the user's social media account and LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body. The views and facts appearing in the social media post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY, also LatestLY does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.) The National Aeronautics and Space Administration NASA dropped a photo of Pluto, which was seen splashed with a dash of different hues! The dwarf planet in the picture had a speck of rainbow colours like green, blue, yellow and red. The colours differentiated the widely varied rugged terrain on Pluto. NASA explained, "Pluto isn't really a psychedelic riot of colorsthis translated color image was created by New Horizons scientists to highlight the many subtle color differences between the planet's distinct regions." NASAs James Webb Space Telescope Captures Shockingly Sharp Images of Galaxy. Have A Look At The Stunning Image: View this post on Instagram A post shared by NASA (@nasa) (SocialLY brings you all the latest breaking news, viral trends and information from social media world, including Twitter, Instagram and Youtube. The above post is embeded directly from the user's social media account and LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body. The views and facts appearing in the social media post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY, also LatestLY does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.) Prosecutors: Russias war has killed at least 358 children, wounded 681 since Feb. 24. According to the Prosecutor General's Office, the biggest number of child casualties was recorded in Donetsk Oblast, where 361 children were either killed or injured. The Kyiv Independent (@KyivIndependent) July 21, 2022 (SocialLY brings you all the latest breaking news, viral trends and information from social media world, including Twitter, Instagram and Youtube. The above post is embeded directly from the user's social media account and LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body. The views and facts appearing in the social media post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY, also LatestLY does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.) Uvalde School Police Chief Pete Arredondo was placed on administrative leave following his bungled response during the Robb Elementary School shooting. Now, Uvalde's school superintendent has recommended that he be fired. CNN reported that the Uvalde Board of Education will hold a special meeting on Saturday. Its agenda will be the discussion and possible action regarding the termination of Arredondo. The agenda also stated that it was the superintendent who recommended his termination. According to a source close to the discussions, the Uvalde Board of Education is expected to terminate the police chief. Confusion on the True Leadership of the Law Enforcement Response During the Attack Many have pointed out that as the school district's police chief, he was the one who was supposed to be in charge of the situation. However, there was much confusion over who truly was in command of the response during the mass shooter, Salvador Ramos' attack. This is regarded as one of the reasons for the poor response of law enforcement, which led to the deaths of 19 young children and two teachers. The Wall Street Journal pointed out that almost 400 officers arrived at the scene to face the lone gunman. However, there was utter chaos in the response, and it was not clear who was in command of the situation. Police Chief Pete Arredondo stated that he was not in command. However, experts pointed out that he should have been the one to lead the response and take command because Robb Elementary was under his jurisdiction. The response team took 77 minutes to finally breach the classroom and take out Ramos. However, the children and the teachers were already dead by the time they did so. Arredondo had a plethora of excuses on why it took the officers so long to breach, from the room being locked and the officers waiting for the master key, to the officers not being fully armed. However, video evidence from the attack showed that the officers were indeed fully armed and armored and that the door could not have been locked. READ MORE: Texas School Shooting Report Highlights 'Poor Decision Making' From Law Enforcement During Attack; Uvalde Police Chief Suspended Meeting on Arredondo's Fate Comes After His Resignation From City Council and Surfaced Video The Uvalde Board of Education had been under intense scrutiny following the attack. Texas Department of Public Safety Director Steven McCraw previously called the response an "abject failure," as the officers placed their lives above the children. He also placed the blame mostly on Arredondo for his lack of leadership at the scene. With the meeting on whether or not to terminate the beleaguered school police chief, the city council and the city's mayor hope to "move forward without distractions," according to Forbes Magazine. The meeting also comes two weeks after Arredondo resigned from the City Council following his poor response to the attack. It also comes a week after surveillance footage of how the police responded was leaked by the media. It showed that police waited in the hallway for over an hour while hearing the desperate cries of children as the shooter, Salvador Ramos, opened fire. Parents also demanded that Arredondo be fired during a recent school board meeting. READ MORE: Texas Shooting: Uvalde Police Chief Placed On Leave After Bungled Response To Mass Shooter This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Rick Martin WATCH: At school board meeing, parents demand Uvalde CISD Police Chief Pete Arredondo to be fired - KHOU11 Before El Chapo made the Sinaloa Cartel famous, and before the Jalisco New Generation Cartel cut a bloody path in the Mexican underworld, there was the Guadalajara Cartel, led by Rafael Caro Quintero. So, when he was finally arrested after years of hunting for him, it made many of his victims remember what he and members of his criminal empire did decades ago, stirring up forgotten memories. His highest profile victims were U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration agent Enrique "Kiki" Camarena and Mexican pilot Alfredo Zavala Avelar. However, he and his Guadalajara Cartel were responsible for much more deaths. According to ABC News, the gang killed as many as six United States citizens in Guadalajara around 1985, the same year as Camarena and Avelar were killed. Relatives of Rafael Caro Quintero's 'Forgotten Victims' Speak Up One of his American victims was writer John Clay Walker. His daughter, Lannie Walker, spoke up following the drug lord's recent capture and the news of his possible extradition to the United States. According to Lannie Walker, her father moved to Guadalajara to finish a book. She told the Associated Press that while they were glad to hear he was finally captured, it still brought a lot of trauma to her and her family. She explained that she and her sister had lost almost 40 years of their time with their father, and his capture will not be able to make up for that. Walker said that her father and his friend, a dental student from Texas, Alberto Radelat, walked into a high-end Guadalajara seafood restaurant called The Lobster. They were celebrating Walker's planned return to the United States. However, they did not know that Cara Quintero was holding a private party in one of the restaurant's backrooms at that time. Walker said that her father had no involvement in the drug war, and he was only an innocent bystander. She added that he and his friend walked into the crosshairs of the cartel, who began interrogating them, questioning if they knew any DEA agents in Mexico. She also said that they tortured her father with an icepick for hours. As for her thoughts on Caro Quintero's possible extradition, she said that if he is convicted and punished, it "would be a small amount of justice." They are still holding hope, though his release in 2013 had made them nervous about his fate. READ NEXT: Rafael Caro Quintero Net Worth: Is the Notorious Guadalajara Cartel Founder Still Rich? Rafael Caro Quintero Extradition Likely Not To Be Fast The United States has now filed an extradition request for the infamous Guadalajara drug lord. However, in another report, the Associated Press noted that this process might take some time. Caro Quintero's lawyers are planning to have a drawn-out extradition process and have already intervened. A judge is currently reviewing the United States' extradition request and will be giving the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs whether or not it meets the requirements for extradition. With this lengthy process, his lawyers can bog it down with appeals. Even if the ministry decides that he will indeed get extradited to the U.S., his lawyers could still appeal it. In the case of El Chapo, the extradition process took a year. READ NEXT: Infamous Drug Lord Rafael Caro Quintero May Be Extradited to U.S. Over Killing of DEA Agent This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Rick Martin WATCH: 'Narcos' drug lord Rafael Caro Quintero captured in Mexico - Sky News A lightning bolt struck the U.S. Army base at Fort Gordon, Georgia. A spokesperson said the lightning strike killed one U.S. Army Reserve soldier and injured nine others. They were struck while on a range at the base. According to ABC News, the base's spokesperson, Anne bowman, said that ten people were struck, and one succumbed to their injuries. They will not release the names of the people who were struck by the lightning bolt until the next of kin have been notified. Soldiers Were Taken to the Base's Hospital Immediately According to the New York Times, the lightning bolt struck at approximately 11:10 a.m. at Training Area 26. The soldiers in the area sustained injuries, but Bowman said they currently do not know the extent of these injuries yet. EMS and Fort Gordon's Department of Emergency Services responded to the scene immediately. The ten soldiers were then rushed to the base's hospital, Dwight David Eisenhower Medical Center, for treatment. Unfortunately, one did not make it. There is still no word to the condition of the nine others as of writing. The base is located 10 miles southwest of Augusta, Georgia. It serves as the base for a wing of the U.S. Army's cyber operations called the U.S. Army Cyber Center of Excellence. It is also home to the army's information and communication technology training program and other divisions. Around 16,000 servicemen are based in the facility. READ MORE: Mexico's Infamous Drug Lord Rafael Caro Quintero Arrested After Release in 2013 Storms Recorded in the Vicinity Around Fort Gordon Fox Weather reported that Doppler radar showed several storms within the area around Fort Gordon at the time of the incident. Army documents have shown that the base does have a lightning protection system. It also has typical protocols in place. These warn of dangerous storms in the area. Data from the Lightning Safety Council revealed this would also be marked as the second lightning-related death in the state of Georgia. The previous victim was identified as Felipe Flores, who was loading his tools in a van while at a residence in Mountain City, Georgia. He was 39. There has been an average of 17 deaths per year in the United States due to lightning strikes. Four hundred forty-six people have died from lightning since 2006, according to the National Lightning Safety Council (NLSC). However, the number had been declining at the turn of the century. The NLSC is still warning people to stay indoors whenever a thunderstorm happens, though. Their safety message has always been, "When thunder roars, go indoors!" The safety council stressed that if caught outside during a lightning storm, one must make it their priority to stay indoors. Florida remains to have the highest density of lightning strikes in the United States, followed by Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. Florida also has the highest number of lightning-related deaths in the U.S., according to Fox Weather. READ MORE: Mexico: Police Save Big Cats, Others From Animal Rescue After Reports of Mistreatment This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Rick Martin WATCH: Crew-Served Mania at Fort Gordon, Georgia - Ready Lightning Mexico is currently one of the deadliest countries for journalists right now. A reporter emphasized it during a briefing, telling President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador that he was afraid for his life. According to the Associated Press, reporter Rodolfo Montes was in Lopez Obrador's daily news briefing when he told this to the president with a trembling voice. Montes said he received a threatening phone call from a man claiming to be a member of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. The reporter also raised concerns about the government withdrawing the bodyguards assigned to him. Montes noted that while the caller claimed he was a member of the Jalisco cartel, he believed that it was not true. He told the president that he suspected somebody else and that they were "hiding a government employee." Mexico President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador Pledges to Protect Reporter According to ABC News, Rodolfo Montes is an independent reporter who contributed to several national outlets in Mexico, including Proceso. He claimed he received the threats while in Quinta Roo state, where the state's interior department officials helped him leave. For his part, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador pledged to protect Montes. The fear the reporter is experiencing is very understandable, as Mexico is regarded as the deadliest country for journalists outside of a warzone. Twelve journalists have already been killed in the country this year so far. There have also been plenty of attacks directed toward journalists that have not been fatal. However, it is still jarring for many journalists as they have been targeted by some of the most powerful people in the country - from politicians to drug syndicates. READ NEXT: Mexico's Maya Train Project Threatens to Endanger Prehistoric Caves With Oldest Human Remains in North America 2022 Is the Deadliest Year for Journalists in Mexico so Far The Washington Post reported that this year's journalist killings were already thrice as many as last year's numbers. It was described as an "epidemic" happening in the country with the death of many news writers, photographers, and editors. The uptick in journalist deaths in Mexico was not attributed to just one criminal organization such as the Sinaloa and Jalisco cartels, nor was it attributed to just one corrupt government agency. Instead, the main reason for the deaths may be the culture of impunity currently in Mexico. Killers are now acting without fear of repercussions when conducting murders. There are also a variety of factors that journalists in the country face every day. The latest journalist killed in the country was Antonio de la Cruz, who died last June when a man riding a motorcycle fired at him in his car in Tamaulipas state. Also killed in the attack was his daughter, Cinthya de la Cruz Martinez, 23, who was with him inside his vehicle. Jan-Albert Hootsen, the Mexico representative of the Committee to Protect Journalists, said that Montes' direct appeal to the president highlights the dangers journalists are currently facing in Mexico. He said this was not the first time a reporter directly appealed to the president during a press briefing. He added that if they feel forced to go to the president directly, it was because they have already faced problems in dealing with the lower levels of the government. READ MORE: Mexico Declares State of Emergency in Areas Hit by Drought Related to La Nina, Threatening Livelihoods This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Rick Martin WATCH: Murdered in Mexico: The Final Interview With a Legendary Journalist - From the Guardian Weeks after the tragic Uvalde school shooting in Texas, authorities and even relatives are still unraveling what actually transpired moments before the gruesome murders. Salvador Ramos, 18, was responsible for committing the third-deadliest school shooting in the United States and the biggest one in the state of Texas. Yesterday, her mother, Adriana Martinez, who is taking the immense heat of his son's crimes, was confronted by angry relatives of one of the Uvalde School shooting victims. Tense Confrontation Between Uvalde School Shooter's Mother and Victim's Family The emotional confrontation between the Uvalde school shooter's mother, Adriana Martinez, and the relatives of victim Amerie Jo Garza occurred yesterday. NBC reported that it was caught on camera. The meeting between the two parties was merely accidental and was not planned at all. According to Telemundo news reporter Edgar Munoz, the meeting occurred after a community meeting on Tuesday. In a Telemundo clip, the grandmother of the slain victim, 10-year-old Amerie Jo Garza, was furious upon meeting Adriana on the street. The verbal beatdown continued as Adriana headed down on the other side of the road, attempting to escape the situation. When asked about her son's reasons for shooting down 19 children and two of their teachers at Robb Elementary School, Martinez responded, telling the relatives that they have "no right" to judge her son. According to Martinez, her son was apparently suffering from "mental health issues." "I know my son was a coward. You think I don't know that? I know. You don't think I'm carrying all that with me? You don't think I don't know? I know, and I'm sorry," she exclaimed. Later on, Texas police escorted Adriana away from the scene after de-escalating the situation. The Uvalde school shooter's mom told Telemundo that it was not her fault and she was tired of the victims' relatives coming for her. READ NEXT: Texas School Shooting: Police Chief Could Be Fired After Massive Failure During Uvalde Attack Uvalde School Shooting in Texas Investigation Update Investigations on the horrific Uvalde school shooting murders are still taking place. Most recently, Uvalde School Police Chief Pete Arredondo took an administrative leave after an internal ruckus with the local government. CNN recently reported that the Uvalde Board of Education, headed by the city education superintendent, is pushing for the termination of Arredondo. Initial investigations about the Uvalde school shooting have revealed that the police chief was the highest-ranking official to arrive at the scene at the time of the crime. However, "poor decision making" skills seemed to be the main reason why the response failed to stop the gunman. The police department's inaction after the Uvalde school shooter opened fire in a classroom has sparked national outrage after waiting over an hour to breach the room. Aside from this, the Texas House probe found out that the shooter's family failed to see any warning signs of his mental health problems, prompting the horrific Robb Elementary school murders. READ MORE: Texas School Shooting Report Highlights' Poor Decision Making' From Law Enforcement During Attack; Uvalde Police Chief Suspended This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Ivan Korrs WATCH: Uvalde Killer's Mom Has Screaming Match With Victim's Family, Video Shows - From New York Post Texas has recorded 24 new wildfires that continue to burn across the state, with at least dozens of homes damaged by the fires. Daily Mail reported that two dozen fires had destroyed 7,774 acres of land from central to East Texas and as far south as Walnut Creek. The wildfires are predicted to destroy more properties as they get closer to urban areas, with excessive heat warnings expected in the next 10 days. Currently, no deaths and only minor injuries have been reported. Texas Governor Greg Abbott told Texans to be vigilant of wildfires during the summer heatwave as temperatures have reached 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Abbott said the state is still coordinating the response to help residents and communities affected by or at risk of wildfires. The Republican governor then called on Texans to remain vigilant and be aware of the weather to protect themselves and their loved ones from dangerous wildfires. Abbott renewed disaster area declarations last week for the 72 counties that are affected by fires. He also renewed a drought disaster declaration for 189 counties in the state. Abbott noted that 99% of the state was experiencing drought conditions. READ NEXT: U.S. Southwest Megadrought Blamed on Climate Change; New Mexico, Others in Its Driest State in 1200 years New Wildfires in Texas Evacuation orders were issued in response to the Chalk Mountain Fire, spreading from Somervell County into Hood County on Tuesday. The largest fire is the Chalk Mountain Fire. It started on Monday near Glen Rose, Texas, and has reduced 10 square miles of brush, grass, and juniper to ashes. The Texas A&M Forest Services noted it is only 10% contained. ABC News reported that the largest wildfire burned 6,000 acres and destroyed at least 12 structures as of Wednesday morning. The National Weather Service has also released a red flag warning for northern Texas and southern Oklahoma. The Texas A&M Forest Service said they were using bulldozers to dig containment lines around the fires. It added that they were using aircraft to drop water on the growing flames. Meanwhile, the East County Fire in Kaufman County is currently at 500 acres burned while 40% contained. The West Bend Fire has burned 6,552 acres, while Nethery Road Fire has burned 3,262 acres. Both have reached 80 to 90% containment. Palo Pinto County Wildfire in Texas The Palo Pinto County wildfire had burned an estimated 500 acres, and firefighters continue to contain it. The forest service said the wildfire was 15% contained as of Wednesday, Forth Worth Star-Telegram reported. Officials noted that there was no threat to the nearby Comanche Peak Nuclear Power Plant. A total of 90 firefighters worked around the clock focusing on protecting properties while digging a containment line around the fire's northeastern leading edge. The Palo Pinto County fire affected Possum Kingdom Lake around 80 miles west of Forth Worth, which resulted in evacuations and burning homes on the lake shore. The Stanifer Branch Fire in Bosque County has been 80% contained as of Tuesday night. READ MORE: Caldor Fire Moves Closer to Lake Tahoe as Blaze Continues to Spread in Northern Part of California This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Mary Webber WATCH: Texas Wildfires: Latest on Fire Near Possum Kingdom Lake and Others Throughout State - From WFAA Jair Bolsonaro went from humble beginnings as the son of an unlicensed dentist to becoming the most powerful man in Brazil. The Brazilian president is running for his second term in office in the upcoming elections in October, but he remains the country's most controversial leader yet. Bolsanaro started as a soldier after he graduated from the Agulhas Negras Military Academy in 1977. He served as a paratrooper and rose to the ranks of captain. He entered politics after leaving the army in 1988. He first ran as a city councilor for Rio de Janeiro in 1989 before being voted as a congressman representing Rio de Janeiro in Brazil's federal Chamber of Deputies. He held the seat for seven consecutive terms. Jair Bolsonaro Became Infamous in the Chamber of Deputies in Brazil As he served his first term in the federal Chamber of Deputies, Jair Bolsonaro embraced the political right, openly praising the military rule in Brazil and even calling for its return. He became deeply conservative and was even branded a homophobe, a racist, and a misogynist. He was known for his many controversial comments about homosexuals, rape, and Afro-Brazilians. Bolsonaro's inflammatory comments gave him the perception of being an extremist. He was also unable to author much legislation in his time in the Chamber of Deputies. However, he did lead several house committees, as well as being a member of other ones. The most notable role in his time in the Chamber of Deputies was serving as the head of the Committee on Foreign Relations and National Defense. READ NEXT: Brazil Elections: Jair Bolsonaro Continues to Sow Doubts on Election as He Lags in Polls Donald Trump-Style Populist Run as President of Brazil Throughout his political career, Jair Bolsonaro was considered to be on the political fringes. However, when Brazil sank deeper into a recession in the 2010s, Bolsonaro took advantage of Brazilians' disenchantment with the left-wing Workers' Party and started a populist campaign that echoed the style of former President Donald Trump. Bolsonaro showed little to no concern about political correctness and was soon labeled the "Trump of the Tropics." He ran on a pro-business and anti-crime agenda and won the presidency in 2018. He showed little care for the environment, as the Amazon rainforest shrank in record numbers under his leadership. When COVID-19 hit, Bolsonaro dismissed the pandemic as something like the flu. As expected, Brazilians paid for his nonchalant approach to the disease's spread. Jair Bolsonaro Net Worth 2022 As Brazil is currently suffering from an economic and environmental crisis, Jair Bolsonaro remains one of the most polarizing politicians in the country. He still has an immense following, mainly due to his YouTube channel. According to Net Worth Spot, his YouTube channel gets 1.32 million views a month, or an average of around 44,080 views a day. Monetized YouTube channels earn around $3 to $7 per one thousand views. He is estimated to earn around $5,290 a month, totaling about $79,350 a year. And that is just his possible YouTube earnings. Unfortunately, his exact net worth is not publicly available. Several sites, including Celebrity Net Worth, disagree on how much he is worth, as they range from around $320,000 (1.7 million reais) to $500,000 (2.7 million reais). While that number is hard to believe, given Bolsonaro's connections to various business tycoons in Brazil and being the president, he never really made his earnings public. Brazil still lacks freedom of information about that part. However, many sites agree that his public earnings as a politician and a YouTuber may be around less than a million U.S. dollars. READ MORE: Pope Francis Appoints Leonardo Steiner as First Cardinal From Brazil's Amazon Rainforest This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Rick Martin WATCH: How Brazil's Populist President Jair Bolsonaro Is Losing His Evangelical Supporters - From BBC News DUNEDIN, New Zealand Cancer diagnostics company Pacific Edge (NZX, ASX: PEB) today announces it has substantially completed a commercial agreement with the Southern District Health Region (SDHR) for the use of its non-invasive Cxbladder genomic biomarker tests. The SDHR, which under the new Te Whatu Ora, Health New Zealand, has assumed administrative healthcare responsibility for 326,000 people across Otago and Southland, will deploy Cxbladder Triage into the primary care setting. Deploying into primary care follows the clinical practice model for hematuria evaluation (blood in the urine) established in the Canterbury health region. This deployment model provides care to the greatest number of patients and offers clinically actionable information at the earliest point in the patient care pathway. The agreement with SDHR will mean that 15 of New Zealands 20 administrative health regions, which together cover more than 75% of the countrys population, will now have access to the test via public healthcare. Under the primary care model, General Practitioners will be able to order Cxbladder Triage to help safely de-intensify clinical workup for patients presenting with hematuria. In many cases this will reduce the need for secondary referral and an invasive cystoscopy. Brent Pownall, VP Commercial for the Asia Pacific region at Pacific Edge, said: We are delighted to be deploying Cxbladder in the Southern region the home of Pacific Edge where Cxbladder was conceived and developed. Adoption of Cxbladder Triage at SDHR in the primary care model is further affirmation of the clinical utility of Cxbladder for de-intensifying hematuria evaluation at the earliest point in the patient care pathway and a great example of the strength and capability of Otagos healthcare research community. Cxbladder can safely de-intensify clinical workup, which optimizes available public healthcare funding and frees up healthcare resources for those patients most in need. An important benefit for patients is that it can safely spare patients from the potential risks and discomfort of an invasive cystoscopy examination, meaning Cxbladder is a positive change in the standard of patient care. The Southern region is one of the largest in the country, covering 62,000 sq km. Cxbladder sample collection will be available via Southern Community Labs sites and GP offices. Meanwhile, in hard-to-reach rural areas patients will be able to use Pacific Edges in-home sampling system. Released for and on behalf of Pacific Edge by Grant Gibson Chief Financial Officer. Southern District Health Region Adopts Cxbladder Tests Comments from our readers No comments yet Add your comment: Your name: Your email: Not displayed to the public Comment: Comments to Sharechat go through an approval process. Comments which are defamatory, abusive or in some way deemed inappropriate will not be approved. It is allowable to use some form of non-de-plume for your name, however we recommend real email addresses are used. Comments from free email addresses such as Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, etc may not be approved. Anti-spam verification: Type the text you see in the image into the field below. You are asked to do this in order to verify that this enquiry is not being performed by an automated process. Related News: CMC - Retirement and Appointment of Directors Senior Leadership Team Changes CHI - Half Year Results and Audio Conference Details Mercury results reflect transformative year PGW - Annual Results Announcement to 30 June 2022 August 16th Morning Report Manawa Energy considers retail bond offer Greenfern NZ's Toitu carbonzero medicinal cannabis company My Food Bag - FY23 Trading Update Meridian and Contact Agree Swaption and CfD Deal The January 6 committee said the Secret Service may have violated the Federal Records Act for the erased messages they failed to preserve. According to CBS News, the panel is asking for more records from the security agency as staff of the House select committee only received one text from a July 15 subpoena. The subpoena asked for Secret Service text messages between January 5 and 6 last year. The security agency explained that phone messages from those dates had been erased unintentionally due to an agency-wide system migration. READ NEXT: Jan. 6 Hearings: Donald Trump Could Face Multiple Criminal Referrals to DOJ -Rep. Liz Cheney Secret Service Messages Rep. Stephanie Murphy, a committee member, said the Secret Service left it up to the agents to decide which records to keep and delete during the agency phone migration process last year. The House select committee tweeted Wednesday that they have concerns about the system migration that resulted in the deleted text messages. The panel noted that the procedure for "preserving content prior to this purge appears to have been contrary to federal records retention requirements and may represent a possible violation of the Federal Records Act." The committee added that it is seeking additional records from the Secret Service. A senior official told CBS News that the Secret Service had shared a text message between former Capitol Police Chief Steven Sund and former Secret Service Uniformed Division Chief Thomas Sullivan with oversight committees, including the January 6 panel. In the text message dated January 6, 2021, Sund asked for resources and assistance from the Secret Service. The Secret Service has presented a lot of records and documents. However, the House panel is particularly interested in communications before and during the Capitol riot. The Washington Post reported that the committee interviewed more than 1,000 people, unveiling new information about the cast of characters that enabled some of former President Donald Trump's "darkest impulses" following the 2020 election. One witness said Trump's personal attorney, Rudy Giuliani, was intoxicated when he urged the former president to declare victory on election night despite the vote count. Giuliani, on the other hand, denied those claims. The select committee has focused on Trump regarding his knowledge, planning, and choices. January 6 Committee Hearings The January 6 committee intends to use its Thursday night hearing to call out lawmakers who cowered during the Capitol attack. Rolling Stone reported that one source said the lawmakers have plans to show a picture of how some of Donald Trump's greatest enablers of his "coup plot" were "quaking in their boots." The committee has shown photos, video evidence, and footage of lawmakers reacting to a mob of Trump supporters who fought through a police line to breach the Capitol. Meanwhile, Republican lawmakers have tried to "whitewash" the insurrection by calling it a "peaceful protest" in the 18 months since the Capitol riot. Republicans such as Reps. Matt Gaetz, Marjorie Taylor Greene, and Paul Gosar have dubbed alleged rioters as unjustly accused "political prisoners." The select committee has tried to show that Trump attempted to steal an election he repeatedly told he had lost. In addition, his efforts to steal it resulted in an "unconstitutional electors' scheme." Former White House aide Cassidy Hutchinson also revealed that she had drafted a statement for Trump to ask protesters to leave. Trump reportedly scratched out the word "illegally" and refused to issue it. READ MORE: Donald Trump Mocks Joe Biden After Being Sanctioned by Russia, Says He Could Talk to Vladimir Putin to Prevent World War III This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Mary Webber WATCH: Former White House Staffers Set to Testify at Next January 6 Hearing - From ABC News ACMA disavows false endorsement of QRM Guru Story The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has issued an official statement, saying that '. . the ACMA has not endorsed a third-party interference management tool called QRM Guru. Any claims about the ACMA endorsing any third-party interference management tool are false.' This was in response to an item posted on Southgate News on 20 July, coming from a group calling itself the Radio Amateur Radio Society of Australia (RASA). The RASA news item purports to include endorsement of QRM Guru by the Wireless Institute of Australia (WIA), but the WIA has not issued a statement endorsing QRM Guru. The ACMA's statement is available online, here: https://www.acma.gov.au/acma-interference-management-tools-are-not-endorsed The WIA is a member of the International Amateur Radio Union, which is recognised by the ITU, is a member of the Australian WRC-23 delegation, and represents all licensed amateur radio operators in Australia to the various government bodies in the country. Source: Australian radio amateur Roger Harrison VK2ZRH, WIA member Soon to be completed work at a Laois train station will help tackle car parking problems while also improving access, according to a Laois councillor. Laois County Council has confirmed that the major ongoing improvement works at Ballybrophy Train Station are due to be fully completed by August 1. Cllr Conor Bergin welcomed the update. I have been in contact with Irish Rail and I am pleased to confirm that major improvement works at Ballybrophy Train Station, to include a new car park were substantially completed by the end of June and it is planned that the works will be fully complete by the end of August. ''The parking capacity at Ballybrophy Train Station is now increased from 25 spaces to 99 spaces. 20 new bike spaces have also been installed. ''Ballybrophy Train Station is of huge importance to South-West Laois and to the many commuters and students from surrounding areas in Borris-In-Ossory, Rathdowney, Mountrath, Durrow and further afield who use the station to travel to Dublin, as well as Limerick and Cork on a daily basis. Lack of car parking spaces at the station has been a major issue for both rail users, as well as local residents living on the station road for many years. These major improvement works, now almost fully completed, will hopefully alleviate the car parking issues at the station," he said. The Fine Gael councillor also outlined other improvements. As well as the car park improvements, Irish Rail has improved accessibility around the station with new footpaths, pedestrian crossings, lighting and signage. I would like to commend Irish Rail on this positive investment in Ballybrophy, which I believe signals their commitment to the future of the station for many years to come," concluded the Borris-in-Ossory Mountmellick Municipal District representative. The update was given in response to a motion by Cllr John King at the Borris-in-Ossory Mountmellick Municipal District meeting on July 21. Laois County Council is part of a partnership that is building a new car park beside Portlaoise Train Station. Customers dining outside at a popular Laois pub have an "eyesore" to look at, according to local councillors. Bob's Bar in Durrow recently opened a new outdoor dining section to add to facilities at their heritage pub. The hundreds year old riverside pub is in Durrow, a town popular with tourists especially next week for the Durrow Scarecrow Festival. However the view of the pretty River Erkina is being marred by an "eyesore" Irish Water building which pumps sewerage for the village. Cllr Ollie Clooney has called on Laois County Council to either decommission or revamp the pump house, in a motion tabled to the July meeting of the Borris-in-Ossory Mountmellick Municipal District. "Is there any hope of moving this altogether? It's in a bad place, in a tourist area near the bank of the river. That may have suited years ago, but there are seats there now for tourists. It looks awful. The owner of the pub painted it and that brightened it but the site is just not suitable," he said. Cllr James Kelly supports the motion. "It is in a great tourist area but it's an eyesore. Whatever about an upgrade, the building's exterior needs to be done," he said. In response, Laois County Council say that Irish Water is preparing an upgrade of the pumphouse. "Irish Water have included the upgrade of this pumphouse as part of their national Wastewater Pumping Station upgrade programme and this has been approved to progress this to detailed design stage. Once the design is complete a workshop will be arranged between Irish Water and Laois County Council Water Services for final sign-off," engineer for water services Trevor Hennessy said. A big recruitment drive is underway for new prison officers in Ireland, and Portlaoise Prison Campus in Laois has more than most, with two prisons on site holding over 1,200 men, staffed by over 300 people. With just a few years left to go on their 30 years of service, three prison officers in the Midlands Prison talked to the Leinster Express about their careers. Shane is Assistant Chief Officer in charge of catering and baking in Midlands Prison. He joined 23 years ago. At the time it was for job security, it was an attractive salary and I was looking to get a house and a car. I was able to save my leave and take it all at one time so I got to travel the world when I was young too. I started in Wheatfield and transferred to Portlaoise in 2006. Then I applied to study catering and got sent to college for two years, and after that I did a diploma in criminology and criminal psychology. I love cooking and food and for your work to send you to college to study it, you wouldnt get that in another job. I love working with people, helping people out, he said. Working in a busy kitchen where knives could be weapons requires mutual respect Shane said. If you respect people you will get that back. I have never been personally attacked by any prisoner. Actually there were a couple of situations where prisoners told others to stand back. We interview them first, you can see if they are suited or not to it. You have to be wise to security. In the last year 18 of them got their Food Hygiene Level 1 certs. In the kitchen, 90% of them find their own love of cooking, many never cooked before for their families, and have said to me that they cant wait to cook a meal for their wives, he said. The prison service has changed Shane said said. 23 years ago the focus was on punishment, now its on rehabilitation. The prisoners each have toilets and showers, televisions, kettles. I would definitely recommend this job, there are so many opportunities for further education, and the money is very good. Im building a new house and there is no way Id get this kind of house without this job, he said. Joyce has worked her way up to become Chief Officer of Work Training, after 21 years in service. I could retire in nine years but Ill probably stay till Im 60. I can honestly say I love my job and not many can say that. Her high grade means she works regular office hours now. With all the promotions I have a good work life balance, Im off at weekends, nights and for Christmas. Ive loved it from the very beginning when I started in the Dochas womens prison in Mountjoy. Every day is different. I worked before in management, so it was a change to come into a closed area on 12 hour shifts, with women that at that stage were mostly older or my age. I got a sense of the disadvantaged backgrounds that some people have to grow up with. You see how lucky you are. I moved to the Midlands Prison to be nearer home when I had my first child. As a female prison officer, some people might see it as a dangerous job, but I honestly dont see gender as a difference in the job. We are not treated any differently any more, the pay is identical, there is a great sense of community. The gender mix is important, there is a different atmosphere, I believe its needed. A mix of nationalities is too, its fantastic, she said. One of the youngest officers in Midlands Prison is Andrea, who joined aged 22 four years ago, after finishing a BA in Business and Accounting, and qualifying as a financial advisor. She explained why she changed her career path. I have family in the job, and while they would never have put my personality as one for being a prison officer, I just hated the boring Monday to Friday 9 to 5. Every day you meet someone new. I started in Dochas, commuting nearly two hours from home. I found that many of the women prisoners are on their own, no-one visits them, they have nothing, down to shoes on their feet. A lot of the women in prison would have mental disorders, but in prison they got healthcare, toiletries, clean clothes, workshops and training and they could earn money. When they get out a lot tend to have come from domestic violence or addictions and they can go back to the same pattern, and perhaps come back half their size, bringing addictions or being pregnant and then they have more problems. The job is trying to prevent that. Being young, I feel I can bridge the gap a bit between the outside, I sing to the same music, Id have the same style, its just that they are behind the door and Im the one locking it, Andrea said. Half of her career has effectively been during the pandemic. It changed prisoners I think. They completely relied on us to visit their cells and care for them, and it felt like they appreciated us doing that, she said. Covid-19 also brought the introduction of video link calls, which will now be kept on. Now prisoners have a choice of two physical visits and two video links or four video links a month. We can even set up video links so that they can be virtually at a graveside for a family funeral, Joyce said. Laois councillors are demanding that the Government stops AIB Bank from ending its cash services at 70 branches, including one in Laois. The end of the Rathdowney branch serving cash to customers means that there will now be just one bank giving cash in the western side of Laois where 30,000 people live. That sole bank is the Bank of Ireland branch in Mountmellick. Laois councillors are demanding that Minister for Finance Paschal Donohue force a reversal of the bank's decision. Fine Gael Cllr John King has branded the cut as "an insult and a disgrace", speaking at the July meeting of the Borris-in-Ossory Municipal District. "Not too long ago they were coming to schools enticing young people to open accounts, giving them 25 to lodge in an account and we supported them. What do these people do now? It is an insult and a disgrace. One way of insulting rural people is pulling the plug on the service in a local bank. "Rathdowney serves a hinterland of 20 kilometers. This requires people to hold onto their money. There is a danger that AIB in Roscrea will close down the road. The Bank of Ireland in Abbeyleix is on a busy road known for accidents. It's hard enough for the people of Abbeyleix to get parking and then cross a busy road. "I understand that the cash business is to go to post offices, but some of our post offices are in shops. I got calls about this. Dealing with money is a private business, you need privacy," he said. Fianna Fail's Cllr Paddy Bracken, chair of the MD, agrees. "It is devastating to a town like Rathdowney. It is disgraceful to think people are banking there for years, they kept the town going and they walk away now. We should write to ask them to reverse the decision," he said. "It is an out and out disgrace," says Cllr Ollie Clooney who described the bank's action as "death by 1,000 cuts", as it follows the closure of Bank of Ireland branches in Rathdowney, Mountrath and Durrow last year. "It's not that long ago that AIB was bailed out by the taxpayer. There is an older generation that does not have cards and want to see a human face. They should never have been bailed out, now they are running away with the money. The Minister for Finance has to wake up and be tougher. He's chair of these banks. What is he doing, sitting idly by. We want to improve rural Ireland not run it down," he said. There is no bank left in Mountrath, said Cllr James Kelly. "Any small business, pub or supermarket has to drive to Portlaoise with their cash. Anyone in Borris-in-Ossory has to go to Roscrea, and in Rathdowney they have to go to Roscrea or Abbeyleix. We're putting more hardship on businesses and on the elderly. We bailed them out and all they've done now is left us out on a limb," he said. Fine Gael Cllr Conor Bergin said that with the recent closures, the only bank in the entire district is at Mountmellick. "It's crazy. The population is increasing. A bank not serving cash is not fully a bank. I urge the Minister for Finance to intervene. AIB announced the move on July 19, claiming that demand for cash services has dropped and the cost of security has risen. Laois County Council will now write to the Department of Finance requesting that the bank's decision be refused. Increased security is being sought in hospitals after it emerged that 5 nurses were physically, verbally or sexually assaulted per day in June. In light of this, the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) has called for increased security across all areas of hospital campuses. INMO figures show that assaults on nurses accounted for 60 per cent of all assaults in hospitals. In 2021 the Health and Safety Authority recorded 7477 inspections but only 446 inspections in health and social care settings, compared to 2865 in construction. INMO General Secretary Phil Ni Sheaghdha said: "These assault figures are unacceptable and unfortunately not news to our union. As we continually highlight overcrowding, Covid care and its restrictions and poor staffing levels all add to this increasing problem. Nurses are facing the brunt of physical and verbal aggression in hospital. In some cases, our members are victims of career ending assaults. Anecdotally we know that many nurses and midwives do not report many of the incidents that take place in our hospitals because they do not have support to do so. "The pressure cooker type environment that our members work in is leading to more assaults. This means that frontline staff are being put at risk for conditions they are not responsible for. "Ensuring security is available across all areas of any hospital campus is a basic need that is not fulfilled in every hospital. While we see high levels of assaults in our Emergency Departments, we need to have 24-hour security in all areas of hospitals not just Emergency Departments. Many assaults are occurring in parts of hospitals where security staff are not available. Soothing words from their employer and an acknowledgment of the scale of the problem is not enough for our members at this stage. In the last year, 90% of our members reported being mentally exhausted during or after work. Inadequate safety protections only add to the burnout. Nurses and midwives need hospital management to use the powers they have and support staff and make complaints to Gardai - zero tolerance is required and that is not the case at present. "The Health and safety Authority need to play an enhanced role in tackling assaults of nurses. There must be more inspections, prosecutions of employers who fail to keep staff safe. There must be a dedicated division established within the HSA to deal directly with the health service. This is an ask the INMO has put directly to Government and the Authority itself. Hospitals are not just places of care, they are workplaces. We need to know what measures are being put in place to protect a largely female work force. The employers remit is to provide a safe workplace. This level of reported incidence is completely unacceptable, Ms Ni Sheaghdha said. A new campaign from the EPIC Emigration Museum is seeking to challenge negative stereotypes of Irish people. According to museum researchers, search data has shown that "many incorrect and misleading perceptions" of the Irish still prevail globally, the most common of which include fighting, drinking and holding grudges. The campaign - called 'This Is Not Us' - aims to confront perceptions from around the world head-on by using them to visualise what a person would look like if they were true. It's hoped the resulting imaginary CGI character, Paddy McFlaherty, shows just how misleading the stereotypes can be. #ThisisNotUs: where do the most common Irish stereotypes come from and how can we disprove them? Read more https://t.co/tsKgaguG2s pic.twitter.com/C6YwA7ZFFn EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum (@EPICMuseumCHQ) July 20, 2022 CEO and Museum Director of EPIC, Patrick Greene, said of the campaign, "'This Is Not Us' is a challenge for the world to assess their assumptions about the Irish and evolve their perceptions beyond stereotypes. "As an experience that prides itself on delivering an authentic and true understanding of Ireland and its people, this is what we aim to do." Voted Europes Leading Tourist Attraction for the past three years, EPIC brings Irish history to life and allows visitors to discover what it really means to be Irish. The latest campaign is not the first time EPIC has rallied against stereotypical and cliched depictions of the Irish; in 2019, the museum offered free tickets to visitors who handed in their plastic St Patricks Day merchandise at the door. Irish premier Micheal Martin has paid tribute to the victims of Bloody Friday on the 50th anniversary of the tragedy. Nine people were killed, and 130 others were seriously injured, when the Provisional IRA detonated 22 bombs across Belfast on July 21, 1972. Mr Martin said the bombings were a mindless act of terror. He added: I want to express my profound sympathy today with all of their relatives and with the survivors from that devastating afternoon of violence. Together across the island, we should take a moment to remember those who lost their lives and who were brutally injured. It is also a time to reflect on the journey we have come on since those dark days and the importance of reconciliation as we look to the future on this island. Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney also paid tribute to the victims, saying the anniversary should be a day of reflection for everyone who cares about the future of Ireland. Mr Coveney said: These murders can never be justified, and we must all confront the pain and suffering that they caused. For the people who were on the streets of Belfast that day, the impact and horror of what they witnessed will never fade from memory. He added that the Irish Government stands in solidarity with the survivors and the victims families. Today is a significant moment for the families who lost their loved ones, and for the survivors, he said. We stand in solidarity with them as they remember that day 50 years ago. A waiter who was told "go, there is the door" after a disagreement with his manager at a south Dublin restaurant has been awarded 34,560 by the Workplace Relations Commission for unfair dismissal. Stephen Ng received a further four weeks' pay and 960 for his employer's failure to provide him with terms of employment or to give him a notice period after ending his employment. He had worked since 2016 as a senior waiter at the Orchid Restaurant on Pembroke Road in Dublin 4 before he was dismissed in February 2019. Adjudicating officer Caroline Reidy, in her decision, wrote that there was "no process, natural justice or procedural fairness or paperwork in place regarding this dismissal." She awarded him 18 months pay, totalling 34,560. The employer, MCF Catering Limited Orchid Restaurant, maintained Mr Ng was not dismissed but resigned his employment and denied the other breaches he had alleged. Ms Reidy found that Mr Ng's evidence was credible and noted that the employer had not given any oral evidence to back up its claim that Mr Ng resigned without notice. Mr Ng told the commission that his manager Moanne Chow, who he understood to be his employer, was expecting seven members of her family for a meal and that he set the table for them. After they arrived, he said he was accosted by Ms Chow who not unusually," shouted at him. He said the manager accused him of not saying hello to her family which he objected to, stating that he had said hello. Mr Ng told Ms Chow he was not a slave and had done nothing wrong. He then asked her what more was expected of him, "to bow? Mr Ng said in evidence. In response, Ms Chow banged the table and told him: Go, there is the door, he said. He said he came in to collect his wages the following day, but had never received payslips or a P60 during his employment. Mr Ng said he was upset not only about his dismissal but because he got the run around from his employer over the two and a half years up to the hearing date. After noting that the company had presented no oral evidence to back up its claim that Mr Ng left of his own accord, Ms Reidy added: "The complainant, however, gave very specific and credible oral evidence. "Therefore I find his evidence that he was summarily dismissed on that day to be an accurate account of what actually happened." Minister of State Martin Heydon alongside Kildare Youth Fine Gael (YFG) organised a Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training with Newbridge Community First Responders at Newbridge Rugby Club for this years Farm Safety Week. Minister Heydon stated, CPR training is something we hope to never have to put into practice but you will never regret learning these lifesaving skills. I want to commend Young Fine Gael for their proactive work in organising this event and making it accessible to the community. For our farmers, I would ask that they and their families make a conscious effort to attend CPR training as they often work alone in isolated settings. I have also seen from my role, the importance of prioritising physical health to prevent incidents in which it is required occurring." This events comes as part of Farm Safety Week which is ongoing and running until July 22. The idea to conduct CPR training to mark Farm Safety Week came from Kildare YFGs Chair Emily McTigue. Discussing the free training initiative, the Newbridge native said I am very grateful to be able to collaborate with the Community First Responders and receive this training, as CPR is a vital life skill." Member of Newbridge Rugby Club and Secretary for Kildare YFG Pierce Dargan secured the training location and thanked Newbridge Rugby Club for their generosity in hosting the CPR training for Farm Safety Week. Its heartening to see groups from all over the community come together for a common good. Irish people are among the most willing in the world to attempt bystander CPR according to the last figures for 2020. 84% of cardiac arrests had attempted resuscitation performed by bystanders supported by over the phone instructions by the 112-emergency operator, according to the 2020 annual report from OHCAR Ireland. Dargan concluded, This is something Irish people should be proud of and shows how important it is to promote CPR training and is a great way to mark Farm Safety Week." Viewing the catastrophic war and daily human causalities in Ukraine, political realism demands urgent consideration to stop the tragic tension of history and try to cease a moment for navigational change overpowering the individualistic absurdities of Western national interest and NATOs agenda for increased influence across the world. by Mahboob A. Khawaja, PhD. Intellectuals must be seated in chosen assemblies and systems of public governance to overt individualistic insanity against the people. German philosopher Immanuel Kant (Perpetual Peace, 1795). Western Leaders Skeptical of Tehran Summit Most Western leaders enjoin lingering suspicion if President Putin, President Ebrahim Raisi and President Erdogan will meet or could produce any tangible outcomes of Tehran Summit. Despite political discards, they met and shared their differences to cooperate for change and future-making. Why cant the US, NATO and the EU do the same to end the military confrontations and agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine? The Teheran summit demonstrated that Putin and Raisi could engage with the West in dialogue to stop the acceleration of military conquests and perpetuated political animosities. Historically, Teheran Conference reminds us of Roosevelt, Churchill and Stalin (1943) Teheran Conference planning to invade Southern France to dismantle Germany Nazi occupation and seeking freedom movement for the rest of Europe. Ironically, this time Teheran Summit on July19, 2022, President Putin, President Ebrahim Raisi and President Erdogan met to talk about peace in Syria and how best to coordinate their policies and practices to strengthen their futuristic relationships. This appears to be in sharp contrast to what Roosevelt, Churchill and Stalin had in mind a collective offensive action to challenge the Nazi German occupation of Europe and its continuous military strength against the US and its European allies victims of German aggression. Come to understand the contemporary issues of the 21st centurys Russian-American and European discard over Ukraine, Syria, Iran and the future of oil and gas supplies, grain exports and economic relationships all under scrutiny between those who once stood united against foreign aggression and killings of fellow human beings . There is amassed collection of fear, ambiguity and distrust that spells out the prevalent reality of current global affairs. There is no corresponding communications and dialogues between the superpowers to change the horrible present into a sustainable and peace future for the humanity populating this planet. All that is happening or could happen will be interpreted paradoxically befitting to their own self-interest or national policies and practices carved out by senior civil servants aligned to their masters. The perplexed statistic of weapons and money to aid Ukraine represents a shaky scenario of encountering the military onslaught, it is an elite obsession embodying the decision-making at NATO and the EU. Victory is not in sight for the five months old proxy war. The Trilateral Tehran Summit with a Reason for Change Comparatively analyzing the recent visit by President Joe Biden to the Middle East and self-repeating the myriad of support for Israel and more oil production in Saudi Arabia and opposition to Irans nuclear deal, Russia, Iran and Turkey have organized a trilateral summit at a critical time in history and were able to listen and learn to each other without any tragic fallout against any enemies. The summit acquired a reasonable cooperation and credibility to facilitate meeting between many political odds, yet without any regrets they did reach a political understanding on Syria and to enhance their collaborative efforts to resolve more serious issues at future gatherings in Astana and Istanbul. The unchallenging truth arising out of the Teheran Summit clarifies the scenarios that leaders with divergent opinions and rational choices could meet, cooperate, agree to disagree and try to sort out their differences with reason and sense of moral responsibility. Not so, for the US, NATO or the EU leadership, they are allergic to meeting with President Putin and Irans President Raisi to discuss the political problems or the revival of the Irans nuclear agreement including the Ukraine crisis or stalled natural gas or diminishing oil supplies to Western Europe. These leaders live in conflicting time zones as if Russia, Iran and Turkey are just symbolic entities to be pushed aside or not worth listening to and are treated as people of the primitive past. This characterization injects history into a negative direction that once there was Russian Empire, Persian Empire and Ottoman Empire dominating the Middle East - European hemisphere. The Western leaders try to belittle the leaders of Russia, Iran and Turkey in their hollow laughters and after dinner jokes, yet these nations are equally credible, sincere and vital to global interest, peace and security across the world. Are the leaders of America, NATO and the EU living in stunned embarrassed silence to watch Putin, Raisi and Erdogan having concluding a successful conference? At the Tehran summit, their differences on Syria and its future were noticeable but they discuss their rationales and agree to disagree on Syria and its future course of peace and nation-building. Turkey explains its opposition to the authoritarian rule of Bashar al Assad and the operations of several terrorist groups launching attacks against Turkey. Russia keeps considerable military presence in support of the Al-Assad and helps him to avoid the end-game; and so does Iran to provide continuous military support to the dictator for almost 11 years. There is no end in sight of the Syrian prolonged war but the leaders were open to discuss it. Perhaps in time and future context, if they continued to manage the differences, the besieged people of Syria could see the light at the end of the tunnel for peace and normalization of life. Russia and Iran do not host Syrian refugees but Turkey and Germany have the largest number of several millions displaced Syrian refugees without any imagination of peaceful return to their homeland. In sharp contrast to Ukrainian refugees, Europeans other than Germany and France have not shown any interest to accommodate Arab refugees in their socio-religious midst. Global Leaders must be Realist, Not Opportunist Would the acrimonious debates for peace and ceasefire in Ukraine stick in mud across America, NATO and the EU? Politically and logically reflecting on current global affairs, the US and its Western allies will sooner or later hold meetings with Russian and Ukrainian leaders to imagine a peace deal. Why to waste time and opportunities and extend unpredictability and unthinkable frightening trends to future-making and start the dialogue right now for an immediate ceasefire and peace-making? At the threshold of the 21st century, America, NATO and its European allies appear to have lost the moral and intellectual capacity necessary to visualize the vision and phenomenon of realism to serve the interest of people - the larger humanity for peace and security. This scenario of realism demands urgency in current affairs for rational approach to conflict resolution and peace-making. Hans Morgenthau (Politics Among Nations: The Struggle for Power and Peace, 1978): the legendry theorists of the 20th century points out that: Realism, believing as it does in the objectivity of the laws of politicspolitics must be subjected to the dual test of reason and experience..for realism, theory consists in ascertaining facts and giving them meaning through reason.If we want to know the moral and political qualities of his (politician) actions, we must know them, not his motives. Viewing the catastrophic war and daily human causalities in Ukraine, the political realism demands urgent consideration to stop the tragic tension of history and try to cease a moment for navigational change overpowering the individualistic absurdities of Western national interest and NATOs agenda for increased influence across the world. Naive egoism shrouds the strategic mystery as to why the US, NATO and the EU failed to stop the war in Ukraine. The hilarious impersonation of enemies in Russia and Iran dwells into unthinkable consequences for the whole of mankind. America or NATO are not the sole leaders of collective security of Planet Earth. It is the shared responsibility of all nations a collective proactive vision to be at peace on this fast track moving Earth. The sense of mystery and mortal danger to the interest and security of mankind must not be allowed to become an agenda item of political intrigues and global cataclysm in--waiting, be it the gas--oil supplies, be it the grain export and above all realism of morality to be One Humanity living in con-existence on One Earth. Otherwise, the prevalent political and hypocritical ignorance and arrogance could lead to a Third World War. The equality of human beings and states sovereignty synthesizes an equal consideration and treatment of all involved in this warfare. The global awakening of human soul and consciousness demands an immediate ceasefire and return to face to face negation between Russia, Ukraine, NATO and the EU. If they reject, surely, a debacle could swept unthinkable catastrophic consequences and ends for all on this planet. Immanuel Kant advice that intellectuals must be seated in assemblies to ensure rational policies and practices is a timely reminder to all the leaders in America, Russia and Europe. Isnt true that intelligent leaders and people always readily accept reasoned advice? The Brotherhood of Truth is one in all ages It is narrow men who create divides- sects Let them not think that the goods of this world can shield them from evil or its consequences Gods Truth and His Messengers can be known to all: for He in His Mercy Has given us faculties and judgment, if we would but use them The Message is not New: all Creation proclaims it: High above all is the Lord of Glory Supreme. (The Quran: 23: condensed narrative: 51-92). Dr. Mahboob A. Khawaja specializes in international affairs-global security, peace and conflict resolution with keen interests in Islamic-Western comparative cultures and civilizations, and author of several publications including the latest: One Humanity and the Remaking of Global Peace, Security and Conflict Resolution. Lambert Academic Publications, Germany, 12/2019. The Vintners Federation of Ireland (VFI) is calling on AIB to reverse its decision to convert 70 of its outlets to cashless branches, saying the move will have a substantial negative impact on its members across the country. While many businesses primarily conduct their trade through card transactions, a significant element of VFI members trade relies on cash customers. Obviously this necessitates frequent visits to local branches, both to deposit cash and withdraw large amounts of cash in coin format. The VFI statement comes after Leitrim GAA club Ballinamore Sean O'Heslin's issued a stinging comment ont he news that Ballinamore's AIB will become cashless this Autumn. According to VFI Chief Executive Paul Clancy, should AIBs decision to go cashless in 70 branches nationwide the impact on small business owners will be severe:Our members will be forced into a situation where they will have to carry cash for longer distances and then wait in larger queues as the branches that do remain open become busier. Publicans will be forced to reduce the frequency of visits to the nearest branch, which will increase the cash held in the premises which could impact insurance cover. There is also a consequential increase in mileage, an unwelcome development that will increase pollution and drive up energy costs for small business owners. AIBs suggestion that local post offices will take up the slack in areas without bank branches fails to stand up to scrutiny. Coin withdrawals in post offices are capped at 1,500 per week and must be pre-ordered. Cash lodgements are capped at 5,000 per week. This is a ridiculous situation for local businesses to find themselves in after years of loyalty to AIB. Given the level of disquiet among our membership, the negative impact the decision will have on their businesses and the further weakening of commercial infrastructure in towns and villages, we are asking AIB reconsider the plan to effectively close 70 branches. Local communities deserve a proper banking service without having to travel two hours to get that service, Mr Clancy concluded. Community education providers in Leitrim, Mayo and Sligo are being encouraged to apply for funding for eligible projects under the 5.5 million Reach Fund, which is now open for applications through Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim Education and Training Board (ETB). The Reach Fund was formerly known as the Mitigating Against Educational Disadvantage Fund and carries a new name this year. The aim of the Reach Fund remains the same as its past two successful outings, which is to support community education for adult learners in counties across Ireland, including Leitrim, Mayo and Sligo, who have the highest level of need. A further focus of the Fund is on building the digital infrastructure of local community education providers in Leitrim, Mayo and Sligo to increase their capacity to deliver online learning, with target funding available to improve access to technology and devices. The Reach Fund was first announced by the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris TD, in 2020. It is funded by SOLAS, the further education and training authority, and administered to local community education projects by the 16 local Education and Training Boards (ETBs) around the country, including Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim ETB. Commenting on the 2022 Reach Fund, Minister Simon Harris TD said: The success of the Reach Fund over the past two years has been so important. Its critical, now that we are past the acute phase of the Covid-19 pandemic, that we reconnect with the most disadvantaged learners around the country, including in Leitrim, Mayo and Sligo, and ensure that community education partners are empowered to reach them. These learners simply cannot be left behind. I am very proud of the work in reaching these learners that has been achieved under the banner of the Reach Fund and cant wait to see what vital projects are funded in 2022s call. Around the country, the projects supported by the Reach Fund helped to support online learning, connect communities and provided social supports to the most vulnerable groups. These priority groups include people who are long-term unemployed; young people; people with disabilities; members of the Traveller and Roma communities; migrants and refugees; women wishing to return to the labour market; and lone parents. In 2020, over 500 community education projects were funded by Reach through the 16 ETBs, with overall funding of 5.8 million. In 2021, overall Reach funding of 6.85 million was allocated to support community education, comprising 1,000 initiatives. Commenting on the call, Andrew Brownlee, CEO of SOLAS, said: Through the Reach Fund, we are supporting those in society who are furthest removed from education through social disadvantage. We are calling on community education partners in Leitrim, Mayo and Sligo to apply for funding for their critical work through this years Reach Fund. These partners and their projects have a huge impact, not only on an individuals life, but also to our communities, and Irish society overall. Fiona Maloney, Director of Further Education and Training with Education and Training Boards Ireland (ETBI), commented: ETBI welcomes the continuation of the Reach Fund, which is administered by the national network of Education and Training Boards. The Reach Fund has already had a significant positive impact for many communities. I encourage community education providers in Leitrim, Mayo and Sligo to engage with Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim ETB to access this fund to further support the very valuable work across our communities for all of our citizens. Community education providers in Leitrim, Mayo and Sligo can apply for Reach funding by completing a funding application form, which is available from Adult Education Officers in Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim ETB by phoning 094-9024188 or emailing infomayo@msletb.ie. Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, visited a wide range of projects across Co Leitrim, yesterday, which have received funding of over 5 million from her Department. All of the projects opened as part of the Ministers visit received investment under the Governments ambitious rural development policy, Our Rural Future. Minister Humphreys began the day in Ballinamore, where her first visit of the day was to the remote working hub at Ballinamore Enterprise Centre. The hub was one of 11 in Leitrim that received a combined investment of almost 250,000 in funding under the Connected Hubs Call last year. The Minister continued to The Junction project in Ballinamore, which has received over 2.47 million in funding under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund. The project will regenerate two listed buildings and a derelict site in the centre of Ballinamore to provide a digital hub and co-working space, an artistic space for the promotion of local arts and crafts and a youth facility. Speaking at The Junction, Minister Humphreys said: This is a major project for the town of Ballinamore that has received almost 2.5 million under my Departments Rural Regeneration and Development Fund. When complete in April 2023, it will have a transformative impact on the town providing a Digital Hub, an artistic space for a new Leitrim Arts School and a new state of the art youth facility. I wish to congratulate Leitrim County Council and the community on your efforts and commitment in getting the project to a stage where construction has commenced. The Minister then went on to officially open The Island Theatre, which received over 200,000 in funding in total through the 2018 Town and Village Renewal Scheme and LEADER. The theatre is a state-of-the-art performance venue that seat over 240 people for stage performances and film screenings. Opening the theatre, Minister Humphreys said: Developments such as are so vital to the community. They increase the social and cultural capital of our towns, and help to boost economic activity in the area - making our rural towns more attractive places to live and work. The Minister then continued to Drumshanbo where she officially opened the Millrace Enhancement, which received over 98,000 in funding under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme. This funding provided for enhancements to the car park and boundary wall at the Millrace River where a walkway was contrasted in 2019. Speaking at the official opening, the Minister commented: Drumshanbo is a small town but its a town with a really big heart. And I know this project will attract so many more visitors to Drumshanbo and provide a real boost to the local community. People of all ages will be able to walk and cycle along the Millrace River clear their heads, meet friends and family which is so good for our mental and physical health. The Ministers next stop of the day was to Dromahair to view the location of the proposed regeneration project which will see an investment of 2.4 million under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund. The project will incorporate an open library, a new community centre, hot desk facilities and four housing units. Speaking in Dromahair, the Minister said: This is a transformative project for the town that will combat dereliction, provide essential community services and create a vibrant and attractive town centre. I wish to congratulate you on your swift progress in progressing the project and look forward to visiting Dromahair when the project is completed. The Minister then went on to see a new car park in Manorhamilton which received 96,000 under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme. This project converted an existing dormant site in Manorhamilton town centre into a car park that has 28 car parking spaces. The Minister then continued her visit in Leitrim with her next stop in Glenfarne. Here the Minister launched the Glenfarne Wood Thematic Area Masterplan which was granted funding of 20,000 under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme. The Minister then continued to Rossinver where she officially opened Fowleys Falls, a 3 kilometre, riverside and cascading falls development which received funding of over 180,000 under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme 2020. Speaking at the opening, the Minister said: I know youve heard about Our Rural Future thats our five year rural development policy. Its designed to enhance and revitalise our rural communities. When you look around us here today its clear our policy is having a hugely positive impact. And for me, it is particularly welcome that it is my Departments Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme that has supported your efforts with over 180,000 in funding towards this wonderful project. The Fowley Falls Trail project is an excellent example of what can be achieved when people work collaboratively for the benefit of the wider community. The Ministers next stop was to visit the Access to Sea project at Tullaghan. Tullaghan has the single shortest stretch of county coastline in Ireland and the funding of 198,000 under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme 2021 will provide a safe recreational infrastructure to access Tullaghan beach once complete. The Ministers final stop on this visit to Leitrim was to Kinlough. Here she visited the Kinlough Enterprise Centre and Kinlough Hub which received over 175,000 in funding combined with 89,600 from the Town and Village Renewal Scheme and 86,303 through LEADER. House which received over 2 million in funding under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund. Speaking at her final stop in the Minister said: The work undertaken here in Kinlough is a prime example of how a small investment can have a significant impact locally. Providing remote working spaces enables workers to stay local, and makes Kinlough an attractive place to live. I have had the opportunity to see the wonderful work and creativity that is taking place in communities right across the county. I have been proud to play a part in this effort through the funding provided by my Department through Our Rural Future the Governments transformative rural development policy. The families of nine people killed in a series of bomb attacks known as Bloody Friday are set to mark the 50th anniversary of the atrocity later. Five men, two women and two children were killed when the Provisional IRA detonated 22 bombs within 80 minutes across Belfast on July 21, 1972. Two soldiers, Stephen Cooper, 19 and Philip Price, 27, and four Ulsterbus workers, Jackie Gibson, 45, Thomas Killops, 39, William Irvine, 18, and William Crothers, 15, were killed at Oxford Street bus station. A mother of seven, Margaret OHare, 34, Brigid Murray, 65, and Stephen Parker, 14, died in a blast close to shops on the Cavehill Road. No-one has ever been convicted of the attacks. The Provisional IRA issued an apology in 2002, and said it had not been their intention to kill non combatants. The 50th anniversary is set to be marked with events today (Thursday July 21). Kenny Donaldson, of the victims group the South East Fermanagh Foundation, has been supporting several of the families of those killed. He said they deserve accountability. Mr Donaldson described the day 50 years ago as Northern Irelands capital being literally on fire. On that fateful day, the Provisional IRA detonated 22 bombs robbing the community of nine citizens, from 14 years old through to 65, Protestant and Catholic, they were murdered in a day of sheer terror, he said. The purposes of the Provisional IRAs actions that day was to destabilise Northern Ireland and our capital city of Belfast, they sought to instil fear and breed division. Mr Donaldson said the families of those killed carried out, and have never received focus or resources lavished upon them. They have carried on with a quiet yet steely determination, he said. A number are connected with SEFF and we hope that in the forthcoming weeks and as a result of the additional focus there has been upon this milestone anniversary that others will identify themselves to us, and we will want to provide practical support and assistance to them. Bloody Friday was a brutal premeditated day of co ordinated violence. No one has been held accountable for it. We are clear that this is unacceptable, the families deserve accountability, their loved ones lives mattered. Today we also think of all those who were injured and also those who provided the emergency response following the attack. A MOTORIST from Limerick who was detected travelling at high speed on the M7 motorway has avoided an immediate disqualification. John Cross, aged 50, who has an address St Lawrences Park, Garryowen was prosecuted before Nenagh District Court after he was charged with dangerous driving relating to an incident at Clashnevin, Nenagh. The detection was made more than two years ago on May 16, 2020 during the first Covid-19 lockdown. However, Judge Cephas Power accepted a guilty plea to the lesser charge of careless driving after he was told this was acceptable to the State and gardai. When the facts were outlined, the court heard that Mr Cross told the garda who stopped him for speeding that he had been returning (to Limerick) from feeding horses in County Laois earlier in the day. Mr Cross's counsel, appealing for Mr Cross not to be disqualified, said that his client was the sole driver in his family and that he needs his driving licence. Mr Cross, he added, had not taken notice of the speed at which he had been travelling when he had been stopped and did not realise he was 50km/h above the posted speed limit. Having heard the evidence, Judge Power described the speed - 170km/h - as significantly over the 120km/h speed limit. However, he commented that he would give Mr Cross the benefit of the doubt that he hadnt realised how fast he was travelling at the time. After formally recording a conviction (in relation to the careless driving charge) he imposed a fine of 700. Exercising his judicial discretion, he said he would not impose a immediate disqualification. While not a matter for the court, Mr Cross will receive penalty points on his licence as a consequence of his conviction for careless driving. Known as the land of plenty, Australia is living up to its name in every respect, job opportunities included. And with some of the most exquisite landscapes in the world plus the added bonus of strong diplomatic relations with Ireland, the continent offers the promise of prosperous career opportunities for expats across a range of core industries, such as: Mining / Oil and Gas Construction (Commercial and Civil) Trades and Services Transport and Infrastructure Healthcare Labour and Construction Regional and Remote Hospitality Facilities Management Nobody can attest to the allure of living and working in Australia more than Unite Resourcings Founder and Managing Director, Aidan Murphy. I moved to Australia from Ireland with no real intention of staying, but like so many I fell in love with the lifestyle and opportunities. These were some of the main reasons I established Unite Resourcing to give others the same chance to live the Aussie dream, working in some of the countrys biggest industries. The great thing about making a career move to Australia whether it be for skills advancement, or as a means to fund travel is that Unite Resourcing can identify and set up opportunities to suit your individual requirements. From a recruitment perspective, Unite Resourcing has found a lot of its international candidates appreciate a hassle-free approach to travel and relocation. For this reason, the company takes care of all logistical elements for successful placements that one might otherwise navigate alone from assistance with visa applications and job identification, through to accommodation and flights. Visa applications have historically been a source of pain for jobseekers looking to work in Australia. Thankfully, from July 1, the countrys migration program has seen some welcome changes, easing the paperwork and pathways to securing employment, in support of the huge talent shortage that exists. With some of the most flexible working conditions in the world and competitive salaries in high-growth industries, now is the time to head down under and capitalise on a country hungry for talent. To learn more about employment opportunities and the process behind securing work in Australia, visit our LinkedIn page or check out Unite Resourcings International Recruitment EOI page. *SponsoredContent Hindustan Zinc Ltd., a unit of billionaire Anil Agarwals Vedanta Ltd., is considering expanding overseas as a way to profit from growth opportunities in Europe. There is a strategic thought that we could venture into the international market," Hindustan Zinc Chief Executive Officer Arun Misra said in a phone interview. Europe provides us with an opportunity, the make or break factor is the freight." That expansion could potentially involve international zinc assets held by the companys parent Vedanta, said Misra, adding that minimizing soaring freight costs would be key to such growth. Vedantas international business owns zinc assets in Namibia and South Africa. The decline in zinc since mid-April has pushed the Mumbai-listed miner to re-evaluate its move to lock in prices for some of its output. While Hindustan Zinc sold forward as much as 18% of this years production at about $4,200 a ton, that hedging is no longer as rewarding now that prices have dropped, interim Chief Financial Officer Sandeep Modi said on the same call. Zinc traded at $2,934 a ton on the London Metal Exchange at 4:15 p.m. local time. Demand in the companys home market of India remains robust as the governments infrastructure push is likely to drive demand for zinc to build galvanized rail lines and power transmission infrastructure, Misra said. The CEO forecast demand growth of more than 3%. Hindustan Zinc reported a 56% jump in net income in the quarter through June from a year earlier. This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Behind rolling power cuts loom deep-seated socioeconomic issues worsened by the rich countries of the world. by Brian Kamanzi On the morning of June 27, 2022, National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) shop steward David Fankomo joined his fellow members at the picket line outside Eskoms Emalahleni office in the heart of South Africas coal belt. Workers at Eskom, the nations state-owned electricity utility, have been embattled in four rounds of wage negotiations with the executives since April 2022. South Africa is rich in energy but is in the midst of cascading energy shortages. Fankomos union is at the heart of this crisis: the workers bring the coal out of the ground but live with barely enough of its energy. Former power plant in Johannesburg, South Africa On June 28, Eskom announced that it was going to implement Stage 6 load shedding due to unlawful industrial action. Load shedding is defined as a rationing measure to reduce the demand for electrical energy by imposing rotational power outages when the supply from power plants is severely constrained. South Africas load shedding schedule ranges from stage 1 to 8. Stage 8 represents a full-scale collapse of the grid. Stage 6 has left parts of the country with no power, in the middle of winter, for up to eight hours a day. Load shedding has become part of the everyday vocabulary and one of the defining symptoms of post-Apartheid state decay and political dysfunction. Gearing Up for a Collapse Eskoms crisis offers insight into the failures and trajectory of the ruling African National Congress National Democratic Revolution. The 1996 implementation of GEAR (Growth, Employment and Redistribution), a macroeconomic framework adopted by former President Thabo Mbeki, laid the groundwork for the expansion of public-private partnerships as a model for service delivery. This policy spurred reforms that initiated a mass rollout of prepaid electricity meters as a more aggressive means to collect residential electricity payments. These changes were forced even with steadily rising electricity costs, which compounded to introduce new barriers to access for working-class users. In response, resistance came from labor and civil society, both of whom demanded an end to privatization. Since GEAR, there has been a chronic lack of investment in new public generation capacity, leaving Eskom reliant on aging and poorly maintained coal-fired power stations. The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA)s spokesperson Phakamile Hlubi-Majola told me that her union holds Eskom accountable for the rampant waste of taxpayer money spent on bloat coal costs, diesel and Independent Power Producers, while attempting to cut workers benefits. Hlubi-Majola has insisted that workers at Eskom have yet to receive a meaningful wage increase in four years, but in the same period, primary energy costs have sharply risen. As the negotiations reached a deadlock at the end of June 2022, a number of workers embarked on protest action, independent of a union sanction, to communicate their anger and dissatisfaction. No Lights at Home South Africas government reports that more than one in three workers are now unemployed. This comes at a time of skyrocketing fuel and energy prices. Electricity is going off at times when workers are coming home, says Kashiefa Achmat, chairperson of the Housing Assembly, a local civil society organization leading a campaign for decent housing for all. She adds, Even the food we have bought goes off very quickly. Where we live, when the cuts are at night, its very dark and dangerous to walk around, especially for women. Gangsters are waiting for these opportunities; even cables are being stolen. Our phone networks also become slow when load shedding happens. The use of wood and paraffin in urban households is common due to high costs of electricity or a lack of electrical connection altogether. This is particularly prevalent in townships due to a lack of secure land tenure of recently expanded informal settlements. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and the April 2020 lockdowns, South Africa has been defined by hundreds of land occupations and service delivery strikes. Working-class communities have taken to the streets in continued efforts to force the government to deliver on its basic mandate, only to be faced with police repression and opportunistic use of special pandemic-related regulations to evade engagement. Robbing Peter to Pay Paul Under the existing financing model for local government, municipalities are forced to generate profits off the provision of basic services to fund their operations, invest in new infrastructure and pay off existing debt. As of 2021, outstanding municipal debt owed to Eskom stood at over R35 billion, with at least 20 municipalities defaulting on payments. This trend is largely a byproduct of the flawed system of municipal financing and not the result of individualized instances of bad behavior from users. Eskoms own debt levels have skyrocketed to about R400 billion. In a study produced in support of the trade union movement, Eskom Transformed, the roots of the debt were sourced from three key areas. Predatory loans granted by the World Bank and IMF for the mega-coal projects Medupi and Kusile both incurred irregular expenditure and overruns. Increases in the cost of primary energy came largely due to shifts to purchase expensive energy from private generators. The debt levels also came from dramatic increases due to the cost of coal from local suppliers. Just Transition Against the backdrop of this crisis, South Africas energy transition plans have caught international headlines in the wake of the 2021 UN climate summit in Glasgow. The UK, France, Germany, and the United States have proposed a Just Energy Transition Partnership agreement with South Africa valued at $8.5 billion, consisting of a still-to-be-negotiated blend of grants and loans. The financing plan, supported by the World Bank and the IMF, is aimed at accelerating the closure of South Africas coal fleet and developing enabling infrastructure for rapid deployment of renewable energy systems. The plan has been closely tied to another round of aggressive reforms aiming to restructure the national energy system enabling increased use of private power plants. These projects are already dominated by multinational energy utilities, together with shareholdings by private equity holdings, both largely located in Europe. Komati power station, a 1960s-era coal plant based in Mpumalanga, is the first generator due for decommissioning under the proposed plans. The station has been earmarked to be repowered to make use of solar photovoltaic arrays, gas turbines and battery storage. NUMs Fankomo, based on this very site, has issued concerns to the media over a lack of worker consultation and uncertainty about the future ownership of the plant despite the imminent closure date of September 2022. Two paths lie ahead. One is that liberal technocrats will provide a market-driven solution, whose efforts have failed for the past quarter-century. The other is that the unions can channel the building discontent to force a new social compact. The unions have called for the building toward a mass campaign for a general strike demanding an end to privatization alongside a broad list of historical demands to bring the economy under shared ownership and control. This article was produced by Globetrotter. Brian Kamanzi is an engineer based in Cape Town, South Africa. He is the author of The Crisis in South Africas Energy Sector (Tricontinental: Institute for Social Research, 2021). NEW DELHI : State-run power major NTPC has signed a statement of intent with Niti Aayog to develop the roadmap for the public sector company to achieve net zero greenhouse emissions. A company statement said that the statement of intent was signed on Wednesday, 20 June. Paving the pathway towards greening the power sector of country, the SoI seeks to formalize a framework of cooperation between the parties to facilitate NTPC to strategies on diversification of its generation mix to eventually reduce its carbon footprint and support Indias endevour towards achieving net zero by 2070," it said. As the Centre announced the Panchamrit goals during CoP 26 in November 2021, NITI Aayog is working on the development of different scenarios or pathways for achieving net zero by 2070. With 17% of installed generation capacity of the country, NTPC meets around 24% of countrys power requirement. With this collaboration, NTPC would be able to utilize the expertise of NITI Aayogs energy team for emissions and energy (portfolio mix) modelling including development of scenarios for 2030, 2037, 2047 and 2070 and also get assistance in establishment of Carbon Management Unit (CMU) in NTPC with the aim of integrating all GHG reduction initiatives under one umbrella. In line with governments plant to achieve 500 GW of renewable energy by 2030 and net zero carbon emission by 2070, NTPC along with other power companies and public sector majors is giving a major focus on renewable energy. In a separate development NTPC also signed an MoU with MASEN (Moroccan Agency for Sustainable Energy) on 20 June for cooperation in renewable energy sector. Recently, the company also signed an agreement with Indian Oil Corporation Ltd for the formation of a joint venture company for meeting the power requirements of upcoming projects of IndianOil refineries. NTPC shares on the BSE closed at 150.70, higher by 0.10% from its previous close Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha tested positive for COVID-19 and urged those who had come in contact with him to take necessary precautions. Taking to Twitter on Wednesday, the chief minister wrote, "I have been tested Covid-19 positive today. I am absolutely fit and fine with no symptoms. I humbly request all those who've come in contact with me to take necessary precautions." The Chief Minister took the oath as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from the Tripura Assembly Constituency on July 8. Post resigning as a Rajya Sabha member, he won the MLA seat from Bordowali Assembly Constituency on June 23, 2022. Stating that in Jubarajnagar, CPI(M) held the seat for long, which we could not be wrest away from them back in 2018, despite waves of PM Modi's popularity, Saha said that this time, the BJP won that seat with a majority, adding that the people are with the party. Saha added that he will be capable of winning all the seats; left unoccupied by BJP, going to be taken over in the coming 2023 Assembly election. Meanwhile, India recorded 20,557 fresh COVID-19 infections in the last 24 hours, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare informed on Wednesday. With the latest surge in COVID-19 infections, India's active caseload currently stands at 1,45,654. The government data further said that the current recovery rate from COVID-19 infection in the country is at 98.47 per cent as India saw 18,517 recoveries in the last 24 hours, which took the total recoveries to 4,31,32,140. The death toll climbed to 5,25,825 with 40 new fatalities, the data updated at 8 am stated. So far, 87.06 crore Covid tests have been conducted in the country, of which 4,98,034 tests were conducted in the last 24 hours alone. Here, the daily positivity rate and weekly positivity rate stood at 4.13 and 4,64 per cent respectively, the Ministry informed. Under the nationwide vaccination drive, India has administered a total of 200.61 crore vaccines against the Covid-19 infection, which included 92.71 crore second doses and 6.11 crore precaution doses. In the last 24 hours, India administered 26,04,797 COVID-19 vaccine doses. India has "created history again", Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday as the country achieved a big milestone of administering two billion vaccine doses in just 18 months. As Sri Lankas economy unravels before our eyes, one must ask how this could happen in a country that was known for its high standard of living and stable economy. Sri Lankas achievements go back decades, giving it a per capita GDP that is 70% higher than Indias, and a life expectancy at birth of 77 years compared to 73, 70 and 67 in Bangladesh, India and Pakistan, respectively. But now, Sri Lankas economy is in free fall. The proximate causes of the crisis are clear. Problems stemming from international factors such as covid and Russias war in Ukraine were exacerbated by Sri Lankas own policy mistakes. In 2019, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa (who has fled the country) announced a round of mindless tax cuts, depriving the state of sorely needed revenue. Then, in 2021, his government abruptly banned imports of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. While the aim was to stall foreign-exchange outflows, the main result was a dramatic reduction in domestic food production, leading to acute food shortages this year. The coup de grace was the governments ongoing effort to keep the Sri Lankan rupee artificially strong. Technically, Sri Lanka uses a soft peg: Rather than being fixed by government diktat, the rupee-to-dollar exchange rate is allowed to float, albeit with occasional interventions by the central bank (buying and selling dollars) to prevent excessive fluctuations. But charting the rupee-to-dollar exchange rate shows that the countrys soft peg is a misnomer. For years, the exchange rate remained flat, roughly between 175 and 200 to the US dollar because, as economist Noah Smith explains, the Sri Lankan central bank was regularly selling dollars to prop up the rupees value. Eventually, this longstanding intervention ended the only way that it could: starting around April of this year, the Sri Lankan rupee began depreciating sharply. Within months, the exchange rate had fallen to 350 to the dollar, and the central banks dollar reserves had all but vanished. Sri Lanka defaulted on its foreign debt in May. We now know that, rather than turning to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), whose rescue programmes are conditional on tough policy reforms, it approached China for a fresh loan when its coffers were approaching empty. But this merely increased its debt by another $3 billion and ensured that its inevitable crisis would be even bigger when it eventually arrived. Chinas strategy vis-a-vis Sri Lanka (and other developing countries like Ethiopia) echoes the approach taken both by earlier colonial powers and by rural moneylenders in developing countries. As Amit Bhaduri showed in a classic 1977 paper in the Cambridge Journal of Economics, rural informal moneylenders typically do not worry about the borrower defaulting; rather, they worry about the borrower not defaulting, because then they cannot turn a bigger profit by confiscating his collateral (usually a plot of land). Consider Hambantota Port, the pet project of Mahinda Rajapaksa, Sri Lankas president between 2005 and 2015 (and Gotabaya Rajapaksas brother). Funded largely with Chinese money, the port opened in 2010 on Mahindas birthday. But when Sri Lanka later failed to repay the debt, this gift became collateral to be confiscated. China now has a 99-year lease on the port. How did a country with a longstanding reputation for maturity make so many mistakes? The short answer is that Sri Lankas politics sowed the seeds for todays economic crisis. The Rajapaksa-led government became increasingly authoritarian after defeating the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam and ending Sri Lankas decades-long civil war in 2009. It eroded the countrys democratic institutions, persecuted minorities and waved away accusations of war crimes. Although authoritarianism typically ends up destroying an economy, some authoritarian governments have managed to deliver economic growth and stability. For a short while, it seemed possible that the Rajapaksa government could fall into this category. But as it embraced populism, it soon became clear that crony capitalism would be Sri Lankas fate. When the Rajapaksa government returned to power in 2019, it was riding a wave of support that it sought to sustain with ill-advised economic handouts. But the publics patience can be bought for only so long. Eventually, unsustainable policies run into a wall. If not for its hubris, the latest Rajapaksa government could have corrected course. When it came to power and immediately announced big tax cuts, it met with strong, sensible criticism. On 30 October 2019, for example, former Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera warned on Twitter that, Gotas tax plan wants to set Sri Lanka on an express train to bankruptcy." But Rajapaksa doubled down. When Colombo suddenly banned chemical- fertilizer imports, the implications of the policy were all too predictable. Where it will end is unclear. Even if the Rajapaksas do not regain control by proxy, there are other risks. The IMF cannot offer a rescue programme until there is a viable government with which to negotiate. But both the Fund and Paris Club of sovereign creditors will also need to be proactive, suspending some of their bureaucratic rules to help Sri Lanka through this acute phase of the crisis. Failing that, a spiralling humanitarian disaster is the likeliest outcome. 2022/Project Syndicate Kaushik Basu is professor of economics at Cornell University and a former chief economic adviser to the Government of India KABUL : Decades of progress in maternal and neonatal healthcare, once a flagship indicator of the Wests success in Afghanistan, are eroding due to hunger, fleeing hospital staff and curbs on womens freedom, doctors and international organizations say. The strong force or strong nuclear force is one of the four fundamental forces of nature, along with gravity , electromagnetism and the weak force. As the name suggests, the strong force is the strongest force of the four. It binds fundamental particles of matter, known as quarks, to form larger particles. The strong force in the Standard Model The reigning theory of particle physics is the Standard Model, which describes the basic building blocks of matter and how they interact. The theory was developed in the early 1970s and, over time and through many experiments, has become established as a well-tested physics theory, according to CERN (opens in new tab), the European Organization for Nuclear Research. Under the Standard Model, one of the smallest, most fundamental elementary particles , or those that cannot be split up into smaller parts, is the quark. These particles are the building blocks of a class of massive particles known as hadrons, which include protons and neutrons. Scientists haven't seen any indication that there is anything smaller than a quark, but they're still looking. The strong force was first proposed to explain why atomic nuclei do not fly apart. It seemed that they would do so due to the repulsive electromagnetic force between the positively charged protons located in the nucleus. Physicists later found that the strong force not only holds nuclei together but is also responsible for binding the quarks that make up hadrons. "Strong force interactions are important in holding hadrons together," according to "The Four Forces (opens in new tab)," physics course material from Duke University. "The fundamental strong interaction holds the constituent quarks of a hadron together, and the residual force holds hadrons together with each other, such as the proton and neutrons in a nucleus." Quarks and hadrons Quarks were theorized in 1964, independently by physicists Murray Gell-Mann and George Zweig, and physicist first observed the particles at the Stanford Linear Accelerator National Laboratory in 1968. According to The Nobel Foundation (opens in new tab), Gell-Mann chose the name, which is said to have come from a poem in the novel "Finnegans Wake," by James Joyce: "Three quarks for Muster Mark! Sure he has not got much of a bark, And sure any he has it's all beside the mark." "Experiments at particle accelerators in the '50s and '60s showed that protons and neutrons are merely representatives of a large family of particles now called hadrons. More than 100 [now more than 200] hadrons, sometimes called the 'hadronic zoo,' have thus far been detected," according to the book "Particles and Nuclei: An Introduction to the Physical Concepts" (Springer, 2008). Scientists have detailed the ways quarks constitute these hadron particles. "There are two types of hadrons: baryons and mesons," Lena Hansen wrote in "The Color Force (opens in new tab)," a paper published online by Duke University. "Every baryon is made up of three quarks, and every meson is made of a quark and an antiquark," where an antiquark is the antimatter counterpart of a quark having the opposite electric charge. Baryons are the class of particles that comprises protons and neutrons. Mesons are short-lived particles produced in large particle accelerators and in interactions with high-energy cosmic rays . Quark flavors and colors Quarks come in different flavors. (Image credit: Shutterstock) Quarks come in six varieties that physicists call "flavors." In order of increasing mass, they are referred to as up, down, strange, charm, bottom and top. The up and down quarks are stable and make up protons and neutrons, Live Science previously reported . For example, the proton is composed of two up quarks and a down quark, and is denoted as (uud). The other, more massive flavors are produced only in high-energy interactions and decay extremely quickly. They are typically observed in mesons, which can contain different combinations of flavors as quark-antiquark pairs. The last of these, the top quark, was theorized in 1973 by Makoto Kobayashi and Toshihide Maskawa, but it was not observed until 1995, in an accelerator experiment at the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (Fermilab). Kobayashi and Maskawa were awarded the 2008 Nobel Prize in physics (opens in new tab) for their prediction. Quarks have another property, also with six manifestations. This property was labeled "color," but it should not be confused with the common understanding of color. The six manifestations are termed red, blue, green, antired, antiblue and antigreen. The anticolors belong, appropriately, to the antiquarks. The color properties explain how the quarks can obey the Pauli exclusion principle, which states that no two identical objects can occupy the same quantum state, Hansen said. That is, quarks making up the same hadron must have different colors. Thus, all three quarks in a baryon are of different colors, and a meson must contain a colored quark and an antiquark of the corresponding anticolor. Gluons and the strong force Particles of matter transfer energy by exchanging force-carrying particles, known as bosons, with one another. The strong force is carried by a type of boson called a "gluon," so named because these particles function as the "glue" that holds the nucleus and its constituent baryons together. A strange thing happens in the attraction between two quarks: The strong force does not decrease with the distance between the two particles, as the electromagnetic force does; in fact, it increases, more akin to the stretching of a mechanical spring. As with a mechanical spring, there is a limit to the distance that two quarks can be separated from each other, which is about the diameter of a proton. When this limit is reached, the tremendous energy required to achieve the separation is suddenly converted to mass in the form of a quark-antiquark pair. This energy-to-mass conversion happens in accordance with Einstein 's famous equation E = mc2 or, in this case, m = E/c2 where E is energy, m is mass, and c is the speed of light. Because this conversion occurs every time we try to separate quarks from each other, free quarks have not been observed and physicists dont believe they exist as individual particles. In his book "Gauge Theories of the Strong, Weak and Electromagnetic Interactions: Second Edition (opens in new tab)" (Princeton University Press, 2013), Chris Quigg of Fermilab states, "The definitive observation of free quarks would be revolutionary." Residual strong force When three quarks are bound together in a proton or a neutron, the strong force produced by the gluons is mostly neutralized, because nearly all of it goes toward binding the quarks together. As a result, the force is confined mostly within the particle. However, a tiny fraction of the force does act outside the proton or neutron. This fraction of the force can operate between protons and neutrons, collectively known as nucleons. According to Constantinos G. Vayenas and Stamatios N.-A. Souentie in their book "Gravity, Special Relativity and the Strong Force (opens in new tab)" (Springer, 2012), "it became evident that the force between nucleons is the result, or side effect, of a stronger and more fundamental force which binds together quarks in protons and neutrons." This "side effect" is called the "residual strong force" or the "nuclear force," and it is what holds atomic nuclei together in spite of the repulsive electromagnetic force between the positively charged protons that acts to push them apart. Unlike the strong force, though, the residual strong force drops off quickly at short distances and is significant only between adjacent particles within the nucleus. The repulsive electromagnetic force, however, drops off more slowly, so it acts across the entire nucleus. Therefore, in heavy nuclei, particularly those with atomic numbers greater than 82 (lead), while the nuclear force on a particle remains nearly constant, the total electromagnetic force on that particle increases with atomic number to the point that, eventually, it can push the nucleus apart. "Fission can be seen as a 'tug-of-war' between the strong attractive nuclear force and the repulsive electrostatic force," according to the Lawrence-Berkeley National Laboratory's ABC's of Nuclear Science (opens in new tab). "In fission reactions, electrostatic repulsion wins." The energy released by the breaking of the residual strong force bond takes the form of high-speed particles and gamma-rays , producing what we call radioactivity. Collisions with particles from the decay of nearby nuclei can precipitate this process, causing a nuclear chain reaction. Energy from the fission of heavy nuclei, such as uranium-235 and plutonium-239, is what powers nuclear reactors and atomic bombs . Limitations of the Standard Model In addition to all the known and predicted subatomic particles, the Standard Model includes the strong and weak forces and electromagnetism, and explains how these forces act on particles of matter. However, the theory does not include gravity . Fitting the gravitational force into the framework of the model has stumped scientists for decades. But, according to CERN, at the scale of these particles, the effect of gravity is so minuscule that the model works well despite the exclusion of that fundamental force. Additional resources CERN created a rich website describing all the intricacies of our efforts to understand the strong force, which you can see here (opens in new tab). You can also check out interactive demos either on the web or via an app courtesy of The Particle Adventure (opens in new tab). If you're in more of a listening mood, check out this podcast episode (opens in new tab) digging into the strong force. Bibliography Constantinos, G. et al. Gravity, Special Relativity, and the Strong Force (Springer Science & Business Media, 2012) Quigg, C. Gauge Theories of the Strong, Weak, and Electromagnetic Interactions (Princeton University Press, 2013) Povh, B. et al. Particles and Nuclei: An Introduction to the Physical Concepts (Springer Science & Business Media, 2008) Thacker, T. (1995, Jan 29) The Four Forces https://webhome.phy.duke.edu/~kolena/modern/forces.html#005 (opens in new tab) A photo showing the 'Brocken specter' -- an optical illusion that occurs when a figure's shadow looms enormous and glowing on a backdrop of cloud. For hundreds of years, people have looked up at the hazy peaks of California's Santa Lucia Mountains at sunset and seen tall, cloaked figures staring back. Then, within moments, the eerie silhouettes disappear. These twilight apparitions are known as the Dark Watchers shady, sometimes 10-foot-tall (3 meters) men bedecked in sinister hats and capes. They primarily appear in the afternoon, and according to a recent article on SFGate.com , visitors to California have seen them perched ominously on the mountaintops for more than 300 years. "When the Spanish arrived in the 1700s, they began calling the apparitions los Vigilantes Oscuros (literally "the dark watchers")," SFGate managing editor Katie Dowd wrote in the article. "And as Anglo American settlers began staking claims in the region, they too felt the sensation of being watched from the hills." Related: Why this optical illusion arrow always points right One famous observer who felt the presence of the Watchers was the American author John Steinbeck. In his 1938 short story "Flight," a character sees a black figure leering down at him from a nearby ridgetop, "but he looked quickly away, for it was one of the dark watchers," Steinbeck wrote. "No one knew who the watchers were, nor where they lived, but it was better to ignore them and never to show interest in them." (This was a family obsession; Steinbeck's son, Thomas, went on to co-author a book about the Watchers with painter Benjamin Brode, Dowd wrote.) So, who or what are the Dark Watchers? One theory, according to Dowd, is that they are merely figments of the observers' pattern-seeking minds. In other words, it's a classic case of pareidolia : a psychological phenomenon in which an observer's brain finds patterns or significance in a vague or random image. The phenomenon is the reason some people see Muppet faces on the moon , or the visage of Jesus on burnt toast . In this case, ordinary shadows on the Santa Lucia hilltops may be interpreted by the viewer's brain to be tall, cloaked figures (the Watchers tend to appear in the late afternoon, when long shadows grace the hills, after all). Another view of the Brocken specter, taken high in the mountains. (Image credit: Andreas Strauss/ Alamy) This pattern-seeking effect could be amplified by the presence of fog or low-flying clouds, according to Dowd. Shadows cast against clouds are responsible for another infamous illusion, known as the Brocken specter. "German locals near the Harz Mountains have, for centuries, reported seeing shadowy figures on Brocken peak," Dowd wrote. "In reality, the Brocken spectre happens when shadows like those of a hiker are cast on particularly misty mountain peaks. If the sun is behind the observer, the mist plays with the shadow, making it look huge and menacing." The spectral figures are usually surrounded by a rainbow-colored halo, produced by sunlight refracting off of water droplets in the fog or clouds, according to the BBC . While it's common in the Harz Mountains, where fogs frequently creep in at low altitudes, you can see the effect on any misty mountainside with the sun at your back and the clouds below you. Perhaps you've seen it yourself from the window of an airplane; cruising between the sun and the clouds, the plane can cast a rainbow-rimmed shadow on the clouds below that looks supernaturally large. It's possible, then, that hikers in the Santa Lucia Mountains are merely staring down their own shadows when the Watchers come a-watching. (Sorry, Steinbeck.) Originally published on Live Science. President Joe Biden has tested positive for Covid-19, the White House announced on Thursday. This morning, President Biden tested positive for COVID-19, the statement from the White House reads, reminding the public that he is fully vaccinated and twice boosted and experiencing very mild symptoms. Biden has covid, WH says pic.twitter.com/9A2ke7Tmys Manu Raju (@mkraju) July 21, 2022 The 79-year-old president is receiving treatment in the form of Paxlovid and will isolate at the White House and will continue to carry out all of his duties fully during that time, and is expected to continue this protocol until he tests negative. The White House committed to providing daily updates on Bidens condition. A memo from White House Doctor Kevin OConnor indicated that the President is experiencing a runny nose, fatigue, and the occasional dry cough. OConnor indicated that he believed the president will respond favorably to treatment as most maximally protected patients do. The office of First Lady Jill Biden indicated that she tested negative on Thursday morning. Biden is the second president to test positive for Covid after his predecessor Donald Trump tested positive in October of 2020. The diagnosis comes four days after Biden returned from a series of meetings in Saudi Arabia and Israel, during which he met with several world leaders. Click here to read the full article. Its been a busy week for Brad Pitt, who has walked at least four carpets in the past five days while on the European leg of the press tour for his movie Bullet Train. But in the process of promoting the upcoming action-comedy, the 58-year-old actor has unwittingly promoted a new summer uniform, and its one we can all get behind: the linen suit. If anyone can convince someone to wear a two-piece suit amid unprecedented heat waves its Pitt, who wore a different variation of the same linen ensemble, custom-made by the designer Haans Nicholas Mott, for this weeks packed slate of press events. Each outfit is comprised of a linen jacket, drawstring pants and slouchy tee (in different springtime hues: pink-salmon, khaki, slate gray), alongside his signature aviator sunglasses and white slip-on sneaks. But Pitts most memorable outfit, photos of which aptly made its rounds on social media, deviated from what has quickly become a uniform for the Oscar winner. When he arrived in Berlin for the German premiere, he showed up in a linen skirt set, making an already-breezy summer outfit even breezier. The entire mud-brown ensemble consisted of a knee-length skirt (short enough to give a rare glimpse at his rhinoceros tattoo), a lightweight jacket and pink button-down. In short, the acclaimed actor-turned-linen-influencer mightve officially cracked the code for summers biggest sartorial dilemma. Below, check out the best linens to wear in the heat this summer for your next Hamptons trip or al fresco meal. Banana Republic Castello Linen Shirt This elevated button-down shirt is crafted from luxurious and breathable natural linen, dyed in four luxe hues: dark brown, pure lavender, navy and off-white. BUY NOW: $80 Buy It Unconstructed Italian Linen Blazer (56% Off) Add a tailored touch to any look with this lightweight jacket, constructed with minimal lining for a casual feel and milled out of 100% linen in Italy. Thin, subtle pinstripes that run down the fabric offer extra detailing. Plus, its more than half off right now a total steal. BUY NOW: $450 $200 Buy It Beck Linen Blazer Go for a slouchier fit with this oversized linen jacket from Rag & Bone, which is fully deconstructed and unlined for the pure linen effect. Wear it as a separate or pair it with the brands Beck Linen Pant for a Brad Pitt-esque complete look. BUY NOW: $495 Buy It J. Crew Baird McNutt Irish Linen Shirt Add some East Coast prep to your look with this smart button-up from J. Crew, offered in 14 versatile colors and patterns to go with any wardrobe. BUY NOW: $89.50 Buy It S.K. Manor Hill Savant Linen Blend Button-Up Shirt Achieve a distinct style with this off-the-runway look from S.K Manor Hill. This elevated take on the linen shirt features a flared silhouette, dropped shoulders and a point collar. BUY NOW: $320 Buy It Mens Skirt in Ecru Linen Inspired by Brads daring skirt look? Try it out yourself with this Ecru Linen style maxi from a small business owner on Etsy, who boasts dozens of rave reviews for his innovative designs. BUY NOW: $450 $117.61 Buy It Sign up for Varietys Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. On the evening ahead of its official unveiling at San Diego Comic-Con 2022, Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves is offering a first look to those already wandering the San Diego Convention Center, displaying footage of characters played by Chris Pine, Michelle Rodriguez, Rege-Jean Page and more cast members. Variety has filmed a video from the Comic-Con floor depicting the character designs for the films cast, showcasing looks for Pine, Rodriguez, Page, Justice Smith, Sophia Lillis and Hugh Grant. Pines character seems to be a bard, shredding on a lute before shredding the air with a sword. Rodriguez wields a battle axe, while Page has a dagger, a sword and a heavy suit of armor. Smith appears to be a wizard, while Lillis seems to be a druid or a ranger. Grants appearance concludes the promotional reel, holding a torch and some tea. Paramount Pictures will pull the curtain back on Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves during a Comic-Con Hall H panel on Thursday afternoon. Various cast members and directors Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley are expected to make appearances. Based on Hasbros Dungeons & Dragons, the Paramount and eOne feature is being produced by Jeremy Latcham, Brian Goldner and Nick Meyer, with executive producers Denis L. Stewart, Goldstein, Daley, Pine, Zev Foreman and Greg Mooradian. While the film is a fantasy, Pine has hinted at a rather light-hearted tone, stating that it draws inspiration from Game of Thrones, but also from works like The Princess Bride, Monty Python and the Holy Grail and The Goonies. Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves is set to hit theaters on March 3, 2023. Sign up for Varietys Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. Funko is still looking to take its beloved Pop figures to the screen but potentially a smaller one than fans first imagined. While Warner Bros. Animation has been reportedly developing a Funko Pop feature film since September 2019, the companys new CEO now says the project could potentially turn into a streaming series. When you look at some of the Disney+ content, like The Mandalorian and these great tentpole streaming shows, I think wed be happy with either a movie or a streaming show, CEO Andrew Perlmutter told Variety during an interview at the mega-sized Funko booth on the San Diego Comic-Con exhibition floor during Wednesdays preview night activities. I dont think we have a strong preference anymore. I think if you asked us five years ago, it would have been movie, but Im not so sure thats the case anymore. When asked specifically about the Warner Bros. Animation film project, Perlmutter noted Funko is in conversations with a lot of different people all the time. There is an overwhelming desire from people to participate in the Funko IP, either in TV streaming or movies, he said. And were evaluating what the right partnership there is. Whats really important to us is the brand is treated in the way that we need it to be treated to ensure it hits all the right notes and delivers on the experience that were looking to have. And that goes across a lot of different media sources. Were in conversations with a lot of different people all the time. So it really comes down to finding the right opportunity, whenever that may happen. But the Funko chief emphasized the company which also owns Loungefly and recently acquired Mondo definitely is not ready to announce anything yet. I wouldnt be able to give you a timeline, not to be stealthy, just because we dont have one. Sign up for Varietys Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. US beautifying itself as the top country in its annual human trafficking report only brings disgrace on its own head: Chinese Foreign Ministry (Global Times) 14:32, July 21, 2022 Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin Photo: fmprc.gov.cn The US has fabricated the so-called Trafficking Persons Report to deceive the world as it continues to ignore facts. As the US is the greatest human trafficking power, beautifying itself as a top country in the list only brings disgrace on itself, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said Wednesday. The remarks from the ministry came after the US released a report listing China as a Tier 3 country on human trafficking and smearing against China with the so-called Xinjiang labor problems. The US has fabricated the so-called Trafficking Persons Report to deceive the world as it continues to ignore facts. But the reality is that the US is the biggest human trafficking power, Wang Wenbin, a spokesperson from China's Foreign Ministry, said at Wednesday's press briefing. No matter how the US covers itself up, it cannot wash off its slave-trading past. The slavery system had been legally sustained in the US for one-third of its only 246 years of establishment. Between 1514 and 1866, at least 360,000 slave trafficking expedition teams trafficked millions of black slaves to the US, Wang noted. No matter how the US argues, it won't change its crimes of being "countries of origin, transit and destination of forced labor." Quoting data from the US State Department, Wang said every year some 100,000 forced labors were trafficked to work in the US. In the past five years, every one of the 50 US states and the District of Columbia had reported forced labors and human trafficking cases. According to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, the number of reported cases increased from 3,200 to 11,500 between 2012 and 2019, showing a significant upward trend. Of the 100,000 people trafficked overseas to engage in forced labor, half are underage. Not long ago, Texas reported a heartbreaking human smuggling case in a van, causing the death of some 50 migrants. Despite this, the US even beautified itself as the Tier 1 country in this regard. It only disgraces itself, Wang said. China urged the US to correct its human rights crimes with concrete actions, to judge itself with the "the highest standard" boasted by itself, rather than smearing against other countries, Wang said. For China, Wang noted that the Chinese government has well implemented the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and its supplementary protocols on the prevention, suppression and punishment of trafficking in persons, especially women and children. In 2007, 2013 and 2021, respectively, China issued and implemented the Action Plan against Trafficking in Women and Children (2008-2012), Action Plan against Human Trafficking (2013-2020) and Action Plan against Human Trafficking (2021-2030). The Chinese government has established a joint inter-ministerial conference system of 35 departments under the State Council, China's cabinet, to combat human trafficking, providing a solid institutional guarantee for preventing and combating human trafficking and for helping and protecting victims. Over the years, remarkable progress has been made in this regard. (Web editor: Wu Chaolan, Liang Jun) What President Wickremasinghe should show now is Leadership (with a capital L) and it is on this that I attempt to elaborate below a few fundamental but overarching principles. by Dr. Ruwantissa Abeyratne in Montreal When the chips are down in this country, we stand togetherthe then Congressman Richard Nixon Now that Sri Lanka has a new President who is seemingly unacceptable to the people who are still protesting in the streets, but nonetheless received a convincing electoral victory in Parliament, one wonders whether he will offer a plan for revival or a philosophy (Chintanaya or thinking process). Far be it from me to have any claims to pretension of political wisdom (or any other kind of wisdom for that matter) I believe he should opt for the former that would go at least some distance in appeasing the grossly deprived masses. It is incontrovertible that any such plan must be well thought through, based on a coherent thinking process and fundamental approach. Responsibility for the thinking should devolve upon the President himself and the blueprint and implementation of the plan should rest with intelligent technocrats who have vision and integrity. The first action of the President-elect - addressing the troops What President Wickremasinghe should show now is Leadership (with a capital L) and it is on this that I attempt to elaborate below a few fundamental but overarching principles. Firstly, Sri Lanka seriously needs a course correction toward a leadership that transcends the unsustainable economic policies that the country was riven by as a result of mismanagement and corruption. The splitting of communities and classes should be obviated by a robust and progressive economic policy. As an immediate corollary, the President should start work on preparing to pass the governance of the country to the new generation of the educated and technologically savvy youth representing both the millennials and the Z generation. They are the students of today who will turn out to be the most effective leaders of tomorrow. As shown in the sustained protests in Sri Lanka, the youth in particular have demonstrated a capacity to lead themselves. The strongest steel comes from the hottest fire, as someone once said. This does not necessarily mean that the sage gerontocracy that remains in the country should be totally ignored. They could remain in a purely advisory capacity. I believe Sri Lanka needs the advice of generativity as the social psychologist Erik Erikson called experienced politicians (without their holding the reigns of government and governance) and a young, highly qualified technocracy to run the government. I remember Indonesia in the mid/late seventies was overhauled by what was then called the Berkeley Mafia a group of PhD economists of Indonesian nationality from UCAL Berkeley. Sri Lankans need a similar group to be at the helm now. Secondly, compelling measures would have to be taken to obviate the erosion of public trust. To achieve this goal, those in both government and governance must show leadership inside out. They should personally exude values and beliefs that emerge from their inner selves in preparing a mission and vision statement for the country. As Socrates said, an unexamined life is not worth living. Leadership must reflect courage of convictions, character, and capacity. A desire for good government and governance must lead to a will to act and end in actions. In the words of Henry Adams, a leader must have a helm to grasp, a course to steer and a port to seek. The President, Prime Minister and the Cabinet of Ministers must identify their collective strength. For this, proven expertise and not mere political experience should be the main focus in appointing those at the helm. The new team should seek nothing but excellence in facing the current crucible. They should eschew what the celebrated and wise Thomas Seligman called learned helplessness (being resigned to the misery visited on one by philosophizing about it) and show resistance and revival by embracing the crucible. Those governing the country should constantly engage the nation through effective and credible public speaking that convinces the public. In an earlier article in this journal, I mentioned that a new government must ensure inclusive governance at all levels: there should be; fairness and inequality in all aspects of policy and decision-making; people should have a greater voice even beyond a representative democracy in shaping the direction the country is taking so that they will expect more opportunities to participate in and influence the strategic vision and daily affairs of the country. One of the most important facets of a leader is awareness of history, which is garnered through being influenced by past models of proactive leadership. For this a certain amount of reading and erudition will be necessary. As one leader said, every reader is not a good leader, but every leader is a good reader . Linked to this factor is the compelling necessity to be engaged with the rest of the world and to convince those who have the resources and power both countries as well as institutions such as the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (World Bank) and the International Monetary Fund. Finally, good leadership is always anchored on the ability and capacity to inspire the people. For this a leader has to prove his honesty, integrity, intelligence, and competence qualities that the people would be both inspired and impelled to arrogate and ascribe to themselves through examples set by those at the top. Actions take by the leadership of the country should strongly focus on promoting unity and eliminating hatred, starting from the legislature, and percolating to the people. This brings to mind what President John F. Kennedy said to the people of the United States on the day of his inauguration in 1961: Let the world go forth from this time and place, to friend and foe alike, that the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans born in this century, tempered by war, disciplined by a hard, bitter peace, proud of our ancient heritagein the long history of the world, only a few generations have been granted the role of defending freedom in its hour of maximum dangerand so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country. In the past, Sri Lanka has had both honest and unscrupulous leaders, where unhappily the latter have far outnumbered the former. It is time to change course. The thinking process that leads to a plan of action for the country must essentially be teleological and comport with the true meaning of the social contract theory which posits that people should live together in society in accordance with an agreement that establishes moral and political rules of behavior. It's time to get together. Click here to read the full article. Nope director Jordan Peele thought it might be taking things a little too far when a fan proposed he could be the best horror director of all time. I know this is a hot take but at what point do we declare Jordan Peele the best horror director of all time? wrote comic book creator Adam Ellis Wednesday morning on Twitter. Can you think of another horror director that had 3 great films, let alone 3 in a row? I cant. Though he was flattered, Peele objected to being ranked ahead of one of his favorite veteran filmmakers, John Carpenter of Halloween, Christine and The Thing fame. Sir, please put the phone down I beg you, Peele tweeted in response. Sorry. I love your enthusiasm but I will just not tolerate any John Carpenter slander! Sorry. I love your enthusiasm but, I will just not tolerate any John Carpenter slander!!! pic.twitter.com/71sVfXAu7S Jordan Peele (@JordanPeele) July 20, 2022 To bolster his argument, Ellis tweeted screenshots of the Rotten Tomatoes ranking for Peeles Get Out (98%), Us (93%) and Nope (89%). Other Twitter users were quick to dispute the original tweet, offering up examples of filmmakers with many more credits than Peele and just as much critical acclaim, including Alfred Hitchcock, David Lynch, Wes Craven, David Cronenberg, Brian de Palma and several others. In Varietys review of Nope, film critic Owen Gleiberman mentions several influences including Steven Spielberg, M. Night Shyamalan and Denis Villeneuve. He goes on to say that Nope has a seductive mood of unease that makes the film, for a while, feel like something new: the first UFO thriller of the cellphone-ready, I-saw-it-online, how-can-you-not-believe-your-own-eyes? era. Sign up for Varietys Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. The New Yorker has acquired Israeli documentary shorts Holy Holocaust and Herd. Jerusalem-based sales agent Go2Films has secured a worldwide digital distribution deal with the publication for the pair of award-winning films. Holy Holocaust is directed by Osi Wald and Noa Berman-Hertzberg, while Herd is helmed by Omer Daida. Both films are currently nominated for Israeli Academy Awards and have played at international festivals. Herd debuted on The New Yorkers digital channels on Wednesday, while Holy Holocaust will be released on The New Yorker later this year. Holy Holocaust is an animated doc short that reveals a dark family secret between two longtime friends: Jennifer, a German, and Noa, an Israeli. The film had its North American premiere at Hot Docs in May, and previously won best short animation at the 2021 Jerusalem Film Festival. The film also screened in the Austrian Tricky Women/Tricky Realities, Krakow International Film Festival and Doc Edge International Film Festival in New Zealand. The deal was negotiated in collaboration with Cord Dueppe from the Berlin-based sales company Interfilm. The short documentary Herd focuses on Naama, a 10-year-old who confronts questions of life and death as she works on her fathers cattle ranch. Director Omer Daida recently won the Most Promising Director award in the Tel Aviv International Student Film Festival, and, earlier this year, the Artistic Vision Award at the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival and the Students Film Competition at the Docaviv International Film Festival. Herd premiered in IDFA as part of the shorts competition and was also screened at Doc Edge 2022, Parnu Film Festival in Estonia, and the Ulju Mountain Film Festival in South Korea. Directed by young female filmmakers and focused on women, these stories combine delicacy, wisdom and a bold message with an uncompromising cinematic aesthetic, said Hedva Goldschmidt, managing director of Go2Films. We are happy to work with The New Yorker, home of compelling storytelling, which pays personal attention to every filmmaker. Sign up for Varietys Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. The Rolex crown logo can be taken literally; the Swiss brand is the undisputed king of watches. According to Morgan Stanleys 2022 report on the state of the Swiss watch industry, Rolex has 29% of the Swiss watch market share more than Omega, Cartier Watches, Longines, and Patek Philippe combined. And Rolexs celebrity wrist market share is probably even higher, with just about every rapper, actor, and famous personality seen wearing a Rolex at some point. Unfortunately, Rolexes have become especially hard to come by in recent years. Thanks to Covid supply chain issues and more demand, prices have skyrocketed, tipping many Rolex models past the five-figure mark. Luckily, you dont need $10k+ to get the brands classic good looks. Below, weve rounded up some of the best Rolex alternatives that can be had for as little as $75. The Best Rolex Alternatives to Buy Online Because Rolex is so ubiquitous and hasnt altered its iconic designs much over the years its not too hard to find more affordable watches that look like a Rolex. And were not talking about cheap knock-offs. Many of the best Rolex alternatives come from reputable budget-friendly brands with reliable movements and durable builds. These are watches you can wear every day, whether to work, to the grocery store, or while on vacation. Below, weve selected some of the best Rolex alternatives, with an option for each of Rolexs iconic models. 1. Timex M79 Automatic Rolex Submariner Alternative Timex The Submariner is the most recognizable Rolex model, marked by a rotating dive bezel, military-inspired details, and a stainless steel build. This Timex M79 delivers on all counts, and even boasts an automatic movement to boot. It comes in a handful of stylish colors including classic black, as well as a handsome brown color for the more adventurous shoppers. Although not as dive-worthy as a Submariner, the M79 is still water resistant up to 50 meters, making it safe to keep on while swimming or showering. Buy: Timex M79 Automatic at $289 2. Shinola Monster GMT Rolex GMT Alternative Huckberry Designed to keep track of two different time zones, GMT watches were invented by Rolex back in 1955. Now, the numbered dial and rugged, aeronautical design have made their way to other brands, including this modern, handsome Shinola Monster GMT. The watch is made in Detroit using a Swiss automatic movement with a 50-hour power reserve (this keeps the watch going when not on your wrist) and a stylish navy blue palette. Its also a highly capable dive watch thanks to a 1,000-foot water resistance rating. Buy: Shinola Monster GMT at $1,995 3. Invicta Speedway Chronograph S Rolex Daytona Alternative Amazon Invicta began as a Swiss watchmaker, but the brand later shut down before being re-launched as a U.S. company. Now, Invicta is a great option for highly affordable watches that look much more expensive than they are. This Speedway, for example, is almost identical to the ridiculously expensive Rolex Daytona, but costs just $75. Sure, it probably wont become a family heirloom, but itll look great and keep time perfectly well. Buy: Invicta Speedway Chronograph S $74.90 4. Burei Automatic Rolex Datejust Alternative Amazon Always wanted the casual elegance of a Rolex Datejust? Check out this automatic Burei. The Japanese timepiece is essentially a Datejust dupe with a jubilee bracelet, fluted bezel, and date complication. But its still a solid watch: the movement is an automatic Seiko NH-35A, the crystal is scratch-resistant sapphire, and customers applaud the watchs premium feel. Keep it handy for your next dressy occasion, or add some shine to casual weekend outfits. Buy: Burei Automatic $173.99 5. Seiko 5 SNXS73 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Alternative Amazon The Seiko 5 line is chock-full of fantastic Rolex alternatives, especially if you like the clean lines of the Oyster Perpetual. This SNXS73 is a great example, boasting a streamlined, classic look and a reliable automatic movement. Despite the sub-$100 price tag of most Seiko 5s, theyre very well-built. Ive owned one for a few years and it still looks new, even after swimming in the ocean, traveling, and being bumped around day-to-day. Buy: Seiko 5 SNXS73 $98.98 6. Vaer C3 Tradition Rolex Air-King Alternative Vaer For a more military-inspired look, a la the Rolex Air-King, check out this Vaer C3. Its an homage to vintage military watches and features the durable build quality and water resistance to match them. Its rated at 330 feet water resistance, uses sapphire crystal on the face, and has quick-swap straps. Buy: Vaer C3 Tradition at $279 7. Any Tudor Watch Amazon Probably the best Rolex alternative is also made by Rolex? Tudor, for the unfamiliar, was created in 1926 as a more affordable sibling brand to Rolex. Tudors watches are equally well-made and just as rugged as Rolexs (Tudor supplied U.S. Navy Seals and French Marine Nationale soldiers for a time), but they cost significantly less; the average Tudor is about $4,000. Plus, they hold value quite well and certain models look very similar to a Rolex. Buy: Tudor Black Bay $4,600.00 A federal jury has convicted a Laredo man of conspiring to transport 124 people in a sealed trailer following a two-day trial, the U.S. Attorneys Office announced on Wednesday. The jury deliberated two hours before convicting David William McKeon, 67, for conspiracy to transport the migrants. Homeland Security Investigations special agents investigated the case with the assistance of the U.S. Border Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian Bajew and David Fawcett prosecuted the case. The case unfolded on April 20, when McKeon arrived at the Border Patrol checkpoint on Interstate 35 operating a tractor-trailer. Then, authorities said they heard suspicious noises coming from the trailer. Agents would discover 124 migrants locked behind the doors. Jurors heard that McKeon was recruited for the job at his birthday party a few days earlier. He picked up the tractor-trailer from a dirt road. He was then given a fraudulent bill of lading in the parking lot of a Popeyes restaurant before driving to the checkpoint. But the defense attempted to convince the jury that McKeon didnt know there were migrants inside the trailer. He will be sentenced at a later date before U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo. McKeon faces up to 10 years in prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. He will remain in custody pending that hearing. Laredo Crime Stoppers' Most Wanted individual for this week is a man who has a half-dozen active felony warrants and is wanted in his alleged role in a recent shooting. Benito Noel Martinez Jr. is being sought by local authorities. The 21-year-old man has six felony warrants, charging him with Aggravated Assault W/Deadly Weapon (firearm) F/2. Martinez is approximately 5-foot-6 and 152 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. He was last seen driving an older model beige Chevrolet Suburban, police said. The original incident had three suspects identified in the incident including Martinez; Humberto Chavez, 28; and Francisco Suarez, 18. Police officers responded to shots fired at about 9:30 p.m. Thursday in the 100 block of Gustavus Street. As a result, a 25-year-old man was taken to a local hospital in a private vehicle. Police said he had a single gunshot to the shoulder. LPD officers responded to Laredo Medical Center after reports of a man who had been shot in the shoulder. Investigators from the Crimes Against Persons Unit took over the case. The investigation led to the identification of Martinez, Chavez and Suarez as the people responsible for the shooting. Each was charged with aggravated assault with a firearm causing serious bodily injury. Martinez faces a $450,000 bond set by Justice Oscar Liendo. The District Attorney's Office has approved arrest warrants for Martinez. To provide information on Martinez's whereabouts, individuals can contact Laredo Crime Stoppers at 727-TIPS or by downloading the Crime Stoppers P3 app to be eligible for a cash reward. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate An OB-GYN learned his fate on Thursday in a Laredo courtroom after being arrested in 2017 as car dealership employees found pornographic images of children in his vehicle. Dr. Antonio Salinas was sentenced to serve two years in the Texas Department of Correctional Institution Division, according to District Attorney Isidro R. Alaniz's Office. He also will receive 10 years probation. Salinas will be required to register as a sex offender. Salinas previously plead guilty in September 2019 to two counts of possessing child pornography. At that point, he agreed to serve two years and 10 years probation with 600 hours of community service as part of his plea deal. However, Salinas' attorney, Uriel Druker, argued in 2018 that any evidence obtained by law enforcement or a private person in violation of law should not be admitted. A motion to suppress the evidence was denied in 2018 by 406th District Court Judge Oscar Hale Jr., and that ruling was affirmed in 2021 by the Texas Thirteenth District Court of Appeals in Corpus Christi. Background Salinas turned himself in at LPD headquarters on June 23, 2017 and was arrested Sept. 8, 2017, according to the District Attorney. He was indicted on 36 counts of possession of child pornography, a third-degree felony, after car dealership employees found pornographic images of children in his vehicle. A service adviser at the dealership testified Salinas went there because the service engine light of his truck was on. He also asked employees to inspect his glove compartment. A former employee testified he saw and took the USB out of curiosity and to look for music. After he saw the images, he feared telling police how he obtained the USB. He then asked his coworker to talk to police, according to testimony. LPD Officer David Paz testified he arrived at the dealership and asked to see their laptop to see where the files were located. Paz said he saw seven pictures of young females without any clothing on. He said the girls appeared to be between the ages of 11 and 14, and that some were in provocative poses while other girls' private parts were exposed. The employees at the time falsely told police the USB port in his Ford F-150 was not working, and that they found the USB and plugged it into a laptop to see if the device or port itself was the issue. Salinas' attorney Uriel Druker in 2018 made a motion to suppress evidence since the USB was illegally obtained and Paz saw the contents without first obtaining a search warrant. According to his motion, LPD special investigations detectives applied for several search warrants based on the information by Paz and voluntary written statements from the employees. Yet Chief Assistant District Attorney Marisela Jacaman said the USB's discovery was not deliberate. At the bottom of a receipt from the dealership states customers understand that the "company assumes no responsibility for loss or damage to the vehicle or its contents." Jacaman said Salinas assumed risk there would intrusion of privacy knowing they have a sign reading they are not responsible for theft or damages. 406th District Court Judge Oscar J. Hale ruled officers had a right to seize the device without a warrant. On June 14, 2017, LPD detectives obtained written consent from the employee who owned the laptop to take it for forensic analysis along with the USB, according to Hale's order. Because the employee consented to the search of the USB while attached to his computer, Hale ruled Paz did not need a search warrant. After LPD reviewed the USB's images, they informed Salinas of the investigation and subsequent search warrants of his home, according to a judge order. Salinas gave his laptop and cellphone over to police, was read his Miranda warnings and answered questions in a recorded interview. Salinas in the interview said he did not remember the USB or that he forgot about any USB containing child pornography, according to the order. He then detailed how he became involved in viewing the images and videos, his frequent viewing and that he possessed other child pornography on his computers and other USBs. He was allowed to go home but then was advised LPD would seek a warrant authorizing his arrest. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate OLATHE, Kan. (AP) Republicans have spent more than three decades making it as hard as possible to get an abortion in Kansas, and now that their chance to ban the procedure is in sight, theyre reluctant to tell voters whether that's their goal. In the first statewide abortion referendum since the U.S. Supreme Court overruled Roe vs. Wade, Kansas voters will decide Aug. 2 on a proposed change to the state constitution that would clear the way for its Republican-controlled Legislature to more strictly regulate or ban abortion. Several other states are poised to vote on the issue later this year, and new fights loom where courts and governors are less conservative than legislatures. But even as conservative lawmakers in nearby states such as Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas take pride in their near-total bans, abortion opponents in Kansas avoid giving direct answers about what new restrictions they'd support, and some deny they'd seek a total ban. You dont want to get out over your skis and and, you know, say something and then it doesnt even come to pass, said Kansas House Majority Leader Dan Hawkins, a Wichita Republican who opposes abortion and is poised to become House speaker next year. It's part of a strategy to get conservative voters out to back the amendment while appealing to centrist voters who support restrictions but don't want a ban. Both sides accuse the other of misleading voters. They intend to ban abortion in all cases, said Anne Melia, 59, a former Republican who is now a Democrat and an environmental chemist who gave up a consulting job last year to focus on political activism. Our law here could match something like what happened in Missouri with their trigger law thats banned all abortion. If abortion opponents are successful, Kansas will be the fifth state to add language to its state constitution declaring that it doesn't grant the right to abortion. The other four Tennessee in 2014, Alabama and West Virginia in 2018, and Louisiana in 2020 ban most abortions. Kentucky will vote in November on having its constitution declare that it doesn't protect abortion rights, and Republicans in Iowa and Pennsylvania are pursuing such initiatives. Meanwhile, Vermont will decide in November whether to add an abortion rights provision to its constitution, while abortion rights supporters in Colorado are aiming for a 2024 initiative. In Michigan, a ballot initiative likely is headed for a November vote on whether to enshrine abortion rights language in the state constitution. Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer also is asking the states highest court to strike down a 1931 abortion ban that has been dormant for five decades. Courts in at least 10 states are dealing with lawsuits over abortion. This is, I think, a really unsettling and troubling moment for American women and providers who treat American women, Whitmer said. In Kansas, spending in the campaign over its abortion question has topped $14 million, with backers spending about $8 million. Catholic dioceses and the Kansas Catholic Conference have contributed more than $4 million to the vote yes campaign. Abortion providers have contributed nearly $1.5 million to the vote no campaign, and the Sixteen Thirty Fund, a liberal Washington group, has kicked in $1.4 million. Kansas currently bans most abortions at the 22nd week of pregnancy, imposes a 24-hour waiting period for patients and mandates parental notification for minors, among other things. Kansans for Life, the state's most influential anti-abortion group, has for decades pushed the most restrictive abortion laws that would pass court muster or, when Democrats held the governors office, win the legislative supermajorities necessary to override vetoes. Then in 2019 a law banning the most common second-trimester procedure was blocked by the Kansas Supreme Court, which ruled that the state's constitution protects abortion rights. A law setting additional health regulations also is on hold, with a trial judge ruling in December that the state had no justification for rules applying only to abortion providers. If voters say yes Aug. 2, those laws could take effect quickly. But lawmakers also would have the power to enact a law like the model proposed by the National Right to Life Committee that would ban all abortions except to save a woman's life. Kansas and Michigan will both serve as test cases on the power of Republican state legislatures to intervene in personal medical decisions, said Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren, of Massachusetts. And other states will be paying attention. Abortion opponents say talk of a ban is misleading. The real issue, they say, is that without a constitutional change, the laws currently being enforced might be erased, making Kansas a haven for unrestricted abortion. All eyes are here, said Ella Witt, who directs student canvassers for the national Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America group, whose website says its mission is to end abortion. Itll tell an important story of where maybe things are headed. The group brought in about 300 college students from 25 out-of-state campuses to knock on doors and talk to voters, investing $1.3 million. One voter was Toni Sluga, a 74-year-old retired teacher who said the states highest court usurped the power of the Legislature. We just dont want Kansas to become the abortion capital of the country, she said. Some scholars see that argument as dubious. Jeffrey Jackson, interim dean of the Washburn University law school in Topeka, and Stephen McAllister, a former Kansas solicitor general who represented the state in the case that led to the 2019 ruling, said some restrictions, such as the waiting period and parental notification, are likely to survive even if the amendment does not pass. Abortion has been a defining political issue in Kansas since the anti-abortion Summer of Mercy protests outside the Wichita clinic of Dr. George Tiller in 1991. Tiller was among the few U.S. physicians known to do abortions late in pregnancies. An anti-abortion extremist murdered him in 2009. The protests energized abortion opponents, who began a long-term strategy of electing people who would vote with abortion in mind at every level of government. But even though Kansans have sent abortion-opposing majorities to the Statehouse, they regularly elect Democrats who support abortion rights as governor, like Laura Kelly in 2018. Abortion opponents say how far they could go next year if the amendment passes depends on whether Kelly wins her tough reelection race. She has said adding anti-abortion language to the Kansas Constitution would throw the state back into the Dark Ages. The presumed GOP nominee, state Attorney General Derek Schmidt, supports the ballot measure but will not say what hed sign as governor. Top Republican lawmakers also are mum. An aide to Senate President Ty Masterson, a Wichita Republican, texted that Masterson sees no value in prognosticating. The vote in Kansas is on primary election day, which is expected to favor abortion opponents. Over the past 10 years, GOP voters have cast twice as many ballots as Democrats in Kansas primaries. But more than 12,000 people registered to vote in Kansas between April 1 and July 1, with a draft of the U.S. Supreme Court's opinion leaking in early May. Troy Newman, president of the national anti-abortion group Operation Rescue, said once the amendment passes, the immediate priority will be to enforce the Kansas laws now on hold. "Then we tighten up various restrictions, maybe abolish abortion altogether, he added. I think its not a bridge too far. - Associated Press/Report for America writer Joey Cappelletti contributed from Lansing, Michigan. ___ Follow John Hanna on Twitter at https://twitter.com/apjdhanna This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) A police operation Thursday targeting gang members in Rio de Janeiro's largest complex of favelas, or low-income communities, left at least 18 people dead in one of the deadliest raids the city has seen recently and one already bringing more criticism of police violence. Rio authorities said 16 suspected criminals were killed in confrontations with police in Complexo do Alemao along with a police officer and an woman. A police spokesman said the raid targeted a criminal group that stole cars and robbed banks, and invaded nearby neighborhoods. Videos circulating on social media showed intense shootouts between criminals as well as a police helicopter flying low over the small, brick houses. Rios police have used helicopters to shoot at targets, even in densely populated residential areas, and video showed shots being fired from the favela at the aircraft. At the site of the raid, Associated Press reporters saw residents carrying about 10 bodies as bystanders shouted, We want peace! Residents said those who attempted to help the injured risked arrest. Its a massacre inside, which police are calling an operation, one woman told AP, speaking on the condition of anonymity because she feared reprisals from authorities. Theyre not letting us help (victims), she added, saying she saw one man arrested for attempting to do so. A Rios police force spokesman said some of the criminals wore uniforms to disguise themselves as police officers. I would rather they (the suspects) had not reacted and then we could have arrested 15, 14 of them. But unfortunately they chose to fire at our policemen, said Ronaldo Oliveira, an investigator of Rios police. Rio state Gov. Claudio Castro said on Twitter he lamented the police officer's death. "I will continue to fight crime with all my strength. We will not back down from the mission of guaranteeing peace and security to the people of our state, Castro said. But many disagree with the government's strategy for tackling violence and organized crime, an approach that regularly sees deadly police operations. A raid in Rio's Vila Cruzeiro favela in May killed more than 20 people. Thursday's operation was aimed at locating and arresting criminal leaders, some from other states, police said in an early statement. ENOUGH of this genocidal policy, governor! Taliria Petrone, a federal lawmaker for Rio, said in response to the governor's tweet. This failed public security policy leaves residents and police on the ground, en masse. Its no longer possible to keep piling up Black bodies and favela residents every day! Alemao is a complex of 13 favelas in northern Rio, home to about 70,000 people. Nearly three-quarters of them are Afro-Brazilians, according to a July 2020 study published by the Brazilian Institute of Social and Economical Analyses. Earlier this year, Brazils Supreme Court established a series of conditions for police to conduct raids in Rios favelas as a means to reduce police killings and violations of human rights. The court ordered that lethal force be used only in situations in which all other means have been exhausted and when necessary to protect life. The ruling came in response to a raid on the Jacarezinho favela in 2021 that resulted in 28 people being killed. As was the case Thursday, an officer died during that raid, which some speculated at the time was the cause for subsequent abuse and summary executions. Thursdays operation began before dawn and finished around 4 p.m. local time, police said. Nearly 400 police officers were involved, including Rios tactical police unit, backed up by four helicopters and 10 bullet-proofed vehicles, according to the police statement. In a video shared by Voz da Comunidade, a community news outlet focused on Rios favelas, residents can be seen calling for peace and waving white cloths from their windows and rooftops. Fabricio Oliveira, one of the coordinators of the police raid, said authorities fear that Friday could be another violent day at the Complexo do Alemao. Our experience has told us that after raids like these police are attacked in every way, Oliveira said. ____ AP journalist Mauricio Savarese contributed to this report from Sao Paulo. CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) An appeals court has revived a federal lawsuit that a lower court dismissed accusing the state of West Virginia of failing to protect children and fix its overwhelmed foster care system. The 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Wednesday sent the lawsuit back to U.S. District Court in Charleston, pushing back on state claims that a federal court should have no part in disputes about the system. The lawsuit seeking class-action status was filed in October 2019 by a Charleston law firm and two nonprofit advocacy groups on behalf of a dozen children against Gov. Jim Justice, the state Department of Health and Human Resources and other state officials. A U.S. district judge last year granted the state's motion to dismiss the case, saying that the state court system should have jurisdiction over child welfare cases. He also determined six of the plaintiffs had left the foster care system, rendering their claims moot. In its ruling reviving the lawsuit, the appeals court said it supported the idea of a class-action lawsuit. For years, West Virginias response to any foster-care orders entered as part of the individual state hearings seems to have been to shuffle its money and staff around until the orders run out, entrenching rather than excising structural failures," Senior U.S. Circuit Judge Henry F. Floyd wrote in the majority opinion. "Forcing Plaintiffs to once more litigate their claims piecemeal would get federalism exactly backwards." Department of Health and Human Resources spokeswoman Allison Adler called the appeals court's decision discouraging. In a written statement Thursday, she wrote that the agency believes the federal lawsuit seeks to interfere with West Virginia state circuit courts decision-making abilities related to foster care cases. The lawsuit alleges that the states child welfare system has significant administrative problems that hinder its ability to operate effectively. The 105-page complaint describes stories of neglect and harm done to foster children while under the departments care. Many were in inadequate and dangerous placements, left without necessary services or forced to languish in foster care for years, including a 17-year-old suicidal boy who slept in a locked cell at a juvenile detention center, the lawsuit alleges. The complaint also alleges that the state has failed to maintain an adequate number of appropriate foster homes, and that it resorts to quick placements among relatives without vetting or monitoring to ensure childrens safety. The reliance upon kinship caregivers has increased significantly in the past decade. About 6,600 children are in the foster care system: Demand for services has swelled in part because of the state's highest drug overdose death rate in the nation. The lawsuit asserts that West Virginia can no longer use the opioid epidemic as an excuse. There were failed attempts in this years legislative session to address the foster care system, which falls under the DHHR. Pay raises for social workers were gutted after a bill aimed at improving foster care services unraveled on the Legislatures final day in March, then were revived after officials tapped funds from existing vacant positions. In June, a dashboard debuted with some foster care data collected by the state. Advocates have said making the data available to the public could help both policymakers and nonprofit groups interested in assisting children while keeping residents informed. That same month, a Virginia consulting firm was awarded a contract to conduct a thorough review of the DHHR, whose $7.6 billion budget represents 39% of the states entire spending. Justice, a Republican, vetoed a bill in March that would have split the DHHR into separate agencies, saying he first wanted to look into its issues, bottlenecks, and inefficiencies. In 2019, West Virginia agreed to expand mental health services for children after a federal investigation found the state unnecessarily institutionalized kids with emotional or behavioral disorders. Chicago police say 29-year-old Sania Khan's ex-husband went from his home in Georgia to shoot and kill her before turning the gun on himself. Pence signals a 2024 bid as he meets with lawmakers and preps for SC speech Netflix is rolling out something called "extra homes" to customers in other countries. NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 29: Ivana Trump attends Cheri Kaufman's Birthday at Kaufman Astoria Studios on November 29, 2018 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Paul Bruinooge/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images) Members of the public have been asked to assist the Gardai as they investigate an act of vandalism that cost over 20,000. Sean MacEoin is a landowner in Ballinalee. He recently was the victim of wanton destruction to machinery on his land: It's a small quarry just outside Ballinalee, a place called Ballyreghan Sean told the Leader, I discovered it two weeks ago. I have no cattle on the land, so I wasn't there for a while. I reported to the Gardai and they are investigating it. The site was vandalised a couple of years ago. Sean says in the past during the hot weather people have broke into the quarry to dive into the water: It's about 35 foot of a drop, but people take risks like this. Aside from the vandalism they are putting themselves in danger. Seans says the damage tot he equipment on site is more extensive this time around: They only vandalised it the last time, this time they burned the machinery. It looks like it is a complete write off. I estimate it between 20,000 and 25,000. It's terrible, I had a security camera up and it is gone. The Gardai are investigating the incidence and are asking any member of the public who may have information to come forward in confidence. The agriculture sector will have to cut greenhouse gas emissions by more than 22% as part of the Governments plans to tackle climate change, the Environment Minister has said. Eamon Ryan said it was not easy for farmers but that he was close to finalising targets for reducing emissions with Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue. The Climate Change Advisory Council has recommended carbon cuts of 22% to 30% from the agricultural industry. Speaking in Dublin, Mr Ryan said it was challenging for the sector. Were hoping to conclude that in the coming days, he said. Its not easy, its challenging for agriculture Theres real opportunity to open up a whole range of public versus private capital, which will go into paying for young farmers to manage and tender land. Thats what myself and Charlie (McConalogue) have been discussing. Working out how feasible is that, how could we do it, how can we go further? The EPAs Irelands Provisional Greenhouse Gas Emission Inventory 1990 2021 report shows that Irelands GHGs increased by 4.7% in 2021 compared to 2020 and are now 1.1% above 2019 pre-COVID restriction levels. Read the report: https://t.co/shinYAYBxj pic.twitter.com/Njx8rSWeHk EPA Ireland (@EPAIreland) July 21, 2022 We will have to go further than 22%. Im not going to go into discussion on figures here today. He added: We agreed on this that we really need momentum. We need to make sure that every farmer knows this is the way the world is going. Im going to be part of this, play my part and also know that they are going to get a good income from it. Mr Ryan and Mr McConalogue met on Wednesday to discuss the sectors role in cutting emissions. The Government is expected to sign off next week on legally binding targets for reductions in greenhouse gas emissions that would require a cut to the national herd among other measures. Ireland is committed to halving carbon emissions by 2030 and to net zero emissions by 2050. Mr Ryans comments come as the latest report from the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) showed Irelands emissions rose by almost 5% last year compared to 2020 and are now 1.1% above 2019 pre-Covid restriction levels. The EPA report found that two-fifths of emissions are coming from agriculture. Mr Ryan blamed the increased use of Moneypoint coal-fired power station in Co Clare for the rise in emissions last year. By not making as much (progress) last year we will have to do more in the coming years, he said. The main reasons those figures went up was because Moneypoint was running much longer than previously. The price of gas being so high Moneypoint was in the merit order all of the time. Increasing transport and farming, fertiliser use they are the key reasons. Mr Ryan said householder-related emissions went down by almost 5%, which showed we can do it. No one disagrees that we have to do this, he added. Just how quickly can we do it? And yes, were going to have to go faster. Yes, were going to have to do more but itll only work if its good for the country that actually leads to a better system. He added: No sector is left out but no sector is going to get all the blame either. Its not going to work if were pointing the finger. Nature & Weather, Local News, Business & Finance By Chris Boyle Published: July 21 2022 Includes $20 Million for Suffolk County to Help Address Substandard or Failing Systems. Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the availability of $255 million in state grants for critical water infrastructure projects that will protect public health and the environment through the State's Water Infrastructure Improvement, Intermunicipal Grant, and State Septic System Replacement programs. This announcement marks the latest action by Governor Hochul to upgrade New York's water and sewer systems, reduce water pollution, and safeguard vital drinking water supplies from emerging contaminants and toxic chemicals. This infusion of public funds will continue to help make water infrastructure investments more affordable for local governments and create jobs in the manufacturing, engineering, construction, plant operations, and related industry sectors. The announcement was made in Suffolk County where $20 million from the State's Septic Replacement Program will help address more than 2,000 substandard or failing septic systems and cesspools that cause significant water quality impairments. "Every New Yorker deserves access to safe, clean water and today's announcement represents the latest installment in the State's nation-leading investment to tackle emerging contaminants and protect residents and the environment from dangerous pollutants," Governor Hochul said. "These strategic investments will make lifesaving improvements to our water infrastructure and safeguard drinking water for millions of people on Long Island. New York will continue to prioritize resources for projects that provide reliable, clean water for communities across the state while creating good-paying jobs and spurring economic development." Governor Hochul's announcement of this available funding will directly help Long Island's water providers update their aging water infrastructure. Long Island is almost entirely dependent on a sole-source aquifer and helping water providers protect this valuable and unique groundwater source is vital to ensuring millions of people in Nassau and Suffolk have clean water to drink. This is just one more step the Governor is taking to ensure the people of Long Island have access to clean water. Water Infrastructure Grants Prioritize Projects that Address Emerging Contaminants, Critical Wastewater Projects Today's announcement includes $225 million in grants for municipalities to bolster New York's actions to protect drinking water supplies. To date, more than $400 million in state water grants has been awarded to projects that address emerging contaminants. The State's goal is to provide grants to all communities that need help in their efforts to tackle emerging contaminants in their drinking water. As part of the ongoing statewide effort to confront PFAS pollution and help communities that are on the frontlines of PFAS contamination, this round of funding continues to prioritize grant awards for drinking water projects that address emerging contaminants. Critical wastewater projects are also eligible for grants. The Environmental Facilities Corporation administers the WIIA and IMG programs working closely with the Departments of Health and Environmental Conservation. The State has awarded more than $1.76 billion in water infrastructure grants through EFC since 2015, including $638 million announced by Governor Hochul in April. To date, EFC has awarded 834 WIIA and IMG grants to 488 communities. Local units of government are eligible to apply for funding for: WIIA grant awards that will fund up to 25 percent of an eligible wastewater project's total cost, up to $25 million. WIIA grant awards that will fund 60 percent of net eligible project costs for projects that address emerging contaminants above the State determined Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), with no cap on the total award. WIIA grant awards for all other drinking water projects will be awarded up to 60 percent of net project costs up to a maximum of $5 million. IMG awards that will fund up to 40 percent of an eligible wastewater or drinking water project for communities that share services, up to $30 million. Grant applications and required supporting documentation must be submitted through EFC's website by 5 p.m. on September 9. Septic System Replacement Program Investments Target Water Quality and Protection of Public Health An additional $30 million is now available through the State Septic System Replacement Program to support home and small business owners in the targeted replacement of aging and sub-standard septic systems and removal of cesspools in communities statewide. The Septic Replacement Program improves water quality by encouraging and incentivizing homeowners' replacement of cesspools and failing or inadequate septic systems around a waterbody known to be impaired by septic system discharges. DEC and DOH identified priority geographic areas where property owners are eligible to participate based on the presence of a sole-source aquifer used for drinking water, known water quality impairment linked to failing septic systems, and/or the ability for septic system upgrades to mitigate water quality impairments. EFC will be providing detailed information about how to access the funding to counties with identified priority geographic areas. DEC and DOH will re-evaluate priority geographic areas in future rounds of funding. New York State will provide funds to counties to reimburse eligible property owners for a portion of the cost of replacing cesspools and septic systems and installing more environmentally effective systems. Eligible property owners can be reimbursed 50 percent of eligible costs up to $10,000. Counties may also set graduated incentive reimbursement rates for septic system projects to maximize program participation and pollution reduction goals. A list of eligible counties and priority geographic areas within those counties is available on EFC's website at https://efc.ny.gov/septic-replacement Environmental Facilities Corporation President & CEO Maureen A. Coleman said, "Governor Hochul understands the importance of supporting local governments with grants as municipal utilities tackle compounding infrastructure issues - modernizing aging systems, addressing emerging contaminants, removing lead pipes and instituting resiliency measures that mitigate climate change impacts. The WIIA and IMG grant programs have saved recipients over $2 billion in potential financing costs associated with drinking water and wastewater projects since the program's inception. EFC thanks Governor Hochul for her ongoing commitment to provide funding solutions to our municipal partners to help them confront clean water issues head-on and get critical projects underway." Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner and Environmental Facilities Corporation Board Chair Basil Seggos said, "With significant investments like this, Governor Hochul continues to make improving water quality a priority in communities across New York State. Today's grants will provide necessary assistance to allow municipalities to upgrade and modernize their aging water and sewer systems, safeguard drinking water, and help protect residents from emerging contaminants. In addition, these projects create jobs, boosting economies statewide." State Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett said, "New York State remains committed to doing everything we can to protect our drinking water. This investment will allow local communities to take action to reduce exposure to pollutants in their water supply, while helping to remove financial barriers and I thank Governor Hochul for ensuring communities can continue to invest in water infrastructure upgrades." Department of State Secretary Robert J. Rodriguez said, "Clean and safe drinking water is not a luxury but a right every New Yorker is entitled to which is why state grant programs, like these, are vital for communities. Healthy drinking water systems are essential to life, economic development, and growth. By prioritizing these investments, Governor Hochul is protecting and improving our water infrastructure throughout our great state." Additional Water Quality Grants are Available Governor Hochul recently announced funding is available through the State's Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) https://apps.cio.ny.gov/apps/cfa/ . The application is available through July 29, 2022. Available funding includes the 18th round of the Water Quality Improvement Project (WQIP) Grant Program. This year, at least $75 million is available to help improve or protect water quality, restore aquatic connectivity in streams, combat harmful algal blooms, and upgrade aging wastewater infrastructure. Six different project types are available for funding, including Wastewater Treatment Improvement, Non-agricultural Nonpoint Source Abatement and Control, Land Acquisition for Source Water Protection, Salt Storage, Aquatic Connectivity Restoration, and Marine District Habitat Restoration. Municipalities and Soil and Water Conservation Districts are eligible to apply for all project types; not-for profits are eligible for select project types and grants range from $500,000 to $10 million depending on the project type. The Governor announced the last round of awardees in December, which included nearly $7.8 million to improve the water quality of Patchogue Bay by reducing the amount of nitrogen entering the waterbody. Available CFA funding also includes the Green Innovation Grant Program (GIGP) and Engineering Planning Grants (EPG). At least $15 million in grants is available through GIGP to support green stormwater infrastructure and municipal water and energy efficiency projects. Green infrastructure practices help combat nutrient pollution by reducing stormwater runoff. Up to $3 million has been made available for this round of EPG. Grants of up to $100,000 are available to municipalities to help fund an engineering report for initial planning, so they can be better prepared to seek financing to help them complete their wastewater, sewer and water quality projects. New York's Commitment to Water Quality New York continues to increase investments in clean water infrastructure projects. Under the leadership of Governor Hochul, the Enacted Budget authorizes an additional $1.2 billion, for a total of $4.2 billion, for the landmark Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act. This historic initiative, to be taken up by voters later this year, would update aging water infrastructure and protect water quality; reduce air pollution and lower climate-altering emissions; restore habitats; strengthen communities' ability to withstand severe storms and flooding; preserve outdoor spaces and local farms; and ensure equity by investing at least 35 percent, with a goal of 40 percent, of resources in disadvantaged communities. In addition to the Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act, the Budget includes a record $400 million Environmental Protection Fund to support climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts, improve agricultural resources to promote sustainable agriculture, protect our water sources, advance conservation efforts, and provide recreational opportunities for New Yorkers. The budget also included another $500 million in clean water infrastructure funding, bringing the State's total clean water investment to $4.5 billion since 2017. Local Governments Encouraged to Participate in Clean Watersheds Needs Survey EFC is urging municipalities to participate in the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Clean Watersheds Needs Survey which EFC kicked off in New York on March 1. Participation is critical as it may impact how much federal Clean Water State Revolving Fund dollars will be allocated to New York State to fund future clean water infrastructure projects. Municipalities are asked to document their community's wastewater infrastructure needs for submission to the EPA. To submit documentation and for resources to assist with submissions, visit here Assemblymember Steve Englebright said, "Today's announcement will help ensure Long Islanders have access to clean, safe drinking water, in addition to tremendous investments in Suffolk's septic program. I thank Governor Hochul for her leadership and look forward to continuing to work together to achieve environmental wins for New York." Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone said, "As an island, our water is our most precious resources and we must do everything we can to protect it. I want to thank Governor Hochul for her continued commitment to investing in critical water infrastructure. The state's efforts, combined with our efforts on the County level, will ensure safe, healthy water for generations to come." Citizens Campaign for the Environment Executive Director Adrienne Esposito said, "Ask any Long Islander if they support clean water and you will get a resounding yes. Long Island needs clean water! Improving and updating treatment of our wastewater and drinking water systems is imperative to making Long Island sustainable and protecting public health. The fight to protect and restore our islands water quality is in full force and funding is drastically needed for us to win this battle. We are delighted that Governor Hochul understands the critical importance of state assistance. This state funding will help us gain ground in the war against pollution and help make Long Island's waters clean and safe." The Nature Conservancy's Long Island Policy Advisor Kevin McDonald said, "The Nature Conservancy applauds Governor Kathy Hochul for her dedication to bringing clean water and healthy beaches and bays back to Long Island. Our local water and wastewater infrastructure is inadequate for today's needs. Nitrogen pollution from traditional septic systems threatens our health, economy, and way of life. We need further investments to restore clean water on Long Island, and we're thrilled that today funding allocated by the Governor and Legislature in the state budget will be used to replace polluting septic systems with clean water technology." Suffolk County Water Authority Chief Executive Officer Jeffrey W. Szabo said, "On behalf of SCWA ratepayers, we thank Governor Hochul for making this critical funding available to water providers across New York State. The Suffolk County Water Authority has proactively allocated tens of millions of dollars to address emerging contaminants through comprehensive testing and the development of innovative treatment technologies, but there is a long way to go. State funding like this keeps costs down for our ratepayers while ensuring the residents of Suffolk County continue to have access to high quality drinking water." Fire Last Night at Fuji Seoul Restaurant in Merrick, 4 Fire Departments Respond Local News By Long Island Published: July 21 2022 The Arson Bomb Squad reports the details of a Fire that occurred at 11:50pm on Wednesday July 20, 2022 in Merrick. The Arson Bomb Squad reports the details of a Fire that occurred at 11:50pm on Wednesday July 20, 2022 in Merrick. According to Detectives, Officers responded to 151 Merrick Avenue for an active fire that started in the kitchen of the Fuji Seoul Restaurant. The Merrick Fire Department assisted by the Roosevelt, Wantagh and Freeport Fire Departments responded to assist in extinguishing the fire. Approximately five businesses were affected by the fire and homes in the vicinity were evacuated for precautionary reasons. One firefighter was transported to Nassau University Medical Center for a minor injury in stable condition. Fire Marshall Battaglia responded to the scene. Detectives have deemed the fire non-suspicious. (Alliance News) - London-based oil major Shell PLC on Thursday welcomed news from Dutch authorities that an investigation into bribery allegations has been dismissed. The investigation by the Dutch Public Prosecutor's office concerned alleged bribery related to Oil Prospecting License 245 in Nigeria back in 2011. Shell commented: "We welcome today's decision, which marks an end to the criminal investigation in the Netherlands. It follows the Milan Public Prosecutor's appeal withdrawal earlier this week, which ended all criminal proceedings and confirmed the Milan Tribunal's decision to acquit Shell and four of our former employees in March 2021. "The Milan Public Prosecutor acknowledged that there was no evidence of a corrupt agreement or corrupt payments, that this case should end because it has no foundations, and that the defendants have the right to see the end of criminal proceedings, having endured seven years of suffering." Shares in Shell closed 1.4% lower at 2,021.50 pence in London on Thursday. By Elizabeth Winter; elizabethwinter@alliancenews.com Copyright 2022 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved. Manchester, VT (05254) Today Cloudy skies early, then off and on rain showers overnight. Low 59F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 30%.. Tonight Cloudy skies early, then off and on rain showers overnight. Low 59F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 30%. The Australian who is fighting to avoid extradition to the United States signed a marriage certificate that legally formalized the love relationship with Stella Moris, who has been his lawyer since 2011. The ceremony took place in a high security prison located southeast of London, England, where Julian Assange has been held for three years. Discreet ceremony Due to the strict regulations in place, the ceremony was only accessible to four guests, two witnesses and two security officers working at the prison. Stella showed up at the prison accompanied by her two young children and wearing a dress designed by Vivienne Westwood. "This is not a prison wedding, it is a declaration of love and resilience despite the prison walls, despite the political persecution, despite the arbitrary detention, despite the harm and harassment inflicted on Julian and our family," she said. Media coverage The dozens of media outlets that attempted to cover the event witnessed the bride carrying a bouquet of flowers in her hands. Inside the prison Assange was waiting for the bride wearing a kilt, in reference to his family origins. It is worth mentioning that the founder of WikiLeaks has been imprisoned in Belmarsh since the Ecuadorian government of former President Lenin Moreno, removed his diplomatic protection and agreed to the British police forces to proceed with the arrest of the businessman based in the facilities of the Ecuadorian embassy based in the United Kingdom, this in April 2019. Julian Assange maintains a permanent struggle to evade US justice since he faces 17 espionage charges for having leaked classified military material and could receive a sentence of 175 years in prison. After almost two decades since the end of the prolonged civil war in Liberia in 2003, it is quite unfortunate that Liberia is still in a transitional state. The country is still brittle and struggling to recover from the shock and wanton destruction of the crisis. So many Liberians continue to live with the devastating effects of the war psychologically, economically, and socially. The economy is still in a terrible state and is yet to be revitalized to work for everyone. Roads and infrastructure, healthcare and sanitation, jobs, and education are still grossly inadequate or virtually non-existent thus, limiting or denying citizens access to basic social services. One of the key factors that account for the slow and uncertain national recovery process is bad governance which is a direct result of the quality of leaders who are periodically elected and entrusted with the countrys leadership responsibility. Despite successfully conducting three solid rounds of elections in 2005, 2011, and 2017 plus several legislative by-elections and special senatorial elections, sadly, Liberia is still a victim of bad governance. The irony is that the current corrupt and impoverished state of the country does not reflect these enumerated democratic achievements. Obviously, the situation speaks volumes about the degree of problems associated with our electoral system and processes as well as the gross lack of understanding of the citizenry of their rights, roles, and responsibilities reflective of the quality of leaders they elect to public offices. Hence, if the ensuing 2023 elections are to serve as a turning point, a lot needs to be done including the following: 1. Change the Voter Registration System and Conduct a Fresh Biometric Voter Registration (BVR) The country needs a fresh voter registration in order to transition from an Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) system to a complete Biometric Voter Registration system (BVR). Although there seem to be current efforts by the National Elections Commission (NEC) toward this transition, time is of the essence here because a BVR process requires huge resources, logistics, and time. While the BVR may not also be problem-free, as there are always privacy concerns and huge costs associated with it, however, it has greater advantages such as fast authentication, accuracy, and scalability. The system has been tested by several countries and has proven to be very efficient and effective. Unlike the BVR system, the OMR system involves huge manual effort (paperwork) to collect and record the particulars of eligible voters. The current voter roll is a product of such voter registration efforts in 2011 which has been manipulated several times by the NEC in multiple forms. During the registration process, unscrupulous individuals carried out their own private registration exercises in their homes with some using NEC materials including scanners and cameras. One such person worked directly in the office of former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. He was apprehended after registering many people and issuing them voter ID cards. The high-profile individual was never prosecuted for such a criminal act. What happened to the list of people registered and cards issued to them remains unaccounted for. Following the 2011 registration process, the NEC conducted a deduplication exercise to remove duplicate names from the voter roll and the process identified more than 10,000 duplicate names. The list compiled in both hardcopy and electronic versions was submitted to the Ministry of Justice for removal from the roll in keeping with the law. Those names have not been removed from the roll yet. If they were, then, it was done without the knowledge of the political parties and other key stakeholders. The NEC has also conducted two voter roll updates to update/change the addresses of voters who have changed their addresses over the years and also registered citizens who have turned 18 years and above and wanted to be registered to vote in keeping with the law. New voter ID cards were issued during those processes. With so many duplicate names on the roll, there is a high likelihood that individuals changed multiple addresses to new ones thereby enabling such individuals to vote multiple times in a given election. Also, during the 2017 elections, the NEC omitted the names and particulars of several eligible voters from the Final Registration Roll (FRR). The remedy employed by the NEC was to create a separate list of voters affected by that situation across the country and permitted them to vote on Election Day. The justification for creating that illegal list was that the names and particulars of voters in that category could only be verified on a separate online roll but not in the official FRR. Only the NEC knows whatever happened to that illegal online roll. How those votes affected the overall election results in 2017 remains a mystery. When this crucial election fraud issue was captured in the Liberty Party vs NEC landmark case, the Supreme Court ruled that the NEC should completely delete the online registration role (Quoi, 2017). No one knows whether or not the roll was deleted per the Supreme Courts ruling. Additionally, the ECOWAS technical team to Liberia in 2017, following their assessment of the voter roll had this to say Since the Exhibition of the roll was carried out on the 12th of June 2017, the total number of valid registered voters of the team viewed in the database, as at this date was 2,045,483. This figure conflicts with what NEC declared as the total number on the roll at the time the Exhibition took place, which was 2,182,956 (DooDoo, 2017). Therefore, from our analysis, between the times of the Exhibition, the PRR [Provisional Registration Roll], and declaring the FRR [Final Voter Roll], a total of 138,146 records were added to the voter roll. In other words, the total number of registered voters was inflated by 138,146 records. From all indications, the combination of these serious issues must worry every well-meaning Liberian. The roll is no longer credible and has the propensity to significantly undermine the credibility of the outcome of the highly anticipated 2023 elections. The integrity of the voter roll is directly proportional to the credibility of elections. The 2023 elections are no exception. Thats why instituting an efficient BVR system now is a national imperative. 2. Address the Credibility Problems of the Current Electoral Management Body (EMB), the NEC The Electoral Management Body (EMB) of any country must be an integrity institution and it should act as such. The EMB must never at any point be a subject of corruption, partiality, or malpractice of any sort. The EMB must be open, authentic, accountable, credible, and transparent in all of its dealings. The reason is simple, if the electorate and citizens, in general, should accept the results of elections, they must first trust the EMB in every respect in terms of the manner and form in which it exercises its duties and responsibilities and the processes it manages. Contrary to possessing these non-negotiable values, the current EMB, which is the NEC in the case of Liberia is challenged by serious credibility problems. The Chairperson of NEC, Davidetta Browne-Lansanah was investigated and found guilty of corruption, conflict of interest, and money laundering by the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (Menjor, 2021). Madam Lansanah was found guilty of leasing twenty facial recognition thermometers at the total cost of US$182,320 from a firm with family links. Specifically, the LACC investigation found Mrs. Lansanah to be in violation of Section 1.3.6, of the National Code of Conduct, which speaks against conflict of interest; Part II, Section 2.2 of the LACC Act, and section 15.3 of the Money laundering Act of 2012. Interestingly, Madame Lansana admitted and confirmed that David Brown, Vice President for Operations of Tuma Enterprises was "her brother from the same father, while Arnold Badio, owner and incorporator of Tuma Enterprise is a brother to David Browne from the same Mother." Another Commissioner, Mr. Floyd Sayor was linked to the same scandal for secretly outsourcing the contract to Tuma Enterprise, a company with a link to Mr. Sayor, without a bidding process (Doodoo, 2021). Mr. Sayor was also the subject of the electoral district # 15 by-election fraud case. To the shock and dismay of the country, Mr. Sayor was nominated by Mr. Weah and confirmed by the Liberian Senate to serve as a commissioner at the NEC. Absolutely, the chairperson and commissioners of an integrity institution such as the NEC cannot be guilty of crimes of this magnitude and at the same time keep their jobs. Only a compromise, cooking the numbers to favor the appointing powers (the President) and governing CDC will keep such people in their jobs. The results of all subsequent by-elections in the lead-up to and including the 2023 elections will be manipulated by the NEC to favor any candidate of the governing CDC. A case in point is the just-ended Lofa Senatorial by-election in which NEC cooked the numbers for the implied CDC candidate. The NECs own website reported gross discrepancies in the numbers from polling several places/precincts that did not require any expert explanation or interpretation. Unfortunately, the deeply broken oppositions gross lack of leadership paved the way for such a criminal act to be perpetrated by the NEC. Had it gone the other way around, the CDC would have never accepted such results and would cause serious public disruptions to get their way done. What happened in Lofa was simply a litmus test of what is expected to happen in 2023. Weah and the CDC are performing decimally and have brought the country to its lowest point in decades, but the fact is that their strategy for 2023 is well on course. So, the cliche mainly introduced by some members of the opposition nobody stupid here really means the opposite, and you know what that means! The CDC succeeded in dismantling the CPP, a body that had the potential to silence Weah and defeat him at the polls, successfully weaponized the justice system against the so-called opposition, situated the NEC appropriately, and are enormously amazing resources. In short, the CDC has put in place powerful machinery for Weahs reelection in 2023 while the opposition is still in utopia hoping for election victory in the ensuing elections in Liberia in 2023. If the necessary alignment and realignments dont happen now to forge a common front in order to aggressively challenge the NEC now and subsequently take on Weah, another round of a Weah six-year is imminent. If things remain as they are, make no misstates, all the electorate can vote for Boakai or Cummings, theyll lose because NEC will cook the numbers for Weah. The stage is set, and you can painfully thank me after October 2023. This situation requires the urgent attention of all stakeholders for the right structural change to be instituted at the NEC so the votes will be counted fairly. That way, people will win or lose fairly. As such, acceptance of the results becomes highly likely and violence becomes less likely. However, as it stands, the current bench at the NEC is not credible and must not be trusted with ensuing elections. If that happens, it may cost the nation hugely. 3. Deploy Elections Experts as Counterparts to the NEC to Jointly Plan and Execute the 2023 Electoral Activities Another effective way to deal with the credibility issue besetting the NEC is to deploy regional or international counterparts very early to jointly plan the electoral activities with their Liberian counterparts and implement them together. The practice is common in elections management the world over. In 2011, the NEC invited the former Chairperson of the Ghana Electoral Commission to work with his Liberian counterparts. The process was very smooth and a well-experienced election expert par excellence, Mr. Afari Gyan provided quality and valuable insights and support that ensure transparency and facilitated the conduct of the elections. The process makes everyone very careful and extra cautious in everything they do. It promotes fairness and transparency. Also, I remember quite vividly going on such missions under the auspices of ECOWAS and the Mano River Union (MRU) during my time at the NEC. In 2012, I was part of a mission comprising experts from other electoral commissions to Ghana to investigate whether or not Ghana was ready for the 2012 elections. Our report informed measures taken by ECOWAS to address the highly volatile political situation as Ghana was on edge of electoral violence. In the same year, I was designated by the NEC to work with the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone to provide them with 10,000 voting screens to guarantee the secrecy of the ballot, and also with the support of ECOWAS, I assisted the Guinean Electoral Commission in planning and executing their legislative elections. In other words, democratic institutions and partners of Liberia (UNDP, USAID, EU Commission, etc.) should be encouraged to support the timely identification and deployment of highly qualified election experts as counterparts to the NEC to plan, organize, and deliver the 2023 elections in a transparent and credible manner. 4. Timely Provide the Needed Resources and Deploy External Auditors to get the Best Results and Curtail Waste and Abuse Electoral activities are timebound. When the timelines and guidelines for elections are released by the Commission, the required resources (money and logistics) must be provided in a timely manner to enable the commission to meet all of the key dates. Once you miss an activity, it runs into the next one, thus, causing uncertainty, confusion, and delays which eventually hamper the overall process. It is a recipe for irregularities and fraud because the NEC will work under pressure and unrealistically seek to meet established dates. That is why given the enormous scope of work to be done in preparation for the ensuing BVR process and the elections in 2023, the government and the NEC need to establish the trenches timeframe for remitting funding and logistics for the timely and effective execution of planned electoral activities. The timely availability of the needed resources will be a strong indication of the successful and credible delivery of the 2023 elections. Also, given the current credibility issues at the NEC, external auditors should be deployed even before the first remittance for the period of the elections to review and validate every major financial request on a daily basis before they are approved for disbursement. Such a measure or scrutinizing of all financial transactions will ensure the scrupulous application of resources to get the best results and curtail abuse. About the Author: Josiah F. Joekai, Jr. is a former Director of Civic and Voter Education at the National Elections Commission of Liberia. He is a published author, currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Industrial-Organizational Psychology at Adler University in the United States of America. References: DooDoo, L. (2017, December 7). ECOWAS technical support teams point to flaws in voters Roll Says it can still be used for elections. Retrieved from Front Page Africa: https://frontpageafricaonline.com/politics/ecowas-technical-support-teams-point-to-flaws-in-voters-roll-says-it-can-still-be-used-for-elections/ Doodoo, L. (2021, November 19). Liberia anti-corruption commission to investigate all elections commission commissioners. Retrieved from Front Page Africa: https://frontpageafricaonline.com/news/liberia-anti-corruption-commission-to-investigate-all-elections-commission-commissioners/ Menjor, D. S. (2021, December 10). All Africa. Retrieved from Liberia: U.S.$182k Corruption Scandal Hooks NEC Chair: https://allafrica.com/stories/202112160483.html Quoi, R. L. (2017). CHARLES WALKER BRUMSKINE- HARRISON KARNWEA, LIBERTY PARTY, JOSEPH BOIKAI AND EMMANUEL NUQUAY V. NATIONAL ELECTIONS COMMISSION-FINAL JUDGMENT. https://judiciary.gov.lr/charles-walker-brumskine-harrison-karnwea-liberty-party-joseph-boikai-and-emmanuel-nuquay-v-national-elections-commission-final-judgment/: The Supreme Court of Liberia. : Didi Global fined for violating laws 15:07, July 21, 2022 By Ma Si ( Chinadaily.com.cn Didi Global Inc has been fined more than 8 billion yuan ($1.18 billion) for violating laws, including Cybersecurity Law and Data Security Law, the Cyberspace Administration of China said on Thursday. The nation's top internet regulator said investigations found clear evidence that Didi violated Cybersecurity Law, Data Security Law and the Personal Information Protection Law. The regulator outlined 16 illegal practices of Didi. The Beijing-based company, for instance, illegally collected users' personal information, including collection of 107 million pieces of passengers' facial recognition information. Other illegally collected information included users' ages and occupations, as well as their photos and short messages. On top of the fine on the company, Cheng Wei, CEO of Didi, and Liu Qing, president of Didi, were also fined one million yuan each in accordance with relevant laws and regulations. Didi said in a statement on social networking platform Weibo on Thursday that the company sincerely accepted the decision and it will strictly follow the fine order and other requirements of relevant laws and regulations. Didi will conduct comprehensive and in-depth self-examination, and actively cooperate with the regulator to strengthen cybersecurity, data security and the protection of personal information, the company said. The result marks an end to a one-year cybersecurity review the Cyberspace Administration of China launched into Didi. (Web editor: Wu Chaolan, Liang Jun) MBABANE MTN Groups Mobile Money Application Interface (API) is inviting developers across several markets to participate in an Open API Hackathon, with a challenge to create a mobile application that uses MoMo APIs for their markets. This was mentioned by MTN Eswatini Corporate Affairs Manager Thandiwe Mashinini in a press statement yesterday. Mashinini said the hackathon will be the second conducted by MTN Group Fintech and will take place in the following countries: Eswatini, Zambia, Congo Brazzaville, Rwanda, Uganda, Cameroon, Benin, Cote dIvoire, Ghana and Guinea Conakry. Create She said developers will compete to create an innovative application for the markets in which they are registered, which can process financial transactions with added capabilities that go beyond processing payments and drive both financial inclusion and literacy. MTN is committed to extending financial and digital inclusion across the continent in furtherance of its strategy to build a pan-African Fintech platform that will power the digital economy and serve as a catalyst for social and economic growth in Africa, said Serigne Dioum, MTN Group Chief Fintech Officer. With our Open API Platform, we reach out to Africas resourceful talents and enable them to grow and create opportunities by leveraging our MoMo Platform. We have no doubt that it is by collaborating with the talents of Africa that we will expand the service offering available on MoMo, Dioum added. About challenge The challenge runs from July 18, 2022 until September 9, 2022. Developers will have four weeks to submit their idea of an innovative financial and transactional app that must include the usage of MTN Mobile Money APIs. The developers are required to create a mobile application that uses MTN MoMo APIs; the mobile application needs to target consumers, merchants or businesses. The application must provide a practical and valuable solution that can be deployed in the market where the applicants have registered and can cover use cases beyond payment but must utilise MTN MoMo APIs. MTN in each participating country will select the top 12 applicants to progress to the prototyping phase. The preselected applicants will be required to make a live demo of their application to the adjudicator. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Audiences are invited to join an eclectic of guests at Monkswell Manor in Hath Summer Players production of The Mousetrap. The Mousetrap is set to perform at 7 p.m. today, Friday and Saturday as well as 2 p.m. Sunday at Creative 360. There is no cost to attend, but donations will be accepted at the door. Larry Levy, who is co-directing the play with his wife, Cheryl, saw the play in Toronto many years ago and was excited to have the chance to direct it. He explained the play has a mix of humor and light moments as well as dark subject matter with tense, emotional scenes. Its amazing the longevity its had, Larry said. Its extremely well-written. Its very clever. The Mousetrap, a murder-mystery written by Agatha Christie, is the longest-running play in the world, opening in 1952 in Londons West End. The play centers around guests who are snowbound in a country manor. Tensions, which are already running high, increase when one of the guests is murdered. There are things about each (character) that are weird enough that you could see them be the killer, Larry said. Rylee Marshall of Midland portrays Detective Sgt. Trotter, who is investigating a string of murders connected to Monkswell Manor. Marhsall describes Trotter as emotionless and very perceptive and driven. To help relate to Trotter, she picks up on clues from other actors lines that hints at their true characters. He likes to play games with the characters and tries to relate to them, Marshall said. Trotter has to really think about certain ways to approach these characters to find out who the murderer is. Raegan Woodiwiss of Midland plays the part of Miss Casewell, a mysterious woman and guest at the manor who keeps her own counsel. To relate to her character, Woodiwiss tries to think like Miss Casewell and researched types of media mid-century women consumed in the 1950s and 1960s. Everything she says is has a reason, whether its her own motive or it adds to the conversation, Woodiwiss said. Its written very well by Agatha Christie. Each line has a purpose, each line has meaning. The cast is comprised of young actors, ranging in ages 15-24 as well as acting experience. Remaining cast members include Emilee Doty, Ashley Harvey, Abigail Hnizda, Jacob Nguyen, Noam Pretzer and Arlo Welser. Larry has seen how the cast members have grown in their acting abilities and appreciates how they have taken on challenging roles. We have been very, very lucky, Larry said. Theater seems to attract, on the whole, students who are good students. They take it seriously. The Levys originally planned to stage the play as a readers theater, with the cast dressed up in period clothes, with some set pieces in the background, and reading their lines. However, they soon realized that since the play relies on action, that format would not work well. Instead, they are performing The Mousetrap as a traditional staged play, with a backdrop contributed by Marshalls parents and lighting set up by J.R. Bornemann. We knew that the art exhibit would be up (at Creative 360), Cheryl said. We had to have some sort of backdrop. Both Woodiwiss and Marshall appreciate the twists and turns of the play and believe the audience will enjoy the intricacies as well. While the murder is solved in the end, other mysteries of the characters remain hidden by the end of the play. I think the audience will be captivated by the story, Woodiwiss said. 2022 Camp 911: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 27 at the Big Rapids Department of Public Safety building, 435 N. Michigan Ave., Big Rapids. This free hands-on learning experience is designed to provide seniors with readiness training for various incidences and emergencies. Open to older residents of Mecosta, Osceola and Lake counties. To register call 231-796-4848 MECOSTA COUNTY COA NOTE: Activities at the Mecosta County Commission on Aging & Activity (Senior) Center will be canceled Aug. 1-5. There will be no congregate meals at the Center that week, due to parking lot repairs. Services such as Meals on Wheels, Medical Transportation and Homemaker Aids will continue that week. Hot Meals: Persons age 60 and older, suggested donation is $3. Persons younger than age 60, cost is $6. Mecosta Meal Site: 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, at the Activity Center, 12954 80th Ave., Mecosta. Barryton Meal Site: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays at the Barryton Senior Building, 71 Northern Ave., Barryton. Meals on Wheels: Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Hot midday meals delivered to the door of homebound senior citizens in Mecosta County. Suggested donation: $3 for seniors, $5 for non-seniors. Take and Reheat Meals: Frozen meals available Mondays-Fridays. Call 231-972-2884 to preorder. Activities: Call 231-972-2884 to sign up. BINGO: 1 p.m. Fridays Line Dance: 9:30 a.m. Thursdays Chair Dance: 11 a.m. Mondays and Wednesdays Scrabble: 1 p.m. Thursdays Bridge: 12:45 p.m. Mondays Euchre: 1 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays Pinochle: 12:45 p.m Thursdays Mah Johngg: 12:30 p.m. Wednesdays EnhanceFitness: We are back to in building exercise! 8:30-9:30 a.m. every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, or Zoom on Wednesdays. Space is limited, so reserve a spot by calling 231-972-2884. Healthy Lifestyle: 10:30 a.m. every other Wednesday. Music with Dave Marasus: Noon on Thursday, July 14. Music with Mark & Mark: 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 20 Foot Clinic: Thursday, July 21 (By appointment only!) Watercolor Workshop: 1 p.m. Thursday July 21, with Joyce Capen Blood Pressure Clinics: 11 a.m. to noon at the Mecosta County Commission on Aging & Activity Center on the following dates (May 13, 27; June 10, 24; July 8, 22; Aug. 5, 19; Sept. 2, 16, 30; Oct. 14, 28; Nov. 23; and Dec. 8) Prime Rib Dinner/Prime Shopping: 5 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 10. Cost: $25 per person and $40 for two people. Tickets available until event is sold out. Proceeds benefit Meals on Wheels of Mecosta County. BARRYTON SENIOR CENTER Swiss Steak Dinner: 4-6:30 p.m. the last Friday of every month from April-October. Includes dessert. OSCEOLA COUNTY COA Hot Lunch: At noon Mondays-Thursdays, both in person and curbside pickup and in person. Call 231-734-5559 no later than 12:30 p.m. the day before to reserve a seat. Suggest donation: $2 per meal, $5.85 for those younger than 60. Osceola County COA, 732 W. 7th St., Evart. Meadowview Village Apartments, 802 Mill St., Reed City. Boomers Rendezvous, 213 Neilson, Tustin. Marion Meal Site, 101 E. Main St., Marion. Blood Pressure Clinic: 10 a.m.-noon the second Tuesday each month at Meadowview Village and Evart COA; and 10 a.m.-noon the third Tuesday each month at Boomers Rendezvous and Marion Meal Site. REED CITY SENIORS CENTER Potluck: 11:30 a.m. first Wednesday each month Table Games: Fun Bingo at noon Wednesdays; Euchre at noon Thursdays; Regular Bingo at noon Fridays (Doors open at 10:30 a.m., with early birds at 11:30 a.m.) RESOURCES FOR SENIORS Mecosta County Organizations Mecosta County Commission on Aging and Activity Center: 12954 80th Ave., Mecosta. 231-972-2884, Facebook: @MecostaCountySeniorCenter Barryton Senior Center, 71 Northern Ave., Barryton. 989-382-7244. Facebook: @barrytonseniorcenter Osceola County Organizations Osceola County Commission on Aging: 732 W. 7th Street, Evart. 231-734-5559, jhalladay@osceolacoa.org. Facebook: @Osceola.County.COA Reed City Senior Center: 219 E. Todd Ave., Reed City. 231-832-3340. Facebook: @Reed City Senior Center Lake County Organizations St. Anns Lake County Senior Services: 690 Ninth St., Baldwin. 231-745-7201. Facebook: @St. Anns Lake County Senior Services Luther Senior Citizens Center: 300 Ash St., Luther. 231-797-5401 Hollister Senior Center: 1505 Michigan Ave., Baldwin. 231-745-3843. Northwest Lake County Senior Center: 4240 W. 4 Mile Road, Irons. 231-266-5785 State, National Organizations Vintage and old somehow always seem to become mainstream again, and the same applies to trailers and campers. With over 25,000 members from across the country and overseas, the Tin Can Tourists host events to get people interested in what they offer, including education and other benefits about vintage trailers and campers since 1919. The club was initially started as a traveling club for unite all auto campers for early RV users. In 1998, Terry Bone, and parents Forrest and Jeri Bone took over the club. My dad was into vintage Airstreams and was the president for their club, president of the Tin Can tourist club Terry said. He learned about TCT and wanted to re-imagine the club as well as do something more than Airstreams. Terrys parents still wanted to follow the original group's plan as well as show and educate people how to properly camp and the preservation of vintage trailers and campers, while bringing benefits to the community and making it a more diverse club. The group grew rapidly, having annual rallies and gatherings in Michigan and Florida. During the 100th anniversary of the clubs founding date in 2020, Terry and his wife Michelle took over the club, after Terrys parents gave the title of Royal Chief. I did a little camping while growing up, Terry said. My dad got closer to retirement and the vintage camper idea was affordable. I helped him restore things. That helped me to fall in love with campers and trailers. Shortly after, Terry himself bought his own small trailer and started going to work. I started with something small and fixed it up, then wanted to move up to something bigger, Terry said. In 2021, Terry started the Thumbs Up Rally, gathering people from the Thumb Area in Michigan. Held at Wagener County Park during camping season, the park was filled with 50 trailers and 70% of the campground was filled with TCT members. Last year was the first time we had something at a campground and there werent any real expectations, Terry said. "You always wonder how people and campgrounds are going to react or not react. Its kind of like an extended wedding party. Lots of planning and work went into it before hand. The inaugural rally wasnt how Terry planned it, but because of the pandemic a lot of things and activities that are done at other rallies and gatherings couldnt be done. It was an interesting challenge because I got the club right before COVID hit, Bone said. I was excited about leading, but it was hard to manage during the pandemic. There were a lot of things virtual, and we took the opportunity to teach people about the club, vintage trailers insurance and maintenance. My wife and I started Tin Can tutoring to keep people engaged and active. We didnt want to lose the momentum my parents started. During this years rally, which will be held July 28-31, Terry is adding some of the old activities from the past into the itinerary. This includes open houses, which are one of the main ways the group gets new members to join the club. Our open houses are like car shows but a lot different, Terry said. They want you to look and dont touch but here we encourage that. Its a great way to see what people have done and show off their work and trailer. A great opportunity to see the craftsmanship in some of the vintage trailers like the woodwork, types of material and the design elements. You see so many different styles, sizes and colors. Terry is planning for this year to be back to normal, which includes having a coffee caterer, eating gatherings, a corn hole tournament, and checking out some local restaurants and breweries in the area. We tried to come up with something fun and thought a corn hole tournament would be great, Terry said. Were going to have people dress in their best country outfit to add to the excitement, and its a great way for people to get engaged. Its going to be a lot more casual and not as formal. Were going to give people time and space to explore the community and try new things that are around. I hope to get out and kayak and see the lighthouses. I also want to head out to some breweries in Ubly. After being invited back to have the event again, the rally will take place at Wagener Park. They enjoyed having us there and we loved it, Terry said. It was great as some of the workers would come and check out some of the trailers and have conversations with us. That right there makes for an awesome event. The rally is exclusive to Tin Can tourist members, but the group is always accepting new members. If youre interested in vintage trailers, you should join the group, Bone said. We do have rallies where there is no membership to attend required, and thats how a lot of people hear and see about the club, especially during our open houses. People interested in joining or checking out the group can check out their website, tincantourists.com. Hartford Police Department /contributed photo HARTFORD Police said they have made a second arrest in the April shooting death of a 25-year-old. Chris Olds, 27, of East Hartford was apprehended Wednesday afternoon and charged with murder, first-degree assault, criminal possession of a firearm and criminal liability, police said. MBABANE Two renowned South African tinyanga are in the country to, among other things, assist prominent pastors revive their powers. Dr Khwesha Mfana and Dr Fohla Inyanga yesterday informed this publication that they came all the way from Jozini, Kamhlabuyalingana, eButhonga, ezweni labathakathi to attend to their clients in Eswatini, a majority of who are pastors who lead prominent churches. Dr Fohla said they came to the country mostly at the instance of pastors ukuzobaphakamisa namabandla abo. He said their other clients were businesspeople who required assistance to win tenders, among other things, and individuals who seek employment, healing and other requirements. Instance We have come to Eswatini at the instance of businesspeople and mostly pastors. Ikakhulu silethwe abafundisi njengoba nisibona (as you can see us, we were brought here by pastors). But we wont reveal their identities, Dr Fohla said. According to Dr Fohla, they will be in the country for a period of three days and they will attend to about 35 clients. He said they had been in the country for two days and they were busy moving up and down giving assistance to the people who called them. The two were travelling in a navy blue Ford Ranger with stickers of snakes and a calabash, which attracted the attention of members of the public. Requirement They said they were in the country to assist people who were in need of their services, such as job seekers, the sick and any requirement they might have. Dr Fohla said they had brought all that would be required by their clients. He also mentioned that apart from the about 35 people who called them to come to the country, they could attend to others who might contact them. He described Dr Khwesha Mfana as a traditional Zulu doctor. He also mentioned that others visited their headquarters, esgodlweni esikhulu in Jozini. At first, the duo declined to reveal the identities of the pastors and businesspeople they came to the country to assist. However, they showed these reporters a few pictures they took with some of the pastors, which are believed to have been taken at their headquarters at ezweni labathakathi, as they called it. A picture of one of the prominent pastors, who is said to be a client of the duo was shown to these reporters, where he was seen carrying a snake. Journalists from this publication found the traditional healers near the Supply Centre parking area, from there they proceeded to their next destination. Even though they seemed to be in a hurry, they agreed to give this publication an interview. The main man, Dr Khwesha Mfana had little to say and most of the information was given by his companion, Dr Fohla Inyanga. However, Dr Khwesha Mfana concurred with Dr Fohla Inyanga that they were in the country at the instance of pastors, businesspeople and others. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate ROME (AP) Italy is headed for an early election after its president accepted Premier Mario Draghi's resignation Thursday and decided there was no possibility for cobbling together another government following the rapid collapse of the ruling coalition. The demise of Draghis coalition in the eurozones third-largest economy and the uncertainty of what Italian voters will decide at the polls have dealt a destabilizing blow to the country and Europe amid rising inflation and Russias war in Ukraine. Dissolving Parliament "is always the last choice to make, especially if, as in this moment, there are important tasks to carry to completion,'' President Sergio Mattarella said in a brief speech at the presidential Quirinal Palace, where Draghi had tendered his resignation hours earlier. Mattarella's office said the election will be held Sept. 25. He appealed to political parties in their campaigning to keep in mind the superior interests of the nation. Citing soaring food and energy prices, he noted that those suffering the most are always the weakest in society. "The period we are going through doesn't allow for any pause in determining interventions to contrast the economic and social crisis, and in particular the increase in inflation, which brings heavy consequences for families and businesses,'' he said. Draghi was staying on at Mattarella's request in a caretaker role, ensuring the government can carry out basic measures in the months before a new coalition is in place. But with Italy's often-squabbling political parties, it could be weeks beyond that before a new government is in place. After 2018 elections for Parliament, it took 90 days before a new government was sworn in. Parliament's five-year term would have expired in March 2023, so effectively the election would be held barely six months ahead of time. Mattarella noted the bad timing for the nation and the continent. But he said he had no choice after Wednesday evening, when three key parties in Draghi's unity coalition refused to renew support in a confidence vote. The debate, the vote and the ways in which this vote was expressed yesterday in the Senate made evident the parliamentary support for the government had gone lacking and the absence of a prospective to give life to a new majority in Parliament, the president said. Mattarella had rejected a similar resignation offer from Draghi a week earlier. Instability in Italy could ripple through Europe, also facing economic problems. Draghi had taken on statesman status as the European Union struggled to keep a united front against Russia, whose natural gas is heavily imported by Italy and other countries. Draghi encouraged his caretaker Cabinet to keep its focus on Italy's pressing problems. Italy has everything (needed) to be strong, authoritative, credible" in the world, Draghi said. The government must deal with the pandemic, the war in Ukraine, inflation and energy costs as well as forge on with mandated economic reforms, he said. Meanwhile, lets get back to work," he added. The former European Central Bank president was tapped by Mattarella 17 months earlier to guide Italy's recovery after its economy was pummeled by COVID-19. But this week, his coalition was sabotaged by the center-right Forza Italia of former Premier Silvio Berlusconi and two larger parties, the right-wing League of Matteo Salvini and the populist 5-Star Movement led by Draghi's predecessor in the premiership, Giuseppe Conte. In a brief speech to the lower Chamber of Deputies on Thursday before renewing his resignation offer, Draghi appeared moved by the applause from lawmakers there, quipping that even central bank chiefs have hearts. Dubbed Super Mario for helping to lead the eurozone out of its debt crisis when he led the ECB, Draghi played a similar calming role in Italy in recent months. His presence helped reassure financial markets about the debt-laden nation's public finances, and he managed to keep the country on track with economic reforms that the EU had made a condition of its 200 billion-euro (-dollar) pandemic recovery package. He was a staunch supporter of Ukraine, even as the leaders of the 5-Stars and the League, two forces long favorable to Russia, appeared to waver in their support to supply Kyiv with arms. Draghi became a leading voice in Europes response to Russias Feb. 24 invasion. A photo of Draghi, chatting with the leaders of France and Germany on a train to Kyiv, quickly became the iconic image of Italy as one of the strongest backers of Ukraine. He had pushed for the country's candidacy for EU membership. While he could not keep his fractious coalition together, Draghi appeared to still have broad support among Italians, many of whom have taken to the streets or signed open letters in recent weeks to plead with him to stay on. Nicola Nobile, associate director at Oxford Economics, warned that Draghi's departure and the wait for a new government could worsen economic turbulence in Italy, which investors worry is carrying too much debt and which was already looking at a marked slowdown for the second half of the year. Opinion polls have indicated the center-left Democratic Party and the right-wing Brothers of Italy party, which had remained in the opposition, are neck-and-neck. Brothers of Italy has long been allied with Berlusconi's and Salvini's forces. If they stay teamed up in an election campaign, that could sweep the right into power. Giorgia Meloni, who leads the Brothers of Italy, is eager to become the country's first female premier. The will of the people is expressed in one way: by voting. Lets give hope and strength back to Italy, she said. BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) Abortion clinics in Louisiana can continue operating while a lawsuit challenging the states near total ban on abortions is resolved, a state judge ruled Thursday. The preliminary injunction issued by state district judge Donald Johnson in Baton Rouge is the latest development amid a flurry of court challenges to state trigger laws that were crafted in anticipation of the U.S. Supreme Court overturning the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision that established abortion rights, which it did June 24. For weeks, access to abortion has been flickering in Louisiana where there are three clinics. A statewide abortion ban has taken effect twice and been blocked twice since the Supreme Courts ruling in June. Johnson had entered a temporary hold on enforcement July 11, pending arguments in the case that were heard Monday. Johnson's new ruling allows clinics to continue providing abortion procedures while a lawsuit filed by a north Louisiana abortion clinic and others continues. The order gives attorneys on both sides 30 days to develop plans for a trial on whether the law should be permanently blocked. The state could appeal his order, however, Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry has said he expects the case to wind up at the state Supreme Court. In his reasons for the decision, Johnson said that due to the vagueness of the law, members of the Medical Students for Choice one of the plaintiffs in the case do not have adequate notice if, or to what extent, they can continue to perform or assist in abortions. Johnson said that is a violation of the members' rights to due process. This harm is not speculative, Johnson wrote. He added that members of Medical Students for Choice risk prosecution if they were to incorrectly apply abortion laws. Despite the new ruling, Landry said in a statement that he looks forward to ending this legal circus by getting the case to the States Supreme Court as soon as possible. The lead plaintiff in the case is a north Louisiana clinic that has continued abortion care in Shreveport under Johnson's temporary order. Clinics in Baton Rouge and New Orleans had stopped operations pending Johnson's decision on the injunction. A spokeswoman for those clinics said both were open Thursday, scheduling patients for counseling and abortions. With this decision, Chief Judge Johnson determined that we are likely to succeed on the merits of our lawsuit, Joanna Wright, an attorney for the clinic, said in an email. We are prepared to prove our case and hope to obtain a final ruling that the trigger bans are unconstitutional and cannot be enforced. The plaintiffs in the lawsuit dont deny that the state can now ban abortion as a result of the Supreme Court ruling. Instead, they contend that Louisiana now has multiple, conflicting trigger mechanisms in the law. They also argue that state law is unclear on whether it bans an abortion prior to a fertilized egg implanting in the uterus. And while the law provides an exception for medically futile pregnancies in cases of fetuses with fatal abnormalities, the plaintiffs noted it gives no definition of the term and that state health officials have not yet provided a list of conditions that would qualify as medically futile. In Louisiana, there is little question that an abortion ban will eventually be in effect in the state where the Legislature has long been dominated by abortion opponents. But the court case has resulted in more time for the state's three abortion clinics in Shreveport, Baton Rouge and New Orleans to stay open. Debate over the ban stretched into the State Bond Commission meeting Thursday. Members withheld a $39 million non-cash line of credit for the New Orleans Sewerage and Water Board power plant project as a way to send a message to city leaders who said they would not enforce the statewide abortion ban. Today, our Bond Commission forced elected officials in New Orleans to decide if they will enforce State law, Landry said in a written statement. Landry was not present for Thursday's meeting but called on the commission earlier in the week to not approve financing for any deals involving New Orleans until officials have affirmed that they will enforce State laws. Not all were in favor of this approach, including Gov. John Bel Edwards. The idea that you seek to punish all the people living in a certain area because you are at odds with some of their elected officials, thats not a reasonable approach, Edwards, a Democrat who opposes abortions, said on his monthly radio show Wednesday. "You are not just punishing those people." ___ Associated Press writer Kevin McGill in New Orleans contributed to this report. GUATEMALA CITY (AP) The U.S. State Department has named 60 current and former officials, as well as some corporate figures, in its latest list of people suspected of corruption or undermining democracy in four Central American countries. This years list especially focused on politicians, judges and others suspected of working to stack courts in Guatemala and the judges and prosecutors involved in cases against opposition political figures in Nicaragua in the runup to that countrys presidential election last year. The list was provided to the U.S. Congress in compliance with legislation pushed two years ago by then-U.S. Rep. Eliot Engel. Those listed generally become ineligible for admission to the United States and have their visas revoked. The United States is committed to partnering with the people of Central America to strengthen democracy, improve rule of law, and combat corruption, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement Wednesday. These individuals, through their significant corruption, efforts to obstruct investigations into corruption, and undermining of democratic processes and institutions, weaken the ability of governments in the region to respond to the needs of their citizens, contributing to irregular migration and destabilizing societies. The new list also named former officials in previous administrations in Honduras, such as Juan Carlos El Tigre Bonilla Valladares, the ex-director of the National Police who was extradited to the United States in May to face drug trafficking charges. Former and current officials in El Salvador made the list, including President Nayib Bukeles press secretary and the presidents legal adviser, who allegedly masterminded the removal of five Supreme Court magistrates and the attorney general. While required by Congress, the annual listing of corrupt actors or those threatening democracy align with Biden administration policies giving more weight to those issues. That shift from the Trump administration, which focused relations with those countries more narrowly on controlling immigration has led to more tense relationships in the region. Guatemala President Alejandro Giammattei has been dismissive of U.S. officials criticism of his attorney general and what they see as a backsliding in Guatemala on battling corruption. The list includes the countrys new special prosecutor against impunity who is accused of obstructing corruption investigations. A number of the Guatemalans, including two Supreme Court magistrates, were allegedly involved in a scheme to stack the Supreme and Appellate Courts with corrupt judges, according to the State Department report. The Biden administration has also clashed with El Salvadors Bukele, expressing concerns that his tightening grip on power is weakening the countrys democracy. Also among those named is leader of Bukeles party in the Legislative Assembly. Christian Reynaldo Guevara Guadron made the list for undermining democratic processes or institutions when he introduced a Gang Prohibition Law that will punish with up to 15 years in prison the dissemination of gang messages in the media, considered by many observers to be a clear attempt to censor the media. Presidential press secretary Jose Ernesto Sanabria was accused of using his position and wielding Bukeles influence to inappropriately pressure officials in opposition political parties to resign on threat of being charged with criminal offenses. Nicaragua President Daniel Ortega arrested dozens of opposition figures in the run-up to last Novembers presidential elections, including six likely challengers. The list includes nearly two dozen Nicaraguan prosecutors and judges who participated in those cases and are now accused by the U.S. government of undermining democratic processes. Connecticut State Police / Contributed Photo NORWALK Extra troopers will be monitoring Route 7 this weekend for street racing and reckless driving, Connecticut State Police said. The extra patrol will take place Friday night into Saturday morning, state police said Wednesday in a Facebook post. James Phillip Mault was in the National Guard when he assaulted police during the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. Four months after taking part in the riot to upend the 2020 presidential election, he reenlisted in the active-duty Army, according to service records. Mault, 30, who is still serving as an Army specialist, became the only active-duty service member convicted and sentenced for the pro-Trump attack after being arrested at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He was sentenced July 15 to three and a half years in prison for felony assault on law enforcement one of the longest sentences among those convicted so far for Jan. 6. The case raises questions about the Army's ability to combat extremism, as well as its vetting of troops who want to reenlist, after court records showed Mault also had a conviction for driving while impaired. Read Next: Major Jewelry Retailer to Pay Millions for Duping Troops and Families Federal prosecutors said he descended on the Capitol on Jan. 6 to violently overturn the election results and was interviewed by investigators just weeks later. But he was still able to rejoin the Army -- even as the Defense Department announced a new effort to root out extremism in the ranks. Mault is one of at least three National Guard members who assaulted the Capitol. Because he later reenlisted into the regular Army, he appears to be the first active-duty service member to be sentenced to prison in connection to the siege, according to data from George Washington University's Program on Extremism. On the afternoon of Jan. 6, Mault, along with thousands of other rioters, breached the Capitol building in an effort to disrupt or overturn the election certification of President Joe Biden, according to court filings. Mault, along with co-defendant Cody Mattice, 29, who does not have any known military connection, crawled over the top of other rioters toward a tunnel leading into the Capitol where law enforcement officers had retreated and were being assaulted by the crowd. It was there that Mault and Mattice pepper-sprayed Metropolitan and Capitol police officers who were attempting to defend the Capitol. Mault committed the assault while he was serving in the New York National Guard. His status as a Guard soldier may contribute to media reports referring to him simply as a veteran. But as far as the Army is concerned, Mault was on the military's part-time muster on Jan. 6 and, four months later, was a permanent, salaried member of the service. Mault initially enlisted in the active Army as a Patriot missile operator in 2012, according to military records. The following year, he deployed to Kuwait for a year and in 2016 transitioned into the New York National Guard as a combat engineer. Two years later, while still serving in the Guard, he was convicted of driving while impaired, according to the criminal history listed in federal court documents related to his Jan. 6 sentencing, though the details of the conviction are unclear. The offense is punishable under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, but can be waived when enlisting into the regular military, depending on the severity of the case. In May 2021, just four months after federal agents interviewed him for his involvement in the Jan. 6 attack, Mault reenlisted in the active-duty Army, where he is currently serving. Military.com's attempts to contact Mault and his attorney, Richard S. Stern, were unsuccessful. In addition to their sentences, Mault and Mattice owe $2,000 in restitution for damages at the Capitol; the Department of Justice says the total cost is over $1.4 million. Mault does not have any known ties to extremist groups such as the Oath Keepers or Proud Boys, whose members now face seditious conspiracy charges related to Jan. 6. But his reenlistment came at a tenuous time for the DoD -- one month after Secretary Lloyd Austin announced an "immediate" initiative to counter extremism in the military. "The [soldier's] command is aware of the conviction and is working the appropriate next steps," said Army spokesperson Matt Leonard. The military has been reluctant to take administrative action in cases of service members who are connected to Jan. 6 until convictions or sentencing. The Army did not respond to a follow-up request for comment on how Mault was able to reenlist while under investigation for Jan. 6 and with a DWI. In October, HuffPost reported that the Army was not aware of his involvement in Jan. 6 prior to his reenlistment. At least four days before the assault at the Capitol, both Mault and Mattice discussed traveling to Washington, D.C., from Rochester, New York, to attend former President Donald Trump's rally with the intent of meeting or inflicting violence, according to DoJ filings. A day before the attack, the co-defendants discussed bringing gear, with Mault recommending to several rioters through text that they bring long-sleeved shirts, gloves, knives, batons, pepper spray, "asskicking" boots, helmets and eye protection. According to testimony from the FBI special agent who investigated the case, Mault's father drove him and at least five others to D.C. to attend the rally. Mault was identified partly from video of his hard hat, which sported stickers from his ironworker job -- employment he was fired from, according to The Washington Post. Mault claimed he brought the hard hat to protect himself from antifa a loosely organized far-left group that has caused disruption and property damage at U.S. protests according to the agent's statement. An FBI special agent said it was an anonymous tip that identified Mault and that the tipster claimed to have seen a picture of him inside the Capitol. Mattice filmed some of the pair's day, including recording himself that afternoon saying, "We're getting ready to go march on Capitol Hill. We're gonna go f--- some s--- up. It's about to be nuts." He added, "Let's do this. Let's f---ing do this. I can't wait," while Mault stood beside him, according to DoJ filings. Mault tried to convince officers to join the rioters during the initial afternoon breach of the police line. "Your jobs will be here when you come back after we kick the s--- out of everyone," he said. Hours later, he would stand above a crowd of rioters at the opening of the Lower West Terrace tunnel of the Capitol and discharge pepper spray into the group of law enforcement officers blocking the entrance. Less than two weeks later, Mault admitted to federal agents that he was at the Capitol on Jan. 6, though he claimed to have been pushed toward the building by the crowd and denied that he had assaulted anyone. In October, after video surfaced showing the assault, he was arrested at Fort Bragg, according to court documents. More than 850 people have been arrested in connection to the Capitol attack. Over 260 have been charged with assaulting law enforcement. The Department of Defense has come under scrutiny due to the number of Jan. 6 participants connected to the military. Six of the 11 Oath Keepers members indicted on seditious conspiracy charges are veterans, including the group's leader Stewart Rhodes. Four of the five Proud Boys indicted on those charges are veterans. George Washington's Program on Extremism reports that, as of July, the federal government has leveled federal charges against 102 individuals with known military connections -- roughly 12% of total individuals charged. Other researchers estimate that closer to 120 rioters had military connections, but may be including those who were separated at basic training. -- Drew F. Lawrence can be reached at drew.lawrence@military.com. Follow him on Twitter @df_lawrence. Related: Soldier Who Was First Service Member Charged After Jan. 6 Riot Is Being Removed from the National Guard The Marine Corps announced it is again pausing all water-based activities of its new Amphibious Combat Vehicle, or ACV, after two were disabled in heavy surf off the California coast on Tuesday. Although the incident did not result in injuries to the Marines and sailors aboard the ACVs, the Marine Corps said it is pausing operations "out of an abundance of caution" in a statement released Wednesday evening. The pause is the latest in a series of issues for the Corps' amphibious vehicle fleet, including a deadly incident in 2020 that exposed maintenance problems, safety shortcuts and mechanical failures with the ACV's predecessor, the amphibious assault vehicle, or AAV. Read Next: Sailors Waiting Months for Separation Orders, with Bills Growing and Lives Put on Hold The latest incident was first reported by USNI. In video obtained by the outlet, waves can be seen washing over two ACVs close to shore as recovery craft maneuver nearby. An earlier Marine Corps statement also released Wednesday said that one ACV tipped onto its side in the surf zone and the other became disabled. The National Weather Service had issued a high-surf advisory for both San Diego and Orange counties at the time of the incident -- an area that includes Camp Pendleton and its 16-mile Pacific Ocean shoreline. "Marines in both ACVs conducted their immediate action drills and safely returned to shore," the earlier statement said. "One vehicle was towed ashore and recovery efforts for the other vehicle are ongoing." "The pause of waterborne operations will allow for an investigation into the incident and ensure the assault amphibian community can review best practices and procedures to remain capable, safe, and ready," Lt. Gen. David Furness, deputy commandant for Plans, Policies and Operations, said in the later statement. Since the 1970s, the Marine Corps has relied on AAVs to ferry Marines from Navy ships to shore. However, by 2020, the vehicles were aging, and a mishap in which one AAV flooded and sank while conducting an exercise off the coast of southern California claimed the lives of eight Marines and a Navy corpsman. Four subsequent investigations by both the Marine Corps and the Navy found that the incident was "preventable." Just months after the AAV sinking, the Marine Corps announced that ACVs would begin replacing the aging vehicles ahead of schedule. However, that rollout hasn't been without faults, either. In the winter of 2021, the Marines pulled the ACVs out of the water for the first time over issues with the towing mechanism. Then in December, the Corps said it was also grounding its AAVs for the foreseeable future, leaving the branch with no "ship-to-shore connector" vehicles. The service noted in Wednesday's statement that amphibious operations are "a foundational aspect of Marine Corps operations and critical to the future force and its ability to remain the Nation's premier expeditionary force in readiness." While the pause is in effect, the Corps said that land exercises, including live-fire training, will continue. -- Konstantin Toropin can be reached at konstantin.toropin@military.com. Follow him on Twitter @ktoropin. Related: The Marine Corps' Aging Amphibious Vehicle Fleet Will Be Kept Out of the Water It took the Navy 123 days to get Christopher Atkins his separation orders. While he waited for the paperwork that affirmed what both he and the Navy already knew -- that his service was over -- his life was put on hold and thousands of dollars of expenses piled up. As he worked to get the vital documents needed to start his civilian life, Atkins leaned on his chief, who screened his calls; his command master chief, who told him there was nothing to worry about; his executive officer, who tried to help in the span of a short meeting; and finally, a senator's office. Three days after Military.com contacted the Navy about this story, Atkins, who had been stationed at Bethesda Naval Hospital outside Washington, D.C., received his orders. Read Next: Church that Allegedly Scammed GI Bill Benefits Is Proof More Oversight Is Needed, Advocate Tells Congress "It just shows that the Navy doesn't care," Atkins said. "They failed me; they don't care that they failed me." Atkins is one of around 36,700 sailors who separate from the Navy every year and go through a process that requires a variety of forms, signatures and exams to be done and filed in a specific order. This package of documents and tests -- which, as a rule, must be submitted 60 days before a sailor leaves the Navy -- is what kick-starts the process to get two crucial items: separation orders and a DD-214, the de facto record the civilian world uses to verify service. Without this paperwork, sailors cannot do many of the things they need to begin the transition to civilian life -- like break leases, schedule moves or apply for benefits -- becoming trapped in a limbo of being neither fully a sailor nor a civilian. According to the Navy, thousands of sailors are facing delays because of held-up paperwork as the service's personnel offices deal with backlogs. A spokesman for the Navy's Personnel Command, Cullen James, told Military.com in an email that a variety of factors have caused the backlog, but he placed much of the blame on sailors. "Currently more than 70% of transactions are being submitted less than 60 days prior to a Sailor's official separation or retirement date," James said, noting that "every transaction that is submitted late takes away from transactions that are submitted on time, and puts stress on the entire system." Military.com spoke to another sailor, also once stationed at Bethesda, who described a similar wait and issues with having documents submitted accurately and quickly. In her case, the separation documents were all submitted to the command in November in advance of terminal leave set to start at the end of March. She says it took her 121 days to receive orders, and she considers herself fortunate since they came through while she was still being paid. Her DD-214 came almost two weeks after she was discharged. "I think the only thing that saved me was submitting so early," she told Military.com. Social media is also rife with accounts of sailors describing long waits for discharge paperwork and nerve-wracking and potentially debilitating bills piling up. But for sailors like Atkins, jumping through all the hoops to hit that 60-day mark may not always be possible. The now-former sailor and corpsman began the process as soon as he could by setting up his discharge health appointment months before he was set to leave. In fact, everything seemed on track until he realized a key form -- a separation questionnaire -- required a signature from a doctor. "No one gives you that information that you need a medical signature," Atkins explained before adding, "You can't get appointments." He tried taking sick time to get to the doctor, but they couldn't accommodate him at either of the massive Bethesda Naval Hospital, where he worked, or Walter Reed medical facilities. "It's absolutely insane," he said. Making matters worse, once he got the appointment, and the signature, his command sat on the paperwork for several days before filing, shaving off more precious time. Ultimately, Atkins submitted all his paperwork not 60 days prior to his separation like the Navy suggests, but 41 days. According to the Navy, there hasn't been a jump in the number of sailors leaving the service this year, and "there are no known issues with the software systems we use," James said. When pressed on cases like Atkins' where the process is held up by delays with the chain of command or specific appointments, James acknowledged that "separations and retirements can be complex transactions." The Navy has spent years trying to fix its outdated and fragmented pay and personnel management systems, with mixed results. In 2017, the Navy began to consolidate its old personnel support and customer support detachments into a single command -- MyNavy Career Center or MNCC. The process has been rocky. A 2021 navy administrative message announced that the service had "noticed an unforeseen fracture of accountability that has developed between the Fleet and the processors" at the support centers. The message also noted that one key component that needed improvement was the performance of "Command Pay and Personnel Administrators" or CPPAs -- the staff that serves as the link between individual sailors and the Navy's human resources system. In the same year, Military.com also reported that MNCC was undermanned and causing months-long delays in pay for sailors. Other sailors posting on social media at the time reported it took more than a year to see their issues fixed. The news magazine Coffee or Die recently reported that officers are also facing a serious backlog in getting their DD-214 paperwork. Despite his own delay, though, Atkins thought he would still see his paperwork before his formal discharge. He figured that since he was given permission to take almost two months of terminal leave -- a month more than the Navy typically allows -- that would be enough time for the service to get him his paperwork. Atkins, with his paperwork finally submitted, went on terminal leave April 11. He did so without formal separation orders or a DD-214 -- an apparent violation of the Navy's own policy. Lacking this paperwork, Atkins began to stress because he was still paying money -- $2,300 a month -- to live in a townhouse he no longer needed and was unable to move to another state, where he planned to begin his civilian life. Atkins had been calling his chief petty officer weekly, but he couldn't get the phone picked up. "I don't know how you can not answer your sailors," Atkins said. "You know my number, we've talked before. ... I don't know how you can just screen a call." By May 12, Atkins grew frustrated by the lack of progress. His leave half gone, he met with the command's top enlisted leader, Master Chief Josina Cato, and the executive officer, Capt. Anthony Keller. In that meeting with Keller, Atkins remembered that Cato dismissed his concerns about the lack of orders or DD-214 paperwork by noting he was still drawing a paycheck on terminal leave. But he was quick to add that Keller pushed back and made several phone calls on his behalf. That still didn't solve the issue and, in early June, Atkins' terminal leave, and pay, ran out. He was still in his townhouse, unable to get out of the lease. His household goods were still in place, and his family resorted to making car trips to his in-laws' house to at least get his wife ready to work following her maternity leave. Meanwhile, Atkins was unable to start the process of applying for professional certification in the state where he was ultimately planning to work. Atkins, who plans to move to Pennsylvania, reached out to the office of Sen. Pat Toomey, R-Pa., for help and, eventually, Military.com. When Military.com asked the Navy about the issues Atkins described, a spokesman from the personnel office asked for the now-discharged sailor's information. After receiving permission from Atkins to share his name, the former sailor received his separation orders two days later. "It's four months of rent that the Navy made me pay," Atkins explained, since his original plan had been to break the lease as soon as he went on leave. "I would have saved money if I just didn't trust the Navy and just cut it as a loss," he added, referring to the clause in most leases that allows a tenant to cancel with a cost penalty. All told, Atkins had to pay four months more rent than he'd planned for because of the delays, and he noted that there were other unnecessary costs, like the electric bills supporting air conditioning in the middle of a hot mid-Atlantic summer and the expense of moving household goods in his car, across state lines, amid a historic surge in gas prices. "Good thing we are financially responsible. I know E-5s that are paycheck to paycheck." When asked why so many sailors -- 70% fleet-wide, according to the Navy's estimates -- submit their paperwork late, James, the Navy spokesman, said that "there is a lack of Personnel/Pay knowledge, expertise, and lack of communication among the Command Pay and Personnel Administrators (CPPA), their command triads, and the Fleet as a whole." He added that the Navy plans to do training for all sailors in early August "in order to standardize the CPPA foundational knowledge in the fleet on complex transactions, such as separations and retirements." Atkins is still waiting for his DD-214 -- the form that attests to his service and discharge -- despite being out of the Navy for more than a month, and the thousands of dollars in extra bills have cut into his savings. "I still don't have a good transition," Atkins explained. "So I'm not gonna be working, and I can't file for unemployment." -- Konstantin Toropin can be reached at konstantin.toropin@military.com. Follow him on Twitter @ktoropin. Related: 'Bad Paper' Discharges of Some Marines and Sailors to Get Second Look ANKARA, Turkey Turkeys foreign minister on Thursday rejected accusations that the country's military carried out deadly artillery strikes on tourists in northern Iraq, as the families of those killed laid their dead to rest. In an in an interview with Turkish state broadcaster TRT, Mevlut Cavusoglu said Turkey was willing to cooperate with Iraqi authorities to shed light on the treacherous attack. According to the information we received from the Turkish Armed Forces, we did not conduct any attack against civilians, Cavusoglu said. Our fight in Iraq has always been against the (banned Kurdistan Workers Party) PKK terrorist organization. We reject the accusations that have been leveled against Turkey before the smoke screen has been lifted, Cavusoglu said, adding that Turkey believed the attack was aimed at preventing Turkish military operations in the region. Iraqi authorities must not fall into this trap, he said. Caskets carrying the bodies of those killed in artillery strikes on Wednesday were transported from the semi-autonomous Kurdish-run northern region to the capital, Baghdad, for burial. At least four artillery shells struck the resort area of Barakh in the Zakho district in the Kurdish region. Iraqs military said eight people were killed in the attack, but nine caskets were loaded onto the military plane on Thursday. Over 20 people were wounded. The regions President Nechirvan Barzani laid a wreath over one casket and helped carry it on board the military plane. Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein was also present. In Baghdad, Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi received the dead at the airport and met with the families of those killed, according to a statement from his office. He offered his condolences and promised to follow up on their condition and of the wounded, providing them with medical care. All of the casualties were Iraqi citizens. A child was among the victims. The incident is testing ties between Iraq and Turkey two countries that share deep economic ties but are divided over security issues related to Kurdish insurgents operating in Iraq, oil trading with the Kurdish region and water-sharing. The Turkish Embassy in Iraq announced on its Facebook page that visa appointments had been cancelled for the day. A small protest broke out in the former headquarters of the Turkish mission in the Baghdad neighborhood of Waziriah. The Iraqi government, which condemned the attack as flagrant violation of Iraq's sovereignty, convened an emergency national security meeting, summoned Turkeys ambassador to Baghdad and ordered a pause in dispatching a new Iraqi ambassador to Ankara. Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi accused Turkey of ignoring Iraqs continuous demands to refrain from military violations against Iraqi territory and the lives of its people. Cavusoglu said Turkey had offered to bring the wounded to Turkey for treatment. Turkey frequently carries out airstrikes into northern Iraq and has sent commandos to support its offensives targeting elements of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party, or PKK. And though civilians, mostly local villagers, have been killed in the past, Wednesdays attack marked the first time that tourists were killed. In April, Turkey launched its latest offensive, named Operation Claw Lock, in northern Iraq part of a series of cross-border operations that started in 2019 to combat PKK, which has bases in the mountainous region. The PKK, listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the United States and the European Union, and has led an insurgency in southeastern Turkey since 1984 that has killed tens of thousands of people. Ankara has pressed Baghdad to root out PKK elements from the northern region. Iraq, in turn, has said Turkeys ongoing attacks are in breach of its sovereignty. The Department of Veterans Affairs is "closely watching" states' responses to the toppling of Roe v. Wade to determine whether it will take steps to offer abortions to veteran patients, VA Secretary Denis McDonough said Wednesday. McDonough said the department is not barred by law from providing abortions and does them in cases where the mother's life is endangered by a pregnancy. Given that the VA cares for roughly 300,000 female veterans of childbearing age, McDonough said, if the department sees their access to abortions decline, it could start providing them. Read Next: Church that Allegedly Scammed GI Bill Benefits Is Proof More Oversight Is Needed, Advocate Tells Congress "We are closely watching what happens for our veterans and if we see that there is a diminution in access to services, or if we see that, because of threatened legal jeopardy to our providers or confusion from our providers about what's allowable, and we think, therefore, that we need to change policy and make those rules, we will," McDonough said in a press conference. The Veterans Health Care Act of 1992 directed the VA to provide women's health services, including reproductive health care, but it excluded infertility services, abortion or pregnancy care except in cases of a complicated pregnancy or a pregnancy made more complex as the result of a service-related condition. The 1976 Hyde Amendment prohibits federal funding for abortions for reasons other than to save the life of a mother or in cases of rape or incest. But McDonough maintains that the VA has the legal authority to provide abortions. "It is a long-held view of the VA general counsel that we are not statutorily prohibited from providing abortion counseling or abortion services," McDonough said. He added that VA medical centers have not provided abortions since 1989 because they are not included in the department's medical benefits package. To begin offering them, the VA would need to go through the formal federal rule-making process, McDonough said. "If we're going to offer it, we do that through the rules, and I have also said to Congress that we would not surprise them," he said. Lawmakers previously have taken issue with the VA's interpretation of the law. Last year, Sen. Jerry Moran of Kansas, the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee's ranking Republican, challenged the department's stance. "What is troubling about these statements is that VA's prohibition on abortion services is more than a policy decision or regulatory matter; it's the law," Moran said in a press release in August. Texas, with the second largest population of veterans, 1.6 million, and 16 other states have banned or sharply curtailed access to abortions since the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in June on Dobbs v. Jackson, effectively overturning previous court decisions that made abortion a constitutional right. Twenty states, including California, with the largest population of veterans, have laws in place to protect abortion services and health providers. McDonough said the VA will continue to provide abortions in cases of ectopic pregnancies and other complications that pose a threat to the life of the mother, and it provides contraception, including emergency contraception. "We will continue to provide access to that care," McDonough said. "And if there's a state law that inhibits the provision of that care, we will make sure our providers have the support to continue that access to care. We coordinate this closely with the Department of Justice." According to McDonough, the department is considering waiving copayments for birth control but hasn't acted on the move because the VA suspended copayments for all medications through September 2021 as part of COVID-19 pandemic relief and has not yet moved on the change. "We did not think it was urgent or timely, but obviously we are looking at that," McDonough said. -- Patricia Kime can be reached at Patricia.Kime@Military.com. Follow her on Twitter @patriciakime. Related: Senate Trying to Block Military Transfers Based on Potentially Discriminatory State Laws MANZINI - Samukeliso Matsebula, a 35-year-old man of Mangcongco, is said to have died after he was heavily assaulted by members of the UEDF. The incident took place on Saturday night and a source close to the matter alleged that the soldiers were following a tip-off that a man who allegedly assaulted a police officer and took a service gun from the law enforcer, was spotted around the area. The gun incident happened a while ago and it was recovered, but the person responsible for the episode evaded arrest and is still on the run. According to a close relative of Macross, as he was widely known, the deceased, who spent more time in neighbouring South Africa, had called and informed his family that he would be coming home on Saturday. He said as a family they expected him the whole day on Saturday, but he did not show up. However, he said on Sunday morning, they were informed by some community members that Macross was assaulted by a group of soldiers on Saturday night and they took him away. The relative said when they asked the military men why Macross was assaulted and further taken away; they did not get an explanation as the community members alleged that they found him walking along the road with another man. In fact, they were from enjoying alcoholic beverages. Since the army base was not that far, they waited and hoped that he would come home on the day (Sunday) and narrate what happened on the previous night, but he did not come, the relative said. He said on Monday morning, police officers from Bhunya Police Station called the deceaseds father and invited him to the police station. He said when he arrived, without telling him anything about Macross, the law enforcers asked him to bring an identity (ID) card and birth certificate of his son. Thereafter, he said the deceaseds father called home and asked them to bring his sons ID and birth certificate. However, the source said when the father arrived home; he was informed that only the birth certificate was available as he took his ID with him. After that, he said on Tuesday, the father went to the police station with the birth certificate of his late son and that was when the police informed him that his son was late. However, when he ( father) asked how and when his son died, the police asked him to come to Raleigh Fitkin Memorial (RFM) Hospital on Thursday because a detailed report would be delivered to them after a post-mortem had been conducted, the relative said. He said as a family, the past four days had been the longest of their lives as they had been itching to hear what had happened to their son. He said the main purpose of him coming home was to assist in the payment of school fees. He said the deceased had two children; one was doing Grade II, while the other was still breastfeeding. Later on, the relative said they had gathered that when their loved one was found by the soldiers, he was walking with the man who is wanted for disarming a police officer, but the suspect bolted immediately after seeing the military men and disappeared into the thick of the night. He said the soldiers ended up apprehending Macross, who was not their intended target. However, he emphasised that they would be in a better position to talk about the matter after the post-mortem as the police had promised to give them a detailed report about the death of their loved one. On another note, the relative revealed that they have since gathered that in certain platforms, some senior members of the military have disclosed that Macross incident was a mistake as the soldiers found that he was not linked to any criminal offence. Chief Police Information and Communications Officer Superintendent Phindile Vilakati said the police were investigating a matter of a man who was found dead at Mangcongco on Saturday night. Meanwhile, by the time of compiling this report yesterday evening, the Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force (UEDF) Public Affairs Officer 2nd Lieutenant, Tengetile Khumalo had not responded to a questionnaire which was sent to her at 3:09pm. In the questionnaire, Khumalo was asked if the UEDF was aware of the incident. She was also asked what criminal offence had the deceased committed and why the members of the UEDF assaulted him. Moreover, she was asked what the army was doing to address the issue because there were claims that the man had not committed any crime. The Veterans Health Administration will have a Senate-confirmed leader for the first time in more than five years after President Joe Biden's nominee for the role received approval from the upper chamber. The Senate voted 66-23 on Thursday afternoon to confirm Shereef Elnahal as the Department of Veterans Affairs under secretary for health. The vote fills the VA's top health job with someone other than an acting official for the first time since early 2017, when David Shulkin stepped down to be the VA secretary for the Trump administration. Neither administration had moved forward with a nominee in the interim, leaving in limbo a position that's critical to overseeing care for millions of veterans. Read Next: Sailors Waiting Months for Separation Orders, with Bills Growing and Lives Put on Hold As under secretary for health, Elnahal will oversee the Veterans Health Administration, with responsibility for a $60 billion-plus budget and 9 million patients. He comes into the job at a time when the department has struggled with launching a new electronic health records program and continues to make changes to comply with the 2018 Mission Act, which requires the department to ensure timely access to care and allows more veterans to go to private doctors. "Now more than ever, the Department of Veterans Affairs needs a steady hand to guide the Veterans Health Administration," Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Jon Tester, D-Mont., said on the Senate floor ahead of the vote. "It is no secret that VHA and health care systems or providers are going through a challenging time. The VA continues to battle the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic with veterans cases and hospitalizations and deaths on the rise again. And VA staff are dealing with burnout and increased turnover." Tester also praised Elnahal's "impressive record," saying it shows he is "committed to caring for our more than 9 million veterans in VA's care." Elnahal has been the president and CEO of University Hospital in Newark, New Jersey, since 2019; prior to that, he was New Jersey's health commissioner. From 2016 to 2018, he served at the VA as the assistant deputy under secretary for health for quality, safety and value. During his confirmation hearing, Elnahal pledged to instill a "culture of respect and accountability" at the VHA, as he said he's done at his current job. He also vowed to be more transparent with appointment wait time data, improve oversight of physician credentials, improve access to mental health treatment and address problems with the department's new electronic health records system. Elnahal, who as New Jersey health commissioner expanded access to medical marijuana to veterans and other patients with certain conditions, also said he would work within the bounds of federal law to discuss advancing research on cannabis for certain health conditions at the VA. "I did serve as an advocate for the program across the board for all patients who are eligible for specific conditions," Elnahal said. "But the intersection with federal law was not something I had to contend with, so that would be a layer of issues I would have to address if confirmed." Elnahal was quickly advanced by the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee after his confirmation hearing in April. But his confirmation stalled for a couple months after Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., objected to fast-tracking full Senate approval, arguing Biden's nominees haven't been qualified but not offering any specific criticism of Elnahal or his qualifications. While the health role is now filled, the VA continues to wait for a benefits administrator. Biden nominated Ray Jefferson to be the VA's under secretary of benefits the same day he nominated Elnahal, and the two nominees shared a confirmation hearing in April. But Jefferson has withdrawn from consideration amid GOP concerns about his work leading the Veterans Employment and Training Service at the Department of Labor during the Obama administration. The Labor Department's inspector general in 2011 substantiated allegations Jefferson violated federal contracting and ethics rules, but the watchdog reversed its ruling eight years later and said the allegations should not have been substantiated and that Jefferson should not have been asked to resign. The VA announced Tuesday it was launching a new search for an under secretary of benefits. -- Rebecca Kheel can be reached at rebecca.kheel@military.com. Follow her on Twitter @reporterkheel. Related: Tough Questions on Character and Vision for Top VA Benefits and Health Nominees at Confirmation Hearing JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. President Joe Bidens administration criticized U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley on Wednesday for delaying the confirmations of several Department of Defense officials. Senator Hawley has held up these pending Department of Defense nominees for too long and for no other reason than politics, Chris Meagher, deputy press secretary for the White House, told the Post-Dispatch in a statement. These nominees are well-qualified to do these important national security jobs, he said. Its important his obstruction stop so these nominees can get to work protecting our country. The White House characterized Hawleys action as unprecedented. Hawley, a Missouri Republican elected in 2018, said last year he would hold up nominees to the Department of Defense and State Department after the United States withdrawal from Afghanistan, unless three top administration officials resigned, the Kansas City Star reported. Hawley was seeking the resignations of Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, Secretary of State Antony Blinken and National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan. All three remained with the administration as of Wednesday. Responding to the White House criticism, Abigail Marone, a spokeswoman for Hawley, said in a statement, Thirteen servicemembers died in Bidens catastrophic Afghanistan withdrawal, including one from the St. Louis area. Almost one year later, no one has been held accountable. To the White House, thats just politics, but to the American people, its a disgrace. Rather than fast-tracking their nominees, Senator Hawley is demanding votes on them. And he will continue to until the Biden Administration stops its coverup of what happened in Afghanistan and comes clean with public hearings and accountability. Lance Cpl. Jared Schmitz, from Wentzville, was among the 13 service members who died on Aug. 26, 2021, during the attack on Abbey Gate in Kabul. He was 20. The White House disputed Hawleys characterization that officials were trying to fast track any appointments, saying Hawley was obstructing the normal confirmation process for the senior-level Department of Defense nominees. The White House provided a list of nominees that Hawley was blocking from fast confirmation on the Senate floor. An official said all of the nominees had cleared Senate committees in either March or April. The list includes: Lester Martinez-Lopez, nominee for Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs, Department of Defense. M. Tia Johnson, nominee for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces. Ravi Chaudhary, nominee for Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Installations, Energy, and the Environment. Agnes G. Schaefer, nominee for Assistant Secretary of the Army for Manpower and Reserve Affairs, Department of Defense. Franklin Parker, nominee for Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Manpower and Reserve Affairs, Department of Defense. Robert P. Storch, nominee for Inspector General of the Department of Defense. 2022 STLtoday.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. He had me at "Derby pie." Then he followed up the traditional Louisville, Kentucky, chocolate nut dessert with two of my other favorite words: veteran hiring. Alan Rupp, president of Kern's Kitchens, reached out this week because he wants to hire more veterans -- something a lot of employers are thinking about since National Hire a Veteran Day is coming up on July 25. Rupp told me in an interview that he had great luck with veteran hires in the past. His production manager and office manager were both Army veterans, each staying with the firm more than 20 years. Rupp also had excellent short-term veteran hires who stayed until they figured out their next steps. Why does he want veterans now? "They are detail oriented and task oriented," said Rupp, who is currently looking for an assistant production manager to add to his full-time staff of nine. "Get it done and get it done right is a real big strong part for them." Yet in the current labor market, small businesses are competing in a climate where corporate giants can pay a higher wage and can staff a team of veteran recruiters hiring dozens of transitioning military. If you are a small business or small manufacturer, how can you access that veteran or spouse worker? Here are nine ways that small employers can attract veteran hires. 1. Start Local. Stay Local. One of the most motivating employment factors for veterans and spouses is location. When military members own a home in your area or they have kids who are happy in local schools, the urge to stay in their current town is strong. You can start with Military.com's Installation Guide, which lists military bases by state to find out which branch of the service is located near you. If you don't have a local installation, veteran hiring is more difficult unless you are hiring remote workers. More about that later. 2. Call the Transition Assistance Program Once you know the name of the bases near you, Google the largest one with "transition assistance program." This is the on-base government program that provides job-hunting services to transitioning service members. Tell them that you are a small local business interested in hiring vets. The transition manager can connect you with their job fairs and tell you about their local listings and about local military spouse hiring services. 3. Make Friends with Saints and Angels Once in a while, you will find a dud staffing the Transition Assistance Program -- just like anywhere. In my experience, however, these offices are mostly staffed with committed, knowledgeable saints and angels. These folks are devoted to helping veterans and spouses find work. They often have an encyclopedic knowledge of local hiring, and they know all the regulations. Don't just talk to them once. Instead, add them to your network by asking for an informational interview with one of them. Over time, they can become your best source of knowledge about how to reach the local population. 4. Open a Military Door At the Veteran Employment Project, we tell our community of job seekers that they should look for an employer with what we call a "military door." A military door comes in many shapes and sizes and is designed to let veterans know they have a good chance of getting hired, because your company has hired veterans before. Some companies simply have "veteran hires" on their dropdown menu or "Veterans and Military Spouses welcome." Other companies feature a story or photo about a veteran or spouse employee or mention their participation in an internship program like Hire Our Heroes. Others are part of a statewide program like Kentucky's HIRE Vets Medallion program or Virginia's Virginia Values Veterans employer certification program. Make sure this notification is not buried at the bottom of a page but is featured in the top two or three screens. 5. Emphasize Meaningful Benefits in Your Job Listing Since Kern's Kitchen is a small manufacturer, it can't always meet or beat the competition when it comes to salary. Yet salary isn't everything. Many military members are looking for meaningful work when they leave the service. If your pie is the best in the business, tell them about it. If the job you offer is clean, temperature-controlled and features some independence, tell them about it. Emphasize your company's story, too. For Kern's Kitchen, Rupp should emphasize the local Derby Pie tradition and how the company was started by his grandparents in the 1950s. Belonging to a friendly workplace is a blessing to people when they leave the service. Also, at the bottom of your job listing, add the words: Military veterans and spouses encouraged to apply. 6. Explore Remote Staffing Options One way to add military spouses, veterans, caregivers and survivors to your team is through remote staffing. Look into an agency like Instant Teams that specializes in connecting employers and the veteran/spouse community. Founded by military spouses, Instant Teams connects you with qualified and skilled remote applicants. 7. Access Older Veterans One of the things I love about my job is when I hear from veteran job hunters in their 60s or 70s. So many of these guys are detail-oriented, hard workers who like having a job. They aren't interested in super long hours or high-octane stress anymore. Instead, they want a place to work, contribute and belong. Rupp told me that he had good luck reaching this pool of applicants through a Catholic newspaper. 8. Take Care of the Employees You Have People get jobs through their network -- the people they already know. If you have veterans or spouses or caregivers currently on your staff, treat them well so that they are proud to tell people where they work. 9. Brainstorm Solutions with Us At the Veteran Employment Project, we offer consulting services to employers to help them identify opportunities to find veterans, train their recruiters, craft their listings and increase their veteran hires. Reach out to us on LinkedIn or on our Facebook page. Jacey Eckhart is Military.com's transition master coach. She is a certified professional career coach and military sociologist who helps military members get their first civilian job by offering career-level Master Classes through our Veteran Employment Project and on her website SeniorMilitaryTransition.com. Reach her at Jacey.Eckhart@Monster.com. Learn More About the Veteran Employment Project To get more tips on how to make a successful military transition, sign up for one of our FREE Military Transition Master Classes today. You can view previous classes in our video library. Questions for Jacey? Visit our Facebook page. Idris Yusif, also known as Deportee one of the accomplices in Shatta Wale's fake gun attack case says the musician betrayed him and the others arrested with him. According to him, after they were arrested and kept behind bars, Shatta got himself bail and left them behind. He alleged that Shatta Wale only settled his bail, leaving him to his fate. Deportee disclosed that in an interview on Time With The Stars with Larry Bozzlz. In 2021, Deportee was arrested with two others, Nana Dope and Gangee and charged for abetment of crime in the Shatta case. An Accra Circuit court remanded them into prison custody and later granted bail to the tune of GH100,000 each for the publication of false information that claimed Shatta had been shot. However, Deportee says he is disappointed in Shatta because he has left them to their fate. My relationship with Shatta is out there, people know it we had our issues back then, but this time aroundthere is an issue that is the reality. At the right time, the issue will pop up. He has issues with me but I dont. Recently we went to court, you know we went to prison together. He got himself bailed, but without usthese are the things, I dont want to speak. Maybe with time, we will speak. I know it is a bombshell and it will go out there and it is going to escalate a whole lot of things, he added. Watch Video below ---DGN online The legendary Ghanaian high-life crooner, Dan Amakye Dede, better known as Amakye Dede, has listed his favourite musicians he likes listening to. He listed Ghanaian rapper Sarkodie, with whom he revealed some time ago that he was about to release a track with him and others such as Fameye and Kofi Kinata. He said this in his response to the artistes he listens to whenever he is at home doing nothing. He was speaking in an interview on the Accra-based GH ONE TVs Starchat show on Wednesday, July 20, monitored by Modernghana News. In fact, when I'm free and doing nothing, and feel like listening to music, I listen to Sarkodie, I like Fameye too, and I also like Kofi Kinaata. I like all of them, he stated. As readers may recall, the veteran musician way back in 2019, while performing on stage with young Ghanaian highlife musician Kuami Eugene, endorsed him with a crown, telling people he was the new face of high-life music in the country. This courted a lot of rebuttals from the music industry as many believe the legend shouldn't have done that because, to them, he (Kuami Eugene) doesn't deserve such a crown even after he has won the highlife artiste award several times. This is what has left many shocked after he excluded Kuame Eugene's name from the list of favourite musicians he listens to. It has garnered some reactions from some Ghanaians on social media. Check it below: Bridget Otoo slaying bag wrote; For someone who handed the crown of high life to Kwame Eugene but doesn't listen to him how did he come to that conclusion of handing over the high life crown to him or is it that he was paid to do it?? Talaala T.H.C wrote; I wonder sef However, KONTROL CONSULT disagreed; Great work happy to see you mention the other artists in your caption, one person can't do it all let's have equal agenda and push whoever deserves to be pushed MBABANE In respect of the pending national dialogue, Government Spokesperson Alpheous Nxumalo says so far government is preoccupied with putting strategies in place to secure the territorial integrity and the safety of the nation. In an interview with this publication yesterday, Nxumalo said these strategies that government was busy with were for the safety of the nation against terrorists who were relentlessly destroying properties of emaSwati and in the most cowardly fashion, murdering members of the security forces. Nxumalo was asked to shed some light on what were the developments when it came to the preparations for the much anticipated dialogue. Dialogue On July 16, Nxumalo told the media that the national dialogue was on course and did not belong to political formations only. He said the dialogue had not been delayed; it had no timeline when initially announced. He reminded the nation that the dialogue would be held and conducted according to the countrys national Constitution hence, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) had nothing to ensure. When presenting Cabinets quarterly report to the portfolio committee at or around July 8, 2022, Prime Minister (PM) Cleopas Sipho Dlamini said the envisaged dialogue would be announced once the environment was conducive. Dlamini said government was concerned by the sporadic scenes of violence and killings in the name of political reforms. He said they remained strong believers that dialogue could guarantee a peaceful and sustainable solution that would ensure the safety and welfare of all emaSwati, including the youth without further loss of life. Celebrated Ghanaian highlife musician, Abrantie Amakye Dede has waved into calls for the legalisation of weed smoking in the country. Speaking to Starr FM on the Starr Chat programme, the legendary musician made the argument that if a person smokes weed, it does not automatically mean he or she is a bad person. In his view, it will be better if government makes the smoking of weed in the country legal. If you smoke weed, youre not a bad person. I think the Government should legalise it, Abrantie Amakye Dede shared on Wednesday, July 20. The thoughts of the Mmaa p3 sokoo Hitmaker has over the years been shared by a number of prominent people including some health researchers. Early this year in April, politician and actor John Dumelo charged government to consider legalising marijuana. According to him, it will be an avenue for the country to rake in billions just as is being done by several other countries including Germany. Germany is set to make billions of Euros from taxes by legalising marijuana. Then we will turn around and go and borrow that same money with interest for our development, forgetting that we (Ghana) grow the best marijuana in the world, John Dumelo indicated. The European Commission has asked member states to reduce their demand for natural gas by 15 percent over the next few months in order to ensure enough remains for the winter if Russia decides to cut off its supply. "Russia is blackmailing us; Russia is using energy as a weapon," European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen told reporters Wednesday, announcing an emergency plan to ensure the bloc can survive without Russian gas. Whether it's a partial, major cut-off of Russian gas, or a total cut-off of Russian gas, Europe needs to be ready," The Commission is asking each member state to "do its utmost" to reduce gas consumption until March 2023 by at least 15 percent compared to the average of the last five years. "This winter will be a test for the EU's energy system and for our Union as a whole. And it is a test that we will pass if we act with solidarity and resolve," said Energy Commissionner Kadri Simson. Preparing for the worst Since Europe imposed sanctions on Russia for its invasion of Ukraine on 24 February, Russia has begun reducing its gas deliveries to about a dozen EU countries. EU officials say it is likely that Russian President Vladimir Putin will cut supplies off completely to the 27 member states, which would have a catastrophic effect on the European economy. Last year, 40 per cent of the EU's total gas came from Russia, and any further disruption to supplies that have already been reduced would push prices higher and raise the risk of a deep recession. The EU has tried to replace Russia's supply with other sources, from the United States, Norway, Azerbaijan and Algeria. But the International Energy Agency warned on Monday that non-Russian gas resources "are simply not going to be enough". Brussels is, therefore, asking countries to prepare for the worst. Households protected Before Russia's invasion of Ukraine, it provided 155 billion cubic metres of gas to the EU. The flow has since dropped, and a 15 per cent cut in consumption would save about 45 billion cubic metres. Countries will have to provide detailed roadmaps by the end of September to show how they will achieve a 15 per cent reduction. The main focus is on energy consumption by electric power companies and industry, and countries will be able to chose measures to push them to reduce, such as auctions for compensation, and limits on heating and cooling temperatures for public buildings. Households, which are classed as protected consumers, and make up only 37 percent of total gas demand, would be shielded from the cuts. The plan also asks states to "switch to nuclear power where it is an option" and advises countries wishing to abandon nuclear energy to postpone their plans. Emergency rationing Commissioners also asked member states to give the EU special powers to impose compulsory energy rationing if Russia cuts off Europe's gas supplies a move that would require approval by a majority of member states. Von der Leyen told reporters that this would only happen in the case of "a drastic reduction of Russian gas or a complete cut off of Russian gas". Diplomats are set to discuss the plan on Friday, with the aim of approving it at an emergency meeting of energy ministers on 26 July. The plan has faced resistance from countries, some of whom have already made contingency plans, like Poland, which has filled its gas storage to 98 per cent of capacity after Russia cut its supply in April. (with wires) The Akuapem North Constituency Executive Committee at its meeting held on Tuesday June 21, 2022 and in consultation with the Regional Party have resolved to grant general amnesty and revoke suspensions of party faithfuls who in a way infringed on various constitutional provisions of the Party and or unduly suspended without recourse to Article 4 (5) of the party constitution with immediate effect. This has become necessary because of the COME BACK HOME" programme initiated by the new Constituency Executives aimed at not only reconciling the rank and file of the NPP family in the Constituency but to mobilize all our arsenals for the great battle ahead of us in 2024. The Executive Committee is calling on all party members to bury their differences (past or present) and forge ahead with a single purpose to retain power for the NPP to continue the forward-march of Ghanas prosperity journey. The New Patriotic Party like any other political party is governed by rules and regulations, hence, we urge all Patriots to abide by the Constitution of the party especially article 3 (5) that clearly stipulates the duties of a party member. We are also encouraging all party members to rise up and work even harder for the party because of the enormous task ahead of us in respect of the 2024 elections. We must always be guided by the timeless words of former President J. A. Kufuor that it is better to be a messenger in government than a General Secretary in opposition. We remain resolute in our quest to deliver a resounding victory for our great party and break the 8-year political cycle in Ghana. God bless the Akuapem North Constituency God bless New Patriotic Party God bless Ghana A rights group on Wednesday said Moroccan and Spanish authorities were responsible for a horrific border tragedy last month in which two dozen migrants died. It resulted in the highest migrant death toll in years of attempts to enter the Spanish enclave of Melilla, one of the European Union's only land borders with Africa. "The tragedy of June 24 cost the lives of 27 migrants and was due to unprecedented repression by the Moroccan authorities, with the complicity of their Spanish counterparts," Omar Naji of the Moroccan Association for Human Rights (AMDH) told journalists in Rabat. Moroccan authorities have said 23 migrants died when some 2,000 people, many from Sudan, stormed the frontier. Naji, presenting a report on the deaths, called it "a despicable crime, the result of deadly migration policies". The report accuses Moroccan forces of "massive use of tear gas" as migrants tried to enter a cramped border post or scale the barbed wire-topped metal barrier. "The decision to violently attack the asylum seekers once they arrived at the barrier is probably the main cause behind the very heavy toll," the report reads. Morocco's state-backed CNDH rights group said last week that 23 migrants had died, mostly likely from suffocation, in a crush at a border post where manual turnstiles allow the passage of a single person at a time. Facts and locations of the Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Mellila in Morocco.. By (AFP) The CNDH said videos apparently showing security forces beating prone migrants were "isolated" cases. But the AMDH linked the incident to a resumption in cooperation between Madrid and Rabat in March after a year-long diplomatic spat. Since then there has been a sharp uptick in Moroccan police raids of migrant camps in the forest near the border, it said. It added that Spanish authorities had "turned back about 100 migrants" on June 24, while some 64 are still missing. Spanish premier Pedro Sanchez initially blamed "human trafficking mafias" for what he said was "a well-organised violent assault" on the frontier. But Naji dismissed that as part of a "discourse of criminalisation" of migrants, pointing out that those at the Melilla frontier were attempting to cross "free of charge, unlike those who try to cross by sea". A Moroccan court on Tuesday sentenced 33 migrants to 11 months in jail for "illegal entry", while a separate trial of 29 migrants including a minor is set to resume on July 27. A ground breaking ceremony for the construction of seven different factories has been held at Banso, a farming community in the Asante-Akim South Municipality. Unlimited Building Solutions, an American investment company, is financing the projects, which include cassava, organic fertilizer, shirt, furniture, blocks, milk, and chocolate factories. Additionally, estate houses would be constructed as part of the project to give the community a facelift and also provide decent accommodation to people with diverse backgrounds, who would be attracted to the area as a result of the industrial activities. The first phase of the project would see the construction of the cassava factory to process cassava into akyeke and flour for both local consumption and export. According to the Project Manager, Mr. Benjamin Nkrumah, the peels of the cassava would also be used to produce organic fertilizer to provide affordable fertilizers for farmers. Mr. Nkrumah, who was speaking at the ceremony, said the remaining factories would be constructed subsequently to make Banso one of the notable industrial hubs across the country. He said the project was aimed at alleviating poverty among the rural population through job creation and called for the cooperation of the people to boost the local economy of the Asante-Akim enclave. We are also going to construct estate houses that meet American and European standards so very soon Banso will be transformed into a city, he assured the people He said the company strategically chose to invest in a rural community with the goal of impacting the lives of people in the hinterlands to bridge the yawning gap between the rural and urban areas in terms of infrastructure and standard of living. I want the people of Banso to know that all the products that will be produced here will bear the name of Banso and I believe this will go a long way to sell your community to the world, he said. Nana Kyei Ababio, the Chief of Banso, expressed excitement about the potential economic boom that the project was likely to bring to the community and the entire Asante Akim enclave. He was particularly happy about the employment opportunities that would be created for the youth and pledged the unflinching support of the community to the investors. GNA Authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo should immediately release journalist Joseph Kazadi Kamuanga and ensure the press can work without fear of arrest, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Wednesday. On July 13, officers with the National Intelligence Agency (ANR) arrested U.S. freelance journalist Nicolas Niarchos and Kazadi, a Congolese journalist known for his reporting on the mining sector for various local outlets, in the southeastern city of Lubumbashi, and transferred them on July 14 to Kinshasa, the capital, according to media reports and a statement by Niarchos about the incident. Niarchos was released on the night of Monday, July 18, but Kazadi, who also goes by the name Jeef, remained in detention as of Wednesday evening, according to Niarchos statement, National Press Union of the Congo (UNPC) Secretary-General Jasbey Zegbia, who spoke to CPJ over the phone, and a tweet by the Congolese Association for Access to Justice (ACAJ), a local rights group. DRC authorities should immediately release Congolese journalist Joseph Kazadi, just as they did his U.S. colleague Nicolas Niarchos, said Angela Quintal, CPJs Africa program coordinator, from Durban, South Africa. Journalists in the DRC are far too often arrested and detained for their work. Authorities seem not to believe that journalism is not a crime. Niarchos wrote in his statement that he and Kazadi were detained while setting up an interview relating to reporting on the alleged ties between mining groups and separatists in the country. He wrote that he and Kazadi were both accredited journalists and were conducting journalistic work. Niarchos wrote in his statement, dated July 20, that no charges had been filed against him or Kazadi. CPJ was unable to immediately determine whether authorities had opened legal proceedings against Kazadi as of Wednesday evening. Niarchos has reported on the DRC for The New Yorker and is working on a book about cobalt mining, according to his author page for The Nation, U.S.-based magazine where he also contributes reporting. A senior DRC intelligence official told Agence France Presse that Niarchos arrest was connected to his contact with members of local armed groups. Radio France Internationale reported that Kazadi was working with Niarchos when they were arrested. Niarchos said in his statement that Congolese authorities seized his passport and devices when he was detained and destroyed records of his journalistic work. A copy of his passport was subsequently circulated on social media, he said. CPJ repeatedly called ANR communications manager Patrick Kitenge for comment, but received no response. In an emailed statement, the U.S. State Department told CPJ that they were aware of Niachos detention and release, adding that the U.S. Embassy in the DRC communicated its concern with Congolese authorities regarding Mr. Kazadis continued detention and calls for a swift resolution of his case. At least two other journalists Patrick Lola and Christian Bofaya have remained in detention since they were arrested on January 10 in Mbandaka, the capital of Equateur province, as CPJ has documented. Authorities in the Ethiopian region of Tigray should immediately release five Tigrai TV journalists who were recently taken into custody for their work, as well as all other members of the press behind bars, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Wednesday. Regional authorities in the state of Tigray, who are at war with the federal Ethiopian government, in recent months detained Tigrai TV employees Teshome Temalew, Misgena Seyoum, Haben Halefom, Hailemichael Gesesse, and Dawit Meknonnen, according to multiple media reports, Issac Welday, a former senior manager with the broadcaster who spoke with CPJ by phone from Addis Ababa, and a person familiar with their detention, who asked not to be named for fear of retaliation. Regional authorities accuse the journalists, who are held in the Tigrayan capital of Mekelle, of collaboration with the enemy for their alleged work with the Ethiopian federal government and its ruling Prosperity Party, according to those sources. Under a state of emergency decree issued by Tigrayan regional authorities, which CPJ reviewed, convictions for collaboration with any group designated as an enemy can carry up to life imprisonment or the death penalty. CPJ was unable to determine exactly when the journalists were detained. Those media reports said they were detained in late May and early June. Isaac said that the five journalists had been presented in court as of early July, but their legal status was unclear. Journalists operating in Tigray should be allowed to live and work freely, without fear that they will be targeted in politically motivated cases, said CPJs sub-Saharan Africa representative, Muthoki Mumo. The five Tigrai TV journalists behind bars for their work should be released, and Tigray authorities should cease harassing and detaining members of the press. Ethiopian authorities should also work to end telecommunications disruptions that have hampered journalists abilities to do their jobs. Tigray and other parts of northern Ethiopia have been under a telecommunications blackout amid a 20-month civil war between the federal government and rebel forces led by the Tigray Peoples Liberation Front political group, according to media reports. Tigrai TV is operated by the regional government. From late 2020 to June 2021, the broadcaster was under the control of an interim regional administration appointed by the federal government, according to media reports. That administration was removed from power by Tigray forces in June 2021 and, after a brief period off-air, Tigrai TV resumed service under the regions new government that July. The anonymous person familiar with the case and Isaac, who worked with Tigrai TV when the region was under the interim administration, said they believed the journalists were being held for their work for Tigrai TV during the time when it was controlled by federal authorities. At that time, Haben worked as a senior journalist and anchor, Hailemichael as an online editor, Misgena as an education program director, Teshome as director of services for international and other Ethiopian languages, and Dawit as a field reporter, according to those sources, who said some of the journalists had been promoted to their positions under the interim administration, and added that they did not know if they were still in those positions at the time of their detentions. Haben, Dawit, and Hailemichael were suspended from their work a few months before their detention, according to Isaac and the person who spoke to CPJ anonymously, saying the suspensions were sparked by an internal evaluation alleging that they had supported the interim administration when it was in power. Mekele prosecutor Addis Gebresilassie was quoted in those news reports saying the journalists were not being held for their work but for another crime. The state of emergency decree reviewed by CPJ said that cases of collaboration with the enemy, including through propaganda, media, or other communications, can be pursued regardless of when the alleged offense occurred. According to a report by the Ethiopia Human Rights Commission, a statutory watchdog based in the capital Addis Ababa, a total of 15 members of the media, including Teshome, Misgena, Haben, and Hailemichael, were in detention in Tigray as of July 8. That report did not identify the other 11 media workers allegedly held in detention. Habens lawyer was cited in media reports in June saying that the journalist was being held in a filthy detention center. CPJ emailed Tigrai TV for comment but did not receive any reply. CPJ also emailed the Tigray External Affairs Office and a representative of that office, Kindeya Gebrehiwot, for comment, but did not receive any response. Tigray spokesperson Getachew Reda did not reply to an email and Twitter message seeking comment. 21.07.2022 LISTEN A recent study reported on myjoyonline got many people talking about herbal medicine usage by educated Ghanaians. This study proved that the negative perception of herbal medicine is not influencing its usage. It rather appears that educated people in Ghana have rather found solace in herbal medicine. This was evident in the joint study by the University of Saarland, Germany, and the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. The researchers found that the more educated a person is, the more likely he/she will take herbal medicine ( https://www.myjoyonline.com/educated-persons-more-likely-to-take-herbal-medicine-research-reveals/ ). The scientists in the study sought to find out personal preferences and applications of antimalarial medicines in Ghana. For the study over 1,000 questionnaires were distributed in Ghana from January to May 2019. The findings published in the Journal Sci found around two-thirds of respondents rely on herbal medications. They again found the more educated a person is, the more likely he is likely to take herbal medications. Among the respondents, only 31 % preferred Orthodox medications. Interestingly, 36.8 % preferred locally-produced herbal remedies and 32.2 on a combination of both. Even the educated, those at the tertiary level patronized herbal medications. The higher the education, the higher the chances of choosing herbs. They didnt care about the side effects or the cost, Prof. Anto Berko of the Department of Pharmacy Practice said. One of the collaborators, Prof. Jacob Claus from the University of Saarland who was surprised at the findings, was worried about the likelihood of contamination and uncertainty of the active ingredients among others. He would have wished the citizenry relied on scientifically-tested medications. It was a little bit surprising that many people would go for herbal medications, he noted. The scientists again found virtually all respondents were influenced by advertisements through channels like TV, radio, and even billboards on the streets (99.9%). This was followed by friends recommendations, pharmacy prescriptions, and drug peddlers. The level of advertisement is huge. In a day, you can have a lot of adverts. No matter your beliefs, if youre being bombarded with a product, youre likely to go for that product, Prof. Berko said. Lead Scientist, Prince Yeboah of the University of Saarland believes it is about time, attention is placed on refining herbal products to ensure safety from their suspected disadvantages. This may provide a renement of the most active mixtures, he said. Professor Claus also encouraged more technological investments into the production of herbal medications. The herbal medicine will play a major role as long as we invest a lot of technology into them by producing them in a cleaner and reliable way, he said. My take: Honestly, I wasnt surprised to read this study. This also means that the herbal industry is a huge source of revenue generation for the media houses in Ghana. The use of herbal medicine has been on increase in many developing and industrialized countries. For instance, one study by Laelago et al.(2016) sought to assess the prevalence of herbal medicine use and associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics of public health facilities and found that (73.1 %) of pregnant women used an herbal medicine during the current pregnancy. The herbal medicines commonly taken during current pregnancy were ginger (55.8 %), garlic (69.8 %), eucalyptus (11.6 %), tenaadam (rutachalenssis) (26.4 %), damakesse (ocimumlamiifolium) (22.8 %), feto (3.5 %) and omore (3.1 %). A similar study by Rashrash et al.(2017) examines the prevalence of herbal medicine use among US adults and assesses factors associated with and predictors of herbal use also found that herbal supplements are used by the aged, having a higher than high school education, using prescription medications or over-the-counter (OTC) medications, and using a mail-order pharmacy. The most frequent conditions associated with herbal supplement use were stroke (48.7%), cancer (43.1%), and arthritis (43.0%). Another study by Welz et al.(2018) in Germany found that treating illnesses were the most frequently discussed aim for using herbal medicine in all age groups. A previous study by Oreagba et al.(2011) in urban Nigerian forks also found Herbal medicines were reportedly used by 66.8% of respondents. Family and friends had a marked influence on 78.4% of the respondents who used herbal medicine preparations. Herbal medicines were considered safe by half of the respondents despite 20.8% of those who experienced mild to moderate adverse effects. This huge confidence in herbal medicine and alternative remedies made some researchers believe that it has affected COVID 19 vaccine misinformation(Kempe et al. 2022). This means we are in an era where one cannot underestimate the herbal medicine practitioners influence in the healthcare sector. Hence, I wasnt surprised when Dr. Omane Boamah in his recent post on Facebook started to advocate for the promotion of herbal medicine and how Ghana could use them to its advantage to increase our revenue. Also, a recent editorial in the Daily Graphic advises the government to invest in herbal medicine research in Ghana. This should tell you something good is in this sector. A more recent study aimed to update knowledge of the prevalence of TM use and the characteristics of those who access it, to inform health policy-makers as countries seek to fulfill the WHO TM strategy 201423 and harness TM for population health. TM users were compared with users of modern healthcare. Oyebode et al.(2016) found fewer people use herbal medicines. A previous national study on why people are using these remedies by Astin(1998) found being more educated and reporting poorer health status, the majority of alternative medicine users appear to be doing so not so much as a result of being dissatisfied with conventional medicine but largely because they find these health care alternatives to be more congruent with their values, beliefs, and philosophical orientations toward health and life. Jmaes et al. (2018) also assess factors associated with TCAM use in South Saharan Africa and found reasons similar to those observed in other regions. A Pew Research Center study(2017) also found that about half of the general public in the US reports that they have tried alternative medicine either instead of (20%) or in conjunction with (29%) of conventional medical treatments. Half of U.S. adults say they have never used alternative medicine. Older adults, ages 65 and older, are a bit less likely than younger age groups to have used alternative medicine instead of conventional treatment (10% have done so compared with 22% each of those ages 18-49 and 50-64). There are no significant differences by gender or education in having tried alternative medicine instead of conventional health care. For instance, Harris et al.(2012) study has this to say: women and more highly educated adults are more likely to use complementary and alternative medicine. There are wide differences in definitions and question-wording in surveys about alternative medicine, however, that could account for such differences. The National Health Interview Survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that people with chronic conditions use more complementary and alternative medical treatments(Faci et al. 2016). The Pew Research Center survey also finds people who report having a chronic medical condition are more likely to have used alternative medicine in addition to traditional medicine (33% have done so compared with 24% of those who do not have a chronic condition or disease). In conclusion, the studies are clear! Highly educated people are using herbal or alternative medicines. It is time for the government to look at the potential in this field. It is time for the universities to offer courses in this area to improve our healthcare delivery. It is time for our medical schools to include herbal and alternative medicines into their curriculum to introduce Medical students to them. The system is not waiting for anyones ignorance. Herbal or alternative remedies have come to stay and their now part of us and nothing can be done to stop them or pollute the highly educated peoples minds. I also call on the government to pass the Traditional and Alternative Medicine bill. Lawyer Martin Kpebu 21.07.2022 LISTEN Human Rights Lawyer, Martin Kpebu has added to calls for President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and his Vice to resign. Speaking at a public lecture organised by Arise Ghana on the theme; Ghanas Socio-economic Outlook, the Prospects of an IMF Programme, the private legal practitioner stressed that after five years in office, the President has failed to deliver what he promised. According to him, the least President Akufo-Addo and his Vice, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia can do after lying to the Ghanaian people is to resign. Is it not this government that said we should give them 18 months and they will turn things around? We have done five and a half and still look at where we are. They said 18 months, but with five and a half we are now on our knees. So maybe the best thing we can do at this stage is simply to ask the president to resign, Lawyer Martin Kpebu said at the public lecture held at the GNAT Hall. He continued, That is the least that the president can do. He should just resign because he has failed. Failed abysmally. His Vice, Bawumia, the economic whizkid must also go. Unhappy with the current economic situation of the country, Lawyer Martin Kpebu said he is sickened by the continuous corruption in the current administration. The lawyer has charged Ghanaians to join in the fight against corruption by exposing rot when they see one. In the past few weeks, Im getting angrier and angrier because the thievery is too much. They are just stealing. That is what they are doingPlease I encourage you if you see anything say something. If you have evidence [of corruption] bring it and lets take it on, Lawyer Martin Kpebu emphasised. West African mediators met Guinea's ruling junta on Wednesday for talks on a return to civilian rule, according to a regional bloc and state media. Colonel Mamady Doumbouya, who seized power last September, has pledged to restore civilian rule within three years. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which suspended Guinea after the coup, has rejected this timeline. The acting head of ECOWAS, Guinea-Bissau President Umaro Sissoco Embalo, as well as the president of the bloc's commission, Gambian diplomat Omar Alieu Touray, landed in Conakry on Wednesday, a source at the Guinean president's office told AFP. The ECOWAS mediator for Guinea, Benin's former president Thomas Boni Yayi, has been in the Guinean capital since Tuesday, an official from the West African bloc said. The three men met Doumbouya as well as the acting prime minister and other officials, the source added. Their meetings were shown on state television, but the contents of their discussions were not disclosed. The head of Guinea's main political party, former prime minister Cellou Dalein Diallo, on Wednesday sounded the alarm over what he called a "dangerously growing list of breaches of fundamental rights". The National Alliance for Change and Democracy (ANAD), which comprises about 20 organisations, separately protested against a "travel ban" being imposed on opposition leader Oumar Sylla. Sylla, a member of the National Front for the Defence of the Constitution (FNDC), had been set to take part in a West African civil society gathering in Senegal from Tuesday to Thursday, but his group said he was prevented from boarding the plane. The Guinean authorities declined to comment. Sylla was among three members of the FNDC found not guilty of contempt of court this month over comments they had posted on social media criticising the prosecutor's office and the military-appointed parliament. Their arrest had sparked violent protests, some of the first since Doumbouya toppled president Alpha Conde last year. The ruling junta had banned political protests in May. Sommet Education including Les Roches Global Hospitality Education, Glion Institute of Higher Education and Ecole Ducasse, are taking part in a programme that will equip young Saudis with the key hospitality skills Launched by Ahmed Al Khateeb, Minister of Tourism, Saudi Arabia at the 116th session of the World Tourism Organizations Executive Council in Jeddah, the Tourism Trailblazers program aims to train 100,000 Saudis during 2022. The campaign kicked off in late 2020 with the launch of a new human capital development strategy in the Kingdoms burgeoning tourism industry, which aims to attract more Saudi nationals to the sector. The program demonstrates our commitment to empowering young people by providing them with right skills, support and opportunities to shape the future of the tourism industry, said Ahmed Al Khateeb. It is vital that we invest in our youth now. Creating a skilled workforce with the talent and ambition to support and drive the tourism sector regionally and globally is key to realising the Saudi Vision 2030, a unique and transformative economic and social reform blueprint that is opening Saudi Arabia up to the world. The program has three main objectives that aim to nurture, develop and support talent in the industry, he explained. It seeks to spread a culture of professionalism, help nascent professionals gain the knowledge and qualifications needed to break into the industry, and support their success through refinement of their skills. The program will help trainees to secure jobs within the sector, including seasonal, part-time or full-time opportunities across the Kingdom. His Excellency further stressed that this and other initiatives are geared towards delivering on the National Tourism Strategy and Saudi Vision 2030 targets, including the creation of one million new jobs in tourism by 2030. The first group of Saudi students have now arrived at Les Roches Global Hospitality Education on its campus in Marbella, Spain. This short program aims to equip students with the fundamentals of tourism business and operations, from understanding housekeeping operation and customer experience to sales and negotiation skills. Benoit-Etienne Domenget, CEO of Sommet Education, added: We are honoured to contribute to the rise of Saudi talents, and fully engage in providing them with the practical and academic skills they will need to embrace a career in such a wide industry at a time where opportunities of growth and development are at their highest for all. TradeArabia News Service Two pilgrims dies during this year's pilgrimage. They are male and female the latter being the first to lose her life. According to the Director of the Medical Department of the Ghana Hajj Board (GHB) Dr. Zakaria, the lady died when she was saying one of the five daily prayers. She fell down during the prayers and by the time she was attended to by members of the medical team she had passed on. The male pilgrim passed on at the King Abdul Aziz Hospital in Mecca where he was on admission for two weeks suffering from a high sugar level in his body, the director said. Both pilgrims he added died even before the commencement of the Hajj rituals. On the general assessment of the health management of Ghanaian pilgrims, he said it was good. He attributed to the success of the health management to the surveillance system put in place at the satellite medial units at the hotels where the pilgrims were accommodated. He was happy to announce that there were no disease outbreaks such as COVID-19 or others. Meanwhile, the first batch of Ghanaian pilgrims who were airlifted from the Tamale Airport arrived to the welcoming arms of their family members and well-wishers Wednesday afternoon. With their arrival three more flights are expected of the four which made it to Madina in Saudi Arabia. Pilgrims were given a bag at point of departure from Ghana to serve as hand luggage and two more as main bags upon arrival in Saudi Arabia close to the commencement of the return trip. Those who defied the luggage carriage protocol had their bags rejected for the first flights and the same will apply to the subsequent flights. Those who exceed the stipulated weights must make their own arrangements for the excess luggage. DGN online The Ghana Oil Company Limited (GOIL) has warned the general public to ignore any fuel subsidy promotion being advertised online. It noted that a recent fuel subsidy promo with a link going vital on social media is a scam. In a press statement issued by the Corporate Affairs Department dated July 20 and made available to Modernghana News, it indicated that, GOIL is alerting the public of a fraudulent Fuel Subsidy Promotion scheme with a link, being circulated on social media platforms." The statement added, The promotion encourages unsuspecting customers to join a fake trivia which will award winners a sum of GHC 500 among other freebies." It continues GOIL is urging the public to ignore the said Fuel Subsidy Promotion as it is a scam. See a copy of the release below: 21.07.2022 LISTEN The ruling New Patriotic Party's (NPP) General Secretary, Justin Frimpong Koduah affectionately called JFK claims the Akufo-Addo administration is the best thing to happen to Ghana in this Fourth Republic. He claimed the Akufo-Addo's administration was able to implement social intervention policies in its first year than any government since 1992. Mr. Koduah made this claim while participating in a discussion on the topic "NPP Breaking the 8" on Accra-based JoyNews' PM Express monitored by Modernghana News on Wednesday, July 20. No government in the history of Ghana since 1992 has been able to implement the programs we did in our first term, he claimed. He, however, admitted that government has not been able to meet expectations of Ghanaians but believes the best has been done compared to past governments. When you are in government, you are affected by apathy and communication. When anyone supports a political party, they have what they expect to get but no government can satisfy all, he stated. On 'breaking the eight' agenda, he indicated that the move is attainable as government works to rehabilitate the economy before 2024 elections. We are hopeful the economy will bounce back in 2023, JFK assures. The Member of Parliament (MP) for the Suame constituency, Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu has reiterated that he will not contest the next election but some persons are provoking him to. According to the MP who has been in Parliament since 1997, some persons claiming he has lost favour with his constituents fueled his decision not to contest again is a figment of one's imagination. In an interview with the Accra-based TV3 monitored by Modernghana News, the Parliamentary Affairs Minister stated, I have already given an indication. Last year was when I indicated that God willing, everything being equal, I will not contest again. In fact, the last one that I did contest, but for the government, I wouldn't have contested. The Suame legislator indicated that his wife was even against his decision to contest the last election. He added that he contested last year based on the decision of the party. "My wife was strongly urging that I shouldn't contest but you serving the people, you serving your party and if the party insists that you should contest you have to give in and that is what eventually happened," he said. Following the Thursday, July 14 incident where some disgruntled youth of Suame in the Ashanti region pelted him with sachet water over the poor condition of the roads in the constituency, he stated, "I know there are some going out there to say that 'Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu has lost favour with the people and so if he contests again, he will lose. According to him, If it is for those people, the guy who is making the noise, if it is for him, I will contest again and show him where he properly belongs but that is not it; it is about having served the people for a long time. Amnesty International on Thursday called for an investigation into the massacre of more than 400 Amhara civilians in Ethiopia's Oromia region last month, citing eyewitnesses who blamed a local rebel group for the killings. The Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) has denied the accusations, saying government-allied militias were responsible for the 18 June massacre in the west of Ethiopia's most populous region, which has seen an increase in violence in recent months. The assault began around 9 am, when armed men allegedly belonging to the OLA surrounded villages in Tole Kebele, according to nine witnesses interviewed by the human rights group. Government forces arrived hours after the attack ended, despite villagers alerting district officials after the first bullets were fired. The attackers carried out summary executions of ethnic Amhara, while also looting and burning homes, in claims corroborated by satellite imagery which showed evidence of fires breaking out in the area, Amnesty said. The Amhara make up about 10 percent of the regional population. Utter disregard for human life "These horrific killings in Tole, allegedly at the hands of the Oromo Liberation Army, reveal its perpetrators' utter disregard for human life," Deprose Muchena, Amnesty's director for East and Southern Africa, said in a statement. "This callous massacre, which also saw women and children lose their lives, must be independently and effectively investigated," he added. The Amnesty statement follows a call by UN rights chief Michelle Bachelet last month urging the Ethiopian authorities to conduct "prompt, impartial and thorough" investigations into the Tole killings. No official toll from the massacre has been published, but Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's office said last month that 338 victims had so far been identified. Death toll could reach 450 A local administrative official told Amnesty that at least 450 people were killed in the attack. Witnesses said they identified the attackers as OLA militants because of their uniforms, their "distinctive long braided hair", and their use of the Oromiffa language. The gunmen also set fire to houses and looted cattle, cash and other items belonging to the villagers, Amnesty said. Ethiopian authorities have blamed the OLA for a number of massacres targeting Amharas, the country's second largest ethnic group, after the Oromo. The OLA, a shadowy group which has been fighting the federal government in Oromia since 2018, gained new prominence last year when it struck up an alliance with Tigrayan rebels who have been at war with pro-Abiy forces in northern Ethiopia since November 2020. Presbyterian College of Education of Akropong has emerged winner Quiz and Debate competition held at the SDA College of Education, Asokore. At the end of the two separate competitions with seven other colleges of education, Presbyterian College of Education of Akropong won with 183 points. Seven others include Presbyterian Women College of Education at Aburi, Accra College of Education (ATRAOE ), Ada College of Education, SDA college of Education Asokore, Presbyterian College of Education at Kyebi, Methodist College of Education at Akyem Oda and Abetifi College of Education took part in Quiz and Debate competition held at the SDA College of Education, Asokore. SDA College of Education came second with 181 points while Presbyterian Women College of Education at Aburi won the third 3rd position. Mr Owusu Prince Kwabena, President of Teacher Trainees Association of Ghana, Eastern and Greater Accra sector explained the modalities of the competition to the media. He stated the competition was based on the American approach instead of the usually used British analogy. He said the competition will go a long way to unify teacher trainees across the country to help them tap into the ideas of other colleges. He noted the competition will also have a positive impact on the academic performance of teacher trainees as it broadens and sharpens their minds. Explaining what made the school become first, Samuel Gyasiwaa Marfo on behalf of Akropong Presbyterian College of Education (winners) indicated that their commitment from day one of the competition and proper preparation. Meanwhile, Mr Wisdom Blanksion Agbenyo, P.R.O. of SDA College of Education at Asokore on behalf of the Principal, Prof. William Koomson, congratulated the competitors and the participating colleges for their immense contribution to making the competition successful. Despite losing the ultimate position, he insisted that trainees from other colleges have enjoyed the serene atmosphere and friendly welcome during the short stay and pledged to clinch the victory in the next contest. A US-based Economist, Dr. Sa-ad Iddrisu, has described the Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia as a wizkid of contradictions, and also termed his recent comments on the Ghana card as unfortunate. Dr. Iddrisu made these statements on Wednesday, July 20, during a zoom lecture with some sections of Ghanaian students in the United States on Ghanas economy. According to Dr. iddrisu, prior to the 2016 election, Dr Bawumia made his famous quote that when the fundamentals of the economy are weak, the exchange rate will expose you. Fast forward to 2017-2022 when in government, he comes back now to tell us that falling exchange rate doesnt mean the economic fundamentals are weak. This is surely a man of contradictions and zero principles. This is just one example and if we go back to take all the pre-election 2016 statements made by Dr. Bawumia on the economy and compare them to the statements he is making now in government, you will find dozens of contradictions, with zero principles, Dr. Iddrisu said. Dr. Iddrisu also said that the recent Ghana card statement made by Dr. Bawumia was very unfortunate. To say the Ghana card is better than 1000 interchanges is an unfortunate statement that should not be coming from a sitting Vice President. According to Dr. Iddrisu, its possible that the Ghana card registration may help increase the number of tax payers in the informal sector of the economy since the card is linked to Tax Identification Number (TIN). However, an economy that lacks basic access to improved roads and interchanges to make it easier for farmers and traders to transport their goods and services to the market for sale, should not be thinking it can raise enough taxes just by registering people for Ghana card. You cannot tax people on empty pockets and hungry stomachs. You have to provide them with improved roads, which will then lead to easy movements of their goods and services, translating to higher productivity/revenues and possibly higher tax collection rates. Therefore, 1000 interchanges are far better than Ghana card a million times and not the other way round. However, that is not to say the Ghana card is not an important digitization drive, it is. The comparison made by Dr. Bawumia is what is out of context and very unfortunate, and should not have even been made in the first place. Dr. Iddrisu also advised Dr. Bawumia and the NPP government not to downplay the infrastructural development made by successive governments. The NPP and Dr. Bawumia should not downplay the infrastructural development made by previous governments since independence and under John Mahama. Nana Addo and Dr. Bawumias government should rather add more to our existing infrastructure by spending more of the countrys budget on capital expenditure rather than consumption spending as is the case now, Dr. Iddrisu said. On the issue of Ghana going to the IMF, Dr. Iddrisu believe it may not solve Ghanas economic woes if corruption and mismanagement are not eliminated under this government. The Bank of Ghana monetary policy reports from 2017 to date, points to the fact that Nana Addos government has borrowed more money than all previous governments combined since independence. Yet, very little infrastructural development to show for such huge borrowings, Dr. Iddrisu said. The IMF is granting the government of Ghana about $1 billion credit facility which is yet to be approved by parliament. Unfortunately, even if the IMF grants Ghana a $5 billion or $10 billion credit facility under this government, a large portion of the funds will be blown away in corruption and mismanagement. Nana Addo must fight corruption and mismanagement under his government with all the seriousness it deserves, if it intends to achieve the needed infrastructural development and fiscal discipline, Dr. Iddrisu added. Source: Classfmonline.com Hundreds of meters above the village of Jenakpeng in northern Ghana, a small drone locked its sights on six airplanes parked in the middle of a verdant field miles away from the nearest runway. The drones 16-year-old pilot, Jenakpeng native Abdul-Latif Zakaria, stood with his father Danaa in the shadow of a vintage Antonov cropduster, one of six planes that world-renowned artist Ibrahim Mahama has transformed into a community learning space. In 2021, Mahama bought the planes using proceeds from $1 million worth of sales to add to his Red Clay Studio, a multi-acre compound that functions as an open-door, education hub. During the school year, crowds of students like Zakaria attend lectures on the physics of flight, computer science, basic engineering and more free of charge. An aerial view shows six repurposed aircrafts parked at Ghanaian artist Ibrahim Mahamas studio facility, a multi-acre compound that functions as an open-door education hub, in Tamale, Ghana July 15, 2022. REUTERS/Francis Kokoroko Its not so much about inspiring artists, but producing thinkers, Mahama said of the facility, which he built in his fathers village to give residents the chance to nurture critical thinking a skill he believes necessary for creative and personal liberation. If children grow up to think differently from their predecessors, thats a step towards a certain kind of imminent change for our society, he said. Danaa Zakaria, 48, studio caretaker, takes visitors on a tour at the studio facility of Ghanaian artist Ibrahim Mahama, 35, in Tamale, Ghana, July 15, 2022. REUTERS/Francis Kokoroko Red Clay contains several warehouse-sized buildings made from recycled materials and locally-sourced red clay bricks. It also doubles as Mahamas personal workshop where he produces works that go on to sell for thousands, if not millions, of dollars. The material choices are typical of Mahama, who made a name for himself repurposing unwanted objects like shoeshine boxes and industrial equipment into monolithic works of contemporary art. A family touring the Red Clay studio facility of Ghanaian artist Ibrahim Mahama, 35, pose for a photograph by an airplane, in Tamale, Ghana, July 15, 2022. REUTERS/Francis Kokoroko For Zakaria, who has visited Red Clay daily since he was a child, the centre invites local children to explore topics otherwise closed to them, helping them build confidence and learn more about who they really are. To his father Danaa, who has developed a passion for aviation while working as Red Clays caretaker, the planes are symbols of a brighter future. Abdul-Latif Zakaria, 16, a student and studio volunteer, poses for a photograph as he spends his day at the studio of Ghanaian artist Ibrahim Mahama, 35, in Tamale, Ghana, July 15, 2022. REUTERS/Francis Kokoroko Before [the planes] arrived, I thought aircraft were small, like a bird, he said, smiling. It is a future generation that we are sowing here [and] when you sow good seed, InshAllah (if Allah wills it), tomorrow they will germinate. Ghanaian artist Ibrahim Mahama, 35, inspects an aircraft propeller engine at his studio facility in Tamale, Ghana, July 15, 2022. REUTERS/Francis Kokoroko Source: Reuters - Reporting by Francis Kokoroko; Writing by Cooper Invee The leadership of the Tertiary Students Confederacy (TESCON) of the NPP has temporarily resumed all activities on campuses across the country. This comes after an emergency meeting was held between the TESCON Presidents and National Executives of the New Patriotic Party on Tuesday, July 19. All 291 TESCON Presidents petitioned the leadership of the Party for being disenfranchised at the just-ended National Delegates Conference. TESCON delegates were not allowed to vote during the NPPs National Delegates Conference on Saturday, July 16, 2022, following an injunction against the student body by some aggrieved members. The leaders subsequently suspended general meetings, elections and other activities in protest of the decision. In an interview with Citi News, however, the TESCON President at the Accra Technical University, Emmanuel Darko said the Party has shown commitment to addressing their concerns. We have decided to temporarily resume our activities because leadership has shown goodwill and has committed to addressing our concerns. We are going to take their word for it and hope that all issues will be settled soon, he added. By Citi Newsroom Aide to Former President John Dramani Mahama , Joyce Bawah Mogtari has explained what may have kept increasing the corruption perception within the Ghana Police Service. She stated that because the Police are one of the first institutions for human engagements, the perception about they being corrupt will increase. She said these on the New Day show on TV3 with Berla Mundi on Thursday, July 21 when contributing to a discussion regarding the corruption perception within the Police Service. The 2021 report by the Commission for Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ, Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) and United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime ranked institutions that receive bribes. The Ghana Police Service, the findings noted, continues to be the foremost public institution perceived most corrupt. The Programmes Director of the Ghana Integrity Initiative (GII), Mary Awelana Addah, also observed that hospitals and health centers, in general, have become places where bribes exchange hands in Ghana. She said though the Ghana Police Service ranks high among institutions perceived most corrupt, the health sector is also becoming known for the canker. Ms Addah made this known in an interview on TV3's News 360 on Wednesday, July 20. You realised that [with] health institutions, citizens said they engaged with health institutions even more and they pay more bribes there, she pointed out to host Paa Kwesi Asare. So, it is not like they are saying that because citizens encounter the police on our roads, it is there they pay bribes. They encounter nurses, they encounter doctors, they encounter teachers, they encounter utility service providers, they encounter tax agents, they encounter people at the lands department and some of these bribes, if you quantify are even more than what the police [take] but yet still the police came up tops. Reacting to this, Joyce Bawah Mogtari who is also a private legal practitioner said With the Police for example, I recall that years ago when similar conversations were taking place, the impression was that it is because they are also you first port of call in terms of citizens engagement. You are either coming into contact with the Policeman or you are in contact with a doctor or nurse because these are the most common social encounter areas where citizens will come across persons within a certain formal bracket. That may also contribute largely to this endemic perception about perceived corruption especially within the Police service. She added But funny enough, when I saw this report, I had another conversation with an officer in another branch of the security service and her point is that it is even worse in the Military, it is also prevalent in the Navy. 3news.com The Toyota LITE ACE, which seeks to redefine the compact commercial vehicle segment, has been launched in Saudi Arabia by Abdul Latif Jameel Motors, an authorised distributor of Toyota vehicles in the kingdom since 1955. With its ample capacity and easy loading with fuel economy, the new Toyota LITE ACE meets the growing demands of business owners across the kingdom. The new Toyota LITE ACE caters to a wide range of guests, including fleet businesses in need of compact commercial vehicles and last-mile delivery service providers in the regions flourishing e-commerce market. With a 770 kg payload, 3.4 cu m of load space, and sliding doors on both sides, the vehicle offers outstanding loading capacity and comfort with practical and reliable performance. Dual VVT-i The Toyota LITE ACE includes sliding doors on both sides, with a 1.5 litre four-cylinder engine that generates a maximum output of 97 hp and 134 nm of torque. It incorporates Dual VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing-intelligent) technology, which optimises intake and exhaust valve timing in response to driving conditions for exceptional performance. The engine is mated to either a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic transmission for a smooth shifting experience with superior fuel efficiency. Mazin Ghazi Jameel, Managing Director of Toyota Marketing Operation at Abdul Latif Jameel Motors, said: By introducing a practical, reliable and economical compact commercial vehicle in the kingdom, we are confident that the new Toyota LITE ACE offerings will meet the high expectations of business owners. The vehicle not only meets the needs of a compact commercial vehicle but also delivers an array of safety features that puts business owners and drivers at ease. Highly valued reliability Masaharu Tezeni, Chief Engineer of the new vehicle, said: The new Toyota LITE ACE is on its way. Its reliability is highly valued by loyal customers in regions where it has already been introduced. We are confident businesses across the Middle East will also embrace the new vehicles many advantages. With features such as the powerful, economic engine and the suspension that provides a balance between increased stability when loaded and outstanding ride comfort, the new Toyota LITE ACE represents a complete solution for the safe, seamless, and cost-effective transportation of cargo. In addition to delivering a dynamic driving experience, the new Toyota LITE ACE front pillars are angled to create extra head clearance. At the same time, the body features short overhangs that offer an outstanding field of vision at both the front and sides of the vehicle. The low steps of 425 mm in height enable smoother cabin entry, with a roomy foot area, and a low floor height of 620 mm allows a spacious rear door entrance allowing ease of loading and unloading cargo from the hold. The vehicle also features 815 mm sliding doors on both sides to load and unload cargo in tight spaces, with a maximum length of 2,075 mm, a height of 1,305 mm, and a width of 1,495 mm to carry a variety of items, including cardboard boxes, tall objects, and furniture. Enhanced operability The cockpit is designed to provide enhanced operability and visibility, with switches located where they can be easily seen and reached from the driving position. In contrast, the vehicle provides ample storage spaces in various locations to prioritise usability and functionality. As with all Toyota vehicles, safety is first of mind with the design of the new LITE ACE, such as high-tensile strength steel used to increase the body rigidity and large LED rear combination lamps to enhance visibility while traveling in poor weather conditions, such as rain and fog. The vehicle also comes with a comprehensive array of safety features to protect the driver and passengers, including two front SRS airbags; Vehicle Stability Control (VSC); Anti-lock Braking System (ABS); Traction Control (TRC); Emergency Stop Signal (ESS); and Tyre Pressure Warning System (TPWS), among others.-- TradeArabia News Service The Police are on a manhunt for some robbers who attacked a company at Achiaman in Amasaman, Accra. In the process one person died and two others sustained injuries. The Police assure the public that we will surely get the robbers arrested to face justice. Source: 3news.com|Ghana Actor cum politician, John Dumelo has distributed farm boots and cutlasses to farmers in the Guan District of the Oti region. The Guan District, which was left out of the 2020 general elections comprises areas such as Santrokofi, Akpafu, Likpe and Lolobi (SALL) with its district capital at Likpe Mate. In a Facebook post, Mr. John Dumelo ensured every farmer in the district benefited from the gesture to help improve their economic activities. He revealed, "The next step would be to provide efficient farming equipment to maximize and add value to what they grow". The 2020 Parliamentary candidate of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Ayawaso West Wuogon constituency lost the contest despite impressive performance. He has, however, been seen supporting people in the Guan district with people asserting that he may be eyeing the Guan seat in the upcoming 2024 general elections. No fewer than Two hundred stakeholders from across the country are to meet in Abuja next week to discuss the need for a principal Data Protection Law in Nigeria. The two-day event, scheduled to hold on 26th and 27th of July, 2022 at Rockview Hotel Royale, Abuja, shall bring together representatives of relevant public institutions, the private sector and civil society organisations to deliberate on the way forward towards strengthening the legal framework for data protection in the country. The Policy Dialogue is put together by the Nigeria Data Protection Bureau, with support from the Nigeria Digital Identification for Development (ID4D) project. National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer, Nigeria Data Protection Bureau, Dr. Vincent Olatunji confirmed this during a meeting with the Nigeria ID4D team in his office in Abuja. According to him, the Policy Dialogue seeks to bring together critical stakeholders to deliberate on the way forward, towards the enactment of a principal Data Protection legislation for Nigeria. Describing Data Protection Act as a necessary legislation for Nigeria, Olatunji argued that it is not only in conformity with global best practices, but needed to guarantee the security and safety of citizens data. Adding his voice, Project Coordinator, Nigeria Digital Identification for Development project, Mr. Musa Odole Solomon pledged the support of the ID4D project to efforts towards enacting a data protection legislation for Nigeria. According to him, passing the data protection bill is one of ID4Ds mandates. Many other countries of the world have data protection laws in place and it is our desire to ensure that it is passed as soon as possible. A lot of work is being done in this regard. We are presently consulting widely to ensure that no stone is left unturned. Meanwhile, as a prelude to the planned Policy Dialogue, about forty stakeholders gathered for a Focus Group Discussion at Rockview Hotel Royale, Abuja, last Tuesday, to deliberate on the proposed legislation. The Focus Group Discussion was also convoked by the Nigeria Data Protection Bureau, with support from the Nigeria Digital Identification for Development project. In attendance were representatives of public institutions, the private sector, professional groups and civil society organisations. Speaking at the event, Chief Executive Officer, Nigeria Data Protection Bureau, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, Coordinator, Nigeria Digital Identification for Development project, Musa Odole Solomon and Legal Desk Officer of the project, Adetunrayo Alao said the Focus Group Discussion was one of the activities lined up to ensure adequate stakeholders engagement towards birthing an inclusive Data Protection Law for Nigeria. Highlights of the Focus Group Discussion were contributions from various stakeholders on pertinent questions relevant to a data protection legislation, experience sharing, peer review, among others. The Nigeria Digital Identification for Development project is a Nigerian project, jointly funded by the World Bank, European Investment Bank and French Development Agency to support the identification ecosystem in the country, over a five-year period. Walter Duru, Ph.D Manager, Communications Nigeria Digital Identification for Development (ID4D) project July 21, 2022 The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has lamented that they received about two million prank calls within the first quarter of the year. In an interview with Alfred Ocansey on 3FM Sunrise, the National 2 IC of the National Public Relations Department of Ghana National Fire Service DO III Desmond Essoun Ackah expressed worry about how people especially children abuse their emergency line. He explained that such calls have dire consequences on people who are genuinely distressed and may require the swift attention of the Ghana National Fire Service . We have received about two million prank calls within the first four months of 2022 and most of the prank calls are made by children. It is a big challenge which means that people who are genuinely in need of our service would have their calls stuck in cue because of the pranks. Therefore emergency response time would be delayed unnecessarily, DO III Ackah stated. Though according to the laws of Ghana, it is a criminal offense to make such prank calls to emergency numbers, the GNFS is however challenged logistically to trace prank callers but however, there have been instances that some callers have been identified and made to face the full rigors of the law. A member of the Public Relations department of GNFS, ADO II Alex King Nartey also stressed on the need for parents to guide their wards to desist from making prank calls especially as schools come on vacation. He further calls on the media, schools and other institutions to all help with public education on the negative effects of prank calls to emergency service numbers. ---3news.com A demonstration staged by residents of Bibiani in the Western North Region in midweek ended with six people sustaining gunshot wounds. The youth of Bibiani on Wednesday, July 20, took to the streets to protest to stop Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyabi II, Chief of Sefwi-Anwhiaso from performing some rites at the Mensin Gold Mine. The protest was staged by the youth to stop the rites which would have paved way for the commencement of operations at the mines. Unfortunately, things turned violent with some people sustaining gunshot wounds. Through the same demonstration, quite a number of people got injured. Subsequently, the victims were rushed to the Bibiani Government Hospital and the Divine Love Hospital to receive treatment. Since the incident, the Bibiani Police Command has started investigations to bring the perpetrators to book. Information gathered indicates that some violent people amongst the demonstrators started the chaos when they fired guns at the precinct of the Mine. They claimed that Ogyeahoho Gyebi is not the legitimate chief to perform the rite for the Mensin Gold Mine but rather, Nana Ngoah Anyimah Kodom ll, the chief of Bibiani. Expressing displeasure towards the management of the mine, they demanded that qualified members of the youth are given employment to work in the mine. When listening to live interview granted Samuel Atta Mills (Hon), a brother to the late President Professor Evans Fiif Atta Mills, on one of the Ghana radio stations in their morning news of Wednesday, 20 July 2022, he doubted why Koku Anyidohu is so concerned about the late President. He queried, why Koku Anyidohu is crying louder than the bereaved? Samuel Atta Mills (Hon) is a member of parliament representing the Komenda Edina Eguafo Abrem Constituency in the Central Region on the ticket of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). For him, he does not understand why Koku Anyidohu, the former Deputy General Secretary of NDC, excommunicated from the party years ago, and a complete outsider with regard to the Mills family, is always worried and crying about the neglected legacy of late President Professor Atta Mills. Coming from the point of view of some Akan proverbs that go, Onipa no nua ne nnea waboa no; Enye obi bribi ne obi, na nnea waye no yie and Anomaa nua ne nea 3ne no da dua koro, I see the question posed by Samuel Atta Mills as completely senseless, if not stupid of him. From empirical observations, any sensible and honest Ghanaian could tell that Koku Anyidohu really loved and cared about President Mills more than most of his (Presidents) own family members. This is an indisputable fact that even an inhibited Ghanaian will not dare venture to say the contrary. Therefore, he has every right to wail much louder, although an outsider to the Mills family, than the completely seeming nonchalant family members of the President. When the Asomdwe Park where the late President was buried was always on the news as being neglected and turning into a forest where people could sooner probably go hunting for wild animals, what did the Mills family do? Zilch! Was it not Koku Anyidohu, now the Mr Outcast, who has tried for all these past ten years to ensure the place became a befitting place of rest for the late President? When the place was growing bushy by the day, where were the Mills family and the NDC, disgraceful beings as most of them are? Sammy Atta Mills only came out to talk when he was compelled by the stupid statement issued by Johnson Asiedu Nketia, that mosquito-like being going by the fitting nickname General Mosquito that NDC will boycott the 10th anniversary celebration of the death of the President if the Mills family did not intervene to kick out Samuel Koku Anyidohu as the organiser. This threat by the NDC forced Sammy Atta Mills to come out with his query and threat to sue some people and organisations for desecrating the body and tomb of the late President. To be honest with him, I see him as being childish. Yes, the family members of a deceased person must not only be present but authorise and perform some traditional rites when the body of their deceased member is being removed or relocated for any reason. However, does the family of President Mills care about him that much? I doubt it. The Ghanaian proverbs above in order as stated are, A friend in need is a friend indeed; He who does you good, is your everything and finally, The brother/sister of a bird is the one with whom it sits in the same tree or better still, birds of the same feathers flock together to wit, Anomaa a won ntakra se na won tu bom Is this the recompense for Koku Anyidohu, after all the good things he has done for NDC and President Mills? As a zealous supporter of the NDC, he published copious feature articles under the moniker Margaret Jackson and Nana Akua Tweneboa Kodua to denigrate NPP and then presidential aspirant Nana Akufo-Addo, all in the hope of maintaining NDC in power. What is happening to him, now a prodigal son, is not any karma but the manifestations of the ungratefulness of both the NDC and the Mills family. I had better stop before I veer off course into total vituperative attack on the family and the roguish NDC. Rockson Adofo Thursday, 21 July 2022 The Member of Parliament for Assin Central Constituency in the Central Region of Ghana, Honourable Kennedy Agyapong has presented an amount of One hundred thousand dollars, US$100.000.00 to the 37 military hospitals for the training of medical personnel in India to man the Cardiothoracic Centre which he is constructing for the hospital. He last year cut sod for the construction of an 80-bed Cardiothoracic Centre at the 37 Military Hospital in Accra. The Centre will include a Cardiothoracic Training Centre and Conference room, VVIP clinic, 3 operating theatres, an Intensive Care Unit, Executive Clinic, a Dialysis Unit, X-Ray unit, a Robotic Unit, a pharmacy, and an outpatient department, among other essential units. The project is funded solely by Hon Kennedy Agyapong and when completed, will be the first in the country to treat cardiovascular diseases. Vice Admiral Seth Amoama (Ghana Chief of Defence Staff) who received the gesture commended the Member of Parliament for his consistent and immense support for the welfare of the Ghana Armed Forces and the promotion of quality health care in the country. "Honourable, your kind gesture has demonstrated your unflinching love for the people of Ghana and the Ghana Armed Forces in particular. It has also reinforced your determination to contribute to health care in general and Ghana's socio-economic development," he stated. The American Embassy has congratulated the new President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Mr Albert Kwabena Dwumfour on his election to that high office. A statement from the Embassy, signed by the Ambassador to Ghana, Virginia Palmer, issued on Thursday, 21 July 2022, said: On behalf of the US Embassy, please accept my congratulations on your election as President of the Ghana Journalists Association. The Ambassador also expressed her continued cooperation in support of the professional development of journalists and journalism students, adding that press freedom is a cherished value in Ghana, as it is in the United States; and a cornerstone of accountable democracy. I hope to be able to meet you and your leadership team in person very soon. Until then, please accept my best wishes for your success in your leadership role, the statement concluded. The Minister of Defence, Dominic Nitiwul, has inspected some infrastructural projects at five Garrisons at Burma Camp in Accra. The projects, part of the Barracks Regeneration Project by Government, include a state-of the-art three-storey complex with 50 offices to serve as a working space for the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and workers. He also inspected an ongoing seven-storey office complex with a basement for the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) at the Ghana Army Headquarters. The Minister was briefed by the Deputy Director, Engineering Services of the Ghana Armed Forces, Lieutenant Colonel Albert Tekyi. Mr. Nitiwul also inspected warehouses under construction near the new Military cemetery and the progress of work on the three-storey accommodation complexes with 246 bedrooms for Officer Cadets, a 300 plus capacity auditorium, a large and ultra-modern parade grounds, a four-storey with 16 two- bedroom apartment blocks for staff officers and men, all at the Ghana Military Academy and Training Schools. Some housing projects for Senior Most officers near the Airport Area and two- and one-bedroom projects for uniformed personnel close to the Airforce Base were also inspected. Mr Nitiwul commended the Chinese Construction Firm, Poly Changda Group, for steady progress of work on the projects and for transforming the once forested lands into modern facilities. Whatever you see here was a forest three years ago, a complete forest, which we have transformed into an officer mess The Minister said the projects, when completed, would attract military personnel from neighbouring countries to train in the facilities. We have people from Sierra Leone training here, from Burkina Faso, Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria. We want to be the best so that's why we are putting up these facilities, he said. He was optimistic that ongoing projects at MATS would be completed by the end of December this year and said by September, this year, some other projects would start at the Academy. Whatever Government will have to do to support the Military we will do. Even if the Government has no money, we will find it somewhere, Minister Nitiwul assured. Lt. Col. Tekyi said the projects were being done in phases, some ongoing at various garrisons nationwide. The Barracks Regeneration Programme initiated by the Government in 2017 is to address the accommodation challenges facing personnel of GAF. President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, in May 2020, inaugurated 64 apartments for the Military at the new Duala Barracks in Accra among others in garrisons nationwide. GNA The chief of army staff of India, General Manoj Pande completed his Bangladesh visit recently (from July 18 to July 20) as part of the "outstanding" bilateral defense relations between Bangladesh and India. General Manoj Pande was on his first trip abroad since taking over the post. First day of his visit, the army chief laid a wreath at Shikha Anirban to honor the valiant souls who made the ultimate sacrifices during the Liberation War of 1971. Indian Army chief General Manoj Pande received a Guard of Honour at a convention centre of Bangladesh Armed Forces here on Monday. Indian Army Chief General Manoj Pande paid a courtesy call on his Bangladesh counterpart General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed at the Army Headquarters in Dhaka on Monday. The two discussed ways to enhance and strengthen bilateral defense cooperation. Manoj Pande met with senior members of the security establishment several times throughout the day to discuss defense-related topics. In Dhanmondi, at the Bangladesh's Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Memorial Museum, he also paid respects. He met with Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday and focused on strengthening bilateral ties. The army chief spoke the Defense Services Command and Staff College, Mirpur, professors and students on the second day of his visit. After that, he met with staff at the Bangladesh Institute of Peace Support and Operation Training, a prestigious institution in Bangladesh that prepares peacekeepers for work in a variety of UN peace operations, and engage in conversation with them. After that, he visited the Bangabandhu Military Museum in Mirpur. Manoj Pande's visit has strengthened relations between the two armies on a bilateral level and served as a catalyst for improved coordination and collaboration between the two nations on a variety of strategic problems. In South Asia, Bangladesh is an important ally of the India. The two nations work closely together on problems like climate change, counterterrorism, and regional security. This visit may serve to cement bilateral defense ties. Defense cooperation between nations could strengthen bilateral ties. Both India and Bangladesh are essential to the region. Despite some bilateral issues, both countries are greatly interested in further solidifying their bilateral ties, which was made clear by this visit. This could assist in bolstering bilateral ties and reflecting better bilateral understanding. This visit is highly important for Bangladesh and India in the region. Bangladesh and the India must work together as reliable partners to address some shared issues. Through this visit, India and Bangladesh have further reinforced their defense ties. India played a significant role in the Bangladesh War of Liberation in 1971, helping the then-East Pakistan transform into the new country of Bangladesh, which permanently altered the dynamics of South Asia. India and Bangladesh agreed to a "Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation" that would last for 25 years. Given the numerous cultural, diplomatic, economic, and security linkages that exist between India and Bangladesh today, the two nations' bilateral ties are now stronger than ever. Bangladesh occupies a special place in India's heart as a close neighbor and an essential part of the country's "Neighborhood First Policy." Defense, security, and strategic connections between India and Bangladesh are expanding daily. Bangladesh is seen by India as an enduring strategic ally. In addition to giving 18 brand-new 120mm mortars to the Bangladesh Army in December 2020 as part of army-to-army cooperation, India has granted a $500 million line of credit to Bangladesh for defense procurement from India. A 122-member group from Bangladesh's tri-services also took part in the Republic Day parade in India in January 2021. From March 810, two Indian naval shipsINS Kulish and INS Sumedhavisited Bangladesh's Mongla Port, making it the first naval visit India had made in the previous 50 years. Bangladesh is still India's "closest neighbor," and relations with it are at a "golden age." India wants to strengthen its relationship with Bangladesh just as the US wants to engage with it more strategically. Of sure, both nations would benefit from the situation. In an effort to improve bilateral defense cooperation, Bangladesh's new army chief Gen S M Shafiuddin Ahmed and India's new army chief General Manoj Pande spoke via video chat earlier this month. It is believed that the two army commanders also discussed how the geopolitical landscape was changing and how that would affect regional security. In recent years, India and Bangladesh's defense and security relations have improved. The 50th anniversary of Bangladesh's Liberation was in 2021. Both India and Bangladesh have highly trained, experienced military, and they work together to keep the Eastern region peaceful. Due to the close ties between the two countries, India is also hosting a number of events to commemorate the liberation of Bangladesh 50 years ago. The Bangladeshi and Indian militaries are increasingly collaborating on defense. Through a variety of initiatives, such as joint training and drills and defense discussions, the two countries' armed forces have been working together more and more. Two defense agreements were signed between Bangladesh and India during Sheikh Hasina's four-day trip to New Delhi in April 2017. These were the first such pacts inked by India and any of its neighbors. According to the accords, the troops of the two nations would engage in cooperative training and exercises. In order to achieve self-sufficiency in defense manufacturing in Bangladesh, India will assist Bangladesh in setting up manufacturing and service facilities for the defense platforms that both nations currently possess. Additionally, India will offer the Bangladesh military specialized training as well as technical and logistical support. India also gave a neighboring nation, Bangladesh, its first ever line of credit for defense-related purchases, in the amount of $500 million. Additionally, the forces of the two nations have taken on a significant role in conducting training programs for dealing with counterterrorism challenges, natural catastrophes, and ensuring humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR). General M.M. Naravane, the current chief of staff of the Indian Army, visited General Aziz Ahmed, the chief of army staff of Bangladesh, in March 2019 while serving as GOC-in-C of the Eastern Army Command to discuss expanding intelligence sharing between the two nations and expanding other areas of defense cooperation. The visit most importantly took place at a time when Myanmar made the decision to take decisive action against insurgent groups that were active in foiling terrorist activities on both the sides of India and Myanmar. Discussions were also held about various ways to improve the conduct of military exercises at a more rapid and decisive scale. Defence and security are significant elements of India and Bangladesh's bilateral relations, and the armed forces of the two nations cooperate and coordinate with one another on numerous levels. As some selected items are being prioritized, Bangladesh would soon import goods connected to defense from India under the US$ 500 million Line of Credit offered by New Delhi, according to Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla on December 16. On December 15, 2021, President Ram Nath Kovind met with the top officials of Bangladesh during his first state visit there at the invitation of his counterpart, M Abdul Hamid, to attend the golden jubilee celebrations of Bangladesh's independence from Pakistan in 1971. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina welcomed President Ram Nath Kovind, and the two leaders spoke about a range of topics of bilateral cooperation and shared interest. They talked about the development of their intricate and extensive bilateral relations. The defense issue came up during President Kovind's meetings with Bangladesh's top officials. India has added an additional $500 million to its line of credit for defense products. Under this line of credit, a number of items have been identified and are being accelerated quickly; their processing is at a fair degree of sophistication. (In accordance with news reports) India presented Bangladesh with a $500 million line of credit in 2019 to help the neighboring nation purchase defense equipment. The Armed Forces Division of Bangladesh and the Export Import Bank of India (Exim Bank) inked a contract on April 11 to allow the latter access to a US$ 500 million line of credit (LOC). The Memorandum of Understanding aims to finance Bangladesh's acquisition of defense equipment. In April 2017, India promised to provide Bangladesh with a US$ 500 million Line of Credit during Prime Minister Hasina's visit to New Delhi. Bangladesh has a "special place" in India's "Neighborhood First" policy, according to President Ram Nath Kovind, who also told Bangladesh's top leaders that the two countries' relationship, which is based on sovereignty, equality, trust, and understanding, is mature enough to handle even the "most complex of problems." India and Bangladesh have been providing the most soldiers to United Nations peacekeeping missions in terms of bilateral military cooperation. The two Armies' collaboration has grown in the field of counterterrorism. India's determination to combat terrorism in all its manifestations was echoed by Bangladesh's resolute stance against terrorism. India is aware of Bangladesh's efforts to prevent terrorist organizations from using space to conduct activities against India. In response, India should keep up its efforts to stop any terrorist group from using its territory to harm Bangladeshi interests. India had encountered challenging circumstances in some of the States bordering Bangladesh, but since Prime Minister Shiekh Hasina's government came to office in 2009, it has provided all assistance. It made sure that no one could hurt a neighboring country by using Bangladeshi soil. Bangladesh has made a commitment to not support terrorism or radicalism in any form and to prevent these activities from taking place on its soil. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Indian President Ramnath Kovind, Indian Foreign Minister, Indian Home Minister, and Chief Ministers of surrounding states have frequently voiced their praise for Bangladesh's zero-tolerance approach to combating terrorism. As a result of the insurgency's current low point in North-East India, Chief Minister of Assam Hemant Bishwa Sharma has thanked Bangladesh for its assistance and emphasized his wish to improve trade and connection between Bangladesh and North-East India. To strengthen the defense and security facets of their alliance, Bangladesh and India can cooperate in the field of defense. The two nations should be dedicated to further developing the defense and security component of their partnership based on the needs expressed and each party's ability to respond to them using different methods, including through capacity building and potential technology transfer. India can assist Bangladesh in achieving the goal of implementation of Bangladesh's visionary military plan "Forces Goal 2030." Bio: Dr Arpita Hazarika is a Gauhati University, Assam, India-based researcher. She is very interested in refugee affairs, political economy, security and strategic affairs, and foreign policies of the Asia-Pacific region. She visited a number of countries such as Bangladesh, Myanmar, China, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, UK, USA, France, Japan, Australia, Thailand, Singapore, and Canada. She has research works on India-Bangladesh affairs. Arabian Centres Company (ACC), a leading developer of lifestyle shopping centres in Saudi Arabia, has signed a lease agreement for the development of a shopping mall, Jawharat Al-Khobar being set up at an investment of around SR1 billion to SR1.3 billion ($266 million to $346 million). To be developed on a 300,000-sq-m site in the Saudi city, Jawharat Al Khobar will be the sixth addition to the ACC malls' portfolio in Eastern Province and 30th in the kingdom. It will open its doors in early 2026, said the Saudi developer in its bourse filing. The lease and investment agreement is for a 30-year period, which is renewable upon on the consent of both parties, it added. According to ACC, the average annual lease amount is set at around SR51.5 million for the purpose of developing Jawharat Al-Khobar Mall and other mixed-use commercial facilities. The land is located on Al Kurnaish beach granting it a unique view over the Arabian Gulf and the nearby landmarks in addition to its proximity to some of the nearby Gulf countries like Bahrain, Qatar, and Kuwait, it added. The mall plans to offer between 130,000 to 150,000 sq m of gross land area for the upcoming retail destination. Space at this development will be allocated for mixed-use purposes (hotel and offices), which will be connected to the mall at a later stage, which will add up to 30% of additional returns in the future, said ACC in its filing. Developing lifestyle flagship destinations is one of ACCs strategic pillars for expansion, and Jawharat Al-Khobar Mall will be the third flagship lifestyle destination as part of its malls portfolio, alongside Jawharat Al-Riyadh Mall and Jawharat Jeddah Mall (both currently under development), it stated. Once fully operational, tt is estimated that the mall will generate annual revenues of between SR290 and SR330 million.-TradeArabia News Service The Chairperson of the COVID-19 National Trust Fund, Justice Sofia Akuffo, is appealing for more donations for the fund, as they are left with only a balance of GH9 million in their account. During the peak of the Coronavirus pandemic in 2020, a trust fund was set up to enable well-meaning Ghanaians and corporations to contribute in order to complement the government's efforts. Addressing journalists in Accra on Thursday, Justice Akuffo gave a detailed account of what the rest of the funds were used for. According to the former Chief Justice, over GH62 million was donated to the trust fund and as of June 30, 2022, about GH53 million of the donations have been used. The amounts have also been used on administrative costs. She further explained that almost GH10.3 million was allocated to the Ghana Health Service, while about GH6.8 million was given to the Ghana Covid-19 Private Sector Fund for the construction of a 100-bed facility. The fund also distributed vehicles to various facilities helping with the COVD-19 fight. As time went on we realised that, yes, these health centres are there, but there are other health facilities that needed help so we needed to also make donations to such places so that right from the start, you are protecting the medical staff, and you are also protecting the users of the hospitals, clinics and so forth. Justice Akuffo also noted that attention was also given to Community-based Health Planning and Service (CHPS), which she described as the frontline in the fight against COVID-19. When somebody had a fever or couldn't breathe and was sent to a CHPS compound, there had to be protection there as well, she said. By Citi Newsroom The loss of more than 20,000 hectares of pine forest in the Gironde department of southwest France is a disaster for the region and its population, but it could be a wake-up call on the need to adapt Europe's largest artificial forest to the challenges of climate change. The area of Gironde, south of Bordeaux, has been ravaged by forest fires. 20,000 hectares of bone-dry forest and heathland in La Teste-de-Buch and Landiras have gone up in smoke. Like the majority of wildfires in Gironde, they were caused by humans. The reasons why they spread so rapidly are also well-known: ongoing drought, temperatures of up to 42C, strong erratic winds and dense vegetation which has complicated the job of firefighters. Record numbers France's situation is a far cry from the 24 million hectares lost in Australia's 'Black Summer' bushfire season of 2019-2020, but the extent of this summer's wildfire is worrying. Two fires of this magnitude and virulence at the same time in a department is a first in Gironde, and even in France, said local prefect Fabienne Buccio. There's thankfully been no loss of life, but the local economy and tourism industry has taken a hit. Patrick Davet, the mayor of La Teste-de-Buch, said: It's heartbreaking. I know all these people. Economically, it's going to be very difficult for them and very difficult for the town because we are a tourist town and we need the tourist season. He said they would lift themselves up but recognised it would take between 20 and 30 years for the forest of Pilat to become green once more. Visiting the region on Wednesday, President Macron promised to launch a major tree-planting programme to replace the forest. Global warming Scientists and ecologists warn that more frequent periods of extreme heat caused by global warming will further increase the risk of wildfires. In France, we cannot rule out 50C being reached, said climatologist Prof Robert Vautard last month. The government has earmarked 850 million euros to upgrade its fleet of fire-fighting planes, and on Wednesday Agriculture Minister Marc Fesneau called for even more investment. But surveillance and fire-fighting alone, even reinforced, will not suffice. Sending planes to intervene in the minutes following the start of a wildfire, like in the south-east, will not be possible if the areas concerned are very large, Dominique Morvan, an expert in wildfires at Aix-Marseille University, told HuffPost. Meanwhile, modern life in France is an aggravating factor. A report by France's National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment (INRAE) found that a combination of urban sprawl and the increase in unmanaged forest will contribute to greater fire risk. Maritime Pines While fires can break out in any woodland, the 1 million-hectare Landes forest, which includes La Teste-de-Buch and Landiras, is particularly vulnerable. 87 percent is covered in maritime pines (pinus pinaster), a hard, fast-growing tree which has been used for decades by the paper, chemical and carpentry industry, and the energy sector for the development of biomass. The pines were planted en masse back in the mid-19th century under Napoleon III, who owned tens of thousands of hectares of land in the area. Gradually the shepherds were replaced by rubber-tappers who provided resin as raw material for the growing chemical industry. It is now Europe's largest man-made woodland. It wasn't an error a few centuries ago when the idea was to plant massive numbers of pines to purify and drain the marshes in the Landes region, says Jonathan Lenoir, a specialist in forest management at France's CNRS research centre. He acknowledges the monospecific tree plantations were practical and easy to manage, but it's no longer a good solution given global warming". Rich in resin, the pines are also highly inflammable. Homogenous monocultures are the weak point of this kind of system because they're not very resilient," he explains. "If there's a problem in the environment the propagation of disease or in this case fire all the forest is affected. By planting different varieties of trees "there's a chance the fire will spread more slowly because there's always a species that's less inflammable than another". Tree-felling The dense vegetation in La Teste-de-Buche forest has also allowed to fires to spread more quickly and hampered access for emergency vehicles. France's rural code requires a six-metre distance between plots of woodland and that landowners clear the area around their homes of "fuel" which could feed fires once they start. But the regulations are not always respected, and local officials blame owners for neglecting their plots. They made the difficult decision this week to start chopping down healthy trees in La Teste-de-Buche to create firewalls. The idea is to leave spaces of between 30m to 50m so that fires can be stopped once and for all, Bruno Lafon, president of the DFCI association against forest fires, told RFI. We hope it will, but fire is multi-headed; we had to take this decision, it's heart-breaking, he said. Lessons not learned This is not the first time the Landes forest has gone up in flames. In 1949 a monster fire burnt 50,000 hectares, killing 80 people. And in 1999, severe storms decimated large parts of the forest. Both occasions could have provided an opportunity to diversify and restructure the forest, but maritime pines won the day. We haven't really learned from our errors, says Lenoir. I'm not sure things are moving but hope that mentalities will evolve. "An event on this scale has left its mark. Prevention and fire ecology It's time to take a more long-term view of forest management, he says. We need to diversify our forests, and landscapes, and not necessarily put forest everywhere. Attitudes towards fire also need to evolve, with a return to recognising that fire is part of the ecosystem". "We need to think more about reintegrating it into the system, like it was in the past. Not only can small fires help slow down bigger ones, some flora and fauna actually depend on wildfires to sustain specific species and habitats. And while wildfires contribute to climate change by releasing carbon, stored in trees and vegetation, into the atmosphere, they can also play a more positive role. Small, regular fires can in fact fix carbon on the surface of the soil," Lenoir says, citing recent research. Former Minister for Food and Agriculture of the erstwhile Mahama administration, Alhaji Mohammed Muniru Limuna, has debunked claims by the NPP government that agriculture today under the Nana Akufo-Addo government is far better than agriculture under President Mills and President Mahama combined. Responding to a newspaper publication by the DayBreak Newspaper on Thursday, 21 July 2022 dubbed '' Nana Addo Beats Mills, Mahama in Agricultural Growth, Alhaji Limuna described the publication as the biggest joke of the century. The former agriculture minister said that the reality on the grounds is exposing the cooked figures used to show case the performance of the sector. It is clear everything is on the decline in the sector, for instance food production in the country is on a serious decline as many farmers cannot afford the high cost of Agricultural inputs, he said. He mentioned the very high cost of agricultural inputs under the NPP government as some of the reasons why agriculture keeps declining in Ghana. A bag of fertilizer which was less than Gh100 under John Mahama is today selling at almost GHS500, he bemoaned. He advised the government not to be playing politics with agriculture. I have always maintained that the Agriculture sector of the economy is so sensitive that we need not play partisan politics with it. Meanwhile, cabinet last mouth set up a five-member ministerial committee to investigate the high prices of food items in the country in order to advise the government on actions to take to level-off prices. Membership of the committee include Minister of Transport, Kwaku Asiamah; the Minister of Trade and Industry, Alan Kyerematen; the Caretaker Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Cecilia Abena Dapaah; the Minister of Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development, Dan Botwe, and the Minister of Food and Agriculture, Dr Owusu Afriyie Akoto. Dr Afriyie Akoto mentioned high cost of fuel, the sky-rocketing cost of fertiliser as a result of the Russia-Ukraine war, as well as chemicals and farming inputs as some of the price build-up factors in the high cost of food items on the market but was quick to give assurance that the food situation in the country was solid, adding that some people are just out there to make outrageous profit at the expense of both the farmer and the consumer. ---classfmonline The mandatory use of the Ghana Card in re-registering one's sim card is something else. I strongly believe a lot of foreigners, especially those from other West African countries, cannot re-register their Sim cards, using their own Ghana Card. Deadline Extension It would be recalled that in March this year, the Ghanaian Government extended the deadline for the registration of SIM to July 31, 2022. The SIM re-registration exercise, which began on October 1, 2021 was expected to end on March 31, 2022. A statement from the Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation in March stated that as at March 17, 2022, a total of 14,091,542 SIM Cards had been linked to the Ghana Card, 10,348,532 Bio-Captures conducted and 99,445 New SIMS registered. According to the statement Due to a number of factors including the fact that over 7.5 million citizens and residents are yet to obtain Ghana Cards to enable them register their SIM cards, it is clear that the deadline for completion of the registration of the remaining active SIM cards cannot be met." Questions One would ask, how many of those re-registrations of sim cards were done by Foreigners using their own Ghana Cards? And how many of those were done using the Ghana Cards of their Ghanaian counterparts or friends? I have heard in recent times that what is happening now is that some foreigners are begging their Ghanaian friends to use their Ghana Cards to help them (foreigners) re-register their sim cards because the cost of acquiring the Ghana Card as a foreigner is simply high for most foreigners. According to the National Identification Authority (NIA) of Ghana on its official website, "a foreign visitor who has resided in Ghana for a cumulative period of 90days or has a residence permit is eligible and will be required to provide personal details to the National Identification Authority [FIMS] for the issuance of a Non-Citizen GhanaCard at a cost of $120." Complaints A Congolese friend of mine called me the other day to complain bitterly about the fee being charged for getting the Ghana Card as a foreigner. "In this hard time, when we are struggling to get our daily bread, where do they expect us to raise Ghc 940 or $120 from to get a Ghana Card and re-register our Sim cards?" she asked. She's not the only foreigner who has complained about the cost of the Ghana Card for foreigners. The general feeling is that the non-citizenship Ghana Card being issued to foreigners is too expensive. So the plan B for some foreigners has certainly been to appeal to some Ghanaian friends to help them use their Ghana Cards to re-register their sim cards. I mean, how can someone be asked to pay at least Ghc 940 to get a Ghana Card as a foreigner only to use that Ghana Card for re-registering a Sim card that costs roughly Ghc 3 when you have a valid national passport that equally has biometric features and even with that your passport which is a 32-page booklet cost just $50 or Ghc 420 and a single Ghana Card for a foreigner costing Ghc 940, more than $100? It's simply on the high side, isn't it? Elsewhere in Kenya, for instance, the Issuance of Foreign Nationals Certificate (Alien Card) which is comparable to the Ghana Card costs less than $10. The law in Kenya requires that all foreigners residing within Kenya for a period exceeding 90 days be registered for the Alien Card. The cost of registration for the Alien Card is 1,000 Kenyan Shilling which is equivalent to $8.44. I have a Liberian friend who resides in Kenya and he told me how the relatively low cost of the Alien Card makes it easy for foreigners to voluntarily register. So I think if the Government of Ghana wants everyone, especially foreigners from other African countries, to get the Ghana Card, it should make the cost reasonable, that's what is done in Cote dIvoire. Because Ivorian authorities want every foreigner residing in Cote dIvoire to have a resident permit, they issue the resident permit for 2,000 cfa or Ghc 24 at every police station and the time for issuance do not exceed five minutes. So living in Cote dIvoire as a foreigner, you have no excuse for not getting a resident permit. I spent the whole of 2021 and the first five months of 2022 in Abidjan, Cote dIvoire and had no problem in going to get my resident permit because it was affordable and I only had to walk to a police station in my neighborhood to get the resident permit, unlike in Ghana where I will be told to go to the Ghana Police Headquarters only to stand in long queue for Police Clearance which costs about Ghc 1,000 for foreigners, before I can go back to the Ghana Immigration Service to acquire my resident permit - cumbersome and expensive process in Ghana in acquiring resident permit as well, isn't it? Why should foreigners always pay high costs for such services in Ghana when elsewhere the costs are low? The Ghanaian Government has admitted that times are hard in Ghana and has blamed Covid-19 and the Russia-Ukraine war for the economic hardships in Ghana. Foreigners are also being hard hit by the economic hardships in Ghana and to me, it's so insensitive to be charging foreigners Ghc 940 or $120 during these hard times just for an ID card that is to be used primarily for re-registering a Sim card when indeed other forms of identifications are available or could be used. What's the use of my biometric passport issued by the Liberian Government for instance which is valid for five years and which can be verified if I cannot use that in registering something like a Sim card? Why should a Ghana Card be deemed so legitimate than a national passport issued by an authorized or statutory issuing authority? Is there any scientific or empirical evidence to prove that once Ghana Card is used in re-registering all Sim cards in Ghana, cyber fraud will be a thing of the past in the country? The Government of Ghana must consider the financial implications for its economy and telecom companies operating in the country as it pushes for the compulsory re-registration of sim cards, using just the Ghana Card. There could be negative consequences for the Ghanaian economy. About the author: Melvin Tarlue is an online journalist and media consultant Residents of Zebilla, in the Bawku West District of the Upper East Region, are now living in fear after some unknown assailants allegedly slaughtered a mad man in the area. A madman believed to be in his 40s was killed near Gossip Clinic opposite Zebilla Primary School park on Thursday 21st July, 2022. According to the police, investigations are still ongoing to arrest those behind the crime. Speaking to Aduku Nicholas, a resident of the area said the death of the madman has heightened fear among residents as the incident was not the first to occur in the area. According to Aduku, a similar incident happened months ago when some unknown persons attempted to kill another madman in the night. He noted that the intervention of a good samaritan rescued the mad man who was rushed to Zebilla hospital where he was treated and discharged. Reports indicated that the town has witnessed more mysterious murders, including several shootings and robbery attacks. Few weeks ago, a female police officer who was on duty at a checkpoint was trailed and stabbed in the back. Her AK47 rifle was taken away by the unknown killer. Early in April, this year two persons from Sitande, a suburb of Zebilla were shot dead by armed robbers. The residents called on the police in the district to extend their surveillance at night to all corners of the town to curb rising cases of crime. The body of the deceased has since been conveyed by the Zebilla District police command to the Bolgatanga Regional Hospital mortuary for autopsy and preservation. 21.07.2022 LISTEN The Executive Director of the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), Sulemana Braimah has paid glowing tribute to late President John Evans Atta Mills. In a post on his social media page on Thursday afternoon, Mr. Braimah indicated that if former President John Dramani Mahama and President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo had similar values as the late president, Ghana would have been better by now. If President Mahama had Mills' values and commitment, Ghana would have been better. And if President Akufo-Addo had similar values, Ghana would certainly have been better. Mills was truly and honestly committed to building a better Ghana for all, Sulemana Braimah posted on Twitter today. If late former President John Evans Atta-Mills was alive, he would have turned 78 years today. It has been a decade already since his sad departure from the land of the living which did not only shake Ghana and the continent but the world. He is often remembered for being a man of peace, an educationist and someone who tackled corruption head-on. The family of former President, the late John Evans Atta Mills is demanding an immediate relocation of the remains of the late president to his hometown in Ekumfi Otuam. According to the family, which expressed disgust at the controversy that has surrounded the graveyard of Prof. Mills, they had no foreknowledge of the renovation of the late president's tomb. Speaking to Citi News, the members of the family in Ekumfi Otuam say the remains of John Evans Atta Mills will be safer in his hometown. I am worried about the issues surrounding his tomb and burial. As a family, we are demanding that the body is brought back to us at Ekumfi Otuam for burial. It will even serve as a tourist attraction. Brother of late President John Evans Atta Mills has accused the Atta Mills Institute and the Coastal Development Authority of tampering with the tomb of the ex-president without recourse to the family. The brother, Samuel Atta Mills, says the act is culturally offensive. He added that the family does not recognize the act by the institute with regard to the remains of the late president at the Asomdwee Park. In a few days, 10 years after the passing of the late President will be marked. Samuel Atta Mills, who is also the Member of Parliament for Komenda-Edina-Eguafo Abirem, has been addressing the press in Parliament. A group calling itself Atta Mills Institute that the family doesnt even recognize, and Coastal Development Authority, have gone to break the grave of President John Evans Atta Mills. They have removed the tomb, and they claim that they are rebuilding it. Ghana's first Presidential mausoleum and burial ground of Ghana's late President John Evans Attah Mills, the Asomdwee Park, is currently in a deplorable state. There are reports that the park was no longer secure as its security had been left in a sorry state and no longer a secured place at least befitting enough for former leaders worth celebrating. The condition of the park and the late President's tomb is nothing to write home about, as some parts of the fencing protecting it have broken down. My question is that, we have a family tradition. Now that they have touched someones grave, is the body still in there? Who has the body? Why will you touch the body without informing the family head? Under whose authority? Why do they want us to always go through grief? This is a former president, why will the government allow this to happen? This is an insult to the family and the nation, Samuel Atta-Mills added. Professor John Evans Atta Mills previously served as Vice-President from 1997 to 2001 under President Jerry Rawlings, and he stood unsuccessfully in the 2000 and 2004 presidential elections as the candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). He is the first sitting Ghanaian head of state to die in office and was subsequently laid to rest at the Asomdwee Park. John Evans Fiifi Atta Mills was a Ghanaian politician and legal scholar who served as President of Ghana from 2009 to 2012. ---citinewsroom A 23-year-old student of Oyoko School of Dispensing Optics has been shot dead by unknown gunmen in Kumasi, Ashanti Region on Tuesday evening. Kwabena Asumadu met his untimely death shortly after dropping off his friend at Sofoline around 11pm. The deceased, who was driving an unregistered Mercedes-Benz was shot multiple times by his assailants through the driver side. He was returning to Offinso when the unfortunate incident happened. Kwabena sustained gunshots wounds on his neck and head before dying. Police sources say, nothing was stolen from him. Friends of the deceased who stormed the Suntreso district police command are yet to come to terms with the passing of the young man. Kwabena was a calm and reliable friend. He didnt have qualms with anyone because he is someone who immediately apologizes to people he offends. We just cant understand why someone will do something like this to him. We are pained but God knows best, a friend of the deceased, Addai Derick stated. Though no arrest has been made, police has commenced investigation to arrest all persons involved. The body of Kwabena has been deposited at Komfo anokye teaching hospital morgue for autopsy. ---3news.com 21.07.2022 LISTEN Mr. Joseph Winful, the Board Chair of the Internal Audit Agency, says all interventions aimed at resuscitating the economy will be less impactful if the country's leaders lack the right character and integrity to take bold decisions. He observed that the democratic system practiced in the country had over the years deprived the country of the needed calibre of people with integrity and discipline to overturn economic woes of the country. By virtue of gaining political office through a monetised process, he explained, people with integrity got squeezed out of the political space because they were not attractive to political investors who usually had political and economic agenda. We have taken a wrong step that has encouraged the monetisation of leadership selection process in politics and that is where there is the concern that we might not have the right people to lead the country, he said. Speaking as the Chairman of a public forum organised by the Economic Governance Platform and Advocates for Christ Ghana, Mr Winful observed that the outcome of a recent conference organised by a political party had cast a ray of hope on the future of democracy in the country. I have realised that there is some hope, at least, though there is monetisation, some of those who took the money did not vote for those who they took the money from and that means they are learning, he said. A Professor of Finance at the University of Ghana, Prof Godfred Bokpin, said that operationalising Ghana's democracy had become so expensive that it left little fiscal space for growth enhancing spending. He said the Government could do more to cut expenditure by for instance, reducing the size of cabinet. Prof Bokpin noted that leadership even at the hands of a few individuals had played a key role of transforming world economies and that Ghana could do same. But as it stands now, people are building their political future and that of their political parties and that is why they can hold Party conference sustainably while the country is struggling to pay salaries, he said. Prof Bokpin urged the Government to, as hallmark of good leadership, respectfully shun the blame game and admit that it could have done better with the management of the economy despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia -Ukraine War. As for the blame game it doesn't put food on anybody's table. If you want to blame, you can even put part of the blame on Dr Kwame Nkrumah and what will that do for us? He queried. GNA The Minister in charge of Food and Agriculture, Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto has heaped praise on the Planting for Food and Agriculture initiative introduced by the President of the Republic, H.E Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. Speaking to Asempa FM on the Ekosii sen Constituency, the Agric Minister made the claim that through the policy, Ghana is now a country with sufficient food. According to the Minister of Food and Agriculture, the successes of the policy have ensured that there is an abundance of food in the country despite the impact of Covid-19 on Ghana. Ghana standing firm in food sufficiency despite Covid-19 shocks due to the planting for food and jobs policy. Ghana standing firm in food sufficiency despite Covid-19 shocks due to the planting for food and jobs policy. Planting for food and jobs best Agric policy ever. It has given Ghana food autonomy, Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto shared on Thursday. Reacting to the results from the recently held election of National Executives for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), the Agric Minister insisted that it is a good indication for the party. In his view, although some executives may have been voted out, the party can do better in the 2024 general elections. I was extremely satisfied with the results of the National Executives election. It clearly shows NPP would have different levels of energy and hope. National Executives losing their positions last Saturday is best for the party. NPP would perform better in the 2024 elections due to the new national executives in place, Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto indicated. 2nd North-East India Festival being held in Bangkok; to focus on trade, tourism Bangkok, July 21 (UNI) The second edition of the North-East India Festival is being organized from July 29 - 31 at Central World, Bangkok, by the Embassy of India in association with Trend MMS of India. The focus of this years Festival will be on trade, investment and tourism promotion and exchanges in the field of culture, education and people-to-people connect. The Defense and Interior Committee of Parliament has recommended that Speaker Alban Bagbin set up a bi-partisan committee to further investigate the chaos that occurred at the Islamic Senior High School in Kumasi. The Committee, which was tasked by the Speaker to fact-find the issue has accused the Police of fabricating lies. Speaking to journalists on Thursday, 21 July 2022, following the presentation of the report to Parliament, the Chairman of the Committee Kennedy Agyapong noted that the Police denied entering the school, despite the bullets that were found in some of the dormitories. He said: When it was referred to us, we first met the Police High rank with the IGP leading it. They told us what actually transpired and the swift decision they took, from Accra to Kumasi. The IGP himself went there, within two hours he was there, which was good. But we realized that when we were on campus, the Islamic School, the report they gave us was different from what the Police told us and we went to the Police because we hear about 8 of them also got injured. In the course of that, when I was asking questions, I realised the Inspector was reluctant. I asked several times, did you Police officers enter the campus? They all said no. Meanwhile we have bullets from some of the dormitories that the Police entered. He indicated that the Committee had recommended a bi-partisan probe into the matter due to the lies peddled by the police. But with the referral, we had a limit so we couldnt probe into it well, that is why we entered there and we realised they were not telling us the truth or giving us the full picture. That is why we came here asking the Speaker to give Parliament bi-partisan committee, another opportunity to go and investigate so that they can question the Police very well. In fact, the IGP did very well, moving from Accra to Kumasi within two hours, I think he did well, no doubt about that but the picture they painted to us, when we went there it was a bit different, that is why the Committee recommended that they should form bi-partisan committee to probe into it further, Mr Agyapong who is also the Member of Parliament for Assin Central stated. Thirty-eight students of the school were rushed to the hospital after they clashed with some police during a demonstration on Monday. The students were demonstrating against the frequent knockdowns near their school and in their attempts to disperse the demonstrators, the police fired warning shots and tear gas at them. Out of the 38 students who visited the various hospitals, 22 have been discharged as of Monday and have joined their colleagues on campus. Source: classfmonline.com Mr. Kwabena Agyapong 21.07.2022 LISTEN Former General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mr. Kwabena Agyapong says he agrees with people calling on the Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta to resign. Speaking on the 'Hard Truth' show on Joy News, the ex-NPP chief scribe said after constantly insisting that the government will not go to IMF, the Finance Minister should tender his resignation the U-turn. I would think that on the basis of what he said two weeks to the whole country, which is that we will never go to the IMF and [that] were a proud country with the resources. When you speak like that, you should look yourself in the mirror and say, look I got it wrong, Mr. President I thank you for giving me the opportunity and I should stand down, Kwabena Agyapong said. Even before President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo announced that he has directed the Finance Minister to engage the IMF for support, a lot of finance experts called on Ken Ofori-Atta to resign. It was a message that had been drummed on several occasions by various members of the Minority in Parliament. They argued that the Minister had failed woefully in delivering his mandate and must leave the office to pave way for capable hands to save the countrys economy from collapse. Despite the many calls for his resignation, Ken Ofori-Atta on the sidelines of the NPPs National Delegates Conference on Saturday stressed that he will not heed such calls. I will not resign. It is almost like telling a father to resign from his children because he is changed his mind. There are times that decisions have to be made for the survival of a country and therefore if circumstances such as COVID or the Ukraine war occur which are not typical, it does change the environment, and sensible people will change their minds, the underfire Finance Minister intimated. Watch video here: The Defence and Interior Committee of Parliament has recommended the setting up of a bi-partisan committee to probe the circumstances that led to the clash between the Police and students at the Islamic Senior High School in Kumasi last month. The committee as part of its report from the fact-finding mission to the school on the matter also recommends the sanctioning of the Ashanti Regional Director of Urban Roads for failing to take action about the root cause of the riots in the school. The chairman of the Committee, Kennedy Agyepong, presented the report to the house on the floor. The committee requests the Ministry of Roads and Highways as a matter of urgency to provide a pedestrian crossing and speed rams. The committee recommends that Parliament should set up a bi-partisan committee to further investigate the matter. The Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning is also expected to release the approved budget to the Minister of Interior for the procurement of the necessary tools. About 30 students of the school were rushed to the hospital after police allegedly opened tear gas on them while they were demonstrating over frequent knockdowns in front of the school weeks ago. The students of the school were said to have blocked the road in front of their school in the course of their protest, prompting authorities to invite the police. The police were accused of using excessive force to disperse the demonstrating students from the streets. Three senior officers were subsequently interdicted by the IGP over the incident. ---Citi Newsroom 21.07.2022 LISTEN Political think tank, Danquah Institute (DI) has congratulated the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for holding a successful National Delegates Conference. In a press release, the Institute has urged the newly elected national executives of the NPP to build consensus to emulate the ideals of the party as they gear up for the 2024 general elections. The Danquah Institute congratulates the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for a well-coordinated and successful national election. We trust that the new leadership will work with all who avail themselves for the Partys common good. The utmost objective must be to build consensus and emulate the ideals that have always been the bedrock of our dear Party. We look forward to working with all Party faithfuls as we rise to build towards the 2024 presidential and parliamentary elections, parts of a release from the Danquah Institute reads. Below is a copy of the release: HOLDING TOGETHER, WORKING TOGETHER: DANQUAH INSTITUTE ON THE JUST ENDED NATIONAL ELECTIONS OF THE NEW PATRIOTIC PARTY The Danquah Institute congratulates the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for a well-coordinated and successful national election. As custodians and forbearers of the ideals of the Danquah Busia Dombo tradition, we express our profound appreciation to all Aspirants for the display of commitment to the ideals we hold so dear. The NPP has always proven to be a Party that leads in the deepening of democracy. The thrust of NPP internal politics has always been to reflect the desire of the ordinary people at all levels. The expansion of the Electoral College has been a step in the right direction, allowing a greater majority to have a say in who leads the Party. This is the bedrock of democracy and the NPP, we believe, will continue to champion such convictions at the constituency, regional and national levels. We implore our distinguished delegates to continue to uphold these ideals and reinforce the spirit of patriotism in all their dealings both within and outside the Party. As part of Danquah Institutes routine monitoring of the electoral processes, we note that the successful conduct of the national officers elections was not just a mere coincidence. We accordingly, commend the security services present, the Electoral Commission of Ghana, the NPP National Executives, Minsters of State, Members of Parliament, MMDCEs and the national planning and election committees for their commitment towards the electoral process. We also commend Aspirants and their supporters for the peaceful interactions exhibited. The NPP has once again won the admiration of both the political and apolitical class of our dear country. We trust that the new leadership will work with all who avail themselves for the Partys common good. The utmost objective must be to build consensus and emulate the ideals that have always been the bedrock of our dear Party. We look forward to working with all Party faithfuls as we rise to build towards the 2024 presidential and parliamentary elections. The Tamale Metropolitan Assembly has vowed to demolish illegal structures on public schools in the Tamale metropolis. School authorities in the metropolis have raised concerns about the indiscriminate encroachment of school lands in the region. The situation has greatly affected development in the various schools in the metropolis to which the schools face difficulties when they want to undertake infrastructure projects. The Metro Director of Education of the Tamale Metropolis, Amatus D Tug-uu, in an interview with DGN Online, said the encroachment in the schools does not give pupils the peace of mind to study. When the pupils are sitting in the classrooms and activities are ongoing around the school, it is difficult to concentrate. There must be a conducive environment for them but here is the case they are in the classroom and activities are ongoing and their minds are on activities outside the classroom and that affects teaching and learning. He lamented that the entrance of the Bamvim Presby School and other schools have been encroached on and that a school must be visible and safe for pupils. Mr. Tug-uu called on the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly and other government institutions to come to their aid to enhance teaching and learning. Addressing the media after a tour of some schools in the metropolis, the Municipal Chief Executive, Sule Salifu said the assembly has received various complaints from Ghana Education Service about the encroachment of school lands in the metropolis. We have come to see things for ourselves and I can assure you that the Municipal Security Council (MUSEC) will go through the documentation of the various schools and if we find out that the structures are illegally cited in school lands we will remove them from there. We can not continue to allow people to encroach on school lands because expansion cannot be done and as city authorities, it's our responsibility to help Ghana Education Service to maintain the lands. He indicated that the Municipal Security Council (MUSEC) will take immediate measures to prevent future encroachment and to take back lands belonging to the various schools. The Tamale Mayor however warned residents to desist from illegally occupying lands belonging to schools. ---DGN online Dr. Benjamin Otchere-Ankrah, a governance lecturer at the Central University is asking President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to do something about Ghanas ballooning debt. The governance expert is urging President Akufo-Addo to reduce the frequency with which his government seeks loan schemes from the West. Contributing to a discussion Modernghana News monitored on the Accra-based Peace FMs Kokrokoo morning show today, July 21, he noted that the inability of government to settle its debts is disgusting and shameful. "It's not a good thing to hear. It is not a proud moment to say that you are a Ghanaian that when we are looking for people who borrow and don't pay back, Ghana is second on the list. Is this an achievement? It's so sad, Dr Otchere Ankrah bemoaned. Though he acknowledged no president can ever run the country without borrowing, however, he believes the frequency under the Akufo-Addo government is unthinkable. He was speaking in response to a Bloomberg survey that ranked Ghana second among countries with the highest debt default risk in 2022. According to the survey, Ghana and Brazil's interest expense to GDP ratio is expected to reach 7.2 per cent in 2022, the highest among the 25 countries surveyed. 22.07.2022 LISTEN John Evans Atta Mills sadly departed from the earth ten years ago on 24th July 2012. After two unsuccessful attempts, the late John Evans Atta Mills became president of Ghana on the ticket of the NDC on 7th January 2009. Regrettably, his administration became ephemeral, as he mysteriously left the earth to the utter astonishment of the good people of Ghana. Strangely, however, the Mahama administration was in power for more than four years following the demise and burial of the late President Mills and could not bother to take care of our former presidents tomb. If you may recall, a few years ago, some family members of the late Mills bemoaned the appalling state of the late President Millss Mausoleum, popularly known as Asomdwee Park. But for Koku Anyidohos ceaseless lobbying and the Akufo-Addo administrations foresightedness, the late Mills Mausoleum would have been used as a refuse dump. Absolutely, Koku Anyidoho has kept faith with the late Mills and it is a testament to his unfailing love and admiration for the late Professor. Although I knew deep down in my heart that the erstwhile Deputy General Secretary of NDC and the Communication Director under the late Mills administration, Koku Anyidoho, has unbridled devoted attachment to the late President Mills, my belief increased exponentially upon Koku aptly conceiving and establishing an institute in memory of Mills. Prior to Koku Anyidohos altruistic and conscious decision to establish the Atta Mills Institute, the consensus amongst the vast majority of observers was that the late President Mills has been neglected by Ghanaians, including his own (the Umbrella fraternity). Back then, some of us, as a matter of honour, were extremely downhearted upon reading that the tomb of the late Professor John Evans Atta Mills had been in a deplorable state for years under the NDC administration. Sometime in 2017, the Citi News reported that the well-crafted metallic cover of the tomb had developed grim cracks, apparently detaching itself from the rest of the artefact. The report further revealed that portions of the tomb were also falling apart, and managers of the park had had to support it with blocks. Gratifyingly, however, it took the Akufo-Addo administration barely a few months in office to begin refurbishment works on the late Millss decrepit tomb. Following Citi FM's report on the deteriorating state of the tomb of the late President John Evans Atta Mills, the NPP administration commenced some repair work on the tomb at Asomdwee Park. Koku Anyidoho had this to say: I can confirm on authority that I have been there and I must say that we are pleased with the quick response of government. We saw workers on site. The tombstone was being worked on. It also looks like the lawn itself is being manicured, said Koku Anyidoho (modernghana.com, 01/03/2017). In fact, it is with deep sadness to state that the late Mills has been disappointed by some individuals(especially the Mahama administration), and the people who claim to love him so much. If we stroll down memory lane, the late President Mills contested the presidency on three consecutive elections on the ticket of the NDC before winning the ultimate power in the 2008 second round election. Despite the fierce resistance from the echelon of the NDC, the unwearied President Mills stood his ground and selected John Dramani Mahama as his running mate for 2008 election. Suffice it to stress that the late President Mills did his utmost best until his sudden and inexplicable death on 24th July 2012. Of course, the late Mills was not without infelicities. He had excellences and imperfections. Nonetheless his light shone among the voracious NDC apparatchiks. Apparently, the late Mills was not on the side of corruption, and as a result, he earned himself more enemies than friends in the NDC. It is on record that prior to the scandalous Wayomes judgement debt payment, the late Mills warned the create, loot and share cabals not to effect payment, and yet the conspiratorial plotters defied the good old Mills orders and doled out the staggering amount to Wayome, who had no contract with the government of Ghana. It would, therefore, appear that there was a bad blood between the late Mills and some of the NDC officials. For if that was not the case, how on earth would NDC government leave the tomb of one of their own in such an abhorrent state? The alleged enmity between the late Mills and the echelon of the party may explain why they even obtrusively failed to recognise his achievements in their much publicised green book. It would appear that the NDC apparatchiks are ungrateful towards the men and women who have worked strenuously to put the party on the map. The NDC apparatchiks are indeed ungrateful. Take, for example, the party General Secretary, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, who was proselytised and christened into the Umbrella fraternity by the late Rawlings, once called him a barking dog, who is too old and fragile to contribute meaningfully to the cause of the party he (Rawlings) founded and autographed with his blood. Moreover, the NDCs boisterous brats (the babies with sharp teeth) who are not privy to their partys history scolded former President Rawlings all the time for expressing his grievances over the rot in his party. The ghost of the late Mills will take solace in the fact that his true comrade, Koku Anyidoho, has stood by him through thick and thin. More power to your elbow, trusted comrade Koku Anyidoho; the ghost of the late Mills is indeed proud of you. K. Badu, UK. [email protected] Some 15,000 troops have already died on the Russian side since Moscow invaded Ukraine, according to estimates by the head of US Central Intelligence Agency. About three times as many Russians are believed to have been injured since the start of the war on February 24, CIA director William Burns said during a security conference in the US city of Aspen. "The Ukrainians have suffered as well, probably a little less than that," Burns said on Wednesday evening. Russia has not disclosed any current figures on casualties on its side. Burns said the massing of Russian forces in the eastern Donbass region, which includes Luhansk and Donetsk, suggests, at least for now, that the Russian military has learned from its failures at the beginning of the war. Early in the invasion, Russia attempted to take over the Ukrainian capital Kiev, but without success. He explained that in some ways, the Russian troops have moved back into a move comfortable position, using its advantage and long-range firepower to effectively destroy Ukrainian targets. That is how Moscow compensates for the weaknesses it still has among its military ranks, Burns said. GNA Sri Lanka's new president, Ranil Wickremesinghe, was sworn in Thursday, following mass protests that saw his predecessor flee the country. The swearing-in of Wickremesinghe, 73, came a day after he was elected to the post in a secret vote, held by lawmakers. He was backed by the ruling Sri Lanka's People's Party. Heavy security was deployed around the parliamentary complex during the ceremony, in front of Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya, but there were no attempts to protest in the area. Wickremesinghe is one of the nation's most experienced politicians, coming from a family of lawmakers and having served as prime minister a total of six times. He is due to name a new prime minister. Wickremesinghe has vowed to take action against protesters who turn violent, but said he would not interfere with peaceful demonstrations. Former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa was forced to step down, after tens of thousands of people took to the streets in protest. Rajapaksa fled the country on July 13, and later officially resigned. Sri Lanka, an island state of some 22 million, is facing severe fuel, food and medicine shortages. It is going through its most severe economic crisis in decades, which was caused by a combination of mismanagement and poor policy decisions and exacerbated by a loss of tourism income during the coronavirus pandemic. GNA An influential Guinean political coalition Thursday called for renewed demonstrations against the ruling junta despite an ongoing protest ban, a day after regional mediators met with junta leaders over a return to civilian rule. The National Front for the Defence of the Constitution (FNDC) accused the junta, which seized power in a coup in September 2021, of "contempt and arrogance" and "unilateral management of the transition" process. The coalition said it would organise "peaceful citizen demonstrations" in the capital Conakry on July 28 and nationwide on August 4, claiming the junta was "systematically refusing" to establish a "credible dialogue". It said the demonstrations would denounce the "lack of a framework for dialogue" between the military leaders and political and civil society, as well as the "confiscation of citizens' rights and freedoms", such as the right to protest. The junta in May banned any public demonstrations that could be construed as threatening public order. The FNDC had called protests for June 23 but later called them off, indicating they were prepared to give the transitional government a "chance" to set a proposed dialogue in motion. However, their patience snapped after a meeting with the authorities, which the FNDC slammed as a "parody". The coalition said the upcoming demonstrations would protest the military government's refusal to publish the list of its members and declare their assets, and the "instrumentalisation of justice by the junta to humiliate and harass the leaders of civil society and political parties". Rocky transition to civilian rule On Tuesday, opposition leader Oumar Sylla, a member of the FNDC, said he was prevented from boarding a plane to take part in a West African civil society gathering in Senegal. The Guinean authorities declined to comment on the incident. Sylla was among three members of the FNDC found not guilty of contempt of court this month over comments they had posted on social media criticising the prosecutor's office and the military-appointed parliament. Their arrest had sparked violent protests, some of the first since junta leader Colonel Mamady Doumbouya toppled president Alpha Conde last year. The FNDC coalition had previously been vocal opponents of Conde. Doumbouya has pledged to restore civilian rule within three years, but the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which suspended Guinea after the coup, has rejected this timeline. On Wednesday, the acting ECOWAS head, Guinea-Bissau President Umaro Sissoco Embalo, and the president of the bloc's commission, Gambian diplomat Omar Alieu Touray, met junta leaders for talks on a return to civilian rule, according to a regional bloc and state media. The ECOWAS mediator for Guinea, Benin's former president Thomas Boni Yayi, has been in Conakry since Tuesday, an official from the West African bloc said. New Delhi, July 21 (UNI) Opposition parties on Thursday accused the government of indulging in political vendetta against its opponents and critics using investigative agencies as Congress President Sonia Gandhi appeared for questioning before the Enforcement Directorate (ED). Leaders of 13 parties met in the chamber of Rajya Sabha Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday morning ahead of Gandhi's questioning. A joint statement issued by the parties said: "The Modi government has unleashed a relentless campaign of vendetta against its political opponents and critics through the mischievous misuse of investigative agencies. One hopes that the current global supply chain challenges, for supplies of wheat and fertilisers, caused mainly by Russia's invasion of Ukraine (Russia and Ukraine both being major fertiliser and wheat producers), will force our nation's hard-of-hearing ruling elites, to finally wake up - and understand, clearly, the reason why we must be self-sufficient, in the production of organic agricultural inputs, to ensure year-round food security. In light of the ongoing global shortages of wheat and fertilisers, it is now obvious that it is in our own national-self-interest (if we are to guarantee year-round food security), those wise and aspirational African person, like Ghanaians, must quickly begin the process of converting all farming in Ghana, to produce food organically. To make that highly desirable goal, a reality, as soon as practicable, the Ghana Import-Export Bank, ought to be encouraged by today's government-of-the-day (which says it sees the private sector, as the engine of growth, for our national economy), to fund the construction of three state-of-the-art giga-factories, in Tema, Kumasi and Tamale, to produce Apostle Kojo Sarfo Kantanka's innovative organic growth-medium, as well as his incredibly effective organic pesticides, to help boost Ghanaian agriculture. In so doing, we will also help boost the immune systems of all Ghanaians, who will, at long last, have access to cheap organic agricultural produce, daily - just like their ancestors ate, regularly: before the first Europeans stepped on our shores, in the 15th Century, and began laying the foundation for their eventual occupation of our nation, as colonialists. A word to the wise... 22.07.2022 LISTEN In 2021 the National Population Council reported teenage pregnancy was on the rise in the Northern Region due to the new norm-sex for pad which had become prevalent in the Region. If I had read the report from any other authority, I would have falsified it. However, I was still doubting with the hope that the Council was just trying to put something out just for people to know they are also working.; I was wrong Sex for pad is basically girls sleeping with men in exchange for money so they can afford basic things such as sanitary pads. The sad thing is, that they do not have knowledge of the sexual health status of the people they have sex with-meaning their sexual health is at stake. Imagine a girl who badly wants to go to school but her parents cannot afford a 3 square balanced meal, her parents struggle to meet her needs to the extent that buying sanitary pad is a big deal. If period was clothes, she can decide to do away with but here is the case she cant control it. At a point where all hope seems to be lost, I wont blame her if she eventually trades sex for a pad. Its heartbreaking to know some girls can not access hygienic sanitary material in a 21st-century world where the earth has advanced and technology has taken over, and digital literacy is on the rise, girls are still staying out of school and having sex with men so they can afford common sanitary pad. World Bank estimates that 500 million women and girls globally lack access to adequate facilities for menstrual management. Not only are women and girls battling with sanitary pad being luxury but also they are struggling with accessing very convenient public spaces for managing their period outside the home. No change rooms in most schools and other public spaces. I visited Bremang-Jukwa in the Twifo Hemang Lower Denkyira in the Central Region of Ghana on 28th May, 2022 for the World Menstrual Hygiene Education to sensitize young people on menstruation, engage and provide them with comprehensive information on menstruation and sexual health. I thought sex for pad was reserved for the North but the sad reality is that it happening in Jukwa as well. After the event, we had a thorough conversation with the headmaster who was very happy about the kind gesture and told us how the girls visit nearby guest houses and leave their contact behind for hookups when visitors come to the community for funerals, and other purposes in exchange for money to provide for themselves and buy sanitary pad. Today the least amount a girl pays for sanitary pad is 11 cedis -the current price is two times the previous price due to the economic crisis. The high cost of sanitary pad is putting girls' education at risk. The big debate in most struggling homes is whether to buy gari olonka for the stomach or sanitary pad for girls. And most often, the stomach wins the argument. Margarett, a 13-year-old JHS 1 at Bremang Catholic Basic School cannot afford to buy sanitary pad and she is forced to use unhygienic material to manage her period and she sometimes misses school when the material cannot contain her heavy flow. I live with my mom and two sisters. Our father died when we were young, my mother is a farmer- she sometimes struggles to provide our basic needs. She tries her best to buy 1 sanitary pad for all of us. Since that is not enough, we are forced to use rags when the pad gets finished She tells me the rags make her uncomfortable especially when she has shared the classroom with boys because her period might come unexpectedly. Lack of sanitary for girls who cannot afford denies their access to fully participate in school, the rags however, could affect their health due to their poor condition. Ending period poverty is a collective action. I call on government, corporate organizations, individuals and the media to join the fight of eradicating period poverty. Its a big fight. Last week capped off the third and perhaps most important G20 finance and central banking summit yet. When all was said and done, though, like most regular G20 summits, it amounted to a lot of talk and little action. The kind of posturing and grandstanding that modern politics is infamous for in our modern age. However, there were at least some interesting insights to glean from the event. And perhaps one of the more notable titbits came from our own RBA Governor: Dr Philip Lowe. As Reuters reported, Dr Lowe shared some fascinating thoughts on digital currencies. Because while he still isnt the biggest fan of the asset class (cryptocurrencies), he did suggest that privately issued tokens are likely better than any offered by a central bank. In other words, Lowe appears to be backing down from the central bank digital currency (CBDC) arms race were seeing from so many other nations. This is a surprising concession given that central banks rely on the centralised nature of modern money supply in order to retain their power. So has Lowe gone rogue, or is this just a sly way to win over the crypto community? The CBDC paradox When it comes to CBDCs, were not the biggest fans here at Money Morning. The issue, as I already alluded to, is the fact that a CBDC isnt decentralised. This key difference is what makes regular cryptocurrencies so important. They are purposefully designed to be backed by no key person or group of people. Instead, all the trust is placed in the system itself the blockchain in order to make sure it cant be manipulated for personal gain. After all, despite what central bankers may think, their motives and actions are never truly impartial. They are flawed by their bias and own agenda just like we all are. Thats what makes us human! For these reasons, a CBDC is likely to be no different to the current systems we have in place. Arguably, they could just make things worse, because in a strictly digital economy, the ability to manipulate monetary supply and demand is even easier Like I said, though, fortunately for Australia, it seems as though Lowe isnt keen on this direction. In his own words: I tend to think that the private solution is going to be better if we can get the regulatory arrangements right because the private sector is better than the central bank at innovating and designing features for these tokens. Its great to hear that he is willing to let private projects take the lead. After all, despite some recent scares in the stablecoin scene, the underlying ideas and technology are still exciting and promising. The only concern is, of course, Lowes insistence on the right regulatory arrangements. It would not surprise me if central bankers or politicians overstepped the mark. Because if you overregulate crypto, then it will simply defeat the purpose of it. Everything hinges upon how strict Lowe believes theyd need to be. A diverse crypto ecosystem For everyday investors, what this continues to show is the importance of diversification. Dont expect any one stablecoin, whether its backed by the government or not, to rule. It seems much more likely that well see a variety of tokens thrive and see successful adoption. Thats the beauty of crypto. It can cater for a wide variety of niches. Some of which may be short-lived, and some which may be the early blueprints for the future of money as we know it. Again, thats what makes this space so promising and exciting. Even if central bankers and politicians try to regulate it, some projects just wont fit neatly in the kind of frameworks of traditional finance. And thats a good thing for investors and, eventually, consumers. Because as noble as the regulators may believe themselves to be, there will always be contention. After all, if central bankers did their job perfectly, then we probably wouldnt even have crypto. But I digress The key point for today is that Lowes comments signal an important change in tone. It seems that the powers that be are beginning to realise that crypto cant be stopped. Like the proverbial genie in the bottle, the world is not going back to the way it was. And as much as central bankers and politicians may not like it, theyre having to deal with it. Thats why, even now in the midst of a tough crypto winter, investors cant afford to ignore this asset class. Because while it is still niche right now, it seems unlikely to stay that way forever. For Lowes sake and all his ilk, they better hope it isnt soon. But this change of tune certainly tells me that theyre aware that their time is running out Regards, Ryan Clarkson-Ledward, Editor, Money Morning Ryan is also co-editor of Exponential Stock Investor, a stock tipping newsletter that hunts down promising small-cap stocks. For information on how to subscribe and see what Ryans telling subscribers right now, click here. Spain: Three dead due to bull run related injuries Madrid, July 21 (UNI) Three men have died in the past 24 hours from wounds suffered during bull-running festivals in eastern Spain. They had all taken part in the Valencia region's traditional bous al carrer (bull-running), when bulls charge through towns with people running in front of them. The three men who died had all been badly injured during events of the past two weeks. September 16, 2021 To Protect Itself From U.S. Hostility Australia Decides To Buy U.S. Submarines Yesterday the U.S., the UK and Australia announced that the latter one will buy nuclear powered submarines to do the U.S.' bidding against China: Australia's next submarine fleet will be nuclear-powered under an audacious plan that will see a controversial $90 billion program to build up to 12 French-designed submarines scrapped. The ABC understands Australia will use American and British technology to configure its next submarine fleet in a bid to replace its existing Collins class subs with a boat more suitable to the deteriorating strategic environment. This is a huge but short term win for the U.S. with an also-ran booby price for Britain and a strategic loss of sovereignty and budget control for Australia. It is another U.S. slap into the face of France and the European Union. The deal will piss off New Zealand, Indonesia and of course China. It will upset the international nuclear non proliferation regime and may lead to the further military nuclearization of South Korea and Japan. Australia currently has 6 Collins class submarines. These are diesel driven boats based on Swedish designs but partially build in Australia. These boats are relatively slow and have a medium range and endurance. They were built between 1990 and 2003 and are mostly for defensive use. There were lots of trouble during the building of the boats as Australia lacks the technical capabilities and industrial depth to make such complicate products. The operational history of boats is also rather mixed with several scandals following each other. The boats are supposed to be upgraded to be in use for another decade. In the 2010s Australia began to look for a new generation of submarines. After a long discussion it decided to stick to conventionally powered boats. The new subs were again to be build in Australia after a foreign design. Germany, Japan and France were asked for proposals. The French state owned ship builder Naval Group (DCNS) won the race for 12 new boats and the 50 billion contract. Ironically the French conventionally driven Shortfin Barracuda design France offered is based on its own nuclear driven Barracuda class design. For Australia France had therefore to design a conventional power plant for a submarine that was originally designed, as all French subs are, to run on a nuclear reactor with low enriched uranium (LEU). It was quite obvious that this unusual conversion would run into difficulties and time delays. Back in June Peter Lee, aka Chinahand, wrote about the delayed program: The program is officially troubled and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison held a confab with French president Macron to try to get the project back on track. Although the contract was signed in 2016, construction hasnt begun yet, and the first submarine under the program wont be launched for another decade. At least. This does not fit well with the Australian navys declared ambition to fling its armed might against a PRC invasion of Taiwan that might happen in the next few years, so theres all sorts of flailing go on, including talk of spending a few billion dollars to upgrade the current Collins class fleet of submarines as a stopgap, or even rush-procuring some German subs. Theres also some talk of canceling, threatening to cancel, and/or modifying the attack submarine contract to do better. And maybe steer the project toward Germany or back to Americas choice, Japan. Well - it turns out that 'America's choice' builder for Australia's submarines was not Japan but the U.S. itself. We now learn that talks about ditching the contract with French in favor of U.S. build nuclear driven boats already started in April 2020 and were finalized during a U.S., Australian, British summit in early June 2021. This was before Prime Minister Scott Morrison met with the French President Macron to get the French-Australian project back on track! What the PM didn't tell Macron over that long dinner in Paris and perhaps why the French President might be particularly miffed is that Morrison had, just a day or so before, already reached an informal agreement with United States President Joe Biden and British PM Boris Johnson for an extension of a nuclear technology sharing agreement. This revelation brings a new complexion to the tripartite meeting in Carbis Bay in Cornwall on June 12 between the two PMs and the US President. ... The ABC understands the federal government began exploring the nuclear-powered submarine option about 18 months ago when Linda Reynolds was still defence minister. Moreover on August 30 the French and Australian Foreign and Defense Ministers had met and issued a common declaration on bilateral cooperation in a number of policy fields. This included defense cooperation: Both sides committed to deepen defence industry cooperation and enhance their capability edge in the region. Ministers underlined the importance of the Future Submarine program. They agreed to strengthen military scientific research cooperation through a strategic partnership between the Defence Science and Technology Group and the Directorate General for Armaments. Just sixteen days later France learned that it lost a huge defense contract due a 180 degree turn around by its Australian 'partner'. It is no wonder than that the French are fuming: The French government has hit out Australia's decision to tear up a submarine deal with France worth more than 50 billion to instead acquire American-made nuclear-powered submarines. "It's a stab in the back. We had established a trusting relationship with Australia, and this trust was betrayed," French Foreign Affairs Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said in a Franceinfo interview Thursday morning. Le Drian added he was "angry and very bitter about this break up," adding that he had spoken to his Australian counterpart days ago and received no serious indication of the move. Under a deal announced Wednesday by U.S. President Joe Biden, Australia, the U.K. and the U.S. will form a new alliance to be known as AUKUS, which will see the three countries share advanced technologies with one another. As part of the new pact, Canberra will abandon its submarine deal with France. The French, correctly, blame the U.S. for this decision: In a statement released before the interview, Le Drian and Armed Forces Minister Florence Parly said: This decision is contrary to the letter and spirit of the cooperation that prevailed between France and Australia." The statement continued: "The American choice to push aside an ally and European partner like France from a structuring partnership with Australia, at a time when we are facing unprecedented challenges in the Indo-Pacific region ... shows a lack of consistency France can only note and regret." The French ambassador to the U.S. was a bit more subtle with this zinger: Philippe Etienne @Ph_Etienne - 2:43 UTC Sep 16, 2021 Interestingly, exactly 240 years ago the French Navy defeated the British Navy in Chesapeake Bay, paving the way for the victory at Yorktown and the independence of the United States. There are some military reasons to prefer nuclear submarines over diesel driven ones if one plans to lay siege on a foreign coast far away from ones own one. Nuclear submarines (SSN) are faster and can stay on station much longer than diesel driven boats (SSK). bigger But there are also many negative issues with nuclear boats. They are larger and more expensive than conventional ones. The cost nearly 50% more. They also require dedicated infrastructure and very specialized nuclear training for the crews. Australia has neither nor can it supply the necessary fuel for the nuclear reactors. The price for the new submarines Australia will have to pay will be much higher that for the French ones. Some $3 billion have already been sunk into the French contract. France will rightfully demand additional compensation for cancelling it. The new contract with the U.S. or UK will cost more than the French one but will only include 8 instead of 12 boats. As three boats are needed to keep one at sea (while the other two are training or in refit), the actual patrolling capacity for Australia's navy will sink from 4 to 2-3 concurrent submarines at sea. The much higher price of the fewer more complicate boats will upset Australia's defense budget for decades to come. If going to nuclear propulsion were Australia's sole reason for changing the horse it could have stuck to the original French Barracuda design. This has the advantage of using low enriched uranium which is commercially available. There would be no Australian dependency on France for new fuel supplies. The British and U.S. boats use nuclear reactors with highly enriched uranium (HEU >60%). As Australia now decided to buy those boats it will forever be dependent on those suppliers. The non-proliferation crowd and the IAEA will be up in arms over the deal. How much supervision will there be over the HEU? Who will have access to it? Nuclear driven submarines are also perceived as offensive weapons, not as reasonable defensive ones. There are more countries on this map than just China. bigger That Australia, with just 25 million inhabitants, is buying nuclear driven attack subs will not be welcome by its ten times larger northern neighbor Indonesia. Other neighboring countries, like New Zealand, reject any use of nuclear fuel and will not allow ships or boats using it into their harbors. The new contract will also upset the Australian plans for manufacturing the boats on its own soil. While the French design was ready to start the actual building phase at the beginning of next year the whole submarine project will now go into a new 18 month long definition phase after which actual contracts will have to be negotiated and signed. Meanwhile the hundreds of Australian engineers who moved to France to help with the design and specialists who were hired by Naval Group in Australia will have to be cared for. Australia does not have many people with such knowledge. What are they going to do until the new project actually starts? The UK will offer Australia to buy British made Astute class submarines while the U.S. is likely to offer the smaller version of its Virginia class submarines. As both countries have active production lines for these it will not make any economic sense to build more than some small parts for these in Australia itself. The U.S. will use all pressure that is necessary to make sure that its offer will win the race. A hint of that is that Australia also announced that it will acquire long-range US Tomahawk missiles to be used with the subs. The first of the French boats for Australia was expected to be ready in the early 2030s. There will now be a long delay of perhaps a decade for Australia to get new boats. Its current Collins class will require more than an ordinary refit to be sustained that long. That is going to be expensive. The Germans may want to jump into that gap by offering their Type 214 submarines with hydrogen driven propulsion. While these boats are much smaller they offer a long endurance, can be supplied reasonably fast and come for a much cheaper price than the nuclear driven ones. Altogether I do not see any advantage for Australia in this move. What then is the reason to take that step? It is called blackmail. China is by far Australia's largest trading partner. U.S. and Australian 'strategist' claim that the submarines are need to protect Australia's maritime trade routes with its largest trading partner ... from China. That makes, as this sketch provides, zero sense. The only reason Australia has turned politically and militarily against China is U.S. blackmail. Two years ago the U.S. 'realist' political scientist John Mearsheimer came to Australia to explained to Australians (vid see at 33min) how that works. As Caitlin Johnstone summarizes: Now some people say theres an alternative: you can go with China, said Mearsheimer. Right you have a choice here: you can go with China rather the United States. Theres two things Ill say about that. Number one, if you go with China you want to understand you are our enemy. You are then deciding to become an enemy of the United States. Because again, were talking about an intense security competition. Youre either with us or against us, he continued. And if youre trading extensively with China, and youre friendly with China, youre undermining the United States in this security competition. Youre feeding the beast, from our perspective. And that is not going to make us happy. And when we are not happy you do not want to underestimate how nasty we can be. Just ask Fidel Castro. Nervous laughter from the Australian think tank audience punctuated Mearsheimers more incendiary observations. The CIA is known to have made numerous attempts to assassinate Castro. So there you have it. Australia is not aligned with the US to protect itself from China. Australia is aligned with the US to protect itself from the US. Joe Biden may have forgotten the name of the Australian Prime Minister. But Scott Morrison knows who he is expected to work for. In 1975 the U.S. and the UK launched a coup against the Australian Prime Minister Gough Whitlam who was moving his country towards independence. Few in the U.S. will remember that but Australian politicians do. Their country has since always done as it was told to do. And that is what all the above is about. Posted by b on September 16, 2021 at 17:27 UTC | Permalink Comments next page next page July 21, 2022 Why Nord Stream II Must Be Opened Immediately Next winter Germany, and other European countries, will have an energy crisis. This crisis, we are told, is caused by the proxy war between the U.S. and Russia in Europe. They say that Russia has cut us off from its natural gas deliveries. That is a lie. The Ukraine and Poland have shut off some pipelines that bring in gas from Russia to western Europe. Germany has not delivered on the contracted maintenance that is required to keep the Nord Stream I pipeline at full capacity. The German government has blocked the certification of the Nord Stream II pipeline which is technically 100% ready to work at full capacity. The energy crisis Europe will experience was created by the governments of those European countries who stop the pipeline flow of gas from Russia and who's citizens will have to bear the consequences. It is solely on them to stop that coming catastrophe. Here is how one man, known for his attention to details, correctly portrays the issue: Question: Mr President, a serious energy crisis is developing in Europe, which is discussing the possibility of Gazprom cutting off gas deliveries. The company has allegedly issued an official notification to one of its German clients, citing force majeure circumstances. Are there grounds for accusing Russia of causing this energy crisis? Will Gazprom continue to honour its obligations Vladimir Putin: First of all, Gazprom has always honoured, and will continue to honour its commitments. There are no grounds at all for the attempts by our partners to shift or try to shift the blame for their own mistakes on Russia and Gazprom. What is the situation with energy deliveries? In 2020, in the first half of 2020, gas cost 100 euros per 1,000 cubic metres in Europe. The price rose to 250 euros in the first half of 2021. Today it is 1,700 euros per 1,000 cubic metres of gas. What is happening? I have spoken about this on numerous occasions, and I do not know if we should go into detail regarding the energy policies of European countries, which underrate the importance of traditional sources of energy and have put money on non-traditional energy sources. They are big experts on non-traditional relations, and they have also decided to make a bid for non-traditional energy sources like the sun and wind. Last winter was long, there was no wind, and that did it. Investment in the fixed assets of traditional energy producers has decreased because of previous political decisions: banks do not finance them, insurance companies do not insure them, local governments do not allocate land plots for new projects, and pipeline and other forms of transportation are not developing. This is a result of many years, probably a decade of this policy. This is the root cause of price hikes rather than any actions by Russia or Gazprom. What is going on today? Until recently, we supplied gas to Europe without Turkiye: we supplied around 30 billion cubic metres a year to Turkiye, and 170 billion to Europe, 55 billion via Nord Stream 1, and, if memory serves me, 33 billion were supplied via Yamal-Europe, via the two strings that run through Ukraine. About 12 billion were delivered to Europe through Turkiye via TurkStream. Ukraine suddenly announced that it was going to close one of the two routes on its territory. Allegedly because the gas pumping station is not under its control but on the territory of the Lugansk People's Republic. But it found itself under the control of the Lugansk People's Republic several months before, and they closed it just recently without any grounds. Everything was functioning normally there, no one interfered. In my opinion, they closed it simply for political reasons. What happened next? Poland imposed sanctions on Yamal-Europe, which supplied 33 billion cubic metres of gas. They used to take 34, I think, 3334 million cubic metres a day from us. They shut it down completely. But then we saw that they turned on the Yamal-Europe pipeline in reverse mode, and they started taking about 32 million a day from Germany. Where is the gas from Germany coming from? It is our Russian gas. Why from Germany? Because it turned out to be cheaper for the Poles. They used to get it from us at a very high price, closer to the market price, whereas Germany gets it from us 34 times cheaper than the market price under long-term contracts. It is profitable for German companies to sell it to the Poles at a small premium. It is profitable for the Poles to buy it because it is cheaper than to buy it directly from us. But the volume of gas in the European market has decreased, and the total market price has gone up. Who has won? All Europeans only lost. This is the second point: Yamal-Europe. So, first one of the routes in Ukraine was shut down, then Yamal-Europe was shut down, now Nord Stream 1, which is one of the main routes we pump 55 billion cubic metres a year through it. There are five Siemens gas compressor stations working there, and one is on standby. One compressor had to be sent out for repairs. A repaired compressor was supposed to come from Canada, from the Siemens plant in Canada, to replace it. But it ended up under sanctions in Canada. So, one pumping station, just one piece of equipment was out of order because of scheduled maintenance work and it has not been returned from Canada. Now we are being told that the unit will be delivered from Canada soon, but Gazprom does not have any official documents yet. We must certainly obtain them, because this is our property, it is the property of Gazprom. Gazprom should receive not only the hardware, not only the gas pumping unit, but also the accompanying documents, both legal and technical documentation. We must be able to see what Gazprom is taking the turbines current condition as well as its legal status, whether it is under sanctions or not, what we can do with it, or maybe they are taking it back tomorrow. But that is not all. The problem is that at the end of July, on July 26, I think we can ask Gazprom another turbine should be sent for routine maintenance, for repairs. And where will we get a replacement from? We do not know. One more turbine is actually out of order because of some crumbling of its internal liner. Siemens has confirmed this. That leaves two operational units, which are pumping 60 million per day. So, if one more is delivered, fine, we will have two in operation. But if it is not, only one will be left, and it will pump only 30 million cubic meters per day. You can count how much time it will take to pump the rest. How is this Gazproms responsibility? What does Gazprom even have to do with this? They have cut off one route, then another, and sanctioned this gas pumping equipment. Gazprom is ready to pump as much gas as necessary. But they have shut everything down. And they have fallen into the same trap with the import of oil and petroleum products. We hear all sorts of crazy ideas about capping the volume of Russian oil imports or the price of Russian oil. This is going to lead to the same situation as with gas. The result (I am surprised to hear people with university degrees saying this) will be the same rising prices. Oil prices will spiral. As for gas, there is another route we are ready to open, which is Nord Stream 2. It is ready to be launched, but they are not launching it. There are problems here as well, I discussed them with the Chancellor about six or maybe eight weeks ago. I raised this issue; I said that Gazprom had reserved the capacity, and that this capacity needed to be used, and it cannot be suspended in mid-air indefinitely. The answer was that there were other issues on the agenda, more important things, so it is difficult for them to deal with this right now. But I had to warn them that then we would have to redirect half of the volume intended for Nord Stream for domestic consumption and processing. I raised this issue at the request of Gazprom, and Gazprom has actually already done it. Therefore, even if we launch Nord Stream 2 tomorrow, it will not pump 55 billion cubic meters, but exactly half that amount. And given that we are already halfway through this year, it would be just a quarter. Such is the supply situation. But I said this at the beginning of my answer to your question and I want to end with this Gazprom has always fulfilled and will always fulfil all of its obligations, as long as, of course, anyone needs it. First, they themselves close everything, and then they look for someone to blame it would be comical if it were not so sad. Those are facts. The German and other European governments have pledged to suicide the German economy and the wealth of their citizens solely out of spite over the Russian government's action in the Ukraine. They deny that it is THEIR action that is causing the crisis. Here is a neutral source, an Indian diplomat, explaining the basics of the business to the dimwits who are ruling over Europe: Russia teaches Europe ABC of gas trade They, and their media, ignore that Russia has had, and has, sound reasons to defend the Donbas republics. They do not tell you that the Ukraine, in late February, had planned and was ready to attack the citizens of Donetzk and Luhansk with overwhelming force. Here is additional evidence for that: OSCE Reports Reveal Ukraine Started Shelling The Donbas Nine Days Before Russia's 'Special Military Operation' They deny that Ukraine is controlled by extreme right wing elements. They deny that there are full fledged Nazis formations in control of Ukraine even as their own media have for years warned of those. They are lying to you. All German natural gas storage sites can be filled to the brim via Nord Stream II if the Germany government would allow for it. It does not do so. That is the reason why you in Europe will to have pay much more for heating and electricity in the months and years to come. Russia will win the war. It is only a question of time. Meanwhile the sanctions will impoverish Europe: [C]an the European public wait? Before the sanctions have a "desired effect," it is the ordinary people that will suffer. Russia's economy is still standing, but the crisis has cast a long shadow over European economies. Leaders of EU countries face low growth and record inflation. The euro is at parity with the dollar. According to a Bloomberg report, the European Commission is set to warn that a halt of Russian gas supplies to the EU could potentially reduce its GDP by as much as 1.5 percent. The EU is well in a position to find out that it is not that Russia cannot live without Europe, but Europe cannot live without Russia. EU's sanctions against Russia serve as a boomerang. After all, it is the European public that is paying the price for the decision of policymakers. European politicians talk in high spirits about what kinds of sanctions would hurt Russia most and that aligning with the US makes them more secure. But when the public has no gas to even take a shower or cannot buy oil and flour at the supermarket, what is the meaning of the "security" the European politicians tout? It is on you to expose the politicians behind these sanctions and to force them to change course. Your well being depends on that. Posted by b on July 21, 2022 at 7:35 UTC | Permalink Comments next page next page Judging committee meeting of 1st Silk Road Global News Awards held in Beijing People's Daily Online) 15:20, July 21, 2022 (People's Daily/Zhang Wujun) The judging committee for the first Silk Road Global News Awards (SRGNA) met in Beijing Wednesday. During the meeting, the committee reviewed and confirmed the results of the awards second evaluation round. Fang Jiangshan, deputy editor-in-chief of Peoples Daily, served as director of the judging committee, which consists of 21 members from different countries. Fang chaired the meeting on Wednesday, with other members joining in person or through online means. At the meeting, the Secretariat of the Belt and Road News Network (BRNN) presented the results through online voting. The committee members made the joint decision to shortlist 19 works including "Kazakhstan Belt and Road Initiative: The road to somewhere" for the Awards. Mushahid Hussain Syed, head of Pakistans Friends of Silk Road club and chairman of the Pakistan-China Institute, was listed as a finalist for the Special Contribution Award. Fang pointed out during the meeting that media is a significant force in guiding public opinion, enhancing people-to-people ties between countries and regions and telling stories of cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Adhering to the principles of promoting peaceful cooperation, openness, inclusiveness, mutual learning and win-win cooperation, SRGNA honors media colleagues and people from all walks of life who recognize, spread and interpret the cooperation concept and practice of jointly building BRI. The awards aim to build a consensus in which everyone attaches great importance to the development and joint cooperation needed to promote the great undertaking that is building a community with a shared future for mankind, Fang said. (People's Daily/Zhang Wujun) As a major project included in the List of Deliverables of the Second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation (BRF), the first SRGNA presented six awards: In-depth Reporting Award, Commentary Award, Press Photo Award, Press Video Award, Short Video Award on the Fight against COVID-19 and Special Contribution Award. Among them, the Short Video Award on the Fight against COVID-19 was a special addition based on the global anti-pandemic efforts of the past two years. SRGNA was launched and organized by BRNN, whose council chair is Peoples Daily. The Secretariat of the BRNN was responsible for implementing the awards. As a pioneer, SRGNA follows an open and transparent selection process, giving full play to standardization, authority, openness and internationality. The Secretariat of the BRNN took concrete steps, welcomed opinions and suggestions, formulated the selection rules and programs, and orderly carried out tasks such as collecting entry works and forming the judging committee. As the awards were open to media organizations and individuals from countries and regions along Belt and Road, a total of 4,485 entries from 80 countries and regions were collected during the entry phase. According to the SRGNA Guidelines, evaluation will take place over three rounds, with each round respectively evaluated by academic committees, a judging committee and the BRNN Council Meeting. The results of the second evaluation round are set to be released on the BRNN website. The final evaluation is scheduled for the second BRNN Council Meeting, after which the winners of the 1st SRGNA will be officially announced. (Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun) UW College Renaming Brings Period of Transition While two major colleges at the University of Wyoming have new names as part of UWs academic restructuring, the process of incorporating those names in all university platforms will unfold over the coming weeks and months. As Provost and Executive Vice President Kevin Carman reported to UWs Board of Trustees last week, the College of Engineering and Applied Science is now the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, and the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources is now the College of Agriculture, Life Sciences and Natural Resources. However, there will be a period of transition for the new names to be reflected on everything from signs in front of the colleges buildings to the UW website and printed materials. Additionally, students registering for classes shouldnt expect to see the new names in the registration process until next year. Just as the overall restructuring is taking time to implement, it will be a gradual process for the new names of two of our colleges to be fully represented physically and digitally. This is a year of change for our academic enterprise in many respects, and we would ask for understanding from our constituents as we implement the transition, which could be confusing at times, Carman says. What should not be confusing is that two colleges that have long been central to UWs land-grant mission -- focused on agriculture and engineering -- continue to have that focus and are being strengthened through this reorganization. The new names reflect the colleges continued commitment while describing the complementary departments coming their way. The restructuring, approved by the UW Board of Trustees last year, generally involves reorganizing the College of Arts and Sciences and the former colleges of Agriculture and Natural Resources, and Engineering and Applied Science to better align the life and physical sciences and the humanities, social sciences and arts. This involves the movement of several academic departments -- some that already have taken place and others that will be completed over the next year. No name change has yet been established for the College of Arts and Sciences; further discussion is anticipated over the coming year. A reorganization of the College of Education also is underway, but there is no consideration of a name change for that college at this time. Students whose majors are in the departments moving from the College of Arts and Sciences to the newly renamed colleges will be notified in the event that there are changes to their academic advising. MIDLAND, Texas In the heart of the countrys most productive oil basin, Jeff Sparks family company, Discovery Operating, is behind on completing six wells. But were drilling right now, Im hoping to get finished on this horizontal pad by the end of the week, Sparks said while answering calls at the Midland office of the 30-person company his dad started in 1973. And then we will get lined up and frac it. Discovery Operating, like other producers in the Permian Basin, has more work than it can handle as rising demand for oil has pushed crude prices to over $120 a barrel this year. In the past, such soaring crude prices turned Midland into a temporary boomtown: Wildcatters move in to search for oil, snapping up houses and apartments, and the town becomes flush with new wealth. When the inevitable bust slashes oil prices, companies cut workers and families move out. The current boom, according to longtime residents, Midland officials and companies in the region, is more muted, with incremental advancements in drilling technology and the worlds appetite for oil driving long-term investments. And that, experts say, could lead to more stability in rural communities accustomed to dramatic boom and bust cycles. Jon Shapley, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer More efficient at getting more oil The Permian Basin is set to boost daily output this year by 1 million barrels to an average of 5.6 million barrels, according to Norwegian firm Rystad Energy, making it the worlds third-largest producer behind Russia and Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, analysts say, companies are more efficient at drilling for that oil than theyve ever been. Operators are able to drill deeper, more productive wells, with a smaller workforce. More so, companies have driven down the cost of fracking. Economists say when fracking first became feasible, drillers could break even with oil at about $80 a barrel. Today that number is closer to $40. Thats the case for oil major Chevron the San Ramon, Calif. based company holds more than two million acres of land in the Permian Basin. On a recent afternoon just outside Midland, a Chevron drilling operator sat in an air conditioned booth on the rigs platform, each hand on a control as if the drill outside were a video game. On either side of him, two screens flashed data related to the well. The information on his screens, he said, is transmitted to a control center some 500 miles away in Houston, where the oil giant monitors all its active rigs. Its a game changer, said Ryder Booth, leader of Chevrons Houston-based Mid-Continent business unit working in Midland. Having a central location means fewer people are needed on drill sites, plus information gathered from one rig can be quickly shared with other sites, he said. If one rig learns how to do something, to drill five feet longer in 30 less minutes, Booth said, that's passed to all of the rigs. It's built into the system. Workers on the Chevron drilling site said, in general, drilling projects that used to take 30 days are often wrapped up within two weeks. On HoustonChronicle.com: Permian Basin oil production predicted to outpace most oil-producing nations this year In the past there was also a need for workers, called wildcatters, to explore for new oil reserves. Nowadays, after decades of geological studies in the Permian by both company and government scientists, drillers know where the oil is, said economist Ray Perryman, who runs a consulting firm and has worked on economic analysis for the oil industry since the 1980s. Theres really almost no such thing as a wildcatter now, said Perryman. I mean, you know where the oil is at this point in time. The U.S. Geological Survey estimates at least 46 billion barrels of oil exist under the Permians ground, according to a 2018 report, the most recent for the region. Additionally, Perryman said hydraulic fracturing technology allows Permian producers to reach hard-to-recover oil. Jon Shapley, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer These fracked wells, you get a whole lot at first, then it drops off really quickly, Perryman said. But theres plenty more below that. So you have to go in and refrack it, so to speak, and so theres an ongoing employment base that wasnt here before. Companies dont just need crews to drill and then frack the well initially, Perryman said, but will continue to need crews to go back to the well, frack it, and extract more oil. So while crews are getting smaller, workers are needed to return to projects - and Perryman said thats enticing companies to invest more in the community in hopes of attracting a more steady workforce with skills specific to oil and gas extraction. Schools and health care Some locals said the oil and gas industry needs to invest in education and health care in the region, especially now that the Permian is expected to produce oil and need workers for years to come. Enter the Permian Strategic Partnership in 2019, a group of around 17 energy companies working with local governments and foundations in an effort to steer investment into the community. These companies all have the exact same things in common, and that is the need for a talented workforce, said Tracee Bentley, head of the Partnership. None of them are able to fully get the workforce that they need. Traditionally oil and gas jobs have been focused on manual labor, but as more technology is adopted in the oil patch companies are hungry for workers with digital expertise. Bentley said thats a problem in the Permian, which despite being home to a couple of colleges and universities, still lacks many workforce training opportunities. On top of that, Bentley said companies realize they need to help make the region more attractive for families, which means improving things like the areas hospitals and schools. The Partnership is still young, but since its formation it has invested more than $100 million to develop health care resources, attract and train teachers, and provide ongoing training to the Permians workforce. Bentley expects investments to speed up as many companies refocus their efforts in the region. On HoustonChronicle.com: Fossil fuels made up 79 percent of U.S. energy consumption last year, EIA said Fossil fuels are here forever Underscoring the feeling in Midland that this boom is different is a commonly held belief that not only will the world need oil and gas for decades to come, but that conditions are right for the Permian to continue being one of the major producers of that oil. The International Energy Agencys most recent outlook predicts a 47 percent surge in energy demand within the next three decades. While renewable energy sources are expected to become a larger part of the worlds energy mix, many in Midland say oil and gas will continue to be a significant fuel source well past 2050, and the Permian is the best area to produce that oil and gas. Fossil fuels are here forever, said Midland County Judge Terry Johnson, who also owns oil field services company Tco Field Services. And the Permian Basin, he said, is poised to help meet the worlds energy needs for decades to come. Jon Shapley, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer Johnson said that also means the area will continue to experience the up-and-down cycles of the oil and gas industry. With fewer transient workers and more long-term investments in the region making the 2022 up cycle feel different from previous ones, it could mean fewer families fleeing the area when prices inevitably go down - and Johnson said prices will go down again, its just unclear when. Anybody says I know whats going to happen for the next 12 months, they dont know what theyre talking about, because nobody knows, Johnson said. Im here to tell you, Ive been through four or five, boom-bust cycles, and well have another bust. Kyra.Buckley@chron.com Bynum School received an $8,257 donation from Chuys Tex-Mex's Friends and Family and Charity Night. The Austin-based Tex-Mex restaurant held the fundraising event on June 13, a day before the grand opening of the Midland location. Chuys also partnered with the Permian Basin Animal Advocates to raise funds for the organization and build a collection of dog portraits for their famous Dog Wall in their La Chihuahua Bar, according to a press release. Chuys raised a total of $2,508 for Permian Basin Animal Advocates from a Facebook fundraiser, donating $1 for every dog photo submitted from March 28th-30th. Of the over 2,000 submissions, the first 250 photos submitted are currently hanging in Chuys Midland, according to a press release. Chuys has always believed in giving back to the community and supporting organizations in the neighborhoods where we do business, said Eric Stump, General Manager for Chuys Midland. We are honored to have the opportunity to raise funds for two very worthy nonprofits as part of our grand opening festivities and to support those being of services to others." Chuys, Located at 4609 Loop 250 Frontage Road, offers made-from-scratch dishes crafted with an eclectic atmosphere. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate The message to U.S. lawmakers from Ukraine's first lady, delivered amid stark and graphic images of civilian bloodshed, couldn't have been clearer: After nearly five full months since Russia launched its invasion, Olena Zelenska said that her country needs more Western weapons. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy sent her to Washington to appeal directly to U.S. Congress for air defense systems. The appeal Wednesday came as Russia suggested it plans to grab broader areas beyond the industrial region of eastern Ukraine known as the Donbas, with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov emphasizing that Moscow also claims the Kherson region and part of Zaporizhzhia and will continuously and persistently expand its gains elsewhere. The billions of dollars in Western military assistance have been crucial for Ukraine's efforts to fend off Russian attacks, but officials in Kyiv say the numbers are still too small to turn the tide of the war. A look at what Ukraine has received so far: HIMARS ROCKET LAUNCHERS The HIMARS systems supplied by the U.S. and similar M270s from Britain have significantly bolstered the Ukrainian militarys precision-strike capability. The HIMARS and M270 have a longer range, a much better precision and a faster rate of fire compared with Soviet-designed Smerch, Uragan and Tornado multiple rocket launchers used by both Russia and Ukraine. The truck-mounted HIMARS launchers fire GPS-guided missiles capable of hitting targets up to 80 kilometers (50 miles) away, a distance that puts them out of reach of most Russian artillery systems. The mobile launchers are hard for the enemy to spot and can quickly change position after firing to escape airstrikes. The Ukrainian military so far has received a dozen HIMARS and several M270 systems, but it already has used them to successfully target Russian ammunition and fuel depots in eastern Ukraine, essential for supporting Moscow's offensive. On Wednesday, Ukrainian forces reportedly used HIMARS to hit a strategic bridge in the Russia-occupied southern region of Kherson. HIMARS have hardly had any rest during the day or at night. Their potential has been used to the maximum," Ukrainian military experts Oleh Zhdanov told The Associated Press. The results have been impressive. Over 30 important Russian targets have been hit with high precision over the past two weeks. U.S. authorities so far have refrained from providing Ukraine with longer-range missiles for HIMARS launchers that can reach targets up to 300 kilometers (186 miles), allowing the military to hit areas deep inside Russian territory. HEAVY ARTILLERY Ukraine has taken deliveries of more than 200 heavy artillery systems from the U.S. and its NATO allies. They have included the U.S. M777, French CAESAR, German PzH 2000 and a few other towed and self-propelled long-range artillery systems. The Western howitzers have some advantages over older Soviet-designed systems in the Russian and Ukrainian arsenals, but it takes time for Ukrainian crews to learn how to operate them. Their wide assortment poses obvious logistical challenges. Ukraine has been given a tremendous amount ... of artillery equipment that's very diverse, said Michael Kofman, an expert on the Russian military and program director at the Virginia-based CNA think tank. What they've ended up with is a petting zoo of artillery, and it's very hard to do maintenance, sustainment and logistics. A more serious problem is that the numbers of Western weapons are still far too small. Ukrainian presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak said last month that the country needs at least 1,000 heavy howitzers, 300 multiple rocket launchers, 500 tanks and 2,000 armored vehicles much more than the West has provided. Western weapons are superior to Soviet-era analogues, but the numbers have been too small to turn the tide of the war, Zhdanov said. ARMOR Ukraine has asked the West for more armor to replenish its heavy battlefield losses. The country has reportedly received over 300 Soviet-built T-72 tanks from Poland and the Czech Republic, and already has used them in combat. The long-promised delivery of German Leopard tanks is on hold, however, a delay that has drawn an angry response in Ukrainian media and social networks. Ukraine has taken delivery of several hundred armored personnel carriers from the U.S. and a few NATO allies, a motley collection of vehicles that hasn't fully compensated for what it already has lost. Western allies also have provided Ukraine with big numbers of portable anti-tank weapons, which played a key role in helping Ukrainian soldiers to decimate Russian armored convoys. DRONES In the early part of the war, Ukraine extensively used its inventory of Turkish-made Bayraktar TB-2 laser-guided, bomb-dropping drones to hit long convoys of Russian troops and supply columns. Bayraktars, however, have become less effective in the face of denser Russian air and electronic defenses in eastern Ukraine. Since the war began, the U.S. and Western allies have shipped hundreds of other drones, including an unspecified number of kamikaze Switchblade 600s that carry tank-piercing warheads and use artificial intelligence to track targets. But their range is limited, and they can only stay aloft for about 40 minutes. Ukraine has pushed strongly for more advanced long-range drones that can survive radio interference and GPS jamming and rely on satellite communications for control and navigation. AIR DEFENSE SYSTEMS The U.S. and other NATO allies have provided Ukraine with over 2,000 portable air defense missile systems, or MANPADS, such as Stingers and other similar weapons. Such compact systems are efficient against combat helicopters and low-flying jets, and the Ukrainian military has used them to inflict significant losses on the Russian air force, restricting its capability to provide close air support to ground forces and helping slow the pace of Moscow's offensive. At the same time, Ukraine also has prodded the West to supply it with medium- and long-range air defense systems that would be capable of downing cruise missiles and high-flying aircraft. It has received several Soviet-built S-300 long-range air defense systems from Slovakia, the type of weapons the Ukrainian military has long operated. The U.S. also has pledged to give Ukraine two NASAMS mid-range air defense systems. Germany has promised to supply Ukraine with 30 Gepard self-propelled anti-aircraft guns, but they have yet to arrive. WARPLANES Since the start of the invasion on Feb. 24, Ukraine has urged Western allies to provide it with warplanes to challenge Russia's air superiority. However, the U.S. and its allies have been reluctant to give Ukraine the fighter jets it asks for, fearing it would provoke an escalatory response from Moscow, which has warned NATO that supplying Ukraine with combat aircraft could be tantamount to joining the conflict. In March, the Pentagon rejected Polands proposal for handing over its Soviet-built MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine by transferring them through a U.S. base in Germany, citing a high risk of triggering a Russia-NATO escalation. Ukraine has its own fleet of MiG-29s, but it's unclear how many of those and other jets are still in service. Earlier this month, Slovakia announced an intention to give its MiG-29 fleet to Ukraine as it awaits delivery of U.S. F-16 figter jets, but no action has been taken. ___ Follow AP's coverage of the war at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate BELGRADE, Serbia (AP) Egypt and Serbia on Wednesday agreed to boost political, economic and other cooperation as the two countries look for ways to deal with the global impact of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Egypt's President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi was in Serbia on a three-day visit this week the first in more than three decades by an Egyptian president. His host, Serbia's President Aleksandar Vucic, said the visit had a historic character. "It will bring so much in the future, Vucic said at a joint press conference with Sissi. This is just a beginning. The two leaders signed a partnership declaration, Vucic awarded el-Sissi a state decoration and announced plans for a free trade agreement by the end of the year. A business forum was held as officials signed a series of deals focusing on fields of cooperation. Both our countries should cooperate for better economies in relation to the global events, said el-Sissi. Egypt expects stronger cooperation in all fields. Vucic said Serbia will export grain, primarily wheat, to Egypt, which has been hit hard by the price hikes caused by the war in Ukraine. Egypt is among the worlds largest importers of wheat, with much of that from now-blocked Ukrainian ports. Serbia, a candidate country for European Union membership, has refused to join Western sanctions against Russia and has maintained friendly relations with Moscow despite the war. Both leaders said the war in Ukraine was among the topics discussed at their meeting Wednesday. Egypt is a country that wishes to see everything resolved peacefully and through agreements, said el-Sissi, who met with U.S. President Joe Biden in Saudi Arabia last week. El-Sissi and Vucic also evoked during their press conference the decades-old ties of Belgrade and Cairo as founding members of the Non-Aligned Movement of nations outside the opposed blocs during the time of Cold War divisions. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) Veteran politician Ranil Wickremesinghe was sworn in as Sri Lanka's new president Thursday to take charge of a nation bitterly angry that he will remain in power amid an unprecedented economic crisis. Sri Lankans have taken to the streets for months to demand their top leaders step down to take responsibility for economic chaos that has left the nation's 22 million people struggling with shortages of essentials, including medicine, fuel and food. While the protesters have focused on the Rajapaksa political dynasty, Wickremesinghe has also drawn their ire as a perceived Rajapaksa surrogate. The six-time prime minister easily won the secret ballot of lawmakers Wednesday to finish the term of former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who fled the country after protesters stormed his residence last week and resigned. His appointment received mixed reactions, with some supporters lighting firecrackers while protesters continued to demand that he resign. Wickremesinghe, 73, has wide experience in diplomatic and international affairs and has been overseeing bailout talks with the International Monetary Fund. He won the support of 134 lawmakers in the 225-member Parliament. They apparently considered him the safer hands to lead the nation through the crisis, despite public anger at Wickremesinghe as an example of the nation's problematic political establishment. During demonstrations last week, crowds set his personal residence on fire and occupied his office. After Wednesday's vote, Wickremesinghe called for politicians to work together and pleaded for the country to move on. But protesters flocked to the presidential office instead, chanting, Ranil, go home! Protest leaders told reporters Wednesday that they dont accept Wickremesinghes appointment and urged him to step down immediately. Parliament's selection goes against the will of the people," said Jeewantha Peiris, a protest leader and Catholic priest, adding that demonstrations against Wickremesinghe would continue. We are the people who sent Gotabaya home, and it's not a difficult task for us to send you (Wickremesinghe) home, said Tampitiye Sugathananda, a Buddhist monk and protest leader who was outside the presidential office. Late Thursday, police and Sri Lankan soldiers dismantled structures near the protest site where demonstrators have gathered for the past 104 days. They arrested several protesters, and security forces were witnessed beating up at least two journalists. A large number of army and police personnel arrived in trucks and buses around midnight, removing tents and protest banners and making arrest. They blocked off roads leading to the site and carried long poles. Protesters said on social media that they were beaten up, but those alleged incidents couldn't be verified. On Monday, in his role as acting president, Wickremesinghe declared a state of emergency that gave him broad authority to act in the interest of public security and order. Authorities can carry out searches and detain people under the emergency, and Wickremesinghe can change or suspend any law. Parliament can regularly review the state of emergency, and it will expire without its approval. In an example of the troubles caused by Sri Lanka's economic crisis, a power outage hampered live television coverage of the ceremony in Parliament where Wickremesinghe took his oath as the country's eighth executive president. He now can choose a new prime minister. In some areas, Wickremesinghe's supporters lit firecrackers and distributed sweets to celebrate his appointment as president, local media reported. The U.S. ambassador to Sri Lanka, Julie Chung, wrote on Twitter that she looks forward to working with Wickremesinghe. She added: In these challenging times, it will be essential for all parties to redouble efforts to work together to tackle the economic crisis, uphold democracy & accountability, and build a stable & secure future for all Sri Lankans. Wickremesinghe said Monday that the negotiations with the IMF were near a conclusion and talks on help from other countries had also progressed. He also said the government has taken steps to resolve shortages of fuel and cooking gas. On Wednesday, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva told financial magazine Nikkei Asia that the organization hoped to complete the rescue talks as quickly as possible. Presidents in Sri Lanka are normally elected by the public. The responsibility falls to Parliament only if the presidency becomes vacant before the term officially ends. It has happened once before, in 1993, when then-Prime Minister Dingiri Banda Wijetunga was chosen by Parliament uncontested after former President Ranasinghe Premadasa, father of the current opposition leader, was assassinated. ___ Associated Press writer Krishan Francis contributed to this report. Marilyn Nieves/Getty Image A Fort Stockton man was found guilty Tuesday by a federal jury of distributing child pornography, according to a press release from the United States Attorneys Office Western District of Texas. Thomas Scott Perkins, 31, was found guilty of one count of distribution of child pornography and eight counts of possession of child pornography. He faces up to 20 years in prison on the distribution count and up to 10 years in prison on each of the possession counts. UW Launches Wyoming Wool Initiative and Lamb-a-Year Program The Wyoming Wool Initiatives Lamb-a-Year program connects producers with UW students interested in the sheep industry. (UW Photo) At the annual Wyoming Wool Growers Association conference this month, University of Wyoming Extension sheep specialist Whit Stewart announced the launch of the Wyoming Wool Initiative. The initiative leads innovative research and programming that promote and expand Wyomings sheep industry. Its mission is to support producers, both directly and indirectly, in adding value to their wool, says Lindsay Conley-Stewart, manager and project coordinator. The Wyoming Wool Initiative is a nonprofit effort supported by UWs College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, donations, Mountain Meadow Wool and other partners. Current programs include the Wyoming Blanket Project and inaugural Lamb-a-Year program. Both endeavors connect UW students with sheep industry professionals. It all started with a question, says Stewart, head of UWs Sheep Program: If were producing this high-quality product in a landscape thats really well suited for it, shouldnt we be capturing some of that value at the state level? In January 2021, his team launched the Wyoming Blanket Project, working with Mountain Meadow Wool Mill in Buffalo to produce blankets using wool from the university farm in Laramie. The project, now part of the Wyoming Wool Initiative, will feature new blanket designs each year. A limited number of the 2022 blankets will be available for presale at Cheyenne Frontier Days starting Saturday, July 23. Currently, funds from blanket sales and other donations are used to support student internships and graduate assistantships; travel for wool judging competitions; and research and development for wool processing and manufacturing. As the initiative grows, the team will develop programming for producers throughout the state. The Lamb-a-Year program connects producers with UW students interested in the sheep industry. Participating producers will donate a minimum of five lambs, which will be transported and finished at Double J Lamb Feeders in Ault, Colo., in the fall. As part of the inaugural Lamb-a-Year course, UW students will be involved in the finishing and harvesting phase of lamb production. Students enrolled in the class will visit Double J Lamb Feeders multiple times to measure animal performance and learn about the lamb feeding industry. They also will collect carcass data at a lamb processing plant in Denver. This data will be shared with the producers who donated lambs to the project. While steer-a-year programs are common across the U.S., UWs Lamb-a-Year project is one of the first of its kind, Conley-Stewart says. Going forward, she hopes the Wyoming Wool Initiative will open doors for younger generations to get into the industry, support entrepreneurs making products with wool and help producers get more value from the wool that they grow. Ultimately, the goal is to build on the unique heritage of Wyomings wool industry to support its future, she says. To learn more about the Wyoming Wool Initiative, visit www.uwyo.edu/wyowool or email woolinitiative@uwyo.edu. For producers interested in contributing to the Lamb-a-Year program, visit bit.ly/uwyo-lamb-a-year-2022. remaining of Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. Editor Zaldy Dandan is the recipient of the Best Editorial Writer Award of the Society of Professional Journalists, and the CNMI Humanities Award for Outstanding Contributions to Journalism. His four books are available on amazon.com WICHITA, Kan. (AP) Three Wichita, Kansas, police officers have been suspended after they exchanged racist, homophobic or inappropriate messages with several other law enforcement officials, according to city officials. City Manager Robert Layton ordered that the officers be suspended for 15 days, rejecting interim police chief Lemuel Moore's planned eight-day suspensions as too little, The Wichita Eagle reported. Layton said the officers will need to undergo psychological exams when they return before they can be moved from desk work to regular duties. Investigations into the messages began after The Eagle reported about them in March and noted that none of those involved had been disciplined. The argument that this was a private conversation is superseded by the fact that the public had obtained the conversation and it was no longer private to the individuals involved, Moore said Thursday. A city report issued in April criticized department leaders for not adequately disciplining police involved in the messages and mishandling their investigation of the incidents. Investigators in Kansas found 13 Wichita police officers, three Sedgwick County sheriffs deputies and two city firefighters sent and received inappropriate text messages. The employees suspended Thursday include a Black officer who sent a racist George Floyd meme during the protests of 2020; a white officer who forwarded the meme to a deputy; and a white officer who identified with the Three Percenters, an anti-government militia group connected to the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. Two other officers received written reprimands and must undergo sensitivity training within 45 days. They were in a text thread where SWAT team members joked about killing civilians and being the ultimate de-escalators. Three other officers resigned from the department during the investigation. Law enforcement officers social media posts were thrust into the spotlight across the country after a 2019 research project found officers in at least five states bashing immigrants and Muslims, promoting racist stereotypes, identifying with right-wing militia groups and, especially, glorifying police brutality. analysis Nigeria has pumped more than US$8 billion into Ajaokuta Steel Company, a project which began more than 40 years ago but has yet to produce one tonne of steel. Several attempts have been made to bring the plant into production, but without success. It was built to 98% capacity by the Soviet Union's Tyazpromoexport. But the lack of a rail line around the plant, and changes in political and operational management over the years, stymied completion. Bilateral discussions in 2019 raised the possibility of Russian funding to resuscitate the steel plant, but the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine crisis may have stalled any unofficial agreements. Another problem for the plant is that some of its installed equipment may have been corroded and degraded by now. Steel corrodes quickly in acidic environments. Consumer-grade steel and other iron-rich metals can develop iron oxide (or rust) after just four or five days of exposure. Corrosion of parts has been reported by a team of Nigerian and Ukrainian experts auditing the plant. Still, the Nigerian federal government is now having yet another go. It is looking for a core investor that can get it running profitably on a concession basis. The cost of revamping the steel company was put at $1.4 billion in 2020. Instead of concessioning, we propose remanufacturing as a way of rescuing the plant. Remanufacturing is an industrial process whereby used or broken down products or components are restored to useful life. Based on our research, we argue that remanufacturing's economic, social and environmental advantages would solve the Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited problem, make it competitive, meet contemporary demands of sustainable manufacturing and get it operational. Nigerian demand for steel Ajaokuta Steel was conceived in 1958 to meet Nigeria's steel demand and launch Nigeria's and West Africa's manufacturing sector. The idea of a large-scale national steel production plant was based on the argument that no country could talk about power status or the defence of national interests without its own steel industry. Nigeria had a fast growing population, with rising demand for manufactured goods. A number of manufacturing industries sprang up in the 1960s and the 1970s. Local demand for steel products was about 3.5 million tonnes a year between 1985 and 1995, the bulk of which could only be met through imports. The manufacturing industry grew from 9% in 1985 to 19% in 1995, encouraging government's industrialisation drive. Challenges of concessioning As to how to meet that demand, a concessioning agreement for a steel plant presents some key challenges. Although the concession may put the steel plant into the hands of a competent investor, it is only for 10 years. Then legal challenges may arise. The most recent operator, an Indian company called Global Steel Holdings Limited, had its 10-year concession agreement revoked by the Nigerian government and the matter ended in an out-of-court settlement in 2016. A concession agreement with foreign operators cannot guarantee the involvement of local human resources, which Nigeria's manufacturing desperately needs. Remanufacturing inputs A major challenge of reviving the Ajaokuta Steel plant is that much of its equipment is in a broken-down state. We argue that remanufacturing could restore the equipment and get it working. It could also develop the local capacity for remanufacturing among Nigerians. Remanufacturing is an industrial process of steps that make make a used product as good as new. It is a key circular economy strategy. Broken-down parts are referred to as "cores". They are passed through a number of standardised remanufacturing operations - inspection, sorting, disassembly, part reprocessing or refurbishment, reassembly and testing - to ensure they meet product standards. The resulting output is a product which meets or exceeds the quality and performance standards of a newly manufactured product. Studies suggest that remanufacturing can save up to 50% of the cost of a newly manufactured product, 60% of the energy, 70% of the material and 80% of the air pollutant emissions. Remanufacturing is labour intensive, so it can support new jobs and other jobs in the supply chain, such as transporting cores from the original manufacturers or disposal site to the remanufacturer's site. The UN Environmental Programme has studied how remanufacturing can retain value, finding that it can reduce new material requirements by between 80% and 98% and increase skilled labour hours by up to 120%. Nigeria does engage in some remanufacturing, for example remanufacturing of medical devices, but it is largely unorganised and driven by small, independent operators. What makes remanufacturing ideal for Ajaokuta For remanufacturing to happen, cores must be available. It must be possible to disassemble the cores. And there must be labour and access to customers. We have assessed the challenge with the Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited and concluded that the barriers to remanufacturing can be overcome. First, the broken-down components in the steel facility form the remanufacturing cores. Most of these mechanical components (gearboxes, conveyor belts, cranes, blast furnace) can be disassembled and remanufactured. The steel plant would serve as the original equipment manufacturer (and customer) and a supply route could be created using the road networks around Ajaokuta, where the plant is located. A long term transport system should include a rail line to enable access to coal sites, for instance. Nigeria has a young population which could provide the unskilled and skilled labour for remanufacturing. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Nigeria Manufacturing By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. How to revive the steel plant For effective engineering management, we propose that Tyazpromoexport, the Russian company that first installed the Ajaokuta Steel plant, should work with Nigerian engineers to remanufacture the plant. The same company has successfully installed steel plants in Egypt, Algeria, Pakistan and India. We recommend the following broad steps: audit and assess worn-out and broken-down components determine what can be remanufactured and at what cost assess supporting stakeholders: independent remanufacturers, local routes, raw materials, facilities and labour remanufacture identified parts procure parts that can't be remanufactured install remanufactured and newly procured parts. We understand that Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited faces other challenges. They include the politicisation of the steel project, the Russia and Ukraine crisis and the resulting geopolitical fall-out. However, with over $8 billion already invested, zero production and the corroding of the facility, there is a need to urgently revive the steel complex. Remanufacturing presents an excellent opportunity to resuscitate it in a green, efficient and sustainable manner. Nnaemeka Vincent Emodi, Research Fellow, The University of Queensland Okechukwu Okorie, Lecturer in Sustainable Manufacturing, University of Exeter skynesher/Getty Images FRANKLIN A discussion of the Franklin School Districts plan to provide special education services to students with disabilities who attend private and home schools within the district is scheduled for August. The meeting will be at 3:45 p.m. Aug. 4 in the media room at Franklin High School, 110 State St. As monkeypox cases continue to spread in the state, especially in the city of Chicago, Gov. JB Pritzker is calling on the federal government to increase its vaccination efforts. A July 21 press release from the governor's office said Pritzker called on U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra to take more aggressive action to stop the outbreak of monkeypox by prioritizing areas with the most significant outbreaks. Pritzker also directed 4,600 doses from the state's allocation to Chicago. "Governor Pritzkers letter to Secretary Becerra, which was also sent to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Rochelle Walensky and Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response Dawn OConnell, outlined the lack of available vaccine in Chicago and Illinois as a whole despite being the state with the third-highest number of reported cases thus far," the release read. Pritzker cited what has been learned through the COVID pandemic that rapid response can make a significant difference in curbing outbreaks. We know that a swift response is essential when confronting outbreaks of disease, said Governor JB Pritzker in the release. And weve learned in the last few years that most people are eager to protect themselves and their communities when given the tools to do so. We must give the public and health professionals every tool possible to counter the spread of monkeypox, which is why Im urging the federal governments to take further action. Illinois Department of Public Health Director Amaal Tokars said despite the state's best efforts, it is seeing a rapid increase in monkeypox cases. "The best defense against this disease is the rapid distribution of effective vaccines," Tokars said. "While we are grateful for all the federal support we have received to date, we urge the federal government to make every effort to the extent possible to streamline the process and ramp up deliveries of vaccines so they can be promptly administered to the population that is most at risk. Chicago has received approximately 3,300 vaccine doses from the feds, according to the release. In addition to those doses, the state has received an additional 2,300 doses for areas outside of Chicago. "IDPH has designated approximately 2,600 doses from its allocation to the city of Chicago which has reported 86% of the cases in the state," the release reads. "An additional 15,440 doses allotted for the city have yet to be delivered. The state will be providing an additional 2,000 doses for Chicago to distribute in upcoming weeks. The city and state are partnering on outreach and awareness efforts across Chicago and the state as a whole, to ensure at-risk Illinoisans have the information necessary to stay protected." Pritzker said a strong state-federal partnership is needed to stop the spread of the virus. His letter noted that monkeypox is disproportionately impacting "the LGBTQ community and specifically men who have sex with men, groups historically underserved and discriminated against during the HIV/AIDS crisis." "There are many causes of rash illness," the release reads. "However, if someone has a rash illness that they are concerned about they should talk with, or see, a health care provider about their symptoms. They should not have close contact with other individuals until they have seen a health provider if monkeypox is suspected. In general, people should avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that might be monkeypox. More information is available at www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox." This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate NEW YORK (AP) Ivana Trump, the 1980s style icon and businesswoman who helped Donald Trump build the empire that put him on a road toward the White House, lived a beautiful life, the former president recalled as loved ones paid final respects to her Wednesday. The ex-president joined all his children, an array of other relatives and friends at a Manhattan church for Ivana Trump's funeral Mass. A very sad day, but at the same time a celebration of a wonderful and beautiful life, he wrote on his social media platform, Truth Social, before he, former first lady Melania Trump and their son Barron headed to St. Vincent Ferrer Roman Catholic Church, located just a few blocks from Ivana Trump's home near Central Park. Ivana and Donald Trump's three children Donald Jr., Ivanka and Eric stood with their father and their families as the gold-toned casket was carried from the church. Eric Trump briefly put an arm around his sister's shoulders as she held the hand of one of her small children, who clutched a red flower. Tiffany Trump, the daughter of the former president and his second wife, Marla Maples, also attended the service, as did family friends including Jeanine Pirro, co-host of Fox News' The Five, and Charles Kushner, a real estate developer and the father of Ivanka Trump's husband, Jared Kushner. Fashion designer Dennis Basso, a longtime friend of Ivana Trump's, was also among the mourners. The Mass was an elegant, wonderful send-off for Ivana Trump, another longtime friend, R. Couri Hay, said as he emerged. Trumps family announced Thursday that the 73-year-old had died at her home. Authorities said the death was an accident, with blunt impact injuries to her torso as the cause. Ivana and Donald Trump met in the 1970s and were married from 1977 to 1992. In the 1980s, they were a power couple, and she became well known in her own right, instantly recognizable with her blond hair in an updo and her glamorous look. Ivana Trump also took part in her husband's businesses, managing one of his Atlantic City casinos and picking out some of the design elements in New York City's Trump Tower. Their very public divorce was ugly, but in recent years, they were friendly. Ivana Trump was an enthusiastic supporter of Donald Trump's 2016 presidential campaign and said they spoke on a regular basis. ___ Associated Press writer Jennifer Peltz contributed. LONDON (AP) Britain's response to growing numbers of migrants crossing the English Channel on small boats is poor and officials are clearly overwhelmed on some days, an independent inspection found in a report published Thursday. The review by David Neal, the chief inspector of borders and immigration, was among critical reports published this week on the British government's handling of migration and asylum-seekers. Authorities have been struggling to cope with an increasing flow of people fleeing countries such as Afghanistan, Somalia and Iraq to seek asylum and better opportunities in the U.K. Since the start of the year, around 15,100 people have reached British shores after crossing the English Channel one of the world's busiest shipping lanes from France in unseaworthy vessels like rubber dinghies. The figure is almost double the 7,735 recorded last summer. On April 13, 651 people made the crossing in 18 boats the highest daily total so far this year. The volume is unprecedented, and on some days the system is clearly overwhelmed," Neal said. Systems, processes and resourcing pathways, which months into the crisis should be routine, codified, auditable and familiar, have been delivered at 'best effort. This is not good enough," he added. Neal described the department's data as inexcusably awful and said its security check equipment was often first generation and unreliable. More than 200 migrants absconded from secure hotels after arriving in Britain in just four months, his report found, and some didn't have their biometrics recorded. The inspector said his report was submitted to Home Secretary Priti Patel in February and should have been published in April. He said he was frustrated by the way the Home Office sat on his findings for months. The Home Office said it has accepted all of Neals recommendations and it has already changed the way it managed migrants arriving in small boats. A separate independent report, also published Thursday, said U.K. border officials have been ineffective and possibly counter-productive in preventing migrants from making small boat journeys to British shores. That review, by former Australian immigration minister Alexander Downer, said the U.K. Border Force's boats aren't designed for conducting search and rescue operations. The charges of incompetency came amid criticism of Britain's increasingly tough measures to try to stop the small boat crossings. In April, the government agreed on a controversial deal with Rwanda to deport some migrants who entered the U.K. illegally to the east African country. The first such deportation flight was scheduled to take off last month, but the plane was grounded after a last-minute intervention from the European Court of Human Rights. Opponents, including Church of England leaders and the U.N. refugee agency, have condemned the move as immoral and inhumane. ___ Follow APs coverage of migration issues at https://apnews.com/hub/migration This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate BOSTON (AP) Dangerously high temperatures threatened much of the Northeast and Deep South on Thursday, as huge swaths of the country sweltered under a heat wave that could continue for days and send temperatures soaring in places like Boston, Little Rock and Virginia Beach. As some temperatures neared 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37.8 degrees Celsius), millions of Americans sought comfort by staying in the shade of homes or in air-conditioned offices, and cooled themselves in fountains, at beaches or in cooling centers. The heat was expected to extend into the weekend, prompting officials to urge people to seek shelter, as well as to drink lots of water and be good Samaritans by checking on elderly neighbors for signs of distress. Its going to be very hot and humid. Hydrate and stay in shaded areas, said James Tomasini, a meteorologist in Uptown, New York. In the New York City area, temperatures will again soar into the 90s below triple-digit records but the high moisture in the air will make it feel well over a 100 degrees, he said. Excessive heat warnings issued when the heat index surpasses 105 degrees Fahrenheit (40.6 degrees Celsius) continuously for at least two hours were in effect in parts of the Deep South and pockets of the mid-Atlantic. Heat advisories extended along the East Coast, from South Carolina to southern Maine. In Boston, residents and visitors were doing their best to cool down during the third of what could be a six-day stretch of 90-plus temperatures. Mayor Michelle Wu extended a previously announced heat emergency in the city through Sunday and urged resident to take advantage of cooling centers and splash pads. Josh Austin and his wife Michelle traveled down from New Hampshire with their two young daughters to visit the New England Aquarium and enjoy one such splash pad. Im sure theres some aspect of this heat wave that is a result of global warming higher temperatures for longer periods of time, said Josh, 40, a sustainability manager. But I think its also just typical of New England summers to get these warm stretches. Massachusetts House and Senate lawmakers approved a compromise bill on Thursday that mandates some of the steps the state needs to take to meet a goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Nancy Cahill also took her young grandsons to the aquarium, stopping by a splash pad on the Rose Kennedy Greenway afterward. We are very fortunate that we have access to pools, said Cahill, 63, who lives in Wakefield, about 15 miles north of the city. Were also fortunate because we have air conditioning. I feel bad for those people who dont have that right now. In the Tidewater area of southeast Virginia, temperatures were expected to reach nearly the century mark, but humidity will push the heat index beyond 105 degrees, said meteorologist Tim Gingrich. People could suffer heat exhaustion and heat stroke if they're outdoors for a significant amount of time, Gingrich said. You dont want to be outdoors in the hottest part of the day. Cooling centers sprung up across swaths of the country to provide relief from the stifling heat and high humidities. At a community center run by the Salvation Army in Brooklyn one of eight of the organization's facilities opened up across New York City it was so hot that not a soul was milling about outside, said Capt. Jack Tripari, the chaplain at the facility in a working class neighborhood. We are trying to supply them with water and a nice cool place, he said. People seeking relief from the heat have trickled in sporadically, staying for about a half hour or so before heading back into the heat. Weve had some families that come on with their children. Some have gone out to do run some errands and find themselves a little too hot. And so they step in and try to cool down for a little bit. Weve had older people, elderly people who might have been waiting for the bus for a little bit, Tripari said. This summer is shaping up to be one of the hottest on record not just in the United States but across Europe and other parts of the globe. In Arkansas, a combination of searing temperatures and moist air across much of the state prompted warnings about excessive heat which could cause some people to succumb to heat stroke and other weather-related ailments. ___ Calvan reported from New York. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) Teachers gave heart-wrenching testimony Wednesday in the penalty trial of Nikolas Cruz, with one recalling how a boy in her Holocaust studies class correctly answered a question seconds before he became one of 17 people murdered during the school shooter's rampage four years ago. Ivy Schamis, then a teacher at Parkland's Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, was leading students through a discussion about the 1936 Olympics in Nazi Germany when star swimmer Nick Dworet correctly responded that Adolf Dassler founded the Adidas shoe company. He then added that Dassler's brother founded the rival Puma brand. It was then that they heard the initial gunshots in the first-floor hallway of the three-story building, and Cruz began firing his semi-automatic rifle through the glass on her classroom door near where he entered. It was really seconds later that the barrel of that AR15 just ambushed our classroom," Schamis testified, wiping her eyes with a tissue. It came right through that glass panel and was just shooting everywhere. It was very loud. Very frightening. I kept thinking about these kids who should not be experiencing this at all. She said the students scrambled to find safety behind furniture, but didn't panic and acted with bravery and maturity as they waited to be rescued. Three students were wounded in her class and two were killed: Dworet and Helena Ramsay, both 17. When shown their portraits, she began to weep. Thats my girl, Helena Ramsay, she said. Nicholas Dworet, handsome boy. Dworet's brother Alexander was grazed by a bullet in a classroom across the hall, where three students were killed and several more wounded. Cruz, 23, pleaded guilty in October to 17 counts of first-degree murder for the Feb. 14, 2018, massacre. The jury must decide if the former Stoneman Douglas student should be sentenced to death or life without parole for the nations deadliest mass shooting to go before a jury. The trial is expected to last through at least October. Nine other gunmen who killed at least 17 people died during or immediately after their shootings, either by suicide or police gunfire. The suspect in the 2019 slaying of 23 people at a Walmart in El Paso, Texas, is awaiting trial. Schamis' testimony was followed by that of Ronit Reoven, who was lecturing her advanced psychology class about Sigmund Freud when Cruz started firing into her neighboring classroom, also through the door's window. There were multiple gunshots," she said. "They were incredibly loud. BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM! I froze for a moment and the students jumped out of their seats. Of course, they were startled and scared." Reoven said she and the students crouched on the floor around her desk and wounded students were moaning and crying. She used a blanket that normally covered her coffee machine as a tourniquet to stop the bleeding from a boy's arm. Another boy used a jacket to stanch the bleeding from a girl's chest. A girl shot in the knee appeared to be stable. But 16-year-old Carmen Schentrup was lying facedown in a pool of blood. I knew that she was probably gone, Reoven said. On the third floor, Stacey Lippel was teaching creative writing and Ernest Rospierski was supervising study hall when Cruz's shots on the first floor triggered the fire alarm. Not realizing a shooting was happening below them, they led their students into the hallway to evacuate. That's when screaming students began coming back up the stairwell and they could hear gunshots. Lippel said she and the teacher from the neighboring room, Scott Beigel, quickly reopened their doors and started getting students back inside. It was then that Cruz emerged from the stairwell, splaying the rifle back and forth, shot after shot after shot," she said. "It never stopped. Lippel said she got inside her room and closed the door, but Beigel was fatally shot. Beigel's student, Veronica Steel, testified that his body kept the door from closing, leaving the students in the room fearful Cruz would come inside. It was scary. We didn't know what to do, she said. Rospierski's head and hip were grazed by bullets, but he helped students who had gathered in the alcove outside his classroom flee down a stairwell when Cruz briefly stopped shooting. Surveillance video played for the jury shows that two wounded students, 18-year-old Meadow Pollack and 14-year-old Cara Loughran, remained behind, lying on the floor. Cruz killed them with a second blast. He then killed 17-year-old Joaquin Oliver, who was lying wounded in front of a restroom. Two students in the fleeing group, 14-year-old Jaime Guttenberg and 15-year-old Peter Wang, were hit just before they reached the stairwell door and potential safety. Both died, Wang after Cruz shot him with a second volley. When jurors eventually get the case, they will vote 17 times, once for each of the victims, on whether to recommend capital punishment. For each death sentence, the jury must be unanimous or the sentence for that victim is life. The jurors are told that to vote for death, the prosecutions aggravating circumstances for that victim must, in their judgment, outweigh the defenses mitigators. A juror can also vote for life out of mercy for Cruz. During jury selection, the panelists said under oath that they are capable of voting for either sentence. ___ Associated Press reporter Freida Frisaro in Miami contributed to this report. The South Jacksonville board's discussion about the AT&T cell tower project will continue today as trustees consider a second round of proposed tower sites. The board declined the first proposal. The board will meet in special session at 6:30 p.m., but also will meet as a committee of the whole after the special meeting. Village President Dick Samples said the board will continue to discuss the project that would bring an AT&T cell tower to the village. "There are currently three potential sites that (AT&T is) analyzing," Samples said. "They are looking at them and will get back to us." One site is at Prairie Land Heritage Museum, one is on private land and hasn't been publicly disclosed and one is south of the originally proposed site and not on village land, Samples said. The village denied a proposal to construct a tower on village-owned property near South Jacksonville Police Department and South Jacksonville Fire Department at 1810 Sequoia Drive. Trustees declined the proposal because of concerns it would interfere with the communications tower for the police and fire departments and limit the village's use of the land. Both departments have used the area for training. It also would prevent any expansion projects for either department. In addition to the cell tower discussion, the board will have a chance to discuss the limited availability of trash services and what options are available for the service, Samples said. Misinformation has made it seem as if there were multiple businesses providing trash service to the area and Samples wants to provide an opportunity for the board to discuss the issue so everyone had correct information, he said. The board also will have a chance to discuss a proposal for a special use permit for a South Jacksonville woman who wants to establish a dog grooming and daycare service. "We have someone wanting to have a kennel or two, but our ordinance doesn't allow kennels in residential areas," Samples said. During the special session, the board is expected to vote on approving bids for the rock and chip program through Benton and Associates and approve a lease agreement with Hopper RV Co. The meeting will be at South Jacksonville Village Hall at 301 Dewey Drive. Abuja Nigeria's president, Muhammadu Buhari, has unveiled a revamped national oil company that he called commercially driven and not relying on government funding. Buhari says the Nigerian National Petroleum Company would improve energy security amid shortages and high prices. But energy experts in Nigeria, Africa's largest oil producer, question if needed reforms will accompany the re-branding. The transition of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) into a limited liability company took place Wednesday at a high-level state event in Abuja. During the meeting, President Muhammadu Buhari and other top government officials unveiled the new company's logo and said its asset base will be declared soon. Buhari said it's a landmark moment for Nigeria's oil industry and that it would guarantee energy security in the country. The president also said the new oil company will operate independently, without relying on government funding and rules. Buhari says it will position Nigeria to earn bigger income from oil and address local energy needs. "Our country places high premium in creating the right atmosphere that support investments and growth to boost our economy and continue to play an important role in sustaining global energy requirements. We're transforming our petroleum industry to strengthen its capacity and market relevance for the present and future energy priorities," he said. The transition was triggered by Buhari's signing of a petroleum industry bill into law last August. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Nigeria Petroleum By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Nigeria is Africa's biggest oil producer and also has huge natural gas reserves. But the country lacks refineries and a reliable electrical grid, leaving millions to grapple with regular power cuts, fuel scarcity and high energy prices. Some experts like Emmanuel Afimia, founder of Abuja energy consulting company Enermics Consulting Limited, say oil company leaders need to move past business as usual. "One of the problem we've always had in Nigeria is the problem of implementation. If NNPC can actually do the right thing, if the regulatory authorities can also do the right thing, then I believe that NNPC will be able to achieve its objectives of maximizing the opportunities, maximizing output and also maximizing the profit in the industry," he said. Afimia says if properly run, the company will attract more investment. "With this, funding issues will be resolved because NNPC can simply go into its purse to bring out funds to for funding new oil and gas projects without having to wait for the president or house of assembly to approve anything, it would ensure that the country is able to move fast, and then investors will be confident enough to invest in NNPC," he said. Authorities say the company could be ready to list its shares on the stock exchange by the middle of next year. Many will be watching to see how -- and if -- the rebranding changes the status quo. WHO moves to roll out first malaria vaccine in Africa View Photo BLANTYRE, Malawi (AP) As the World Health Organization announces the next step in its rollout of the worlds first authorized malaria vaccine in three African countries, concerns about its value have come from an unlikely source: the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, arguably the vaccines biggest backer. WHO endorsed the vaccine last fall as a historic breakthrough in the fight against malaria, but the Gates Foundation told The Associated Press this week it will no longer offer direct financial support to the shot although it will fund an alliance backing the vaccine. Some scientists say theyre mystified by that decision, warning it could leave millions of African children at risk of dying from malaria as well as undermine future efforts to solve intractable problems in public health. The vaccine, sold by GlaxoSmithKline as Mosquirix, is about 30% effective and requires four doses. The malaria vaccine has a much lower efficacy than we would like, Philip Welkhoff, the Gates Foundations director of malaria programs, told the AP. Explaining its decision to end support after spending more than $200 million and several decades getting the vaccine to market, he said the shot is relatively expensive and logistically challenging to deliver. If were trying to save as many lives with our existing funding, that cost-effectiveness matters, he said. The Gates Foundation will continue its financial support to Gavi, a vaccines alliance that is also backed by WHO and the World Bank. Were supporting the roll-out via the Gavi funding, but we decided we would not dedicate additional direct funding to extend the supply of the vaccine, Welkhoff said. The Gates Foundations decision to pivot away from supporting the rollout of the vaccine in Africa was made years ago after detailed deliberations, including whether the foundations money would be better spent on other malaria vaccines, treatments or production capacity, Welkhoff said. Some of the resources that might have gone into getting the vaccine to countries have been redirected to buy new insecticidal nets, for example. Its not the greatest vaccine in the world, but there are ways of using it that could have a big impact, said Alister Craig, dean of biological sciences at Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine. The world is struggling to contain the spike in malaria seen since the coronavirus pandemic disrupted efforts to stop the parasitic disease, which killed more than 620,000 people in 2020 and caused 241 million cases, mainly in children under 5 in Africa, Craig said. Its not like we have a lot of other alternatives, Craig said. There could be another vaccine approved in about five years, but thats a lot of lives lost if we wait until then, he said, referring to a shot being developed by Oxford University. BioNTech, creator of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, plans to apply the messenger RNA technology it used for the coronavirus to malaria, but that project is in its infancy. Another big obstacle is availability; GSK says it can only produce about 15 million doses per year until 2028. WHO estimates that to protect the 25 million children born in Africa every year, at least 100 million doses every year might be needed. Although there are plans to transfer the technology to an Indian drugmaker, it will be years before any doses are produced. All the money in the world wouldnt alleviate the vaccines short-term supply constraints, said Welkhoff, of the Gates Foundation. He noted that the Gates Foundation continues to support vaccines alliance Gavi, which is investing nearly $156 million into making the shot initially available in three African countries: Ghana, Kenya and Malawi. On Thursday, WHO and Gavi invited developing countries to apply for funding to pay for the malaria vaccine in their countries. If delivered to scale, the vaccine will help to prevent millions of cases of malaria, save tens of thousands of lives and ensure a brighter future for the continent, said Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHOs Africa director. The Gates Foundations withdrawal of financial support for the malaria vaccine might unnerve others, Dr. David Schellenberg of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, said. There is a risk that this could discourage others who are considering financing the malaria vaccine or even be a disincentive for people working on other vaccines, he said. He said that combining the vaccines use with other measures, like distributing drugs during malarias peak season could dramatically reduce cases and deaths. We still see people coming in with four or five episodes of malaria a year, he said. We dont have a magic bullet, but we could make better use of the tools we do have. An imperfect roll-out of the vaccine would still save lives, Dr. Dyann Wirth, an infectious diseases expert at Harvard University, said. We would love to have 100 million doses, but that kind of money doesnt exist for malaria, she said. The 15 million doses we have is still 15 million opportunities to protect children that we didnt previously have. The Gates Foundation had done its part in bringing the vaccine to market and it is now up to countries, donors and other health organizations to ensure it is used, she said. The vaccine, even with its imperfections, is eagerly awaited in Malawi. Nolia Zidana, 32, said she is keen to get her two young sons immunized after seeing malaria sicken them numerous times and surviving it herself. Growing up with my parents and siblings, we have been sick from malaria all the time, said Zidana, who lives in Malawis central Ntcheu district. My elder son has had malaria countless times within the four years that he has been around. While just at 7 months old, twice my younger son has already been down with malaria, she said. She said although they sleep under mosquito nets, sometimes they get bitten before going to bed as they are preparing meals for supper in the dark of the evening. We hear other people use mosquito repellents or burn anti-mosquito incense coils, which we cannot afford as we are just peasant farmers that live from hand to mouth, she said. Dr. Michael Kayange of Malawis Ministry of Health, urged everyone in the country to take whatever measures they can to curb malaria. Immunization itself is insufficient to stop the disease and people should adopt multiple strategies, he said. Even just by sleeping under a mosquito net, you have played your role in reducing the malaria burden in the country, he said. ___ Cheng reported from London. By MARIA CHENG and GREGORY GONDWE Associated Press Report: UK clearly overwhelmed by surge in migrant crossings View Photo LONDON (AP) Britains response to growing numbers of migrants crossing the English Channel on small boats is poor and officials are clearly overwhelmed on some days, an independent inspection found in a report published Thursday. The review by David Neal, the chief inspector of borders and immigration, was among critical reports published this week on the British governments handling of migration and asylum-seekers. Authorities have been struggling to cope with an increasing flow of people fleeing countries such as Afghanistan, Somalia and Iraq to seek asylum and better opportunities in the U.K. Since the start of the year, around 15,100 people have reached British shores after crossing the English Channel one of the worlds busiest shipping lanes from France in unseaworthy vessels like rubber dinghies. The figure is almost double the 7,735 recorded last summer. On April 13, 651 people made the crossing in 18 boats the highest daily total so far this year. The volume is unprecedented, and on some days the system is clearly overwhelmed, Neal said. Systems, processes and resourcing pathways, which months into the crisis should be routine, codified, auditable and familiar, have been delivered at best effort. This is not good enough, he added. Neal described the departments data as inexcusably awful and said its security check equipment was often first generation and unreliable. More than 200 migrants absconded from secure hotels after arriving in Britain in just four months, his report found, and some didnt have their biometrics recorded. The inspector said his report was submitted to Home Secretary Priti Patel in February and should have been published in April. He said he was frustrated by the way the Home Office sat on his findings for months. The Home Office said it has accepted all of Neals recommendations and it has already changed the way it managed migrants arriving in small boats. A separate independent report, also published Thursday, said U.K. border officials have been ineffective and possibly counter-productive in preventing migrants from making small boat journeys to British shores. That review, by former Australian immigration minister Alexander Downer, said the U.K. Border Forces boats arent designed for conducting search and rescue operations. The charges of incompetency came amid criticism of Britains increasingly tough measures to try to stop the small boat crossings. In April, the government agreed on a controversial deal with Rwanda to deport some migrants who entered the U.K. illegally to the east African country. The first such deportation flight was scheduled to take off last month, but the plane was grounded after a last-minute intervention from the European Court of Human Rights. Opponents, including Church of England leaders and the U.N. refugee agency, have condemned the move as immoral and inhumane. ___ Follow APs coverage of migration issues at https://apnews.com/hub/migration By SYLVIA HUI Associated Press Rio police raid on favela kills at least 18, sparks anger View Photo RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) A police operation Thursday targeting gang members in Rio de Janeiros largest complex of favelas, or low-income communities, left at least 18 people dead in one of the deadliest raids the city has seen recently and one already bringing more criticism of police violence. Rio authorities said 16 suspected criminals were killed in confrontations with police in Complexo do Alemao along with a police officer and an woman. A police spokesman said the raid targeted a criminal group that stole cars and robbed banks, and invaded nearby neighborhoods. Videos circulating on social media showed intense shootouts between criminals as well as a police helicopter flying low over the small, brick houses. Rios police have used helicopters to shoot at targets, even in densely populated residential areas, and video showed shots being fired from the favela at the aircraft. At the site of the raid, Associated Press reporters saw residents carrying about 10 bodies as bystanders shouted, We want peace! Residents said those who attempted to help the injured risked arrest. Its a massacre inside, which police are calling an operation, one woman told AP, speaking on the condition of anonymity because she feared reprisals from authorities. Theyre not letting us help (victims), she added, saying she saw one man arrested for attempting to do so. A Rios police force spokesman said some of the criminals wore uniforms to disguise themselves as police officers. I would rather they (the suspects) had not reacted and then we could have arrested 15, 14 of them. But unfortunately they chose to fire at our policemen, said Ronaldo Oliveira, an investigator of Rios police. Rio state Gov. Claudio Castro said on Twitter he lamented the police officers death. I will continue to fight crime with all my strength. We will not back down from the mission of guaranteeing peace and security to the people of our state, Castro said. But many disagree with the governments strategy for tackling violence and organized crime, an approach that regularly sees deadly police operations. A raid in Rios Vila Cruzeiro favela in May killed more than 20 people. Thursdays operation was aimed at locating and arresting criminal leaders, some from other states, police said in an early statement. ENOUGH of this genocidal policy, governor! Taliria Petrone, a federal lawmaker for Rio, said in response to the governors tweet. This failed public security policy leaves residents and police on the ground, en masse. Its no longer possible to keep piling up Black bodies and favela residents every day! Alemao is a complex of 13 favelas in northern Rio, home to about 70,000 people. Nearly three-quarters of them are Afro-Brazilians, according to a July 2020 study published by the Brazilian Institute of Social and Economical Analyses. Earlier this year, Brazils Supreme Court established a series of conditions for police to conduct raids in Rios favelas as a means to reduce police killings and violations of human rights. The court ordered that lethal force be used only in situations in which all other means have been exhausted and when necessary to protect life. The ruling came in response to a raid on the Jacarezinho favela in 2021 that resulted in 28 people being killed. As was the case Thursday, an officer died during that raid, which some speculated at the time was the cause for subsequent abuse and summary executions. Thursdays operation began before dawn and finished around 4 p.m. local time, police said. Nearly 400 police officers were involved, including Rios tactical police unit, backed up by four helicopters and 10 bullet-proofed vehicles, according to the police statement. In a video shared by Voz da Comunidade, a community news outlet focused on Rios favelas, residents can be seen calling for peace and waving white cloths from their windows and rooftops. Fabricio Oliveira, one of the coordinators of the police raid, said authorities fear that Friday could be another violent day at the Complexo do Alemao. Our experience has told us that after raids like these police are attacked in every way, Oliveira said. ____ AP journalist Mauricio Savarese contributed to this report from Sao Paulo. By DIARLEI RODRIGUES and DIANE JEANTET Associated Press Washington, DC The White House has put out a statement about President Joe Biden testing positive for COVID-19. Press Secretary Karine Jean Pierre writes, This morning, President Biden tested positive for COVID-19. He is fully vaccinated and twice boosted and experiencing very mild symptoms. He has begun taking Paxlovid. Consistent with CDC guidelines, he will isolate at the White House and will continue to carry out all of his duties fully during that time. He has been in contact with members of the White House staff by phone this morning, and will participate in his planned meetings at the White House this morning via phone and Zoom from the residence. The White House reports it will put out twice daily updates on the Presidents status. Prior to todays positive test, Biden tested negative on Tuesday. Biden, 79, recently returned from visits to Saudi Arabia and New York. press release Khartoum The Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan Khardiata Lo Ndiaye has expressed deep concern over dozens of civilians killed and thousands of women and children displaced after a wave of inter-communal violence in parts of Blue Nile State over the past few days. Humanitarian organizations are providing the affected people with initial assistance. We are deeply concerned, lives have been lost, thousands of people had to flee and seek safety and shelter, and lives of many others have been disrupted, the Humanitarian Coordinator said. I am calling on all parties to stop the violence, talk to each other and seek mutually acceptable solutions. As of 19 July, about 14,000 people have been displaced from Ar Rusayris locality in Blue Nile State following a wave of inter-communal violence that started in Ganis town and other parts of Ar Rusayris on 15 July, according to the government authorities. There are reports of an additional 1,000 people displaced in Ar Rusayris, and 500 people outside Ed Damazine town. The total number of displaced is likely to increase, as information from other parts of the state and neighboring states comes in. The Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH) has so far registered 97 total deaths related to the violence. We are already providing assistance and support to thousands of vulnerable people in parts of Blue Nile State and stand ready to support the people affected by this wave of violence, the Humanitarian Coordinator said. Humanitarian organizations are dispatching health and medical supplies enough for 30,000 people, including three emergency health kits (medicines and supplies for treatment), trauma kits and supplies for at least 450 trauma cases. These supplies are being delivered to the FMoH to be sent to Blue Nile. Humanitarian partners have also received requests to expand the field capacity of Damazine hospital (tents, medicines, surgical supplies, and outpatient treatment capacity) to cope with the growing caseload. They are also providing meals to around 4,500 displaced people. Humanitarian organizations reached about 563,000 people in Blue Nile with humanitarian assistance and support during January-March 2022. The population of Blue Nile is estimated at 1.3 million. These clashes are occurring at a time when humanitarian needs in Sudan are already at an all-time high. Over 14 million people, currently require some form of life-saving assistance. Upticks in violence further exacerbate the humanitarian situation, at a time when funding for the 2022 Sudan Humanitarian Response Plan stands at 20 per cent, more than halfway through the year. Assemblyman Jim Patterson View Photo Sacramento, CA Law enforcement officials in California will have a new tool to track down hit-and-run drivers. Republican Assemblyman Jim Patterson authored a bill that will allow officials to request the CHP to activate a Yellow Alert in the event that a hit-and-run driver flees the scene of a crash. Freeway signs in designated areas would light up with the vehicles license plate number and description. It is similar to an Amber Alert that helps officials find abducted children. When a driver leaves the scene of the crime, they fail to do the most humane thing to stay and render critical aid to the person they hurt, Patterson said. We need to do everything possible to help law enforcement find these drivers so they can be held accountable for their actions. The new law, which will take effect this coming January, was signed by Governor Gavin Newsom. The Mother Lode area is currently represented by Frank Bigelow in the Assembly, but he is not running for re-election because of redistricting. Patterson, who is from Fresno, is running for the seat that will cover parts of the valley and Mother Lode. Teachers weep recalling students killed in Parkland shooting View Photo FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) Teachers gave heart-wrenching testimony Wednesday in the penalty trial of Nikolas Cruz, with one recalling how a boy in her Holocaust studies class correctly answered a question seconds before he became one of 17 people murdered during the school shooters rampage four years ago. Ivy Schamis, then a teacher at Parklands Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, was leading students through a discussion about the 1936 Olympics in Nazi Germany when star swimmer Nick Dworet correctly responded that Adolf Dassler founded the Adidas shoe company. He then added that Dasslers brother founded the rival Puma brand. It was then that they heard the initial gunshots in the first-floor hallway of the three-story building, and Cruz began firing his semi-automatic rifle through the glass on her classroom door near where he entered. It was really seconds later that the barrel of that AR15 just ambushed our classroom, Schamis testified, wiping her eyes with a tissue. It came right through that glass panel and was just shooting everywhere. It was very loud. Very frightening. I kept thinking about these kids who should not be experiencing this at all. She said the students scrambled to find safety behind furniture, but didnt panic and acted with bravery and maturity as they waited to be rescued. Three students were wounded in her class and two were killed: Dworet and Helena Ramsay, both 17. When shown their portraits, she began to weep. Thats my girl, Helena Ramsay, she said. Nicholas Dworet, handsome boy. Dworets brother Alexander was grazed by a bullet in a classroom across the hall, where three students were killed and several more wounded. Cruz, 23, pleaded guilty in October to 17 counts of first-degree murder for the Feb. 14, 2018, massacre. The jury must decide if the former Stoneman Douglas student should be sentenced to death or life without parole for the nations deadliest mass shooting to go before a jury. The trial is expected to last through at least October. Nine other gunmen who killed at least 17 people died during or immediately after their shootings, either by suicide or police gunfire. The suspect in the 2019 slaying of 23 people at a Walmart in El Paso, Texas, is awaiting trial. Schamis testimony was followed by that of Ronit Reoven, who was lecturing her advanced psychology class about Sigmund Freud when Cruz started firing into her neighboring classroom, also through the doors window. There were multiple gunshots, she said. They were incredibly loud. BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM! I froze for a moment and the students jumped out of their seats. Of course, they were startled and scared. Reoven said she and the students crouched on the floor around her desk and wounded students were moaning and crying. She used a blanket that normally covered her coffee machine as a tourniquet to stop the bleeding from a boys arm. Another boy used a jacket to stanch the bleeding from a girls chest. A girl shot in the knee appeared to be stable. But 16-year-old Carmen Schentrup was lying facedown in a pool of blood. I knew that she was probably gone, Reoven said. On the third floor, Stacey Lippel was teaching creative writing and Ernest Rospierski was supervising study hall when Cruzs shots on the first floor triggered the fire alarm. Not realizing a shooting was happening below them, they led their students into the hallway to evacuate. Thats when screaming students began coming back up the stairwell and they could hear gunshots. Lippel said she and the teacher from the neighboring room, Scott Beigel, quickly reopened their doors and started getting students back inside. It was then that Cruz emerged from the stairwell, splaying the rifle back and forth, shot after shot after shot, she said. It never stopped. Lippel said she got inside her room and closed the door, but Beigel was fatally shot. Beigels student, Veronica Steel, testified that his body kept the door from closing, leaving the students in the room fearful Cruz would come inside. It was scary. We didnt know what to do, she said. Rospierskis head and hip were grazed by bullets, but he helped students who had gathered in the alcove outside his classroom flee down a stairwell when Cruz briefly stopped shooting. Surveillance video played for the jury shows that two wounded students, 18-year-old Meadow Pollack and 14-year-old Cara Loughran, remained behind, lying on the floor. Cruz killed them with a second blast. He then killed 17-year-old Joaquin Oliver, who was lying wounded in front of a restroom. Two students in the fleeing group, 14-year-old Jaime Guttenberg and 15-year-old Peter Wang, were hit just before they reached the stairwell door and potential safety. Both died, Wang after Cruz shot him with a second volley. When jurors eventually get the case, they will vote 17 times, once for each of the victims, on whether to recommend capital punishment. For each death sentence, the jury must be unanimous or the sentence for that victim is life. The jurors are told that to vote for death, the prosecutions aggravating circumstances for that victim must, in their judgment, outweigh the defenses mitigators. A juror can also vote for life out of mercy for Cruz. During jury selection, the panelists said under oath that they are capable of voting for either sentence. ___ Associated Press reporter Freida Frisaro in Miami contributed to this report. By TERRY SPENCER Associated Press White House insiders to talk about Trumps actions on Jan. 6 View Photo WASHINGTON (AP) Matt Pottinger was a journalist in China, concerned about the countrys drift toward authoritarianism, when he decided at age 31 to enlist in the U.S. Marines after the invasion of Iraq. Our form of government is not inevitable, Pottinger recalled thinking during an interview two years ago with the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute. And it shouldnt be taken for granted. But its a form of government very much worth fighting for. Pottinger had no way of knowing when he put on his military uniform for the first time how close to home that battle for democracy would get. He became deputy national security adviser to President Donald Trump, and he resigned after the Jan. 6 attack that tried to stop the peaceful transfer of power to President Joe Biden. On Thursday, hell be one of the key witnesses at a prime-time hearing of the select House committee investigating the attack. The other is Sarah Matthews, who resigned from her position as a deputy press secretary the same day. Pottinger and Matthews will join Cassidy Hutchinson, a former assistant to Mark Meadows, Trumps final chief of staff, in the exclusive club of Trump White House insiders who have appeared publicly. Their appearances stand in blunt contrast to the cadre of Trump loyalists who have tried to defy the committees subpoenas, remained silent or continued to dismiss the investigations findings. Any details on what Pottinger and Matthews will share on Thursday have been kept under wraps, but the hearing is expected to focus on what Trump did and didnt do as his supporters swarmed the U.S. Capitol and interrupted the ceremonial certification of the election. Roughly three hours elapsed between Trumps speech at a rally near the White House and his release of a video calling the rioters very special but asking them to go home now. Pottinger, 49, and Matthews, 27, may be able to illuminate what was happening behind the scenes as Trump resisted pleas from family, aides and Republicans to condemn the riot and urge people to leave the building. As a member of the press office, Matthews was privy to debates over what the White House and Trump should say publicly during the riot and what other aides advised. And although Pottinger was focused on foreign policy, his position placed him at the crossroads of national security matters. Whatever they saw that day, they decided to quit, helping to begin an exodus that included other White House staff and various Cabinet officials. These are people who believed in the work they were doing, but didnt believe in the stolen election, said Rep. Elaine Luria, D-Va., a member of the select committee. Luria added, Its just a key piece of telling the story about that day, because well be hearing from people who were in the White House, what they observed, what their reactions were. Alyssa Farah Griffin, the former White House director of strategic communications, said Pottinger and Matthews could make potent witnesses, particularly because of their very different backgrounds. Pottinger, Griffin said, is someone with enormous credibility, who is highly respected in the national security space and not seen as overtly political. Matthews, in contrast, is a tried and true Republican who worked for Trumps reelection campaign and was hand-picked to join the White House. I think their testimony will be incredibly compelling and carry a lot of weight, said Griffin, who has been supportive of the committees work and has discussed Matthews testimony with her. Matthews began working for Republicans on Capitol Hill as an intern while she was still a student at Kent State University in Ohio. She was so eager to begin a career in Washington that she moved to the city for her first job a month before her graduation, missing her last weeks of college and finishing her final classes online, she told her alma mater in an interview two years ago. Matthews was hired as a deputy press secretary for Trumps reelection campaign and was brought over to the White House by press secretary Kayleigh McEnany. She worked in the area of the West Wing known as upper press, placing her in closer proximity to the Oval Office than others in her office. Sometimes she joined Trump for media interviews, but mostly she fielded questions from reporters and helped prepare for White House briefings. When Matthews resigned on Jan. 6, she issued a statement saying she was deeply disturbed by what I saw today. On the anniversary of the attack, she called it one of the darkest days in American history. Make no mistake, the events on the 6th were a coup attempt, a term wed use had they happened in any other country, and former President Trump failed to meet the moment, she tweeted. Pottinger did not issue a statement when he resigned on Jan. 6, but he discussed the decision during previous, closed-door testimony to the committee. While the riot was underway, Pottinger said, a staff member brought him a printout of a Trump tweet accusing Vice President Mike Pence of not having the courage to do what should have been done to overturn the election. I read that tweet and made a decision at that moment to resign, Pottinger said. Thats where I knew that I was leaving that day once I read that tweet. Pottinger took a much more roundabout path to the White House than Matthews. His father, John Stanley Pottinger, served as an assistant attorney general under Presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford. Matt Pottinger studied China in college, then moved to the country to work as a reporter for Reuters and The Wall Street Journal. But in 2005, he joined the Marines. Explaining his unusual decision, Pottinger wrote an essay saying that living in China also shows you what a nondemocratic country can do to its citizens. Qualifying at age 31 wasnt easy. He wrote that he got winded after running for five minutes, and he could only do half a pullup. But by the time he took his physical fitness test, he could do 13 pullups and run 3 miles in less than 21 minutes. Pottinger deployed to Iraq as an intelligence officer, and he later worked in Afghanistan with U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn. At the time, Flynn was a respected military leader, not the promoter of conspiracy theories that hes become today. They ended up writing a report criticizing military intelligence efforts in Afghanistan. Years later, after Trump was elected, Flynn invited Pottinger to join him in the National Security Council. Flynn didnt last long he was forced out after a little more than three weeks because of his obfuscations about his conversations with the Russian ambassador to the U.S. but Pottinger stuck around. He was promoted to deputy national security adviser in 2019. Pottinger was focused on Asia during his time in the Trump administration, and helped outline a more aggressive stance toward China, one that was rooted in his own experiences as a reporter in the country. He is now a distinguished visiting fellow at the Hoover Institution and the chair of the China program at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. ___ Colvin reported from New York. Associated Press writer Mary Clare Jalonick contributed to this report. ___ Follow APs coverage of the Jan. 6 committee hearings at https://apnews.com/hub/capitol-siege. By CHRIS MEGERIAN and JILL COLVIN Associated Press Beloved monarch butterflies now listed as endangered View Photo WASHINGTON (AP) The monarch butterfly fluttered a step closer to extinction Thursday, as scientists put the iconic orange-and-black insect on the endangered list because of its fast dwindling numbers. Its just a devastating decline, said Stuart Pimm, an ecologist at Duke University who was not involved in the new listing. This is one of the most recognizable butterflies in the world. The International Union for the Conservation of Nature added the migrating monarch butterfly for the first time to its red list of threatened species and categorized it as endangered two steps from extinct. The group estimates that the population of monarch butterflies in North America has declined between 22% and 72% over 10 years, depending on the measurement method. What were worried about is the rate of decline, said Nick Haddad, a conservation biologist at Michigan State University. Its very easy to imagine how very quickly this butterfly could become even more imperiled. Haddad, who was not directly involved in the listing, estimates that the population of monarch butterflies he studies in the eastern United States has declined between 85% and 95% since the 1990s. In North America, millions of monarch butterflies undertake the longest migration of any insect species known to science. After wintering in the mountains of central Mexico, the butterflies migrate to the north, breeding multiple generations along the way for thousands of miles. The offspring that reach southern Canada then begin the trip back to Mexico at the end of summer. Its a true spectacle and incites such awe, said Anna Walker, a conservation biologist at New Mexico BioPark Society, who was involved in determining the new listing. A smaller group spends winters in coastal California, then disperses in spring and summer across several states west of the Rocky Mountains. This population has seen an even more precipitous decline than the eastern monarchs, although there was a small bounce back last winter. Emma Pelton of the nonprofit Xerces Society, which monitors the western butterflies, said the butterflies are imperiled by loss of habitat and increased use of herbicides and pesticides for agriculture, as well as climate change. There are things people can do to help, she said, including planting milkweed, a plant that the caterpillars depend upon. Nonmigratory monarch butterflies in Central and South America were not designated as endangered. The United States has not listed monarch butterflies under the Endangered Species Act, but several environmental groups believe it should be listed. The international union also announced new estimates for the global population of tigers, which are 40% higher than the most recent estimates from 2015. The new figures, of between 3,726 and 5,578 wild tigers worldwide, reflect better methods for counting tigers and, potentially, an increase in their overall numbers, said Dale Miquelle, coordinator for the nonprofit Wildlife Conservation Societys tiger program. In the past decade, tiger populations have increased in Nepal, northern China and perhaps in India, while tigers have disappeared entirely from Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam, said Miquelle. They remain designated as endangered. ___ Follow Christina Larson on Twitter: @larsonchristina ___ 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. By CHRISTINA LARSON AP Science Writer Biden tests positive for COVID-19, has very mild symptoms View Photo WASHINGTON (AP) President Joe Biden tested positive for COVID-19 on Thursday and is experiencing very mild symptoms, the White House said, as new variants of the highly contagious virus are challenging the nations efforts to get back to normal after two and a half years of pandemic disruptions. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Biden has begun taking Paxlovid, an antiviral drug designed to reduce the severity of the disease. He was isolating at the White House and continuing to carry out all of his duties fully, she said. Bidens physician, Dr. Kevin OConnor, said in a letter that Biden had a runny nose and fatigue, with an occasional dry cough, which started yesterday evening. Folks, Im doing great. Thanks for your concern, Biden tweeted. He added that he was keeping busy! Biden, 79, is fully vaccinated, after getting two doses of the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine shortly before taking office, a first booster shot in September and an additional dose March 30. Jean-Pierre described the presidents symptoms as very mild and said Biden had been in contact with members of the White House staff by phone and would participate in his planned meetings via phone and Zoom from the residence. The White House took steps to show that the president was busy working despite his diagnosis, with Biden tweeting out a picture of himself making calls from the treaty room of the White House. The president spoke by phone to lawmakers in Pennsylvania to apologize for having to cancel his planned trip Thursday to the city of Wilkes-Barre to promote his crime prevention plans. Biden also called South Carolina Rep. Jim Clyburn to wish him a happy birthday and congratulate him on receiving an award from the NAACP. OConnor wrote in his letter about the presidents treatment plan: I anticipate that he will respond favorably to Paxlovid as most maximally protected patients do. Jean-Pierre said Biden had last tested negative on Tuesday, and he will stay isolated until he tests negative again. First lady Jill Biden, speaking to reporters as she arrived for a school visit in Detroit, said shed just gotten off the phone with her husband. Hes doing fine, she said. Hes feeling good. The first lady, who was wearing a mask, said she tested negative earlier in the day. She will keep her full schedule in Michigan and Georgia on Thursday, though she will be following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on masking and distancing, said Michael LaRosa, her spokesperson. The president spent much of last week in Israel and Saudi Arabia. White House officials told reporters that Biden planned to minimize contact during the trip, yet as soon as he exited Air Force One on July 13, the president was fist-bumping, handshaking and even seen in the occasional hug. The CDC says symptoms can appear two to 14 days after exposure to the virus. Biden had a minimal public schedule after returning from Saudi Arabia late on Saturday night, attending church the next day and helping to welcome Ukraines first lady Olena Zelenska to the White House on Tuesday. The president traveled to Massachusetts on Wednesday to promote efforts to combat climate change. Dr. Graham Snyder, an infectious disease specialist at the University of Pittsburgh, said in an interview that it wasnt surprising that Biden tested positive given the extent of his activities and interactions with people. He said Biden appears to be pursuing a treatment that should enable him to recover without facing even worse health risks. Hes put himself in a place to have the best possible outcome, which is the lowest probability of being sick enough to get in the hospital or heaven forbid in intensive care or dying, Snyder said. Up to this point, Bidens ability to avoid the virus seemed to defy the odds, even with the testing procedures in place for those expected to be in close contact with him. Prior waves of the virus swept through Washingtons political class, infecting Vice President Kamala Harris, Cabinet members, White House staffers and lawmakers. Biden has increasingly stepped up his travel schedule and resumed holding large indoor events where not everyone is tested. A White House official said Harris tested negative for COVID-19. She was last with the president on Tuesday and spoke with him on the phone Thursday morning. Harris planned to remain masked on the guidance of the White House medical team. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said she hoped that Bidens positive test for the virus would cause more Americans to get vaccinated and boosted because none of us is immune from it, including the president of the United States, and we really have to be careful. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell on Twitter wished the president a speedy recovery. Top White House officials in recent months have been matter-of-fact about the likelihood of the president getting COVID, a measure of how engrained the virus has become in society and of its diminished threat for those who are up to date on their vaccinations and with access to treatments. When administered within five days of symptoms appearing, Paxlovid, produced by drugmaker Pfizer, has been proven to bring about a 90% reduction in hospitalizations and deaths among patients most likely to get severe disease. Biden is far from the first world leader and not the first U.S. president to get the coronavirus, which has infected British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, French President Emmanuel Macron and more than a dozen other leaders and high-ranking officials globally. When Bidens predecessor, President Donald Trump, contracted the disease in October 2020, it was a far different time. Vaccines were not available and treatment options were limited and less advanced. After being diagnosed with COVID-19 at the White House, Trump was given an experimental antibody treatment and steroids after his blood oxygen levels fell dangerously low. He was hospitalized at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for three days After more than two years and over a million deaths in the U.S., the virus is still killing an average of 353 people a day in the U.S., according to the CDC. The unvaccinated are at far greater risk, more than two times more likely to test positive and nine times more likely to die from the virus than those who have received at least a primary dose of the vaccines, according to the public health agency. The highly transmissible omicron variant is the dominant strain in the U.S., but scientists say it poses a lower risk for severe illness to those who are up to date on their vaccinations. Omicrons BA.5 sub-strain, believed to be even more contagious, now makes up more than 65% of U.S. cases. Theres a lot of infections across America, White House COVID-19 coordinator Dr. Ashish Jha said May 18, blaming the highly-transmissible variants, as well as relaxing mitigation measures like mask requirements. The coronavirus pandemic helped put Biden in the White House, as he pledged to handle COVID-19 better than his predecessor. After initial months of success surging the nations supply and availability of vaccines, the virus became a morass for the Democrat in the first year of his presidency, as he struggled to boost the countrys vaccination rate and to stay ahead of the unpredictable disease. As cases sharply declined earlier this year, Biden highlighted his administrations efforts to end the pandemic and help the nation regain a sense of normalcy. He said in his March 1 State of the Union address, Its time for Americans to get back to work and fill our great downtowns again. The White House has sought to go above public health guidelines to protect the president, with all visitors and staff required to attest to their vaccination status or submit to daily tests. People expected to be in close proximity to Biden are tested daily. ___ Associated Press writer Mike Householder contributed from Detroit. By ZEKE MILLER and CHRIS MEGERIAN Associated Press Louisiana abortion ban again blocked by judge View Photo BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) Abortion clinics in Louisiana can continue operating while a lawsuit challenging the states near total ban on abortions is resolved, a state judge ruled Thursday. The preliminary injunction issued by state district judge Donald Johnson in Baton Rouge is the latest development amid a flurry of court challenges to state trigger laws that were crafted in anticipation of the U.S. Supreme Court overturning the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision that established abortion rights, which it did June 24. For weeks, access to abortion has been flickering in Louisiana where there are three clinics. A statewide abortion ban has taken effect twice and been blocked twice since the Supreme Courts ruling in June. Johnson had entered a temporary hold on enforcement July 11, pending arguments in the case that were heard Monday. Johnsons new ruling allows clinics to continue providing abortion procedures while a lawsuit filed by a north Louisiana abortion clinic and others continues. The order gives attorneys on both sides 30 days to develop plans for a trial on whether the law should be permanently blocked. The state could appeal his order, however, Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry has said he expects the case to wind up at the state Supreme Court. In his reasons for the decision, Johnson said that due to the vagueness of the law, members of the Medical Students for Choice one of the plaintiffs in the case do not have adequate notice if, or to what extent, they can continue to perform or assist in abortions. Johnson said that is a violation of the members rights to due process. This harm is not speculative, Johnson wrote. He added that members of Medical Students for Choice risk prosecution if they were to incorrectly apply abortion laws. Despite the new ruling, Landry said in a statement that he looks forward to ending this legal circus by getting the case to the States Supreme Court as soon as possible. The lead plaintiff in the case is a north Louisiana clinic that has continued abortion care in Shreveport under Johnsons temporary order. Clinics in Baton Rouge and New Orleans had stopped operations pending Johnsons decision on the injunction. A spokeswoman for those clinics said both were open Thursday, scheduling patients for counseling and abortions. With this decision, Chief Judge Johnson determined that we are likely to succeed on the merits of our lawsuit, Joanna Wright, an attorney for the clinic, said in an email. We are prepared to prove our case and hope to obtain a final ruling that the trigger bans are unconstitutional and cannot be enforced. The plaintiffs in the lawsuit dont deny that the state can now ban abortion as a result of the Supreme Court ruling. Instead, they contend that Louisiana now has multiple, conflicting trigger mechanisms in the law. They also argue that state law is unclear on whether it bans an abortion prior to a fertilized egg implanting in the uterus. And while the law provides an exception for medically futile pregnancies in cases of fetuses with fatal abnormalities, the plaintiffs noted it gives no definition of the term and that state health officials have not yet provided a list of conditions that would qualify as medically futile. In Louisiana, there is little question that an abortion ban will eventually be in effect in the state where the Legislature has long been dominated by abortion opponents. But the court case has resulted in more time for the states three abortion clinics in Shreveport, Baton Rouge and New Orleans to stay open. Debate over the ban stretched into the State Bond Commission meeting Thursday. Members withheld a $39 million non-cash line of credit for the New Orleans Sewerage and Water Board power plant project as a way to send a message to city leaders who said they would not enforce the statewide abortion ban. Today, our Bond Commission forced elected officials in New Orleans to decide if they will enforce State law, Landry said in a written statement. Landry was not present for Thursdays meeting but called on the commission earlier in the week to not approve financing for any deals involving New Orleans until officials have affirmed that they will enforce State laws. Not all were in favor of this approach, including Gov. John Bel Edwards. The idea that you seek to punish all the people living in a certain area because you are at odds with some of their elected officials, thats not a reasonable approach, Edwards, a Democrat who opposes abortions, said on his monthly radio show Wednesday. You are not just punishing those people. ___ Associated Press writer Kevin McGill in New Orleans contributed to this report. By SARA CLINE Associated Press New York reports 1st US polio case in nearly a decade View Photo NEW YORK (AP) An unvaccinated young adult from New York recently contracted polio, the first U.S. case in nearly a decade, health officials said Thursday. Officials said the patient, who lives in Rockland County, had developed paralysis. The person developed symptoms a month ago and did not recently travel outside the country, county health officials said. It appears the patient had a vaccine-derived strain of the virus, perhaps from someone who got live vaccine available in other countries, but not the U.S. and spread it, officials said. The person is no longer deemed contagious, but investigators are trying to figure out how the infection occurred and whether other people were exposed to the virus. Most Americans are vaccinated against polio, but this should serve as a wake-up call to the unvaccinated, said Jennifer Nuzzo, a Brown University pandemic researcher. This isnt normal. We dont want to see this, Nuzzo said. If youre vaccinated, its not something you need to worry about. But if you havent gotten your kids vaccinated, its really important that you make sure theyre up to date. Health officials scheduled vaccination clinics in New York for Friday and Monday, and encouraged anyone who has not been vaccinated to get the shots. We want shots in the arms of those who need it, Rockland County Health Commissioner Dr. Patricia Schnabel Ruppert said at a Thursday news conference. Polio was once one of the nations most feared diseases, with annual outbreaks causing thousands of cases of paralysis. The disease mostly affects children. Vaccines became available starting in 1955, and a national vaccination campaign cut the annual number of U.S. cases to less than 100 in the 1960s and fewer than 10 in the 1970s, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In 1979, polio was declared eliminated in the U.S., meaning there was no longer routine spread. Rarely, travelers have brought polio infections into the U.S. The last such case was in 2013, when a 7-month-old who had recently moved to the U.S. from India was diagnosed in San Antonio, Texas, according the federal health officials. That child also had the type of polio found in the live form of vaccine used in other countries. There are two types of polio vaccines. The U.S. and many other countries use shots made with an inactivated version of the virus. But some countries where polio has been more of a recent threat use a weakened live virus that is given to children as drops in the mouth. In rare instances, the weakened virus can mutate into a form capable of sparking new outbreaks. U.S. children are still routinely vaccinated against polio with the inactivated vaccine. Federal officials recommend four doses: to be given at 2 months of age; 4 months; at 6 to 18 months; and at age 4 through 6 years. Some states require only three doses. According to the CDCs most recent childhood vaccination data, about 93% of 2-year-olds had received at least three doses of polio vaccine. Polio spreads mostly from person to person or through contaminated water. It can infect a persons spinal cord, causing paralysis and possibly permanent disability and death. Polio is endemic in Afghanistan and Pakistan, although numerous countries in Africa, the Middle East and Asia have also reported cases in recent years. Rockland County, in New York Citys northern suburbs, has been a center of vaccine resistance in recent years. A 2018-2019 measles outbreak there infected 312 people. Last month, health officials in Britain warned parents to make sure children have been vaccinated because the polio virus had been found in London sewage samples. No cases of paralysis were reported. ___ Associated Press video journalist Shelby Lum contributed to this report. ___ 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. By MIKE STOBBE AP Medical Writer FBI: No sign of Jimmy Hoffa under New Jersey bridge FBI: No sign of Jimmy Hoffa under New Jersey bridge View Photo DETROIT (AP) The FBI found no evidence of missing Teamsters boss Jimmy Hoffa during a search of land under a New Jersey bridge, a spokeswoman said Thursday. The Pulaski Skyway now becomes another dead end in the decadeslong mystery that has stretched from a Michigan horse farm to the East Coast: Where are the remains of one of Americas most powerful labor leaders? The 47-year riddle turned last year to land next to a former landfill under the bridge in Jersey City. The FBI conducted a search there in early June. Nothing of evidentiary value was discovered during that search, said Mara Schneider, an FBI spokeswoman in Detroit. While we do not currently anticipate any additional activity at the site, the FBI will continue to pursue any viable lead in our efforts to locate Mr. Hoffa, she said. Schneider declined to comment further when asked for details about the excavation. Authorities believe Hoffa disappeared in suburban Detroit in 1975 while meeting with reputed mobsters. Dan Moldea, a journalist who has written extensively about the Hoffa saga, said he was personally briefed by the FBI in a video conference call Thursday. He said the FBI and its contractors did not dig in the exact spot that he had recommended. Im not thrilled with the result. My impression today was them breaking the bad news to me: Thanks for the tip but this is over. Thats my interpretation, Moldea told The Associated Press. They dug holes very, very deep, he said. The FBI reached out to Moldea last year after he published a detailed account from Frank Cappola, who was a teenager in the 1970s when he worked at the old PJP Landfill near the bridge. Cappola said his father, Paul Cappola, who also worked at the landfill, explained how Hoffas body was delivered there in 1975, placed in a steel drum and buried with other barrels, bricks and dirt. Paul Cappola, worried that police might be watching, dug a hole on New Jersey state property, about 100 yards from the landfill, and subsequently moved the unmarked barrel there, according to Moldea. Frank Cappola spoke to Fox Nation and Moldea before he died in 2020 and signed a document attesting to his late fathers story. Moldea said the FBI told him it did not dig in the exact spot that he had recommended because radar showed nothing suspicious below ground. I do think they missed this one spot, he said. I think the bodys there. We just cant find it. Hoffa was president of the 2.1 million-member Teamsters union from 1957-71, even keeping the title while in prison for trying to bribe jurors during a previous trial. He was released from prison in 1971 when President Richard Nixon shortened his sentence. It has been long speculated that Hoffa, who was 62, was killed by enemies because he was planning a Teamsters comeback. He was declared legally dead in 1982. ___ Follow Ed White at http://twitter.com/edwritez By ED WHITE Associated Press EXPLAINER: Not unusual for ex-cop to report later for prison View Photo ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) The federal judge who sentenced Thomas Lane to 2 1/2 years in prison Thursday on a civil rights conviction in George Floyds killing said the former Minneapolis police officer wont have to surrender until after his sentencing in a separate state case in two months. And legal experts said thats not unusual, even in a case as emotionally charged as Floyds death under the knee of former Officer Derek Chauvin on May 25, 2020, which sparked protests in Minneapolis and around the world in a reckoning over racial injustice and policing. Even the federal prosecutors who handled Lanes case have said he was the least culpable of the four officers involved in Floyds death. U.S. District Judge Paul Magnuson ordered Lane to turn himself in Oct. 4, two weeks after he is sentenced in state court, where he pleaded guilty in May to aiding and abetting manslaughter. Chauvin, the most senior officer at the scene, was sentenced two weeks ago to 21 years on his federal civil rights conviction, concurrent with his earlier 22 1/2-year sentence for his state conviction for second-degree murder. Hes been held in solitary confinement in the states maximum security prison at Oak Park Heights for his own safety since a jury found him guilty of murder last year, and will eventually be transferred to federal prison. Several legal experts said its not unusual that a federal judge would give a lesser defendant like Lane time to surrender, particularly when theyre not considered a flight risk or a danger to the public. Most defendants who go through the federal system arent considered or treated as violent offenders. Unless theyre considered a risk, they usually remain free until they have to report to prison. Former U.S. Attorney Thomas Heffelfinger said federal judges more often than not allow defendants to report only after the Bureau of Prisons has decided where they will serve. Mark Osler, a professor at the University of St. Thomas School of Law and former federal prosecutor, said Lane was the most likely of the four officers to be allowed to report to prison later. He was charged differently, with a less serious crime, the failure to render medical aid, Osler said. And a judge is likely to take that into account. Magnuson probably has made similar decisions many times before, Osler said, especially when the sentences are short. Its a misnomer to say that Floyds death wasnt a violent offense, but the specific charge that Lane was convicted of depriving Floyd of his right to medical care is legally more comparable to a white collar crime, said Mike Brandt, a local defense attorney who has been following the case. While a lot of people might be unhappy with Lanes sentence, Brandt said, the actual offense was more of an act of omission than doing something affirmatively. And he added that Magnuson Minnesotas longest-serving federal judge has been around long enough that he wasnt going to be swayed by the high emotions surrounding the case. Magnuson recommended that Lane, who held Floyds feet but also expressed concern for his condition, should serve his sentence at the federal prison camp in Duluth, a minimum-security facility about 2 1/2 hours north of Minneapolis, which houses mostly nonviolent white collar offenders. The facility has no fence and has dormitory-style housing rather than cells. But itll be up to the federal Bureau of Prisons to decide where Lane should do his time. ___ Find APs full coverage of the killing of George Floyd at: https://apnews.com/hub/death-of-george-floyd By STEVE KARNOWSKI Associated Press Steve Bannons defense seeks acquittal then rests case View Photo WASHINGTON (AP) Trump ally Steve Bannon declined to testify and his lawyers did not call any witnesses in his contempt of Congress trial on Thursday, instead arguing the judge should just acquit him, saying prosecutors hadnt proven their case. The decision to forego calling any witnesses in Bannons defense cleared the way for closing arguments to begin Friday. The judge didnt immediately rule on the motion for an acquittal and the case is likely to end up in the jurys hands by midday Friday. One of Bannons lawyers, David Schoen, contended they should able to call Rep. Bennie Thompson, the Democratic chairman of the House Jan. 6 committee which had subpoenaed Bannons testimony, to question him under oath instead of the congressional lawyer who testified during the trial. The judge had previously ruled against that request. In court, Bannon nodded and smiled as another of his lawyers, Evan Corcoran, argued that the timing of when Bannon could comply with the congressional subpoena was flexible and said testimony from the House panels chief lawyer, Kristin Amerling, had made clear that the dates were in flux. In making the argument, Corcoran said that no reasonable juror could conclude that Mr. Bannon refused to comply. Bannons team also told the judge that Bannon saw no point in testifying since the previous rulings had gutted his planned avenues of defense. Schoen said Bannon understands that he would be barred from telling the true facts. Corcoran then rested the defense case. U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols said he would rule later on the motion for an acquittal. Throughout the trial, Corcoran has tried to establish that the deadline for the onetime strategist to former President Donald Trump to appear before the House committee investigating the Capitol riot was flexible, as long as the two sides were on negotiating terms. In opening statements, Corcoran argued that the charges against Bannon were politically motivated and that the former adviser was engaged in good-faith negotiations with the congressional committee when he was charged. No one ignored the subpoena, Corcoran told the jury. In reality, Corcoran said, one of Bannons previous lawyers, Robert Costello, contacted an attorney for the House committee to express some of Bannons concerns about testifying. They did what two lawyers do. They negotiated, Corcoran said, adding that Bannon and his legal team believed the dates of the subpoena were not fixed; they were flexible. At other times in the courtroom on Thursday, Bannon, wearing two collared shirts, a T-shirt and a black jacket, fiddled with his telephone and rocked back and forth on his chair. Bannon was in an unofficial capacity to Trump at the time of the insurrection on Jan. 6, 2021, and is charged with defying a congressional subpoena from the House committee investigating the aftermath of the 2020 election and the events leading up to the deadly riot. Bannon was indicted in November on two counts of criminal contempt of Congress, a month after the Justice Department received the House panels referral. Each count carries a minimum of 30 days of jail and as long as a year behind bars upon conviction. The Justice Department rested its case Wednesday after calling just two witnesses: Amerling, and FBI special agent Stephen Hart. The prosecutions case was dominated by testimony from Amerling, who explained the extent to which the committee tried to engage Bannon and the timeline leading up to the missed deadline. During cross examination Corcoran asked Amerling whether it was common for witnesses to appear before a congressional committee several weeks after the deadline date on a subpoena. Amerling answered yes, but added only when witnesses are cooperating with the committee. Amerling said Bannon was uncooperative from the start, so there was no such leeway. The committee heard nothing from Bannon until after the first deadline had passed, at which point his lawyer sent a letter to the committee stating that Bannon was protected by Trumps claim of executive privilege and would not be providing documents or appearing. The committee responded in writing that Trumps claim was invalid Trump was no longer president, and Bannon was not employed at the White House at the time of the riot. The panel gave Bannon a hard deadline of Oct. 14 to come before the committee. When that deadline passed, Thompson the committee chairman, wrote Bannons lawyer on Oct. 15 threatening criminal prosecution. The committee, which is holding a prime time hearing Thursday, wanted to speak with Bannon because it had information that Bannon was actively involved in planning, logistics and fundraising for efforts by Trump, a Republican, to overturn the 2020 election and stop Congress from certifying Democrat Joe Bidens victory. The subpoena demanded any documents or communications relating to Trump and other people in his orbit, including lawyer Rudy Giuliani and extremist groups such as the Proud Boys and the Oath Keepers. The emphasis on the subpoena timeline is one of the few avenues of defense that Nichols left Bannons legal team after a hearing last week. Nichols ruled that major elements of Bannons planned defense were irrelevant and could not be introduced in court. The judge said Bannon could not claim he believed he was covered by executive privilege, which allows presidents to withhold confidential information from the courts and the legislative branch, or that he was acting on the advice of his lawyers. ___ Follow APs coverage of the Jan. 6 committee hearings at https://apnews.com/hub/capitol-siege By ASHRAF KHALIL Associated Press The government blames poor management and low gas supply as the major causes of the repeated breakdown of the grid. Major Nigerian cities including the Federal Capital Territory were thrown into darkness on Wednesday when the country's electricity grid collapsed. Electricity distribution companies announced Wednesday that the collapse occurred at about 11:00 a.m. Wednesday's incident is the sixth reported collapse in 2022. The government blames poor management and low gas supply as the major causes of the repeated breakdown of the grid, which is managed by the Transmission Company of Nigeria. The electricity distribution companies across Nigeria get their electricity supply from the national grid. The Eko Electricity Distribution Plc informed its customers of the grid collapse via Facebook. "Dear Customers, we regret to inform you of a system collapse on the National grid at precisely 11:27am today, Wednesday July 20th. We are in talks with the Transmission Company of Nigeria to ascertain the cause of the collapse and a possible restoration timeline. We will keep you updated on the situation," it wrote. The head of corporate communications at Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company, Abdulazeez Abdullahi, announced the incident on behalf of the company in a statement published on Facebook. "We regret to inform our customers that the power failure currently being experienced is as of the collapse of the National Grid which occurred by 11:28 this morning," he wrote. "We hereby assure our esteemed customers of restoration of normal power supply as soon as TCN restores supply to us. We sincerely regret the inconveniences caused by the system failure,". Also, the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company in a statement said, "Please be informed that the current power outage is due to a system failure from the National Grid." Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Nigeria Business Governance By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. "The system collapsed at about 12:23 p.m. today, 20 July 2022, causing the outage currently being experienced. We appeal for your understanding as all stakeholders are working hard to restore normal supply." Restructuring DisCos Wednesday's electricity collapse occurs at a period the electricity distribution companies are being restructured. PREMIUM TIMES reported how five of Nigeria's eleven energy distribution corporations are undergoing restructuring. Distribution companies in Port Harcourt, Kano, Kaduna, Ibadan, and Benin are among the impacted businesses. Since the government privatised the distribution companies in 2013, they have not been efficient as citizens and businesses groan. But through the Bureau of Public Enterprise (BPE), the government still holds a 40 per cent stake in the businesses. Nigeria's power system has mostly remained dysfunctional, producing and distributing an average of 4,000 megawatts to around 200 million people. According to the government, Fidelity Bank has exercised its right to take over the five DISCOs since they were unable to repay loans they received from the bank to buy their assets during the 2013 privatization. Editor's Note: Our earlier report stated that Wednesday's was the seventh grid collapse. The story has been updated to show that it is the sixth. CLEVELAND (AP) Hakizimana Muvunye, a refugee from Congo who lives in Cleveland, is a man doing his best. Hes the owner of Asante Landscaping but has only five clients so he also drives for Uber. I need to take care of my family, he said. Muvunye and his wife, Irene Twizere, have five children. Muvunye came to Cleveland in February 2016 from Uganda after fleeing armed conflict and insecurity in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Now hes striving to build his business. Hes counting on US Together, a nonprofit that provides services to refugees and immigrants, and especially its Microenterprise Development program to help him achieve this goal. The program, which helps eligible refugees and immigrants develop, finance, and expand small businesses, was vital to starting Asante Landscaping. The staff helped Muvunye register the company with the Ohio Secretary of State and apply for loans that he needed. Funded by the federal Office of Refugee Resettlement for the past five years, the program has helped more than 30 entrepreneurs gain access to nearly $50,000 in startup capital and credit-building loans. In total, 89 participants have registered to start a business. Three local participants have opened brick-and-mortar stores, with a fourth on the way. The partnership between US Together and the federal resettlement office is an example of how nonprofits and government agencies are working together here and in other regions, such as Buffalo, N.Y., to help as the number of refugees coming to the United States, especially from Afghanistan and Ukraine, is increasing. Welcoming new refugees and immigrants matters to the Midwest and other regions because they may help shift declining populations and boost local economies with new businesses. US Together wants to expand what it does and who it serves, but right now it is working to find new sources of funding because the five-year federal grant that provided the programs $70,000 annual budget expires in September. The nonprofit has applied to have the grant renewed. We have a little bridge funding available that might sustain us a few months past September, said Evan Chwalek, economic integration coordinator at US Together. Also, the nonprofit is in the early stages of seeking other government and foundation grants to stabilize the program. Money from a new refugee-assistance program planned in Cuyahoga County could be tapped for help. And US Together hopes to partner with Global Cleveland, a nonprofit working to increase the number of international newcomers to the region, to eventually develop a business incubator program. Joe Cimperman. president of Global Cleveland, says programs to help newcomers need support from all sectors. Programs like this should absolutely be supported and roundly invested in, and not just by the public sector, Cimperman said. We need to wake up to this. People tend to look at immigrants and refugees as charity cases. Lets make it easier for them to make money and hire people. Cleveland, like many other Midwestern cities, has seen a decline in population over the years. According to the U.S. census, Clevelands population decreased by 6 percent over the past 10 years. Northeast Ohio lost 1.6 percent of its population from 2007 to 2017, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland. However, the number of immigrants and refugees coming to the region is increasing because of people fleeing Afghanistan and Ukraine, said Maria Teverovsky, director of development at US Together. Weve had an unprecedented wave of migration in Northeast Ohio, coupled with an unprecedented migration crisis internationally, she said. Ohio ranked sixth in the number of refugees resettled in 2019, just behind states with larger populations like California, New York, and Texas. About 1,500 refugees resettled in Ohio in 2019, with about 500 coming yearly to Cleveland. And as they arrive, many of them bring an entrepreneurial spirit. Studies show that refugees and immigrants are more likely than people born in the United States to start businesses. While migrants are 15 percent of the U.S. population, they represent 25 percent of entrepreneurs. Community Refugee and Immigration Services, a nonprofit in Columbus, says refugee businesses generate $605.7 million per year in economic impact in the Columbus region alone. But other regions are competing with Northeast Ohio to attract new international residents and the potential for new businesses. According to a 2021 study by Cleveland State University, Cleveland ranks in the bottom third among other midsize U.S. cities in the number of foreign-born individuals. To increase the number of businesses owned by people of color, refugees, and immigrants, Northeast Ohio has to invest in efforts that support them, the study said. The only way were going to thrive is by welcoming international newcomers, Cimperman said. Yet its something we take for granted. Our economy depends on new bodies, new blood, new innovation. Baiju Shah, CEO of Greater Cleveland Partnership, the regions chamber of commerce, says welcoming refugees and immigrants is a huge priority. When people come over here from another country, how do we make sure we retain them? he said. Historically, were a region welcoming people from around the world and around the country. It has to be part of our strategy. Victor Harerimana, co-owner of Equity Languages and Employment Services, is also a Congolese refugee. He used the Microenterprise Development program to launch his business. He chose to start an interpretation business after working as an interpreter at Catholic Charities in Cleveland. US Togethers program helped Harerimana apply for a $1,200 loan for his business. We were able to operate in Ohio and New York and make money to help us continue, he said. In Buffalo, the Office of Refugee Resettlement also provided money to a nonprofit to help refugees start businesses. In 2018, Journeys End Refugee Services created the Buffalo Refugee Child Care Microenterprise Project to assist refugees from Burma, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Iraq, Nepal, Rwanda, and Somalia. They started child-care businesses using a $562,500 grant from the resettlement office. Carolynn Welch, executive director of the Westminster Economic Development Initiative, said in a Buffalo News interview, the immigrant and refugee population has revitalized some neighborhoods there. In the Cleveland area, Cuyahoga County leaders recently issued a request for proposals to help fund organizations that provide social services, employment services, and legal services to refugees and immigrants. The county expects to award a total of $1 million over three years. Meanwhile, US Together wants to expand its development program to serve new populations, especially legal immigrants who dont yet have refugee status, Teverovsky said. In addition to applying for grants, officials at the nonprofit are working with Global Cleveland to explore creating an incubator to offer help and resources to new businesses. They are looking for long-term funding options and a strategy that helps them serve more potential business owners beyond who they can help now due to state and federal regulations. Due to regulatory limits within the state of Ohio, were unable to lend more than $5,000 to our clients, : said Evan Chwalek of US Together. Increasing that ceiling would be really helpful to us as were hearing from lots of potential entrepreneurs, particularly in the transportation sector, who require more capital to get their businesses started. ____ Reporting for this article is part of a Chronicle of Philanthropy fellowship with local news organizations and was underwritten by a Lilly Endowment grant to enhance public understanding of philanthropy. The Land is solely responsible for the content in this article. For all of APs philanthropy coverage, visit https://apnews.com/hub/philanthropy. DETROIT (AP) Jurors heard closing arguments Thursday in the only trial to arise thus far from the Flint water crisis, a dispute over whether two engineering firms should be held partially responsible for the city's lead contamination in 2014-15. Attorneys representing four Flint children said Veolia North America and Lockwood, Andrews & Newman, known as LAN, didn't do enough to get the city to treat the highly corrosive water or to urge a return to a regional water supplier. Veolia and LAN, which performed work for Flint, were not part of a landmark $626 million settlement involving Flint residents, the state of Michigan and other parties. Flint's water became contaminated because water pulled from the Flint River wasn't treated to reduce the corrosive effect on lead pipes. Citing cost, city managers appointed by then-Gov. Rick Snyder stopped using water from a Detroit agency and switched to the river while awaiting a new pipeline to Lake Huron. One of the plaintiffs' lawyers, Moishe Maimon, told jurors that Veolia should be held 50% responsible for the lead contamination of the four children and that LAN should be held 25% responsible, with public officials making up the balance. Veolia, also known as VNA, was a second set of eyes brought in a year after the water switch while complaints about water quality were mounting, Maimon said. Co-counsel Corey Stern said the contractors didn't want to rock the boat. Did VNA and LAN act with integrity? Did VNA and LAN act to protect the health, safety and general welfare? he said. But LAN attorney Wayne Mason said an engineer repeatedly recommended that Flint test the river water for weeks to determine what treatments would be necessary. He said outside engineers were getting lumped in with a platoon of bad actors, namely state and local officials who controlled all major decisions and seemed more concerned about the cost of water than its quality. Every single government agency that touched this problem made it worse, Mason said. Veolia attorney Daniel Stein said the firm was briefly hired in the middle of the crisis, not before the spigot was turned on. He also questioned whether the children actually were poisoned by lead in the water, citing blood results. VNA was there for one week a one-week assessment and youre supposed to believe the fault lies with this consultant? Stein argued. Snyder was summoned as a witness but declined to answer questions, citing his right against self-incrimination. He was indicted on misdemeanor charges in a separate Flint water investigation. The jury instead watched a video of Snyder's 2020 interview with lawyers. I wish this never would have happened, he said of the water mess, acknowledging mistakes by government. Monday will be the first full day of jury deliberations in federal court in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The trial began in February and lasted months with occasional days off. ___ Follow Ed White at https://twitter.com/edwritez COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) Veteran politician Ranil Wickremesinghe was sworn in as Sri Lanka's new president Thursday to take charge of a nation bitterly angry that he will remain in power amid an unprecedented economic crisis. Sri Lankans have taken to the streets for months to demand their top leaders step down to take responsibility for economic chaos that has left the nation's 22 million people struggling with shortages of essentials, including medicine, fuel and food. While the protesters have focused on the Rajapaksa political dynasty, Wickremesinghe has also drawn their ire as a perceived Rajapaksa surrogate. The six-time prime minister easily won the secret ballot of lawmakers Wednesday to finish the term of former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who fled the country after protesters stormed his residence last week and resigned. His appointment received mixed reactions, with some supporters lighting firecrackers while protesters continued to demand that he resign. Wickremesinghe, 73, has wide experience in diplomatic and international affairs and has been overseeing bailout talks with the International Monetary Fund. He won the support of 134 lawmakers in the 225-member Parliament. They apparently considered him the safer hands to lead the nation through the crisis, despite public anger at Wickremesinghe as an example of the nation's problematic political establishment. During demonstrations last week, crowds set his personal residence on fire and occupied his office. After Wednesday's vote, Wickremesinghe called for politicians to work together and pleaded for the country to move on. But protesters flocked to the presidential office instead, chanting, Ranil, go home! Protest leaders told reporters Wednesday that they dont accept Wickremesinghes appointment and urged him to step down immediately. Parliament's selection goes against the will of the people," said Jeewantha Peiris, a protest leader and Catholic priest, adding that demonstrations against Wickremesinghe would continue. We are the people who sent Gotabaya home, and it's not a difficult task for us to send you (Wickremesinghe) home, said Tampitiye Sugathananda, a Buddhist monk and protest leader who was outside the presidential office. Late Thursday, police and Sri Lankan soldiers dismantled structures near the protest site where demonstrators have gathered for the past 104 days. They arrested several protesters, and security forces were witnessed beating up at least two journalists. A large number of army and police personnel arrived in trucks and buses around midnight, removing tents and protest banners and making arrest. They blocked off roads leading to the site and carried long poles. Protesters said on social media that they were beaten up, but those alleged incidents couldn't be verified. On Monday, in his role as acting president, Wickremesinghe declared a state of emergency that gave him broad authority to act in the interest of public security and order. Authorities can carry out searches and detain people under the emergency, and Wickremesinghe can change or suspend any law. Parliament can regularly review the state of emergency, and it will expire without its approval. In an example of the troubles caused by Sri Lanka's economic crisis, a power outage hampered live television coverage of the ceremony in Parliament where Wickremesinghe took his oath as the country's eighth executive president. He now can choose a new prime minister. In some areas, Wickremesinghe's supporters lit firecrackers and distributed sweets to celebrate his appointment as president, local media reported. The U.S. ambassador to Sri Lanka, Julie Chung, wrote on Twitter that she looks forward to working with Wickremesinghe. She added: In these challenging times, it will be essential for all parties to redouble efforts to work together to tackle the economic crisis, uphold democracy & accountability, and build a stable & secure future for all Sri Lankans. Wickremesinghe said Monday that the negotiations with the IMF were near a conclusion and talks on help from other countries had also progressed. He also said the government has taken steps to resolve shortages of fuel and cooking gas. On Wednesday, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva told financial magazine Nikkei Asia that the organization hoped to complete the rescue talks as quickly as possible. Presidents in Sri Lanka are normally elected by the public. The responsibility falls to Parliament only if the presidency becomes vacant before the term officially ends. It has happened once before, in 1993, when then-Prime Minister Dingiri Banda Wijetunga was chosen by Parliament uncontested after former President Ranasinghe Premadasa, father of the current opposition leader, was assassinated. ___ Associated Press writer Krishan Francis contributed to this report. Chicken Express was named the July 2022 Business of the Month by the Plainview Chamber of Commerce. The chicken chain was established in 1988 in Mineral Wells and added a location in Plainview 25 years ago. The family-owned venture was one of the first fast-food chicken delivery businesses, according to its corporate website. Since the opening of its first franchise location in 1990, the chain has expanded to include 200 locations located mostly across Texas (including Plainview) and Arkansas, Oklahoma and Louisiana. Robert Kollman, owner of the Plainview location, was recently on hand to celebrate the Business of the Month recognition. The Chamber Board chooses one local business each month and a local student every month during the school year to recognize. After five days of inconclusive balloting, Texas Democrats were no closer on July 22, 1878 to picking their candidate for governor than when they started. With an undergraduate degree from a college in his native Georgia and a law diploma from Harvard, Richard Bennett Hubbard Jr. was the best educated governor of the nineteenth century. Straining the scales at 300 pounds, he was also the heaviest man ever to hold the Lone Star States highest office, bigger even than the famously plump Jim Hogg. It was no wonder than his friends called him Jumbo after the world renown elephant of the same name. But Hubbard was good-natured to a fault and always laughed at the jokes at his own expense. In 1853, the year after his Ivy League graduation, Hubbard came to Texas with his parents. They settled first at Tyler, where the son hung out his shingle, and later on a plantation just up the road near the small community of Lindale. Richard Jr. did not let his age, he was in his early twenties at the time, keep him from taking an active part in the politics of his adopted state. In 1855 he helped the Democratic Party fend off the Know-Nothings, led after a fashion by Sam Houston, and the next year stumped hard for standard bearer James Buchanan. The fifteenth president rewarded the energetic campaign worker with an appointment as U.S. district attorney for the western half of Texas. Hubbard held the post for three years before resigning in 1859 to run for the state house of representatives. In the last session of the legislature before the Civil War, Hubbard favored secession maybe not as zealously as the firebrands but without reservation nonetheless. Once the ties that bound Texas to the Union were broken, he sought a seat in the Confederate Congress. Losing a close election, he spent the war in uniform as the combat commander of an infantry regiment. After Appomattox and the collapse of the Confederacy, Hubbard farmed until granted a pardon for participating in the southern rebellion. Barred from political life like nearly all ex-Rebs and Democrats, he returned to practicing law. By 1872 most Democrats had regained the franchise. In coalition with conservative Republicans, they took control of the legislature away from the Radical wing of the GOP. It only remained to remove the hated Reconstruction governor, Edmund Davis. Hubbard joined Richard Coke on the Democratic ticket that beat the Radical Republicans better than two-to-one in the historic election of Dec. 2, 1873. Davis was more than ready to resort to violence to stay in office, but President Grants refusal to send him troops sealed his fate. As Davis reluctantly left the capitol, legend has it that future governor John Ireland of Seguin gave him a parting kick in the seat of his pants. The Coke-Hubbard administration inherited a chaotic mess from the Radicals. The state government teetered on the brink of bankruptcy with an empty treasury and few reliable sources of revenue. Western tribes had rolled back the frontier forcing frightened settlers to abandon their farms and seek safety in the east, where they were greeted by lawlessness on an unprecedented scale. Less than a year into his second term, Gov. Coke turned the thankless task over to his lieutenant governor and went to Washington to serve in the U.S. Senate for the next 18 years. Working without a legislature, which did not meet during his entire two years in office, Hubbard was hard-pressed to put much of a dent in the states overwhelming problems. Even when he succeeded, Jumbo rarely received the credit. His get-tough policy toward notorious outlaws brought big names like Bill Longley, John Wesley Hardin and Sam Bass to justice and helped to end the Sutton-Taylor Feud. But it was the Texas Rangers and not the embattled governor, who took a bow for these accomplishments. Still, all things considered, Hubbard and his supporters believed he was entitled to a full four-year term to get things right. While it was true that he faced strong opposition from James W. Throckmorton, the respected ex-governor removed by the Yankee occupation, and Grange leader William W. Lang at the Democratic convention in July 1878, he was confident of nomination. After his spellbinding keynote address, the Demosthenes of Texas felt even better about his chances. With the two-thirds requirement in effect, he did not expect a first-ballot victory. Hubbard was, however, encouraged by the votes of more than half of the delegates and willing to wait patiently for his total to rise to the magic number needed for nomination. But to Richard Hubbards surprise and disappointment, that never happened. After five days of ballot gridlock, the convention passed the buck to a select committee that chose the venerable Oran Roberts to top the Democratic ticket that fall. Order your copy of Texas Depression Era Desperadoes. by mailing a check for $24.00 to Bartee Haile, P.O. Box 130011, Spring, TX 77393. Hundreds of Activision Blizzard employees are walking out Thursday in Texas, California, Minnesota and New York to protest the overturn of Roe v. Wade and demand protections. The current count, as of this writing, is 450 employees, in-person and online. The demands include a request for all workers to have the right to work remotely and for workers living in "locations passing discriminatory legislation," such as antiabortion laws, to be offered relocation assistance to a different state or country. Employees are also demanding the company sign a labor-neutrality agreement to respect the rights of workers to join a union; on Twitter, the workers group A Better ABK said the demand was necessitated by union-busting efforts on the part of Activision Blizzard. "We need to make sure that all of our LGBT people, all of the people at ABK [Activision Blizzard King] with the capacity for pregnancy, all of the women at the company feel safe and protected and that they have the ability to live in places that aren't going to actively harm them," said Valentine Powell, a California-based senior engineer on "World of Warcraft." Some of the protests will take place in Texas, specifically, where Activision has offices and remote workers and where abortion was already heavily restricted before the Supreme Court's decision. Several dozen workers gathered on Thursday in Austin to hold up signs that read, "Gender Equity Now" and "Honk if you support workers' rights!" "This walkout is the right thing to do. ABK should be ashamed that they are pushing their employees to walk out instead of accepting the demands and creating a safer workplace," said Fabby Garza, a Texas-based Activision quality assurance tester who helped organize the walkout. "Living in Texas as a person of a marginalized gender is to live in fear that at any point more rights will be taken away from you." "We support the right of our employees to express their views and values in a safe, responsible way, without fear of retaliation. There are numerous ways they can do so publicly or confidentially," Rich George, a spokesperson for Activision Blizzard told The Washington Post. "Our leadership team remains focused on ensuring we are the very best place to work. This includes ensuring gender equity throughout the company and comprehensive access to reproductive and other health care services for every employee." Organizers said the increasingly inhospitable legal landscape for marginalized people was the impetus for organizing the walkout. "I'm non binary," said Logan La Coss, a longtime Blizzard customer support employee in Texas who helped organize the walkout. "People like myself are not exactly in the greatest spot if various protected categories just had their rights rolled back. So we're looking into ways that we could get people to safety effectively. That was the biggest thrust of putting this whole thing together." Workers in Minnesota are also walking out, with the largest expected turnout compared to other parts of the company across the country. "The remote work demand is very close to my heart. As someone who lives with chronic pain and fatigue as well as anxiety, it's much easier to manage these things in a controlled remote work environment," said Kate Anderson, a Minnesota-based quality assurance tester. "We have tried to rally around remote work demands in the past, particularly with the vaccine mandate walkout [in April]. In Minnesota, we have seen several covid breakouts when they have tried return to office pushes in the past." Activision Blizzard employees have walked out five times over the course of a year, in protest of a vaccine mandate being lifted, in response to layoffs and to demand their embattled CEO step down. Employees first walked out exactly one year ago over the company's response to a California state sexual harassment and misconduct lawsuit. The protests around layoffs ultimately resulted in a union drive at Activision-owned Raven Software; 28 quality assurance testers won their bid for a union in May. On Tuesday, workers at Blizzard Albany - which is participating in today's walkouts - announced that they had filed for a union election with the National Labor Relations Board. At the start of July, 10 anti-queer and trans laws across different states went into effect, including Florida banning classroom discussions of gender and sexuality and an Alabama law that prevents trans students from using bathrooms and lockers that align with their genders. But even in places where gender-affirming care is available, it can still be difficult to find care and trans people may need to seek it out of state. Abortion advocates have expressed concerns that even in states where abortion is protected, resources will be spread thin across demand. "I deeply believe that the company should do what they can to protect employees, so their silence on Dobbs [decision to overturn Roe v. Wade] and anti-trans legislation sends a message that they don't appreciate us enough to provide what I feel are very reasonable asks," said Allen Junge, a Minnesota-based quality assurance functional tester. Activision Blizzard employees are specifically asking for relocation services for those living in states with restrictive laws, such as Texas' six-week ban on abortion. Several states, including Texas and Missouri, are targeting people that "aid and abet" their residents seeking abortion care and reproductive care out-of-state. Activision Blizzard isn't the only company with workers protesting the loss of abortion rights. Several employees at Google and the broader Alphabet company in Texas and across the country attended protests in June against the Supreme Court's decision to roll back Roe v. Wade. Google did not return a request for comment. "As the world's largest search engine, Google has a responsibility to do more to protect the privacy of its users, end its financial support of antiabortion politicians, and ensure greater abortion access benefits for all workers," said Alejandra Beatty, member of the Alphabet Workers Union-CWA and Technical Program Manager at Verily, an Alphabet company. "We stand with workers at Google, Alphabet, Activision Blizzard and across all industries, fighting for reproductive justice and gender equity." - - - The Washington Post's Anne Branigin contributed to this report. CVS Health is asking pharmacists in some states to verify that a few of the prescriptions they provide will not be used end a pregnancy. A spokesman said Thursday that the drugstore chain recently started doing this for methotrexate and misoprostol, two drugs used in medication abortions but also to treat other conditions. Spokesman Mike DeAngelis said the policy started the first week in July in Alabama, Arkansas, Idaho, Oklahoma, and Texas. The drugstore chains request comes after the U.S. Supreme Court last month overturned Roe v. Wade, the 1973 decision that had provided a constitutional right to abortion. The ruling is expected to lead to abortion bans in roughly half the states. DeAngelis said state laws that restrict the dispensing of medications used for abortions have forced the company to start the validations. He noted that some of the laws come with criminal penalties. Elise Amendola/AP The drugstore chain, which is based in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, is asking care providers to help by including their diagnosis on the prescriptions. DeAngelis said CVS Health will still fill prescriptions for miscarriages or ectopic pregnancies, which grow outside the womb and are not viable. We will continue to focus on delivering care to our patients while complying with state laws and federal guidance that continues to evolve, DeAngelis said in an email. The Supreme Court decision has put pharmacies in the middle of an intense national debate. Earlier this month, the Biden administration warned pharmacies not to discriminate against women over the prescriptions they seek. The administration noted that examples of discrimination could include a pharmacy that refuses to fill a prescription of misoprostol prescribed to help deal with a severe stomach ulcer. Methotrexate also is used to treat several types of cancers as well as rheumatoid arthritis, according to the Mayo Clinic. ___ Follow Tom Murphy on Twitter: https://twitter.com/thpmurphy Kin Man Hui/Staff photographer A federal grand jury has indicted two men in the deaths of 53 immigrants that were found in the back of hot 18-wheeler trailer on June 27 in San Antonio. Homero Zamorano Jr., 46, of Pasadena, Texas, and Christian Martinez, 28, of Palestine, Texas were each indicted on two counts of conspiracy to transport and transportation of immigrants resulting in death, according to a news release. They also received two counts each of transportation of immigrants resulting serious bodily injury. Back-to-school sales are already beginning and tax-free weekend is nearly upon us, which means meet the teacher night and the return to the school year are just around the corner, too. Even though it feels like summer just started, the beginning of the 2022-23 school year is within close sight. Plenty of local districts have already announced details regarding the upcoming academic year. Heres what you should know. Sam Owens, Staff Photographer / San Antonio Express-News Alamo Heights ISD The small school district will welcome back students on Monday, August 15. Supply lists for each of the campuses and information on special beginning-of-year events can be found here. Boerne ISD Students within Boerne schools will kick off the school year on Wednesday, August 10. Comal ISD The first day of school for Comal ISD students will be Tuesday, August 23. East Central ISD The 2022-2023 calendar, which notes Monday, August 15 as the first day of school, can be found here. The districts website also includes a registration form for students transferring into the district as well as grade level specific school supply lists. Edgewood ISD This Westside school district is ready to answer all of parents back-to-school questions, including answers related to supply lists, uniform and backpack requirements, and even student transportation. All but two of the districts campuses will return to classes on Monday, August 8. Floresville ISD Students in this tiny school district will head back to school on Wednesday, August 17. Fort Sam Houston ISD The on-base elementary, middle and high schools at Fort Sam Houston will mark the beginning of its school year on Monday, August 15. Great Hearts Texas There are seven Great Hearts campuses in and around San Antonio, all of which will begin their school year on Wednesday, August 10. Robin Jerstad /For the Express-News Harlandale ISD The small Southside district will begin the school year early on Wednesday, August 10. Supply lists for each grade level can be found here. Hondo ISD This small district out west of San Antonio will resume classes on Thursday, August 18. IDEA Public Schools The tuition-free public school system, with 15 campuses serving San Antonio, will resume classes on Monday, August 8. More information, including supply lists, is available online. Judson ISD Students within this school district can look forward to the beginning of the school year on Wednesday, August 17. Parents can find supply lists online. Kerrville ISD Students at this Hill Country district will head back to school on Monday, August 15. KIPP San Antonio Public Schools Wednesday, August 17 will mark the beginning of the new school year for KIPP students. More start-of-year information is available here. Lackland ISD The school year will kick off on Monday, August 15 for students on base at Lackland AFB. La Vernia ISD Students will have to return to school on Wednesday, August 17. Medina Valley ISD The growing district on the outskirts of San Antonio will begin its school year on Tuesday, August 16. New Braunfels ISD New Braunfels students will head back to the classroom on Tuesday, August 23. North East ISD Students at this San Antonio district will return to campuses on Wednesday, August 10. School supply lists are available on the districts site. Northside ISD Students across Northsides dozens of campuses get to enjoy a longer summer break since classes dont resume until Monday, August 22. Poteet ISD In the small town of Poteet, students will head back to school on Monday, August 22. Jerry Lara /San Antonio Express-News San Antonio ISD Lots of San Antonio students will return to school on Tuesday, August 16 for the new academic year. Parents can find more back-to-school information online. Schertz-Cibolo Universal City ISD Students attending this San Antonio-area school district can prepare on the first day of school on Thursday, August 11. Seguin ISD Outside of San Antonio, students at this area school district will return to classes on Monday, August 15. South San Antonio ISD South Sans first day of school will be Monday, August 8. Parents can prepare for the new school year via the districts online resources. Southside ISD Another small district serving South San Antonio, Southside ISD will resume classes on Thursday, August 11. Southwest ISD For students attending a Southwest ISD campus, the new school year begins on Monday, August 22. Somerset ISD Students down in Somerset can enjoy their summer break until classes resume on Monday, August 22. analysis A new Institute for Security Studies website provides data-driven pathways to improving income levels and reducing poverty. After decades of modest livelihood improvements, Africa's fortunes started turning around in the mid-1990s. But the gap in crucial indices, such as average incomes in Africa and those in the rest of the world, continues to widen. A new Institute for Security Studies (ISS) website explores the reasons for Africa's slow development beyond the historical impact of slavery, imperialism, colonialism and the Cold War's proxy battles. Because of its large youthful population, Africa will only enter a potential demographic dividend in the middle of this century - several decades later than other regions. Instead of a boon to development, Africa's large, youthful population is a significant drag on improvements in income and poverty reduction. With most people still living in rural areas and engaged in subsistence farming, the continent isn't benefiting from the dynamic contribution that urbanisation makes to development. Instead of labour moving to jobs in urban factories - the traditional route to rapid growth - most Africans urbanise to escape destitution in rural areas. So rather than benefiting from more productive livelihoods in towns and cities, they merely survive in a growing informal, low-end services sector. Urbanisation makes only a modest contribution to improved productivity in most African economies As a result, urbanisation is making only a modest contribution to improved productivity in most African economies. And instead of industrialising, Africa is deindustrialising from the relatively small role that manufacturing plays in its economies. At low levels of development, a services-led growth path delivers minor improvements in productivity and mediocre economic growth. Despite all the talk about its agricultural potential, Africa hasn't experienced an agricultural revolution; average yields per hectare are less than half the average in the rest of the world. Farmland is communally owned and not bankable. Fertiliser is expensive, and surplus produce cannot get to the market because of poor infrastructure. Instead of catching up, the gap in yields per hectare in Africa compared to global averages is increasing. The continent is becoming less food secure with each passing year, as evidenced by the impact of Russia's invasion of Ukraine on food availability, hunger and malnutrition. Then there is Africa's large health burden. Rates of communicable diseases on the continent are more than four times higher than the average worldwide. Although Africa's non-communicable disease burden is only half that of the rest of the world, rates are increasing. With its lagging development and instability, it's ironic that Africa's democracy levels are quite high By 2024, the death rate from non-communicable diseases in Africa will overtake that from communicable diseases. This early epidemiological transition - given low levels of development - translates into a veritable double burden of disease on a continent with exceptionally poor health infrastructure and low ratios of medical personnel to population. Ironically, levels of democracy in Africa are quite high given its lagging development and burden of instability. And military expenditure on the continent is generally below the average in the rest of the world. So what can be done? On 22 June the ISS African Futures and Innovation (AFI) programme unveiled an ambitious website with long-term forecasts of each African country. The site assesses why Africa is trailing behind the rest of the world and presents scenarios two decades into the future. It also tracks the effect of positive pathways in 11 separate sectors, ranging from infrastructure to leapfrogging and climate change and energy. Africa can start closing the gap with the rest of the world, but there are no quick fixes. Rather, countries must pursue good political and economic management, and match interventions to their specific circumstances, natural endowments and levels of development. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Africa Business Infrastructure By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. AFI's rich datasets and forecasts provide unparalleled insights into likely future trends The AFI's rich datasets and forecasts provide unparalleled insights into likely future trends. They enable a mapping of Africa's development challenges and the huge potential of the continental free trade area, more aid and foreign direct investment, better education and health. At the launch last month, South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa commended the ISS for 'lending its weight to the pan-African drive for unity, self-determination, freedom, progress and collective prosperity.' With progress across all sectors, the growing gap between income levels in Africa and the rest of the world can be closed. It will take time though, and the number of extremely poor people in Africa will likely increase over the next decade. Improving incomes and reducing extreme poverty will take several decades to achieve. Jakkie Cilliers, Head, African Futures and Innovation, ISS Pretoria Google Maps The Temple Police Department recovered a deceased male from Temple Lake Park on Wednesday, July 20. According to a news release, officials discovered the body after finding the owner's vehicle beforehand. Officers were dispatched at 9:09 a.m. in response to a white Nissan Versa submerged under water at Temple Lake Park, according to the release. Around 11:30 a.m., the vehicle was recovered. Officers determined the vehicle was unoccupied, and divers from Temple Fire and Rescue did not locate anyone underwater in the surrounding area. Taco Bell is being sued after a Dallas store manager allegedly attacked two customers by pouring scalding water on them as they complained about an incomplete order, according to the lawsuit obtained by NBC News. According to the report, the customers said they have sustained serious burns from the manager's actions. The lawsuit claimed they were left with permanent skin damage and a lifelong change to their appearance from the incident. According to NBC News, the incident occurred on June 17 when the pair failed to receive the correct order at a Dallas Taco Bell. They went through the drive-thru a second and third time in unsuccessful attempts to get their order fixed. The two then walked into the location's dining room after an employee allowed them in since it was closed inside. When they asked for their order to be corrected, the employees refused, one employee challenged the customer to a fight, and then a manager who they hadn't spoken with poured a bucket of hot water on the two, dousing the customer's face and getting the water on the chests of both plaintiffs, the suit said. According to the suit, the manager poured the second bucket of hot water after the customers tried to escape the location. The suit claims one of the customers also suffered an injury to her brain function, which triggered at least 10 seizures before she made it to the hospital. The other customer had burns to her face, chest, legs, and stomach. The lawsuit became publicized on Tuesday, July 19 by one of the attorneys for the plaintiffs. It was filed on July 13 in a Dallas County district court. The customers claimed that the restaurant displayed gross negligence and hiring negligence that set in motion the alleged attack. In a statement, Taco Bell said it takes the safety of workers and customers seriously and has been in touch with the franchise owner and operator described in the suit. The company declined further comment citing pending litigation. The Dallas Police Department said it is investigating the incident after the customers reported that they had been burned. The department said a Taco Bell employee also claimed to have been assaulted. The customer's lawyer Paul Grinke denied the allegation saying, "It is hard to imagine a scenario where it would be OK to our scalding water all over a female minor." Yves here. Unusually, an article means to rouse (well-deserved) ire, this Common Dreams piece appears to assume that its readers are fully up to speed on the draconian Georgia abortion law, H.B.481. Not only does it set an impossibly tight window for getting a legal abortion (as in before many women would realize they were pregnant) but as the the article below does usefully explain, uses a bogus cutoff standard of a fetal heartbeat, when the early-in-first-trimester electrical signals claimed to be a heartbeat typically cant be given the state of development. What the article skips over are the draconian punishments for women who obtain abortions for fetuses deemed to have heartbeats. In Alabama, its MDs who are sanctioned for giving deemed-to-be-illegal abortions (allowed only in cases of endangerment of the mother, rape, or incest). In Georgia, the mother is subject to the death penalty for getting an abortions. From Slate in 2019: On Tuesday, Georgia Republican Gov. Brian Kemp signed a fetal heartbeat bill that seeks to outlaw abortion after about six weeks. The measure, HB 481, is the most extreme abortion ban in the countrynot just because it would impose severe limitations on womens reproductive rights, but also because it would subject women who get illegal abortions to life imprisonment and the death penalty. The primary purpose of HB 481 is to prohibit doctors from terminating any pregnancy after they can detect embryonic or fetal cardiac activity, which typically occurs at six weeks gestation. But the bill does far more than that. In one sweeping provision, it declares that unborn children are a class of living, distinct person that deserves full legal recognition. Thus, Georgia law must recognize unborn children as natural personsnot just for the purposes of abortion, but as a legal rule. And a woman who miscarries because of her own conductsay, using drugs while pregnantwould be liable for second-degree murder, punishable by 10 to 30 years imprisonment. Prosecutors may interrogate women who miscarry to determine whether they can be held responsible; if they find evidence of culpability, they may charge, detain, and try these women for the death of their fetuses. Slate also points out that the sponsors of this law havent thought things through: This radical revision of Georgia law is quite deliberate: The bill confirms that fetuses shall be included in population based determinations from now on, because they are legally humans, and residents of the state. But it is not clear whether the bills drafters contemplated the more dramatic consequences of granting legal personhood to fetuses. For instance, as Georgia appellate attorney Andrew Fleischman has pointed out, the moment this bill takes effect on Jan. 1, 2020, the state will be illegally holding thousands of citizens in jail without bond. Thats because, under HB 481, pregnant inmates fetuses have independent rightsincluding the right to due process. Can a juvenile attorney represent an inmates fetus and demand its release? If not, why? It is an egregious due process violation to punish one human for the crimes of another. If an inmates fetus is a human, how can Georgia lawfully detain it for a crime it did not commit? Finally, what bothers me is that despite the considerable upset and concern about these retrograde laws, I dont see any serious discussion, let alone evidence of action, about creating an underground railroad for women who want abortions. For instance, I see the Planned Parenthood pledge of the Were here to help sort not just as disingenuous but actively putting women at risk. If a woman in Georgia leaves the state to have an abortion and returns to Georgia, she is subject to prosecution for murder in Georgia., particularly if she left fingerprints, like buying a pregnancy test. See NoLo: Usually, any state in which an essential part of a crime has been committed can prosecute the offender. That means that authorities in each affected state can prosecute a crime that stretches from one territory to another. The double jeopardy prohibition doesnt apply to separate sovereigns, meaning that this kind of multiple prosecution doesnt run afoul of the Constitution. In fact, its at least theoretically possible that multiple states and the federal government could prosecute a defendant for a single course of conduct. And what happens when jealous boyfriends accuse their exes of having gotten pregnant by them, whether or not that happened? I see a dearth of practical advice that is sufficiently cognizant of the legal and surveillance exposures: How can pregnant women communicate safely? Get transportation out of state? And if need be, get help in moving permanently to a state that is less hostile to women? Women and men who support abortion should be coming up with methods to help these women navigate so their actions (information gathering and movement) will be well-hidden in a flow of non-abortion-related activity. Im appalled not only by the false pretenses of concern by bourgeois feminists, but also the lack of any self-reflection or self-recrimination for how their complacency meant their was no meaningful resistance as the right, over fifty years, strategized and campaigned relentlessly to achieve their goal. By Brett Wilkins, a staff writer at Common Dreams. Originally published at Common Dreams Abortion rights defenders on Wednesday were down but determined after a federal appeals court lifted an injunction on Georgias six-week abortion ban, allowing the draconian law to take immediate effect. Writing for a three-judge panel of the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals, Judge William Pryor saidthat the U.S. Supreme Courts recent Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organizationruling voidingnearly 50 years of constitutional abortion rights makes clear that no right to abortion exists under the Constitution, so Georgia may prohibit them. Pryora George W. Bush appointee who once called Roe v. Wadethe worst abomination in the history of constitutional lawadded that it is hard to see any vagueness in H.B. 481, the 2019 Georgia anti-choice law that defines a natural person to include unborn humans in the womb at any stage of development. While Republican Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp said he was overjoyed by the ruling, state Sen. Michelle Au (D-48), who is also a physician, tweeted, What this means is that in Georgia, patients sitting in a waiting room RIGHT NOW, waiting for abortion care that was legal just this morning when they arrived, now have lost their right to that medical care and control over their own bodies. Just like that, she added. Gone. Crushing news: Georgias 6-week ban will go into effect later this summer, banning abortion before many people even know theyre pregnant & forcing people to travel hundreds of miles for care. You shouldnt have to leave your state to access an abortion. https://t.co/knq2ilExrC Planned Parenthood Action (@PPact) July 20, 2022 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports: Georgias new law is different from other states heartbeat statutes because it includes so-called personhood provisions, where rights are extended to an embryo once fetal cardiac activity can be detected. Parents would be able to claim a fetus, once a heartbeat is detected, on their state income taxes as a dependent, and the measure would also require state officials to count an unborn child toward Georgias population. Mothers can also file for child support once cardiac activity is detected. Experts have noted that fetal heartbeat laws are inherently flawed, as whats being detected in a six-week-old fetus is little more than cells and electrical activity. Its very bad and a very big deal that this six-week abortion ban in Georgia has a personhood provision. We havent even begin to countenance how legal fetal and embryonic personhood would warp and limit womens lives. https://t.co/l1ZO92cN4h Moira Donegan (@MoiraDonegan) July 20, 2022 Earlier this month, a federal judge blocked enforcement of Arizonas so-called personhood law. The implementation of Georgias six-week ban comes as an effort to codify reproductive rights nationwide via the House-approved Womens Health Protection Act has stalled amid opposition from Senate Republicans and right-wing Democrat Joe Manchin of West Virginia. Planned Parenthood Southeast vice president of external affairs Amy Kennedy saidi n a statement that Wednesdays ruling is an affront to our personal rights and goes against the will of the vast majority of Georgians who believe in the bodily autonomy of all in our state. The people have just been robbed of their ability to make the decisions that are best for themselves, their lives, and their futures, Kennedy continued. No matter what the courts say, people deserve access to abortionand Planned Parenthood is here to help you get the care you need. We remain committed to helping Georgians access abortion care, and our doors are open for nonjudgmental information, resources, and financial and logistical support. Yves here. Welcome back to Hubert Horan, and now Izabella Kaminska, another friend of the site, with their latest sightings of the ongoing Uber soap opera. Below they review the Uber Files expose, describing in detail how it fell short by ignoring Ubers inherently uncompetitive economics and how those provided the impetus for its lawbreaking and other aggressive behavior. By Hubert Horan and Izabella Kaminska and cross-posted from Kaminskas site The Blind Spot. Neither author have any financial links with any urban car service industry competitors, investors or regulators, or any firms that work on behalf of industry participants What the gilet jaunes protests in France could not achieve, a recently published expose about ride-hailing unicorn Uber [1] is apparently on the verge of doing: getting French President Emmanuel Macron to resign. According to French media opposition leaders [2] incensed by revelations that Macron had backed and facilitated the rollout of the Silicon Valley darling in its heyday period from 2014 to 2016, are now calling for the presidents resignation. And yet, the big mystery at the heart of the whole story is why should revelations that have been known for years reemerge in such dramatic form today? Even more inexplicable is how an investigation of this scale could miss the actual story at the heart of the Uber phenomenon: the fact that Ubers business model was patently suspect from the very beginning and should never have received the massive support from capital markets and the political and media establishment that it did. Lets take a closer look at the details of the story but also at the media framing of the whole thing. On Monday, July 11, The Guardian published a series of articles based on The Uber Files, [3] a trove of over 100,000 emails, memos, and other internal Uber documents from between 2013 and 2017 that had been provided to the Guardian by Mark MacGann, one of Ubers top European lobbyists. The lead headline framed the story thusly: Uber broke laws, duped police and secretly lobbied governments, leak reveals. The story aimed to demonstrate that Uber knew it was breaking laws. Soon after, another story on the same day introduced the leaker: The Uber whistleblower: Im exposing a system that sold people a lie. [4] In this story, MacGann admits that the claims he fed to politicians about benefits for drivers and cities had never been true and says he came forward to right some fundamental wrongs. Subsequent stories provided additional background on the Uber PR/lobbying programme MacGann had supported, including the crucial role played by David Plouffe, Barack Obamas former chief of staff [5] . Also, how Uber had paid prestigious academics to produce findings that would support their PR narratives [6] and how Uber PRs misled drivers about their potential earnings and worked to disrupt driver protests. [7] The Missing Links In some regards, The Guardian series represents a noteworthy breakthrough. Despite the significant media attention that Uber has courted throughout the years, this is the first time any mainstream media outlet has bothered to step back and attempt a big picture review of the gig economy giant. Everything in the Guardian series is factually accurate and offers readers especially those not following the saga closely a good overview of Uber history. But readers looking for a big picture evaluation of Uber will quickly realise that The Guardian series has failed to address a number of critical questions. These include: Can some of Ubers bad behaviour be partially justified by the positive contributions it made to the productivity of the urban car service industry and overall economic welfare? Were the hyper-aggressive approaches described in the series widespread within Uber or limited to a few out-of-control individuals? If there was bad behaviour that went far beyond what was legal, appropriate, or necessary, why was it never reined in? Was this bad behaviour critical to driving Ubers rapid traffic and valuation growth, or was it largely incidental? How do the false claims about the benefits Uber would create compare to what large companies routinely do to create positive public impressions and to increase political/media support? Why did these lies remain largely unchallenged? While the Uber Files ended in 2017, did false PR claims and other problematic behaviour stop after Dara Khosrowshani replaced Travis Kalanick? How did these post-Kalanick changes affect Ubers marketplace and financial performance? Ubers Economic Reality A point often overlooked in Uber media coverage is that in 12 years of operation the ride-hailing app is yet to produce a dollar of positive cash flow. As of the end of 2021, Ubers ongoing car and delivery services had produced GAAP net losses of $31bn. [8] The other too frequently untold truth is that rather than being a beacon of transportation progress, Uber is actually a substantially less efficient, higher-cost producer of urban car services than the traditional taxi operators it has driven out of business. Ubers business model has never had any ability to profitably produce very large-scale operations at prices the market is willing to pay. Ubers rapid growth and ability to drive competitors out of the marketplace have never had anything to do with superior productivity driven by technological breakthroughs. They were driven entirely by tens of billions in unsustainable and predatory subsidies provided by investors who had hoped that some combination of network and scale economies would allow Uber to achieve global dominance of the car service industry. [9] The major problem with The Guardians Uber Files series is that it totally ignores the economics of Ubers business model. Ubers massive losses are never mentioned. Nor does the series mention the staggering and totally unprecedented $20bn in investor funding, 2300 times the pre-IPO funding Amazon required. It makes no attempt to explain how Ubers investors thought they might eventually generate sustainable profits, much less returns on that level of investment. In the grand scheme of things, Uber has contributed absolutely nothing to overall economic welfare. Thus there was never any tradeoff of bad behaviour versus benefits produced to consider. The short-term consumer gains it claimed to deliver (lower prices/increased service) were always unsustainable. In reality, the model did not improve the overall productivity of urban taxi services, which means its stock price never had anything to do with future profit potential. Ubers efforts to suppress driver compensation and steamroll local officials trying to enforce longstanding regulations were purely destructive. So too was its effect of driving more efficient competitors out of business, increasing congestion and diverting traffic that weakened local transit systems. Ignoring economics and focusing on the actions of aggressive lobbyists and local managers in isolation makes it difficult forThe Guardians readers to understand what was motivating this behaviour or whether it was limited to a handful of irrational, out-of-control individuals. The toxic behaviour makes much more sense, however, if one understands that Uber was always misselling its longer-term profit potential and its ability to provide the market with vastly more service at much lower prices. Uber isnt then just a company with poor-work culture. Its a company engaged in a confidence trick on society. Consider all the elements of the Guardians stories in that framing, and you begin to see a highly integrated and rational strategy deployed from the outset: Deliberately disobeying longstanding laws and regulations. Using an unprecedented level of lobbying expenditures to convince politicians that those laws should not be enforced. Conducting massive propaganda-based PR campaigns based on manufactured narratives about how letting Uber do whatever it wanted would produce massive benefits for consumers, drivers, and the cities it served. Aggressively publicising how the combination of the monomaniacal culture Kalanick had created and the billions in investor cash Uber had raised could be used to obliterate the competition in order to convince politicians and the media that its eventual success was inevitable and any resistance would be futile. Ubers investors were pursuing the stratospheric valuation growth that other unicorns had achieved. The foundation of companies like Amazon and Facebook were major productivity and product breakthroughs. Powerful network and scale economies allowed them to achieve dominant industry positions, and once dominant, they could readily exploit anti-competitive market power. But Ubers business model lacked any material efficiency or productivity advantages from the beginning. It didnt have the huge scale or network economies that allowed other unicorns to grow into profitability. Its corporate development strategy was to skip the difficult build a foundation based on major productivity and product breakthroughs phase of the development journey and move directly to impregnable industry dominance and the ability to exploit artificial anti-competitive market power. It is absurd to argue that the toxic behaviours reported by the Guardian were due to aberrant behaviour by a few bad actors. Ubers investors wanted managers to pursue the companys meteoric growth at any cost and knew that this ruthless, hyper-aggressive behaviour was the only way to deliver it. [10] Ubers investors never uttered a word of complaintabout the terrible publicity this bad behaviour was generating until it threatened the huge returns the 2019 IPO was supposed to produce.[11] As Ubers huge losses and cash drains demonstrate, its rational strategy to use predatory subsidies, PR, lobbying and its hyper-aggressive culture couldnt totally overcome economic reality. Perhaps due to drinking some of the PR Kool-Aid they were serving the public, Ubers investors seemed to think that anything that could be described as an app-based network would generate significant value, at least large enough to eventually produce positive cash flow. Whats more, the presumption that Uber could use artificial market power to drive profitable growth was also incorrect; Didi had achieved a 95+% share of the Chinese car service market but has never generated meaningful profits. A Political Coup, Not a Business Proposition Ubers explicit political objective was to seize control of a portion of urban transport infrastructure from the voters and taxpayers that had long controlled it and totally destroy the publics ability to exercise any oversight over these services (including safety and insurance rules). Urban car services would only exist if capital accumulators could earn outsized investment returns. No city government anywhere, following deliberative processes open to the public, voted to either suspend all pre-existing taxi regulations or to transfer control of local taxi service to private investors who could not be held accountable if promised levels of service, prices and jobs failed to materialise. But thats what Ubers massive lobbying and PR efforts accomplished. Ubers investors seemed to believe that simply claiming to be a tech company that had produced an app eliminated the need to actually understand the industry they were trying to disrupt. They did not understand that the economics of quasi-public goods like urban transport were radically different to the discretionary consumer industries other tech companies had tried to disrupt. Ubers business model had not solved any of the longstanding problems that had made taxi service unpopular and economically marginal. Uber could never explain why even though taxis and all other forms of urban transport had required public ownership or tight regulation for over a hundred years, they would suddenly become an economic powerhouse worthy of nine-digit stock market valuations if converted to a pure laissez-faire private investor structure. Uber is not the only company to make claims about the benefits it creates that ultimately do not withstand scrutiny. But Ubers hyper-aggressive lobbying and PR activities went way beyond what other Silicon Valley-financed startups were doing at that time. The issue was not the specific claims about job creation and happy drivers that MacGann feels remorseful about. The bigger, much more serious PR/lobbyist lies were that Uber was a legitimate company that could eventually produce sustainable profits and broader economic benefits. Also, that Uber should be granted full laissez-faire freedoms, without any evidence that this could produce substantially more efficient taxi services than had existed previously. And that it should be free to operate without any accountability for actually producing the sustainable benefits for consumers and cities it promised, and without any protections for the companies and jobs destroyed by its highly predatory behaviour. The narratives Uber was manufacturing were designed to conceal Ubers actual economics and to mislead investors and the cities whose taxi services had been decimated by Ubers pursuit of unicorn-like valuations. These narratives created the widespread perception that Uber was a highly innovative and successful company that had revolutionised urban transport, and which could achieve the long-term growth and profit potential to justify its massive (currently $42bn) valuation. [12] These perceptions remain powerful despite overwhelming financial evidence to the contrary and despite the fact that all of the narrative claims that created this perception are demonstrably false. Empowering Ubers Counter-Narratives By ignoring Ubers economics, The Guardian has allowed Uber PRs to undermine the series by claiming that all of the bad behaviour reported is down to a small number of aberrant people who no longer work there. Uber has further claimed the behaviour was inconsistent with board-level objectives and strategies, and that all of the problems from that era were solved when Dara Khosrowshani replaced Kalanick. Uber does appear to have shaved off some of its rougher practices. For example, the use of Greyball technology to obstruct law enforcement has been eliminated. But theres little evidence that the change in CEOs did anything to solve Ubers core problems. After four years, Khosrowshani has done nothing to solve the problem that Ubers business model is incapable of generating sustainable profits. And Uber is still manufacturing narratives designed to conceal Ubers actual economics and to mislead investors about its growth and profit potential. It continues aggressively lobbying to prevent any meaningful public oversight just as it did when MacGann worked there. Ignoring economics also allowed Emmanuel Macron to undermine the series by arguing that he was only helping Uber to support innovation and job creation as any smart politician would. The more substantive criticism of Macron (and other openly pro-Uber politicians) is that he was aggressively working to help Uber drive existing French taxi operators out of business without any evidence this would actually produce meaningful benefits for French consumers, workers or cities. He was not trying to ensure that a new competitor would have the level-playing-field opportunity to compete so that the marketplace could determine the outcome. He was working to rig the marketplace so a company with $20bn in financing (but no actual competitive advantages) could destroy operators who were willing to obey existing laws but had much less financing. Pro-Uber politicians like Macron cannot be judged independent of evidence about the economics of Uber and the urban transport business. Uber PRs still claims it has vastly improved urban car services, even though the highly subsidised service and fares that fueled its initial popularity are distant memories, and anyone who has recently tried to take an Uber knows it is now charging much higher fares and providing much less service in most cities than traditional taxis used to. But since The Guardian series has completely ignored the $31bn in losses and all other financial evidence, it has no way to respond to the false PR claims Uber has used to confuse its readers. Other Minor Problems Despite suggesting that the files MacGann gave The Guardian included new, shocking stop-the-presses Snowden/Manning-type revelations, almost all of the bad behaviour presented was publicly known when MacGann was still employed by Uber. [13] Everyone in Silicon Valley knew that Uber broke laws, duped police and secretly lobbied governments in 2017. When Susan Fowler published her expose of systematic sexual harassment at Uber in 2017, it was immediately accepted that Uber could be guilty of behaviour this bad. And while it was useful for The Guardian to remind its readers about some of the nasty behaviour that fueled its growth, it failed to supplement what was in MacGanns files with readily available evidence about the full scope of the bad behaviour that resulted from Ubers meteoric-growth-at-any-cost strategy. The 2017 Transportation Law Journal article on Uber referenced earlier cites 88 different news reports directly critical of Ubers behaviour in the time period covered by The Uber Files. These included numerous issues The Guardian did not mention including: Arbitrary cuts to driver compensation. Willfully false claims about driver earnings (that subsequently led to a $20mn FTC fine). Scheduling algorithms that sharply limited the flexibility it had promised drivers. Reneging on promises to share operating data with city governments concerned about congestion. Attempts to sabotage Lyft financing efforts. Spamming competitors with false orders. Harassment of critical journalists and legal foes. Lawsuits claiming Uber had stolen Waymo intellectual property. The systematic sexual harassment of female Uber staff. The theft of police reports about a customer who had been raped in an Uber vehicle. Whats more, while The Guardian series appropriately notes David Plouffes role in developing Ubers huge lobbying programme, it has understated his importance. Contemporaneous news reports had not only noted how useful Plouffes Democratic Party contacts were to Uber in the Democratic cities that were Ubers biggest markets, but also explained how Plouffes work at Uber was a major departure from traditional tech industry lobbying practices. Instead of just reacting to legal/regulatory challenges, Plouffe structured Ubers lobbying as a proactive political campaign. Tech companies had avoided avoiding major lobbying expenditures until they had achieved a sustainable market position, but Plouffe made lobbying one of Ubers top priorities while still extremely immature. Uber employed more lobbyists in Nevada than the entire casino industry and more lobbyists in California than Walmart, Bank of America or Wells Fargo.[14] The Uber Files noted the importance of the contacts Plouffe had developed as Barack Obamas Chief of Staff. Although, oddly (especially for a UK newspaper), The Guardian did not mention similarly close ties between MacGanns direct superior, Rachael Whetstone, and Conservative Party leadership, as news reports at the time had. The Guardian mentions that Whetstone had previously lobbied for Google in Brussels but failed to note that she was the granddaughter of one of the key drivers of the UK libertarian movement who had funded the think tanks that had laid the groundwork for Margaret Thatchers election, personally managed a major rebranding of the Conservative party, and was the godmother of one of Prime Minister David Camerons children. [15] The lies about benefits for drivers and job creation that MacGann acknowledges merely scratch the surface of what The Guardian could have told its readers about Ubers false PR narrative claims. Subsidising Your Way to Self-Driving Fleet Fantasies Ubers growth was not based on customers freely choosing its superior service in competitive markets as it claimed. It was driven by billions in subsidies that totally distorted customer choices and were explicitly designed to eliminate competition. Ubers competitive success, meanwhile, was not based on the powerful cutting-edge technology it said would allow it to overwhelm incumbents in any market anywhere it was based on those same predatory subsidies. This is why its efforts to enter markets like China and Russia were such disasters. Other questionable Uber narrative claims included the following: That it should be free to ignore existing car services because laws applying to car services ordered by telephone could not possibly apply to car services ordered by smartphones. That it should be free to ignore existing labour laws governing car service drivers because it wasnt actually a transportation company but was merely a software company. That it deserved a unicorn valuation because its enormous scale and network economies would drive the costs of Ubers so low that they would massively displace car ownership and transit system usage. That it would introduce driverless taxis by 2018 and become a more powerful provider of autonomous vehicles than Tesla, Waymo, Mercedes, or Toyota. That these driverless taxis would massively improve its profitability even though the much higher cost and capital burden of these unproven vehicles dwarfed Uber driver compensation. That huge synergies between taxi services, food delivery, and scooter rentals would allow them to become the Amazon of Transportation. That flying taxis would become a major contributor to future profits. All that said, its not fair to be too harsh. The Guardian has attempted a big-picture review of Uber that is still incredibly meaningful. They have correctly focused on bad behaviour and Ubers major investments in lobbying and PR. What they have reported is entirely accurate. It is the broader medias continuing reluctance to shine a light on the fundamental bad economics of the business that continues to exasperate us. There is ample published evidence to support Ubers economic failure. The Guardians failure to place the analysis in the context of Ubers competitive economics and financial performance despite ample published evidence has significantly limited the value of the exercise. _______ [1] Harry Davies, Simon Goodley, Felicity Lawrence, Paul Lewis and Lisa OCarroll, Uber broke laws, duped police and secretly lobbied governments, leak reveals, The Guardian 10 July 2022. https://www.theguardian.com/news/2022/jul/10/uber-files-leak-reveals-global-lobbying-campaign [2] Uber : une enquete devoile les methodes brutales, voire illegales, de la plateforme, Le Point 10 July 2022, https://www.lepoint.fr/politique/le-deal-d-emmanuel-macron-avec-la-societe-uber-10-07-2022-2482816_20.php [3] What are the Uber files? A guide to cab-hailing firms ruthless expansion tactics, The Guardian, 10 July 2022 https://www.theguardian.com/news/2022/jul/10/what-are-the-uber-files-guide. The files were also shared with other news organizations including the Washington Post the BBC and theInternational Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ). [4] Paul Lewis, Harry Davies, Lisa OCarroll, Simon Goodley and Felicity Lawrence, The Uber whistleblower: Im exposing a system that sold people a lie, The Guardian 11 July 2022https://www.theguardian.com/news/2022/jul/11/uber-files-whistleblower-lobbyist-mark-macgann [5] Stephanie Kirchgaessner, Felicity Lawrence and Johana Bhuiyan, The Uber campaign: how ex-Obama aides helped sell firm to world, The Guardian 10 Jul 2022 https://www.theguardian.com/news/2022/jul/10/uber-campaign-how-ex-obama-aides-helped-sell-firm-to-world [6] Felicity Lawrence, Uber paid academics six-figure sums for research to feed to the media, The Guardian 12 July 2022 https://www.theguardian.com/news/2022/jul/12/uber-paid-academics-six-figure-sums-for-research-to-feed-to-the-media. This understandaably focuses on European academics who have supported pro-Uber narratives, but links to a detailed story on Uber PRs use of academics in the US. Hubert Horan, Ubers Academic Research Program: How to Use Famous Economists to Spread Corporate Narratives, ProMarket, 5 December 2019, https://promarket.org/ubers-academic-research-program-how-to-use-famous-economists-to-spread-corporate-narratives/ [7] Felicity Lawrence, They were taking us for a ride: how Uber used investor cash to seduce drivers, The Guardian 12 July 2022 https://www.theguardian.com/news/2022/jul/12/they-were-taking-us-for-a-ride-how-uber-used-investor-cash-to-seduce-drivers [8] Ubers historical financial results, and some of Ubers highly problematic reporting practices are summarized in Hubert Horan, Can Uber Ever Deliver? Part Twenty-Nine: Despite Massive Price Increases Uber Losses Top $31 Billion, Naked Capitalism, 11 Feb 2011 [9] I had initially laid out Ubers hopelessly uncompetitive economics in 2017 Hubert Horan, Will the Growth of Uber Increase Economic Welfare? 44 Transp. L.J., 33-105 (2017) and updated this analysis in Hubert Horan, Ubers Path of Destruction, American Affairs, vol.3 no. 2, Summer 2019, pp.108-133 [10] Ubers strategy never assumed that it had Amazon/Facebook growth economics but (incorrectly) presumed sufficient network/scale economies to generate positive cash flow. The presumption that it could use artificial market power to drive profitable growth was also incorrect; Didi achieved a 95+% share of the Chinese car service market but has never generated meaningful profits. Hubert Horan, Can Uber Ever Deliver? Part Twenty-Five: Didis IPO Illustrates Why Ubers Business Model Was Always Hopeless, 2 August 2021 [11] Travis Kalanick was not sacked because of the torrent of bad publicity about bad behavior. He was sacked because his Board had become impatient with his refusal to pursue the IPO the shareholders needed to convert paper gains to real money. Hubert Horan, Can Uber Ever Deliver? Part Ten: The Uber Death Watch Begins, Naked Capitalism, 15 June 2017 and See Can Uber Ever Deliver? Part Seventeen: Ubers 2018 Results Still Show Huge Losses and Slowing Growth as IPO Approaches, 16 February 2019. [12] The origins and lasting power of these powerful narratives are described at Hubert Horan, The Uber Bubble: Why Is a Company That Lost $20 Billion Claimed to Be Successful? ProMarket, 20 Nov 2019 [13] Mike Issac, Inside Ubers Aggressive, Unrestrained Workplace Culture, New York Times, 22 Feb 2017 [14] Kara Swisher, Uber Hires Top Obama Adviser David Plouffe as New Campaign Manager, Recode, Aug. 19, 2014 David Figler, Viva Disruption! How Uber Outspent the Casinos to Buy Vegas, Pando, June 22, 2015, Chris Kirkham & Tracey Lien, Facing Regulatory Roadblocks, Uber Ramps up its Lobbying in California, L.A. Times, July 26, 2015 [15] Kara Swisher, Google Comms and Policy Head Rachel Whetstone Takes Over That Job at Uber, Recode, May 13, 2015, Paul Bradley Carr, Bright Young Flacks: Camerons Cronies Now Drive Silicon Valleys Most Sinister Propaganda Machine, Pando, May 17, 2015 The new COVID-19 BA.5 variant, rising travel costs and unpredictable flight cancellations I can think of a hundred reasons not to take a vacation anytime soon. Still, Im starting to feel a little claustrophobic just staying here in Nashville. I want to be free! I want to see the world! If you too want to get away, here are four fantastic sweets thatll help you make a sweet escape without having to sit next to a maskless mouth-breather for hours on end. Plus, no jet lag! Panecito Every Tuesday at the East Nashville Farmers Market and every third Thursday at the Wedgewood-Houston Farmers Market instagram.com/panecitokale Theres a steady line in front of the Panecito booth every Tuesday evening at the East Nashville Farmers Market, with kids and adults alike waiting their turn to order Dora Martinezs Mexican sweets. There are big buckets of blueberry and watermelon and lime agua fresca, light-as-a-cloud conchas and fresh fruit whole mangoes and fat wedges of watermelon smothered with tart chamoy sauce and Tajin. The moment one person happily walks away with their order, a passerby, enticed by the sight of a colorful concha sitting atop an icy cup of horchata, jumps in to take their place. People are beginning to love Panecito, especially children, says Martinez. I love doing things for children. Most people focus more on adults, and we forget about children. I have two daughters, and almost wherever we go the childrens menu is very small. I try to make Panecito kid-friendly, delicious and healthy. Martinez grew up in Oaxaca, Mexico, and moved to Nashville with her family in 2002 when she was a teenager. She first started baking conchas and tres leches cakes for homesick friends and family, and a few years ago she began selling those goods at Alebrije, her husbands popular pop-up taco shop in Honeytree Meadery. Martinezs conchas, made with a combination of butter and vegetable shortening, are exquisite light and tender, similar to brioche dough. Some are finished with the traditional vanilla-flavored sugar coating stamped on top in a seashell design, and others are decorated with Oreo crumbs, sprinkles and seasonal designs like sugar skulls, Pride rainbows and, for Halloween, those freaky twins from The Shining. Shudder. No matter how theyre decorated, to eat one is simple. Just take a bite. The sugary topping will stick to your lips and crumble all over your hands its messy and its wonderful. As you chew, take a sip of horchata. Then repeat. Bite, sip, bite, sip, bite, sip, until the last delectable crumb. Your body wont be in Mexico, but your tastebuds will be. Sweet Dreams Bakery & Bubble Tea 443 Cool Springs Blvd., #115, Franklin dreamsbakery.com With my first bite of a Portuguese egg tart from Franklins Sweet Dreams Bakery & Bubble Tea, I felt like I was tasting the sun. The pale-yellow custard gleaming with deep-golden specks of caramelization was warm and luscious. The crust the edges of which were also kissed with a beautiful burnt-sugar brown was flaky and crisp, seasoned with just enough salt to complement the sweet eggy filling. It was the best egg tart Ive ever tasted, and while Ive never been to China, egg tarts are my go-to when visiting any major city with a Chinese bakery New York, San Francisco, Chicago. Ive sampled my share. Sweet Dreams owner and baker Wilson Shan had his first egg tart years ago while growing up in Shanghai. The mini custard pies became popular all throughout China after a British couple living in Macao made them in an effort to appeal to local Portuguese immigrants. Shan, who moved to the Nashville area about 12 years ago, perfected his version when he opened Sweet Dreams in 2018. Also on Shans menu are mooncakes (small Chinese pastries filled with red bean or taro paste), a variety of pies in flavors like cherry crumble, key lime and coconut meringue, and Japanese-style cheesecake, which youve probably seen on Instagram. Its the fluffy, spongy cheesecake that wobbles like Jell-O when its fresh out of the oven. Theres also bubble tea, milk tea and smoothies, plus a few savory dishes including wonton soup and Szechuan Mouthwatering Chicken. But honestly, I rarely make it past the egg tarts. My heart belongs to those egg tarts. Little Gourmand 2209 Bandywood Drive, Suite D; 717 Craighead St. littlegourmand.us France doesnt feel so far away when you step into Little Gourmand in Green Hills. The store one part cafe, one part market is well stocked with an enticing array of French delights. But as beautiful as the jars of imported mustard and boxes of Parisian tea are, dont get so distracted that you forget to treat yourself to something from the pastry case. Thats where it really gets good. So good, in fact, that Little Gourmands owners opened a second location, a more traditional French patisserie, in Berry Hill in 2020. Little Gourmands pastry chef Denis Savouray has been baking for more than 30 years and has trained with two Meilleur Ouvrier de France craftsmen. MOF, if you arent familiar, is a prestigious culinary competition held every four years. Its basically the food Olympics. Savourays well-practiced pastry precision is on full display in both of the shops dessert cases there are uniform rows of macarons, tartlets, entremets and more, all making good use of seasonal ingredients and delicate details. My favorite is the eclair, available in a kaleidoscope of flavors, from pistachio and raspberry with mousseline to coffee and classic chocolate. Savourays pate a choux doesnt get soggy or strange despite the moisture from the pastry cream, and each bite melts in your mouth like a sugar symphony, with every expertly crafted component elevating the next. Utter perfection, and French AF. Edessa Restaurant 3802 Nolensville Pike edessarestauranttn.net Im a sucker for any dessert involving cheese. Cheesecake, cannoli stuffed with sweetened ricotta, Jenis Goat Cheese With Red Cherries ice cream I love it all. It wasnt until a recent trip to Edessa for dinner their Kurdish Delight with savory bright-purple beet hummus is vegetarian excellence that I finally got to try Turkish kunefe. Salty cheese is tucked into the center of a thin disc of shredded wheat, and its baked until crispy before being soaked with sweet syrup. A sprinkle of finely chopped pistachios finishes it off, and the kunefe is served warm with a small cup of vanilla ice cream. The cheese is tangy, soft and stretchy, the pistachios introduce a subtle nuttiness, and the wheat maintains a toothsome crunchy texture in the sweet syrup. It is the champion of cheese desserts. The kunefe at Edessa is thin though not skimpy so the cheese inside isnt thick enough to re-create the dramatic cheese-pull photos Ive seen all over the internet. But on my visit, that didnt stop me from gobbling it up before hustling home to price out flights to Istanbul. Coming in at around $1,000-plus, that dream trip is out of my budget for now. But why take a 14-hour flight to Turkey when it takes just 15 minutes for me to get to Edessa? Subscribe to Scene contributor Megan Selings newsletter where she writes about feelings, music and snacks at snackanddestroy.com. Talking with the pop group's Mia Calderon about their new single 'Fading Fast,' making Latin music in Nashville and more analysis 15 months into an 18-month transition, there are few signs of it ending. And the Western-backed interim president is acting a lot like his dad. Chad's return to civilian rule is under threat. 15 months into a political transition that is supposed to last 18 months, the Transitional Military Council (CMT) has done little to prepare for elections and is repressing voices expressing concern. We are no closer to the possibility of Chad's caretaker leader, Mahamat Deby, ceding the position his late father, Idriss Deby, held for over 30 years. On 20 April 2021, when the military assumed power following the killing of Idriss Deby by Chadian rebels, the country was already facing dual challenges from inside and outside the country. Domestically, anti-government discontent was on the rise and civil society movements were mobilising amid a range of socio-economic challenges. These groups openly challenged the ruling elite, gaining momentum around the April 2021 elections in which Deby won a sixth term in office. Externally, the military was confronting rebel attacks from southern Libya - one of which ended Deby's life - as well as rising tensions with self-defence militias in northern Chad. 15 months later, the CMT under Mahamat Deby bears striking similarities to the former regime. It has consolidated power. It has used violence to crack down on dissent and peaceful protests calling for the return of civilian rule. And much like how Idriss Deby changed the constitution to remove term limits, it controversially suspended the constitution and replaced it with a transitional charter. Mahamat Deby has also notably not ruled out running for election when they are finally organised. Although the transition period is meant to be approaching its conclusion with polls by this September, there are few signs this will happen. There has been little progress in terms of planning, and there are concerns over the institutions created to oversee the elections. Meanwhile, a national dialogue meant to develop a social compact among political parties, civil society, and rebel formations - and which has been presented by the CMT as a first step towards planning a vote - has just been rescheduled to begin on 20 August, having been postponed multiple times. Over 20 rebel groups have already suspended their participation in the talks, accusing the CMT of "harassments, intimidation, threats and disinformation". This behaviour poses a serious threat to the transition and to the creation of post-transition institutions that could be accepted by Chadians from different walks of life. "The time has come" movement Since the start of the transition, the Wakit Tama ("the time has come") movement has mobilised people across Chad in opposition to the CMT. First created to oppose Idriss Deby's bid for a sixth term, the coalition of political opposition and civil society groups has called for a return to civilian rule. It has organised protests against the lack of inclusiveness of the planned national dialogue and France's perceived support for the military. The Chadian government has responded in familiar fashion, frequently banning demonstrations or using excessive force. On 2 and 9 October 2021, for example, dozens of people were injured as security forces fired tear gas and rubber bullets at a protest. Similarly, this May, authorities violently dispersed rallies being held in multiple cities against France's military presence and backing of Mahamat Deby. It also arrested six people who were later convicted of "disturbing public order", "harming property", and "physical assault". Anticipating further protests, the Chadian government has issued blanket bans on demonstrations and threatened outspoken activists. Nonetheless, there will likely be further protests in the coming months as it becomes increasingly clear that the CMT intends to extend the transition period. The West propping up the military It is clear the transitional government cannot play the role of objective arbiter guiding the country to elections. Yet while the Waki Tama movement is acutely aware of this, several Western actors - such as France and the European Union (EU) - continue to support the CMT. This is no doubt because Chad is a key Western ally in the fight against Islamist extremism in the Sahel. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Chad Governance By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. This too is a familiar pattern. As examined in the recent 2022 State of Civil Society Report, several military leaders in the region - including those coming to power through coups - have avoided serious censure from Western powers and managed to take advantage of their foreign allies' preoccupation with migration control, security, and economic opportunities. In Chad, this strategy is contributing to further risk of destabilisation and state attacks on people's freedoms and democracy. As the Chadian people rise up to demand elections and an assurance that Mahamat Deby will not stand in them, the country's Western allies - as well as the West African bloc ECOWAS and the African Union - must stand with them to ensure free and fair elections and a return to civilian rule. Ine Van Severan is a Civic Space Research Officer for CIVICUS. David Kode is the Advocacy and Campaigns Lead for CIVICUS. (Natural News) Alnylam Pharmaceuticals has escalated its patent fight against Pfizer and Moderna, claiming that the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccines of the two companies have infringed on its recently acquired patent. This recent escalation in the patent fight is over the messenger RNA (mRNA) technology used by Pfizer and Moderna in developing their respective COVID-19 vaccines. Alnylam originally filed separate lawsuits against each of them back in March. On July 12, Alnylam submitted additional documents to reinforce its case against both Big Pharma companies in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware. These new documents claim that Pfizer and Modernas mRNA delivery systems violate Alnylams patent on lipid nanoparticle technology for delivering genetic material into human cells and how these lipid nanoparticles are manufactured. (Related: BOMBSHELL: Fauci owns patent on SARS-CoV-2 gp120 HIV insertion, which destroys the bodys cancer-killing T cells.) Patent No. 11,246,933 covers a breakthrough class of cationic biodegradable lipids used to form lipid nanoparticles that carry and deliver mRNA-based vaccines. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office granted the patent to Alnylam on the same day the pharmaceutical company filed its additional complaints in federal court. Alnylam claimed in all of its lawsuits that its technology is essential to the COVID-19 vaccines. The company is seeking royalties from the sale of the COVID-19 vaccines. Alnylam is not seeking to pull Pfizer and Modernas COVID-19 vaccines from the market. Alnylam is just the latest biotechnology company to file a patent lawsuit this year over the lipid nanoparticle technology in Pfizer and Modernas COVID-19 vaccines. CureVac, a German pharmaceutical company that specializes in mRNA-based treatments, earlier sued BioNTech, Pfizers German partner in developing the COVID-19 vaccine, claiming that four of its patents were infringed. Moderna, Pfizer deny allegations of patent infringement In response to the recent lawsuit, Moderna responded by referring to a statement posted on its website back in May when it moved to dismiss Alnylams claim, contending that the suit was not appropriate for a district court. Under federal law, claims against U.S. government-contracted suppliers must proceed against the government in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, wrote Moderna. The law the company is referencing provides protections for authorized government contractors like Moderna. Modernas lipids do not resemble Alnylams work, the company added. Any assertion that the Alnylam patent covers Modernas COVID-19 vaccine is specious and, as a result, Alnylams claims will fail even if Alnylam complies with the statutory requirements and refiles in the Court of Federal Claims against the U.S. government. As of press time, Pfizer has not responded to Alnylams recent lawsuit. But Pfizer commented on Alnylams original claim by saying that the companys patent played no role in the success of its COVID-19 vaccine, and that its vaccine falls outside the scope of what Alnylam actually invented. Pfizer also called Alnylams attempt to take it to court over alleged patent rights a clear-cut case of seeking improper economic benefits. Both Pfizer and Moderna have made tens of billions of dollars each in sales from their COVID-19 vaccines. Pfizer anticipates earning $32 billion in vaccine sales this year, and Moderna predicts $21 billion in vaccine sales. Any successful infringement claims, either from Alnylam or any other pharmaceutical company whose patent rights were allegedly violated, could end up being very lucrative. Learn more about Big Pharma companies at BigPharmaNews.com. Watch this clip of Moderna CEO Stephane Bancel confessing to having patented the COVID-19 spike protein more than three years before the pandemic. This video is from the InfoWars channel on Brighteon.com. More related articles: Pfizer petitions court to dismiss whistleblower lawsuit because government was fully aware of fraud when agreeing to work with company. More evidence emerges indicating that COVID-19 was manufactured in a Chinese lab, then Moderna patented it. NIH claims co-ownership of Moderna COVID vaccine patent, demonstrating how taxpayer money is used to develop therapeutics that make drug companies wealthy. Report says Chinese scientist filed for a coronavirus vaccine patent BEFORE the pandemic. FOUL PLAY? Military scientist funded by Fauci died mysteriously after filing covid vaccine patent. Sources include: GreatGameIndia.com FiercePharma.com Reuters.com Brighteon.com (Natural News) The Bill Gates-funded and Chinese Communist Party-controlled Wuhan University (WHU) has reported at least one case of cholera, sparking fears that the infectious disease might spread throughout the city. Cholera is a virulent disease that can spread through contaminated food and water and causes a variety of terrible symptoms like acute diarrhea. It is relatively rare in China, and the last case was found in March. Only five cases were detected last year and 11 in 2020, but no deaths. The university is less than two miles away from the Wuhan Institute of Virology, where the coronavirus is believed to have originated. According to reports, just one student from WHU was diagnosed with the illness. But this single case has spurred a massive panic, with the university administration and the local health department locking down venues in the campus and near it for disinfection. At least three close contacts of the patient and about 250 other people were tested for cholera. The school is operating normally and no further cases have been detected so far. It should be noted that Gates, through the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, has donated around $750,000 to WHU. Nearly $500,000 of this was to help establish international research networks and data sharing platforms as well as develop policy recommendations for improving the medical insurance system in China. The foundation provided WHU with an additional $127,000 in Jan. 2021 despite evidence having surfaced by that time revealing COVID-19s lab origins in Wuhan. (Related: Wuhan lab where coronavirus is believed to have originated eligible for TAXPAYER FUNDING until 2024.) As a public university, WHU is owned by the state and therefore has significant ties both to the central government in Beijing and the CCP. Most higher educational institutes in China are state-controlled, and the CCP has in recent years exerted more control over these universities by forcing them to amend their charters to emphasize unswerving loyalty to the CCP. These amendments have also downgraded or fully erased language about academic freedom and noted that the communist party committee present in the university is the core leadership of the school. Cholera found in animals sold in Wuhan wet market While this is the most recent cholera case found in humans, cholera is actually more widespread in Wuhan. In the citys infamous wet market, at least four softshell turtles sold there tested positive for a pathogen capable of causing cholera. The four softshell turtles were discovered during a health inspection, and local authorities immediately disinfected the area following the conduct of an epidemiological survey and environmental sampling. The infected animals were properly disposed of, and the stall that sold the animals was ordered to shut down for three days. Persons in close contact with the turtles that had the pathogens were all forced to take tests to see if they had cholera. All tests turned out negative. Health authorities claimed that the cholera strain found in the infected WHU student vibrio cholerae O139 was unrelated to the contaminated samples found in the market. Officials are also tracking unspecified products that have been shipped elsewhere that may contain the same pathogens, suggesting that a bigger cholera outbreak could occur if the products are not immediately found and disposed of. The detection of vibrio cholerae O139 does again remind us that wet markets, while culturally and economically important in Asia, have associated with them various public health risks, warned Andrew Greenhill, a microbiology professor at Federation University Australia. Visit CommunistChina.news for more news related to China. Watch this clip from Judicial Watch announcing how documents show a Texas researcher warned the Wuhan Institute of Virology of Congress COVID-19 origins investigation. This video is from the No Sugar Added channel on Brighteon.com. More related articles: Same Wuhan lab linked to COVID recently tampered with monkeypox strains. Chinese doctor says COVID was intentionally released from Wuhan lab. Wuhan lab ordered U.S.-based partner to destroy evidence. Wuhan researcher pressured NIH to delete incriminating information about COVID during plandemic. Harvard nanoscientist tied to Wuhan convicted of numerous crimes related to Chinese influence on U.S. research. Sources include: GreatGameIndia.com Bloomberg.com NPR.org Reuters.com Brighteon.com (Natural News) The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is keeping tabs on Chinas population by means of its surveillance network. However, some citizens are pushing back against it. In one instance, 37-year-old Xu Peilin stood up against her neighborhood committee for implementing biometric monitoring policies in 2021. The Beijing resident returned home to her apartment building one day and found apartment managers requiring residents to scan their faces before entering. It was insane, said Xu, comparing the experience to the British science fiction show Black Mirror. She pressured her neighborhood committee to drop the surveillance measure through telephone calls and texts messages. While Xu can still enter her apartment using her key card, she believes that it will only be a matter of time until facial scanners become mandatory once more. All I can do for now is to continue to resist on a small scale, she said. (Related: Chinese government using facial recognition tech that can identify people even when theyre wearing coronavirus masks.) Xu was not the first to oppose mandatory facial recognition. Back in 2019, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University associate law professor Guo Bing sued Hangzhou Safari Park for breach of contract after the zoo forced him to submit to facial recognition as a requirement for annual membership. The zoo had been using a fingerprint system before it shifted to facial scanning. Guo obtained an annual membership for the zoo in April 2019, entering the establishment via fingerprint scans. However, Hangzhou Safari Park notified him in October 2019 that the zoo will use a facial recognition system for annual members. The professor then sued the zoo, alleging that it was violating protection laws by collecting visitors facial characteristics. The Hangzhou Fuyang Peoples Court subsequently ruled in favor of the plaintiff, ordering the zoo to pay Guo 1,038 yuan ($153.73) and delete data from his facial scans. The agreement between the two parties was to use fingerprint recognition to enter the park. [Hangzhou] Safari Parks collection of photos of Guo Bing and his wife exceeded the legally necessary requirements, so it was not legitimate, the court said in an announcement. Later, several Chinese cities began banning neighborhood committees from mandating residents to undergo biometric monitoring as a condition of entry. Concurrently, toilet paper dispensers with facial recognition technology were removed from public bathrooms in the city of Dongguan after public outrage. Stringent surveillance but lax data safeguarding The CCP recently suppressed news about a data leak of a government computer system utilized by law enforcement in the city of Shanghai. Security researchers said the leaked database had been left online and unsecured for months. The leak came to light after a user named ChinaDan posted an offer to sell the database for 10 Bitcoin tokens in an online forum. Information in the leaked database samples of which were verified by the New York Times contained basic details such as names, addresses and ID numbers. Details obtained from external sources, such as instructions for couriers on where to drop off packages, raised questions about how much information private companies share with government authorities. The trove of leaked information also contained personal details, such as police reports with names of people accused of rape and domestic violence and private information about political dissidents. The data breach served as a serious hit on the central government in Beijing, which has justified its surveillance as necessary for public health and safety. Its failure to safeguard the sensitive personal information risked exposing citizens to problems like fraud and extortion and threatened to undermine peoples compliance with surveillance efforts. Its just a bit unusual to see that even the police are vulnerable too, said Shanghai resident Jewel Liao, one of the many individuals whose personal information was compromised during the breach. You never know who is going to sell or leak your information. Artist Dragon Zheng, whose practice explores the interaction of technology and governance, said: The rise of the publics awareness of data privacy is an inevitable trend. Technology is like Pandoras box; once its open, how it is used depends on whose hands it falls into. Visit CommunistChina.news for more stories about Beijings surveillance operations targeting Chinese citizens. Watch this video discussing the CCPs surveillance system in the city of Shanghai. This video is from the Channel News channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Big Tech propping up Chinas police state surveillance system. Chinas health code surveillance system now used to monitor citizens and RESTRICT their movement. China is expanding its surveillance police state system to monitor all corporations just like the left-wing virtue signaling conformity police in the USA. Sources include: DNYUZ.com Myce.wiki Brighteon.com (Natural News) Russian state-owned energy giant Gazprom has signed a huge $40 billion deal with Iran. The agreement came on the heels of Gazproms announcement that it cannot guarantee gas supplies to Europe. It was signed during an online ceremony attended by the CEOs of Gazprom and the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) on the same day Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Tehran for a summit with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. (Related: Epic fail: Joe Bidens sanctions have actually benefited the Russian economy.) According to the terms of the memorandum of understanding signed by the CEOs, Gazprom will provide significant financial support for the development of Iranian natural gas and oil fields, including $10 billion for a project in the Kish and North Pars gas fields in the Persian Gulf and $15 billion to boost production at the South Pars gas field. Iran is sitting on the worlds second-largest reserves of natural gas after Russia. The South Pars gas field is the worlds largest gas field, located on Irans maritime border with Qatar in the Persian Gulf. Gazprom and NIOC will also collaborate on the completion of liquefied natural gas projects, the construction of gas export pipelines and deals involving natural gas and petroleum products. Russia-Iran deal will expand Iranian gas production capabilities American sanctions against Iran have hindered investments and prevented the country from extracting and exporting more gas and other fossil fuel products. Reports said Iran only exports around 800,000 barrels of oil per day, but the country has been working overtime to find a way around American sanctions and increase crude oil exports. NIOC has dealt with Russian companies in the past despite American sanctions, and Iranian media has reported that both NIOC and Gazprom are not concerned about sanctions. The Iranian government has also been seeking some $140 billion in foreign investments for its oil and gas industries. The recent $40 billion deal with Gazprom represents the single largest foreign investment in the history of Irans energy industry. It will likely lead to tens of billions of dollars worth of additional Russian investments following the development of Irans oil and gas fields. Iran already produces some 700 million cubic meters per day (cm/d) of natural gas from 37 offshore platforms in the South Pars field. Once the Kish and North Pars gas fields are developed with Russian aid, it will add an additional 100 million cm/d of natural gas to Irans daily production capabilities. Iran and Russia have a total of 70 trillion cubic meters of gas reserves, which is 30 percent of the worlds gas reserves, said Irans energy sector in a statement. Therefore, these two countries play a very important role in ensuring the worlds energy sustainability. The world needs Irans oil, and the share of Irans oil exports cannot be removed from the world market, and this shows that Iran is a reliable and stable country for supplying energy to the world, said NIOC CEO Mohsen Khojasteh Mehr. The energy deal between Russia and Iran is part of Putins push for more bilateral strategic agreements with the Iranian government. American intelligence claims the deal involves the transfer of technology, including Iranian drone technology that Russia is looking to acquire. Learn more about the fuel supply situation around the world at NewEnergyReport.com. Watch this Brighteon Special Report as Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, explains the diesel engine oil crisis. This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Germany and France about to see total cut-off of Russian gas; leaders warn of collapse and unrest. Europe moves closer to the brink of total collapse after Russias Putin bans all exports to unfriendly countries. Russia takes control of Sakhalin-2 oil and gas project, increasing stakes of its economic war with the West. Germans buying wood-burning stoves and stocking up on firewood as Russia cuts gas supply. Announcement of Russia defaulting on debts an attempt to divert attention away from the Wests endless money printing. Sources include: ZeroHedge.com TasnimNews.com Reuters.com JPost.com Brighteon.com (Natural News) A legal advocacy group in Canada denounced a magistrate in Alberta province who ruled that doctors can require Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination before proceeding with organ transplants. In a statement, the Alberta-based Justice Center for Constitutional Freedoms (JCCF) blasted the ruling by Alberta Court of Queens Bench Justice R. Paul Belzil. JCCF lawyer and legal counsel Allison Pejovic called Belzils July 12 decision deeply disappointing. She represented plaintiff Sheila Annette Lewis, 57, who filed a complaint after being informed in March 2021 that unless she got the COVID-19 vaccine, she would be removed from the organ transplant waitlist. According to Pejovic, Alberta Health Services (AHS) has an obligation to ensure that doctors that are carrying out their duties within the provincially funded transplant program are upholding the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (CCRF). It seems that the court has effectively ruled that AHS can contract out of its [CCRF] obligations, noted the JCCF lawyer. Lewis, who was diagnosed with a degenerative disease, wrote in her legal affidavit that getting the vaccine offends [her] conscience. I ought to have the choice about what goes into my body, and a lifesaving treatment cannot be denied to me because I chose not to take an experimental treatment for a condition, she noted. The plaintiff also asked the court to uphold her right to conscience, bodily autonomy and freedom to choose without coercion all protected by the CCRF. But according to the JCCF, Belzil ruled that the CCRF does not apply to the decision of the organ transplant team funded by AHS. The proposed AHS policy, which has not been completed, mirrors the recommendations of the treating physicians [who] are exercising clinical judgment, he wrote in his decision. (Related: Canadian judge rules denying organ transplants to unvaxxed patients is legal.) JCCF wrote in the statement that it will review the decision and determine whether to file an appeal. Experts attest to the ineffectiveness of vaccines The physicians, and AHS at large, reportedly required organ transplant surgery candidates to get vaccinated against COVID-19 before undergoing the operation. However, the legal advocacy group pointed out that this compulsory vaccination policy for transplant patients was not put in writing. Lewis was only informed of the vaccine mandate through her doctors. Given this, Pejovic noted that AHS and the plaintiffs physicians either made the policies, were aware of the policies, or enforced the policies. To bolster her case, Lewis also filed expert reports from immunologists Drs. Bonnie Mallard and Byram Bridle. Their reports, alongside oral testimonies, illustrated that the COVID-19 vaccines are still in clinical trials. The two also mentioned that peer-reviewed research and raw scientific data leaned toward skepticism of how safe and effective the mRNA vaccines are. Furthermore, the plaintiff also filed an expert report from surgeon Dr. Benjamin Turner in support of her legal affidavit. Turner, who has a masters degree in health care ethics, testified that the benefit of COVID-19 vaccination for Lewis was so small that requiring her to get injected with the vaccine before undergoing the organ transplant was unethical. Belzil nevertheless declined to address the scientific and ethical arguments advanced as he determined that the CCRF did not apply to the treating physicians. The Alberta justice noted that while the patient was indeed the sole arbiter of what she puts into her own body, no one has an inherent right to an organ transplant. The proposition that treating physicians exercising clinical judgment would be subject to the Charter would result in medical chaos, with patients seeking endless judicial review of clinical treatment decisions. Visit MedicalFascism.news for more stories about unvaccinated organ transplant candidates being discriminated upon. Watch this NBC report about an unvaccinated man in Boston being denied a heart transplant. This video is from the High Hopes channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Colorado hospital system demands that all organ transplant recipients first destroy their own organs with covid spike protein vaccines before receiving new organs from donors. Texas man with natural immunity DIES after being forced to take COVID-19 vaccine while awaiting lung transplant. Tom Renz slams medical violence being committed against unvaccinated organ transplant patients Brighteon.TV. Canadian court rules it was legal to deny unvaccinated person organ transplant. Hospitals discriminating against unvaccinated organ transplant candidates. Sources include: LifeSiteNews.com JCCF.ca Breitbart.com Brighteon.com (Natural News) About 30 percent of all monkeypox cases in the United States exist in New York City, a hotspot of LGBT perversion. Manhattan Burrough President Mark D. Levine tweeted a chart released from the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene showing a spike in monkeypox, with more than 170 new cases of the disease appearing between July 1-13. The median age of someone with monkeypox in NYC is 35, and 95.5 percent of the cases are men. The fact that almost no women are contracting monkeypox only furthers the notion that monkeypox is a gay disease. More than 60 percent of all monkeypox cases in the city are centered in Manhattan, Levine further tweeted, blaming a lack of vaccines sound familiar? rather than rampant homosexual sex, on its continued spread. It was another day of meltdown in NYCs monkeypox vaccinatation [sic] effort, caused by severe lack of supply and failed scheduling technology, Levine added in a Twitter rant. The official story is that despite carrying at least 30 percent of total U.S. cases, NYC is only receiving 10 percent of the national jab supply. New York officials want more injections in the Big Apple so they can get more of them into the arms of gays. NYC is now recording 30% of the monkeypox cases nationally, but were only receiving *10%* of natl vax supply, Levine complained. We need our fair share ASAP. LGBTs are monkeypox superspreaders All in all, NYC still only has 336 reported cases of monkeypox, which is just a drop in the bucket compared to its total population of 8.38 million people. We fully expect the media and government officials to continue spiking those numbers, though, because they have another plandemic to create. Only eight cases of monkeypox in NYC are attributed to unknown genders, while the rest are men or Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Non-Binary (TGNCNB), according to officials. More than 60 percent of monkeypox cases in NYC are directly attributed to the LGBT community, while the remaining 40 percent are said to be unknown. People with light skin by and large account for a bulk of the cases, while 35 percent are not attributed to any race. Latinos and Hispanics account for 65 cases, while black people account for 38 cases. Health officials in NYC tweeted a video, entitled 5 Things Sexually Active People Need to Know About Monkeypox, that explains how to prevent contracting or spreading monkeypox. Demetre Daskalakis, an HIV prevention specialist with an effeminate voice, narrates the bit, which goes into graphic detail about how monkeypox spreads during sexual skin-to-skin contact. Levine reported after the videos release that another 9,200 vaccines have arrived in NYC, and within eight minutes all of them were claimed via jab appointments made through the citys health department. Homosexuals again ruining actual and normal sex among the vast majority of normal human beings, just as they did with AIDS, wrote a reader at Breitbart News. There are over 20 million people in the NYC metropolitan statistical area. 170 cases? wrote another. Must be a slow news day or the new world order needs another scare. Others pointed out the highly suspicious timing of all the monkeypox propaganda, which is coinciding with the upcoming midterm elections in November. Its an election year, one of them wrote. They need an excuse to push for universal mail-in ballots and ballot harvesting so they can steal another election. Someone else pointed out that just like the system can no longer define what a woman is, they are refusing to define a sexually transmitted disease spread by men who have sex with other men. The latest news about monkeypox can be found at MonkeyPoxReport.com. Sources include: Breitbart.com NaturalNews.com (Natural News) The truth about aliens and the planned destruction of the human race will soon be revealed, according to author, filmmaker and radio show host Steve Quayle. The greatest and most important revelation of the attempt to destroy human genetics is underway, he said during his podcast. Ive said it so many times, but I want to reiterate it, the very first Egyptians were fallen angels. Their civilization is that of the fallen angels civilization, prior to the creation of Adam and Eve. Those fallen angels built the Great Pyramids, absolutely the greatest megalithic temples in the world. (Related: Steve Quayle tells Mike Adams: Truth about ancient aliens will remain hidden from humanity.) Quayle said their upcoming webinar and mini-conference fundraiser, called The Egyptian and Alien Connections in the Americas, will present some of the most amazing objects, relics and artifacts that have both Egyptian and alien iconography. The popular radio host of Survive2thrive and Coast to Coast added that a new DNA study revealed that the Egyptian Pharaoh Akhenaten or Amenhotep IV was indeed a human-alien hybrid. He mentioned that a scientific team in Switzerland did a massive gene print on different Egyptian Pharaohs and one of them Akhenaten turned up with human-alien DNA. The new genetic study showed that the Egyptian Pharaoh lineage was subjected to genetic manipulation by a technologically advanced civilization and this is proof that the pyramid builders had a close connection to beings from another part of the universe. Quayle said their webinar is going to be the greatest revelation in history, establishing Egyptian alien artifacts in the Americas. He also stated that these artifacts have been tested with carbon 14 and a process called thermoluminescence. Truth tellers about aliens are going to be silenced Quayle said it is critical that people are not deceived by the alien deception because everyone is going to have a short period of time to see the truth. Truth-tellers are going to be silenced and people are going to have to seek God, he said. The book author and radio host stated that people are being lied to about the destruction of the human race using genetically bioweaponized ancient DNA strands. According to Quayle, people will be astonished when they see the illustrations in the artifacts that his team found and skeptics are already challenging it along with artificial intelligence or AI program that is working against them. He also mentioned that those who are going to sign up for their webinar are going to see a 200-page report along with images that have never been seen before by anyone. People are going to find out who the Antichrist is and his Egyptian roots, Quayle said, adding that the Pharaohs of Egypt are always seen as a type of Antichrist. He also shared that the throne of Satan, which was originally in the ancient city of Pergamum, Turkey was moved to Berlin by Adolf Hitler during his rise to power in Nazi Germany. Follow Unexplained.news for more news about aliens. Watch the video below to know more about ancient Egypts connection with aliens. This video is from the Steve Quayle channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Elongated skulls unearthed in ancient Chinese tombs may indicate social status, researchers say is there another explanation? Aliens struck a deal with the US to keep their existence secret, says ex-Israeli space chief. Human-like aliens may have come from another dimension, according to declassified FBI file. Former NASA chief scientist: Humans will make contact with aliens soon. Secret documents show Pentagon investigated how to communicate with a possible 4,590 space civilizations. Sources include: Brighteon.com HagmannReport.com SteveQuayle.com (Natural News) Anthropology professor Joseph Manson announced his retirement this month with a broadside blog post that detailed the loss of academic freedom and integrity at UCLA. Manson describes many of the things that I have previously addressed as standard measures used to force out dissenting or conservative voices, including the isolation and investigation of colleagues to get them to resign. He is now among that lengthening list of such faculty who have decided to cut their academic careers short rather than work under such intolerable conditions. (Article by Jonathan Turley republished from JonathanTurley.org) Manson was a tenured professor in the UCLA Anthropology Department, who described in detail how the school made life insufferable for those who raise dissenting voices in research on subjects like racial justice or crime patterns. He wrote Im a professor, retiring at 62 because the Woke takeover of higher education has ruined academic life. Another one? you ask. What does this guy have to say that hasnt already been said by Jordan Peterson, Peter Boghossian, Joshua Katz, or Bo Winegard? Manson described how the anthropology department was a healthy and diverse intellectual environmental until the 2000s when things began to change dramatically. It is the same time period identified by others when a critical mass seemed to form on many faculties of professors who began to almost exclusively hire liberal colleagues and shun those with opposing views. Among the examples of the intolerance on campus, Manson gave a detailed account of the defenestration of a colleague, P. Jeffrey Brantingham. His colleague created software to predict urban crime through simulation models. The research was immediately denounced as being racist and anti-Black. In Spring 2018, the departments Anthropology Graduate Students Association passed a resolution accusing Jeffs research of (among other counter-revolutionary sins) entrench[ing] and naturaliz[ing] the criminalization of Blackness in the United States and calling for referring his research to UCLAs Vice Chancellor for Research, presumably for some sort of investigation. This document contains no trace of scholarly argument, but instead resembles a religious proclamation of anathema. What caught my eye was Mansons description of the shunning by his colleagues: Not only was Jeff ostracized, he was unpersoned. None of the faculty talked about him, if they could possibly avoid it. Meanwhile, our department chair opened most faculty meetings by solemnly intoning that our department was a community, a family, and that were here for each other. In private conversations, I was able to elicit from some of my colleagues an embarrassed acknowledgment that the Woke faction had treated Jeff abominably, and that we strongly resembled a dysfunctional family in denial. It is an all-too-familiar account. I recently wrote how universities can use course assignments and other collateral means to isolate dissenting professors in an effort to get them to resign. This is particularly the case with tenured faculty. For many of us in teaching, these cancel campaigns have become a constant, looming threat. There have been drives to fire or discipline faculty who hold dissenting views on issues ranging from racial justice to police abuse to transgender identification to gender statements to pronoun usage to native-land acknowledgment. This includes a recent campaign at Georgetown that successfully secured a law professors resignation over a tweet. Today, a palpable level of fear and intimidation exists among many faculty members that they could be the next target of one of these campaigns. Most professors are not protected by tenure, and universities can cite other reasons for not renewing their contracts. The percentage of tenured professors has been declining for half a century. Roughly three of four faculty today are what are called contingent faculty, or faculty who work contract to contract. The problem is that this contingency often seems to depend upon an adherence to a new orthodoxy on racial justice, police abuse, gender identification and other issues. It is the subject of my recent publication in the Harvard Journal of Law and Public Policy. The article entitled Harm and Hegemony: The Decline of Free Speech in the United States. Most faculty do not want to face the legal or social costs of directly seeking to strip colleagues of tenure. They recite values of academic freedom while working to make life as hard as possible for dissenting colleagues by shifting classes, keeping professors off academic panels and committees and subjecting them to public ridicule, including citing them as examples of intolerance. Few faculty stand up for colleagues who have been tagged by the mob in fear that they could be the next subject of such a campaign. University of North Carolina criminology professor Mike Adams spent years in university proceedings and litigation successfully fighting for his right to express conservative views. The investigations and attacks never stopped. Indeed, they resumed with new fervor after he condemned Gov. Roy Cooper (D-NC) for his pandemic rules with a tweet that compared eating in cramped quarters with a slave ship. It was a stupid and offensive tweet. But weve seen extreme comments on the left including calls to gas or kill or torture conservatives tolerated and even celebrated at universities. Adams was hammered incessantly over the tweet until he finally relented and took a settlement to resign. He killed himself a few days before his final day as a professor. For Manson, he had enough despite a distinguished career that could have continued for many years. He wrote of his reluctance But I strongly suspect that mainstream U.S. higher education is morally and intellectually corrupt, beyond the possibility of self-repair, and therefore no longer a worthwhile setting in which to spend my time and effort. That is a loss for UCLA but it is also a loss for the entire teaching academy. Manson is the latest example of the not-so-noble lie that pervades our institutions of higher education. We mouth principles of academic freedom and free speech while allowing colleagues to be hounded and harassed. Most faculty members remain silent as their colleagues are isolated and ostracized. Their departure is silently welcomed because there is less of a reminder of what we have lost in higher education. Read more at: JonathanTurley.org (Natural News) We were warned that if we stayed on the path that we were on that we would eventually see mass extinctions all over the globe. Unfortunately, nothing was done and now it is already happening. The creatures that inhabit our oceans are dying off. The insects are dying off. The birds are dying off. All around us there is death on a massive scale, but most people dont understand what is taking place. We all stay in our own little protected bubbles, and we all keep listening to the corporate media tell us that everything is going to be just fine. But the truth is that everything is not going to be just fine, because we are literally destroying the Earth and everything in it. (Article by Michael republished from EndofTheAmericanDream.com) I wish that I could get more people to understand. The food that we eat, the water that we drink and the air that we breathe have all become highly toxic. But you dont see the microplastics, the pesticides or the trace amounts of pharmaceutical drugs that you are constantly ingesting, and so you dont think about them. And that is extremely unfortunate. Our oceans are literally being filled up by billions upon billions upon billions of extremely small bits of plastic, and the damage that these microplastics are causing is truly cataclysmic. As a result of our rampant polluting, approximately 90 percent of all plankton has now vanished An Edinburgh-based research team fears plankton, the tiny organisms that sustain life in our seas, has all but been wiped out after spending two years collecting water samples from the Atlantic. The landmark research blames chemical pollution from plastics, farm fertilisers and pharmaceuticals in the water. Previously, it was thought the amount of plankton had halved since the 1940s, but the evidence gathered by the Scots suggest 90% has now vanished. If there is no plankton, there will be no food chains in our oceans. And without those food chains, most life in our oceans will perish. At this point we are being warned that humanity will not survive the extinction of most marine plants and animals The scientists warn there are only a few years left before the consequences become catastrophically clear when fish, whales and dolphins become extinct, with grave implications for the planet. In the report, the researchers from the Global Oceanic Environmental Survey Foundation (Goes) state: An environmental catastrophe is unfolding. We believe humanity could adapt to global warming and extreme weather changes. It is our view that humanity will not survive the extinction of most marine plants and animals. But the vast majority of our food doesnt come from the oceans. So we will be okay, right? I wouldnt count on it, because our insects are rapidly disappearing as well. In fact, biologist Dave Goulson says that studies have shown that approximately 75 percent of all insects have been wiped out over the past 50 years Estimates vary and are imprecise, but it seems likely that insects have declined in abundance by 75% or more since I was five years old. The scientific evidence for this grows stronger every year, as studies are published describing the collapse of monarch butterfly populations in North America, the demise of woodland and grassland insects in Germany, or the seemingly inexorable contraction of the ranges of bumblebees and hoverflies in the UK. We are dependent on insects in a multitude of various ways. For example, we need them to pollinate many of our most important crops Bees get a lot of the focus and the attention when it comes to pollination, but theres a whole array of insects that provide that pollination service. In fact, three-quarters of the worlds flowering plants and about a third of the worlds food crops depend on pollinators at some stage. And so its not just bees . Flies are huge pollinators. That includes the midges that pollinate the cocoa crop that chocolate comes from. And there are wasps as well. Wasps are major pollinators. Again, another insect thats widely disliked but actually crucial for our environment. Scientists tell us that almost all of the insects will be gone by the end of this century. If that were to happen, would humanity be able to survive? By the way, our birds are going extinct too. According to one study, 30 percent of all the birds in North America are already gone North Americas birds are dying. Declared a man-made epidemic by a report in Science, approximately 100 bird species are recognized as endangered or threatened, with some estimates stating that about 30 percent of North Americas bird population has disappeared over the past half century. This amounts to 3 billion birds total. That is extremely alarming, but things are even worse in other parts of the globe. In fact, researchers are warning us that a catastrophic decline of vulture populations on the other side of the planet could cause disease to spread like never before A catastrophic decline of vulture populations in Africa and Asia is causing alarm among researchers, who fear that a cascade effect could lead to the spread of deadly old and new diseases, including plague, anthrax, and rabies. For thousands of years, the birds have been synonymous with death and gluttony. Where the corpse is, vultures will gather, Jesus is quoted as saying in Matthew 24. But in reality, the birds serve us in ways that we are only just beginning to understand helping to keep ecosystems and pathogens in check. All of the creatures that live around us matter. Even the vultures. Sadly, their numbers have already declined by up to 90 percent in some parts of Africa Because of the centuries of bad press, experts say that African vultures have never been a well-funded research area like elephants or rhinos. But work by a handful of naturalists in Kenya offers clues about the consequences of their decline. A paper published earlier this year found that, over the last 40 years, vulture numbers have fallen by 88 percent in Kenya, Some birds of prey like the augur buzzard and long-crested eagle also plummeted by more than 90 percent. Of course we are systematically killing ourselves as well. One recent study discovered that more than 80 percent of children and adults in the U.S. have glyphosate in their urine More than 80% of urine samples drawn from children and adults in a US health study contained a weedkilling chemical linked to cancer, a finding scientists have called disturbing and concerning. The report by a unit of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that out of 2,310 urine samples, taken from a group of Americans intended to be representative of the US population, 1,885 were laced with detectable traces of glyphosate. This is the active ingredient in herbicides sold around the world, including the widely used Roundup brand. Almost a third of the participants were children ranging from six to 18. Each year, close to 300 million pounds of glyphosate is used in the United States. We know that it is being sprayed on the food that we eat, but most of us never think about it because we cant see it. And so we keep feeding a substance that we know causes cancer to our children on a daily basis In 2019, a study by the Environmental Working Group revealed that the chemical was present in 17 of 21 oat-based cereal and snack products at levels considered unsafe for children. This was the same year when Sheppard co-authored a study linking glyphosate to higher rates of non-Hodgkins lymphoma; another 2019 study, this time by the University of Washington, found that glyphosate exposure greatly increases the risk of cancer. In addition, the World Health Organization also studied glyphosate and determined that it probably causes cancer. Honestly, at this point we are probably too stupid to survive as a society for too much longer. We know that we are literally poisoning ourselves, but we just keep doing it. One of the overall major themes of my work is that time is running out for humanity. What I have covered in this article is just the tip of the iceberg. Sadly, most people dont want to hear doom and gloom like this even though nobody can dispute that this is really happening. So if you dont like this sort of doom and gloom, just go ahead and stick your head back in the sand. But no matter how much you may try to ignore reality, the mass extinctions that have begun are only going to intensify in the years ahead. Read more at: EndofTheAmericanDream.com (Natural News) In an unprecedented assault on due process and the rule of law, both a Texas and Connecticut judge have ruled that Alex Jones may not discuss the First Amendment, defend his innocence, or point out the rigged elements of the upcoming Sandy Hook defamation case against him. (Articles republished from Infowars.com) Here is a limited breakdown of some of the most egregious constitutional violations of due process and the First Amendment as explained by a third-party legal adviser: You have been denied your fundamental, constitutional due process right to present a defense in Texas or Connecticut. Both Judge Guerra Gamble (D) (Texas) and Judge Barbara Bellis have stripped you of your First Amendment rights for allegedly failing to provide enough discovery. Neither judge can deny that you responded to discovery, they just ruled that it was insufficient. The effect of these rulings, incredibly, is that you have been found guilty by two judges who never even held trials or heard any evidence. Additionally, since finding you guilty without listening to any evidence, Judge Guerra Gamble has repeatedly sanctioned you monetarily for exactly the same thing she has already sanctioned you for by declaring you guilty, the adviser stated. Judge Guerra Gamble has largely agreed that Alex Jones lawyers should be gagged during Alex Jones trial from: Invoking the First Amendment in Alex Jones defense: Arguing that the trial is in any way unfair or unjust to Alex Jones: Arguing his innocence because Jones failed to produce documents that dont exist: Alex Jones has also been prohibited from asserting that the plaintiffs have become public figures by appearing on television, testifying before Congress, giving TED talks, and publishing books. Finally, the Texas judge has determined that the jury shall be instructed to find any arguments about Infowars journalistic practices to be established in favor of the Plaintiff. Even the plaintiffs recognized this order was completely illegal and took the unprecedented step of asking the court to rescind it after you filed an appeal, the legal adviser noted. Jury selection for the defamation case begins on July, 25th 2022. In constitutional republics, the accused are innocent until proven guilty. In tyrannies, the accused are proclaimed guilty until proven guilty. This is it America; due process under the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments, along with the First Amendment are being systematically destroyed by the judiciary to crush the political establishments opposition. Read the ruling below: Read more at: Infowars.com Better infrastructure facilities in Chinas rural areas help improve peoples livelihoods People's Daily Online) 16:10, July 21, 2022 Since 2012, China has been stepping up efforts to improve infrastructure construction in rural areas, resulting in better livelihoods for rural residents. Photo taken on Aug. 12, 2020 shows a hardened road under an infrastructure reform in Chatai Village, Heiyupao Township, Zhenlai County, northeast China's Jilin Province. Once a national-level poverty-stricken county, Zhenlai County has shaken off poverty in 2019 after years of anti-poverty efforts. Now the county plans to upgrade its rural infrastructure and industrial structure with various supportive funds. (Xinhua/Zhang Nan) The country has equipped rural areas with broadband internet services, built base stations and optical fiber networks there, and offered villagers training courses on using smartphone applications. In the past, television reception in rural areas was always affected by factors such as severe weather conditions, but this is no longer a problem today. The construction of information infrastructure also helps improve agricultural production and drive the modernization of rural areas. Furthermore, the country has improved transportation facilities in rural areas, particularly in poverty-stricken areas. Roughly 2.53 million kilometers of rural roads have been built or improved, making 1,040 towns, townships and 105,000 administrative villages accessible by paved roads. Bus services have also been made available in towns, townships and administrative villages where conditions are feasible. Thanks to better transportation facilities, villagers can easily sell their farm produce to customers outside their village, resulting in their incomes increasing, while they had to either carry the products on their backs or use donkeys or horses to transport products in the past. Moreover, many of them now run fruit picking farms and agritainment businesses. Many talented young people, who used to love working outside, have returned to their hometowns in the rural areas to start businesses. In addition, the country has worked to prevent and control water-related disasters, conserve water, restore the ecological environment, carry out a series of water conservancy projects to divert water across different regions and drainage basins, and improve irrigation facilities. In northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, for example, irrigation has become increasingly accurate and efficient, thanks to new facilities such as automatic irrigation systems. The time needed for irrigation has been reduced by three to five days on average, which helps save on labor costs for the villagers, thus increasing their incomes. (Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun) Hannah Karanja, a member of the Uplands Community Forest Association, farming kale among trees planted under the Adopt-a-Forest scheme, in Kiambu County, Kenya, December 7, 2021. Kiabariki, Kenya The carbon-curbing scheme goes beyond traditional planting projects by getting sponsors to pay to keep trees alive until they mature Scheme participants commit to funding three years of tree care Kenya's natural forest cover has increased about 1.5% since 2018 Critics say new trees are no substitute for mature forests When Ruth Karanja is planting and nurturing trees with her local conservation group in their central Kenyan village, she's thinking about water. Her hope is that the trees she looks after under a government scheme allowing organisations to "adopt" forests for conservation will help protect the local water catchment so she and other farmers in Kiabariki can increase their potato yields. In recent years, crops in the area have been depleted by unusually hot weather and drought that have left the land parched and dried up the Kitiri river, which cuts through Nyandarua County, in the summer months. "The trees will improve the environmental condition and the agricultural fortunes of the community," Karanja told the Thomson Reuters Foundation as she planted tree saplings with other members of her community forest association (CFA). "The rains will become plentiful and the water volume in the Kitiri river - a lifeline in the village - will increase." Kenya launched its national tree-planting drive in 2018 with the aim of having 10% of the country covered in natural forest by the end of 2022 - up from 7.4% four years ago - in a bid to cut its greenhouse gas emissions and fight climate change. Geoffrey Kamadi / Thomson Reuters Foundation A patch of trees planted as part of the Adopt-a-Forest initiative in the Uplands area of Kiambu County, Kenya, December 7, 2021. That same year, the Adopt-a-Forest scheme was started to address the lack of after-care, a major flaw in many forest-planting projects in Kenya and beyond, said Eric Tetea Nahama, head of partnerships at the Kenya Forest Service (KFS). Nonprofit groups and companies often earn green bragging rights by planting trees, then walk away, expecting local communities to spend their own time and money looking after the saplings - which results in many being left to die, Nahama said. "We needed to move quickly and develop a strategy and guidelines for engaging partners that ensure trees don't die after planting them," he said. The initiative connects charities, corporations and government organisations - both Kenyan and foreign - with community forest associations, which plant trees on sites chosen and managed by the KFS. The backers commit to paying for the care of the trees for at least three years, by which point they are considered strong enough to withstand droughts, floods and other climate-linked stresses. According to Nahama, 80% of the trees planted under the programme grow to maturity, compared with less than half of trees under more traditional schemes. "We are now emphasising growing trees as opposed to (simply) planting them," he said. GROWING PARTNERSHIPS Scientists say protecting forests is one of the cheapest and most effective ways to curb climate change because trees suck carbon dioxide, the main gas heating up the planet, from the atmosphere. Geoffrey Kamadi / Thomson Reuters Foundation Victor Kabutbei, forest station manager for North Kinangop Ward, where the Kenya Forest Service works with organisations and local communities as part of the Adopt-a-Forest project, in central Kenya, March 2, 2022. As of March, more than 90 organisations had signed up to adopt a section of forest, covering a total area of 44,548 hectares (110,000 acres), Nahama said. The KFS helps identify which indigenous tree species are best suited to each area - including cedar, cypress and olive - and trains community groups on how to care for them. The funding pays for the seedlings and their care, including nurseries to raise saplings, electric fences to protect young trees from wildlife and boreholes to provide water, Nahama said. Community members can make an income by selling seedlings to the organisations involved in the project, he explained. They can also use the freshly planted areas to farm among the growing trees which shade young crops from intense sunlight and help the soil hold moisture. But they are not allowed to cultivate maize, to stop the fast-growing crop from competing with the trees for water and nutrients. Once the trees have matured, CFA members are allowed to cut down a small share for firewood or to sell as timber, as long as they immediately replace any that have been felled. The collaboration between the government, communities and organisations is vital to keeping trees healthy and discouraging illegal cutting, said Victor Kabutbei, forest station manager for North Kinangop Ward. Although one forest ranger is supposed to patrol and monitor 400 hectares, in reality each is responsible for an area nearly three times that size, Kabutbei noted. "KFS cannot be everywhere, every time, so we need other partners," he said. Geoffrey Kamadi / Thomson Reuters Foundation Members of the Uplands Community Forest Association plant food crops among trees planted under the Adopt-a-Forest scheme in Kiambu County, Kenya, December 7, 2021. JOB CREATION Among an expanding list of county governments, international nonprofits and private companies, California-based environmental group Eden Reforestation Projects is so far the biggest contributor to the programme. The group has planted more than 13,500 hectares around Kenya at a cost of about $0.15 per tree, said Andrew Kinzer, its international director for Africa. Making organisations responsible for specific forest areas means progress can be monitored, audited and managed over time, which is not always possible with more traditional planting projects, he added. Kenya's natural forest cover has increased by about 1.5% since 2018 to 8.8%, according to government figures. There is no data to show how much - if any - of that growth can be attributed to the Adopt-a-Forest scheme. But critics say tree planting is a poor replacement for the loss of mature forests, mainly because new trees take decades to absorb the same amount of planet-warming emissions. Nicholas Oguge, head of the natural capital project at Environmental Incentives, which develops conservation programmes for other groups but is not working on Adopt-a-Forest, said Kenya needed greater commitment to provide resources for growing trees long term. That, he noted, is the only way tree planting will help Kenya curb its greenhouse gas emissions, while also expanding scarce income opportunities for women and young people. "You are going to create green inclusive jobs ... by growing trees under a reforestation programme," he said. (Natural News) Professor Norman Fenton has been reporting on the bias of the BBC documentary Unvaccinated which is being screened today, 20 July. Its an attempt to convince those who have chosen not to have a Covid injection to get jabbed. It is a timely, eye-opening investigation commissioned by BBC Factual, the BBC claims without explaining why it is timely presumably, they are hoping we believe, due most likely to the fraudulent use of PCR tests, Covid-19 is on the rise again. (Article by Rhoda Wilson republished from Expose-News.com) A search on both the internet and BBCs website for BBC Factual returned no results which makes one wonder who actually commissioned BBCs investigation. If any of our readers have any information about BBC Factual we would be grateful you noting it in the comments section under this article. In this documentary, Prof. Fenton wrote, mathematician Prof Hannah Fry with the help of experts attempts to convince 7 members of the public (who have so far refused) to take the Covid vaccine. As I pointed out the BBC (in the publicity for the programme) already signposted the likely extreme bias in the programme by massive underestimating the number of unvaccinated people in the UK, hence trying to present such people as a tiny extreme fringe. Another so-called expert BBC used to help convince the unvaccinated those who follow good science and are part of almost 30% of the UK population who have chosen to remain unvaccinated is Asma Khalil. The more we dig the worse it gets, Prof. Fenton wrote in a tweet. Heres Asma Khalil, the expert they used to declare the vaccine safe for pregnant women: And as long ago as 2015 Asma Khalil declared these conflicts of interest as a member of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) Quality Standards Committee. Responding to Prof. Fentons tweet, Andy Sands neatly portrays BBCs propaganda documentary: More on BBCs Expert Asma Khalil We now know that Khalil is the principal investigator (PI) of the Pfizer Covid vaccination in pregnancy trial. We also know from a response to a Freedom of Information request alongside an in-depth dive into the only pregnancy/fertility study performed that Medicine Regulators and Pfizer chose to publicly cover up alarming abnormalities of the developing foetus and falsely downgraded the actual risk of Covid vaccination during pregnancy by suppressing documented findings of the clinical data. Read more: FOIA reveals Pfizer & Medicine Regulators hid dangers of COVID Vaccination during Pregnancy after Study found it increases risk of Birth Defects & Infertility and The Facts About Pfizer mRNA Vaccine Risks to Unborn Babies So, is there anything else about Khalil that should set alarm bells ringing? Yes. There is more on Khalil in Professor Fentons article titled BBCs independent vaccine expert just happens to be in charge of Pfizers Vaccine Centre: It turns out that she was a participant in the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation-funded simulation Preparing for Disease X: Ensuring Vaccine Equity for Pregnant Women in Future Pandemics the results of which are reported in THIS paper that she co-authored and was funded by: Note that there is no declaration by Asma Khalil (AK). This requires an explanation. Nor does AK declare any conflict of interests (COIs) in her other recent publications. So, What Do the So-Called Anti-Vaxxers Actually Think? Unlike the BBC biased nonsense, Daily Sceptic published an article in May which described a rigorous study into the views of the unvaccinated. Rather than just listen to the lazy stereotypes of sceptics portrayed in the press, academia and Government, the authors of the study Dr. Raminder Mulla, Amy Willows and Rusere Shoniwa decided they would go and find out what people actually thought. A January 2021 study by Miguel et al concluded that people who shunned compliance with Covid containment measures were more likely to display lower levels of empathy and higher levels of callousness, deceitfulness, and risk-taking. Prompted by a desire to foster genuine understanding between different sides of the Covid camp, a new study led by Dr. Raminder Mulla dug into this question. The study titled Looking into their eyes found, unsurprisingly, that this vilified group are anything but baby killers or terrorists. Crucially, they did not evince the stereotypical tropes about anti-vaxxers that have been propagated in corporate and social media. Simply put, the participants believe that lockdowns were a state overreach. They oppose lockdowns because of the burden placed on the entire population irrespective of risk, the collateral damage caused, and the imposition on civil liberties and individual freedom. Addressing the label anti-vax directly, the study finds that most of its participants were not opposed to vaccination in principle but did express doubts about the rapid development and deployment of the current Covid vaccines and their side effects. None of the study participants subscribed to unusual theories, referencing 5G or nanobots, with which this group is often stereotyped. Delving into the participants values, the study finds that most emphasised personal responsibility and autonomy in health and other affairs and the importance of the maxim to do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Despite the disappointment, some interviewees expressed with those who unquestioningly complied with the Covid narrative, they did not wish them harm or inconvenience. In contrast, other studies have shown that this attitude of non-malevolence is not reciprocated by the compliant towards the non-compliant, whom the compliant view as deserving of unemployment, impoverishment and censorship. Looking into their Eyes: Covid Narrative Dissidents in Their Own Words, Daily Sceptic, 3 May 2022 Read more at: Expose-News.com (Natural News) Corn from Brazil is not expected to hit Chinese markets until 2023. Jose Guilherme Leal, agricultural defense secretary at the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply (MAPA), told Brazilian newspaper Valor Economico on July 14 that Beijing requested Brasilia to monitor some weeds and fungi in crops. According to the official, Chinas demands were common requests in negotiations of sanitary agreements and protocols. The protocol provides for the need for monitoring and information on production. As we did not monitor the current second corn crop, I reaffirm that exports will only be possible from the 2022-2023 summer crop onwards, said Leal. Any corn farmers seeking to export their crops to China must conform to the protocol by reporting crop conditions and disclosing products used to address pests and diseases. Only then can the ministry certify shipments. The ministry confirmed Leals remarks to Reuters in an email, adding that technical teams from Brasilia and Beijing have maintained dialogue with the objective of concluding the technical procedures that will allow the beginning of exports. Meanwhile, China said it would complete the signing of the quarantine agreement for imports of Brazilian corn but did not provide an exact timeline. According to Macao News, the Chinese General Administration of Customs finalized an agreement in May to permit imports as an alternative to American and Ukrainian corn. Cesario Ramalho, institutional affairs head at the Brazilian Association of Corn Producers, confirmed the development, citing a timetable provided by other MAPA officials. However, he remarked that shipments to China have not yet commenced as the Asian giant is yet to approve certain types of genetically modified corn authorized by Brazils National Technical Commission on Biosafety. According to Ramalho, Brazil should export its corn to as many markets as possible to avoid dependence on just one buyer. China already hoarding corn before Brazil deal But even before Beijing and Brasilia sat down to ink a deal for the latters corn exports, China had been buying up corn from the U.S. in record amounts. Back in July 2020, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) said corn exporters sold 1.937 million metric tons (MT) of corn crop to China amounting to $325 million. The deal surpassed a sale earlier that month involving 1.762 MT of corn. (Related: China buying up American corn due to flooding, creating food shortage crisis.) According to reports, China has been ramping up imports of American corn since March 2020. Much of the corn imports were sent to animal feedlots in the Asian country, following Australias embargo of barley exports. In a separate report, the USDA said soybean sales to China also rose to 1.925 MT that month. The record sale was the biggest weekly total recorded since Nov. 17, 2016. Meanwhile, the Epoch Times reported that Chinese agribusiness company Fufeng Group is planning to establish a corn processing facility in Grand Forks, North Dakota. The Hong Kong-listed Fufeng has several subsidiaries worldwide, but most of its production facilities are located in northeastern China. Fufeng USA Inc., the companys American subsidiary, will be in charge of the North Dakota facility. The wet corn milling plant, which would use a manufacturing process centering on the fermentation of cornstarch, is expected to consume around 25 million bushels of corn annually. It will churn out corn gluten meal, corn gluten feed, lysine and threonine mainly for use in animal feed. Fufengs North Dakota plant, estimated to be about $350 million, is expected to be fully operational by 2024 or 2025. Crops.news has more stories about corn exports worldwide. Watch Ice Age Farmer below talking about countries such as China hoarding food crops. This video is from the Buzzand_NZ channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Russia-Ukraine crisis will put even more strain on the global food supply, driving up prices of wheat and corn around the world. Communist China seizing control of American food supply with massive corn processing plant in North Dakota. Corn, soybean, wheat, oat planting in the US now far behind their five-year averages. Lack of rainfall in the Midwest causing dramatic rise in corn prices. Sources include: AgWeb.com 1 Nasdaq.com MacaoNews.org AgWeb.com 2 TheEpochTimes.com Brighteon.com (Natural News) A non-profit group based out of Tucson, Ariz., is calling on the Biden regime to permanently ban all oil drilling in the United States as part of a comprehensive takedown of the countrys energy infrastructure. In the name of going green and saving the planet, the Center for Biological Diversity (CBD) wants Joe Biden to declare a national climate emergency which he is poised to do this week in order to bypass Congress on the controversial matter. Back in February, CBD published a report entitled, The Climate Presidents Emergency Powers: A Legal Guide to Bold Climate Action from President [sic] Biden that lays out a roadmap for the Resident-in-Chief to follow to deconstruct American energy. By declaring a national climate emergency, Biden can unlock emergency executive powers already granted by Congress to aggressively combat the crisis, write Jean Su and Maya Golden-Krasner, the reports two lead authors. This paper identifies five key climate actions the president can take using three emergency and defense framework statutes: the National Emergencies Act, the Defense Production Act, and the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. This discussion complements the Center for Biological Diversitys 2019 legal report, which identified the most significant ordinary executive powers that could be used for bold climate action including a permanent end to the federal fossil fuel leasing and drilling program. Unless Biden declares himself as Americas new climate dictator, everyone will probably die, according to Center for Biological Diversity According to CBD, fears about so-called global warming represent a code red for humanity meaning the U.S. Constitution must be abolished immediately in order to fix the problem. Wildfires, bad storms and climate anxiety afflict a growing number of Americans, the group says, which is why Biden must immediately declare a climate emergency to make himself a climate dictator. Since the Supreme Court has decided that Bidens Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) lacks the authority to end all fossil fuel extraction and use in America, CBD wants Biden to anoint himself as a climate king to advance the groups agenda. At least 656 people died as climate-driven disasters including wildfires, heat domes, deep freezes and hurricanes ravaged the country, costing upwards of $100 billion, CBD says. These disasters capture only a fragment of the climate emergencys global impact: intensifying food insecurity, climate migration, political unrest and irreversible biodiversity loss. Using earthquake terminology to describe the power Biden supposedly has at his fingertips to address all the climate hysteria, CBD is essentially begging Biden to lead a tectonic shift in Americas energy future by ending fossil fuel expansion and converting everything to solar and wind. The president [sic] possesses unused executive pathways through both ordinary and emergency executive powers to protect the country from increasingly dire climate threats and build a just and regenerative energy system. During his recent visit to New England, Biden announced the introduction of new climate change programs, but reports indicate that he stopped short at least for now in declaring a climate emergency like CBD is demanding. Bidens plan is to funnel $2.3 billion into a new program that supposedly helps communities prepare for climate disasters such as flooding. That money will also be given to low-income families to pay their utility bills, a move that will supposedly help to save the climate. Every delay makes it worse and harder to solve, laments CBD about Biden taking too long to declare a climate emergency. It breeds glaring injustice, with Black, Latino, Indigenous, Asian American and Pacific Islanders, and other communities of color and low-wealth communities experiencing the gravest impacts. The latest news about the climate change agenda can be found at Climate.news. Sources for this article include: BiologicalDiversity.org TheGatewayPundit.com NaturalNews.com CNBC.com (Natural News) Immigrant children fresh from Central and South America, the Caribbean and China are now being taught at a Boston public school that assassinating people you dont like is sometimes appropriate in order to resist oppression. Humanities teachers at Charlestown High School who are part of the Sheltered English Immersion program are reportedly telling ninth- and tenth-grade students in the program that they need to critically examine when certain forms of resistance might be appropriate, one of them being assassination of political figures. The website of the Boston Teachers Union (BTU) contains curriculum documents outlining notes and assignments around oppression, resistance, and narrative structure, which include detailed note-taking sheets and powerpoints [sic] on institutional, interpersonal, and internalized oppression. Instead of teaching these children new to America about our nations history, as well as how to read and write, employees at Charlestown High School are telling them about three different types of oppression: Instituional [sic], Interpresonal [sic], and Internalized only one of these three words actually being spelled correctly on the worksheets. One listed example of oppression at the institutional level is Trump builds a wall on the border so it is harder for Latinos to enter the U.S. One example of interpersonal oppression is A husband tells his wife she must stay home to cook and clean. As for internalized oppression, one example used is An Asian girl hates her eyes, she thinks she is ugly so she gets surgery to change them. Former teacher says shes disgusted by these worksheets After reading these examples, the students were then told to come up with their own examples based on the samples, as well as solutions including boycotts, sit-ins, petitions and other peaceful protest methods. Also presented were examples of violent forms of revolt, including riots with masked protesters throwing projectiles, people fighting and political assassinations, the latter of which was presented alongside an image of President Richard Nixon in crosshairs. The first thing these students learning English as a second language (ESL) are being told upon entry into the United States is that the country is oppressive and that assassination is one way to respond to that oppression. These English language learners [in these classrooms] are likely new immigrants to the country, coming to this country to experience freedom, [but in Boston] theyve run smack dab into Marxist indoctrinators posing as educators, warns Rebecca Friedrichs, the founder of the advocacy group For Kids & Country. Also the author of Standing up to Goliath: Battling State and National Teachers Unions for the Heart and Soul of our Kids and Country, Friedrichs, who worked as a teacher for 28 years, says she is disgusted by what she saw on these worksheets, calling the material damaging and dangerous. Schools are meant for educating children, not indoctrinating them in radical ideology, she added in a statement. (Related: Americas public schools are also indoctrinating students to become transgenders.) Award-winning international journalist and executive director of the advocacy group Public School Exit Alex Newman agrees. He says that the material at Charlestown High School is clearly designed to indoctrinate children into seeing themselves as victims of oppression. They seem to be promoting revolt and resistance to legitimate forms of authority, he told The Epoch Times, pointing specifically to the idea that the way to deal with oppression is to overthrow it. Legitimate authorities must be brought down if they want to impose new authorities, Newman added, defending the status quo. This indoctrination program, as he called it, is an extension of that same lawless agenda. The latest news about the brainwashing of children at Americas public schools can be found at Propaganda.news. Sources for this article include: TheEpochTimes.com NaturalNews.com (Natural News) Despite the persistent attempts by criminal governments and arrogant academics to crush the field of cold fusion, a commercial breakthrough has just been announced that marks a revolution for the future of our world. The Brillouin Energy Corp. has announced a breakthrough Hydrogen Hot Tube (HHT) Boiler System which uses solid-state low-energy nuclear reactions (LENR) to produce controlled excess heat through the fusion of hydrogen atoms into helium, releasing no emissions, no radiation and no spent radioactive fuel material like what we see in the nuclear power industry. This breakthrough uses solid state metal lattice technology that was once dismissed by nearly all conventional physicists, yet has been reproduced and proven in hundreds of laboratories around the world over the last several decades. The technology once dismissed as impossible by mainstream physicists has now been validated, patented and published in numerous scientific journals, even as it is not yet fully understand by mainstream physicists. Only those who are ignorant and arrogant now dismiss the technology, while those who are informed are embracing this tech as a ready solution to help feed, heat and power the world. Western Europe doesnt need Russian gas if they embrace LENR cold fusion tech In a world where Western Europe is now facing winters of energy scarcity due to war with Russia and Russias sharply reduced gas outflows via Nord Stream 1 and other channels the Brillouin Energy Corp has a ready solution to heat homes, commercial buildings and military infrastructure at a fraction of current cost, without needing any fossil fuels whatsoever. As announced on the Brillouin Energy website, The HHT boiler system uses ordinary hydrogen to produce scalable heat on demand at an exceedingly low cost, without any emissions or other pollutants. At its current stage, the HHT is immediately applicable to dramatically lowering the cost of, and reducing the carbon footprint of, hot water boilers and hydronic (radiant) heaters on both a residential and commercial scale. With further development, this system can also power improved HVAC systems, and ultimately provide a dramatic breakthrough in generating electric power on a decentralized, pollution-free basis at the point of demand. Cold fusion technology (LENR) produces excess heat in a slow, sustained fusion reaction that takes place at the nano scale. Unlike fossil fuels, it does not produce high energy combustion phenomena that would support high torque engine applications, so its not applicable to replace combustion engines in trains, trucks, automobiles or airplanes. Rather, it heats water through controlled solid-state nuclear fusion reactions. This hot water can be used in a simple radiant heat distribution system (boilers, industrial heaters, etc.) or, with additional development, it can be used to replace coal in coal-fired power plants. It can even be used (with substantial retrofitting effort) to replace nuclear fuel rods in nuclear power plants, eliminating the entire issue of radioactivity and spent nuclear fuel. The solid-state LENR reaction consumes microscopic amounts of hydrogen atoms, fusing them into helium while releasing excess energy consistent with mass to energy conversions well known by the physics community. The energy density of water which obviously contains hydrogen is almost unimaginable. According to Brillouin, a single class of water contains enough hydrogen to power 30,000 homes for a year, assuming 100% conversion of hydrogen to heat via LENR fusion: Additionally, climate cultists who currently despise CO2 even though CO2 grows crops and greens the planet thanks to photosynthesis should also embrace LENR technology, given that LENR produces no CO2 emissions whatsoever. With a bit of additional engineering, Brillouin systems could be harnessed to generate electricity through the use of micro boilers that drive small turbines thanks to the effects of steam expansion. This means a small unit perhaps the size of a refrigerator could power a home and produce enough excess electricity to also charge electric vehicles. One key advantage to this system is that turbines produce alternating current (AC) which is immediately usable by household devices, without needing to be transformed from direct current (DC) which is what solar panels produce. From the Brillouin press release: This technology has been independently tested or validated by several of the worlds leading nuclear scientists and laboratories. Brillouin Energy is ready now to enter into the next phase: commercialization, said David Firshein, CFO of Brillouin Energy. The HHT test system that we are demonstrating at ICCF24 is the first ever licensable system that is transportableit can be packed up and shipped to potential OEM License Partners for further testing and evaluation. This is a crucial step toward solving todays massive challenges of energy security and climate change. On a large scale with additional engineering, these units could power naval vessels, industrial buildings, military bases, schools or even entire cities. Importantly, since water is readily available to every nation on Earth, this technology would sharply ease global dependence on fossil fuels a source of conflict and resource wars. While LENR wont replace combustion engines anytime soon, the technology can quite quickly replace fossil fuel consumption in heating systems and large-scale power plants. This would dramatically reduce the worlds dependence on coal, natural gas and heating oil. LENR technology may free humanity from the death grip of anti-human globalists LENR has been systematically suppressed by governments for decades for the simple reason that governments dont want humanity to be free. They use scarcity as a weapon of control, and with globalists now trying to achieve global depopulation, they are engineering food scarcity and energy scarcity as leverage to cause mass starvation and economic collapse. This means LENR technology may help free humanity from the death grip of anti-human globalists who are pursuing an agenda of mass extermination of the human race. Food abundance can be easily achieved almost everywhere around the world when greenhouses can be affordably heated with cold fusion technology in the winter months. This allows year-round growing of local crops in colder regions such as Canada and Western Europe. Additionally, LENR technology does not require the toxic heavy metals that are used to manufacture solar panels. The solar industry is being exposed as a major polluter, with toxic metals accumulating in landfill due to spent solar panels being discarded. Those metals are derived from mining operations that are often carried out in countries like China, in total disregard to ecological consequences. LENR technology can also theoretically power water desalination plants around the world, providing fresh water for crop irrigation without any need to consume fossil fuels in the process. With the ability to affordably heat greenhouses while also powering water desalination plants, LENR will mean affordable, abundant food for everyone once properly harnessed and engineered for these applications. Essentially, the cost of food reflects the cost of energy, so any dramatic reduction in the cost of energy makes food far more affordable and readily available. Brillouin Energy Corp is currently seeking investors as described on its Opportunity page. We cannot speak to the risks or rewards of investing in Brillouin, but we can tell you that some of the biggest corporations in the world are looking at this tech and evaluating it. It seems inevitable that someone is going to commercialize cold fusion and change the world. Right now, Brillouin seems to be at the head of the pack, although thats no guarantee they will be the market leader five years from now. Learn more in todays Situation Update podcast that covers this breakthrough technology and its applications for humanity: Brighteon.com/ec65ffa3-f108-46b7-888d-5d3572a73f1d Discover more information-packaged podcasts, raw intel reports and interviews each day: https://www.brighteon.com/channels/HRreport Follow me on: Brighteon.social: Brighteon.social/@HealthRanger (my breaking news gets posted here first) Telegram: t.me/RealHealthRanger (breaking news is posted here second) Truth Social: https://truthsocial.com/@healthranger Gettr: GETTR.com/user/healthranger Parler: Parler.com/user/HealthRanger Rumble: Rumble.com/c/HealthRangerReport BitChute: Bitchute.com/channel/9EB8glubb0Ns/ Clouthub: app.clouthub.com/#/users/u/naturalnews/posts Join the free NaturalNews.com email newsletter to stay alerted about breaking news each day. Download my current audiobooks including Ghost World, Survival Nutrition, The Global Reset Survival Guide and The Contagious Mind at: https://Audiobooks.NaturalNews.com/ Download my new audiobook, Resilient Prepping at ResilientPrepping.com it teaches you how to survive the total collapse of civilization and the loss of both the power grid and combustion engines. (Natural News) Believe it or not, there are still some places in the world where people and their governments are fearful about the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19). And in those places, COVID cases are soaring despite ultra-strict safety requirements like mandatory masking. Two countries government tyranny in particular, New Zealand and Singapore, are seeing substantial increases in positive test results for COVID despite the continued imposition of highly oppressive government tyranny. An infectious disease expert says mask and lockdown mandates in these two highly restrictive countries dont matter because people are getting infected regardless or perhaps they are getting infected because they are not living their lives normally and breathing freely the way God intended. In Singapore, a country that prides itself on being a heartless police state with almost no freedom, cases of the Chinese Virus are surging despite mask mandates still being in place for two years and counting. Singapore has never dropped its mask mandates, said Australian National University infectious diseases professor Peter Collignon. Masks are required indoors at all times. Singapore might think itself to be smart and superior with its muzzle mandates, but the data clearly show that it is doing far worse than other countries like Australia, which are mostly back to normal. Australians arent wearing masks much at all, Collignon added. Lets compare the data. That data, it turns out, shows that Australia is much healthier than Singapore, all things considered. Government tyranny, as we have all come to learn, is not the prescription for good health. Dont fall for another round of mask mandates, America Unfortunately for Australia, there is a newfound push to reinstate mask mandates despite evidence from both New Zealand and Singapore showing that COVID face veils do absolutely nothing to prevent disease and actually increase the risk of illness or death. For now, Aussies, including Aussie students, still have the option to not wear a mask in the classroom if they so choose. But pressure from certain areas of Asia seems to be wearing away at the freedom element that Australia has come to enjoy. It seems as though both sides of the political aisle here in the United States are finally coming to the realization that masks do not work and were little more than a political stunt aimed at driving a wedge between Americans. Hopefully, enough people in this country realize that, right or left, masks are a bad idea. And, hopefully, they will look at the data from New Zealand and Singapore before trying to once again join them in their mask insanity. According to New South Wales Premier Dom Perrottet, seasonal influenza Australia is currently in its winter season is a bigger threat than COVID. This means that things are basically back to normal and COVID is over. At the moment, the current strand of influenza is more severe than the current strand of covid, Perrottet told 2GB. As we move through the next phase of the pandemic, we need to balance up the competing health issues. All available data points to the fact that COVID is basically done and gone. Whatever variants or subvariants remain are a non-issue, at least for people who did not destroy their immune systems with fake vaccines. In Australia, mandatory isolation is still in place for people who test positive for COVID. For seven days, an Aussie must remain tucked away from society while the positive test result wanes, making the country an anomaly as most of the rest of the world is done with quarantine. More of the latest news about the Chinese Virus can be found at Pandemic.news. Sources include: DailyMail.co.uk NaturalNews.com (Natural News) Mainstream media outlets like the Daily Beast and Newsweek have twisted Russias recent report on American biological laboratories in Ukraine, claiming that the Kremlin believes these illegal laboratories are creating mutant super soldiers for the war effort. The Daily Beast ran an article with the headline Russia Says Its Losing Because Ukraine Has Experimental Mutant Troops Created in Secret Biolabs. Newsweeks mocking false article is titled Russia Claims Ukraine Soldiers Made Into Monsters by Secret Experiments. Even smaller media outlets like Consequence, an online pop culture-focused publication, jumped in on the bandwagon by running an article titled Captain Ukraine? Russia Claims Its Losing to Army of Lab-Created Super Soldiers. All of these articles claim that Russias latest report on biological laboratories in Ukraine funded by the United States government are conducting secret experiments on Ukrainian servicemen to transform them into the most cruel monsters who are drugged up before they are sent to the frontlines. By pushing a straw man argument that Russia thinks the U.S. is creating Captain America-type super soldiers, the media are not only mocking the story but also distracting from the reality of the shady network of biological laboratories the U.S. operates across the planet, wrote journalist Kelen McBreen for InfoWars. (Related: Shilling for the devil media explodes as pope admits NATO provoked Russia.) Establishment politicians have further pushed the narrative that Russia believes America and Ukraine are creating super soldiers. Those Russian legislators must have been watching too many cartoon reruns, joked retired Army general and former Illinois Democratic Congressman Willian Enyart Jr, who then went on to claim that the American-funded biolabs in Ukraine are not real. There is no truth to this ancient rumor at all, he stated. He added that Russia is only looking for somebody to blame because it is losing the war in Ukraine. Clearly, they need someone to blame and that bogeyman is the United States of America. The medias lame attempt to put down the bio lab story is extremely transparent and it shows theyre worried about the Russian investigation, which could lead to a United Nations investigation under the Biological Weapons Convention, wrote McBreen. Russian report proves Ukraine is releasing deadly diseases and deliberately infecting servicemen In reality, mainstream media outlets are attempting to cover up the fact that Russian investigations have proven that the American-funded biological laboratories in Ukraine are experimenting on Ukrainian soldiers and exposing them and other people in Ukraine to dangerous diseases. This bombshell report was introduced to the Russian Federal Assembly by State Duma Deputy Chair Irina Yarovaya and Federation Council Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Konstantin Kosachev on Monday, July 18. According to the report, blood samples obtained from Ukrainian prisoners of war revealed that the soldiers tested positive for a number of diseases, including diseases that are not commonly found in the territory of Ukraine, and that the content of the corresponding substances exceeds the permissible norms by several times. Kosachev said it is very clear from this investigation that Ukrainian soldiers were experimented upon and that the Ukrainian government deliberately exposed people within their territory to extremely dangerous diseases. Kosachev added that these experiments were likely being done in a military context, likely to test the possibility of exposing Russian soldiers and civilians to bioweapons. Yarovaya noted that the tests on Ukrainian soldiers showed that they had very high titers for Hepatitis A. Twenty percent of the prisoners even tested positive for West Nile fever. Yarovaya also suggested that the Ukrainian soldiers are being drugged in order to generally neutralize the last traces of human consciousness and turn them into the most cruel and deadly monsters. The drugging further explains how Ukrainian servicemen are so willing to engage in cruel atrocities against civilians and Russian soldiers, including prisoners of war. This is a single system of management and creation of the most cruel killing machines, which was sold under the control of the United States, said Yarovaya. The Russian governments full report on American-funded biolabs in Ukraine will likely be published in the fall, where Yarovaya said the biolab network will be brought out of the shadow of disguise and present to the entire international community [as] evidence of a dangerous U.S. military biological project. Watch this clip from InfoWars as Alex Jones talks about the Democrats demanding over $650 billion to escalate the proxy war with Russia in Ukraine. This video is from the InfoWars channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: US media walks back on rosy Ukraine coverage as Russia declares Luhansk liberated from Kyivs control. BIOWEAPONS COVER STORY: U.S. government admits to consolidating weapons of mass destruction for threat reduction purposes. ENDLESS LIES: Top Ukrainian official admits to lying about Russians raping Ukrainians in effort to obtain more weapons from West. Russia being blamed for locking up Ukrainian ports so grain cannot be shipped, but its actually Kyivs fault for dropping mines in the waters. Russian officials: American biolabs in Ukraine conducted illegal experiments on rivers and infected children with tuberculosis. Sources include: InfoWars.com TheDailyBeast.com Consequence.net Brighteon.com (Natural News) There had been at least 181 K-12 teachers, principals and school staff members arrested for child sex crimes between Jan. 1 and June 30 in the United States. This number could be higher as it did not include arrests that failed to make it in news reports. An analysis conducted by Fox News looked at local news stories week by week and found that four principals, 153 teachers, 12 substitute teachers and 12 teachers aides have been arrested on a litany of charges such as sexually assaulting students and possessing child pornography. About 140 of those arrested committed alleged crimes against the students. The analysis came after the Department of Education (DOE) released a report in June, titled Study of State Policies to Prohibit Aiding and Abetting Sexual Misconduct in Schools, which analyzed state policies prohibiting passing the trash or allowing suspected sexual abusers to quietly leave their jobs to possibly offend again in another school district. A bipartisan provision of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act originally proposed by Sen. Pat Toomey (R-PA) required all states receiving federal education funding to enact laws prohibiting the practice of passing the trash. However, according to the DOEs report, laws against this practice are varied across the states. While all require prospective employers to conduct criminal background checks on educators, most states require only fingerprinting and only 19 require employers to request information from an applicants current and former employers. Moreover, only 14 states require employers to check an applicants eligibility for employment or certification and 11 require applicants to disclose information regarding investigations or disciplinary actions related to sexual abuse or misconduct. Toomey, who pressured the DOE to release its report for months, expressed his deep concerns over the findings. Any educator who engaged in sexual misconduct with a child should be barred from ever teaching in a classroom again, yet too many states do not have policies to ensure that is the case, he said. (Related: Report published during Obama era warns of sexual abuse by groomer teachers.) Arrests involve heinous allegations James Garfield, a teacher at Delawares High Road School, was arrested for allegedly assaulting a 15-year-old student. Local media said he was charged with two counts of felony rape and related charges. A Warren, Pennsylvania teacher was earlier arrested and charged with aggravated indecent assault, among others, after he sexually assaulted a 15-year-old student. Weeks before that, a man admitted to raping two 17-year-old girls as a gym teacher in two different public school districts in Hudson County, New Jersey. Manhattan Institute senior fellow, Christopher Rufo, called for a new study on child sex abuse in schools, saying that this is a scandal that the Left is trying to suppress. Rufo previously made headlines for his battle against the spread of critical race theory in classrooms. The basic fact is incontrovertible: Every day, a public school teacher is arrested, indicted, or convicted for child sex abuse. And yet, the teachers unions, the public school bureaucracies and the left-wing media pretend that the abuse isnt happening and viciously attack families who raise concerns, he said. In April, Rufo noted that the DOE has not made public reports about sexual abuse since 2004, when nearly 9.6 percent of students were said to be targeted by teachers for misconduct in K-12 classrooms. The most comprehensive report on sexual abuse in public schools from the DOE in 2004 was based on a 2000 survey conducted by that the American Association of University Women. Of the 2,065 students in eighth through eleventh grade that were surveyed, nearly 10 percent fell victim to sexual misconduct by a public school employee. If that figure is correct, Rufo noted that it would translate to approximately 4.5 million children suffering sexual misconduct by public school employees, with an estimated three million suffering physical sexual abuse. Visit Evil.news for more updates about heinous crimes committed by educators against students. Watch the video below to learn more about the horrors of child sex trafficking. This video is from the Deplorable Preacher channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: CA teacher nabbed for alleged sexual crimes against 7 students. Priest that was fired on sex abuse allegations now happily works for the TSA. Fairview Elementary Schools 2020 Teacher of the Year arrested, charged with sex crimes. Sources include: TheEpochTimes.com FoxNews.com Brighteon.com (Natural News) Author and radio-television host Mark Steyn called the United Kingdoms Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination program a scandal during the Victims of the Vaccine special episode of The Mark Steyn Show. Its a public policy scandal. Its a public health scandal and the government has to completely change, said Steyn, who was joined in the show by those injured and bereaved by the Pfizer, Moderna and AstraZeneca vaccines. Steyn, author of best-selling books America Alone: The End of the World As We Know It and After America, mentioned that the victims of the COVID-19 vaccines were spouses, parents and children. There are those who lost their lives and others who are now chronically injured and can no longer work and are facing the prospect of selling their homes in order to pay medical bills, he said. UKs political establishment, media ignore COVID-19 vaccine victims The jazz recording artist and human rights activist said the victims of COVID-19 vaccines, including their loved ones, have been shamefully treated by the state. He also slammed the British media for blatantly ignoring the stories of COVID-19 vaccine victims. These people are the consequences of one of the worst public policies anywhere on the planet, said Steyn, referring to his guests. GB News presenter Dan Wootton, who attended the show along with colleagues covering stories of COVID-19 vaccine victims, agreed with Steyn. According to Wootton, the most disgraceful and unforgivable thing done by the political establishment and the media was ignoring the people who suffered because of COVID-19 vaccines. Another GB News presenter, Michelle Dewberry, stated that the way the government treated the COVID-19 vaccine victims and their families was a national shame and disgrace. Dewberry lamented the fact that these affected people were abandoned, abused and ostracized just for speaking up and telling the truth. Sharing their ordeal during the show were Charlotte and Anne Wright, the wife and mother of clinical psychologist Stephen Wright the first person to die from COVID-19 vaccine; Leanne Tomlin, whose stepmother Lucy Taberer died alone in the hospital; Claire Hibbs, who was diagnosed with vaccine-induced thrombotic thrombocytopenia after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine; and Vikki Spit, the widow of musician partner Lord Zion the first person in the U.K. to receive a COVID-19 vaccine damage payment. COVID-19 vaccines may claim more victims The situation is about to get worse. Steyn noted that the U.S. is now injecting six-month-old babies, Australias New South Wales health minister is berating the double jabbed for being insufficiently enthusiastic about getting a third jab and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is saying that people must get jabbed every nine months to enjoy life as a citizen in a free society. Meanwhile, the U.K. government has finally admitted that the COVID-19 vaccines can kill and injure people and it has agreed to compensate people up to 120,000 pounds ($143,614.20) for the loss of their loved ones or the loss of their livelihood. Recent data shows that 75 percent of COVID-19 deaths in the U.K. were triple vaccinated. Member of Parliament (MP) Sir Christopher Chope also joined the show. He related that his colleagues are beginning to wake up and see what is really happening. (Related: British MP: Scale of COVID vaccine damage a NIGHTMARE.) According to Chope, he now has 12 sponsors and cross-party support for his private members bill about the COVID-19 vaccine damage issue. He said public officials were led to believe that the COVID-19 vaccines were safe and most of them went along with the prevailing narrative. Follow VaccineInjurynews.com for more news about the injuries and deaths caused by the COVID-19 vaccines. Watch the video below to hear testimony of people affected by COVID-19 vaccines. This video is from the Chinese taking down EVIL CCP channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: More Covid vaccine negative effects and coverups are emerging. Brave ICU doctor warns about covid vaccine injuries, deaths. VAERS was designed from the start to UNDERCOUNT vaccine injuries and deaths, yet its already sounding alarm bells over covid vaccine injuries and deaths. Compilation of recent stories and videos covering covid vaccine injuries, side effects and DEATHS. Millions of people are now DISABLED due to covid vaccines, data show. Sources include: SteynOnline.com 1 SteynOnline.com 2 Brighteon.com (Natural News) Thousands were evacuated as Europe records its highest temperatures in years, sparking devastating wildfires. French President Emmanuel Macron said authorities will do everything they can to mobilize resources. Meanwhile, a public prosecutor in Bordeaux suspects a criminal origin for at least one of the fires near the city. (Related: Suspected arsonists arrested for setting rural fires in Washington state amid blazing wildfires.) The fire that engulfed swathes of Europe is the second in a matter of weeks. Firefighter pilot dies in Portugal Some of the worst fires happened in Portugal, where the pilot of a firefighting plane died when his plane crashed while on an operation in the northeast. The plane was battling forest fires in the Braganca region, near Vila Nova de Foz Coa in northern Portugal. Five regions in the center and northern parts of Portugal hit July record temperatures of 47 C in the town of Pinhao. These regions were put on red alert on July 15 as more than 2,000 firefighters tackled four major blazes. Wildfires have destroyed over 75,000 acres of land this year, the largest since the summer of 2017 when around a hundred people died. 18,200 acres burn in Spain Spain struggled to contain several fires, including two that burned 18,200 acres. In southern Andalusia, 3,000 people were evacuated from their villages following a blaze that started near the village of Mijas in the province of Malaga. Temperature in Spain was at 37 C on July 14 when a fire broke out near the Monfrague National Park a protected area known for wildlife in the Extremadura region. Spanish authorities reported close to 20 fires still raging out of control in the deep south, inland from the regional capital of Malaga, forcing some 2,300 people to evacuate their homes. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said on Twitter that he was closely following the evolution of active fires, which are posing an extreme risk. Temperatures reached as high as 45.4 C in Spain on July 14, just shy of the all-time high of 47.4 C registered in August last year. Temperature-related deaths have also surged in Spain amid a heatwave that kept temperatures above 40 C in many areas. According to the Carlos III Institute, which records temperature-related fatalities daily, there had been 237 deaths attributed to high temperatures between July 10 to 14 a significant jump from 25 the previous week. Post-apocalyptic fires in France Southern France experienced temperatures upwards of 40 C on July 15. One fire was seen raging in pine forests near Frances Dune du Pilat, Europes tallest dune and a tourist destination. Ive never seen this before and you get the feeling that its post-apocalyptic, a resident said before the preventative evacuation order was released at Cazaux village near the area. David Brunner, one of 1,500 firefighters battling to control the Gironde blaze that has destroyed nearly 35,000 acres of pine forest near the Dune, said: In 30 years of firefighting, I have never seen a fire like this. (Related: A new map of Earth: Heres what our planet looks like with the aerosols from wildfires and dust circulating our globe.) In some south-western areas it will be a heat apocalypse, meteorologist Francois Gourand told Agence France-Presse. Visit Environ.news for more news related to wildfires. Watch the video below about the wildfires in Europe. This video is from The Sword and Shield channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: California Gov. Brown admits Trump was right about the cause of the fires; calls to ease logging restrictions. Humans directly responsible for 97% of all wildfires that threaten homes in the US. Antifa claims responsibility for some of the wildfires, says arson proves climate change. Thousands forced to evacuate as wildfires blaze across California. California flames produce massive cloud that makes wildfires even worse. Sources include: DailyMail.co.uk TheGuardian.com Brighteon.com opinion In November 2020 an outbreak of violence in Ethiopia's Tigray region captured worldwide attention. The conflict was between Tigrayan forces and the forces of the Ethiopian government and its allies. Since then, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has been under increasing global pressure to negotiate with Tigrayan officials to stop the carnage in the region. Even before fighting broke out in Tigray, though, the government had established military command posts in Oromia, Ethiopia's largest state. Oromo people were protesting and calling for self-determination. In Oromia's latest wave of violence in June 2022, Al Jazeera, the New York Times and Reuters reported that hundreds of people had been killed by the Oromo Liberation Army in Wallaga, Oromia. These news reports labelled all the victims Amharas, members of Ethiopia's second-largest ethno-national group. The Oromo are the largest. As a scholar of Ethiopian politics and society, I've researched and written extensively on the Oromo movement, and identified the historical forces that have shaped its current politics. My understanding - taking into account the history of oppression of the Oromo in Ethiopia and numerous reports by rights groups of attacks against the community - is that the violence in Oromia is mainly driven by the federal government and its agents. The Oromo Liberation Army is responding to state terrorism and gross human rights violations. Oromo voices are not represented in the Ethiopian government, the global system or the media. The federal government and its allies, particularly Amhara elites and forces, blame the Oromo movement for the violence. This is a strategy to delegitimise the Oromo struggle for self-determination. Oromo identity The Oromo consider themselves a nation. They are estimated to make up between 35% and 50% of Ethiopia's 115 million people. An exact figure is difficult to come by as the government doesn't provide this data. Ethiopia has about 80 ethno-national groups. The Amhara make up about 27% of the population. Their language, culture, history and religion have dominated other ethno-national groups. Their warlords and leaders have dominated Ethiopia's political economy for almost 150 years. Despite their numbers, the Oromo consider themselves colonial subjects. This is because, like other subjugated ethno-national groups, they have been denied access to their country's political, economic and cultural resources. Habasha (Amhara-Tigray) warlords colonised Oromia. The region was then incorporated into Abyssinia (the Ethiopian Empire) in the late 19th century. Menelik II, the Ethiopian emperor, established a form of colonialism that settled Amhara, Tigrayan and other ethnic soldiers in Oromia. Most Oromos were reduced to serfs, providing free labour and tax revenue. The colonial government claimed about three-quarters of Oromo lands for its officials and soldiers. It granted the remaining quarter to Oromo collaborators. In the 1970s, to oppose political, economic and cultural marginalisation, Oromo nationalists created the Oromo Liberation Front. Its military wing is the Oromo Liberation Army. They wanted national self-determination and democracy, and participated in the failed revolutions of 1974, 1991 and 2018. The Ethiopian state has continued to subject the Oromo people to violence and human rights violations. Successive Ethiopian governments have caused deep social, political, cultural and economic crises in Oromo society. Drivers of violence The government and the Oromo Liberation Front have blamed each other for the latest outbreak of violence in Oromia, particularly in Wallaga. A sub-group of the Oromo, the Macha, live in Wallaga. They have been targets of the Ethiopian government and expansionist Amharas, who claim to be the original owners of the region. During the famine of the 1970s, desperate Tigrayans, Amharas and Oromos from elsewhere settled in Wallaga. Amhara expansionists began to call all these people Amharas to justify their claim to the territory. Prime Minister Ahmed has taken the side of Amhara expansionists. Ahmed came to power in 2018 mainly because of the Oromo struggle but later turned against the movement. His vision is of a centralised state rather than self-determination for Ethiopia's different groups. The state's ideology of "Ethiopianism" has been used to justify the subordination of the Oromo and other colonised peoples. It has empowered the class that dominates the bureaucracy, army, culture, Orthodox Christianity and Ethiopian colonial-political economy. The Oromo Liberation Army, which has been outlawed and labelled a terror group, asserts that the government has created a clandestine security structure that masquerades as the Oromo army. It says this structure is responsible for the latest attack and those before it. Between December 2018 and December 2019, in southern Oromia, government soldiers displaced 80,000 Oromos and detained more than 10,000. An Amnesty International report found that state soldiers executed 52 people over this period on suspicion that they supported the Oromo Liberation Army. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Ethiopia Governance Conflict By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. The government additionally took incarcerated Oromos through mandatory training for several months. These detainees were trained on the constitution and the history of the Oromo people. These "lessons" were intended to get the detainees to abandon the quest for nationalism. A July 2022 Human Rights Watch report termed the government's actions in western Oromia "abusive". It documented communication shutdowns, executions and arbitrary detentions. Way forward The global community must pressure the Ethiopian government to reach peace with the Oromo Liberation Army. However, this will only be successful if a neutral body mediates on behalf of the United Nations. Ahmed's government is willing to negotiate with the Tigrayan defence forces mainly because of the pressure from global powers. However, it refuses to reconcile with the Oromo Liberation Front and is determined to solve a political problem militarily. Ethiopia cannot be at peace without an independent reconciliation body that solves the Oromo political problem fairly and democratically. Asafa Jalata, Professor of Sociology and Global and Africana Studies, University of Tennessee (Natural News) Despite a slight steadying of its gas reservoirs, which are now at nearly 65 percent capacity, Germany will still run out of fuel this winter leaving millions freezing without heat unless it is able to access more Russian gas before the cold season arrives. Klaus Miller, Germanys Federal Network Agency president, says it is simply not possible for Germany to go through the winter without Russian gas. This appears to be exactly what will happen, though, leaving Germany in the dark. It remains unclear whether or not the Nord Stream 1 (NS1) pipeline, which is currently offline for maintenance, will ever return to a functional state. A key part that was being repaired in Canada may not make it back to Germany due to Canadas sanctions against Russia. The whole matter hinges upon the United States and NATOs aggression against Russia over its special operation in Ukraine. Ukraine is a globalist hotbed of corruption, it turns out, and Russias invasion has upset globalist-run countries like Canada and the U.S. that have interests there. Is this Germanys last summer as an economic powerhouse? Since the NS1 pipeline went offline, there has not been any significant surges in energy price. This, according to Muller, could mean that the markets have already internalized the loss of Russian gas supplies and weve reached a gas price plateau. The German people shouldnt succumb to panic, Muller added in a statement, suggesting that private households have the least reason of all to worry as they will be first in line for whatever gas ends up being available, supposedly. Theres no scenario in which we remain completely without gas, Muller further claims, suggesting that alternative supplies will come from Norway, The Netherlands and Belgium. Germany also has its own liquefied natural gas terminal that is supposed to come online at some point in the future, though it is unclear precisely when that will take place. Even if German households end up getting all the gas and industry gets shut off, it will only be a matter of time after that until the entire German economy collapses entirely. If, somehow, Germany is able to make it through this upcoming winter, it will have much bigger problems on its hands from having to shut down its entire economy in order to keep the heat on for its citizens. The mangy lot that piled on Ukraine in a reckless bid to subjugate Russia days are numbered, wrote a commenter at RT about how Germany is playing a fools game alongside the U.S. and NATO. The loss of Germany would sink the EU Titanic, suggested another about how Germany is the glue that holds the European Union together. Time for the people living in countries that support the sanctions to revolt, added someone else. If Sri Lanka was able to do it, why cant you? Do you think the Ukrainian comedian (Zelenskyy) cares? He demands more and more how much can you folks handle? Many others noted that Germanys plight right now is self-imposed. All the country has to do to put an end to this nightmare is lift the sanctions against Russia. There is no need to go on with the sanctions because it is not effective against Russia; it only serves to strengthen U.S. hegemony, one of them wrote. What a pity, a strong Germany is subservient to their U.S. master. Look at Turkey, they are not stronger economically than Germany, but they are smarter, they play no part in sanctions but playing a positive role to stop hostilities and facilitating the export of grains. The latest news about the energy crisis can be found at FuelSupply.news. Sources for this article include: RT.com NaturalNews.com One of the fish species that has invaded Europe with the greatest degree of success is the Prussian carp. Its capacity for asexual reproduction offers it a significant edge over other species. The whole genome of the Prussian carp has now been described for the first time by an international scientific team. This also helps us comprehend its unusual reproduction strategy much better. The research, which was headed by Dunja Lamatsch from the University of Innsbruck's Research Department for Limnology, was released in the journal Nature Communications. Invasive fish An invasive species in Europe is the Prussian carp (Carassius gibelio), which is native to Asia. It is a close relative of the goldfish and fights for the same environment as the critically endangered native crucian carp. The Prussian carp, however, has a significant evolutionary advantage over goldfish and crucian carp in that females may avoid the time-consuming quest for a partner. Instead, male crucian carps or other carp species' sperm is used by female Prussian carps. They achieve this by mixing with a school of crucian carp, where the males fertilize the eggs they have placed. The Prussian carp's egg cell is stimulated to divide by the kidnapped sperm. The male's genetic material is then degraded in the egg cell without being used. This process is known as virgin production or sperm-dependent parthenogenesis. The female clones of the Prussian carp are present in every progeny created in this manner. Males only sometimes appear in Prussian carp populations, which are consequently completely female. According to Dunja Lamatsch of the Research Department for Limnology of the University of Innsbruck, located in Mondsee, Austria, monosexual, or exclusively female reproduction allows for quick colonization of new ecosystems and gives invading species a significant advantage over their native rivals. Her research focuses on understanding how aquatic species reproduce unisexually. The genome, or complete heritable information of an organism, is broken down into many chromosomal groups. The majority of sexually reproducing animals have a twofold (diploid) pair of chromosomes. Only one single (haploid) pair of chromosomes are passed on at a time during meiosis, the process by which male and female chromosomes are separated into germ cells for reproduction. Finally, a diploid creature is created when a haploid egg and haploid sperm fuse. The Prussian carp contains six pairs of chromosomes, making it hexaploid. The other two were added by crossing with a fish that was closely similar. Four of them were created by crossing unrelated fish species. Read more: Black Chinese Carp: Invasive Species With Human-Like Teeth Invade US Lakes Prussian carp The silvery-brown Prussian carp closely resembles goldfish in appearance. They have a lifespan of five to ten years and reproduce frequently each year. They have the ability to reproduce asexually through a process called gynogenesis, which uses the sperm of other fish species in the water column to trigger the development of eggs and create new females that are basically clones of the original. The native fish species may suffer negative impacts from this interference with reproduction. Extremely resilient and tolerant to a variety of environmental factors are Prussian carp. This species has been discovered in aquatic habitats that are unsuitable for native fish species due to low oxygen levels and poor water quality. It can outcompete native species for food and habitat since it is a generalist when it comes to habitat and eating. It is a prolific intruder and a hazard to the ecological integrity of aquatic environments because of its life-history traits. Currently, only Alberta and Saskatchewan in North America are home to Prussian Carp. Avoid transporting or releasing live fish into any body of water, and always wash your equipment after using it in the water to help stop the spread of Prussian carp. Related article: Asian Carp Invasion Barriers Evaluated in New Great Lakes Study The "bathtub ring", a white band of mineral deposits showing previous water levels, of Lake Mead is visible on June 28, 2022 at the Hoover Dam on the Colorado River at the Nevada and Arizona state border. - Millions of gallons of Colorado River hurtle through the Hoover Dam every day, generating electricity for hundreds of thousands of homes. But the mega drought desiccating the western United States is sending reservoir levels plummeting towards deadpool -- the point at which the dam can no longer produce power. (Photo : Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images) The newest thing to surface from Lake Mead around Las Vegas is a World War II dropship, the very identical model famed for its use on D-Day in 1944. The World War II Boat Experts claim the lake's threshold has reached a historic level, owing partly to a dry spell in the American Southwest - although human-caused global warming may be exacerbating the dry spell. As initially disclosed by Live Science, the dropping waters have uncovered various artifacts in the past, notably clandestine graves and human bodies. In one particular instance, the dead person would seem to have hospitalized from a gunfire gash before being consolidated into a barrel and plunged, directing to suppositions that it was a swarm murder, according to CBS News. Lake Mead had peaked throughout a healthy and prosperous of the same climate fluctuation in the 1980s and 1990s, however the apex of a previous chilly process yielded in the 1930s Dust Bowl water shortages, among the worst catastrophic events in US history, as per the National Drought Mitigation Center at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. As per Smithsonian magazine, the watercraft can transport a 36-man platoon or a vehicle and a 12-man unit at speeds of up to 12 knots (13.8 mph, or 22.2 km/h); and a spoonbill bow beneath the front dock drove liquid under it and enabled the watercraft to ramp up into shoreline. The groundwater in Lake Mead attained its greatest height of roughly 1,220 feet beyond ocean level in 1941, 1983, and 1997, yet decreased by up to 200 feet among these years, according to US Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) estimates. Also read: Three Wild Bisons Set Free to Roam Around Britain for the First Time in Thousands of Years Lake Mead Waters Declines and a Vessel Emerges As NPS representatives wrote to the daily paper in an instant message the excess environment of the design emphasizes an older incarnation of the lagoon when Las Vegas and Lake Mead were more secluded and eliminated somewhat from the United States, where fairly affordable WWII deficit could be put into service for innovative civilian uses in the nature reserve. Furthermore, in a statement President Dwight Eisenhower said that Because of its significance on D-Day as well as subsequent combat blockades during WWII, US authorities at the highest ranks credited its design team: "Andrew Higgins is the guy who saved the battle for us." While geophysicist Richard Seager of Columbia University's Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory told that the centuries of dry spells at Lake Mead is primarily the consequence of a continual cold phase in seasonal changes in the tropical Pacific Ocean province, which induces comparatively drought weather over the Southwest of the United States. As per the National Park Service, it is the biggest lake by capacity in the United States and supplies freshwater to millions of people in Arizona, California, and Nevada. The warship was then employed in Colorado River investigations, however it was ultimately transferred to a marina in Lake Mead, where it was purposely buried to construct a barrier - an outlying barrier intended to defend a maritime region from surges - to a thickness of approximately 185 feet. The Higgins boat in Lake Mead, as per the Las Vegas Review-Journal, was excess to the armed forces and was auctioned off by the government in the aftermath of World War II. According to Stanford University, over 23,000 Higgins vessels were produced throughout the 1940s for the US and Affiliated military to transport men and battle equipment from warships to land. Related article: More than 30 Sea Turtles Found Injured or Dead with Stab Wounds on a Remote Island in Japan This underwater picture taken at a depth of five metres off the coast Lebanon's northern town of Qalamun on May 27, 2020 shows a Pelagia noctiluca (Medusa luminosa), a species of jellyfish commonly known as the mauve stinger, typically an offshore species widely distributed in all warm and temperate waters including the Mediterranean sea, Red Sea and Atlantic ocean. (Photo : Photo by IBRAHIM CHALHOUB/AFP via Getty Images) Novel research shows that relatively uncommon deep-sea brine streams unearthed in the Red Sea might retain indications to millennia-long climate uprisings in the geographical area, and could even put a spotlight on the beginnings of existence on Earth. Deep-sea brine pools are deep ocean ponds that are extremely acidic or hypersaline. Notwithstanding their strange composition and utter oxygen deprivation, these unique streams resound with existence and may provide answers into how life on Earth originated - and how life may develop and survive on water-rich planet apart from our own. Rare Deep-Sea Brine Pools According to research main writer Sam Purkis, a lecturer as well as program director of Marine Geosciences at the University of Miami, the prevailing thought is that existence on Earth evolved in the open ocean, very definitely in anaerobic environment - lacking oxygen - circumstances, Live Science reported. The experts have found the waters 1.1 miles (1.77 kilometers) below the ocean of the Red Sea employing a remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV), dubbing them the NEOM Brine Pools after the Saudi construction business that financed the investigation. There seem to be a handful dozen deep-sea brine ponds known to researchers in the whole globe, ranging in dimensions from a few thousand square feet to nearly a square mile or about 2.6 square kilometers. As posted under the media website Time to Times, Purkis claimed that the sediment cores retrieved from the newly discovered saltwater lakes provide an uninterrupted database of historical rainfall distribution, dating beyond over 1,000 years, as well as evidence of tremors and disaster. Several systems are in operation saline lakes in the Red Sea were previously placed in an area 15.5 miles (25 km) offshore. The largest pool had a radius with about 107,000 square feet (10,000 square meters), while three smaller streams had a diameter of less than 107 square feet (10 square meters), as shown in the journal Communications Earth and Environment. Furthermore, deep-sea saltwater ponds are an excellent model for the primitive Earth, and although totally bereft of atmosphere and hypersaline, they are home to a diverse variety of so-called 'extremophile' bacteria. Heretofore, antibacterial and anticancer compounds were identified from deep-sea microorganisms dwelling in brine lakes. Also read: Ancient 1.4 Million-Year-Old Jawbone from Spain may be the Oldest Known Ancient Human Sea Creatures in the Red Sea The Red Sea has the most recorded deep-sea brine ponds, with just three waterways hosting them: the Gulf of Mexico, the Mediterranean Sea, as well as the Red Sea. Moreover, Flipboard recently covered that professionals expect to return to the brine streams with much more advanced coring machinery to attempt to prolong rebuilding further than 1,000 years, further into ancient times. Because the brine lacks oxygen, the certain animal that deviates into the seawater is killed immediately. The first such reservoirs have been found in the Gulf of Aqaba, a northern compartment of the Red Sea, where the underwater briny reservoirs are only 1.25 miles from the coast. The fish, shrimp, even worms that seem to forage in the brine were particularly intriguing, as per experts' statement. Since the marinade lacks oxygen, the stream retains out the customary seabed living creatures like hibernating shrimp, worms, and mollusks. Their results show that large waves from heavy precipitation occur around roughly every 25 years, and tsunamis [occur] about once every 100 years over the last 1,000 years. Related article: More than 30 Sea Turtles Found Injured or Dead with Stab Wounds on a Remote Island in Japan People view the Glowing Reefs display of corals which absorb blue and ultraviolet light and then emit lower-energy flourescent light, a sign of healthy corals, at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, California on May 27, 2021, during a media preview of the indoor exhibition "Coral Reefs: Nature's Underwater Cities" - "Coral Reefs: Nature's Underwater Cities" opens to the public on May 28, 2021 through April 2022, spotlighting the importance of coral reefs to the planet and marine environment. (Photo : Photo by FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images) The sea is teeming with fascinating sea species that has given rise to habitats bursting with richness. Coral reefs are not different, since they come in a variety of forms, dimensions, and hues. Many animals and creatures alike actually shine in the darkness. Glow in the Dark Corals A group of Israeli researchers has since discovered why this is the case. Deep-reef reefs with blazing green and yellow filaments may flash vivid hues to attract food for a meal, Science Alert reported. In an explanation made by the head of the said investigation, Tel Aviv University coral reef scientist Or Ben-Zvi, notwithstanding the inadequacies in prior information surrounding plankton sensory attention of fluorescence cues, the new investigation gives scientific proof for the prey-luring function of fluorescence in reefs, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration US Department of Commerce noted. The experts leading this latest analysis hypothesized that these deep-water reefs, some of which are luminous, would utilize illumination to lure food into their fold, comparable to numerous deep-sea creatures that generate biological process. This capacity to glow and entice animals appears to be an important adjustment for reefs stranded on the bottom, particularly in settings where corals demand alternate energy providers in complement [to] or as a replacement for photosynthesis. However, mesophotic coral reefs, which thrive in moderate, blue-shifted light, tend to be a bit distinct, with no indication that their fluorescence provides any form of defense or energy increase as of yet. Certain brave coral reefs, on the other hand, continue to thrive at deeper water, far below ocean in the gloomy, chilly, water depths. It appears that fluorescent green reefs were predated on more than their yellow-fluorescing counterparts, consuming more A salina shrimp in 30 minutes. Finally, the authors assessed predatory frequencies between various colored Euphyllia paradivisa reefs obtained at levels of 45 meters in the Gulf of Eilat and transferred for laboratory for testing. As shown in the study published by Ben-Zvi and peers in the journal of Communications Biology, the yellow morph of E. paradivisa was discovered to be the lowest plentiful in its native surroundings in the moderately thick reefs of Eilat, which nowadays can conceivably be described by the lower foraging appeal to this hue obtained in the existing research. Also read: New Species of Salamanders Have Been Found in Southern Appalachian Mountains in United States Deep Sea Corals The scientists evaluated as to if tiny shrimp (Artemia salina) favored a green or orange bright point over transparent, reflecting, or matt-colored objects on the other end of an aquarium in a number of experimental studies. However, the research results highlight why corals, which constitute the foundation of biologically diverse ecological systems, are so important to conserve. Tel Aviv University Ocean scientist and primary researcher Yossi Loya in an interview told that most corals have a bright color scheme that accentuates their mouths or tentacle ends. In which Anisomysis Marisrubri, a native crustacean that feeds on corals in the Gulf, favored fluorescent signals versus reflecting targets, while an imported variety of fish larvae did not. Rendering it's worth noting that this research only examined at one type of mesophotic reef. Thus, Ben-Zvi and her associates went in, studying coral organisms that live at low-light levels and depend on predators rather than photosynthesis for nourishment. Additional study is therefore required to properly comprehend how plankton as well as various coral-sustaining crustaceans see hue, which is expected to vary according on variety, locality, and developmental stage, as per Eurekalert. When the investigators conducted trials at the Gulf of Eilat, situated near the northern edge of the Red Sea, they discovered consistent observations. Related article: More than 30 Sea Turtles Found Injured or Dead with Stab Wounds on a Remote Island in Japan Japan is on the lookout for wild monkeys following ten assaults in a week. After an infant was seized in the most serious instance, traps were installed, and people were advised to keep their windows closed. Serial Attacker In Japan, 10 people have been assaulted by a wild monkey in the past two weeks. Police are looking for the creature. The attacks started on July 8 in the southwest region of the nation, in the Ogori district of Yamaguchi prefecture. In the most catastrophic instance, it broke into a residence and severely scratched a newborn. When I heard my daughter weeping while I was cleaning, I turned around to see that the monkey had grabbed her by the legs while she was playing on the floor. The infant's mother reportedly told local media that it appeared to be attempting to drag her outside. According to the Kyodo news agency, the monkey attacked neighboring individuals last weekend after scratching a four-year-old girl's leg and opening the screen door of a first-floor flat, leaving her with minor wounds. Wanted: Monkey The alleged 40-50 cm tall monkey also entered a nearby kindergarten class and scratched a four-year-old girl. Police in the area is allegedly on high alert. People have been told not to open their windows, and traps have been erected for the animal. Although leaflets warning locals to be on the lookout have been issued by the mayor's office, the animal was still at large as of Tuesday. About 40 monkey sightings have been reported in the region since May, according to the national broadcaster NHK. Also Read: Just Like Humans, Monkeys Observed Showing Signs of Choking Under Pressure Japanese Wildlife They are not the only wild animals that have made Japanese citizens more watchful. Bear sightings and assaults have increased recently around the nation, along with fewer incidents involving wild boar, such as the one last year in which two animals harmed 12 people in a park in Hiroshima before being shot dead. Because there aren't enough acorns in the bears' native habitat, they have to venture into inhabited areas in quest of food, leading to increased bear sightings and assaults. The degradation of abandoned farmland that previously served as a natural barrier between their habitat and human areas is another issue in depopulated rural regions. The number of bear sightings alone on Hokkaido, the northernmost major island, increased by 381 to 2,197 last year. A local hunter shot a black bear dead in 2020 after spending more than 12 hours inside a mall in the Ishikawa prefecture. Japanese Monkey The snow monkey, commonly referred to as the Japanese macaque (Macaca fuscata), is a terrestrial Old World monkey indigenous to Japan. They are known as "snow monkeys" informally because some inhabit regions where snow covers the ground for many months yearly. No other non-human primate lives in a colder or farther north environment. Relationship with Humans Slash-and-burn agriculture, using forest wood for construction and fuel, and hunting is examples of traditional human actions that threaten macaques. Due to social and economic developments in Japan after World War II, some risks have decreased, but new ones have developed. The greatest threat is the planting of timber plantations in place of natural forests. With greater human wealth, macaques have lost their fear of people and are now more common in rural and urban regions, with one macaque even being found for several months in the heart of Tokyo. Related Article: Humans 10x Better Than Chimps and Macaques When It Comes to Temperature Control For more animal related news, don't forget to follow Nature World News! The proposed Queensland coalmine will require clearing more than 1,000ha of koala habitat. Protesters expressed concern over a "disturbing pattern" of planned mines that are barely below the need for an environmental impact study. Excavating the Area To excavate coal under a new mine being considered in central Queensland, more than 1,000 hectares of koala habitat and 70 hectares of greater glider habitat would need to be removed. Although both marsupials have recently been declared endangered due to habitat degradation, the state government is still considering the planned mine without requiring an environmental impact assessment (EIS). According to environmental activists, the Vulcan South proposal by Vitrinite is the latest in a "disturbing trend" of planned coalmines that are just below the limits that require the EIS process. Vitrinite plans to produce 1.95 million tons of coal at Vulcan South annually, which is less than the 2 million tons necessary for the business to create an EIS. A neighboring mine, Vulcan, that will similarly produce 1.95 million tons annually, previously received clearance for Vitrinite. That mine, destroying more than 200 acres of koala habitat, received federal approval in March from the previous Coalition administration. The firm said the project would have little long-term effects on koala populations and would "conservatively offset the impacted habitat" from the Vulcan South site in a "controlled offset area primarily focused on koala habitat protection." Allowing the habitat of endangered species to be destroyed, according to Prof. David Lindenmayer of Australian National University, "made a farce" of environmental laws. Why upgrade a species to endangered status if you're getting more and more of its habitat destroyed? He said," According to Lindenmayer, a system that relied on a piecemeal approach to environmental approval and isolated project assessments might turn Australia into the "extinction capital of the world." We must take into account cumulative effects, he said. It's comparable to the distinction between amputating one leg and both legs. According to the most recent state of the environment report, Australia has lost more animal species than any other continent, published Tuesday. It also has one of the greatest rates of species decrease in the industrialized world. Along with invasive species, habitat degradation and clearance were listed as the leading causes of extinction. In support of the Vulcan South proposal, Vitrinite stated it submitted ecological studies to the Queensland Department of Environment that was "done to an EIS technical quality." According to the records, the business planned to remove 1,023.6 acres of koala habitat. According to a business representative, "Koalas reside sporadically in the Bowen Basin, and as a result, the proposed project operations are projected to influence a modest number of people." The Cherwell-Harrow Range's adjacent koala habitat covers 170,000ha. Located 10 kilometers apart, the spokesman described Vulcan and Vulcan South as "independent, small-scale, short-term mines," adding that output rates were "representative of the mining approach, equipment utilized, and business model being implemented." Also Read: Are Koalas Endangered? Marsupials' Habitat Continue to Deplete Due to Bushfires Koala Conservation Koalas have "been seen to recolonize restored land in as little as six years," they added, though they acknowledged it would likely take longer in this case. Post-mining rehabilitation aims also include the re-establishment of koala habitat. According to Deborah Tabart, head of the Australian Koala Foundation, environmental offsets are useless. It's not a legitimate procedure, Tabart declared. "It's like the new garments for the emperor. If you destroy something's ecosystem, how can anything survive?" Gemini, a different planned mining project, was granted an EIS exemption by the agency in December. The mine is expected to generate 1.9 million tons annually. Jonathon Dykyj of the Mackay Conservation Group requested in a letter to Queensland's environment minister Meaghan Scanlon last Thursday that Vitrinite must submit an EIS for Vulcan South. The letter also demanded that the 2 million ton threshold be removed because several proposed projects fall just short of it. That, in my opinion, is a worrying trend, Dykyj remarked. "That method should simply be removed from consideration." Official Statement In response to inquiries from Scanlon's office, the government assured them that "a comprehensive evaluation" would still be carried out at Vulcan South and that "the same environmental requirements will apply regardless of whether an EIS is necessary." The department's spokeswoman stated that this "includes a chance for members of the public to make public submissions on the plan." If that procedure approved Vulcan South, it would likely be sent to Tanya Plibersek's office, the incoming federal environment minister. The minister declared, "I will carefully assess the effects of each project that is brought to me. Related Article: Barrier Reef Should Be Classified as "In Danger" For more news update about the animal kingdom, don't forget to follow Nature World News! A recent study from the Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science at the University of Miami (UM) discovered that Miami's history of environmental injustice was the key to comprehending why various groups frequently spoke at cross-purposes, resulting in misunderstandings and disagreements about climate change and what they believe should be done about it. When Rosalind Donald, a postdoctoral fellow at the UM Rosenstiel School's Department of Environmental Science and Policy, completed the study, she remarked, "These findings are of particular significance as municipal governments begin to adapt to climate challenges." "While the policy community frequently speaks about climate change in scientific terms, the participants in our survey were interacting with its larger cultural context." Improving the Discourse Donald and colleagues evaluated Miami's climate debate and the histories that inform it by fusing data from interviews, archival materials - from planning documents to personal papers - and analysis of policy texts. Also Read: Overexploitation Largely Undermined an Underestimated, Says Experts Inherent Biases The history of the city's growth through racial segregation and real estate development, from the expulsion of the Seminole and Miccosukee tribes to the razing of Overtown, Miami's largest Black neighborhood at the time, to make way for the I-95 Expressway, has led to a splintered climate debate in which different groups of people are affected by climate change in different ways. For instance, wealthier people are more likely to reside in shorefront neighborhoods, making them more likely to suffer coastal flooding brought on by sea-level rise and link it to climate change. Due to segregation and relocation, many Black villages in the interior are situated on higher terrain. According to a notion known as climate gentrification, the urge to gentrify these locations is growing, maybe in part because of their reduced vulnerability to sea level rise. As a result, some locals were more likely to link gentrification with climate change. According to their research, contrasting views on climate change aren't only a matter of political identification; they also have a history in the community, including instances of privilege or dispossession. Varying Opinions According to Donald, "research and the media frequently attribute variations of opinion about climate change to political divisions." Our research demonstrates how climate change impacts everyone personally, so it's not just about believers and denialists. As a result, talking about climate change in isolation from gentrification and other pressing issues was less tangible in certain neighborhoods and, in other cases, even alienating. Although well-versed in climate science, residents of a rich Miami Beach area rejected efforts to address sea level rise because they thought it would lower their property prices and quality of life. According to Donald, the result has been a split in the city between those who have profited from the expansion and others whose communities have supported the health, prosperity, and environmental quality of others without partaking in the benefits of progress. Related Article: Gloom Reality: Even the Most Daring Technologies Can No Longer Reverse Impacts of Climate Change For more environmental news, don't forget to follow Nature World News! Monsoonal moisture threatens the Southwest US and Southern Rockies again this week, causing potential heavy rain and flash flooding across the regions, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). The weather system is likely to continue in the coming days, even during the weekend. While rainfall and floodwaters pose the greatest risk, other weather hazards, such as strong winds lightning, and thunderstorms could still occur. Indirect yet related risks also include electrocution. Power outages and disruption to travel, as well as to businesses are possible. The inclement weather is part of the so-called "North American Monsoon," which brings rainfall not only to portions of Canada and the United States but also to countries in Central America. The mentioned monsoon is often compared as a lesser form of the Asian monsoon. However, various sources have shown it is also the same weather phenomenon. The NWS weather forecast of the North American Monsoon comes as a "dangerous heat" continues to impact most parts of the Central US and Northeast US. In recent days and weeks, a renewed heat wave or heat dome shattered all-time high temperature records in multiple cities. Monsoonal Moisture Forecast Along with other weather advisories, the NWS' Weather Prediction Center (WPC) issues on Wednesday, July 20, its new short-range forecast regarding the persistent monsoonal moisture that will bring localized torrential rain and isolated flash floods to some portions of the said Western US regions. The WPC forecast is valid from Thursday to Saturday, July 21 to July 23, which contains other weather hazards like the potential severe thunderstorms from the Ohio Valley to New England and even parts of the Southeast US on Thursday. The US weather agency also retains its "Excessive Heat Warnings" and "Heat Advisories" for the latter half of the week, with over 100 million Americans under the heat alerts. Intense heat in the form of above-average temperatures could result in heat-related illnesses, the NWS says. Also Read: NWS Issues Warning for 'Monsoonal Rain' and Flash Flooding in New Mexico The North American Monsoon The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) stated that the North American Monsoon is an annual climate phenomenon, particularly prevalent in the Southwest US and Northwest Mexico. Defined as a seasonal change within the atmosphere, the NOAA says this occurs as the summer heat or summer sun makes the continental land mass to become hotter. The warming makes the prevailing wind to become dry over the so-called "monsoon region" consisting of Northwest Mexico, Arizona, and New Mexico. Furthermore, the summer heat buildup over North America enables the formation of high pressure over the monsoon region, bringing the dry wind into a southward direction to bring moisture from areas between the Gulf of California and the Pacific Ocean. US Southwest Monsoon Season While the US has already entered its summer season, which approximately spans from June to September, the southwestern part of the country has its separate yet integrated season pertaining to the North American Monsoon. In 2008, NWS officials made a decision to consider the period between June 15 and September 30 to be the US Southwest Monsoon Season in Arizona or the Southwestern Monsoon, according to the University of Arizona's Climate Assessment for the Southwest (CLIMAS). Related Article: Monsoonal Moisture Continues Across the Southwest US: Heavy Rain with Flash Flooding Expected About 110 million people are under heat advisories in more than 20 states, from California to New England, as a severe heat wave that has scorched the south-central US spreads. Many of these locations are anticipating high temperatures in the 90s or triple digits. Heatwave in the south-central US In Texas, where scorching temperatures have prompted record levels of electricity use, highs are once again predicted to reach 100 degrees. The Southwest and the south-central US are forecasted to see the worst heat. However, there are heat advisories in effect for some of the Ohio Valley and the Northeast, including New York City, Philadelphia, and Boston, and temperatures are anticipated to remain high at least through the weekend. According to the Weather Prediction Center, Wednesday's high temperatures in much of the Northeast will be in the 80s to the mid-90s, but the humidity will cause the heat index, or how hot it will feel, to rise into the upper 90s and low 100s. Jackie Bray, the commissioner of the state's homeland security and emergency services division, advised New Yorkers to remain inside in the coming days to avoid the "dangerous circumstances that can cause heat stress and disease." A heat emergency has been proclaimed in Boston through Thursday, and Mayor Michelle Wu has stated that at least 12 community facilities will be available to anybody who wants to cool off. At city parks and playgrounds, more than 50 splash pads would be accessible, she added. The mayor declared, "It is obvious that a changing climate poses a risk to our health. I advise everyone to keep themselves safe and cool and to check on their neighbors throughout the week," as per CNN. The governor of Connecticut turned on the state's severe heat protocol until Sunday, which will help, in part, guarantee the accessibility of cooling facilities. From Tuesday at noon through Thursday at sunset, Philadelphia issued a "heat caution," advising residents to stay indoors from midday to five o'clock should utilize fans or air conditioners, the city advised CNN in an email. Due to "very high temperatures," the city's public health department declared its first heat health emergency of 2022 on Wednesday, activating emergency services such as special field teams that do house visits and outreach for persons experiencing homelessness, the city stated in a press release. Also Read: Heatwave to Hit the UK in April and Climate Change is to Blame: Met Office Forecast Severe weather threat in Detroit For Southeast Michigan, all severe weather alerts and watches have expired. Even if the temperature barely drops into the late 70s, the area will dry out overnight. Citizens can't rule out some patchy fog, but considering that the winds will still be blowing, don't expect it to be a major issue, as per Click on Detroit. In the next days, there will be more sunlight, although some models are predicting a rain or two for Thursday. Thursday and Friday will see lower-90s highs. The weekend brings back the possibility of rain and a few storms, with Sunday having the highest prospects. People should expect a few rains on Saturday, but nothing that will cause an all-day washout. The likelihood of thunderstorms, some of which can be strong to severe, increases significantly on Sunday. Beyond that, the heat will start to subside a little bit. Through Saturday, highs are in the 90s, but early the next week, the area will "cool" off a bit with highs in the lower to middle 80s. It appears that this storm will occur between 3 and 6 p.m., with sporadic showers across Metro Detroit beginning about 4 p.m. A "cold front" that sent these storms our way doesn't actually indicate that it will get cooler. The forecast for Thursday's high is for a "chilly" 89, which is only 2 degrees colder than Wednesday. As one might expect, the weekend picture is still a little hazy, with Sunday having the highest likelihood of a storm. Related article: Heatwave 2022: Scorching Temperatures Recorded in India and Pakistan for April analysis The Nairobi Expressway winds through the metropolis like a giant river on stilts. It stretches over 27 kilometers (17 miles) through the heart of the Kenyan capital and connects the West African country's most important airport with Nairobi's central business district, the National Museum and the Presidential Palace. Construction under the aegis of China took only two years. Now the toll road is helping to relieve the city's congested traffic arteries. China's state-owned companies are increasingly ahead of their European competitors with swift decisions and speedy implementation of contracts in Africa. That's according to a study published in June by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom, a German organization for liberal and libertarian politics. The foundation is affiliated with Germany's Free Democratic Party (FDP). Europe exports values More than 1,600 decision-makers from 25 countries were surveyed, including top managers, employees of NGOs and civil servants. Their answers paint a picture of a Europe that seeks above all to export its values to Africa, while loans, excavators and workers come from China. "The Clash of Systems" is how the foundation describes the results of the online survey conducted by Kenya's Inter Region Economic Network (IREC) think tank. Europeans are perceived by decision-makers as having an edge on most performance indicators, according to Stefan Schott, a project manager for East Africa and the Global Partnership Hub at the Friedrich Naumann Foundation. Social standards, the provision of jobs for locals, environmental standards, and the quality of products stand out, he said. On a list of 17 criteria, Chinese companies come out ahead on only four indicators -- they make decisions more quickly, implement projects faster, interfere less in internal affairs and have fewer qualms about using corruption. Don't be prescriptive "Obviously, these are the most important factors; there is no other way to explain the success of the Chinese in Africa," Schott said in an interview with DW. Europeans would have to draw their conclusions from this. It also affects their reputation for imposing regulations, he said. "The paternalistic behavior of the Europeans is a problem; the Africans have difficulties with that," Schott emphasized. In view of this realization, what is the recommendation for German and European Africa policy? "We would never advise throwing the European values of democracy, human rights, sustainability overboard. That would damage Europe's position," said Schott. But countries would have to examine whether one should approach conditions in Africa with European standards. "If the best standards are so high that the Chinese always receive the bid for business, you haven't done any good for the social situation," Schott told DW. The European Union talks about values, he said, but if a constructed road leads to a village, that's also a value. A European investment bank for Africa? Schott also brought up the idea of a European investment bank, with a mandate for quick decisions. To facilitate this speed, all 27 EU member states would not have to be consulted in advance. The partnership at eye level, which European politicians like to emphasize, must definitely be examined. "The survey participants don't see that, but rather perceive Africa as an aid recipient," Schott added. For Kenyan economist and co-author of the study, James Shikwati, this is precisely the crux of the matter: Europeans are stuck in their outdated view of Africa, Shikwati said in an interview with DW. They dictate to Africans what they need and are trapped in their own value system, which holds them back. Europe emphasizes governance, while the Chinesefocus on "hardware," the concrete infrastructure to touch. "They ask: Which road should be built from where to where? But the Europeans first check how many insects walk over it," said Shikwati, laughing. "It doesn't work that way in Africa," he added. Rethinking required on both sides Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Investment Africa Europe and Africa By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Europe needs to tailor its investment plans and approaches to engagement to specific regions and manage them flexibly, he said. For Africa, that means offering competitive and strategically focused policies rather than fighting existing ones, Shikwati added. That's the old Europe, he said, but what's needed is a new way of thinking. "It's not just about migrants coming from Africa, but the incentive should be the huge opportunities that exist in Africa for investment and development." Only 4% of Chinese investment flows to Africa, the economist said. The rest goes to the United States, Europe and other regions. But that 4% has produced a lot in poor African countries in just under 20 years -- while consolidating China's influence as the continent's most important trading partner. How many elections a government holds and how human rights are respected is important, Shikwati stressed. However, this will not bring about a major turnaround for African countries. This article was orignally published in German. The University of Michigan evolutionary scientist Elizabeth Tibbetts and her colleagues have shown over the course of more than 20 years' worth of research that paper wasps, despite having tiny brains, have an outstanding ability for learning, memory, and social differences about others. The study demonstrated that paper wasps can distinguish between members of their species based on differences in face markings, and that they are more hostile toward wasps with unusual markings. Learning behavior of paper wasps They demonstrated that paper wasps have an unusually strong memory and that they guide their behavior based on what they recall from earlier contacts with other wasps. Additionally, they revealed the paper wasp as the first example of transitive inference, a nonvertebrate animal behavior that approaches logical reasoning. Now, Tibbetts and her students are reporting the first evidence that paper wasps can form abstract concepts. Strikingly, the wasps were also able to transfer what they learned through visual training into a different sensory modality: the sense of smell. The study used laboratory tasks to test whether paper wasps (Polistes fuscatus) could learn and apply one of the most basic abstract concepts: the idea of sameness and difference. The wasps were trained to distinguish between pairs of visual or olfactory stimuli (two colored bits of paper, two photos of wasp faces, or two chemical odors) that were either identical or different. One pair of stimuli was associated with a mild but unpleasant electrical shock, the other was not. The capacity of the stinging insects to escape an electric shock by choosing the "right" pair the one linked to safety after being exposed to fresh pairs of stimuli (either identical or different) was then evaluated. According to the researchers, the previously trained wasps selected the right option more than 80% of the time. The team's research was presented online on July 20 in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B publication. According to Tibbetts, a professor in the U-M Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, "our findings demonstrate the wasps understood the broad notion of sameness and difference and applied it to new samples and different sorts of stimuli," as per ScienceDaily. Female paper wasps were gathered on their nests in the locations of Ann Arbor, Michigan, for the study. The wasps and their nests were kept in the laboratory and fed waxworms, sugar, and water. Individual wasps were trained and tested in a tiny chamber made of plexiglass and balsa wood to see if they could understand and use same-different notions. The simultaneous two-item same-different task was used to train and evaluate the wasps. The study included three different sorts of stimuli, including colorful paper, pictures of wasp faces, and the aromas of substances known as alkenes, which are similar to the fragrances that wasps use to recognize nestmates. Also Read: Wasps; Friend or Foe? Paper wasps Small heads, medium-sized eyes, and medium-length antennae are the characteristics of paper wasps. The waist is quite tiny, and the body is lean, as per the Australian Museum. Two sets of wings with a brown tinge are present, with the first pair being bigger. Although mostly black, the abdomen bears a few bands of yellow or orange color. Recently, some inner-city Sydney areas have reported seeing the newly imported Asian Paper Wasp (Polistes chinensis). These closely related species tend to have more pronounced yellow and brown stripes and are bigger than the local Polistes. Although they may sting painfully, paper wasps are not as aggressive as European Wasps. Normally, they only attack those who disrupt their nest. Multiple stings might cause a more serious systemic response. Wasp, bee, and ant stings might occasionally result in an allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), but this is not typical. Effective therapy is available, and it entails carrying a particular kit when outside for people who are known to have bee, ant, or wasp sting allergies. Desensitization or immunotherapy are alternative options that can lessen the intensity of an allergy. In Australia, wasp stings have been blamed for seven deaths over a 20-year span, mostly among known allergy patients who were not carrying their prophylactic medication with them. Related article: Parasite Wasp: The Wasp Family's Scariest Member No traditional ruler has been charged for their alleged offence. The Emir of Yandoton Daji, Aliyu Marafa, in Zamfara State, was on Sunday suspended after he turbaned a wanted terrorist, Ada Aleru, the Sarkin Fulani (the leader of the Fulani) of the emirate. The Governor of the state, Bello Matawalle, created the Yandoton Daji emirate out of Tsafe emirate on May 18. While creating the emirate, the governor charged the new emir to "use the new opportunities at their doorstep to foster more unity and instil more cohesion and discipline in the society as inherited from our forefathers," The area of influence in the new emirate consists of Yandoton Daji, Keta, Kizara, Bawa Kwanga, Kwaren Ganuwa, Danjibga, and Kuncin Kalgo districts with Headquarters at Birnin Yandoto. But two months after the creation of the emirate, Mr Marafa was suspended after he conferred a traditional title on the wanted terrorist, Mr Aleru. But he was not the first traditional ruler that has come under the hammer of the state government for allegedly aiding the activities of terror gangs in the state. Since 2019, the governor has been accusing traditional rulers in the state of collaborating with the terror gangs that attack communities, educational institutions, and government offices in the state. These gunmen also specialise in kidnapping travellers for ransom. Subsequently, the governor has deposed or suspended some of the emirs for allegedly aiding the activities of the terror gangs. However, none of those deposed has been charged with any wrongdoing. The following are some of the traditional rulers suspended or deposed for allegedly supporting the terrorists in the state. The Emir of Maru The governor Mr Matawalle, in August 2019 removed the Emir of Maru, Abubakar Cika, for allegedly supporting gunmen accused of attacking communities and killing several people in his constituency. The removal of the emir was announced by the then deputy governor, Mahdi Aliyu. The Emir was originally suspended in June following protests by his subjects amidst allegations he was working with terrorists and cattle rustlers in Maru council area. The government set up a committee headed by the former Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, to investigate the emir. The committee found the emir wanting and recommended his removal. The emir was deposed in August 2019. He was, however, never prosecuted. The Emir of Zurmi In June 2021, the governor suspended the Emir of Zurmi, Atiku Abubakar, for allegedly being complicit in the activities of bandits in his domain. Mr Abubakar was suspended after gunmen attacked Kadawa village; 61 people were killed in that attack. After the suspension of Mr Abubakar, the governor handed over the reins of the emirate to a top chief, Bello Suleiman, pending the report of a committee set up to investigate the incident and the deposed emir's involvement. Though the committee has reportedly submitted it the report of its investigation, the government has not made the report publicly available. The suspect was not charged for his alleged crime. The Emir of Dansadau Also in June 2021, Mr Matawalle suspended the Emir of Dansadau, Hussaini Umar, for aiding terrorists The government set up a committee chaired by the state's Commissioner for Security Affairs, Mamman Tsafe, a retired deputy Inspector general of police, to investigate the connection between the emir and criminal gangs in the area. Like his colleagues, the emir of Dansadau was never charged to court. The removal of district heads The district head of Kanoma in Maru emirate, Lawali Ahmad, was removed in 2019, alongside his emir, Abubakar Chika, for the same alleged offence. In January 2020 the governor suspended the district heads of Kanwa and Burmi, Garba Kanwa, and Bello Yusuf, from Zurmi and Bakura, local governments respectively for allegedly aiding banditry. They were also accused of insubordination. Both men were accused of opposing the government's peace programs and for political interference. Keeping with the trend of removing traditional rulers for allegedly supporting or conniving with the terrorists, the district head of Nasarawa Mailaya, in Zurmi council area, Bello Wakkala, was also removed alongside the emir of Zurmi in 2021. In the same year, the government also removed the District Head of Birnin Tsaba in Zurmi Emirate, Suleiman Danyabi, for the same reason. None of the dismissed traditional rulers has been charged despite the enormity of the accusations for which they were removed from office. The governor's spokesperson, Zailani Baffa, did not respond to calls to comment on why the suspects are yet to be charged in court. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Nigeria Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Katsina State In May 2021, the District Head of Kankara, in Katsina State, Yusuf Lawal, was suspended for alleged complicity in terrorism. The Secretary of the Katsina Emirate Council, Bello Ifo, said the district head was found guilty by a committee that investigated his alleged association with bandits. The committee said it found Mr Lawal guilty of aiding and siding with criminals including kidnappers operating in the Kankara axis and recommended his removal. However, residents said some of the traditional rulers side with the gunmen out of fear for their own lives because security agents seldom respond to distress calls or act on intelligence reports passed over to them by these traditional rulers. Kankara was in the news last year for the abduction of over 300 students of the Government Boys Science Secondary School in the town. The mastermind of the abduction, a notorious bandit called Auwalun Daudawa, was a few months later killed in a clash with a rival group in a forest between Katsina and Zamfara states. The known phone contact of Abdu Labaran, the spokesperson for Governor Masari, did not connect Tuesday evening when our reporter reached him for comment. Ajax confirmed the signing of Bassey from Scottish club, Rangers on Wednesday. The Super Eagles defender, Calvin Bassey, has officially signed a five-year deal with Dutch club Ajax Amsterdam. Ajax confirmed the signing of Bassey from Scottish club, Rangers, on Wednesday via an official statement on their website. The Dutch giants revealed they paid about 23 million euros to Rangers FC in order to sign Bassey who was also attracting interest from a number of other clubs; especially in the English Premier League. The club statement read: "Ajax has reached an agreement with Rangers FC and Calvin Bassey for the transfer of the defender to Amsterdam. "The English-Nigerian player has signed a contract with Ajax that will take effect immediately and will run for five seasons, until June 30, 2027. Ajax will pay a transfer fee of EUR 23 million to Rangers FC. Including variables, that amount could increase to EUR 26.5 million. "Calvin Bassey was born on December 31, 1999, in Modena, Italy. The Nigerian international was under contract with Rangers FC until mid-2024. He arrived in Austria today to join the first team's training camp." Bassey made only 15 appearances during his debut campaign with Rangers when they won their first top-flight title in a decade. He was however more involved the last term; racking up 50 games as the Ibrox club reached the Europa League final and won the Scottish Cup. With Bassey's exit, the leading Nigerian trio have all now departed from Rangers with Joe Aribo now with Southampton and Leon Balogun also out of contract at Ibrox. While Bassey will be counting down to August 6 when his Amsterdam club kicks off the defence of their Eredivisie title against PSV, he will be keen to make a mark like his compatriots who all did well with Ajax in past. That rich list includes the likes of Kanu Nwankwo, Finidi Geroge Sunday Oliseh and Tijani Babaginda. Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) confirmed the development in a statement on Wednesday. The National Grid on Wednesday suffered another system collapse resulting in a blackout in some parts of the country. Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) confirmed the development in a statement on Wednesday. "Dear Customers, we regret to inform you of a system collapse on the National grid at precisely 11:27a.m today, July 20. "We are in talks with the Transmission Company of Nigeria to ascertain the cause of the collapse and a possible restoration timeline. "We will keep you updated on the situation," the electricity distribution company said. (NAN) 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). Reporter Debra Pressey is a reporter covering health care at The News-Gazette. Her email is dpressey@news-gazette.com, and you can follow her on Twitter (@DLPressey). AP A judge has sentenced former Minneapolis police Officer Thomas Lane to 2 1/2 years in prison on a federal civil rights charge for his role in the restraint that killed George Floyd The IPMAN chief accused some petrol depots of selling fuel at the rate of N158 naira per litre instead of the government-approved price of N148. The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has denied involvement in the diversion of Petroleum Products by any of its members. Chinedu Okoronkwo, president of IPMAN, made the remark on Wednesday in Abuja before the House of Representatives special ad hoc committee investigating the petroleum products subsidy regime in Nigeria from 2017 to 2021. He said that such had been the usual allegation, adding that any marketer found guilty of the act should be treated as a criminal. He accused some petrol depots of selling fuel at the rate of N158 naira per litre instead of the government-approved price of N148, adding that it was the cause of the hike in pump price. He also said that the landing cost template of fuel IPMAN had been working with had not changed contrary to insinuation. The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ahmed Wase, disclosed that about N6 trillion was said to have been expended by the government on oil subsidy in the time under review. Mr Wase, who represented the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, said that this necessitated the setting up of the committee to get to the root of the matter. The Chairman of the committee, Ibrahim Aliyu, said their mandate was to get the actual record of all companies and individuals involved and determine the total litres of crude oil exported and petroleum products imported. Mark Gbila (Benue-PDP), a member of the committee, said that all organisations and agencies not duly represented should not be allowed to appear before the House. The committee chairman, however, summoned the Federal Inland Revenue Service, the Managing Director of AA Rano and other stakeholders, who did not come with their Chief Executive Officer. Other stakeholders present include oil marketers and representatives of the ministry of petroleum resources. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) recently classified occupational exposure as a firefighter as carcinogenic, changing the previous classification of possibly carcinogenic. The reclassification came after many new studies, including several led by the University of Arizona Health Sciences in collaboration with the Tucson Fire Department, supplied evidence that occupational exposure as a firefighter causes cancer. The IARC, the foremost international body for cancer research, is saying that firefighting is definitely associated with cancer. This is a really important outcome that our research has helped to support, but it's also just the beginning. Now it's our job to work with the fire service to help way find ways of preventing these increased numbers of cancers." Jeff Burgess, MD, PhD, Professor, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health and BIO5 Institute member The International Agency for Research on Cancer, the cancer agency of the World Health Organization, convened a working group of 25 international experts and three invited specialists from eight countries to review the scientific literature. They found sufficient evidence that occupational exposure as a firefighter causes mesothelioma and bladder cancer, and limited evidence that it causes colon cancer, prostate cancer, testicular cancer, melanoma of the skin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Dr. Burgess was one of the invited specialists who assisted the working group by gathering information on firefighter exposures. Additionally, new mechanistic studies found consistent evidence that occupational exposure as a firefighter met five key characteristics of carcinogens, providing strong mechanistic support for the new classification. Several of the findings, specifically about epigenetic and receptor-mediated mechanisms of cancer, were from studies Dr. Burgess led in collaboration with the Tucson Fire Department, an organization he has worked with for three decades. Through this partnership with the University of Arizona Health Sciences and the Fire Fighter Cancer Cohort Study, the Tucson Fire Department became a national leader in firefighter cancer research. One particularly impactful achievement was identifying interventions to reduce firefighter exposures and thereby reduce their cancer risk. The Tucson firefighters are now sharing their successful interventions with other fire departments around the country. "I am so proud of the partnership with the University of Arizona Health Sciences and the Fire Fighter Cancer Cohort Study," said Darin Wallentine, retired deputy chief of safety and wellness for the Tucson Fire Department. "During my time with the Tucson Fire Department and the Safety and Wellness Division, the Tucson Fire Department became a national leader in firefighter cancer research. Being named as a co-author in groundbreaking firefighter occupational exposure studies is a tremendous honor and a rewarding career achievement." More than 15 million firefighters worldwide are exposed to a complex mixture of combustion products from fires polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, volatile organic compounds, metals and particulates diesel exhaust, building materials such as asbestos, and other hazards including heat stress, shift work, and ultraviolet and other radiation. In addition, the use of flame retardants in textiles and of persistent organic pollutants including per- and polyfluorinated substances in firefighting foams has increased over time. "The research that supports this new IARC classification gives us new insights into the risks firefighters face on the job. It's another example of how public health research provides data to create a safer, healthier world," said Iman Hakim, MD, PhD, MPH, dean of the Zuckerman College of Public Health. "I'm so proud of Dr. Burgess and his team for the collaborative research they have done and continue to do with the Tucson Fire Department. This is an area where the college brings unique expertise that benefits first responders in Arizona and around the world." "The new classification gives even more emphasis to the need for exposure reduction and to look at other ways that we might be able to modify the effects of exposures," Dr. Burgess said. "We need to figure out how to prevent or reverse those effects, beyond just reducing exposures." A recent International Journal of Molecular Sciences review summarizes available knowledge on the monkeypox virus, including its pathogenicity, risk to the human population, and strategies that can help limit its spread. Study: Monkeypox: A New Threat? Image Credit: Kateryna Kon / Shutterstock.com History of monkeypox infection The monkeypox virus is a pox-like disease that was first identified in macaque monkeys at a research facility in Denmark in 1958. Subsequently, the first human monkeypox infection was reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in 1970 in a nine-month-old patient who experienced fever and a pox-like rash that led to hemorrhagic lesions, which healed in two weeks. Despite the resolution of the initial infection, the first monkeypox infection patient experienced secondary infections and eventually died in the hospital. Several additional cases of monkeypox infection were identified over the next decade, mostly among children in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as well as other Western and Central African countries. During the 1970s and 80s, the case fatality rate (CFR) due to monkeypox infection was approximately 11% in DRC. The highest CFR was reported among children who were below four years of age. Outside of Africa, the first monkeypox outbreak was reported in the United States in 2003 due to an exotic pet import from Ghana. Additionally, several small clusters and single cases were reported in the United Kingdom, Singapore, Israel, and the U.S. in recent years, all of which were associated with previous travel to Nigeria. The current monkeypox outbreak On May 4, 2022, a patient with an unexplained rash and recent travel history to Nigeria was admitted to a hospital in the U.K. The diagnosis of monkeypox infection was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay using a vesicular swab. Thereafter, thousands of new monkeypox cases have been reported in over 50 countries on six continents. This has been the largest non-endemic outbreak of the monkeypox virus with no link between infected people or travel to endemic regions. The monkeypox virus primarily spreads through close physical contact and, in the current outbreak, has been more commonly diagnosed among men who have sex with men (MSM) or those with multiple sexual partners. The World Health Organization (WHO) has increased the global public health risk for monkeypox infection from low to moderate. In particular, the risk level has been increased to high in the European Regions, which comprises over 80% of new monkeypox infections. Countries with confirmed (red) or suspected (pink) MPX cases during the 2022 non-endemic outbreak. Regions, where MPX was endemic prior to 2022, are shown in black. The map includes cases reported until 12 July 2022 [8]. The base layer map was obtained from https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:BlankMap-World.svg (accessed on 1 July 2022). Classification and phylogeny The monkeypox virus belongs to the Orthopox genus of the Poxviridae family. This is a double-stranded DNA virus, with its closest relatives including vaccinia (VACV) and variola (VARV) viruses. Although VARV and monkeypox share 96% sequence similarity, they have not been found to evolve from each other. Monkeypox strains can be classified into two separate clades, including the West African (WA) and Congo Basin (CB) clades. The CB clade is reported to be more pathogenic and was responsible for the first human outbreak, while the WA clade is less pathogenic and responsible for the 2022 outbreak, as well as other smaller outbreaks. Two distinct virus lineages have been identified from the current outbreak and are referred to as B.1 and A.2. B.1 emerged from a single individual who traveled from Nigeria to Maryland in 2021, while A.2 is believed to have had an independent introduction. Animal reservoirs The main animal reservoir of monkeypox has not been confirmed, as the virus has been detected in multiple species such as African squirrels, wild rodents, prairie dogs, sooty mangabey monkeys,Zambian baboons, Colobus monkeys, and chimpanzees. Along with wild animal contact, consumption of bushmeat can also increase the risk of monkeypox infection. Genome and morphology The monkeypox genome is about 197,000 base pairs in size, which includes more than 190 non-overlapping open reading frames (ORFs) as well as hairpin termini. Approximately 90 ORFS are important for the replication and morphogenesis of the monkeypox virus. Other non-essential ORFs help in immunomodulation, host tropism, and pathogenesis. The monkeypox virions are either barrel or oval-shaped, with a dumbbell-shaped nucleoprotein core that contains double-stranded DNA. The virion consists of over 30 membrane and structural proteins, transcriptional enzymes, as well as DNA-dependent ribonucleic acid (RNA) polymerases that are encoded by the virus. The monkeypox virus has two mature forms referred to as intracellular mature virus (IMV) and extracellular enveloped virus (EEV). Replication and transmission cycle Handling of infected rodents is a common source of zoonotic monkeypox transmission, while human-to-human spread typically occurs from contact with lesions, respiratory droplets, body fluids, and contaminated objects. Previous studies with macaques have indicated that the virus first infects the lower airway epithelial cells and can subsequently spread to the lymph nodes, spleen, thymus, skin, gastrointestinal tract, oral mucosa, and reproductive system. The initial attachment of the monkeypox virion arises through the interaction of external virion proteins with cellular glycosaminoglycans located on the surface of the target cell. Thereafter, the virus enters the host cell by direct fusion or endosomal pathway and releases the viral core into the cytoplasm. This is followed by viral transcription and translation of the early, intermediate, and late proteins. The DNA synthesis for poxviruses takes place in cytoplasmic structures which are also known as factories. Most mature virions remain inside the cell, while few are transported through microtubules and become enveloped. These enveloped virions either propel themselves towards an adjacent cell or exit the host cell through fusion with the cytoplasmic membrane. Immune evasion of monkeypox virus Multiple mechanisms are used by the poxvirus to evade the host immune system. The monkeypox virus does not appear to induce the expression of the interferon-stimulated gene (ISG); however, it does suppress the expression of interleukin 1 alpha (IL-1), IL-1, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-), IL-6, and C-C motif chemokine ligand 5 (CCL5). This virus also suppresses the antiviral response by preventing the phosphorylation of pattern recognition immune receptor protein kinase R (PKR) and eukaryotic initiation factor 2 alpha (eIF2). The monkeypox viral genome encodes several proteins that aid in immune evasion, such as B16, which inhibits the signaling of type I interferon (FN), a homolog of D7L that inhibits IL-18, zinc-finger antiviral protein (ZAP), which selectively pressurizes CpGs in viral genomes, and complement control protein (CCP), which prevents initiation of the complement activation pathway. The CCP gene is not reported in the WA clade, which might be suggestive of a lower CFR. Additionally, removal of the CCP gene from the CB clade has been associated with reduced disease mortality and morbidity. Mutation and adaptation The monkeypox virus mutates less frequently due to greater stability of the double-stranded DNA, along with DNA polymerase mediated 3-5 proofreading exonuclease activity. Analysis of nucleotide components has indicated that the monkeypox viral genome consists of two times greater AT content as compared to GC content. Mammalian editing enzymes have been reported to introduce a bias in the usage of genomic nucleotides through selective pressure on the viral genome. Moreover, recombination can also induce the gain or loss of genes for poxviruses. However, the impact of unique mutations in the strains leading to the 2022 outbreak is still not known. Clinical features and pathogenesis The most common symptoms of monkeypox infection include fever, body ache, malaise, sore throat, enlarged lymph nodes, fatigue, and a body rash that ultimately crusts over and heals. However, many patients have reported atypical disease symptoms that include no or few lesions localized in the perineal or genital area, anal bleeding, and pain. Symptoms typically appear between five and 21 days until resolving on their own between two and four weeks after the initial infection. However, young children and immunosuppressed patients have been reported to experience severe disease that requires hospitalization, with monkeypox infection during pregnancy often associated with fetal death. Other complications of monkeypox infection include encephalitis, sepsis, bronchopneumonia, and loss of vision. The CFRs for the CB clade were reported to be up to 10% and 3.6% for the WA clade in prior African outbreaks. Vaccination against monkeypox virus Smallpox vaccination is a common measure used to control monkeypox virus transmission. In fact, previous research has indicated that the viral attack rate was significantly lower in vaccinated individuals as compared to unvaccinated individuals. Two vaccines that have been approved in the U.S. and Europe for human use include Aventis Pasteur Smallpox Vaccine (APSV) and Single-dose ACAM2000. However, these vaccines contain replication-competent viruses and cannot be administered to immunocompromised individuals. Recently, a two-dose Modified Vaccinia Ankara virus Bavarian Nordic (MVA-BN) vaccine has been approved. This vaccine contains a replication-deficient virus and, as a result, is safe for immunocompromised individuals. Additionally, an attenuated smallpox vaccine known as LC16m8 has been developed in Japan and is considered effective against monkeypox infections. Treatment Previous studies have reported that the use of vaccinia immune globulin intravenous (VIGIV) is safe and effective in patients with monkeypox infection. Tecovirimat is the only European Medicines Agency (EMA)- and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drug that is used for the treatment of severe monkeypox patients. Cidofovir is considered to be effective against severe monkeypox infection in macaques; however, its efficacy in humans has not yet been determined. Conclusions The current review demonstrates that transmission of the monkeypox virus takes place only through close physical contact. The monkeypox virus most severely affects children, immunocompromised individuals, and pregnant women. There is a high risk of the monkeypox virus establishing an animal reservoir in non-endemic regions due to its high species tropism. Therefore, increasing safety measures, vaccination, antiviral drugs, and monkeypox surveillance is important to control the threat of MPX. You might think it was a typical therapy session at a long-term care facility. In a quiet room, a therapist sets down a pet carrier, brings out a cat, and sets it on a resident's lap. As the resident gently strokes the cat's fur, it purrs, and the therapist asks the resident questions about their childhood pets, accessing long-ago memories. The resident's enjoyment of the session and the benefit for their well-being is real. But the animal is not. It's a robotic pet with synthetic fur and programmed movements and sounds. But researchers are finding that robotic pets can be useful in therapy, without some of the disadvantages and unpredictability of real animals. In a paper published in the Canadian Journal of Recreation Therapy, University of Utah researcher Rhonda Nelson and graduate student Rebecca Westenskow developed a protocol for using robotic pets with older adults with dementia. The protocol uses a low-cost robotic pet, establishes ideal session lengths, and identifies common participant responses to the pets to aid in future research. Our protocol had questions like: Would you like to scratch the dog behind his ears? Would you like to pet him? Would you like to brush him? And then we were evaluating how people responded to those different cues so that we could then provide some guidelines to people on how to have the most beneficial actions with these animals." Rhonda Nelson, assistant professor, Department of Occupational and Recreational Therapies An affordable robotic pet Nelson has watched the development of robotic pets for the past decade, intrigued by the potential to use them therapeutically in long-term and geriatric care settings. But until recently the price was prohibitive. "Having been a therapist myself and training our students to work as therapists, I'm very aware that most facilities would never be able to purchase them." But with the introduction of Ageless Innovation's Joy For All Companion pets in 2015, priced at under $150, widespread use of robotic pets as therapy "animals" seemed within reach. Robotic pets can get around many of the risks and drawbacks of live animals in long-term care settings. Many facilities don't allow personal pets because of allergies, the potential for bites or scratches and other reasons. Researchers have already begun to study how people with dementia interact with robotic pets, Nelson notes, but haven't yet developed a unified protocol to give, say, assisted living staff a plan to gain the most benefit from the pets' use through directed interaction. "There was very little information on what people were doing with the pets," Nelson says. "So without that guidance, it's just a toy. And what do you do with it?" Observing interactions Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the researchers met with five people between 82 and 87 years old living in long-term care facilities who experienced severe cognitive impairment. In two sessions of 30 minutes each, the researchers brought out either a robotic dog or a cat (participants' choice) in a pet carrier. "Many participants leaned toward the [robotic pet] as it was taken out of the pet carrier," the researchers noted, "then instinctively reached for it and began petting, rubbing or scratching the pet when first introduced." Throughout the session, the researchers asked questions, both about the participants' experiences with past pets and about interacting with the current robotic pet. "Did they have dogs or cats?" Nelson says, giving examples of typical questions. "What were their names? Did they keep them indoors or outdoors? What types of food did they eat?" The researchers carefully observed the responses of the participants to the pets. The robotic pets moved and made sounds, which Nelson says helped the participants engage with them. "When the dog would bark they would say things like, 'Oh, are you trying to tell me something?'" she says. "Or they would comment on the cat purring and would say things like, 'Wow, you must really be happy! I feel you purring.' One of the activities that people responded to the most was brushing the animals." In one case, though, the session proceeded in silence. The participant had difficulty communicating their thoughts but stayed focused on the robotic dog throughout. By the end of the session, the participant seemed to develop a connection with the robotic animal, saying "I like that dog. When he likes me." Nelson is often asked if the participants with cognitive decline understand that the robotic pets are not alive. In this study, she says, they all seemed aware that it was not a live animal. "Interestingly enough one of our participants was a retired veterinarian," she says. "So I was very intrigued to see how he would interact with it." He chose to have both the robotic dog and cat on his lap at the same time. "We would never tell somebody that it was live if they asked. We would be honest with them. We usually introduce it as 'Would you like to hold my dog' and people react to it or respond to it in a way that's meaningful for them." Initial recommendations Unfortunately, data collection was cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic. But the researchers were able to draw some conclusions. All of the participants enjoyed the activity, with several saying they liked it "very much." One participant didn't like the sounds the pet made, which was easily remedied by turning off the sound-;not an option for a live animal. The questions that spurred the most response related to personal reminiscences and directions for interacting with the pet. A common, yet unprompted behavior, the researchers' report, was communication with the pet. "Several participants used comments, sounds, specific inflections and facial expressions spontaneously with the pets," the researchers wrote. "Some participants imitated the animal sounds made by the [pet] and repositioned the pet to look at its face or make eye contact." Although more research is needed to determine the optimal session length, the researchers noted that the 30-minute sessions in the study were sufficient. Nelson also hopes to explore how people with varying levels of cognitive decline respond to the pets, as well as how they can be used in a group setting. The study found that the most meaningful interactions and the most enjoyable experiences came when the participant self-directed the session. "In recreational therapy, we always talk about providing person-centered care," Nelson says. So it's not really about what I think about an activity. If somebody enjoys it and it brings happiness to them, then it's really about what they think about it." Why does interacting with robotic pets provide such an enjoyable experience? "People in long-term care facilities are in a position where everybody provides care to them," Nelson says, "and to be in the role where you are nurturing something else, or you are the caregiver I think is also psychologically very comforting for people to feel like, even though they know that it's not live, they're the person who's giving love and compassion to something, and it's responding." Paramyxoviruses have the potential to trigger a devastating pandemic. This family of viruses includes measles, Nipah virus, mumps, Newcastle disease and canine distemper. "The infectiousness of measles is unmatched by any known virus. If one person with measles coughs in a room with 100 unvaccinated people, around 90 would become infected," says Michael Norris, Ph.D., a former postdoctoral associate at La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI) and current assistant professor at the University of Toronto. "Nipah virus is not as contagious, but it is incredibly lethal, with between 40 percent and 90 percent of infections causing death." Just imagine if a paramyxovirus emerged that was as contagious as measles and as deadly as Nipah." Michael Norris, Ph.D., a former postdoctoral associate at La Jolla Institute for Immunology It's not hard to picture that scenario. In fact, the 2011 film Contagion was based on this exact kind of imagined paramyxovirus. Now Norris and an international team of collaborators have published the first-ever look at a key stage in the life cycles of measles and Nipah viruses. Their new study, published as an upcoming cover story in Science Advances, reveals how future therapies might stop these viruses in their tracks. "This work solves a long-standing mystery: how viruses assemble themselves," says LJI Professor Erica Ollmann Saphire, Ph.D., who served as study co-senior author with Professor Robert Stahelin, Ph.D., of Purdue University. "We know that a virus's many pieces come together at the cell membrane, but we didn't know what the trigger was that starts that irreversible assembly process." "This study succeeds by identifying how paramyxoviruses are able to utilize a host cell lipid for viral spread," says Stahelin. "This work will inform future drug discovery endeavors." Assembling a paramyxovirus The researchers used several imaging techniques, including x-ray crystallography and electron microscopy, to capture a process called viral assembly. During viral assembly, key proteins and genetic material rush to specific areas on infected host cell membranes. Special virus proteins, called "matrix" proteins, come together to form a lattice against the inside of the cell membrane. Matrix proteins are the drivers of the virus assembly process. Norris calls them the "field marshals" that gather and guide the other proteins needed to form a new virus. Matrix proteins also give a virus its shape. As viral assembly continues, the lattice of matrix proteins begins to push the membrane outward to form a "bud" and recruits other viral proteins to this site. Once the bud has all the needed components in place, it splits away from the parent cell to form a new virus that can then infect a new host cell. Researchers hope by understanding viral assembly better, they can design therapies that interrupt the process. This approach holds promise; the drug Lenacapavir targets the assembly process of HIV and is in clinical trials right now, and Norris says there's potential to use the same strategy to stop paramyxoviruses. "This HIV therapy is a proof of principle that targeting viral assembly is a viable strategy for drug development," says Norris. Scientists just need a clear view of the paramyxovirus assembly process. The challenge for researchers is trying to see the matrix proteins in action. Capturing viral assembly Norris and his colleagues examined viral assembly in both measles virus and Nipah virus. Their analysis shows how two matrix proteins come together in a sort of hug to form a two-sided "dimer" structure. The researchers demonstrated that stopping this "hug" by blocking formation of this dimer also stops viral assembly-;but that wasn't surprising. The researchers really needed to know how these dimers interact with other structures during the budding process. They showed that the dimer hug floats toward the inside of the cell membrane to sort of bump heads with the membrane. From work spearheaded by the Stahelin Lab at Purdue University, the team found that the matrix proteins specifically bind to a lipid molecule in the host cell membrane called PI(4,5)P 2 . This interaction anchors matrix proteins to the host cell membrane surface and provides meeting points for virus assembly at specific sites along the membrane. Norris and his colleagues captured this interaction in detail using x-ray crystallography. Then came a big structural surprise. The team found that Nipah virus matrix proteins actually change their structure to open up a lipid-binding pocket for PI(4,5)P 2 . "This was an extremely exciting aspect of the study," says Norris. He emphasizes that this pocket doesn't exist prior to membrane binding-; and the pocket would not have been spotted without the structure captured in this study. The discovery of this pocket revealed a brand-new target for developing inhibitors of the assembly process. PI(4,5)P 2 also turned out to be the secret ingredient that triggers matrix protein dimers to bind to one another to form a lattice on the inner surface of the host cell membrane. When the matrix proteins change their structure to open the PI(4,5)P 2 pocket, they also adopt a shape that drives lattice assembly. This change in the matrix protein structure also puts a bend in the cell membrane. Before PI(4,5)P 2 binding, the space between two matrix proteins in a hug has a concave bowl shape with angled sides. After PI(4,5)P 2 binding to the matrix proteins, these angled sides flatten to transform the bowl shape to a plate shape and force the membrane to curve upward. The soft curve of the cell membrane then pops up to start forming a new bud that will eventually make up a new virus. The scientists learned a lot from these structures. "We didn't know how much the molecules would change as the process was triggered or what the structure would look like as they zip together," says Saphire. Designing a broad therapeutic Measles is still a major killer around the world. India and Bangladesh deal with yearly Nipah outbreaks. These viruses aren't going away, and we need effective therapies to stop outbreaks. A broad paramyxovirus therapy could also protect livestock from disease and ensure food security. Newcastle disease in poultry is caused by paramyxovirus infections that can wipe out entire flocks before symptoms are even detected. An outbreak of Newcastle disease in 2018-2020 in California caused the culling of 1.2 million birds. The new study shows the potential for a pan-paramyxovirus therapy that targets viral assembly in multiple viruses. Norris points out that while the genomes of measles and Nipah viruses are very different, the measles and Nipah matrix proteins look almost identical. "Because these matrix protein structures are highly conserved, we could potentially target one virus and have an inhibitor that could target all the rest of the viruses in this family," says Norris. Norris was able to start looking for matrix protein inhibitors thanks to funding from LJI's Tullie and Rickey Families SPARK Award for Innovation in Immunology. This funding allowed him to rapidly narrow down a list of over 7.4 million drug candidates to identify around 100 that will go into further testing. The next steps are to better understand the molecular interactions that make up the matrix lattice and to better understand how matrix proteins recruit and interact with the other viral proteins during the assembly process. "We're looking at leveraging this work to design broad-spectrum inhibitors of viral assembly," says Norris. A new study by researchers at Yale, Stanford, and Dartmouth provides the first nationwide, small-area analysis of the variation in spending by the three main funders of health care in the United States: Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurers. The researchers' goal: to see whether there are regions that have low health spending by each of the three payers simultaneously or whether distinct factors drive health spending variation among the payers. The study, published July 20 in JAMA Network Open, analyzes spending data for more than 100 million individuals and shows that while health spending per payer varies significantly across regions, there are almost no regions that have simultaneously low spending by Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurers or that have universally high spending across all three payers. In fact, the researchers found that distinct factors appear to be driving regional variation in health spending across each payer segment of the U.S. health system. The finding has significant public policy implications because it suggests that policymakers should focus on payer-specific interventions that target individual sources of waste rather than searching for silver-bullet interventions, according to the researchers. "In the past, policymakers have identified particular regions as having efficient health systems based solely on care delivered through Medicare," said study co-author Zack Cooper, an associate professor of health policy at the Yale School of Public Health and of economics in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences. "By analyzing data from all three dominant payers, we show that analysts cannot understand the overall performance of regions by studying only one payer or learn about a model for the country by studying one region. "Our findings suggest that payer-specific factors drive health spending across and within regions, suggesting that policymakers should focus on payer-specific strategies to increase efficiency in the U.S. health care sector." Olivia Stiegman, a pre-doctoral fellow for Yale's Department of Economics and Tobin Center for Economic Policy, and Chima D. Ndumele, an associate professor of public health at the Yale School of Public Health, are co-authors of the study. The other co-authors are Becky Staiger of the School of Medicine of Stanford University and Jonathan Skinner of Dartmouth College. The United States spends about $3.8 trillion annually on health care. By most accounts, its health care sector is inefficient compared to those of other developed countries. Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurers covered 14.2%, 19.8%, and 49.6% of the country's population in 2019, respectively. The study found that only three regions nationwide were simultaneously in the lowest fifth of spending across the three payers: Boulder, Colorado; Bloomington, Illinois; and Olympia, Washington. Only four regions were in the highest fifth of spending simultaneously for the payers: the Bronx, New York; Manhattan, New York; White Plains, New York; and Dallas, Texas. What a region spent on the privately insured had a low correlation (21%) with what was spent in the region on Medicaid recipients and a 2% correlation with what was spent on Medicare recipients, the study found. There was also only a 16% correlation between what a region spent on the Medicaid program and what was spent on the Medicare program. What this tells me is that, in essence, we have multiple different health systems in the U.S. -; the Medicare program, the Medicaid program, and private insurers. This means that we are going to need payer-specific policies if we really want to move the needle on increasing the productivity of health care. We have a complex health system; this means we're going to need nuanced policy to be effective[DK1]." Zack Cooper, study co-author The study showed that the Medicaid and privately insured populations exhibited more variation in spending across regions than did the Medicare population. This reflects the fact that prices for care paid for by private insurers and Medicaid are generally market-driven and vary substantially across regions, while the federally administered Medicare program relies on regulated payments to health care providers, the researchers suggested. Notably, there was substantial correlation in the regional utilization of health care services across payers, according to the study. "While spending may not be strongly correlated across the payers, the utilization of care is," said Jonathan Skinner, a research professor at Dartmouth College. "This finding demonstrates that health care services such as hospital days are determined at the regional level both by the underlying health needs of the population and by supply factors such as hospital beds and the supply of physicians." The researchers also concluded that the factors causing the variation in spending are specific to each main payer. For private insurance, regions with high prices tend to have high spending. For Medicare, regions with higher spending have more specialist physicians per capita. For Medicaid, regions with higher spending have more hospital beds and births per capita, the researchers explained. In February 2021, Cooper launched the 1% Steps for Health Care Reform Project jointly with Fiona Scott Morton, the Theodore Nierenberg Professor of Economics at the Yale School of Management. The project convened dozens of leading scholars and identified 16 targeted interventions -; policies like increasing organ donation, raising antitrust enforcement budgets, and decreasing home health fraud -; each supported by a robust evidence base, which, if implemented collectively, would lower U.S. health spending by nearly 10%. "These are the types of policies that will reduce health spending," said Cooper. "Nobody writes country music songs about incrementalism, but I think it's really going to be a long path of small steps that's going to make our health system more efficient." In a recent article posted to the bioRxiv* preprint server, investigators analyzed whether Mexican free-tailed bats were a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) reservoir. Background SARS-CoV-2, which arose from Asian wild bats, has caused the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Numerous concerns about the ecology of the virus remain unresolved as the pandemic enters its third year. It is crucial to understand how SARS-CoV-2 interacts with wildlife, such as whether 1) North American wildlife can serve as viral reservoirs; 2) the SARS-CoV-2 can adapt genetically to novel hosts and become more virulent; or 3) the virus can impact the health of wild populations, especially endangered or threatened species. Notably, concerns have been expressed that SARS-CoV-2 would spread to new hosts and infect bats and other wildlife species in North America. Large colonies of Mexican free-tailed bats (Tadarida brasiliensis (TABR)) are found in the southern United States (US), frequently in populated regions. As a result, they may come into contact with SARS-CoV-2 through infected people. Since they are migratory species, this species may carry SARS-CoV-2 from or to South and Central America if they are susceptible to it. About the study In the present study, the researchers experimentally infected wild TABR with SARS-CoV-2 to assess the reservoir possibility, susceptibility, population effects of infection among this species, and adaptability of the virus to a new probable host. The team conducted reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assessments of fecal material assembled from the TABR before the viral challenge. They used quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) examination of oral and rectal swabs to evaluate the SARS-CoV-2 excretion following experimental virus inoculation of the bats. A competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA) was utilized to detect SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. The scientists monitored clinical signs of SARS-CoV-2 infection throughout the three-week study duration among the animals. They also conducted histopathologic and postmortem examinations. Besides, immunohistochemistry was used to find the SARS-CoV-2 antigen in sections from the rostral lung, nasal cavity, heart, liver, spleen, pancreas, small and large intestine, stomach, and brain from a total of 14 mock and experimentally inoculated bats. In addition, the authors conducted qRT-PCR analyses of tissues gathered from the control and SARS-CoV-2-infected bats. Results and discussions Overall, the study results indicated that five of the ten oronasally SARS-CoV-2-inoculated bats developed the infection and orally emitted a moderate amount of virus for six to 18 days following the viral challenge. Before the study's completion, all five animals mounted an immune reaction, seroconverted, and cleared the virus with no overt signs of illness. Additionally, the team discovered no indications of virus transmission to uninoculated cohoused TABR. The utilized inoculum titer, i.e., 105 median tissue culture infectious dose (TCID 50 )/dose, was probably close to the 50% infectious dose for TABR since five of the ten, or 50%, inoculated bats were virus-infected. Yet, the highest viral concentration excreted by infected bats was within 103 to 104 TCID 50 equivalents/ml. Therefore, contact transmission of SARS-CoV-2 between TABR would be improbable based on these data. The way the researchers kept the bats during the challenge phase was another potential explanation for why there was no viral transfer between TABR. In the wild, TABR roosts in large colonies in anthropogenic and natural structures such as caves, bridges, and culverts. One infected bat and one uninoculated bat were cohoused in cages of around 1 meter3 for this investigation. The bats were not forced to cluster as densely in this relatively vast area as they would have in a natural roost, perhaps preventing the spread of the virus. The study also discovered an absence of viral elimination through the digestive system, apart from the evident lack of transmission. The authors found no proof of virus in any bats' digestive tracts or rectal swabs, including the infected bats. Another observation was that the SARS-CoV-2 infection in TABR did not appear to have any noticeable adverse health impacts. Although it was uncertain if infected wild bats would have impaired ability to provide maternal care, scavenge for food, or conduct other life activities, the research findings suggest that TABR populations were probably not at risk from the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusions The present findings showed that although TABR was vulnerable to SARS-CoV-2 infection, it might not lead to mortality among infected wild TABR populations. Nevertheless, SARS-CoV-2 transmission from TABR to or from humans and other animal species is a definite possibility that needs more research for proper definition. The team noted that a crucial follow-up investigation would involve accurately estimating the SARS-CoV-2 infectious dosage in TABR. The current study data was beneficial for wildlife biologists, bat rehabilitationists, cave recreationists, and the common public if they engage with Mexican free-tailed bats or go into caves or other roosting environments of the bats. *Important notice bioRxiv publishes preliminary scientific reports that are not peer-reviewed and, therefore, should not be regarded as conclusive, guide clinical practice/health-related behavior, or treated as established information. In a recent study published in Science, researchers assessed a panel of seven severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccines currently available globally and in the United States (US) and immunity acquired through the previous infection against all Omicron subvariants. Background SARS-CoV-2's most recent variant of concern (VOC) Omicron, with its potential to evade the host's infection-combating strategies, is fitter and more transmissible than its predecessors. It has evolved into several sublineages, and the most dangerous Omicron BA.5 sub-variant shall soon dominate globally by replacing other variants. Due to the rise in breakthrough infections and the enhanced transmissibility of Omicron BA.5., the US government is considering recommending a second dose of booster vaccination for adults below 50 years of age. SARS-CoV-2 vaccines utilize the spike (S) glycoprotein (sometimes only the receptor-binding domain (RBD)) or (inactivated) virus and an array of delivery technologies. Although Omicron subvariants have severely blunted the protective immunity induced by the primary vaccine series or prior infection, preliminary studies have pointed to the potential of booster vaccination to elicit neutralizing antibodies against Omicron subvariants. About the study In the present study, researchers first examined the functional impact of the mutations in the Omicron subvariants S proteins that gives it a crown-like appearance and enables fusion with the host cells crucial for establishing an infection. Next, they evaluated the neutralizing activity elicited by vaccines or prior infection against all Omicron subvariants. They created vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) pseudotyped with the SARS-CoV-2 Wuhan-Hu-1 S harboring the D614G, BA.2.12.1, BA.1, BA.2, or BA.4/5 mutations. Further, the researchers used VeroE6 cells expressing transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2) to propagate VSVs in the presence of vaccinee or convalescent plasma, obtained early in the pandemic. They determined a plasma neutralizing geometric mean titer (GMT) of neutralizing activity against any of the four tested Omicron sublineages. The researchers also evaluated the Omicron subvariant neutralizing antibodies elicited by vaccines mRNA-1273, BNT162b2, Ad26.COV2, AZD1222, NVX-CoV2373, Sputnik V, and BBIBP-CorV vaccines. The primary vaccine series of six vaccines consisted of two doses, except for Ad26.COV2. They measured and compared the benefits of vaccine boosters on the plasma neutralizing activity against the ancestral SARS-CoV-2 virus and the Omicron subvariants. Additionally, they assessed and compared the benefits of homologous or heterologous vaccine boosters. Study findings Biolayer interferometry (BLI) and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) results showed that the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2)-binding affinity of the Omicron BA.4/5 RBD was the greatest among all the tested RBDs. It bound ACE2 more than six times stronger than the ancestral SARS-CoV-2 Wuhan-Hu1 strain. Conversely, all Omicron subvariants were slower than Wuhan-Hu-1 and the Delta VOC at fusing with the membrane on the host cell, a phenomenon called fusogenicity. The researchers hypothesized that a more robust ACE2-binding capacity compensated for Omicron's weaker fusogenicity. Only five serum samples of the 24 early-pandemic samples had detectable neutralizing activity against any of the Omicron sublineages tested, and even their response was weak. Based on the magnitude of evasion of polyclonal serum neutralizing antibody responses for Omicron sublineages in vaccinated individuals, the authors confirmed that the Omicron BA.5 subvariant would be the most immune evasive SARS-CoV-2 variant to date. Additionally, the type of vaccine had little effect on the elicited neutralizing antibody responses against Omicron sub-variants. Compared to BA.2 and BA.2.12.1, the authors observed a consistently higher magnitude of neutralizing antibody responses for BA.1 and BA.4 sub-variants. After the primary vaccination, three subjects had detectable neutralizing activity against Omicron sublineages in HEK293T/ACE2 target cells. However, all except one participant had weak but detectable neutralizing activity against Omicron VSV pseudotypes in VeroE6/TMPRSS2 cells. The finding confirmed the role of target cell lines or viral entry routes in neutralization assays on the observed GMT values. Conclusions Overall, all four Omicron sub-variants examined in the current study had increased ACE2 binding affinity and decreased fusogenicity but exceptional neutralizing antibody evading potential compared to the ancestral Wuhan-Hu-1 and Delta VOC. Together, the study data justify the rapid transmission of Omicron sublineages worldwide and the reasons for the continuous rise in the prevalence of the Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 sub-variants. Furthermore, the current study highlighted that despite the exceptional immune evading potential of Omicron subvariants, additional booster doses with currently available vaccines could confer strong protection against severe disease due to breakthrough infections. The study authors emphasized the importance of evaluating the time interval between vaccination doses to increase the breadth and strength of the neutralizing antibody responses against new and yet to emerge SARS-CoV-2 VOCs. They also stressed the importance of continuous surveillance to detect new SARS-CoV-2 variants early. Most importantly, the authors recommended frequent evaluations of current COVID-19 vaccines and sustained efforts to develop and test new vaccines as a preparedness measure against the entire contingency of sarbecoviruses. Religious campaigns and political interference could threaten hard-won reproductive health rights in the global South in the wake of the US Supreme Court decision on abortion, health advocates fear. Cross-border solidarity and coordination will be needed to face down the growing global threat to reproductive rights, health and policy experts have told SciDev.Net. Unsafe abortion is a leading cause of maternal death worldwide. Around ten percent of abortion-related maternal deaths occur in Latin America and Sub-Saharan Africa, where abortion access is most restricted. Yet, evidence shows that legal restrictions do not reduce abortions - they occur most often where abortions are legally restricted. Health advocates fear the US Supreme Court decision to eliminate the federal standard that protected the right to abortion, enshrined in Roe v. Wade, will have a cooling effect on funding and political support for sexual and reproductive health services in the global South. But abortion should not be treated as a foreign funding policy issue, says Rasha Khoury, an assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Boston University. "[Abortion] is a medical provision and everyone should be entitled to it," Khoury says. For almost 40 years, the controversial US 'global gag rule' has been used by Republican presidents to block federal funding to non-US organizations that provide abortion counseling, referrals, and related services, or those that advocate for greater legal rights to abortion. While President Joe Biden overturned the Trump administration's gag rule in January 2021, there are constant efforts by members of Congress to permanently introduce the policy, according to Rebecca Dennis, associate director of US policy and advocacy at PAI (formerly Population Action International). Some opponents are working to have it permanently removed, she says. The expanded reach of the global gag rule under the Trump administration meant that public health services were broadly affected, resulting in some clinics closing down if they refused to be gagged, says Dennis. "This policy really had the effect of weakening many health systems around the world right before we went into a massive global health crisis," says Dennis. Foreign expansion Abortion opponents are taking their message to the world - and focusing their sights on the global South. Marleen Temmerman, an obstetrics and gynaecology professor and former Belgian senator, says nationalistic and religious groups are mobilizing, leading some European governments to reverse reproductive health rights. The fight for the legalization or decriminalization of abortion has been going on in many, many countries. What we currently see here, at least in Kenya and African countries, is the evangelistic churches are getting more and more powerful." Marleen Temmerman, Head of the Center of Excellence in Women and Child Health, Aga Khan University Religious opponents from the US are emboldening European groups to take their fight to Africa, says Martin Onyango, associate director of legal strategies for Africa at the Center for Reproductive Rights. "Opposition groups that operate across the continent - and particularly Sub-Saharan Africa - are led by church groups, they are transnational, traversing the US to Europe, Europe to Africa," Onyango says. "The same tactics you see being deployed in the US and Europe are the same tactics being deployed in Sub-Saharan Africa, they work with the same groups - largely the evangelical church groups. They have morphed from just being a religious focus group, [there are] also professional groups within those religious groups that then use tactics like litigation to further restrict access to reproductive healthcare." South Africa's Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act states that counseling of pregnant women must be "non-directive". When the government proposed amendments to the act in 2004, the US-based Catholic anti-abortion organization Human Life International (HLI) campaigned to overturn this provision. HLI says it has branches in more than 100 countries, funds pregnancy care centers in 25 countries and carries out anti-abortion activities around the world, including increasing efforts to "keep Latin America pro-life". The abortion advocacy group Equity Forward has reported that HLI has spent millions of dollars in developing countries to counter legal abortion campaigns, including in Rwanda, the Philippines, Mexico, and El Salvador. In Sub-Saharan Africa, anti-contraception messages are now being pushed on to teenagers, Onyango says, to disrupt their access to information and services. Colonial hangover Onyango points out that abortion bans have a colonial legacy. In North Africa and the Middle East, abortion is heavily restricted in more than 55 percent of countries, says Khoury, a board member of Medecins Sans Frontieres USA who has carried out surgical assignments in Iraq, Lebanon and Afghanistan. "Those are laws that are based in penal code that often was instated by colonial entities," says Khoury. "You can't divorce the history of coloniality from the current restrictions on abortion and contraception access in these spaces. It is not an indigenous problem of trying to restrict women's access to this very necessary health service, it's really a vestige of coloniality." The systemic vulnerabilities in global reproductive health services have been 100 years in the making, says Sarah Hawkes, director of the Centre for Gender and Global Health at University College London. Trump's expansion of the reach of the global gag rule led to an estimated US$8-12 billion being withheld from health services around the world - up from $600 million under previous administrations, says Dennis. The UK, meanwhile, has slashed its support for family planning services via swingeing cuts to foreign aid. "This is a situation that we've got ourselves into because we have relied on an incredibly old model that was developed back in the 1920s, of how population control programs were financed," Hawkes says. "What we haven't done is shared the responsibility, particularly within the countries that people live, operate, work within." Global solidarity Hawkes says it is time for states to take control of funding and to support reproductive rights in their communities. "The entire structure of who we are - as individuals, as families, as communities, as societies - is at stake," says Hawkes, who is also co-director of the non-profit Global Health 50/50. Temmerman agrees: "We have to think how to organise ourselves better not to be dependent that much on the US. With the necessary efforts, we can have this debate at the level of the [Inter-Parliamentary Union], which we did for HIV. We could look to work toward parliament and having that structure revitalized for family planning and reproductive health." Advocates say a coordinated global response and allyship between rights movements could protect hard-won abortion rights. Latin America and Caribbean campaigner Catalina de la Mar Calderon says that while there are political and social nuances between countries and regions, the US Supreme Court decision highlighted the need for more interaction between regional movements. "We are under threat the Dobbs decision is the best example of things going backward instead of moving forward," says Calderon, a member of the Women's Equality Centre, referring to the Supreme Court case known as Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization. "We need to be holding together: regardless of latitude, country, or which community this is happening in, it will affect the whole world. "We're here to share whatever we have learnt but we also need to learn a lot from other countries. We've been conquering legal changes, but access - we're far from it. And in countries where regulation is still needed, we've been fighting [in Latin America] for 20, 30 years, so we can also share what has and hasn't worked, so you don't have to go through that." Blog On Monday, 18 July 2022, Ghana declared the first-ever outbreak of the highly infectious Marburg virus in its southern Ashanti region. Efforts are currently underway to investigate and trace contacts as well as to respond to and prevent further spread. Following so closely on the heels of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is certain that the Ghanaian authorities should draw on the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic as they respond to the new health emergency. The outbreak of Marburg virus disease, monkeypox, Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) and the COVID-19 pandemic are reminders that we are at a constant risk of emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases. It is therefore imperative that countries strengthen their national health security as infectious diseases have no respect for borders. For Nigeria to build a more resilient, health security architecture, it must boost sub-national capacity to prevent, detect and respond to infectious disease outbreaks. The nation's response to the COVID-19 pandemic -- how sectors, organisations and people rallied together to collectively response -- has enabled insights to be gathered and learnings to improve health security at the national and sub-national level. Decentralising health security Recognising the importance of taking a critical look at Nigeria's COVID-19 response and lessons learnt, a policy dialogue themed: "Decentralising Health Security, Lessons from COVID-19" was convened to discuss the response at the national level and learnings for sub-national health security; how best to leverage on private sector capacity to strengthen health security structures at national and sub-national levels; and how capacities built during the pandemic can be sustained to strengthen the nation's health systems. Speakers and panelists who spanned the private, public, non-profit and multilateral sectors leaned on their experiences responding to the COVID-19 pandemic to reiterate strategies for improving health security through decentralisation. While giving her opening remarks, Vivianne Ihekweazu, Managing Director, Nigeria Health Watch, said the time between public health events provides an invaluable opportunity to reflect and prepare better by building on the gains to strengthen health security. "COVID-19 really hit us hard and this might not be the last disease outbreak in Nigeria. We must build on the gains of the COVID-19 response in Nigeria to strengthen the country's health security at sub-national level," she added. Decentralising health security begins with states realising that they have the power and responsibility to build the systems to respond to health emergencies to improve outcomes and overall public health of their people. Sub-national coordination for epidemic preparedness according to Dr Ifedayo Adetifa, Director General, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), is critical to strengthening Nigeria's health security. He re-emphasised NCDC's commitment to continue pushing for states in Nigeria to see the power that lies in their hands to change their health outcomes. Most of the experts agreed that this begins with achieving universal health care by strengthening primary healthcare. With strong primary health care, surveillance is strengthened and quality data gathering, and use is also improved because people interface more with the health system. "Achieving universal health coverage especially by strengthening primary healthcare is the first step in assuring our heath security," Dr Adetifa said, adding that there's only so much that can be done at the national level alone. Nigeria's pandemic response and its learnings for sub-national structures Dr Festus Soyinka, Director of Public Health, Ogun State Ministry of Health said the state's response was effective because there was sub-national participation and collaboration. The index COVID-19 case in the country was reported in Ogun State and in a bid to curtail the spread he said they worked with Lagos State and other neighbouring states on several aspects of the response including, getting information on visitors entering the state. The #TakeResponsibility campaign launched by the NCDC encouraged every citizen to play their part by taking individual and collective responsibility to limit the spread of COVID-19. This was a key lesson that was replicated at the sub-national level. According to Dr Yahya Disu, Head of Communications, NCDC, they needed a campaign that would resonate with everybody and distill expectations across all levels, so the agency trained advocates and used local languages to disseminate the messages. Sharing experience from the United Nations support to member states, Peter Hawkins, United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) Country Representative, said the timing of the UN basket fund established to support the Government of Nigeria was crucial to the COVID-19 response. Speaking on measures to minimise disruptions to essential health services such as immunisation, Hawkins said states need to be accountable for integrated services for immunisation. In addition, they must ensure that funds allocated to immunisation and other services are used appropriately. Leveraging on private sector capacity to strengthen health security structures at sub-national levels The organised private sector played a critical role in supporting the pandemic response therefore, panelists also discussed how private sector investments can be harnessed to strengthen health security structures at the sub-national level. While this is already happening, it is important to continue scaling these efforts and ensure sustainability to maximise the impact. The Adopt-A-Health Facility Program (ADHFP) where the Private Health Sector Health Alliance of Nigeria (PSHAN) is supporting the National Primary Health Care Development Ageny (NPHCDA) to deliver at least one quality Primary Health Care (PHC) centre in each of the 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Nigeria ensuring that states can take quality health care closer to the people. PSHAN's Head of Policy, Dr. Anne Adah-Ogoh, said the alliance adopts a bottom-up approach of addressing PHC strengthening to address the real needs of people. In some cases, these public-private sector collaborations exist, with technical capacities already built, before public health events happen. It is therefore easier to transition into responding to outbreaks. In addition to supporting the government in building technical capacity and understanding the importance of replicating national response strategies at the sub-national level, Niniola Williams, the Managing Director of DRASA Health Trust said they localise activities at the federal level to strengthen state structures. One of the ways they have supported health security response at the sub-national level is developing the first public health emergency contingency plan in Apapa port, Lagos State in partnership with ProHealth International. And this happened before the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Nigeria Health Coronavirus By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. The consensus at the meeting was on the importance of community engagement. Dr Ifeanyi Nsofor, Senior Fellow, Aspen Institute, said this includes better active citizenship for healthcare. "People must come to the realisation that Nigeria is a federation and states have responsibilities to their people and not pointing to the federal government each time they are asked about the health sector performance". Delegates also agreed that a strong primary health care system is a must have for health security to be strengthened at the sub-national level. ONE Campaign recently launched a 'State of Primary Health Care Service Delivery in Nigeria 2018-2021 Report'. The report highlighted the inequalities in access to healthcare around Nigeria revealing that 18 out of the nation's 36 states are among the worst states to be a citizen in need of healthcare. However, it also stated that the factors driving poor performance among states can be overcome. Inequities in access to healthcare translate to poor access to quality healthcare. Decentralising health security begins with ensuring that the right health services are available at all levels from the national to ensure structures are strengthened at the sub-national level. Ultimately infectious diseases often start in communities and that frontline response plays a critical role in building a resilient national health security architecture. Without quality health care at the PHC level and a well-resourced sub-national health system, strengthening sub-national health security might well be an unattainable goal. While most people recover from COVID-19 within a week or two, up to one-third of survivors experience persistent or new symptoms weeks and months after initial infection. One form of "long COVID" is interstitial lung disease (ILD), a group of chronic pulmonary disorders characterized by inflammation and scarring (fibrosis) that make it hard for the lungs to get enough oxygen. Little is currently known about ILD, from diagnosis to prognosis to management. In its most severe form, the disease is fatal without a lung transplant. In a new study, published in the July 20, 2022 online issue of eBioMedicine, researchers at University of California San Diego provide the first insights into the fundamental cellular pathologies that drive ILD. Using an artificial intelligence (AI) approach, we found that lung fibrosis caused by COVID-19 resembles idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), the most common and the deadliest form of ILD. At a fundamental level, both conditions display similar gene expression patterns in the lungs and blood, and dysfunctional processes within alveolar type II (AT2) cells." Pradipta Ghosh, MD, Study Co-Senior Author and Professor, Departments of Medicine and Cellular and Molecular Medicine, UC San Diego School of Medicine AT2 cells play several critical roles in pulmonary function, including the production of lung surfactant that keeps lung cells from collapsing after exhalation and regeneration of lung cells after injury. "The findings are insightful because AT2 cells are known to contain an elegant quality control network that responds to stress, internal or external," said Ghosh. "Failure of quality control leads to broader organ dysfunction and, in this case, fibrotic remodeling of the lung." To conduct their study, Ghosh collaborated with co-senior author Debashis Sahoo, PhD, associate professor in the departments of Computer Science, Engineering and Pediatrics at UC San Diego to access transdisciplinary approaches, such as AI-assisted 'big data' analysis. Ghosh and Sahoo said the approach would help them stay unbiased in navigating the unknowns of an emerging, post-pandemic disease. They analyzed more than 1,000 human lung transcriptomic datasets associated with various lung conditions, specifically looking for gene expression patterns, inflammation signaling and cellular changes. The disease with the closest match: IPF. The authors were able to successfully induce these tell-tale elements in human lung organoids, in a hamster model of COVID-19, and could confirm their presence in the lungs of deceased individuals with COVID-19. Key elements were also reversed in the hamsters using anti-SARS-COV-2 therapeutics. A deeper analysis pinpointed endoplasmic reticulum stress as the shared early trigger of both post-COVID lung disease and ILD. Ghosh said the use of computational models to identify shared gene expression and cellular processes between COVID-19 and IPF suggests utility of our findings beyond the current pandemic. "The insights, biomarkers, tools, mechanisms and promising therapeutic avenues identified here are likely to spur the development of therapies for patients with IPF and other fibrotic interstitial lung diseases, all of whom have limited or no treatment options." IPF affects approximately 100,000 persons in the United States, with 30,000 to 40,000 new cases annually. The condition has a poor prognosis, with an estimated mean survival of 2 to 5 years from time of diagnosis. (Newser) Ukrainian first lady Olena Zelenska, who has called herself "a non-public person," stood in the US Capitol on Wednesday and starkly made the case for more US air defense systems to block Russian missiles. She showed America's most powerful lawmakers images of the toll of Russian bombardment of cities on Ukraine's childrena blood-splattered baby stroller, a small crumpled body. For Zelenska, spouse of President Volodymyr Zelensky, the appearance capped a week in Washington that marked some of her highest-profile appearances of the war, the AP reports. "We want no more airstrikes. No more missile strikes," Zelenska told Republicans and Democrats on Wednesday, as an overhead screen displayed the wreckage of Russian bombardment of Ukrainian cities. "Is this too much to ask for?" Speaking to an audience that included House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, Zelenska appeared in the same congressional auditorium where her husband, speaking by video, drew standing ovations from lawmakers three weeks into Russia's invasion. Until Wednesday, Zelenska's conversations with US officials this week reportedly focused on the need for mental health care for Ukrainians dealing with the trauma of the war, and a US offer of rehabilitation assistance for children who have lost limbs in the attackshumanitarian causes, not strategic or tactical. Wednesday's appearance was different. She showed photographs of a smiling, paint-smeared 4-year-old girl, Liza Dmytrieva, whom the first lady had happened to meet before Christmas. The screen next showed an overturned baby carriage with blood caking on the sidewalk beneath it, after an airstrike killed the girl. Another photo showed a girl in a pink headband, shot by Russian soldiers with her family as they tried to flee, and who screamed and cried for two hours in their car before dying, Zelenska said. Another showed a 3-year-old boy learning how to use a prosthetic limb after an airstrike. Zelenska noted the humanitarian needs. "Maybe you expected from me to speak on those topics," she told lawmakers, through an interpreter. "But how can I talk on all that when an unprovoked war is being waged on our country?" Lawmakers gave her standing ovations before her speech, but the photos had some shaking their heads. "We've seen from Ukrainian leadership their courage but also their no-nonsense direct appeal and laying out the brutal mentality of Mr. Putin," Democratic Sen. Ben Cardin said afterward. (Read more Russia-Ukraine conflict stories.) (Newser) Update: The meeting scheduled for Saturday in which Uvalde school officials were to discuss and possibly decide whether to fire district Chief Pete Arredondo has been called off. The district announced the cancellation in a statement Friday, citing "due process requirements" and a request by Arredondo's lawyer, the AP reports. A statement said the chief's employment will be considered at another time without specifying when. In the meantime, it said, Arrendondo will stay on unpaid administrative leave. Our story from Wednesday follows: Uvalde school officials plan to decide Saturday whether to fire district police Chief Pete Arredondo. The announcement was made Wednesday after the superintendent recommended his dismissal and parents of those killed at Robb Elementary demanded it. Arredondo, who was placed on administrative leave last month, has received much of the blame for the failures in the police response to the mass shooting on May 24, the Texas Tribune reports. A report issued by a state legislative committee detailed widespread failures but still singled out Arredondo. Uvalde residents who attended a school board meeting Monday angrily scolded district officials for not already firing the chief. Superintendent Hal Harrell answered that Arredondo is a contract employee and can't be fired at will, per the AP. So far, no officers involved in the response to the mass shooting have been dismissed. Arredondo has given up his seat on the City Council. The board's discussion about Arredondo will be behind closed doors, per the New York Times. "This is a move in the right direction," said Vincent Salazar, whose granddaughter, Layla, was shot to death. "Let's start with Arredondo, from the top, and work our way down. They should not have to wait until Saturday." (Read more Uvalde mass shooting stories.) The government confirmed PREMIUM TIMES' report on how Mr Buhari asked the Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige to withdraw from the negotiation with the workers. The presidency has described as untrue media that the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, was given two weeks to resolve the lingering face-off between the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the government. The government criticised the unnamed sources who fed false information to the media, saying the matter "ought to be beyond spin-doctoring and conjectures." In a statement Wednesday, the Senior Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, confirmed PREMIUM TIMES exclusive report which detailed how Mr Buhari ordered the Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige to withdraw from the ongoing negotiation with ASUU. The statement reads in part; "The outcome of the meeting held by President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday with relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to end the agitations by university unions ought to be beyond spin-doctoring and conjectures. It is a pity that almost all media houses allowed themselves to be deceived by interested sources that are not the authorised spokesmen of the government. "Neither during nor after the meeting was any ultimatum given to the Minister of Education. During the meeting, the Minister of Education requested that the Minister of Labour hands off the negotiation to allow him lead and conclude what he had earlier on started with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). And he promised that he could get an agreement within the shortest possible time, possibly two to three weeks." Mr Shehu added that Mr Adamu would carry along other "relevant ministries and agencies with statutory functions and duties relating to the issues involved." Appeal Meanwhile, the government has said it is optimistic that the matter would be resolved soon, even as it appealed to all concerned to be open minded. Mr Shehu added; "The Presidency is optimistic that agreements can be reached in an even shorter period if all parties/stakeholders are not unrealistically obstinate. We appeal to the parties to work together to end the strikes. "On the part of the administration, all doors remain open for dialogue and the resolution of the issues." The government also urged the media not to try to spread misinformation on the ASUU crisis "The orchestrated media narratives seeking to present an entirely different picture, attributed to sources, in the last 24 hours are not helpful at all," the statement said. Minister urges aviation workers not to join NLC protest on ASUU Meanwhile, ahead of the planned two-day nationwide protest by the Nigeria Labour Congress in solidarity with ASUU, the Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, has appealed to the country's aviation workers not to join the protest. The minister, who spoke after the weekly federal executive council meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Wednesday, said the civil aviation sector should be seen "as a critical national security enterprise." Mr Sirika said his ministry has consistently engaged the aviation workers' union and that the recent threat to join the protest is also being discussed. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Labour Nigeria Education By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. He said; "I'm naturally concerned about this if the aviation union will shut down in support of ASUU. I would say they have no need to. I will also say that we should begin to look at civil aviation as a critical national security enterprise. It has all the implications. "We should not contemplate or think about an aviation disaster. We should also think about the general activity of the economy of Nigeria without civilisation. It's okay. This is democracy, you can push for demands, but in pressing for demands you should be reasonable in doing so. Where, the life that you're trying to promote, would be seriously affected and hampered. Where lives can be lost because of your own activity. I think it should be reconsidered. So, civil aviation workers, I think, should not be part of this." (Newser) Russia is no longer interested in occupying only Ukraine's eastern Donbas region, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in an interview with Russian state media published Wednesday. After the US said it would give Ukraine more long-range weapons, Lavrov said that would force the Russian objectives to change, the BBC reports. "Now the geography is different, Lavrov said, per the Guardian. Its not just Donetsk and Luhansk, its Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, and a number of other territories. And this is an ongoing process, consistent and insistent." He said Russia would need to push further into Ukraine, specifically to the country's south, in order to create a buffer between it and the new weapons. The Guardian notes this is a shift in rhetoric from the Russian government, and "the clearest signal yet that the Kremlin is preparing to launch a new round of annexations." A spokesperson for the US National Security Council had warned Tuesday that "Russia is beginning to roll out a version of what you could call an annexation playbook, very similar to the one we saw in 2014" when it annexed Crimea. He predicted the new annexations could come in September, coinciding with regional elections. In his interview, Lavrov said that Russia's previous openness to a Ukrainian proposal for an end to hostilities "was based on the geography of March 2022," which he said is now different, per Al Jazeera. (Read more Russia-Ukraine conflict stories.) (Newser) Truckers protesting a state labor law have effectively shut down cargo operations at California's Port of Oakland, it was announced Wednesday. "The shutdown will further exacerbate the congestion of containers" and port officials are urging operations at shipping terminals to resume, a port statement said. The protest that began Monday involves hundreds of independent big-rig truckers that have blocked the movement of cargo in and out of terminals at the port, the AP reports. Oakland, one of the busiest container ports in the country, handles many different types of cargo and is an important distribution point for California's agricultural products. The protest comes as toymakers and other industries enter their peak season for imports as retailers stockpile goods for the fall holidays and back-to-school items. The truckers are protesting Assembly Bill 5, a gig economy law passed in 2019 that made it harder for companies to classify workers as independent contractors instead of employees, who are entitled to minimum wage and benefits such as workers compensation, overtime, and sick pay. A federal appeals court ruled last year that law applies to some 70,000 truck drivers who can be classified as employees of companies that hire them instead of independent contractors. The International Brotherhood of Teamsters called it a "massive victory" for exploited truckers. But the California Trucking Association, which sued over the law, had argued the law could make it harder for independent drivers who own their own trucks and operate on their own hours to make a living by forcing them to be classified as employees. The legal battle stalled enforcement of the law, but the US Supreme Court recently decided it wouldn't review the decision. Truckers are now asking Gov. Gavin Newsom to meet and discuss the issue. There's been no word on when the state might begin enforcing the law, which is still being contested in lower courts. (Read more Port of Oakland stories.) (Newser) Two men were indicted Wednesday in the case of a hot, airless tractor-trailer rig found last month with 53 dead or dying migrants in San Antonio, officials said. A federal grand jury in San Antonio indicted Homero Zamorano Jr., 46, and Christian Martinez, 28, both of Pasadena, Texas, on counts of transporting and conspiring to transport migrants illegally resulting in death; and transporting and conspiring to transport migrants illegally resulting in serious injury, the AP reports. Both remain in federal custody without bond pending trial. Conviction on the death counts could result in life sentences, but the Attorney General's Office could authorize prosecutors to seek death penalties. The serious bodily injury counts carry sentences of up to 20 years in prison. It was the deadliest tragedy to claim the lives of migrants smuggled across the border from Mexico. The truck had been packed with 67 people, and the dead included 27 from Mexico, 14 from Honduras, seven from Guatemala and two from El Salvador, said Francisco Garduno, chief of Mexicos National Immigration Institute. The incident happened on a remote San Antonio back road on June 27. Arriving police officers detained Zamorano after spotting him hiding in some nearby brush, according to a statement from the US Attorney's Office. A search of Zamoranos cellphone revealed calls with Martinez concerning the smuggling run. Surveillance video of the 18-wheeler passing through a Border Patrol checkpoint showed the driver matched Zamorano's description, according to the indictment. One survivor of the journey, a 20-year-old from Guatemala, told the Associated Press that smugglers had covered the trailers floor with what she believes was powdered chicken bouillon, apparently to throw off any dogs at the checkpoint. In 2017, 10 people died after being trapped inside a truck parked at a San Antonio Walmart. In 2003, the bodies of 19 migrants were found in a sweltering truck southeast of the city. (Read more migrants stories.) (Newser) US law enforcement officials who seized a Russian oligarch's $300 million yacht found what could be considered the ultimate symbol of opulence inside: an alleged Faberge egg. Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco told the Aspen Security Forum on Wednesday that the jeweled egg was one of the more "interesting" finds made in the seizure of Russian assets. She didn't describe the egg but said it was discovered on a yacht that had been sailed from Fiji to San Diego Bay, where it remains, per the Guardian. That fits the description of the yacht Amadea, owned by sanctioned Russian oligarch Suleiman Kerimov, which was seized by the Fiji government at the request of the US. If the egg is a genuine Faberge, meaning it is one of 69 made by the famed House of Faberge in St. Petersburg between the late 19th century and early 20th century, it would be worth millions. It would add to the billions of dollars in sanctioned Russian assets seized since March. The Justice Department has asked Congress for the authority to send the proceeds from seized goods to Ukraine, per CNN. "We're working with our law enforcement counterparts around the world to conduct searches on these yachts to make sure we have the authority and can go to a court, seize them and then forfeit the proceeds," Monaco said. Viktor Vekselberg, another sanctioned Russian oligarch, is said to own nine of the 42 surviving eggs created specifically for the Russian Imperial family from 1885 to 1916, including the very first one, the Jeweled Hen Egg, given by Tsar Alexander III to his wife Maria Feodorovna. However, there has been no mention of any being found on his $90 million yacht, Tango, which was seized in Spain at the request of the US. Most of his collection resides at the Faberge Museum in St. Petersburg. But the Jeweled Hen Egg was on loan to a UK museum at the time Russia invaded Ukraine. In May, Insider reported that the museum would risk breaching sanctions if it returned the priceless egg. (Read more Faberge egg stories.) (Newser) This summer has already brought extreme temps to Tokyo, Western Europe, and the UK, and now it's the United States' turn in the barrel. While Americans from coast to coast are suffering through heat waves at the moment, AccuWeather reports it's particularly bad in the south-central part of the country, which includes Oklahoma and the northern part of Texas. In perhaps the most stark example of the brutal heat, the city of Wichita Falls, Texas, hit 115 degrees Fahrenheit on Tuesday. That's just 5 degrees below what California's Death Valley, one of the hottest places on Earth, registered that same day. Just north of Wichita Falls, Oklahoma City hit 110 degrees on Tuesday, surpassing the 109-degree daily high record set all the way back in 1936 and matching its all-time high temp for July, reports the National Weather Service. Several spots in Kansas, New Mexico, Arkansas, and Missouri also saw the mercury exceed 100 degrees. Meteorologist Matt Lanza tells the Houston Chronicle that a high-pressure "death ridge" that bakes everything underneath it has remained rigidly entrenched in the upper atmosphere since May, bringing punishing heat to the southern Plains, especially Texas. Adding to the issue is that much of this area is also plagued by serious drought, per the US Drought Monitor. And Lanza says the only thing that might jolt the atmosphere and bring some relief is a big weather event in the other direction, such as a tropical storm or hurricane. "Basically, what we're looking for is something, anything significant, which unfortunately usually means something bad for someone," he tells the Chronicle. Meanwhile, the rest of the US is having its own heat issues, per the Washington Post, which notes that 28 states have issued heat advisories and excessive-heat warnings to more than 105 million people in the central US and Northeast. The National Weather Service, which reports that these advisories and warnings stretch from California to New Hampshire, reminds people that such extreme heat could spur an uptick in heat-related illnesses. Toward that end, the agency offers tips on how to combat the severe weather. (President Biden says climate change "is an emergency.") (Newser) Michelle Obama will have a book out this fall, The Light We Carry: Overcoming in Uncertain Times, in which she reflects upon her experiences and shares insights on navigating an increasingly stressful world. It's the former first lady's first entirely new work since the 2018 release of Becoming. That blockbuster sold more than 17 million copies worldwide, surpassing the sales of any memoir by a previous first lady or modern president, including her husband, former President Obama, per the AP. "I've learned it's okay to recognize that self-worth comes wrapped in vulnerability, and that what we share as humans on this earth is the impulse to strive for better, always and no matter what," Michelle Obama writes in the book's introduction, included in Thursday's announcement by the Random House Publishing Group and its imprint Crown. "In The Light We Carry, Mrs. Obama offers readers a series of fresh stories and insightful reflections on change, challenge, and power, including her belief that when we light up for others, we can illuminate the richness and potential of the world around us, discovering deeper truths and new pathways for progress," the publisher's announcement reads in part. The new book isn't part of the reported eight-figure deal the Obamas reached in 2017, shortly after President Obama left office, with parent company Penguin Random House for their respective memoirs. A spokesperson declined to discuss financial terms for The Light We Carry. Crown will publish the 336-page book on Nov. 15, almost exactly four years after the release of Becoming, and has announced a first printing of 2.75 million copies for the US and Canada. Crown is also the longtime publisher of Barack Obama. A Promised Land, the first of two planned memoirs about his presidency, came out in 2020. A spokesperson declined to comment on when the next book will be released. (Read more Michelle Obama stories.) (Newser) Thieves were inconspicuously locked inside a French church on the evening of June 1. According to police, they burst out the next morning with one of the most cherished Christian relics: two lead vials containing pieces of linen said to be covered in the blood of Jesus Christcollected in the Holy Grail during his crucifixionand housed inside a jewel-encrusted, copper-gilded reliquary. Officials at the Holy Trinity Abbey in Fecamp, which had held the relic for nearly a millennia, were devastated. As less than 10% of stolen art is recovered, per the BBC, there was little hope for a reunion. Yet less than three weeks later, Dutch art detective Arthur Brand opened his door to find the "Precieux Sang," or "Precious Blood" relic inside a cardboard box on his doorstep in Amsterdam. "It was a religious experience," he tells AFP. "This is about as close to Jesus and the legend of the Holy Grail you can get." A week earlier, Brand had received an encrypted email from a supposed friend of the thieves who said they had the relic in their possession but that returning it to the church was too risky. "If you can do this for us, you can put this on your legacy," the email read, per Artnet News. Dubbed the "Indiana Jones of the art world," Brand has recovered plenty of amazing pieces, from a stolen Byzantine mosaic, to a missing Pablo Picasso painting, to a gold ring tied to Oscar Wilde, to a pair of huge bronze horse statues adored by Adolf Hitler. "Of course, I said yes," he tells the Washington Post. "So then they tell me that they were going to bring it to my home sometime the next week." Finally, the doorbell rang. "I looked outside. I could see nobody, but I saw a box," he tells Artnet. "Then I started to believe it was real." The sanctity of the item was clear to the Catholic, who spent a week verifying its authenticity. He refused to curse or be naked in front of it. And "if anyone came over, I warned them that they had to behave like saints," he tells the Post. He notes the thieves either feared bad luck or realized they would find no buyer for such a sacred relic, which he confirmed still contains the blood vials. Dutch and French authorities are now working to return the relic, as well as recovered chalices and dishes, to the abbey, to the elation of Havre Bishop Jean-Luc Brunin. "We feared it was gone forever," he tells Le Parisien, which notes the events are "worthy of a Netflix series." (Read more Arthur Brand stories.) (Newser) The Buchenwald concentration camp memorial says that seven trees dedicated to the memory of victims of the Nazi camp in eastern Germany have been chopped down. The foundation that runs the memorial tweeted on Wednesday that the trees near the site were apparently attacked the previous day, per the AP. It posted pictures showing the trees severed about halfway up the trunk and said it was "appalled at the deliberate attack on remembrance." The foundation said it had filed a complaint to police. One of the trees was dedicated to children killed at Buchenwald and the others to six prisoners at the camp. The trees were part of an ongoing project called "1,000 Beeches" that began in 1999 and has seen 168 trees planted on the prisoner-marching route from the camp to the concentration camp Flossenbuerg. The project organizers note "the crime was discovered on the anniversary of the assassination attempt on Adolf Hitler in 1944." Buchenwaldwhich means "beech forest" in Germanwas established in 1937. More than 56,000 of the 280,000 inmates held there and at its satellite camps were killed by the Nazis or died as a result of hunger, illness, or medical experiments before the camp's liberation on April 11, 1945. (A Buchenwald survivor was killed in a Russian attack on Ukraine.) (Newser) Update: A Pennsylvania man who needed to be rescued from a snake last week has died from his injuries, reports the Morning Call. Elliot Senseman, 27, was being strangled by a large snakepossibly a reticulated pythonat his home when a police officer shot and killed the animal to release its grip. Senseman made it to the hospital, but he died Sunday of "anoxic brain injury due to asphyxiation by constriction," according to the coroner. The experienced snake handler had been cleaning his snake cages when the creature attacked, reports the Daily Beast. Our original story from July 21 follows: A Pennsylvania man has been hospitalized after cops shot and killed a snake they say was strangling him. CBS Philadelphia reports that police in Upper Macungie Township received a call around 2pm Wednesday about a man in cardiac arrest, with a snake said to be encircling his neck. When officers arrived on the scene in Fogelsville, that's exactly what they found: the 27-year-old man lying on the ground, unresponsive, the large midsection of a 15-foot snake wrapped around the man's throat. Police say that one of the responding officers was able to fire off a shot at the snake's head without hurting the man under attack, at which point the officers were able to yank the man out of the snake's grip. The man was transported to a local hospital; there's no word on his condition. Police say they believe the snake was a pet that had grown quite large, per NBC Philadelphia. It's not clear what kind of snake it was, but it put up a fight to live, even after it had been shot. Lt. Peter Nickischer tells WPVI, "It wasn't like it just died. It started to slither away." The snake did eventually succumb to its injuries. (Read more snakes stories.) (Newser) North America's migratory monarch butterfly, the beloved orange-and-black insect capable of flying 2,500 miles across the continent, is officially an endangered species in the eyes of the leading global authority. The International Union for the Conservation of Nature added migratory monarchs to its Red List of Threatened Species Thursday following its first assessment of the insect, which involved a review of 100 studies and interviews with experts. It found numbers of Western monarchs, which live west of the Rocky Mountains, fell by 99.9% from the 1980s to 2021when there were just 1,914 known individualswhile numbers of Eastern monarchs fell 84% from 1996 to 2014, per National Geographic. Female monarchs lay eggs on milkweed plantsthe only plant monarch caterpillars can eatalong migration routes from Mexico to Canada. But the use of herbicides has erased the plants from many landscapes, reports the New York Times. Climate change has also taken a toll. "We're starting to see this kind of mismatch between when insects are ready to start the spring and when plants are ready," Anna Walker, the New Mexico BioPark Society entomologist who led the assessment, tells the Times. "There are a ton of unknowns." Experts hope the designation will encourage land owners to plant milkweed that is native to their region as well as native flowers that will bloom when monarchs visit, providing them with nectar. "Only 1% of insect species have been assessed by the IUCNso having the monarch listed is significant," per NatGeo. The Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada recognized the butterflypart of a broader species including non-migratory monarchs in southern Mexico, the Caribbean, and northern South Americaas endangered in 2016. The US Fish and Wildlife Service acknowledged the species was at risk of extinction in 2020 but declined to put it on its Endangered Species List, arguing there were other species that took precedence, per the Times. It then proposed listing the monarch as endangered in 2024 "unless its situation improves enough to make the step unnecessary," per the AP. (Read more monarch butterflies stories.) The continent's free trade area, a growing middle class, an emerging consumer market, increased access to financial services and technology, and dynamic private entrepreneurs can help diversify African economies. African countries must diversify their exports to survive economic shocks from global crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine, says the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). In its Economic Development in Africa Report 2022 published on 14 July, UNCTAD says African countries can diversify their economies through boosting exports of high-value services, expanding private businesses' access to financial services, tapping into new financial technologies and implementing effective policies. Despite decades-long efforts to diversify, 45 out of the continent's 54 countries remain dependent on exports of primary products in the agricultural, mining and extractive industries. UNCTAD considers a country to be dependent on commodities when these products make up more than 60% of its total merchandise exports. The report outlines how African countries can rethink efforts to diversify their economies. "Dependence on commodity exports has left African economies vulnerable to global shocks and hindered inclusive development for far too long," said UNCTAD Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan. She said Africa has enormous potential to break commodity dependence and ensure its effective integration into high-end global value chains. "By addressing barriers to trade in services, boosting relevant skills and improving access to innovative alternative financing, the region's manufacturing productivity can be enhanced, driving Africa's economic growth and structural transformation for many years to come," Ms. Grynspan added. Promise of knowledge-intensive services UNCTAD says high knowledge-intensive services, such as information technology and financial services, could be a game-changer for Africa. But they account for only 20% of the continent's services exports, leaving immense room for growth. Africa's services sector is dominated by low-value-added transactions, making it unable to support productive activities for industry, manufacturing and agriculture sectors. Trade in services is also low in Africa. Between 2005 and 2019, services made up only 17% of the continent's exports. Travel and transport accounted for about two thirds, representing a high concentration of traditional service sectors. To change its fortunes, UNCTAD says the continent should promote the use of high knowledge- and technology-intensive inputs to enable the manufacture and export of more complex goods and services rather than primary commodities. The report says technologies and smart services such as blockchain can improve access to diverse and competitive markets both within and outside the continent. More trade in services can also reduce the environmental degradation caused by the exploitation of natural resources. To diversify economies, UNCTAD calls on African countries to implement policies to better link trade in high-value services with other sectors, especially manufacturing. Countries also need to cut costs of services trade, remove protectionist policies, expand digitalization and boost the skills of workers in the sector. Private sector critical, needs at least $416 billion every year The report also underscores the critical role of the private sector - both formal and informal - in diversifying and transforming Africa's economies. This includes small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which account for about 90% of firms on the continent and employ around 60% of its workforce. Africa has about 50 million formal SMEs, which can help diversify the continent's exports, but they have an unmet financing need of $416 billion every year, according to the International Finance Corporation. UNCTAD says countries should better position African SMEs as engines of diversification by facilitating their access to affordable funds and financial services. Given the huge financing needs and the difficult access to banks' corporate loans, the report calls for more innovative financial instruments for African SMEs to secure access to financing. UNCTAD urges African policymakers to help firms access specialized financial and non-financial products and services such as government loan guarantees that can better address the long-term financial needs of SMEs. The recent growth of financial technology (fintech) firms in Africa is spurring more innovation and investment opportunities. Fintech can improve traditional credit channels and help bridge the huge funding gap facing African SMEs, if countries implement policies to better harness its power, the report states. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Africa Business By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. UNCTAD also calls on countries to tackle other hurdles facing African SMEs, such as poor integration to regional and global markets and lack of capacity to compete with large public and private firms. Free trade area needs effective export policies The African Continental Free Trade Area, which aims to create a single market for the continent's 1.4 billion people, can also boost export diversification, the report says. But to make the best of it, African countries must implement policies to boost productive capacities, industrialization, encourage investment, improve regional integration and infrastructure. UNCTAD warns that global economic shocks, climate change and other challenges could undermine Africa's export diversification efforts if countries don't put in place the right policies, regulations and boost institutional capacities. As the world faces a cost-of-living crisis, 58 million people living just above the poverty line in Africa are at risk of sliding into poverty due to the combined effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine, according to a recent report of the Global Crisis Response Group on Food, Energy and Finance. (Newser) Dave Chappelle lost his stage in Minneapolis on Wednesday night, hours before showtime, when the venue decided to act on complaints from staff members and the public about the booking. "We hear you and we are sorry," First Avenue posted on social media, adding, "We are not just a black box with people in it, and we understand that First Ave is not just a room, but meaningful beyond our walls." The ongoing issue is the comedian's transgender jokes, the Washington Post reports, which some advocates say could inspire violence against LGBTQ people. Chappelle was scheduled to perform at another theater in town, the Varsity, on Thursday and Friday, and First Avenue said his Wednesday show would be moved there, as well. Dozens of protesters demonstrated outside the Varsity Theater on Wednesday night, chanting and holding signs saying, "Transphobia isn't a joke." Chappelle joked about the protesters during his show but also asked the audience to keep supporting First Avenue, which was included in Prince's film Purple Rain. "It's an important place for our culture," Chappelle said. First Avenue acknowledged that not everyone would agree with its cancellation, a backlash to the backlash. "You are welcome to send feedback," First Avenue posted. The comedian's representatives did not immediately comment, per Variety. (Read more Dave Chappelle stories.) (Newser) The US considers WNBA star Brittney Griner to be "wrongfully detained" by Russia. On Thursday, a Russian official scolded the US over that characterization and said America must respect Russia's laws, reports the AP. If a US citizen was taken in connection with the fact that she was smuggling drugs, and she does not deny this, then this should be commensurate with our Russian, local laws, and not with those adopted in San Francisco, New York and Washington, said Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova. She also suggested drug laws in the US were too lax and not to be emulated. You understand, if drugs are legalized in the United States, in a number of states, and this is done for a long time, and now the whole country will become drug-addicted, this does not mean that all other countries are following the same path, she said. Griner is currently on trial in Russia and has told the court she inadvertently packed illegal vape cartridges containing cannabis oil when she traveled to the country in February. She faces up to 10 years in prison, though widespread speculation in both US and Russian media suggest that some type of prisoner swap is in the works. (Griner personally wrote to President Biden.) (Newser) The Jan. 6 panel will be back in session Thursday with a prime-time hearing focusing on what former President Trump didand didn'tdo on the day of the riot. As NBC News reports, Thursday's 8pm Eastern session will focus on 187 minutes in particular, a stretch lasting from Trump's speech to supporters to his tweet encouraging them to go home. In advance, the New York Times is out with an interview of panel Vice Chair Liz Cheney, who has played a prominent role in the hearings and thus earned the scorn of Trump himself. As the story notes, Cheney is on track to pay a political price, with a Trump-backed challenger expected to defeat her in next month's GOP primary in Wyoming. I dont look at it through a political lens, Cheney tells the newspaper. I look at it through the angle of: People need to understand how dangerous he is and how unfit for office he is. At another point, she adds: I believe this is the most important thing Ive ever done professionally, and maybe the most important thing I ever do. Cheney also draws a personal connection to the riot, likening images of Secret Service ushering Mike Pence to safety to ones of her father, former VP Dick Cheney, being similarly escorted on 9/11. Every time I see it, it brings to mind the image of Jimmy Scott, the Secret Service agent who evacuated my dad down the steps, Cheney says. That evacuation was because al-Qaeda was targeting Washington, DC, and Mike Pence was evacuated because a violent, armed crowd that Donald Trump had sent to the Capitol was invading the Capitol. (Read more Liz Cheney stories.) Faith J. Myers is the author of the book, Going Crazy in Alaska: A History of Alaskas Treatment of Psychiatric Patients. She lives in Anchorage. TDT | Manama The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani has commended Bahrains success in maintaining its Tier 1 status in the field of combating trafficking in persons, according to the report of the US State Department, for the fifth year in a row. He extended his heartfelt congratulations to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and to His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. Dr Al Zayani expressed his pride in the classification of Bahrain among the developed countries in combating trafficking in persons. He said that it adds to the Kingdoms honourable civilised record in respecting human rights, promoting economic and social freedoms, developing the labour market and preserving human dignity for all citizens and residents on the basis of justice and the rule of law, in light of the comprehensive and sustainable development process of His Majesty the King, and in accordance with the Constitution and international human rights standards. Achievement Shura Council Chairman Ali bin Saleh Al Saleh stressed the qualitative achievement due to the continuous efforts of His Majesty the King in the human rights field and strengthening the security system at regional and international levels. Al Saleh affirmed that this achievement follows the directives of HM the King and reflects the role of HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister to preserve the rights of citizens and residents. Development Chairman of the Human Rights Committee and member of the Foreign Affairs, Defence and National Security Committee at the Council of Representatives, MP Ammar Ahmed Al Bannai, praised Bahrains civilisational achievement in maintaining its top tier ranking. Al Bannai affirmed that the achievement is the dividend of the comprehensive development project of His Majesty, who is always stressing the importance of guaranteeing human rights as a national strategy for Bahrain to promote the state of institutions and law. He added that the National Action Charter, the constitution of 2002 and the constitutional amendments approved by the legislative branch have ensured more respect for human rights. TDT | Manama The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com The High Criminal Court has handed down the death penalty to a Bahraini man involved in bringing 50 kilograms of hashish from Iran with the intention to sell in Bahrain. There was a domino effect in this case in which five defendants are implicated, but it began with the arrest of a woman, in her fifties, in connection with attempting to smuggle drugs into Bahrain. Standing with her are four other defendants, including two women and two men. The woman has been arrested in a sting operation after the anti-drugs department at the Ministry of Interior assigned an undercover agent who posed as a delivery man to hand the shipment to her after it was discovered that it included drugs. The shipment arrived in Bahrain from a country located in South America. The drugs were stuffed in the plates in order to have them avoid detection. A customs official discovered them after passing through the X-ray machine. It was found that they were cocaine. As a result, the woman was detained. The second defendant, a man, was captured after investigations discovered that he was involved in helping the woman in distributing the drugs. He was arrested in a sting operation involving the first woman who called him, and requested him to hand her an amount of BD400 for selling drugs to him earlier. They agreed to meet in her house, and he was arrested upon his arrival. He told prosecutors he was receiving the drugs from the third defendant, a woman, and he offered to help police to arrest her red-handed. He called her and expressed his wish to buy half kilogram of hashish for BD1,300. They agreed to meet in her house. She told him that her friend, the fourth defendant, would come and bring the drugs with him. Both of them were busted, and the fourth defendant told police that he was getting the drugs from the fifth defendant. The latter raised a lot of suspicions after he was arrested in a sting operation with the help of the fourth defendant, as he managed to meet the fourth defendants request of one kilogram of hashish at a value of BD3,000. He admitted to receiving the drugs from an Iranian man, who was planning to bring to Bahrain 50 kilograms of hashish. He informed the police that the Iranian man would leave the drugs in the sea. Police headed to the same coordinates provided by the fifth defendant and seized the drugs. As a result, he was handed down the capital penalty, while the second, third and fourth defendants were acquitted for their role in capturing the fifth defendant who was the mastermind of bringing the drugs into Bahrain. Meanwhile, the first defendant was sentenced to six months in prison and was fined BD100. TDT | Manama The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com ila Bank, the fastest growing digital mobile only bank in Bahrain powered by Bank ABC, offers its debit card holders a chance to win a trip to the Maldives through its newly launched Debit Card Campaign. Customers can enter this contest by making international spends on their debit cards between 1st July to 31st August 2022. Three winners will get a lavish 3-night/4-day package for two adults to the Maldives, inclusive of flight tickets, hotel stay, limousine airport transfers in Bahrain and more. Winners will be eligible for free travel to a magical Maldivian getaway in a Water Villa at the 5-star Vakkaru Resort, with breakfast and dinner included. They will be met and assisted at the Maldives airport, from where they will board a domestic flight to the idyllic resort. Free upgrades will be provided, subject to availability. The holiday package is valid until December 2022. Commenting on ilas Debit Card Campaign, ila Banks Head of Business & Customer, Nada Tarada said: ila has been built to serve as a reliable lifestyle banking partner. As travel is essential to todays experience-centric customers, we have introduced unparalleled travel advantages through our app such as the ability to open up to eight foreign currency accounts and transfer money between them seamlessly, at extremely competitive exchange rates. Similarly, our Mastercard World Premium Debit Card boasts a host of travel benefits including access to 1,100+ airport lounges, higher transaction limits and much more. Customers who spend a minimum of BHD 500, or its equivalent in foreign currency, abroad within the campaign period are eligible to participate in the draw. Every BHD 1 spent internationally using ila Mastercard Classic Debit card counts as 1 entry into the raffle draw, while every BHD 1 spent internationally using ila Mastercard World Premium Debit card is 3 entries into the raffle draw. Only POS transactions and ATM withdrawals will be considered, e-commerce transactions will not be counted. The winners will be randomly selected on September 20, 2022, using an automated software . The Tokyo Metropolitan Government reported 31,878 new cases of the coronavirus, the highest ever daily tally, on Thursday. It is also the first time that the daily figure has exceeded 30,000 in the Japanese capital. The previous record was 21,562 set on February 2 during the peak of the sixth wave of infections. The latest figure was up 15,216 from a week ago, or 1.9-times the total last Thursday. Officials say the number of seriously-ill patients on ventilators or ECMO heart-lung machines is 15, down three from Wednesday. Tokyo Governor Koike Yuriko urged everyone to take thorough anti-infection measures now that there is a higher chance of mingling with people who are infected with the coronavirus, or being in close contact with such patients. Woman from SW Chinas Sichuan carries forward traditional Chinese culture through martial arts People's Daily Online) 16:21, July 21, 2022 Photo shows Ling Yun demonstrating techniques from Emei Martial Arts, a state-level intangible cultural heritage in China, using a spear in a game. (Photo courtesy of Ling Yun) In her videos, Ling Yun from Yaan city in southwest Chinas Sichuan Province likes to showcase her impressive skills in Emei Martial Arts, a state-level intangible cultural heritage. At the same time, she is also committed to promoting traditional Chinese culture by integrating martial arts performances with traditional Chinese calligraphy, painting, and other intangible cultural heritage items. Ling became an online sensation both at home and abroad more than two years ago, thanks to a video of her performing martial arts with a sword after throwing garbage into a waste bin. The clip attracted a large number of followers to her account on the popular Chinese short video platform Douyin, also known as Tik Tok overseas. So far, her Douyin account has drawn over 13 million followers. However, Ling didnt take advantage of her instant fame to make money. Instead, she returned to her hometown to start a business. Initially, Lings short videos were simple demonstrations of her martial arts moves. Now, Ling and her team create videos with well-designed scenes and plots, making more solid progress in showcasing the appeal of traditional martial arts. To Ling, getting more young people to love martial arts is a priority in passing on the traditional art form. She believes that games and cartoons that are very popular among youngsters are ideal platforms for promoting martial arts culture. I hope to make use of games to get more young people interested in martial arts and learn martial arts through my efforts, Ling said. By showing martial arts moves and attending the filming of promotional videos for games, she has managed to get more young people to appreciate the charm of traditional martial arts. In addition to promoting martial arts, Ling has endeavored to give her audiences a greater understanding of traditional Chinese culture through the art form. She has produced martial arts videos demonstrating traditional elements such as Chinese calligraphy and paintings. In one drama about traditional festivals, Ling explained the cultural meaning behind the traditional custom of presenting sachets during the Dragon Boat Festival, a traditional Chinese festival that falls on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month. In a recent video about soy sauce, Ling introduced the traditional craft of making soy sauce, an intangible cultural heritage item in Hejiang county of Sichuan, and presented a stunning kung fu performance featuring a spear. Fine traditional Chinese culture is around us. I hope that my videos will rekindle peoples passion for traditional culture, Ling said. (Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun) opinion The European Union is moving towards regulation that will require companies to respect the rights of Indigenous peoples in their value chains, helping curb forest loss The European Union's environment committee decided this month to include protections for Indigenous peoples and other forest defenders in a proposed regulation on deforestation. It voted overwhelmingly to direct companies that seek to place products on the EU market to respect international standards on customary land ownership rights, as well as the right of communities to consent to, or reject, investments that would affect them or their way of life. If adopted by the European Parliament in September, two of the EU's three legislative bodies will have voted in favour of creating obligations for companies to respect Indigenous peoples' rights. As the EU enters the final stretch of approving landmark legislation to ensure that the bloc only imports deforestation-free products, European leaders should know what the evidence says about the impact on forests of recognising and enforcing the land rights of Indigenous peoples. Most recently, the IPBES (Intergovernmental Panel for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services) released two reports showing unprecedented support for the value of Indigenous and other forest peoples in conserving what remains of the natural world. The researchers called communities' non-monetary and reciprocal relationship with nature vital for stopping the environmental destruction fuelling climate change, biodiversity loss and pandemic risk. In a summary for policy makers released this month, the scientists advocated strongly for national governments to recognise the land tenure claims of Indigenous peoples. They noted that a rights-based approach to conservation "creates enabling conditions" for the sustainable use of wild species, including the forests that are central to the fight against climate change. In just four Latin America countries - Brazil, Colombia, Mexico and Peru - Indigenous lands sequester more than twice as much carbon per hectare than other lands, according to a paper analysing the potential contributions of Indigenous territories to meeting the four nations' commitments under the Paris climate agreement. Global hunger for timber, mineral wealth and commodities like beef, soy and palm oil drives deforestation in tropical forest countries. Although their forests suffer less degradation, Indigenous peoples in the forests of Indonesia, Latin America and Central Africa continue to be under siege from these industries. In Colombia, violence has ramped up in rural areas, with hundreds of community leaders murdered over the past six years. And in the Brazilian Amazon this year, deforestation is up 12.7% compared to the first five months of 2021. Last year, Brazil lost more than 1.5 million hectares of forest, most of it in the Amazon. If tropical forests are standing today, it is largely because of the Indigenous peoples and local communities who resist illegal invaders and stand up to industrial concessions that overlay their lands. END IMPUNITY FOR VIOLENCE The plight of Indigenous and other environmental defenders is far better understood in the wake of the horrifying deaths of journalist Dom Phillips and activist Bruno Pereira in the Brazilian Amazon. The two sought to raise awareness of how the values held by Indigenous peoples ensure the survival of the rainforest. Their murders made visible the political and economic pressures eroding the survival of communities and their traditional knowledge across the Amazon. It's not too late for governments of forest countries to end the climate of impunity that is subjecting communities to violence and their ancestral lands to destruction. This means enforcing existing rights and responding to demands from communities for title to their forests and resources, alongside new technologies to help them monitor and report incursions on their lands. And climate planners in each country must embed in their advisory groups Indigenous experts to help guide them in their decision-making. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Africa Environment Europe and Africa By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. The evidence suggests that ending human rights and other rights violations in corporate supply chains - as the EU's new regulation plans to do - represents another key strategy to reduce rampant deforestation and biodiversity loss. To do less would sabotage progress in meeting climate change and biodiversity goals. Failure to scale up support for environmental defenders will green-light further murder and mayhem, endangering the last humans who live in harmony with the natural world and unleashing on the rest of us an apocalyptic future. David Kaimowitz, chief program officer with the Tenure Facility, is also former manager of the FAO Forest and Farm Facility and former director general of the Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR). The views expressed here are the author's and do not necessarily reflect those of the Tenure Facility. Any views expressed in this opinion piece are those of the author and not of Thomson Reuters Foundation. Okinawa Prefecture in southwestern Japan has decided to call on residents to follow restrictive measures amid a resurgence of coronavirus infections there. The prefectural government decided on its new requests for residents at a meeting on Thursday. Okinawa saw a record-high 5,250 new cases of the coronavirus reported for the day. The tally on the previous day topped 5,000 for the first time in the prefecture. People in Okinawa will now be asked to avoid non-essential outings. Groups eating at restaurants are to be limited to four people, staying for at most two hours. Elderly and other people at high risk of developing severe symptoms will be advised to avoid meeting people other than family members with whom they live. Organizers of events involving more than 1,000 people will be asked to present anti-infection plans to the prefectural government beforehand. Those planning events at which alcohol is to be served will be asked to consider postponing them. Okinawa officials say the measures will start on Friday and are expected to continue through August 14. Also on Thursday, the prefecture declared a healthcare emergency, as hospitals there are under increasing strain. To help ease the burden on medical caregivers, people are being asked to avoid using emergency outpatient services at hospitals for minor symptoms, or only for coronavirus tests. United Airlines said Wednesday that it earned $329 million in the second quarter as summer vacationers packed planes, but the results fell far short of Wall Street expectations due largely to soaring fuel prices. United said it will keep flying at current levels instead of growing about 10% in the second half of the year, as it had originally planned. CEO Scott Kirby blamed the pullback on understaffing at airports he called out Londons Heathrow, which has been a scene of frequent chaos this summer, and Newark in New Jersey and the Federal Aviation Administration, which handles air-traffic control. We told Heathrow how many customers we were going to have ... they didnt staff for it because they didnt believe United, Kirby told CNBC. We are being forced to cancel flights because Heathrow cant accommodate the flights." United recently announced that it will cut about 50 flights a day at the Newark airport near New York City, about 12% of its schedule there, after seeing weeks of high cancellations and delays. Kirby said travelers may find fewer seats available for the holidays than they had expected. He said it could take until next summer before the aviation system is fully staffed and able to handle the number of people who want to travel. An FAA has pushed back against airline officials blaming air traffic control for delays. Data reported by the airlines shows that the vast majority of flight delays are unrelated to air traffic control, the agency said in a statement. Shares of United Airlines Holdings Inc. fell about 7% in late trading after the results were released. The quarter marked United's first profit without federal pandemic aid in the COVID-19 age. Kirby highlighted that in a prepared statement and also warned about risks over the next six to 18 months from problems in the aviation system that can cause delays and cancellations, the recent record high fuel prices, and "the increasing possibility of a global recession. The profit reversed a $434 million loss a year earlier but fell far short of the $1.05 billion that United earned in the second quarter of 2019. Excluding non-repeating items, Chicago-based United said it earned $1.43 per share. Analysts expected $1.85 per share, according to a survey by FactSet. Revenue was $12.11 billion, United's best ever in a second quarter and in line with analysts' forecasts. It was 6% higher than in 2019, even though United did nearly 15% less flying. Revenue for each seat flown one mile, a closely watched figure among airlines, rose 24% compared with the same quarter in 2019 the result of higher average fares. United predicted that the per-seat figure will rise by 24% to 26% over 2019 in the third quarter. Total revenue will beat 2019 by 11%, the airline said. Clearly many people are eager to travel after two years of pandemic lockdown, and they don't care if the planes are crowded. The average United flight was 87% full in the April-June quarter, and for trips within the United States, it was just under 90%. United's costs are also rising. Expenses other than fuel rose 17% on a per-seat basis, at the upper end of United's last forecast before the quarter ended June 30. The airline paid an average of $4.18 per gallon for fuel, higher than the $4.02 it had predicted. Since the quarter ended, however, spot prices have dropped about 35 cents a gallon or 10%, according to Energy Department figures. One area where United is still saving money is labor it spent about 7% less than it spent on wages and benefits in 2019 because its workforce is not back to pre-pandemic levels. We expect these costs to rise as the company negotiates new contracts with its employees, and as hiring returns to the levels needed to run an efficient operation, Cowen airlines analyst Helane Becker said in a note to clients. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate NEW MILFORD The community is stepping up to help reopen New Milford High School after this months roof fire. The school has asked for help with parking spaces since the school will lose a substantial amount of parking because temporary classrooms will be set up in the lot, New Milford Mayor Pete Bass said. Faith Academy, a private preparatory school on Danbury Road next to the high school, has offered 255 parking spaces, plus seven handicap-accessible spaces. Staff parking spaces are being considered at John Pettibone Community Center at Pickett District Road. About 200 staff members and 1,300 students are expected at the high school for the next school year. The July 5 fire caused substantial damage and forced summer programs scheduled at the high school to move to other locations. Due to the extent of the damage, Bass declared a local disaster emergency. Portable classrooms The high school expects to receive about 30 portable classrooms, which will be set up near the multipurpose fields in back of the school. Bass approved the classrooms and is awaiting final paperwork. Its kind of going on a hold pattern right now. They told us, give them a day or two, and then hopefully, I can make an announcement that the pods have been secured and theyre on their way, Bass said Wednesday. School start date At Tuesdays Board of Education meeting, Superintendent Alisha DiCorpo said, depending on the insurance company and the source of the portable classrooms, the pods may arrive by the new school start date of Sept. 6. My internal team, my technology department and my facilities department ... need time to set up desks here to make sure internet is running, theres water, sewer and electricity hook-up, DiCorpo said. DiCorpo may remove some holidays and spring break week to accommodate for the new start date. The district needs to have the last day of school no later than June 30, as required by the state. The district has allotted for 181 school days one more than the state requirement. Remote learning, even on a temporary basis, is not an option, according to DiCorpo, who said she consulted with the state Department of Education. Bass said while the district is trying to start school by Sept. 6 unforeseen delays can still happen. Its a work in progress, he said, and the goal of the superintendent, board of ed, the town, contractors and insurance companies is first and foremost to try to get the kids back in school and then trying to hit that target date the day after Labor Day, he said. Child care assistance Due to the delayed school start date, New Milford Youth Agency Executive Director Jason OConnor, and Brian Hembrook, the towns prevention program manager who runs the local latchkey program, are working on opportunities to assist working parents. The town is meeting with area child care groups next week. New contractor Bass said he asked the state Department of Education for a waiver to bring on a new contractor rather than a full-blown bidding process, which could take months, he said. A waiver would allow the town to get a new contractor in much faster. Last week, Bass fired the previous roof contractor, United Roofing & Sheet Metal Inc., of Brookfield, due, in part, to the company having been responsible for a December roof fire at the school. Bass said the town has had four or five contractors say they can begin work in September and complete the rest of the roof project. Community effort Bass and education board members said the community has asked for ways to help return students as quickly as possible. Ive had people say Pete, Ill bring a broom up there. Ill do whatever I can to help clean up, Bass said. He added, the physical part of the cleanup or restoration has to be done by a licensed contractor. We appreciate the overwhelming amount of people that want to help, he said. He added while it will be a challenge to get the students back in their school as quickly and safely as possible, the district and the town is up for it. Were creating a new, 50,000-square-foot-school in weeks rather than months or a year. Bass said. Were gonna do whatever we can to help the kids and the facility and teachers. analysis Mammals and birds produce their own body heat and control their body temperatures. This process is known as endothermy, or warm-bloodedness, and it may be one of the reasons why mammals tend to dominate almost every global ecosystem. Warm-blooded animals are more active during both days and nights than their cold-blooded counterparts and they reproduce faster. But until now it hasn't been known exactly when endothermy originated in mammalian ancestry. Our new study, just published in Nature, changes that. A combination of scientists' intuition, fossils from South Africa's Karoo region and cutting-edge technology has provided the answer: endothermy developed in mammalian ancestors about 233 million years ago during the Late Triassic period. The origin of mammalian endothermy has been one of the great unsolved mysteries of palaeontology. Many different approaches have been used to try to pinpoint the answer but they have often given vague or conflicting results. We think our method shows real promise because it has been validated using a very large number of modern species. It suggests that endothermy evolved at a time when many other features of the mammalian body plan were also falling into place. Warm-bloodedness is the key to what makes mammals what they are today. Endothermy was likely the starting point where mammalness evolved: the acquisition of an insulating fur coat; the evolution of a larger brain, supplied with warmer blood; a faster reproduction rate; and a more active life are all defining mammalian traits that evolved because of warm-bloodedness. Until now, most scientists had speculated that the transition to endothermy was was a gradual, slow process over tens of millions of years beginning near the Permo-Triassic boundary, although some suggested it happened closer to the origin of mammals, about 200 million years ago. In contrast, our results suggest that it appeared in mammalian ancestors some 33 million years prior to the origin of mammals. The new date is consistent with recent findings that many of the traits usually associated with "mammalness", such as whiskers and fur, also evolved earlier than previously expected. And according to our results, endothermy evolved very quickly in geological terms, in less than a million years. We suggest that the process may have been triggered by novel mammal-like metabolic pathways and the origin of fur. Scientists' intuition Our research began with Dr Araujo and Dr David's intuition about the inner ear. It is more than the organ of hearing: it also houses the organ of balance, the semicircular canals. The three semicircular canals of the inner ear are oriented in the three dimensions of space. They're filled with a fluid that flows in the canals as the head moves and activates receptors to tell the brain the exact three-dimensional position of the head and body. The viscosity, or runniness, of this fluid (called the endolymph) is critical to the balance organ's ability to efficiently detect head rotation and aid balance. In the same way as a piece of butter turns from solid to liquid in a warm pan, or honey becomes thicker when it is cold, the viscosity of the endolymph changes with body temperature. That means the endolymph's viscosity would normally be altered by the evolution of a higher body temperature. But the body has to adapt because changing viscosity would prevent the semicircular canals from working properly. In mammals, the canals adapt to higher body temperature by changing their geometry. The researchers realised that this change in the semicircular canals' shape would be easy to trace through geological time using fossils. Pinpointing the species in which the change of geometry occurred would, they reasoned, provide an accurate guide to when endothermy evolved. They needed fossils to test their hypothesis - and that's where South Africa's wealth of fossils from the Karoo region came in. Reconstruction and study The arid Karoo region preserves a treasure trove of fossils, many of them belonging to mammalian ancestors. These fossils offer an unbroken record of the evolution of life over a period of almost 100 million years. They document the transformation from reptilian-like animals (therapsids) to mammals in exquisite detail. Using cutting edge CT-scanning techniques and 3D modelling, we were able to reconstruct the inner ear of dozens of mammalian ancestors from the South African Karoo and elsewhere in the world. From there we could point out exactly which species had an inner ear anatomy consistent with a warmer body temperature, and which ones did not. One thing we had to take into consideration was the geographical position of the Karoo at the time when these animals lived. It was situated closer to the South Pole than it is now as a result of continental drift. That means the warmer body temperature suggested by the geometry of the inner ear cannot be due to an overall warmer climate. As the South African climate was colder on average, the change in inner ear fluid viscosity can only have been caused by a generally warmer body temperature in mammalian ancestors. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines South Africa Science By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. An exciting time This is an exciting time for our field. Until now, to reconstruct the evolution of endothermy, scientists only had access to skeletal features that questionably correlated with warm-bloodedness. Every attempt was a long shot to get any accurate results. The inner ear, as this research shows, changes this. We believe it may be the key to unlocking more knowledge about mammalian ancestors in future. Ricardo Miguel Nobrega Araujo, Junior Researcher, Universidade de Lisboa Julien Benoit, Senior Researcher in Vertebrate Palaeontology, University of the Witwatersrand Romain David, Postdoctoral Researcher, Natural History Museum Kenneth D. Angielczyk, Lecturer, University of Chicago Congress party leaders and MPs will hold protests against the BJP-led governments vendetta politics today as Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi is scheduled to appear before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with the National Herald case. Congress office Headquarters in Akbar Road has been shuttered by Shah Police, who tweeted, They know the power of Congress workers and their commitment. Since party headquarters are located at 24, Akbar Road, police have already made elaborate preparations and have sealed the road. Ashok Gehlot, chief minister of Rajasthan, as well as other top party officials and lawmakers, have already arrived in Delhi. According to Congress leader and former MP PL Punia, both Houses of Parliament will adjourn on Thursday. Following that, all Congress MPs will congregate at Pant Marg near Gurdwara Rakabganj and go together to the Congress headquarters. Punia further stated that remaining Congress leaders and AICC members will accompany Sonia Gandhi from party headquarters to the ED office. According to official sources, Sonia Gandhi will be required to testify in front of the investigators on Thursday around 11 am at the party headquarters at this location. Abhishek Banerjee, the general secretary of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), said on Thursday that the party will not participate in the next vote for vice president. He remarked As resolved in the meeting, TMC will not vote in the next VP elections. Both Margaret Alva of the opposition and Jagdeep Dhankar of the NDA would not get the backing of TMC in the vice presidential election. We are familiar with Jagdeep Dhankhars character as the Governor of West Bengal. He made a variety of attacks on both the Chief Minister and the Bengali people. Therefore, at all costs, we will not support the NDA candidate he said. According to the TMC MP, Margaret Alva was chosen as the vice presidential candidate by the opposition without contacting the TMC. He said, The Opposition announced the nominees without consulting the TMC, which has 35 MPs. TMC General Secretary stated Some of the names we suggested were being discussed. However, the name was chosen without our input. However, the Oppositions cohesion is not determined by the outcome of the President or Vice President elections. Mamata Banerjee and Alva get along well personally, but that doesnt matter. Mamata Banerjee and Hemanta Biswa Sarma, the chief minister of Assam, met with Dhankhar for three hours at the Darjeeling Governors House soon before he was named the vice president candidate. The results of the race between Droupadi Murmu, candidate for BJP-led NDA, and Yashwant Sinha, joint candidate for Opposition, will be announced today. The counting of vote in just concluded 15th Presidential election will begin at 11 am. The win will determine who would succeed current President Ram Nath Kovind as the nations fifteenth President. The results will be announced immediately following the counting, which will take place in Room 63 of Parliament House. The immediate vicinity of Room Number 63 has been designated as a quiet zone and a sanitized area. Only those with valid passes will be permitted entry into the counting hall, including counting officers, staff members assigned to assist the Rajya Sabha Secretary General, candidates and one authorised representative for each candidate, observers appointed by the Election Commission, and members of the media. The elections returning officer is PC Mody, secretary general of the Rajya Sabha. Election Commission allowed 736 voters, including 727 MPs and 9 MLAs, to cast ballots at the Parliament building; 728 (719 MPs and 9 MLAs) did so. At Parliament House, there was a 98.91% overall turnout. The vote was cast on July 18 and was carried out without incident. With several political parties endorsing the NDA candidate, Droupadi Murmu is thought to have a significant advantage in the race. Earlier on Monday, all states capitals other than the UTs of Puducherry and Delhi and the Parliament House saw the end of voting at 5 oclock. By July 19, plans had been established to return the polled ballot boxes from the states to Parliament House. People from Murmus birthplace Rairangpur, in the state of Odisha, have cooked treats in anticipation of her triumph in the race against Yashwant Sinha, the opposition candidate. In the midst of widespread demonstrations in province by bank depositors seeking the release of frozen cash, tanks from the Chinese Communist Party rumbled through the streets on Wednesday to intimidate Henan bank protesters. Local media claimed that there are rumours that tanks from the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army are defending Banks (Rizhao, Shandong Province). According to media reports, the event is related to Bank of China branch in Henans declaration that customer funds are investment items and cannot be withdrawn. It serves as a sorrowful reminder of terrible Tiananmen Square massacre that occurred on June 4, 1989, when Chinese government dispatched tanks and highly armed troops to clear Beijings Tiananmen Square, where student demonstrators had congregated for weeks to call for democracy and greater freedoms. The crackdown is avoided in classroom and closely regulated in the media and online. Despite assurances that depositors in Chinas Henan villages would receive their frozen funds returned in instalments, the first of which was due on July 15, just a small number of depositors have received the reimbursements, raising severe doubts about the banks reserve funds. Earlier on July 10, more than a thousand depositors gathered in front of the Peoples Bank of China branch in Zhengzhou to conduct their biggest demonstration to yet. Some bank depositors in Henan villages and towns were expected to receive their money returned on July 15 in accordance with a notification from the Henan Provincial Financial Supervision Bureau. Non-mainstream media, however, assert that only a tiny minority of depositors have really paid these payments. Additionally, there has been no mention of the reimbursement in Chinese state media. WEST HARTFORD Police say they are investigating the robbery of a Peoples Bank branch inside a Stop & Shop Wednesday afternoon. West Hartford Police were notified of a hold-up alarm at the bank inside the Stop & Shop on Newington Road around 2:20 p.m. Preliminary investigation has revealed that the bank was robbed and the suspects fled the scene prior to police arrival, West Hartford police said. No injuries were reported during the robbery. The incident was the fourth recent robbery of a Peoples Bank branch in Connecticut Stop & Shop stores. Police said robberies have also occurred in Watertown, Glastonbury and Newington. Anyone with information about the robbery can call West Hartford Police Department at 860-523-5203. Anonymous tips can also be left at whpdtips@westhartfordct.gov, or by phone at 860-570-8969. ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) A third-party auditor will review the New York state government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including efforts by the administration of the previous governor to downplay the number of deaths of nursing home residents. The state plans to select an auditor, who would have until late 2023 to deliver a final report, under a timeline released Tuesday by the office of current Gov. Kathy Hochul, a Democrat. Initial findings are expected in May. The report will include a planning guide for future emergencies and will explore issues from the transfer of nursing home patients to the reopening of schools and businesses to efforts to purchase needed medical supplies. The governor, who is running for her first full term in November and won the recent June Democratic gubernatorial primary, promised in mid-March to eventually launch a review of the states COVID-19 response. Critics, including Republicans and Democratic Assemblymember Ron Kim, have said the Hochul administration has waited far too long to launch an investigation. Hochul's spokesperson, Hazel Crampton-Hays, said the timing of the investigation is not connected to politics. "New Yorkers who have lived through being at the epicenter of a global pandemic, lost loved ones, and experienced economic hardship deserve a thoughtful, meaningful, and independent after action review, and we wont rush through this important work for the political calendar, Crampton-Hays said in a statement. Several state bodies have already probed the response to the pandemic in New York including an ongoing investigation into nursing homes led by state Attorney General Letitia James, a Democrat. It's unclear what new information this probe could uncover. The auditor will lack subpoena power, for example. That's in contrast to an investigation, overseen by James, into sexual harassment allegations against former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, a fellow Democrat. The auditor will also report directly to Hochuls office. In this regard, the flow of information is controlled by the governors office, not an independent commission, elder abuse attorney John Dalli said. The Democratic-led Legislature has failed to approve a bill to launch a bipartisan commission with subpoena power to probe New York's COVID-19 response in nursing homes. Kim said the auditors must probe the handling of COVID-19 outbreaks at nursing homes and other long-term care facilities, including the impact of the Cuomo administration's efforts to obscure the death toll by excluding out-of-facility deaths. That toll excluded the deaths of over 4,000 New Yorkers, according to numbers released by the state in January 2021 in the wake of a damning attorney general report. James' report also found a lack of infection controls at nursing homes put residents at increased risk of harm. What "was the intent behind hiding the accurate death toll numbers, which precluded the legislators from intervening sooner on behalf of their panicked constituents? Kim, a Queens lawmaker who has said his uncle died of suspected COVID-19 in a New York nursing home, said in a statement. Cuomo and his administration used that incomplete data to erroneously claim that New York's share of COVID-19 deaths of nursing home residents was among the nation's lowest. A March report by state Comptroller Tom DiNapoli called that claim misleading and said Cuomo officials should have known its data wasn't comparable to other states that included out-of-facility deaths. Kim also wants scrutiny of a March 2020 directive that barred nursing homes from rejecting recovering coronavirus patients being discharged from hospitals. James report found that directive may have contributed to increased risk of nursing home resident infection and subsequent fatalities. But James said the state needs additional data and analysis to conclusively prove such a link. Kim said auditors should investigate a state law that provided nursing homes and hospitals one of the broadest legal protections in the nation from both lawsuits and criminal prosecutions. Meanwhile, DiNapoli found persistent underinvestment in public health may have hampered New York's pandemic response, as local and state health agencies struggled with inadequate staffing. Hospitals fearing supply shortages in spring 2020 instituted policies in some cases requiring use of a single surgical mask for a week. In early 2020, as concern over COVID-19 mounted, Zucker repeatedly assured the public that New York had enough stockpiles of medical supplies. But AP's review of state expenditure reports found Zuckers agency only began spending far above average on medical supplies by March 19, when spending jumped from $1.6 million to $9 million. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate NEW HAVEN With two of Connecticuts 15 confirmed monkeypox cases being New Haven men in their 20s and 30s, city officials Thursday urged residents to consult a health care provider if they think theyve been exposed. City Health Director Maritza Bond said both local cases included mild symptoms and the men are recovering at home. The citys role, she said, is to perform contact tracing and monitor the individuals close contacts during the 3- to 21-day incubation period. We want to make sure that individuals who are diagnosed with monkeypox really isolate and avoid close contact with individuals within their own households, Bond said, advising preventative measures for families that include disinfecting shared spaces. In Connecticuts cases, Bond said, dominant symptoms include fatigue and blisters around genital area. However, other symptoms include headache, flu-like symptoms, fever and rashes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Bond said monkeypox could be mistaken for a sexually transmitted disease; and said monkeypox is in the same family as smallpox, with milder symptoms, but not related to chickenpox. The virus is found to spread through direct body contact including intimate physical contact such as cuddling, kissing and sex. Monkeypox also can spread through direct contact with an infectious rash, scabs or bodily fluids, and through touching items after infected individuals, according to the CDC. There have been 2,322 confirmed cases nationally, according to the CDC. Bond said the age range of confirmed infections is between 32-45 nationwide with a median age of 37. In Connecticut, she said positive cases have been found among people aged 20-60. Bond said cases we are seeing are predominantly affecting men having sex with men, but that the illness can affect anyone. Dr. Mehul Dalal, the citys community services administrator, said there can be stigma, shame and silence associated with behaviors of people being exposed, which sometimes are barriers preventing them from seeking treatment. Its important to not stigmatize the behaviors, from the public health perspective, because these people need care and the public health side, we need to identify them to stop further spread, Dalal said. The city partnered with Yale New Haven Hospital, Cornell Scott-Hill Health Center and Fair Haven Community Health Center to offer help with a high level of privacy and without judgment. Dr. Richard Martinello, YNHHs medical director of infection prevention, said the hospital has been working with local and state health entities to make sure residents are aware of how to prevent it and how people can access treatment and vaccinations. We do expect that were going to continue to see more cases of monkeypox in our community, Marinello said, but he expects that the spread will be under control. Currently, there are two vaccines available for monkeypox: Jynneos and ACAM2000. Jynneos is considered to be far safer because the live virus doesnt replicate, unlike ACAM2000 that still creates risk of transmission. According to a CT Insider report, Connecticut has a supply problem that prevents it from mass distribution. The state has received only 30 doses of the 132,074 Jynneos doses that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services have distributed nationwide. Even though the citys health department doesnt have vaccines in hand, Marinello said the hospital system has a small amount of vaccines, but theyre only specifically available for individuals who have been deemed to be at high risk of exposure. Yale New Haven Hospital offers a health call center for people who have questions about monkeypox. Residents can call 833-275-9644 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week. Testing is available on an appointment basis at Cornell Scott-Hill Health Center (203-503-3000) and Fair Haven Community Health Center (203-777-7411). Both clinics offer to see new patients and languages other than English are available. Walk-in patients can visit a Cornell Scott-Hill Health Center location at 428 Columbus Ave. chatwan.mongkol@hearstmediact.com This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate NEW HAVEN A Marine Corps veteran, a third-generation police officer and a SWAT instructor were among the latest crop of police promotions. The department held its promotion ceremony Wednesday evening at the Yale Art Gallery. At the top of the program, Bertram Ettienne and David Zannelli were promoted to assistant chief. Ettienne has been with the department since 2001. Law enforcement is in his blood, as his father is a retired Hartford police lieutenant, and his grandfather served as a police sub-inspector in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. In his career Ettienne has served in the departments internal affairs, street interdiction and drug enforcement units. He also leads the departments honor guard and works with the peer support program. Zannelli began his career in Middletown, R.I., transferring to New Haven in 2008. He has served in the street interdiction unit, on a federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives task force, and was a supervisor in the major crimes and homicide units. He also is a graduate of the police executive research forum senior management institute for police. He is the officer in charge of the professional standards and training division. In addition to the two new assistant chiefs, the department promoted several other officers to new ranks. Jonathan Caron, a six-year veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and leader of the departments crowd control unit, was promoted to sergeant. Jonathan Pleckaitis, a New Haven native who is a recipient of the Aldermanic Citation for solving four homicides, was also promoted to sergeant. Yessennia Agosto, a 21-year veteran of the department was promoted to lieutenant. Agosto has worked in the family services, robbery, missing persons, sexual assault and special investigations units. Nicholas Marcucio was promoted to captain. He is a 17-year NHPD veteran who holds a masters degree in criminal justice from the University of New Haven and leads the departments SWAT unit. Malian authorities on Wednesday ordered the Olivier Salgado, the spokesman of the United Nations peacekeeping mission, MINUSMA, to leave the country within 72 hours. The move comes after Mali's military government ordered the temporary suspension of troop rotations by MINUSMA. Mali has been at odds with its neighbors since the military seized power in August 2020. The recent arrest of the Ivorian soldiers further increased tensions between Mali and its neighbor Ivory Coast. Why is Mali expelling MINUSMA spokesman? Mali claimed that the 49 Ivorian soldiers were "mercenaries" who sought to topple the country's junta. They were arrested after arriving at Bamako airport aboard a special flight. In turn, Salgado said the soldiers were working for a German company contracted by MINUSMA. A Malian Foreign Ministry statement said the expulsion was due to social media posts. "This measure follows the series of contentious and unacceptable publications by the person assigned to social networks declaring, without any proof, that Malian authorities were informed ahead of time of the arrival of 49 Ivorian military soldiers," the ministry said. The UN, meanwhile, said it "deeply regrets" the requested departure of Olivier Salgado, MINUSMA's deputy director of communications. "It is important to note that the doctrine of persona non grata does not apply to United Nations personnel," deputy UN spokesman Farhan Haq told reporters in New York. What is MINUSMA? MINUSMA, or the United Nations' Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali, was created in 2013 to help the West African nation cope with a bloody jihadist campaign. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Mali International Organisations By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Mali has been battling an Islamist insurgency that emerged after an uprising in 2012 and has since spread to neighboring countries, killing thousands and displacing millions across West Africa's Sahel region. MINUSMA is one of the UN's biggest peacekeeping operations. According to the mission's website, it has 17,609 soldiers, police, civilians and volunteers deployed as of April this year. But it is also one of the most dangerous operations, with dozens of casualties of MINUSMA's personnel reported each year. Egypt, MINUSMA's biggest single troop contributor, said last week it would "temporarily suspend" its participation in operations after seven of its troops were killed this year. France and Germany have been involved in MINUSMA. However, Paris announced earlier this year that it would withdraw its troops. Berlin, on the other hand, is set to increase German participation in MINUSMA. The EU is also involved in two training missions in Mali -- the EUTM and the EUCAP -- alongside MINUSMA, but the bloc is reducing its operations due to continued cooperation between Russian mercenaries and Mali's junta. (AFP, AP, Reuters) Ben Lambert / Hearst Connecticut Media / NEW HAVEN Firefighters extinguished a two-alarm blaze at the former Strong School on Wednesday, officials said. The fire occurred around 1 p.m., officials said on Twitter. The building was vacant, but was being used by the Board of Education for storage, Assistant Chief Justin McCarthy said in an email. Ben Lambert / Hearst Connecticut Media / HAMDEN A town man was shot Thursday morning after being carjacked by two individuals, according to police. Officers responded around 6 a.m. to Third Street near Dixwell Avenue where they found a man suffering from a gunshot wound to his lower extremities, Detective Sean Dolan said. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate WEST HAVEN Like any normal Thursday morning, Michele Dalton was stepping into the shower around 8:30 a.m. when suddenly she heard a faint boom. Ten minutes later, another boom, one she said shook the foundation of her First Avenue home. Things fell off the wall. That is how much impact it had, said Dalton. Sue Duda, a neighbor about one block away, exited her home to see a porch light had come loose during the commotion and shattered. The first explosion we thought was a transformer exploding, but the second was so loud, Duda said. Neighbors said they believed there were about four explosions. They observed a new piece of plywood covering a newly-created hole in one of the homes kept behind the chain-link fence where a new outlet mall is expected to be built. That project, The Haven, has been stalled for years to the chagrin of neighbors who say the site is an eyesore that blocks views of the water, attracts rodents and fires, and sees police and fire officials conducting training drills. West Haven Police Chief Joseph Perno confirmed that his department was aware other agencies would be doing training at the site of The Haven Thursday morning. There is an understanding with the property manager, he said. While residents have no doubt they were rattled by multiple explosions, no police department took credit for conducting any training drills in the area Thursday. According to West Haven Executive Assistant to the Mayor Lou Esposito, the mayors office was told it was a joint police training exercise between Stamford and New Haven police. New Haven Assistant Chief David Zannelli said it was his understanding that West Havens SWAT team was conducting drills in the area. Perno said West Haven police did not conduct any drills in the area. A Stamford police dispatcher said he did not have any knowledge about training exercises happening in West Haven Thursday. Esposito, who was told by city police that it was a joint exercise between New Haven and Stamford police, said the city would be sending letters to other police departments to ensure that it does not happen again. Regardless of who was doing what, residents in the area said they had no prior warning about any drills or explosions. We have no idea what happened other than there were explosions going on in our neighborhood, said First Avenue neighbor Nathan Wrann. Neighbor Kelly Grant said she found it insane and ridiculous that there was no notification. This is not OK, she said. Neighbor Rita Marcinkus said that the unexpected explosions Thursday morning were frightening to her within the larger context of a national environment of mass shootings and violence. I have confidence that our mayor and elected officials will make sure that this does not occur again, Marcinkus said. Wrann said neighbors are accustomed to public safety drills in the area of The Haven development site, but when you start blowing stuff up, thats the end of our patience. Its a shame. I think theyve forgotten we are still a residential neighborhood where there are elderly and children. Its not acceptable and weve tolerated so much, Duda said. Somethings got to give. Councilwoman Sarah Ackbarali, D-3, said that if any buildings were to be demolished on The Haven property, she would request any future demolition efforts at The Haven be posted publicly so residents would not be taken by surprise. In addition, I will be requesting the same of any Police or Fire Departments utilizing the site for training to give prior public notice if any of their activities may cause potential alarm to any of the residents near and around the Haven site, Ackbarali said in a statement. State Rep. Dorinda Borer, D-West Haven, visited neighbors in the area to hear their experiences. She said she was perplexed by the lack of communication to neighbors and between departments. Borer and other members of the state delegation have joined city officials in urging Simon Property Group, owner of The Haven, to tear down some of the old, rotted homes remaining on the property. However, no demolition permits have been pulled and there are outstanding concerns about remediating the structures of asbestos prior to pulling them down. Neighbors said it doesnt make sense that a training exercise could blow a hole through a building that has not been properly remediated. There was no notification here and no permits, said Aaron Charney, a former city councilman who represented the area in the citys 3rd District. Charney said he heard the loudest explosion from roughly three blocks away as he was mowing his lawn while wearing headphones. However, the sound of the explosions reportedly traveled farther than West Haven. Branford resident Collin Watson said he was on his back deck at home, which faces the East Haven border, when he heard an aggressively loud sound. Im 49, and that third explosion, Ive never heard anything that loud in my life, he said. Watson said his first instinct was to see if there were any news reports on what he thought could have been a chemical explosion before asking neighbors in a Facebook community group if they had heard what he heard. brian.zahn@hearstmediact.com Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State has said efforts are ongoing to resolve the crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, ahead of... Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State has said efforts are ongoing to resolve the crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, ahead of the 2023 elections. Ortom said the PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar reached out to him to pacify Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State. He expressed hope that Wike would be pacified and work with Atiku towards ensuring the party returns to power in 2023. Speaking with Arise TV on Thursday, the governor explained his relationship with Wike. Ortom recounted how Wike stood by him when Benue State was under siege by Fulani herders. He said: Efforts are on to resolve the crisis in the party. Our presidential candidate has reached out to me to pacify Wike. Wike stood with me at my worst time when my state was under siege. I believe working with Wike will help get a better result. Once Wike is pacified, I will also be pacified. The issue is not about our personal interests but about Nigeria. You will agree that Nigeria is under siege by a cabal that wants to enslave everybody. We have been brought from top to bottom; we need everybody to come together to see how we can rescue our country. Wike is believed to be aggrieved with Atiku and PDPs leadership over the choice of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State as the partys presidential running mate. Atiku had ignored the recommendation of a committee he set up to pick his running mate. The committee had picked the Rivers helmsman, who came second during the partys presidential primaries, but Atiku opted for Okowa. The Zamfara State Governor, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, Wednesday, directed traditional institutions in the state to seek approval from the state government before awarding and conferring traditional titles on individuals. The governor warned traditional rulers in the state against appointing individuals into traditional offices without securing official permission and clearance from the state government. Matawalle, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Public Enlightenment, Media and Communications, Zailani Bappa, said the directive was necessary in order to check indiscriminate award and abuse of the traditional institutions. THISDAY gathered that the directive is sequel to the recent installation of a notorious terrorist leader in the state, Adamu Aliero, as Sarkin Fulanin Yandoto by the now suspended Emir of Birnin Yandoto in Tsafe Local Government Area, Aliyu Garba Marafa. The governor, while noting that compliance to the directive was mandatory for all the emirs, district heads and ward heads, said failure to adhere to it would attract serious reprimand from the state government. The statement read in part: "All emirs, senior district heads and district heads in the state are hereby directed to officially seek permission from the state government before conferring traditional titles on anyone. "The directive becomes necessary in order to check indiscriminate award and possible abuse of the traditional institution. "Henceforth, no Emir, Senior District Head or District Head should appoint anybody into any traditional office without securing official permission and clearance from the state government. "Compliance to this directive is now mandatory and failure to it will attract serious reprimand from the state government." President Muhammadu Buhari, on Thursday, presided over the National Security Council meeting. The meeting was held at the Council Chambers, ... President Muhammadu Buhari, on Thursday, presided over the National Security Council meeting. The meeting was held at the Council Chambers, State House, Abuja. Bashir Ahmad, a former aide to Buhari, disclosed this in a tweet via his Twitter handle. He tweeted: Security briefing currently holding at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja. In attendance are Chief of Defense Staff, General Lucky Irabor; Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen Farouk Yahaya; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo; and the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Isiaka Amao. Others include the Inspector-General of Police, Alkali Usman; the Director-General of the Department of State Service, Yusuf Bichi; and the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Ahmed Abubakar. Abba Kyari, suspended deputy commissioner of police (DCP), says he hid like a rat during the recent attack on the correctional facility in... Abba Kyari, suspended deputy commissioner of police (DCP), says he hid like a rat during the recent attack on the correctional facility in Kuje, federal capital territory (FCT). On July 5, 2022, gunmen attacked the Kuje correctional facility and freed over 500 inmates, including suspected members of Boko Haram. Although there were rumours that Kyari and other high profile inmates escaped, Abubakar Umar, spokesperson of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), denied the claim. Moving another bail application at the court session on Wednesday, Kyari, through his lawyer, Onyechi Ikpeazu, told the court that he had the opportunity to escape but declined to do so. He said the invasion of the correctional facility has established a special and exceptional circumstance that should warrant the court to release him and his co-defendant on bail, pending the determination of the drug trafficking charge. My lord, every living soul in this country will agree that there was not just a breach, but that there was a grand terrorist attack by an organisation that not only successfully invaded the Kuje prison, but took control of it for over three hours, Ikpeazu said. However, the applicant, being a law-abiding citizen, refused to take off. If there is anything to establish that the defendants will not jump bail, it was that circumstance. The gates of the prison were left open for over three hours. In fact, the defendant hid like a rat, because the organisation that conducted the attack went from cell to cell, saying they want to take him and the others to the desert. I dont know where else in the world, where certified crime fighters that have endangered their lives and abandoned their families to serve the country, are kept in the same cubicle with same criminals they made their arrest possible, with some of them facing death penalty. These people have suffered. They are traumatised by the events of that night. You can imagine what it felt like, witnessing the attackers planting explosives everywhere in the prison. The lawyer also said the defendants anticipated that the prison facility could be attacked, which was why they applied for bail previously but were denied. He submitted that the defendants cannot interfere with the witnesses the prosecution intends to call. They cannot even have access to the two convicts that are presently under the protection of the powerful prison service, he said Moreover, there is a constitutional presumption of innocence in favour of the defendants. Making his submission, Gboyega Oyewole, counsel to the second defendant, accused the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) of lying in their affidavit that no death was recorded, adding that a security operative was killed during the attack. But Sunday Joseph, counsel to the NDLEA, opposed the bail application. He said there is no proof that Kyari is being held with criminals, adding that no prisoner should receive special treatment in accordance with the law. He also said there was nothing shown to the court that would cause it to alter its prior decision to deny the defendants bail. We, therefore, urge your lordship to refuse the application, he said. Meanwhile, Emeka Nwite, the trial judge, adjourned ruling on the defendants fresh applications for bail till August 30. Kyari was, on March 7, arraigned alongside Sunday Ubia, Bawa James, Simon Agirigba and John Nuhu, who are members of the police intelligence response team (IRT), over allegations of drug trafficking. Others are Chibunna Patrick Umeibe and Emeka Alphonsus Ezenwanne, who were arrested at the Akanu Ibiam international airport, Enugu. Umeibe and Ezenwanne, who pleaded guilty upon arraignment, entered a plea bargain with the NDLEA and have been sentenced to two years imprisonment. The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Examinations (JAMB) has said it will no longer consider the Alevel results by the National Busines... The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Examinations (JAMB) has said it will no longer consider the Alevel results by the National Business and Technical Education Board (NABTEB) for candidates seeking to gain direct entry admissions to tertiary institutions. Professor Ishaq Oloyede, the registrar of JAMB, disclosed this during the 2022 policy meeting. He said, The Honorable Minister of education has approved that the NABTEB Alevel GCE will no longer be recognized as a qualification for DE from 2022. However, all those who have already obtained it prior to this date will be able to use it. Meanwhile, JAMB had earlier approved 140 and above as the national minimum cut-off mark for admission into public universities in 2022. It also approved 120 cut-off marks for polytechnics in Nigeria. The African Action Congress presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has knocked the Peoples Democratic Party presidential candidate, Atiku A... The African Action Congress presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has knocked the Peoples Democratic Party presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, over what he described as his pretense over the national grid collapse. Nigerias power grid collapsed again on Wednesday, as it crashed from the 3,921.8 megawatts that was generated at 6am to as low as 50MW around 12.23pm, causing a widespread blackout across the country. Industry figures obtained from the Federal Ministry of Power in Abuja showed that power generation on the grid had hit a peak of 4,091.6MW on Tuesday. But this dropped to 3,921.8MW on Wednesday morning, before crashing to about 50MW, a development that led to the eventual collapse of the national electricity grid. However, Atiku had while reacting to the news of the grid collapse, proposed what he described as innovative financing of infrastructure that would facilitate private sector investment in the power sector. In a series of tweets on his Twitter handle on Wednesday, Atiku wrote, I am reliably informed that there was a total National Grid Collapse at precisely 12:23pm today. This is one collapse too many. It is the 6th time this is happening this year alone. Due to the priority that I place on the power sector upon which the successes of other sectors are hinged, I am proposing innovative financing of infrastructure that will involve the facilitation of a review of the financial, legal, and regulatory environment to promote private investment in power, among other sectors. Ill promote the incentivisation, with tax breaks, a consortium of private sector institutions to establish an Infrastructure Debt Fund (IDF) to primarily mobilise domestic and international private resources for the financing and delivery of large infrastructure projects across all the sectors of the economy. The IDF will have an initial investment capacity of approximately US$20 billion. In addition, Ill cause the creation of an Infrastructure Development Credit Guarantee Agency to complement the operation of the IDF by de-risking investments in infrastructure to build investor confidence in taking risks and investing capital. -AA But reacting to Atikus intervention, Sowore alleged that the mismanagement of President Olusegun Obasanjos administration under which Atiku served as Vice President was responsible for the recurrent grid collapse. He wrote, The National Electrical grid collapse started when you and Obasanjo invested $16 billion to procure darkness for Nigeria, the @MBuhari regime came to gazette grid collapse as a law. Alhaji @atiku, dont pretend that you care about the National Grid! #WeCantContinueLikeThis The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) says it has suspended Dana Airlines air transport licence (ATL) and air operator certificate (... The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) says it has suspended Dana Airlines air transport licence (ATL) and air operator certificate (AOC) indefinitely. NCAA announced the suspension on Wednesday in a statement signed by Musa Nuhu, its director-general. The authority said it suspended the operating licences after discovering that the airline is no longer in a position to meet its financial obligations and to conduct safe flight operations. According to NCAA, the suspension takes effect from midnight on Wednesday, July 20, 2022. NEWS RELEASE NCAA Suspends DANA Airlines Operations with Immediate Effect The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA)has suspended Dana Airlines'Air Transport Licence (ATL) and Air Operator Certificate (AOC) indefinitely,with effect from midnight of Wednesday,20th July, 2022 Nigerian CAA (@NigerianCAA) July 20, 2022 The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has suspended Dana AirlinesAir Transport Licence (ATL) and Air Operator Certificate (AOC) indefinitely, with effect from midnight of Wednesday,20th July 2022, NCAA said. The suspension was made pursuant to Section 35(2), 3(b), and (4) of the Civil Aviation Act, 2006 and Part 1.3.3.3(a)(1) of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (http://Nig.CARs), 2015. The decision is the outcome of a financial and economic health audit carried out on the airline by the authority, and the findings of an investigation conducted on the airlines flight operations recently, which revealed that Dana Airlines is no longer in a position to meet its financial obligations and to conduct safe flight operations. The NCAA acknowledges the negative effect this preemptive decision will have on the Airlines passengers and the travelling public and seeks their understanding, as the safety of flight operations takes priority over all other considerations. This year, the airline has reported two incidents with its aircraft. On Tuesday, the airline made an emergency landing at the Nnamdi Azikwe international airport in Abuja. The management said 100 passengers on the Abuja-bound aircraft were disembarked safely. Our Abuja-bound Boeing 737 aircraft with the registration number (5N DNA) embarked on an emergency landing today 19th July 2022, due to an indication on one of its engines, the statement had read. In May, over 50 passengers were rescued when fire gutted the tyres of an aircraft operated by Dana Air in Port Harcourt. In 2012, the federal government also grounded Dana Air after its passenger plane carrying 153 people crashed in Lagos. Godwin Emefiele, governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), says Nigerians now shamefully pay dollars to study in universities in ne... Godwin Emefiele, governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), says Nigerians now shamefully pay dollars to study in universities in neighbouring West African countries. Emefiele said this on Tuesday while responding to questions from journalists after the monetary policy committee (MPC) briefing in Abuja. He condemned the pervasiveness of educational and medical tourism as he discussed the impact of CBNs interventions in both sectors. The apex banks governor noted that a combination of medical and educational tourism costs the country a total of $10 billion, and asked all stakeholders to work together in bringing an end to it. Our interest in this is that it reduces medical tourism. Medical tourism today, in Nigeria, consumed nothing less than $10 billion. At least $10 billion is what we spend in a combination of medical tourism and educational tourism, Emefiele said. Nigerians now go to school shamefully in some of our neighboring West African countries and they pay dollars. I do understand the feelings of ASUU, the feelings of our lecturers, but they need also to know that by keeping these children at home, their parents, looking at them, it is a dangerous trend that we all must place our hands on deck and see what can be done to stop what is happening in educational tourism in Nigeria. But again, I must say that Im happy that there are very strong private universities that have sprung up in Nigeria. And we can only just continue to encourage them so as to continue to lift the standards of education in Nigeria. Lets not forget ladies and gentlemen, people see that health and education are the bedrock of development of any country. We cannot afford to relegate them to the background. So everything that needs to be done to improve the level of health care and education in Nigeria. We should all put our hands on deck to get this done. But I repeat your selfish interest of CBN here is that we need to stop medical and educational tourism in Nigeria. Further speaking on medical tourism, Emefiele commended Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo for patronising a Nigerian hospital for his recent surgery. He said Osinbajos act was exemplary and proves that world-class hospitals exist in the country. First, let me seize this opportunity to wish His Excellency the Vice-President well, and quick recovery after his successful surgery at Dutchess International Hospital here in Lagos. I thank the Vice-President, because what he has done is to set an exemplary example to say that in Nigeria, you can go to a hospital and get treated no matter how highly placed that you are he said. Eedris Abdulkareem, the Nigerian rapper, has confirmed a GoFundMe account created on his behalf by friends to facilitate his kidney transp... Eedris Abdulkareem, the Nigerian rapper, has confirmed a GoFundMe account created on his behalf by friends to facilitate his kidney transplant. The Jaga Jaga crooner was recently diagnosed with kidney failure and is currently undergoing dialysis. Abdulkareem is expected to undergo a kidney transplant on July 27. Reports have it that Yetunde, the wife of the rapper, will be his kidney donor. In an Instagram post on Thursday, the music star said he authorised the creation of the GoFundMe after persuasion from his fans and friends. Abdulkareem also said he feels better, strong and agile in body and soul ahead of the surgery. The rapper appreciated his fans, friends and family members for their support. Firstly, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks and appreciation to you all for the unalloyed love and care you have shown me since this sad news broke. I sincerely appreciate and love you all for this outpouring of genuine love and care, he wrote. However, based on the requests I have been receiving on the need for GoFundMe activities, I want to assure everyone that the activity is now on. Just click on my Instagram website for the gofundme link. I am feeling better, strong and agile in body and soul, while awaiting the doctors summons for the surgery procedures scheduled for anytime from now. Prayers, faith and staunch belief in Gods awesome works drives me. Watertown, NY (13601) Today Rain showers this evening with overcast skies overnight. Thunder possible. Low near 60F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%.. Tonight Rain showers this evening with overcast skies overnight. Thunder possible. Low near 60F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%. Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has expressed the desire to to complete ongoing restructuring at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC). Daily Trust had reported how President Muhammadu Buhari, on Tuesday, unveiled the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd), transitioning from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) after 45 years of being a public oil firm. NNPCL, which is said to be the largest oil company in Africa, came into existence after the signing of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA). Before the PIA was signed, Atiku, who lost the 2019 Presidential election to President Muhammadu Buhari, had announced his plan to privatise NNPC. At the time, his critics accused him of attempting to sell NNPC to his friends and cronies. Reacting to the latest developments at the NNPC, Atiku said despite being denigrated by the APC administration in 2019, the Buhari led administration has now taken a step along the lines of his suggestions. The PDP Presidential candidate in next year's election said the ongoing restructuring is far from what he envisaged. He, however, said he hope to turn the NNPC into a world-class firm if he becomes president. "I had in 2018 made public my plans to reform the NNPC to make it more profitable, transparent and efficient. The APC-led government denigrated me for my patriotic vision." "But today, I am happy to note that the same government has taken a tentative step along the lines of the suggestions that I had made. It is a step in the right direction, but we are still far from what I had envisaged. "I hope I'll have the opportunity to complete the process of turning the NNPC into a genuinely world-class company in the mould of NLNG, Aramco of Saudi Arabia and Petrobras of Brazil, where Nigerians and institutions will invest in," Atiku posted on Twitter. With access to the right ingredients and some diligence in using them properly, a great cocktail can come together just about anywhere. But New Orleans brings something else to the bar. Theres cocktail history here and cocktail culture, and a sense of this city as the heartland of the American cocktail. Tales of the Cocktail helps bring that into focus, and next week it returns (July 25-29) for the first full, in-person rendition after two years of staging virtual conferences through the pandemic. This event draws people from the realm of cocktails around the globe to New Orleans to network, learn and party. Its evolved over the past two decades through a time when a cocktail renaissance was taking root. Along the way it moved New Orleans to the forefront of an evolving drinks industry. The Tales of the Cocktail name and experiences in New Orleans racked up from it are common threads of conversation around the bar business. The event brings a needed boost to the local hospitality sector, arriving in late July each year when tourism is slow. Its last full edition in 2019 had an estimated economic impact of $18 million, according to the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation, the nonprofit that took over and recast the event in 2018. This year though, that boost may extend in different ways, and beyond the bottom line. Convening community All facets of the hospitality sector have taken a beating through the pandemic. There was the loss of business and also the unenviable role people in the field were forced to play amid all the social strife around the crisis. Restaurants and bars were too often that face-to-face flashpoint for angst over rules and mandates made far from their doors. While today theres a sense of getting back to normal, theres also an unmistakable exhaustion from the journey. Theres a malaise out there. People still feel cut off from each other, and thats why coming together for something like this is important, said Neal Bodenheimer, who with his partners runs Cure, Cane & Table, Vals and Peychauds. Hes also founding co-chairman of the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation alongside Gary Solomon Jr. Community, and reconvening, is a big part of this years event, and Bodenheimer is counting on it bringing a recharge for people who take part. One of the things that has made Tales special over the years is how it connects people to something bigger through their work, Bodenheimer said. Food and restaurant news in your inbox Every Thursday we give you the scoop on NOLA dining. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up You might work in a bar in your town somewhere across the world, but when you come together here you realize youre part of this massive community. Youre practicing a real professional trade, with history, tradition, and I think theres something really special about that. Pros and aficionados The Tales of the Cocktail calendar is packed with events aimed at people in the bar and spirits business, from practical know-how and evolving trends to issues of wellness and equity in the profession. Theres also plenty for New Orleans people and visitors who are more aficionados of the cocktail than pros. Tales of the Cocktail has a new home base this year at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel (921 Canal St.). Different spirits brands create a circuit of tasting rooms around the hotel, like boozy versions of convention tabling. Walk from one to the next and you can sample whats new or dive deep into the range of a particular portfolio of spirits side by side. Event tickets are required. All across the city, restaurants and bars host special nights, some by invitation only, some open to the public. Restaurants around the city host special dinners with cocktail pairings; bars host happy hours with guest brands and bartenders from around the world. You can catch up with whats happening at talesofthecocktail.org/events (pick the event listing filters for Spirited Dinners and "Spirited Drinking" to find events like these). And then theres one big annual outdoor party at the end of Tales of the Cocktail, which this year takes a different turn. Pig & Punch is a benefit put on by the Bon Vivants, a group of bar pros in San Francisco, who also organize a program of volunteer service in the community. This year theyre hosting a block party on the 600 block of Frenchmen Street, with food from Hogs for the Cause teams, music presented by the Frenchmen Street club DBA, and various punches to sip. Tickets are $40. Proceeds and matching funds from partners benefit KIPP New Orleans Schools, the Bon Vivants Scholarship, the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation and Hogs for the Cause. Get tickets, schedules and find an even app at talesofthecocktail.org. +13 How this nonprofit is Turning Tables for Black bartenders, tackling industry racial inequality Watching bartenders at work, Alana Peck always saw something that called to her. It was how they hosted guests, created an atmosphere, shared +13 Saturn Bar reopens, new owners bring back a nearly lost New Orleans legend The ancient neon fixtures have shimmered back to life over the bar. Space is cleared in the back room for bands to set up. And the first few p +7 Two French Quarter bars make Esquire magazines best bars in America list A balanced blend of spirits for fine cocktails and a nuanced mix of classic and contemporary are defining features of both Jewel of the South No cure needed for these summertime blues: The berry best recipes start with a breakfast cake Suspended DCP Abba Kyari has narrated how he hid from the terrorists who invaded Kuje custodial centre in Abuja. On 5 July, the Boko Haram breakaway faction, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), led an attack on the custodial centre. Speaking through Onyekachi Ikpeazu, his counsel, on Wednesday, Kyari prayed to a Federal High Court in Abuja to grant him bail. "My lord, every living soul in this country will agree that there was not just a breach, but that there was a grand terrorist attack by an organisation that not only successfully invaded the Kuje prison, but took control of it for over three hours. However, the applicant, being a law-abiding citizen, refused to take off. "If there is anything to establish that the defendants will not jump bail, it was that circumstance. The gates of the prison were left open for over three hours. "In fact, the defendant hid like a rat, because the organisation that conducted the attack went from cell to cell, saying they want to take him and the others to the desert. I don't know where else in the world, where certified crime fighters that have endangered their lives and abandoned their families to serve the country, are kept in the same cubicle with same criminals they made their arrest possible, with some of them facing death penalty." The Federal Government said 879 detainees escaped, including all 68 imprisoned Boko Haram members. Kyari and other officers of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP)'s Intelligence Response Team (IRT), through their counsel, told Justice Emeka Nwite that their lives are in danger in the custodial facility. Moving the motion for bail, Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN, who appeared for 1st (Kyari), 4th and 5th defendants, said granting his clients bail was a necessity because their lives are no longer safe where they are currently detained. He said the officers who had performed excellently well in their profession by apprehending dangerous and high-profile criminals, most of who are in the same prison with them, should not be kept in the facility. Ikpeazu urged the court to admit them to bail on liberal terms. Also, Gboyega Oyewole, counsel for the 2nd defendant, spoke in the same vein. But the lawyer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Sunday Joseph, disagreed with the defence counsel. He urged the court to dismiss the bail application. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Nigeria Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Justice Nwite adjourned the matter until Aug. 30 for a ruling. Earlier in the trial, NDLEA's lawyer, Joseph, tendered the sum of 61, 400 dollars allegedly used by suspended DCP Abba Kyari to bribe the agency's officer in the drug trafficking suit preferred against him and four other police officers. Joseph tendered the cash in the open court before the judge when the third prosecution witness, Peter Joshua, was being led in evidence in the trial of the suspended IRT members. At the resumed trial, Joshua, who works at the NDLEA, FCT Command as an Exhibit Officer, testified against Kyari and his men. Justice Nwite admitted the cash in evidence as Exhibit 11 after the defence counsel did not oppose to the application. NAN reports that the NDLEA had alleged that it had a photo and video evidence against the suspended head of the Intelligence Response Team, DCP Kyari, who negotiated the release of 25kg of cocaine from the agency in Abuja. WASHINGTON President Joe Biden tested positive for COVID-19 on Thursday, underscoring the persistence of the highly contagious virus as new variants challenge the nation's efforts to resume normalcy after two and a half years of pandemic disruptions. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said that Biden was experiencing mild symptoms" and has begun taking Paxlovid, an antiviral drug designed to reduce the severity of the disease. Related: See Louisiana COVID numbers, including cases and deaths She said Biden will isolate at the White House and will continue to carry out all of his duties fully during that time. He has been in contact with members of the White House staff by phone this morning, and will participate in his planned meetings at the White House this morning via phone and Zoom from the residence. Biden, 79, is fully vaccinated, after getting two doses of the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine shortly before taking office, a first booster shot in September and an additional dose March 30. Defy the odds Up to this point, Bidens ability to avoid the virus seemed to defy the odds, even with the testing procedures in place for those expected to be in close contact with him. Prior waves of the virus swept through Washingtons political class, infecting Vice President Kamala Harris, Cabinet members, White House staffers and lawmakers. Biden has increasingly stepped up his travel schedule and resumed holding large indoor events where not everyone is tested. Top White House officials in recent months have been matter-of-fact about the likelihood of the president getting COVID, a measure of how engrained the virus has become in society and of its diminished threat for those who are up to date on their vaccinations and with access to treatments. When administered within five days of symptoms appearing, Paxlovid, produced by drugmaker Pfizer, has been proven to bring about a 90% reduction in hospitalizations and deaths among patients most likely to get severe disease. Worth the risk In an April 30 speech to more than 2,600 attendees at the White House Correspondents Association dinner, Biden acknowledged the risks of attending large events, but said it was worthwhile to attend. I know there are questions about whether we should gather here tonight because of COVID, he said. Well, were here to show the country that were getting through this pandemic. Biden is far from the first world leader and not the first U.S. president to get the coronavirus, which has infected British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, French President Emmanuel Macron and more than a dozen other leaders and high-ranking officials globally. When Bidens predecessor, President Donald Trump, contracted the disease in October 2020, it was a far different time. Vaccines were not available and treatment options were limited and less advanced. After being diagnosed with COVID-19 at the White House, Trump was given an experimental antibody treatment and steroids after his blood oxygen levels fell dangerously low. He was hospitalized at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for three days. While much of the world has resumed normal rhythms after the early lockdowns to control spikes in cases and deaths, the virus still serves as a disrupter in daily life as people are forced to change plans, isolate and calculate the risks of taking part in various activities. And after more than two years and over a million deaths in the U.S., the virus is still killing an average of 353 people a day in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The unvaccinated are at far greater risk, more than two times more likely to test positive and nine times more likely to die from the virus than those who have received at least a primary dose of the vaccines, according to the public health agency. Health news in your inbox Reporter Emily Woodruff shares weekly updates and insights on local health news, including COVID coverage and medical research. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up COVID protocols at White House The White House has faced a flurry of questions about COVID-19 protocols surrounding the president. The spring Washington outbreak came weeks after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention eased face-covering guidance in most of the U.S. As the virus crept closer to Biden, then-White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Biden believed it to be vitally important to him, to his presidency, to the American people, to travel and continue to host large events. She added of Biden, Just like many Americans, he makes risk assessments. Uptick in Louisiana COVID cases as new variants blamed for 'wave within a wave' The slow and gradually building sixth wave of the coronavirus in Louisiana appeared to make a sharp upward turn on Monday, as case counts soar The highly transmissible omicron variant is the dominant strain in the U.S., but scientists say it poses a lower risk for severe illness to those who are up to date on their vaccinations. The BA.5 sub-strain, believed to be even more contagious, now makes up more than 65% of U.S. cases. Theres a lot of infections across America, White House COVID-19 coordinator Dr. Ashish Jha said May 18, blaming the highly-transmissible variants, as well as relaxing mitigation measures like mask requirements. The coronavirus pandemic helped put Biden in the White House, as he pledged to handle COVID-19 better than his predecessor. After initial months of success surging the nations supply and availability of vaccines, the virus became a morass for the Democrat in the first year of his presidency, as he struggled to boost the countrys vaccination rate and to stay ahead of the unpredictable disease. Sense of normalcy As cases sharply declined earlier this year, Biden again highlighted his administrations efforts to end the pandemic and help the nation regain a sense of normalcy. In his State of the Union address on March 1, Biden said it was safe for most Americans to resume their normal pre-pandemic activities, citing declining case rates, vaccinations and newly developed therapeutics. Tonight, I can say we are moving forward safely, back to more normal routines, he said. Its time for Americans to get back to work and fill our great downtowns again. Caution with BA.5 variant Yet in recent weeks, U.S. officials have called for the public to exercise caution once again over the BA.5 variant, and appealed to the public to seek out booster shots if eligible and for most Americans to consider whether they should wear a face mask in public indoor settings. We should not let it disrupt our lives, Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nations top infectious disease expert said July 12, but we cannot deny that it is a reality that we need to deal with. The White House has sought to go above and beyond public health guidelines to protect the president, with all visitors and staff, required to attest to their vaccination status or submit to daily tests. Additionally, people expected to be in close proximity to Biden are tested daily. Still, Biden has increasingly demonstrated a willingness to participate in larger, indoor events in recent months riskier activities for contracting the virus and many have had people not wearing masks. White House officials say Biden was intent on showing he can fulfill his presidential responsibilities without fear of the virus, believing he was well protected against severe outcomes His doctors are comfortable that he could continue to carry out his duties because of all these steps and precautions and protections hes taken, Psaki said on April 8. In studies, the vaccines most widely used in the U.S. have been found to protect against severe illness and hospitalization, but new cases have emerged even among those who are fully vaccinated. analysis A bizarre sight welcomes anybody who enters the home of Asia Bianca and her husband in the Kenyan coastal town of Malindi. An infant's slippers, strewn with cigarette waste and drug paraphernalia. This is no ordinary home. The slippers belonged to their little daughter, who died six months after she was born. "When we went to bed, she was fine. Then when I woke up, she was foaming at the mouth. So I got scared and hoped when I was high on heroin that I hadn't placed my hand or leg on her, causing her to suffocate," a visibly downcast Bianca tells DW. Despite doctors ruling out her fears, Bianca still carries the guilt of her daughter's death. The 20-year-old and her husband are some of the 3,000 active injecting drug users in Malindi. She says she was introduced to the habit by her ex-boyfriend, who used to lace her cigarettes with heroin secretly. By the time she realized what was happening, she was already hooked. What is drug and substance abuse? The World Health Organization (WHO) describes substance abuse as the harmful or hazardous use of psychoactive substances, including alcohol and illicit drugs. It says that illicit drug use has adverse health and social consequences because it puts a heavy financial burden on users, their families and society. "The government has forgotten us. We are left homeless, sick at home, or sick in the streets, so we have no choice but to support each other," Yassir Abdallah, a recovering addict in Malindi, told DW. The UN estimates that by 2030, the number of drug users in Africa will have increased by 40%. Across the continent, drug addicts often face discrimination and a lack of support, making it difficult for them to regain their lives even if they stop using. "Such persons need treatment and critical attention," said Richard Opare, a former addict who is now a drug addiction management professional in Ghana's capital, Accra. "When they walk into the [rehabilitation] centers, many of the drug addicts are not ready," he said. He explained that there was a screening system to determine which drug(s) an addict had used. Afterwards, therapists conducted an assessment to ascertain the severity of the problem. He said that drug addicts were given medical attention through the detox stage to ensure that they got better. Heroin and cocaine on the beach Best known for its white sandy beaches and Italian tourists, Malindi is home to one of the biggest group of heroin addicts in Kenya. Like most coastal towns in the East African country, it is used by international traffickers as a transit point for drugs transported from Afghanistan to the West. According to the UN drugs agency (UNODC), the most often used illicit drug on the continent is currently cannabis. The second most frequently used class of drugs are amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS), which include "ecstasy" and methamphetamine. However, more and more drug users are beginning to inject substances, though the practice is deemed particularly risky as sharing contaminated needles and syringes can transmit viruses such as HIV and Hepatitis B, and C. In West Africa, Guinea-Bissau is also an important hub for drug trafficking -- especially for cocaine. It began its transformation into a narco-state in 2005, when former president Joao Bernardo "Nino" Vieira -- who had ruled the country with an iron fist from 1980 to 1999 -- was reelected after returning from six years of exile in Portugal. "The drug lords feel right at home in Guinea-Bissau, like they are in paradise," Calvario Ahukharie, the former head of Interpol in Guinea-Bissau, told DW. COVID and substance abuse Experts say that the COVID-19 pandemic, unemployment, the high cost of living and a lack of prospects have created "a perfect storm" for substance abuse on the entire continent. "When schools closed [during the lockdown], the number of young drug users shot up," said Alphonse Maina, a volunteer with the Omari Project, a community-based rehabilitation center in Malindi. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Africa Legal Affairs Health By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. "In Malindi, if you are not taking heroin, you are taking khat, smoking marijuana or cigarettes." He and other experts say that people should treat drug abuse as a medical condition, not a crime. They say that it's critical to combat stigma and provide those who request it with free rehabilitation and medical care. "If you're arrested with a small portion of heroin or cocaine for personal use, you go in for 15 years," Wamala Twaibu of the Uganda Harm Reduction Network said. His initiative has been criticized for offering legal support to those arrested for injecting drugs such as heroin. "The law is not fair. And what is happening is that law enforcement is using the law to extort. To get money from these communities, already disadvantaged communities." At the moment, the only support for Asia Bianca is her husband -- who is himself an addict. Eunice Wanjiru, Antonio Cascais and Michael Oti contributed to this article Edited by Keith Walker Imagine enduring a terrifying sexual attack. Bruised and shaken, you recount what happened to the police only for them to turn the tables on you, by asking: what were you wearing? "A blue dress, black tights and boots. That's what I was wearing," said Jessica Long, a sexual violence survivor who has been campaigning for the rights of survivors, for the past six years. "That's what I was wearing the night I was drugged. I was raped. And I was left alone to die". This and other offensive questions are consistently put to traumatized victims around the world - placing blame on their shoulders for a crime perpetrated against them. To highlight the victim-blaming that underpins these kind of questions, US civil rights organization Rise partnered with the UN Spotlight Initiative to stage an exhibition at UN Headquarters in New York, that confirms the pervasiveness of sexual violence across all cultures and underscores that what a victim is wearing, should have no bearing in the investigation of a heinous crime. Search for justice Sexual violence is a universal issue that demands greater international recognition. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 35 per cent of women globally, or more than one-third of the world's population, have survived sexual violence. This is equivalent to the combined populations of North America and Europe. Rape is an epidemic. Clothing is irrelevant, it is never an invitation for violence, and does not cause attacks. Perpetrators do. "What I was wearing should not matter," said survivor Samantha McCoy, an attorney and activist from Texas. She stressed that her geographical location should not determine "whether I received proper care", reminding that consent cannot be given, if a person is "not responsive". Since 2018, through her tireless advocacy work Samantha has been successful in advocating for new legislation on the issue, in Indiana and Texas. And she continues to seek legal reform, on behalf of all survivors. Shifting the narrative In the fashion world, the question "what were you wearing?" can empower, celebrate creativity and mark influence. But for survivors of sexual violence, it becomes a ritualistic blame tactic. During the launch, Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed observed that "by asking the question What Were You Wearing?, this exhibition flips the narrative on victim-shaming and blaming". "They mirror the diversity of people who experience violence from every region of the world, including a two-year-old child... [and] demonstrate more clearly than any legal argument could, that women and girls are attacked regardless of what they are wearing," she said. General Assembly President Abdulla Shahid said the exhibit "underscored the reality that the threat of rape looms over the lives of all women, regardless of their station in life... their occupation, [or] their clothing choices". "This exhibition should be a catalyst to spur important conversations about our collective responsibility to eliminate violence against women and girls". Setting the stage Representing each of the five UN Regional Groups, mannequins were clothed in the outfits worn by women as they were being sexually assaulted - 103 in all, symbolizing the 1.3 billion survivors of sexual violence across the globe. "They were worn by women and girls just going about their daily lives - until they were attacked," said the deputy UN chief. "No one should be assaulted based on their choice of clothing. No one should be abused. Full stop". No one should be abused. Full stop - UN deputy chief Survivor Amanda Nguyen, CEO and Founder of Rise, underscored that "what we were wearing at the time of our attack was not an invitation for violence... did not cause the attack... [and] is irrelevant". "By boldly answering the question and showing the world what we were wearing, we see an opportunity to open minds and shift attitudes about what sexual assault looks like," she explained. Shifting mindsets The project highlights the bravery and resilience of survivors. And displaying inside UN Headquarters the visceral and mundane reality of sexual assault, adds a powerful layer of international symbolism. Survivor Kadijatu Grace described herself as a "lucky one" who gets to speak for those who cannot, "like young Khadija, my namesake, that was raped and killed two years ago". She recalled that when civil war broke out in Sierra Leone, rebels abducted and raped girls. Then 13-years-old, the young teenager's mother bought her a boat ticket and in desperation, entrusted Kadijatu's escape to a stranger. "He took me to where the engines were, so nobody would hear, strangled me, put my hands behind my back, stuffed my mouth with his shirt, warned he would throw me over if I spoke out and threatened to go back and kill my mother," she recounted. It took time, but Kadijatu was finally able to acknowledge that she was raped through no fault of her own. "You thought you broke me, but you gave me a platform," she said triumphantly. Now, "I will never stop telling my story". Changing the system Back in 2019, Britney Lane was sexually assaulted by a coworker during a night out with friends. "I repeated my story numerous times that day, starting with local police and ending with staff from two different hospitals. The first question I was asked by almost every police officer and doctor was: what were you wearing?" At the time of the attack, the officer who took her statement advised Britney against pressing charges, saying that there did not seem to be enough evidence. "Like many other survivors, I was filled with embarrassment, shame and guilt," she said. "I can't change what happened to me that night, but I can work to change the system to ensure no one is failed again". I can work to change the system to ensure no one is failed again - Survivor-turned-activist Advocating for justice Amanda still remembers spending six hours in the hospital the night after she was raped. "I felt so alone". Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines International Organisations Africa Women By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. The first time she told her story to public officials, the woman who later founded Rise, went home and cried. "They didn't care. But the next morning, I got back up and I did it again". En route to speak to Congress, Amanda's stoic Uber driver asked where she was going. After being told, he began to cry, opening up that his daughter was also raped. "Can I shake your hand?" he asked upon their arrival. "Thank you so much for fighting for my daughter". Resolution Although protesters march worldwide demanding justice for survivors, and hashtags, such as #MeTo, have become massive on social media, the UN General Assembly has yet to pass a resolution focused solely on protection of sexual violence survivors. It did however, unanimously adopt a new agenda item that enshrines access to justice for sexual assault survivors and permanently places it on the Assembly's docket to be the discussed annually by UN Member States. At the same time, a resolution has been drafted, which would provide universal jurisdiction to prosecute offences, the ability to terminate legal ties with the assailant, and the ability to report the crime without financial cost to the survivor. Paris Hilton, granddaughter of the US hotel magnet, was at age 16, woken up by two men with handcuffs and transported across state lines to a residential treatment facility. "For two years, I endured physical, psychological and sexual abuse by staff. I felt so powerless. I'm here today because this abuse is still happening," she said in support of the proposed draft. The lawyer accused the customs service of unlawfully detaining him and seizing his personal effects - four iPhone 13 Pro phones on his arrival at the airport from the U.K. The Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday ordered the Nigerian Customs Service to pay N5 million to Chikaosolu Ojukwu as damages for violating his fundamental rights. Mr Ojukwu, accused the customs service of unlawfully detaining him and seizure of his personal effects - four iPhone 13 Pro phones. He said upon his arrival at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos from the United Kingdom on February 20, 2022, operatives of the Customs service accosted him and seized his iPhone. The service compelled the plaintiff to pay N404,417 as import duties on the four iPhones that were in his possession upon arrival at the airport in Lagos from the UK. Subsequently, Mr Ojukwu filed a suit at the Federal High Court, urging the judge, Ahmed Mohammed, to declare the action of the customs service "unlawful" and a gross violation of his fundamental rights. Judgement Delivering his judgement in the suit, the judge held that Nigerians who have not been outside Nigeria for at least nine months are not required by law to pay import duties on their personal effects not meant for sale, exchange or barter. Mr Mohammed said Mr Ojukwu's case was unchallenged and ought to be deemed admitted, as the affidavit evidence of the customs service amounted to hearsay evidence having not been given by a person who witnessed the transaction. The court acknowledged that the plaintiff proved his case against the Nigerian Customs Service and its board who were the 1st and 2nd defendants. Mr Ojukwu, through his lawyer, Segun Fiki, tendered documentary evidence, including the debit alert receipt and bank statements, before the court. In its ruling, the court held that it was satisfied that Mr Ojukwu's four iPhone 13 pro phones were personal effects which should attract import duties, being items not meant for sale, exchange or barter. "I am of the firm view that the seized items are the personal effects of the plaintiff and not for sale and barter and ought not to be paid duty on. I award the sum N5million against the 1st and 2nd defendants," the judge said. Customs ordered to return seized phones, money The court further ordered the Nigerian Customs Service to release the four phones that were seized from Mr Ojukwu and to refund the N404,417 (Four Hundred and Four Thousand, Four Hundred and Seventeen Naira) being the import duty, value-added tax (VAT) and other levies which were unlawfully collected from the plaintiff. The court, however, exonerated the 3rd defendant in the suit, First Bank Plc, as not being culpable having been a mere tool through which the VAT was paid. Background The plaintiff, Mr Ojukwu, in April 2022 sued the Nigerian Customs Service Board, the Nigerian Customs Service and First Bank Plc over the breach of his fundamental rights. Mr Ojukwu's lawyer, Segun Fiki, prayed the court for a declaration that the client was not liable to pay import duties, value added tax and other levies in respect of his personal effects. He based the suit on the provisions of section 8 of the Customs, Excise Tariff, etc. (Consolidation) Act and paragraph 7 of the Second Schedule to the Act. The plaintiff also prayed for an order directing the defendants to refund the total sum of N 404, 417. 00 (Four Hundred and Four Thousand, Four Hundred and Seventeen Naira) being the import duty, value-added tax (VAT) and other levies which were unlawfully demanded and collected from him by the Nigerian Customs Service through a First Bank Point-of-Sale (POS) Terminal upon his arrival at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja on the 20th February 2022. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Legal Affairs Nigeria By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. He also asked the court to declare his detention by the Nigerian Customs Service who restrained him from leaving the airport premises to take his medications until he paid the import duties. Mr Ojukwu asked the court to declare his arrest and detention unlawful and sought damages in the total sum of N 160 million. The defendants had in their defence asked the court to dismiss the suit for lacking in merit. Ikechukwu Emeto, counsel for the customs service, argued that the plaintiff had not shown any cause of action against the defendants. The committee found out that there were workers who earned double salaries, and some pensioners were still earning their regular salaries along with their pensions. A report by a panel on the verification and the cleaning up of the payroll of civil servants in Ondo State has indicated a loss of about N500 million to ghost workers since the life of the Rotimi Akeredolu administration. The governor set up the committee at the assumption of his second term in office following suspicion that the state's payroll including salaries and pensions had been compromised. The committee, led by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, Victor Olajorin, submitted its report on Wednesday to the state governor in Akure. Other members of the committee are Tope Popoola, Hadj Badmos, Ola Obaado, Bola Taiwo, Kayode Edema, and Lawrence Akintunde. According to Mr Olajorin, the committee found out that there were workers who earned double salaries, and some pensioners were still earning their regular salaries along with their pensions. Displeased by the findings, Mr Akeredolu ordered the Head of Service to dismiss officers who are receiving double salaries from the state payroll. He decried the several infractions and over-bloated workforce occasioned by the presence of ghost workers. The governor also directed that all ministries, departments, and parastatals in the state should stop recruitment under any guise until the Salary Verification Committee has concluded its assignment. "We have an over-bloated workforce, and undoubtedly, I am sure there are many ghost workers," he said. "Those who are receiving double salaries, apart from recovering the money from them, I am directing the Head of Service to get them dismissed. They must serve as a deterrent to others." Mr Akeredolu appreciated the committee for doing a good job and not compromising their integrity. Mr Olajorin had earlier informed the governor that the first and major step taken by the committee was to contact the various agencies including the Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), Hospitals' Management Board (HMB), Local Government Service Commission (LGSC) among others. He noted that the committee also obtained vital documents like the Nominal Roll, Disposition List, Pay Register and Pension Payroll so as to achieve its mandate. "The documents were consequently scrutinized and in the process, some infractions were discovered," he said. "Mr Governor, permit me to inform you that our beam light was initially focused on TESCOM and some of the infractions detected were about: Officers/pensioners receiving both salary/pension, retired officers later reappointed and drawing salary/pension, officers whose salaries are hanging among others. "Details are contained in the Volume 1 report of the Committee. In the process, a sum of N304,859,812.51 was discovered as the aggregate loss to the state government from the above infractions. "In furtherance of our activities, attention was shifted to the pay register of Hospital Management Board. The committee carried out on-the-spot verification for both medical and non-medical personnel in their various facilities across the state. "The exercise led to the discovery of some unwholesome practice like abscondment, study leave without pay, payment of salaries to officers after resignation, while some officers couldn't be traced to any health facilities. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Labour Nigeria By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. "So far, a sum of N192,873,592 has been discovered from HMB as the total loss to the state government. Mr Governor, permit me to mention that the committee has so far, identified the sum of N497,733,404 for infractions in TESCOM and HMB." Mr Olajorin also explained that another issue of concern found by the committee was the lopsidedness observed in the posting of officers to health facilities in the urban centres at the detriment of the ones in the rural areas. The state government had since last year been at loggerheads with workers over the payment of salaries. At some point in 2021, workers received salaries in percentages due to what the government described as the paucity of funds. However, the governor recently promised to pay all outstanding arrears of workers before the end of 2022. Lenovo has presented the ThinkCentre neo 50a 24 with an all-Intel set-up. Equipped with 45 W processors and discrete graphics, the ThinkCentre neo 50a 24 should deliver decent performance in a compact design. The ThinkCentre neo 50a 24 will be available in multiple markets from next month. 4 Reviews , News , CPU , GPU , Articles , Columns , Other "or" search relation. 3D Printing , 5G , Accessory , AI , Alder Lake , AMD , Android , Apple , Arc , ARM , Audio , Benchmark , Biotech , Business , Camera , Cannon Lake , Cezanne (Zen 3) , Charts , Chinese Tech , Chromebook , Console , Convertible / 2-in-1 , Cryptocurrency , Cyberlaw , Deal , Desktop , DIY , E-Mobility , Education , Exclusive , Fail , Foldable , Gadget , Galaxy S , Gamecheck , Gaming , Geforce , Google Pixel , GPU , How To , Ice Lake , Intel , Intel Evo , Internet of Things (IoT) , iOS , iPad , iPad Pro , iPhone , Jasper Lake , Lakefield , Laptop , Launch , Leaks / Rumors , Linux / Unix , List , Lucienne (Zen 2) , MacBook , Mini PC , Monitor , MSI , OnePlus , Opinion , Phablet , Radeon , Raptor Lake , Renoir , Review Snippet , Rocket Lake , Ryzen (Zen) , Science , Security , Single-Board Computer (SBC) , Smart Home , Smartphone , Smartwatch , Software , Storage , Tablet , ThinkPad , Thunderbolt , Tiger Lake , Touchscreen , Ultrabook , Virtual Reality (VR) / Augmented Reality (AR) , Wearable , Wi-Fi 7 , Windows , Workstation , XPS , Zen 3 (Vermeer) , Zen 4 Ticker Lenovo has introduced a new ThinkCentre all-in-one (AIO) desktop, building on the trio revealed in January at CES 2022. While the company announced the neo 30a and neo 50s earlier this year, it has now unveiled the neo 50a 24. For reference, the ThinkCentre neo 50a 24 only comes with Intel processors, mirroring its ThinkCentre neo siblings. However, it contains one of Intel's first discrete GPU options. Specifically, the ThinkCentre neo 50a 24 ships with the Arc A370M, an entry-level option based on Intel's ACM-G11 chip with 4 GB of GDDR6 VRAM. Theoretically, the Arc A370M is slower than the Radeon RX 6500M while delivering roughly double the performance of an Iris Xe Graphics G7 with 96 Execution Units (EUs). Currently, Lenovo adds that the ThinkCentre neo 50a 24 will be configurable with up to 12th Gen Intel Core i7 H-series processors, 16 GB of DDR5 RAM, a 1 TB M.2 PCIe SSD and a 2 TB HDD. Moreover, Lenovo has included dual 3 W Harman-branded speakers, dual-array microphones and a retractable 5 MP camera that supports Windows Hello or AI smart features. Separately, the machine has the following ports: 1x 3.5 mm jack 1x Ethernet RJ45 1x HDMI-in 1x HDMI 2.1 out 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A 1x USB 2.0 Type-A 1x USB Type-C (45 W fast charging) 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C The annual Congressional Steel Caucus hearing on the state of the steel industry in Washington D.C. touted a strong sector that still faces challenges, such as decarbonization and the threat of imports. Co-chair Congressman Frank Mrvan said the bipartisan Congressional Steel Caucus continues to advocate for the success of the domestic steel industry and steelworkers, including those in Northwest Indiana. "I am proud that one of my formative votes in the 117th Congress was for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which included expanded and strengthened Buy America requirements," Mrvan said. "I also am grateful to have advocated with my fellow Steel Caucus leaders and Members for the value and continuation of the Section 232 steel tariffs, and also expressed support through the Appropriations Committee for adequate funding for the International Trade Administration in the Department of Commerce and the International Trade Commission," he said. Mrvan has also been advocating for more tariffs targeting foreign steelmakers looking to dump steel that it can't sell in its home markets at a loss in the United States. "I also am proud to have testified before the International Trade Commission on five different occasions during my first term in Congress, and I look forward to being in front of them again tomorrow," Mrvan said. "All of these initiatives would not be possible without the support and advocacy of my fellow Steel Caucus leaders, members, industry, and members of organized labor and the United Steelworkers," he said. International President of United Steelworkers Tom Conway said the steel industry continues to thrive despite economic strains. "Although both the U.S. and the worlds economy are being stressed in significant ways, the fundamentals of the domestic steel industry are strong because of cooperation between industry, government, and labor," Conway said. "The passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will add between 40 to 50 million tons of steel demand over the course of the next five years," he said. "Congress addition of the Build America, Buy America provisions require that all federally-financed infrastructure projects use American-made iron and steel," Conway said. "BABA provisions allow for the creation of good-paying jobs and increased demand for the domestic steel industry." Increased procurement of domestic steel will be a big boon to the industry, Conway said. "Take for example the Department of Housing and Urban Development: just one account at HUD spends over $400 million dollars annually on clean water and drinking water materials, such as sewer pipe," Conway said. "Two other agencies already ensure that U.S. workers get the first shot at making those materials," he said. "Its time to harmonize our procurement rules using BABA to maximize domestic manufacturing jobs," Conway said, "and Congress must continue its oversight of these agencies." Efforts to reduce greenhouse gases should focus on new technologies and preserving jobs and manufacturing capacity, Conway said. "Domestic efforts to confront climate change create opportunities and challenges," he said. "Expanding clean technology manufacturing, for example, can create opportunity with new demand for steel products that go into wind turbines to smart grid to EV charging infrastructure," Conway said. "The clean tech industry and policymakers must create demand for those domestically produced steel products," he said, "and the steel industry must grow the capacity to manufacture them." Cleveland Cliffs President, Chairman and CEO Lourenco Goncalves, said American manufacturing was due for a revival. "First we have, right now, a real opportunity to reverse this misguided 30-plus-year-old failure called globalization," Goncalves said. And we can only do that by rebuilding the American manufacturing sector," he said. "Over the past two years, the United States has experienced two painful lessons in over-reliance on other countries: the COVID pandemic, and Russias war in Ukraine," Goncalves said. The pandemic resulted in the realization by the broader society that the United States has outsourced to China and other nations the production of goods and materials needed for the health of our people and the basic functioning of our economy," he said. "Backlogged ports, trucking shortages and customs delays were not the cause of supply chain problems,' Goncalves said, "but rather symptoms of the relentless and systematic outsourcing of American manufacturing." The events of the last few years have shown that global supply chains are nowhere near as reliable as they had seemed, Goncalves said. "The second lesson came with Russias invasion of Ukraine, and the grim realization that a conventional shooting war between global superpowers is an ever-present threat," he said. "The promise that unrestrained free trade would lead to a lasting global peace is a farce," Goncalves said. The invasion was undeniable evidence of the strategic realignment of the world, with the United States and its allies on the side of democratic values, and with Russia and China using unbridled aggression to grow territory, suppress dissent and commit human rights abuses." U.S. prosecutors indict two men over Texas human-trafficking tragedy Xinhua) 17:01, July 21, 2022 HOUSTON, July 20 (Xinhua) -- A federal grand jury on Wednesday indicted two men for the deaths of 53 migrants found in an abandoned tractor-trailer last month in San Antonio, in the south central U.S. state Texas, federal prosecutors said. Homero Zamorano Jr., the 46-year-old driver of the vehicle, and Christian Martinez, 28, whose phone showed he communicated with Zamorano over the incident, were charged with conspiracy to transport illegal aliens resulting in death and other counts, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Texas said. The counts could result in life imprisonment or the death penalty, said the office. Fifty adults and three children died after the vehicle was found in San Antonio on June 27, which is believed to be the deadliest human smuggling case in modern U.S. history. Most of the victims were from Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras, according to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. They suffered from heat stroke and heat exhaustion and there were no signs of water or a working air conditioning unit in the truck when it was found. (Web editor: Wu Chaolan, Bianji) An aircraft belonging to Dana Airlines on Tuesday made an emergency landing in Abuja after developing engine problem midair. The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) on Wednesday suspended the Air Transport Licence (ATL) and Air Operator Certificate (AOC) of Dana Airlines indefinitely. The NCAA Director-General, Musa Nuhu, announced this in a statement Wednesday night. Mr Nuhu stated that the suspension of the operations of the airlines would take effect from midnight of Wednesday. He added that the decision was the outcome of a financial and economic health audit carried out on the airline by the regulatory authority. According to him, the findings of an investigation conducted on the airline's flight operations revealed that Dana Airlines was no longer in a position to meet its financial obligations and to conduct safe flight operations. "The NCAA acknowledges the negative effect this pre-emptive decision will have on the airline's passengers and the travelling public and seeks their understanding, as the safety of flight operations takes priority over all other considerations," the statement said. Dana Airlines in a statement Wednesday confirmed the suspension. "Our operations have been suspended as advised by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority ( NCAA) in order to undergo a full operational audit with effect from midnight 20th July, 2022," the statement said. An aircraft belonging to Dana Airlines on Tuesday made an emergency landing in Abuja after developing suspected engine problem midair. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Nigeria Transport By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. The airline said the affected aircraft was an Abuja-bound Boeing 737 aircraft with registration mark 5N DNA. In a statement, Dana Airlines management said all the 100 passengers onboard disembarked safely and that the aircraft has been grounded for immediate attention by our team of engineers. "Our Abuja bound Boeing 737 aircraft with registration number (5N DNA) embarked on an emergency landing today 19th July, 2022, due to an indication on one of its engines," the airline statement reads. It said the pilot of the aircraft briefed the passengers on the incident and landed the aircraft safely at the Abuja International airport at about 2.52 p.m. "The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) have also been briefed on the incident," it added. The latest incident comes two months after the tyres of one of the aircraft operated by the airline caught fire at the Port Harcourt airport on May 2, terminating a scheduled trip to Lagos on that day. Sometimes a title just doesnt help a movie. Not that directors Anthony and Joe Russo had much choice in titling The Gray Man, their new Netflix spy thriller starring Ryan Gosling theyre adapting the novel of the same name, about a shadowy CIA assassin on the run. Still, its hard not to think of the title when contemplating the overall effect of a film that spares no expense to entertain, yet ends up feeling a little aimless, perplexingly bland, and whats the word were looking for? Oh yes. Gray. This is a bit of a shame when youre spending a reported $200 million. And its not that we cant see where the money went. First of all Gosling, even with his charisma deliberately hampered here call it the graying process is still worth watching. But also, rarely has global mayhem seemed quite so luxurious as in this venture, which takes us from Bangkok to Baku, from Vienna to Croatia to Prague to France's stunning Chateau de Chantilly, from winding cobblestone streets to grand castles and up to the skies, too all in chase of one man. The action is certainly impressive. Lets take just one scene the Russos have dubbed a movie within a movie and maybe they werent referring to the budget, but this shootout reportedly cost $40 million. In a picturesque Prague square, Goslings character remains handcuffed to a bench rather calmly, given the circumstances as he confronts waves upon waves of assassins (and perhaps all available film extras and vehicles on the European continent.) Then theres the midair scene where Gosling battles attackers who suddenly get orders to kill him mid-flight, leading to a sequence involving fires and explosions and parachuting and anything else you can imagine. If youre like me, you may start to wonder: Will this costly manhunt reach the moon? I mean, we know Gosling has experience landing on the lunar surface also calmly. And what's one more location shoot? But this isnt First Man, this is GRAY man. Youd exist in the gray, CIA handler Donald Fitzroy (Billy Bob Thornton) tells Goslings character, then a young prison inmate looking at decades in a cell for murder, in a flashback. He'll win a get-out-of-jail-free card if hell agree to the whole covert assassin thing. Now its 18 years later and Sierra Six, or Six for short (because 007 was taken, he quips) is on the job. Hes in Bangkok, along with helper Dani (Ana de Armas, appealing but underused) to kill someone at a New Years bash, directed remotely by his current boss, Denny Carmichael (Rege-Jean Page of Bridgerton, sadly given a cardboard role here, as is Jessica Henwick as his colleague). Hes about to use his enormous weapon when he notices a small child nearby. Cleared for collateral, he's told. But Six wont take the risk, and ends up making the kill the old-fashioned way. But before the man expires, he informs Six hes actually on the same team, and hands him a drive with compromising information about their colleagues. Youre probably next, he says. Now Six is on the run. He's good at escaping (witness the park bench, and the airplane.) Enter LLoyd Hansen, the most sadistic of freelance killers, whom we meet while torturing someone. Lloyd is such a meanie even the CIA didnt want him fulltime, but they need him now. Everything's extreme about Lloyd, starting with his mustache. Evans has fun being fiendish, and gets a few good lines along with some real clunkers, one of the catchier being: You wanna make an omelet? You gotta kill some people. But honestly, the torture scenes did we need that? Really? Meanwhile, we learn through another flashback that Six has a close relationship with Fitzroys young niece, Claire (the lovely 13-year-old Julia Butters from Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.) Claire, who's lost her parents, has a heart problem and needs a pacemaker an important plot point. Other notable supporting players include Alfre Woodard in a too-brief turn as a key Six ally and Dhanush as another expert killer called in for help. The expressive Butters gives, though, the most empathetic performance to be fair, nobody else is fully redeemable, no matter what fancy diploma they have (We all went to Harvard together is a line the universitys PR team might want to immediately protest.) And yes, Goslings Six is attached to Claire, but the man's an assassin for hire, so it's hard to root for him. And unlike the increasingly superhuman Tom Cruise in Mission: Impossible, a franchise this movie perhaps seeks to emulate, we dont even get to root for Gosling in a heroic battle against the dark force of aging hes two decades younger than Cruise. Speaking of looking good, which Gosling still can't help but do, theres a Ken Doll reference here perhaps a nod to his upcoming turn in the new Barbie film. If you catch it, you may find yourself imagining what hell look like in blond hair and a goofy grin. To paraphrase The Muppets, its not easy being gray. The Gray Man, a Netflix release, has been rated PG-13 by the Motion Picture Association of America for intense sequences of strong violence, and strong language. Running time: 126 minutes. Two stars out of four. MPAA definition of PG-13: Parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13. CROWN POINT An 18-year-old man was arrested late Tuesday on charges he murdered a man after arranging to buy a half-ounce of marijuana from him last spring in Hammond. Davon N. Jones, of Hammond, is accused of fatally shooting Amarion W. Holmes, 20, in the head as Holmes sat in his white Hyundai sedan April 9 in an alley behind the 800 block of Drackert Street. Holmes, who had addresses in Hammond and Gary, was found slumped over in the drivers seat about 4:30 p.m. after a 911 caller reported hearing one shot in the alley, Hammond police said. Holmes was taken to a local hospital and later flown to the University of Chicago Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead, according to the Cook County medical examiner's office. Police recovered one spent 9mm shell casing from behind the Hyundai and another that landed on Holmes shirt, Lake Criminal Court records state. A magistrate entered not guilty pleas on Jones' behalf Wednesday to charges of murder, murder in perpetration of a robbery and three counts of robbery. Witnesses told police Holmes appeared to have been on his phone before the shooting. Detectives obtained a search warrant for Holmes Facebook account and learned he had agreed to meet someone at the location to sell that person a half-ounce of marijuana, records state. The Facebook account of the person Holmes communicated with had been deleted, but police obtained records through a search warrant that included personal information linking the account to Jones, according to court documents. Surveillance video showed a man matching Jones description in the area at the time of the shooting, and Jones cellphone location data also placed him at the crime scene, records state. Jones was being held without bond. Police said they located a 52-year-old Hammond woman reported missing earlier this month. A statewide Silver Alert was issued for Michelle Delane, who was reported missing after she was last seen July 18. Her disappearance is being investigated by the Hammond Police Department. She had last been seen at 5:58 p.m. July 18 and was believed to be in extreme danger and possibly require medical assistance, according to ISP. Hammond police said Delane was located and is safe. Officers thanked the community for calling in tips. CROWN POINT Jurors began deliberating Wednesday afternoon whether to convict a Gary couple in an alleged road rage shooting in Hammond in 2019 that left an 18-year-old man dead and wounded another teen. Vincent L. Thomas, 34, was accused of firing a shot into a car occupied by four recent high school graduates July 4, 2019, wounding the driver of a Chevrolet Monte Carlo and killing 18-year-old Jorge E. Roman. Thomas' wife, Tamia J. Hinton, 37, was accused of driving her mother's white Kia recklessly during the confrontation on 165th Street and putting the lives of Roman and three others in the Monte Carlo at risk. Thomas pleaded not guilty to reckless homicide, a level 5 felony, and four counts of criminal recklessness, a level 6 felony. Hinton pleaded not guilty to four counts of criminal recklessness and a misdemeanor count of leaving the scene of an accident. Both Thomas and Hinton did not testify. The driver of the Monte Carlo, who was shot in the neck and survived, veered off the road and crashed into a porch at 165th Street and Blaine Avenue. Roman, the front seat passenger, was shot in the chest and died instantly, a forensic pathologist testified. Hinton and Thomas didn't stop or call police and continued on to Chicago to watch Fourth of July fireworks at Navy Pier, according to court records. Lake County Deputy Prosecutor Keith Anderson said Thomas' and Hinton's actions after the shooting were proof they didn't act in self-defense. All Hinton had to do was hit the brakes as the Monte Carlo merged into her lane, he said. Instead, she accelerated and drove into a lane of oncoming traffic, Anderson said. After Thomas fired a shot, the two cars bumped together and the Monte Carlo crashed. The couple didn't call 911 or stop at a police station, Anderson said. Hinton deactivated her Facebook account, and Thomas removed a parking sticker from his mother-in-law's Kia, likely to make it harder for police to identify it, he said. The couple got the Kia washed, and Thomas tried to buff out scratches caused by the collision with the Monte Carlo, he said. The deputy prosecutor reminded jurors that Thomas said in a videotaped statement he wasn't aiming when he fired his gun and he didn't see anyone with a gun inside the Monte Carlo. "They have guilty minds," Anderson said. He brushed off defense attorney Scott King's suggestion that Thomas and Hinton were scared for their lives because they thought the driver of the Monte Carlo was chasing them and trying to cut them off. "Who has the motive to lie?" Anderson asked. "Tamia Hinton and Vincent Thomas, because they shot and killed someone." King said the driver's testimony that he was attempting to pull in front of Thomas and Hinton so he could turn left to pick up a friend was "baloney." King alleged the driver of the Monte Carlo was embarrassed because Hinton passed him near the intersection of 165th Street and Calumet Avenue when he failed to accelerate at a green light and Thomas yelled, "Wake up!" A backseat passenger was urging the driver to cut Hinton off, King said. "By God, they were going to show them," he said. Thomas felt he needed to protect himself and his wife when he saw Hinton's eyes "get as big as saucers" as she watched the Monte Carlo they'd previously passed coming up behind them, King said. The defense attorney said there was "not one shred of evidence" that Hinton was driving recklessly. "It doesn't exist, and yet they stand here and say 'convict,'" King said. He urged jurors to imagine themselves in Thomas' place, riding with their spouses as another driver attempts to merge into their lane. "You have a handgun," King said. "Is it unrealistic to shoot at the threat coming at you?" Thomas admitted he wasn't aiming, but he said he just wanted the threat to end, King said. "That is justified," he said. "It's not good. It's not happy, but it's justified." CROWN POINT Lake Criminal Court jurors convicted a man late Friday of one felony count linked to a fatal shooting in 2019 in Hammond and found his wife guilty of misdemeanor leaving the scene of an accident, but they deadlocked on the man's remaining charges and acquitted his wife of four felony counts alleging she drove recklessly. Vincent L. Thomas, 34, was convicted of criminal recklessness, a level 5 felony, for shooting into a Chevrolet Monte Carlo occupied by four recent high school graduates July 4, 2019, as the Monte Carlo attempted to merge into Thomas' wife's lane on 165th Street in Hammond. Jorge E. Roman, 18, a front seat passenger in the Monte Carlo, was shot in the chest and died instantly. The driver of the Monte Carlo survived a gunshot wound to his neck. The jury deadlocked on Thomas' remaining charges, including one count of reckless homicide, a level 5 felony, and three additional counts of criminal recklessness. Thomas' wife, Tamia J. Hinton, 37, was found not guilty of four counts of criminal recklessness but convicted of misdemeanor leaving the scene of an accident. The driver of the Monte Carlo bumped into a Kia driven by Hinton before veering off the road and crashing into a porch at 165th Street and Blaine Avenue. Hinton and Thomas continued on to Chicago to watch fireworks at Navy Pier and didn't call 911 or stop to report the confrontation to police, according to trial testimony. Jurors deliberated for about eight hours Wednesday before Judge Salvador Vasquez released them for the night. They returned Thursday to deliberate approximately 12 more hours before returning verdicts. Neither Thomas nor Hinton testified on their own behalf. Defense attorney Scott King said his clients were scared for their lives, because they thought the people in the Monte Carlo were chasing them and attempting to cut them off. During an earlier confrontation at the intersection of Calumet Avenue and 165th Street, Hinton drove around the Monte Carlo after the driver failed to accelerate at a green light and Thomas yelled, "Wake up!" according to testimony. King alleged the driver of the Monte Carlo was embarrassed and was being egged on by a backseat passenger, who wanted him to cut off Hinton. "By God, they were going to show them," said King, who represented Hinton and Thomas along with partner Lakeisha Murdaugh. Despite the state's theory that one bullet traveled through the driver's neck into Roman's body, Dr. Zhou Wang, a forensic pathologist for the Lake County coroner's office, testified Wednesday he didn't believe that's what happened. The wound on Roman's chest was smooth, and there was no indication the bullet slowed before striking him, Wang said. Lake County Deputy Prosecutor Keith Anderson said the driver of the Monte Carlo was inexperienced and had had his license for only 10 days. All Hinton had to do was hit the brakes and allow the teen to merge into her lane, but she instead sped up and drove into an oncoming lane of traffic to pass him as Thomas shot into the teens' car, Anderson said. Thomas and Hinton's sentencing was set for Sept. 2. MICHIGAN CITY A 25-year-old Michigan City man has been arrested and charged with Sunday's fatal shooting of local motorist Kylie McKee, police said. Robert Dervate Curry is charged with murder and is being held at the LaPorte County Jail with an initial hearing scheduled Tuesday, Michigan City police Sgt. Steve Forker said. Curry is accused of shooting 25-year-old McKee shortly before 2 a.m. Sunday as she drove, police said. Officers responding to the sound of gunshots found her unresponsive behind the wheel of a vehicle that went off the roadway at Springland Avenue and Roeske Avenue. "Officers found that the woman had an apparent gunshot wound, at which time they attempted lifesaving measures," police said. She later died from the injuries after being taken to Franciscan Health Michigan City hospital. Detectives interviewed witnesses, searched for video surveillance and collected other evidence that led them to Curry, Forker said. The evidence was turned over to county prosecutors, resulting in the charge. Anyone with information about the case is encouraged to contact Michigan City police Cpl. Kay Pliske at 219-874-3221, ext. 1086 or email her at kpliske@emichigancity.com. MICHIGAN CITY A woman who was shot dead while driving her car has been identified, the LaPorte County coroner said. The woman was Kylie McKee, a 25-year-old from Michigan City. Her cause of death was gunshot wounds to the torso and was ruled a homicide, the coroner said. The Michigan City Police Department responded to calls of shots fired at Springland Avenue and Roeske Avenue at 1:50 a.m. Sunday. Responding officers were informed a victim had been hit by gunfire. "Upon their arrival, officers located an unresponsive adult female in the drivers seat of a vehicle that went off the roadway at Springland Avenue and Roeske Avenue," the department said in a news release. "Officers found that the woman had an apparent gunshot wound, at which time they attempted lifesaving measures. Tragically, the female succumbed to her injuries at Franciscan Alliance Hospital." Detectives are investigating the fatal shooting. No arrests have yet been made, and no suspects are in custody as of Wednesday. "Anyone with information regarding this tragic shooting death is asked to contact lead detective Det. Cpl. Kay Pliske at 219-874-3221 ext. 1086 or email her at kpliske@emichigancity.com," police said in a news release. "Information can also be provided to our Crime Tip Hotline which is 219-873-1488 or our departmental Facebook page." The department will host a public safety meeting at 6 p.m. Thursday at the New Hope Church at 730 W. 6th Street in Michigan City. It asks the public to attend the forum for a "solution-seeking dialogue" and outline of police's plans to deal with recent incidents of violence in the lakefront city in northern LaPorte County near the Michigan state line. "Chief (Dion) Campbell states that the Michigan City Police Department has worked extremely hard to combat gun violence in our city," police said in a news release. "Prior to July, our department confiscated more than 167 guns from the streets and made numerous gun-related arrests." Times Staff Writer Joseph Pete contributed to this report. The purchase agreement for both properties was rescinded, and the Ivanhoe project was scrapped. Djuric moved forward with plans to develop solely the Edison location. However, many residents feel the Edison location is also too residential. Though Rasuli does not want to see continued blight in Gary, he said the "alternative is not to put (something) environmentally dangerous right smack-dab in the middle of residential neighborhoods." He said residents have been given an "ultimatum: either you go along with us on this, or you have to keep that abandoned structure." Dorreen Carey, a member Gary Advocates for Responsible Development, or GARD, is concerned about traffic safety and said she would like to see a traffic management plan developed. Now that the council has approved the rezone, Djuric will have to go before the Plan Commission to get approval on the actual site designs. Jim Weiser, the attorney representing Djuric, said he "fully expects a traffic study to be a part of that process." Councilman Cozey Weatherspoon, D-2nd, who represents the district where Edison is located, called the Djuric rezone "fantastic." He has been a vocal supporter of the project and believes the trucking headquarters will serve as a "springboard" for future development in the area. "Abandoned schools are havens for crime," Weatherspoon said. "There hasn't been any real development in that portion of town for over 40 years." Weatherspoon also owns three properties near Edison. He said he is working with the city to demolish the structures on all three properties, and if successful, the land will be "prepared for business." Weatherspoon said he is "keeping an open mind" in regards to what kind of business he would like to see develop around Edison. Supporters have also noted the Djuric development would generate real estate taxes on a parcel that currently brings no money to the city. Djuric also plans on adding 44 more employees over the next 10 years with an average wage of $67,000. The health impacts of truck emissions have been a top concern for residents. "The facility would bring enhanced truck traffic to the densely populated neighborhood," said Kimmie Gordon, of GARD. "The increased emissions from trucks would worsen Gary's already contaminated air." During a June 28 Planning and Development Committee meeting, Djuric Vice President Stevan Djuric said all the company's trucks are certified clean idle, meaning they adhere to California emission laws, which are "the strictest in the country." Djuric trucks will also only use dedicated trucking routes. As site plans are finalized, Djuric will go before the Plan Commission for approval. Council President William Godwin, D-1st, was the only council member to vote against the rezone. He noted that the rezone was the council's "last opportunity to make a decision on this matter." When temperatures soar above 80 degrees, its OK to use the word cook loosely. This time of year, dinners are often made on the fly anyway, tossed together after a day at a park or by a pool. The New York Times Cooking recipes below stick to those unwritten rules of summer cooking: They must be bright and quick, with absolutely no oven required. Find more summer dinners for a heat wave at New York Times Cooking. No celebratory meal is complete without dessert, but, during a heat wave, the mere thought of turning on the oven can make you wilt. (If youre lucky enough to have central air, or dont mind the heat, here are some summer fruit pies for you. Bake on!) These recipes are for those sweltering days. A handful of these dishes require a little stovetop or microwave work, but the majority need no heat source at all, so you can stay cool while whipping up something sweet. View the complete list of no-bake desserts on New York Times Cooking here. opinion The decision of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to nominate Alhaji Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Senator Kashim Shettima as her presidential and vice presidential candidates respectively, has thrown the country into palpable political and ethno-religious tension; given that both candidates are of the Islamic faith, which has altered the established political tradition and further jeopardized the delicate structural balance of Nigeria. Constitutional Requirements for the Office of President and Vice President As the controversy rages on, this op-ed attempts to dissect the legal perspective and the implications of the same faith candidacies adopted by the APC. As a preliminary point, it should be noted that faith or religious identity of a candidate is not a prerequisite or a qualifying criterion for eligibility into elective offices. Thus, the issue is not whether Kashim Shettima is qualified to be the Vice President within the purview and contemplation of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended). The office of Vice-President is established by Section 141 of the 1999 Constitution which states that "there shall be for the Federation a Vice-President", while Section 142 (1) of the Constitution prescribes the process of nomination and election of Vice President as follows: "In any election to which the foregoing provisions of this part of this Chapter relate, a candidate for an election to the office of President shall not be deemed to be validly nominated unless he nominates another candidate as his associate from the same political party for his running for the office of President, who is to occupy the office Vice-President and that candidate shall be deemed to have been duly elected to the office of Vice-President who nominated him as such associate is duly elected as President in accordance with the provisions aforesaid." Regarding qualification and disqualification, Section 142 (2) read along with Section 131 of the Constitution states that the indices of qualification and disqualification applicable to the office of President shall apply to the office of the Vice-President. In other words, a person shall be qualified for election to the office of Vice-President if: (a) he is a citizen of Nigeria by birth; (b) he has attained the age of forty years; (c) he is a member of a political party and is sponsored by that political party; (d) he has been educated up to at least School Certificate level or its equivalent. From the foregoing, there is no doubt that Senator Kashim Shettima has met the constitutional requirements to be nominated as the Vice Presidential candidate of the APC. Principle of Federal Character As earlier cautioned, the real issue is not about qualification; the real question or issue is whether the decision by Tinubu and the APC to select and nominate Shettima as their Vice Presidential candidate despite being of the same faith with the Presidential Candidate is in conformity with the constitutional principle of federal character? I will preface my attempt to answer the above question by drawing our attention to Section 10 of the Constitution which is construed by a jurisprudential school of thought as the provision that entrenches the secularity of the Nigerian state, by declaring emphatically that "the Government of the Federation and of a State shall not adopt any religion as State religion." In essence, while there is general consensus that Christianity and Islam are the 'dominant' religions in Nigeria, the Constitution forbids any act or omission which seek, tend or purport to elevate either religions as State religion. In discussing Muslim-Muslim ticket, or Christian-Muslim ticket, we should bear in mind that these religions are not the official religions of the Nigerian State and cannot be elevated as such having regard to the constitutional encumbrance in Section 10. The federal character principle at the federal level is rooted in Section 14 (3) of the Constitution. For clarity, the provisions are reproduced verbatim infra: "14(3) The composition of the Government of the Federation or any of its agencies and the conduct of its affairs shall be carried out in such a manner as to reflect the federal character of Nigeria and the need to promote national unity, and also to command national loyalty, thereby ensuring that there shall be no predominance of persons from a few States or from a few ethnic or other sectional groups in that Government or in any of its agencies." From the above provisions, the composition of the Government of the Federation, and the conduct of its affairs shall be carried out in such a manner as to reflect the federal character of Nigeria, promote national unity, and also command national loyalty, and ensure that there shall be no predominance of persons from a few ethnic or other sectional groups in that Government. Some commentators have contended that religion has nothing to do with the federal character principle and that in any event, elective offices are not subject to federal character. This argument is flawed and we shall illustrate this momentarily. Before exposing the flaws in this argument, there is a fundamental question that must be addressed and it goes thus: what is the federal character of Nigeria? The word "character" can simply be defined as the attributes, traits, mannerisms, physical makeup, culture or personality of a person, society, nation or thing. The Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC) in its 1977 report, defined Federal Character as follows: "The distinctive desire of the peoples of Nigeria to promote national unity, foster national loyalty and give every citizen of Nigeria a sense of belonging to the nation notwithstanding the diversities of ethnic, origin, culture, language or religion which may exist and which it is their desire to nourish, harness to the enrichment of the Federal Republic of Nigeria." More concisely, Section 14 (3) of the Constitution reproduced supra is unequivocal on the purport of the federal character principle. The intention of the farmers of the Constitution is not in doubt. Federal character is intended to promote national unity, and also command national loyalty, and ensure that there shall be no predominance of persons from a few ethnic or other sectional groups in that Government. It is conceded that the federal character principle in Section 14 falls under the Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy contained in Chapter II of the Constitution which is non-justiciable. It is non-justiciable because it cannot ordinarily be enforced in a court of law. This is because by virtue of Section 6 (6) (c) of the Constitution, the judicial powers of the courts shall not extern to any issue or question as to whether any act or omission by any authority or person is in conformity with the Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy set out in Chapter II of the Constitution. This position was reaffirmed by the Supreme Court in the case of ATTORNEY GENERAL OF ONDO STATE V. ATTORNEY GENERAL OF THE FEDERATION (2002) 9 NWLR (PT.772) 222. However, there are instances where the principles enunciated and provided for in Chapter II will be justiciable. One of such instances is where the Constitution itself makes a principle in Chapter II justiciable. Another instance is where the National Assembly enacts a law to guarantee the justiciability of a given matter or item in Chapter II. See the case of AG Ondo State supra and Section 4 (2) read along with item 60 (a) Part 1 of the Second Schedule to the Constitution on the exclusive legislative power of the National Assembly to enact a law for the enforcement and justiciability of Chapter II. I have already posited in this piece that Senator Shettima is constitutionally eligible to be nominated for election to the office of the Vice President. I also espoused that the gravamen of the argument is not about his constitutional qualification. Has the APC Breached the Federal Character Principle? The question begging for answer therefore is, has the APC in any shape or form contravened the Constitutional principle of federal character by opting for Muslim-Muslim Presidential Candidacies in defiance of federal character and the established political tradition practiced since the birth of the Fourth Republic in 1999? The answer to this poser is not a simplistic one. However, a community reading of the provisions of Sections 14, 15, 131 (c), 142 (2), 221, 222 (b) and 224 of the Constitution offers not only clarity, but a definitive answer on whether the Muslim-Muslim presidential candidacies adopted by the APC is inconsistent with the spirit and letters of the Nigerian Constitution, particularly as it relates to federal character. I shall now examine the said provisions in brevity. Section 15 of Chapter II contains the Political Objectives of the country and subsection 2 thereof states that "... national integration shall be actively encouraged, whilst discrimination on the grounds of place of origin, sex, religion, status, ethnic or linguistic association or ties shall be prohibited." Subsection 4 of Section 15 similarly states that "The State shall foster a feeling of belonging and of involvement among the various peoples of the Federation, to the end that loyalty to the nation shall override sectional loyalties." By virtue of Section 221 of the Constitution, only a political party can canvass for votes for a candidate. The combined effect of Sections 131 (c) and 142 (2) of the Constitution makes it imperative for any person seeking the office of President and Vice President to belong to a political party and be sponsored by that political party. Section 222 (b) states that no association by whatever name called, shall function as a political party unless "the membership of the association is open to every citizen of Nigeria irrespective of his place of origin, circumstance of birth, sex, religion or ethnic grouping." Lastly, Section 224 of the Constitution provides that the Aims, Objectives and Programme of every political party must conform to the provisions of Chapter II of the Constitution. As earlier contended, Sections 14 (3) and 15 (2) and (4) of the Constitution falls under Chapter II. I also stated earlier that while Chapter II is not ordinarily justiciable, it becomes justiciable where the Constitution itself (in another provision) creates an exception for justiciability. In the instant case, the APC as a political party has an obligation to conform to the Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy in Chapter II of the Constitution, including the federal character principle under Section 14 and the political principles in Section 15 which mandates that "... national integration shall be actively encouraged, whilst discrimination on the grounds of place of origin, sex, religion, status, ethnic or linguistic association or ties shall be prohibited" and to also foster a feeling of belonging and of involvement among the various peoples of the Federation, to the end that loyalty to the nation shall override sectional loyalties. The next question that all Nigerians of good conscience must answer with honesty is: has the Muslim-Muslim presidential candidacies of the APC breached the federal character principle? Put differently, has the APC by nominating presidential and vice presidential candidates from the same faith promoted national integration, national unity and national loyalty or has it promoted disunity, sectional loyalty and disintegration? From all that we have witnessed since Shettima's nomination was made public, it should not be difficult to reach a conclusion that the APC has violated the federal character principle. It amounts to intellectual duplicity to argue that religion is not an integral part of the federal character of Nigeria. In 2015, the APC rejected Muslim-Muslim ticket because it violated the federal character principle. If the APC no longer believes in federal character, the starting point should be for the Party to propose a Constitutional amendment to expunge federal character from the Constitution. Quota system should also be abrogated. Until this is done, it is mischievous and dubious for the APC to blatantly ignore the duty imposed on it by the Constitution to conform to federal character under the ridiculous pretext that it nominated Muslim-Muslim candidates based on "competence." Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Governance Religion Nigeria By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Without federal character, Buhari would not be the President today. Bola Tinubu is the presidential candidate of the APC partly because of federal character. Zoning is a product of federal character. Those who seek to exclude religion from their interpretation of federal character are doing so dishonestly. If there is nothing wrong with Muslim-Muslim ticket, then there should be nothing wrong with Christian-Christian ticket, North-North ticket or East-East ticket. Politics and democracy have been said to be about numbers. But politics and democracy in a heterogeneous country like Nigeria must be deliberately tailored to foster a sense of inclusion and national integration. That is why the federal character principle is enshrined in the Constitution. Representation is an indispensable ingredient of democracy. Those who keep retorting that Nigerians who are not comfortable with the decision of the APC should focus on their preferred political parties should reread the constitutional provisions enunciated above, including Section 224 which imposes a duty on all political parties to adhere to federal character. It smacks of arrogance and crass insensitivity to dismiss the legitimate views of those who are justifiably disenchanted by the destructive and dangerous politics of identity and exclusion that the APC has now fully embraced. Conclusion There is a reason why the framers of the Constitution made it mandatory for the membership of all political parties to be open to people of all religions. It is to ensure that all religions are treated fairly in the 'distribution' of leadership positions in the country. It is to ensure that a political party does not operate in a sectarian manner. It is to prevent a political party from projecting itself as a Muslim Brotherhood, or as a Christian Brotherhood, or as a brotherhood for African traditional worshippers. Since the APC has chosen a sectarian and divisive path, it is left for the Nigerian electorates to determine whether the path chosen by the APC is in the best interest of Nigeria bearing in mind the existing mistrust in the country, and the multi-religious and multi-ethnic character of Nigeria and vote accordingly in 2023. Given the unpardonable mismanagement of Nigeria's diversity, and the grievous damage that President Buhari and the APC have inflicted on this country in the last seven years, one would have expected the APC to read and respect the mood of the nation and be circumspect, and not resort to desperate political gimmicks and divisiveness that will further polarize our country. Shamefully, the APC decided to remind us that allowing it to assume power in 2015 remains a tragic mistake of history. Inibehe Effiong is a Lagos-based legal practitioner and human rights activist. Email: inibehe.effiong@gmail.com One soldier was killed and nine others were injured in a lightning strike on Wednesday at the Fort Gordon Army base in Georgia, a spokeswoman said. The episode occurred at about 11:10 a.m. in a training area at the base, the spokeswoman, Anne H. Bowman, said. There were isolated but strong thunderstorms in the area at the time. It is with a heavy heart Fort Gordon confirms one of the soldiers injured in the lightning strike this afternoon succumbed to their injuries, Ms. Bowman wrote in an email on Wednesday night. Lt. Gov. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, the Democratic Senate nominee who has been off the campaign trail for more than two months after having a stroke in mid-May, told his hometown newspaper this week that he hopes to return to in-person campaigning very soon even as he acknowledged some persisting health effects. I would never be in this if we were not absolutely, 100 percent able to run fully and to win and we believe that we are, Mr. Fetterman told The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on Wednesday, his first interview since falling ill. Mr. Fetterman had a stroke days before the Democratic primary in May and had a pacemaker and defibrillator implanted on the day of the primary. At the time, his campaign described the move as a standard procedure that would address the underlying cause of his stroke, atrial fibrillation. In early June, his campaign acknowledged that he also had a heart condition called cardiomyopathy, which can lead to heart failure, and his doctor said he had appeared to have left other heart issues untreated for years. One in five adults in the United States would be willing to condone acts of political violence, a new national survey commissioned by public health experts found, revelations that they say capture the escalation in extremism that was on display during the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol. The online survey of more than 8,600 adults in the United States was conducted from mid-May to early June by the research firm Ipsos on behalf of the Violence Prevention Research Program at the University of California, Davis, which released the results on Tuesday. The group that said they would be willing to condone such violence amounted to 20.5 percent of those surveyed, with the majority of that group answering that in general the use of force was at least sometimes justified the remaining 3 percent answered that such violence was usually or always justified. WASHINGTON The prosecution rested its case on Wednesday in the trial of Stephen K. Bannon, a former top adviser to President Donald J. Trump, as government lawyers sought to show that Mr. Bannon had repeatedly ignored warnings that he risked facing criminal charges in flouting a subpoena. Mr. Bannon was indicted in November on two counts of contempt of Congress after he refused to provide information to the House committee investigating the Jan. 6 attack. The trial on Wednesday largely centered on the testimony of Kristin Amerling, the deputy staff director and chief counsel to the Jan. 6 committee, who offered a detailed accounting of the committees attempts to compel Mr. Bannon to testify last year. Donald J. Trump called a top Republican in the State Legislature in Wisconsin in recent days to lobby for a measure that would overturn his 2020 loss in the state to President Biden, the latest signal that the former president remains undaunted by congressional and criminal investigations into his election meddling. Mr. Trumps advisers said the former president saw an opening to press the Republican official, Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, after a Wisconsin Supreme Court ruling prohibited the use of most drop boxes for voters returning absentee ballots. Since drop boxes were used during the 2020 election, Mr. Trump argued, the state should be able to invalidate the results of that election. He pushed Mr. Vos to support a resolution that would retract the states 10 electoral votes cast for Mr. Biden. Mr. Trumps advisers said the phone call took place on July 9 the day after the court issued its opinion. The main argument to get all E.U nations on board, despite their different levels of vulnerability, is that the blocs economies are so interconnected that a blow to one is a blow to all. The choice we have today is triggering solidarity now or waiting for an emergency that will force solidarity upon us, said Frans Timmermans, a senior Dutch politician who is the commissions energy and climate czar. He said savings in gas around the E.U. would create spare capacity to direct to the countries most in need in the wintertime, ensuring that no member state goes into economic shock because of the lack of power. Ms. von der Leyen, putting a political spin on a seemingly economic issue, said this approach would deliver a blow to Mr. Putin, who wants to sow discord within the European Union, undermining the bloc and its most powerful countries economically and politically. Determined to make that backfire on him, European leaders have drawn closer together since the war began and have taken the first step toward possibly making Ukraine an E.U. member something Mr. Putin set out to prevent. Putin is trying to push us around this winter and he will dramatically fail if we stick together, Ms. von der Leyen said. With Russia having slashed or completely cut gas supply to a dozen E.U. countries already, and the looming threat that it will not fully reconnect an important pipeline on Thursday that has been offline for maintenance, the blocs alternatives are few. Mr. Putin suggested late Tuesday that natural gas would resume flowing to Europe through the pipeline, but warned that supplies may be severely curtailed. Russias top diplomat said Wednesday that his countrys territorial ambitions in Ukraine might broaden, as European leaders warned their citizens to prepare for sacrifices in the face of a conflict that shows no sign of ending any time soon. In recent months, Russian forces have concentrated their assault on eastern Ukraine, which by all indications Russia appears determined to annex as it did Crimea in 2014. But on Wednesday, Foreign Minister Sergey V. Lavrov told the Russian state news agency that Moscow was now casting its gaze on a swath of Ukraines south, as well, specifically naming the Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions as well as a number of other territories. This is an ongoing process, Mr. Lavrov said in an interview with RIA Novosti. In comments reminiscent of the justification offered for the invasion by President Vladimir V. Putin, who said Western military aggression had left him no choice, Mr. Lavrov said Ukraines allies were to blame if Russia expanded its military objectives. Kiwangas interest in light is equally connected to her investigations into colonial American history in particular, 18th-century lantern laws in New York and other parts of New England that mandated that enslaved Black, mixed-race and Indigenous people as young as age 14 carry lanterns with them at night so they could be watched, and anyone without one could be arrested. The scholar Simone Browne, whose book Dark Matters: On the Surveillance of Blackness was a cornerstone of Kiwangas research, considers the laws to be a precursor for more recent stop-and-frisk approaches to policing. The history Browne traces allowed Kiwanga to think about light and all the different ways that its used and how it can be weaponized, she said in a recent Zoom call from Paris. She had explored this history of forced illumination in a 2019 exhibition, Safe Passage, at the M.I.T. List Center, focusing on artificial light. Now, in New York, she comes at things from a perspective rooted in a new sense of place. I started asking, What is the contemporary technology that connects to those lantern laws? And the floodlights used by the N.Y.P.D. in public space, in spaces that are deemed to need more light more surveillance really fit in with that. Some of the research associated with making a dictionary involves figuring out where and when a word originated. To do this, researchers often look to books, magazines and newspapers, Salazar said, because those written documents are easy to date. Image Credit... Graphic Arts Collection Resources could also include books like Cab Calloways Cat-ologue: a Hepsters Dictionary, a collection of words used by musicians, including beat to mean tired; Dan Burleys Original Handbook of Harlem Jive, published in 1944; and Black Talk: Words and Phrases from the Hood to the Amen Corner, published in 1994. Researchers can look to recorded interviews with formerly enslaved people, Salazar said, and to music, such as the lyrics in old jazz songs. Salazar said the projects editors also plan to crowdsource information, with call outs on the Oxford website and on social media, asking Black Americans what words theyd like to see in the dictionary and for help with historical documentation. Maybe theres a diary in your grandmothers attic that has evidence of this word, Salazar said. The Oxford English Dictionary has been crowdsourcing since the 19th century, she added. When the first edition was being created, inserts were slipped into books, looking for volunteers to read particular titles, write down phrases they found interesting and mail them back to Oxford. The editor of the O.E.D. received so much mail he got his own postbox set up in front of his house. Gates explained that the Oxford Dictionary of African American English will not only give the definition of a word, but also describe where it came from and how it emerged. Michelle Obamas 2018 memoir, Becoming, was one of the best-selling books of all time, with more than 17 million copies sold worldwide. Now she has a new book coming out this fall, Penguin Random House announced Thursday. The book, called The Light We Carry, to be published on Nov. 15, is about staying positive in challenging times, she said. How do we overcome our fears? Mrs. Obama said in a video announcement for the project. How can we channel our frustration into something positive? And how do we rekindle that flame thats inside each of us? While the irrigation project was awarded N6 billion, the procurement of surveillance equipment for Kaduna and Port Harcourt Airports was awarded N1.4 billion. The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved a contract worth N6 billion as augmentation for the Chochi irrigation project in Adamawa State as well as N1.4billion for procurement of aviation equipment. Ministers of Water Resources, Sulieman Adamu, and Aviation, Hadi Sirika, said this while briefing State House Correspondents at the end of the Council meeting presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday. Mr Adamu said: "As you know the trend with us since the inception of this administration has been to lay emphasis on completion of ongoing projects that we inherited. "This project started in 1988 during Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF) era to provide 1,200 hectares of irrigation in Chochi in Yola, Adamawa State; unfortunately, it has suffered a lot of setbacks." According to him, following the dissolution of PTF, the project was transferred to the Federal Ministry of Water Resources. It was kept in the cooler for about eight years before it finally emerged in 2006 and was re-awarded to the same company, Impresit Bakolori. "But in subsequent years, it has suffered so many things. "There has been a lot of encroachment in the area because it's outside the Yola town, in between Yola and Jimeta. "Buildings have sprung up, filling stations and so on and so forth. So, which of cause is at several points to redesign the project. "Now, we are poised to complete it. And one of the key issues is that the project is based on pumping." The Minister explained that the present high cost of diesel and foreign exchange was responsible for the review of the contract sum. "At the time it was awarded, diesel was very cheap, but now diesel is so expensive. "So, we provided a solar component to provide energy for the pumps, to irrigate the land and this is one of the reasons in addition to the variation of prices, foreign exchange fluctuation that calls for a review of this project, seeking for augmentation of about N6 billion and an extension of time to complete the project. "At the same time, we felt the need for strengthening the technical, financial, and managerial capacity of the company, which has dwindled over time. "Contractors of the company have been there on the site for like 24 years and they've lost quite a lot of experts along the way. "And therefore, we have now been able to reinforce the original contractor. "Rather than terminate the contract, we feel it's better to just continue by reinforcing the efforts of the contractor through a joint venture with another company which is a Nigerian company.,' he said. According to him, the augmentation of N6 billion takes the project to N11.026 billion with an additional extension period of 24 months, plus 12 months effect liability period, making a total of 36 months. On his part, Mr Sirika said N1.4 billion was approved for the procurement of surveillance equipment for Kaduna and Port Harcourt Airports. He said: "The approval is for the award of contracts for the design, supply and maintenance of mobile surveillance observation systems with remote-controlled licence and these are for the airports of Port Harcourt and Kaduna and it will continue to other airports progressively. "We are beginning with the first two but it will continue with the remaining airports in the future and the contract sum for this particular procurement is N1, 499, 603, 500 including the 7.5 per cent value-added tax and it will be delivered within 30 weeks." Mr Sirika also announced that the Council approved a bilateral air service agreement between Nigeria and Canada. He explained that the agreement was in accordance with the Chicago convention, to which both Nigeria and Canada were signatories. "The approval we got was for the signing of bilateral air service agreement (BASA) between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the government of Canada and this is in accordance with the Chicago convention, to which both Nigeria and Canada are signatories. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Governance Nigeria By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. According to him, the highlights of the BASA involve the granting of rights and privileges as well as the designation of airlines' authorisation, withholding, revocation, suspension and limitation of authorisation, and application of national laws and regulations. "Other components are safety standards certificate and licences, aviation security, custom duties and other charges, statistics pricing and general terms and conditions of carriage, availability of airports and aviation facilities and services, capacity and airline representatives. "Others are: ground handling, sales and transfer of funds, consultations, amendments therefrom, settlement of disputes, entry into force among others. "Council approved that we should go ahead and sign the BASA between us and Canada for all of the benefits to be driven therefrom, mutually," he said. (NAN) Intellectual pursuits, criminal pursuits, fleshly pursuits: The thrill of the chase runs through this weeks recommended titles, from John Walshs Circus of Dreams, about literary London in the 1980s, to Frank Closes Elusive, about the physicist Peter Higgs and his search for a subatomic particle, to Lina Wolffs novel Carnality, in which the intellectual and the criminal and the fleshly get together for a raucous free-for-all. Other pursuits: The longtime New Yorker writer Alec Wilkinson tries to learn math late in life, Niven Govindens new novel follows a film directors quest for his next project and Nicole Pasulkas How You Get Famous explores the search for stardom and creative freedom in Brooklyns thriving drag scene. We also recommend a couple of books about sex crimes and their consequences Ken Aulettas account of Harvey Weinsteins downfall, and John Wood Sweets history of a rape trial in 1793 New York along with a story collection set on the Penobscot Indian Nation reservation, a history of textiles and their uses, and Eleanor Browns novel about an unconventional extended family. Finally, two books about geopolitics and international relations: Louisa Lims Indelible City looks at Hong Kongs efforts to defy colonialism, and Meenakshi Ahameds A Matter of Trust traces the long, complicated dynamic between India and the United States. Happy reading. FISH SWIMMING IN DAPPLED SUNLIGHT, by Riku Onda. Translated by Alison Watts. Riku Onda has been a fixture of Japanese suspense literature since the 1990s, but she found her audience in the Anglophone world with her 2020 English-language debut, The Aosawa Murders, translated by Alison Watts and released by Bitter Lemon Press, a small London-based publisher of international crime fiction. Fish Swimming in Dappled Sunlight, a dreamy, circuitous psychological thriller, is Ondas second work to be translated into English, again by Watts. The book unfolds across a single night: A man and a woman share a store-bought dinner to mark the end of their relationship, eating and drinking in their empty Tokyo apartment before going their separate ways in the morning. Theyve spent the last year in a state of misery and mutual suspicion, ever since their hiking guide fell off a cliff during a trip to the mountains. Each believes the other murdered the guide, a man they had never met, but who was connected to them in a way that would make death by accident extremely coincidental. The story reveals itself slowly, elliptically, through alternating chapters from the two main characters points of view. We learn the names of the narrators the woman is Aki, the man Hiro only 30 pages in, and the nature of their relationship seems to shift from chapter to chapter, slipping in and out of focus and changing with new discoveries and confessions for most of the novel. In 1961, Ronni Solbert was living with her partner, Jean Merrill, on the north side of Tompkins Square Park, in Manhattans East Village, alongside the immigrants and bohemians who defined the neighborhoods idyllic, small-town-in-a-big-city vibe. When the citys Parks Department announced plans to tear out many of the parks benches, chess tables and centenarian trees to make room for a softball field, the neighbors rose in opposition, writing letters, organizing protests and forming the Committee for the Preservation of Tompkins Square Park. They won their fight, at least in part, and in doing so helped inspire Ms. Solbert, an illustrator, and Ms. Merrill, an author, to write a young adult novel, as Ms. Solbert explained in 2014 to The Valley News, a newspaper covering parts of Vermont and New Hampshire (by then she had moved to Vermont). The two had already published several books together and would collaborate on 18 in all, but The Pushcart War, published in 1964, was their greatest achievement. American Airlines reported $13.4 billion in revenue in the three months that ended in June, the best quarter in the companys history. But as with other carriers, soaring costs offset that good news. While revenue was up about 12 percent from the same period in 2019, American said Thursday that its second-quarter profit was $476 million, down about 28 percent from the same quarter in 2019. Airlines have struggled to capitalize on the strong travel rebound because of staffing shortfalls, high costs and other challenges. American canceled about 5 percent of its scheduled flights last month, more than any other major carrier, according to FlightAware, an aviation data provider. Both Uber and Lyft, along with DoorDash, quickly lobbied for a ballot measure that would allow gig economy companies to continue treating their drivers as independent contractors. California voters passed the measure, Proposition 22, in 2020, but last year a California Superior Court judge ruled that it was unconstitutional. Uber and Lyft quickly appealed and have been exempt from complying with Assembly Bill 5 while the court proceedings play out. But that wasnt the case for the truckers. In June, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear a challenge by California truckers, who under the new law are viewed as employees of the trucking companies they do business with. Nearly 70,000 California truck drivers work as independent owners and operators, ferrying goods from ports to distribution warehouses. Trucking companies and the protesting drivers argue as Uber and Lyft did that if Assembly Bill 5 is applied to them, the drivers will have less flexibility in when and how they work. Proponents of the law say the companies could simply take the drivers on as full- or part-time employees and continue to offer them flexible schedules. A majority of port truckers in California are independent operators and do not work for a single company. A smaller number of drivers are unionized and are represented primarily by the Teamsters. The agreements are all part of a push by Ford to be able to produce 600,000 electric vehicles a year by the end of 2023, which would be a steep increase from its current output level. In addition to the deals with battery makers, the automaker said it was securing supplies of raw materials like lithium and nickel from countries like Canada, Indonesia and Australia by working directly with mining companies. Prices of those and other metals needed to make batteries have surged this year on strong demand from the auto industry and because of Russias war in Ukraine. Ford was slow to embrace electric vehicles but has taken some ground this year from Tesla, which dominates the market. Two models account for most of Fords recent gains: the Mustang Mach E, an electric sport utility vehicle, and the F-150 Lightning, an electric version of its popular full-size pickup truck. In the first half of this year, Ford sold 17,675 Mach Es in the United States, and it sold 2,296 Lightnings between April, when production started, and the end of June. Ford has said it wants to produce 270,000 Mach Es a year for North America, Europe and China by 2024, as well as 150,000 Lightnings in North America and 150,000 electric Transit vans for North America and Europe. It also aims to add a new electric S.U.V. in Europe and hopes to be able to make 30,000 a year by the end of 2024. Our message with these charges is clear: Fraud is fraud is fraud, whether it occurs on the blockchain or on Wall Street, Mr. Williams, the U.S. attorney, said. The S.E.C. said the cryptocurrency assets listed on Coinbases exchange are considered securities and, therefore, can be regulated like stocks or bonds a stance that many in the digital currency world have objected to. Last month, federal prosecutors brought an insider trading case involving the use of confidential information to purchase another kind of digital assets, nonfungible tokens, or NFTs. In that case, the authorities charged a former employee of an NFT marketplace with misappropriating confidential information about the timing of public listings for the digital tokens. The S.E.C. did not file any enforcement action in the insider trading case involving NFTs. The two criminal cases are just the beginning of the D.O.J.s crackdown on insider trading in the crypto space, said Ian McGinley, a former Justice Department prosecutor. Both of these cases are for relatively small amounts, but D.O.J. brought them to send a message: They are watching. In a post on Coinbases website, the companys chief executive, Brian Armstrong, said Coinbase had turned over information about the three men to the Justice Department and had ended Mr. Wahis employment. We have zero tolerance for this kind of misconduct and will not hesitate to take action against any employee when we find wrongdoing, he wrote. But Mr. Armstrong took issue in the post with the S.E.C.s decision to file civil securities fraud charges. He wrote that the assets on Coinbases exchange are not securities and noted that federal prosecutors had not charged the men with securities fraud. SAN FRANCISCO Was he a cunning spy who traveled the world to meet with his handlers and established a shell company to hide his money? Or was he a dutiful Twitter employee who handled requests from V.I.P. users and became a scapegoat when the government allowed the true spies to slip through its fingertips? Those are the central questions in the trial that began on Thursday for Ahmad Abouammo, a former Twitter employee accused of spying on users on behalf of Saudi Arabia. In 2019, Mr. Abouammo was arrested and charged with committing wire fraud and acting as an agent of a foreign government without disclosing that work. In opening statements in federal court in San Francisco, the Justice Department described Mr. Abouammo as an agent of Saudi Arabia who had used his internal access to dig up the personal information of dissidents on Twitter. He wanted money and proximity to power, prosecutors said. But lawyers for Mr. Abouammo argued that he had called up users information as part of his normal duties and had not provided it to Saudi officials. Facing pressure from parents empowered by a new state education law, the Miami-Dade County School Board has reversed itself on adopting two new textbooks for the coming school year, leaving students without a sexual education curriculum for the next several months. The board had voted 5 to 3 in April to adopt the textbooks, but its decision was met with a number of petitions opposing the move from parents citing a new state law that supporters call the Parental Rights in Education measure but that opponents refer to as the Dont Say Gay law. The outcry prompted a hearing in June. The districts superintendent appointed a hearing officer to listen to the petitioners, who recommended to the school board that it deny the petitions and move forward with adopting the textbooks. On Wednesday, the board voted 5 to 4 not to approve the new textbooks. President Bidens coronavirus infection is a stark illustration that the Covid vaccines, powerful as they are, are far from the bulletproof shields that scientists once hoped for. Mr. Biden has received multiple doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine; his most recent shot, a second booster, was on March 30. Studies suggest that those doses will provide a powerful bulwark against severe illness and indeed, the president has only mild symptoms so far after testing positive on Thursday, according to the White House. But even booster doses offer little defense against infection, particularly with the most recent versions of the virus. What protection they do offer wanes sharply and quickly, several studies have shown. In the presidents case, the booster shot he received nearly four months ago is likely to have lost most of its potency at preventing infection. Geneva A new study shines a light on the health risks, challenges, and barriers faced daily by millions of refugees and migrants who suffer from poor health because they lack access to the health care available to others in their host countries. The World Health Organization has just published its first world report on the health of refugees and migrants. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus called it a landmark report and an alarm bell. He said the report reveals the wide disparities between the health of refugees and migrants and the wider populations in their host countries. "For example, many migrant workers are engaged in the so-called 3-D jobs--dirty, dangerous, and demanding--without adequate social and health protection or sufficient occupational health measures," he said. "Refugees and migrants are virtually absent from global surveys and health data, making these vulnerable groups almost invisible in the design of health systems and services." Tedros noted that one billion people or one in every eight people on Earth is a refugee or migrant. He said the numbers were growing. Tedros added that more and more people will be on the move in response to burgeoning conflicts, climate change, rising inequality, and global emergencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. He said the health needs of refugees and migrants often are neglected or unaddressed in the countries they pass through or settle in. "They face multiple barriers, including out of pocket costs, discrimination and fear of detention and deportation," Tedros said. "Many countries do have health policies that include health services for refugees and migrants. But too many are either ineffective or are yet to be implemented effectively." Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Africa Health International Organisations By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Waheed Arian, an Afghan refugee and a medical doctor in Britain, recalls the conditions under which he and his family lived in a refugee camp in Pakistan during the late 1980s. He said they were exposed to many diseases, including malaria and tuberculosis. "The conditions that we see in refugee camps now in various parts of the world - they are not too dissimilar to the conditions that I experienced firsthand," he said. "Although we were safe from bombs, we were not physically safe. We were not socially safe, and we were not mentally safe." WHO chief Tedros is calling on governments and organizations that work with refugees and migrants to come together to protect and promote the health of people on the move. He said the report sets forth strategies for achieving more equitable, inclusive health systems that prioritize the well-being of all people. President Biden is 79, and Americans his age and older have made up larger and larger shares of those dying from Covid in recent months. The virus has taken advantage of falling immunity caused by the time elapsed since many older peoples last vaccinations, and the Omicron variant has evolved a growing ability to skirt the bodys defenses. Covid has been killing substantially fewer Americans of all ages this summer than it did during the peak of the wintertime Omicron wave. Still, older people remain at significantly higher risk. As of early June, four times as many Americans ages 75 to 84 were dying each week from the virus compared with people two decades younger, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Those death counts are provisional, the C.D.C. cautioned, because they were based on death certificates and did not account for all deaths in those age groups.) Hochul, determined not to wait for the tunnels, moved to accelerate the states part of the station renovation. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority has already solicited proposals from architectural design firms to suggest ways to relieve overcrowding and improve passenger flow in the station. Turvey said that better flow would provide an opportunity to reinvent an inefficient terminus as an efficient through-running station. It is a concept he said has caught on in places like London, Paris and Tokyo. In the New York area, it would allow someone from Queens, say, to go to New Jersey without having to change trains. As offices reopen, that could appeal to reverse commuters who scattered in the pandemic. Karim Ahmed, a senior adviser to ReThinkNYC who joined Turvey for the look at the secret platform, said that through-running would allow commuter trains to run more often. Am I going to take a job in Newark am I going to take NJTransit to Newark if theres only a train coming every 20 or 30 minutes? he asked. No, because if I miss my train, I miss my morning meeting and I look like a jerk. But if I had trains that were going every 10 minutes, even if I miss one, another one will come. I might be five, six minutes late to my meeting, but its a much different situation than it might not come for a long time. An M.T.A. presentation last year that through-running was not possible because there are too many physical constraints and fatal flaws, and the costs would be highly disproportionate to the limited benefits. ReThinkNYC counters that its plan would cost about half as much as the states plan for the eventual expansion of the station and the tracks underneath. Ahmed and Turvey, chatting on another platform, had to wait for a glimpse of the secret one a New Jersey Transit train was blocking their view. The train pulled out of the station after a couple of minutes. Thomas Prior for The New York Times New Yorks airports are being rebuilt, piece by piece, in the most ambitious overhaul in decades. When La Guardia Airport opened in 1939, it was a modern marvel. New Yorkers would visit just to watch planes take off and land. Things had changed by the end of the 20th century. La Guardia was no longer such a glamorous destination. New Yorks three airports were often ranked among the worst in the country. Now, the renovation of La Guardia Airport is nearing completion. One of its terminals has already won an award as the best new airport building in the world. So began his life as a prisoner, including in a police station in Graz, Austria, where he looked out a window and spotted his mother in the prison yard. It was the last time he saw her before she was presumably murdered. At the Theresienstadt concentration camp in what is now the Czech Republic, one of his jobs was to exterminate vermin with the cyanide-based pesticide Zyklon B, which the Germans used in gas chambers. At Auschwitz, when he and other prisoners ran naked past Dr. Josef Mengele, who would decide who was fit enough to work and who went to the gas chambers, they tried to appear robust enough to avoid being selected for death. We were running for our lives, Mr. Reich told The New York Times in 2017 for a profile about him. We tried to look bigger, stronger. Wed smile, do anything under the sun to look for work. He survived Auschwitz, the death march in frigid conditions (frostbite led to the amputation of parts of the toes on his right foot) and a final few months of imprisonment in Mauthausen before United States Army troops liberated the camp on May 5, 1945. He was 17. He weighed 64 pounds. Mr. Reich returned to Yugoslavia and, after two years, fled to England, where he became a tool and die maker and met his future wife, Eva Schiff. She was among the 669 Czech children, mostly Jews, who were rescued before the outbreak of World War II in 1939 by Sir Nicholas Winton, a British stockbroker, who used bribes, forgery and secret contacts with the Gestapo to bring the children to Britain by train and boat. He and Miss Schiff married in England and emigrated to the United States in 1955. After earning a bachelors degree at City College in New York, he worked as an engineer at Nabisco and the Hills supermarket chain. Health experts can debate whether the presidents recent decisions were routine or reckless to return to regular travel, meeting, greeting, presidenting his way along the road to normal. Partisans on both sides will draw their own moral to the story: that this shows prevention efforts were always misguided, that trying to avoid Covid is like trying to avoid sunlight. Or this shows that mask mandates ended too soon and mitigation is forever. But for the leader of the free world, maybe this is a way of modeling, especially to those ZIP codes where people still wear masks on empty beaches, that its time to move on. Weve reached the phase where a virus that shut down the world can now reach the Oval Office and not stop the presses or crash the markets. The White House press secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre, signaled business as usual while Mr. Biden isolates: The president will continue to carry out all of his duties fully during that time, she said, noting that he will participate in his planned meetings at the White House this morning via phone and Zoom from the residence. Historically, of course, such statements didnt always survive scrutiny. Real-time reports on Donald Trumps condition when he tested positive for the coronavirus in October 2020 turned out to wildly understate how sick he was. In the days before vaccines became available, a 74-year-old on statins was already at high risk; weve since learned that when Mr. Trump was sick, his blood oxygen dipped into the 80s, he was given powerful steroids and he had to be put on oxygen. And even as the White House physician, Dr. Sean Conley, insisted the president was doing great, his aides scrambled for access to still experimental treatments. The Trump administration was hardly the first to hide a presidents disability; that is more the rule than the exception. Woodrow Wilson had a stroke, which left him partially paralyzed, with a reportedly impaired ability to lead on his own; Dwight Eisenhower had a heart attack and a stroke while in office; John Kennedy had Addisons disease. Transparency in matters related to the health of heads of state is seldom the norm. There are natural reasons for this pride, privacy and national security among them. Markets move, and potentially armies as well, in appraisal of a presidents state of mind and body. But Covid now presents a different challenge. If Mr. Biden develops serious and debilitating symptoms, the White House has a strong obligation to disclose it. But if, as is statistically more likely, he weathers infection with little disruption to his daily routine, then he becomes just like a majority of Americans, whove also had the virus at least once. Promising an abundance of transparency, the White House indicated it would offer daily updates on the presidents progress. Of course, it would have been impossible to predict the effects of the internets presence in our lives. But in calling for everyone to get on Facebook, I should have made a better stab at guessing what could go wrong if we all did. What would be the implications for privacy if we were all using Facebook on our phones how much could this one service glean about you by being in your pocket all the time? How would Facebooks ability to bring people together play out in the world would it be a bigger boon to freedom fighters battling repressive governments, or would it, say, help aggrieved Americans attack their Capitol? What would the implications for speech and media be if this single company became a central clearinghouse in the global discourse? These are difficult questions, some of them impossible to answer now, let alone then. But I should at least have thought to ask them. I trusted techies. My article was published the week before the inauguration of the nations first Black president, whose campaign had used social networks and other digital innovations in ways never before seen in a presidential race. I was also writing in the depths of a recession caused by the meltdown of the worlds financial system, a crash widely seen as the handiwork of Wall Street. This was the vibe pervading media and politics in the late 2000s: Wall Street had ruined the world. Silicon Valley could put it right. Were still in the midst of the digital takeover of real life, and well likely only know how all this plays out many years from now. And it might not matter now, anyway: Social networks are here to stay. But what bothers me is the matchless power that people like Zuckerberg have acquired through their inventions. It does not seem in any way good for society for the economy, for politics, for a basic sense of equality that a handful of hundred-billion-dollar or even trillion-dollar companies should control such large swathes of the internet. This problem, the tech behemoths power, was fostered in the Obama administration. Its a direct result of the vibe I describe the feeling that tech people knew what they were doing, that they were the good guys, that their inventions were going to save the day. Obamas regulators allowed Facebook to buy up its biggest competitors first Instagram, then WhatsApp and failed to crack down on its recklessness with users private data. Google representatives visited the White House an average of more than once a week throughout much of Obamas two terms, far exceeding the administrations such meetings with other companies. I wish I could tell you that I criticized these mergers and the Obama White Houses intimacy with tech, but, like many others in the press, I didnt until many years later. In the late 2000s and early 2010s I was far too timid about techs growing power; I saw it happening but only rarely pointed out its dangers. I regret that. But no, he just bristled and retorted, The dog likes fresh air. The campaign progressed. And I was getting kind of desperate. Im sure youve long since blocked it out of your memory banks, but Romney was a truly sleep-inducing candidate. It was sort of a high point when he mentioned that he cared desperately about Americans except, um, not the very poor. This was after a big primary win in Florida when he added that theres no question its not good being poor. OK, that was a very long time ago. Since then, Donald Trump got elected president and those of us who make fun of politicians for a living moved into a land of perpetual opportunity. During which I got to point out nine million times that in an earlier stage of his career, Trump had sent me a copy of one of my columns, scribbling a dog with the face of a pig next to my picture and also managing to misspell the word too. Hes not president now, of course, but Trump is running still, claiming the election was stolen, dancing a happy dance for the N.R.A. conventioneers, bragging that on his watch Putin would never, ever have gone into Ukraine. Romney is now in the Senate, where he was the only Republican who voted to remove Trump from office during both of his impeachments and, recently, was the only Republican to vote against repealing Joe Bidens mask mandate. He also, of course, supports Mitch McConnell and his partys agenda. If you dont agree with that, its hard to get all that nostalgic about what might have been. But the one lesson I take away from my Seamus period is that there are some things that are way worse than boring. The Times is committed to publishing a diversity of letters to the editor. Wed like to hear what you think about this or any of our articles. Here are some tips. And heres our email: letters@nytimes.com. Follow The New York Times Opinion section on Facebook, Twitter (@NYTopinion) and Instagram. The Jan. 6 committee has told us plenty thats new. And yet it hasnt told us anything new at all. It wants us to be outraged and has given us more than enough cause. But didnt anyone willing to see the truth of Donald Trump reach peak outrage long ago? We needed the committees detective work for the sake of history and decency, as a way of recording what happened and formalizing the censure of it. But we didnt need that sleuthing to understand what Trump, his enablers and his apologists are capable of. Theyd shown us their garish colors countless times before. And most of the Americans who refused to look or found those hues appealing are hardly going to have some epiphany now. Theyre as practiced in their acquiescence as were habituated to our disgust. The relationship between Americas civilian leadership and its military is structured by an established chain of command: from unit leaders through various commanders and generals and up to the secretary of defense and the president. Civilian authorities have the constitutional and legal right and responsibility to decide whether to use military force. As military officers, we had the duty to provide candid, expert advice on how to use such force and then to obey all lawful orders, whether we agreed or not. The events of Jan. 6 offer a demonstration on how military and civilian leaders execute this relationship and what happens when it comes under threat. When a mob attacked the Capitol, the commander in chief failed to act to restore order and even encouraged the rioters. As Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, testified to Congress, Vice President Mike Pence attempted to fill the void by calling on the National Guard to intervene. Given the urgent need to secure the Capitol, Mr. Pences request was reasonable. Yet the vice president has no role in the chain of command unless specifically acting under the presidents authority because of illness or incapacitation, and therefore cannot lawfully issue orders to the military. Members of Congress, who also pleaded for military assistance as the mob laid siege to the Capitol, are in the same category. In the end, the National Guard deployed not in response to those pleas but under lawful orders issued by the acting secretary of defense, Christopher Miller. Should civilians atop the chain of command again abandon their duties or attempt to abuse their authority, military ranks can and must respond in accordance with their oaths without a lawful order from appropriate command authority, they cannot unilaterally undertake a mission. Concurrent with a duty to obey all lawful orders is a duty to question and disobey unlawful orders those a person of ordinary sense and understanding, as a Court of Military Review ruling put it, would know to be wrong. During the height of the #MeToo movement in 2017, a woman named Leeann Tweeden accused Al Franken of sexually harassing her during his comedian days and produced a photo of him pretending to grope her breasts. I called on Franken to resign from the Senate, not because I thought his alleged actions were irredeemable, but because I thought Democrats should free themselves of the burden of defending him. My first instinct, I wrote at the time, is to say that Franken deserves a chance to go through an ethics investigation but remain in the Senate, where he should redouble his efforts on behalf of abuse and harassment victims. But if that happened, I feared Republicans would be able to use the photo of Franken to deflect from the more serious charges against Donald Trump and Roy Moore, then running for Senate in Alabama while dogged by accusations of sexually assaulting teenagers. Its not worth it, I wrote then. The question isnt about whats fair to Franken, but whats fair to the rest of us. In the years since, Ive argued with many people who believe that Franken was the victim of a serious injustice. Often, theyd point to Jane Mayers New Yorker reporting exposing inconsistencies in Tweedens story and describing Frankens regret and devastation. I feel awful for Franken, and Im not sure he deserved to lose his job, but I dont think he was innocent either. Before the Tweeden photo surfaced, Id heard secondhand about Franken grabbing a womans butt at a political event. At the time I didnt know what to make of it, but when Tweeden came forward, I braced myself for others to follow, and they did. Harare, Zimbabwe The Media Alliance of Zimbabwe has condemned the Chinese embassy in Harare for threatening a weekly newspaper after it published articles on violations by Chinese mining companies. The group says the embassy threatened to take unspecified "strong countermeasures" against The Standard newspaper, which the alliance called an attack on press freedom. "Firstly, the Chinese embassy did not specify what counteractions they would take against the newspaper in question, and it is something of a concern -- particularly coming from a global powerhouse in the mold of China," said Nigel Nyamutumbu, head of the Media Alliance of Zimbabwe. "And this, in our view, such unspecified threats would amount to an attack on press freedom," he said. Officials at the Chinese embassy on Wednesday said they would not comment on the statement by the Media Alliance of Zimbabwe. Nyamutumbu said, "The Chinese embassy did not also seek any redress with the professional mechanisms that exist, whether through the ombudsman of the Alpha Media Holdings, which houses the newspaper that they had issues with, or approaching the self-regulatory mechanism that is available to seek redress and to seek accountability, and to get areas they wanted threshed out to be handled. "They could also have used the Zimbabwe Media Commission or the diplomatic channels so that their issues could have been handled amicably outside of issuing statements that have a chilling effect on press freedom," he added. Zimbabwean officials could not be reached Wednesday for comments. In an interview, former Harare Mayor Muchadeyi Ashton Masunda, a member of the Alpha Media Holdings editorial advisory board, said journalists would not relent, despite the threats by the Chinese embassy. "The allegation that really stung me into action was the allegation by the Chinese embassy that the Alpha Media Holdings journalists were paid by foreign-linked nongovernment organizations as well as an embassy," Masunda said. "Alpha Media Holdings is an independent media house, which is free from any political ties. It is an anathema for any Alpha Media Holdings journalists to receive any payment outside remuneration which he or she receives from [the] company." Masunda added that his organization would continue to report accurately and fairly in Zimbabwe. It might seem almost obvious at this point that the United States doesnt offer the social benefits that Nordic countries do. But even comparing us to more similar countries shows how out of touch and out of step we are. Take one case study: how the United States and Britain have approached child care. Both countries were on the verge of passing universal child care and early education in the 1970s, and yet both turned around and rejected the policy. In the 1980s, Mr. Reagan and Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher could have been cut from the same cloth, pushing an anti-welfare ideology. And yet in the 1990s the two countries went in completely different directions, said Anna Danziger Halperin, a postdoctoral fellow at the New-York Historical Society who wrote a dissertation on the two countries approaches to child care policy. In the United States child care spending has continued to be dedicated mostly to poor parents. But Britain embarked on universal child care in 1996, at first with vouchers for families of 4-year-olds and then with guaranteed preschool spots for all 3- and 4-year-olds. The countrys spending on early education and child care quadrupled from 1997 to 2008. Race, again, played a huge role in the diverging paths the two countries took. After the 1960s, the U.S. federal government mostly invested in child care for poor mothers through cash assistance and Head Start. It ended up being tied so closely to welfare, Dr. Danziger Halperin said. In Britain, however, the imagined person is a white British family, she said. Both programs would have been for broad populations, but the way that people think of who this is about is different. The other reason for the divergence, she found, was how child care was defined and whom it was intended to serve. In the 1960s, lawmakers in both countries argued in favor of universal child care as an educational program benefiting children. But after President Richard Nixon vetoed a bipartisan universal child care bill by saying it would commit the vast moral authority of the national government to the side of communal approaches to child rearing over against the familycentered approach, in the United States conservatives painted it as a feminist boogeyman, Dr. Danziger Halperin said. Thats when it became untouchable. Even today, we arbitrarily divide child care from school. But there was no similar extensive right-wing backlash in Britain. You just dont get that kind of thinking, she said. Instead, in Britain child care is talked about as something that benefits children. There is also more of an acceptance in Britain, despite Thatcherism and what followed it, that the state does have a role to play, Dr. Danziger Halperin said. Britain, after all, has universal health care. There is more of a state responsibility for the family and for childrens well-being than we have here. Thats not how we think about government in the United States. A thick streak of individualism has been embedded in the bedrock of the countrys values since its founding. Americans have been told to turn first to our families, our own efforts in the labor market, said Jane Waldfogel, a professor of social work and public affairs at Columbia, and turn to government only as a last resort. Weve relied on the private market, through employers, to deliver things like health care and paid time off, rather than the government. Even if all that were true, would it make Arredondo, the Uvalde police departments or any of the other agencies on the scene look any better? There are two ways to think about this. The first is that nearly 400 law enforcement personnel all independently failed to act in ways the public would expect of them as sworn officers of the law. The second is that Arredondos seeming confusion and inability to provide any meaningful leadership created a single point of failure that eventually hindered the entire response. The former scenario, at first glance, might seem crueler to law enforcement, because it would be calling personal courage into question. But aside from being improbable (recall that one of the officers who responded early on was urging his colleagues to get inside the room), it also suggests that the problem was one of individual initiative, assuming that different officers in the same situation would have made different, better decisions. The problem with thinking about it that way is that eventually there were nearly 400 officers on the scene. Some were almost certainly brave people who wouldve charged into the room if they were given orders to do so. Others might have seized up under the pressure. Its difficult to know without trying to pathologize hundreds of individuals. The latter scenario, in which hundreds of officers remained in a holding pattern because nobody seemed to know who was in charge, and BORTAC ultimately springing into decisive action after overriding the faltering command structure, suggests a much more troubling systemic malfunction. If Arredondo was, in effect, the primary point of failure, the public should ask why a police officer in charge of a six-unit squad dedicated to a relatively small municipalitys school district was placed in such a position. I dont intend to excuse Arredondos actions, whether during the crisis or in the days after, when he brazenly assumed his position on the Uvalde city council (he subsequently resigned) and began spreading half-truths and misdirections about what happened. But it should be asked: Why did none of the officers of the different arriving agencies assume command from what should have been clearly identified as a bumbling disaster of a leader? And during all the time that elapsed, why did so many officers seem to prioritize protocol, or a baffling hierarchy, over the urgent need for someone anyone to reach the children and teachers inside the classrooms with the gunman? When nearly 400 officers from an assortment of agencies show up, the failure cannot be an individual one, nor can it simply be attributed to a bad day by one agency. This was a breakdown of the entire concept of a chain of command. The giant ibis deserves its name. Adults of the largest bird in the ibis family can grow to almost 3.5 feet in length, weigh more than nine pounds and boast nine-inch beaks that bring to mind a Venetian plague doctor mask. The species has also been critically endangered since 1994, driven to the verge of extinction by hunting, habitat disturbance and deforestation. Today, fewer than 200 mature members of the species are left in its native range in Southeast Asia, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature. The giant ibis, along with other physically distinctive birds of extreme shapes and sizes, is more likely to be lost in the current biodiversity crisis, according to a study published on Thursday in the journal Current Biology. That is because human activities have threatened or destroyed the limited landscapes in which they have evolved to live. Its Never Too Late is a series about people who decide to pursue their dreams on their own terms. Nancy Cardwell has made two big changes in her life. The first was quitting her job as a top-tier newspaper editor in New York to volunteer for Habitat for Humanity. The second was a bit more drastic: moving to Buenos Aires at the age of 62 after falling in love with tango and a tango dancer by the name of Luis Gallardo. Now 75, Ms. Cardwell started at The Wall Street Journal in 1969 and rose through the ranks to become an assistant managing editor and the highest-ranking woman on the masthead at the time. But in the late 80s, she was dropped from the masthead as part of a broader reshuffling of top editorial positions and found herself frustrated. She was returning from a fishing trip in Montana in 1991 when she got off the plane at La Guardia Airport, which was sweltering and under construction. Thats it, she recalled saying to herself. Im out of here. Mr. Grisell, the Film Noir regular, once chatted with Mr. Malitek about The Denial of Death, a 1973 book that investigates cultural attitudes toward mortality. Mr. Malitek suggested Mr. Grisell watch a series of Eastern European films, Mr. Grisell said, and in them he discovered a view of death one with rawness and aggressiveness but also spiritual qualities that seemed new to him. Mr. Grisell felt hesitant to speak to a journalist about Film Noir for fear that it would become too popular, he said. It would be at the risk of losing its freedom and the ability to express enthusiasm, because I think commerce at a certain point suppresses that. To be on the receiving end of Mr. Maliteks special brand of enthusiasm might indeed be an honor, but he would hate for it to feel too pleasant. A customer returned a movie on a sunny afternoon in May. Not many laughs in that one, he commented. Its Czech, Mr. Malitek replied. What was the movie some bloody but profound lesser classic? The erudite recommender became the cryptic film noir character. Mr. Malitek was not naming names. The movie was just something weird, he said. Thats exactly what this place is all about. On Wednesday, on the third leg of an unofficial three-day trip to Washington, D.C., Olena Zelenska, the wife of President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine, became the rare first lady to address Congress. But despite the fact that she had, on the initial two days of her trip, engaged in what could have been called typical first lady things posing primly with Secretary of State Antony Blinken in his office; warmly greeting President Biden and the first lady, Jill Biden, who met her with a bouquet of flowers; wearing an array of dresses and suits by Ukrainian designers, with nods to the colors of the Ukrainian flag she was not, as she said in her speech, there to talk about typical first lady things. Usually the wives of presidents are exclusively engaged in peaceful affairs, she said as she stood in the Capitol in a black suit dress by the Ukrainian label AMG, a slice of white fabric bisecting one side of the jacket. Education, human rights, equality, accessibility. Boring problems are the ones most worth solving, Ramesh told me. This man is speaking my language. Its a competitive advantage if a company does a difficult, dull and expensive thing a little better, he said. There are other food companies taking similar approaches, and I dont know if the company will succeed. But Misfits is an example of a tech company that knows an industry well and believes it can slightly improve established ways of doing things. This is what technological progress often looks like: a novel but perhaps unflashy twist on what came before. Roy Bahat, an investor in young technology companies at the firm Bloomberg Beta, uses the term hot-swap to refer to a type of start-up that thinks big by tinkering with the status quo. He gave me examples like Flexport, which is trying to streamline the steps involved in shipping crates of goods by ocean or air, and Newfront, which is trying to do something similar for insurance brokerages. (Bloomberg Beta is an investor in Newfront.) A characteristic of these companies, Bahat said, is that they dont aim for major change, as Warby Parker did with eyeglasses, for example. That kind of change can feel scary or threatening, especially to customers in huge industries like freight shipping or insurance, he said. Instead a hot-swap start-up promises something familiar but better. Pavlivka, just a few miles from the nearest Russian positions, remains a precarious foothold for the Ukrainians. The Russians have bombarded the village so heavily since losing it that only a small group of Ukrainian soldiers were hunkered down at the entrance. The few civilians still living there were taking cover, nowhere to be seen. Villages, towns and cities across eastern and southern Ukraine have suffered similar destruction as the Russian forces have made their slow, grinding advance over the last five months, pummeling Ukrainian troops with relentless artillery strikes and killing tens of thousands of soldiers and civilians. Yet the retaking of Pavlivka was a welcome turnaround for Ukrainian troops in the region, after months of being on the back foot. It also gave them a close-up view of the enemy, and what they saw gave them confidence. It was not immediately clear why the metal strip, which is fastened to the train, slipped off, Mr. Poftak said at the news conference. He added that the current heat wave obviously had an impact on the agencys recent operations, saying that officials struggled with draw bridges sticking in an upright position on Wednesday. He did not know whether the heat played any role in the train fire. I dont want to engage in guess work, he said. It will be something that we look at. Passengers climbed out of four large windows that had been opened on the train, and the trains crew members helped others evacuate. A spokesman for M.B.T.A. said in an email that a vast majority of passengers got out through the rear door of the last car on the train, and that it wasnt immediately clear how the woman who jumped into the river left the train. He deferred questions about the episode to the U.S. Coast Guard, which did not immediately return an email. Mr. Poftak said that service was restored by 11 a.m. after inspections were complete. The train, which was put in service in 1980, was last inspected on June 23, and the seal that came loose had been inspected then, he said. Mr. Poftak said that the M.B.T.A. and public transit in general were much safer than most other forms of transportation, but he acknowledged that the system had recently had a series of incidents. In April, a man was dragged to death after his arm was caught in the door of a Red Line train he was exiting, according to the National Transportation Safety Board. Last July, 20 people were injured when two Green Line trains collided, and in January 2021 an M.B.T.A. commuter rail crash with a vehicle killed the cars driver, according to Bloomberg. ST. PAUL, Minn. Thomas Lane, a former Minneapolis police officer who held down George Floyds legs as he gasped for air while dying under the knee of another officer, was sentenced to two and a half years in prison on Thursday. A federal judge in St. Paul handed down the sentence to Mr. Lane several months after a jury found him guilty of violating Mr. Floyds rights by not providing him with medical care after Derek Chauvin, the other officer, knelt on his neck for more than nine minutes. Mr. Lane, who is also waiting to be sentenced over a state manslaughter charge, will be the second officer imprisoned over Mr. Floyds death, which set off a summer of protests across the United States in 2020. Mr. Lanes sentence showed that the judge, Paul Magnuson, was willing to imprison a police officer who was not primarily responsible for Mr. Floyds death, though the sentence imposed was less than half as long as what prosecutors had sought. Mr. Floyds relatives had asked the judge to impose the maximum prison term possible and said afterward that they were upset by the sentence. Addis Abeba: The Burayu District Court, in Oromia Regional State Special Zone Surrounding Finfinne, has passed a verdict on 18 July to free four senior officials of the opposition Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) after assessing their Habeas Corpus request, their lawyer told Addis Standard. However, due to remaining legal procedures to finalize their release, all four are still in police custody. The OLF senior officials involved in the Habeas Corpus review case are: Mikael Boran, Dawit Abdeta, Lemi Begna, and Gada Gabisa. The defense lawyer first fielded the Habeas Corpus case on 13 June this year following the repeated refusal by the Oromia police to release the detained officials in accordance with court ruling granting them bail. The review hearing was subsequently adjourned for 22 June. However, the Oromia police, on whose custody the defendants are, failed to bring them to the court, forcing the court to adjourn the Habeas Corpus review hearing until 15 July. on 15 July, the Oromia Regional State Public Prosecutors Office fielded the following statements to the Burayu district court: Mikael Boran: The prosecutor had closed his case on 03 November 3031 (23 October 2013 Ethiopian Calendar), as there was not enough evidence against him, and ordered the police to free him. Dawit Abdeta and Lemi Begna: The presiding court had sent a letter to the correctional facility in Addis Abeba detailing the court's decision to discontinue all charges against them. In a subsequent hearing held on 26 December 2021 (16 December 2013 Ethiopian Calendar) both were freed by the court, but they remained in police custody. The Oromia Regional State Public Prosecutors Office had passed no order to keep them in detention. Gada Gabisa: During a hearing held on 02 January 2022 (22 December 2014 Ethiopian Calendar), his case was closed at a court of law due to lack of enough evidence to substantiate the case by the police, and a order was issued to the Oromia Police Commission to free him. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Ethiopia Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Based on the statement given by the Oromia Regional State Public Prosecutors Office, judges at the Burayu District Court had adjourned a hearing for 18 July during which they passed a ruling for the police to free the four detainees. The defense lawyer informed Addis Standard that the remaining matter is of a civil procedure to process their release from police custody. The detainees have spent the last two years in various detention facilities and police stations under the jurisdiction of the Oromia regional state in, among other places, Mojo, Awash Melkasa, Gelan, Sebeta and Burayu including in solitary confinement in Oromia Special Forces camp called Sololia in Gelan town. On 19 May this year, the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) released the findings of its monitoring on the detention of the OLF senior leaders, including the above four, confirming that they were "detained without due process." The report also confirmed OLF's repeated plea asking for the release of its leadership, and accusing the police of torturing them while in detention. "EHRC found that some of the detainees, who had been in detention for months to two years, had been subjected to various forms of abuse and ill-treatment," the report said. A federal grand jury indicted two men on Wednesday in connection with a human smuggling operation that left 50 adults and three children dead in and around an abandoned tractor-trailer on the outskirts of San Antonio last month, officials said. It was one of the deadliest incidents in recent history involving migrants along the southern border of the United States. Homero Zamorano Jr., 46, of Pasadena, Texas, and Christian Martinez, 28, of Palestine, Texas, were indicted on counts of conspiracy to transport and transportation of migrants illegally resulting in death, and of conspiracy to transport and transportation of migrants illegally resulting in serious injury, said the U.S. attorney for the Western District of Texas, in San Antonio. A Louisiana police officer working outdoors in the blistering heat radioed for an ambulance to take him to the hospital over the weekend and later died from what his department called a heat-related medical emergency. The officer, Brian Olliff, 52, was providing security on Saturday evening at a street festival in downtown Natchitoches, a city of 17,700 people in the central part of the state, said John Greely, a Police Department spokesman. He had started his shift around 11 a.m., patrolling an apartment complex. Knowing Officer Brian, hes not the kind of person to just sit in a car, Mr. Greely said. So he was probably walking for, you know, six or seven hours. WASHINGTON President Biden tested positive on Thursday for the coronavirus, raising health concerns for the 79-year-old president and underscoring how the virus remains a persistent, if muted, threat in a country trying to put the pandemic in the past. Karine Jean-Pierre, the White House press secretary, said in a statement that Mr. Biden had tested positive for Covid-19. He is fully vaccinated and twice boosted and experiencing very mild symptoms. The president will continue to carry out all of his duties fully during this time, she said. Dr. Kevin OConnor, the presidents physician, said in a letter released by the White House Thursday morning that Mr. Biden felt fatigued, had a runny nose and an occasional dry cough and that his symptoms began on Wednesday evening. The president is receiving Paxlovid, an antiviral drug used to minimize the severity of Covid-19. The drug, authorized in December for infected, high-risk people 12 and older, was shown in clinical trials to reduce the risk of hospitalization or death by 88 percent when given to adults within five days of the start of their symptoms. That data was collected in unvaccinated people when the Delta variant of the virus was in heavy circulation. The treatment is meant to be taken as 30 pills over five days. Before starting it, patients are advised to consult a health care provider about possible drug interactions. Dr. Ashish K. Jha, the White House coronavirus coordinator, said at a White House press briefing Thursday that Mr. Biden had been told to pause two drugs he takes, a cholesterol medication and a blood thinner, so as not to risk serious side effects from Paxlovid. Scientists have also been working to understand whether Paxlovid may lead to a recurrence of symptoms or positive tests, a trend known as rebounding. Dr. Jha said Thursday that data from large health systems showed such a result to be rare, with the percentage of Paxlovid recipients who experienced a rebound in the single digits. When people have rebound, they dont end up in the hospital. They dont end up particularly sick, Dr. Jha said. Paxlovid is working really well at preventing serious illness, rebound or no rebound, and thats why he was offered it. And thats why the president took it. President Bidens Covid diagnosis on Thursday comes as his request to Congress to approve billions of dollars in additional pandemic aid remains stalled, with lawmakers unable to agree over how much to spend and how to pay for it. While some lawmakers and officials have held out hope that those funds could be incorporated into future legislation, Republicans have demanded that any additional coronavirus aid be paid for by repurposing money already approved by Congress. The White House and top Democrats have pleaded for additional funds as much as $22.5 billion early this year to pay for more vaccines, testing, therapeutics and research to combat future variants. Democratic leaders dropped a $15.6 billion emergency aid package from a catchall spending package in March, after governors in both parties and some House Democrats balked at plans to pay for part of it by clawing back some stimulus funds that were awarded to states as part of the 2021 American Rescue Plan. Negotiators then haggled over a smaller $10 billion package, but that preliminary deal also collapsed amid an election year debate over immigration restrictions at the southern border. The House committee investigating the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol returned to prime time on Thursday to deliver what amounts to a closing argument in the case it has made against former President Donald J. Trump, accusing the former commander in chief of dereliction of duty for failing to call off the assault carried out in his name. To do so, the panel is putting two military veterans Representative Elaine Luria, Democrat of Virginia, and Representative Adam Kinzinger, Republican of Illinois front and center to present evidence and question witnesses. Ms. Luria, the only Democrat on the panel involved in a competitive re-election race, served in the Navy for more than 20 years and achieved the rank of commander. Mr. Kinzinger is an Air Force veteran who flew missions in Iraq and Afghanistan. One of the witnesses they plan to question in person, Matthew Pottinger, who was deputy national security adviser under Mr. Trump and the highest-ranking White House official to resign on Jan. 6, 2021, is a Marine Corps veteran. Reflecting the national platform Ms. McMorrow gained after her speech, more than 11,000 donors from all 50 states have contributed, according to her campaign treasurer, Ray Wert, who is her husband and a journalist. She has become a regular on liberal podcasts, late-night television and MSNBC in the weeks since her viral moment, which came after a colleague in the Michigan State Senate accused her in a fund-raising email of wanting to groom and sexualize children. The crush of fund-raising trips and media requests has been so overwhelming, Ms. McMorrow said, that she has enlisted the pro bono help of Lis Smith, a Democratic communications strategist who most recently worked on the presidential campaign of Pete Buttigieg, who is now the transportation secretary. Anthony Mercurio, a former finance director for Mr. Buttigieg who helped him raise millions in 2020, has also been brought on board. The money has gone into a combination of accounts, her campaign said: the Michigan Senate Democratic Fund; the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee; her leadership fund, which is named A More Perfect Michigan; and her own candidate committee. Through A More Perfect Michigan, Ms. McMorrow is helping fellow Democrats in seven key races. The current composition of Michigans 38-seat Senate is 22 Republicans and 16 Democrats, though Democrats say the chamber is newly competitive after an independent commission redrew the district boundaries. If Democrats retain the governorship and flip just three of those seats, they will secure the majority. For some officials, the memory of Mr. Trump essentially duping the defense secretary and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff into joining him in June 2020 on a march across Lafayette Park for a photo op amid widespread protests against police brutality was still fresh. Gen. James C. McConville, the Army chief of staff, told a Defense Department inspector general investigation in November 2021 that many people talked about the optics of having military at the Capitol. What that would look like, how that would influence even some of the demonstrators or protesters. Christopher C. Miller, the acting defense secretary, was more blunt, saying there was absolutely no way he was going to put U.S. forces at the Capitol. He was conscious of news articles that Mr. Trumps advisers were pushing him to declare martial law and invalidate the election results, he told the inspector general investigation, and having troops at the Capitol might fuel suspicion that he was trying to aid a coup. If we put U.S. military personnel on the Capitol, Mr. Miller said, I would have created the greatest constitutional crisis probably since the Civil War. Two days before Jan. 6, he authorized the Army secretary to use a standby quick reaction force of National Guard troops, but only as a last resort in response to a request from an appropriate civil authority, the Defense Department inspector general found. But accounts of the actions and inaction of top officials after rioters breached the security perimeter set up by the Capitol Police and forced their way into the building have diverged wildly in various government investigations, public testimony and news reports. ATLANTA Stacey Abrams, the Democratic nominee for governor of Georgia, is racing to turn abortion rights supporters frustrations and fears into electoral gains for her party after a court ruling reinstated the states six-week ban on the procedure. Immediately after the ruling from a federal appeals court, which put into effect a 2019 law prohibiting most abortions after six weeks of pregnancy, Ms. Abramss campaign released an advertisement on Thursday morning calling the law and Gov. Brian Kemps support for it extreme and hinting that the governor could move to ban exceptions for rape or incest. And in an impassioned news conference late Wednesday afternoon, Ms. Abrams, flanked by more than two dozen state Democratic leaders, underlined the stakes for women in Georgia, with a specific message for those still unsure whether they would cast their vote for her in November. The guidelines were part of an effort to roll back the broad immigration arrest policies of the Trump administration. The ruling is not likely to drastically change how ICE operates, partly because the agency does not have the capacity to detain all migrants with criminal convictions. But it was yet another setback for the Biden administration on immigration, which has become a political liability as officials have struggled to contain surges of migrants at the border and have had to fight numerous court battles to try to replace the hard-line policies they inherited. Biden administration officials have said it is necessary for ICE to set priorities in light of the fact that there are more than 11 million noncitizens in the United States and that the federal government does not have the resources to apprehend and seek to deport all of them. Texas and Louisiana filed suit to block the guidelines, which they said allowed many immigrants with criminal records to remain free while their cases move forward, imposing burdens on the states justice systems. Judge Drew B. Tipton of the Federal District Court in Victoria, Texas, agreed, issuing a ruling that blocked the use of the guidelines throughout the nation. A unanimous three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, in New Orleans, refused to stay the ruling. Studies have shown that in many African countries, the chances of women finding a job is ten times lower than it is for men even though when women are employed, they tend to work in low-quality jobs in vulnerable conditions, and there is little improvement forecast in the near future. While there may be several explanations for this huge gender inequality in employment and opportunities, the different barriers like teenage pregnancy and lack of education that hold women back from decent work are visible thought-out Liberia. While vulnerable employment in countries like Liberia is widespread for both women and men, women tend to be overrepresented in certain types of vulnerable jobs where men are more likely to be working in own account employment while women are more likely to be helping out in their households or in some small business owned by relatives. This was the case with Lydia Gartei, a native of central the Liberia County of Bong who for years roamed the streets of Buchanan, Grand Bassa county selling cakes of soap for a living. "Truly ArcelorMittal-Liberia is transforming lives and I am one of them as there are many more out there who might not have this opportunity to speak out for the world to hear" "... but I know moving forward, this is the perfect opportunity. And I hope they can have the chance to one day do the same". .. Explained that she is originally from Bong County, but later found herself in Buchanan City selling soap in the streets to keep herself in high school. But soon after graduation, she said there was no hope to extend "my education" said Lydia who is 27 years old. I saw this flyer posted in the street about ArcelorMittal-Liberia recruitment and I am like, this is a 'who know you thing, and I passed by the flyer" The following day she noted that she made the decision to take advantage of the information and applied for the ArcelorMittal Technical and Vocational Training Academy in Yekepa, Nimba County, and was successful to enroll in the academy. "I got a phone call from them and I sat for several tests", the young woman added before boldly expressing, 'today from soap selling, I am a well-trained Diesel Engineer" According to her, she didn't pay a cent to anybody to get enrolled into the training but rather, AML has since provided "three times meal for me, give me stipend every month and after my training, I will be employed". Lydia is encouraging females to be complacent about their current condition but goes for the positives in them that will allow them to explore their full potential. "Go for it positively", she asserted before letting the Government of Liberia know that it was time she sees ArcelorMittal-Liberia as a c together with whom the government can transform the lives of many youths. This link takes readers to the testimony of Lydia and dozens of Liberians who were recently interviewed by a team of Journalists who visited the ArcelorMittal Vocational Training Center in the town of Yekepa. AML's Investment in Technical Capacity Development In 2018, Liberia's Ministry of Education forecast showed that "by 2030, there will be potential demand for 620,000 skilled workers in various industries" across the country. ArcelorMittal Liberia has positioned itself to support the government to bridge this gap by providing top-notch technical and vocational education training to Liberia's youth, international advanced scholarships, internships, and support to technical institutions among other interventions. As the largest foreign investor in Liberia, ArcelorMittal Liberia has invested over $1.7 billion in the country for its overall investment portfolio over the past 15 years including training opportunities. This is because, the technical field in Liberia is lacking qualified candidates for critical positions to fill this gap, in 2018, AML invested US$ 7 million into the setup and operation of the modern Vocational Training Center (VTC) in Yekepa which provides a two-year residential certificate training in mechanical and electrical trades. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Liberia Mining By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Also, as part of the company's decision to expand its operations in Liberia, ArcelorMittal Liberia launched a training and development program for high-potential Liberian employees who will gain on-the-job experience and knowledge in ArcelorMittal Mining operations globally. Such employees, the company says "will receive advanced training in mining production and operation optimization, plant maintenance, planning and execution, plant electrical operation systems, and electrical maintenance. Other training areas include plant fitting and heavy-duty mobile equipment maintenance, as well as mine production and operations". The investment in advanced skills training demonstrates ArcelorMittal Liberia's commitment to providing employment and professional development opportunities to Liberians compare to any other Liberian concession. President Bidens aides took extraordinary measures when he first came into the Oval Office to try to protect the president from the virus, in a marked contrast from the Trump White House. In the early months of the new administration, the White House was a virtual ghost town, with most members of the presidents staff working remotely, few reporters working in the building, and most of the presidents duties performed remotely over Zoom calls or the telephone. In those days before vaccines were widely available seeing Mr. Biden in person required receiving a negative test that morning. The few members of his staff who met with him face to face were required to wear masks at all times and to remain socially distanced. Who is eligible for the vaccine? And where can you get it? Two vaccines originally developed for smallpox and kept in the United States national stockpile can help prevent monkeypox infections. The one that is most commonly used for monkeypox is called Jynneos. It consists of two doses given four weeks apart. But because its supply is limited and is controlled by the federal government, it is not widely available to the public. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people who are eligible for vaccination include: People who have been identified by public health officials as a contact of someone with monkeypox People who may have been exposed to monkeypox, such as: People who are aware that one of their sexual partners in the past two weeks has been diagnosed with monkeypox People who had multiple sexual partners in the past two weeks in an area with known monkeypox cases. The vaccine can work even if given after someone is exposed, so the C.D.C. recommends that people get vaccinated within four days of the date of exposure for the best chance of preventing monkeypox. You can schedule an appointment for the vaccine through your local or state health department. You can also get a shot up to two weeks after an exposure to help reduce symptoms, though a vaccination more than four days after an exposure may not prevent onset of the disease. Youd still need to take all the preventive measures for a few weeks after vaccination, said Dr. Sharone Green, an infectious disease expert at the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School in Worcester. Whether before or after exposure, individuals are generally considered fully protected two weeks after they have received their second dose, she said. However, some researchers have suggested that even a single dose of Jynneos may help slow the spread of monkeypox. Vaccine distribution has run into several roadblocks and delays, so it may still be difficult to get an appointment. BRUSSELS After two days of contentious debate, Belgiums Parliament has approved a much-criticized treaty with Iran that would allow prisoner exchanges between the two countries. Critics of the treaty, which was ratified late Wednesday by a vote of 79 to 41, with 11 abstentions, argue that Belgium is giving in to a form of hostage-taking by Iran. In late February, the Iranian authorities detained a Belgian aid worker, Olivier Vandecasteele, 41, on charges of espionage. His arrest was not made public, but on March 11, Belgium signed the prisoner-exchange treaty with Iran that was ratified on Wednesday. Seven trees memorializing people who died at Buchenwald during the Holocaust were chopped down on Tuesday near the former concentration camp outside Weimar, Germany, in what the International Committee of Buchenwald Dora called a horrible act of vandalism. The foundation that runs the Buchenwald memorial complex announced the news on Twitter. The trees were part of the 1,000 Beeches project, an effort to plant trees along the 118-mile route that prisoners from Buchenwald were forced to march in April 1945 when the Nazis tried to evacuate the camp as U.S. forces closed in, according to the charity in charge of the project. Buchenwald is the German word for beech forest. One of the trees honored the 1,600 children who died at Buchenwald, the foundation said. The other trees that were cut down each honored a former prisoner and were planted by relatives of those prisoners in 2015. In a statement, the International Committee of Buchenwald Dora condemned the vandalism and said it was deeply outraged. The C.I.A. director says that President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia believes that America will suffer from attention deficit disorder and lose interest and resolve in the Ukraine war. William J. Burns, the C.I.A. director, said that Mr. Putin is making a bet that he can succeed in a war of attrition against the Ukrainian military. Over the rest of the year, he said, Mr. Putin believes he can wear down the Ukrainian military and then strangle the Ukrainian economy. The Russians are slowly moving forward in the grinding war in the Donbas, Mr. Burns said. They have, he said, shifted tactics to a more comfortable way of war, focusing on destroying Ukrainian targets. The element of randomness that generated the new mutations was concerning, said Christophe Fraser, an epidemiologist at the University of Oxford. Across Britain, Covid cases have tripled or more since late May, according to a survey run by the countrys Office of National Statistics. Infections are showing no signs of decreasing, with rates approaching levels last seen in March this year at the peak of the Omicron BA.2 wave, said Sarah Crofts, who heads the analytical team for the statistics office. Hospitalizations have more than quadrupled since May, according to government data. But deaths caused by the virus, while on the rise, were not approaching the levels recorded at the start of the year. Overall, from a public health perspective, we need to remain vigilant, but this isnt a cause to reverse course, said Neil Ferguson, an epidemiologist at Imperial College London. Some shifts have taken place. In April, Europes drug regulator, the European Medicines Agency, gave advice that second booster shots would only be needed for those over 80, at least until there was a resurgence of infections. On July 11, it decided that moment had arrived, recommending second booster shots for everyone over 60 and all vulnerable people. ROME Italys president on Thursday accepted the resignation of Prime Minister Mario Draghi, dissolved Parliament and called for new elections, bringing to a close an exceptional period of Italian stability and influence, and opening what promised to be a chaotic political season as Europe struggles to maintain resolve in the face of Russian aggression. Having demurred once last week, Sergio Mattarella, the countrys president, acted reluctantly following the unraveling of Mr. Draghis national unity government on Wednesday, when populist and nationalist forces abandoned the prime minister in a confidence vote. The government set new elections for Sept. 25. Dissolving of the parliament is always the last choice, Mr. Mattarella said in an evening address to the nation in which he said he had thanked Mr. Draghi for his service but that he had decided there was no hope for a new majority and he needed to call early elections. Ukraines international creditors agreed on Wednesday to suspend debt repayments until the end of next year, giving the country breathing room to continue to fend off Russia while avoiding a default. The decision followed a request from Ukraines government, which is facing an economic crisis five months after Russias invasion. The group of creditors, which includes Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Japan and the United States, also urged Ukraines private-sector bondholders to show similar flexibility. In these exceptional circumstances, and acknowledging Ukraines exemplary track record of honoring debt service to date, the members of the Group of Creditors of Ukraine support this consent solicitation and strongly encourage bondholders to consent to Ukraines request, the creditors said in a statement. Questions about Mr. Bashirs tactics were raised soon after the interview was broadcast, most vocally by Dianas brother, Charles, Earl Spencer. An internal investigation by the BBC exonerated Mr. Bashir, but in 2021, an inquiry conducted by a former justice of the British Supreme Court, Lord John Dyson, concluded that the BBC fell short of the high standards of integrity and transparency, which are its hallmark. Image Mr. Bashir in 2007. Credit... Fred Prouser/Reuters On Thursday, the BBCs director-general, Tim Davie, issued yet another apology to the royal family, as well as a new one to Mrs. Pettifer. It is a matter of great regret that the BBC did not get to the facts in the immediate aftermath of the program, when there were warning signs that the interview might have been obtained improperly, Mr. Davie said. Had we done our job properly, Princess Diana would have known the truth in her lifetime. The BBC, Mr. Davie reiterated, will never again broadcast the program, or license it to other broadcasters. Because of its historic value, he did not rule out airing extracts from the interview. Mr. Bashir, who went on to report for ABC News and returned to the BBC as a religion correspondent, resigned from the broadcaster in May 2021, citing poor health. He has expressed regret for his methods but insisted they did not ultimately play a role in getting Diana to sit for the interview. Even as Russian forces have stalled in their advance in eastern Ukraine, they continued their unrelenting bombardment of the countrys second largest city, Kharkiv, on Thursday as the Ukrainians in turn pursued a limited counteroffensive in the direction of the eastern city. For the second day in row, Russian forces struck bus stops in Kharkiv, killing at least two people and wounding 19 more, including a child, according to Ukrainian officials. Serhii Bolvinov, the head of the investigative department of the regional police force, accused Russia of firing missiles designed to target aircraft to sow terror among civilians. Oleh Syniehubov, the head of the Kharkiv Regional Military Administration, urged residents to be cautious, saying that Russian forces continued to fire chaotically and brutally at the city. A member of the Unity Party Curtis V. Dorley says what the current opposition bloc is engaged in, they are far from taking the biggest chair in Liberia. The biggest chair as used is the presidency of the county. Liberia is expected to go to the election next year, 2023 to elect members of the House of Representatives, Senate, and the Presidency. Speaking in an exclusive interview with this paper, Tuesday, July 19, 2022, Mr. Dorley who is the current Youth Chair of the Unity Party said the way he sees the opposition community conducting themselves, if nothing is done to amalgamate their forces, President George M. Weah will defiantly retain his position as president of Liberia. When he was asked about the sour relationship in the opposition bloc of Liberia ahead of 2023, the UP outgoing youth chairperson said, "I want to be frank with you, the opposition cannot win the current leadership of the country if we are in this disarray, if we are disorganized and if we are in confusion with ourselves." According to him, a house that is divided cannot stand adding, "It is just a message to all of us in the opposition that we cannot win President Weah when we are divided and having different blocs and sub groups. He intoned that if they are to make history by ensuring that President Weah is a one term leader through a democratic process, they in the opposition community need to be united and form a formidable front as the election year draws nearer. Liberians want to see serious-minded leadership and if the opposition is not ready they will not by any means come near the presidency. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Liberia Governance By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. According to him, the opposition bloc can make a comeback by putting aside their personal interest and focus on Liberia as a nation. One of the things he said during the interview was rallying the opposition bloc to support former V.P Boakai for the presidency of the country. According to him, Boakai is the best option that will reverse the backwardness and the hardship Liberians are going through. "I served as a guest speaker at the graduation of a school and those women who sell on Gobachop [buy and sell] field were crying because I was telling them the reality," Dorlay said. Speaking about the upcoming national convention of the Unity Party, Dorlay said he will not re-contest the position of Youth Chairpersonship because he has passed the stage of being a youth. According to him, he is having a consultation to be elected as the National Vice Chair for Governmental Affairs and International Relations for the Party. "I am talking to delegates of the party, I am talking to members, Legislative members, and the standard bearer but I am sure of contesting the National Vice Chair for Governmental Affairs and International Relations Ukraines first lady, Olena Zelenska, carried the message personally to Washington on Wednesday, making a rare appearance before Congress by a foreign first spouse. She pleaded for more weapons, saying Russia was destroying our country. Despite the Ukrainians renewed optimism, military analysts and Western officials say its far too soon to forecast a turn in fortunes, and that a long slog seems likely. And they caution against hanging too many hopes on particular weapons amid the chaos and fluidity of a front line that winds hundreds of miles from Kharkiv in the north to Mykolaiv in the south. We are now achieving what we have not achieved before, said Taras Chmut, the director of a nongovernmental group aiding Ukrainian soldiers. But there was no breakthrough at the front. There is no panacea, no magic wand, that will lead to victory tomorrow. Still, in interviews in Kyiv this week, senior Ukrainian security officials projected optimism. The faster our partners supply us with weapons, the faster we will end this war, said Oleksiy Danilov, the head of Ukraines national security council. Ukraine has no intention of ceding territory in a negotiated settlement, as some in the West have suggested, he said. This is just a question of who beats whom. Ukraine received affirmation of its strategy from the United States on Wednesday, when the Pentagon committed to supplying four more HIMARS rocket launchers and other potent weaponry, including two NASAM air-defense systems to help Ukraine protect against missile strikes. And Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III offered a more optimistic assessment of Ukraines chances. In our age of hyperpartisanship and polarization, when social media echo chambers incentivize digging in and doubling down, its not easy to admit you got something wrong. But here at Times Opinion, we still hold on to the idea that good-faith intellectual debate is possible, that we should all be able to rethink our positions on issues, from the most serious to the most trivial. Its not necessarily easy for Times Opinion columnists to engage in public self-reproach, but we hope that in doing so, they can be models of how valuable it can be to admit when you get things wrong. Although it was sort of ambitious to own a New York apartment by age 30, thats where Lauren Jensen set her sights. After growing up in northern Westchester County and landing a job in the city when she finished college, she moved often among various neighborhoods and under various circumstances. It all netted out to be very nomadic, said Ms. Jensen, now 31. By the time the pandemic struck, she had settled into a ground-floor one-bedroom in Manhattan Valley for $2,550 a month. Her lease ended last fall, just as pandemic rent deals dried up. Reluctant to renew an expensive lease, and working remotely (she is now a product manager at a food delivery company), she got serious about buying a one-bedroom co-op unit. Ms. Jensen moved back into her parents house in Westchester to save money and to avoid the worry of timing the end of her lease to a purchase. Ive been squirreling away money for 10 years, she said. She set her budget in the high $600,000s and initially considered the Upper West Side, but the apartments there felt too small and the area too familiar. As she put it, I knew every blade of grass in Central Park, where she walked her dog, Norman. So she hunted in Brooklyn, where many friends lived. [Did you recently buy or rent a home in the New York metro area? We want to hear from you. Email: thehunt@nytimes.com] Ms. Jensen hoped to find a place near Prospect Park, in a building with an elevator, as she often goes in and out with the dog. A big bedroom for a big bed was important with space for her and Norman. So was a designated office area. I would love to have my office not be my bedroom or living room, she said. Ms. Jensen contacted Cody Hernandez, a real estate agent with Compass, who had been referred by friends. I asked Lauren if she was open to studios, because with her budget we could get her a nice studio in an area she wanted to be in, Mr. Hernandez said. Or a one-bedroom that needed a little bit of fixing up, or was smaller or farther away from the park. Ms. Jensen saw one alcove studio, with beautiful views of Prospect Park, listed for $545,000. It was hard to ignore that $100,000 below my budget, she said. My mom talked me out of it. She told Mr. Hernandez that she wanted the one-bedroom version of that apartment. He said it doesnt work that way, she said, and he cautioned her that she couldnt expect a one-bedroom to appear in the same building. Among her options: Chrysina limbata is a species of beetle native to the tropical rainforests of Central America known for its metallic reflective silver color which makes specimens look like living pieces of jewelry. Chrysina limbata is regarded as one of the most beautiful insect species on Earth, and for good reason. These beetles have a reflective silver metallic appearance that is so clear one can actually see their reflection in them. According to Wikipedia, this stunning visual effect is achieved through thin film interference within layers of chitin. These layers of the chitin coating are chirped (in layers of differing thicknesses), forming a complex multilayer as each layer decreases in depth; as the thickness changes, so too does the optical path-length. Each chirped layer is tuned to a different wavelength of light. The species of silver beetle has long been very popular among collectors, with some paying as much as $500 per pristine specimens, but it recently became the talk of social media, after a set of photos posted by a Costa Rican man. Photo: Michael Farmer While strolling through his property, Michael Farmer noticed something shiny on the leaves of a guava tree. It glinted in the sun like a piece of polished metal, but as he approached, he noticed that the metal was alive and crawling on the leaves. Photo: Michael Farmer I was amazed by how beautiful it was, Farmer told The Dodo. [Ive] never seen anything like it. [It] was like a mirror. Utterly flawless reflection in the beetle, truly one of the most beautiful things Ive ever seen. Photo: Michael Farmer After snapping some photos of the beetle with his phone, Michael Farmer put it back on the guava tree leaf and it quickly flew away. He hopes to see another one soon, but, sadly, Chrysina limbata beetle numbers are dwindling, due primarily to habitat loss. Photo: Michael Farmer Looking for more examples of beautiful metallic insects? Check out these stunning golden tortoise beetles. A Ugandan man allegedly packed his bags and left his growing family after his wife recently gave birth to their fifth pair of twins. While some people would give anything to have one child, let alone two, others have no problem abandoning their offspring. Case in point, a Ugandan man who couldnt cope with the fact that his wife recently gave birth to their fifth set of twins. Nalongo Gloria never underwent IVF treatments to get pregnant, yet she cant stop having twins. The Ugandan woman recently brought her ninth and tenth children into this world, which reportedly made her husband, Ssalongo pack up his things and leave, saying that it wasnt normal and that he couldnt take care of her and their children anymore. When I got pregnant with twins again, my man said this was too much for him and told me to go home, Nalongo Gloria said in an interview. Where he was sending me, I didnt have their numbers anymore because I came to Kampala to work as a house girl. He told me that if I cant produce one child, he cant take care of me. One day, when she came home, the woman realized that her husband had packed up his belongings and left. She hasnt heard from him since and is struggling to take care of her children. Still, she doesnt regret anything and places her faith in God. I dont regret giving birth to all these children. I know their father doesnt like them, but I cant abandon them. Despite the challenges, I will never abandon my kids. I know God will provide, Gloria said. I have suffered, but God knows best. Nalongo currently lives with seven of her children, after the eldest pair of twins left the nest, and one of her other children tragically died. They face an uncertain future, as the landlord recently told the woman he no longer wants her or her baggage. Nalongos unusually fertile womb reminds us of Ugandas most fertile woman who made international headlines for giving birth to no less than 44 children by age 40. Amy Cloessner BCW Group promotes Amy Cloessner from chief operating officer to president of Direct Impact, its grassroots firm. Cloessner will be responsible for building DIs offerings, growing its client base and overseeing talent management. She will work with Jeff Joseph, BCWs incoming president, Washington, D.C., as well as BCW Group Company Prime Policy Group, to develop solutions and programs for clients. Amy is the perfect choice to lead DI, as she is an incredible home-grown success story having started her career with us at Burson-Marsteller in 2002 and advancing steadily through the ranks, said BCW president, North America, Mary Corcoran. Ariane Romano Magrino hires Ariane Romano as executive vice president/integrated brand services, a new position at the firm. Romano was a vice president at the agency between 2006 and 2009. She was most recently vice president, new business development at 160over90. In her new position, she will be responsible for implementing an integrated marketing approach to help identify areas of future development, unlock deeper engagement with clients, and introduce new types of services and industries to the agency. Ariane Romano brings a great depth of experience in integrated marketing, and we are thrilled to welcome her back to the agency, said agency chairman and CEO Susan Magrino. Magrino has also promoted Jee Park and Chris Walters from senior VP to executive VP, and Alexis Chernoff and Nicole Frydman to vice president. Shelby Janner, Nichole Williamson Zilker Media, an Austin-based PR and digital marketing agency, promotes Shelby Janner to chief publicity officer and Nichole Williamson to chief brand officer. Both have been with the firm since its founding in 2017. Janner was most recently publicity director. Before joining Zilker, she was publicity manager at Advantage Media Group | Forbes Books. Williamsons most recent post at Zilker was as brand strategy director. She was previously an account executive at Raconteur Media Company. Janner and Williamson will now co-lead operations for the agency, including the growth of their respective departments. They are masters of their craft and will continue to successfully lead and develop our teams towards our vision as a company, said Zilker Media partner and CEO Paige Valesquez Budde. Sharon Schwarzmiller Modern Campus, a platform that offers higher education providers such services as non-traditional student management, web content management, catalog and curriculum management, names Sharon Schwarzmiller senior vice president of marketing. Schwarzmiller joined Modern Campus in January as vice president for solutions marketing after seven years in executive marketing roles at educational content, technology, and services company Cengage. Sharon is an expert in integrated marketing, with a long-standing record of excellence, said Modern Campus CEO Brian Kibby. Large businesses have a major role to play in shaping the future of the United States, according to a new study from FTI Consulting, and stakeholders expect the CEOs of those businesses to take their responsibility to the country seriously. FTI surveyed institutional investors and professional employees and found a considerable amount of consensus on the importance of corporate responsibility. More than 84 percent of both investors and professionals surveyed agreed that large-sized businesses help to shape the countrys future, just about even with state government (83 percent of investors, 84 percent of professionals) and federal government (81 percent of investors, 83 percent of professionals). Respondents also said that corporate CEOs should cooperate with government authorities during moments of national crisis or major social change (85 percent of investors, 81 percent of professionals). However, the opinions of professionals regarding CEOs' involvement in political issues were a little more variable. Only 38 percent of those surveyed said they thought CEOs should engage in politics. That number was a little higher for respondents who were Millennials or Democrats (both registering at 52 percent). Many respondents also said they want to be on the same page as the leadership of the company where they work. Almost six out of 10 investors said they would not work for a CEO whose social or political views were at odds with their own. For professionals, that number is not nearly as high (38 percent), but it rises to 50 percent for those that are Democrats and 51 percent for Millennials. There is also general agreement that CEOs should do their homework to make sure any political stances they take are in line with the corporate values of their company (86 percent of investors, 79 percent of professionals) and the opinions of their customers (84 percent of both groups). Investors and professionals differed on what topics were the most important ones on which they thought CEOs should speak out. For investors, the top three are the US economy, data security and environmental issues. Professionals prioritized healthcare costs, ethical business practices and minimum wage. FTI Consultings survey polled 1,012 employed professionals from companies with more than 250 employees and 253 institutional investors. A WOMAN escaped being sent to jail after Tullamore District Court heard how a row over non-payment for a meal at a Chinese restaurant developed into a public order incident. Judge Patricia Cronin was told that defendant Sinead Redmond (37), Hill Road, Cloghan called a garda a dirty bastard and said I hope you die while committing a breach of the peace at the Canton Regent, William Street, Tullamore on June 12 last. Sergeant James O'Sullivan said Ms Redmond and another person was refusing to pay for a meal and when gardai arrived at 9.15pm the accused was intoxicated and unsteady on her feet. He said she had four previous convictions and was still subject to a three-and-a-half year suspended sentence for a theft and robbery offence. Defending solicitor Patrick Martin said Ms Redmond was a mother of three who had been asked out for a meal on the evening and had been drinking. She became upset when her friend did not have money to pay but she did pay later and Ms Redmond also contacted the gardai and apologised. The other person had left the scene quite quickly, added Mr Martin. The offence has also occurred in the context of a fire taking place at the residence of the father of Ms Redmond's children. Mr Martin added that his client was embarrassed by her involvement in the incident and had brought 100 to court. Judge Cronin said the accused was being arrested for her own safety and would have been prosecuted for public drunkenness only if she had not reacted in the manner she did. The judge noted that there were still six years of the suspension of her sentence for the previous offence to run but decided not to send the woman to prison because the convictions now before the court were for public order matters. Judge Cronin imposed a 250 fine but warned Ms Redmond that a subsequent conviction would trigger the activation of the prison sentence. THIS years That Beats Banagher Festival will take place over next weekend Friday to Sunday, July 22nd to 24th with a multiplicity of literary, heritage, cultural and sporting events including a food and craft fair in the Bridge Barracks Yard at the West End on Saturday, 12 noon to 4.30pm, craft workshops, children's events, water events, children's outdoor cinema and other surprise events. Book Launches The programme is particularly strong on literary events with the launch of two books on Charlotte Bronte's honeymoon in Ireland, the first called Arthur & Charlotte, by Pauline Clooney (published by Merdog) and the second, Charlotte Bronte: An Irish Odyssey by Michael O' Dowd (published by Pardus Media). Pauline and Michael recently spoke with much acclaim at the prestigious Bradford Literary Festival under the title No Net Ensnares Me: Charlotte Bronte Abroad. The event will held at 6.30pm on Friday July 22nd in the Long Room in The Crank House. St Paul's Church Open To Visitors On Friday also, prior to the evening events, Saint Paul's Church of Ireland, at the top of The Hill in Banagher, will be open for visitors from 2.30pm to 5pm. Arthur Bell Nicholls, (1817-1906), husband of Charlotte Bronte, is buried in the adjoining graveyard beside his second wife Mary Anna Bell who died in 1915. The magnificent east window in the church is dedicated to the Bell family including Arthur and depicts a wonderful recreation of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Film Premiere This launch will be preceded by the premiere of a short film called The Legacy of the Brontes in Banagher, produced by Maebh O'Regan of NCAD. This short presentation will feature local actors Cora Stronge-Smith, Saoirse Flynn and Brendan Dolan. The film which was shot on location in Charlottes Way, (formerly Hill House), Banagher and the National Portrait Gallery in London, tells the story of the famous Pillar portrait of the three Bronte sisters, Anne, Emily and Charlotte by their only brother Branwell created c.1834 and its sensational discovery in Hill House about eighty years later. Craft Exhibition An exhibition of tapestries and other handcrafts by the Banagher Craft Group also relating to the Bronte connection with Banagher will be opened to the public. The exhibition will remain on display all weekend in the Long Room in The Crank House. Banagher's Ciorcal Comhra Ar An Aoine As part of the festival Banagher's Irish speaking circle will meet in Corrigan's Corner House pub at about 9pm on Friday night. Beidh ceol, caint agus craic ann. Fanesker Martello Tower Open On Saturday As part of their continuous generous support to TBB Festival, Wolfgang and Ursula Fisher are opening their Martello Tower on the west bank upstream of Banagher Bridge (County Galway side) on Saturday July 23rd, 12 noon to 4pm. Since taking ownership some years ago Wolfgang and Ursula have much improved access to and the appearance of the historic structure. The tower is one of only two inland Martello Towers in Ireland and is quite a unique edifice. That Beats Banagher Book Re-Launch Patrick Flattery's book That Beats Banagher!, published in 2012 but only becoming available now, will be introduced by the author himself on Saturday July 23rd at 5pm. Patrick is travelling from Minnesota for the weekend and his book relates to his nineteenth century ancestors in Banagher and Cloghan. The fast moving novel tells the fascinating story of his great great grandfather, Robert Flattery and the Fenian Movement. The history of other members of the historic Flattery family is also related. Fictional local events are also described, taking some well-disguised liberties with local history and geography along the way. Martello Tower Pop-Up Bookshop All literary events will be held in the Long Room in The Crank House. Copies of all books will be on sale throughout the weekend from the ever popular Martello Tower Pop-up Bookshop which makes a timely return to the streets of Banagher for the festival. The shop will also have a stall at the Food & Craft Fair in the Bridge Barracks Yard in the West End of Banagher on Saturday from 12 noon to 4.30pm. Sunday Events On Sunday morning there will be a heritage related cycle from Banagher to Shannon Harbour and Clonony, via Cuba and Streamstown and the Harbour Cross. The cycle starts at The Crank House car park at 11am and will finish about 1.30pm back in Banagher. On Sunday afternoon at 2pm Lynn Maloney (Coughlan) of Banagher and Mary Madden of Portumna will speak of their self-publishing exploits during covid times and showcase their books in the Long Room in The Crank House Closing The festival will close with a bang during a visit to the award-winning fortification Fort Eliza on the Crank Road at 6pm on Sunday. Don't miss it! Well! That Bangs Banagher! and Banagher Bangs the Devil!!! The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), Swiss Red Cross and World Food Programme (WFP) have been commended for collaborating to manage disasters in the Northern Region. The Northern Regional Minister, Shani Alhassan Shaibu, recognized these organizations in speech read on his behalf during a stakeholder engagement in Tamale. The meeting was to review the Regional Emergency Preparedness Plan and the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). He said the disaster management mechanisms were developed by the stakeholders in June 2020 with funding from the Swiss Red Cross, through the Ghana Red Cross Society. Mr Shaibu admonished the people to always be on the alert since disasters do not announce their occurrence. "It usually strikes without warning, whether natural disasters or man-made,' the Minister observed. On his part, the Northern Regional NADMO Director, Alhaji Abdallah Abdul-Mumin, stated that the disaster management body has been using both print and electronic media to sensitise the public on how to prevent disasters. He further disclosed that NADMO had been holding discussions with the MMDAs in the region and the Ghana Highways Authority on the need to expand major drains to help avert flooding. According to Alhaji Abdul-Mumin, NADMO has also been providing its Directors at the MMDAs, the media and all other stakeholders with daily weather updates from the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC). The Northern Regional NADMO boss disclosed that due to the sensitization the organization has been doing, disasters in the region have considerably reduced as compared to last year's. Starting a career in multi-media Advertising Sales could prove to be your launch pad into a long-term, successful future in the media sector. If you have the communication skills to present well and persuade customers of the immense value of advertising, it could be both highly lucrative and personally rewarding. Sales Advisor - Multi-Media - Attractive salary package - Birr/Tullamore (County Offaly) About us Iconic is Irelands largest independently owned newspaper group, with an unrivalled audience in print, online and mobile. As part of the groups development strategy, we are now seeking Sales Advisors to join the advertising sales team working on the Midland Tullamore Tribune and Offaly Live. About the role As a Sales Advisor you will be responsible for a portfolio of existing customers and for developing new relationships with potential advertisers. As part of an experienced and dedicated sales team youll be fully supported to learn and understand your role and how to follow and convert sales leads and achieve targets. About you This is an excellent opportunity to develop a long-term, successful sales career in the publishing sector. And if you have the communication skills and tenacity to persuade customers of the immense value of advertising, it could be both highly lucrative and personally rewarding. Customer service or call-centre experience would be ideal, but above all else we are seeking ambitious relationship builders with excellent communication skills. Professional, personable and able to inspire others, youll also need to demonstrate the confidence to hit the ground running. We offer a competitive salary and massive career progression for the right fit. To apply please email your CV with a covering letter to ocooper@iconicnewspapers.ie Strictly No Agencies Russian President Vladimir Putin blamed the West for the decline in the supply of Russian natural gas to customers in Europe and warned the reduction would continue and impact economies. Wibbitz Top Stories 16 Aug 2022 Jill Biden , Tests Positive for COVID. CNN reports that a spokesperson for the first lady confirmed the positive COVID test on.. New York (AFP) July 20, 2022 Tesla reported solid quarterly earnings Wednesday despite a hit from Covid-19 lockdowns in Shanghai that Chief Executive Elon Musk said prompted the company to liquidate most of its bitcoin holdings. Musk, who has generated recent headlines over his controversial withdrawal from a $44 billion acquisition of Twitter, said the company had navigated a tricky environment with the Shanghai closur Slotegrator Analysis of the Ever Popular Curacao Gaming License Published July 21, 2022 by Brett C Curacao is a small island in the southern Caribbean. Its also a prized destination for acquiring an online gaming license. In addition, Curacao is a haven for the gambling industry with an operator-friendly taxation scheme, liberalized legislation, and smooth business operations. All-in-all, businesses with Curacao licensing benefit in many ways. However, a Curacao license requires operators to follow a variety of intricate steps during the application process. These include registering an iGaming company in the Curacao jurisdiction. Plus, companies must complete the application paperwork and pay the required licensing fee. As a market-leading entity, Slotegrator understands the process in its entirety as it assists operators with professional legal services to acquire a Curacao license. To date, Slotegrator has successfully launched 150+ projects, often with licensing included. Slotegrator assists new entrants and established operators alike. Curacao is an important destination for licensing online casinos. As one of the first territories to regulate iGaming, Curacaos industry is governed by the Ministry of Finance & the Financial Intelligence Unit. The authority offers two types of licenses: a master license and a sub-license. The master license is valid for five years with an option to extend it. The Curacao sub-license is valid indefinitely on the proviso that the master license is active. Only four master license holders exist in Curacao. This has been the case since 1996. These include the following: Antillephone NV #8048/JAZ. Gaming Curacao (GC) #365/JAZ CuracaoInteractive Licensing NV (CIL) #5536/JAZ Cyberluck Curacao NV (Curacao eGaming) #1668/JAZ According to the rules of Curacao licensing, all new applicants must apply through these vendors. As a leading player in the industry, Slotegrator offers a variety of business solutions and technical solutions for operators. Among others, Slotegrator advocates for a Curacao license for the following reasons: There is no VAT, and income tax is just 2%. The rudimentary licensing process takes up to 6 weeks. One Curacao license applies to all online gambling activities. Curacao offers enhanced opportunities for network development. Licensing contributes to transparency, integrity and honest operations. The Process of Applying for a Curacao License While the application process is simpler in Curacao, operators expect several key requirements. If an incorrect application process is submitted, it can derail the entire process. The application process comprises these steps: Register a legal company in Curacao. Compile the required documents (recent utility bill, valid passport, ID, proof of no criminal record, bank recommendation letter, expert commendation letter, et al.) Complete the application and pay the fees. Wait for the application to be processed. Launch the online gaming site. Every document in the application package must be completed and submitted accurately for the license to be processed. Mistakes can invalidate applications, so care, and attention is needed. The attendant fees for Curacao licensing vary from one operator to the next. However, Curacao licensing fees are considerably lower than other authorities. The financial liability of Curacao operators is 2% net income tax, license application fees, and renewal fees. Viewed in perspective, Curacao licensing confers many benefits to operators. It is a quick & easy process, with abundant networking opportunities available to operators. While limited restrictions apply, the Government of Curacao-approved iGaming sites block players from France, the Netherlands, and the USA. The huge crowd at the Bundung High Court grounds during proceedings of the trial of Bob Keita on Monday, gave the impression that the judge would to have resort to the force of the paramilitary force to arrest and disperse the protestors. Surprisingly, the judge asked the security forces not to close the doors of the courtroom. Addressing the spectators, the judge emphasised that the court is an open court which as a matter of right would not disallow the public from being present and seated to witness the proceedings; that to avoid congestion those who cannot find seats would have to stay outside and would not be dispersed if they remain calm to allow the proceedings to take place. He emphasised that the court is a court of justice which cannot and will not be prejudiced by any form of influence. He assured that justice is going to be done without fear or favour, affection or ill-will. Eventually there was calmness and the paramilitary forces that came did not have a confrontation with the protestors. Laxman Pai, Opalesque Asia: European private equity investor Eurazeo has exceeded its fundraising target for the Eurazeo PME IV Fund by attracting more than 1bn ($1.02bn), 50% more than its previous fund. The global investment group, with a diversified portfolio of 25.6 billion in assets under management, said in a press release that the partner investors include top-tier institutional investors - asset managers, sovereign funds, and insurance companies - and family offices originating in France (64%), other European countries (24%) and Asia (12%). "Their renewed confidence also reflects the returns generated by Eurazeo's small-mid buyout strategy, resulting in particular from its strong track record in terms of exits. Recent disposals include Orolia (x3.7), Vitaprotech (x3.2), and Intech Medical (x3)," the release added. Olivier Millet, Member of Eurazeo's Executive Board and Managing Partner-Small-mid buyout, said: "Hitting our 1 billion target is hugely satisfying for our team, and I would like to thank all of its members for their very high level of expertise and commitment over the years. Eurazeo intends to help French SMEs speed up the process of becoming European and international champions." Olivier added: "Our Group's presence in 11 countries, along with our investment strategy that focuses on high-value-added sectors, are two major benefits that Eurazeo wants to bring to company managers, working closely with them and providing...................... To view our full article Click here Laxman Pai, Opalesque Asia: US-based alternative asset manager Fundamental Advisors has surged past its $1bn target for its fourth flagship private equity fund to hold the final close with $1.43 billion in capital commitments. The investment company dedicated to municipal and public purpose investing said in a press release that the fund's - Fundamental Partners IV - total commitments significantly exceeded its original target of $1 billion. The fund received support from a majority of existing investors along with a diverse group of new investors including state pension plans, insurance companies, university endowments, and private wealth platforms, it said. Laurence L. Gottlieb, Chairman, and CEO of Fundamental said: "The successful raise of our largest fund to date is an extraordinary milestone in our firm's 15-year history, and a testament to our talented team and growing reputation for achieving attractive risk-adjusted performance while protecting our partners' capital. Our flexible capital and adaptive investment strategies position us well to successfully navigate an ever-changing investing landscape." According to the release, Fund IV will continue Fundamental's strategy of employing both private equity-style control and high-yielding private credit practices to invest in essential community assets, such as affordable and workforce housing, renewable energy, senior care, and infrastructure. "The fund will benefit from Fundamental&...................... To view our full article Click here Photo provided/Alex Wong/Getty Images Chick-fil-A plans to open three new restaurants this fall in the metro Detroit area, an addition to the 10 restaurants serving southeast Michigan. The new locations are in Southfield, Monroe and Livonia, according to a press release issued Tuesday by the company, and are expected to bring around 300 jobs to the area. Five more locations are expected to follow in the next three to five years. Wang Dehong works on a piece of wood carving at his workshop. (Peoples Daily Online/Li Ximeng) Comprising nine courtyards, 60 rooms of different sizes, and 136 carved beams and painted rafters, as well as covering 2,100 square meters, a residential building located in Hongcun township, east Chinas Anhui Province has been dubbed the Palace Museum in a village by experts from Beijings Palace Museum. When he was a child, Wang Dehong, a local villager, would always play inside the building. When he turned 16, the young man started to learn wood carving from his grandfather. Now, 37 years have passed since then, and Wang has grown up to become a provincial-level crafts and arts master in Anhui Province, as well as a provincial-level inheritor of the Huizhou wood carving technique, which is a kind of national-level intangible cultural heritage in China. As a part of Anhui culture, Huizhou wood carving has distinctive regional characteristics. It boasts exquisite carving skills and inspires people to learn, introduced Wang. Wang once spent five years creating a work entitled Celebrating the Lantern Festival. The Lantern Festival is considered to be one of the countrys most important holidays. His other works have won many honorary titles and one has even been collected by the Anhui China Huizhou Culture Museum. In 2018, Wang established a Huizhou carving craft inheritance center with the aim of carrying forward the craft. He has also promoted the carving culture at schools, and has established a workshop at the Anhui Business and Technology College. Wang Dehong examines a piece of wood carving at his workshop. (Peoples Daily Online/Li Ximeng) Photo shows the residential building called Chengzhi Hall, where Wang Dehong once played as a child. Nowadays, it is a place that provides him inspiration for creating his wood carving works. (Peoples Daily Online/Li Ximeng) Photo shows one of Wang Dehongs best works that he created recently. (Peoples Daily Online/Li Ximeng) Wang Dehong teaches his wife how to make a wood carving work. (Peoples Daily Online/Li Ximeng) Wang Dehong gives a lecture at a childrens palace in Hongcun village, Yixian county, east Chinas Anhui Province. (Photo courtesy of Wang Dehong) Wang Dehong teaches wood carving skills at his workshop hosted at the Anhui Business and Technology College. (Photo courtesy of Wang Dehong) Old building of defunct NIA Headquarters; DG Sowe talking to former TRRC Chairperson Dr. Lamin Sise, Lead Counsel, Essa Faal and Commissioners of the TRRC respectively The Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission in its Investigative Report alleged that operatives of the defunct National Intelligence Agency (NIA), acted with total impunity and disregard for human life. As we move to the institutional hearings of the TRRC Report and recommendations to the Government of The Gambia as well as the Government position on the 'White Paper,' we continue from where we stopped in Theme 15 of the Report, talking about the most feared Security Institution under the former regime. The Commission investigated various matters pertaining to the NIA's gross abuses and violations. Some of the areas investigated by the Commission with its findings are outlined below: 2000 Coup Plot: The Commission found that Lt. Lalo Jaiteh, Lt. Omar Darboe, Ebrima Barrow, and Ebrahima Yarbo and Dumo Saho were arrested in 2000 relating to an alleged coup plot and brought before the NIA investigative panel. On the orders of Foday Barry, Omar Darboe was tortured twice by soldiers at the NIA, and in the presence of Sukuta Jammeh among others. The acts were s inflicted upon Omar Darboe in order to extract a confession from him. On the orders of Biran Jobe, and in the presence of other members of the investigative panel including Tijan Bah, Baba Saho, Foday Barry, Ousman Jallow, Salimina Drammeh, Ousman Sowe, and Sukuta Jammeh (deceased), Ebrima Barrow was sexually torture and severely beaten by Edrissa Jobe (Alagie Morr). Although members of the NIA named above who appeared before the Commission denied any participation in torture, the Commission unanimously believed the testimonies of Lt. Omar Darboe and Ebrima Barrow, and found the testimonies provided by the NIA officials lacking in truth and designed only to extricate themselves from any responsibly. Torture of NAWEC Staff To spy on citizens with the view to keep Yahya Jammeh in power, the NIA deployed agents to various governmental offices including the National Water and Electricity Corporation (NAWEC). During their operation, they committed numerous human rights violations and abuses. Between 2001 and 2003, the NIA operative Omar Cham was posted to NAWEC where he admitted to the Commission of torturing NAWEC staff including Gibril Wakka, Musa Oldie Jawo, Famara Naso, Simon Grant, and Sainabou Keita. He however denied torturing Ebou Khan and Bakary Saho but Commission did not believe him. 2006 Failed Ndure Cham Coup In March 2006, the former CDS Ndure Cham attempted a coup d'etat against Yahya Jammeh's government however the coup failed. Lang Tombong Tamba, who was then the Deputy CDS ordered the arrests of several soldiers involved. An investigation was held into the failed coup by a panel at the NIA headquarters. The Commission found that the investigation panel "hired independent witnesses" which the Commission deemed improper. The Commission also found the investigation panel to have engaged in the fabrication of evidence, and that suspects were coerced to write statements of confession which conformed to what the panel wanted. Further, the panel's independent witness who was not even present during the writing of the confessions attained through torture, signed the statements. On occasions, former President Yahya Jammeh would ask Junglers carrying out the acts of torture to put their phones on loudspeaker or on video so he could hear the screams and agony of the victims. Recommendations from the TRRC and the position of the Government: The Commission, having considered the totality of the evidence, made the following recommendations: Prosecute Yankuba Badjie, the former Director General of the NIA, and Sheikh Omar Jeng for their complicity in the unlawful detention and torture of Tumani Jallow and Abdoulie Gaye at the NIA and for their roles in handing over Tumani Jallow and Abdoulie Gaye to the Junglers knowing reasonably well that they were highly likely to be tortured and killed. The Government accepts the recommendation of the Commission. Prosecute Yankuba Badjie, Sheik Omar Jeng and Tamba Masireh for their role in the torture against Solo Sandeng and the April 14th 2016 UDP demonstrators at the NIA The Government accepts the recommendation of the Commission and notes that the prosecution of the above-named persons is currently ongoing for the death of Solo Sandeng while in NIA custody. Notwithstanding, the Special Prosecutor Office to be created will be tasked to conduct a thorough investigation on the events of 14 April 2016. Prosecute Edrissa Jobe (Alagie Morr) for the torture against Lamin Karbou and others at the NIA. The Government accepts the recommendation of the Commission but notes that Edrissa Jobe (Alagie Morr) is currently out of the jurisdiction. The Government will collaborate with the relevant authorities with the aim of securing his arrest and return to The Gambia to face charges bearing in mind that torture is an international crime. Whilst the Government will welcome his arrest and prosecution internationally it also reserves the right to secure his return to The Gambia and be charged and tried domestically. Prosecute Lamin Darboe, the head of the Special Operations Unit, for his role in all the tortures committed by Special Operations at the NIA. The Government accepts the recommendation of the Commission. Reprimand Basiru Sey, Alasan Baldeh and Gibril Kanyi for all the tortures they committed as members of the Special Operations Unit. The Government takes note of the recommendation of the Commission but equally notes that torture is a serious crime and a serious violation of human rights. The Government recognizes the need to balance investigations and prosecutions from the recommendations stemming from the Commission to ensure successful convictions of those who bear the greatest responsibility for the violations committed. Reprimand Lt. Col Amadou Bojang, Ebrima Ceesay, Babucarr Trawally, Alpha Bojang and Babucarr Singhateh for the torture and unlawfull detention of Pa Alasan Jallow, Ebrima Keita and Musa Fofana. The Government takes note of the recommendation of the Commission but equally notes that torture is a serious crime and violation of human rights. Government recognizes the need to balance investigations and trials from the recommendations stemming from the Commission to ensure successful convictions of those who bear the greatest responsibility for the human rights violations. The Government directs the relevant authorities to make further investigations to dismiss and ban Lt. Col Amadou Bojang, Ebrima Ceesay, Babucarr Trawally, Alpha Bojang and Babucarr Singhateh from working in the security services and consider the possibility of charging them with torture domestically. Ban Ousman Sowe, the current Director General, from holding public office with the government of The Gambia for a minimum period of 10 years for the destruction and concealment of evidence at the NIA; The Government notes that while the actions alleged above are said to have happened in May 2017, The TRRC's mandate covers the period from July 1994 to January 2017. The Government is therefore of the view that this recommendation goes beyond the scope of the TRRC's mandate. Ban the following present and former NIA officials who directly and indirectly participated in the torture of detainees and other gross human rights violations and abuses from holding any office with the government of The Gambia for a minimum of 10 years which the Commission believes commensurate with the severity of their actions: Lamin Bo Baaji, Tejan Bah, Foday Barry, Ebrima Jim Drammeh, Salimina Drammeh, Momodou Hydara, Ousman Jallow, Lamin Jobarteh (Babadinding), Baba Saho The Government accepts the recommendation of the Commission subject to an internal review and consultations with Security Council. Ban Harry Sambou and Samsideen Sarr from holding public office for five years for their participation in the torture of Omar Dampha and Ballo Kanteh respectively. The Government partially accepts the recommendation of the Commission. The Government notes that while Harry Sambou was given the opportunity to testify before the Commission Samsideen Sarr was not afforded a similar opportunity in spite of his well-publicised calls for an opportunity to appear before the Commission and respond to the allegations levelled against him by Ballo Kanteh. It is the Government's view that this is inconsistent with his right to fear hearing. The Government further notes with dismay that the Commission failed to enquire further into the cold-blooded killing of 6 young soldiers nor did it make any attempts to establish their victimhood and that of their survivors. It is the Government's position that Corporal Saihou Sidibeh, Corporal Essa Keita, Private Ebrima Manneh, Staff Sgt. Lamin Badjie, Private Bakary Saidy and Private Ebrima Bojang died defending the territorial integrity of The Gambia and shall be given due posthumous honours by the Gambia Armed Forces. Their survivors shall equally be classified as victims and shall be eligible to receive reparations. Completely overhaul and re-orientate the NIA to ensure that its principal function and duties are limited to its traditional intelligence gathering role and such related responsibilities. The Government notes the recommendation of the Commission and can confirm that the NIA Act is being reviewed with support from key stakeholders and development partners such as DECAF. Completely strip the NIA of its policing powers which allowed the institution to concern itself with ordinary matters that traditionally falls within the jurisdiction of the police in the exercise of its law-and-order duties. The Government takes note of the recommendation of the Commission and reaffirms its commitment to reforming the NIA. Disband immediately the Special Investigations Unit of the NIA which over the years had been used to oppress and brutalise perceived opponents of Yahya Jammeh and those who befell the misfortune of coming into contact with the NIA Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Gambia Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. The Government notes the recommendation of the Commission. The Special Investigation Unit of the NIA was used to oppress and brutalise opponents of the Government but notes that in a fully functioning democracy, the Special Unit has an important role to play in national security. The Government therefore cannot accept this recommendation fully to out rightly disband the Unit but reaffirms its strong commitment to reforming the NIA as part of the ongoing security sector reform process to ensure the excesses of the past are not repeated. Remove immediately the extensive legal powers given to the NIA to investigate and concern itself with the private issues and lives of citizens and businesses. The Government accepts the recommendation of the Commission noting that no such legal powers are conferred by law. Notwithstanding, the Government reaffirms its commitment to implementing security sector reform to address violations of individual's rights by security personnel. Overhaul the recruitment process of NIA personnel and introduce more stringent essential requirements at the minimum to ensure the institution hires individuals who possess minimum academic qualifications and professional experience to effectively and competently carry out the required functions of the institution. The Government accepts the recommendation of the Commission. The enactment and implementation of the Vetting Bill will ensure that the NIA management is manned by suitably qualified and experienced personnel. Remove all detention facilities at the NIA to ensure that the culture of arbitrarily detaining suspects completely ceases. The Government accepts the recommendation of the Commission. Arbitrary detention of individuals is unacceptable and any detention must be lawful and in compliance with the country's human rights obligations, however, it recognizes the importance of state security, and to strip the NIA of a detention facility may interfere with national security. Based on the foregoing, the Government is unable to accept this recommendation in its totality but is committed to taking relevant measures to ensure minimum standards for all detention facilities and that any detention is in line with minimum international standards. All NIA staff undergo adequate and comprehensive training to inculcate the culture of discipline and values that promote respect for fundamental human rights and freedoms and upholding the rule of law in a democratic system. The Government accepts the recommendation of the Commission and is committed to implementing this recommendation as part of its security sector reform agenda. MANISTEE The Manistee Shoreline Showcase will present Bobby Murray. The concert will be held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday at the First Street Beach Rotary Gazebo. In the case of inclement weather, the event will be held at the Armory Youth Project, located at 555 First St. in Manistee. "Bobby Murray is a Grammy winning blues artist who has recorded with Etta James, BB King and toured with Albert Collins. He also toured the world as Etta's guitarist for 23 years," reads a news release. Murray will be joined by "a critically acclaimed lineup" featuring Lenny Watkins on vocals, Greg Nagy (Larry McCray), guitar and vocals, Dale Grisa on keys, John Barron on bass and Renell Gonsalves on drums. "This all-star cast performs deep, soulful rockin' and even funky party time blues," according to a news release. Concerts are free of charge, but donations are always appreciated. Simulcast can be heard on 99.3 FM. Concerts will be held at 7 p.m. every Tuesday through Aug. 31 at the First Street Beach Rotary Gazebo. Find information online or by searching Manistee ShoreLine ShowCase on Facebook. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate WASHINGTON (AP) The right to use contraceptives would be enshrined in law under a measure that Democrats pushed through the House on Thursday, their latest campaign-season response to concerns a conservative Supreme Court that already erased federal abortion rights could go further. The House's 228-195 roll call was largely along party lines and sent the measure to the Senate, where it seemed doomed. The bill is the latest example of Democrats latching onto their own version of culture war battles to appeal to female, progressive and minority voters by casting the court and Republicans as extremists intent on obliterating rights taken for granted for years. Democrats said that with the high court recently overturning the landmark Roe v. Wade decision from 1973, the justices and GOP lawmakers are on track to go even further than banning abortions. This extremism is about one thing: control of women. We will not let this happen, said Rep. Kathy Manning, D-N.C., who sponsored the legislation. All of the bill's nearly 150 co-sponsors are Democrats. Addressing fellow lawmakers, she added, Women and girls across this country are watching you, and they want to know: Are you willing to stand up for them? In his opinion overturning Roe last month, Justice Clarence Thomas wrote that the court should now review other precedents. He mentioned rulings that affirmed the rights of same-sex marriage in 2015, same-sex intimate relationships in 2003 and married couples' use of contraceptives in 1965. Thomas did not specify a 1972 decision that legalized the use of contraceptives by unmarried people as well, but Democrats say they consider that at risk as well. Republicans said the bill went too far. They said it would lead to more abortions, which supporters deny, allow the use of drugs not yet fully approved by the Food and Drug Administration and force health care providers to offer contraceptives, even if that contradicted their religious beliefs. Women deserve the truth, not more fear and misinformation that forces an extreme agenda on the American people," said Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash. Every Democrat supported the legislation, while Republicans overwhelmingly opposed it by 195-8. The House Democrats' campaign committee quickly jumped on that disparity, with spokesperson Helen Kalla saying her party will "fight to protect womens freedoms from the GOPs sinister agenda. The measure seemed destined to become a campaign issue and not law. Minutes after House passage, Republicans blocked quick Senate approval of a similar bill. Support by at least 10 GOP senators would be needed to reach 60 votes, the threshold required for most legislation to pass in that chamber, which is divided 50-50. The contraception bill explicitly allows the use of contraceptives and gives the medical community the right to provide them, covering any device or medication used to prevent pregnancy. Listed examples include oral contraceptives, injections, implants like intrauterine devices and emergency contraceptives, which prevent pregnancy several days after unprotected sex. The bill lets the federal and state government, patients and health care providers bring civil suits against states or state officials that violate its provisions. House Democrats have begun forcing votes on several issues related to privacy rights, hoping for long-shot victories or to at least energize sympathetic voters and donors and force Republicans from competitive districts into difficult spots. The House voted last week to revive a nationwide right to abortion, with every Republican voting no, and voted largely along party lines to bar prosecuting women traveling to states where abortion remains legal. Neither is expected to survive in the Senate. Yet the House voted Tuesday to keep same-sex marriage legal, with 47 Republicans joining all Democrats in backing the measure. Though 157 Republicans voted no, that tally raised expectations that the bill could win enough support for GOP senators to pass, sending it to President Joe Biden for his signature. Nearly all adults, 92%, called birth control morally acceptable in a Gallup poll in May. A PRRI poll in June showed about 8 in 10 said they opposed laws that restrict what types of birth control can be used to prevent pregnancy. Even so, anti-abortion groups and Republican leaders oppose the contraception legislation, and there was no immediate sign that significant numbers of GOP senators would be willing to defy them. In contrast, same-sex marriage has such firm public acceptance and is such a clear-cut issue that growing numbers of Republicans have been willing to vote for it. Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America said the contraception legislation seeks to bail out the abortion industry, trample conscience rights, and require uninhibited access to dangerous chemical abortion drugs. The National Right to Life Committee said it goes far beyond the scope of contraception and would cover abortion pills like RU486, which supporters said was incorrect. The measure drew a mixed reaction Wednesday from two of the Senate's more moderate Republicans. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, said she was most likely" to support the measure. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, demurred, saying she was working on bipartisan legislation that she said would codify the rights to abortion and perhaps for contraception. There are few state restrictions on contraceptive use, said Elizabeth Nash, who studies state reproductive health policies for the Guttmacher Institute, a research organization that supports abortion rights. Nash said she was concerned that there will be efforts to curb emergency contraceptives and intrauterine devices and to help providers and institutions refuse to provide contraceptive services. ___ Associated Press writers Farnoush Amiri and Hannah Fingerhut contributed to this report. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate 3 1 of 3 Photo provided/City of Manistee Show More Show Less 2 of 3 Photo provided/City of Manistee Show More Show Less 3 of 3 MANISTEE The Manistee City Police Department had been seeking help in finding a missing teen this week. According to a Facebook post by the city of Manistee Wednesday afternoon, "Yosiah is 17 years old, 6 foot, 1 inch tall and weighs about 170 pounds." EDMOND, Okla. (AP) A suburban Oklahoma City motorcycle police officer was killed when he was struck from behind while on patrol, authorities said. Sgt. C.J. Nelson, 38, died Tuesday after being struck by a pickup truck just outside the Edmond city limits in Oklahoma City, according to Edmond police. Nelson would have marked his 13th anniversary with Edmond police on Wednesday and is the first Edmond officer to die in the line of duty, police said. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Four Republican candidates running to represent the 35th State Senate District had an opportunity to address Midland area voters at a Wednesday forum hosted by Northwood University. The GOP candidates, and uncontested Democratic candidate Kristen McDonald Rivet, addressed policy and issues relating to Michigan's economy. The new district covers Midland, Bay City and Saginaw. Hundreds of area voters registered to attend the free "Evening with Your Candidates" event. Each candidate had two minutes to respond to forum questions, which were drafted by Northwood faculty and the Mackinaw Center for Public Policy. Forum question: How would you address job entry barriers caused by occupational licensing requirements? Would you subject occupational licensing requirements to regular review by the legislature? McDonald Rivet said she plans to address large structural challenges with the economy. She added that she believes there is a problematic unwillingness of the Michigan legislature to tackle these issues in a bipartisan fashion. Ahead of Aug. 2 primary election For more information on Michigan races before the primary election, visit ourmidland.com. The Midland Daily News will feature the following candidates in upcoming editions: Kristen McDonald Rivet (Democrat); Martin Blank (Republican); Annette Glenn (Republican); Tim Kelly (Republican); and Christian Velasquez (Republican). See More Collapse In response to the question of occupational licensing, one Republican candidate, Tim Kelly, said he would support deregulation. He said there was no reason for a requirement of someone who braids hair to have an occupational license. State Rep. Annette Glenn, R-Midland, said she favors repealing licensing regulations that are not related to public health and safety, because it tends to create a "burdensome atmosphere." Republican candidate Christian Velasquez agreed on requirements for health and safety. "Individual industries coordinate amongst themselves for certifications and we should encourage that," he said. "But we shouldn't have government mandating as many occupational requirements as we do." Republican candidate Martin Blank said he would support oversight to protect entrepreneurs from excessive regulation. If elected, what policies would you support to decrease energy prices and increase energy reliability? In response to the question surrounding challenges with energy, Blank said he would support suspending sales tax on fuel to help Michigan families. Kelly agreed, but added for the "foreseeable future." Blank also said the energy grid is unreliable due to decades of neglect. McDonald Rivet agreed. She said residents have been left without reliable energy infrastructure, including other types of structures such as roads, decade after decade. "We know that people are hurting," she said. "Long term, a big cut in the gas tax may not be the right thing, but a pause in the gas tax is something that our families really need right now. It is sitting in the legislative forum because they don't want to give the governor (Gretchen Whitmer) a win before her election. We can not tolerate legislative leadership like this." Glenn said she supports an "all of the above" energy policy, as long as "people are free to choose." "Government mandates tend to incentivize something, maybe earlier than we actually have the science to back it up," she said, adding that the nation was energy independent 19 months ago. Velasquez said he believes different types of energy each have their "place" in services. "We need the ability to have a competitive environment and we need baseload," he said. "Baseload won't come from solar and wind, it needs to come from other sources like natural gas and nuclear." What would you support as a good policy regarding business taxes, income taxes, sales or property taxes? Glenn said the best tax policy for Michigan is to reduce the tax burden on taxpayers. Kelly said he would like to explore a potential elimination of the income tax to be more competitive with other states. "We should have lower sales taxes than our neighbors," Velasquez said, adding he supports lowering the income tax. In terms of income tax, McDonald Rivet said to go to 3.9%, the average family in Michigan needs $3 per week. "To be a prosperous state does not require low income tax," she said. "It requires a large and thriving middle class." The Wednesday event was moderated by Provost and Vice President of Academics Kristin Stehouwer; Dale Matcheck, chair of Northwoods Economics Department; and Glenn Moots, chair of Northwoods Political Science and Philosophy Department. Three individual forums took place Wednesday evening at Northwood for the U.S. House, Michigan House and State Senate races. The candidates are running for districts that impact voters in Genesee, Bay, Saginaw, Midland and Gladwin counties. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate WASHINGTON (AP) Trump ally Steve Bannon declined to testify and his lawyers did not call any witnesses in his contempt of Congress trial on Thursday, instead arguing the judge should just acquit him, saying prosecutors hadnt proven their case. The decision to forego calling any witnesses in Bannon's defense cleared the way for closing arguments to begin Friday. The judge didnt immediately rule on the motion for an acquittal and the case is likely to end up in the jury's hands by midday Friday. One of Bannon's lawyers, David Schoen, contended they should able to call Rep. Bennie Thompson, the Democratic chairman of the House Jan. 6 committee which had subpoenaed Bannon's testimony, to question him under oath instead of the congressional lawyer who testified during the trial. The judge had previously ruled against that request. In court, Bannon nodded and smiled as another of his lawyers, Evan Corcoran, argued that the timing of when Bannon could comply with the congressional subpoena was flexible and said testimony from the House panels chief lawyer, Kristin Amerling, had made clear that the dates were in flux. In making the argument, Corcoran said that no reasonable juror could conclude that Mr. Bannon refused to comply. Bannon's team also told the judge that Bannon saw no point in testifying since the previous rulings had gutted his planned avenues of defense. Schoen said Bannon understands that he would be barred from telling the true facts. Corcoran then rested the defense case. U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols said he would rule later on the motion for an acquittal. Throughout the trial, Corcoran has tried to establish that the deadline for the onetime strategist to former President Donald Trump to appear before the House committee investigating the Capitol riot was flexible, as long as the two sides were on negotiating terms. In opening statements, Corcoran argued that the charges against Bannon were politically motivated and that the former adviser was engaged in good-faith negotiations with the congressional committee when he was charged. No one ignored the subpoena, Corcoran told the jury. In reality, Corcoran said, one of Bannons previous lawyers, Robert Costello, contacted an attorney for the House committee to express some of Bannons concerns about testifying. They did what two lawyers do. They negotiated, Corcoran said, adding that Bannon and his legal team believed the dates of the subpoena were not fixed; they were flexible. At other times in the courtroom on Thursday, Bannon, wearing two collared shirts, a T-shirt and a black jacket, fiddled with his telephone and rocked back and forth on his chair. Bannon was in an unofficial capacity to Trump at the time of the insurrection on Jan. 6, 2021, and is charged with defying a congressional subpoena from the House committee investigating the aftermath of the 2020 election and the events leading up to the deadly riot. Bannon was indicted in November on two counts of criminal contempt of Congress, a month after the Justice Department received the House panel's referral. Each count carries a minimum of 30 days of jail and as long as a year behind bars upon conviction. The Justice Department rested its case Wednesday after calling just two witnesses: Amerling, and FBI special agent Stephen Hart. The prosecution's case was dominated by testimony from Amerling, who explained the extent to which the committee tried to engage Bannon and the timeline leading up to the missed deadline. During cross examination Corcoran asked Amerling whether it was common for witnesses to appear before a congressional committee several weeks after the deadline date on a subpoena. Amerling answered yes, but added only when witnesses are cooperating with the committee. Amerling said Bannon was uncooperative from the start, so there was no such leeway. The committee heard nothing from Bannon until after the first deadline had passed, at which point his lawyer sent a letter to the committee stating that Bannon was protected by Trumps claim of executive privilege and would not be providing documents or appearing. The committee responded in writing that Trumps claim was invalid Trump was no longer president, and Bannon was not employed at the White House at the time of the riot. The panel gave Bannon a hard deadline of Oct. 14 to come before the committee. When that deadline passed, Thompson the committee chairman, wrote Bannons lawyer on Oct. 15 threatening criminal prosecution. The committee, which is holding a prime time hearing Thursday, wanted to speak with Bannon because it had information that Bannon was actively involved in planning, logistics and fundraising for efforts by Trump, a Republican, to overturn the 2020 election and stop Congress from certifying Democrat Joe Bidens victory. The subpoena demanded any documents or communications relating to Trump and other people in his orbit, including lawyer Rudy Giuliani and extremist groups such as the Proud Boys and the Oath Keepers. The emphasis on the subpoena timeline is one of the few avenues of defense that Nichols left Bannons legal team after a hearing last week. Nichols ruled that major elements of Bannons planned defense were irrelevant and could not be introduced in court. The judge said Bannon could not claim he believed he was covered by executive privilege, which allows presidents to withhold confidential information from the courts and the legislative branch, or that he was acting on the advice of his lawyers. ___ Follow APs coverage of the Jan. 6 committee hearings at https://apnews.com/hub/capitol-siege Director of Content and Operations Spencer McKee is OutThere Colorado's Director of Content and Operations. In his spare time, Spencer loves to hike, rock climb, and trail run. He's on a mission to summit all 58 of Colorado's fourteeners and has already climbed more than half. analysis Worldwide there has been a wave of initiatives to grant rivers rights as a way of protecting them - and the communities that rely on them. River rights laws aim to change the legal standing of rivers so that they're not treated as property, but rather like an individual, with "human" rights. The river rights perspective was developed in advanced liberal democracies with large aboriginal populations, such as Australia and New Zealand. Driven by the deteriorating water quality of rivers, it is now being advanced by many scholars in Europe, and elsewhere. For instance, the Earth Law Center is working towards passing Africa's first law establishing rights for rivers. River rights would include the rights of river basins across national boundaries. This is because water quality is affected by upstream economic activities and land use. Rivers are important resources for societies and country economies. Power generation through hydro-electric installations is a typical example. So too is the tourism potential of ecosystems like the Okavango Delta. Rivers are not only of importance to humans but also to ecosystems. Giving rivers rights would enable them to perform legal acts and exert influence on policy. They could even act as a party to proceedings to promote and protect their rights. Because rivers are "voiceless" their rights would need to be implemented by an authoritative body or custodian on their behalf. These would typically be local or indigenous communities. Australia and New Zealand have already established such authorities for the Yarra and Whanganui rivers, respectively. Indigenous peoples play a central part in protecting these rivers and giving them a voice. An argument for river rights is that existing river basin institutions and regimes - like the European Union's Water Framework Directive - have failed. The river rights approach was promoted as a better alternative. Our research - spanning over 30 years on transboundary river governance and politics - shows, however, that there's a need to critically examine the notion of river rights. This is particularly so when contemplating political power dynamics within transboundary rivers and the various stakeholders involved. And if transboundary rivers have rights, it could also mean they - or their custodians - have responsibilities. Responsibilities of custodians Responsibilities arise from fundamental rights. If an entity is given rights, it is then also bound by duties - like following rules and laws. In the case of devastating floods, the custodians of rivers with rights could be held accountable for property damage and deaths. This is where the river rights approach falls short. Currently, the approach portrays the river as a victim and not a potential actor. Another problem with the river rights perspective is that it doesn't address power dynamics within transboundary rivers. If indigenous or local communities are custodians of the river, it could also scuttle development projects. This could bring dilemmas for developing economies, which are still struggling to supply basic services like water, sanitation, and electricity to their populations. Fifteen transboundary rivers flow across southern Africa that are shared by two or more states. International treaties, river basin commissions and catchment management agencies manage the rivers and the cooperative use of their water resources through joint projects. From a river rights perspective, these arrangements would be inadequate to protect the quantity and quality of the water resources. They would not safeguard them from future economic exploitation either. In theory, having indigenous communities as custodians would create more inclusive governance systems and processes in the management of the transboundary rivers. But the rights of indigenous peoples and their traditional governance systems are often at odds with states' development aspirations. Southern African states develop transboundary rivers to achieve economic development and water security for a growing population and economy. Numerous large dam projects and irrigation systems have been built for this purpose, like the Lesotho Highlands Water Project and the Kariba and Ruacana hydro-electric facilities. Indigenous groups typically become involved in transboundary river issues when they oppose large dams and other development plans. For instance, this happened when the Namibian government mooted the Epupa hydropower project in the early 1990s on the Kunene River. The OvaHimba community resisted the construction of the dam. They argued that their grazing land would be flooded, access to the river denied and that their burial sites would be destroyed. Interest groups from other countries joined the protest. After feasibility studies indicated that the Baynes Dam site would be better and Angola, as a state sharing the Kunene, was reluctant to become involved in the project, Namibia shelved the plans for the dam. Two decades later, the Namibian government announced plans to construct the dam at the Baynes site. Namibia was already experiencing electricity shortages due to South Africa's electricity supply constraints. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Africa Environment Oceans By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. This time the OvaZemba people joined the OvaHimba and transnational interest groups in protesting the Baynes Dam's construction. They cited the same arguments and again, the Namibian government was pitted against a well organised lobby campaign. On the one hand the river is protected from large water projects. On the other, economic development and job creation opportunities are forgone. Local and global realities In southern Africa - with its mostly fledgling liberal democracies - power struggles between political stakeholders are the order of the day. These democracies are also part of an economically and technologically connected world. The environment and economic development need rivers with good quality and sufficient water. But values of certain political actors will continue to be influential. In this context the river rights perspective seems unrealistic at present. Richard Meissner, Associate Professor, University of South Africa Jeroen Warner, Assistant Professor of Disaster Studies, Wageningen University Photo: (Photo : Simon Kadula/Unsplash) Texas police have arrested a mom who overdosed her daughter with Benadryl to fake a seizure. On Wednesday, July 13, the Tarrant County Sheriff's Office served a warrant for Jesika Jones, 30, for endangering and causing an injury to her four-year-old child. According to Oxygen, Jones was reported by a pediatrician, Dr. Jamye Coffman, from Cook Children's Medical Center, who suspected she had been poisoning her daughter with the allergy medication for some time. The child was admitted to the hospital at least four times this year alone because her mother claimed she was having seizures. In the previous medical incidents, the hospital workers did not find any indication of seizure activities in the child's test results, but they did find traces of Benadryl in her system. However, before they could share the information, the mother and child had already left the hospital. Read Also: Colorado Mom Kelly Turner, Who Faked Daughter's Illness, Admits Guilt Over Her Death Benadryl is not recommended for kids below 6 years old But on June 19, Jones was back at Cook Children's Medical Center and claimed her daughter was having seizures again. This time, the staff asked the laboratory for a 24-hour turnaround of the child's test results. Hospital surveillance cameras showed that the mother frequently brought her daughter to the restroom. A few hours later, the child exhibited body tremors, high blood pressure, elevated heart rate, dilated pupils, and difficulty standing up. The police alleged that the mom might have been overdosing her daughter during those bathroom breaks. The police noted that Jones had her purse whenever they would go inside that restroom. According to What to Expect, children below six years old must not be given diphenhydramine, the antihistamine ingredient in Benadryl, without a doctor's advice. Even if it's an over-the-counter drug, it can lead to serious adverse effects in young kids. The allergy medication induces sleepiness in some patients, but this sedating effect is dangerous for a child's central nervous system. Coffman told the detectives of the Tarrant County Sheriff's Office that for a child to develop seizures, the dosage of Benadryl has to be high. This puts the child at risk for seizures, breathing difficulties, cardiac arrhythmia, and coma. However, when interviewed by Detective Michael Weber, the mother said she hadn't given her daughter this medication in months, but she admitted she had Benadryl in her purse for her own allergies. When the detective presented Jones with the laboratory tests indicating traces of Benadryl, she admitted giving her daughter at least two Benadryl pills for adults so they could all sleep. Further probing, however, led the mother to break down and confess to the cops. Jesika Jones claims she needs help Upon closer inspection of the things in her purse, police found that 18 pills were gone from one packet of a 24-pill Benadryl, and another packet was empty. The authorities estimated that the mother had given at least 42 Benadryl pills to her child between June 19 to 24. In addition to the traces of Benadryl, the child's test results also indicated that she had Trazadone and Hydroxyzine in her system. Trazadone is a sedative antidepressant, while Hydroxyzine can calm an anxious person or relieve itchiness. "I think I'm a horrible person," the mother said in her confession, per the Star-Telegram. "I just know I need help," adding that she was also a "habitual liar." An unnamed man who lives with the mother and child told the police that Jones might have Munchausen syndrome by proxy, a condition that prompts a caregiver, usually the mother, to fake the medical symptoms of the one they are looking after. Related Article: Court Bans Texas Mom from Contact with Her Child; What is Suspected Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy? Photo: (Photo : Marcel Langthim from Pixabay ) A California woman was killed in a car crash on her way to a dance competition with her two daughters on Friday, July 15, according to People Magazine. Bonnie Baum Roth's SUV veered into the Interstate 8 median at 8:38 a.m., with the vehicle rolling down an embankment and landing on the highway's eastbound lane. The 35-year-old Alpine native was not wearing a seatbelt and was ejected from the SUV. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) issued a statement, saying that Roth died before she could be taken to the hospital. Roth and her two daughters, nine-year-old Moxie and three-year-old Roxie, had just departed for a dance competition in Long Beach when the crash happened, according to a GoFundMe page set up by the victim's mother, Cheryl Baum. Family searching for Good Samaritans Baum told ABC 10 San Diego that she and her family are now searching for two people who quickly reacted to the car crash scene and pulled the two kids out of the wrecked SUV. She added that the unnamed good Samaritans also covered up the victim's body while comforting her two children about 10 minutes before emergency personnel arrived on the crash scene. Baum said she heard it was tough to get them out. She added that the babies were screaming and anything could have happened to them. Baum called the small group of people who reacted first to the car crash their heroes. She and her family are pleading with them to come forward so that they can thank them personally for their heroics. Baum said the little girls had asked where their friends were, the ones who helped them out of the vehicle. She added that they are part of their family now, and they can't thank them enough for being so brave. Read Also: Desperate Mothers Searching for Formula Due to Nationwide Shortage Scammed on Social Media GoFundMe page set up for Roth's family According to the county medical examiner's report, Roth's Chevrolet Tahoe veered to the right side of the highway for unknown reasons. This caused the mom to overcorrect, making the SUV veer left off the westbound side of Interstate 8. The vehicle eventually landed upright in the highway's eastbound lane. The CHP said that neither drugs nor alcohol appeared to be involved in the crash. Roth's mother paid tribute to the heroes in the GoFundMe page she set up in the aftermath of her daughter's death. She wrote that the two girls are safe, all thanks to the heroes who helped them at the scene. She added that this had been an earth-shattering loss to the huge community of people Bonnie touched in her short time here. The fundraising page, created on Tuesday, July 19, had already raised $55,683 as of Wednesday evening after setting an initial goal of just $1,000. Related Article: Biden Administration Wants Overseas Producers to Continue Supplying Baby Formula to the US Photo: (Photo : pexels) William Micah Hester, 17, was arrested and is now facing murder charges for the death of his four-year-old half-sister Joanna J. Lockaby. The Greenville County Sheriff's Office believed that Hester suffocated this toddler sister and then dumped her body in a plastic bin behind their home. Police also learned that a one-year-old baby, Jojo Lockaby, also died in the family four years ago after the baby was left in the car. As per Greenville County Sheriff's Office, officers responded to the home at around 2:20 p.m. after receiving a call that Lockaby was missing. Authorities then started looking for the missing toddler and found her at 2:45 p.m. in the wooded area behind the home. The toddler was pronounced dead on the scene. The Sun reports that Hester was arrested and transported to Greenville County Detention Center to wait for a bond hearing. Case under investigation According to the investigators, Hester suffocated the toddler, leading to her death. Her body was found inside a plastic bin behind the home where she lived with Hester. The police said that they are still investigating the motive of the killing. As per Greenville County deputy Mike Ellis, they would treat the case as a "suspicious death," adding the toddler was killed sometime on Tuesday. The coroner's office is expected to perform an autopsy on the child. Ellis said they found the circumstances surrounding the discovery of the child's body suspicious. He added that when they find a small child in a wooded area, they treat that as a suspicious death and work on it so they will not miss anything. According to Fox Carolina, the Greenville County Coroner's Office also confirmed that Lockaby was the sister of Joe Lockaby, the one-year-old who died in Greenville County in 2018 after he was left in a hot car parked outside his grandmother's home. Janik Nix, the boy's grandmother, was charged with homicide by child abuse. The grandmother pleaded guilty to assault and battery. She was sentenced to ten years in prison and suspended to three years on probation. Read Also: San Diego Teen Who Returned Purse to a Woman's Front Door Gets $17,000 Reward from Strangers. A father's plea Hester appeared in court on Wednesday afternoon with his father. He said Hester, who goes by the name "Micah," would not do "anything like this on purpose." He added that he knows his boy and can hold up his hand to the lord and testify that he is a good boy. The father pleaded for mercy on him, saying they had lost Joanna and did not want to lose their son. He said his son has never been in trouble and loves his sister. The judge, however, ruled to hold Hester without bail. The mom, Krista Nix, did not speak on Wednesday, but she could be seen wiping away tears as Hester stood handcuffed in an all-yellow outfit, Daily Beast reports. Related Article: Mom and Boyfriend Charged with Murder After Chilling Discovery of Toddler's Lifeless Body in a Trashcan Photo: (Photo : Boris Gonzales/Pixabay) Mom Chrysta Bilton, 37, was aware of the details of her conception in her early 20s, but she did not expect that the father figure she looked up to was also a sperm donor more than 500 times. Bilton detailed via OK! that her mother, Debra Bilton, paid a good friend, Jeffrey Harrison, to be her sperm donor for her two children, Chrysta and Kaitlyn. Debra was not a typical mother because she was a lesbian. She was very private about her life and did not know anyone raising two children unconventionally. But Chrysta soon learned that Harrison also donated his sperm for over ten years at a sperm bank in Los Angeles. He was a popular pick and came highly recommended because he was good-looking, artistic, and spiritual. Read Also: Fertility Clinic Tells Gay Couple Suing for Wrong Embryo Implant to Value Healthy Child Regardless of Gender Learning about her dad, connecting with her siblings Harrison went public with his story as Donor 150 for the California Cryobank in New York Times in 2007, and when that piece blew up, Debra sat down with her daughters to tell them the truth. Before the story came out, Chrysta said that her mother used to pretend they were a nuclear family with Harrison. She had it in her head that her friend only gave his sperm for Chrysta and Kaitlyn's conception. But the other thing that struck Chrysta about her mother's revelation was that her boyfriend at that time, Max (not his real name), was most likely her biological brother because Harrison was a prolific sperm donor. Chrysta broke it off with Max without confirming if they were biological to this day. However, years later, one of Max's sisters signed up for the siblings' group for all of Harrison's children. Chrysta started to look for her other siblings nearly a decade after finding out about Harrison's sperm donation. Her mother helped her track down potential siblings via a DNA test from Ancestry. The Bilton sisters are in touch with over 40 biological siblings on their Facebook, WhatsApp, and Discord networks. Chrysta said that she is very close to many of them, and they share many similarities, including struggles with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). The siblings also learned that their biological father hid his paranoid schizophrenia diagnosis in his donor profile because he came from the school of thought that there is no such thing as a mental illness. Chrysta said she didn't know that mental illness can be an inherited condition, and she always found Harrison to be a quirky and eccentric man that she enjoyed having around at their house. Publishing her memoir "Normal Family" Her life story inspired Chrysta to write and publish "Normal Family," which detailed how she met her siblings. She told NPR that the book also features an intensive interview with Harrison. Aside from being the sperm donor, their father was also an interesting person with many conspiracy theories. "I discovered a lot of things about my father's childhood that I didn't know that gave me a lot of compassion for him," Chrysta said. Today, Chrysta has her own family. She married a man from a traditional background with no vices or quirkiness like her parents. Chrysta said she wants her kids to grow up in a normal, traditional family life. Chrysta's kids are close to Debra and call their mom's many siblings their aunts or uncles. On the other hand, Chrysta sees Harrison a few times a year for coffee chats. Related Article: California Serial Sperm Donor Fathers 47 Children Around the World; Some Moms Want His Help Again Photo: (Photo : Carolyn Booth from Pixabay ) Ivanka Trump delivered an emotional eulogy for her mom Ivana on Wednesday, July 20, remembering the late New York City icon and businesswoman as a trailblazer who believed there was nothing she could not do in heels. Ivanka said in a moving speech during her mother's funeral service at the St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church on the Upper East Side that growing up, her mom did not tell her a woman could do anything she wanted to, but she showed her. The former first daughter added that her mother was a trailblazer to men and women alike, according to the New York Post. Ivanka, wearing a black dress and a pearl necklace, remembered how her mother taught them to spearfish and cooked what they caught. The mom-of-three said her mom expanded their minds. Ivanka held back tears during her eulogy Ivanka recalled following her mom Ivana, the glamorous Czech-born businesswoman and ex-wife of former U.S. President Donald Trump, around Trump Plaza as she supervised daily operations in the 1980s, calling her pure fun when she was off the job. The 40-year-old held back tears as she said, "Mom, I'll always love you today and every day. You were and always will be the light of our lives." Don Jr. called his mom fearless and independent at the private service, which was attended by roughly 100 mourners, for escaping the iron curtain of the then-communist Czech Republic. He added that his mother shattered so many norms. Also giving heartfelt speeches at the funeral service were Eric Trump, his wife Lara, and Ivana's granddaughter, Kai, who is Don Jr.'s teenage daughter. Family friends Dorothy Curry and Dennis Basso also spoke at the service, according to People Magazine. Read Also: Family of 4 Misses Much-Anticipated Disney Cruise After Air Canada Cancels Their Flight Donald Trump did not speak at the funeral service One guy who surprisingly did not speak at the service was former commander-in-chief, Donald Trump. He talked about Ivana on his social media platform, Truth Social, before the ceremony, writing that it was a very sad day but, at the same time, a celebration of a wonderful and beautiful life. He sat solemnly in the first row with his wife Melania and their son Barron. Donald and Ivana divorced in the 1990s. The power couple was married for 15 years between 1977 and 1992. Ivana, who originally came from what was then Czechoslovakia, was a notable socialite who became the subject of intense public interest alongside the former president during the 1980s and 1990s. After they separated, Ivana launched a line of beauty products, clothing, and jewelry. Ivana died last week at the age of 73 after falling down the stairs at her Manhattan home, according to BBC. Others seen at her funeral included Malaysian designer Zang Toi, TV host Jeanine Pirro, real estate developer Charles Kushner, and George Wayne, a former journalist of Vanity Fair known for his interviews with celebrities. Related Article: Tragedy in India as Monkey Throws Four-month-old Baby Boy to His Death Photo: (Photo : /Pixabay) The Indiana man, who sprung into action and saved a family with five children trapped inside a burning house before the firefighters arrived, has been rewarded for his heroic deed by thousands of strangers. As of press time, the GoFundMe fundraiser for Nick Bostic, 25, has reached more than $500,000 after people from all over the world learned about the rescue and his injuries. The hero suffered burns, cuts, and blisters on his legs and arms and will need a lot of help for his recovery. A separate fundraiser is also active on Facebook. Bostic, a pizza delivery guy, was passing by late at night when he saw the fire. He didn't think twice about entering the house when he discovered that there were kids trapped inside and the firefighters were not yet on the scene. The children were between the ages of 1 to 18 years old. Read Also: Baby Suffers Ear Drum Damage After Fireworks Exploded Into Their House at Dawn "I knew what I was risking" According to ABC News, Bostic knew what he was risking when he entered the burning house. However, he was also aware that every second counted for the children's lives. The Lafayette cops who arrived at the scene witnessed the rescue and said that Bostic appeared to know what to do. Bostic found an unlocked door to get to the house and called for the children. He pushed towards the fire and smoke to find four kids by the stairs and then guided them outside to safety. However, the children told their rescuer that a 6-year-old child was still inside. The police said Bostic immediately ran back even if he didn't know where to look. He searched for the child to no avail and was already thinking of getting out of a window when he heard a cry from downstairs. Bostic said that he had this inner dialogue that whole time as the fire and black smoke were getting bigger. He used his shirt to cover his mouth and followed the child's sound in the darkness. After finding the child, Bostic punched some windows so they could exit the house. Though they got out safely, Bostic could be heard in the video filmed by the local cops gasping for oxygen. However, he also asked if the last child he rescued would be alright. She suffered some minor cuts but will otherwise be OK. Heres the video to go along with the story. pic.twitter.com/TvZ5wzCg1f LafayetteINPolice (@LafayetteINPD) July 15, 2022 "He saved our baby" David Barrett, the father of the children, said there are no words to express their gratitude for Bostic, who saved their baby. Barrett and his wife were out on a date that night and left the children to the care of their eldest child, Seionna, 18. The kids were already sleeping when the fire broke out "I don't like to think about what might have happened if Nick hadn't shown up," the dad said, adding that Bostic was now a part of their family. According to Daily Mail, Bostic didn't have any training but knew what to do from watching cop shows on TV. Days after his recovery, Bostic met the family he saved under better circumstances. He also got an audience with Mayor Tony Roswarski. Related Article: Heartbroken Knoxville Parents Say 10-Month-Old Baby Injured in House Fire Will Be an Organ Donor This service applies to you if your subscription has not yet expired on our old site. You will have continued access until your subscription expires; then you will need to purchase an ongoing subscription through our new system. Please contact the Parsons Sun office at (620) 421-2000 if you have any questions analysis The relationship between religion and the law is often complicated. It is sometimes even conflicted. At the heart of the matter lies the tension between freedom of belief and association, and protection from abuse. For example, the state has a responsibility to intervene when the beliefs or practices of religious individuals or communities are harmful or unlawful. The "state", in this instance, refers to all three branches of government: the executive, legislature and judiciary. The "church" refers to religious groupings in general (not only Christianity). A good, functional, relationship between the state and religious groupings is important for democracy. In South Africa, freedom of religion is protected by the constitution. But there are times when the judiciary has to adjudicate on matters involving the church and its members, and in conflicts between religious communities and the state. A good example is the 2013 court case of Ecclesia de Lange against the Methodist Church. Reverend De Lange was dismissed by the church after she married her same-sex partner. The South African constitution protects the rights and freedoms of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ+) people, and also the right to associate with religious communities. Which right must be protected: those of the religious community, or those of the individual? The court found in favour of the church on procedural grounds. There are other cases where courts had to protect citizens from harm by religious leaders. For example, a pastor was found guilty of assault after spraying congregants with an insecticide, claiming it cured cancer and HIV. Most religious communities function as a voluntary association under common law. Members submit to the rules when they join. Yet, if they dispute how the church rules are applied, they often turn to the secular courts to protect their constitutional rights. This seems reasonable. So why would this cause tension, and even conflict, between religious communities and the state? I have spent years researching the relationship between the state and the church in South Africa. I am also a member of a religious community and I am committed to democracy. I have seen how both the state and the church have abused their positions of trust and responsibility in the past, resulting in injustice. I feel that it is important for the sake of democracy, and the common good, that South Africa maintain a healthy and critical relationship between religious freedom and the responsibility of the state. Church and state - then and now For many centuries religion ruled over nation states. That's because of its transnational reach. Religious movements and leaders played a role in the appointment (and deposing) of kings and rulers. Scholars suggest that political power was accorded to religions then because humans lived in an "enchanted" world, where it was believed that God had a direct influence on human affairs. God was regarded as the ultimate authority in all spheres of life. As the world became increasingly secular and "disenchanted", the state grew in power and independence from religious control. For some time, there was a sort of partnership between religion and the state. This was because many people in powerful secular positions - such as kings, political leaders, leading intellectuals - still believed in God. Today, the state seems to have much more social power than religious communities. This is in part because fewer people - politicians, judges - openly allow their faith to direct their public roles. It is also because religion is largely viewed as something private. But there isn't really such a thing as "private" religion. All beliefs have public implications. They influence what some people believe to be right and good in society, and how they relate to others. This can lead to concerns over the curtailing of religious freedoms, and even result in conflict between religion and the state. At the same time, religious beliefs and practices cannot operate unchecked, because they may harm individuals or society. Maintaining healthy tension between freedom of religion and legal protection against abuse by religious communities is important in South Africa. First, this is important because South Africans are deeply religious. A survey by Statistics South Africa showed that 92.3% of South Africans claimed to adhere to some form of religion, with 84.2% identifying as Christian. The 2014-2017 World Values Survey showed that 74% of South Africans placed higher levels of trust in religious leaders and religious communities than in the state or political leaders. They take their moral lead from religious leaders and religious beliefs. Second, religion plays an important role in South African democracy. Religious groupings form a sizeable and powerful constituency to hold powerful people and institutions to account. The South African Council of Churches, for example, has a long history of "speaking truth to power". Third, South Africa has a painful history of the state curtailing freedom of speech and association, to protect itself from challenge and critique during apartheid. Many religious leaders - including Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Imam Haron - were arrested for allegedly "planning a revolution" when they sided with the struggle for freedom. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines South Africa Governance Human Rights By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. More recently, the government attempted to silence criticism by religious leaders who spoke out against corruption and political abuse. Striking a balance So, what's to be done to maintain the balance between allowing responsible religious freedom and the right of the state to protect its citizens from possible religious abuse and harm? First, the rights that are contained in the constitution must be upheld. Second, South Africans should view both the state and religious communities with critical regard. Neither is without its faults. Third, both institutions should operate responsibly within their mandates - the state as the impartial protector of citizens' rights, and the church as responsible servant of the common good. Finally, religion should not be allowed to unduly influence laws in order to curtail common freedoms - such as reproductive rights, sexual freedoms and, of course, religious freedom. Similarly, the state should remain secular, and not adopt theological positions, such as blasphemy laws, doctrinal positions, or narrow, religiously informed moral positions. Dion Forster, Full Professor of Ethics and Head of Department, Systematic Theology and Ecclesiology, Director of the Beyers Naude Centre for Public Theology, Stellenbosch University Air Marakanda, the operator of Samarkand International Airport (SKD) in Uzbekistan, has completed the first phase of work under a contract with TAV Technologies to digitalize the airports operations. Modernization works incorporate TAV Technologies software and hardware solutions and are being implemented across all levels of the airports business. The digitalization process follows the expansion and redesign of Samarkand International Airport, which opened the doors of its new terminal building in March 2022. ') } else { console.log ('nompuad'); document.write(' ') } // --> ') } else if (width >= 425) { console.log ('largescreen'); document.write('') } else { console.log ('nompuad'); document.write('') } // --> The technology solutions implemented include air stairs, passport control booths, e-gates for departing passengers and passport control booths to provide easy passenger access, as well as modern check-in desks and boarding gates. Other systems included in Air Marakandas partnership with TAV Technologies are common-use passenger processing system (CUPPS) and common-use self-service (CUSS) solutions to facilitate passenger transactions. The IATA-certified CUPPS solution is expected to eliminate the need for various check-in desks for each airline and positively transform the passenger experience via self-service opportunities for multiple airlines at shared kiosks, without the need for on-the-ground employees. TAV Technologies software solutions employ AI-based algorithms designed to increase the productivity and performance of these new airport resources. Additionally, TAV Technologies Total Airport Management Suite (TAMS), demoed at Passenger Terminal Expo, will support SKD management of landside and airside processes aligned with existing systems. The TAMS platform is intended to control each step of airport operations, covering flight management, resource management, slot management, flight information display and ground handling management. Moreover, TAV Technologies passenger flow management module has been designed to ease the passenger journey, while its commercial management module is intended to improve cost management and invoice tracking. Gairat Neimatov, CEO of Air Marakanda, said, We are delighted to take the final step to fully digitalize Samarkand International Airports operations, which will provide an unprecedented level of service in Uzbekistans aviation industry. The new phase of work follows the recent opening of the airports new terminal. With its modern infrastructure, streamlined processes and technology-enabled service offering, Samarkand International Airport is a new standard for travel to Uzbekistans most famous historic city. We are grateful for TAV Technologies support with its market-leading expertise in airport management technology solutions. Kerem Ozturk, general manager of TAV Technologies, commented, We are glad to be the technology partner of Samarkand International Airport in such a significant project that aims at full digitalization of airport and passenger operations. The product implementations will directly improve passenger experience and enhance operational efficiency. To read more about the industrys IT and software developments, click here. Apple TV+ is adding another feature with A-list talent to its slate. The streaming service has acquired Causeway, an A24 drama starring Jennifer Lawrence and Brian Tyree Henry. Lawrence is also the producer of the production. Theater director Lila Neugebauer, who helmed episodes The Maid and The Sex Lives of College Girls, jumps to features with Causeway, which centers on a soldier (Lawrence) who struggles to adjust to her life after returning home to New Orleans. (Click on image to enlarge) Apple says Causeway will launch in theaters and on Apple TV+ later this year, but did not provide details on what sort of theatrical run the project might have. For more, read the full report by The Hollywood Reporter. Archive: Apple TV News 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. Ghana lost approximately GHS5 billion in cash through the payment of bribes to public officials in 2021, the Ghana Integrity of Public Services Survey (GIPSS) has disclosed. This is equivalent to almost one-third of the 2021 budget of the Ministry of Education, which is implementing one of the Governments flagship programmes, Free Senior High School (Free SHS). The Government is currently racing against time to raise about GHS4.5 billion through the Electronic Transactions Levy (E-Levy) a domestic revenue mobilisation enhancement measure to support national development. The maiden national survey, titled: Corruption in Ghana peoples experiences and views also disclosed that more than 17.4 million bribes were paid in the same period. The survey was conducted by the Commission for Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) in collaboration with the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). It collected evidence-based information from 15,000 households across the country involving people who were 18 years and older on the forms of corruption affecting the population of Ghana. This is to determine the prevalence of the situation and its prevailing typologies, give benchmark indicators that can be used to inform relevant policies to curb administrative corruption in various public institutions in the country. Apart from the cash payment, which contributed 84.8 per cent of the forms of bribe paid, 13.3 per cent of the bribes paid were food and drinks; 9.7 per cent, exchange for other services; 5 per cent valuables, and 2.2 per cent animals. The bribes were paid by 33.6 per cent citizens to speed up procedures; 15.8 per cent, as a sign of appreciation; 13.8 per cent, to avoid the payment of fine; 10.8 per cent to avoid problems, and 3.1 per cent, to avoid the cancellation of public utilities. Speaking at the launch of the report in Accra on Wednesday, Professor Samuel Kobina Annim, the Government Statistician, said that more than a quarter of the countrys adult population (26.7 per cent) paid bribes to a public official in 2021. Prof Annim also noted that most of the bribes were paid at the direct request of the public officials involved, as six out of 10 bribes paid (59.4 per cent) were directly requested by those officials. Findings from the survey showed that the Ghana Police Service, Immigration Service and the custom officers of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) were the three top institutions that received bribes. They were followed by the Lands Commission, Driver and Vehicle Licencing Authority (DVLA), Passport Agency officials, and prosecutors, judges and magistrates, with elected government officials being the least recipients. In his remarks, Justice Emmanuel Yonny Kulendi, a Justice of the Supreme Court, who stood for the Chief Justice, said that corruption was the most dangerous threat to the countrys democracy, development and national security. He said: If we fail to prevail in our fight against corruption, it is fast draining the public purse, creating barriers to economic development, decreasing the effectiveness and efficiency of public services, increasing transaction costs, undermining legal rules and eroding the legitimacy of government and will ultimately bring down our democracy. Justice Kulendi noted that the report provided verifiable attempt to validate the prevalence of corruption in Ghana, therefore, offer scientific measures to tackle corruption for development of tailored anti-corruption interventions. Mr Richard Quayson, the Deputy Commissioner of CHRAJ, said: In order to fight corruption more effectively, it is critical to improve societys understanding of its different manifestations and to make regular, scientifically-based efforts to measure its occurrence, which the survey provided. He noted that GIPSS would support achievement of the goals of the National Anti-Corruption Action Plan (NACAP), SDG 16 and the United Nations Convention against Corruption Article 61. Ms Jennifer Sarvary Bradford, a Crime Prevention and Criminal Officer at the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, also said that the report would help Ghana produce an evidence-based policy to fight corruption. The report called for stakeholder engagement at both the national and sub-national levels, publication of analytical reports, institutionalization of GIPSS, and the anti-corruption implementation roadmap to address the situation. Source: GNA Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video African leaders will meet President Joe Biden in Washington in mid-December for the first major summit organised by the US for the continent. A statement from President Biden said the US-Africa Leaders' Summit, scheduled for 13-15 December "will underscore the importance of US-Africa relations and increased co-operation on shared global priorities. President Biden has not visited any African country since becoming president but has hosted several leaders from the continent, including President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya and South Africas Cyril Ramaphosa. Last week Mr Biden met Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi ln Jeddah. Analysts believe the meeting is part of American efforts to counter the growing influence of China in Africa and more recently inroads made by Russia in the continent. Source: BBC Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has condemned the killing of one of two Catholic priests by kidnappers in the northern state of Kaduna. Rev Father John Mark Cheitnums decomposing body was found on Tuesday - four days after he was seized by gunmen. The other priest was freed after a ransom was paid and has been reunited with his family. The Christian clerics were seized at gunpoint at a rectory in the village of Yadin Garu in Kaduna after having travelled there for a church event. The kidnappers had demanded a large ransom while the police had said efforts were under way to rescue them. President Buhari said he was "deeply disturbed by the murder". He said the armed groups behind the spate of kidnappings of Christian clerics "seem to be bent on creating chaos and disorder in the country". The government is facing increasing criticism for failing to address the deteriorating security situation across Nigeria. More than 6,000 civilians have been killed and thousands more kidnapped since the beginning of this year, according to a research by Beacon Consulting, a security risk management firm. However, Mr Buhari said the countrys security forces and the administration were working hard to find a "very effective solution to this disturbing security situation". Source: BBC Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video All excavators in mining concessions will be tracked electronically as part of major measures to clamp down on illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, has disclosed. Already, he said, the Minerals Commission had set up a control room for the effective rollout of the initiative and was working to complete the procurement of the tracking devices in a couple of months. Speaking at the Meet-the-Press series in Accra yesterday, the minister said the decision to deploy the tracking devices was to enforce the Minerals and Mining (Mineral Operations Tracking of Earthmoving and Mining Equipment) Regulations, 2020 (L.I. 2404) that empowered the commission to track all earthmoving machines and equipment used in mining operations. The control room will be ready for use next month. The tracking devices are being procured, and in a couple of months, the initiative will be fully rolled out, he said. Enforcement Mr Jinapor, who is also the Member of Parliament for Damongo, explained that as part of measures to fight galamsey, the ministries of Lands and Natural Resources, Transport and National Security had worked together to ensure that importers of all earthmoving equipment obtained permits before bringing the equipment into the country. The arrangement is such that if you are in the mining sector and you want to import an excavator for use in mining, you will need a permit from the Transport Minister; but before he gives you the permit, he will seek the view of the Lands and Natural Resources Minister, he said. He said it was in a bid to further tighten the knot that the trackers were being procured to be fixed on excavators. Mr Jinapor stressed that the government would continue to implement measures and enforce mining regulations to bring sanity to the small-scale mining (SSM) sector. He said processes were underway to deploy fi ve patrol boats to help weed out illegal mining activities on the Pra, Birim, Black Volta and other rivers. Community mining The minister said the priority of his ministry was to support the Minerals Commission to launch more community mining schemes (CMSs) to help regularise and sanitize the SSM sector. Mr Jinapor said 20 of such CMSs were rolled out in 14 mining districts across the country in 2021, while 14 had so far been launched this year. In the coming weeks, we will be rolling out more of the schemes in Osino in the Fanteakwa South District in the Eastern Region; Kenyasi in the Asutifi South municipality in the Ahafo Region; Dunkwa in the Upper Denkyira East Municipality in the Central Region; Manso Nkwanta and Mosiaso in the Amansie West District, Akrofuom in the Akrofuom District and Bekwai in the Bekwai Municipality, all in the Ashanti Region; Atronsu in the Bibiani Anhwianso Bekwai municipality, Nsuaem in the Tarkwa Nsuaem municipality, Bompieso in the Prestea-Huni Valley municipality, and Afransie in the Wassa Amenfi East municipality, all in the Western Region, he said. Source: graphic.com.gh Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The American Embassy has sent a congratulatory message to the new President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Mr. Albert Kwabena Dwumfour on his election to that high office. A statement from the Embassy, signed by the Ambassador to Ghana Madam Virginia Palmer and issued on Thursday 21st of July 2022, said on behalf of the US Embassy, please accept my congratulations on your election as President of the Ghana Journalists Association. The Ambassador also expressed her continued cooperation in support of professional development for Journalists and Journalism students adding that Press Freedom is a cherished value in Ghana as it is in the United States, and a cornerstone of accountable democracy. I hope to be able to meet you and your leadership team in person very soon. Until then, please accept my best wishes for your success in your leadership role, the statement concluded. Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Professor Raymond Atuguba, Dean of School of Law at the University of Ghana, has called for concerted efforts to ensure that there is no chaos in the run-up to, and after the 2024 elections. He said the current economic conditions in the country characterized by poor governance, and poverty among others meant that citizens, especially the youth could resort to activities, which could lead to violence before and after the 2024 general election hence the need to put in place stringent measures to avert such occurrence. He made the call while delivering a keynote address on the topic: Ghana at Crossroads: Where do or die meets Break the Eight", at the fourth triennial conference of the Ghana Studies Association (GSA), an international affiliate of the African Studies Association, held in Tamale. The three-day conference was on the theme; Ghana at Crossroads and brought together persons in academia to discuss pertinent issues that caused the countrys underdevelopment and make appropriate recommendations to solve such problems through research. Professor Atuguba said the country was experiencing its worst economic conditions in the last 30 years caused by either internal or external factors. He said if the youth had no sustainable jobs, they could resort to all sorts of means for survival, including violence. He added that We have landed where we are today because we have incompetent persons in government, who have borrowed so much that our debt to GDP ratio is almost 100%." He called on stakeholders to join forces to create an enabling economic environment for the youth to enhance their growth. Prof Atuguba observed that the two major political parties in the country were bent on winning the 2024 elections through any means and said they must abide by the electoral laws to ensure they do not plunge the country into chaos. Source: GNA Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The Liberia WASH Consortium under Irish Aid Nutrition and water, sanitation and hygiene project has ended a two-day Training of Trainers workshop for hand pumps mechanics in Todee District in rural Montserrado County. The training focused on Afridev hand pumps dismantling and assembly on a well and community hand pumps caretakers, and construction of latrines slabs demos. Welcoming the Liberia WASH Consortium members and participants to the two-day event, Nyen Administrative District Superintendent, John Tucker, praised the consortium for initiating its WASH and Nutrition project in his district. Mr. Tucker assured the consortium of his willingness to work with the body for the success of the project. "The project has restored the dignity of my people and has created the awareness of the importance of nutrition", Tucker said. Also speaking at the start of the workshop, WaterAid Communication and Advocacy Manager, Zayzay Kolubah, informed participants about the purpose of the consortium and the project in their district. "As a body, the consortium wants to ensure that the project is implemented robustly and the objectives of the project are met" Kolubah added. Another speaker, the lead facilitator of the event, George Yarngo encouraged consortium members to involve community members in the process of the implementation. "With the full participation of beneficiaries, the project will achieve its ended purpose" Yarngo disclosed. He encouraged consortium members to always share ideas on Irish Aid project implementation. Concern and Action against Hunger made the presentation on their respective programs in the district. At the end of the two days training of trainers' refresher workshop, a field trip was conducted to access some hand pumps that were malfunctioning in a nearby community. The malfunctioning hand pump parts were replaced, making them function. The Liberia WASH Consortium is a conglomeration of three International Organizations implementing Irish Aid WASH and Nutrition Programs in Todee District in rural Montserrado and Grand Counties. Share Madam Virginia Palmer, United States Ambassador to Ghana has lauded government for promoting inclusive economic growth in the northern part of the country saying it is important for the peace and stability of the country. She said I have a lot of respect for the way that the Ghanaian Government recognises that inclusive economic growth in the north is critical both to Ghanas economic development overall but also to peace and stability and preventing violent extremists from taking advantage of conflicts or lack of development to perpetrate their activities. She was speaking during an encounter with journalists in Tamale on Wednesday evening as part of her first official trip outside Accra since assuming her responsibilities as the United States Ambassador to Ghana in April, this year. The Ambassador, while in the north, will undertake various activities including attending a Power Africa event, meeting with the Northern Regional Minister, touring the Nuts for Growth factory, and the launch of Global Shea Alliance and MasterCard Foundations Shea Business Empowerment Programme, visiting an open defecation free community and a health care facility in the Sagnarigu Municipality, meeting with Women in Agriculture Platform representatives, meeting with President of the Savannah Region Queen Mothers Association and meeting with Mandela Washington Fellowship and the United States Ghana Exchange Programme Alumni. Madam Palmer said We have 130 million dollars of United States Agency for International Development (USAID) programmes in the north. North is a priority for us. The role of the north is particularly important to the work that the USAID does and to keeping Ghana secure and stable amid increasingly rough neighbourhoods'. We are concerned about democratic backsliding in Burkina Faso, Mali and Guinea, and Ghanas example is hugely important to that. She further commended the government on the Accra Initiative where the government recognised that there was an increasing threat from the Sahel and close door West African countries, which were stable and democratic, were increasingly vulnerable to attacks as witnessed in recent days in Togo, Benin, and Cote dIvoire. She said, So, the Accra Initiative was the governments leadership with her neighbours to cooperate on intelligence, share information and or work on inclusive economic growth in our northern borders to ensure that we stay peaceful and democratic, and if that happens then the rest of the economy of entire West Africa and the continent will also be strengthened. Madam Palmer spoke about corruption, saying Corruption undermines everything that we and the Government of Ghana want to do. And so, we provide support to the Office of the Special Prosecutor for those corruption cases, and we provide human rights and professional training for the Police to help investigate those cases, but we are trying to provide practical assistance to the people that are investigating and holding accountable officials and politicians, but it is a serious problem and must be addressed. She said addressing corruption was also important for the business climate adding One of my priorities is to promote bilateral trade and investment. We have 2.7 billion dollars in bilateral trade and investment, but companies will continue to come if they believe they can operate transparently, and the business environment is predictable. So, being free from corruption is important to that. She spoke highly of the countrys human rights credentials saying, Ghana has a really well-deserved reputation for respecting human rights of its citizens, and one of the things I have been reflecting on is Ghana was a beacon for American civil rights activists. Source: GNA Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video A Nigerian criminal syndicate led by one Sunny Anwamini (Sam) has been arrested by the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) for defrauding a Ukrainian businessman to the tune of $6.5 million. The suspect, Sunny, 52 was apprehended on Wednesday, July 20 by EOCO in an intelligence led operation in partnership with the state National Security. According to deep throat sources at EOCO, the suspect met his victim (Mazen Farakh), in December 2018 in Ghana during which the the latter expressed interest in purchasing expensive wood pieces known as Teak. Sam after receiving the sum of $6.5 million from the Uknrainian businessman sent photographs of fake pallets of teak stored in custom bonded warehouses and promised to get the goods delivered in Ukraine. However, Mazen Farakh in his statement at EOCO disclosed that Sunny for over three (3) years failed to deliver containers of the products as stated in their agreement. On March 27, 2022, Sunny was arrested by police personnel from the Police Headquarters in Accra but was later released after a brief detention in custody which the complainant (Mazen Farakh) described as being down under very compromising circumstances. But, the Ukrainian business magnet and his Ghanaian partners are also worried about the justice delivery in the country as they claim that, some officers are exerting pressure and sleeping for the release of Sunny again. Meanwhile, Mazen Farakh wants to recover his $6.5 million from the Nigerian criminal syndicate and is therefore appealing to the powers that be to ensure that, Sunny Anwamini is made to face the full rigors of the law. The Ukrainian businessman is currently in the country to ensure that, Suny is brought to account to face the full rigors of the law. 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 China has warned that it would take "resolute and forceful measures" if US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi visits Taiwan. Pelosi, who is second in line of succession to the US presidency, has reportedly outlined plans to take a delegation to Taipei in August, according to the Financial Times,and if she makes the visit it would be the highest-level delegation from the United States to the self-governing island in 25 years. On Tuesday, July 19, China's Foreign Ministry lashed out at the potential visit, saying it would "have a severe negative impact on the political foundation of China-US relations, and send a gravely wrong signal to 'Taiwan independence' separatist forces." "If the US insists on going down the wrong path, China will definitely take resolute and forceful measures to firmly defend its national sovereignty and territorial integrity," ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian told a news conference. "The United States must be fully responsible for all the consequences caused by this." Also, August 1 is the anniversary of the founding of China's People's Liberation Army. Beijing's ruling Communist Party has long claimed Taiwan as part of its territory and has repeatedly vowed to "reunify" the island of 24 million people with the Chinese mainland by force if necessary despite having never governed the region in 70 years. Pelosi had previously stated plans to lead a US congressional delegation to Taiwan in April, but the trip was postponed after she tested positive for Covid-19. At the time, China had strongly opposed the trip and issued similar warnings. A visit by Pelosi would be the first by a sitting House Speaker since Republican Newt Gingrich traveled to Taiwan in 1997. US officials and lawmakers have embarked on more than 20 trips to the democratically controlled island since the Taiwan Travel Act was signed into law by then US President Donald Trump in March 2018. China, meanwhile, has sent record numbers of war planes near Taiwan, as tensions soared to their highest in recent decades. 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 Roughly GHC5 billion in bribes were paid to public officials in 2021, a survey by the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) has shown. According to the survey, the average bribe paid is GHC348 or roughly US$44 based on the 2021 spot exchange rate. The maiden national survey, was titled: Corruption in Ghana peoples experiences and views. Given that roughly 17.4 million bribes were paid in Ghana in 2021, the average bribe size of GHC348 results in a total of approximately GHC5 billion paid in cash bribes to public officials in 2021, the survey said. To put the numbers into perspective, this corresponds to almost one third (32.9%) of the 2021 budget of the Ministry of Education. The size of the average bribe paid in Ghana further differs greatly between urban and rural areas. At GHC404, the average bribe in urban areas is approximately 1.5 times larger than the GHC265 average in rural areas. The share of small bribes (under GHC 50) is larger in rural (47.3%) than in urban areas (31.7%), whereas the share of larger bribes (above GHC100), is higher in urban (47.8%) than in rural areas (35.2%). An interesting finding from the survey data is that not all bribe-payers are willing to pay the actual amount requested by the public official. Roughly four out of 10 bribe-payers indicate negotiating the value of a bribe paid, with men being 1.3 times more likely to negotiate the value of the cash bribe than women. The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), in partnership with the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) and with support from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), conducted the first comprehensive, nationally representative population survey on corruption in Ghana. The fieldwork involved a survey of 15,000 respondents across the country, in all regions and in both urban and rural areas. The main objective was to collect evidence-based information on forms of corruption affecting the population of Ghana in order to determine the prevalence of corruption and its prevailing typologies. Source: asaaseradio.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video A Deputy Communications Director of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), Abdul Kamal Deen has said that the factors that compelled President Akufo-Addo to seek International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout are different from what occurred during former President John Mahamas regime. According to him, unlike President Akufo-Addo who is being pushed to go for IMF bailout because of global crises likes Covid-19 pandemic and the ongoing Russia and Ukraine war, former President Mahama had to go for the bailout because of his sheer mismanageent of the economy. Speaking on Accra-based TV3 on Tuesday, July 19, he admitted that the Akufo-Addo administration previously stated that it was not going to seek support from the Fund but has been compelled by global economic forces to do so. What got us to go to IMF after Senchi under Mahama? The factors that got us to go to IMF today, were they the same then? No, he said. He added that gross incompetence, to the extent that [John Mahama] himself said he had assumed the status of a dead goat. Dumso occurred because of their abysmal performance. The NPP communicator blamed John Mahama for destroying the great economy bequethed him by the late Prof Mills and subsequently running to IMF for help. Kamal Deen made these remarks as a rebuttal to Tamale Central Member of Parliament (MP), Murtala Mohammed accusation that the Akufo-Addo administration is seeking for IMF bailout because of gross mismanagement of the economy. Source: ghanaweb.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Dr. Papa Kwesi Nduom, Chairman of Groupe Nduom paid a courtesy call on former President John Agyekum Kufuor on Friday, 15th July, 2022. This was to inform the former President about what he has been doing these past three years, why he has been absent from Ghana and the 2020 elections as well as his plans going forward. The former President received Dr. Nduom with great enthusiasm. It will be recalled that after the 2000 elections, President Kufuor appointed an inclusive administration which included CPP, PNC and independents. Dr. Nduom had contested the election then to become the MP for Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abrem (KEEA) on the ticket of the CPP. Dr. Nduom was initially appointed Minister for Economic Planning and Regional Cooperation and also Chairman of the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC). He worked very closely with the former President to fashion the Ghana Poverty Reduction Strategy (GPRS) and get it through Cabinet. It is this GPRS which was used to help qualify Ghana for HIPC benefits with Mr. Yaw Osafo Maafo as the Minister of Finance. He was appointed Energy Minister at the height of Ghanas search for oil. President Kufuor during his second term of office appointed Dr. Nduom as Minister for Public Sector Reform. This led to a number of reform initiatives including pension and salary administration (introduction of single spine) and others. President Kufuor and Dr. Nduom travelled together to a number of international assignments in the UK, France, Spain, USA and a number of African countries. Perhaps a defining moment in their relationship was the appointment of Dr. Nduom to lead a stalled Millennium Development Challenge project which led to the USA giving Ghana a $547 million grant for a number of projects including the construction of the N1 Highway (Tetteh Quarshie to Mallam). Former President Kufuor knows Dr. Nduoms family very well so they had a good discussion about his family and how his children are doing. Dr. Nduom discussed the reasons why he had been absent for so long from Ghana including health and business challenges. He told the former President he had been paying particular attention to his business operations in the USA particularly the bank especially given the reputational damage caused by the loss of the Ghana banking license and the accusations made about illegal money transfers. All these he hoped would be proven false through the courts and administrative processes. The former President wished him well and prayed that all will be well for him to return to Ghana to play a meaningful role in the development and job creation. Dr. Nduom presented the former President with an enlarged and framed front page of the Today Newspaper which featured photographs taken at the State Department in the USA when the MCA compact was signed between Ghana and the USA. He expressed his gratitude for the MCA assignment and the support the former President gave during the process. As a sign of accountability, Dr. Nduom promised to help prepare a presentation on what the $547 million compact has accomplished in 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. Featured Video A makeshift memorial is laid out beside the Indian Head RCMP detachment in Indian Head, Sask., Sunday, June 13, 2021. The memorial is laid out for for Const. Shelby Patton who was killed while on duty in Wolseley, Sask. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Kayle Neis Carolyn Bennett rises during Question Period in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Friday, June 10, 2022. Canada's minister of mental health and addictions says more doctors across the country should be willing to prescribe a safer supply of drugs instead of fearing they will be investigated by their regulatory colleges.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang In continuation of ongoing efforts to deter impunity against journalists and media workers in Liberia, the Press Union of Liberia has released the second quarterly report of its phase two tracking of attacks and intimidations of media practitioners in Liberia. The Media Alert Report includes threats, attacks, and intimidation of Liberian journalists by state actors, non-state actors, supporters of politicians, and some other members of the public as well as ethical transgressions of media practitioners. The Alert Reports will also highlight other major issues, including a critical analysis of the trend being taken by the Liberian media environment, considering the nature of space being offered by state actors for the media to thrive. This Media Alert Report of the Press Union of Liberia is made possible by a grant from the United States Government and People through the USAID Media Activity which is being managed by the Internews and national partners, including the Press Union of Liberia. The report covers the period of April to June 2022, and it is the continuation of the quarterly documentation of attacks and intimidations against journalists and media workers which will be published for the next five years as part of the rollout of the USAID Media Development under the auspices of Internews. This first USAID Media Alert Report recorded four attacks, one brutality, and two threats, on Journalist Franklin Doloque, Radio Tamba-take in Foya suffered an arson attack, reporters David Nawah, Patrick T. Saah, and Sekou Sheriff of Voice of Liberia (VOL), Journalist Bobby M. Tingban of Hott FM/TV, Rivercess based Journalist Eric Oldpa Duo and Journalist Rocheford T. Gardiner of Radio Phoenix of Tubman University in Maryland County. Conservative leadership candidate Jean Charest takes part in the Conservative Party of Canada French-language leadership debate in Laval, Quebec on Wednesday, May 25, 2022. Charest is pressing the party to decide whether it will hold a third debate.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ryan Remiorz Tonights prime-time finale by the Jan. 6 committee will be focused on Donald Trump himself and what he was doing or not doing while violence raged on Capitol Hill. Violent protesters, loyal to President Donald Trump, stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-John Minchillo Debris falls to the ground as demolition resumes on the Winters Hotel in Vancouver B.C., on Friday, April 22, 2022. Minister of Public Safety Mike Farnworth has announced a coroner's inquest into the deaths of two people in a fire at the hotel in April. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck Bristol Bay breaks record, but Yukon River collapses For Alaska salmon fishing, the summer of 2022 is the best of times and the worst of times. In the Bristol Bay region, the sockeye salmon run and harvest amounts set new records, as was predicted in the preseason forecast. As of Monday, the run had totaled over 73.7 million, with a harvest of over 56.3 million. The previous record was set just last year, with a 67.7 million run of sockeyes and a third-biggest-ever harvest of nearly 42 million of the fish. But along the Yukon River, a prized salmon run is heading toward a worst-ever season. The number of Chinook counted by sonar while swimming up the river at Pilot Station, a village near the Bering Sea coast, was the lowest on record for this time of the year, the department said. Things are looking grim for the rest of the summer, Fish and Game said in its most recent update; "the drainage-wide run may be under 50,000 fish, which is so small that escapement goals may not be met in any tributaries," the update said. Chinook fishing has been closed all along the river and its drainages. The chum salmon run, which starts in the late summer, is also looking grim and "is anticipated to be critically low," meaning that even subsistence harvests will be closed for at least the start of the fall season, the department said. Fisheries activists are pointing to both cases as evidence supporting protective measures, for which they are campaigning. Opponents of the controversial Pebble Mine say two consecutive years of record sockeye runs demonstrate the value of protecting the Bristol Bay watershed, site of the world's biggest sockeye runs, from that proposed development. They are urging the Environmental Protection Agency to invoke a rarely used provision of the Clean Water Act to preclude any wetlands-fill permit for the mine. "Salmon have provided for the people of Bristol Bay for thousands of years due to our ancestral stewardship of our pristine lands and waters. We're grateful our salmon continue to return home in record numbers but our watershed is still facing the grave threat of mines like Pebble. Bristol Bay remains a salmon stronghold and will only continue if it is permanently protected. The EPA must finalize Clean Water Act protections for the headwaters of our fishery this year," United Tribes of Bristol Bay executive director Alannah Hurley said in a statement. Advocates for Indigenous communities dependent on Yukon River salmon, meanwhile, say the continued poor returns there and in the Kuskokwim River demonstrate the need for action to reduce cases of ocean bycatch, the accidental harvest of Western Alaska-bound salmon in nets used to harvest other species. Several groups have requested a meeting with Gov. Mike Dunleavy to discuss the run failures in the Arctic-Yukon-Kuskokwim regions. Such a meeting had not yet been scheduled as of Monday, said Serena Fitka, executive director of the Yukon River Drainage Fisheries Association, one of the 16 groups making that request. And so far, the North Pacific Fishery Management Council has not put stricter bycatch rules in place, she noted. "In a crisis, we cannot wait for more research to be done," she said by email. Farther north in western Alaska, salmon fishing is underway in the Norton Sound and Kotzebue regions, according to the Department of Fish and Game. In Norton Sound, the harvest to date has been dominated by pink salmon, a species becoming more plentiful in recent years in farther-north waters. Of the more than 93,500 salmon harvested as of mid-July, about 81 percent were pinks, according to the department figures. The Kotzebue-area salmon harvest as of mid-July was 14,803 salmon, with chum salmon accounting for almost all of that, according to the department. The Kotzebue-area chum catch as of mid-July was triple the cumulative harvest there at the same time last year, according to the department. Alaskabeacon.com is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. The Minister of Poste and Telecommunication, Cllr. Cooper Kruah has disclosed that in recent times the traditional mailing system has declined due to the introduction of the internet. According to him, the Universal Postal Union (UPU) indicated that they cannot do away with the traditional postal system. "You cannot send packages through the internet, rather cybercrime is committed through the internet," Minister Kruah indicated. Minister Kruah said individuals and organizations need to send documents abroad in hardcopies including other items that of which the internet and that of the postal system are vital to such a sector. Speaking on the state radio Tuesday in Paynesville Minister Kruah said lot of people are making use of the postal system in Liberia on a daily basis. He told the media that his administration has addressed the safety of people's mails from being tampering with as it used to be in the past by instituting a security system. "When we took over, we understand that those were rampant, we dismissed few people who have completely stop playing with people mail, we have now put into place a system that was introduce by UPU, if you send a package from Liberia, we will give you a tracking number, you can track your package on your own phone until it gets to the destination", he said. He furthered that it is difficult for those who are responsible to post those packages to tamper with them now. Speaking further that President George M. Weah did constitute a steering committee for the country's digital migration that is chaired by the Minister of Information and co-chaired the Minister of Post and Telecommunications. Minister Kruah said the committee has produced the strategy to the migration, indicating that the committee is holding discussion with some international partners including the viewing of some of the neighbors countries that have done with their digital migration among others. He said that one of the factors that the Ministry was confronted with in the past to address the digital migration was the lack of budgetary support, stressing that the political and Administrative decision were made, but financial decision was not made. Minister Kruah disclosed that the committee is working on a recommendation for a budget line on the digital migration process of the country. Amid escalating tensions between Belarus and Poland, Reuters reported on June 30 that a memorial to soldiers of the Polish Home Army (AK) in Mikulishki, Belarus, had been destroyed. The Polish Home Army was the main anti-Nazi resistance force in occupied Poland during World War II. Polish media covered the reported destruction of the memorial, and the Polish charge d'affaires in Belarus, Martin Wojciechowski, visited the memorial site July 5. That same day, Polands Foreign Ministry released a statement expressing concern about increasingly frequent cases of violating Polish national memorials in Belarus and blaming the pro-Russian Belarus government for an atmosphere of acquiescence to such practices. The Belarus Foreign Ministry waved it off as hysterics. In reference to Mikulishki, the ministry said on July 7 that, According to local authorities, no military funerals and burials of foreign soldiers have been registered in this settlement. But this is false, according to the Polish government and historians. According to Polands Foreign Ministry, there are several hundred small memorials to Polish Home Army soldiers in western Belarus. Such memorials are often unofficial but well cared for by surrounding communities. Earlier this month, BelSat TV, the Polish satellite channel aimed at Belarus, interviewed Belarusian historian Alexander Pashkevich, who noted that memorials to Polish Home Army soldiers are located across western Belarus. He said that many of them were built and maintained by members of the Polish minority in Belarus and on land that had belonged to Poland before the World War II. Local news reports have chronicled other incidents involving the desecration of Polish memorials have been reported in the Belarusian towns of Volkovysk, Kaczyczy and Kachichi. Poland also recently spoke out about the removal of a Polish flag at a cemetery in Katyn, western Russia, that commemorates the Polish military officers executed there by Soviet forces in 1940. Ethnic Poles and Polish speakers are a minority in Belarus and have been the target of discrimination and harassment throughout President Alexander Lukashenkos tenure. The Polish community has been primarily represented by the Union of Poles in Belarus (ZPB), although the groups operations have been reduced after its leaders were arrested in 2021. Community leaders and politicians in Poland have been vocal about the discrimination against and antagonism toward the Polish communities in Belarus. Since almost the start of his tenure as Belarus president in 1994, Lukashenko has identified the Polish minority in Belarus as potentially destabilizing to the state because of its close relationship with the Polish government. Lukashenko, who effectively rules as a dictator, also sees Belarus Polish minority as a threat to his efforts to shore up domestic support following his disputed election victory in 2020. The European Union, including Poland, recognizes Svetlana Tsikhanouskaya, who ran as the opposition candidate in that election and who is now in exile, as the countrys rightful leader. Tsikhanouskaya also has recognized the destruction of Polish memorials inside Belarus and has objected on social media about the way the Belarusian government has responded. Russia's war against Ukraine is backdrop for the Polish-Belarus tensions. Poland is a member of the U.S.-led NATO defense alliance, which is arming Ukraine. Belarus is Russias ally, and Lukashenko allowed the Kremlin to amass troops on its border with Ukraine prior to the invasion in February. This month, Lukashenko threatened to attack Western cities. Earlier this month, a top-ranking Belarusian intelligence official, Maj. Gen. Ruslan Kosygin, alleged that the United States was using Poland and the Baltic states as a testing ground for plans to unleash another bloody conflict in Europe against the Russian Federation and its allies. Kosygin indicated that Belarus would not hesitate to respond to threats. Late last year, Poland accused Belarus of instigating and inflaming migrant crises along their shared border. The Belarusian government has denied those claims. Belarus has accused Poland of desecrating memorials. About 30 acts of vandalism have been registered in Poland this year alone. Monuments to people, who gave their lives to free Poland from fascism, were vandalized, the Belarus Foreign Ministry said in its July 7 statement. The desecration of a mass grave of 620 soldiers in Chrzowice in March 2022 was broadcast live. In 1997, there were 561 monuments in Poland whereas now there are less than 100 of them left. This is misleading. Following the passage of a de-communization law in Poland, the Institute of National Remembrance, a state-sponsored research and archival organization aligned with the majority Law and Justice Party, has led initiatives to remove memorials that feature Soviet symbols. The President of the Institute of National Remembrance, Karol Nawrocki, spoke during the demolition of a memorial in Chrzowice, stating that there was no room for monuments that symbolize the crimes of the communist system. Aiken, SC (29801) Today Mostly cloudy skies. Slight chance of a rain shower. Low 68F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Mostly cloudy skies. Slight chance of a rain shower. Low 68F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. WALTERBORO Alex Murdaughs defense attorneys on July 20 pushed a judge for a speedy trial on charges accusing the disbarred lawyer of fatally shooting his wife and son. They also announced an agreement with state prosecutors to seek a gag order limiting public information on the high-profile case until that trial begins. Columbia lawyer Dick Harpootlian asked Circuit Judge Clifton Newman for a trial by November, saying his client wants to clear his name so state police can find Maggie and Paul Murdaughs real killer or killers. Creighton Waters, a prosecutor for the S.C. Attorney Generals Office, pushed back on that request, saying a trial in January might be more realistic. He asked a judge to allow discovery to proceed and wait a few weeks before setting a trial date. Waters offered few clues about what evidence investigators have tying the once-prominent trial lawyer to the 2021 grisly double homicide at his familys Colleton County hunting lodge. The July 14 indictments allege that Murdaugh killed Maggie, 52, with a rifle and Paul, 22, with a shotgun. Yet the documents provided no indication of Murdaugh's alleged motive. But before a packed Colleton County courtroom July 20, Waters hinted the states case against Murdaugh, 54, is substantial," includes forensic evidence and is connected to the more than 80 other charges prosecutors have brought against him. "It all came back to one person, and that is Alex Murdaugh," Waters said of the evidence in the case. Earlier charges allege Murdaugh flexed his legal muscle and powerful family name to discreetly pocket some $8.5 million meant for his legal clients, law partners and others who trusted him. Murdaugh also has been charged with enlisting a hitman, Curtis Edward Smith, to shoot him in a botched $10 million life insurance scheme in September. And he has been charged with money laundering as part of an alleged drug trafficking scheme with Smith. "A lot of that provides the background and the motive for what happened on June 7, 2021," Waters told the judge. Both Waters and Harpootlian repeatedly expressed their desire to limit leaks about the case and try the case before a Colleton County jury not the media. Newman denied Murdaugh bail at the close of the 20-minute hearing. The ruling will have little practical effect. Murdaugh has already been detained for nine months unable to afford his $7 million bail on a slew of financial charges. The murder charges carry a penalty of 30 years to life in prison, though Attorney General Alan Wilsons office could also seek the death penalty. The proceedings marked Murdaughs first public appearance in months, a brief respite from the Richland County jail where the former volunteer prosecutor has been held since October. Murdaugh, the scion of an influential family of Hampton lawyers, arrived at the courthouse in a navy two-piece jumpsuit and bright red-orange Nike sneakers, his trademark strawberry-blond hair buzzed to the scalp. He changed into a white button-down shirt and khaki pants before entering the courtroom. A stark reminder of his precipitous fall from grace lingered not far behind where he sat. A portrait of Buster Murdaugh Jr., Alexs grandfather and the longtime elected prosecutor for the 14th Judicial Circuit, hung on the back wall of the courtroom as his grandson raised a handcuffed right hand and pleaded not guilty to the double-murder charges. "How shall you be tried?" Waters asked him. "By God and my country," Murdaugh responded. If convicted in the shooting deaths of his wife and son, Murdaugh whose father, grandfather and great-grandfather served for 86 straight years as the elected local solicitor would go down as one of the most notorious criminals in South Carolina history. The slayings have gripped the worlds attention, combining with Murdaughs personal unraveling to spawn a wave of headlines, true-crime podcasts, book deals and cable news documentaries. Murdaugh had been the only known person of interest in the State Law Enforcement Divisions investigation into the deaths of Maggie and Paul. Murdaugh himself reported finding their bodies shortly after 10 p.m. June 7, 2021, telling the 911 dispatcher in a hysterical voice that his wife and son were shot badly. Murdaughs defense attorneys, Harpootlian and Jim Griffin, have criticized SLEDs investigation, arguing that state police narrowly focused on their client and didnt give serious consideration to other possible suspects. The pair have vowed to fight the charges. They maintain Murdaugh had nothing to do with his wife and sons deaths and loved them more than anything in the world. Prosecutors and Murdaughs defense attorneys huddled for some 15 minutes before the bond hearing began. When Newman arrived, the lawyers disclosed they had agreed to request a gag order and to seal any pre-trial motions discussing evidence. Harpootlian said he would officially submit the request to Newman in the coming days. Yet the judge seemed skeptical. Its a public matter and a public trial, and certainly matters that need to be sealed can be sealed to preserve the rights of all parties, Newman said. The court understands that, but at the same time, wants to make it clear we will not have any private motion public matters will be public. Pete Strom, a Columbia lawyer and former U.S. attorney for South Carolina from 1993-96, said such gag orders are typically used to ensure jurors don't read or hear about potential evidence that isn't introduced and vetted in the courtroom. Pre-trial stories can limit the pool of eligible jurors in a given county who haven't yet made up their minds about a case, Strom said. They also can taint a jury pool, which would warrant a request for a retrial, he said. "Nobody wants to go through the time and expense of trying this case multiple times," Strom said. The 2021 slayings came as the Murdaugh family faced another crisis. At the time of his death, Paul Murdaugh was headed toward trial in a wrongful death lawsuit that blamed the then-underage boy of drunkenly driving a boat into a Beaufort County bridge piling, ejecting all six passengers and killing 19-year-old Mallory Beach. An attorney for the Beach family was seeking access to Alex Murdaughs financial records, disclosures that could have revealed his hefty debts and drawn attention to his money-shifting practices. But a hearing on those financial records, scheduled for mid-June 2021, was canceled after Paul Murdaugh's death. NORTH CHARLESTON More than 4 trillion pixels collide in brushstroke projections cascading down curtain walls, along the floor and onto your skin. As Miles Davis serenades over the loudspeaker, a 3D canvas sprouts sunflowers before almond blossom petals swirl like confetti in an imaginary breeze concocted by programmed technology. Then, a familiar and iconic night sky unfolds as billowing bright yellow and white swirls ripple across a midnight blue backdrop. "Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience," which will be on display at the Charleston Area Convention Center until Sept. 4, brings more than 300 of its namesake troubled yet genius artist's paintings to life in video format spanning 30,000 square feet. It takes more than 40 projectors to cast the artwork. If you go WHAT: "Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience" WHEN: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. (last entry 8 p.m.) Tuesday through Sunday now until Sept. 4; to reserve a time slot, visit the website WHERE: Charleston Area Convention Center, 5000 Coliseum Drive, North Charleston PRICE: $21.99 child; $41.99 student/senior/military timed entry; $46.99 adult timed entry; $39.99 group timed entry; $63.99 premium flex ticket; $93.99 VIP package MORE INFO: vangoghcharleston.com ADDITIONAL DETAILS: To celebrate the exhibits opening in Charleston, and "help foster the next generation of Van Goghs," the exhibitors have partnered with two local nonprofit organizations, Charleston Hope and Wings for Kids, to host a school supplies drive from July 25 to Aug. 7. Adults who purchase an exhibit ticket and bring a backpack or bag filled with school and/or art supplies will receive free admission for one accompanying child. "Beyond Van Gogh" is also partnering with local yoga instructors to host group classes in the exhibits immersive room, set to a symphonic score, beginning in August. Yoga tickets are available for purchase now online, and additional dates will be announced. The production created by French-Canadian director Mathieu St-Arnaud and his team at Montreal's Normal Studio, produced by Paquin Entertainment Group and presented by Outback Presents took more than half a year to animate. St-Arnaud has said of his approach, We wanted to go beyond the frame and step inside his world, inside his paintings. And it's not unlike an armada of traveling 360-degree exhibits that have taken off in the past few years, particularly spurred by the pandemic with the idea of creating giant pop-up galleries that allow for social distancing. They are all titled similarly, adding to the confusion. There's "Immersive Van Gogh," "Van Gogh Exhibition: The Immersive Experience," "Imagine Van Gogh: The Immersive Exhibition," "Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience" and "Van Gogh Alive," to name a few. "Beyond Van Gogh" is set apart from its counterparts in its thematic focus and curated evolution, in addition to the extent of the projection technology, said art historian and show consultant Fanny Curtat. She said it's about going deeper than the surface of a deeply unsettled Vincent Van Gogh, who chopped off his own ear during what historians deem was likely a bipolar episode. It's about the magic moments in between that informed his art. "There's something so unfair about your whole life being reduced to the lowest point," Curtat said. " 'Beyond Van Gogh' means going beyond the myth of the ear-cutting, which is entirely legitimate, but of course everyone knows about it. Here, we focus on the brightness of his work and leave aside a lot of the drama." When patrons enter the exhibit, a black curtain tunnel will take them to an introductory room that features golden picture frames dangling on strings and painted billboards outlining Van Gogh's history. For the art students who have forgotten everything more than "The Starry Night," the quick lesson delves into Van Gogh's upbringing, the strong bond he had with his brother Theo, his failed foray into preaching and his passion for the craft that made him posthumously famous. "The unlikely pairing of the digital and the classical allows us to dive into this world of paint, to experience it from the inside, to vibrate to the rhythm of each of his works," one sign reads. Others recount notions from the many letters Van Gogh wrote to Theo over the years. "What am I to the eyes of most people?" Van Gogh penned on July 21, 1882. "A nonentity or an oddity or a disagreeable person. ... Very well, assuming that everything is indeed like that, then through my work I'd like to show what there is in the heart of such an oddity, such a nobody." After the inspirational schooling, guests are poured into the waterfall room, where splashes of color flow down the walls, intermittently forming into one of the artist's self-portraits. The segue serves as a hint of what is to come beyond in the immersive experience room. There, the sorcery begins as all surrounding surfaces become projection-swathed with the flowers, cafes, landscapes and portraits that Van Gogh is known for and some that might not be as well-known as they are freed from their frames. "Of course you have what I could call the blockbusters, like you can't do Van Gogh and not include 'The Starry Night'; that's cruel," Curtat said. "But it's not necessarily about what the audience knows, but what works were significant to his evolution." Alongside bright classics like the "Irises," "Sunflowers" and "Cafe Terrace at Night," there's the dark, slice-of-life "Potato Eaters," which in one letter to his sister two years from the painting's completion Van Gogh offered up as the best work he had done. There are the "Reaper" and "Sower" paintings to depict the eternal cycle of agricultural life and of honorable endeavor and tradition. There are more than 10 of Van Gogh's letters with pull-out quotes that pen themselves across screens. There is the "Yellow House," showcasing the four rooms that Van Gogh rented in the South of France. That one is particularly well-presented, as a tandem sketch Van Gogh made of the house is filled with pigment, animated from the top down, until the entire room is bursting with color. All the while, music in English, Dutch and French the three languages Van Gogh spoke plays as a soundtrack serenade, alternating between moods as the hues and landscapes shift. A hopeful energy resounds throughout, a manifestation of the innovative thinking and many dreams with which Van Gogh had for himself and his art. "He's very well aware of art theory, but also fascinated with what art is, what art should be, a movement of the future," Curtat said. "He knows what he's doing. He knows where he wants to go." There is also an impassioned urgency that can be felt through the combination of violin strings and brisk digital brushstrokes. "There's just this intensity to his work and his rhythm," Curtat said. "You can feel the evolution and the progression within him, and the show goes from this darkness to light." It, in some sense, encapsulates the feeling of perhaps one of Van Gogh's manic episodes, where the bright colors become brighter and the long, winding impastos become a flurry of dashes and dots. The finale, of course, is "The Starry Night" in all its midnight magnificence, appearing swirl by swirl over every visible surface. The entire program, from start to finish, is just under an hour, making it doable for short attention spans and leaving the enthralled wanting more. That's why it's an outing for both children and adults, art appreciators and aficionados. Plus, there are beanbags and benches from which to observe and ponder. "People can be intimidated by art or by a museum," Curtat said. "In this room, if they catch some of the subtleties, wonderful. If they don't, it doesn't matter." It's simply about being immersed; the art will take you where you need to go. The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra has announced the appointment of 29-year-old conductor Jonathon Heyward, who grew up in Charleston, as music director and holder of the Harvey M. and Lyn P. Meyerhoff Chair. Heyward's appointment represents the first time in the organization's 106-year history that the position will be held by a person of color, according to The New York Times. An article in The Baltimore Sun characterizes him as the only Black conductor at the helm of a major U.S. symphony orchestra, and the second in history. Heyward's five-year contract begins in the 2023-24 season. He will serve as music director designate for the upcoming 2022-23 season and lead two weeks of performances in May. It is a tremendous honor to join the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra at this exciting time in its long and distinguished history, Heyward said in a statement. I am passionate about the power of symphonic music to bring audiences together and to speak to all communities." Heyward follows the innovative Marin Alsop after a 14-year tenure as Baltimore Symphony Orchestra's music director. She is also founder of BSO OrchKids, a youth program that Heyward will also oversee. Heyward's dazzling trajectory launched in the Charleston County school system, first at at C.E. Williams Middle School and then the School of the Arts. He began his musical training as a cellist at the age of 10 and studied under Timothy O'Malley. A former Charleston Symphony Youth Orchestra member, he started conducting while still at school. Among his first forays as a conductor was the 2009 "Little Mozart Circus" performance of Chamber Music Charleston. Heyward has maintained those classical musical connections with Charleston. This spring, Charleston Symphony announced that he would return home for its 2022-23 season to serve as guest conductor for its Masterworks 4 concert, an evening of Beethoven and Tchaikovsky, set for Jan. 5 and 7. "We are so proud of Jonathon. He was a member of our Charleston Symphony Youth Orchestra and in my opinion this is only just the beginning," said Yuriy Bekker, artistic director and concertmaster of Charleston Symphony. "We were always so impressed with him and his passion and hard work," Bekker added. "While he was a teenager and in high school, Jonathon would attend CSO rehearsals to observe and watch. This incredible appointment is a wonderful testament to his immeasurable talent and extraordinary dedication to his craft." Heyward then studied at the Boston Conservatory of Music, where he became assistant conductor of its opera department and of the Boston Opera Collaborative. The conductor received postgraduate lessons from Sian Edwards at Londons Royal Academy of Music and was appointed assistant conductor of the Halle Orchestra where he was mentored by Sir Mark Elder. Heyward currently serves as the chief conductor of the Nordwestdeutsche Philharmonie. Appointing Jonathon Heyward as music director is both incredibly inspirational and aspirational, President and CEO Mark Hanson said in a statement. We are inspired by his artistry, passion, and vision for the BSO, as well as for what his appointment means for budding musicians who will see themselves better reflected in such a position of artistic prominence. At the same time, he is a star on the rise, and his vibrant talent, bold programming, and fervent commitment to community engagement will continue to grow our relationship with the many communities across Maryland. In an interview in The New York Times, Heyward said he would work to expand the audience for classical music by bolstering education efforts and promoting underrepresented artists. In a release from the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Search Committee Chair and Johns Hopkins University Provost Sunil Kumar noted that Heyward's background as a former student of the public school system in Charleston will now facilitate nurturing inclusive educational experiences, such as the BSO OrchKids program, that will help define not only the future of the BSOs community impact as well as Marylands cultural footprint. As music director designate, Heyward will return to the Baltimore Symphony in May for performances of two concert programs (May 4-7 and May 19-21). Audiences can learn more about Heyward through the BSOs docuseries, BSO Sessions, at BSOmusic.org/OffStage and on the BSOs social media platforms. In an interview with The New York Times, Heyward observed, If a 10-year-old boy from Charleston, South Carolina, with no music education background, with no musicians in the family, can be enamored and amazed by this, by the best art form there is classical music then I think anyone can. I plan on trying to prove that in many, many ways. COLUMBIA Hundreds of Columbia school parents, many of whom are upset after a popular high school principal's reassignment, asked Gov. Henry McMaster to request a state investigation of waste, fraud and abuse of power in Richland County School District One. Barbara Weston, a former teacher and grandparent of Richland One students, said she has already written to the governor's office claiming "rampant" fiscal mismanagement in the 22,000-student school district. She noted the misappropriation of nearly $5 million in government funding, misspending of taxpayer money through employee purchasing cards and unnecessarily top-heavy job creation in the district, as well as the unexplained reassignment of administrators including former Lower Richland High Principal Ericka Hursey. Along her letter, Weston sent a petition with 500 signatures of parent and community to the governor's office. Earlier this year, the Richland One board voted to designate Chairwoman Cheryl Harris the person to speak to the public on behalf of the seven-person board, and Weston said this points to an abuse of power. "If the board members who are elected would do the job that they were elected to do, then we wouldn't have to get involved," Weston said. "But it's being run by a few, and they're not following their own policies and guidelines." Pleas for the state government to investigate Richland One come just a month after the governor asked the inspector general to open the books on the neighboring Richland County School District Two. After receiving letters and emails from parents in the state's fifth-largest school district, McMaster acted for the first time on a law he recently signed giving the S.C. Inspector General's office authority to investigate school districts. In June, he requested an investigation of alleged dysfunctional leadership, infighting and misconduct by Richland Two board members. A spokesman for the governor said the office has received complaints about Richland One, but no action has been taken yet. Richland One mismanagement accusations stem, in part, from a fraud investigation of former district purchasing official Travis Braddy, who was allowed to resign quietly after he was accused of swindling more than $41,000 from taxpayers and was found to have spent public money on unauthorized purchases for himself. Weston also calls out "top-heavy" management in the district, as Richland One spends three times more money per student on leadership positions than the state's largest school system and 20 percent more money on specialists and teaching guides than neighboring school districts. The letter to McMaster's office goes on to list human resources problems, including failure to report exact numbers for employee vacancies to the board and failure to justify removals or transfers of school administrators. "It is clear that this school district, just like Richland 2 which is now under investigation, is not working in the best interest of students," Weston wrote. "These two districts are so intertwined it is impossible to not address issues in Richland One as well." Julie Latham, a Richland One parent who runs an official watchdog group of district parents, also said she believes the school district should be investigated. Taking it a step further, she said the governor may want to look at another law he recently signed, which gives him the power to oust school district officials for misconduct in office. "The leadership has to go," Latham said, specifically naming Richland One Superintendent Craig Witherspoon and Board Chairwoman Cheryl Harris. "They have to go because all of this happened under their watch." Weston specifically noted "abuse of power at all levels, starting with the Superintendent, Board Chair and the Board" in her request to the governor's office, copies of which she sent to the Inspector General and state Education Superintendent offices. Efforts to reach Harris and Witherspoon were unsuccessful. Tensions between the school board and their constituents spiked in early July after Hursey was removed from Lower Richland High School and reassigned to a position in the districts hearings department, which Weston called a "demotion." Close to 200 people gathered at the Richland County Sheriff's Department substation next to the high school and asked why the district stripped Hursey of the job, citing a decreased teacher turnover rate and increased graduation rate since her 2018 hiring. They were angered after not getting an answers about the reassignment from district leaders. Board member Robert Lominack, who's been critical of Richland One administration since his 2021 election, echoed Weston's sentiment in a July 20 blog post. "For far too long, this board has rubber-stamped administration requests and worked hard to stifle any legitimate criticism of this administration or the board itself," Lominack wrote. "It is not our job to 'control the narrative' and protect the administration at all costs." Lominack also said he knows of at least 185 teacher vacancies in the district, but that officials have been withholding vacancy numbers from the board. Weston notes the failure to disclose that information in her request to McMaster. School districts have gone unchecked for too long, Latham said. "There's a lot of disgruntled people at Richland One," Latham said. "I don't know how you fix it without an investigation and/or the governor coming in and saying, 'I've heard enough. I've seen enough. We're cleaning house. We're electing new people.'" The Student Unification Party (SUP) is poised to launch what they called, "Fix The Country" Rally Campaign. The campaign, according to a press statement signed by Jusu Kamara, Secretary General and approved Mustapha N. Kanneh, Chairman of the institution, is expected July 26, 2022 a day set aside to celebrate Liberia's Independence as a country, and they rally support for a nationwide protest against the Collation for Democratic Change (CDC) lead government. They are expected to protest based on what they called CDC government under President George M. Weah Despotism over Economic Failure, Massive Corruption, Bad Governance, and State Collapse. Kanneh said in the statement that it has been five years since the homeland was beseeched by not just one of the worst tragedies ever in the country's history, but also the least yet fraudulent collection of people who are so bereft of statecraft. According to the students, the last five years have been very turbulent and tumultuous for the Liberian people as discontent; hopelessness and frustration overwhelm them due to the poor leadership that presides over the Country. Liberia is at a critical juncture where the path to a progressive state-building remains elusive to the people; with no hope, horror has become the official symbol of the country. "Hard times and crises have befallen the people thus subjecting the masses of the Liberian people to horror and economic despondency. This is a miasma never experienced before in the motherland" Kanneh said in the statement. He said that SUP is shocked with how President Weah has plunged the state into reverse. He added, "The economy is in atrophy and vulgar insolvency. Five years counting the CDC-Weah formation cannot boast of a single Foreign Direct Investment or any noteworthy investment in the country to contribute to youth employment. Frustratingly, businesses are experiencing mass closure due to bad economic policy, fiscal misrule and corruption. Investors are running away from Liberia. Because of these, unemployment continues to skyrocket consequently leading to the harsh living conditions of the Liberian people." According to him, today in Liberia, more children are selling in the streets then they were before 2018 and many more kids are missing basic primary and secondary education. "The cost of living continues to increase while the government is endlessly harmonizing civil servants salaries. Dependency is growing. Poverty is multiplying and hunger has reached an unprecedented height. George Weah has consigned a once thriving republic to the pit of acrimonious destitution- a trilogy of everything bad!" the student group said. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Liberia Governance By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Part of the reasons they are to protest among other things are the alleged stealing of over US$ 24.8 million National Road Fund by Min. Samuel Tweah, the alleged stealing of National Census Fund by Francis Wreh, Lawrence George and Wilmot F. Smith Jr. as indicted by the LACC June 2022 report, the alleged criminal maneuvering of Min. Jennie Cooper at the Agriculture Ministry as indicted by the LACC June 2022 report and the Economic failure of the state and harsh social conditions imposed on the Liberian people by the regime. Other reasons are what they called the Failure of the government to publish all financial records of the government from 2018 to the present, the allege constant violation of the constitution by the president and his minions, the "compromised and Kangaroo" Justice system where justice has been placed on the market, wasting 900 thousand dollars for Washington lobby annually among other are the reasons they are taking to the streets to call let the government know that they are not proceeding well. "Finally, the Revolutionary Vanguard Student Unification Party calls on its militants, stalwarts, ideologues, and cadres to begin massive mobilization from community to community, streets to streets, forums to forums, and markets to markets to rally the people as we set to move in history on July 26!.Long Live Massecracy- Long Live SUP! Gwei Fei Kpeh- The struggle continues!" the student group said. COLUMBIA Two sisters injured in the Columbiana Centre mall shooting over Easter weekend have filed a $20 million lawsuit against the malls parent company and the security firm, accusing them of negligence and recklessness. On April 16, three men faced off in a main corridor of the Columbia mall packed with shoppers in what attorneys revealed was a yearlong dispute over the fatal shooting of a teenager in 2018. Nine people were hurt by gunfire and six more were injured as shoppers fled in a panic. Two of the women wounded are suing the malls Chicago-based parent company, Brookfield Properties, and the Aurora, Ill.-based security company, Andy Frain Services, claiming the shooting could have been prevented. The names of the two women, who are sisters, were left out of the federal court complaint filed in Columbia by attorney Vincent Sheheen, who wrote that their names were redacted as they were both victims of a violent crime. Brookfield Properties Retail declined to comment. Andy Frain Services could not be reached. According to the complaint, the women were attending an Easter weekend celebration, which was promoted as a "safe and family friendly event" with an Easter Bunny to take photos with children. As the sisters were shopping at the mall, gunshots were fired from numerous directions and the women attempted to duck and cover. One woman was shot; a bullet grazed the other woman. A retail associate at the mall was the only immediate medical care, according to the complaint. Details on the injuries were not included in the lawsuit that said the women suffered severe and life altering injuries both physical and mental, some of which resulted in hospitalization, surgeries, rehabilitation, and life altering damages to the body and mental wellbeing. The women are accusing the retail company and security firm of negligence, gross negligence and recklessness. They claim the criminal activity was foreseeable and references the more than 100 incident reports the Columbia Police Department has on file from the last five years on assault, robberies and other violent crimes at or around the Columbiana Centre mall. Sheheen, a former state senator who ran twice unsuccessfully for governor, wrote that the employees at the mall were not properly trained on security procedures and the mall did not have the proper security screening measures at public entrances to check for firearms. Following the Easter weekend shooting, the Columbiana Centre mall hired private security and a dog trained to sniff out firearms. However, on May 25, a woman and her 13-year-old relative pulled guns on three transgender people. A mall spokeswoman did not respond to questions about whether the dog or extra security were onsite that evening. The three suspects in the Easter weekend shooting Jewayne Price, Marquise Robinson and Amari Sincere-Jamal Smith are all being held in detention centers and have been denied bond. A stagiaire, or stage, is an unpaid chef internship that has historically helped young cooks climb the culinary ranks. While its exact origins are unknown, the stage is believed to have started in France, where it is still a mainstay in many Michelin star restaurants. While stage schedules vary, the weekslong stints usually require cooks to move around the kitchen, assisting the staff in any way they can. A Charleston intern program in its second year takes this idea a step further for two Atlanta culinary students who are earning a paycheck while working at Charleston Grill and Hotel Bennett, the King Street hotel with four culinary concepts. After launching in 2021, tourism marketing group Explore Charlestons Intern Cultural Enrichment Program aims to connect underrepresented minority students, most from historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), with world-class internship opportunities in the Charleston food, hospitality and tourism industries. ICEP welcomed 14 new students June 1, up from 13 in 2021. This summers interns have held paid positions with hotels, resorts, an airport and Explore Charleston itself. The concept came out of Heart for Hospitality, an initiative Explore Charleston laid out in 2019 with a goal of building a workforce thats more equitable and diverse meaning one that doesnt just recruit racially diverse candidates, but makes sure people from underrepresented communities hold leadership roles and have opportunities for advancement. Lamont Ferrebee, an Atlanta Technical College culinary student, has spent the summer working with Charleston Grill executive chef Michelle Weaver and other members of the restaurants team. Weaver first met Ferrebee last summer when restaurant representatives traveled to Atlanta to recruit new staff members. Lamont was one of the first young people that we met and he was very impressive, Weaver said. He just has so much energy; positive energy this kid. Weaver was happy to have Ferrebee join Charleston Grills team this summer. Her goal was to introduce him to several stations throughout the restaurant, providing him with a well-rounded experience. After starting as a line cook, Ferrebee has worked the fish and grill stations, along with garmache, hot appetizers and food prep. The latter half of the internship is being spent in the front of the house with Beverage Director Andrew Marshall and General Manager Julie Hennigan. As a young chef, the experience has been invaluable, Ferrebee said. I wanted to be in a place where I wasnt completely comfortable but I would be able to get to that point of being comfortable, Ferrebee said. Im just like everyone else. They expect me to execute on that station. Kyonna Bryant, another Atlanta Technical College culinary student, is working her way through the various kitchens at Hotel Bennett. After starting out as a barista at La Patisserie, she moved to the pastry and banquet kitchens. Bryant will conclude her internship in the front of the house as a server assistant. Well-versed in pastry, the internship has helped Bryant hone her skills in other elements of the industry. I keep telling myself I dont want to just be labeled as a pastry chef even though Im pretty good at it, Bryant said. I want my culinary skill set and my pastry skill set to be on the same level. The students who make up ICEPs second class will conclude their 10-week internship program at an Aug. 9 pinning ceremony at the Riviera Theater. Ferrebee and Bryant both expressed their interest in finding jobs in the Holy City following the conclusion of the program and their culinary school studies. Georgetown, SC (29440) Today Generally cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 83F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Mostly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 67F. Winds light and variable. GEORGETOWN A Georgetown man is in custody following an early-morning shooting that left two people dead, according to a release from the sheriffs office. Ronnie Legrand Todd Jr., 42, of Georgetown, is being held without bond in Georgetown County Detention Center on two counts of murder along with a charge of possession of a weapon during a violent crime and an additional weapon and ammunition possession charge, according to police. Deputies believe the shootings were the result of a domestic incident. He is accused of the shooting deaths of John Ashley Altman, 44, and Emily Elizabeth Richitelli, 30, both of Georgetown. Sheriff Carter Weaver stated in a news release the arrest of Todd was "a coordinated effort between patrol deputies, investigators, negotiators and SWAT team members to end a potentially dangerous situation quickly and without further injury." Georgetown County deputies responded to the scene of a shooting in the Ringel Heights community, 4000 block of North Fraser Street, shortly after midnight July 21 where they discovered Altman, who was pronounced dead at the scene, and Richitelli, who was transported to Tidelands Georgetown Memorial Hospital where she was pronounced dead. After arriving at the scene, deputies made contact with witnesses who assisted in identifying the suspect. "With that information, deputies responded to multiple locations and, at the suspects home, found the hood of his vehicle hot to the touch," according to the sheriff's office news release. "They heard noise inside the house and attempted contact, but the suspect refused to come out." "After many unsuccessful attempts to persuade the suspect to surrender, he was considered barricaded, and the Sheriffs Office SWAT team was activated," the release stated. "A negotiator continued to talk with the suspect, and he eventually left the house and surrendered without incident." Autopsies will be performed at Medical University of South Carolina. Todd was booked into the Georgetown County Detention Center at 3:54 a.m. where he remains awaiting a bond hearing. The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information about this incident should call Georgetown County Sheriff's Office at 843-546-5102. Sheriff Weaver said: I am remorseful for the victims in this case and thankful for the professional efforts of the men and women of the Georgetown County Sheriffs Office in bringing this case to a quick peaceful ending. Our efforts now will be to ensure a successful prosecution. Greenville is changing. The population within city limits jumped by more than 20 percent in the past decade, according to U.S. Census data, and the county surrounding it saw similar growth, with roughly 74,000 more residents in 2020 than in 2010. An additional 250,000 people are projected to move to the county by 2040. As Greenville's downtown thrives and residents and businesses locate to the area, the local leadership is tasked with preserving the character and charm that has long defined the Upstate city while accommodating the unprecedented growth. To that end, city staff have embarked on the painstaking process of rewriting Greenville's land-management ordinance the rules that govern how and where growth happens within city limits. The more than yearlong process began in 2021 when the city hired Virginia-based consulting firm czb LLC to help manage the effort. Assistant City Manager Shannon Lavrin said she expects a complete draft of the new codes to be made public by early December. At a City Council meeting in mid-July, roughly halfway through the public rewrite process, Lavrin presented a preview of how the coming code will shape how Greenville grows and what it will look like in the coming decades. The code, as Lavrin presented it, has a central idea: Concentrate urban development in specific corridors and pockets, called nodes, throughout the city to preserve green space and existing communities. The urban nodes envisioned in the coming code could come to resemble mini downtowns dotted through the city. They would be characterized by a mix of commercial and residential use that allows for denser, more efficient development, Lavrin said. While commercial developments in Greenville have typically been separated from the road by large, street-facing parking lots, Lavrin said that under the new code, nodes would consist of mixed-use buildings facing major thoroughfares with more parking garages. The code would also include more defined designations for that kind of urban development, with rules that explicitly lay out specifications and maximum building heights. The aim behind the more targeted mixed-used classifications, czb Planning and Design Director Thomas Eddington said during a July 13 community meeting on the code, would be to remove the need to employ more cumbersome zoning such as Planned Development. That process has often been used to micromanage projects when the city lacked the tools in its ordinance to meet the needs of the developers and of the surrounding community. "The hope is with the new development code, we won't have to see nearly as many patchworks and fixes over the course of the next few years," he said. In providing incentives for affordable housing and creating a streamlined process in which developers can build dense, walkable residential hubs in keeping with the city's character, officials hope to address the area's worsening housing shortage and make Greenville a more accessible place to live. "Seemingly, the number one issue that came out of Greenville 2040 (Comprehensive Plan) is affordable housing," Lavrin told council July 11. "Zoning alone can't fix it, but it is a tool in our toolbox." To expand accessibility to housing in the city, the code will also allow and encourage options like accessory dwelling units, duplexes and small-scale apartments within or on the edges of neighborhoods, Lavrin said, but only when it fits with the character of the community. Within the city limits, 2,700 acres of land remain undeveloped. A goal of the new code, in line with the city's 2040 comprehensive plan, is to preserve 35 percent of that, or about 945 acres, as green space. To that end, the city has identified vacant land and created criteria to evaluate which properties to prioritize. Under the new code, Greenville would seek to purchase undeveloped land, require some projects to provide public green space, and give developers an option to pay into an open space fund to build developments higher than would typically be allowed. In order to prevent nodes and corridors from encroaching on existing communities, the code will include requirements to allow for natural transitions as well as the addition physical buffers. Lavrin said that a frequently raised concern as the process has progressed is how stormwater runoff will be addressed in the new development rules. The new code will include mandates that excess water runoff from new developments be managed within those properties rather than allowed to flow onto neighboring plots, she said. It will also prioritize preserving existing trees and vegetation to help control runoff. As has been the case since January, the city and its consultants will host monthly public "Code Connections" meetings to provide updates on their progress. Lavrin said at the end of the process, she and city leadership are hopeful the new rules will set the groundwork for a more sustainable, equitable and efficient Greenville. "I don't know that a lot of communities have code that's this advanced, this developed," she said. "But it's also a code that's designed to be accessible to all." HILTON HEAD ISLAND People engaging in polite conversation are advised not to talk about politics or religion. They might also avoid the topic of stingrays. The creatures stir up strong feelings, especially when the water is warm and a visiting shore fisher pulls one out of the surf. Chris Hood, 32, is one such angler. He's a muscle-y guy, a military reservist who does heavy highway construction in Ohio for a living. Still, the stingray gave him a run for his money. About 7:30 one morning in June, it pulled him about 100 yards down the bank of Palmetto Dunes, near the condo he was renting with his wife and three daughters. Hood, who was using shrimp and small hooks to go after some whiting, had no idea what was on the end of his line. Several dozen people gathered to watch him reel it in. After half an hour, when he finally pulled it out of the water, it was even larger than he expected, about 2 feet wide and 30 or 40 pounds "stout," he said. Because he'd seen someone handle a manta ray on a fishing charter the year before, Hood knew what to do. "I flipped him over on his back, took the hook out, showed some people ... and then we let it go back in the water." But before that, Hood snapped a picture. In it he's grinning, rod in one hand, stingray in the other like a shield. Then he posted the photo on an 84,000-member Facebook group called We Love Hilton Head Island. And something about that about not only hooking a ray but holding it up for the camera made a lot of people really upset. Otherworldly, alien and dangerous South Carolina's Department of Natural Resources has a word for creatures anglers don't intend to pull out of the water: "bycatch." "It's not part of the target catch," said Erin Weeks, a science writer who works at the DNR. "Stingrays are often one of those bycatch species that people don't like to see in their nets because they can be dangerous." The awkwardness of the word "bycatch" a fantastical beast of a word, half adverb, half noun suggests both the undesirability of hooking a stingray and the strangeness of the creature. Anglers near Hilton Head are most likely to pull up Atlantic or Southern stingrays, gray-green batoids that can grow up to 5 feet wide and look more like pancakes than fish. When one is caught, its sides called handles flap around the shore or the deck. Its long, spiked tail thrashes like a whip. Every summer, when warm water brings rays close to the shore, several hundred people on Hilton Head are treated for stings. The wounds are painful, Weeks said. A stingray's barb can puncture the flesh and invite infection. Still, she acknowledged, catching a stingray is pretty cool. "They're kind of otherworldly, alien. We think of them gliding along the seafloor in this dark space that we can't really imagine. And there's also a little bit of fascination with the element of danger ... like there is with a shark." (Stingrays are, in fact, related to sharks; they are part of the same class, Chondrichthyes, whose members' skeletons are made mostly of cartilage.) A picture worth a thousand words That fascinating, exciting quality of stingrays is probably why anglers who reel one in take a picture. "I wanted to keep that memory," Destiny Elmore, 32, said in an email. Elmore, who lives in Tennessee, pulled up a ray the first time she ever fished in the ocean, on Hilton Head's Shipyard Beach in 2021. Then a woman approached and chastised her. Elmore recalls the woman saying, 'These beautiful creatures dont deserve to have hooks in them and here you are taking pictures!' In Hood's case, nearly 300 people commented on his Facebook picture, many of them negatively. They objected to fishing near swimmers and beachgoers; to the possibility of attracting sharks; to disturbing marine life at all. Others rushed to Hood's defense: He wasn't breaking the law, they were breaking the law by harassing shore fishers. In South Carolina, willfully impeding or obstructing another person from lawfully fishing is a misdemeanor. Back and forth they went. "Cruel." "Karen." "Vicious." "Snowflake." Both sides cited Hilton Head's ordinance about shore fishing. It says, in brief, that fishing and surf casting are prohibited between sunrise and sunset April 1 through Sept. 30 in designated swimming areas. The Natural Resources Department has no restrictions on harvesting stingrays. But the technicalities of the debate didn't seem to inflame passions as much as a feeling namely, that anglers were being unfairly attacked, and objectors' concern for nature disregarded. Legal in every way possible To hear them tell it, surf casters on Hilton Head are a community of rule-followers. "I was legal in every way possible," Elmore wrote. Hood said that he checked with the lifeguards, just to make sure he was casting at an appropriate time and place. They told him, "'You're fine,'" he said. Another visiting angler, Mike Ferretti, 47, who comes to Hilton Head from North Carolina every summer, said he doesn't fish where people are swimming. "I usually walk a good 50 if not 100 yards away from where people are because I want to get away from everyone. I don't want to accidentally hurt someone. I don't want to get my line tangled up in someone," Ferretti said. He also fishes early in the morning or late in the evening, not only to comply with the town's ordinance but also to avoid being bothered. "People just walk wherever they want, make comments," Ferretti said. They mostly complain about where he's fishing, but Ferratti hears something else: They don't like him. "Just because they don't fish, they don't want you there," Ferratti said. The animal versions of tree-huggers For Barb Tucci, who has lived two-tenths of a mile from the beach on Folly Field for more than a decade, the issue isn't so much about the rules or the anglers. It's about the fish. "It not fair to stick a hook in the face of an unwilling creature, even if it is just a fish," Tucci said. "Everything has a right to its life." Having said that, Tucci doesn't deny that anglers have the right to try to catch something "catch and release, obviously," she said. What bothers her is any show of disrespect. "When we're sitting out on the beach, enjoying our day, nothing ruins it more quickly than somebody fishing that is not adequately prepared to remove the hook. Or lets the animals suffer in some way keeping them on the beach too long or passing them from hand to hand to take pictures. That usually will get me out of my beach chair pretty quickly and down to the fishermen and ask them to please put the animal back in the water," Tucci said. Her discomfort with the thought of hurting any living thing led her and her wife to stop fishing years ago. "We would go to such lengths to avoid hurting the animal it was kind of comical," she said. Today, she embraces a philosophy toward animals that is somewhere between Buddhist non-violence and the Hippocratic Oath doctors take, promising to do no harm. "As far I'm concerned, it is their world," Tucci said. "I guess we're the animal versions of tree huggers." The fish of the sea In a way, the conversation about stingrays is a conversation about politics and religion. Todd LeVasseur, a senior instructor of environmental and sustainability studies at the College of Charleston, noted that people's beliefs can inform laws about the natural world. For example, a biblical passage in Genesis says that humans have dominion over the earth, including the fish of the sea. Although scholars debate what "dominion" in that Scripture means, LeVasseur said, "There is strong strand in many varieties of Christianity that does have the Dominionist viewpoint." But that view isn't monolithic; it can lead in a variety of subtly different policy directions: promoting care for the environment, stewardship, or careful use by humans. At the same time, environmentalism can also function as a form of religion, LaVasseur said. In that case, "the environment is seen as sacred and should be protected." So what happens when all those worldviews collide on a beach over the flapping handles and fierce tail of a stingray? "You're lucky you haven't come to blows yet, to be honest," LeVasseur said. Not about stingrays Residents and visitors don't limit their frustration to social media or in-person confrontations. They also complain to town officials. "The fishing issue has been around for a while," said the deputy town manager, Josh Gruber. "Some feel very strongly one way, some feel very strongly another way." Gruber's answer to their intensity is mild, even Solomonic: "We've got 11 miles of beaches, and we try to create opportunities for everybody," he said. Hood, whose stingray catch and Facebook photo sparked such a reaction, also kept the issue at arm's length. He said he was surprised by the response, adding that at least 20 more people privately messaged him, mostly encouraging him to keep fishing, or even to eat the stingray. (Apparently, they taste like scallops.) "They can tell me how they feel. It's nothing personal to me," he said. "That's why we live in America." He did point out that the grumbling anglers encounter on the beach is at odds with the welcome they receive at resorts. "That's a big selling point: You can fish on the beach, and they'll rent you the stuff to do it." As for posting the picture of the stingray, he didn't mean to show disrespect. He just thought fishing was part of Hilton Head's culture, and that people would enjoy seeing his catch. Yet a picture of a game fish he did eventually hook didn't inspire quite the same response. Hood shrugged off the comparison. At the end of the day, he didn't think the impassioned comments revealed much about stingrays at all. Instead, they revealed a lot about humans. 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. Mount Pleasant, SC (29464) Today Scattered thunderstorms. High 88F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%.. Tonight Some clouds. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low around 70F. Winds light and variable. NORTH MYRTLE BEACH A North Myrtle Beach man, accused of exchanging gunfire with police serving a warrant, was arrested after an hours-long search by area authorities on July 21. William Joshua Alston, 40, was taken into custody shortly before 1 p.m. and transported to a local hospital with a gunshot wound to his foot. The manhunt started after Alston allegedly opened fire on North Myrtle Beach Police serving outstanding warrants for domestic violence and kidnapping on him at a townhome in Barefoot Resort, according to a release from the city. Authorities said that Alston fled and was later captured a few miles away in the Briarcliffe RV Resort without incident after a search involving the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, Horry County Police Department and other area police agencies. No police officers were hurt in the incident, according to the city. SLED confirmed it is investigating the officer-involved shooting but said no other details regarding the case will be released at this time. Online court records show that Alston was booked into J. Reuben Long Detention Center in March on charges of checks/fraudulent check, or stop payment greater than $1,000 and breach/obtain signature or property under false pretenses, value $10,000 or more. He was released on bond a few days later. The incident in North Myrtle Beach was the 19th officer-involved shooting in South Carolina in 2022. This is the first officer-involved shooting involving the North Myrtle Beach Police Department this year. In 2021, there were 40 officer-involved shootings in the state. None involved the NMBPD. -For Alleged Fraud In Late Client's Will Grand Cape Mount County Senator Varney Sherman is on trial before Civil Law Court "B" for allegedly attempting to play with the late Sermon Grann "Will and Testament." Senator Varney Sherman happens to be the Chief Executive Officer of Sherman and Sherman Incorporated, a renowned law firm in Liberia. The 'Will and Testament' under contention is said to have been drafted by Sherman and Sherman, Incorporated and witnessed by some past and current employees of the Senator's Law Firm, hence, reason for being dragged to court by Joseph Grann, son of Senator Sherman's late client Sermon Grann. According to court record, the alleged 'Will and Testament' drafted, kept, witnessed by employees of the Senator's Law Firm contains 15 percent share of the Deceased's properties. Joseph Grann, son of the deceased has objected to the purported 'Will and Testament' presented by the law firm claiming to be that of his late father's Sermon Grann. The action for the proven of a will which was objected to by the deceased's son was forwarded to the Civil Law Court "B" to be tired on the allegation of fraud on undue influence. The trial has commenced with the objector parading at least five witnesses. Senator Sherman was burned as one corrupt public official in Liberia who has managed to amass wealth at the expense of the ordinary people. The United States Treasury Department also placed a sanction on the Grand Cape Mount County Senator from traveling to the US. The Senator was also indicted in the global witness report in which he and other public officials were accused of stealing over millions of dollars. During Tuesday, July 19, 2022, trial, Joseph Grann's team of lawyers adduced three subpoena witnesses all of whom are signatories to the document in question and had served in different capacities at the entity at the time of such action. All three of the subpoena witnesses admitted to Sherman and Sherman drafting and witnessing the deceased's 'Will and Testament' in the office of Cllr. G Moses Paygar, then Managing Director of the firm. One of the objector subpoena witnesses in person of Cllr. Golda Bonah Elliott who also witnessed and affixed her signature to the contentious document was quizzed by the court as to whether it is normal for a law firm to prepare its client's will and have member of the firm witnessed his client's signature, Elliot said yes. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Liberia Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Elliot maintained that it is normal especially so when that client has a long-standing relationship with the lawyer or the firm as in the case of the late Sermon Grann. When questioned about the state of the deceased when the purported last 'will and testament was signed, all three subpoena witnesses said the late Sermon Grann appeared to be in good health and sound in mind. Meanwhile, after recessing for hours to enable the objector's other witnesses to appear and testify, the court was constrained to adjourn trial to resume on today July 20, 2022 with the warming that the Objector's legal team brings all their witnesses to testify on their client's behalf today. Grann's lawyers moved the Court for continuances for lack of witnesses, though a regular notice of assignment was issued twice for the trial yesterday. The Court says the essence of notice of assignment is for party litigants to prepare themselves for the purpose of trial and that preparation is gathering witnesses and ensuring that these witnesses can be easily contacted. Dr. Aaron Epstein started this week in Ukraine, where he leads a team teaching soldiers and civilians how to treat the wounds of war, work they've been doing since Russia invaded. He flew back to the U.S. to meet some of the Medal of Honor recipients who chose him for its Service Act Award as part of a yearly event held in Charleston. Epstein's Global Surgical Medical Support Group began in 2015 as a team of him and five others who went to Iraq to provide training in combat care. Now it has 1,500 members, most of them veterans with special operations experience. "All these guys did their heroic deeds to give us Americans the opportunity to do our things," said Epstein, who has led training sessions from a bunker while air sirens blared outside. "It's an opportunity to take what they've given the rest of this country and respond with our own acts of heroism." Epstein and others were honored during a July 20 ceremony at The Riviera Theater in downtown Charleston. He'll fly back to Ukraine as soon as he can, because that's where he can do the most good. The service awards are sponsored by the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, based at Patriots Point in Mount Pleasant. They're voted on by members of the elite group, who were recognized with the nation's highest military honor for actions that risked their lives in combat in an effort to save others. The group also chose Michael Ahern of Plainville, Conn., for its Youth Service Award and the New York-based Tunnel to Towers Foundation for its Community Service award. Ahern has raised more than $30,000 to send wounded veterans to a weeklong retreat, a mission he started at 9 years old. His goal is to raise $500,000 before college. Tunnel to Towers builds and gives smart homes to badly injured veterans and first responders that help them to live more independently. The group has raised more than $250 million and given away more than 450 homes. Launched in 2007, the Citizen Honors Awards program aims to recognize civilians who reflect values like sacrifice and selflessness at the core of the Medal of Honor. This year, 11 Medal of Honor recipients came to Charleston for the ceremony to highlight the work of civilians. Leroy Petry, recipient of the Medal of Honor for his actions in Afghanistan in 2008 and president of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, picked up a live grenade just as it was about to explode during a mission in Afghanistan, saving two of his friends but losing his right hand. Petry had already been shot, and continued to direct his team even as he received medical care. Petry said this year's service award recipients had done amazing work and seemed to share a mild obsession with the feeling that comes from helping someone else. "They recognized where they could do more to help others, never looking for recognition," Petry said. "Anyone can be a hero. ... The difference you make in someone's life lasts forever." The Medal of Honor has been given to about 3,500 veterans. There are 66 living recipients who have served as far back as in Vietnam. Hershel W. "Woody" Williams, the last remaining Medal of Honor recipient from World War II, died last month. WASHINGTON Minutes before U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace cast one of the few Republican votes in favor of a bill to federally protect access to birth control, she grabbed a roll of white duct tape, her navy blazer and a black Sharpie marker. If her colleagues could wear messages on their COVID masks, Mace reasoned, then why couldn't she do this? She cut the white tape into three near-horizontal strips and affixed each of the pieces to the back of her $29 jacket from H&M. "My state is banning exceptions," her handwritten message declared, capitalizing the word 'exceptions' for emphasis. "Protect contraception," it continued, with the word 'contraception' scrawled in all-caps. Mace, R-Charleston, was one of eight Republicans who joined House Democrats in voting for a bill July 21 protecting the right to purchase and use contraception without government restriction. The bill explicitly allows the use of "any device or medication used to prevent pregnancy." Listed examples include oral contraceptives, injections, implants, such as intrauterine devices, as well as emergency contraceptives, which can prevent pregnancy several days after unprotected sex. The final vote was 228 to 195, with two Republicans voting present and six GOP members not voting at all. Democrats launched the bill after an opinion last month from conservative Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas suggested that the court could go further after overturning federal abortion rights. In his concurring opinion supporting the end of Roe v. Wade, Thomas said that the court should now review other precedents, including married couples' use of contraceptives in 1965, along with rulings that affirmed the rights of same-sex marriage in 2015 and same-sex intimate relationships in 2003. While Thomas did not specify a 1972 decision that legalized the use of contraceptives by unmarried people, Democrats say they consider that at risk, as well. Republicans have accused Democrats of manufacturing a crisis, saying there is no serious effort underway to erase the right to use contraceptives. During the floor vote, Mace was the only lawmaker who sought to make a political statement via tape and jacket. "For me, this was articulating policy," Mace told The Post and Courier. "This isn't a publicity stunt. This is very real." She confirmed she was able to enter the House chamber, where there are strict rules of decorum and a dress code, to cast her vote. Mace, who identifies as a "pro-life," said she worries that her Republican colleagues are getting swept up in pushing for abortion restrictions. She said the reversal of Roe v. Wade has been "too much of a hot topic to talk about and throw around as a bomb for fundraising" without pausing to think about the impact these restrictions will have on women and families. "You've got to get to the root of the problem, and nobody at the federal level or even the state level is addressing it," Mace said. "And if you are going to ban abortions, you need to ensure that every woman has access to contraception." Post-Roe, South Carolina lawmakers recently proposed legislation that would ban abortion with no exception for rape or incest but allow the procedure only to save the mothers life or prevent a serious, lifelong health problem. Mace called the actions of her home state lawmakers "disappointing." "To see them turn their back on what was already decided by the Legislature, and to feel emboldened that they can ban those exceptions is wrong," Mace said. But she also praised South Carolina and its governor for signing a law earlier this year that allows women over 18 to buy birth control pills and other hormonal contraceptives without a prescription. After photos of Mace's political fashion statement began circulating on social media, some users suggested Mace was engaging in a political stunt. Democrat Annie Andrews, who is running against Mace to represent South Carolina's coastal 1st Congressional District, responded with a political fashion statement of her own. In a photo posted to Twitter, Andrews had a message taped to the back of her short-sleeved navy shirt. Echoing Mace's design choice, Andrews' response was also broken up into three strips of tape. "Don't play games w/ women's healthcare," the message said. "Codify Roe" Katie Arrington, whom Mace defeated in the June Republican primary, was also among the critics. "Be a stateswoman, not a billboard," Arrington tweeted, before saying Republicans need more representatives like U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida, who voted against the measure. Mace's vote marked the second time in three days that she has broken rank with her party. Earlier this week, Mace was one of 47 House Republicans who voted with Democrats to federally protect same-sex and interracial marriage. While the House bill would enshrine the right to contraception as a law, it faces an uphill climb getting through the Senate. The Associated Press contributed to this report. North Augusta, SC (29841) Today Mostly cloudy skies. Slight chance of a rain shower. Low near 70F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Mostly cloudy skies. Slight chance of a rain shower. Low near 70F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. If you havent been paying attention to COVID lately and how wonderful has it been to not pay attention to COVID lately its probably time to start. Thirty-two S.C. counties including Charleston, Dorchester and Berkeley now have high levels of the disease. Thats up from just nine last week, and it means its time for most South Carolinians to fall back into the uncomfortable routine that weve been trying so hard to forget. The government isnt telling anybody they have to do anything, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention isnt urging anyone to stay home, and its not lecturing us about social distancing or hand washing (which we never should have even considered stopping), but it is advising everyone in high-transmission counties to return to wearing masks indoors and on public transportation. Those cloth masks will still work if your main interest is reducing community spread, but you can significantly reduce your own chance of infection as well by wearing a good-fitting, high-quality (think N-95 or KN-95) mask. The agency also says that people at high risk for severe illness particularly the elderly and those with compromised immune symptoms should consider taking additional precautions, which it doesnt spell out but which obviously include limiting the time you spend in public. Another 13, mostly rural S.C. counties are rated at medium, and residents are advised to wear a mask if they have symptoms, a positive test or exposure to someone with COVID-19. And always on public transportation. The other recommendations which the CDC advises for people even in South Carolinas only low-infection county, Allendale are to get tested if you have symptoms and stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines. For most South Carolinians, that means getting a booster. We should take this seriously again, said Dr. Helmut Albrecht, medical director of the Center of Infectious Diseases Research and Policy for Prisma Health and the University of South Carolina. Its more difficult to tell precisely where South Carolina (or any state) is right now since so few people are getting tested at pharmacies and hospitals. But Dr. Albrecht told The Post and Couriers Tom Corwin that were at a place where not taking precautions now may mean eventually your luck will run out with this. The bad news is that the current strain is the most contagious yet, theres no grace period between infections and the number of infections is soaring. South Carolina recorded 13,800 new infections July 10-16, which is tiny compared to the last time we were paying close attention but, again, doesnt include all those people using home tests. The good news is that the virus continues to become less deadly, vaccinations make it less deadly still and we have drugs available that can further reduce our chances of death or even severe infection. In fact, for most people the biggest problem with getting COVID is the inconvenience, especially having to isolate. Thats still something most of us want to avoid. And for some, it still means feeling awful, facing the prospect of long COVID and possibly having to be hospitalized; Mr. Corwin reports that 465 South Carolinians were hospitalized with COVID-19 as of July 16 55 of them in the ICU and 15 on ventilators. And of course, theres death: 13 South Carolinians died last week, dramatically fewer than we were seeing during the last summer surge, but still 13 of our neighbors who are no longer alive because of the disease. A mask seems a small inconvenience to reduce our own and others risk of that. FLORENCE Former Vice President Mike Pence, making his fourth visit to South Carolina this year ahead of an expected 2024 presidential run, urged hundreds of members and visitors at the Florence Baptist Temple to "stay the course" when fighting against abortion in a speech July 20. Less than a month after the U.S. Supreme Court issued a decision overturning the longstanding abortion precedent of Roe v. Wade, Pence spoke at the church's Wednesday night service about his long career opposing abortion and urged members to continue fighting the procedure. "Standing here in the first days of post-Roe America, we must resolve that we will not rest, we will not relent, until the sanctity of life is restored to the center of law of every American state in the nation," Pence said. The June 24 Supreme Court decision put abortion laws back in the hands of the states. In South Carolina, abortion remains legal until a fetal heartbeat is detected, which can be as early as six weeks into a pregnancy. The Legislature is now considering an abortion ban but with medical exemptions for the life of the mother. Pence asked the congregation to elect anti-abortion politicians and support legislation, push for more access to adoption, and ask for more resources and security for women's clinics. Pence's visits to the early presidential primary state comes as the former Indiana governor has teased a bid for president in 2024, though he has yet to make an official announcement. His other trips to the Palmetto State have involved speeches to anti-abortion and religious groups. In April, Pence gave the commencement speech for Columbia International University, a small Christian college in the state's capital city. He returned to South Carolina less than a week later to deliver a keynote address at a fundraiser for the Carolina Pregnancy Center in Spartanburg, an organization that tries to persuade women not to seek abortions. Also in May, he visited Lakewood Baptist Church in Rock Hill for its National Day of Prayer ceremony. Pastor Bill Monroe told the gathering June 20 the Florence Baptist Temple has regularly been praying for abortions to end for years. He began the service with a prayer, thanking God for the Supreme Court overruling Roe v. Wade "after 50 bloody years." The church also has donated to anti-abortion causes and lobbied for legislation preventing the procedure, Monroe said. It's not a political issue for the congregation, he said; it's a spiritual one. "We have never considered ourselves political activists here," Monroe said. "We have always believed the pro-life cause to be a spiritual one at its core." However, much of Pence's speech revolved around politics. He urged the reelection of South Carolina Republican politicians supporting anti-abortion measures, including Gov. Henry McMaster and U.S. Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina, who also is considered a possible 2024 White House candidate along with former Gov. Nikki Haley. And Pence backed state Rep. Russell Fry, the GOP nominee for the congressional district covering Florence who defeated incumbent Tom Rice in the primary after winning an endorsement from Pence's old boss, former President Donald Trump. Rice was one of 10 House Republicans who voted to impeach Trump after the Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol riot. Trump has not said if he is running for president a third time, though he acknowledged he's made a decision. Pence's speeches and visits to various political groups in recent weeks are fueling speculation about a presidential bid. In Florence, he said he opposed President Joe Biden's administration's recent support of abortion access, including a recent executive order Biden signed directing the Department of Health and Human Services to increase access to abortion pills, among other actions. Sign up for updates! Get the latest political news from The Post and Courier in your inbox. Email Sign Up! He also touted his work to defund Planned Parenthood and urged congregants to continue supporting the Hyde Amendment, which prohibits federal funds from being used for abortions. With more women having babies instead of abortions, Pence called for adoption reform, including making the process less expensive so it can be accessible to more families. "If you're going to be pro-life, you need to be pro-adoption," Pence said, followed by calls of, "That's right!" from the congregation. He called on corporations to stop providing benefits that include funding to travel for abortions and instead give employees money toward adoptions. Despite advocating for more families adopting children, Pence previously praised a Trump administration rule that would allow federal funding to go toward adoption agencies that refuse to place children with LGBTQ parents. The former vice president advocated for other resources for pregnant women as well. He called for more funding and security to go into women's centers, which discourage women from having abortions and provide support throughout pregnancy. Kelly Jones, who drove 25 miles from Hartsville to see Pence speak, said he and his wife spoke to Pence earlier in the day as members of A Choice to Make pregnancy resource center in Florence, another organization that tries to steer women away from getting abortions. Jones said Pence discussed the clinic's work and thanked its staff. "Personally, I'm very opposed to abortion, and I'm a fighter for life, that's what I am," Jones said. "These guys that work in this are for the unborn that have no voice." Jim and Cathy Keefe, who have been attending Florence Baptist Temple for 50 years, said they were happy to see a politician take such a strong stance against abortion. "Our country needs more people like him and Trump," Cathy Keefe said. Pence mentioned the former president briefly in his speech, lauding him for leading "the most pro-life administration in history." The Democratic National Committee denounced Pence's speech in a statement beforehand, saying it advocated for the Republican party's plan to ban abortion entirely. Pences speech in Florence will provide a roadmap for Republicans across the country as they work tirelessly to strip away Americans fundamental rights," DNC spokesperson Ammar Moussa said in a statement. "But Democrats will fight back and ensure voters across the country hear about Republicans extreme agenda. South Carolina's lawmakers returned for a hearing earlier this week to discuss legislation on the future of abortion after the Supreme Court decision. A panel of state representatives approved a measure July 19 that would not include exceptions for rape or incest and only allow abortions to save the mother's life or prevent serious, lifelong complications. The full House of Representatives likely will take up the measure next month and a final version, after being debated in the state Senate, is expected to reach McMaster's desk before the November elections. Pence said the fight doesn't stop until every state bans abortion. "We will seize this moment in history," he said. "And though I do not know if I will be here to see it, I believe with all my heart the day will come when the right to life is the law of the land in every state in this country, and this generation will lead us to a pro-life America." Electric vehicle firm Metro Africa Xpress (MAX) will seek to gain new territories in the African e-mobility industry, with about eight countries marked for entry next year after attaining a foothold in its base Nigeria and neighbouring Ghana. Uganda, Egypt and Cameroon had specific mention, Bloomberg said, in an interview held with Adetayo Bamiduro, the startups chief, a pointer to the likelihood the company could be leveraging those markets as strategic points of entry into the regions they each belong. The three are parts of East, North and Central Africa in that order, while MAXs two existing markets are in the west of the continent. More and more, e-mobility is having its moment in Nigeria, where Vice President Yemi Osinbajo inaugurated the first domestically assembled electronic car last June from Stallion Motors and Jet Motor Company completed a similar feat the same month with the launch of a fleet of cars. In the same spirit, Oando Clean Energy Limited, a unit of oil driller Oando Plc, has revealed its commitment to help Lagos gain smart city status, and that attained a new pitch when, last month, it partnered with the states transport authority for the deployment of electric mass transit buses, service centres and vehicle charging infrastructure. But getting power for EVs could prove an uphill task in Nigeria, the country with the biggest electricity access deficit in the world, according to the World Bank. According to its CEO, MAX, which has only a limited number of vehicles because of charging constraints and the power crisis, is providing more charging points in the two markets in which it currently operates. It has among its investors Mastercard, Techstars, Yamaha, Novastar Ventures, Alitheia Capital, Breakthrough Energy Ventures and Alitheia Capital. The current expansion move will scale up its number of vehicles from 8,000 to 100,000, with EVs share of that figure anticipated to jump fivefold to 20 per cent. Late in 2021, MAX garnered $31 million from a Series B funding round led by London-based Lightrock LLP and Global Ventures, headquartered in Dubai. The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) on Wednesday suspended the Air Transport Licence (ATL) and Air Operator Certificate (AOC) of Dana Airlines indefinitely. The NCAA Director-General, Musa Nuhu, announced this in a statement Wednesday night. Mr Nuhu stated that the suspension of the operations of the airlines would take effect from midnight of Wednesday. He added that the decision was the outcome of a financial and economic health audit carried out on the airline by the regulatory authority. According to him, the findings of an investigation conducted on the airlines flight operations revealed that Dana Airlines was no longer in a position to meet its financial obligations and to conduct safe flight operations. The NCAA acknowledges the negative effect this pre-emptive decision will have on the airlines passengers and the travelling public and seeks their understanding, as the safety of flight operations takes priority over all other considerations, the statement said. Dana Airlines in a statement Wednesday confirmed the suspension. Our operations have been suspended as advised by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority ( NCAA) in order to undergo a full operational audit with effect from midnight 20th July, 2022, the statement said. An aircraft belonging to Dana Airlines on Tuesday made an emergency landing in Abuja after developing suspected engine problem midair. The airline said the affected aircraft was an Abuja-bound Boeing 737 aircraft with registration mark 5N DNA. In a statement, Dana Airlines management said all the 100 passengers onboard disembarked safely and that the aircraft has been grounded for immediate attention by our team of engineers. Our Abuja bound Boeing 737 aircraft with registration number (5N DNA) embarked on an emergency landing today 19th July, 2022, due to an indication on one of its engines, the airline statement reads. It said the pilot of the aircraft briefed the passengers on the incident and landed the aircraft safely at the Abuja International airport at about 2.52 p.m. The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) have also been briefed on the incident, it added. The latest incident comes two months after the tyres of one of the aircraft operated by the airline caught fire at the Port Harcourt airport on May 2, terminating a scheduled trip to Lagos on that day. When Kimba Abdou went to a local store a year ago to buy a 100-kilogram bag of millet, a staple grain for Nigeriens, he parted with 20,000 West African francs, known as CFA, or about $31. The last time he checked, the price had gone up by more than 50 percent with a bag now costing $55. The 57-year-old farmer and his family of seven sons, five daughters and two wives live in the village of Mougoudjougou in the Tillaberi region in western Niger, which has been hit hard by attacks from Islamic State militias. Now their community is being hit again this time by rising gas and grain prices and the fact that international aid is being diverted to the conflict in Ukraine. Four weeks ago, we were the victims of an attack, which cost us three wounded who have been admitted to the hospital, Abdou told PassBlue during a phone interview from his village. It is very difficult to make ends meet; we have nothing we only need assistance. More than half of the people living in Mougoudjougou have fled, leaving just under 1,000 people, including Abdou and his family, remaining. Tillaberi straddles Nigers border with Mali, Benin and Burkina Faso. The region has been enduring cycles of droughts and flooding, forcing residents like Abdou to depend on humanitarian aid. But this year, aid agencies operating in Niger and the rest of the Sahel region of West Africa say they are desperately overstretched due to the conflict in Ukraine. The region generally consists of parts of Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria and Senegal. We need food, we are hungry Last year, Abdou and his family survived on food rations from the Red Cross and whatever work they could pick up in the main principality of Ouallam. But help has not been as forthcoming as it has in previous years. Development agencies working in the region and other troubled parts of the Sahel are finding themselves in a bind, as pledges for funding were made in December 2021, without foreseeing the 50 percent hikes in staple grains like millet and maize that have been amplified by Russias war in Ukraine, a major global food exporter. Aid agencies, like the United States-based Mercy Corps, which has been operating in Niger since 2005, say they can only help residents like Abdou cope with 2021s failed harvest and the lingering insecurity but can do little to address the recent hikes in food and fuel prices. When you want to implement a program like social cohesion and you go to the communities, they will tell you, We need food, Siaka Millogo, Mercy Corps director of program for Niger and Burkina Faso, told PassBlue. Millogo says people are not expressing concern about insecurity but rather hunger. We need food, we are hungry. That is what they will tell you. In Sahelian countries like Niger, sourcing food is becoming ever more difficult. Last year, imports in staples like millet flowed more freely and the war across the Mediterranean Sea, in Europe, has sharply focused the importance of Russia and Ukraine in the global food economy. In 2021, either the Russian Federation or Ukraine, or both, ranked among the top three global exporters of wheat, barley, maize, rapeseed and rapeseed oil, sunflower seed and sunflower oil, the Food and Agriculture Organization said in a June publication. The Russian Federation also ranked as the worlds top exporter of nitrogen fertilizers, the second leading supplier of potassic fertilizers, and the third-largest exporter of phosphorus fertilizers. Russias invasion that began on Feb. 24 and its blockade of Black Sea ports in Ukraine that have followed has hindered Ukrainian grain exports to countries like Niger and Burkina Faso as well as countries throughout Africa and beyond. Western sanctions have made it more expensive to access Russian fertilizers used in agriculture. Difficulty in accessing Russian gas as well as sanctions placed on petroleum exports have made energy and fuel even costlier, driving up the price of transporting food. When you touch fuel, you touch everything, Millogo of Mercy Corps said. That means the prices of the cereal in the market have increased by 30 to 50 percent. The United Nations and the government of Turkiye are continuing to broker negotiations with the warring parties to ensure that Ukrainian grain can depart the port of Odesa despite the naval blockade of the Black Sea by Russia. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that a critical step in discussions occurred last week, but no final agreement had been signed yet. Aid to the Sahel dries up in favor of Ukraine In the first month of Russias invasion, starting on Feb. 24, the US, European Union member states and institutions and the Europe Investment bank committed approximately $14.11 billion to Ukraine, including military aid. Europes total pledge to the Sahel and Lake Chad region (in west-central Africa) to combat food shortage in 2022 is $565 million. The USs promise is $311 million. The pledges from the US and Europe total $876 million, a little above five percent of what was given to Ukraine in one month, and not all of these monies are new pledges. We welcome the European Union for playing a vital role in co-hosting a high-level donor meeting on the food and nutrition crisis in the Sahel and Lake Chad conference and announcing an additional 67 million [about $68 million] for the response, said Mervyn Joullie, Mercy Corps deputy regional director for Africa, in a press release after Europe announced its total drought pledge. We also welcome new pledges from other donor governments, notably the U.S Government, which has pledged $311 million, the release added. However, many pledges were simply confirmations of existing funding commitments, and the overall outcome is disappointing in light of the regions urgent and growing needs. The humanitarian needs for the estimated 3.4 million vulnerable people living in Burkina Faso were valued at $599 million by the International Organization for Migration, $30 million moWe are given a derisory sum of 4,000 CFA (around $8) per person living in a family, he added. We wonder how we can feed a family even with 40,000 francs; we are living in very difficult times. Fatoumata Lejeune-Kaba, a communications officer for Central, East, West and Southern Africa at the office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, said its fund for the Sahel has been depleted by the war in Ukraine and the agencys reach in the region has been restricted. (Nearly 12 million people have fled their homes in Ukraine in the five months of war.) Recently, weve had to reduce our interventions to refugees in urban areas, Lejeune-Kaba told PassBlue from Geneva. We are not able to provide as much support as we want to those who are in towns. At Mercy Corps, Millogo said the organization cannot increase its cash aid or reach more beneficiaries. The agency is partnering with the World Food Program to add food aid to its intervention initiatives. The UN agency does not distribute food, but relies instead on giving enough income to families to meet their basic needs and providing minimum shelter to those living in camps. Lejeune-Kaba said the organization was increasing its funding base by partnering with the private sector in Africa. While food remains a struggle for Foga in Ouallam and Abdou in Mougoudjougou, so too does the future of their daughters, who they say must perform well academically for them to stay in class. My children who are with me go to school, they are registered in a school newly created for displaced persons, Foga said. Our daughters go to school, and those in the exam class who will pass will continue their studies. But those who will fail will certainly get married. We have nothing our animals, everything has been abandoned to escape enemy fire. We no longer cultivate our fields, even the projects that support us are flat. Gare Amadou contributed reporting from Niger. re than Europe is offering to spend across the countries that make up the Sahel and Lake Chad regions. Forced to leave their homes Droughts, intercommunal clashes and attacks from nonstate actors jihadists, for example have forced many people from their homes in Niger and Burkina Faso. These factors have led to the displacement of 83,000 people in the Tillaberi region, where Abdous village is located, and the neighboring region of Tahoua. The displaced people in these regions alone make up a third of the 224,000 persons who have been living in camps in Niger as of Dec. 31, 2021. The situation is worse in Burkina Faso, where more than 1.7 million people are internally displaced. In Abdous village, more than 1,000 people have fled to camps in the main city of Ouallam. In Ngaba, another village in the Tillaberi region, 800 people have also sought refuge in Ouallam, including a 72-year-old farmer, Adamu Foga. The only positive thing in his life, he says, is that a school was opened recently for internally displaced people (IDP) and his daughter can resume her studies. It is very difficult for us to cope with the high cost of food products, Foga told PassBlue in a phone interview from an IDP camp in Ouallam. Now we no longer benefit from food distribution. We are given a derisory sum of 4,000 CFA (around $8) per person living in a family, he added. We wonder how we can feed a family even with 40,000 francs; we are living in very difficult times. Fatoumata Lejeune-Kaba, a communications officer for Central, East, West and Southern Africa at the office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, said its fund for the Sahel has been depleted by the war in Ukraine and the agencys reach in the region has been restricted. (Nearly 12 million people have fled their homes in Ukraine in the five months of war.) Recently, weve had to reduce our interventions to refugees in urban areas, Lejeune-Kaba told PassBlue from Geneva. We are not able to provide as much support as we want to those who are in towns. At Mercy Corps, Millogo said the organization cannot increase its cash aid or reach more beneficiaries. The agency is partnering with the World Food Program to add food aid to its intervention initiatives. The UN agency does not distribute food, but relies instead on giving enough income to families to meet their basic needs and providing minimum shelter to those living in camps. Lejeune-Kaba said the organization was increasing its funding base by partnering with the private sector in Africa. While food remains a struggle for Foga in Ouallam and Abdou in Mougoudjougou, so too does the future of their daughters, who they say must perform well academically for them to stay in class. My children who are with me go to school, they are registered in a school newly created for displaced persons, Foga said. Our daughters go to school, and those in the exam class who will pass will continue their studies. But those who will fail will certainly get married. We have nothing our animals, everything has been abandoned to escape enemy fire. We no longer cultivate our fields, even the projects that support us are flat. Gare Amadou contributed reporting from Niger. Photos of students writing examinations on bare floor in different secondary schools in Ogun State have attracted huge knocks for Governor Dapo Abiodun and his administration ment. Schools in the state on Monday began promotion examinations, but pictures of some of the students sitting on bare floor went into circulation. Pictures of students of St. Kizito High School, Iwopin in Ogun Waterside Local Government, went viral on Facebook, with many stakeholders attacking Abiodun over the decay in the school infrastructure. Within 24 hours, the state government stormed the school with new sets of furniture, including desks and chairs. Responding, parents and teachers commended the government for the "prompt intervention." But on Wednesday, photos of another school, Imotu Community Academy, Ifoyintedo in Ipokia Local Government, surfaced on social media, where pupils sat on the floor. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Ladi Adebutu expressed concern over the development, saying the development revealed that many students in the state are learning in a terrible condition. In statement issued on behalf of Adebutu, Afolabi Orekoya, his Media Aide, alleged that the government's response at St. Kizito High School was a mere political gimmick. Orekoya said, "if not that the Abiodun-led government lacks human feeling and compassion, why wait till the picture of students writing exams on the floor went viral before supplying them with benches under 24 hours. He queried further that where and why were the benches kept before now? There are many schools without teachers not to talk of infrastructure." Reacting, the State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof Abayomi Arigbabu, said the government had already distributed over 14,000 furniture to over 2000 schools across the State, with a pledge that it would be a continuous exercise. According to him, "Ogun State has over 2000 schools, and we have been distributing chairs and tables and still doing so. Addressing the issue of St. Kizito school, I can tell you we have supplied a new set of chairs and tables immediately, the school has benefitted from the first set of furniture distributed earlier this year and we will not rest until our learners study in a better and conducive environment". The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has replied the minister of information and culture, Lai Mohammed, for his comments on the alleged illegality of the unions planned protest against the prolonged university workers strike. NLC had announced a nationwide protest scheduled for next Tuesday and Wednesday should the government fail to reach an agreement with the striking workers unions. But addressing journalists after the federal executive council (FEC) meeting on Wednesday, Mr Mohammed said the protest was illegal as the government does not have pending disputes with the NLC He said, The NLC is not a political party. The NLC can go on strike or protest if the rights of NLC members are involved. What the NLC is planning in the next few days is about interest. Theres no dispute whatsoever between NLC as a body with the federal government. Well yes, theres a dispute between some members of the NLC, ASUU and the federal government which is being looked into. And NLC itself is a party to the committee that is looking into the solution. So calling out people on street protest, you begin to wonder, what is the motive of NLC in this matter? But you see here, we do not interrogate what NLC is doing. NLC by its own laws cannot even give out pamphlets. And NLC is supposed to be completely insulated from politics. NLC Replies In a statement later on Wednesday, the NLC President, Ayuba Wabba, disagreed with the minister that the protest was illegal. He said Mr Mohammeds comments are inconsistent with democratic principles and the rule of law. Its elementary knowledge that the right to peaceful assembly and protest is a fundamental global right guaranteed by the UN charter on Human and Peoples right and the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria. All peaceful assemblies are lawful and do not require any permission under our laws. In a democratic society such a statement is not consistent with the rule of law. He also noted that NLCs planned protest was not a solidarity protest, saying NLC is directly involved in the dispute. Its not a solidarity protest, NLC is directly involved in the current dispute in our university system. All the four trade unions involved are affiliates of NLC, he said. Secondly, as citizens, our children have been out of school for 5 months, the majority are children of the working class and the less privileged, this alone should call for urgent action. Meanwhile, the National Association of Nigerians Students (NANS) has directed its subdivisions to begin mobilising students to join NLC in the nationwide protest. Qosim Suleiman is a reporter at Premium Times in partnership with Report for the World, which matches local newsrooms with talented emerging journalists to report on under-covered issues around the globe. The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and tertiary education stakeholders on Thursday in Abuja adopted 140 as the minimum cut-off mark for 2022 admission into the nations universities. The cut-off mark for polytechnics and colleges of education was pegged at 100. The decisions on the cut-off marks were reached at the 2022 Policy Meeting on Admissions to Degree, Nigerian Certificate of Education (NCE) and National Diploma (ND) ongoing at the International Conference Centre, Abuja. The meeting is being chaired by the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu. In his opening remark, Mr Adamu warned Nigerian tertiary institutions against illegal admissions, saying all admissions into the nations universities, Polytechnic and colleges of education must be processed through the Central Admission Processing System (CAPS). The minister said any head of tertiary institution found engaging in illegal admissions would be prosecuted even if the infractions are detected after their tenures. At the meeting, a resolution was reached that Every institution is at liberty to determine the minimum UTME score acceptable to it for admission. Similarly, for Direct Entry admissions, each institution will determine the number of points required by it for direct entry admission. Nevertheless, no institution can recommend or admit any candidate with less than two points for direct entry. In the same vein, no institution can admit/accept the transfer of a candidate for any degree programme unless the candidate has spent on full-time, not less than two consecutive sessions in the institution. The meeting also resolved that no institution will be allowed to recommend or admit any candidate whose total score is below the minimum score proposed by the institution and approved by the Policy Meeting. The totality of all scores being used for the ranking of the candidate shall be taken into account in determining the percentage minimum score. The 10 police officers kidnapped in Kogi State have been rescued. PREMIUM TIMES learnt that the police officers were rescued on Wednesday night. This newspaper reported how they were kidnapped on Sunday while returning from election duties in Osun State. The news of their release was contained in an internal memo by the police authorities, seen by PREMIUM TIMES. All 10 kidnapped officers were rescued unhurt the memo stated. They were rescued around Jakura Village in Obajana and taken to the police clinic in Lokoja for a medical check-up. READ ALSO: The police spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, told PREMIUM TIMES that he is yet to receive an official correspondence with regard to the kidnapped and eventually released officers. Kogi State, in central Nigeria, is increasingly becoming a haven for criminal elements. Although the police memo said the kidnapped officers were rescued, indicating no ransom was paid, kidnapping for ransom has become common in many parts of Nigeria. Victims have been mainly civilians including clerics, travellers and public officials. However, there have also been many cases of the kidnap of security operatives including police and military personnel. The perpetrators vary and range from kidnap gangs to armed bandits, secessionists and terrorists. The Nigerian government is considering banning the use of motorcycles across the country. The Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, disclosed this on Thursday while addressing journalists at the end of the National Security Council meeting chaired by President Muhammadu Buhari. He also said the government was considering banning mining activities across the country. Mr Malami said the ban was being considered as part of efforts to curtail the activities of terrorists, who often use motorcycles. Placing a ban on the use of motorcycles and mining activities will cut the supply of logistics to the terrorists, he said. This will be done in the national interest. We are Nigerians because Nigeria as a country exists and any issue that will translate into a threat to national security or the corporate existence of the country requires certain sacrifices. So, regardless of the means that is being considered for the possible banning, this is a sacrifice that we see as what will help address the security challenges and I think no sacrifice is too big as far as that issue is concerned. The minister also said that less than a third of Nigerias 200 million population would be affected by a ban on motorcycles and so it was worth the sacrifice. Above all, if you are talking of banning motorcycles, for example, I think the number of people using these motorcycles is not up to 20 per cent of the Nigerian population, he said. So if that percentage is called to make a sacrifice that is all-pervading or affecting over 200 million Nigerians, I think that sacrifice is not too much and is worthy of being considered. READ ALSO: The justice minister said the bans being considered by the government are in the interest of the nation. He said the government had since discovered that following its blockage of sources of funding for terrorists, they have resorted to the use of non-conventional sources of funding like mining and collection of ransom to fund their nefarious activities. Motorcycles are a common means of transportation among poor and middle-class Nigerians. However, apart from being used for crime, they have also been blamed for the high rate of accidents in some parts of the country. Ban in Lagos, FCT Given the avoidable accidents they have caused, the Lagos State Government recently banned commercial motorcyclists from operating in six local government areas in May. The affected areas include Apapa, Surulere, Ikeja, Eti-Osa, Lagos Island and Lagos Mainland. The ban, which became effective in June, was the fifth time the Lagos government would be dishing out such a directive. Two former governors of the state, Bola Tinubu and his successor, Babatunde Fashola, banned commercial motorcyclists in 2007 and 2012 respectively. A similar directive was also issued by the Akinwunmi Ambode-led government in 2017 before the emergence of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu two years after. Before his latest directive, Mr Sanwo-Olu had banned bike-hailing services like Opay, Gokada, and Max operations in the state. PREMIUM TIMES reported the crushing of 2,228 seized motorcycles by the state government. Citing clashes, attacks, and traffic violations, among others, the FCT Minister, Muhammed Bello, last month, said he might ban commercial motorcycles in Abuja since all the neighbouring states had outlawed them. He said commercial motorcyclists would now require a license to operate within the city and its suburbs. Commercial motorcycles were first banned in the city centre in 2006 by Nasir El-Rufai when was FCT minister. For different reasons ranging from insecurity to traffic violations, states like Kaduna, Akwa-Ibom, Enugu and Kano banned commercial motorcycles. A preliminary report of the investigation into the attack on the prison in Kuje, Abuja, has been sent to President Muhammadu Buhari. The Minister of Interior, Rauf Atregbesola, who disclosed this Thursday, said the report identifies all those whose action or inaction led to that unfortunate incident and such officials will be punished. A preliminary report on what happened in Kuje has been sent to the President but a more detailed comprehensive report will come at the end of the investigation, Mr Aregbesola told journalists after Thursdays meeting of the National Security Council in Abuja. We have identified all those whose action or inaction led to that unfortunate incident and those who have sacked their responsibility will have to face the consequences of their action, he said. Mr Aregbesola said sufficient efforts were made by intelligence agencies to forestall the attack on the prison but there was a problem with the will to carry out instructions by security operatives. PREMIUM TIMES reported the attack on the Kuje prison by terrorists in the first week of July. Over 800 prison inmates escaped during the attack with about half of them still at large. Those still at large include over 60 Boko Haram suspects. The attack was carried out by ISWAP, a breakaway faction of Boko Haram, which later released a video of the incident. The terrorists used explosives and guns during the attack. About six cars and buses were damaged during the attack. Four prisoners and a security official were also killed. Over 400 of the fugitive detainees were found, according to Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) spokesperson Umar Abubakar, while 443 remain at large. The NCS chief acknowledged that they had received intelligence on a potential attack, but that the Kuje custodial centre had not specifically been mentioned. He added that the prison was not built to withstand such external attack. On the day of the attack, there were more than 30 armed personnel present. The security guards comprised police officers, immigration officers, civil defense officials, and prison personnel. The National Industrial Court in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Friday, affirmed the sacking of an official of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) accused of tampering with the commissions database. The affected official, Sunday Ushie, was working in the ICT department of INEC headquarters in Uyo before INEC terminated his appointment on 7 August 2020. INEC had discovered that Mr Ushie tampered with the commissions database on the eve of the 2019 general elections and was engaged in the unauthorised transfer of registered voters from different local government areas in Akwa Ibom to another and also did so to other states outside Akwa Ibom. He was also found to be in possession of several permanent voter cards without the permission of INEC. It is suspected that Mr Ushie may have been working in the interest of some powerful politicians in Akwa Ibom. Mr Ushie, in November 2020, filed a suit at the National Industrial Court, Uyo, challenging the termination of his appointment with INEC. He said his job was wrongfully terminated and, therefore, the court should order INEC to reinstate him and pay him N20 million as a relief. READ ALSO: But the judge, M.A. Namtari, dismissed the suit, saying that INEC was right in its decision to terminate Mr Ushies appointment. Clement Onwuenwunor, SAN, defended INEC in the suit. Mr Onwuenwunor applauded the judgement, which he said was timely, as Nigeria was about to go through another general election in 2023. He said the court judgement will serve as a deterrence to permanent and ad hoc officials of INEC who may want to connive with politicians to compromise and sabotage the countrys electoral process. Background Before Mr Ushies appointment was terminated, he appeared before a panel at the INEC office in Uyo and an appellate panel at the INEC headquarters in Abuja to defend himself against the allegations. Mr Ushie, according to court documents seen by PREMIUM TIMES, had admitted before the INEC panel in Uyo that he was approached by about 200 persons resident in Abuja (for) inter-state transfer. He also admitted meeting some staff of Itu LGA office (in Akwa Ibom) to get the PVCs of those he had transferred. The panel said Mr Ushie admitted that four local government areas Itu, Uyo, Uruan, and Etinan were affected by his unlawful activities. He did the transfers without official permission through a prepared list, and photo shoots of the registrants PVCs. He had no less than 200 transfers. Uyo LGA had about 100 such transfers. He was not able to get the PVCs he wanted from Itu. However, he had distributed about 7 PVCs from Etinan. 1 or 2 PVCs in Uruan LGA. The bulk of the distribution was from Uyo LGA where he collected about 12 PVCs. The wards affected were 1, 2, 3, 4 and 7. He admitted being in possession of PVCs and TVCs which he voluntarily surrendered to the Panel. About 12 PVCs and 16 TVCs were retrieved from him, the panel said in its report. He also admitted to have collected the sum of N5,000 only for the purchase of data for the work and was to be remunerated by his sponsors upon conclusion of the assignment. He refused to disclose how much he was offered and the identity of his sponsors, the panel added. Mr Ushie, in his response to a query from INEC, said his motive was merely to assist the people he knew, and not for financial gains. I will like to state with all humility and utmost truth that my intention regards this matter was not to circumvent the registration process but rather to exhibit my kind gesture of my esteemed offices to help those voters, he said in his response to the query. I plead that justice should be tempered with mercy and disciplinary action should not be taken against me, he begged. There are pending court cases over two other INEC officials in Akwa Ibom who were sacked for offences related to the conduct of the 2019 elections. One of them, a supervising officer at a local government area, was accused of handing out 10 election result sheets, form EC8A, to politicians on the eve of the elections. His action led to violence and INECs inability to conduct elections in the area. The other was accused of handing over 13 card readers to a politician in the state. PVCs in gutters A clip which trended on social media recently showed the shocking discovery of some PVCs discarded in drainage in an unidentified locality in the country. Another clip showed some PVCs lying in some unidentified offices. The INEC spokesperson, Festus Okoye, said the commission was investigating the clips. It is simple for INEC to investigate where the PVCs came from by looking at the codes on the card, a resident in Uyo said. Each state in Nigeria has a unique code which is different from that of other state. The Senate, on Wednesday at plenary, passed a bill to establish the National Social Security Commission. The bill seeks to put in place a national social security protection funding to take care of the needs of the unemployed, old-aged and underaged children below 18 years from broken marriages. Also covered in the bill are survivors resulting from the death of the familys bread winner. The passage of the bill followed the consideration of a report by the Committee on Establishment and Public Service Matters. The Chairman of the Committee, Ibrahim Shekarau (NNPP Kano), in his presentation, said the bill sought to provide the legal and institutional framework for the establishment of the National Social Security Commission for the regulation, management and administration of various social services and benefits to Nigerian citizens. Ultimately, the bill seeks to provide a comprehensive legal and governance framework for the proper administration and management of all-inclusive, integrated, preventive, promotive and transformative national social security regime. The bill provides flexible sustainable periodic social benefits and grants to eligible indigent Nigerian citizens that are within the scope of the Social Security (Minimum standards) Convention, 1952 (NO 102) of the International Labor Organization (ILO) and particularly contingencies arising therefrom, he said. He said the proposed Social Security Commission under the bill shall provide indigent Nigerians citizens with comprehensive preventive and/or curative medicare, from sicknesses resulting from any morbid condition of whatever cause. Specifically, the commission when established by the leave of this senate shall provide a well-structured impactful, and sustainable social interventions to eligible unemployed Nigerians, old-aged Nigerians, underage children below 18 years resulting from broken marriages and survivors resulting from loss of familys bread winner, he said. The bill was passed after a clause-by-clause consideration. (NAN) The Senate, on Wednesday, passed the Electricity Bill 2022. The bills passage was sequel to the consideration of a report by the Senate Committee on Power. The Chairman of the committee, Gabriel Suswam, in his presentation, said the bill sought to among others, provide an Ideal legal and institutional framework to leverage on the modest gains of the privatisation phase of the electricity power sector in Nigeria. He said that when signed into law, the bill would improve utilisation of generated power through increased investments in new technologies to enhance transmission and distribution of generated power to minimise aggregate value chain loses. According to the lawmaker, the piece of legislation will reinvigorate the institutional framework for the reform of the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI), initiated and implemented by the federal government. Mr Suswam disclosed that the provisions of the bill sought to promote policies and regulatory measures that would ensure the expansion of power transmission networks in Nigeria in order to address any imbalance in the existing transmission infrastructure. He noted that the bill would stimulate policy and regulatory measures to scale up efficient power generation, transmission and distribution capabilities of the sector; as well as address technological limitations and outdated infrastructure that were responsible for value chain loses. The Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, midway through consideration of the bill, sought to know the role and operational capacity of banks that had taken over Distribution Companies (DISCOs) indebted to them. Responding, Mr Suswam explained that the take-over of entities (DISCOs) by banks was duly carried out in collaboration with the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and Bureau of Public Enterprise (BPE). According to him, there is a transitional process put in place during the take-over of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) by the United Bank for Africa (UBA) to ensure efficiency in service delivery. He noted that such transitional process usually involved the invitation of new investors to scale up generation and distribution capacities. Mr Suswam further disclosed that the federal government had disbursed 100 million dollars to Siemens to kickstart transmission in the distribution end of the power sector. On his part, Ahmad Babba-Kaita (PDP-Katsina), said the faulty way in which DisCos were created was largely responsible for their inability to live up to expectations. He, therefore, advised the federal government to ensure a transparent process in the selection of companies to take-over power generation and distribution across the country. The Deputy Chief Whip, Aliyu Abdullahi, noted that the aspect of renewable energy in the bill was given prominence amidst the energy mix. The Electricity Bill, 2022, after a clause-by-clause consideration of the committees report by the Committee of the Whole, was passed by the upper chamber. In his remarks, Mr Lawan said that because of its importance and sensitivity, we will like to see a quick concurrence by the House of Representatives. This is because time is of essence as far as Nigeria is concerned when you talk about electricity and energy supplies in Nigeria. So, we will like to see that this bill is fully processed in the National Assembly and sent to the Executive arm of government for consideration and assent by the president. We believe that this piece of legislation can change the fortunes of the electricity industry in Nigeria for the better. (NAN) A new translation of the Quran into the Igbo language was launched on 1 July 2022 at the Ansar-Ud-Deen Mosque in Abuja, Nigeria. According to the translator, Muhammed Muritala Chukwuemeka, the project to produce this Nso Koran began five years ago. This is the third of Nigerias main languages to have its own version of the Muslim scripture. The Quran is also available in Yoruba and Hausa, which are spoken by large populations of Muslims. The Yoruba make up about 21% of the countrys population estimated to be over 216 million and about half of the Yoruba are Muslim. The Hausa-Fulani make up about 29% of Nigerias population, and are predominantly Muslim. It is remarkable that Igbo has joined them because the Igbo population is estimated at 98% Christian. There are only about 13,500 Igbo Muslims. I have been researching Islam in southeast Nigeria, the Igbo homeland, for two decades. I published a book which tells the story of how Islam was introduced in Igboland, how the Christian majority responded and what its like to live as an Igbo Muslim. It considers the factors that compelled conversions to Islam among the Igbo, the contestations over conversions, and some developments that followed the emergence of Islam in southeast Nigeria. While researching the book in 2009, I became aware of another Igbo Quran but it was not commonly accessible to the average Igbo Muslim. The Igbo Muslims may also have chosen not to associate with that version of the Quran because it came out of a project sponsored by the Ahmadiyya Movement. The movement is considered heretical by the mainstream Islamic denominations. The existence of a new translation into Igbo means that more Igbo Muslims have access to their scriptures. They can read for themselves what their religion prescribes. Non-Muslims in southeast Nigeria could also learn more about Islam. If Nso Koran becomes widely available, and not restricted only to Muslims, it could facilitate inter-religious dialogue. This could aid better understanding of the main religions in Igboland and promote peaceful coexistence in a region that perceives itself as marginalised by more powerful Muslim groups. Islam in Igboland Islam was introduced into Igboland, southeast Nigeria, during the colonial period. I have studied the historical development of Islam in this region using oral, archival, and written sources and as far as I have been able to establish, the earliest known Muslim migrant was Ibrahim Aduku. He came from Bida in Nupeland to trade horses with communities in Enugu-Ezike in northern Igboland. Adukus grandson told me his grandfather started visiting Enugu-Ezike around the time the British station (outpost) was established in the town. Comparing colonial records with trade reports, along with interviews conducted between 2003 and 2009, I estimate that Aduku would have arrived in the area around 1909. Through Aduku, other itinerant Muslim traders and Islamic marabouts entered northern Igboland from north-central Nigeria. A different stream of Muslim migrants began to arrive in 1918 from the Yoruba town of Oshogbo in southwestern Nigeria. Some also came from Ilorin, north central Nigeria. They settled at Ibagwa. In 1958, the first known group conversion to Islam among the Igbo occurred in Enohia in Abakiliki Division, southeastern Nigeria. Okpani Nwagui, a Roman Catholic Christian who a year earlier had converted to Islam, mediated this conversion. He assumed the name Ibrahim Niasse Nwagui. By the outbreak of the Nigeria-Biafra war in July 1967, the population of Igbo converts to Islam stood at roughly 200. In 1984, the scholar Abdurahman Doi wrote that there were 3,450 indigenous Igbo Muslims. The latest figure, collated from hajj records in 2013, puts the number at 13,500. With the rise of Boko Haram and its war against Christianity in Nigeria, Islam in Igboland faced a crisis and began to record desertions. But while some are leaving Islam, others are joining. Factors aiding Islam growth Since the 1909 arrival of Ibrahim Aduku, Islam has been advancing gradually in southeast Nigeria. Almost all major towns in Igboland have converts to Islam; and many more Igbo now know about Islam than was the case in 2003 when I started researching the subject. Over these decades, several factors have aided the growth of Islam in Igboland. They include mixed religious marriages and dissatisfaction with existing religious groups. Another factor is the desire for integration within established Muslim financial and political networks. This was heightened by the political and economic marginalisation of the Igbo since the Nigeria-Biafra war. Growth has been aided by proselytising among the Igbo by Muslims intent on gaining converts, who equally hope that their growing numbers will bring about political unity in the country. There is also the pull of financial and other inducements in bringing the Igbo into Islam. In my research on conversions to Islam in the region, few identified genuine spiritual quest and religious conviction as the reason. Relations between Christians and Muslims in Igboland have generally been peaceful and tolerant, after initial tensions around conversions. Islams future in Igboland Islams future in southeast Nigeria will depend on the factors above and also more recent developments. Coming into play will be the existing relations between Muslims and non-Muslims, regional dynamics that affect the political and economic realities of the people, and individual convictions. At the centre of this is the poor relationship between the Igbo and the federal government since 2015. This is especially evident in the perceived exclusion of the southeast from governments infrastructural and other development projects. This and the Boko Haram insurgency have lately heightened anti-Islam sentiment in Igboland. Its hoped that at least the new Nso Koran will guide Igbo Muslims in what the religion prescribes, facilitate dialogue and aid peaceful coexistence among all religious communities. Egodi Uchendu, Professor (of History and International Studies), University of Nigeria This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. The kidnappers of Christopher Bakare, a supervisor of the late former Oyo governor Adebayo Alao-Akalas farm, released him on Wednesday. But not without collecting a ransom of N5 million and a list of items that included two loaves of N500 bread, two packs of Rothmans cigarettes, one carton each of Peak milk and Viju sachet milk, and one carton of Trophy beer. Mr Bakare was kidnapped on Saturday at about 7.00 p.m, at the farm located at Jabata in the Ogbomosho area of the state. It was learnt that the kidnappers had earlier contacted the victims family, demanding N100 million ransom before his release. A reliable family source who sought anonymity told the News Agency of Nigeria on Thursday that Mr Bakare was released on Wednesday after the payment of the ransom. The source said the ransom was taken to a forest in the Otte area, the boundary between Oyo and Kwara states, on Ogbomoso-Ilorin road. The spokesperson of the Oyo state police command, Adewale Osifeso, confirmed the release to NAN on Thursday in Ibadan. Yes, he has regained his freedom. Updates would be provided accordingly, please, Mr Osifeso said. (NAN) In this interview with TrustTV's Mannir Dan-Ali, the Minister of Water Resources, Engineer Suleiman Hussaini Adamu, explains the rationale and benefi ts of the recently reintroduced Water Bill. Excerpts There is a raging war over the Water Resources Bill. This is the second coming of the same bill. What is your understanding of why the bill is generating so much heat in the country. Okay, before I say that, let me just take us back to history. First of all, let me make this very clear, the water resources of this country by the provisions of the Water Resources Act 2004 are vested in the federal government, whatever anybody may say the law is there. The water resources of this country are under the control of the federal government as I'm talking to you now, so nothing has changed. The process started in 2004 when Nigeria joined other countries of the world to adopt integrated water resources management as a concept of managing the water resource of a country; what that means is that people, the citizens, are empowered to be part and parcel of the process of developing its water resources. I will explain that in detail later but in general terms that's what it means and that is also trying to create a balance between the ecosystem, you know - the water resources, the land and whatever - so there's a complete balance within the environment. A kind of sustainability drive? Absolutely. That's the whole concept. Now on the basis of that, experts in the sector, along with the government, with support from the European Union started to introduce that course and they found that the best way to do it is to consolidate all the laws, the water laws in the country into one booklet, one statute. As I'm talking to you, we have four laws that are governing the water resources--four different federal laws; The Water Resources Act 2004, The Nigerian Hydrological Services Act, The National Water Resources Institute Act and the River Basins Development Authorities Act. These are the four laws that govern the water resources sector. So the idea was okay, let's put all these things together under one statute, a national water law as it exists in most countries of the world. So, the process started with legal experts. Some professors of law in Nigeria were brought in and they had the first draft of this bill in 2008. That is to get the views of different stakeholders? Absolutely, and then it was finalized but after it was finalized I think the people in the administration that time didn't give much attention to it. Whoever was the minister then probably didn't give it the priority that it deserved and therefore it was left in the cooler. Fast forward 2015, when I came into office, I organised a retreat, brought in water experts from all over the country to discuss the way forward for the water sector and the issue of this water bill kept creeping in; that we need to get this bill passed so that the concept of this integrated water resource manager can be consolidated. But why are people either misreading or misinterpreting it if what you say is right? I will come to that in a few minutes. So what we did then was we brought out the bill. I read it personally, cover to cover and then we gave it out to the experts. We took all the comments from other professional bodies and included them. We redrafted it and included all those comments and then I took it to the National Council on Water Resources Which is where all the commissioners of water resources are with you as chair? Exactly; in May 2016 and they endorsed it and then we went to the Federal Executive Council in September 2016. The Federal Executive Council endorsed it - all the 36 states are represented on that council - and then the Attorney General submitted it to the National Assembly. It was passed without any issue at the House of Representatives, when it came to the Senate, some senators asked some questions. They wanted definitions about this and that and at that material time some people took this bill out and said there was a division between northern senators and southern senators and made it a north-south affair and that was how this controversy started. And then you were forced to withdraw it at some point? It was not that it was withdrawn, it was because the tenure of the 8th assembly was coming to an end, so it wasn't carried because we're already going into election fever. And then, you know, so when I came back into office the second time I now decided to bring it back. As far as I'm concerned, it was an unfinished business. But we are bringing it at another late hour; I mean we are smelling elections a few months down the line? No, that is not the reason; it was just a coincidence because this bill ought to have been considered way back in December, it was because of the budget constraint that it wasn't. But the point is again why we took it back was when the controversy got so much, we said look okay we are not dummies, let's go back and look at this; what is really the problem? And then we invited independent experts again to have a look at this bill and they said primarily there was nothing wrong with this bill, people are just playing politics with it and that brings me to the issue. I realised there are three categories of people that are attacking this bill; one parochial interests, people that always want to see things in this country from a political angle or a division between North and South, between this and that. But their concern is not that they suspect this is another attempt, like in the editorial of one of the newspapers, to have more land for the Fulani to take over? There is nowhere in this bill, let them go and read the bill. I've challenged everybody to go and read the bill, tell me anywhere where land was mentioned. When I addressed the governor's forum, the governor of Benue, who is the major protagonist of this bill, was the first person to ask me a question: Is this your bill supposed to take land from the banks of the river? I said your Excellency there is nothing in this bill about grabbing land, go and look at it. We are talking about the water resource of the country and in any case all these things you are saying 95 or 96 per cent of this bill are already existing laws. We are just putting them together in one booklet; the laws are there, the laws are existing and that's what we're operating. Go and check the Water Resources Act 2004 and look at this bill. But if already these laws are there why must you have them in one place. I mean given the animosity towards it, given the organised opposition against it. Because you can see newspapers are taking positions, articles have been written, editorials have been written and they are making it look like; in fact one of them called it water resources bill is a recipe for wars? Yes. Because the people that have been telling this country lies, have been misleading the population, want to keep lying and the only way they can do it, the only way they can keep lying or maintain what they call their own integrity, is to continue to feed people with these lies. I challenge anybody to go and read this bill and tell me whether it's a recipe for war. But the land-grabbing thing that they are talking about; because they are saying it is as if it's going to take over lands by the banks of the waterways? Excuse me, the Water Resources Act has been existing since the military regime, it was decree 103 or something like that. Land was not grabbed, what makes people think that a law that has been operating for over 20 years, more than 30 years that it is today that it can be used to grab land. There is nothing like that there. The point is, in every country, wherever in the world, trans-boundary waters cannot be left in the hands of states. That is waters that cut across different states. Yes, it's just the same way as the Federal Highway Act. If you look at the highways that transcend states where are they? They're in the hands of the federal government, they're all being controlled by the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing. There's also the concern that it could affect fishermen because those are some of the arguments; that people in the Niger Delta, who depend on the waters, will now be constrained by this law... If you look at the bill, and maybe I'll give you an electronic copy, then you search, Google search for fish, and see whether there's any mention of fish in that bill, there is nothing like that. What we want to do is to protect our water resources like every other country does, and what we're saying is that those people, the major people that are opposing it, they stand to gain from this bill more than anybody. I have said it, repeatedly, the major rivers in this country are rivers Niger and Benue. River Niger comes into Nigeria through Kebbi State, River Benue comes in through Benue State; if the federal government is not the custodian of these rivers, imagine this scenario that Kebbi State wakes up one day and decides to dam River Niger, Adamawa State decides to dam River Benue, what happens downstream, from Niger to Kogi, to Anambra, Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers they will all be affected. Or if, for instance, somebody decides to divert the river, what happens. So you need to have a central authority that will say no that this is not possible and that's essentially what this is. So the southern states or the riverine states or the Delta states that have been fed or misinformed about it, they stand to benefit from this bill more than anybody; they are the ones that are protected. But are you communicating all this to them. Because apparently, there is a gap that is why all this misinformation? I've always said that in this country, we have what we call convenient amnesia; people easily forget. We communicate with everybody. I attended several TV sessions, I've done several interviews, we had the national press conference - myself and the minister of information - you remember, all that is there. But have you sat down one-on-one with, say, all the governors at their forum to address their fears? I told you I addressed the governors' forum before we eventually sent all the bills to them. They set up a committee of their attorneys general, they sat down, they looked at the bill, they sent in their comments and observations about the bill. There was nothing fundamentally wrong, they were only talking about maybe things like devolving powers to deal with the issues of licensing for drilling and so on which we said we're going to take care of. And have you taken care of them? Oh yes. So, now states can give the permission for boreholes and all of that? Obviously the federal government cannot be the one. It will be chaotic if the federal government will be the one issuing licenses for any borehole that is going to be built in the country. The same way you go to the state government for planning approval to build your houses, its the same process we have adopted but we need to have a national framework, we need to have national standards so that we monitor our groundwater as well. So those are the key issues. But then, maybe it's coming at the wrong time when there is all this concern about devolution of powers. Because there is this agitation that the federal powers are too much so why add some more. I think this is where some of the opponents of the bill are coming from. Where is the addition? There is nothing in this bill that adds any power to the federal government beyond what the government is already enjoying in terms of authority. Section 64 of the constitution is very clear. Go and see it, all trans-boundary rivers have been mentioned. They are under the management, you know I don't want to use the word control, but you can say control of the federal government. The law already provides that, the constitution provides that, nothing has changed. And the other thing that people are not even talking about, they are only looking, you're only saying land grab, land grab. Go and read the bill. I said it's about sustainability of water resources. This integrated water resources management concept that I'm telling you, it actually whittles the powers of the minister. The current act, Water Resource Act 2004, gives the minister enormous powers to deal with water resources of this country but this bill is now saying let's have an independent regulator, let's have a commission, with representatives from all the six geopolitical zones nominated by the president, approved by the Senate and there will be what we call catchment management committees. And you are happy to lose this enormous power you have? Well, that is the way it is supposed to go. If people don't want it I'm happy to retain the powers that I have now but I don't want to because I'm a water resources expert and I feel that this bill is good for the country as it is operated elsewhere. So what this means, and this is why like Zaki Dam has still not been constructed, what this bill is saying is before we can do any major water resources project, all the stakeholders along the catchment area must concur; right now as minister I can just say this is where we're going to cite our dam and that's it. But with this bill you have to get the license; there has to be public hearings and so on and so forth. There has to be environmental impact audit and assessment to ensure that nobody is negatively impacted, that everybody benefits from the project. If any community along the way, or any catchment, feels that this will threaten them you know we have to go and negotiate. What other interesting details are there in the bill that maybe people who are opposed to it have not even bothered to know about? Absolutely, for instance, there is a provision now to empower irrigation farmers through the creation of water user association so that they can be given the mandate to handle the issue of maintenance of secondary and tertiary irrigation infrastructure rather than maybe pay water bills, you know, water charges to government. The law will provide for them to set up their own management and also have bank accounts so that they can pull money and then they will begin to maintain irrigation facilities. Right now, we are working on TRIMI Project - Transforming Irrigation Management Nigeria Projects - supported by the World Bank. Kadawa irrigation scheme in Kano alone when I came into office 5,000 hectares were not being irrigated because there has been no money. We were relying on budgetary allocation to rehabilitate the irrigation system, channels, the canals they were blocked and nobody was responsible. It was the responsibility of the government and government was not doing it and the farmers were suffering. So now we are having a win-win situation and we need to back it by law so that's one provision that is also there. Secondly there's a provision for what we call the WASH fund, Water Sanitation and Hygiene Fund. This is the fund that we want to create for the state governments. You know the issue of water sanitation hygiene, the statistics are dismal in this country and states are not investing. So states are going to benefit from this bill. If we have this WASH fund, there is going to be a provision, funds will be available that states can leverage on to go and invest more in water sanitation and hygiene projects, that's another thing. And where will the money come from? Well the law will provide for it, there will be contributions from the federal government, from states, from development partners and so on and the framework has been developed. There is going to be various channels through which monies can be generated and pooled so that there's a way of trying to improve on the delivery of water supply and sanitation in the country. One key function of your ministry is providing water and it doesn't appear that there is any city in Nigeria that can boast of portable water supply, why is it so? Thank you very much, that is what everybody assumes; that it is our responsibility. We are just talking now that the federal government should devolve powers, the federal government was never ever responsible for provision of municipal water supply, that is the responsibility of states, even the rural water supply is the responsibility of states and local governments but because of the concurrent list, the federal government intervenes and supports states to be able to do these things. But what we realised in the last several years is that many states have abdicated their responsibility to the federal government. The federal government cannot be the one providing water to the city. The system is not designed that way and that is why there is nowhere you will see that the federal government has a water agency, a water board, we don't have that, only in the FCT. Even in the FCT there is no universal coverage in terms of water supply. Yes again, that is not really the purview of the Ministry of Water Resources, that is for the FCT administration but bear in mind that what has happened to the FCT is that in the last 20-30 years there has been a huge influx of people beyond what was projected. But isn't that expected because everybody wants the good life so if it is the FCT that is where they want to come. Well, I can assure you, at least this administration, we're doing a lot on that. If you go to the streets you will see a lot of pipes being laid through a $400 million investment that this administration is making to improve the water supply in FCT. We met the situation, we are improving it. So everything we're doing in FCT, we're doing it because it's a federal territory. So I believe in a few years, because these projects don't just happen overnight, you know it's going to be a process of reconstruction and so on, in the next few years I'm sure the situation will improve. There is enough capacity for treatment of the raw water and the treatment in the FCT, the problem is the distribution. Which is just like power. They used to tell us generation and then now distribution and transmission so even the water again? Yes, exactly. They have to go together but I don't know what has happened, the previous administration said they would take generation or they will take treatment as one aspect, they will finish it and not continue to do the rest; these things have to go together, you cannot have a treatment plant without transmission and the distribution and you say you have water. And even the Gurara water transfer, that's the transfer of water through pipes from Gurara Dam to Lower Usuma that is too small now for the FCT. It hasn't improved much... No, the point I'm making is that's why I said there is enough water, between Gurara Dam and Lower Usuma Dam. When there is low flow, we release water from Gurara, there is enough raw water. The capacity of the existing treatment plant in Bwari is more than enough to cater for the existing water supply situation even for many years. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Nigeria Governance By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. But to the ordinary resident wouldn't mind the technicalities, all he wants is clean water in his tap and that is not happening. Yes, that is what I'm saying; that the issue was left behind many years ago. If previous administrations had been implementing the water supply master plan for Abuja religiously and commensurate with the population increase, there would not have been a problem. But it's always been that the population has always been ahead of it. But you are the longest serving minister of this particular ministry - over seven years. I think the closest is Muktari Shagari, about six years. So how come you haven't broken the jinx? But these are legal issues. Do you know that when I came into office there were 43 water supply projects being implemented by the federal government in various states? Instead of it being more of a state matter? Exactly. More than 43, we restructured them, we finished many. We finished Mongol, we finished another one in Taraba and the largest one was started in 1992, the Zobe Water Supply Project that supplies Katsina. We broke that jinx. We finished it. The president commissioned it last year. But the water is not yet flowing in all these communities. Excuse me. Again when we finished, we handed over to the states. We don't manage the schemes, we have done the capital contribution it is for the states to buy the alum, to pay for the power, to employ the people to run the scheme. I can't run the scheme for them. But at the end of the day, I mean the federal government, including the states, take the blame because ordinary citizens will say, yes so much more billions we've had on radio have been spent but still when you open the tap it's just hissing sound you get. Yes, that is because people are ignorant of what the situation is, it is not my responsibility, it is not the responsibility of the federal government to provide water in your taps. I have said that, I've made that very clear, it was even in the news recently and people were drawing daggers on me but that is the truth. I'm unapologetic about it, if you don't have water in your tap, you should go and ask your state government. So the federal government is unconcerned about it? It is not that we're unconcerned, we have invested money, let me tell you I'll give an example... But they said the taste of the pudding is in the eating. Excuse me, I cannot manage it, we are not trained, we are not by law required to manage it and again that is one of the problems associated with this bill that you have. It appears state governments cannot manage their state water agencies. So what is to be done? That's why, again, in the bill we're strengthening the regulator, when you have a regulator, the private sector will feel comfortable to come and invest their money to manage the schemes. These are some of the key reasons why we really want this law to be passed because if we have an independent regulator, people will come; the chances of public private partnership will be enhanced. But honourable minister, this sounds like good news to people in water business, pure water, bottled water and even those who are drilling boreholes that the government doesn't appear to be about to solve the water supply problem to its citizens. Well it's unfortunate because I can tell you that there is a lot to say about the quality of pure water but the key thing is that states should invest more and we'll be making hue and cry about it that they should make water supply, sanitation, hygiene a priority so that citizens can have adequate water supply. I think that is the key to it but of course a vacuum has been created and that's why the pure water sellers and the water bottling companies are making business but this shouldn't be the case. We should improve on our water supply delivery. I can tell you that currently there's no adequate investment in water supply even the existing schemes that are there in the states are working below capacity and that's if they are working. The quality of the water itself is not good; so that is why we need an improvement not only in investment but also in managing these services by the states because ultimately it is their responsibility to provide water to the people. It is not the responsibility of the federal government but the federal government has supported states in so many ways but even the schemes that we have done and handed over to the states, in some states they are not even being managed properly. The police in Osun have launched a manhunt for a housewife, Ifeoluwa Bamidele, who allegedly set her husband, Bolu, ablaze in Osogbo on Sunday. The police spokesperson in Osun State, Yemisi Opalola, made this known in a statement in Osogbo. She said a case of attempted murder was reported to the police at about 11.30 p.m. on Sunday. At about 11:30 p.m, one Bolu was allegedly set ablaze by his wife. The victim was rushed to the Osogbo Central Hospital where he was referred to the University College Hospital, Ibadan (UCH) for better treatment, she said. She said the police will ensure that the woman is arrested. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mrs Bamidele allegedly committed the act after finding out her husband cheated on her and had a child outside wedlock. She was also reported to have left a message on her WhatsApp status, indicating that her action was premeditated. The message reads: Ive always been a calm girl and I have never done this in my life but Teebam (her husband) has pushed me to the edge. At this point, yall will weep over myself and him before daybreak. Im promising yall that. (NAN) The federal government has declared the proposed Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) protest in solidarity with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) as illegal. The Minister of Labour and Employment, Lai Mohammed, stated this while briefing journalists on the decisions of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) at its meeting in Abuja on Wednesday. The NLC had planned to embark on a nationwide protest in support of ASUU on July 26 and 27. ASUU embarked on strike in February to demand the implementation of the agreement it reached with the federal government. But Mr Mohammed said such protests are uncalled for and illegal. According to the minister, the NLC is not a political party and it is not in dispute with government. I think we should also start to interrogate what labour is doing. The NLC is not a political party. The NLC can go on strike or protest if the rights of NLC members are involved. What the NLC is planning in the next two days is about interest. Theres no dispute whatsoever between NLC as a body with the federal government. Well yes, thats a dispute between some members of NLC, ASUU, and the federal government which is being looked into. And NLC itself is a party to the committee that is looking into the solution. So, calling out people on street protest you begin to wonder, what is the motive of NLC in this matter? But you see here, we do not interrogate what NLC is doing. NLC by its own laws cannot even give out pamphlets. And NLC is supposed to be completely insulated from politics. Now, if you declare dispute with us, yes you can go on strike. Even that one would depend on whether certain steps have been taken or not. But this particular NLC, you know, asking and mobilising people to come out on strike on July 26, and July 27, is clearly on nothing, Mr Mohammed said. Also commenting on the threat by aviation unions to shut down airports in solidarity with ASUU, the Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, expressed concern about the threat. He, however, assured the public that the threat will not be carried out because aviation authorities are already talking to the union. Im naturally concerned about this if the aviation union will shut down in support of ASUU. I would say they have no need to. I will say also that we should begin to look at civil aviation as a critical national security enterprise. It has all the implications. We should not contemplate or think about an aviation disaster. We should also think about the general activity on the economy of Nigeria without civil aviation.. I think it should be reconsidered. So, civil aviation workers, I think should not be part of this. Yes, I am concerned and yes weve spoken to them and I dont think they will join because they know that theres huge responsibility of lives on their heads. A chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, Moshood Salvador, on Wednesday defected to the Labour Party (LP), saying the national leadership of LP had given him the partys governorship ticket for 2023 in the state. Mr Salvador, the leader of Conscience Forum in Lagos APC, said he was moving with the entire members of the forum across the state into LP to serve and protect his followers. At the official declaration, held at the Surulere area of the state, Mr Salvador said, I can assure LP that I am going to get the best for you. Moving from one party to the other is just because of the people. My concern is all about people, hence we just have to look for where they just have to be recognised. All the APC promised to give my people, none was given, said Mr Salvador, a former PDP chairman in Lagos who defected to the APC in 2018. It is not worthy to be in APC. We have to move to where labour counts. Where we were before, we were only working and none was coming to my people, hence the movement to Labour. He alleged that members of his forum were not accommodated in APC, from ward level to state level, in both elective and appointed positions. Any right thinking person will look for where he and his people will be recognised. That is where we are today, I, Hon. Moshood Salvador and my teeming members of CF, we have moved to LP. Having moved to LP, we have been doing a lot of things together, that is why we have come to show the whole world that we are no more in APC. Our members have been given recognition in LP, such that some of them have become the candidates of the party, he added. On the Lagos LP governorship ticket, Mr Salvador, who noted that the partys national leadership had conceded the ticket to him, said he had filled and submitted the partys governorship form. We have given the pledge, with the collaboration of my followers we will work hard and get the victory for LP in Lagos in 2023. We are starting now, the work starts now, no delay, Mr Salvador said. Speaking, the LP Deputy National Chairman, Bashiru Apapa, said the party had decided to take over leadership of Lagos in 2023, urging the people to vote for all the candidates of LP. Describing Mr Salvador as a big fish in LP, Mr Apapa said: We are pleased with a number of achievements he has got. He is not a poor person but because of his love for people, he is coming into our party. I welcome Alhaji Moshood Salvador into our party and his teeming supporters. As symbol of our party, we put value on people. We accept all nominations brought by Alhaji Moshood. We must work for victory. Dont hesitate to send the ruling party packing. This is a very good opportunity for us. He urged the electorate to vote for the LP presidential candidate, Peter Obi, Mr Salvador and all the candidates of the party in the state. In his remarks, Arabambi Abayomi, the LP National Publicity Secretary, said voting for Messrs Salvador and Obi would be a guarantee for desired future and freedom for ordinary people in the state and country. Mr Abayomi expressed confidence that Mr Salvador would become the next governor of Lagos to make the resources of the state work for the people. In his welcome address, Seyi Sowunmi, the LP Chairman in Lagos State, said the party had begun the journey into a new era. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was attended by various bigwigs in LP, including chairpersons of the six south-west states, some national officers, and candidates of the party for various elective positions. (NAN) A report by a panel on the verification and the cleaning up of the payroll of civil servants in Ondo State has indicated a loss of about N500 million to ghost workers since the life of the Rotimi Akeredolu administration. The governor set up the committee at the assumption of his second term in office following suspicion that the states payroll including salaries and pensions had been compromised. The committee, led by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, Victor Olajorin, submitted its report on Wednesday to the state governor in Akure. Other members of the committee are Tope Popoola, Hadj Badmos, Ola Obaado, Bola Taiwo, Kayode Edema, and Lawrence Akintunde. According to Mr Olajorin, the committee found out that there were workers who earned double salaries, and some pensioners were still earning their regular salaries along with their pensions. Displeased by the findings, Mr Akeredolu ordered the Head of Service to dismiss officers who are receiving double salaries from the state payroll. He decried the several infractions and over-bloated workforce occasioned by the presence of ghost workers. The governor also directed that all ministries, departments, and parastatals in the state should stop recruitment under any guise until the Salary Verification Committee has concluded its assignment. We have an over-bloated workforce, and undoubtedly, I am sure there are many ghost workers, he said. Those who are receiving double salaries, apart from recovering the money from them, I am directing the Head of Service to get them dismissed. They must serve as a deterrent to others. Mr Akeredolu appreciated the committee for doing a good job and not compromising their integrity. Mr Olajorin had earlier informed the governor that the first and major step taken by the committee was to contact the various agencies including the Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), Hospitals Management Board (HMB), Local Government Service Commission (LGSC) among others. He noted that the committee also obtained vital documents like the Nominal Roll, Disposition List, Pay Register and Pension Payroll so as to achieve its mandate. The documents were consequently scrutinized and in the process, some infractions were discovered, he said. Mr Governor, permit me to inform you that our beam light was initially focused on TESCOM and some of the infractions detected were about: Officers/pensioners receiving both salary/pension, retired officers later reappointed and drawing salary/pension, officers whose salaries are hanging among others. Details are contained in the Volume 1 report of the Committee. In the process, a sum of N304,859,812.51 was discovered as the aggregate loss to the state government from the above infractions. In furtherance of our activities, attention was shifted to the pay register of Hospital Management Board. The committee carried out on-the-spot verification for both medical and non-medical personnel in their various facilities across the state. The exercise led to the discovery of some unwholesome practice like abscondment, study leave without pay, payment of salaries to officers after resignation, while some officers couldnt be traced to any health facilities. So far, a sum of N192,873,592 has been discovered from HMB as the total loss to the state government. Mr Governor, permit me to mention that the committee has so far, identified the sum of N497,733,404 for infractions in TESCOM and HMB. Mr Olajorin also explained that another issue of concern found by the committee was the lopsidedness observed in the posting of officers to health facilities in the urban centres at the detriment of the ones in the rural areas. The state government had since last year been at loggerheads with workers over the payment of salaries. At some point in 2021, workers received salaries in percentages due to what the government described as the paucity of funds. However, the governor recently promised to pay all outstanding arrears of workers before the end of 2022. The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) on Wednesday said it will continue to advocate for the passage of the diaspora voting bill that was shut down months ago by the Nigerian parliament. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, chairperson of NiDCOM, during a press briefing to announce the upcoming National Diaspora Day, said the commission will continue to appeal to the national assembly. Without the national assembly amending the laws, we are all helpless. We have to continue to lobby, beg, plead for parliament to see the need for diaspora voting and all of you media should make it a topic of discussion, she said. According to Ms Dabiri-Erewa, diaspora voting is something that has to happen; although the parliament argues that Nigeria has yet to perfect voting and as such, is not ready for diaspora voting. If we keep waiting for perfection, nothing will happen and INEC is ready. Now there is electronic transmission of results, so it is just to engage the national assembly more, she said. The national assembly had in March voted against diaspora voting during a constitution review despite INEC saying it was prepared for diaspora voting. Ms Dabiri-Erewa charged members of Nigerian in Diaspora Organisation Europe (NIDOE) present at the meeting to also lend their voice to the advocacy. Nigerian National Diaspora Day Nigeria will on July 25 mark its national diaspora day in a hybrid event in Abuja, the nations capital. The event themed Diaspora Engagement in global challenging times for National Development, according to Ms Dabiri-Erewa, is essential for national development as no nation in the world will grow without its Diaspora. She added that it would be a networking, advocacy and mobilisation event to celebrate the achievements of the over 17 million Nigerians in the Diaspora who contribute to national development; as well as facilitate engagements among the Diaspora with the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of government amongst others. Susan Waya, chairperson of NIDO UK South said, we use the National Diaspora Day to empower the less privileged. It is not just about sending money back home but identifying with home. She also urged young people to stop the mass exodus from the country, saying There is nothing out there. The Tinubu Campaign Organisation has described as unwarranted distractions the viral pictures and videos of some Christian clerics at Wednesdays unveiling of Kashim Shettima, the All Progressives Congress (APC) Vice-Presidential candidate in Abuja. Bayo Onanuga, Director, Media and Communication, Tinubu Campaign Organisation, in a statement on Thursday, said the clergymen were not fake as was being speculated in the social media. The APC formally presented Sen. Shettima to the public and its various organs as the running mate of its 2023 presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, at a well-attended ceremony, Mr Onanuga said. He added that at the unveiling, Messrs Tinubu and Shettima, and former Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti and Governor Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi and the partys National Chairman, Abdullahi Adamu, in their speeches, addressed fundamental issues of nation building. This, he said, was the focus of the APC and its candidates with a view to ensuring a progressive and prosperous nation where all citizens could find joy and fulfilment. Mr Onanuga explained that the event was an open affair, which allowed members of the public to attend, including the clergymen and others now being derided by hirelings of the opposition. We want to say that those clergymen were not fake, not mechanics or yam sellers as the purveyors of hatred have made Nigerians to believe in the social media. They are not big names in Christendom yet, they are gradually building up their missions. They are Church leaders who genuinely believe that Nigerians must eschew politics of hatred and religious bigotry and rather embrace politics of peace and nation building. We therefore deplore the hysterical twisting of the presence of these men and women in cassocks and the false accusation against our candidates, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Sen. Shettima, Mr Onanuga said. Controversy PREMIUM TIMES reported how some men in cassocks on Wednesday attended the unveiling of Mr Shettima as the vice presidential candidate of the APC. The affiliations of the men, dressed in different attires representing various Christian denominations, remained unclear. The presence of the cassock-wearing participants suggested some Christian leaders are in support of APCs Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket in spite of opposition by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN). CAN has disowned the men, saying they were impostors hired by the APC to fake a Christian-community support for the Tinubu-Shettima ticket. Mr Tinubu had on July 10 in Daura, Katsina State, named Mr Shettima, a former Borno State governor and serving senator, as his running mate. The choice of the former governor sparked criticisms from those who believe Mr Tinubu, a southern Muslim, should have picked a Christian as running mate. CAN said the unidentified Christian clerics at Wednesdays unveiling of Mr Shettima were not its members. A spokesperson for the association, Bayo Oladeji, told PREMIUM TIMES the priests at the venue were fake. He did not say how he determined that the men were not genuine. He accused the Tinu bu Campaign Organisation of consistently peddling lies to justify the choice of Mr Shettima. But the APC spokesperson said the orchestrated social media sensation over the presence of the clergymen was needless and all calculated to detract from the huge success recorded at the unveiling held at YarAdua Centre. He expressed belief that Nigerians were too wise and discerning to see through this shenanigan. He assured that Messrs Tinubu, Shettima and the APC were working very hard to provide purposeful leadership and good progressive governance that would improve the quality of life of Nigerians. We are well aware that the opposition parties and the sponsors of the social media charade are jittery and threatened by the intimidating political credentials of our candidates. The only way they hope to shift attention of public scrutiny away from their uninspiring candidates and credentials is to create social media distraction. Our campaign is determined on focusing on core governance issues that affect Nigerians with a view to confronting them and make the desired improvements in the standard of living of our people, Mr Onanuga said. (NAN) Chads political transition was meant to take 18 months, from April 2021 to September 2022, but it now appears an extension will be needed. The country is saddled with security problems internally and at its borders, significant food shortages and poor public governance. Delaying the transition could provoke further turmoil. A return to constitutional order seems unlikely without genuine will from the Transitional Military Council and the rebel movements to reach an agreement. Urgent steps are needed to deal with the misappropriation of public funds, intercommunal conflicts and other security risks. After four months of talks in Doha between the transitional government and Chads politico-military groups, a peace agreement is in sight. But several difficult issues still need to be resolved. Stakeholders rejected a first draft agreement in May. A second, apparently more consensual, version was submitted by Qatar, the mediating party, at the end of June. The latest version still does not resolve differences on critical matters, such as the composition of the Inclusive National Dialogues organising committee, the transition charter and army reform. These issues will determine the quality of future elections, the return to constitutional order and a transfer of power to civilians. Pending an agreement, the government possibly due to international pressure on the Transitional Military Council announced that the national dialogue would take place on 20 August. But the participation of politico-military groups remains unclear, and the major ones, including the Front for Change and Concord in Chad and the Union of Resistance Forces, have withdrawn from the process. Also, a month isnt enough time to organise such an important meeting. These stumbling blocks have resulted in intense protests, such as that organised in May by the civil society platform, Wakit Tama. In addition to challenging the Transitional Military Council, the platform rejects Frances presence in Chad, particularly its perceived unconditional support for the junta. The May protest led to vandalism targeting French companies, including TotalEnergies gas stations. These actions were repressed, and the leaders arrested, tried and reprieved. The platform continues its call for protests against the Transitional Military Council. The countrys internal security is also deteriorating. Intercommunal conflicts are increasingly bloody due to the easy flow of weapons. In May, clashes in Kouri Bougoudi, a gold mining zone in the countrys north, resulted in over 200 deaths. Many other localised conflicts have also erupted this year. At Chads various borders, the situation is just as volatile. In the west, other Lake Chad Basin countries (Cameroon, Niger and Nigeria) continue to be rocked by attacks carried out by Boko Haram factions. In the far north, the unstable situation in southern Libya poses a threat as rebel groups, armed gangs and traffickers circulate effortlessly between the two countries. In the east, the ongoing intercommunal conflicts in Darfur threaten to spill into Chad. The border situation with the Central African Republic in the south remains fragile, with rebel groups still at war against the political authorities in Bangui. In June, Chads government officially declared a food and nutrition emergency, pleading for international aid. The United Nations estimates that one-third of Chads population (over five million people) is food insecure. The situation could worsen as the rainy season starts. This ploughing period is when food reserves are low until the next harvest. Chad also continues to face financial governance problems. The diversion of at least 120 billion XAF (10 per cent of the national state budget) from the accounts of the National Hydrocarbons Company of Chad, revealed in June, is still making headlines. This misappropriation involves high-ranking state officials, which damages public trust in the government and tests its credibility. With the transition deadline looming, the priority is to create conditions that favour a smooth exit. The transitional government should adopt a more conciliatory stance to enable progress at the Doha talks and revive the Inclusive National Dialogue process. Authorities must also avoid clamping down on freedom of expression and protest, which could risk radicalising civil society and opposition parties. The Transitional Military Council should urgently address the food situation to avoid a humanitarian disaster. Trials should be held for those accused of embezzlement and misappropriation of public funds. The focus must be on using state resources to relieve food insecurity, not filling the pockets of corrupt officials. Finally, to improve security, the government must curb the proliferation of small arms, which are increasingly used in inter-communal conflicts and organised crime. Removing these weapons from civilians possession in cross-border zones and gold mining areas is also a priority. The 2022 third forum of governors of the Lake Chad Basin in NDjamena is a vital opportunity to confront Boko Haram through the regional stabilization strategy. The role of external partners in Chads political transition remains crucial. These include the African Union, United Nations, France and Qatar. They should use their diplomatic weight to advance the Doha discussions and obtain a clearer timetable for the transition. Continued support is also needed for the Transitional Military Council to solve the countrys food and security crises. This would ease socio-political tensions and guarantee a genuinely inclusive dialogue. These steps are vital for national reconciliation, elections and a return to constitutional order within a realistic timeframe. Remadji Hoinathy, Senior Researcher, ISS Regional Office for West Africa, the Sahel and the Lake Chad Basin This article was produced with the support of the governments of the Netherlands and Norway. (This article was first published by ISS Today, a Premium Times syndication partner. We have their permission to republish). The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, has urged journalists to always ensure they get their facts right before going public. Mr Gbajabiamila stated this at the inauguration of the new executives of the House of Representatives Press Corps and the launch of its maiden magazine Green Sentinel, Wednesday. Mr Gbajabiaamila, who was represented by the Deputy Speaker, Idris Wase, said the House was always ready to provide any information that is required by journalists. I urge you to use available opportunities of cross-checking your facts. Our doors are always wide open. Nothing is done in secret because we believe in communication. Communication is power. Where you lack communication there would be gaps, he said. He assured the Press Corps of cooperation in the discharge of the House legislative duties. We believe you have the capacity to discharge your onerous functions. You have a role to improve the society and you have been doing that but you should do more. Nigeria should move forward and we shall collectively move the Nigeria project forward. Democracy is about teamwork and we must work together to protect those things that would promote the tenets of democracy and good governance in Nigeria. We must all work together for Nigeria to work, Mr Gbajabiamila said. While congratulating the Corps on the inauguration and launch of the magazine, he prayed God to help the leadership in the discharge of its functions. Chairperson of the Press Corps, Grace Ike, thanked the leadership of the House for their assistance and cooperation with the Corps, saying they have been part of its achievements. She described the occasion as another milestone in our drive as parliamentary reporters to be responsive, responsible, engaging and keeping time for posterity. Ms Ike said it was the first time in the history of the House of Representatives Press Corps and indeed the Press Corps in National Assembly, that a female was being sworn in back-to-back as chairman. This, she said, is confirmation that the Press Corps is gender-sensitive. She expressed gratitude to everyone who made the publication of the magazine possible. Being here today is a testament to the can-do spirit in which the leadership of the House as exemplified by the Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila as Speaker has inculcated in us all for more than three years. Our decision to embark on this publication is premised on the realisation that as a select few opportune to experience first hand the work of the peoples representatives to make good and enduring laws for our country as well as being sources of empowerment, it is important for us to document these and behind-the-scenes moments. Though we are journalists, we are historians as we document most that happen for generations to come she said. Spokesperson of the House, Ben Kalu (APC, Abia) also congratulated the press corps. He said the press corps was independent as the House does not interfere in its activities. The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Wednesday, admitted in evidence $61,400 cash allegedly offered as a kickback to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) operatives by Abba Kyari. Mr Kyari, a suspended deputy commissioner of police, and four Intelligence Response Team (IRT) members of the police Sunday Ubua, Bawa James, Simon Agirgba and John Nuhu face charges of illicit dealing in 21.35kg of cocaine between January 19 and 25, 2022, among other related offences that violate and punishable under the NDLEA Act. At the resumed trial on Wednesday, the court admitted the cash evidence and 24 packs of cocaine, which the prosecuting lawyer, Joseph Sunday, tendered through its third witness, Peter Joshua, an operative of the anti-narcotics agency at Abuja office. In his testimony, Mr Joshua told the court that the foreign currency was given to him on January 25, after he weighed and carried out preliminary tests on wraps of cocaine that were confiscated from two convicted drug dealers, Chibunna Umeibe and Emeka Ezenwane. Messrs Umeibe and Ezenwanne have since March 7, pleaded guilty to importing cocaine into Nigeria, after they were apprehended at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu in January. The court sentenced the two men to two years imprisonment each. But Mr Kyari and four other co-defendants in the case, denied any involvement in the drug crime, despite being caught in a video where Mr Kyari allegedly attempted to bribe NDLEA officials with the aim of compromising investigation. Giving details of the cash denominations, the witness said all in $100 bills, was handed to him for safekeeping by the Director of Intelligence and the Deputy Commander General of Narcotics, at the Abuja office of the NDLEA. Exhibits admitted in evidence Thereafter, the judge, Emeka Nwite, admitted the money in evidence and marked it as Exhibit 11, while the document containing their serial numbers was marked as Exhibit 12. Subsequently, the seized cocaine was brought before the court in two bags one contained nine packs wrapped in white cotton sacks, while the second bag contained three additional packs of cocaine and 12 pellets. The judge equally admitted same in evidence and marked then as exhibits. Mr Nwite admitted three international passports that were seized from Messrs Umeibe and Ezenwanne. Mr Kyari seeks bail At the resumed trial on Wednesday, Mr Kyaris lawyer, Mr Ikpeazu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), told the judge, that his clients life was in danger due to the recent attack on Kuje Correctional Centre, the detention facility where Mr Kyari is being held in Abuja. In his arguments, Mr Ikpeazu disclosed that the terrorists who were members of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) took control of the prison for over three hours, forcing Mr Kyari to take refuge in a corner of the prison. He added that his client being a law-abiding citizen did not run away, even when he had the opportunity to do so. Assuring that Mr Kyari will not jump bail, Mr Ikpeazu said he would not interfere with investigations as the prosecution had told the court that investigations in the suit had been concluded. While Sunday Ubuas lawyer, Gboyega Oyewole (SAN), urged the court to grant his client bail in view of the health condition of his wife, whom he said has been battling cancer. Mr Oyewole told the court that Mr Ubua has been the sole caregiver of his ailing wife urging the court to admit him to bail. He said the proof of evidence shows the NDLEA has nothing against Mr Ubua. NDLEAs opposes bail In opposition to the fresh bail request, NDLEA lawyer, Mr Joseph, asked the court to refuse the bail applications for Mr Kyari and his co-defendants. Mr Joseph argued that Mr Kyari and his co-defendants are flight risks and that they would tamper with the money laundering investigations and the witnesses lined up for the trial. He said the court had earlier made pronouncement on the bail of the defendants and that there was nothing new placed before the court to warrant a re-consideration of the earlier ruling of the court denying the defendants bail. After listening to the lawyers submissions, the judge fixed August 30 for ruling on the bail applications. The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has given reasons why the national electricity grid collapsed yet again on Wednesday, leaving many states in darkness. The latest grid collapse is the sixth time in 2022. The TCN said the national grid experienced system disturbance at about 11:27a.m. on Wednesday, but that its restoration was almost completed as at 11:00p.m. The incident was a result of a sudden drop in system frequency from 49.94 Hertz (HZ) to 47.36Hz, which created system instability, spokesperson for the company, Ndidi Mbah, said in a statement. Hertz is a unit of frequency which replaces the earlier term of one cycle per second (cps). Mrs Mbah said that reports from the National Control Centre revealed that the collapse was precipitated by the tripping of a unit with a load of 106 Megawatts (MW) in one of the generating stations due to exhaust over temperature. She said the tripping pulled out other grid-connected units in the plant, which resulted in aggregated generation loss of 457MW. A train of events ensued, culminating in the collapse of the national grid. As obtainable in all systems, when a component of the electric power system is defective, the entire configuration is vitiated, she said Mrs Mbah said investigation was going on to establish the cause of the failure. She said the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) appreciated the understanding of the government and consumers of electricity within and outside the country. In 2012, Hefei's gross regional product was 416.798 billion yuan(approx. 61.75 billion US dollars), and after ten years of high-quality development, this figure increased to 1.14 trillion(approx. 168.91 billion US dollars) in 2021, breaking through a trillion while also growing 2.7 times. And with the gross regional product exceeding one trillion, Hefei also rose to the19thplace in the national ranking, advancing 13 places in ten years. A decade's leap ofseven hundred billion yuan in GDP Data show that the gross regional product of Hefei surged from 416.798 billion yuan in 2012 to 1.14 trillion yuan in 2021, an increase of 2.7 times, across seven hundred billion yuan in a row. It thereby rose in the ranking of all cities in China to 19th, moving 13 places forward in ten years. In terms of growth rate, the average annual growth of its GDP is 9.1%, surpassing the national and provincial growth rates of 2.4 and 0.7 percentage points respectively. In regard to ranking among China's provincial capital cities, the city's total GDP in 2021 ranks 9th , moving 6 places ahead compared with that of 2012. Its primacy in Anhui province, which is 26.6% in 2021, increased by 3.9 percentage points in the past decade, contributing 29.2% to the province's economic growth. Last year, its per capita gross regional product exceeds 120,000 yuan (approx. 17,773.04 US dollars), an increase of 2.2 times over 2012. In the meantime, the strength of Hefei's counties and regions also continues to improve. The comprehensive strength ranking of Hefei High-tech Industry Development Zone ranked 8th in China and has remained in the top 10 for 8 consecutive years, with the Hefei Economic and Technological Development Zone rose to 10th recently. Hefei Xinzhan High-tech Industrial Development Zone is now a new world-class base of display industry. Feixi County was the province's first "100 billion county", indicating that it was the first to reach a GDP of over 100 billion yuan. Other counties and districts including Feidong, Changfeng, Baohe, Shushan and Luyang have also maintained strong momentum of development and their national economic ranking are climbing steadily in the past decade. Mr. Ibrahim Ahmed, an official of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at a Federal High Court, Abuja yesterday narrated how a former Minister of Petroleum, Chief Dan Etete allegedly shared the proceed of $1.3 billion from the sale of Oil Processing License (OPL) 245 among his associates OPL 245 otherwise known as Malabu Oil was said to be owned by Malabu Oil and Gas Ltd. Its sales said to be enmeshed in complicity and fraud have been contested in the courts even outside Nigeria. Giving evidence before Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Ahmed narrated how the proceeds from the sale was transferred from JP Morgan into Malabu's accounts with First Bank and BankPHB (now Keystone Bank) and subsequently transferred to various companies' accounts. According to the witness, some of the beneficiary companies included those owned by, Mr. Aliyu Abubakar, an Abuja businessman currently standing trial before the court. Besides Abubakar, the EFCC is prosecuting seven other companies said to have benefitted from the alleged diversion of the proceeds of Malabu Oil sales. They are Malabu Oil and Gas Ltd, A. Group Construction Company Ltd, Rocky Top Resources Ltd, Megatech Engineering Ltd, Novel Properties and Development Company Ltd, Imperial Union Ltd and Carlin International Nigeria Ltd. Ahmed testifying further in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/268/2016, disclosed that some board resolutions were forged to alter the actual ownership of Malabu Oil and Gas Ltd. Led in evidence by EFCC's lawyers, Offem Uket, Ahmed said: "Again, in 2010 another purported board resolution was filed in Corporate Affairs Commission by one Barrister Ayo Ademola. 'The documents filed by Ademola suggested that the initial directors have resigned their directorship and their shares in which Joseph Amara and Seisougha Munamuna were appointed as directors not minding the changes earlier made. "When the documents were filed with the Corporate Affairs Commission, having them discovered that those documents were forged, the Corporate Affairs Commission returned the company to status quo. "Similarly, the second step was to identify the bank accounts owned by Malabu Oil and Gas Nigeria Limited and the investigating team discovered that Malabu Oil and Gas have two accounts which are domiciliary accounts domiciled at First Bank and former Bank PHB and the only signatory to the accounts was Chief Duazia Loya Etete," he said. Speaking further, the EFCC official said that analysis of the statement of account, revealed that the account of Malabu Oil and Gas Limited domiciled with Keystone Bank (formerly Bank PHB) on August 24, 2011 received the sum of $400 million from JP Morgan. He stated further that Etete, on September 6, 2011, fraudulently transferred the sum of $334 million to Rocky Top Resources account domiciled with the same Keystone Bank. "On September 24, 2013, another sum of $75 million were transferred to the same Malabu Oil and Gas Limited account with Keystone Bank out of which $74 million and some fractions, same was transferred to the Rocky Top Resources account but only $73 million and some fractions got into the account. "Similarly, on August 24, 2011, another sum of $401,540,000.00 was transferred to Malabu Oil and Gas Limited account with First Bank from J. P. Morgan. "On August 29, 2011, Chief Etete transferred the sum of $157 million into the account of A Group Construction Company Limited. "On the same August 29, 2011, Chief Etete again transferred the sum of $180 million to the Megatech Engineering Ltd. "On the same August 29, 2011, the same Chief Etete transferred the sum of $34,540,000.00 to Novel Properties and Development Limited. "On September 2, 2011, he transferred another sum of $30 million to Novel Property and Development Limited," he alleged. On the account with First Bank, he said his team, "discovered that A Group Construction received $157 million from Malabu Oil and Gas Limited, Megatech Engineering received $180 million from Malabu Oil and Gas Ltd. "Furthermore, Novel Property received $34,540,000.00 and also $30,000 000.00 from Malabu Oil and Gas Limited." Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Nigeria Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Ahmed disclosed that on further studying of the account opening documents of MegaTech Engineering and, A Group Construction Company, it was discovered that Aliyu Abubakar (the 8th defendant) was the signatory to the accounts. He added that investigation revealed that before the transfer to Rocky Top Resources, Aliyu Abubakar had interest in the company, adding that when the money came in, he sold the company and introduced Chief Dan Etete as the sole signatory of the account. He told the court how Abubakar volunteered statements and the prosecution was at the point of determining the statements when the defence team including Wole Olanipekun (SAN), Olalekan Ojo (SAN), Joshua Musa (SAN) and others objected on the grounds that the statements were not made voluntarily. Responding, trial judge, Justice Inyang Ekwo opted to conduct a trial-within-trial to ascertain the voluntariness or otherwise of the statements. Justice Ekwo then adjourned till October 24 for the commencement of the trial-within-trial. The House of Representatives on Thursday resolved to investigate the recent attack on the Kuje Custodial Centre, Abuja by terrorists. The House directed its Committees on National Security and Intelligence, Interior, Reformatory Services, Defence, Army, Airforce, Navy and Police to investigate the causes, dimensions and effects of the attack. Also, the lower chamber urged the federal government to implement the recommendations of the National Security Summit organised by the leadership of the House. These resolutions followed the adoption of a motion moved by the Chairman of the House Committee on National Security and Intelligence, Shaaban Sharada (APC, Kano), on Thursday. Kuje attack The medium security correctional facility was attacked by terrorists on July 5 during which hundreds of inmates were freed and others escaped. Over 400 of them have been reportedly recaptured. Boko Harams splinter group, ISWAP, has since claimed responsibility for the attack Sharadas motion In his motion, Mr Sharada said the attack happened despite the huge resources spent on correctional facilities in the country. He added that the attack has created uncertainty among citizens in the country, with some of the terrorists still moving about. Kuje Custodial Centre attack and its terrible outcome along with several related crimes against national security are on the increase despite stakeholders commitment towards equipping the national security enforcement and intelligence community with significant appropriation of funds, he said. Mr Sharada said: public peace and safety will continue to be threatened if urgent steps are not taken to address the situation. The motion was taken without debate. The Deputy Speaker, Idris Wase, who presided over the plenary, resolved that the committees should report their findings to the House within four weeks for further legislative action. The General Manager, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Bolaji Oreagba, says the authoritys major function is to control traffic, but its duties also include enforcement of the traffic laws. Mr Oreagba said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Wednesday. He was reacting to allegations of excesses by some of its officials in carrying out their duties on Lagos roads. The General Manager said that in doing its job, its men were not mandated to arrest violators of traffic laws but to apprehend their vehicles. We dont arrest, we apprehend vehicles of violators of the traffic laws. The only occasion where we arrest people has to do with when anyone assaults our officers, and it will not be immediate arrest at that particular time. There must be video evidence to show that the officer is truly assaulted, and arrest is later by the police. One of the commercial drivers on the 20th of March defecated on his hand but was not arrested at the moment, but his vehicle was apprehended immediately. The offender was later arrested on the 4th of July while he was immediately taken to the court for prosecution. So, we dont arrest offenders, Mr Oreagba said. He said if an officer apprehended a vehicle, the owner would like to come to the LASTMA office to claim the vehicle. The LASTMA boss said the authority had the legal authority to dispossess the offender of the vehicle, move it to its yard or tow the vehicle, to avoid traffic on the highway. He said the Lagos State Government had installed a technology that would capture traffic infringement to enhance LASTMAs operations. Mr Oreagba said the authority had stationed cameras, body cameras and Traffic Management Devices at traffic points. The Traffic Management Device goes recording and goes directly to the control room immediately it finishes recording, he said. Mr Oreagba said the device could scan number plates, and if there was an unsettled violation, the device would give details. According to him, failure to settle such a violation will result in the vehicle being impounded. He urged drivers and general road users to be compliant with traffic laws, to make the smart city vision achievable in Lagos. The General Manager gave an insight into fines payable for offences committed by motorists. Excerpt from the Lagos State Transport Reforms Law 2018 indicates that driving without a drivers licence attracts a fine of N20,000, driving by underage attracts fines ranging from N20,000 to N30,000. Learner driver without a permit, learner driving on the highway, driving with fake number plate, driving with forged drivers licence attract the same fine of N20,000 to N30,000. Disobeying traffic control personnel, neglect of traffic direction, smoking, drinking, eating while driving, attract N20,000 to N30,000 while operating vehicle within restricted routes or beyond approved hour attracts fine of N50,000.00 and also impounding of vehicle or six months imprisonment. Physical assault on traffic personnel attracts N100,000, driving a trailer or other vehicle carrying containers unlatched and not properly secured attracts N250,000 fine, Mr Oreagba said. He stated that the authority does not condone excesses by its personnel. In March, LASTMA said some officers of the agency who were found culpable of gross misconduct while performing their official duties had faced disciplinary action. It said this was in line with the extant rules as guided by the Lagos State Civil Service Rules and Regulations. It said the Personnel Management Board (Disciplinary) which was held to look into reported misconduct of the officers, considered the allegation of bribery, corruption and serious act unbecoming of a Public Officer levelled against them. According to the agency, it found some officers culpable of serious misconduct as stated in the public service rule. It said LASTMA could only get better, if and when members of the public share their experiences which also include positive ones and provide evidence where applicable of perceived misdemeanours. It said six officers faced disciplinary action from September to December 2021. Two of the officers, according to the agency, had their appointment terminated, while four suffered a reduction in rank along with a reprimand for their various misdemeanours. (NAN) The House of Representatives has passed for the second reading a bill to amend the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to increase the validity period of its results. The bill sponsored by Tolulope Shadipe (APC, Oyo) seeks to amend sections 5(1a) and 5(2) of the principal act. The general control of the conduct of matriculation examinations and admissions to courses leading to the award of first degrees, higher national diploma, national diploma and Nigeria Certificate in Education by universities (by whatever name called), monotechnic/polytechnic (by whatever name called) in Nigeria shall be valid for four years, the bill reads. If the bill is passed, JAMB results will be valid for four years as against the current one-year period of validity. Leading the debate, Ms Shadipe said the current law is exploitative with students forced to pay money annually despite passing the examination. READ ALSO: She stated in other countries, similar examinations have a validity period of four years and above. Everywhere in the world, theres no such examination that is valid for one year. Here in Nigeria, if dont get in, you repeat JAMB again. Its unfair. There are a lot of Nigerians whose parents are struggling to put their children through school, she said. The Minority Leader, Toby Okechukwu (PDP, Enugu), who spoke in support of the bill, said it is an economic matter. What shes (Shadipe) saying is that our children and the parents who fund their education have not just been suffering double jeopardy but have been suffering several jeopardies, Mr Okechukwu said. He added that the bill should be allowed to go to the committee. Speaking against the bill, Uzoma Abonta (PDP, Abia) said it would create more crises. He argued that the sponsor of the bill failed to convince him of the mischief the bill seeks to cure. Speaking in support of the bill, the presiding officer, Deputy Speaker Idris Wase, said the bill seeks to address the economic burden on parents. The bill was passed for the second reading when Mr Wase put it to vote. The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has awarded N500 million in prizes to 13 tertiary institutions across the country. The winners federal, state and private universities- were ranked best for the 2020 JAMB National Tertiary Admissions Performance-Merit Award (NATAP-M Award). The winners shared N100 million per each of the five categories of the awards. The categories include the most preferred institution by candidates; the institution with the highest national diversity; the most improved institution in gender balance; and the institution with the highest number of international students. The presentation of prizes was held at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, on Thursday, during the admission policy meeting which was chaired by the education minister, Adamu Adamu. The award ceremony, according to the JAMB registrar, Is-haq Oloyede, was the third in the series since it was initiated in 2018. Mr Oloyede said N75 million will be presented to the winners, N15million and N10 million to the first and second runners-up. He noted that the prize, which was pegged at N100 million for the winners alone, was reviewed to accommodate prizes for runners-up following the recommendation of the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu. Winners University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) emerged as the most sought-after tertiary institution in Nigeria, with 81,659 applicants in the 2020 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations (UTME), while Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) ranked second with 75,446. Bayero University, Kano (BUK), ranked third with 59,506. While UNILORIN was rewarded with N75 million, ABU and BUK received N15 million and N10 million, respectively. In the category of the most national in admission spread, Kaduna Polytechnic, Kaduna State emerged the first, having candidates across 33 states of the Federation. Ahmadu Bello University, with candidates across 32 states and Afe Babalola University with candidates across 29 states, emerged first and second runners-up, respectively. Mr Oloyede said this category considers the institutions with the highest number of diverse students from across the country. Meanwhile, Federal University, Lafia, took home the prize for the most improved in gender balance for the year 2020. The FCT College of Education, Zuba, emerged as the first runner-up and Abia State University, Uturu was the second runner-up in the category. For the institution with the highest number of foreign students, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria emerged first with 61 candidates; the University of Maiduguri came second with 20 and Nile University, Abuja, ranked third with 11. Meanwhile, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, emerged as the best in compliance with the policy guidelines of JAMB. The first and second runners-up winners are the University of Ibadan, and the University of Maiduguri, respectively. New Development The JAMB registrar, ahead of the next 2023 award ceremony, announced that the board will separate the prizes of universities, polytechnics and colleges of education. He added that the total prize currently put at N500 million will by then be raised to N750million. Qosim Suleiman is a reporter at Premium Times in partnership with Report for the World, which matches local newsrooms with talented emerging journalists to report on under-covered issues around the globe. A lawyer, Festus Onifade, has asked the Competition and Consumer Protection (CCPC) Tribunal in Abuja to penalise MultiChoice for disobeying a subsisting order that barred the pay television firm from increasing tariffs on its products and services. Mr Onifade and the Coalition of Nigeria Consumers jointly sued MultiChoice operator of DSTV and GOTV in Nigeria and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC). The claimants are praying the tribunal for an order restraining MultiChoice from increasing the subscription rates for its services and other products. MultiChoice on March 22 announced that it was going to commence the new price regime on April 1. Following the planned tariff hike announcement, the claimants approached the tribunal urging it to stop the price hike pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice dated and filed on March 30. The tribunal on March 30 granted the ex-parte application directing parties to maintain the status quo pending the determination of the whole suit But MultiChoice ignored the restraining order by going ahead to increasing the price of its products and services. Why MultiChoice should be penalised At the resumed proceedings on Thursday, Mr Onifade urged the tribunal to sanction MultiChoice, saying, MultiChoice has a history of violating court orders. He argued that the pay television giant in Nigeria breached the March 30 order of the tribunal, which asked parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum. But Multichoices lawyer, Jamiu Agoro, contended that the price hike arrangement had been set in motion before the March 30 order was made by the tribunal. He challenged Mr Onifades procedure of instituting the contempt proceedings by failing to first serve Forms 48 and 49 on the alleged contemptnor (MultiChoice) before filing the application. READ ALSO: Also, the Multichoice lawyer argued that the tribunal lacks the jurisdiction to entertain the suit, adding that his client cannot be held to be in contempt of an order which it had applied that this tribunal sets aside. While challenging the tribunals jurisdiction to hear and determine the suit, Mr Agoro said the claimants failed to exhaust the statutory provision which requires complainants to first file a petition at the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) before approaching the tribunal. The Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal (CCPT) is mandated to hear appeals from or review any decision of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) taken in the course of the implementation of any of the provisions of the FCCPA, Mr Agoro argued. He said the claimants suit had not been determined by the FCCPC before they filed their suit at the tribunal. Mr Agoro urged the tribunal to dismiss the contempt proceedings as well as the entire suit. However, in a reply on points of law, Mr Onifade explained that the Sherrif and Civil Process Act which operates at High Courts does not apply in the case as it relates to the service of Form 48 and Form 49 on the alleged contemptnor. He drew the tribunals attention to Section 51 of the CCPT Act, which empowers it to impose penalties on any undertaking that violates the order of the tribunal. The lawyer informed the tribunal that the claimants petition in March 2020, challenging Multichoices price increase was never determined by the FCCPC. The refusal of the FCCPC to hear and determine our petition in March 2020 when MultiChoice increased its tariff, compelled us to approach the tribunal when it announced that it was going to implement a new price regime, Mr Onifade said while urging the tribunal to assume jurisdiction over the suit. Tribunal fines MultiChoice N100,000 Due to the failure of Multichoices lawyer to file all necessary documents and applications in the suit, the three-member panel chaired by Thomas Okosun slammed a N100,000 fine on Mr Agoro. Mr Agoro had sought an adjournment to enable him to respond to the claimants filings to the substantive suit contrary to the tribunals directive on June 20 to all parties to file and adopt their final arguments on Thursday to enable it to fix a date for judgement. Meanwhile, counsel for the 2nd defendant, the FCCPC, Tam Tamuno, said he did not file any documents in respect of the suit. Mr Tamuno told the tribunal that his client would abide by any decision reached by the tribunal. Thereafter, the tribunal adjourned the suit until July 25 following Mr Agoros request for an adjournment. Background In Mr Onifades suit, he urged the tribunal to issue an order restraining Multichoice from increasing subscriptions for its TV services on April 1, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice filed on March 30. The tribunal granted the ex-parte motion, directing parties to maintain status quo antebellum. But, during a sitting on April 11, the claimant said he had filed a written address and contempt proceedings against the companys management for allegedly disregarding the tribunals order made on March 30. But Multichoices lawyer, Mr Agoro, contended that because of his application challenging the jurisdiction of the tribunal, this court is to first inquire whether it has the jurisdiction to determine the application. The pay-TV, Multichoice Nigeria headquartered in South Africa, did an upward review of its subscriptions, while the suit was pending. Multichoice had announced new rates for its offerings in Nigeria, the firms latest price increase that is bound to irk its customers. The firm said from April 1, subscribers will pay more for all its bouquets and its premium package on DSTV will cost N21,000, no longer N18,400. Compact Plus which cost N12,400 before will now go for N14,250, while Compact will cost N9,000 instead of N7,900. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says it is set to arraign a former Accountant-General of the Federation, Ahmed Idris, and others over alleged N109 billion fraud. A statement by EFCCs spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren, said Thursday the commission would arraign Mr Idris at the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja, on Friday. The trial judge is A.O. Adeyemi Ajayi. Mr Idris will be arraigned alongside three others Godfrey Olusegun Akindele, Mohammed Usman and Gezawa Commodity Market and Exchange Limited. They face 14 charges of stealing and criminal breach of trust to the tune of N109, 485,572,691.9. The federal government suspended Mr Idris as the Accountant-General of the Federation after his arrest in Kano over the fraud allegation. The Minister of Finance, Zainab Ahmed, informed Mr Idris of his suspension in a letter dated May 18. His suspension is without pay, Mrs Ahmeds letter stated. Following your recent arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on allegations of diversion of funds and money laundering, I write to convey your suspension from work without pay effective 18th May 2022, the letter read in part. The suspension, Mrs Ahmed said, was in line with Public Service Rules to give room for proper and unhindered investigation. PREMIUM TIMES reported in June how EFCC seized multi-billion naira assets linked to Mr Idris suspected proceeds of crime. Charges Count one of the charges filed against him and others reads, That you, Ahmed Idris between February and December, 2021 at Abuja in the Abuja Judicial Division of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, being a public servant by virtue of your position as the Accountant General of the Federation accepted from Olusegun Akindele, a gratification in the aggregate sum of N15,136,221,921.46 ( Fifteen Billion, One Hundred and Thirty Six Million, Two Hundred and Twenty One Thousand, Nine Hundred and Twenty One Naira and Forty Six Kobo) which sum was converted to the United States Dollars by the said Olusegun Akindele and which sum did not form part of your lawful remuneration but as a motive for accelerating the payment of 13% derivation to the nine (9) oil producing States in the Federation, through the office of the Accountant General of the Federation, and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 155 of the Penal Code Act Cap 532 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 1990 and punishable under the same section. Count eight reads, That you, Ahmed Idris while being the Accountant General of the Federation and Godfrey Olusegun Akindele while being the Technical Assistant to the Accountant General of the Federation between February and November 2021, at Abuja in the Abuja Judicial Division of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, in such capacity, entrusted with a certain property, to wit: N84,390,000,000(Eighty-Four Billion, Three Hundred and Ninety Million Naira) committed criminal breach of trust in respect of the said property when you dishonestly received the said sum from the Federal Government of Nigeria through Godfrey Olusegun Akindele trading under the name and style of Olusegun Akindele & Co., and you thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 315 of the Penal Code Act Cap 532 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 1990. Details later All tertiary institutions offering admissions outside of the Central Admission Processing System (CAPS) operated by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) will henceforth be punished, the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, has said. Mr Adamu spoke on Thursday at the ongoing 2022 Admission Policy Meeting attended by heads of tertiary institutions at the International Conference Centre in Abuja. Mr Adamu reiterated that any admission processed outside of the CAPS is an illegal admission. He said while all undisclosed admissions between 2017 and 2020 have been approved, the ministry and JAMB are monitoring the admissions for 2021 and 2022. Mr Adamu said any head of institution found culpable will be punished even after he or she must have completed the tenure of office. He said: By the last policy meeting, I had approved that all illegitimate admissions from 2017 to 2020 be condoned provided such candidates met the minimum entry qualifications in their various courses of study. I am aware that the process led the affected institutions to declare about one million illegitimate admissions for the period. As soon as the process is completed, necessary measures would be put in place to track and sanction all culpable heads of institutions irrespective of whether they are or are not still in office. I have directed a close watch on the 2021 and 2022 exercises with a view to identifying any violator for stricter punishment. The minister, therefore, enjoined institutions to adhere to the advisories provided by JAMB to guide different aspects of the admission process. As we commence another annual exercise on admissions, I admonish all and sundry to comply with the policy directives as decided at this meeting. Any infringement of any of the policy guidelines would be meted with appropriate sanctions, he said. Undisclosed admissions Speaking on undisclosed admissions, JAMB Registrar, Is-haq Oloyede, said as of July 14, the board has a record of 920,159 undisclosed admissions offered by tertiary institutions in the country between 2017 and 2020. According to him, the largest chunk of these admissions 615,788 were by polytechnics, followed by the colleges of education with 189,292. READ ALSO: He said the universities had 106,279 undisclosed admissions out of the total number, while Innovation Enterprise Institutions (IEIs) recorded 9,193 cases. JAMB said Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS), the University of Jos (UNIJOS, and Benue State University, Makurdi recorded the highest number of undisclosed admissions within the period. While UDUS recorded 20,162 undisclosed admissions, UNIJOS and Benue State University recorded 7,600 and 6,171 cases respectively. Controversy Meanwhile, UDUS vice-chancellor, Sulaiman Bilbis, protested the ranking that put his university worst on the list, saying the undisclosed admissions were perpetrated by institutions affiliated with the university. But the JAMB Registrar, Mr Oloyede, replied that the universities are being held responsible because they are the mother body of the affiliated institutions. In the polytechnics, JAMB disclosed that Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin; Auchi Polytechnic, Edo State; Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State and Yaba College of Technology, Lagos, are the biggest culprits. The board said Kwara State Polytechnic and Auchi Polytechnic granted 49,971 and 41,329 undisclosed admissions respectively within the period. While the Federal Polytechnic Oko-Anambra recorded 31,287 undisclosed admissions, YABATECH did not disclose 30,856 admissions. Of the colleges of education, the Federal College of Education, Katsina State, recorded the highest number of cases put at19,772 while the College of Education, Akwanga, Nasarawa State, recorded 16,761 and Niger State College of Education, Minna, recorded 13,971. Qosim Suleiman is a reporter at Premium Times in partnership with Report for the World, which matches local newsrooms with talented emerging journalists to report on under-covered issues around the globe Nigeria recorded the least cases of armed robberies across its coastal waters and pirate attacks against its ships globally in the first half of 2022, according to a new report released by the International Maritime Bureau (IMB). The report says none of the 58 incidents reported globally in the first six months of 2022 occurred in Nigeria. The record is the least Nigeria has had since 2018 when 31 cases were reported in the country in the first six months of the year. The report said that the first half of 2022 witnessed the least cases of piracy and vessel hijack globally since 2018 with only 58 reported cases compared to 68 cases within the same period in 2021. According to the IMB report titled, Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ship, of the 58 incidents, 12 incidents of piracy were reported in the Gulf of Guinea, and 10 cases were classified as armed robbery and the remaining two were referred to as Piracy Attacks with none of them occurring in Nigerian waters. While the IMB hailed the decline in reported occurrences as encouraging, it also bemoaned the fact that many of the attacks on vessels were reported late changing the numbers in the table in subsequent reports. This report provides an analysis of 58 global maritime piracy and armed robbery incidents reported to the IMB from January to 30 June 2022. Incidents are occasionally reported late, resulting in changes to the table and figures in subsequent reports. Analysis of Nigeria attacks in last four years The index shows that Nigeria recorded 31 cases of actual and attempted vessel hijacking in 2018 out of 107 cases that were reported across international waters in the first six months of the year, and 201 cases globally at the end of the year, an increase of 87 per cent. In 2019, Nigeria recorded 21 cases of vessel attacks across its waters out of the 78 cases of global maritime piracy and armed robbery incidents reported to IMB from January to June, and 162 cases at a 107.6 per cent increase worldwide at year-end. According to the index, Nigeria reported 41 vessel hijacking cases in 2020, from the 98 cases that were reported globally in international waters in the first half of the year, and 195 cases that were recorded at the end of the year, at 98.97 per cent increase. Out of the 68 occurrences of international maritime piracy reported between January to June of 2021, Nigeria had four incidents of vessel attacks across its waters in the first half of the year and 132 cases, representing a 94.11 per cent increase globally. Warnings in Gulf of Guinea waters Despite no-incident record on Nigerian seas, the group highlighted that events had been reported up to 212 nautical miles from the countrys shores. Nautical miles are used to measure the distance travelled through the water. The IMB, therefore, urged shippers to increase their vigilance in protecting their vessels, stating that many hijacking incidents during the first year may potentially have gone undetected. Generally, all waters in/off Nigeria remain highly risky, the IMB stated in its report. Incidents have also been reported up to about 212nm from the coast. READ ALSO: Vessels are advised to be vigilant as many may also have gone unreported. Kidnapping for ransom remains the biggest risk for crews. Vessels are advised to take additional measures in these-high risk waters. In the past, tankers were also hijacked and part cargo stolen (gas oil) Nigeria reacts In reaction to the reports, the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Bashir Jamoh, said the country is committed to sustaining the momentum of the success recorded in recent times in the fight against piracy in the region. In a statement, the Assistant Director, Public Relations, NIMASA, Osagie Jamoh, noted that the reduction was a direct result of collaboration amongst national, regional, and non-regional stakeholders, according to the PUNCH newspaper on Thursday. The statement also quoted the IMB Director, Michael Howlett, to have said, Not only is this good news for the seafarers and the shipping industry, but it is also positive news for trade which promotes economic growth. But the areas of risk shift and the shipping community must remain vigilant. We encourage governments and responding authorities to continue their patrols which create a deterrent effect. PREMIUM TIMES had reported the Indian government in December 2020, announced how 20 of its nationals aboard an oil tanker, (Sailors) MV Duke, were kidnapped by pirates in the Gulf of Guinea West along the shores of Nigeria. The sailors were released six days later. Indian Govt & Mission gave highest priority and worked with @NigeriaGov on release of 20 Indian seafarers kidnapped on 15 Dec from MV Duke. 19 were released yesterday. One sadly died in captivity in adverse conditions. Our deepest condolences. Mission assisting in speedy return, the Indian High Commission in Nigeria had announced via its verified Twitter handle. https://twitter.com/india_nigeria/status/1218829081845882880?s=20&t=ukT32X4DrB-Tid5vvfHZHQ For keen observers and followers of Nigerias sad situation, without a single word said or written, the title of this piece just about summaries the full story of the rigmarole, conundrum, the moving in circles, the confusion, the sheer ineptitude and the bungling of governance by a succession of lazy, unintelligent, unpatriotic, vision-less leaders of Nigeria over the years. This has been the main albatross around our necks. Quite appropriately, it seems, this cycle of sad story has culminated in the administration of Muhammadu Buhari, which appears to cap just about everything that has gone wrong with our country. I present to Nigerians the news story below which talks about our mighty efforts to reduce or rationalise our ministries, departments and agencies in order to reduce the sheer cost of governance in our blighted country beginning from the year 2011, in fact well before. Because I wanted to comment on it, I just copied the story from the source and just entitled it, White Paper SGF 1/7/22. I wish to warn readers that the story itself is written in very poor English and is full of errors but let that not detain us. Let us just get the gist and move on and pursue our main goal. After all, we are talking about Nigeria where everything has gone terribly bad and we are now in urgent need of a rescue and restoration. Here is the story: The Federal Government has set an eight man Committee to come up with a white paper on the review of Parastatals, Agencies and Commission created in twenty fourteen after the report on Restructuring and Rehabilitation of Federal Government Parastatals And Agencies. Inaugurating the Committee in Abuja, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha said the move was to address increasing cost of governance in the face of revenue challenges in the country. The development according to the SGF followed previous attempts which was first conceived in 2011with the constitution of a Committee under the chairmanship of a former Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mr Steave Oronsaye. After unsuccessful implementation of recommendations of the reports and subsequent white paper, the Federal Government under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari in 2021 inaugurated two committees, one headed by a retired Head of Service, Mr Goni Bukar Aji to review the Mr Steave Orosanyes report and its white paper, while the second the chaired by the Immediate past Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Ms Amal Pepple was constituted to review New Agencies created from 2014 to date. The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Mr Boss Mustapha explained that the inaugurated white paper committee the chairmanship of another former Head of Service, Mrs Ebele Okeke was to enable government implement the report of the new committees. The Permanent Secretary , Political And Economic Affairs in the Office of the SGF, Shehu Ibrahim urged members of the Committee to bring their experience to bear and come up with implementable outomes. The Chairman of the Committee, Mrs Ebele Okeke , gave an assurance that the Committee would work assiduously to deliver on the assignment. The committee was given six weeks to produce its reports for possible implementation. My Comments: The long and short and small history of the story we have just read is that some time in the life of our beleaguered country, we came to a realisation that the sheer number of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDA) we have, with thousands upon thousands of often idle, indolent or unengaged staff, costing millions upon millions of naira, are damn too many for the health and sustenance of our economy. Upon this realisation, a committee was formed, headed by a former Head of Service of the Federation, Stephen Orosanye, to see how we can reduce everything and have a lean,, efficient and effective machinery of governance to kickstart our efforts at national rebirth. Orosanye accepted the task and did a job that those who are in the know about the Service and what needs to be done, hailed and recommended that the Report be given urgent attention. This was in 2011, about 11 odd years away. President Goodluck Jonathan did nothing about it just like he did nothing about the 2014 Constitutional Review which substantially addressed some of the issues we are still contending with today. Somewhere along the line, Chief Orosanye became a victim of the Nigerian factor. He was accused of corrupt acts and was in court to clear his name or be convicted if he failed to. Now, I cant even remember what became of that case but dont bother yourself with that. Why it is mentioned at all in this narrative is that in 2015 came Buhari who misled some gullible people with his so-called Body Language of a promise of a Holy, Righteous Government of President Muhammadu Buhari. Some of us immediately suspected that the Holy Government will not touch Orosanyes Report, whatever merits or demerits where contained in it, with a ten- meter pole because the man wholed the the committee was tainted with allegations of corruption. Just like he did not touch the 2014 Constitutional Review recommendations. Our suspicion substantially held true until some time last year, or was it early this year, we heard an audio that Buhari has decided he will implement the recommendations of the Orosanye Report perhaps, after he himself saw that his very righteous government was now borrowing to pay Federal Civil servants. But our excitement was too early. Somewhere along the long line, there was a realisation by the Buhari Government that from 2014 to now some more Ministries, Departments and Agencies have been created to add to the already bloated civil and public services. That is why another panel was impaneled to review this latest development in order to add it to the Orosanye Report so that the latest panel can review this and other earlier reviews. Can you now see why the title of this piece is a review to review a review? We are like a group of playful lizards who play at the slippery head of a deep well. Some time members of the playgroup fall into the well. Somehow, they are miraculously rescued but instead of playing faraway from the scene of their misfortune, they continue in that same path, along that same scene and suffer their earlier faith, waiting for the benevolence of fate to get rescued again. If the Orosanye Report was immediately implemented and a tradition of a lean, effective and efficient machinery of government implanted, it would not have allowed an apparatchik in the presidency to advise Buhari to create a Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, duplicating some of the functions of the Office of the Vice-President. Idang Alibi was a columnist and member, Editorial Board of the Daily Trust newspaper. The decision of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to nominate Alhaji Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Senator Kashim Shettima as her presidential and vice presidential candidates respectively, has thrown the country into palpable political and ethno-religious tension; given that both candidates are of the Islamic faith, which has altered the established political tradition and further jeopardized the delicate structural balance of Nigeria. Constitutional Requirements for the Office of President and Vice President As the controversy rages on, this op-ed attempts to dissect the legal perspective and the implications of the same faith candidacies adopted by the APC. As a preliminary point, it should be noted that faith or religious identity of a candidate is not a prerequisite or a qualifying criterion for eligibility into elective offices. Thus, the issue is not whether Kashim Shettima is qualified to be the Vice President within the purview and contemplation of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended). The office of Vice-President is established by Section 141 of the 1999 Constitution which states that there shall be for the Federation a Vice-President, while Section 142 (1) of the Constitution prescribes the process of nomination and election of Vice President as follows: In any election to which the foregoing provisions of this part of this Chapter relate, a candidate for an election to the office of President shall not be deemed to be validly nominated unless he nominates another candidate as his associate from the same political party for his running for the office of President, who is to occupy the office Vice-President and that candidate shall be deemed to have been duly elected to the office of Vice-President who nominated him as such associate is duly elected as President in accordance with the provisions aforesaid. Regarding qualification and disqualification, Section 142 (2) read along with Section 131 of the Constitution states that the indices of qualification and disqualification applicable to the office of President shall apply to the office of the Vice-President. In other words, a person shall be qualified for election to the office of Vice-President if: (a) he is a citizen of Nigeria by birth; (b) he has attained the age of forty years; (c) he is a member of a political party and is sponsored by that political party; (d) he has been educated up to at least School Certificate level or its equivalent. From the foregoing, there is no doubt that Senator Kashim Shettima has met the constitutional requirements to be nominated as the Vice Presidential candidate of the APC. Principle of Federal Character As earlier cautioned, the real issue is not about qualification; the real question or issue is whether the decision by Tinubu and the APC to select and nominate Shettima as their Vice Presidential candidate despite being of the same faith with the Presidential Candidate is in conformity with the constitutional principle of federal character? I will preface my attempt to answer the above question by drawing our attention to Section 10 of the Constitution which is construed by a jurisprudential school of thought as the provision that entrenches the secularity of the Nigerian state, by declaring emphatically that the Government of the Federation and of a State shall not adopt any religion as State religion. In essence, while there is general consensus that Christianity and Islam are the dominant religions in Nigeria, the Constitution forbids any act or omission which seek, tend or purport to elevate either religions as State religion. In discussing Muslim-Muslim ticket, or Christian-Muslim ticket, we should bear in mind that these religions are not the official religions of the Nigerian State and cannot be elevated as such having regard to the constitutional encumbrance in Section 10. The federal character principle at the federal level is rooted in Section 14 (3) of the Constitution. For clarity, the provisions are reproduced verbatim infra: 14(3) The composition of the Government of the Federation or any of its agencies and the conduct of its affairs shall be carried out in such a manner as to reflect the federal character of Nigeria and the need to promote national unity, and also to command national loyalty, thereby ensuring that there shall be no predominance of persons from a few States or from a few ethnic or other sectional groups in that Government or in any of its agencies. From the above provisions, the composition of the Government of the Federation, and the conduct of its affairs shall be carried out in such a manner as to reflect the federal character of Nigeria, promote national unity, and also command national loyalty, and ensure that there shall be no predominance of persons from a few ethnic or other sectional groups in that Government. Some commentators have contended that religion has nothing to do with the federal character principle and that in any event, elective offices are not subject to federal character. This argument is flawed and we shall illustrate this momentarily. Before exposing the flaws in this argument, there is a fundamental question that must be addressed and it goes thus: what is the federal character of Nigeria? The word character can simply be defined as the attributes, traits, mannerisms, physical makeup, culture or personality of a person, society, nation or thing. The Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC) in its 1977 report, defined Federal Character as follows: The distinctive desire of the peoples of Nigeria to promote national unity, foster national loyalty and give every citizen of Nigeria a sense of belonging to the nation notwithstanding the diversities of ethnic, origin, culture, language or religion which may exist and which it is their desire to nourish, harness to the enrichment of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. More concisely, Section 14 (3) of the Constitution reproduced supra is unequivocal on the purport of the federal character principle. The intention of the farmers of the Constitution is not in doubt. Federal character is intended to promote national unity, and also command national loyalty, and ensure that there shall be no predominance of persons from a few ethnic or other sectional groups in that Government. It is conceded that the federal character principle in Section 14 falls under the Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy contained in Chapter II of the Constitution which is non-justiciable. It is non-justiciable because it cannot ordinarily be enforced in a court of law. This is because by virtue of Section 6 (6) (c) of the Constitution, the judicial powers of the courts shall not extern to any issue or question as to whether any act or omission by any authority or person is in conformity with the Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy set out in Chapter II of the Constitution. This position was reaffirmed by the Supreme Court in the case of ATTORNEY GENERAL OF ONDO STATE V. ATTORNEY GENERAL OF THE FEDERATION (2002) 9 NWLR (PT.772) 222. However, there are instances where the principles enunciated and provided for in Chapter II will be justiciable. One of such instances is where the Constitution itself makes a principle in Chapter II justiciable. Another instance is where the National Assembly enacts a law to guarantee the justiciability of a given matter or item in Chapter II. See the case of AG Ondo State supra and Section 4 (2) read along with item 60 (a) Part 1 of the Second Schedule to the Constitution on the exclusive legislative power of the National Assembly to enact a law for the enforcement and justiciability of Chapter II. I have already posited in this piece that Senator Shettima is constitutionally eligible to be nominated for election to the office of the Vice President. I also espoused that the gravamen of the argument is not about his constitutional qualification. Has the APC Breached the Federal Character Principle? The question begging for answer therefore is, has the APC in any shape or form contravened the Constitutional principle of federal character by opting for Muslim-Muslim Presidential Candidacies in defiance of federal character and the established political tradition practiced since the birth of the Fourth Republic in 1999? The answer to this poser is not a simplistic one. However, a community reading of the provisions of Sections 14, 15, 131 (c), 142 (2), 221, 222 (b) and 224 of the Constitution offers not only clarity, but a definitive answer on whether the Muslim-Muslim presidential candidacies adopted by the APC is inconsistent with the spirit and letters of the Nigerian Constitution, particularly as it relates to federal character. I shall now examine the said provisions in brevity. Section 15 of Chapter II contains the Political Objectives of the country and subsection 2 thereof states that national integration shall be actively encouraged, whilst discrimination on the grounds of place of origin, sex, religion, status, ethnic or linguistic association or ties shall be prohibited. Subsection 4 of Section 15 similarly states that The State shall foster a feeling of belonging and of involvement among the various peoples of the Federation, to the end that loyalty to the nation shall override sectional loyalties. By virtue of Section 221 of the Constitution, only a political party can canvass for votes for a candidate. The combined effect of Sections 131 (c) and 142 (2) of the Constitution makes it imperative for any person seeking the office of President and Vice President to belong to a political party and be sponsored by that political party. Section 222 (b) states that no association by whatever name called, shall function as a political party unless the membership of the association is open to every citizen of Nigeria irrespective of his place of origin, circumstance of birth, sex, religion or ethnic grouping. Lastly, Section 224 of the Constitution provides that the Aims, Objectives and Programme of every political party must conform to the provisions of Chapter II of the Constitution. As earlier contended, Sections 14 (3) and 15 (2) and (4) of the Constitution falls under Chapter II. I also stated earlier that while Chapter II is not ordinarily justiciable, it becomes justiciable where the Constitution itself (in another provision) creates an exception for justiciability. In the instant case, the APC as a political party has an obligation to conform to the Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy in Chapter II of the Constitution, including the federal character principle under Section 14 and the political principles in Section 15 which mandates that national integration shall be actively encouraged, whilst discrimination on the grounds of place of origin, sex, religion, status, ethnic or linguistic association or ties shall be prohibited and to also foster a feeling of belonging and of involvement among the various peoples of the Federation, to the end that loyalty to the nation shall override sectional loyalties. The next question that all Nigerians of good conscience must answer with honesty is: has the Muslim-Muslim presidential candidacies of the APC breached the federal character principle? Put differently, has the APC by nominating presidential and vice presidential candidates from the same faith promoted national integration, national unity and national loyalty or has it promoted disunity, sectional loyalty and disintegration? From all that we have witnessed since Shettimas nomination was made public, it should not be difficult to reach a conclusion that the APC has violated the federal character principle. It amounts to intellectual duplicity to argue that religion is not an integral part of the federal character of Nigeria. In 2015, the APC rejected Muslim-Muslim ticket because it violated the federal character principle. If the APC no longer believes in federal character, the starting point should be for the Party to propose a Constitutional amendment to expunge federal character from the Constitution. Quota system should also be abrogated. Until this is done, it is mischievous and dubious for the APC to blatantly ignore the duty imposed on it by the Constitution to conform to federal character under the ridiculous pretext that it nominated Muslim-Muslim candidates based on competence. Without federal character, Buhari would not be the President today. Bola Tinubu is the presidential candidate of the APC partly because of federal character. Zoning is a product of federal character. Those who seek to exclude religion from their interpretation of federal character are doing so dishonestly. If there is nothing wrong with Muslim-Muslim ticket, then there should be nothing wrong with Christian-Christian ticket, North-North ticket or East-East ticket. Politics and democracy have been said to be about numbers. But politics and democracy in a heterogeneous country like Nigeria must be deliberately tailored to foster a sense of inclusion and national integration. That is why the federal character principle is enshrined in the Constitution. Representation is an indispensable ingredient of democracy. Those who keep retorting that Nigerians who are not comfortable with the decision of the APC should focus on their preferred political parties should reread the constitutional provisions enunciated above, including Section 224 which imposes a duty on all political parties to adhere to federal character. It smacks of arrogance and crass insensitivity to dismiss the legitimate views of those who are justifiably disenchanted by the destructive and dangerous politics of identity and exclusion that the APC has now fully embraced. Conclusion There is a reason why the framers of the Constitution made it mandatory for the membership of all political parties to be open to people of all religions. It is to ensure that all religions are treated fairly in the distribution of leadership positions in the country. It is to ensure that a political party does not operate in a sectarian manner. It is to prevent a political party from projecting itself as a Muslim Brotherhood, or as a Christian Brotherhood, or as a brotherhood for African traditional worshippers. Since the APC has chosen a sectarian and divisive path, it is left for the Nigerian electorates to determine whether the path chosen by the APC is in the best interest of Nigeria bearing in mind the existing mistrust in the country, and the multi-religious and multi-ethnic character of Nigeria and vote accordingly in 2023. Given the unpardonable mismanagement of Nigerias diversity, and the grievous damage that President Buhari and the APC have inflicted on this country in the last seven years, one would have expected the APC to read and respect the mood of the nation and be circumspect, and not resort to desperate political gimmicks and divisiveness that will further polarize our country. Shamefully, the APC decided to remind us that allowing it to assume power in 2015 remains a tragic mistake of history. Inibehe Effiong is a Lagos-based legal practitioner and human rights activist. Email: inibehe.effiong@gmail.com President Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday, at the State House, Abuja, told the Vice-Presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Kashim Shettima, that he was confident he would hand over the leadership of the country to him and his principal, Bola Tinubu, in 2023, God-willing. Buhari, however, in spite of the growing concern over APC's preference for a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket, expressed optimism that the party would win the February 2023 presidential election regardless. The president, who spoke while playing host to Shettima, after he was formally unveiled at the Yar'Adua Centre as Tinubu's running mate, boasted that the APC would return to power next year. In the same breath, Tinubu, at Shettima's unveiling yesterday reiterated that he was committed to his choice of a Muslim-Muslim preference, even as the former Borno State governor explained that his pick was in no way an imposition. At the same time, the Director, Media and Communication, Tinubu Campaign Organisation (TCO), Mr. Bayo Onanuga, for the umpteenth time, has reacted to the Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket of the APC, saying it was far from religion and ethnicity considerations, but performance-enhancement based. However, responding to Shettima's speech, Buhari, who was absent at Shetiima's official unveiling as the APC leader, said, "I will respond to your speech, when I am handing over to you and your boss. God willing, you are going to win," adding that, he is very happy with the choice of the former governor of Borno State as Tinubu's running mate. "I wish you the best. Your consistency in the party is very respectful. You served your two terms as governor and finished well. You have kept touch with your base. At every important occasion or event, you are maintaining support for the one who succeeded you. This is commendable," he said. Earlier, Shettima thanked the president for his empathy, support and positive role, leading to his emergence as running mate to the APC presidential candidate. While praising him for having a special place in his heart for Borno and Northeast, he added: "I can cite 20-30 instances of support you have rendered, for which you will be remembered." He mentioned the establishment of the North East Development Commission (NEDC) and the Independent Power Plant for Maiduguri by the NNPC, "after many years of darkness," noting that, "words cannot describe our appreciation of your support. We will remain eternally grateful." He requested of the President to appreciate his successor, Babagana Zulum, who was in his company, along with the Minister of State, Agriculture, Mustapha Baba Shehuri, for spurning "recurring mention" of him and pressure from his governor colleagues to bid for the vice-presidential ticket. Shettima, however, pledged to remain "loyal and devoted" to the President, promising that his vice-presidency would not be for the "troika of Hausa, Fulani and Kanuri," but for all Nigerians, irrespective of ethnicity, religion or geographical place of origin. Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, Tinubu said, every election brings with it, the promise of renewed hope, and that, the 2023 elections would be no different. He, however, insisted that, the APC must win the 2023 elections in order to bring a better life to the people of this country. Tinubu said: "Every election brings with it the promise of renewed hope. This one shall be no different. For our party and for our nation, we hold the chance to move the nation and our collective cause forward as never before. "To do this, we must be wise of thought and courageous of action. We must win this election so that we can bring jobs, education, food, medicine, hope and belief in a better life to the people of this country. "I stand ready to make this journey and, today, I am delighted to stand shoulder to shoulder with my good friend, brother and running mate, His Excellency, Senator Kashim Shettima." Tinubu who noted that much has been said and written about his decision to pick Shettima as partner, insisted that he remained committed in the choice of Shettima. His words: "As a committed democrat and progressive, I have read and listened to all that has been written and said. It has been an emotional and moving period. I understand the strength of feeling that has been displayed by some within our party and I cherish and respect the views of all. "Yet, I remain steadfast in my belief in the selection of Senator Shettima. I am unwavering in my belief that, he is the very best person to run for office and to, hopefully, govern by my side. "I believe in the project this party embarked on at the moment of its foundation. I believe our diversity is our strength and I believe that we must be victorious in order to achieve the greatness of which this country is capable." Shettima, at his unveiling, said his emergence as the running mate to Tinubu was based on the party's forthright assessment of the threats ahead, adding that he was honoured by the consensus of the party's stakeholders to trust him and represent the nation's interests. According to him, "There's no weight I carry very carefully, as much as the burden of trust, and learning from public servants, who never take the expectations of the public, for granted. I'm standing here today, because of the benign testaments of those, who believe in me - those who crawled so that some of us could walk, and those who walked, for others to run." Shettima noted that he was not unaware of the difficult political arithmetic that produced this moment, especially, the understanding of the party's stakeholders and supporters, across religions, regions, and ethnicities, adding that, their resolve to settle for this ticket, was a testament to the faith they have in them. "This ticket isn't an imposition; it's an outcome of democracy at its practical best, and based on the aggregation of the ideas and insights, of our great party's stakeholders. If this were an unpopular option, as the cast of partisan provocateurs has attempted to paint, there wouldn't have been the tonnes of goodwill messages, especially, from distinguished Christians, from all over the country. This ticket is a Nigerian project, not a sectional agenda, that the frightened camps have been struggling to sensationalise. "I'm sincerely proud of the rational citizens, who view this, as nothing but a pragmatic permutation, to defeat our opponents at the polls, and based on acknowledgment and implementation of the candid perspectives of our Christian brothers and sisters in the APC, who, like us, are bound by the passion for us to retain power, in order to deepen the delivery of unifying and transformative governance, to Nigerians." Shettima recalled that about 30 years ago, Nigerians came together to market the Muslim-Muslim ticket of MKO Abiola and Babagana Kingibe, adding that, the Abiola and Kingibe ticket defied the stereotype of Nigerians, as hopelessly sectional, and incapable of prioritising reason over sentiments. He said; "This reincarnation of the 30-year-old hope that produced the late MKO Abiola and Babagana Kingibe, came at a time the country is being pushed to the edge of anarchy, by conflict entrepreneurs, in gaudy suits and babanriga. "But the overwhelming endorsement of Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu, at the APC presidential primaries, by aspirants from the very groups predicted to reject him; and his subsequent election by delegates from the same groups, is a clear message, that Nigerians are beyond the stereotypes of those desperate to tear the people apart." Earlier, the APC National Chairman, Senator Abdulahi Adamu, said Tinubu chose to work along the path of Abiola by choosing a Muslim to be his running mate. He stated categorically that Tinubu as a person, has also thrown his arms around every tribe in the country and has offered his shoulders for those in pain to lean on, stressing that he could be trusted to run an inclusive government. "Those of you who are students of our recent political history will note that in choosing Shettima as his running mate, Jagaban chose also to walk along the path that other great son of this country, Aare Onakakanfo, the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola, did. He chose a Kanuri, Alhaji Baba Gana Kingibe from the North-East geo-political zone, as his running mate in the 1993 presidential election. "We are beginning to suspect there must be some synergy between the Yoruba and the Kanuri. Maybe there is a mutual attraction between them that the rest of us do not know. Never mind, we will put the searchlight on them. "The 1993 presidential ticket and the current one bridged one of our fault lines in the management of our diversities. Nigerians overwhelmingly voted for that ticket, because they trusted Abiola, a man, who opened his arms to every tribe and religion in the country, to run an inclusive government in which no man or woman would be denied his or rights as a Nigerian citizen by the profession of his faith "Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a man, who has also thrown his arms around every tribe in the country. He has offered his shoulders for those in pain to lean on; he has used his wealth to bring succour to the needy. He can be trusted to run an inclusive government in which character, competence and vision matter to his administration." In his submission, Fayemi said no doubt, APC governors would have preferred one of them to be the running mate to Tinubu, but added that Tinubu couldn't have made a better choice. Fayemi expressed optimism that Shettima being a former governor would protect the interest of APC governors. "Asiwaju can't find no better assistant, no better partner, no better companion than Shettima. Even in the toughest of time, he led with courage, he led from the front, he challenged us to do more... ," he said, stressing that Tinubu has found himself not just a governing partner, a bridge builder, a consensus builder, but a talent sporter in Shettima. According to him, Shettima would not be a "Yes Man" to Tinubu, adding: "Asiwaju is someone that I know very well, and he does not like 'yes people' around him. Kashim Shettima is not going to be a 'yes man'. Kashim Shettima is going to offer honest, sincere, independent, verified advice that will be to the betterment of our country." The APC governors that graced the occasion were, Chairman of APC Governors' Forum and the Governor of Kebbi State, Atiku Bagudu; Kano State Governor, Abdulahi Ganduje; Nasarawa State Governor, Abdulahi Sule; Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State; Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi; outgoing Osun State Governor, Gboyega Oyetola; Governor of Borno State, Babagana Zullum; Deputy Governor of Kogi, Edward Onoja; Kastina State Governor, Bello Masari; Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun; and former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio. Group Protests Muslim-Muslim Ticket in Abuja Meanwhile, anti-Muslim-Muslim protesters, yesterday, stormed the national secretariat of the APC to register their grievances. The protest took place almost at the same time the leadership of the APC was unveiling Shettima. Speaking to newsmen, Convener of Forum, Abdullahi Mohammadu, said they would not stop protesting until the party does the right this. In a letter addressed to Adamu, Mohammadu stated that they saw the selection of Shettima as an aberration that should be corrected immediately by the leadership of the party. "We write to your good office in light of the prevailing circumstances arising from the decision of our presidential candidate to select a Northern Muslim as his vice-presidential candidate. "While it must be stated that there is a right to make decisions, however, such decisions must not be made to the collective detriment of the sensibilities of the people that make up the country of Nigeria especially, at a time of mutual suspicion amongst the Christians and Muslims in the northern part of the country," the letter read. Onanuga: Understanding Why Tinubu Picked Shettima Director, Media and Communication, Tinubu Campaign Organisation (TCO), Bayo Onanuga, has said if Tinubu intended to cash in on ethnicity, he would have picked a running mate from the North Western part of Nigeria, which has the highest number of registered voters. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Nigeria Governance By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. According to him, "If he wanted to appeal to the base instincts of religion, he would have also gone for a candidate in the Christian dominated parts of Nigeria. But there was no such consideration. Instead, he picked a tested politician and technocrat from the minority Kanuri ethnic group from the North East," He added that the factors at play were issues germane to confronting the multi-dimensional crises the nation faces today, which included insecurity, economic problems, such as the unemployment crisis facing our youths. "Our candidate canvassed on his track record in Lagos to win the APC primary last June. As governor between 1999 and 2007, he was able to transform a decadent state into the fourth biggest economy in Africa. He believes that his feat in Lagos can be replicated all over Nigeria. "To assist him in realising this vision, he picked Kashim Shettima, who also established a track record of development in Borno State ,while he was governor for eight years, despite the Boko Haram crisis. Surely, only the deep knows how to call onto the deep. Nigerians have a lot to gain in having the two tested leaders at the helm of affairs. "Naturally, some Nigerians with closet motives have failed to see the opportunities and possibilities the twin candidates present to our country at this time of difficult security, economic and political developments, preferring to fan the embers of religion and ethnic divisions among their unsuspecting and vulnerable compatriots," he explained. CAN Disowns Bishops Who Attended Shettima's Unveiling The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), has discribed Bishops, who attended the official unveiling of the vice-presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Kashim Shettima as selfish desperados. Vice-President of CAN (19 Northern States and Abuja) and its chairman in Kaduna State, Rev. Joseph John Hayab, said this in an interview with journalists in Abuja. He said, "The people we saw at the unveiling of Shettima paraded as Bishops are people,who did not have enough time to learn how to wear Bishop garments. Take a closer look at their photo and you will see another Nollywood movie. "CAN wonders why the desperation. First, a story was out claiming to have come from the Chairman of CAN Borno State only to be refuted. Secondly, there was another lie that BAT (Bola Ahmed Tinubu) and his running mate were on their way to meet CAN President one night. A meeting that was not true and was on a night that the CAN President was in Alabama, USA attending the Baptist World Alliance Conference of which he is the Vice President. "Another desperation story was that they met Papa Adeboye, which the RCCG later refuted. If Christians are not important why the desperation. "BAT is free to hire mechanics and other artisans and sew clerical garments for them. An effort that will only add to their many ropes, when the political exercise is over but will not change the need for fairness and justice that CAN is calling for," he said. The books, with the first being titled, Cybersecurity Initiatives for Securing a Country and the second going by the title of Datafication of Society to Foster an Internet Economy, both constitute a tour de force of high intellection, which elucidate upon key elements and initiatives on cybersecurity and datafication in the digital age, with Nigeria as case study. I have always admired the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami for his solid intellection and painstaking understanding of his brief in public service, alongside his charismatic and pragmatic efforts in governance. As a pioneer in government, defining the frontiers of a new future for our country, he has a fascinating understanding of his remit, which is as evident in the manner he speaks without the prompting of prepared addresses, as equally in his eloquence with facts and figures. Beyond an endearing gift of oratory, in less than three years of his tenure, his ministry has grown in leaps and bounds, while facilitating the establishment of newer agencies and departments. This includes the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR) in 2020; Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation (ONDI) in 2021; the National Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre (NDIEC) in 2021; and the Nigerian Data Protection Bureau (NDPB) this year, 2022. While he spearheaded the unbundling of the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST), which now has subsidiaries for property development, transportation and logistics, courier service and a micro-finance bank, the aggressive NIN-SIM verification campaign following the transfer of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to his Ministry resulted in the significant capturing of over 85 million Nigerians in the National Identity (NIN) database. As his endeavours have made many aware, the need to document the identity of Nigerians in this age cannot be overemphasised, particularly towards the goals of national planning and accountability, including the greater demands for security. It is therefore not surprising that during Pantamis ongoing tenure, the ICT sector has the highest growth rate in Nigerias economy, contributing an unprecedented 14.70 per cent to GDP in 2020, and which increased to 16.20 per cent in the first quarter of 2022, as enumerated by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). Despite his busy and crowded schedules, it was quite surprising to learn that the Minister still found time to nurture his first love as an academic, by authoring two books that were recently unveiled at the Stakeholders Consultative Forum on Emerging Technologies, coordinated by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), in Lagos. The books, with the first being titled, Cybersecurity Initiatives for Securing a Country and the second going by the title of Datafication of Society to Foster an Internet Economy, both constitute a tour de force of high intellection, which elucidate upon key elements and initiatives on cybersecurity and datafication in the digital age, with Nigeria as case study. While the book on datafication brings together a series of lectures delivered by Pantami at various academic fora, including universities and analogous institutions, the book on cybersecurity provides insights on modern strategies in the protection of internet-connected systems involving hardware, software and data from cyber threats, particularly in Nigeria. The 129-page Datafication of Society unfolds in nine chapters, traversing a General Overview on Datafication As a Concept, Economic and Security Issues in Using Public and Private Data, ICT As a Catalyst for Economic Development, and the Funding of Nigerian Tertiary Institutions for Entrepreneurship Education. In his introduction, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim, who occupies a commanding height on issues pertaining to Nigerias digital reality, both as a scholarly mediator and policy-maker, points out that datafication is an emerging technological trend involving the harvesting and transformation of the different aspects of everyday life into digital data. Other chapters comprise erudite expositions on the Role of the Digital Economy for National Development, Population Growth and Human Capital Development, the Role of Disruptive Technologies, and Data Privacy and Confidentiality. In his introduction, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim, who occupies a commanding height on issues pertaining to Nigerias digital reality, both as a scholarly mediator and policy-maker, points out that datafication is an emerging technological trend involving the harvesting and transformation of the different aspects of everyday life into digital data. To him, this approach converts a wide range of everyday information into machine-readable and mineable data that can be used to generate deep insights about such information through the patterns it encodes. In his attempt to ensure a layman understands the concept of datafication, the author offers a simple illustration of how he uses his smartphones to count his daily steps and also the calories that he burns for healthy living, etc. On its part, the book on cybersecurity, published by the University Press Plc, spans seven chapters that are spread over 95 pages. Some of these sections focus on the Imperative of Cybersecurity, the Internet as an Enabler of Cybersecurity and Cybercrime, Leading National Cybersecurity Efforts, Policies and Initiatives on Cybersecurity, Citizens Data Harmonization for Enhanced National Security, and Strengthening the National Identification Number (NIN) and Securing a Country. In his foreword to the book, the President of the International Federation for Information Processing (IFIP), Professor Mike Hinchey describes the Cybersecurity Initiatives for Securing a Country, as a first-hand personal representation of Pantamis efforts, challenges and successes in implementing the extremely crucial cybersecurity mandate in Nigeria. Hinchey, who is a professor of Software Engineering at the University of Limerick, Ireland, noted that from the practical approaches to establishing a National Identification Number for accessing government services, to restricting the number of mobile telephony SIM cards assigned to an individual, for which Pantami received numerous death threats, to implementing the National Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) for a Digital Nigeria, the book details a magisterial chronicle that is fascinating and insightful to read. Hinchey further describes Pantami as a recognised expert in the field of cybersecurity. In addition to professional practice as a professor, teacher, and public speaker, Pantami has kept his skills and knowledge up to date with courses at some of the best universities in the world, he points out. A medley of scholars, including intellectual peers, subject matter experts, Vice Chancellors of reputable universities, and leaders of relevant professional bodies have engaged with and offered their praises for Pantamis critical book on cybersecurity. The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Professor Oluwatoyin Temitayo Ogundipe aptly noted that without making assumptions about the reader, the author presents a concise, definitive and clear introduction of cybersecurity and its enabling technology, the internet, making it an easily comprehensible and engaging reading experience for a wide range of audiences of diverse backgrounds. With his knowledge and experience, the author has presented readers with some essentials of cybersecurity and datafication in lucid and comprehensive prose, devoid of technical jargon. The books are designed to assuage the curiosity of readers who are concerned about the threats and opportunities of emerging technology. Similarly, the Vice-Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, Professor Kabiru Bala said the publication is highly crucial to Nigeria, especially in these difficult times of pervasive security challenges, as it concisely deals with the necessary building blocks for ensuring a digitally secure nation. This, to Bala, has been particularly through the indigenous efforts of public agencies such as the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), and other levels of technical support. In a related vein, Professor Adesina Sodiya, the President of Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), observed that the book encompasses key strategies that can be adopted to curb cybercrimes, while the models, frameworks and case studies captured in the book are valid and tested, as reflected in the Nigerian situation. With his knowledge and experience, the author has presented readers with some essentials of cybersecurity and datafication in lucid and comprehensive prose, devoid of technical jargon. The books are designed to assuage the curiosity of readers who are concerned about the threats and opportunities of emerging technology. Pantami draws from his experience as Nigerias Chief Information Technology Officer, as well as Minister of the Digital Economy, using the country, Nigeria as a case study in a number of instances, while providing sincere insights on how activities on the internet are changing the way humans feel, think, and behave. In fact, the books document a number of the accomplishments and success stories attained by the administration of President Muhammadu with regard to the building of a sturdy digital economy in Nigeria. These books are indeed gifts to scholars and professionals, not only in the ICT sector but for those interested in the changing reality brought about by the digital age, in which internet-enabled devices are continuously changing the ways we do things. The author holds B.Tech and MSc degrees in Computer Science, an MBA in Technology Management, and Doctorate in Computer Information Systems. He is a professor of Cybersecurity. Dr Isa Ali Pantami also holds various certifications in Digital Strategies and Leadership from reputable global institutions of learning including Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Oxford University, the University of Cambridge, and the Institute of Management Development in Lausanne, Switzerland, among others. Yushau A. Shuaib, Editor-in-Chief PRNigeria and TechDigest www.YAShuaib.com yashuaib@yahoo.com Stakeholders unanimously called for support of Nigerias Non-Oil Export Sector at the 7th Annual Edition of the Zenith Bank International Trade Seminar themed Unlocking Opportunities in Nigerias Non-Oil Export Business, which was held on Wednesday, July 20, 2022, at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos and virtually. In his Goodwill Message Presentation, the Founder and Chairman of Zenith Bank Plc, Mr. Jim Ovia, CON, called for a concerted effort towards diversifying Nigerias export base through the promotion of non-oil exports. Highlighting the importance of non-oil export to the nations economy, Ovia pointed out that Nigeria exported cocoa and several other non-oil products for years before oil was discovered. He cited the example of the 25-storey Cocoa House in Ibadan, which was built with proceeds from cocoa exports. He pointed out that many countries in the world, such as Japan and China been successful because they are doing a great deal of innovation, production and manufacturing of goods and services. According to him, we should also look at promoting the nations non-oil export sector through technology to create technological giants like Apple, Tesla, and Google. And we already have technology companies in this mould in Nigeria, such as Flutterwave, which has a valuation of $3 billion, making it more valuable than some banks in Nigeria. Speaking further on the enormous potential in Nigerias non-oil sector, Ovia highlighted the phenomenal growth of Nigerias emerging financial technology (Fintech) companies such as Flutherwave, OPay, Interswitch, Kuda and Paystack, with market valuations of $3 billion, $2 billion, $1 billion, $500 million, $200 million, respectively. According to him, this underscores the enormous opportunity in the Fintech space. He also noted that the most capitalized companies in the world, such as Apple, Microsoft, Alphabet (Google), Amazon, Tesla, Visa, etc., are not oil companies but are in the technological innovation space. In his welcome address, the Group Managing Director/CEO of Zenith Bank, Mr. Ebenezer Onyeagwu, said that the annual Zenith Bank Trade Seminar has served as a veritable platform to deepen the conversation on promoting non-oil export in Nigeria, bringing together non-oil export practitioners and relevant government agencies to interact, explore opportunities and proffer solutions to the challenges of non-oil export in the country. Speaking on the origin of the Zenith Bank Annual International Trade Seminar, Onyeagwu said that the commodity price slump of 2014-2016 was a watershed moment. According to him, when crude oil prices plummeted from $114.55 per barrel in June 2014 to $28.76 in January 2016, with an attendant effect on the availability of foreign exchange, it was time to look towards the non-oil export sector for a more sustainable source of foreign exchange that is not susceptible to external shocks and price volatility. Highlighting some of the salient outcomes of the past six Zenith Bank Annual International Trade Seminar editions, Onyeagwu noted that previous editions outcomes have found expression and influenced policy initiatives. For instance, the extension of the period of repatriation of Non-Oil Export proceeds from 90 days to 180 days and the policy mandating shippers not to carry export without a Nigeria Export Proceeds (NXP) Form Number were recommendations from previous seminars. Also, the need to incentivize exporters to repatriate their export proceeds through the official channels and the recommendation to create export terminals across various export hubs in the country were also from past seminars. Also, previous editions recommended having Export Desks in commercial banks, which has now been instituted. He also stated that Zenith Bank has trained over 100 exporters through its Zero to Hero programmes which provide a platform for grooming and exposing beginners to become strong exporters by providing training on documentation, product sourcing, access to market and financing. He noted that Zenith Bank will continue the advocacy of promoting non-oil export. Delivering his goodwill message, the Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, CON, commended Zenith Bank and its leadership led by the Founder and Chairman of the Board, Jim Ovia, for its laudable initiative in organizing an annual export seminar to explore opportunities in Nigerias non-oil export with a view to increasing the nations non-oil export base and ultimately increasing its share as a percentage of total export. In his words: This is why the theme of this years seminar Unlocking Opportunities in Nigerias Non-Oil Export Business is timely and appropriate. This is because the global economy and structure are changing rapidly before our eyes. The previous world economic order underpinned by globalization and seamless trade possibilities seems to be suffering major disruptions lately. We believe Nigeria has a lot of potentials, and we can harness this for the good of our people and country. He pointed out that the CBN has undertaken several initiatives to promote the non-oil export sector because of its firm belief that the non-oil export sector holds enormous potential to contribute to employment generation, wealth creation #and economic growth of the country. In his keynote address, the President & Chief Executive of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, GCON, said that Nigerias non-oil export is quite low compared to other African top oil producers. This exposes the economy to oil price/production risks. There is much room for growth, and the CBN is helping drive this through the RT200 programme. According to him, the CBN RT200 FX programme, which aims to achieve $200 billion in foreign exchange earnings from non-oil proceeds over the next 3-5 years, has very laudable objectives, including enhancing foreign exchange inflow, diversifying the source of FX inflow, increasing the level of contribution from non-oil export, and ensuring stability and sustainability of FX flows. In his Goodwill Message, His Excellency, Wamkele Mene, Secretary General, African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, enumerated the progress and achievements of the African Continental Free Trade Area and the efforts to improve intra-Africa trade. Also, in his Goodwill Message, Professor Benedict Oramah, President / Chairman of African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), highlighted the efforts of Afreximbank to enhance intra-Africa trade through the implementation of the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS). According to him, the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System will make it easy and seamless for Africans to trade amongst themselves and receive payment for goods and services in their local currencies, eliminating currency conversion challenges. Zenith Bank remains committed to promoting the non-oil export sector in Nigeria by identifying emerging opportunities which help stimulate non-oil exports and develop robust financial products and incentives for operators in the sector. The bank launched the Non-Oil Export Seminar in 2017 as an initiative to deepen the discourse on promoting the non-oil export business in Nigeria. The Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) and its Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) counterpart in Enugu State have given the state and local governments seven days ultimatum to implement N30,000 minimum wage. The two unions disclosed this on Thursday in Enugu during a joint press conference following the non-implementation of the minimum wage to workers at the third tier of government. They threatened a total shutdown of the local government system and primary school sub-sector in Enugu State, at the expiration of the ultimatum on July 28. Recall that the state government had, in February 2020, started the implementation of the new minimum wage in the state. However, only workers in the core ministries of the state government and secondary school teachers were captured, while others in agencies and departments and local government councils were left out. On 9 May, 2022, public primary school teachers in the state embarked on an indefinite strike which lasted for one month to press home their demand for the new wage. The leadership of the NUT, however, suspended the strike for just one month. The NUT Chairman in the state, Theophilus Odo, said that the suspension of the strike was because of the intervention of the state governor. Mr Odo said the one month timeline was to enable the state governor to give consideration to the demand of the primary school teachers. The NUT chairman said it was sad that after six weeks of the suspension of the strike, there were no commitments by the local government chairpersons to pay the new wage. If by Wednesday, July 27, 2022, the minimum wage with its consequential adjustment is not implemented, industrial harmony may not be guaranteed in the state. The two affected industrial unions in the state will proceed on strike, he said. Mr Odo said the NUT had done well to give the government over one months window to implement the new wage for workers in the two sectors. READ ALSO: After a month and two weeks, nothing positive has emerged from government towards addressing the matter. Instead, the implementation is tactfully being delayed with unfulfilled promises that the issue would soon be over, Mr Odo said. Also, the President of NULGE, Enugu State Chapter, Kenneth Ugwueze, said they needed the state governor to direct local government chairmen in the state to comply with the payment. Mr Ugwueze described the condition of most local government workers in the state as pitiable. He said most local government workers in the state were paid N18, 000. He said that notwithstanding a series of meetings with relevant authorities, reports of committees, consultations and appeals as well as a subsisting court judgment, the government had remained adamant. Mr Ugwueze urged workers in the local government system to prepare for the strike which he said would be total. When contacted, the media aide to Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Steve Oruruo told NAN he could speak on the matter because he did not have information about the governments plan to avert the strike. NAN could not immediately reach the Secretary to the Enugu State Government, Simon Ortuanya, as he did not respond to calls and messages to his phone line. (NAN) The governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the June 18 election in Ekiti State, Segun Oni, has accused the governor-elect, Biodun Oyebanji, of evading service ahead of his petition before the Election Petition Tribunal. Mr Oyebanji, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, was declared winner of the election after receiving a total of 187,045 votes to defeat Mr Oni, who polled 82,122 votes in the election. But Mr Oni rejected the results and on July 7 filed his petition before the Tribunal in Ado Ekiti, calling for the reversal of the declaration of Mr Oyebanji as the winner of the election. He also urged the court to declare him the winner of the poll, claiming that he scored the highest number of lawful votes in the poll. The petitioner urged the Tribunal to in the alternative nullify the election and order a rerun in view of alleged widespread manipulations that characterised the poll. Mr Oni is also alleging that the Yobe State Governor and former National Caretaker Chairman of the APC, Mai Mala Buni, and Mr Oyebanjis deputy, Monisade Afuye, had proved difficult to serve on account of lack of fixed addresses. He alleged the antics were to frustrate his petition, even as they had on July 20 filed at the Election Petition Tribunal filed an application for substituted service for speedy service and prompt trial of the case. Addressing journalists in Ado Ekiti on Thursday, Mr Onis legal team, led by Obafemi Adewale, said there had been issues of service since the petition was filed. Speaking on behalf of the team, former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Ekiti, Owoseeni Ajayi, said Mr Oni ought to have been declared winner because he scored the highest number of valid votes. He said the outcome of the election was a result of widespread irregularities. We filed our petition on July 7 within the time stipulated for us in the Electoral Act. Since that time, we have been having issues of service, Mr Ajayi said. INEC had been served without restriction. The APC had also been served in Abuja without restriction. But we have problem serving the governor-elect, Biodun Oyebanji, his deputy, Monisade Afuye, and the caretaker chairman of the party when the candidate was elected at the primary, Governor Mai Mala Buni There had been deliberate avoidance of service by these respondents. In any election petition, time is of essence because we have to conclude the petition within 181 days. In election petition trial, the days started counting the very day we filed our petition and it also includes their 21 days to which they must respond to our petition. To make things difficult, the governor elect and his deputy have no addresses and the only place to serve them is the party secretariat in Ado Ekiti that is now locked up, we cant reach them. The bailiff of the tribunal went to Abujas liaison office of Yobe State Governor. Their officials resisted being served. They said they cant collect the letters on his behalf. Service is of essence in any case and they have to be served personally, except we are given this option of substituted service. We are not resting and we are desirous of going with the litigation until Oni, who won the majority of the lawful votes, is declared the winner. According to him, the petitioner is armed with proof of widespread malpractices and manipulations that really offended the Electoral Act in the election. We are confident that there wont be any reason to order a fresh election. By the time we will finish our case, there will be a declaration of the petitioner as the validly elected candidate, he said. Governor-elect reacts But Media and Publicity Director of the Oyebanji Campaign Organisation, Taiwo Olatunbosun, said the SDP governorship candidate and his legal team were not speaking the truth. He said his principal had been on a thank-you-tour of local governments in Ekiti and had been very much around to be served whatever notice they had. They know his address and he has been around in Ekiti going round everywhere, he said. To say that the governor-elect was evading service, that must be a figment of their imagination. They know how to reach him and even through his own counsels. The Labour Party (LP) on Thursday kicked off voters, support groups, and membership sensitisation drive in Lagos State. The sensitisation, it said, was to galvanise more supporters and members for the partys presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and other candidates ahead of the 2023 general elections. The Deputy National Chairman of the party, Bashiru Apapa, at an interactive session in Lagos with various support groups and leaders, called for synergy and unity to deliver the state for Mr Obi and all LP candidates in 2023. Mr Apapa said there was need for coordination of all support groups for Mr Obis presidential ambition so as to achieve the objectives of enthroning him. When Obi became the LP presidential candidate, we have been deliberating on how to harmonise the support groups with executives of the party. And we thought it wise to have synergy and work together nationwide so that we will not be working against ourselves. That is why todays meeting is an important one for us to be acquainted and map out the strategies to achieve our objectives. We need to know what we intend to do to actualise the dream of enthroning Peter Obi as the next President of Nigeria, and why we must all do our best to make sure that the purpose is achieved, Mr Apapa said. According to him, there are many support groups for Mr Obi, hence the need for proper coordination. 2023 is very close, we must start and mobilise. We need to increase our pace. It is our collective responsibility. We must not lose our focus in this project, he added. READ ALSO: The National Legal Adviser of LP, Akingbade Oyelegan, added that the meeting was to also intimate its teeming supporters of the LP ideology. There is a surge in the party and some of these our teeming supporters do not know the LP ideology and what we stand for. Our ideology is based on Equal Opportunity and Social Justice for all. The problem we have before now is the fact that some of the support groups do not want to align with the Coalition for Peter Obi, Mr Oyelegan said. He stressed the need for all to be on the same page so as not to give room for corruption. Mr Oyelegan, who noted that the task of bringing Mr Obi to Aso Rock remained herculean, said the party and its support groups were, however, equal to the task. We are prepared to wrestle power but we know it is not going to come easy. We want to come together so that we can fight the battle. We have over 100 support groups and we are still expecting more, he said. Also speaking, Adeyinka Adetokunbo-Azubuike, the Zonal Director, Mobilisation and Logistics (South West) Coalition for Peter Obi, who noted that there were 41 support groups for Mr Obi in the zone, said all groups needed each other to succeed. This is a harmonisation move and sensitisation on Permanent Voters Card (PVC). The Coalition for Peter Obi is one body that is housing all support groups that are out to campaign for Obi. We are 100 per cent sure Peter Obi will win. Augustina Ogene, the Lagos State Coordinator, Like-Minds for Peter Obi (LMPO), who described the meeting as a milestone, said there was need for synergy to actualise the dream of enthroning Mr Obi as the next president of Nigeria. Mrs Ogene, who noted that Mr Obis chances were bright in 2023, said support groups have structures across the local government areas of Lagos state and the country. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was attended by various support groups for Mr Obi, including members of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NCFront, and party leaders among others. (NAN) Launched in 2021, the eco-focused Habitas property on Lake Bacalar continues to impress being voted best sustainable spa NEW YORK, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Marie Claire UK today released the results of its second annual Sustainability Awards, with holistic oasis Habitas Bacalar named top sustainable spa. The brand's third property, seamlessly built on the sparkling waters of Laguna Bacalar following the Tulum flagship and Namibia location, leads with a focus on sustainability, community, and shared experience. The prestigious judge panel was made up of the Marie Claire team as well as over 50 of the most high-profile experts, thought leaders, activists, and business founders in sustainability. These awards are a celebration of the brands and organizations that are authentically implementing change and making strides towards an ecologically sustainable future without greenwashing or misleading. The full list of winners can be found here . "Bacalar affords us a monumental opportunity to dive into the rich histories and bring them into the present in a resource-conscious way, which you'll see in everything from the traditional Mayan Straw Houses of the spa to the carefully designed therapies using local ingredients," comments Oliver Ripley, Habitas Co-Founder & CEO. "We wish to provide our guests with a revelatory first-hand lesson in how our relationships with other cultures, and with the past, can change our present, and shape our future." Being the first hospitality group to launch a property in Bacalar, preservation and wellness are core pillars that are reflected in both the design and daily practices of the oasis. The Spa is modeled after a small Mayan village, incorporating treatment cabins that bring tradition to life. Highlight spa treatments include the nourishing Chocolate Body Wrap - a coconut and oatmeal exfoliation prior to a dip in a coca and coconut body wrap as well as the Traditional Mexican Sobada - a relaxing and regenerative body treatment that uses herbs to provide energetic alignment. British-born entrepreneur, Oliver Ripley, co-founded the Habitas brand with his partners Kfir Levy and Eduardo Castillo with a mission to bring together conscious travelers seeking new experiences built around human connection, sustainability, and local community empowerment. In addition to its home in Bacalar, Habitas has 'homes' in Tulum , Namibia , and two in AlUla . Plans are also underway for an exciting pipeline to include new locations in Mexico, Morocco and Costa Rica. For further information or images, please contact Cara Chapman at Bacchus Agency on: cara@bacchus.agency Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1836363/HABITAS__Logo.jpg SOURCE Habitas Bacalar The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), Mallam Mele Kyari yesterday disclosed that working with the Board, management and staff of the company, his target is to make the entity be among the top 50 among the Fortune 500 Companies in three years. The NNPC Limited on Tuesday officially transitioned into a private entity that is now regulated in line with the provisions of the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA). Speaking on Arise News Channel, THISDAY's broadcast arm yesterday, the GCEO explained that with the huge assets available to the company and the new corporate culture of profit orientation, NNPCL would soon become the toast of the entire continent. Fortune 500 refers to a list of 500 of the largest companies compiled by Fortune magazine, United States, every year wherein companies are ranked by their annual revenues for their respective fiscal years. The list includes both public and private companies using publicly available revenue data. According to him, the target would be achievable in the near term. While admitting that because of the mode of operation of the company in the past, Nigerians had lost faith in it, Kyari stated thathenceforth the company has no room for excuses not to deliver on its mandate as a commercial venture. "We have to deliver together and we are ready to deliver. We know our shareholders, the 200 million Nigerians are doubtful, but we need to surprise them because we know that there is a new expectation and this expectation can be met and this will be led by culture change. "Before, you could lose money and nothing will happen, government could always pay, but the law now says we have no recourse to public funds, it will be a commercial relationship... and we have no room for excuses," he assured. Kyari pointed out that the net assets of the new company remain a major factor working in its favour, stressing that its upstream assets alone could be worth between $80-$90 billion. "The meaning of this is that the NNPC will clearly not be below 150 (currently) in the Fortune 500 companies and I can tell you this upfront: Our target is that by sheer act of doing things right, we are getting into a business, delivering value and investing appropriately and within three to four years' time, we should be counting ourselves among the first 50 in the Fortune 500 companies," he boasted. He disputed insinuations that the NNPC was presently in a, 'deep financial hole,' insisting that no company declares profit when its finances are in trouble like the NNPC did last year. He added that although Nigerians were losing faith in the NNPC as a corporation, the company would shock doubters by its new mode of adopting global best practices in its operation. "Things have changed and that change is now being amplified because we have an enabling legislation and we are bound by a new set of rules under the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA)," he noted. Stating that the oil and gas industry remains a very profitable one and that the company was willing to scale up its value, he lamented that oil firms less than half of NNPCL's assets were making more profit. "We are going to be IPO ready by the middle of next year," he reiterated, insisting that the company's processes will henceforth be world class, reducing wastes as well as paying more taxes to the government. Already the largest company in Africa, Kyari noted that Nigerians will be proud of the new NNPC in years to come, with a clear deviation from the way it operated in the past. In the coming years, he stated that the company would have private equity, explaining that this would mature in the next 11 months, culminating in a mixed ownership of its shares. "We are not in the rank of companies which will be talking about N287 billion (its profit in 2020). We felt very little doing that last year, but we also know we are coming from a past. It's a process and it will be scaled up," he added. On subsidy, he reiterated that it would no longer be a burden to the NNPC like it was in the last, explaining that it would not affect the company's bottom line as the oil firm would henceforth charge a fee for providing such service to the government. He noted that the ministry of petroleum incorporated and the ministry of finance incorporated currently hold the shares of the company on behalf of over 200 million Nigerians. On the contention that the states and local governments are not currently represented on the board of the NNPCL since it's a federation asset, Kyari stated that the National Assembly which made the law clearly represents every Nigerian. NNPC: Why Refineries May Not Operate at 100% Capacity After Rehabilitation Meanwhile, the NNPC has said it may not be possible for the Port Harcourt, Warrri and Kaduna oil refineries to function at their full capacities when they come back on stream after rehabilitation. The Group Chief Financial Officer (Group CFO) of NNPC, Umar Ajiya, who also spoke on Arise News Channel, noted however, that they would operate at about 80 to 85 per cent nameplate capacity because they constructed roughly 30 years ago. Ajiya disclosed that work on the Warri refinery would likely start next week, noting that the newly adopted model would ensure that the right thing was done so that lenders on the project can be paid back as soon as possible. According to Ajiya, the NNPC decided to repair the assets because it would endanger its objective of ensuring energy security for the nation without some level of operation in the downstream. "As envisaged in the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), we have to ensure energy security for the country. To that extent, we cannot run away from the refineries. We have to rehabilitate them. "But what is changing is that the refineries are going to be rehabilitated with a combination of our own equity and lenders' money and no lender will lend you money unless they know the money will come out after the rehabilitation. "But on top of that, the lenders have also insisted that there has to be O&M contractors supervising the operation of the refineries day in day out. So, rehabilitation is ongoing. Port Harcourt is ongoing, Warri is about to commence any moment, probably next week," he disclosed. The CFO argued that if the nation were to build new refineries, they would cost too much, maintaining that the rehabilitation undertaken by the NNPC remains the best in the circumstance. "So, we have that intention to make sure these refineries come back. New refineries are very expensive. You are talking about $3 billion to $5 billion, but the rehabilitation is costing $1 billion and Warri is less than $500 million. "These refineries will be rehabilitated but they cannot operate at 100 per cent nameplate capacity. They were constructed almost 30 years ago, so you will expect that when they are fully rehabilitated, they will deliver between 80 per cent to 85 per cent capacity. "However, these same refineries that are being rehabilitated are going to deliver value to not only the shareholders but to lenders who have put money on the table. So, we don't see any issue because irrespective of whether you rehabilitate or not, you have to do the regular maintenance needed for any plant, whether annual or biannual," he stated. He said some other commercialised government businesses failed in the last because in those circumstances, the code of corporate governance was not institutionalised, adding that even after privatisation, government still controlled majority holding. For him, in the short to mid-term, the NNPCL will require private funding so that all control mechanisms will be fully activated. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Stock Markets Nigeria By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. "That's why in the PIA, the law envisages that we should go public. When you bring private equity participants, they will ensure that the code of conduct works and that if the board is not performing, its easy to fire them and if management is not doing its work, it will be fired by the board," he added. Meanwhile, the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) has welcomed with high expectation the transition of the NNPC to an independent limited liability company. NEITI, in a statement released in Abuja, said that the transition was in line with the recommendations of NEITI industry reports for the oil and gas sector covering 1999 to 2019 which equally led to the emergence of the PIA 2021. "In the NEITI oil and gas reports that covered 1999 - 2019, NEITI has consistently recommended that Nigeria's national oil company should be privatised to make it competitive like other national oil companies across the globe," it stated. NEITI's Executive Secretary, Dr. Ogbonnaya Orji expressed hope that with the transition to a commercial entity, the NNPC is now in a better position to compete favourably with leading international oil companies around the world. "Nigeria needs a business oriented NNPC to deliver the country's energy needs, energy transition, energy security, diversification of its economy and the building of a sustainable energy future for the country", Orji noted. He further explained that the immediate challenges that the new NNPC needs to tackle is to free Nigeria from fuel importation. "The immediate questions that an average Nigerian is asking are: What is likely to change from the NNPC we know and the new NNPC Limited? What will happen to jobs, institutions, profit making, transparency and accountability?" Orji stressed. The new centers are aimed at dramatically increasing employment rates by providing opportunities for rapid socio-economic integration of young graduates by training up to 30,000 young adults annually The vocational training centers will be implemented across the country providing skills in technical fields according to the specificities of each region KAFFRINE, Senegal, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Senegalese Minister of Employment, Vocational Training, Apprenticeship and Integration, Mr. Dame Diop, today (day) announced the creation of a new network of 23 advanced vocational training centers across the country to help realize the potential of Senegal's youth. This initiative is part of a broader national plan called "Plan Senegal Emergent" (PSE) envisioned by the President, H.E. Macky Sall. To bring this vision to life, the government is working in partnership with Focus Education, the education and professional training arm of Mitrelli Group. From Left to Right: Mr. Abdoulaye Saydou Sow, Minister of Urbanism, Housing and Public Hygiene (MULHP); Mr. Mr. Dame DIOP, Minister of Employment, Vocational Training, Apprenticeship and Integration; Mr. Efraim Meslet, Country Director of Mitrelli Group in Senegal. Reaching up to 30,000 young adults annually, the centers are aimed at providing in-demand skills to dramatically increase employment rates, promoting access to the labor market and creating opportunities for rapid socio-economic integration for young graduates all over Senegal. Focus Education will be building state of the art, innovative facilities, equipped with advanced computer classrooms, laboratories and workshops. 14 different training programs will be offered, with each center focusing on specific courses meeting the specific needs of the region of its implementation. These include food production and modern agricultural value-chain, irrigation and water treatment, informatics, wood transformation, textile, energy, and more. All the centers will offer advanced training in information technology, the cornerstones of the digital economy. Haim Taib, Founder and President of the Mitrelli Group: "Mitrelli is honored to contribute to the realization of the Senegalese government's vision. Aimed at promoting economic growth and sustainable development, these 23 centers will advance the integration of young people into the local work force, helping them become productive pillars of their communities and their nation." About Focus Education Focus Education, with its holistic approach, based on decades of proven experience in Africa, designs and implements turnkey comprehensive educational and training initiatives in developing countries around the world. Its projects empower individuals and communities, enabling them to shape their own future and the future of their nations. From providing young people with a head-start toward productive lives to enhancing the job performance of seasoned professionals, our range of programs covers all ages and sectors. Focus Education is an EPC integrator, developing and implementing innovative education solutions in the areas of formal education, TVET, higher education, professional training, employment, ed-tech digital and e-learning. The company comprises outstanding professional educators and pedagogic program developers, highly experienced administrators and a management team with more than a quarter of a century of international experience. About Mitrelli Mitrelli Group is an international Group of subsidiaries, which develops sustainable synergetic holistic models in various fields of activity for countries in Africa in Water and Energy solutions, Agriculture, Health, Education, Environmental protection and more. The group cooperates with public and private entities to significantly impact on African nations' economic prosperity and the wellbeing of their people. Mitrelli promotes tailor-made sustainable models that combine technologies, innovation, knowledge and decades of experience, empowering communities in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Mitrelli operates today mega-projects in Angola, Cote D'Ivoire, Senegal, Mozambique and beyond. For more information, please visit: www.mitrelli.com. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1863903/Mitrelli.jpg Contact: Ya'ara Hames-Ezra [email protected] SOURCE Mitrelli In this regard, the Central African Republic, a country located in the heart of Africa, a region with untapped growth potential, is working on a new structure for its economy, paving the way to a digital future: "There is already a vision for Africa: a common cryptocurrency and an integrated capital market that could stimulate commerce and sustain growth." Faustin-Archange Touadera, president of the Central African Republic. The Central African Republic plans to raise a total of $1 Billion by issuing the first national digital currency, called SANGO. Once raised, the capital will be used to tokenize the country's resources, offering worldwide investors the opportunity to contribute, benefit from it, and to build the entire digital infrastructure, based on Sango blockchain, a novel Layer-2 Bitcoin sidechain. With more than $2.2 Trillion in Iron ore and a further $60 Billion in each individual resource of Gold, Oil, Diamonds and Lithium, CAR is leading the way to the democratisation of access to resources. Tokenization allows access to global capital in a democratic and transparent way, allowing investors of all sizes to buy fractionalized assets representing the country's resources. From the decentralisation and tokenization of its resources, to offering citizenship, e-residency and land through locking the newly issued coin, Sango will govern the whole economic ecosystem of the Central African Republic. It already appears that other African countries are showing significant interest in finding similar digital solutions. The initiative has already gone mainstream as it is backed by the country's administration and also applauded by big names in the industry and Africa. Changpeng Zhao (Binance), Michael Saylor (MicroStrategy), Ricardo Salinas Pliego (Salinas Group) and Reuben Abati (Nigerian Presidential Spokesperson) are among those that have shown their support on Twitter since the official announcement. The official GENESIS PAPER { https://sango.org/genesis-paper.pdf } of Sango has been released together with the Concept Deck for a complete understanding of the technical complexity and benefits of the ambitious Central African project. SANGO, the first national digital currency is also the first currency to be fractionally backed by Bitcoin "digital gold". Starting from yesterday, the platform is also open for registrations and KYC. The official launch date of the SANGO GENESIS has been set to the 25th of July and it will mark the beginning of a new era for the Central African Republic and perhaps for the entire world. This new economical approach sheds more light on the integration and potential participation of the entire world in a country's development, with limitless investment possibilities for anyone in the crypto space and beyond it. For more details about Sango: https://sango.org/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/sangoproject Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1860550/SANGO.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1860551/Sango_Logo.jpg SOURCE Sango SAN JOSE, Calif., July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- BrightPlan , a leader in Total Financial Wellness, was one of only 200 companies worldwide to earn a coveted presentation spot at the 10th annual Venture Summit West . BrightPlan founder and CEO, Marthin De Beer, spoke on the importance of democratizing access to financial wellness. The Silicon Valley-based event, which ran from July 19-20, 2022, connects founders of venture backed, emerging and early-stage companies with an exclusive audience of venture capitalists, corporate investors, private investors, investment bankers, and strategic partners. Venture Summit West, presented by youngStartup Ventures , is the premier industry gathering for promising companies in tech, fintech, cleantech, medtech, lifesciences, and healthcare. With thousands of attendees each year and over 100 featured investors, it was an opportunity for BrightPlan to further its mission of driving awareness around the importance of making financial wellness accessible for everyone. The company showcased leading innovation and market momentum with the investment community. "We were honored to be part of Venture Summit West and it was energizing to engage with investors and other startup founders," said Marthin De Beer, founder and CEO at BrightPlan. "Innovation is well and thriving, and BrightPlan is committed to doing our part by driving transformation in the fintech and HR tech industries with a leading financial wellness solution. Employee financial stress is at an all time high and it's impacting employee holistic well-being and business outcomes. Employers are uniquely positioned to support their employees and their families with the right financial wellness tools and benefits, fostering a culture of care that enables all employees to thrive." Venture Summit West accepts presenters who meet strict criteria based on industry, stage, business model, size of the target audience, milestones achieved to date, and whether the company would be of interest to the featured investors. The presentation programs are geared toward emerging growth companies looking to gain visibility among active investors and raise capital. Companies looking to secure series A-C funding for $2-30M are eligible for the Top Innovators Program, while seed stage companies can apply for the Seed Pitchfest Program. To learn more about BrightPlan's Total Financial Wellness solution, visit brightplan.com . About BrightPlan BrightPlan is a leader in Total Financial Wellness. The company provides a comprehensive solution that addresses all aspects of employees' financial health at every stage of life, and empowers HR teams to enhance the employee experience and better attract, retain and engage talent. Its unique combination of digital platform and financial planners enables employers to deploy at scale while delivering personalization for employees. The company is the first financial wellness solution certified for fiduciary excellence by the Centre for Fiduciary Excellence (CEFEX). For more, visit brightplan.com . Media Contact: [email protected] Disclosure: BrightPlan LLC is an SEC-registered investment adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training nor does it imply endorsement by the SEC. SOURCE BrightPlan New 10-year contract combines existing rotary and fixed wing services into fully integrated, innovative solution led by Bristow Bristow-led consortium to begin transitioning to new contract beginning September 30, 2024 through December 31, 2026 , to ensure a continuation of critical lifesaving search and rescue aviation services across the whole of the U.K. LONDON, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Bristow Helicopters Ltd (NYSE: VTOL) ("Bristow"), the global leader in innovative and sustainable vertical flight solutions, has been awarded a 1.6 billion 10-year contract for the Second-Generation Search and Rescue Aviation ("UKSAR2G") program by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), an executive agency of the Department for Transport. Bristow will work in partnership with 2Excel Aviation, a leading specialist in fixed wing aerospace services, and Nova Systems, the consortium's innovation partner, to deliver the contract for the MCA on behalf of Her Majesty's Coastguard. The new contract will see the U.K. search and rescue region benefit from innovation and advances in technology to save more lives, even more quickly. The contract combines the existing two separate aviation contracts for fixed wing aircraft and rotary aircraft and will include the use of unmanned aerial systems (UAS). Since 2013 and 2019, respectively, Bristow and 2Excel have operated search and rescue services for the U.K. in the original SAR and Aerial Surveillance contracts. During that time, the companies have displayed exceptional quality, innovation, and skill in their work rescuing over 4,500 people over the past seven years. "We are very pleased with the MCA's trust in Bristow to continue to provide safe and reliable search and rescue services with our crews to help save lives throughout the United Kingdom," said Bristow President and CEO Chris Bradshaw. "Through this new, innovative contract, Bristow and our partners will increase efficiencies and innovations as well as establish additional seasonal bases to further expand our service." As part of the new contract, Bristow will continue to operate from their current 10 bases and will launch two new seasonal bases in Fort William and Carlisle, to serve areas around two of the busiest locations for summer tourism. The Fort William and Carlisle bases will operate 12 hours a day from April to September. All other helicopter bases will continue to be operational 24 hours a day. The partners will operate: 18 helicopters, including nine existing Leonardo AW189s and three existing Sikorsky S-92s augmented by the introduction of six new Leonardo AW139 helicopters; Six King Air fixed-wing airplanes, including the B350, B350ER and the B200 at Doncaster , Prestwick and Newquay ; and , Prestwick and ; and One mobile deployable Schiebel CAMCOPTER S-100 UAS. "Since inception 2Excel has built a reputation for being highly skilled at creating innovative solutions and quickly turning complex aviation concepts into leading edge capabilities. The UKSAR2G contract with the MCA exemplifies this fact," said Andy Offer, Co-founder and Director of 2Excel Aviation. "This contract builds on the existing capabilities we have delivered to the MCA over the past few years with our fixed-wing aircraft packed with state-of-the-art integrated sensors; delivering services to a myriad of government agencies including border security, fisheries patrol, as well as life-saving search and rescue for HM Coastguard working collaboratively with our partner Bristow." Through the new contract, Bristow and its partners 2Excel and Nova Systems will work to deliver greater innovation in the provision of search and rescue services across the U.K. region, providing even greater levels of support to those at risk. "Nova Systems is thrilled to be teamed with Bristow and 2Excel for UKSAR2G in the role of Programme Innovation Partner. With our experience working at the leading edge of aerospace technology and mission system development, and with our unique mix of technical and operational domain expertise, we look forward to enhancing the U.K.'s SAR capability and delivering a world-class innovation programme to the Bristow team and the MCA," said Gareth Dyer, Managing Director, International for Nova Systems. Bristow will provide a new state-of-the-art search and rescue helicopter simulation training facility at Solent Airport next to the Coastguard Training Facility, which will house a synthetic rescue hoist and helicopter suspended over a large training pool. Another innovation includes the use of sustainable aviation fuels, reducing the carbon footprint in the delivery of these services. The companies will transition from the current contracts starting from September 30, 2024 through to December 31, 2026, to ensure a continuation of critical search and rescue aviation services across the whole of the U.K. Bristow is currently in a pre-earnings quiet period and will provide further information following the release of its quarterly financial results in early August. About Bristow Group Bristow Group Inc. is the leading global provider of innovative and sustainable vertical flight solutions. Bristow primarily provides aviation services to a broad base of major integrated, national and independent offshore energy companies. Bristow provides commercial search and rescue (SAR) services in several countries and public sector SAR services in the United Kingdom (U.K.) on behalf of the Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA). Additionally, the Company offers ad hoc helicopter and fixed wing transportation services. Bristow currently has customers in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, the Dutch Caribbean, Guyana, India, Mexico, the Netherlands, Nigeria, Norway, Spain, Suriname, Trinidad, the U.K. and the U.S. To learn more, visit our website at www.bristowgroup.com. About 2Excel Aviation 2Excel is an innovative aerospace services business working across a range of industries including defence and security, engineering, events and disaster response. Activity is organised around two business lines: 2Excel Aviation, which comprises Capability Development, Special Missions and Charter; and 2Excel Engineering, which is a Maintenance and Repair Organisation (MRO) for Boeing and Airbus narrow-bodied aircraft. Founded in 2005 by two Royal Air Force pilots, 2Excel has grown from five people and four aerobatic aircraft to over 400 people and a fleet of 30. In 2018, 2Excel Aviation became 51 per cent employee owned through the creation of an Employee Ownership Trust. About Nova Systems Nova Systems is a leading global engineering services and technology solutions company with more than 850 employees working from strategically located offices around the world including the United Kingdom, Norway, Ireland, Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand. We are a trusted partner to solve complex challenges for clients across defence, parapublic, government, special missions and commercial aerospace. Our company brings two decades of aviation experience built on a foundation of operational and technical expertise to deliver bespoke, low-risk solutions. SOURCE Bristow Group MCLEAN, Va., July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Capital One Financial Corporation (NYSE: COF) today announced net income for the second quarter of 2022 of $2.0 billion, or $4.96 per diluted common share, compared with net income of $2.4 billion, or $5.62 per diluted common share in the first quarter of 2022, and with net income of $3.5 billion, or $7.62 per diluted common share in the second quarter of 2021. "We continued to drive attractive and resilient growth in the second quarter, and we're staying focused on the most resilient businesses and opportunities," said Richard D. Fairbank, Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "The choices we're making today put us in a strong position to continue to deliver long-term value as the sweeping digital transformation of banking continues." All comparisons below are for the second quarter of 2022 compared with the first quarter of 2022 unless otherwise noted. Second Quarter 2022 Income Statement Summary: Total net revenue increased 1 percent to $8.2 billion . . Total non-interest expense increased 1 percent to $4.6 billion : : 9 percent increase in marketing. 1 percent decrease in operating expenses. Pre-provision earnings increased 1 percent to $3.6 billion . (1) . Provision for credit losses increased $408 million to $1.1 billion : to : Net charge-offs of $845 million . . $200 million loan reserve build. loan reserve build. Net interest margin of 6.54 percent, an increase of 5 basis points. Efficiency ratio of 55.67 percent. Operating efficiency ratio of 43.49 percent. Second Quarter 2022 Balance Sheet Summary: Common equity Tier 1 capital ratio under Basel III Standardized Approach of 12.1 percent at June 30, 2022 . . Period-end loans held for investment in the quarter increased $15.9 billion , or 6 percent, to $296.4 billion . , or 6 percent, to . Credit Card period-end loans increased $6.9 billion , or 6 percent, to $120.9 billion . , or 6 percent, to . Domestic Card period-end loans increased $7.0 billion , or 6 percent, to $115.0 billion . , or 6 percent, to . Consumer Banking period-end loans increased $1.2 billion , or 1 percent, to $81.5 billion . , or 1 percent, to . Auto period-end loans increased $1.3 billion , or 2 percent, to $79.9 billion . , or 2 percent, to . Commercial Banking period-end loans increased $7.8 billion , or 9 percent, to $94.0 billion . , or 9 percent, to . Average loans held for investment in the quarter increased $10.8 billion , or 4 percent, to $286.1 billion . , or 4 percent, to . Credit Card average loans increased $4.4 billion , or 4 percent, to $115.8 billion . , or 4 percent, to . Domestic Card average loans increased $4.4 billion , or 4 percent, to $110.0 billion . , or 4 percent, to . Consumer Banking average loans increased $2.3 billion , or 3 percent, to $81.0 billion . , or 3 percent, to . Auto average loans increased $2.4 billion , or 3 percent, to $79.3 billion . , or 3 percent, to . Commercial Banking average loans increased $4.1 billion , or 5 percent, to $89.3 billion . , or 5 percent, to . Period-end total deposits decreased $5.5 billion , or 2 percent, to $307.9 billion , while average deposits decreased $3.6 billion , or 1 percent, to $306.0 billion . , or 2 percent, to , while average deposits decreased , or 1 percent, to . Interest-bearing deposits rate paid increased 12 basis points to 0.44 percent. 1 Pre-provision earnings is calculated based on the sum of net interest income and non-interest income, less non-interest expense for the period. Management believes that this financial metric is useful in enabling investors and others to assess the Company's ability to generate income to cover credit losses through a credit cycle, which can vary significantly between periods. Earnings Conference Call Webcast Information The company will hold an earnings conference call on July 21, 2022 at 5:00 PM Eastern Time. The conference call will be accessible through live webcast. Interested investors and other individuals can access the webcast via the company's home page (www.capitalone.com). Under "About," choose "Investors" to access the Investor Center and view and/or download the earnings press release, the financial supplement, including a reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures, and the earnings release presentation. The replay of the webcast will be archived on the company's website through August 4, 2022 at 5:00 PM Eastern Time. Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this release may constitute forward-looking statements, which involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Capital One cautions readers that any forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance and that actual results could differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking information due to a number of factors, including those listed from time to time in reports that Capital One files with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including, but not limited to, the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021. About Capital One Capital One Financial Corporation (www.capitalone.com) is a financial holding company whose subsidiaries, which include Capital One, N.A., and Capital One Bank (USA), N.A., had $307.9 billion in deposits and $440.3 billion in total assets as of June 30, 2022. Headquartered in McLean, Virginia, Capital One offers a broad spectrum of financial products and services to consumers, small businesses and commercial clients through a variety of channels. Capital One, N.A. has branches located primarily in New York, Louisiana, Texas, Maryland, Virginia, New Jersey and the District of Columbia. A Fortune 500 company, Capital One trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "COF" and is included in the S&P 100 index. Exhibit 99.2 Capital One Financial Corporation Financial Supplement(1)(2) Second Quarter 2022 Table of Contents Capital One Financial Corporation Consolidated Results Page Table 1: Financial SummaryConsolidated 1 Table 2: Selected MetricsConsolidated 3 Table 3: Consolidated Statements of Income 4 Table 4: Consolidated Balance Sheets 6 Table 5: Notes to Financial Summary, Selected Metrics and Consolidated Financial Statements (Tables 14) 8 Table 6: Average Balances, Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin 9 Table 7: Loan Information and Performance Statistics 10 Table 8: Allowance for Credit Losses and Reserve for Unfunded Lending Commitments Activity 12 Business Segment Results Table 9: Financial SummaryBusiness Segment Results 13 Table 10: Financial & Statistical SummaryCredit Card Business 14 Table 11: Financial & Statistical SummaryConsumer Banking Business 16 Table 12: Financial & Statistical SummaryCommercial Banking Business 17 Table 13: Financial & Statistical SummaryOther and Total 18 Other Table 14: Notes to Net Interest Margin, Loan, Allowance and Business Segment Disclosures (Tables 613) 19 Table 15: Calculation of Regulatory Capital Measures and Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures 20 __________ (1) The information contained in this Financial Supplement is preliminary and based on data available at the time of the earnings presentation. Investors should refer to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2022 once it is filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. (2) This Financial Supplement includes non-GAAP measures. We believe these non-GAAP measures are useful to investors and users of our financial information as they provide an alternate measurement of our performance and assist in assessing our capital adequacy and the level of return generated. These non-GAAP measures should not be viewed as a substitute for reported results determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S. ("GAAP"), nor are they necessarily comparable to non-GAAP measures that may be presented by other companies. CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION (COF) Table 1: Financial SummaryConsolidated 2022 Q2 vs Six Months Ended June 30, (Dollars in millions, except per share data and as noted) 2022 Q2 2022 Q1 2021 Q4 2021 Q3 2021 Q2 2022 Q1 2021 Q2 2022 2021 2022 vs 2021 Income Statement Net interest income $ 6,517 $ 6,397 $ 6,450 $ 6,156 $ 5,743 2 % 13 % $ 12,914 $ 11,565 12 % Non-interest income 1,715 1,776 1,668 1,674 1,631 (3) 5 3,491 2,922 19 Total net revenue(1) 8,232 8,173 8,118 7,830 7,374 1 12 16,405 14,487 13 Provision (benefit) for credit losses 1,085 677 381 (342) (1,160) 60 ** 1,762 (1,983) ** Non-interest expense: Marketing 1,003 918 999 751 620 9 62 1,921 1,121 71 Operating expense 3,580 3,633 3,679 3,435 3,346 (1) 7 7,213 6,585 10 Total non-interest expense 4,583 4,551 4,678 4,186 3,966 1 16 9,134 7,706 19 Income from continuing operations before income taxes 2,564 2,945 3,059 3,986 4,568 (13) (44) 5,509 8,764 (37) Income tax provision 533 542 633 882 1,031 (2) (48) 1,075 1,900 (43) Income from continuing operations, net of tax 2,031 2,403 2,426 3,104 3,537 (15) (43) 4,434 6,864 (35) Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax (1) (1) ** (3) ** Net income 2,031 2,403 2,425 3,104 3,536 (15) (43) 4,434 6,861 (35) Dividends and undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities(2) (25) (28) (21) (26) (30) (11) (17) (53) (58) (9) Preferred stock dividends (57) (57) (74) (79) (60) (5) (114) (121) (6) Issuance cost for redeemed preferred stock(3) (34) (12) Net income available to common stockholders $ 1,949 $ 2,318 $ 2,296 $ 2,987 $ 3,446 (16) (43) $ 4,267 $ 6,682 (36) Common Share Statistics Basic earnings per common share:(2) Net income from continuing operations $ 4.98 $ 5.65 $ 5.43 $ 6.81 $ 7.65 (12) % (35) % $ 10.65 $ 14.70 (28) % Net income per basic common share $ 4.98 $ 5.65 $ 5.43 $ 6.81 $ 7.65 (12) (35) $ 10.65 $ 14.70 (28) Diluted earnings per common share:(2) Net income from continuing operations $ 4.96 $ 5.62 $ 5.41 $ 6.78 $ 7.62 (12) % (35) % $ 10.61 $ 14.65 (28) % Net income per diluted common share $ 4.96 $ 5.62 $ 5.41 $ 6.78 $ 7.62 (12) (35) $ 10.61 $ 14.65 (28) Weighted-average common shares outstanding (in millions): Basic 391.2 410.4 422.5 438.8 450.6 (5) % (13) % 400.8 454.6 (12) % Diluted 392.6 412.2 424.3 440.5 452.3 (5) (13) 402.3 456.2 (12) Common shares outstanding (period-end, in millions) 383.8 399.0 413.9 430.4 446.1 (4) (14) 383.8 446.1 (14) Dividends declared and paid per common share $ 0.60 $ 0.60 $ 0.60 $ 1.20 $ 0.40 50 $ 1.20 $ 0.80 50 Tangible book value per common share (period-end)(4) 87.84 91.77 99.74 99.60 97.20 (4) (10) 87.84 97.20 (10) 2022 Q2 vs Six Months Ended June 30, (Dollars in millions) 2022 Q2 2022 Q1 2021 Q4 2021 Q3 2021 Q2 2022 Q1 2021 Q2 2022 2021 2022 vs 2021 Balance Sheet (Period-End) Loans held for investment $ 296,384 $ 280,466 $ 277,340 $ 261,390 $ 249,597 6 % 19 % $ 296,384 $ 249,597 19 % Interest-earning assets 406,565 398,241 397,341 387,208 387,295 2 5 406,565 387,295 5 Total assets 440,288 434,195 432,381 425,377 423,420 1 4 440,288 423,420 4 Interest-bearing deposits 270,881 275,648 272,937 269,134 271,314 (2) 270,881 271,314 Total deposits 307,885 313,429 310,980 305,938 306,308 (2) 1 307,885 306,308 1 Borrowings 58,938 45,358 43,086 37,501 36,343 30 62 58,938 36,343 62 Common equity 48,564 51,499 56,184 57,632 58,136 (6) (16) 48,564 58,136 (16) Total stockholders' equity 53,410 56,345 61,029 63,544 64,624 (5) (17) 53,410 64,624 (17) Balance Sheet (Average Balances) Loans held for investment $ 286,110 $ 275,342 $ 267,159 $ 253,101 $ 246,463 4 % 16 % $ 280,756 $ 245,207 14 % Interest-earning assets 398,934 394,082 390,868 387,766 390,129 1 2 396,521 389,355 2 Total assets 435,327 430,372 427,845 424,506 424,099 1 3 432,806 422,959 2 Interest-bearing deposits 268,104 271,823 269,951 269,278 273,476 (1) (2) 269,953 273,417 (1) Total deposits 305,954 309,597 307,272 305,035 308,217 (1) (1) 307,765 306,645 Borrowings 53,208 42,277 39,943 37,464 37,054 26 44 47,773 38,475 24 Common equity 49,319 54,591 56,946 58,230 56,885 (10) (13) 51,940 56,333 (8) Total stockholders' equity 54,165 59,437 62,498 64,682 62,376 (9) (13) 56,786 61,504 (8) CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION (COF) Table 2: Selected MetricsConsolidated 2022 Q2 vs Six Months Ended June 30, (Dollars in millions, except as noted) 2022 Q2 2022 Q1 2021 Q4 2021 Q3 2021 Q2 2022 Q1 2021 Q2 2022 2021 2022 vs 2021 Performance Metrics Net interest income growth (period over period) 2 % (1) % 5 % 7 % (1) % ** ** 12 % 1 % ** Non-interest income growth (period over period) (3) 6 3 26 ** ** 19 26 ** Total net revenue growth (period over period) 1 1 4 6 4 ** ** 13 5 ** Total net revenue margin(5) 8.25 8.30 8.31 8.08 7.56 (5) bps 69 bps 8.27 7.44 83 bps Net interest margin(6) 6.54 6.49 6.60 6.35 5.89 5 65 6.51 5.94 57 Return on average assets 1.87 2.23 2.27 2.92 3.34 (36) (147) 2.05 3.25 (120) Return on average tangible assets(7) 1.93 2.31 2.35 3.03 3.46 (38) (153) 2.12 3.36 (124) Return on average common equity(8) 15.81 16.98 16.13 20.52 24.24 (117) (8) % 16.43 23.73 (7) % Return on average tangible common equity(9) 22.63 23.36 21.82 27.50 32.75 (73) (10) 23.03 32.19 (9) Non-interest expense as a percentage of average loans held for investment 6.41 6.61 7.00 6.62 6.44 (20) (3) bps 6.51 6.29 22 bps Efficiency ratio(10) 55.67 55.68 57.63 53.46 53.78 (1) 189 55.68 53.19 249 Operating efficiency ratio(11) 43.49 44.45 45.32 43.87 45.38 (96) (189) 43.97 45.45 (148) Effective income tax rate for continuing operations 20.8 18.4 20.7 22.1 22.6 240 (180) 19.5 21.7 (220) Employees (period-end, in thousands) 53.6 51.5 50.8 50.8 52.0 4 % 3 % 53.6 52.0 3 % Credit Quality Metrics Allowance for credit losses $ 11,491 $ 11,308 $ 11,430 $ 11,573 $ 12,346 2 % (7) % $ 11,491 $ 12,346 (7) % Allowance coverage ratio 3.88 % 4.03 % 4.12 % 4.43 % 4.95 % (15) bps (107) bps 3.88 % 4.95 % (107) bps Net charge-offs $ 845 $ 767 $ 527 $ 426 $ 541 10 % 56 % $ 1,612 $ 1,281 26 % Net charge-off rate(12) 1.18 % 1.11 % 0.79 % 0.67 % 0.88 % 7 bps 30 bps 1.15 % 1.04 % 11 bps 30+ day performing delinquency rate 2.36 2.08 2.25 1.97 1.75 28 61 2.36 1.75 61 30+ day delinquency rate 2.54 2.21 2.41 2.13 1.89 33 65 2.54 1.89 65 Capital Ratios(13) Common equity Tier 1 capital 12.1 % 12.7 % 13.1 % 13.8 % 14.5 % (60) bps (240) bps 12.1 % 14.5 % (240) bps Tier 1 capital 13.5 14.1 14.5 15.7 16.6 (60) (310) 13.5 16.6 (310) Total capital 15.7 16.4 16.9 18.2 18.8 (70) (310) 15.7 18.8 (310) Tier 1 leverage 11.1 11.3 11.6 12.2 12.4 (20) (130) 11.1 12.4 (130) Tangible common equity ("TCE")(14) 7.9 8.7 9.9 10.4 10.6 (80) (270) 7.9 10.6 (270) CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION (COF) Table 3: Consolidated Statements of Income 2022 Q2 vs Six Months Ended June 30, (Dollars in millions, except as noted) 2022 Q2 2022 Q1 2021 Q4 2021 Q3 2021 Q2 2022 Q1 2021 Q2 2022 2021 2022 vs 2021 Interest income: Loans, including loans held for sale $ 6,605 $ 6,367 $ 6,451 $ 6,205 $ 5,753 4 % 15 % $ 12,972 $ 11,607 12 % Investment securities 435 402 368 317 370 8 18 837 761 10 Other 55 15 12 16 16 ** ** 70 32 119 Total interest income 7,095 6,784 6,831 6,538 6,139 5 16 13,879 12,400 12 Interest expense: Deposits 293 218 222 228 237 34 24 511 506 1 Securitized debt obligations 65 29 30 29 28 124 132 94 60 57 Senior and subordinated notes 194 131 121 116 122 48 59 325 251 29 Other borrowings 26 9 8 9 9 189 189 35 18 94 Total interest expense 578 387 381 382 396 49 46 965 835 16 Net interest income 6,517 6,397 6,450 6,156 5,743 2 13 12,914 11,565 12 Provision (benefit) for credit losses 1,085 677 381 (342) (1,160) 60 ** 1,762 (1,983) ** Net interest income after provision for credit losses 5,432 5,720 6,069 6,498 6,903 (5) (21) 11,152 13,548 (18) Non-interest income: Interchange fees, net 1,201 1,033 1,005 1,022 1,016 16 18 2,234 1,833 22 Service charges and other customer-related fees 415 400 435 407 384 4 8 815 736 11 Other 99 343 228 245 231 (71) (57) 442 353 25 Total non-interest income 1,715 1,776 1,668 1,674 1,631 (3) 5 3,491 2,922 19 Non-interest expense: Salaries and associate benefits 1,946 2,026 1,941 1,852 1,781 (4) 9 3,972 3,628 9 Occupancy and equipment 481 513 527 481 523 (6) (8) 994 995 Marketing 1,003 918 999 751 620 9 62 1,921 1,121 71 Professional services 458 397 449 358 341 15 34 855 633 35 Communications and data processing 339 339 326 319 315 8 678 617 10 Amortization of intangibles 14 14 13 5 5 180 28 11 155 Other 342 344 423 420 381 (1) (10) 686 701 (2) Total non-interest expense 4,583 4,551 4,678 4,186 3,966 1 16 9,134 7,706 19 Income from continuing operations before income taxes 2,564 2,945 3,059 3,986 4,568 (13) (44) 5,509 8,764 (37) Income tax provision 533 542 633 882 1,031 (2) (48) 1,075 1,900 (43) Income from continuing operations, net of tax 2,031 2,403 2,426 3,104 3,537 (15) (43) 4,434 6,864 (35) Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax (1) (1) ** (3) ** Net income 2,031 2,403 2,425 3,104 3,536 (15) (43) 4,434 6,861 (35) Dividends and undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities(2) (25) (28) (21) (26) (30) (11) (17) (53) (58) (9) Preferred stock dividends (57) (57) (74) (79) (60) (5) (114) (121) (6) Issuance cost for redeemed preferred stock(3) (34) (12) Net income available to common stockholders $ 1,949 $ 2,318 $ 2,296 $ 2,987 $ 3,446 (16) (43) $ 4,267 $ 6,682 (36) 2022 Q2 vs Six Months Ended June 30, 2022 Q2 2022 Q1 2021 Q4 2021 Q3 2021 Q2 2022 Q1 2021 Q2 2022 2021 2022 vs 2021 Basic earnings per common share:(2) Net income from continuing operations $ 4.98 $ 5.65 $ 5.43 $ 6.81 $ 7.65 (12) % (35) % $ 10.65 $ 14.70 (28) % Net income per basic common share $ 4.98 $ 5.65 $ 5.43 $ 6.81 $ 7.65 (12) (35) $ 10.65 $ 14.70 (28) Diluted earnings per common share:(2) Net income from continuing operations $ 4.96 $ 5.62 $ 5.41 $ 6.78 $ 7.62 (12) (35) $ 10.61 $ 14.65 (28) Net income per diluted common share $ 4.96 $ 5.62 $ 5.41 $ 6.78 $ 7.62 (12) (35) $ 10.61 $ 14.65 (28) Weighted-average common shares outstanding (in millions): Basic common shares 391.2 410.4 422.5 438.8 450.6 (5) (13) 400.8 454.6 (12) Diluted common shares 392.6 412.2 424.3 440.5 452.3 (5) (13) 402.3 456.2 (12) CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION (COF) Table 4: Consolidated Balance Sheets 2022 Q2 vs (Dollars in millions) 2022 Q2 2022 Q1 2021 Q4 2021 Q3 2021 Q2 2022 Q1 2021 Q2 Assets: Cash and cash equivalents: Cash and due from banks $ 4,825 $ 5,107 $ 4,164 $ 5,444 $ 5,312 (6) % (9) % Interest-bearing deposits and other short-term investments 16,728 21,697 17,582 21,180 29,534 (23) (43) Total cash and cash equivalents 21,553 26,804 21,746 26,624 34,846 (20) (38) Restricted cash for securitization investors 697 281 308 234 242 148 188 Securities available for sale 83,022 89,076 95,261 98,149 101,766 (7) (18) Loans held for investment: Unsecuritized loans held for investment 271,339 257,505 252,468 238,475 226,130 5 20 Loans held in consolidated trusts 25,045 22,961 24,872 22,915 23,467 9 7 Total loans held for investment 296,384 280,466 277,340 261,390 249,597 6 19 Allowance for credit losses (11,491) (11,308) (11,430) (11,573) (12,346) 2 (7) Net loans held for investment 284,893 269,158 265,910 249,817 237,251 6 20 Loans held for sale 875 1,155 5,888 6,300 6,522 (24) (87) Premises and equipment, net 4,238 4,238 4,210 4,204 4,227 Interest receivable 1,611 1,479 1,460 1,418 1,372 9 17 Goodwill 14,778 14,784 14,782 14,652 14,654 1 Other assets 28,621 27,220 22,816 23,979 22,540 5 27 Total assets $ 440,288 $ 434,195 $ 432,381 $ 425,377 $ 423,420 1 4 2022 Q2 vs 2022 Q2 2022 Q1 2021 Q4 2021 Q3 2021 Q2 2022 Q1 2021 Q2 (Dollars in millions) Liabilities: Interest payable $ 333 $ 261 $ 281 $ 241 $ 301 28 % 11 % Deposits: Non-interest-bearing deposits 37,004 37,781 38,043 36,804 34,994 (2) 6 Interest-bearing deposits 270,881 275,648 272,937 269,134 271,314 (2) Total deposits 307,885 313,429 310,980 305,938 306,308 (2) 1 Securitized debt obligations 17,466 13,740 14,994 12,635 10,561 27 65 Other debt: Federal funds purchased and securities loaned or sold under agreements to repurchase 440 594 820 825 845 (26) (48) Senior and subordinated notes 30,489 26,976 27,219 23,983 24,878 13 23 Other borrowings 10,543 4,048 53 58 59 160 ** Total other debt 41,472 31,618 28,092 24,866 25,782 31 61 Other liabilities 19,722 18,802 17,005 18,153 15,844 5 24 Total liabilities 386,878 377,850 371,352 361,833 358,796 2 8 Stockholders' equity: Preferred stock 0 0 0 0 0 Common stock 7 7 7 7 7 Additional paid-in capital, net 34,425 34,286 34,112 35,051 35,472 (3) Retained earnings 54,836 53,099 51,006 48,944 46,461 3 18 Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (6,916) (4,093) 374 1,360 1,792 69 ** Treasury stock, at cost (28,942) (26,954) (24,470) (21,818) (19,108) 7 51 Total stockholders' equity 53,410 56,345 61,029 63,544 64,624 (5) (17) Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 440,288 $ 434,195 $ 432,381 $ 425,377 $ 423,420 1 4 CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION (COF) Table 5: Notes to Financial Summary, Selected Metrics and Consolidated Financial Statements (Tables 14) (1) Total net revenue was reduced by $211 million in Q2 2022, $192 million in Q1 2022, $151 million in Q4 2021, $123 million in Q3 2021 and $175 million in Q2 2021 for credit card finance charges and fees charged-off as uncollectible. (2) Dividends and undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities and earnings per share are computed independently for each period. Accordingly, the sum of each quarterly amount may not agree to the year-to-date total. We also provide adjusted diluted earnings per share, which is a non-GAAP measure. See "Table 15: Calculation of Regulatory Capital Measures and Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures" for additional information on our non-GAAP measures. (3) On September 1, 2021, we redeemed all outstanding shares of our fixed-to-floating rate non-cumulative perpetual preferred stock Series E, which reduced our net income available to common shareholders by $12 million in Q3 2021. On December 1, 2021, we redeemed all outstanding shares of our fixed rate 5.20% non-cumulative perpetual preferred stock Series G and our fixed rate 6.00% non-cumulative perpetual preferred stock Series H, which together reduced our net income available to common shareholders by $34 million in Q4 2021. (4) Tangible book value per common share is a non-GAAP measure calculated based on TCE divided by common shares outstanding. See "Table 15: Calculation of Regulatory Capital Measures and Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures" for additional information on non-GAAP measures. (5) Total net revenue margin is calculated based on annualized total net revenue for the period divided by average interest-earning assets for the period. (6) Net interest margin is calculated based on annualized net interest income for the period divided by average interest-earning assets for the period. (7) Return on average tangible assets is a non-GAAP measure calculated based on annualized income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax, for the period divided by average tangible assets for the period. See "Table 15: Calculation of Regulatory Capital Measures and Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures" for additional information on non-GAAP measures. (8) Return on average common equity is calculated based on annualized net income (loss) available to common stockholders less annualized income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax, for the period, divided by average common equity. Our calculation of return on average common equity may not be comparable to similarly-titled measures reported by other companies. (9) Return on average tangible common equity is a non-GAAP measure calculated based on annualized net income (loss) available to common stockholders less annualized income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax, for the period, divided by average TCE. Our calculation of return on average TCE may not be comparable to similarly-titled measures reported by other companies. See "Table 15: Calculation of Regulatory Capital Measures and Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures" for additional information on non-GAAP measures. (10) Efficiency ratio is calculated based on total non-interest expense for the period divided by total net revenue for the period. We also provide an adjusted efficiency ratio, which is a non-GAAP measure. See "Table 15: Calculation of Regulatory Capital Measures and Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures" for additional information on our non-GAAP measures. (11) Operating efficiency ratio is calculated based on operating expense for the period divided by total net revenue for the period. We also provide an adjusted operating efficiency ratio, which is a non-GAAP measure. See "Table 15: Calculation of Regulatory Capital Measures and Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures" for additional information on our non-GAAP measures. (12) Net charge-off rate is calculated based on annualized net charge-offs for the period divided by average loans held for investment for the period. (13) Capital ratios as of the end of Q2 2022 are preliminary and therefore subject to change. See "Table 15: Calculation of Regulatory Capital Measures and Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures" for information on the calculation of each of these ratios. (14) TCE ratio is a non-GAAP measure calculated based on TCE divided by tangible assets. See "Table 15: Calculation of Regulatory Capital Measures and Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures" for additional information on non-GAAP measures. ** Not meaningful. CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION (COF) Table 6: Average Balances, Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin 2022 Q2 2022 Q1 2021 Q2 (Dollars in millions, except as noted) Average Balance Interest Income/ Expense Yield/Rate(1) Average Balance Interest Income/ Expense Yield/Rate Average Balance Interest Income/ Expense Yield/Rate Interest-earning assets: Loans, including loans held for sale $ 287,134 $ 6,605 9.20 % $ 279,022 $ 6,367 9.13 % $ 249,280 $ 5,753 9.23 % Investment securities 92,062 435 1.89 94,700 402 1.70 100,071 370 1.48 Cash equivalents and other 19,738 55 1.10 20,360 15 0.29 40,778 16 0.16 Total interest-earning assets $ 398,934 $ 7,095 7.11 $ 394,082 $ 6,784 6.89 $ 390,129 $ 6,139 6.29 Interest-bearing liabilities: Interest-bearing deposits $ 268,104 $ 293 0.44 $ 271,823 $ 218 0.32 $ 273,476 $ 237 0.35 Securitized debt obligations 15,041 65 1.73 13,740 29 0.84 10,890 28 1.03 Senior and subordinated notes 28,919 194 2.68 26,481 131 1.98 25,487 122 1.92 Other borrowings and liabilities 10,922 26 0.98 3,633 9 1.00 2,198 9 1.67 Total interest-bearing liabilities $ 322,986 $ 578 0.72 $ 315,677 $ 387 0.49 $ 312,051 $ 396 0.50 Net interest income/spread $ 6,517 6.40 $ 6,397 6.40 $ 5,743 5.79 Impact of non-interest-bearing funding 0.14 0.09 0.10 Net interest margin 6.54 % 6.49 % 5.89 % Six Months Ended June 30, 2022 2021 (Dollars in millions, except as noted) Average Balance Interest Income/ Expense Yield/Rate(1) Average Balance Interest Income/ Expense Yield/Rate Interest-earning assets: Loans, including loans held for sale $ 283,100 $ 12,972 9.16 % $ 247,984 $ 11,607 9.36 % Investment securities 93,374 837 1.79 99,189 761 1.53 Cash equivalents and other 20,047 70 0.69 42,182 32 0.15 Total interest-earning assets $ 396,521 $ 13,879 7.00 $ 389,355 $ 12,400 6.37 Interest-bearing liabilities: Interest-bearing deposits $ 269,953 $ 511 0.38 $ 273,417 $ 506 0.37 Securitized debt obligations 14,394 94 1.31 11,561 60 1.04 Senior and subordinated notes 27,707 325 2.34 26,223 251 1.92 Other borrowings and liabilities 7,298 35 0.98 2,205 18 1.65 Total interest-bearing liabilities $ 319,352 $ 965 0.60 $ 313,406 $ 835 0.53 Net interest income/spread $ 12,914 6.40 $ 11,565 5.84 Impact of non-interest-bearing funding 0.11 0.10 Net interest margin 6.51 % 5.94 % CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION (COF) Table 7: Loan Information and Performance Statistics 2022 Q2 vs Six Months Ended June 30, (Dollars in millions, except as noted) 2022 Q2 2022 Q1 2021 Q4 2021 Q3 2021 Q2 2022 Q1 2021 Q2 2022 2021 2022 vs. 2021 Loans Held for Investment (Period-End) Credit card: Domestic credit card $ 115,004 $ 107,987 $ 108,723 $ 99,258 $ 95,309 6 % 21 % $ 115,004 $ 95,309 21 % International card businesses 5,876 5,975 6,049 5,772 5,708 (2) 3 5,876 5,708 3 Total credit card 120,880 113,962 114,772 105,030 101,017 6 20 120,880 101,017 20 Consumer banking: Auto 79,926 78,604 75,779 74,716 71,713 2 11 79,926 71,713 11 Retail banking 1,605 1,726 1,867 2,396 3,046 (7) (47) 1,605 3,046 (47) Total consumer banking 81,531 80,330 77,646 77,112 74,759 1 9 81,531 74,759 9 Commercial banking: Commercial and multifamily real estate 37,845 34,354 35,262 33,096 29,616 10 28 37,845 29,616 28 Commercial and industrial 56,128 51,820 49,660 46,152 44,205 8 27 56,128 44,205 27 Total commercial banking 93,973 86,174 84,922 79,248 73,821 9 27 93,973 73,821 27 Total loans held for investment $ 296,384 $ 280,466 $ 277,340 $ 261,390 $ 249,597 6 19 $ 296,384 $ 249,597 19 Loans Held for Investment (Average) Credit card: Domestic credit card $ 109,962 $ 105,536 $ 102,717 $ 96,309 $ 91,535 4 % 20 % $ 107,761 $ 92,062 17 % International card businesses 5,873 5,944 5,871 5,737 8,139 (1) (28) 5,909 8,040 (27) Total credit card 115,835 111,480 108,588 102,046 99,674 4 16 113,670 100,102 14 Consumer banking: Auto 79,313 76,892 75,284 73,296 69,543 3 14 78,109 67,873 15 Retail banking 1,668 1,797 2,160 2,700 3,162 (7) (47) 1,732 3,106 (44) Total consumer banking 80,981 78,689 77,444 75,996 72,705 3 11 79,841 70,979 12 Commercial banking: Commercial and multifamily real estate 35,754 34,671 33,591 30,314 30,124 3 19 35,215 29,991 17 Commercial and industrial 53,540 50,502 47,536 44,745 43,960 6 22 52,030 44,135 18 Total commercial banking 89,294 85,173 81,127 75,059 74,084 5 21 87,245 74,126 18 Total average loans held for investment $ 286,110 $ 275,342 $ 267,159 $ 253,101 $ 246,463 4 16 $ 280,756 $ 245,207 14 2022 Q2 vs Six Months Ended June 30, 2022 Q2 2022 Q1 2021 Q4 2021 Q3 2021 Q2 2022 Q1 2021 Q2 2022 2021 2022 vs. 2021 Net Charge-Off (Recovery) Rates Credit card: Domestic credit card 2.26 % 2.12 % 1.49 % 1.36 % 2.28 % 14 bps (2) bps 2.19 % 2.41 % (22) bps International card businesses 3.82 3.20 0.14 2.72 2.41 62 141 3.51 2.36 115 Total credit card 2.34 2.18 1.42 1.43 2.29 16 5 2.26 2.41 (15) Consumer banking: Auto 0.61 0.66 0.58 0.18 (0.12) (5) 73 0.63 0.17 46 Retail banking 3.62 4.31 6.69 2.45 1.41 (69) 221 3.98 1.54 244 Total consumer banking 0.67 0.75 0.75 0.27 (0.06) (8) 73 0.71 0.23 48 Commercial banking: Commercial and multifamily real estate (0.08) 0.01 0.04 (8) (12) (0.04) 0.05 (9) Commercial and industrial 0.29 0.11 (0.03) 0.07 (0.21) 18 50 0.20 (0.05) 25 Total commercial banking 0.14 0.06 (0.02) 0.05 (0.11) 8 25 0.10 (0.01) 11 Total net charge-offs 1.18 1.11 0.79 0.67 0.88 7 30 1.15 1.04 11 30+ Day Performing Delinquency Rates Credit card: Domestic credit card 2.35 % 2.32 % 2.22 % 1.93 % 1.68 % 3 bps 67 bps 2.35 % 1.68 % 67 bps International card businesses 3.67 3.58 3.42 3.27 2.89 9 78 3.67 2.89 78 Total credit card 2.42 2.38 2.28 2.00 1.75 4 67 2.42 1.75 67 Consumer banking: Auto 4.47 3.85 4.32 3.65 3.26 62 121 4.47 3.26 121 Retail banking 0.67 0.74 1.92 1.15 0.79 (7) (12) 0.67 0.79 (12) Total consumer banking 4.39 3.78 4.26 3.58 3.16 61 123 4.39 3.16 123 Nonperforming Loans and Nonperforming Assets Rates(2)(3) Credit card: International card businesses 0.13 % 0.14 % 0.16 % 0.16 % 0.20 % (1) bps (7) bps 0.13 % 0.20 % (7) bps Total credit card 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 Consumer banking: Auto 0.50 0.41 0.45 0.36 0.29 9 21 0.50 0.29 21 Retail banking 2.61 2.63 2.51 2.20 1.75 (2) 86 2.61 1.75 86 Total consumer banking 0.54 0.46 0.50 0.42 0.35 8 19 0.54 0.35 19 Commercial banking: Commercial and multifamily real estate 0.78 0.98 1.09 0.87 1.02 (20) (24) 0.78 1.02 (24) Commercial and industrial 0.64 0.69 0.64 0.68 1.03 (5) (39) 0.64 1.03 (39) Total commercial banking 0.70 0.81 0.82 0.76 1.03 (11) (33) 0.70 1.03 (33) Total nonperforming loans 0.37 0.38 0.40 0.35 0.41 (1) (4) 0.37 0.41 (4) Total nonperforming assets 0.39 0.40 0.41 0.37 0.43 (1) (4) 0.39 0.43 (4) CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION (COF) Table 8: Allowance for Credit Losses and Reserve for Unfunded Lending Commitments Activity Three Months Ended June 30, 2022 Credit Card Consumer Banking (Dollars in millions) Domestic Card International Card Businesses Total Credit Card Auto Retail Banking Total Consumer Banking Commercial Banking Total Allowance for credit losses: Balance as of March 31, 2022 $ 7,968 $ 312 $ 8,280 $ 1,852 $ 50 $ 1,902 $ 1,126 $ 11,308 Charge-offs (920) (89) (1,009) (311) (20) (331) (43) (1,383) Recoveries 298 33 331 190 5 195 12 538 Net charge-offs (622) (56) (678) (121) (15) (136) (31) (845) Provision for credit losses 494 87 581 268 13 281 183 1,045 Allowance build (release) for credit losses (128) 31 (97) 147 (2) 145 152 200 Other changes(4) (17) (17) (17) Balance as of June 30, 2022 7,840 326 8,166 1,999 48 2,047 1,278 11,491 Reserve for unfunded lending commitments: Balance as of March 31, 2022 200 200 Provision for losses on unfunded lending commitments 39 39 Balance as of June 30, 2022 239 239 Combined allowance and reserve as of June 30, 2022 $ 7,840 $ 326 $ 8,166 $ 1,999 $ 48 $ 2,047 $ 1,517 $ 11,730 Six Months Ended June 30, 2022 Credit Card Consumer Banking (Dollars in millions) Domestic Card International Card Businesses Total Credit Card Auto Retail Banking Total Consumer Banking Commercial Banking Total Allowance for credit losses: Balance as of December 31, 2021 $ 7,968 $ 377 $ 8,345 $ 1,852 $ 66 $ 1,918 $ 1,167 $ 11,430 Charge-offs (1,787) (177) (1,964) (637) (43) (680) (60) (2,704) Recoveries 606 73 679 389 9 398 15 1,092 Net charge-offs (1,181) (104) (1,285) (248) (34) (282) (45) (1,612) Provision for credit losses 1,053 73 1,126 395 16 411 156 1,693 Allowance build (release) for credit losses (128) (31) (159) 147 (18) 129 111 81 Other changes(4) (20) (20) (20) Balance as of June 30, 2022 7,840 326 8,166 1,999 48 2,047 1,278 11,491 Reserve for unfunded lending commitments: Balance as of December 31, 2021 165 165 Provision for losses on unfunded lending commitments 74 74 Balance as of June 30, 2022 239 239 Combined allowance and reserve as of June 30, 2022 $ 7,840 $ 326 $ 8,166 $ 1,999 $ 48 $ 2,047 $ 1,517 $ 11,730 CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION (COF) Table 9: Financial SummaryBusiness Segment Results Three Months Ended June 30, 2022 Six Months Ended June 30, 2022 (Dollars in millions) Credit Card Consumer Banking Commercial Banking(5) Other(5) Total Credit Card Consumer Banking Commercial Banking(5) Other(5) Total Net interest income (loss) $ 3,899 $ 2,147 $ 635 $ (164) $ 6,517 $ 7,738 $ 4,260 $ 1,242 $ (326) $ 12,914 Non-interest income (loss) 1,410 96 272 (63) 1,715 2,868 201 549 (127) 3,491 Total net revenue (loss) 5,309 2,243 907 (227) 8,232 10,606 4,461 1,791 (453) 16,405 Provision (benefit) for credit losses 581 281 222 1 1,085 1,126 411 230 (5) 1,762 Non-interest expense 2,771 1,286 485 41 4,583 5,554 2,522 973 85 9,134 Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes 1,957 676 200 (269) 2,564 3,926 1,528 588 (533) 5,509 Income tax provision (benefit) 466 160 48 (141) 533 935 362 140 (362) 1,075 Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax $ 1,491 $ 516 $ 152 $ (128) $ 2,031 $ 2,991 $ 1,166 $ 448 $ (171) $ 4,434 Three Months Ended March 31, 2022 (Dollars in millions) Credit Card Consumer Banking Commercial Banking(5) Other(5) Total Net interest income (loss) $ 3,839 $ 2,113 $ 607 $ (162) $ 6,397 Non-interest income (loss) 1,458 105 277 (64) 1,776 Total net revenue (loss) 5,297 2,218 884 (226) 8,173 Provision (benefit) for credit losses 545 130 8 (6) 677 Non-interest expense 2,783 1,236 488 44 4,551 Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes 1,969 852 388 (264) 2,945 Income tax provision (benefit) 469 202 92 (221) 542 Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax $ 1,500 $ 650 $ 296 $ (43) $ 2,403 Three Months Ended June 30, 2021 Six Months Ended June 30, 2021 (Dollars in millions) Credit Card Consumer Banking Commercial Banking(5) Other(5) Total Credit Card Consumer Banking Commercial Banking(5) Other(5) Total Net interest income (loss) $ 3,217 $ 2,101 $ 460 $ (35) $ 5,743 $ 6,589 $ 4,131 $ 980 $ (135) $ 11,565 Non-interest income (loss) 1,253 144 257 (23) 1,631 2,282 285 497 (142) 2,922 Total net revenue (loss) 4,470 2,245 717 (58) 7,374 8,871 4,416 1,477 (277) 14,487 Provision (benefit) for credit losses (635) (306) (219) (1,160) (1,127) (432) (422) (2) (1,983) Non-interest expense 2,263 1,123 417 163 3,966 4,398 2,240 836 232 7,706 Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes 2,842 1,428 519 (221) 4,568 5,600 2,608 1,063 (507) 8,764 Income tax provision (benefit) 672 337 123 (101) 1,031 1,325 615 251 (291) 1,900 Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax $ 2,170 $ 1,091 $ 396 $ (120) $ 3,537 $ 4,275 $ 1,993 $ 812 $ (216) $ 6,864 CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION (COF) Table 10: Financial & Statistical SummaryCredit Card Business 2022 Q2 vs Six Months Ended June 30, (Dollars in millions, except as noted) 2022 Q2 2022 Q1 2021 Q4 2021 Q3 2021 Q2 2022 Q1 2021 Q2 2022 2021 2022 vs 2021 Credit Card Earnings: Net interest income $ 3,899 $ 3,839 $ 3,865 $ 3,620 $ 3,217 2 % 21 % $ 7,738 $ 6,589 17 % Non-interest income 1,410 1,458 1,261 1,263 1,253 (3) 13 2,868 2,282 26 Total net revenue 5,309 5,297 5,126 4,883 4,470 19 10,606 8,871 20 Provision (benefit) for credit losses 581 545 423 (198) (635) 7 ** 1,126 (1,127) ** Non-interest expense 2,771 2,783 2,799 2,424 2,263 22 5,554 4,398 26 Income from continuing operations before income taxes 1,957 1,969 1,904 2,657 2,842 (1) (31) 3,926 5,600 (30) Income tax provision 466 469 451 627 672 (1) (31) 935 1,325 (29) Income from continuing operations, net of tax $ 1,491 $ 1,500 $ 1,453 $ 2,030 $ 2,170 (1) (31) $ 2,991 $ 4,275 (30) Selected performance metrics: Period-end loans held for investment $ 120,880 $ 113,962 $ 114,772 $ 105,030 $ 101,017 6 20 $ 120,880 $ 101,017 20 Average loans held for investment 115,835 111,480 108,588 102,046 99,674 4 16 113,670 100,102 14 Average yield on loans outstanding(1) 15.24 % 14.97 % 14.94 % 14.88 % 14.04 % 27 bps 120 bps 15.11 % 14.26 % 85 bps Total net revenue margin(6) 18.33 18.56 18.11 18.33 17.59 (23) 74 18.44 17.38 106 Net charge-off rate 2.34 2.18 1.42 1.43 2.29 16 5 2.26 2.41 (15) 30+ day performing delinquency rate 2.42 2.38 2.28 2.00 1.75 4 67 2.42 1.75 67 30+ day delinquency rate 2.42 2.39 2.29 2.00 1.75 3 67 2.42 1.75 67 Nonperforming loan rate(2) 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 Purchase volume(7) $ 148,491 $ 133,662 $ 149,982 $ 136,614 $ 132,676 11 % 12 % $ 282,153 $ 241,009 17 % 2022 Q2 vs Six Months Ended June 30, (Dollars in millions, except as noted) 2022 Q2 2022 Q1 2021 Q4 2021 Q3 2021 Q2 2022 Q1 2021 Q2 2022 2021 2022 vs 2021 Domestic Card Earnings: Net interest income $ 3,651 $ 3,620 $ 3,558 $ 3,319 $ 2,944 1 % 24 % $ 7,271 $ 6,039 20 % Non-interest income 1,340 1,248 1,190 1,200 1,183 7 13 2,588 2,142 21 Total net revenue 4,991 4,868 4,748 4,519 4,127 3 21 9,859 8,181 21 Provision (benefit) for credit losses 494 559 384 (200) (561) (12) ** 1,053 (1,052) ** Non-interest expense 2,594 2,564 2,564 2,191 2,034 1 28 5,158 3,957 30 Income from continuing operations before income taxes 1,903 1,745 1,800 2,528 2,654 9 (28) 3,648 5,276 (31) Income tax provision 450 414 424 597 626 9 (28) 864 1,245 (31) Income from continuing operations, net of tax $ 1,453 $ 1,331 $ 1,376 $ 1,931 $ 2,028 9 (28) $ 2,784 $ 4,031 (31) Selected performance metrics: Period-end loans held for investment $ 115,004 $ 107,987 $ 108,723 $ 99,258 $ 95,309 6 21 $ 115,004 $ 95,309 21 Average loans held for investment 109,962 105,536 102,717 96,309 91,535 4 20 107,761 92,062 17 Average yield on loans outstanding(1) 15.03 % 14.82 % 14.86 % 14.80 % 13.91 % 21 bps 112 bps 14.92 % 14.13 % 79 bps Total net revenue margin(6) 18.16 18.28 18.14 18.40 17.66 (12) 50 18.21 17.40 81 Net charge-off rate 2.26 2.12 1.49 1.36 2.28 14 (2) 2.19 2.41 (22) 30+ day performing delinquency rate 2.35 2.32 2.22 1.93 1.68 3 67 2.35 1.68 67 Purchase volume(7) $ 144,668 $ 126,284 $ 138,825 $ 126,057 $ 122,456 15 % 18 % $ 270,952 $ 222,416 22 % Refreshed FICO scores:(8) Greater than 660 70 % 70 % 71 % 71 % 72 % (2) 70 % 72 % (2) 660 or below 30 30 29 29 28 2 30 28 2 Total 100 % 100 % 100 % 100 % 100 % 100 % 100 % CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION (COF) Table 11: Financial & Statistical SummaryConsumer Banking Business 2022 Q2 vs Six Months Ended June 30, (Dollars in millions, except as noted) 2022 Q2 2022 Q1 2021 Q4 2021 Q3 2021 Q2 2022 Q1 2021 Q2 2022 2021 2022 vs 2021 Consumer Banking Earnings: Net interest income $ 2,147 $ 2,113 $ 2,158 $ 2,159 $ 2,101 2 % 2 % $ 4,260 $ 4,131 3 % Non-interest income 96 105 142 127 144 (9) (33) 201 285 (29) Total net revenue 2,243 2,218 2,300 2,286 2,245 1 4,461 4,416 1 Provision (benefit) for credit losses 281 130 2 (91) (306) 116 ** 411 (432) ** Non-interest expense 1,286 1,236 1,285 1,186 1,123 4 15 2,522 2,240 13 Income from continuing operations before income taxes 676 852 1,013 1,191 1,428 (21) (53) 1,528 2,608 (41) Income tax provision 160 202 239 282 337 (21) (53) 362 615 (41) Income from continuing operations, net of tax $ 516 $ 650 $ 774 $ 909 $ 1,091 (21) (53) $ 1,166 $ 1,993 (41) Selected performance metrics: Period-end loans held for investment $ 81,531 $ 80,330 $ 77,646 $ 77,112 $ 74,759 1 9 $ 81,531 $ 74,759 9 Average loans held for investment 80,981 78,689 77,444 75,996 72,705 3 11 79,841 70,979 12 Average yield on loans held for investment(1) 7.08 % 7.17 % 7.55 % 7.78 % 7.99 % (9) bps (91) bps 7.13 % 8.07 % (94) bps Auto loan originations $ 10,328 $ 11,713 $ 9,721 $ 11,570 $ 12,959 (12) % (20) % $ 22,041 $ 21,792 1 % Period-end deposits 255,904 258,359 256,407 252,387 251,155 (1) 2 255,904 251,155 2 Average deposits 254,336 255,265 253,372 251,307 252,488 1 254,798 251,002 2 Average deposits interest rate 0.38 % 0.29 % 0.30 % 0.30 % 0.31 % 9 bps 7 bps 0.33 % 0.33 % Net charge-off (recovery) rate 0.67 0.75 0.75 0.27 (0.06) (8) 73 0.71 0.23 48 bps 30+ day performing delinquency rate 4.39 3.78 4.26 3.58 3.16 61 123 4.39 3.16 123 30+ day delinquency rate 4.81 4.13 4.66 3.88 3.40 68 141 4.81 3.40 141 Nonperforming loan rate(2) 0.54 0.46 0.50 0.42 0.35 8 19 0.54 0.35 19 Nonperforming asset rate(3) 0.60 0.52 0.56 0.47 0.40 8 20 0.60 0.40 20 AutoAt origination FICO scores:(9) Greater than 660 52 % 51 % 50 % 49 % 48 % 1 % 4 % 52 % 48 % 4 % 621 - 660 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 620 or below 28 29 30 31 32 (1) (4) 28 32 (4) Total 100 % 100 % 100 % 100 % 100 % 100 % 100 % CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION (COF) Table 12: Financial & Statistical SummaryCommercial Banking Business 2022 Q2 vs Six Months Ended June 30, (Dollars in millions, except as noted) 2022 Q2 2022 Q1 2021 Q4 2021 Q3 2021 Q2 2022 Q1 2021 Q2 2022 2021 2022 vs 2021 Commercial Banking Earnings: Net interest income $ 635 $ 607 $ 595 $ 578 $ 460 5 % 38 % $ 1,242 $ 980 27 % Non-interest income 272 277 345 306 257 (2) 6 549 497 10 Total net revenue(5) 907 884 940 884 717 3 26 1,791 1,477 21 Provision (benefit) for credit losses 222 8 (44) (53) (219) ** ** 230 (422) ** Non-interest expense 485 488 520 459 417 (1) 16 973 836 16 Income from continuing operations before income taxes 200 388 464 478 519 (48) (61) 588 1,063 (45) Income tax provision 48 92 109 113 123 (48) (61) 140 251 (44) Income from continuing operations, net of tax $ 152 $ 296 $ 355 $ 365 $ 396 (49) (62) $ 448 $ 812 (45) Selected performance metrics: Period-end loans held for investment $ 93,973 $ 86,174 $ 84,922 $ 79,248 $ 73,821 9 27 $ 93,973 $ 73,821 27 Average loans held for investment 89,294 85,173 81,127 75,059 74,084 5 21 87,245 74,126 18 Average yield on loans held for investment(1)(5) 3.18 % 2.66 % 2.71 % 2.77 % 2.72 % 52 bps 46 bps 2.92 % 2.74 % 18 bps Period-end deposits $ 38,844 $ 45,232 $ 44,809 $ 43,347 $ 42,973 (14) % (10) % $ 38,844 $ 42,973 (10) % Average deposits 40,536 45,008 44,206 42,729 42,311 (10) (4) 42,760 41,215 4 Average deposits interest rate 0.19 % 0.12 % 0.12 % 0.15 % 0.14 % 70 bps 5 bps 0.15 % 0.16 % (1) bps Net charge-off (recovery) rate 0.14 0.06 (0.02) 0.05 (0.11) 8 25 0.10 (0.01) 11 Nonperforming loan rate(2) 0.70 0.81 0.82 0.76 1.03 (11) (33) 0.70 1.03 (33) Nonperforming asset rate(3) 0.70 0.81 0.82 0.76 1.03 (11) (33) 0.70 1.03 (33) Risk category:(10) Noncriticized $ 88,349 $ 80,586 $ 79,014 $ 73,218 $ 67,481 10 % 31 % $ 88,349 $ 67,481 31 % Criticized performing 4,969 4,893 5,209 5,429 5,581 2 (11) 4,969 5,581 (11) Criticized nonperforming 655 695 699 601 759 (6) (14) 655 759 (14) Total commercial banking loans $ 93,973 $ 86,174 $ 84,922 $ 79,248 $ 73,821 9 27 $ 93,973 $ 73,821 27 Risk category as a percentage of period-end loans held for investment:(10) Noncriticized 94.01 % 93.51 % 93.05 % 92.39 % 91.41 % 50 bps 260 bps 94.01 % 91.41 % 260 bps Criticized performing 5.29 5.68 6.13 6.85 7.56 (39) (227) 5.29 7.56 (227) Criticized nonperforming 0.70 0.81 0.82 0.76 1.03 (11) (33) 0.70 1.03 (33) Total commercial banking loans 100.00 % 100.00 % 100.00 % 100.00 % 100.00 % 100.00 % 100.00 % CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION (COF) Table 13: Financial & Statistical SummaryOther and Total 2022 Q2 vs Six Months Ended June 30, (Dollars in millions) 2022 Q2 2022 Q1 2021 Q4 2021 Q3 2021 Q2 2022 Q1 2021 Q2 2022 2021 2022 vs 2021 Other Earnings: Net interest loss $ (164) $ (162) $ (168) $ (201) $ (35) 1 % ** $ (326) $ (135) 141 % Non-interest loss (63) (64) (80) (22) (23) (2) 174 % (127) (142) (11) Total net loss(5) (227) (226) (248) (223) (58) ** (453) (277) 64 Provision (benefit) for credit losses 1 (6) ** ** (5) (2) 150 Non-interest expense(11) 41 44 74 117 163 (7) (75) 85 232 (63) Loss from continuing operations before income taxes (269) (264) (322) (340) (221) 2 22 (533) (507) 5 Income tax benefit (141) (221) (166) (140) (101) (36) 40 (362) (291) 24 Loss from continuing operations, net of tax $ (128) $ (43) $ (156) $ (200) $ (120) 198 7 $ (171) $ (216) (21) Selected performance metrics: Period-end deposits $ 13,137 $ 9,838 $ 9,764 $ 10,204 $ 12,180 34 8 $ 13,137 $ 12,180 8 Average deposits 11,082 9,324 9,694 10,999 13,418 19 (17) 10,207 14,428 (29) Total Earnings: Net interest income $ 6,517 $ 6,397 $ 6,450 $ 6,156 $ 5,743 2 % 13 % $ 12,914 $ 11,565 12 % Non-interest income 1,715 1,776 1,668 1,674 1,631 (3) 5 3,491 2,922 19 Total net revenue 8,232 8,173 8,118 7,830 7,374 1 12 16,405 14,487 13 Provision (benefit) for credit losses 1,085 677 381 (342) (1,160) 60 ** 1,762 (1,983) ** Non-interest expense 4,583 4,551 4,678 4,186 3,966 1 16 9,134 7,706 19 Income from continuing operations before income taxes 2,564 2,945 3,059 3,986 4,568 (13) (44) 5,509 8,764 (37) Income tax provision 533 542 633 882 1,031 (2) (48) 1,075 1,900 (43) Income from continuing operations, net of tax $ 2,031 $ 2,403 $ 2,426 $ 3,104 $ 3,537 (15) (43) $ 4,434 $ 6,864 (35) Selected performance metrics: Period-end loans held for investment $ 296,384 $ 280,466 $ 277,340 $ 261,390 $ 249,597 6 19 $ 296,384 $ 249,597 19 Average loans held for investment 286,110 275,342 267,159 253,101 246,463 4 16 280,756 245,207 14 Period-end deposits 307,885 313,429 310,980 305,938 306,308 (2) 1 307,885 306,308 1 Average deposits 305,954 309,597 307,272 305,035 308,217 (1) (1) 307,765 306,645 CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION (COF) Table 14: Notes to Net Interest Margin, Loan, Allowance and Business Segment Disclosures (Tables 613) (1) Average yield is calculated based on annualized interest income for the period divided by average loans during the period. Annualized interest income does not include any allocations, such as funds transfer pricing. Average yield is calculated using whole dollar values for average balances and interest income/expense. Accordingly, total interest earning assets less total interest bearing liabilities may not total net interest income/spread. (2) Nonperforming loan rates are calculated based on nonperforming loans for each category divided by period-end total loans held for investment for each respective category. For Commercial Banking, loans categorized as nonperforming are considered criticized nonperforming. (3) Nonperforming assets consist of nonperforming loans, repossessed assets and other foreclosed assets. The total nonperforming asset rate is calculated based on total nonperforming assets divided by the combined period-end total loans held for investment, repossessed assets and other foreclosed assets. (4) Primarily represents foreign currency translation adjustments. (5) Some of our commercial investments generate tax-exempt income, tax credits or other tax benefits. Accordingly, we present our Commercial Banking revenue and yields on a taxable-equivalent basis, calculated using the federal statutory tax rate of 21% and state taxes where applicable, with offsetting reductions to the Other category. (6) Total net revenue margin is calculated based on total net revenue for the period divided by average loans outstanding during the period. (7) Purchase volume consists of purchase transactions, net of returns, for the period, and excludes cash advance and balance transfer transactions. (8) Percentages represent period-end loans held for investment in each credit score category. Domestic Card credit scores generally represent FICO scores. These scores are obtained from one of the major credit bureaus at origination and are refreshed monthly thereafter. We approximate non-FICO credit scores to comparable FICO scores for consistency purposes. Balances for which no credit score is available or the credit score is invalid are included in the 660 or below category. (9) Percentages represent period-end loans held for investment in each credit score category. Auto credit scores generally represent average FICO scores obtained from three credit bureaus at the time of application and are not refreshed thereafter. Balances for which no credit score is available or the credit score is invalid are included in the 620 or below category. (10) Criticized exposures correspond to the "Special Mention," "Substandard" and "Doubtful" asset categories defined by bank regulatory authorities. (11) Includes charges incurred as a result of restructuring activities. ** Not meaningful. CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION (COF) Table 15: Calculation of Regulatory Capital Measures and Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures(1) Basel III Standardized Approach (Dollars in millions, except as noted) June 30, 2022 March 31, 2022 December 31, 2021 September 30, 2021 June 30, 2021 Regulatory Capital Metrics Common equity excluding AOCI $ 57,278 $ 57,390 $ 58,206 $ 58,705 $ 58,969 Adjustments: AOCI, net of tax(2) (72) (20) (23) (33) (5) Goodwill, net of related deferred tax liabilities (14,548) (14,559) (14,562) (14,435) (14,440) Intangible assets, net of related deferred tax liabilities (80) (94) (108) (84) (76) Other (15) (16) (12) (15) (16) Common equity Tier 1 capital $ 42,563 $ 42,701 $ 43,501 $ 44,138 $ 44,432 Tier 1 capital $ 47,408 $ 47,547 $ 48,346 $ 50,049 $ 50,920 Total capital(3) 55,104 55,059 56,089 57,851 57,932 Risk-weighted assets 352,064 336,739 332,673 318,729 307,334 Adjusted average assets(4) 427,446 418,957 415,141 411,216 411,032 Capital Ratios Common equity Tier 1 capital(5) 12.1 % 12.7 % 13.1 % 13.8 % 14.5 % Tier 1 capital(6) 13.5 14.1 14.5 15.7 16.6 Total capital(7) 15.7 16.4 16.9 18.2 18.8 Tier 1 leverage(4) 11.1 11.3 11.6 12.2 12.4 Tangible common equity ("TCE")(8) 7.9 8.7 9.9 10.4 10.6 Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures The following non-GAAP measures consist of our adjusted results that we believe help investors and users of our financial information understand the effect of adjusting items on our selected reported results. These adjusted results provide alternate measurements of our operating performance, both for the current period and trends across multiple periods. The following tables present reconciliations of these non-GAAP measures to the applicable amounts measured in accordance with GAAP. (Dollars in millions, except per share data and as noted) 2022 Q2 2022 Q1 2021 Q4 2021 Q3 2021 Q2 Six Months Ended June 30, 2022 2021 Adjusted diluted earnings per share ("EPS"): Net income available to common stockholders (GAAP) $ 1,949 $ 2,318 $ 2,296 $ 2,987 $ 3,446 $ 4,267 $ 6,682 Legal reserve activity, including insurance recoveries 45 55 55 Adjusted net income available to common stockholders before income tax impacts (non-GAAP) 1,949 2,318 2,296 3,032 3,501 4,267 6,737 Income tax impacts (11) (13) (13) Adjusted net income available to common stockholders (non-GAAP) $ 1,949 $ 2,318 $ 2,296 $ 3,021 $ 3,488 $ 4,267 $ 6,724 Diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding (in millions) (GAAP) 392.6 412.2 424.3 440.5 452.3 402.3 456.2 Diluted EPS (GAAP) $ 4.96 $ 5.62 $ 5.41 $ 6.78 $ 7.62 $ 10.61 $ 14.65 Impact of adjustments noted above 0.08 0.09 0.09 Adjusted diluted EPS (non-GAAP) $ 4.96 $ 5.62 $ 5.41 $ 6.86 $ 7.71 $ 10.61 $ 14.74 Adjusted efficiency ratio: Non-interest expense (GAAP) $ 4,583 $ 4,551 $ 4,678 $ 4,186 $ 3,966 $ 9,134 $ 7,706 Legal reserve activity, including insurance recoveries (45) (55) (55) Adjusted non-interest expense (non-GAAP) $ 4,583 $ 4,551 $ 4,678 $ 4,141 $ 3,911 $ 9,134 $ 7,651 Total net revenue (GAAP) $ 8,232 $ 8,173 $ 8,118 $ 7,830 $ 7,374 $ 16,405 $ 14,487 Efficiency ratio (GAAP) 55.67 % 55.68 % 57.63 % 53.46 % 53.78 % 55.68 % 53.19 % Impact of adjustments noted above (57) bps (74) bps (38) bps Adjusted efficiency ratio (non-GAAP) 55.67 % 55.68 % 57.63 % 52.89 % 53.04 % 55.68 % 52.81 % Adjusted operating efficiency ratio: Operating expense (GAAP) $ 3,580 $ 3,633 $ 3,679 $ 3,435 $ 3,346 $ 7,213 $ 6,585 Legal reserve activity, including insurance recoveries (45) (55) (55) Adjusted operating expense (non-GAAP) $ 3,580 $ 3,633 $ 3,679 $ 3,390 $ 3,291 $ 7,213 $ 6,530 Total net revenue (GAAP) $ 8,232 $ 8,173 $ 8,118 $ 7,830 $ 7,374 $ 16,405 $ 14,487 Operating efficiency ratio (GAAP) 43.49 % 44.45 % 45.32 % 43.87 % 45.38 % 43.97 % 45.45 % Impact of adjustments noted above (57) bps (75) bps (38) bps Adjusted operating efficiency ratio (non-GAAP) 43.49 % 44.45 % 45.32 % 43.30 % 44.63 % 43.97 % 45.07 % Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures The following non-GAAP measures consist of TCE, tangible assets and metrics computed using these amounts, which include tangible book value per common share, return on average tangible assets, return on average TCE and TCE ratio. We consider these metrics to be key financial performance measures that management uses in assessing capital adequacy and the level of returns generated. While our non-GAAP measures are widely used by investors, analysts and bank regulatory agencies to assess the capital position of financial services companies, they may not be comparable to similarly-titled measures reported by other companies. The following tables present reconciliations of these non-GAAP measures to the applicable amounts measured in accordance with GAAP. (Dollars in millions) 2022 Q2 2022 Q1 2021 Q4 2021 Q3 2021 Q2 Tangible Common Equity (Period-End) Stockholders' equity $ 53,410 $ 56,345 $ 61,029 $ 63,544 $ 64,624 Goodwill and intangible assets(9) (14,850) (14,883) (14,907) (14,766) (14,774) Noncumulative perpetual preferred stock (4,845) (4,845) (4,845) (5,912) (6,488) Tangible common equity $ 33,715 $ 36,617 $ 41,277 $ 42,866 $ 43,362 Tangible Common Equity (Average) Stockholders' equity $ 54,165 $ 59,437 $ 62,498 $ 64,682 $ 62,376 Goodwill and intangible assets(9) (14,875) (14,904) (14,847) (14,777) (14,788) Noncumulative perpetual preferred stock (4,845) (4,845) (5,552) (6,452) (5,491) Tangible common equity $ 34,445 $ 39,688 $ 42,099 $ 43,453 $ 42,097 Tangible Assets (Period-End) Total assets $ 440,288 $ 434,195 $ 432,381 $ 425,377 $ 423,420 Goodwill and intangible assets(9) (14,850) (14,883) (14,907) (14,766) (14,774) Tangible assets $ 425,438 $ 419,312 $ 417,474 $ 410,611 $ 408,646 Tangible Assets (Average) Total assets $ 435,327 $ 430,372 $ 427,845 $ 424,506 $ 424,099 Goodwill and intangible assets(9) (14,875) (14,904) (14,847) (14,777) (14,788) Tangible assets $ 420,452 $ 415,468 $ 412,998 $ 409,729 $ 409,311 __________ (1) Regulatory capital metrics and capital ratios as of June 30, 2022 are preliminary and therefore subject to change. (2) Excludes certain components of AOCI as permitted under the Tailoring Rules. (3) Total capital equals the sum of Tier 1 capital and Tier 2 capital. (4) Adjusted average assets for the purpose of calculating our Tier 1 leverage ratio represents total average assets adjusted for amounts that are deducted from Tier 1 capital, predominately goodwill and intangible assets. Tier 1 leverage ratio is a regulatory capital measure calculated based on Tier 1 capital divided by adjusted average assets. (5) Common equity Tier 1 capital ratio is a regulatory capital measure calculated based on common equity Tier 1 capital divided by risk-weighted assets. (6) Tier 1 capital ratio is a regulatory capital measure calculated based on Tier 1 capital divided by risk-weighted assets. (7) Total capital ratio is a regulatory capital measure calculated based on total capital divided by risk-weighted assets. (8) TCE ratio is a non-GAAP measure calculated based on TCE divided by tangible assets. (9) Includes impact of related deferred taxes. SOURCE Capital One Financial Corporation The New Project Will Bring 50 Apartment Hotel Units to Charleston's Historic Downtown in 2024 CHARLESTON, S.C., July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Capital Square , one of the nation's leading sponsors of tax-advantaged real estate investments and an active developer of multifamily communities, and Method Co. , a real estate management, development and design company rooted in hospitality, today held a groundbreaking ceremony for a new design-forward, 50-unit development bridging the boutique hotel experience with apartment-style living, located at 529 King Street in Charleston's historic downtown. The $61 million project designed by acclaimed Morris Adjmi Architects will feature 52,700 square feet of space comprising a mix of studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartment hotel units, a rooftop lounge, and 27,700 square feet of rentable space. Method Co. will operate the property's rooftop lounge, drawing on significant experience in food and beverage operations to create a space that serves both as an amenity to guests and locals. Attendees included Capital Square executives Louis Rogers, founder and CEO, and Whitson Huffman, chief strategy and investment officer; Method Co.'s CEO and co-founder, Randall Cook, and president and co-founder, David Grasso; and Kathy Crawford, regional director of the Office of U.S. Senator Tim Scott (S.C.). With construction now underway, the hotel property is slated for completion in early 2024. "Capital Square is an active developer of luxury properties in growing markets within the Southeast and we couldn't be more pleased to begin construction on our inaugural project in Charleston," said Whitson Huffman, chief strategy and investment officer. "Charleston is a premier market, home to a growing community of high-income families and one of the nation's most popular tourist destinations. 529 King Street will contribute to this legacy and become a premier destination for local residents and tourists alike." The property will be the city's first high-design, extended-stay hotel concept blending the comfort and practicality of an apartment with the amenities and design of a boutique hotel, creating a temporary living environment ideally suited for a long-term stay. "We are thrilled to break ground on our first ROOST Apartment Hotel in South Carolina and our second project in the city of Charleston," said David Grasso, President and Co-Founder of Method Co. "ROOST will offer guests in Charleston a comfortable stay in a beautifully designed apartment that feels like a home and the flexibility to stay a few nights or a few months. The building's design by Morris Adjmi Architects is outstanding; it will be a fitting complement to the classic architectural charm of Charleston." Located in the highly sought-after "Upper King" section of downtown Charleston, which is home to a concentration of luxury retail stores, restaurants and nightlife, the new apartment hotel will serve as an ideal accommodation for the city's high volume of annual visitors. The Upper King Street neighborhood also supports a burgeoning tech and start-up scene and represents a growth corridor and exceptional demand generator for higher-end residential and hotel development. Property renderings can be found here and credited to Morris Adjmi Architects. About ROOST Apartment Hotel ROOST Apartment Hotel is a high-design boutique extended-stay hotel concept, conceptualized by Philadelphia-based hospitality company Method Co. A first of its kind, ROOST introduces a fresh approach to hospitality by blending the comfort and practicality of an apartment with the amenities and design of a boutique hotel, creating a temporary living environment ideally suited for a long-term stay. Designed by Morris Adjmi Architects, ROOST offers studio, one and two-bedroom and penthouse apartments with full-sized kitchens and modern appliances in a beautifully appointed space, which features contemporary furnishings, antique elements, custom lighting, and unique artwork. Featured amenities include an artisanal coffee program curated by La Colombe, bike share program, and recurring resident receptions that partner with local vendors, while a dedicated 24-hour concierge desk and on-site services team further enhance and ensure a memorable guest experience. The first location, ROOST Midtown, opened in 2015 and features 28 fully furnished apartments; their second outpost, ROOST Rittenhouse, followed in 2016 featuring 27 apartments and a communal lobby; their third location, ROOST East Market opened in January 2019 with 60 apartments, an outdoor pool, and communal in Philadelphia's Midtown Village neighborhood. The fourth location is the first outside of Philadelphia ROOST Cleveland, which opened in March 2022 and features 62 apartments located downtown within the historic May building, a restoration of the city's original 1915 department store, while their fifth location, ROOST Tampa, opened in July 2022 and includes 97 apartments within Asher, a residential building within the new Water Street development. ROOST has plans to open locations in other markets, including Detroit, Baltimore and Charleston. www.myroost.com About Capital Square Capital Square is a national real estate firm specializing in tax-advantaged real estate investments, including Delaware statutory trusts for Section 1031 exchanges, qualified opportunity zone funds for tax deferral and exclusion and a real estate investment trust (REIT). In recent years the company has become an active developer of mixed-use multifamily properties in the southeastern US, with eight current projects totaling approximately 2,000 apartment units with a total development cost in excess of $600 million. Since 2012, Capital Square has completed more than $6.0 billion in transaction volume. Capital Square's related entities provide a range of services, including due diligence, acquisition, loan sourcing, property/asset management, and disposition, for a growing number of high-net-worth investors, private equity firms, family offices and institutional investors. Since 2017, Capital Square has been recognized by Inc. 5000 as one of the fastest growing companies in the nation for four consecutive years. In 2017, 2018 and 2020, the company was also ranked on Richmond BizSense's list of fastest growing companies. Additionally, Capital Square was listed by Virginia Business on their "Best Places to Work in Virginia" report in 2019 and their "Fantastic 50" reports in 2019 and 2020. To learn more, visit www.CapitalSq.com . About Method Co. Method Co. is a Philadelphia-based hospitality, development, design and branding firm founded on the joining of historically compatible disciplines under one roof; the firm bridges the worlds of interior design and real estate development, while embracing the custom design of products, furniture, identities and experiences. Built from a team of individuals with extensive experience in the fields of finance, interior design, branding, architecture, urban planning and fine arts, Method company's diverse skill set forms the foundation of the firm's interdisciplinary practice. The team has been responsible for the design, staging and development of hotel, restaurant, and real estate projects, such as the ROOST Apartment Hotel brand, Whyle, Wm. Mulherin's Sons Restaurant & Hotel and HIROKI restaurant, along with the newly opened boutique property in Charleston, The Pinch, with plans to expand their concepts to other major markets within the US including Detroit and Wilmington, DE. www.methodco.com Media Contacts: Jill Swartz Capital Square/Spotlight Marketing Communications 949-427-1389 [email protected] M18/Method Co. [email protected] SOURCE Capital Square Study reveals key findings on workforce mobility from more than 2,100 frontline employees CHICAGO, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Cara Collective, a leader in poverty alleviation, is proud to announce the release of a national study on upward mobility for frontline employees: Bridging the Advancement Gap: What Frontline Employees Wantand What Employers Think They Want. The study was led by Cara Collective's expansion arm, Cara Plus, thanks to analysis from McKinsey & Company and with support from Walmart. Bridging the Advancement Gap is one of the largest national studies on frontline worker upward mobility. More than 2,100 frontline employees and 300 employers of various sizes, industries, and geographies were surveyed around topics including what frontline workers care most and least about with career advancement, employer misconceptions around opportunities for mobility, and how the COVID pandemic impacted frontline worker priorities, among others. Key findings include insights on the priorities of frontline worker advancement such as opportunity for growth and better alignment of pay and skills. The study also shows stark differences between what resources frontline employees believe are available versus what their employers report, while also offering strategic, concrete actions employers can take. "When we started exploring how to strengthen frontline worker upward mobility, we knew we had to start with frontline workers themselves," said Sara Wasserteil, Managing Director of Expansion & Integration at Cara Collective. "Lifting up their experiences and priorities and juxtaposing those alongside what employers perceive is happening in the workplace provides a starting point for how we can close the advancement gap for frontline workers, and strengthen equity when it comes to who does and doesn't advance in the workplace." In addition to drawing out trends from frontline workers across diverse industries and demographics, the report also uplifts themes from populations that have historically been given limited access to economic opportunity and mobility. This includes employees without a four-year degree, those who have been justice system-involved, and those who have been impacted by homelessness or recovery. The findings will illuminate how employers can better advance into these often-untapped talent pools. "What we found when we looked at these populations, is that they are highly motivated to advance in their careers, and yet often have fewer opportunities to get ahead," added Wasserteil. "If employers are willing to rethink who they hire and how they invest in them, they can unlock a highly motivated workforce ready to stay and grow in their firms. For example, as evidenced by this study, individuals who have been impacted by the criminal justice system advanced at a greater rate than any other demographic across race and gender." The study furthers the work of Cara Plus' inclusive employment portfolio, which helps corporations drive actionable change to hire and cultivate talent that has been historically sidelined from economic opportunity. The work leverages parent-organization Cara Collective's 30-year history connecting untapped talent to more than 13,000 jobs at 70% same-firm, one-year retention rates. Bridging the Advancement Gap: What Frontline Employees Wantand What Employers Think They Want can be read in its entirety at www.caracollective.org/frontline. Click here to read an executive summary. About Cara Plus As an entity of Cara Collective, Cara Plus engages companies and nonprofits across the nation to build, launch, and grow workforce solutions so that people experiencing poverty can find and keep quality employment. Since our launch, Cara Plus has worked with more than 20 companies and 50 nonprofits in 24 states to adopt and adapt our methodology and create more inclusive employment pathways around the country. To learn more, please visit www.caraplus.org. About Cara Collective Cara Collective seeks to fuel a courageous national movement to eradicate relational and financial poverty. Through our four entities Cara, Cleanslate, Cara Connects, and Cara Plus we engage job seekers, employers, and other organizations across the country to break the cycle of poverty through the power and purpose of employment. Since 1991, we've helped more than 8,000 people get placed into more than 13,000 jobs and get started on their path to real and lasting success. To learn more, please visit www.caracollective.org. SOURCE Cara Collective CATL and Ford agree to pursue a Global Strategic Cooperation covering battery supply in North America , Europe and China , and The two companies intend to jointly explore new business opportunities worldwide to promote global EVs As part of separate agreements, CATL will supply lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery packs for Ford's North American Mustang Mach-Es next year and North American F-150 Lightning in early 2024, creating even more capacity for high-demand products customers want NINGDE, China, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited ("CATL") and Ford Motor Company ("Ford") today announced a non-binding MOU outlining Global Strategic Cooperation including supplying batteries in China, Europe and North America. Under separate agreements, CATL also will provide full LFP battery packs for North American Mustang Mach-E models starting next year as well as North American F-150 Lightnings in early 2024. Powered by CATL's LFP battery system, which features long battery life and thermal stability, the above-mentioned Ford models will offer outstanding performance in temperature adaptability. CTP is a technology that directly integrates cells into packs, enabling the pack to improve system energy density, simplify manufacturing and lower cost. Ford's EV architecture flexibility allows efficient incorporation of CATL's prismatic CTP (cell-to-pack) technology, delivering incremental capacity quickly to scale and meet customer demand. The two companies plan to leverage their respective strengths to jointly explore new business opportunities worldwide. In addition to supplying LFP-based CTP batteries to Ford, CATL intends to actively cooperate with Ford with respect to other battery technologies. The elevated global strategic cooperation aims to open up new opportunities for both companies to create a sustainable business and promote EVs, contributing to global carbon neutrality goals. SOURCE Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited The Emerging Cincinnati Company Builds its Portfolio with First Ecommerce Acquisition; Company Looks to Acquire Additional Brands in 2022 CINCINNATI, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Cincy Brands, a technology-driven consumer products company that acquires and accelerates better-for-you brands, today announced the acquisition of Vitabox, an online seller of over 70,000 everyday essential products. This is the first acquisition for the company since launching in February of this year and is a pivotal addition to its emerging portfolio. The world-class team, marketplace solutions, and fulfillment capabilities at Vitabox will enable Cincy Brands to rapidly scale the brands they acquire while bringing products from these brands to Vitabox customers wherever they shop. Vitabox was founded in 2019 to make shopping for everyday essentials, including vitamins, personal care products and pet supplies, more convenient and rewarding. Vitabox sources thousands of the highest quality products from top brands, leverages technology to sell at the lowest possible price, and offers customers a loyalty-based rewards program. Vitabox has recently been featured as a key strategic partner in Wish.com's earnings report, with BigCommerce as they launched Walmart.com capabilities, and as one of the first third-party sellers to launch on Kroger.com. The company ships over one million orders annually through the Vitabox.com, Amazon, Walmart, Wish, eBay, and Kroger marketplaces with a 99% customer satisfaction rating. "Cincy Brands and Vitabox share the same mission: to serve consumers by providing high quality, sustainable products and the best possible purchasing experience. Vitabox has had tremendous growth over the last several years as a result of their value proposition, world-class operations, direct to consumer expertise and fulfillment capabilities. We are excited to continue investing in Vitabox while leveraging their technology and operational capabilities to accelerate the growth of our new brands," said Andy Cipra, CEO of Cincy Brands. The innovative technology and fulfillment infrastructure of Vitabox will be a catalyst for the scaled operations platform Cincy Brands is building to accelerate brand growth. In addition to the operational capabilities provided, Cincy Brands will provide domain expertise, advisory, and capital to rapidly scale the Vitabox business to serve more consumers with unbeatable prices on everyday items. "Founders who start ecommerce brands don't typically do so because they want to get into the technology, warehousing, operations, and distribution business. That's why order fulfillment, marketplace management, and direct-to-consumer operations often become a top pain point for founders as they build their brands and the capabilities of Vitabox solve those problems," added Sean Lee, President of Cincy Brands. Cincy Brands is currently searching for additional ecommerce and consumer goods brands to acquire and accelerate within its portfolio. They are offering brand owners flexible terms and a seamless closing process. More information is available at www.cincybrands.com. About Cincy Brands Cincy Brands is an innovative, agile, and modern-day consumer products company of better-for-you brands. We find, acquire, and grow better-for-you brands to get them in the hands of more consumers, so they can live healthier, happier lives. Founded by ex-Procter & Gamble and agency leaders, we are a digital-first company rooted in data, automation, and technology to provide amazing brands to consumers. Our scaled platform allows us to accelerate brand growth through technology, performance marketing, omnichannel distribution, product development, and supply chain expertise. We offer sellers a seamless acquisition process rooted in integrity that is flexible to their needs. For more information, please visit: www.cincybrands.com Press Information: Sean Lee [email protected] SOURCE Cincy Brands SAN RAMON, Calif., July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Lumin Digital announced today that Tennessee-based Cornerstone Financial Credit Union has signed a multi-year agreement for Lumin Digital's cloud-based online and mobile digital banking platform. Lumin will support Cornerstone's 45,000-plus members and $550 million in assets when the platform is launched in January 2023. A cloud-native digital banking platform, Lumin Digital will provide Cornerstone members with an integrated, customized experience that matches larger financial institutions' offerings. Focusing on service, user experience, safety, and security through sophisticated automation, Lumin Digital helps credit unions and financial institutions drive better engagement with their users through personalized recommendations. These include everything from spending insights and financial advice to fraud alerts and help with savings goals. Lumin also enables credit unions to provide users with real-time updates and new features that add value and simplify everyday banking. Headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, Cornerstone has been providing financial services to Tennesseans since 1955. "At Cornerstone, we strive to provide the most comprehensive and robust financial services possible, which starts with innovative products and technology for our members," said Donna Young, president and CEO of Cornerstone Financial Credit Union. "Lumin Digital's platform offers cutting-edge technology that matches with our seamless and personalized user experience." "Cornerstone's choice to partner with Lumin Digital is a perfect fit for their focus on member success. Lumin's platform will allow Cornerstone to continue to develop deep and lasting relationships with their members through their digital channels, through tailored tools, and resources specific to their individual financial needs," said Jeff Chambers, founder and CEO of Lumin Digital. About Lumin Digital Lumin Digital is a PSCU-majority-owned fintech company specializing in digital banking solutions. Through a fundamentally different approach to technology, service, and people, we're creating the next generation of financial solutions each and every day. Lumin helps credit unions and financial institutions build and deploy next-gen digital experiences that help to continually serve, engage, and grow their membership base. While other platforms are partially adapted or retrofitted for the cloud, Lumin is 100% cloud-native. It was built specifically for the cloud environment, allowing us to more fully realize the advantages it offers. It's a difference that financial institutions and their users will see and feel almost immediately. For more information, visit lumindigital.com. About Cornerstone Financial Credit Union Cornerstone Financial Credit Union was founded in 1955 by a group of visionary educators in Davidson County guided with the philosophy of people helping people. We've grown to over 45,000 members with assets of over $550 million. Our mission statement is "Caring financial advisors providing exceptional service for life". SOURCE Lumin Digital Government has rejected what it termed as malicious allegations made by Independent Media Group's head, Iqbal Surve, about President Cyril Ramaphosa and Public Enterprises Minister, Pravin Gordhan. In a video, Surve alleged that President Ramaphosa and the Minister had applied political pressure and were using the banks to silence the media. "The Independent Group's allegations are devoid of truth and seek to bring the President and the Minister into disrepute. Furthermore, the country has a formal banking system, which is highly regulated and accountable to regulators and industry bodies," said Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) Director-General, Phumla Williams. Williams said the Constitution entrenches the right to freedom of expression, including media freedom, which is an integral part of democracy. "Since 1994, government has been resolute in the belief that an independent and free media are vital partners in strengthening any democracy. "Government on an annual basis joins the media industry in commemorating Media Freedom Day, which resulted in legislative guarantees of press freedom and editorial independence," she said. Minister in The Presidency, Mondli Gungubele, said: "This is not the first time that the Independent Group has cast aspersions on Cabinet Ministers. The media has been free of State control since the advent of democracy. "Government enjoys a cordial relationship with media in the country through structures such as SANEF and the Press Club. The media is an important partner and stakeholder of government, and we confirm our commitment to upholding media freedom in South Africa". Proximity to connectivity gateways and the presence of strong submarine cable networks has been instrumental in driving the growth of the market. However, the shortage of land in Singapore might hamper the market growth. Competitors have to focus on differentiating their product offerings with unique value propositions to strengthen their foothold in the market. Market vendors also have to leverage the existing growth prospects in the fast-growing segments, while maintaining their positions in the slow-growing segments. Alphabet Inc., Amazon.com Inc., Colt Technology Services Group Ltd., Digital Realty Trust Inc., Equinix Inc., Global Switch Holdings Ltd., International Business Machines Corp., Microsoft Corp., NTT Communications Corp., and Singapore Telecommunications Ltd. are among some of the major market participants. View Our Report Sample Here The data center market in Southeast Asia is segmented as below: Component IT Infrastructure Electrical Construction Mechanical Construction General Construction Security Solutions The IT infrastructure segment accounted for the maximum revenue generation in the market in 2021. The increasing demand for white box servers is driving the growth of the segment. The market growth in the segment will be significant during the forecast period. Geography Singapore Indonesia Malaysia Thailand Rest of South-East Asia Singapore will have the largest share of the market. About 35% of the market growth is expected to originate from the country. The growth of the regional market can be attributed to increasing investments in the construction of data centers in the country. Also, the increasing demand for edge computing is contributing to the growth of the data center market in Singapore. Technavio presents a detailed picture of the market by the way of study, synthesis, and summation of data from multiple sources. The data center market in Southeast Asia report covers the following areas: Data Center Market in Southeast Asia 2021-2025: Key Highlights CAGR of the market during the forecast period 2021-2025 Detailed information on factors that will assist data center market growth in Southeast Asia during the next five years during the next five years Estimation of the data center market size in Southeast Asia and its contribution to the parent market and its contribution to the parent market Predictions on upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior The growth of the data center market in Southeast Asia Analysis of the market's competitive landscape and detailed information on vendors Comprehensive details of factors that will challenge the growth of data center market vendors in Southeast Asia Related Reports: Data Center Market in Southeast Asia Scope Report Coverage Details Page number 120 Base year 2020 Forecast period 2021-2025 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 13% Market growth 2021-2025 USD 12.60 billion Market structure Fragmented YoY growth (%) 14.20 Regional analysis Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Rest of South-East Asia Performing market contribution Singapore at 35% Key consumer countries Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Rest of South-East Asia Competitive landscape Leading companies, competitive strategies, consumer engagement scope Companies profiled Alphabet Inc., Amazon.com Inc., Colt Technology Services Group Ltd., Digital Realty Trust Inc., Equinix Inc., Global Switch Holdings Ltd., International Business Machines Corp., Microsoft Corp., NTT Communications Corp., and Singapore Telecommunications Ltd. Market Dynamics Parent market analysis, Market growth inducers and obstacles, Fast-growing and slow-growing segment analysis, COVID 19 impact and future consumer dynamics, market condition analysis for 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 of Internet services and infrastructure 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: South-East Asia - Market size and forecast 2020 - 2025 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2020 - 2025 ($ million) Exhibit 07: South-East Asia 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 Component 5.1 Market segments Exhibit 15: Component - Market share 2020-2025 (%) 5.2 Comparison by Component Exhibit 16: Comparison by Component 5.3 IT infrastructure - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 Exhibit 17: IT infrastructure - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 ($ million) Exhibit 18: IT infrastructure - Year-over-year growth 2020-2025 (%) 5.4 Electrical construction - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 Exhibit 19: Electrical construction - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 ($ million) Exhibit 20: Electrical construction - Year-over-year growth 2020-2025 (%) 5.5 Mechanical construction - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 Exhibit 21: Mechanical construction - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 ($ million) Exhibit 22: Mechanical construction - Year-over-year growth 2020-2025 (%) 5.6 General construction - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 Exhibit 23: General construction - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 ($ million) Exhibit 24: General construction - Year-over-year growth 2020-2025 (%) 5.7 Security solutions - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 Exhibit 25: Security solutions - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 ($ million) Exhibit 26: Security solutions - Year-over-year growth 2020-2025 (%) 5.8 Market opportunity by Component Exhibit 27: Market opportunity by Component 6 Customer landscape 7 Geographic Landscape 7.1 Geographic segmentation Exhibit 29: Market share by geography 2020-2025 (%) 7.2 Geographic comparison Exhibit 30: Geographic comparison 7.3 Singapore - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 Exhibit 31: Singapore - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 ($ million) Exhibit 32: Singapore - Year-over-year growth 2020-2025 (%) 7.4 Indonesia - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 Exhibit 33: Indonesia - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 ($ million) Exhibit 34: Indonesia - Year-over-year growth 2020-2025 (%) 7.5 Malaysia - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 Exhibit 35: Malaysia - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 ($ million) Exhibit 36: Malaysia - Year-over-year growth 2020-2025 (%) 7.6 Thailand - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 Exhibit 37: Thailand - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 ($ million) Exhibit 38: Thailand - Year-over-year growth 2020-2025 (%) 7.7 Rest of South-East Asia - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 Exhibit 39: Rest of South-East Asia - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 ($ million) Exhibit 40: Rest of South-East Asia - Year-over-year growth 2020-2025 (%) 7.8 Market opportunity by geography 8 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 8.1 Market drivers 8.2 Market challenges Exhibit 42: Impact of drivers and challenges 8.3 Market trends 9 Vendor Landscape 9.1 Overview 9.2 Vendor landscape Exhibit 43: Vendor landscape 9.3 Landscape disruption Exhibit 44: Landscape disruption Exhibit 45: Industry risks 10 Vendor Analysis 10.1 Vendors covered Exhibit 46: Vendors covered 10.2 Market positioning of vendors Exhibit 47: Market positioning of vendors 10.3 Alphabet Inc. Exhibit 48: Alphabet Inc. - Overview Exhibit 49: Alphabet Inc. - Business segments Exhibit 50: Alphabet Inc. Key news Exhibit 51: Alphabet Inc. - Key offerings Exhibit 52: Alphabet Inc. - Segment focus 10.4 Amazon.com Inc. Exhibit 53: Amazon.com Inc. - Overview Exhibit 54: Amazon.com Inc. - Business segments Exhibit 55: Amazon.com Inc. Key news Exhibit 56: Amazon.com Inc. - Key offerings Exhibit 57: Amazon.com Inc. - Segment focus 10.5 Colt Technology Services Group Ltd. Exhibit 58: Colt Technology Services Group Ltd. - Overview Exhibit 59: Colt Technology Services Group Ltd. - Product and service Exhibit 60: Colt Technology Services Group Ltd. Key news Exhibit 61: Colt Technology Services Group Ltd. - Key offerings 10.6 Digital Realty Trust Inc. Exhibit 62: Digital Realty Trust Inc. - Overview Exhibit 63: Digital Realty Trust Inc. - Product and service Exhibit 64: Digital Realty Trust Inc. Key news Exhibit 65: Digital Realty Trust Inc. - Key offerings 10.7 Equinix Inc. Exhibit 66: Equinix Inc. - Overview Exhibit 67: Equinix Inc. - Business segments Exhibit 68: Equinix Inc. Key news Exhibit 69: Equinix Inc. - Key offerings Exhibit 70: Equinix Inc. - Segment focus 10.8 Global Switch Holdings Ltd. Exhibit 71: Global Switch Holdings Ltd. - Overview Exhibit 72: Global Switch Holdings Ltd. - Product and service Exhibit 73: Global Switch Holdings Ltd. Key news Exhibit 74: Global Switch Holdings Ltd. - Key offerings 10.9 International Business Machines Corp. Exhibit 75: International Business Machines Corp. - Overview Exhibit 76: International Business Machines Corp. - Business segments Exhibit 77: International Business Machines Corp. Key news Exhibit 78: International Business Machines Corp. - Key offerings Exhibit 79: International Business Machines Corp. - Segment focus 10.10 Microsoft Corp. Exhibit 80: Microsoft Corp. - Overview Exhibit 81: Microsoft Corp. - Business segments Exhibit 82: Microsoft Corp. Key news Exhibit 83: Microsoft Corp. - Key offerings Exhibit 84: Microsoft Corp. - Segment focus 10.11 NTT Communications Corp. Exhibit 85: NTT Communications Corp. - Overview Exhibit 86: NTT Communications Corp. - Business segments Exhibit 87: NTT Communications Corp. - Key offerings Exhibit 88: NTT Communications Corp. - Segment focus 10.12 Singapore Telecommunications Ltd. Exhibit 89: Singapore Telecommunications Ltd. - Overview Exhibit 90: Singapore Telecommunications Ltd. - Business segments Exhibit 91: Singapore Telecommunications Ltd. - Key offerings Exhibit 92: Singapore Telecommunications Ltd. - Segment focus 11 Appendix 11.1 Scope of the report 11.2 Currency conversion rates for US$ Exhibit 93: Currency conversion rates for US$ 11.3 Research methodology Exhibit 94: Research Methodology Exhibit 95: Validation techniques employed for market sizing Exhibit 96: Information sources 11.4 List of abbreviations Exhibit 97: 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 Technavio categorizes the global Debt Financing Market as a part of the global Specialized Consumer Services market within the global consumer discretionary market. External factors influencing the parent market's growth potential in the coming years have been thoroughly investigated in our research analysis, to know more about the levels of growth of the online fashion retail market in the US throughout the forecast period. Debt Financing Market Value Chain Analysis The end-to-end understanding of the value chain is essential in profit margin optimization and evaluation of business strategies. The data available in our value chain analysis segment can help vendors drive costs and enhance customer services during the forecast period. The value chain of the Debt Financing market includes the following core components: Inputs Inbound logistics Operations Outbound logistics Marketing and sales Service To unlock information about vendor drive costs and customer service, get sample report. Vendor Insights The Debt Financing Market is fragmented, and the vendors are deploying various organic and inorganic growth strategies to compete in the market. To make the best of the opportunity, the market vendors should focus more on the fast-growing segment's growth prospect while maintaining their positions in the slow-growing segments. We provide a detailed analysis of vendors operating in the Debt Financing Market, including some of the vendors such as Banco Santander SA, Bank of America Corp., Barclays PLC, Citigroup Inc., Credit Suisse Group AG, Deutsche Bank AG, European Investment Bank, Frontier Development Capital Ltd., JPMorgan Chase and Co., Larsen and Toubro Ltd., LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE, Morgan Stanley, Royal Bank of Canada, SSAB AB, The Goldman Sachs Group Inc. Product Insights and News Bankofamerica.com - The company offers debt financing services such as credits and securities. - The company offers debt financing services such as credits and securities. Home.barclays - The company offers debt financing services such as bonds, and securities. - The company offers debt financing services such as bonds, and securities. Citigroup.com - The company offers debt financing services such as Deposits, Long term debt, and Equity. The Debt Financing Market forecast report offers in-depth insights into key vendor profiles and offerings Click here for Sample Report Key Market Dynamics One of the main factors promoting the debt financing market's expansion is the fact that debt interest payments are tax deductible. The fact that debt interest charges are completely tax deductible and give business organizations throughout the world stability in budgeting and planning is one of the important advantages of debt financing. A company's annual net tax obligation is decreased as a result. Additionally, debt financing is a simple and available choice for companies of all sizes worldwide. These elements will fuel the market for debt finance during the anticipated period of growth. Customize Your Report Don't miss out on the opportunity to speak to our analyst and know more insights into this market report. Our analysts can also help you customize this report according to your needs. Our analysts and industry experts will work directly with you to understand your requirements and provide you with customized data in a short amount of time. Buy a sample Report Now! Related Reports: Smart Indoor Garden Systems Market Growth, Size, Trends, Analysis Report by Type, Application, Region and Segment Forecast 2022-2026 Contract Cleaning Services Market by End-user and Geography - Global Forecast and Analysis 2022-2026 Debt Financing Market Scope Report Coverage Details Page number 120 Base year 2021 Forecast period 2022-2026 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 9.66% Market growth 2022-2026 $ 16.17 billion Market structure Fragmented YoY growth (%) 8.91 Regional analysis North America, Europe, APAC, Middle East and Africa, and South America Performing market contribution North America at 33% Key consumer countries US, Canada, China, UK, and Germany Competitive landscape Leading companies, Competitive strategies, Consumer engagement scope Key companies profiled Banco Santander SA, Bank of America Corp., Barclays PLC, Citigroup Inc., Credit Suisse Group AG, Deutsche Bank AG, European Investment Bank, Frontier Development Capital Ltd., JPMorgan Chase and Co., Larsen and Toubro Ltd., LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE, Morgan Stanley, Royal Bank of Canada, SSAB AB, The Goldman Sachs Group Inc., U.S. International Development Finance Corp., and UBS Group AG 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 1.1 Market overview Exhibit 01: Executive Summary Chart on Market Overview Exhibit 02: Executive Summary Data Table on Market Overview Exhibit 03: Executive Summary Chart on Global Market Characteristics Exhibit 04: Executive Summary Chart on Market by Geography Exhibit 05: Executive Summary Chart on Market Segmentation by Source Exhibit 06: Executive Summary Chart on Incremental Growth Exhibit 07: Executive Summary Data Table on Incremental Growth Exhibit 08: Executive Summary Chart on Vendor Market Positioning 2 Market Landscape 2.1 Market ecosystem Exhibit 09: Parent market Exhibit 10: Market Characteristics 3 Market Sizing 3.1 Market definition Exhibit 11: Offerings of vendors included in the market definition 3.2 Market segment analysis Exhibit 12: Market segments 3.3 Market size 2021 3.4 Market outlook: Forecast for 2021-2026 Exhibit 13: Chart on Global - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 14: Data Table on Global - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 15: Chart on Global Market: Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 16: Data Table on Global Market: Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 4 Five Forces Analysis 4.1 Five forces summary Exhibit 17: Five forces analysis - Comparison between 2021 and 2026 4.2 Bargaining power of buyers Exhibit 18: Chart on Bargaining power of buyers Impact of key factors 2021 and 2026 4.3 Bargaining power of suppliers Exhibit 19: Bargaining power of suppliers Impact of key factors in 2021 and 2026 4.4 Threat of new entrants Exhibit 20: Threat of new entrants Impact of key factors in 2021 and 2026 4.5 Threat of substitutes Exhibit 21: Threat of substitutes Impact of key factors in 2021 and 2026 4.6 Threat of rivalry Exhibit 22: Threat of rivalry Impact of key factors in 2021 and 2026 4.7 Market condition Exhibit 23: Chart on Market condition - Five forces 2021 and 2026 5 Market Segmentation by Source 5.1 Market segments Exhibit 24: Chart on Source - Market share 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 25: Data Table on Source - Market share 2021-2026 (%) 5.2 Comparison by Source Exhibit 26: Chart on Comparison by Source Exhibit 27: Data Table on Comparison by Source 5.3 Private - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 28: Chart on Private - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 29: Data Table on Private - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 30: Chart on Private - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 31: Data Table on Private - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 5.4 Public - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 32: Chart on Public - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 33: Data Table on Public - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 34: Chart on Public - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 35: Data Table on Public - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 5.5 Market opportunity by Source Exhibit 36: Market opportunity by Source ($ million) 6 Customer Landscape 6.1 Customer landscape overview Exhibit 37: Analysis of price sensitivity, lifecycle, customer purchase basket, adoption rates, and purchase criteria 7 Geographic Landscape 7.1 Geographic segmentation Exhibit 38: Chart on Market share by geography 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 39: Data Table on Market share by geography 2021-2026 (%) 7.2 Geographic comparison Exhibit 40: Chart on Geographic comparison Exhibit 41: Data Table on Geographic comparison 7.3 North America - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 42: Chart on North America - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 43: Data Table on North America - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 44: Chart on North America - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 45: Data Table on North America - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.4 Europe - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 46: Chart on Europe - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 47: Data Table on Europe - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 48: Chart on Europe - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 49: Data Table on Europe - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.5 APAC - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 50: Chart on APAC - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 51: Data Table on APAC - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 52: Chart on APAC - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 53: Data Table on APAC - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.6 Middle East and Africa - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 and - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 54: Chart on Middle East and Africa - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) and - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 55: Data Table on Middle East and Africa - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) and - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 56: Chart on Middle East and Africa - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) and - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 57: Data Table on Middle East and Africa - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.7 South America - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 58: Chart on South America - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 59: Data Table on South America - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 60: Chart on South America - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 61: Data Table on South America - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.8 US - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 62: Chart on US - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 63: Data Table on US - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 64: Chart on US - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 65: Data Table on US - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.9 China - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 66: Chart on China - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 67: Data Table on China - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 68: Chart on China - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 69: Data Table on China - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.10 UK - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 70: Chart on UK - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 71: Data Table on UK - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 72: Chart on UK - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 73: Data Table on UK - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.11 Germany - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 74: Chart on Germany - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 75: Data Table on Germany - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 76: Chart on Germany - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 77: Data Table on Germany - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.12 Canada - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 78: Chart on Canada - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 79: Data Table on Canada - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 80: Chart on Canada - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 81: Data Table on Canada - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.13 Market opportunity by geography Exhibit 82: Market opportunity by geography ($ million) 8 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 8.1 Market drivers 8.2 Market challenges 8.3 Impact of drivers and challenges Exhibit 83: Impact of drivers and challenges in 2021 and 2026 8.4 Market trends 9 Vendor Landscape 9.1 Overview 9.2 Vendor landscape Exhibit 84: Overview on Criticality of inputs and Factors of differentiation 9.3 Landscape disruption Exhibit 85: Overview on factors of disruption 9.4 Industry risks Exhibit 86: Impact of key risks on business 10 Vendor Analysis 10.1 Vendors covered Exhibit 87: Vendors covered 10.2 Market positioning of vendors Exhibit 88: Matrix on vendor position and classification 10.3 Bank of America Corp. Exhibit 89: Bank of America Corp. - Overview Exhibit 90: Bank of America Corp. - Business segments Exhibit 91: Bank of America Corp. - Key news Exhibit 92: Bank of America Corp. - Key offerings Exhibit 93: Bank of America Corp. - Segment focus 10.4 Barclays PLC Exhibit 94: Barclays PLC - Overview Exhibit 95: Barclays PLC - Business segments Exhibit 96: Barclays PLC - Key news Exhibit 97: Barclays PLC - Key offerings Exhibit 98: Barclays PLC - Segment focus 10.5 Citigroup Inc. Exhibit 99: Citigroup Inc. - Overview Exhibit 100: Citigroup Inc. - Business segments Exhibit 101: Citigroup Inc. - Key offerings Exhibit 102: Citigroup Inc. - Segment focus 10.6 Credit Suisse Group AG Exhibit 103: Credit Suisse Group AG - Overview Exhibit 104: Credit Suisse Group AG - Business segments Exhibit 105: Credit Suisse Group AG - Key offerings Exhibit 106: Credit Suisse Group AG - Segment focus 10.7 Deutsche Bank AG Exhibit 107: Deutsche Bank AG - Overview Exhibit 108: Deutsche Bank AG - Business segments Exhibit 109: Deutsche Bank AG - Key news Exhibit 110: Deutsche Bank AG - Key offerings Exhibit 111: Deutsche Bank AG - Segment focus 10.8 JPMorgan Chase and Co. Exhibit 112: JPMorgan Chase and Co. - Overview Exhibit 113: JPMorgan Chase and Co. - Business segments Exhibit 114: JPMorgan Chase and Co. - Key offerings Exhibit 115: JPMorgan Chase and Co. - Segment focus 10.9 Morgan Stanley Exhibit 116: Morgan Stanley - Overview Exhibit 117: Morgan Stanley - Business segments Exhibit 118: Morgan Stanley - Key offerings Exhibit 119: Morgan Stanley - Segment focus 10.10 Royal Bank of Canada Exhibit 120: Royal Bank of Canada - Overview - Overview Exhibit 121: Royal Bank of Canada - Business segments - Business segments Exhibit 122: Royal Bank of Canada - Key offerings - Key offerings Exhibit 123: Royal Bank of Canada - Segment focus 10.11 The Goldman Sachs Group Inc. Exhibit 124: The Goldman Sachs Group Inc. - Overview Exhibit 125: The Goldman Sachs Group Inc. - Business segments Exhibit 126: The Goldman Sachs Group Inc. - Key news Exhibit 127: The Goldman Sachs Group Inc. - Key offerings Exhibit 128: The Goldman Sachs Group Inc. - Segment focus 10.12 UBS Group AG Exhibit 129: UBS Group AG - Overview Exhibit 130: UBS Group AG - Business segments Exhibit 131: UBS Group AG - Key offerings Exhibit 132: UBS Group AG - Segment focus 11 Appendix 11.1 Scope of the report 11.2 Inclusions and exclusions checklist Exhibit 133: Inclusions checklist Exhibit 134: Exclusions checklist 11.3 Currency conversion rates for US$ Exhibit 135: Currency conversion rates for US$ 11.4 Research methodology Exhibit 136: Research methodology Exhibit 137: Validation techniques employed for market sizing Exhibit 138: Information sources 11.5 List of abbreviations Exhibit 139: 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 SEATTLE, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Washington Poison Center (WAPC) is pleased to announce the hiring of Dr. Sasha Kaiser, MD as its Associate Medical Director. In this role, Dr. Kaiser will provide medical oversight to WAPC's call center specialists in poison information, ensuring the WAPC continues its provision of high-quality poisoning treatment advice and consultations. Dr. Kaiser will also support clinical education and outreach at the local, state, and national level for healthcare providers, as well as the WAPC's toxicology training programs for emergency medicine physicians, pharmacists, nurses, and EMTs. Dr. Sasha Kaiser, Associate Medical Director at the Washington Poison Center "The Washington Poison Center is happy to welcome Dr. Kaiser after her extensive training," comments Dr. Scott Phillips, Medical Director of the WAPC. "Dr. Kaiser's addition to the Center allows us to provide greater outreach and support to the medical community." With this position, Dr. Kaiser is returning to her Washington roots. After growing up on Camano Island, Dr. Kaiser moved to Spokane to work as a pharmacy technician and attend nursing school. She then moved to Florida to pursue a career as a physician, attending the Florida State University College of Medicine. Dr. Kaiser completed her Emergency Medicine Residency in 2020 at Denver Health, and is board certified in Emergency Medicine. She now returns to Washington following the completion of her medical toxicology fellowship at Rocky Mountain Poison and Drug Safety. Dr. Kaiser began her role at the WAPC on July 18, 2022. Dr. Kaiser has authored numerous manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals and has lectured on topics in medical toxicology and emergency medicine to pharmacists, medical students, residents, and hospital organizations. Her research includes acetaminophen poisoning, focusing on genetic and patient susceptibility factors. Dr. Kaiser additionally completed the American College of Medical Toxicology Fellows in Industry Rotation, which focused on product development and regulation for safety. Meet Dr. Kaiser on August 5 at 12:00pm in a livestream on the WAPC's YouTube channel and Facebook page. About the WAPC: The Washington Poison Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit mandated by Washington State to deliver poison and drug exposure-related medical advice and education to community members, first responders, and healthcare providers. WAPC provides medical advice through a 24/7/365 free telephone line staffed by specially trained pharmacists, nurses, and physician medical toxicologists. WAPC also provides free programs to educate local communities on poison safety, prevention, and harm reduction. Media contact: [email protected] SOURCE Washington Poison Center Comprehensive business transformation, digital service design and agency services now available to companies in the United States and Canada DALLAS, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- ECENTA Digital , the strategic planning, business transformation and marketing automation practice areas of ECENTA, a VASS Group company, has joined forces with NATEEVO , a digital agency headquartered in Madrid, Spain. The merger further solidifies the international expansion plan for NATEEVO, currently operating in Europe, Latin America and now the United States and Canada. NATEEVO's comprehensive business transformation, digital service design and agency services now available to companies in the United States and Canada NATEEVO will now offer expanded services and capabilities that embody and enhance NATEEVO's Digital Fullness concept and position in the global consulting space. Digital Fullness represents totality, fullness, and expansion beyond limits for NATEEVO's clients, consultants, and its own organizational growth. NATEEVO services will supplement the existing suite by adding practice areas in business transformation, commerce and marketing strategy, digital agency services, and organizational change management. The US and Canadian headquarters will be under the management of VP of Strategy and Digital Services Jessica Flores, and supported by a team of customer experience and business transformation strategists, martech architects, commerce and marketing automation experts, and a diverse array of creative, content, and implementation subject matter experts. "Through the expansion, we are able to provide our customers with a broader solution portfolio, global resourcing for strategic and technical implementations, and access to top-notch international consultants and subject matter experts," Flores said. "Not only is the merger beneficial for our customers but for the growth and ambitions of our stellar consultants and practice leads." NATEEVO's customer experience, commerce, and marketing engagements are powered by the world-class technologies of SAP, Emarsys, Adobe, Salesforce, Qualtrics, and Bolt. "This positioning of the NATEEVO brand in a market as important as North America is a response to our international expansion strategy and represents a great boost for us. This movement is, in part, the result of our excellent work in recent years, turning NATEEVO into a brand capable of bringing an innovative and competitive proposal to international markets," said NATEEVO CEO Pedro Latasa. For more information about the digital services and comprehensive strategies the ECENTA Digital and NATEEVO team provides, visit ECENTA.com . About ECENTA ECENTA is a German consulting company specializing in customer experience solutions on SAP CX technology (sales, marketing and commerce) and whose main market is the United States. Founded in 2000 and headquartered in Walldorf, Germany, ECENTA has grown into an international force in the field, with ten offices on three continents. Its staff of 220 professionals are experts in the implementation of complex projects for numerous clients across a variety of industries. ECENTA Digital houses the Strategic Planning, Business Transformation, Marketing Automation and Organizational Change Management practice areas of ECENTA and was established in 2018. For more information, visit ECENTA.com . About Nateevo NATEEVO is a consulting firm that helps businesses in strategic consulting, digital service design, and digital marketing. NATEEVO was founded in 2017 and is headquartered in Madrid, Spain. It is the leading consulting firm for business transformation, strategy consulting, digital design services and digital marketing in the Latin America regions. For more information, go to NATEEVO.com About VASS Group Vass Group is comprised of leaders in digital solutions with 20 offices (Germany, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Spain, France, Greece, Holland, Japan, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, Romania, Singapore, Sweden, UK and USA) on five continents and a team of more than 3,400 people. With its wide ecosystem of companies (VASS, NATEEVO, Serbatic, vdSHOP, T4S, Comunytek, ECENTA, CRI group and Movetia), we assist large companies and public institutions in their digital transformation process, developing and executing the most innovative and scalable projects from strategy to operation. The company is fully committed to society, which is why the VASS Foundation was created in 2019 to promote research and training in the field of digital talent. It allocates two percent of its profits and one percent of our time to solidarity actions. All this growth arises from talent and passion for innovation and constant improvement, always our way: making the complex simple. For more information, visit VASSCompany.com SOURCE NATEEVO CONYERS, Ga., July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Black-owned fintech and financial education firm Novae, LLC is honored to welcome Ashton Henry as the company's first-ever Vice President. He accomplished this title in only 3 weeks. Henry immigrated to the United States from Grenada in 2004 to study business. After serving in a series of marketing and business expansion roles, he earned his MBA in 2011. Henry spent time as the Assistant Director of Admissions for Brown Mackie College before founding his own financial education company. Multimillionaire, Finance Entrepreneur, and Immigrant, Ashton Henry becomes the first Novae Vice President in company history! The trajectory of his nationwide sales organization has him on track to accomplish Novae's top position of Presidential Ambassador and Managing Partner in only months. He is the author of "The Chemistry of Credit," a financial education book written to assist readers in getting out of debt. Interested readers may wish to view Henry's 2019 appearance on the Steve Harvey show, where he discussed his own financial success and gave tips to improve viewers' credit scores. Upon meeting Novae CEO Reco McCambry, Henry tells me he immediately felt comfortable. He was pleased to find Novae's leadership team receptive to suggestions about strategic growth. He felt that Novae's mission aligned with his own mission to assist marginalized and struggling communities by making financial education and financial technologies widely available. Henry hopes that his work with Novae will assist him in helping fellow immigrants and members of the Black community to experience financial success. He is all too aware of the discrimination that has prevented many Black and immigrant families from accumulating wealth in past generations, and he knows that success is possible for those born into poverty if they master the inner workings of the financial system. Novae CEO Reco McCambry is one such success story. Henry plans to use his marketing and strategic growth to help Novae affiliates and customers to grow their income. "I want to help people get paid." Henry said simply in our interview. "I want to see more six- and seven-figure earners. I feel that we have the platform and the leadership that we need to get that done." Henry told me he was attracted to Novae by the company's range of services to help people in any financial situation. "I appreciate that people can improve their credit score and secure funding for their businesses," he said. "Novae has tools to help them grow and market their businesses so that they can have increased revenue. This really empowers people in general, and specifically our people. So many people don't have access to these tools and this knowledge." "I love it because sometimes you go to a service provider, and the opportunities that they have for you take away from the business you have already built. With Novae, people can come with their businesses and they can improve their personal and business credit to get what they need." The appreciation was mutual. "We were attracted to Mr. Henry's commitment to helping people," Novae Chief Marketing Officer Haziq Ali told me. "That's something we really appreciate at Novae. We've very excited to have him onboard." "I'm looking to create history here," Mr. Henry told me. "We are going to do great things." To learn more about Novae, visit www.novaemoney.com. Contact: Arielle Dothard 6787503787 [email protected] SOURCE Novae MIAMI, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Fundviews Capital LLC today announced they will be joining The Female Advisor Network (FAN)'s Partner Marketplace. Fundviews Capital, a fund management platform, provides wealth and asset managers with a solution to outsource the legal structure, back office, marketing and compliance aspects of fund management. By offering these services at FAN, Fundviews Capital is hoping to open doors for more female advisors in the alternative investment landscape. Greg Poapst, Managing Partner at Fundviews Capital, says, "There has been an incredible push by many in the efforts of DE&I to bring new folks with new perspectives to the table across all industries. In financial advisement, we've made some progress but there is still much work to do. This starts with access to investments and providers, as well as sending the right message to young professionals and studentsparticularly women that there is space for them in our industry. Fundviews Capital is honored to be included in the Female Advisor Network's Partner Marketplace and is happy to support grass root networks that create safe and welcome spaces for all." Nina O'Neal, Founder of The Female Advisor Network, says, "We are appreciative of the partnership and support of our mission and look forward to what can be accomplished through our collaboration with Fundviews Capital." About Fundviews Capital LLC Founded in 2021, Miami-based Fundviews Capital LLC is a platform that provides a complete end-to-end fund management solution. For more information, visit fundviewscapital.com About The Female Advisor Network The Female Advisor Network is a national membership organization for female financial advisors. The FAN mission is to empower all female financial advisors by providing a community of support, education, mentorship, and collaboration that is for female advisors by female advisors. For more information, visit femaleadvisornetwork.org Contact: Greg Poapst, 786-386-0251, [email protected] SOURCE Fundviews Capital LLC DUBLIN, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The 'Global Hydrographic Survey Equipment Market (2022-2027) by Type, Depth, Platform, 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 Hydrographic Survey Equipment Market is estimated to be USD 3.12 Bn in 2022 and is expected to reach USD 4.14 Bn by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 5.8%. Market dynamics are forces that impact the prices and behaviors of the Global Hydrographic Survey 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 Advance Land & Hydrography Survey India, CEE Hydrosystems, Edge Tech, Esri, Fugro N.V, IIC Technologies, Interocean Systems, LLC., Kongsberg Maritime, Teledyne Marine, Mind Technology, INC, OceanAlpha Group, Quality Positioning Services B.V., SCCS Survey, Seafloor Systems, Inc, Subsea - Europe Services Gmbh, Synergy Positioning Systems, Syqwest Inc., Teledyne Technologies Incorporated, Tritech International Limited (Moog Inc.), Unique Group, Valeport, Wartsila, Xylem, 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 Hydrographic Survey 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 analyst analyses Global Hydrographic Survey 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 Hydrographic Survey 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 competitive positioning tool. Key Topics Covered: 1 Report Description 2 Research Methodology 3 Executive Summary 4 Market Dynamics 4.1 Drivers 4.1.1 Rise in Offshore Renewable Wind Energy Projects 4.1.2 Increasing Demand for Offshore Oil Exploration, Oil, And Gas 4.1.3 Rise in Marine Constructions and Marine Activities 4.1.4 Increase in the Use of Unmanned Systems 4.2 Restraints 4.2.1 High Investment Cost and Seasonal Demand 4.2.2 Lack of Skilled Professional 4.3 Opportunities 4.3.1 Increasing Monitoring of Volcanoes 4.3.2 Technological Advancements in Hydrographic Survey Equipment 4.4 Challenges 4.4.1 Fluctuations in the Oil & Gas Industry 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 Hydrographic Survey Equipment Market, By Type 6.1 Introduction 6.2 Sensing System 6.3 Positioning System 6.4 Subsea Sensors 6.5 Software 6.6 Unmanned Vehicle 6.7 Others 7 Global Hydrographic Survey Equipment Market, By Depth 7.1 Introduction 7.2 Shallow Water 7.3 Deep Water 8 Global Hydrographic Survey Equipment Market, By Platform 8.1 Introduction 8.2 Surface Vessels 8.3 USVs and UUVs 8.4 Aircraft 9 Global Hydrographic Survey Equipment Market, By Application 9.1 Introduction 9.2 Hydrographic or Bathymetry Survey 9.3 Port and Harbor Management 9.4 Offshore Oil and Gas Survey 9.5 Others 10 Global Hydrographic Survey Equipment Market, By End User 10.1 Introduction 10.2 Commercial 10.3 Research 10.4 Defence 11 Americas' Global Hydrographic Survey Equipment Market 11.1 Introduction 11.2 Argentina 11.3 Brazil 11.4 Canada 11.5 Chile 11.6 Colombia 11.7 Mexico 11.8 Peru 11.9 United States 11.10 Rest of Americas 12 Europe's Global Hydrographic Survey Equipment Market 12.1 Introduction 12.2 Austria 12.3 Belgium 12.4 Denmark 12.5 Finland 12.6 France 12.7 Germany 12.8 Italy 12.9 Netherlands 12.10 Norway 12.11 Poland 12.12 Russia 12.13 Spain 12.14 Sweden 12.15 Switzerland 12.16 United Kingdom 12.17 Rest of Europe 13 Middle East and Africa's Global Hydrographic Survey Equipment Market 13.1 Introduction 13.2 Egypt 13.3 Israel 13.4 Qatar 13.5 Saudi Arabia 13.6 South Africa 13.7 United Arab Emirates 13.8 Rest of MEA 14 APAC's Global Hydrographic Survey Equipment Market 14.1 Introduction 14.2 Australia 14.3 Bangladesh 14.4 China 14.5 India 14.6 Indonesia 14.7 Japan 14.8 Malaysia 14.9 Philippines 14.10 Singapore 14.11 South Korea 14.12 Sri Lanka 14.13 Thailand 14.14 Taiwan 14.15 Rest of Asia-Pacific 15 Competitive Landscape 15.1 Competitive Quadrant 15.2 Market Share Analysis 15.3 Strategic Initiatives 15.3.1 M&A and Investments 15.3.2 Partnerships and Collaborations 15.3.3 Product Developments and Improvements 16 Company Profiles 16.1 Advance Land & Hydrography Survey India 16.2 CEE Hydrosystems 16.3 Edge Tech 16.4 Esri 16.5 Fugro N.V 16.6 IIC Technologies 16.7 Interocean Systems, LLC. 16.8 Kongsberg Maritime 16.9 Teledyne Marine 16.10 Mind Technology, INC 16.11 OceanAlpha Group 16.12 Quality Positioning Services B.V. 16.13 SCCS Survey. 16.14 Seafloor Systems, Inc 16.15 Subsea Europe Services Gmbh 16.16 Synergy Positioning Systems 16.17 Syqwest Inc. 16.18 Teledyne Technologies Incorporated 16.19 Tritech International Limited (Moog Inc.) 16.20 Unique Group 16.21 Valeport 16.22 Wartsila 16.23 Xylem, Inc 17 Appendix For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/kpsbve 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 Grain Silos and Ancillary Equipment Market Segmentation Insights Type Grain Silos: The grain silos type segment held the largest grain silos and ancillary equipment market share in 2019. The segment will continue to account for the highest revenue throughout the forecast period. The segment will witness considerable growth as they are used to storing large quantities of grains for long periods. Increasing demand from the agriculture sector and food industries is likely to become a key contributor to the grain silos segment during the forecast period. The grain silos type segment held the largest grain silos and ancillary equipment market share in 2019. The segment will continue to account for the highest revenue throughout the forecast period. The segment will witness considerable growth as they are used to storing large quantities of grains for long periods. Increasing demand from the agriculture sector and food industries is likely to become a key contributor to the grain silos segment during the forecast period. Ancillary Equipment Geography North America: 45% of the market's growth will originate from North America during the forecast period. US and Canada are the key markets for grain silos and ancillary equipment market in North America . Market growth in this region will be faster than the growth of the European and South American markets. The organized agricultural sector and the increasing production of grains such as corn, and wheat will facilitate the grain silos and ancillary equipment market growth in North America over the forecast period. 45% of the market's growth will originate from during the forecast period. US and are the key markets for grain silos and ancillary equipment market in . Market growth in this region will be faster than the growth of the European and South American markets. The organized agricultural sector and the increasing production of grains such as corn, and wheat will facilitate the grain silos and ancillary equipment market growth in over the forecast period. Europe APAC South America Need additional insights on the key contributing segments, Request for Sample Now! Grain Silos and Ancillary Equipment Market Vendor Analysis The market is fragmented, and the degree of fragmentation will accelerate during the forecast period. Competitors have to focus on differentiating their product offerings with unique value propositions to strengthen their foothold in the market. Market vendors also have to leverage the existing growth prospects in the fast-growing segments, while maintaining their positions in the slow-growing segments. To make the most of the opportunities and recover from the post-pandemic impact, market vendors should focus more on the growth prospects in the fast-growing segments, while maintaining their positions in the slow-growing segments. The grain silos and ancillary equipment market forecast report offers in-depth insights into key vendor profiles. The profiles include information on the leading companies' production, sustainability, and prospects. Top Market Companies covered in the report: Ag Growth International Inc.: The company offers a wide range of grain bins for storing the world's most valuable resources. Some of the offerings are Westeel Stiffened Grain Bins, Westeel Unstiffened Grain Bins, MFS On-Farm Grain Storage Systems, AGI EZEE-DRY Roof-Top Grain Drying System, and FRAME Flat Bottom Silos among others. The company offers a wide range of grain bins for storing the world's most valuable resources. Some of the offerings are Westeel Stiffened Grain Bins, Westeel Unstiffened Grain Bins, MFS On-Farm Grain Storage Systems, AGI EZEE-DRY Roof-Top Grain Drying System, and FRAME Flat Bottom Silos among others. AGCO Corp.: The company provides a range of grain storage systems such as grain bins and accessories that meet the specific requirements of the company. The company provides a range of grain storage systems such as grain bins and accessories that meet the specific requirements of the company. CTB Inc.: The company offers a range of grain preservative systems such as catwalks, conveyors, elevators, grain dryers, storage bins, and towers that are used by farmers and commercial businesses through its brand BROCK. The company offers a range of grain preservative systems such as catwalks, conveyors, elevators, grain dryers, storage bins, and towers that are used by farmers and commercial businesses through its brand BROCK. P+W Metallbau GmbH and Co. KG: The company offers a range of bulk silos for the grain storage category. Some of the offerings are indoor silos, Large silos. Explosion-proof silos, and weighing silos among others. The company offers a range of bulk silos for the grain storage category. Some of the offerings are indoor silos, Large silos. Explosion-proof silos, and weighing silos among others. Rostfrei Steels Pvt. Ltd.: The company offers a range of metal silos to store varied grains and cereals and other materials such as coffee beans, cotton, etc. The company offers a range of metal silos to store varied grains and cereals and other materials such as coffee beans, cotton, etc. Satake Corp. Silos Cordoba SL Sioux Steel Co. Sukup Manufacturing Co. Symaga SA Want to gain insights on product offerings and strategic initiatives of other vendors, Download the Sample Report Grain Silos and Ancillary Equipment Market Scope Technavio presents a detailed picture of the market by the way of study, synthesis, and summation of data from multiple sources. The grain silos and ancillary equipment market report covers the following areas: Grain Silos and Ancillary Equipment Market Takeaways CAGR of the market during the forecast period 2020-2024 Detailed information on factors that will assist grain silos and ancillary equipment market growth during the next five years Estimation of the grain silos and ancillary equipment market size and its contribution to the parent market Predictions on upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior The growth of the grain silos and ancillary equipment market Analysis of the market's competitive landscape and detailed information on vendors Comprehensive details of factors that will challenge the growth of grain silos and ancillary equipment market, vendors Related Reports: Rice Milling Machinery Market by Product and Geography - Forecast and Analysis 2021-2025 Industrial Food Milling Machines Market by Product and Geography - Forecast and Analysis 2022-2026 Grain Silos And Ancillary Equipment Market Scope Report Coverage Details Page number 120 Base year 2019 Forecast period 2020-2024 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 4.99% Market growth 2020-2024 $ 1.01 billion Market structure Fragmented YoY growth (%) 4.70 Regional analysis North America, Europe, APAC, and South America Performing market contribution North America at 45% Key consumer countries US, China, Russian Federation, Canada, and Germany Competitive landscape Leading companies, competitive strategies, consumer engagement scope Companies profiled Ag Growth International Inc., AGCO Corp., CTB Inc., P+W Metallbau GmbH and Co. KG, Rostfrei Steels Pvt. Ltd., Satake Corp., Silos Cordoba SL, Sioux Steel Co., Sukup Manufacturing Co., and Symaga SA Market Dynamics Parent market analysis, Market growth inducers and obstacles, Fast-growing and slow-growing segment analysis, COVID 19 impact and future consumer dynamics, market condition analysis for the forecast period, Customization purview If our report has not included the data that you are looking for, you can reach out to our analysts and get segments customized. 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 Industrial machinery 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 Type 5.1 Market segments Exhibit 15: Type - Market share 2020-2025 (%) 5.2 Comparison by Type Exhibit 16: Comparison by Type 5.3 Grain silos - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 Exhibit 17: Grain silos - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 ($ million) Exhibit 18: Grain silos - Year-over-year growth 2020-2025 (%) 5.4 Ancillary Equipment - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 Exhibit 19: Ancillary equipment - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 ($ million) Exhibit 20: Ancillary equipment - Year-over-year growth 2020-2025 (%) 5.5 Market opportunity by Type Exhibit 21: Market opportunity by Type 6 Customer landscape 7 Geographic Landscape 7.1 Geographic segmentation Exhibit 23: Market share by geography 2020-2025 (%) 7.2 Geographic comparison Exhibit 24: Geographic comparison 7.3 North America - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 Exhibit 25: North America - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 ($ million) Exhibit 26: North America - Year-over-year growth 2020-2025 (%) 7.4 Europe - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 Exhibit 27: Europe - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 ($ million) Exhibit 28: Europe - Year-over-year growth 2020-2025 (%) 7.5 APAC - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 Exhibit 29: APAC - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 ($ million) Exhibit 30: APAC - Year-over-year growth 2020-2025 (%) 7.6 South America - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 Exhibit 31: South America - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 ($ million) Exhibit 32: South America - Year-over-year growth 2020-2025 (%) 7.7 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 (%) 7.8 Key leading countries Exhibit 35: Key leading countries 7.9 Market opportunity by geography Exhibit 36: Market opportunity by geography ($ million) 8 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 8.1 Market drivers 8.2 Market challenges Exhibit 37: Impact of drivers and challenges 8.3 Market trends 9 Vendor Landscape 9.1 Overview Exhibit 38: Vendor landscape 9.2 Landscape disruption Exhibit 39: Landscape disruption Exhibit 40: Industry risks 10 Vendor Analysis 10.1 Vendors covered Exhibit 41: Vendors covered 10.2 Market positioning of vendors Exhibit 42: Market positioning of vendors 10.3 Ag Growth International Inc. Exhibit 43: Ag Growth International Inc. - Overview Exhibit 44: Ag Growth International Inc. - Business segments Exhibit 45: Ag Growth International Inc. - Key news Exhibit 46: Ag Growth International Inc. - Key offerings 10.4 AGCO Corp. Exhibit 47: AGCO Corp. - Overview Exhibit 48: AGCO Corp. - Business segments Exhibit 49: AGCO Corp. - Key offerings Exhibit 50: AGCO Corp. - Segment focus 10.5 CTB Inc. Exhibit 51: CTB Inc. - Overview Exhibit 52: CTB Inc. - Product and service Exhibit 53: CTB Inc. - Key offerings 10.6 P+W Metallbau GmbH and Co. KG 10.7 Rostfrei Steels Pvt. Ltd. Exhibit 57: Rostfrei Steels Pvt. Ltd. - Overview Exhibit 58: Rostfrei Steels Pvt. Ltd. - Product and service Exhibit 59: Rostfrei Steels Pvt. Ltd. - Key offerings 10.8 Satake Corp. Exhibit 60: Satake Corp. - Overview Exhibit 61: Satake Corp. - Product and service Exhibit 62: Satake Corp. - Key offerings 10.9 Silos Cordoba SL Exhibit 63: Silos Cordoba SL - Overview Exhibit 64: Silos Cordoba SL - Product and service Exhibit 65: Silos Cordoba SL - Key offerings 10.10 Sioux Steel Co. Exhibit 66: Sioux Steel Co. - Overview Exhibit 67: Sioux Steel Co. - Product and service Exhibit 68: Sioux Steel Co. - Key offerings 10.11 Sukup Manufacturing Co. Exhibit 69: Sukup Manufacturing Co. - Overview Exhibit 70: Sukup Manufacturing Co. - Product and service Exhibit 71: Sukup Manufacturing Co. - Key offerings 10.12 Symaga SA Exhibit 72: Symaga SA - Overview Exhibit 73: Symaga SA - Product and service Exhibit 74: Symaga SA - Key offerings 11 Appendix 11.1 Scope of the report 11.2 Currency conversion rates for US$ Exhibit 75: Currency conversion rates for US$ 11.3 Research methodology Exhibit 76: Research Methodology Exhibit 77: Validation techniques employed for market sizing Exhibit 78: Information sources 11.4 List of abbreviations Exhibit 79: 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 provide actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning 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 SHENZHEN, China, July 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- ImmVira's global first intravenous ("IV") administered oncolytic herpes simplex virus ("oHSV") product MVR-T3011 IV has completed the first three cohort escalation in the U.S. Phase I clinical trial, tested dosage from 1x106 to 1x108 PFU on 10 subjects with late-stage pancreatic, colon, lung, endometrial, breast, head and neck, gastrointestinal cancers and other advanced tumors. Preliminary biodistribution and clinical results of MVR-T3011 IV demonstrated promising biological activities of MVR-T3011 IV. I. 80% of subjects' blood samples have pre-existing Anti-Drug antibody ("ADA") with herpes simplex virus-1 ("HSV-1") IgG antibody positive at baseline. Post first and repeating dose of MVR-T3011, viral DNA can be detected in blood in a dose-dependent manner with additivity from repeating dose. II. The numbers and percentages of various types of immune cells in peripheral blood of subjects were altered post MVR-T3011 dosing, and levels of cytokines IFN, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF in blood samples were altered differentially. Some patients were observed with a significant increase in IFN on Day 3 post-dosing representing on-target biological activities. III. In particular, one subject in the low-dose cohort (1x106 PFU) who had continuous 17-week Stable Disease ("SD") was observed with a significant increase in IFN+ CD8 cells in peripheral blood, nearly doubled after administration. In addition, RNA sequence analysis in tumor biopsy on Day 50 post first dose showed that genes related to neutrophil activation, T-cell activation, adaptive immune response, leukocyte differentiation, and cytokine secretion were notably up-regulated compared to baseline. Intravenous injection as a delivery method remains a huge scientific and clinical challenge for oHSV candidates for many years. In application, IV dosage tends to be higher compared to intratumoral injection so that a sufficient amount of virus can reach tumor sites, countered by a higher risk of systemic cytokine storm and other severe adverse events related to a higher dosage. Moreover, generic intravenous administered viruses may be neutralized by antibodies after repeating dose. ImmVira's proprietary breakthrough viral candidate MVR-T3011 IV is designed to become the global first clinical-stage oHSV product via intravenous injection overcoming the aforementioned challenges. ImmVira will continue to monitor and analyze ongoing clinical biodistribution data in the human body as Phase I clinical study simultaneously goes on in the U.S. and China. About ImmVira ImmVira is a biotechnology company focused on development of new generation novel anti-cancer drug vectors. Our advanced engineering created vectors that are highly oncolytic competent and as ideal exogenous gene delivery mechanisms. Leveraging intrinsic mechanism of action and tumor microenvironment modification, our products include replication capable oncolytic herpes simplex virus, and non-replicating exosome and tumor vaccine. The company has developed science, technology and know-how to support ongoing research, development and commercialization of best-in-class mono and combo therapies on the OvPENS (Oncological vector+ Potent, Enabling, Novel & Safe) platform. Our clinical stage and development stage pipelines target a wide range of solid tumors and hematologic malignancies, to be used as single agent or combination treatment solutions for cancer patients at different stages, unresponsive to immunotherapy or with rare tumors, by various administration methods including intratumoral, as well as first-in-class intravenous and intraperitoneal/pleural/vesical injections. The first three oncolytic virus products are currently undergoing five Phase I or Phase II clinical trials in both United States and China. SOURCE ImmVira ALPHARETTA, Ga., July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- In recognition of her contribution to the staffing and recruiting industry, Jagriti Kumar, Chief Financial officer, NLB Services was named on the Staffing Industry Analysts' (SIA) 2022 40 Under 40 list, in its 6th annual announcement of the list. Jagriti Kumar, CFO, NLB Services As a global advisor on staffing and workforce solutions, SIA publishes this annual list to identify and honor staffing industry leaders of today and tomorrow. The 2022 class has indeed prioritized "building back better" with a reinvigorated focus on candidate care - a trend and an imperative for the post-pandemic staffing industry. Elated at this incredible achievement of Jagriti Kumar, Sachin Alug, Chief Executive Officer, NLB Services, said, "It is a proud moment for the entire NLB team, and especially for the women working with us. Jagriti's win is a testament to her grit, perseverance, commitment and thrust on excellence. We are confident that it is just a start and we will see many more achievers on international forums going forward." Sharing her joy, Jagriti Kumar, Chief Financial Officer, NLB Services, said, "I am deeply honored to have been chosen. I am extremely grateful to the team at NLB for giving me an opportunity to explore my full potential. The award truly belongs to the entire NLB family for being an integral part of every step we take." "SIA's 2022 40 Under 40 shares some extraordinary differentiators from those of other industries," said Subadhra Sriram, editor and publisher at SIA. "They have helped transition the industry from its pre-pandemic model of work to one that is more candidate-friendly and flexible. It takes both resilience and a vision to do that. In addition, this group loves working with people and placing them in jobs. These rising stars have seized the opportunity to build back better." Jagriti, as the Chief Financial Officer, has been playing a pivotal role in the strategic growth of NLB Services including structuring customer-facing deals, ensuring compliance across continents (North America, Asia Pacific, and Europe), managing strategic expansion into new lines of business, and developing robust internal policies and governance systems. She has also been instrumental in guiding the company to navigate the impact of the coronavirus crisis. She has been a pillar of strength of NLB's thriving growth and success. Jagriti was the winner of Gold Globee in the "Executive Hero of the Year" category, and won Silver Globee in "Outstanding Female Professional of the Year - Accounting & Finance" category, in the 14th Annual 2021 Women World Awards. About NLB Services Founded in 2007, NLB Services is one of the fastest-growing transformational workforce solution providers. Our comprehensive range of talent solutions is backed by our deep understanding of our client needs and rich industry experience. Headquartered in Alpharetta, Georgia, our vast global presence and unyielding customer centricity have enabled us to forge strategic partnerships with leading Fortune 500 companies, worldwide. We are a strong team of over 8000 professionals with unparalleled domain depth and exceptional digital expertise. To know more please visit https://www.nlbservices.com. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1864160/Jagriti_Kumar.jpg SOURCE NLB Services More caregivers coming to the primary healthcare facility to vaccinate their children helped reduce vaccine wastage because opened vials were exhausted before opening another. The Enugu State Government has targeted some one million children for free drugs, medical consumable and other routine services in its going Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health Week. The programme, which is the first round of the programme in the year, is also designed to reach out to 280,000 pregnant women when they attend anta-natal programmes in health facilities scattered within the state. Inaugurating the programme in Enugu on Wednesday, Wife of Enugu State Governor, Mrs Monica Ugwuanyi, urged pregnant women to take attendance to anta-natal seriously. She also enjoined them to ensure they carried out necessary tests to understand their conditions better. Ugwuanyi noted that the tests would afford pregnant women the chance to easily detect when pregnancy complications were looming. She said it would also enable them to deal with them on time and take useful counsel from a physician on their health condition. According to her, I want mothers to take all they learnt here seriously and spread the message of the week and lots of its benefits to mothers in all neighbourhoods and localities even to rural communities. "Our mothers, especially pregnant women, should feed well. Eat healthy foods for the sake of the baby and avoid all forms of processed foods. "Please, start attending your anta-natal and doing your tests on time to understand your body and heed to all advice given to you by the doctor concerning your health and that of your unborn child," she said. The wife of the governor also stressed on gender and sexual based violence and checking the use of drugs and substance abuse among children within the home. Ugwuanyi said: "There is a lot of violation of minors and children ongoing among us. As mothers, we should be watchful and careful on who comes in contact with our children, even the infants at home. "In my office, I receive cases of rape of infants even done by close family members and those supposed to protect the child. As mothers, nature has endowed us with the power and wisdom to protect our children." Dr George Ugwu, Executive Secretary, Enugu State Primary Health Care Development Agency (ENS-PHCDA), said that the programme was being carried out twice yearly under the guidance of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA). Ugwu said that it was being carried out in conjunction with the state's development partners - WHO, UNICEF and the state governor's wife foundation, Ugo Touch of Life Foundation (U-TOLF) - among others. He said that in the programme, essential health services and commodities would be distributed free in all communities, villages and hamlets using the over 676 health facilities and outposts where routine immunisations take place. He said: "We have trained 2,200 health workers to deliver the services for the programme. "During the programme, women and children will be given health education, pre-natal vitamin A, other multivitamins, routine immunisation, family planning commodities and COVID-19 vaccination among others. "We are very happy that this year's first round of the programme is commencing early in the year and, as an Agency, we are prepared to offer this service in an optimised and integrated manner." The Executive Secretary expressed gratitude "to caring and health loving governor, Chief Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, for always providing us with all the enablement and necessary support. "ENS-PHCDA appreciates the wife of our governor, Mrs Monica Ugwuanyi, for her care, love, guidance and support as well as U-TOLF's continuous support loads of free drugs, multivitamins and health consumables each time we have this programme." In a goodwill message, the Chairman, Enugu Assembly Committee on Health, Chief Sam Ngene, commended Gov. Ugwuanyi administration's stride on health. He gave the assurance that the house would continue to make laws to better healthcare delivery in the state. The state's Commissioner for Health, Prof. Ikechukwu Obi, represented by the ministry's Permanent Secretary, Dr Ifeanyi Agujiobi, thanked the governor, U-TOLF foundation, WHO, UNICEF, NPHCDA and others for their support that had kept the state's health sector running smoothly. The Chairman of Enugu State Traditional Rulers' Council, Igwe Lawrence Agubuzu, assured that the traditional rulers would use town criers and other local communication means to mobilise women in all localities to participate actively in the programme. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Nigeria Women Children By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Dr Nwakego Ibekwe, who represented UNICEF, said that UNICEF is part and parcel of the health success story of the state and would continue to give its support especially on health issues that affect women and children. "We call on pregnant women, mothers and caregivers to use the programme to get free drugs, medical consumables and services free in health care centres as well as spread the good news of the programme to their neighbours for them to benefit. "I encourage mothers with infants or children of vaccination age to use this programme to ensure that their infants get a full dose of each vaccination in order to guarantee the infant's total protection against diseases. "UNICEF is commending the state government and ENS-PHCDA for being consistent with their health programmes and services as well as putting rural women and children as their priority target in healthcare delivery," Ibekwe added. WILMINGTON, Mass., July 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - Liberty Defense Holdings Ltd. ("Liberty" or the "Company") (TSXV: SCAN) (OTCQB: LDDFF) (FRANKFURT: LD2A), a leading technology provider of detection solutions for concealed weapons and threats, is pleased to announce that it has finalized plans for the start of the upcoming beta trials of its HEXWAVE walkthrough security detection system, with the first beta unit on track to be delivered to its testing location by the end of August 2022. The Company will deploy beta units in several settings, including a place of worship, an MLB stadium, a large state university, and in major airports for airline employee screening. Liberty has also expanded the number of planned beta sites to include more locations given the increased level of interest in the HEXWAVE and its ability to screen people efficiently for concealed metallic and non-metallic threats. These testing sites will expand to include more target market verticals including a cruise ship terminal, government buildings, and more. Beta testing will continue over the coming 12 weeks. Since the last product update, the Company has continued to significantly improve the performance of the HEXWAVE system and has collected over 45,000 scenes incorporating a wide range of threat types, threat orientation, and various body types to train its Artificial Intelligence (AI) software. This improved performance of the walkthrough system will allow for advanced detection of today's evolving threats that include 3D printed guns, as well as liquid, plastic, and powder explosives. HEXWAVE uses millimeter wave, advanced 3D imaging, and AI for enhanced detection capability, processing over 720 people per hour depending on the concept of operations. The system provides security operators with an automatic go/no-go decision, and a seamless experience for patrons and passengers. "Liberty has continued to hire the best and the brightest to support building out an extremely robust software and hardware configuration as we prepare to launch the beta," says Liberty Defense CEO Bill Frain. "We are thrilled with the progress and look forward to getting HEXWAVE into real-world testing locations next month starting at our first beta site." In other news, Liberty Defense will be among a select group of companies presenting in person in Boston, MA, at the Canaccord Genuity 42nd Annual Growth Conference on August 10, 2022, at 3:30 p.m. ET. The presentation can be viewed at the link following the conference: https://wsw.com/webcast/canaccord76/lddff/2613024. For updates and news, please visit the Company website to subscribe to email alerts or follow Liberty Defense on social channels. On Behalf of Liberty Defense Bill Frain CEO & Director About Liberty Defense Liberty Defense (TSXV: SCAN) (OTCQB: LDDFF) (FRANKFURT: LD2A) provides multi-technology security solutions for concealed weapons detection in high volume foot traffic areas and locations requiring enhanced security such as airports, stadiums, schools, and more. Liberty's HEXWAVE product, for which the company has secured an exclusive license from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), as well as a technology transfer agreement for patents related to active 3D radar imaging technology, provides discrete, modular, and scalable protection to provide layered, stand-off detection capability of metallic and non-metallic weapons. Liberty has also recently licensed the millimeter wave-based, High-Definition Advanced Imaging Technology (HD-AIT) body scanner and shoe scanner technologies as part of its technology portfolio. Liberty is committed to protecting communities and preserving peace of mind through superior security detection solutions. Learn more: LibertyDefense.com FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS When used in this press release, the words "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. Although Liberty believes, in light of the experience of their respective officers and directors, current conditions and expected future developments and other factors that have been considered appropriate, that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements and information in this press release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on them because the parties can give no assurance that such statements will prove to be correct. Such statements and information reflect the current view of Liberty. There are risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in those forward-looking statements and information. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. There are a number of important factors that could cause Liberty's actual results to differ materially from those indicated or implied by forward-looking statements and information. Such factors include, among others: currency fluctuations; limited business history of the parties; disruptions or changes in the credit or security markets; results of operation activities and development of projects; project cost overruns or unanticipated costs and expenses; and general development, market and industry conditions. The parties undertake no obligation to comment on analyses, expectations or statements made by third parties in respect of their securities or their respective financial or operating results (as applicable). Liberty cautions that the foregoing list of material factors is not exhaustive. When relying on Liberty's forward-looking statements and information to make decisions, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events. Liberty has assumed that the material factors referred to in the previous paragraph will not cause such forward-looking statements and information to differ materially from actual results or events. However, the list of these factors is not exhaustive and is subject to change and there can be no assurance that such assumptions will reflect the actual outcome of such items or factors. The forward-looking information contained in this press release represents the expectations of Liberty as of the date of this press release and, accordingly, are subject to change after such date. Liberty does not undertake to update this information at any particular time except as required in accordance with applicable laws. 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. SOURCE Liberty Defense Holdings Ltd. CHAMBERSBURG, Pa., July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Martin's Famous Potato Rolls and Bread has geographically expanded into the Cleveland, Ohio, retail market. Martin's is pleased to announce that their fresh-baked products are now available for purchase in Cleveland, Ohio, through retail and club stores. Cleveland consumers can now find Martin's full product offering, including the popular Martin's Sandwich Potato Rolls and Martin's Long (hot dog) Potato Rolls. Other available products include: Martin's Slider Potato Rolls, Martin's Dinner Potato Rolls, Martin's Party Potato Rolls, Martin's Hoagie Rolls, Martin's "Big Marty's" Rolls, Martin's Old-Fashioned Real Butter Bread, Martin's Potato Bread, Martin's 100% Whole Wheat Potato Bread, and Martin's Swirl Breads. Martin's products are famous for their freshness, great taste, and soft, pillowy texture. High quality ingredients, such as high protein wheat flour (and for the whole wheat product, 100% stone-ground whole wheat), nonfat milk, potatoes, pure cane sugar, yeast, and real butter, are used in their bakery products. Martin's sources non-GMO ingredients, and their products contain no artificial colors or sweeteners. "We are thrilled to be kicking things off in the Cleveland market! Our team is focused on providing the best product with the best possible service for our stores and customers," says Tom Sullivan, regional sales manager for Martin's. "We are looking forward to serving additional retail chains, foodservice venues, and restaurants in the near future." Martin's Famous Potato Rolls and Bread have been a staple in Pennsylvania households since 1955, when Lloyd and Lois Martin turned their garage into a bakery and began selling their products in farmers markets. Since then, in its 60-plus years of existence, the company has grown and spread into a much larger retail market , covering most of the East Coast of the United States as well as various major cities such as Chicago, Nashville, New Orleans, and Houston. Martin's Dallas-Fort Worth expansion occurred within the past year as well. Martin's continuously searches for ways to bring its iconic rolls and bread to more areas of the United States. Consumers can use Martin's "store locator" to find out which local stores carry Martin's Famous Potato Rolls and Bread at: https://potatorolls.com/where-to-buy/ Martin's Famous Pastry Shoppe, Inc. is a family owned and operated consumer goods company headquartered in Chambersburg, PA, with a second bakery in Valdosta, GA. The Martin's company focuses on baking high-quality bread and roll products using high-quality ingredients. They are rigorously dedicated to extraordinary taste, quality, and customer service that proudly represents their legacy of cherished eating experiences and truly sets them apart from their competitors. Since the 1950s, the business has expanded from a home garage business into two commercial baking plants and continues to grow and flourish in areas of established distribution. For more information, visit: www.potatorolls.com . SOURCE Martin's Famous Pastry Shoppe, Inc. After a two-year hiatus, the leading military-focused event for entrepreneurs, influencers, executives, and brands returns in-person LAS VEGAS, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Military Influencer Conference (MIC) , presented by USAA and powered by Instant Teams, has announced its relaunch in Las Vegas. After a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, military service members, military entrepreneurs, civilian supporters, military spouses, and influential leaders from across the world will gather at the Las Vegas Hilton at Resorts World from October 26-29, 2022. This annual conference, now in its fifth year, celebrates the intersection of the military-connected community, economic opportunities, mental health initiatives, technological advances, and social impact. Over the course of the three-day conference, attendees will have the opportunity to engage with experts from national brands and service organizations. The in-person conference provides engaging programming, networking opportunities with innovative brand partners, and the Mighty 25 Gala, a celebration of the top 25 changemakers, advocates, and influencers in the military space. "It's been over two years since we've experienced the benefits of the camaraderie and face-to-face interactions that come with gathering the military community," said Curtez Riggs, Founder and Director of Military Influencer Conference. "We're excited about the opportunity to relaunch the event with a renewed focus on the current and future topics that are most important to our community, and how we're navigating these issues amidst the lingering effects of COVID-19." More specifically, the event will focus on helping individuals, organizations, and brands leverage MIC's resources to grow their impact. The ability to be in Las Vegas, which has a huge military presence and opportunities for more veteran support, allows for a unique opportunity to create local partnerships and broaden our collective reach. Attendees will be able to participate in over 100 sessions within eight content tracks presented in various formats: Content Creation and Marketing, Hiring from the Military Community, Founders and Innovators, Web 3.0 and The Metaverse, eCommerce and DTC, Mental Health and Resiliency, and Social Impact Partnerships. This year MIC will also launch Instant Teams' brand Untapped. The Untapped sessions will feature dynamic speakers and content specifically designed for military spouses highlighting topics including financial wellness, entrepreneurship, and remote work. "As active-duty military spouses, we are proud to equip our workforce with remote jobs, allowing them to move globally with their service members," said Liza Rodewald, Founder & CEO of Instant Teams. "For the past five years, Instant Teams has provided thousands of remote job opportunities and improved the financial well-being of military spouses and veteran families with millions of dollars of dual-earner income. We are honored to continue investing in and empowering our community by launching our 'Untapped' series at MIC." Additional programming includes: MIC's inaugural Comedy Night, hybrid activations, and competitions rewarding entrepreneurs with over $175k in funding and resources. MIC Las Vegas is also sponsored by Caliber Home Loans, Comcast NBCUniversal, Armed Forces Insurance, Organized Q, Johnson & Johnson, United Through Reading, PCS At Ease, JDog, FiServ, and Triple Nikel. More information about sponsorship opportunities can be found here . Ticket information can be found here . ABOUT MIC Founded in 2016 by Army veteran Curtez Riggs, Military Influencer Conference is the leading military-focused event for entrepreneurs, influencers, leaders, creatives, and brands who shape and support the military community. Annually, MIC brings together more than 100 global partners and 2000 attendees. MIC is the marquee event offering of We Are The Mighty (WATM) the premier media brand and agency for America's military, veterans, and their families. WATM is a Recurrent company. 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, TX., USAA has offices in seven U.S. cities and three overseas locations and employs more than 37,000 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. ABOUT INSTANT TEAMS Instant Teams is a talent marketplace that connects companies to military and veteran spouses. Using innovative technology, career development, remote work, and community, Instant Teams creates real talent solutions for companies and remote careers for military and veteran spouses. For more information about Instant Teams, follow us on Facebook or Twitter (@InstantTeams), or visit instantteams.com SOURCE Military Influencer Conference Innovative Gym Franchise to Open Showcase Location In Its Hometown, Featuring Fitness + Recovery and a 100% Digital Member Experience. HOUSTON, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- New fitness + recovery franchise Iron 24 announced today its first-ever corporate gym location following the announcement of the brand's launch nationwide. Iron 24's first location will be located in Westside Plaza at 5070 W. Broadway, Pearland, Texas less than eight miles from the company's Pearland headquarters. Several other corporate and franchised-owned locations nationwide will be announced nationwide throughout greater Houston and other major markets in the second half of 2022 and into 2023. Following the recently finalized lease agreement, East Pearland's 4,200 square foot space is slated to open in September. The gym will be unstaffed and technology-enabled, with membership, access and feedback fully managed through the Iron 24 mobile app. The company has eliminated common frustrations like prolonged signups, upsells, contracts and inconvenient hours plaguing members at other gyms. Amenities include classic free weights, cardio and functional areas and recovery rooms with features such as red light therapy. "Iron 24 is a refreshing, tech-forward take on the traditional gym experience a perfect addition to Pearland's line-up of innovative retail and consumer businesses," said Marty Flanagan, brand president of Iron 24. "As we continue to seek big and bold ideas for Iron 24, we look forward to welcoming the Pearland community to our first-ever Iron 24 location this fall." The tech-forward gym concept has been long in development at FranchiCzar , Iron 24's parent company. Also based in Pearland, TX, FranchiCzar is a developer of franchise concepts, software and services designed to help franchise brands scale their growth. Pearland, located on the southern end of the Greater Houston area, is a quaint suburb community with a small-town feel that is driving demand for innovative and disruptive technology-driven concepts to push further into the digital age. "We are beyond excited to begin Iron 24's journey right here in our backyard," said David Graham, chief operating officer of FranchiCzar. "As we look to expand Iron 24 throughout the country, we are thrilled to contribute to the greater Houston community by providing a unique gym experience to people on their fitness + recovery journey." With the inaugural corporate locations primed to serve as strong proof of concept for the new brand, Iron 24 is simultaneously recruiting candidates to play an essential role in driving the brand's growth via franchising. Iron 24 is seeking qualified potential franchise owners in the U.S. The initial investment for an Iron 24 franchise is approximately $91,950 to $288,850 in the U.S. Prospective franchisees should visit iron24.com/franchising to learn more and request additional information. More information on Iron 24 and how to inquire about franchise opportunities nationwide is available at iron24.com . About Iron 24 Iron 24 puts people in control of their fitness through simplicity, technology and convenience. Based in Houston, TX, Iron 24 was created by a team of fitness, franchising and technology experts who set out to remove barriers to gym ownership and membership. The result is a 100% digital gym experience that's more affordable, easier to use and equipped with a full array of top-quality equipment, including free weights, cardio, functional and recovery areas. SOURCE Iron 24 DUBAI, UAE, July 19, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Optasia, an advanced AI-led decisioning and distribution platform, that enables instant access to financing solutions, announces launch of a new Advance Credit Service (ACS) in Malawi through Telecom Networks Malawi (TNM), the oldest telecommunications company in the country. This service will allow TNM to provide airtime and data advancements to its customer base. The service that is provided by TNM in Malawi is powered by Optasia through its AI-led originating and credit decisioning platform under the product name "Pasavute Service". This service offering will reach an addressable subscriber base of about 5.000.000 people in Malawi. "As a successful ACS provider globally, providing easy solutions to people and improving their daily lives has always been among our key commitments," stated Mark Muller, Group CEO for Optasia. "We are happy to be involved with a well-trusted Telecom Operator like TNM in Malawi, enabling them in reaching out to the local population with meaningful telecommunications solutions". TNM's Head of Brand and Marketing Madalitso Jonazi said, "We have a role to ensure that there are no more barriers to staying connected. At TNM Plc, we have decided to break the barriers by giving Malawians wider options to remain connected, removing the limits and bringing both voice and data bundles in the Pasavute credit net". Jonazi added that Pasavute allows TNM customers to make calls to other networks without barriers, providing universal access to telephony and mobile internet. The deployment of Advance Credit Services in Malawi further showcases Optasia's continuous global expansion, as the company is active in over 30 countries, with unique access to more than 560 million end customers. About Optasia Optasia, previously Channel VAS Investments Limited, is an advanced AI-led platform which enables instant access to financial solutions for millions of under-banked individuals and SMEs across over 30 countries mainly in Emerging Markets. Optaisa's B2B2X model creates value for its partners, in the form of revenue and customer retention without the need for additional operating or capital expense. The company's AI-led data engine and proprietary algorithms analyze alternative data from mobile and other environments to provide relevant instant credit decisions to its partners. These capabilities enable micro-lending, air-time and data advances via mobile wallets, SIM cards, and other digital environments. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1752683/Optasia_Logo.jpg SOURCE Channel VAS / Optasia NEW YORK and MIAMI, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Parkinson's Foundation today announced the recipients of more than $2 million in community grants for Parkinson's disease (PD) programs across the U.S. The Foundation invests in community programs that make an impact in local communities and help people live better with PD by providing support for unmet health, wellness and educational needs. "Investing in community-based organizations allows the Foundation to direct resources to meaningful PD programs and services locally," said Parkinson's Foundation President and CEO John L. Lehr. "The community grants program has grown considerably over the last few years, allowing the Foundation to reach even more people with PD and to have a lasting impact on their lives." Of the $2 million awarded, community grants range from a minimum of $10,000 to a maximum of $25,000 per recipient. The 2022 grant cycle focuses on programs that educate and deliver exercise specifically designed for people with PD, reach those who are newly diagnosed, and address the intersection of mental health and PD. The programs funded by the Foundation will benefit people with PD in 42 states in the U.S. "The support we've received from the Parkinson's Foundation for our What's Up, Doc? Program has enabled us to have high touch opportunities within the first year following diagnosis," said Gil Kim of the Metro-Jackson Parkinson's Group in Jackson, MS. "Early intervention, education and inclusion in our community will enable those who are newly diagnosed to live a better life with the disease." Since 2011, the Foundation has invested more than $9.4 million in 716 community-based programs. To see the full list of the 2022 community grant recipients, visit Parkinson.org/2022grants. About the Parkinson's Foundation The Parkinson's Foundation makes life better for people with Parkinson's disease by improving care and advancing research toward a cure. In everything we do, we build on the energy, experience and passion of our global Parkinson's community. Since 1957, the Parkinson's Foundation has invested more than $400 million in Parkinson's research and clinical care. Connect with us on Parkinson.org, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or call (800) 4PD-INFO (473-4636). About Parkinson's Disease Affecting an estimated one million Americans and 10 million worldwide, Parkinson's disease is the second-most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer's and is the 14th-leading cause of death in the U.S. It is associated with a progressive loss of motor control (e.g., shaking or tremor at rest and lack of facial expression), as well as non-motor symptoms (e.g., depression and anxiety). There is no cure for Parkinson's and 60,000 new cases are diagnosed each year in the U.S. alone. Contact Marissa Cruz Parkinson's Foundation [email protected] 305-537-9926 Parkinson.org SOURCE Parkinson's Foundation MENLO PARK, Calif., July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Robert Half International Inc. (NYSE: RHI) today reported revenues and earnings for the second quarter ended June 30, 2022. For the quarter ended June 30, 2022, net income was $176 million, or $1.60 per share, on revenues of $1.863 billion. Net income for the prior year's second quarter was $149 million, or $1.33 per share, on revenues of $1.581 billion. For the six months ended June 30, 2022, net income was $344 million, or $3.12 per share, on revenues of $3.678 billion. For the six months ended June 30, 2021, net income was $260 million, or $2.32 per share, on revenues of $2.979 billion. "We are pleased to once again report very strong results, which continue to reflect a robust global labor market and demand environment," said M. Keith Waddell, president and chief executive officer of Robert Half. "Talent solutions led the way with permanent placement and contract talent solutions growing 39 percent and 19 percent, respectively, on a year-over-year basis. Core Protiviti solutions also remained strong. Return on invested capital for the Company was 48 percent in the second quarter. "We are proud to have been recently ranked number one by Forbes on three prestigious lists America's Best Professional Recruiting Firms, America's Best Temporary Staffing Firms and America's Best Executive Recruiting Firms. This is the first time any company has placed first in all three categories. This is a credit to all of our employees and their incredible drive to deliver outstanding service to our clients and candidates," Waddell concluded. Robert Half management will conduct a conference call today at 5 p.m. EDT. The prepared remarks for this call are available now in the Investor Center of the Robert Half website (www.roberthalf.com/investor-center). Simply click on the Quarterly Conference Calls link. The dial-in number to listen to today's conference call is 800-289-0720 (+1-646-828-8073 outside the United States and Canada). The confirmation code to access the call is 1432797. A taped recording of this call will be available for replay beginning at approximately 8 p.m. EDT on July 21 and ending at 8 p.m. EDT on August 20. The dial-in number for the replay is 888-203-1112 (+1-719-457-0820 outside the United States and Canada). To access the replay, enter conference code 1432797. The conference call also will be archived in audio format on the company's website at www.roberthalf.com. Robert Half is the world's first and largest specialized talent solutions and business consulting firm that connects opportunities at great companies with highly skilled job seekers. The Company offers contract and permanent placement talent solutions for finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal, and administrative and customer support roles. Named to FORTUNE's World's Most Admired Companies, the Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index and Forbes' list of America's Best Employers for Diversity, Robert Half is the parent company of Protiviti, a global consulting firm that provides internal audit, risk, business and technology consulting solutions. Robert Half has operations in more than 400 locations worldwide. Certain information contained in this press release and its attachments may be deemed forward-looking statements regarding events and financial trends that may affect the Company's future operating results or financial positions. These statements may be identified by words such as "estimate", "forecast", "project", "plan", "intend", "believe", "expect", "anticipate", or variations or negatives thereof, or by similar or comparable words or phrases. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the following: changes to or new interpretations of U.S. or international tax regulations; the global financial and economic situation; the duration and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and efforts to mitigate its spread; changes in levels of unemployment and other economic conditions in the United States or foreign countries where the Company does business, or in particular regions or industries; reduction in the supply of candidates for contract employment or the Company's ability to attract candidates; the entry of new competitors into the marketplace or expansion by existing competitors; the ability of the Company to maintain existing client relationships and attract new clients in the context of changing economic or competitive conditions; the impact of competitive pressures, including any change in the demand for the Company's services; the Company's ability to maintain its margins; the possibility of the Company incurring liability for its activities, including the activities of its contract employees, or for events impacting its contract employees on clients' premises; the possibility that adverse publicity could impact the Company's ability to attract and retain clients and candidates; the success of the Company in attracting, training, and retaining qualified management personnel and other staff employees; the Company's ability to comply with governmental regulations affecting personnel services businesses in particular or employer/employee relationships in general; whether there will be ongoing demand for Sarbanes-Oxley or other regulatory compliance services; the Company's reliance on short-term contracts for a significant percentage of its business; litigation relating to prior or current transactions or activities, including litigation that may be disclosed from time to time in the Company's SEC filings; the ability of the Company to manage its international operations and comply with foreign laws and regulations; the impact of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; the possibility that the additional costs the Company will incur as a result of healthcare reform legislation may adversely affect the Company's profit margins or the demand for the Company's services; the possibility that the Company's computer and communications hardware and software systems could be damaged or their service interrupted; and the possibility that the Company may fail to maintain adequate financial and management controls and as a result suffer errors in its financial reporting. Additionally, with respect to Protiviti, other risks and uncertainties include the fact that future success will depend on its ability to retain employees and attract clients; there can be no assurance that there will be ongoing demand for broad-based consulting, regulatory compliance, technology services, public sector or other high-demand advisory services; failure to produce projected revenues could adversely affect financial results; and there is the possibility of involvement in litigation relating to prior or current transactions or activities. Because long-term contracts are not a significant part of the Company's business, future results cannot be reliably predicted by considering past trends or extrapolating past results. The Company undertakes no obligation to update information contained in this release. A copy of this release is available at www.roberthalf.com/investor-center . ATTACHED: Summary of Operations Supplemental Financial Information Non-GAAP Financial Measures ROBERT HALF INTERNATIONAL INC. SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS (in thousands, except per share amounts) Quarter Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2022 2021 2022 2021 (Unaudited) (Unaudited) Service revenues $ 1,862,827 $ 1,580,581 $ 3,677,661 $ 2,978,961 Costs of services 1,047,280 915,709 2,090,268 1,752,378 Gross margin 815,547 664,872 1,587,393 1,226,583 Selling, general and administrative expenses 509,394 488,093 1,023,588 911,155 (Income) loss from investments held in employee deferred compensation trusts (which is completely offset by related costs and expenses) 65,622 (27,810) 95,623 (39,797) Amortization of intangible assets 416 576 833 1,152 Interest (income) expense, net (718) 151 (884) 105 Income before income taxes 240,833 203,862 468,233 353,968 Provision for income taxes 65,012 54,649 124,173 94,157 Net income $ 175,821 $ 149,213 $ 344,060 $ 259,811 Diluted net income per share $ 1.60 $ 1.33 $ 3.12 $ 2.32 Shares: Basic 108,833 110,861 109,025 111,141 Diluted 109,696 111,889 110,143 112,191 ROBERT HALF INTERNATIONAL INC. SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION (in thousands) Six Months Ended June 30, 2022 2021 (Unaudited) SELECTED CASH FLOW INFORMATION: Depreciation $ 22,907 $ 27,715 Capitalized cloud computing implementation costs $ 19,540 $ 16,236 Capital expenditures $ 35,275 $ 16,114 Open market repurchases of common stock (shares) 1,386 1,514 June 30, 2022 2021 (Unaudited) SELECTED BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION: Cash and cash equivalents $ 590,909 $ 542,805 Accounts receivable, net $ 1,091,598 $ 907,947 Total assets $ 2,933,835 $ 2,741,368 Total current liabilities $ 1,266,873 $ 1,196,312 Total stockholders' equity $ 1,467,668 $ 1,259,250 ROBERT HALF INTERNATIONAL INC. SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) (in thousands) The Company completed a multiyear process to unify its family of Robert Half endorsed divisional brands to one single specialized brand, Robert Half. This simplifies the Company's go-to-market brand structure for clients and candidates and provides leverage for greater brand awareness and allows future flexibility to expand the Company's existing practice groups without the need for new brands. The Company's financial disclosures for contract talent solutions (formerly temporary and consultant staffing) are based on functional specialization rather than the previously branded divisions. The functional specializations are: finance and accounting, administrative and customer support, and technology. Finance and accounting combines the former Accountemps and Robert Half Management Resources, administrative and customer support was previously Office Team, and technology was formerly Robert Half Technology. Protiviti and permanent placement talent solutions continue to be reported separately. What was previously referred to as staffing operations is now referred to as talent solutions. There is no change to the underlying business operations or organization. The Company's presentation of service revenues for finance and accounting, administrative and customer support, and technology include intersegment revenues from services provided to Protiviti in connection with the Company's blended business solutions. This is how the Company measures and manages these businesses internally. The combined amount of divisional intersegment revenues with Protiviti are aggregated and then eliminated as a single line item. The Company has prepared the below schedule to provide readers with historical comparative information to better evaluate the related trends. 2020 2021 2022 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 SERVICE REVENUES: Finance and accounting $ 701,762 $ 496,573 $ 506,515 $ 552,116 $ 600,387 $ 663,892 $ 732,365 $ 768,204 $ 801,690 $ 810,910 Administrative and customer support 239,979 136,299 173,685 214,985 220,467 263,192 279,370 295,872 284,906 274,141 Technology 196,652 162,028 161,007 175,730 172,239 194,233 215,500 213,414 213,327 218,190 Elimination of intersegment revenues (46,273) (41,514) (59,816) (92,393) (103,818) (143,036) (172,534) (161,004) (144,200) (137,548) Total contract talent solutions 1,092,120 753,386 781,391 850,438 889,275 978,281 1,054,701 1,116,486 1,155,723 1,165,693 Permanent placement talent solutions 120,489 71,030 87,203 91,387 111,703 143,640 156,444 158,133 186,782 200,096 Protiviti 294,082 283,910 321,303 362,261 397,402 458,660 501,421 495,298 472,329 497,038 Total service revenues $ 1,506,691 $ 1,108,326 $ 1,189,897 $ 1,304,086 $ 1,398,380 $ 1,580,581 $ 1,712,566 $ 1,769,917 $ 1,814,834 $ 1,862,827 ROBERT HALF INTERNATIONAL INC. NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES The financial results of Robert Half International Inc. (the "Company") are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") and the rules of the SEC. To help readers understand the Company's financial performance, the Company supplements its GAAP financial results with the following non-GAAP measures: adjusted gross margin; adjusted selling, general and administrative expense; segment income; combined segment income; and as adjusted revenue growth rates. The following measures: adjusted gross margin; adjusted selling, general and administrative expense; and segment income include gains and losses on investments held to fund the Company's obligations under employee deferred compensation plans. The Company provides these measures because they are used by management to review its operational results. Combined segment income is income before income taxes, adjusted for interest (income) expense, net and amortization of intangible assets. The Company provides combined segment income because it is how management evaluates segment performance. Variations in the Company's financial results include the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates and billing days. The Company provides "as adjusted" revenue growth calculations to remove the impact of these items. These calculations show the year-over-year revenue growth rates for the Company's functional specializations and segments on both a reported basis and also on an as adjusted basis for global, U.S. and international operations. This information is presented for each of the six most recent quarters. The Company has provided this data because it focuses on the Company's revenue growth rates attributable to operating activities and aids in evaluating revenue trends over time. The Company expresses year-over-year revenue changes as calculated percentages using the same number of billing days and constant currency exchange rates. In order to calculate constant currency revenue growth rates, as reported amounts are retranslated using foreign currency exchange rates from the prior year's comparable period. Management then calculates a global, weighted-average number of billing days for each reporting period based upon input from all countries and all functional specializations and segments. In order to remove the fluctuations caused by comparable periods having different billing days, the Company calculates same billing day revenue growth rates by dividing each comparative period's reported revenues by the calculated number of billing days for that period to arrive at a per billing day amount. Same billing day growth rates are then calculated based upon the per billing day amounts. The term "as adjusted" means that the impact of different billing days and currency fluctuations are removed from the revenue growth rate calculation. The non-GAAP financial measures provided herein may not provide information that is directly comparable to that provided by other companies in the Company's industry, as other companies may calculate such financial results differently. The Company's non-GAAP financial measures are not measurements of financial performance under GAAP and should not be considered as alternatives to amounts presented in accordance with GAAP. The Company does not consider these non-GAAP financial measures to be a substitute for, or superior to, the information provided by GAAP financial results. A reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures is provided on the following pages. ROBERT HALF INTERNATIONAL INC. NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES ADJUSTED SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS RECONCILIATION (UNAUDITED) (in thousands) Quarter Ended June 30, Relationships 2022 2021 2022 2021 2022 2021 Reported Adjustments Adjusted (1) Reported Adjustments Adjusted (1) Reported Adjusted SERVICE REVENUES: Finance and accounting $ 810,910 $ $ 810,910 $ 663,892 $ $ 663,892 43.5 % 41.9 % 43.5 % 41.9 % Administrative and customer support 274,141 274,141 263,192 263,192 14.7 % 16.7 % 14.7 % 16.7 % Technology 218,190 218,190 194,233 194,233 11.7 % 12.3 % 11.7 % 12.3 % Elimination of intersegment revenues (137,548) (137,548) (143,036) (143,036) (7.3 %) (9.0 %) (7.3 %) (9.0 %) Total contract talent solutions 1,165,693 1,165,693 978,281 978,281 62.6 % 61.9 % 62.6 % 61.9 % Permanent placement talent solutions 200,096 200,096 143,640 143,640 10.7 % 9.1 % 10.7 % 9.1 % Protiviti 497,038 497,038 458,660 458,660 26.7 % 29.0 % 26.7 % 29.0 % Total $ 1,862,827 $ $ 1,862,827 $ 1,580,581 $ $ 1,580,581 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 % GROSS MARGIN: Contract talent solutions $ 464,853 $ $ 464,853 $ 388,070 $ $ 388,070 39.9 % 39.7 % 39.9 % 39.7 % Permanent placement talent solutions 199,664 199,664 143,454 143,454 99.8 % 99.9 % 99.8 % 99.9 % Protiviti 151,030 (11,413) 139,617 133,348 4,153 137,501 30.4 % 29.1 % 28.1 % 30.0 % Total $ 815,547 $ (11,413) $ 804,134 $ 664,872 $ 4,153 $ 669,025 43.8 % 42.1 % 43.2 % 42.3 % SELLING GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSE: Contract talent solutions $ 284,090 $ 47,196 $ 331,286 $ 315,114 $ (21,054) $ 294,060 24.4 % 32.2 % 28.4 % 30.1 % Permanent placement talent solutions 155,900 7,013 162,913 115,458 (2,603) 112,855 77.9 % 80.4 % 81.4 % 78.6 % Protiviti 69,404 69,404 57,521 57,521 14.0 % 12.5 % 14.0 % 12.5 % Total $ 509,394 $ 54,209 $ 563,603 $ 488,093 $ (23,657) $ 464,436 27.3 % 30.9 % 30.3 % 29.4 % OPERATING/SEGMENT INCOME: Contract talent solutions $ 180,763 $ (47,196) $ 133,567 $ 72,956 $ 21,054 $ 94,010 15.5 % 7.5 % 11.5 % 9.6 % Permanent placement talent solutions 43,764 (7,013) 36,751 27,996 2,603 30,599 21.9 % 19.5 % 18.4 % 21.3 % Protiviti 81,626 (11,413) 70,213 75,827 4,153 79,980 16.4 % 16.5 % 14.1 % 17.4 % Total $ 306,153 $ (65,622) $ 240,531 $ 176,779 $ 27,810 $ 204,589 16.4 % 11.2 % 12.9 % 12.9 % (Income) loss from investments held in employee deferred compensation trusts 65,622 (65,622) (27,810) 27,810 3.5 % (1.7 %) Amortization of intangible assets 416 416 576 576 0.0 % 0.0 % 0.0 % 0.0 % Interest (income) expense, net (718) (718) 151 151 0.0 % 0.0 % 0.0 % 0.0 % Income before income taxes $ 240,833 $ $ 240,833 $ 203,862 $ $ 203,862 12.9 % 12.9 % 12.9 % 12.9 % (1) Changes in the Company's deferred compensation obligations are included in selling, general and administrative expense or, in the case of Protiviti, costs of services, while the related investment (income) loss is presented separately. The non-GAAP financial measures shown in the table above are adjusted to reclassify investment (income) loss from investments held in employee deferred compensation trusts to the same line item, which includes the corresponding change in obligation. These adjustments have no impact to income before income taxes. ROBERT HALF INTERNATIONAL INC. NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES ADJUSTED SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS RECONCILIATION (UNAUDITED) (in thousands) Six Months Ended June 30, Relationships 2022 2021 2022 2021 2022 2021 Reported Adjustments Adjusted (1) Reported Adjustments Adjusted (1) Reported Adjusted SERVICE REVENUES: Finance and accounting $ 1,612,600 $ $ 1,612,600 $ 1,264,326 $ $ 1,264,326 43.9 % 42.5 % 43.9 % 42.5 % Administrative and customer support 559,047 559,047 483,665 483,665 15.2 % 16.2 % 15.2 % 16.2 % Technology 431,517 431,517 366,406 366,406 11.7 % 12.3 % 11.7 % 12.3 % Elimination of intersegment revenues (281,748) (281,748) (246,840) (246,840) (7.7 %) (8.3 %) (7.7 %) (8.3 %) Total contract talent solutions 2,321,416 2,321,416 1,867,557 1,867,557 63.1 % 62.7 % 63.1 % 62.7 % Permanent placement talent solutions 386,878 386,878 255,344 255,344 10.5 % 8.6 % 10.5 % 8.6 % Protiviti 969,367 969,367 856,060 856,060 26.4 % 28.7 % 26.4 % 28.7 % Total $ 3,677,661 $ $ 3,677,661 $ 2,978,961 $ $ 2,978,961 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 % GROSS MARGIN: Contract talent solutions $ 926,714 $ $ 926,714 $ 733,003 $ $ 733,003 39.9 % 39.2 % 39.9 % 39.2 % Permanent placement talent solutions 386,113 386,113 254,951 254,951 99.8 % 99.8 % 99.8 % 99.8 % Protiviti 274,566 (15,259) 259,307 238,629 5,842 244,471 28.3 % 27.9 % 26.8 % 28.6 % Total $ 1,587,393 $ (15,259) $ 1,572,134 $ 1,226,583 $ 5,842 $ 1,232,425 43.2 % 41.2 % 42.7 % 41.4 % SELLING GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSE: Contract talent solutions $ 589,424 $ 70,477 $ 659,901 $ 593,627 $ (30,312) $ 563,315 25.4 % 31.8 % 28.4 % 30.2 % Permanent placement talent solutions 302,147 9,887 312,034 210,360 (3,643) 206,717 78.1 % 82.4 % 80.7 % 81.0 % Protiviti 132,017 132,017 107,168 107,168 13.6 % 12.5 % 13.6 % 12.5 % Total $ 1,023,588 $ 80,364 $ 1,103,952 $ 911,155 $ (33,955) $ 877,200 27.8 % 30.6 % 30.0 % 29.4 % OPERATING/SEGMENT INCOME: Contract talent solutions $ 337,290 $ (70,477) $ 266,813 $ 139,376 $ 30,312 $ 169,688 14.5 % 7.5 % 11.5 % 9.1 % Permanent placement talent solutions 83,966 (9,887) 74,079 44,591 3,643 48,234 21.7 % 17.5 % 19.1 % 18.9 % Protiviti 142,549 (15,259) 127,290 131,461 5,842 137,303 14.7 % 15.4 % 13.1 % 16.0 % Total $ 563,805 $ (95,623) $ 468,182 $ 315,428 $ 39,797 $ 355,225 15.3 % 10.6 % 12.7 % 11.9 % (Income) loss from investments held in employee deferred compensation trusts 95,623 (95,623) (39,797) 39,797 2.6 % (1.3 %) Amortization of intangible assets 833 833 1,152 1,152 0.0 % 0.0 % 0.0 % 0.0 % Interest (income) expense, net (884) (884) 105 105 0.0 % 0.0 % 0.0 % 0.0 % Income before income taxes $ 468,233 $ $ 468,233 $ 353,968 $ $ 353,968 12.7 % 11.9 % 12.7 % 11.9 % (1) Changes in the Company's deferred compensation obligations are included in selling, general and administrative expense or, in the case of Protiviti, costs of services, while the related investment (income) loss is presented separately. The non-GAAP financial measures shown in the table above are adjusted to reclassify investment (income) loss from investments held in employee deferred compensation trusts to the same line item, which includes the corresponding change in obligation. These adjustments have no impact to income before income taxes. ROBERT HALF INTERNATIONAL INC. NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES COMBINED SEGMENT INCOME RECONCILIATION (UNAUDITED): Quarter Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2022 2021 2022 2021 Income before income taxes $ 240,833 $ 203,862 $ 468,233 $ 353,968 Interest (income) expense, net (718) 151 (884) 105 Amortization of intangible assets 416 576 833 1,152 Combined segment income $ 240,531 $ 204,589 $ 468,182 $ 355,225 ROBERT HALF INTERNATIONAL INC. NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES REVENUE GROWTH RATES (%) (UNAUDITED): Year-Over-Year Growth Rates (As Reported) Non-GAAP Year-Over-Year Growth Rates (As Adjusted) 2021 2022 2021 2022 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Global Finance and accounting -14.4 33.7 44.6 39.1 33.5 22.1 -14.5 31.0 43.5 39.8 34.6 24.4 Administrative and customer support -8.1 93.1 60.8 37.6 29.2 4.2 -8.7 89.5 60.0 38.4 30.5 6.3 Technology -12.4 19.9 33.8 21.4 23.9 12.3 -12.4 17.9 33.1 21.8 24.6 13.9 Elimination of intersegment revenues (1) 124.4 244.5 188.4 74.3 38.9 -3.8 127.3 240.9 187.5 75.1 40.1 -1.9 Total contract talent solutions -18.6 29.9 35.0 31.3 30.0 19.2 -18.9 27.2 34.0 31.9 31.0 21.3 Permanent placement talent solutions -7.3 102.2 79.4 73.0 67.2 39.3 -8.1 96.9 77.7 73.8 68.8 42.6 Total talent solutions -17.5 36.1 39.4 35.3 34.1 21.7 -17.8 33.2 38.4 36.0 35.2 24.0 Protiviti 35.1 61.6 56.1 36.7 18.9 8.4 34.7 58.8 55.1 37.4 20.0 10.8 Total -7.2 42.6 43.9 35.7 29.8 17.9 -7.6 39.7 42.9 36.3 30.9 20.2 United States Contract talent solutions -20.3 27.5 35.5 33.4 33.4 22.7 -19.4 27.7 35.5 33.6 33.4 22.7 Permanent placement talent solutions -12.4 109.3 85.1 78.6 78.3 44.3 -11.4 109.6 85.1 78.9 78.3 44.3 Total talent solutions -19.6 33.6 40.0 37.2 37.8 25.2 -18.6 33.8 40.0 37.4 37.8 25.2 Protiviti 35.5 62.6 53.7 31.7 17.0 8.3 37.1 62.8 53.7 31.9 17.0 8.3 Total -8.7 41.1 43.8 35.6 31.7 20.2 -7.6 41.3 43.8 35.8 31.7 20.2 International Contract talent solutions -12.3 38.6 33.0 24.0 18.5 7.0 -17.0 25.1 29.1 26.3 23.5 16.6 Permanent placement talent solutions 5.2 87.8 67.3 61.9 44.7 28.0 0.3 70.5 62.1 64.0 50.0 39.0 Total talent solutions -10.1 44.8 37.7 29.2 22.5 10.5 -14.8 30.9 33.7 31.6 27.5 20.3 Protiviti 33.8 57.6 65.9 58.3 26.2 8.6 26.1 43.5 61.4 61.2 32.3 20.6 Total -2.0 48.0 44.3 36.2 23.4 10.0 -7.2 33.9 40.1 38.6 28.7 20.4 (1) Service revenues for finance and accounting, administrative and customer support and technology include intersegment revenues, which represent revenues from services provided to Protiviti in connection with the Company's blended business solutions. Intersegment revenues for each functional specialization are aggregated and then eliminated as a single line item. The non-GAAP financial measures included in the table above adjust for the following items: Foreign Currency Translation. The "As Reported" revenue growth rates are based upon reported revenues, which include the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates. In order to calculate "Constant Currency" revenue growth rates, as reported amounts are retranslated using foreign exchange rates from the prior year's comparable period. Billing Days. The "As Reported" revenue growth rates are based upon reported revenues. Management calculates a global, weighted-average number of billing days for each reporting period based upon inputs from all countries and all functional specializations. In order to remove the fluctuations caused by comparable periods having different billing days, the Company calculates "same billing day" revenue growth rates by dividing each comparative period's reported revenues by the calculated number of billing days for that period to arrive at a "per billing day" amount. The "same billing day" growth rates are then calculated based upon the "per billing day" amounts. The term "As Adjusted" means that the impact of different billing days and constant currency fluctuations are removed from the revenue growth rate calculation. A reconciliation of the non-GAAP year-over-year revenue growth rates to the "As Reported" year-over-year revenue growth rates is included herein, on Pages 11-13. ROBERT HALF INTERNATIONAL INC. NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES REVENUE GROWTH RATE (%) RECONCILIATION (UNAUDITED): Year-Over-Year Revenue Growth GLOBAL Q1 2021 Q2 2021 Q3 2021 Q4 2021 Q1 2022 Q2 2022 Finance and accounting As Reported -14.4 33.7 44.6 39.1 33.5 22.1 Billing Days Impact 0.7 -0.4 -0.3 0.3 -0.2 0.0 Currency Impact -0.8 -2.3 -0.8 0.4 1.3 2.3 As Adjusted -14.5 31.0 43.5 39.8 34.6 24.4 Administrative and customer support As Reported -8.1 93.1 60.8 37.6 29.2 4.2 Billing Days Impact 1.1 0.0 -0.2 0.1 -0.2 0.0 Currency Impact -1.7 -3.6 -0.6 0.7 1.5 2.1 As Adjusted -8.7 89.5 60.0 38.4 30.5 6.3 Technology As Reported -12.4 19.9 33.8 21.4 23.9 12.3 Billing Days Impact 1.1 0.0 -0.1 0.1 -0.2 0.0 Currency Impact -1.1 -2.0 -0.6 0.3 0.9 1.6 As Adjusted -12.4 17.9 33.1 21.8 24.6 13.9 Elimination of intersegment revenues As Reported 124.4 244.5 188.4 74.3 38.9 -3.8 Billing Days Impact 2.7 0.0 -0.4 0.1 -0.2 0.0 Currency Impact 0.2 -3.6 -0.5 0.7 1.4 1.9 As Adjusted 127.3 240.9 187.5 75.1 40.1 -1.9 Total contract talent solutions As Reported -18.6 29.9 35.0 31.3 30.0 19.2 Billing Days Impact 1.0 0.0 -0.2 0.1 -0.2 0.0 Currency Impact -1.3 -2.7 -0.8 0.5 1.2 2.1 As Adjusted -18.9 27.2 34.0 31.9 31.0 21.3 Permanent placement talent solutions As Reported -7.3 102.2 79.4 73.0 67.2 39.3 Billing Days Impact 1.1 0.0 -0.2 0.1 -0.3 0.0 Currency Impact -1.9 -5.3 -1.5 0.7 1.9 3.3 As Adjusted -8.1 96.9 77.7 73.8 68.8 42.6 Total talent solutions As Reported -17.5 36.1 39.4 35.3 34.1 21.7 Billing Days Impact 1.1 0.0 -0.2 0.2 -0.2 0.0 Currency Impact -1.4 -2.9 -0.8 0.5 1.3 2.3 As Adjusted -17.8 33.2 38.4 36.0 35.2 24.0 Protiviti As Reported 35.1 61.6 56.1 36.7 18.9 8.4 Billing Days Impact 1.6 0.0 -0.3 0.2 -0.2 0.0 Currency Impact -2.0 -2.8 -0.7 0.5 1.3 2.4 As Adjusted 34.7 58.8 55.1 37.4 20.0 10.8 Total As Reported -7.2 42.6 43.9 35.7 29.8 17.9 Billing Days Impact 1.1 0.0 -0.2 0.1 -0.2 0.0 Currency Impact -1.5 -2.9 -0.8 0.5 1.3 2.3 As Adjusted -7.6 39.7 42.9 36.3 30.9 20.2 ROBERT HALF INTERNATIONAL INC. NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES REVENUE GROWTH RATE (%) RECONCILIATION (UNAUDITED): Year-Over-Year Revenue Growth UNITED STATES Q1 2021 Q2 2021 Q3 2021 Q4 2021 Q1 2022 Q2 2022 Contract talent solutions As Reported -20.3 27.5 35.5 33.4 33.4 22.7 Billing Days Impact 0.9 0.2 0.0 0.2 0.0 0.0 Currency Impact As Adjusted -19.4 27.7 35.5 33.6 33.4 22.7 Permanent placement talent solutions As Reported -12.4 109.3 85.1 78.6 78.3 44.3 Billing Days Impact 1.0 0.3 0.0 0.3 0.0 0.0 Currency Impact As Adjusted -11.4 109.6 85.1 78.9 78.3 44.3 Total talent solutions As Reported -19.6 33.6 40.0 37.2 37.8 25.2 Billing Days Impact 1.0 0.2 0.0 0.2 0.0 0.0 Currency Impact As Adjusted -18.6 33.8 40.0 37.4 37.8 25.2 Protiviti As Reported 35.5 62.6 53.7 31.7 17.0 8.3 Billing Days Impact 1.6 0.2 0.2 0.0 0.0 Currency Impact As Adjusted 37.1 62.8 53.7 31.9 17.0 8.3 Total As Reported -8.7 41.1 43.8 35.6 31.7 20.2 Billing Days Impact 1.1 0.2 0.0 0.2 0.0 0.0 Currency Impact As Adjusted -7.6 41.3 43.8 35.8 31.7 20.2 ROBERT HALF INTERNATIONAL INC. NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES REVENUE GROWTH RATE (%) RECONCILIATION (UNAUDITED): Year-Over-Year Revenue Growth INTERNATIONAL Q1 2021 Q2 2021 Q3 2021 Q4 2021 Q1 2022 Q2 2022 Contract talent solutions As Reported -12.3 38.6 33.0 24.0 18.5 7.0 Billing Days Impact 1.4 -0.8 -0.5 0.1 -0.4 0.2 Currency Impact -6.1 -12.7 -3.4 2.2 5.4 9.4 As Adjusted -17.0 25.1 29.1 26.3 23.5 16.6 Permanent placement talent solutions As Reported 5.2 87.8 67.3 61.9 44.7 28.0 Billing Days Impact 1.7 -1.1 -0.6 0.1 -0.5 0.2 Currency Impact -6.6 -16.2 -4.6 2.0 5.8 10.8 As Adjusted 0.3 70.5 62.1 64.0 50.0 39.0 Total talent solutions As Reported -10.1 44.8 37.7 29.2 22.5 10.5 Billing Days Impact 1.5 -0.8 -0.5 0.2 -0.4 0.1 Currency Impact -6.2 -13.1 -3.5 2.2 5.4 9.7 As Adjusted -14.8 30.9 33.7 31.6 27.5 20.3 Protiviti As Reported 33.8 57.6 65.9 58.3 26.2 8.6 Billing Days Impact 2.1 -0.8 -0.7 0.1 -0.5 0.2 Currency Impact -9.8 -13.3 -3.8 2.8 6.6 11.8 As Adjusted 26.1 43.5 61.4 61.2 32.3 20.6 Total As Reported -2.0 48.0 44.3 36.2 23.4 10.0 Billing Days Impact 1.6 -0.9 -0.6 0.1 -0.4 0.2 Currency Impact -6.8 -13.2 -3.6 2.3 5.7 10.2 As Adjusted -7.2 33.9 40.1 38.6 28.7 20.4 SOURCE Robert Half MIAMI, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL) has scheduled a conference call for 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time, Thursday, July 28, 2022, to provide a business update and discuss second quarter financial results. The call will be simultaneously webcast on the company's investor relations website, www.rclinvestor.com. A replay of the webcast will remain available at the same website for 30 days following the call. About Royal Caribbean Group Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL) is one of the leading cruise companies in the world with a global fleet of 63 ships traveling to more than 1,000 destinations around the world. Royal Caribbean Group is the owner and operator of three award-winning cruise brands: Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea Cruises, and it is also a 50% owner of a joint venture that operates TUI Cruises and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises. Together, the brands have an additional 10 ships on order as of June 30, 2022. Learn more at www.royalcaribbeangroup.com or www.rclinvestor.com. SOURCE Royal Caribbean Group NEW YORK, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Unilever PLC ("Unilever" or the "Company") (NYSE: UL). Such investors are advised to contact Robert S. Willoughby at [email protected] or 888-476-6529, ext. 7980. The investigation concerns whether Unilever and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices. [Click here for information about joining the class action] Unilever is a British multinational consumer goods company which sells more than 400 products in over 190 countries, including Ben & Jerry's ice cream, which they acquired in 2000. In an attempt to preserve Ben & Jerry's longstanding "Social Mission," Unilever's acquisition of Ben & Jerry's included allowing for an independent board of directors, which was given primary responsibility for preserving and enhancing the objectives of the company's Social Mission (the "B&J Board"). More than 20 years after the acquisition, Ben & Jerry's remains a wholly owned subsidiary of Unilever with an independent board addressing the company's Social Mission. Since the acquisition, the B&J Board continued its Social Mission by engaging in promotions and advocacy across a host of issues concerning the environment, voter turnout, fair trade, and genetically modified organisms. Today, the B&J Board, chaired by Anuradha Mittal ("Mittal"), consists primarily of social activists who joined long after Unilever's acquisition. The B&J Board passed a resolution in July 2020 to end sales of Ben & Jerry's products in areas that the B&J Board considers to be Palestinian territories illegally occupied by Israel. According to Mittal, Ben & Jerry's CEO Matthew McCarthy ("McCarthy") chose not to "operationalize" the resolution immediately, thus temporarily thwarting the B&J Board's decision. During the morning of July 19, 2021, Unilever and its hand-picked CEO McCarthy "operationalized" the B&J Board's resolution to boycott Israel. Ben & Jerry's announced on its website and through its Twitter account that, upon the expiration of the current licensing agreement by which its products had been distributed in Israel for decades, Ben & Jerry's would end sales of its ice cream in "Occupied Palestinian Territory", but Ben & Jerry's would purportedly continue to sell its products in Israel. The decision by the B&J Board appeared to arise out of the boycott, divestment, and sanctions ("BDS") movement. The BDS movement is a pro-Palestinian movement promoting boycotts, divestments, and economic sanctions against Israel. The BDS movement's objective is to coerce Israel into making concessions to the Palestinians by using boycotts and the like to exert economic and political pressure. Additionally, and of particular significance here, 35 U.S. states have adopted laws, executive orders, or resolutions aimed at discouraging boycotts, divestment, and sanctions of Israel ("Anti-BDS Legislation"). During the morning of July 22, 2021, CNBC reported that the states of Texas and Florida were examining Ben & Jerry's actions in connection with the states' Anti-BDS Legislation. In addition to condemnation of Ben & Jerry's boycott by Texas Governor Greg Abbott, CNBC reported that Texas State Comptroller Glenn Hegar, who controls billions of dollars in assets for Texas' public pension funds, had already told his office to take action. Similarly, the state of Florida's CFO Jimmy Patronis ("Patronis"), who controls Florida's public pension funds, told CNBC that his office was already discussing the issue. In a letter reportedly sent to Ben & Jerry's CEO, Patronis wrote: "It is my belief that Ben & Jerry's brazen refusal to do business in Israel will result in your placement on the Scrutinized Companies that Boycott Israel List." The letter also stated that Florida would then "be prohibited from investing in Ben & Jerry's or its parent company, Unilever." Being added to the list also meant that Unilever would not be able to enter or renew contracts with the state or any municipality in Florida. Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com CONTACT: Robert S. Willoughby Pomerantz LLP [email protected] 888-476-6529 ext. 7980 SOURCE Pomerantz LLP NEW YORK, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- SpendEdge's procurement report on Copper Wire market identifies Schneider Electric SE, Nexans S.A., and Belden Inc. are a few of the key suppliers in Copper Wire market. The report also explains key category management objectives that should form the base for Copper Wire sourcing strategy. Development agencies working in the Sahel are finding themselves in a bind, as pledges for funding were made in December 2021, without foreseeing the 50 per cent hikes in staple grains that have been amplified by Russia's war in Ukraine. When Kimba Abdou went to a local store a year ago to buy a 100-kilogram bag of millet, a staple grain for Nigeriens, he parted with 20,000 West African francs, known as CFA, or about $31. The last time he checked, the price had gone up by more than 50 percent -- with a bag now costing $55. The 57-year-old farmer and his family of seven sons, five daughters and two wives live in the village of Mougoudjougou in the Tillaberi region in western Niger, which has been hit hard by attacks from Islamic State militias. Now their community is being hit again -- this time by rising gas and grain prices and the fact that international aid is being diverted to the conflict in Ukraine. "Four weeks ago, we were the victims of an attack, which cost us three wounded who have been admitted to the hospital," Abdou told PassBlue during a phone interview from his village. "It is very difficult to make ends meet; we have nothing -- we only need assistance." More than half of the people living in Mougoudjougou have fled, leaving just under 1,000 people, including Abdou and his family, remaining. Tillaberi straddles Niger's border with Mali, Benin and Burkina Faso. The region has been enduring cycles of droughts and flooding, forcing residents like Abdou to depend on humanitarian aid. But this year, aid agencies operating in Niger and the rest of the Sahel region of West Africa say they are desperately overstretched due to the conflict in Ukraine. The region generally consists of parts of Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria and Senegal. 'We need food, we are hungry' Last year, Abdou and his family survived on food rations from the Red Cross and whatever work they could pick up in the main principality of Ouallam. But help has not been as forthcoming as it has in previous years. Development agencies working in the region and other troubled parts of the Sahel are finding themselves in a bind, as pledges for funding were made in December 2021, without foreseeing the 50 percent hikes in staple grains like millet and maize that have been amplified by Russia's war in Ukraine, a major global food exporter. Aid agencies, like the United States-based Mercy Corps, which has been operating in Niger since 2005, say they can only help residents like Abdou cope with 2021's failed harvest and the lingering insecurity but can do little to address the recent hikes in food and fuel prices. "When you want to implement a program like social cohesion and you go to the communities, they will tell you, 'We need food,'" Siaka Millogo, Mercy Corps' director of program for Niger and Burkina Faso, told PassBlue. Millogo says people are not expressing concern about insecurity but rather hunger. "'We need food, we are hungry.' That is what they will tell you." In Sahelian countries like Niger, sourcing food is becoming ever more difficult. Last year, imports in staples like millet flowed more freely and the war across the Mediterranean Sea, in Europe, has sharply focused the importance of Russia and Ukraine in the global food economy. "In 2021, either the Russian Federation or Ukraine, or both, ranked among the top three global exporters of wheat, barley, maize, rapeseed and rapeseed oil, sunflower seed and sunflower oil," the Food and Agriculture Organization said in a June publication. "The Russian Federation also ranked as the world's top exporter of nitrogen fertilizers, the second leading supplier of potassic fertilizers, and the third-largest exporter of phosphorus fertilizers." Russia's invasion that began on Feb. 24 and its blockade of Black Sea ports in Ukraine that have followed has hindered Ukrainian grain exports to countries like Niger and Burkina Faso -- as well as countries throughout Africa and beyond. Western sanctions have made it more expensive to access Russian fertilizers used in agriculture. Difficulty in accessing Russian gas as well as sanctions placed on petroleum exports have made energy and fuel even costlier, driving up the price of transporting food. "When you touch fuel, you touch everything," Millogo of Mercy Corps said. "That means the prices of the cereal in the market have increased by 30 to 50 percent." The United Nations and the government of Turkiye are continuing to broker negotiations with the warring parties to ensure that Ukrainian grain can depart the port of Odesa despite the naval blockade of the Black Sea by Russia. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that a "critical step" in discussions occurred last week, but no final agreement had been signed yet. Aid to the Sahel dries up in favor of Ukraine In the first month of Russia's invasion, starting on Feb. 24, the US, European Union member states and institutions and the Europe Investment bank committed approximately $14.11 billion to Ukraine, including military aid. Europe's total pledge to the Sahel and Lake Chad region (in west-central Africa) to combat food shortage in 2022 is $565 million. The US's promise is $311 million. The pledges from the US and Europe total $876 million, a little above five percent of what was given to Ukraine in one month, and not all of these monies are new pledges. "We welcome the European Union for playing a vital role in co-hosting a high-level donor meeting on the food and nutrition crisis in the Sahel and Lake Chad conference and announcing an additional 67 million [about $68 million] for the response," said Mervyn Joullie, Mercy Corps' deputy regional director for Africa, in a press release after Europe announced its total drought pledge. "We also welcome new pledges from other donor governments, notably the U.S Government, which has pledged $311 million," the release added. "However, many pledges were simply confirmations of existing funding commitments, and the overall outcome is disappointing in light of the region's urgent and growing needs." The humanitarian needs for the estimated 3.4 million vulnerable people living in Burkina Faso were valued at $599 million by the International Organization for Migration, $30 million mo"We are given a derisory sum of 4,000 CFA (around $8) per person living in a family," he added. "We wonder how we can feed a family even with 40,000 francs; we are living in very difficult times." Fatoumata Lejeune-Kaba, a communications officer for Central, East, West and Southern Africa at the office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, said its fund for the Sahel has been depleted by the war in Ukraine and the agency's reach in the region has been restricted. (Nearly 12 million people have fled their homes in Ukraine in the five months of war.) "Recently, we've had to reduce our interventions to refugees in urban areas," Lejeune-Kaba told PassBlue from Geneva. "We are not able to provide as much support as we want to those who are in towns." At Mercy Corps, Millogo said the organization cannot increase its cash aid or reach more beneficiaries. The agency is partnering with the World Food Program to add food aid to its intervention initiatives. The UN agency does not distribute food, but relies instead on giving enough income to families to meet their basic needs and providing minimum shelter to those living in camps. Lejeune-Kaba said the organization was increasing its funding base by partnering with the private sector in Africa. While food remains a struggle for Foga in Ouallam and Abdou in Mougoudjougou, so too does the future of their daughters, who they say must perform well academically for them to stay in class. "My children who are with me go to school, they are registered in a school newly created for displaced persons," Foga said. "Our daughters go to school, and those in the exam class who will pass will continue their studies. But those who will fail will certainly get married. We have nothing -- our animals, everything has been abandoned to escape enemy fire. We no longer cultivate our fields, even the projects that support us are flat." Gare Amadou contributed reporting from Niger. re than Europe is offering to spend across the countries that make up the Sahel and Lake Chad regions. Forced to leave their homes Droughts, intercommunal clashes and attacks from nonstate actors -- jihadists, for example -- have forced many people from their homes in Niger and Burkina Faso. These factors have led to the displacement of 83,000 people in the Tillaberi region, where Abdou's village is located, and the neighboring region of Tahoua. The displaced people in these regions alone make up a third of the 224,000 persons who have been living in camps in Niger as of Dec. 31, 2021. The situation is worse in Burkina Faso, where more than 1.7 million people are internally displaced. In Abdou's village, more than 1,000 people have fled to camps in the main city of Ouallam. In Ngaba, another village in the Tillaberi region, 800 people have also sought refuge in Ouallam, including a 72-year-old farmer, Adamu Foga. The only positive thing in his life, he says, is that a school was opened recently for internally displaced people (IDP) and his daughter can resume her studies. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Nigeria West Africa Refugees By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. "It is very difficult for us to cope with the high cost of food products," Foga told PassBlue in a phone interview from an IDP camp in Ouallam. "Now we no longer benefit from food distribution." "We are given a derisory sum of 4,000 CFA (around $8) per person living in a family," he added. "We wonder how we can feed a family even with 40,000 francs; we are living in very difficult times." Fatoumata Lejeune-Kaba, a communications officer for Central, East, West and Southern Africa at the office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, said its fund for the Sahel has been depleted by the war in Ukraine and the agency's reach in the region has been restricted. (Nearly 12 million people have fled their homes in Ukraine in the five months of war.) "Recently, we've had to reduce our interventions to refugees in urban areas," Lejeune-Kaba told PassBlue from Geneva. "We are not able to provide as much support as we want to those who are in towns." At Mercy Corps, Millogo said the organization cannot increase its cash aid or reach more beneficiaries. The agency is partnering with the World Food Program to add food aid to its intervention initiatives. The UN agency does not distribute food, but relies instead on giving enough income to families to meet their basic needs and providing minimum shelter to those living in camps. Lejeune-Kaba said the organization was increasing its funding base by partnering with the private sector in Africa. While food remains a struggle for Foga in Ouallam and Abdou in Mougoudjougou, so too does the future of their daughters, who they say must perform well academically for them to stay in class. "My children who are with me go to school, they are registered in a school newly created for displaced persons," Foga said. "Our daughters go to school, and those in the exam class who will pass will continue their studies. But those who will fail will certainly get married. We have nothing -- our animals, everything has been abandoned to escape enemy fire. We no longer cultivate our fields, even the projects that support us are flat." Gare Amadou contributed reporting from Niger. The global contract manufacturer has added 3" Foam and Flocked Swabs to their sample collection line as the continue to address a global challenge. LAKELAND, Fla., July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- SteriPack Group ("SteriPack"), a leading global contract manufacturer serving the medical device, pharmaceutical, and diagnostic markets, today announced it has expanded its high-quality sample collection line with two new swab products. The expansion of their swab portfolio assists in SteriPack's journey towards combating COVID-19 as well as other underserved disease states. For more information on this expansion, join us at booth #4263 in Chicago for this years AACC Annual Scientific Meeting Tweet this SteriPack adds Foam and Flocked Swabs to sample collection product portfolio The flocked swabs have a brush like tip which provides excellent specimen absorption and elution. The foam swabs offer an open cell structure, facilitating rapid absorption and thorough release of specimen into analyzing solution ensuring accurate results. "At the Start of 2020 SteriPack was approached to help support a global swab shortage that was majorly affecting low-middle income countries," said Andrew McLean, CEO of SteriPack. "We were tasked with putting capacity in place to produce over 1 billion swabs per year. Utilizing our cleanroom manufacturing facilities across the US, Europe & Asia we were able to quickly meet this need in the form of the 3" SteriPack polyester swab. Today we have a whole portfolio of sample collection products developed to help our customer base cater for a wide range of disease states." The new products along with the Polyester swabs and the award-winning XpressCollect provides increased accessibility through self-collection, laboratory throughput and patient comfort. For more information on this expansion, join us at booth #4263 in Chicago for this year's AACC Annual Scientific Meeting. For more information, please contact: Chloe Bagley [email protected] About SteriPack Group SteriPack is a flexible and responsive global contract manufacturer providing comprehensive partner solutions for medical device, diagnostic, and pharmaceutical combination products. SteriPack offers a full suite of integrated product lifecycle solutions, including contract manufacturing, contract packaging, and injection molding services. SteriPack supports its customers from initial concept, design & development to product realization, including product lifecycle management solutions such as regulatory, quality, laboratory testing, sterilization, and supply chain management. Learn more at steripackgroup.com. SOURCE SteriPack Group AUSTIN, Texas, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Storable, the leading technology company for self storage operators, and The William Warren Group (WWG), a privately held entrepreneurial real estate company that operates the StorQuest Self Storage family of brands, announced today that they have entered into a Facility Management Software Development Agreement in order to co-develop and support customized facility management software and related operating platform solutions for the benefit and continued growth of both businesses. WWG, a technology and innovation leader in the industry, is one of the largest privately-held development, acquisition and property management companies in the self storage industry with more than 280 facilities in 22 states and 600 employees nationwide. "Storable is at the forefront of the industry as tech innovators delivering comprehensive end-to-end capabilities and business solutions to help operators like us continue to innovate in real-time. Their storEDGE technology platform will allow us to seamlessly integrate our proprietary systems to achieve business results that matter to our organization. We are excited to collaborate with them to jointly accelerate innovation efforts that will benefit the industry." said Gary Sugarman, Chief Operating Officer, WWG. Chuck Gordon, CEO of Storable said, "We could not be more excited about our groundbreaking new partnership with The William Warren Group. Our industry leading Facility Management Software will now serve as the system of record for one of the top self storage brands in the world in addition to 27,000 other storage facilities worldwide. This collaboration will enable both parties to accelerate innovation and ultimately drive technology forward for self storage as a whole." About The William Warren Group (WWG) & StorQuest Self Storage. The William Warren Group, Inc. (WWG) is a privately held, entrepreneurial self storage development, acquisition, property and asset management company based in Santa Monica, CA. Since inception in 1994, the company's focus has been on investments in major metro markets across the United States that offer significant cash flow, revenue growth through its Private Operator Advantage third party management program and long-term capital appreciation opportunities. To learn more, visit www.williamwarren.com . StorQuest Self Storage, StorQuest Express and StorQuest Economy Storage are registered trademarks, and an owned and operated asset of WWG's national portfolio of self storage facilities. The StorQuest family of brands deliver best-in-class support, amenities and simple, easy-to-use technology - built on a foundation that is focused on a guest-centric service approach. To learn more visit: www.storquest.com . About Storable Based in Austin, Texas, Storable is the world's leading provider of self-storage technology. The business exists to help storage operators do more using their fully-integrated suite of products. Offering management software, websites, access control, insurance, payment processing and the internet's largest marketplace for renting self-storage units, Storable products power the storage industry. Backed by decades of experience leading innovation, the Storable family of companies includes: SiteLink, storEDGE and Easy Storage Solutions among others. With a fully distributed workforce, Storable is proud to serve more than 37,00 facilities with at least one of their products and more than 27,000 facilities with their system of record software. To learn more visit www.storable.com . SOURCE Storable DUBLIN, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Global Plastic Hot & Cold Pipe Market by Raw Material (PEX, PE-RT, PPR, C-PVC, and PB), Application (Water Plumbing Pipes, Radiator Connection Pipes and Underfloor Surface Heating & Cooling), End User & Region - Trends & Forecast to 2027" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The plastic hot and cold pipe market is projected to reach USD 8.7 billion by 2027 from an estimated USD 6.5 billion in 2022, at a CAGR of 5.9% during the forecast period. The global plastic hot and cold pipe market has a promising growth potential driven primarily by factors such as the government support and incentives for adoption of underfloor heating systems, and these pipes are corrosion resistant, easy to install and cost efficient compared to metal pipes. Plastic hot and cold pipes are made of different raw materials like cross-linked polyethylene (PEX), polyethylene- raised temperature (PE-RT), polypropylene random copolymer (PPR), chlorinated poly vinyl chloride (C-PVC) and polybutylene (PB). While steel, cast iron, and copper are all excellent pipe materials that are still in use, plastic hot and cold pipe has several advantages that they do not. One of the most significant advantages is that plastic is simple to cut and form into any shape or size required, even on the jobsite, reducing the amount of labor required to install them. other advantages of plastic pipes are as follows, non-reactive, corrosion resistance, low heat conductivity, color-coded and marked. There several government policies for adoption of underfloor heating and cooling systems. For instance, the UK government has implanted a zero-carbon home standard, under which it is planning to have zero carbon emissions. With this, the government is motivating people to install renewable source-based systems for heating and cooling and giving tax benefits for the people installing such systems. This would encourage the owners of residential, commercial, and industrial buildings to install energy-efficient underfloor heating systems. The cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) segment, by raw material, is expected to be the fastest growing market from 2022 to 2027 The by raw material segment is categorized into cross-linked polyethylene (PEX), polyethylene-raised temperature (PE-RT), polypropylene random copolymer (PPR), chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (C-PVC) and polybutylene (PB). The cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) segment held the largest share of the plastic hot and cold pipe market and is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR. PEX is a flexible polyethylene polymer with a medium to high density. PEX piping has been utilised for decades in hot- and cold-water distribution systems, as well as hydronic radiant heating. PEX pipes are also resistance to failure by freezing, and resistance to chemical attack when in contact with other products containing chemicals. Therefore, following factors to create demand for PEX pipes These advantages will fuel the fast growth of cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) segment in the near future. The water plumbing pipes segment, by application, is expected to be the largest market from 2022 to 2027 The water plumbing pipes segment held the largest market share of the plastic hot and cold pipe market in 2021. The water plumbing pipes find applications in residential sector, commercial sector such as malls & shopping complexes, hospitals, office spaces and industrial sector like oil & gas, power generation, chemicals & petrochemicals and others. The construction industry is expected to be a major driver of global economic development and recovery following COVID-19. Due to growth in construction industry there is increasing demand for residential properties and eventually demand for plastic hot and cold pipes for water plumbing. The growth of this segment, hence, can be attributed to the high demand for plastic hot and cold pipes in residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. Asia Pacific: The largest and the fastest growing region in the plastic hot and cold pipe market Asia Pacific is expected to dominate the global plastic hot and cold pipe market, and is expected to grow at the highest CAGR between 2022 - 2027. Growth in construction is also high in Emerging Asia, with average annual growth over 5% to 2030. Growth in China and India as well the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) economies will provide plenty of support. The major end users for plastic hot and cold pipe in the Asia Pacific region includes residential, commercial (malls & shopping complexes, hospitals, office spaces) and industrial (power generation, oil & gas, chemicals & petrochemicals) industries. Key Topics Covered: 1 Introduction 2 Research Methodology 3 Executive Summary 4 Premium Insights 4.1 Attractive Opportunities in Plastic Hot and Cold Pipe Market 4.2 Market, by Region 4.3 Asia-Pacific: Market, by End-user and Country, 2021 4.4 Market, by Raw Material 4.5 Market, by Application 4.6 Market, by End-user 5 Market Overview 5.1 Introduction 5.2 COVID-19 Health Assessment 5.3 COVID-19 Economic Assessment 5.4 Road to Recovery 5.5 Market Dynamics 5.5.1 Drivers 5.5.1.1 Corrosion Resistance Feature and Ease of Installation Benefit of Plastic Hot and Cold Pipes 5.5.1.2 More Cost-Efficient Than Metal Pipes 5.5.1.3 Government Support and Incentives for Adoption of Underfloor Heating Systems 5.5.2 Restraints 5.5.2.1 Lower Temperature Resistance of Plastic Hot and Cold Pipes Than Metal Plumbing and Fitting Pipes 5.5.2.2 Restriction on Polybutylene (Pb) Piping System Usage in North America 5.5.3 Opportunities 5.5.3.1 Development of Advanced Piping Systems and Methods to Detect Leaks 5.5.3.2 Expansion of Construction Industry 5.5.4 Challenges 5.5.4.1 Susceptibility of C-Pvc Pipes to Degradation and Breakdown When Exposed to Hot Outdoor Conditions 5.5.4.2 Fluctuation in Raw Material Prices 5.6 COVID-19 Impact 5.7 Trends/Disruptions Impacting Customers' Businesses 5.7.1 Revenue Shift and New Revenue Pockets for Plastic Hot and Cold Pipe Providers 5.8 Market Map 5.9 Value Chain Analysis 5.10 Technology Analysis 5.11 Pricing Analysis 5.12 Key Conferences & Events to be Held During 2022-2024 5.13 Tariffs, Codes, and Regulations 5.14 Trade Analysis 5.15 Innovations and Patent Registrations 5.16 Porter's Five Forces Analysis 5.17 Key Stakeholders & Buying Criteria 5.17.1 Key Stakeholders in Buying Process 5.18 Buying Criteria 5.19 Case Study Analysis 5.19.1 Fairfield Inn & Suites at Harrisburg International Airport Deployed Rehau Pexa Plumbing Systems 5.19.2 Plumber Chose Sharkbite's Evopex Push-To-Connect Plumbing Technology 5.19.3 Saudi Bin Laden Group Chose Flowguard Piping Systems for Its New Project 6 Plastic Hot and Cold Pipe Market, by Raw Material 6.1 Introduction 6.2 Cross-Linked Polyethylene (Pex) 6.2.1 Flexibility of Cross-Linked Polyethylene (Pex) Pipes for Plumbing and Radiant Floor Heating to Fuel Demand 6.3 Polyethylene-Raised Temperature (Pe-Rt) 6.3.1 High Temperature Resistance and Excellent Performance to Drive Demand for Polyethylene-Raised Temperature (Pe-Rt) Pipes 6.4 Polypropylene Random Copolymer (Ppr) 6.4.1 Low Water Flow Resistance and High Heat Preservation Features to Fuel Demand for Polypropylene Random Copolymer (Ppr) Pipes 6.5 Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride (C-Pvc) 6.5.1 Growing Demand for Corrosion-Resistant Pipes with Long-Term Durability to Drive Market Growth 6.6 Polybutylene (Pb) 6.6.1 Growing Use of Polybutylene (Pb) Pipes in Europe and Asia-Pacific to Fuel Market Growth 7 Plastic Hot and Cold Pipe Market, by Application 7.1 Introduction 7.2 Water Plumbing Pipe 7.2.1 Expanding Residential Sector to Fuel Demand for Water Plumbing Pipes 7.3 Radiator Connection Pipe 7.3.1 Lightweight and Cost-Effective Features to Fuel Demand for Plastic Hot and Cold Pipes 7.4 Underfloor Surface Heating and Cooling 7.4.1 Technological Advancements to Drive Growth of Underfloor Surface Heating and Cooling Market 8 Plastic Hot and Cold Pipe Market, by End-user 8.1 Introduction 8.2 Residential 8.2.1 Rising Residential Construction Activities to Fuel Demand for Plastic Hot and Cold Pipes 8.3 Commercial 8.3.1 Increasing Commercial Construction Activities to Fuel Demand for Plastic Hot and Cold Pipes 8.4 Industrial 8.4.1 Expanding Chemical & Petrochemical Industry to Drive Demand for Plastic Hot and Cold Pipes 9 Plastic Hot and Cold Pipe Market, by Region 10 Competitive Landscape 10.1 Key Players Strategies 10.2 Market Share Analysis of Top Five Players 10.3 Revenue Analysis of Top Five Market Players 10.4 Company Evaluation Quadrant 10.4.1 Star 10.4.2 Pervasive 10.4.3 Emerging Leader 10.4.4 Participant 10.5 Start-Up/Sme Evaluation Quadrant, 2021 10.5.1 Progressive Company 10.5.2 Responsive Company 10.5.3 Dynamic Company 10.5.4 Starting Block 10.5.5 Competitive Benchmarking 10.6 Market: Company Footprint 10.7 Competitive Scenario 11 Company Profiles 11.1 Introduction 11.2 Key Players 11.2.1 Georg Fischer Ltd. 11.2.2 Wienerberger 11.2.3 Aliaxis 11.2.4 Uponor 11.2.5 Genuit Group 11.2.6 Truflo 11.2.7 Reliance Worldwide Corporation (Rwc) 11.2.8 Supreme 11.2.9 Astral Pipes 11.2.10 Chevron Philips 11.2.11 Wavin Asia 11.2.12 Hewing GmbH 11.2.13 Rifeng 11.2.14 Elysee 11.2.15 Sioux Chief 11.3 Other Players 11.3.1 Vectus 11.3.2 Feraplas 11.3.3 Rosturplast 11.3.4 Mrpex Systems 11.3.5 Ppg (Popular Pipes Group) 11.4 List Of Additional Players as Market is Fragmented 12 Appendix For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/q8dosw Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager [email protected] For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1904 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/539438/Research_and_Markets_Logo.jpg SOURCE Research and Markets LEE'S SUMMIT, Mo., July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Eurofins Viracor, a leader in infectious disease, immunology, and allergy testing, announced today that the Third Circuit of the Federal Court of Appeals affirmed the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware's entry of judgment in Eurofins Viracor's favor that the patent asserted in CareDx's patent infringement case against Eurofins Viracor is invalid. Eurofins Viracor is very pleased that the Court has agreed with its arguments and affirmed the judgment in its favor in this challenge to Eurofins' critically important diagnostic tools to manage organ rejection risk. Eurofins Viracor offerings include Viracor TRAC Kidney dd-cfDNA, Viracor TRAC Heart dd-cfDNA and Viracor TRAC Lung dd-cfDNA. In related innovation for transplant patients, Eurofins Viracor's sister company, Transplant Genomics, Inc., offers OmniGraf, which combines the TruGraf blood gene expression test and Viracor TRAC donor-derived cell-free DNA assays. For renal transplant recipients, OmniGraf Kidney represents the first diagnostic tool that combines cell free DNA and gene expression data. When combined with TGI's proprietary technology and machine learning, the test offers patients and clinicians an early and accurate assessment of kidney transplant rejection. OmniGraf is a trademark of Transplant Genomics, Inc. TruGraf is a registered trademark of Transplant Genomics, Inc. Viracor TRAC is a registered trademark of Eurofins Viracor, LLC MEDIA CONTACT: Sally Maysent 816.912.9527 [email protected] About Viracor With over 30 years of specialized expertise in infectious disease, immunology and allergy testing for immunocompromised and critical patients, Eurofins Viracor is committed to helping medical professionals, transplant teams and reference laboratories get results faster, when it matters most. Viracor is passionate about delivering value to its clients by providing timely, actionable information, never losing sight of the connection between the testing it performs and the patients it ultimately serves. Viracor is a 100 percent subsidiary of Eurofins Scientific (EUFI.PA), the global leader in bio-analytical testing, and one of the world leaders in genomic services. For more information, please visit https://www.eurofins-viracor.com/ . About Eurofins - the global leader in bio-analysis Eurofins is Testing for Life. Eurofins is the global leader in food, environment, pharmaceutical and cosmetic product testing, and in discovery pharmacology, forensics, advanced material sciences and agroscience Contract Research services. Eurofins is also a market leader in certain testing and laboratory services for genomics, and in the support of clinical studies, as well as in BioPharma Contract Development and Manufacturing. The Group also has a rapidly developing presence in highly specialised and molecular clinical diagnostic testing and in-vitro diagnostic products. With 58,000 staff across a network of 900 laboratories in 54 countries, Eurofins' companies offer a portfolio of over 200,000 analytical methods. Eurofins Shares are listed on Euronext Paris Stock Exchange SOURCE Eurofins Viracor LLC SHANGHAI, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Thornburg Investment Management ("Thornburg") today announced that its wholly foreign-owned enterprise, Thornburg Investment Management (Shanghai) Limited, has successfully filed for registration and has been granted a Qualified Domestic Limited Partnership ("QDLP") license from the China Asset Management Association. The license will give qualified investors in China access to a range of Thornburg's investment solutions, including its multi-asset, global fixed income and equity strategies. "In our 40th anniversary year, the approval of the QDLP license marks an important milestone for Thornburg in its international expansion," said Thornburg President & CEO Jason Brady. "As Chinese investors look for greater diversification, we believe our differentiated approach to active management, as well as decades of experience in global investment and risk management, will provide premium global wealth management and diversified asset investment services to institutional and high-net-worth investors in the country." Thornburg Investment Management (Shanghai) Limited has assembled a dedicated team in Shanghai with deep expertise in business development and operations to serve the QDLP business. The team will provide services to qualified investors in China with support from its U.S.-based global management and investment teams, headquartered in Santa Fe, New Mexico. About Thornburg Thornburg is a global investment firm delivering on strategy for institutions, financial professionals and investors worldwide. The privately held firm, founded in 1982, is an active, high-conviction manager of fixed income, equities, multi-asset solutions and sustainable investments. With US$42 billion in client assets as of 30 June 20221, the firm offers mutual funds, closed-end funds, institutional accounts, separate accounts and UCITS funds for non-U.S. investors. As an independent firm, Thornburg can take on a wide range of opportunities, explore ideas thoroughly and work across strategies to deliver consistent risk-adjusted outperformance over the long term. The firm attracts free-thinking professionals who are eager to pursue investment outcomes beyond the confines of popular wisdom. From nimble operational capabilities to principles and actions fitting of a global citizen, Thornburg's world-class investment platform and team are aligned on strategy to serve investors. Thornburg's U.S. headquarters is in Santa Fe, New Mexico with offices in London, Hong Kong and Shanghai. For more information, visit www.thornburg.com. Important Information The views expressed are subject to change and do not necessarily reflect the views of Thornburg Investment Management, Inc. This information should not be relied upon as a recommendation or investment advice and is not intended to predict the performance of any investment or market. This is not a solicitation or offer for any product or service. Nor is it a complete analysis of every material fact concerning any market, industry, or investment. Data has been obtained from sources considered reliable, but Thornburg makes no representations as to the completeness or accuracy of such information and has no obligation to provide updates or changes. Thornburg does not accept any responsibility and cannot be held liable for any person's use of or reliance on the information and opinions contained herein. Investments carry risks, including possible loss of principal. 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You should not make investment decision solely based on this general information. If you have any queries, please contact your financial advisor and seek professional advice. All financial investments involve an element of risk. For Mainland China: The content of this material is for reference only, and does not constitute a purchase offer, sale invitation, investment advice or promise, and should not be construed as a recommendation to adopt any investment strategy. The content was taken from sources reasonably believed to be accurate and reliable at the time of publication. The company will not be responsible for errors or omissions in the content. All content can be changed at any time and without prior notice. This material may contain forward-looking statements and forecasts based on certain assumptions as of the date of this writing. 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Media Inquiries Michael Corrao Director of Global Communications Thornburg Investment Management Tel: +1 505 467 5345 Email: [email protected] SOURCE Thornburg Investment Management SACRAMENTO, Calif., July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Weed for Warriors Project ("WFW"), a Veterans Advocacy Group located in California, today announced the debut of a billboard and social media campaign challenging California politicians who are denying medical patients legal access to cannabis. Weed For Warriors Fighting For Veteran Access To Medical Cannabis Since the late 1990s, a devastating opioid crisis has plagued the United States. According to UC Davis, research shows that where medicinal cannabis is legally accessible, there are lower drug overdoses and suicide rates. Despite this knowledge, opioid abuse and overdoses continue unabated, consuming over 100,000 souls last year alone , not including those who intentionally killed themselves . "Over and over we've stated that what's critically needed is more retail access and reduced tax and regulatory burdens. Despite our best efforts, politicians like State Senator Melissa Hurtado (D-14) continue taking positions that undermine the development of a functional legal cannabis industry. She represents an obstruction to rational legislation which could alleviate some of the pressure felt in our community and her actions have contributed to the destabilization of California's already floundering cannabis industry," said Weed For Warriors Executive Director, Sean Kiernan. " Casting votes which directly harm veterans, their families, neighbors, and the considerable agricultural interests she represents, is indefensible." California recently made changes to its cannabis tax structure ; a move that many leaders in the industry believe is too little, too late. "Local control has grievously limited retail access, taxes are punitive, and the costs of meeting notorious overregulation push Californians into a thriving illicit market ," says Elliot Lewis, Founder, and CEO of Catalyst Cannabis Co . "The history of cannabis industry advocacy has been to treat politicians with kid gloves. Looks to me like veterans have taken those gloves off. This could be the bell that wakes the industry up from being a political victim," said Jason Beck, the longest continuous retail operator of cannabis in the United States. Whether a change is on the horizon or not one thing is sure, the status quo is stifling progress. About Weed For Warriors Project WFW is a grassroots organization established in 2014 to advocate for veterans' access to cannabis, viewed as a principal tool to combat the devastating toll of opioid addiction among veterans. Today, WFW activities support safe cannabis access, veteran rehabilitation programs, community engagement, continuing education, and political advocacy. For more information, please contact Sean Kiernan or visit www.wfwproject.org . Media Contact Sean Kiernan [email protected] 760-445-6331 SOURCE Weed For Warriors SARA GREENSTEIN BRINGS EXPERTISE IN BUSINESS TRANSFORMATION AND OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE LE MARS, Iowa, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Wells Enterprises Inc., announced today the appointment of Sara Greenstein, President and Chief Executive Officer of Axel Johnson Inc., to its board of directors. Greenstein was appointed to the board on Thursday, May 5 and brings more than 25 years of expertise in business transformation and operational improvements to the organization. "On behalf of the Wells Enterprises team, I am excited to welcome Sara to our board of directors," said Mike Wells, CEO of Wells Enterprises. "With her breadth of workforce and operational knowledge, her appointment brings considerable strength to our board as we strive for continued growth across all areas of our organization in the years to come." Prior to her role at Axel Johnson Inc., Greenstein served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Lydall Inc., where she transformed the global specialty materials business. Before Lydall, Greenstein oversaw operations and drove unprecedented financial and employee growth at both U.S. Steel and Underwriters Laboratories, respectively. Greenstein currently serves on the board of directors for BorgWarner and The Chicago Network. Greenstein earned a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, and an MBA from the University of Michigan's Ross School of Business. "I am excited to join Wells Enterprises' board of directors and to play a role in the organization's continued evolution and success," said Greenstein. "I look forward to applying my background in purpose-oriented business transformation to help drive Wells' business strategy, operations, and workforce growth forward." Wells' board also consists of Chair, Lanse Crane, former CEO and Chairman of Crane & Company; Mike Wells, CEO of Wells Enterprises; Deb Boyda, former CEO of Isobar; Gwendolyn Hatten Butler, former President and Chief Investment Officer of Capri Investment Group; Doug Wells, former COO of Wells Enterprises; Keith Alm, former president of Hallmark International; Gary Wells, former CEO of Wells Enterprises; Greg Wells, former Wells Enterprises executive; and Jeremy Pinkerman, CFO of Wells Enterprises. About Wells Enterprises Wells Enterprises, Inc. is the largest privately held, family-owned ice cream manufacturer in the United States. Founded in 1913 by Fred H. Wells, the company is still proudly owned by the Wells family today. Wells produces more than 200 million gallons of ice cream per year and distributes products in all 50 states. Wells manufactures its signature brand Blue Bunny, the iconic Bomb Pop, Blue Ribbon Classics and Halo Top. Wells employs more than 4,000 ice cream aficionados across the country. The company is headquartered with two manufacturing plants in Le Mars, Iowa, as well as production facilities in Dunkirk, New York; Lakewood, New Jersey; and Henderson, Nevada. As the world's largest manufacturer of ice cream in one location, Wells has made Le Mars the "Ice Cream Capital of the World." SOURCE Wells Enterprises, Inc. Conference open to media July 26-28 in person at the Omni Shoreham in Washington, D.C., and via livestream for those unable to attend WASHINGTON, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The only conference dedicated to highlighting the importance of the International Space Station (ISS) and the benefits it brings humanity kicks off for the media and the general public on Tuesday, July 26, at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, D.C. The International Space Station Research and Development Conference (ISSRDC) is an annual gathering connecting leaders and innovators to showcase how space-based research and technology development contribute scientific knowledge to our planet while also advancing commerce in low Earth orbit. Starting on Tuesday, registrants will hear from NASA, the ISS National Lab, policymakers, industry leaders, and researchers on how the space station continues to enable valuable research and technology development. In addition, sessions will include investment analysts forecasting the financial future of low Earth orbit and many more fascinating subjects centered around this growing and critical industry! This Tuesday morning also includes a live downlink transmission from the space station when NASA astronauts Kjell Lindgren and Jessica Watkins will provide their perspectives on living and working in space. To learn more about the sessions that will be held at ISSRDC and view the complete agenda, click here. Conference keynote and plenary sessions will be available to members of the media who are unable to attend the conference in person via livestream. However, registration is required. Click here to register for ISSRDC as a member of the media. For those interested in attending the conference in person, the physical address is as follows: Omni Shoreham Hotel 2500 Calvert Street NW Washington, D.C. 20008 202-234-0700 Media inquiries and requests for interviews with ISSRDC panelists and featured speakers should be directed to Patrick O'Neill, Public Affairs and Outreach Lead for the ISS National Laboratory, at [email protected]. To download the high-resolution photo for this advisory, click here. About the International Space Station (ISS) National Laboratory: The International Space Station (ISS) is a one-of-a-kind laboratory that enables research and technology development not possible on Earth. As a public service enterprise, the ISS National Lab allows researchers to leverage this multiuser facility to improve life on Earth, mature space-based business models, advance science literacy in the future workforce, and expand a sustainable and scalable market in low Earth orbit. Through this orbiting national laboratory, research resources on the ISS are available to support non-NASA science, technology and education initiatives from U.S. government agencies, academic institutions, and the private sector. The Center for the Advancement of Science in Space, Inc. (CASIS) manages the ISS National Lab, under Cooperative Agreement with NASA, facilitating access to its permanent microgravity research environment, a powerful vantage point in low Earth orbit, and the extreme and varied conditions of space. To learn more about the ISS National Lab, visit www.ISSNationalLab.org. Media Contact: Patrick O'Neill 904-806-0035 [email protected] SOURCE ISS National Lab HOLLYWOOD, Fla., July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- On Friday, October 7, 2022, legendary multi-platinum rock group 311 join forces with legendary multi-platinum hip hop group Cypress Hill to kick off a brand-new series at ArtsPark in Hollywood, Florida aptly titled Legends at Arts. 311 & Cypress Hill Kick-Off "Legends at Arts," A New Event Series At ArtsPark in Hollywood, Florida on October 7, 2022. 311 is Set to Take The Stage On October 7, 2022 as They Headline The Debut Show For the Legends of Arts Concert Series At ArtsPark in Hollywood, FL on October 7, 2022 "We are very excited to be working with the City of Hollywood on our new event series," says Jonathan Cowan, partner at Legends at Arts. "The City of Hollywood and their residents are very supportive of the arts, including music, so it felt natural for us to book talented musicians and legendary musical groups like 311 and Cypress Hill." The two musical legends selected to launch this new South Florida concert series were 311 and Cypress Hill. 311 joins the line-up with their internationally celebrated live show and their incredible musical talent which has earned them the title of multi-platinum artist with more than 10 songs on the "Billboard Top 10" chart. Cypress Hill is considered among the main progenitors of West Coast Hip Hop, having received numerous accolades and Grammy nominations along with being awarded the very first star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for a latino hip hop group. "We are expecting a big crowd and a great time," says Jason Shaw, CEO of Round Table Marketing Group , and partner at Legends at Arts. "ArtsPark is a great venue, the location is one of a kind, and offers us a unique place to produce this event series. Starting this concert series with legendary bands 311 and Cypress Hill is a dream come true. There is a reason these bands have been at the top of their game for more than 30 years; they are incredibly talented and helped pioneer an entire genre." This event offers guests an invigorating outdoor concert experience, food and drink options from local vendors, food trucks, exclusive merchandise, and a special Sponsor Village. Tickets are on sale now and range from $60 to $200 with both General Admission and VIP options. VIP Upgrades include private air-conditioned bathrooms, a dedicated bar and bartenders, front row stage access, and a "no wait" VIP entrance. For tickets, info on vending/sponsorship, and media requests, please visit https://www.legendsatarts.com/ . For event graphics and press images, click here. Media Contact: Joelle Polisky (615) 516-0358 [email protected] SOURCE Legends at Arts AUSTIN, Texas, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- 360training's Workplace Safety Scholarship Program provides $1,000 tuition each semester for students pursuing undergraduate or trade school education. For the upcoming Fall semester, it is open to applications until August 17th, 2022. What's the Purpose of the Workplace Safety Scholarship? This scholarship is part of 360training's mission to support people who do the right thing and promote workplace safety. Tweet this 360training's mission is to provide training that builds a safe, healthy work environment. As the leading provider of OSHA-approved training, they encourage and support individuals who do the right thing through education and action to maintain workplace safety. This scholarship program is an important part of that mission. Who is Eligible for the Scholarship? To be eligible for this scholarship program, a student must meet the following requirements: Be a US citizen Have received a US high school diploma or its equivalent before the start of the 2022 Fall semester Plan to attend a university or trade school in the United States What are the Requirements? 360training will select a scholarship winner based on responses to the essay prompt. The scholarship team at 360training will review essays based primarily on content. Organization, development, and word choice will be considered. A winning scholarship essay must: Be 500-750 words Be entirely free of spelling, punctuation, and grammatical errors Include cited sources Apply by visiting the 360training website here . About 360training Since 1997, 360training.com , Inc. has provided individuals and businesses with online regulatory-approved training, facilitating a safe, healthy environment for the communities they serve. The company has delivered over 11 million training plans across multiple brands, including HIPAA Exams , Meditec , AgentCampus , VanEd , TIPS , OSHAcampus , OSHA.com , and Learn2Serve . Please visit www.360training.com or their social media accounts on Facebook , Twitter , and LinkedIn to learn more. SOURCE 360training.com According to Ms Dabiri-Erewa, diaspora voting is something that has to happen; although the parliament argues that Nigeria has yet to perfect voting and as such, is not ready for diaspora voting. The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) on Wednesday said it will continue to advocate for the passage of the diaspora voting bill that was shut down months ago by the Nigerian parliament. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, chairperson of NiDCOM, during a press briefing to announce the upcoming National Diaspora Day, said the commission will continue to appeal to the national assembly. "Without the national assembly amending the laws, we are all helpless. We have to continue to lobby, beg, plead for parliament to see the need for diaspora voting and all of you media should make it a topic of discussion," she said. According to Ms Dabiri-Erewa, diaspora voting is something that has to happen; although the parliament argues that Nigeria has yet to perfect voting and as such, is not ready for diaspora voting. "If we keep waiting for perfection, nothing will happen and INEC is ready. Now there is electronic transmission of results, so it is just to engage the national assembly more," she said. The national assembly had in March voted against diaspora voting during a constitution review despite INEC saying it was prepared for diaspora voting. Ms Dabiri-Erewa charged members of Nigerian in Diaspora Organisation Europe (NIDOE) present at the meeting to also lend their voice to the advocacy. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Nigeria Governance By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Nigerian National Diaspora Day Nigeria will on July 25 mark its national diaspora day in a hybrid event in Abuja, the nation's capital. The event themed "Diaspora Engagement in global challenging times for National Development," according to Ms Dabiri-Erewa, is essential for national development as "no nation in the world will grow without its Diaspora." She added that it would be a networking, advocacy and mobilisation event to celebrate the achievements of the over 17 million Nigerians in the Diaspora who contribute to national development; as well as facilitate engagements among the Diaspora with the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of government amongst others. Susan Waya, chairperson of NIDO UK South said, "we use the National Diaspora Day to empower the less privileged. It is not just about sending money back home but identifying with home." She also urged young people to stop the mass exodus from the country, saying "There is nothing out there." A partnership to provide educational resources about eating disorders for orthodontists and orthodontic staff. ST. LOUIS, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) has announced a new partnership with the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA). NEDA, the leading non-profit in the field of eating disorders, supports individuals and families affected by eating disorders and serves as a catalyst for prevention, cures, and access to quality care. This partnership will provide educational resources for orthodontists to help them recognize eating disorder warning signs and to understand triggering behaviors and language that can cause harm. Norman Nagel, DDS, MS, President of the AAO, reacted to the news, "Orthodontists understand their significant role as a healthcare provider. The partnership with NEDA will enable them to help their patients. I am confident that each of our members will utilize the NEDA educational materials to help recognize the signs, provide valuable resources to patients and their parents, and improve the care they provide to patients with eating disorders by learning to avoid triggering language and behaviors." "We are thrilled about our partnership with the AAO. By understanding the etiologies of eating disorders, recognizing the mouth warning signs, and safely intervening, at an early stage, when appropriate, dental professionals can help the millions of Americans with these potentially deadly diseases start down the road to recovery." Elizabeth Thompson, NEDA's CEO continued, "We look forward to supporting AAO and its members as you embrace this sensitive and vitally important work." Eating disorders are serious, life-threatening physical and mental illnesses that can affect anyone, regardless of age, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, or background. According to a study conducted by Deloitte Access Economics, more than 5% of the population struggles with an eating disorder, and many of these develop in adolescence and early adulthood. Given that more than 65% of orthodontic patients are under the age of 18 orthodontists are in a unique position to identify and support patients with eating disorders. Warning signs, such as damage to teeth enamel, can signal to the orthodontist that the patient may have an eating disorder. Orthodontists can improve the care they provide by being sensitive to the language they use and restrictions they may prescribe. For example, food restrictions for individuals with braces may cause mental health distress to someone with an eating disorder. Additionally, the new partnership between the AAO and NEDA demonstrates yet another reason why in-person examination and care is an essential part of orthodontic and dental treatment. When orthodontists examine a patient in-person prior to beginning orthodontic treatment, they are examining primarily for conditions and factors directly related to the treatmentbut, the in-person examination also provides an opportunity for detection of numerous other conditions and problems not directly related to the orthodontic treatment, such as signs and symptoms of eating disorders. Information provided by NEDA and distributed by the AAO to AAO members will allow AAO members to add detection of potential eating disorders to the benefits provided by an in-person examination. Resources will be available for AAO members and their orthodontic staff by Fall of 2022. About the American Association of Orthodontists: The American Association of Orthodontists represents more than 18,500 orthodontist members throughout the United States, Canada, and abroad. Founded in 1900, AAO is the world's oldest and largest dental specialty organization. AAO is dedicated to ethically advancing the art and science of orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics worldwide; improving the overall oral healthcare of the public; advocating for the health and safety of the public; educating the public about the benefits of orthodontic treatment provided by an orthodontic specialist. For more information, visit aaoinfo.org. About NEDA: The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) is the largest nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by eating disorders. NEDA as a catalyst for prevention, cures and access to quality care. Through its programs and services, NEDA raises awareness, builds communities of support and recovery, funds research and puts essential resources into the hands of those in need. For more information, visit www.nationaleatingdisorders.org . SOURCE The American Association of Orthodontists The global adult diaper market is estimated to be valued at US$ 19.0 Bn by 2031 Rise in number of pregnancies and increased prevalence of dementia or incontinence are leading to increasing demand for adult diapers Surge in the older population in Asia Pacific is creating lucrative opportunities for the regional market WILMINGTON, Del., July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The global adult diaper market is estimated to register growth at a CAGR of 6.1% during the forecast period from 2022 to 2031, according to a research report by Transparency Market Research (TMR). The TMR report offers exhaustive analysis of key factors impacting the growth trajectory of the adult diaper market including the growth drivers, growth restraints, challenges, and opportunities. This aside, readers gain access to a list of key players together with the volume, share, revenues, production, demand-supply ratio, and sales of each top adult diaper manufacturing company. Leading adult diapers suppliers and manufacturers are focusing on the development of biodegradable and best adult diapers. Hence, they are increasing their investments in R&D projects. This aside, companies are executing different strategies such as new product launches and regional expansions in order to stay ahead of the competition. Such efforts are estimated to help in the rapid growth of the adult diaper market during the forecast period, according to analysts at TMR. Get PDF Brochure for More Insights - https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=4772 Adult Diaper Market: Key Findings As per the statistics by the National Library of Medicine, approximately 16% of female population below the age group of 30 experience the issue of incontinence. This huge percentage creates remarkable business opportunities for adult diaper manufacturers, notes a TMR study. Moreover, the analysts at TMR state that the companies are likely to observe a rise in the demand for adult diapers for women than the adult diapers for men, as women are more prone to bladder-related issues in comparison with the male population. The improving spending power of people from several developed and developing nations is impacting positively on the growth curve of the adult diaper market, state TMR analysts. Moreover, the recent COVID-19 pandemic has resulted into a surge in understanding among consumers about importance of health and hygiene. This factor, in turn, is fueling the growth opportunities in the adult diaper market. Hence, the global market is prognosticated to gain a valuation of US$ 19.0 Bn by 2031. Request Sample Report at -https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=4772 Adult Diaper Market: Growth Boosters Rise in the number of people suffering from dementia or incontinence is fueling the sales growth in the adult diaper market Increase in the global older population is bolstering the adult diaper market Surge in the rate of pregnancies around the world is resulting into profitable prospects in the global market for adult diaper Get COVID-19 Impact Analysis at - https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=covid19&rep_id=4772 Adult Diaper Market: Regional Analysis The adult diaper market in Asia Pacific is expected to maintain its dominating position during the forecast period owing to many factors such as increase in the population across many regional nations including China , Japan , and India . Moreover, the Asia Pacific market is anticipated to expand rapidly owing to a surge in the health awareness among the regional population. is expected to maintain its dominating position during the forecast period owing to many factors such as increase in the population across many regional nations including , , and . Moreover, the market is anticipated to expand rapidly owing to a surge in the health awareness among the regional population. The market is estimated to gain profitable opportunities in North America due to many factors including a rise in the older population and increase in the consumer understanding about the advantages of adult diapers. Moreover, the existence of many key players is favoring the growth of the North America region, state analysts at TMR. Make an Enquiry before Buying - https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=EB&rep_id=4772 Adult Diaper Market: Key Players Some of the key players profiled in the report are: Kimberly-Clark Procter & Gamble Hengan International Group Co. Limited Ontex Daio Paper Corporation First Quality Enterprises Inc. Medline Industries Inc. Nippon Paper Industries Co., Ltd. Essity Unicharm Corporation Adult Diaper Market Segmentation Product Type Reusable Disposable Adult Diapers Swim Diapers Others (Incontinence Products, etc.) Style Pad Style Flat Style Pant Style By Consumer Group Men Women By Price Low (Below US$ 5 ) ) Medium ( US$ 5 US$ 10 ) ) High (Above US$ 10 ) ) By End-user Individual Commercial Hospitals Old Age Homes Distribution Channel Online E-commerce Sites Company Websites Offline Supermarkets/ Hypermarkets Departmental Store Specialty Stores Regions Covered North America Europe Asia Pacific MEA South America Consumer Goods & Services Research Reports Baby Diapers Market- East Africa Baby Diaper Market is expected to surpass the value of US$ 313 Mn by the end of 2031 Diapers Market- Diapers Market is expected to surpass the value of US$ 144.4 Bn by the end of 2031 Disposable and Sustainable Baby Diaper Market- Disposable and Sustainable Baby Diaper Market is expected to exceed the valuation of US$ 53.43 Bn by 2031 Feminine Hygiene Products Market - The global feminine hygiene products market is expected to reach value of US$ 127.6 Bn by the end of 2031, grow at a CAGR of 6.2% from 2022 to 2031 Tampons Market - The global tampons market is expected to surpass the value of US$ 8.3 Bn by the end of 2031, expand at a CAGR of 5.9% from 2021 to 2031 Lingerie Market - The global lingerie market is expected to cross the value of US$ 93.1 Bn by the end of 2031, expand at a CAGR of 8.5% from 2021 to 2031 Smart Crib Market- Smart Crib Market is expected to reach US$ 545.4 Mn by the end of 2031 Ceramic Sanitary Ware Market- Ceramic Sanitary Ware Market to Exceed Valuation of US$ 42.91 Bn by 2031 About Transparency Market Research Transparency Market Research registered at Wilmington, Delaware, United States, is a global market research company providing custom research and consulting services. TMR provides in-depth insights into factors governing demand in the market. It divulges opportunities across various segments based on Source, Application, Sales Channel, and End-Use that will favor growth in the market over the next 9 years. Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports. For More Research Insights on Leading Industries, Visit our YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8e-z-g23-TdDMuODiL8BKQ Contact Us: Rohit Bhisey Transparency Market Research Inc. CORPORATE HEADQUARTER DOWNTOWN, 1000 N. West Street, Suite 1200, Wilmington, Delaware 19801 USA Tel: +1-518-618-1030 USA Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453 Website: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Blog: https://tmrblog.com Email: [email protected] Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1682871/TMR_Logo_Logo.jpg SOURCE Transparency Market Research Superior product attributes of usability in remote areas and zero electricity requirement substantiate development of low-cost agricultural films Critical advantages of agricultural films to provide desirable climate and maintain nutrients in the soil leading to increased agricultural production by 20% to 35% swells demand WILMINGTON, Del., July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- TMR report for the demand analysis of agricultural films market estimates a CAGR of 7.4% for the forecast period from 2022 to 2031. Array of advantages of agricultural films that have led to their use in modern farming for improved crop yield fuels the growth of agricultural films market. Steady evolution of farming practices, which includes increasing construction of greenhouses is creating opportunities in the agricultural films market. Increasing use of agricultural plastic mulch, farm films, or agricultural mulch films that are used to provide desirable climate, and preserve nutrients in the soil by maintaining moisture content to redefine agricultural films market outlook. This is because use of greenhouses, mulching, and silage bags increases agriculture production by 20% to 35%, according to published data. Burgeoning demand for food such as grains, fruits, and vegetables for the exploding global population is necessitating to maximize the agricultural output. The use of agricultural plastic films serves to increase farm production. So much so, plastic film for agricultural applications has enabled to transform unproductive land into productive farmland. Get PDF Brochure for More Insights https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=996 Launch of novel products is the focus of players in the agricultural films market. Environmental regulations compel manufacturers to assess the benefits of biodegradable plastic films. Development of low-cost agricultural films such as nano-greenhouse films for their usability in remote areas gathers steam. These collectively are emerging trends in the agricultural films market. Asia Pacific is a key region in the agriculture films market. Presence of several agriculture-based economies, along with increasing practice of adoption of modern agriculture and horticulture practices, to sway largest opportunity of the agricultural films market in the region during the forecast period. Get Covid 19 Analysis - https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=covid19&rep_id=996 Agricultural Films Market Key Findings of the Report Thrust on the agricultural sector to feed the exploding world population projected to be 9.7 billion by 2050 substantiates the uptake of modern agricultural practices. Installation of greenhouses is reckoned to be most effective way to protect the harvest from unexpected seasonal change, and to maintain internal temperature. This drives sales of agricultural films. Adverse effect of global warming on agricultural produce is necessitating the adoption of artificial climate control techniques. Agricultural films help to maintain ambient conditions for crops, fruits, and vegetables. In particular, greenhouse films provide the desirable interior environment for farming, while silage bags help preserve nutrient value. The LLDPE product segment led the agricultural films market with 61.3% share in 2021. Array of physical properties makes LLDPE key product in the manufacture of agricultural films such as mulch, greenhouse, and silage. Europe is a key region in the agricultural films market. The region held 28.5% share of agricultural films market in 2021. is a key region in the agricultural films market. The region held 28.5% share of agricultural films market in 2021. Large players in the agricultural films market engage in M&As for competitive advantage. For instance, CNH Industrial N.V. acquired Raven Industries Inc. with the specialization of the latter in precision agriculture technology and high-performance specialty films. Request a Sample - https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=996 Agricultural Films Market Growth Drivers Crucial advantage to increase agricultural yield for the food needs of exploding global population underscores growth in agricultural films market Swelling demand for greenhouses to protect crop from unseasonal climatic fluctuations, and maintain internal temperature stimulates growth Make an Enquiry Before Buying https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=EB&rep_id=996 Agricultural Films Market Key Players Some of the key players operating in the agricultural films market are; BASF SE Exxon Mobil Corporation Ab Rani Plast Oy NOVAMONT S.P.A AGRIPOLYANE Berry Global Inc. DowDuPont RPC GROUP PLC RKW Group Trioplast Industrier AB The agricultural films market is segmented as follows; Agricultural Films Market, by Product LDPE HDPE LLDPE EVA/EBA Reclaims Others Films Agricultural Films Market, by Application Greenhouse Mulching Silage Agricultural Films Market, by Region North America Europe Asia Pacific Middle East & Africa & Latin America Browse More Chemicals & Materials Market Reports by TMR: Ferroalloys Market - Ferroalloys Market Is Estimated To Be Valued At Over US$ 266.1 Bn By 2031 Insecticides Market: Insecticides market is likely to register a CAGR of 5.3% during the forecast period and is anticipated to reach an insecticides market share of US$23 mn by 2025 Herbicides Market: Herbicides market is likely to register a CAGR of 6.1% during the forecast period and is anticipated to reach an herbicides market share of US$29.30 Bn by 2025 Lipids Market - Lipids Market is likely to register a CAGR of 4.3% during the forecast period and is anticipated to reach a lipids market share of US$ 29.9 Bn by 2031 Detergents Market - Detergents Market is likely to register a CAGR of 4.3% during the forecast period and is anticipated to reach a detergents market share of US$ 176.3 Bn by 2031 Polyethylene Terephthalate Market - Polyethylene Terephthalate Market is likely to register a CAGR of 5.8% during the forecast period and is anticipated to reach a Polyethylene Terephthalate market share of US$ 58.47 Bn by 2031 Agricultural Biotechnology Market - Agricultural Biotechnology Market is likely to register a CAGR of 9.5% during the forecast period and is anticipated to reach a agricultural biotechnology market share of US$ 64.7 Bn by 2031 Sulfur Hexafluoride Market - Sulfur Hexafluoride Market is likely to register a CAGR of 5.5% during the forecast period and is anticipated to reach a sulfur hexafluoride market share of US$ 418.7 Mn by 2031 About Transparency Market Research Transparency Market Research, a global market research company registered at Wilmington, Delaware, United States, provides custom research and consulting services. The firm scrutinizes factors shaping the dynamics of demand in various markets. The insights and perspectives on the markets evaluate opportunities in various segments. The opportunities in the segments based on source, application, demographics, sales channel, and end-use are analysed, which will determine growth in the markets over the next decade. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insights for thousands of decision-makers, made possible by experienced teams of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants. The proprietary data sources and various tools & techniques we use always reflect the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in all of its business reports. For More Research Insights on Leading Industries, Visit our YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8e-z-g23-TdDMuODiL8BKQ Contact Us: Rohit Bhisey Transparency Market Research Inc. CORPORATE HEADQUARTER DOWNTOWN, 1000 N. West Street, Suite 1200, Wilmington, Delaware 19801 USA Tel: +1-518-618-1030 USA Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453 Website: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Blog: https://tmrblog.com Email: [email protected] Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1682871/TMR_Logo_Logo.jpg SOURCE Transparency Market Research CHICAGO, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Van Lines, one of the world's largest moving companies, has identified the top five cities to which Maryland residents are moving recently. Every year, Allied Van Lines produces a Migration Map report based on their data to show relocation rates across the United States. These recent reports have shown that Maryland's population has faced a decline in recent years. Many of these Maryland residents are relocating to states with larger populations, more job opportunities, and more affordable living costs. As an expert in relocation, Allied Van Lines has used their data and research to compile a list of the top five cities where Maryland residents are relocating. Allied Van Lines' Migration Map data was also used to examine why Maryland residents are choosing to move out of state. The top five relocation cities for Maryland residents that were named by Allied Van Lines are as follows: Sarasota, Florida Atlanta, Georgia Los Angeles, California Tampa, Florida West Palm Beach, Florida The article shared by Allied Van Lines explores the qualities of each new destination city that could be potential reasons as to why Maryland residents are choosing to relocate to these particular locations. Typically, when people move to a new state, it is because they are in search of a better quality of life. When relocating, people consider elements like crime rates, quality and availability of health care, quality of education, well-being, and commuter index. The statistics from the Migration Map data show that many of these people are moving to states with lower living costs, unemployment rates, and income taxes. Additionally, Maryland residents who choose to leave seem to migrate to states with warmer weather. "Maryland is a beautiful state with a lot to offer, but in recent years, they have seen a population decline due to people relocating to states with lower income taxes and better work opportunities," stated Steve McKenna, Vice President and General Manager, Allied Van Lines. "Lots of these people are in search of a higher quality of living, along with nicer weather year-round and lower cost of living. These factors are leading to Maryland seeing a gradual population decline throughout recent years." Allied Van Lines has been named a leader in providing relocation services to corporations, consumers, government agencies, and non-profit organizations worldwide, with over 400 agent locations in North America. The moving company has been voted as America's Most Recommended Moving Company by Women's Choice Awards for five consecutive years and is an established global brand of SIRVA, Inc. As one of the leaders in the moving van industry, Allied Van Lines has the data and research tools required to analyze relocation patterns in the United States. The company's recently released article, "Where are Maryland Residents Moving To?" can be viewed by visiting https://www.allied.com/migration-map/2021/maryland . For more information about Allied Van Lines, go to www.allied.com . SOURCE Allied Van Lines Fully managed solution provides outstanding quality video stream MARKHAM, ON and NEW YORK, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - Enghouse Networks, a leading global IPTV SaaS platform solutions provider, and Broadpeak, a major global video streaming company, have been selected by Americable International, Inc. to deliver world-class video streaming service to US military personnel serving in Japan. Americable is dedicated to improving the lives of the US military serving overseas by providing the best television programming in the highest quality format. The company also offers the fastest and most reliable internet connections at affordable pricing. Americable is currently deploying an adaptive solution from Enghouse and Broadpeak to ensure high quality service for their users on a wide range of devices, including Fire TV and AndroidTV. "We're dedicated to giving overseas military personnel world-class service," said Kathy Ragusa, CEO of Americable. To achieve this, we've adopted future-proof streaming solutions from Enghouse and Broadpeak to grow our service. Broadpeak's expertise in video delivery and the high-quality user experience of Enghouse enable our partnership to move our video streaming service to the forefront of the industry." Americable is using Broadpeak's peakVU TV video streaming service that leverages its software-based video origin, video packaging and CDN, along with more than 10 years of IP adaptive bitrate delivery experience. The solution enables the delivery of live, catch-up TV, NPVR, and VOD American content, as well as local Japanese content to Americable Stream subscribers. They are leveraging Enghouse's innovative EspialTV platform which provides a multi-tenant, cloud based solution to manage and control the TV service and client solutions for mobile, retail STBs (e.g. FireTV, AppleTV) and managed STBs. "Americable provide s a vital service for US military personnel serving overseas, and we were honored they selected Enghouse Networks, EspialTV to help them offer a compelling TV service," said Mick McCluskey, Vice President, Product Management, Enghouse Networks. "We have an unrivalled track record of delivering outstanding television experiences for residential and bulk/commercial customers, which will be applicable for this deployment." "We are very pleased to partner with Americable and Enghouse to enhance TV quality for Americable Stream subscribers," said Mario Rainville, Vice President, Sales, Broadpeak North America. "Broadpeak's future-proof solutions, which include advanced monitoring and usage data tools, will contribute to caching content that holds the greatest value to consumers, especially while far away from home." As Broadpeak's solutions are fully integrated with Enghouse EspialTV and deployed with multiple operators, Americable was able to deploy the solution rapidly and without risk. About Enghouse Networks Enghouse Networks is a leading global telecommunications technology and solutions provider. Our commitment is to successfully deliver solutions that can enable digital transformation and build a connected global community. From edge to cloud, our applications reliably enable next-generation communications and media companies, defense, public safety agencies and utilities to plan, design, engineer, monitor, protect and simplify network complexity, in a vendor-agnostic 5G, IoT, Cloud, AI, NFV and SDN ecosystem. The Enghouse Networks technology portfolio covers Network Infrastructure, Business Support Systems (BSS), Operations Support Systems (OSS) and Digital Transformation solutions. For further information, visit www.enghousenetworks.com. Enghouse Networks is a unit of Enghouse Systems Ltd. of Markham, Ontario. About Broadpeak Broadpeak designs and manufactures video delivery components for Content Providers and Network Service Providers deploying IPTV, Cable, Satellite, OTT and mobile services. Its portfolio of solutions and technologies powers the delivery of movies, television programming and other content over managed networks and the internet for viewing on any type of device. The company's systems and services help operators increase market share and improve subscriber loyalty with superior quality of experience. Broadpeak supports all of its customers worldwide, from simple installations to large delivery systems reaching capacities of several million simultaneous streams. Broadpeak is headquartered in Cesson Sevigne, France. SOURCE Enghouse Systems Limited CHICAGO, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Ernest R. Gelb, DO, FACOFP, an AOA board-certified osteopathic family medicine specialist and geriatrician from Lewes, Delaware, has been installed as the 126th president of the American Osteopathic Association (AOA). The inauguration took place during the AOA's Annual House of Delegates Meeting, which gathers approximately 500 physician and medical student delegates each July for policymaking and election of leadership officers. Dr. Gelb takes office during a time of tremendous growth and expansion for the osteopathic medical profession, which includes more than 178,000 osteopathic physicians (DOs) and osteopathic medical students. "Today, more than ever before, patients are seeking our osteopathic approach to medicine, with its focus on whole person care for the body, mind and spirit," said Dr. Gelb. This is such an exciting time to celebrate the distinctiveness of the osteopathic profession, said Dr. Gelb. Tweet this The osteopathic medical profession added more than 7,300 DOs to the physician workforce in 2022 and is poised to continue exponential growth with more than one in four U.S. medical students choosing to practice osteopathic medicine. "This is such an exciting time to celebrate the distinctiveness of the osteopathic profession," said Dr. Gelb. "As AOA President, I will work every day to honor our profession and collaborate with our osteopathic physicians and medical students across the country for the betterment of our patients." Presidential Focus During the coming year, Dr. Gelb plans to focus the AOA's efforts on strengthening opportunities for AOA Board Certification and increasing the availability of osteopathic graduate medical education options for DO graduates. "Although we are seeing record placements for our students in the NRMP Match, topping out over 99%, I would love to see us achieve a 100% residency placement rate for our students" he said. Additional areas of focus will include addressing physician wellness, advocating against inappropriate scope of practice expansion and increasing levels of diversity across the profession. A Passion for Patients Dr. Gelb, who aspired from an early age to become a country doctor, was drawn to the osteopathic profession, in part, because of its strong roots in primary care and focus on caring for underserved populations. After earning his medical degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM), Dr. Gelb completed postgraduate training at Beaumont Hospital (formerly Botsford Hospital) in Farmington Hills, Michigan. In addition, he served in the military as a member of the U.S. Public Health Service Following his education and training, Dr. Gelb spent nearly 40 years caring for patients in rural Nebraska, Pennsylvania and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. "I've considered it a great privilege throughout my career to serve rural communities that may not otherwise have access to healthcare," he said. Leading by Example Dr. Gelb's road to leadership began early in his career. Work to advance parity in scope of practice and credentialing at the local level soon led Dr. Gelb to become more involved in advocacy at the state and federal levels. He is a past president of the Pennsylvania Osteopathic Medical Association (POMA) and has received multiple awards, including the Pennsylvania Osteopathic Family Physicians Society Family Physician of the Year and the POMA Distinguished Service Award. In addition to his organizational leadership, Dr. Gelb served for more than a decade as an assistant professor of family medicine at PCOM and spent several years mentoring young physicians as a faculty member at the Tidelands Health MUSC Family Medicine Residency Program. "The incoming generation of DO residents and students has the collective potential to make a major positive impact on our society," he said. "From board rooms to operating rooms, we will continue working to advance and celebrate our osteopathic distinctiveness in communities across the nation." About the AOA The American Osteopathic Association (AOA) represents more than 178,000 osteopathic physicians (DOs) and osteopathic medical students; promotes public health; encourages and funds scientific research; serves as the primary certifying body for DOs; and is the accrediting agency for colleges of osteopathic medicine. To learn more about DOs and the osteopathic philosophy of medicine, visit www.osteopathic.org. About the AOA House of Delegates The AOA's House of Delegates, comprised of approximately 500 delegates representing osteopathic state medical associations, specialty societies, residents, fellows, and students from throughout the country, meets annually in July to set organizational policies for the AOA and elect its Board of Trustees and officers. SOURCE American Osteopathic Association SAN FRANCISCO, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The global applicant tracking system market size is expected to reach USD 3.71 billion by 2030, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. The market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 6.2% from 2022 to 2030. The rising demand for better candidate hiring experiences is driving market revenue. Applicant tracking systems are increasingly deployed in companies to automate recruitment processes. ATS software monitors, automate, and organizes staffing & recruiting operations. It is a central source of candidate information, allowing recruiters to streamline recruiting by filtering deserving and qualified candidates. It assists in organizing interviews, managing necessary documentation digitally, sending rejection letters, and reducing the workload. Key Industry Insights & Findings from the report: The software segment is expected to grow significantly as it enables the recruiter's hiring process by storing and collecting resumes in a database for hiring professionals and accessing them quickly. The growing integration of cloud service by applicant tracking systems enables the task to be continued using an active internet connection. The computing device is expected to drive the growth of the ATS market. The large enterprise segment generated the highest revenue in 2021 and is expected to retain its dominance over the forecast period. The applicant tracking system assists large enterprises in managing the recruitment process, speeding up the candidate management, and reducing the time to fill the potential candidates. The North American regional market dominated the global ATS market in 2021. However, the Asia Pacific regional market is projected to grow at the highest CAGR from 2022 to 2030. Read 100-page market research report for more Insights, "Applicant Tracking System Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Component (Software, Services), By Deployment (On-premise, Cloud), By Organization Size, By End-use, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2022 - 2030, published by Grand View Research. Applicant Tracking System Market Growth & Trends Additionally, since the application tracking software checks job application listing across many job boards, it reduces human errors and bias. For instance, in April 2022, Hireology., a U.S.-based recruitment platform, acquired Hyrell., a prominent provider of hiring solutions customer base, to grow as a full-service H.R. and hiring provider. Acquiring this company would scale its business and let customers use the tool for an efficient and smooth hiring process. Organizations worldwide focus on automating the hiring and recruitment process to save effort and time. As a result, they're implementing software-as-a-service (SaaS) solutions to boost staffing productivity and efficiency. The application tracking system allows businesses to employ strategic methods to advertise their brand and attract skilled job candidates. Another factor fueling the growth is the increasing demand for cloud-based platforms, which correlates with mobile-based recruitment systems. For instance, in March 2022, EduThrill, an assessment, learning, and gamified hiring platform, partnered with Zoho Corporation Pvt. Ltd., a cloud-based applicant tracking system. The partnership would let EduThrill use the cloud-based software by Zoho Corporation Pvt. Ltd. for shortlisting and assessing candidates. Furthermore, it would make the recruiter's work easy by automating and digitizing the work and receiving the candidate's status reports and progress from a single system. The growing desire to replace traditional hiring processes, improve the quality of hiring decisions, and reduce time and costs significantly increases demand for applicant tracking systems worldwide. The ATS market is witnessing progressive growth as large enterprises adopt software to facilitate easy hiring. With the help of ATS, enterprises efficiently manage job applications from many candidates and filter potential applicants from them. By developing efficient hiring processes, organizations can easily manage high volumes of applicants. The technology also enables cross-border compliance and can keep organizations hiring employees up to date on applicable laws. The ATS may also aid in adequately submitting reports and avoiding penalties and costs. The use of cloud-based solutions with easy accessibility and cost efficiency drives large enterprises' growth in using recruiting software. For instance, in February 2022, Alcor Solutions, Inc., an automated applicant tracking system, launched "TalentRun," an automated applicant tracking system for enterprises to provide seamless and centralized management for their recruitment cycle. TalentRun has various additional features to help organizations increase productivity and efficiency and reduce recruitment costs. Applicant Tracking System Market Segmentation Grand View Research has segmented the global applicant tracking system market based on component, deployment, organization size, end-use, and region: Applicant Tracking Systems Market - Component Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2030) Software Services Integration & Implementation Training, Support & Maintenance Consulting Applicant Tracking Systems Market - Deployment Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2030) On-Premise Cloud Applicant Tracking Systems Market - Organization Size Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2030) SMEs Large Enterprises Applicant Tracking Systems Market - End-use Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2030) IT & Telecommunication BFSI Healthcare & Life Sciences Consumer Goods & Retail Manufacturing Others Applicant Tracking Systems Market - Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2030) North America U.S. Canada Mexico Europe U.K. Germany France Asia Pacific China Japan India Central & South America Brazil Middle East and Africa (MEA) List of Key Players of the Applicant Tracking Systems Market International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) iCIMS Oracle PeopleFluent Cornerstone Workday Bullhorn, Inc. UKG Inc. ADP, Inc SAP Check out more related studies published by Grand View Research: Eye Tracking Market - The global eye tracking market size is expected to reach USD 8.06 billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of 33.4% over the forecast period, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. Vision capturing systems determine the duration and the exact location of the user's visual attention. The system includes recording the pupil movement, determining the fixation point and duration, processing the data & images, and filtering the relevant data using software algorithms. The filtered data can be analyzed and used for various applications in the automotive, consumer electronics, healthcare, and retail industries. Eye movement detection is one of the most important features integrated into VR headsets. In July 2016 , Fove, Inc. launched its eye-tracking VR headset to directly incorporate the eye-tracking sensors into the headset to monitor the user's gaze The global eye tracking market size is expected to reach by 2030, registering a CAGR of 33.4% over the forecast period, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. Vision capturing systems determine the duration and the exact location of the user's visual attention. The system includes recording the pupil movement, determining the fixation point and duration, processing the data & images, and filtering the relevant data using software algorithms. The filtered data can be analyzed and used for various applications in the automotive, consumer electronics, healthcare, and retail industries. Eye movement detection is one of the most important features integrated into VR headsets. In , Fove, Inc. launched its eye-tracking VR headset to directly incorporate the eye-tracking sensors into the headset to monitor the user's gaze Asset Management Market - The global asset management market size is expected to reach USD 1,292.17 billion by 2027, according to a new study conducted by Grand View Research, Inc. The market is anticipated to register a CAGR of 25.9% from 2020 to 2027. The factors driving the growth include the increasing need to reduce the downtime of equipment and ensure optimum utilization of the available resources. Advances in the latest technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), and infrastructure automation, coupled with the continued integration of analytical and business intelligence tools in asset management solutions are also expected to drive the market growth. The growing awareness about the advantages of IoT-based asset management solutions particularly bodes well for the growth of the market. - The global asset management market size is expected to reach by 2027, according to a new study conducted by Grand View Research, Inc. The market is anticipated to register a CAGR of 25.9% from 2020 to 2027. The factors driving the growth include the increasing need to reduce the downtime of equipment and ensure optimum utilization of the available resources. Advances in the latest technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), and infrastructure automation, coupled with the continued integration of analytical and business intelligence tools in asset management solutions are also expected to drive the market growth. The growing awareness about the advantages of IoT-based asset management solutions particularly bodes well for the growth of the market. GCC Indoor LBS Market - The GCC indoor LBS market size is estimated to reach USD 1,246.0 million by 2025, expanding at a CAGR of 48.3%, according to a new study by Grand View Research, Inc. The introduction of connected smartphones by OEMs along with the rising number of innovative applications is expected to drive industry growth over the forecast period. Browse through Grand View Research's Next Generation Technologies Industry Research Reports. About Grand View Research Grand View Research, U.S.-based market research and consulting company, provides syndicated as well as customized research reports and consulting services. Registered in California and headquartered in San Francisco, the company comprises over 425 analysts and consultants, adding more than 1200 market research reports to its vast database each year. These reports offer in-depth analysis on 46 industries across 25 major countries worldwide. With the help of an interactive market intelligence platform, Grand View Research Helps Fortune 500 companies and renowned academic institutes understand the global and regional business environment and gauge the opportunities that lie ahead. Contact: Sherry James Corporate Sales Specialist, USA Grand View Research, Inc. Phone: 1-415-349-0058 Toll Free: 1-888-202-9519 Email: [email protected] Web: https://www.grandviewresearch.com Grand View Compass | Astra ESG Solutions Follow Us: LinkedIn | Twitter Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/661327/Grand_View_Research_Logo.jpg SOURCE Grand View Research, Inc. VANCOUVER, BC, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - Argentina Lithium & Energy Corp. (TSX-V: LIT) (FSE: OAY3) (OTC: PNXLF), ("Argentina Lithium" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has won the public tender to purchase 100% interest of the Rinconcita II mining concession area ("Rinconcita II" or the "Property") located on the Salar de Rincon in Salta Province, Argentina, from provincially-owned company Recursos Energeticos y Mineros Salta S.A. ("REMSA"). The Property consists of 460.5 ha of salt flat, located adjacent to and east of Argentina Lithium's Rincon West property, and located adjacent to and west of Rincon Mining's Rincon Project, which was purchased by Rio Tinto earlier this year. "Our team identified the Salar de Rincon as an area of exceptional potential in 2021, leading to our initial property acquisition at Rincon West. Our positive drill results announced on July 13, 2022 have validated this confidence. The acquisition of Rinconcita II is a major step to add prime salt flat holdings to one of our leading projects. Our management team is looking forward to working with the Province to advance this project through exploration to assess its resource and production potential," stated Nikolaos Cacos, President and CEO. The Salar de Rincon is located within the Lithium Triangle of northwest Argentina. Historic work on the salt flat has determined that this is a mature salar with potential for lithium and potash resources. The Rinconcita II concession is road accessible from the local towns of Olacapato and Estacion de Pocitos. An international highway and major electrical power corridor are located 26 km northeast of the Property. A railhead and natural gas pipeline are located 34 km southeast of the property. There has been no significant historical exploration work on the Rinconcita II property. The Property was not sampled by Argentina Lithium prior to the bidding process, although Argentina Lithium is currently drilling on its adjacent optioned property at Rincon West (see Figure 1 map, mining concession Villanoveno II). Argentina Lithium has also acquired the additional mining concession Demasia Villanoveno II (20.5 ha) through applications presented at the Salta mining authority. Non-Brokered Private Placement To ensure that the Company has sufficient funds to complete the acquisition and for working capital, Argentina Lithium also announces a part and parcel non-brokered private placement financing of up to 12,500,000 units at a price of $0.20 per unit (the "Units") for gross proceeds of $2,500,000. Each Unit will consist of one common share and one transferrable common share purchase warrant (a "Warrant"). Each Warrant will entitle the holder thereof to purchase one additional common share in the capital of the Company at $0.38 per share for two (2) years from the date of issue. This financing is subject to TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV") acceptance and all securities to be issued pursuant to the financing are subject to a four-month hold period under applicable Canadian securities laws. Directors, officers and employees of the Company may participate in a portion of the financing. A commission may be paid on a portion of the financing. The proceeds of the financing will be used in part to complete the acquisition. The balance will be used for general working capital and exploration on its properties in Argentina. Terms of Purchase The Company will make an Initial Payment to REMSA of USD 2.5 MM at the time of signing of the purchase agreement. MM at the time of signing of the purchase agreement. The Company agrees to pay REMSA a 3% Net Smelter Return (" NSR ") of mineral and refined products sourced from the Property over its production life, if it advances to the production stage. ") of mineral and refined products sourced from the Property over its production life, if it advances to the production stage. The Company also presented a proposed exploration program that includes environmental permitting, ground geophysics and exploratory drilling. The acquisition of the property is also subject to TSXV acceptance. Qualified Person David Terry, Ph.D., P.Geo. is the Company's Qualified Person as defined in National Instrument 43-101. The contents of this news release have been reviewed and approved by Dr. Terry. About Argentina Lithium Argentina Lithium & Energy Corp is focused on acquiring high quality lithium projects in Argentina and advancing them toward production in order to meet the growing global demand from the battery sector. The management group has a long history of success in the resource sector of Argentina and has assembled a first-rate team of experts to acquire and advance the best lithium properties in the "Lithium Triangle". The Company is a member of the Grosso Group, a resource management group that has pioneered exploration in Argentina since 1993. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD "Nikolaos Cacos" _______________________________ Nikolaos Cacos, President, CEO and Director Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and therefore involve inherent risks and uncertainties. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, that address activities, events or developments the Company believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, including, without limitation, statements about the Company's plans for its mineral properties; the Company's business strategy, plans and outlooks; the future financial or operating performance of the Company; and future exploration and operating plans are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause the actual results of the Company to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements and, even if such actual results are realized or substantially realized, there can be no assurance that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on, the Company. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include, among other things: the impact of COVID-19; risks and uncertainties related to the ability to obtain, amend, or maintain licenses, permits, or surface rights; risks associated with technical difficulties in connection with mining activities; and the possibility that future exploration, development or mining results will not be consistent with the Company's expectations. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements. Readers are encouraged to refer to the Company's public disclosure documents for a more detailed discussion of factors that may impact expected future results. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, unless required pursuant to applicable laws. We advise U.S. investors that the SEC's mining guidelines strictly prohibit information of this type in documents filed with the SEC. U.S. investors are cautioned that mineral deposits on adjacent properties are not indicative of mineral deposits on our properties. The securities being offered have not been, nor will they be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons absent U.S. federal and state registration or an applicable exemption from the U.S. registration requirements. This release does not constitute an offer for sale of securities in the United States. SOURCE Argentina Lithium & Energy Corp. Enduser- Retail, banking, manufacturing, healthcare, and others The retail sector's share of the artificial intelligence (AI) market is expected to expand significantly. One of the markets for AI that is expanding the quickest is the retail industry. Supply chain planning, demand forecasting, price optimization, consumer intelligence, and improving daily shop operations are just a few of the many use cases for AI in the retail sector. Retailers, restaurant owners, and banks have all adopted vending machines due to the growth of Long-term Evolution (LTE) networks around the world. Geography- North America , Europe , APAC, South America , and MEA North America will account for 56% of market growth. In North America , the US is the main market for artificial intelligence (AI). The market in this region will expand more slowly than markets in other regions. Throughout the projection period, North America's artificial intelligence (AI) market will rise thanks to significant investments in R&D facilities. Read the 120-page report with TOC on "Artificial Intelligence (AI) Market Analysis Report by End-user (retail, banking, manufacturing, healthcare, and others) and Geography (North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and MEA), and the Segment Forecasts". Buy Sample Report Now! Major Five Artificial Intelligence (AI) Companies: Alphabet Inc.- This segment offer products such as Ads, Android, Chrome, Google Cloud, Google Maps, Google Play, Hardware (including Nest), Search, and YouTube. This segment offer products such as Ads, Android, Chrome, Google Cloud, Google Maps, Google Play, Hardware (including Nest), Search, and YouTube. CognitiveScale- The company offers Cortex AI. It is AI-powered multi-channel healthcare and financial services application that helps companies reduce operational costs. The company offers Cortex AI. It is AI-powered multi-channel healthcare and financial services application that helps companies reduce operational costs. Intel Corp.- The company offers AI Analytics Toolkit. It provides a comprehensive set of optimized Python libraries and frameworks to optimize end-to-end data pipelines. It provides other products as well. The company offers AI Analytics Toolkit. It provides a comprehensive set of optimized Python libraries and frameworks to optimize end-to-end data pipelines. It provides other products as well. Nuance Communications Inc.- The company offers virtual assistants and live chat platforms to other companies. The company offers virtual assistants and live chat platforms to other companies. Oracle Corp.- The company offers its autonomous database, NoSQL, and other products. Technavio's sample reports contain multiple sections of the report, such as the market size and forecast, drivers, challenges, trends, and more. Request a sample report Parent Market Analysis Technavio categorizes the global artificial intelligence (AI) market as a part of the global application software market within the global information technology market. The end-to-end understanding of the value chain is essential in profit margin optimization and evaluation of business strategies. The data available in our value chain analysis segment can help vendors drive costs and enhance customer services during the forecast period. The value chain of the application software market includes the following core components: Inputs Software development process Marketing and distribution Post-selling services Related Reports: Portable Cash Counting Machine Market by Product, End-user, and Geography - Forecast and Analysis 2022-2026 : The portable cash counting machine market share is expected to increase to USD 75.26 million from 2021 to 2026, and the market's growth momentum will accelerate at a CAGR of 4.45%. Radio Frequency Identification Market by Product, End-user, and Geography - Forecast and Analysis 2022-2026 : The radio frequency identification (RFID) market share is expected to increase to USD 8.88 billion from 2021 to 2026, and the market's growth momentum will accelerate at a CAGR of 10.39%. Artificial Intelligence (AI) Market Scope Report Coverage Details Page number 120 Base year 2020 Forecast period 2021-2025 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 21% Market growth 2021-2025 $ 76.44 billion Market structure Fragmented YoY growth (%) 19.84 Regional analysis North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and MEA Performing market contribution North America at 56% Key consumer countries US, China, Germany, UK, and France Competitive landscape Leading companies, Competitive strategies, Consumer engagement scope Key companies profiled Alphabet Inc., CognitiveScale, Intel Corp., International Business Machines Corp., Microsoft Corp., Nuance Communications Inc., NVIDIA Corp., Oracle Corp., Tesla Inc., and Wipro Ltd. 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 Executive Summary Market Landscape Market ecosystem Value chain analysis Market Sizing Market definition Market segment analysis Market size 2020 Market outlook: Forecast for 2020 - 2025 Five Forces Analysis Five forces summary Bargaining power of buyers Bargaining power of suppliers The threat of new entrants Threat of substitutes Threat of rivalry Market condition Market Segmentation by End-user Market segments Comparison by End-user Retail - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 Banking - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 Manufacturing - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 Healthcare - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 Others - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 Market opportunity by End-user Customer landscape Geographic Landscape Geographic segmentation Geographic comparison North America - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 Europe - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 APAC - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 South America - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 MEA - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 Key leading countries Market opportunity by geography Market drivers Market challenges Market trends Vendor Landscape Overview Landscape disruption Vendor Analysis Vendors covered Market positioning of vendors Alphabet Inc. CognitiveScale Intel Corp. International Business Machines Corp. Microsoft Corp. Nuance Communications Inc. NVIDIA Corp. Oracle Corp. Tesla Inc. Wipro Ltd. Appendix Scope of the report Currency conversion rates for US$ Research methodology 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 provide actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contacts Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: [email protected] Website: www.technavio.com/ SOURCE Technavio ATLANTA, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Artivion, Inc. (NYSE: AORT), a leading cardiac and vascular surgery company focused on aortic disease, announced today that second quarter 2022 financial results will be released on Thursday, August 4, 2022 after the market closes. On that day, the Company will hold a teleconference call and live webcast at 4:30 p.m. ET to discuss the results, followed by a question and answer session hosted by Pat Mackin, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Artivion. To listen to the live teleconference, please dial 201-689-8261 a few minutes prior to 4:30 p.m. ET. The teleconference replay will be available approximately one hour following the completion of the event and can be accessed by calling (toll free) 877-660-6853 or 201-612-7415. The conference number for the replay is 13730843. The live webcast and replay can be accessed on the Investors section of the Artivion website at www.artivion.com and by selecting Webcasts & Presentations. In addition, a copy of the earnings press release, which will contain financial and statistical information for the completed quarter and full year, can be accessed in the Investors section of the Artivion website. About Artivion, Inc. Headquartered in suburban Atlanta, Georgia, Artivion, Inc. is a medical device company focused on developing simple, elegant solutions that address cardiac and vascular surgeons' most difficult challenges in treating patients with aortic diseases. Artivion's four major groups of products include: aortic stent grafts, surgical sealants, On-X mechanical heart valves, and implantable cardiac and vascular human tissues. Artivion markets and sells products in more than 100 countries worldwide. For additional information about Artivion, visit our website, www.artivion.com . Contacts: Artivion D. Ashley Lee Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer Phone: 770-419-3355 Gilmartin Group LLC Brian Johnston / Lynn Lewis Phone: 332-895-3222 [email protected] SOURCE Artivion, Inc. The Royal Insurance Gambia Limited last Monday unveiled its head office at a colorful ceremony held at Kotu Institutional Highway. The launch was attended by the president of the republic, H. E. Adama Barrow, cabinet ministers, senior government officials and staff of the company, among others. The company started operation in 2014 when it was issued license to contribute to national development through the insurance industry. At the launch, President Adama Barrow reaffirmed government committed to promoting the insurance industry of The Gambia and to support the business sector entirely. "We will make sure all necessary avenues are explored to setup and sustain relevant economic reforms that further strengthen insurance practices and restore trust and confidence in insurance companies in the country," he added. He described insurance as noble while assuring of his government's readiness to support the insurance industry to enhance development and ensure socio - economic reforms. President Barrow said his government is committed to protecting all stakeholders, especially the insurance companies; therefore, called for massive investment infrastructure in the country. He further assured government intensified public-private sector partnership to boost the socio-economic as well as GDP growth. Welcoming gathering, Mr. Makaireh Badjan, managing director of Royal Insurance Company Limited applauded the board of directors of the company for their tireless effort to the advancement of the insurance company, saying they had immensely supported him to administer the company, which he noted led to the company's achievement. "Royal insurance company would have not been where it is today without strong leadership of our board of directors. They have provided the necessary support to the staff and management of the company," he said. He said that the company's primary aims are to enhance development in the country with assurance to work professionally to ensure customer satisfaction. Senor Thomas Sowe, founder and executive vice chair of Royal Insurance Company, said the company is proud of its achievements within the short period. "We have dynamic professionals and staff who believe in our mission and we have the best staff in the insurance company. They love and care for their customers," she said. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Gambia Company By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. She therefore commended President Barrow for attending the inauguration, saying his presence at the occasion is a clear manifestation of his administration support to public-private sector partnership in nation building. "I have no doubt there are lots of urgent things that requires attention," she said. The company, she added, aims to expand its service and further urged the Gambia government to support the company to attain its goals in the country. Madam Sowe also expressed appreciation to all business partners, who have supported the Royal Insurance Company Limited since inception. Representing Governor of Central Bank of The Gambia, Paul Mendy, deputy governor said the launch of the magnificent edifice demonstrates the company's readiness to join government in its transformation agenda. "The new office build will inspire trust among the public and those looking for robust insurance protection," he said. KING OF PRUSSIA, Pa., July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Association of Title IX Administrators (ATIXA) is hosting its first virtual listening session with the White House Gender Policy Council (GPC) on July 25, 2022, at 1:00pm ET to recognize the 50th Anniversary of Title IX and discuss current issues experienced by Title IX coordinators in schools, the progress they have made, and how the Administration can help support and aid coordinators across the nation. "Our goal is to bring to light the issues that our 8,900 members face in the field in both K-12 and higher education. ATIXA is pleased to provide this opportunity to our membership and to connect with the Gender Policy Council," said W. Scott Lewis, J.D., ATIXA's co-founder and advisory board member, about the listening session. The hour-long discussion will bring together members of the Gender Policy Council with a panel of ATIXA members and Title IX practitioners. The discussion will feature the following panelists: The topics covered will include, but are not limited to: Title IX issues within K-12 schools Sexual violence on campus Title IX experience in higher education Emergency removal standards The Association of Title IX Administrators (ATIXA) provides a professional association for school and college Title IX coordinators, investigators, and administrators who are interested in serving their districts and campuses more effectively. ATIXA brings these campus and district professionals together to collaborate and explore best practices, establish industry standards, share resources, empower the profession, and advance the worthy goal of gender equity in education. With more than 8,900 active members from colleges, universities, schools, and organizations, ATIXA is a clearinghouse for Title IX model policies, training, and other resources. For more information, visit www.atixa.org or follow our press and media relations account on Twitter at @presstng. Media contact: Chrystin McHugh [email protected] 610-529-7017 SOURCE ATIXA Powered by U-Haul, the growing program offers moving services to more than 350 schools PHOENIX, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Collegeboxes will help more students move back to school in 2022 than ever before, and the families who plan ahead will find added savings this week when utilizing a special discount. Students who sign up for Collegeboxes' Ship to School service and use the code "BACK2SCHOOL" through July 29 will receive 10% off their moving services at Collegeboxes.com. Orders can also be placed by calling (866) 269-4887. Students who sign up for Collegeboxes Ship to School service and use the code BACK2SCHOOL through July 29 will receive 10% off their moving services at Collegeboxes.com. Orders can also be placed by calling (866) 269-4887. "Collegeboxes has seen a 40% increase in the number of students using our service to move their items to campus," stated Dain Howell, Director of Collegeboxes. "This means a record number of families are looking for new and better ways to approach back-to-school moving. With higher prices on gas, airplane tickets and hotel rooms, Collegeboxes helps families avoid those financial hurdles by providing a white-glove service at an affordable price." Collegeboxes, a division of U-Haul, can deliver items to students in two ways: The Collegeboxes team delivers boxes directly to the student's dorm or residence the day they move in. Or now, with Pre-arrival Delivery, Collegeboxes works directly with the student's school personnel to deliver items to dorm rooms in the days before the student arrives. "Pre-arrival Delivery cuts down on the chaos and stress of moving day," Howell noted. "This option is increasingly popular because both families and schools benefit from our contactless delivery service. With Pre-arrival Delivery, students can move to campus with just a backpack. Once they get their room key and open the door, they'll see their items already in the room." Collegeboxes expects more than 7,000 students to utilize its moving services upon returning to school in 2022. More than 350 schools currently enjoy the benefits of full-service moving for their students with Collegeboxes. Additionally, Collegeboxes provides a direct shipping service at another 990 schools throughout the U.S. Full-service schools have access to school-scheduled dates for Collegeboxes specialists to assist students; pickup times from dorm rooms; loading and unloading boxes; barcoding boxes for easy tracking; reporting for students to follow their items; storage at secure local U-Haul facilities; and domestic and international shipping. Students at all other schools can still utilize Collegeboxes' direct shipping service and track their shipment using their Collegeboxes account. Since 1999, Collegeboxes has provided proven results for schools when it comes to the difficulties of move-in and move-out day. Student communications go through Collegeboxes not the school so administrations are never burdened. Students gain peace of mind knowing Collegeboxes assumes all liability for possessions once they are in the care of the local team, while also using a service that integrates social distancing during a busy, crowded time. About U-HAUL Since 1945, U-Haul has been the No. 1 choice of do-it-yourself movers, with a network of more than 23,000 locations across all 50 states and 10 Canadian provinces. U-Haul Truck Share 24/7 offers secure access to U-Haul trucks every hour of every day through the customer dispatch option on their smartphones and our proprietary Live Verify technology. Our customers' patronage has enabled the U-Haul fleet to grow to approximately 186,000 trucks, 128,000 trailers and 46,000 towing devices. U-Haul is the third largest self-storage operator in North America and offers 876,000 rentable storage units and 75.1 million square feet of self-storage space at owned and managed facilities. U-Haul is the largest retailer of propane in the U.S., and continues to be the largest installer of permanent trailer hitches in the automotive aftermarket industry. U-Haul has been recognized repeatedly as a leading "Best for Vets" employer and was recently named one of the 15 Healthiest Workplaces in America. Contact: Andrea Batchelor Jeff Lockridge E-mail: [email protected] Phone: 602-263-6981 Website: uhaul.com SOURCE U-Haul LAS VEGAS, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Former Two Division Boxing World Champion and Global Philanthropist Badou Jack will make his Saudi Arabian debut on the undercard of Oleksandr Usyk vs Anthony Joshua, August 20 in Jeddah against unbeaten prospect Richard Rivera (21-0, 16 KO's). Jack has been very active in the Middle East region with his promotional company, Badou Jack Promotions, having promoted the first ever PPV Boxing and Kickboxing card in Dubai in May of 2019 and working with other promotions to stage his own fights in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. 2 Division World Champion, Badou Jack returns on the Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk card Most recently, Jack, dubbed "The People's Champion" fought on the Floyd Mayweather exhibition in Abu Dhabi in May at the Etihad Arena, with a quick 46 second first round knockout victory. Previous to that, he made his UAE debut in Dubai with a 2nd round KO of Samuel Crossed. "I'm excited to make my Saudi debut on such a big event on August 20 in Jeddah. This is another great event that Badou Jack Promotions is a part of and looking forward to many more in the region" Jack stated. Jack's opponent, "Popeye" Richard Rivera, who is promoted by Joe Deguardia's Star Boxing stated, "I'm super excited for this fight and can't wait to showcase my talent. I wanted this fight for a few years now, so I am extremely grateful for this opportunity. It's time for a veteran, Badou Jack, to pass down the torch." "Badou Jack Promotions has been very active in the region and we are thrilled to announce Badou's Saudi debut on this mega event" Badou Jack Promotions CEO Amer Abdallah said. "We have a wonderful relationship with great partners in the Middle East and looking forward to making many more big announcements in the very near future." SOURCE Badou Jack Promotions Spanish-speaking agents now have access to bilingual conversation excellence features to drive conversions, maintain compliance, and improve customer experiences ST. LOUIS, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Balto, the #1 real-time guidance platform for contact centers with over 140 million guided conversations worldwide, announced today that its flagship product, Real-Time Guidance , is now available in Spanish making it first in the market to offer conversation excellence at scale to U.S. Spanish-speaking contact centers and their customers. Balto recognized the vital need to connect with this massive market and create quality customer experiences. Tweet this Balto Introduces Real-Time Guidance in Spanish for the contact center. Balto introduces Real-Time Guidance in Spanish for the contact center. "Balto's mission is to power a new era of knowledge work in the contact center, where the modern worker collaborates with artificial intelligence to make informed, real-time decisions," said Balto COO Chris Kontes. "Balto in Spanish is an important next step to further that mission, unlocking real-time guidance for millions of Spanish-speaking and multilingual contact center workers, and enabling them to better serve customers." According to Pew Research , there are roughly 40 million Spanish-speaking Hispanics in the U.S., making Spanish the second most spoken language in the U.S. By 2050, the Latino population is projected to be 132.8 million, or 30.2% of the total projected U.S. population. Balto recognized the vital need to connect with this massive market and create quality customer experiences that English-speaking customers have come to expect. Most contact centers route Spanish-speaking customers to a handful of bilingual agents (i.e., "Press 2 for Spanish") who are far too often ill-prepared for the breadth of sales, customer support, and compliance information they must manage for Spanish-triaged customers. Those agents face the same challenges as any agent without Balto: they don't have proper guidance on calls to win deals and provide positive customer experiences while staying compliant. Balto in Spanish solves these issues by riding along the call with bilingual agents and guiding them using established playbooks to say the right things for the best possible outcome, no matter the use case. Spanish-speaking customers receive the same exceptional experience as their English-speaking counterparts. Sondra Ford, senior compliance officer at Trusted Senior Specialists, LLC, a Balto customer, is enthusiastic about the product launch for Spanish speakers, saying, "The ability to use compliant and measurable diverse languages as we resolve the needs of others is a great reward for everyone! Thank you Balto for initiating progress." Balto in Spanish includes top features that Real-Time Guidance customers depend on to optimize their calls, including: Real-Time Guidance for Spanish-speaking agents Smart Checklists and Dynamic Prompts in Spanish Full access to reporting and English playbooks Currently, Balto in Spanish is geared towards North American contact centers with Spanish-speaking teams and English-speaking managers. For more information about Balto in Spanish, tune in to the webinar, Managing Bilingual Contact Center Agents for Peak Performance, August 9, 2022 at 1pm CDT (register here ), or visit balto.ai/spanish . About Balto Balto guides agents to say the right thing on every call. Top-performing contact centers trust Balto's AI-powered Real-Time Guidance, Real-Time Coaching, and Real-Time QA to increase sales conversions, prevent costly compliance mistakes, and improve customer experience. Founded in 2017 and based in St. Louis, Missouri, Balto has transformed contact center operations and guided over 140 million conversations worldwide. Balto.ai SOURCE Balto Appoints Dirk Applegate as Senior Advisor to Bernhard Capital; Environmental Services Industry Veteran to Lead New Venture BATON ROUGE, La., July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Bernhard Capital Partners Management, LP ("Bernhard Capital"), a services- and infrastructure-focused private equity management firm, today announced the launch of a dedicated environmental services platform through the acquisition of KC Harvey Environmental, LLC ("KC Harvey"), a leading environmental and natural resources consulting, land reclamation, and field services firm. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Serving a diverse base of customers across the globe, KC Harvey provides environmental consulting and field services, with a recognized expertise in water, soil, vegetation, wildlife, and land reclamation science and engineering to the mining and energy industries, and to government land management agencies. Bernhard Capital will leverage its proprietary Blueprint investment approach to build on its thesis around the emerging ESG market and the need for technical, on-site environmental and natural resource restoration services and create a premier nationwide business to support the growing and increasingly complex needs of today's commercial, federal, state, and local customers. Dirk Applegate, who recently joined Bernhard Capital as a Senior Advisor, will oversee the platform and work closely with KC Harvey management to identify and execute on a shared vision for the long-term growth and success of the business. Mr. Applegate joins Bernhard Capital with more than 30 years of experience leading teams responsible for strategy, sales and marketing, operations, acquisitions and integrations, financial management, and staffing across the environmental industry. "We are thrilled to welcome such a talented leader and industry veteran in Dirk as we employ our proven Blueprint approach to build an unparalleled national leader in environmental services and consulting," said Jeff Jenkins, Founder and Partner of Bernhard Capital. "The environmental services and consulting market continues to be very fragmented and a very high-growth sector with high barriers to entry. We are confident KC Harvey's deep expertise and integrated consulting method positions it as the perfect cornerstone from which to scale and grow our platform." Chris Dillon, Managing Director at Bernhard Capital, added: "We look forward to working closely with Dirk and the KC Harvey team to execute on an active pipeline of opportunities to drive both organic and acquisitional growth." "I have dedicated my career to helping companies develop, implement, and market effective environmental solutions," said Mr. Applegate. "I could not be more pleased to partner with Bernhard Capital which has been a leading investor and business builder in the environmental services space for nearly a decade to oversee the launch of this exciting new platform. I am eager to hit the ground running alongside the Bernhard Capital and KC Harvey teams in the coming months, and I am confident that together we will provide our customers with unmatched solutions." KC Harvey will retain its headquarters in Bozeman, Montana, and its existing management team, led by CEO and Chief Scientist Kevin Harvey, will work alongside Mr. Applegate to support the long-term growth and success of the company. Mr. Harvey, a business entrepreneur, soil scientist, and land reclamation specialist who brings over four decades of technical solutions and management success, will continue to lead the KC Harvey business and execute on a shared vision with Mr. Applegate and Bernhard Capital to build a premier nationwide ESG-focused business. "Kevin's leadership in the environmental services industry is unparalleled," added Mr. Applegate. "His strategic vision, out-of-the-box thinking, and innovative, solutions-oriented approach to environmental management have consistently led to breakthroughs and tangible results that have a positive and lasting impact, and we are thrilled to have the chance to build on that success together." "This is an incredible opportunity to join forces with a leading investor in critical infrastructure services at such a dynamic and important time for our industry," said Mr. Harvey. "I look forward to working with Dirk to utilize this team's unparalleled knowledge in the environmental and natural resources space as we scale and build an industry-leading environmental consultancy and field services platform." Mr. Harvey is credited with numerous technical accomplishments that are applied throughout the world today, including innovative approaches for the neutralization and revegetation of watershed-scale mining wastes, modernizing the restoration process of large-scale oil and gas developments, and inventing and implementing techniques for the beneficial use of industrial wastewaters. With the formation of KC Harvey, he combined reclamation consulting with field services to create a truly integrated land restoration service provider. Since 2010, KC Harvey has been a differentiated partner of choice for a growing base of customers and continues to outperform financially with consistent industry-beating margins. About Bernhard Capital Partners Bernhard Capital Partners is an operationally-focused private equity firm investing in middle-market businesses that provide essential services for critical infrastructure in North America. Bernhard Capital Partners was established in 2013 and has deployed capital across three funds representing approximately $2.5 billion of gross assets under management and is ranked as one of Private Equity International's 300 largest private equity firms worldwide. Bernhard Capital Partners seeks to create sustainable value by leveraging its experience in acquiring, operating, and growing services and infrastructure businesses. For more information, visit bernhardcapital.com. About KC Harvey KC Harvey Environmental, LLC is an environmental consulting and field services firm headquartered in Bozeman, Montana, with offices in Wyoming, North Dakota, Utah and Idaho, supporting project locations throughout North America and internationally. The nimble KC Harvey team comprises approximately 75 professional and field services personnel, including scientists, engineers, data specialists, construction managers, and business professionals. KC Harvey fully integrates world-class applied science consulting expertise with professional field services to achieve efficient and quality environmental solutions for the oil and gas, mining, and energy industries, as well as government agencies. KC Harvey's expert technical platform encompasses soil science, plant and wildlife ecology, geology and hydrology, environmental chemistry and geochemistry, GIS and data management and land reclamation/restoration science. This comprehensive blend of natural resource science expertise allows the company to serve the entire environmental management life cycle of large-scale oil and gas, mining, energy, and contaminated land remediation projects. For more information, visit kcharvey.com. Contacts Media Ed Trissel / Kate Thompson / Erik Carlson Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher (212) 355-4449 SOURCE Bernhard Capital Partners Management, LP DAVIE, Fla., July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- BHG Financial, the leader in unsecured business and personal loans, and the creator of one of the largest community bank loan and product networks in the country, has been honored as one of the 2022 Best Workplaces for Millennials by Great Place to Work and Fortune magazine, ranking 18th out of the top 100. This is BHG Financial's fourth time being named to this prestigious list. BHG Named One of the Nations Best Workplaces for Millennials by Fortune Magazine and Great Place to Work Great Place to Work measured the differences in over 413,000 Millennials' survey responses to those of other generations taken from America's largest ongoing annual workforce study of over 1 million employee survey responses and data from companies that represent more than 6.1 million U.S. employees. In that survey 95% of BHG Financial's employees said BHG Financial is a great place to work. This number is 38% higher than the average U.S. company. "At BHG Financial, millennials represent 67% of our total workforce, and we make it our goal to ensure that each employee is provided care and resources in ways that matter to this generation," said Eric Castro, co-founder of BHG Financial. "We are beyond grateful to be continuously recognized on such a distinguished list and we are honored that millennials see BHG Financial as a great place to work." 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. BHG Financial has been certified as a Great Place to Work since 2016 and has been recognized among Fortune and GPTW 22 times on their numerous reputable lists. To learn more about BHG Financial's culture and values, visit https://careersatbhg.com/culture. To view BHG Financial's company profile and certification results on Great Place to Work, please visit: https://www.greatplacetowork.com/certified-company/1100692 About BHG Financial BHG Financial is transforming the financial industry, leveraging the power of data, analytics, and cutting-edge technology to become not only one of the best sources for high-performing loans, but the creator of one of the largest community bank loan and product networks in the country. Since 2001, BHG has originated more than $11 billion in loan solutions to top-quality borrowers, which community and midsize banks can access via a state-of-the-art loan delivery platform. BHG Financials' 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, risk management services, and point-of-sale financing. With record growth year after year, BHG continues to be recognized regionally and nationally: earning a spot on the Inc. 5000 for 14 years running and receiving accolades from Great Place to Work and Fortune magazine, among others. BHG Financial is partially owned by Pinnacle Bank (PNFP) and has headquarters in Davie, FL and Syracuse, NY. To represent the company's growth and dedication to continuously expanding their services, Bankers Healthcare Group became BHG Financial in 2021. Find out more about the company's financial solutions on https://bhgfinancial.com. For more information about the BHG Bank Network, click here. Follow BHG on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Media Contact: Jasmine Heard [email protected] SOURCE BHG Financial FARNBOROUGH, United Kingdom, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE:BA] and Qatar Airways today finalized an order for 25 737 MAX airplanes, providing the flag carrier's short- and medium-haul fleet with improved economics, fuel efficiency and sustainable operations. Company leaders announced the order for the 737-10, Boeing's largest and most efficient single-aisle jet, in a signing ceremony at the Farnborough International Airshow. Boeing and Qatar Airways Finalize Order for 25 737 MAX Airplanes "We are honored that Qatar Airways has decided to add Boeing's single-aisle family to its fleet, deepening our relationship with this world-class airline," said Stan Deal, Boeing Commercial Airplanes president and CEO. "The 737-10 is ideally suited for Qatar Airways' regional network and will provide the carrier with the most capable, most fuel-efficient airplane in its class." Seating up to 230 passengers with a range of 3,300 nautical miles, the 737-10 is the largest airplane in the 737 MAX family, offering greater fuel efficiency and the best per-seat economics of any single-aisle airplane in the industry. The jet can cover 99% of the world's single-aisle routes. In January, Boeing and Qatar Airways announced a Memorandum of Understanding for 737 MAX airplanes at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. In addition, the airline became the global launch customer for the new 777-8 Freighter, with an order for up to 50 freighters. Qatar Airways operates more than 120 Boeing airplanes including 777 and 787 passenger jets along with 747 and 777 freighters. A multi-award winning airline, Qatar Airways was announced as the 'Airline of the Year' at the 2021 Skytrax World Airline Awards. It was also named 'World's Best Business Class', 'World's Best Business Class Airline Lounge', 'World's Best Business Class Airline Seat', 'World's Best Business Class Onboard Catering' and 'Best Airline in the Middle East'. The airline continues to stand alone at the top of the industry having won the main prize for an unprecedented sixth time (2011, 2012, 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2021). Qatar Airways currently flies to more than 150 destinations worldwide, connecting through its Doha hub, Hamad International Airport, currently named 'Airport of the Year' by Skytrax World Airport Awards 2022. As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. As a top U.S. exporter, the company leverages the talents of a global supplier base to advance economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing's diverse team is committed to innovating for the future, leading with sustainability, and cultivating a culture based on the company's core values of safety, quality and integrity. Join our team and find your purpose at boeing.com/careers. Jessica Kowal Boeing Media Relations Boeing Commercial Airplanes +1 206 660 6849 [email protected] Nadine Fanous Middle East Communications Boeing Commercial Airplanes +971 56 422 9051 [email protected] Boeing Media Relations [email protected] SOURCE Boeing NEW YORK and SYDNEY, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Boral Finance Pty Ltd (the "Company"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Boral Limited (ASX:BLD) ("Boral"), announced today the final tender results and expiration of its previously announced tender offer (the "Tender Offer") to purchase for cash up to US$300,000,000 aggregate principal amount (the "Maximum Tender Amount") of its outstanding 3.750% Guaranteed Senior Notes due 2028 (the "Notes"). The terms and conditions of the Tender Offer were set forth in the Offer to Purchase dated June 22, 2022 (the "Offer to Purchase"). The Tender Offer expired at 11:59 p.m., New York City time, on July 20, 2022 (the "Expiration Time"). Final tender results During the period following 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on July 6, 2022 (the "Early Tender Time") and through the Expiration Time, according to information provided by Global Bondholder Services Corporation, the depository and information agent for the Tender Offer, the additional aggregate principal amount of the Notes set forth in the table below under "Additional Principal Amount Tendered After the Early Tender Time" had been tendered in the Tender Offer. Title of Security CUSIP Nos. ISINs Principal Amount Outstanding Prior to Tender Offer Maximum Tender Amount Principal Amount Tendered as of the Early Tender Time Additional Principal Amount Tendered After the Early Tender Time Total Principal Amount Tendered 3.750% Guaranteed Senior Notes due 2028 144A: 09952AAC0 Reg S: Q1700EAB8 144A: US09952AAC09 Reg S: USQ1700EAB85 US$500,000,000 US$300,000,000 US$405,098,000 US$20,557,000 US$425,655,000 Since the aggregate principal amount of Notes tendered as of the Early Tender Time exceeded the Maximum Tender Amount, the tender offer was oversubscribed and the Company accepted for purchase Notes tendered as of Early Tender Time on a prorated basis as described in the section "The Terms of the Tender OfferMaximum Tender Amount; Priority of Acceptance; Proration" of the Offer to Purchase. Payment for any Notes so accepted was made on July 11, 2022. Because the tender offer was oversubscribed as of the Early Tender Time, holders of Notes who tendered Notes after the Early Tender Time will not have any of their Notes accepted for purchase. Any tendered Notes that are not accepted for purchase have been or will be promptly returned or credited to the holder's account. Dealer Manager and Depositary and Information Agent Citigroup Global Markets Inc. served as dealer manager for the Tender Offer, and Global Bondholder Services Corporation served as the depositary and information agent for the Tender Offer. For additional information regarding the terms of the Tender Offer, please contact: Citigroup Global Markets Inc. at (800) 558-3745 (tollfree) or 001-212-723-6106 (international). Requests for documents and questions regarding the tendering of securities may be directed to Global Bondholder Services Corporation by telephone at (212) 430-3774 (for banks and brokers only), (855) 6542015 (toll-free) or 001212430-3774 (international), by email at [email protected] or at www.gbsc-usa.com/boral/ or to the dealer manager at its telephone numbers. This press release shall not constitute, or form part of, an offer to sell, a solicitation to buy or an offer to purchase or sell any securities. The Tender Offer was made solely pursuant to the Offer to Purchase and only in such jurisdictions as permitted under applicable law. Neither the Offer to Purchase nor any disclosure document (as defined in the Australian Corporations Act 2001) in relation to the Notes has been lodged with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, and in Australia, the Tender Offer was only available to persons to whom an offer or invitation could be made without disclosure under Parts 6D.2 or 7.9 of the Australian Corporations Act. About Boral Founded in 1946, Boral is the largest integrated construction materials business in Australia with operations in all states and territories. It produces and supplies concrete, quarry products, asphalt and cement, to build infrastructure, residential and commercial buildings. As at June 30, 2021, Boral's continuing operations spanned 367 operating sites in Australia and employed approximately 9,700 full-time equivalent employees and contractors. Boral Limited ABN 13 008 421 761 - PO Box 6041, North Ryde NSW 2113 - www.boral.com SOURCE Boral Finance Pty Ltd HAMILTON, Bermuda, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Borr Drilling Limited (the "Company") (NYSE: BORR) (OSE: BORR) refers to its announcements of 14 July 2022 regarding the status of negotiations with its secured creditors and a possible equity offering. The Company's board is pleased to announce that it has obtained a financing proposal for the remaining $100 million of the $250 million senior secured facilities that was still subject to final syndication as described in the announcement of 14 July 2022. As such, agreements in principle with all the secured creditors have now been reached to extend all secured debt to 2025, subject to the partial paydowns described in the 14 July announcement. These agreements in principle are subject to the respective boards' and credit committees' approvals and binding documentation. The necessary covenant waivers have been extended by the lenders in the existing bank syndicate to enable the company to complete the transactions referenced above. The Company anticipates that the need for additional liquidity in connection with the closing of the agreements in principle referenced above can be reduced from the $250 million communicated previously to approximately $150 million. The Company will continue to seek solutions which could optimize the current capital structure and reduce the need for liquidity further. Such solutions could include further asset sales, JV structures as well as additional asset financing. The Company is encouraged by the strong positive momentum in day rates shown through recent fixtures and tender activity, and by the fact that the utilization of the modern jack up fleet now exceeds 92%. This press release does not constitute an offer of any securities for sale. Forward looking statements This press release includes forward looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which do not reflect historical facts and may be identified by words such as "expect", "will" and similar expressions and include statements relating to negotiations with creditors, agreements in principle reached with creditors including the terms and conditions of such agreements in principle and financing proposal and statements about covenant waivers enabling the Company to complete the transactions, statements about the need for additional liquidity, and the Company's continuing to seek solutions to optimize its capital structure and about momentum in day rates other non-historical statements. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, contingencies and other factors could cause actual events to differ materially from the expectations expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements included herein, including risks relating to negotiations with creditors including the risk that the conditions to the agreements in principle are not met or that the terms of the agreements in principle are not implemented with definitive binding agreements on expected terms or at all, the risk that vessel sales may not be completed on expected terms or at all, risks relating to covenants in debt facilities and covenant waivers including the risk that waivers are not provided as required, risks relating to liquidity and the risk that Borr may not be able to refinance its debt maturities beyond 2023 and other risks and uncertainties described in the section entitled "Risk Factors" in our most recent annual report on Form 20-F and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Such risks, uncertainties, contingencies and other factors could cause actual events to differ materially from the expectations expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements included herein. These forward-looking statements are made only as of the date of this release. We do not undertake to update or revise the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Contact: Magnus Vaaler, Chief Financial Officer, [email protected] +44 1224 289208 This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com https://news.cision.com/borr-drilling-limited/r/borr-drilling-limited---update-refinancing,c3604074 SOURCE Borr Drilling Limited New health plan to provide continuity of care for former Medi-Cal members, more choice for all Orange County residents ORANGE, Calif., July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- To better support continuity of care for current members and to provide an additional coverage option for Orange County residents, CalOptima is working, for the first time, toward offering a health plan option through Covered California, the state's health insurance marketplace where residents can find affordable, quality coverage and potentially qualify for financial help to reduce their monthly premiums. CalOptima's Board of Directors formally requested that the Orange County Board of Supervisors to consider changing a county ordinance enacted in 2012, before California's health insurance marketplace began. A hearing is currently set for August 9 to amend the ordinance to allow for development of this new plan option. Once approved, CalOptima's Covered California plan would start in January 2024. "Currently, CalOptima is the single largest health insurer in Orange County, providing Medi-Cal coverage for one in four residents. Yet our members often experience changes in employment or in family circumstances that make them ineligible for Medi-Cal," said Michael Hunn, CalOptima Chief Executive Officer. "By offering a Covered California plan as a bridge from Medi-Cal, CalOptima can provide the continuity of care that is essential to member health members can choose to stay with the CalOptima network of contracted providers even as their circumstances change." CalOptima's 911,000 members currently have access to a network of more than 10,600 primary care doctors and specialists, as well as 34 community health centers and 41 acute and rehab hospitals. Established in 1995, CalOptima has been serving Orange County's vulnerable, low-income population for decades, and its local health plan perspective ensures responsiveness to the community's diverse needs and commitment to caring for the whole person. There are six Covered California plans offered by private health insurers in Orange County, and CalOptima's proposed plan would be the first from a public agency. CalOptima is a mission-driven organization that serves member health and does not have financial obligations to stockholders. "CalOptima's participation in Covered California will strengthen the safety net by bringing in a new revenue stream to reinvest in community health," Hunn added. "The goal is to provide affordable and comprehensive coverage to as many Orange County residents as possible while increasing access to quality care." About CalOptima A county organized health system, CalOptima provides publicly funded health care coverage for low-income children, adults, seniors and people with disabilities in Orange County, California. CalOptima's mission is to serve member health with excellence and dignity, respecting the value and needs of each person. In total, CalOptima serves more than 911,000 members with a network of more than 10,600 primary care doctors and specialists as well as 41 acute and rehab hospitals. CONTACT: Janis Rizzuto Director, Communications 714-246-8837 [email protected] SOURCE CalOptima opinion Fulfilling the hopes and aspirations of Gambians for food security has been a daunting task for the governments of three republics. The food security situation continues to be a national headache. In spite of donor assistance which complements the efforts of government, it can be said, in reference to the country, that"An army marches on its stomach" - Napoleon. The people are still hungry and the country is in dire need of food security. Perhaps, therefore, the approach to agricultural development should be reexamined. There has been too much focus on helping small holder farmers in the country. It must be stated that subsistence farming cannot end hunger and poverty. It only serves as a temporary relief to domestic consumption needs. Leaving agriculture activities in the hands of farmers, with all the constraints of farm implements, fertilizer problems and problems with other inputs such as seeds, etc. cannot ensure food security. Why do we continue to adopt policy instruments that do not enhance sustainable livelihoods? Let us look at the objective realities on the ground. This is largely an illiterate farming community whose understanding on the fundamentals of proper farming methods and practices is low. Those considered as rich Gambians do not invest in agriculture. The youths are not interested in going into the farmlands. The farming environment is largely based on rain-fed agriculture. It is the very few from the diaspora who venture into agriculture. Therefore, under the circumstances, commercial agriculture is the logical option. In this regard, the full scientific knowledge and expertise of the department of Agricultural Services together with NARI should be employed by the government in a decisive manner to engage in commercial agriculture with all the instruments of production. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Gambia Food and Agriculture By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. This should lead to the emergence of STATE FARMS in various fields such as rice, groundnuts, maize, wheat, cottons, onions, potatoes, sorghum, vegetables, livestock, and other essential commodities. A timeline of 2025 should be set by government for the country to be self-sufficient in food. Where necessary, the government can seek technical assistance from friendly countries with a track record in agricultural transformation. All donor assistance and funding should be directed to this national endeavor. The River Gambia is there for irrigation agriculture. There will be a need for the mapping of all STATE FARMLANDS for commercial production as per the fields identified. It should be unacceptable for Ukraine or the global food crisis to continue to hit the country. This plan of action is the only way out of food insecurity and dependency on food importation. Alongside this strategy, government should encourage foreign direct investment and raise exports to earn the much needed foreign exchange earnings. Europe and Asia developed their agriculture economies first before industrialization. America feeds herself, India feeds herself, China feeds herself. Why can't The Gambia, a small nation, feed herself? The answer is in our hands. Our greatest legacy would be if the country attains food security by the year 2025. Agriculture is either the key or answer to sustainable development. Import orientation makes the rich become richer and domestic production frees the people from poverty and creates a healthy nation and a sound economy. The Gambia must decide which option to go by. PRESIDENT BIDEN FIGHTING TO MAKE GOOD ON HIS CLIMATE INITIATIVES WHILE BLM MAKES WAY FOR DAMAGING EXTRACTION ON PUBLIC LANDS. EAST NORWICH, N.Y., July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- While President Biden finds ways to make good on his climate initiatives to the American People, his Bureau of Land Management (BLM) rushes to round up healthy wild horses and burros at a pace never before seen. In 2020 the BLM crafted a plan to accelerate removals of wild horses, in part, to make way for damaging mining permits and oil and gas leasing. RECORD BREAKING REMOVALS OF WILD HORSES ON PUBLIC LANDS, PRESIDENT BIDEN FIGHTING TO MAKE GOOD ON HIS CLIMATE INITIATIVES Tweet this Mare and foal rounded up at Triple B July 15, 2022 Nevada, the most arid state in the nation, has been accelerating mining, oil and gas leasing and a litany of other water dependent extractive projects. NV is also home to more wild horses than all other states combined. One again, the BLM NV is preparing to dig in and use millions more gallons of precious water for mining operations while ousting federally protected wild horses from their homes, and continue the destruction of our lands and wildlife. "Water is at a premium and the government is reckless with its intentions for the American people." Said Manda Kalimian of the CANA foundation. Mining trucks continue to pour in, rapidly expanding roadways, and setting up the wild horses and burros once again to lose their homes due to the hold hard-rock mining, energy and livestock industry has on western public lands. The government claims the horses are starving and depleting the range. But organizations like Wild Horse Education, that have spent 15 years observing these lands, claim just the opposite. "It boggles the mind that BLM needs to remove wild horses from the range because they say there is no water," President and founder Laura Leigh, "There is water. It is simply being guzzled by industry and wild horses and burros are in the way. The vast majority of these horse are healthy and managing the grasses where they are living. When you track wildfire in the West it is becoming a common occurrence to see wildfire the year after a large removal of wild horses." "BLM has been more than lax in creating management planning to protect and preserve wild horses and the land they stand on, the intention of the 1971 law," Leigh continued, "Instead, the agency created ten-year roundup plans; no additional input, analysis or assessment for ten years. They skip the actual management plan, the HMAP, because they might have to begin to curtail mining and livestock? Seems too convenient to be due to any other factor." Manda Kalimian of the CANA foundation says "The government is required to prepare Herd Management Area plans (HMAP) and do ongoing environmental assessments in managing the public range lands. With climate change and drought conditions. Modern day science that address the climate crisis is sorely needed. Rewilding techniques and methodology as well can help in managing the lands for wildlife. But shockingly, there are no environmental assessments and only outdated plans for these areas. Birth control is not a management plan for the range and wild horses, it could be only a small piece of the larger puzzle. The American people and our lands deserve better." CANA foundation and Wild Horse Education have reached out to Jon Raby, State Director of Nevada Bureau of Land Management, at THE BLUE WING COMPLEX and are awaiting a response. The orgs sent a joint statement to the State Director prior to the start of the ongoing TRIPLE B roundup in NV where at least 4 wild horses have died, in the first 4 days of active trapping. These operations are occurring during foaling season, a prohibited time of the year for the use of helicopter drive trapping. The agency says it is not foaling season. Observers for Wild Horse Education have been documenting numerous foals being run for miles; some appear days or weeks old. There has been no reply from the NV State Office. The organizations had hoped there could be a dialogue to address these ongoing issues involving wild horses and burros. The organizations are preparing their next steps. SOURCE CANA Foundation TORONTO, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - Canaccord Genuity Group Inc. (TSX: CF) is scheduled to release its first quarter fiscal 2023 results and supplementary financial information after Canadian markets close on Thursday, August 4, 2022. Interested investors, the media and other stakeholders may review the earnings release and supplementary financial information at www.cgf.com/investor-relations/investor-resources/financial-reports/ QUARTERLY CONFERENCE CALL AND WEBCAST: Interested parties are invited to listen to Canaccord Genuity's first fiscal quarter results conference call via live webcast or a toll-free number. The conference call is scheduled for Friday, August 5, 2022, at 8:00 a.m. Eastern time, 5:00 a.m. Pacific time, 1:00 p.m. UK time, 8:00 p.m. China Standard Time, and 10:00 p.m. Australia EST. During the call, senior executives will comment on the results and respond to questions from analysts and institutional investors. The conference call may be accessed live online and will also be archived on a listen-only basis at: www.cgf.com/investor-relations/news-and-events/conference-calls-and-webcasts/ Analysts and institutional investors can call in via telephone at: 416-764-8609 (within Toronto ) ) 888-390-0605 (toll free in North America outside Toronto ) outside ) 0-800-652-2435 (toll free from the United Kingdom ) ) 0-800-916-834 (toll free from France ) ) 10-800-714-1938 (toll free from Northern China ) ) 10-800-140-1973 (toll free from Southern China ) ) 1-800-076-068 (toll free from Australia ) ) 80-003-570-3632 (toll free from United Arab Emirates ) Please ask to participate in the Canaccord Genuity Group Inc. Q1/23 results call. If a passcode is requested, please use 55608639. A replay of the conference call will be made available from approximately two hours after the live call on August 5, 2022, until October 5, 2022 at 416-764-8677 or 1-888-390-0541 by entering passcode 608639 followed by the (#) key. ABOUT CANACCORD GENUITY GROUP INC.: Through its principal subsidiaries, Canaccord Genuity Group Inc. (the "Company") is a leading independent, full-service financial services firm, with operations in two principal segments of the securities industry: wealth management and capital markets. Since its establishment in 1950, the Company has been driven by an unwavering commitment to building lasting client relationships. We achieve this by generating value for our individual, institutional and corporate clients through comprehensive investment solutions, brokerage services and investment banking services. The Company has Wealth Management offices located in Canada, the UK, Guernsey, Jersey, the Isle of Man and Australia. The Company's international capital markets division operates in North America, UK & Europe, Asia, Australia and the Middle East. Canaccord Genuity Group Inc. is publicly traded under the symbol CF on the TSX. SOURCE Canaccord Genuity Group Inc. Centric Software delivers unprecedented visibility into the product lifecycle and the retail planning processes, enabling companies to bring the right products to the market quickly. SAN ANTONIO, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Based on its recent analysis of the product lifecycle management (PLM) software and innovative solutions Industry, Frost & Sullivan recognizes Centric Software with the 2022 Global Competitive Strategy Leadership Award for its highly innovative tech solutions that increases businesses' time to market and productivity. Centric Software has consistently served long-standing global companies with its world-class PLM solution, delivering exceptional services to multiple industries, including apparel, footwear multicategory retail, outdoor, luxury, furniture, cosmetics, food & beverage, and consumer electronics. 2022 Global PLM Software and Innovative Solutions Competitive Strategy Leadership Award Centric Software leverages its agile, user-friendly, and cloud-based solutions to help companies manage complexity and scale with real-time product data, allowing product development teams to create new products to fulfill consumer demand. In 2021, Centric Software significantly increased its reach by acquiring Armonica Retail and its cloud-based solution, Armonica Planning. The company adjusted and rebranded the platform to launch Centric Planning, an Augmented Intelligence-powered planning software to re-forecast and optimize assortments rapidly. "Centric Software's primary mission is to provide the market with the best solutions via its experienced team of experts spanning 40 global locations, identifying and fulfilling client needs from its inception. The company also leverages its keen partnerships with leading companies to develop and deploy best-of-breed digital transformation solutions," said Samantha Fisher, Best Practices Research Analyst at Frost & Sullivan. "The Armonica/Centric combined solution empowers customers to react to sudden changes, specifically with the ability to streamline and improve product replenishment and dispatch. This digital transformation will give users enormous value via business planning, visualization, and execution based on real-time data." Furthermore, Centric Software consistently invests in technology and boosts efficiency to meet the ever-growing market needs and gain a larger customer base in the long term. Centric Software's success, however, is grounded in a customer-centric operating philosophy that prioritizes customer satisfaction to achieve an impressive 99% customer retention rate. As a result, the company is growing steadily and continues to explore new markets with its increasing customer base. "With its customer-centric corporate philosophy, Centric Software operates on the central tenet that its success depends on customer satisfaction. This philosophy permeates the company's daily practices. From the client-facing roles to the company's leadership, customer focus is an integrated facet of every best practice," noted Kiravani Emani, Industry Principal at Frost & Sullivan. "Centric Software avoids simply innovating in a vacuum by properly acquiring the air of the market, as client feedback is a significant factor in its product pipeline development. To this end, the company designs its PLM solution to eliminate silos by streamlining and harmonizing communication and collaboration across internal teams and suppliers, resulting in a frictionless workflow from ideation to product delivery." Each year, Frost & Sullivan presents this award to the company that has leveraged competitive intelligence to execute a strategy successfully that results in stronger market share, competitive brand positioning, and customer satisfaction. Frost & Sullivan Best Practices Awards recognize companies in various regional and global markets for demonstrating outstanding achievement and superior performance in leadership, technological innovation, customer service, and strategic product development. Industry analysts compare market participants and measure performance through in-depth interviews, analyses, and extensive secondary research to identify best practices in the industry. About Frost & Sullivan For six decades, Frost & Sullivan has been world-renowned for helping investors, corporate leaders, and governments navigate economic changes and identify disruptive technologies, Mega Trends, new business models, and companies to action, resulting in a continuous flow of growth opportunities to drive future success. Contact us: Start the discussion . Contact: Bianca Torres P: +1 (210) 477-8418 E: [email protected] About Centric Software (http://www.centricsoftware.com/) From its headquarters in Silicon Valley, Centric Software provides a Product Concept to Consumer Digital Transformation Platform for fashion, retail, footwear, luxury, outdoor, consumer electronics and consumer goods including cosmetics & personal care and food & beverage. Centric's flagship Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) platform, Centric PLMTM, delivers enterprise-class merchandise planning, product development, sourcing, quality and product portfolio optimization innovations specifically for fast-moving consumer industries. Centric's Visual Boards offer highly visual digital board experiences for collaboration and decision-making. Centric Planning is an innovative, cloud-native solution powered by the Armonica platform that delivers an end-to-end retail planning process designed to maximize retail business performance. Centric Software pioneered mobility, introducing the first mobile apps for PLM, and is widely known for connectivity to dozens of other enterprise systems including ERP, DAM, PIM, e-com, planning and more as well as creative tools such as Adobe Illustrator and a host of 3D CAD connectors. Centric's innovations are 100% market-driven with the highest user adoption rate and fastest time to value in the industry. All Centric innovations shorten time to market, boost product innovation and reduce costs. Centric Software is owned by Dassault Systemes (Euronext Paris: #13065, DSY.PA), the world leader in 3D design software, 3D digital mock-up and PLM solutions. Centric Software has received multiple industry awards and recognition, including being named by Red Herring to its Top 100 Global list in 2013, 2015 and 2016. Centric also received various excellence awards from Frost & Sullivan in 2012, 2016, 2018, 2021 and 2022. Centric Software is a registered trademark of Centric Software Inc. All other brands and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners. SOURCE Frost & Sullivan No Change to Portfolio Management Teams HARTFORD, Conn., July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Board of Trustees of Virtus Artificial Intelligence & Technology Opportunities Fund (NYSE: AIO), Virtus Convertible & Income 2024 Target Term Fund (NYSE: CBH), Virtus Convertible & Income Fund (NYSE: NCV), Virtus Convertible & Income Fund II (NYSE: NCZ), Virtus Diversified Income & Convertible Fund (NYSE: ACV), Virtus Equity & Convertible Income Fund (NYSE: NIE), and Virtus Dividend, Interest & Premium Strategy Fund (NYSE: NFJ) has approved new subadvisory agreements between the funds' investment adviser, Virtus Investment Advisers, Inc., and Voya Investment Management Co. LLC ("Voya IM"). Shareholders of each fund will be asked to approve those agreements. Voya IM would replace the current subadviser, Allianz Global Investors U.S. LLC ("AllianzGI"), which has been terminated as subadviser effective July 25, 2022. On that date, each fund's current AllianzGI portfolio management team is expected to transition to Voya IM and continue to manage the funds under interim subadvisory agreements pending shareholder approval of the new subadvisory agreements. Virtus Investment Advisers continues as investment adviser to each fund under current investment advisory agreements. There would be no changes to the investment objectives or investment strategies of any of the funds. Additional information on the proposed subadvisory arrangements will be provided to shareholders in a proxy statement that will be filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and will be available at sec.gov and on each fund's page through the Closed-End Funds section of virtus.com. As previously disclosed, on May 17, 2022, AllianzGI resolved certain government charges about matters unrelated to the funds with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and Department of Justice. As a result of the settlement, AllianzGI is not permitted to manage U.S. registered open- and closed-end funds. On June 13, 2022, AllianzGI announced that it had entered into an agreement with Voya IM to transfer the investment teams who currently manage the funds to Voya IM. Under the terms of the settlement, AllianzGI is required to bear all expenses associated with the transition of these funds, including expenses associated with obtaining necessary shareholder approvals. For more information on these funds, contact shareholder services at (866) 270-7788 or by email at [email protected] . Fund Risks An investment in a fund is subject to risk, including the risk of possible loss of principal. A fund's shares may be worth less upon their sale than what an investor paid for them. Shares of closed-end funds may trade at a premium or discount to their net asset value. For more information about each fund's investment objective and risks, please see the Fund's annual report. A copy of the Fund's most recent annual report may be obtained free of charge by contacting Shareholder Services as set forth at the end of this press release. SOURCE Virtus Artificial Intelligence & Technology Opportunities Fund; Virtus Convertible & Income 2024 Target Term Fund; Virtus Convertible & Income Fund; Virtus Convertible & Income Fund II; Virtus Diversified Income & Convertible Fund; Virtus Equity & Convertible Income Fund; Virtus Dividend, Interest & Premium Strategy Fund Stock Market Symbols GIB (NYSE) GIB.A (TSX) cgi.com/newsroom CGI Federal will support the agency's digital transformation through a position on the Agile Development Support Services (ADSS) IDIQ Contract FAIRFAX, Va., July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has awarded CGI Federal a position on the FCC Agile Development Support Services (ADSS) multiple award, Indefinite-Delivery/Indefinite-Quantity (IDIQ) contract. Under this new contract vehicle, CGI Federal will support the FCC as the agency synchronizes its mission and IT activities, applying agile development methods and cloud-based technologies to support the agency's digital transformation. The FCC's stakeholdersfrom broadband users in rural America to industry leaders looking to increase 5G competitivenesswill benefit from a modern systems life cycle approach, supported by agile development and cloud-based services. CGI Federal's awarded contract runs for an 11-month Base Period and four 12-month Options Periods, and task orders will be competed among the 14 contract awardees against a cumulative ceiling of $203.5 million for all awarded IDIQ contracts. Adopting modern, cloud-based architectures will enable the FCC to deliver on its priorities such as pursuing policies to bring affordable, reliable, high-speed broadband to 100% of the country; promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility; empowering consumers to safely and confidently participate in the digital economy; and advancing America's global competitiveness by promoting investment in and advancement of new communications strategies, such as 5G. Under the IDIQ, FCC Bureaus and Offices will work with industry partners to deliver end-to-end IT services, enabling the agile design, development, implementation, and deployment of IT systems. Individual task orders may encompass modifying or enhancing existing IT systems and services, moving existing systems and services to a cloud environment, or creating new IT systems and services leveraging agile methodologies. "CGI Federal has gained the trust of the FCC not only through our work supporting their core financials and acquisitions processes and its migration to the cloud, but also through our work on the CISA-led Continuous Diagnostics and Mitigation (CDM) contract," stated Stefan Becker, Senior Vice President at CGI Federal. "This new IDIQ contract positions CGI Federal to further support the core mission areas of the FCC and continue to help the agency innovate and deliver new value for its stakeholders." About CGI Federal CGI Federal Inc., a wholly-owned U.S. operating subsidiary of CGI Inc., is dedicated to partnering with federal agencies to provide solutions for defense, civilian, healthcare and intelligence missions. Founded in 1976, CGI is among the largest IT and business consulting services firms in the world. With 84,000 consultants and other professionals across the globe, CGI delivers an end-to-end portfolio of capabilities, from strategic IT and business consulting to systems integration, managed IT and business process services and intellectual property solutions. CGI works with clients through a local relationship model complemented by a global delivery network that helps clients digitally transform their organizations and accelerate results. With Fiscal 2021 reported revenue of C$12.13 billion, CGI shares are listed on the TSX (GIB.A) and the NYSE (GIB). Learn more at cgi.com. Forward-looking information and statements This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities laws and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other applicable United States safe harbors. All such forward-looking information and statements are made and disclosed in reliance upon the safe harbor provisions of applicable Canadian and United States securities laws. Forward-looking information and statements include all information and statements regarding CGI's intentions, plans, expectations, beliefs, objectives, future performance, and strategy, as well as any other information or statements that relate to future events or circumstances and which do not directly and exclusively relate to historical facts. Forward-looking information and statements often but not always use words such as "believe", "estimate", "expect", "intend", "anticipate", "foresee", "plan", "predict", "project", "aim", "seek", "strive", "potential", "continue", "target", "may", "might", "could", "should", and similar expressions and variations thereof. These information and statements are based on our perception of historic trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other assumptions, both general and specific, that we believe are appropriate in the circumstances. Such information and statements are, however, by their very nature, subject to inherent risks and uncertainties, of which many are beyond the control of CGI, and which give rise to the possibility that actual results could differ materially from our expectations expressed in, or implied by, such forward-looking information or forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include but are not restricted to: risks related to the market such as the level of business activity of our clients, which is affected by economic conditions, and our ability to negotiate new contracts; risks related to our industry such as competition and our ability to attract and retain qualified employees, to develop and expand our services, to penetrate new markets, and to protect our intellectual property rights; risks related to our business such as risks associated with our growth strategy, including the integration of new operations, financial and operational risks inherent in worldwide operations, foreign exchange risks, income tax laws, our ability to negotiate favorable contractual terms, to deliver our services and to collect receivables, and the reputational and financial risks attendant to cybersecurity breaches and other incidents; as well as other risks identified or incorporated by reference in this press release, in CGI's annual and quarterly MD&A and in other documents that we make public, including our filings with the Canadian Securities Administrators (on SEDAR at www.sedar.com) and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (on EDGAR at www.sec.gov). For a discussion of risks in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, see Pandemic risks in section 8.1.1. of our Q2 2022 MD&A. Unless otherwise stated, the forward-looking information and statements contained in this press release are made as of the date hereof and CGI disclaims any intention or obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking information or forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. While we believe that our assumptions on which these forward-looking information and forward-looking statements are based were reasonable as at the date of this press release, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking information or statements. Furthermore, readers are reminded that forward-looking information and statements are presented for the sole purpose of assisting investors and others in understanding our objectives, strategic priorities and business outlook as well as our anticipated operating environment. Readers are cautioned that such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. Further information on the risks that could cause our actual results to differ significantly from our current expectations may be found in the section titled "Risk Environment" of CGI's annual and quarterly MD&A, which is incorporated by reference in this cautionary statement. We also caution readers that the above-mentioned risks and the risks disclosed in CGI's annual and quarterly MD&A and other documents and filings are not the only ones that could affect us. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial could also have a material adverse effect on our financial position, financial performance, cash flows, business or reputation. SOURCE CGI Inc. The Company's first Cultivate Next venture fund cohort includes Hyphen and Meati Foods NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE: CMG) today announced it is investing in Hyphen, a foodservice platform designed to help restaurant owners, operators, and budding chefs move their business forward by automating kitchen operations, and Meati Foods, a company focused on using proprietary, clean processes to provide nutritious, complete proteins made from mushroom root, as part of its first cohort for the Cultivate Next venture fund. Cultivate Next is Chipotles $50 million venture fund that intends to make early-stage investments into strategically aligned companies that further the company's mission to Cultivate a Better World. Chipotle is investing in Hyphen and Meati Foods as part of its first cohort for the Cultivate Next venture fund. Hyphen is a foodservice platform designed to help restaurant owners, operators, and budding chefs move their business forward by automating kitchen operations. The companys first product, The Makeline, utilizes advanced robotics and a customized operating system to give busy kitchens a reliable and precise way to make and fulfill orders. Meati Foods serves nutrient-dense whole-food products made from mushroom root. The mushroom roots used in Meati products are grown indoors year-round in an ultra-clean, pure environment that is unexposed to pollutants, pesticides, antibiotics, or growth hormones. Cultivate Next is Chipotle's $50 million venture fund that intends to make early-stage investments into strategically aligned companies that further its mission to Cultivate a Better World and help accelerate Chipotle's aggressive growth plans. As a people-first company, Chipotle is seeking opportunities that will elevate the human experience for its teams as well as increase access and convenience for its guests. Investments may include innovations in farming and supply chain, advanced robotics like Hyphen, alternative proteins like Meati, and more. Hyphen Builds a Link to the Future Hyphen, based in San Jose, CA, believes that modern day kitchens need to move faster without sacrificing quality, accuracy, or hospitality. The company's first product, The Makeline, is an automated system that utilizes advanced robotics and a customized operating system to give busy kitchens a reliable and precise way to make and fulfill orders. The Makeline assembles all digital orders under the counter via automated production while allowing staff to assemble in-house orders from the top of the counter. "Hyphen is reimagining the intersection between makelines and digital kitchens, with a focus on improving speed and order accuracy," said Curt Garner, Chief Technology Officer at Chipotle. "Their use of robotics to enhance the employee and guest experience to find efficiencies in the restaurant industry aligns with our mission of leveraging emerging technology to increase access to real food." "Chipotle's investment in Hyphen will accelerate our hiring plans; allowing us to invest more heavily in R&D, all while providing the necessary infrastructure to scale sustainably," said Stephen Klein, Co-founder and CEO of Hyphen. "We're thrilled to work with Chipotle to find more innovative solutions by removing repetitive tasks from the employee experience so they can focus on creating delicious dishes and providing outstanding hospitality." With its aggressive goal of growing to 7,000 restaurants in North America, Chipotle is committed to ongoing exploration for ways to ease pain points experienced by restaurant employees as demonstrated by its recent test of Chippy, an autonomous kitchen assistant that integrates culinary traditions with artificial intelligence to make tortilla chips. Meati Foods: A New Nutritional Ecosystem Meati Foods, based in Boulder, CO, serves nutrient-dense whole-food products made from mushroom root. The mushroom roots used in Meati products are grown indoors year-round in an ultra-clean, pure environment that is unexposed to pollutants, pesticides, antibiotics, or growth hormones. Meati's products are created in a way that protects and preserves our planet's water, land, and air. "We are excited to support new ways to bring vegetables to the center of the plate though plant-based alternative protein options that mirror Chipotle's Food With Integrity standards," said Garner. "Meati is producing responsibly grown plant-based protein that tastes delicious." "With their industry-leading commitments to sustainability and responsibly-raised ingredients, Chipotle is a likeminded leader in the movement to create sustainable food systems," said Tyler Huggins, Co-founder and CEO of Meati Foods. "Breaking ground on the Cultivate Next venture fund is an important signal of Meati's industry leadership potential, and new investments like this will help us scale operations and our mission-driven team." Plant-powered options have been a priority for Chipotle's ongoing menu innovation over the past few years. Following a successful national launch of Cilantro-Lime Cauliflower Rice in January 2021, which resulted in an incremental sales lift while also attracting new guests, Chipotle announced it is testing Mexican Cauliflower Rice at 60 restaurants in Arizona, Southern California, and Wisconsin for a limited time. What's Next? Chipotle will continue to provide more updates on the Cultivate Next venture fund leading into 2023. Companies interested in collaborating with Chipotle through the Cultivate Next venture fund can apply by emailing [email protected]. ABOUT CHIPOTLE Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE: CMG) is cultivating a better world by serving responsibly sourced, classically-cooked, real food with wholesome ingredients without artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. Chipotle had over 3,000 restaurants as of March 31, 2022, in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France and Germany and is the only restaurant company of its size that owns and operates all its restaurants. Chipotle is ranked on the Fortune 500 and is recognized on the 2022 list for Fortune's Most Admired Companies. With over 100,000 employees passionate about providing a great guest experience, Chipotle is a longtime leader and innovator in the food industry. Chipotle is committed to making its food more accessible to everyone while continuing to be a brand with a demonstrated purpose as it leads the way in digital, technology and sustainable business practices. For more information or to place an order online, visit WWW.CHIPOTLE.COM. ABOUT HYPHEN Hyphen automates meal production and augments labor to increase profitability and efficiency in foodservice; Putting commercial kitchens on autopilot. Hyphen's automated makeline produces over 350 meals an hour while eliminating order defects and cross-contamination. Through its KitchenOS, Hyphen's platform allows restaurants to create recipes in seconds, fulfill multiple orders from digital channels, and assist with kitchen-specific tasks. Customers include some of the world's most innovative restaurant chains, virtual brands, and co-packers. About Meati Founded in 2017, Meati Foods is working to change the way we eat by democratizing access to delicious, nutrient-rich, complete protein in a way that protects and preserves our planet's water, land and air. Eat Meati is the debut product line from Meati Foods featuring whole-food cutlets and steaks made from mushroom root utilizing modernized yet ancient and natural processes in a toxicity-free environment with no heavy metals, pesticides or antibiotics. Eat Meati made its retail debut in July 2022 after multiple months of record sellouts on its direct-to-doorstep online shop, with plans for a national omni-channel footprint by late-2023. Meati's textures and flavors have won the enthusiastic support of some of food's most impactful leaders, chefs and icons. SOURCE Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. MarkMonitor becomes the first and only foreign-owned domain name registrar licensed in Mainland China to offer .com, .cn and .net Top Level Domains LONDON, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Clarivate Plc (NYSE: CLVT), a global leader in providing trusted information and insights to accelerate the pace of innovation, today announced it is the first and only licensed foreign-owned domain name registrar in Mainland China to offer a wide range of Top Level Domains including .com, .net, .cn, ., to companies hosting website content locally. By launching a new registrar service in Mainland China through its industry-leading corporate domain registrar, MarkMonitor Information Technology (Shanghai) Company Limited, Clarivate provides a streamlined domain management solution for customers operating live websites and holding domains in Mainland China. The Chinese e-commerce market is set to reach US$3.3 trillion in 2025.1 However, with security cited as the biggest challenge in domain management, according to a Clarivate report in 2021, organizations seeking a foothold in one of the world's most vibrant online markets have to ensure that security is at the top of their domain management agenda. Gordon Samson, Chief Product Officer, Clarivate, said, "Digital brand identities are among organizations' most valuable assets in today's hyper-connected world. However, online brand value can be compromised due to an ever-growing number of cyber threats. Successful brands recognize these threats and place secure domain management at the core of their digital strategies. Through our leading corporate domain registrar, MarkMonitor, we protect companies from cybersquatting and attacks against domain names by managing and protecting their domain portfolios. At Clarivate, we are on a bold mission to help customers reduce the time from new ideas to life-changing innovations. We are committed to helping our customers unlock the full potential of their corporate domain portfolios with our smart and secure solutions, coupled with unmatched service and expertise. Mainland China is one of the world's intellectual property powerhouses and we are proud to expand our capabilities to better serve our customers and partners in this dynamic and fast-growing region." About Clarivate Clarivate is a global leader in providing solutions to accelerate the pace of innovation. Our bold mission is to help customers solve some of the world's most complex problems by providing actionable information and insights that reduce the time from new ideas to life-changing inventions in the areas of Academia & Government, Life Sciences & Healthcare, Professional Services and Consumer Goods, Manufacturing & Technology. We help customers discover, protect and commercialize their inventions using our trusted subscription and technology-based solutions coupled with deep domain expertise. For more information, please visit clarivate.com. Notes to editors Clarivate continues to expand its presence and investment in Asia. In 2020, MarkMonitor, the leading corporate domain registrar from Clarivate, became a licensed domain registrar in Mainland China . Incopat joined Clarivate and Clarivate acquired Hanlim IPSC, providing customers in China, South Korea and beyond a more comprehensive range of IP solutions and services. Clarivate also powers White Rabbit image solutions to simplify the process of researching image trademarks and better serve Chinese trademark professionals. Clarivate media contact Sofia Nogues, Senior External Communications Manager [email protected] 1 https://www.globaldata.com/chinese-e-commerce-market-reach-us3-3-trillion-2025-says-globaldata/ SOURCE Clarivate Plc Grants Support Downtown, Community Transformations JACKSON, Mich., July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Consumers Energy Foundation is providing $500,000 to help Oxford and Muskegon Heights start major downtown and community transformations. The two communities, in metro Detroit and in West Michigan, will each receive $250,000 from the foundation's annual Prosperity Awards. "These communities are committed to reinventing themselves and have developed plans to grow and prosper. The Consumers Energy Foundation is proud to give them the support they need with these Prosperity Awards," said Brandon Hofmeister, president of the Consumers Energy Foundation. "These awards are designed to strengthen neighborhoods across the state and highlight our own commitment to Michigan's businesses and communities." The two winning projects are: Village of Oxford Downtown Development Authority The Downtown Oxford Community Courtyards & Placemaking project will revitalize the downtown corridor by improving the exteriors and entrances of over 100 businesses, as well as repurpose underused spaces for the community to gather and feel welcome. The Downtown Oxford Community Courtyards & Placemaking project will revitalize the downtown corridor by improving the exteriors and entrances of over 100 businesses, as well as repurpose underused spaces for the community to gather and feel welcome. "On behalf of the Oxford community, we are grateful for the Consumers Energy Foundation and the Prosperity Award," said Kelly Westbrook , Oxford DDA executive director. "This grant will help Oxford create a thoughtfully designed and functional community space with seating, lighting, shade and weather coverage, updated concrete, decorative elements and points of interest. The design is classic and timeless, enhancing the beauty and charm of Oxford's historic district," said Nicolette Shagena , project designer and owner of Caveman & Pip. community, we are grateful for the Consumers Energy Foundation and the Prosperity Award," said , Oxford DDA executive director. "This grant will help create a thoughtfully designed and functional community space with seating, lighting, shade and weather coverage, updated concrete, decorative elements and points of interest. The design is classic and timeless, enhancing the beauty and charm of historic district," said , project designer and owner of Caveman & Pip. City of Muskegon Heights The "Reaching NEW Muskegon Heights" project will improve a central point of the city's downtown, Rowan Park , making it an asset for residents and sparking further development in surrounding areas. Improvements to Rowan Park will include a splash pad, restrooms, fountain and a promenade. The "Reaching NEW Muskegon Heights" project will improve a central point of the city's downtown, , making it an asset for residents and sparking further development in surrounding areas. Improvements to Rowan Park will include a splash pad, restrooms, fountain and a promenade. "We are excited to partner with the Consumers Energy Foundation and Great Muskegon Economic development to fund improvements to Rowan Park. These improvements will complement the drum major sculpture, 'Band Together,' currently being planned for the park," said Muskegon Heights Mayor Walter Watt . "These improvements are one of the first results of the recently approved Reaching NEW Muskegon Heights Vision Plan, a community-developed plan, for downtown Muskegon Heights ." The Prosperity Awards are the second of three $500,000 grant allocations this year totaling $1.5 million. Planet Awards winners were announced in April, and People Awards will be announced later this year. Last year's Prosperity Awards funded a renovation of Flint's Masonic Temple and a community rehabilitation plan in Cadillac. The Consumers Energy Foundation is the charitable arm of Consumers Energy, Michigan's largest energy provider. The Foundation enables communities to thrive and grow by investing in what's most important to Michigan its people, our planet and Michigan's prosperity. In 2021, the Consumers Energy Foundation, Consumers Energy, its employees and retirees contributed more than $17.5 million to Michigan nonprofits. For more information, visit ConsumersEnergy.com/foundation. Consumers Energy is Michigan's largest energy provider, providing natural gas and/or electricity to 6.8 million of the state's 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties. For more information about Consumers Energy, go to ConsumersEnergy.com. Check out Consumers Energy on Social Media Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/consumersenergymichigan Twitter: https://twitter.com/consumersenergy LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/consumersenergy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/consumersenergy SOURCE Consumers Energy HOUSTON, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Coterra Energy Inc. ("Coterra" or the "Company") (NYSE: CTRA) today announced it will host a conference call on Wednesday, August 3, 2022, at 9:00 AM CT (10:00 AM ET) to discuss second-quarter 2022 financial and operating results. The Company plans to announce second-quarter 2022 results after the market closes on Tuesday, August 2, 2022. Conference Call Information Date: Wednesday, August 3, 2022 Time: 10:00 AM ET / 9:00 AM CT Dial-in (for callers in the U.S. and Canada): (888) 550-5424 Int'l dial-in: (646) 960-0819 Conference ID: 3813676 To access the live webcast, visit the "Events & Presentations" page under the "Investors" section of the Company's website at www.coterra.com. The replay will be archived and available at the same location after the conclusion of the live event. About Coterra Energy Coterra is a premier exploration and production company based in Houston, Texas with focused operations in the Permian Basin, Marcellus Shale and Anadarko Basin. We strive to be a leading producer, delivering returns with a commitment to sustainability leadership. Learn more about us at www.coterra.com. SOURCE Coterra Energy Inc. TORONTO, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Specialists from around the world will gather at the Society of NeuroInterventional Surgery's (SNIS) 19th Annual Meeting from July 2529, 2022, in Toronto to discuss groundbreaking research and developments in the field of neurointerventional surgery. The 2022 conference, held during SNIS' 30th anniversary year, will be a hybrid event with in-person and livestreamed content. Meeting session topics will include the role of artificial intelligence and robotics in neurointervention, new techniques for diagnosing, triaging and treating stroke and brain aneurysms, and the effect of COVID-19 on stroke patients. Philip Meyers, MD, FSNIS, a renowned neurointerventionalist who has helped create or characterize many of the devices currently used daily during neurointerventional surgery, will deliver the meeting's Grant Hieshima Luminary Lecture. Dr. Meyers will reflect on the wide-ranging improvements in stroke and aneurysm treatment over the course of his career and on the life and legacy of illustrious neurointerventionalist Grant Hieshima, MD, who died in 2019. In addition, Toronto native and stroke patient Monica Missrie will talk about her path back to her career as an interpreter and conservationist in this year's Amy Walters Lecture. "The pace of innovation in neurointerventional surgery over the past 15 years has not relented even with the pandemic-related challenges. Conferences such as the SNIS Annual Meeting allow for healthy debate, education and collaboration among members which helps to clarify so much of what has occurred in our field this past year," said SNIS President Michael Chen, MD. "I am grateful that our talented colleagues can once again gather online or in person to teach, learn and inspire one another." The 19th Annual Meeting will highlight promising new neurointerventional research, with press releases available on the following abstracts: AI Based Gaze Deviation to Aid LVO Diagnosis in NCCT Towards Self-Steering Microcatheters for Neurointervention Characteristics of a COVID-19 Cohort with Large Vessel Occlusion: A Multicenter International Study Technical and Clinical Outcomes in Distal Occlusion Thrombectomy by Frontline TechniqueA Multicenter Study Real-world Outcomes of Endovascular Thrombectomy for Treatment of Acute Basilar Artery Occlusion in the United States Long-Term Effect of Field Triage on Times to Endovascular Treatment for Emergent Large Vessel Occlusion Prior to the meeting, the society will host the SNIS Women in Neurointervention Leadership Program, led by returning speaker Sara Laschever, an author and expert on women in the workplace, and Leanne Meyer, director of the Carnegie Mellon Women's Executive Leadership Academy. The program will help guide attendees to build their personal leadership brand and strategize to reach their professional goals. When: July 2529, 2022 Where: To register for the conference (in person and virtual), please email [email protected]. Interview: To schedule an interview with SNIS President Dr. Chen or other SNIS physicians, please contact Camille Jewell at [email protected] or 202-248-5460. The Society of NeuroInterventional Surgery (SNIS) is a scientific and educational association dedicated to advancing the specialty of neurointerventional surgery through research, standard-setting, and education and advocacy to provide the highest quality of patient care in diagnosing and treating diseases of the brain, spine, head and neck. Visit www.snisonline.org and follow us on Twitter (@SNISinfo) and Facebook (@SNISOnline). SOURCE Society of NeuroInterventional Surgery In a drive to promote women empowerment and fight against Gender-Based Violence in the country, Ya Kumba's Nest Foundation recently presented two boats and gloves to members of Lamin Women Oysters Association operating at Lamin Bereto and Siaka Tenda in Lamin. Since its formation, the Nest has been instrumental in the fight against Gender-Based Violence and other issues relating to women empowerment to safeguard and protect the interest of children especially the girl child. In the past years, the Nest has also embarked on numerous development initiatives notably: donation of baby items to the first babies at Faji Kunda and Banjulnding Health Facilities. Similarly, the also Nest donated bed sheets and PPEs to the Banjulnding Health Centre and intervened in a rape case that happened in Lamin sometime in June, 2021. At the presentation ceremony, Fatou Demba, a women's representative from Lamin Bereto Tenda, expressed delight to be associated with the event, saying the day marks an important milestone in the history of their association. She acknowledged that harvesting oyster is an old trade that has survived decades and that they inherited from their elders. She reminded that they are not forced into the profession because poverty or hardship, but they want to preserve the trade by following what they found their elders practising. Ya Paulie Sarr from Siaka Tenda also expressed similar sentiment, further commending the benefactor for what she called her foresight and commitment to supporting the cause of women. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Gambia Women Agribusiness By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. She prayed that God Almighty continue to guide and protect her to be able to continue the philanthropic work. For her part, Yakumba Sarr, donor, hailed members of the Lamin Women Oyster Association for the courage, hard work and dedication. She reiterated that members of the association should be commended for preserving the old trade, noting that most of these women used the proceeds generated from the river to sponsor their children in schools. Sarr reminded that government alone cannot do it all thus the need for all to support the development of women in the country. "In whatever we do it is important we give back by contributing to the development of the country. No one will come from outside to come and develop this country for us." She spoke highly of her foundation's readiness to ensure that the goals of empowering women and Gender-based Violence are eradicated in the country. Startup emerges from stealth-mode with $10M valuation from strategic seed investors LOS ANGELES, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Los Angeles-based Cynthia.io (cynthia.io) today announced the soft launch of its cognitive search platform for B2B companies featuring e-commerce and bespoke industry applications that enables businesses to uncover, analyze and act to improve product offerings and business intelligence. The company also announced that it has strategic pre-seed funding from experienced early-stage technology investors. Cynthia.io is an early stage technology company focused on delivering cutting edge Artificial Intelligence to the business landscape. Cynthia.io will use the proceeds from its capital raise to further develop and commercialize its revolutionizing core deep learning technology. The company will continue to partner with businesses in areas of natural language understanding, search, recommendations and predictive analytics using state-of-the-art neural networks and machine learning models. New York City based CMT Portfolio Advisors led the capital round. "We are very excited to join the Cynthia.io family and help to facilitate growth in the areas of artificial intelligence and machine learning. We have reviewed many companies in this sector and believe that Cynthia.io is developing in areas that will create a true paradigm shift for the sector. We are excited to be the first investment group to bring outside capital to Cynthia.io and will work closely with the company on strategy and in an advisory role." says Christophe Thomas, Managing Partner of CMT Portfolio Advisors "We are very pleased to have CMT Portfolio Advisors as our seed investors and honored to have Christophe join our board. Cynthia.io will continue to develop our technology and on-board new customers, large and small, to deliver next generation natural language understanding, search, recommendations and predictive analytics. We will continue to develop customers across many sectors of business. Our general use, and easy-to-adapt AI, will continue to add significant value to all our customers. This initial capital raise will allow our company to create more impact and value across our customer base and position us for future growth." says Bruce Friedman, Co-Founder and CEO of Cynthia.io "I created Cynthia to deliver scalable and inclusive Artificial Intelligence to millions of businesses everywhere in a way which is both socially responsible and environmentally friendly. I am incredibly excited and grateful that CMT Portfolio Advisors has provided the seed round of funding to bring Cynthia to the marketplace and the world." says David Williams, Founder and CTO of Cynthia.io About Cynthia.io Cynthia.io is a generalized, on-demand AI (cognitive search) platform that is auto scaling, optimized and universal. Cynthia.io provides clients with web service APIs and turnkey solutions that deliver immediate and near-effortless business value. Cynthia.io technology provides a broad range of intelligence capabilities, including state-of-the-art natural language understanding and predictive analytics. Cynthia.io offers fully managed development and rapid deployment of machine learning models and AI services. Cynthia.io is proud to be a sponsored member and financial recipient of the Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub. Cynthia.io was founded by AI visionary David Williams in 2021. David serves as Founder/CTO for the company. Cynthia.io is based in Los Angeles and has clients across a wide range of market sectors serving businesses of all sizes. Interested in learning more about how Cynthia.io can add value and supercharge your business? Contact us at [email protected]. About CMT Portfolio Advisors CMT Portfolio Advisors is a New York City based investment firm and family office. CMT invests across several asset classes with a focus on early stage companies including the technology sector. CMT advises its clients in several areas including risk analysis, education, succession planning and structure. CMT is led by managing partner Christophe Thomas, a veteran hedge fund manager. Customer and Investors Inquiries: [email protected] Press and Media Inquiries: Sue McCabe, CMO ([email protected]) SOURCE Cynthia.io Inc Decades of overseas manufacturing leadership strengthening Cornerstone Consulting TOLEDO, Ohio, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- After just four months on the job, Dan Linder is already bolstering Cornerstone Consulting's ability to guide domestic and foreign manufacturing clients out of crisis into new seasons of productivity and profitability. With nearly half of his thirty-plus years of experience in the automotive industry gained in overseas operations, he brings to bear a unique grasp of manufacturing process, corporate governance and the role of local culture in management. CCO welcomes Dan Linder to the team, with expertise in guiding domestic and foreign manufacturing clients out of crisis. Tweet this Dan Linder, Executive VP of Operations & Asia "Dan has been on our radar for years as a leader who perfectly fits our culture and consulting methodology," said Bill Currence, CCO's President & Managing Partner. "As we expected, he's not only strengthening our relationships in North America and Europe, he's already laying the groundwork for us to deliver our pragmatic brand of insight to more companies in Asia." During a career spent building purpose-driven teams in the automotive manufacturing space, Linder's work locations ranged from Mexico and Hungary to Indonesia, India and China. Before joining CCO, he served as VP and GM of Yanfeng Automotive Interiors' North American business unit responsible for 24 manufacturing facilities in the US and Mexico. Previously, he was based in Shanghai, PRC as VP and GM of China for IAC. "Tariffs and supply chain woes notwithstanding, effective manufacturing is still a global undertaking that demands an understanding of local culture and bedrock leadership principals," said Linder, whose bachelor's in mechanical engineering from Michigan State and MBA from the University of Michigan belie his roots in America's manufacturing heartland. "Fortunately, CCO's 'roll up your sleeves and humbly solve the big problems first' approach transcends cultural differences." Linder's experience leading in the joint venture space is especially useful in CCO's consulting engagements that span companies from the shop floor to the c-suite. "When companies are in crisis, they often can't see past their next missed shipment or payment," continued Linder. "Our role is to get our clients healthy again with a mix of tools and techniques that we've applied in real time. Once our focus on correcting critical factors has them back in a stable space, we can shift our attention to the more complicated aspects of their business that can restore profitability and customer confidence. Learn more about the Cornerstone Consulting Organization at CCOConsulting.com. FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT Hannah Hartley, [email protected] SOURCE Cornerstone Consulting Organization Mindshare Selected to Lead Full-Funnel Media and Marketing Approach CHICAGO, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Discover Financial Services has selected Mindshare, the media services company that is part of WPP, as their US media agency of record, in leading audience and media strategy, planning, investment, measurement, and data and analytics. Mindshare will partner closely with Discover to drive a full-funnel marketing and media approach across the full customer journey from awareness through account opening through retention. Mindshare is particularly suited to this work, having successfully completed its integration with global performance agency Neo earlier this year, providing clients with a broader range of transformative media services. "We are thrilled to partner with Discover, a financial services powerhouse that always puts their customers first," says Amanda Richman, North America CEO, Mindshare. "Together, we will help Discover drive business transformation, by connecting brand to performance and purpose to deliver Good Growth." "Working with Mindshare gives Discover a fresh perspective on our media approach and allows us to tap into their strong thought leadership, analytics and measurement capabilities," said Kate Manfred, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at Discover. "As we continue Discover's mission to help people spend smarter, manage debt better and save more so they achieve a brighter financial future, while also pushing to be the leading digital bank and payments partner, it is important to develop a holistic media vision that is appropriate for our highly disruptive industry, and Mindshare is the partner to help us continue to push our thinking." Mercer Island Group led an extensive competitive review of the account. About Mindshare: Mindshare is a media services company that accelerates Good Growth for its clients in the age of transformation. Good Growth is business growth that is enduring and sustainable while also helping to shape society and the world for the better. We accelerate it for our clients by using media as a multiplier to drive sales and maximize marketing investments. We use Precisely Human Intelligence that combines data science and behavioral science to understand consumers and their motivations better and we act on that intelligence by planning media with intention to connect brands with consumers around their shared values. We were the first purpose-built company created by WPP and today our 10,000 people operate in 116 offices in 86 countries, helping to drive Good Growth for our clients, our people, the industry and the world. http://www.mindshareworld.com Instagram and Twitter: @mindshare_usa Facebook : facebook.com/mindshareusa LinkedIn: LinkedIn.com/company/mindshare About Discover Discover Financial Services (NYSE: DFS) is a digital banking and payment services company with one of the most recognized brands in U.S. financial services. Since its inception in 1986, the company has become one of the largest card issuers in the United States. The company issues the Discover card, America's cash rewards pioneer, and offers private student loans, personal loans, home loans, checking and savings accounts and certificates of deposit through its banking business. It operates the Discover Global Network comprised of Discover Network, with millions of merchants and cash access locations; PULSE, one of the nation's leading ATM/debit networks; and Diners Club International, a global payments network with acceptance around the world. For more information, visit www.discover.com/company. SOURCE Mindshare Acquisition of I-9 and Immigration Case Management Software Provider to Further Expand Equifax Workforce Solutions Business ATLANTA, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Equifax (NYSE: EFX) announced today that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire LawLogix, a leading provider of cloud-based I-9 software and immigration case management software, from Hyland. This acquisition will enable Equifax's largest and fastest-growing business, Workforce Solutions, to support employers and law firms with an even more comprehensive set of services as they manage amidst today's complex and rapidly changing employment and regulatory landscape. "Reinvesting our strong cash flow in accretive and strategic bolt-on M&A is central to our EFX2023 growth strategy. This is our eleventh acquisition in the past 18 months and aligns with expanding Equifax capabilities for strong future growth," said Mark W. Begor, CEO of Equifax. "LawLogix will grow the industry-leading suite of employer services within our largest and fastest-growing business: Workforce Solutions. And with the Equifax Cloud, we have the infrastructure in place for rapid integration - helping us to accelerate innovation and provide our customers with access to more capabilities, services and insights than ever before." LawLogix offers two cloud-based software as a service (SaaS) solutions: Guardian and Edge. Guardian helps employers with their Form I-9 and E-Verify requirements while providing a user-friendly I-9 workflow that supports organizations with a distributed workforce. Edge provides immigration law firms, non-profit organizations, and employers with comprehensive immigration case management software, including a customizable, easy-to-use client web portal. These solutions are supported by award-winning customer support representatives. "Equifax helps employers streamline vital processes for onboarding and managing the talent they need to help grow their businesses," added Begor. "The addition of LawLogix further demonstrates our commitment to providing customers with easy-to-use solutions that are grounded in deep industry expertise. We are a New Equifax that is expanding well beyond a traditional credit bureau - and we are just getting started." Based in Phoenix, LawLogix digitizes and streamlines labor-intensive I-9 and immigration processes while helping thousands of organizations, including several of the largest businesses and most recognized immigration law firms in the United States, comply with complicated regulatory frameworks. Its leaders and employees will join the Equifax Workforce Solutions business once the transaction has closed. No other parts of the Hyland business are included in the transaction. "Employers and law firms recognize that the stakes are high when it comes to I-9 and immigration case management," said John Fay, President, LawLogix. "That is why so many rely upon our solutions, which were developed by immigration law experts and are backed by decades of industry experience. We are energized by the opportunities before us, as we leverage Equifax technology and analytics to help benefit our clients and grow the business." The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to close in the third quarter of 2022. The acquisition is not anticipated to have a material impact on 2022 Equifax financial results. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. All statements that address operating performance and events or developments that we expect or anticipate will occur in the future, including statements relating to our ability to successfully consummate the proposed transaction, the expected financial and operational benefits, synergies and growth from the LawLogix acquisition and our ability to integrate LawLogix and its products, services, technologies, IT systems and personnel into our operations, and similar statements about our outlook and our business plans are forward-looking statements. We believe these forward-looking statements are reasonable as and when made. However, forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from our historical experience and our present expectations or projections. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those described in our 2021 Form 10-K and subsequent SEC filings. As a result of such risks and uncertainties, we urge you not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date when made. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. ABOUT EQUIFAX INC. At Equifax (NYSE: EFX), we believe knowledge drives progress. As a global data, analytics, and technology company, we play an essential role in the global economy by helping financial institutions, companies, employers, and government agencies make critical decisions with greater confidence. Our unique blend of differentiated data, analytics, and cloud technology drives insights to power decisions to move people forward. Headquartered in Atlanta and supported by more than 13,000 employees worldwide, Equifax operates or has investments in 25 countries in North America, Central and South America, Europe, and the Asia Pacific region. For more information, visit Equifax.com . ABOUT LAWLOGIX LawLogix assists millions of people every year through its innovative Electronic I-9 Compliance, E-Verify and immigration case management software. Founded in 2000, LawLogix is a trusted SaaS provider for many prestigious immigration law firms, organizations and corporations, including members of the Fortune 500. For more information about LawLogix and its suite of products, visit LawLogix.com . ABOUT HYLAND Hyland is a leading content services provider that enables thousands of organizations to deliver better experiences to the people they serve. For more information, visit Hyland.com . FOR MORE INFORMATION Daniel Jenkins for Equifax Workforce Solutions [email protected]m SOURCE Equifax Inc. Company to Host Conference Call WASHINGTON, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Fannie Mae (OTCQB: FNMA) today announced plans to report its second quarter 2022 financial results on Friday morning, July 29, 2022, before the opening of U.S. financial markets. Fannie Mae will host a conference call to discuss the company's results at 8:00 a.m., ET, on July 29, 2022. The company's second quarter 2022 earnings news release, quarterly report on Form 10-Q, and other supplemental information will be available on the company's Quarterly & Annual Results webpage at fanniemae.com/financialresults. A transcript of the call also will be made available on the page. CONFERENCE CALL PARTICIPATION DETAILS Fannie Mae Second Quarter 2022 Financial Results Event day and time Friday, July 29, 2022 8:00 AM (ET) Listen-only webcast: https://event.webcasts.com/starthere.jsp?ei=1559504&tp_key=a33a03bae8 Click on the link above to attend the presentation from your laptop, tablet, or mobile device. Audio will stream through your selected device. If you have difficulty accessing the webcast, please click the "Listen by Phone" button on the webcast player and dial the number provided. About Fannie Mae Fannie Mae advances equitable and sustainable access to homeownership and quality, affordable rental housing for millions of people across America. We enable the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage and drive responsible innovation to make homebuying and renting easier, fairer, and more accessible. To learn more, visit: fanniemae.com | Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTube | Blog Fannie Mae Newsroom https://www.fanniemae.com/news Photo of Fannie Mae https://www.fanniemae.com/resources/img/about-fm/fm-building.tif Fannie Mae Resource Center 1-800-2FANNIE SOURCE Fannie Mae Long term collaboration agreement to develop the reactor chamber for a commercial projectile fusion power plant OXFORD, England, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- First Light Fusion, the Oxford-based fusion energy pioneer, has entered a long-term collaboration agreement with IDOM, one of the world's largest and most well-renowned engineering firms, to develop engineering plans for a critical part of its pilot power plant. First Light is working with the engineering services leaders on the design of a fusion reactor chamber, as part of its plans to design and build a pilot fusion energy power plant, based on its unique target and projectile technology. IDOM will work closely with First Light's experimental physics and engineering teams to scope the design and provide detailed design analysis and options for the reactor head, the reactor vessel, and its components. Designing the reactor chamber forms a vital step in First Light's plan to launch a pilot plant in the next decade, as part of the company's roadmap for delivering commercial fusion by the 2040s. Once finalised, the kind of reactor being designed with the collaboration of IDOM will be the first of its kind, built specifically for a First Light commercial power plant. First Light has successfully worked with IDOM over the last 12 months on specific project work. This longer-term agreement to develop a fusion reactor chamber will stretch over several years. Headquartered in Spain, IDOM is one of the most respected firms of its kind in the global fusion industry and has worked on a number of other significant fusion projects for public and private clients. This collaboration is led by IDOM UK based in Manchester. The partnership follows First Light's announcement in April, when it confirmed to have achieved fusion for the first time using its unique projectile approach. The company achieved fusion having spent less than 45 million, with a rate of performance improvement faster than any other fusion scheme in history. After demonstrating fusion earlier this year, First Light's plans for a 'gain' demonstrator whereby the amount of energy generated outstrips that used to spark the reaction are advancing rapidly. First Light believes that once it has achieved gain, the next major problem to solve commercial fusion becomes an engineering, rather than a physics one and is working with IDOM on solving a number of those challenges. First Light is working towards a pilot plant producing ~150 MW of electricity and costing less than $1 billion in the 2030s. The company's power plant design involves the target being injected into the reaction chamber, and the projectile launched downwards through the same entrance, so it catches up with and impacts the target at the right moment (see: https://firstlightfusion.com/technology/power-plant). First Light differs from other players by taking a simple approach to fusion, which it believes will accelerate the journey to commercial fusion. This is because it can leverage a large amount of existing engineering to realise its proposed plant design, sidestepping some of the most difficult issues of fusion engineering. Dr Nick Hawker, Co-Founder & CEO of First Light Fusion, said: "We are delighted to be collaborating long term with IDOM, which is well-renowned worldwide for its capabilities and expertise in fusion. Bringing together our teams will accelerate our progress, enabling us to deliver a pilot power plant in the next decade. The reactor chamber is a critical piece of the jigsaw puzzle for bringing commercial fusion to the market. Designing and developing a commercial fusion power plant is a great challenge, but our approach is all about simplicity, and we believe our projectile technology offers the fastest path to power generation from fusion." David Zaragoza, Manager of the Fusion Business of IDOM, said: "First Light have proven their unique projectile technology has the potential to deliver fusion. We are excited to work together to design a reactor chamber. This is in line with our mission to support the development of new approaches to fusion and deliver a fusion power plant to the grid as quickly as we can." For more information, please contact: First Light Fusion Ltd Gianluca Pisanello, Chief Operating Officer +44 (0) 1865 807 670 Powerscourt Group (Public Relations Adviser) Peter Ogden +44 (0) 20 7250 1446 About First Light Fusion First Light Fusion was spun out from the University of Oxford in 2011 to address the urgent need to decarbonise the global energy system. First Light's inertial confinement approach aims to create the extreme temperatures and pressures required for fusion by compressing a target using a hypervelocity projectile. First Light's approach to fusion, which is safe, clean, and virtually limitless, has the potential to transform the world's energy system. Unlike existing nuclear, there is no long-lived waste, no meltdown risk, and raw materials can be found in abundance. About IDOM IDOM is an independent, employee-owned consulting firm. The multi-disciplinary team of engineers working in IDOM's Fusion Business is collaborating in different disciplines with multiple public and private actors aiming at achieving fusion energy production. SOURCE First Light Fusion FiscalNote ESG Solutions Provides Cutting-Edge AI-Powered Technology - Combined With Global Advisory Services, Essential News & Analysis, and Community/Peer Insights - to Equip Organizations to Become Sustainability Leaders FiscalNote ESG Solutions is a Complete ESG360 Platform and Advisory Service to Organize and Manage Carbon and Climate, Plus All Things ESG - Resulting in Efficient Workflows, Auditable Reporting and Disclosures, and the Proactive Management of Global Risk and Opportunity WASHINGTON, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- At a time when organizations around the world are facing increased internal and external pressure to meet environmental, social, and governance ("ESG") targets, standards, and requirements, FiscalNote - a leading AI-driven enterprise SaaS company that delivers legal and regulatory data and insights - today unveiled "FiscalNote ESG Solutions", a suite of technology-driven services, data, advisory, and community to help guide and empower customers to manage their ESG goals, risks, and opportunities. FiscalNote ESG Solutions is a holistic, multi-dimensional suite, which brings together critical ESG assets, tools, products, and services to super-serve every organization's ESG needs at every stage of their ESG journey. Its broad and impactful combination of essential ESG tools and workflows includes: AI-powered Platform : Helps organizations streamline and unify carbon, climate and ESG data management across their operations, supply chain, and portfolio. Clients are able to build audit-ready ESG reports, benchmark against peers in real time, and carry out goal-setting exercises on a central platform. Customers are on-track to reduce time spent on ESG data collection and management by over 50%. Helps organizations streamline and unify carbon, climate and ESG data management across their operations, supply chain, and portfolio. Clients are able to build audit-ready ESG reports, benchmark against peers in real time, and carry out goal-setting exercises on a central platform. Customers are on-track to reduce time spent on ESG data collection and management by over 50%. Global ESG Advisory Services: Comprises seasoned Climate and ESG strategists who are equipped to help improve ESG awareness for customers while providing mission-critical intelligence and advising on strategies, operations, policies, and investments. These advisory services cover a wide range of topics and thought leadership - such as materiality assessments, path to achieving net-zero goals, integration of social goals into environmental initiatives, calculating the ROI on ESG efforts, and more. Comprises seasoned Climate and ESG strategists who are equipped to help improve ESG awareness for customers while providing mission-critical intelligence and advising on strategies, operations, policies, and investments. These advisory services cover a wide range of topics and thought leadership - such as materiality assessments, path to achieving net-zero goals, integration of social goals into environmental initiatives, calculating the ROI on ESG efforts, and more. Essential ESG Intelligence : Encompasses news, research, and analysis, including the flagship monthly ESG Landscape Monitor report and tailored briefings. This differentiated intelligence enables organizations to leverage the expertise of editorial staff, in-house analysts, and policy specialists from a portfolio of market-leading brands all under one roof - to help them understand evolving ESG issues and policies from around the globe in real time. : Encompasses news, research, and analysis, including the flagship monthly ESG Landscape Monitor report and tailored briefings. This differentiated intelligence enables organizations to leverage the expertise of editorial staff, in-house analysts, and policy specialists from a portfolio of market-leading brands all under one roof - to help them understand evolving ESG issues and policies from around the globe in real time. Community & Peer ESG Insights and Best Practices: Provides unbiased peer insights through a confidential, vendor-free membership community to quickly make informed strategic decisions on ESG standards, climate regulations, philanthropy and volunteerism, communicating impact, and more. Even as the focus on ESG increases everyday, organizations struggle to set and meet their sustainability targets because they can't find the right tech stack, guidance, or insights. Through FiscalNote ESG Solutions' hybrid approach to tackling ESG challenges, global organizations such as Dole, Vizio, Califia Farms, T-Mobile, PayPal, and Conagra Brands are already enhancing and transforming their strategies and embedding ESG into the DNA of their business operations. FiscalNote today also announced it will be expanding FiscalNote ESG Solutions to the critical APAC marketplace, expanding its global footprint with simultaneous debuts in both Singapore and Australia. "At FiscalNote, our mission is to empower organizations with mission-critical insights and the tools to turn them into action, which has become critically important for companies and organizations looking to stay ahead of the evolving ESG landscape. With the launch of the FiscalNote ESG Solutions, we aim to help companies succeed in their ESG goals by empowering them across each stage of their ESG journeys. We are excited not only about the business potential for FiscalNote ESG Solutions in a rapidly emerging and regulated market, but in the opportunity to enable companies to drive real, measurable, and value-led ESG impact to their business and to the larger global community," said Gerald Yao, FiscalNote's Co-founder and Global Head of ESG. "In a global ESG marketplace that has only become more complex through shareholder activism, increased regulatory and legislative activity, and a desire by organizations to meet internal and external sustainability standards, FiscalNote ESG Solutions uniquely combines AI technology, data, and expert and peer insights to help customers stay ahead of rapidly evolving political, corporate, and regulatory requirements," said Josh Resnik, President & COO, FiscalNote. "FiscalNote's combined portfolio of existing and newly acquired solutions a direct result of our innovative product development and our aggressive, acquisitive strategy continues to pay dividends for our customers." About FiscalNote ESG Solutions FiscalNote ESG Solutions is the most comprehensive ESG platform and advisory solution in the market helping organizations become sustainability leaders from getting started with strategic insights, benchmarking, and reporting to embedding ESG into an organization's DNA. FiscalNote ESG Solutions brings together Equilibrium's AI-powered platform, award-winning analysis, global advisory, and a peer community to help an organization achieve its ESG goals. Visit: fiscalnote.com/esg . About FiscalNote FiscalNote is a leading technology provider of global policy and market intelligence. By uniquely combining AI technology, actionable data, and expert and peer insights, FiscalNote empowers customers to manage policy, address regulatory developments, and mitigate global risk. Since 2013, FiscalNote has pioneered technology that delivers mission-critical insights and the tools to turn them into action. Home to CQ, Equilibrium, FrontierView, Oxford Analytica, VoterVoice, and many other industry-leading brands, FiscalNote serves more than 5,000 customers worldwide with global offices in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. To learn more about FiscalNote and its family of brands, visit FiscalNote.com and follow @FiscalNote. Media Contact Nicholas Graham FiscalNote [email protected] SOURCE FiscalNote Local Building Services Leader Continues to Structure for Growth SOLON, Ohio, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Gardiner, a leader in HVAC & building services in Northern Ohio, today announced key executive team roles and expanded responsibilities as it structures for continued growth. The moves announced today include: Todd Barnhart to President, Chief Executive Officer Barnhart, who has served as the company's President since 2017, has now officially added the title of Chief Executive Officer. The CEO role was last filled by Bob Case, who retired from the organization in 2020. For Barnhart, who also purchased majority interest in 2020, the move is less about him and more about the organization around him. "The last couple years, we've been focused on empowering our leaders to lead," said Barnhart. "The trust and confidence that I have in our team really allows me to take on a role that is more focused on our growth, strategic direction and to ensure that we're delivering on our mission for our clients and associates. This is just part of our ongoing plan to make Gardiner the strongest organization we can for the next 60+ years." Rob MacKinlay to EVP, CFO and Chief Operating Officer MacKinlay, who joined Gardiner in 2020, has the added role of Chief Operating Officer with responsibility for all of the company's business operations. Bringing more than 20 years of broad business and leadership experience, MacKinlay has already demonstrated substantial impact on both strategy and day-to-day operations. He also led the company's first major acquisition as it acquired Continental Fire & Security in January. "What Rob has brought to the organization has been invaluable," Barnhart said. "We're in a much stronger position today and Rob's leadership has already positively impacted how we run our business. His experience and expertise is critical not only to me, but to the team we're counting on to get the job done. Rob lives the idea of servant leadership every day and the COO role was a natural progression." Dan Babic to Chief Commercial Officer Babic rounds out the executive team with added responsibility for sales, along with marketing and client experience as Chief Commercial Officer. Having held global sales and marketing leadership roles at other organizations, Babic returned to Gardiner in 2016 and helped to lead the company's successful transition to its partnership with Daikin and later to navigate the Gardiner's pandemic strategy. "With his versatility and blend of skills, Dan plays a key role in leading our team," Barnhart said. "The CCO role puts a focus on our clients to ensure that we're aligned as a company on delivering the full value of Gardiner to those clients. Dan's strategic vision and perspective in that role will help us to continue to grow and develop in our sales and marketing leadership as well as our overall client experience." About Gardiner Gardiner is a full-service HVAC, building technology and services company serving Northern Ohio's commercial, industrial and institutional facilities, engineers and contractors since 1962. More than 2,500 clients in Northern Ohio trust Gardiner to solve their building comfort, reliability, air quality, energy, fire & security, facilities planning, and project funding challenges. Gardiner's team consists of more than 250 local associates with five offices across the Cleveland, Akron/Canton, Toledo and Youngstown areas. To learn more, visit www.whgardiner.com. Media Contact: Kayla Franczak 440-248-3400 [email protected] SOURCE Gardiner KING OF PRUSSIA, Pa., July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- GeoBlue, the leader in high-tech, high-touch health insurance solutions for the globally mobile, was named a Best Travel Plan for Summer Travel by International Citizens Insurance (International Citizens). International Citizens Insurance judged each company and plan on six key criteria: the user-friendliness of their site, the ease of policy purchase, the number of countries plans are offered in, how extensive the benefits are, the ease of making a claim and the quality of the company's customer service. GeoBlue, the leader in high-tech, high-touch health insurance solutions for the globally mobile, was named a Best Travel Plan for Summer Travel by International Citizens Insurance (International Citizens). Tweet this "This summer travel season promises a high level of demand and strong potential for travel disruptions," said Joe Cronin, president of International Citizens. "Travelers want travel insurance they can trust to help them if they suffer a cancellation, a delay, lost luggage, a natural disaster, or have to change plans due to a positive COVID test. With this list, they will be able to find the best overall travel insurers as well as the best one for their individual needs." GeoBlue was selected because of their flexible plan options for travelers up to age 84 and coverage of medical evacuation due to pre-existing conditions. "We're excited to see that GeoBlue was named one of the Best Travel Plans for Summer by International Citizens. As one of the few insurers that covers medical evacuation due to pre-existing conditions, we know how critical this coverage is for travelers who experience unforeseen medical events when outside the United States," said Don Van Scyoc, vice president, individual sales at GeoBlue. "We appreciate International Citizens recognizing GeoBlue for offering this important benefit in their list of Best Travel Insurance Plans." Learn more about the best travel insurance companies at https://www.internationalinsurance.com/travel-insurance/best-companies.php. About GeoBlue Owned and backed by 15 Blue Cross Blue Shield companies and Bupa Global, GeoBlue is the trade name for the international health insurance programs of Worldwide Insurance Services, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, GeoBlue's purpose is to simplify the international healthcare experience for the globally mobile. GeoBlue members have access to one of the largest care networks in the world, coupled with high-tech, high-touch services that enable them to fulfill their international aspirations. Whether it's executives doing business in Tokyo, students studying in Spain, or tourists traveling the world, the power of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield brand is always within reach. To learn more, visit https://about.geo-blue.com. Media Inquiries: Lynn Pina, Chief Marketing Officer, GeoBlue [email protected] | +1- 610-263-3061 SOURCE GeoBlue DUBLIN, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Calibration Services Markets. Strategies and Trends with Forecasts by Type of Calibration, by Industry and by Country. Includes Custom Analysis and World Metropolitan Area Market Sizes." report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. A growing market. Key growth drivers. An industry protected from economic cycles. An industry-driven forward by increasing global regulations and security. The future of the calibration services industry is explored with detailed market forecasts and strategic analysis. Worldwide Metropolitan Market sizes are included with every report. This edition of the industry-standard report provides valuable information and insight. The report doesn't just look at market size. It examines key operational principles and industry best practices provided by industry veterans. Look at acquisition and divestiture opportunities. Revise pricing and service terms. Develop new service packaging and offerings. Consider integrated marketing programs. All the important facts are here. Industry growth rates. Geographic, instrumentation and industry breakdowns of market size. Explore the potential of the industry and gain an appreciation of the big picture for a relatively new industry that is expanding onto a global stage. Recent Market Activity Autel US Expands ADAS Calibration Coverage New Chairman of the Board at Transcat, Inc Transcat, Inc. Acquires Calibration Software Company Vision Engineering's Cal Lab Attains ISO 17025:2017 NMI Metrology is Expanding Calibration Services across Nigeria Mitutoyo America Corporation Introduces New Processor Package with Profile Projector Transcat Acquires TTE Laboratories, Inc Michigan State Police launch investigation of breathalyzer calibration State Police launch investigation of breathalyzer calibration Endress+Hauser builds new Calibration Laboratory Transcat acquires Infinite Integral Solutions Inc. Keysight opens new calibration facility Transcat Acquires Gauge Repair Service Trescal Announces 3 Aquisitions Newbow Aerospace Expands Calibration Laboratory Instron's Calibration Laboratory goes global Trescal Acquires QTI and QTI Validaciones Trescal Announces 2 Acquisitions Cross Company Acquires J. A. King Trescal Acquires Diamond Technical and Acteam Boonton Electronics and Noisecom Receive ISO 17025: Accreditation Transcat Acquires Angel's Instrumentation Inc. Trescal and Stahlwille UK sign partnership agreement Laboratory Testing Inc. Acquires TAC Technical Instrument Trescal Acquires Metriccontrol Keysight Technologies Acquires Thales Calibration Services Transcat Acquires NBS Calibrations Market Overview Manufacturer Practices Difference Between Manufacturer and other Vendors Difference Between Electronic and Mechanical Segments Accreditation Accreditation Recognition Two Tiered Accreditation Standard Segments and Capability An Overview of Segmentation Practice Segmentation by Company Size On-site Service as a Segment Industry Structure and Participants The International System of Measurement - A Primer Current Industry Participants Industry Structure Geographic Influences Geographic Preference Implications for Laboratory Management Growing Demand for On Site Service Market Trends Factors Driving Growth Impact of Climate Change Factors Inhibiting Growth Recalibrate Versus Replace The Changing Role of the Manufacturer The Position of Trust Customers Have an Equipment Management Need Effect on Repair Demand Manufacturer's Rethink Service and Support Services Packaging Services Packaging Today and Tomorrow Reduced Services Play a Role Basic Calibration Changes The Role of On Line Value Added Services Change in Demand for Accreditation Pricing for On Site to Change Contract Agreements to Change Technology Development Three Important Technology Developments Calibration Services Look to Installed Base Calibration Intervals Change Impact of Self Calibration Pricing and Business Development Calibration Service Pricing and Plans Variable Factors in a Calibration Service Fee Based Pricing Approaches to Pricing Pricing and Geography Surcharges Limited Calibration Volume Discounts Mobile Pricing Service Plans Asset Management Customer Commitment Personnel Rental Promotion Sales Promotion Practice A Calibration Services Marketing System Services Marketing Program Tools Company Website and Marketing Strategy Customer Service Customer Service Measurement Teamwork in Customer Service The Role of Leadership Merger and Acquisition Economies of Scale Caveats and Factors Unfavourable to Merger Activity Industry Segmentation Analysis Aerospace/Defense Agriculture and Food Production Automotive Biomedical/Pharmaceutical Communication General Manufacturing High Technology Material Production Key Players ABB Ametek Beamex Bruel & Kjaer Consumers Energy e2b calibration Emerson Endress & Hauser ESSCO Calibration Laboratory Fluke GE Kaye Innocal ( Cole Parmer ) ) Instron J. A. King Keysight Technologies Lockheed Martin Mettler-Toledo/Troemner Micro Precision Calibration Optical Test and Calibration Rhode & Schwarz SGS Siemens Simco Technical Maintenance Inc. Tektronix Teseq Tradinco Instruments Transcat Trescal "I recommend it as a planning tool for any organization that provides calibration services." - Dr. Malcolm Smith, Board Member NACLA, Committee Chair NCSLI For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/g1z5l6 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 South Africa: Government doing everything in its power to address load shedding Government is doing everything it can to address the countrys problem of load shedding, says Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) Director-General Phumla Williams. However, Williams said there is an energy crisis at Eskom, which is not going to be resolved overnight, adding that experts in the field have said solutions are not going to be immediate. This comes as Solidarity responded to the Department of Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhans call made during the 2022/2023 Budget Vote, where the Minister highlighted that among the challenges faced by Eskom is the lack of engineering and technical skills. In their response, Solidarity offered to provide a list of names of skilled and experienced technical South Africans to assist with this challenge. I must emphasise that the call for South Africans who have the expertise to come forward is not new and is definitely not confined to Solidarity. Government is hard at work solving the myriad issues facing the country, including the crisis at Eskom. We urge South Africans to keep calm, as all the challenges facing our country are being addressed with great urgency, she said. WATCH | Interview with GCIS DG Phumla Williams In an interview with SAnews.gov.za, Williams said Minister Gordhan is not involved in the selection or human resources processes. This is a function of Eskom, and all processes will be carried out within the ambit of the law. Eskom knows which processes to follow when it comes to the deployment of the experts, she said. The Director-General explained that skilled South Africans with the relevant experience and expertise to assist Eskom or any other area is open to all. Every South African has a role to play and those that have the skill should assist to make the country better, she said. Calling upon expertise from retired professionals or those outside of government is not a new practice. In fact, it was recently done during the COVID-19 pandemic, where retired nurses were called upon to assist, said Williams. Every South African has a role to play to make South Africa great. We must all play our part, offer our skills and expertise to address challenges we face as a country. By working together, we achieve more and leave no one behind, she said. Yesterday, at the Black Industrialist and Exporters Conference held at the Sandton Convention Centre, President Cyril Ramaphosa said relevant departments and entities are working on an integrated set of measures to add additional power to the grid in the shorted possible time. Government is engaged in consultations with social partners on these measures and will soon be able to announce a package of measures that provides an effective response to our energy crisis, President Ramaphosa said. SAnews.gov.gov.za This story has been published on: 2022-07-21. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. The Gambia Police Force has announced the arrest of two individuals in the persons of Cherno Mbye and Kibily Dambelly in connection with the death of a 2-year-old boy who's currently the subject of a rape case involving Bubacarr Keita. The police in a statement, said: "The two were arrested for their role or involvement in the incident leading to the death of the child. They are currently helping police in their investigations." "The child, 2-year-old Muhammed, was son of Fatou Ngoneh Mbye, a resident of Latri Kunda Sabiji, and currently a subject of an alleged rape trial at the Bundung High Court involving Bubacarr Bob Keita as accused person." "On Sunday 10th July 2022, disturbing reports were received concerning the untimely death of the said child under negligent circumstances prompting the police to open a swift probe into the circumstances surrounding the incident." "An investigation panel was quickly constituted to thoroughly investigate the case with a view to prosecute all individuals found wanting in the death of the child." "Facts revealed that on Sunday 3rd July 2022 between 16:00hrs and 17:00hrs at Brusubi in the West Coast Region; the child (Muhammed) was left inside a vehicle unattended with doors and windows locked." "The child passed out in the vehicle and was rushed to Afrimed clinic, then later referred to Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital and subsequently flown to Dakar on Monday 4th July 2022. He was accompanied to Dakar by Sainabou Mbye (sister to Fatou Ngoneh Mbye) where he died eventually." Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Gambia Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Subsequently, the panel took immediate steps as follows: 1. Home visit was conducted at the family house of Sainabou Mbye when news of the death of the child in Dakar was confirmed. 2. Two individuals namely Cherno Mbye and Kibily Dambelly were arrested for their role or involvement in the incident leading to the death of the child. They are currently helping police in their investigations. 3. Several witnesses have been interviewed and their statements taken to corroborate facts and issues regarding the incident. 4. Sainabou Mbye has been contacted in Dakar to expedite her return with the deceased for autopsy and further medical examination to be carried out. However, she is yet to return to The Gambia. 5. The IGP's office has initiated contact through Interpol to swiftly facilitate her return to The Gambia with the deceased. "The public is hereby re-assured that all necessary measures will be taken to ensure the incident preceding the death of the child is diligently investigated and individuals found wanting shall face the full force of the law." "The public is further reminded to continue exercising restraint and never must they take the law into their own hands." "Members of the public are encouraged to cooperate and provide any relevant information that may be useful to the investigation." DUBLIN , July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Global Fiber Optic Test Equipment Growth Opportunities" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. Global fiber optic test equipment (FOTE) market will experience a 5.0% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from 2021 to 2028. The objective of this study is to identify the most prevalent trends impacting the FOTE market in the base year 2021 and to identify which factors will drive and restrain market growth during the forecast period of 2022 to 2028. In particular, discussion covers the product areas that will bolster growth during this time frame. To complete this analysis, the analyst spoke with senior management at FOTE manufacturers and conducted secondary research. Discussion highlights: In-depth analysis with market sizing of product segments: optical time domain reflectometer (OTDR), optical light source (OLS), optical power meter (OPM), fiber inspection probe (FIP), optical loss test set (OLTS), remote fiber test system (RFTS), optical spectrum analyzer (OSA), and others. Others include polarization mode dispersion (PMD) test equipment, tunable laser (TL), coarse wavelength division multiplexing (CWDM), dense wave division multiplexing (DWDM), and chromatic dispersion (CD). Application segment analysis: research & development (R&D), manufacturing, and field. End-user analysis: Telecommunication companies and carriers, enterprises, cable television service providers, government and defense, fiber-optic component (FO comp) and cable manufacturers, and independent research laboratories (IR labs). The research also includes market growth forecasts by region and by segment as well as an in-depth analysis of the competitive landscape including vendors' market share. With new technologies introduced, test equipment is getting more innovative and priced higher than basic instruments. Vendors that are able to offer a variety of benchtop and portable instruments will be able to balance their portfolios and address end-user applications and customer needs accordingly. This study offers a holistic picture of the top opportunities and challenges the FOTE test equipment vendors face globally. Key Topics Covered: 1. Strategic Imperatives Why is it Increasingly Difficult to Grow? The Strategic Imperative The Impact of the Top 3 Strategic Imperatives on the Global Fiber Optic Test Equipment (FOTE) Industry Growth Opportunities Fuel the Growth Pipeline Engine 2. Growth Opportunity Analysis-Global FOTE Market Global Fiber Optic Test Equipment Market: Scope of Analysis Global FOTE Market Product Segmentation Key Competitors for Global FOTE Market Key Growth Metrics for Global FOTE Market Distribution Channels for Global FOTE Market Growth Drivers for Global FOTE Market Growth Restraints for Global FOTE Market Forecast Assumptions-Global FOTE Market Revenue Forecast-Global FOTE Market Revenue Forecast by Product-Global FOTE Market Product Revenue Share-Global FOTE Market Revenue Forecast by Region-Global FOTE Market Revenue Forecast by Industry Vertical-Global FOTE Market Revenue Forecast by Industry Application-Global FOTE Market Revenue Forecast Analysis-Global FOTE Market Revenue Forecast Analysis by Region-Global FOTE Market Revenue Forecast Analysis by Industry Vertical-Global FOTE Market Revenue Forecast Analysis by Industry Application-Global FOTE Market Pricing Trends and Forecast Analysis-Global FOTE Market Competitive Environment-Global FOTE Market Revenue Share-Global FOTE Market Revenue Share Analysis-Global FOTE Market 3. Growth Opportunity Analysis-OTDR Key Growth Metrics for OTDR Revenue Forecast-OTDR Forecast Analysis-OTDR Revenue Share-OTDR 4. Growth Opportunity Analysis-OLS Key Growth Metrics for OLS Revenue Forecast-OLS Forecast Analysis-OLS Revenue Share-OLS 5. Growth Opportunity Analysis-OPM Key Growth Metrics for OPM Revenue Forecast-OPM Forecast Analysis-OPM Revenue Share-OPM 6. Growth Opportunity Analysis-OLTS Key Growth Metrics for OLTS Revenue-OLTS Forecast Analysis-OLTS Revenue Share-OLTS 7. Growth Opportunity Analysis-RFTS Key Growth Metrics for RFTS Revenue Forecast-RFTS Forecast Analysis-RFTS Revenue Share-RFTS 8. Growth Opportunity Analysis-FIP Key Growth Metrics for FIP Revenue Forecast-FIP Forecast Analysis-FIP Revenue Share-FIP 9. Growth Opportunity Analysis-OSA Key Growth Metrics for OSA Revenue Forecast-OSA Forecast Analysis-OSA Revenue Share-OSA 10. Growth Opportunity Analysis-Others Key Growth Metrics for Others Revenue Forecast-Others Forecast Analysis-Others Revenue Share-Others 11. Growth Opportunity Analysis-FOTE: North America Key Growth Metrics for FOTE-North America Revenue Forecast for FOTE-North America Revenue Forecast by Product for FOTE-North America Revenue Forecast by Industry Vertical for FOTE-North America Revenue Forecast by Application for FOTE-North America Revenue Share-North America 12. Growth Opportunity Analysis-FOTE: Europe Key Growth Metrics for FOTE-Europe Revenue Forecast for FOTE-Europe Revenue Forecast by Product for FOTE-Europe Revenue Forecast by Industry Vertical for FOTE-Europe Revenue Forecast by Application for FOTE-Europe Revenue Share-Europe 13. Growth Opportunity Analysis-FOTE: APAC Key Growth Metrics for FOTE-APAC Revenue Forecast for FOTE-APAC Revenue Forecast by Product for FOTE-APAC Revenue Forecast by Industry Vertical for FOTE-APAC Revenue Forecast by Application for FOTE-APAC Revenue Share-APAC 14. Growth Opportunity Analysis-FOTE: Rest of World Key Growth Metrics for FOTE-Rest of World Revenue Forecast for FOTE-Rest of World Revenue Forecast by Product for FOTE-Rest of World Revenue Forecast by Industry Vertical for FOTE-Rest of World Revenue Forecast by Application for FOTE-Rest of World Revenue Share-Rest of World 15. Growth Opportunity Universe-FOTE Growth Opportunity 1: Infrastructure Growth for 5G and Potential 6G Technologies Driving FOTE Growth Growth Opportunity 2: Platform-based Product Solutions Bolstering FOTE Growth Growth Opportunity 3: Enterprises Enabling New Growth Opportunities for Handheld and Benchtop FOTE For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/j8nxdk 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: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/539438/Research_and_Markets_Logo.jpg SOURCE Research and Markets SEATTLE, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- According to Coherent Market Insights, the global polymerase chain reaction market is estimated to be valued at US$ 5,627.9 million in 2022 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 8.9% during the forecast period (2022-2030). Key Trends and Analysis of the Global Polymerase Chain Reaction Market: Major Key players are involved in several collaborations to expand their geographical horizon and increase patient reach. For instance, in March 2018, Akonni Biosystems Inc., a molecular diagnostics (MDx) company and a Chinese in-vitro diagnostics company: Righton signed a commercial agreement, which enables Righton to sell Akonni's TruDiagnosis and TruTip Nucleic Acid Purification Kits in China. TruDiagnosis is based on proprietary on-slide PCR and gel-drop microarray technology. In January 2018, Thermo Fisher Scientific and Illumina, Inc., signed a commercial agreement. Under the agreement, Thermo Fisher will provide Ion AmpliSeq technology to Illumina for research purpose. Moreover, in December 2017, Genome Diagnostics (GenDx) signed a global reseller agreement with Thermo Fisher Scientific, assigning GenDx as a non-exclusive reseller of Thermo Fisher's QuantStudio real-time PCR instrument. Under the agreement, GenDx will market the QuantStudio real-time PCR in the Netherlands and other European countries. Thus, significant organic and inorganic growth strategies by various key players is driving growth of the global polymerase chain reaction market. Request Sample Copy of this Report @ https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-sample/1546 Key Market Takeaways: The global polymerase chain reaction market is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 8.9% during the forecast period due to the increasing adoption of inorganic growth strategies such as acquisition by the key players in the market. For instance, in March 2021 , Agilent Technologies Inc., the U.S. based analytical instrumentation development and manufacturing company acquired Resolution Bioscience Inc., a leader in the development and commercialization of next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based precision oncology solutions and expands Agilent's capabilities in NGS-based cancer diagnostics and provides the company with innovative technology to further serve the needs of the fast-growing precision medicine market. Under the terms of the agreement, Agilent will pay US$ 550 million in cash at closing and up to an additional US$ 145 million based on achieving future performance milestones. is expected to exhibit a CAGR of during the forecast period due to the increasing adoption of inorganic growth strategies such as acquisition by the key players in the market. For instance, in , Agilent Technologies Inc., the U.S. based analytical instrumentation development and manufacturing company acquired Resolution Bioscience Inc., a leader in the development and commercialization of next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based precision oncology solutions and expands Agilent's capabilities in NGS-based cancer diagnostics and provides the company with innovative technology to further serve the needs of the fast-growing precision medicine market. Under the terms of the agreement, Agilent will pay in cash at closing and up to an additional based on achieving future performance milestones. Among end user, academic and research laboratories hold largest market share, owing to the increasing adoption of inorganic strategies like acquisition for need of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) system in advanced laboratory testing and research services. For instance, in February 2022 , Labcorp, the U.S. based Testing Laboratories Company, acquired Personal Genome Diagnostics, a leader in cancer genomics with a portfolio of comprehensive liquid biopsy and tissue-based products. These acquisition helps addition of PGDx and its technology complements and accelerates Labcorp's existing liquid biopsy capabilities and expands Labcorp's leading oncology portfolio of next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based genomic profiling capabilities, positioning Labcorp at the forefront of driving better patient outcomes in oncology. , Labcorp, the U.S. based Testing Laboratories Company, acquired Personal Genome Diagnostics, a leader in cancer genomics with a portfolio of comprehensive liquid biopsy and tissue-based products. These acquisition helps addition of PGDx and its technology complements and accelerates Labcorp's existing liquid biopsy capabilities and expands Labcorp's leading oncology portfolio of next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based genomic profiling capabilities, positioning Labcorp at the forefront of driving better patient outcomes in oncology. Among region, North America holds the largest share, owing to increasing adoption of inorganic strategies like merger and acquisition by the key players in the market in that region. For instance, in January 2021 , Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., the U.S. based company of scientific instrumentation, reagents and consumables, and software services acquired Mesa Biotech, Inc., a privately held molecular diagnostic company. Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. acquired Mesa Biotech, Inc. for developing and commercialized a PCR-based rapid point-of-care testing platform available for detecting infectious diseases including SARS-CoV-2, Influenza A and B, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and Strep A. Moreover, in June 2021 , Veracyte, the U.S. based Biotech company acquired HalioDx, an immuno-oncology diagnostics company, gaining a portfolio of immune assessment solutions and accelerate growth and strengthen Veracyte's global leadership in cancer diagnostics. Request for Customization @ https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-customization/1546 Detailed Segmentation: Global Polymerase Chain Reaction Market, By Product Type: Instruments Real Time PCR Digital PCR Others Reagents and consumables Global Polymerase Chain Reaction Market, By End User: Clinical Diagnostics Academic and Research Laboratories Forensic Laboratories Others Global Polymerase Chain Reaction Market, By Region: North America By Country: U.S. Canada Europe By Country: U.K. Germany Italy France Spain Russia Rest of Europe Asia Pacific By Country: China India Japan ASEAN Australia South Korea Rest of Asia Pacific Latin America By Country: Brazil Mexico Argentina Rest of Latin America Middle East & Africa By Country: GCC Countries Israel South Africa Rest of Middle East & Africa Company Profiles F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. * Company Highlights Products Portfolio Key Highlights Financial Performance Strategies Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. Agilent Technologies, Inc. BioMerieux, S.A. Enzo Life Science, Inc. Abbott Laboratories Takara Bio Inc. Becton, Dickinson and Company Danaher Corporation Buy this Complete Report Now @ https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/buy-now/1546 About Us: Coherent Market Insights is a global market intelligence and consulting organization focused on assisting our plethora of clients achieve transformational growth by helping them make critical business decisions. We are headquartered in India, having sales office at global financial capital in the U.S. and sales consultants in United Kingdom and Japan. Our client base includes players from across various business verticals in over 57 countries worldwide. We create value for clients through our highly reliable and accurate reports. We are also committed in playing a leading role in offering insights in various sectors post-COVID-19 and continue to deliver measurable, sustainable results for our clients. Contact Us: Mr. Raj Shah Senior Client Partner Business Development Coherent Market Insights Phone: US: +1-206-701-6702 UK: +44-020-8133-4027 Japan: +81-050-5539-1737 India: +91-848-285-0837 Email: [email protected] Website: https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com Follow Us: LinkedIn | Twitter Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/902389/Coherent_Market_Insights_Logo.jpg SOURCE Coherent Market Insights The global rodent control market is expected to witness substantial growth in forecast period, due to the rapid urbanization and surging economic growth around the world. The North America region is expected to witness dominant growth by 2028. NEW YORK, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Research Dive in its latest published report estimates that the global rodent control market will generate $4,659.7 million and exhibit a CAGR of 4.9% from 2021 to 2028. Rodent Control Market Dynamics The population across the globe is growing rapidly especially in the large cities and urban areas, due to which the prevalence of pests such as rodents is increasing rapidly. Rapid globalization like increased travel or trade of goods is another reason leading to the spread of pests. Besides, economic growth has led to an increase in the disposable income and the rising middle-class population has accelerated the demand for pest control services like rodent control. Moreover, the leading market players are coming up with new products and technologies for enhanced rodent control. All these factors are estimated to propel the growth of the global rodent control market during the forecast period. However, the regulations regarding the use of pesticides like rodent control products that can pose health risks to humans and animals is expected to hamper the market growth during the estimated timeframe. Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on the Rodent Control Market The COVID-19 pandemic has had a neutral impact on the global rodent control market growth. This is mainly because pest control was deemed to be an essential service during the pandemic period. Besides, the growing hygiene concerns of people towards health & food safety during the critical time had a positive impact on the rodent control market. Moreover, the demand for rodent control products & services was high after the first lockdown as rodents had become a huge problem for commercial and domestic businesses due to lockdown restrictions across various countries. Thinking about your next business strategy? Connect with Research Dive Key Segment Findings of the Rodent Control Market: The research report segments the rodent control market into type, technique, end-user, and region. Based on type, the services sub-segment is anticipated to garner a revenue of $1,862.9 million by 2028 and witness the fastest growth during the analysis period. This is mainly rodent control services have shown substantial growth in recent years as they prevent the damage to people's belongings and property, and keep the home safe as well as free from rodents. by 2028 and witness the fastest growth during the analysis period. This is mainly rodent control services have shown substantial growth in recent years as they prevent the damage to people's belongings and property, and keep the home safe as well as free from rodents. Based on technique, the chemical sub-segment is estimated to surpass $1,900.1 million by 2028 and hold the largest market share over the forecast period . This is mainly because chemical rodent control techniques can prevent them from causing damage, destroy the rodents, and control their activity. Besides, most of the rodenticides are easy-to-use and cost-effective. . This is mainly because chemical rodent control techniques can prevent them from causing damage, destroy the rodents, and control their activity. Besides, most of the rodenticides are easy-to-use and cost-effective. Based on end-user, the residential sub-segment of the global rodent control market is estimated to generate a revenue of $1,701.5 million by 2028 and hold a dominating market share over the forecast period . This is majorly owing to the increasing usage of rodent control methods across the residential sector to prevent rodents like rats and mice from transmitting the disease and causing property damage. . This is majorly owing to the increasing usage of rodent control methods across the residential sector to prevent rodents like rats and mice from transmitting the disease and causing property damage. Based on region, the North America rodent control market valued for $1,596.2 million in 2020 and is expected to be most dominant over the forecast period. This is mainly owing to the increased hygiene standards of people and stringent government regulations across the region leading to growing inspection as well as documentation especially related to food safety. Besides, rapid digitalization in the North America region has led to the rise in the demand for digitally-enabled rodent control services. On-demand customized Rodent Control Market Report from Research Dive Prominent Rodent Control Market Players The key players of the global rodent control market include Anticimex Bayer AG BASF SE Rentokil Initial Plc Neogen Corporation Ecolab Inc. PelGar International SenesTech Inc. Rollins Inc. Syngenta AG These players are focusing on product launches, technological advancements, and strategic collaborations to gain a competitive in the global market. Buy the Full Rodent Control Market Report here started at $2999 (Read-Only) For instance, in February 2022, Viking Pest Control, New Jersey's consumer services company, announced the launch of an eco-friendly rodent control system, 'SMART City' that combats rodents including rats and mice. Sample report on Rodent Control Market by Research Dive More about Rodent Control Market: Some Trending Article Links: The global liquid packaging market size was $352.5 billion in 2020 and is predicted to grow with a CAGR of 4.6%, by generating a revenue of $501.2 billion by 2028 The global disposable protective clothing market size was $3,546.0 million in 2020 and is predicted to grow with a CAGR of 5.9%, by generating a revenue of $5,844.7 million by 2028 According to the global biodegradable plastics market forecast, the market is expected to reach up to $8,940.5 million by 2028, surging from $4,276.9 million in 2020 at a noteworthy CAGR of 9.5% About Research Dive Research Dive is a market research firm based in Pune, India. Maintaining the integrity and authenticity of the services, the firm provides the services that are solely based on its exclusive data model, compelled by the 360-degree research methodology, which guarantees comprehensive and accurate analysis. With an unprecedented access to several paid data resources, team of expert researchers, and strict work ethic, the firm offers insights that are extremely precise and reliable. Scrutinizing relevant news releases, government publications, decades of trade data, and technical & white papers, Research dive deliver the required services to its clients well within the required timeframe. Its expertise is focused on examining niche markets, targeting its major driving factors, and spotting threatening hindrances. Complementarily, it also has a seamless collaboration with the major industry aficionado that further offers its research an edge. Contact: Mr. Abhishek Paliwal Research Dive 30 Wall St. 8th Floor, New York NY 10005 (P) +91-(788)-802-9103 (India) +1-(917)-444-1262 (US) Toll Free: 1-888-961-4454 E-mail: [email protected] Website: https://www.researchdive.com Blog: https://www.researchdive.com/blog/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/research-dive/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/ResearchDive Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Research-Dive-1385542314927521 Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/997523/Research_Dive_Logo.jpg SOURCE Research Dive IRVINE, Calif., July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- GoDocs (https://godocs.com/), the automation leader in commercial loan document generation, announces its participation in the 55th Private Lending Pitbull Conference, taking place at the Lowes Miami Beach Hotel from July 31st to August 2nd 2022. The company is a long-time sponsor of the multiday event for real estate professionals, having supported the conference for more than 20 years and served as a key component in this industry-defining "meeting of the minds." GoDocs is a long-time sponsor of the multiday event for real estate professionals, and has supported the conference for more than 20 years and served as a key component in this industry-defining "meeting of the minds." TMO and GoDocs Big "Industry Transforming" Reveal:During the 55th Pitbull National Private Lending conference in Miami GoDocs and The Mortgage Office (TMO) will unveil an industry-transforming announcement. Established by the "Pitbull" himself, Leonard Rosen, the Pitbull Conference provides those in the private lending space with a rare opportunity to network with and learn from industry leaders. Rosen himself has spent over 30 years in the industry, serving as a thought leader, innovator, and trusted industry media anchor. This conference allows him to bring together some of the leading lights in private lending with the goal of innovating new ways forward for the industry, its companies, and its key stakeholders. As a platform for innovation in private lending, the Pitbull Conference is an ideal match for GoDocs. The company's commitment to the private lender audience is demonstrated in every way through its commercial loan document solution, which has been tailored to the needs of this space. GoDocs has grown its private lender portfolio by creating must-have technologies that allow private lenders to generate attorney-quality documents that are complete, compliant, and accurate in minutes. With more than 150 years of combined experience, the GoDocs system is backed by the sharpest legal minds in the industry and supports loan types across all 50 states. This year's Pitbull Conference is eagerly anticipated by the GoDocs team, including CEO Steve Butler. "It's a really exciting opportunity to engage with the private lending world," Butler says. "I can't think of another scenario where we could find more thought leadership around the ideas that drive our industry than at Pitbull." GoDocs President & Founder, Gary Highland, underscores the sentiment. "GoDocs is always excited to be front and center at Pitbull. Sponsoring this event each year is a must it's exactly the type of event that resonates with what we're doing at GoDocs, and the innovation that we are pursuing." GoDocs is particularly excited for one event at Pitbull where they will be hosting, along with The Mortgage Office (TMO), an exclusive social event that will include an unveiling of an industry-transforming announcement that will initiate waves in the space. The event is invite-only, but conference attendees who can't make it to the event will be able to get up to speed when GoDocs makes a conference-wide announcement the following Monday. Attendees who want more information on the announcement can stop by the GoDocs booth starting on Monday August 1, 2022. Key members of the GoDocs team will be on hand to walk Pitbull attendees through the details of the announcement and discuss the company's industry-defining solutions. The Pitbull Conference will serve, in some ways, as a celebration for the GoDocs team, marking the end of a stellar first half of 2022 defined by sizable growth. The company's sponsorship of the event will be an environment for sharing the latest solutions, ideas and, of course, the big announcement with TMO a moment that is sure to take GoDocs and private lending as a whole in a truly dynamic, new direction. About GoDocs GoDocs, the automation leader in commercial loan document generation, offers next-generation software solutions for banks, credit unions, and private lenders to create a streamlined process for closing commercial loans. They provide lenders and borrowers with access to the first and only purely cloud-based system that offers a solution that is both flexible and frictionless. This allows commercial lending to operate at scale. GoDocs has remained ahead of the curve when it comes to modernizing organizations and embracing the power of digital transformation. Today, the company is trusted by industry-leading banks and is proud to back its solutions with onshore support for a seamless experience. Media Contact Virginia Bush VP of Marketing GoDocs 949.274.7907 [email protected] SOURCE GoDocs The Nonprofit to Support Crisis Management Organizations to Aid Those Most Vulnerable Due to Overturn of Roe v. Wade NEW YORK, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Good Counsel Services is pleased to introduce a new initiative to support women's rights, following the overturn of Roe v. Wade. The 501(c)(3) nonprofit, founded by Elizabeth Dembrowsky, has launched a fundraising campaign which will mobilize individuals to make a tangible impact as it relates to the future of reproductive rights in the United States. Donations to grassroots, boots-on-the-ground nonprofits will provide direct aid to women impacted by the court's decision. Good Counsel Services will aim to provide services such as, but not limited to: transportation to and from states that provide reproductive and gender-affirming care, lodging accommodations, covering medical expenses, and mental health counseling. "Many are looking for ways to respond to the falling of Roe v. Wade. I chose to channel my anger, fear and sadness into action, to bring support to the millions of Americans who are the most vulnerable following the aftermath of the Supreme Court's ruling," said Elizabeth Dembrowsky, founder and Executive Director of Good Counsel Services. "We're seeking change-makers to ensure women can access medical treatment in addition to both financial and emotional support resources. We, at Good Counsel Services, hope individuals will join our fight." Additionally, Good Counsel Services will support those looking to make an impact in their communities. With nearly 10 years of experience assisting nonprofits with their legal, financial, and marketing efforts, Dembrowsky helps others establish their own nonprofits to advocate for women's rights. "Motherhood is an all-encompassing endeavor that presents new challenges every moment," said Lyndsey Borzumato. "Providing women with a choice to embark on this journey is fundamental. We are regressing to a time when we were thought of as property and now is the time to protect women's rights." Good Counsel Services dollar a day fundraising campaign is immediately accessible by visiting www.goodcounselinc.org. Donors can opt-in to receive updates about how their contributions are being used. About Good Counsel Services Founded in 2016 by Elizabeth Dembrowsky, Good Counsel Services empowers social impact entrepreneurs with affordable legal guidance. By taking a holistic approach, Good Counsel Services addresses the four pillars vital to client success: legal, financial, and marketing so that founders can focus solely on their mission. To date, Good Counsel Services has served more than 500 clients with direct legal and organizational development assistance. Corporate Responsibility & Donations Contact [email protected] Financial Resource Development Contact [email protected] Volunteer Inquires Contact [email protected] Media Contact [email protected] SOURCE Good Counsel Services, Inc. BATESVILLE, Ind., July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Hillenbrand, Inc. (NYSE: HI) will hold a conference call and simultaneous webcast Thursday, August 4, 2022, at 8:00 a.m. ET. They will discuss the results for the third quarter of fiscal year 2022, which ended June 30, 2022. The live webcast, including a slide presentation, will be available at http://ir.hillenbrand.com under the "News & Events" tab and will be archived on the company's investor relations website through Friday, September 2, 2022. To access the conference call, listeners in the United States and Canada may dial +1 (877) 407-8012, and international callers may dial +1 (412) 902-1013. Please use conference call ID number 13731866. A replay of the call will be available until midnight ET, Thursday, August 18, 2022, by dialing +1 (877) 660-6853 toll free in the United States and Canada or +1 (201) 612-7415 internationally and using the conference ID number 13731866. Hillenbrand will issue a press release reporting its results after the market closes on Wednesday, August 3, 2022. The full text of the release and financials will be available at http://ir.hillenbrand.com. About Hillenbrand Hillenbrand (NYSE: HI) is a global industrial company operating in over 40 countries with over 10,000 associates serving a wide variety of industries around the world. Guided by our Purpose Shape What Matters For Tomorrow we pursue excellence, collaboration, and innovation to consistently shape solutions that best serve our associates, customers, communities, and other stakeholders. Hillenbrand's portfolio includes brands such as Coperion, Milacron Injection Molding & Extrusion, and Mold-Masters, in addition to Batesville. To learn more, visit: www.Hillenbrand.com. SOURCE Hillenbrand, Inc. The funding will support expansion of the company's holistic-health and heart-health decision support solutions for health insurers and Medicare Advantage Plans ASHEVILLE, N.C., July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Ilumivu, Inc., a pioneer in predictive and personalized decision support systems to pre-diagnose health conditions announced that it has closed a new funding round with an investment from The Pisgah Fund. This follows an initial investment by Health Catalyst Capital, L.P. in October 2021. Already a leader in heart health with over 3.7 million downloads of its mobile app called Cardiogram, ilumivu provides continuous cardiovascular monitoring to pre-diagnose conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, atrial fibrillation and sleep apnea. Using captured data from a standard smartwatch processed through trained neural networks with millions of cardiovascular data points, ilumivu can accurately pre-diagnose these conditions and help health nsurers, Medicare Advantage plans and at-risk employers reduce the total cost of care. ilumivu announces it closed a new funding round with an investment from The Pisgah Fund. Tweet this "Our solutions provide better outcomes for members while simultaneously reducing the total cost of care managing these conditions through early detection," states Sandeep Goel, Chief Executive Officer. "Our 13-year history of using early-signal data collected from wearables by our healthcare research customers is being applied to engage members, increase adherence, impact positive behavior changes, and provide monitoring for better member engagement." "Smartwatches have been a source of valuable health insights in the consumer market, but it has been difficult to translate those insights into improved health outcomes in the broader healthcare system," said Lauren Pierce Flickinger, Fund Manager for the Pisgah Fund. "We are excited to partner with the ilumivu team as they provide health insurers and Medicare Advantage plans with a solution that bridges this gap. "We are very excited to partner with The Pisgah Fund, given that both organizations are based here in Western North Carolina with a common mission to grow the healthcare technology eco-system and create economic opportunities in the greater Asheville area," added T. David Smith, President at ilumivu. About ilumivu Founded in 2009, Asheville, NC based ilumivu provides healthcare decision support applications using the psychology of behavior change, combined with real-time data from smartwatches and smartphones to reduce healthcare costs. With a pedigree in research in multiple disease areas at over 100 leading research universities and health systems, ilumivu delivers just-in-time interventions based on individualized baselines to improve measurable member care outcomes. https://ilumivu.com/ About Pisgah Fund Pisgah Fund is a $50 million venture fund investing in healthcare-related companies in Western North Carolina's 18-county region or locating operations in the region. The Fund focuses on high growth opportunities seeking early-stage VC investment that will create jobs in Western North Carolina. The Fund is managed by Hatteras Venture Partners and was created with investments from the Dogwood Health Trust and HCA Healthcare Mission Fund. https://pisgahfund.com Contact: Stacy Earl, [email protected] SOURCE ilumivu NEW YORK, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Innovid Corp. (NYSE: CTV), a leading independent connected TV (CTV) advertising delivery and measurement platform, today announced that it will report second quarter 2022 financial results before the market opens on Wednesday, August 10, 2022. Management will host a conference call and webcast to discuss Innovid's financial results, recent developments and business outlook at 8:00 a.m. ET following the release of the financial results. Speakers will include Zvika Netter, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer, Tanya Andreev-Kaspin, Chief Financial Officer and Tal Chalozin, Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer. What: Innovid Second Quarter 2022 Financial Results Conference Call When: Wednesday, August 10, 2022 at 8:00 A.M. Eastern Time Webcast: A live webcast of the call can be accessed from the Investor Relations section of Innovid's website at http://investors.innovid.com/. Following the call, a replay will be available on the company's website. Dial-in: To access the call via telephone in North America, please dial 877-407-3211. For international callers, please dial +1 201-389-0862. Audio Replay: An audio replay of the conference call will be available until November 10, 2022 following the end of the conference call via the company IR website (https://investors.innovid.com) About Innovid Innovid powers connected TV (NYSE: CTV) advertising streaming, personalization, and measurement for the world's largest brands. Through a global infrastructure that enables data-driven personalization, real-time decisioning, scaled ad serving, and accredited measurement, Innovid offers its clients and partners streamlined solutions that optimize the value of advertising investments across screens and devices. Innovid is an independent platform that leads the market in CTV innovation, powered by proprietary technology and exclusive partnerships designed to fuel the future of TV advertising. Headquartered in New York City, Innovid serves a global client base through offices across the Americas, Europe, and Asia Pacific. To learn more, visit innovid.com or follow us on LinkedIn or Twitter . Contacts SOURCE INNOVID Acquisition moves Krber's strategy forward to become the global supply chain software champion HAMBURG, Germany, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Korber has signed a definitive agreement to purchase enVista's Enspire Commerce platform and its Freight Audit and Payment (FAP) service. enVista's capabilities expand Korber's portfolio to enable businesses to deliver upon ever-increasing consumer expectations in today's highly competitive omnichannel landscape. Meeting today's consumer expectations requires digitization and integrated processes from order capture through to final delivery. With this acquisition, Krber becomes a single, global provider of omnichannel commerce, fulfillment and transportation software. By combining Krber's unique depth of software with enVista, organizations have a simple, compelling means of aligning and digitizing commerce and supply chain operations end-to-end. "Korber is the trusted fulfillment and distribution technology partner for thousands of organizations worldwide," said Chad Collins CEO Software, Korber Business Area Supply Chain. "Acquiring enVista's commerce platform enables our customers to manage the life cycle of the order from multiple demand sources and network-wide inventory. The freight audit and payment service provides a single source of transportation visibility and tracking typically not available in ERP or TMS solutions. This, with the addition of enVista CEO Jim Barnes and 400 commerce and transportation experts, furthers our ambition to be a global supply chain software champion through an integrated solution suite." enVista's Order Management System (OMS), part of the Enspire Commerce platform, enables order visibility across channels and actionable data. These capabilities are heightened when used in tandem with Krber's fulfillment solutions. As a result, customer demands are met in real time. Furthermore, the microservices-based, API-first, headless architecture enables rapid integration and scale once again bolstered when integrated with Krber's cloud-based solutions. The full functionality of enVista's Enspire Commerce platform goes beyond OMS. It spans order orchestration, enterprise inventory availability, store fulfillment, customer care, dropship, marketplaces, subscriptions, product information management (PIM), point of sale/mobile point of sale (POS/mPOS), mobile fulfillment and shipment experience management. enVista's FAP service will complement the business' OMS and WMS capabilities to provide unparalleled new levels of last-mile profitability, control, intelligence and customer experience. By providing a single source of transportation visibility while simultaneously optimizing and governing transportation spend, enVista and Korber empower tomorrow's supply chains to fully unlock the value of their transportation activities. "Leading retailers, distributors and brands realize commerce and supply chain solutions must integrate and digitize," said Jim Barnes, CEO at enVista. "Our next-generation omnichannel commerce and FAP solutions, combined with Korber's order fulfillment capabilities, deliver the seamless omnichannel brand experiences consumers expect. Korber's global sales, implementation and support capabilities will strengthen enVista offerings, providing new levels of value, competitive advantage and market momentum. I look forward to bringing my 30 years of experience in supply chain and commerce to the team." enVista is one of "Seven Providers That Matter Most" in the Forrester 2021 OMS Wave Report. They are consistently named in the Gartner Market Guides for FAP Providers and DOM Solutions. Krber's WMS has been named a Leader in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for Warehouse Management Systems a 4th consecutive year. Korber's global reach will increase with enVista's significant presence in North America, the UK, India and APAC. This announcement follows KKR's acquisition of a significant minority stake in Korber's supply chain software business in March 2022. Learn more here. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals. About Korber Business Area Supply Chain Supply chains are growing more complex by the day. Korber uniquely provides a broad range of proven, end-to-end supply chain solutions fitting any business size, strategy or appetite for growth. Our customers conquer the complexity of the supply chain thanks to our portfolio that includes software, automation, mail and parcel solutions, voice solutions, robotics and material handling plus the expertise to tie it all together. Korber helps to manage the supply chain as a competitive advantage. Conquer supply chain complexity with Korber. The Business Area Supply Chain is part of the global technology group Korber, an international technology group with about 12,000 employees and more than 100 locations worldwide. Find out more on www.koerber-supplychain.com About enVista enVista is a global software, consulting, managed services and automation firm, optimizing and transforming physical and digital commerce for the world's leading manufacturers, distributors, 3PLs/LSPs, and omnichannel retailers. enVista uniquely optimizes and transforms physical and digital commerce optimizing supply chain efficiencies to drive cost savings, and unifying commerce to drive customer engagement and revenue. These comprehensive capabilities, combined with enVista's market-leading Unified Commerce Platform, Enspire Commerce and the firm's ability to consult, implement and operate across supply chain, transportation, IT, enterprise business solutions and omnichannel commerce, allows mid-market and Fortune 100/5000 companies to leverage enVista as a trusted advisor across their enterprises. Consulting and solutions delivery are in our DNA. Let's have a conversation. www.envistacorp.com Contact: Heather Smith Director Corporate Communications Korber Supply Chain [email protected] T +1 800 3283271 SOURCE Korber Supply Chain Survey results of 2,000 marketers across industries points to the need to analyze deeper customer insights SAN FRANCISCO, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- MoEngage, the insights-led customer engagement platform, published its latest report on the customer, journey, and campaign insights measured by marketers and the challenges they face due to their tech stack limitations. The study, The State of Insights-led Customer Engagement in North America Report 2022 , polled 2,000 marketers at the manager, senior manager, director, and C-level from enterprises, mid and small businesses to learn how customer insights help build an impactful customer engagement strategy. The report highlights marketers' inability to access real-time analytics despite using Customer Data Platforms (CDPs) and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems, as 34% still struggle with real-time analytics. Meanwhile, 40.4% of North American marketers manage customer engagement operations by enabling various marketing functions to operate as independent teams that employ different marketing tools with no actionable insights. This often results in incomprehensible fragmented data, leading to disjointed customer experiences. Thus, campaign planning, execution, and measuring the ROI remains challenging. The report enumerates various customer, campaign, and journey insights. 23.3% of survey respondents measure customers' interests and affinities such as most viewed content or purchased product, while 20.6% leverage primary data such as customer demographics for decision-making, resulting in brands making blanket assumptions about their customers' preferences. The survey indicates that marketers in North America fail to understand the importance of measuring customers' probability to purchase, churn, or preferences to hyper-personalize experiences. such as most viewed content or purchased product, while 20.6% leverage primary data such as customer demographics for decision-making, resulting in brands making blanket assumptions about their customers' preferences. The survey indicates that marketers in fail to understand the importance of measuring customers' probability to purchase, churn, or preferences to hyper-personalize experiences. 40.1% of marketers analyze the most optimum path to conversion as a part of journey insights. Meanwhile, AHA and drop-off moments received equal responses showcasing that marketers are really focused on active customer acquisition vs retention. The findings reveal that marketers might be analyzing other journey insights; however, their existing tech stack's limitations keep them from monitoring these insights. as a part of journey insights. Meanwhile, AHA and drop-off moments received equal responses showcasing that marketers are really focused on active customer acquisition vs retention. The findings reveal that marketers might be analyzing other journey insights; however, their existing tech stack's limitations keep them from monitoring these insights. 38.6% of survey respondents prioritize their communication channels based on customer preferences and opt-in data, while a meager 15.2% prioritize based on behavioral attributes. Consequently, marketers fail to understand the entire customer journey when thinking about new channel engagement to ensure each customer has a relevant path. Sharing his thoughts on The State of Insights-led Engagement in North America 2022 Report, Raviteja Dodda, CEO of MoEngage, said, "The report findings will help consumer brands understand the importance of measuring deeper customers insights while allowing marketers to understand how their current customer engagement tech stack might be limiting their scope to understand customers better. Brands need to be customer-centric and proactive in the way they engage with their customers one-on-one to build stronger relationships." The MoEngage report also covers: How CEPs provide a microscopic, insights-driven, and holistic view to build a unified customer profile and drive a personalized, omnichannel experience for your customers. The reasons why North American marketers struggle with siloed data and insights that do not help them in the long run. How to be more customer-centric, unify data across multichannel CEPs, and eliminate internal data siloes to create a customer engagement strategy that gets you the expected outcomes. Click here to access The State of Insights-led Customer Engagement Report 2022: North America Edition. About MoEngage MoEngage is an insights-led customer engagement platform, trusted by more than 1,200 global consumer brands such as Ally Financial, McAfee, Flipkart, Domino's, Nestle, Deutsche Telekom, OYO, and more. MoEngage empowers marketers and product owners with insights into customer behavior and the ability to act on those insights to engage customers across the web, mobile, email, social, and messaging channels. Consumer brands across 35 countries use MoEngage to power digital experiences for over 1 billion customers every month. With offices in ten countries, MoEngage is backed by Goldman Sachs Asset Management, B Capital, Steadview Capital, Multiples Private Equity, Eight Roads, F-Prime Capital, Matrix Partners, Ventureast, and Helion Ventures. To learn more, visit www.moengage.com. SOURCE MoEngage Monrovia More reports continue to surface about the death inmate, just a few days after the family of another inmate who died at the Monrovia Central Prison raised an alarm. However, a complaint over the death of another inmate has been forwarded to Justice Minister Musa Dean over, where family members are calling for an investigation into the death of their relative in a police cell. The Brown family is questing Minister Dean to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of their brother Sylrinus Brown at the Police cell in Johnsonville. The Brown's family demand was contained in a letter dated July 19, 2022, to Justice Minister Musa Dean, requesting Minister Dean to make an inquiry into what led to the death of their relative who did not show any sign of illness, before his incarceration. The late Sylrinus Brown died at Zone-2 Depot Police Station in Johnsonville, after he and four others, were tempted by the Police Commander only identified as Buhen. Brown died in a police cell bringing to two the number of complaints being filed before Minister Dean surrounding the death of a Liberian citizen in Police cells. Recently, the family of the late James Carver also demand an investigation into the death of their relative at the Monrovia Central Prison, describing the manner he died as worrying. Carver was among three other detainees who died at the Monrovia Central Prison on separate occasions in July. This led to his family lawyer, Cllr. Kpoto Grizzie sent a communication to Minister Dean to show probable cause leading to the death of Carver on July 12. Cllr. Grizzie's' request to the Ministry of Justice for an investigation is on the basis that people are allegedly pointing fingers at one Blama Wright, for flogging the later James Carver and later arresting him in connection to a land dispute in Johnsonville. Global adoption of developer and cloud technologies offers huge opportunities for growth, helps Valiantys score fresh investment from leading cloud services investor TOULOUSE, France and BOSTON, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Valiantys , a global Atlassian consulting and services firm, today announced that Tercera , a growth equity firm specializing in cloud professional services, has made a minority investment with a specific focus on expanding in the Americas and other key regions. This infusion of capital comes alongside a majority investment by Keensight Capital , one of the leading private equity managers dedicated to pan-European growth buyout investments. With these new funds, Valiantys will expand its service offerings for Atlassian products and extend its reach across the globe via both organic growth and strategic M&A in key markets. Valiantys already has a strong track record of organic growth with revenues up 73% year-over year. In a time when many technology companies are scaling back, Valiantys plans to grow its talent base to serve Atlassian's growing number of customers and ever evolving platform. "Our focus has always been to help companies accelerate their agile transformation journey and to be Atlassian's partner of choice," said Lucas Dussurget, CEO at Valiantys. "These investments from Tercera and Keensight will help us capitalize on a growing need around the globe to streamline processes, increase business agility and modernize systems. We chose to partner with Tercera because of the team's first-hand experience scaling professional services organizations in high-growth cloud ecosystems such as Salesforce, as well as their very strong network in the Americas a strategic market for us." Valiantys has been a dedicated Atlassian partner since its founding in 2006. The company built Atlassian-specific apps to extend the capabilities of Jira and Confluence and in 2013, Atlassian acquired one of its apps to create the foundation of Jira Service Management . Valiantys has been recognized as an Atlassian Partner of the Year in six of the past seven years and helped to found the Atlassian Partner Council where it is still an active member. "Atlassian's product suite has grown extensively over the years, with our cloud solutions seeing huge uptake and products like Jira Align and Jira Service Management taking center stage," said Kevin Egan, head of Global Enterprise Sales at Atlassian. "This presents a tremendous opportunity for partners like Valiantys who know the platform inside and out and can serve a broad range of customers." "In today's environment, every company is looking at how technology can help them move faster and become more efficient. Cloud computing, agile processes and collaboration tools all play a role in this, and Valiantys and Atlassian sit right at the center of these trends," said Chris Barbin, CEO of Tercera. "We couldn't be more excited to partner with this incredible team to help even more customers globally." "At Keensight Capital, we believe Tercera will add tremendous value to Valiantys in growing and scaling the business," said Philippe Crochet, Managing Partner at Keensight Capital. "The credibility Tercera's team of advisors bring to the table, and their track record in the cloud professional services space, will help the Valiantys team be a step ahead with their Atlassian service offerings." William Blair acted as the exclusive financial advisor to Valiantys and its shareholders. Additional resources: Read Tercera's blog to learn why it invested in Valiantys Find one of 40 open positions with Valiantys Follow Valiantys on LinkedIn or Twitter About Valiantys Valiantys is a leading global consulting and services firm dedicated to Atlassian. The company accelerates business transformation by digitizing processes and modernizing teamwork, using the best Agile methods and tools. Its Atlassian technical expertise is unparalleled and Valiantys supports its customers across the entire spectrum of projects on those platforms. As a recognized Agile at Scale and Cloud Specialized Partner, Valiantys help organizations accelerate time to value with Agile at scale, cloud, and ITSM implementations. Because teamwork requires more than just tools, the firm bridges the gap between applications and strategic practices such as SAFe and ITIL. Over the last 15 years, Valiantys has helped more than 5,000 customers achieve their desired business outcomes at a reduced time to value, through improved team collaboration. More information about Valiantys can be found at https://valiantys.com/ . About Tercera Tercera is a growth equity firm founded to accelerate the growth of people-centric businesses. Specializing in the $460 billion cloud professional services market, the Tercera team is composed of invested operators who know first-hand what it takes to build and scale a successful cloud services business. For more information, visit: https://www.tercera.io/ . About Keensight Capital Keensight Capital, one of the leading European Growth Buyout firms, is committed to supporting entrepreneurs as they implement their growth strategies. For 20 years, Keensight Capital's team of seasoned professionals has leveraged their knowledge of investment and growth industries to invest for the long term in profitable companies with high growth potential and revenues in the range of 10 million to 400 million. Drawing on its expertise in the Technology and Healthcare sectors, Keensight identifies the best investment opportunities in Europe and works closely with management teams to develop and achieve their strategic vision. Keensight Capital's success has earned it a Gold Award from the Private Equity Exchange & Awards each year for the last five consecutive years, and in particular, the Best European Growth Private Equity Fund. SOURCE Tercera Capital Impact Partners, CDC Small Business Finance, and Ventures Lending Technologies bring more than 80 years of combined small business and community development experience to the Momentus Capital family of organizations. ARLINGTON, Va. and SAN DIEGO, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The financial sector can play a greater role in helping build inclusive and equitable communities by providing people with access to the capital and opportunities they deserve. Opening up these doors is fundamental for local leaders and entrepreneurs to contribute not only to their communities, but to our shared economy. In a first-of-its-kind merger, Capital Impact Partners , CDC Small Business Finance , and Ventures Lending Technologies are coming together as Momentus Capital to create the transformational change needed in the financial sector to achieve this vision. For too long, many people especially people of color have been overlooked, ignored, or systematically excluded from the current system. Residents from all walks of life deserve to have equitable access to the things that contribute to their health and wealth: a vibrant local economy with good jobs; high-quality social services; and a voice in what happens in their community. "Small business owners, developers, and other local leaders are the engines of job creation and economic activity in communities across the country. When these leaders have the opportunity to succeed, their communities, their residents and our country thrive," said Ellis Carr, president and CEO of Momentus Capital. "We need bold thinking and a holistic approach to unleash solutions for underestimated communities. Momentus Capital was created to meet that challenge." Each organization under the Momentus Capital brand will continue operating as a separate entity committed to serving its key market and clients, albeit with additional resources and product offerings. By unifying as Momentus Capital with one shared vision and mission, these leading, mission-driven financial organizations can achieve even more than they could working as separate entities. To achieve that shared vision and mission, Momentus Capital is uniquely positioned to provide entrepreneurs and local leaders at every stage of their growth with a continuum of capital and opportunities under one roof. These key resources that address the challenges of and support the solutions for underestimated communities include: Financial capital: a range of flexible debt and equity products to meet Momentus Capital's partners' needs, as well as access to new markets and potential investors a range of flexible debt and equity products to meet Momentus Capital's partners' needs, as well as access to new markets and potential investors Knowledge capital: business advising, assistance, and training to develop the skills and insights that can help partners advance their enterprises business advising, assistance, and training to develop the skills and insights that can help partners advance their enterprises Social capital: connections to networks and people that can help Momentus Capital's partners succeed Momentus Capital further amplifies this approach through technology solutions including the industry-leading Ventures+ loan software that assist its partners in making a greater impact in their communities. Investments and Innovations Momentus Capital is the culmination of a vision that Mr. Carr and Kurt Chilcott, the longtime leader of CDC Small Business Finance, began to develop in 2019 . These leaders sought a way that both organizations, impactful in their own right, could accelerate their work. Mr. Carr, the president and CEO of Capital Impact since 2016, was named the CEO of CDC Small Business Finance in 2021, while Mr. Chilcott transitioned to a role as chair of both organizations' boards. Under their leadership, Momentus Capital will continue to innovate how capital and investments flow into communities. "In the midst of developing the strategy for Momentus Capital, we witnessed the toll from the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing racial reckoning," said Mr. Chilcott. "While challenging, those two years strengthened our resolve as we witnessed how these experiences specifically impacted communities of color and fueled the growing racial wealth gap." Momentus Capital combines its national presence with a local, place-based approach. It works with local leaders including small business owners, social entrepreneurs, community-minded developers, policy-makers, and builders of community facilities to identify issues and drive solutions. This approach is supported by the organization's lending and investment activities: over $700 million annually deployed to support small business owners, developers, and other community leaders. That, in turn, builds on more than $23 billion of investments that the Momentus Capital family of companies already made to support community solutions throughout their histories. To support these community solutions, Momentus Capital is: Rethinking its credit parameters, and developing new lending and investing products to create more equitable access to capital for borrowers and projects who have traditionally been denied. Enhancing its lending with programs that solve for systemic issues through training, mentorship, and network building. Deploying technology solutions for community-focused partners and lenders to amplify their work. Working alongside partners in shaping national, regional, and local policy to address systemic inequities and expanding funding opportunities. Combining robust financial experience with community trust to attract mainstream dollars and deliver them to locally-led projects. "We are constantly working to rethink outdated approaches that limit who has access to capital," said Mr. Carr. "Where others see risk, we see the opportunity to demonstrate that communities deserve investment. As more capital flows into these communities, the residents benefit as do we all." Among the recent programs and initiatives from the Momentus Capital family of companies: Activate Detroit , a new loan product that is empowering Black entrepreneurs by focusing on character-based evaluations, rather than credit scores. , a new loan product that is empowering Black entrepreneurs by focusing on character-based evaluations, rather than credit scores. Impower , which helps business owners who have been denied for a commercial real estate loan, assisting them with the opportunity to build wealth, create jobs and stay in the communities they serve. , which helps business owners who have been denied for a commercial real estate loan, assisting them with the opportunity to build wealth, create jobs and stay in the communities they serve. The Equitable Development Initiative , Housing Equity Accelerator Fellowship , and Growing Diverse Housing Developers , all of which provide training, mentorship, connections, and pathways to financing for developers of color, helping them overcome racial barriers and systemic issues. , , and , all of which provide training, mentorship, connections, and pathways to financing for developers of color, helping them overcome racial barriers and systemic issues. Expanding access to Ventures+ , a proprietary loan processing and portfolio management tool that has become one of the top resources for small business and community lenders. This has helped other local lenders create an impact in their communities by providing access to high-level services they would otherwise be unlikely to manage on their own. , a proprietary loan processing and portfolio management tool that has become one of the top resources for small business and community lenders. This has helped other local lenders create an impact in their communities by providing access to high-level services they would otherwise be unlikely to manage on their own. Launching an Impact Investing group to jumpstart growth-stage businesses that will impact their communities. Equity investments make up less than 2% of CDFI portfolios in the United States . This will fill a crucial gap for companies like this that need more than traditional debt products. to jumpstart growth-stage businesses that will impact their communities. Equity investments make up less than 2% of CDFI portfolios in . This will fill a crucial gap for companies like this that need more than traditional debt products. Coming Soon! We are developing a first-of-its kind mission-driven investment bank to better connect investors with community organizations through community-centric securities offerings. "Momentus Capital is dedicated to the idea that everyone deserves the opportunity to achieve the dreams they have for themselves, their communities, and for generations to come," said Mr. Carr. "I'm encouraged about what we've been able to achieve leading up to this key milestone. But I'm even more excited about the opportunities that stand before us to make real change." About Momentus Capital Momentus Capital is transforming how capital and investments flow into communities to provide people access to the capital and opportunities they deserve. Through our family of mission-driven organizations including Capital Impact Partners, CDC Small Business Finance, and Ventures Lending Technologies, we are working to reinvent traditional financial systems that have failed to address systemic issues of inequality, economic empowerment, and the widening racial wealth gap. Each organization under the Momentus Capital brand will continue operating as a separate entity committed to serving its key market and clients, albeit with additional resources and product offerings. We offer a continuum of financial, knowledge, and social capital to help local leaders build inclusive and equitable communities and create generational wealth. This includes a comprehensive package of loan products, impact investment opportunities, training and business advising programs, and technology services that advance locally-led solutions. Leveraging 80 years of combined experience, a portfolio of nearly $3 billion, and strong community engagement, the family of companies has delivered more than $23 billion in financing, created and preserved 250,000 jobs, and served 12,000 small businesses and five million people across their history. With headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, and San Diego, California, Momentus Capital operates nationally with a focus on larger urban areas and cities in Arizona, Michigan, Nevada, New York, Texas, and Washington, D.C. Learn more at momentuscap.org . About Capital Impact Partners: Capital Impact is transforming how capital and investments flow into communities to provide people access to the capital and opportunities they deserve. We work to champion key issues of equity and social and economic justice by deploying mission-driven financing, capacity-building programs, and impact investing opportunities. Capital Impact is now part of the Momentus Capital family of organizations, including CDC Small Business Finance and Ventures Lending Technologies. Together, we offer a continuum of financial, knowledge, and social capital to help local leaders build inclusive and equitable communities and create generational wealth. This includes a comprehensive package of loan products, impact investment opportunities, training and business advising programs, and technology services that advance locally-led solutions. A nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution, Capital Impact has disbursed more than $2.5 billion since 1982 to create access to critical social services, grow entrepreneurs, and create quality jobs. Capital Impact's leadership in delivering financial and social impact has resulted in the organization being rated by S&P Global and recognized by Aeris for its performance. Headquartered in Arlington, VA, Capital Impact Partners operates nationally, with local teams in Austin, TX, Detroit, MI, New York, NY, and Oakland, CA. Learn more at capitalimpact.org and momentuscap.org. About CDC Small Business Finance: CDC Small Business Finance is transforming how capital and investments flow into communities to provide people access to the capital and opportunities they deserve. The nation's leading mission-based small business lender CDC delivers small business and commercial real estate loans paired with small business owner assistance to bolster entrepreneurship, economic development, and job creation. CDC offers numerous financing products including the Small Business Administration (SBA) 504 commercial real estate loans; SBA Community Advantage working capital loans; and the SBA Microloan. We also offer non-SBA products to provide more equitable access to credit for those who are unable to qualify for traditional financing. CDC also provides free business advising to support both potential borrowers to get loan-ready as well as to help existing small business borrowers grow and expand their business. CDC is now part of the Momentus Capital family of organizations, including Capital Impact Partners and Ventures Lending Technologies. Together, we offer a continuum of financial, knowledge, and social capital to help local leaders build inclusive and equitable communities and create generational wealth. This includes a comprehensive package of loan products, impact investment opportunities, training and business advising programs, and technology services that advance locally-led solutions. Since 1978, CDC has provided more than $21.3 billion in funding to 12,000 borrowers and helped create and preserve over 214,000 jobs. Learn more at cdcloans.com and momentuscap.org About Ventures Lending Technologies Ventures Lending Technologies (VLT) creates solutions that make lending easier. Its flagship product, Ventures+, is a loan processing and portfolio management tool that has become one of the top resources for small business lenders. VLT has been serving the lending community since 2004. Since then, VLT has consistently worked towards expanding its products and has grown to offer Payment Processing with Payments+ and a borrower portal with Apply+. It is the premier cloud-based lending platform that offers services throughout the entire lifecycle from a borrower prospect to loan payoff. Learn more at venturesgo.com. SOURCE Momentus Capital INDIANAPOLIS, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY) will announce its second-quarter 2022 financial results on Thursday, Aug. 4, 2022. Lilly will also conduct a conference call on that day with the investment community and media to further detail the company's financial performance. The conference call will begin at 9 a.m. Eastern time. Investors, media and the general public can access a live webcast of the conference call through a link that will be posted on Lilly's website at https://investor.lilly.com/webcasts-and-presentations. A replay will also be available on the website following the conference call. About Lilly Lilly unites caring with discovery to create medicines that make life better for people around the world. We've been pioneering life-changing discoveries for nearly 150 years, and today our medicines help more than 47 million people across the globe. Harnessing the power of biotechnology, chemistry and genetic medicine, our scientists are urgently advancing new discoveries to solve some of the world's most significant health challenges, redefining diabetes care, treating obesity and curtailing its most devastating long-term effects, advancing the fight against Alzheimer's disease, providing solutions to some of the most debilitating immune system disorders, and transforming the most difficult-to-treat cancers into manageable diseases. With each step toward a healthier world, we're motivated by one thing: making life better for millions more people. That includes delivering innovative clinical trials that reflect the diversity of our world and working to ensure our medicines are accessible and affordable. To learn more, visit Lilly.com and Lilly.com/newsroom or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn. F-LLY SOURCE Eli Lilly and Company End-user - Manufacturing, automotive, retail, healthcare, and others Function - Transportation, inventory holding, and administration Read the 120-page report with TOC on "Logistics Market in Thailand Analysis Report by End-user (Manufacturing, Automotive, Retail, Healthcare, and Others) and Market Landscape (transportation, inventory holding, and administration), and the Segment Forecasts,2022-2026". Download Sample Report. Major Five Logistics Companies in Thailand: CMA CGM Group- The company offers a one-stop logistical shop that includes transportation, customs clearance, onsite handling, and storage. The company offers a one-stop logistical shop that includes transportation, customs clearance, onsite handling, and storage. Deutsche Post AG- The company offers a wide range of logistic solutions such as green logistics, integrated logistics, and many more. The company offers a wide range of logistic solutions such as green logistics, integrated logistics, and many more. Kerry Logistics Network Ltd.- The company offers integrated logistics such as warehousing and distribution, value-added services and logistics facilities. The company offers integrated logistics such as warehousing and distribution, value-added services and logistics facilities. MON Logistics Group Co. Ltd.- The company offers logistics that is designed to support transportation, cargo storage and distribution activities. The company offers logistics that is designed to support transportation, cargo storage and distribution activities. SCG Logistics Management Co. Ltd.- The company offers regional logistics services to facilitate the international logistics sector which continues to grow every year. Find additional highlights on the growth strategies adopted by vendors and their product offerings, Read Latest Sample Report . Parent Market Analysis Technavio categorizes the logistics market in Thailand as a part of the global transportation market within the global industrial market. The end-to-end understanding of the value chains is essential in profit margin optimization and evaluation of business strategies. The data available in our value chain analysis segment can help vendors drive costs and enhance customer services during the forecast period. The value chain of the global transportation market includes the following core components: Inputs Operations Marketing and sales Service Support activities Innovation Technavio's sample reports contain multiple sections of the report, such as the market size and forecast, drivers, challenges, trends, and more. Request a sample report Logistics Market in Thailand Segmentation End-user Manufacturing Automotive Retail Healthcare Others Market Landscape Transportation Inventory Holding Administration Related Reports: Wine Logistics Market by Service and Geography - Forecast and Analysis 2022-2026: The wine logistics market share is expected to increase to USD 4.57 billion from 2021 to 2026, and the market's growth momentum will accelerate at a CAGR of 5.26%. Public Warehousing Market by Type and Geography - Forecast and Analysis 2022-2026: At an accelerating CAGR of 5.23%, the public warehousing market share is expected to increase to USD 46.88 billion from 2021 to 2026. Logistics Market Scope in Thailand Report Coverage Details Page number 120 Base year 2021 Forecast period 2022-2026 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 4.95% Market growth 2022-2026 $ 8.89 billion Market structure Fragmented YoY growth (%) 3.90 Competitive landscape Leading companies, Competitive strategies, Consumer engagement scope Key companies profiled CMA CGM Group, Deutsche Post AG, Kerry Logistics Network Ltd., MON Logistics Group Co. Ltd., SCG Logistics Management Co. Ltd., Schenker AG, Unithai Group, WICE Logistics Public Company Ltd., Yamato Unyu, and YUSEN LOGISTICS CO. LTD. 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 Executive Summary Market Landscape Market ecosystem Market Sizing Market definition Market segment analysis Market size 2021 Market outlook: Forecast for 2021 - 2026 Five Forces Analysis Bargaining power of buyers Bargaining power of suppliers Threat of new entrants Threat of substitutes Threat of rivalry Market condition Market Segmentation by End-user Market segments Comparison by End-user Manufacturing - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Automotive - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Retail - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Healthcare - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Others - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Market opportunity by End-user Market Segmentation by Function Market segments Comparison by Function Transportation - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Inventory holding - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Administration - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Market opportunity by Function Customer landscape Market drivers Market challenges Market trends Vendor Landscape Landscape disruption Vendor Analysis Vendors covered Market positioning of vendors CMA CGM Group Deutsche Post AG Kerry Logistics Network Ltd. MON Logistics Group Co. Ltd. SCG Logistics Management Co. Ltd. Schenker AG Unithai Group WICE Logistics Public Company Ltd. Yamato Unyu YUSEN LOGISTICS CO. LTD. Appendix Scope of the report Currency conversion rates for US$ Research methodology 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. Contacts Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: [email protected] Website: www.technavio.com/ SOURCE Technavio Project designed to enhance service reliability for about 900 rural customers READING, Pa., July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Met-Ed, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE), is upgrading its distribution system in York County, Pennsylvania, to help prevent or minimize the length of service disruptions, particularly during severe weather. The work includes creating a "tie" point between two power lines and installing a remote-control switch that can communicate real-time conditions on the local power network to system operators and allow them to temporarily switch customers from one line to the other to keep the lights on when utility workers must make repairs. The upgrades are part of Met-Ed's Long Term Infrastructure Improvement Plan, a $153 million initiative to accelerate capital investments to the company's electric distribution system over five years to help ensure continued electric service reliability for customers. "Part of our service territory in southeastern York County near the Susquehanna River is rugged and densely wooded, increasing the potential for tree-related outages," said Scott Wyman, president of FirstEnergy's Pennsylvania Operations. "The work we are doing will provide an alternative power source to feed nearly 900 customers in the New Bridgeville and Brogue areas, benefitting them by shortening the duration of service interruptions while crews work to restore power following an outage." Scheduled to begin later this year, the project involves reconstructing a two-mile section of power line and installing a new switch enabled with supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) technology to create a common tie point between two lines in Chanceford Township, one running from New Bridgeville Road to Gipe Road, and the second from Lucky Road to Gipe Road. The tie line will utilize SCADA to convey real-time information on current voltage and electric conditions to distribution system operators. Operators can control the SCADA switch remotely from their control center to quickly transfer customers from one circuit to the other when necessary. Met-Ed plans to install more automated devices on the local power network in the next several years to take advantage of the SCADA switch's smart capability, which allows it to sense conditions on the system and operate automatically. Met-Ed serves approximately 580,000 customers within 3,300 square miles of eastern and southeastern Pennsylvania. Follow Met-Ed on Twitter @Met Ed and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MetEdElectric. FirstEnergy is dedicated to integrity, safety, reliability and operational excellence. Its 10 electric distribution companies form one of the nation's largest investor-owned electric systems, serving customers in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland and New York. The company's transmission subsidiaries operate approximately 24,000 miles of transmission lines that connect the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions. Follow FirstEnergy online at www.firstenergycorp.com and on Twitter @FirstEnergyCorp. Editor's Note: A photo of line workers replacing a utility pole and cross arms is available on Flickr. SOURCE FirstEnergy Corp. Serving as a world-famous muse, Miami Beach continues to push the artistic envelope through a variety of expression mediums MIAMI BEACH, Fla., July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Miami Beach's history and connection to art, design and fashion is a storied one. Famously, world-renowned, Italian designer Giovanni Versace called South Beach home and his love for the destination, vibrancy of the culture and natural inspiration found in the surroundings were evident in his still-iconic fashionwear. Today, Miami Beach continues to serve up creative motivation, most recently during SWIM Week Miami 2022. This year's shows were a display of colorful culture, cutting edge design and a fusion of designs paying homage to the past while paving the way for the future of swimwear. Travelers looking for a creative spark during their travels can explore the many facets of Miami Beach that keep artists of all mediums coming back for more from visiting local studios and creators to attending marquee events like Art Basel. Miami Beach naturally inspires artists, designers and creators, serving as a world-famous muse that continues to push the artistic envelope through a variety of expression mediums. "Miami Beach is synonymous with art and design. Throughout the years, those with a creative appetite have spent extended time in the destination, fueling up on the natural beauty and embracing Miami Beach as a creative muse," says Steve Adkins, Chairman of the Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority (MBVCA). "Visitors and locals will find inspiration and access to experiences, exhibitions and storefronts that bring the essence of Miami Beach to life. Travelers will leave with a renewed sense of creativity and inspiration that will leave an everlasting impression." One of the best ways to discover the local artist scene is a visit to Oolite Arts, one of Miami's largest support organizations for visual artists. Currently located on Lincoln Road, guests are invited to stop in and meet the resident artists and visiting talent, including the area's youth. Three marquee exhibitions will be available for viewing now through the end of the year including "At the Edge," "Lean-To," and "Unfolding the Space Between: Jennifer Printz." Looking for a bit of history and a stellar menu? Visit The Villa Casuarina, formerly known as the Versace Mansion. Tours are available and an exquisite dining experience at Gianni's allows the opportunity to dine poolside amongst the intricate and colorful outdoor terrace. Spend an afternoon exploring the many shopping pockets including Lincoln Road and Sunset Harbor or take a short drive from Miami Beach to Coral Gables and visit Colombian designer Silvia Tcherassi's storefront. As the only location in North America, shoppers can expect to find bold accessories and artisanal handbags perfect for a day or night out. Pieces are approachable, starting just under $100. Visitors can also browse her specialty creations and order online from the comfort of their beach chair. Of course, if travelers find themselves in Miami Beach in early December, no experience is complete without exploring an event or two during Art Basel. This year, choose from a variety of pop-up shows, conversations and immersions. Insider tip, a number of hotels, including Faena, The Sagamore and W South Beach feature artist collections and host premiere events exclusive to hotel guests. "We hope our guests find inspiration from the collection of artists and designers that continuously use Miami Beach as a beacon for ongoing creativity." adds Grisette Marcos, Executive Director of the MBVCA. "Travelers will find experiences, exhibitions and boutiques aplenty, providing opportunities for them to not only visit marquee locations or events while in town, but to also discover keepsakes that will remind them of their time with us well after the vacation is over." For more information on Miami Beach's storied design history and ideas to inspire travelers to plan their next visit, download the free, award-winning Experience Miami Beach App. Follow @experiencemiamibeach on Instagram and Facebook for the most up-to-date details and insider recommendations. SOURCE Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority Engagement and visualization are highly valued amongst meeting hosts and attendees in the era of virtual and hybrid work, report shows SAN FRANCISCO and AMSTERDAM, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Miro, the online platform accelerating innovation through visual collaboration, announced it was named a Customer's Choice in the 2022 Gartner Peer Insights 'Voice of the Customer': Meeting Solutions. Gartner Peer Insights Customers' Choice distinctions recognize vendors and products that are highly rated by their customers. Miro earned an overall rating of 4.6 out of a possible 5 stars, making it the highest-rated meeting solution in existing customer satisfaction as reviewed by 197 users, 97% of whom said they would recommend it. Miro's collaboration platform enables users to work together in real-time, bringing the shared, visual nature of whiteboarding to virtual meetings and workshops. One Strategic Partner Manager who reviewed Miro for Gartner Peer Insights said "The availability to work together on Miro in real-time allowed us to cooperate and be in the same room like in real life." The experience of visual collaboration improves meeting engagement, and helps turn input from attendees into actionable plans for projects. Another Miro user, a Staff Engineer and Architect, said in their review, "I have never seen a tool nor process that so quickly and effectively gathers feedback from so many people and synthesizes it into actionable data." "In today's hybrid environments, a meeting solution that keeps teams engaged is essential in driving innovation and in helping to maintain company culture," said Andrey Khusid, Miro co-founder and CEO. "Customer delight is at the heart of everything we do at Miro, and our community of 35+ million users is the greatest source of inspiration, and is strong recognition of the positive impact we believe our product has in changing the way people come together to work and collaborate." To create the Voice of the Customer report, Gartner aggregates reviews and ratings of software solutions by IT professionals and verified end-users. Each solution is evaluated based on customer experience and satisfaction at all stages of adoption, from evaluation to deployment to usage and service. We believe being named a Customers' Choice highlights that in addition to being the leading online whiteboard, the flexibility of Miro's platform allows it to provide deep, transformational value in mission-critical use cases like online meetings. Gartner, Gartner Peer Insights 'Voice of the Customer': Meeting Solutions, Peer Contributors, 30 March 2022 Gartner and Peer Insights are trademarks of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved. Gartner Peer Insights content consists of the opinions of individual end users based on their own experiences, and should not be construed as statements of fact, nor do they represent the views of Gartner or its affiliates. Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in this content nor makes any warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this content, about its accuracy or completeness, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. About Miro Miro is an online, visual collaboration platform designed to unlock creativity and accelerate innovation among teams of all kinds. The platform's infinite canvas enables teams to lead engaging workshops and meetings, design products, brainstorm ideas, and more. Miro, co-headquartered in San Francisco and Amsterdam, serves more than 35M users worldwide, including 99% of the Fortune 100. Miro was founded by Andrey Khusid and Oleg Shardin in 2011 and currently has more than 1,500 employees in 11 hubs around the world. To learn more, please visit https://miro.com. SOURCE Miro NEW YORK, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Moving Image & Content an award-winning digital marketing firm specializing in Gen Z, Web3 and the metaverse, today announced it has rebranded itself and changed its name to Qulture and its website to qulture.agency. The firm's business model and services remain unchanged. Quynh Mai - CEO/Founder of Qulture Commenting on the significance of the rebrand, Qulture's female founder and CEO Quynh Mai, said, "We have outgrown our original name, which had served us well for a decade. The digital universe is light years ahead of where it was when we first opened our doors in 2010. We have developed an insightful vision and unrivalled skill set for understanding and anticipating digital culture through various platforms on behalf of our clients. We want our name to reflect our expertise and vision. "Since we help our clients move into their near future, it was only sensible that we moved into ours," Ms. Mai added. About Qulture Founded in 2010, our female, minority led, and award-winning agency was built for today's accelerated evolution of culture and technology. We help clients adapt and succeed by leveraging their competitive edge to reach existing and new audiences through digitally native, culturally relevant experiences and storytelling. Known for being results-oriented, nimble, collaborative and kind, Qulture has become the trusted strategic and marketing partner for iconic brands including Sephora, Kanye West, H&M, Jaguar, CoverGirl, Ferrari, Girls Who Code, and Google. Qulture and its leadership team have been featured in CNBC, Fast Company, Forbes, The Business of Fashion, WWD and more. Our work has been recognized for over six years winning two Clio Awards, two Communicator Awards, a Webby, and the Mashies. Founder and CEO Quynh Mai has established a reputation as a sought after thought leader on the nexus of fashion, marketing, and technology. She has been a keynote speaker at Fashion Tech Forum twice and at Melbourne Fashion Week, a panel host for Advertising Week four years in a row and has contributed opinion pieces to The Business of Fashion, and WWD. Quynh has also recently won the 40 over 40 Digital Innovator Award. For more info, visit us at: www.qulture.agency PRESS CONTACT INFO: Margot Black Black Ink PR Cell (323) 376-6787 [email protected] SOURCE Qulture Agency CALGARY, AB, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - Nanalysis Scientific Corp. (TSXV: NSCI) (OTCQX: NSCIF) (FRA: 1N1) ("Nanalysis" or the "Company") announces that the current CFO, Luke Caplette, is stepping down as CFO, but will remain with the Company as a part-time consultant to assist the transition to a new CFO. The Company is pleased that its Corporate Controller, Randall McRae, has been appointed interim-CFO. "We wish to thank Luke for his tremendous contribution to Nanalysis as CFO over the last three years. Luke remains an integral part of our team and remains committed to the success of the organization," said Sean Krakiwsky, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Nanalysis. "Randall has worked for Nanalysis for the past six months as a consultant and will provide solid continuity during this transition. We are impressed with Randall's varied experience, his entrepreneurial spirit, and tremendous energy." Randall McRae, CPA, CA joins Nanalysis from MNP LLP/Deloitte LLP, where he was a Senior Manager on the Specialty Tax team and has over fifteen years experience working in public and private companies, both as a public practice accountant with large, medium and boutique firms, and as an internal accountant working both within and leading finance teams. Prior to this role, Mr. McRae was a Co-Founder and Partner of McRally LLP, a Calgary based cloud accounting firm that specialized in tax reporting and planning, financial reporting, and strategic advisory services to high growth business clients with technology based and people driven solutions to automate and add scalability to their accounting and finance functions. Randall was one of two founding partners of McRally LLP and grew the business from inception to over 100 active clients and eight full and part-time team members. Randall has experience in many industries including technology and automation, energy services, construction, and oil and gas. Randall is a member of the Institute of Chartered Professional Accountants of Alberta and holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Calgary. Randall McRae, newly named interim CFO states, "I have become quite familiar with Nanalysis over the last six months and I am excited to be joining a Company with such a fantastic vision. After my 15 years working at large accounting firms, the oil patch, as well as starting my own business, I look forward to the new challenges that I'll face with a technology Company and working closely with Sean and the Board of Directors to help Nanalysis achieve its lofty objectives. I'm confident that my experience, blended with the fabulously talented team at the company, will contribute to the continued growth of the business." Werner Gartner, Chair of Nanalysis' Audit Committee, states: "Randall has all the skills and experience to succeed at this new role in leading the evolution our company's financial systems. I very much look forward to working with him." About Nanalysis Scientific Corp. (TSXV: NSCI) (OTCQX: (TSXV: NSCI) (OTCQX: NSCIF ) (FRA: 1N1) Nanalysis trades on the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV") in Canada with ticker symbol 'NSCI', OTC and the Frankfurt exchange under the ticker symbol '1N1'. The company's business is what we term "MRI and NMR for industry". The company develops and manufactures portable Nuclear Magnetic Resonance ("NMR") spectrometers or analyzers for laboratory and industrial markets. The NMReady-60 was the first full-feature portable NMR spectrometer in a single compact enclosure requiring no liquid helium or any other cryogens. The company has followed-up that initial offering with new products and continues to have a strong innovation pipeline. Nanalysis recently announced that it has begun selling a 100MHz device in 2020. The company's new device will be the most powerful and most advanced compact NMR device ever brought to market. Nanalysis devices are used in many industries (oil and gas, chemical, mining, pharma, biotech, flavor and fragrances, agrochemicals, law enforcement, and more) as well as numerous government and university research labs around the world. The Company continues to exploit new global market opportunities independently and with partners. With the recent acquisition of K'(Prime) Technologies Inc. ("KPrime"), the company maintains a North American sales and service company of over 40 individuals who cover scientific instrumentation for pharma, food, chemical and oil & gas customers, as well as imaging systems for security applications. Additionally, the Company has a 43% ownership in Quad Systems AG ("Quad Systems"), with an option to purchase the remaining shares. Quad Systems is a Zurich-based NMR company focused on high-field NMR for pharmaceutical and other vertical markets. Notice regarding Forward Looking Statements and Legal Disclaimer This news release contains certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of such statements under applicable securities law. Forward looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "anticipates", "plan", "continue", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "may", "will", "potential", "proposed", "positioned" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. These statements are only predictions. Various assumptions were used in drawing the conclusions or making the projections contained in the forward-looking statements throughout this news release. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made and 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 in the forward-looking statements. The Company is under no obligation, and expressly disclaims any intention or obligation, to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable law. 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. SOURCE Nanalysis Scientific Corp. NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark., July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- National Asset Services (NAS), one of the Country's leading commercial real estate companies, has delivered an additional monthly distribution for investors in a Class-A, 2-building corporate office campus property in North Little Rock, AR. In July, property investors received an additional distribution payment that almost doubled the monthly average. The distribution was an additional return on top of an above market annualized yield of 6.15%. Over 2500 clients trust NAS' strength of experience, exhaustive underwriting, adherence to strong fundamentals and a management expertise that delivers only quality property investments that reliably perform throughout the hold period. The Garver property in North Little, AR is a prime example of how NAS' management experience, adherence to investment fundamentals, exhaustive underwriting and conservative yield projections result in the company's ability to over-deliver on quality investments for clients. The 47,627 square-foot property was acquired by 29 real estate investors in June 2021 as a DST-structured investment, sponsored and underwritten by NAS Investment Solutions, a national real estate investment company known for quality properties that deliver a reliable yield performance. "This is a prime example of how our management experience, adherence to investment fundamentals, exhaustive underwriting and conservative yield projections result in our ability to over-deliver on quality investments for our clients," commented Karen E. Kennedy, President and Founder of NAS and NAS Investment Solutions. "Now more than ever, investors are actively seeking quality real estate investments offered by a highly credible sponsor, such as NASIS, as a viable investment alternative that performs independently of stock market fluctuations." The North Little Rock property is 100% leased to Garver, a national, multi-disciplined engineering, architectural, and environmental services firm. Founded in 1919, Garver is an employee-owned, award-winning company with more than 800 employees located in 34 offices in 13 states. The location serves as Garver's national headquarters. NAS assumed asset management and property management responsibilities for the property in June 2021. Since 2008, NAS has served 2,568 investment clients and has established an impressive track record for investment property management. The track record includes generating over $595 million in cash distributions to property investors, guiding 73 properties through the sales process and managing a commercial real estate portfolio of 177 diverse commercial properties, comprised of 24.5 million square-feet, in 30 states. The overall value of NAS' managed properties totals over $3.325 billion. NASIS has a nationwide reputation for acquiring elite commercial real estate with investment grade tenants and the Garver property acquisition is the fourth industrial office property in Arkansas acquired by the company. Other Arkansas locations are 2200 Bentonville, 100% leased to The Clorox Company and a multi-building, campus location in Springdale that serves as the North American Headquarters for BNSF Logistics, a wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway. About National Asset Services (NAS) Headquartered in Los Angeles, CA, NAS manages a wide range of diverse commercial real estate: Office, medical office, multifamily, retail, student housing, assisted living and industrial flex properties. The company manages solely owned and multi-owner properties. NAS offers a wide range of asset management capabilities. They include: Property management; project management; lease administration; acquisition and disposition services; real estate strategy analysis; long-range business objectives; monitoring changing market conditions; investor relations; real estate and investor accounting; loan modification and workout solutions; exit and hold strategies; leasing & marketing; tenant retention plans; research studies; site selections; feasibility studies; insurance risk management; capital improvement planning and tracking; property tax appeal services and cost segregation services. For more information about National Asset Services and NAS Investment Solutions, visit nasassets.com or nasinvestmentsolutions.com. Contact: JW Robison 310-795-8985 [email protected] SOURCE National Asset Services Monrovia Finance and Development Planning Minister, Samuel D. Tweah Jr, has said the government of Liberia remains committed to fiscal transparency. He made the disclosure on Tuesday, July 19, at the official inaugural meeting of Liberia's Fiscal Transparency Advisory Group. "The Government remains committed to fiscal transparency by making all of its financial reports and documentation available to the public, for example, these reports are in the print and electronic media outlets, as well as on government's websites", Minister Tweah explained. The erudite Finance Minister revealed that the government will continue to involve civil society organizations in the budget process to increase fiscal transparency and accountability. "Because citizens' participation is key, it's important for them to know how the government generates and spends public resources " he added. Hon. Tweah said that public participation gives citizens an opportunity to participate in decision-making, strengthens oversight and improves policy choices. The aim of the advisory board is to allow citizens to increase their participation in the government process and to know how the government generates, and spends public resources and how they could participate in decision-making. For his part, the Open Government Partnership (OGP), Representative, G. Ralph Jimmeh said the establishment of the board is a great achievement and knowledgeable venture in fiscal transparency and open governance. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Liberia Governance By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. " No government has succeeded without the participation of its citizens", said Mr. Jimmeh. According to him, citizens' participation is a driver of inclusive national development and sustainable ownership. It also gives citizens access to government, improves governance and solves public participation challenges which promote transparency and accountability thereby making government more efficient. He added "We believe that the inauguration of the fiscal transparency advisory board is a very fundamental action towards increasing citizens' participation that produces an open government and stimulates more constructive dialogue between CSO and government. It is my hope that the establishment of this fiscal transparency board will increase citizens' trust and improve public service. Again these small steps towards fiscal transparency is commendable and intentional delivery of actions that will improve governance. This is a positive collaboration between increasing citizens' participation and the fight against corruption. We called for a more cooperative and collective engagement and we believe that this inauguration board work has begun. The fiscal transparency advisors group is established to meet routinely to provide the MFDP with feed and recommendations on the selection, design and implementation of participation mechanisms. The advisors' group has the role of providing the MFDP with feedback and recommendation on the selection, design and implementation of the participation mechanism to be adopted in Liberia. The meeting was attended by Government representatives and civil society representatives. WASHINGTON, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- NASA has awarded Draper of Cambridge, Massachusetts a contract to deliver Artemis science investigations to the Moon in 2025. The commercial delivery is part of NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative under Artemis. Draper will receive $73 million for the contract, and is responsible for end-to-end delivery services, including payload integration, delivery from Earth to the surface of the Moon, and payload operations. This award is the eighth surface delivery task award issued to a CLPS vendor. "This lunar surface delivery to a geographic region on the Moon that is not visible from Earth will allow science to be conducted at a location of interest but far from the first Artemis human landing missions," said Joel Kearns, deputy associate administrator for exploration in NASA's Science Mission Directorate in Washington. "Understanding geophysical activity on the far side of the Moon will give us a deeper understanding of our solar system and provide information to help us prepare for Artemis astronaut missions to the lunar surface." The experiments riding on Draper's SERIES-2 lander are headed to Schrodinger Basin, a large lunar impact crater on the far side of the Moon, close to the lunar South Pole. This interesting geological site is about 200 miles in diameter. The outer ring of the basin is made up of impact melt meteorites and the inner ring is known for its smooth floor deposits that may be a combination of both impact melt and volcanic material. "The payload delivery location is a first for us. Operations from the far side of the Moon will help improve how we track activities from this location to address scientific goals all while we gather data from the payloads," said Chris Culbert, CLPS program manager at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. "The vendor-provided services will prepare for future, more complex lunar surface operations." Schrodinger Basin is one of the youngest impact basins on the lunar surface whose impact uplifted deep crust and upper mantle of the Moon in its peak ring. Later, the inner basin was the site of a large volcanic eruption. Scientists hope to study the thermal and geophysical properties of the lunar interior as well as electric and magnetic properties in a landing location shielded from Earth's electromagnetic fields. Two of the three investigations selected for this flight are part of NASA's Payloads and Research Investigations on the Surface of the Moon (PRISM) call for proposals. Draper will deliver the three investigations that will collectively weigh about 209 pounds (95 kilograms) in mass and include the Farside Seismic Suite (FSS), which aims to return NASA's first lunar seismic data from the far side of the Moon. This new data could help scientists better understand tectonic activity on this region of the Moon, reveal how often the lunar far side is impacted by small meteorites, and provide new information on the internal structure of the Moon. The instrument consists of the two most sensitive seismometers ever built for spaceflight. FSS is one of two PRISM selections. It is funded through NASA in collaboration with the Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales (CNES) the French Space Agency and is led by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California . . The Lunar Interior Temperature and Materials Suite (LITMS), also a PRISM selection, is a suite of two instruments: the Lunar Instrumentation for Thermal Exploration with Rapidity, a subsurface heat-flow probe and pneumatic drill; and the Lunar Telluric Currents, an electric field instrument. This payload suite aims to investigate the heat flow and subsurface electrical conductivity structure of the lunar interior in Schrodinger Basin. The combination of these measurements is a way to resolve thermal and compositional structure of the surface of the Moon. LITMS is funded by NASA and is led by the Southwest Research Institute. The Lunar Surface ElectroMagnetics Experiment (LuSEE), which will make comprehensive measurements of electromagnetic phenomena on the surface of the Moon. LuSEE uses DC electric and magnetic field measurements to study the conditions that control the electrostatic potential of the lunar surface, which, in turn, plays a controlling role in dust transport. LuSEE also uses plasma wave measurements to characterize the lunar ionosphere and the interaction of the solar wind and magnetospheric plasma with the lunar surface and crustal magnetic fields. In addition, this payload will make sensitive radio frequency measurements to measure solar and planetary radio emissions. LuSEE is funded by NASA in collaboration with CNES, and is led by University of California, Berkeley's Space Science Laboratory. Multiple commercial deliveries continue to be part of NASA's plans at the Moon. Future payloads delivered with CLPS could include more science experiments, including technology demonstrations that support for the agency's Artemis missions. Through Artemis, NASA will land the first woman and the first person of color on the Moon, paving the way for a long-term, sustainable lunar presence and serving as a steppingstone for future astronaut missions to Mars. Artemis I is scheduled to launch no earlier than Aug. 29,2022 with a subsequent test flight with crew scheduled to occur in 2024 in advance of NASA sending humans to the surface of the Moon no earlier than 2025. Learn more about CLPS at: https://www.nasa.gov/clps SOURCE NASA ThreatResponder Platform Enables Enterprise Customers to Prevent Advanced Attacks, Data Breaches, and Insider Threats as well as Detect Zero-Day Vulnerabilities in Customers' Networks DULLES, Va., July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- NetSecurity Corporation, positioned to be the brand of choice in endpoint security and computer forensics, announced today the release of its latest version of ThreatResponder Platform to predict and protect enterprise networks against advanced cyber attacks, data breaches, and insider threats. NetSecurity's ThreatResponder is a cloud-native endpoint security innovation ladened with capabilities including threat detection, prevention, response, analytics, hunting, intelligence, forensics, and vulnerability detection. With only a lightweight agent and one single pane of glass, you predict, neutralize, and forensically-investigate suspicious activities in your endpoints, cloud workloads, and data. ThreatResponder tells you how much data was exfiltrated from your organization. NetSecurity's ThreatResponder Platform is an all-in-one cloud-native and machine learning powered endpoint threat detection, prevention, response, analytics, intelligence, hunting, and forensics product. Unlike traditional endpoint threat detection and response (EDR) products, ThreatResponder is designed with Swiss-Army-Knife concept by combining multiple cybersecurity capabilities into a single platform delivered in a single-pane of glass to better protect digital assets against attacks. NetSecurity's ThreatResponder Platform is an all-in-one cloud-native and machine learning (ML) powered endpoint threat detection, prevention, response, analytics, intelligence, hunting, and forensics product. Unlike traditional endpoint threat detection and response (EDR) products, ThreatResponder is designed with Swiss-Army-Knife concept by combining multiple cybersecurity capabilities into a single platform delivered in a single-pane of glass to better protect digital assets against zero-day and the most sophisticated cyber attacks. "Countering the most sophisticated threats requires an innovation that can predict the cyber adversary's moves before they strike. As a result, we have built one of the most sophisticated engines to protect corporate assets against zero-day and other advanced attacks," said Inno Eroraha, founder and chief strategist of NetSecurity. "ThreatResponder game-changing innovation allows our customers to predict, detect, and neutralize advanced cyber attacks and data breaches in real-time." ThreatResponder is a cloud-native endpoint security innovation ladened with capabilities including threat detection, prevention, response, analytics, hunting, intelligence, forensics, and vulnerability detection. With only a lightweight agent and one single pane of glass, you predict, neutralize, and forensically-investigate suspicious activities in your endpoints, cloud workloads, and data. ThreatResponder tells you how much data was exfiltrated from your organization and provides you a contextual view of events that occurred. About NetSecurity: NetSecurity is a cybersecurity and computer forensics products and services company that helps organizations protect their information assets. NetSecurity's ThreatResponder Platform is an all-in-one AI-powered and cloud-native threat detection, prevention, response, hunting, intelligence, analytics, and forensics platform. ThreatResponder is a game-changing innovation that positions the company as a leader in the cybersecurity industry with the capabilities to predict, disrupt, and neutralize adversarial tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) launched by insider threat actors or sophisticated nation-state adversaries. ThreatResponder enables enterprises to boost staff productivity, make informed decisions, gain situational awareness, achieve regulatory compliance, prevent cyber attacks, stop data breaches, provide actionable threat intelligence, and significantly reduce the costs of security operations. ThreatResponder: Who is Hacking Your network?(TM) NetSecurity is a privately held company headquartered at 22375 Broderick Drive, Suite 210, Dulles, Virginia 20166. NetSecurity has a GSA MAS Contract (# GS-35F-0288Y) and GSA 8(a) STARS III Contract (#47QTCB21D0434). NetSecurity is a CMMC Candidate C3PAO Assessor organization. NetSecurity can be reached at [email protected] or via telephone at +1 (703) 444-9009. Learn more: https://www.netsecurity.com Follow-us: | Twitter | LinkedIn | Facebook | Blog | Contact Us | 2022 NetSecurity Corporation. All rights reserved. The NetSecurity name and logo and the ThreatResponder name and logo are marks owned by NetSecurity Corporation and registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Media Contact: Marie Turner NetSecurity Corporation 703-444-9009 [email protected] SOURCE NetSecurity Corporation CONYERS, Ga., July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Black-owned fintech and financial education company Novae, LLC is excited to welcome the first female National Sales Director in company history. Laura Icaza, a Cuban native, has become the first female National Sales Director in Novae history! She is currently on pace to become Vice President in less than 60 days. She is leading the massive growth from the hispanic community for the company that spans from California all the way to Puerto Rico! Born and raised in Cuba, Laura Icaza came to the United States in 2011 to obtain her degree in International Business and Marketing. She earned her MBA with a focus on Finance in 2018 and became Executive Vice President in another financial services company in 2020. She sees Novae as a natural outgrowth of her mission to assist people, particularly in the Latin community, in experiencing wealth and success. She accomplished the title of National Sales Director in only 3 weeks after getting started with Novae. "We come to this world for a purpose," Icaza said in our interview. "You need to take advantage of the time that you have." Icaza also spoke enthusiastically in our interview about her two children, aged 2 and 4. "I was part of corporate America," she told me, "When the pandemic hit the United States I was working from home and I was pregnant. I realized that even if I was the best employee ever, I could lose my job. I found out about the financial education industry, and I started doing that. I spent two years with another company, but when I saw Novae I decided to come here right away." Icaza expressed a desire to bring Novae's services to the Latin community, where she believes they will assist more people in obtaining wealth and financial independence. "I knew this would be a good opportunity because of the financial aspects and the vision. I share the vision of the company. The most important thing is to teach people about the financial technologies they are not taught about in school. What is most important is to keep helping people." "We are a minority," Icaza continued, "African Americans, Hispanic people, Latin people. I'm very proud of the work we are doing to provide for so many people. I'm very grateful." "Everyone has their struggles," Icaza said. "In a big family, you have thousands of people who need to educate themselves. It's a process that we are going through at a good pace, but this is only the beginning. This month I am becoming Vice President. In a year we are going to break records." Icaza brings refreshing honesty to the discussion of network marketingan industry that can empower some people to run their own businesses, but can leave others in debt. "I'm not a big fan of network marketing in general, to be honest," Icaza explains. "I just believe in providing for people. If we can make a legacy out of this, if we can teach people how to make money for themselves, I will be very, very pleased." Novae Chief Operating Officer Shanee McCambry agrees. "I love that your motivation is to help people," she told Icaza in our interview. "I really appreciate that." With Icaza joining its helm crew, Novae's mission to bring financial education and empowerment has a bright future. To learn more about Novae, visit www.novaemoney.com. Media Contact: Arielle Dothard 678.750.3787 [email protected] SOURCE Novae LLC Zino Ventures kicked off the opening of its US investment arm KungHo Fund with a soft launch event in New York City headlined by leaders in global startup investment NEW YORK, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- KungHo Fund ( www.kungho.com ), the US branch of Zino Ventures ( www.zino.co.nz ), New Zealand's first Chinese angel fund, began operations in June 2022. On July 19, KungHo Fund's soft launch event was held at VillageOneArt gallery in Chelsea, Manhattan. (From right to left) George Gong, KungHo Fund CEO & founding partner with Hannah-Lee Darboe, New Zealand Trade Enterprise (NZTE) consul general and trade commissioner for New York, and John Lacey, NZTE Commercial Tech advisor at the KungHo Fund soft launch event on July 19, 2022. Photo credit: Kepler Mission Design (From right to left) George Gong, KungHo Fund CEO & founding partner (middle) in discussion with three speakers: Michelle Wang (right 1), Amy Liao (right 2), Jerry Wang (left 2), and moderator (left 1) at KungHo Fund soft launch event on July 19, 2022. Photo credit: Kepler Mission Design Zino Ventures chairman and KungHo Fund founding partner George Gong described his hope for the venture: "This new Boston-based fund helps E-commerce, edtech, and biotech startups expand their business in the US market, where we believe the most opportunity lies. We're primarily looking to invest in startups in AI, cloud computing, and big-data technology. Angel investment is not just about giving entrepreneurs more opportunities; it is also about helping investors build their networks, including forging strong relationships with future business leaders. Understanding this is important for many first-generation immigrants and expatriate investors like myself." "We believe it's time to invest into US start-ups. Because the three traditional strengths of American innovation remain strong in the Post-Pandemic era," said Shawn Ke, KungHo Fund COO & Managing Partner. "First, America is still the world's leading source of technological innovation. And American universities still produce the most outstanding talents. Third, America remains the world's largest financial and consumer market." Ferris Lu, managing partners at Zino Ventures, joined forces with Gong and Ke to guide the new fund. At the event, Gong delivered a keynote speech and elucidated his vision for the new fund. His speech will be followed by a panel discussion joined by a trio of movers and shakers in global investing. In conversation with Gong, Jerry Wang, CEO of Haitou Capital , a leading platform in global investment service, Amy Liao, founder of genomics R&D lab GENEWIZ (acquired by Azenta), and Michelle Wang, co-founder and partner of Lair East Labs , an accelerator with a focus on helping startups expand internationally, shared their valuable insights with attendees. Hannah-Lee Darboe, New Zealand Trade Enterprise (NZTE) consul general and trade commissioner for New York, also participated in attendance. The event concluded with a networking session and reception. Some of Zino Ventures and associates' backings include: Kami , a leading digital classroom tool with 30 million users , a leading digital classroom tool with 30 million users WuKong Education , an online language education platform for 300,000+ overseas Chinese students , an online language education platform for 300,000+ overseas Chinese students Kernel Wealth , a leading passive investment portfolio platform in New Zealand , a leading passive investment portfolio platform in Parrot Analytics , a media audience demand measurement platform capturing data from 2B+ users , a media audience demand measurement platform capturing data from 2B+ users Minitable , a SaaS empowering thousands of small businesses to serve millions of customers "In the wake of the pandemic, many challenges remain for investors, such as identifying where the opportunities lie and how to narrow their investment focus areas," said Jerry Wang, CEO of Haitou Global. "Mr. George Gong's success with Beyondsoft in China and then Zino Ventures in New Zealand is an inspiration for expatriate entrepreneurs and investors. With all my experience, I'm confident that Mr. Gong has identified key investment industries and technologies which will form a stable foundation for KungHo Fund's approach to finding the most promising companies." Derived from the Chinese word gong he, which means "to work together," "kung ho" means "enthusiastic and energetic." With the name "KungHo Fund," the team at Zino Ventures aims to imbue their partnership with the same positive outlook and zeal for improvement as they invest in technologies for a better future. In celebration of the new funds US launch, the event announced KungHos first NFT collection Sunrise/Sunset scheduled to launch on July 25th. Created by Kepler Mission Design , the Sunrise/Sunset collection is a limited edition of 48 artworks inspired by the unique beauty of the everchanging sunlight from the 24 time zones. From the shorelines of New Zealand to the rivers of New England, 48 breathtaking scenes of sunrise and sunset were selected from 24 iconic cities around the world. For more information and drop updates, visit https://kungho.com/sunrise-sunset/ Access link for the press kit including KungHo's logos and event photos. KungHo Fund KungHo Fund is an angel fund launched by Chain Reaction Group, a Zino Ventures company. The fund invests in U.S.-focused technology startups in the fields of AI for edtech, E-commerce, and biotech. Zino Ventures As the first Chinese angel investment fund in New Zealand, Zino Ventures (est. 2016) is on a mission to empower New Zealand technology-based seed-stage companies to succeed in the global markets. "Zino" is a combination of "sino," referring to China, and "Z" representing New Zealand, as well as the company's values: innovation, flexibility, and fortitude combined with a global mindset. George Gong CEO & Managing Partner, KungHo Fund Mr. George Gong is a visionary entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and business mentor with over thirty years of international business experience across various tech verticals. With deep roots in Asia, Mr. Gong's goal is to create new value for investors by helping talented entrepreneurs who have global ambitions in the information technology sector. Mr. Gong is co-founder of Beyondsoft, a publicly-traded IT service company with 26,000+ employees around the world. He is a Managing Partner of JCM (Singapore), Chairman of Zino Ventures (New Zealand), and CEO of KungHo Fund (USA). Media Contact: Sally Hong [email protected] 212-775-0888 SOURCE KungHo Fund; Zino Ventures MIAMI, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Nicklaus Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Institute has received a full three-year accreditation from the American College of Surgeons' Commission on Cancer, renewing accreditation status held consecutively by the hospital since 2006. Nicklaus Children's is the only pediatric hospital in Florida to hold this accreditation. Nicklaus Children's is the only pediatric hospital in Florida to hold this accreditation. Tweet this Commission on Cancer To earn voluntary Commission on Cancer accreditation, a cancer program must meet the organization's 34 quality care standards, be evaluated every three years through a survey process, and maintain levels of excellence in the delivery of comprehensive patient-centered care. "Congratulations to the entire Cancer and Blood Disorders Institute team for receiving a stellar, no deficiencies survey result," said Perry Ann Reed, President, Nicklaus Children's Hospital and Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Nicklaus Children's Health System, the hospital's parent organization. "This accreditation renewal is testament to the team's shared commitment to ensuring each patient receives the best possible care." Established in 1922 by the American College of Surgeons, the Commission on Cancer is a consortium of professional organizations dedicated to improving patient outcomes and quality of life for cancer patients through standard-setting, prevention, research, education, and the monitoring of comprehensive, quality care. Its membership includes fellows of the American College of Surgeons When patients receive care at a Commission on Cancer facility, they also have access to information on clinical trials and new treatments, genetic counseling, and patient-centered services including psycho-social support, a patient navigation process, and a survivorship care plan that documents the care each patient receives and seeks to improve cancer survivors' quality of life. About Nicklaus Children's Hospital Founded in 1950 by Variety Clubs International, Nicklaus Children's Hospital is South Florida's only licensed specialty hospital exclusively for children, with approximately 800 attending physicians, including more than 500 pediatric subspecialists. The 309-bed hospital, known as Miami Children's Hospital from 1983 through 2014, is renowned for excellence in all aspects of pediatric medicine with many specialty programs routinely ranked among the best in the nation by U.S. News & World Report since 2008. The hospital is also home to the largest pediatric teaching program in the southeastern United States and since 2003 has been designated an American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Magnet facility, the nursing profession's most prestigious institutional honor. For more information, please visit www.nicklauschildrens.org For more information: Rachel Bixby 305-898-9165 SOURCE Nicklaus Childrens Health System ENOLA, Pa., July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- National healthcare leader PAM Health announced plans today to build a freestanding 42-bed physical medicine and rehabilitation hospital in Central Pennsylvania in Mechanicsburg. The new hospital will be PAM Health's first inpatient rehabilitation hospital in the state. "Central Pennsylvania is an ideal location for a PAM Health hospital," says Anthony Misitano, Chairman, Founder, and CEO of PAM Health. "We look forward to adding a hospital where our employees and their families live and work so we can provide high-quality inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation option to our friends and neighbors in the region." The new hospital will serve patients recovering from debilitating illnesses and injuries, including traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries, strokes and other neurological disorders, amputations, and other orthopedic and post-surgical conditions. "Our location, situated directly between the area's two newest hospitals, and in the heart of the growing healthcare center of the Capitol region, will enable us to work seamlessly with those hospitals in transitioning patients who need inpatient rehabilitation," says Misitano. Construction of the hospital is expected to begin in early 2023, with opening slated for 2024. Once completed, the Mechanicsburg hospital will be the fourth PAM Health hospital in Pennsylvania, in addition to three long-term acute care specialty hospitals in Wilkes-Barre, Pittsburgh, and Beaver areas. PAM HEALTH (PAM) based in Enola, Pennsylvania, provides specialty healthcare services through more than 70 long-term acute care hospitals and physical medicine and rehabilitation hospitals, as well as wound clinics and outpatient physical therapy locations, in 17 states. PAM Health is committed to providing high-quality patient care and outstanding customer service, coupled with the loyalty and dedication of highly trained staff, to be the most trusted source for post-acute services in every community it serves. Its mission is to serve people by providing compassionate, expert care, and to support recovery through education and research. Learn more at www.PAMHealth.com. SOURCE Post Acute Medical LOS ANGELES and WASHINGTON, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- MPLC and the American Hotel Lodging Association (AHLA) today jointly announced that they have entered into a partnership to support audiovisual copyright compliance in member hotel locations. MPLC and AHLA will work together to teach members strategies for using movies and TV to increase business. Tweet this MPLC (PRNewsfoto/MPLC) The partnership establishes a framework by which MPLC and AHLA will work together to teach members strategies for using movies and TV to increase business, and also to advise members of the risks of failing to comply with copyright laws. Ideas and information will be shared via an MPLC educational strategy that will include direct marketing and online outreach. In addition, MPLC has committed to providing a special member rate on its Umbrella License for association members. "Public performances of audiovisual works are a common part of hotel operations and can help enhance the guest experience," said Chip Rogers, president and CEO of AHLA. "We are proud to have MPLC as an AHLA Allied member, and we appreciate that they offer a generous discount to AHLA member hotels. With a license from MPLC, hotels can ensure legal compliance, while supporting the artists behind the movies and shows they enjoy." Since its founding in 1986, MPLC has taken an educational approach to the licensing of television, movies, and other audiovisual content, forging partnerships with industry associations in a variety of verticals to educate businesses about copyright compliance. "We are excited to be working with the American Hotel Lodging Association," said Dave Davis, Chief Commercial Officer at MPLC. "They are committed to ensuring the success of America's hotel industry. One component of that is helping their members find creative ways to bring the magic of movies and TV to their businesses in a cost-effective way, all while ensuring copyright compliance." According to the US Copyright Act, Title 17 of the United States Code, copyrighted movies, television, and other audiovisual content originally intended for personal, private use, require a public performance license when exhibited in public. Showing audiovisual content in auto dealerships and other public spaces via broadcast, cable, or satellite television; DVDs, downloads, or streaming services requires a public performance license. About the American Hotel Lodging Association: The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) is the sole national association representing all segments of the U.S. lodging industry. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., AHLA focuses on strategic advocacy, communications support and workforce development programs to move the industry forward. Learn more at www.ahla.com. About MPLC: MPLC is the global leader in non-theatrical licensing, supporting legal public performances of film, television, and other audiovisual content in more than 40 countries around the world. Under the Umbrella License, a blanket license for public performance, MPLC represents rights holders ranging from major Hollywood studios to independent producers. MPLC licensees include government, corporations, and non-profit organizations. Hundreds of thousands of locations around the world publicly perform content legally with the Umbrella License. SOURCE MPLC Former Riverstone European General Counsel and Head of ESG Joins Petra as Head of Europe. Industry Recognized Regulatory Compliance Expert Joins Petra as Director of Compliance. NEW YORK and LONDON, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Petra Funds Group ("Petra"), a leading independent private funds administrator, today announced the opening of its London office, which will be led by former Riverstone European General Counsel and Head of ESG, Charlie Chipchase. Mr. Chipchase, an experienced in-house private equity lawyer with over 20 years of experience, will focus on expanding Petra's European footprint with an emphasis on maintaining the same commitment to delivering a best-in-class fund administration solution for private equity, venture capital, and private debt funds. Mr. Chipchase joins Petra from Riverstone, where he managed legal, compliance, and regulatory matters across multiple funds, capital strategies, and jurisdictions. At Riverstone, he built out and led all aspects of Riverstone's ESG program and was a member of the firm's ESG and D&I committees. "It is an exciting time to be joining Petra and great to be teaming up with my former Riverstone colleagues," commented Charlie. "There are obviously a number of outsourced fund administration providers, but I feel Petra offers something unique to GPs, namely an outsourced fund administration business provided by seasoned professionals who think like private equity CFOs and COOs because that is their background at a time that the weight of middle and back-office burdens is set to grow." Petra is also excited to announce that Louis Sweeney has joined the firm as its Director of Compliance. Mr. Sweeney has over a decade of US regulatory compliance experience, which he obtained from a combination of working in-house, at FINRA, and in a compliance consulting capacity. Prior to joining Petra, Mr. Sweeney advised a wide range of broker-dealers and investment managers on various regulatory and compliance matters, including developing and maintaining compliance programs reasonably designed to achieve compliance with complex federal securities laws and regulations. "Back-office services such as compliance are an integral part of an investment manager's overall success in the ultra-competitive private markets sector," said Louis. "Over the past several years, the SEC has heightened its scrutiny of private fund managers and has proposed sweeping changes to the regulatory landscape. I am very excited to join an all-in-one fund solution provider that enables us to work seamlessly across business units to support investment managers in meeting their reporting and compliance obligations." Petra is led by former Riverstone General Counsel and CAO Stephen Coats and CFO Peter Haskopoulos, who head a team of over 50 fund administration professionals across the US and Europe. Petra works with GPs from first-time funds to large established managers seeking to build or improve their operational infrastructure to allow their businesses to scale. "We are thrilled to have two industry-heavy hitters join Petra," said Stephen, Managing Partner. "Charlie's legal background, private equity experience, and understanding of what it takes to build out a comprehensive ESG program for a $40+ billion fund will be incredibly valuable to Petra's clients. Louis brings our firm additional expertise in the compliance space. At Petra, we are focused on hiring talent that has honed their craft for years on the field of play." About Petra Funds Group Petra Funds Group is a leading fund administration provider to global private equity, venture capital, and private debt funds. The firm is the first to deliver comprehensive fund administration and related middle and back-office services, offering global private fund managers an enhanced, data-driven solution. Our services include fund administration, investor servicing, regulatory compliance, management company services, and ESG advisory services. Petra offers fund managers a best-in-class solution of people, back-office services, and technology, enabling general partners to focus on their internal operations, investments, and investor relationships. Petra has offices in New York, London, Amsterdam, and Los Angeles and administers funds and structures in excess of $40 billion in assets. Learn more about Petra Funds Group by visiting www.petrafundsgroup.com. SOURCE Petra Funds Group Commerce-as-a Service eliminates heavy upfront costs allowing customers to continue the shift to frictionless commerce TORONTO, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - Pivotree Inc. (TSXV: PVT) ("Pivotree'' or the "Company"), a leading provider of frictionless commerce solutions, announced today a new partnership with Spryker, a leading digital commerce platform for B2B, B2C, Enterprise Marketplaces and Unified Commerce. This partnership unshackles B2B customers from burdensome, monolithic systems, technology debt, and cost constraints. The transformation to Spryker's composable architecture combined with Pivotree's new Commerce-as-a-Service offering which removes traditional cost barriers will become a game-changer in the market. The traditional business model for software implementation is outdated and ripe for disruption. Commerce-as-a-Service changes the paradigm by allowing enterprise customers to continue to invest even during challenging economic and recessionary times. "In combination with our long history of technical excellence and culture, we bring a unique solution to the market as compared to other digital agencies and system integrators. We are thrilled to partner with a market-leading company like Spryker to bring this combined offering to market for the first time in North America," said Joseph Lee, GM Commerce at Pivotree. "Our partnership is focused on supporting our B2B customers who have complex ecosystems and requirements, and with Spryker's platform flexibility and composability along with its robust engineering capabilities, we will enable our customers to accelerate their digital transformation at any point in their journey." B2B enterprises often deal with sophisticated transactions and complex business challenges - together Pivotree and Spryker are able to offer capabilities purpose-built to tackle these challenges. "We are excited to be partnering with Pivotree to bring B2B enterprises a high-value composable commerce solution and service. Pivotree's technical excellence, industry know-how in commerce, and great company culture made partnering with them a clear win when it comes to expanding our business in North America," said Boris Lokschin, Co-Founder and CEO at Spryker. "B2B enterprises face many challenges today that both Spryker and Pivotree have been working on to make it easier. This partnership will offer a composable commerce solution that enables enterprises to shorten time to value and lower the total-cost-of-ownership. Spryker's composable platform, which is specifically designed for sophisticated transactional businesses, and Pivotree's Commerce-as-a-Service benefits will enable enterprises to future-proof their business, adapt in an ever-changing market, and continue their journey to a frictionless commerce future." Pivotree's portfolio of digital products, managed and professional services help provide B2B2C digital businesses with true end-to-end service to manage complex digital commerce platforms, along with ongoing support from strategic planning through product selection, deployment, and hosting, to data and supply chain management. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. About Pivotree Pivotree, a leader in frictionless commerce, designs, builds and manages digital platforms in Commerce, Data Management, and Supply Chain for over 250 major retail and branded manufacturers globally. Pivotree's portfolio of digital solutions, managed and professional services help provide retailers with true end-to-end solutions to manage complex digital commerce platforms, along with ongoing support from strategic planning through platform selection, deployment, and hosting, to data and supply chain management. Headquartered in Toronto, Canada with offices and customers in the Americas, EMEA, and APAC. Pivotree is widely recognized as a high-growth company and industry leader. For more information, visit www.pivotree.com . About Spryker Spryker is the leading composable commerce platform for enterprises with sophisticated business models to enable growth, innovation, differentiation. Designed specifically for sophisticated transactional business, Spryker's easy-to-use, headless, API-first model offers a best-of-breed approach that provides businesses the flexibility to adapt, scale, and quickly go-to-market while facilitating faster time-to-value throughout their digital transformation journey. As a global platform leader for Enterprise Marketplaces (B2B & B2C), Thing Commerce, B2B and D2C, Spryker has empowered 150+ global enterprise customers in more than 200 countries worldwide and is trusted by brands such as ALDI, Siemens, Hilti, and Ricoh. Gartner recognized Spryker as a Visionary in the 2021 Magic Quadrant for Digital Commerce and has also been named as a major player in B2B e-Commerce by IDC. Spryker is a privately held technology company headquartered in Berlin, Germany and New York, USA. Find out more at https://spryker.com SOURCE Pivotree Inc. New Customer Acquisition Growth and Product Innovations Come on the Heels of Successful User Conference, "Perform 2022" REDWOOD CITY, Calif., July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Planful Inc., the pioneer of financial performance management cloud software, today announced exceptionally strong momentum through the first half of 2022. Multiple growth records were achieved including customers added, subscription bookings, and customer retention rates. The company also held a successful in-person Perform conference in Las Vegas. Subscription bookings beat the previous best-ever quarter by more than 20%, while customer expansion bookings surged 41% year-over-year as customers continue to extract more value from Planful, expanding use cases to all corners of the business. Planful's channel business continued its impressive growth, increasing bookings by 47% year-over-year, expanding the partner network by 25%, and adding new customers around the globe, including: Speedcast Communications Inc., Mejuri, Tea Forte, Globo, Togetherwork, and Carbon Health. Planful and its employees continued to receive industry and analyst recognition in the first half of the year, including: The company earned Great Place to Work certification for its operations in the U.S., Canada , India , and the UK. , , and the UK. Planful Predict was also recognized as a finalist for a prestigious CODiE Award in the "Best Emerging Technology" category. Planful's People team earned a Gold Globee award for "Human Resources Department of the Year". Both Planful and CEO Grant Halloran won Stevie Awards for the second consecutive year in the "Company of the Year Financial Services" and "Maverick of the Year" categories. won Stevie Awards for the second consecutive year in the "Company of the Year Financial Services" and "Maverick of the Year" categories. Planful earned top product scores from the Business Application Research Center (BARC) in the "Financial Performance Management" and "Integrated Planning and Analytics'' categories. Planful was named an Experience Leader in the 2022 Dresner Advisory Services' Wisdom of Crowds report. "The first half of 2022 was another big step upward for the Planful team, partners, and customers," said CEO Grant Halloran. "This momentum is a result of a ton of innovation and business operations transformation in the last few years. Finance and accounting professionals are desperate to modernize their data and process infrastructure, and do that in a very cost effective and speedy manner. Our team and partners are making that possible and I'm really proud of the hard work they continue to do on behalf of our customers." During May's Perform 2022 user conference, the company announced the availability of Predict: Projections , the latest addition to its AI functionality within the platform. Planful also unveiled a new experience for business users to update plans, forecasts, and budgets within the platform, reducing friction across the business, along with platform improvements that bring titanium-level security, increase performance, and enable greater scalability. Planful's 2022 Customer Award winners were announced at the event: Innovation Award: Vail Resorts Impact Award: Horizon Therapeutics Advocacy Award: Ellucian Company Rookie of the Year: Kin + Carta "Planful helps us accelerate close and consolidation cycles, improve reporting and create more accurate plans and forecasts as we grow," said Robby LeBourveau, Director of Finance at ProMach, a global conglomerate and innovator in packaging machinery solutions. "Planful makes us more resilient as an organization, and the platform's ability to perform and scale as we grow means we can continue to rely on Planful to drive business decisions with real-time data from across the organization." Learn more about Planful at www.planful.com or view an interactive demo . About Planful Planful is the pioneer of financial performance management cloud software. The Planful platform is used by the Office of the CFO around the globe to streamline business-wide planning, budgeting, consolidations, reporting, and visual analytics. Planful empowers users to plan confidently, close faster, and report accurately. More than 1000 customers, including Boston Red Sox, Del Monte, TGI Friday's, and 23andMe, rely on Planful to accelerate cycle times, increase productivity, and improve accuracy across the end-to-end FP&A process. Planful is a private company backed by Vector Capital, a leading global private equity firm. Learn more at www.planful.com . Contact [email protected] Additional Resources Hear from Planful customers Explore FP&A use cases Discover Continuous Planning Join the conversation on social media: LinkedIn , Twitter , or Facebook . SOURCE Planful Monrovia The Liberian Senate on Monday concurred with the House of Representatives to pass the 2022 recast budget which now includes a promised US$30 million from HPX, a concession company wanting management rights over the railway facility from Yekepa to the Port of Buchanan for the purpose of exporting iron ore from Guinea using the facility. The expected US$30 million stood tall as an issue of concern by some members of the Senate and because of their concerns, the Minister was requested to appear before the plenary along with officials from the Liberia Revenue Authority to explain the legality of the source. "Having critically reviewed the submitted engrossed bill, by the HOR and all its content, Senate statutory Committee on Ways, Means and Budget recommends to full plenary to concur with the House of Representatives for passage." However, Senators Darius Dillon Montserrado County, Nyounblee Karnga Lawrence (LP-Grand Bassa County), Johnathan Boycharles-Sogboie (ANC-River-Gee County) voted against the passage of the draft budget on grouds that they were not given sufficient reasons to take such risk on HPX. Senator Daniel Naytaahn of (ANC-Gbarpolu County) abstained. During his appearance, Finance and Development Planning Minister, Samuel Tweah, told members of the Senate that the Liberian government was constrained to accept the US$30 million offer from HPX as signing fee because the government was faced with the challenge of raising civil servants' salaries for a month at the time. Their appearance became necessary after some Senators including Montserrado County Senator Abraham Darius Dillon demanded an explanation for the inclusion of a promised US$30 million in the recast Budget. HPX is a concession awaiting Legislative ratification. Their interest is to manage the rail between the republic of Guinea and the Liberian government for the sole purpose of transporting iron ore from Guinea to the port of Buchanan for exportation. In the proposed recast budget, the Legislature is being asked to recast the 2022 National Budget in order to remove the US$25 million contributed by ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML) as a result of the need to ratify its Mineral Development Agreement No. 3. AML's contribution would be replaced it with an expected US$30 million resulting from the signing of a framework agreement between the Executive and HPX - a mining company opting to use the Yekepa-Buchanan railway to export iron ore from Guinea. This means the legislature would be dropping an already secured US$25 million for US$30 million for a concession agreement that is yet to come before them. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Liberia Governance Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. The HPX is reportedly calling for the management of the rail from Guinea to Buchanan Port. "They have brought it to us to remove the ArcelorMittal US$25million and replace it with the expected US$30 million from a framework document signed between the Executive Branch of Government and HPX," Senator Prince Moye Co-chair on the Ways, Means and Finance Committee stated. He made the disclosure in session last Tuesday. In April this year, FrontPageAfrica reported on the 'secret' signing of a framework agreement between HPX and the Government as the possible reason behind the stalling of ArcelorMittal's third MDA. The signed amended and restated Framework Agreement with the HPX confirms the Liberian government's principles for HPX's non-discriminatory access to Liberian rail and port infrastructure and identifies HPX's requirements for the future evacuation of ore from the Guinean Nimba Iron Ore Project. The Framework Agreement, which is immediately effective, also sets out a timetable for detailed negotiations and the implementation of a definitive Concession and Access Agreement for HPX's infrastructure requirements. As per the Agreement, HPX looks forward to having the right to extend the railway facility from Yekepa to the Guinea-Liberia border and have access to the Yekepa-Port of Buchanan rail. Toronto-based Ad Tech Company Also Announces Significant Investment from Fort Point Capital TORONTO, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - Polar, the industry leader in Social Display advertising, has changed its name to Nova. The Nova banner will serve the company's entire client base: publishers, agencies, brands, ad tech platforms, CTV providers, and retail media. Nova is also launching CTV and other new video formats. Nova can now convert any video on social media into a VAST-enabled ad to run online or on CTV. The move is part of a larger strategy expanding the company's creative automation platform, maximizing the value of creative assets as advertisers face increasing challenges with data and targeting. Lastly, Nova has received a significant investment from Fort Point Capital , a Boston-based private equity fund with experience investing in growing marketing and technology businesses. From CEO and founder Kunal Gupta, "We pioneered the Social Display category, creating the technology to run best-performing social posts in the open web's ad inventory. Social Display continues to unlock huge performance gains for advertisers. Now, with this investment from Fort Point, we're taking what we've learned from delivering over 75 billion ad impressions and expanding our platform of performance-based ad products." Fort Point Capital partner Brooke Ablon commented, "We're excited to partner with Nova's management team as they expand Social Display into a broader performance enhancement platform. It's more important than ever that advertisers see clear returns from digital campaigns. Nova makes this possible through its growing portfolio of creative formats and automation tools." On CTV, Nova president Matt Crenshaw added, " The cost of creative shouldn't be a barrier to reaching audiences for the thousands of small to midsize advertisers. We're providing more value out of what they have that's already working with a cost effective extension of their social feeds into CTV and other video inventory." "We have a great partnership with Nova led with many campaigns with Nova's creative formats that have seen tremendous success," said Mike Juhas, SVP, Client and Optimization Services of Digital Remedy. "We're excited as Nova pushes beyond social display into new directions offering our partners powerful creative solutions as part of Digital Remedy's unmatched performance CTV and video solutions." About Nova Nova is the leader in Social Display, providing creative automation for agencies, brands, ad tech platforms, CTV providers, and retail media, allowing them to repurpose social creative to run programmatically, at scale, on the open web, in mobile apps, and on CTV. In the past year alone, 250+ of the world's most successful media publishers and platforms have generated $150 million in direct-sold digital advertising revenue with Nova's technology, activating over 15,000 campaigns in 30+ countries. About Fort Point Capital Based in Boston, Massachusetts, Fort Point Capital is a private equity firm that invests in lower middle market, business services companies in partnership with strong management teams. Fort Point Capital is currently investing from FPC Small Cap Fund II. To learn more, please visit fortpointcapital.com. SOURCE Nova MONTREAL, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - The Board of Directors of the Public Sector Pension Investment Board (PSP Investments) is pleased to announce that, after a thorough and rigorous global search, it appointed Deborah K. Orida as President and Chief Executive Officer effective September 1, 2022. Ms. Orida has 25 years of experience in the investment and finance industry and was most recently Senior Managing Director, Global Head of Real Assets & Chief Sustainability Officer, at the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPP Investments) where she led the global Real Assets department that encompasses Infrastructure, Sustainable Energies, Real Estate, Sustainable Investing and Portfolio Value Creation. She will succeed Mr. Neil Cunningham, who, effective September 1, 2022, becomes Vice Chair and Special Advisor to the President and CEO, and will support the transition process until his retirement, effective March 31, 2023. "PSP Investments' strong financial performance demonstrates the organization is well positioned for an effective leadership transition," said Martin J. Glynn, Chair of the Board at PSP Investments. "In making this decision, the Board unanimously agrees that Ms. Orida is ideally qualified to lead PSP Investments forward into its next phase of growth and strategic evolution. On behalf of my colleagues on the Board of Directors and all PSP Investments employees, I would also like to thank Neil Cunningham for his immense contribution and for ensuring a smooth and nimble transition process." "I am deeply honoured by this appointment," said Deborah K. Orida, incoming President and Chief Executive Officer at PSP Investments. "PSP Investments is a global organization with a proven performance track-record and a strong talent base. It is a tremendous privilege to be given the opportunity to lead one of Canada's largest and fastest growing pension investment managers at a pivotal moment. I look forward to working with PSP Investments' exceptional management team to continue to respond to market opportunities and generate solid returns for contributors and beneficiaries over the long-term horizon. On a personal note, my family and I are excited to be moving to Montreal shortly and immerse ourselves in the city's culture and community." PSP Investments posted a 10.9% return in fiscal year 2022 as assets under management grew by 12.7% to $230.5 billion. Earlier this year, the pension investment manager also launched its inaugural climate strategy with targets to guide climate action and emissions reductions. About PSP Investments The Public Sector Pension Investment Board (PSP Investments) is one of Canada's largest pension investment managers with $230.5 billion of net assets under management as of March 31, 2022. It manages a diversified global portfolio composed of investments in capital markets, private equity, real estate, infrastructure, natural resources and credit investments. Established in 1999, PSP Investments manages and invests amounts transferred to it by the Government of Canada for the pension plans of the federal Public Service, the Canadian Forces, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Reserve Force. Headquartered in Ottawa, PSP Investments has its principal business office in Montreal and offices in New York, London and Hong Kong. For more information, visit investpsp.com or follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn. SOURCE PSP Investments CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa., July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Quaker Houghton (NYSE: KWR) today announced the following schedule and contact information for its second quarter 2022 earnings release and investor call. Earnings Release: Thursday, August 4, 2022 (after market close) Visit the investor relations portion of Quaker Houghton's website at https://investors.quakerhoughton.com/ Teleconference: Friday, August 5, 2022, at 8:30 a.m. (ET) Participate live by phone or listen to live audio webcast through the investor relations portion of Quaker Houghton's website at https://investors.quakerhoughton.com/ Dial-in Number: +1-877-269-7756 (toll-free) +1-201-689-7817 (toll) Please call 5-10 minutes prior to the scheduled start of the call. No password required. If unable to participate live, select from one of the following replay options: Digital Replay: Available through August 12, 2022 Call +1-877-660-6853 (toll free) or +1-201-612-7415 (toll) Conference ID No. 13731447 Archived Webcast: Visit the investor relations portion of Quaker Houghton's website at https://investors.quakerhoughton.com/ About Quaker Houghton Quaker Houghton is the global leader in industrial process fluids. With a presence around the world, including operations in over 25 countries, our customers include thousands of the world's most advanced and specialized steel, aluminum, automotive, aerospace, offshore, can, mining, and metalworking companies. Our high-performing, innovative and sustainable solutions are backed by best-in-class technology, deep process knowledge and customized services. With approximately 4,700 employees, including chemists, engineers, and industry experts, we partner with our customers to improve their operations so they can run even more efficiently, even more effectively, whatever comes next. Quaker Houghton is headquartered in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, located near Philadelphia in the United States. Visit quakerhoughton.com to learn more. SOURCE Quaker Houghton DUBLIN, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The "RNA Therapies in Oncology: Analytical Tool" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. RNA Therapies in Oncology: Analytical Tool is the must have handbook for any business developer, BI/CI operative or clinical developer who needs to be on top of this hot and fast moving area of oncology. This unique product is truly the only tool of its kind and is designed to give you a competitive edge in your RNA therapy drug surveillance and intelligence, allowing you to power your decision making and advance your own interests. RNA therapies, such as miRNA, RNAi & siRNA, is an emerging class of biopharmaceutical that has immense potential in cancer medicine. Critical to the field, recent developments in delivery technologies such nanoparticle carriers and conjugation strategies have allowed RNA therapeutics to enter clinical trials in the treatment of cancer. Your RNA Therapies in Oncology: Analytical Tool covers more than 127 companies plus partners who are today developing 274 RNA therapy drugs where of 182 are in active development in cancer across 122 different targets. Any data and/or analysis from the Analytical Tool is yours to keep and data/graphs/tables can be easily exported into Excel/PDF and various graphic formats for mixing with your own proprietary information. For 20 years we have supported better decision making across the oncology drug development industry. Your RNA Therapies in Oncology: Analytical Tool is based on two decades of proven methodology and transforms your computer's desktop into a high capacity workbench within your area of choice. Even before launching this tool you have already eliminated the hundreds of hours of work needed to discover, process and piece together the thousands of sources that our team of oncology dedicated and highly experienced contents specialists have done on your behalf. Let our expertise work for you With a simple point and click interface you can navigate the environment of current development, drill down into specific areas such as ongoing combination trials, biomarker analysis, selected scientific abstracts etc. and generate drug profiles, drug target profiles and company profiles (including Business Development & Licensing contacts). Any analysis generated by you is packed with presentation-ready graphs and tables to use in your reports and presentations. Your key to access development at the world-leading cancer meetings The RNA Therapies in Oncology: Analytical Tool is continuously updated according to twelve of the world's most influential meetings in oncology (AACR, ASCO, ASGCT, ASH, CMIT, EHA, EORTC-NCI-AACR, ESMO, SITC and BIO (International, Europe and Asia). If you are not able to attend any of the conference(s) in person, this Analytical Tool ensures that you are not missing out on the important take home messages you need to know about. Run combination therapy analysis like no other The RNA Therapies in Oncology: Analytical Tool delivers comprehensive combination therapy analysis, allowing you to analyze combination therapies from multiple perspectives; from a single drug to virtually any cross section of oncology drugs of interest. Unparalleled biomarker surveillance We also provide an outstanding oncology clinical biomarker surveillance & analysis, highlighting clinical phenotyping and patient stratification in trials. This analysis is based on our monitoring of the presence and usage of more than 1,000 biomarkers across tens of thousands of cancer clinical trials. Support and inspiration at your finger-tips You also have access to a great selection of How-to Training Videos showing best practice approaches to aspects such as competitive pipeline analysis right through to many real world case examples put forward by other users of our Analytical Tools. A tool to grow with and keep you informed Unlike a static report which just represents a particular snapshot in time, all of the Analytical Tools come with one year of online access to twice-weekly updates in both contents and features, pipeline alerts and online support etc. You can choose to renew your access to these updates and support on a yearly basis or go over to our industry leading full service platform covering all oncology drug development, 1stOncology. Keeping you "In the know" Simply put, our mission is to fuel your knowledge of oncology, to make you the first to know about very early technologies and startups, emerging clinical trial results, drug approvals and the ever-changing competitive landscape. RNA Therapies in Oncology: Analytical Tool achieves this by continuously scanning development in RNA therapy and reporting: Deals & Collaborations New technologies/drugs (emerging from patents, grants, abstracts (see Conference Coverage) etc.) Funding/Grants/IPOs Filings & Approvals Latest Clinical Trial Development & Results Newly launched clinical trials Conference Coverage of the world's twelve leading meetings in oncology* Quarterly & Annual Reporting This puts you in control of most, if not all, day-to-day developments in your field while also benefiting from one of the most comprehensive commercial pipeline review & competitive assessment tools available on the market today! Identify, prioritize, and lead scientific assessment of oncology opportunities and competition by multiple factors such as: Emerging Technologies Target Novelty Recent Funding Early & Late Stage Pipeline Biomarker/Companion Diagnostic Development (featured below) Entered Deals & Alliances Conference surveillance of world leading cancer meetings (featured below) Combination Therapy Choices (featured below) Outcome of Clinical Trials Indication Selection & Expansion Choices Drug Repositioning Opportunities For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/soi9cd 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 Demonstrates Commitment to Employees, Company Culture COLUMBUS, Ohio, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Sbarro, the leading QSR serving the impulse pizza occasion, has earned certification by Great Place to Work, the global authority on workplace culture, employee experience, and leadership behaviors. Sbarro Operations This certification recognizes the top companies to work for worldwide based on feedback provided by employees on more than 60 elements of their job experience. Highest scoring categories for Sbarro included: employee pride in the brand, belief that their work makes a difference, employee alignment with and trust in the leadership team, and diversity and inclusion in the workplace. "Our certification as a Great Place to Work is a testament to our employees and their passion for our brand, our culture, our franchise partners and each other," said Rohan Shearer, Sbarro's Chief Administrative Officer and head of Human Resources. "We're honored to be one of the very few US based QSR brands to have obtained this recognition." The core of Sbarro's culture is its "People Pledge," an employee engagement program that welcomes, develops, communicates with and cares for each member of the Sbarro family. The People Pledge has created a common language around employee connection and belonging that has led to Sbarro's industry leading management tenure. "Great Place to Work Certification isn't something that comes easily it takes ongoing dedication to the employee experience," said Sarah Lewis-Kulin, vice president of global recognition at Great Place to Work. "Earning this designation means that Sbarro is one of the best companies to work for in the country." About Sbarro In 1956, Carmela "Mama" Sbarro and her family opened the doors to their Italian delicatessen in Brooklyn. Their slices of New York-style pizza were so popular that they soon opened a second location at the King's Plaza Mall in New York, focused solely on pizza. More than 65 years later, Sbarro is now the global leader in the impulse pizza category. Sbarro offers our XL Original New York pizza, handmade every day, with freshly prepared and stretched dough, hand-shredded 100% whole milk mozzarella cheese, and San Marzano-style tomatoes in a variety of venues. Our award-winning New York pizzas, strombolis and other offerings can be found in retail spaces such as malls, casinos, airports, universities, convenience stores and travel plazas. To order online, to find a location near you, or for franchising opportunities, visit Sbarro.com. Get social with us on @sbarro on Facebook and Twitter, and @sbarroofficial on Instagram. About Great Place to Work Certification Great Place to Work Certification is the most definitive "employer-of-choice" recognition that companies aspire to achieve. It is the only recognition based entirely on what employees report about their workplace experience specifically, how consistently they experience a high-trust workplace. Great Place to Work Certification is recognized worldwide by employees and employers alike and is the global benchmark for identifying and recognizing outstanding employee experience. Every year, more than 10,000 companies across 60 countries apply to get Great Place to Work-Certified. About Great Place to Work Great Place to Work is the global authority on workplace culture. Since 1992, they have surveyed more than 100 million employees worldwide and used those deep insights to define what makes a great workplace: trust. Their employee survey platform empowers leaders with the feedback, real-time reporting and insights they need to make data-driven people decisions. Everything they do is driven by the mission to build a better world by helping every organization become a great place to work For All. Media inquiries can be sent to [email protected] SOURCE SBARRO Physician-Patient Alliance for Health & Safety Announces Enhanced Respiratory Care Review Committee CHICAGO, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Setting a National Respiratory Standard of Care: Physician-Patient Alliance for Health & Safety Announces Enhanced Respiratory Care Review Committee The Physician-Patient Alliance for Health & Safety (PPAHS) is pleased to announce the formation of the Enhanced Respiratory Care Standards Review Committee. The Enhanced Respiratory Care Standards Review Committee will make best practice recommendations on the standards long-term care facilities should follow when caring for patients receiving prolonged mechanical ventilation. These Enhanced Respiratory Care Standards will form the basis for a new accreditation of healthcare facilities so that patients and their families will be able to recognize facilities that meet national standards. "Prolonged mechanical ventilation in alternate care settings is a patient safety issue," explained Michael Wong, JD (Executive Director, PPAHS). "In the vast majority of states, there are little to no quality requirements for long-term ventilator care facilities, such as Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNF), that establish adequate staffing ratios of qualified respiratory therapists, advanced monitoring of pulse oximetry/end-tidal CO2, outcomes tracking, use of advanced technologies, or quality oversight. Additionally, there is no accreditation program focused on this specialty service. As a result, many ventilator-dependent/tracheostomized patients receive substandard long-term care." Subbarao Potharaju, Director, Marketing Homecare at Fisher & Paykel Healthcare, discussed the importance of a standard of respiratory care for improving patient outcomes: "Fisher & Paykel Healthcare is pleased to be part of PPAHS's efforts to develop benchmark standards to improve the quality of respiratory care and outcomes of patients in long-term acute care and skilled nursing facilities." Accreditation Standards will be developed, reviewed, and approved by a committee with diverse backgrounds in long-term care administration, staffing, regulatory affairs, outcomes tracking, and clinical care. Members of the Standards Review Committee are: Thomas M. Fuhrman , MD, MMSc, FCCP Chief of Anesthesia, Bay Pines Veterans Affairs Healthcare System - Tampa Bay, Florida , MD, MMSc, FCCP Chief of Anesthesia, Bay Pines Veterans Affairs Healthcare System - Clyde Heflin MD, FACCP Pulmonologist - Nashville, Tennessee . MD, FACCP Pulmonologist - . Pam Clayton RN , LNHA - VP Quality, Regulatory Affairs at GA Health Care Association , LNHA - VP Quality, Regulatory Affairs at GA Health Care Association Carrie Ermshar MBA, LNHA Senior Care Executive Consultant, Houston, Texas William Beal RRT, Massachusetts Board of Respiratory Care - Norwell, Massachusetts Board of Respiratory Care - Lisa Zaenger RRT, VP of Staffing at PEL/VIP - Oak Lawn, Illinois Zachary Gantt RRT, FAARC, President and CEO Encore HealthCare - Livingston, Tennessee Gene Gantt RRT, FAARC (President, Eventa LLC), who has been running the Enhanced Respiratory Care program in Tennessee since 2013, said, "The Enhanced Respiratory Care program is based on standards published by the American Association for Respiratory Care. Utilized in Tennessee, this program has achieved liberation rates of 65% and has earned national recognition of excellence from the American College of Chest Physicians. I am pleased to moderate the Standards Review Committee in this critically important patient safety task." Mr. Gantt is a member of PPAHS's board of advisors. Commenting on the importance of setting a national standard of respiratory care, Matthew Pavlichko, MS RRT-NPS, Director of Professional Development and Education at Vapotherm, Inc. said: "One of Vapotherm's guiding principles is, 'Customers and their Patients are our Total Focus'. We are proud sponsors of the PPAHS Enhanced Respiratory Program to assure that all long-term care facilities provide the highest standard of ventilator care so that all long-term ventilator patients have the best chance of being liberated from both the ventilator and tracheostomy and live their fullest lives." Chris Southerland, General Manager of Breas Medical USA, said that Breas is proud to be a sponsor of this national effort to improve patient care: "Breas is pleased to partner with The Physician-Patient Alliance for Health & Safety's Enhanced Respiratory Care Standards Review Committee to help formulate an accreditation program to optimize the delivery of mechanical ventilation in post-acute care facilities. The need for such a program seems long overdue, and with the expertise at PPAHS developing and managing this new accreditation program, Breas is proud to support their efforts." About Physician-Patient Alliance for Health and Safety An internationally ranked patient safety organization, Physician-Patient Alliance for Health & Safety is a national advocacy force for addressing patient health and safety priorities that are shared by patients, physicians, regulators, and industry. We seek to ensure that the best medications, medical inventions, and technology that can improve care and reduce costs are employed. PPAHS works to advance patient health and safety by developing and highlighting best practices and recommendations through better use and application of clinical practices and experiences, information technologies and checklists, and healthcare information. As a voice in support of ideas and innovation that can improve care, we encourage a health ecosystem that fosters a culture of patient safety. For more about PPAHS, please go to www.ppahs.org. Contact: Physician-Patient Alliance for Health & Safety ***@ppahs.org Photo(s): https://www.prlog.org/12923231 Press release distributed by PRLog SOURCE Physician-Patient Alliance for Health & Safety NEW YORK, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Teladoc Health, Inc. ("Teladoc" or the "Company") (NYSE: TDOC) and certain of its officers. The class action, filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, and docketed under 22-cv-04687, is on behalf of a class consisting of all persons and entities other than Defendants that purchased or otherwise acquired Teladoc securities between October 28, 2021 and April 27, 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. If you are a shareholder who purchased or otherwise acquired Teladoc securities during the Class Period, you have until August 5, 2022 to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com. To discuss this action, contact Robert S. Willoughby at [email protected] or 888.476.6529 (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 7980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased. [Click here for information about joining the class action] Teladoc provides virtual healthcare services in the U.S. and internationally through Business-to-Business and Direct-to-Consumer ("D2C") distribution channels. The Company offers its customers various virtual products and services addressing, among other medical issues, mental health through its BetterHelp D2C product, and chronic conditions. Teladoc touts itself as "the first and only company to provide a comprehensive and integrated whole person virtual healthcare solution that both provides and enables care for a full spectrum of clinical conditions[.]" Despite recent market concerns over new entrants to the telehealth field, such Amazon.com, Inc. and Walmart Inc., the Company has continued to assure investors of the Company's dominant market position in the industry. In fact, as recently as February 2022, Teladoc forecasted full year ("FY") 2022 revenue of $2.55 - $2.65 billion, as well as adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization ("EBITDA") of $330 - $355 million, on anticipated continued growth through its competitive advantages. The complaint alleges that, throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and misleading statements regarding the Company's business, operations, and prospects. Specifically, Defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) increased competition, among other factors, was negatively impacting Teladoc's BetterHelp and chronic care businesses; (ii) accordingly, the growth of those businesses was less sustainable than Defendants had led investors to believe; (iii) as a result, Teladoc's revenue and adjusted EBITDA projections for FY 2022 were unrealistic; (iv) as a result of all the foregoing, Teladoc would be forced to recognize a significant non-cash goodwill impairment charge; and (v) as a result, the Company's public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times. On April 27, 2022, Teladoc announced its first quarter ("Q1") 2022 financial results, including revenue of $565.4 million, which missed consensus estimates by $3.23 million, and "[n]et loss per share of $41.58, primarily driven by [a] non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $6.6 billion or $41.11 per share[.]" Additionally, the Company revised its FY 2022 revenue guidance to $2.4 - $2.5 billion and adjusted EBITDA guidance to $240 - $265 million "to reflect dynamics we are currently experiencing in the [D2C] mental health and chronic condition markets." On a conference call with investors and analysts that day to discuss Teladoc's Q1 2022 results, Defendants largely attributed the Company's poor performance, revised FY 2022 guidance, and $6.6 billion non-cash goodwill impairment charge to increased competition in its BetterHelp and chronic care businesses. On this news, Teladoc's stock price fell $22.48 per share, or 40.15%, to close at $33.51 per share on April 28, 2022. Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com CONTACT: Robert S. Willoughby Pomerantz LLP [email protected] 888-476-6529 ext. 7980 SOURCE Pomerantz LLP NEW YORK, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Tupperware Brands Corporation ("Tupperware" or the "Company") (NYSE: TUP) and certain of its officers. The class action, filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, and docketed under 22-cv-04976, is on behalf of a class consisting of all persons and entities other than Defendants that purchased or otherwise acquired Tupperware securities 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. If you are a shareholder who purchased or otherwise acquired Tupperware securities during the Class Period, you have until August 15, 2022 to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com. To discuss this action, contact Robert S. Willoughby at [email protected] or 888.476.6529 (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 7980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased. [Click here for information about joining the class action] 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. The complaint alleges that, throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and misleading statements regarding the Company's business, operations, and compliance policies. Specifically, Defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) Tupperware was facing significant challenges in maintaining its earnings and sales performance; (ii) accordingly, Tupperware's full year 2022 guidance was unrealistic and/or unsustainable; (iii) all the foregoing, once revealed, was likely to have a material negative impact on Tupperware's financial condition; and (iv) as a result, the Company's 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 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. 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, Tupperware's stock price fell $5.76 per share, or 32.16%, to close at $12.15 per share on May 4, 2022. Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com CONTACT: Robert S. Willoughby Pomerantz LLP [email protected] 888-476-6529 ext. 7980 SOURCE Pomerantz LLP NEW YORK, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Wells Fargo & Company ("Wells Fargo" or the "Company") (NYSE: WFC) and certain of its officers. The class action, filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, and docketed under 22-cv-03811, is on behalf of a class consisting of all persons and entities other than Defendants that purchased or otherwise acquired Wells Fargo common stock between February 24, 2021 and June 9, 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. If you are a shareholder who purchased or otherwise acquired Wells Fargo common stock during the Class Period, you have until August 29, 2022 to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com. To discuss this action, contact Robert S. Willoughby at [email protected] or 888.476.6529 (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 7980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased. [Click here for information about joining the class action] Wells Fargo is a diversified financial services company that provides banking, investment, mortgage, and consumer and commercial finance products and services in the U.S. and internationally. In 2020, Wells Fargo expanded its so-called "Diverse Search Requirement", also referred to as a diverse slate hiring policy, requiring that at least 50% of interview candidates must represent a historically underrepresented group with respect to at least one diversity dimension (including race/ethnicity, gender, LGBTQ, veterans, and people with disabilities) for most posted roles in the U.S. with total direct compensation greater than $100,000 per year. In addition, at least one interviewer on the hiring panel must represent a historically underrepresented group with respect to at least one diversity dimension. The complaint alleges that, throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and misleading statements regarding the Company's business, operations, and compliance policies. Specifically, Defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) Wells Fargo had misrepresented its commitment to diversity in the Company's workplace; (ii) Wells Fargo conducted fake job interviews in order to meet its Diverse Search Requirement; (iii) the foregoing conduct subjected Wells Fargo to an increased risk of regulatory and/or governmental scrutiny and enforcement action, including criminal charges; (iv) all of the foregoing, once revealed, was likely to negatively impact Wells Fargo's reputation; and (v) as a result, the Company's public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times. On May 19, 2022, the New York Times published an article entitled "At Wells Fargo, a Quest to Increase Diversity Leads to Fake Job Interviews". Citing discussions with "seven current and former Wells Fargo employees", including Joe Bruno, a former executive in the Company's wealth management division, the article reported, in relevant part, that "[f]or many open positions, employees would interview a 'diverse' candidate", but that "often, the so-called diverse candidate would be interviewed for a job that had already been promised to someone else." The article further reported that Mr. Bruno was fired after "complain[ing] to his bosses" about the practice. On this news, Wells Fargo's common stock price fell $0.44 per share, or 1.04%, over two trading sessions, closing at $41.67 per share on May 20, 2022. On June 6, 2022, Reuters published an article entitled "Wells Fargo pauses diverse slate hiring policy after reports of fake job interviews." The article reported that "Wells Fargo . . . is pausing a hiring policy that requires recruiters to interview a diverse pool of candidates, after the New York Times reported such interviews were often fake and conducted even though the job had already been promised to someone else." The same article also reported that "[t]he bank also plans to conduct a review of its diverse slate guidelines, Chief Executive Officer Charles Scharf told staff on Monday, according to a memo seen by Reuters." Then, on June 9, 2022, the New York Times published an article entitled "Federal Prosecutors Open Criminal Inquiry of Wells Fargo's Hiring Practices." The article reported that federal prosecutors are investigating whether Wells Fargo violated federal laws by conducting fake job interviews in order to meet the Company's Diverse Search Requirement. The article also revealed that, since the New York Times' May 19, 2022 article focusing on the bank's wealth management business, "another 10 current and former employees have shared stories about how they were subject to fake interviews, or conducted them, or saw paperwork documenting the practice", and that "sham interviews occurred across multiple business lines, including its mortgage servicing, home lending and retail banking operations." That same day, Wells Fargo issued a press release entitled "Wells Fargo response to New York Times article", which confirmed that "[e]arlier this week, the [C]ompany temporarily paused the use of its diverse slate guidelines", and that, "[d]uring this pause, the [C]ompany is conducting a review so that hiring managers, senior leaders and recruiters fully understand how the guidelines should be implemented and so we can have confidence that our guidelines live up to their promise." Following these disclosures, Wells Fargo's common stock price fell $3.68 per share, or 8.62%, over the following two trading sessions, closing at $38.99 per share on June 13, 2022. Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com CONTACT: Robert S. Willoughby Pomerantz LLP [email protected] 888-476-6529 ext. 7980 SOURCE Pomerantz LLP LOS ANGELES, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- STIIIZY, the #1 cannabis brand nationally (source: BDSA), has opened its latest retail store in Los Angeles' Wilmington neighborhood. Located at the corner of Pacific Coast Highway and Wilmington, the store brings STIIIZY's industry leading retail experience, safe access, and competitive prices to a new LA community. STIIIZY Wilmington interior. (Courtesy of Shryne Group). Centrally located with ample parking and located near a wide variety of shopping and dining options, this location meets customer demand for exclusive STIIIZY cannabis products and brand merchandise, in addition to 55+ California-based cannabis brands. The first 300 customers to make a purchase at the store's July 23 grand opening will receive a STIIIZY etched battery, and all who attend can take advantage of several exclusive prizes and discounts while enjoying appearances by notable influencers and artists. STIIIZY PCH-Wilmington brings nearly 30 new jobs to the area. For Shryne Group, the vertically integrated company behind STIIIZY, these new jobs are a part of its commitment to strengthening the communities it serves. "We see every new store as an opportunity to bring safe, high quality and accessible cannabis to the communities who want it, and we hope this store will become an integral part of the community for the people of Wilmington," said Shryne Group President Tak Sato. STIIIZY PCH-Wilmington (state license number: C10-0001030-LIC) is located at 1026 W. Pacific Coast Hwy., Wilmington, CA 90744. Hours of operation are Monday through Sunday, 9AM to 10PM. To order from the store online and for the latest brand and retail news, visit Stiiizy.com/retail . About Shryne Group Shryne Group Inc. is a vertically integrated cannabis company with the most successful retail stores in California and the most popular cannabis products nationally. The company has 23 open retail locations across California with plans for over 35 locations open by the end of 2022. Shryne has cultivation, manufacturing and distribution facilities in Humboldt County, Los Angeles, Oakland, and Lompoc and is composed of 2,500 employees across business lines. While rooted in California, the company also sells its products in Arizona, Nevada, and Michigan. Shryne's flagship brand STIIIZY has a passionate following and is inspired by authentic cannabis culture, with the goal of providing high quality cannabis products at affordable prices. The STIIIZY product line is the #1 selling cannabis brand overall nationally. CONTACT: Christian Averill [email protected] SOURCE Shryne Group Inc. Monrovia The U.S Department of State through its Secretary General Mr. Antony Blinken has honored and awarded Bong County's Criminal "Court E" resident Circuit Judge Cllr. Cornelius Flomo Wennah and five others around the world as its "Trafficking in person Heroes for 2022. The award is in recognition of their effort towards the fight against human trafficking and was presented at the launched of the 2022 Traffic in Person report on Tuesday in Washington D.C. The honorees were drawn from Poland, Bangladesh, Ukraine, Thailand, Jordan and Liberia. According to the U.S. state department, Cllr. Wennah and his colleagues have demonstrated exemplary leadership and professionalism over the years during the discharge of their duties, noting that the need to recognize their efforts can't be overlooked. The State Department pointed out in a post-conflict country facing resource challenges and weak rule of law, Judge Wennah has demonstrated tireless devotion to improve Liberia's anti-trafficking record. Judge Wennah was sworn in as a Residential Judge early this year. Prior to this position, he was Head of Felonious Crimes and a prosecutor in the Ministry of Justice (MOJ), investigating, prosecuting, and advising on anti-trafficking matters and other crimes. He is distinguished for developing anti-trafficking training curricula and serving as a trainer on a country-wide project. In his last four years as a prosecutor, he prosecuted seven trafficking cases, winning five and losing one, with one remaining under appeal. These numbers, the State Department noted, are significant given Liberia's overall low number of trafficking cases prosecuted in the past few years. He also advocated for the inclusion of traditional leaders and civil society organizations in Liberia's National Anti-Trafficking Task Force. Since 2020, he has assisted the International Development Law Organization to develop international standard-level human trafficking training curriculum for judges, prosecutors, and law enforcement personnel, all to raise awareness and strengthen justice sector actors' capacities to prevent and address human trafficking. In addition, he was "instrumental in the development and adoption of a trafficking bench book for judges and a handbook for law enforcement and prosecutors-- harmonizing international standards and local practice--without compromising on best practices, lessons learned, or international standards." Other honorees include Mohammed Tariqul Islam of Bangladesh, Major Mohammad al-Khlaifat, Jordan, Ms. Dawid-Olczyk, a Polish human rights activist, Ms. Apinya Tajit of Thailand and Kateryna Cherepakha of Ukrainian who was unable to travel to Washington to form part of the ceremony. The 2022 TIP Report Heroes are currently participating in the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), the U.S. Department of State's premier professional exchange program. The Heroes are attending professional meetings in Washington, D.C.; Philadelphia, PA; and Reno, NV and forging connections with U.S. community leaders with the shared goal of combating all forms of human trafficking. The meetings are focused on the integral themes of prosecution, prevention, protection, and partnerships. The Heroes are also examining the compounding effects of the pandemic, exploring concerns related to racial equity and justice, and highlighting effective survivor engagement. Ranking Liberia in Tier 2, the State Department said although the Government of Liberia does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking, it is making significant efforts to do so. "The government demonstrated overall increasing efforts compared with the previous reporting period, considering the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on its anti-trafficking capacity; therefore Liberia was upgraded to Tier 2." These efforts included passing and enacting a new trafficking law with provisions that removed the means element for child sex trafficking crimes; increasing investigations, prosecutions, and convictions; and allocating more funding to NGOs to conduct awareness raising campaigns, it added. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Liberia Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Meanwhile, back in Liberia, the U.S. Embassy streamed live the event which was attended by Deputy Chief of Mission Joel Maybury and an array of Government officials including Justice Minister Musa Dean, Labor Minister, Cllr. Charles Gibson and the Deputy Foreign Minister Cllr. Deweh Gray. The TIP Report is the U.S. government's principal diplomatic and diagnostic tool to guide relations with foreign governments on human trafficking. It is also the world's most comprehensive resource of governmental anti-trafficking efforts and reflects the U.S. government's commitment to global leadership on key human rights, law enforcement, and national security issue. As required by the Trafficking Victims Protection Act, the TIP Report assesses government efforts around the world to combat human trafficking and highlights strategies to address this crime and protect the victims. The hottest (and crispiest) poultry alternative on the market is seeing historical sales DETROIT, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Skinny Butcher is making a name for himself in freezers across America. The latest plant-based meat alternative has only been in grocery stores a few months and is already enjoying a spectacular debut. Thanks to an initial launch in Walmart, which featured a co-branded item with Netflix's Stranger Things series quickly followed by Midwest and Northern California Costco Clubs and over 1,000 Safeway stores buyers are routinely stating Skinny Butcher is already the best-selling plant-based chicken items they've ever featured. The hottest (and crispiest) poultry alternative on the market is seeing historical sales Developed by the former Garden Fresh Gourmet partners (who sold to the Campbell's Soup Company for $231 million), Skinny Butcher is partnering, on an equity level, with LA-based Golden West Food Group. Golden West manufactures the line exclusively and is sharing sales responsibilities with Skinny Butcher, ensuring speed to market on a national scale, which is rapidly occurring. The secret? It's two fold: First, Skinny Butcher's lighthearted brand voice and brand personality are obviously connecting with consumers as no other plant-based line has. Designed to put a smile on your entire family's faces, Skinny Butcher easily offers the most approachable chick'n items in grocers' freezers. Second, flavor profile. Skinny Butcher employs a progressive fiber strain developed in Italy, which lends itself to a remarkable meat-like texture. From there, pea proteinthe industry gold standard and the Skinny Butcher brand standardand a proprietary spice blend create a superior taste. Combined with a double breading method, Skinny Butcher offers the crispiest and tastiest options on the market. Skinny Butcher CEO, Dave Zilko, explains, "With Skinny Butcher, we sought to create meat-alternatives that still had the same delicious flavor and crunchy texture as traditional fried chicken, but were better for the planet. Our mission was to introduce a plant-based chicken line in which families did not have to make any sacrifice whatsoever with respect to animal protein comparables. In fact, feedback we're receiving strongly suggests consumers prefer Skinny Butcher to animal protein items." Zack Levenson, Chief Operating Office at Golden West Food Group, adds, "The growing popularity of Skinny Butcher is quite organic in that people are looking for options that not only taste delicious, but they can also feel good about feeding to their families. We wanted to create a sustainable product that accomplished this so well that people were questioning if it did include chicken after all." And consumers seem to enthusiastically agree. In sales data provided by IRI, over the most recent four-week period, Skinny Butchers Stranger Things Crazy Crispy Chick'n Nuggets were the #1 plant-based item in all Walmart stores, had 3 times the velocity of and make 2.3 times more dollar sales than the second fastest-selling item. In addition, the nuggets are also currently the third most popular frozen poultry substitute item in the United States. Shoppers can currently find Skinny Butcher's Crazy Crispy Chick'n products in the following retailers and locations: Costco - Northern California , Midwestern United States and select Utah locations , Midwestern United States and select locations Gordon Food Service, all U.S. retail locations Walmart (all US locations) and walmart.com Safeway - Seattle , Mid-Atlantic and Intermountain regions Visit skinnybutcher.com for more information, and make sure to stock up to enjoy while binging Part II of Stranger Things Part Volume 4 on Netflix. About Skinny Butcher: Detroit-based Skinny Butcher LLC is committed to a skinny planetary footprint via its breakthrough line of plant-based protein poultry items, being offered nationally both at retail and via its unique virtual kitchen program. About Golden West Food Group: Golden West Food Group (GWFG) is a premium manufacturer of food products with headquarters in Vernon, California. GWFG offers thousands of products nationwide to a variety of customers in Foodservice, Military, Private Label and Retail Channels including Grocery, Club & Mass Merchant. MEDIA CONTACT: Matt Kovacs BLAZE PR [email protected] (310) 395-5050 SOURCE Skinny Butcher NEW YORK, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Squarespace (NYSE: SQSP), the all-in-one website building and ecommerce platform, today announced the launch of Fluid Engine, a next generation website design system that reimagines drag-and-drop technology for a truly customizable, fast, and easy website design experience for desktop and mobile. "We are very excited to officially launch Fluid Engine, an incredibly powerful and versatile evolution of our page editing system," said Anthony Casalena, CEO & Founder of Squarespace. "Fluid Engine improves both the usability and expressibility of our system, making it possible for more of our customers to access a wider variety of designs. Whether you are a professional designer building on Squarespace or just starting out, Fluid Engine helps our customers achieve a variety of fantastic design outcomes without having to resort to custom code." With Fluid Engine, customers unlock what we call Unbreakable Creativity the ability to push creative boundaries in web design with confidence. The reimagined design system provides users the maximum freedom to easily play, experiment, and stretch creative limits through an unrestricted canvas, but the canvas is also guided by an advanced smart grid to ensure quality results. The system provides just enough design guidance to make a website look great without limiting creativity. With a highly intuitive, fluid, and agile website editing experience, anyonewhether beginner or procan achieve the unique and professional design results that allow them to stand out and succeed online. It is powerful enough to be used by the most creative professionals in web design, while also easy-to-use for beginners. Key Features: Fluid Engine offers groundbreaking web design through an array of new functionalities and customization options, including: Easier Customization and Creative Expression. A modern design system that gives users creative freedom and flexibility with design guidance through an advanced drag-and-drop smart grid. A modern design system that gives users creative freedom and flexibility with design guidance through an advanced drag-and-drop smart grid. Placement Precision. A new level of control when arranging content within page layouts. You can control all aspects of layering, alignment, full bleed positioning, and more. A new level of control when arranging content within page layouts. You can control all aspects of layering, alignment, full bleed positioning, and more. More Control Over Your Mobile Website. A smart grid specifically designed for mobile view that helps users create bespoke designs to optimize mobile experience. A smart grid specifically designed for mobile view that helps users create bespoke designs to optimize mobile experience. Design Efficiency. Intelligent, responsive functionality to help users get their envisioned design results faster and more easily. With a growing share of global traffic on mobile, a better mobile website design and experience makes a significant impact on brand trust, credibility, and increased visitor engagementtranslating to more sales and success online. Recognizing the need for customizable mobile experiences, Fluid Engine makes it possible to easily design bespoke mobile landing experiences independently from a website desktop experience. "Fluid Engine is the most design-forward, yet simple and fast way to build a website," added Paul Gubbay, Chief Product Officer at Squarespace. "With millions of people creating business and personal brands online, we have created a simplified solution it's as easy as building a presentation and the output is incredible." While Squarespace's beautifully designed templates and staged layout options will remain available, users will have access to a whole new editing paradigm to explore through Fluid Engine. Paired with other newly released design toolsincluding a motion-based scrolling block, curated font packs and color palettes, custom button styles, and morethe range of online styling possibilities has grown significantly to reinforce anyone's creative vision. Fluid Engine is now available on Squarespace 7.1 in English, with plans to roll out in other supported languages beginning this fall. To learn more about Fluid Engine and start designing today, click here . About Squarespace Squarespace is the all-in-one platform with everything to sell anything, providing customers in over 200 countries and territories with all the tools they need to sell physical products, digital content, classes, appointments, reservations and more. Powered by best-in-class design for a consistent brand experience across all touchpoints, our suite of fully integrated products enables anyone to manage their projects and businesses through websites, domains, ecommerce, marketing tools, and scheduling, along with tools for managing a social media presence with Unfold and hospitality business management via Tock. Squarespace is headquartered in downtown New York City, with offices in Dublin, Ireland, Portland, Oregon, and Chicago, Illinois. For more information, visit www.squarespace.com. Media [email protected] SOURCE Squarespace, Inc. National fashion retailer hires Tana Ward and announces new business and organization KNOXVILLE, Tenn., July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Stand Out For Good, Inc., parent company of popular women's fashion brand Altar'd State, announces the opening of a new contemporary home brand and welcomes Tana Ward as brand president, leading the San Francisco-based team. Stand Out For Good, Inc. understands what it means to lead in the lifestyle space, and I am proud to drive the vision and next phase of growth with this exceptional family of brands, said Tana Ward. "Stand Out For Good, Inc. understands what it means to lead in the lifestyle space, and I am proud to drive the vision and next phase of growth with this exceptional family of brands," said Ward. "I look forward to working closely with Chairman and CEO Aaron Walters to build the leading purpose-based home brand, making a difference every day for guests and communities in need." Tana Ward brings over 25 years of retail industry experience driving growth, building teams and delivering industry-leading results as a senior executive at retailers like Gap, Inc., American Eagle Outfitters and Restoration Hardware. Tana served as chief merchandising officer at both American Eagle Outfitters and Restoration Hardware and was most recently co-president at Ben Soleimani, leading all functions of the business. "We're delighted to welcome Tana Ward as our new brand president. Her experience and vision continue our growth in the consumer lifestyle space where we deliver quality products with unparalleled service and experience," said Aaron Walters, chairman and CEO of Stand Out For Good, Inc. "This new brand expands our reach further into the contemporary, curated lifestyle that we know our guest is searching for." Most recently, the company announced the addition of Leila Heydari as head of design for Altar'd State. She will be leading the new Altar'd State design office in Los Angeles. About Stand Out For Good, Inc. Stand Out For Good, Inc. is a purpose-based, inspiring lifestyle and fashion family of brands rooted in community and committed to giving back. From welcoming experiences and warm associates to thoughtfully curated products in-store and online, Stand Out For Good, Inc. represents 127 Altar'd State stores, 35 Arula boutiques, six Vow'd boutiques and three Tullabee boutiques in 39 states. Stand Out For Good is built upon the founding principles of giving back and making a difference in the world. Locally in communities nationwide and globally too, Stand Out For Good, Inc. has partnered with over 4,000 nonprofits that provide relief, compassion, resources, education and love. To learn more about the Stand Out For Good, Inc. family of brands, visit their websites at altardstate.com, arula.com, vowdweddings.com and tullabee.com. Media Contact: Laura Mansfield, APR Tombras [email protected] 865.599.9968 SOURCE Stand Out For Good, Inc. Focused on Affordable and Accessible Eye Care, New Businesses to Serve Optical Needs of the Community NACOGDOCHES, Texas, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Stanton Optical , a leading full-service optical retailer offering accessible and affordable eye care and eyewear, has opened its newest location in the Tyler-Longview area on July 18. Located at 1208 N. University Dr. in the Nacogdoches city, this new store mark Stanton Optical's third store in the area. "We are excited to bring affordable and convenient eyecare solutions to more neighborhoods in the Tyler-Longview area," said Daniel Stanton, CEO of Now Optics. "Our continued growth allows us to provide eyewear products, eyecare services and new job opportunities to the residents of Nacogdoches." Under the leadership of founder and CEO Daniel Stanton, Stanton Optical is a retail brand of Now Optics, which also includes My Eyelab. Now Optics has led the optical industry in ocular telehealth by leveraging proprietary innovative telehealth technology to provide patients with affordable and convenient eye exams, eyeglasses, and contact lenses. Tapping into its national network of independent eye doctors, to date the company has conducted more than 2 million telehealth eye exams. On top of that, an assortment of over 2,000 unique frames to fit both style and budgets, guided by our knowledgeable and friendly staff, allows consumers the ultimate eye care experience. For convenience, Stanton Optical in the Tyler-Longview area accepts both same day appointments and walk-ins for eye exams and offers two pairs of glasses including the cost of an eye exam, starting at just $79. You can get an eye exam and your single vision glasses all made the same day due to onsite lab in this store. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic has not stopped Stanton Optical, as its proprietary telehealth technology minimizes the risk without compromising quality eye care. Hours for the new store in Nacogdoches is Monday Saturday from 9AM-7PM. Sundays - Closed. For more information or to schedule an appointment go to www.stantonoptical.com or call (936) 213-3896. ABOUT NOW OPTICS: Now Optics is a leader in the eye care industry. Its retail brands, My Eyelab and Stanton Optical, are among the nation's fastest growing, full-service retail optical centers. The company continues to expand its retail footprint with over 250 corporate and franchise locations in 28 states while delivering affordable eye health solutions. Now Optics consistently ranks among the largest optical retailers in the country by Vision Monday; while My Eyelab ranked on the top #100 on Entrepreneur's list of Top New Franchises in 2022. Visit myeyelab.com or stantonoptical.com for more information. Find details about franchise opportunities at myeyelabfranchise.com. SOURCE Now Optics AMES, Iowa, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Summit Carbon Solutions announced today that Lee Blank has been hired as Chief Executive Officer. He will assume day-to-day leadership of Summit Carbon Solutions, working closely with the company's sponsor, Summit Agricultural Group, to deliver on the company's mission to decarbonize the agriculture and biofuels industries. Blank has more than 30 years of leadership experience as an executive with various companies spanning the agricultural supply chain. Most recently, Blank was Chief Executive Officer of Advance Trading, Inc., an advisory and risk management firm that serves agricultural customers from producers through end users. Previously, Blank was Chief Executive Officer of GFG Ag Services, LLC, an integrated agricultural retailer, and before that was President and Chief Executive Officer of Twin Rivers Technologies, an agricultural processing company, where he was responsible for the development and construction of a $210 million processing facility in Canada. Blank spent the first 15 years of his career with Archer Daniels Midland managing operations across commodity merchandising, logistics, and processing. "We are excited to welcome Lee as CEO of Summit Carbon Solutions as we continue to build momentum towards executing a transformational project for the agriculture and biofuels industries," said Bruce Rastetter, CEO of Summit Agricultural Group. "This company is deeply rooted in agriculture, as are its stakeholders in rural communities across the Midwest. Lee's background as an accomplished leader and entrepreneur, his experience in project delivery, and his ability to develop relationships and to engage with these stakeholders make him a perfect fit." "I couldn't be more thrilled to join Summit Carbon Solutions at this critical stage," said Lee Blank, CEO of Summit Carbon Solutions. "Throughout my career in the agriculture industry, there has never been a more urgent need, nor a more difficult challenge than decarbonization, but at Summit Carbon Solutions we have an opportunity to make a tremendous impact on the industry's carbon footprint, while bolstering its long-term economic fundamentals. Summit has assembled a world class team to build this world class project and I look forward to leveraging my experience and skillset to lead its execution." Summit Carbon Solutions was founded in 2020, and in partnership with 32 bioethanol plants across the Midwestern United States, is developing infrastructure to capture and permanently sequester over 10 million tons per year of carbon dioxide beginning in 2024. Summit recently announced several significant project milestones, including a successful $1.1 billion equity fundraise anchored by TPG Rise, Continental Resources, Tiger Infrastructure Partners, and SK Group, and a partnership with Minnkota Power Cooperative, which provides Summit access to the largest fully permitted carbon storage facility in the United States. Summit Carbon Solutions seeks to lower greenhouse gas emissions by connecting industrial emitters via strategic infrastructure to store carbon dioxide safely and permanently in the Midwestern United States. For more information, visit: www.summitcarbonsolutions.com Summit Agricultural Group is a diversified agribusiness operator and investment manager with operations in the United States and Brazil. Summit deploys capital across the agricultural supply chain with a particular focus at the intersection of agriculture and renewable energy. For more information, visit: www.summitag.com SOURCE Summit Carbon Solutions CHICAGO, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- In the spring of 2021, Sebastian Lueders, founder of TacVue and crypto investor, was a third-year college student with an ambitious goal to onboard the next billion people into the world of web3. In August, the 22-year old founder will be launching the world's first GameFi Media Platform with the help of his two co-founders, Robert Goldsborough and Bradley Myrick. Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) took the world by storm last year, but Lueders still believes that creators, brands and their fans are undervaluing the technology. TacVue co-founder and CIO Sebastian Lueders is building digital media on blockchain. "I think the biggest problems with non-fungible tokens (NFTs) right now are the lack of quality in most projects and the steep cost of both transactions and high-quality projects" Lueders says. "The creators and brands that fail to incorporate NFTs into their customer lifecycle are missing out on the ability to not only increase their brand equity value, but also to provide their followers with a more interactive customer experience by working with them towards a mutually beneficial goal. The staggering amount of misinformation in this space has made it difficult for its intended beneficiaries to take advantage of the underlying technology." Lueders believes that brands and creators could leverage NFTs to increase awareness and value for their fans that support their goals, initiatives and core values. He sees a world where brands could offer their fans a chance to govern their content creation, media distribution and brand monetization by collecting their content in return for a say over how proceeds are spent, all without the advertisements and spam we experience regularly on traditional social media platforms. "NFTs have been used incorrectly, in my opinion. We have proven their efficacy as a method for brands to monetize both established and emerging brands, but we have failed to show retail consumers the potential for NFTs to establish brands that push social narratives forward" says the 22 year-old founder. "I think we're about to see a fundamental shift in online consumer behavior that paves the way for creators and brands to finally shift their focus to quality over quantity." The introduction of the web2 allowed for users to collaborate with peers across the world and exchange information across large distances. Web3 may usher in a new era of businesses that provide infrastructure for large brands to be formed and developed by remote users that could operate a brand without ever meeting in person. Lueders first attempt at community-owned brands will launch as a media platform on July 28th. "They say it takes a village to raise a child and the same can be said for the web3 industry. The goal is, and always has been, to provide media consumers with a more exciting experience and give users a chance to monetize their support and have a voice in how proceeds are spent for their favorite creators and brands." says Lueders. "This is the start of a whole new world and I hope that TacVue can provide our customers a front-row seat to the future of brand development." For more information on Tacvue visit www.tacvue.io or follow the brand on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube , or Twitter . About TacVue Founded in 2021, TacVue is a Chicago-based technology company that focuses on helping brands and creators across a number of industries, including digital media, gaming, communications and blockchain, among others. As a full-service firm, TacVue partners with its clients on consumer engagements and produces tools and applications for brands, creators and online communities. SOURCE TacVue Investment from global pharmaceutical leader will provide strategic support for LabCentral's mission to foster biotechnology innovation and entrepreneurship in Massachusetts CAMBRIDGE, Mass., July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- LabCentral today announced that Takeda, a global biopharmaceutical leader headquartered in Japan with a global U.S. hub located in Massachusetts, will become a LabCentral Founding Sponsor. Takeda will provide funding over a period of three years to support LabCentral's biotech incubator located at 700 Main Street in the heart of Kendall Square in Cambridge, Mass. The Founding Sponsorship will provide strategic support for LabCentral's operations at the location, including its shared lab space and a robust range of programs designed to help its community of biotech startup residents accelerate their research and development. "Partnering is a critical element of Takeda's research and development strategy. We employ a unique model that supports diverse and flexible partnerships to translate science into highly transformative medicines for patients around the world," said Michael Martin, head of Takeda's center for external innovation. "As part of Takeda's broader partnering strategy, we endeavor to empower and accelerate early-stage biotech innovation and R&D. LabCentral's geographic location in the center of Boston's scientific community, along with its track record of success serving as a launching pad for biotech and life sciences startups, made it a natural investment partner." LabCentral will allow a maximum of seven Founding Sponsorships for LabCentral 700, including up to four Sponsors from the pharmaceutical/biotech industry. Takeda is joining existing Founding Sponsors Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (MLSC), Triumvirate Environmental, Johnson & Johnson Innovation, Roche and Eppendorf. "LabCentral 700 is our original facility, optimized to help early stage scientists and entrepreneurs cultivate the seeds of biotech innovation, and its success has become a blueprint for the buildout of our other facilities LabCentral 610 and now LabCentral 238 so we can support all stages of the biotech startup lifecycle," said Johannes Fruehauf, co-founder and president of LabCentral. "The support and collaboration of sponsors like Takeda is instrumental as we continue to grow and develop our operations to help high-potential startups at 700 Main and beyond." Highlighting the success of LabCentral residents and alumni, the companies have raised nearly $17 billion in funding since 2013 and more than $6 billion last year alone. Also last year, LabCentral companies launched 80 new clinical trials and generated 1,449 new jobs within the local economy (and 4,608 new jobs since 2013.) As part of the Founding Sponsorship, Takeda will have the ability to award up to fifteen LabCentral Golden Tickets, which include advisory support and a seat within LabCentral's shared lab space for one year, to promising biotech entrepreneurs. The company will also gain access to LabCentral's community of startups, with the right to organize monthly events and meetings at LabCentral 700, which include the support of LabCentral's team for logistics and marketing. Additional benefits include participation in LabCentral's resident Selection Committee, office space at LabCentral 700 and invitations to attend and speak at special events. About LabCentral A private, non-profit institution, LabCentral was founded in 2013 as a launchpad for high potential life-sciences and biotech startups. Operating a total of 225,000 square-feet in the heart of Kendall Square in Cambridge, Mass., LabCentral offers fully permitted laboratory and office space for as many as 100 startups comprising approximately 1,000 scientists and entrepreneurs. More information is available at www.labcentral.org. SOURCE LabCentral CHICAGO, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Target Drones Market is projected to grow from USD 4.5 billion in 2022 to USD 6.4 billion by 2027, at a CAGR of 7.4% from 2022 to 2027, according to a new report by MarketsandMarkets. The advent of target drones in terms of compact designs and recovery systems, is one of the major driving factor for the demand of target drones market. Download PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=115334135 Browse in-depth TOC on "AI Infrastructure Market" 177 Tables 50 Figures 201 Pages By payload capacity, the Medium (20 kg to 40 kg) segment is expected to lead the market during the forecast period On the basis of payload capacity, the target drones market has been segmented into high (>40 kg), medium (20 kg to 40 kg), and low (<20 kg). Owing to the growing applications of these target drones, they are equipped with payloads such as identification friend or foe, passive & active radar augmentation, infrared augmentation, and electronic payloads, among others. The use of target drones in applications such as target & decoy, reconnaissance, and combat training requires additional components to make them more effective in operations. These target drones are equipped with passive & active radar augmentation, electronic payloads, GPS navigation, and several types of cameras. With the increasing efforts to make military training more realistic, these payloads are used to help drones perform functions in the above-mentioned applications By mode of operation, the remotely piloted segment has the highest share in the forecasted period On the basis of mode of operation, the target drones market has been segmented into autonomous, remotely piloted, and optionally piloted. With growing advancements in connectivity technology, target drones can be operated remotely or autonomously with preprogrammed functions. Some target drones are designed with the option of both, remote as well as autonomous operation. These are known as optionally piloted drones. Most target drones that are currently being developed are remotely piloted. These drones offer better control and mitigate the risks of program failure that is prevalent in autonomous drones. Jet engines segment has the highest share in the forecasted period On the basis of the engine type, the target drones market has been segmented into internal combustion (IC), jet, and others (electric motors, microturbine engines, and free-flying). Based on engine type, the jet engines segment led the target drones market in 2022. This segment was valued at USD 3494 million in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 5090 million by 2027, recording the highest CAGR of 7.8% from 2020 to 2027 . The segment is expected to lead the market, as most target drones are powered by jet engines, which have a higher power-to-weight ratio compared to IC engines. Request Sample Pages: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsampleNew.asp?id=115334135 North America has the highest share in the forecasted period. The North America Unmanned Aerial Target market is projected to grow at the highest rate of 7.8% during the forecast period. The US navy is focusing on the development of UAVs that can be integrated with its naval fleet. In August 2018, Boeing was awarded a contract worth USD 805 million to develop and build the MQ-25, an aerial refueling tanker. Along with the military sector, the commercial sector is also expected to offer growth opportunities for the target drones market during the forecast period. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the commercial drone fleet of the US is expected to grow from 42,000 drones in 2016 to about 442,000 drones by 2021. Key players in the target drones market include QinetiQ Group plc (UK), Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (US), Airbus Group (Netherlands), Northrop Grumman Corporation (US), and Boeing Company (US). The players are largely focused on new product development and launches, and having a strong global presence will help them gain a competitive advantage in the target drones industry. These companies are concentrating their efforts on breaking into new markets by launching technologically superior and cost-effective platforms and infrastructure solutions. These companies, in addition to new product releases and advances, have adopted partnership, contracts and agreement strategy. Get 10% Free Customization on this Report: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestCustomizationNew.asp?id=115334135 Browse Adjacent Market: Aerospace and Defence Market Research Reports &Consulting Related Reports: Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Market by Point of Sale, Systems, Platform (Civil & Commercial, and Defense & Governement), Function, End Use, Application, Type, Mode of Operation, MTOW, Range, and Region (2021-2026) Drone Battery Market by Technology (Lithium-based, Nickel-based, Fuel Cell), Component (Cell, BMS, Enclosure, Connector), Drone Type (Fixed-wing, Fixed-wing VTOL, Rotary-wing), Platform, Function, Point of Sale, Region (2021-2026) About MarketsandMarkets MarketsandMarkets provides quantified B2B research on 30,000 high growth niche opportunities/threats which will impact 70% to 80% of worldwide companies' revenues. Currently servicing 7500 customers worldwide including 80% of global Fortune 1000 companies as clients. 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Contact: Mr. Aashish Mehra MarketsandMarkets INC. 630 Dundee Road Suite 430 Northbrook, IL 60062 USA: +1-888-600-6441 Email: [email protected] Research Insight: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ResearchInsight/target-drone-market.asp Visit Our Web Site: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ Content Source: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/PressReleases/target-drone.asp Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/660509/MarketsandMarkets_Logo.jpg SOURCE MarketsandMarkets Taking advantage of Ahoy!'s advanced boating safety technology, the racing sailboat competed in the 600-mile regatta through the Aegean Sea NEW YORK, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Ahoy! , the digital insurance company for recreational boating, is proud to announce its sponsorship of Team Ahoy! in the Aegean 600 regatta. As the boats traversed the 600 nautical mile race across the Aegean Sea, Team Ahoy! used the advanced boating safety technology that is part of Ahoy!'s boat insurance offering. Team Ahoy! sails past the Temple of Poseidon as it competes in the Aegean 600 race (Credit: Nikos Alevromytis) The race began at the foot of the spectacular ancient Temple of Poseidon located nearby at Cape Sounio, Greece, and took sailors on a grand tour of the Aegean islands. A challenging course that required sailors to adapt to shifting wind angles and speeds, the race tested the mettle of those brave enough to undertake the same voyage that Greek sailors have faced for thousands of years. "The Aegean 600 is an iconic race, and it would be fair to say that it is one that many sailors from across the globe dream of participating in," said Ofer Sela, Captain of Team Ahoy! and one of Ahoy!'s founders. "Ahoy! is a partner for sailors and boaters, helping protect and insure their beloved vessels and providing them with peace of mind at all times, so we are proud to have worn the brand and used Ahoy!'s technology as we raced." "We built our company to support and protect passionate boaters and sailors, and Ofer and his team are the embodiment of that," said Amit Nisenbaum, CEO and Founder of Ahoy!. "As a lifelong boater myself, I am glad that even though I personally couldn't take part in the regatta this year, Ofer and his team did so with the assistance of our technology and made all of us at Ahoy! proud to be his partner." Built by boaters for boaters, upon purchase of an Ahoy! boat insurance policy customers receive an onboard smart boat kit, which works alongside a proprietary mobile app to offer advanced telemetry features that proactively help reduce risk and prevent damage or injury for boats and boaters. Founded in early 2021 Ahoy!'s policies are already available in select US states and are being rolled out nationally in the coming months. About Ahoy! Ahoy! is a tech-driven insurance MGA transforming the recreational boating insurance industry from a financial hedge into a proactive asset. Built by boaters for boaters, Ahoy! combines its proactive, risk-reducing technology, with its founders' deep knowledge of boating and insurance to create innovative insurance policies for the 21st century. Using on-board Internet of Things (IoT) technology, as well as AI and Big Data, Ahoy! offers a proprietary risk reduction solution to proactively prevent boating mishaps, therefore increasing the time boaters can enjoy their vessel. In times of need, Ahoy! ensures swift, modern, and non-intrusive assistance and claims processing support so that boaters can be back on the water in no time. Co-founded in 2021 by a team of naval veterans, insurance experts, and experienced high-tech executives, Amit Nisenbaum, Kaenan Hertz, Shachar Segev, and Arie Ambramovici. Ahoy! an insurance agency licensed to sell property-casualty insurance products has offices in New York and Israel. For more information, visit: https://www.ahoy.insure/ Press Contact: Raanan Loew [email protected] 1-347-897-9276 Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1863136/Ahoy_Photo.jpg SOURCE Ahoy! MELBOURNE, Australia, July 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Telix Pharmaceuticals Limited (ASX: TLX, Telix, the Company) today issues its Appendix 4C quarterly cash flow statement and accompanying Activities Report for the quarter ended 30 June 2022. All figures are in AUD$ unless otherwise stated. All figures are provided on an unaudited basis. Financial Summary Telix reports total revenue of $22.5 million from global sales of Illuccix in its first commercial quarter - more than a ten-fold increase on the previous quarter ( $1.9 million , Q1 2022). This includes USD$13.6 million (AUD$19.3 million) generated from sales of Illuccix in the United States in the ten weeks following first commercial sales. from global sales of Illuccix in its first commercial quarter - (AUD$19.3 million) generated from sales of Illuccix in in the ten weeks following first commercial sales. As of 30 June 2022 , the Company held cash reserves of $122.6 million . , the Company held cash reserves of . Cash inflows for the quarter included $5.4 million in customer receipts, up from $1.9 million in the previous quarter. Additional (non-product related) cash inflows include $17.2 million in government tax incentives for eligible R&D activities undertaken for the year ended 31 December 2021 and $1.1 million of proceeds from options exercised. in customer receipts, up from in the previous quarter. Additional (non-product related) cash inflows include in government tax incentives for eligible R&D activities undertaken for the year ended and of proceeds from options exercised. Net operating outflows during the quarter were $25.8 million , down from $33.6 million in the previous quarter. Expenditure included a one-off upfront license fee payment to Eli Lilly and Company (Lilly) of USD$5 million (AUD$6.8 million) and $2.1 million in build-out costs related to Telix's manufacturing facility in Brussels South (Seneffe). , down from in the previous quarter. Expenditure included a one-off upfront license fee payment to Eli Lilly and Company (Lilly) of (AUD$6.8 million) and in build-out costs related to Telix's manufacturing facility in Brussels South (Seneffe). $17.4 million was invested in R&D, manufacturing and clinical development activities during the quarter, primarily in relation to the Company's therapeutic programs. was invested in R&D, manufacturing and clinical development activities during the quarter, primarily in relation to the Company's therapeutic programs. Per the Appendix 4C, the Company has 5.5 quarters runway based on net cash used in operations in the June 2022 quarter. The Company notes that the net operating outflows (used to calculate runway) include only $3.8 million from U.S. customer cash receipts compared to the U.S. commercial revenue of $19.3 million due to timing differences of revenue recognition and cash payment terms from distributors. Operational Highlights Commercial launch of Illuccix in the U.S. and rapid expansion of the distribution network to 140 pharmacies across the Cardinal Health, PharmaLogic, United Pharmacy Partners (UPPI), Jubilant Radiopharma and Radioisotope Life Sciences (RLS) networks. U.S. reimbursement designations granted and effective from 1 July 2022 : a dedicated Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) Level II code and transitional pass-through (TPT) payment status. : a dedicated Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) Level II code and transitional pass-through (TPT) payment status. ZIRCON Phase III kidney cancer imaging trial enrolment completed, with 300 patients dosed. Progress across core therapeutic clinical programs for prostate, kidney and brain cancer. In-licence agreement with Lilly to develop the antibody olaratumab (formerly marketed as Lartruvo) as a diagnostic and therapeutic radiopharmaceutical agent. (formerly marketed as Lartruvo) as a diagnostic and therapeutic radiopharmaceutical agent. Co-development and commercialisation agreement with RefleXion Medical to advance Illuccix for biology-guided radiation therapy (BgRT), a future market growth opportunity. TelixAI Artificial Intelligence platform being developed with Invicro; pilot showcased at the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) annual meeting held in Vancouver in June 2022 . in . Mr. Darren Smith appointed as Group Chief Financial Officer, effective 1 August 2022 , and Mr. Kevin Richardson appointed as CEO of Telix Americas. Commercial Activity Report Illuccix U.S. Commercial Launch During the quarter, Telix launched its lead prostate cancer imaging product, Illuccix (kit for the preparation of gallium-68 (68Ga) gozetotide (also known as PSMA-11) injection) in the U.S., with first commercial doses being administered from 14 April 2022.[1] Sales revenue from U.S. commercial sales between 14 April and 30 June 2022 was USD$13.6 million (AUD$19.3 million). Sales were primarily generated via Telix's nuclear pharmacy distribution partners to imaging centres and hospitals, but also included some luminary academic centres and Veterans' Affairs (VA) sites directly contracted with Telix. During the quarter the Illuccix distribution network was progressively expanded from 117 to 140 radiopharmacies. Select Jubilant and RLS pharmacies have been added to the partnership network since launch, which initially comprised Cardinal Health, PharmaLogic and UPPI. The objective of the pharmacy network expansion is to provide broad geographic coverage, boosting capacity in both major metropolitan and regional markets to enable reliable access to PSMA-PET[2] imaging. Telix Managing Director and Group CEO Dr. Christian Behrenbruch, said, "The U.S. commercial launch of Illuccix is off to a strong start. This result reflects the efficacy of our differentiated business model in a large and growing market. We've delivered doses across the entire country, demonstrating the value of our nationwide pharmacy distribution partnerships and with industry-leading on-time delivery. We are meeting the needs of our customers and patients through reliable service delivery and wide accessibility to PSMA-PET imaging. With reimbursement effective 1 July, we expect to see Illuccix revenues grow considerably." During the quarter Telix announced it had been granted a Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) Level II code, A9596 and Transitional Pass-Through Payment Status.[3] Both reimbursement designations were formally recognised by the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) from 1 July 2022. Transitional pass-through status enables CMS to provide separate payments for the radiopharmaceutical and the PET-CT scan, when performed with Illuccix in the hospital outpatient setting, for a period of up to three years. Illuccix (TLX591-CDx)[4] worldwide revenue and customer receipts A total of $22.5 million in revenue was generated from sales of TLX591-CDx during the quarter. Of this $3.2 million was generated from pre-commercial sales[5], primarily in Europe and the United Kingdom, reflecting 166% growth on the previous corresponding quarter ($1.2 million, June 2021). Of the $5.4 million in customer receipts, $3.8 million (USD$2.7 million) was from U.S. commercial sales. Revenue from commercial sales is recognised when a dose is administered. Payment terms average 45 days from invoicing. Commercial sales of Illuccix in Australia and New Zealand is planned to commence in Q3, 2022. Illuccix (TLX591-CDx) global regulatory and reimbursement updates Marketing authorisation applications for TLX591-CDx are under review and progressing in 17 countries (13 European Union Member States, United Kingdom, Canada, Brazil and South Korea). Telix currently has a temporary use (pre-approval) authorisation in the Czech Republic and Brazil. In summary, the key regulatory updates for the quarter are: U.S.: On 17 May Telix filed a supplemental new drug application (sNDA) to the FDA, pursuant to section 505(b)(2) of the of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA), for Illuccix. The sNDA relates to an indication expansion for Illuccix for patient selection for radioligand (PSMA) therapy. The sNDA has been accepted for standard review with a Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) user fee goal date of 17 March 2023 . On 17 May Telix filed a supplemental new drug application (sNDA) to the FDA, pursuant to section 505(b)(2) of the of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA), for Illuccix. The sNDA relates to an indication expansion for for patient selection for radioligand (PSMA) therapy. The sNDA has been accepted for standard review with a Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) user fee goal date of . EU: The Company's Marketing Authorisation Application (MAA) is being evaluated by the Danish Medicines Agency (DKMA) in its capacity as a Reference Member State, on behalf of the 13 European countries selected by Telix. As previously reported, Telix has until 9 August 2022 [6] to conclude the regulatory review process. The Company's Marketing Authorisation Application (MAA) is being evaluated by the Danish Medicines Agency (DKMA) in its capacity as a Reference Member State, on behalf of the 13 European countries selected by Telix. As previously reported, Telix has until to conclude the regulatory review process. South Korea : An imported New Drug Application (NDA) has been submitted by Telix's partner in South Korea , DuChemBio Co, Ltd. (DuChemBio), to the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS). An imported New Drug Application (NDA) has been submitted by Telix's partner in , DuChemBio Co, Ltd. (DuChemBio), to the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS). New Zealand : The drug safety regulator Medsafe has confirmed that Illuccix is an exempt product under the NZ Medicines Act 1981 and Radiation Safety Act 2016. Illuccix may now be supplied and used in New Zealand . In addition, and subsequent to quarter end, on 1 July 2022, PSMA-PET imaging for prostate cancer was listed on the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) in Australia. This means that MBS funding now covers the initial staging of intermediate to high-risk patients with prostate cancer and the restaging of patients with recurrent prostate cancer, commensurate with the broad clinical indications granted in Australia for Illuccix. Illuccix remains the only Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)-approved PET agent for the diagnostic imaging of men with prostate cancer available in Australia. Illuccix (TLX591-CDx) global distribution agreements Telix has continued to build out its global distribution network for TLX591-CDx in preparation for regulatory decision notification and commercial launch in countries beyond Australia and the United States. During the quarter, Telix entered into the following agreements: Canada : Isologic Innovative Pharmaceuticals (Isologic) and Telix signed a licence and distribution agreement, appointing Isologic as the commercial distributor for Illuccix in Canada , once approved. [7] Isologic Innovative Pharmaceuticals (Isologic) and Telix signed a licence and distribution agreement, appointing Isologic as the commercial distributor for Illuccix in , once approved. Saudi Arabia : Abdulla Fouad for Medical Supplies and Services Company (AFMS) and Telix signed a licence and distribution agreement, appointing AFMS as the commercial distributor for Illuccix in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia , once approved. Telix now has commercial distribution agreements in place in all major European Union markets and the United Kingdom. In the APAC region, Telix has distribution agreements in place for Australia, New Zealand, Greater China (including Hong Kong, Taiwan, Macau) and South Korea. In the Americas region (ex-U.S.) Telix has agreements in place for Canada and Brazil. Clinical Programs Update ZIRCON Phase III kidney cancer imaging study completed The Company announced recruitment completion of the ZIRCON Phase III study of TLX250-CDx (89Zr-DFO-girentuximab), an investigational product for the imaging of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) with PET.[8] A total of 300 patients were dosed in the study. The Company expects to report the outcome of the ZIRCON study in 2H 2022. "This is a major clinical milestone and an important validation point for the Company. If the study is successful in meeting its endpoints, it paves the way for us to seek regulatory approval and commercialise a follow-on imaging product for the urologic oncology field in an area of unmet need. Indeterminate renal masses (IDRMs) are being detected at an increasing rate and present a dilemma for physicians. While it is estimated that up to 80% of IDRMs will be malignant, currently the only way to confirm diagnosis is through an invasive biopsy or partial nephrectomy and these procedures are not always necessary and can lead to complications, " stated Telix Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Colin Hayward. Following readout of the study, TLX250-CDx is expected to be available in selected countries to eligible patients under an Expanded Access Program (EAP) (also known as early access, pre-approval access or emergency use), in accordance with Telix's Compassionate Use Policy and subject to jurisdictional regulatory requirements.[9] Clinical Development Highlights Telix continues to progress its clinical pipeline, with a core focus on prostate cancer, kidney cancer, brain cancer (glioblastoma) and rare diseases (bone marrow conditioning). The Company has 20 clinical trials underway, including collaborative investigator-sponsored studies. Some key highlights include: Telix's PSMA-targeting ProstACT therapeutic program is evaluating the efficacy of Telix's lutetium-177 ( 177 Lu)-labelled therapeutic antibody (TLX591) in various stages of prostate cancer, from first recurrence to advanced metastatic disease. [10] The Company continues to progress its global regulatory submissions for the ProstACT GLOBAL Phase III study. Lu)-labelled therapeutic antibody (TLX591) in various stages of prostate cancer, from first recurrence to advanced metastatic disease. The Company continues to progress its global regulatory submissions for the ProstACT GLOBAL Phase III study. During the quarter, Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) approval was granted and patient recruitment commenced in the Phase II ProstACT TARGET study of TLX591, in patients experiencing a first recurrence of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) after initial therapy for prostate cancer. [11] The ProstACT SELECT study, a "theranostic" (imaging and therapy) Phase I radiogenomics study to demonstrate the utility of Illuccix imaging to select TLX591 patients for therapy, is now approaching the halfway point of patient enrolment. The first patients have been dosed in the STARLITE 2 Phase II study of the Company's investigational renal cancer therapy, TLX250 ( 177 Lu-DOTA-girentuximab), at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) in New York . [12] This study is assessing the efficacy of TLX250 targeted radiation in combination with immunotherapy for ccRCC the most common and aggressive form of kidney cancer. TLX250 targets carbonic anhydrase IX (CA9, a protein that is highly expressed in patients that are likely to be less responsive to cancer immunotherapy. [13] The clinical hypothesis is that low doses of targeted radiation can potentially overcome immune resistance or immunologically "prime" a tumour, making it more susceptible to cancer immunotherapy. Lu-DOTA-girentuximab), at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) in . This study is assessing the efficacy of TLX250 targeted radiation in combination with immunotherapy for ccRCC the most common and aggressive form of kidney cancer. TLX250 targets carbonic anhydrase IX (CA9, a protein that is highly expressed in patients that are likely to be less responsive to cancer immunotherapy. The clinical hypothesis is that low doses of targeted radiation can potentially overcome immune resistance or immunologically "prime" a tumour, making it more susceptible to cancer immunotherapy. The NOBLE ( Nob ody Le ft Behind) Registry continues to collect clinical data to inform the development of TLX599-CDx ( 99m Tc-iPSMA), an investigational prostate cancer imaging agent that targets PSMA using single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging.[14] SPECT is the predominant imaging modality in many countries, including remote and rural regions. The NOBLE registry aims to accelerate global access to advanced prostate cancer imaging where PET is not an option and is now active across eight sites globally.[15] The NOBLE Registry is funded in collaboration with the Oncidium Foundation. Research and Innovation Activity Olaratumab in-licence agreement with Eli Lilly and Company (Lilly) In April, Telix announced the signing of a licence agreement with Lilly granting Telix exclusive worldwide rights to develop and commercialise radiolabelled forms of Lilly's olaratumab antibody for the diagnosis and treatment of human cancers.[16] Olaratumab was originally developed by Lilly as a (non-radiolabelled) monoclonal antibody targeting Platelet Derived Growth Factor Receptor Alpha (PDGFR). Telix intends to develop radiolabelled olaratumab initially for the diagnosis and treatment of soft tissue sarcoma, a debilitating cancer with a high unmet need for new treatment options. Expanded partnership with RefleXion Medical Following a successful preliminary collaboration, the Company announced that it has advanced to a co-development and commercialisation agreement with RefleXion Medical Inc (RefleXion) to evaluate the use of Illuccix as a biological guide in RefleXion's BgRT[17] platform.[18] Illuccix will be the exclusive kit-based 68Ga PSMA-PET imaging agent used with RefleXion's BgRT platform. BgRT is the first and only cancer treatment designed to integrate PET technology as part of external-beam radiotherapy delivery. It uses PET tracers as biological guides to signal the location of cancer and guide the delivery of radiotherapy to tumors in real-time. Telix and RefleXion will conduct and co-fund a BgRT clinical program using Illuccix as a biological guide, seek regulatory approval and jointly pursue commercialization, initially in the United States. If approved, Illuccix for BgRT could potentially open a broad new market opportunity for Illuccix as a therapy guidance agent. TelixAI: Artificial Intelligence Platform Telix progressed its partnership with Invicro LLC (Invicro), a global, industry-leading imaging CRO, and part of REALM IDx, Inc., to develop an artificial intelligence (AI) platform to accompany Illuccix - dubbed TelixAITM.[19] TelixAITM seeks to increase the efficiency and reproducibility of clinicians' imaging assessments using advanced analysis capabilities with an initial focus on prostate cancer but with the eventual goal of supporting Telix's entire diagnostic imaging pipeline. The commercial objective of the development partnership is the submission to the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 510(K) approval for software as a medical device. A demonstration of the TelixAITM was presented to key opinion leaders at the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) Annual Meeting, which took place in Vancouver (Canada) in June of this year. Advanced Manufacturing Following the completion of project financing for Telix's Brussels South (Seneffe) manufacturing facility in Q1, 2022,[20] the Company has completed major building and infrastructure works to prepare for the commencement of clean room and hot cell installation for nine GMP manufacturing lines for isotope processing and radiopharmaceutical manufacturing. The Company is currently on track to complete the build-out and commence regulatory inspections by end-2022. During the quarter, Telix was part of a consortium awarded $23.0 million in Federal Government funding to establish the $71.2 million Australian Precision Medicine Enterprise Project (APME).[21] At the heart of APME a collaboration with Global Medical Solutions Australia (GMSA) and Monash University a new high energy cyclotron will become a source of critical radioisotopes, many of which are currently imported into Australia at high cost and variable accessibility. For Telix this will mean increased capacity to develop and manufacture theranostic radiopharmaceuticals in Australia, strengthening its global supply chain for both clinical and commercial products. Notable Executive Appointments On 1 June 2022, the Company announced it had appointed Mr. Darren Smith as Group Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective from 1 August 2022. Darren joined the Company in February 2022 as part of succession planning for Mr. Douglas Cubbin.[22] Darren brings over 20 years of executive finance and general management experience, including in the nuclear medicine industry. Darren previously served as Global CFO and Company Secretary at Sirtex Medical Limited, acquired by China GrandPharma in 2018. Mr. Kevin Richardson has been appointed to the role of CEO of Telix Americas (U.S./Canada/Latin America), and commenced employment on 11 July 2022.[23] Kevin brings 25 years of commercial experience in the healthcare industry including senior leadership and sales roles at Sirtex Medical, St Jude Medical, Boston Scientific and most recently as Chief Operating Officer of UroShape Medical. Payments to Related Parties Telix confirms that payments noted under section 6.1 of the accompanying Appendix 4C include payments of $0.7 million to ABX-CRO advanced pharmaceutical services (of which non-executive director Dr. Andreas Kluge is Managing Director) for the provision of clinical and analytical services for the Company's development programs. Payments of $0.3 million to Directors were for director fees and Managing Director salary. About Telix Pharmaceuticals Limited Telix is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialisation of diagnostic and therapeutic products using Molecularly Targeted Radiation (MTR). Telix is headquartered in Melbourne, Australia with international operations in Belgium, Japan, Switzerland, and the United States. Telix is developing a portfolio of clinical-stage products that address significant unmet medical need in oncology and rare diseases. Telix is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX: TLX). For more information visit www.telixpharma.com and follow Telix on Twitter (@TelixPharma) and LinkedIn. Telix's lead product, Illuccix (kit for preparation of gallium-68 (68Ga) gozetotide (also known as 68Ga PSMA-11) injection) for prostate cancer imaging, has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA),[24] and by the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).[25] Telix is also progressing marketing authorisation applications for this investigational candidate in Europe[26] and Canada.[27] Telix Investor Relations Ms. Kyahn Williamson Telix Pharmaceuticals Limited SVP Corporate Communications and Investor Relations Email: [email protected] This announcement has been authorised for release by the Board of Directors. Legal Notices This announcement may include forward-looking statements that relate to anticipated future events, financial performance, plans, strategies or business developments. Forward-looking statements can generally be identified by the use of words such as "may", "expect", "intend", "plan", "estimate", "anticipate", "outlook", "forecast" and "guidance", or other similar words. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to differ materially from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the Company's good-faith assumptions as to the financial, market, regulatory and other risks and considerations that exist and affect the Company's business and operations in the future and there can be no assurance that any of the assumptions will prove to be correct. In the context of Telix's business, forward-looking statements may include, but are not limited to, statements about: the initiation, timing, progress and results of Telix's preclinical and clinical studies, and Telix's research and development programs; Telix's ability to advance product candidates into, enrol and successfully complete, clinical studies, including multi-national clinical trials; the timing or likelihood of regulatory filings and approvals, manufacturing activities and product marketing activities; the commercialisation of Telix's product candidates, if or when they have been approved; estimates of Telix's expenses, future revenues and capital requirements; Telix's financial performance; developments relating to Telix's competitors and industry; and the pricing and reimbursement of Telix's product candidates, if and after they have been approved. Telix's actual results, performance or achievements may be materially different from those which may be expressed or implied by such statements, and the differences may be adverse. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. You should read this announcement together with our risk factors, as disclosed in our most recently filed reports with the ASX or on our website. To the maximum extent permitted by law, Telix disclaims any obligation or undertaking to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements contained in this announcement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or a change in expectations or assumptions. The Telix Pharmaceuticals and Illuccix name and logo are trademarks of Telix Pharmaceuticals Limited and its affiliates (all rights reserved). [1] Media release 14 April 2022. [2] Positron emission tomography [3] ASX disclosure 30 May 2022. [4] For regulatory reasons, Telix refers to its 68 Ga-gozetotide kit as Illuccix in markets where it has received regulatory approval, and TLX-591CDx when referring to its use in both approved and unapproved markets. [5] Pre-commercial sales are from investigational, clinical trial, magisterial and compassionate use in accordance with local laws and regulations (not as a commercial diagnostic imaging product sold for routine clinical practice). [6] ASX disclosure 7 February 2022. [7] ASX disclosure 23 June 2022. [8] ASX disclosure 11 July 2022. [9] Telix Compassionate Use Policy, accessible at: https://telixpharma.com/wp-content/uploads/Policy-on-Offering-Compassionate-Use-to-Investigational-Medicines.pdf [10] ASX disclosure 27 January 2022. [11] ASX disclosure 12 April 2022. [12] Media release 5 May 2022. [13] Giatromanolaki et al. British Journal of Cancer. 2020. [14] See: www.nobleregistry.org. [15] The NOBLE Registry is being conducted at eight sites globally in Australia, Azerbaijan, Egypt, Indonesia, Mexico, Nigeria, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates. [16] ASX disclosure 11 April 2022. [17] The RefleXion X1 is cleared for SBRT/SRS/IMRT. BgRT is pending regulatory review and is not commercially available. [18] ASX disclosure 10 June 2022. [19] Media release 14 June 2022. [20] ASX disclosure 22 March 2022. [21] ASX disclosure 4 April 2022. [22] ASX disclosure 1 June 2022. [23] ASX disclosure 11 July 2022. [24] ASX disclosure 20 December 2021. [25] ASX disclosure 2 November 2021. [26] ASX disclosure 10 December 2021. [27] ASX disclosure 16 December 2020. SOURCE Telix Pharmaceuticals Limited Monrovia Cllr. Joseph K. Jallah Tuesday finally filled the vacancy of Lofa County Tuesday when he was inducted by the Liberian Senate, vowing to usher in an era of peace and reconciliation following the end of a tribal-sensitive by-election. In his address as the second senator of Lofa after Senator Steve Zargo, Cllr. Jallah spoke broadly of confronting Lofa's most pressing needs. He portrayed himself as a unifier who has been grounded by his upbringing in the county, and influenced by the traditions of the county. "I will be focusing on uniting Lofa County rather than going after people who opposed to my election as senator. Lofa County is all we have as a people," he Cllr. Jallah, who won the by-election in Lofa County to fill the void of former defense minister Brownie Samukai. In a 31-minute speech, Cllr. Jallah said: "Your priorities are my priorities, and right now, that means fighting for the development of Lofa County." He thanked members of the Coalition for Democratic Change, particularly Monsterrado County representative Thomas Fallah, Mr. Moses Kollie of the Liberia Civil Aviation Authority, Monrovia City Mayor Jefferson Koijee, Liberia's Comptroller General Janga Kowo, Assistants and Deputy Ministers hailing from the county for their roles played in his election. He also lauded opposition senators, such as Abraham Darius Dillon of Monsterrado County, Jonathan Sebwe of Rivergee County and Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence for courage to congratulate him despite going to Lofa County to campaign against his election. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Liberia Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. The new senator was sworn in at 12:00 pm in the Chambers of the Liberian Senate. For his part Senate Pro Tempore, Albert Chie, described Senator Jallah as an end-product of a series of events which occurred after the 2020 Special Senatorial Elections in respect of the Lofa County seat. "On behalf of the Liberian Senate, I welcome Cllr. Joseph K. Jallah as the newest member of the Liberian Senate. I urge all of us to render him the necessary assistance as he adjusts to life in the Legislature," he said. "So our dear Senator, let me remind you gently that the Legislature is a political theatre, no matter your academic and professional background." "Although we make laws here, but history, records, experience and everyday interaction have shown that all professions count in the lawmaking process. There is so much to learn from colleagues who have been in the Legislature before you." "Let me conclude by going back to where I started from and re-iterate that the rights of an accused person are protected under the Due Process Principle as enshrined in Article 20 (a) and (b) ofthe Constitution." "While on this subject, let me announce that the Senate is currently working on a proposed acts to establish corruption courts and regional appellate courts, within the confines of the Constitution, to ensure that the accused get speedy trial. This will help cool down the nerves of some in the public sphere calling for suspension of accused persons without final determination of the matter by the court and those who want to see justice but without violation of the rights of the accused." 1MBB initiative continues to expand nationwide support ATLANTA, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Operation HOPE today announced a groundbreaking partnership with the city of Jackson, Mississippi to expand its One Million Black Business Initiative (1MBB), which aims to create one million Black entrepreneurs and business owners by 2030. As part of the city's ongoing efforts to spur economic development, Jackson's Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba and John Hope Bryant, Operation Hope's Chairman, Founder and CEO signed a formal agreement, signifying the city's commitment to transforming economic opportunities for minority-owned businesses. Through 1MBB, the city of Jackson will offer 500 aspiring Black entrepreneurs free access to resources needed to successfully build, sustain and scale their business endeavors over the next two years. Launched in October 2020 with the support of founding partner Shopify, 1MBB aims to remove traditional hurdles to Black entrepreneurship by providing the critical tools for success such as technology, education, and increased access capital. The movement is part of Operation HOPE's broader mission to promote financial inclusion and dignity, aimed at empowering the underserved of America. "The state of Mississippi is largely known as a battleground during the height of the civil rights movement in the 1960s. Today, we're shifting the tides and ensuring that her next generation benefits from what I call "silver rights." That means planting seeds of hope through entrepreneurship," said Operation HOPE founder, chairman and CEO, John Hope Bryant. "I applaud Mayor Lumumba for joining our 1MBB mission and leading the charge to make free enterprise and capitalism work for all." The partnership with Operation HOPE is a natural extension of the administration's commitment to building Black businesses in the greater Jackson community. Powered by Trustmark and Cadence Bank, 1MBB will be an integral part of the city's annual Jackson Minority Business Expo, highlighting black business enterprises and patronage on Saturday, August 20, 2022. To learn more about 1MBB, visit HOPE1mbb.org. 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, for Operation HOPE [email protected] SOURCE Operation HOPE, Inc. DUBLIN , July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The "The Worldwide Market for Point-of-Care (POC) Diagnostic Tests, 9th Edition" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. As discussed in this report, The Worldwide Market for Point-of-Care (POC) Diagnostic Tests, 9th Edition, POC testing has skyrocketed in the last 20 years as demand for accurate and rapid testing has blossomed both inside and outside the hospital setting. Emerging technological innovations in smartphones, biosensors, lab-on-a-chip and wearable devices are influencing the POC landscape. The driving force behind these innovations in the health arena is to provide expedited diagnosis where the patient is seen or in the patient's home. The POC diagnostic industry will be part of a paradigm shift from curative medicine to predictive, personalized and preemptive medicine. POC tests are performed in a wide range of geographical locations such as: Hospital departments such as emergency departments, operating rooms, intensive care units, and others Physicians' offices Hospital clinics Rural health clinics Student health clinics Retail clinics Pharmacies Homes - With testing performed by patients, visiting nurses, or other caregivers Nursing homes Prisons The menu for point-of-care testing continues to expand. The traditional set of POC tests includes blood glucose testing, blood gas and electrolytes analysis, rapid coagulation testing, rapid cardiac markers diagnostics, drugs of abuse screening, urine strips testing, pregnancy testing, fecal occult blood analysis, hemoglobin diagnostics, infectious disease testing and cholesterol screening. Moreover, POC test devices have contributed significantly to the growth of the overall diagnostics market over the past 10 years. More diagnostic manufacturers have pursued CLIA waiver status for their POC devices and CE Mark for POC or self-use. At the same time, more decentralized test venues invest in non-waived rapid tests and instruments. POC testing appears to be headed for an even bigger role in diagnosis and monitoring patient care. New technologies are allowing POC devices to produce quantitative lab-quality test results that can be transferred automatically to an information system, a remote caregiver service for consultation or an electronic medical record. Rapid tests are beginning to fold into the point of care arena because they allow the physician to treat the patient before they leave the clinic or office. Among the top and/or innovative competitors discussed within Corporate Profiles are: 1 Step Detect Associates Abbott Laboratories Abingdon Health Access Bio AccuBioTech Co ACON Laboratories Aerscher Diagnostics Akers Biosciences Alfa Scientific Designs American Bio Medica ARKRAY Artron Laboratories Ascensia Diabetes Care Ativa Medical Corp Atlas Link Biotech Audit Diagnostics Autobio Diagnostics Beckman Coulter Becton Dickinson Beijing Wantai Biological Pharmaceuticals Bhat Bio-Tech India Private Ltd. Binx health bioLytical Laboratories BioMedomics Biomeme Biomerica bioMerieux SA Bio-Rad Laboratories Biosensia Biotron Diagnostics Boditech Med Boson Biotech BTNX Calypte Biomedical Corp Cepheid Chembio Diagnostics Church & Dwight Clarity Diagnostics Confirm Biosciences CTK Biotech Danaher Corporation Dexcom DIALAB DiaSys Diagnostic Systems Diazyme Laboratories DNA Electronics Ltd. (DNAe) Dr Fooke-Achterrath DxGen Eiken Chemical EKF Diagnostics ELITechGroup, Inc Enterix (Clinical Genomics) Eurobio Scientific Everlywell Exact Sciences EY Laboratories First Check Diagnostics GenBio Genedrive GenePOC GeTein Biotech Inc. GlysBy Helena Labs Hemosure HORIBA Immunosciences Lab Immunostics Mitra & Co Pvt JAL Innovation Jant Pharmacal LamdaGen Corp LifeScan LifeSign LightDeck Diagnostics Macherey-Nagel Medix Biochemica MedMira Medtronic Menarini Diagnostics Meridian BioScience MiCo BioMed USA Nano-Ditech Corporation NG Biotech Noble Medical Nova Biomedical NuGenerex Diagnostics Oasis Diagnostics Operon OPKO Health OraSure Technologies Polymedco Polymer Technologies (PTS Diagnostics) Preventis Princeton Biomeditech QuantuMDx Group Quidel Radiometer Medical Randox Labs RENESA UG Response Biomedical Reszon Diagnostics Rheonix Roche Diagnostics Savyon Diagnostics Sekisui Diagnostics Siemens Healthcare Sysmex TECHLAB Trinity Biotech Trividia Health Tulip Diagnostics VedaLab Veredus Laboratories Werfen Key Topics Covered: Chapter 1: Executive Summary Chapter 2: Introduction and Overview Chapter 3: POC Blood Glucose Tests Chapter 4: POC Blood and Electrolytes Testing Market Chapter 5: POC Rapid Coagulation Chapter 6: POC Rapid Cardiac Markers Chapter 7: POC Substance Abuse Chapter 8: POC Pregnancy and Fertility Testing Chapter 9: POC Colon Cancer Screening/Fecal Occult Blood Testing Chapter 10: POC Infectious Disease Testing Chapter 11: POC Lipid Testing Chapter 12: POC Cancer Tumor Marker Testing Chapter 13: POC Urine Testing Chapter 14: Miscellaneous POC Testing Chapter 15: Issues and Trends Overview Wearables Mobile Healthcare Technologies Telehealth Patient-centered Healthcare Breath Test Advances Regulatory Hurdles Reimbursement Challenges PAMA Competition POC and Molecular Diagnostics Funding Developments in POC OTC tests POC tests POC and Biosensors and Microfluidics China as a POC Market as a POC Market Emerging POC Technologies POC Connectivity Multiplexed POC Testing The Emergence of Non-invasive Technologies Saliva and Swab Optical Techniques Near-infrared Scanning Volatolomics POC and Antibiotic Resistance Concerns Artificial Intelligence in POC POC Future in Infectious Disease Diagnostics Supply Chain Delays Insurance Coverage for OTC Diagnostic Tests Chapter 16: Total Global POC Testing Market and Competitor Analysis Chapter 17: Corporate Profiles For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/na4vt8 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: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/539438/Research_and_Markets_Logo.jpg SOURCE Research and Markets CANTON, Ohio, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- TimkenSteel Corp. (NYSE: TMST), a leader in high-quality specialty steel, manufactured components, and supply chain solutions, will release its 2022 second-quarter financial results on Thursday, August 4, after the market closes on the New York Stock Exchange. The company will provide live Internet listening access to its conference call with the financial community scheduled for Friday, August 5, 2022, at 9:00 a.m. EDT. The live conference call will be broadcast at investors.timkensteel.com. A replay of the conference call will also be available at investors.timkensteel.com. ABOUT TIMKENSTEEL CORPORATION TimkenSteel (NYSE: TMST) manufactures high-performance carbon and alloy steel products from recycled scrap metal in Canton, OH, serving demanding applications in mobile, energy and a variety of industrial end markets. The company is a premier U.S. producer of alloy steel bars (up to 16 inches in diameter), seamless mechanical tubing and manufactured components. In the business of making high-quality steel for more than 100 years, TimkenSteel's proven expertise contributes to the performance of our customers' products. The company employs approximately 1,800 people and had sales of $1.3 billion in 2021. For more information, please visit us at www.timkensteel.com . SOURCE TimkenSteel Corp. LISBON, Portugal and VIENNA, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Tokapi is the first European marketplace for Non Fungible Tokens (NFT), which integrates both credit card payments as well as the popular instant wire transfer service "Sofort" by Klarna. On July 22nd, Tokapi will launch the NFT sale of the Crypto stamp art on tokapi.com together with the Austrian Post. After an extensive test phase, the NFT marketplace Tokapi opened its virtual doors to the public and became the first European NFT marketplace to enable payment via instant bank transfer as well as credit card. The platform pursues the clear mission of making buying and selling NFTs as easy as possible for users without blockchain knowledge and thus making NFTs suitable for the masses. The logical consequence of this is the cooperation with Austrian Post. With the product category "Crypto stamp art" (CSA), Austrian Post wants to reach out to collectors all over the world. This is a deliberate change from the crypto stamps of recent years: Whereas physical stamps have been in the foreground up to now, this year the focus is on digital collecting. Crypto stamp art NFT sale on July 22 on Tokapi.com A total of 2,500 CSA Mystery Boxes will be offered for sale on tokapi.com from July 22 at a price of 500 euros each. The mystery box contains four NFTs with different colour values and rarity. The reinterpretation of the 1851 Mercury newspaper stamps was designed by Primal Cypher (from Austria) and Ari Pratama - both digital artists are part of Encode Graphics. "We are thrilled to have found a local partner in the Austrian Post, which was one of the first major companies to discover the topic of blockchain for itself. We are all the more pleased that the Post is taking the step this year to put NFT sales in the foreground and thus tap into new collectors worldwide," comments Daniel Lenikus, co-founder at Tokapi. "Anyone and everyone should be able to collect Crypto stamp art. For this reason, it is particularly important to us to offer a buying experience with Tokapi as easy as online shopping. Neither cryptocurrencies nor an own wallet are necessary, for payments we deliberately rely on instant wire transfer as well as credit cards," add Michael Beches and Dominik Myczkowski, both co-founders at Tokapi. Founders are crypto natives Tokapi was founded in January 2021 by Michael Beches, Daniel Lenikus and Dominik Myczkowski. The Tokapi team is very familiar with NFTs and has collected more than 5,000 NFTs in total. In addition, the three Austrian founders have already been active in the blockchain industry. For example, Lenikus and Beches launched ANON Summit, one of the largest blockchain conferences in Europe. Myczkowski, on the other hand, is the founder of the Crypto Skills Academy. Tokapi is based in Lisbon, Portugal. The Crypto stamp art drop on Tokapi: https://bit.ly/3uY16Bx Press contact Chris Morzsa, MSc Tokapi NFT Market Rua da Prata 80 Lisboa 1100-420 Portugal +436646214729 [email protected] www.tokapi.com SOURCE Tokapi Employees from 50 Countries, 100+ Markets and 120+ Offices Unite for First In-Person Day of Service Since 2019 NEW YORK, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- UM, the global media agency network of IPG Mediabrands, today announced its fifth annual day of service to the community, Impact Day: Homecoming. Launched in 2016 under UM's corporate social responsibility initiative, Better World, Impact Day exemplifies the agency's commitment to community and care and its employees' commitment to driving a better workplace, work product and world for the communities in which they live and serve. "After two years of giving back virtually, it brings me great joy that this year's Impact Day will allow us to come together in person -- a true homecoming for our people and communities around the globe," said Eileen Kiernan, Global CEO, UM. "Our 3,000+ employees will be partnering with community-based organizations to do everything from providing aid for the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine to cleaning up our natural resources to delivering COVID relief to marginalized communities, and so much more. Impact Day is a beloved and important tradition at UM, and it is wonderful to be able to take to the streets once again as a community to make a difference." UM's regional offices across EMEA, APAC, LATAM and North America will be partnering with local charities, NGOs, partners and more, on activities such as: Working with RPlanet in India to collect e-waste (obsolete, outdated or non-functioning electronics that can lead to the release of toxic chemicals) for proper disposal to collect e-waste (obsolete, outdated or non-functioning electronics that can lead to the release of toxic chemicals) for proper disposal Collecting clothes in Ecuador for the Juntos Por Ecuador Foundation, which provides everything from medical support to clothing, housing, food and more to people in need for the Juntos Por Ecuador Foundation, which provides everything from medical support to clothing, housing, food and more to people in need Revitalizing schools in low-income areas in the U.S. to create modern, functional spaces where students can learn and grow with New York Cares Assisting the Autism Cafe Project in Malaysia , which aims to help youth with autism secure future independence , which aims to help youth with autism secure future independence Cleaning up local parks and working with media partners to donate ad space across multiple channels to BIPOC-owned small businesses in Canada Helping to rebuild the city of Chaudfontaine in Belgium , which was recently affected by devastating floods , which was recently affected by devastating floods Hosting a carnival at the UM UAE headquarters for special needs children to enjoy fun and games with their families Working with local UK charity, FCV Dorcas, to provide nutrition and physical activity for the elderly "We are thrilled to be boots on-the-ground again, coming together for our meaningful day of service," said Erik Guzman, Vice President, Global Operations and Head of UM Better World. "As we look to the future in a post-pandemic world, this year's activities will be focused on bettering our communities through the lenses of equity, sustainability and wellness critical issues facing our global community today. At UM, striving for a better world is part of our DNA, and we are honored to work with our partners across the globe to drive real impact." On July 21, UM employees around the world will be posting Impact Day updates on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter, using the hashtags #UMBetterWorld and #UMImpactDay. After the official launch of Impact Day in the U.S. in 2016, UM expanded the initiative globally in 2018 when volunteers in 50 offices across 40 countries volunteered in their respective communities. In 2019, more than 80 UM offices in 52 countries joined the effort to clean up, revitalize and assist their local communities. In 2020, as the world shut down in response to the global pandemic, Impact Day was conducted virtually to ensure safety and, in 2021, was held over two days for a hybrid experience rooted in flexibility. About UM UM is a global media agency committed to Futureproofing our clients' businesses for the now and the next. We leverage the transformational power of rich business analytics and real-time intelligence to maximize growth and activate the full consumer journey across content and connections. Our consultative approach and agile model, rooted in diversity, equity and belonging, drive better business outcomes for brands. As the leading global media network in IPG Mediabrands, UM operates in over 100 countries, with more than 3,000 people innovating on a roster of global clients including Accenture, American Express, GoPro, Johnson & Johnson, Levi Strauss & Co, Mattel, Sony and Spotify. For more information, please visit https://www.umww.com/ . SOURCE UM Need to diagnose and treat number of serious spinal disorders drives the growth of the global unilateral biportal endoscopy market. PORTLAND, Ore., July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research recently published a report, titled, "Unilateral Biportal Endoscopy Market by Product Type (Endoscope, Accessory Devices), by Indication (Herniated Discs, Spinal Stenosis, Others), by End User (Hospitals, Ambulatory Surgical Centers): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2021-2031". As per the report, the global unilateral biportal endoscopy industry was accounted for $295.31 million in 2021, and is expected to reach $548.43 million by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 6.4% from 2022 to 2031. The report provides a detailed analysis of changing market dynamics, top segments, value chain, key investment pockets, regional scenario, and competitive landscape. Download Report (245 Pages PDF with Insights, Charts, Tables, Figures): https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/17355 Drivers, restraints, and opportunities Need to diagnose and treat number of serious spinal disorders drives the growth of the global unilateral biportal endoscopy market. However, lack of skilled workers hinders the market growth. On the contrary, rise in establishment of UBE in developing countries and high investments from major market players are expected to open new opportunities in the future. Covid-19 scenario: During the pandemic, hospitals and governments encouraged patients to postpone their elective surgeries. This negatively affected the demand for UBE devices. To reduce the danger of infection, hospitals employed personal protective equipment, negative pressure suites, and ward isolation. As a result, UBE endoscopic therapy had become expensive overall. Scope of the Report: - Report Attribute Details Revenue forecast in 2030 $ 548.43 Million Growth rate CAGR of 6.4% from 2022 to 2031 Forecast period 2022 - 2031 Report coverage Revenue forecast, company ranking, competitive landscape, growth factors, and trends Regional scope North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, MEA Country scope U.S., Canada, Germany, U.K., France, Italy, Spain, Japan, China, India, South Korea, Australia, Brazil, Mexico, South Africa, Saudi Arabia Key companies profiled UBE market are CONMED Corporation, Endovision Co. Ltd., Jiangsu Bonss Medical Technology Co. Ltd., Joimax GmbH, Karl Storz, Maxmorespine, Maxer Endoscopy GmbH, Richard Wolf, Smith & Nephew and Stryker Corporation Access Table PDF Specific Requirement on COVID-19? Ask to Our Industry Expert: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-for-customization/17355?reqfor=covid The endoscope segment held the largest share By product type, the endoscope segment held the largest share in 2021, accounting for more than three-fourths of the global unilateral biportal endoscopy market, due to increase in technological advancements in endoscopes offering image-guided technology with artificial intelligence. However, the accessory devices segment is expected to register the highest CAGR of 6.8% during the forecast period, owing to increase in use of accessories in various surgical procedures. The hospitals segment dominated the market By end user, the hospitals segment held the lion's share in 2021, contributing to nearly three-fourths of the global unilateral biportal endoscopy market, due to presence of sophisticated surgical equipment in these settings. However, the ambulatory surgical centers segment is estimated to manifest the highest CAGR of 7.2% from 2022 to 2031, due to creasing number of healthcare professionally-owned ambulatory care settings to cater to the rising demand for minimally invasive surgeries. North America dominated the market By region, the market across North America held the largest share in 2021, holding more than two-fifths of the global unilateral biportal endoscopy market, owing to robust infrastructure provided for research activities and presence of key players across North America. However, market across Asia-Pacific is expected to register the highest CAGR of 8.0% during the forecast period, due to rise in investments in the healthcare sector. Major market players CONMED Corporation Endovision Co. Ltd. Jiangsu Bonss Medical Technology Co. Ltd. Joimax GmbH Karl Storz Maxmorespine Maxer Endoscopy GmbH Richard Wolf Smith & Nephew Stryker Corporation Key Benefits for Stakeholders This report provides a quantitative analysis of the market segments, current trends, estimations, and dynamics of the unilateral biportal endoscopy market analysis from 2021 to 2031 to identify the prevailing unilateral biportal endoscopy market opportunities. The market research is offered along with information related to key drivers, restraints, and opportunities. Porter's five forces analysis highlights the potency of buyers and suppliers to enable stakeholders make profit-oriented business decisions and strengthen their supplier-buyer network. In-depth analysis of the unilateral biportal endoscopy market segmentation assists to determine the prevailing market opportunities. Major countries in each region are mapped according to their revenue contribution to the global market. Market player positioning facilitates benchmarking and provides a clear understanding of the present position of the market players. The report includes the analysis of the regional as well as global unilateral biportal endoscopy market trends, key players, market segments, application areas, and market growth strategies. Key Market Segments By Product Type Endoscope Accessory Devices By Indication Herniated Discs Spinal Stenosis Others By End User Hospitals Ambulatory Surgical Centers By Region North America U.S. Unilateral Biportal Endoscopy Market Canada Unilateral Biportal Endoscopy Market Mexico Unilateral Biportal Endoscopy Market Europe Germany Unilateral Biportal Endoscopy Market France Unilateral Biportal Endoscopy Market U.K. Unilateral Biportal Endoscopy Market Italy Unilateral Biportal Endoscopy Market Spain Unilateral Biportal Endoscopy Market Rest of Europe Asia-Pacific Japan Unilateral Biportal Endoscopy Market China Unilateral Biportal Endoscopy Market Australia Unilateral Biportal Endoscopy Market India Unilateral Biportal Endoscopy Market South Korea Unilateral Biportal Endoscopy Market Rest of Asia-Pacific LAMEA Brazil Unilateral Biportal Endoscopy Market South Africa Unilateral Biportal Endoscopy Market Saudi Arabia Unilateral Biportal Endoscopy Market Rest of LAMEA Avenue Basic Plan | Library Access | 1 Year Subscription | Sign up for Avenue subscription to access more than 12,000+ company profiles and 2,000+ niche industry market research reports at $699 per month, per seat. For a year, the client needs to purchase minimum 2 seat plan. Request for 14 days free trial: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/avenue/trial/starter "We have also published few syndicated market studies in the similar area that might be of your interest. Below are the report title for your reference, considering Impact of Covid-19 Over This Market which will help you to assess aftereffects of pandemic on short-term and long-term growth trends of this market." Trending Reports in Healthcare Industry (Book Now with 10% Discount + Covid-19 scenario): Surgical Equipment Market size valued at $31,722.30 million in 2019 and is estimated to reach $44,448.58 million by 2027, at a CAGR of 6.3% from 2020 to 2027. Surgical Robots Market size was reached $ 56,294.9 million in 2017 and is expected to reach $ 98,737.0 million by 2024 with a CAGR of 8.5% during the forecast period. Spectrometry Market was valued at $11.1 billion in 2021, and is projected to reach $20.3 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 6.2% from 2022 to 2031. Laboratory Filtration Market size was valued at $3,061.30 million in 2020, and is projected to reach $6,807.40 million by 2030, registering a CAGR of 8.3% from 2021 to 2030 Pulse Oximeters Market size was $2.1 billion in 2021, and is projected to reach $3.9 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 6.3% from 2022 to 2031. Electronic Health Records (EHR) Market size was valued at $30,550.3 million in 2020, and is projected to reach $63,848.6 million by 2030, registering a CAGR of 7.7% from 2021 to 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. Contact: David Correa 5933 NE Win Sivers Drive #205, Portland, OR 97220 United States USA/Canada (Toll Free): +1-800-792-5285, +1-503-894-6022 UK: +44-845-528-1300 Hong Kong: +852-301-84916 India (Pune): +91-20-66346060 Fax: +1(855)550-5975 [email protected] Web: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/reports-store/life-sciences Follow Us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/life-sciences-industry-research/ Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/636519/Allied_Market_Research_Logo.jpg SOURCE Allied Market Research 2022 Tour Will Celebrate Union Pacific's 160th Anniversary OMAHA, Neb., July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Union Pacific's famed Big Boy No. 4014 will depart for a roundtrip tour between Cheyenne, Wyoming, and Denver, Colorado, July 28, 2022, and be on display July 29, 2022, in the Mile High City. The tour honors Union Pacific's 160th anniversary and the rich historical role railroads serve in America. Union Pacific planned a longer West Coast Steam Tour for Big Boy this summer, however, that tour will not occur this year in order for Union Pacific to focus its efforts on improving network fluidity and service to customers amid ongoing supply chain challenges. The Denver display day will be at Union Station and will include viewing of the Big Boy locomotive and access to the "Experience the Union Pacific" rail car, a multi-media walk-through exhibition that provides a glimpse of the past while telling the story of modern-day railroading. Big Boy will be on display and available for public viewing at Union Station on Friday, July 29, between 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. MDT. On July 30, 2022, the Union Pacific Museum will host a special passenger trip from Denver, Colorado to Cheyenne, Wyoming, pulled by the legendary No. 4014. This excursion is the annual gala fundraiser for the Union Pacific Museum, a nonprofit organization, and is a rare opportunity for the public to travel on this historic heritage equipment. Passengers must be 18 years or older to attend. "Both the communities of Denver and Cheyenne have a rich history that goes almost as far back to the foundation of Union Pacific Railroad," said Scott Moore, senior vice president Corporate Relations and chief administrative officer. "We are disappointed we cannot have our longer Big Boy tour this year but rekindling our great history with Denver and the Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo will give us an opportunity to share No. 4014 with the public in 2022." Twenty-five Big Boy locomotives were built for Union Pacific to haul heavy freight during World War II and out of the eight that are still preserved, No. 4014 is the world's only functioning Big Boy. It was delivered to Union Pacific in December 1941. ABOUT UNION PACIFIC Union Pacific (NYSE: UNP) delivers the goods families and businesses use every day with safe, reliable and efficient service. Operating in 23 western states, the company connects its customers and communities to the global economy. Trains are the most environmentally responsible way to move freight, helping Union Pacific protect future generations. More information about Union Pacific is available at www.up.com. www.up.com www.facebook.com/unionpacific www.twitter.com/unionpacific SOURCE Union Pacific Corporation IRVING, Texas, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Vistra (NYSE: VST) today announced that its board of directors has appointed company veteran Kris Moldovan as its next chief financial officer, effective Aug. 1. Moldovan assumes the CFO role from Jim Burke, who, as previously announced, will transition to chief executive officer on Aug. 1. Moldovan's appointment marks the completion of Vistra's search process. Kris Moldovan, CFO "With a unique combination of deep industry expertise, company knowledge, and financial acumen, Kris is the right leader to be our next CFO," said Burke, Vistra's president and incoming CEO. "For more than a decade, Kris has been instrumental to our finance team and has played a key role in the design and execution of our capital allocation strategy, having managed several critical transactions, including our green perpetual preferred equity offering. Importantly, Kris is a thoughtful and well-respected leader with a consistent track record of strong performance and positive engagement with key external stakeholders. The board and I are excited to partner with Kris and look forward to his continued contributions to Vistra." In his new role, Moldovan will continue to report to Burke and will assume broad responsibility for the company's accounting, risk, internal audit, treasury, tax, planning, investor activities, and other various functions. "It is an exciting time to be a part of Vistra and I am humbled to be named CFO. In all the years I've been with the company, I don't believe it has ever been better positioned for success than it is now," said Moldovan. "I am looking forward to working with Jim, the board, the finance team, and the rest of the Vistra organization to execute on our strategic imperatives, including Vistra's clean energy transformation, and create value for all our stakeholders." Moldovan, 50, has been with Vistra and its predecessor companies since 2006 and, for the past five years, has served as senior vice president and treasurer, where he is responsible for all treasury-related activities, including financing activities and assuring availability of liquidity and cash resources, among other responsibilities. From 2010 to 2017, he was the company's assistant treasurer. Moldovan originally joined the company as senior counsel, where much of his work focused on finance and mergers and acquisitions. Prior to joining the company, he was an attorney for Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher, LLP in Dallas and for Wildman, Harrold, Allen & Dixon in Chicago, where he gained extensive experience in M&A, finance, and general corporate advisory. Moldovan holds a bachelor's degree in engineering from the University of Illinois, a juris doctor from Duke University School of Law, and a graduate finance certificate from Southern Methodist University Cox School of Business. About Vistra Vistra (NYSE: VST) is a leading Fortune 500 integrated retail electricity and power generation company based in Irving, Texas, providing essential resources for customers, commerce, and communities. Vistra combines an innovative, customer-centric approach to retail with safe, reliable, diverse, and efficient power generation. The company brings its products and services to market in 20 states and the District of Columbia, including six of the seven competitive wholesale markets in the U.S. Serving approximately 4 million residential, commercial, and industrial retail customers with electricity and natural gas, Vistra is one of the largest competitive electricity providers in the country and offers over 50 renewable energy plans. The company is also the largest competitive power generator in the U.S. with a capacity of approximately 39,000 megawatts powered by a diverse portfolio, including natural gas, nuclear, solar, and battery energy storage facilities. In addition, Vistra is a large purchaser of wind power. The company owns and operates the 400-MW/1,600-MWh battery energy storage system in Moss Landing, California, the largest of its kind in the world. Vistra is guided by four core principles: we do business the right way, we work as a team, we compete to win, and we care about our stakeholders, including our customers, our communities where we work and live, our employees, and our investors. Learn more about our environmental, social, and governance efforts and read the company's sustainability report at https://www.vistracorp.com/sustainability/. SOURCE Vistra Corp. YOKOHAMA, Japan, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Japan proxy-service pioneer White Rabbit Express today announces the completion of an extensive rebranding effort in response to accelerated company growth and a renewal of its product vision. Japan Rabbit proxy buying service White Rabbit Express was launched in 2005 to make buying from Japan simple and easy. The company is committed to eliminating the friction that overseas buyers typically encounter in the Japanese market by handling all cross-border payments, communication with sellers, inspections, and shipping on their behalf. After a recent period of rapid growth, it now serves customers in 130 countries around the world from a distribution center that has grown 20 times in size since 2017. Reflecting the company's vigorous growth, the new name, JapanRabbit.com, is shorter, punchier and more precisely descriptive than its predecessor. It foregrounds the company's unique selling pointits mastery of proxy-buying in Japanwhile retaining all the equity built up in the word "Rabbit" over almost two decades. The Japanese aspect of the brand is further reinforced through the adoption of Rising Sun Red, a dynamic and eye-catching color associated with the Japanese flag. The rebranding serves as the visual expression of the achievement of new levels of scale and service quality. Japan Rabbit is launching with a completely redesigned and re-engineered interface and backend that provide customers with a host of new ways to better manage their orders and packages. The new platform combines innovative features, playful branding enhancements and the company's traditional high levels of customer service* into what is a delightful user experience overall. As part of the rebranding, Japan Rabbit will also launch a community site in late July 2022. The aim is to create a space for people to connect, swap information, and build relationships around a shared love of Japanese products and cultural interests. Commenting on the Japan Rabbit rebranding, founder and CEO Max Hodges said "It's a significant milestone for the company. Global eCommerce from Japan is accelerating, and the new brand and evolving positioning perfectly illustrate our growing ambition in the market." New Features of the Japan Rabbit proxy service The Japan Rabbit shopping cart can retrieve product images, titles, and prices from submitted urls, reducing the effort to create an order. Items from different shops are organized into separate carts, making managing orders easier. Customers can specify an allowance for incidentals like domestic shipping, sales tax, and payment fees, reducing delays and back-and-forth communication. The Japan Rabbit Wallet simplifies order adjustments by reducing the number of payments and refunds. Blackship.com forwarding service customers can shift Japan Rabbit packages to their Blackship Mailbox for consolidated shipping. Dozens of additional features, add-ons, and enhancements were created to further reduce friction when buying from Japan. About White Rabbit Japan White Rabbit Japan is working to elevate eCommerce between Japan-based sellers and overseas buyers. Our flagship products, White Rabbit Express and Blackship serve a global market of businesses and individuals in 140+ countries. We combine exceptional customer service and innovative technology to make buying from Japan as easy as possible. Rated 4.8 on TrustPilot as of July 20, 2022 . Media contact: VICTOR ABOUT [email protected] +81-045-225-9061 SOURCE White Rabbit Japan BEIJING, July 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Seraphim Energy Group Co., Ltd. (Seraphim), a leading global solar product manufacturer, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Resolar, a Luxembourg-based energy company in early July, with an aim to deepen cooperation in the EU solar market. Under the MoU, Seraphim will supply up to 1GW of PV modules to Resolar in 2023, which will be used in the latter's projects to be built in 2023. The MoU came under the European Union (EU)'s new REPowerEU plan, which was unveiled on March 8 to accelerate clean energy transition. In the first quarter of this year, the EU imported 16.7 GW of PV modules from China, up 145 percent year on year, according to official data. "Resolar regards Seraphim as a long-term partner," said Luis Lopez Martinez, CEO of Resolar, adding that he looks forward to further global collaboration with Seraphim. Polaris Li, president of Seraphim, said that with the goal of carbon neutrality in place, European countries are pushing forward energy transition, whose urgency has been stressed by new REPowerEU plan. Li added that Seraphim has always attached great importance to the EU market, hoping to contribute to the global green transition with the company's advanced PV technology and quality PV products. Seraphim has long been specialized in research, development, production, innovation and sales of PV products since its foundation in 2011. To date, more than 14GW Seraphim's products have been installed in over 40 countries worldwide. Resolar is an investor, developer and also EPC of renewable projects globally. It was created from the collaboration at the international level with more than 21 years' experience in solar energy. SOURCE Xinhua Silk Road Monrovia The two chambers of the Liberian Legislature has passed an amended the Country's Alien and Nationality Law; legalizing dual citizenship for Liberians and people of Negro-decent. However, the law prohibits people with dual citizenship from holding elected position in the Legislature and certain positions in the Executive including; the Presidency, Central Bank Governor, Finance Minister and Defense Minister, among others. The Legislature decision on Tuesday was as a result of a conference Committee report submitted by both Houses of the Legislature, recommending the passage of the draft legislation. In the Senate, the bill received huge support with only two Senators abstaining from the vote; while in the House of Representatives, 20 lawmakers voted in favor, one against and no abstention. "Our country has dedicated this year to welcome all people of negro-decent and to do that, it is necessary for these amendments to our Alien and National laws to be enacted if we are to achieve our vision and exploration we have set for ourselves. Our country has dedicated itself as the home of the Negro-race, the Conference Committee said in its report read by the Secretary of the Senate, Naborlor Sengbe. It added: "We know that we haven't address all the concerns and aspiration raised about the law, and all of us on the conference committee didn't agreed one hundred percent on everything in this amendment but we assured you that what we submit to you is sufficiently comprehensive as a starter for the modernization of our Alien and nationality law. In view of the forgoing we submit for your consideration an amendment to certain potion of our Alien and National law relating to citizenship and restoring the citizenship rights." What's In the Bill? Article 28 states: "Any person, at least one of whose parents was a citizen of Liberia at the time of the Person's birth, shall be a citizen of Liberia; provided that any such person shall upon reaching maturity renounce any other citizenship acquired by virtue of one parent being a citizen of another country. No citizen of the Republic shall be deprived of citizenship or nationality except as provided by law, and no person shall be denied the right to change citizenship or nationality." The Act was submitted by Representative Acarous M. Gray (CDC, District #8 Montserrado County) and was co-sponsored by 30 members of the House of Representatives in November 2021. It seeks to amend several provisions of the Aliens and Nationality Law of the Liberian Code of Law Revised, Vol. II. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Liberia Governance Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. According to the crafters of the bill, the current law is repugnant to, and is inconsistent with Article 11 (b) &(C), 27 and 28 relating to equal protection under the law (Fundamental Rights) and citizenship. The crafters also noted those inconsistencies, as observed by the committee's findings, the framers of the 1986 Constitution requested the Legislature to prescribe other standards and criteria, and procedures by which Liberian citizenship may be obtained. According to them, the amendment of these laws will satisfy the constitutional provision of Article 2 (2) of the 1986 Constitution which states: "Any laws, treaties, statutes, decrees, customs, and regulations found to be inconsistent with it shall, to the extent of the inconsistency, be void and of no legal effect. The Supreme Court, pursuant to its power of judicial review, is empowered to declare any inconsistent laws unconstitutional." It will now be forwarded to the President for signature, and if he signs, it will automatically take effect upon printing into handbill. However, if the President rejects it, which is highly unlikely, then the bill will be sent back to the Legislature along with reason(s) for rejection. And this can be overridden by a two-thirds vote of both chambers. BEIJING, July 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2022 Yungang cultural tourism season, a cultural feast dedicated to crafting north China-situated Datong into a city characterized by being an ancient cultural capital, a cool summer resort and the capital of gourmet, kicked off in Datong of Shanxi Province on July 18. Since 2000 when the first Yungang cultural tourism season debuted, the seasonal tourism activities have become a household cultural tourism brand and a "cultural tourism messenger" for Datong city. Photo shows the opening ceremony of the 2022 Yungang cultural tourism season. Photo shows the Yungang flying apsaras dance show. Under the brand, Datong cultivated many classic cultural tourism events such as the ancient capital lantern show and the Jackie Chan international action film week, all of which brought the city further on its road to building a reputed international cultural tourism destination. Wang Jianjiang, member of the standing committee of CPC Datong municipal committee and publicity department head, said that after years of efforts, the Yungang cultural tourism season-incubated "cool summer resort" and "cultural Datong" tourism brands are expected to further help the city shape a complete system of summer tourism brands and improve at the same time its popularity and reputation among tourists. Recent years, Datong city's cultural tourism industry has stepped into a phase featuring development of higher quality. Since 2017, the China Datong Tourism Development Index released by Xinhua-run China Economic Information Service and the People's Government of Datong has once reached 1,438.97 points, up nearly 50 percent since the base period and indicating enormous market attention and consumption vitality. Regardless of others, Datong's tourism brand popularity increased notably alongside the all-around functioning brand effects. This year, cultural tourism industry in the city showcased sufficient development resilience with rural tourism and outdoor camping widely favored by travelers and in-depth tours becoming mainstream choices of tourists, which spend on average three days instead of the past 1.5 days in Datong currently. This year, as many as 38 activities of six sub-themes are welcoming travelers to the city, including the China cultural tourism metaverse development conference, China youth sculpture exhibition, and Datong cultural tourism trendy fun creation season. SOURCE Xinhua Silk Road Shanta Gold Limited (AIM:SHG, OTC:SAAGF) reported a 54% jump in gold production in the three months to end-June versus the first quarter and reiterated its full-year output guidance of 68,000 to 76,000 ounces. It produced 17,527 ounces of gold from its New Luika mine in Tanzania, up from 11,408 ounces in the first quarter and 23% higher than in the second quarter of 2021. Production was 15% higher than planned for the quarter, it noted. Gold production in June of 7,538 ounces was the highest monthly production in more than 12 months. At New Luika, the initial Crown Pillar mining has been delivered safely resulting in production being up 54% in Q2 vs Q1, which exceeded our internal expectations, said chief executive Eric Zurrin. New Luika is the companys sole producing mine at present. Construction at the Singida project, also in Tanzania, was 63% complete at the end of June and is on track for first gold production in March 2023, the company said. Singida will transform Shanta Gold into a +100,000 oz/pa producer with a diversified resource base, said Zurrin. Singida construction is fully funded through to first production. Shanta had cash of about US$14.5mln at end-June 2022. It reported EBITDA of US$11.9mln, excluding operating expenditure at West Kenya and Singida totalling US$3.6mln. Haleon PLC (LSE:HLN, NYSE:HLN) offers "the best of both worlds", said Citigroup, as it started coverage of the London consumer healthcare newcomer. After it was spun out of GSK PLC (LSE:GSK, NYSE:GSK) on Monday and floated its ADRs in New York yesterday, the investment bank slapped a 'buy' rating on the Weybridge, Surrey-based group's shares, with a 360p price target. Analyst Cedric Besnard said he sees the company as "the best vehicle to play the secular attractions" of the consumer health sector, facilitated by the group's large scale "and its exposure to staples segments where it can more easily outperform". While the 4-6% organic sales growth target has raised a few eyebrows elsewhere in the City, the Citi team said their analysis suggests it "is achievable". "While consumer health specifics can sometimes tempt companies into overearning," Besnard said, Haleon's P&L structure is "well invested to support a LDD TSR [low double-digit total shareholder return]". The analyst said Haleon has "a strategic optionality offering a floor to valuation," which maybe means he suggests that it could be a bid target, based on the 50bn Unilver offer. Based on this, Citi believes the stock "offers the best of both worlds" with the "dependability" of consumer health and the "ability to outgrow" in staples. BlackEarth Minerals NL (ASX:BEM) had advanced its downstream graphite processing joint venture with the development of an Expandable Graphite Plant set to begin in the Pune region of India. In a key step, the JV between BEM and Metachem has appointed leading local engineers, Shubhjyot Consulting Engineers Pvt Ltd, to oversee the development of the plant with the JV partners committed to fast-tracking the plants development. The JV plans to develop a plant that in the initial stage can produce 2,000-2,500 tonnes per annum of expandable graphite and then expand capacity to 4,000-5,000 tonnes. Robust economics Stage 1 development costs, including land, building and all capex, is scheduled to be US$3 million with gross revenue projected to be US$7 million in the first full year of production, growing to US$18- US$20.5 million annually following plant expansion. BlackEarth has completed a feasibility study to assess the robust commercial terms and all other factors relevant to the JV and a final investment decision has been approved by the companys board. Key project outcomes on a 50:50 JV basis, include: NPV (post-tax): US$78 million. Net cash flow (pre-tax): US$219 million. Payback period (post-tax): 1.2 years. Project capex: US$3 million (first stage). Site in Pune SEZ The JV partners have acquired a 5-acre site in the Special Economic Zone in Pune, India, with settlement scheduled to occur on July 30, 2022, following an extensive review. This JV will be known as Panthera Graphite Technologies Pvt Ltd with branding and website development launched in the next few weeks. Site development is expected to begin in September 2022, with planned completion in early 2023 and trial processing to be undertaken immediately thereafter. Expandable graphite offtake The JV plans to commence the supply of expandable graphite in the second quarter of 2023 with a binding offtake agreement secured to sell all initial production to global graphite downstream processing leaders, Grafitbergbau. Metachem has been producing expandable graphite and supplying products into the worldwide market for a number of decades. They have a strong business model which provides a degree of commercial security to the JV. BlackEarths team will manage the marketing and sales of products, utilising its strong logistics and global marketing network. The JV has secured a licence agreement with the JV operators for the forecast life of operations with largely local labour to be employed while a CEO and local management team will be appointed and this process is in the final stages. Strong demand for expandable graphite Expandable graphite is one of the fastest growing markets along with lithium-ion batteries. It is the only graphite market to have experienced price increases over the last couple of years and is largely based on jumbo and large flake material. Development of expandable graphite involves treating flake graphite and heating it to cause the flakes to split apart, expand and increase hundreds of times in volume. This material is pressed into sheets to create a foil which can be cut into shapes and used in many applications including consumer electronics, high-end gaskets that are heat and corrosion resistant, fire retardants, smart building products, flow batteries and fuel cells. Market shortages Because of the growth in demand, and declining production from Shandong Province, China, there are now shortages of large and jumbo flake concentrates. Prices and margins for expandable graphite are high and expected to grow further as demand increases. Rapid demand growth is also forecast due to the increasing use of high energy density batteries in mobile devices. Amid the COVID-19 crisis, the global market for expanded graphite was estimated at US$203 million in the year 2020 and is projected to reach a revised size of US$352 million by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 8.2% over the period. Yandal Resources Ltd (ASX:YRL) has received approval for a work program on priority targets within the Yandal Belt Projects following the completion of a heritage survey with the Kultju Aboriginal Corporation. The company plans to undertake a major drilling program across the Western Australian projects, consisting of 8,500 metres of reverse circulation (RC) drilling and 16,500 metres of aircore drilling targeting key prospects at Ironstone Well, Barwidgee and Mt McClure. At Barwidgee Project, Yandal will drill test the Cash, Sims Find and New England Granite prospects, following up lookalike targets, extensional mineralisation and anomalous contact zones respectively. At Ironstone Well, YRL will investigate the Flushing Meadows prospect testing extensions of the 286,000-ounce gold resource there and the Quarter Moon and Oblique prospects, where drilling will step out from high-grade, known mineralisation. Finally at Mt McClure, the company will target the HMS Sulphur, Success, Parmelia and Challenger prospects, seeking to delineate strike extensions and potential footwall positions. Great deal of potential for discoveries We are delighted to have received the heritage approval clearance of our planned drilling program from the Kultju Native Title Holders and we thank them for their assistance during this survey process, Yandal Resources managing director Tim Kennedy said. Yandal looks forward to furthering its strong relationship with the Kultju people. The Ironstone Well and Barwidgee projects are two of our premier projects within the Yandal Belt and host some very compelling targets, including the Cash Prospect which is immediately along strike from Northern Stars Corboys Deposit, the north-western strike extents of our high-grade Sims Find Prospect, and several other prospects including new areas defined during a full tenement review. We are eager to get this program underway and believe there is a great deal of potential to make new gold discoveries and expand the existing resource base in what is a proven gold mining region. We have also taken the opportunity to fully utilise the secured drilling rigs and extend the program to the Mt McClure Project where several additional prospects will be tested. All up the combined aircore and RC program will take three months with assay results to be reported through the remainder of 2022. Yandal has drilling preparations well in hand, with rigs secured for an August start to drilling and a strong pipeline of exploration schedule for the September quarter through to the end of this calendar year. Rooster Talk Episode 63 with Allan Kelly, executive chair of Miramar Resources Ltd (ASX:M2R) is an update on Gidji, Glandore and Whaleshark. Every episode I do with Allan Kelly is full of information. This episode is no different. It is insightful and clearly lays out why Miramar Resources Ltd (ASX:M2R) has enormous potential. The timing of this discussion cannot be more perfect. In the last conversation with Allan, we spoke about why Gidji must be considered as a new mining camp. Imagine being only 5 minutes drive from the town of Kalgoorlie. To top that off, it is bounded to the surroundings by Kundana, Mount Pleasant-Paddington, Kanowna Belle, Bardoc Shear to the north and the super pit to the south (Figure 1). Figure 1: Regional Map of the Miramar Eastern Goldfields projects (source: Miramar Resources). Allan is not professing that he has a million-ounce project in Gidji. However, what he can say is that the potential for Gidji is growing, going by the drilling program. When you look at the geological data, one has to agree with Allan's interpretation. As a geologist, what I can sense is a growing level of frustration of no assays. For an exploration company, the most frustrating part is lack of money and a lack of drilling success. In the case of Miramar Resources, it appears that the funding part has been ticked. The exploration success is abundant but the lack of assays is at critical level. I can see that Allan is almost drilling blind but fortunately for Miramar, the previous consistent success may be the light to follow. This is the critical conversation in todays episode. Take time to listen to how Allan breaks down the projects, and what they are doing at Gidji. The Gidji potential story mirrors what Kalgoorlie was before gold was discovered. Eastern Goldfields Projects The focus may have been on Gidji but the discussion then moves onto Glandore and Whaleshark. The conversation is almost fifty minutes and packed with noteworthy insights. I encourage viewers to make a nice brew and take some notes. Chapters 00:00 Start 00:20 Introduction 01:16 Allan updates. 02:22 Good results in bedrock geology. 04:27 What are the challenges from the bedrock geology? 07:09 How close is M2R vectoring to the primary source? 09:55 Raglan talks about Dolerites. 10:37 Where could the lagging results sit in the scheme of your project? 11:07 Consistent mineralisation results at the supergene level. 11:24 An important Ingredient is Competency Contrast in Geology - A Lesson. 12:32 Discussion on Blackfriars prospect. 13:17 Discussion on Highway prospect. 14:13 Blackfriars may be the better prospect. 15:01 Blackfriars and Highway are awaiting assays. 15:54 How is the lack of assays affecting the geological models? 17:18 Discussion on the Boorara North prospect. 19:09 Discussion on Lake prospect. 19:55 Discussion on Gidji Dam. 20:51 How much understanding does M2R have on the geology and structure? 23:51 The amazing thought that Gidji is unexplored. 25:50 The positives of Gidji. 27:06 Could 8th Mile be a "Red Herring" ? 29:41 Nickel Prospectivity. 32:25 The other Miramar projects. 32:52 Discussion on the Glandore project. 36:07 Discussion on Whaleshark project. 37:26 The model for Whaleshark - Ernest Henry. 38:46 How should investors look at M2R now? 39:23 The target for Gidji. 39:59 The target for Glandore. 41:08 The target for Whaleshark. 41:44 Miramar is undervalued. 43:09 Gidji as a blank canvas. 45:04 Conclusions. PODCAST About Allan Kelly Executive Chairman Mr Kelly is a geologist and manager with over 25 years experience in mineral exploration, development and production throughout Australia and the Americas. Mr Kelly graduated in 1994 with a Bachelor of Science (with honours) in Applied Geology from Curtin University. He has been involved in targeting early-stage exploration of gold, nickel and copper deposits in Australia, Alaska and Canada and has previously held senior exploration positions within Western Mining Corporation and Avoca Resources Limited (ASX:AVO). He has also served as an Executive Director of Riversgold Ltd (ASX:RGL) and a non-executive director of Alloy Resources Ltd. In 2009, Mr Kelly founded Doray Minerals Limited (ASX:DRM), which listed on the ASX in early 2010. Under Mr. Kellys management, Doray discovered the high-grade Wilber Lode gold deposit within the Andy Well Project in the Murchison Region of Western Australia, which moved from discovery to production within three and a half years, and subsequently funded, constructed and commissioned the Deflector Gold-Copper Project within 14 months of completing the takeover of Mutiny Gold Limited in 2014. In 2014, Mr. Kelly was awarded the Association of Mining and Exploration Companies (AMEC) Prospector Award, along with Dorays co-founder Mr. Heath Hellewell, for the discovery of the Wilber Lode and Andy Well gold deposits. Mr. Kelly is a Fellow and Former Councillor of the Association of Applied Geochemistry (AAG), a Member of the Australian Institute of Geoscientists (AIG) and a Member of the Institute of Brewing and Distilling (IBD). About Miramar Resources Miramar Resources Ltd (ASX:M2R) is a Western Australian-focused mineral exploration company with projects in the Eastern Goldfields, the Murchison and Gascoyne regions. The portfolio of exploration projects has high potential for new gold discoveries within trucking distance of existing operations and for the discovery of nickel-copper-platinum group element (PGE) mineralisation. Miramar aims to create shareholder value through discovery and the Board has a proven track record of successful discovery, development and production. Miramar Resources Exploration Projects Please let Samso know your thoughts and send any comments to info@Samso.com.au. Remember to Subscribe to the YouTube Channel, Samso Media and the mail list to stay informed and make comments where appropriate. Other than that, also feel free to provide a Review on Google. For further information about Coffee with Samso and Rooster Talks visit: www.samso.com.au About Samso is a renowned resource among the investment community for keen market analysis and insights into the companies and business trends that matter. Investors seek out Samso for knowledgeable evaluations of current industry developments across a variety of business sectors and considered forecasts of future performances. With a compelling format of relaxed online video interviews, Samso provides clear answers to questions they may not have the opportunity to ask and lays out the big picture to help them complete their investment research. And in doing so, Samso also enables companies featured in interviews to build valuable engagement with their investment communities and customers. Headed by industry veteran Noel Ong and based in Perth, Western Australia, Samsos Coffee with Samso and Rooster Talk interviews both feature friendly conversations with business figures that give insights into Australian Stock Exchange (ASX) companies, related concepts and industry trends. Noel Ong is a geologist with nearly 30 years of industry experience and a strong background in capital markets, corporate finance and the mineral resource sector. He was founder and managing director of ASX-listed company Siburan Resources Limited from 2009-2017 and has also been involved in several other ASX listings, providing advice, procuring projects and helping to raise capital. He brings all this experience and expertise to the Samso interviews, where his engaging conversation style creates a relaxed dialogue, revealing insights that can pique investor interest. Noel Ong travels across Australia to record the interviews, only requiring a coffee shop environment where they can be set up. The interviews are posted on Samsos website and podcasts, YouTube and other relevant online environments where they can be shared among investment communities. Samso also has a track record of developing successful business concepts in the Australasia region and provides bespoke research and counsel to businesses seeking to raise capital and procuring projects for ASX listings. Disclaimer The information contained in this article is the writers personal opinion and is provided for information only and is not intended to or nor will it create/induce the creation of any binding legal relations. Read full disclaimer. Teslas second-quarter earnings results published on Wednesday July 20 yield few surprises for stakeholders, with bottlenecks in China hitting production output and operating margins taking a (slightly less than) expected 4.6% hit. But one revelation came as somewhat of a shock to the cryptocurrency market: Elon Musks electric vehicle giant has engaged in a mass disposal of its Bitcoin holdings over the last quarter, adding US$936mln in converted cash to the balance sheet. The reason we sold a bunch of our Bitcoin holdings, Musk told shareholders, was that we were uncertain as to when the Covid lockdowns in China would alleviate, so it was important for us to maximise our cash position given the uncertainty. Tesla was far off being the largest corporate Bitcoin holder that award goes to uber-maximalist Michael Saylors MicroStrategy Incorporated but in a speculative market, such news can have an overweight effect on price action. Bitcoin responded with a 3.35% drop to below US$23,000 in what has otherwise been a bullish week for the worlds largest cryptocurrency. Musk and Bitcoin: A love/hate relationship Tesla first announced a US$1.5bln Bitcoin purchase in a January 2021 Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) filing. Moreover, we expect to begin accepting bitcoin as a form of payment for our products in the near future, the filing stated. That did not last long, after Tesla scrapped the option after two months due to Muskss concerns about the rapidly increasing use of fossil fuels for Bitcoin mining and transactions. One crypto that Musk has not fallen out of favour with is Dogecoin (DOGE); he stated that no DOGE has as yet been sold, though how much DOGE is in Teslas coffers is unclear. Tesla still has US$218mln worth of digital assets on the books, but the majority of that is likely the remaining 25% of Bitcoin. Nor has Musk completely turned his back on Bitcoin. We are certainly open to increasing our holdings in the future, so this should not be taken as some verdict on Bitcoin, its just that we were concerned about overall liquidity of the company, Musk said. Teslas quarter-end cash and cash equivalents totalled US$18,324bln, offset by US$1.73bln in capital expenditure. Among the highlights at the Margarita high-grade silver trend, three holes for 333 metres (m) successfully extended the vein by more than 150m to the north-west with one hole hitting 4.85m at 720 grams per ton (g/t) silver Mirasol Resources Ltd. (TSX-V:MRZ, OTC:MRZLF) has reported encouraging drill results from the phase IV diamond drill campaign funded by Silver Sands Resources at the Virginia silver project in Argentina, which have underscored the asset's potential. Mirasol struck an option-to-purchase deal on the project in 2020 and will gain a 19.9% stake in Silver Sands and a 3% net smelter returns (NSR) royalty if it is exercised. "Virginia is one of Mirasol's key projects located in a prolific silver mining district," Mirasol president Tim Heenan told investors in a statement. "The latest drill results continue to confirm the strong potential to build on Virginia's current resource base within this very prospective silver-rich epithermal vein field." He added that the "new very high-grade" Margarita discovery will play an important role in potential future additions to resources, while the "entire Ely Vein trend" is coming together to potentially form one continuous 870 metre (m) long mineralized zone. "We are also pleased to see some of the outlying 'blue sky' targets, such as the Patricia Trend located approximately 1.5 kilometers to the north of the Ely North Resource conceptual pit, delivering indications of stronger silver mineralization," Heenan said. Among the highlights at the Margarita high-grade silver trend, three holes for 333 metres (m) successfully extended the vein by more than 150m to the north-west with one hole hitting 4.85m at 720 grams per ton (g/t) silver, including a discreet intercept of 0.30m at 1,775 g/t silver, noted Mirasol. Elsewhere, at Ely Central, three holes were drilled for a total of 261m with one hole encountering 11.95m at 124 g/t silver, including 1.8m at 192 g/t silver. At the Patricia and Daniela veins, one hole tested each of these veins. The Patricia hole intersected 1.45m at 120 g/t silver, including 0.5m at 198.5 g/t silver, and another parallel structure with 2.95m at 95.7 g/t silver, including 0.35 meters at 163 g/t silver. Also in the statement, Mirasol noted that the option agreement on the Libanesa silver-gold project in Argentina with partner Golden Arrow Resources Corporation had been terminated. Golden Arrow has exceeded its contractual minimum commitment by spending over US$500,000 on exploration since the option agreement was announced. The exploration program included field mapping, surface sampling, trenching and 1,716 meters of drilling at the Cerro Plomo/Cerro Rodonda and the Lagunita prospects, said Mirasol. Mirasol firmly believes that quality drill targets remain at Libanesa (Cerro Plomo) and once the data has been officially received, Mirasol will review and evaluate how to test these remaining targets. Mirasol is a well-funded explorer with 18 years of operating, permitting and community relations experience in the mineral-rich regions of Chile and Argentina. Currently, Mirasol is self-funding exploration at two flagship projects, Sobek and Inca Gold, both in Chile. Mirasol has six partner-funded projects. Contact the writer at giles@proactiveinvestors.com Los Andes reiterated its full commitment to complying with all its environmental obligations Los Andes Copper Ltd (TSX-V:LA) has said it can now resume drilling at the Vizcachitas Copper Project after the Second Environmental Court in Chile revised a preliminary injunction issued on March 18, 2022, which had suspended drilling. The company said it had prepared and filed several scientific reports, technical studies and legal opinions following the injunction to show that the drilling program is compatible with the protection of the Andean Cat and the overall environment. The latest court decision, delivered on 20 July, 2022, authorized Los Andes Copper to continue drilling at the Vizcachitas project, with certain operational conditions, including a restricted drilling plan for the first 12 months proposed by the company, it said. Los Andes said the restricted plan will allow the company to pursue its original program of illuminating and defining extensions of the mineralized body which remains open. The company reiterated its full commitment to complying with all its environmental obligations and continues to engage with all interested parties in a climate of mutual respect. It added that it will continue to expand its previous successful drill program while pursuing the larger goal of completing a prefeasibility study in 4Q 2022. Los Andes Copper is an exploration and development company with a 100% interest in the Vizcachitas Project in Chile. Contact the author at jon.hopkins@proactiveinvestors.com VR Resources has now confirmed REE and critical metal intersections in 8 of the 12 drill holes for which data has been received VR Resources Ltd (TSX-V:VRR, OTCQB:VRRCF) has revealed that it hit the broadest and strongest intersection to date of high-grade rare earth elements (REE's) and critical metals in Hole 13 from its 4,617-hectare Hecla-Kilmer (H-K) property in northern Ontario. The Vancouver-based junior exploration company focused on copper, gold and critical metals, emphasized the economic potential of the discovery noting that there is continuous mineralization in potassic alteration over the entire 287-metre vertical hole. VR said the strike length potential exceeds 1,000 metres (m) along the east-west structure which controls mineralization. The drill hole is 23 kilometres (km) northwest of the Ontario Northern Railroad, highway 634, and provincial grid power at the Otter Rapids hydroelectricity facility. READ: VR Resources says new assay results from Hecla-Kilmer drill program confirm broad intersections of critical metals VR Resources highlighted that it intersected: 243m at 1.01% of total rare earth oxide (TREO), of which 19% are PMREO, within 290m at 0.91% TREO starting at surface and continuous from top-to-bottom in Hole HK22-013, and including 65m at 1.66% TREO, starting at 155m and including 39m at 2.01% TREO starting at 155m, and 15m at 2.14% TREO starting at 311m The 65m interval of 1.66% TREO is made up of 24% PMREO The 15m interval with 2.14% TREO contains 15.71% P2O5 In a nutshell, PMREO stands for the sum of the high-value rare earth oxides Pr2O3 + Nd203 + Tb2O3 + Dy2O3 used in permanent magnets for wind turbines and electric vehicles. PMREO percent is equal to the PMREO sum divided by total rare earth oxide and expressed as a percentage. In a statement, VR Resources CEO Michael Gunning said: This new intersection from top-to-bottom in Hole 13 confirms the economic potential of the REE and critical metal discovery made by VR within the polymetallic, hydrothermal vein and breccia system at Hecla-Kilmer in 2020. What are the value metrics for a 291m intersection of rare earth elements. Firstly, the ratio of up to 24% PMREO at Hecla-Kilmer is high. That is important. The light and heavy REEs Neodymium, Dysprosium, Terbium and Praseodymium are the most valuable because they are essential in the manufacturing of permanent magnets necessary for the electric vehicle and wind energy turbine industries," he added. Gunning also noted that demand-based value is amplified by scarcity since PMREOs are absent in most REE deposits globally. Based solely on the presence of these four heavy rare earth elements, the 290m REE intersection in Hole 13 at Hecla-Kilmer has a value of $172/kg using exchange and index prices of today, which on face value is comparable to 9.2% copper, noted the CEO. Meanwhile, the VR boss also drew attention to drill holes 5 and 8 located to the west in the core of the gravity anomaly. The niobium price has risen four-fold in the past decade, to the $45/kg level, reflecting in part a demand related to its role as a super-conductor to improve the performance of permanent magnets essential to the EV and wind turbine sectors, Gunning said. VR said the intersection in Hole 13 is in the same geological ballpark" as most world-class REE mineral systems. The 0.912.14% range in TREO content in the various intervals within the 290m intersection in Hole 13 is comparable to the range of 0.41.73% TREO reported for the average resource grades of eight of the top 10 REE deposits globally, noted Gunning. VR has now confirmed REE and critical metal intersections in 8 of the 12 drill holes for which data has been received. Contact the author Uttara Choudhury at uttara@proactiveinvestors.com Follow her on Twitter: @UttaraProactive Monrovia The UN Joint Rule of Law Programme seeks to address key developmental challenges by promoting the rights of women, gender equality, and children's rights while ensuring that physical and legal protection, as well as the psychological wellbeing of people, communities, and civil society and access to justice are enhanced. In response to the prevalence of Gender-Based Violence (GBV), the Programme supported the Judiciary of Liberia to establish specialized Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) Criminal Courts 'E' to provide accountability to survivors of SGBV. In addition to Court 'E' in Montserrado county, two of such courts were established in Bong and Nimba counties with funding from Sweden and Ireland. To ensure the efficiency of Courts E, the Programme has supported the establishment of a network of women Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Bong and Nimba counties to sensitize the public on the services provided by the Court, support to survivors of SGBV and witnesses to access the courts and monitor the efficiency of the courts and referral pathway. Furthermore, local structures specifically women and communities are being supported through the referral pathway to enable them report SGBV cases identified in their communities. Through the support of the network of CSOs, convictions are increasingly being secured in the courts. Some of the survivors who have received justice in the courts have been telling their stories. Yah Gono (not real name) aged 11 years was raped by Ezekiel Gonyon, 31 August 2021 in Zontuo, Nimba County. Yah is the daughter of Joseph Gono (not real name) and Yei Gono (not real name) and was born in Nimba County. She was later sent to live in Paynesville, Montserrado County with her older sister Princess Gono (not real name) and another woman known as "Aunty". Due to hard living conditions in Paynesville, Princess moved back to Saclepea, Nimba County leaving little Yah with Aunty. Yah did not like the idea of living alone with Aunty. Yah cried all night demanding that she wanted to return to Nimba County to reunite with her sister Princess. Based on Yah's demand, Princess asked her boyfriend Ezekiel Gonyon, 31 a Nimbian to take Yah to Saclepea, Nimba County. While enroute to Saclepea, Ezekiel Gonyon took Yah to Zontuo, Gbao Administrative District, Nimba County where he raped her overnight and threatened to kill her if she ever told anyone. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Liberia Legal Affairs Human Rights By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. On the morning of the next day, Yah was heard by the house owner crying due to severe pains. When asked, she told the house owner that she was raped by Ezekiel Gonyon. Yah was supported by Efficient Research and Development Institute (ERDI) who contacted the Police. ERDI forms part of a network of CSOs established and supported by the UN Joint Rule of Law Programme to support survivors of sexual and gender-based violence and ensure that they receive justice in the courts. Ezekiel Gonyon was arrested and detained in Saclepea. The case was investigated and forwarded to Sanniquellie in Nimba County for prosecution at Criminal Court E. The Court was established by the Judiciary of Liberia with support from the UN Joint Rule of Law programme with funding from Sweden and Ireland. ERDI provided legal support and transportation for Yah and her parents to ensure that they attended the court proceedings. Yah was also supported with medical treatment. Judge Hector Quiguah found Ezekiel Gonyon guilty of rape and sentenced him to 10 years imprisonment during the October term of court in 2021. Yah who is now 12 years old is currently living in Ganta Nimba County with her mother where she is being provided with tuition fees and other academic materials by ERDI to ensure that she remains in school and acquires a quality education. July 21 : Bollywood diva Janhvi Kapoor is currently busy with the promotions of her upcoming film 'Good Luck Jerry.' The remake of the 2018 Tamil film "Kolamaavu Kokila" is slated for release on 29 July on Disney plus Hotstar. While the film's promotions are going on in full swing, the actress made sure to steal the spotlight with her stunning looks. On Thursday, Janhvi took to Instagram and shared some drool-worthy stills of herself in a strapless blue corset jumpsuit with mesh detailing from the shelves of the designer house Antithesis. The jumpsuit features wide legs. The actress oozed panache as she struck poses against a picturesque background. "I'll be your bluebird. #GoodLuckJerry," read the caption. She accessorized the look with simple diamond studs and cat-eyed beige sunglasses. Jahnvi kept her makeup minimal with nude lipstick, mascara-laden eyelashes, nude eyeshadow, contoured cheeks and black eyeliner. Her tresses were middle parted and left open in soft waves. The whole look was styled by the stylist Tanya Ghavri. 'Good Luck Jerry,' directed by Siddhart Sengupta, and produced by Aanand L Rai, also features Mita Vashisht, Neeraj Sood, Deepak Dobriyal and Sushant Singh in pivotal roles. In the film, Janhvi essays the role of Jaya Kumari, also known as Jerry, a young Bihari woman who ends up a drug dealer in Punjab to support her mother. Apart from Good Luck Jerry, the actress has several films in her kitty. She will be seen alongside Varun Dhawan in "Bawaal." The film is currently on the floors. Janhvi will also be seen in "Mili," the Hindi remake of the Malayalam survival thriller "Helen'.' She has been roped in for Karan Johar's "Dostana 2" and "Mr And Mrs Mahi" with Rajkumar Rao. Jaipur, July 20 : A saint on Wednesday in a self-immolation bid, set himself on fire to protest the illegal mining, at Pasopa village of Bharatpur in Rajasthan. Baba Vijay Das along with other sages and saints have been agitating since the last 551 days. The saint, after putting self on fire, started running chanting "Radhe-Radhe". The policemen ran after him and managed to put off the fire with the help of thick blankets. Baba Vijay Das has been admitted to the Raj Bahadur Memorial Hospital in Bharatpur, where his condition is said to be critical as he sustained about 80 per cent burn. Meanwhile, another saint named Baba Narayan Das associated with the same movement sat on the mobile-phone tower for 33 hours. He climbed the mobile tower from 6 am on Tuesday and after lots of persuasion, alighted on Wednesday afternoon. He is a resident of Barsana. In view of the agitation, Divisional Commissioner Sanwarmal Verma had shut down the internet in five towns of Bharatpur. As the area of Deeg, Kaman tehsil of Bharatpur district of Rajasthan falls in 84 Kos Parikrama Marg, the sages and saints are staging protests, demanding that both legal and illegal mining should be stopped here as this is a place related to religious faith where people come for 'parikrama'. Over this demand, they have been agitating for the last 551 days. Baba Haribol, who is leading the agitating saints, had warned of self-immolation on Sunday. Following this, there was a meeting of the sages and saints with Tourism Minister Vishvendra Singh on Monday. After the assurance of the minister, Baba had said that the meeting is held every day, but no decision is taken. Saints and sages claim that Kankanchal and Adi Badri mountain is a symbol of religious faith. The Rajasthan government has suspended internet services in five tehsils of Bharatpur district in wake of self immolation bid. The officials said that internet services shall remain suspended in Kama, Nagar, Deeg, Pahari and Sikri Tehsil areas of Bharatpur till July 21 noon. Since Tuesday, saints here have intensified their agitation regarding illegal mining of hills near Pasopa village in Khoh police station area. Lucknow, July 21 : Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has announced a financial assistance of Rs 4 lakh each to the families of the people who died after being struck by lightning. Official sources said that at least 14 people were killed and another 16 injured after being struck by lightning in separate incidents in the state on Wednesday. According to the details provided by the relief commissioner's office, four deaths due to lightning were reported from Banda, two from Fatehpur and one each from Balrampur, Chandauli, Bulandshahr, Rae Bareli, Amethi, Kaushambhi, Sultanpur and Chitrakoot districts. The CM expressed grief over the deaths and directed the concerned district magistrates to immediately provide Rs 4 lakh each to the victims' families, the spokesman said. The chief minister also directed the officials to ensure that proper treatment is provided to the injured. Thiruvananthapuram, July 21 : The Kerala Police, probing the NEET innerwear row in the state, on Thursday arrested two more accused taking the total arrests in the case to seven. The arrest was recorded by the police probe team and it included the vice-principal of the Mar Thoma Institute of IT and Center Superintendent of NEET examination - Priji Kurian Issac and the observer of the National Testing Agency- Dr Shamnad. Earlier, two women staff members of the college and three others of the testing agency- Star Training Academy were arrested in connection with the matter. They were charged under the IPC's Section 354 (assault or criminal force to a woman with the intent to outrage her modesty) and Section 509 (word, gesture, or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman). Apparently, NTA, which is responsible for the conduct of NEET examination, had given the contract to a private agency in Thiruvananthapuram, which in turn sub contracted it to another agency at Karunagapally. Ten untrained personnel employed by the agency, according to the students, were involved in the incident. Following the incident, the Church-based college has come under heavy duress from protesting student organisations of the leading political parties in the state. On Monday, a parent termed termed the happening "totally unacceptable" and said that he had no other option but to lodge a complaint. "We dropped my daughter around 12 noon at the examination centre and later the exam officials asked for a shawl. After her exam, she told us that as there was a metal object in her innerwear, she and many other students were asked to remove such clothing. The college where the exam were held said it had no role, as these things were done by an agency who was entrusted with the task," he said. As these candidates who had to undergo such a humiliation were under tremendous duress and they were unable to perform well because of this insensitive behaviour of the centre officials, the parent added. Notably, on Sunday, some of NEET girl aspirants were purportedly made to remove their innerwear during the examination at a centre in Kerala. New Delhi, July 21 : India's preventive healthcare sector, which includes fitness and wellness, foods and supplements, early diagnostics and health tracking among others, is projected to reach $197 billion by 2025, accounting for approximately 36 per cent of the overall healthcare industry, said a report on Thursday. According to the report by strategy consulting firm Redseer Strategy Consultants in collaboration with Chiratae Ventures and Amazon Web Services (AWS), India has traditionally focused on curative care as opposed to preventive care. However, since the Covid-19 pandemic, preventive care has increased in importance across India, growing at a CAGR of 22 per cent during 2022-25, as compared to 15 per cent for the curative sector. A survey conducted with over more than 1,000 individuals reveals that at least 40 per cent of the respondents were highly inclined towards preventive health. Another survey conducted with a group of over 300 health-conscious individuals (HCIs) showed that they actively track different aspects of their health such as lifestyle, physical wellness, and more, to maintain and prolong wellness. Further, the report revealed that these HCIs spend on an average between Rs 4,000 and Rs 10,000 on various preventive healthcare practices annually and are also willing to pay up to 50 per cent more in the future. "India is looking to effectively deliver quality healthcare to a billion people through rapidly evolving technology that can provide affordable, accessible and personalised healthcare," said Sudhir Sethi, Founder and Chairman Chiratae Ventures. More than 40 preventive healthcare technology (HealthTech) startups have raised approximately $1 billion in funding over the last three years to tap the preventive health opportunity across segments such as nutrition management, condition management, lifestyle monitoring, health checkups, and mental and physical wellness. They are leveraging cloud computing to build and scale their applications, which generate, digitise and analyse vast amounts of health data using advanced technologies such as Internet of Things (IoT), data analytics, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). For instance, over 30 per cent of the top 40 funded preventive HealthTech startups leverage AI/ML for use cases such as medical image analysis, document extraction, chatbots, personalisation, and health risk prediction. The rollout of Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) will further augment the availability of data and utilisation of these technologies. "Cloud technologies like ML, analytics, and IoT have the potential to open new channels to help monitor health and wellness, decrease the cost of care, improve collaboration, make data-driven clinical and operational decisions, and enable faster development of new therapeutics and treatment paths," said Kumara Raghavan, Head - AWS Startups India, Amazon Internet Services Private Limited. Further, the report also said that not only startups, but diversified corporates and healthcare businesses, are entering the preventive health space by partnering with startups or building their own programs and digital platforms. The Indian consumer is expected to benefit from the shift from curative to preventive, with the delivery of better health outcomes and lower healthcare costs "Startups can unlock the potential of preventive healthcare in India by focusing on the 3A's -- awareness, accessibility and affordability for consumers. Creating more HCIs, tapping into existing ones and leveraging partnerships with corporates, providers, and insurers ways that can help move in this direction," said Amitabh Kumar, Senior Manager, Redseer Strategy consultants. Hong Kong, July 21 : The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) on Thursday fined ride-hailing company Didi Global $1.18 billion after a year-long probe that found the company breaking data security and personal information protection laws. Senior executives Will Cheng Wei and Jean Liu Qing were each fined 1 million yuan, the regulator said, reports South China Morning Post. The CAC said in its statement that Didi committed 16 offences involving the illegal collection of data from drivers and passengers. "They include the illegal processing of 64.7 billion personal information entries over the span of seven years since June 2015," the report said. The Chinese authorities initiated a cybersecurity probe into Didi, after it launched a $4.4 billion IPO in New York in June last year. "The investigation shook investor confidence in Chinese technology stocks. Since then, few Chinese companies have chosen to list in the US," the report mentioned. "Didi has failed to perform its duty to maintain cyberspace security, data security, and personal information protection a bringing serious risks to national cyberspace security and data security," the regulator said. "Moreover, even with clear orders from regulatory authorities to correct the issues, Didi failed to carry out comprehensive and in-depth rectifications. The nature of the offences was egregious," it added. After cracking down on big internet companies like Alibaba and Tencent, China is now mulling regulations that seek to classify online data based on importance like national security. Didi was found to have illegally collected nearly 12 million pieces of photo information from users' phones, 107 million entries of facial recognition data, 53.5 million entries of age data, 16.3 million entries of occupation data, and 1.4 million entries of data about family relations. With crackdowns on Internet companies, China has also tightened mobile app development rules with stricter requirements for content and data protection. "With the rapid development and wider use of mobile apps, new situations and problems continue to emerge, which require (the rules) to be revised and improved to adapt to new developments," the Cyberspace Administration of China said last month. China will soon establish a hierarchical data classification management and protection system. Thiruvananthapuram, July 21 : Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thusday rejected in the state Assembly the Opposition's demand for a High Court-monitored CBI probe into the gold smuggling case. The accused in the case Swapna Suresh has alleged the involvement of the chief minister and his family in gold and currency smuggling. The last day of the present session of the Kerala Assembly on Thursday ended on a tumultuous note when Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan ruled out the demand made by the Congress led Opposition for a High Court monitored CBI probe into the fresh revelations made by gold smuggling case accused Swapna Suresh. Leader of Opposition V.D.Sateeshan who vehemently batted for a high court-monitored CBI probe saying the Enforcement Directorate (ED) engaged in the probe cannot be trusted, said: "There are reports that the ED wants the present case registered in Kerala be shifted to Bengaluru. The ED as all know is an agency which lacks credibility as it works on the directives of the government. Kerala on account of the gold smuggling case has lost crores of rupees by way of taxes and hence the only way out of this is a court-monitored CBI probe and the Kerala government should take it up with the Centre for this," said Satheesan. Responding to it, Vijayan after thanking Satheesan for raising the issue of credibility of the ED, pointed out that AICC president is appearing before the ED. "The State government has no role in all these as all these probes are decided by the Centre," said Vijayan. Soon, the opposition benches were up on their feet and started sloganeering forcing the Speaker M.B.Rajesh to rush through the listed business of the day and wound up the day's session in a flash and thus the present session came to a close. Trouble has been brewing in this case after Suresh gave a confession statement for the ED under 164 (5 ) of the Criminal Procedure Code before a magistrate and she herself revealed bits and pieces of it, which included an explosive one where in she said that Vijayan, his wife and their daughter indulged in smuggling gold and currency. Following this the Congress and the BJP have been demanding Vijayan to either answer the questions she has posed , if not quit and face a probe, which has both been dismissed by Vijayan and the entire party is behind him organising a series of rallies and public meetings and the state has been flooded with huge posters giving him a clean chit. But on Wednesday things turned sour after the ED approached the Supreme Court seeking a transfer of the gold smuggling cases from Kerala to Bengaluru and on Thursday the ED informed the court that if they are allowed , they will file her confession statement in a sealed cover before the court . Seoul:President Yoon Suk-yeol gives a speech at a Memorial Day ceremony held at Seoul National Cemetery in Seoul on June 6, 2022.(Yonhap/IANS) Image Source: IANS News Seoul, July 21 : South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol has a strong commitment to improving ties between South Korea and Japan and believes the two countries should build a relationship of trust based on common interests, his top diplomat said on Thursday. Foreign Minister Park Jin made the remark after giving a policy briefing to Yoon following a visit to Tokyo earlier this week, Yonhap news agency reported. "He has a strong commitment to improving South Korea-Japan relations and believes that South Korea and Japan should build a relationship of trust going forward in line with our common interests," Park told reporters. Mumbai, July 21 : Over 58,000 employees in the public sector general insurance companies will go on a 2-day strike on July 27-28 to highlight their woes of wage revision and lack of Central government support to the industry, top leaders said here on Thursday. The employees and officers belong to the four main public sector general insurance entities across the country - the New India Assurance Co. Ltd., (Mumbai), the Oriental Insurance Co. Ltd., (New Delhi), the National Insurance Co. Ltd., (Kolkata), and the United India Assurance Co. Ltd., (Chennai). The General Insurance Employees Union (Western Zone) Working President Lalit Suvarna said that the last wage revision valid for five years was done in August 2012, and the next wage revision of five years duration is still pending since August 2017 with the validity period ending this month-end. "We have decided to go on the two-day strike to draw the attention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the government to call us for talks and finalise the long-delayed wage revision immediately," Suvarna told mediapersons here. GIEU Chairman Udayan Banerjee said that the insurance staffers had gone on a day's token strike on July 15 to highlight their plight, particularly since the wage revision in public sector banks was completed over two years ago, and the Life Insurance Corporation Ltd. employees also had their wage agreement settled earlier this year. "However, the public sector GICs have been left out for so long. The aim of the government is clearly to privatise these companies, compel the employees to take VRS and quit," Banerjee alleged. GIEU Secretary Jitendra Ingle said that barring New India Assurance Co. Ltd., the other 3 companies are making losses owing to the bad policies of the government, and the Chairpersons in these companies are 'powerless' reporting to the Joint Secretary in the Department of Financial Services. The unionists said they had sent a detailed letter to the Centre and the managements of these insurance companies on June 23, 2022 urging them to resolve and settle the pending Wage Revision at par with LIC, as has been the historical practice, but there was no response. Later, the government told the employees' union to defer their proposed strike by a month (to July 15), and the staffers have been waiting for a solution that has not come yet. The GIEU leaders have appealed to all employees and officers not to be misled by certain mischievous messages pertaining to the 2-day strike circulating on the social media with intent to divide and create misunderstandings. Beijing, July 21 : China has fined ride-hailing giant Didi 8.026 billion yuan ($1.2 billion) for breaking its cyber security laws, the media reported. On Thursday, the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) said that it had found "conclusive evidence" against the company, the BBC reported. The regulator announced that it had started an investigation into Didi just days after the firm launched its shares in the US last year. Didi's shares have since stopped trading on the New York Stock Exchange. The CAC also said it had imposed fines of one million yuan each on Didi Global's chairman and chief executive Cheng Wei and president Liu Qing. In response, Didi said it accepted the ruling and would "conduct comprehensive and in-depth self-examination". "We will take this as a warning and pay equal attention to both security and development," the company said in a post on Chinese social media platform Weibo, the BBC reported Didi came under intense pressure following its US stock market debut in June last year. Within days of the initial public offering Beijing announced a crackdown on technology companies listing overseas. In December, Didi announced plans to exit the US stock market and re-list its shares in Hong Kong. The company has become one of the most high profile targets of the Chinese government's tough approach to the country's technology industry. Authorities have been pursuing a wide-ranging crackdown on companies, from slapping e-commerce firm Alibaba with a record fine to ordering technology giant Tencent to suspend the roll out of new apps, BBC reported. Monrovia A FrontPageAfrica investigation has found that SOLWAY Mining Group, a Swiss-based mining company with a registered subsidiary in Liberia, would likely lose in its battle with mining giant Arcelor Mittal over encroachment of their two concessions if the case ends up in the Ecowas Court. Mount Bele Resources had their case dismissed at the ECOWAS Court in 2019 after their exploration license was canceled because their concession area fell within the original LAMCO Concession which was subsequently given under concession to ArcelorMittal Liberia during the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf era. ArcelorMittal has called on the Weah-led government to revoke the mineral exploration license issued to Solway Mining Group because the company says, it violates their Mineral Development Agreement signed with the government. The complaint will be decided by the Minister for Mines and Energy. If he rules against ArcelorMittal, the company will have the option of taking the case to the Ecowas Court and the judgement against Mount Bele did may take precedent. In 2012, the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf administration, with Patrick Sendolo as Minister of Lands, Mines & Energy, granted an iron ore exploration permit to Mount Bele Resources on Blei Community Forest land and a permit to process iron ore tailings in the southwestern portion of the Barcoline community, Nimba County. Upon discovery that the area had been given to ArcelorMittal Liberia, Minister Sendolo under the instruction of former President Sirleaf canceled the exploration permit which eventually landed the case at the ECOWAS Court but was struck out. Maps and documents available to FrontPageAfrica show that it is the same area that the Weah-led administration has granted an exploration permit to SOLWAY Mining Group for. According to maps and diagrams of the area, the controversial SOLWAY is encroaching in the same area as the Blei Concession area totaling 5574 ha tied to claim during the Sirleaf wherein iron ore exploration permit was allegedly given to Mount Bele Resources and subsequently canceled due to encroachment. The diagrams and maps show that there was some overlapping between Blei area concession and Nimba Western area. The overlap between Blei Concession area with Nimba concession area = 3192 ha; Blei concession area free and not overlapping with existing ArcelorMittal Liberia concession areas = 1025 ha and Blei Community Forest area inside Blei concession area = 648 ha. The U.S. State Department 2019 Investment Climate Report recalled that in January 2018, Mount Bele Resources (MBR) Liberia Ltd (MBR) filed an application with the Community Court of Justice of ECOWAS seeking redress for what it termed the "arbitrary revocation of [MBR's] Mineral Exploration License without due process resulting [in the] denial of its proprietary rights over same and the loss of USD 21 million investment in the mining industry." The report further noted in that report: "The U.S. Embassy is aware of unresolved concessions-related land disputes. As firms commence operations, local communities may fear that their lands are being encroached upon, which can lead to disputes, strikes, and sometimes violence. In the interest of minimizing lost productivity and in the absence of government adjudication, companies often make additional community-level payments or agreements to resolve competing land claims. The future enforceability of such agreements is unclear. Prospective investors should not underestimate the potential for costly and complex land dispute issues to arise even after concluding agreements with the government." The ECOWAS Court with case no. ECW/CCJ/APP/04/18 involving Mount Bele Resources Limited and the Republic of Liberia, the Court granted the plaintiff's notice of discontinuance of the suit, and the case was struck out. "The Solway License is for Iron Ore and the relevant area is within AM's Concession Area. Accordingly, it is patently clear that the issuance of the Solway License violates AM's exclusive rights under the MDA," AML complained. "It is therefore of concern that AM (AML) has become aware of the existence of certain agreements that your government has sought to conclude with third parties, as well as certain licenses [issue gave] rise to breaches of AM's rights under the MDA," AML added. "These apparent violations are at odds with the government's legal obligations towards AM and, if remained unaddressed, risk bringing about irreparable harm to AM's current operations and future business plans. Most importantly, they call into question the Government's commitment to its longstanding partnership with AM." Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Liberia Mining By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Solway Mining Group is said to be a subsidiary of Solway Industries Limited that has been licensed by the Liberia Government to undertake iron ore exploration to ascertain the existence, location, quantity, and quality of commercial value of deposits in the exploration area that covers approximately 56 Sq.Km is defined by the UTM coordinates of Spatial Reference. The granting of an exploration license to the company by the Liberian Government means Solway will explore Mount Mbelle located in Zor Clan, Nimba Third Electoral District and Mount Detton in Sehyi Clan, Nimba Second Electoral District; two areas where significant portions fall within the ArcelorMittal Concession Areas, according to the company. Jakarta, July 21 : An aircraft of the Indonesian low-cost airline Citilink was forced to make an emergency landing on Thursday morning at Juanda International Airport in the Indonesian province of East Java after its pilot had a health emergency. Citilink's President Director Dewa Kadek Rai confirmed the pilot who managed the landing died after being shifted to a nearby hospital, Xinhua news agency reported. He said the QG307 flight which was flying to Ujung Pandang in South Sulawesi Province at around 6:00 a.m. local time (2300 GMT Wednesday) requested an emergency landing about 15 minutes after takeoff. He extended condolences to the family of the pilot, saying that the body will be flown directly to the pilot's home in Jakarta for the funeral. Citilink officers gave explanations to passengers and provided on-ground service for them before the flight for the same route departed again with the aircraft and entire crew replaced, according to the local media. Chennai, July 21 : One of South India's top actresses, Anushka Shetty, on Thursday celebrated the completion of 17 years in film industry. The actress, who has delivered blockbusters in both Tamil and Telugu, including 'Baahubali', 'Deiva Thirumagal', 'Arundhati', 'Chintakayala Ravi', 'Vikramarkudu' and 'Singam', took to Twitter to share her joy. Posting pictures of the cake she cut on the sets of her upcoming film, whose working title is #UV14, to celebrate the milestone, Anushka wrote, "Seventeen years of much love and constant support from the film industry, family and well-wishers. All who take out of your lives to be a part of mine -- a big thank you from the bottom of my heart. My fans -- words always fall short for your unconditional love and surprises, which mean a lot." Actor Naveen Polishetty, who is also a part of Anushka's next film, tweeted a picture of the cake he had presented to the actress to celebrate the occasion. He wrote: "Bribed Ms Anushka Shetty with cake. "Ee 17 years lo nene best co star anta :P" (I am her best co-star in these 17 years it seems). Congrats on an awesome journey so far. Our shoot has been going on guys. And it's mad fun! Malli UV Creations router off 'chese lopala' update 'ichesa'! (Before UV Creations switches off the router again, I have given you an update!)." Chennai, July 21 : The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has declared no hawker zones within 100 metres of educational institutions, religious places and hospitals and has directed all the five zones within the corporation to remove any hawkers found within this area. The GCC directive came following an order of the Madras High Court in June on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Chennai-based advocate and social activist N. Rukmangathan. The legal cell of the corporation has directed the officials in all the five zones to remove hawkers from these areas and to produce a compliance report. Rukmangathan told media persons that he had moved the court as there were encroachments around busy institutions and places. He said that these encroachments led to a reduction in the walking area and road width. Guwahati, July 21 : A college student in Assam, Barshashree Buragohain, who was arrested and jailed for writing a poem allegedly in support of the banned outfit United Liberation Front of Asom-Independent (ULFA-I), was granted bail on Thursday by the Gauhati high court. She was arrested on May 18, and later sent to judicial custody. The 19-year-old was booked under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Preventions) Act. The poem written by Barshashree had no direct reference to the terror outfit, however, the FIR against her mentioned that the poem was an implicit endorsement of the ULFA-I, a banned military organisation, and pointed towards a larger "criminal conspiracy" and "intent to wage war against the Indian government". Many echoed their support in favour of the release of the college student, while the family claimed that the poem was not a provocative one. Assam Special DGP G.P. Singh defended her arrest, and said: "When someone publicly professes support for a banned organisation and declares the intent of waging war against the State of India, we are legally bound to prosecute that person." Following criticism from a large section, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma recently said: "Barshashree was given protection from destroying her life. One must remember 42 people have been given death sentence in ULFA-I camp a few days ago, which may not be even known to the outfit leader Paresh Baruah." He went on to say: "The girl was repenting for her action and the family has also assured that they will take care so that she should not indulge in such type of activities in future." Sarma also said that the police would not oppose Barshashree's bail petition. The 19-year-old is a student of B.Sc. in Jorhat's DCB Girls College. Kolkata, July 21 : An 18-year-old student in Basirhat sub-division of West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district has been arrested on charges of hacking the Facebook account of Justice Raghvendra Singh Chauhan (retired), a former Chief Justice of the Telangana and Uttarakhand High Courts, police said on Thursday. Rajibul Mistri, a Class 12 student, was arrested by a joint police team from the local Matia police station and Mallital police station from Uttarakhand's Nainital. He was produced at a local court, which had approved the Mallital police team to take the accused to Uttarakhand in transit remand. The Facebook account of Justice Chauhan (retired) was hacked first in May 2022. However, much importance was not given to that then. However, on July 18, the same Facebook account was hacked again and this time, some provocative messages were spread through that hacked account. An FIR was filed at the Mallital police station in Nainital and an investigation started. Accordingly, the investigating team came to know that the Facebook account of the retired Chief Justice was hacked from a mobile phone, which was registered under the name of Mistri. A team of four policemen from Mallital police station, lead by sub-inspector Deepak Bisht reached Matia and contacted the local police. Thereafter the joint team arrested Mistri. In face of interrogation, Mistri admitted that he was responsible for hacking the Facebook account of the former chief justice twice. However, he added that he did not have any mal-intention behind this hacking and played the role of an ethical hacker. His mother also claimed that her son was innocent and fiddling with his mobile phone was his habit. Mistri hails from a financially backward family and his father earns his livelihood by running a roadside snacks shop. Hanoi, July 21 : The US Department of State's recent report on human trafficking contains incorrect information about Vietnam, the spokesperson of Vietnam's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Thursday. In a statement in response to the 2022 Trafficking in Persons Report released Tuesday, Le Thi Thu Hang expressed hope that the United States will closely work with Vietnam to make a more accurate assessment of the situation in Vietnam as well as the country's efforts to deal with the issue. Since the issuance of a decision on human trafficking prevention by the Vietnamese government in 2021, Vietnam has accelerated the fight against trafficking in persons, Xinhua news agency reported quoting Hang. A series of documents and policies have been issued concerning migrant workers, forced labor, the support for victims of trafficking and the protection of children on the internet, she said. "In reality, the prevention of and combat against domestic and cross-border human trafficking are regularly reviewed for appropriate measures to be taken during the pandemic," the spokesperson said. New Delhi, July 21 : Qatar, Kuwait, Pakistan, Iran, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Azerbaijan were among the countries who summoned Indian Ambassadors in connection with the remarks on Prophet Muhammed, the Parliament was told on Thursday. "Our Ambassadors conveyed that the remarks were made by Individuals and do not, in any manner, reflect the view of the Government of India. In line with our civilisational heritage and cultural traditions, India accords highest respect to all religions," Minister of State for External Affairs V. Muraleedharan told the Rajya Sabha in response to a question. Replying to a question whether hate speeches and defamatory comments by the leaders and spokespersons of political parties in India have affected its friendly relations with Arab countries recently, he said: "No. India shares historic and friendly relations with Arab countries which have strengthened significantly in the past few years in different domains including political, trade and investment, defence, security, science and technology, culture and people-to-people ties. "The Government of India continues to attach high priority to further strengthen relations with Arab countries, who understand the outlook and views of the Government." Replying to a question whether any of the Arab country has condemned this act and in what manner the overnment is planning to deal with such incidents in the future, the minister said: "With regard to recent remarks, the relevant political organisation has clarified its position. This has been duly recognised by Arab governments." Patna, July 21 : The MLA-MLC court of Patna pronounced a 10-year jail term for RJD Bahubali leader Anant Kumar Singh in an INSAS rifle, 6 empty magazines and bullet proof jacket case on Thursday. In an investigation of Vinay Yadav alias Putus, the Patna police conducted a raid at the house of Anant Singh in Barh in 2015. During the search operation, the Bihar ATS had found 1 INSAS rifle, 6 empty magazines, a bullet proof jacket and some clothes. The trial of this case was held in the MLA-MLC court and he was held guilty of keeping sophisticated arms and ammunition which are meant only for use by security forces. The Beur jail administration produced Anant Singh in the court where the judge pronounced the quantum of punishment of a 10-year jail term. Reacting to it, Anant Singh said: "As I am against the Nitish Kumar government, the court has held me guilty in a case in which I was not involved. The judge has not been transferred for the last 18 months. I did not go to that house where the police claimed that they had recovered the weapons, in the last 15 years. I firmly believe that the police planted the weapons in my house and framed me under the Arms Act." "I will challenge the decision in a higher court," he said. Earlier on June 21, The MP-MLA court of Patna had sentenced Anant Singh to 10 years in jail in the AK 47 and 2 grenades recovery case as well. The AK 47, 2 hand grenades and 26 live cartridges were recovered from the house of Anant Singh in his native village Nadwa in Barh sub-division in 2019 and the MP-MLA court on June 14 had held him guilty of the offence. Besides Anant Singh, the caretaker of his house Sunil Ram was also sentenced to 10 years in jail. After this sentencing, his membership of the Bihar Vidhan Sabha will be cancelled and a bypoll will be held. Anant Singh is currently the MLA from Mokama assembly constituency in Patna district. New Delhi, July 21 : Bathinda MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal on Thursday said the NDA government had discriminated against Punjab by keeping its farmers, government and agricultural experts out of the committee on Minimum Support Price (MSP) and even changed the aim and intentions of the committee which would lead to further discontentment and strife. Speaking in the Lok Sabha, the Bathinda MP protested against the manner in which representatives of Punjab, including its farm and government representatives and agricultural experts, had been kept out of the committee even though Punjabis had been in the forefront of the farmers' agitation, which had forced the government to withdraw the farm laws. Harsimrat also questioned how the aim of the committee had been changed even though the Central government had given a written assurance while withdrawing the farm laws that a forthcoming committee would legalise farmers' right to the MSP. "The committee formed on July 12, however, has removed this clause altogether and changed it to make MSP more effective and transparent." She also objected to the composition of the committee, saying the former Agricultural Secretary, who was the architect of the erstwhile black laws, had been made its Chairman and that a Member (Agriculture) of NITI Aayog who had resolutely defended the scrapped farm laws was also its member. She said besides this all farmer representatives included in the committee were known supporters of the erstwhile black laws. She also highlighted how agricultural experts had been included from Jammu and Jabalpur and representation had been given to governments of Karnataka, Orissa, Andhra Pradesh and Sikkim but Punjab had been ignored. "This has been done despite the fact that Punjab has served as the granary of the country and has made the maximum contribution to the national food basket in the last seventy years." Later while speaking to the media, Harsimrat demanded the committee be reconstituted and expressed shock that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann had not done anything to register Punjab's strong protest at being left out of the committee. She said while AAP MPs from Punjab had earlier followed their high command's dictate and held 'dharnas' in Parliament protesting against the delay in giving permission to its convener and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to visit Singapore, Congress MPs from Punjab were now protesting against questioning of party President Sonia Gandhi by the Enforcement Directorate. "Both the AAP and Congress MPs have failed to protect the interests of Punjabis and voice their concerns in Parliament," she added. New Delhi, July 21 : The Delhi High Court on Thursday issued notice on a plea moved by a woman, who has accused a Rajasthan Minister's son of rape, challenging the anticipatory bail granted to him by a lower court in the national capital. The 23-year-old woman had alleged that Rohit Joshi, the son of Rajasthan Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) Minister Mahesh Joshi, raped her multiple times for over a year. Seeking the responses of the state among other respondents, the bench of Justice Yogesh Khanna posted the next hearing for August 23. The woman's plea was moved through Advocates Monish Panda and Abhishek Pati while Advocate Amit Sahni, Additional Public Prosecutor appeared for the state. In the plea, the woman (petitioner) contended that the trial court failed to consider the material aspects and settled principles of law while granting anticipatory bail to accused Rohit Joshi. "The trial court failed to consider the nature and gravity of the accusation, the severity of the punishment in the event of conviction, the danger of the accused missing or fleeing, if released on bail, character, behaviour, means, position, and standing of the accused; likelihood of the offence being repeated; reasonable apprehension of the witnesses being influenced; and danger of justice being thwarted by grant of bail and adhered to the merits of the case while passing the impugned order," read the plea. It was also pointed out in the plea that the accused is highly influential and can cause problems during the probe. In her earlier complaint, the woman claimed she was raped several times between January 8, 2021, and April 17, 2022. The complainant mentioned that she was raped in Sawai Madhopur in Rajasthan. In May, taking to Twitter, she had alleged that there were hindrances created in the case. "Rajasthan government in 2019 had directed to register FIRs at SP office from June; in case police stations not registering the complaint, the CM had also directed that a departmental inquiry must be made in connection with all the cases where a police station refuses to register FIR." In another tweet, she said: "Zero FIR filed in Sadar Bazaar police station Delhi is under investigation. But I have serious questions to DGP regarding police administration. Why the FIR was not registered by @PoliceRajasthan," she said tagging the Rajasthan police. Gbarnga Ahead of the 2023 presidential election, the Minister of State for Presidential Affairs, Nathaniel McGill, has hosted a stakeholders dialogue with leaders of Bong County. The event, which took place in Gbarnga, was said to be a follow up to several meetings he had with stakeholders of the county. Tuesday's dialogue was attended by Deputy Finance Minister Augustus Flomo, former District Three lawmaker George Mulbah, former District One lawmaker and former Deputy Speaker Tokpah Mulbah, former District Six lawmaker Adam Bill Corneh, and former District Five lawmaker Samuel Bondo. Others are Deputy and Assistant Ministers from Bong County, traditional leaders, including clan chiefs, paramount chiefs, Superintendent Esther Walker, and others. Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor, a native of Bong County, was absent from the meeting due to national engagement out of the country, FrontPageAfrica gathered. Tuesday's meeting was the first time stakeholders of the county have converged for a meeting. Speaking at the dialogue meeting, McGill said: "Looking at this assemblage of personalities and considering your rich pedigree of accomplishments in life, I have come to the conclusion that Bong County is rich in human resources and also is blessed with capable people that can successfully steer activities with respect to the development of Bong County." "The purpose of this stakeholders meeting is to consolidate our forces for the re-election of President George Weah. We can't be divided as a people. That's why I called this dialogue. The president's interest remains paramount," he said. "We need to focus on the re-election of the president. We need the results from Bong County to make the president win one-term." Minister McGill believes Tuesday's gathering would help the electoral fortunes of the ruling Coalition for Democratic Change in Bong County. "These steps are being taken to ensure that the unity and cohesion of the party are sustained and to provide direction ahead of the 2023 presidential elections." Minister McGill assured that in the interest of the party, he would continue to provide effective leadership ahead of the 2023 presidential election "until President Weah wins re-election. I seek your support in this all-important responsibility." Minister McGill promised that all stakeholders of the county who were not part of Tuesday's meeting would be reached in the consultation process. Responding on behalf of Bong County stakeholders, George Mulbah thanked Minister McGill for his leadership and guidance, pledging that they would hold the consultations "for the unity and strength of the CDC. McGill Solidifying CDC Political Base in Bong For someone who was seen as a "stranger" in the county barely months ago, McGill has grown into a character worthy of public trust among natives of the county - thanks to his interventions in major areas, including tuition aid for students of the county, market loans to women, among others. McGill's quest to help the needy in Bong County has seen him visit almost all of the county's 13 districts, while at the same time preaching one key message: the re-election of President George Weah in 2023. In Kokoyah District recently, McGill said the loans and tuition aid would not have been possible had it not been for the farsightedness of President Weah. "When we were on campaign the president 2017 the president made it clear that the issue about tuition wouldn't be a problem during the CDC leadership, what I am doing here in Bong, Nimba, Margibi and other counties just validates what the president had said four years ago," he said. The introduction of the tuition aid to students, loan to market women and other key initiatives has endeared McGill to residents and seems to be paying off politically for the ruling party in Bong County ahead of 2023 presidential elections. In recent weeks, there have a gale of endorsements for President Weah's second term bid from members of the opposition. A group of youths under the banner "Disenchanted Opposition Youths" pledged their unflinching support to President Weah and attributed their decision to McGill. The head of the group, Emmanuel Tamatai, said: "While it's true we came today to endorse President George Weah's second term it would be unfair not to mention the role you played in convincing us to join ranks with the ruling party. Your personal assistance to us as an institution over the years can't go unnoticed." President Weah's vision for growth and development, the group said, has been experimented in since he took over the presidency. In response, McGill said aside from giving opportunities to youths to flourish in their areas of activities, young people have been major drivers of the Weah presidency. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Liberia Governance By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. McGill gave a thumbs up to the conveners for what he called "an overwhelming support" by the group, saying their endorsement of President Weah's second term was an indication of the firm belief in the competence and capability of the president to lead the country for the next six years. McGill said: "I thank our teeming youths from the opposition community for coming to declare this overwhelming support and endorsement for your great leader, President Weah, to lead Liberia for another six years. "The endorsement you give to our leader is one step towards realization of the Weah 2023 project. The most important step is to go out in villages and towns to spread the message." McGill described the support as "massive", saying the president would show gratitude for the endorsement by continuing to work hard to positively change the story of the country for young people. The youths, McGill said, must eschew politics of bitterness and disunity, urging them to lend themselves to projects initiated to change the story of the nation for good. New Delhi, July 21 : The Indian space agency is pursuing its human space mission - Gaganyaan - with an eye on space tourism, the Parliament was told on Thursday. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is in the process of developing indigenous capabilities towards space tourism through the demonstration of human space flight capability to Low Earth Orbit (LEO), Union Minister of State for Space Dr. Jitendra Singh told the Rajya Sabha in response to a question. He also said that the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) - the regulator for private sector space players - also seeks to promote active participation of the private sector in carrying out end-to-end space activities, which includes space tourism as well. Singh also said the Department of Space is in the process of drafting a comprehensive, integrated Space Policy, which shall provide direction to the activities of the private Indian space industry. Mumbai, July 21 : In a significant move, the Maharashtra government has announced that this year's upcoming festivals like Ganeshotsav, Janmashthami and Muharram shall be celebrated without any Covid-19 restrictions but by adhering to the Supreme Court and Bombay High Court directions. The state's biggest 10-day-long public festival Ganeshotsav will be celebrated from August 31-September 9, while Janmashthami revelries shall be held on August 18-19, and Muharram shall be observed from August 9. Maharshtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis made the much-anticipated announcements after a meeting with the government departments, civic bodies, representatives of various organisations, police and other bodies. Shinde said that the Covid-19 curbs -- enforced in 2020 and 2021 -- have been lifted, as also the limits on the height of the Lord Ganesh idols. The government has directed the concerned bodies to provide online approvals in a single-window format, waiving off registration fees and guarantee letters from the Ganeshotsav organisations. The government will also form a committee of experts from various organisations to help evolve a solution that can replace idols made by Plaster of Paris (PoP) in view of the environmental hazards of PoP. "For the past two years we were under the threat of Coronavirus and were not able to celebrate the festivals with enthusiasm. This year, Ganeshotsav and Janmashthami shall be celebrated with full fervour. The organisers should create themes of social awareness and amity," said Shinde. Shinde and Fadnavis also said that while celebrating the fests, all rules must be followed, but the regulations must not be 'unreasonable', and all districts will appoint a nodal officer to oversee the celebrations. For the popular 'dahi-handi' celebrations on the second day of Janmashthami, the government has said all organisations must obey the court's rules barring the participation of children below age 14. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) July 21 : The gorgeous diva Jacqueline Fernandez always manages to mesmerize her fans with her sartorial choices. The actress looked ravishing at the premiere of the upcoming Hollywood film The Gray Man held in Mumbai on July 20. On Thursday, the actress took to Instagram and shared her stunning stills in a sparkly black pantsuit by Daname Paris. About last night for #thegrayman Netflix event w @therussobrothers @dhanushkraja @netflix_in. The pantsuit was paired with a black bodysuit with a plunging neckline. She paired the outfit with chunky black heels from Miu Miu, diamond studs and a chain-style choker. Her tresses were left open. She increased the glam quotient with smoky black eyes and nude lipstick. The star-studded premiere of The Gray Man featured Dhanush, Vicky Kaushal, Randeep Hudda, and Anand L Rai, among others. The film by Russo Brother marks the Hollywood debut of Dhanush. The film is all set to premiere on July 22 on the streaming giant Netflix. On the work front, Jacqueline Fernandez was last seen in Attack: Part 1 alongside John Abraham, directed by Lakshya Raj Anand. She will be next seen in the Kannada fantasy film Vikrant Rana. The film, directed by Anup Bhandari, is slated for release on July 28. Apart from this, the actress will also be featured in Rohit Shettys Cirkus and Abhishek Sharmas Ram Setu. San Francisco, July 21 : With an aim to fund its plans to build electric vehicles (EVs), popular automaker Ford is likely planning to cut up to 8,000 jobs over the coming weeks, media reports said. According to Bloomberg, the layoffs would occur at its Ford Blue unit, recently created to develop vehicles with internal combustion engines (ICE), and would affect other salaried positions in the company. The bulk of cuts are expected to occur in the US, the report said. In March, CEO Jim Farley restructured the company, dividing it into the Ford Blue and Model E divisions, with the latter dedicated to electric cars and pickups like the Mach E and F150 Lightning. As part of that, he announced plans to cut $3 billion in costs by 2026, intending to transform Ford Blue into "the profit and cash engine" for the entire company. "As part of this, we have laid out clear targets to lower our cost structure to ensure we are lean and fully competitive with the best in the industry," Ford's CCO Mark Truby was quoted as saying by Bloomberg in a statement. Ford currently employs around 31,000 salaried US workers, as per the report. In March, the automaker announced plans to boost electric vehicle spending to $50 billion and plan to build two million EVs by 2026. The company sold just 27,140 EVs stateside last year, but got a significant 76.6 percent boost last month as shipping commenced for the F-150 Lightning. New York, July 21 : Being infected with monkeypox is "100 times worse" than suffering Covid-19 disease, warned a US man working as a bartender in Texas. Luke Shannahan said the disease left him suffering a 101F fever, headache and swollen lymph nodes making him look "like a frog" just two days after he was told he had been exposed, NBCDFW reported. Calling it the "most traumatic experience" that lasted 10 days, he noted that he felt as if someone was sticking needles in his body. "By Day 2, I started running a 101 (degree) fever and that lasted for three days. There was a constant headache. Lymph nodes were swollen like I was a frog," he was quoted as saying. A day or two later, he got severe blisters. "The pain and tenderness was constant," Shannahan said. "It's like someone took a ball of needles and kept on stabbing you with it." Compared with Covid infection, which he got last year, Shannahan said monkeypox is "100 times worse". "This was a totally different level of extreme fatigue." He has managed to get a vaccination for the monkeypox, the report said. In an interview with KHOU 11 news, Shannahan said he doesn't know how he contracted the disease. "I was at bars. I was going to pool parties. I did attend a music event over the weekend and recently all of those people have been becoming positive," Shannahan was quoted as saying. The Dallas Health Department notified him that he had been exposed to the virus. "Apparently it was a contact-tracing phone call," Shannahan said. Shannahan said he spent the last three weeks under quarantine grappling with symptoms he recounted as "complete hell" "You have these blisters that are inflamed and anytime it grazes something or touches something, it literally feels like someone is taking a potato peeler to your skin," Shannahan was quoted as saying. "The entire pain was just constant," he said. The infection, which is spread through bodily fluids and prolonged contact, has been largely spread among gay men, but Texas just reported its first case in a woman, the report said. "It definitely is something that we need to be paying attention to. This is not just a gay illness, this is not something that just affects gay men that have sex with men. This is definitely something that can affect everybody," LGBTQ advocate Austin Davis Ruiz told KHOU 11. Latest updates on Monkeypox Virus Outbreak Thiruvananthapuram, July 21 : All seven persons, arrested by the Kerala Police in connection with the NEET girl aspirants innerwear removal row in the state, on Thursday got bail from a lower court in Kollam district. The court granted bail after it was told that all what the arrested did was to follow the rules of the testing agency. Earlier on Thursday morning, the police arrested the Mar Thoma Institute of IT's Vice Principal and NEET exam Centre Superintendent, Priji Kurian Issac and National Testing Agency's obsserver Dr Shamnad. Earlier, two women staff members of the college and three others of the testing agency - Star Training Academy were arrested in connection with the matter. All of them were charged under the IPC's Section 354 (assault or criminal force to a woman with the intent to outrage her modesty) and Section 509 (word, gesture, or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman). Apparently, NTA, which is responsible for the conduct of NEET examination, had given the contract to a private agency in Thiruvananthapuram, which, in turn, sub-contracted it to another agency at Karunagapally. Ten untrained personnel employed by the agency, according to the students, were involved in the incident. Following the incident, the Church-based college has come under heavy duress from protesting student organisations of the leading political parties in the state. On Monday, a parent termed the happening "totally unacceptable" and said that he had no other option but to lodge a complaint. "We dropped my daughter around 12 noon at the examination centre and later the exam officials asked for a shawl. After her exam, she told us that as there was a metal object in her innerwear, she and many other students were asked to remove such clothing. The college where the exam were held said it had no role, as these things were done by an agency who was entrusted with the task," he said. As these candidates who had to undergo such a humiliation were under tremendous duress and they were unable to perform well because of this insensitive behaviour of the centre officials, the parent added. Some of NEET girl aspirants were purportedly made to remove their innerwear during the Sunday's examination at the centre. Chennai, July 21 : The Madras High Court on Thursday directed the Tamil Nadu Police and the father of the Class 12 student who committed suicide to produce before it the Supreme Court order on the latter's plea to include a doctor of his choice during her second post-mortem examination. A bench of Justice N. Satish Kumar said that he had made it clear why a doctor of the choice of the petitioner could not be included for the second post-mortem examination, which would, instead, be conducted by doctors handpicked by the court. The prosecution informed the court that the second post-mortem examination was conducted on Tuesday with a team of doctors handpicked by the court. It also stated that the girl's father and his counsel did not participate in the process, even though notice was served to them regarding the same. The police also said that all procedures were conducted as directed by the court. The prosecution mentioned that the Supreme Court has also rejected the petition of the girl's father to include a doctor of his choice in the second post-mortem ordered by the Madras High Court. Advocate R. Sankarasubbu, appearing for the girl's father, told before the court that the notice was issued at the moment when the petitioner had approached the Supreme Court against the order passed by the Madras High Court on Monday refusing to include a doctor of his choice in the second post-mortem examination. Counsel told the court that the Supreme Court had permitted the petitioner to vent his grievances before the high court. Patna, July 21 : Patna Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Manavjeet Singh Dhillon on Thursday suggested transferring the case related to the busting of a suspected terror module here in the Phulwari Sharif area to the Bihar Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS). Dhillon, in a letter to ADGP, law and order, Jitendra Singh Gangwar, recommended transferring the case to the Bihar ATS. The probe into the case is being led by the Patna Police, with the Bihar ATS, National Investigation Agency and the Intelligence Bureau providing support and assistance. So far, the Patna Police have arrested 8 persons. The raids on July 14 in the Phulwari Sharif area in Patna led to the seizure of documents about the radical group PFI's 'Mission 2047' for making India an Islamic state. In the suspected terror module case, the security agencies had first arrested Athar Parvez, Mohammad Jalaluddin and Arman Malik. During questioning, they have revealed the names of Margoob and Shabbir. Margoob was allegedly running a social networking group called 'Ghazwa-E-Hind', and was connected with the youth of Pakistan and Bangladesh. The investigators claimed that Athar Parvez was associated with banned organisation Students' Islamic Movement of India (SIMI), and his brother Manzar Alam was involved in the 2013 serial bomb blast in the Gandhi Maidan rally of then Prime Ministerial candidate Narendra Modi. Mohammad Jalaluddin also has some connections with the SIMI. During the raid, the joint team had recovered some objectionable documents which indicated that they were involved in brainwashing the Muslim youth. They were also working on Mission 2047 of the Popular Front of India to make India a Muslim country. Patna Police got the remand of Margoob for 48 hours on Wednesday. His questioning is currently underway and security personnel are expecting to trace some vital clues about his "foreign terror links". Kolkata, July 21 : The preliminary post-mortem report of the body of Samantak Das, the Pro Vice Chancellor of Kolkata's prestigious Jadavpur University, has suggested that the case of death is anti-mortem in nature and hence, it was a case of suicide. However, the investigation officials of the Kolkata Police have decided to continue its probe to find out the circumstances under which this popular teacher of Jadavpur University chose to take such a drastic step. They are questioning Das's relatives, friends and his colleagues and students in the varsity as well as thoroughly examining the mobile phone and the laptop of the deceased teacher to get some clues in this connection. The body of Das was found hanging from his residence at Regent Park in south Kolkata on Wednesday afternoon. His body was recovered hanging from the ceiling fan of his residence and a medium of hanging was a karate belt. No suicide note was recovered from near his body. Das completed his graduation and post-graduation in English literature from Jadavpur University only. Previously he was associated with the English Department of Visva-Bharati University at Bolpur-Santiniketan in Birbhum district. In 2005, he joined the Comparative Literature Department of Jadavpur University. He was also associated with its Rabindranath Studies School. Before becoming the Pro-Vice Chancellor, Das had also been departmental head of the Comparative Literature Department of Jadavpur University. New Delhi, July 21 : NDA candidate Droupadi Murmu secured victory in the Presidential poll on Thursday after the third round of counting as out of the 3,219 valid votes counted so far, she bagged 2,161 while Opposition's nominee Yashwant Sinha got 1,058. "I heartily congratulate Droupadi Murmu on her victory in the Presidential Election 2022. I hope -- indeed, every Indian hopes -- that as the 15th President of India, she functions as the Custodian of the Constitution without fear or favour. I join my fellow countrymen in extending best wishes to her," said Sinha who is backed by the Opposition parties. Counting of votes for the Presidential poll started on Thursday at the Parliament House in the national capital. Murmu and Sinha were pitted against each other in the contest. It emerged that votes were clearly stacked in Murmu's favour. Keeping in view the support extended by various parties, National Democratic Alliance (NDA) candidate Murmu had a clear edge over Opposition's Sinha. Voting for the Presidential polls concluded on Monday (July 18)with over 99 per cent of voting. press release Distinguished Colleagues, the Senate Secretary and Chamber Staff, Employees of the Legislature, Officials ofthe Government, Officials and Members of political Parties, our citizens, other distinguished ladies and gentlemen: Please permit me to briefly talk about the little I researched from literature and also gathered from oral history on the type-setting and provenance of the Due Process Principle enshrined in Liberia's Constitutions to help us reflect on how we arrived at today's induction ceremony and as our guide in governance. In the Kru Coast District of the United Methodist Church, there is a local church named Robertson United Methodist Chuch, named after Rev. James B. Robertson is a Methodist Missionary who worked along the Kru Coast in the late 1800s. In order to work peacefully in that area, he had to befriend a strong Paramount Chief who controlled much of the Kru Coast, Chief Plenyono Gbe. In 1883, Chief Plenyono Gbe and his wife will bear a son they named Wollor (Wolo), known by the Kru tribe as Plenyono Gbe Wollor and in Western Literature as P.G. Wollor(Wolo). The Chief then asked the missionary, Rev. Robertson, to educate and train his son in Western Civilization. So, with the assistance of Methodist Missionaries, Wolo tavelled to Monrovia, attended the Monrovia Seminary which later became the College of West Africa and later to the United States where he eventually enrolled and graduated from Harvard University in 1917, the first African to do so. It was during his studies in the US that he met D. Twe and others who would later challenge the then status quo. Wolo returned to Liberia and in 1925, married Miss Juah Weeks who then became known as Juah Wolo. After about ten (10) years of marriage, Wolo decided to divorce Juah and asked the Legislature to annul the marriage thru an Act of Legislature. Without inviting Juah for a hearing or giving her the opportunity to say something and defend herself, the Legislature went ahead and granted the divorce. Juah, with the assistance of legal counsel, took exception and ran to the First Judicial Circuit Court of Montserrado County. The case later ended at the Supreme Court, which essentially held that the constitutional rights of Juah Weeks Wolo had been violated because she was not given the opportunity to be heard, depriving her of other rights. This case, seen as the first case dealing with Due Process, is indicated in Wolo vs Wolo 5LLR42. Syllabus 1 through 6 of the court's ruling elaborates on the definition and elements of Due Process, which include, inter alia, that Due Process is a law that hears before it condemns, proceeds upon inquiry, and renders judgment only after trial, gives an opportunity to appear and produce evidence and to be heard in person or by counsel or both; that, it is unconstitutional to deprive any person of his property or other rights, without notice, an opportunity to appear and cross-examine witnesses adduced against him, to produce witnesses in his own behalf, and to be heard in person, or by counsel or both; that, it is also unconstitutional to deprive any official of office, or a person of his income, livelihood, security of employment, property or other rights, without due process of law. Senator Jallah is an end-product of a series of events that occurred after the 2020 Special Senatorial Elections in respect of the Lofa County Seat. We witnessed the application of the Due Process Principle at the National Elections Commission, the lower court and finally at the Supreme Court. On behalf of the Liberian Senate, I welcome Cllr. Joseph K. Jallah as the newest member of the Liberian Senate. I urge all of us to render him the necessary assistance as he adjusts to life in the Legislature. So our dear Senator, let me remind you gently that the Legislature is a political theatre, no matter your academic and professional background. Although we make laws here, but history, records, experience and everyday interaction have shown that all professions count in the lawmaking process. There is so much to learn from colleagues who have been in the Legislature before you. Let me conclude by going back to where I started from and re-iterate that the rights of an accused person are protected under the Due Process Principle as enshrined in Articles 20 (a) and (b) of the Constitution. It is therefore my opinion that it will be a violation of the constitution to seize the property of an accused person, deprive him of his income by suspending him from his employment or seizing his bank account, coercing him to recuse himself from his position, and so forth, without first giving him the opportunity to face a tribunal where he will adduce evidence, produce witnesses, face his accusers, cross-examine opposing witnesses and be convicted beyond a reasonable doubt. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Liberia Governance Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. It is pertinent to note that suspension, dismissal, or request to recuse oneself from a position, in order to appease society, impacts the lives of individuals accused and violates their rights to Due Process. Any recusal in said situation should absolutely be voluntary without pressure. While on this subject, let me announce that the Senate is currently working on a proposed act to establish corruption courts and regional appellate courts, within the confines of the Constitution, to ensure that the accused gets a speedy trial. This will help cool down the nerves of some in the public sphere calling for the suspension of accused persons without final determination of the matter by the court and those who want to see justice but without violation of the rights of the accused. MAY GOD GUIDE US IN OUR ACTIONS AS WE COLLECTIVELY WORK IN THE INTEREST OF OUR PEOPLE AND MAY HE SAVE OUR STATE AS WE MOVE TOWARDS THE CELEBRATION OF 175 YEARS OF EXISTENCE AS A NATION. THANK YOU. New Delhi, July 21 : The Supreme Court on Thursday said it is a matter of concern that people are still dying of hunger despite the National Food Security Act (NFSA) and migrants play a very vital role in building the nation and their rights cannot be ignored at all. A bench of Justices M.R. Shah and B.V. Nagarathna said in a welfare society, in our country, two persons are most important - farmers and migrant labourers, and migrants play an important role in building the nation. "They cannot be ignored at all," it said. The bench said that no citizen in the country should die of hunger and the Centre and states must act to provide them food, and asked the Centre to devise a mechanism so that migrants receive food grains without ration cards. It added that Centre's welfare schemes must reach a maximum number of workers and state governments should cooperate. In April this year, the apex court sought compliance reports within four weeks from the Centre and states on actions have been taken to comply with its June 2021 order to provide food and social security to migrant workers. Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, representing the Central government, contended that approximately 27.95 crore unorganised labourers or migrant workers have been registered as on July 11 on a portal, based on states' information. She added that an e-Shram portal has been launched to help people like migrant workers, construction workers, etc, and also there is National Career Service portal, a one-stop solution to provide a wide array of employment. The bench said: "They may be illiterate and may not know how to avail benefits of government schemes. Concerned states will have to ensure benefits of the scheme reaches them." Bhati added that Centre has introduced Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-Dhan (PM-SYM), a pension scheme for unorganised workers, and Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana has been extended till September. She added additional grains can be procured by states from the Food Corporation of India. Advocate Prashant Bhushan, representing three activists, alleged that the Centre is asking states to buy ration at market rates and in the absence of ration cards, a majority of workers are deprived of ration. He said the census of 2011 is being used for beneficiaries under the NFSA and there has been a 15 per cent increase in the population eligible for ration cards. The bench said using 2011 data may be an injustice to the needy, and the authority concerned must look into it. "You have to fix the criteria and introspect on this. All efforts should be made by the state governments so that migrants have ration cards," said the bench, adding that it will pass some orders on the matter. The top court scheduled the hearing on the matter after two weeks. Colombo, July 21 : Even after the Sri Lankan Parliament elected Ranil Wickremesinghe as the eighth President of the island nation, street protests have continued, this time against Wickremesinghe himself. Days before his election, rampaging mobs had burnt down his house in a tony area of the capital, Colombo, indicating that popular perception sees him no different from Gotabaya Rajapakse who has fled the country. Well, Wickramasinghe is certainly not a very popular leader. In the last nation-wide poll, he was the lone winner of his party, United National Party (UNP). It is debatable whether there is a better alternative to Wickramasinghe at the present juncture, but the fact is the Parliament members in their wisdom and in their capacity as elected representatives of the people have chosen him to lead the nation out of its crisis. Their verdict needs to be respected and the 73-year-old veteran be allowed a fair chance whatever be the flip-side of his long political innings, and his known likes and dislikes for China. Things cannot look good in a country that has piled up a loan of $50 billion and is simply in no position to pay even the interest because of its empty coffers. With the world already in a serious mess because of the Ukraine war, it is hard to see how Sri Lanka can expect a handsome economic package from the international community and financial institutions to bail it out in double quick time. Time is of essence in view of the continued protests by the hapless people of Sri Lanka. Interestingly, the Chinese are neither seen nor heard as Laffaire Rajapaksa engulfed Sri Lanka. This is surprising given the level of Bamboo capitalist's involvement in the country under the Rajapaksas. It has now reacted warily to Wickremesinghe's anointment as the Man Friday but there is no indication whether China will step in to help the debt-ridden island nation. Expectation of a big Chinese package for Sri Lanka, surpassing India's help, appear misplaced. At least, as of now. The Indian government's aid to Sri Lanka in the last month or two has been over $3.5 billion, which includes shipments of food, fuel and medicine. This is in addition to the helping hand extended by Tamil Nadu, which is across the Palk Straits. However, India's help in time of dire need has not been able to eliminate the anti-India perception in the minds of some sections of Sri Lankans. During the ongoing protests, slogans like "Don't Sell the Country to India and the US", "India: Sri Lanka is not Another State (of India)" and "India Don't Exploit Sri Lanka Situation" were heard. Nonetheless, the anti-India activists and politicians have been quick to acknowledge in recent media interviews that India has been a friend in need. The Indian help has enabled the fuel depots to remain in business. There is a growing view that in attempting to tide over its economic crisis, Sri Lanka's new government has 'much to learn from India's reforms'. Writing in an Indian English daily, noted Lankan economist Ganeshan Wignaraja (a Non-Resident Senior Fellow at the National University of Singapore), said Sri Lanka is awaiting its own P.V. Narashima Rao -- a reference to the way Rao steered India in 1991 with his reform programme. That is besides the point. The interesting reality is that the Colombo protests have brought together all communities to save their country from collapse. The antagonism between the majority population (Buddhist-Sinhala) and the minority population consisting of Tamils (Hindus and Christians), Muslims and Christians, has retreated from the frontlines. The LTTE insurgency, demanding a separate homeland for Tamils living in north and north-east Sri Lanka, had fuelled anti-Tamil sentiments. A terror attack by Islamic militants about four years back resulted in spreading an anti-Muslim wave even as it started the act of demolition of Sri Lanka's thriving tourism industry, a mainstay of its economy. There can be no denying that within India, particularly in Tamil Nadu, there is some anti-Lanka sentiment. Resentment lingers at the massacre of Tamils during and after the LTTE insurgency for which there has been no accountability. On its part, New Delhi has been unhappy to see Sri Lanka renege on the accord that had promised devolution of power to the provinces, the Tamil majority province including. These are the issues that should remain on the backburner with Sri Lanka occupied with the more urgent problem of meeting daily needs for possibly a few years. There is no quick fix for all that Sri Lanka has suffered with or without China on board. For the past several years, successive governments in Sri Lanka had sucked up to China with a mindless urge to get 'generous' aid. And the Chinese seemed to care little about the repayment capabilities of Sri Lanka. It was sufficient for China to pull Sri Lanka into its orbit, decoupling from neighbouring India. Is the scene going to reverse now? Well, it is 'Paakalam' as the Tamilians say. No immediate answer. Washington, July 21 : US President Joe Biden has tested positive for Covid-19 and will be self-isolating at the White House from where he will continue to carry out his official duties, the White House said in a statement on Thursday. Biden (79), who is fully vaccinated and has taken the booster dose, is showing mild symptoms and has begun taking Paxlovid, an antiviral used to treat Covid-19. Kevin O'Connor, the President's doctor, said in a statement that Biden tested positive in a routine morning screening on Thursday, first by an antigen test and subsequently through RT-PCR. He added that the President was showing mild symptoms -- runny nose, fatigue and an occasional dry cough -- and being fully vaccinated and twice-boosted, he is expected to respond favourably to the treatment as most maximally protected people. The White House said Biden will work from self-isolation over phone and on Zoom till he tests negative, which could take seven to eight days. Jill Biden, the First Lady, has tested negative. She told reporters that she spoke with her husband in the morning and he is feeling fine. For herself, she said she intends to stay with her schedule. Biden joins a growing band of world leaders to have tested positive for the virus that has killed 6.3 million people around the world and infected over 562 million. Other world leaders to have been infected before include his predecessor Donald Trump and former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who had been put in ICU, France President Emmanuel Macron and Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro. "This morning, President Biden tested positive for Covid-19," White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement, adding, "Consistent with CDC guidelines, he will isolate at the White House and will continue to carry out all of his duties fully during that time. He has been in contact with members of the White House staff by phone this morning, and will participate in his planned meetings at the White House this morning via phone and Zoom from the residence." Jean-Pierre added, "Consistent with White House protocol for positive Covid cases, which goes above and beyond CDC guidance, he will continue to work in isolation until he tests negative. Once he tests negative, he will return to in-person work." Biden has been careful and cautious as he went about his meetings and trips abroad, but his exposure to so many people almost on a daily visit, as other world leaders, left him vulnerable to the virus, which is still around in its newest iteration, Omicron BA.5, in the US, experts said. Trump was cavalier about Covid-19 precautions set out by his own administration, shunned masks and belittled them, touted untested treatments and freely met and interacted with people despite his history of being a germaphobe. He and then first lady Melania Trump tested had positive in October 2020. Those were pre-vaccination days and he may have concealed his symptoms as he participated in the first of the Presidential debates ahead of the November 2020 elections. His condition had suddenly turned for the worse and he was airlifted to a military hospital outside Washington DC. Trump received the best treatment available, getting medicines and treatments that had not been approved for general use until then and he had recovered soon enough and marked it with a triumphant return to the White House where he had dramatically ripped off his mask to prove he had returned unscathed. Trump continued to display indifference to the virus and instead of publicly touting the benefits of vaccines that his own administration had pushed through at remarkable speed, he had quietly got himself vaccinated along with Melania before leaving the White House in January 2021. Biden got vaccinated in full view of news cameras in a bid to encourage people to get themselves inoculated as well. Former Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama had also volunteered to get vaccinated publicly and together featured in a video to spread the word. Zhengzhou, July 21 : The ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is moving to dampen concerns about a banking crisis amid an ongoing mortgage repayments strike and widespread protests over frozen accounts at rural banks, RFA reported. Economic commentator Jin Shan, a pseudonym, said the restrictions on cards does point to an underlying crisis in China's financial system. "The financial system has poor capital turnover and can't cope with demand for liquidity," Jin told RFA. "In the background is the bigger picture of the long-term economic downturn, caused by (the zero-COVID policy)." "This fatal blow to the economy results in a loss of (liquidity), as well as making bank deposits fall at the same time." Jin said restrictions on withdrawals could fuel a systemic banking crisis in China, with the real estate industry at the heart of the issue, RFA reported. Several cities in the central province of Henan set up task forces to address the issue of unfinished housing projects, the Global Times newspaper reported, following widespread concerns over the systemic risks posed by mortgage defaulters. Authorities in Henan's Pingdingshan city were finding ways to kick start unfinished projects, while Gongyi city announced on July 14 that three stalled projects in the city had been "properly resolved," the paper said. "The accelerated moves by local authorities come as mortgage defaults in some Chinese cities, including those in ... Guangdong ... Henan and Hunan provinces, have raised concerns at both home and abroad," the paper said, RFA reported. "Risk management mechanisms are generally deemed strong enough to withstand the risk," it said of the banking sector. Financial markets commentator Chai Xin said the CCP is very worried that the mortgage repayment strike will have a knock-on effect on public confidence in the banking system. "The suspension of mortgage repayments isn't going to have a huge impact on the banks' huge assets," he said. "But the thing the banks are most worried about right now is wavering public trust," he said. "If public confidence in the banks is shaken, then they will have a big problem." The move to reassure the public comes after thousands of people protested outside the Shaanxi branch of the China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission (CBIRC) in the northern city of Xi'an on July 14, calling for an investigation into bank loans to property developers, some of whom have been transferring funds overseas, RFA reported. Since the protests began over the withdrawals freeze at the Henan rural banks, customers have also reported that their bank cards have been frozen or restricted by other banks in Beijing, Shandong, Hainan and other provinces and cities. One newspaper quoted a depositor in Shaanxi as saying that his ICBC savings card wouldn't let him withdraw or transfer his money, only deposit it. The Securities Daily quoted several banks as saying that cards are generally restricted because of suspected money-laundering or other illegal activities, amid reports that Chinese banks have stepped up scrutiny of dormant accounts with no activity for three years or more in recent years, RFA reported. Chandigarh, July 21 : The monsoon session of the Haryana Vidhan Sabha will commence from August 8, it was announced on Thursday. The Cabinet, which was presided over by Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, accorded an approval for the session at a meeting here. The business advisory committee of the Vidhan Sabha will decide the duration of the session. The recommendation regarding the Session will be sent to Governor Bandaru Dattatraya and Vidhan Sabha Speaker Gian Chand Gupta. Sports Minister Sandeep Singh said told the media that the main agenda regarding the recruitment of 2,000 Special Police Officers (SPOs) for the police was also approved by the Council of Ministers by the Cabinet. He said as per the approved proposal, now ex-servicemen and Central paramilitary forces and state industrial security force personnel would be recruited as the SPOs. New Delhi, July 21 : The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday said it has attached two properties at Gopinathpur in West Bengal to the tune of Rs 13.63 crore of Indo-American Electricals Limited in illegal coal mining case under the provisions of the PMLA. The firm is beneficially owned by LTB Infra consultant Pvt. Ltd. in which Trinamool Congress leader Vinay Mishra and his brother Vikas Mishra are directors and shareholders. The Mishras delivered proceeds of crime of Rs 731 crore with the help of business associates of Anup Majhi a.k.a. Lala from July, 2018 to March, 2020. In this case, Enforcement Case Information Report was recorded on November 28, 2020 on the basis of CBI case. Earlier, the ED had conducted searches at 56 premises and attached assets to the tune of Rs 204.64 crore. Three persons have been arrested by the ED so far and a prosecution complaint was filed on May 13, 2021. New Delhi, July 21 : Celebrations started at President-elect Droupadi Murmu's residence here on Thursday even before the offical announcement of election result for the Presidential poll. Folk artistes in traditional attires carying musical instruments from different parts of the country were seen celebrating Murmu's victory since the evening at her residence on Umashankar Dikshit Marg in the national capital. Sweets were distributed to everyone present there. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP chief J.P. Nadda, Union ministers Rajnath Singh and Amit also reached Murmu's residence to congratulate her for her victory. Dressed in traditional attire, Tribal Affairs Minister Arjun Munda reached her residence to congratulate Murmu. Several Union ministers and senior BJP leaders were present at Murmu's residence since the afternoon on Thursday. Union ministers Dharmendra Pradhan and G. Kishan Reddy, BJP national general secretaries C.T. Ravi and Vinod Tawde were among the first to reach Murmu's residence to oversee the preparations. BJP's J&K co-incharge Ashish Sood, Delhi BJP vice-president Virendra Sachdeva were seen managing the affairs along with senior party leaders. Guwahati/Agartala/Imphal, July 21 : Chief Ministers and various other leaders of the eight northeastern states congratulated President-elect Droupadi Murmu after her victory in the Presidential poll, result of which was declared on Thursday. According to officials, cultural troupes from various northeastern states are expected to participate in the swearing-in-ceremony of the new President in Delhi. The ruling BJP took out victory rallies on Thursday in different northeastern states with the Chief Ministers and other senior leaders leading the march. In Guwahati, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and BJP's national Vice President and state party in-charge Baijayant Jay Panda led the rally. Later Sarma tweeted: "Her victory reflects Adarniya PM ShriNarendra Modi ji-led NDA Govt's commitment for tribal rights and naari shakti." After leading a similar victory rally in Imphal, Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh tweeted: "Heartiest congratulations to Smt Draupadi Murmu Ji on being elected as the President of India. For the first time in our history, a tribal woman has become the President of India. It is undoubtedly a historic day, especially for the North-East which has a large tribal population." "Historic day for every tribal of this country today. My congratulations to our country's First Indigenous Woman President, Smti. Droupadi Murmu Ji," Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma tweeted. In another tweet, Sangma said : "As the 1st tribal Presidential Candidate, late P A Sangma always knew that this day would come. He would've been overjoyed if he were here. Congratulations Smti. Murmu ji! As a tribal community, we so proudly share in your joy and your milestones. You did it for each one of us!" Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha in his tweet congratulated the "first Janajati President of India Smt. Draupadi Murmu Ji on winning the presidential election. Wishing her great success in her service to the nation." Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu tweeted: "What a historic day "India has its first tribal woman President! Congratulations to Smt Droupadi Murmu ji on being elected as the President of India. Your win is a victory of women & tribals. The nation will immensely benefit from your understanding on policy matters. "On behalf of the people of Nagaland, I convey heartiest congratulations to Smt. Droupadi Murmu on winning the Presidential Elections. I extend my best wishes to you as you prepare to take up the responsibilities and challenges of your high office," Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said in his tweet. Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga said: "The people of Mizoram congratulate the First Indigenous Woman President, Smti. Droupadi Murmu Ji on this historic day! Wishing the best for her future endeavors." BJP-led NDA Presidential candidate Murmu, during her campaigning, had visited all the eight northeastern states and her opposition rival Yashwant Sinha visited Assam. Bengaluru, July 21 : The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Karnataka has finally decided to take up the long-pending task of Cabinet expansion. According to party sources, the high command has taken a call on the issue, and the expansion is likely to be done by the first week of August. Former ministers -- K.S. Eshwarappa and Ramesh Jarkiholi who had resigned following serious allegations, are most likely to get cabinet berth, party sources said. Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai would visit Delhi on Sunday (July 24) and top leaders are expected to give green signal to the exercise of cabinet expansion, according to BJP sources. The "aspirants" are demanding the expansion in the view of upcoming state assembly elections of 2023, which is less than 10 months away. Even as there was a wait for Rajya Sabha elections to get over, and some leaders were asking to wait until the elections of Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike, the party has taken a call in this regard, say sources. There are 5 vacant cabinet berths in the state cabinet and the party is willing to accommodate 10 new faces. Though there were talks on complete overhaul of the cabinet, since assembly elections are nearing, the party leadership will settle with filling vacant cabinet posts. Former minister Eshwarappa who had resigned over the contractor suicide has now received a clean chit. Besides, Jarkiholi who had stepped down from his ministerial position over a sex CD scandal also received a clean chit from the Special Investigation Team. The BJP, looking forward to attain majority in the upcoming assembly elections and also repeat the feat similar to 2018 Lok Sabha elections of winning 25 MP seats out of 28 is likely to accommodate senior leaders, sources said. Kolkata, July 22 : Trinamool Congress' decision to abstain from voting in the Vice Presidential election has evoked strong criticism from the opposition parties in West Bengal. The CPI(M) and Congress described the decision as a fallout of a subtle understanding between Trinamool Congress and BJP, whose main aim, they said, is to weaken the anti-BJP space in the country. According to state Congress President Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, two decisions of the Trinamool Congress on Thursday have proved its clandestine understanding with the BJP. "On Thursday, all anti-BJP parties signed a petition condemning ailing Congress leader Sonia Gandhi being summoned by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with the National Herald case. The only non-BJP force which did not sign the petition was Trinamool Congress. "On the same day, the party's national General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee announced the decision to abstain from voting in the poll to elect the next Vice President of India. Clearly, the decision was taken to give an edge to the NDA candidate (Jagdeep Dhankhar). It is clear that the Trinamool Congress is now working at the behest of BJP to weaken the opposition space in the country," Chowdhury said. CPI(M) politburo member and the party's state secretary Mohammed Salim said, "Did the Trinamool take the decision to abstain from voting in the Vice Presidential poll to protect the Chief Minister's family members from the clutches of the central agencies like the CBI and ED," Salim asked. However, Abhishek Banerjee refuted the charges and said, "Trinamool Congress will continue to be equally aggressive against the BJP. If we had the intention of weakening the opposition space, we would have concentrated on expanding our base in the opposition-ruled states. But we are mainly expanding in those states where the BJP is the ruling party. So all such charges are baseless." President Muhammadu Buhari has strongly condemned the murder of a Catholic Priest, Rev. Fr. John Cheitnum, of the Kafanchan Catholic Diocese, four days after he was kidnapped by gunmen. Reacting to the incident in Abuja on Wednesday, President Buhari in a statement by his media aide, Garba Shehu, said: "I am deeply disturbed by the murder of this revered religious figure by outlaws who seem to be bent on creating chaos and disorder in the country." He explained that, "the persistent attack on innocent people, including religious figures, by gunmen is a matter of grave concern for this administration, because security is one of the major issues of our campaign promises. "Let me reassure Nigerians that my commitment to this issue is as firm as ever. I have always made it a duty to regularly summon security chiefs to discuss these challenges and the way forward. I'm not allowing the security chiefs to rest unless and until we find a very effective solution to this disturbing security situation. "The security of all Nigerians remains our major priority and I assure Nigerians that we are determined to crush these enemies of humanity with all the resources at our disposal." He extended his condolences to the family of the deceased and Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) leadership in Kaduna State over the death of Rev. Fr. Cheitnum. Bhopal, July 22 : Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh has claimed that several non-BJP MLAs have also voted in support of President-elect Droupadi Murmu in the state. "In Madhya Pradesh, many non-BJP MLAs have also voted for Murmu ji with their conscience, and I would thank them all," Chouhan said. National Democratic Alliance (NDA) nominee, Odisha-born Murmu will be the first tribal and the second woman President of the country. Pratibha Patil (July 25, 2007 to July 25, 2012) was the country's first woman President, who was elected during the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government. Murmu will take oath as the 15th President of India on July 25 at the Parliament House, New Delhi. Madhya Pradesh BJP leadership celebrated the occasion by congratulating the President-elect, and thanking Prime Minister Narendra Modi for nominating her for the Presidential polls. Notably, Madhya Pradesh has the highest number of tribals in India - about 21.5 per cent of the state's population (2011 Census). Out of a total 230 assembly seats, 47 are reserved for STs. In 2018, the BJP won 16 seats in the state's tribal-dominated areas, against 31 in 2013. Of the 35 seats reserved for the SCs, the BJP won 17 in 2018, as compared to 28 in 2013. Patna, July 22 : Panic gripped passengers of a Delhi-bound Indigo flight on Thursday night after one of the passengers claimed that there is a bomb in the plane at Patna airport. Sources have said that the passenger made the claim while others were entering the flight. As soon as the information was spread, CISF personnel swung into action and deboarded everyone from the flight. The CISF official thoroughly checked the aircraft. However, no bomb was found in the flight. As a precautionary measure, the authorities have decided to cancel the flight tonight (Thursday night). Patna police also come into action and immediately sent multiple teams of bomb and dog squads. They were searching the entire airport premises till the time of reporting. Reacting on it, an official said: "We have not found any bomb or suspicious article from the plane or anywhere else from the airport premises so far. The search operation is currently underway in and outside the airport. Bomb and dog squad were also present at the search operation." Patna, July 22 : As many as 40 venomous snakes were found at an abandoned house in a village in Bihar's Katihar district. The reptiles were discovered after a 5-year-old girl in Bijuria village under Barsoi block was bitten by a venomous snake on Thursday. The family members of the victim immediately took her to a hospital in Raiganj where she succumbed to the bite. Following the incident, villagers called a snake charmer to trace the snake. When he started the search, he along with villagers reached to an abandoned house, where they found 40 venomous snakes. The villagers were shocked and scared after seeing such a large number of snakes. They called the district police which further communicated to the district wildlife department officials. All snakes were captured by the snake charmer, who will now hand over them to the wildlife department. Agades Airport, Agades, Niger [ AJY / DRZA ] If you are planning to travel to Agades or any other city in Niger, this airport locator will be a very useful tool. This page gives complete information about the Agades Airport along with the airport location map, Time Zone, lattitude and longitude, Current time and date, hotels near the airport etc... Agades Airport Map showing the location of this airport in Niger. Agades Airport IATA Code, ICAO Code, exchange rate etc... is also provided. Agades Airport Info: Agades Airport IATA Code: AJY Agades Airport ICAO Code: DRZA Latitude : 16.966 Longitude : 8.00011 City : Agades Country : Niger World Area Code : 554 Airport Type : Medium Agades Airport Address / Contact Details : Agadez Airport (AJY), Agadez, Niger Airport Type : Public Owner : Government Timezone : Africa/Niamey Agades Airport Timezone : GMT +01:00 hours Current time and date at Agades Airport is 20:49:11 PM (WAT) on Tuesday, Aug 16, 2022 Looking for information on Agades Airport, Agades, Niger? Know about Agades Airport in detail. Find out the location of Agades Airport on Niger map and also find out airports near to Agades. This airport locator is a very useful tool for travelers to know where is Agades Airport located and also provide information like hotels near Agades Airport, airlines operating to Agades Airport etc... IATA Code and ICAO Code of all airports in Niger. Scroll down to know more about Agades Airport or Agades Airport, Niger. Agades Airport Map - Location of Agades Airport Load Map Niger - General Information Country Formal Name Republic of Niger Country Code NE Capital Niamey Currency Franc (XOF) 1 XOF = 0.002 USD 1 USD = 645.087 XOF 1 XOF = 0.002 EUR 1 EUR = 655.957 XOF More XOF convertion rates Tel Code +227 Top Level Domain .ne This page provides all the information you need to know about Agades Airport, Niger. This page is created with the aim of helping travelers and tourists visiting Niger or traveling to Agades Airport. Details about Agades Airport given here include Agades Airport Code - IATA Code (3 letter airport codes) and ICAO Code (4 letter airport codes) Coordinates of Agades Airport - Latitude and Longitude (Lat and Long) of Agades Airport Location of Agades Airport - City Name, Country, Country Codes etc... Agades Airport Time Zone and Current time at Agades Airport Address and contact details of Agades Airport along with website address of the airport Clickable Location Map of Agades Airport on Google Map. General information about Niger where Agades Airport is located in the city of Agades. General information include capital of Niger, currency and conversion rate of Niger currency, Telephone Country code, exchange rate against US Dollar and Euro in case of major world currencies etc... AJY - Agades Airport IATA Code and DRZA - Agades Airport ICAO code Being Greek is a part of me. It is really meaningful to share that part of me throughout my work. Purcellville resident and student at Foxcroft School, a boarding and day school in Virginia, Helen Ventikos 23 was recently awarded a National Gold Medal in the Photography category of the Scholastic Art & Writing Award contest for her photograph titled "Kafes. Along with her family and Fine Arts Department Chair Julie Fisher, Helen traveled to New York City in June for the award ceremony at Carnegie Hall. Helen's National Gold Medal is quite an accomplishment. Fewer than 900 of the more than 260,000 works of art and writing submitted to the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards this year, in 28 categories ranging from memoirs and critical essays to sculpture and photography, were awarded this prestigious honor. Helen is eligible for scholarships of up to $10,000, and her artwork may also be featured in exhibitions in New York City, Washington, DC, and throughout the country, as well as highlighted in Best Teen Art and Best Teen Writing. A list of all National Medalists is also included in the Yearbook. Making a cup of coffee is a simple part of a morning routine, not typically something that would inspire an award-winning photograph steeped in culture and heritage. Yet for Helen, this came to be with her captivating piece, /Coffee or Kafes (Greek for coffee). Being Greek is a part of me, explains Helen. It is really meaningful to share that part of me throughout my work.Because Greek coffee must be watched to prevent it from overflowing, Helen has had the advantage of observing this process many times from various perspectives. She had the idea to capture this from a bird's eye view, standing on a kitchen step stool with her camera in hand. Fascinated by its symmetry, abstract vantage point, and varying textures, Helen discovered an interesting approach that would lead to a technique used on all of her photos, unexpectedly deciding to showcase them all in black and white. With an interest in biology and engineering and as Club Head of Robotics and Cyberpatriots at Foxcroft, Helen plans to study STEM in college. Photography, however, remains an outlet for her creative side it has become one of her passions. After taking multiple photography classes at Foxcroft, I learned that I love using my camera as a tool for expression.Foxcroft had a strong showing in this years Scholastic competition, with 16 works from ten students earning regional recognition. Four submissions, including Helens Kafes, received Gold Keys, the highest regional distinction, and advanced to the national level.All of the art and writing submissions are blindly judged first locally through the more than 100 affiliates of the Alliance and then nationally by panels of judges comprised of renowned artists, authors, educators, and industry experts based on the same three criteria that have been in place since the programs founding in 1928: originality, technical skill, and emergence of personal vision or voice. As a Gold Medalist, Helen shares the same title as other National Gold Award alumni including artists Andy Warhol and Cy Twombly, actors Robert Redford and John Lithgow, director Ken Burns, authors Stephen King and Joyce Carol Oates, and poets Sylvia Plath and Amanda Gorman. Isaac Barnes "This is not only about sharing digital artwork but also showcasing how NFTs can serve society in ways we haven't even imagined yet."Isaac Barnes, President of Eminent Future History-Maker and President of Eminent Future, Isaac Barnes and his business partner Jose Risi, to launch the "Hero Series," a first-of-its-kind NFT Mural collection to honor Ronald V. Dellums the late congressman and former mayor who died July 30, 2018, at age 82, Nelson Mandela, and many others who stood for peace and justice in the US and abroad. The launch is set to feature a breathtaking mural of NFTs created by commissioned digital artists, which will be unveiled on September 9, for Ronald V. Dellums International Day of Peace. Ronald Vernie Dellums was an American politician who served as Mayor of Oakland from 2007 to 2011. He had previously served thirteen terms as a Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from California's 9th congressional district. Congressman Dellums began a campaign to end the apartheid policies of South Africa in 1972. Fourteen years later, his bill, the Comprehensive Anti-Apartheid Act of 1986, was passed by The House of Representatives with strong bipartisan support. President Reagan vetoed the bill. However, Congressman Dellums was a master statesman, and he was able to get President Reagan's veto overridden. It was the first override in the 20th century of a presidential foreign policy veto. The Hero Series is being released in partnership with The Dellums and Davis Legacy Foundation and Truth & Reconciliation Conversations (TRC). "Our team is so excited to be able to use this project as a way of showing others what's possible when they put their minds together and work towards change," said Isaac Barnes, History-Maker and President of Eminent Future. "This is not only about sharing digital artwork but also showcasing how NFTs can serve society in ways we haven't even imagined yet." We are calling all creative digital artists to help us turn this monumental project into a game-changing one of a kind celebration of life for those that fought for us. More information about the project will be available soon. About Eminent Future Eminent Future is a digital product and innovation company focused on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) impact. We focus on helping governments use technology to create societal change. Our work is about shifting culture, shifting society, and changing narratives. About The Dellums and Davis Legacy Foundation The Dellums and Davis Legacy Foundation is a charitable organization established to carry on the legacies of Ronald V. Dellums and Howard C. Davis. The Foundation provides global services and charitable support for women's rights, environmental justice, LGBTQ+ rights, and gender equality through education. About Truth & Reconciliation Conversations (TRC) TRC is a nonprofit organization committed to promoting racial reconciliation and gender equality. It has organized annual observances of Nelson Mandela International Day and 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence in the US, South Africa, and around the world. Media Contact William H. Billy Bauch Bauch is an exceptional business leader, and he has a proven track record around the ability to grow and manage businesses, develop talented leaders, assist in organizational transform, and integrate acquisitions, all while delivering strong financial results. EPC Group announced today that William H. Billy Bauch has been appointed to President, effective July 19, 2022. As President, Bauch will take primary responsibility for accelerating firmwide operational performance and growth of the companys business model as well as the organizations overall continued expansion. "Bauch is an exceptional business leader, and he has a proven track record around the ability to grow and manage businesses, develop talented leaders, assist in organizational transform, and integrate acquisitions, all while delivering strong financial results," said Errin OConnor, EPC Groups Founder and Chief Architect. "As President, Bauch will work with OConnor and other key divisional stakeholders in the company to drive operational performance, accelerate the execution of our strategy, and help us gain efficiencies that lead to faster growth." William H. Billy Bauch has been actively involved in the financial sector for approximately 30 years as an attorney, investment banker, executive recruiter and most recently as an executive in the asset management sector. From 2012 to 2018, Mr. Bauch was the CFO & CCO of Center Coast Capital, an asset management firm that managed approximately $4 billion of equity investments. The firm was acquired by Brookfield Asset Management (NYSE:BAM) in 2018. After the acquisition, Mr. Bauch was a Managing Director with Brookfield Public Securities Group through 2020. Earlier in his career, Mr. Bauch served as a Managing Director with CIBC Oppenheimer where he opened their Houston investment banking office and later served as the head of CIBCs Midstream Energy Practice. He began his career as a corporate and securities attorney with Norton Rose Fulbright. Mr. Bauch holds a Juris Doctorate degree and a Bachelors degree in Accountancy from the University of Mississippi, graduating cum laude. He also has a Masters of Law (LL.M) degree from the New York University School of Law. Mr. Bauch is a non-practicing CPA. About EPC Group: EPC Group has a long history as a leading Microsoft Office 365, SharePoint, Azure, Power BI, MS Teams and Dynamics 365 technology consulting firm. Founded in 1997, EPC Group has been pioneering the way organizations collaborate at a rapid and unparalleled rate. We leverage the entire Microsoft stack as a leading cloud consulting services provider and are focused on all 30 core Microsoft technologies. EPC Group has one of the industries most recognized 24/7/365 IT Managed Services practices that allows us to not only provide managed services but to also be a trusted provider for project-based consulting work and a one-stop shop for our clients needs. We truly can ensure your projects success. Our time tested and proven from the consulting trenches strategies have served as the foundation for solutions for thousands of organizations. To learn more about EPC Group, visit https://www.epcgroup.net. Source: EPC Group | Houston, Texas Headquarters | (https://www.epcgroup.net) July 20th, 2022. Saw Palmetto Extract The authors concluded that a high-quality saw palmetto extract should be considered as an option for men with mild-to-moderate lower urinary tract symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate. An international panel of seven leading urologists from North America and Europe convened to review the global scientific evidence for saw palmetto extract, also known as lipidosterolic extract of Serenoa repens, in men with lower urinary tract symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate. In their paper entitled Rethinking the Role of Saw Palmetto Extract for Men with Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in North America, published in the urology journal Uro, the authors generated a total of seven consensus statements that included scientific evidence on the proposed mechanism of action, required quality profile, and the results from clinical trials examining efficacy and safety. The authors concluded that a high-quality saw palmetto extract should be considered as an option for men with mild-to-moderate lower urinary tract symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate. Across the globe, there has been a lack of consensus with regards to the effectiveness of saw palmetto extract resulting in differing recommendations for the use of saw palmetto extract by health organizations around the world, said co-author Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt. The goal of this expert panel was to contribute to our collective understanding of the science and generate discussion about the role a high-quality saw palmetto extract can play in mens health. As noted by lead author of the panel, Dr. J. Curtis Nickel, the challenge for urologists is the variability of product quality, especially in the United States, and how that can influence how urologists view saw palmetto supplements in patient care. Our panel recognized that the literature on the benefit of saw palmetto extract for LUTS was specific to a high-quality extract used at 320 mg daily. The panel highlighted that the current evidence suggests that high-quality lipidosterolic extracts with a profile defined by the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) monograph are likely important for clinical effectiveness. The Urology Care Foundation reports that an enlarged prostate impacts about half of men aged 50 to 60 and 90% of men over the age of 80. Many of these men will experience lower urinary tract symptoms, such as increased urination, sudden urgency and a weak stream. These symptoms can reduce overall quality of life, including disrupting sleep. This 2022 review suggests that a high-quality saw palmetto extract can play a positive role in the care physicians provide to aging men in the United States, said Dr. Leigh Vinocur, board-certified physician and chief medical officer of Flomentum Health. Michelle Duncum, Vice President of Operations, Cory Executive Recruiting This is a first-of-its-kind hire for CER, having a former multifamily developer with such great knowledge on its executive team. There is no better way to serve our team and clients than to have someone who knows all facets of our business at CER and the inner workings of our client's business. Cory Executive Recruiting, a leading national executive recruiting firm, announced that Michelle Duncum joined the company as its Vice President of Operations. Duncum brings to CER over 30 years of multifamily real estate development, management, construction, marketing, and interior architecture and design expertise to the organization. Before joining the firm, Duncum spent 17 years as Chief Operating Officer and Chief Marketing Officer for a national interior architecture and design firm and a multifamily development company in Dallas, Texas. She is highly skilled in building award-winning, culture-focused teams, digital media and advertising, brand management, and exceeding financial goals, all of which will be integral to CERs continued growth and success. This is a first-of-its-kind hire for CER, having a former multifamily developer with such great depth of knowledge on its executive team. There is no better way to serve our team and clients than to have someone who knows all facets of our business at CER and the inner workings of our client's business. We are so fortunate Michelle chose CER, and we are honored to have her on our team. said Kelsi Cory, CEO. Duncum comes to CER with a long history of awards centered around the success of the organizations and teams under her leadership. Specializing in creating open and flexible work cultures, her teams and work have been recognized by Inc. Magazine, Southern Methodist University, Interior Design Magazine, Best and Brightest, and The Texas Apartment Association, among others. In addition, she has served as a business consultant for up-and-coming organizations that want to grow their business into highly successful cultures in today's workplace. I am excited to be a part of the future of CER. It is a vibrant, innovative, forward-thinking organization that is refreshing in todays environment. CER sets the standard for client-centric performance while allowing our team to be moms, dads, brothers, sisters, daughters, and sons and not miss out on a moment of their personal life simultaneously. Its exciting to be a part of a company that isnt afraid to be truly authentic and focus on what matters most. says Duncum. Cory Executive Recruiting recruits nationally and places top-level talent in all facets of the real estate industry, focusing on property management, construction and development, and interior architecture and design. For more information on CER or Michelle Duncum, visit the companys website at http://www.cerecruiting.com. About Cory Executive Recruiting Cory Executive Recruiting is a women-owned national executive search firm focusing on the placement of leadership talent within the residential and commercial real estate industry across the United States. Known across the country for its trendsetting culture, CER works with the most highly sought-after organizations and talent in the real estate arena, including residential and commercial real estate development and construction, all property management types, architecture, and interior design. CER pairs the right match for building high-performing teams in today's work environment. Focusing on middle management through C-level placement, CER delivers exceptional recruitment results with boutique-level service. "Our new online identity reflects our values, showcases our capabilities, and allows our clients to fully understand who we are as an organization." - President, Joe Ayler. Tar Heel Construction Group, LLC, a Maryland-based exterior remodeling company announced an online brand refresh. They unveiled a new website to reflect the organizations wide range of services and to showcase their core values. Tar Heel Construction Group, LLC is a unique remodeling company that follows three principles of operation: accountability, job quality, and customer satisfaction. Its mission is to exceed its customers expectations with quality work and craftsmanship. Tar Heel Construction Group, LLC is most notably known for being GAF Master Elite certified and GAF Master Select as these credentials are only held by 2% of all the contractors in America. Our organization has excelled well beyond what our online identity depicts. We invested considerable time searching for a marketing firm that aligned with our core values, and one with a proven track record. After meeting with CC&A Strategic Media we quickly realized their team could help us achieve our goals. Our new online identity reflects our values, showcases our capabilities, and allows our clients to fully understand who we are as an organization. We couldnt be more pleased with the outcome of this project. said President, Joe Ayler. Tar Heel Construction Groups expertise and a team of dedicated staff are committed to their mission of exceeding their customers expectations with quality work and craftsmanship. The Tar Heel Construction Groups team has left its mark throughout the region by striving to be a leader in the exterior remodeling market and retains relevant certifications with the goal of continually improving the customer experience. Tar Heel Construction Group is an organization dedicated to excellence. After our first interactions, we quickly realized the level of expertise within their organization is unmatched. While working through the process of building a new online identity, we experienced firsthand their extensiveness knowledge, and capabilities. It is extremely impressive to see their success, and I have no doubt that success will continue for many years to come. Stephen Taormino CEO of CC&A Strategic Media For more information, visit http://www.tarheelconstructiongroup.com. Please direct all media inquiries and requests to Lauren Aversa at 410-931-6717 or by email at LAversa@cca-mail.com The Minority in Parliament has hinted it will not allow the government to rush the House through a 140 million facility to construct an interchange and ancillary facilities in Suame in the Ashanti Region. "Members of Parliament (MPs) still do not have enough copies of the loan agreement to peruse and consider because it was laid on Tuesday but as we speak nobody has got a copy, the question is, has it actually been laid? We are just hoping that nobody comes to tell us within one day we should read the documents and pass it," it cautioned. The agreement was laid before the House just a day after some residents of Suame protested and nearly attacked Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Suame Constituency in the Ashanti Region. Kwame Agbodza, Minority Spokesperson on Roads and Transport, insisted that Parliament needed more than a week to consider the content of the Bill and alleged that the protest in Suame may have been staged to force the government to act. "If that is not the case, the Inspector General of Police must cause the arrest of the protesters just as they went after Francis-Xavier Sosu, MP for Madina Constituency in the Greater Accra Region, who also organised demonstration over poor roads in his constituency," he said. He alleged that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) staged the attack on the Majority Leader, Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu in his constituency and the attack was planned by the party to fast-track the loan approval for the 4-tier interchange at Suame and asked the public to disregard it. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Ghana Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Mr Agbodza urged them to ignore the so-called demonstration at Suame regarding bad roads since it was planned and executed by the NPP to fast track the approval of millions of euros to build a 4-tier interchange at Suame. The government on July 19, laid a commercial agreement in Parliament for the construction of the Suame Interchange and ancillary works which has been referred to the Finance Committee of Parliament for consideration and report back to the House and laid by a Deputy Minister for Finance, Abena Osei-Asare. This was barely 24 hours after residents almost attacked Mr Kyei Mensah-Bonsu over the poor nature of the roads which prompted a hostile reception for him on Monday and some of the angry residents threw various items in his direction and hooted at him which took the timely intervention of the Police to calm tension and shield him from the residents after he attempted to address them. Since our founding in 1986, Pacific College of Health and Science has been dedicated to top-tier, cutting-edge holistic nursing education.This award is proof that we are reaching a whole new generation of nurses with healing integrative modalities. Pacific College of Health and Science announced today it has earned the Excellence in Holistic Nursing Education Award from the American Holistic Nursing Association (AHNA). As a specialty nursing association serving more than 5,500 nurses and holistic healthcare professionals both nationally and internationally, AHNAs mission is to illuminate holism in nursing practice, community, advocacy, research, and education. The organizations vision is that every nurse is a holistic nurse, and Pacific College of Health and Sciences leadership in holistic nursing education is making that vision a reality. Since our founding in 1986, Pacific College of Health and Science has been dedicated to top-tier, cutting-edge holistic nursing education, said Malcolm Youngren, President, and CEO of Pacific College of Health and Science. This award is proof that we are reaching a whole new generation of nurses with healing integrative modalities. It is an honor to be recognized by the AHNA for this prestigious award. Applications for the Excellence in Holistic Nursing Education Award were reviewed by the Holistic Nurse of the Year Awards Committee, and the choices were finalized by the AHNA Board of Directors. Pacific College of Health and Science was officially recognized for this award at the AHNA Conference Awards Banquet on Friday, June 10th. Thank you for your dedication to your institution and to furthering holistic nursing practices, said Terri Roberts, Executive Director of AHNA. Congratulations on your award. Pacific College of Health and Sciences is teaching students to use evidence-based scientific and holistic knowledge as a foundation in healthcare. This innovative curriculum helps students deepen their understanding of cutting-edge healing modalities giving them the ability to thrive in existing or emerging traditional, integrative and holistic healthcare settings. Through this unique positioning, Pacific College of Health and Science assists future healthcare professionals in leading the holistic healthcare movement. Students wishing to enroll or learn more about Pacific College of Health and Sciences nursing program, including prerequisites, admissions requirements, schedule, course descriptions, tuition & fees, and financial aid information, can visit https://www.pacificcollege.edu/nursing ### About Pacific College of Health and Science: Pacific College of Health and Science was founded in 1986 in San Diego to offer licensure-qualifying programs in Chinese medicine and massage therapy. The college subsequently established branches in New York and Chicago. It holds regional accreditation with the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), as well as Chinese medicine and nursing programmatic accreditation. Over the years, it has expanded its programs to include three advanced programs in Holistic Nursing, a certificate in Medical Cannabis, a Master of Science in Health and Human Performance and a Bachelor of Science in Public Health Education and Promotion. Pacific College is home to a faculty of over 200 professors at the forefront of curriculum development. The college offers on-site education to 1,500 students and online training to another 800. More than 5,500 students have earned degrees at the college, with hundreds more earning certificates. Axis Medical Staffing We have spent the past 18 years working tirelessly to facilitate a perfect fit for our healthcare facility partners and our rockstar nurses. I am incredibly proud of our team and grateful to our nurses for recognizing our work, and reviewing us so favorably. Axis Medical Staffing, a Seattle, WA-based healthcare staffing agency specializing in contract assignments for travel nurses and allied healthcare professionals, has once again been named the top travel nursing agency in the nation. This time, Axis Medical Staffing has been ranked the #1 Travel Nursing Agency by BluePipes. BluePipes is a leading professional networking platform dedicated to the healthcare industry. BluePipes evaluated reviews of more than 380 travel nursing agencies on six different rating services in 2022, with Axis Medical Staffing earning the coveted top spot. Founded by Ryan Skjonsberg and Adam McKinnon in 2004, Axis Medical Staffing provides quality medical staffing for facilities nationwide. According to Skjonsberg, earning the #1 spot is an honor celebrated by Axiss internal teams, the nurses they place, and the healthcare facilities that rely on Axis for exceptional talent. "We have spent the past 18 years working tirelessly to facilitate a perfect fit for our healthcare facility partners and our rockstar nurses. We know that this is a space where a win-win situation for our partners and our nurses is imperative. I am incredibly proud of our team and grateful to our nurses for recognizing our work, and reviewing us so favorably," Skjonsberg said. According to McKinnon, the Axis team's win is the culmination of years of experience learning to meet the unique needs and adapting to the challenges presented in the medical staffing space. The result is a "laser focus on recruiting highly skilled and dependable medical professionals, and matching their requirements to the needs of our facilities," he said. Continuing he said, "Our team at Axis represents the finest talent available in the market. As a reliable resource providing access to an incredible pool of talent, we help our healthcare facility partners find and attract the professionals they need. Our objective is always to ensure that our partners and our candidates are thrilled with their placement." Axis Medical Staffing had been ranked a top travel nursing agency by BluePipes for five consecutive years, before earning the top spot in 2022. The recognition comes on the heels of a variety of other awards from other industry-leading resources. Earlier in 2022, BetterNurse.org named Axis Medical Staffing as the Best Travel Nursing Company in the nation. Verywell Health awarded the agency the prestigious Best Customer Service award in 2022 for the third year in a row. Highway Hypodermics also named Axis Medical Staffing a Top Travel Nursing Company for 2022. Axis Medical Staffing appears consistently on top-ranked lists from these industry-leading platforms. In 2022, Axis Medical Staffing was also named one of the fastest growing privately-held companies in the Pacific Region, which includes companies in Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon, and Washington, by Inc. Magazine. In 2021, Axis Medical Staffing was named as one of the fastest growing privately held companies in the nation and listed on the prestigious Inc. 5000 list, as the third highest ranked travel nursing company in the nation. About Axis Medical Staffing Axis Medical Staffing is a leading workforce management partner for some of the nation's most respected healthcare organizations. A Joint Commission certified organization since 2007, Axis specializes in contract assignments for travel nurses and allied healthcare professionals. Visit https://www.axismedicalstaffing.com or call 888-299-2947. Axis Medical Staffing is located at 100 West Harrison Street, South Tower, Suite 550, Seattle, WA 98119. Cyber Q announces Hack Proof Computing and Networking: huge savings: greatly improved security, reduced energy use and heat production, reduced Cyber Security work effort yet far greater vigilance. CyberSecurity Innovator: The Fault Tolerant Unhackable Hardware Company, CyberQ LLC US, announces upcoming Virtual Cyberconference on Eliminating 10s of billions of dollars each year in excess CyberSecurity Software and Services Expenditures for Corporate America and the Government. Preventing wasteful investments in dysfunctional add in cybersecurity, along with providing huge EcoSafe Power and Heat Savings per system and vastly efficient Memory and processor cycle time savings resulting in significantly improved performance, through its patented "Hack Proof Systems and Network Hardware Technology": Cyber Q has proposed standard CyberSecurity hardware micrologic architectures designed to block hackers and other malicious attackers autonomously at the roots of hardware function, sustainably. CyberQ believes 100% hack proofing can all be achieved without special cybersecurity software, or any of today's associated, weak and burdensome overheads in PCs, Servers, IoT, tablets, cellphones, mainframes, supercomputers, embedded systems, smart peripheral devices and Networks, just by building in Hack Proof hardware circuitry. All without most of the costly, power wasting, space wasting, heat producing, labor wasting and largely ineffective Cybersecurity Software provisioning previously mandated and in use today. A company spokesperson added: "We'll build our superior Hack Proofing and optional VFTA fault tolerance into the circuitry and foundation of The systems' hardware design itself, in heuristic, adaptive, tailorable micrologic, achieving much tinier power use and demand by the embedded cybersecurity and much lower heat generation and cooling overheads than accrued by cyber security oldware: CyberSecurity software used today. Eliminating Memory usage for antiviral and anti hacking software- the savings alone will increase capacity and performance dramatically." "We'll be able to build systems with 100% greater cybersecurity that for their cyber security mechanisms produce less heat and have lower power demands and vastly improved overall efficiency, better memory real estate management and storage utilization, drastically improved "Hack Proof" cybersecurity and, consequently, much better performance. " "The solution: to provide computers with hardware hack proofing with innately more reliable protection against hackers, intruders, worms, exploits, ransomware, trojan ware and other malicious software and hacking methods... all without additional cybersecurity applications." The ingenious company has already completed patenting two pre production "Hack Proof" micrologic designs and will continue its research as it finds means to build and supply the industry with more and more such win-win Hack Proofed CyberSecure hardware designs, truly miraculous systems to be distributed globally once the Hack Proof systems' production phase commences." Some ask: " Can it be done? Cyber Q responds 'when do you need it by?' " The company's interim Chief Scientist, stated: "You'd be surprised to discover which Microchip Manufacturers rejected our proposals to Hack Proof their microprocessor designs with our patented Hack Proof micrologic. One major player's scout even said if our hack proofing were built, he'd lose his job. "We believe that is absolute proof the major PC makers are intent upon building weakly protected, mediocre, insecure Microchips, Computers, Phones and Operating Systems- as leaky as sieves, thus raking Corporate America through the financial coals forcing them to buy overcomplicated, supplemental add in CyberSecurity and Antiviral Software and related Services, at expensive acquisition and human monitoring costs, money that would be better spent elsewhere, rather than on unreliable efforts involving privacy intruding software driven attempts at fixing their decidedly poor, naked systems' cyber protection measures. . . It's a classic case where the unprotected hardware systems are the Firebug and the Firemen are expensive software and services, today, and which systems should have been designed to physically reject all hacking approaches in their fundamental hardware circuitry just to begin with, a serious gap we intend to fill," He added. "Huge successful companies' software and cybersecurity divisions, like Microsoft, IBM and others make at least $10 billion a year or more in providing, in our opinion, costly, in many ways, supplemental Cybersecurity add ins and services just to fix the weaknesses and fill the security gaps in computer products' raw hardware and software. While collecting huge fees, that's admirable: we believe It's a tragic part of a vicious and mercenary cycle of cybersecurity gaps and insufficiencies in today's products, that we at Cyber Q intend to close down and transform in our systems into Zero Delay, Zero Failure Hack Proofing RIGHT OUT OF THE BOX, while covering all cybersecurity and optional fault tolerant bases." We have employed some of the brightest minds in our industry to achieve this goal. "Our Hack Proof Cyber Secure hardware design solution is vastly superior to a costly Rube Goldberg solution of many layers of software, firewalls, detection grids and capture tech all simultaneously trying to compensate for bad hardware security designs WHILE CONSUMING HUGE AMOUNTS OF RESOURCES AND MONEYS. We aim to curb that practice and produce CyberSafe Systems from the start." Cyber Q LLC US can be contacted at 888-532-5540 x.1 and resides in Plano, Texas and the greater New York City area. Its starting web resides at CyberQ.us New York City 2022 Cyber Q, LLC All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. "Envision:You created You:Flourish to give individuals access to vetted resources and identity-affirming connections no matter where they live or the time of day, said Steven Haden. One touch or tap, and a world of possibilities will open up at your fingertips to support your well-being. CoPeace, an ESG holding company that invests in growing companies demonstrating social and environmental impact, is partnering with You:Flourish, the first mental health and wellness smartphone application designed specifically for the needs of the LGBTQ+ community. Validating the urgent need for a digital tool that addresses the need for accessible LGBTQ+ affirming behavioral health support, CoPeace has committed to the role of co-lead investor in You:Flourishs current angel round capital raise. In addition, CoPeace will provide a range of finance, operations and marketing services to You:Flourish. CoPeaces fractional C-suite support will assist You:Flourishs operational strategy, business model refinement and recruitment. You:Flourish meets a critical need in society and the team at CoPeace, myself in particular, is dedicated to growing You:Flourish into a thriving company, said Jacob Miller, analytics manager for CoPeace and project lead on the You:Flourish initiative. Ive had my fair share of mental health struggles over the years. You:Flourish will help people like me find impactful and affirming support so we can all be the best versions of ourselves. Designed by public health, wellness and behavioral health professionals, the You:Flourish platform is modeled on a behavior change framework that will enable users to customize a peer support community with shared identities, establish wellness goals, track daily habits and earn rewards for engagement. In addition to a library of resources and interactive content, a directory of vetted mental health professionals with the expertise to provide culturally relevant and LGBTQ+ affirming behavioral health interventions will be accessible. Funding for digital health is at an all-time high. In 2021, total funding among U.S.-based digital health startups accounted for $29.1 billion across 729 deals. Overall investment nearly doubled the previous record, which was $14.9 billion in 2020, according to RockHealth.org. CoPeaces team brings more than 50 years of strategic financial leadership through each funding phase, which will establish You:Flourish for future sustainable growth. The CoPeace team is spearheading You:Flourishs crowdfunding phase of fundraising, which will launch later in the third quarter. There is an urgent need for digital mental health support for the LGBTQ+ community. According to the National Center for Transgender Equality, 48% of transgender adults have attempted suicide in their lifetime, compared with 4% of the general U.S. population. The Trevor Projects 2022 National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health reported that rates of suicidal thoughts have trended upward among LGBTQ young people over the past three years, with nearly half indicating they had strong thoughts of killing themselves. Across the country, Americans as a whole are struggling to find mental health providers. The National Alliance on Mental Illness states that 55% of U.S. counties do not have a single practicing psychiatrist. While mental health challenges and suicide continue to increase, there has yet to be a digital resource that supports behavioral health within the LGBTQ+ community. You:Flourish Founder and Interim CEO Steven Haden understands whats at stake and laments the lack of opportunities to find healthy connections and reliable resources within the LGBTQ+ community. As a gay man who has had my own struggles with mental health, I have experienced the loneliness and lack of affirming mental health support, said Haden. We need more than empty gestures from political leaders and mental health professionals who say they care but dont have the requisite training to move our community from surviving to thriving as a whole. Motivated by his struggle with mental health challenges, Haden started Envision:You, a nonprofit that addresses the gaps in behavioral health outcomes for LGBTQ+ individuals. Envision:You offers co-created community programming, advocacy engagement, public awareness campaigns and evidence-based training. Envision:You created You:Flourish and owns part of the company. Through my work with Envision:You, weve had the resources, research and community programs, and it is still not enough. Envision:You created You:Flourish to give individuals access to vetted resources and identity-affirming connections no matter where they live or the time of day, said Haden. One touch or tap, and a world of possibilities will open up at your fingertips to support your well-being. As a public benefit corporation like CoPeace You:Flourish works to provide behavioral health and wellness resources to the LGBTQ+ community in alignment with CoPeaces impact investing philosophy. Focusing on doing active good through investments in private companies, impact investments address significant social and environmental problems. About CoPeace CoPeace is a forward-thinking impact investing holding company, building a portfolio of carefully selected for-profit companies with measurable social and environmental impact. CoPeace is democratizing the investment world by allowing everyone, not just wealthy investors, to invest in private impact companies via its holding company structure. In addition, CoPeace provides a variety of consulting services to organizations demonstrating positive social or environmental impact. As a designated Certified B Corp and a public benefit corporation, CoPeace is committed to acting morally, ethically and responsibly in regard to society, the environment, the natural world and the world at large. To learn more about CoPeace and how you can grow your money for good, visit http://www.copeace.com. About You:Flourish You:Flourish is a public benefit corporation balancing purpose and profit to bring wellness and affirming resources to members of the LGBTQ+ community. The You:Flourish smartphone application is created, curated and supported by Envision:You, a nonprofit organization that seeks to close gaps in behavioral health outcomes for LGBTQ+ individuals through co-created community programming, advocacy engagement, public awareness campaigns and evidence-based training. The You:Flourish app is in development with AppIt Ventures. Visit http://www.you-flourish.com for more information. Altitude Integrations and Xceptional share the same values, beliefs, and commitment to customer satisfaction and value creation." - Chris McKewon, CEO of Xceptional Xceptional, an award-winning IT managed services provider, has acquired Altitude Integrations, a Colorado-based managed services provider. This is Xceptionals first acquisition since announcing a strategic growth plan in 2021. This is the beginning of a new era for both organizations, and we are excited for our clients, employees, partners, and shareholders, Chris McKewon, CEO of Xceptional, stated. Altitude Integrations and Xceptional share the same values, beliefs, and commitment to customer satisfaction and value creation. The future is bright for our collective organizations and clients! "Altitude Integrations is excited to become a part of the Xceptional family! This is an exciting time for clients and employees as both organizations are looking to provide the best support for clients," stated Brett Ramberg, Altitude Integrations' CEO and Managing Partner. Founded in 2009, Altitude Integrations is headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, and is an innovative IT managed services provider. The organization provides a portfolio of managed IT and cloud services to dozens of clients across various industries throughout Colorado and surrounding states. The organization has 10 employees and has experienced solid growth over the last few years. This first acquisition in Xceptional's 15-year history puts into motion the hyper-growth plans that were announced at the end of 2021. The combination of Altitude Integrations and Xceptional will be able to serve clients in a greater capacity, not only through more technicians and engineers but also through more service and software offerings. Our combined companies will be able to expand and further the Xceptional experience to clients and prospects alike, stated McKewon. Great things are to come in the months ahead! Altitude Integrations will continue to support and serve customers independently as an Xceptional Company for the foreseeable future while both organizations focus on integrating and expanding their collective portfolios, capabilities, and teams over the next 12 months. Please direct all media inquiries to pr@xceptional.com. About Xceptional Established in 2007, Xceptional is an innovative provider of proactive managed IT services and superior IT consulting services. Through a portfolio of managed security, compliance, and IT services, supported by IT design/consulting/implementation capabilities, Xceptional helps clients to align IT systems and applications with business goals and objectives and assists with the development and implementation of IT or security roadmaps and technology strategies that enable business growth. Clients work with Xceptional because of our knowledgeable staff, proactive IT services, and responsive engineering and support team that is committed to creating and driving tangible business value for our clients. Embrace the Xceptional experience and contact us today http://www.Xceptional.com. About Altitude Integrations Founded in 2009, Altitude Integrations mission is to provide proactive and innovative IT solutions to small and medium-sized businesses that are headquartered in the U.S., but with locations across the globe. The company specializes in providing superior IT and cloud services, solutions, and support. The organization employs experts in executive leadership, desktop support, networking, server administration, identity and access management, cloud optimization, email and domain security, VoIP phone systems, and sales tools, processes, and hiring. For more information please contact us today at: https://altitudeintegrations.com/ A free webinar that's open to the public, entitled "What Media Wants: An Inside Look Into What Makes for Successful Book and Author Coverage" July 27 at 2 pm EST We feel confident that attendees will walk away from the session with new knowledge and tools to help them better position themselves for and prepare for media coverage. The leading book marketing firm Smith Publicity will hold the next webinar in its 2022 bi-monthly series on July 27 at 2 pm EST with "What Media Wants: An Inside Look Into What Makes for Successful Book and Author Coverage." The hour-long webinar will focus on what catches the attention of the media, how the media chooses what to cover, whether one segment can lead to many more, what authors can and should do to prepare for media coverage, and much more. The July 27 session will feature Andrea Kiliany Thatcher, Publicity Manager, Smith Publicity, along with media professionals ConzPreti, Senior Editor at INSIDER, and Tracy Schmid, Producer at FOX 29 Philadelphia. The unique perspective of editors and producers from both online and broadcast outlets will offer a well-rounded, behind-the-scenes idea of what to expect in media coverage. Register Now to Attend Online https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_O7717MruSimaMf2apxY-Xw "What Media Wants: An Inside Look Into What Makes for Successful Book and Author Coverage" on July 27 at 2 pm EST This book marketing webinar will focus on frequently asked questions that the Smith Publicity team receives about what makes for successful media coverage. Thatcher will lead the session by questioning the panelists and offering her insight and experience from a book PR firm perspective. "We are grateful to partner with members of the media who can offer valuable insight for authors and all other publishing industry professionals, like ourselves," says Marissa Eigenbrood, Senior Vice President, Smith Publicity. "We feel confident that attendees will walk away from the session with new knowledge and tools to help them better position themselves for and prepare for media coverage." The unique format for each session has it led by a veteran Smith Publicity executive teamed up with respected industry partners with relevant expertise on the topic. The webinars support Smith Publicity's commitment to making book promotion and publicity knowledge more widely available online to authors, publishers, and others connected to the field. About Smith Publicity Smith Publicity is the most prolific book marketing firm in the publishing industry today. It has worked with and promoted more than 4,000 authors and books since 1997. The Smith team of publicists creates campaigns for authors ranging from first-time self-published writers to New York Times bestsellers. The firm's continuing success in a wide range of genres is a tribute to its uniqueness and ability to boldly and ingeniously innovate. Subscribe to the Smith Publicity Email List for Updates and Access to Past Webinars By subscribing to Smith Publicity's marketing email list, subscribers will receive updates on upcoming webinars and events as well as access to all past webinars. Information about upcoming webinars will also be available on the Smith Publicity social media channels. Complete information about Smith Publicity, its staff, and book marketing services is available at https://www.smithpublicity.com With the social vision of "creating new things that are useful for people's health," EDOBIO develops beauty and skincare products that are gentle to the mind and body, infusing them with natural and holistic botanical ingredients. The newly added items are Japanese tea blends in two flavors Roasted Green Tea and Ginger, as well as Green Tea and Sakura. Steeped In Tradition: Tea Blends by EDOBIO Inspired by ingredients from the Edo Period and traditional tea house rituals, EDOBIOs wellness blends are designed to support inner health and beauty, while evoking feelings of nostalgia and comfort through flavor. All blends from the lineup feature EDOBIOs proprietary blueberry leaf - Kunisato No. 35 from Miyazaki prefecture - known for its extraordinary polyphenol content, in addition to other Japanese tea leaves and customary components. About the Ingredients: EDOBIOs Essentials for Inner Beauty For creating the Green Tea and Sakura blend, EDOBIO uses a base of green tea from Kagoshima prefecture, blended with specially-manufactured Sakura leaves and Matcha. The result is a mild, yet full-bodied flavor and a comforting aroma intended to invigorate the senses. Meanwhile, the Roasted Green Tea and Ginger blend contains green tea from Kagoshima roasted at a high temperature, alongside ginger, for a spicy aroma and slightly sour taste profile. Its rich in pyrazine, chlorophyll, and gingerol, which are known to support optimal health and wellness. Although the teas are designed to be brewed cold or hot and enjoyed anytime of day, EDOBIO suggests pairing them mindfully, according to the occasion. For example, Green Tea and Sakura is recommended for use in the morning to energize and refresh, while Roasted Green Tea and Ginger is best for before meals and physical activity, or as a relaxing ritual at bedtime. Another unique feature of EDOBIOs tea collection is that these blends come packaged in tea bags made from corn-derived soylon, in an effort to reduce plastic consumption. Everyday Wellness: About the Inner Beauty Series EDOBIOs Inner Beauty collection incorporates a fusion of Eastern and Western health philosophies from the Edo Period to support health from the inside out, and encourage radiant beauty. In addition to Green Tea and Sakura, and Roasted Green Tea and Ginger, the series includes two other unique blends, Green Tea Slim and Relax Flow Tea. About EDOBIO With the social vision of "creating new things that are useful for people's health," EDOBIO develops beauty and skincare products that are gentle to the mind and body, infusing them with natural and holistic botanical ingredients. Other collections developed by EDOBIO include their Floradiance Series and Saketernal Series, featuring a range of innovative skincare products and formulas. "Asian-American Gothic" produced by Only Today and directed by Brian G Cheung "We want people to reflect on their own thoughts on the matter and perhaps start a discussion over a meal or two. In fact, dim sums on me. Ill order the good stuff." San Francisco Bay Area-based indie director, Brian G. Cheung, partners with the multiple Emmy-winning Portland, OR production company, Only Today to release "Asian American Gothic", the first in a series of PSAs with a simple, single-minded message, Asian Americans are American. The killing of 84-year-old Thai American Vicha Ratanapakdee, (whose daughter is shown holding his memorial portrait in the PSA) and more recently, the assault on a five-year-old girl and her father in Portland, Oregon, are just two of many attacks ongoing against people in the Asian community. According to the California Department of Justice, crimes against Asian Americans increased by over 177% from 2020 to 2021, rising from 89 attacks to 247. That number makes the idea of targeted violence against people of AAPI descent hard to ignore. Cheung, who is of Chinese-Korean-American descent, thought of his own mom who goes for daily walks alone. He approached production companies Only Todays Joyce and Raymond Tsang for guidance on whether or not he should pursue the idea for this PSA. Not only did they encourage him to create it, but they also offered to fund and produce it. The goal is not to tell people how to feel or guilt them into anything. We want people to reflect on their own thoughts on the matter and perhaps start a discussion over a meal or two. In fact, dim sums on me. Ill order the good stuff". "Asian American Gothic" is just the first of a handful of videos they will be releasing over the next few months. The PSA features moving portraits of everyday Americans of AAPI descent, posed similarly to the iconic piece of American art, American Gothic. The end of the video encourages viewers to support various AAPI organizations fighting Asian hate. Says Cheung, An attack on the Asian American community is an attack on an American community. Lets look after our neighbors. "Asian American Gothic" is available on Vimeo and continuing efforts can be followed on Instagram. This conference provides not only updates on cutting-edge therapies but also a chance to explore more nuanced topics such as specialty care of the adolescent and young adult and managing cancer pain during the opioid epidemic." JADPRO Live, the leading educational conference for oncology advanced practitioners (APs), returns in person this year to Aurora, Colorado, from October 20 through 23, 2022. With more than 1,500 attendees in 2019, including nurse practitioners, physician assistants, pharmacists, and advanced degree nurses, JADPRO Live has become the must-attend event of the year for oncology providers to interpret and apply best available evidence in oncology and hematology, exchange knowledge and clinical experiences, and improve care for their patients with cancer. As the challenges of caring for patients with cancer increase, the roles of the advanced practitioner have become even more important, said Jennifer S. Webster, MN, MPH, RN, AOCNS, NPD-BC, of Georgia Cancer Specialists affiliated with Northside Hospital Cancer Institute and Conference Chair of JADPRO Live 2022. This conference provides not only updates on cutting-edge therapies but also a chance to explore more nuanced topics such as specialty care of the adolescent and young adult and managing cancer pain during the opioid epidemic. The theme of this years meeting is Reaching the Peak of Practice, and reflects the value of APs practicing at the top of their license in order to meet growing patient care needs. This conference marks the tenth JADPRO Live, which has grown exponentially since its inception. Along with triple-certified educational sessions, there will be ample networking opportunities at peer roundtables, industry resources in the Exhibit Hall, and a Poster Hall showcasing clinical posters, industry encore posters, andnew this yearpatient perspective posters. On-demand sessions will be available shortly after the conference concludes and will be accessible until the end of the year. JADPRO Live is inspired by the Journal of the Advanced Practitioner in Oncology (JADPRO), the first peer-reviewed journal written by and for oncology and hematology advanced practitioners. JADPRO Live is held in conjunction with the annual meeting of the Advanced Practitioner. Society for Hematology and Oncology (APSHO), a society of more than 3,500 specialized clinicians who are on the front lines of caring for patients with cancer. More information about the conference is available at http://jadprolive.com/. About JADPRO Live JADPRO Live is the premier conference for advanced practitioners in oncology, featuring education targeted toward higher-level thinking and practical application in the patient setting. This years meeting will run from October 2023, 2022 in Aurora, Colorado About APSHO The [Advanced Practitioner Society for Hematology and Oncology (APSHO) is a society for nurse practitioners, physician assistants, pharmacists, and advanced degree nurses. The mission of APSHO is to improve the quality of care for patients with cancer by supporting critical issues in educational, clinical, and professional development for advanced practitioners in hematology and oncology About Harborside Harborside is the foremost medical communications company that oncology clinicians turn to for accurate content, news, and education. The company is based in Huntington, New York, and is the publisher of the Journal of the Advanced Practitioner in Oncology(JADPRO), The ASCO Post, and JNCCNJournal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network. Harborside designs educational resources for nurse practitioners, physician assistants, pharmacists, and other advanced practitioners by publishing JADPRO, organizing the JADPRO Live conference, and providing the management services for the Advanced Practitioner Society for Hematology and Oncology (APSHO). Leaders in biologic medical devices, NovaBone, has today announced Brian Carlisle as the companys new CEO. With a focus on developing biomaterials that harness the bodys natural healing process and meeting the specialized needs of orthopedic and dental surgeons, the addition of Mr. Carlisle will play a critical role in the continued growth of the organization. Carlisle has an extensive career in the medical device industry, with 17 years of experience. He has worked with organizations such as Integra LifeSciences and Perma Pure LLC, mastering his skills in operations, sales, business process improvement, marketing, and much more. Before taking on the role of CEO, Brian held a position on NovaBone's Board of Directors for 10 months, working towards building the brand and generating momentum for the company. "Since joining NovaBone, I have noticed many impressive qualities that permeate throughout the organization. First, there is an energy and passion amongst our people and a collective mindset that is focused on the patients we serve. There is also a strong comradery amongst our employees which creates an environment where everyone feels welcomed and accepted. Moving forward, I am excited to see NovaBone leverage our resources and capabilities in bioactive glass and collagen manufacturing to bring new technology to market as we continue the journey to improve patient outcomes." Brian Carlisle, NovaBone CEO As the new CEO, Brian will use his extensive leadership and management skills to further enhance the growth of NovaBone, improve customer experiences, and reach new markets. For more information on Mr. Carlisle and his new position, visit NovaBone.com. About NovaBone NovaBone, a Halma company, is privately held and based in Florida since 2002. NovaBone developed the first bioactive synthetic bone graft offered to the orthopedic community and has long been at the forefront of bioactive glass bone graft devices. It has developed numerous formulations and delivery systems of its patented, bioactive technology platform that results in accelerated bone growth. In total, their exclusively formulated bone graft substitute has been used for the repair of osseous defects throughout the skeletal system for over a decade and used in over a million clinical applications with unparalleled success validating the safety and efficacy of NovaBone's technology. The Minority in Parliament has accused the government of using brute force in the fight against illegal mining and in the process infringing on the human right of the miners. The accusation of the opposition caucus in the legislative assembly follows a viral video in which a group of young men suspected to be engaged in galamsey, were made to lie in dirty, muddy water after they were caught in the act by some military personnel. The incident which is believed to have taken place on Friday, July 15, 2022, at one of the sites belonging to Anglogold Ashanti in Obuasi in the Ashanti Region involved over 30 miners. Addressing journalists in Parliament on Tuesday, John Abdulai Jinapor, the Ranking Member on the Mines and Energy Committee said the government was bias towards local miners and condemned the approach adopted in the fight against the menace. "Though the minority vehemently condemns all forms of illegal mining activities and encroaching, we are equally opposed to the use of brute, excessive and disproportionate force in the fight against illegal mining. "The flagrant disregard for our laws under the Akufo-Addo-led Government is most unfortunate and must be condemned in the strongest terms possible. We find this incident despicable, unfortunate and highly reprehensible," Mr Jinapor, MP, Yapei-Kusawgu said. Substantiating his allegation of bias against local illegal miners to the advantage of their foreign counterparts, Mr Jinapor cited the Aisha Huang incident in which government left her off the hook because "we have a very good relationship with China," according to former Senior Minister, Yaw Osafo Mafo. "You will recall the infamous incident involving a Chinese Galamsey Queen known as Aisha Huang, following her arrest for her involvement in illegal mining, the state unilaterally discontinued the case in court on a flimsy excuse that they stood to secure economic gains for her release. "Whiles her prosecution should have been used as a deterrent to others, it was treated with kids' gloves as usual," John Jinapor recalled. He wants a probe into the conduct of the military personnel. "The Minority, therefore, wish to call for an impartial and credible investigation into this act and the culprits made to face the full sanctions of the law. Christine Brown Christines promotion is well deserved as her experience, technical knowledge, skills, and abilities have enabled Vermont to strengthen its position as the leading captive domicile in the US and a powerhouse across the globe. Assistant Director Christine Brown has been promoted to Director of Captive Insurance at the Department of Financial Regulation (DFR). Christine will be filling the role that Sandy Bigglestone holds, who will be appointed to Deputy Commissioner of the Division when David Provost retires at the end of August. Christine Brown is the most eligible and obvious choice for Director of Captive Insurance. Christine has performed at an exceptional level, already participates in many of the tasks involving the Director role, and applies the standards valued in the work of the DFR, said Sandy Bigglestone. She has established herself as a respected and appreciated member of the Captive Divisions leadership team. Christine started working for the Captive Insurance Division in 2003 as an Examiner. Prior to joining the Division, she worked for six years collectively at Johnson Lambert and Ernst & Young as an Auditor. Over the years she worked her way up to Examiner in Charge and Assistant Chief Examiner, to eventually become the Assistant Director of the Division in 2016. Christine has an MBA and Masters in Accounting from Northeastern University and is a Certified Financial Examiner from the Society of Financial Examiners. In my many years of working with Christine I have come to know her as one of the most talented, professional, and dedicated captive insurance regulators around, as well as one of the friendliest and most thoughtful, said Dan Petterson, Director of Examinations, DFR. Christines contributions to our successes are immeasurable. We are fortunate to have an individual as accomplished and collaborative as Christine to take on the responsibility of Captives Director and to help ensure Vermonts tradition of gold standard regulation. Christines promotion is well deserved as her experience, technical knowledge, skills, and abilities have enabled Vermont to strengthen its position as the leading captive domicile in the US and a powerhouse across the globe. Her continued success as a result of hard work, perseverance and industry knowledge sets a great example, said Jay Curtis, Associate Director, Captive & Insurance Management, AON. I have worked with Christine through all her years at the department she is knowledgeable, thoughtful, and thorough, all attributes that make an excellent regulator, said Mary Desranleau, Senior Vice President Captives, North America, Artex Risk Solutions. She is always professional and a pleasure to work with. I look forward to working with Christine in her new position and continuing to foster the growth of Vermont captives. The quality and stability within captive regulation in Vermont is proven yet again. What an awesome choice to have Christine Brown succeed Sandy Bigglestone as the Department of Financial Regulations next Director of Captive Insurance. Christine has a long relationship with the VCIA and has served as a thought leader within the industry for many years, said Kevin Mead, President of the Vermont Captive Insurance Association (VCIA). All of my colleagues here at the VCIA join me in wishing her the best in this appointment, and we look forward to seeing her in a few short weeks at the VCIA conference. The promotion of another expert regulator from within helps contribute to broader stability within the domicile and commitment to Vermonts quality regulatory standard, said Brittany Nevins, Captive Insurance Economic Development Director, Vermonts Department of Economic Development. While there have been many transitions there is a sense of confidence in the future because a pipeline of leaders have been developed over many years throughout Vermonts 40 year history as a captive insurance domicile. Promoting Christine was an obvious choice and will serve Vermont well. During my 20+ year career in captive insurance, I have had the privilege of working with and learning from the best and brightest in the industry, most recently as Assistant Director supporting Sandy Bigglestone and Dave Provost. I am honored to have been chosen for the Director position under Sandys leadership. I look forward to continuing to grow and support the industry, together with my amazing colleagues at DFR and our valued industry partners as we promote Vermonts standard of excellence. said Christine Brown. DFR is actively planning for a replacement for the Assistant Director, Captive Insurance Division position. For more information on Vermonts captive insurance industry, visit http://www.vermontcaptive.com, call Brittany Nevins at 802-398-5192 or email Brittany.nevins@vermont.gov. ### About Vermont Captive Insurance Captive insurance is a regulated form of self-insurance that has existed since the 1960s and has been a part of the Vermont insurance industry since 1981, when Vermont passed the Special Insurer Act. Captive insurance companies are formed by companies or groups of companies as a form of alternative insurance to better manage their own risk. Captives are commonly used for corporate lines of insurance such as property, general liability, products liability, or professional liability. EJ, Alex and Max at USF We look for founders and limited partners who demonstrate grit and tenacity. And we find those qualities quite frequently among entrepreneurs who belong to marginalized communities. Twenty Five Ventures today announced its first fund: 25V Diversity Fund. The venture capital fund will invest up to $10 million in early-stage real estate, property and fintech startups led by Black, Latinx, Asian, LGBTQ+ and/or women entrepreneurs. Twenty Five Ventures believes the 10-year fundand the subsequent series of fundswill help entrepreneurs build successful technology companies and accelerate growth in their respective industries and create a more equitable playing field for minority founders and executives. We look for founders and limited partners who demonstrate grit and tenacity. And we find those qualities quite frequently among entrepreneurs who belong to marginalized communities, said Twenty Five Ventures Founder Maximillian Diez. Investing in diverse founders benefits everyone and creates opportunities where other funds do not. Black and Latinx founders, for example, have historically had fewer funding options than their non-minority counterparts. According to Crunchbase, these demographics have raised more than $15 billion since 2015a scant 2.4% of all venture capital raised in that same time period. Diezs 25V Diversity Fund is setting out to right that wrongfor altruistic reasons but also for strong returns. "Diversity in our investment pool is not only the right thing to do, it is also smart business. We believe real estate professionals have the pulse of the industry and can be better predictors of which companies will be successful because we live and breathe this business", said 25V Diversity Fund Co-Founder Alexandra Tieu. To be truly diverse, you must open up the investment pool and change who decides where the capital goes." According to a recent McKinsey report: Ethnic diversity in the executive team and board correlates with stronger profitability. Diversity, equity and inclusion positively affect worker morale as well. On average, employees approve of a diverse founder 12% more than those who report to a non-minority founder, according to studies of Glassdoor reviews and dependent variables CEO approval, Recommend a friend and Career opportunities. About Twenty Five Ventures Headquartered in San Mateo, California, Twenty Five Ventures is led by Maximillian Diez, a 44-year-old Filipino American entrepreneur-turned-venture-capitalist. Diez is an investment, real estate and proptech veteran who started his career managing the family fund for the late Arthur C. Zief, a prominent San Francisco attorney, when he was just 20. Since then, Max has held early leadership roles at Redfin and UpNest, and more recently, he served on the executive team that completed a buyout of the US-based Movotowhich was acquired within two years. Diez is joined by managing partners Alexandra Tieu, a Vietnamese-born investor with an impressive background as a real estate, prop tech, and legal tech executive; where she held executive roles at Keller Williams, Movoto, Propy, Brevitas, and JLG Lawyers. EJ Pineda, a Salvadoran American who is a seasoned real estate technology leader who has held leadership roles at Redfin, UpNest, and Movoto. Learn more at http://www.25v.co This collaboration brings together three organizations with synergy and complementary offerings, which together will serve job seekers and employers in a powerful new way. WholeStory, Career Path Services, and Alelo are participants in the $5M global XPRIZE Rapid Reskilling competition sponsored by New Profit. Until now, the three organizations represented two of the final five teams in the competition: Team Dignified Work (Career Path Services and WholeStory) and Team Alelo. Now Team Alelo is rolling into Team Dignified Work, further strengthening the combined teams ability to address core problems in workforce development and leaving only four finalists in the competition. This collaboration brings together three organizations with synergy and complementary offerings, which together will serve job seekers and employers in a powerful new way, says WholeStory Co-Founder and CEO John Roach. Alelos AI-driven Enskill training platform helps trainees rapidly develop the competencies they need to succeed in the workplace. Dignified Works WholeStory platform helps trainees qualify and apply for jobs by highlighting the critical soft skills gained through work and life experiences. And Career Path Services leverages deep community ties and human-centered solutions to unite trainees and employers in the public workforce system. Together, the companies combine technology and know-how to address the complete workforce development pipeline, from participant recruitment through training, job placement, and retention. Before merging, Team Dignified Work and Team Alelo operated in different regions of the United Statesthe Pacific Northwest and California respectively. Now the merged team will serve the entire West Coast. By demonstrating that our solutions operate in each others regions we are setting the stage for nationwide expansion of the combined solution, comments Alelo CEO Lewis Johnson, PhD. The teams were introduced to each other by the Hampton Roads Workforce Council (HWRC) while they were training workers in the Hampton Roads region of Virginia as semifinalists. The teams began collaborating and sharing information informally, setting the stage for the merger. Our newly-merged team demonstrates whats possible when innovation and access collide. Were grateful to HRWC and XPRIZE for setting a stage where like-minded companies can interact. We now hope to create a wide open door for job seekers to leap into and employers to embrace, states Nathan Mazzuca, Career Path Services Regional Director of Western Washington. The winner of XPRIZE Rapid Reskilling sponsored by New Profit will be announced in January 2023. About Alelo Alelo is a world leader in AI avatar-based learning solutions for corporate, government, and academic applications. Alelos remote learning methods are transforming the way people across the globe acquire real-world skills. Learn more about Alelos artificial intelligence role-playing for training and education at http://www.Alelo.com. About Career Path Services Career Path Services is a workforce development and human services nonprofit corporation. Our purpose is to break the spirit of poverty through the dignity of work. Our vision is to empower all people, enhance an equitable workforce, and enrich a diverse community. To learn more visit http://www.careerpathservices.org About WholeStory WholeStory is a technology platform that integrates job seekers' diverse life experiences into the hiring process revealing critical soft skills not found on a resume. These skillsthe ability to learn, adapt, and navigate challengesdrive your organization's success. The platform provides a standardized, scalable process where job seekers do the work and you receive rich data, ensuring the right hire every time. Learn more at wholestoryhq.com About XPRIZE XPRIZE is a global future-positive movement, delivering truly radical breakthroughs for the benefit of humanity. XPRIZE inspires and empowers a global community of problem-solvers to positively impact our world by crowdsourcing solutions through large-scale competitions, tackling the worlds grandest challenges in exploration, environment and human equity. Active competitions include the $100 Million XPRIZE Carbon Removal with Elon Musk, $15 Million XPRIZE Feed the Next Billion, $10 Million XPRIZE Rainforest, $10 Million ANA Avatar XPRIZE, $5 Million XPRIZE Rapid Reskilling and $1 Million Digital Learning Challenge. Donate, sign up or join a team at xprize.org. Allied Air has won a Gold Dealer Design award for the LYNX 18 SEER heat pump under the Ducane brand. Designed as an intelligent replacement upgrade, LYNX 18 provides a balance of performance and value for any budget to generate new business opportunities for Allieds dealers and installers. -- Kim McGill, VP - Marketing, Allied Air Enterprises Allied Air Enterprises, a Lennox International Inc. Company, has been recognized for excellence in product design in the 2022 Dealer Design Awards Program, sponsored by The ACHR NEWS (Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration News) magazine. The companys LYNX 18 SEER Inverter Heat Pump under the Ducane brand was chosen as the Gold winner in the Residential High-Efficiency category. Selected from 132 entries by a panel of independent contractors, the winners of the 2022 Dealer Design Awards represent the outstanding product innovations serving the HVAC industry today. A distinguished publication among contractors and technicians, The ACHR News is the leading trade magazine in the heating, ventilating, air conditioning, and refrigeration industries. ACHR News Publisher Sarah Harding stated, "these awards give us a unique opportunity to recognize the outstanding research and development efforts that go into many of the products serving the HVACR industry. As one DDA judge noted, all contractors are struggling with access to equipment, finding many sizes of different pieces of equipment out of stock. This (LYNX 18) solves a very real problem in our industry. The Allied Air team is excited to have our LYNX 18 SEER Inverter Heat Pump named a Gold winner in the Residential High-Efficiency category of The ACHR News Dealer Design Awards, said Kim McGill, VP - Marketing, Allied Air Enterprises. Designed as an intelligent replacement upgrade, LYNX 18 provides a balance of performance and value for any budget to generate new business opportunities for Allieds dealers and installers. Powered by intelligent algorithms instead of expensive, proprietary thermostats, the versatile LYNX 18 works with a wide range of conventional 24v thermostats. The units proprietary QuickLink Inverter Technology provides superior comfort, with consistent dehumidification and temperature levels. The LYNX 18s five operating modes can dial in the perfect balance of comfort and increase energy savings by up to 22% annually compared to conventional 14 SEER single-stage heat pumps. Winning entries in the Dealer Design Awards will be featured in the July 18, 2022 issue of The ACHR News, which is distributed nationally to over 27,000 HVACR contractors, wholesalers and distributors, and other industry professionals. See complete DDA Award coverage at http://www.achrnews.com. For more information on the new LYNX 18 Inverter Heat Pump and Allied Air Enterprises' complete line of leading heating and cooling solutions please visit http://www.alliedair.com. About Allied Air Enterprises A division of Lennox International, Allied Air Enterprises serves residential and commercial marketplaces in the United States and Canada with the heating and cooling solutions of industry-leading brands like Armstrong Air, AirEase, Concord, Ducane, Allied, Allied Commercial and MagicPak. From concept to production, Allied Air HVAC systems are produced through the design, engineering, high-quality testing and manufacturing efforts employed at five Allied facilities based across North America. For more information, visit http://www.alliedair.com or call 1-800-448-5872. Maverick Project and Growing Up in the Fifties: a heartfelt reflection on life and family. Maverick Project and Growing Up in the Fifties is the creation of published author Andrea Landry, a lifelong resident of the Boston Harbor tidal basin area and former consultant on several educational projects for Commonwealth agencies. She was also part of a team hired to introduce a new statewide financial system for the Commonwealths Office of the State Comptroller. Landry shares, This book is a nostalgic trip back to how life was in the 1950s, especially for a low-income budgeted family living within a veterans housing project in East Boston, Massachusetts. Household life and its perceptions and observations are seen through the eyes of the youngest female member of the family. The observations are mostly humorous. The years of personal growth and remembrances happen between the ages of two to ten in these stories. Her tenth year on the planet involved a cataclysmic change to the family dynamics. I think you will find yourself bonding with her as she copes with the inevitability of mortality. She loses a parent. Her tale is told as a collection of short stories and reflects life in East Boston which, to this day, is still a community of immigrant families. Each story contains a bit of humor and a bit of pathos as you follow this innocent but funny child through her emotional growth spurts and her sometimes intuitive thought processes about the adults surrounding her. How they cope with her, their budget, and their world makes for interesting reading. She is a reflection of her times and her experiences. She is someone you will get to know and like as she has a voice worth listening to. Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Andrea Landrys new book will pull at the heartstrings and inspire a laugh as readers witness a childhood of love, faith, and family. Landry takes readers on an intimate journey within the pages of this engrossing autobiographical work. Consumers can purchase Maverick Project and Growing Up in the Fifties at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble. For additional information or inquiries about Maverick Project and Growing Up in the Fifties, contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919. Understanding the Heavens: A Balanced and Biblical Guide to Spiritual Warfare: an enjoyable resource for spiritual growth and deepening ones understanding of spiritual warfare. Understanding the Heavens: A Balanced and Biblical Guide to Spiritual Warfare is the creation of published author Curtis Wilson, a devoted husband and father who has served for over twenty years in apostolic ministry after leaving a successful business career. Wilson shares, Understanding the Heavens is a balanced look into spiritual warfare and some areas that often go unnoticed. This writing includes a careful examination into how our flesh, the world, and Satan combine forces to keep us from serving God to our fullest potential. Understanding the Heavens digs into how the enemy uses strongholds, offenses, and distractions to accomplish the goal of keeping believers from an ongoing vibrant relationship with Christ and advancing the kingdom of God. It also instructs the reader on how to fight with an intentional strategy for personal, corporate, and evangelistic warfare. Hopefully taking you on a journey from spiritual passivity into a proactive heart for war. Finally, we include an in-depth assessment of our weapons such as angels, praying in the Spirit, and fasting. Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Curtis Wilsons new book examines the various aspects of spiritual warfare in a way that will resonate with many. Wilson shares in hopes of aiding others on their spiritual journey so they too can find and nurture a strong bond with God. Consumers can purchase Understanding the Heavens: A Balanced and Biblical Guide to Spiritual Warfare at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble. For additional information or inquiries about Understanding the Heavens: A Balanced and Biblical Guide to Spiritual Warfare, contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919. Law Office of Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP For more information about the class action lawsuit against Allied Waste Systems, Inc., call (800) 568-8020 to speak to an experienced California employment attorney today. The San Francisco employment law attorneys at Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP, filed a class action complaint alleging that Allied Waste Systems, Inc. violated the California Labor Code. The Allied Waste Systems, Inc., class action lawsuit, Case No. C22-01284, is currently pending in the Contra Costa County Superior Court of the State of California. A copy of the Complaint can be read here. According to the lawsuit filed, Allied Waste Systems, Inc. allegedly (a) failed to pay minimum wages, (b) failed to pay overtime wages, (c) failed to provide legally required meal and rest periods, (d) failed to provide accurate itemized wage statements, (e) failed to reimburse employees for required expenses, (f) failed to pay sick wages, and (g) retaliated, all in violation of the applicable Labor Code sections listed in California Labor Code Sections 201-204, 226, 226.7, 233, 246, 510, 512, 1102.5, 1194, 1197, 1197.1, 2802, and the applicable Wage Order(s), and thereby gives rise to civil penalties as a result of such alleged conduct. The complaint further alleges Defendant failed to properly maintain standard safety measures, which include preventative maintenance being performed at job sites and on trucks. Plaintiff informed Defendant of alleged maintenance neglect. Shortly after Plaintiff reported the maintenance issues to Defendant, Plaintiff was driving a company truck when a cylinder snapped, allegedly due to the improper amount of hydraulic oil in the cylinder. Plaintiff suffered post-concussion syndrome, amongst other mental and physical issues, as an alleged result of the incident. Defendant allegedly retaliation against Plaintiff by denying him employment opportunities and promotions, after this incident and the reports of alleged lack of safety maintenance. For more information about the class action lawsuit against Allied Waste Systems, Inc., call (800) 568-8020 to speak to an experienced California employment attorney today. Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP is an employment law firm with offices located in San Diego, San Francisco, Sacramento, Los Angeles, Riverside and Chicago that dedicates its practice to helping employees, investors and consumers fight back against unfair business practices, including violations of the California Labor Code and Fair Labor Standards Act. If you need help in collecting unpaid overtime wages, unpaid commissions, being wrongfully terminated from work, and other employment law claims, contact one of their attorneys today. ***THIS IS AN ATTORNEY ADVERTISEMENT*** With the addition of two Cranfield Academy campuses in Morrisville and Cary, Endeavor Schools now owns and operates 77 schools across the country, including four in North Carolina. Endeavor Schools is continuing its rapid expansion by acquiring two new schools in the Raleigh, North Carolina area. The new locations are in Morrisville and Cary, located just a few miles from downtown Raleigh. Both schools are former franchises and will be rebranded as the newest members of Cranfield Academy, a popular Endeavor Schools brand in North Carolina. The schools offer high-quality childcare and education programs for children between the ages of 6 weeks and 5 years. Both campuses have beautiful classrooms designed for young learners and safe outdoor play areas. Children also benefit from the creative and individualized Cranfield Academy curriculum, which has built a reputation for promoting intellectual and social development while bringing out each childs potential. This innovative curriculum is led by experienced and dedicated Cranfield Academy teachers, who are passionate about early childhood education and care. We are very excited to bring two new Cranfield Academy locations to the Raleigh area, said Endeavor Schools CEO, Ricardo Campo. I am confident that families in Morrisville and Cary will be thrilled with Cranfields exceptional curriculum and benefit from its fantastic educators that are passionate about providing high-quality early education. It is a privilege to be able to serve these families, and we look forward to establishing new ties in this thriving community. With the addition of two Cranfield Academy campuses in Morrisville and Cary, Endeavor Schools now owns and operates 77 schools across the country, including four in North Carolina. The company has operated two Cranfield Academy campuses in Charlotte since 2015. We are always looking to acquire schools that have demonstrated excellence in education and a devotion to their communities, said Jason Mauricio, the Executive Vice President of Acquisitions at Endeavor Schools. By partnering with great schools, we are able to continue providing outstanding early education to the Cary and Morrisville communities. About Endeavor Schools Endeavor Schools is a leading education management company with a family of unique, well-established private schools that serve as pillars to their respective communities in a growing number of markets across the United States. Each of the companys schools subscribes to proven, research-based curricula delivered by seasoned educators and are encouraged to embrace their own uniqueness and tradition. Endeavor Schools supports academic excellence by providing robust tools and resources to help each school thrive. Founded in 2012, Endeavor Schools is headquartered in Miami, Florida. For more information, visit http://www.endeavorschools.com and follow the company on LinkedIn. Technology ingenuity is in GHXs DNA, said CJ Singh, Chief Technology Officer, GHX. Global Healthcare Exchange (GHX) today shared an update on the companys Technology group, which is focused on delivering the data, insights and technology providers and suppliers need to thrive in healthcares value-based future. GHXs commitment to advancing innovation includes significant investments in people and technology to simplify the patient-centered business of healthcare to improve outcomes. Technology ingenuity is in GHXs DNA, said CJ Singh, Chief Technology Officer, GHX. Weve significantly expanded our Technology group with best-in-class experts who are motivated to simplify some of the most complex challenges in healthcare. GHX believes we have a duty to our customers and the broader healthcare ecosystem to test new ideas and continuously innovate. To do so, weve organized our Technology group for speed and efficiency and are actively investing in team learning and growth and continuously modernizing GHXs platform. These strategies support GHXs mission to deliver products customers love to use and help create a viable and sustainable future for healthcare. Technology Organization Continues to Grow, Diversify Between June 2021 and June 2022, the GHX Technology organization grew by approximately 12 percent in the U.S. with plans to grow by an additional 21 percent by year end. GHX puts a premium on providing meaningful career growth opportunities and has already promoted 42 individuals in the U.S. Technology group in 2022. Thirty-seven percent of the U.S. Technology organization is ethnically diverse, and 21 percent identify as female. The Technology organization is guided by diverse leaders such as: Thien La, Chief Information Security Officer, whose experience includes senior roles at brands including Humana, Wellmark BCBS, Bank of America and Goldman Sachs Priyank Johri, Senior Vice President of Software Engineering, who joined GHX following roles at Healthgrades and Verizon Juhi Jaiswal, Vice President of Software Engineering, and 2021 recipient of Supply & Demand Chain Executives "Women in Supply Chain" award Eli Lorez, Executive Director of Global Infrastructure Services, an 18+ year GHX technology veteran GHXs Advanced Technology Accelerates Shift to the Cloud Data management remains the leading challenge for healthcare providers moving to the cloud. To help providers accelerate their cloud migration with trusted data, GHX leverages advanced technologies including human in the loop machine learning (HITL ML) a process of leveraging the power of the machine in combination with human intelligence to create machine learning-based AI models. Using internally developed natural language processing capabilities, HITL enables GHX to quickly crawl data to identify quality issues and opportunities for core data asset expansion, accelerating tasks that once took weeks to be accomplished in seconds. Leading Third Parties Honor GHX GHX and its Technology organization have also received numerous industry award recognitions, including: Beckers 2022 Top 150 Places to Work in Healthcare BuiltIn Colorados 2022 Best Places to Work in Colorado 2022 MedTech Breakthrough Award 2022 Workday Partner Innovation Award in the Healthcare Industry 2022 Supply & Demand Chain Executive Top Supply Chain Projects award for GHXs work with Spectrum Health Finalist status in the 2021 SaaS Awards for Best SaaS Product - Healthcare/Pharmaceutical Finalist status in Constellation Researchs 2021 SuperNova Award in the Compliance Management Innovation category for GHXs technology optimization and modernization work with Prisma Health Visit the GHX Careers page to learn more about joining the companys Technology team. About GHX Building on decades of collaboration among providers, manufacturers, distributors and other industry stakeholders, Global Healthcare Exchange, LLC (GHX) is leading the charge in helping organizations run the new business of healthcare. By automating key business processes and translating evidence-based analytics and data into meaningful action, GHX is helping the healthcare ecosystem to move faster, operate more intelligently and achieve greater outcomes. With the support of GHX, healthcare organizations have removed billions of dollars of wasteful healthcare spend. For more information on GHXs suite of cloud-based supply chain solutions, visit http://www.ghx.com and The Healthcare Hub. Chris Braun, CEO, iPourIt, Inc. Im extremely excited to join the iPourit team and be part of the advancement of this game-changing technology in the food and beverage and hospitality industries. We have a talented team, unparalleled product innovation and development, and a great future as the leader in this category. iPourIt, Inc., the nations leader in self-pour beverage dispense technology, announced today that Christopher Braun has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer. He is succeeding former CEO Carl Mostert, who will continue to support the business in a reduced role. Braun is a highly successful business leader with CEO and board-level management experience with several leading companies. In his previous roles, he has delivered innovation and engineering processes to a number of companies in the technology, medical device, and food and beverage industries. Braun brings the expertise to propel iPourIt into its next growth phase and has real-world know-how in the franchising space from his time leading the Juice It Up! brand. iPourIts board of directors is confident in Brauns ability to generate growth in current markets, as well as address new opportunities and additional market sectors that could benefit from alcohol and beverage service automation. Chris is well-suited for this promising stage in the evolution of self-pour technology in the markets that iPourIt serves, said Jiri Modry, Chairman of the Board, iPourIt. Im extremely excited to join the iPourit team and be part of the advancement of this game-changing technology in the food and beverage and hospitality industries. We have a talented team, unparalleled product innovation and development, and a great future as the leader in this category, said Braun. Braun holds a B.S. degree in International Business from San Diego State University and is an active member of the Orange County chapter of the Young Presidents Organization. He serves in a number of board member roles including Chairman of the Board for the South Bay Entrepreneurial Center. About iPourIt, Inc. iPourIt, Inc. is North Americas leading provider of self-pour beverage dispense technology with more than 8,800 taps installed, 290 million ounces poured, and 300 locations in operation. Were not for the thats-how-weve-always-done-it crowd. Our tap wall technology is designed for trailblazers looking to drive growth, outsmart the competition, and deliver a service experience thats greatwithout the wait. iPourIt systems help simplify staffing needs, increase revenue, and enhance customer experience using sophisticated technology, detailed analytics, and industry-best support. In every aspect of our self-pour business, we tap into tech to help your profits flow. Visit http://www.pouritinc.com for more information. Follow iPourIt, Inc. on YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter Martin Guitars Partners with Noventri to Provide Internal Communication Displays "The biggest benefit is saving the HR department time. Before the Noventri system was installed, they had to print out messages and attach them on around seven physical cork boards once a day. - Chris VanWhy of Martin Guitars C. F. Martin & Co. (Martin Guitars), a celebrated guitar manufacturing company that has produced guitars for musicians since 1833, has upgraded their internal communications system, by implementing Noventri Digital Signage on the shop floor, new warehouse receiving docks, tour areas, and other spaces throughout the building. After a successful pilot phase, a network of Noventri displays was deployed throughout the Martin Guitars facility. Employees now benefit from seeing real-time production metrics, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), schedules, and company news from any of the strategically located displays. Managers are seeing improved efficiency. After decades of producing one of the most recognizable guitar brands in the world, it was time to update how production metrics are communicated throughout the company. Quality control or stringing goal data are now reliably and automatically updated and displayed. Displays provide daily production goals and the actual count of completed tasks, supplying employees with real-time information. The new warehouse required an updated system of showing truck delivery schedules and dock worker schedules. Noventri Digital Signage now displays both with real-time data. Employees in the receiving bays now know where the delivery trucks will be and who will be doing the receiving. The HR department has also benefited. "The biggest benefit is saving the HR department time," said Chris VanWhy of Martin Guitars. "Before the Noventri system was installed, they had to print out messages and attach them on around seven physical cork boards once a day. The Noventri solution made it possible for them to make updates remotely to any of the displays whenever needed throughout the day conveniently from their desks. This begins a new era for workplace communications in the 190-year history of Martin Guitars. Noventri focuses on improving employee efficiency, boosting morale, and maintaining quality control through automatic and efficient communications, says David Linetsky, Noventri Founder and CEO. Displays located on shop floors, lobbies, break rooms and other areas display up-to-date information. This is achieved through the use of the Noventri Digital Signage solution for manufacturing. Either through an automated database driven presentation or through daily updates via the software, users now have the ability to keep news and metrics updated, and presented on the shop floor. The Noventri solution gives Martin Guitar the ability to store their data in Excel sheets, SQL, Oracle, or any ODBC compliant database. This data can then be accessed directly. Information, metrics, and KPIs on the displays are automatically updated in real-time or on a schedule. About Martin Guitar C. F. Martin & Co. has been family owned and operated since the first guitar came off Christian Frederick Martins first workbench in 1833. Martin guitars and strings are known for more than their unrivaled quality, craftsmanship, and tone. They are backed by an unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability and responsible manufacturing practices. The company's headquarters and primary factory are situated in Nazareth, Pennsylvania. The building, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, includes the Martin Guitar Museum, where visitors can experience first-hand the handmade craftsmanship that goes into every instrument and learn about the companys history and culture. martinguitar.com About Noventri Noventri a division of Specialized Communications Corporation (est. 1978) succeeds by simplifying the digital signage/electronic bulletin board experience through solid automation and data-based content solutions. Noventri serves such names as Lockheed Martin, Fenway Park, Marriott CI/TY, and Pfizer in a wide range of industries worldwide. Noventri headquarters is located at 20940 Twin Springs Dr., Smithsburg, Maryland 21783-1510. noventri.com The Benchmark Performance and Performance Plus machines offer unmatched fabric protection and superior performance all while reducing energy and resource consumption. "For a successful professional wetcleaning process, the washers, dryers, detergents and theprofessional tensioning/finishing equipment all have to work together... Its all these variables that are the base for a sustainable and high-quality process." Paulo Rocha, Miele Professional Miele Professional, a global leader in state-of-the-art, premium commercial-grade appliances, is proud to present a series of in-booth demonstrations illustrating the advantages of the Miele WetCare system at this years Clean Show at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, July 30 August 2. Miele Professional, America's Best Cleaners, Kreussler and high-end professional finishing equipment companies will partner to highlight their businesses important role in providing fast production, high-quality washing, drying and finishing of hard-to-clean textiles and fabrics. Miele will also have its wide range of laundry technology and solutions on display in booth 3544. For a successful professional wetcleaning process, the washers, dryers, detergents and the professional tensioning/finishing equipment all have to work together, said Paulo Rocha, Head of Sales, HCS Business Unit at Miele Professional U.S. Its all these variables that are the base for a sustainable and high-quality process, and Mieles WetCare system is an environmentally friendly clean solution. We are thrilled to be working with our friends at Americas Best Cleaners and Kreussler at the Clean Show to demonstrate the power of the Miele WetCare system. Over 30 years ago, Miele and Kreussler partnered to create the WetCare system. Since then, it has become a sustainable and profitable option for the professional cleaning of hard-to-clean and delicate textiles like wool, cashmere and silk. By utilizing the right detergents, right machines and the right tensioning/finishing equipment, you can professionally wet clean any material. Michael Erstad, Production Management & Mechanical Consultant at Americas Best Cleaners, will be presenting the demonstrations. As a certified Miele technician, Erstad has extensive experience in all facets of the drycleaning business, from owning and operating his own business to becoming a systems trainer for the King County and state of Washington wetcleaning grant program. Miele will be demonstrating the capabilities of their machines and the actual process of wetcleaning and Kreussler will be illustrating the use of chemicals and cleaning solutions, showcasing the resulting finished product professionals in the industry can expect. There will be three demonstrations per day on Saturday and Sunday and two demonstrations on Monday at Booth 3544, each presentation lasting around 30 minutes. The schedule is as follows: Saturday, July 30th 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m. Sunday, July 31st 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m. Monday, August 1st 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Professional wetcleaning is the fastest growing cleaning system were putting into plants right now because of the types of clothes we see, said Christopher White, Executive Director of Americas Best Cleaners. More clothes now are washable and wet clean safe than theyve ever been. There is no environmental impact, no health hazard to the employee or consumer... so there are a lot of benefits to this that we are seeing. Miele Products on Display Miele Professional will be exhibiting multiple machines fit for various cleaning and laundering needs in the hospitality, healthcare and special application industries. PW 6241 Washing Machine: A washing machine for large capacity needs whether that be at a hotel/motel, nursing home, spa, or wherever laundry is done. PWM 920 Washing Machine: A professional washing machine with electrical heating, a drain valve, detergent drawer and M Touch Pro Plus color display. PDR 928 Vented Dryer: Professional vented dryer with steam heating and programmable M Touch Pro controls for maximum flexibility. Octoplus PWT 6089 and PT 7189 Stacked Washer-Dryer: A washer-dryer stack for laundry in the smallest spaces. Little Giants PWM 908 Washing Machine: A professional washing machine with electric heating, a drain pump, short program cycle times and programs specific to customers needs. Little Giants PDR 908HP Heat Pump Dryer: A professional heat-pump dryer with very low energy consumption, short program runtimes and a load capacity of 18 lbs. Little Giants PDR 908 Vented Dryer: For industrial use only, this professional vented dryer is electrically heated with short program cycle times and a capacity of 18 lbs. in 62 minutes. PRI 210 Rotary Iron: Easy to operate, electric rotary iron with flexible working height and FlexControl foot switch. Guaranteed performance and high durability, Miele Professional washers and dryers are available for order by contacting an authorized manufacturer representative/dealer or reaching Miele Professional directly at 1-800-991-9380. About Miele Founded in Germany in 1899 with a single promise of Immer Besser, a phrase meaning Forever Better, Miele is the world's leading manufacturer of premium domestic appliances with more than 20,100 employees, 12 production facilities and representation in nearly 100 countries. As a premium appliance brand represented on all continents, Miele is steadfastly committed to the highest quality, performance and environmental standards. Mieles range of exceptional consumer appliances includes vacuum cleaners; laundry systems; rotary irons; dishwashers; ranges; built-in convection, speed, steam and combi-steam ovens; cooktops; ventilation hoods; refrigeration; wine storage and espresso/coffee systems. About Miele Professional Miele Professional concentrates on the manufacturing of commercial products for industries using commercial dishwashers, commercial laundry technology and laboratory, medical and dental technology. Wherever innovative high-end products with an outstanding cleaning performance and high hygiene requirements are needed, Miele Professional wants to be the first choice. Follow us on LinkedIn. Media Contact: Tiny Mighty Communications Kamryn Heath kheath@tinymightyco.com 704-804-0076 NAfME Collegiate logo Servant-leadership is a key aspect of being an effective music educator, and seeing that quality among preservice music educators like Kelsey Zetzl and Hannah Combs is hearteningwe know their students will be in good hands. The National Association for Music Education (NAfME) honored Kelsey Zetzl of Butler University and Hannah Combs of Oakland University as the recipients of the 2022 Shannon Kelly Kane Scholarship. Kelsey and Hannah were presented the scholarships during the June 2022 virtual awards ceremony during the NAfME National Assembly. The Shannon Kelly Kane Scholarship was created by Shannons family and friends in coordination with NAfME to honor her exemplary life and her love of teaching music. The scholarship award is open to current NAfME Collegiate members, who have been nominated for NAfME Collegiate Professional Achievement Recognition. Servant-leadership is a key aspect of being an effective music educator, and seeing that quality among preservice music educators like Kelsey Zetzl and Hannah Combs is hearteningwe know their students will be in good hands, Scott R. Sheehan, NAfME President and Board Chair stated. I join with the NAfME National Executive Board and the family of Shannon Kelly Kane in celebrating the accomplishments of these future music educators and encourage them to continue to make music education available for all students they encounter during their careers. Kelsey Zetzl has served in many roles during her time as an active member of the Butler University NAfME Collegiate Chapter in Indianapolis, Indiana. In 2020, Kelsey began her term as the chapters President. During Kelseys leadership term, the chapter hosted several social activities throughout the summer of 2020 to keep students socially connected and engaged. In addition to social events, Kelsey coordinated professional development sessions for students. In addition to being an exemplar student and early-career educator, Kelsey epitomizes what it means to be a servant-leader and remains steadfastly focused on providing for the welfare of our students and the state of music education, shared Butler University NAfME Collegiate Chapter President 202122 Lauryn Tooley, Dean Lisa Brooks, and Chapter Advisor Becky Marsh in their recommendation letter. Hannah Combs is the President of the Oakland University (OU) NAfME Collegiate Chapter in Rochester, Michigan. In this role, Hannah has organized and facilitated multiple professional development opportunities for member of the OU NAfME chapter. Hannah presented at the Michigan Music Conference and served as the Michigan Social Media State Chair. Hannah Combs is powerful force of change and progress in music education, shared Pamela L. Klena, OU Assistant Professor of Music. She will represent the core values of NAfME as she graduates and joins our profession as a colleague. Learn about past recipients of the Shannon Kelly Kane Scholarship, NAfME Collegiate Chapter of Excellence Recognition, and NAfME Collegiate Professional Achievement Awards. To learn more about the NAfME Collegiate program, visit nafme.org/collegiate. ### National Association for Music Education, among the worlds largest arts education organizations, is the only association that addresses all aspects of music education. NAfME advocates at the local, state, and national levels; provides resources for teachers, parents, and administrators; hosts professional development events; and offers a variety of opportunities for students and teachers. The Association has supported music educators at all teaching levels for more than a century. With more than 50,000 members teaching millions of students nationwide, the organization is the national voice of music education in the United States. Follow NAfME on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @NAfME. Paybito crypto broker program Worldwide crypto reception trends indicate institutional investors continue to remain optimistic about the potential of digital assets. PayBitos exchange technology is compliant with leading crypto regulatory frameworks and offers high scalability to the partners. International digital assets exchange PayBito announced updates in its acclaimed crypto broker program. The exchange had already generated a significant buzz by offering state-of-the-art features for institutional investors venturing into crypto trading services for low monthly subscriptions. With the latest updates, PayBito aims to raise its transaction volume and operations further on a global scale, targeting 100 plus registrations in the upcoming quarter. The brokerage application from PayBito enables participants to expedite their business development and set new milestones while earning an attractive commission. The program offers the same trading options as seen on the acclaimed PayBito exchange. The recent updates comprise improvements in the programs API functionality featuring Matching Settlement Systems and Account Management Services. PayBito Chief and blockchain pioneer Raj Chowdhury states, Worldwide crypto reception trends indicate institutional investors continue to remain optimistic on the potential of digital assets. PayBitos exchange technology is compliant with leading crypto regulatory frameworks and offers high scalability to the partners. PayBitos Broker Program provides additional support for bot trading developers and community traders in addition to offering traditional financial services. Partners also get the option to choose and customize their strategies as per requirement. A pioneer in integrated crypto-forex technology, PayBito features FIX compliance, over 80 Spot Trading pairs, and more than 20 Futures Trading pairs. There is a dedicated multilingual customer support team for addressing queries and resolving technical problems if any. The rapid development of cryptocurrencies as a potential asset class has been possible due to enterprises working with a spirit of collaboration instead of competition. PayBito puts forward its contributions to ventures seeking participation in the rapidly growing crypto community, mentioned Chowdhury, who had previously voiced his support for blockchain analytics and bot trading in the crypto industry. PayBito has been a frontrunner in crypto innovation exceeding user expectations in over 26 countries across 6 continents including the US, Canada, UAE, and Malta. The exchange updated its UI/UX design while increasing its asset listing total to 41. Crypto banking and custody solutions by the US-based enterprise are also gaining worldwide popularity. The rising global adoption of digital assets presents great scope for institutional enterprises to venture into crypto trading services. PayBito offers a chance to leverage business opportunities by offering a hassle-free crypto brokerage platform with high earning potential. About PayBito: PayBito is a leading cryptocurrency asset trading platform operating globally. The platform is designed and managed by a team with rich experience in Banking security systems, Cryptocurrency trading, and Blockchain technology. It is available in the web version as well as in iOS and Android stores. PayBito services include white-label cryptocurrency exchange, white-label payment gateway, exchange affiliate, and coin listing. PayBito offers some of the best rates and top-notch security in the crypto world. Performance Brokerage Services We highly recommend Jesse Stopnitzky and his team. Their experience was invaluable. Performance Brokerage Services, North Americas highest volume dealership brokerage firm, is pleased to announce the sale of Daves Claremore RV in Oklahoma from the Pierce family to Lazydays Holdings, Inc. In 1987, Dave and Gloria Pierce established Daves Claremore RV on the historic Route 66. As the business experienced continued growth, it was relocated in 2001 to a newly built 50,000 square foot facility on 19 acres. Dave Pierce established the companys vision on customer approval, a friendly atmosphere, cleanliness, professionalism, and an environment where employees can achieve personal growth and feel appreciated. Dave and Glorias daughter, Stephanie Pierce, took over as President in 2017. Having grown up at the dealership, Stephanie continued to embody her fathers vision and kept it flourishing 35 years later. After the sale, Stephanie commented, We knew we would be very picky about who we chose to lead and care for our team. We wanted someone who could bring resources, training, and experience that would help our strong, devoted team continue to thrive! Jesse Stopnitzky of Performance Brokerage Services helped us find the perfect match. There were a lot of events in the previous couple of years that led us to Jesse, and we are grateful God put that path in place for us. We couldnt imagine going through this extensive and emotional process without him to help. Jesse and his team place value on finding the right buyer because they truly understand what it means to part with a business that your family built. Not only did he help walk us through the process, but he eased fears, gave advice, and stayed involved to help with anything he could the entire way. We highly recommend him and his team. Their experience was invaluable. Over the last 5 years, Performance Brokerage Services has advised on the sale of over 300 dealerships, making it the highest volume dealership brokerage firm in North America. In 2021, the company consummated 72 transactions, marking a record-breaking year. Jesse Stopnitzky, the exclusive agent for this transaction and the Director of the RV Division for Performance Brokerage Services commented, In Tulsa, Daves Claremore RV is as iconic as the Route 66 on which it resides. As a pioneer, Dave Pierce built a business that was years ahead of the RV industry. Stephanie Pierce has a genuine care for her people and her community that radiates throughout the dealership and among her family of team members. It was an honor to have been entrusted by the Pierce family to manage the sale of their generational business and execute their exit strategy. It was also a privilege working with such a first-class organization in Lazydays. They conducted themselves with the highest level of integrity, negotiating in good faith, striving for a win-win, and respecting the Pierce family legacy. Commenting on her familys choice of Lazydays as the purchaser, Stephanie shared, Lazydays prioritizes employee and customer satisfaction, just like the Pierce family. It was refreshing to find a corporation that doesnt have that corporate feel or mentality. Lazydays understands that to have first rate customer service, they must have the top team members working in their dealerships across the country. To achieve this, they maintain a culture that is fun and supportive for their team. These are the exact values the Pierce family prioritized for 40 years, and its why the dealership has been successful. It makes us proud to know the legacy will continue, and even get better! We know our team and our customers are in great hands! The dealership will remain at its current location at 24655 South Highway 66 in Claremore, Oklahoma. The Pierce family was also represented by Helmut E. Gerlach and Nicole S. Arnold of Buckley Fine Law in Barrington, Illinois and James P. Seifried, CPA of The Seifried Group, PLLC in Claremore, Oklahoma. About Performance Brokerage Services Performance Brokerage Services, Inc. is North Americas highest volume dealership brokerage firm, specializing in buy-sell activity for automotive, RV, commercial truck, powersports, and equipment dealerships. With over 25 years of experience, 700 dealerships sold, and a 90% closing rate, the companys reputation is unmatched and governed by the utmost ethical conduct and integrity. The company offers a unique approach by providing complimentary estimates of value with no upfront fees or retainer, no reimbursement of costs, and paid a success fee only after the transaction closes. Headquartered in Irvine, California, and supported by 7 regional offices in Utah, Texas, Florida, Virginia, Ohio, New Jersey, and Canada, clients benefit from national exposure with local representation. As trusted and respected experts in the field, the company utilizes an extensive network of industry related attorneys, accountants, hundreds of registered buyers, and longstanding relationships with various vehicle manufacturers. For more information about the services offered by Performance Brokerage Services, visit https://performancebrokerageservices.com Scott has established himself across New Jersey as the go-to expert on all matters of public sector accounting, and we are fortunate to now count him as a member of our team, said Kevin J. Keane, Executive Chairman at PKF OConnor Davies. PKF OConnor Davies, LLP, one of the nations largest accounting, tax and advisory firms, today announced that it has hired Scott Clelland as Partner in its Public Sector practice. With nearly four decades of experience serving clients across the public sector, Clelland is a renowned expert frequently consulted by school districts, municipalities, authorities, colleges and universities, state agencies, and not-for-profit organizations. His hiring reflects an ongoing effort by the Firm to strategically bolster one of its fastest growing practice areas. Scott has established himself across New Jersey as the go-to expert on all matters of public sector accounting, and we are fortunate to now count him as a member of our team, said Kevin J. Keane, Executive Chairman at PKF OConnor Davies. The connections hes formed and the expertise hes gained over the course of his career make him a major asset to our clients and the Firm as a whole. Before joining the Firm, Clelland amassed considerable public sector experience while working for one of the Big Four accounting firms and one of the largest regional firms serving the New York-New Jersey metropolitan area. Over the years, numerous governmental and not-for-profit entities have involved him in special projects, including forensic audits, performance audits and internal control evaluations. He has also been frequently called upon to assist state agencies, regulators and other organizations with presentations, training, and the adoption of new standards and regulations. Clelland joins the Firms Cranford, New Jersey, office. Ive gotten to know PKF OConnor Davies extremely well during my time working in the New York-New Jersey area, and there is no other firm like it in the region, Clelland said. The organizations expertise and client service are top notch, as are its culture and work environment. I am excited for this next step in my career and the opportunities it presents for me and my clients. Clelland is an accomplished accountant honored by organizations across New Jersey. The New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants (NJCPA) has recognized him as one of the top 50 CPAs over 50, and he has been named to the organizations ALIST for governmental auditors. In addition to NJCPA, Clelland remains affiliated with the American Institute of Certified Public Accounts (AICPA), the New Jersey Association of School Business Officials (NJASBO) and the Registered Municipal Accountants Association of New Jersey (RMAA). He is a Certified Public Accountant in New Jersey, New York and Connecticut, a Registered Municipal Accountant in New Jersey, and a Licensed Public School Accountant in New Jersey. Clelland graduated from Muhlenberg College with a bachelor's degree in accounting and business administration. PKF OConnor Davies continues to expand through organic growth and acquisitions on the East Coast and beyond. It has supported this growth with a strategic combination of promoting from within coupled with an ongoing focus on top-tier external hires. About PKF OConnor Davies, LLP PKF OConnor Davies, LLP, is a full-service certified public accounting and advisory firm with a long history of serving clients both domestically and internationally. With roots tracing to 1891, the Firm has 18 offices in the United States and abroad. In the U.S., offices are located across New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Maryland, Florida, Rhode Island and Massachusetts, where PKF OConnor Davies has recently merged in Boston-based DGC and expanded its footprint in the New England market. The Firm also has an office in Mumbai, India. PKF OConnor Davies employs more than 1,400 professionals who provide a complete range of accounting, auditing, tax and management advisory services. The Firm is led by over 150 partners who are closely involved in the day-to-day management of engagements, ensuring a high degree of client service and cost effectiveness. The Firm is a top-ranked firm, according to Accounting Todays 2022 Top 100 Firms list and was recently recognized as one of Americas Best Tax and Accounting Firms by Forbes. PKF O'Connor Davies was named one of Vault's 2022 Accounting 50, a ranking of the 50 best accounting employers to work for in North America and ranked among the top 50 most prestigious accounting firms in America in a complementary Vault survey. PKF OConnor Davies is the lead North American representative of the international association of PKF member firms. PKF International is a network of legally independent member firms providing accounting, tax and business advisory services in over 400 locations in 150 countries around the world. With its tradition, experience and focus on the future, PKF OConnor Davies is ready to help clients meet todays ever-changing economic conditions and manage the growing complexities of the regulatory environment. For more information, visit http://www.PKFOD.com. SGF Tampa Bay physicians, Drs. Imudia, Plosker, and Silva, honored as Top Docs for Infertility by Tampa magazines. Being recognized within our community for this patient-centered approach is a true honor I am proud to be in company with my fellow SGF Tampa Bay physicians and many other esteemed physicians. Shady Grove Fertility (SGF) Tampa Bay is proud to announce that physicians Anthony N. Imudia, M.D., Celso Silva, M.D., and Shayne Plosker, M.D., have been named Tampa magazines Top Doctors for Infertility. In March, Tampa magazines sent surveys to more than 9,000 physicians practicing in Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco counties asking them to nominate the peers they believe stand out from the rest. The annual Top Doctors edition includes all four publications TAMPA Magazine, South Tampa Magazine, TAMPA Downtown Magazine, and TAMPA Digest Magazine for a total circulation of 60,000. SGF Tampa Bay believes in fostering a culture of excellence in fertility care for our patients, shares Dr. Imudia. Being recognized within our community for this patient-centered approach is a true honor I am proud to be in company with my fellow SGF Tampa Bay physicians and many other esteemed physicians. SGF Tampa Bay provides a full range of diagnostic and treatment options complete with a premier IVF laboratory to help individuals and couples achieve their family-building goals. The regional practice offers three convenient offices in Brandon, Tampa Westshore, and Wesley Chapel. SGF Tampa Bay will also be opening a new office in St. Petersburg later this summer. I am truly honored to be recognized by my peers as a Top Doctor for Infertility, shares Dr. Silva. Providing affordable, accessible fertility care makes a difference in the lives of the 1 in 8 couples who will experience infertility. SGFs innovative financial plans make treatment more affordable and truly reiterate our patients come first mentality. SGF Tampa Bay proudly offers the Shared Risk 100% Refund Program. This exclusive program provides patients with the opportunity to pay a fixed amount for up to six fresh IVF or donor egg cycles and any subsequent frozen embryo transfers (FETs). Of the total Shared Risk 100% Refund Program participants, 82 percent take home a baby, and the rest receive a full refund to use for other family-building options. I am humbled to be recognized by Tampa magazines as a Top Doctor for Infertility, shares Dr. Plosker. It is truly an honor to be a part of my patients family-building journeys. For people struggling to conceive, it may be time to consult a fertility specialist. Contact the SGF New Patient Center at 1-888-761-1967 or complete a brief online request form to schedule a consult with an SGF physician. A physician consult is the first step toward pursuing a pregnancy with the help of SGF. About Shady Grove Fertility (SGF) SGF is a leading fertility and IVF center of excellence with more than 100,000 babies born from 30+ years of continuous innovation and patient-centered fertility care. With 46 locations, including new locations in Texas, as well as throughout CO, FL, GA, MD, NY, PA, TX, VA, D.C., and Santiago, Chile, SGF offers patients in-person and virtual physician consults, delivers individualized care, accepts most insurance plans, and makes treatment affordable through innovative financial options, including 100% refund guarantees. SGF is among the founding partner practices of US Fertility, the largest physician-led partnership of top-tier fertility practices in the U.S. Call 1-888-761-1967 to schedule a new patient appointment or visit ShadyGroveFertility.com for more information. I lead a small team who has benefited greatly from the training resources techfrederick has offered. Members of my team and I have taken both Agile Leading SAFe and Microsoft Azure for Administration classes..." shared Dan Spruill, Director of Information Technology, BOLAND. techfrederick, a non-profit 501(c)(3) coalition of local high-tech companies, just received its 6th round of funding from the Department of Labor, garnering its largest amount of funding in a single grant to date, $439,225. Since its inception, techfredericks Aspire Training program has been awarded over $1.5m in grant funds through this initiative to offer high caliber, high tech training to local tech professionals seeking to upgrade their occupational skills. After successfully adapting through the pandemic, techfredericks Aspire program went on to deliver continued success in 2021 and through July 2022, including: 17 training sessions to the local business community, covering topics ranging from cloud based web service software to business strategy to project management and more Participation of 294 individual employees in training classes that were identified as necessary to the business community through needs assessment surveying Content which supported the attendees on pathways to various technical certifications and additional responsibilities in their roles Increased retention for businesses by upskilling their staff The successful community partnership of techfrederick, combined with MD State Department of Labor funding, has helped create a local hub for tech organizations to find support with upskilling, earning industry specific certifications, taking on additional responsibilities in their roles, and community connections with others in their field. We are so pleased to continue to support techfrederick through our nationally-recognized EARN Maryland program, said Maryland Department of Labor Secretary Tiffany P. Robinson. It is through programs like these that we will continue to cultivate a highly-skilled workforce that helps Maryland employers to grow. Both employers and their employees have found the subsidized training offerings to be impactful within their operations. As an IT manager I wear many hats. The training techfrederick offers gives me the ability to keep the company I work for ahead in technology. I have implemented 100% of what I learned into production, moving 60% of the company into a cloud-based platform. This would not have been possible without techfrederick. In addition, the cost savings drastically impacted my ability to attend. The many courses that Ive taken, if they were full price I would not be able to afford them and the company would have requested an outside contractor to perform the tasks needed thus leaving me without the needed experience. Not only has techfrederick been helpful in the advancement in my companys IT infrastructure, It has also given me more experience and knowledge that makes me a valuable company asset., said Pierre Lestaevel, IT Manager, ACDi, an electronics manufacturing organization based in Frederick, MD. Lesteaevel has attended multiple training courses, including AWS and Azure. I joined techfrederick this year, and was thrilled to discover their grant funded class offerings. I've been focused on refreshing my skills while preparing to re-enter the job market, and in just a few months I've been able to take classes in AWS, React and Project Management. These are all applicable to the roles that I'm targeting, and taking them would otherwise have been cost prohibitive. I highly recommend techfrederick, and am looking forward to exploring future opportunities with this friendly group of professionals., shared Jamie R., a Frederick-based local tech job seeker. I lead a small team who has benefited greatly from the training resources techfrederick has offered. Members of my team and I have taken both Agile Leading SAFe and Microsoft Azure for Administration classes which have provided much needed skill sets and awareness, directly contributing to project success and my team's career path development. We feel fortunate to be able to participate in quality educational sessions for costs that allow us to train everyone on the team. techfrederick makes it very easy for us and has gone above and beyond in connecting us with the resources we have needed. We cant thank them enough and are excited to learn more in the future!, Dan Spruill, Director of Information Technology, BOLAND. Businesses or individuals local to the Frederick regional area that have a need for tech-based training should reach out to techfrederick for more information. About techfrederick: techfrederick has been formed to cultivate all things tech. We identify, highlight, support, foster awareness of, advocate for, and develop Fredericks growing high tech community through community education and human resource development, entrepreneurship training programs, and related events. Contact: Amy Pontius, apontius@techfrederick.org, 916-380-9875 About ASPIRE: In partnership with the State of Maryland, Department of Labor, techfrederick a consortium of local IT business leadership is offering access to training, in order to upgrade occupational skills and increase employability within the IT industry. The best IT companies in the area have come together to identify the skills that talented people need, in order to increase marketability and compete for positions in the growing technology field. The ASPIRE Training Program serves anyone within the community who is looking to enhance their skill set within the tech arena. If you are actively searching for a position or specific training within IT, including but not limited to, networking, website development, systems administration, website application, and are seeking to improve your professional communication and project management skills, this training is for you! The ASPIRE Training Program offers customized training focused on critical occupations and skill shortages identified by people in the IT community through the Maryland Department of Labor EARN Grant. Learn More: https://techfrederick.org/initiatives/aspire-training/ About EARN: EARN Maryland is a state-funded, competitive workforce development grant program that is industry-led, regional in focus, and a proven strategy for helping businesses cultivate the skilled workforce they need to compete. It is flexible and innovative, designed to ensure that Maryland employers have the talent they need to compete and grow in an ever-changing 21st century economy. Learn More: https://www.dllr.state.md.us/earn/ Contact: Mary Keller, DOL, mary.keller@maryland.gov, 410-767-2017 Chris Eldredge, President of McCrillis & Eldredge (left) and Bob Sammon, President of The Insurance Center (right) "We are creating a strong platform for the future, and I am most excited by the opportunities our combined companies will deliver to our policyholders and team. Bob Sammon, President of The Insurance Center and Chris Eldredge, President of McCrillis & Eldredge, announced that their companies are joining forces. The combined organization will continue to operate under both, well-known brands and will retain both Bob and Chris at the helm. Both agencies have a rich history of providing customized insurance offerings to families and business throughout New Hampshire and all New England. Agency principals are excited to announce this partnership, which will ensure the optimum insurance experience for current and future policyholders. Robert Sammon, President of The Insurance Center Inc, stated, We are thrilled to be partnering with Chris Eldredge and the McCrillis & Eldredge organization. We believe our combined company will create dynamic and unique opportunities for our clients and our associates. Chris Eldredge, President of McCrillis & Eldredge, believes this new partnership will ensure a bright future for both agencies, stating, I am delighted to be bringing together McCrillis & Eldredge and The Insurance Center. We are creating a strong platform for the future, and I am most excited by the opportunities our combined companies will deliver to our policyholders and team. The M&E team will be moving locations to The Insurance Center at 30 S. Main Street, Newport, NH 03773. For more information, please contact John Brittingham, Vice President of The Insurance Center, at 603.542.2551. About The Insurance Center Inc. The Insurance Center traces its roots in New Hampshire back over 100 years. During the early to mid-1900s, the R.W. Michaud Agency and its predecessor, the Del Cushion Agency, were prominent insurance agencies in Claremont, NH. Bob Sammon joined Robert Michaud as a partner in 1980, forming Michaud & Sammon Insurance, Inc. Mr. Sammon became president in the decade that followed, after Bob Michauds retirement. The organization was rebranded as The Insurance Center. The Insurance Center is an independent insurance agency serving New Hampshire and Vermont with offices centrally located in Claremont, Newport, and Keene, New Hampshire. About McCrillis & Eldredge McCrillis & Eldredge was founded in 1890 in Newport, NH by John McCrillis. The business was originally located within the Newport Courthouse until 1998 when the operation relocated to its current location on Main Street. Today the agency is run by John McCrillis great grandson, Christopher C. Eldredge who has been with the agency since 1981. McCrillis & Eldredge has been providing the Newport area with superior service and quality insurance solutions for over 125 years. If you would like to know more about the Blend Labs lawsuit, please contact Attorney Jackland Hom today by calling (619) 255-9047. The San Francisco labor law attorneys, at Zakay Law Group, APLC and JCL Law Firm, APC, filed a complaint against Blend Labs, Inc., Blend Operations, Inc., Blend Title Insurance Agency, Inc., and Blend Insurance Agency, Inc. (collectively, hereinafter, "Blend Labs") for allegedly failing to provide employees with legally-compliant meal and rest breaks. The Blend Labs lawsuit, Case No. CGC-22-600420, is currently pending in the San Francisco County Superior Court of the State of California. A copy of the Complaint can be read here. The lawsuit alleges Blend Labs violated the Private Attorneys General Act ("PAGA"), which gives rise to civil penalties as a result of Blend Lab's conduct. PAGA allows aggrieved employees to file a lawsuit to recover civil penalties on behalf of themselves, other employees, and the State of California for Labor Code violations. An "aggrieved employee" is defined as "any person who was employed by the alleged violator and against whom one or more of the alleged violations was committed." Cal. Lab. Code section 2699(c). PAGA allows aggrieved employees to become deputized as private attorneys general to enforce the Labor Code. The lawsuit further alleges that, as a result of their work schedules, Blend Labs employees were allegedly unable to take off duty meal breaks and were not fully relieved of duty for meal periods. Specifically, the lawsuit alleges employees were from time to time interrupted during their off-duty meal breaks to complete tasks for Blend Labs. Employees were allegedly required to perform work as ordered by Blend Labs for more than five (5) hours during a shift without receiving an off-duty meal break. Further, the lawsuit alleges Blend Labs failed to provide employees with a second off-duty meal period each workday in which these employees were required by Blend Labs to work ten (10) hours of work. Employees therefore allegedly forfeited meal breaks without additional compensation and in accordance with Blend Lab's strict corporate policy and practice. If you would like to know more about the Blend Labs lawsuit, please contact Attorney Jackland Hom today by calling (619) 255-9047. Zakay Law Group, APLC and JCL Law Firm, APC are labor and employment law firms with offices located in California that dedicate their practices to fighting for employees who have been wronged by their employers due to unfair employment practices. Contact one of their attorneys today if you need help with workplace issues regarding wage and hour, wrongful termination, retaliation, discrimination, and harassment. -THIS IS AN ATTORNEY ADVERTISEMENT- After living on several continents and teaching high school in Egypt, Dan Gemeinhart found his home in Washington State, working as an elementary school teacher-librarian and immersed in rich middle grade literature. The journey toward publishing his first middle grade novel spanned 10 years, eventually culminating in a full-time career as an author and a body of work that explores themes of community and belonging. In his sixth novel, The Midnight Children, a hunted found-family of Ragabond orphans find an ally in a lonely, artistic boy with a longing to transform his community. PW spoke with Gemeinhart about his unconventional style choices in The Midnight Children and the meaning of home in middle grade fiction. The Midnight Children follows in the tradition of 21st-century childrens books with a narrative style that could have been plucked from a century earlierbooks like The Mysterious Benedict Society, The Penderwicks, or A Series of Unfortunate Events. Yet other elements of the story, like the satirical and gory depiction of the meat industry, come across as distinctly modern. What was the point of origin for your story? The seed for this story came years ago. It started as a bedtime story for my oldest daughter when she was three or four. That opening scene where a boy wakes up in the middle of the night and hears a noise and looks out the window to see a mysterious group of children moving into the house across the streetno furniture, no grown-ups, just the kidsthat scene has stayed the same through all the different versions Ive done. Im really excited that this story that started as a special thing for me and my daughter will now be out there for other people to enjoy. There are hints of magic throughout the novel, but you never confirm whether the magic is real. Why did you make the choice to leave it ambiguous? To me, it kind of matched a lot of other elements of the storywhere its kind of a scary story in a lot of ways but not a horror story, and its kind of an old-timey story but its not an old-timey story, and its kind of a magical story but its not entirely a fantasyand the whole narrative is threading that needle. It felt like the magic worked best that way because if you go full magic, then it really departs this world entirely. With a little bit of magic, kids can still imagine it happening to them, and it added to that slightly otherworldly tone that the book already had. Your imagery in this novel is concrete yet demands a conscious stretch of imaginationlike when Virginias tone of voice held [Ravani] at arms length, and maybe even frowned a little. How did you arrive at that distinct narrative voice? That voice really came to me through all the writing and rewriting Ive done over the last 10 years, in many versions of the story and during which almost every element has changed. One of the last elements to pop into place was that tone and that voice. I tried first person; I tried third person; I tried past tense; I tried present tense; and all different tones from very serious to light and jokey to the one I landed on, which is kind of that old-timey voice with some interesting imagery and different kinds of language and words. Since the setting became amorphoustheres no real named setting, theres no named datethat is just how the story seemed to want to be told. Its a storyteller, its third person, and they are right there with the reader. It hopefully feels like someone is being told the story. The imagery that the narrator used came about through me figuring out how it felt the most fun and how it felt the most interesting and how the voice could best match the story and the setting. You could say trial and error, but I would say more like working really hard on how the story should come out, like chipping away at the marble until the statue that was always meant to be could be there. Your websites author bio mentions that you moved around a lot in your youth, including to different continents. Did that experience inform your creation of the Ragabond siblings who bounce from town to town? I think for sure, and hearkening back to all my other stories, every single one of the books Ive written has been a journey story. None of the books that Ive written have been about a kid or group of kids in the house or town that they live in and thats the story. This one is the most like that because it does all happen in one town, the town of Slaughterville, but even this story has a lot of movement in the backstoryand even movement in the story itself, not through our main character, Ravani, but through the Ragabonds. Its about trying to find where you belong and trying to find where your family belongs, and I definitely think that, subconsciously, that came out of my childhood. Has living in a variety of countries given you a different perspective on what home means? Growing up, moving around so much, home was never a place. Home was where you were next. Home was where you were with your family. Its a theme of lots of stories, especially for middle gradefinding where you belong. Because thats the big question you wrestle with as a middle grader, as a 10- to 18-year-old. As you leave childhood behind and as you start to become the kind of person youre going to be, its answering all those questions: Who am I? Who do I want to be my friends? What kind of person am I going to be? What kind of person am I not going to be? I think the central beating heart of almost all middle grade literature, no matter what the background is for that particular story, is the protagonist trying to figure out who they are and where they belong. Both The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise and The Midnight Children deal with building community as well as finding comfort and strength through connection. Can you speak to the role that community has played in your life or in your work as an author? Where we are, who were with, who we choose to be with, and how we choose to interact with those peoplethats life. Thats how we define ourselves as people: the relationships that we have and what we give or take from the world around us. And so those are the questions that we, even as grown-ups, wrestle with in our jobs and in our personal lives and our families. In my first book, The Honest Truth, one of the main themes is said by one of the minor characters, Were all in this together, this being not just the situation of the book, but life. And thats the definition of community Ive always tried to be a part of as an adultwhen I was a teacher and librarian, trying to serve those kids and their families and the other teachers I worked with, and now I work from home, but still Im looking for ways to interact with the world around me and to give back to those around me. As 12-year-olds, Ravani and Virginia support and uplift one another in the face of bullying, and their positive actions ripple out to effect change throughout their town, even going so far as to shake up the local economy. What inspires you to empower middle grade characters as opposed to writing for other age groups? I got into writing middle grade through my work as an elementary librarian. I had thought forever ago that I wanted to write grown-up books, and I tried one that thankfully never got published because it was a trainwreck. But then I got a job as an elementary teacher-librarian so I had to read all these books so I could do my job and handsell these books to kids and see what was out there with kid lit, which I hadnt really interacted with since I was a kid. And I was blown away by how far middle grade literature had come in 25 years and how many amazing authors were writing such incredible stories of depth and beauty and meaning and humor. So thats what I started to write, and I never looked back. I love that time of our lives that middle grade readers go through. Its such an interesting, exciting, sometimes scary, sometimes confusing part of our lives, and thats why I think middle grade literature is all those things as well. It deals with almost all the same big things that grown-up literature does, but in a way that I think is so much more fun and engaging. Are there things you wish you had known before undertaking your decade-long publishing journey that might help aspiring authors? The short but strange answer is no. I wrote several books that never got publishedyears of my life, a decade of failure and rejectionbut that was kind of the journey I had to get through. And every one of those setbacks taught me something, and every one of those setbacks made me work a little harder or try something different, dig a little deeper. Now I might whisper some words of encouragement to myself because it could be very demoralizing to fail at something for 10 years when youre trying so hard and care so much, but I think the lessons I needed to learn, I dont think you can learn those just by having those told to you. I think you have to learn them through failing and doing. What are you working on now? Im in kind of a fun phase where [The Midnight Children] is about to come out so Ive been doing a lot of talking and thinking about that, but then you start thinking, OK, so Ive had these other ideas in my head and on my computer for the couple years it took me to get this book done. So you rub your hands together and say, What should I do next? I am playing with a couple of middle grade novels that are in the very, very early stages, and Ive also written the rough draft script of a graphic novel that is with my agent right now to see if that goes anywhere. That was a really fun learning experience to flex a different kind of muscle. And Im working on some picture books. So right now, I have some pots simmering, and hopefully some of those will turn into something good. The Midnight Children by Dan Gemeinhart. Holt, $16.99 Aug. 30 ISBN 978-1-2501-9672-9 Michelle Obama's next book has been unveiled. Penguin Random House said that the former First Lady and bestselling author's new work, The Light We Carry: Overcoming in Uncertain Times, will be released on November 15. PRH, which acquired world rights to the book from Deneen C. Howell at Williams & Connolly LLP, announced he book with a video and cover reveal. The title, to be released by the house's Crown imprint, is going to press for an announced 2.75 million copies, with a Spanish-language edition set to be released by Plaza & Janes/Penguin Random House Grupo Editorial. Overall, the publisher said, the book will be released simultaneously in 14 languages and 27 countries. The Light We Carry offers, PRH said, "a series of fresh stories and insightful reflections on change, challenge, and power," following on the story the author told in her 2018 bestselling memoir Becoming, which chronicled her the South of Side of Chicago to the White House. The new book, the publisher went on, draws from the author's experience "as a mother, daughter, spouse, friend, and First Lady" as she shares "the habits and principles she has developed to successfully adapt to change and overcome various obstacles." Sophie Castille, international rights director and v-p licensing of Mediatoon, cofounder and director of Europe Comics, and a key figure in the growth of European graphic novels in North America, died unexpectedly July 11. She was 51. Castille was born in Caen, Normandy. She studied in Italy before working in foreign rights for Dargaud in the mid-1990s. Castille is the cofounder Europe Comics, a consortium of 13 European comics publishers launched in 2015, that sells digital editions of a wide range of Eurocomics in English translation, in addition to offering rights to North American publishers. Her work at Europe Comics has been instrumental in the growth in popularity of European comics in English and the development of the U.S. graphic novel market. Berlin-based graphic novel publisher Reproduckt posted a tribute to Castille on its blog: Since the late nineties, Sophie has built bridges for the bandes dessinees and their authors, out of France and around the world. With funding from the European Commission, Sophie has developed the digital platform Europe Comics, a showcase of the diversity of European comics. On Europe Comics, Belgian, German, French, Italian, Polish, Serbian and Spanish publishers present their comics in English and can be read worldwide. Sophie loved and lived the idea of a united Europe. She was at home in Milan, in Paris, on La Reunion and in Berlin. For more than 25 years of her professional life, she was a constant source of creativity, motivating publishers from all over the world and encouraging them to exchange ideas. Sophie died unexpectedly and much too early we miss her radiant strength. A virtual memory wall has been created in tribute to Castille; and a memorial service will be held on October 19 at the Frankfurt Book Fair. Callisto Media, a nonfiction publisher based in New York and Emeryville, Calif., laid off 35% of its workforce last week. Reports about layoffs at the company had been circulating for days on social media, but emails to company management went unreturned and no executive from Callisto has yet to comment. In a recording provided to PW, CEO Benjamin Wayne addressed all staff via Zoom on July 12. Wayne told the company that significant cuts would be necessary for the 12-year-old company to meet the criteria investors expect in the current market and demonstrate a clear path to profitability. He revealed a plan for reducing our annual spend by at least $20 million, which is not a small number for Callisto. The downsizing resulted in the firing of approximately 140 staffers, ranging from longtime editors and creative directors with several years of service to new hires recruited only weeks before. In at least one case, a manager reportedly quit in solidarity, joining the exodus. In the past, Callisto has set goals to publish 1,000 or more titles per year in categories including health, cooking, and education. Their business model involves tracking data on popular categories, developing and managing original content in-house, assigning freelancers to specific projects, and owning the final products outright. Looking ahead, were going to reduce title production to four to five hundred titles per year, instead of our current production levels, Wayne told the group. Were going to reduce our spending on contractors and consultants. Were going to reduce capital expenditures and spending on enterprise software. And lastly, and unfortunately, we are going to be forced to reduce head count. Saying that "all other viable options have been exhausted," Wayne laid out a plan to "act swiftly and decisively." The next day, July 13, employees braced themselves for the notification. Those slated to be laid off received calendar invitations to meet via Zoom, for 15 minutes each, with an executive and an HR representative. They were informed about termination of employment and learned about one of two severance packages (either four or six weeks). Because most if not all were working remotely, they made arrangements to return company laptops, and their access to secure sites ended promptly at 5 p.m. Pacific Time on July 15. Commenting on the cuts, one individual, wishing to remain unnamed, messaged PW saying that they were only shocked by the number of people, but not the names who were among them that I knew." Some people laid off, this person added, had been hired a couple of months ago with one only three weeks prior. The staffer believes some executives lost the core Callisto value of consumer-focused publishing and data governance, particularly after an earlier round of layoffs in August 2021: "The cancellation of hundreds of excellent books three times in two years was demoralizing and wasteful from a creator relationship and from a revenue one," this person said. Wayne, along with Matt Oesterle, founded Callisto in 2011 and the company was named PW's fastest-growing independent press in our annual look at fast-growing publishers with sales of between $2 million to $10 million in 2014. In that year, the number of employees jumped to 24 from 6 in 2012 and new title output rose to 56 from 17. The scale and suddenness of last week's cuts came as a shock to staffers. Callistos Rockridge Press imprint earned recognition as a rising publisher of childrens nonfiction during 2020 with its My First Learn-to-Write Workbook, which was one for the biggest hits of the early pandemic. Since its release in August 2019 it has sold more than 1.3 million copies, according to NPD BookScan. With that hit and other books selling well, Callisto continued to hire at a steady pace. In retrospect, brake lights were flashing. According to former staffers, projects were put on hold or cancelled in 2022, and CEO Wayne forecasted turbulence and cost-cutting during his regularly scheduled biweekly address on July 6. A jaded staffer noted that execs dubbed the severance Project Mercury, perhaps in reference to the Roman messenger who guides souls to the underworld. The process, like Mercury, was indeed swift. Yet Callistos job-seekers have significantly better options than Mercury might portend: On Twitter, insiders were quick to flag promising positions elsewhere in the industry. Apple Original Films has acquired and plans to release Oscar winner Jennifer Lawrence's new drama, Causeway. ADVERTISEMENT The movie -- formerly known as Red, White and Water -- is expected to open in theaters and to premiere on streaming service Apple TV+ later this year. Atlanta actor Brian Tyree Henry co-stars in the film, which was helmed by Maid and The Sex Lives of College Girls director Lila Neugebauer. The story is about a U.S. Army soldier (Lawrence) struggling to adjust to life after returning home to New Orleans. The film was shot on location in the Big Easy. Apple became the first streaming service to win a Best Picture Oscar earlier this year for CODA. American Hustle and Silver Linings Playbook actress Lawrence is also set to star in Apple's upcoming, as-yet-untitled Sue Mengers biopic. Lawrence and her husband, art gallery director Cooke Maroney, welcomed their first child in February. By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 07/20/2022 ADVERTISEMENT FOLLOW REALITY TV WORLD ON THE ALL-NEW GOOGLE NEWS! Reality TV World is now available on the all-new Google News app and website. Click here to visit our Google News page, and then click FOLLOW to add us as a news source! ADVERTISEMENT Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade. star Stacia Karcher has revealed that she felt pure "bliss" after marrying Nate Barnes on the show's fifteenth season.experts Dr. Pepper Schwartz and Pastor Calvin Roberson matched Stacia, a 37-year-old accountant, and Nate, a 34-year-old day trader, who are both from San Diego, CA, to wed on the Lifetime reality series.When looking back on her wedding day and exchanging vows with a total stranger, Stacia was asked to rate her marriage to Nate during the July 13 episode of : Afterparty."I was at a 10," Stacia gushed to Afterparty host Keshia Knight Pulliam "I'm just in bliss at this point," she added. "I was just going in with no true expectation, but I'm very picky. And he was just checking off all these boxes. I'm just in bliss."Stacia confirmed that she felt drawn to Nate right off the bat."I'm physically attracted to him. He's tall, he's handsome," Stacia shared.But Stacia wasn't so sure things were going to work out for her that well."Actually, when I was walking down the aisle, I would not pull my head up at all," Stacia confessed."I think I was 60 percent down the aisle before I even put my head up. I was terrified."She reiterated, "I was terrified! I was like, 'What am I doing?' When I finally look up and I see him, I'm like, 'Oh, okay! I'm going to hurry up getting down the aisle now!'"Stacia admitted on that, when dating, she'd immediately ask men about their credit scores. She also previously said on Afterparty how she'd end her marriage to Nate if he didn't agree to sign a postnuptial agreement Stacia had grinded for years to build wealth, and so at age 37, she determined how she finally wanted to be married and welcome kids soon, hopefully two of them.As for Nate, a "Hustler with a Heart," he's always had an entrepreneurial spirit and strong drive to be successful. He said he's ready to take care of a woman and would love to be a power couple.Fellow bride Krysten worried Stacia, who is so well put together and articulate, would intimate her groom, but the other grooms worried Nate, who admittedly has a past, would be a little too flirtatious for his wife following the men's wild bachelor party.While Nate was partying hard with an exotic dancer, Stacia was shown telling her friends how she'd like a man with edge who receives attention from women but also respects boundaries and doesn't invite the ladies to come to him.When the pair first met at the altar on their wedding day, Nate told Stacia that she's "beautiful," and Stacia reassured her husband that he's "very handsome."Stacia learned from Nate's friends and family that Nate is a caring and attentive "deep thinker" who also enjoys hiking, biking and adventure. But they also called him "a freak in the sheets" as well as a "diva."Stacia's loved ones told Nate that she's an independent and hardworking woman with two school degrees and multiple sources of income. Nate was also informed that Stacia sleeps with her eyes open, which disturbed him a little.In her vows, Stacia promised to be his dance partner through life and to honor, respect and cherish him. Nate vowed to be Stacia's rock and her calm in any storm. He said he would be her vision when things get hazy and he would protect her always and be her best friend until the end.During their first conversation, the couple discovered that they both work from home, and Nate said he got exactly what he had asked for -- an attractive boss. He said she "embodies everything" he's ever wanted in a wife and so he needed to give this relationship all of his effort."I feel like I haven't felt this happy in a really, really long time. I've waited my whole life to be married... I've been single for years and I think it was because I was afraid of getting hurt again," Stacia said in a confessional."But I am hopeful. I think it's going to be an amazing story to tell our great grandchildren."Stacia gushed about how she had all the "romantic feels" for Nate, which was something she hadn't experienced in a long time.'s fifteenth season currently airs on Wednesday nights at 8PM ET/PT on Lifetime. The show also stars Alexis and Justin, Krysten and Mitch, Lindy and Miguel, and Morgan and Binh.Interested in more news? Join our Married at First Sight Facebook Group or click here to view our newspage!And click here for more updates on former cast members and info on where they are now! Porterville, CA (93257) Today Abundant sunshine. Hot. High near 105F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Mainly clear. Low near 75F. Winds light and variable. Every year, billions of people prepare to celebrate the Islamic New Year, also called the Hijri New Year or Arabic New Year, which marks the start of Awal Muharram, which is the first month in the Islamic calendar. Vermont Senate President Pro Tem Becca Balint delivers a victory speech after being declared the winner in Vermonts Congressional Democratic primary to her supporters that gathered at the Harmony Lot, in Brattleboro, on Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2022. Balint will face off against a Republican challe BRATTLEBORO The Select Board discussed several questions related to a potential statement in support of abortion access, including whether to provide funding for reproductive health care and advocacy. Board member Jessica Gelter said the resolution is being proposed after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the Roe V. Wade decision to raise awareness and acknowledge related issues. She described the potential board action as meaningful and a way of showing solidarity to people who need support. As a person who can get pregnant, Gelter said, the Supreme Court decision gives me such fear because it undermines my autonomy as a human being to have freedom and choice for how my life rolls out before me. Gelter proposed that the resolution speak to the health and economic equities at stake when access to abortion is threatened, increased violence and attacks toward family planning providers, the coming closure of five Planned Parenthood locations in Vermont and New Hampshire this year, and the towns opposition to any investigation into abortions. On Tuesday, the Select Board discussed the resolutions language and tabled it for the next meeting so Town Attorney Bob Fisher could respond to concerns. Board Vice Chairman Daniel Quipp, who said he doesnt believe the state should have authority to intervene in a persons autonomy, wants to know where Vermont law stands on protecting those traveling from other places for abortions. There are laws in place around this country where people essentially have bounties because theyre coming to seek abortion outside their home state, he said. Im not sure that whats in this resolution would protect someone from that kind of situation. Interim Town Manager Patrick Moreland, who was involved in discussions on the first draft of the resolution with Fisher and Gelter, said the board can express itself through a statement as it did with an unenforceable mask mandate earlier in the COVID-19 pandemic. He noted that the board can direct the town manager to take an action but not the police department. Board member Elizabeth McLoughlin said she doesnt feel its appropriate as a Select Board member to make a statement related to an issue that will be on the ballot in November. She sees the topic of abortion coming up not only in Proposition 5, which asks Vermonters if it should be protected in the states Constitution, but in every election. She wants to ensure the resolution wont interfere with the vote or other state initiatives. It was my feeling and still is my feeling that regardless of the jurisdiction or the enforcement opportunities, what we are facing requires you to use your voice as a Select Board, Erica DeLorenzo of Brattleboro said. The decision is not really about abortion. What were facing is fascism. Brattleboro Common Sense Director Kurt Daims proposed the town provide $50,000 to Planned Parenthoods Brattleboro office, $50,000 to Pro-choice America to support its advocacy of reproductive rights throughout the U.S., and $5,000 for a grant for advocacy of reproductive rights by a Brattleboro resident or group. He recounted how in 2011, the town funded unbudgeted repairs after Tropical Storm Irene. I think we can do the same kind of thing for the abortion advocacy, he said, adding that $100,000 wouldnt be too much out of the way because the same figure was spent on the first year of hiring a town sustainability coordinator. We need to put our money where are our hearts are. A serious resolution for abortion rights Walk the walk We are angry and disgusted with the Supreme Courts recent decision on abortion rights. But Gelter said she spoke with staff from Planned Parenthood in Brattleboro and learned the local office operates at a deficit and they do struggle. I would like to see them empowered to be financially more stable and be able to provide more reproductive health care for folks in our area, especially because of the closures of other Planned Parenthood offices in our regions, she said. To me, that funding piece could be another way to give [the resolution] more teeth. Gelter suggested the potential for adding language to the resolution that indicates an intention to provide funding. Quipp and McLoughlin said they would like the funding to go through the traditional process in which applications go to the Human Services Review Committee before being voted on at annual Representative Town Meeting (RTM). RTM could be convened in 30 days, Daims said. This is important enough to do that, he added. Bob Oeser of Brattleboro said the current situation might call for immediate funding. These are dire times, he said. This is an extraordinary situation. Brattleboro, VT (05301) Today Considerable cloudiness. Occasional rain showers after midnight. Low near 60F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%.. Tonight Considerable cloudiness. Occasional rain showers after midnight. Low near 60F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%. 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. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate NEW YORK (AP) The trial of R. Kellys manager opened Tuesday on charges that he forced the cancellation of a screening of a documentary about the singer's sexual abuse of women and girls by calling in a threat to the crowded Manhattan theater. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Pomerantz told jurors that Donnell Russell made a terrifying brief phone call in December 2018 from his Chicago home to the theater, claiming that someone with a gun was planning to fire on the crowd watching Lifetimes Surviving R. Kelly series. He knew his words would sabotage the event, she said. The phone call prompted an emergency call to police, who ordered an evacuation that forced the cancellation of the premiere, including a live panel discussion that was to include several women featured in the documentary. The defendant wanted to keep the women quiet, Pomerantz said in Manhattan federal court. She added that Russell was motivated by a desire to protect the lucrative career of the Grammy-winning, multiplatinum-selling songwriter. Kelly, who was sentenced to 30 years in prison last month, was convicted last year of racketeering and sex trafficking. Defense attorney Michael Freedman told jurors that they would exonerate Russell if they study the evidence. Freedman said there were a lot of phone calls to the theater on the day of the screening and jurors will have to decide what it all means and what, if anything, it proves about my client. He said there was no recording of the phone threat so jurors cannot hear the voice that made it. But he added that there was not enough evidence to prove Russell committed a crime. Adrian Krasniqi, who worked at the 25th Street venue, testified that he received the threatening call less than an hour after a man claiming to be part of Kelly's legal team called and said the documentary was violating Kelly's copyright to his name and should not be shown. He said the caller had a low, professional-sounding voice. Krasniqi said the later call consisted of a deep-voiced man with a slang tone, like a thug, saying in a very serious and very blunt manner that someone had a gun and they were going to shoot up the place. On cross examination, Krasniqi said he believed the caller had a Brooklyn accent, which he was familiar with because he lived in Brooklyn. He said he also thought the caller was outdoors when he made the threat. Pomerantz said Russell demonstrated his guilt in part through his communications with a female co-conspirator who was at the theater at the time. She said Russell sent the woman a text to say the police may be coming to the theater shortly before they did. And he later asked her to delete the text, although she never did, the prosecutor said. Pomerantz said phone records to be introduced as evidence will show that Russell called the theater nine times on the day of the screening. In a separate Kelly-related case, a fan of the performer pleaded not guilty Wednesday in Brooklyn federal court to charges he made threats against prosecutors in Kelly's sex abuse trial. Court papers cite a video of defendant Christopher Gunn saying, If Kellz goes down, everybodys going down. A message was left with Gunns lawyer seeking comment. ___ Associated Press Writer Tom Hays contributed to this story. NEW BRITAIN As detectives continue to learn more about the deaths of two men who they say shot each other during a feud Monday, other Connecticut police departments are investigating similar, but less lethal, recent cases of crossfire. There were at least three other incidents in the last week when people shot at each other in public places, police said. On Monday, police said people in two cars opened fire on each other in Middletown, striking a food pantry on Stack Street. The day before, police said a dinnertime shootout sent stray bullets into occupied houses in Hamden. And on July 13, there was an exchange of gunfire at an East Hartford gas station between suspected car thieves and the owner of the Porsche. No injuries were reported in any of the incidents. But like the New Britain shooting, some gunfights have had more tragic endings. A recent one happened in Hartford on Fathers Day. Four people were shot, three fatally, during an argument over a dog, city police said. Three of the four people, including two of those who died, had at least one gun on them, according to police reports. Two of the people opened fire, police said. One of the two women who died was in possession of a gun, knife and pepper spray, police said. She also had a baby in a carrier strapped to her when she was struck by the gunfire, witnesses told police. Hartford Police Sgt. Christopher Mastroianni said although the shooting wasnt the only one in the capital city involving more than one gun, there is not a significant increase in incidents [with multiple guns] from years past. Men fatally shoot each other in New Britain At lunchtime in New Britain Monday, police said officers responded to a Walnut Street apartment building for a report of shots fired. They found one man lying on the ground outside with a gunshot wound. The man, later identified as Conrad Jones, 24, of New Haven, was pronounced dead at the scene, according to police. Police also found another man inside an apartment suffering from a gunshot wound. He was taken to the hospital where he also was pronounced dead, New Britain Police Chief Christopher Chute said in a news release. The man was identified as Michael Jackson, 33, of Rocky Hill. Each man died of a gunshot wound to the torso and their deaths were ruled homicides, according to a spokesperson with the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. The men knew each other and they were both armed, Chute said. They were engaged in an active dispute that escalated to the shooting, Chute said. Police and city officials have not provided more information. Both men had previously been convicted of crimes in Connecticut. Jackson was sentenced to prison in 2017 for interfering with an officer/resisting arrest and criminal possession of a weapon, a Class C felony, court records show. Jones had two convictions for third-degree assault, a Class A misdemeanor, in Meriden and New Haven from earlier this year, according to judicial records. He avoided jail time but was on probation at the time of his death, judicial records show. It wasnt clear why the men were in New Britain Monday. Detectives continue to investigate the homicides, the citys first and second of the year. Anyone with information about the double-fatal shooting can call Sgt. Kyle Jones at 860-826-3132 or the New Britain Police Department Anonymous Tip Line at 860-826-3199. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate State police say they arrested three people in an overdue rental van Tuesday, at least two of whom were wanted as part of a retail theft ring in the Hartford area. State police said the U-Haul van had all of its rental decals removed and its windows tinted. Inside, police said they also found a firearm without a serial number that had been fitted with a threaded barrel. Around 3 p.m. Tuesday, state police detectives spotted the van, which they said was suspected in numerous organized retail thefts throughout Connecticut, along with at least one armed robbery. Authorities followed the van until it stopped at a gas station along Brainard Road in Hartford. At that point, state police said one of the people inside, 26-year-old Edwin Pacheco, of Hartford, got out and placed a gun in the center console of the vehicle. Pacheco was combative and non-compliant as he attempted to fight police and return to the driver's seat of the vehicle, state police said in a news release Wednesday. He was subdued and handcuffed after a detective used a Taser on him, state police said. A second suspect in the larcenies, 33-year-old Bryan Shepherd, of Canterbury, was also located and taken into custody, state police said. A search of the van turned up 30 bags of fentanyl, drug paraphernalia, burglary tools, knives, machete and a fake gun, state police said. Also in the van was a loaded firearm with no serial number and a threaded barrel, state police said. Pacheco and Shepherd were charged with carrying a weapon in a motor vehicle, criminal possession of a firearm, illegal possession of an assault weapon, interfering with an officer and possession of a controlled substance. Police also arrested a 40-year-old Manchester resident who was in the van and had two active warrants for failure to appear in court. Police said Pacheco and Shepherd are wanted on arrest warrants out of West Hartford, Enfield, Avon, Glastonbury, Bloomfield and Vernon. Both are being held on bond and are due to appear in Hartford Superior Court on Wednesday. Any police agencies investigating similar burglaries can contact state police Sgt. Gordon at anthony.gordon@ct.gov BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) A man drove his pickup truck into a family as they walked in a tourist village bordering Glacier National Park and opened fire with a shotgun, killing one man and mortally wounding a toddler who was in her mother's arms before the mother's sister-in-law managed to kill the assailant after he ran out of ammunition, authorities said. Killed in the weekend attack on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation in northwestern Montana were David Siau, 39, of Syracuse, New York, and Siau's 18-month-old daughter, McKenzie. The assailant, Derick Amos Madden, 37, had been in a prior relationship with the woman who killed him and had mental health issues, the Glacier County Sheriffs Office said. Authorities on Wednesday would not say how he was killed. Madden plowed a Toyota Tacoma onto a sidewalk and into the Siau family just before 9 p.m. Sunday as they walked in the small town of East Glacier Park, hitting some of them before crashing into a tree, the sheriff's office said. Madden got out and shot and killed David Siau and mortally wounded McKenzie. The young girl was being held by her mother, Christy Siau, 40, who was shot and wounded as she tried to run away. Madden then ran out of ammunition and used a knife to attack the sister-in-law, Christina Siau, 30. But the woman fought back and fatally wounded Madden, who authorities said died at the scene, said Capt. Tom Seifert with the Glacier County Sheriffs Office. Seifert declined to release details on how Siau killed Madden or if any other weapons were recovered from the scene. She fought back and she won, he said. Two other children of David and Christy Siau were present but managed to run away and were not injured. McKenzie Siau was pronounced dead at the Indian Health Service hospital in Browning. Christy and Christina Siau suffered critical injuries and were flown to another hospital with a higher level of care. Due to Christy Siau's injuries, investigators have been unable to interview her about what happened, Seifert said. Bystanders in the area witnessed the attack and reported it to authorities, Seifert said. He added that police responded to the scene within minutes, but the attack already was over. The Montana Highway Patrol was trying to determine the exact speed Madden was driving when he hit the family. Seifert described it as faster than the posted speed limit, which he said was at least 25 miles (40 kph) per hour. Authorities have not said if Madden, originally of Goldsby, Oklahoma, had the shotgun legally. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is also involved in the case. The sheriffs office described it as an isolated...incident with a clear nexus between the victims and Madden and said the investigation was ongoing. It was not clear what provoked Sundays attack beyond the prior relationship between Madden and Christina Siau. There were no records of any restraining orders against Madden on file in the Glacier County Courthouse, court officials said. Local authorities did not know of any previous interactions that Madden had with law enforcement. He had been working in East Glacier Park, a town of about 300 year-round residents bordering Glacier National Park that gets throngs of summer tourists. Id like to thank everyone who has so graciously surrounded us, reached out and helped us through this difficult time," said John Siau, David Siau's father and McKenzie Siau's grandfather. He said he told his children to grieve, be sad, but don't harbor anger about what has happened, because what we have seen is actually the result of somebody who has harbored anger in his own life and allowed it to fester and allowed it to grow and develop into something very terrible and unspeakable. Christina Siau was originally from New York and had been living in East Glacier Park. Her brother and his family had been visiting her on vacation, Seifert said. A co-worker of David Saiu described him as a a great person, a great friend .... (and) a great dad, definitely loving with his three kids. They just loved to do activities with them outdoors, even just fun simple things, like weekend and day trips, said Peter Depuy, a bookkeeper for a Syracuse audio products company, Benchmark. David Saiu was the production manager at the 13-employee company and first started work there more than two decades ago when he was a teenager, Depuy said. Christy Siau was a former bookkeeper for the American Baptist Churches of New York State, according to a social media postings by the organization. She was described as a long time and beloved member of the organization's staff in a statement from Executive Minister Rev. James Kelsey. Christy and David Siau were also active in the First Baptist Church of Hoosick Falls, New York, Kelsey said. ___ Associated Press researcher Rhonda Shafner in New York contributed to this report. WASHINGTON (AP) Steve Bannon's lawyers tried Wednesday to establish at his criminal contempt trial that the deadline for the onetime strategist for Donald Trump to appear before the House committee investigating the Capitol riot was flexible as long as the two sides were on negotiating terms. But the committee's chief counsel said Bannon was uncooperative from the start, so there was no such leeway. Bannon, who was an unofficial adviser to the then-president at the time of the insurrection on Jan. 6, 2021, is charged with defying a congressional subpoena that sought his records and testimony. Bannon lawyer Evan Corcoran asked Kristin Amerling, the committee's chief counsel, whether it was common for witnesses to appear before a congressional committee several weeks after the deadline date on a subpoena. Amerling answered yes, but added only when witnesses are cooperating with the committee. In Bannon's case, she said he could not be viewed as cooperating in any meaningful way. He was sent a subpoena on Sept. 23, 2021, that ordered him to produce requested documents by Oct. 7 and appear in person before the committee on Oct. 14. The committee heard nothing from Bannon until after the first deadline had passed, at which point his lawyer sent a letter to the committee stating that Bannon was protected by Trump's claim of executive privilege and would not be providing documents or appearing. The committee responded in writing that Trump's claim was invalid and that Bannon faced a hard deadline of Oct. 14 to come before the committee. When that deadline passed, the committee chairman, Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., wrote Bannon's lawyer on Oct. 15 threatening criminal prosecution. Bannon was indicted in November on two counts of criminal contempt of Congress, one month after the Justice Department received the referral. Each count carries a minimum of 30 days of jail and as long as a year behind bars. The emphasis on the subpoena timeline is one of the few avenues of defense that U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols left Bannon's legal team after a hearing last week. Nichols ruled that major elements of Bannons planned defense were irrelevant and could not be introduced in court. The judge said Bannon could not claim he believed he was covered by executive privilege, which allows presidents to withhold confidential information from the courts and the legislative branch, or that he was acting on the advice of his lawyers. Amerling said the committee sought Bannon's testimony and documents because it had information that Bannon was actively involved in planning, logistics and fundraising for Trump's efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election and stop Congress from certifying Joe Biden's victory. The subpoena demanded any documents or communications relating to Trump and other people in his orbit, including lawyer Rudy Giuliani and extremist groups such as the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers. During cross-examination, Corcoran raised questions about Amerlings own political affiliations and her ties to a prosecutor in the case. Amerling acknowledged she is a lifelong Democrat and had known one of the prosecutors for years since they both worked in the office of now-retired Rep. Henry Waxman, a longtime California Democrat. The two also belong to the same book club, mostly made up of former Waxman staffers, Amerling said. In opening statements this week, Corcoran hinted that the charges were politically motivated and told the jury Bannon was engaged in good-faith negotiations with the committee when he was charged. Amerling testified that Bannon ignored multiple notices that he was in danger of facing criminal prosecution. A second witness, FBI Agent Stephen Hart, testified Wednesday about Bannon's social media posts that seemed to celebrate his defiance of the subpoena after the first deadline had passed. Bannon, 68, is one of the most prominent of the Trump-allied holdouts who refused to testify before the committee. He had argued that his testimony was protected by Trumps claim of executive privilege. The prosecution rested its case Wednesday afternoon. The trial resumes on Thursday. On his way out of the courthouse Wednesday afternoon, Bannon continued his now-daily routine of addressing reporters and harshly criticizing the Jan. 6 committee and particularly Thompson, its chairman. But he has been careful not to criticize his own trial or Judge Nichols. ___ Follow APs coverage of the Jan. 6 committee hearings at https://apnews.com/hub/capitol-siege ___ Follow Khalil on Twitter at https://twitter.com/ashrafkhalil Ned Gerard / Hearst Connecticut Media BRIDGEPORT A city police officer arrested last week in Monroe has been placed on administrative status with pay. Police Department Spokesman Scott Appleby said this week that Wally Franco was placed on administrative status, meaning he remains at work but in a non-patrol role, effective July 14, the day after he was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct. Information about Francos status within the department comes days after Hearst Connecticut Media first reported on the arrest on Friday. Ben Lambert / Hearst Connecticut Media / HAMDEN Police are investigating after shots were fired during an altercation Tuesday, according to the department. Officers responded to Manila Avenue for a report of a dispute and shots fired at approximately 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Detective Sean Dolan said in an email. DENVER (AP) Colorado's secretary of state's office on Wednesday said it has told two candidates who lost their Republican primary races last month that it will not conduct a recount of those races because they failed to pay the required amount by the deadline. The office informed Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters, who lost her race for the GOP nomination for secretary of state, and state Rep. Ron Hanks, who fell short in his bid for the party's U.S. Senate nomination, that it was moving forward finalizing the results of the primary. Neither candidate paid the $236,000 that was due by July 15 for the recount. In letters sent to the office on Tuesday, both said they wanted a hand recount rather than one done by machine. A centerpiece of their election conspiracy theory has been mistrust of voting machines. Peters and Hanks have promoted the false claim that President Joe Biden did not actually win his election against former President Donald Trump in 2020 and also claimed widespread fraud led to their losses in the state's June 28 GOP primary. They are part of a growing number of deniers of the outcome of the 2020 election also questioning their own primary losses. The secretary of state's letters said a hand recount is not allowed under the office's regulations and dismissed the candidates' concerns about possible fraud. It said they have one last window to pay for a recount until July 26. The Secretary of States Office followed all statutes and rules regarding requests for recounts, and Mr. Hanks and Ms. Peters chose to not provide the certified funds as required under law, spokeswoman Annie Orloff said. Coloradans made their voices heard and candidates should accept the results of a secure and fair election not spread disinformation. There was no response to a request for comment from an email set up for both candidates. Meanwhile, a group representing Colorado's county clerks said Peters sent an email to clerks early Tuesday saying she would be requesting a hand recount of ballots in certain unspecified counties. Matt Crane, executive director of the Colorado County Clerks Association, said state law did not allow such requests to be made directly to individual counties and that he feared the improper request could trigger more attacks on county clerks and their election staff. Clearly, Peters request is part of a larger effort to create chaos, disrupt, and cause doubt in our elections," he said in a statement. He noted that her race was not close: Peters lost the GOP primary to a former local clerk, Pam Anderson, by about 88,500 votes. The request came just ahead of Wednesday's deadline for counties to certify the election results after rechecking and auditing the vote count. The normally routine verification of election results was subject to controversy in Nevada and New Mexico after critics raised concerns about voting machines and mail ballots. But no problems have been reported in Colorado. All of the states 64 counties say they have completed their certifications or expect to by the end of the day, said Jack Todd, a spokesman for the secretary of states office. The office has until Monday to review the certification reports before officially signing off on the election results. Viktoria Sundqvist / Hearst Connecticut Media / HARTFORD A Waterbury man was sentenced Wednesday to five years in prison for selling heroin and cocaine in the Bridgeport area, according to federal prosecutors. Michael Munn, 55, of Waterbury, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances on Jan. 15, 2020. He was released on $100,000 bond and is required to report to prison on Aug. 23, U.S. Attorney Vanessa Roberts Avery said in a news release Wednesday. This page requires Javascript. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. The zero-COVID policy has led to massive profits for companies running compulsory testing around the country. A medical worker prepares to conduct a nucleic acid test for the Covid-19 coronavirus at a swab collection site in Shenyang in China's northeastern Liaoning province on May 25, 2022 Workers at test centers in northeastern China have been striking over unpaid wages in a nationwide COVID-19 testing industry that has expanded far beyond its sources of funding. Unverified photos circulating on social media showed test centers in the northeastern city of Shenyang with notices in the windows reading "On strike; suspending [operations] due to unpaid wages," or "On strike, service suspended," with testing equipment visible in the background. Social media posts from "dabai" white-suited COVID-19 enforcement and testing staff said they were later ordered to delete the photos. A journalist familiar with the mass COVID-19 testing industry in China, who gave only the surname Li, said the claims of unpaid wages come amid massive profits for companies carrying out endless rounds of mass PCR tests across Chinese cities, in pursuit of ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP) leader Xi Jinping's zero-COVID policy. "My personal view is that the state is subsidizing these testing companies, while some local governments are also expanding their own PCR testing capacity," Li said. "These more local testing [operations] aren't subsidized by the state, which is partly why they can't pay the white suits' wages." Employees at this nucleic acid testing site in Shenyang, China, have gone on strike. Credit: RFA Subsidies embezzled Another possible reason was corruption, he said. "Another issue is that the subsidies from the government are being embezzled by local government officials," Li told RFA. "There are many cases of this happening." A resident of Shenyang who gave only the surname Wang said several of her neighbors had started out working as testers, but gave up due to the excessive stress of the role. She suggested the amount of testing being done was out of proportion to the number of local cases. "There's no longer an outbreak, and yet they're still forcing people to do PCR tests," Wang said. "You have to show a negative PCR test certificate just to use public transportation," she said. Jiangsu-based current affairs commentator Zhang Jianping said massive profits are being made from the zero-COVID policy. "Zero-COVID is definitely having a lot of knock-on effects," Zhang said. "It has to be supported by large-scale PCR testing, which will inevitably cause problems of its own." 14 protests since March Local media reports have typically referred to the white suits as "volunteers," but the role is generally paid, involving around 12 hours a day, with wages and various social subsidies due, as well as overtime pay. The Hong Kong-based China Labour Bulletin has recorded 14 Covid-19-related worker protests since March, eight of which occurred in Shanghai during lockdown. "Poor working conditions under strict lockdown measures led to protests not only by doctors, nurses, and white-clad pandemic workers, but also factory workers, taxi drivers and others," the group cited its Strike Map database as showing. Social media videos have also shown dozens of white-clad pandemic workers engaged in street protests, demanding unpaid wages, in the Jingan district of Shanghai, CLB reported in late June. Pandemic workers also clashed with police after reportedly being promised the right to quarantine in hotels before returning home, but instead being told to use temporary fangcang hospitals used for mass isolation of thousands of confirmed and suspected Covid-19 cases, it said. "These types of incidents show that government pandemic relief measures do not go far enough in helping to alleviate the immense financial pressure felt by workers, small business owners and other citizens across China," CLB said. It said Shanghai health volunteers are paid a subsidy of between 100-200 yuan per day, according to media sources. The authorities sent more than 10,000 health workers to Shanghai from around the country in early April as lockdown measures intensified, the group said. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie. The law will apply anywhere in the world, and could usher in Great Firewall-style censorship, analysts warn. Authorities in Hong Kong are planning a new law regulating cybercrime, in a move that could lay the groundwork for China-style censorship of the city's internet. The law, which is currently at the consultation stage via the city's Law Reform Commission, would create new crimes including hacking, or unlawful interference with computer systems, as well as possessing data deemed "criminal" by the authorities. Like the draconian national security law imposed on Hong Kong by the ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP) from July 1, 2020, the cybercrime law will apply to acts and possibly speech anywhere in the world. It could also apply to data deemed in breach of that law, which contains broad definitions of subversion, sedition, secessionist and terrorist speech and activity. "The principle of extraterritorial jurisdiction should apply," the Law Reform Commission said in a news release about the law. "This amendment may also violate the law even if the cloud server data is not in Hong Kong." The law could apply anywhere if the victim or perpetrator are from Hong Kong, if any of the computer hardware or software is located in the city, or even if the perpetrator's actions are deemed "seriously damaging" to Hong Kong, according to Derek Chan, of the commission's subcommittee on cybercrime. "At present, it is common practice to store data on cloud servers," Chan told reporters on July 20. "Many cloud servers are not located in Hong Kong, and the data isn't in Hong Kong." "A hacker may not necessarily be a Hong Konger, but the data and people in the database would probably be [related to] Hong Kong," Chan said. "We think Hong Kong should have jurisdiction, even if neither the data nor the person accessing it are in Hong Kong," he said. The Computer Network Crime Subcommittee working under the Law Reform Commission of Hong Kong (LRC) issued a consultation paper on July 20, 2022, on "Computer Network Dependence Offenses and Jurisdiction Matters." 'Very frightening' The new law will likely criminalize "possession of criminal equipment or information" as well as "knowingly providing [such] equipment or information," according to a consultation paper issued by the commission. It could also lead to a new regulatory body to issue licenses to online security companies, to enable them to carry on their research without running afoul of the law, the CCP-backed Wen Wei Po and Ta Kung Pao reported. "The industry may have to set up a registration system to issue licenses to relevant industry personnel," the merged papers quoted Chan as saying. Hong Kong data scientist and pro-democracy activist Wong Ho-wa said many things remain unclear about the proposed law, including how easy it would be to break it. "This is very frightening; the public is bound to be afraid of how this will be implemented, with such broad [definitions]," Wong told RFA. "Even people who supply equipment could be targeted, say for selling routers or servers to others." "The net is cast so wide that it will be very hard to avoid it, so that will scare a lot of people," he said. "The definitions are very broad, when you actually try to figure them out." Wong cited the example of using VPNs to circumvent censorship, which could be viewed under the law as "unlawfully interfering with computer data." "Maybe it won't criminalize regular citizens who use a VPN to watch Netflix, but what if a lot of people visited the same website? Would that be illegal interference? I don't know," he said. US travel warning Current affairs commentator Sang Pu, who is a lawyer by training, said the law appears to extend the reach of the national security law into cyberspace. "They are extending their controls using computer and cybercrime as a pretext," Sang told RFA. "I am very worried that this will lead to internet blocks and censorship, and all of the AI censorship and keyword search term censorship we see in [mainland] China being implemented in Hong Kong." The plans emerged as the United States updated its travel advice to citizens planning to travel to Hong Kong to "exercise increased caution due to wrongful detentions" and "arbitrary enforcement of local laws." Currently, anyone anywhere in the world, of any nationality can be arrested in territory controlled by China or countries with extradition agreements with Beijing, if they are deemed to have broken Hong Kong's national security law, which criminalizes speech or actions believed to "incite hatred or dissatisfaction" against the authorities. "A [Chinese government] propaganda campaign has falsely accused individuals, including U.S. citizens, of fomenting unrest in ... Hong Kong," the advisory warns. "In some cases, the campaign has published their personal information, resulting in threats of violence on social media." The warning came on the third anniversary of bloody attacks by unidentified thugs in white T-shirts on activists and passengers at Yuen Long MTR station at the height of the 2019 protest movement. Social scientist Chung Kim-wah said the current administration including chief executive John Lee and security chief Chris Tang were promoted after playing a key role in suppressing the protests, which began as a mass movement against extradition to mainland China, and broadened to include demands for fully democratic elections and great official accountability. "John Lee, Chris Tang and the others all bear an unavoidable responsibility for everything that happened before and after the July 21, 2019 incident," Chung told RFA. "Now, they are high-ranking government officials, and are ... covering up the facts." Police were criticized for failing to intervene to prevent the attacks despite being flooded with emergency calls for nearly 40 minutes after the attackers started beating people. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie. Indonesias President Joko Widodo speaks to Chinas President Xi Jinping during a photo session in front of Osaka Castle at the G-20 summit, in Osaka, Japan, June 28, 2019. Indonesias president will visit China next week where he and his Chinese counterpart will discuss the G20 summit later this year, Beijing said Thursday, as Jakarta performs a tricky balancing act amid rifts between the West and Russia over the Ukraine war. Joko Jokowi Widodo visited the two warring neighbors last month, in what officials said was a bid to broker peace and stem a global food crisis. On July 26, he will kick off a tour of China, Japan and South Korea all members of the Group of Twenty countries with an in-person meeting in Beijing with Chinese President Xi Jinping, who rarely has hosted foreign leaders since the coronavirus pandemic broke out in late 2019. During his visit, President Joko Widodo will communicate with Chinese leaders face-to-face regarding the G20 Summit to discuss ways to respond to pressing global challenges, demonstrate solidarity and coordination among major developing countries, channel more positive energy to post-COVID global economic development and make more new contribution to promoting global equity and justice, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin told reporters at a press briefing. He praised Indonesias constructive role as this years holder of the G20s rotating chair. In November, Jokowi will host the groups annual summit of G20 leaders in Bali. President Joko Widodo is the first foreign head of state to visit China since the Beijing Olympic Winter Games, and China will be the first stop on his first trip to East Asia since the onset of COVID-19, Wang said. Widodo and Xi will have an in-depth exchange of views on bilateral relations and major regional and international issues, Wang added. On July 27, Jokowi will leave for Tokyo and end his Northeast Asian tour in Seoul on July 28, Indonesias Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi told reporters in a statement. The G20 is split over Russias Feb. 24 invasion of Ukraine that Moscow calls a special military operation. Western G20 members have condemned Russia for the invasion but other member-states, including China, Indonesia and India, have refused to follow suit and still maintain ties with Moscow. Proactive communication with G20 members Ramdhan Muhaimin, an international relations lecturer at Al Azhar University Indonesia, said Jokowi wanted to iron out divisions among G20 members over Russias participation at the upcoming summit. I think this visit is also in that context that Indonesia is building very proactive communication with G20 members outside of formal meetings, Ramdhan said. Western countries, led by the United States, have called on Russia to be disinvited from G20 meetings, including the summit, but Indonesia has refused to do so. Jakarta has instead invited Ukraine, which is not a G20 member, to attend meetings and the summit as a guest. Indonesia wants to show both the international public and the Indonesian people it is successful in organizing the G20 summit amid the Russia-Ukraine crisis, Agus Haryanto, an analyst at Jenderal Soedirman University in Purwokerto, told BenarNews. With respect to the G20, although the foreign ministers meeting [this month] was a relative success, Indonesia is still trying to make sure that the G20 summit of heads of state is also successful. At the groups foreign ministers meeting in Bali earlier this month, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov walked out at least once during what he called the frenzied castigation of Moscow over Russias invasion of Ukraine. Retno, the chief diplomat of host-country Indonesia, said participants at the G20 foreign ministers meeting were deeply concerned about the Ukrainian conflicts global impact on food, energy and finance. Both countries are known as the worlds breadbaskets. Since Moscow invaded its smaller neighbor, Russian military forces have blocked all of Ukraines Black Sea ports and cut off access to almost all of that countrys exports especially of grain sparking fears of a global food crisis. Jokowi, who visited Kyiv and Moscow in late June, on a trip he described as a peace mission, has warned that a global food crisis caused by the war would send people in developing and poor countries into the abyss of extreme poverty and hunger. BenarNews is an RFA-affiliated online news service. Asked about a prospective trip, Biden said I think that the military thinks its not a good idea right now. US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi speaks at an event to mark the 30th anniversary of the Chinese democracy movement and the June 4, 1989 massacre in Tiananmen Square, on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, June 4, 2019. UPDATED at 3.30 P.M. EDT on 2022-07-21 China has once again lashed out at the reported plans by the U.S. Speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi to visit Taiwan, warning Thursday of countermeasures even after President Joe Biden said the U.S. military thinks such visit is not a good idea. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said at a news conference in Beijing that China holds a stern position on firmly opposing the visit. If Speaker Pelosi visits Taiwan, it would seriously violate the one-China principle and harm Chinas sovereignty and territorial integrity and the political foundation of China-US relations, Wang said. If the U.S. insists on going its own way, China will take strong measures to firmly respond and take countermeasures. We will walk the talk," the spokesperson stressed. On Wednesday, when asked about Pelosis prospective trip, President Biden said I think that the military thinks its not a good idea right now. But I dont know what the status of it is, he added. At a news conference in Washington on Thursday, Pelosi declined to comment on her plans. "It is a security issue, so I won't be discussing that now," she said. "I think that it's important for us show support for Taiwan. I also think that none of has ever said we're for independence when it comes to Taiwan. That's up to Taiwan to decide," added Pelosi. Asked about the U.S. military's reported reservations about the trip, she told reporters: "I've heard it anecdotally, but I haven't heard it from the President." Britains Financial Times newspaper reported earlier this week that Pelosi is to make a trip to Taipei in August after failing to visit the island in April because she had COVID. If Pelosi makes the trip it would be the first time since 1997 that a U.S. House speaker visited the island, which is democratically ruled but claimed by China as its own territory. One-China policy Taipei has been quiet on talk about Pelosis visit with the islands Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokeswoman Joanne Ou insisting that her ministry has not received any information about a planned visit. Taiwan, however, always welcomes visits by American congresspersons to the country, she told reporters on Thursday. Meanwhile, the former U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper, who has been visiting Taiwan since Monday said that China should not be allowed to dictate the travel schedules of American officials. Esper, who held office from 2019 to 2020 under former U.S. President Donald Trump, said that he believes that Washingtons one-China policy has run its course and should be "updated and modernized." It is important that the U.S. government develops a fresh perspective regarding its cross-Taiwan Strait policy, Esper said at a press conference in Taipei. Beijing has long reacted strongly to any sign of support given to Taiwan but the U.S should not allow China to arbitrarily expand the scope of activities translated as supporting Taiwan independence, and by that defining the scope of the U.S. one-China policy, said Norah Huang, associate research fellow at the Prospect Foundation, a Taiwanese think-tank. If applying over-generous self-restrictions as it has been the case, it also would encourage the Chinese government to play the nationalist card. This is not helpful for nurturing an understanding civil society which may grow as China develops, she added. UPDATED with Pelosi's remarks Thursday. Acting Philippine Defense Secretary Jose Faustino (left) talks during a press conference at the Department of National Defense in Manila, July 21, 2022. The Philippines is prepared to deploy more coast guard ships to protect its fishermen from harassment by Chinese vessels within Manilas exclusive economic zone in the South China Sea, the new governments acting defense secretary said Thursday. Jose Faustino said he would follow pronouncements by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. about how his administration would approach the defense of Philippine territories and sovereignty in the contested waterway. Faustino, during a press conference here, also became the first senior official from the Marcos government to speak out about Chinese ships and boats encroaching in the Philippine EEZ. We dont have any direct instruction from him (yet) but I am being guided by his pronouncements his strategic pronouncements about how we deal with China, particularly on matters involving other avenues (to solve) that conflict we are discussing here (regarding) the West Philippine Sea, Faustino, a former military chief, told reporters, using the Filipino name for territories claimed by the Philippines in the South China Sea. Still, you know, our sovereignty is inviolable and we have to protect our territorial integrity, he said, stressing that Philippine authorities had recently monitored Chinese ships entering into waters within Manilas EEZ. Before taking office on June 30, Marcos promised he would assert a 2016 arbitration court ruling won by the Philippines against China over the South China Sea, an issue that his immediate predecessor was widely criticized and seen as weak in confronting it. Right now, we have sightings of some, particularly Chinese militia vessels and some Chinese coast guard in the contested areas, Faustino said, adding that he had contacted the National Task Force on the West Philippine Sea, which can initiate a new round of diplomatic protests. Asked if the Marcos administration was prepared to increase patrols to protect its fishermen, he replied: If we need to increase it, as the situation dictates, then we will do that. Faustino did not divulge details about the number of Chinese ships or when they were spotted. In June, Philippine officials reported that 100 Chinese ships were seen swarming in the Julian Filipe Reef alone. That same month, the outgoing Duterte administration announced it had filed a new diplomatic protest against China over the alleged return of a massive fleet around Whitsun Reef, in Manilas EEZ, earlier this year. It was the most recent in a series of diplomatic protests that began in March 2021 in response to intrusions in Philippine waters by Chinese boats, coast guard ships and militia-crewed vessels. On Thursday, the Chinese Embassy in Manila did not immediately respond to BenarNews requests for comment. In the past, Chinas foreign ministry has insisted that the entire South China Sea is Chinese territory. Arbitration anniversary Faustinos comments came nine days after the Philippines marked the sixth anniversary of the landmark ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague that invalidated Chinas expansive claims to the potentially oil-rich sea region. To mark the occasion, Enrique A. Manalo, Marcos foreign secretary, said the court had authoritatively ruled that Chinas claim of controlling nearly all of the South China Sea was baseless. The findings are no longer within the reach of denial and rebuttal and are conclusive as they are indisputable, Manalo said. The award is final. We firmly reject attempts to undermine it; nay, even erase it from law, history and our collective memories. Marcos predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte, did not seek to make China follow the ruling and instead developed friendlier ties in exchange for Chinese investments. He pulled the Philippines away from its traditional ally, the United States. Toward the end of his six-year term, however, Duterte told the United Nations General Assembly in September 2020 that the ruling was considered beyond compromise . Marcos, like Duterte, wants the peaceful resolution of the maritime conflict, but also supports rules-based international order in these [contested South China Sea] areas, according to Faustino. With or without the arbitral ruling, we will continue to protect what is ours, Faustino said. The Philippines, he said, is thankful to the United States and other countries that support the Philippines in its dispute with China. Responding to reports that Chinese ships issued warnings against Philippine ships transporting construction materials in the West Philippine Sea, Faustino said Filipino troops were accustomed to such actions by the Chinese. Earlier this month, Philippine media reported that the China Coast Guard had shadowed two ships carrying supplies for the BRP Sierra Madre , a rusting World War II naval ship that serves as a Filipino outpost on the Second Thomas Shoal, and issued a warning to those serving on the ship. Faustino said the Philippine military would not be deterred. This is our territory, its our right to be in this area, thats our response to the challenges of China. We also challenge the Chinese if they get near us. Its like were exchanging challenges in these areas, he said. BenarNews is an RFA-affiliated online news service. Prison authorities in northwestern Chinas Qinghai province this week released two Tibetan men jailed three years ago for land-rights activism, with the move following the release earlier this year of four others jailed on the same charge, Tibetan sources said. Tashi Tsering and Drukbum Tsering, both residents of Horgyal village in Qinghais Rebgong (Chinese, Tongren) county, were freed on July 1, a month after completing their sentence, a Tibetan living in exile told RFA, citing sources in Rebgong. The Chinese authorities took them straight to their homes following their release, and local Tibetans were forbidden from making any displays welcoming them on their return, RFAs source said, speaking on condition of anonymity for security reasons. No details are available yet regarding the condition of their health, and even though they have been released from prison, the authorities are continuing to monitor their movements, making their lives difficult by keeping them under surveillance, the source added. The two men had been confined in a large prison built a few years ago in Rebgong, and family and friends had been barred from visiting them while they were held in custody, he said. Rebgong town in China's Qinghai province is shown in an undated photo. Photo: RFA In April 2019, Tashi Tsering, Drukbum Tsering and seven other activists were handed prison terms of from three to seven years each by the Tongren County Peoples Court for running an illegal organization claiming land rights for Tibetans. Authorities had additionally accused the men of usurping the duties of already established village committees, extortion, and gathering people to disturb social order, RFA said in an earlier report, citing information provided by the Dharamsala, India-based Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy. One of the four group members freed earlier in April this year, land-rights activist Sonam Gyal is in poor health following his release, RFAs source said. And we still dont know the names of the others who were freed with him, owing to tight restrictions on information imposed by the Chinese government. Chinese development projects in Tibetan areas have led to frequent standoffs with Tibetans who accuse Chinese firms and local officials of improperly seizing land and disrupting the lives of local people. Many result in violent suppression, the detention of protest organizers, and intense pressure on the local population to comply with the governments wishes. Translated by Tenzin Dickyi for RFA Tibetan. Written in English by Richard Finney. A handout image by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) showing a screen of UN human rights chief Michelle Bachelet (L) attending a virtual meeting with China's President Xi Jinping, in Guangzhou, May 25, 2022. The U.S. called on the United Nations human rights chief on Wednesday release a report on conditions in Xinjiang without delay, after a report that China was working behind the scenes at the UN to bury the long-delayed document. On Tuesday, Reuters reported from Geneva that a letter authored by China expressing grave concern about the Xinjiang report was circulated among diplomatic missions. The note asked countries to sign it to show their support for Chinas goal of convincing High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet to halt its release, the news agency said. Despite frequent assurances by the Office of the High Commissioner that the report would be released in short order, it remains unavailable, said a U.S. State Department in Washington. We call on the High Commissioner to release the report without delay. And we are highly concerned about any effort by Beijing to suppress the reports release, the spokesperson said in an e-mailed statement. Bachelet, who visited Xinjiang in May, 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. On Wednesday, a spokesperson for UN Human Rights Office said it was still being finalized and that Bachelet had said it would be released before she leaves office in August or September. The report is being finalized and final steps are being undertaken prior to public release, the spokesperson wrote in a statement to RFA Uyghur. The final steps include sharing with the concerned Member State for its comments before publishing as per standard practice, the spokesperson said. Reports are shared for comments with the concerned Member State. The Office will reflect comments of a factual nature in the final version, said the statement. The spokesman had no comment on the letter cited in the Reuters report. The letter and any related Chinese pressure campaign at the UN was unsurprising because Beijing is hypersensitive to criticism, said Sophie Richardson, China director of New York-based Human Rights Watch (HRW). The Chinese government regularly tries to undermine or preempt or reject any criticism, she told RFA. The letter emerged a month after nearly 50 United Nations member states on Wednesday issued a joint statement criticizing Chinas atrocities against Uyghurs and calling on Bachelet to release the Xinjiang report. The UN report would cover a period in which Chinese authorities detained up to 1.8 million Uyghurs and other Turkic minorities in internment camps since 2017, according to numerous investigative reports by researchers and think tanks. Xinjiangs Uyghurs, Kazakhs and other minorities have reportedly been subjected to severe human rights abuses, torture and forced labor, as well as the eradication of their linguistic, cultural and religious traditions in what the United States and several Western parliaments have called genocide and crimes against humanity. The Campaign for Uyghurs, part of a coalition of 230 organizations who have demanded that Bachelet resign from her post, urged the UN to resist Chinese pressure. It is not the first time China is trying to drum up support for its genocide, nor will it be the last, said CFU Executive Director Rushan Abbas. The question is whether countries will succumb to Chinas whims because of economic ties, and if Michelle Bachelet will once again be coaxed into listening to Chinas demands, she added. Bachelets China tightly orchestrated Xinjiang visit, about which she has disclosed little, has been criticized as a staged, Potemkin-style tour. In Beijing Wednesday, however, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said the 70-year-old former Chilean president experienced in person what a real Xinjiang is like: a region that enjoys security and stability and sustained robust development, and its people live a happy and fulfilling life. He told a news conference that Chinas stance enjoyed the support of developing countries. The calculations of a small number of countries to use Xinjiang to engage in political manipulation, tarnish Chinas reputation and contain and suppress China will not succeed, Wang said. HRWs Richardson said Bachelet was caught between demands from Uyghurs, rights groups and Western governments for accountability and a disclosure of facts in Xinjiang and Beijings pressure to silence its critics. Whether she goes ahead and how accurate it is will tell us a lot about how seriously she takes her mandate and how willing she is to challenge some of the most powerful members of the U.N. system, she told RFA. Written by Paul Eckert. Former Iranian hard-line President Mahmud Ahmadinejad has registered his candidacy for a third term in office in next months election. State television reported on May 12 that Ahmadinejad marched with supporters to the Interior Ministry, where he filled out the required registration forms. Considered an ultraconservative in the past, the 64-year-old ex-Tehran mayor has been more critical of the establishment in recent years. He was barred from running at the last presidential election in 2017. During his two terms in office, between 2005 to 2013, he pushed Iran into open confrontation with the West over its nuclear program, and his disputed 2009 reelection sparked the biggest mass protests in the country since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Iran on May 11 opened registration for potential candidates in the June 18 presidential election amid continued high tensions with the West and uncertainty over Tehran's tattered nuclear deal with world powers. After the five-day registration process, entrants will be screened for their qualifications by the Guardians Council, a hard-line constitutional watchdog that has in the past disqualified many moderate would-be candidates. The Holocaust-denying Ahmadinejad has previously been banned from running for the presidency by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in 2017, although then, he registered anyway. The Guardians Council ultimately disqualified him then. The council is to announce a final list of candidates by May 27, triggering a 20-day campaign season ahead of the vote. President Hassan Rohani, a relative moderate whose government is taking part in talks to revive the 2015 nuclear agreement, cannot seek reelection after having served two consecutive four-year terms. With the poll just a month away, no immediate favorite has emerged among the many rumored candidates, but many view the hard-liners as ascendant. Turnout could be hit by rising discontent over steep rises in consumer prices and high unemployment as the Iranian economy has been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic and U.S. economic sanctions reimposed after Washington in 2018 pulled out of the nuclear accord, which lifted international sanctions on Iran in exchange for curbs on its nuclear program. Iran responded to the U.S. moves by stepping up its violations of the accord by enriching uranium to a greater purity, stockpiling more than allowed, and introducing more advanced centrifuges. Several rounds of talks with world powers in Vienna on reviving the nuclear accord have yet to make major progress. Iranian hard-liners took control of parliament last year in polls that saw 42.5 percent turnout, the lowest turnout since the 1979 revolution that brought a clerical regime to power. Ahmadinejads political style, which included threats against Israel, denial of the Holocaust, and claims that Iran had no homosexuals, contributed to marginalize Iran on the international stage. At home, he drew support from the countryside for his populist cash handouts and home-building programs, but even some of his conservative allies had abandoned him toward the end of his time at the presidency. After leaving office in 2013, Ahmadinejad sought to reinvigorate his political fortunes in public and on social media. In 2017, Ahmadinejad accused the hard-line judiciary of "dictatorship" and said that it is more powerful than the supreme leader, who has final say on all state matters in Iran. With reporting by AP and dpa TBILISI -- A diplomatic spat has erupted between Tbilisi and its Western partners over the criminal trial of a Georgian opposition journalist, further straining relations as U.S. and EU officials press the Caucasus country to depolarize its political scene. The feisty exchanges concerning the EU and U.S. ambassadors highlight ongoing obstacles to Georgia's accelerated bid to join the European Union in response to the perceived regional threat from Russia, whose troops occupy two Georgian regions and are waging a large-scale invasion of Ukraine. They could also reflect Western frustration with the ruling Georgian Dream party since the government in Tbilisi made unsolicited public statements asserting that it would not join EU and other international sanctions meant to punish Moscow for its war on Ukraine. On July 20, the State Department took the unusual step of affirming its support for the U.S. mission in Tbilisi after suggestions by a judge and members of Georgia's ruling party that Ambassador Kelly Degnan and her team improperly interfered in the prosecution of journalist and former Rustavi-2 TV general director Nika Gvaramia. State Department spokesman Ned Price told a daily briefing that recent statements from some Georgian officials might be "intended to distract" Georgians from their goal of Euro-Atlantic membership. "Ambassador Degnan has our full support," Price said. "Disinformation and personal attacks on Ambassador Degnan or her team are not consistent with how partners communicate with one another, and we will continue to focus on supporting our shared goals," Price added. The Georgian Dream party founded by billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili has been in power since 2012 in the face of a fractious opposition, and has faced criticism for its inability or unwillingness to implement reforms to better prepare Georgia for EU integration. Georgian Dream's chairman, Irakli Kobakhidze, issued a blunt criticism of the EU's outgoing envoy to Tbilisi as Ambassador Carl Hartzell announced his departure on July 20, saying Hartzell had played "only a negative role" in Georgian-EU relations. Nikoloz Samkharadze, a party colleague who chairs the parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee, said Hartzell "could have worked better to get Georgia [EU] candidate status." Kobakhidze added that he was disturbed by the lack of any "clear explanation and a denial" from Degnan "that any such interference took place" regarding the Gvaramia case. The exchange arose as a six-member delegation from the European Parliament visited Tbilisi for two days of information gathering on July 20-21 to inform an annual report on Georgia's implementation of its EU Association Agreement. The head of that delegation, Foreign Affairs Committee head David , warned after their arrival that "time is running out" and "now is a key moment for the Georgian government to clearly show the political will to realize the European ambitions of the [Georgian] people." A spokesman for EU high representative for foreign affairs Josep Borrell delivered another sharp rebuke to Tbilisi by stressing that "delivery on reforms & EU agenda is [a] task for domestic politicians." "Blaming others for [your] own unfulfilled ambitions only confirms the need 2have more time 2understand how [the EU] works & that reforms are a homework," Borrell lead spokesman Peter Stano tweeted. "[The] EU fully supports @CarlHartzellEU who did great job 4 [EU-Georgian] ties!" The European Commission last month approved the candidacies of Ukraine and Moldova while deferring Georgia's bid until it met "set priorities," a move that sparked street protests in Tbilisi to demand progress in tackling Brussels' 12 main recommendations. They include the end of political polarization, progress on media freedom, judiciary and electoral reforms, and "de-oligarchization," an apparent allusion to Ivanishvili's ongoing influence over his party and Georgian politics. Until then, the commission said, Georgia remains on the "perspective" path. Gvaramia Case Before that, in early June, the European Parliament passed a nonbinding resolution citing the Gvaramia case and calling for sanctions against Ivanishvili for his "destructive role" in Georgia, including risks to free media and journalists' safety. Judge Lasha Chkhikvadze, who presided over Gvaramia's conviction, which is still under appeal, authored a letter published this month that suggested U.S. officials had overstepped by inquiring to him about Gvaramia's case. Chkhikvadze wrote in a letter published on the Rustavi-2 website that he met with a U.S. Embassy employee who told him that "the ambassador is interested in why I received a guilty verdict in this case and especially why I used imprisonment as a punishment." "In my estimation, this was a request for a report related to a specific case," the judge said, before going on to suggest he'd then been excluded from a preplanned event. Degnan said any suggestion that the United States was improperly interfering in a Georgian court case was untrue. Transparency International-Georgia has called Gvaramia's conviction retaliation for his critical journalism. Gvaramia left Rustavi-2 in 2019 after the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) upheld a verdict by Georgia's Supreme Court on restoring the main opposition TV channel to a previous owner who was believed to be close to the government. Tbilisi accelerated and formalized its EU application in March, days after President Vladimir Putin ordered tens of thousands of Russian troops into nearby Ukraine in the largest invasion of a European country since World War II. Georgian Dream has consistently expressed support for the country's EU membership. But Ivanishvili is said to wield enormous influence behind the scenes, and the Georgian Dream-led government announced in early June that it did not intend to join Western sanctions against Russia because those measures weren't in Georgia's "national interests." Earlier this week, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili sent a letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen complaining about the European Parliament's resolution in June, saying the accusations against Ivanishvili holding excessive power were an insult to Georgia and to Gharibashvili himself. Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili said alongside McAllister on July 20 that there was a battle "not only inside the country but also outside" it and "we heard a kind of ping-pong with the MEPs," referring to the European Parliament members. "I also [told them] that sometimes it might be better not to have responses and I called for us to move this dialogue into slightly different forms." Hartzell, who has served as the EU's ambassador since 2018, should be replaced as head of the EU delegation to Georgia by Pawel Herczynski. Prominent Iranian lawyer and human rights activist Mohammad Ali Dadkhah has been arrested and sent to prison to serve a sentence he received more than a decade ago for allegedly attempting to overthrow the ruling Islamic system. Lawyer Mustafa Nili wrote on Twitter on July 20 that Dadkhah had been transferred to the notorious Evin prison to serve the eight-year sentence he received in 2011. Dadkhah has been out on parole since 2013. Nili quoted lawyer Iman Pirouzkhah as saying that Dadkhah was rearrested under "illegal pretexts." He did not elaborate. Dadkhah, who has defended a number of political prisoners in Iran, including a Christian pastor on death row for apostasy, is a founding member of the Defenders of Human Rights Center (DHRC) along with Nobel Peace Prize-winner Shirin Ebadi. Since a disputed June 2009 presidential election, several co-founders and members of the DHRC have been imprisoned, including lawyer Abdolfattah Soltani and journalist Abdolreza Tajik. With reporting and writing by Ardeshir Tayebi A contingent of around two dozen German troops arrived in Bosnia-Herzegovina on August 16 as part of the European Union's nearly two-decade peacekeeping and security mission in the troubled Balkan state, in a move quickly disparaged by Russia's embassy. The return of German troops to the EUFOR mission for the first time in a decade reflects Western concern at centrifugal ethnic and political forces and potential geopolitical spillover from the Ukraine war. EUFOR last week announced the deployment of up to 50 Bundeswehr troops to the former Yugoslav republic, which remains divided into a Bosniak and Croat federation and a mostly Serb entity known as Republika Srpska under the terms of a 1995 cease-fire known as the Dayton Agreement. On August 16, it called the arrival of around 30 troops "a further demonstration of the EU's commitment to a stable, prosperous, and European future for all the citizens" of Bosnia. EUFOR's Althea mission in Bosnia comprises around 1,100 soldiers from 20 countries. EUFOR said after the German troops' arrival at Camp Butmir that "the advance party of German personnel arriving this week are expected to be followed by further troops deployed on a phased basis." The Serb member of Bosnia's tripartite presidency, Milorad Dodik, who has openly sought secession for Republika Srpska and hastened instability with rival institutions, has criticized the arrival of German troops with references to World War II. EUFOR is in part tasked with ensuring civilian order and compliance with Dayton alongside an international high representative, currently German Christian Schmidt. Dodik ally Russia last year accelerated its push to phase out Schmidt's post. EUFOR's current mandate expires in November and there is speculation that Moscow could use its UN Security Council veto to scupper an extension. Russia's embassy in Sarajevo alleged on August 16 that the United States and Britain are "preparing the ground for the creeping NATOization" of Bosnia. Given European forces' most recent report to the UN Security Council suggesting Bosnia is calm and stable, the embassy said, "the reasons for the need to expand military personnel in EUFOR, including at the expense of Bundeswehr soldiers, are groundless." It said that it "especially" considers suggestions that the Russia-Ukraine conflict is affecting the situation in Bosnia as "unacceptable." Bosnia has EU aspirations but has struggled to implement reforms and even maintain unified policies in the face of governmental and administrative divisions based on ethnicity and geography. Elections scheduled for later this year are in jeopardy as Serbs continue to press for independence and ethnic Croats insist on major electoral changes or they will boycott the vote. More than 100,000 people died in the 1992-95 Bosnian War that ended with the signing by Serb, Croat, and Bosniak leaders of a U.S.-mediated peace in Dayton, Ohio. EUFOR replaced NATO peacekeeping troops in Bosnia in 2004. With reporting by Reuters A Russian attack on Kharkiv on July 20 killed at least three people, including a 13-year-old boy. The child's grieving father held his dead son's hand and prayed for two hours until his body was taken away. (WARNING: Viewers may find the content of this video disturbing.) ST. PETERSBURG, Russia -- A court of appeals in Russia's second-largest city, St. Petersburg, has upheld a decision to extradite Belarusian activist Yana Pinchuk to Minsk, where she faces charges for protesting the disputed August 2020 presidential election that kept authoritarian ruler Alyaksandr Lukashenka in power despite opposition accusations that the voting was rigged. The court handed down its decision on July 21 even after the 25-year-old activist said she may face torture if returned to custody in Belarus. Pinchuk is wanted in Belarus on several charges, including inciting national hatred, calls for activities that damaged national security, and slander. If convicted, she faces up to 20 years in prison. Police in St. Petersburg arrested Pinchuk on November 1 last year at the request of Belarus. Belarusian authorities accuse Pinchuk of administering the Vitsebsk97% Telegram channel, which had been critical of Lukashenka's regime and has been labeled as extremist in Belarus. Pinchuk has rejected all of the charges, saying she immediately closed the Telegram channel after it was officially designated as extremist. She is one of many Belarusians who have faced multiple charges linked to the mass protests against Lukashenka following the controversial presidential election. Thousands have been arrested, and much of the opposition leadership has been jailed or forced into exile. Several protesters have been killed, and there have also been credible reports of torture during a widening security crackdown. Belarusian authorities have also shut down several nongovernmental organizations and independent media outlets. The United States, the European Union, and several other countries have refused to acknowledge Lukashenka as the winner of the vote and imposed several rounds of sanctions on him and his regime, citing election fraud and the crackdown. In December, Moscow-based Memorial Human Rights Center recognized Pinchuk as a political prisoner and demanded her immediate release. Leading up to and during its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Russia has kicked into overdrive its ongoing information war, relying largely on Sputnik and RT to spread beyond its borders what is widely deemed pro-Kremlin propaganda and disinformation. For that, RT has been barred inside the EU, and tech companies have taken similar steps to stop Moscow from disseminating its brand of the truth about its "special military operation" and other sensitive topics to a global audience. Serbia is an EU candidate, but it is not bound by decisions made in Brussels. Now, the Balkan country of 7 million people, long a target of disinformation campaigns with historic ties to Moscow, may be considering whether to allow RT to begin broadcasting from Belgrade. If RT were to beam its message into homes in Serbia, it could find a receptive audience. Recent polling by a Serbian NGO found two-thirds of respondents said they felt closer to the Russian side in the current conflict. No official request has been made by RT, according to Serbian media regulators, whose approval would be required for the Russian state-funded broadcaster to get a license to operate inside Serbia. But reports of such a plan circulating in Serbian media recently are apparently being taken seriously by Brussels, with a spokesperson telling RFE/RL's Balkans Service recently that Belgrade should think twice about deepening ties with the Kremlin-funded broadcaster. "Without commenting on announcements of intentions, let me recall that the EU imposed broadcasting, distribution, and advertising restrictions against RT as part of the sanctions to respond to the illegal aggression of Russia against Ukraine. RT is part of Russia's propaganda and disinformation instruments with which the Kremlin accompanies its illegal aggression against Ukraine and murdering of Ukrainian people," said Peter Stano, spokesman for the EU's high representative for foreign affairs and security policy. "Serbia as candidate country is expected to progressively align with EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy and respective decisions." Belgrade already hosts Sputnik, whose Serbian-language website and radio broadcasts have presented what researchers in the United States say is "an alternative reality for its Serbian and Slavic audiences." It also claimed in the past to hold a license in Serbia for satellite transmissions. Establishing RT in Belgrade would allow Russian President Vladimir Putin's administration to beam that message into more households than those reached by Sputnik, as it includes TV broadcasts. And that could be a major coup for the Kremlin not only in Serbia but beyond in the Balkans, according to Serbian analyst Bosko Jaksic, including the largely ethnic Serb entity that makes up half of Bosnia-Herzegovina. "Moscow has a desire to continue spreading propaganda, primarily in Serbia and the Republika Srpska entity in Bosnia-Herzegovina, which are the bastion of its interests. It would note the strengthening of Russia's media presence in the region as another success in the series," Jaksic told RFE/RL's Balkan Service. Serbia is dependent on natural gas, weapons, and political backing from Moscow. It has condemned Putin's invasion of Ukraine at the United Nations but shied away from imposing sanctions. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has complained of the "nightmare" for Serbia if it has to pick a side. Vucic, a former ultranationalist who solidified his grip on power by reinventing himself as a reformer committed to Serbia's drive toward EU membership, has also spoken out to defend RT's right to broadcast inside the European Union, casting it as an issue of freedom of information. At home, however, Vucic's government has put pressure on the media, with a dwindling number of independent news outlets facing tougher scrutiny, Freedom House concluded in an annual report released in February. Launched in 2005 as Russia Today, state-funded RT has continually expanded, with broadcasters and websites in languages including English, French, Spanish, and Arabic. Operating across multiple networks around the globe, RT has seen its reach dramatically diminish in recent months as technology companies and TV providers move to sever ties due to Russia's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. The European Union suspended the broadcasting activities of some Russian state-backed media, including RT, on March 1. It also placed sanctions on Margarita Simonyan, editor in chief of RT's English-language service. "Sputnik and Russia Today are under the permanent direct or indirect control of the authorities of the Russian Federation and are essential and instrumental in bringing forward and supporting the military aggression against Ukraine, and for the destabilization of its neighboring countries," Josep Borrell, the EU's foreign policy chief, said on March 2. Social-media giant Meta barred those outlets from platforms it owns, including Facebook and Instagram. Tech companies also cut off the outlets from advertising revenue and expanded efforts to label their accounts. In the United States, RT America ceased operations and laid off staff in March after a major satellite carrier -- DirecTV -- dropped it. Despites its reputation and problems, Olivera Zekic, president of Serbia's Council of the Regulatory Authority of Electronic Media (REM), said RT would get a fair hearing in Serbia if it applied for a broadcast license. Zekic suggested the EU's ban of RT would not factor in any potential decision. "That won't be a problem if Russia Today applies because REM is concerned, first and foremost, with respecting freedom of speech and expression. But it should be noted that this information about their arrival is only a rumor," Zekic told RFE/RL's Balkan Service. Any likely decision on whether to grant RT a license could come down to the whim of Vucic, Jaksic argues. He adds that the Serbian leader may be amenable to pleasing the Kremlin, given "the damage done to relations recently," including Serbia's backing in March of a UN General Assembly resolution condemning Russia's invasion of Ukraine. At the same time, Jaksic says such a move would come at a cost. "At a time when the West is asking us to join the sanctions against Moscow, Serbia would be shooting itself in the foot if it OK'd the controversial Russia Today," he said. Even without RT, media in Serbia have praised Putin and were generally supportive of Russia leading up to the invasion, which followed eight years of lower-grade conflict between Kyiv and Moscow-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine. Serbia's leading tabloid, Informer, printed several articles, some bordering on the sycophantic, praising Putin. Two days before the full-scale Russian invasion began on February 24, it published a front-page story titled Ukraine Has Attacked Russia. "Serbia's pro-government propaganda outlets created Putin's personality cult that even surpasses the one they built for Vucic," Dinko Gruhonjic, associate professor of journalism at University of Novi Sad, told AFP earlier this month. As Russia's invasion drags on and reports of alleged Russian atrocities mount, Serbia media coverage of Russia has "softened," according to CRTA, a Belgrade-based NGO advocating for transparency and democratic reform in Serbia. "Although the initial open support for Russia has softened since the beginning of the war, the media continue to report in favor of Russia, and against the West," CRTA concluded in a report issued on July 6. CRTA also found public attitudes in Serbia were sympathetic toward Russia. Two-thirds of those surveyed said they felt "closer" to Russia, according to a poll released on June 15. Three-quarters of respondents said they believed the Kremlin was forced into war "due to NATO's intentions to expand." The same survey suggested that 40 percent of the population favors dropping Serbia's long-stated pursuit of joining the European Union and allying with Moscow instead. "Public opinion is formed in a media environment which is dominated by televisions and newspapers with pro-government editorial policy and a strong pro-Russia bias," said Vujo Ilic, a researcher and one of the survey's authors. "Russia is presented in pro-government media as a political and military ally, protector of Serbian interests in Kosovo and Bosnia, as well as an economic benefactor, for example by providing gas at favorable prices," the political scientist at the University of Belgrade told RFE/RL in e-mailed remarks. Serbia and Russia have historical ties, rooted partly in the Orthodox Church. Those bonds were strengthened when Russia opposed the NATO bombing of former Yugoslavia (now Serbia) in 1999 and rejected Kosovo's declaration of independence in 2008, a stance it has maintained. Russian disinformation efforts are well established in Serbia. Launched in 2015, Sputnik broadcasts anti-EU and NATO disinformation to the Western Balkans from its regional base in Belgrade. "The most prominent narratives promulgated by Sputnik Serbia are that the EU and NATO are weak, fragmented, hegemonic, and aggressive," Serbian analyst Jelena Jevtic wrote in 2021. Those findings were echoed by researchers at the U.S.-based Tufts University, who found Sputnik Serbia "often publishes stories aiming to create an alternate reality for its Serbian and Slavic audiences. This reality both magnifies threat perceptions for Serbian minority groups in the Western Balkans and paints Russia as a vital ally to its Slavic brothers." Ukraine has a significant potential to advance its forces on the battlefield and needs to increase the intensity of its attacks on Russian forces, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said in his nightly address on July 21. 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, Western military aid, global reaction, and the plight of civilians. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here. Zelenskiy said a meeting of Ukraines military command on July 21 defined tasks in tactical areas that must be carried out to strengthen positions and worked out supply issues related to delivering the latest weapons arriving from Western allies to the troops in the field. The participants of the meeting agreed that Ukrainian forces have a significant potential to advance our forces at the front and to inflict new significant losses on the occupiers," he said. Zelenskiy also noted that that several members of the U.S. Senate have proposed a resolution recognizing Russia's aggression against Ukraine as genocide. He said it was the first result of the visit of his wife, Olena Zelenska, to Washington this week. A bipartisan group of seven senators introduced the resolution on July 20 shortly after Zelenska spoke to members of Congress about the war, highlighting the suffering of Ukrainian civilians. The resolution recognizes that Russias actions, including forced deportations to Russia and the killing of Ukrainian civilians in mass atrocities, constituted genocide against the people of Ukraine. The resolution calls on the United States, along with NATO and European Union allies, to support the government of Ukraine to prevent further acts of Russian genocide against the Ukrainian people and supports tribunals and international criminal investigations to hold Russian political leaders and military personnel accountable. Russia's military kept up its relentless artillery bombardment of civilian-populated areas earlier on July 21 amid what Kyiv said were failed attempts by Russian forces to gain ground. Ihor Terekhov, the mayor of Kharkiv, said one of the most densely populated areas of Ukraine's second-largest city was being shelled, while the regional governor said two people had been killed and 19 wounded. Russia denies targeting civilians. Russian forces also bombarded a residential area of Nikopol, a city south of Zaporizhzhya, killing at least two civilians and wounding at nine others overnight, including several children. The head of the military administration of the eastern Donetsk region, Pavlo Kyrylenko, urged people to evacuate, saying Russian forces had destroyed schools in Kramatorsk and Kostyantynivka and shelled the industrial part of Kramatorsk and central Bakhmut. The mayor of the southern city of Mykolayiv said the city had been targeted again on the evening of July 21 after being shelled earlier in the day, injuring one person and damaging infrastructure, energy facilities, and storage areas. He said 13 residential buildings in the city center were damaged by the shock wave and debris caused by the evening shelling. Ukraine's armed forces said earlier that they engaged Russian troops in the south and east of the country, killing more than 100 enemy combatants. That figure could not be confirmed. The Ukrainian military also reported heavy Russian shelling on the front line in the east amid what they said were largely failed attempts by Russian ground forces to advance. WATCH: Kyiv has urged Ukrainians living in the Zaporizhzhya region to evacuate. While many have fled, some residents, including pensioners and farmers, remain in hotly contested frontline villages. They face daily attacks by the Russian Army. The Russian-installed administration in the partially occupied Ukrainian region of Zaporizhzhya said Ukraine had conducted a drone strike on a nuclear power station there, but the reactor was not damaged. The reports could not be independently verified. Meanwhile, British military intelligence said on July 21 that Russian forces and Moscow-backed separatists continue to attempt small-scale assaults along the front line in the east. Russian forces are likely closing in on Ukraines second-biggest power plant at Vuhlehyrska, some 50 kilometers northeast of Donetsk, as Moscow appears to be prioritizing the capture of critical national infrastructure, British intelligence said in its daily bulletin. WATCH: Shells rained down as our team visited a frontline town in eastern Ukraine where volunteers were trying to evacuate civilians. Current Time reporter Borys Sachalko and cameraman Serhiy Dykun ran for cover, but nearby civilians were not fast enough. Two were injured and immediately taken for medical treatment in a safer location. In Kyiv, the Prosecutor-General's Office reported that law enforcement officers uncovered an illegal scheme to help Ukrainian citizens of military age get out of the country. A 34-year-old resident of the Kyiv region was behind the scheme, which offered to organize unimpeded crossings for a price of 1,600 euros, the press service of the Prosecutor-General's Office said. The man was arrested while meeting with a "client," who paid him $800. He planned to cross the border based on documents about studies at institutions in Poland. Zelenskiy barred men aged 18 to 60 from leaving the country shortly after the war began. With reporting by Reuters, BBC, and CNN The URL has been copied to your clipboard The code has been copied to your clipboard. Kyiv has urged Ukrainians living in the Zaporizhzhya region to evacuate. While many have fled, some residents, including pensioners and farmers, remain in hotly contested frontline villages. They face daily attacks by the Russian Army. Michael Butts, a Roanoke Rapids firefighter and the departments fire and life safety educator, was honored by Safe Kids North Carolina for excellence in injury prevention. After accepting the award from Halifax County Safe Kids Chapter Coordinator Frankie King, Butts, whose last day with the fire department is Friday, asked city council Tuesday to consider studying employee pay. As I leave, one thing I would say to the council is I am in great fear. One of the things that worries me the most is that I will not be the last one (to leave), he said. I fear that with the current salary situation, with the way other places recruit people for a greater salary, I ask out of respect that you all please take into consideration trying to do something to fix those issues. Butts, who is taking a private sector job, told the council he appreciated his 10 years in the department. I do want to thank each and everyone of you. I wouldn't be able to be where Im at or do what Im doing if it wasnt what I learned from this place. Butts said, I had a tremendous 10 years here developing a program and the help from the guys to make this stuff happen. None of those things would have happened without everyone at the Roanoke Rapids Fire Department. Butts not only praised the members of the fire department but employees city-wide. I think everyone should know what a great group of people you have employed at the Roanoke Rapids Fire Department as well as city-wide. I think that a lot of people dont really understand the character of a firefighter until we hear stories from a firefighter. One story he told was of an elderly man from Maryland who drove to the area just to have lunch at Ralphs Barbecue and then head back home. He was involved in a head-on collision which left his car totaled and nowhere to go. One of the first interactions this guy had was with the Roanoke Rapids Fire Department, Butts said. The firefighters began pulling out money, got the man a hotel room and also brought him a plate from Ralphs. The character of the people being employed by the city of Roanoke Rapids is untouched by anyone, Butts said. Ive been to many places, trained all over the state, all over different areas but Ive never been around people that have cared about the citizens as much as the people in the Roanoke Rapids Fire Department do. https://www.rrspin.com/news/6195-butts-honored-by-safe-kids-north-carolina.html#sigProId5c79660c68 View the embedded image gallery online at: Chief Jason Patrick told the council that when the departments administrative support specialist Helen Reed retired in 2019, he wanted to do something to provide a little bit better service to our citizens by doing a little outreach and extending our fire prevention efforts not only to our elementary kids but also reaching out to our older adults, doing CPR classes, first aid classes. The fire department took Reeds position and turned it into the one Butts held. It not only helped to get our word out to our citizens and our businesses but it also helped us with our ISO rating which helped us gain points in keeping that rating low. King said one of the chapters members suggested Butts be nominated for one of the organizations awards. This person is well-deserving of this award, King said of the nomination. The department he is with saw a need to reach out to the community from the safety side. In 2019 this individual was to head up and create this task. Since the creation of the program he has taken a more active role in Safe Kids. He provides CPR classes, fire extinguisher classes, manages the departments child safety seat program and installs smoke alarms. Hes working on becoming a proxy for his department. While doing these activities he also served as the departments training officer and assists with fire inspections. At the Safe Kids meeting hes willing to check on or step up to assist at different events. King wished Butts godspeed in his new career. Michael did a great job in building this position and this program, Patrick said. Unfortunately as most of you know about the time he took on that task COVID hit. We all know what happened when COVID hit. It really put a damper on us trying to get out, especially in our older adult programs. It was a challenge. He came in and did YouTube videos. He did an excellent job. Patrick acknowledged that the department will be losing Butts as of Friday. You will be dearly missed. I know the guys will miss him quite a bit. The Sweetest Form of Giving Back Co-founder of Hammond's Gourmet Ice Cream raises $25,000 this year during the city's only charity ice cream fest NASA officials said they plan to launch the Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft for Artemis I mission from Kennedy Space Center in August. As of writing, the agency claims its possible launch dates are Aug. 29, Sept. 2, and Sept. 5. The dates, according to Space.com, are contingent on the Space Launch System rocket receiving repairs and modifications. If everything goes to plan, NASA officials said in the Space.com report that the three launch attempts would each have a distinct mission length and launch window. If Artemis 1 launches successfully, the Orion spacecraft would return to Earth after 42 days for splashdown on Oct. 10. The launch opportunity on Aug. 29 would begin at 8:33 a.m. EDT and run for two hours. The two-hour launch window on Sept. 2 begins at 12:48 p.m. EDT. In this case, Artemis 1 would return on Oct. 11 after 39 days. The final chance comes on Sept. 5, with a 1.5-hour launch window beginning at 5:12 p.m. EDT. Artemis 1 would return 42 days later, on Oct. 17, at that time. NASA Eyes Late Summer Launch for Artemis 1 Mission: Prepare for Schedule Changes Jim Free, the assistant administrator for NASA's Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate, clarified during a news conference Wednesday that the launch dates for Artemis I might change. According to Free, the schedule changes are "not an agency commitment. "We'll make the agency commitment after a flight readiness review just a little over a week before launch," he added (via CNN). The rocket launches might vary depending on the weather and other variables. The eclipse that will take place from Aug. 30 to Sept. 1 might also affect the launch and mission. Still, approximately a week before the launch, NASA will make a more certain commitment. That is until the agency has finished evaluating the Artemis 1 stack, which includes SLS and the Orion capsule perched atop the rocket, for flight readiness. If weather or technical difficulties cause Artemis 1 to be delayed, the agency has identified three intermediate launch options through mid-2023 as a backup. SLS, Orion Rocket For Artemis 1 Timeline On July 2, the mission crew hauled the rocket back into the Vehicle Assembly Building to examine problems that surfaced during the test, such as a hydrogen leak. Engineers discovered a loose fitting on the interior wall of the rocket's main engine section while making repairs for the leak. Cliff Lanham, senior vehicle operations manager for NASA's Exploration Ground Systems Program, noted in the CNN report that the task of tightening the collet, a fist-sized ring, is now finished. The most recent tests, completed in June, achieved 90 percent of the team's objectives, AFP (via RFI) added. Click Orlando added that the rocket is back at the Vehicle Assembly Building after NASA finished a wet dress rehearsal in June. It may be examined and repaired for a hydrogen leak before being returned to the launch pad. One of the three mannequins (Commander Moonequin Campos) has been put on board the Orion spacecraft, and the crew is also doing final testing. ALSO READ: NASA Declares Artemis 1 Wet Dress Rehearsal Good Enough to Push Moon Mission SLS, Orion Rocket For Artemis 1 Timeline The National News mentioned that NASA and its partners have been constructing the 101-meter-tall Space Launch System for many years. When the SLS finally lifts off, it will have a thrust of 3,991 tonnes and travel to space in roughly eight minutes at a speed of 40,233 miles per hour. Orion will be placed in the desired orbit, where it will launch its mission to the Moon. The spacecraft will travel 100 km over the Moon's surface before being pulled into an opposite orbit, 70,000 km away from the Moon, by the Moon's gravitational pull. It will remain there for six days to gather data and enable mission control to assess the spacecraft's performance. A crewed mission to orbit the Moon is included in Artemis 2's launch scheduled for 2024. The program's first human lunar landing mission, Artemis 3, has been postponed until 2025. To assist the Artemis mission, NASA and its international partners are also creating the Lunar Gateway. This tiny station would be deployed in lunar orbit. It would allow personnel to dock their spaceship to the Gateway and provide an area for astronauts to live, work, and conduct scientific research. RELATED ARTICLE: NASA Artemis 1 Moon Rocket Undergoing 'Critical' Series of Tests This Weekend in Preparation for This Year's Launch Check out more news and information on Space in Science Times. Samantha Cristoforetti, an astronaut for the European Space Agency (ESA), and Russian cosmonaut Oleg Artemyev will eventually do a spacewalk outside the International Space Station (ISS) in partnership with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Samantha will do her maiden spacewalk, marking the first spacewalk by a woman from Europe. According to a statement from the ESA, Samantha and Oleg will collaborate on various duties during the spacewalk, also known as an Extravehicular Activity (EVA). The two spacewalkers will also install a telescopic boom from Zarya to Poisk to help with future spacewalks and ten nanosatellites to collect radio electronics data during the EVA. NASA Explains Roscosmos-ESA Spacewalk Details According to NASA, the primary objective of the next spacewalk is to set up platforms and workstation adapter gear close to a manipulator system affixed on the Nauka module, which Roscosmos owned. "The astronauts will move its external control panel, work on insulation and install a temporary adapter point for the robotic arm," ESA said in a statement. In addition, the designated cosmonaut and astronaut will move the enormous robotic arm's exterior control panel. They will also change the camera unit's protective glass. These are just a few of the exciting aspects of the upcoming spacewalk. The Robotic Arm is a crucial part of the space station since astronauts may use it to move crew members from one side to the other, carry payloads into and out of the ISS, and remove or replace experiment payloads. Notably, this is the same Robotic Arm that caused controversy after Dmitry Rogozin, the now-retired head of Roscosmos, instructed his cosmonauts to stop using it. Tomorrow, ESA astronaut @AstroSamantha will make her first #spacewalk, and become the first European female spacewalker. Follow here #MissionMinerva https://t.co/MTCGogLiqo ESA (@esa) July 20, 2022 ALSO READ: Helmet in Spacesuits of Astronauts Continue to Drench With Water; Is This Reason Enough for NASA to be Alarmed? However, the most intriguing aspect of this ISS activity is that it will enable the first European woman to perform a spacewalk outside the laboratory. Samantha Cristoforetti, an ESA flight engineer, and Oleg Artemyev, Roscosmos' Expedition 67 commander, will carry out crucial tasks that will benefit the entire ISS. Cristoforetti will take some time to ensure the arm's camera unit's window shield is transparent enough for the laser light to guide the arm when grappling and moving. How to Watch the Extravehicular Activity Live NASA will cover the upcoming ISS spacewalk through its website, NASA TV, and official NASA app, according to the agency. Along with NASA, a live broadcast would also be available on the official ESA website, according to Republic World. "NASA will provide live coverage of a spacewalk on Thursday, July 21," the American space agency added. The live broadcast, according to NASA, would begin precisely at 9:30 a.m. EDT, 30 minutes before the scheduled time of the Roscosmos-ESA spacewalk (10:00 a.m. EDT). The most recent spacewalk to the International Space Station is anticipated to last about six and a half hours. While outside the enormous orbiting laboratory, they will wear the cutting-edge Russian Orlan spacesuits. RELATED ARTICLE: European Space Agency Officially Terminates Partnership With Russia's Roscosmos for Mars Mission ExoMars Rover Check out more news and information on Space in Science Times. UPDATE: Here are the latest updates on COVID in the Bay Area and California. Bay Area doctors are preparing for the arrival of the recently approved Novavax vaccine, which uses a more traditional medical technology that might persuade some skeptics to get protective shots. The fourth vaccine option arrives amid an historic surge in cases that hasnt yet resulted in moves by local health officials to tighten policies on masking or social distancing. At this point, most Americans seem to think that COVID will never go away, but its unclear how they plan to adapt to that. Latest updates: More than 97% of U.S. counties have high or substantial COVID transmission America is deep in the seventh wave of the coronavirus pandemic, with more than 93% of U.S. counties reporting high COVID-19 transmission levels and another 4% in the substantial category, according to data published Thursday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That includes every county in California, which is also categorized as having high COVID-19 community levels a classification that incorporates daily cases and hospital admissions in 51 of its 58 counties. The latest surge of cases is being driven by the highly transmissible BA.5 omicron subvariant of the virus. UCSFs Wachter weighs in on Bidens diagnosis: Biggest risk... is long COVID Dr. Bob Wachter, UCSFs chair of medicine, analyzed President Bidens COVID-19 diagnosis in a 13-part Twitter thread on Thursday, highlighting the risks the 79-year-old U.S. leader faces. Biggest risk to Biden is long COVID, Wachter said, noting there is at least a 5% risk of persistent symptoms such as exhaustion or brain fog, neither great for someone in his line of work. Wachter added that the president may also face a small but significant increased long-term risk of heart attack, stroke. He theorized that Biden was infected during his recent trip to the Middle East, most likely on his flight back to Washington: Flying is low, not zero, risk, particularly if people werent wearing masks. Wachter said since the president is taking Paxlovid, he might experience a rebound infection but the benefits of the antiviral drug in preventing severe disease outcomes outweigh the risks. Because Biden is fully vaccinated and double boosted, he will likely be fine, Wachter said which would not have been the case for someone in his demographic earlier in the pandemic. The fact that, at age 79, POTUS and we really dont need to worry about Biden dying of a disease that has killed more than 1 million Americans is a great testament to the science, and to the importance of staying up to date on vaccines, Wachter said. Wishing him an easy course. Its going to be OK, Biden reassures nation after testing positive for COVID-19 Hours after the White House announced that he tested positive for the coronavirus, President Joe Biden provided Americans with an update on his condition. Hey folks, guess you heard. This morning I tested positive for COVID, Biden, 79, said in a 21-second video posted to social media Thursday afternoon. But Ive been double vaccinated, double boosted. Symptoms are mild. Biden appeared maskless on the White House balcony, where he plans to isolate himself until he tests negative. In the meantime, thanks for your concern, Biden said. And keep the faith. Its going to be OK. The presidents physician Dr. Kevin OConnor said in a statement that Biden has a runny nose and fatigue, with an occasional dry cough, which started yesterday evening. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre added that Biden is taking the antiviral drug Paxlovid. Australia battles BA.5 as COVID deaths rise Australia reported one of its highest daily death tolls from the novel coronavirus on Thursday while hospital admissions hovered near record levels, Reuters reports. The country reported 55,600 new cases on Thursday, the highest daily total since May 18, and 90 deaths. The number of people with COVID-19 in Australian hospitals is close to the peak hit in January. But officials are not moving to bring back mask requirements or other virus mitigation measures. Its no good having a mandate unless its enforced, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told ABC Radio. Japan tops 180,000 COVID cases, setting a new daily record Japans daily COVID-19 cases exceeded 180,000 on Thursday, setting a record for the second straight day, according to a Kyodo News tally. All-time-high case numbers were reported in 35 of the countrys 47 prefectures, as the nation battles the seventh wave of the coronavirus. Tokyo reported a record 31,878 COVID-19 cases, marking a steep increase over the previous record of 21,562 set on Feb. 2. The health ministrys COVID-19 advisory panel said Thursday that teens and children have been most vulnerable in the current surge, but government officials are hesitant to reimpose restrictions. Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno said at a news briefing that officials need to watch the impact on the medical system with maximum caution. Air Force promotes Novavax to vaccine holdouts The Air Force will make the protein-based Novavax vaccine available in the coming weeks to its members who have been hesitant to get an mRNA vaccine so they can become compliant with the Department of Defense COVID-19 vaccine requirement. Most Airmen and Guardians have already received vaccines using similar technology as the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine, like the hepatitis B vaccine, which is a Department of Defense requirement. Other vaccines produced with similar technology are the human papillomavirus vaccine and even one of the flu vaccines, said Lt. Col. David Sayers, chief of preventive medicine, Air Force Medical Readiness Agency. The Novavax COVID-19 vaccine uses technology that has been around since the 1980s. Not only do we have effectiveness and safety data from the Novavax clinical trials, but we also have decades of experience with this type of vaccine. Odds of omicron reinfection five times higher than with delta The risk of COVID-19 reinfection is approximately five times higher with the currently dominant omicron variants compared to the period when the delta variant was dominant, according to new research from the U.K.s Office of National Statistics. Based on patient data collected from July 2020 to July 2022, a majority of individuals who experienced reinfections in the period when omicron became dominant had their first infections in the alpha (37.9%) and delta (37.1%) dominant periods. But for those who had a first and second infection with the same variant, the rate was highest for those in the omicron dominant period (14.6%). Comparatively, only 1% of the reinfections happened from a delta to delta infection and 1.8% with alpha to alpha. U.S. expands immigrant vaccination requirement to children as young as 6 months Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Updated to include drought zones while tracking water shortage status of your area, plus reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts. Starting July 25, the federal government will expand the COVID-19 vaccine requirement for green card applicants to anyone who is eligible for the shots, including those 6 months through 4 years of age. The applicant must complete the COVID-19 vaccine primary series and provide documentation of vaccination to the civil surgeon in person before completion of the medical examination, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in its updated guidance. For the youngest age group, that means three doses of the Pfizer vaccine or two doses of Moderna. Older applicants are already subject to the requirements. Vaccine immunity against omicron wanes quickly, study finds COVID-19 booster vaccinations elicit high levels of neutralizing antibodies against the omicron variant in adults, but those antibody levels decrease substantially within 3 months, according to a new study from National Institutes of Health. The clinical trial found that immune responses to omicron waned by 2.4- to 5.3-fold within that period after receiving a booster dose. They also found that the omicron sub-lineages BA.2.12.1 and BA.4/BA.5 were 1.5 and 2.5 times less susceptible to neutralization from booster shots. The authors note that the findings are consistent with real-world reports showing waning protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection during the omicron wave in people who received a primary vaccine series plus a booster shot, the NIH said in a press release. Additionally, the immune response to Omicron sub-lineages show reduced susceptibility to these rapidly emerging subvariants. Bay Area counties prepare for Novavax rollout Health officials in the Bay Area are preparing to offer residents the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine now that it has received approval from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Unlike the currently available Pfizer and Moderna vaccines that use an mRNA-based approach to developing immunity, the Novavax vaccine uses traditional protein-based technology, which may make it more palatable to some vaccine holdouts. The vaccine will be offered to adults 18 and older as a primary dose once supplies arrive from the federal government, but it will not be available as a booster at this time. Adding the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine to our inventory adds another viable option to keep individuals, friends, families, and the general public protected against severe disease from COVID-19, said Dr. Jennifer Tong, associate chief medical officer for Santa Clara Valley Medical Center in a statement. Once the County has received and distributed the vaccine to our locations, its use can begin. Long COVID congressional testimony: The patients keep coming Experts who spoke at a Tuesday House Subcommittee hearing on long COVID cautioned about the enormity of the little understood epidemic. Dr. Monica Verduzco-Gutierrez, a specialist in brain injury at UT Health San Antonio, said she is treating nearly 500 patients who are struggling with cognitive and physical disabilities, some who have fatigue 100 times worse than when they had cancer. She added, And the patients keep coming. Some are waiting upwards of six months to be seen. The medical experts lamented that there is no official diagnosis for long COVID which can affect even those with a mild initial infection based on traditional methods, and urged government leaders to bolster their resources. They also warned that it could significantly affect the U.S. workforce for years to come. Data suggests that around 16 million Americans may have symptoms of long COVID, said Katie Bach, a nonresident senior fellow at the Brookings Institute. Most Americans believe COVID will never go away, poll suggests Some 78% of Americans surveyed believe that COVID-19 will not disappear in their lifetimes, according to the latest Axios-Ipsos Coronavirus Index poll published Wednesday. About half of the respondents said they had, or suspected they had, COVID-19 at some point during the pandemic, while a third said they knew someone who has been reinfected with the virus in the last few weeks. Those figures are much higher than official tallies from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. People are less concerned about getting sick now than they were in the past, with their biggest pandemic worries shifting to spreading the virus to high-risk individuals and developing symptoms of long COVID. Nearly 1 in 3 Americans believe the pandemic is over but the respondents are divided by party lines, with 48% of Republicans sharing this sentiment, compared to just 9% of Democrats. COVID-19 linked to spike in heart disease and diabetes risk, study finds Individuals with COVID-19 are at elevated risk for developing heart disease or diabetes within the first three months of infection, according to a study published in PLOS Medicine by researchers at Kings College London. In an analysis of medical records of 428,650 COVID-19 patients compared to an equal number of control patients, they found that people infected with the coronavirus were at 81% greater risk for developing diabetes within the first four weeks of diagnosis, with that risk remaining elevated by 27% for up to 12 weeks. COVID-19 also caused a six-fold increase in cardiovascular diagnoses in the first seven weeks, due to blood clots in the lungs and irregular heartbeats. The patients often returned to baseline levels following the designated periods. The information provided by this very large population-based study on the longer-term effects of COVID-19 on development of cardiovascular conditions and diabetes will be extremely valuable to doctors managing the millions of people who have had COVID-19 by now, Ajay Shah co-author of the study, said in a statement. It is clear that particular vigilance is required for at least the first 3 months after COVID-19. One of the 14 women who have accused former Windsor Mayor Dominic Foppoli of sexual assault or misconduct is running for his old seat. Esther Lemus, a Windsor Town council member and former deputy district attorney, announced her bid for mayor of the Wine Country town in a tweet on Thursday. Lemus currently serves as vice mayor. Theres a need for strong leadership in Windsor, Lemus said. We have gone through major upheavals, and along with that came a lot of change, and its taken a while for the dust to settle. She added, What happened to me does not define me; what its done has made me stronger. Windsor, a town of 27,000 sandwiched between Santa Rosa and Healdsburg, was rocked in 2021 by a series of Chronicle investigations that detailed decades of allegations of sexual assault against Foppoli. The 40-year-old politician and co-owner of Christopher Creek Winery, an estate outside Healdsburg, stepped down as mayor in May 2021 amid mounting pressure from residents and colleagues to resign. But months later, Foppoli filed a Candidate Intention Statement with Windsor officials, leaving open the possibility that he could run again for mayor this year and potentially setting up a showdown with Lemus, one of his most prominent accusers. Foppoli, who has previously denied all allegations of sexual assault, did not respond to requests for comment on Thursday. Candidates have until mid-August to file paperwork to run for the Nov. 8 mayoral election. As of now, Lemus is running against Windsor Town Council Member Rosa Reynoza for the towns top post. Reynoza a vocal critic of both Foppoli and how town leaders handled the allegations against him is the only candidate who has taken out the official paperwork to run for mayor so far, Windsor town officials said Thursday. I am grateful to have this second opportunity to run for Mayor of Windsor, Reynoza said in an interview with The Chronicle on Thursday. I still believe that we need a fresh new face and voice for Windsor to move into the next chapter and I will work hard to represent the community and continue to listen to them as I have been doing during my term. Reynoza previously ran for mayor in 2020, but lost the election to Foppoli. This is Lemus first campaign for the seat. The interim mayor, Sam Salmon, has taken out paperwork to run for a council member seat, signaling he does not plan to pursue the mayoral seat. Lemus told law enforcement last year that Foppoli had drugged and raped her after they attended a community event in February 2020. She came forward after an April 2021 Chronicle investigation detailed several other womens allegations of sexual assault against Foppoli, who had served as mayor since 2018. Hours after The Chronicle investigation published, Foppoli left a voicemail for Lemus asking for her support. Ive been with you through a lot of dark days, Foppoli said in the voicemail, which reporters reviewed. Ive always stood by you, and I ask that you do the same for me. At least dont come after me. Lemus told reporters that she had she feared going public with her allegations and was concerned that if she did not support Foppoli, he would retaliate against her. Nevertheless, Lemus contacted law enforcement and called for his resignation on Facebook and Twitter, saying she was saddened for the victims and disgusted by the allegations against Dominic Foppoli. Foppoli then deployed a political operative to wage an aggressive campaign to publicly discredit Lemus and the allegations she had shared with police. In a statement at the time, Foppoli said Lemus had pressured him into a sexual relationship an allegation that he has not explained and that Lemus denies. More than a dozen women have now come forward to publicly accuse Foppoli of sexual violence or misconduct in a series of Chronicle investigations. The allegations span from 2002 to 2021, and include accusations of drugging, forcible groping, nonconsensual oral copulation and rape. In response to The Chronicles reporting, the Sonoma County Sheriffs Office launched a criminal investigation into some of the allegations in April 2021. Lemus, a long-time Windsor resident and former Windsor school board member, was first elected to the Town Council in 2018 when she was a deputy district attorney in Sonoma County. After she reported her allegations against Foppoli, the District Attorneys Office recused itself from the criminal case. Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Updated to include drought zones while tracking water shortage status of your area, plus reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts. Lemus left the District Attorneys Office in August and now works for Legal Aid of Sonoma County, a legal services nonprofit. The Windsor Town Council appointed her vice mayor in December. In March, the Sheriffs Office sent its yearlong criminal investigation to the California Attorney Generals Office, which will decide whether to bring charges. Representatives with the Attorney Generals Office said on Thursday they have no decision to share on whether they will pursue charges. Also in March, police in Florida suspended a separate criminal investigation into sexual assault allegations made against Foppoli, saying all of the departments investigative leads had been exhausted. Records of the investigation suggest that police were unable to interview Foppoli and struggled to compel other potential witnesses to speak with them. The former mayor is also facing two civil complaints. Seven of Foppolis accusers, including Lemus, filed a lawsuit in April accusing the former mayor of sexual assault. The women also alleged that both Christopher Creek Winery and Active 20-30 Club, a national civic organization that counted Foppoli as a longtime member, enabled the North Bay politicians misconduct. The defendants have denied the allegations in court filings. In May, a Montana woman filed a lawsuit in Sonoma County against Foppoli and Christopher Creek Winery, accusing Foppoli of raping her several times in 2020 when she was 18 years old. Lemus said she is looking ahead to the future and is letting go of the challenges she faced last year. She said she is focusing her campaign on uniting Windsors elected leaders, small businesses and residents, as well as guiding the town through issues related to housing and the annual budget. What I experienced last year is just one piece of my life, Lemus said. We all go through challenges, some more serious than others, and we have to keep on moving forward. Alexandria Bordas (she/they) and Cynthia Dizikes (she/her) are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. Email: alexandria.bordas@sfchronicle.com, cdizikes@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @crossingbordas, @cdizikes A fourth person has died after being transferred out of Laguna Honda Hospital and Rehabilitation Center in San Francisco as part of a federally mandated closure plan, The Chronicle has learned. Officials from Laguna Honda confirmed the death of a person in his or her 60s on Wednesday, a day after city public health officials said three other frail patients had died within days of being moved from the skilled nursing facility run by the city. Laguna Honda is required by the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid to transfer or discharge all patients by mid-September. The federal agency decertified Laguna Honda in April, six months after state inspectors declared it to be in a state of substandard care. The deaths are fueling growing opposition to the federal mandate by politicians and supporters of Laguna Honda, which houses more than 600 medically fragile and often very low-income patients. San Franciscos Department of Public Health, which runs the facility, is working to get the nursing home recertified ahead of a Sept. 13 deadline. Meanwhile, the 156-year-old hospital must proceed with a closure plan. So far, after nine weeks of searching for placements, which the city says is very difficult, the facility has discharged 56 patients, including 40 sent to other nursing homes and three transferred to homeless shelters, according to the citys dashboard, which is updated on Mondays. The patient whose death was confirmed Wednesday died on July 17, roughly three weeks after being transferred to the Department of Public Health Medical Respite on June 23, according to the health department, which was able to provide limited details because the person was still a health department patient after being transferred. Two others who died were women with dementia, aged 95 and 102, who were transferred out of Laguna Honda in mid-June and died within days, said a doctor at Laguna Honda who spoke on condition of anonymity due to hospital policy. The doctor noted that the worst thing you can do for patients with dementia is to change their environment. Little is known about the death of the other patient, who was 80. The health department said that patients who are moved must first agree to be moved. However, patients such as the women who died were incapable of making their own decisions. A public conservator approved the moves on their behalf. Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Updated to include drought zones while tracking water shortage status of your area, plus reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts. Joseph Urban, whose mother-in-law is a patient at Laguna Honda, expressed his anger on Tuesday at a hearing of the citys health commission. Moving such fragile patients is killing people, said Urban, a health care consultant, who is circulating a petition to persuade the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid to stop the forced transfers. Is your primary objective to achieve recertification or the safety of the patients? Urban demanded. The collateral damage is unacceptable. Experts say the forced moves cause transfer trauma, which the public health department has acknowledged. Laguna Honda provides counseling for patients to minimize what is called transfer trauma, or the stress that a person may experience when changing living environments, the health department said Wednesday in a statement. Nanette Asimov is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: nasimov@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @NanetteAsimov This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate If you are wondering why truckers nearly shut down the port of Oakland last night, look no further than controversy over Californias AB5 labor law. The law requires, among other things, that if the work someone does is central to a companys business, that company has to take them on as an employee, including paying workers compensation insurance and other benefits. The trouble is many truckers independently own and operate a few vehicles, contracting with different carriers and brokers who need freight hauled long distances. The law taking effect means they would have to become either employees of those companies, or directly employ others. The way we work, since the last 50 or 40 years, we share our work with other companies, Parmjit PJ Singh, an owner and operator with two 10-wheel dump trucks, said days before the protest. He said if he gets a contract that needs five trucks, he loops in other people to cover the three other under subcontracts. Under the new law, he would have to take those people on as employees, instead of one-off contractors. The laws author, former assemblywoman and now California Labor Federation head Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher, has said that, since the law took effect in 2020, businesses have had plenty of time to prepare for the change. Gonzalez Fletcher said on Twitter that the industrys contractor model misclassified workers and denied them benefits under current and previous labor law, which state and federal labor regulators had agreed with. The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, whose members drive a range of trucks and other vehicles, said a change to such classification would be a huge victory for truckers having their labor exploited. While some industries received carve-outs in the original law to allow them to continue operating as contractors, the California Trucking Association was unsuccessful in its lobbying effort to get one. The issue is coming to the fore now because a federal lawsuit they filed stalled the law from being enforced on the industry while it moved through the courts. The trucking association eventually petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court to hear the case, but was denied, and the case was sent back to the lower courts. In the meantime, the law takes effect, creating confusion for the industry about how exactly it will work. You have nearly 70,000 owner operators that operate in California that are going to be impacted by this law, said Eric Sauer, senior vice president of government affairs with the California Trucking Association. He was speaking the week before the protest in Oakland, and his group said they were unaffiliated with it. Sauer said his members have resoundingly rejected the idea of becoming employee drivers, instead favoring the flexibility and independence that comes from running their own trucks. Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Updated to include drought zones while tracking water shortage status of your area, plus reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts. He said the change could worsen supply chain issues that have already plagued ports up and down the West Coast, or force drivers out of the industry or to work out of state. There has been a truck driver shortage now for many years, Sauer said. Things likely are going to get worse. The work slowdown at the Port of Oakland is not the first to take place since the issue has recently gone from a simmer to a boil. Protests at the ports of Los Angeles and Santa Barbara have grabbed headlines, putting another kink in global supply chains that are continually trying to recover from waves of the coronavirus. The protests snarled traffic near the ports for about a day, according to news reports, but did not shut down port operations. AB5 was also notable for its potential to impact the gig economy in California by shifting app-based rideshare and delivery drivers from contractors to employees. But a ballot measure that companies, including DoorDash, Lyft, and Uber, poured more than $200 million into was accepted by voters, giving drivers some more benefits but cementing their status as contractors. Last year a state court judge found the measure violated the states constitution, however, and it is the subject of ongoing litigation. Chase DiFeliciantonio is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: chase.difeliciantonio@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @ChaseDiFelice Mila Mangolds 100th birthday party was held at HS Lordships Restaurant in the Berkeley Marina, an accomplishment in that she had lived as long as her older sister, Mae Prokop, who died at 100. What Mangold did not know at that celebration is that she would live for another 14 years. Along the way, Mangold left her home in Berkeleys Elmwood neighborhood, where she lived alone until she suffered a fall at age 102 and was moved to an assisted living facility. She outlived that place, which closed, and she outlived HS Lordships, which also closed. One by one her fellow centenarians started dying off, and one by one her fellow supercentenarians people older than 110 died off until Mangold became the oldest person in California, the second-oldest in the United States and seventh-oldest in the world, according to the Gerontology Research Group, which keeps records on longevity. Mangold had long-term memory loss, but she was quite aware that the July Fourth fireworks were coming when she died July 2 at RN3 Loving Care Homes in El Cerrito. She was 114 years and 230 days old. The cause of death was degenerative disease of the nervous system. She lived a life that touched the lives of those around her, said her son, Don Mangold, who is 76. She was kind to her neighbors and generous to people in need, and that was why she lived that long. Because her own mother lived to be 95 and her older sister made it to 100, Mangold knew she was in it for the long haul, so she stayed active. At age 90, she walked several hundred yards atop the Great Wall in China. She drove a 1960 light-blue Ford Falcon until she was 95. Her regular commute was from the Elmwood up into the Berkeley hills to her sons house in order to babysit her three grandchildren. When she gave up driving, she took to walking, five blocks from her home in Elmwood to the College Avenue commercial district, where she could recall every business that had been in each storefront going back to the 1940s. Ozzies Soda Fountain in the Elmwood Pharmacy was a favorite stop for ice cream. She outlived that institution too. Shed walk all over the neighborhood and would walk five blocks to College Avenue for shopping, said her neighbor of 65 years, Ellen Thomsen. She was always a fast walker, charging out there all by herself. Mangold did her own housework in the two-story, four-bedroom Berkeley brown shingle craftsman on Magnolia Street where she lived alone for 32 years, following the death of her husband Walter Mangold, an honored professor of public health at UC Berkeley. She got up on a ladder to pick the oranges off her tree, which she either bagged to give to her neighbors or jarred as marmalade, which she also gave away. Her other seasonal gifts to neighbors were nylon dish scrubbers, which she sewed into balls from flat fabric. Everybody on Magnolia Street had them, said Thomsen, who grew up in the house next door, which allowed her to advance from calling her neighbor Mrs. Mangold, to Mila, a rite of passage into adulthood. She was a sweetheart, said Thomsen, who runs the Tilden Park steam train. Mangold would drive her three grandchildren up in the Falcon, and theyd all ride together. She always had a smile on her face, Thomsen said. Mildred Ann Plecity was born in Saline County, Neb., on Nov. 14, 1907. That was a good month and year for longevity. Bessie Hendricks, the oldest living person in the United States, was born one week before Mila, as Mangold was known for short. The family owned and operated a general store in Wilber, a destination for Czech emigres like her parents. She was a schoolgirl when the trains pulled into Wilber, collecting recruits to serve in World War I. She was interested to watch all of those doughboys go off to war, said her son, who heard the stories. She also would tell about the year the Spanish flu hit, and the entire household across the street was wiped out. The family store had the community telephone. Once Albert Plecity, Mangolds father, overheard somebody glorifying California as the land of opportunity, they sold the store and headed west, settling in Los Angeles. They established a bakery, and Mangold later got a job as secretary at a county health department. Thats where she met Walter Mangold, a rising star in the new academic field of environmental health. They were married in 1940. Walter was hired as a professor at UC Berkeley in 1943, among the first six faculty members at the School of Public Health. Eventually he would become so respected in the field that in 1956 the National Environmental Health Association established the Walter S. Mangold Award. The first recipient was Walter S. Mangold. Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Updated to include drought zones while tracking water shortage status of your area, plus reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts. In 1949, the Mangolds moved into the house on Magnolia Street with their 4-year-old son, Donald. Mangold attended UC Berkeley for a few years but stopped short of her degree. In the 1970s she became active in the Church in Berkeley, a nondenominational congregation. As a devout Christian, Mangold had the calling to preach the gospel at Sproul Plaza on the UC Berkeley campus, which she did until well into her 80s. She was really faithful in pursuing the truth and serving the student believers, said Florence Chiao, who attends the Church in Berkeley and always looked forward to seeing Mangold in her usual seat in the second row. Walter Mangold died in 1978, but his widow still had 44 years to go. In 2010, she suffered a fall in the dead of night. She had the presence of mind to drag herself out into the hall and press the button on her emergency alert system. Carried out on a stretcher, she had broken her hip and was never to return to her home. But she returned to the neighborhood. Magnolia Street is blocked off once a year for a party, and Mangold always came, from the rest home either in Berkeley or in El Cerrito. Her last visit was at age 111 in a wheelchair pushed by her son. She like to sample all the desserts that people would bake, he said. She was always happy to be there, and I always had to insist that we leave when it got cold. When COVID-19 hit, she became the neighborhood go-to expert on pandemics, remembering vividly the Spanish flu of 1918. Her son would field online questions in a neighborhood chat group and go visit his mother for answers. That was as high- tech as she got. I think the age of computers passed her by, said Thomsen. She is survived by her son, Don, of Berkeley, and his wife, Nancy, and three grandchildren. A memorial will be held at 3:30 p.m. Saturday at Church in Berkeley, 2430 Dana St., Berkeley. Sam Whiting is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: swhiting@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @SamWhitingSF The Constitution makes no reference to abortion, Justice Samuel Alito observed in the Supreme Courts decision on June 24 that overturned Roe v. Wade, the 1972 ruling that declared a constitutional right to abortion a ruling Alito dismissed as egregiously wrong and unconnected to the nations history and traditions. One early addition to the nations founding document that he chose not to discuss, written by James Madison and adopted in 1791, was the Ninth Amendment: The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people. The amendment doesnt specify the rights retained by the people. But when the court allowed married couples to obtain contraception in Griswold v. Connecticut in 1965, the ruling that laid the foundation for Roe v. Wade, three justices relied on the Ninth Amendment as the basis for a newly declared constitutional right to privacy. I believe that the right of privacy in the marital relation is fundamental and basic a personal right retained by the people within the meaning of the Ninth Amendment, wrote Justice Arthur Goldberg in a concurring opinion joined by Justice William Brennan and Chief Justice Earl Warren. To hold that a right so basic and fundamental and so deep-rooted in our society as the right of privacy in marriage may be infringed because that right is not guaranteed in so many words by the first eight amendments to the Constitution is to ignore the Ninth Amendment. The majority opinion by Justice William Douglas said the Ninth Amendment enabled the court to conclude that privacy rights were implied by other protections in the Bill of Rights, such as freedom of speech and protections against unreasonable searches, self-incrimination and the quartering of soldiers in private homes. And seven years later, Justice Harry Blackmun, writing for a 7-2 majority, said the now-established right to privacy is broad enough to encompass a womans decision whether or not to terminate her pregnancy. One theme of those rulings was that the Constitution is not merely a list of legal protections but also a statement of underlying values that courts can interpret to define rights that may not have been considered, or even imagined, when the document was drafted. That view is anathema to prominent judicial conservatives the late Justice Antonin Scalia spoke fondly of a dead Constitution but is endorsed by many legal scholars. The authors of the Constitution believed the Bill of Rights wasnt creating rights but was recognizing rights that were already out there, said Daniel Farber, a UC Berkeley law professor and author of Retained by the People, a 2007 book about the Ninth Amendment. The current courts majority has basically ignored that amendment, he said in an interview, most likely because it looks like a wide-open invitation and it doesnt really say anything about how you decide whats covered. Some conservatives have for many years diminished the importance of the Ninth Amendment, said Randy Barnett, a Georgetown University law professor and author of the 1989 book The Rights Retained by the People. Barnett, himself a conservative, said its far from clear that the Ninth Amendment protects abortion he would apply it to natural rights essential for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness but he also said Alitos suggestion that unstated constitutional rights do not exist contradicts what the Constitution itself tells us. You shouldnt ignore parts of the Constitution that get in the way of what you want to do, Barnett said. Another aficionado is President Biden, who told the Senate Judiciary Committee in February he was looking for a Supreme Court nominee whose record reflects a view that there are unenumerated rights in the Constitution, and all the amendments mean something, including the Ninth Amendment. Presumably his choice, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, passed the test. As Senate Judiciary Committee chairman in 1987, Biden quizzed Robert Bork, President Ronald Reagans far-right Supreme Court nominee, on the meaning of the Ninth Amendment and the rationale for the Griswold ruling on privacy. Bork sidestepped the questions, was asked by other committee members what rights the amendment protected, and finally held up a copy of the Constitution and replied that if there is an inkblot and you cannot read the rest of it and that is the only copy you have, I do not think the court can make up what might be under the inkblot. That helped to sink his nomination, and Reagan later chose the more moderate Anthony Kennedy to fill the vacancy. Alito, writing for a 6-3 majority in Dobbs v. Jackson, mentioned the Ninth Amendment briefly saying at one point that a law professors writings linking abortion rights to the amendment have been discredited but never discussed its meaning. Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Updated to include drought zones while tracking water shortage status of your area, plus reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts. He acknowledged that the Fourteenth Amendment, which prohibits the government from depriving anyone of liberty without due process of law, has been interpreted to protect rights not expressly mentioned elsewhere in the Constitution. But Alito said any such rights must be deeply rooted in this Nations history and traditions specifically, as of 1868, when the Fourteenth Amendment was ratified and the laws of most states restricted abortion. That was also 52 years before the Constitution granted women the right to vote. And privacy, Alito observed, is also not mentioned in the Constitution. While he insisted that the rejection of abortion rights did not affect other privacy-related rights the court has declared, such as access to contraception, same-sex relations and same-sex marriage, Justice Clarence Thomas said in a separate opinion that those rulings should now be overturned as well. As Melissa Murray, a New York University law professor who specializes in reproductive rights, observed, the Constitution likewise does not mention contraception, same-sex marriage or interracial marriage, and many states banned all of them before the court intervened. The courts neglect of the Ninth Amendment, Murray told The Chronicle, illustrates the majoritys selective approach to its declared doctrine of textualism, or interpreting the Constitution entirely according to the words in its text, regardless of later developments. The authors of the Constitution recognized that the Bill of Rights would not be exhaustive and they provided for a safety valve to recognize rights that were not specifically enumerated, Murray said. And, as she told the New York Times after last months ruling, For Justice Thomas and, indeed, for the conservative legal movement writ large, abortion is just the beginning. The logic of this concurrence will invite and underwrite a raft of challenges to the rights of heart and home that so many of us take for granted. Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @BobEgelko Nearly one-fourth of House Republicans have now voted for legislation to protect same-sex marriage rights from a future rollback by the Supreme Court, and Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., has lined up at least one Republican, Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, for a Senate version of the bill. But it still faces a difficult path to passage. The measure approved by the House on Tuesday responded to the courts June 24 ruling overturning Roe v. Wade, the 1972 decision that declared a constitutional right to abortion. Though Justice Samuel Alito insisted in the majority opinion that the court was not casting doubt on other rights it had recognized, he questioned the existence of a constitutional right to privacy the basis of past rulings that legalized marriage and sexual relations between same-sex couples and access to contraception. In a separate opinion, Justice Clarence Thomas said the court should reconsider and overturn those rulings. The bill, which supporters have titled the Respect for Marriage Act, would establish a legal right for same-sex couples to marry, which would remain in effect even if the Supreme Court overturned its 2015 decision that found those marriages constitutionally protected. The legislation would also repeal the so-called Defense of Marriage Act, a law signed by President Bill Clinton in 1996 that denied federal benefits, such as joint tax filing and Social Security survivor payments, to same-sex spouses who were legally married in their home states. The Supreme Court declared that law unconstitutional in 2013, but it remains on the books and could be revived if the court reversed its decision. In overturning Roe v. Wade, the conservative Supreme Court majority indicated it is willing to attack other constitutional rights, including same-sex and interracial marriage, Feinstein said in a statement Tuesday. Collins said, I have been proud to support legislation prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. This bill is another step to promote equality, prevent discrimination and protect the rights of all Americans. A similar bill cleared the House on Tuesday in a 267-157 vote, with 47 Republicans joining all 220 Democrats in support. Among 11 House Republicans from California, five voted for the measure: Reps. Ken Calvert of Corona (Riverside County), Mike Garcia of Santa Clarita (Los Angeles County), Darrell Issa of Vista (San Diego County), Jay Obernolte of Big Bear Lake (San Bernardino County) and David Valadao of Hanford (Kings County). Republican opponents included House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy of Bakersfield, who told the Washington Post the bill was a political game by the Democrats. Rep. Jerrold Nadler, D-NY., the lead sponsor and House Judiciary Committee chairman, said he had first introduced the measure more than a decade ago, but it now has a new sense of urgency. Since then, the fight for marriage equality has seen many highs and lows, but perhaps none more frightening than the current threat posed by Clarence Thomas and this conservative Supreme Court, Nadler said. In the Senate, the bill was endorsed by Democrat Alex Padilla of California, who said on Twitter that last months abortion ruling showed that this extreme majority on the Supreme Court is not stopping at stripping away abortion rights. The Senate measure has some potential Republican supporters. Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska joined Collins and two Democrats last month to introduce legislation that would require the Department of Veterans Affairs to add same-sex couples to its definition of marriage and assure their eligibility for benefits. And CNN quoted Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina as saying he would probably vote for the bill. Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Updated to include drought zones while tracking water shortage status of your area, plus reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts. But the legislation would need at least 10 Republican votes to overcome a filibuster in the evenly divided chamber. Senate Republicans, whose votes helped to establish the Supreme Courts current 6-3 conservative majority, have generally praised its rulings on abortion and related issues. Asked Tuesday whether he would agree to bring the measure to a vote, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said, Im going to delay announcing anything on that issue until we see what the majority leader wants to put on the floor. The majority leader, Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said he wants to bring the Respect for Marriage Act to the Senate floor and was working on lining up Republican support. But other Republicans have been quoted as saying Democrats were trying to whip up baseless fears of future Supreme Court rulings. I dont see anything behind this right now other than, you know, election-year politics, said the Senate Republican whip, John Thune of South Dakota, according to the Associated Press. Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @BobEgelko A state Supreme Court order Wednesday will require Californias Department of Motor Vehicles to change its rules for hearings on whether to suspend the license of someone accused of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Under the current rules, the same DMV officer who advocates for license suspension also presides over the hearing. A state appeals court ruled in April that those rules violated the drivers constitutional right to a fair and impartial hearing. On Wednesday, the high court unanimously denied the DMVs request to withdraw the ruling as a precedent for future cases. It is now binding on trial courts statewide. A 2005 California law prohibited all state agencies except the DMV from assigning an employee to preside over a hearing if the same employee has acted as an advocate or investigator in the same case. Sued by a group of defense lawyers, the department argued that there was no evidence of bias by its hearing officers, who conduct more than 44,000 DUI hearings each year. Officials noted that the DMVs official manual directs those officers to be fair and impartial. But the Second District Court of Appeal in Los Angeles said in its April 15 ruling that the officers dual roles stacked the deck against the driver. The irreconcilable conflict between advocating for the agency on one hand, and being an impartial decision-maker on the other creates an unacceptable risk of bias, Justice Brian Currey said in the 3-0 decision. Bob Gerstein, an attorney for the California DUI Lawyers Association, said issues at the hearings can include whether an officer had a legitimate basis for stopping the vehicle and whether the breath-testing equipment was properly calibrated. If the DMV determines the drivers blood-alcohol content was at least 0.08%, the license is suspended until the drivers criminal case is resolved, which can take many months. Similar procedures apply to drivers arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs. Gerstein said drivers are now reporting that the DMV has changed procedures in some of its offices since the ruling and brought in other officers to argue for license suspension. But some drivers attorneys are complaining that hearing officers have not really changed their understanding of their roles, he said. DMV spokesperson Chris Orrock said the courts action does not impact the departments current and future hearing practices. The DMV has added staff for hearings where required by the appellate court ruling, and that practice will remain in place. In its ruling, the appeals court cited a 2006 state Supreme Court decision that found a similar conflict of interest in the practices of the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. The court said the department violated state law by assigning the prosecutor of a business whose beverage license was under review to prepare a fact-finding report and send it to the department while the decision was still pending. The case is California DUI Lawyers Association v. DMV, S274860. Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @BobEgelko How many homeless people live in Piedmont, a wealthy East Bay enclave surrounded by Oakland? It seems like a simple question, but the answer isnt clear. According to a recent count, Piedmont saw its homeless population rise from zero in 2019 to 42 in 2022. The count found four people in tents, nine in cars or vans, 14 in RVs and 15 on the street or outside. But a recent foray to find the unhoused in the exclusive town found no tents, people sleeping outside or in RVs and a city official said the town isnt sure where they live. Its unclear how many homeless people are living in Piedmont despite the latest official count. The challenge in finding Piedmonts homeless population makes it that much harder to connect those living on the street to resources and help. Sara Lillevand, the city administrator, said in a statement that the city has reached out to the county for more detail about locations identified in the count so the city can be proactive about helping unsheltered people living on city streets. Lillevand said the city is unaware of any locations within Piedmont where unhoused people live, but she noted, that homelessness in many places, including Piedmont, can be invisible. While the city has no official shelters for the homeless, its currently applying for state funds to buy a house that could house six unsheltered people. Thats a first in a city where the typical home costs $3.1 million, although the nonprofit that would operate the program said it estimates spending $1.2 million to purchase a home in Piedmont. While homeless people often move from place to place, the question of how many unhoused people live in Piedmont a town with a population of around 11,500 that spans only about 1.7 square miles is important as Bay Area officials grapple with how to get every city to confront the growing crisis. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle If Piedmonts numbers are accurate, the city would still have very few unhoused residents, accounting for less than 1% of the countys overall homeless population, whereas Oakland accounts for more than half of the countys homeless population of 9,747 people. But Piedmonts reported increase reflects the reality that homelessness has become so widespread that even cities that historically didnt have to directly deal with it are likely now contending with it. Piedmonts numbers come from the Point-in-Time count in Alameda County, in which volunteers searched for people living outside starting at 5 a.m. on Feb. 23. The count is required by the federal government and informs what resources cities and counties get to combat the crisis, but critics have long called it unreliable. But experts say the organizers of the Point-in-Time count nationwide purposefully choose to go out early in the morning an effort to capture those who are homeless but may be invisible to the public. So many people who are homeless are going off to work during the day or going about their business and wouldnt be able to be found, said Margot Kushel, director of the UCSF Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative. Its entirely possible that the count found a cluster of people ... (who) are just blending into the community and are not in any way visibly homeless. Its more likely that the Point-in-Time count is an undercount of how many people are on the streets. The survey, which is done across the country and reported to the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development, does not include people temporarily living in a motel, on a friends couch or in other circumstances, but it does capture people living in shelters and outside. Operators of shelters and transitional housing programs provided the count and demographics of people living there, according to EveryOne Home, the nonprofit that organizes the count. It also doesnt capture those who are in the hospital or in jail, Kushel said. Katie Haverly, the director of research and data analytics for EveryOne Home, told The Chronicle that every census tract in the county was covered by a volunteer team of two to three people who walked or drove through the entire tract and counted people. Peter Connery, the vice president of Applied Survey Research, which partnered with EveryOne Home on research for the PIT count, told The Chronicle by email that they dont release the locations of sightings due to confidentiality issues but that volunteers saw unhoused people living along the southern edge of Piedmont and several were in vehicles. Piedmont like almost all cities in Alameda County relies on the county to provide homelessness services, but now it qualifies for funds to provide its own services. While Oakland, which has a growing homeless population, is trying to provide more shelter and affordable housing, Piedmont mostly made up of single-family homes doesnt have large, vacant parcels of land that can be redeveloped into shelter or affordable housing. The city has a homeless liaison officer, but official shelter options in Piedmont are nonexistent. In January, the City Council approved submitting a joint application with Hayward, Livermore and Union City for $20 million in state Project Homekey funds, which allow cities to buy and convert hotels and motels into permanent housing for homeless people. Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Updated to include drought zones while tracking water shortage status of your area, plus reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts. If the state awards the funds, Piedmont will use some of it to purchase a home within the city to shelter homeless people, Lillevand said. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle But some residents are skeptical that there are homeless people within the citys borders. Tim Stucka, a 41-year-old resident, said he was surprised by the PIT counts latest findings. Stucka, who moved to Piedmont about a year ago from San Francisco, said he hasnt seen anyone living outside since moving there. He wondered whether volunteers counted people near the border of Oakland, where homelessness has increased by 22% over the past three years. As soon as you cross the border into Oakland, you see it everywhere, Stucka said. Henry Eakland, who has lived in Piedmont for 35 years, echoed what Stucka said. He hasnt seen any homeless people outside, but he added that on the Oakland side of the border, its not uncommon to see tent encampments. He added that if residents saw people living outside in a tent or on the pavement, they would likely quickly call police. Like Stucka, he wondered whether some people may park near the citys borders but was baffled that the citys numbers rose so much. Not 42, certainly, I find that surprising, he said. Sarah Ravani (she/her) is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: sravani@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @SarRavani This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate 2 1 of 2 Jessica Christian / The Chronicle Show More Show Less 2 of 2 Jessica Christian / The Chronicle Show More Show Less Berkeley police said they were looking for the driver of a big rig truck who struck and damaged an Interstate 80 overpass on Wednesday. The collision happened around 10:45 a.m. when a blue big rig hauling an excavator hit an east-side section of a crossing under the Interstate 80 eastbound on Gilman Street. I recently tasted a $275 Cabernet Sauvignon from an esteemed Napa Valley winery that contained just a little bit of seawater from the San Francisco Bay. The wine, Perliss Estate Vineyards' Corvus Pacificum, was made by Aaron Pott, one of Napa's best-known consulting winemakers. He's behind some of Napa's most exclusive estates, including Seven Stones (whose property recently went on the market for $34 million), Fe and Greer. Pott is also the subject of a story I wrote this week about Lagier Meredith Vineyard, whose owners are retiring and handing over control of their Mount Veeder estate to him and his wife Claire, in a highly unusual arrangement. Related: Napa wine tasting fees are more than twice as expensive as 6 years ago. Heres why Perliss Estate, a 3-acre vineyard in Calistoga, is one of Pott's distinguished clients, a producer of the type of luxurious Cabernet Sauvignon that is his specialty. Perliss' are the kinds of wines that prompt critics to talk about things like "pristine grapes" and "purity of fruit." In other words, these are the last wines you'd expect to contain some briny liquid harvested off the shore of China Beach. Vineyard owner Anthony Perliss got the idea to make Corvus Pacificum after reading about the ancient Romans, who tended to mix water into their wines. (The Greeks did, too, as Homer documents in the "Odyssey.") The Romans likely prized the seawater for its preservative properties, Perliss proposed, "but it probably also helped with a softening, a mellowing of the wine." That flavor enhancement is what inspired Perliss to give it a try. A sprinkling of seawater, he thought, might accomplish the same objective as a light dusting of salt on a plate of food, subtly amplifying its flavors. He pitched the idea to Pott, who was game. So in 2019, Perliss walked out on the chilly, rocky coves of San Francisco's China Beach, a few blocks away from the home where he grew up. He waded into the water and filled two jugs. "You'd think there would be some marine life and murkiness," he said, but the water was "strikingly clear." Conveniently, the Perliss winery already had a Romanesque wine in its cellar that was the ideal candidate for this experiment. For several years, the winery has aged one of its Cabernet Sauvignons in amphora, a large clay vessel that was used in ancient Roman winemaking (and has come into vogue again lately). Pott and Perliss played around with different ratios of this amphora-aged Cabernet to seawater. Though Perliss had located a recipe that called for 1 part water to 99 parts wine, they ended up settling on a smaller concentration for that 2019 cuvee, just .66% seawater. When Pott poured me a taste of that wine, I half expected it to taste brackish, but was pleased to discover that the effect was much more elusive than that. The 2019 Corvus Pacificum does not taste like the briny sea. It mostly tastes like a classically rich, dark-fruited Napa Cabernet, with just a hint though who knows, maybe it was the power of suggestion of something like salted caramel. Food Guide Top 25 Restaurants Where to eat in the Bay Area. Find spots near you, create a dining wishlist, and more. Perliss Estate made only one barrel of the wine in 2019 25 cases and it sold out rapidly, Perliss said, even with its formidable $275 price tag. Emboldened by the reception, Pott decided to add even more saltwater to the wine in 2020 about 2.5% of the total wine. (They tested higher concentrations, but by the time the wine reached 5% water it "started to taste like soy sauce," said Perliss.) This time, instead of wading into the shallows of China Beach, Perliss got on a friend's boat and collected water from deeper in the bay, near Angel Island. He plans to release that 2020 edition in the fall. Ironically, many California wineries already add water to their wines but it's viewed as a shameful, surreptitious trick. "Watering down" is a kind of cheat code that a winemaker can use if she wants to dilute the sugar concentration in the juice of grapes that were harvested too sweet. If a high-end winery like Perliss were ever practicing such a thing, surely it would never cop to it publicly. But in the case of Corvus Pacificum, there's an entirely different significance to adding water, one that the winery discusses proudly. Whether you should pay $275 for a bottle of this China Beach-infused wine when its next vintage is released is, in a way, a moot point: With so little of it produced, it will likely sell out quickly to Perliss' existing mailing list again. But it's still an interesting footnote in today's Napa Valley a sign that sometimes, even the producers of the most exclusive, expensive wines are willing to take a risk by making something bizarre. WASHINGTON (AP) President Joe Biden tested positive for COVID-19 on Thursday and is experiencing very mild symptoms, the White House said, as new variants of the highly contagious virus are challenging the nation's efforts to get back to normal after two and a half years of pandemic disruptions. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Biden has begun taking Paxlovid, an antiviral drug designed to reduce the severity of the disease. He was isolating at the White House and continuing to carry out all of his duties fully, she said. Bidens physician, Dr. Kevin OConnor, said in a letter that Biden had a runny nose and fatigue, with an occasional dry cough, which started yesterday evening. Folks, Im doing great. Thanks for your concern," Biden tweeted. He added that he was keeping busy! Biden, 79, is fully vaccinated, after getting two doses of the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine shortly before taking office, a first booster shot in September and an additional dose March 30. Jean-Pierre described the president's symptoms as "very mild" and said Biden had been in contact with members of the White House staff by phone and would participate in his planned meetings "via phone and Zoom from the residence. The White House took steps to show that the president was busy working despite his diagnosis, with Biden tweeting out a picture of himself making calls from the treaty room of the White House. The president spoke by phone to lawmakers in Pennsylvania to apologize for having to cancel his planned trip Thursday to the city of Wilkes-Barre to promote his crime prevention plans. Biden also called South Carolina Rep. Jim Clyburn to wish him a happy birthday and congratulate him on receiving an award from the NAACP. O'Connor wrote in his letter about the president's treatment plan: I anticipate that he will respond favorably to Paxlovid as most maximally protected patients do. Jean-Pierre said Biden had last tested negative on Tuesday, and he will stay isolated until he tests negative again. First lady Jill Biden, speaking to reporters as she arrived for a school visit in Detroit, said she'd just gotten off the phone with her husband. Hes doing fine, she said. "Hes feeling good. The first lady, who was wearing a mask, said she tested negative earlier in the day. She will keep her full schedule in Michigan and Georgia on Thursday, though she will be following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on masking and distancing, said Michael LaRosa, her spokesperson. The president spent much of last week in Israel and Saudi Arabia. White House officials told reporters that Biden planned to minimize contact during the trip, yet as soon as he exited Air Force One on July 13, the president was fist-bumping, handshaking and even seen in the occasional hug. The CDC says symptoms can appear two to 14 days after exposure to the virus. Biden had a minimal public schedule after returning from Saudi Arabia late on Saturday night, attending church the next day and helping to welcome Ukraine's first lady Olena Zelenska to the White House on Tuesday. The president traveled to Massachusetts on Wednesday to promote efforts to combat climate change. Dr. Graham Snyder, an infectious disease specialist at the University of Pittsburgh, said in an interview that it wasn't surprising that Biden tested positive given the extent of his activities and interactions with people. He said Biden appears to be pursuing a treatment that should enable him to recover without facing even worse health risks. Hes put himself in a place to have the best possible outcome, which is the lowest probability of being sick enough to get in the hospital or heaven forbid in intensive care or dying, Snyder said. Up to this point, Bidens ability to avoid the virus seemed to defy the odds, even with the testing procedures in place for those expected to be in close contact with him. Prior waves of the virus swept through Washingtons political class, infecting Vice President Kamala Harris, Cabinet members, White House staffers and lawmakers. Biden has increasingly stepped up his travel schedule and resumed holding large indoor events where not everyone is tested. A White House official said Harris tested negative for COVID-19. She was last with the president on Tuesday and spoke with him on the phone Thursday morning. Harris planned to remain masked on the guidance of the White House medical team. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said she hoped that Biden's positive test for the virus would cause more Americans to get vaccinated and boosted because "none of us is immune from it, including the president of the United States, and we really have to be careful. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell on Twitter wished the president "a speedy recovery. Top White House officials in recent months have been matter-of-fact about the likelihood of the president getting COVID, a measure of how engrained the virus has become in society and of its diminished threat for those who are up to date on their vaccinations and with access to treatments. Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Updated to include drought zones while tracking water shortage status of your area, plus reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts. When administered within five days of symptoms appearing, Paxlovid, produced by drugmaker Pfizer, has been proven to bring about a 90% reduction in hospitalizations and deaths among patients most likely to get severe disease. Biden is far from the first world leader and not the first U.S. president to get the coronavirus, which has infected British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, French President Emmanuel Macron and more than a dozen other leaders and high-ranking officials globally. When Bidens predecessor, President Donald Trump, contracted the disease in October 2020, it was a far different time. Vaccines were not available and treatment options were limited and less advanced. After being diagnosed with COVID-19 at the White House, Trump was given an experimental antibody treatment and steroids after his blood oxygen levels fell dangerously low. He was hospitalized at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for three days After more than two years and over a million deaths in the U.S., the virus is still killing an average of 353 people a day in the U.S., according to the CDC. The unvaccinated are at far greater risk, more than two times more likely to test positive and nine times more likely to die from the virus than those who have received at least a primary dose of the vaccines, according to the public health agency. The highly transmissible omicron variant is the dominant strain in the U.S., but scientists say it poses a lower risk for severe illness to those who are up to date on their vaccinations. Omicron's BA.5 sub-strain, believed to be even more contagious, now makes up more than 65% of U.S. cases. Theres a lot of infections across America, White House COVID-19 coordinator Dr. Ashish Jha said May 18, blaming the highly-transmissible variants, as well as relaxing mitigation measures like mask requirements. The coronavirus pandemic helped put Biden in the White House, as he pledged to handle COVID-19 better than his predecessor. After initial months of success surging the nations supply and availability of vaccines, the virus became a morass for the Democrat in the first year of his presidency, as he struggled to boost the countrys vaccination rate and to stay ahead of the unpredictable disease. As cases sharply declined earlier this year, Biden highlighted his administrations efforts to end the pandemic and help the nation regain a sense of normalcy. He said in his March 1 State of the Union address, Its time for Americans to get back to work and fill our great downtowns again. The White House has sought to go above public health guidelines to protect the president, with all visitors and staff required to attest to their vaccination status or submit to daily tests. People expected to be in close proximity to Biden are tested daily. ___ Associated Press writer Mike Householder contributed from Detroit. The Golden Gate Bridge is the best $33.7 million Bay Area taxpayers ever spent. In terms of American city icons, its arguably second only to New Yorks Statue of Liberty. The bridge has proved its worth in snow globe sales alone. But in San Francisco, there are protests over everything and that includes the greatest landmark in the citys history. During the planning stages, an impressive consortium of haters argued that the Golden Gate Bridge was an engineering impossibility, could bankrupt the region and even somehow harm the tourism industry. The present plan for a bridge across the Golden Gate, Pacific American Steamship Association officials warned in 1930, is a menace to our harbor that should be opposed by everyone who has the interests of San Francisco and its commerce at heart. The words Golden Gate Bridge first appeared in The San Francisco Chronicle in the early 1920s, around the time that the newspaper revealed an ugly concept drawing combining cantilever and suspension elements. Bridge bonds were approved, lawsuits were thrown out and the span was finished (under budget!) in 1937. But only after a decade-long delay, caused by a consortium of ferry companies, boat captains, novelists and even Sonoma County farmers who tried to undermine the project. Chronicle archive 1930 The ferries and steamship companies spent the most money to fight the bridge, and they had logical, if completely selfish, interests. Southern Pacific ferries were the main mode of transporting humans and their cars between Marin County and San Francisco, accommodating millions of passengers a year. Despite assurances from Golden Gate Bridge Highway and Transportation District officials in the early 1930s that competition would be good for the ferries, Southern Pacific quickly lost its foothold after the bridge was built and shuttered its Sausalito-to-S.F. line ultimately replaced as ferry operator by the Golden Gate Bridge Highway and Transportation District. But there were many others who wanted to stop the bridge, too. A reported 2,000 lawsuits were filed; a Siskiyou County judge named C.J. Luttrell moved south just to handle Golden Gate Bridge cases, which were eclectic in nature. One group of 550 Sonoma County farmers filed suit against the formation of the district, claiming that a Marin-San Francisco bridge would never benefit them, and they shouldnt have to pay taxes. The Pacific American Steamship Association claimed a huge artificial barrier would have a throttling effect on the harbor and discourage business. (It didnt.) Chronicle filephoto 1937 But the most passionate arguments seemed to come from professional writers. Celebrated novelist Gertrude Atherton was a vocal bridge NIMBY, signing her name to an advertisement headlined: The Golden Gate is one of natures perfect pictures lets not disfigure it. The most notable protest came from Harpers Magazine essayist Katharine Gerould, who wrote an anti-bridge essay insisting the structure would ruin views, not enhance them. One must hope, for the credit of San Francisco, that the project will never be put through, Gerould wrote. When you have one of the most romantic approaches in all geography, why spoil it? More from the Archive The Vault Home of the San Francisco Chronicle's archive and more than 150 years of journalism covering the Bay Area and beyond. The back-and-forth continued from the mid-1920s until November 1930, when voters were set to decide whether to pay for $35 million in Golden Gate Bridge bonds. The night before the vote, warring Golden Gate Bridge factions advertised appearances on all the major radio stations, with a steamship captain on KGO to testify to the jeopardy (the bridge) will place on our harbor. But despite the vocal opposition, the bonds passed overwhelmingly, and even the ferry operators backed off. The bridge was built under budget and well over expectations. Plans to paint the structure gray were nixed, the last bucket of international orange was applied, and on May 27, 1937, an absolute classic was born. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle 2018 Nearly a century and a billion Golden Gate Bridge postcards later, the 1920s and 1930s protests read as comedy. Katharine Gerould was wrong about the Golden Gate Bridge, but well give her the final word and a final dig at Los Angeles nevertheless. In the interest of your own uniqueness, dear San Francisco, do not bridge the Golden Gate, she wrote. Leave that kind of gesture to Los Angeles which, if it had a Golden Gate, would most certainly bridge it, and sink oil wells in the bay and ocean on either side of the bridge. Peter Hartlaub (he/him) is The San Francisco Chronicles culture critic. Email: phartlaub@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @PeterHartlaub Its no secret that working on Capitol Hill is tough. Congressional staffers work long hours for little pay, and the idea of trying to improve things through unionization has been floating around for awhile. But over the past year, concerns about work conditions on the Hill have only intensified due to factors including the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol, the return to offices as the pandemic recedes and the sharing of grievances through an Instagram account that went viral. A report released by the Congressional Progressive Staff Association in January revealed that 85% of those surveyed believe Congress is a toxic work environment. More than 90% of 516 respondents said they would like more protections to give them a voice at work. These grievances did not go unheard. In May, the House of Representatives passed HR1096, which provided House staffers the legal protections they needed to unionize. And when the resolution took effect on Monday, aides from the offices of eight progressive-leaning representatives took their first steps toward unionization by filing petitions at the Office of Congressional Workplace Rights. Congress has little standing to preach to others about the right to unionize and collectively bargain if we are unwilling to recognize that right in our own hallways, Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Fremont, wrote in a statement to The Chronicle. Every worker deserves the right to unionize. Bill Clark/Roll Call via Getty Images In California, the offices of Khanna and Rep. Ted Lieu, D-Los Angeles, have seen workers file petitions to organize. Lieu also announced his support for his staffers, saying in a statement that he had been a longtime champion of labor rights. Our staff petition not only represents the power of our collective action, but also what this freedom to form a union truly means democracy not just in our elections, but in our workplaces here in the Peoples House, wrote petitioners from Khannas office in a collective statement to The Chronicle. In February, other California politicians, including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Sen. Alex Padilla, both Democrats, voiced their support for congressional staffers right to unionize. These unionization efforts are in line with a broader, nationwide trend seized by employees at companies like Starbucks and Amazon and in state legislatures including Californias. Ben Kamens, deputy communications director for Rep. Jesus Chuy Garcia, D-Ill., is one of nine staffers leading unionization efforts in his office. General workplace conditions on the Hill, rather than specific issues in Garcias office, led Kamens to join unionization efforts, he said. I know there were people on the Hill making $26,000 to $28,000 a year living in D.C., one of the most expensive cities in America, Kamens said. There are issues to be negotiated in all offices, whether it be better COVID-19 remote work policies or setting a salary floor. He added that Pelosis decision to set a $45,000 floor on annual wages was a significant first step toward a better work environment for congressional aides. Rep. Garcias office has a salary floor of $52,500, Kamens said. Ken Jacobs, who chairs the UC Berkeley Labor Center, said he expects that those who submitted petitions earlier this week would be most likely to successfully unionize. I think the real test will come as workers unionize beyond those offices, Jacobs said. In any negotiation, there will be real differences and issues that need to be worked through, but the fact that these workers have employers who have expressed their support for the right to organize should make things straightforward. The best strategy for Hill staffers seeking unionization, Jacobs said, would be to negotiate some agreements with sympathetic congressional offices, and then create a template of a contract for other offices to organize around. He expects other offices, especially those overseen by pro-union representatives, to follow suit in the unionization process. Its helpful to work for a congressman who has been a union member himself, Kamens said. Were trying to be the test subjects to show that the process can work. Were out here trusting the process right now. Camryn Pak is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: camryn.pak@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @camrynpak San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins on Thursday announced the promotions of three veteran prosecutors who will serve on her leadership team, filling some of key positions made vacant last week after she fired 15 employees who worked under former D.A. Chesa Boudin. The appointments are Julius DeGuia, who will oversee homicide, domestic violence and child abuse cases; Darby Williams, who will manage prosecutions of police officers; and Greg Flores, who will manage the offices resentencing and victim restitution work. More shuffling within Jenkins office was still expected: In the past two weeks, at least six other employees in the D.A.s office announced they would leave voluntarily. Everyone who was fired was hired by Boudin, whom Jenkins helped to eject from office with a successful recall campaign. Among those voluntarily stepping down were Kimberly Rodriguez, a victims advocate in the sex assault and human trafficking unit; Robyn Burke, a public information officer who was hired under the Kamala Harris administration and has served under five district attorneys; and Assistant District Attorney Leah Abraham, a felony prosecutor who secured a conviction in last years infamous Walgreens shoplifting case. In announcing the new members of her leadership team, Jenkins cited a mantra that she, Mayor London Breed and the rest of the recall supporters popularized while attempting to set themselves apart from Boudin and his progressive supporters. San Francisco can have both important criminal justice reforms and public safety, said Jenkins, who has argued that Boudins policies were too lenient. I understand the need for reforms personally, Jenkins said in a statement. As a Black and Latina woman, I have had family on both sides of the courtroom, and know that crime and violence disproportionately impacts communities and people of color. I want to ensure that my office and leadership team is reflective and representative of San Franciscos diverse communities and views. In managing of the offices Independent Investigations Bureau, Williams will begin to reshape a team that was crucial to Boudins platform a unit that reviews and prosecutes incidents of alleged police misconduct. When Boudin officially left office earlier this month, the unit was pursuing charges against eight officers. For Williams, a longtime public defender who first joined the District Attorneys Office in 2016, the promotion marks a return to a unit where she previously worked under George Gascon. Gascons administration declined to charge any officers following fatal shootings. When I made the transition to the District Attorneys Office, my personal ethos about helping the community and pursuing all things related to justice certainly did not change, Williams said, noting her career as a defense attorney. Theres an opportunity to really do some big things, and do them on a macro level that I think will benefit the community in the short run as well as in the long term. Williams left the District Attorneys Office in 2017 to help care for a family member and work as a lecturer in Georgia and returned to the offices felonies team in April after two years as a deputy attorney general at the California Department of Justice. In her new role, Williams will decide whether to continue pursuing cases against the officers charged under Boudin and will return to a high-profile case she played a role in before: The controversial 2016 San Francisco police killing of Luis Gongora Pat in the Mission District. Williams said she was just beginning to wrap her arms around all of these cases and couldnt say yet whether she planned to continue all of the prosecutions. Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Updated to include drought zones while tracking water shortage status of your area, plus reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts. Last month, The Chronicle revealed that Boudins prosecutors were re-examining the Gongora Pat case, which had been closed since Gascon declined to file charges against the two officers who fired the shots. Williams said while she was one of the investigating attorneys on the Gongora Pat case, she was not responsible for making the final charging decision. Rebecca Young, an assistant district attorney in the police prosecution unit until she was fired last week, said Williams placement was putting the fox in charge of the hen house. Young criticized Williams time as a prosecutor, saying that theres an inherent bias in favor of an officers story. In a Thursday interview, Williams said it was premature to comment on the Gongora Pat case and that she would review new evidence that emerged over the past few years. DeGuia, who was named Chief of Criminal Division Vertical Courts, has served as a prosecutor for 25 years, both in San Francisco and San Diego. Most recently, he supervised juvenile, special prosecutions, child abuse, sex assault and general felony cases at the District Attorney's office, officials said. Flores, the new Supervising Attorney of the Post-Conviction Unit, is among the longest serving prosecutors at the office, officials said, recruited by then-District Attorney Terrance Hallinan in 2000. Megan Cassidy is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: megan.cassidy@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @meganrcassidy Mayor London Breed vetoed legislation that would have eliminated single-family zoning in San Francisco to allow fourplexes everywhere and six-unit homes on all corner lots, saying it sabotaged a state law meant to increase density. In her veto letter Thursday, Breed wrote that it was with great disappointment that she rejected the law but argued that new requirements and financial barriers added by supervisors will make it even less likely for new housing to be built under the ordinances provisions than under current state law. While I support the original intent of the ordinance to add new desperately needed housing options for San Franciscans struggling with the high cost of housing, especially for our middle-income families, after many amendments, this ordinance no longer achieves the goal intended to actually produce more housing, she said. Instead, it is fair to say that this ordinance, as amended, will set back housing production. Breed also wrote that the city law would deliberately sidestep state legislation, SB9, that requires fast-tracked permit reviews for certain dense housing projects. SB9 already provides a way for property owners to build up to four units on some lots that previously had one. Seven members of the Board of Supervisors supported the San Francisco measure, meaning the board does not currently appear to have the eight votes needed to override Breeds veto. The fourplex ordinance is the fifth piece of legislation Breed has rejected since 2018. The veto is yet another example of the ongoing rift between the moderate mayor and the majority progressive board over the best way to address the citys housing crisis, as San Francisco struggles with how to build enough homes to meet a state mandate in less than 10 years. The progressive majority on the board and the mayor and her allies are set to duel on the Nov. 8 ballot with competing measures to streamline affordable housing. Breed said many other cities around California are finding creative ways to rid themselves of complying with SB9 and she doesnt want San Francisco to join those trying to get out of their housing obligations. There are too many people being forced to live on our street. There are too many families who cant afford to stay in this city. There are too many workers commuting long distances, or simply leaving the Bay Area, her letter continued. We cannot keep putting forward the same restrictive policies, and we certainly cannot put forward local policies that block progressive state streamlining solutions. Breed said she would be willing to work with supervisors on a similar ordinance that addressed her concerns. Supervisor Rafael Mandelman, who worked for more than a year on two versions of the legislation, previously said he was trying to encourage density while preserving local control over new development but acknowledged the city needed bolder policies. He released a strongly worded statement after Breeds veto saying he was profoundly disappointed in the mayors denial of the legislation. Simply rejecting this measure without offering any alternative puts our shared housing goals in jeopardy and is just the latest example of City Halls inability to come together to get things done for San Franciscans, Mandelman said in the statement. He stressed that he did not agree with many of the amendments that his colleagues adopted. But Mandelman still ultimately believed that the ordinance was an important, though incremental, step in the right direction for San Francisco. He told The Chronicle in an interview that the board may end up passing a pared-down version of the fourplex legislation that could pass with a veto-proof majority. But Mandelman said he would first try to get his colleagues to override Breeds veto of the current legislation when supervisors meet again next week. Mandelman said the goal of his legislation was to promote the construction of four- to six-unit apartment buildings throughout the city. He differentiated that from SB9, which so far has resulted mostly in applications for lot splits and duplexes among the few applications that have applied under the state law in San Francisco, he said. Supervisor Myrna Melgar, Mandelmans co-sponsor, rejected the notion that their legislation was intended to bypass state law, calling that a false narrative in a statement after the mayors veto. We should be building consensus where we can and pushing all options forward, Melgar said. The California Department of Housing and Community Development applauded Breeds veto in a statement, saying San Franciscos ordinance was an attempt to bypass SB9 and impose hurdles that would make small-scale projects to add denser housing financially infeasible to pursue. Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Updated to include drought zones while tracking water shortage status of your area, plus reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts. Currently, about 40% of San Franciscos land area is zoned for only single-family homes. The ordinance would have rezoned all those areas to allow duplexes by default. Property owners would have received a density exception from the city that allows them to build up to four units, six on corner lots. However, any property owner building more than two units would have had those extra units subject to rent control a program that some developers say can make the economics of building more homes harder to pencil out. And only those who owned their properties for at least five years or inherited it from a family member who did would have been able to use the density exception. Critics said that provision, sought by Supervisor Dean Preston to prevent real estate speculation, would make the law largely inaccessible to the developers best positioned to build fourplexes. Because of Breeds veto, SB9 remains in effect in San Francisco. SB9 lets homeowners who want to split their lots, convert their home into a duplex or build a second unit get approval through a streamlined process that bypasses city officials ability to use their discretion to reject housing developments. But the law applies only to areas zoned for single-family homes, so San Franciscos rezoning of the whole city would have made SB9 no longer apply to the permit approval process. However, housing and planning experts told The Chronicle that even SB9 is likely to have little effect on new construction because of high permits fees and other obstacles. As of this month, The Chronicle could find no SB9-eligible project in the Bay Area that broke ground since the law went into effect. In San Francisco, one project has been approved by the Planning Department and 17 more are under review, according to city officials. Editors note: An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated the number of supervisors who voted for the fourplex legislation. Seven supervisors voted to finally pass the ordinance on July 12. Six supported it in a first vote June 28 when one supervisor was absent. Mallory Moench (she/her) and J.D. Morris are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. Email: mallory.moench@sfchronicle.com jd.morris@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @mallorymoench, @thejdmorris This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate The recent shuttering of the San Francisco Art Institute is expected to close off the 151-year-old schools Diego Rivera fresco to the public for the foreseeable future, just as the school was about to host a grand reintroduction of the famed piece following a complete restoration. The fresco, once valued at $50 million, was locked away this week after the historic Chestnut Street campus closed indefinitely following a failed bailout acquisition by the University of San Francisco. Though the fresco is on a plaster structure that could conceivably be detached and transported, its landmark status with the city means that it cannot legally be moved. It is a great loss to San Francisco, to the Bay Area and to the world, said restoration Project Manager Zoya Kocur, who, as of Monday, was the only person on campus apart from a security detail. Kocur was hired in March to oversee the frescos restoration, inch by inch, with a four-person team using tiny tools smaller than toothbrushes. The job was completed last month, and Kocur was arranging a year of academic and public events timed to coincide with the opening of a Diego Rivera exhibition at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle The educational part of the plan, funded along with the conservation work by a $200,000 grant from the Mellon Foundation in New York City, was made moot when USF announced it had backed out of the merger deal on Friday. All faculty and staff, whose number had dwindled to fewer than 50, were laid off. Another 50 or so students in both graduate and undergraduate programs were placed in limbo, leaving behind two lonely turtles swimming in the central fountain. The fresco, Riveras first San Francisco commission, looked as bright as the day the famed Mexican artist finished it on a recent afternoon, and Kocur might be the last person to see it. Its unfortunate because the SFMOMA show is happening, and we were looking forward to a lot of cross-pollination, said Kocur, who was also let go as a result of the schools closure. I came in here to do this project and was able to accomplish the most important piece, which is conservation of the fresco so that it can last into perpetuity, she said. The fresco, entitled The Making of a Fresco Showing the Building of a City, was painted in one month, from May 1 to May 31, 1931, on commission from then-SFAI President William Gerstle. The work powerfully conflates art and labor the sheer work of creative practice with the individuals who surround, support, and fund a work of art, is the description on the SFAI website. The mural has been noted as a provocative expression of Riveras politics, and an example of the elevated status the artist attributed to the industrial worker. Rivera himself is in the mural, back to the viewer, brush in hand, clear jars of his mixed pigment below him. The fresco was painted on plaster in a frame that was bolted to the concrete wall behind it, with a space between the plaster and the concrete. The decision suggests that it was built to be removable, and that has been the speculation since the Art Institute revealed that it was in deep financial peril two years ago. It was revealed in late 2020 that the SFAI owed $19.7 million debt to a private lender. The University of California regents rescued the Art Institute from default by paying the loan off in a complicated lease to purchase arrangement. There was speculation that one way to raise funds would be to sell the Rivera fresco. The speculation was heightened by published reports at the time that George Lucas was interested in acquiring it for his Lucas Museum of Narrative Art in Los Angeles. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle The price bandied about at the time was $50 million. Pam Rorke Levy, then-president of the SFAI board of trustees, was emphatic that the fresco was not for sale and never had been. It might be our most valuable asset, she told The Chronicle at that time, in reference to the mural. But if we cannot pay off that debt in six years, we will have to vacate the building and take the mural with us. This compelled Supervisor Aaron Peskin, who represents the Russian Hill neighborhood where the Art Institute is located, to introduce legislation to make the mural a city landmark separate from the Art Institute building, which is already landmarked. The legislation passed last October, rendering the mural permanent. It cannot be moved, said Peskin in an email. Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Updated to include drought zones while tracking water shortage status of your area, plus reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts. SFMOMAs Rivera retrospective opened Friday, the day USF pulled out of the Art Institute acquisition deal, and runs through the end of the year. Asked to predict when and how the restored Rivera mural might be seen, Kocur said Im not an employee anymore, so I dont know what will happen. Neither does anybody else. The board of trustees is trying to figure out where the 151-year-old school goes from here. A foundation is being created to protect the name, legacy and archive of the institution. It is not known whether this will include the mural. The Diego Rivera mural is an artwork of great importance and historical value to the SFAI community and the public, particularly the Latinx community, said John Marx, vice chair of the schools board. It is one of SFAIs most cherished treasures, a masterpiece of 20th century art that we have been preserving for the past 90 years. The Art Institute owns the mural, but the regents of UC now own the building and the land under it. If the Art Institute defaults on its lease, it could also lose the mural, its most valuable asset. Tragic, was the one-word summary of the situation offered by Peskin. Sam Whiting is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: swhiting@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @SamWhitingSF Before The City went into lockdown in March 2020, Fitness SF had 38,000 members across its Marin, Oakland and San Francisco locations. Soon, that figure was more than halved, and the family-run business watched as most of its revenue evaporated overnight. Sick of feeling powerless, Troy Macfarland, Fitness SFs marketing director, and his staff decided to get creative to maintain relationships with members. In September 2020, after months of freezing members' accounts, maintenance employees at three Fitness SF locations started dragging workout equipment outside every morning and back inside every evening. In SoMa, those hungry to stay healthy worked out under the Highway 101 overpass. Fitness SF's story is only one example of the creative lengths fitness leaders have gone to stay in business during the pandemics now 28 months. For Macfarland, placing gym equipment outdoors paid off and membership rose. But many in the fitness business have not been so fortunate. According to a report of the Global Health and Fitness Association, 17% of U.S. gyms and fitness studios closed in 2020, collectively losing 58% of their revenue compared to 2019. In San Francisco, Golds Gym and 24 Hour Fitness were among the pandemic casualties. Still, the fitness business continues to evolve and rebound in unusual ways. In San Francisco, gym owners and personal trainers are finding that community and the psychological necessity of just getting out the house is an important factor in bringing people back. Erica Stenz, a trainer at Barrys gym, which has locations around the world and five in San Francisco, said she has found teamwork has long inspired people to get fit and can help tackle the COVID20 the term used to describe the 20 pounds many people gained during quarantine. Stenz, who built out the boutique fitness giants presence in the Bay Area and works at the Marina studio, said she experienced this firsthand. After gaining weight while grieving the loss of her marriage during the pandemic, Stenz said training with a Barrys co-worker revived her love for fitness. He wanted to help me, but we helped each other, Stenz said. We lost the weight together. In January, Stenz founded a nutrition business called WeShred that is built around group workouts. WeShred organizes outdoor hikes and indoor retreats with the goal of getting clients to motivate one another an approach backed by kinesiologists. One study published in the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association found people who workout in a group have a 26% lower stress rate and improved quality of life compared to people who work out alone. Dave Karraker, owner of MX3 Fitness which has three San Francisco locations, said Peloton stationary bikes were popular during quarantine, but people are again looking for nonvirtual companionship in their workouts. People werent seeing the results they were used to and were (missing) seeing other people and being inspired by them, said Karraker. The gym owner also sees that customers will come back if they know their workouts are in a clean, well-ventilated space. His gym and others are remodeling so people have more room to move around, while still being in the same general area. We split up the gym into as many as five 200-square-foot fitness zones, Karraker said, noting the zones include squat racks, adjustable benches and barbells for one persons use. We were going to switch back to open gym format but the feedback was to keep the zones People really wanted more control of their space, and now we have monkeypox. After losing 80% of business during spring 2020, MX3 opened a new gym in the Mission earlier this month, catering to the neighborhoods many residents who work from home. We saw a lot of gyms move into vacant storefronts, Karraker said. The Castro is a perfect example. You can move into a vacant box of any size with very little build-out and take advantage of high foot traffic while also benefiting other businesses in the neighborhood. Macfarland agreed neighborhood gyms are doing well, adding that the Fitness SF locations in the Castro, Fillmore and SoMa are almost back to pre-pandemic membership levels, while the downtown clubs are struggling. This includes Fitness SFs newest location, at the Salesforce Transit Center, which opened in 2019. Although the fitness sector is coming back in San Francisco and other places, industry leaders say local, state or federal assistance has been insufficient. In April 2020, the California Fitness Alliance was formed so leadership can work together to reach policy makers, educators and the public and provide guidance and financial aid to gym owners and fitness workers. Macfarland, who handles marketing for the alliance, said its work correlates directly with keeping gyms open in case something like this happens again Gyms in other places are totally back to normal, but in California everyone is so far behind because we were the last to reopen. Gyms, like other businesses, were eligible for pandemic-related assistance such as the Paycheck Protection Program. The California Fitness Alliance, however, has argued that supplemental grants such as the Restaurant Revitalization Fund should be more sector-specific. Thats how the GYMS Act, or the Gym Mitigation and Survival Act of 2021 was born; so far, it has not advanced past its Congressional introduction by Illinois Rep. Mike Quigley. The state keeps coming out with different types of relief, keeps putting grants out, but we are getting nothing, Macfarland said. I dont know how gyms got lumped in with bars and restaurants in the beginning, but now (the state) is giving them funding and we are still being left out somehow. Maryana Iskander may have one of the least-understood jobs in all of tech. As the chief executive officer of the Wikimedia Foundation, she oversees hundreds of thousands of volunteers and a website that pulls in more traffic than Amazon, Netflix or LinkedIn. Yet her 600-employee organization humbly raises funds to keep operating, she does not have authority to control the mighty volunteer workforce, and anyone can edit the popular website sometimes with malicious and mischievous content. Iskanders job is a paradox, and so is she. She was born in Cairo but grew up a Texan. She has impressive educational bona fides, a Rhodes scholarship and a Yale law degree, but she downplays her credentials. She works from San Franciscos Financial District but has a home in Johannesburg, South Africa. She is still relatively new. She took the helm at the Wikimedia Foundation at the beginning of 2022, previously serving as CEO of a South African youth employment nonprofit, Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator. The Examiner sat down with Iskander in her office with a sweeping view of the San Francisco skyline to learn more about how Wikipedia works, what its like to lead it, and how she sees the job. Are you the boss of all of Wikipedia? No. I am the CEO of the Wikimedia Foundation, which is an integral part of supporting Wikipedia, but actually, hundreds of thousands of volunteers all over the world are the people who make Wikipedia what it is. Whats the Wikimedia Foundation? The Wikimedia Foundation is a nonprofit organization that supports not only Wikipedia, but other free knowledge projects. And being a nonprofit organization means that all of this content can be provided for free, and without ads, and in a way that feels pretty different from how other platforms operate. Isnt Jimmy Wales the head of Wikipedia? I would say Jimmy Wales is both the founder and the spirit of Wikipedia. Jimmy continues to be part of the story of this thing thats grown beyond even his wildest imagination. You said theres hundreds of thousands of volunteer editors. So how many people get paid and are professional editors of Wikipedia? Wikipedia is written by volunteers, unpaid people helping the rest of us make sure that we find information on the internet that is accurate and verified and cited and sourced. There are employees of the Wikimedia Foundation that provide support to these communities and volunteers, but the volunteers themselves are not paid staff. What does the foundation do? It does a few important things. The most important is provide the technology and support the servers that allow Wikipedia to operate as one of the top 10 websites in the world. We also provide support to local communities all over the world through grants and capacity-building that is the free knowledge movement. And we provide legal litigation and advocacy that keeps free knowledge available and accessible. How many people work for the foundation and where is it headquartered? Although the foundation is a U.S. nonprofit with San Francisco headquarters, I would describe it as a highly global organization. We have roughly 600 people scattered across over 40 countries and every region of the world. And I think that the diversity of our staff makes us a really good partner to the global community that we serve. So are there other Wikipedias besides English-language Wikipedia? That is one of my favorite questions because Wikipedia is the most multilingual project in the world and on the internet. Wikipedia exists in over 332 languages. They vary in size, depending on how volunteer communities grow those Wikipedias. But 89% of all the articles on Wikipedia are not in English. Why does Wikipedia have banners on its website asking people to give money? Theyre a small invitation for folks who find value in Wikipedia to chip in and ensure that this can remain as it is: An enterprise that doesnt rely on selling you anything with ads. Im not incentivizing you to stay longer than you need to stay. Some volunteers are extremely devoted, and there are big gatherings where they come together. Is Wikipedia a cult? I dont think its a cult. I think its like a highly committed subset of humanity that comes from all walks of life, every corner of the world, and somehow finds a common cause in the idea of making free knowledge available to everybody. I think its the most extraordinary digital community in human history. Since anyone can edit Wikipedia, doesnt it mean all kinds of stuff is wrong up there? There are many built-in mechanisms that help us try to make sure accurate and verified content is on Wikipedia. Sources have to be cited and verified. We have both human and machine tools to identify vandalism, which is usually taken down within minutes, certainly on high-profile topics. Lets shift gears a little bit more to the personal. Is it a large personal responsibility to lead the nonprofit that manages such a powerful project? I think about that every day. The world is a complicated place, and many societies are polarizing right now. The remarkable thing about Wikipedia is that its a place people can come to disagree in order to get to a better answer. And actually, the opportunity to debate creates more neutrality and the opportunity for people to express differences of opinion and have to talk it out and again, provide the citations and provide those verifiable sources. I think it is an antidote to what were seeing with misinformation and disinformation around the world. Do you worry about editors in Ukraine who are telling the truth about whats going on in the war and might face oppression? That is maybe the most visible and poignant of many situations where people in the world have to fight for free knowledge and put themselves at risk. Providing support and safety to volunteers and staff is our highest priority. You wrote about both Ukrainian and Russian volunteers trying to preserve information and free knowledge. That reminds you why being able to record history as its happening is one of the most important applications of Wikipedia. What kind of student were you in school? Were you studious? Did you love to delve into encyclopedias? I come from a family of immigrants who you know often say came to America at a time when America was welcoming of immigrants and maybe a different way than its been in these past few years. And I think that the one thing I understood from my parents is that in America at that time, if you studied hard and you work hard, you know, America was going to give you opportunity. And I think that I really took that to heart. Youre a Rhodes scholar who went to Yale Law School. Im sure those diplomas are impressive. Why dont I see them on the walls of your office? At the end of the day, you gotta get the job done. And we dont always have equal opportunities to go to fancy schools. It doesnt matter in the end if you cant get the job done. The best institutions are the ones that allow people to unleash their potential, which is what Wikipedia is all about. That potential might be their curiosity to read an article, or edit articles related to a topic theyre interested in. Or take part in another Wikipedia-related project. Theres a home for them, and theyre welcome. Fertilizer has been of particular concern for farmers these last few years, as it and everything else keeps costing more. According to Theresa Sisung, the industry relations specialist for the Michigan Farm Bureau, the price of almost everything in agriculture has doubled since January 2021. In some cases, the prices have tripled. However, the price hike started even before that and its causes are a lot more complicated than one might expect. One of the main causes from the beginning has been supply chain issues, which started due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It was exacerbated by a touch of natural disaster, as two of the biggest areas of domestic fertilizer production were totaled by the weather. The Gulf of Mexico was hit with multiple hurricanes and an uncharacteristic winter hit Texas, causing fuel to be redirected from fertilizer plants to people's homes for warmth. There's also been supply and demand problems, as, due to a wet fall, many farmers didn't apply for fertilizer to spread in the fields. Therefore, retailers were left with an over-abundant stock, meaning they couldn't store more fertilizer. And since they couldn't stock more fertilizer, producers couldn't process as much as they normally would. Fertilizer plants have to shut down in order to do maintenance on the plant, but in the last year or so, many have had to shut down despite the supply and demand situation. "They're at the point where they've been forced to do these shutdowns at what might not be the best time," Sisung said. Globalization has also been a factor. The agricultural market is a global one, so whatever happens in one part of the world heavily affects everything else. Unsurprisingly, the war in Ukraine has had a major impact, with that part of the world being a major source of fertilizer production. "Fortunately, in the U.S., we don't get a lot of our fertilizer from that region, but because of the effects on the global market it causes that price to increase," Sisung explained. Most fertilizer in the U.S. is potash, imported from Canada, and the price for it is actually lower than other parts of the world. However, this presents another hurdle for farmers, as many companies outside the U.S. would rather sell to anywhere else so they can make the most money, only compounding the supply issues. However, there are ongoing efforts to lower the price. The International Trade Commission, for example, recently decided not to put tariffs on UAN, a nitrogen fertilizer imported from other countries. While this is good for farmers because of the decreased price, it's not great for domestic producers selling it at higher prices. The government has spent some money on increasing domestic fertilizer production, though, as well as new ways and technology to fertilize crops. There's also a potash plant currently being built in northern Michigan to help increase supply, but it won't be completed for another few years. Sisung believes that prices are unlikely to dip for a while, but the good news is that with increased crop prices farmers have been able to keep their heads above water. When 42-year-old Eden Reilly visited Mexico in November 2020 the year the world changed and the event industry collapsed she didnt anticipate eventually leaving behind everything she knew in Oakland and living on a farm in San Miguel de Allende, a city in the state of Guanajuato three hours north of Mexico City. But nearly two years later, she still hasnt returned to California, nor have many other Bay Area tech workers and restaurateurs who crossed the border and started a new life there. While conservative outlets have explicitly blamed California Gov. Gavin Newsom and inflation for this so-called exodus, former Bay Area residents like Reilly fled to Mexico for cultural, political and financial reasons. But, ironically, locals fear that young and wealthy Americans might already be gentrifying the area and bringing the housing crisis with them as a result. As of right now, I dont feel any desire to be in the Bay Area or the United States, Reilly says, citing the ongoing slew of mass shootings, the overturning of Roe v. Wade and the relentless housing crisis. Aside from having to work day and night to survive, Reilly says she left Oakland because living in the shadow of Silicon Valley and seeing the homelessness crisis firsthand felt shameful. According to data released in February 2022, the citys reported population of unsheltered residents rose to 3,337, while more than 7,000 residents are unsheltered in Alameda County. It was an issue for me, like it weighed on me, she says. This isn't something that I could just walk by every day and not think about. Since giving up her $100,000 salary and moving to San Miguel, a colonial city in Guanajuato, she says life has become significantly easier and comparable in terms of quality. Instead of working full-time as a general manager at event production company Outstanding in the Field, she freelances and takes on gigs all over the world. Sometimes, shell pack up her stuff and spend a week exploring port cities like Veracruz. Or, shell buy a nice dinner for $25 that would cost nearly $100 in the U.S. She also now lives in a two-bedroom, two-bathroom unit with a washer and dryer in San Miguels downtown area for just 700 U.S. dollars meanwhile, Reilly had been living in a rent-controlled apartment in Oakland for $1,100 before that. The quality of life that I'm able to have there is amazing, she says. I don't have to work to live, you know? I can have more balance in my life. Karina Rivera, a 35-year-old executive chef and San Francisco born-and-raised Mexico resident, also moved from Oakland to Guanajuato after finding an apartment for $250 per month. I couldn't afford to live in my house with my roommates anymore, she says, nor could she continue living with her parents in Atlanta. Though shes currently on a tourist visa and revisiting San Francisco every six months, shes aiming to get dual citizenship since her father was born and raised in Mazatlan. Up until recently, she too had been living in a romantic cobblestone neighborhood in San Miguel de Allende. The town of 70,000 reportedly has nearly 10,000 expats, many of whom are retirees but that might all be changing. In the year and a half Rivera has lived in Mexico, she says shes met a lot of remote and temporary workers coming from the U.S. Her friend, Brent Coulter, who works in tech and most recently worked at Meta, moved to San Miguel on a whim right when the pandemic hit. He currently splits his time between Mexico and Austin, and says that relocating made perfect sense. I FaceTimed a friend I knew from Burning Man, and he was smiling and radiant and I was gaunt and depressed in my Mission apartment that I was overpaying for and I asked him straight forward, Why are you so happy and who gave you the license? And what are you doing with your life? Back in San Francisco, he was cooped up and paying $4,000 per month, but now pays $1,000 for a three-story home. Since moving to what he calls the Brooklyn of the neighborhood, hes seen many of his friends most of whom are remote workers, or digital nomads float between San Miguel and Mexico City. According to Coulter, tech workers from the U.S., Canada and other cities in Mexico are networking and circulating through the area. However, he says that San Miguel is gentrifying and becoming more expensive. I've already felt prices shoot up significantly in the last year, Rivera agrees. The towns locals are grimly aware of this, too. In 2021, the Mexico Daily Post reported that the town, which has been referred to as the Mexican Disneyland, panders to gringos while forcing out locals. When we first came to San Miguel it was a very small town, the owner of Helado Santo, a local ice cream shop, tells YouTuber La Karencita. We live in the San Antonio neighborhood, and the prices have gone up like crazy. The owner says that now, apartments start at $500, which is far out of reach for the average person living and working in the area. According to DataMexico, as of 2021, the average monthly salary in the state of Guanajuato is about $200, in U.S. currency. On platforms like TikTok, some users have critiqued expats who arrived in Mexico during the pandemic for living out an odd fantasy, explaining that the state is only cheap for foreigners who are able to harness the power of the Euro or the U.S. dollar. Meanwhile, as privileged Americans boast about their new, affordable lifestyles, Mexico is grappling with a dire economic crisis: The video says that poverty has actually risen by 2% between 2018 and 2020, and that 44% of the population is living in extreme poverty. Earlier this year, a Vox report argued that that Mexico City in particular is becoming an amusement park for expats who are fetishizing the magical country. As a result, remote workers are fawning over it on platforms like TikTok and Twitter, declaring it a cheap and whimsical place to start life anew. Its very noticeable, Coulter says of the recent gentrification in San Miguel. While the city has always been a destination for retirees, the influx of young remote workers is changing it significantly. What's new is the younger crowd with this tech money coming in, he continues. Hes also aware that San Miguel natives might criticize him and accuse him of driving up prices in the area, but maintains that he plays an active role in the art community. Theres a really interesting cultural dynamic, Coulter says. Native people might be like, You dont represent the community, you're just here to gentrify, but on the same token, it's like well, OK, my house is open and I'm like hosting, you know, Mexican artists all the time who are coming here and have their boutique shops in San Miguel. Regardless, he doesnt plan on leaving anytime soon, nor do Reilly or Rivera. Though Coulter splits his time between Mexico and the U.S., he says he wants to buy three houses: one in Mexico, one in the U.S. and one in Taiwan. In some areas of Mexico, however, home prices are already skyrocketing. Ornella Peduzzi of Hexedes Group, a company that helps expats move their families and businesses to other countries, says that houses in the Baja area have gone up significantly: One-bedroom homes in the Baja area currently cost between $70,000 and $90,000, and over the past two years, prices have risen by at least 20%. Peduzzi believes that nomad workers alone havent driven up prices, but confirmed that Californians, Canadians and residents from other Mexican towns are flocking to cities all across the country regardless. Workers in the tech, restaurant and real estate industries are typically living there 6 to 8 months out of the year, seeking tranquil environments and more affordable lifestyles. For now, its uncertain what Mexico's changing landscape means for its native communities and longtime residents except that these changes, whether welcome or not, are in motion. halbergman/Getty Images/iStockphoto The San Francisco Police Department said Thursday that a 48-year-old man was arrested for allegedly stabbing a San Francisco International Airport employee on Tuesday morning. Samuel Douglas Day "was transported to Maguire Correctional Facility in San Mateo County where he was booked for attempted homicide," the department, which oversees security at the airport, said in a statement. A monkeypox vaccine clinic at San Francisco General Hospital opened to long lines Wednesday morning and turned away many people, ABC7 reported. The San Francisco Department of Public Health has requested 35,000 vaccines but only received 3,580 in an initial shipment and another 4,163 this week which will be used within days, Mayor London Breed said in a letter she wrote to federal health officials and posted on Twitter on Wednesday morning. Monkeypox cases are climbing in San Francisco, prompting state and local leaders to ask federal health officials for more vaccines to meet the growing demand from residents who want shots but are being turned away at clinics. The number of monkeypox cases in the city has risen to 141, up from 86 cases just a few days ago. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported 2,322 cases of the painful, but rarely fatal, viral disease, which most notably causes a rash. California has reported 356 cases since July 19, more than a third in San Francisco. In total, California has the second highest number of known cases in any state, after New York, the CDC said. Breed wrote in her letter that this "is a critical point in the spread of this virus, and we need to take more urgent action." The public health department is allocating doses of Jynneos, the only vaccine specifically approved to prevent monkeypox, at clinics throughout the city, including at Kaiser Permanente (to find a complete list of locations and make an appointment in San Francisco, visit the department website). The department is reserving the vaccine for gay and bisexual men, as well as sex workers and people with known exposures to monkeypox. Anyone can get monkeypox through close physical contact with an infected person, but the current outbreak in North America and Europe is disproportionately impacting men who have sex with other men. While public health officials and doctors are eager to avoid stigmatizing the virus, there is some concern among experts that avoiding the subject may prevent valuable information from reaching the people most likely to be affected. Science reporter Benjamin Ryan, for instance, wrote in a Washington Post op-ed on July 18 that public health officials are doing a disservice by not conveying "the seriousness of this burgeoning crisis to gay and bisexual men." State Sen. Scott Wiener, along with 10 other lawmakers, advocated for the gay community in a letter on Wednesday addressed to Gov. Gavin Newsom. Gay and bisexual men, transgender people and others at risk desperately want the vaccine in order to protect themselves and those around them, Wiener wrote. Yet instead of quickly mobilizing into a mass vaccination campaign with this existing safe and effective vaccine, many of our counties lack the supply to vaccinate everyone seeking the vaccine. In San Francisco, for example, people have been waiting in lines for as long as 9 hours in the hope of getting a scarce vaccine. DALLAS (AP) American Airlines earned $476 million in the second quarter on record revenue from summer travelers and said Thursday that it expects to remain profitable in the third quarter. It was American's first quarterly profit without government pandemic aid in the COVID-19 era. While revenue from leisure travelers is soaring, so are costs, especially for fuel. That kept quarterly profit 28% below the same period in 2019. American has been more aggressive than its closest rivals in rebuilding its schedule to nearly pre-pandemic levels. It has struggled at times to run that big an operation. American canceled 4,900 flights in June, more than any other U.S. airline, and scrubbed the highest percentage of its schedule among major U.S. carriers, according to figures from FlightAware. Only Southwest Airlines had more flight delays. Airlines have blamed bad weather and understaffing of federal air traffic controllers for many of their flight delays this summer, but part of the problem is also a shortage of workers. Airlines paid tens of thousands of employees to quit after the pandemic devastated their business in 2020, and are still hiring and training replacements. CEO Robert Isom said American has hired 20,000 people to cover attrition and added new positions. The only staffing shortage, he said, concerns pilots at regional affiliates, which fly smaller planes under the American Eagle brand. That has led to the equivalent of parking 100 Eagle planes, officials said. American could trim scheduled flights to run more smoothly as rival United Airlines announced Wednesday that it will do for the rest of this year. We are sizing the airline for the resources we have available and the operating conditions we face, Isom said Thursday on a call with analysts and reporters. London has become a flashpoint for airlines and their passengers a symbol of how the industry has stumbled in handling huge crowds. United CEO Scott Kirby called out Heathrow Airport on Wednesday, and American's chief government-affairs officer, Nate Gatten, did the same Thursday. Gatten said Heathrow officials told American on extremely short notice last week to cancel departing flights to help the airport manage overcrowding. He said that left the airline with few options to reroute passengers. Heathrow is expected to keep some type of constraints in place until mid-September, although airlines don't know exactly what the rules will be, he said. Air travel in the U.S. has returned to nearly 90% of 2019 levels, according to government figures, although corporate travel remains down 20% to 25%, American said. International bookings improved during the quarter, American said, and are expected to keep rising now that the government has dropped a requirement for a negative COVID-19 test for people flying to the United States. Inflation and the economy, however, remain risks for the airlines. United's chief commercial officer, Andrew Nocella, said improvement in business-travel demand has slowed in the last few weeks coinciding with troubling reports about inflation and economic growth. With the economy potentially worsening, business travel's recovery is something we will be watching carefully, he told analysts. For the most part, however, airlines and analysts sound more upbeat. Colin Scarola, an analyst for CFRA Research, said a consumer pullback on travel is possible but would be modest because of pent-up travel demand, job growth and savings. Corporate and long-haul international travel are still so depressed that they will naturally climb back up over the next year even if there is a recession. American, based in Fort Worth, Texas, said it expects a profitable third quarter, based on travel demand and the forecast for fuel prices. It said revenue will be 10% to 12% higher than the same period in 2019 even as it cuts passenger-carrying capacity by 8% to 10%. In the second quarter, American's adjusted profit was 76 cents per share, a penny below the forecast of analysts surveyed by FactSet. Revenue was $13.42 billion, up 12% from the same period in 2019 despite nearly 9% less flying. Analysts expected $13.33 billion. Alaska Airlines, the nation's fifth-biggest carrier, posted a $139 million profit on record quarterly revenue of $2.66 billion. Excluding special items, the Seattle airline reported earning $2.19 per share. Both profit and revenue beat Wall Street forecasts, according to FactSet. The average Alaska flight was 88% full, similar to numbers at American, United and Delta. The averages include off-hour flights, suggesting that there are no empty seats on prime morning and late-afternoon flights. Shares of American Airlines Group Inc. fell 8% and Alaska Air Group dipped 2% in afternoon trading Thursday. Airline stocks were dragged lower by United's report the day before that its second-quarter profit fell short of Wall Street targets and will reduce flights. United was down nearly 10%. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate HONG KONG (AP) Hong Kongs annual book fair kicked off Wednesday, with several publishers of political books prevented from taking part in the fair and others saying they had to be cautious about what they exhibited. The fairs main organizer, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, said it did not screen the books for sale at the fair. But Hong Kong authorities have tightened controls on freedom of expression and arrested dozens of pro-democracy activists after a tough national security law took effect in 2020, and the council stressed that exhibitors must abide by the law. Independent publisher Hillway Culture, which publishes books on Hong Kong and political events, was among those not allowed to participate. Another publisher, One of a Kind, which has published several books about 2019 protests in the city, was another. Publishers are having a tough time given the impact of the pandemic on the citys economy and concerns over censorship and rejection of independent publishers, said Kaying Wong, a guest curator at The House of Hong Kong Literature, the city's largest literary organization. Its surely not an easy job for us to set up a booth in the book fair and be selected (to exhibit), Wong said. The book fair is one of the largest in Asia. In past years, it was known for exhibiting a variety of books, including politically sensitive ones and those banned on the communist-ruled Chinese mainland. In 2020, the city postponed the fair several times due to the pandemic. The event finally was held in person last June after a one-year hiatus. This year's book fair runs from Wednesday until Tuesday, July 26. Novelist Gabriel Tsang, who works with publisher Spicy Fish Cultural Production Limited, said writers have to consider whether they can get published in the current environment. I guess many writers have their own intentions and they have to think a lot about whether they can have work published. They may use some allegory or use many rhetoric skills, rather than directly expressing what they wanted to express originally, he said. Last year, complaints were lodged against Hillway Culture, one of the publishers rejected this year, for exhibiting politically sensitive books that could be seen as violating the national security law. Last year, we had (exhibited) political books in the book fair and this was also the case for another publisher that was banned, said Raymond Yeung, Hillway Culture's founder. He was one of the few publishers allowed to exhibit political books about Hong Kong at last year's book fair. Yeung attempted to set up an independent book fair as an alternative to the main fair earlier this month but had to cancel that after the landlord of the venue accused Hillway of violating its tenancy contract by subletting its space to other publishers. The authorities ought to be clearer and more transparent about what kinds of activities are allowed, said Hui Ching, research director of the policy think tank Hong Kong Zhi Ming Institute. If theres no transparency, its reasonable for citizen to suspect their rights being deprived, Hui said. Visitors still value the fair as an opportunity to browse and purchase a wide range of books. I read as a habit and today Ive come to look for some Chinese novels and short stories that Im interested in, said Grace Ng, a 22-year-old university student who visited the fair with her boyfriend. Ng usually attends the annual fair and said this year's appeared somewhat subdued. Its not as crowded now as before the pandemic, she said. LOS ANGELES (AP) Taurean Blacque, an Emmy-nominated actor who was known for his role as a detective on the 1980s NBC drama series Hill Street Blues, has died. He was 82. Blacques family announced in a statement Thursday that Blaque died in Atlanta following a brief illness. The New Jersey-native began his acting career at the Negro Ensemble Company in New York. His training at the institute helped him secure guest roles on television series including Sanford and Son, Whats Happening, Good Times, Taxi and The Bob Newhart Show. Blacques biggest breakthrough came when he joined the cast of critically acclaimed show Hill Street Blues, where he portrayed the streetwise detective Neal Washington during the shows entire run between 1981-1987. He earned an Emmy nomination for best supporting actor in a drama series in 1981. Blacque starred with Vivica Fox on the NBC soap opera Generations, which touched on the integration of two families one Black and another white. He became active with the Atlanta Black Theater Company and the Black Theater Festival in North Carolina. Blacque had two biological sons and adopted 11 children and was the spokesman for the county of Los Angeles Adoption Service. In 1989, Blacque was asked by President George H.W. Bush to become the national spokesperson for adoption. He was survived by 12 children, 18 grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. The exact cause of death was not disclosed by his family. At the corner of Hyde and Union streets, the soft ding-dinging of cable cars are heard as they swoosh by. This charming section of Russian Hill gives way to the sight of couples taking afternoon strolls with their dogs and the sound of chatter from customers at nearby restaurants. Perhaps the most notable aspect of the street corner is neighborhood mainstay, Swensens, which has delighted the hearts of locals with rich ice cream scoops for more than seven decades. With its black-and-white checkered floor tiles and vintage signs, the historic ice cream parlor at 1999 Hyde St. hasnt changed much from its early days in 1948. Richard Campana, the stores current owner, has made it his mission to preserve the stores authenticity. The business will be 75 years old next year and there's only been two owners: Earle Swensen and me, Campana said. I ran the business since 1964 for Earle Swensen himself. He showed me how he wanted it done. Adam Pardee Adam Pardee Adam Pardee Adam Pardee Adam Pardee/Special to SFGATE Adam Pardee/Special to SFGATE Inside the tiny shop, customers take their pick from a roster of signature ice cream and sherbet flavors that includes best sellers like Swiss orange chip, cookies and cream, and sticky chewy chocolate. Jim Laughlin, Campanas son-in-law, has been the head ice cream maker since 2020 and shared that the shop makes about 150 gallons of ice cream every day. Customers can spot him preparing large batches of fresh ice cream by the entrance window. People don't realize that we make ice cream here, Laughlin shares with a laugh. Every single drop of ice cream has been made in-house since 1948. We're really proud of that. Every 50 years or so, Swensens evolves Campana got his start at Swensens as a part-time staffer when he was about 15 years old in 1959. While others have come and gone, Campana has been at the helm of the store making sure that Swensens continues to operate with its classic old-school feel. And now his daughter, Diane Campana, and her husband Laughlin were handed the torch. When the pandemic hit in March 2020, Swensens, like many other businesses in the city, temporarily closed its doors for three months. At the time, Campana had two men who managed the store for him, but eventually, they decided to go their separate ways. Adam Pardee/Special to SFGATE Campana, who was in his mid-70s then, had retired from Swensens years before the pandemic. Without a managing team in place, he grew concerned that his age would prevent him from coming out of retirement to continue operating. After some thought, Campana dropped a bombshell. We get a call one night in June 2020, right in the heat of COVID, Laughlin said. He just calls and says, I'm selling the ice cream store. We're like, What are you talking about? Hold the phone for a minute. We thought, Man, we need to keep this thing going. So Diane and I took it over in June 2020. The pandemic could have spelled disaster for the San Francisco institution, but its been under the care of Campanas daughter and son-in-law. Diane Campana left her career as a veterinary technician, while Laughlin, who is a fireman, stepped in during his days off to take a crash course on running an ice cream shop. Five months later, the couple was ready to sail on their own. Laughlin starts his mornings at 11 a.m. at Swensens while he and his wife strategize the week ahead. After checking their inventory, the couple drafts a game plan to replenish the ice cream theyll need. Its a process that takes about five to six hours, while Laughlin moves through crafting different flavors of ice cream. Adam Pardee/Special to SFGATE One big misconception that people have about making ice cream is that [they think] we make one single batch but we're doing them one after another, Laughlin said. Laughlin said he starts with a base flavor like vanilla and builds on it. Some days, hell start with vanilla and then add chocolate chips to create a second flavor. The process continues until the vanilla base churns into new creations, including mocha chip and thin mint. Its a strategy that helps Swensens run smoothly, while avoiding unnecessary breakdowns of the machine to clean between batches. Still, Laughlin said that a breakdown of the machine is needed when he works on other sought-after flavors made with fresh fruit. When Laughlin and his wife became managers, they also took an additional month to thoroughly clean the shop and eventually restore the original neon sign outside of Swensens. Laughlin said the sign was in such poor shape that he discovered its porcelain material had been painted over. The neon sign was the original from 1948 and it had a few battle wounds, Laughlin said. Half of it was burned out when we first took over and then we had a guy come out and fix it up. The transformers were still working. We ended up stripping all the paint off and polishing it. It's shiny now and looks beautiful. Adam Pardee/Special to SFGATE Moreover, the couple added some modern touches like a new credit card machine and joined Grubhub and Uber Eats. Diane also came up with a new ice cream flavor, raspberry brownie chunk, which Laughlin said has been a big hit with customers. I always tell everyone that every 50 years or so, Swensens evolves. We went with credit cards, so we're good for the next 50 years, Laughlin jokes. The makings of Mr. Ice Cream Before the original Swensens ice cream shop opened in San Francisco, its founder, Earle Swensen, was serving aboard a Navy ship somewhere in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. During World War II, Swensen spent his days on the vessel, often under sweltering heat. Campana said that it wasnt rare for Swensen to find shelter in the ships lower deck, where hed sneak off and cool down by the ice cream freezer. It was so hot and that was the coolest place to go, Campana recalls. So he used to try to go down there to hang out and help the guy make ice cream. Swensens initial interest in ice cream might have arrived accidentally, but he quickly gained an unlikely talent that set him apart from the rest of the sailors. Before long, Swensen was hooked and found himself serving scoops of vanilla, chocolate and strawberry ice cream to the Navy ship crew. Swensen returned to the Bay Area by the end of the war and took a job as a deputy assessor at the San Francisco city assessors office, only to find that the job wasnt as thrilling as making ice cream. So, when the space at Hyde and Union streets became available, Swensen jumped at the opportunity to open his first ice cream shop in 1948. Everybody told him that he shouldn't quit his job as deputy assessor, Campana said. They always told him, You have a good job, you're crazy! Adam Pardee/Special to SFGATE But Swensen was undeterred by his critics. His business opened first as See Us Freeze Ice Cream before he changed it to bear his name. (The store still honors its original name, See Us Freeze, with a red neon sign perched on the storefront.) But the business was slow moving at first. Swensen split his time working at the assessors office while his father-in-law helped run the store during the day. At night, Swensen ran back to his ice cream parlor to work on his recipes after listening to customer feedback. He ended up quitting his city job altogether to sell ice cream full time. Eventually, local families made their regular visits to Swensens, and with its success, Swensen decided to grow his burgeoning ice cream business into a franchise in 1964. Swensen entrusted his San Francisco store, which was never part of the franchise, to the care of his trusted employee, Campana, who became manager that same year at the age of 21. When the franchising shift took place, Campana and his team were tasked with teaching the new franchisees how to prepare each ice cream flavor. My father-in-law taught every single one of them, Laughlin said of Campana. So what would happen is when you purchased a franchise, you came to San Francisco, you made ice cream under his supervision for one week, and then that was it. You were cut loose. That was part of the agreement of franchising out. The people that purchased these franchises all came to our little store and learned how to make ice cream. Things were moving smoothly for Swensen, considering that his business wasnt an initial hit. But after he franchised, Swensens became a multimillion dollar enterprise. In 1967, The San Francisco Chronicle nicknamed Swensen Mr. Ice Cream, a moniker given because of his former Fishermans Wharf store at Northpoint Shopping Center, which was known to sell thousands of scoops every day. On Swensens 25th anniversary in 1973, the Chronicle reported that Swensen was at the head of a $4 million ice cream empire. At the time, Swensen told reporters that he was so proud of his ice cream business that even his Mercedes-Benz paid homage to his livelihood. His license plate bore the letters: Ice Crm. Adam Pardee/Special to SFGATE Meanwhile, the original San Francisco store at 1999 Hyde St. remained under the protection of Swensen, thanks to Campana, who made sure to run the store just as his boss wanted. Im not interested in selling it so Ive never even thought about what its worth, Swensen told the Chronicle in 1973 of his flagship store. You couldnt come up with enough money to make me sell it. Its my pride and joy. A vision taken by corporate greed In 1973, there were three Swensens shops in San Francisco, 19 around the Bay Area and 32 other locations around the U.S. Campana said, at some point, there were about 400 to 500 Swensen franchises across the U.S. and overseas. But while the founder envisioned a simple model to grow Swensens, his dream would ultimately turn into a bureaucratic nightmare. Campana said that many of the franchise locations were sold to an individual who gamed the system and forced franchisees to buy ice cream from a plant. That really was the nail in the coffin for a lot of these businesses because they were forced to purchase when they used to make it on their own, Laughlin said. That wasn't the intention when Earle franchised out. It was to do the same thing we're doing in this store. And a lot of people just closed. Basically, corporate greed is really what happened. Adam Pardee Adam Pardee Adam Pardee Adam Pardee/Special to SFGATE Adam Pardee/Special to SFGATE Swensen was embarrassed by the shift, Campana recalls, as he always championed the little guy. He would argue at conventions and he was on the side of the franchisees, Campana said. When they did buy him out, [Earle] put it in writing that You guys can't say nothing about my store. You can do anything you want with the other stores, but not this one. Swensen sold his percentage of the franchise in 1982 in the aftermath. Today, there are Swensens stores across Asia, Canada and Colombia, but they operate as restaurants under Swensen's Incorporated, a Canada-based global chain. Last April, the last American franchise store located in Coral Gables, Florida, shuttered after 44 years, which effectively reverted the San Francisco store as the last remaining Swensens in the country. A family affair When Swensen passed away from a heart attack in 1996 at the age of 83, Campana had already spent the last 37 years working at his store. He gained ownership two years later in 1998 when Swensens daughters sold him the business. Over the years, Swensens has touched the lives of many, and has also been the first place of employment for many local teens who still work there. Campana said that there used to be more families in the area who would stop by in the afternoons with their children, but the neighborhood has changed. Now, its mostly young adults, and Swensens is busiest in the evenings. But every now and then, long-standing customers who have moved out of San Francisco make their annual pilgrimage back to Swensens for a walk down memory lane. Adam Pardee/Special to SFGATE Some people come in and say, I remember I came in with my grandmother. She used to bring me here, and I say, I remember when your grandmother was pregnant with your mother, Campana said. When you think back like that, there's three generations. Laughlin believes that the most rewarding part of working at Swensens has been seeing the joy their products bring to each customer, both young and old. For many during the pandemic, visiting Swensens was a small event in their day. We're doing something that means something to people, Laughlin said. It brings a sense of pride to Campana when he looks back at his lengthy tenure at Swensens, knowing that its founder entrusted him with a Bay Area institution. Campana may have not started Swensens and may not be related to the founder, but he reasons that the sweet landmark has continued as a family business. I worked and I ran the store for him for 50 years until I retired, so it is kind of like family, Campana said. And then when I go, it'll be my daughter and son-in-law. The store will be theirs. Its still in the family. Swensens Ice Cream, 1999 Hyde St., San Francisco. Open Tuesday through Sunday, 12 p.m.-10 p.m. There are few San Franciscans more beloved than the late comedian Robin Williams. The comic spent much of his life in San Francisco and Marin County. From a meadow in Golden Gate Park to a tunnel in Sausalito, there are many Bay Area landmarks named in his honor. But a legacy isn't sustained by landmarks, it's the stories that keep his spirit alive. Had Williams not died by suicide in 2014 following a battle with Lewy body dementia, today would've been in 71st birthday. So to mark the occasion, we've compiled our best articles published since Robin Williams' death about the his movies, favorite SF spots and his continued influence on the Bay Area. Robin Williams' favorite SF toy shop "These days, most of the buyers at the Heroes Club on Clement Street are collectors from other countries, but there was one particular San Francisco local who was a big fan: the late Robin Williams." Dan Gentile, read more Babushka, Barbra, Euphegenia: An oral history of the iconic 'Mrs. Doubtfire' makeover "Robin Williams was a very kind man. "Ve Neill doesnt remember every detail of the days spent shooting 1993s 'Mrs. Doubtfire' in San Francisco, but she does recall that fact clearly. And shed know over the course of filming, Neill, the makeup artist who worked on Williams, spent hundreds of hours with the star." Alyssa Pereira, read more Manny Hernandez/Getty Images Revisiting Robin Williams' 'The Birdcage' 25 years later "'The Birdcage,' that surprisingly durable screwball comedy from 1996, is a mistaken-identity caper about the proprietors of a Miami Beach drag club. It gave Robin Williams the opportunity to swish it up a little and Nathan Lane the chance to shriek in self-pity, with some hilarious zingers and a bunch of wooden jokes about Newt Gingrich-era conservatism. Its an artifact of its era, to be sure. And from our know-it-all vantage point 25 years in the future, your interpretation of 'The Birdcage' probably depends on how charitable you are toward its concept." Peter-Astrid Kane, read more Robin Williams once perfectly captured how earthquakes feel in the Bay Area "In his 2009 special 'Robin Williams: Weapons of Self Destruction,' the comedian spends just one minute tackling the subject of earthquakes. In true Williams fashion, he absolutely nails it. "'I live on God's Etch A Sketch, it's crazy,' he says in the short clip. 'We have earthquakes every other day and you get kind of blase, like oh fk, 2.5 not bad. Oh st, 5.8. Maybe we should have drinks outside, let's go!'" Michelle Robertson, read more 'Mrs. Doubtfire' director comes clean about R-rated cut of classic Robin Williams film "What would a rated R version of 'Mrs. Doubtfire' look like? "The internet pleaded for an answer late last week when a viral tweet addressed the late Robin Williams knack for improvisation, particularly as he filmed scenes for the iconic role, which allegedly resulted in so many takes that numerous cuts of the 1993 film now exist in PG, PG-13, R and NC-17 forms, never to be seen by the public." Amanda Bartlett, read more Robin Williams impersonation by Jamie Costa goes viral, Zelda Williams responds "The internet went wild for a viral video showing actor Jamie Costa impersonating a young Robin Williams. The five-minute video entitled 'ROBIN Test Footage Scene' shows Costa as Williams circa 1982 on the set of 'Mork & Mindy.' Although there is some comic charm, it's largely a dramatic scene revolving around Williams receiving the news of the death of his friend John Belushi. The resemblance to Williams is uncanny, from his general appearance to mischievous wink to poignant self-reflection. The impression had fans online calling for Costa to play Williams in a biopic." Dan Gentile, read more 'Mrs. Doubtfire' director shares Robin Williams stories, SF connections and sequel details "In a brief interview with SFGATE, director [Chris] Columbus who lives part-time in San Francisco shared a few juicy details of the production of 'Mrs. Doubtfire' and its once-proposed sequel." Michelle Robertson, read more HBO John Mulaney honors Robin Williams in Netflix special "Netflix's new streaming comedy special 'The Hall: Honoring the Greats of Stand-Up' features an A-list lineup of comedians inducting a group of legendary comedians into a new comedy hall of fame at the National Comedy Center in Jamestown, New York. "The comics on the receiving end of the short tribute sets included George Carlin, Joan Rivers, Richard Pryor and Robin Williams, who was inducted by John Mulaney. Other comedians doing the inducting included Jon Stewart, Chelsea Handler and Dave Chappelle. Mulaney began his set by declaring what sets the beloved San Francisco comic apart from his peers." Dan Gentile, read more Robin Williams once rapped at San Francisco's Punch Line with Dave Chappelle and Mos Def "The first episode of Dave Chappelle's podcast, titled 'How to Inspire (Side A),' feels more like a mixtape, with short segments of conversation strung together by jazzy gospel interludes. The show begins with a discussion of Amy Winehouse, then transitions into an appreciation of Roots emcees Black Thought and Malik B. To close the show, Chappelle and his co-hosts recount their experiences with beloved Bay Area comedian Robin Williams, complete with archival audio of Williams speaking candidly about life, addiction and ego." Dan Gentile, read more Robin Williams was almost cast in 'Harry Potter.' Here's why he wasn't. "In a 20th anniversary retrospective on the 'Harry Potter' film series, Total Film magazine interviewed director Chris Columbus about the casting of the film. He revealed that Robin Williams was very interested in one of the biggest roles in the 'Harry Potter' franchise: that of Remus Lupin, a wizard who was the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor at Hogwarts (and a werewolf)." Dan Gentile, read more Striking Robin Williams mural pops up in Bay Area "Artist KeeneVisions, who most recently created the mural of viral TikTok star 420doggface208 on Haight Street, has paid homage to Robin Williams with new artwork at the Bay Street Mall in Emeryville commissioned by Oakland Chinatown nonprofit 333 Arts (formerly Dragon School)." Dan Gentile, read more Twentieth Century Fox These two deleted scenes would have made 'Mrs. Doubtfire' a much sadder film "It turns out 'Mrs. Doubtfire,' the famed 1993 classic comedy starring Sally Field and the late Robin Williams, was almost a much more depressing film. "In a video posted to YouTube by Matthew Keys, we get a look at how two deleted scenes would have drastically altered the tone of the movie, changing the scope into a grim story of the tragic effects of divorce on children." Alyssa Pereira, read more What I learned from the new Robin Williams doc 'Robin's Wish' "If theres one takeaway from the new documentary 'Robins Wish,' its that the cause of the death of legendary San Francisco resident Robin Williams wasnt really suicide. He did take his own life, the specific details of which are never shared in the film, but a coroners report presented in the first few minutes makes clear that the reason for his passing was an undiagnosed and incurable disease called diffuse Lewy body dementia." Dan Gentile, read more Robin Williams' former Bay Area home finally sells for under asking "The former Marin County home of late actor and comedian Robin Williams has finally sold for $5.35 million. "The property first came on the market in November of 2019 for an asking price of $7.25 million. It later received a big price cut in August 2020 to $5.995 million." Tessa McLean, read more Robin Williams completely ad-libbed his 'Friends' cameo "During the original run of the series from 1994 to 2004, 'Friends' was known for a host of celebrity cameos. Brad Pitt, Julia Roberts and many more made appearances, but perhaps the biggest surprise guests at least to the producers of the show were Billy Crystal and Robin Williams." Dan Gentile, read more If you are in distress, call the National Suicide Prevention hotline 24 hours a day at 800-273-8255, or visit suicidepreventionlifeline.org for more resources. Water Witch Hose Co. #2 of New Milford NEW MILFORD Several first responder units helped an injured hiker off the Appalachian Trail on Tuesday. At around 2:30 p.m. on July 19, Water Witch Hose Co. #2 of New Milford was called to join Gaylordsville Volunteer Fire Department for a rescue on the Appalachian Trail in Kent, according to a post on Water Witch Hoses Facebook page. Meteorologist John Hammond conceded last week that the weather was lovely in Britain but warned GB News anchors that temperatures were about to spike, something he predicted would kill hundreds - even thousands. "The charts that I can see in front of me are frightening. So we all like nice weather, but this will not be nice weather," Hammond said during the July 14 segment. "This will be potentially lethal weather for a couple of days. It'll be brief, but it'll be brutal." Anchor Bev Turner interrupted. "So, John, I want us to be happy about the weather and every - I don't know whether something's happened to meteorologists to make you all a little bit fatalistic and harbingers of doom." Clips of the nearly three-minute segment on the right-wing news network - sometimes referred to as the Fox News of Britain - have gone viral. By Thursday morning, one had racked up more than 18 million views on Twitter by juxtaposing Hammond's interview with a scene from the movie "Don't Look Up," in which an astronomer played by Jennifer Lawrence yells during a news segment that a meteor is about to hit and destroy Earth, only to have a TV anchor tell her that they're trying to "keep the bad news light." Hammond's prediction of brutal heat came true. Since he appeared on GB News, the United Kingdom and much of Europe have broiled. On Tuesday, Britain broke its record for highest temperature, and officials there described the heat wave as a "national emergency." A large swath of England, including London, was subject to the country's first "red" warning, meaning that the heat posed a danger even to healthy people, the Associated Press reported. Meanwhile, wildfires have plagued countries across the European continent. Neither GB News nor Turner immediately responded to requests for comment from The Washington Post early Thursday. Although Turner conceded Wednesday on Twitter that Hammond was right in saying the country was not "geared up to cope" with the heat, she said it has not suffered an abnormal spate of deaths because of it. Hammond told The Post in an online message that it's too early to tally such figures. After Turner implored him to be happy about the weather, Hammond pushed back. Again, he reminded her that he was predicting it would kill people. "I don't think we should be too . . . lighthearted about the fact that many are going to die early next week because of the heat." Turner also likened the heat wave to one that happened 46 years ago: "Haven't we always had hot weather, John? Wasn't the '76 - the summer of '76 - that was as hot as this, wasn't it?" "Uh, no," Hammond replied. He's right - the peak temperature that year was about 96.6 degrees Fahrenheit (35.9 degrees Celsius) compared with 104.5 (40.3) so far this year, according to the BBC. Although people bring up 1976 as a way to dismiss climate change, it was a "freak event," Hammond said. Unlike that outlier, Britain is now "seeing more and more records, more and more frequently, and more and more severely," he said during the GB News segment. This week, Turner has repeatedly downplayed the heat wave on Twitter. On Wednesday, she griped about "all this heat hyperbole." On Monday, Turner said she was enjoying "a lovely breeze." "If everyone wasn't telling me to be afraid . . . I would not even notice," she wrote. For many people, there's still a disconnect between what they've always known as "nice weather" - clear skies, sunshine - and the reality that hot days are happening because of climate change and that they are only going to get more extreme and harmful, Hammond told The Post. "The notion of thousands of excess deaths is clearly not fathomable to many," he said. "Similarly, until floodwaters are lapping at our front door or the food runs out through drought, we don't really 'get' the threat of climate change until it impacts us personally." Hammond said he hopes his brush with internet fame does its bit to help change that. "It's certainly started a conversation about the language we use and how we communicate the threat of extreme weather in our forecasts," he told The Post. "That has to be a good thing." CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) Active cases of COVID-19 hit their highest levels in West Virginia in five months Thursday. There were at least 3,221 ongoing cases in the state, the highest since 3,339 on Feb. 24, according to the Department of Health and Human Resources COVID-19 dashboard. Active cases statewide had plunged to 263 on April 4 after surpassing 21,000 in January. Confirmed daily cases in West Virginia surpassed 480 on Tuesday and Wednesday after falling below 400 on each of the previous four days. The increase occurred as President Joe Biden tested positive for COVID-19 on Thursday, underscoring the persistence of the highly contagious virus as new variants challenge the nations efforts to resume normalcy after two and a half years of pandemic disruptions. The number of people hospitalized for the virus in West Virginia has risen steadily since bottoming out at 77 in mid-April. It was at 299 Thursday. The pandemic record of 1,097 was set on Feb. 2. The National Guard ended its staffing assistance to hospitals on March 11. There have been 7,121 virus deaths in West Virginia since the start of the pandemic. DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) The top U.S. Air Force general in the Middle East warned on Thursday that Iran-backed militias could resume attacks in the region against the United States and its allies as tensions rise assaults that could lead to a new Mideast escalation. Speaking to journalists before stepping into his new role at al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar, with responsibility for military operations in Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan, and across the region, Lt. Gen. Alexus Grynkewich also expressed fears over Russian and Chinese influence taking hold as superpowers vie for economic and military influence in the Middle East. For instance, he said, recent U.S. intelligence that Iran is preparing to send Russia armed and unarmed drones to use in its war on Ukraine is not a surprise but its concerning. Iran's mission to the United Nations did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Grynkewich, who had served as director of operations at Central Command in Tampa, Florida, thousands of miles from the baking desert outside of Doha, Qatar's capital, spoke as regional tensions remain high over Irans rapidly expanding nuclear program and talks to revive Tehrans nuclear deal with world powers at a deadlock. Were in this position where were not under attack constantly, but we do see planning for attacks ongoing, Grynkewich said. Something will occur that unleashes that planning and that preparation against us. Iran tested a satellite-carrying rocket last month, prompting the White House to threaten more sanctions on Tehran to prevent it from accelerating its advanced ballistic missile program. And last week, as President Joe Biden toured the region, Iran unveiled armed drones on its warships in the Persian Gulf. Tehran has rapidly grown its stockpile of near-weapons-grade nuclear fuel in recent months, spreading fears about an escalation. It also has spun more advanced centrifuges prohibited under the landmark atomic accord, which former President Donald Trump abandoned in 2018. Everyone in the region is very concerned, Grynkewich said. Still in recent weeks, he said, U.S. forces have seen a reduction in targeted attacks across the region, as a tenuous cease-fire between Iran-backed Houthi rebels and the Saudi-led military coalition continues in Yemen and as an ongoing government formation process in Baghdad keeps Iran-backed militias in limbo, waiting for the political chaos to settle before they strike. Were in a bit of a period of stasis," Grynkewich said. As other threats subside, the U.S. has sharpened its focus on containing and countering Russian and Chinese influence in the region, Grynkewich said, noting that Russia is seeking to maintain the leverage it gained from years of military intervention in the region, such as in Syria where it helped save President Bashar Assads government and turned the tide of the war in his favor. Grynkewich said an apparent reversal of the military relationship between Russia and Iran with Moscow potentially interested in procuring drones from a traditional buyer of its own military equipment shows a bit more of a relationship than wed like them to have, given the context of everything going on in Ukraine. Earlier this week, Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Tehran on a rare trip abroad and won staunch support from Iran for the war that has plunged the Kremlin deeper into confrontation with the West. Meanwhile, China's significant economic inroads in the region have raised concerns about the country's plans to secure those interests either through arms sales or other means," Grynkewich said. In China, many Gulf Arab states have found an investor that won't lecture them about human rights concerns. Despite appearances to the contrary after the withdrawal from Afghanistan, the U.S. isn't quitting the region, Grynkewich insisted, a case Biden made repeatedly on his Mideast tour last week. With tens of thousands of American forces stationed across the Arabian Peninsula and some still in Iraq, as well as America's superior military power, Grynkewich said, the U.S. is trying to convince its allies that, "if you partner with us, youre getting to get a relationship thats much more deep and meaningful. ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) A man has been sentenced to six months in prison for illegally selling big game guiding services, the Alaska U.S. attorney's office said Wednesday. Stephen Jeremy Hicks signed a plea agreement last year, pleading guilty to a Lacey Act violation. The document states that in 2018, Hicks sold conducted a guided hunt and that the hunt took place on federally managed land. Currently Reading Alert: Driver, another man indicted in case of 53 migrants who died in San Antonio during smuggling run LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) The Arkansas Senate on Thursday stripped two senators of their committee leadership posts for the rest of the year after one of them sought reimbursement for a meeting at the state Capitol that he did not attend. The Senate approved the sanctions against Republican Sens. Alan Clark and Mark Johnson after finding the two violated the chamber's ethics rules. The Senate also prohibited the two from receiving per diem or mileage payments for the rest of the year. Texas simultaneously ranks as one of the best states for business and one of the worst places to live in the U.S., according to a ranking from CNBC. The Lone Star State is the fifth best place for business in the country, but it is the second worst place to live in, the ranking shows. CNBC ranked each state on 88 different metrics across 10 categories with each category carrying a different weight in the ranking. The workforce category, which includes the concentration of STEM workers, workers with college degrees, employees with associates degrees and people with industry-recognized certificates, carried the most weight, representing 16% of the total score. The workforce metric was Texas best performing category with the state ranking second nationwide. WASHINGTON (AP) President Joe Biden plans to propose a steep funding increase for police, hoping to show that Democrats are serious about combating violent crime, despite the move potentially causing backlash from top members of his party's left flank. But a scheduled trip to Pennsylvania to ask Congress to spend roughly $37 billion for fighting and preventing crime was canceled Thursday when Biden tested positive for COVID-19. His proposal is set to include $13 billion to help communities hire and train 100,000 police officers over five years. Biden was going to outline it during a visit to Wilkes University in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania until White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre announced he was experiencing very mild symptoms after the positive result. Instead, the president spoke by phone with Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa., and Rep. Matt Cartwright, D-Pa., as well as Wilkes-Barre Mayor George Brown and Paige Cognetti, mayor of nearby Scranton, the White House said. Biden discussed his crime plan and expressed his disappointment that he was unable to travel to Scranton and Wilkes-Barre this afternoon. Casey tweeted after his call with Biden that the president sounded great and is in good spirits and said he was looking forward to welcoming him back to Pennsylvania soon. The White House also canceled Bidens scheduled Philadelphia trip for a Democratic National Committee fundraiser on Thursday night and plans for him to spend the weekend at his home in Delaware. Biden, 79, is fully vaccinated, after getting two doses of the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine shortly before taking office, a first booster shot in September and an additional dose in March. Biden contracting the coronavirus means he won't, at least for now, travel to publicly request additional funding for crime fighting initiatives. He had planned to seek the money as part of his latest budget proposal, according to senior administration officials who previewed the plan. Republicans are trying to gain leverage in Novembers midterm elections by portraying Democrats as unwilling to confront crime rates that have risen in some parts of the country. Some top moderate Democrats facing tough reelection fights have called for additional funding to fight crime. But the White House-led effort could also spark a political fight with progressives, who have pushed for major policing reforms but seen those, and other of its top priorities on combating climate change and dramatically increasing social spending, fail to clear Congress. As part of Bidens plans, $3 billion would be geared toward clearing court backlogs and resolving cases involving murders and guns. The president also wants to use $15 billion to create a grant program that would fund ideas for preventing violent crime or creating a public health response to nonviolence incidents, aimed at reducing the burden on law enforcement. Another $5 billion would support programs intended to stop violence before it occurs. RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) Environmental and renewable energy groups have challenged the proposal by Duke Energy Corp. subsidiaries on how to reduce greenhouse gases in North Carolina in the next decade, saying it relies too much on natural gas and unproven technologies to succeed. The groups, in filing a formal response to the proposed electricity-production shifts the utility offered in May to the state Utilities Commission, also make an alternate proposal to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 70% by 2030 as compared to 2005 levels. They say it would require more solar and wind power and battery storage use than Duke's plan. The coalition says its plan would do better with energy savings through efficiency initiatives than what Duke proposes to comply with the landmark 2021 state law that mandates the 70% reduction as well as zero-net CO2 emissions by 2050. According to a report filed with the commission Wednesday prepared by an outside firm hired by the coalition, the mandates can also be met at a lower cost for customers, who are expected to pay higher bills for these shifts. Dukes carbon plan is deeply flawed, said Luis Martinez, director of Southeast energy at the Natural Resources Defense Council, one of the groups that filed written comments by a deadline last Friday. But this modeling shows that a less costly plan, which also significantly reduces emissions, is possible for North Carolina. The law directs the Utilities Commission to tell Charlotte-based Duke Energy how to meet these reductions by the end of the year, and says the seven-member panel can examine the latest technological breakthroughs to achieve the least cost path, among other considerations. The commission is holding in-person hearings this month and online meetings next month to take public comment. Duke spokesperson Bill Norton said Thursday that the utility's priority remains to produce the most efficient, reliable, least-cost way to deliver the clean energy our customers deserve and expect and that Duke looks forward to reviewing proposals and providing constructive feedback to the commission. The coalition, which also includes the North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association, Southern Alliance for Clean Energy and the Sierra Club, is also critical of Duke Energy's plan because it wants four energy-portfolio alterations it proposed approved, not just one. The utility says that would provide more flexibility and time to evaluate emerging electricity sources. All four portfolios do envision retiring Duke Energys remaining coal-fired power plants in North Carolina by 2035. They also would rely on hydroelectric power storage; an emerging form of small nuclear power plants; and additional natural gas-powered plants, which can provide energy on cloudy or high-demand days. Natural gas burns cleaner than coal and is considered a bridge fuel while other alternate energy sources are ramped up. But critics say the methane contained in natural gas and that can leak is disproportionately more damaging to the climate than carbon dioxide. Three of the four portfolios dont reach the 70% reduction target by 2032 or 2034, but the utility said those plans would result in slightly lower average annual increases on retail power bills through 2035. The law gives the commission the ability to delay the 2030 target by up to two years, and even longer if regulatory and construction delays for nuclear or wind energy facilities arise, or if the electric grids performance is questioned. Still, the commission has an obligation to develop a plan to achieve the required carbon reduction requirements set forth in law, the coalitions written comments say, calling Duke's proposal a Choose-Your-Own Adventure Carbon Plan. The utility's plan covers activities in North Carolina and South Carolina, but the 70% reduction only applies to North Carolina. Duke Energy Carolinas and Duke Energy Progress serve 4.4 million customers in the two states. The coalition said its proposal could trim anticipated higher costs for ratepayers by 2% to 7% through 2030 compared to Duke's plan. The following list includes recent reports from the Midland County Sheriffs Office and the Midland Police Department. Compiled by reporter Tereasa Nims. Wednesday, July 22 10:26 p.m. - Deputies responded to a verbal argument between a 56-year-old man and a 57-year-old woman. Both parties agreed to stay at separate ends of the house. 10:23 p.m. - Deputies were dispatched to a Homer Township location for a suspicious man removing items from a Dumpster. Deputies spoke to the 49-year-old who admitted to removing items from the Dumpster. The man was told to return the items and obtain permission to be on the property. 10:19 p.m. - A deputy was dispatched to a Mills Township location for a Motorist Assist. A deputy assisted a 75-year-old Beaverton Man with obtaining a tow truck for his vehicle. 9:24 p.m. - Deputies were dispatched to a Lee Township residence regarding a 29-year-old woman reporting that someone had opened the gate to her fence. Deputies checked the area but didn't locate anything suspicious. 8:04 p.m. - A deputy was dispatched to a Larkin Township residence for a general assist. A deputy spoke with a 61-year-old Midland man and his 13-year-old son regarding a parenting disagreement. 7 p.m. - A deputy conducted a civil stand by requested by the Lee Township assessor without incident at a Lee Township location. 6:28 p.m. - Deputies were dispatched to assist EMS at a Midland Township residence. Deputies were disregarded prior to their arrival on the scene. 4:53 p.m. - Police were called to the 3200 block of Swede Avenue for a verbal domestic. 4:09 p.m. - Police responded to the 4700 block of Dublin Avenue for a private property crash. 3:20 p.m. - A deputy contacted a Larkin Township woman about a vehicle located in Gladwin County. The woman said that the vehicle was sold a month ago. The info was relayed to the Gladwin County Sheriff Office. 3:14 p.m. - Police responded to Eastlawn Drive and Washington Street for a property damage accident. 2:48 p.m. - A deputy was dispatched to the Law Enforcement Center regarding a possible check fraud. A 35-year-old man reported that a 34-year-old man gave him a check for $270 that bounced. The deputy contacted the 34-year-old man regarding the incident. The 34-year-old man made it right and paid the 35-year-old man a few hours later. 1:25 p.m. - A deputy assisted Michigan State Police at a traffic crash. MSP handled the investigation. 12:40 p.m. - Deputies were dispatched to a Jerome Township residence regarding a domestic assault between a 32-year-old man and his 53-year-old father. The son was later located and arrested. A report will be forwarded to the prosecutor. 12:05 p.m. - Deputies were dispatched to Coleman City to assist Coleman City Police with a 911 hang up complaint. While enroute Coleman PD advised they no longer needed assistance. 11:18 p.m. - Police responded to the 1300 block of East Sugnet Road for a property damage crash. 10:48 a.m. - Deputies were dispatched to assist Coleman City Police with an unwanted person complaint. While enroute Coleman PD advised they no longer needed assistance. 10:12 p.m. - Police were called to the 4200 block of Hancock Drive for domestic violence. 9:36 a.m. - An Animal Control deputy was dispatched to assist a dog owner with an injured dog. The Jerome Township Fire Department arrived first and helped load the dog so it could be treated by the veterinarian. 10:04 a.m. - Deputies were dispatched to a Jasper Township residence to speak with a 56-year-old Jasper Township man regarding threats that were made towards him. The complainant wanted this incident documented. 12:18 a.m. - A 44-year-old man reported a civil matter involving archery equipment in Ingersoll Township. The complainant agreed to sell a crossbow. The man who purchased it did not provide full payment. The complainant wished to have the incident documented. NICOSIA, Cyprus (AP) A plan to develop a sizeable natural gas field off Cyprus that could help the European Union find alternative energy sources to Russia will be ready by the end of the year, the east Mediterranean island nation's energy minister said Thursday. Energy Minister Natasa Pilides said another well is expected to be drilled at the Aphrodite field in the next few months and will be used to gather additional information about the deposits size and to extract gas at a later stage. Initially discovered in 2011, the Aphrodite field is estimated to hold up to 4.4 trillion cubic feet of gas. Chevron, along with partners Dutch Shell and Israeli NewMed Energy, now own the drilling rights to the field. Aphrodite sits close to the massive Leviathan gas field, which is also jointly operated by Chevron and NewMed. You know how important Cyprus is to Chevron and the eastern Mediterranean region, Clay, Neff, the president of Chevrons Middle East, Africa and South America division, told reporters after talks with the Cypriot minister. We believe that this project again will provide very important natural gas supply to the region and the world." Pilides said the original six options on how best to develop the field have been whittled down to four. Although details are sparse because of non-disclosure agreements, Pilides said the options include processing the gas at plants in Idku, Egypt, or elsewhere for export. The selected development plan will determine the actual timeline for getting the gas to markets, Pilides said. The minister said Moscows invasion of Ukraine had provided an extra impetus to the search for alternative sources of energy. Prospects for the Aphrodite field as well as other gas deposits discovered off Cyprus received a boost after the European Union confirmed that natural gas could act as a bridge fuel until 2050 as part of the blocs transition to cleaner energy. The EU's outlook gives energy companies a more reliable timeframe so they know that the project is definitely viable, Pilides said. Thats the feedback that weve had, that there is definite, a definite view in favor of the viability of the project, which is a big step forward. And for that reason, yes, there is a sort of willingness to expedite, he said. ExxonMobil and partner Qatar Energy, as well as a consortium made up of Frances Total and Italys Eni, together hold drilling rights in eight of the 13 blocks that make up Cyprus' offshore economic zone. SAO PAULO (AP) Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who governed Brazil in 2003-2010, was confirmed Thursday as the presidential candidate for the leftist Workers' Party ahead of October's election. The vote of party delegates at a hotel in Sao Paulo was widely expected and merely symbolic, with da Silva's campaign already on the move. The 76-year-old didn't attend the party's convention as he is campaigning in his home state of Pernambuco in Brazil's impoverished northeast. He leads all polls against incumbent President Jair Bolsonaro. This year will mark the sixth presidential bid by da Silva, who Brazilians universally refer to as Lula. Da Silva was also confirmed as the Workers' Party candidate in its 2018 convention, then a corruption and money laundering conviction removed him from the race and paved the way for Bolsonaro's victory. I didn't need to be president again. I could save my diploma of best president ever and live the last years of my life quietly, da Silva said during a rally in the city of Recife. But I saw this country being destroyed. I saw our education being led by a guy who doesn't like education. So I decided to come back. The former union leader was released from prison in 2019 and his convictions were quashed last year after the Supreme Court ruled the judge presiding over the case, Sergio Moro, was biased. That enabled da Silva's presidential run this year. Moro, who oversaw the sprawling Car Wash corruption probe, later became Bolsonaro's justice minister. Da Silva has hinted in interviews that this year's run will be his last campaign for the highest office and that he wouldn't seek a second term if elected again. He has tried to reach out to moderates as the nation remains fiercely polarized, particularly with his selection of a conservative running mate, Geraldo Alckmin, the former governor of Sao Paulo. Bolsonaro, a far-right politician, has characterized the upcoming race as a battle of good vs. evil. He has also presented unsubstantiated claims that Brazil's electronic voting system is susceptible to fraud, which many analysts have said indicates he is laying the groundwork to reject election results. Bolsonaro's Liberal Party will hold its convention Sunday to confirm him as its candidate. Leftist politician Ciro Gomes made his candidacy official Wednesday. He has been third in opinion polls, but trailing far behind da Silva and Bolsonaro. Da Silva was backed by 47% of likely voters in the Oct. 2 election and Bolsonaro by 28%, according to the Datapolha poll from June, which had a margin for error of two percentage points. That puts da Silva within striking distance of an outright victory in the first round, with no runoff needed, though analysts have said they expect the race to tighten in coming months. Florida school shooter Nikolas Cruz walked casually into a sandwich shop minutes after he murdered 14 students and three staff members at Parkland's Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School four years ago, showing no signs of stress or nervousness, video played at his penalty trial Thursday showed. Cruz then walked to a nearby McDonald's, where, by coincidence, he unsuccessfully sought a ride from the brother of a girl he had seriously wounded. The boy did not know who Cruz was. Thursday's abbreviated court session focused on Cruz's attempted escape after the Feb. 14, 2018, shooting and his arrest, about an hour after he fled the campus. The mostly low-key testimony and evidence stood in contrast with the previous three emotional days, which covered the seven minutes Cruz stalked a three-story classroom building firing his AR-15 semi-automatic rifle into crowded classrooms and hallways. After the shooting, Cruz fled the building, dressed in a burgundy shirt from the Stoneman Douglas Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps he had been a member when he attended the school and a New York City Police Department cap. The former Stoneman Douglas student blended in with students who were evacuating campus and went to a nearby Walmart, where security video shows that 25 minutes after he stopped shooting, he turned into the Subway sandwich shop inside the entrance. Store manager Carlos Rugeles testified that Cruz ordered a cherry and blue raspberry Icee. The video shows that when Cruz got his drink and change, he tossed the coins into the tip jar, stuck a straw into the lid and walked out. Eight minutes later, Cruz entered a nearby McDonald's, still drinking his Icee, store video shows. He climbed into a booth with then-Stoneman Douglas freshman John Wilford, who did not know him. Wilford testified that he didn't know exactly what had happened at the school, but after evacuating, he had been trying to call his older sister Maddy he didn't know she had been seriously wounded by this stranger. When he couldn't reach her, he called his mom, who said she would pick him up. He then tried to make small talk with Cruz. "I told him, 'This is so chaotic, it's crazy with all these helicopters and squad cars. What do you think this could be?'" Wilford recalled. "He didn't say much. He had his head down." A minute later, Wilford went to meet his mother in the parking lot. Cruz followed and asked for a ride, but Wilford said no. "He was pretty insistent on it. I wasn't really thinking much of it. I just wanted to get home and my sister wasn't answering her phone," Wilford said. Cruz walked away. He was arrested about a half-hour later by Michael Leonard, an officer with the neighboring Coconut Creek Police Department. Leonard testified he was driving through neighborhoods looking for anyone matching the shooter's description. The officer was 3 miles from the school and about to drive back toward it when he spotted Cruz walking on a residential street. He said he stopped and Cruz looked at him. He pulled his gun and ordered Cruz to the ground. Cruz complied. A search found $350 in Cruz's pocket. Cruz, 23, pleaded guilty in October to 17 counts of first-degree murder. The jury must only decide if he should be sentenced to death or life without parole for the nation's deadliest mass shooting to go before a jury. Nine other gunmen who killed at least 17 people died during or immediately after their shootings, either by suicide or police gunfire. The suspect in the 2019 slaying of 23 people at a Walmart in El Paso, Texas, is awaiting trial. When jurors eventually get the case, probably in October or November, they will vote 17 times, once for each of the victims, on whether to recommend capital punishment. For each death sentence, the jury must be unanimous or the sentence for that victim is life. The jurors are told that to vote for death, the prosecution's aggravating circumstances for that victim must, in their judgment, "outweigh" the defense's mitigators. A juror can also vote for life out of mercy for Cruz. During jury selection, the panelists said under oath that they are capable of voting for either sentence. Jury selection The jurors currently on the main panel are two banking executives and two technology workers, a probation officer, a human resources professional and a Walmart store stock supervisor. Also included are a librarian, a medical claims adjuster, a legal assistant, a customs officer and a retired insurance executive. The jury selection was filled with setbacks and possible mistrials over the questioning of possible jurors and COVID-19 cases on the defense. The defense asked to delay the trial because of the recent school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, that left 21 dead. McNeills team argued that the shooting has again raised emotions in Broward County and makes it impossible for Cruz to get a fair trial currently. Many of the possible jurors were not able to hold seat because of the time commitment for the lengthy process. Full Recap: Jury sworn in to sentencing trial for Parkland high school shooter Pleading guilty to all charges Cruz pleaded guilty in October 2021 to 17 counts of murder and 17 counts of attempted murder in the deadly shooting. Legal analysts said Cruzs plan to plead guilty to all charges in the Parkland shooting along with the guilty plea in a battery on a jail guard charge is a calculated move by his attorneys for him to avoid the death penalty. Video below: Cruz pleads guilty in court By pleading guilty to killing 17 people and attempting to kill 17 more in 2018, legal experts said Cruz is hoping to convince the jury that he is taking some responsibility for his actions. "Hes trying to save his life, and the only way to do that is to take responsibility and not put all these poor people through a trial," criminal defense attorney Marc Shiner said. Death penalty trials in Florida and much of the country often take two years to start because of their complexity, but Cruz's was further delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic and extensive legal wrangling. If Cruz is sentenced to death, that will still not be the end of the process. Death sentences in Florida are given automatic priority review by the Florida Supreme Court. Trial preparations Trial preparations were extensive for what was expected to be the biggest murder trial in Broward County history for one of the most infamous crimes in Florida history. Cruz was arrested about an hour after the attack with an AR-15 semiautomatic rifle on Valentine's Day 2018. Video below: Body camera of arrest of Nikolas Cruz released His lawyers repeatedly offered to plead guilty in return for a guaranteed sentence of life in prison, but prosecutors refused to drop their pursuit of the death penalty. Video below: Cruz interrogation video released Much of the penalty phase is expected to focus on Cruzs mental condition at the time of the slayings, with prosecutors emphasizing their horrific nature and Cruzs intensive planning beforehand. Victims of the Parkland school shooting Seventeen students and staff were killed at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School on Feb. 14, 2018. Seventeen others were injured. Can't see the graphic? Click here. Settlement with Broward School District The Broward County School District will pay more than $26 million to the families of the victims. Board members approved the two legal settlements on in December 2021. A total of $25 million will be shared by 51 plaintiffs, including families of the 17 dead as well as students and staff who were injured. Another $1.25 million will be paid in one lump sum to Anthony Borges, who suffered some of the most severe injuries. Video below: Nikolas Cruz outlines shooting plan in video recording Four years after shooting For many families, they said there will never be closure for the loss of their loved ones. Students and families turned into activists. 'I still can't believe this is my reality': Parkland parent creates way to track school violence after son is killed in school shooting Jim Gard, a math teacher that day, said they were all victims. "These kids that were in the class, just because they weren't hit doesn't mean they werent hit," he said. And since that day, so many of those victims have refused to just sit back and do nothing. In the days following the shooting, a movement called March For Our Lives was born. David Hogg was one of the founders. "When we started doing the march, we thought there would be about 90 people that we could get up to D.C.," Hogg said. "We got near a million." Video below: Father of Parkland victim hangs banner in view of White House four years after shooting Four years later, March For Our Lives is still going strong with chapters across the country. Theyve helped pass state laws designed to keep guns away from violent offenders. Theyve worked to get more federal funding to control gun violence. 'I have to accomplish her dream': Hunter Pollack changes career path after sister is murdered in Parkland massacre It's become a full-time job nobody wants. "We want our job to be done so we can go back to being college students or high school students and young people and young professionals," Hogg said. When they watched the Parkland shooter plead guilty to the murders he committed, both Hogg and Gard are pleased to see this chapter end. Video below: School safety changes made following Parkland school shooting They just ask you not to call it closure. "It's the parents of the kids, the parents who lost their children, I dont know if there can ever be closure on that," Gard said. "I know for a lot of the people that I talked to, families that I talked to, there is not closure that can come. Theres nothing that will ever bring their kids back, their siblings back, their best friends back." If you or someone you know needs help with mental health, call 211 or the National Suicide Hotline at 988. The Associated Press contributed to this report. BRUSSELS (AP) The European Union imposed more sanctions on Russia over the war in Ukraine on Thursday after the blocs 27 members backed measures that include a ban on gold imports, further restrictions on the country's biggest bank and tighter export controls on some high-technology goods. European Commission Ursula von der Leyen said the reinforced, prolonged EU sanctions against the Kremlin send a strong signal to Moscow: we will keep the pressure high for as long as it takes. The EU has described the new round of sanctions as minor adjustments and intended to align its actions with commitments from global partners. Any ban on Russian gas imports, which are still a lifeline to many of the EUs juggernaut industries, is not under consideration. EU officials worked all week to tighten the bloc's extensive package of sanctions on Russia and looked at ways to add a ban on gold exports, hoping the measures might start to have a decisive impact on the war in Ukraine. On Thursday, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell was able to say, We are effectively banning Russias most significant export after energy Russian gold. The Group of Seven leading industrial nations committed to a gold ban last month, arguing that Russia has used its gold to back up its currency and circumvent the impact of earlier sanctions nations around the world imposed after the Feb. 24 invasion of Ukraine. The EU also took further action against Sberbank, which was already kicked off the SWIFT international banking messaging service. The bank will be added to the EU's sanctions list and have its assets frozen, making all transactions next to impossible. The EU also tightened the noose on sanctioned individuals, often oligarchs close to Russian President Vladimir Putin. They now have to officially declare where they have assets in the EU so the holdings can be frozen. The EU said refusing to do so could lead to criminal charges and confiscation of the assets. On Monday, the EU decided to boost military aid to Ukraine by 500 million euros. ___ Follow AP's coverage of the Russia-Ukraine war at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) The federal judge who sentenced Thomas Lane to 2 1/2 years in prison Thursday on a civil rights conviction in George Floyd's killing said the former Minneapolis police officer wont have to surrender until after his sentencing in a separate state case in two months. And legal experts said that's not unusual, even in a case as emotionally charged as Floyd's death under the knee of former Officer Derek Chauvin on May 25, 2020, which sparked protests in Minneapolis and around the world in a reckoning over racial injustice and policing. Even the federal prosecutors who handled Lane's case have said he was the least culpable of the four officers involved in Floyd's death. U.S. District Judge Paul Magnuson ordered Lane to turn himself in Oct. 4, two weeks after he is sentenced in state court, where he pleaded guilty in May to aiding and abetting manslaughter. Chauvin, the most senior officer at the scene, was sentenced two weeks ago to 21 years on his federal civil rights conviction, concurrent with his earlier 22 1/2-year sentence for his state conviction for second-degree murder. Hes been held in solitary confinement in the states maximum security prison at Oak Park Heights for his own safety since a jury found him guilty of murder last year, and will eventually be transferred to federal prison. Several legal experts said it's not unusual that a federal judge would give a lesser defendant like Lane time to surrender, particularly when they're not considered a flight risk or a danger to the public. Most defendants who go through the federal system aren't considered or treated as violent offenders. Unless they're considered a risk, they usually remain free until they have to report to prison. Former U.S. Attorney Thomas Heffelfinger said federal judges more often than not allow defendants to report only after the Bureau of Prisons has decided where they will serve. Mark Osler, a professor at the University of St. Thomas School of Law and former federal prosecutor, said Lane was the most likely of the four officers to be allowed to report to prison later. He was charged differently, with a less serious crime, the failure to render medical aid," Osler said. And a judge is likely to take that into account. Magnuson probably has made similar decisions many times before, Osler said, especially when the sentences are short. It's a misnomer to say that Floyd's death wasn't a violent offense, but the specific charge that Lane was convicted of depriving Floyd of his right to medical care is legally more comparable to a white collar crime, said Mike Brandt, a local defense attorney who has been following the case. While a lot of people might be unhappy with Lane's sentence, Brandt said, the actual offense was "more of an act of omission than doing something affirmatively. And he added that Magnuson Minnesota's longest-serving federal judge has been around long enough that he wasn't going to be swayed by the high emotions surrounding the case. Magnuson recommended that Lane, who held Floyds feet but also expressed concern for his condition, should serve his sentence at the federal prison camp in Duluth, a minimum-security facility about 2 1/2 hours north of Minneapolis, which houses mostly nonviolent white collar offenders. The facility has no fence and has dormitory-style housing rather than cells. But itll be up to the federal Bureau of Prisons to decide where Lane should do his time. ___ Find APs full coverage of the killing of George Floyd at: https://apnews.com/hub/death-of-george-floyd The former CEO and publisher of the New Haven Register and the late New Haven Journal-Courier has died, according to an obituary in the Palm Beach Post. Lionel Stewart Jackson Jr. died in West Palm Beach, Fla. on July 7. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Josette Gilbert Jackson; his two daughters, Jennifer Jackson Breitling and Laura Day Gaczkowski; two stepchildren, Frederick Joseph Morelli III and Jennifer Morelli Pennette; and eight grandchildren, the obituary said. Known as an adventurous captain and avid croquet player later in his life, Jackson was the head of the New Haven Register in the 1980s. The New Haven Register dates back to 1812. Jacksons grandfather, John Day Jackson, took over as the newspapers owner in 1900. He bought the New Haven Journal-Courier in 1925. When John Day Jackson retired, Lionel S. Jackson Jr.s father, Lionel S. Jackson Sr., and his uncle ran the paper together in the late 1950s. After Jackson Jr.s uncle became ill in the early 1970s, Jackson Sr. became the sole publisher from 1972 until his retirement in 1982. Jackson Jr. then succeeded him. The son of Jackson Sr. and Patricia Woolsey Jackson of New haven, Jackson had a passion for the water, was a rower who competed in the Royal Hanley Regatta recently celebrating his Monmouth school teams 50th anniversary of rowing at Henley, his obituary in the Palm Beach Post said. He also competitively raced Cigarette Power Boats throughout the Americas. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, and a U.S. Coast Guard captain, Jackson and his wife, Josie, had a passion for yachting, blue water sailing and exploration. In 1991, the couple sailed their vessel, Lequipe, to Thailand and Malaysia. They lived onboard the boat for 10 years, according to his obituary. When they returned to the United States, the couple became avid croquet player.s and settled in East Hampton, N.Y. and West Palm Beach, Fla. Jackson served as the chairman for the Croquet Committee at the Beach Club, as well as its Board of Directors, the obituary said. He was also responsible for bringing one of the largest invitational croquet tournaments in the country to the Club, the obituary added. Peaceful sailing, Captain, on your next journey, the obituary concluded. FORT GORDON, Ga. (AP) A lightning strike at an Army post in Georgia left one soldier dead and nine others injured Wednesday as a thunderstorm moved through the area, authorities said. The extent of the injuries to the survivors wasn't immediately known. NEW ORLEANS (AP) Two officials from a small Louisiana city face November sentencing dates after pleading guilty in federal court in a vote-buying case. Court records show former Amite City police chief Jerry Trabona and current Amite City Council member Kristian Kris Hart pleaded guilty Wednesday in New Orleans to charges that they offered to pay people to vote for them. RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) A man who was hiking on an unmarked trail in southwestern South Dakota that was featured in a social media challenge died when he and another hiker ran out of water, authorities said Thursday. The Pennington County Sheriff's Office said 22-year-old Maxwell Right, of St. Louis, was hiking in Badlands National Park Wednesday when he collapsed and died of suspected dehydration and exposure. BALDWIN The American Flag that then-Michigan Governor Henry Porter Baldwin gave to the Village of Baldwin in 1872 will be displayed by the Lake County Historical Society in the main lobby of the Lake-Osceola State Bank in Baldwin on Thursday and Friday, July 21-22. Henry Baldwin, born in 1814 in Coventry, Rhode Island, moved to Detroit in 1838. He served in the Michigan Senate from 1861 to 1862, then as Governor from 1869 to 1873. During his time as Governor, he presented American Flag to the Village. LANSING Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed a pair of bipartisan bills designed to grow Michigans maritime infrastructure on Tuesday. The legislation would help pay for upgrades to Michigans ports in order for them to better compete with those in other Great Lakes states. In Michigan, our waters define us, and ... every Michigander is committed to protecting lakesGreat and smallfor future generations, Whitmer said in a statement released by her office. Today, I am proud to sign bipartisan legislation to grow Michigans maritime infrastructure and economy. Together, Senate Bill 744 and House Bill 5291, establish the Maritime and Port Facility Assistance Grant Program Act, to award grants to owners of port facilities and expand Michigans commercial maritime ports. The Maritime and Port Facility Assistance Office in the Michigan Department of Transportation will create the Port Facility Improvement Fund to implement and administer the program. Rep. Jack OMalley, R-Lake Ann, is chair of the House Transportation Committee and sponsor of the House bill. Michigan should not be content with getting beaten by other states around us when it comes to shipping commerce on our Great Lakes, OMalley stated in a press release. Illinois only has roughly 80 miles of shoreline and they invest more in maritime than us. This is a renewed commitment to maritime commerce and works to unlock our incredible economic potential in this sector. O'Malley's bill saw bipartisan support in the state House and advanced unanimously through the state Senate enroute to the governors desk. In a November 2021 interview with the News Advocate, OMalley explained how the legislation could aid lakeside communities like Manistee. "What that means is a port facility could ask for a grant that could then be used as the local portion of paying down a match with a federal grant. It would open us up to federal monies and other grant processes that we don't have access to right now," O'Malley had said. "So it would be a grant process and if Manistee, Muskegon (or) Ludington wanted to build up their port facilities, this grant would help them do it." The legislation would help the state focus on maritime activities, as it already does with other forms of transportation, such as roads, bridges, aviation and railways, OMalley said previously. This has not been a priority and weve paid a price for passiveness, OMalley stated. This is a first step in ensuring the viability of our ports and delivering on the untapped economic potential of Michigans navigable waterways and coastal areas." In 2017, a report from Martin Associates in Pennsylvania found that 59.2 million tons of goods were moved through Michigans waterways, valued at $3.23 billion. The economic activity generated by commercial ports was $4.16 million, supporting 25,910 jobs and raising $763 million in federal, state and local tax revenue. JERUSALEM (AP) Israels prime minister on Thursday said he would send a delegation to Moscow in hopes of halting a Russian order to shutter the operations of a major nonprofit organization that promotes Jewish immigration to Israel. Yair Lapids decision came after a spokeswoman for a Moscow District Court was quoted as saying that Russias Justice Ministry aims to shut down the Russian branch of the Jewish Agency. A court hearing in the case is scheduled for July 28. The Jewish Agency is a nonprofit that works closely with the Israeli government to bring Jewish immigrants from around the world to Israel. Under the countrys law of return, anyone with at least one Jewish grandparent is automatically eligible for Israeli citizenship. The Jewish Agency has been active in Russia since 1989, according to the Interfax report. Well over 1 million immigrants have come to Israel from the former Soviet Union, and an estimated 150,000 Jews still live in Russia. According to the agency, immigration has picked up since Russias invasion of Ukraine in February, with 17,000 Russians taking Israeli citizenship and as many as 40,000 others coming to Israel and expected to apply. In comparison, some 7,700 Russian Jews immigrated to Israel last year. Lapids office said the delegation heading to Russia would include representatives from his office, the Foreign Ministry and other government ministries. The Jewish community in Russia is deeply connected with Israel. Its importance arises in every diplomatic discussion with the Russian leadership, Lapid said. We will continue to act through diplomatic channels so that the Jewish Agencys important activity will not cease. A Jewish Agency official said that Russia has accused the nonprofit of violating its privacy laws by collecting personal information of people who are interested in immigrating to Israel. The official, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the pending court case, said it was not clear why Russia was cracking down on what he described as routine paperwork. Russia and Israel have a close, if sometimes uneasy, relationship in Syria. Their two air forces maintain close communications to prevent clashes in Syrian skies despite being on different sides of the civil war there. Russia has provided support to Syrian President Bashar Assad, while Israel often strikes what it says are enemy Iranian and Hezbollah targets aligned with Assad. Lapid, who became Israel's interim prime minister this month after spending the past year as foreign minister, has been an outspoken critic of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Still, Israel has refrained from joining the United States and other Western countries in providing arms to Ukraine, apparently due to the sensitivities in Syria and concerns for the safety of Russia's Jewish community. Lapid's predecessor, Naftali Bennett, was much more muted in his criticism of Russia and briefly attempted to serve as a mediator in the war. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) An Italian astronaut joined a Russian cosmonaut in a rare spacewalking show of unity Thursday, as tensions over Ukraine continued to ricochet back home. Italys Samantha Cristoforetti teamed up with Russias Oleg Artemyev to work on the International Space Stations newest robot arm. The 37-foot (11-meter) mechanical limb contributed by the European Space Agency rocketed into orbit with a Russian lab last July. The Russian Space Agencys recently replaced chief, Dmitry Rogozin, threatened to halt the installation work last week, putting the spacewalk in question. After Russia's invasion of Ukraine in Feburary, Europe pulled out of its collaboration with Russia on a mission to Mars. Despite the turmoil on Earth, the space station's seven residents have repeatedly stressed that they're getting along fine up there, as have the flight control teams in Houston and Moscow. The current crew includes three Americans, three Russians and Cristoforetti. Russian cosmonauts typically pair up together for spacewalks, although NASA and European Space Agency astronauts occasionally ventured out with them years ago. Before tackling the arm installation work, Artemyev tossed 10 mini satellites overboard, one by one, in a radio technology experiment. Each weighed just 1 pound (one-half kilogram) and rotated slowly as they were released. The first six drifted harmlessly away, but the seventh one brushed against a space station solar wing and framework. Artemyev said the contact was very mild. NASA agreed there was no concern of damage. Russian Mission Control urged Artemyev to be more careful, and his pitch improved for the last three satellites. The seven-hour spacewalk was the first for Cristoforetti, the lone woman in the European Space Agencys astronaut corps. Artemyev, the stations commander, is now a six-time spacewalker. ___ 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. POCATELLO, Idaho (AP) Longtime Idaho lawmaker Sen. Mark Nye has died. He was 76. Nye, a Democrat from Pocatello, died at a hospital on Saturday after an extended illness, the Idaho State Journal reported. Nye was elected to the Idaho House in 2014, and two years later was elected to the state Senate, where he served three terms. He announced earlier this year that he would not run for re-election. Democratic Rep. James Ruchti, also of Pocatello, said in a news release on Thursday that Nye was a loved and essential part of the community. He lauded Nye's work as an attorney and support for Idaho State University, and said Nye's death was difficult to process. I think the thing I most respected about Mark was that he was kind to people, Ruchti said. From the janitor to the CEO, he treated people with respect. Nye graduated from Harvard University and earned a law degree at the University of Idaho College of Law. He was a past president of the Idaho State Bar. A man accused of running over his girlfriend with a vehicle in Acadia National Park, killing her, was arrested this week in Mexico, officials said. Raymond Lester, 35, of Portland, was arrested Monday in Cancun and returned to the United States, the U.S. Marshals Service said. He was being detained Wednesday in Chicago, and will likely be returned to Maine next week, a state police spokesperson said. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate BOULDER, Colo. (AP) The man charged with killing 10 people at a Boulder supermarket last year is still mentally incompetent to stand trial, 16 months after his arrest, according to findings from experts at the state mental hospital disclosed Thursday. The update about the mental health of Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa, 23, was disclosed during a court hearing. He is accused of opening fire outside and inside the King Soopers store on March 22, 2021 killing customers, workers and a police officer who tried to stop the carnage. Alissa surrendered after another officer shot and wounded him, officials have said. Court proceedings for Alissa had been on hold since December, when Judge Ingrid Bakke first ruled he was not competent to stand trial because he could not understand legal proceedings or work with his lawyers to defend himself. She sent him to the state mental hospital for treatment and he has been there ever since. Bakke ruled again in April that Alissa was still mentally incompetent. But she said at the time that experts at the Colorado Mental Health Institute at Pueblo thought there was a substantial probability that Alissa could be restored to competency and remain competent by taking medication. The state hospital said in its latest report about Alissa that progress is being made in his treatmment, said District Attorney Michael Dougherty. Relatives of the shooting victims are understandably incredibly frustrated" with the delay in prosecuting Alissa, Dougherty said. Reports about his mental health evaluations have not been made public. But court documents that addressed one of them last year said he was provisionally diagnosed with an unspecified mental health condition limiting his ability to meaningfully converse with others. Competency is a different legal issue than a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity, which involves whether someones mental health prevented them from understanding right from wrong at the time a crime was committed. Alissas lawyers have not commented about the allegations. He has not been asked yet to enter a plea. Killed in the attack were Rikki Olds, Denny Stong, Neven Stanisic, Tralona Bartkowiak, Teri Leiker, Suzanne Fountain, Kevin Mahoney, Lynn Murray, Jody Waters and Eric Talley, who rushed into the store with an initial team of police officers. Investigators have not made public information about why they believe Alissa allegedly launched the attack. He lived in the nearby suburb of Arvada, where authorities say he passed a background check to legally buy the Ruger AR-556 pistol six days before the attack that authorities said was used in the shooting Alissa is charged with murder in the deaths of the 10 people who died plus multiple attempted murder counts for endangering the lives of 26 other people 15 civilians and 11 law enforcement officers. Alissas mental health will next be the subject of another court hearing on Oct. 21, the judge said. COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) A grand jury in Ohio has indicted the man accused of raping and impregnating a 10-year-old girl who traveled to Indiana for an abortion that became a flashpoint in the national debate over access to the procedure. The 27-year-old defendant is charged with two felony counts of rape in an indictment filed Thursday in county court in Columbus. BOSTON (AP) A compromise bill mandating some of the steps Massachusetts needs to take to meet a goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 was approved by House and Senate lawmakers on Thursday. The Massachusetts House approved the compromise bill on a 143-9 vote. The Senate then voted 38-2 in favor of the bill. Republican Gov. Charlie Baker has 10 days to review the legislation and decide whether to sign or veto it. The legislation was passed as dangerously high temperatures threatened much of the Northeast on Thursday, driving home concerns about climate change. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu extended a previously announced heat emergency in the city through Sunday. State Rep. Jeff Roy and State Sen. Mike Barrett, both Democrats, helped hammer out the compromise, combining elements of legislation approved separately by the House and Senate. The two said the compromise preserves the central ideas of both bills. Massachusetts needs to open up huge new sources of green electric power if its to stay on course for reducing emissions, the two said in a joint statement. Todays compromise aims to ramp up clean power, especially offshore wind but also solar, storage and networked geothermal, and run it through cars, trucks, buses, and buildings, the biggest sources of emissions in the state. The bill takes more aggressive steps toward battling tailpipe emissions. It would increase to $3,500 the rebate for qualifying purchases and leases of zero-emission passenger cars and light duty trucks costing $55,000 or less, and offer an additional $1,000 to purchasers who are trading in an internal combustion vehicle. New vehicle sales would be required to be zero emission starting in 2035 while new Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority bus purchases and leases would also be required to be zero emission by 2030 with the entire transit fleet transitioning to zero emission by 2040. The legislation seeks to combat so called range anxiety for electric cars by encouraging the creation of more charging stations. Lawmakers also tried to boost support for solar and wind power. The bill would let agricultural and horticultural land be used for solar panels as long as they don't impede the continued use of the land for agricultural or horticultural uses. It would also offer tax breaks to companies that are likely to contribute substantially to the manufacture, fabrication, and assembly of domestic supply chain components of the offshore wind industry. Building construction can also play a role helpful or harmful in fossil fuel emissions. Under the bill, 10 cities and towns would be allowed to require fossil fuel-free new construction, as long as each community first meets the 10% affordable housing target set by state law and also exempts life sciences labs and health care facilities from the all-electric requirement. Massachusetts in recent years has ramped up efforts to increase its reliance on renewable energy, particularly in supporting offshore wind projects. Baker last year signed a separate bill into law aimed at creating a net-zero greenhouse gas emission limit by 2050. The legislation would also strengthen protections for environmental justice populations typically lower income communities facing greater health risks from pollution. Not all of the state's renewable energy efforts have gone smoothly. Officials in Maine last year blocked a $1 billion electricity transmission line aimed at bringing Canadian hydropower to New England, including Massachusetts, after Maine residents rebuked the project in a referendum. On Thursday the Maine Department of Environmental Protections citizen board rejected the latest effort to kill the power line. The state Supreme Court is expected to rule on two lawsuits related to the power line project in the coming weeks. OTTAWA COUNTY, Mich. (AP) A western Michigan woman whose three young sons drowned in February after her SUV crashed into an ice-covered pond is facing intoxicated driving charges in their deaths. Leticia Gonzales, 30, of Holland was arraigned Wednesday before an Ottawa County judge on three counts of operating while intoxicated causing death, The Grand Rapids Press reported. An Ottawa County sheriffs detective told the judge Gonzales took two doses of methadone which is used for treatment of drug addiction and pain relief - on the morning of the crash. Police said Gonzales had methadone in her blood after the crash but the level could not be determined. Gonzales was driving a Chevrolet Tahoe on Feb. 17 when it crossed the eastbound lanes, went over a curb and into an ice-covered pond. Police said her sons, who were in car seats, became trapped inside the vehicle as it rolled over and became submerged in the water. Jerome III, 4, Jeremiah, 3, and Josiah, 1, all drowned, while their mother escaped the vehicle with minor injuries. Prosecutors asked Wednesday that Gonzales bond be set at $250,000 because of the seriousness of the allegations. Her attorney, Matthew Hall, asked the judge to set a bond that Gonzales or her family could post so that she would not be grieving in jail. The judge set her bond at $250,000, saying she was a high risk for release based on previous convictions and failures to appear for previous court hearings. With the busiest roadside mowing season underway, the Illinois Department of Transportation is ramping up efforts to save pollinators especially the now endangered monarch butterfly. IDOT issued a press release July 20, warning motorists that drivers need to slow down and avoid all distractions, especially as personnel and equipment mow roadsides. As one of the states largest landowners, we take great responsibility in keeping our roadsides maintained during the summer as well as doing our part to protect the environment, said Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman in the press release. But we need the publics cooperation. Anticipate seeing large equipment and workers during the day. Reduce your speed, drop the devices and drive extra carefully. IDOT performs two types of mowing during the summer. One type is safety mowing, which is adjacent to the road as needed for improved visibility. The other type is maintenance mowing, which lasts for approximately six weeks, beginning in July, and includes areas along culverts, ditches, traffic control devices and other structures. IDOT partnered in the launch of the Illinois Monarch Project in 2020, and with it follows the Illinois Monarch Action Plan during its maintenance mowing to protect as much pollinator habitat and nectar resources as possible. "Over the past 20 years, the eastern monarch population has faced a significant decline in migratory habitat," the project website reads. "The Illinois Monarch Project collaborates with public and private partners, in addition to individuals across the state, to protect and enhance existing habitat and establish new habitat that supports monarch butterflies and other pollinators." IDOT said its approach to maintenance mowing helps with that mission. "The mowing schedule helps to encourage pollinator activity, which assists in the reproduction of flowers, fruits and vegetables, essential to the health of the states ecosystem and economy," the IDOT release reads. "Reducing the amount of land maintained and growing pollinator habitat also protects the endangered rusty patched bumble bee and the monarch butterfly, the official state insect of Illinois." IDOT has a short video on its YouTube channel about the mowing schedules and its work with pollinators. SEATTLE (AP) The number of murders, robberies, serious assaults and other violent crimes rose significantly in Washington last year while the number of officers available to respond to them continued to plummet, the head of the organization that collects the data said Wednesday. The Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs released its annual report on crime, finding that violent crime overall increased 12.3%. Although the murder rate 4 per 100,000 residents was slightly higher in the late 1980s and early '90s, the number of murders 325 was the most since the the association started tracking the data in 1980. It was up from from 302 in 2020 and 201 before the pandemic in 2019; the national murder rate also soared in 2020. Meanwhile there were 495 fewer police employed in the state, which already had the nation's fewest officers per capita, said Steve Strachan, the association's executive director. That left Washington with 10,736 full-time officers, a drop of 4.4%, to serve a population that rose 116,000 to more than 7.7 million. Washingtons police staffing rate was 1.38 officers per 1,000 residents, well below the national average of 2.33 reported by the FBI. Washington would need almost 7,400 more officers to hit that mark, Strachan said. Nobody should be OK with where we are right now, Strachan said during an online news conference. Reduced staffing means this is the most important point, really less ability to provide justice for victims. Many police departments across the country, from Atlanta to Portland, Oregon, have struggled with staffing shortages prompted by retirements and resignations amid the pandemic and racial justice protests that made the agencies a target of budget cuts. In Washington, some officers have also complained that police reform efforts passed by the Legislature in 2021 in response to the police murder of George Floyd, restricting when and how police can use force, went too far. The remaining officers have been stretched thin responding to one call after another, with less time for behavioral health outreach or follow-up investigation, Strachan said. It also makes it more difficult for police to de-escalate volatile situations, which can involve teaming up with other officers and slowing down how they respond. That leads to burnout and further departures, he said. Gov. Jay Inslee called the report disturbing but stressed that other states are facing similar issues with police staffing. He noted that the Washington Legislature had recently increased the pension for law enforcement officers and tweaked some of its police reform laws to ease officer concerns. He planned a news conference on Thursday to discuss further ways to improve officer recruitment, including by expanding the state's main police academy to make it more convenient for officers to be certified. We are doing things very actively to try to make this a more attractive profession ... but there is no secret that this has been a difficult time for all of us, including law enforcement, Inslee said. This defund-the-police movement, I don't agree with it. We need to have an approach that will give us an adequate degree of well-trained, accountable police officers, and we are going to do that in Washington state. The Seattle Police Department remains down 372 officers out of a force approved for more than 1,300. Thats hurt emergency response times, prompted the department to stop responding to low-priority calls and required officers to work overtime, hurting morale, according to Chief Adrian Diaz. Mayor Bruce Harrell this month announced a plan to hire 500 officers over the next five years, including signing bonuses of up to $30,000. Republicans in Olympia were quick to blame the increase in violent crime and decrease in officers on Democrats' police reform measures, as well as on their response to a state Supreme Court ruling that struck down Washington's prohibition on simple drug possession. Democrats last year made possession of small amounts of drugs, even hard drugs like heroin, a misdemeanor, and they required police to divert a defendants first two offenses to treatment. It is no surprise that this chaos is a direct result of the flawed laws enacted by Democrats over the past two legislative sessions, Sen. Chris Gildon, R-Puyallup, said in a written statement. Their policies have created an open season for criminal activity. Despite the increase in violent crime, crime overall was actually down thanks to a 74% drop in drug arrests and a 79% decrease in identity theft, which fell steeply in 2021 following a rash of pandemic-related unemployment fraud in 2020, the annual report said. Leslie Cushman, of the Washington Coalition for Police Accountability, disputed the notion that a drop in police staffing would hurt the ability of officers to de-escalate, and she said that departments can rely more on behavioral health agencies for community outreach when necessary. Officers have been trained on de-escalation for decades. It is part of their critical decision making for their day-to-day job," she wrote in an email. "Its good to see crime rates down and (I'm) happy that decriminalizing offenses factors in here. That should translate to a freeing up of resources. Among the other notable findings of the report were that hate crimes increased by about a quarter from 2020, to a total of 592 incidents, including 91 aggravated assaults. Auto thefts were also up by about a quarter, and vehicle part thefts primarily catalytic converter thefts doubled. MEXICO CITY (AP) One of Nicaraguas leading national newspapers announced Thursday on its website that its staff had been forced to flee the country and would continue working from outside Nicaragua. Nicaraguan authorities took control of La Prensas offices in August and arrested two of its employees earlier this month. Those arrests came after La Prensa reported on the expulsion nuns from the Missionaries of Charity established by Mother Teresa. The government of President Daniel Ortega has moved repeatedly against independent press outlets, as well as shutting down more than 1,000 civil society organizations. The persecution by the Daniel Ortega regime intensified this month against the personnel of La Prensa newspaper and forced the outlets personnel flee the country, the paper wrote. Reporters, editors, photographers and other personnel were obliged to flee Nicaragua in an irregular manner in the past two weeks for their safety and freedom. Even though members of the newspapers staff were not in their homes in recent days, police and civilians arrived repeatedly and harassed their families, La Prensa said. The paper said its people had to sneak across the border because they feared being arrested at formal border crossings. It did not say how many of its staff had left the country. La Prensa, founded in 1926, is Nicaraguas oldest newspaper. It was also forced to stop publishing a print edition last year after the government repeatedly held shipments of its newsprint. The government did not immediately comment. Rosario Murrillo, Nicaraguas vice president and first lady, as well as the governments spokeswoman, did not make direct mention of the newspaper during an address Thursday. When the government seized the newspapers offices last August, it also arrested general manager Juan Lorenzo Holmann Chamorro, who remains jailed. Two of Holmanns cousins journalists Cristiana Chamorro and Pedro Joaquin Chamorro Barrios have also been under house arrest, while their brother Carlos Fernando Chamorro was forced into exile last year. The government seized the offices of Carlos Fernando Chamorros independent news site Confidencial in December 2018. Cristiana, Pedro Joaquin and Carlos Fernando are the children of former President Violeta Barrios de Chamorro and Pedro Joaquin Chamorro Cardenal, the former director of La Prensa who was assassinated in 1978. The forced exile of La Prensa personnel is another step toward closing any possibility of freedom of expression and the press, the Nicaraguan Center for Human Rights said via Twitter Thursday. The government seized that organizations offices in 2018. Since massive street protests erupted in April 2018 and were eventually violently put down by government forces, Ortegas administration has pursued any organizations it views as a threat. Ortega said the protests were an attempt to overthrow him with support from abroad. La Prensa suffered censorship and temporary closures during the dictatorship of Anastasio Somoza and persecution during the Sandinista revolution that ousted Somoza. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate HOUSTON (AP) The family of a 9-year-old Houston girl who died after she was shot by a man who had opened fire when he was robbed at an ATM said Wednesday they remain angered by a grand jurys decision to not indict the man. That was not an accident. That was not self-defense, April Aguirre, the aunt of Arlene Alvarez said during a news conference as a photograph of the girl as she lay in a hospital bed bloodied and bandaged shortly before her death was shown. Tony Earls, 41, had been charged with aggravated assault, serious bodily injury, in Alvarezs Feb. 14 death. A Harris County grand jury in Houston on Tuesday could have indicted him on this charge or several others, including manslaughter and murder, but declined to do so. However, the grand jurys decision was not a surprise as prosecutors efforts in this case had little chance of success, according to a legal expert. Texas law gives very, very broad self-defense rights for people carrying guns, even if the person makes a mistake, said Sandra Guerra Thompson, a law professor at the University of Houston Law Center. Earls and his wife were at an ATM to withdraw money when an unidentified robber pulled a gun on them and fled after taking $20, along with a check and their car keys, according to prosecutors. Earls attorneys said after their client go out of his car, the robber fired and Earls fired back in self-defense. Investigators say Earls fired at a truck thinking the robbery suspect had possibly climbed into it. But the vehicle was actually carrying Alvarez and her family as they went to the ATM to make a deposit before heading to a late dinner at a pizzeria. The girl was shot in the head and she later died at a hospital. Earls attorneys say their client continues to grieve for Alvarez but that the grand jury made the right decision and that the person responsible for her death is the robber. Mr. Earls did what we believe anyone in that situation would have done. We are relieved that, despite the emotion and tough decisions that had to be made in dealing with this case, justice was served for Mr. Earls, his attorneys, Myrecia Donaldson and Brennen Dunn, said in a statement. Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg said the grand jurys decision didnt mean that youre innocent, Mr. Earls. It means that you were not held criminally accountable. Gwen Alvarez, the girls mother, tearfully said Tuesday the grand jurys decision left her feeling that the system failed us. In my eyes, (Earls) is guilty because he was the one who decided to fire on our vehicle multiple times and he didnt stop until he ran out of bullets, Rick Ramos, the attorney for the Alvarez family, said Wednesday that Earls actions were reckless and he questioned whether Earls was capable of carrying a weapon as his lawyers had indicated in court records that he had suffered from mental illness before the shooting. But Thompson said issues of mental illness would not have made a difference in this case as Texas does not have red flag laws that would allow law enforcement or family members to ask a judge to order the seizure or surrender of guns from someone who is deemed dangerous, often because of mental health concerns or threats of violence. Last year, Texas lawmakers expanded gun rights by letting people carry handguns without first getting a background check and training. Ramos said he plans to have an independent expert review the evidence and see if the case can be presented to another grand jury. But Ogg said investigators planned to focus on finding the unidentified robber and holding him responsible for Alvarezs death, with authorities now offering a $30,000 reward for information leading to his arrest. If Mr. Earls had shot the robber... we probably would be celebrating him, Thompson said. But that wasnt the situation and unfortunately, tragically an innocent child was killed. ___ Follow Juan A. Lozano on Twitter: https://twitter.com/juanlozano70 VANCOUVER, Wash. (AP) An Oregon man has been sentenced to more than seven years in prison in connection with a stolen firearms trafficking scheme that led to the shooting death of Clark County sheriffs Sgt. Jeremy Brown in southwest Washington. Brian Clement, 51, pleaded guilty in Clark County Superior Court Tuesday to second-degree burglary and theft of a firearm, The Columbian reported. A charge of unlawful possession of a firearm was dismissed as part of his plea agreement. The plea deal also requires Clement to testify against his co-defendant, Misty Raya. Prosecutors say he helped her break into a storage unit to steal firearms and thousands of rounds of ammunition. Prosecutors have said one of the stolen guns was used by Rayas brother-in-law, Guillermo Raya Leon, to shoot Brown as he was working undercover July 23, 2021 at an apartment complex in east Vancouver. Senior Deputy Prosecutor Jessica Smith said during Tuesdays hearing that Clement was not directly involved in Browns death, but Clements actions set off a series of events that led to it. She said he helped Raya break into safes inside the storage unit to get to the guns and ammunition. Defense attorney Kari Reardon said that under different circumstances, she likely wouldve asked Judge John Fairgrieve to sentence Clement to drug treatment court, because he had relapsed at the time. Clement apologized to the Brown family Tuesday and said he wouldnt have been involved if he knew someone would be killed. As a previous military police officer, my heart goes out to the family, Clement said. Fairgrieve ordered the agreed-upon 90-month sentence and acknowledged the compromises prosecutors have made to ensure cooperation agreements and stronger cases against those charged directly with Browns killing. He also recognized that Clement showed remorse for his role. Investigators have said that Raya Leon admitted to shooting Brown, 46, while the detective was seated in an unmarked police SUV. Detectives were following Raya Leon, his brother, Abran Raya Leon and his brothers wife, Misty Raya that day as part of an investigation into the firearms and ammunition theft from the storage unit. Court records say Misty Rayas friend, Lani Kraabell, was helping them find buyers for the stolen guns when Guillermo Raya Leon shot Brown. Kraabell pleaded guilty in June to second-degree manslaughter in connection with Browns death and also agreed to cooperate with the criminal cases against her co-defendants. She was sentenced to six years in prison. Raya Leon has pleaded not guilty to first-degree aggravated murder and other charges. Misty Raya has pleaded not guilty to burglary, identity theft and multiple counts of firearm theft. PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) A member of the far-right group Patriot Prayer caught on camera throwing a pepper spray can and shoving a woman in the face after a protest in Northeast Portland has been found guilty of felony riot. A Multnomah County jury of nine women and three men returned the verdict against Mackenzie Lewis on Wednesday, The Oregonian/OregonLive reported. On May 1, 2019, after a day of demonstrations, Lewis and the Patriot Prayer group approached anti-fascists who had gathered at the Cider Riot bar. Defense attorney Kelly Doyle argued Lewis actions were self-defense or to protect Patriot Prayer leader Joey Gibson. Deputy District Attorney Brad Kalbaugh said Lewis didn't step in front of Gibson. The threat was over at that point thats revenge, he said. Its not OK, its not justified and its especially not justified when you showed up with an armed mob to precipitate the whole thing. Doyle countered that Lewis had donned stiff-looking gloves and a helmet before his group approached the bar patio merely for protection from the sun. Lewis faces a maximum of five years in prison when sentenced Aug. 1. On Tuesday, Multnomah County Circuit Court Judge Benjamin Souede acquitted Gibson and associate Russell Schultz on felony riot charges in the same incident. The judge said while Gibson was obnoxious and taunting, no reasonable jury could find their behavior at the confrontation threatened an imminent breach of the peace." District Attorney Mike Schmidt in a statement said while his office respects the courts decision regarding Gibson and Schultz, We disagree with the legal analysis used to reach it and stand by the charges the grand jury indicted based on the facts and evidence in this case. Three other brawl participants with the Patriot Prayer group, Chris Ponte, Ian Kramer and Matthew Cooper, previously pleaded guilty to riot charges. Gibson founded the Vancouver, Washington, based Patriot Prayer in 2016. He has held rallies supporting former President Donald Trump and supported other demonstrations organized by the Proud Boys a group thats been designated as a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center. It took a little longer than expected for Poke Munch to open its new restaurant in Edwardsville, but it was worth the wait. The Hawaiian restaurant opened on Monday, July 18 at 1063 Illinois Route 157, Suite 12, in the University Pointe 1 Shopping Center. It is the second location for Poke Munch, which has a popular St. Louis County restaurant in Creve Coeur. Ausaja Kazmi, who worked at the Creve Coeur location, is the owner of the Edwardsville restaurant. Justino Garcia has stepped into a new role as the head chef after being junior chef at Creve Coeur. The Edwardsville location, which was supposed to open sometime in June, will be open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday. We had a soft opening on Saturday (July 16) with friends and family, with some random people coming in as well, but Monday was our first actual day open, Ausaja Kazmi said. We ran through a lot of challenges in getting ready to open, including furniture, flooring and all sorts of things. But all of the significant issues have been solved and were open and running and trying to bring joy to all of our customers. A first visit to Poke Munch, at lunchtime on Tuesday, was impressive while ordering one of the restaurants signature bowls and a side dish. I had the Crispy Hei Hei (No. 5 on the menu), which featured sesame chicken tempura served over rice and fresh vegetables. It was tasty and crispy as advertised, with a portion size that didnt leave me hungry. The Crispy Hei Hei has white rice, carrots, cucumbers, cabbage, sweet onion and shiitake mushrooms with PM (Poke Munch) sauce and unagi sauce with garlic on top of the chicken, Ausaja Kazmi said. Its one of our most popular dishes. PM is our house sauce with a mild sriracha mayo and unagi is an eel sauce with sweet soy, kind of like a teriyaki. Unagi sauce is good with anything that has a sweet flavor, especially chicken and fish, added Ausaja's brother, Mustafa Kazmi, who also worked at the Creve Coeur location. A lot of our customers like unagi with the salmon. Its very labor intensive the unagi takes about three days to make and its our most expensive sauce. Were probably losing money on it, but people love the sauce, and we like to bring it to the customers. Ausaja noted that Poke Munch sauces its fish instead of seasoning it, with the exception of the spicy tuna. As a side dish, I had the shiitake mushroom pot stickers with Aloha sauce. The crispy pot stickers were a pleasant alternative to those usually served at Chinese restaurants. The pot stickers have bok choy, mushrooms and other vegetables inside and theyre vegan, Ausaja said. We serve them with the Aloha sauce, which is a garlic-infused soy sauce. The way I eat the pot stickers is different than everyone else. Ill bite off the tip of the pot sticker, pour in the sauce and eat it, and it gushes out with flavor. To wash down my lunch, I enjoyed a bottle of Bundaberg ginger beer from Australia, which is among an eclectic selection of beverages at Poke Munch. We have a wide variety of drinks, and my personal favorite is the Bundaberg ginger beer, Ausaja said. It has no preservatives and its one of the best ginger beers out there. We also have a collection of sodas from Fitzs in St. Louis. The menu at Poke Munch Edwardsville, like the Creve Coeur restaurant, is built around poke, which is cubed raw fish, seasoned any way you want it. In the first couple of days at the Edwardsville location, the customers were a mix of poke lovers and people who had heard about the Hawaiian-style food and wanted to try it. Some people have had poke and its usually the people that have gone to Hawaii, Ausaja said. They think its great and theyre glad that were bringing it here. Then there are those who have never had poke and were introducing them to this new food. If you love raw and if you love good food, come over. In addition to chicken, Poke Munch offers a wide variety of protein choices on its menu. I think we have the perfect balance of diversity, Mustafa said. If you like raw fish, we have plenty of items. The Aloha Classic and Mauis Fury are probably our most favorite bowls, but you always have an opportunity to build your own with things like ahi tuna, spicy tuna or salmon. For people that dont like raw fish, we have plenty of proteins like chicken tempura, tempura shrimp and regular steamed shrimp. You can choose the best of both worlds and we might even come with some more new dishes soon. Ausaja noted that Poke Munch also features a vegan bowl, Avocoloco (No. 3 on the menu), which features sweet chili tofu, spring mix, cucumber, sweet onion, avocado, shiitake mushroom, edamame, yellow daikon, crispy wonton and sesame ginger mayo. It was a favorite in Creve Coeur for all of the vegans there and Im sure the vegans here will love it too, Ausaja said. You can replace the protein for that with our tofu fries, which are made in-house as well, and you can have the tofu crisp or soft. A tempting selection of sides, including the shiitake mushroom pot stickers, adds to the diversity of the menu at Poke Munch. We have the tempura shrimp, which is also No. 4 on the menu, and the tofu fries, Mustafa said. We also have the sesame chicken tempura tenders, which are marinated overnight in a lot of different sauces and breaded and fried every single day. The sweet potato waffle fries are another favorite. A side dish of those is always packed and theyre really good. For Ausaja Kazmi, a former student at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, opening a restaurant in Edwardsville is like coming full circle. I went to SIUE for two years and it was great, and we were talking to our majority owner (Nadeem Hosseini (owner and co-founder of the Creve Coeur location) about starting a second location, Ausaja said. I told him I used to go to SIUE and its a college town and I thought it would be a great location. There are not a lot of poke or raw fish options in Edwardsville or the nearby communities. I said we can come over here and give back to the community and add a little flavor to the restaurant scene. For more information, visit Poke Munch on Facebook. HORN LAKE, Miss. (AP) Police in north Mississippi shot and killed a Tennessee woman Wednesday after officers said she led them on a car chase and then pointed a gun at them. WREG-TV reported that the DeSoto County coroner identified the woman killed in Horn Lake, Mississippi, as 39-year-old Molka Horton of Memphis, Tennessee. Her body was being sent to the Mississippi medical examiners office for an autopsy. FORT GORDON, Ga. (AP) The U.S. military Thursday identified a soldier killed by a lightning strike at a Georgia base as a 41-year-old Army reservist assigned to a medical team that performs emergency surgery in combat zones. Sgt. 1st Class Michael D. Clark of Bolton, Connecticut, served for 22 years on active duty and as a reservist and had deployed four times to Iraq and Afghanistan, the U.S. Army Reserve said in a statement. It said Clark died and nine other soldiers were injured Wednesday when lightning struck the group during a training exercise at Fort Gordon in Augusta, Georgia. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez, D-Texas, is under fire after a political blogger who was paid for running ads for his campaign launched a series of racist attacks on his opponent, the first woman born in Mexico to be elected to Congress. In numerous posts, Texas political blogger Jerry McHale called Rep. Mayra Flores, R-Texas, "Miss Frijoles" and "Miss Enchiladas." He also questioned claims that she worked in cotton fields with her Mexican immigrant parents as a child, calling her a "cotton pickin' liar." The controversy draws attention to a contentious and Latino-heavy race for Texas's 34th Congressional District, a majority-Hispanic seat along the border with Mexico where the GOP has made recent electoral gains in the historically blue region. This comes as Republicans step up outreach efforts to court the Hispanic vote, with a growing number of Latino voters shifting to the right across the country, some experts say. "This is about Texas becoming a more electorally competitive environment," said Joshua Blank, research director of the Texas Politics Project at the University of Texas. With a national spotlight on Texas ahead of the midterm elections, both political parties will try to use "explosive moments" like this to their advantage, he added. In a statement shared Tuesday on Twitter, Flores said she was "disgusted" that Gonzalez had hired "a 'creepy blogger' to run hateful & racist ads against me," and to attack her "Mexican heritage and sexually degrade" her. Gonzalez said in a statement to The Washington Post that his team "advertises on many platforms and have no control" over their editorial content. "We do not pay for political attacks and we will not be advertising on this platform again," he said, adding that he condemned "the offensive remarks" on the platform, just as he has condemned Trump's "racist rants calling Mexicans rapists and murderers." "If only Rep. Flores had the courage to do the same," he said. NBC News first reported that Gonzalez's campaign gave the McHale Report $1,200 in June for "advertising services," according to the Federal Election Commission, as well as $1,000 in October last year. McHale could not be reached immediately for comment Tuesday, but he defended his inflammatory rhetoric in a post Monday, where he suggested his remarks were "political satire" and questioned "when did frijoles became the equivalent of the 'N' word?" "I am a liberal Democrat. And it's war against the Republican . . . I'm going to be merciless with her," he told NBC News. Flores became the first Latina Republican sent to Congress from Texas after winning a special election last month, flipping the congressional seat from blue to red. She was elected to serve the remaining six months of retired Democratic congressman Filemon Vela's term, and is now running in November against Gonzalez, a popular incumbent, for a full term. Born in Tamaulipas, Mexico, Flores moved to Texas when she was a child. With a campaign slogan of "God, family, country," she ran on a platform aimed at socially conservative Hispanics in the border city of Brownsville, including a tough stance on immigration, "securing the border" and lowering taxes. A staunch supporter of former president Donald Trump, Flores has repeatedly blamed the Democratic Party for taking Hispanic voters for granted, and has gone as far as calling Democrats the "greatest threat America faces." She has also called for President Joe Biden's impeachment and has posted several tweets using the hashtag #QAnon but she has denied ever supporting the conspiracy theory that says that the government and the media are led by Satan-worshiping elites who run a child sex ring. Flores fielded McHale's attacks by drawing a comparison to first lady Jill Biden's comments last week where she said the Latino community of San Antonio was "unique as breakfast tacos." The remarks prompted fierce backlash from the National Association of Hispanic Journalists, and others, who responded: "We are not tacos." Flores's victory, along with candidacies of other right-wing Hispanic women running for Congress across the state's four House districts that border Mexico, signals both a concerted effort by the Republican Party to make gains among Hispanic voters in this area and a growing trend of Latino voters shifting to the right in these southern districts, experts say. "The Republicans have made an effort to change the narrative that they are not welcoming to the Hispanic vote in these districts," said Blank. But while the GOP has made real gains and increased its presence in the region, thanks in part to its efforts to recruit candidates like Flores, Blank argued that these voters only represent a small percentage of the overall state Hispanic vote, which remains largely Democratic. The controversy reflects the "wild and contentious" politics of Texas, said Cal Jilson, professor of political science at the Southern Methodist University in Dallas. In the 34th district, campaigns often "try to reduce their opponent to a laugh line," he said. "It's all part of the serve-and-volley play of politics," Jilson said. "The question is who serves next?" This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate AUSTIN, Texas (AP) Former sports superstar Bo Jackson helped pay for the funerals of the 19 children and two teachers killed in the Uvalde school massacre in May, revealing himself as one of the previously anonymous donors who covered costs for families after one of the deadliest classroom shootings in U.S. history. Jackson, whose rare success in both the NFL and Major League Baseball made him one of the greatest and most marketable athletes of the 1980s and 1990s, told The Associated Press on Wednesday that he felt compelled to support the victims' families after the loss of so many children. I dont know if its because Im getting old, said Jackson, a father of three and a grandfather as he nears 60. Its just not right for parents to bury their kids. Its just not right. I know every family there probably works their butts off just to do what they do. ... The last thing they needed was to shell out thousands of dollars for something that never should have happened. Jackson said he felt a personal connection to the city he's driven through many times. Uvalde has been a regular stop for a bite to eat or groceries before a long drive farther west to visit a friend's ranch on hunting trips. It was his familiarity with the feel of Uvalde's Main Street, leafy town square and the people he'd met on those stops that touched his heart when the news broke on May 24th of the shooting at Robb Elementary. Law enforcement has been heavily criticized for taking more than an hour to enter the classroom where the 18-year-old gunman carried out the attack, and a Texas House investigative report laid blame on the school district, saying a lax safety culture, spotty alert system and unlocked doors also contributed. Three days later, Jackson and a close friend flew to Uvalde, briefly met with Gov. Greg Abbott and presented a check for $170,000 with an offer to pay for all funeral expenses. Abbott announced it as an anonymous donation during a May 27 news conference about aid the state was giving victims. We didnt want media, he said. No one knew we were there. And though Jackson suggested he hasn't kept it a secret, he hadn't spoken publicly about what moved him to make the trip to Uvalde and the donation until this week. Uvalde is a town that sticks in your mind. Just the name, Jackson said. I dont know a soul there. It just touched me." Jackson declined to name the friend who went with him and also contributed to the donation. Other fundraising efforts have since raised millions to assist families, and local funeral homes said they wouldn't charge families for services. But Jackson's donation was an early point of light for the grieving families. Abbott's office said Jackson's money was quickly directed to cover funeral costs" through OneStar, a nonprofit created to further volunteerism and community service in Texas, including Uvalde relief efforts. The true spirit of our nation is Americans lifting up one another in times of need and hardship, Abbott said. In a truly selfless act, Bo covered all funeral expenses for the victims' families so they would have one less thing to worry about as they grieved. Jackson said he followed news coverage of the funerals, but he declined to say if he has been in direct contact with any of the families. The day of the shooting, Jackson tweeted, America ... lets please stop all the nonsense. Please pray for all victims. If you hear something, say something. We arent supposed to bury our children. Im praying for all of the families around the country who have lost loved ones to senseless shootings. This cannot continue. When asked to elaborate on the This cannot continue," though, Jackson declined, saying only that he wrote what he meant. I dont want to turn this into anything (but) what it is. I was just trying (with the donation) to put a little sunshine in someones cloud, a very dark cloud, Jackson said. But he also noted the regularity of mass shootings in the country. The last thing you want to hear is theres an active shooter in your childs school," he said. Its happening everywhere now. Uvalde wasn't Jackson's first large-scale act of philanthropy. He hosts an annual bike ride in his home state of Alabama to raise money for disaster relief funds, an effort started after tornadoes killed nearly 250 people. The Uvalde donation was his first in response to a mass shooting. Its the children. ... Its the children. ... Its the children," Jackson said, pausing before each repetition to gather himself. "If it doesnt bother you, somethings wrong with you. ___ Find more of the AP's coverage of the Uvalde shooting: https://apnews.com/hub/uvalde-school-shooting MADISON, Wis. - Wisconsin's Republican house speaker said Tuesday that former president Donald Trump called him "within the last week" seeking to overturn the 2020 presidential election that Joe Biden won. Wisconsin State Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, Republican, told WISN in Milwaukee that he received a call from Trump after the state Supreme Court ruled on July 8 that most absentee ballot drop boxes in Wisconsin are illegal. The ruling addresses future elections, not the one Trump lost in 2020 by more than 20,000 votes in Wisconsin. "It's very consistent. He makes his case, which I respect," Vos said to WISN. "He would like us to do something different in Wisconsin. I explained that it's not allowed under the constitution. He has a different opinion." Vos said Trump then posted about him on social media. In a July 13 post on Truth Social, Trump's social media platform, the former president repeated his baseless claims of election fraud and falsely accused the speaker of letting Democrats "get away with 'murder.' " "What a waste of a brilliant and courageous decision by Wisconsin's Highest Court," Trump wrote. On Tuesday night, Trump said on Truth Social that Vos's Republican primary opponent, Adam Steen, could benefit if Vos does not take action. The primary is Aug. 9. A spokesman for Trump did not respond to a request for comment. "This is not a time for him to hide, but a time to act!" Trump wrote. "I don't know his opponent in the upcoming Primary, but feel certain he will do well if Speaker Vos doesn't move with gusto. Robin, don't let the voters of Wisconsin down!" After facing criticism from Trump last year, Vos hired former state Supreme Court justice Michael Gableman to review the 2020 election, even though recounts and court rulings had found Biden won the election. Gableman in March said Republicans who control the legislature should consider decertifying the 2020 election. Vos rejected the idea, because legal experts, including Gableman's own attorney, James Bopp Jr., have said doing so is impossible. Over the past year, Vos has said he talks to Trump regularly, even though they do not see eye to eye on how to deal with the 2020 election. Vos did not immediately respond to a request for an interview Wednesday morning. Steen said that he has not talked to Trump but that the former president's comments are lending fuel to his primary campaign. He criticized Vos for not advancing the resolution that seeks to undo the 2020 results. "If you really want the people to know that their vote counts, you want to find the answer, so what he is doing to me is spitting in the face of men and women who have given their life to this country," he said. The continued push from Trump to overturn the 2020 election results comes as the hearings for the House committee investigating the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol have shown that Trump's actions put the country on a path toward violence that day. Evidence from the committee indicates that Trump chose to escalate rather than dial down tensions surrounding the election on at least 15 occasions. The committee's next hearing, scheduled for Thursday night, will focus on Trump's actions while the U.S. Capitol was under attack and breached. The Wisconsin case the state Supreme Court ruled on this month was brought by two suburban Milwaukee men represented by the conservative Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty after about 2 million people voted by absentee ballot in the November 2020 election, largely because of the coronavirus pandemic. There were 528 drop boxes in use across 430 state municipalities for the 2020 election, according to the Wisconsin Elections Commission. After the conservative group argued in a lawsuit that nothing in state law indicated that absentee drop boxes were allowed, the case made its way to the state Supreme Court. On July 8, the Wisconsin high court ruled 4 to 3 against the use of drop boxes, with conservatives in the majority and liberals in the minority. "An absentee ballot must be returned by mail or the voter must personally deliver it to the municipal clerk at the clerk's office or a designated alternate site," Justice Rebecca Bradley wrote for the majority. Some Republicans have seized on the ruling as a way to try to reverse the 2020 results, but the court's ruling focused only on future elections, not ones that have passed. The same court declined to take up a lawsuit brought shortly after the 2020 election that sought to invalidate those results because of the use of drop boxes. In a decision from that time, the justices wrote that challenges to election procedures must be brought before elections are held, not afterward. In his interview with WISN, Vos played down Trump's latest push to change the results in Wisconsin. "I think we all know Donald Trump is Donald Trump," Vos said. "There's very little we can do to control or predict what he will do." - - - Timothy Bella reported from Washington. Rosalind S. Helderman contributed to this report. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate BAGHDAD (AP) Hundreds of angry Iraqis took to the streets late Thursday to decry deadly strikes on an Iraqi tourist resort the previous day that the government has blamed on Turkey. The protests erupted just hours after the families of those killed in the shelling buried their loved ones. Turkey's foreign minister rejected accusations that his country's military carried out Wednesday's attack on the district of Zakho in Iraq's semi-autonomous northern Kurdish region. At least eight Iraqis were killed, including a child, and 20 were wounded. Turkey frequently carries out airstrikes and attacks into northern Iraq and has sent commandos to support its offensives targeting the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party, or PKK. The insurgents, who have for decades battled the government in Ankara, have bases in the mountainous Iraqi region. And though civilians, mostly local villagers, have been killed in the past, Wednesdays attack marked the first time that tourists visiting the north from elsewhere in Iraq were killed. Speaking with Turkish state broadcaster TRT, Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said Turkey was willing to cooperate with Iraqi authorities to shed light on the treacherous attack. He offered to bring the wounded to Turkey for medical treatment. The protests outside what was formerly the Turkish Embassy in Baghdads neighborhood of Waziriah started peacefully but later escalated. Some in the crowd carried signs that read: Turkeys attacks on civilians is a crime against humanity. Others threw stones at the riot police and burned tires. At one point, clashes erupted when some demonstrators tried to storm in to replace the Turkish flag that was still flying over the building with an Iraqi one. Several protesters were hurt when the police threw back some of the stones hurled at them. The Turkish Embassy, which had relocated to the heavily fortified Green Zone last year, cancelled visa appointments for the day. Earlier Thursday, Iraq's government summoned Turkey's ambassador in protest and caskets carrying the bodies of victims were flown from the semi-autonomous Kurdish-run northern region to Baghdad for burial. Before the flight, the Iraqi Kurdish regions president, Nechirvan Barzani, laid a wreath on one of the caskets and helped carry it onto a military plane. At the Baghdad airport, Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi received the dead and met with the families of those killed, offering his condolences. He promised the wounded would be taken care of. There remained a discrepancy over how many were killed in Wednesday's attack. Iraq's military said eight people died but nine caskets were loaded onto the military plane Thursday. Cavusoglu, Turkey's top diplomat, claimed the attack was a smokescreen" aimed at preventing Turkish military operations in the region." We did not conduct any attack against civilians, he said and insisted that Turkey's fight in Iraq has always been against" the PKK. Meanwhile, mourners carried the coffin of Abbas Abdul Hussein, a 30-year-old Iraqi killed in Zakho. Hussein had just gotten married five days earlier, his cousin Said Alawadi said, demanding the government initiate deterrent measures against Turkey," even cut all political and economic ties. The attack catapulted into the spotlight Turkey's ongoing military operations against Turkey's Kurdish insurgents in northern Iraq an issue that has long divided Iraqi officials. With deep economic ties between the two countries, many hesitate to damage relations with Ankara. Baghdad and Ankara are also divided on other issues, including the Kurdish region's independent oil sector and water-sharing. But in the aftermath of the attack, anger against Turkey is mounting on the Iraqi street. In April, Turkey launched its latest offensive in northern Iraq, part of a series of cross-border operations that started in 2019 to combat the PKK. The Iraqi government condemned Wednesday's attack as a flagrant violation of Iraq's sovereignty, convened an emergency national security meeting and ordered a pause in dispatching Iraq's new ambassador to Ankara. Iraq's Parliament was also to convene on Saturday to discuss the Turkish attack. Al-Kadhimi accused Turkey of ignoring Iraqs continuous demands to refrain from military violations against Iraqi territory and the lives of its people. The PKK, listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the United States and the European Union, has led an insurgency in southeastern Turkey since 1984 that has killed tens of thousands of people. Ankara has pressed Baghdad to root out the PKK from the Kurdish region. Iraq, in turn, has said Turkeys ongoing attacks are a breach of its sovereignty. ___ Associated Press writer Suzan Fraser in Ankara, Turkey, contributed to this report. WASHINGTON (AP) The Biden administration dropped Nicaragua from a list of countries that can ship sugar to the United State at low import tax rates as the U.S. intensifies economic pressure on the authoritarian government of president Daniel Ortega. The U.S. hands out sugar import quotas annually by country and imposes relatively modest levies on shipments that come in below the cutoff. The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative put out a list late Wednesday allocating quotas to 39 countries from Argentina to Zimbabwe for just over 1.1 million metric tons for raw sugar cane. The quotas cover the budget year 2023, which starts Oct. 1. Nicaragua, which got a quota of more than 22,000 metric tons in budget year 2022, was excluded from the 2023 list. Nicaragua last year exported $83.5 million worth of sugar to the United States, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The administration has been considering ways to turn up the heat on the Nicaraguan government, which last year held what the U.S. considered daily show trails against antigovernment activists ahead of the fall elections. His likely opponents locked out of the contest, Ortega easily won a fourth straight term. The U.S. also accuses the Ortega government of corruption and sees the country's close relationship with Russia as a regional security threat. Mario Amador, president of Nicaraguas National Sugar Producers Commission, said he was caught off guard by the decision and called it unfortunate. He said that neither the Nicaraguan nor U.S. governments had given him advance notice. Amador said he would try to speak with officials at the U.S. embassy in Managua and the Nicaraguan industry and trade ministry upon his return from a business trip to Mexico. It is an issue of pressures on the government that undoubtedly affect hundreds of people, Amador said. He said the move by Washington would affect four sugar mills, some 800 producers and their families, as well as investors from Guatemala, Colombia, Spain, the United States and Nicaragua. Nicaraguas sugar sector produces nearly 2 million tons annually, more than half of which is exported. The approximately $200 million that it generates accounts for about 4% of Nicaraguas gross national product and employs directly and indirectly some 150,000 people, according to the sugar commission. The commission said that that sugar would have to be diverted to other, less lucrative markets. ___ Selser reported from Mexico City. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate JERUSALEM (AP) Ukrainian therapist Svitlana Kutsenko thought she was making progress with her patients army veterans recovering from mental trauma suffered during fighting with Russia in 2014. Then, war erupted again. Now, five months after Russia invaded Ukraine, Kutsenko says the situation looks bleaker than ever. Many of her patients have returned to the front lines, while ordinary citizens scarred by the horrors of life in wartime are now seeking treatment. Sometimes its bearable, sometimes its not, Kutsenko, who lives in Kyiv, told The Associate Press. Some people are suffering from huge fear fear of death, fear of their relatives death and some are pretty angry about whats going on and they want to somehow take this anger under control. Kutsenko was among 20 Ukrainian mental health professionals who spent the past two weeks in Israel receiving training on how to treat trauma cases. Israel, which has gone through numerous wars with its Arab neighbors and has a large population of Holocaust survivors, has deep experience in treating psychological or mental trauma. But in Ukraine, awareness for recognizing and treating mental trauma remains relatively low. And despite a conflict with Russia that has been ongoing since 2014, the country is not equipped to deal with the massive numbers of people affected by the Russian invasion. Kutsenko said that there is a great difference between treating patients struggling to come to terms with events from the past and helping people who are under fire cope with grief and fear in real time. Right now, in Ukraine, its not just, you know, shooting and people" being killed by missiles and bombs, says Kutsenko, adding that torture, rape and other terrible acts are also happening. The courses instructor, Danny Brom, says treating mental trauma in Israel has taught him how to provide therapy to victims who are both post-traumatic and still remain in immediate danger. These lessons, he says, have helped him relate to mental health professionals from conflict zones across the world and especially Ukraine. They understand that we Israelis know what we are talking about. This ... has happened to us in the different wars, so theres a very special connection between them and us. They really feel that we understand what we are talking about, said Brom, a clinical psychologist who is director of Metiv, an Israeli nonprofit that trains mental health professionals to treat trauma victims. The group included 20 psychologists from across Ukraine, including some who have been displaced throughout the war. The course included training in cognitive behavior therapy techniques, or CBT, which are commonly used to treat depression and anxiety. Larysa Zasiekina is a psychologist from western Ukraine, where internally displaced people have flocked to seek refuge from the fighting. Prior to the war, she treated adults but now she sees mothers and children who have had to suddenly leave everything behind as their husbands and fathers head off to battle. Zasiekina says the course has given her new methods to cope with this new reality, especially when it comes to working with youth. We used a lot of imaginary exercises and I think these exercises are very good for children because actually they have a lot of imagination, says Zasiekina. They want to play." Throughout the course, the participants were never far from having to deal with horrific news from back home. During her time in Jerusalem, Kutseno got word that the building across from her family home in Vinnytsia, where her parents still live, had been bombed. Her parents weren't harmed in the barrage, which killed 23 people that day, but it was a terrifying reminder. Even being here, feeling safe, war is still (in) the background of everything I do here, says Kutseno. Its not like I will get back to something that will have changed, she added. What I will find there is war. ROME (AP) The Vatican put the brakes on the German Catholic Churchs reform path Thursday, warning against any effort to impose new moral or doctrinal norms on the faithful on such hot-button issues as homosexuality, married priests and womens roles in the church. The Holy See issued a statement warning that any attempts at imposing new doctrines would represent a wound to the ecclesial union and a threat to the unity of the church. BLANTYRE, Malawi (AP) As the World Health Organization announces the next step in its rollout of the worlds first authorized malaria vaccine in three African countries, concerns about its value have come from an unlikely source: the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, arguably the vaccines biggest backer. WHO endorsed the vaccine last fall as a historic breakthrough in the fight against malaria, but the Gates Foundation told The Associated Press this week it will no longer offer direct financial support to the shot although it will fund an alliance backing the vaccine. Some scientists say theyre mystified by that decision, warning it could leave millions of African children at risk of dying from malaria as well as undermine future efforts to solve intractable problems in public health. The vaccine, sold by GlaxoSmithKline as Mosquirix, is about 30% effective and requires four doses. The malaria vaccine has a much lower efficacy than we would like, Philip Welkhoff, the Gates Foundation's director of malaria programs, told the AP. Explaining its decision to end support after spending more than $200 million and several decades getting the vaccine to market, he said the shot is relatively expensive and logistically challenging to deliver. If were trying to save as many lives with our existing funding, that cost-effectiveness matters, he said. The Gates Foundation will continue its financial support to Gavi, a vaccines alliance that is also backed by WHO and the World Bank. Were supporting the roll-out via the Gavi funding, but we decided we would not dedicate additional direct funding to extend the supply of the vaccine, Welkhoff said. The Gates Foundation's decision to pivot away from supporting the rollout of the vaccine in Africa was made years ago after detailed deliberations, including whether the foundation's money would be better spent on other malaria vaccines, treatments or production capacity, Welkhoff said. Some of the resources that might have gone into getting the vaccine to countries have been redirected to buy new insecticidal nets, for example. Its not the greatest vaccine in the world, but there are ways of using it that could have a big impact, said Alister Craig, dean of biological sciences at Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine. The world is struggling to contain the spike in malaria seen since the coronavirus pandemic disrupted efforts to stop the parasitic disease, which killed more than 620,000 people in 2020 and caused 241 million cases, mainly in children under 5 in Africa, Craig said. Its not like we have a lot of other alternatives, Craig said. There could be another vaccine approved in about five years, but thats a lot of lives lost if we wait until then, he said, referring to a shot being developed by Oxford University. BioNTech, creator of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, plans to apply the messenger RNA technology it used for the coronavirus to malaria, but that project is in its infancy. Another big obstacle is availability; GSK says it can only produce about 15 million doses per year until 2028. WHO estimates that to protect the 25 million children born in Africa every year, at least 100 million doses every year might be needed. Although there are plans to transfer the technology to an Indian drugmaker, it will be years before any doses are produced. All the money in the world wouldn't alleviate the vaccine's short-term supply constraints, said Welkhoff, of the Gates Foundation. He noted that the Gates Foundation continues to support vaccines alliance Gavi, which is investing nearly $156 million into making the shot initially available in three African countries: Ghana, Kenya and Malawi. On Thursday, WHO and Gavi invited developing countries to apply for funding to pay for the malaria vaccine in their countries. "If delivered to scale, the vaccine will help to prevent millions of cases of malaria, save tens of thousands of lives and ensure a brighter future for the continent, said Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO's Africa director. The Gates Foundation's withdrawal of financial support for the malaria vaccine might unnerve others, Dr. David Schellenberg of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, said. There is a risk that this could discourage others who are considering financing the malaria vaccine or even be a disincentive for people working on other vaccines, he said. He said that combining the vaccine's use with other measures, like distributing drugs during malaria's peak season could dramatically reduce cases and deaths. We still see people coming in with four or five episodes of malaria a year, he said. We don't have a magic bullet, but we could make better use of the tools we do have. An imperfect roll-out of the vaccine would still save lives, Dr. Dyann Wirth, an infectious diseases expert at Harvard University, said. We would love to have 100 million doses, but that kind of money doesnt exist for malaria, she said. The 15 million doses we have is still 15 million opportunities to protect children that we didnt previously have. The Gates Foundation had done its part in bringing the vaccine to market and it is now up to countries, donors and other health organizations to ensure it is used, she said. The vaccine, even with its imperfections, is eagerly awaited in Malawi. Nolia Zidana, 32, said she is keen to get her two young sons immunized after seeing malaria sicken them numerous times and surviving it herself. Growing up with my parents and siblings, we have been sick from malaria all the time, said Zidana, who lives in Malawis central Ntcheu district. My elder son has had malaria countless times within the four years that he has been around. While just at 7 months old, twice my younger son has already been down with malaria, she said. She said although they sleep under mosquito nets, sometimes they get bitten before going to bed as they are preparing meals for supper in the dark of the evening. We hear other people use mosquito repellents or burn anti-mosquito incense coils, which we cannot afford as we are just peasant farmers that live from hand to mouth, she said. Dr. Michael Kayange of Malawi's Ministry of Health, urged everyone in the country to take whatever measures they can to curb malaria. Immunization itself is insufficient to stop the disease and people should adopt multiple strategies, he said. Even just by sleeping under a mosquito net, you have played your role in reducing the malaria burden in the country, he said. ___ Cheng reported from London. MADISON, Wis. (AP) A new report on Wisconsin employment shows the state is just about where it was before the coronavirus pandemic hit, but that the recovery has been uneven. Total employment is down about 2.4%, or about 69,500 jobs from December 2019, according to the analysis from the non-partisan Wisconsin Policy Forum. CAMDEN, N.J. (AP) A woman who admitted her role in a scam that raised $400,000 using a fake story about a homeless man received a one-year prison sentence in federal court Thursday. Katelyn McClure was also ordered to make restitution and serve three years' supervised release. The 32-year-old Bordentown, New Jersey resident is scheduled to be sentenced on state charges next month and could receive more prison time. A message was left Thursday with an attorney representing McClure. McClure and her then-boyfriend, Mark DAmico, fabricated the story about homeless veteran Johnny Bobbitt Jr. giving McClure $20 when she ran out of gas on a Philadelphia highway in 2017. In truth, state and federal prosecutors said, the group had met near a Philadelphia casino in October 2017 shortly before they told their story. They publicized the story through local and national media interviews and created a GoFundMe account that more than 14,000 people donated to, thinking the money was to help Bobbitt, according to prosecutors. Law enforcement began investigating after Bobbitt sued the couple, accusing them of not giving him the money. The federal criminal complaint alleged all of the money raised in the campaign was spent by March 2018, with large chunks spent by McClure and DAmico on a recreational vehicle, a BMW and trips to casinos in Las Vegas and New Jersey. D'Amico, described as the group's ringleader, pleaded guilty to federal charges and was sentenced in April to 27 months in prison. He was also ordered to make restitution and is scheduled for sentencing on separate state charges next month. Bobbitt was sentenced to five years probation on state charges in 2019 and faces sentencing next month on federal charges. By Lorraine Gabbert San Jose Spotlight Brandie Parshall caught COVID-19 in December 2020. One month later, she started experiencing debilitating malaise, chronic fatigue, heart issues and brain fog. In June 2021, she started being treated for long COVID symptoms, seeing Stanford specialists at the Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome Clinic. Long COVID is when symptoms persist for more than four weeks after infection, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). "This is real and it's affecting a lot of people," Parshall told San Jose Spotlight. "It's very debilitating. There's no way I can physically or mentally work right now." The contagious omicron subvariant BA.5 has swept into Santa Clara County, and with it the potential of more people experiencing long COVID. Prior to the illness, Parshall, 44, was physically active, attending boot camp workouts in the morning four days a week. That ended after contracting COVID-19. She used to put in 12-hour days as an accountant for Foster Farms, but had to quit after 19 years on the job as her symptoms worsened. For the first year, just getting out of bed became difficult. "I felt like the energy was sucked out of me and I had a bad flu," she said. Parshall's brain fog is still there, leading to issues with comprehension and short term memory, she said, and reading is overwhelming, causing her to crash from fatigue. She hopes she'll recover, but is nervous because long COVID has lasted more than a year. "I know I'm in the best hands and that gives me hope," she said. "That's what keeps me going." 'Prevention is crucial' Brian Block, assistant professor of pulmonary and critical care medicine at UCSF, told San Jose Spotlight 10 percent to 20 percent of people with COVID are estimated to get long COVID, about 25 million people in the United States. He said studies continue to show vaccination lowers the risk of long COVID. "We are also learning that many people with long COVID gradually improve," he said, "but the condition remains heterogeneous with some people having more of a waxing/waning course." Dr. Hector Bonilla, co-director of the Post-Acute COVID Syndrome Clinic at Stanford, said since the clinic opened in May 2021, close to 300 patients have been seen with long COVID. The clinic collected data from 140 adults, ages 30 to 60. Patients experienced post-COVID symptoms from 40 to 800 days, with the majority symptomatic two to 400 days. Females, who made up 60% of the study, had more symptoms than males, often including fatigue, insomnia and changes in taste. "A significant amount of people had very mild symptoms, but (some) end up having a big, big problem," Bonilla told San Jose Spotlight, referring to the inability to regain their taste or smell or having lingering cognitive impairments. According to the CDC, long or post-COVID-19 symptoms can last weeks, months or even years and include fatigue, headaches, brain fog, shortness of breath, joint pain and intestinal problems. Long COVID is found more often in people who experienced severe COVID-19 related illness, according to the CDC, and unvaccinated individuals who become infected are at higher risk. Dr. George Han, deputy health officer for Santa Clara County Public Health, told San Jose Spotlight a wide variety of symptoms associated with long COVID can stem from other health issues. This can make it challenging to diagnose. Because there is no overall cure for long COVID, he recommends people experiencing serious post-COVID-19 symptoms see doctors who know their health history for treatment plans. "The existence of long COVID is one of the reasons prevention is crucial," he said. "The best way to prevent long COVID is to not get COVID, and the best way to not get COVID is being vaccinated and boosted and wearing masks in indoor settings." Not the same virus Researchers are racing to understand long COVID better and to develop prevention strategies and treatment plans, including whether medications like Paxlovid can help. Paxlovid is an oral antiviral therapy that needs to be taken within five days after developing symptoms to lower the risk of hospitalization. The medicine is prescribed by a physician. Han said the more times an individual is infected with COVID-19, the greater the chances of getting long COVID. So if a person has lingering symptoms like a cough and they are not testing positive, Han told San Jose Spotlight it's fine to come out of isolation, but important to stay masked to avoid reinfection. As of Friday, 86.3 percent of Santa Clara County residents of all ages have been vaccinated against COVID-19 and 68.3 percent of residents ages 5 and older have received at least one booster shot. The county started administering shots to infants and toddlers last month. BA.5 has become the dominant strain in samples collected from the San Jose-Santa Clara Regional Wastewater Facility, which monitors more than 1.4 million residents. COVID samples found in wastewater countywide are currently at rates significantly higher than during the Delta surge last summer, and at the peak has been as high as the December and January surge, a county official said. Bonilla wants to ensure residents don't take this latest surge lightly. "The virus we have now is completely different than the virus we had in 2019," Bonilla said. "Get vaccinated and wear masks in public." 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. Andrew Chamings/SFGATE One of the most unique and divisive residences in the Bay Area, the Enclave Apartments near UC Berkeley, has sold for $112 million. The 7-story, mixed-use student housing complex at 2503 Haste Street in the heart of the bustling Telegraph Avenue strip, is recognizable for its faux-rock facade and castle-like turrets. The 55-unit building was sold last week to an affiliate led by Goldman Sachs in New York in an all-cash deal, reports the Mercury News. WFO LAS VEGAS Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Friday, July 22, 2022 _____ EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Las Vegas NV 1111 AM PDT Thu Jul 21 2022 ...EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING IS IN EFFECT THROUGH 8 PM FRIDAY... * WHAT...High risk of heat related illness for much of the general population in the Las Vegas Valley and Pahrump. Very high risk of heat illness expected for the Lake Mead National Recreation Area and the Colorado River Valley. * WHERE...In Nevada, lower elevations of Clark County and Southern Nye County including Las Vegas, Boulder City, Indian Springs, Pahrump, and Searchlight. In California, Cadiz Basin including Vidal Junction. In Arizona, Bullhead City, Kingman, Mohave Valley, Dolan Springs, Golden Valley, and Wikieup. * WHEN...Through 8 PM Friday. * IMPACTS...Extreme heat will significantly increase the potential for heat-related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Overnight lows will struggle to fall below 85 degrees. This, compounded with above-average afternoon temperatures will pose a significant risk for heat- related illness. 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. _____ Copyright 2022 AccuWeather WFO BOSTON Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Thursday, July 21, 2022 _____ HEAT ADVISORY URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Boston/Norton MA 452 AM EDT Thu Jul 21 2022 ...HEAT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM EDT THIS EVENING... * WHAT...Heat index values up to 101. * WHERE...Portions of northern Connecticut, central, eastern, northeastern, southeastern and western Massachusetts and northern and southern Rhode Island. * WHEN...Until 8 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. _____ Copyright 2022 AccuWeather WFO NEW YORK CITY Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Thursday, July 21, 2022 _____ SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING The National Weather Service in Upton NY has issued a * Severe Thunderstorm Warning for... Northwestern New Haven County in southern Connecticut... * Until 315 PM EDT. * At 234 PM EDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over Middlebury, or near Waterbury, moving northeast 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 power lines. * This severe thunderstorm will be near... Prospect around 240 PM EDT. Waterbury and Cheshire around 245 PM EDT. Wolcott around 250 PM EDT. Meriden around 300 PM EDT. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building. _____ Copyright 2022 AccuWeather WFO ALBANY Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Wednesday, July 20, 2022 _____ HEAT ADVISORY URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Albany NY 801 PM EDT Wed Jul 20 2022 ...HEAT ADVISORY HAS EXPIRED... Heat indices have fallen below the mid 90s as nighttime approaches. ...HEAT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM EDT THURSDAY... * WHAT...Heat index values up to 99. * WHERE...Portions of northwestern Connecticut and east central New York. * WHEN...Until 8 PM EDT Thursday. * 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. _____ Copyright 2022 AccuWeather WFO ALBANY Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Thursday, July 21, 2022 _____ SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING The National Weather Service in Albany has issued a * Severe Thunderstorm Warning for... Central Washington County in east central New York... Northern Bennington County in southern Vermont... * Until 145 PM EDT. * At 1242 PM EDT, a severe thunderstorm was located near Hartford, or 7 miles east of Hudson Falls, moving east at 35 mph. HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees. * Locations impacted include... Granville, Hartford, Dorset, Kingsbury, Porter, Rupert, Fort Ann, Argyle, Middle Granville, Braymer School, Smiths Basin, Goose Island, Adamsville, North Granville, East Hebron, South Granville, Truthville, Tiplady, Raceville and West Pawlet. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building. Please report hail size...damaging winds and reports of trees down to the National Weather Service by email at Alb.Stormreport@noaa.gov... On Facebook at www.facebook.com/nwsalbany or twitter @nwsalbany ...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of southeastern Jefferson and central Lewis Counties through 130 PM EDT... At 1242 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 8 miles west of Lowville, or 18 miles southeast of Watertown, moving east at 35 mph. HAZARD...Winds in excess of 40 mph and pea size hail. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is possible. Locations impacted include... Carthage, Lowville, Denmark, New Bremen, Watson, Martinsburg, Copenhagen, Croghan, Castorland, Belfort, Soft Maple Reservoir, Bellwood, Beaver Falls, and Indian River. If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm and may lead to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways. LAT...LON 4369 7573 4393 7578 4410 7518 4410 7517 4373 7513 TIME...MOT...LOC 1642Z 250DEG 32KT 4381 7562 MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH _____ Copyright 2022 AccuWeather WFO BINGHAMTON Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Thursday, July 21, 2022 _____ SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT Special Weather Statement National Weather Service Binghamton NY 250 PM EDT Thu Jul 21 2022 ...A Strong thunderstorm will impact portions of northwestern Oneida County through 330 PM EDT... At 249 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm along a line extending from 11 miles south of Barnes Corners to Redfield to near Central Square. Movement was east at 35 mph. HAZARD...Winds in excess of 30 mph. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Locations impacted include... Lee, Camden, Boonville, Florence, Ava, Taberg, Blossvale, Stokes Corner, Point Rock and Hawkinsville. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... These storms may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio stations and available television stations for additional information and possible warnings from the National Weather Service. LAT...LON 4328 7548 4328 7587 4332 7587 4333 7588 4348 7581 4342 7553 4361 7511 TIME...MOT...LOC 1849Z 256DEG 32KT 4366 7578 4352 7583 4331 7607 MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN MAX WIND GUST...30 MPH The National Weather Service in Albany has issued a * Severe Thunderstorm Warning for... Southern Washington County in east central New York... Northern Bennington County in southern Vermont... * Until 345 PM EDT. * At 250 PM EDT, a severe thunderstorm was located 7 miles south of Greenwich, or 10 miles northeast of Mechanicville, moving northeast at 35 mph. HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees. * Locations impacted include... Arlington, Salem, Manchester, Dorset, Cambridge, Greenwich, Manchester Center, Porter, Lee, Easton, Sunderland, Rupert, Sandgate, Peru, Cossayuna, Center White Creek, Beartown, Chiselville, Center Falls and East Hebron. For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building. Please report hail size...damaging winds and reports of trees down to the National Weather Service by email at Alb.Stormreport@noaa.gov... On Facebook at www.facebook.com/nwsalbany or twitter @nwsalbany _____ Copyright 2022 AccuWeather WFO BURLINGTON Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Thursday, July 21, 2022 _____ SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING The National Weather Service in Burlington has issued a * Severe Thunderstorm Warning for... Southeastern Clinton County in northern New York... Northeastern Essex County in northern New York... Southern Grand Isle County in northwestern Vermont... Northwestern Chittenden County in northwestern Vermont... Southwestern Franklin County in northwestern Vermont... * Until noon EDT. * At 1111 AM EDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over Keeseville, moving northeast 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... Plattsburgh International Airport, Plattsburgh, Burlington, South Burlington, Peru, Schuyler Falls, Colchester, Georgia, Au Sable Forks, Grand Isle, Keeseville, Milton, South Hero, Port Kent, Georgia Center, Westford, Winooski, North Hero, St. Albans Town and Essex. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building. 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. 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 NEW YORK CITY Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Thursday, July 21, 2022 _____ SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING The National Weather Service in Upton NY has issued a * Severe Thunderstorm Warning for... West central Suffolk County in southeastern New York... Northern Nassau County in southeastern New York... * Until 245 PM EDT. * At 153 PM EDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over Manhasset, or over Great Neck, moving east at 25 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 power lines. * This severe thunderstorm will be near... Glen Cove around 205 PM EDT. Westbury around 210 PM EDT. Brookville around 215 PM EDT. Hicksville and Bayville around 220 PM EDT. Syosset and Oyster Bay around 225 PM EDT. Plainview around 230 PM EDT. Woodbury around 235 PM EDT. Melville and Cold Spring Harbor around 240 PM EDT. Huntington Station and Huntington around 245 PM EDT. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building. _____ Copyright 2022 AccuWeather WFO NEW YORK CITY Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Thursday, July 21, 2022 _____ SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING The National Weather Service in Upton NY has issued a * Severe Thunderstorm Warning for... Central Fairfield County in southern Connecticut... Northwestern New Haven County in southern Connecticut... Northern Westchester County in southeastern New York... Eastern Putnam County in southeastern New York... * Until 245 PM EDT. * At 158 PM EDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over Ridgefield, or near Danbury, moving northeast 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 power lines. * This severe thunderstorm will be near... Redding around 210 PM EDT. Danbury and Bethel around 215 PM EDT. Newtown around 220 PM EDT. Southbury around 230 PM EDT. Middlebury around 240 PM EDT. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building. ...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of western Oswego County through 245 PM EDT... At 158 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near Oswego, moving east at 30 mph. HAZARD...Winds in excess of 40 mph and pea size hail. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is possible. Locations impacted include... Oswego, Fulton, Sandy Island Beach State Park, Pulaski, Selkirk Shores State Park, Nine Mile Point, Mexico Point State Park, Battle Island State Park, Hastings, Scriba, Volney, Palermo, New Haven, Minetto, Mexico, Sandy Creek, Hannibal, and Parish. If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm and may lead to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways. LAT...LON 4332 7612 4331 7660 4348 7659 4351 7651 4356 7645 4357 7636 4356 7631 4356 7628 4358 7626 4367 7626 4368 7619 4367 7609 TIME...MOT...LOC 1758Z 261DEG 28KT 4341 7648 MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH _____ Copyright 2022 AccuWeather WFO NEW YORK CITY Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Thursday, July 21, 2022 _____ FLASH FLOOD WARNING The National Weather Service in Upton has issued a * Flash Flood Warning for... Northern Nassau County in southeastern New York... West Central Suffolk County in southeastern New York... * Until 600 PM EDT. * At 253 PM EDT, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Between 1 and 2 inches of rain have fallen. The expected rainfall rate is 1 to 1.25 inches in 1 hour. Additional rainfall amounts of 0.5 to 1 inch are possible in the warned area. Flash flooding is already occurring. HAZARD...Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms. SOURCE...Radar. IMPACT...Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as other poor drainage and low-lying areas. * Some locations that will experience flash flooding include... Huntington Station, Plainview, Syosset, Mineola, Huntington, Westbury, Great Neck, Oyster Bay, Hicksville, Melville, Port Washington, Woodbury, Manhasset, Cold Spring Harbor, Brookville, Jericho, New Hyde Park, South Huntington, East Hills and Roslyn Heights. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles. Be aware of your surroundings and do not drive on flooded roads. Excessive runoff from heavy rainfall will cause flooding of urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as other drainage areas and low lying spots. ...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of southern Lewis County through 345 PM EDT... At 254 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near Redfield, or 13 miles north of Camden, moving east at 35 mph. HAZARD...Winds in excess of 40 mph and pea size hail. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is possible. Locations impacted include... Highmarket, Martinsburg, Lyonsdale, Greig, Port Leyden, Lyons Falls, Constableville, Turin, West Leyden, and Brantingham. If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. LAT...LON 4342 7554 4345 7567 4371 7569 4378 7513 4361 7511 TIME...MOT...LOC 1854Z 262DEG 31KT 4353 7573 MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH _____ Copyright 2022 AccuWeather WFO NEW YORK CITY Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Thursday, July 21, 2022 _____ HEAT ADVISORY URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service New York NY 338 PM EDT Thu Jul 21 2022 ...HEAT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM EDT THIS EVENING... * WHAT...Heat index values up to 102. * WHERE...Portions of northeast New Jersey, southern Connecticut and southeast New York. * WHEN...Until 8 PM EDT this evening. * IMPACTS...High temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses to occur. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Widespread heat indices are expected to remain just below 95 Friday. Heat indices then increase again this weekend along with hot conditions, likely reaching advisory levels Saturday and Sunday. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Heat Advisory is issued when the combination of heat and humidity is expected to make it feel like it is 95 to 99 degrees for two or more consecutive days, or 100 to 104 degrees for any length of time. Seniors and those with chronic health problems or mental health conditions are at an increased risk. Homes without air conditioning can be much hotter than outdoor temperatures. Use air conditioning to stay cool at home or go to a place that has air conditioning. Check on vulnerable friends, family members and neighbors. 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! In cases of heat stroke call 9 1 1. ...HEAT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM EDT SUNDAY... * WHAT...Heat index values up to 104 through this evening, and the mid to upper 90s Friday and Saturday, then peak again near 104 Sunday. * WHERE...New York (Manhattan), Bronx, Southern Queens, Richmond (Staten Island), Kings (Brooklyn) and Northern Queens Counties. * WHEN...Until 8 PM EDT Sunday. New York City residents should call 3 1 1 to identify cooling center locations and obtain 'Beat the Heat' safety tips. ...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT PORTIONS OF NORTHWESTERN SUFFOLK COUNTY THROUGH 400 PM EDT... At 340 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over Commack, moving east at 30 mph. HAZARD...Pea size hail. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Minor damage to outdoor objects is possible. Locations impacted include... Islip, Brentwood, Commack, Deer Park, Hauppauge, Stony Brook, Dix Hills, Smithtown, Central Islip, East Northport, North Bay Shore, Kings Park, Setauket, Nesconset and St. James. Heavy rain is also occurring with this storm and may lead to ponding of water on roadways. LAT...LON 4077 7337 4092 7334 4093 7325 4092 7322 4093 7317 4094 7317 4095 7307 4072 7316 TIME...MOT...LOC 1940Z 267DEG 27KT 4084 7328 MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN MAX WIND GUST...<30 MPH _____ Copyright 2022 AccuWeather WFO DALLAS / FT. WORTH Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Wednesday, July 20, 2022 _____ SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING The National Weather Service in Fort Worth has issued a * Severe Thunderstorm Warning for... Southwestern Grayson County in north central Texas... * Until 730 PM CDT. * At 643 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located near Collinsville, and is nearly stationary. HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and nickel size hail. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Expect damage to roofs, siding, and trees. * Locations impacted include... Sherman, Whitesboro, Van Alstyne, Howe, Gunter, Knollwood, Dorchester, Southmayd, Sadler and Luella. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... For your protection get inside a sturdy structure and stay away from windows. ...THE SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR EAST CENTRAL COOKE 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 700 PM CDT FOR SOUTHWESTERN GRAYSON COUNTY... At 645 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over Whitesboro, moving east at 10 mph. HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and penny size hail. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Expect damage to roofs, siding, and trees. Locations impacted include... Whitesboro, Collinsville, southern Lake Texoma and Sadler. _____ Copyright 2022 AccuWeather WFO DALLAS / FT. WORTH Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Thursday, July 21, 2022 _____ SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING The National Weather Service in Fort Worth has issued a * Severe Thunderstorm Warning for... Southeastern Jack County in north central Texas... * Until 600 PM CDT. * At 511 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located near Joplin, moving north at 10 mph. HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and penny size hail. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Expect damage to roofs, siding, and trees. * Locations impacted include... Jacksboro, Joplin, Vineyard, and Perrin. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... For your protection get inside a sturdy structure and stay away from windows. _____ Copyright 2022 AccuWeather WFO DALLAS / FT. WORTH Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Thursday, July 21, 2022 _____ SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING The National Weather Service in Fort Worth has issued a * Severe Thunderstorm Warning for... Southwestern Young County in north central Texas... Northeastern Stephens County in north central Texas... * Until 615 PM CDT. * At 529 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located near Eliasville, moving north at 10 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... Ivan, Eliasville, South Bend, Crystal Falls and Newcastle. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... For your protection get inside a sturdy structure and stay away from windows. ...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of northwestern Ochiltree County through 600 PM CDT... At 531 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 4 miles northwest of Farnsworth, or 12 miles west of Perryton, moving southeast at 10 mph. HAZARD...Wind gusts of 50 to 55 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... Waka and Farnsworth. If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio stations and available television stations for additional information and possible warnings from the National Weather Service. LAT...LON 3630 10078 3617 10104 3626 10109 3644 10109 3647 10100 TIME...MOT...LOC 2231Z 319DEG 7KT 3637 10103 MAX HAIL SIZE...0.88 IN MAX WIND GUST...55 MPH _____ Copyright 2022 AccuWeather WFO LUBBOCK Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Thursday, July 21, 2022 _____ SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING The National Weather Service in Lubbock Texas has issued a * Severe Thunderstorm Warning for... Eastern Lubbock County in northwestern Texas... * Until 445 PM CDT. * At 416 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over Idalou, or 12 miles northeast of Lubbock, moving south at 10 mph. At 402 PM, the Lubbock airport measured a wind gust to 58 mph with this storm. HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts. SOURCE...West Texas Mesonet. IMPACT...Expect damage to roofs, siding, and trees. * Locations impacted include... Lubbock, Idalou, Ransom Canyon, Lubbock International Airport and Buffalo Springs. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building. 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 SAN ANGELO Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Thursday, July 21, 2022 _____ SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT Special Weather Statement National Weather Service San Angelo TX 458 PM CDT Thu Jul 21 2022 ...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of southeastern Shackelford County through 545 PM CDT... At 458 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near Moran, moving north at 15 mph. HAZARD...Winds in excess of 40 mph. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Locations impacted include... Moran and Ibex. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. LAT...LON 3251 9910 3251 9932 3271 9933 3271 9910 3252 9909 TIME...MOT...LOC 2158Z 182DEG 12KT 3259 9919 MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH ...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of western Little River, western Sevier, southeastern McCurtain and northwestern Bowie Counties through 545 PM CDT... At 458 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over Winthrop, or near Foreman. This storm was nearly stationary. HAZARD...Winds in excess of 40 mph and penny size hail. unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is possible. De Queen, Horatio, Foreman, Winthrop, Ben Lomond, Arkinda, Bokhoma, Eagletown, Almont, Moon, Cerrogordo, Beaverdams, Goodlake, Central, Goodwater, Shinewell, Wallace, Tom, Arden and America. Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm and may lead to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways. 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 Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 1100 PM CDT for southwestern Arkansas. LAT...LON 3416 9463 3417 9435 3395 9428 3385 9412 3368 9421 3351 9454 3368 9474 3384 9456 TIME...MOT...LOC 2158Z 357DEG 4KT 3381 9438 MAX HAIL SIZE...0.75 IN _____ Copyright 2022 AccuWeather Foreign Ministry Deputy Spokeswoman Pham Thu Hang At the ministrys regular press conference on July 21, Hang reviewed the 27-year journey since Vietnam became an official member of ASEAN on July 28, 1995, affirming that Vietnam's admission to the bloc marked an important milestone in the country's extensive regional and international integration. Vietnam has promoted extensive integration in politics, economy, diplomacy and all other aspects of life with other countries and organisations around the world, she said.Vietnam and other member countries have actively built the ASEAN Community from politics, economy, culture and society, while especially giving priority to strengthening ASEAN connectivity.During the process, Vietnam and other ASEAN members have expanded relations with many partners around the world, Hang said, adding that more and more countries worldwide want to become partners of ASEAN. Vietnamplus Mumbai-based Raise Financial Services on Wednesday said that it was launching a financial learning platform Upsurge, aimed at simplifying learning about markets, understanding finance, and managing money. The financial literacy platform is targeted at late millennials and early GenZ audiences, it said. Upsurge is built and operated by Valuationary, the Surat-based e-learning platform which was acquired by Raise in April this year. With the launch of Upsurge, Raise plans to provide engaging learning experiences, interactive live sessions, self-learning, help tasks, and bite-sized content to promote financial independence, the company said in a statement on Wednesday. Unlike other e-learning platforms, Upsurge intends to operate as a club for enthusiasts who want to learn, engage and contribute to building a community towards finance, money, and markets. India has seen an unprecedented increase in attention of people who look for information and insights about money, investing and finance. There still exists a gap in the market where aspirations of being financially literate are yet to be fulfilled by many. With Upsurge, we are building a platform that simplifies money and finance through engaging courses, experiential learning, and bite-sized content, said Pratik Bajaj, founder, Upsurge. Raise had also acquired Mumbai-based stock broker Moneylicious Securities in August 2021. The idea was to launch a new investment app for regular everyday stock traders and long term investors, through the Moneylicious acquisition, the company said. Raise had also launched an application programming interface (API) platform, DhanHQ, this year to help active traders deploy their trading strategies and help them to build their own trading platform aligned to their specific needs. In recent years, more and more Indians are looking to take charge of their finances with do-it-yourself (DIY) platforms for managing everything money on mobile. At Raise, we are building an ecosystem of consumer financial services starting with Dhan - a technology-led investing & trading platform, and now Upsurge, said Pravin Jadhav, founder and chief executive, Raise. Jadhav had earlier built Paytm Money, the wealth management vertical of Paytm, and served as its managing director. Founded in 2021, Raise is a technology-led investment platform focused on long-term investors and super traders. Earlier in January, this year, the company had raised $22 million in fresh funding from Mirae Asset Venture Investments, Beenext, 3one4 Capital, and Rocketship VC, among others. To continue, please log in, or sign up for a new account. We offer one free story view per month. If you register for an account, you will get two additional story views. After those three total views, we ask that you support us with a subscription. A subscription to our digital content is so much more than just access to our valuable content. It means youre helping to support a local community institution that has, from its very start, supported the betterment of our society. Thank you very much! Federal prosecutors in Manhattan brought their first-ever case for insider-trading in digital coins, charging a former Coinbase Global product manager with leaking information to help his brother and a friend buy tokens just before they were listed on the exchange. The arrest of Ishan Wahi, who helped oversee listings for a Coinbase unit focused on investment products, follows a sweeping probe involving the Southern District of New York and the Securities and Exchange Commission. The SEC also alleged Wahi violated the agencys anti-fraud rules. Coinbase is the largest crypto exchange in the US. Credit:AP Todays charges are a further reminder that Web3 is not a law-free zone, Manhattan US Attorney Damian Williams said in a statement that Coinbase had cooperated with the probe. Our message with these charges is clear: fraud is fraud is fraud, whether it occurs on the blockchain or on Wall Street. Coinbase lets Americans trade more than 150 tokens, including many that have been added in recent months. Because of the platforms status as the USs largest crypto exchange, coins can often see a rush of interest and a surge in price immediately after being included. Independent MP Monique Ryan finally has a chief of staff, and the choice will no doubt trigger the teals are green-lefties in disguise brigade in the Liberal Party. Her pick, Melbourne campaigner, activist and author Sally Rugg, has quite the progressive bona fides. A former executive director of Change.org, campaign director with the decidedly left-leaning GetUp! for five years (where she played a key role in the marriage equality campaign), and most recently running Australians for a [Rupert] Murdoch Royal Commission alongside former Labor PM Kevin Rudd. Kooyong MP Monique Ryan at Parliament House. Credit:James Brickwood Rugg told CBD shed been drawn to Ryan since her barnstorming performance in a town hall debate against Josh Frydenberg midway through the election campaign. What drew me to Monique was obviously the policy priorities climate change, gender equity, integrity and transparency in politics but also her approach as a grassroots, community-connected independent, she said. Attempts on Her Life Kings Cross Theatre, until July 30 Attempts on Her Life is the final show at Kings Cross Theatre. After seven years of serving up some of Sydneys most adventurous drama, the host company, Bakehouse, is moving to new premises on Broadway. But what a way to kiss goodbye. Martin Crimps 1997 play, subtitled 17 Scenarios for the Theatre, remains a groundbreaking work, the Briton having dared, like Beckett, to reimagine what theatre can be. Crimps play has a text, but no characters, so its entirely up to the director to choose the number of actors and distribute the lines among them. The point? Its strangely akin to improvised music (even though theres no improvisation), because process and outcome are indivisible. Ebony Tucker plays one of the characters in this intriguing work. Credit:Clare Hawley While many contemporary directors are obsessed with reinventing classics in the image of their own egos, Crimp gives them a more robust test of their imaginations, demanding they bring all their virtuosity to the table. Should they not solve the texts myriad riddles, the results would have people trampling each other to reach the exits. That was not the case here. Director (plus video and sound designer) Saro Lusty-Cavallari (for Montague Basement) has met Crimps challenge unflinchingly, using a young, all-female cast of five. He has made his production busy and mobile, and heightened the sense of our watching a process via multiple devices, including having a video camera in the dressing room before the show starts. Loading It is a production that delights in Crimps penchant for commentary on his own medium: of Anne being not a real character, like you get in a book or on TV, but a lack of character, an absence; of theatres outmoded conventions of dialogue and so-called characters lumbering towards the embarrassing denouements; while also asking, Havent we seen all that in the so-called radicalism of the sixties stroke seventies? The play is ostensibly about Anne (also called Anya, Annie, Anny and Annushka), whos variously a girl, woman, lover, mother, traveller, terrorist and even a model of car, and whos only spoken of in the third person, the actors continually interrupting, correcting or embellishing each others account of her. Its about life, language and art, and the ways we perceive them, and its perhaps also about the potential for the mundane and the extraordinary implicit in us all. By turns it is serious, confronting, musical and satirical. It can also be wildly funny, as when Anne tells her parents that she wants to be a terrorist who shoots someone each week, and then returns to her room to drink Earl Grey tea. Her poor mum and dad are horrified, the text tells us. Theyve never bought Earl Grey tea in their lives. I have been quite calm throughout the pregnancy, but now am a little bit anxious and thinking things like what if I go into labour, and theres not enough staff? What if something goes wrong? she said. Loading I am the sort of person that inherently trusts our hospital system to be able to provide for me if Im in need and I have so much empathy for the healthcare workers are facing. But I also rationally know that they are experiencing huge staffing shortages as a result of pressures associated with COVID, so the anxiety of something going wrong is in the back of my mind. Khot said women who were infected with the latest Omicron subvariant did not generally require hospitalisation due to the virus and appeared to be showing milder symptoms. Although there has been an uptick in the number of cases, the cases have been relatively mild. The vaccination rates are quite high, which also is helping. Stefan Kane, medical director of maternity services at the Royal Womens Hospital and a maternal-fetal medicine subspecialist obstetrician, said the silver lining in the latest Omicron wave was that infected pregnant women were largely at least triple vaccinated and less likely to become critically ill. Medical director maternity services at the Royal Womens Hospital Stefan Kane said the silver lining in the latest Omicron wave was pregnant women infected with coronavirus were largely triple vaccinated and far less inclined to become critically ill. Credit:Chris Hopkins Last years Delta outbreak caused a surge in unvaccinated pregnant women and new mothers being admitted to intensive care, critically ill with coronavirus. Unlike earlier waves of the pandemic, we arent seeing as many very unwell women and I think thats a combination both of the impact of vaccination, and also possibly the different ways in which the new variants affect people, Kane said. But with more than 10,000 new coronavirus infections being reported each day in Victoria and thousands more going undetected, staffing shortages mean nurses and midwives are frequently working double shifts, overtime and coming in on days off. Its so important to acknowledge just how hard they are working in very, very difficult circumstances and how dedicated they are to the care of pregnant women, Kane said. John Regan, the vice president of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, who is also the head of obstetrics at Monash Medical Centre in Clayton, said the ward was facing crippling staff shortages, estimating it was typically about 20 per cent. There are three rooms at Monash designated for COVID-19. The hospital has also become a priority site for COVID-positive mothers who are experiencing acute respiratory issues and need intensive care. A lack of available midwives and doctors meant planned caesareans or birth inductions were being rescheduled up to four times, and in some cases for up to three days, Khot said. Births are often induced when mothers have blood-pressure issues, gestational diabetes or have gone well past their due date. If you delay a scheduled C-section, a woman might go into labour and you have to do the C-section in the middle of the night with fewer staff because you have no other option, Khot said. Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation Victorian secretary Lisa Fitzpatrick. Credit:Luis Ascui Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation Victorian secretary Lisa Fitzpatrick warned recommended midwife-to-patient ratios in postnatal care wards were still only being met about 60 per cent of the time. Fitzpatrick said midwives were repeatedly doing double shifts as hospitals struggled to fill gaps, mostly due to respiratory illnesses. Hospitals were also relying heavily on final-year midwifery students or registered nurses finishing up their postgraduate studies in midwifery. Loading They are [maternity hospitals and midwives] desperately trying to ensure that they dont adjust any sort of visitor rules, Fitzpatrick said. But that comes with a lot of additional work for the nurses and midwives. All hospital visitors must be fully vaccinated or show evidence of a negative result from a rapid antigen test taken on the day of the visit. Federal government rejects calls to close border to Indonesia over foot and mouth outbreak Were sorry, this feature is currently unavailable. Were working to restore it. Please try again later. Dismiss Gold Coast man protesting fine over nature strip trees Were sorry, this feature is currently unavailable. Were working to restore it. Please try again later. Dismiss Tokyo: NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet has conceded he is disappointed that his first trade trip has been overshadowed by the ongoing controversy surrounding John Barilaros trade appointment. Speaking in Tokyo on Thursday morning after opening the states first trade office in the city, Perrottet also said he no longer held the view that he saw no substantive issue with the way in which the former deputy premier snared a $500,000-a-year job in the United States. NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet (right) is seen during a visit to the Hie Shrine on his trade mission trip in Tokyo on Thursday. Credit:AAP Asked if he was disappointed that the focus of Barilaro appointment would take away from his trade trip, Perrottet answered yes. Ive requested a review which is under way and if there are recommendations out of that review around the process, which I expect there will be, I will adopt those, Perrottet said. But I dont want to give a running commentary because the more running commentary I give, the less confidence that provides. NSW public schools are dealing with an almost $10 million shortfall in funds after a drop in parent contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic, but some of the states leading schools are still taking in more than $500,000 a year. New data has revealed that about a third of the total funds contributed by parents to public schools last year was raised by just 50 of the states 2200 schools. Selective school Sydney Boys High is the biggest beneficiary of the funding making almost a $1 million from parent payments last year, followed by Conservatorium High School and North Sydney Boys High School which both took in more than $800,000. In total, NSW public schools raised $64.4 million in voluntary school contributions and subject fees in 2021 and $63 million in 2020. It was a significant drop from the $73.1 million donated in 2019, which the NSW Education Department has attributed to the financial strain of the COVID-19 pandemic, floods and bushfires. He said he became flustered when the officers walked in wearing guns because he was reminded of police in his native Iraq. He is challenging the fine in court and the case is due to proceed to hearing in September. Barkho said he sent his documentation to police in an attempt to have the fine withdrawn, but the commander of Leichhardt Police Area Command informed him in a letter that the case would be left to the determination of the court. Police check the address of people at Bondi Beach during a lockdown last year. Credit: Renee Nowytarger He said it has been stressful trying to find someone to cover his shifts for his court appearances, and he might have to close the cafe for the day of the hearing. He is dreading the possibility that the situation might result in a criminal record. If I did something wrong, I would have said to them, Im wrong, he said. A NSW Police spokesperson said police were unable to comment on the case because it was before a court. Loading According to figures from Revenue NSW, police handed out more COVID fines in a single month, August 2021, than they did in the previous 17 months combined 25,687 fines, worth $23.9 million. From March 2020 to July 2021, just 13,128 penalty notices were issued. In a video in August, then-police commissioner Mick Fuller had challenged officers to go high-level enforcement and said they would not be held to account if they issued COVID fines incorrectly. I am asking you to put community policing to the side for a short period of time, Fuller said in the internal video. You need to take a strong approach to enforcement. I have said before, if you write a ticket and you get it wrong, I understand and I wont hold you to account for that. While many have challenged their fines, multiple recipients have told the Herald they decided to pay to avoid further stress and move on with their lives. As of June this year, about 4100 people who were issued fines in August 2021 had paid. Loading Alister Rathie, 38, is one of them. He maintains he was within the rules that allowed people to leave their homes for exercise or outdoor recreation, but felt he had no choice but to pay after a review was rejected. Rathie and his friend walked the short distance from their homes to Bronte Park in Sydneys east on August 15 and got a coffee before they sat down, allowing Rathie to rest an injured ligament in his knee. A police officer soon walked up and said he had been watching. He said, I see youre drinking coffee, Rathie said. Two women nearby, sitting on yoga mats, were not fined because they were considered to be actively exercising, he said. Rathie and his friend both received infringements. I didnt have a yoga mat, so I was in trouble, he said. Two days after he was fined, the NSW government updated its website to clarify that outdoor recreation included leisure activities such as sitting for relaxation, or to eat, drink or read outdoors. Rathie had been saving for a house deposit and was annoyed to dip into his savings for the unexpected cost. He and his friend asked for a review and both were rejected. Despite the officer indicating my fine could be reviewed, he was the police officer consulted in the review process who simply confirmed the events of the day and my fine was not overturned, he said. A man is in custody after an 11-year-old girl was allegedly sexually assaulted in North Melbourne on Thursday afternoon. Paramedics attended the incident at Boundary Road near Racecourse Road about 2pm and took the girl to the Royal Childrens Hospital in a stable condition. Police have arrested a 31-year-old North Melbourne man, who remains in custody. Police set up a crime scene at a dark-coloured property on the corner of Boundary Road near Racecourse Road. Lo said any deferred urgent surgery was being rescheduled as soon as possible and was still being undertaken within the recommended 30-day timeframe. Often it might be a difference of a few days, but we are working very, very hard in the background, Lo said. It is challenging, but hospitals are managing this extremely well. The sickest patients will always get priority. Emergency surgery continues at every major hospital. But Lo said surgical teams remained at the behest of what was coming through the front door of the hospitals. If there are many people coming in and filling up beds with COVID, weve just got no capacity to look after the patient booked in for surgery and it leads to an elective surgery problem, he said. Australian Medical Association Victorian vice president, surgeon Jill Tomlinson said care was being rationed due to staffing shortages and rising coronavirus admissions. Across the state, operating may be impacted on the day in question because crucial staff members are unfortunately sick with respiratory illnesses or other illnesses, she said, adding category-two and three procedures were being most severely affected. Senior intensive care physician Dr Graeme Duke said he could not recall a time when so many intensive care staff had been furloughed. This is the worst that weve seen in a long time, Duke said. Its a combination of stress, burnout from being overworked, as well as COVID infections, but it is really the other flu-type viruses that are around that are really knocking people off more than COVID now. Duke, who works at a large Melbourne hospital, said intensive care units across the state were also admitting rising numbers of people who had become critically ill after experiencing life-threatening complications or secondary infections following bouts of serious respiratory viruses, including coronavirus or influenza. The really fascinating thing were seeing in ICU this time around is that we are treating an increasing number of people who had a COVID infection and shortly afterwards they are getting another secondary infection or a complication, he said. Were seeing a lot of serious bacterial infections, pneumonia, septicemia, which is blood poisoning, pulmonary embolisms and patients whose diabetes has gone haywire and they end up getting really sick. Duke said all the conditions were recognised complications that could occur after any serious viral illnesses, but there had been a sharp rise this winter, a trend he attributed partly to the thousands of coronavirus infections circulating and an earlier flu season. David Pilcher says there is a backlog of patients waiting to be transferred from ICU to general wards. Credit:Penny Stephens But he was also concerned people were ending up sicker due to delaying getting care and urged anyone who felt unwell in the weeks following COVID or the flu not to delay medical treatment. Those ending up in intensive care with severe complications were disproportionately not up to date with their vaccinations. We consistently see its the people who are not vaccinated that get the bad COVID and often get the serious complications, he said. Intensive care specialist David Pilcher said there were delays in admitting people to ICU due to staff shortages, but there were also some ICU patients experts say it could be as high as one in five who were well enough to be transferred to general wards, but couldnt be because those beds were full of COVID-19 patients. He said the phenomenon, known as exit block, was creating severe backlogs in the system. Nurses and doctors were being asked to work extra shifts or stand in at other hospitals to fill vacancies in intensive care, Pilcher said. Loading Zempilas said the local government was now taking the lead to try and get movement on what was a fundamental issue for the future growth and prosperity of the inner city by identifying barriers to growth. Our intention from here going forward is to firstly investigate the levers that need to be pulled and how we can frame that and so the city is appealing to those who want to put residents right in the heart of the Perth, he said. Clearly density is one of the drivers to achieving what we want to achieve. How we unlock that is part of the consideration. There is extra amenity part of this as well, a primary school in the city or within the City of Perth boundaries is highly desirable now for our community. The state government has indicated it is looking at the possibility of school near the CBD but has no particular locations in mind. Decision-makers have been hoping the completion of Edith Cowan Universitys city campus in 2025 will encourage more people to come live in the CBD. Existing residents have been concerned the local government is pulling back on existing resources, however, with a childcare service previously run by the organisation wound up this year. Zempilas said the childcare matter was a separate issue that opened when there was an unmet need for the community. Now the reality is that many private providers are in the childcare space in the CBD and so, the need for local government to be in that space no longer exists, he said. The local government might need to get creative with incentives as existing measures have not been all that fruitful. Local governments can play around with rates, height and density allowances and fees and charges. A 20 per cent bonus plot ratio incentive was initiated in 2013 but so far only three of 13 approved projects through the mechanism have been built, all between 2016 and 2017, to add 378 dwellings to the market. There have also been proposals for plenty of high-rise projects around the city but some, like the ill-fated Waterbank project, have failed to ever get off the ground. A map of the land the City of Perth owns and manages in the CBD. Credit:City of Perth The local government only has a limited amount of land it controls too when it comes to looking for infrastructure solutions. The issue of density and a lack of families is not just isolated to the City of Perth given many inner-city local governments have low percentages of population under the age of 19. Opposition planning spokesman Neil Thomson said the government needed to have less of a focus on the outer suburbs and look inward. Weve seen a decline in the support for development for what you need like public transport in inner ring suburbs, he said. Perth CBD is clearly a market that is servicing the younger singles and younger couples. What the City and the state need to do is look at what can be done to encourage developers in creating a greater diversity of product in the city. Loading How can they attract the broader range of families to live in the city to create these communities that are going to represent a greater proportion of our overall community. Peak industry groups have welcomed the new report suggested by Zempilas with Property Council WA executive director Sandra Brewer in strong support. The Property Council WA is eager to contribute to this project and bring the experience of previous research which shows that increased inner urban amenity will position the Perth CBD as a key destination for visitors, workers, and investors, she said. Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size Its the highly contagious disease that wrought havoc in the United Kingdom two decades ago. Now, viral fragments of foot and mouth disease have been detected in goods coming into Australia. The federal government has warned that an outbreak could wipe up to $80 billion from Australias economy. While Australia has remained free from an outbreak of the virus for 150 years, the disease has had devastating consequences around the world at various times. What is foot and mouth disease? Can it affect humans? And how can we stop its spread? Credit: What is foot and mouth disease? Its a highly contagious viral disease that affects cloven-hoofed (two-toed) animals, including cattle, sheep, goats, camels, deer and pigs. It spreads among animals through contact with contaminated feed and excretions such as faeces, semen and milk. But it can also be spread through mud or manure sticking to farming equipment, vehicles, clothing and leather, including shoes, as well as on hair, grass and straw, and in the air. It can survive in peoples noses for up to 24 hours. Advertisement The disease is one of the most infectious animal diseases in the world the minimum number of virus particles required to cause an infection is very low. Animals can be infectious before symptoms appear, says CSIRO-Australian Animal Health Laboratorys principal research scientist Wilna Vosloo. Dairy cattle, for example, can start excreting the virus up to four days before they show clinical signs, she says. Symptoms can take up to 14 days to appear, usually beginning with a high fever that lasts between two and six days, followed by blisters in the mouth on the gums and on snouts, teats and feet that can be painful when they burst and that take up to 10 days to heal. When blisters rupture, there is a tremendous amount of virus in the fluid [that is released], she says. [But] theres also airborne excretion of the virus. Pigs, especially, excrete a lot of the virus through the air. Blisters in the mouth can lead to an animal becoming reluctant to eat and blisters on the feet can lead to an animal being unable to walk to food and water and even becoming lame. Theres also the risk of secondary infections (those that develop because bacteria enters the wounds left by the virus, rather than being caused directly by the virus itself) in lesions, particularly on the teats of lactating animals. Theres no specific treatment either, although a mix of antibiotics and disinfectants is often used to prevent and treat secondary infections. Most animals recover within two weeks, but some may be left weakened or debilitated. And it can affect the hearts of young animals, which can lead to death. The first recorded mention of the disease was by a Franciscan monk in Venice in 1546. Then, in 1897, German bacteriologist Friedrich Loeffler was the first to show that the disease was caused by a virus. In Australia, minor outbreaks of what might have been foot and mouth disease are believed to have happened four times in the 19th century, the latest in 1872 when an infected bull was imported from England, leading to the spread of the disease at two properties in Werribee in Victoria. The UKs foot and mouth outbreak in 2001 cost about $19 billion. Credit:AP Advertisement Can humans be infected with foot and mouth disease? The disease in humans is extremely rare, usually resulting in mild, blister-like lesions and not causing serious illness. People can be infected through open skin wounds by handling diseased animals, or through the mouth lining by drinking infected milk. They cant be infected by eating meat from infected animals or drinking commercially produced, pasteurised milk. Foot and mouth disease is not to be confused with a similar-sounding ailment human hand, foot and mouth disease, which causes rashes, ulcers, bumps or blisters in the mouth, palms, fingers and soles of feet, mostly in children. Symptoms last for between seven and 10 days. Has foot and mouth been found in Australia recently? Viral fragments of the disease have been detected. These fragments are not live virus so cant be transmitted. The fragments were in a beef product at an Australian airport. A passenger travelling from Indonesia has, in recent days, been intercepted with a beef product that they didnt declare, which tested positive for foot and mouth disease viral fragments, said Agriculture Minister Murray Watt on July 20. And routine inspections of pork products from China for sale in Melbournes CBD have shown up viral fragments of both foot and mouth disease and African swine fever another livestock disease that hasnt previously circulated among animals in Australia. Im advised that all products now of this kind have been seized from all linked supermarkets and a warehouse in Melbourne as well, said Watt. But the viral fragments have raised concerns that other tainted products could breach Australias biosecurity system. Advertisement Why is it such a big deal for Australia? Australia has some of the strictest biosecurity controls in the world, for good reasons. The federal government expects the value of the agriculture sector to reach $81 billion this financial year, $12 billion more than the previous record. All in all, the damage from a foot and mouth outbreak could cost the country $80 billion, the government has said. Unlike the UK, Australia has tens of millions of feral animals that can spread foot and mouth disease, including 24 million pigs and 6 million goats. Infected feral animals are uncontained and could, potentially, spread the disease between farms even if movements of farmed livestock have been locked down. The UK foot and mouth disease outbreak in 2001, believed to have been caused by pigs unwittingly being fed infected meat, forced farmers to destroy more than 6 million pigs, cows and sheep, costing an estimated 8 billion. The disease recurred in the UK in 2007, and has broken out in places that had been free of it, including Taiwan in 2009. Japan and South Korea had big outbreaks in 2010. Loading After more than three decades of being free of foot and mouth disease, Indonesia detected the disease in May. By July 21, there had been 401,205 cases detected across 22 of Indonesias 34 provinces, mostly in cows, according to its foot and mouth taskforce, with more than 4000 animals slaughtered and another 2772 dying of the disease. Its detection and spread on the island of Bali has raised particular concerns here. Most of the 46,000 international visitors to Bali from January to April were from Australia, according to Balis Tourism Office. There are at least 204 cases of foot and mouth in Bali, a tiny fraction of Indonesias total, but according to local news reports some owners have refused to allow their infected cattle to be slaughtered until they were told what compensation they would receive. Advertisement Still, the head of Indonesias National Disaster Mitigation Agency and foot and mouth taskforce, Major General Suharyanto, said he hoped Bali would have eradicated the virus within the next week. We will do conditional slaughtering of cattle in Bali because there are not many, he said. Hopefully, there will be no sick cattle in Bali. Agriculture Minister Murray Watt said products made from infected animals or objects that have come into contact with them are the biggest risk to the disease entering Australia. Credit:AP Whats being done to stop the spread? Foot mats are being rolled out at international airports, starting with Darwin and Cairns, for travellers from Indonesia to walk across on arrival. The mats contain a citric acid solution, which dislodges dirt and covers it in the acid. We still encourage Australians to clean their shoes and clothing, and even leave their footwear overseas if they can, said Watt. Travellers arriving in Australia from Indonesia must declare contact with farm animals. Luggage is being scanned and inspected by hand and officials are boarding aircrafts from Indonesia on arrival to play a message focused on concerns around the disease. One NSW cattle farmer told The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald when he and his wife returned from Bali recently, they ticked the box saying they had been on a farm because they stayed at a resort in Seminyak across the road from livestock paddocks which meant their luggage was checked. Other people on his flight didnt tick the box because they had not, technically, been on a farm. Vosloo says returned travellers should not go to farming regions. If youve been in close contact with infected animals, avoid going to a farm, a show with animals and any other places with susceptible animals. Advertisement Poorer young Australians have suffered a catastrophic collapse in homeownership rates over the past four decades and international research warns the situation is only going to get worse. An Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development report released on Thursday evening shows that between 1981 and 2016, homeownership among Australians aged between 25 and 34 dropped by 40 percentage points among the bottom 20 per cent of income earners. It is among the largest falls in homeownership found by the OECDs examination of housing tax policies and compares with a 7 percentage point fall among young Australians in the top 20 per cent of income earners. Globally, the Paris-based think tank said homeownership rates were falling among younger generations due to a range of factors that were pushing up prices. Low interest rates, supply issues in major cities and tax arrangements were all making it more difficult for young people to buy a property. Geneva: China is asking the United Nations human rights chief to bury a highly anticipated report on human rights violations in Xinjiang, according to a Chinese letter seen by Reuters and confirmed by diplomats from three countries who received it. UN High Commissioner Michelle Bachelet has faced severe criticism from civil society for being too soft on China during a visit to the western region in May and has since said she would refrain from seeking a second term for personal reasons. Chinese President Xi Jinping, right, holds a virtual meeting with United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet in May. Credit:AP But before she leaves on August 31, she has pledged to publish a report into Xinjiang. Rights groups accuse Beijing of abuses against Xinjiangs Uighur population, including the mass use of forced labour in internment camps. China has vigorously denied the allegations. The letter authored by China expressed grave concern about the Xinjiang report and aims to halt its release, said four sources the three diplomats and a rights expert who all spoke on condition of anonymity. They said China began circulating it among diplomatic missions in Geneva from late June and asked countries to sign it to show their support. Rome: Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi has resigned after key coalition allies boycotted a confidence vote, signalling the likelihood of an early election and a renewed period of uncertainty for Italy and Europe at a critical time. Draghi tendered his resignation to President Sergio Mattarella during a meeting at the Quirinale Palace on Thursday. Mattarella, who had rejected a similar resignation offer last week, took note this time around and asked Draghis government to remain on in a caretaker fashion, the presidents office said. Italian PM Mario Draghi waves to MPs at the end of his address at the Parliament in Rome on Thursday. Credit:AP Draghis government of national unity imploded on Wednesday after members of his uneasy coalition of right, left and populists rebuffed his appeal to band back together to finish the legislatures natural term and ensure implementation of the European Union-funded pandemic recovery program. Instead, the centre-right parties of Forza Italia and the League and the populist Five Star Movement boycotted a confidence vote in the Senate, in a clear sign they were done with Draghis 17-month government. Washington: Joe Biden, the oldest person to serve as president of the United States, has tested positive for COVID-19, highlighting the ongoing threat of the virus as mask mandates and other restrictions are eased across America. Four months after receiving his second booster shot, the 79-year-old has become the second consecutive president after Donald Trump to test positive in office, and the latest in a long line of administration officials to become infected this year. President Joe Biden speaks about climate change in Somerset, Massachusetts, on Wednesday, a day before he tested positive for COVID. Credit: He was experiencing mild symptoms and would continue working but in isolation, the White House said on Thursday. In a video tweet, Biden said he was doing well and urged Americans to keep the faith. PHILIPSBURG:--- The Court of Guardianship (CoG), with technical support from UNICEF the Netherlands, and Augeo Foundation, is introducing new protocols and methods to tackle child abuse and neglect together with children, parents, and professionals on the island. Some activities include restructuring the central (advice and) reporting center for child abuse within CoG, introducing rapid social support for children who witness domestic violence through the 'Handle with Care' method, and implementing 'Child Check' in healthcare and emergency institutions to help detect child abuse or neglect. Child protection professionals and stakeholders were invited to sensitization and implementation sessions to ensure the new protocols and methods are realistic and practical. Invited were professionals working in the healthcare sector, educational institutions, and the justice system, such as the Police Department. Methods such as Handle with Care and Child Check create more robust systems through which professionals working with children and parents can help prevent abuse and/or provide early social support to minors and families that have been exposed to traumatic events. We were pleased to hear from all the stakeholders that these methods are a welcome addition and that they are enthusiastic about working together towards successful implementation, explains Kimberly Brown, Head of the CoG. Further consultations, workshops, and the development of implementation plans are scheduled for the remainder of the year. These activities are part of the Child Resilience and Protection Project (CRPP) executed by the Government of Sint Maarten in collaboration with UNICEF The Netherlands, financed by the Government of The Netherlands, through the Sint Maarten Trust Fund, as part of the Child Resilience and Protection Project (CRPP). SABA:--- The highest point of all three apartment buildings of the Under the Hill project was celebrated with the workers on Tuesday, July 19th. The principal of the project, housing corporation Bazalt Wonen from the Netherlands, Public Entity Saba, and the main contractor Van Boekel, invited close to 40 construction workers for a small celebration at the depot site close to the area where the project is being constructed. As principals, we find it very important that the people who have been working hard on this project to get the recognition that they deserve. We have reached the highest point of all three buildings and that is reason to celebrate, said Maarten Koster of Bazalt Wonen. Island Governor Jonathan Johnson was present at the event, as was Commissioner of Public Housing Rolando Wilson and Own Your Own Home Foundation (OYOHF) Director Eviton Heyliger. Johnson thanked the men in a short speech. We are appreciative of your work. All three buildings have reached the highest point, and we are very proud of that. There is still a lot to be done, but together we will get there, he said. The 18 apartments will be delivered and ready to be rented out by the local social housing foundation OYOHF by the end of this year. The three buildings contain three 1-bedroom apartments, three 2-bedroom apartments, and twelve 3-bedroom apartments. Commissioner Wilson congratulated the companies and the group of men on this milestone. You have worked hard and Im sure you will continue to work hard to get this project completed. This is an important project because it will help to alleviate some of the burdens for people who are in dire need of housing, he said. Funding for this project came from the European Union (EU), the Dutch Ministry of Home Affairs and Kingdom Relations BZK, and Bazalt Wonen, formerly Woonlinie. The Public Entity Saba assisted with the transfer of 18,000m2 of government-owned land to the OYOHF. The main contractor for this project is Van Boekel along with various subcontractors. The groundbreaking for this project took place in December 2018. The project has been challenging due to difficulties in the excavation of the very steep hillside and delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Alpha Lithium Advances Towards 40,000 Tonne per Year Lithium Carbonate Plant in Argentina Alpha Lithium Corporation (TSX.V: ALLI) (OTC: APHLF) (Germany WKN: A3CUW1) (aAlphaa or the aCompanya https://www.commodity-tv.com/ondemand/companies/profil/alpha-lithium-corp/ ) is very pleased to announce that it has engaged an experienced, specialist firm to undertake detailed engineering for a lithium pilot plant to be located in one of the Companya?s primary asset locations, the Tolillar Salar in Argentinaa?s Lithium Triangle. Additionally, the Company has undertaken a bidding process to produce a Preliminary Economic Assessment (aPEAa) on a scalable, commercial production facility capable of producing up to 40,000 tonnes per year of high-purity lithium carbonate. The Company currently has $44 million in cash; and accordingly, is well-funded to continue working towards its lithium carbonate production ambitions in Argentina. Imec Ingeneria 360A (aImec Engineeringa or aImeca), whom the Company had previously engaged to provide basic engineering services, is now engaged to provide detailed engineering services for the pilot plant. This is a natural progression of services, especially considering Alphaa?s successful production of high-purity lithium carbonate and lithium hydroxide (see news release dated June 29, 2021). Imeca?s mandate was expanded to include the detailed design of a fully operational pilot plant, which is intended to provide important data and information to inform the design of a full scale 40,000 tonne-per-year lithium chemicals production facility. Alphaa?s pilot plant will be constructed and tested in Saltaa?s industrial park, utilizing a skid-mounted, modular, and mobile design. Constructing in Salta in ideal factory conditions, versus on-site construction, provides the Company with significant cost savings, reliability of materials and construction crews, and availability of our technical experts to stress-test the entire process using Company-specific brine from both Tolillar and Hombre Muerto Salars. Once fully calibrated, the equipment, lab facilities and additional offices will be relocated to Tolillar Salar, where the current camp is being upgraded to accommodate a 400-person operation. Brad Nichol, President, and CEO of Alpha, stated, aConstruction of a lithium carbonate pilot plant is an important step towards large-scale commercial production, where we have targeted a first module of at least 20,000 tonnes per year with the intention to expand well beyond that initial phase. We are initiating discussions with the worlda?s most renowned engineering firms, capable of providing the significant engineering services for the design of such a large lithium chemicals production facility. A combination of the right people, processes, technology, and assets have brought Alpha to this important point in its development. With our maiden Resource Estimate expected shortly, Alpha Lithium is ready for the next level of advancement, with the objective of actively providing solutions for the global lithium supply shortage.a Alphaa?s proprietary Direct Lithium Extraction (aDLEa) process was developed in-house by the principals of Beyond Lithium LLC (aBeyond Lithiuma) and concentrated lithium to 9,474 mg/L, after starting with a 200 mg/L brine sample (see news release dated June 2, 2021). DLE processes comprise the first stage of the lithium refining flow sheet. Alphaa?s DLE process, in addition to several other potential DLE processes, will be incorporated into the detailed engineering work currently being undertaken by Imec and is expected to be utilized by the engineering firm chosen to provide the PEA on a 40,000 tonne per year commercial plant. The Company is also very pleased to announce the engagement of Mario Portillo, a lithium expert and project manager with more than 40 years of experience. He has been hired to oversee the design, engineering, and construction process of the pilot plant. Mr. Portillo is world-renowned for his experience and rare expertise in the lithium processing and engineering fields. He previously held a leadership position at Techint, one of the oldest engineering and construction companies in Argentina, which designed and constructed Livent Corporationa?s 25-year producing lithium carbonate and lithium chloride plants. He has previously worked for, amongst many others, Lithium Americas in the nearby Cauchari-Olaroz Salar and Galaxy Resources (now Allkem Limited) on the adjacent Sal de Vida project in the Hombre Muerto Salar. About Alpha Lithium (TSX.V: ALLI) (OTC: APHLF) (Germany WKN: A3CUW1) Alpha Lithium is a team of industry professionals and experienced stakeholders focused on the development of the Tolillar and Hombre Muerto Salars. In Tolillar, we have assembled 100% ownership of what may be one of Argentinaa?s last undeveloped lithium salars, encompassing 27,500 hectares (67,954 acres), neighboring multi-billion-dollar lithium players in the heart of the renowned aLithium Trianglea. In Hombre Muerto, we continue to expand our 5,000+ hectare (12,570 acres) foothold in one of the worlda?s highest quality, longest producing, lithium salars. Other companies in the area exploring for lithium brines or currently in production include Orocobre Limited, Galaxy Lithium, Livent Corporation, and POSCO in Salar del Hombre Muerto; Orocobre in Salar Olaroz; Eramine SudAmerica S.A. in Salar de Centenario; and Gangfeng and Lithium Americas in Salar de Cauchari. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements and other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as \will\, \may\, \should\, \anticipate\, \expects\ and similar expressions. All statements other than statements of historical fact, included in this news release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company\-s expectations include the results of further brine process testing and exploration and other risks detailed from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulators. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and the Company will update or revise publicly any of the included forward-looking statements as expressly required by applicable 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. No securities regulatory authority has reviewed nor accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the content of this news release. Mawson Reports Strong Pro-Mining Sentiment in Finnish Social Survey Mawson Gold Limited (aMawsona) or (the aCompanya) (TSX:MAW) (Frankfurt:MXR) (PINKSHEETS: MWSNF https://www.commodity-tv.com/ondemand/companies/profil/mawson-gold-ltd/ ) announces the results of an independent survey into mining sentiment across Finland, and of the local municipality where Mawsona?s 18,000 ha 100% owned-Rajapalot gold-cobalt project in northern Finland is located. Highlights: The researchers concluded athat Finns value domestic mining, want to keep mining in Finland, and consider the jobs created as a result are importanta Rajapalota?s local community Ylitornio recorded a more favourible sentiment towards all mining issues surveyed than the Finnish average (Figure 1) EU and Finnish self-sufficiency were among the themes that garnered most support within Ylitornio, and Finland as a whole Rajapalot is Europea?s 7th largest cobalt resource Strong majority believe aFinland should work more systematically to increase investment in the processing of mining productsa Mining sentiment in Finland has improved across the board since the 2021 survey (Figure 2) Results confirm a separate EU funded survey which found only 16% of local respondents disagreed with the statement that amining in my home region is a positive thinga Mr. Fairhall, CEO, states aWe feel privileged to have strong support of the local communities within which we work. This survey reiterates overwhelmingly that mining is desired and welcomed in our local community. It also highlights the EUa?s self-sufficiency weaknesses, and the popular view that Finland should do more to support domestic mining. As Europea?s 3rd largest gold resource and 7th largest cobalt resource, Rajapalot is well placed to support Finland and the EUa?s ambitions. I want to thank our local team, led by our local Managing Director Ms Noora Ahola, for their dedication, hard work and integrity, which has earned the support we see here in this survey.a In April 2022 independent market research firm Taloustutkimus conducted a study investigating the opinions of the Finnish population about mining related issues. The survey highlights popular support for mining across Finland, with the results of Rajapalota?s local municipality Ylitornio recording above average sentiment across the suite of mining issues surveyed. The results are shown in Figure 1. A similar survey was conducted in 2021 and shows a comparative improvement in mining sentiment within Finland in the past year (Figure 2). Survey Background The sample was formed by random sampling from the register of the Digital and Population Information Agency (Bisnode). The interviews were carried out between 7 and 16 April 2022 centrally from the supervised telephone interview center of Taloustukkima. 45 interviewers trained by Taloustuikma took part in the interview work. A total of n= 100 people from Ylitornio responded to the survey, and n = 1003 across Finland as a whole. A demographic breakdown of respondents is provided in Figure 3. Taloustutkimus conducted the survey in compliance with ISO 20252 standard for market research, and the basic rules of the research field jointly published by European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research (ESOMAR) and the International Chamber of Commerce. The survey was commissioned by FinnMin. The 2020 survey referenced was conducted by the EU funded Horizon 2020 New Exploration Technologies, consisting of a postal questionnaire on a representative random sample sent to Ylitornio (n= 600) and southern parts of Rovaniemi (n= 300) in March-April 2020, and had a response rate of 28.5% (n = 257). About Mawson Gold Limited (TSX:MAW, FRANKFURT:MXR, OTCPINK:MWSNF) Mawson Gold LimitedA is an exploration and development company. Mawson has distinguished itself as a leading Nordic Arctic exploration company with its 100% owned flagship Rajapalot gold-cobalt project in Finland, and right to earn into the SkellefteA North gold project in Sweden. Mawson also owns 60% of Southern Cross Gold Ltd (ASX:SXG) which in turn owns three high-grade, historic epizonal goldfields covering 470 km2 in Victoria, Australia. On behalf of the Board, \Ivan FairhallaA A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A Ivan Fairhall, Director and CEO Further Information www.mawsongold.com 1305 a 1090 West Georgia St., Vancouver, BC, V6E 3V7 Mariana Bermudez (Canada), Corporate Secretary, +1 (604) 685 9316 info@mawsongold.com In Europe: Swiss Resource Capital AG Jochen Staiger info@resource-capital.ch www.resource-capital.ch Forward-Looking Statement This news release contains forward-looking statements or forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws (collectively, \forward-looking statements\). All statements herein, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. Although Mawson believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as: believe, expect, anticipate, intend, estimate, postulate, and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. Mawson cautions investors that any forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future results or performance, and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including, but not limited to: capital and other costs varying significantly from estimates; changes in world metal markets; changes in equity markets; ability to achieve goals; that the political environment in which the Company operates will continue to support the development and operation of mining projects; the threat associated with outbreaks of viruses and infectious diseases, including the novel COVID-19 virus; risks related to negative publicity with respect to the Company or the mining industry in general; reliance on a single asset; planned drill programs and results varying from expectations; unexpected geological conditions; local community relations; dealings with non-governmental organizations; delays in operations due to permit grants; environmental and safety risks; and other risks and uncertainties disclosed under the heading \Risk Factors\ in Mawson\-s most recent Annual Information Form filed on www.sedar.com. While these factors and assumptions are considered reasonable by Mawson, in light of managementa?s experience and perception of current conditions and expected developments, Mawson can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct.A Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, Mawson disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. Summa Silver Provides Drilling Update from the High-Grade Silver-Gold Hughes Project, Nevada Summa Silver Corp. (aSummaa or the aCompanya) (TSXV:SSVR) (OTCQX:SSVRF) (Frankfurt:48X https://www.commodity-tv.com/ondemand/companies/profil/summa-silver-corp/ ) is pleased to provide an update on its exploration activities across the high-grade Hughes Project, near Tonopah, Nevada (the aHughes Projecta). Key Highlights: Assays Pending from Multiple Holes: The Company has drilled eight holes at the Hughes Project concentrating on resource style spacing at the Murray and Belmont target areas (see attached figure). Mineralization Encountered: All holes have intersected zones of quartz veins, stockworks and breccias featuring visible silver sulfide mineralization. Underexplored Project: Geological mapping and soil sampling across recently acquired claims is underway and has already identified multiple new high-potential targets. The focus is on target generation within sight of the historic Tonopah mining district. Well Capitalized: The Company is well capitalized for extensive drilling with approximately $9 million in working capital to deploy. Transitioning to Mogollon Project: Drilling is now complete at Hughes and preparations are being made to return to drilling at the Mogollon Project where hole MOG22-05 recently intersected 31m at 448 g/t silver equivalent* (3.88 g/t Au, 129 g/t Ag). (See press release dated May 3, 2022). *AgEq is calculated using US$20/oz Ag, US$1,800/oz Au, with metallurgical recoveries of Ag 90% and Au 95%. AgEq = (Ag grade x Ag recovery)+((Au grade x Au recovery) x (Au price / Ag price)) Dimensions of Mineralization: High-grade mineralization at Rescue has been intersected in several stacked structures over an area of 400 x 100 m where it remains open to expansion. High-grade mineralization at Murray has been intersected over an area of 500 x 300 m where it remains open to expansion. Further mineralization is present in multiple additional areas over a length of 3.5 km, including the Ruby discovery, a 1.3 km step-out from the historic Belmont Mine. Galen McNamara, CEO, stated: aAll holes drilled at Hughes so far have hit their target and our technical team is rapidly advancing the exploration model for the entire project package. We control a dominant land package in this premier historic American high-grade silver district which remarkably remains substantially underexplored. On the Hughes Project, high grade mineralization has been intersected in four target areas over 3.5 km. These zones remain open to expansion, and we are only just beginning to wrap our arms around whata?s remaining herea. Drill Program and Models Seven holes have been drilled at the Murray target and one hole has been drilled at the Belmont target. The Murray holes were designed to further investigate grade continuity within the vein-system where previous drilling has defined significant zones of vein-hosted high-grade silver and gold mineralization (e.g., 455 g/t silver equivalent* over 6.1 m in SUM21-40; see September 22nd, 2021 news release). The drilled footprint at Murray covers a down-dip extent of over 500 m along the vein-system.A Assay results from these holes are pending.A The drill rig is currently drilling at the Belmont target investigating the extent of the high-grade core to the complex, multi-vein, stacked system (e.g., 3,971 g/t silver equivalent* over 2.8 m in SUM21-30 and 1,559 g/t silver equivalent* over 4.3 m in SUM21-31; see July 21st, 2021 and September 22nd, 2021 news releases). The new drill data will be incorporated into an updated geological and structural model for the entire district. A significant effort has recently gone into further digitizing historic underground maps from the early 1900a?s. These maps have informed the vein and structural model and have led to identification of previously unknown veins and structural offsets. New targets peripheral to areas previously drilled by Summa have been generated and will be investigated in future drill programs. *AgEq is calculated using US$20/oz Ag, US$1,800/oz Au, with metallurgical recoveries of Ag 90% and Au 95%. AgEq = (Ag grade x Ag recovery)+((Au grade x Au recovery) x (Au price / Ag price)) Target Generation Geological mapping, prospecting and soil geochemical sampling across recently acquired claims (see July 7th, 2021 and March 28th, 2022 news releases) is ongoing. The focus for the geological mapping and prospecting is to refine the lithological and structural model for the district to better define the limits of prospective rock units and associated structural offsets and the breadth outcropping alteration zones. The soil surveys will focus on silver and gold as well as pathfinder elements known to be associated with Tonopah-style epithermal-related, high-grade silver and gold mineralization hosted in older Mizpah Formation volcanic rocks as well as younger, gold-dominant systems hosted in overlying Siebert Formation and Fraction Volcanics. Samples are being analyzed with a portable Xray fluorescence spectrometer (pXRF) to measure elemental concentrations from prepared sample mounts in the field. Select samples will also be sent to the lab for full multi-element, low-detection geochemical analyses. Numerous open-ended multi-element soil-geochemical anomalies were previously defined (see August 16th, 2021 news release) to the northeast of the Belmont Mine. These anomalies are locally associated with strong geophysical anomalies (e.g., chargeability and resistivity, see June 22nd, 2021 news release). Follow-up sample grids are being completed northeast of these areas to define the spatial extent of these anomalies as well as over new areas north of the Belmont Mine. Following the completion of the surveys, sample coverage will be property-wide. Qualified Person The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Galen McNamara, P. Geo., the CEO of the Company and a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. About Summa Silver Corp Summa Silver Corp is a Canadian junior mineral exploration company. The Company owns a 100% interest in the Hughes property located in central Nevada and has an option to earn 100% interest in the Mogollon property located in southwestern New Mexico. The Hughes property is host to the high-grade past-producing Belmont Mine, one of the most prolific silver producers in the United States between 1903 and 1929. The Mogollon property is the largest historic silver producer in New Mexico. Both properties have remained inactive since commercial production ceased and neither have seen modern exploration prior to the Companya?s involvement. Follow Summa Silver on Twitter: @summasilver LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/summa-silver-corp/ ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS aGalen McNamaraa Galen McNamara, Chief Executive Officer info@summasilver.com www.summasilver.com Investor Relations Contact: Kin Communications Giordy Belfiore 604-684-6730 giordy@summasilver.com In Europe: Swiss Resource Capital AG Jochen Staiger info@resource-capital.ch www.resource-capital.ch Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary note regarding forward-looking statements This news release contains certain aforward looking statementsa and certain aforward-looking informationa as defined under applicable Canadian and U.S. securities laws. Forward-looking statements and information can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as amaya, awilla, ashoulda, aexpecta, aintenda, aestimatea, aanticipatea, abelievea, acontinuea, aplansa or similar terminology. The forward-looking information contained herein is provided for the purpose of assisting readers in understanding managementa?s current expectations and plans relating to the future. These forward?looking statements or information relate to, among other things: the release of assays; the exploration and development of the Companya?s mineral exploration projects including completion of surveys and drilling activities. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual actions, events or results to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including but not limited to: the requirement for regulatory approvals; enhanced uncertainty in global financial markets as a result of the current COVID-19 pandemic; unquantifiable risks related to government actions and interventions; stock market volatility; regulatory restrictions; the ongoing conflict in Ukraine; and other related risks and uncertainties disclosed in the Companya?s public disclosure documents. Forward-looking information are based on management of the partiesa? reasonable assumptions, estimates, expectations, analyses and opinions, which are based on such managementa?s experience and perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, and other factors that management believes are relevant and reasonable in the circumstances, but which may prove to be incorrect. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information except as required by applicable law. Such forward-looking information represents managementa?s best judgment based on information currently available. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed and actual future results may vary materially. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. Call it a sign of the national reckoning with abortion as a permanent battleground issue: Hulu has backed down from its refusal to run a Connecticut candidates political ad about her outrage over the loss of womens reproductive rights. Dita Bhargava, vying for state treasurer, angrily announced on Tuesday that the online TV streaming service declined to accept her 30-second ad on abortion access and how she would address it if she won the office. Bhargava pushed back against Hulu, which is owned by The Walt Disney Co., saying media companies have a responsibility to air commentary about important issues. Bhargavas campaign received word of the reversal late Wednesday and announced the change Thursday morning, claiming credit in an evolving national ethic about what sorts of paid political discourse should appear in mass media, and how. Hulu is viewed as a key platform in this conversation because its used by many younger people who dont have traditional cable TV. Our activism, perseverance, and forceful challenge of corporate behavior resulted in the reversal of the decision. This demonstrates exactly the kind of tenacity that Dita plans to bring to the State Treasury, the campaign said in a written release. Bhargava, a Greenwich investment manager, is one of three Democrats seeking the partys nomination in a primary election Aug. 9 for the open seat. She lost a primary in 2018 to Shawn Wooden, who is stepping down as state treasurer after one term. Hulu, for its part, has said little publicly about its policy, which appears to be general, without issue-by-issue rules. A set of guidelines provided to the campaigns media buyer on Tuesday, whch the campaign shared publicly, includes a long list of prohibited advertising content. Among the banned ads: Content that takes a position on a controversial issue of public importance (e.g. social issues). Hulus media relations office did not respond to my email Tuesday seeking clarification of its policy, which obviously could allow the service to reject just about anything. Its unclear what political advertising policies are in place and how they are enforced at other Disney networks and channels, including Connecticut-based ESPN. Bhargava, in my column on the Hulu issue Tuesday, agreed that no media company should be required by law to accept advertising about abortion or other politically charged topics. The endorsed Democratic candidate, New Haven lawyer Erick Russell, announced on Wednesday that his campaign would not spend any money on Hulu because of the action. I stand with each of the other Democratic candidates in this race on issues of abortion and choice, Russell said, in a release that did not name Bhargava or the other candidate, Karen DuBois-Walton, the New Haven housing authority chief. At least one other candidate, a challenger for a seat in Congress from New York, accused Hulu of censoring its ad on the three most controversial U.S. Supreme Court decisions this year: abortion, gun control and climate change, Jezebel.com reported. Bhargavas ad, released last week, is visually striking, with dozens of images of bare-shouldered women flashing on the screen in a stark style with soft lighting. Bhargava, shown the same way, declares in the ad her intent to use the states $45 billion in pension funds to support corporations that advance reproductive rights. As Democrats we need to fight harder, so Ill lead the crusade for our right to choose as state treasurer, Bhargava says on camera in the ad. Well push companies that we invest in to guarantee access to safe abortions. Activist investing, known in the business as ESG, for environmental, social and governance, remains controversial, generally divided by political party. Many Republicans say it has no place in public pension management. Democrats including Bhargava who espouse activist investing say its part of financial responsibility. The companies that follow progressive policies on human rights, open governance and environmental stewardship tend to return higher profits, they say. Bhargava said she was surprised by the initial Hulu decision because Disney, the parent company, has been known to advance social issues. Most recently Disney, the largest employer in Florida, home of the giant Walt Disney World resort and theme park, faced off against Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis over an education law that opponents view as backward on gender recognition and sex education. Companies such as Disney do respond to pressure from shareholder activists, including public pensions. Among the pioneers: Former Connecticut Treasurer Denise L. Nappier, in office for 20 years until the start of 2019. Nappier led coalitions of state and union pensions starting in the early 2000s on social and governance issues. In 2004 and 2005, Nappier won a battle against Disney in which she pushed the company to split the office of chairman and CEO into separate jobs to eliminate conflicts of interest. Nappier spoke at the companys annual meeting in Hartford. Nappier held firm against criticism that she was advancing a liberal and pro-labor political agenda, saying repeatedly to me and other journalists that she was only looking out for the states investments in companies. Bhargava, likewise, says her activism would uphold her financial oversight role in Connecticut which arguably has the nations strongest state treasurer as a sole fiduciary of pension funds. The line can be fine between political and financial activism, as is the line for what types of advertising a mass media outlet can run without appearing to take sides or ignite an issue. Both movements are evolving as Americas divided politics promise no consensus anytime soon, or ever. dhaar@hearstmediact.com This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate A jury trial is set to begin on Monday to determine how much Alex Jones owes two Sandy Hook parents who a Texas judge determined Jones defamed when he called the 2012 massacre that killed their child a giant hoax. The trial in Travis County District Court in Austin is the first of three in Texas and Connecticut to determine damages after several Sandy Hook families won their defamation cases against Jones. The Infowars host had called the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting that killed 20 first-graders and six educators staged, synthetic, manufactured, a giant hoax and completely fake with actors. These are the main figures in the first trial, which begins with jury selection on Monday and opening arguments on Tuesday. Scarlett Lewis and Neil Heslin Scarlett Lewis and Neil Heslin are the parents of Jesse Lewis, a 6-year-old who was killed in the Sandy Hook tragedy. Law enforcement officials have said he saved the lives of nine of his classmates by telling them to run. After his death, Scarlett Lewis discovered a message her son had written on their kitchen chalkboard the words Nurturing Healing Love. She was inspired to create the Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement, a nonprofit that offers free social and emotional learning curriculum to schools across the globe. Heslin and Lewis filed separate defamation lawsuits against Jones, but their cases were combined into one trial for defamation purposes after Judge Maya Guerra Gamble ruled in fall 2021 that they and other Sandy Hook parents won their cases by default. When Jones offered an $120,000 settlement to an FBI agent and each of the parents involved in the Texas and Connecticut cases, Heslin, along with the others, defiantly rejected the proposal. With me it was never about money it was about principle, Heslin told Hearst Connecticut Media in March. Im not surprised Jones would try to settle before this goes to trial, but I am going to trial to fight him. I am going to argue the whole thing. Both parents are expected to testify on separate days of the trial. Alex Jones Alex Jones own legal team has called him the Coca-Cola of the conspiracy theory community. On his InfoWars talk show, hes known for spewing anti-government conspiracy theories, including his one about the Sandy Hook shooting. In 2018, Heslin and the parents of Noah Pozner, another child killed in the shooting, filed defamation cases in Texas, seeking more than $1 million each in damages. Scarlett Lewis then filed her suit in Texas, and eight additional families and an FBI agent later sued Jones for defamation in Connecticut. That Connecticut case is scheduled to go to trial in September, with jury selection starting in August. Jones says he no longer believes that the Sandy Hook shooting was staged, saying earlier this year in videos posted on his site that he feels sorry for the families. But he argues he has a First Amendment right to be wrong about what he said regarding the shooting. Attorneys for Heslin and Lewis declined to say whether they would call Jones to testify in Texas, where he lives. F. Andino Reynal Texas attorney F. Andino Reynal has gained Jones trust as of late and is the lead attorney representing the Infowars host in this trial. Reynal was a federal prosecutor for the Southern District of Texas and is one of the lawyers with The Reynal Law Firm, based in Houston. Jones New Haven attorney Norm Pattis has said that Reynal has gained Jones confidence in a way that Pattis has lost, and Pattis has asked that Reynal be permitted to represent Jones in the Connecticut case, too. But due to the Texas case, Reynal would need to miss the jury selection in the Connecticut trial if that begins on schedule on Aug. 2. Mark Bankston Mark Bankston is the lead attorney representing the Sandy Hook parents. He is from the Houston-based firm Farrar & Ball, where he has worked since 2010, according to the firms website. Judge Maya Guerra Gamble Overseeing the court is Judge Maya Guerra Gamble, who issued default judgments last October in favor of the Sandy Hook parents. She is the judge for Travis Countys 459th District Court and was elected to a four-year term in 2018, according to her website. Prior to becoming a judge, she was a trial lawyer in Austin and ran a practice specializing in child protective services cases. WASHINGTON (AP) President Joe Biden tested positive for COVID-19 on Thursday and went into isolation with mild symptoms. White House officials went all-out to show that the 79-year-old U.S. leader could power through the virus and keep working because he was vaccinated and boosted. In a navy blazer and Oxford shirt, Biden recorded a video on a White House balcony to send the message that he would be fine and the country should stay calm and carry on. He recognizes the pandemic as a national trauma that has killed more than one million Americans and alarmed millions more, and his words in the video posted to Twitter were meant to be reassuring. Im doing well, getting a lot of work done, Biden said, the faint sound of an ice cream truck jingling in the distance. And in the meantime, thanks for your concern. And keep the faith. Its going to be OK. Thursday demonstrated one of the inevitable risks awaiting a president who has insisted on trying to reconnect with the world and everyday Americans after a prolonged lockdown. It was a reminder that COVID-19, with its mutations and sub-strains, continues to be a threat; the White House also saw it as a chance to demonstrate progress in combating the disease. Administration officials reminded people that Bidens prognosis is strong because hes received every vaccine dose for which hes eligible, including two original shots and two boosters. Hes also being treated with Paxlovid, an antiviral drug used to prevent more severe symptoms. White House COVID-19 coordinator Dr. Ashish Jha told reporters at a briefing that he spoke with Biden over the phone and the president sounded great. He had been working all morning, Jha said. He hadnt even been able to finish his breakfast because he had just been busy. I encouraged him to finish his breakfast. Bidens physician, Dr. Kevin OConnor, said in a letter that Biden had a runny nose and fatigue, with an occasional dry cough, which started yesterday evening. The president will isolate for five days and can return to his usual activities after a negative test, Jha said. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre described the president's symptoms as "very mild" and said Biden had been in contact with staff members by phone and was participating in his planned meetings via phone and Zoom from the White House residence. Asked where Biden might have contracted the virus, Jean-Pierre said, I don't think that matters." She added that the White House was more focused on how Biden was feeling and would engage in contact tracing. The White House took steps to show that the president was busy working despite his diagnosis, with Biden tweeting out a picture of himself making calls from the Treaty Room of the White House. The president spoke by phone to lawmakers in Pennsylvania to apologize for having to cancel his planned trip Thursday to the city of Wilkes-Barre to promote his crime prevention plans. He also called South Carolina Rep. Jim Clyburn to wish him a happy birthday and congratulate him on receiving an award from the NAACP. A planned fundraiser in Philadelphia for the Democratic National Committee on Thursday was postponed, according to a party official. Dr. O'Connor wrote in his letter about the president's treatment plan: I anticipate that he will respond favorably to Paxlovid as most maximally protected patients do. White House chief of staff Ron Klain said in a letter to White House staff obtained by The Associated Press that all close contacts of the president will be informed of the positive test in keeping with standard protocol. First lady Jill Biden, speaking to reporters as she arrived for a school visit in Detroit, said she'd just gotten off the phone with her husband. Hes doing fine, she said. "Hes feeling good. The first lady, who was wearing a mask, said she had tested negative earlier in the day. She planned to keep her full schedule in Michigan and Georgia on Thursday, while following masking and distancing guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said Michael LaRosa, her spokesperson. The president returned from a trip to Israel and Saudi Arabia overnight Saturday. White House officials had told reporters that Biden planned to minimize contact during the trip, yet as soon as he exited Air Force One on July 13, he was fist-bumping, handshaking and even was seen in an occasional hug. The CDC says symptoms can appear two to 14 days after exposure to the virus. Biden lad a light schedule after returning from Saudi Arabia, attending church on Sunday and helping to welcome Ukraine's first lady Olena Zelenska to the White House on Tuesday. The president traveled to Massachusetts on Wednesday to promote efforts to combat climate change. Up to this point, Bidens ability to avoid the virus seemed to defy the odds, even with the testing procedures in place for those expected to be in close contact with him. Prior waves of the virus swept through Washingtons political class, infecting Vice President Kamala Harris, Cabinet members, White House staffers and lawmakers. Biden has increasingly stepped up his travel schedule and resumed holding large indoor events where not everyone is tested. A White House official said Harris tested negative for COVID-19. She was last with the president on Tuesday and spoke with him on the phone Thursday morning. Harris planned to remain masked on the guidance of the White House medical team. The vice president, the first lady and Klain, the chief of staff, were all deemed close contacts of Biden. Dr. Leana Wen, a public health professor at George Washington University, said were in a very different place than before vaccines and therapeutics were widespread. The coronavirus is everywhere, and your chance of getting it, even if youre vaccinated and boosted, and even if youve already had it, are very high, she said. At the same time, its also true that for nearly everyone, the coronavirus has evolved from being a potential death sentence to something that we can live with. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said she hoped that Biden's positive test for the virus would cause more Americans to get vaccinated and boosted because "none of us is immune from it, including the president of the United States, and we really have to be careful. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell on Twitter wished the president "a speedy recovery. Top White House officials in recent months have been matter-of-fact about the likelihood of the president getting COVID, a measure of how ingrained the virus has become in society and of its diminished threat for those who are up to date on their vaccinations and with access to treatments. When administered within five days of symptoms appearing, Paxlovid, produced by drugmaker Pfizer, has been proven to bring about a 90% reduction in hospitalizations and deaths among patients most likely to get severe disease. Biden is far from the first world leader and not the first U.S. president to get the coronavirus, which has infected British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, French President Emmanuel Macron and more than a dozen other leaders and high-ranking officials globally. When Bidens predecessor, Donald Trump, contracted the disease in October 2020, vaccines were not available and treatment options were limited and less advanced. After being diagnosed at the White House, Trump was given an experimental antibody treatment and steroids after his blood oxygen levels fell dangerously low. He was hospitalized at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for three days. After more than two years and over a million deaths in the U.S., the virus is still killing an average of 353 people a day here, according to the CDC. The unvaccinated are at far greater risk, more than twice as likely to test positive and nine times as likely to die from the virus as those who have received at least a primary dose of the vaccines, according to the health agency. The highly transmissible omicron variant is the dominant strain in the U.S., but scientists say it poses a lower risk for severe illness to those who are up to date on their vaccinations. Omicron's BA.5 sub-strain, believed to be even more contagious, now makes up more than 65% of U.S. cases. ___ Associated Press audio correspondent Shelley Adler and writers Seung Min Kim, Fatima Hussein and Mike Householder contributed to this report. Householder contributed from Detroit. ___ This story was first published on July 21, 2022. It was updated on July 22, 2022, to make clear that Leana Wen is a public health professor and a practicing physician. (The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.) Jill Roberts, University of South Florida (THE CONVERSATION) Floridas outbreak of listeria has so far led to at least one death, 22 hospitalizations and an ice cream recall since January. Humans get sick with listeria infections, or listeriosis, from eating soil-contaminated food, undercooked meat or dairy products that are raw, or unpasteurized. Listeria can cause convulsions, coma, miscarriage and birth defects. And its the third leading cause of food poisoning deaths in the U.S. Avoiding unseen food hazards is the reason people often check the dates on food packaging. And printed with the month and year is often one of a dizzying array of phrases: best by, use by, best if used before, best if used by, guaranteed fresh until, freeze by and even a born on label applied to some beer. People think of them as expiration dates, or the date at which a food should go in the trash. But the dates have little to do with when food expires, or becomes less safe to eat. I am a microbiologist and public health researcher, and I have used molecular epidemiology to study the spread of bacteria in food. A more science-based product dating system could make it easier for people to differentiate foods they can safely eat from those that could be hazardous. Costly confusion The United States Department of Agriculture reports that in 2020 the average American household spent 12% of its income on food. But a lot of food is simply thrown away, despite being perfectly safe to eat. The USDA Economic Research Center reports that nearly 31% of all available food is never consumed. Historically high food prices make the problem of waste seem all the more alarming. The current food labeling system may be to blame for much of the waste. The FDA reports consumer confusion around product dating labels is likely responsible for around 20% of the food wasted in the home, costing an estimated US$161 billion per year. Its logical to believe that date labels are there for safety reasons, since the federal government enforces rules for including nutrition and ingredient information on food labels. Passed in 1938 and continuously modified since, the Food, Drug, and Cosmetics Act requires food labels to inform consumers of nutrition and ingredients in packaged foods, including the amount of salt, sugar and fat it contains. The dates on those food packages, however, are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. Rather, they come from food producers. And they may not be based on food safety science. For example, a food producer may survey consumers in a focus group to pick a use by date that is six months after the product was produced because 60% of the focus group no longer liked the taste. Smaller manufacturers of a similar food might play copycat and put the same date on their product. More interpretations One industry group, the Food Marketing Institute and Grocery Manufacturers Association, suggests that its members mark food best if used by to indicate how long the food is safe to eat, and use by to indicate when food becomes unsafe. But using these more nuanced marks is voluntary. And although the recommendation is motivated by a desire to cut down on food waste, it is not yet clear if this recommended change has had any impact. A joint study by the Harvard Food Law and Policy Clinic and the National Resources Defense Council recommends the elimination of dates aimed at consumers, citing potential confusion and waste. Instead, the research suggests manufacturers and distributors use production or pack dates, along with sell-by dates, aimed at supermarkets and other retailers. The dates would indicate to retailers the amount of time a product will remain at high quality. The FDA considers some products potentially hazardous foods if they have characteristics that allow microbes to flourish, like moisture and an abundance of nutrients that feed microbes. These foods include chicken, milk and sliced tomatoes, all of which have been linked to serious foodborne outbreaks. But there is currently no difference between the date labeling used on these foods and that used on more stable food items. Scientific formula Infant formula is the only food product with a use by date that is both government regulated and scientifically determined. It is routinely lab tested for contamination. But infant formula also undergoes nutrition tests to determine how long it take the nutrients - particularly protein to break down. To prevent malnutrition in babies, the use by date on baby formula indicates when its no longer nutritious. Nutrients in foods are relatively easy to measure. The FDA already does this regularly. The agency issues warnings to food producers when the nutrient contents listed on their labels dont match what FDAs lab finds. Microbial studies, like the ones we food safety researchers work on, are also a scientific approach to meaningful date labeling on foods. In our lab, a microbial study might involve leaving a perishable food out to spoil and measuring how much bacteria grows in it over time. Scientists also do another kind of microbial study by watching how long it takes microbes like listeria to grow to dangerous levels after intentionally adding the microbes to food to watch what they do, noting such details as growth in the amount of bacteria over time and when theres enough to cause illness. Consumers on their own Determining the shelf life of food with scientific data on both its nutrition and its safety could drastically decrease waste and save money as food gets more expensive. But in the absence of a uniform food dating system, consumers could rely on their eyes and noses, deciding to discard the fuzzy bread, green cheese or off-smelling bag of salad. People also might pay close attention to the dates for more perishable foods, like cold cuts, in which microbes grow easily. They can also find guidance at FoodSafety.gov. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article here: https://theconversation.com/food-expiration-dates-dont-have-much-science-behind-them-a-food-safety-researcher-explains-another-way-to-know-whats-too-old-to-eat-186622. Connecticuts Ned Lamont has the highest approval rating of any Democratic governor in the United States, a new poll has found. According to Morning Consult, 58 percent of registered voters in Connecticut approve of Lamonts performance as governor, while 35 percent disapprove. Lamonts approval rating makes him the nations ninth most popular governor overall, behind eight Republicans. The new poll comes as Lamont campaigns for reelection against Republican Bob Stefanowski, who has attempted to paint the governor as being out of touch with Connecticuts electorate. Though Lamont is considered a favorite to win reelection, the race is expected to be competitive. In May, an Emerson College poll had Lamont leading Stefanowski by a margin of 57-43, while a Quinnipiac University poll had the governor ahead by a more modest margin, 51-43. In releasing its recent survey, Morning Consult noted that Democratic governors have not seen their popularity decline as precipitously as that of President Joe Biden, whose approval rating is now below 40 percent in most polls. While most Democratic governors facing competitive re-election bids have seen their popularity decline since President Joe Biden took office, Morning Consult Political Intelligence surveys show most of this movement is marginal, and all of these incumbents remain more popular in their states than the beleaguered commander-in-chief, the polling firm wrote. Lamonts approval rating has risen and fallen over his three and a half years as governor, dipping as low as 24 percent in 2019, before surging during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, when he quickly rose from one of Americas least popular governors to one of its most popular. Lamonts popularity has dipped slightly from its 2021 highs, but his approval remains 23 points higher than his disapproval, according to Morning Consult. In the previous iteration of Morning Consults quarterly tracking of gubernatorial popularity, released in late April, Lamont had a 57 percent approval rating, placing him 18th nationally and fourth among Democrats. Though his approval did not change dramatically in Morning Consults latest poll, other governors showed dips in popularity, allowing Lamont to rise on the list. According to Morning Consult, Mark Gordon, a West Virginia Republican, has the highest approval rating of any governor, followed by Vermonts Phil Scott, Massachusettss Charlie Baker and Marylands Larry Hogan. New Hampshires Chris Sununu ranks sixth, giving New England four of the nations nine most popular governors. At the other side of the popularity spectrum, Rhode Island Democrat Dan McKee has the lowest approval rating of any governor, at 38 percent, with Oregon Democrat Kate Brown just ahead at 40 percent. alex.putterman@hearstmediact.com This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate STAMFORD As city officials weigh how much space electric scooters and bikes should take up on Stamford's streets, not everyone is sure they should be welcome at all. During an hour-long conversation before the Board of Representatives this week, members by and large rehashed their support of and anxieties over welcoming scooters to the city. As before, banning scooter riders on sidewalks and creating designated parking areas for future ridesharing programs emerged as popular solutions to concerns over pedestrian safety problems. City representatives led by Rep. Cara Gilbride, D-11 first floated lifting Stamford's 17-year ban on electric scooters and bicycles in June. Officials originally drafted the ordinance to prohibit mini-motorcycles, which would remain banned under the current plan. During early conversations, Gilbride and the city Transportation Department pitched scooters as a valuable "last mile" solution for people trying to get around the city. But before the Transportation Committee for a second time, newer questions over enforcement and safety loomed large over the meeting, which featured members from the disability rights community, pedestrian advocacy groups and Stamford's Transportation Department, among others. "It's going to be a delicate balance," local disability activist Phil Magalnick said. Not everyone is sure they can strike that balance, including Magalnick, who co-chairs the city ADA Advisory Council. He raised concerns over how adding electric scooters to the mix could amplify disabled residents' navigation challenges. Enforcement could pose an issue, he said. And if scooters are on sidewalks regardless of the rules, Magalnick explained, it could threaten people with disabilities. "Having something speed up behind us is quite concerning," he added. State law currently allows for scooter users to ride on sidewalks, though it also stipulates that these riders must give deference to pedestrians. Similarly, Connecticut's e-scooter rules allow for rideshare users to park on sidewalks. However, town ordinance can also ban it. Rep. Jeffrey Stella, D-9, also took issue with the potential enforcement problem that scooters could create. Gilbride, who introduced the scooters discussion, previously told the committee that city police weren't enforcing the existing scooter ban on city streets. In that case, Stella wondered, why increase their burden? "We were constantly hearing in Stamford how we're short on manpower when it comes to law enforcement, so who's gonna be doing this enforcement?" he asked. While Magalnick and Stella eyed the future of electric scooters with caution, Will Wright of the local pedestrian group People Friendly Stamford pointed to them as a ripe opportunity, especially given that people are already using scooters in town. Adjusting the city ordinance to allow e-scooters, he said, is "about bringing the ordinance into these realities." Among board members, not every enforcement-minded representative at the meeting saw scooters as a liability. In fact, Rep. Sean Boeger, D-15, argued that updating city scooter rules gives "teeth" to Stamford as it attempts to regulate its existing scooters. "I'd rather have some teeth to control the situation from an enforcement standpoint than have nothing at all," Boeger, a city police sergeant, said. Even though concerns related to ridesharing operations dominated the discussion, Stamford would not be welcoming shared scooters immediately even if it lifted the ban. Gilbride at the last meeting floated putting e-scooter vendors through a Board of Representatives vetting process if the city wants to introduce ridesharing. With preliminary conversations before the Board of Representatives finished, city officials must introduce a formal ordinance to board members before scooters come to an official vote. That's likely, said Transportation Committee Chair Rep. David Watkins, R-1. "It's pretty clear that this will come back to us, very possibly as a draft ordinance, either from the administration which wouldn't have been my preference or by any representative," Watkins said. An attorney from the city Law Department has been assigned to concentrate on micromobility ahead of any ordinance, Stamford corporation counsel Doug Dalena confirmed. veronica.delvalle@hearstmediact.com This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate ATLANTA (AP) Georgia's abortion law changed so abruptly Wednesday afternoon that some patients who were in an office waiting for abortions were told that what had been legal that morning was no longer legal in the state and sent home. Melissa Grant, chief operating officer of Carafem, a Washington, D.C.-based group that operates a reproductive health clinic in Atlanta, called the process of sending home four patients terrible. It was difficult every time the staff had to bring it up, whether it was someone on the phone for tomorrow or somebody in the office today, Grant said. They would have to resteel themselves in order to try to be empathetic and understanding in the face of someone who was either going to fall apart, cry, get angry or try to bargain Isnt there some way you can still see me?" The law, which had been barred from taking effect, bans most abortions once a detectable human heartbeat is present. Cardiac activity can be detected by ultrasound in cells within an embryo that will eventually become the heart as early as six weeks into a pregnancy, before many pregnancies are detected. Now, with abortion illegal or heavily restricted in Deep South states except disputed Louisiana, Georgia patients more than six weeks pregnant are likely to be referred to clinics in Florida, North Carolina or even farther away. The Georgia law includes exceptions for rape and incest, as long as a police report is filed. It also allows for later abortions when the mothers life is at risk or a serious medical condition renders a fetus unviable and includes provisions that change the definition of natural person, giving a fetus the same legal rights as people have once theyre born. The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Wednesday that the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in a Mississippi case that overturned Roe v. Wade allows the law to take effect. Normally, the Georgia ruling wouldnt take effect for weeks, but the court issued a second order Wednesday allowing the law to take effect immediately. In Louisiana, a state judge ruled Thursday that the state's three abortion clinics can continue operating while a lawsuit challenging the states near total ban on abortions is resolved. For weeks, access to abortion has been flickering in the state, where the ban has twice taken effect twice and twice been blocked since the Supreme Court ruling in June. Clinics in Baton Rouge and New Orleans that had ceased operations pending the ruling said they were open again Thursday. The preliminary injunction in Louisiana is the latest development amid a flurry of court challenges to state trigger laws that were crafted in anticipation of Roe being overturned. Georgia is one of the biggest states to see sweeping restrictions on abortion. The National Abortion Federation listed 10 clinics providing surgical abortions before Wednesday, although an 11th clinic in Savannah had already closed after the Supreme Court acted. One of those clinics, the Feminist Women's Health Center in Brookhaven, had been performing 150 to 200 abortions per week, Executive Director Kwajalein Jackson said. That number rose when new limits went into place in other southeastern states in recent weeks, Jackson said. Grant said Carafem has canceled more than 75 appointments for women beyond six weeks. State records show about 35,000 abortions were performed in Georgia in 2021. Abortion rights supporters said that they try to refer women to the right location for them, and somewhere farther away might be better if a woman has family or friends in a distant location. "It really is about what is going to be the best plan for the person at the end of the day, said Monica Simpson, executive director of Atlanta-based SisterSong Women of Color Reproductive Justice Collective, which advocates for abortion rights. Simpson and abortion providers said they work closely with abortion funds that can provide financial assistance. In Savannah, closure of the city's only provider of surgical abortion left a Planned Parenthood clinic that offers medication abortions only. Yesterday at 9 a.m. you were able to go to your local clinic and access medication-based abortion up to 11 weeks of pregnancy, said Coco Papy, a former Planned Parenthood Southeast board member. And as of 3 p.m. yesterday you could no longer access that. Groups that oppose abortion are also stepping up their responses, said Suzanne Guy, a longtime activist. My phone has been blowing up since Roe has been overturned, she said. Guy said she hopes religious groups will support women not just while pregnant and during birth, but for the long haul. In suburban Atlanta, Keri Ninness anticipates an increase in pregnant women seeking services at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Marietta. Ninness said the group called Walking With Moms in Need has helped 15 pregnant women in the past 15 months. In a very practical sense, I see the need for diapers and food going through the roof," Ninness said. "Ive had five requests for infant car seats in the last week. She said she also expects more mothers needing cribs, help from lactation consultants and even shelter. Weve always said we were pro-life, and now we get to put that into practice, Ninness said. ___ Associated Press writers Kevin McGill contributed from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and Russ Bynum from Savannah, Georgia. The Minister of National Defence, Vasile Dincu, received the president of the Defence Committee of the French National Assembly, Thomas Gassilloud, on Thursday, on the agenda of talks being the perspectives of consolidating cooperation within NATO, EU and bilateral, with an emphasis on NATO Summit's decisions in Madrid, according to a press release sent by the Ministry of National Defence to AGERPRES. Other topics on the agenda were about relations in the context of the two countries' strategic partnership, France's contribution to the deterrence and defence efforts on the Eastern Flank, namely the actions for collaboration at a European level, on the capability development component. Dincu thanked France's commitment as a framework-nation on ensuring the Battle Group's consolidation for collective defence, up to a brigade level, based on the evolution of the security situation, according to the announcement made by the French president Emmanuel Macron. This effort "proves the soundness of the allies and of the strategic partnership between the two countries, with beneficial results for both ensuring Romania's security, as well as at a regional level," the quoted source shows.AGERPRES In most areas related to environmental protection, a joint action of European states is needed, but there are areas where we cannot accept advice, namely the issue of bears, Minister of Environment, Waters and Forests, Tanczos Barna said on Thursday at the Summer University of (central ) Baile Tusnad (Tusnad Baths). "Today [Thursday - ed.n.] we talked about sovereignty and environmental protection, to what extent we can be sovereign or make decisions as an independent state in the field of environmental protection. I sincerely believe that in most areas related to environmental protection there is no sovereignty. In most areas we need joint action, in most areas we are dependent on each other, whether we are talking about carbon emissions, about air pollution, water pollution, the use of water resources. All these elements are interconnected not only at the level of neighbouring states or continents, but globally. This is why most decisions made at European level must be implemented in all Member States. At the same time, however, there are some areas where we cannot accept advice from those who have shown their inability to manage a certain issue. And I mentioned here the issue of the bear population. I do not think it is right to receive advice from European Union countries that exterminated their bear populations a hundred years ago and impose new rules on those Member States that have historically demonstrated that they have managed in exemplary fashion this invaluable and extremely valuable resource," said Tanczos Barna. He added that, in recent history, Romania has demonstrated "including by hunting" that it can rationally manage the bear population, so as not to endanger human life, not to cause excessive damage, but to have, in the same time, the most valuable population of bears or wolves, both genetically and in number of specimens. Tanczos Barna participated in Baile Tusnad in a debate on "Two decades of crisis - sovereignty and room for economic maneuver in the new world context". The discussion was also attended by the Hungarian Minister of Agriculture, Nagy Istvan, who spoke about the impending food crisis and criticized the policy pursued by Brussels, "which is good in peacetime, but not in wartime", arguing that each country should have its own agricultural policy.AGERPRES The Minister of Foreign Affairs Bogdan Aurescu received Frank Rose, the Principal Deputy Administrator of the National Nuclear Security Administration at the U.S Department of Energy and former chief-negotiator of the Romania-USA Agreement regarding the placement of the anti-ballistic defence system of the United States in Romania in 2011, who is carrying out a visit in Bucharest. The two officials had an exchange of opinions regarding the security crisis caused by the illegal, unjustified and unprovoked aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine. The two dignitaries especially tackled aspects regarding nuclear security "in the context of irresponsible action of Russian armed forces in the immediate vicinity of operating nuclear power plants (such as the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant) or sites in conservation on Ukrainian territory (former Chernobyl nuclear power plant)," according to a press release sent by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE) to AGERPRES. Aurescu highlighted the security risks for the entire transatlantic community, which resulted from the continuation of the Russian offensive in Ukraine. In this context, he evoked the Madrid NATO Summit's important decisions regarding the consolidation and the streamlining of the NATO's deterrence and defence posture on the Eastern Flank and their practical implementation. He thanked for the American military presence in Romania, amplified after the launch of the Russian aggression, namely for the announcement made by the US President, Joe Biden, in Madrid, in regards to increasing the presence and he highlighted Romania's role in granting humanitarian aid to Ukraine and to Ukrainian refugees, as well as in facilitating cereal export from Ukraine towards other parts of the world. The American official appreciated Romania's efforts of supporting Ukraine and mitigating global repercussions of the Russian Federation's invasion. The head of Romanian diplomacy reiterated Romania's availability and increased interest in continuing to consolidate cooperation with the US in matter of civil nuclear energy. Thus, he referred to the importance of the major components of the Romania-USA bilateral cooperation program in the civil nuclear sector, namely the refurbishment of the Unit 1 of the Cernavoda nuclear power plant, the construction of the reactors 3 and 4 and the development of cutting-edge small modular reactors (SMR). These have the potential of placing civil nuclear energy among the main pillars of the Strategic Partnership with the USA and having a major contribution to the energy security of Romania and the region. Minister Aurescu appreciated the inclusion of the development project in Romania of a power plant based on SMR technology among the flagship projects of the Global Partnership for Investments and Infrastructure, launched by G7 at the Summit in Elmau, Germany, namely for the decision of granting a US initial financing worth 14 million dollars. The government stresses that freedom of the press must be protected and no journalist can be threatened, intimidated or assaulted, government spokesman Dan Carbunaru said on Thursday, in connection with the sentence of those involved in the threat of journalist Emilia Sercan. "Romania's Constitution guarantees freedom of expression, which is the core value of a democratic state. The gravity of this case, concluded with the conviction of those involved in threatening an investigative journalist, is shocking. The institutions in charge have the duty to hold accountable those responsible in all ongoing investigations. Anyone who commits such acts must be held accountable," Carbunaru said, according to a government press release. The former rector of the Alexandru Ioan Cuza Police Academy, Adrian Iacob, and the former vice-rector of the educational unit, Petrica Mihail Marcoci, were handed a mandatory sentence, on Thursday, by the High Court of Cassation and Justice to three years imprisonment with suspension for prompting a police officer from the Academy to send threatening messages to journalist Emilia Sercan. The supreme court rejected as unfounded the appeals declared by Emilia Sercan, the two defendants and the National Anti-corruption Directorate (DNA), the sentence applied in May 2021 by the Bucharest Court of Appeal being upheld. On the other hand, the ICCJ admitted the appeal of the Alexandru Ioan Cuza Police Academy and ordered that the educational institution should no longer pay for moral damages to the journalist jointly with the two policemen. By decision of the Bucharest Court of Appeal, Adrian Iacob and Petrica Mihail Marcoci will stay under supervision for 4 years, during which the two must attend one or more social reintegration programs carried out by the probation service or organized in collaboration with community institutions. Moreover, Adrian Iacob and Petrica Mihail Marcoci will perform unpaid work for the benefit of the community, for a period of 120 days, in one of the following institutions: the Administration of Lakes, Parks and Recreation Bucharest or the Foundation for the Promotion of Community Sanctions. The judges admitted in part the civil action filed by Emilia Sercan, who will receive 80,000 RON as moral damages. In a separate case, police officer Gheorghe Adrian Barbulescu, the one who sent the threatening messages to the journalist, was sentenced by the Bucharest Tribunal to one year in prison with the postponement of the execution of the sentence for committing the crime of blackmail. The decision was made after the police officer pleaded guilty and signed a plea agreement with DNA. Justice Minister Catalin Predoiu said on Thursday that at the latest JHA Council meeting in Prague he raised again the problem of convicts who should be serving time under final court rulings in Romania, but who find loopholes in the foreign legislation to evade the execution of the sentence in certain EU member states. The Minister's statements come as the central media informed on Thursday that the Athens Court of Appeal has decided to reject Romania's extradition request for former Bucharest mayor Sorin Oprescu. "The Ministry of Justice respects the independence of judges in all EU member states. On the other hand, I can inform you that I have raised again at the recent JHA Council meeting in Prague the issue of judicial cooperation on criminal matters between EU member states, specifically the fact that certain corruption convicts sentenced to prison in Romania find 'legal loopholes' in foreign law to evade serving time in certain EU member states. The Ministry has recently put up for public debate a 'bill for fugitives' intended to discourage this phenomenon, and which should be in for adoption as soon as possible," Catalin Predoiu said. According to the Justice Minister, the Romanian courts cooperate "in an exemplary manner" in the extradition and surrender procedures under European legal instruments, as do the Romanian law enforcement authorities. "What applies in the fight against corruption and the recognition of the enforcement of final criminal judgments in an EU member state must be valid in any EU member state," Predoiu stressed. He added that one of the explanations for a difference in the approach by foreign courts is "the distrust in the decisions of Romanian courts", caused by the further keeping in place of the Cooperation and Verification Mechanism (CVM) - for just two EU member states - along with the rule of law mechanism which applies to all member states. "This is yet another reason for us to focus our efforts on achieving the CVM benchmarks, and the adoption of the Justice laws in the next parliamentary session is the key goal in this regard," the Justice Minister said. Sorin Oprescu was provisionally arrested on May 17 in Greece, on a European arrest warrant issued by the Romanian judicial authorities, based on a final court decision of conviction. On May 13, the Bucharest Court of Appeal had definitively sentenced Oprescu to 10 years and 8 months in prison for setting up an organized criminal group, bribe-taking, abuse of office and money laundering. AGERPRES The General Inspectorate of the Border Police informs that, on Wednesday, 105,379 people entered Romania, through the border crossing points, out of whom 12,062 were Ukrainian citizens, increasing by 20.5pct compared to the previous day. According to a press release sent on Thursday to AGERPRES, approximately 212,102 persons, Romanian and foreign citizens, carried out the control formalities at the border crossing points nationwide, both on the way in and on the way out, with more than 52,586 means of transport. Starting with February 10, 2022 (pre-conflict period), 1,636,179 Ukrainian citizens entered Romania. "In terms of the specific activity at the border crossing points and the "green border," the border police discovered 59 illegalities (25 crimes and 34 contraventions) committed by both Romanian and foreign citizens, with the amount of fines applied exceeding 17,335 lei," the same source shows. AGERPRES Nuclearelectrica announces the Unit 1 Refurbishment Project's advancement by signing the first contract with Candu Energy, member of the SNC-Lavalin group, and the Design Authority of Unit 1 and OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) for CANDU technology, in phase II of the project, according to a Nuclearelectrica press release issued on Thursday to AGERPRES. Under the contract, Candu Energy will provide engineering services for the elaboration of the technical documentation for the purchase of the long-cycle components of the reactor, which will be replaced at the Refurbishment of Unit 1, within the process called "reactor retubing" (Replacement of Fuel Channels, Calandria tubes, feeder coupling). Candu Energy will also provide engineering services to evaluate the state of the set of specialized tools that will be used to replace the reactor components and to develop the documentation for the purchase of components that need to be replaced / modified. The CANDU reactors have an initial life span of 30 years, which can be extended for another 30 years, following a refurbishment process, which Nuclearelectrica is currently doing with Unit 1, which was put into commercial operation in 1996. The refurbishment of CNE Cernavoda Unit 1 represents one of the main investment projects carried out by the National Company Nuclearelectrica SA (SNN) and was approved by the shareholders of SNN, through the Decision of the Extraordinary General Assembly of shareholders of SNN no. 27/23.12.2013. The Unit 1 Refurbishment Project, started in 2017, is implemented in three stages, in line with international experience and practice in the field. "We are proud to sign the first contract with Candu Energy, which is advancing the Unit 1 Refurbishment Project at CNE (nuclear power plant) Cernavoda. Romania needs clean, stable and accessible nuclear power generation capacities as a solution for achieving energy security and protecting the consumer. We have a long-term mission to generate clean energy at excellence standards, and the refurbishment of Unit 1 will provide Romania with another 30 years of energy in the band", said Cosmin Ghita, CEO Nuclearelectrica. At the same time, given the complexity and strategic importance of the project, the company has hired since 2021 over 100 new colleagues, who will be part of the organizational structure of the project and who benefit from specialization in accordance with nuclear standards. Some of the newly hired will be sent for specialization in plants in Canada, who have already gone through the experience of retooling nuclear units. "CNE Cernavoda has over 25 years of expertise in nuclear operation at the highest safety standards. We have a highly qualified staff, and the Unit 1 refurbishment project capitalizes on this expertise. The refurbishment of a nuclear unit is a very complex process, similar to the construction of new nuclear units, a project for which the CNE Cernavoda refurbishment team is being prepared. We are pleased to start the collaboration for this strategic project with Candu Energy," said Sorin Ghelbereu, Director of Strategic Projects, CNE Cernavoda. For his part, Joe St. Julian, president for nuclear energy at SNC-Lavalin, expressed satisfaction to continue "our relationship of over ten years with Nuclearelectrica and Romania, in the context in which Nuclearelectrica is preparing its CANDU reactors to serve future generations as effectively as past generations have served." As an administrator and manufacturer of original equipment of the CANDU technology, we know best this type of reactor and how to successfully achieve a refurbishment of it. We want to design a better future for our planet and for the people, and we are proud that our CANDU technology will continue to contribute to the prosperity of Romania and the Romanians: by providing carbon-free, band-free electricity that the economy can rely on in any weather conditions and independently of the geopolitical context, for the next 30 years, he added. Benefits of the Unit 1 Refurbishment Project: 30 more years of operation starting with 2029; approximately 5.5 million MWh of clean energy, net delivered annually to National Power Grid (SEN), at the lowest cost of all energy sources; hundreds of new jobs; contributions to the economy; over 5 million tonnes of CO2 avoided annually. Unit 1 of CNE Cernavoda, with 700 MW installed power was commissioned in 1996 and has so far delivered over 127 million MWh, which represents 9% of the consumption at national level in 25 years. Unit 1 also avoided releasing 125 million tons of CO2 into the atmosphere, which is the equivalent of the emissions produced by all vehicles in Romania for over 6 years.AGERPRES The governing coalition has decided to have working groups set up at the Labor Ministry to look into the regulation of salaries and pensions, Prime Minister Nicolae Ciuca said on Thursday as he visited the National Research and Development Institute for Cryogenic and Isotopic Technologies in Ramnicu Valcea; on the same occasion, the head of the state pointed out that military pensions are public service pensions, not special benefits. "Military pensions, regardless of the activity branch, are state military pensions, they are service pensions, not special pensions. Within the coalition we decided that everything that means salary and pension regulation should be reviewed by working groups which will be set up within the Labor Ministry, and which will include representatives of government structures as well as representatives of employers, trade unions and the civil society, so that our salary and pension-related NRRP milestone is accomplished by the end of the year; practically, we are discussing here what balancing, removing inequities and all the well-known issues from the salary and pension system means. It's a decision of the coalition, which has already begun to take shape at the level of the government, at the Labor Ministry," Ciuca told a press conference. Asked about the taxation of special pensions, the Premier said that a decision cannot be taken yet, because "the way things are now, taxation must be very well correlated with the digitalization of the Finance Ministry's system, so that we are able to get the true and complete picture of everything that means the income part and establish the taxation level based on that." AGERPRES 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 Pay attention to that man behind the curtain. That man is Steven Pursley, the chef and owner of 3-month-old Menya Rui in Lindenwood Park, where diners have been lining up outside to wait for bowls of his ramen. The curtain is plain gray, a temporary barrier between his restaurants dining room and open kitchen. The air conditioning in the tight space couldnt keep up with both boiling summer and boiling noodles. You can still see Menya Ruis most important piece of kitchen equipment, though: the machine, imported from Japan, that cuts those noodles from rolled sheets of dough. At dinner the machine stands squat and silent behind a big latticed window at one end of the dining room. Was that an echo of its motor you just heard over the restaurants soundtrack of Japanese pop and oldies? It was probably a fellow diner happily slurping thin, springy noodles from a bowl of pork shoyu ramen. If you consider pork ramen synonymous with rich, creamy tonkotsu broth, let Pursley introduce you to the Onomichi style of his pork shoyu ramen. Over his signature soy sauce-based shoyu tare he ladles rendered pork fatback and onion oil. To this he adds the chicken-based house stock, the noodles and the toppings: menma, nori, scallion and tender slices of chasyu made with pork shoulder. The broth formed by the trio of tare, stock and pork fat slicks the noodles with a lip-smacking succulence, but the flavor as a whole is clean and relatively light atop its umami heart. Or maybe you heard someone swishing and slurping Menya Ruis other style of noodle, which is thicker and slightly chewier. You can order these as tsukemen, or dipping noodles, with the unadorned noodles served alongside a bowl of concentrated broth touched with the sweet, briny notes of scallop oil. Once youve finished the noodles, take the dining rooms communal thermos of the (unconcentrated) house stock and top off your bowl. Brighter now, but still retaining its notes of scallop oil and the chasyu that floated in the original bowl, the soup invigorates the end of your meal. Making its noodles in house sets Menya Rui apart from other local restaurants that feature ramen. The process is labor intensive, yielding 30 to 40 portions per hour for a dining room that seats 24 and turns tables at a clip far closer to fast-casual than fine dining. A newer, more expensive machine might promise 100 portions per hour, with such bells and whistles as a conveyor belt where the noodles come out or a sifter to dust the noodles. I dont have that, Pursley told me in a phone interview. So I have to, like, catch each noodle (portion), lay it out on the table, dust it, ball it up, put it in the box, do another row at a time. Pursley named Menya Rui after the generic Japanese term for a noodle shop and his given Japanese name, respectively. His parents met when his father, while serving in the U.S. Navy, was stationed in his mothers native Okinawa prefecture in Japan. He spent his early years mostly in Okinawa, where the noodle dish of choice wasnt ramen, but Okinawa soba. Ramen was a treat; he remembers his uncle taking him to a ramen shop in Tokyo when he was 4 or 5, his first memory of the dish. When Pursley was 10, his family settled in Union, Missouri. He worked in restaurants off and on in high school and college but didnt plan for a career in the industry. At the University of Missouri-St. Louis, he studied political science with an eye to law school next. By graduation, though, Pursley had changed his mind and found himself at a crossroads. After briefly considering studying engineering he made it through one day of a community-college program he decided to go to Japan to study ramen. He stayed there for three years, the first two in Okinawa, the third in the city of Matsuyama. He worked in four different ramen shops in that time. From the beginning, when he worked part-time at two restaurants, he saw the variety the term ramen encompasses. One of the two spots served tonkotsu, the most obvious example of the hearty paitan style of broth; the other focused on the clear, lighter chintan style. After Pursley returned to the U.S., he worked in restaurants in St. Louis and honed his own approach to ramen through pop-up dinners. He searched for a year for the perfect space for Menya Rui, both small and already outfitted as a restaurant. He found the former F&Bs Eatery on Hampton Avenue just south of Tilles Park. Menya Rui is an efficient operation both the inherent efficiency of your particular bowl of noodles, assembled from components Pursley and his team already have at hand, and the practical efficiency of the COVID dining era. You order via QR code and pay on your phone when you place your order. You wont wait long for your food, and ramen isnt a dish to linger over. Those waiting in line will thank you. The menu is as compact as the space. Ive already mentioned two of the six main dishes. The chicken shoyu ramen looks more or less identical in its bowl to the pork shoyu. Instead of rendered pork fatback, the chicken shoyus aromatic component is chicken oil, the schmaltz left over from making the house stock. For the broths depth of flavor and silken body, imagine chicken stock made with another chicken stock, not water, as the base. The traditional duo of chile oil and sesame paste ripple through Pursleys tantanmen ramen. The chile heat is controlled, fizzing around the shoyu broth and the additional savory heft of ground pork without drowning them. Tantanmen is also one of the two mazemen, or brothless, ramen dishes available. I ordered the other mazemen, the Original Aburasoba. Pursley tosses the thicker noodles in his shoyu tare and scallop oil and tops them with chaysu, nori, menma, bean sprouts and gyofun. This last ingredient fish powder, equal parts bonito and sardine is also a key ingredient of the ramen bowls, added between the tare and aromatic oils. Here its a depth charge of umami and ocean funk. Menya Rui offers two appetizers, batons of house-pickled cucumbers and crisp, juicy karaage, Japanese fried chicken served with Kewpie mayo and a wedge of lemon. As I write this, your beverage options are water, canned unsweetened green tea and bottled orange soda. Pursley is in the process of obtaining a liquor license; expect beer, sake and canned highballs. He hopes to take down that curtain after summers heat ebbs. Still, I suspect we will be talking about the wizardry of Menya Rui for many years to come. Where Menya Rui, 3453 Hampton Avenue More info 314-601-3524; menyarui.square.site Menu Ramen, in several different styles Hours Dinner Thursday-Sunday (closed Monday-Wednesday) How much Original Aburasoba $13 Pork Shoyu Ramen $15 Tantanmen Ramen $15 Original Tsukemen $15 After four long years, Ryan Gosling returns to the movies, starring in the Netflix action Flick The Gray Man. The last we saw of Gosling, he was playing another notable man, Neil Armstrong, in Damien Chazelles 2018 moon movie First Man. Now hes back in action, beefed up in his best Bourne/Bond mode for the Russo brothers (Avengers: Infinity War, Avengers: Endgame), facing off with a mustachioed Chris Evans as a secret CIA assassin on whom the government has suddenly turned in The Gray Man, streaming on Netflix. In honor of his return to the (small) screen and in celebration of those remarkable paparazzi photos of him in costume as Ken for Greta Gerwigs forthcoming Barbie movie heres a look at the best of Goslings long career and his ability to transcend genre. Youd have to head to YouTube to check out Goslings first TV role at age 12 on The All New Mickey Mouse Club, alongside Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears, JC Chasez and Christina Aguilera. And while that is a worthy Google (add Goosebumps, Are You Afraid of the Dark?, Breaker High and dancing for more young Gosling fun), were here to focus on his film work and the variety of roles hes played. His early breakout film roles were on the darker side: as a young Jewish neo-Nazi in the 2001 Sundance darling The Believer (stream it on Kanopy or Roku Channel) and in the 2002 psychological thriller Murder by Numbers opposite Michael Pitt and Sandra Bullock (available to rent on digital platforms). Gosling has always been at home in the realm of heady indie dramas, gaining notice for his work in the 2006 film Half Nelson (stream it on Starz, Roku, Tubi and Kanopy), Lars and the Real Girl in 2007 (HBO Max, Cinemax) and Blue Valentine in 2010 (Peacock). But among those more intense films, he sprinkled in the romantic melodrama The Notebook opposite Rachel McAdams (rent it digitally) and as a suave cad in the romantic comedy Crazy, Stupid, Love in 2011 (stream it on Tubi or rent). Hes also capable of slipping into high-concept action and thriller roles, like his two collaborations with Danish director Nicholas Winding Refn, Drive in 2011 (Tubi and available to rent) and Only God Forgives in 2013 (available on Roku, Vudu, Tubi, Redbox, Plex). He teamed with director Derek Cianfrance once again for the 2012 film The Place Beyond the Pines (on Peacock) and starred opposite Harrison Ford in Denis Villeneuves epic sequel to Blade Runner, Blade Runner 2049 (on HBO Max and Netflix). Though Gosling does brooding well, hes incredibly funny, too, as seen in the underrated 2016 LA noir The Nice Guys, written and directed by Shane Black (rent it digitally). He also dusted off his dancing shoes in 2016 for the swooning romantic musical La La Land (stream it on Hulu). Additionally, he can do political dramas, such as the 2011 film The Ides of March (stream it on Starz) or Adam McKays financial crisis ensemble film The Big Short in 2015 (rent it digitally). Hes even dipped his toe into the world of the biopic with the intense First Man (rent it digitally). THURSDAY, July 21, 2022 (HealthDay News) -- Better have some savings stored up before you rush to the delivery room: A new analysis shows the average out-of-pocket expense for delivering a child in the United States is nearly $3,000, even if you're insured. Other studies have looked at the costs for specific services, such as Cesarean sections versus vaginal deliveries, but those are only a small part of the picture. The road to recovery after giving birth can take a network of care, including a host of doctors and even therapists. So, the Kaiser Family Foundation analysis took a comprehensive view of the cost of pregnancy, including elements of post-delivery care. "As someone whos been pregnant before, I know thats not the only cost that comes up," said Cynthia Cox, co-author of the analysis and a vice president at the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF). "There's postnatal care, postpartum care, but other things that may come about as well, like physical therapy." The analysis comes on the heels of the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that overturned the 1973 landmark Roe v. Wade decision guaranteeing women the right to an abortion. The new ruling could mean women who are denied abortions in states where the procedure is no longer legal could face hefty health care costs if they decide to have a child, even if they can't afford it. To determine just how much childbirth costs, the KFF researchers examined private insurance data from the IBM MarketScan Encounters Database from 2018 through 2020, and compared the average health spending for someone who gave birth versus someone who did not. The investigators found that pregnant women incurred an average of nearly $19,000 more in health care costs than women who didn't give birth. That included the cost paid for by insurance (averaged $16,011) and out-of-pocket expenses for the patient (averaged $2,854.) But that's just the cost of care for the mother. Once the child is born it might have its own deductible. If the baby needs to go into the neonatal intensive care unit or stay in the hospital for an extended period of time, that could be its own set of costs. "The $3,000 is shocking but it's just the first expense, possibly even one of the lower expenses someone can occur from giving birth in the United States," Cox said. "Compared to other countries, they arent as likely to have this kind of out-of-pocket expense for the birth, but also longer parental leave and better access to childcare services." It's not uncommon for soon-to-be parents to "shop around" for the best delivery units in their area, touring different facilities and meeting doctors, a practice that hospitals encourage. With nine to 10 months to plan, couples have plenty of time to figure out which hospitals are in-network and which doctors in those hospitals are in-network. That's a level of planning simply not possible for most other medical situations, such as emergency room visits or unexpected surgeries. Still, people can end up with surprise bills after giving birth. "People and hospitals can prepare for this, and it's still a very high-cost event," Cox said. "Even though you may have shopped around, you may show up to the delivery room and there's an anesthesiologist whos out-of-network and you get overwhelmed with a surprise bill." Different kinds of deliveries can cost wildly different amounts, as well. From pregnancy to postpartum, people who give birth via C-section incur an average of $26,280 more in health care costs than women who don't give birth. In contrast, this amount for women with a vaginal delivery averages just under $15,000. "One of the most common reasons for bankruptcy is medical expenses," said Dr. Jessica Peterson, a maternal-fetal medicine fellow at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City, who has researched the cost of pregnancy and childrearing on parents. Peterson noted that some people even turn to crowdsource funding to help pay for their health care. "I think one of the biggest takeaways, when you include insurance premiums, is that one in five people will suffer catastrophic health expenditures. Most people at most income levels have a lower risk of catastrophic health expenditure if they have public insurance," Peterson noted. Four in 10 U.S. births are covered by Medicaid, according to the KFF. But in some states where Medicaid has not been expanded under the Affordable Care Act (also known as Obamacare), coverage ends 60 days after delivery. After that mark, the new parents are on their own. "Some of the costs and complications related to pregnancy can happen weeks or months after you deliver, like postpartum depression," Peterson said. "We really need to reevaluate the way that public health insurance is provided here." More information Check out the KFF's Medicaid Postpartum Coverage Extension Tracker to see which states have expanded postpartum Medicaid coverage. SOURCES: Cynthia Cox, vice president, Kaiser Family Foundation, San Francisco; Jessica A. Peterson, MD, maternal-fetal medicine fellow in obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive science, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City; Kaiser Family Foundation, news release, July 13, 2022 Was this page helpful? THURSDAY, July 21, 2022 (HealthDay News) -- While humans typically use their sight to orient themselves, dogs navigate the world by combining their sense of smell with their vision. So claims a new study that found dogs sense of smell is integrated with their vision and other unique parts of their brain. Weve never seen this connection between the nose and the occipital lobe, functionally the visual cortex in dogs, in any species, said senior study author Pip Johnson, an assistant professor of clinical sciences at Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y. When we walk into a room, we primarily use our vision to work out where the door is, whos in the room, where the table is, she explained in a university news release. Whereas in dogs, this study shows that olfaction is really integrated with vision in terms of how they learn about their environment and orient themselves in it. Johnson's team also discovered connections to the spinal cord and the occipital lobe that are not found in humans. The findings were published July 11 in the Journal of Neuroscience. Johnson said the research confirms her own clinical experiences with blind dogs, who function remarkably well despite their vision loss. They can still play fetch and navigate their surroundings much better than humans with the same condition, Johnson said. Knowing theres that information freeway going between those two areas could be hugely comforting to owners of dogs with incurable eye diseases. By identifying these new connections in the brain, researchers may also have opened up new questions for future study. To see this variation in the brain allows us to see whats possible in the mammalian brain and to wonder maybe we have a vestigial [an evolutionary remnant] connection between those two areas from when we were more ape-like and scent-oriented, or maybe other species have significant variations that we havent explored, Johnson said. More information The American Kennel Club has more on vision loss in dogs. SOURCE: Cornell University, news release, July 18, 2022 Was this page helpful? ST. LOUIS Washington University students advocating for reproductive rights have grown increasingly frustrated with what they say is the universitys tepid response to Missouris abortion ban, and refusal to acknowledge any of the groups demands. Since May, when a leak of a draft opinion revealed the U.S. Supreme Court would likely overturn Roe v. Wade, students have sent hundreds of letters to university administrators demanding they take a stand supporting the right to an abortion, ensure the medical school will continue teaching abortion procedures and support students and staff who must travel out-of-state to get an abortion. The group organized a protest on campus that more than 300 people attended and garnered 700 signatures on a petition to administrators detailing the demands. But they never got an answer. The effort is led by students with Planned Parenthood Generation Action, a network of more than 350 campus groups across the country raising awareness about reproductive health and access. Shortly after the Supreme Court issued its Dobbs decision on June 24, Gov. Mike Parson and Attorney General Eric Schmitt separately acted to trigger a 2019 state law that bans all abortions in Missouri except in cases of medical emergency. Anyone providing an abortion in Missouri now faces up to 15 years in prison. Top administrators at the university home to one of the top medical schools in the country and among the states largest employers of medical providers issued a campuswide letter that neither applauded nor condoned the courts decision. The letter acknowledged strong emotions on all sides of the debate and encouraged respectful dialogue. It was signed by Washington University Chancellor Andrew Martin and Dr. David H. Perlmutter, dean of the universitys school of medicine. As an institution of higher education with a strong commitment to medical education and patient care, it is incumbent upon us to rise above the politically charged tenor of the current conversation and work toward productive solutions in support of our mission and our community, the letter read. Sarah Rosen, vice president of the campus Generation Action group, said the letters ambivalence, which contrasted with statements by other universities of medical groups, further frustrated students. The nations largest medical organizations, including the American Medical Association and the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists, came out strongly against the decision. University leaders in other states did as well. We took a lot of time to listen to what students and staff and faculty and community members were feeling about that letter, said Rosen, a rising junior. The thing that weve heard the most is, that letter was worse than saying nothing. Five demands The Generation Action group updated its email template used by hundreds to sign and send to administrators: Your respect of both sides is a fundamental rejection of the safety and freedoms of the WashU community and the entire state. In its email, the Generation Action group demands the university take five specific steps: Take an official stand to protect reproductive rights in Missouri, specifically standing against the trigger ban. Promise that the university will pay and continue teaching vital abortion care at the medical school. Remove crisis pregnancy centers as practicum sites at the universitys Brown School, which offers degrees in social work and public health. Provide Washington University employees with the necessary funds to access abortion care out of state. Prevent the Washington University Police Department from providing information to the St. Louis Police Department on students, faculty or staff related to abortion care if it is requested. Susan Killenberg McGinn, vice chancellor for media relations, declined comment on the demands. Students said one has already been met: The university will no longer use crisis pregnancy centers which are typically religiously affiliated, and counsel clients against having an abortion as practicum sites. But even that claim is unclear. A Brown School official told the Post-Dispatch that students select their own practicum sites, and no student has ever requested to be placed at one of the centers. The official did not answer whether the university would deny a students request. Rosen said a student informed their group that a crisis pregnancy center had been requested as a practicum site years ago, and that the center was recently removed from a list of possible sites. It would be helpful, Rosen said, if administrators would address the group. The institution has chosen to essentially ignore our commands, resist communication and has failed to acknowledge that we have been making those demands, she said, so it was not communicated directly to us. Expectations of the university The groups other demands involve concerns surrounding privacy, medical education and employer support that have risen to the forefront across the country. We are advocating for the student body population, but we are also advocating for the entire state of Missouri and St. Louis, said Amelia Letson, a rising sophomore at the university who serves as co-chair of the campus Generation Action group. Over the past three years, Republicans in the Missouri Legislature have proposed bills to tax the endowment of universities that provide medical faculty to abortion facilities or provide fellowships that offer training in performing abortions. The tax could cost Washington University more than $150 million. Washington University is a premier institution which trains students to perform abortions, Sen. Mike Moon, R-Ash Grove, last year told The Pathway, a publication by the Missouri Baptist Convention. These students are then hired to murder developing human babies across our nation. They wont stop on their own. This will place a financial hardship on their ability to train these students. The skills required to perform an abortion are needed to prevent maternal deaths in cases with complications such as hemorrhaging, or to prevent a severe infection after a miscarriage. In his letter to the student body, Chancellor Martin emphasized the universitys commitment to being an institution of higher learning, Rosen said, but if you are going to be an institution of higher learning, you have to continue to teach vital medical procedures to the future doctors that you are training. Leaders of other major universities, even in states also facing severe abortion restrictions such as the University of Michigan and Emory University in Georgia, have issued statements supporting access to abortion. Gregory Fenves, the president Emory University, which is affiliated with the United Methodist Church, issued a statement saying restrictive abortion laws have negative ramifications, especially on low-income women and women of color. He called the Supreme Court decision a painful regression. University of Michigan President Mary Sue Coleman joined the medical school dean Marschall Runge in saying high-quality reproductive health care remained a top priority. I strongly support access to abortion services, and I will do everything in my power as president to ensure we continue to provide this critically important care, Coleman wrote. Letson said seeing actions by other leaders have emboldened students efforts. Our expectations of the university only grew with that knowledge, she said. The students have also watched more than a dozen companies representing millions of workers, such as Starbucks and Target, pledge to cover travel costs if their employees in restrictive states need abortions. If the university wants to maintain its prestige and attract great, innovative professors who are doing important research; if they want to attract students from out-of-state who can pay full tuition taking these steps is major signal to students and potential employees that WashU is a supportive place to exist, Rosen said. Despite the lack of response by top administrators, others on campus have done more to reassure those worried about access to abortion and emergency contraception, which some feared could be restricted under Missouris abortion ban. The student clinic, Habif Health and Wellness Center, has a paragraph at the top of its website making it clear that Habif will continue to provide reproductive services to students, including all forms of contraceptive counseling and intrauterine device placement. The clinic does not mince words: Due to the proximity to Illinois, where abortion access remains protected, students interested in abortion services will still have access. There are two clinics within a 30-minute drive from WashU. In the Brown School, interim co-deans Tonya Edmond and Rodrigo Reis, released a statement stating that while there are diverse opinions, their professions are dedicated to serving the most vulnerable and removing health disparities. Policies should be driven by data, Edmond and Reis wrote, and research shows that restricting access to abortion leads to an increase in negative health outcomes and life-threatening complications. The Supreme Courts ruling will restrict access to safe compassionate care, in which women have agency over their own bodies, they wrote. Rosen and Letson say they will continue to urge supporters to send emails and press administrators to take action. We are not going to let the fact that we are frustrated or the fact that they havent acknowledged these demands stop us from continuing to make them, Rosen said, or from taking other steps within our power to protect our fellow students and fight for the community. Editors note: Corrects Sarah Rosens last quote. ROME (AP) Italy is headed for an early election after its president accepted Premier Mario Draghi's resignation Thursday and decided there was no possibility for cobbling together another government following the rapid collapse of the ruling coalition. The demise of Draghis coalition in the eurozones third-largest economy and the uncertainty of what Italian voters will decide at the polls have dealt a destabilizing blow to the country and Europe amid rising inflation and Russias war in Ukraine. Dissolving Parliament "is always the last choice to make, especially if, as in this moment, there are important tasks to carry to completion,'' President Sergio Mattarella said in a brief speech at the presidential Quirinal Palace, where Draghi had tendered his resignation hours earlier. Mattarella's office said the election will be held Sept. 25. He appealed to political parties in their campaigning to keep in mind the superior interests of the nation. Citing soaring food and energy prices, he noted that those suffering the most are always the weakest in society. "The period we are going through doesn't allow for any pause in determining interventions to contrast the economic and social crisis, and in particular the increase in inflation, which brings heavy consequences for families and businesses,'' he said. Draghi was staying on at Mattarella's request in a caretaker role, ensuring the government can carry out basic measures in the months before a new coalition is in place. But with Italy's often-squabbling political parties, it could be weeks beyond that before a new government is in place. After 2018 elections for Parliament, it took 90 days before a new government was sworn in. Parliament's five-year term would have expired in March 2023, so effectively the election would be held barely six months ahead of time. Mattarella noted the bad timing for the nation and the continent. But he said he had no choice after Wednesday evening, when three key parties in Draghi's unity coalition refused to renew support in a confidence vote. The debate, the vote and the ways in which this vote was expressed yesterday in the Senate made evident the parliamentary support for the government had gone lacking and the absence of a prospective to give life to a new majority in Parliament, the president said. Mattarella had rejected a similar resignation offer from Draghi a week earlier. Instability in Italy could ripple through Europe, also facing economic problems. Draghi had taken on statesman status as the European Union struggled to keep a united front against Russia, whose natural gas is heavily imported by Italy and other countries. Draghi encouraged his lame-duck Cabinet to keep its focus on Italy's pressing problems. Italy has everything (needed) to be strong, authoritative, credible in the world. Draghi said. The government must deal with the pandemic, the war in Ukraine, inflation and energy costs as well as forge on with mandated economic reforms, he said. Meanwhile, lets get back to work, he added. The former European Central Bank president was tapped by Mattarella 17 months earlier to guide Italy's recovery after its economy was pummeled by COVID-19. But this week, his coalition was sabotaged by the center-right Forza Italia of former Premier Silvio Berlusconi and two larger parties, the right-wing League of Matteo Salvini and the populist 5-Star Movement led by Draghi's predecessor in the premiership, Giuseppe Conte. In a brief speech to the lower Chamber of Deputies on Thursday before renewing his resignation offer, Draghi appeared moved by the applause from lawmakers there, quipping that even central bank chiefs have hearts. Dubbed Super Mario for helping to lead the eurozone out of its debt crisis when he led the ECB, Draghi played a similar calming role in Italy in recent months. His presence helped reassure financial markets about the debt-laden nation's public finances, and he managed to keep the country on track with economic reforms that the EU had made a condition of its 200 billion-euro (-dollar) pandemic recovery package. He was a staunch supporter of Ukraine, even as the leaders of the 5-Stars and the League, two forces long favorable to Russia, appeared to waver in their support to supply Kyiv with arms. Draghi became a leading voice in Europes response to Russias Feb. 24 invasion. A photo of Draghi, chatting with the leaders of France and Germany on a train to Kyiv, quickly became the iconic image of Italy as one of the strongest backers of Ukraine. He had pushed for the country's candidacy for EU membership. While he could not keep his fractious coalition together, Draghi appeared to still have broad support among Italians, many of whom have taken to the streets or signed open letters in recent weeks to plead with him to stay on. Nicola Nobile, associate director at Oxford Economics, warned that Draghi's departure and the wait for a new government could worsen economic turbulence in Italy, which investors worry is carrying too much debt and which was already looking at a marked slowdown for the second half of the year. Opinion polls have indicated the center-left Democratic Party and the right-wing Brothers of Italy party, which had remained in the opposition, are neck-and-neck. Brothers of Italy has long been allied with Berlusconi's and Salvini's forces. If they stay teamed up in an election campaign, that could sweep the right into power. Giorgia Meloni, who leads the Brothers of Italy, is eager to become the country's first female premier. THURSDAY, July 21, 2022 (HealthDay News) -- Harried, overworked anesthesiologists could be raising hospital patients risk of death and complications, a new study reports. Its not uncommon to have one anesthesiologist directing the anesthesia care for multiple surgeries at the same time, overseeing the work of lower-ranking anesthesia clinicians assigned to each operation. But the risk to patients rises with the number of surgeries an anesthesiologist is overseeing at the same time, according to data from more than 570,000 surgical cases at 23 U.S. hospitals between 2010 and 2017. For the study, the researchers compared instances where an anesthesiologist was directing one, two, three or four cases at the same time. Overall, about 5.2% of cases resulted in some sort of post-surgical complication that could include death, bleeding, infection or organ injury, the study authors said. But instances where an anesthesiologist was directing three to four surgeries had a complication rate of 5.75%, about 14% higher than the complication rate of 5.06% for one to two overlapping surgeries. Millions of patients each year receive care from an anesthesiologist whos juggling more than two overlapping surgeries, said researcher Dr. Sachin Kheterpal. He is an associate dean for Research Information Technology and a professor of anesthesiology at the University of Michigan School of Medicine, in Ann Arbor. Anesthesiologists have been saying for a long time that covering four rooms is possible but should be reserved for situations where we think its safe, Kheterpal said in a university news release. We now have evidence to support that idea that increasing overlapping responsibilities may have some potential downsides that balance the advantages of potential cost savings and access to care, he added. If you are having high-risk surgery or you are a medically complex patient, it may be prudent to ask your anesthesia care team about their typical anesthesia care processes, Kheterpal suggested. The new study was published July 20 in the journal JAMA Surgery. More information The Mayo Clinic has more about general anesthesia. SOURCE: University of Michigan School of Medicine, news release, July 20, 2022 Was this page helpful? This is part of a series of monthly stories focusing on mental health. If you need help, here are some resources to get you started. Crisis help lines National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Available 24/7 to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Call will be routed to the nearest crisis center. Life Crisis Services 314-647-HELP (4357). One of the nations oldest suicide prevention and crisis hotlines. Operates 24/7. Behavioral Health Response 314-469-6644 (St. Louis), 1-800-811-4760 (toll free). Operates 24/7. Military/Veterans Suicide Hotline 1-800-273-TALK (8255), press 1 Crisis Text Line Send a text message to 741741. Live, trained crisis counselors available 24/7 via text. KUTO (Kids Under Twenty-One) Crisis Helpline 1-888-644-KUTO (5886). Available to any youth needing assistance, referral information or crisis service. This helpline is staffed exclusively by youth volunteers. LGBTQ Youth Suicide Hotline 1-866-4-U-TREVOR (488-7386). Serving LGBTQ youth in crisis. Crisis Nursery Help Line 314-768-3201 (St. Louis); 636-947-0600 (St. Charles). Free short-term, safe care for children from birth through age 12, whose families face an emergency caused by illness, homelessness, domestic violence or overwhelming parental stress. Youth In Need 636-946-3771. Emergency residential center for children and teens, ages 10-18, who are in crisis. Epworth Youth Emergency Service 314-727-6294. Counseling, family therapy, psychiatric and residential treatment available. National Alliance on Mental Illness (St. Louis) Crisis Line 1-800-811-4670 Domestic Violence Sexual Assault Response Team 314-531-7273. The YWCAs rape crisis line is staffed 24/7. ALIVE (Alternative to Living in Violent Environments) 314-993-2777 Womens Safe House 314-772-4535. Offers shelter and resources for women and children impacted by domestic violence. Free mental health resources Every Childs Hope Mental Health Services 314-427-3832. Serving residents in St. Louis County up to age 20. Jewish Community Centers 314-993-1000. Serving residents in St. Louis County up to age 20. Family Forward 314-534-9350. Serving women and children in the city of St. Louis. Crisis Hotline Behavioral Health Resources 314-469-6644 Providents Crisis Lifeline 314-647-4357. Counseling services for callers under age 20 in St. Louis County. Diversified Health and Wellness Center 314-698-4266. Free telehealth sessions during pandemic, plus accepting major insurance including Medicaid and Medicare. Criminal Justice Ministry 314-574-1138. Free counseling for those impacted by the justice system. Parentlink Warmline 1-800-552-8522. A parent seeking help for a child can call or send a text to 585-FAMILY1. Additional list of local resources for children and families can also be found at startherestl.org. Sliding scale services University of Missouri-St. Louis Counseling & Social Advocacy Center Masters and doctoral-level student counselors. 314-516-4613 St. Louis University Counseling Center Student counselors as low as $10 a session. 314-977-2505 Washington University Psychological Services Counseling and other services, as low as $15 a session. 314-935-6555 Schiele Clinic, St. Louis Psychoanalytic Institute Psychotherapy offered, average fee is $20 a session. 314-361-7075, ext. 444, or book at stlpi.org/clinic-interest Mercy Professional Services 314-977-1240 If your organization also offers free or low-cost mental health services, send details to asultan@post-dispatch.com to be added to this list. WASHINGTON (AP) Matt Pottinger was a journalist in China, concerned about the country's drift toward authoritarianism, when he decided at age 31 to enlist in the U.S. Marines after the invasion of Iraq. Our form of government is not inevitable," Pottinger recalled thinking during an interview two years ago with the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute. "And it shouldnt be taken for granted. But its a form of government very much worth fighting for. Pottinger had no way of knowing when he put on his military uniform for the first time how close to home that battle for democracy would get. He became deputy national security adviser to President Donald Trump, and he resigned after the Jan. 6 attack that tried to stop the peaceful transfer of power to President Joe Biden. On Thursday, he'll be one of the key witnesses at a prime-time hearing of the select House committee investigating the attack. The other is Sarah Matthews, who resigned from her position as a deputy press secretary the same day. Pottinger and Matthews will join Cassidy Hutchinson, a former assistant to Mark Meadows, Trump's final chief of staff, in the exclusive club of Trump White House insiders who have appeared publicly. Their appearances stand in blunt contrast to the cadre of Trump loyalists who have tried to defy the committees subpoenas, remained silent or continued to dismiss the investigations findings. Any details on what Pottinger and Matthews will share on Thursday have been kept under wraps, but the hearing is expected to focus on what Trump did and didn't do as his supporters swarmed the U.S. Capitol and interrupted the ceremonial certification of the election. Roughly three hours elapsed between Trump's speech at a rally near the White House and his release of a video calling the rioters very special but asking them to go home now. Pottinger, 49, and Matthews, 27, may be able to illuminate what was happening behind the scenes as Trump resisted pleas from family, aides and Republicans to condemn the riot and urge people to leave the building. As a member of the press office, Matthews was privy to debates over what the White House and Trump should say publicly during the riot and what other aides advised. And although Pottinger was focused on foreign policy, his position placed him at the crossroads of national security matters. Whatever they saw that day, they decided to quit, helping to begin an exodus that included other White House staff and various Cabinet officials. These are people who believed in the work they were doing, but didnt believe in the stolen election," said Rep. Elaine Luria, D-Va., a member of the select committee. Luria added, Its just a key piece of telling the story about that day, because well be hearing from people who were in the White House, what they observed, what their reactions were." Alyssa Farah Griffin, the former White House director of strategic communications, said Pottinger and Matthews could make potent witnesses, particularly because of their very different backgrounds. Pottinger, Griffin said, is someone with enormous credibility, who is highly respected in the national security space and not seen as overtly political. Matthews, in contrast, is a tried and true Republican who worked for Trumps reelection campaign and was hand-picked to join the White House. I think their testimony will be incredibly compelling and carry a lot of weight, said Griffin, who has been supportive of the committee's work and has discussed Matthews' testimony with her. Matthews began working for Republicans on Capitol Hill as an intern while she was still a student at Kent State University in Ohio. She was so eager to begin a career in Washington that she moved to the city for her first job a month before her graduation, missing her last weeks of college and finishing her final classes online, she told her alma mater in an interview two years ago. Matthews was hired as a deputy press secretary for Trump's reelection campaign and was brought over to the White House by press secretary Kayleigh McEnany. She worked in the area of the West Wing known as upper press, placing her in closer proximity to the Oval Office than others in her office. Sometimes she joined Trump for media interviews, but mostly she fielded questions from reporters and helped prepare for White House briefings. When Matthews resigned on Jan. 6, she issued a statement saying she was deeply disturbed by what I saw today." On the anniversary of the attack, she called it one of the darkest days in American history. Make no mistake, the events on the 6th were a coup attempt, a term wed use had they happened in any other country, and former President Trump failed to meet the moment, she tweeted. Pottinger did not issue a statement when he resigned on Jan. 6, but he discussed the decision during previous, closed-door testimony to the committee. While the riot was underway, Pottinger said, a staff member brought him a printout of a Trump tweet accusing Vice President Mike Pence of not having the courage to do what should have been done to overturn the election. I read that tweet and made a decision at that moment to resign," Pottinger said. "Thats where I knew that I was leaving that day once I read that tweet. Pottinger took a much more roundabout path to the White House than Matthews. His father, John Stanley Pottinger, served as an assistant attorney general under Presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford. Matt Pottinger studied China in college, then moved to the country to work as a reporter for Reuters and The Wall Street Journal. But in 2005, he joined the Marines. Explaining his unusual decision, Pottinger wrote an essay saying that living in China also shows you what a nondemocratic country can do to its citizens. Qualifying at age 31 wasn't easy. He wrote that he got winded after running for five minutes, and he could only do half a pullup. But by the time he took his physical fitness test, he could do 13 pullups and run 3 miles in less than 21 minutes. Pottinger deployed to Iraq as an intelligence officer, and he later worked in Afghanistan with U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn. At the time, Flynn was a respected military leader, not the promoter of conspiracy theories that he's become today. They ended up writing a report criticizing military intelligence efforts in Afghanistan. Years later, after Trump was elected, Flynn invited Pottinger to join him in the National Security Council. Flynn didn't last long he was forced out after a little more than three weeks because of his obfuscations about his conversations with the Russian ambassador to the U.S. but Pottinger stuck around. He was promoted to deputy national security adviser in 2019. Pottinger was focused on Asia during his time in the Trump administration, and helped outline a more aggressive stance toward China, one that was rooted in his own experiences as a reporter in the country. He is now a distinguished visiting fellow at the Hoover Institution and the chair of the China program at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. Colvin reported from New York. Associated Press writer Mary Clare Jalonick contributed to this report. Follow APs coverage of the Jan. 6 committee hearings at https://apnews.com/hub/capitol-siege. NORTH KANSAS CITY, Mo. A Missouri man was charged Wednesday with first-degree murder and armed criminal action in the shooting death of a police officer during a traffic stop. Joshua Rocha, 24, of Kansas City, was being held on $2 million bond in the death of North Kansas City police officer Daniel Vasquez, 32, who was killed Tuesday. Rocha will be arraigned Thursday. It wasnt immediately known whether Rocha had a lawyer who could speak on his behalf. Prosecutors allege Rocha jumped out of the vehicle after he was stopped and fired at Vasquez before fleeing. He surrendered hours later after the Missouri State Highway Patrol issued a statewide alert for the car. Clay County Prosecutor Dan White said the investigation is continuing but prosecutors feel very comfortable with the evidence they have against Rocha. If convicted of first-degree murder, Rocha could face the death penalty or life in prison without parole, Mike Wood, deputy chief of the Kansas City police department, which is conducting the investigation, said Rocha owned the vehicle he was driving. He said a weapon was recovered and police are investigating if it was used in the shooting. Wood said Rocha has not made a statement about the shooting since his arrest. He was not aware of any previous contact between Vasquez and Rocha, who does not have an extensive criminal record. ST. LOUIS City jurors on Wednesday found Stephan Cannon guilty of first-degree murder and several other charges in the 2020 killing of retired St. Louis police Capt. David Dorn. After three hours of deliberation on the third day of evidence and testimony, Cannon, 26, of Glasgow Village, was convicted of first-degree murder, robbery, burglary and three counts of armed criminal action in Dorns June 2, 2020, killing. Dorn, 77, was shot outside Lees Jewelry & Pawn shop at 4123 Martin Luther King Drive when he showed up to stop looters who had descended on the business during violence and destruction that followed protests over the Minneapolis police killing of George Floyd. Prosecutors argued that as looters ransacked the shelves of the pawn shop that morning, Cannon fled to the street corner, crouched and fired 10 shots at Dorn, killing him as he approached the shop and fired off warning shots to stop the looters. Im very thankful to the jurors who saw the truth and all the evidence, Dorns wife, Ann Dorn, said outside the courthouse after the verdicts. And I want to thank Marvin Teer for doing a phenomenal job in prosecuting the case. She said justice was served. I dont want to say we can move on, she said. Theres never going to be full closure, but it brings us peace. After Circuit Judge Theresa C. Burke read the verdicts, Teer, the lead prosecutor on the case, told reporters in the courtroom that the whole situation is sad. Nobody wins, he said with tears in his eyes. Its sad, but at least theres some closure for David and his family. Ann Dorn, herself a 28-year police veteran, said she sympathizes with Cannons family. I lost David, and now theyre losing a brother and a son, she said. I feel sorry for them, and my heart goes out to them as well because they lost, too. Cannons lawyer, Brian Horneyer, declined comment on the trial but said Cannon plans to appeal. David Dorn was a friend of the shops owner and regularly checked on its burglar alarms typically tripped by critters or storms, Ann Dorn said. He retired from St. Louis police in 2007 after 38 years and also served for six years as police chief in Moline Acres. His death drew attention nationwide, including from the White House. Dorns final moments, as he lay dying on the sidewalk, were captured on a Facebook livestream. Liddell Chapple, the man who recorded the video, reacted in immediate disbelief that someone had killed Dorn over TVs. He testified to what he saw as a lack of value for human life over materialistic stuff. During closing arguments Wednesday, Teer told the jury, You know you really did something wrong when the streets come in on you. And the streets came in on Stephan Cannon right away. We played the (Facebook Live) video so you understood what the streets said. We dont do this! This aint us! The streets gave him up right away. The case was Teers first as the Circuit Attorneys Offices chief trial assistant, and he said it was his first trial of any kind in 22 years. Horneyer argued in his closing arguments that police had tunnel vision in pegging Cannon as Dorns killer without physical evidence linking him to the pawn shop. Detectives, Horneyer said, relied on co-defendant Mark Jackson, 24, who initially lied to police and gave different versions of what happened before ultimately making a deal with prosecutors to testify against Cannon. This is a man who lies as easily as he breathes, Horneyer said of Jackson. Jacksons testimony this week was perhaps the most important witness for the prosecution, as he was the only person directly placing Cannon inside and outside the pawn shop the morning of the homicide. Others identified Cannon on surveillance video at Lees, but Jackson said he drove Cannon to and from the shop. Police found Jacksons debit card on the floor of the ravaged pawn shop. When detectives interrogated him later about what happened, he changed his story several times before telling them hed say anything they wanted to avoid a murder charge. He testified Tuesday that he was telling the truth at trial expecting only to clear my name and not testifying for a lenient sentence. Cannon did not testify. While nothing can bring Capt. Dorn back to his loved ones, Mr. Cannon has been held accountable for the crimes committed in the City of St. Louis, and justice has been served, Circuit Attorney Kimberly M. Gardner said in a statement Wednesday. Jackson has a hearing set for Thursday in his pending murder case. His lawyer said he expects prosecutors will drop the second-degree murder charge as part of Jacksons agreement to testify against Cannon. Cannons sentencing is set for Sept. 13. The mandatory sentence is life in prison without parole since prosecutors did not seek the death penalty. KANSAS CITY, Mo. A new study ranks Missouri seventh in the country when tallying the financial toll of gun violence on taxpayers. Everytown Research & Policy calculated that the state spends over $17 billion each year to deal with the aftermath of gun violence, according to a study released Tuesday. Researchers contend the above average financial burden placed on the shoulders of Missouri residents is linked to the states weak gun laws. While U.S taxpayers are spending about $1,600 on costs associated with gun violence, such as law enforcement and medical care, people living in Missouri are paying about $2,900. The study points out a number of reasons for the high price tag. Gun deaths in the state have risen by nearly 70% within the past decade. And while the majority of the deaths reported have been suicides, taxpayers are still left paying for the police response, medical costs and losses to revenue, income and quality of life. Residents in states with comparable populations to Missouri like Washington pay about $1,500 toward costs related to gun violence. Washington has a gun death rate of 11 deaths per 100,000 residents compared to Missouris rate of 20.4. Another noted difference between the two states is the strength of their gun laws, according to the study. In Washington, background checks are required to purchase a gun. An Extreme Risk Protection Orders law gives family members and police the ability to prevent someone who poses a significant danger to others from obtaining a gun through a court order. The state also requires that gun owners store their weapons securely. In Missouri, there is no law requiring background checks on unlicensed gun sales. Safety training and permit requirements to buy guns and carry them concealed were repealed in 2007. A previous analysis shows the states firearms death rate increased by 58% over the following 12 years, due to the removal of the permit-to-purchase measure. And in 2021, the Missouri statehouse passed a piece of legislation that mandates state firearms laws trump federal statutes. The study contends that states with lower rates of gun deaths allow taxpayer money to be invested into other valuable programs in education, health care and workforce development. Some of those services address the underlying causes of gun violence, according to the study. In total, the cost of gun violence to the United States has been about $557 billion on average year larger than the 2021 budget for the U.S Department of Education. St. Louis had 263 homicides in 2020, and recorded its highest-ever homicide rate. The total dropped to 199 in 2021. So far this year, 97 homicides have been recorded, below the pace set last year. 2022 The Kansas City Star. Visit kansascity.com. Updated at 3:20 p.m. Wednesday with more information ST. LOUIS Two people were injured early Wednesday after an argument that escalated to a shootout in the city's Downtown West neighborhood. The shooting happened at about 1 a.m. in the 400 block of North 20th Street. Police said they heard a large number of gunshots in the area, and while responding found several people running in the area of 20th and Locust streets. One passenger in a vehicle near the scene was shot, and another person, who police say is also a suspect in the shootout, was shot in the foot. Both were taken to a hospital, but their conditions were not available Wednesday morning. Police initially said the shootout involved two occupants of Airbnb rentals, but representatives from Airbnb disputed that they had rental properties in the area, and police updated their incident report to call the buildings "short-term rentals" instead. They said witnesses on the scene had told them the buildings were Airbnb rentals. A juvenile was the sole occupant of one of properties on Washington Avenue, when police entered. Police say they found a large quantity of narcotics and money, and the juvenile was arrested. Windows of an apartment building and of K&H Dentistry were also shot out in the exchange. CLAYTON A man who testified against a Berkeley man convicted last month of murdering North County Police Cooperative Officer Michael Langsdorf was sentenced Thursday to a 7-year prison term as part of a plea deal. Kawynn Smith, 60, of St. Louis, pleaded gulty to a charge of attempting to steal checks before Circuit Judge William Corrigan. Smith was originally charged along with Bonette K. Meeks in the June 2019 killing of Langsdorf at Clay's Wellston Food Market, 6250 Page Avenue. A jury last month found Meeks, 29, guity of second-degree murder. Smith admitted giving two checks totaling more than $6,500 to Meeks that were written to someone else. Prosecutors dropped multiple charges against Smith in exchange for his testimony. When Langsdorf, 40, arrived at the market, he was shot and killed in a struggle with Meeks inside the market. ST. LOUIS A 16-year-old boy was shot in the leg around 8:30 p.m. Wednesday in the city's Greater Ville neighborhood, police said. The teen was taken to a hospital where a person who was with the boy told police the two had been walking southbound on Sarah Street, toward Maffitt Avenue, when they heard gunshots. The two ran home, where they realized the teen had been shot, police said. His condition is stable. ST. LOUIS Mayor Tishaura O. Jones signed a bill Thursday morning putting $1 million toward helping women get abortions in Illinois, kicking off another legal battle with the state. Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt quickly filed a lawsuit to block the ordinance, calling it a clear violation of Missouri law. Jones dismissed the threat as political theater. I will not back down when our opponents threaten, bully or demean our city, especially an attorney general more concerned with chasing clout than care, she said. Bring it. The impending donnybrook would mark yet another round of political combat between Schmitt, a Republican running for U.S. Senate looking to burnish his bona fides with the base before the Aug. 2 primary, and Jones, a progressive Democrat eager to show resolve against conservatives on the march. The two former statehouse colleagues have previously clashed over public health orders during the pandemic and police funding, and frequently spar on Twitter. She calls him SueBully. He says she should be more concerned about picking up the trash. The bill in question Thursday is the citys attempt to blunt the impact of last months decision by a conservative U.S. Supreme Court to eliminate the federal constitutional right to abortion, which had stood for 50 years. Republican leaders in Jefferson City followed suit, outlawing the procedure entirely. The city bill wouldnt directly pay for abortions. Instead, it would send federal pandemic aid money to organizations that offer transportation and help with child care for women seeking abortions. But critics say thats a distinction without a difference, and that state law bars the use of public funds to assist or encourage an abortion. The St. Louis County Council shot down a similar proposal Tuesday night, but the bills sponsor, Lisa Clancy, said she might bring it back. JEFFERSON CITY The outgoing director of the Missouri Lottery has taken a job with a lottery contractor to head up government relations and legislative affairs. In an announcement Wednesday, Canada-based Pollard Banknote said May Scheve Reardons 13 years as chief of state lottery operations will help the company as it works with other state lotteries as a supplier of scratch-off games and other services. Her in-depth understanding of the industry and all facets of the lottery business will ensure that Pollard Banknote continues to offer the best support to our lottery partners in order to maximize funds for the good causes they support, said Pollard executive vice president Jennifer Westbury. State contracting records show Pollard has received about $10 million in state payments for work it has done for the lottery during Reardons tenure. Reardon called them a minor contractor in the Missouri Lotterys operation, assisting with scratch-off ticket supplies. After working closely with Pollard Banknote for many years in various roles throughout the lottery industry, I am excited to be joining their organization, Reardon said in a prepared statement. The hiring brings to a close a tumultuous end of Reardons work for the Lottery. She announced in June that she was stepping down after lawmakers stripped the agencys advertising budget. The spending plan signed into law by Gov. Mike Parson includes a reduction in advertising and an elimination of funds used to promote the lottery at St. Louis Cardinals games, the Forest Park Balloon Festival, St. Louis Blues games and other events. Those events helped generate more than $782,000 for the lottery last year. In 2021, budget writers reduced a $1.5 million advertising budget to $400,000. This year, they cut the remaining funds. Earlier this month, top state budget writers called on the Missouri Lottery to halt any major decisions until a new executive director is hired. In announcing the hiring, Pollard said Reardon, 57, had a successful run at the Lottery, building up its contribution to state education funding from $250 million annually to $400 million. The company said Reardon provided exceptional leadership both to the Lottery and within the lottery industry. As an example, the company said she was elected to the Public Gaming Research Institute Lottery Industry Hall of Fame in 2019 in recognition of her outstanding contributions. The lottery has not announced its plan to hire a new director. Reardon earned $127,594 in her final full year in the job. The operation is overseen by a commission appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate. The commission is charged with hiring the executive director. Parson earlier said he would not interfere in the commissions search and appointment of a new chief. JEFFERSON CITY Missouri Gov. Mike Parson on Thursday declared a drought alert as state agencies respond to an expanding drought that he said could lead to financial ruin for farm families. Parson, who is a farmer, said at a news conference that 53 counties, largely in southern Missouri, are experiencing drought conditions, which are moving into central regions. The conditions are not expected to improve anytime soon, he said, making it necessary to begin providing resources now. Weve learned from past experience, the more proactive we are, the better we can help our farmers and citizens lessen the impact of even the most severe droughts, he said. Missouris drought comes as much of the western United States is suffering under an extensive drought that is hitting California and the Southwest particularly hard. In recent months, dry conditions have advanced into larger portions of the Midwest. A drought monitor map produced by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln on Thursday showed every state in the U.S. had at least a small area considered to be in a drought this week. Among other things, Parsons order will activate the states drought assessment team, and allows state agencies to temporarily suspend some administrative rules and find appropriations to mitigate the droughts impact. The Missouri Department of Transportation also is waiving some fees and restrictions to permit easier movement of hay. Chris Chinn, director of the state agriculture department, said almost 75% of Missouri is in a drought, with 35% severe to extreme conditions. Producers are having to make some really tough decisions, Chinn said. They are having to cull part of their herds and send then to markets. Others have already feeding hay in July, when normally you wouldnt do that in the fall. The state departments of Natural Resources and Conservation have identified water sources on more than 40 conservation areas and 20 parks in the state. State agencies also are finding conservation land that can be used for hay for farm animals. Chinn and Parson said even if rain comes, the drought conditions will extend into the winter and the state will be prepared to work with farmers for many months to come. Missouri Department of Conservation Director Sara Parker Pauley said the dry conditions also are contributing to an increase of wildfires, with more than 90 fires consuming 491 acres since June 1. Missouri has asked U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt of Missouri and federal officials for national resources to help with drought response, Parson said. JEFFERSON CITY The White House said Thursday that nearly 208,000 Missouri households have signed up for a federal program offering up to $30 off of monthly internet bills. The Affordable Connectivity Program, authorized in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that President Joe Biden signed last year, allows households whose incomes are at or below 200% of the federal poverty level to access the benefit. For single households, that means those earning an annual income of $27,180 would qualify. A family of four with a household income less than $55,500 would be able to join the program. The White House said more than 1,300 providers had joined the program. Twenty of them had agreed to offer internet services to program members for $30 or less. In letters to governors this week, Vice President Kamala Harris urged states to help boost participation in the program. We need your help to keep that progress going and to ensure all eligible families in Missouri sign up to save, she said in a letter to Gov. Mike Parson, a Republican. More information was available at GetInternet.gov or at (877) 384-2575. In statements to reporters, the Head of State assured that he is respectful of the independence of powers and does not interfere in Parliament matters such as the election of its new board. "Everyone is responsible for their actions; as a Government we are meeting the major needs of the country," he said. Similarly, the top official greeted the press and announced that coordination will be made to convene its members and respond to their queries. Regarding the investigation opened against him at the Attorney General's Office, the Head of State affirmed that "there are authorities who do their job, and we do ours () each of the sectors has a role or path for which they must respond." Furthermore, the President announced that he will visit La Libertad region this Friday to address the demands of said jurisdiction in northern Peru. Remarks were made after participating in a meeting with Education Minister Rosendo Serna and representatives of regional directorates of Education. There, Mr. Castillo highlighted the need to work together for open admission to universities and the new school curriculum, respecting teachers' voices and the different realities of Peru. In addition, he stated that his Government emerged from the provinces and regions. "Este es el Gobierno de las regiones. Haremos efectiva la democratizacion de la Educacion", expreso el presidente @PedroCastilloTe durante un encuentro sobre gestion educativa descentralizada, que convoco a los representantes de las UGEL y Direcciones Regionales de Educacion. pic.twitter.com/NsmF2T7mEe BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) Abortion clinics in Louisiana can continue operating while a lawsuit challenging the states near total ban on abortions is resolved, a state judge ruled Thursday. The preliminary injunction issued by state district judge Donald Johnson in Baton Rouge is the latest development amid a flurry of court challenges to state trigger laws that were crafted in anticipation of the U.S. Supreme Court overturning the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision that established abortion rights, which it did June 24. For weeks, access to abortion has been flickering in Louisiana where there are three clinics. A statewide abortion ban has taken effect twice and been blocked twice since the Supreme Courts ruling in June. Johnson had entered a temporary hold on enforcement July 11, pending arguments in the case that were heard Monday. Johnson's new ruling allows clinics to continue providing abortion procedures while a lawsuit filed by a north Louisiana abortion clinic and others continues. The order gives attorneys on both sides 30 days to develop plans for a trial on whether the law should be permanently blocked. The state could appeal his order, however, Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry has said he expects the case to wind up at the state Supreme Court. In his reasons for the decision, Johnson said that due to the vagueness of the law, members of the Medical Students for Choice one of the plaintiffs in the case do not have adequate notice if, or to what extent, they can continue to perform or assist in abortions. Johnson said that is a violation of the members' rights to due process. This harm is not speculative, Johnson wrote. He added that members of Medical Students for Choice risk prosecution if they were to incorrectly apply abortion laws. Despite the new ruling, Landry said in a statement that he looks forward to ending this legal circus by getting the case to the States Supreme Court as soon as possible. The lead plaintiff in the case is a north Louisiana clinic that has continued abortion care in Shreveport under Johnson's temporary order. Clinics in Baton Rouge and New Orleans had stopped operations pending Johnson's decision on the injunction. A spokeswoman for those clinics said both were open Thursday, scheduling patients for counseling and abortions. With this decision, Chief Judge Johnson determined that we are likely to succeed on the merits of our lawsuit, Joanna Wright, an attorney for the clinic, said in an email. We are prepared to prove our case and hope to obtain a final ruling that the trigger bans are unconstitutional and cannot be enforced. The plaintiffs in the lawsuit dont deny that the state can now ban abortion as a result of the Supreme Court ruling. Instead, they contend that Louisiana now has multiple, conflicting trigger mechanisms in the law. They also argue that state law is unclear on whether it bans an abortion prior to a fertilized egg implanting in the uterus. And while the law provides an exception for medically futile pregnancies in cases of fetuses with fatal abnormalities, the plaintiffs noted it gives no definition of the term and that state health officials have not yet provided a list of conditions that would qualify as medically futile. In Louisiana, there is little question that an abortion ban will eventually be in effect in the state where the Legislature has long been dominated by abortion opponents. But the court case has resulted in more time for the state's three abortion clinics in Shreveport, Baton Rouge and New Orleans to stay open. Debate over the ban stretched into the State Bond Commission meeting Thursday. Members withheld a $39 million non-cash line of credit for the New Orleans Sewerage and Water Board power plant project as a way to send a message to city leaders who said they would not enforce the statewide abortion ban. Today, our Bond Commission forced elected officials in New Orleans to decide if they will enforce State law, Landry said in a written statement. Landry was not present for Thursday's meeting but called on the commission earlier in the week to not approve financing for any deals involving New Orleans until officials have affirmed that they will enforce State laws. Not all were in favor of this approach, including Gov. John Bel Edwards. The idea that you seek to punish all the people living in a certain area because you are at odds with some of their elected officials, thats not a reasonable approach, Edwards, a Democrat who opposes abortions, said on his monthly radio show Wednesday. "You are not just punishing those people." Associated Press writer Kevin McGill in New Orleans contributed to this report. Russias military tasks in Ukraine now go beyond the eastern Donbas region, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Wednesday, as its forces shelled eastern and southern Ukraine. Lavrov also told state news agency RIA Novosti that Moscows objectives will expand still further if the West keeps supplying Kyiv with long-range weapons such as the U.S.-made High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS). That means the geographical tasks will extend still further from the current line, he said. Lavrovs comments were the clearest acknowledgment yet that Russias war goals have expanded over the five months of war. The United States, which had said on Tuesday that it saw signs Russia was preparing to formally annex territory it has seized in Ukraine, promised that it would oppose annexation. Again, weve been clear that annexation by force would be a gross violation of the UN Charter, and we would not allow it to go unchallenged. We would not allow it to go unpunished, State Department spokesperson Ned Price said at a regular daily briefing on Wednesday. Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014 and supports Russian-speaking breakaway entities the Donetsk and Luhansk Peoples Republics (DPR and LPR) in those provinces, together known as the Donbas. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said Russia rejected diplomacy and wanted blood, not talks. In Washington, the U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley said the Donbas region had not yet been lost to the Russians. Ukrainian forces withdrew from Luhansk earlier this month. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin told a meeting of allies that the United States will send four more HIMARS to Ukraine. Shelling The Ukrainian military reported heavy and sometimes fatal Russian shelling amid what they said were largely failed attempts by Russian ground forces to advance. The Russian-installed administration in the partially occupied Ukrainian region of Zaporizhzhia said Ukraine had conducted a drone strike on a nuclear power station there, but the reactor was undamaged. Reuters could not independently verify the report. Ukrainian officials had no immediate comment. Lavrov is the most senior figure to speak openly of Russias war goals in territorial terms, nearly five months after Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the Feb. 24 invasion with a denial that Russia intended to occupy its neighbor. Then, Putin said his aim was to demilitarize and denazify Ukraine a statement dismissed by Kyiv and the West as a pretext for an imperial-style war of expansion. Lavrov told RIA Novosti geographical realities had changed since Russian and Ukrainian negotiators held peace talks in Turkey in late March that failed to produce any breakthrough. Now the geography is different, its far from being just the DPR and LPR, its also Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions and a number of other territories, he said, referring to territories well beyond the Donbas that Russian forces have wholly or partly seized. Energy blackmail Meanwhile, concern that Russian supplies of gas sent through the biggest pipeline in Europe could be stopped by Moscow prompted the European Union to tell member states to cut gas usage by 15% until March as an emergency step. Russia is blackmailing us. Russia is using energy as a weapon, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said, describing a full cut-off of Russian gas flows as a likely scenario for which Europe needs to be ready. Putin had earlier warned that gas supplies sent to Europe via the Nord Stream 1 pipeline, which has been closed for 10 days for maintenance, were at risk of being reduced further. Russia, the worlds largest gas exporter, has denied Western accusations of using its energy supplies as a tool of coercion, saying it has been a reliable energy supplier. As for its oil, Russia will not send supplies to the world market if a price cap is imposed below the cost of production, Interfax news agency quoted Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak as saying on Wednesday. EU diplomats meeting in Brussels agreed a new round of sanctions against Moscow, including a ban on importing gold from Russia and freezing the assets of top lender Sberbank. But Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy dismissed the sanctions as inadequate. Russia must feel a much higher price for the war to force it to seek peace, Zelenskiy said in a late-night video address. Russias invasion has killed thousands, displaced millions and flattened cities, particularly in Russian-speaking areas in the east and southeast of Ukraine. It has also raised global energy and food prices and increased fears of famine in poorer countries as Ukraine and Russia are both major grain producers. NORTH KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) A Missouri man was charged Wednesday with first-degree murder and armed criminal action in the shooting death of a police officer during a traffic stop prompted by an expired temporary tag on the vehicle. Joshua Rocha, 24, of Kansas City, was being held on $2 million bond in the death of North Kansas City police officer Daniel Vasquez, 32, who was killed Tuesday. Rocha will be arraigned Thursday. According to a probable cause statement, Rocha told police after his arrest that he shot the officer because he didn't want to go to jail or have his vehicle towed. Rocha told police he was on his way to buy ammunition for a rifle he had in the vehicle when he was stopped. Vasquez's dashcam video shows Rocha shooting the officer once in the face after partially opening the car door, then stepping out and firing two more shots at Vasquez, who was lying on the ground, according to the statement. Rocha said his gun jammed at one point. but that he was able to clear it and fire at Vasquez again, according to the statement. Rocha fled in his vehicle and later changed his clothes, shaved his goatee, and spray painted part of his car. But he later turned himself in to Clay County authorities, saying I committed murder," the statement says. Clay County Prosecutor Dan White said the investigation is ongoing, but prosecutors feel very comfortable with the evidence they have against Rocha. If convicted of first-degree murder, Rocha could face the death penalty or life in prison without the possibility of parole. Mike Wood, deputy chief of the Kansas City police department, which is conducting the investigation, said Rocha owned the vehicle he was driving. He was not aware of any previous contact between Vasquez and Rocha, who does not have an extensive criminal record. This story was updated to correct on first reference that the slain officers name is Daniel Vasquez, not Daniel Rocha. At long last, justice has been served in the shooting death of retired St. Louis Police Capt. David Dorn with Wednesdays conviction of Stephan Cannon, the gunman who shot Dorn as he tried to stop looting at his friends pawn shop. Dorns death, which occurred amid rioting and looting after the 2020 murder of George Floyd by a Minneapolis officer, helped feed a Republican narrative that America would descend into leftist chaos and destruction if Democrats were allowed to win the 2020 congressional and presidential elections. That narrative was, of course, way off base and ignored the well-justified nationwide outrage over Floyds murder. But the violence in St. Louis and other cities unfortunately lent Republicans a justification for the rioting and destruction during the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection. Republicans wrongly asserted that Black Lives Matter rioters got off scot-free and that insurrectionists should be treated equally under the law. An Associated Press analysis last August found that more than 300 federal cases were brought against Black Lives Matter protesters. More than 120 defendants pleaded guilty or were convicted for federal crimes such as rioting, arson and conspiracy. More than 70 defendants received sentences of about 27 months behind bars, the Associated Press reported. At least 10 received prison terms of five years or more. Those crimes occurred at night, in poor lighting with few cameras recording the protesters, which is why convicting criminals like Cannon wasnt easy. The Capitol insurrectionists, by contrast, werent just caught on security cameras, they recorded themselves and even posted their videos proudly online, handing a gift to prosecutors. But none of this means justice was skewed to favor leftist protesters over those on the far right who rioted in a failed bid to keep then-President Donald Trump in office. Regardless of how righteous protesters believe their cause might be, destruction and violence are never acceptable forms of civil disobedience. It almost always winds up inflicting more harm than good for the cause. In the case of the protests after Floyds murder, the violence helped aid in recruitment for right-wing, white supremacist groups including those who led the attack on Capitol Hill. Sadly and to the embarrassment of Dorns daughters, his own wife, Ann Dorn, wound up pointing to her husbands death as a reason for the right to rally behind Trump, whose own support for political violence is the subject of ongoing hearings on Capitol Hill. The Capitol Hill protesters denounced police as the enemy and attacked them viciously with flag poles, blunt instruments and chemical spray. This is exactly why the resort to violence and destruction is wrong in any civil-disobedience protest, because it only begets more of the same and lends justification to those who clearly have no respect for the law or officers like Dorn who put their lives on the line to uphold it. All six Missouri Republicans in the U.S. House on Thursday voted against a measure confirming that contraception is a right for American women. On Tuesday, four of those Republicans voted against a measure to protect same-sex and interracial marriage, with Rep. Ann Wagner of Ballwin casting the sole vote in favor and Rep. Vicky Hartzler, who is running for a U.S. Senate seat, conveniently absent. On both votes, the vast majority of GOP House members from across the nation were asked to confirm what most Americans consider fundamental rights to privacy and voted no. The two measures are necessary because the Supreme Courts June ruling overturning Roe v. Wade was based on a legal theory that could, like a line of dominoes, topple other rights as well. While the no voters were clearly pandering to an intolerant GOP base, they are aware that most Americans support wide-ranging marriage and contraception rights. So rather than admit theyre undermining those rights, the opponents claimed the measure was unnecessary because, they maintain, those rights arent in jeopardy. Any sober look at the recent record indicates theyre wrong. In 1973, the Supreme Court established abortion as a constitutional right based in part on the 14th Amendments liberty guarantees, including a right to privacy. Its the same interpretation that had earlier been used to secure rights to contraception and interracial marriage, and later used to secure the right to same-sex relationships. Justice Samuel Alitos majority opinion overturning Roe in June discarded that interpretation, declaring that abortion isnt a right because it isnt mentioned in the Constitution and isnt deeply rooted in the Nations history and traditions. The problem, of course, is that the same can be said of interracial and same-sex marriage, contraception and other rights that modern Americans support. Alito, recognizing this, stressed that his opinion didnt apply to those topics. But it didnt even take a subsequent case to render Alitos gaslighting assurances moot. It came in a concurring opinion in the same case by Justice Clarence Thomas. He wrote that if abortion rights arent protected by an implied constitutional right to privacy, then other rights created under the same theory could and, Thomas argued, should be reconsidered. That alone makes it urgent that Congress head off such future infringements by this increasingly radical court. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, said in a podcast Sunday that same-sex marriage rights should be revisited. Some of those who voted against the contraception-rights bill said they considered it a Trojan horse attempt to protect medical abortions an argument that some on the far right have used against even the most routine birth-control methods. Both bills are headed for a difficult path in the Senate, but its urgent that Democrats keep trying. Those who cant see the dominoes in motion are either not paying attention, or are rooting for them to fall. Regarding the editorial "Parson signs law to criminalize homelessness, ignoring his adviser" (July 19): I am horrified by the hypocrisy exhibited by the Missouri Legislature. In their haste to be "pro-life," the legislators have shown themselves to be anything but. The laws that Gov. Mike Parson has signed criminalizing homelessness, forbidding cooperation with federal agents regarding gun crimes, reluctantly expanding Medicaid and outlawing abortion are all examples of disregarding life. Lawmakers are seemingly only concerned with forcing pregnancies to continue. Where is the role of the fathers? Where is funding for prenatal care, post-natal care and child care? Where is the protection for those who have been raped or abused? What kind of "life" is this Legislature promoting? I believe they are only aiding the lives of mothers who can afford more children or those who can travel to another state that performs abortions. Parson says the Legislature needs more time and study to outline exactly what constitutes a "life-threatening" need for an abortion. But that didn't seem to matter when it passed the law that prevents health care experts from making that determination without fear of prosecution. If Missouri lawmakers were really pro-life, they would be expanding Medicaid, providing child care, early childhood education and health care for all, including mental health care. They would also be as diligent in getting the fathers to provide for their families as they are at preventing the mothers from doing so. Barbara Sandmel St. Louis County In July Israeli firm Rafael introduced a unique new air-launched cruise missile called Ice Breaker. This is basically an air launched version of the ship or ground launched Sea Breaker introduced in 2021, These missiles have a range of 300 kilometers, using a small turbojet engine and large pop-out wings. What makes both missiles unique is that they are designed to operate against targets defended with all manner of electronic defenses, including GPS jamming. They have a top speed of about 1,000 kilometers an hour (just below the sound barrier). Their guidance system is the most novel aspect of the Breaker missiles in that adaptive heat-seeking and image recognition software is used to identify a specific stationary or moving target. Adaptive is often called AI (Artificial Intelligence) that will adapt to efforts to camouflage or hide (via smoke or other obscurants) the target. Breaker uses GPS as well as jam-proof INS (Inertial Guidance system) and the AI system to identify and hit a ship or building. If conditions (no jamming) are right the missile can transmit video of what it is headed for, allowing for manual abort. Otherwise, the missile will seek other targets or self-destruct if Breaker cannot find a target. The breaker missiles weigh between 350 and 400 kg (770-880 pounds) and carry a 113 kg (250-pound) warhead designed for penetration, blast and fragmentation. Sea Breaker has a booster rocket and can be launched from existing Spyder air defense missile launchers. F-16s can carry seven Ice Breaker missiles and other aircraft, like the F-15, F-35, Gripen and even armed jet trainers like the FA-50 or M346. Ice Breaker is deigned to improve on the earlier SPICE glide bombs. In 2005 Rafael introduced a variation on the American JDAM called SPICE (Stand-Off Precision Guidance Munition). SPICE adds a camera in the nose, and the capability to store several digital photos of the target (a building, radar antennae, or a moving target, like a missile transporter) in the bomb. When SPICE gets close enough to see what's down there, the guidance camera compares what it sees in front of it with what is stored in its memory. If it gets a match, it heads right for it. If no target can be found, SPICE hits a specific GPS location or just self-destructs. SPICE equipped bombs have small wings and can be dropped up to 100 kilometers from the target they will glide to. SPICE costs about twice as much as JDAM kits and is similar to earlier (pre-JDAM), and much more expensive, U.S. smart bomb designs like Paveway. The latest version of SPICE has a much-improved guidance sensor (camera) and computer and can store up to a hundred images of potential targets as well as instructions on what to hit when there are multiple choices. Many of these images are of the same target from different angles and such. The SPICE 1000 kit is for the 453 kg (1,000 pound) dumb bomb. Israel has successfully used a number of new air-launched missiles in Syria over the last few years. Ice Breaker will also be used in Syria, where the Syrian air defenses and jamming have proven ineffective against the new high-speed missiles. Ice Breaker and Sea Breaker are meant to add a cheaper, shorter-range missile to the mix and will soon demonstrate if it works as advertised in combat. Sea Breaker is also installed on Israel warships operating off the Lebanese coast, usually fired from anti-aircraft missile launchers like Spyder. The Breaker missiles are designed to be quickly adaptable to different fire control systems. July 21, 2022: The U.S. Navy is testing a new 3D parts printer on one of its Amphibious Assault Ships. These appear like small aircraft carriers but mainly carry helicopters as well as a battalion size task force of marines and all their vehicles and equipment. The 3D printer can quickly fabricate metal replacement parts for many of the systems on the ships, including aircraft and marine weapons and vehicles. There are already 3D printers for plastic parts but 3D printers for metal components have been around for a while and there are computer specification files for enough aluminum parts to make this 3D printer worth having on board. The navy 3D printer can handle aluminum components up to 25cm by 25cm (two inches by ten inches) in size. In the last century warships have had limited capability to fabricate metal parts and even less space to store spare parts. Most of the parts are common hardware items that require no manufacturer's license to duplicate. For unique parts with patent protection a license must be worked out with the manufacturer, who may already be manufacturing that part with a 3D printer. The test on the carrier is expected to succeed because such manufacture-on-demand systems have been used by the military for decades and by commercial forms even longer. This 3D printer tech got a lot of publicity in the last few years when it became known how SpaceX (Space Exploration Technologies Corporation) rapidly developed more effective, cheaper rockets and satellite launchers so quickly. SpaceX inspired European countries, which had already developed some of the tech that SpaceX used to build their novel rockets and SLVs (Space Launch Vehicles). One of these techs was 3D printing of metal components for rocket engines and other major components of SLVs that are needed in small quantities. Use of traditional manufacturing methods like forging, machining and stamping metal are expensive and time consuming and very expensive for small quantities. Change has been coming since the 1980s, when the concept of 3D printing tech arrived. Soon it was realized that eventually this tech would evolve to the point where it could handle metal components and complex objects could be built with a 3D device. For manufacturers, this would be a major revolution for anyone needing small numbers of complex systems or developing prototypes for testing and further refinement. Spacecraft developers and manufacturers were among the first to make very visible use of these new tech. The first decade of the 21st Century saw the appearance of more effective 3D printers that could handle metal parts of different sizes and complexity. It was only a matter of time before the military adopted this new generation of 3D printer tech. Other Western nations have followed suit for ships at sea as well as peacekeeping operations in remote areas. For example, in 2019 France joined a growing number of armed forces and adopted the use of 3D printers for its counterterrorism operation in Africa. This force contains 4,500 soldiers, special operations troops and aircraft crews that have, since 2014 been in the Sahel (the semi-desert area from the Atlantic to Ethiopia) to combat Islamic terrorists. The headquarters of the task force are in landlocked Chad and about half the troops are in landlocked Mali to the west. A shortage of rivers and roads means it is time consuming and expensive to get supplies in, even if you expedite the process by putting them aboard military transport aircraft that regularly fly between the Sahel bases and France. The French Task Force received two 3D printers at its Chad headquarters and they were soon in regular use to quickly supply needed parts. Otherwise, a lot of equipment would be sidelined for days or weeks waiting for the part to arrive from France or a foreign manufacturer. The U.S. Army pioneered this approach back in 2003 with the establishment of the MPH (Mobile Parts Hospital). Initially this operation did not have 3D printers as that tech was still primitive, and instead used a more mature and bulky technology. That was CAD (Computer Assisted Design) data for parts with the then-new lightweight computer-controlled machine tools to manufacture new parts as needed. MPH was very popular and that led to calls for upgrades. By 2013 MPH had added 3D printers. By 2016 SOCOM (Special Operations Command), which had already been using MPH, noted that users (including some SOCOM personnel) were designing their own new parts and using MPHs to build them for immediate testing. A growing percentage of those new component designs worked and many became part of the factory-made systems. Most SOCOM MPH detachments consisted of just a laptop and a 3-D printer for non-metal parts. The 3D printer for metal parts was bulker and a lot more expensive and initially, fewer of them were out in the field back then. Meanwhile, other nations were adopting these technologies. The Royal Navy had adopted the 3D printing concept for its warships in 2015, as had the U.S. Navy and American marines. Meanwhile, this 3D printer approach had been adopted by many companies that provided field support for expensive and complex equipment. It was easy and inexpensive to supply field support teams with a 3D printer that could quickly produce thousands of plastic and now metal, parts in aircraft, ships, generators, electronics, vehicles and so on. Often the original manufacturer had to be notified and paid, or simply notified if the part was simple, like part of a switch or connector. It took the American army a decade to develop and deploy a second and third generation of MPH. The 2013 version was actually called Ex Lab (Expeditionary Lab) and was more compact and relied more on 3-D parts builders (3D printers) and operators trained to help users come up with designs for components that dont yet exist. It was often the case that troops discovered the need for a new component or improved replacement part for their equipment. In the past, this request often had to go back to the original factory for development and manufacturing. But with the software and equipment available now, as well as satellite data links to factories, it is possible to get this work done quickly in the combat zone. Thus, the new name for what is essentially MPH 3.0. MPH was developed when the army realized that the easiest and quickest way to get the many rarely requested, but vital, replacement parts to the troops was to manufacture the parts in the combat zone. After September 11, 2001, this led to the construction of a portable parts fabrication system that fits into a standard 8x8x20 foot shipping container. The original version used two containers, but smaller equipment and more powerful computers eventually made it possible to use one container. By 2010, there were four MPH systems in service, two of them in Afghanistan. Over the next few years then two more were built, for under $2 million each. In the first decade of use, MPHs manufactured over 150,000 parts on the spot saving lots of time, shipping expenses, and aggravation for troops needing the item. This saved days, or weeks, that it would take to obtain the part from the manufacturer. The MPH part is usually a lot cheaper because of the air freight and manufacturer markups to pay for maintaining the part in inventory. MPH 2.0 had a 3-D part builder, which uses metal dust and a laser to build a part. SOCOM built its own, more ambitious, version of MPH in 2009. This was the MTC (Mobile Technology Complex) that could fix more complex and exotic gear, which SOCOM has a lot of. MTC could modify their special gear, or even create something new. SOCOM sent most of their MTCs to Afghanistan to see how effective they would be at improving the readiness of equipment, and the usefulness of being able to modify existing gear, and build new stuff on the spot. The MTC was modified, with some new gear, version of MPH 2.0. This led to Ex Labs. The key to making this work originally was the availability of computer-controlled machine tools, which can take a block of the proper metal and machine it into the desired part. The computer-controlled machine tools have been around for decades, but the big breakthrough was the development of CAD software for PCs in the 1980s, which made the process of designing, and then fabricating, a part much faster. The computer-controlled machine tools can use the CAD file to automatically create the part. The MPH has a high-speed satellite data link, which enables it to obtain the CAD file for a part. Many CAD files are already stored in the MPH. Often, the MPH staff figures out a way to improve a part, based on the broken parts they see and what the troops tell them. The computer-controlled machine tools were eventually complemented, and now often replaced by 3D printers that can make all manner of metal parts. Aircraft and spaceship (SpaceX) manufacturers used this equipment on a large scale to build prototypes or items, like satellite launchers and transport vehicles to bring supplies, and people to the International Space Station. The metal 3D printers now come in a wide range of sizes and capabilities. Some never leave the factory but the more portable ones are now common in field service offices and with the military. All these instant parts builder operations tended to be staffed and open 24/7. The demand for critical parts happened round the clock in a combat zone and it was often a matter of life or death to get the part as quickly as possible. This has eliminated many of the spare parts crises where large quantities of equipment in a combat zone would be unavailable because a few parts were found to wear out more quickly than anticipated in combat. When that sort of thing happens now the MPH can get parts to the troops quickly while the factory is alerted to produce more and air freight them to the combat zone as soon as they can. Meanwhile, military use of this technology led to the concept of building entire systems on-demand with the 3D printers. Either that or extensive modifications for existing equipment. One application involved 3D printed UAVs that cost about $1,000 but use commercial components (batteries, electric motors, cameras and wireless comms). The airframe is 3D printed on-demand at battalion and brigade level. The troops would still have a similar Raven UAV, with its longer duration, better sensors and encrypted comms. But for most combat zone needs the 3D UAVs built back at battalion or brigade headquarters as needed would get the job done. These weigh less than 1 kilogram (2.2 pounds) and have limited endurance (20 minutes) and range (about three kilometers) but for most combat situations that is sufficient. A smartphone or tablet can be used as a controller. The 3D printers required are small and use plastic material that can also be used to create replacement parts on-demand for damaged UAVs as well as a long list of parts for other equipment in the battalion. A 3D Printer would not be added to battalion or brigade equipment just for making UAVs, but for supplying a long list of plastic replacement parts instantly. In a combat zone, there is simply more demand for modifications to existing equipment that are a matter of life or death, or at least less anxiety. TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Last night, the Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS) Toronto chapter celebrated Torontos most talented and innovative public relations and communications practitioners at the annual Achieving Communications Excellence (ACE) Awards Ceremony. Taking place virtually this year, the awards showcased outstanding work in the practice of public relations, receiving 147 high-caliber submissions from a variety of agencies, corporations, individuals and not-for-profits in the Greater Toronto Area. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220721005797/en/ I would like to give a big congratulations to the many winners and finalists at this years ACE Awards, said Nancy MacMillan, President, CPRS Toronto Chapter. The ACE Awards is one of CPRS Torontos most exciting nights of the year, and it was a great honour to be surrounded by an incredible group of inspiring practitioners. The ACE Awards highlight skill, innovation, and intelligence within the public relations and communications industry. The awards recognize communications campaigns in diverse categories including events, media relations, digital media, healthcare and diversity, equity, and inclusion. This full presentation celebrating the winners in each category can be found here. We would also like to acknowledge and express gratitude towards our dedicated volunteers as well as this years sponsor, McMaster University. Without their support, the ACE Awards would not be possible, said MacMillan. The 2022 ACE Award recipients included: Finalists, Best Campaign of the Year Craft Public Relations and Earths Own; The Plant Challenge Mint Agency and UM Canada; Her for She Proof Strategies and Audible; Audible Indigenous Writers Circle Finalists, Best Creative Campaign of the Year IKEA Canada and Hill+Knowlton Strategies; Proud to Play Jakes House and Edelman Canada; Introducing the ASD Band Zeno Group Canada and Barilla Canada; Barilla Pastaport Best Integrated Communications Campaign, COVID-related Gold LABOUR; WeRPN Nursing During COVID-19 Silver Insurance Bureau of Canada, Paradigm and, True Media Canada; Pandemic Assistance for Small Businesses Bronze Deborah Wilson, Jessica Pellerin, Louise Brooks; Billy Bishop Airport-Restart & Reassure Best Use of Media Relations, COVID-related Silver LABOUR; WeRPN Nursing During COVID-19 Silver Kaiser & Partners and ADP Canada; Workplace Insight Surveys Bronze LifeWorks and Kaiser & Partners; Mental Health Index Campaign Brand Development Campaign of the Year Gold Upfield Canada and Edelman; Oat Yes We Did! Becel with Oat Beverage Silver APEX PR and BIC; BIC Gel-ocity Back-to-School Campaign Silver Town of Whitby; 2022 Budget Community Engagement Bronze LifeWorks and Kaiser & Partners Inc.; Morneau Shepell Rebrand to LifeWorks Bronze Coke Canada Bottling and Middle Child; Coke Canada Bottling Local Bottler Campaign Bronze The PR Department and Radiant; ShareWord Global Brand Launch Bronze Narrative and Volvo Car Canada; World Free Car Day Community Relations Campaign of the Year Gold Agnostic and Metro Ontario; Lincoln Heights Store Re-Opening Bronze Coke Canada Bottling and Middle Child; Coke Canada Bottling Holiday Truck Tour Canadian Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Campaign of the Year Gold Proof Strategies and Audible; Audible Indigenous Writers Circle Gold Jakes House and Edelman Canada; Introducing the ASD Band Bronze Crayola Canada and Argyle; #MyColour Bronze Veritas and Labatt Breweries of Canada; #TapeOutHate CSR or Cause-Related Campaign, Best Gold Jakes House and Edelman Canada; Introducing The ASD Band Silver Canadian Red Cross; Be That Someone Silver Ronald McDonald House Charities Canada and Weber Shandwick Canada; RMHC National Cookie Day Silver San Pellegrino and Strategic Objectives; San Pellegrino Chef Collective Silver Canadian Cancer Society and Hill+Knowlton Strategies; Canadian Cancer Societys Dry Feb Bronze Carol Levine, Stephanie Engel, energi PR Jewish General Hospital Foundation; Le Week-end Pour Combattre Le Cancer Digital Communications Campaign of the Year Gold Mint Agency and UM Canada; Her For She Bronze Climate Proof Canada and Paradigm; It takes both offence and defence to win Bronze Proof Strategies and NGen; Careers of the Future Bronze Golin and Arterra Wines Canada; Turning Wines into Wins with Wine Rack Employee Engagement / Internal Communications Campaign of the Year Gold McDonalds Canada and Weber Shandwick Canada; Elevate McDonalds Employee Engagement Bronze McDonalds Canada and Weber Shandwick Canada; MyMcDonalds Rewards Employee Engagement / Internal Communications Campaign Of the Year, COVID-related Silver Kaiser & Partners and CDW Canada; CDW Canada Internal Communications Government Relations / Public Affairs Campaign of the Year Gold Climate Proof Canada and Paradigm; It Takes Both Offense and Defense To Win Silver Royal LePage and North Strategic; Solving Canadas Housing Supply Crisis Bronze GE Hitachi and Argyle; Small Footprint, Big Impact Healthcare Campaign of the Year Gold Baycrest, Hill + Knowlton Strategies, BBDO and Hearts & Science; Baycrest Fear No Age Silver GSK and Edelman; Advils #AfterMyShot/#ApresMonVaccin Bronze LABOUR; WeRPN Nursing During COVID-19 Healthcare Campaign of the Year, COVID-related Gold LABOUR; WeRPN Nursing During COVID-19 Human Resource or Benefits Campaign, Best Silver Proof Strategies and Canadian Red Cross; Be That Someone Investor / Financial Relations Campaign of the Year Silver Kaiser & Partners and Sleep Country Canada; Showcasing Sleep Countrys Strategy Media Relations, Best Use of (Under $50,000) Gold IKEA Canada and Hill+Knowlton Strategies; Green Friday Gold Royal LePage and North Strategic; Solving Canadas Housing Supply Crisis Gold Veritas and Labatt Breweries of Canada; This Game Is For Us All Gold Craft Public Relations and Tim Hortons; The Launch of Timbiebs in Canada Silver LABOUR; WeRPN Nursing During COVID-19 Silver Kaiser & Partners and LHH Canada; LHH Canada Labour Force Survey Silver Briar Wells Cisco Canada and Agnostic; Cisco Canada Hybrid Work Index Silver Novo Nordisk Canada and Argyle; Dont Put Your Health on Hold Bronze energi PR and Canadian Cancer Society; World Cancer Day Bronze Pomp & Circumstance; Ontario Beef 2021 Media Relations Bronze Craft Public Relations; Canadian Launch of Big Brain Academy Media Relations, Best Use of (Over $50,000) Gold Interac Corp. and Hill+Knowlton Strategies; The Feel-Good Phenomenon Gold Craft Public Relations and News Media Canada; National Newspaper Week 2021 Gold LifeWorks and Kaiser & Partners; Mental Health Index Campaign Gold McCormick Canada; Get Outside with Club House Silver NATIONAL Public Relations; A Breath in the Sky Bronze McDonalds Canada and Weber Shandwick Canada; Drive Thru Say I Do Bronze APEX PR; Mydoh App Media Relations Award Bronze Mint Agency and UM Canada; Her For She Bronze Pomp & Circumstance; Park Hyatt Toronto Re-Opening Bronze Crayola Canada and Argyle; #MyColour Bronze Porter Novelli Canada; Forward Together Bronze RE/MAX Canada; Liveability and Realtor Professionalism Marketing Communications Campaign of the Year Gold Craft Public Relations and Earths Own; The Plant Challenge Gold Proof Strategies and Canadian Red Cross; Be That Someone Gold Craft Public Relations; Creating the Tim Hortons Holiday Bear Gold Walmart Canada and APEX PR; 2021 Walmart BTS Campaign Gold Zeno Group Canada and Barilla Canada; Barilla Pastaport Gold Proof Strategies and NGen; Careers of the Future Silver PRAXIS; Launch of Black Bowmore DB5 1964 Silver Slips, Trips and Falls Campaign Team; Saskatchewan Workers Compensation Board Silver Walmart Canada and APEX PR; 2021 Walmart Apparel Campaign Silver UPS Canada and Argyle; Come Back Strong Bronze McDonalds Canada and Weber Shandwick Canada; MyMcDonalds Rewards Bronze Electrical Safety Authority and Hill+Knowlton Strategies; Powerline Safety Bronze The PR Department and Breakthrough Communications; Amarulas National Cookie Exchange Bronze Agnostic and Truss Beverage Co.; Local Cannabis Beverage Outlet Bronze Government of Northwest Territories and Argyle; Speak the Tooth Bronze Warner Bros. Pictures Canada: Sandy Power and Christopher Lewchuk ; The Matrix Resurrections Bronze Pomp & Circumstance; Shes Mercedes Power Suit Project New Product or Service Launch Campaign of the Year Gold Craft Public Relations; Monogram x Patrick Kriss Partnership Gold Craft Public Relations; Introducing the Impossible Whopper to Canada Gold IKEA Canada with Hill+Knowlton Strategies; Proud to Play Silver Zoglos and Strategic Objectives; Relaunch of Zoglos Silver APEX PR; Mydoh App New Product Launch of the Year Silver LifeWorks and Kaiser & Partners; AbilitiCBT Pandemic Program Launch Bronze SodaStream and Edelman; Buble Drops Bronze Veritas and Labatt Breweries of Canada; Bud Light Seltzer Launch Publication, Best Bronze Kaiser & Partners, Scott Newlands Design and Sleep Country Canada; 2020 Annual Report Student Public Relations Campaign or Event of the Year, Executed Bronze Eleanor Willner-Fraser, Monika Haresh, Kathy Yang, Sevdia Rama and Natalia Franco, Centennial College; Face-to-Face February Student Public Relations Communications Plan of the Year Silver Luxshana Sivaneswaran and Gustavo Lopes; 100 Sweaty Sweats Bronze Ama Asamoah, Kathleen Bennet, Sara Hopkinson, Amanda Serpa and Sasha Sheludko, Humber College; Madawaska Adventures Communication Bronze Amanda Cheung; Arielle Rodrigues, Addy Sison, Albina Sufaj, Javier Pardo, Centennial College; The Women We Know Special Events or Experiential Marketing, Best Use of Gold Veritas and Labatt Breweries of Canada; This Game Is For Us All Silver Kia Canada and Strategic Objectives; #KiaElectricSound Silver Warner Bros. Pictures Canada: Sandy Power and Christopher Lewchuk; The Matrix Resurrections Bronze Narrative and KITKAT Chocolatory; Made 4 U Social Media Campaign, Best, and/or Influencers, Best Use of Gold Craft Public Relations and Tim Hortons; The Launch of Cold Brew Silver McDonalds Canada and Weber Shandwick Canada; McDonalds From Home Silver ruckus Digital; Taste of the Tropics Silver ruckus Digital and DoorDash, Inc.; DoorDash Partnership Marketing Campaign Silver APEX PR and Levis Canada; Levis Canada Ambassador Program Silver SodaStream and Edelman; Buble Drops Bronze McDonalds Canada and Weber Shandwick Canada; Smarties McFlurry Bronze ruckus Digital; DoorDash Courageous Conversations Bronze Golin and PetSmart Canada; Introducing the PetSmart Pawsse Writing, Best Silver Kaiser & Partners and SecureKey; Frontiers in Blockchain CPRS Toronto Leadership awards Lois Marsh Award Jenny Shin, Milestones Public Relations Volunteer of the Year Mahlet Sintayehu PR professional of the Year Lisa Pasquin, Craft Public Relations Student of the Year Kathy Yang, Centennial College About CPRS Founded in 1948, the Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS) Toronto Local Society is a not-for-profit association of professionals dedicated to the practice, management and teaching of public relations and communications. Comprising 13 local societies, CPRS mission is to build a national public relations and communications management community through professional development and accreditation, collaboration with thought leaders, a commitment to ethics and a code of professional standards, advocacy for the profession, and support to members at every stage of their careers. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220721005797/en/ For further information: Janine Allen, [email protected] Source: Canadian Public Relations Society LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The West Coast Consortium for Technology & Innovation in Pediatrics (CTIP), centered at Children's Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA), presented its 2022 Symposium entitled Patient Impact, Patient Voice, bringing innovators, clinicians and patient families together virtually to discuss the importance of better integrating patients and their perspectives into the design, development and research of pediatric medical devices. The symposium featured panelists comprised of patient families and advocates, CTIP-funded developers of pediatric medical devices, leaders from the Food and Drug Administrations (FDA) Office of Strategic Partnerships and Technology Innovation, and representatives from the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) and the National Capital Consortium for Pediatric Device Innovation (NCC-PDI). In the world of pediatric medical devices, there are a number of systemic challenges when it comes to innovation and being able to bring more devices to market to treat children. Although individuals younger than 18 years represent nearly one-quarter of the US population, less than 12 percent of the National Institutes of Health budget funds pediatric research, and less than 10 percent of all health care spending is for pediatrics, says Juan Espinoza, MD, FAAP, Director and Principal Investigator of CTIP. CTIP is committed to improving health outcomes for children through medical technology development and proud to support companies that are actively engaging patients to meet their needs through inclusively designed medical devices. The symposium featured the following CTIP portfolio members: Restoring independence to those living with upper-arm weakness Abilitech Medical develops assistive technologies to meet the needs of patients with upper-limb mobility limitations, providing shoulder and elbow support and assistance for patients with conditions such as muscular dystrophy. Robotics for rehabilitation Biomotums SPARK robotic ankle assistant device delivers improvements in mobility and gait quality to patients with cerebral palsy, stroke and other neurological conditions through robotic gait training. The solution for eyelid closure Nictavis Tarsus Eyelid Patch is a patented eyelid closure device which utilizes the strengths of adhesion, structure, curvature and resistance to transform cornea care. Retraining the spinal cord and brain SpineX develops noninvasive neuromodulation devices that send low-intensity electrical pulses into the spine, restoring communication between spine and brain so patients with conditions such as cerebral palsy can move voluntarily. The symposium also featured pediatric patients and families who spoke about their daily lives, how they are impacted by the medical devices they use, and how to better incorporate their perspectives when developing user-friendly devices for this population. They shared their unique stories regarding insights of life-changing technologies, but also the limitations and the lack of opportunities to communicate and provide feedback to manufacturers. The symposium concluded with remarks by representatives from the FDA, NIH, and NCC-PDI who emphasized the need to bring together patients and families with manufacturers, researchers, clinicians, educators, and other key stakeholders in order to ensure that safe and effective medical devices are developed specifically for children. About CTIP The West Coast Consortium for Technology & Innovation in Pediatrics (CTIP) is a pediatric medical device accelerator centered at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) in collaboration with the University of Southern California. Established in 2011 and first funded by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2013 and again in 2018, CTIP promotes the commercialization and clinical use of pediatric medical device technology. CTIP addresses the most important component missing from pediatric device innovation: simultaneously engaging clinicians, engineers, regulators, hospital administrators, patients and the business community in the process of assessment and development of technology. For portfolio companies, CTIP fosters networking opportunities, direct and indirect financial support and guidance on issues related to, but not limited to, intellectual property, prototyping, engineering, testing, grant writing and clinical trial design. CTIP has a network of childrens hospitals, academic institutions, accelerators and incubators across the West Coast to support the commercialization of pediatric medical devices. To learn more about CTIP, follow them on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter, and visit their website at https://www.westcoastctip.org/. About Childrens Hospital Los Angeles Childrens Hospital Los Angeles is at the forefront of pediatric medicine, offering acclaimed care to children from across the world, the country and the greater Southern California region. Founded in 1901, Childrens Hospital Los Angeles is the largest provider of care for children in Los Angeles County, the No. 1 pediatric hospital in the Pacific region and California, and among the top 10 in the nation on U.S. News & World Reports Honor Roll of Best Childrens Hospitals. Clinical expertise spans the pediatric care continuum for newborns to young adults, from everyday preventive medicine to the most advanced cases. Inclusive, kid- and family-friendly clinical care is led by physicians who are faculty members of the Keck School of Medicine of USC, and proven discoveries reach patients faster through The Saban Research Institute of Childrens Hospital Los Angelesamong the top 10 childrens hospitals for National Institutes of Health funding. The hospital also is home to the largest pediatric residency training program at a freestanding childrens hospital in the western United States. To learn more, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube and Twitter, and visit our blog at CHLA.org/blog. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220721006049/en/ Lauren Song E-mail: [email protected] Source: Hosts CTIP Accelerator Symposium Advocating for Patient Voice in Development of Pediatric Medical Devices ???????? Nuestra identidad es motivo de orgullo! ? "El #RuraqMaki es mas que un encuentro cultural, es la puesta en valor de nuestra cultura e historia", manifesto el presidente @PedroCastilloTe durante la inauguracion de esta exposicion, a cargo del @MinCulturaPe. pic.twitter.com/dEVa5eVamL PHOENIX--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Christian Brands of Phoenix, AZ, has acquired the Murphy Robes Company of Indianapolis, IN. Murphy Cap & Gown was founded in 1913 and was a family owned and operated company focused on providing exceptional Christian choir gowns, pulpit robes, clergy attire and vestments as well as a full line of clergy shirts. In 2008 Murphy Cap & Gown was acquired by Herff Jones of Indianapolis, Indiana, and the name was changed to Murphy Robes. For over one hundred and ten years Murphy Robes has solidified its position as the market leader in custom and quick ship choir gown and pulpit robes for Christian churches in North America. The Murphy Robes line of church attire is the most diverse and dynamic product offering in America. Started as a small sewing operation in the founders' garage, the company became the largest choir gown manufacturer in the United States with over 200 employees at its height. The Murphy Robes team has had huge success in leading a brand that embraces contemporary church fashion and state-of-the-art sewing techniques that have been a part of Christian retailing for decades. We are very pleased to have a new steward for this wonderful brand who will grow the business dramatically in the future. The Christian Brands team is well versed with the needs of our industry and can help strengthen the Murphy Robes marketing position across all channels of distribution, said Herff Jones Vice President of Human Resources, Michael Williams. With their resources, and the help of their field sales force, telemarketing staff and sophisticated web presence, we firmly believe that Murphy Robes will continue to flourish and offer our customers the highest quality products and superior customer service that our industry has come to expect. Christian Brands, founded in 1948, is a distribution, importing and manufacturing firm with five distinct catalogs selling to an assortment of retailers across the country. Recent acquisitions include Gerffert, R.J. Toomey, Creed, Berkander, Jeweled Cross, Robert Smith, Will & Baumer, Alfred Mainzer and Sudbury Brass. Paul DiGiovanni, President of Christian Brands, said, We are thrilled to lead the future direction of this wonderful Murphy Robes brand. The Murphy Robes team have combined vision and hard work to build this unique Christian brand and we look forward to offering this exclusive grouping of quality textile products to our new combined customer base. Christian Brands is a wholly owned subsidiary of CBC Group headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, with manufacturing facilities, a call center, and a distribution center in Lewisburg, TN. https://catholic.christianbrands.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220721005927/en/ Brian Schroeder Vice President of Sales & Marketing (513) 608-3080 [email protected] Source: Christian Brands ETF Will Be Powered by Irrational Capitals Human Capital Factor Scores CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The Index Provider listed in the second sentence of the third and sixteenth paragraphs should read: Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (instead of CIBC World Markets, Inc.). The updated release reads: HARBOR CAPITAL ADVISORS EXPANDS ETF SUITE WITH SECOND CORPORATE CULTURE STRATEGY ETF Will Be Powered by Irrational Capitals Human Capital Factor Scores Harbor Capital Advisors, Inc. (Harbor), a premier multi-manager investment firm offering access to innovative and specialized expertise across a range of investment strategies and vehicles, today announced that it is adding to its exchange-traded fund (ETF) lineup by bringing a new Harbor Corporate Culture ETF (HCFI) to market in October, upon completion of the registration process. This offering is in addition to the firms growing lineup of ETFs across investment themes and asset classes. Along with ETFs, Harbor Capital offers a curated experience of mutual funds and collective investment trusts (CITs). The fully transparent ETF will seek to provide investment results that correspond, before fees and expenses, to the performance of the CIBC Human Capital Index (the Index). The Index consists of a modified market-weighted portfolio of equity securities of approximately 150 U.S. companies identified by Irrational Capital LLC (Irrational Capital) as those it believes to possess strong corporate culture based on its proprietary scoring methodology. The Index was developed by the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (the Index Provider). Co-founded by world-renowned behavioral scientist Dan Ariely, Irrational Capital is an investment research and development firm that applies workplace behavioral science, financial acumen, and data science to capture the powerful connection between human capital and financial outcomes. Following the launch of HAPY, our Corporate Culture Leaders ETF, weve seen strong investor interest in human capital investing. With the launch of HCFI, were excited to bring to market a more diversified, sector constrained approach built on the same foundational data and process. Human capital remains a critical intangible asset that is difficult to measure but key to a companys success. As we expand our partnership with Dan Ariely and Irrational Capital, were confident that their insights create a compelling option for clients interested in this new field of investing, said Kristof Gleich, Harbor Capitals President and CIO. About Harbor Capital Harbor is dedicated to helping clients achieve investment objectives with an active, cost-aware investing approach. For more than 30 years, our investment team has served as a guide for clients, developing portfolio strategies based on rigorous research and market analysis; sourcing select specialists and deep insights in each asset class; and evaluating performance to ensure that decisions remain in the best interests of our clients. Headquartered in Chicago, Harbor Capital Advisors had total assets under management of approximately $45 billion as of May 31, 2022. For more information, visit harborcapital.com. About Irrational Capital Irrational Capital is an investment research firm that applies workplace behavioral science, financial acumen and data science to quantify the impact of corporate culture and employee motivation on financial performance. Through cutting edge research on large, and often proprietary, data sets, Irrational Capital works with partners to provide access to investment strategies offering exposure to the Human Capital Factor, the first systematic, quantitative and investable measurement of the link between workplace environments/culture and positive-future equity returns. Irrational Capital was founded in 2017 and is headquartered outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. To learn more about Irrational Capital, please visit www.irrational.capital. NOTE: INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO COMPLETION OR AMENDMENT. THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING TO THESE SECURITIES HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE SEC BUT HAS NOT YET BEEN DECLARED EFFECTIVE. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD NOR MAY OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO THE TIME THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT BECOMES EFFECTIVE. THIS PRESS RELEASE IS NOT AN OFFER TO SELL THESE SECURITIES AND IS NOT SOLICITING AN OFFER TO BUY THESE SECURITIES IN ANY STATE WHERE THE OFFER OR SALE IS NOT PERMITTED. AN INDICATION OF INTEREST IN RESPONSE TO THIS ADVERTISEMENT WILL INVOLVE NO OBLIGATION OR COMMITMENT OF ANY KIND. CALL 1-800-422-1050 TO OBTAIN A PRE-EFFECTIVE PROSPECTUS. BEFORE INVESTING YOU SHOULD CAREFULLY CONSIDER A FUNDS INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES, RISKS, CHARGES, AND EXPENSES. THIS AND OTHER INFORMATION IS IN THE PROSPECTUS. PLEASE READ THE PROSPECTUS CAREFULLY BEFORE YOU INVEST. All investments involve risk including the possible loss of principal. There is no guarantee that the investment objective of the Fund will be achieved. Stock markets are volatile and equity values can decline significantly in response to adverse issuer, political, regulatory, market and economic conditions. The Fund may not exactly track the performance of the Index with perfect accuracy at all times. Tracking error may occur because of pricing differences, timing and costs incurred by the fund or during times of heightened market volatility. The Fund relies on the Index provider's methodology in assessing whether a company may be considered a corporate culture leader. There is no guarantee that the construction methodology will accurately assess a company to include or exclude it from the index which could have an adverse effect on the Fund's returns. The Fund's assets may be concentrated in a particular sector or industries to the extent the Index is concentrated and is subject to the risk that economic, political, or other market conditions that have a negative effect on that sector or industry will negatively impact the value of the Fund. Companies in the information technology sector can be significantly affected by short product cycles, obsolescence of existing technology, impairment or loss of intellectual property rights, falling prices and profits, competition from new market entrants, government regulation and other factors. Unlike mutual funds, ETFs may trade at a premium or discount to their net asset value. The ETF is new and has limited operating history to judge. Shares are bought and sold at market price not net asset value (NAV). Market price returns are based upon the closing composite market price and do not represent the returns you would receive if you traded shares at other times. The CIBC Human Capital Index consists of a modified market-weighted portfolio of the equity securities of U.S. companies identified by Irrational Capital LLC (Irrational Capital) as those it believes to possess strong corporate culture based on its proprietary scoring methodology. The Index is developed by the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (the Index Provider), Irrational Capital evaluates companies based on a proprietary, rules-based scoring methodology it developed by leveraging its research in behavioral science, data science and human capital. Constituents of the Solactive GBS United States 500 Index (the index universe) at the time of Index reconstitution are eligible for inclusion in the Index. Each company in the index universe that is also identified by Irrational Capital on its list of high-scoring companies (based on the most current scores as of each reconstitution) will be included in the Index. Index constituents in the same sector are weighted based on their float-adjusted market capitalizations. On reconstitution dates, the Index will target the same sector weights as the index universe. If after the Indexs weighting and capping rules are applied, a sectors weight in the Index would be less than its weight in the index universe, the Index will hold exchange-traded funds that invest specifically in the stocks and securities of the corresponding sector (known as sector ETFs), or such other sector proxy as the Index Provider may determine, to fill the remaining weight and ensure sector neutrality as compared with the index universe. The index listed is unmanaged and does not reflect fees and expenses and is not available for direct investment. Foreside Fund Services, LLC. is the Distributor of the Harbor Corporate Culture ETF. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220718005707/en/ MEDIA: Hedda Nadler [email protected] Andrew Greene [email protected] 212-759-4440 Source: Harbor Capital Advisors, Inc. The pairing of CYBRA RFID Software Solutions with RMS Omegas industry expertise produces a powerhouse team of experts for customers seeking advanced tracking solutions BALTIMORE & YONKERS, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- CYBRA Corporation, the New York-based developers of Edgefinity IoT tracking software, and RMS Omega, a leading provider of RFID, barcoding, data collection, wireless, and mobility technologies, announced a partnership today to deliver RFID-centered solutions focused on inventory tracking and asset management. CYBRAs Edgefinity IoT is a platform for rapidly building integrated applications that locate and help protect people, assets and vehicles using RFID, RTLS and other sensor technologies. For barcoding applications, CYBRAs MarkMagic solves barcode labels/forms design and printing challenges in one comprehensive package. RMS Omega is a leading supplier and systems integrator for strategic tracking, data collection, and automation solutions utilizing RFID, barcode, mobile, and wireless technology. For over 20 years, RMS Omega has been working with companies of all sizes to solve complex business challenges, improve processes, data visibility and provide increased accuracy. With a dedicated team of RFID specialists, RMS has the expertise to evaluate, design and deploy advanced RFID and Real-Time Location Solutions (RTLS) for any environment. Says Harold Brand, CEO of CYBRA, Our relationship with RMS Omega has grown steadily this past year. Were excited to formalize the new strategic partnership. Companies looking for an end-to-end RFID tracking solution are in luck. They can shop with confidence knowing that with RMS and CYBRA they are getting the best of breed solutions and support. In addition to their expertise, RMS Omegas industry focus is a perfect match with CYBRA which will extend our reach to new customers. Edgefinity IoT tracks assets, equipment, personnel, and company vehicles to provide comprehensive situational awareness at any facility. With Edgefinity IoT, users can deploy powerful tracking solutions such as work-in-process operations, real time equipment location tracking, inventory threshold management, inbound and outbound shipment auditing, and safety protocol enforcement. Unlike other tracking and asset management software products, Edgefinity IoT is scalable and highly customizable. Organizations can start with just a small number of tags and hardware, then scale as needed. Whether you need to track large amounts of inventory, locate misplaced equipment, or ensure the safety of your employees, Edgefinity IoT lets you quickly deploy advanced, industrial strength tracking applications. "Edgefinity IoT is a solid, scalable, and user-friendly platform for organizations needing enhanced visibility and data accuracy for their operations," says Clayton Vigent, RMS Omegas Vice President of Sales. "Our mission is to improve outcomes through strategic technology solutions, and the results we've seen with CYBRA's software applications have done just that. We are thrilled to partner with CYBRA and offer our customers better options to strategically track and manage their data, inventory, and assets. We look forward to a long and fruitful partnership." About CYBRA Corporation CYBRA Corporation is a leader in Auto Identification barcode and RFID technology serving customers in a wide range of industries. In addition to MarkMagic, CYBRAs other flagship product is Edgefinity IoT (PATENTED U.S. PATENT OFFICE 11,024,105). Edgefinity IoT is a platform for rapidly configuring integrated applications that locate objects and people using RFID, RTLS and other advanced tracking technologies. Edgefinity IoT provides customers with the ability to implement EPC (Electronic Product Code) compliance systems, as well as RFID track and trace applications. In addition to traditional passive RFID applications, Edgefinity IoT can be used as an all-in-one rules driven solution for the safety, security and productivity of people and assets using active RFID and RTLS technologies. CYBRA software solutions run on all major computing platforms, including Microsoft Windows, Linux, Unix, cloud and IBM Power Systems (System i, iSeries, AS/400, AIX). CYBRA Corporation is located at 28 Wells Avenue, i.park Building #3, Yonkers, NY 10701. Product information is available toll free at 1-800-CYBRA-88. CYBRA is represented by a network of value-added resellers throughout the United States and sales and support offices overseas. To request information via e-mail, write to: [email protected]. About RMS Omega RMS Omega is a technology solutions integrator with extensive experience developing strategic tracking and automation tools for healthcare, manufacturing, the supply chain, and field service industries. We offer a vast portfolio of technology and professional services, including RFID, barcode, data collection, wireless infrastructure, enterprise mobility applications, voice automation, location technology, and more, throughout the United States and Canada. From the initial consultation to post-implementation optimization, we have the necessary resources and expertise to design, deploy, manage, and provide ongoing service for all of our customers. With RMS Omega, organizations become empowered with the oversight and peace of mind that their data, inventory, assets, and people are always at the right place at the right time. Learn more about RMS Omega and our team of RFID specialists at rmsomega.com/rfidpros. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220713005008/en/ CYBRA Corporation Phil Andrianos Director of Marketing 914-963-6600 x213 [email protected] RMS Omega Kate Sparks Director of Marketing 443-545-2096 [email protected] Source: CYBRA Corporation Halteres Associates marks their 20th anniversary by launching a new website to educate the public about diagnostic testing through advancing industry innovation SAN RAMON, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Halteres Associates today announced the launch of their new Its Not Magic, Its Diagnostics website, a resource developed by the firm to advocate for the diagnostics and clinical laboratory industries and raise awareness about the important role diagnostic testing plays (alongside therapeutics and vaccines) in a fully advantaged healthcare system. The website is a first-of-its-kind resource center for tools and educational content related to the diagnostics industry gleaned from decades of combined experience. The COVID-19 pandemic brought significant new attention to the diagnostics industry and the public has become much more familiar with the important role this industry plays in our lives every day, said Halteres Associates managing partner Rich Thayer. As champions of the diagnostics field, our mission is to continue to educate the public while also supporting and elevating the companies and processes that enable us all to continue to innovate. Without diagnostics innovation, advances in healthcare would stand still. According to the CDC, 70% of todays medical decisions depend on laboratory test results and 14 billion laboratory tests are ordered annually in the U.S. alone. As a preeminent advisory company to the industry, Halteres Associates is hired by and collaborates with global health partners, investors, and bioscience companies at all stages of their business lifecycle, providing strategic and tactical services in the areas of diagnostics, medical devices, and life science research. In addition to educational video content, the Its Not Magic, Its Diagnostics website is making available a set of tools for identifying and designing tests for SARS-CoV-2, including storyboards and use cases. Developed by the experienced team at Halteres Associates to help identify the bottlenecks encountered during the rollout of effective testing for the COVID-19 pandemic, the tools could be adapted for use in the next pandemic and generally for most diseases. Over the last several years, weve been able to recognize the common factors in successful products that are developed to meet diagnostics needs, said Halteres Associates founding partner Mickey Urdea. The tools weve made available are free-to-use and will enable companies to better understand unmet market needs and to design diagnostic products that meet those needs. The Its Not Magic, Its Diagnostics website also features the premiere of an ongoing video series of the same name. The first animated video, Answering Lifes Most Important Questions, examines the ubiquity and vital importance of diagnostics in our everyday lives. Future topics aim to highlight the requisite foundational knowledge behind diagnostic testing and to illustrate how much the industry continues to progress. About Halteres Associates Founded in 2002, San Ramon-based Halteres Associates, LLC, provides strategic and tactical consulting services to organizations in the areas of diagnostics, global health, medical devices, and life science research. With decades of combined experience and leveraging a robust network of industry professionals across multiple disciplines, Halteres Associates assists organizations with technology creation and applications, product and market development, opportunity and economic analyses, business modeling, and more. Their clients include large multinational companies, global nongovernmental organizations, and emerging industry innovators. About Its Not Magic, Its Diagnostics Launched in 2022, Its Not Magic, Its Diagnostics is an industry-serving website and platform for educating and supporting both the general public and innovators in the diagnostics sector. The website, developed and maintained by Halteres Associates, is a resource center providing tools related to the diagnostics industry, and sharing the latest advances in diagnostic technology. The mission of the website is to promote positive outcomes for the diagnostics industry as a whole. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220721005261/en/ Sharon Noot 714-600-9022 Source: Halteres Associates This Acquisition Will Optimize Creator Monetization and Enable International Expansion LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- SuperOrdinary, the leading global growth partner for todays lifestyle brands, is announcing that it has acquired Fanfix, a creator economy startup that provides access to exclusive content from leading Gen Z creators, co-founded by Harry Gestetner, Simon Pompan and social media star Cameron Dallas. The acquisition will combine the capabilities of SuperOrdinary and Fanfix by connecting creators with the worlds leading consumer brands. Creators will be able to seamlessly forge and monetize brand partnerships while brands will gain immediate access to millions of consumers and valuable consumer and creator insights. The collaboration will also lay the groundwork for the development of more creator-led brands and allow Fanfix to expand internationally, with SuperOrdinarys access to content creators and brands in global markets. We are thrilled to team up with Fanfix and build a multi-brand platform that will streamline relationships between content creators and brands, says Julian Reis, Founder and CEO of SuperOrdinary. We believe that access to the global creator economy is vital to a brands growth in todays marketplace and are excited to form a mutually beneficial partnership with the fastest-growing monetization platform for Gen Z creators. SuperOrdinary, best known for facilitating international expansion and omnichannel distribution for lifestyle brands, is rapidly expanding its brand building services to be more inclusive of the booming $100 billion creator economy. Mirroring the massive success experienced in the China marketplace, SuperOrdinary is prepared to bring its deep-rooted KOL (key opinion leaders) marketing capabilities stateside through this proprietary new medium. SuperOrdinary has worked with over 70,000 creators since the company launched in 2018. In 2022, the company experienced massive growth with global expansion into the US and Southeast Asia. The company grew in 2021 from 23 brands in China to over 140 brands globally while its employee base increased from 180 to over 600 employees. Brands in the companys portfolio include renowned lifestyle brands such as the ordinary, Farmacy, Joanna Vargas, OLAPLEX, Sunnies Face and more. The key to Fanfixs success has been consistently putting creators first. The partnership with SuperOrdinary is extremely exciting as it will allow us to bring a new angle of monetization to our creators and massively accelerate the success of both the creators and the brands. says Fanfix co-founder Harry Gestetner. This partnership will bring Fanfix to the forefront of the creator economy and provide significant international expansion for the platform. Fanfix launched in August 2021 and has quickly become the leading direct monetization platform for Gen Z creators with 800 creators and 140,000 fan users. Notable content creators who utilize Fanfix include Anna Shumate, Jumpers Jump, Cameron Dallas and Madi Monroe. Through Fanfix, many of these creators have earned six figures and are on track to reach seven by the end of the year. Following this partnership, the company has plans to expand its features to include social commerce, live streaming, Web3 tools, and more. About SuperOrdinary: SuperOrdinary is the leading global growth partner and brand accelerator facilitating sustainable global expansion for today's most exciting consumer lifestyle brands including Farmacy, The Ordinary, Olaplex, Milk Makeup, Sunnies Face, Boy Smells, and more. Under founder and CEO Julian Reis leadership, SuperOrdinarys worldwide team of e-commerce and marketplace experts help brands establish influence, scale global sales channels, and connect with their consumers throughout the world. After establishing itself as the leader in omnichannel distribution by bringing American beauty and personal care brands to the difficult-to-permeate and highly regulated Chinese market, SuperOrdinary expanded in 2021 into Southeast Asia and the US by partnering with brands to help them tackle the complexities and intricacies of local markets and local platforms including Amazon, Shopee and Lazada. Employing a nimble approach and unmatched expertise of navigating industry regulations and consumer trends, SuperOrdinary has perfected a go-to-market toolkit, sales engine, and marketing prowess with a propensity to build consumer brands according to its clients vision. SuperOrdinary has also executed a targeted M&A strategy of incubating, investing in, and acquiring brands to optimize marketing, infrastructure and scale on a global level. In 2022, SuperOrdinary announced their acquisition of FanFix to build a multi-brand platform which will streamline relationships between content creators and brands globally. The global accelerator is laying the foundation to become the most powerful global brand accelerator for consumer brands, with unmatched brand building services and expertise to navigate international expansion, omnichannel distribution, content monetization amongst the creator economy and more. About Fanfix Fanfix is a new Creator Economy startup which launched in August 2021, co-founded by Harry Gestetner, Simon Pompan and social media star Cameron Dallas. It provides a clean, premium subscription platform that lets fans access exclusive content while supporting their favorite creators. Fanfix enables creators to monetize their followings and connect with their fans on a whole new level, while maintaining full control along the way. Creators can upload blogs, exclusive photos and videos, drop their guides, provide early access to new releases/giveaways and much more. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220721005108/en/ Nicole Albert AZIONE [email protected] Source: SuperOrdinary DENVER--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Janus Henderson Group plc (NYSE/ASX: JHG) this week hired Shoby Kelliher as the new Global Head of Enterprise Data Management. Ms. Kelliher will lead firm-wide data strategy and governance, data operations, and data platform management, helping to shape how data is used throughout the organization. Ms. Kelliher will be based in Denver, Colorado and report to Global Chief Operating Officer James (J.R.) Lowry. Ms. Kelliher comes from Neuberger Berman where she served as Senior Vice President of Client Data Management. In that role she managed a global team responsible for client data. Prior to that she was a Vice President at Goldman Sachs Investment Management Division, US Mutual Funds Services. In her new role, Ms. Kelliher and her team will provide stewardship across the data domains the firm has classified, facilitate consistent documentation of the data, and ensure day-to-day data management runs seamlessly. Her focus will include streamlining master data sources so that data is consistently fed downstream into other applications, and eliminating legacy data platforms to simplify, standardize and modernize data infrastructure. J.R. Lowry, Global Chief Operating Officer, said of the appointment: In 2021, we made significant progress laying new foundations for enhanced data management across Janus Henderson. The road ahead is about maturing our data, processes, and systems, and Shoby will be key to those efforts. Her expertise in global data management will help us ensure our data organization is able to support our firms continued growth and innovation. Janus Henderson recognizes that as an active manager data is the lifeblood of its business, particularly for a global firm navigating complex regulatory requirements, so strong leadership in data management is essential. This latest appointment is part of a multi-year effort to transform and enhance Janus Hendersons operating infrastructure. Notes to editors About Janus Henderson Investors Janus Henderson Group is a leading global active asset manager dedicated to helping investors achieve long-term financial goals through a broad range of investment solutions, including equities, fixed income, multi-asset and alternative asset class strategies. At 31 March 2022, Janus Henderson had approximately US$361 billion in assets under management, more than 2,000 employees, and offices in 23 cities worldwide. Headquartered in London, the company is listed on the NYSE and the ASX. Source: Janus Henderson Group plc This press release is solely for the use of members of the media and should not be relied upon by personal investors, financial advisers or institutional investors. We may record telephone calls for our mutual protection, to improve customer service and for regulatory record keeping purposes. Issued by Janus Henderson Investors. Janus Henderson Investors is the name under which investment products and services are provided by SEC registered investment advisers that are subsidiaries of Janus Henderson Group plc Janus Henderson, Knowledge Shared and Knowledge Labs are trademarks of Janus Henderson Group plc or one of its subsidiaries. Janus Henderson Group plc. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220721005223/en/ Press Enquiries Janus Henderson Investors Media Contact: Jeremy Osheim Corporate Communications and Media Relations Manager 720-635-3912 [email protected] Investor Relations Contacts: Jim Kurtz, Co-Head Investor Relations (US) 303-336-4529 [email protected] Melanie Horton, Co-Head Investor Relations (Non-US) +44 (0)20 7818 2905 [email protected] Source: Janus Henderson Group plc Comprehensive Keysight portfolio used for O-RAN conformance and certification testing SANTA ROSA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Keysight Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: KEYS), a leading technology company that delivers advanced design and validation solutions to help accelerate innovation to connect and secure the world, announced that the Keysight Open Radio Access Network Architect (KORA) solutions enabled MICAS to obtain one of the first O-RAN certifications for its 5G Open RAN Radio Unit (O-RU). The O-RAN Conformance Certification was issued by the Asia & Pacific OTIC in PRC (APOP). MICAS Group Chairman, former CEO of ASTRI, Mr. Hugh Chow, said, The MICAS O-RU has been awarded one of the first O-RAN certificates, thanks to Keysight's mature O-RU testing solution and professional technical support. MICAS is a world class Independent Design House, providing signal chain reference solutions that include cutting-edge O-RU (FR1 and FR2) reference designs. We offer signal chain solutions with flexible options to the vertical industries leveraging our modular software and hardware. We look forward to maintaining a close partnership with Keysight as we jointly deliver solutions for the verticals industries connectivity fabric. Earlier this year, the O-RAN ALLIANCE launched its Certification and Badging program in cooperation with Open Testing and Integration Centers (OTIC). O-RAN certificates state that an equipment or function is conformant to O-RAN specifications, whereas the O-RAN badges confirm interoperability or end-to-end functionality of an O-RAN solution. O-RAN certificates and badges are issued by the OTICs, which provide collaborative, open and impartial working environment to ensure consistency and quality of testing of O-RAN products and solutions. The O-RAN Certification and Badging program is designed to provide confidence in ensuring the interoperability and conformance of O-RAN products, said Dr. Chih-Lin I, co-chair of the O-RAN Technical Steering Committee, O-RAN ALLIANCE. Congratulations to MICAS, Keysight and APOP for achieving this new milestone. We are looking forward to issuing additional certificates and badges to other ecosystem partners in the very near future, which will help accelerate the availability of O-RAN technologies and solutions for global deployment. Zhang Ping, Academician of CAE and president of the ZGC Institute of Ubiquitous-X Innovation and Applications, said, Among the first O-RAN approved OTICs, and as the only OTIC in China mainland, APOP focuses on advanced ICT research and promoting productization of 5G O-RAN solutions. As a third-party independent testing facility in line with O-RAN ALLIANCE principles, it aims to provide open, fair and robust testing environments for vendors. The successful testing and the first certificate issued with MICAS and Keysight reflects APOPs commitment. KORA is a comprehensive suite of O-RAN test solutions that span early pre-silicon development to system integration. This enables O-RAN vendors, mobile operators, service providers, system integrators and OTICs to verify conformance, interoperability, performance and security across the entire network lifecycle with test automation that accelerates the development, certification, badging, integration and deployment of O-RAN compliant networks. O-RAN certification requires extensive testing of 31 test cases that are verified to ensure conformance to O-RAN WG4 Open Fronthaul (OFH) Control, User, Synchronization and Management (CUSM) planes technical specifications, said Cao Peng, vice president and general manager of Keysight's Wireless Test Group. Keysight is pleased to collaborate with MICAS and APOP in reaching this significant milestone. We congratulate them for achieving one of the first O-RAN Certifications for its 5G O-RU. Keysights unique, in-depth expertise, conformance and certification test solutions and Test as a Service (TaaS) were leveraged to perform extensive verification of MICASs 5G O-RU compliance to O-RAN ALLIANCE work group (WG4) open fronthaul interface specifications and complete the testing required for O-RAN O-RU certification. The O-RAN WG4 conformance test specification was used for control, user, synchronization, and management planes conformance and certification testing. Keysight is the primary editor and contributor of the O-RAN ALLIANCE WG4 conformance test specification used for O-RU certification testing. Keysight is also a key contributor of the O-RAN ALLIANCE Test and Integration Focus Group (TIFG) Certification and Badging process document used for O-RU certification process. Keysights O-RAN O-RU Certification test suite consists of the companys O-DU emulation (Open RAN Studio), vector transceiver (M9410A VXT PXI Vector Transceiver) and transport network impairment solution (Network Emulator 3). These solutions were used for O-RAN conformance and certification testing of MICASs 5G O-RUs open fronthaul control, user, synchronization and management planes implementation. The companys test automation software (P7000A Base Station Measurement Automation) can be used to automate the testing process for O-RAN certification and test report generation. The companys radio frequency (RF) signal analyzer and signal generator (UXA signal analyzer, VXG signal generator) can be used in lieu of its vector transceiver. Keysights Test as a Service: Enables partners to stay ahead of the latest compliance requirements by addressing the challenges of increasing test complexity, budget constraints, and limited technical resources. Keysight offers in-depth technical expertise, as well as a comprehensive suite of O-RAN test solutions. This enables the O-RAN ecosystem to accelerate the development and deployment of O-RAN compliant products supporting open standard interfaces, Xhaul transportation, O-Cloud, RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC) and artificial intelligence / machine learning (AI/ML) assisted RIC applications. Earlier this year, Keysight participated in the O-RAN Spring PlugFest 2022 with a wide range of test solutions that are part of the Keysight Open Radio Access Network Architect (KORA) portfolio, and enable the open RAN ecosystem to efficiently validate, integrate and deploy fully interoperable RAN equipment. About Keysight Technologies Keysight delivers advanced design and validation solutions that help accelerate innovation to connect and secure the world. Keysights dedication to speed and precision extends to software-driven insights and analytics that bring tomorrows technology products to market faster across the development lifecycle, in design simulation, prototype validation, automated software testing, manufacturing analysis, and network performance optimization and visibility in enterprise, service provider and cloud environments. Our customers span the worldwide communications and industrial ecosystems, aerospace and defense, automotive, energy, semiconductor and general electronics markets. Keysight generated revenues of $4.9B in fiscal year 2021. For more information about Keysight Technologies (NYSE: KEYS), visit us at www.keysight.com. Additional information about Keysight Technologies is available in the newsroom at https://www.keysight.com/go/news and on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220721005680/en/ KEYSIGHT TECHNOLOGIES CONTACTS: Geri Lynne LaCombe, Americas/Europe +1 303 662 4748 [email protected] Fusako Dohi, Asia +81 42 660-2162 [email protected] Source: Keysight Technologies, Inc. VILLEURBANNE, France--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Regulatory News: NAVYA (Paris: NAVYA) (FR0013018041- Navya), an autonomous mobility systems leader, announced the signing of a funding agreement on July 20th with the Negma Group for a total nominal amount of 36 million. Negma is an investment group that is based in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates and operates worldwide. Under the terms of the agreement the financing will take the form of convertible bonds to which a warrant for Negma to purchase shares of Navya's capital stock is attached, each share having a nominal value of 2,500 and a maturity of twelve (12) months. With an initial injection of 2.5 million, the funding from Negma represents an immediate improvement of Navya's cash flow and the first step in its investment strategy, allowing it to pursue its technological roadmap, thus enabling its transition toward industrialization and speed up its entry into the markets of those regions where autonomous mobility solutions are in ever increasing demand. With its finances on a solid footing thanks to the funding agreement, Navya will be in a position to support its development cycle in the medium term and facilitate progress on its technological and commercial projects. As a leading investment group with the aim of promoting growth and value creation, Negma will not only provide Navya with flexible financing solutions to ensure its large-scale industrialization, but will also enable it to dynamize its strategic and operational performance across its value chain. "This funding operation is a logical step on our strategic roadmap toward growth. Our partnership with the Negma Group will enable us to speed up the development of Navya and boost our capacity in the markets where demand is high. This first investment plan means that Navya will be able to implement its technological roadmap with confidence and will be in a position to deploy locally at scale in strategic regions like the Middle East. With its innovative and flexible funding solutions, the Negma Group is a strategic investor that provides the opportunity for high potential companies like Navya to scale up their activities. Along with the Supervisory Board, we are delighted to be able to count on such support for our growth and for building sustainable autonomous mobility, both of which will contribute to our success." Sophie Desormiere, CEO of Navya "Negma's involvement in this exciting business project bears witness to our willingness to support the profitable growth of a future world mobility leader, capable of rolling out new forms of technology to meet the challenges of the ecological transition and the fluidity problems of the cities and private spaces of tomorrow on a global scale." Elaf Gassam, Chairman of the Negma Group, and Francois Houssin, Managing Partner of the Negma Group A detailed explanation of how convertible bonds with stock acquisition rights work is available on Navya's website as an appendix to this press release. About Negma Group Negma Group is a leading investment company in specialized equity financing. Through its equity financing solutions and activities, the firm presents impactful and sustainable opportunities to SMEs. Negma has deployed over 1 billion in the funding of multiple companies since 2013. Negma is driven by the entrepreneurial spirit and has the will to support companies and their development in sustainable growth. About NAVYA Created in 2014, NAVYA is a leading French name specialized in the supply of autonomous mobility systems and associated services. With 280 employees in France (Paris and Lyon), in the United States (Michigan) and in Singapore, NAVYA aims at becoming the leading player in Level 4 autonomous mobility systems for passenger and goods transport. Since 2015, NAVYA has been the first to market and put into service autonomous mobility solutions. The Autonom Shuttle, main development axis, is dedicated to passenger transport. Since its launch, more than 200 units have been sold in 25 countries as of 31 December 2021. The Autonom Tract is designed to goods transport. Engaged in an ambitious CSR approach, the Company has an active policy in this area, as illustrated by the obtaining of the ISO 9001 certification in September 2021. The Valeo and Keolis groups are among NAVYA's historical shareholders. NAVYA is listed on the Euronext regulated market in Paris (ISIN code: FR0013018041- Navya). Further details: www.navya.tech APPENDIX TO THE PRESS RELEASE Specifications of the convertible bonds The convertible bonds will have a nominal value of 2,500 each, subscribed in full by Negma Group at par and will have a maturity of twelve (12) months. The convertible bonds will not bear interest. The convertible bonds will be issued in capped tranches of 2,500,000 each, for a total amount of 36,000,000. Navya shall decide on the issuance of the tranches at any time, it being specified that a period of twenty-two (22) trading days shall elapse between two tranches, which period may be extended by ten (10) trading days if Negma Group fails to sell the Navya shares on the market due to insufficient liquidity. The first tranche of convertible bonds, consisting of 1,000 convertible bonds for a total amount of 2,500,000, will be subscribed for immediately by Negma Group upon signing the bond issue. In addition, Navya will pay a commitment fee to Negma Group in the amount of three percent (3%) of the total amount of Negma Group's commitment, in the form of 432 convertible bonds (without attached warrants), each with a nominal value of 2,500; half of these convertible bonds without attached warrants will be issued concurrently with the drawdown of the first tranche of convertible bonds, and the balance, i.e., 216 convertible bonds without attached warrants, will be issued upon the drawdown of the second tranche of convertible bonds. The convertible bonds will be converted at any time by their holder into Navya shares on the basis of a conversion ratio corresponding to 94% of the lowest VWAP (volume weighted average share price) of the ten (10) trading days preceding the date of conversion. The convertible bonds are not the subject of an application for admission to trading on the Euronext market and consequently will not be listed. The number of warrants to be issued at the time of each drawdown of a tranche will be equal to 50% of the amount of the drawdown, divided by 115% of the VWAP of the fifteen (15) trading days preceding the request for the issuance of the tranche concerned. The warrants are not transferable without the prior consent of Navya, except to affiliates of Negma Group. They are not subject to an application for admission to trading on a regulated market. They may be exercised at any time from the date of issue and within 60 months of their issue. The exercise price of the warrants will be 115% of the VWAP of the fifteen (15) trading days preceding the request for issuance of the tranche concerned. The securities within the framework of this operation are issued on the basis of the 20th resolution of the Combined General Meeting of June 17, 2022. This issue does not give rise to the issue of a prospectus subject to the approval of the French Authority for Financial Markets (Autorite des Marches Financiers). Navya indicates, however, that any issue of convertible bonds will be subject to a prospectus if the shares resulting from the conversion of the convertible bonds represent, over a period of 12 months, more than 20% of the number of Navya shares already admitted to trading; Navya anticipates that this limit could be reached as early as this fall, depending on the upcoming drawdowns. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220720005877/en/ NAVYA CSR, Marketing & Communication Manager Nathalie Marcy [email protected] +33 (0)7 63 20 00 52 Chief Financial Officer Pierre Guibert [email protected] NewCap Investor Relations Thomas Grojean Nicolas Fossiez [email protected] +33 (0)1 44 71 94 94 NewCap Media Relations Nicolas Merigeau [email protected] +33 (0)1 44 71 94 98 NEGMA GROUP Press contact Victoria Andrianjafy [email protected] +971 (0)4 3373035 Source: NAVYA Nextiva is making the best technology available to every business with affordable communication, team collaboration, and customer experience in a single application. SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Today, Nextiva unveiled a game-changing business software that is the first of its kind a communications and productivity workhub. Nextivas new software enables individuals and teams to manage all conversations from a single place, boosting their productivity and customer engagement. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220721005202/en/ (Graphic: Business Wire) It is the first time an application brings together team collaboration and customer communication in a single place. Nextiva solves three problems that are unaddressed by anyone in the market today: Application overload, siloed data, and expensive clunky integrations. Today, people toggle between countless applications to communicate, collaborate, and manage their work day with customers and teams. Because of this, data lives in siloes and conversations are disconnected from the rest of the business, leading to productivity drain. Integrations are expensive and complicated and do not provide the full answer. For over 20 years, software companies built standalone applications to solve one problem at a time. We experienced a proliferation of apps from communication, collaboration and productivity tools to customer engagement tools. The world of applications got messy and businesses put up with it because they lacked the resources and capabilities to create integrated solutions. Nextivas new app breaks down application silos to unleash the power of relationships with a single conversation view. This is the future of business where you dont have to switch between apps to get stuff done. Threaded Conversations are the center of Nextivas new application, which brings together all interactions from voice, text, email and video meetings into a single view with contact management, productivity tools (file-sharing, notes on calls, calendars) and customer engagement tools (customer surveys, customer automation). Nextivas application was designed from the ground up with both business users and their customers in mind. The full power of the Nextiva app is unleashed when every business user uses the app. This enables effortless data sharing from files, messages, links, notes, attachments, and recordings together with conversations. When information is easily accessible and referenceable it drastically improves productivity and creates customer WOW moments. Nextiva is for everyone: individuals, teams, and businesses seeking to improve productivity, eliminate app switching, reduce application cost, and boost customer engagement. Businesses benefit from an innovative approach to software: Reducing the number of applications. Delivering seamless team and customer communication. Creating a seamless experience across voice, email, SMS, and video. All from a single interface. Embedding surveys and customer feedback directly into customer conversations. Improving data sharing between various teams. Eliminating mundane tasks with automation. Delighting customers by engaging with them on their preferred channels. Empowering businesses to get work done faster. What our CEO is saying We subscribe to the fundamental belief that when people are given the right tools, they can do Amazing things and accomplish their business dreams. This belief drives everything we do. From the beginning, Nextivas vision has been to power human connections, because conversations are the beating heart of every business. With our latest innovation, were helping businesses transform with meaningful conversations that build strong and lasting relationships with customers. Our goal is to help businesses bring an end to frustrated teams and unhappy customers so they can grow, retain employees and acquire new customers. We at Nextiva envision a world where instead of focusing on various tools, we bring conversations together into a single place and merge technologies to create a seamless experience that puts customers and teams first. - Tomas Gorny, co-founder and CEO of Nextiva What our customers are saying As a growing business, we appreciate and encourage our customers to engage with us through multiple channels, including email, chat, and social media, but it can be difficult to manage all the interactions across applications, said Trenice Brinkley, founder at Two Queens Media. Nextiva is a game-changer for our teams and will help us deliver consistent, high-quality customer service. What analysts are saying More companies are demanding innovative communication solutions that reduce their reliance on numerous applications and help them focus on the context of their customer conversations, said Jim Lundy, CEO and founder of Aragon Research. Nextiva is well-positioned to disrupt team productivity and customer service further improving the customer journey across all industries. The new Nextiva software, with voice, text, email, video meetings, and rooms, will be available in July 2022 with additional features and functionality rolling out all year. About Nextiva Nextiva is the future-of-work software company that helps sales, service, and marketing teams achieve higher productivity and deliver better customer engagement. Nextivas cloud-based platform brings together business communications applications, intelligence, and automation to help companies build deeper connections with customers and manage all conversations and relationships in one place. Nextiva is named a Customers Choice in Gartner Peer Insights. Today, more than 100,000 businesses depend on Nextiva with 4B conversations flowing through its networks each year. Based in Scottsdale, Arizona, Nextiva is ranked a Best Place to Work by Glassdoor. Learn more at www.nextiva.com. Follow Nextiva on LinkedIn and Twitter View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220721005202/en/ Jenn Zimmer The Hoffman Agency [email protected] Source: Nextiva NeuroFront receives an exclusive option for an exclusive license to develop, commercialize and manufacture NRD.E1, Novaremeds first-in-class, non-opioid investigational drug for the treatment of chronic neuropathic pain in Greater China and Singapore Novaremed is entitled to receive a total of over USD 130 million in option and exercise fees as well as development, regulatory and sales milestone payments and, in addition, royalties on net sales NeuroFront has the option to develop NRD.E1 in multiple neuropathic pain indications, which would trigger additional milestone payments per indication BASEL, Switzerland & HONG KONG--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Novaremed AG and NeuroFront Therapeutics (Hong Kong) Limited jointly announce the signing of an exclusive collaboration and commercialization agreement for Novaremeds innovative non-opioid investigational drug, NRD.E1, being developed for the treatment of diabetes-related neuropathic pain and other neuropathic pain indications. Under the terms of the agreement, Novaremed is eligible to receive from NeuroFront over USD 130 million in option and exercise fees as well as development, regulatory and sales milestone payments plus royalties on net sales. Under the terms of the agreement, Novaremed will grant NeuroFront an exclusive option to obtain exclusive development, commercialization and manufacturing rights to NRD.E1, Novaremeds first-in-class, innovative non-opioid investigational drug candidate for the treatment of neuropathic pain. The agreement allows NeuroFront to develop and commercialize NRD.E1 as treatment of painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy (PDPN) and any other neuropathic pain indications in the Greater China territory (including Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan) and Singapore. NeuroFront has the right to exercise its license option at its discretion, but no later than upon completion of the Phase 2b trial of NRD.E1 in PDPN, which will start patient enrollment in coming weeks. In case NeuroFront successfully develops and registers NRD.E1 in additional neuropathic pain indications in the licensed territory, Novaremed is also eligible to receive additional development and regulatory milestone payments for each additional indication. We are very delighted collaborating with NeuroFront to advance our non-opioid neuropathic pain treatment for patients suffering from PDPN and other neuropathic pain indications in China. Currently, approved medications for PDPN provide inadequate pain relief and are associated with many intolerable side effects. Based on both preclinical and clinical data, we believe NRD.E1 has the potential to offer unique benefits and revolutionize the way PDPN is treated, said Isaac Kobrin, MD, Executive Chairman of Novaremed. NeuroFronts development and commercial expertise and its focus on innovative CNS drugs is complementary to our expertise and an ideal fit for Novaremed. There are up to 19 million patients suffering from PDPN in China, but no new innovative drug has been introduced in the market for more than 15 years. There exists a significant unmet medical need and hence a great opportunity for NRD.E1, a first-in-class, novel treatment that has already demonstrated clinical effectiveness in a Phase 2a clinical trial and subsequently received US FDA Fast Track Designation and NIH sponsorship for its Phase 2b trial, said June Yan, CEO of NeuroFront. NeuroFront is very excited to partner with Novaremed to change the lives of many PDPN patients in Greater China and Singapore. This partnership and the transaction were facilitated with the assistance of Cukierman and Company Investment House. About NRD.E1 and the treatment of chronic pain NRD.E1 is an orally active small molecule with a novel mechanism of action by modulating Lyn kinase and has patent protection until 2040. NRD.E1 is Novaremeds lead drug candidate currently being developed to treat painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy (PDPN). Novaremed successfully completed three Phase 1 studies [1] and one double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 2a dose-finding proof-of-concept study [2] in which NRD.E1 showed a clinically relevant reduction in patient-reported pain (measured as an improvement in mean neuropathic pain score) and was very well tolerated at all doses tested. On the basis of these results, NRD.E1 has been granted Fast Track Designation by the US FDA and was selected by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the US as the only oral agent to be included in the NIH-HEAL (Help End Long-term Addiction) program. The NIH will sponsor and execute a 12-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 2b study in patients with moderate to severe PDPN in the US. Recruitment into this clinical trial will start in coming weeks. About NeuroFront NeuroFront is a China-based clinical stage neuroscience biotech company with a focus on developing and commercializing innovative neuroscience therapies to address unmet needs and improve patients' lives in China and Asia. NeuroFront was established by top-tier life sciences investors, including Nan Fung Life Sciences and Pivotal bioVenture Partners China, and is led by an elite team of neuroscience industry veterans with substantial and compelling expertise in China and globally in both R&D and the commercialization of CNS products. NeuroFront is building a portfolio of innovative, transformative CNS therapies that treat migraine, painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy, depression, ADHD, and other CNS diseases with high unmet medical needs. For more information: www.neurofrontrx.com. About Novaremed Novaremed AG, a privately held clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, is developing a pipeline of innovative medications for chronic pain management to address the high unmet medical need for better pain relief and as an alternative to opioids. Its lead product is NRD.E1, an orally active non-opioid small molecule with a novel mechanism of action, has FDA Fast Track Designation and IND-approval to proceed with a Phase 2b clinical trial for the treatment of painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy (PDPN). The earlier stage pipeline addressing chronic neuropathic pain includes the development candidates MP-101 (Phase 2 stage), and MP-103 (preclinical stage), targeting the unmet medical need of prevention and treatment of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). Novaremed Ltd (Israel) and Metys Pharmaceuticals AG (Switzerland) are fully owned subsidiaries of Novaremed AG, domiciled in Basel (Switzerland). For more information: www.novaremed.com. References [1] Tiecke E., Rainisio M., Guentert T., Muller S., Hochman L., Kaplan E., Mangialaio S. (2022). First-in-human single-ascending-dose, multiple-dose and food interaction studies of NRD.E1, an innovative non-opioid therapy for painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Clinical Pharmacology in Drug Development (CPDD). (https://accp1.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/cpdd.1103) [2] Tiecke E., Rainisio M., Eisenberg E., Wainstein J., Kaplan E., Silverberg M., Hochman L., Mangialaio S. (2022). NRD.E1, an innovative non-opioid therapy for painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy a randomized proof of concept study. European Journal of Pain. (https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ejp.1989) View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220721005391/en/ Contact for Novaremed Mark Altmeyer, Executive Member of the Board [email protected] Contact for NeuroFront Bin Yao, VP of Operations and Commercialization [email protected] Source: Novaremed AG After thanking the Government of Japan for its donation, which will enable the delivery of 95 ambulances, the Peruvian President highlighted the bilateral relationship and cooperation with said nation. ?? En vivo | El presidente @PedroCastilloTe, junto con ministros de Estado, entrega 30 ambulancias nuevas y equipadas al @Minsa_Peru para fortalecer el primer nivel de atencion en salud de hospitales y centros de medicos del pais.#SiempreConElPueblo https://t.co/aiCXJ89Gxp JERSEY CITY, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Organon (NYSE: OGN), a global womens healthcare company will release its second quarter 2022 financial results on August 4, 2022, prior to the companys webcast and conference call scheduled for 8:30 a.m. EDT. Interested parties may access the live call via webcast on the Organon website at https://www.organon.com/investor-relations/events-and-presentations/. A replay of the webcast will be available approximately two hours after the conclusion of the live event on the companys website. Institutional investors and analysts interested in participating in the call must register in advance using conference ID# 58511-993 and by clicking on this link: https://conferencingportals.com/event/ZGyfDfjk. Following registration, participants will receive a confirmation email containing details on how to join the conference call, including dial-in information and a unique passcode and registrant ID. Pre-registration will allow participants to bypass an operator and be placed directly into the call. About Organon Organon is a global healthcare company formed to focus on improving the health of women throughout their lives. Organon has a portfolio of more than 60 medicines and products across a range of therapeutic areas. Led by the womens health portfolio coupled with an expanding biosimilars business and stable franchise of established medicines, Organons products produce strong cash flows that will support investments in innovation and future growth opportunities in womens health. In addition, Organon is pursuing opportunities to collaborate with biopharmaceutical innovators looking to commercialize their products by leveraging its scale and presence in fast growing international markets. Organon has a global footprint with significant scale and geographic reach, world-class commercial capabilities, and approximately 9,300 employees with headquarters located in Jersey City, New Jersey. For more information, visit http://www.organon.com and connect with us on LinkedIn and Instagram. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220721005036/en/ Organon Media Contacts: Karissa Peer (614) 314-8094 Kate Vossen (732) 675-8448 Organon Investor Contacts: Jennifer Halchak (201) 275-2711 Edward Barger (267) 614-4669 Source: Organon & Co. CONCORD TOWNSHIP, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Ranpak Holdings Corp. (NYSE: PACK) announced today that it will release its second quarter results at approximately 7:30 a.m. (ET) on Thursday, July 28, 2022 and will host a conference call and webcast at 8:30 a.m. (ET) on that day. The conference call and earnings presentation will be webcast live at the following link: https://events.q4inc.com/attendee/755178138. Investors who cannot access the webcast may listen to the conference call live via telephone by dialing 888-330-2446 or 240-789-2732 and use the passcode: 8498994. A telephonic replay of the webcast also will be available starting at 11:30 a.m. (ET) on Thursday, July 28, 2022 and ending at 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Thursday, Aug 4, 2022. To listen to the replay, please dial 800-770-2030 or 647-362-9199 and use the passcode: 8498994. About Ranpak Founded in 1972, Ranpak's goal was to create the first environmentally responsible system to protect products during shipment. The development and improvement of materials, systems and total solution concepts have earned Ranpak a reputation as an innovative leader in e-commerce and industrial supply chain solutions. Ranpak is headquartered in Concord Township, Ohio and has approximately 850 employees. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220721005173/en/ Contact for Investors: [email protected] Source: Ranpak Holdings Corp. Italian consumers embrace new security measures, but still have high expectations when it comes to online shopping experience 50% of Italian consumers have been unable to complete an online transaction due to new Strong Customer Authentication (SCA) regulations 76% said they would stop shopping with a retailer if they encountered a bad online experience and would turn to a rival instead 56% of consumers in Italy have already abandoned merchants due to a negative online experience LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- After more than a year and a half of living with regulations designed to protect ecommerce shoppers, consumers in Italy say they embrace measures to secure their transactions, but that they wont tolerate the generally poorer shopping experience they are receiving in the process, according to a new survey conducted by Signifyd, the market leader in ecommerce fraud protection. The survey uncovered customer confusion and frustration with Strong Customer Authentication (SCA) which came into enforcement in much of Europe in January 2021. In fact, half of Italian respondents said they had been unable to complete a transaction because of the new rules and 76% said they would abandon a retailer and turn to a rival if they had a bad online experience. The survey results along with two companion polls in France and the UK point to a rocky start for SCA and reflect significant differences across Europe when it comes to having prepared for the regulation. Enforcement of SCA began in the UK in March. Signifyd commissioned market researcher OnePoll to survey 2,000 consumers each in Italy, France and the UK to gauge consumer reaction to the new authentication requirements. Despite consumers frustration, 78% of Italian respondents agreed either strongly or somewhat that it was worth completing the new extra steps required at checkout to ensure that their transactions were protected. The story was similar in France and the UK, where 79% and 73% respectively favored the new protections, but also said they would abandon retailers providing a poor experience. In France, 79% of respondents said theyd move on to another retailer if they encountered a bad experience. While in the UK, the number was 68%. Consumers in all three countries also made it clear they remember bad experiences when its time to shop again. When asked whether they had ever decided against shopping with a particular retailer because of a frustrating experience, 56% of Italian shoppers, 46% of French shoppers and 33% of UK shoppers said they had. Its clear that consumers across Europe want their accounts to be protected from fraud when shopping online, said Ed Whitehead, Signifyd managing director, EMEA. It is even more clear that they wont put up with frustrating checkout experiences. That sends a clear message to merchants and the banks that serve them: They need to adopt solutions and technology that keep transactions safe while avoiding any unnecessary added friction in the shopping journey. Under the new SCA guidelines, online shoppers must authenticate themselves in two of three ways using biometrics, or something unique to the buyer that only they would know, such as a PIN or password or with the specific device used to make the purchase. The challenge is how to implement the new anti-fraud routine with minimal friction. Any friction that slows down checkout time also risks generating higher abandonment rates, which hurts retailers' bottom lines. Up until now most of the conversation around SCA has been centered on its detrimental effect on ecommerce sales caused by cart abandonment. The data has shown lower conversion rates across countries subject to the new rules, though conversions and the amount of friction online consumers face vary significantly by country. At the heart of the difference is 3D Secure, the authentication technology that is the backbone of the authorization process. A significant number of banks serving merchants still rely on the original and outdated version of 3D Secure, which lacks the flexibility to take advantage of exemptions provided in the SCA regulation. For instance, in Italy nearly a quarter of orders subject to SCA are declined in part due to outdated technology, according to Signifyd transaction data. Furthermore, 42% of approved orders encounter significant friction caused by banks relying on the original 3D Secure version. In the UK, 15% of SCA orders are declined and only 16% of approved orders are processed by the old technology. While in France only 12% of orders subject to SCA are declined and only 2.5% of orders are being subject to outdated 3D Secure technology. Despite the disparity in the adoption of newer versions of 3D Secure by country, the experience reported by shoppers is universally discouraging for brands and merchants in the region. Fully half, 50%, of Italian consumers said theyd become frustrated enough to give up on a purchase. In France, 45 percent of consumers said the new rules had prevented them from buying something online. In the UK, 35% of respondents said theyd abandoned their online shopping carts out of frustration. And if there were any questions about whether retailers lose customers to bad experiences, 58% of Italian consumers said they would not shop with a merchant again after one or two bad experiences. The number was identical in France, while in the UK 37% of respondents said one or two bad experiences would be enough to put them off for good. About Signifyd Signifyd provides an end-to-end Commerce Protection Platform that leverages its Commerce Network to maximize conversion, automate customer experience and eliminate fraud and customer abuse for retailers. Signifyd counts among its customers a number of companies on the Fortune 1000 and Internet Retailer Top 500 lists. Signifyd is headquartered in San Jose, CA., with locations in Denver, New York, Mexico City, Sao Paulo, Belfast and London. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220721005183/en/ Amal Ahmed Signifyd head of global financial services and EMEA marketing [email protected] +447960 379091 Mike Cassidy Signifyd head of PR & storytelling [email protected] Source: Signifyd Voya Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Rodney O. Martin, Jr., honored with John D. Kemp Leadership Award from Disability:IN. NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Voya Financial, Inc. (NYSE: VOYA), announced today that it has earned recognition as a Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion for the fifth consecutive year. Voyas top score of 100% on the 2022 Disability Equality Index underscores the companys continued, measurable progress to lessen unemployment and underemployment of people with disabilities. Voya is one of 240 companies to earn 100% on this years index. The Disability Equality Index is a joint initiative of the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), the nations largest disability rights organization, and Disability:IN. The index measures key performance indicators across culture and leadership, enterprise-wide access, employment practices, community engagement and supplier diversity and, more recently, the key performance indicators have measured innovative technology to advance digital and remote accessibility, mental wellness benefits, services for employees who are deaf and hard of hearing, and flexible work options. At Voya, we recognize that the disabilities community is a source of high-performing talent that brings unique insight as we continue advancing diversity, equity and inclusion across our workforce enabling our teams to remain competitive and innovative, said Rodney O. Martin, Jr., chairman and chief executive officer, Voya Financial, Inc. Martin was recognized at this years Disability:IN Global Conference with the John D. Kemp Leadership Award which reflects Martins personal commitment to ensure workplace inclusion for people with disabilities, and to diversity, equity and inclusion overall. The award specifically honors an individuals or companys measurable impact that improves employment opportunities for the disabilities community. Disability inclusion is a rapidly expanding aspect of corporate culture, and its gratifying to partner with 415 companies on the 2022 Disability Equality Index, said Jill Houghton, president and chief executive officer of Disability:IN. These top-scoring companies not only excel in disability inclusion, many are also adopting emerging trends and pioneering measures that can move the disability agenda from accommodation to inclusion and, ultimately, genuine belonging." Voyas continued commitment is demonstrated through several key efforts, including Voya Cares, a hub of resources and community for those with disabilities and their caregivers. In addition, Voya supports its employees who are part the disabilities community, along with allies, through its People with Disabilities and Caregivers Council. The employee-led council plays an integral role in driving the companys internal and external efforts that support the disabilities and special needs community. About Voya Financial Voya Financial, Inc. (NYSE: VOYA), is a leading health, wealth and investment company that provides products, solutions and technologies that help Americans become well planned, well invested and well protected. Serving the needs of 14.3 million individual, workplace and institutional clients, Voya has approximately 6,000 employees and had $707 billion in total assets under management and administration as of March 31, 2022. Certified as a Great Place to Work by the Great Place to Work Institute, Voya is purpose-driven and is equally committed to conducting business in a way that is socially, environmentally, economically and ethically responsible. Voya has earned recognition as: one of the Worlds Most Ethical Companies by the Ethisphere Institute; a member of the Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index; and a Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion on the Disability Equality Index. For more information, visit voya.com. Follow Voya Financial on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter @Voya. About Voya Cares As an extension of Voya's vision and mission to help all Americans have the quality of life they seek in retirement, the Voya Cares program is committed to being a leader in making a positive difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities and special needs as well as their families, caregivers and other providers by offering a depth of resources focused on education, planning and solutions. Visit Voyacares.com to learn more. About the Disability Equality Index The Disability Equality Index (DEI) is a comprehensive benchmarking tool that helps companies build a roadmap of measurable, tangible actions that they can take to achieve disability inclusion and equality. Each company receives a score, on a scale of zero (0) to 100, with those earning 80 and above recognized as a Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion. The DEI is a joint initiative of the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), the nations largest disability rights organization, and Disability:IN, the global business disability inclusion network, to collectively advance the inclusion of people with disabilities. The organizations are complementary and bring unique strengths that make the project relevant and credible to corporations and the disability community. The tool was developed by the DEI Advisory Committee, a diverse group of business leaders, policy experts, and disability advocates. Learn more at: http://www.DisabilityEqualityIndex.org. About Disability:IN Disability:IN is a global organization driving disability inclusion and equality in business. More than 400 corporations partner with Disability:IN to create long-term business and social impact through the worlds most comprehensive disability inclusion benchmarking and reporting tool, the Disability Equality Index; best-in-class conferences and programs; expert counsel and engagement; and public policy leadership. Join us at Disabilityin.org/AreYouIN #AreYouIN. About the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) AAPD is a convener, connector, and catalyst for change, increasing the political and economic power for people with disabilities. As a national cross-disability rights organization, AAPD advocates for full civil rights for the 60+ million Americans with disabilities. Learn more at AAPD.com. VOYA-IR VOYA-CR View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220721005688/en/ Media Contact: Natasha D. Smith Director, Communications Voya Financial 404.451.9694 [email protected] Source: Voya Financial, Inc. NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Warby Parker Inc. (NYSE: WRBY) (the Company), a direct-to-consumer lifestyle brand focused on vision for all, today announced that its financial results for the second quarter of 2022 will be released before market open on August 11, 2022. In addition, the Company will discuss its results and business outlook during a live conference call and webcast at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time. The conference call can be accessed by dialing 844-200-6205 from the U.S. or 929-526-1599 from international locations. The conference passcode is 175643. A live webcast of the conference call will be available on the investors section of the Companys website at https:investors.warbyparker.com where presentation materials will also be posted prior to the conference call. A replay will be made available online approximately 2 hours following the live call for a period of 90 days. About Warby Parker Warby Parker (NYSE: WRBY) was founded in 2010 with a mission to inspire and impact the world with vision, purpose, and stylewithout charging a premium for it. Headquartered in New York City, the co-founder-led lifestyle brand pioneers ideas, designs products, and develops technologies that help people see, from designer-quality prescription glasses (starting at $95) and contacts, to eye exams and vision tests available online and in more than 160 retail stores across the U.S. and Canada. Warby Parker aims to demonstrate that businesses can scale while doing good in the world. Ultimately, the brand believes in vision for all, which is why for every pair of glasses or sunglasses sold, they distribute a pair to someone in need through their Buy a Pair, Give a Pair program. To date, Warby Parker has worked alongside its nonprofit partners to distribute more than ten million glasses to people in need. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220720006101/en/ Investor Relations: Brendon Frey, ICR [email protected] Media: Lena Griffin [email protected] Source: Warby Parker Inc. HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Today Western Midstream Partners, LP (NYSE: WES) (WES or the Partnership) announced that the board of directors of its general partner declared a quarterly cash distribution of $0.50 per unit for the second quarter of 2022. This distribution is in line with the prior quarters distribution and is consistent with the partnerships previously disclosed annualized regular quarterly distribution (Base Distribution) target of $2.00 per unit. WESs second-quarter 2022 distribution is payable August 12, 2022, to unitholders of record at the close of business on August 1, 2022. The Partnership plans to report its second-quarter 2022 results after market close on Wednesday, August 3, 2022. Management will host a conference call on Thursday, August 4, 2022, at 1 p.m. CDT (2 p.m. EDT) to discuss the Partnerships quarterly results. The full text of the release announcing the results will be available on the Partnerships website at www.westernmidstream.com. Second-Quarter 2022 Results Thursday, August 4, 2022 1 p.m. CDT (2 p.m. EDT) Dial-in number: 888-330-2354 International dial-in number: 240-789-2706 Participant access code: 32054 To participate in WESs scheduled second-quarter 2022 earnings call, refer to the above-listed dial-in number and participant access code. To access the live audio webcast of the conference call, please visit the investor relations section of the Partnerships website at www.westernmidstream.com. A replay of the conference call also will be available on the website following the call. ABOUT WESTERN MIDSTREAM Western Midstream Partners, LP (WES) is a Delaware master limited partnership formed to acquire, own, develop, and operate midstream assets. With midstream assets located in the Rocky Mountains, North-central Pennsylvania, Texas, and New Mexico, WES is engaged in the business of gathering, compressing, treating, processing, and transporting natural gas; gathering, stabilizing, and transporting condensate, NGLs, and crude oil; and gathering and disposing of produced water for its customers. In addition, in its capacity as a processor of natural gas, WES also buys and sells natural gas, NGLs, and condensate on behalf of itself and as an agent for its customers under certain of its contracts. For more information about Western Midstream Partners, LP and Western Midstream Flash Feed updates, please visit www.westernmidstream.com. This news release contains forward-looking statements. WES and its general partner believe that their expectations are based on reasonable assumptions. No assurance, however, can be given that such expectations will prove to have been correct. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the projections, anticipated results or other expectations expressed in this news release. These factors include our ability to meet distribution expectations and financial guidance; the timeline for a full recovery in commodity demand and prices; our ability to safely and efficiently operate WESs assets; the supply of, demand for, and price of oil, natural gas, NGLs, and related products or services; our ability to meet projected in-service dates for capital-growth projects; construction costs or capital expenditures exceeding estimated or budgeted costs or expenditures; and the other factors described in the Risk Factors section of WESs most-recent Form 10-K and Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and other public filings and press releases. WES undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements. Note regarding Non-United States Investors: This release is intended to be a qualified notice under Treasury Regulation Section 1.1446-4(b). Brokers and nominees should treat one hundred percent (100.0%) of Western Midstream Partners, LPs distributions to non-U.S. investors as being attributable to income that is effectively connected with a United States trade or business. Accordingly, Western Midstream Partners, LPs distributions to non-U.S. investors are subject to federal income tax withholding at the highest applicable effective tax rate. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220721005369/en/ Daniel Jenkins Director, Investor Relations [email protected] 832.636.1009 Shelby Keltner Manager, Investor Relations [email protected] 832.636.1009 Source: Western Midstream Partners, LP. Unions representing 70,000 hospital workers issue open letters to the Ontario Hospital Association and the provincial government for full transparency and staff support to fix the worsening health human resource crisis in Ontario TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Today, SEIU Healthcare and OCHU/CUPE, unions representing 70,000 hospitals workers across Ontario, issued open letters to hospital executives and the provincial government for full transparency and staff support to fix the worsening health human resource crisis leading to widespread hospital emergency room closures and service interruptions. Staffing levels in Ontario hospitals rank the lowest in the OECD. And what patients are experiencing is the consequence of a dangerous game of managing our public hospitals on a razors edge in the name of efficiency. Ontario hospitals are no longer safe places to work, and increasingly unreliable institutions for patients to receive care. Patients, including frontline staff, deserve to know why poor decision making continues and what is being done to correct the crisis of poor morale, exhaustion, and an over-reliance on part-time employment. We are now at the point where understaffing is chronic and obviously cannot maintain the system the people of Ontario expect. An open letter was sent to the Ontario Hospital Association pertaining to the precarity of hospital care and a demand for more information about staffing support and an urgent commitment to a five-point action plan now. Another letter was sent to Premier Ford offering to commit to work with him on immediate measures to address the staff shortages, including seven specific short-term solutions. This morning, Sharleen Stewart, president of SEIU Healthcare, and Michael Hurley, president of CUPEs Ontario Council of Hospital unions spoke about the crisis at a press conference with two frontline hospital nurses. QUOTES: Efforts to quietly manage the health human resource crisis by hospital senior management are failing families and the public deserve to know more about what is leading to closed doors, longer wait times, and service disruption inside Ontario hospitals. Thats why were calling for an all-hands-on-deck approach to deal with the dire staffing crisis and growing wave of emergency room closures in Ontarios hospitals. Today, nearly 60% of nurses said they feel burnt-out all the time and in need of mental health supports as a result of their job in Ontario hospitals. This is what happens when hospital executives treat staff as a commodity instead of as people and the consequence is todays wave of hospital ER closures. Sharleen Stewart, SEIU Healthcare We are alarmed that to date we have seen no sense of urgency from the provincial government in the face of the unprecedented threat communities are facing. It is not acceptable that communities like Alexandria and Wingham (and many others) are living this summer without functioning and reliable emergency departments. It is not acceptable that ER waits in major urban centres are skyrocketing or that other vital patient services being closed to sustain emergency operations. We expect a very vigorous response from the provincial government. Without a meaningful action plan, conditions will only deteriorate further. Michael Hurley, President, OCHU/CUPE :kw/cope491 View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220721005795/en/ Corey Johnson, SEIU Healthcare Communications | [email protected] | 416-529-8909 Stella Yeadon, CUPE Communications | 416-559-9300 | [email protected] Source: CUPE The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO) today announced that John Murphy will become president and chief financial officer effective Oct. 1. Murphy, who currently serves as executive vice president and CFO, will add the president role following the retirement of Brian Smith. Smith, 66, has served as president and chief operating officer since 2019. He will remain with the company as a senior executive through February 2023. Brian has made innumerable contributions to the Coca-Cola system during his 25 years with the company, said James Quincey, Chairman and CEO of The Coca-Cola Company. I thank him for his service and, on behalf of the company, wish him all the best. Murphy, 60, has served as CFO since 2019. He oversees Mergers & Acquisitions, Investor Relations, Global Strategy, Tax, Treasury, Audit, Accounting and Controls, Reporting and Analysis, Real Estate and Risk Management. As president and CFO, he will take on expanded duties, including oversight of Global Ventures; Platform Services; online-to-offline (O2O) digital transformation; and customer and commercial leadership. John has been a vital business partner and leader at the company, Quincey said. As president and CFO, Johns new role will be instrumental in driving critical, enterprise-wide imperatives across the Coca-Cola system. About Brian Smith Smith became president and COO in 2019 following two years as president of the companys former Europe, Middle East and Africa Group. He had responsibility for operations of six business units spanning from Western Europe to Russia to Southern Africa. Prior to that role, Smith was group president of Latin America from 2013 to 2016. His key areas of focus included the development and effective deployment of talent, along with building CocaCola leadership in still beverage categories via new, aligned system business models and bolt-on acquisitions in juices, teas and dairy. Smith joined CocaCola in 1997 as Latin America group manager for mergers and acquisitions. He was responsible for bottler and brand transactions and helped formulate and execute system franchise strategies. From 2001 to 2002, he worked as executive assistant to the companys chief operating officer and vice chairman. From 2002 to 2008, he was president of the Brazil division and, from 2008 to 2012, served as president for the Mexico division. The company is evaluating its future plans for the chief operating officer role. The companys operating unit presidents will report to Quincey on an interim basis. About John Murphy As CFO, Murphy is responsible for leading the companys global finance organization and representing the company with multiple stakeholders, including investors, lenders and rating agencies. From 2016 to 2018, Murphy served as president of the companys former Asia Pacific group. He was also responsible for the companys Bottling Investments Group, primarily focused on key markets in Southeast and Southwest Asia. From 2013 to 2016, Murphy served as president, South Latin business unit, where he was responsible for operations in Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay, Peru and Uruguay. From 2008 to 2012, he was president, Latin Center business unit, responsible for operations in 31 countries in Central America, the Caribbean and the Andean Region. He began his career at Coca-Cola in 1988 as an international internal auditor and, in 1991, moved to Coca-Cola Japan as executive assistant to the CFO. He went on to serve in expanded responsibilities in various finance, planning and operations roles at Coca-Cola Japan and subsequently worked for the Coca-Cola bottling partner in Singapore, F&N Coca-Cola Ltd. In 1996, Murphy returned to Coca-Cola as region manager in Indonesia. In 2000, he served as vice president of Business Systems in Coca-Cola North America before returning to Coca-Cola Japan as executive vice president and CFO. In 2004, he was promoted to deputy president of Coca-Cola Japan before returning to Atlanta in 2005 as vice president of strategic planning for Coca-Cola, a position he held until he became president of the Latin Center business unit in 2008. Before joining Coca-Cola, Murphy worked for four years as an auditor for Price Waterhouse in Dublin. Building on strong demand for its new EVs, Ford today announced a series of initiatives for sourcing battery capacity and raw materials that light a clear path to reach its targeted annual run rate of 600,000 electric vehicles by late 2023 and more than 2 million by the end of 2026. The company detailed its global vehicle portfolio plans supporting these production goals as part of its Ford+ plan. Ford expects a compound annual growth rate for EVs to exceed 90% through 2026, more than double forecasted global industry growth. Fords new electric vehicle lineup has generated huge enthusiasm and demand, and now we are putting the industrial system in place to scale quickly, said Jim Farley, Fords president and CEO and president of Ford Model e. Our Model e team has moved with speed, focus and creativity to secure the battery capacity and raw materials we need to deliver breakthrough EVs for millions of customers. Ford plans to invest over $50 billion in EVs through 2026, targeting total company adjusted EBIT margins of 10% and 8% EBIT margins for EVs by 2026. As Ford creates a new EV supply chain that upholds its commitments to sustainability and human rights, the company continues to plan for more than half its global production to be EVs by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality globally no later than 2050. Driving to the 600,000 EV run rate by late 2023 Ford plans to reach a 600,000 global EV run rate by late 2023 with the following EVs: 270,000 Mustang Mach-Es for North America, Europe and China 150,000 F-150 Lightnings for North America 150,000 Transit EVs for North America and Europe 30,000 units of an all-new SUV for Europe, whose run rate will significantly ramp in 2024 Ford is adding lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cell chemistry to its portfolio, alongside its existing nickel cobalt manganese (NCM) chemistry. This creates even more capacity for high-demand products and provides customers many years of operation with minimal range loss. It also reduces the reliance on scarce critical minerals such as nickel and, at current costs, brings a 10 to 15% bill of material savings for Ford versus NCM batteries. The company confirmed it has secured 100% of the annual battery cell capacity needed 60 gigawatt hours (GWh) to support this 600,000 EV run rate by working with leading battery companies around the globe. Ford announced that Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Ltd. (CATL) will provide full LFP battery packs for Mustang Mach-E models for North America starting next year as well as F-150 Lightings in early 2024. Fords EV architecture flexibility allows efficient incorporation of CATLs prismatic LFP cell-to-pack technology, delivering incremental capacity quickly to scale and meet customer demand. Ford also is leveraging its long-standing connection with LG Energy Solution (LGES) and its strategic relationship with SK On to meet its battery capacity target for late 2023. Long-time supplier LGES has scaled quickly and doubled its capacity at its Wroclaw, Poland, facility to support incremental NCM cell production for Mustang Mach-E and E-Transit models. Plus, SK On has installed capacity to support the scaling of Fords high-volume F-150 Lightning and E-Transits through late 2023 scaling NCM cell production beyond earlier-planned levels from its Atlanta facility and providing new battery cell capacity from its Hungary operation. Driving to more than 2 million EVs by late 2026 Ford is building on agreements tied to its 600,000 run rate milestone and is taking them even further. The company now has sourced approximately 70% of the battery cell capacity it needs to support an annual global run rate of more than 2 million EVs by late 2026. Ford and CATL the worlds largest battery producer have signed a separate non-binding MOU to explore a cooperation for supplying batteries in Fords markets across China, Europe and North America. Ford also announced it plans to localize and use 40 GWh of LFP capacity in North America starting in 2026. The company intends to use this additional capacity to complement three previously announced battery plants in Kentucky and Tennessee that are part of the BlueOval SK joint venture between Ford and SK On, which was officially formed last week. Ford has signed an additional MOU with SK On as well as Koc Holdings to create a joint venture in Turkey for expanded battery capacity there. To support its joint ventures, Ford is direct-sourcing battery cell raw materials as well. Our team has been actively engaged with partners in the United States and around the world, said Lisa Drake, Ford Model e vice president, EV Industrialization. We will move fast in the key markets and regions where critical supplies are available, meeting with government officials, mining companies and processors and signing MOUs and agreements that reflect Fords ESG expectations and underpin Fords plan to bring EVs to millions. Today, the company announced it is working with major mining collaborators and has sourced most of the nickel needed through 2026 and beyond. Ford has signed non-binding MOUs with: Vale Canada Ltd.: To explore potential opportunities across the EV value chain. To explore potential opportunities across the EV value chain. PT Vale Indonesia and Huayou Cobalt: For exploring a three-way nickel processing project and, separately, an off-take agreement with Huayou that collectively will provide Ford with rights to the equivalent of 84 kilotons per annum (ktpa) of nickel. BHP: For nickel supply from BHP's Nickel West operations in Australia. The targeted multi-year agreement could start as early as 2025 and may involve additional commodities over time. Ford also has locked several key lithium contracts. Beyond the recently announced key asset in Western Australia secured through Liontown Resources, Ford also has signed a non-binding MOU with Rio Tinto, exploring a significant lithium off-take agreement from its Rincon project in Argentina. This is part of a multi-metal MOU that leverages the scale of Fords aluminum business and includes a potential opportunity on copper. Ford also continues working to localize processing of key battery materials in North America. To that end, the company is announcing: EcoPro BM and SK On : Have signed a non-binding Letter of Intent with Ford to establish a cathode production facility in North America. and : Have signed a non-binding Letter of Intent with Ford to establish a cathode production facility in North America. ioneer: Has signed a binding off-take agreement with Ford for lithium carbonate from ioneers Rhyolite Ridge project in Nevada to support EV production beyond 2025. Compass Minerals: Has signed a non-binding MOU for lithium hydroxide and lithium carbonate from its Utah operations on the Great Salt Lake. Has signed a non-binding MOU for lithium hydroxide and lithium carbonate from its Utah operations on the Great Salt Lake. Syrah Resources and SK On: Have signed a non-binding MOU to secure off-take for natural graphite from its processing site in Vidalia, Louisiana. Its a very competitive landscape. These collaborators see value in the strong demand we have created with exceptional products like Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning and the stability we can bring to these relationships, Drake said. We are excited to work with them and others we havent yet announced to build this new global supply chain for Ford. EV Demand As Ford reinvents its new EV supply chain, consumer praise rolls in for its first-generation EVs already in-market while demand signals among potential EV buyers continue strengthening. For the first time, the majority of consumers who intend to buy a car in the next two years say they will choose an EV or hybrid vehicle up 11% from last year and 22% from 2020, according to research published by EY. Most of that increase is for full EVs. Among commercial owners who dont already deploy EVs, 60% of U.S. fleet managers said in a Ford Pro survey they plan to add EVs to their operations within two years. Market reaction to F-150 Lightning and Mustang Mach-E is strong, bringing all-new customers to Ford. Mustang Mach-E shares the top spot in its segment for in-market vehicle shoppers favorable opinion, according to a Q1 Ford study, while F-150 Lightnings favorable opinion was second only to the F-150 powered by an internal combustion engine. To further stimulate demand, Ford is working to make EVs accessible to millions, addressing barriers to entry such as charging, cost and improving the EV customer purchase experience. This is our opportunity to win a whole new group of customers, building their loyalty and advocacy as we grow our market share," said Marin Gjaja, Ford Model e chief customer officer. "We're developing the digital and physical services and experiences those new customers expect when they purchase a product that to them is a new technology purchase. Our aim is to combine the convenience of digital shopping with Fords expertise, scale and the physical presence of our dealers to create the best possible experience for tomorrows EV owners. FILE PHOTO: Tesla China-made Model 3 vehicles are seen during a delivery event at its factory in Shanghai, China January 7, 2020. REUTERS/Aly Song By Hyunjoo Jin SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Tesla Inc is falling short of CEO Elon Musk's target to make its own next-generation batteries, sparking questions over the top electric car maker's ability to maintain its blistering expansion of auto production next year and beyond. Tesla said on Wednesday it would rely on suppliers to meet battery demand this year, as the necessity of learning new technologies is holding back its plan to boost production of its own batteries. Tesla is an outlier in its industry - it is the only major automaker that makes batteries itself without partnering with suppliers, although like other companies, it buys batteries from companies, mostly based in Asia. Batteries are the most expensive component in electric vehicles and bringing down their cost is crucial to expanding EV popularity. If Tesla succeeds, it will assure itself a steadier supply of inexpensive, higher-range batteries, a foundation for its own goals of producing 20 million vehicles a year. But it needs such new batteries next year to avoid scrambling for supplies just as the global industry scales up electric production. Ford Motor Co, for instance, announced a major new deal with Chinese battery maker CATL on Thursday. For Tesla, "time is running out and that end of the year deadline is fast approaching, meaning the company will need to work quickly to resolve the remaining issues to meet the volume they need," Benchmark Mineral Intelligence (BMI) analyst Caspar Rawles told Reuters. The new batteries are called 4680s, denoting the diameter (46mm) and height (80mm). They are much larger and hold more energy than the current 2170 batteries, reducing costs. Tesla is also pioneering a cost-efficient new battery manufacturing process called dry battery electrode. "Our focus right now is on the dozens of little issues that inhibit the production ramp of the 4680," Musk said on a conference call on Wednesday after the company released quarterly results. "When something is revolutionary, there's a lot of unknowns that have to be resolved," he said, referring to the dry battery electrode process. "So we're confident of resolving those unknowns but it's, it's very, very difficult," he said, adding that it is making rapid progress. TIME RUNNING OUT In 2020, Tesla signaled it would have 100-gigawatt capacity of 4680s this year - which would be enough to supply production at new factories in Texas and Germany. Musk said in April that Tesla's vehicle production ramp-up would be at risk early next year if the automaker failed to solve its 4680 manufacturing issues. On Wednesday he said that 4680s would be important for 2023. Tesla Senior Vice President Andrew Baglino said on Wednesday that he aims for 4680 output to exceed 1,000 per week by the end of this year. He did not specify whether that figure referred to vehicles or battery cells. (One thousand battery cells are enough for about one car.) In either case, that figure is far short of the Texas factory's automotive production targets, said Benchmark's Rawles. Tesla's test line for 4680 battery cells in California has improved output and the company aims to begin producing those cells in its new Texas factory this quarter, Baglino said. He did not give a forecast for a 4680 battery factory in Berlin. Tesla's vertical integration would give the automaker more control of the key battery supply chain, but "you also take on all the risks of cell production," Evan Horetsky, a partner at McKinsey who was formerly a Tesla executive, told Reuters. "So do you want to dump that money and take on that risk yourself?" he said. Tesla does have options. "Right now, it's not affecting their sales as much because no one is going out and saying, 'I'm only going to buy a vehicle that comes with 4680'," said Abhishek Murali, an analyst at Rystad Energy. Tesla is expanding its battery suppliers to include China's BYD Co Ltd, and Panasonic recently announced a plan to build a U.S. battery factory in Kansas that would supply Tesla. CATL, a Tesla supplier, is also scouting for sites for a factory in North America. But part of Tesla's reputation and market value depends on its technological advances. Jeffrey Osborne, an analyst at Cowen, said in a report that the company seemed to be struggling with "techie" features such as the new batteries and self-driving technology. If those problems continue, he said, "we see pressure ahead as investors are growing tired of missed deadlines and false hopes." (Reporting by Hyunjoo Jin in San Francisco, Additional reporting by Nivedita Balu in Bengaluru and Paul Lienert in Detroit; Editing by Peter Henderson and Matthew Lewis) ??Ministro @RobertoSanchP participa en Conferencia de Prensa desde @pcmperu donde revela que a la fecha se han sobrepasado los 870 mil turistas extranjeros que han llegado al #Peru ??. Esto permite la recuperacion del sector y el empleo para la cadena turistica.1/5 pic.twitter.com/k0DLrikvu1 FILE PHOTO: U.S. President Joe Biden delivers remarks on the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) before receiving a second COVID-19 booster vaccination in the Eisenhower Executive Office Buildings South Court Auditorium at the White House in Washington, U.S WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Joe Biden has a runny nose and fatigue with an occasional dry cough, Biden's physician Kevin O'Connor said on Thursday in a letter to the White House press secretary after the president tested positive for COVID-19. Biden's mild symptoms started Wednesday evening, O'Connor said in the letter to Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, adding that he anticipated Biden would respond favorably to treatment. (Reporting by Chris Gallagher; editing by Paul Grant) FILE PHOTO: The skyline is seen in Manhattan, New York City, U.S., August 21, 2021. REUTERS/Andrew Kelly/File Photo NEW YORK (Reuters) - Hedge funds assets fell below $4 trillion in June, dragged down by poor performance and investors' withdraws, data provider HFR showed on Thursday. Amid high volatile across markets, investors redeemed $27.5 billion of hedge funds between April and June, bringing total withdraws in the first half of the year to $7.7 billion. No hedge fund category lured fresh money from investors in the second quarter. Total assets ended the second quarter at $3.8 trillion, down roughly 5% from March, it said, also battered by the funds performance. The fund weighted composite index is down 5.78% in the year, HFR said. Only macro hedge funds, which trade a broad range of assets, such as bonds, currencies, rates, stocks and commodities, posted assets gains in the second quarter. Contrary to the industry average performance, they posted a positive return of 8.61% in the first half of the year. (Reporting by Carolina Mandl in New York; Editing by Mark Porter) ST. JOHN'S, Newfoundland and Labrador, July 21, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Fortis Inc. ("Fortis" or the "Corporation") (TSX/NYSE: FTS) will release its second quarter 2022 financial results on Thursday, July 28, 2022. A teleconference and webcast will be held the same day at 8:30 a.m. (Eastern). David Hutchens, President and Chief Executive Officer and Jocelyn Perry, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer will discuss the Corporation's second quarter financial results. Shareholders, analysts, members of the media and other interested parties in North America are invited to participate by calling 1.416.764.8646. International participants may participate by calling 1.888.396.8049. Please dial in 10 minutes prior to the start of the call. No passcode is required. A live and archived audio webcast of the teleconference will be available on the Corporation's website, www.fortisinc.com. A replay of the teleconference will be available two hours after the conclusion of the call until August 28, 2022. Please call 1.416.764.8692 or 1.877.674.7070 and enter passcode 037278#. About FortisFortis is a well-diversified leader in the North American regulated electric and gas utility industry with 2021 revenue of $9.4 billion and total assets of $58 billion as at March 31, 2022. The Corporation's 9,100 employees serve utility customers in five Canadian provinces, nine U.S. states and three Caribbean countries. Fortis shares are listed on the TSX and NYSE and trade under the symbol FTS. Additional information can be accessed at www.fortisinc.com, www.sedar.com, or www.sec.gov. For further information contact Investor Enquiries:Ms. Stephanie Amaimo Vice President, Investor RelationsFortis Inc.248.946.3572 [email protected] Media Enquiries:Ms. Karen McCarthyVice President, Communications & Corporate AffairsFortis Inc.709.737.5323 [email protected] A .pdf version of this press release is available at: http://ml.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/e38d5a13-5cb8-49f2-aac3-d9976698cd54 Source: Fortis EL SEGUNDO, Calif., July 21, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aerojet Rocketdyne Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: AJRD) (the Company) today announced that it will report its second quarter 2022 earnings results on Monday, August 1, 2022. The Company will also host a conference call and webcast that morning at 8:30 a.m. EDT / 5:30 a.m. PDT. Eileen P. Drake, Chief Executive Officer and President, and Dan Boehle, Chief Financial Officer, will host the call to discuss second quarter 2022 financial results and answer questions. Conference Call and Webcast Details for Investors and Financial Analysts What: Aerojet Rocketdyne Holdings, Inc. Second Quarter 2022 Conference Call When: Monday, August 1, 2022, at 8:30 a.m. EDT / 5:30 a.m. PDT Where: https://ir.aerojetrocketdyne.com/events-and-presentations An on-demand replay of the webcast will be available for 30 days at https://ir.aerojetrocketdyne.com/events-and-presentations. For additional information, visit our website: https://www.aerojetrocketdyne.com/. About Aerojet Rocketdyne Holdings, Inc. Aerojet Rocketdyne Holdings, Inc., headquartered in El Segundo, California, is an innovative technology-based manufacturer of aerospace and defense products and systems, with a real estate segment that includes activities related to the entitlement, sale, and leasing of the Companys excess real estate assets. More information can be obtained by visiting the Companys websites at www.rocket.com or www.aerojetrocketdyne.com . Contact information: Investors: Kelly Anderson, vice president, Controller and Investor Relations 310-252-8155 Media: Steve Warren, vice president, Communications 703-650-0278 LONDON , July 21, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Founded in 2015, Askyolo Tech is a multi-disciplinary company in scientific research and finance worldwide. The platform aims to provide traders with the best trading conditions through an industry-leading and innovative platform that consistently delivers superior brokerage, administrative staff, and clearing services and a safe and transparent financial derivatives marketplace for clients. Dedicated to providing investors with a global trading platform that transcends geographical boundaries, Askyolo Tech has earned high marks from the industry for its high quality of service and consistent security since its inception. In addition, it has been praised in a wide range of areas and has won several awards. Currently, the company has 15 local offices in over 130 countries and territories outside the United States, including Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia. It offers clients around-the-clock online trading support and around-the-clock customer service. Among the many trading options offered by Askyolo Tech, customers can choose from foreign currencies, stocks, precious metals, energy, and other futures. In addition, traders can trade more than 200 financial products worldwide through one account, providing a one-stop, high-performance, low-latency trading experience. The Askyolo Tech platform allows clients to trade the markets promptly, and each account can participate in all market transactions. In addition, with Askyolo, traders have access to market quotes and the opportunity to execute trades with a better level of service. Besides Forex, metals, and energy, Askyolo Tech also offers competitive products. The platform is the world's most popular MT4/MT5 platform due to its low spreads on EUR/USD. In addition to ensuring fast order execution, it provides a smooth and stable operation without slippages or delays. Askyolo Tech is governed by the National Futures Association, an industry authority that is a not-for-profit membership organization established in 1976 as a self-regulatory organization for the futures industry under Section 17 of the U.S. Client funds are held in segregated bank accounts authorized by the regulator, separate from Askyolo's operating funds. To protect investor funds, the platform employs a variety of security measures. Askyolo Tech has partnered with industry-leading trading technology companies to provide a trading environment and advanced trading tools, including market depth, internal market spread monitoring, stepped trading technology, and automated selling of custom templates. The Meta Trader platform is the world's leading platform for providing clients with different trading support levels. In addition, the trading application has been optimized for iPhone and Android mobile devices to provide the best mobile trading experienc Company: Askyolo Tech Contact Person: Jona Tan Email: services at askyolo.com Website: https://www.askyolo.net Telephone: +44 7361085986 Source: Askyolo SAN DIEGO, July 21, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via InvestorWire Astra Energy Inc. (OTC Pink Sheets: ASRE) (Astra or the Company), today announces recent Company business development activity and successes: April 21, 2022 - Members of Astras executive team attended an Iftar dinner discussion on Egypt's economic and fiscal outlook featuring Egypts Minister of Finance, Dr. Mohamed Maait, and Minister of International Cooperation, Dr. Rania Al-Mashat. The event was hosted by AmCham Egypt Inc. in partnership with the U.S.- Egypt Business Council. Ministers Maait and Al-Mashat provided a summary of Egypts current fiscal outlook and international cooperation initiatives, especially those focused on climate. Ministers Maait and Al-Mashat provided a summary of Egypts current fiscal outlook and international cooperation initiatives, especially those focused on climate. April 22, 2022 - Astra's COO Dan Claycamp and Fred Nyanzi, vice president of Project Development and Planning, met with H.E. Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania, at the U.S.- Africa Business Center to advance the facilitation of clean and renewable energy projects in Tanzania. to advance the facilitation of clean and renewable energy projects in Tanzania. May 15 - 17, 2022 - The Astra team traveled to Cairo, Egypt, as part of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce GreenTech Business Delegation. The event brought together U.S. government and company representatives to explore climate-friendly business opportunities, solutions and investments in green energy projects. As Egypt prepares to host COP27, it is seeking partnerships with the U.S. private sector to create more climate-friendly projects that will accelerate the green energy transition and reduce the rate of climate change. The event was also organized and hosted by AmCham Egypt. Astra appreciated the opportunity to be a part of such an important and pivotal event and is working on new partnerships and projects because of the success of the event. The event brought together U.S. government and company representatives to explore climate-friendly business opportunities, solutions and investments in green energy projects. As Egypt prepares to host COP27, it is seeking partnerships with the U.S. private sector to create more climate-friendly projects that will accelerate the green energy transition and reduce the rate of climate change. The event was also organized and hosted by AmCham Egypt. Astra appreciated the opportunity to be a part of such an important and pivotal event and is working on new partnerships and projects because of the success of the event. May 26, 2022 - Astra's COO Dan Claycamp, Fred Nyanzi, vice president of Project Development and Planning, and Tony Thompson, vice president of Electrical Power Generation, met with the President of Zanzibar, His Excellency Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi, to discuss shared goals of bringing clean energy solutions to the island of Zanzibar. They were joined by Ken Walsh, Senior Commercial Officer at U.S. Commercial Service. to discuss shared goals of bringing clean energy solutions to the island of Zanzibar. They were joined by Ken Walsh, Senior Commercial Officer at U.S. Commercial Service. June 7, 2022 - A Memorandum of Understanding was jointly signed by Astra Energy Inc. and the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar, regarding Astra's proposed development of a clean and renewable energy park in Zanzibar . The Zanzibar Clean and Renewable Energy Park will achieve many goals; amongst them, utilizing clean and renewable energy to generate local, independent power; upgrading and expanding upon an existing transmission grid; facilitating economic growth, and contributing to the Zanzibar Development Vision 2050 plan. . The Zanzibar Clean and Renewable Energy Park will achieve many goals; amongst them, utilizing clean and renewable energy to generate local, independent power; upgrading and expanding upon an existing transmission grid; facilitating economic growth, and contributing to the Zanzibar Development Vision 2050 plan. June 16, 2022 - Astra's President and Director Kermit Harris speaks on the sustainability panel at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Saudi Business Program for the "U.S.- Saudi Arabia: A New Era of Commercial Partnership forum with the Saudi National Competitiveness Center. The Company appreciated the opportunity to present its green initiatives and make promising new connections. The Company appreciated the opportunity to present its green initiatives and make promising new connections. July 12, 2022 - United States Securities and Exchange Commission gave Notice of Effectiveness of the Company's S1 Registration Statement. Following that, the Company filed its first 10Q, making it a fully reporting issuer. This supports the Company's strategy to continue to seek and qualify for higher listing status. About Astra Energy Inc. Astra Energy Inc. is an integrated solutions provider investing in and developing renewable and clean energy projects in markets where demand is high, supply is limited and there is an opportunity to address other imminent market needs. Astras corporate strategy is rooted in securing technologies and assets; identifying viable market opportunities; and bringing together resources, expertise, technology, and defined action plans to execute first-in-class projects that benefit communities, local economies, the planet, and the Companys investors. Its our goal to create a more secure and sustainable power sector that supports our companys purpose, mission, and values to transform the economic, environmental, and social landscape for generations to come. For more information on Astra Energy Inc. visit our website at www.astraenegyinc.com Corporate Communications:Heidi Thomasen[email protected]1-800-705-2919 CAUTIONARY STATEMENT CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This document contains forward-looking statements. In evaluating these forward-looking statements, you should consider various factors including our ability to change the direction of the Company, our ability to keep pace with new technology and changing market needs, and the competitive environment of our business. These and other factors may cause our actual results to differ materially from any forward-looking statement. Wire Service Contact InvestorWire (IW) Los Angeles, California www.InvestorWire.com 212.418.1217 Office [email protected] Source: Astra Energy Inc. VANCOUVER, British Columbia, July 21, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Atico Mining Corporation (the Company or Atico) (TSX.V: ATY | OTCQX: ATCMF) announces its operating results for the three months ended June 30, 2022 from its El Roble mine. Production for the quarter totaled 3.59 million pounds of copper and 2,811 ounces of gold in concentrates, a decrease of 16% for copper and an increase of 4% for gold, over the same period in 2021. The El Roble mine delivered well despite having to stop operations for twenty-four days in April. The stoppage was a result of a landslide incident near the dewatering facility, we are very pleased that no injuries resulted from this incident and that damage to equipment was minor. Given the strong start to the year along with good performance during the operating days of this quarter, the Company is already back on track to deliver on guidance for the year said Fernando E. Ganoza, CEO. In second half of the year, we will continue our strong focus towards mine vicinity exploration at the El Roble mine, looking to extend mineralization at depth and along strike. Second Quarter Operational Highlights Production of 3.59 million pounds of copper contained in concentrates; a decrease of 16% over Q2 2021. Production of 2,811 ounces of gold contained in concentrates; an increase of 4% over Q2 2021. Average processed tonnes per day of 889, no significant change over Q2 2021. Copper head grade of 3.17%, an increase of 2% over Q2 2021. Gold head grade of 2.47 grams per tonne; an increase of 24% over Q2 2021. Copper and gold recovery of 91.4% and 62.9%; no significant change for both copper and gold over Q2 2021. Second Quarter Operational Review Overall production was below Company budget for the second quarter, entirely explained by the twenty-four-day stoppage which resulted in less than expected processed tonnes. The decrease in copper production is mainly explained by the decrease in processed ore along with a slight decrease in head grade over the same period last year. The gold output completely offset the lower processed tonnes in the quarter as we saw a significant improvement in head grade relative to Q2-2021. The operation remains on track to deliver on set guidance throughout the remainder of the year. Second Quarter Operational Details Q2 2022 Total Q2 2021 Total % Change Production (Contained in Concentrates) Copper (000s pounds) 3,591 4,312 -16% Gold (ounces) 2,811 2,699 4% Mine Tonnes of ore mined 61,667 71,437 -14% Mill Tonnes processed 56,172 68,238 -18% Tonnes processed per day 889 892 Nil Copper grade (%) 3.17 3.10 2% Gold grade (g/t) 2.47 2.00 24% Recoveries Copper (%) 91.4 92.6 Nil Gold (%) 62.9 62.0 Nil Concentrates Copper and Gold Concentrates (dmt) 8,278 10,020 -17% Payable copper produced (000s lbs) 3,411 4,070 -16% Note: Metal production figures are subject to adjustments based on final settlement. The reported results are preliminary in nature and are awaiting independent lab verification. Concentrate Inventory The number of shipments the Company can export in any given quarter depends on several variables some of which the Company does not control, hence there may be an inherent variability in tonnes shipped quarter to quarter. Q2 2022 Total Amounts in dry metric tonnes Opening inventory 9,732 Production 8,278 Sales (4,472) Number of shipments 1 Adjustment (80) Closing inventory 13,458 Note: Concentrate figures are subject to adjustments based on final settlement. El Roble Mine The El Roble mine is a high grade, underground copper and gold mine with nominal processing plant capacity of 1,000 tonnes per day, located in the Department of Choco in Colombia. Its commercial product is a copper-gold concentrate. Since obtaining control of the mine on November 22, 2013, Atico has upgraded the operation from a historical nominal capacity of 400 tonnes per day. El Roble has Proven and Probable reserves of 1.00 million tonnes grading 3.02% copper and 1.76 g/t gold, at a cut-off grade of 1.3% copper equivalent as of September 30th, 2020. Mineralization is open at depth and along strike and the Company plans to further test the limits of the deposit. On the larger land package, the Company has identified a prospective stratigraphic contact between volcanic rocks and black and grey pelagic sediments and cherts that has been traced by Atico geologists for ten kilometers. This contact has been determined to be an important control on VMS mineralization on which Atico has identified numerous target areas prospective for VMS type mineralization occurrence, which is the focus of the current surface drill program at El Roble. Qualified Person Mr. Thomas Kelly (SME Registered Member 1696580), advisor to the Company and a qualified person under National Instrument 43-101 standards, is responsible for ensuring that the technical information contained in this news release is an accurate summary of the original reports and data provided to or developed by Atico. About Atico Mining Corporation Atico is a growth-oriented Company, focused on exploring, developing and mining copper and gold projects in Latin America. The Company generates significant cash flow through the operation of the El Roble mine and is developing its high-grade La Plata VMS project in Ecuador. The Company is also pursuing additional acquisition of advanced stage opportunities. For more information, please visit www.aticomining.com. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD Fernando E. Ganoza CEO Atico Mining Corporation Trading symbols: TSX.V: ATY | OTC: ATCMF Investor Relations Igor Dutina Tel: +1.604.633.9022 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. No securities regulatory authority has either approved or disapproved of the contents of this news release. The securities being offered 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 in the United States, or to, or for the account or benefit of, a "U.S. person" (as defined in Regulation S of the U.S. Securities Act) unless pursuant to an exemption therefrom. This press release is for information purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities of the Company in any jurisdiction. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements This announcement includes certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, without limitation the use of net proceeds, are forward-looking statements. Forward- looking statements involve various risks and uncertainties and are based on certain factors and assumptions. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Companys expectations include uncertainties relating to interpretation of drill results and the geology, continuity and grade of mineral deposits; uncertainty of estimates of capital and operating costs; the need to obtain additional financing to maintain its interest in and/or explore and develop the Companys mineral projects; uncertainty of meeting anticipated program milestones for the Companys mineral projects; and other risks and uncertainties disclosed under the heading Risk Factors in the prospectus of the Company dated March 2, 2012 filed with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities on the SEDAR website at www.sedar.com New York, July 21, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- PHI Group, Inc. (www.phiglobal.com, PHIL), aka Philux Global Group Inc., a diversified holding company currently engaged in PHILUX Global Funds (a group of Luxembourg bank funds), the Asia Diamond Exchange project (ADE) in Vietnam, mergers and acquisitions and investing in special situations (www.co2-1-0.io), is pleased to announce that Vietnam-based AZ Holdings Investment Joint Stock Company has signed an agreement with the Company to participate in a PHILUX Global Subfund focused on real estate and infrastructure development and investment in Vietnam. In addition, AZ Holdings Investment also signed a Business Cooperation Agreement with PHIL to cooperate in the establishment of the buildings, facilities and amenities necessary for the operations of the Asia Diamond Exchange in Vietnam. According to the agreement for participation in the Philux Global Subfund, AZ Holdings Investment will contribute a mutually agreed amount of capital in exchange for a portion of ownership in this Subfund, which will focus on the development and implementation of select real estate and infrastructure projects in Vietnam and other geographical areas that are compatible with the investment philosophy and strategy of the Subfund. As for the development and establishment of the Asia Diamond Exchange, which will include lab-grown, rough and polished diamond trading centers as well as ancillary support facilities, both parties will continue to negotiate and finalize definitive contractual details regarding specific responsibilities and benefits of AZ Holdings Investment in this undertaking after further consulting by the Company with our key international partners. Nguyen Thi Van, General Director of AZ Holdings Investment JSC, commented: We are very pleased to cooperate with Philux Global Group both in the participation in the Philux Global Subfund and the establishment of the Asia Diamond Exchange in Vietnam. We believe these are unique and very special programs that can contribute tremendously to the growth of the Vietnamese economy in the coming years and decades. Henry Fahman, Chairman and CEO of PHI Group, Inc., stated: We are delighted to work with AZ Holdings Investment in these programs which are expected to create very significant benefits for both companies, for our shareholders and all other stakeholders in the very near future. About AZ Holdings Investment JSC AZ Holdings Investment JSC is a Vietnamese joint stock company engaged in investing in real estate, infrastructure and special situations. The Company has strong relationships with key international financial partners and co-investors that can support major investment projects on a global basis. About PHI Group, Inc. PHI Group (www.phiglobal.com, PHIL), aka Philux Global Group Inc., primarily focuses on advancing PHILUX Global Funds, a group of Luxembourg bank funds organized as Reserved Alternative Investment Fund (RAIF), and building the Asia Diamond Exchange (ADE) in Vietnam. The Company also engages in mergers and acquisitions and invests in select industries and special situations (www.co2-1-0.io) that may substantially enhance shareholder value. Safe Harbor Act and Forward-looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements pursuant to the safe-harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies and are generally preceded by words such as may, future, plan or planned, will or should, expected, anticipates, draft, eventually or projected, which are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors. Contact:PHI Group, Inc.Email: [email protected] Phone: +1-714-793-2977 Source: PHI Group, Inc. Q2-22 Revenue of 214.0 Million and Net Income of 75.6 Million Up 5.7% and 12.0%, Respectively, vs. Q1-22 H1-22 Revenue and Net Income Up 12.8% and 9.2%, Respectively, vs. H1-21New 300 Million Share Repurchase Program DUIVEN, The Netherlands, July 21, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BE Semiconductor Industries N.V. (the Company or Besi) (Euronext Amsterdam: BESI; OTC markets: BESIY), a leading manufacturer of assembly equipment for the semiconductor industry, today announced its results for the second quarter and first half year ended June 30, 2022. Key Highlights Q2-22 Revenue of 214.0 million rose 5.7% vs. Q1-22 due primarily to increased shipments for high-end mobile applications. Down 5.4% vs. Q2-21 due to lower demand for high-end smartphones and from Chinese subcontractors partially offset by strength in automotive and computing applications Orders of 153.1 million down 25.2% vs. Q1-22 principally as a result of lower orders for high-end mobile and high performance computing applications and by Asian subcontractors partially offset by continued strength for automotive end-user markets. Down 23.5% vs. Q2-21 primarily due to lower bookings by Chinese subcontractors and, to a lesser extent, decreased orders for high performance computing applications Gross margin of 61.0% grew 0.9 points vs. Q1-22 due to favorable forex influences and more favorable product mix. Down 1.1 points vs. Q2-21 Net income of 75.6 million rose 12.0% vs. Q1-22 while net margins increased to 35.4% vs. 33.4% due to higher revenue and gross margins and lower than anticipated expense development. Vs. Q2-21, net income declined 19.1% due to lower revenue and gross margins combined with higher R&D spending Key Highlights H1-22 Revenue of 416.4 million rose 12.8% vs. H1-21 reflecting strong demand for Besis computing and automotive end-user markets. Growth partially offset by reduced demand for high-end smartphones as well as lower shipments for mobile handsets and mainstream electronics by Chinese subcontractors Orders of 357.9 million declined 32.1% vs. H1-21 due to less favorable market conditions, lower orders for high-end smartphones post new introductions in 2021 and decreased demand from Chinese subcontractors Gross margin of 60.5% equal to H1-21 Net income of 143.2 million increased 12.1 million, or 9.2%, vs. H1-21 primarily due to higher revenue levels despite 46.8% increase in R&D spending Net cash grew 37.4% vs. Q2-21 to reach 284.0 million. Total cash of 601.6 million at end of Q2-22 Current 185 million share repurchase program to be completed by July 31, 2022. New 300 million program to begin August 1, 2022, representing approximately 7.5% of shares outstanding Outlook Q3-22 revenue estimated to decrease by approximately 20-30% vs. Q2-22 reflecting weaker market conditions and seasonal trends. Gross margin anticipated to remain between 60-62% ( millions, except EPS) Q2-2022 Q1-2022 Q2-2021 H1-2022 H1-2021 Revenue 214.0 202.4 +5.7 % 226.1 -5.4 % 416.4 369.3 +12.8 % Orders 153.1 204.8 -25.2 % 200.2 -23.5 % 357.9 527.3 -32.1 % Operating Income 92.5 81.7 +13.2 % 106.7 -13.3 % 174.2 155.0 +12.4 % EBITDA 98.0 87.2 +12.4 % 110.9 -11.6 % 185.2 163.5 +13.3 % Net Income 75.6 67.5 +12.0 % 93.5 -19.1 % 143.2 131.1 +9.2 % EPS (basic) 0.94 0.87 +8.0 % 1.23 -23.6 % 1.81 1.76 +2.8 % EPS (diluted) 0.90 0.81 +11.1 % 1.12 -19.6 % 1.71 1.58 +8.2 % Net Cash and Deposits 284.0* 407.0 -30.2 % 206.7* +37.4 % 284.0 206.7 +37.4 % *Reflects cash dividend payments of 269.5 million and 129.4 million in Q2-22 and Q2-21, respectively. Richard W. Blickman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Besi, commented: Besi reported solid first half year results with revenue and net income of 416.4 million and 143.2 million increasing by 12.8% and 9.2%, respectively, versus H1-21. Revenue development this first half year was influenced by a number of important market trends. On the positive side, it reflected ongoing strength for Besis computing and automotive end-user markets continuing favorable trends from H2-21. Such strength was partially offset by reduced demand for high-end smartphones following a large capacity build in 2021. It also reflected a 31.4% decrease in revenue from Chinese customers primarily associated with reduced shipments to subcontractors for mobile handsets and mainstream electronics applications due to overcapacity and Covid-19 related lockdowns. Net income growth in H1-22 benefitted from higher revenue levels, stable gross margins of 60.5% and cost control efforts which enabled us to keep operating expense margins relatively flat despite funding a 46.8% increase in R&D spending associated with new wafer level product development. Our liquidity position continued to improve at June 30, 2022 with net cash of 284.0 million and total cash and deposits of 601.6 million increasing 37.4% and 17.6%, respectively, versus June 30, 2021. Such increases occurred despite the distribution of 305.7 million to shareholders in H1-22 in the form of dividends and share repurchases. Given continued strong cash flow generation and current market conditions, we intend to complete the current 185 million share repurchase program by July 31, 2022. Beginning August 1, 2022, we intend to initiate a new 300 million program representing approximately 7.5% of current shares outstanding with a completion date of October 2023. Repurchases under this new program will help reduce dilution related to Besis Convertible Notes outstanding and issuances under employee stock plans. For the quarter, Besis revenue of 214.0 million and net income of 75.6 million grew by 5.7% and 12.0%, respectively, versus Q1-22. Sequential revenue and profit growth were primarily due to increased shipments for high-end smartphones, an increase of gross margins to 61.0% due to a more favorable product mix, a stronger dollar and a 5.0% reduction in operating expenses. However, orders of 153.1 million decreased by 25.2% versus Q1-22 as industry conditions weakened, global GDP growth rates decelerated and customer caution increased. In particular, they reflected lower bookings for high-end mobile and high performance computing applications as well as lower orders by Asian subcontractors partially offset by continued strength in demand for automotive end-user markets. Of note, we received three orders for Besis new embedded bridge die attach system in H1-22 reflecting progress in the build out of our wafer level assembly portfolio. In addition, Besis backlog of 275 million at June 30, 2022 remained at higher than typical levels reflecting ongoing supply chain issues, selective pre ordering by customers and, to a lesser extent, pushouts by some Asian subcontractors given changing market conditions. Whether current market softness is a temporary pause or more prolonged in duration is difficult to tell at present given the many conflicting economic, geopolitical and industry cross currents. For Q3-22, we estimate that revenue will decrease by 20-30% versus Q2-22 reflecting current market conditions and seasonal trends. However, Besis gross margin is expected to remain in the 60-62% range due to the flexibility of our production model and timely operational actions taken. In this regard, we reduced temporary production headcount approximately 16% in the latter half of the quarter to better align production with order trends. Further, operating expenses are anticipated to decrease by 10-15% versus Q2-22 principally related to lower revenue levels. We are accelerating investment in Besis future, particularly for our hybrid bonding and wafer level assembly portfolio as the long-term drivers of our business remain intact and sub 10 nanometer device innovation continues apace. As such, we are deploying greater resources to meet hybrid bonding goals, introducing new wafer level assembly systems, adding development and support personnel and taking occupancy of a new 125,000 square foot leased facility in Malaysia in Q3-22 which should lessen capacity constraints for our most advanced systems. Second Quarter Results of Operations millions Q2-2022 Q1-2022 Q2-2021 Revenue 214.0 202.4 +5.7% 226.1 -5.4% Orders 153.1 204.8 -25.2% 200.2 -23.5% Book to Bill Ratio 0.7x 1.0x -0.3 0.9 -0.2 Q2-22 revenue of 214.0 million increased 5.7% versus Q1-22 primarily due to increased shipments for high-end mobile applications. Versus Q2-21, revenue decreased by 5.4% as a result of significantly lower demand for high-end smartphones post new product introductions in 2021 as well as lower demand for Chinese handset and mainstream electronics applications due to overcapacity and Covid-19 related lockdowns. This decrease was partially offset by strong revenue growth for both Besis computing and automotive end-user markets including shipments of hybrid bonding systems to multiple customers. Orders of 153.1 million decreased 25.2% versus Q1-22 due primarily to lower orders for high-end mobile and high performance computing applications as well as lower orders by Asian subcontractors partially offset by continued strength in demand for automotive end-user markets. Versus Q2-21, orders decreased by 23.5% primarily due to significantly lower demand by Chinese subcontractors and, to a lesser extent, decreased orders for high performance computing applications. Per customer type, IDM orders decreased 10.3 million, or 10.6%, versus Q1-22 and represented 57% of total orders for the period. Subcontractor orders decreased by 41.4 million, or 38.4%, versus Q1-22 and represented 43% of total orders. millions Q2-2022 Q1-2022 Q2-2021 Gross Margin 61.0% 60.1% +0.9 62.1% -1.1 Operating Expenses 37.9 39.9 -5.0% 33.6 +12.8% Financial Expense/(Income), net 5.8 3.7 +56.8% 2.8 +107.1% EBITDA 98.0 87.2 +12.4% 110.9 -11.6% Besis gross margin increased to 61.0% in Q2-22, an increase of 0.9 points versus Q1-22 primarily due to forex benefits from an increase in the USD versus the euro and a more favorable product mix. Gross margin decreased by 1.1 points as compared to Q2-21 due to a less favorable product mix. Q2-22 operating expenses declined by 2.0 million, or 5.0%, versus Q1-22 principally due to a 5.0 million reduction in share-based compensation expense partially offset by increased variable sales related, travel and R&D personnel costs. Operating expenses increased by 4.3 million, or 12.8% versus Q2-21 primarily due to increased R&D spending for next generation wafer level assembly systems. As a percentage of revenue, operating expenses were 17.7% in Q2-22 versus 19.7% in Q1-22 and 14.9% in Q2-21. Q2-22 financial expense, net increased by 2.1 million versus Q1-22 due to increased interest expense from the issuance of 175 million of 1.875% Convertible Notes due 2029 in March 2022, increased hedging expenses and negative forex effects. millions Q2-2022 Q1-2022 Q2-2021 Net Income 75.6 67.5 +12.0% 93.5 -19.1% Net Margin 35.4% 33.4% +2.0 41.3% -5.9 Tax Rate 12.7% 13.4% -0.7 10.0% +2.7 Besis net income increased 12.0% versus Q1-22 primarily due to increased revenue and gross margins combined with a 5.0% reduction in sequential operating expenses. As a result, Besis net margin increased to 35.4% versus 33.4%. As compared to Q2-21, Besis net income decreased by 19.1% principally as a result of decreased revenue and gross margin levels combined with higher development spending in support of wafer level assembly programs and a higher effective tax rate. Half Year Results of Operations millions H1-2022 H1-2021 Revenue 416.4 369.3 +12.8% Orders 357.9 527.3 -32.1% Gross Margin 60.5% 60.5% - Operating Income 174.2 155.0 +12.4% Net Income 143.2 131.1 +9.2% Net Margin 34.4% 35.5% -1.1 Tax Rate 13.1% 11.3% +1.8 H1-22 revenue of 416.4 million rose 12.8% reflecting strong demand for Besis computing and automotive end-user markets including increased shipments of hybrid bonding systems. Growth was partially offset by significantly decreased demand for high-end smartphones, decreased shipments for mobile handsets and mainstream electronics applications to Chinese subcontractors and some pushouts of system deliveries due to softening industry conditions. Of note, revenue from Chinese customers decreased by 42.1 million, or 31.4%, year-over-year and decreased as a percentage of revenue from 36.3% in H1-21 to 22.1% in H1-22. Orders of 357.9 million decreased by 32.1% versus H1-21 due to less favorable market conditions post the significant assembly capacity build over the past two years. In particular, the decrease reflected lower orders for high-end smartphones post new product introductions in 2021 and decreased demand from Chinese subcontractors. IDM and subcontractor orders represented 51% and 49%, respectively, of H1-22 orders versus 46% and 54%, respectively, in H1-21. Besis H1-22 net income of 143.2 million grew by 12.1 million, or 9.2%, versus H1-21 due primarily to higher revenue levels. Operating and net margins were roughly equal in each respective period as we successfully controlled overhead growth while increasing development spending by 46.8% in support of wafer level R&D programs. Financial Condition millions Q22022 Q12022 Q22021 H12022 H12021 Total Cash and Deposits 601.6 696.6 -13.6% 511.4 +17.6% 601.6 511.4 +17.6% Net Cash and Deposits 284.0 407.0 -30.2% 206.7 +37.4% 284.0 206.7 +37.4% Cash flow from Ops. 27.6 45.0 -38.7% 51.2 -46.1% 72.5 77.4 -6.3% At the end of Q2-22, Besi had a strong liquidity position with total cash and deposits aggregating 601.6 million, an increase of 17.6% versus Q2-21. Versus Q1-22, total cash and deposits decreased by 95.0 million versus Q1-22 due primarily to (i) the payment of 269.5 million in cash dividends to shareholders, (ii) 22.2 million of share repurchases and (iii) 5.2 million of capitalized development spending which was partially offset by (i) 172.2 million net proceeds received from the issuance of Besis 1.875% Convertible Notes due 2029 and (ii) cash flow from operations of 27.6 million. Net cash of 284.0 million at quarter end increased by 77.3 million, or 37.4%, versus June 30, 2021. During Q2-22, 125.6 million of Besis 0.50% Convertible Notes due 2024 were converted into shares. As a result, total shares outstanding increased to approximately 80.6 million at quarter end, net of treasury shares held. At June 30, 2022, the total principal amount of Besis Convertible Notes was 359.9 million. Share Repurchase Activity During the quarter, Besi repurchased 401,806 of its ordinary shares at an average price of 55.04 per share for a total of 22.2 million. Cumulatively, as of June 30, 2022, approximately 4.8 million shares have been purchased under the current 185 million share repurchase program at an average price of 35.38 per share for a total of 171.0 million. As of such date, Besi held approximately 550,000 shares in treasury, equal to 0.7% of its shares outstanding. Besi intends to fully complete the current program by July 31, 2022. New 300 Million Share Repurchase ProgramA new 300 million share repurchase program will be initiated effective August 1, 2022. The program is aimed at general capital reduction purposes and to help offset dilution related to Besis Convertible Notes and shares issued under employee stock plans. It will be funded using Besis available cash resources, is expected to be completed by October 2023 and will represent approximately 7.5% of Besis outstanding shares based on Besis closing share price on July 20, 2022. At present, Besi has authority until October 29, 2023 to purchase up to 10% of its shares issued, or 8.1 million shares. The new share repurchase program will be executed in accordance with industry best practices and in compliance with European buyback rules and regulations and may be suspended or discontinued at any time. The program will be managed by an independent brokerage firm. All purchases will be executed through Euronext Amsterdam and Multilateral Trading Facilities as defined by the Directive 2014/65/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of May 15, 2014 on markets in financial instruments and subject to the rules of the relevant Exchange. Outlook Based on its June 30, 2022 order backlog and feedback from customers, Besi forecasts for Q3-22 that: Revenue will decrease by approximately 20-30% vs. the 214.0 million reported in Q2-22 reflecting current market conditions and seasonal trends Gross margin will range between 60-62% vs. the 61.0% realized in Q2-22 Operating expenses will decrease by 10-15% vs. the 37.9 million reported in Q2-22 Investor and media conference callA conference call and webcast for investors and media will be held today at 4:00 pm CET (10:00 am EDT). To register for the conference call and/or to access the audio webcast and webinar slides, please visit www.besi.com. Basis of Presentation The accompanying condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as adopted by the European Union. Reference is made to the Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as included in our 2021 Annual Report, which is available on www.besi.com. About Besi Besi is a leading supplier of semiconductor assembly equipment for the global semiconductor and electronics industries offering high levels of accuracy, productivity and reliability at a low cost of ownership. The Company develops leading edge assembly processes and equipment for leadframe, substrate and wafer level packaging applications in a wide range of end-user markets including electronics, mobile internet, cloud server, computing, automotive, industrial, LED and solar energy. Customers are primarily leading semiconductor manufacturers, assembly subcontractors and electronics and industrial companies. Besis ordinary shares are listed on Euronext Amsterdam (symbol: BESI). Its Level 1 ADRs are listed on the OTC markets (symbol: BESIY) and its headquarters are located in Duiven, the Netherlands. For more information, please visit our website at www.besi.com. Contacts:Richard W. Blickman, President & CEOHetwig van Kerkhof, SVP FinanceLeon Verweijen, VP FinanceClaudia Vissers, Executive Secretary/IR coordinatorEdmond Franco, VP Corporate Development/US IR coordinatorTel. (31) 26 319 4500[email protected] Caution Concerning Forward Looking Statements This press release contains statements about management's future expectations, plans and prospects of our business that constitute forward-looking statements, which are found in various places throughout the press release, including, but not limited to, statements relating to expectations of orders, net sales, product shipments, expenses, timing of purchases of assembly equipment by customers, gross margins, operating results and capital expenditures. The use of words such as anticipate, estimate, expect, can, intend, believes, may, plan, predict, project, forecast, will, would, and similar expressions are intended to identify forward looking statements, although not all forward looking statements contain these identifying words. The financial guidance set forth under the heading Outlook contains such forward looking statements. While these forward looking statements represent our judgments and expectations concerning the development of our business, a number of risks, uncertainties and other important factors could cause actual developments and results to differ materially from those contained in forward looking statements, including any inability to maintain continued demand for our products; failure of anticipated orders to materialize or postponement or cancellation of orders, generally without charges; the volatility in the demand for semiconductors and our products and services; the extent and duration of the COVID-19 pandemic and measures taken to contain the outbreak, and the associated adverse impacts on the global economy, financial markets, global supply chains and our operations as well as those of our customers and suppliers; failure to develop new and enhanced products and introduce them at competitive price levels; failure to adequately decrease costs and expenses as revenues decline; loss of significant customers, including through industry consolidation or the emergence of industry alliances; lengthening of the sales cycle; acts of terrorism and violence; disruption or failure of our information technology systems; consolidation activity and industry alliances in the semiconductor industry that may result in further increased customer concentration, inability to forecast demand and inventory levels for our products; the integrity of product pricing and protection of our intellectual property in foreign jurisdictions; risks, such as changes in trade regulations, conflict minerals regulations, currency fluctuations, political instability and war, associated with substantial foreign customers, suppliers and foreign manufacturing operations, particularly to the extent occurring in the Asia Pacific region where we have a substantial portion of our production facilities; our ability to mitigate the dislocations caused by the flood at one of our Malaysian production facilities, potential instability in foreign capital markets; the risk of failure to successfully manage our diverse operations; any inability to attract and retain skilled personnel, including as a result of restrictions on immigration, travel or the availability of visas for skilled technology workers as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic; those additional risk factors set forth in Besi's annual report for the year ended December 31, 2021 and other key factors that could adversely affect our businesses and financial performance contained in our filings and reports, including our statutory consolidated statements. We expressly disclaim any obligation to update or alter our forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Consolidated Statements of Operations ( thousands, except share and per share data) Three Months EndedJune 30,(unaudited) Six Months EndedJune 30,(unaudited) 2022 2021 2022 2021 Revenue 213,958 226,056 416,365 369,259 Cost of sales 83,549 85,750 164,307 145,674 Gross profit 130,409 140,306 252,058 223,585 Selling, general and administrative expenses 24,600 24,225 51,913 50,891 Research and development expenses 13,316 9,410 25,938 17,668 Total operating expenses 37,916 33,635 77,851 68,559 Operating income 92,493 106,671 174,207 155,026 Financial expense, net 5,809 2,842 9,525 7,319 Income before taxes 86,684 103,829 164,682 147,707 Income tax expense 11,041 10,369 21,501 16,640 Net income 75,643 93,460 143,181 131,067 Net income per share basic 0.94 1.23 1.81 1.76 Net income per share diluted 0.90 1.12 1.71 1.58 Number of shares used in computing per share amounts:- basic- diluted 1 80,070,83586,385,229 75,802,63085,430,297 78,981,05685,745,051 74,540,69285,439,676 Consolidated Balance Sheets ( thousands) June 30,2022(unaudited) March 31,2022(unaudited) December 31,2021(audited) ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents 376,581 489,700 451,395 Deposits 200,000 181,920 195,789 Trade receivables 243,713 215,693 174,942 Inventories 102,549 103,738 94,399 Other current assets 23,348 18,390 19,623 Total current assets 946,191 1,009,441 936,148 Property, plant and equipment 29,815 29,573 29,884 Right of use assets 18,299 9,872 10,606 Goodwill 46,012 45,358 45,170 Other intangible assets 76,141 71,963 68,746 Deferred tax assets 23,407 25,475 27,436 Deposits 25,000 25,000 25,000 Other non-current assets 1,076 1,023 1,051 Total non-current assets 219,750 208,264 207,893 Total assets 1,165,941 1,217,705 1,144,041 Trade payables 68,819 79,398 74,711 Other current liabilities 100,628 119,341 112,867 Total current liabilities 169,447 198,739 187,578 Long-term debt 317,595 289,614 301,802 Lease liabilities 14,564 6,464 7,198 Deferred tax liabilities 15,719 10,154 10,970 Other non-current liabilities 14,924 17,839 17,219 Total non-current liabilities 362,802 324,071 337,189 Total equity 633,692 694,895 619,274 Total liabilities and equity 1,165,941 1,217,705 1,144,041 Consolidated Cash Flow Statements ( thousands) Three Months EndedJune 30,(unaudited) Six Months EndedJune 30,(unaudited) 2022 2021 2022 2021 Cash flows from operating activities: Income before income tax 86,684 103,829 164,682 147,707 Depreciation and amortization 5,523 4,223 10,988 8,432 Share-based payment expense 3,622 3,603 12,239 13,397 Financial expense, net 5,809 2,842 9,525 7,319 Changes in working capital (49,250 ) (51,330 ) (91,751 ) (86,897 ) Income tax paid (23,910 ) (10,120 ) (31,182 ) (10,421 ) Interest paid (907 ) (1,844 ) (1,964 ) (2,106 ) Net cash provided by operating activities 27,571 51,203 72,537 77,431 Cash flows from investing activities: Capital expenditures (784 ) (1,477 ) (2,007 ) (2,865 ) Proceeds from sale of property - - - 54 Capitalized development expenses (5,236 ) (4,875 ) (10,890 ) (10,780 ) Repayments of (investments in) deposits (14,575 ) 45,723 (289 ) 9,953 Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities (20,595 ) 39,371 (13,186 ) (3,638 ) Cash flows from financing activities: Proceeds from (payments of) debt - 494 - 1,021 Proceeds from convertible notes 172,176 - 172,176 - Payments on lease liabilities (927 ) (960 ) (1,835 ) (1,850 ) Dividends paid to shareholders (269,467 ) (129,357 ) (269,467 ) (129,357 ) Purchase of treasury shares (22,160 ) (10,100 ) (36,275 ) (20,197 ) Net cash used in financing activities (120,378 ) (139,923 ) (135,401 ) (150,383 ) Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents (113,402 ) (49,349 ) (76,050 ) (76,590 ) Effect of changes in exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents 283 172 1,236 (14 ) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period 489,700 347,979 451,395 375,406 Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period 376,581 298,802 376,581 298,802 Supplemental Information (unaudited) ( millions, unless stated otherwise) REVENUE Q1-2021 Q2-2021 Q3-2021 Q4-2021 Q1-2022 Q2-2022 Per geography: Asia Pacific 113.4 79 % 175.7 78 % 164.3 79 % 129.1 75 % 159.3 79 % 164.1 77 % EU / USA / Other 29.8 21 % 50.4 22 % 44.0 21 % 42.6 25 % 43.1 21 % 49.9 23 % Total 143.2 100 % 226.1 100 % 208.3 100 % 171.7 100 % 202.4 100 % 214.0 100 % ORDERS Q1-2021 Q2-2021 Q3-2021 Q4-2021 Q1-2022 Q2-2022 Per geography: Asia Pacific 253.2 77 % 155.0 77 % 170.5 82 % 147.3 73 % 161.8 79 % 104.3 68 % EU / USA / Other 73.9 23 % 45.2 23 % 38.7 18 % 55.3 27 % 43.0 21 % 48.8 32 % Total 327.1 100 % 200.2 100 % 209.2 100 % 202.6 100 % 204.8 100 % 153.1 100 % Per customer type: IDM 130.8 40 % 111.3 56 % 133.7 64 % 138.4 68 % 97.1 47 % 86.8 57 % Subcontractors 196.3 60 % 88.9 44 % 75.5 36 % 64.2 32 % 107.7 53 % 66.3 43 % Total 327.1 100 % 200.2 100 % 209.2 100 % 202.6 100 % 204.8 100 % 153.1 100 % HEADCOUNT Mar 31, 2021 Jun 30, 2021 Sep 30, 2021 Dec 31, 2021 March 31, 2022 June 30, 2022 Fixed staff (FTE) Asia Pacific 1,070 70 % 1,096 70 % 1,132 70 % 1,154 70 % 1,186 70 % 1,203 70 % EU / USA 468 30 % 473 30 % 483 30 % 491 30 % 500 30 % 511 30 % Total 1,538 100 % 1,569 100 % 1,615 100 % 1,645 100 % 1,686 100 % 1,714 100 % Temporary staff (FTE) Asia Pacific 299 82 % 581 90 % 559 87 % 412 83 % 536 86 % 433 83 % EU / USA 64 18 % 68 10 % 80 13 % 84 17 % 86 14 % 91 17 % Total 363 100 % 649 100 % 639 100 % 496 100 % 622 100 % 524 100 % Total fixed and temporary staff (FTE) 1,901 2,218 2,254 2,141 2,308 2,238 OTHER FINANCIAL DATA Q1-2021 Q2-2021 Q3-2021 Q4-2021 Q1-2022 Q2-2022 Gross profit As reported 83.3 58.2 % 140.3 62.1 % 125.8 60.4 % 97.4 56.7 % 121.6 60.1 % 130.4 61.0 % Inventory impairment - - - - - - 7.4 4.3 % - - - - Gross profit as adjusted 83.3 58.2 % 140.3 62.1 % 125.8 60.4 % 104.8 61.0 % 121.6 60.1 % 130.4 61.0 % Selling, general and admin expenses: As reported 26.7 18.6 % 24.2 10.7 % 21.6 10.4 % 20.4 11.9 % 27.3 13.5 % 24.6 11.5 % Share-based compensation expense (9.8 ) -6.8 % (3.6 ) -1.6 % (1.4 ) -0.7 % (1.6 ) -1.0 % (8.6 ) -4.3 % (3.6 ) -1.7 % SG&A expenses as adjusted 16.9 11.8 % 20.6 9.1 % 20.2 9.7 % 18.8 10.9 % 18.7 9.2 % 21.0 9.8 % Research and development expenses:: As reported 8.3 5.8 % 9.4 4.2 % 8.8 4.2 % 9.9 5.8 % 12.6 6.2 % 13.3 6.2 % Capitalization of R&D charges 5.9 4.1 % 4.9 2.2 % 5.5 2.6 % 6.7 3.9 % 5.7 2.8 % 5.2 2.4 % Amortization of intangibles (1.7 ) -1.2 % (1.7 ) -0.8 % (1.8 ) -0.8 % (2.1 ) -1.2 % (2.9 ) -1.4 % (2.9 ) -1.3 % R&D expenses as adjusted 12.5 8.7 % 12.6 5.6 % 12.5 6.0 % 14.5 8.5 % 15.4 7.6 % 15.6 7.3 % Financial expense (income), net: Interest expense (income), net 3.4 2.3 2.4 2.4 2.4 3.5 Hedging results 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.8 1.1 1.5 Foreign exchange effects, net 0.4 (0.2 ) 0.3 (0.2 ) 0.2 0.8 Total 4.5 2.8 3.4 3.0 3.7 5.8 Operating income as % of net sales 48.4 33.8 % 106.7 47.2 % 95.4 45.8 % 67.2 39.1 % 81.7 40.4 % 92.5 43.2 % EBITDA as % of net sales 52.6 36.7 % 110.9 49.0 % 99.7 47.9 % 72.0 41.9 % 87.2 43.1 % 98.0 45.8 % Net income as % of net sales 37.6 26.3 % 93.5 41.3 % 84.2 40.4 % 67.1 39.1 % 67.5 33.4 % 75.6 35.4 % Income per share Basic 0.51 1.23 1.08 0.86 0.87 0.94 Diluted 0.47 1.12 1.00 0.80 0.81 0.90 _____________________ 1) The calculation of diluted income per share assumes the exercise of equity-settled share-based payments and the conversion of all Convertible Notes Source: BE Semiconductor Industries N.V. WASHINGTON, July 21, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Beer Institute announced U.S. Representative Al Lawson (D-FL) as one of its 2022 Beer Champions. Rep. Lawson was recognized for his leadership in championing policies that bring clarity to the aluminum pricing process and helping secure permanent excise tax relief for brewers. A sincere thank you to Rep. Lawson and our Beer Champions whose ongoing leadership has provided critical support against the challenges our industry is facing, said Gavin Hattersley, chairman of the Beer Institute and president and CEO of Molson Coors Beverage Company. The U.S. beer industry contributes $350 billion to the economy and creates more than 2 million jobs. Rep. Lawson has worked hard to fight against the aluminum pricing process, unfair federal excise tax and other issues that are threatening our industry. We are grateful for his partnership and hope to continue working together in support of the beer industry. I am honored to be recognized as one of this years Beer Champions, Rep. Lawson said. It is important for me to advocate for legislative measures that support the local businesses in my district, across the rest of Florida and the country that produce, manufacture and distribute beer that lead to a bolstered economy and good-paying jobs for Americans. In Florida, the beer industry supports more than 157,000 jobs and provides $21.5 billion annually in economic output. In Floridas fifth congressional district, the beer industry supports more than 5,200 jobs and provides nearly $255 million in economic output. Rep. Lawson joined Rep. Ken Buck (R-CO) in introducing the Aluminum Pricing Examination (APEX) Act which would allow for more oversight into the aluminum market, providing transparency and stability brewers need to run their businesses. Rep. Lawson also cosponsored the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act (CBMTRA) to provide permanent excise tax relief to Americas brewers and beer importers, ensuring they have the resources to reinvest in their businesses, hire new employees and continue to innovate and create Americas favorite beers. The beer industry supports millions of well-paying American jobs in a wide range of industries, including farming, manufacturing, construction, retail, the service industry and more. You can learn more about the beer industrys impact in each state at beerservesamerica.com. Other 2022 Beer Champions include: Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR) Senator John Hoeven (R-ND) Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) Representative Sanford Bishop (D-GA) Representative Ken Buck (R-CO) Representative Rodney Davis (R-IL) ### The Beer Institute is a national trade association for the American brewing industry, representing brewers, beer importers and industry suppliers. First founded in 1862 as the U.S. Brewers Association, the Beer Institute is committed today to developing sound public policy and the values of civic duty and personal responsibility. For additional updates from the Beer Institute, visit our website, follow @BeerInstitute on Twitter, like the Beer Institute on Facebook, and follow the Beer Institute on Instagram. Jeff Guittard Beer Institute 2027372337 [email protected] Source: Beer Insitute WASHINGTON, July 21, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Beer Institute announced U.S. Representative Ken Buck (R-CO) as one of its 2022 Beer Champions. Rep. Buck was recognized for his leadership in championing policies that bring clarity to the aluminum pricing process and helping secure permanent excise tax relief for brewers. A sincere thank you to Rep. Buck and our Beer Champions whose ongoing leadership has provided critical support against the challenges our industry is facing, said Gavin Hattersley, chairman of the Beer Institute and president and CEO of Molson Coors Beverage Company. The U.S. beer industry contributes $350 billion to the economy and creates more than 2 million jobs. Rep. Buck has worked hard to fight against the aluminum pricing process, unfair federal excise taxes and other issues that are threatening our industry. We are grateful for his partnership and hope to continue working together in support of the beer industry. Beer in Colorado goes back to mining camps and the gold rush of the late 1850s, said Rep. Buck. Prohibition nearly killed it, and it goes to show how bad government policy can stop an entire industry in its tracks. Weve had a lot of that going around lately, and Im pleased to have partnered with the Beer Institute to fight off some of the worst policies and advance sensible ones. In Colorado, the beer industry supports more than 58,000 jobs and provides $11.4 billion annually in economic output. In Colorados fourth congressional district, the beer industry supports more than 8,400 jobs and provides $410 million in economic output. Rep. Buck joined Rep. Al Lawson (D-FL) in introducing the Aluminum Pricing Examination (APEX) Act which would allow for more oversight into the aluminum market, providing transparency and stability brewers need to run their businesses. Rep. Buck also cosponsored the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act (CBMTRA) to provide permanent excise tax relief to Americas brewers and beer importers, ensuring they have the resources to reinvest in their businesses, hire new employees and continue to innovate and create Americas favorite beers. The beer industry supports millions of well-paying American jobs in a wide range of industries, including farming, manufacturing, construction, retail, the service industry and more. You can learn more about the beer industrys impact in each state at beerservesamerica.com. Other 2022 Beer Champions include: Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR) Senator John Hoeven (R-ND) Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) Representative Sanford Bishop (D-GA) Representative Rodney Davis (R-IL) Representative Al Lawson (D-FL) ### The Beer Institute is a national trade association for the American brewing industry, representing brewers, beer importers and industry suppliers. First founded in 1862 as the U.S. Brewers Association, the Beer Institute is committed today to developing sound public policy and the values of civic duty and personal responsibility. For additional updates from the Beer Institute, visit our website, follow @BeerInstitute on Twitter, like the Beer Institute on Facebook, and follow the Beer Institute on Instagram. Jeff Guittard Beer Institute 2027372337 [email protected] Source: Beer Insitute WASHINGTON, July 21, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Beer Institute announced U.S. Representative Rodney Davis (R-IL) as one of its 2022 Beer Champions. Rep. Davis was recognized for his leadership in securing permanent excise tax relief for brewers. A sincere thank you to Rep. Davis and our Beer Champions whose ongoing leadership has provided critical support against the challenges our industry is facing, said Gavin Hattersley, chairman of the Beer Institute and president and CEO of Molson Coors Beverage Company. The U.S. beer industry contributes $350 billion to the economy and creates more than 2 million jobs. Rep. Davis has worked hard to fight against the aluminum pricing process, unfair federal excise tax and other issues that are threatening our industry. We are grateful for his partnership and hope to continue working together in support of the beer industry. As someone who enjoys an ice-cold, American-made beer, its an honor to be recognized as a Beer Champion. Im proud to advocate for our nations beer industry and its workers in Congress, said Rep. Davis. Whether its agriculture, manufacturing, transportation or service, the beer industry touches many sectors of our economy and supports tens of thousands of jobs in Illinois. Im proud to work with advocates like the Beer Institute as we work to create more jobs in America, boost paychecks for working families and grow our economy. In Illinois, the beer industry supports more than 80,000 jobs and provides $13.8 billion annually in economic output. In Illinoiss thirteenth congressional district, the beer industry supports more than 3,600 jobs and provides $194 million in economic output. Rep. Davis cosponsored the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act (CBMTRA) to provide permanent excise tax relief to Americas brewers and beer importers, ensuring they have the resources to reinvest in their businesses, hire new employees and continue to innovate and create Americas favorite beers. Rep. Davis, a longtime champion of the beer industry, was also a featured speaker at the Beer Institutes Annual Hill Climb. The beer industry supports millions of well-paying American jobs in a wide range of industries, including farming, manufacturing, construction, retail, the service industry and more. You can learn more about the beer industrys impact in each state at beerservesamerica.com. Other 2022 Beer Champions include: Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR) Senator John Hoeven (R-ND) Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) Representative Sanford Bishop (D-GA) Representative Ken Buck (R-CO) Representative Al Lawson (D-FL) ### The Beer Institute is a national trade association for the American brewing industry, representing brewers, beer importers and industry suppliers. First founded in 1862 as the U.S. Brewers Association, the Beer Institute is committed today to developing sound public policy and the values of civic duty and personal responsibility. For additional updates from the Beer Institute, visit our website, follow @BeerInstitute on Twitter, like the Beer Institute on Facebook, and follow the Beer Institute on Instagram. Jeff Guittard Beer Institute 2027372337 [email protected] Source: Beer Insitute WASHINGTON, July 21, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Beer Institute announced U.S. Representative Sanford Bishop (D-GA) as one of its 2022 Beer Champions. Rep. Bishop was recognized for his leadership in helping secure permanent excise tax relief for brewers and for working to bring clarity to the aluminum pricing process. A sincere thank you to Rep. Bishop and our Beer Champions whose ongoing leadership has provided critical support against the challenges our industry is facing, said Gavin Hattersley, chairman of the Beer Institute and president and CEO of Molson Coors Beverage Company. The U.S. beer industry contributes $350 billion to the economy and creates more than 2 million jobs. Rep. Bishop has worked hard to fight against the aluminum pricing process, unfair federal excise tax and other issues that are threatening our industry. We are grateful for his partnership and hope to continue working together in support of the beer industry. "I am honored to have been chosen as one of the Beer Institute's Beer Champions for 2022. The United States beer industry generates $331 billion for the U.S. economy and supports two million jobs, said Rep. Bishop. Georgia's second congressional district is home to twelve craft breweries, including the Molson Coors brewery located in Albany, Georgia. As Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, FDA, and Related Agencies, I have been pleased to work with the Beer Institute to help develop sound legislation and policy that helps the beer industry in Georgia and across America continue to thrive." In Georgia, the beer industry supports more than 53,000 jobs and provides $8.6 billion annually in economic output. In Georgias second congressional district, the beer industry supports more than 3,900 jobs and provides nearly $967 million in economic output. Rep. Bishop cosponsored the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act (CBMTRA) to provide permanent excise tax relief to Americas brewers and beer importers, ensuring they have the resources to reinvest in their businesses, hire new employees and continue to innovate and create Americas favorite beers. As Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rep. Bishop helped insert language in key legislation on aluminum market studies. The beer industry supports millions of well-paying American jobs in a wide range of industries, including farming, manufacturing, construction, retail, the service industry and more. You can learn more about the beer industrys impact in each state at beerservesamerica.com. Other 2022 Beer Champions include: Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR) Senator John Hoeven (R-ND) Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) Representative Ken Buck (R-CO) Representative Rodney Davis (R-IL) Representative Al Lawson (D-FL) ### The Beer Institute is a national trade association for the American brewing industry, representing brewers, beer importers and industry suppliers. First founded in 1862 as the U.S. Brewers Association, the Beer Institute is committed today to developing sound public policy and the values of civic duty and personal responsibility. For additional updates from the Beer Institute, visit our website, follow @BeerInstitute on Twitter, like the Beer Institute on Facebook, and follow the Beer Institute on Instagram. Jeff Guittard Beer Institute 2027372337 [email protected] Source: Beer Insitute HOUSTON, July 21, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Dril-Quip, Inc. (NYSE: DRQ), (the Company or Dril-Quip) announced today that it will release its second quarter 2022 earnings press release following the market close on Thursday, July 28, 2022. The Company will also participate in a fireside chat webcast conversation with U.S. Energy Services & Technology Analyst J. David Anderson of Barclays Capital on Friday, July 29, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time (9:00 a.m. Central Time). Jeff Bird, Dril-Quips President and Chief Executive Officer, and Kyle McClure, Dril-Quips Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, will be discussing multiple topics regarding the Companys recent financial performance, current operations and business outlook with Mr. Anderson. There will be no questions and answers from other participants during the event, but all stakeholders are invited listen to the conversation via webcast or conference call. Please click here to pre-register for the conference call and obtain your dial in number and passcode. The second quarter 2022 earnings press release and link to access the webcast will be available on Dril-Quips website, www.dril-quip.com, under the Investors section. A replay of the webcast will be available for one year following the event. About Dril-Quip Dril-Quip is a developer, manufacturer and provider of highly engineered equipment, service and innovative technologies for use in the energy industry. Investor Relations Contact Erin Fazio, Director of Corporate Development, Investor Relations & FP&A(713) 939-7711[email protected] Source: Dril-Quip, Inc. VANCOUVER, British Columbia, July 21, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Business investment in the three maritime provinces has been below the average for the rest of Canada since at least 1990, and that has contributed significantly to the regions slower economic growth and lower living standards, finds a new study released today by the Fraser Institute, an independent, non-partisan Canadian public policy think-tank. The Maritimes have the lowest levels of business investment anywhere in Canada, and thats been the case for decades, stunting the regions economic growth and keeping workers in the region from enjoying a higher living standard, said Steven Globerman, resident scholar at the Fraser Institute and co-author of Promoting Capital Investment in Atlantic Canada: An Imperative for Prosperity. The study finds that from at least 1990 to 2020, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island have all suffered below-average business investment, especially in non-residential structures, machinery and equipment, and intellectual property products. In fact, compared to the national average, business investment (excluding residential construction) grew significantly less in all three maritime provinces from 1990 to 2018, with Nova Scotia experiencing the slowest growth compared to the national average (70.9 per cent less) and New Brunswick having the second slowest growth (46.0 per cent less). By comparison, business investment increased in Alberta by 69.3 per cent more than the national average over the same period. Crucially, investments in machinery and equipment and intellectual property products play a significant role in improving productivity and raising living standards. For decades, the maritime provinces have lagged the rest of Canada in business investment, and in turn, have suffered sub-par economic growth and lower living standards, Globerman said. MEDIA CONTACT: Steven Globerman, Resident ScholarFraser Institute To arrange media interviews or for more information, please contact:Drue MacPherson, 604-688-0221 ext. 721, [email protected] Follow the Fraser Institute on Twitter and Facebook The Fraser Institute is an independent Canadian public policy research and educational organization with offices in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, and Montreal and ties to a global network of think-tanks in 87 countries. Its mission is to improve the quality of life for Canadians, their families and future generations by studying, measuring and broadly communicating the effects of government policies, entrepreneurship and choice on their well-being. To protect the Institutes independence, it does not accept grants from governments or contracts for research. Visit www.fraserinstitute.org Source: Fraser Institute Drill results from Sullivan Gulch (located on the eastern portion of the DeLamar Deposit) and Sommercamp-Regan at DeLamar include: IDM-22-204 Sullivan Gulch 0.57 grams per tonne (g/t) gold (Au) and 131.29 g/t silver (Ag) (2.26 g/t gold equivalent (AuEq)) over 102.11 meters (m) Including 0.78 g/t Au and 875.25 g/t Ag (12.05 g/t AuEq) over 6.09 m Including 1.30 g/t Au and 2,718 g/t Ag (36.28 g/t AuEq) over 1.53 m Including 0.46 g/t Au and 176.01 g/t Ag (2.73 g/t AuEq) over 12.19 m IDM-22-206 (the first 100 m is through historic Backfill) Sommercamp-Regan (Main DeLamar Pit area) 0.27 g/t Au and 48.42 g/t Ag (0.89 g/t AuEq) over 110.64 m IDM-22-207 0.18 g/t Au and 24.36 g/t Ag (0.50 g/t AuEq) over 99.06 m These drill holes, which were part of a metallurgical drill program and demonstrate the strong continuity of gold-silver at the Project, also extend the known mineralization at Sullivan Gulch by 30 m. The first 100 m of drill hole IDM-22-206 tested historic backfill and encountered strong AuEq grades that could further complement future heap leach plans, providing additional evidence that these low-grade stockpiles and backfill at DeLamar and Florida Mountain have the potential to increase the Oxide-Mixed resource at the Project. A portion of the high-grade intercepts announced today continue to define the recently discovered high-grade Northwest striking gold-silver zone that underlies the bulk tonnage low-grade resource at Sullivan Gulch, with continuity in the North zone of 350 m and the South zone of 350 m. VANCOUVER, British Columbia, July 21, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Integra Resources Corp. (Integra or the Company) (TSX-V: ITR; NYSE American: ITRG) is pleased to announce drill results from the DeLamar Project (DeLamar or the Project) located in southwestern Idaho. The drill results announced today include long runs of strong mineralization at DeLamar, including multiple high-grade hits of silver. Drill hole IDM-22-207 extended mineralization below the Pre-feasibility Study (PFS) Pit Constrained Resource by 30 m and drill hole IDM-22-206 demonstrated the potential for resource in the historic stockpiles and backfill at the Project. Integra is still very active on the ground and continues to execute on our stated objective of showing resource growth potential on a myriad of exploration fronts at DeLamar while advancing the Project towards permitting. The drill holes announced today continue to define Sullivan Gulch as an outstanding, prolific gold-silver target with substantial upside for future mining and processing scenarios. Sullivan Gulch is defined by a 100 m to 300 m wide thicknesses of disseminated low-grade, gold-silver mineralization underlain by a newly discovered high-grade gold-silver zone. This high-grade zone is open to the south, laterally, and at depth, complimenting the bulk tonnage resource above it, noted President and CEO George Salamis. Todays intercept extends mineralization below the PFS resource pit by 30 m. In addition, the new high-grade zone has now been intercepted over a vertical extent of 215 m, and along a strike length of 350 m in the Northern zone and 350 m in the Southern zone. There remains a 370 m untested gap between the Northern and Southern high-grade zones, presenting an obvious high priority drill target. The following table highlights selected intercepts from the Sullivan Gulch drill results announced today: Drill Hole From (m) To (m) Interval (m) g/t Au g/t Ag g/t AuEq IDM-22-204 206.65 308.76 102.11 0.57 131.29 2.26 including 208.18 214.27 6.09 0.78 875.25 12.05 including 209.70 211.23 1.53 1.30 2,718.00 36.28 including 234.09 246.28 12.19 0.46 176.01 2.73 including 269.14 275.23 6.09 1.13 180.00 3.45 including 281.33 284.38 3.05 1.07 382.00 5.99 including 288.95 292.00 3.05 1.19 132.44 2.90 including 302.67 304.19 1.52 3.16 228.00 6.09 IDM-22-205 212.60 245.36 32.76 0.39 12.92 0.55 including 227.69 229.21 1.52 2.42 26.90 2.77 IDM-22-206 (backfill) 0.00 110.64 110.64 0.27 48.42 0.89 including 35.51 38.41 2.90 0.10 833.00 10.82 IDM-22-207 28.35 127.41 99.06 0.18 24.36 0.50 including 48.16 53.04 4.88 0.21 79.77 1.24 including 107.59 110.64 3.05 0.08 178.50 2.37 including 116.74 118.26 1.52 0.18 196.00 2.70 IDM-22-208 5.49 34.14 28.65 0.29 52.63 0.97 including 31.24 34.14 2.90 0.62 254.00 3.89 (1) Downhole thickness: true width varies depending on drill hole dip; most drill holes are aimed at intersecting the vein structures close to perpendicular therefore true widths are close to downhole widths (approximately 70% conversion ratio)(2) Gold equivalent = g Au/t + (g Ag/t 77.70)(3) Intervals reported are uncappedSullivan Gulch: Along with demonstrating the magnitude of the large low-grade gold-silver zone at Sullivan Gulch, the drill results announced today continue to expand the emerging high-grade vein system at Sullivan Gulch that trends Northwest and dips to the Northeast. This new discovery further enriches the high-grade component of Sullivan Gulch, the bulk of which dips to the Southwest. High-grade at Sullivan Gulch has been intercepted in a Northern zone over a 350 m strike length while the Southern zone, which includes intercepts from 2018 to present which align with the new geological model, also has a strike length of 350 m. There remains a 370 m untested zone between the North and South high-grade zones which has the potential to extend the strike length of this high-grade target to over 1,000 m. These intercepts further validate the geological model that in addition to a well-defined North-northwest trending vein system that dips to the Southwest which has seen most of the drilling at Sullivan Gulch, there exists a structurally controlled system in quartz latite that dips Northeast and is open to the south, laterally, and at depth. In general, the mineralization at Sullivan Gulch is largely hosted by porphyritic rhyolite and latite units, capped by a banded rhyolite formation, all of which are of mid-Miocene age. The gold-silver mineralization itself consists of a zone of moderately intense low-sulphidation epithermal veining, clay alteration and related disseminated sulphides (mostly pyrite). IP indicates the potential for mineralization to extend a further 900 m to the south of the southern-most drilled section of Sullivan Gulch. To view a cross section of Sullivan Gulch, click on the link below:https://integraresources.com/site/assets/files/2572/idm-22-204_sg_cross_section_vedit_use_-_dashes.pdf To view a drill plan map of Sullivan Gulch, click on the link below:https://integraresources.com/site/assets/files/2572/drill_collar_dm_july_sm_vuse.pdf Historic Stockpiles and Backfill: Drill hole IDM-22-206 is of particular importance to Integra as it provides additional evidence that the historic low-grade stockpiles and backfill at DeLamar and Florida Mountain are mineralized and could provide additional heap leach material in future mine plans. The Company estimates that 60 million tonnes of run-of-mine, low-grade Oxide material is stockpiled and/or used as backfill in multiple locations at the Project from its 20-year history of modern mining (1970s-1990s). Based on the Companys reconciliation of milling records and the reconstruction of mined material, the Company believes this material exceeds the heap leach cut-off grades and has the potential to add mine life to the future operations. The first 100 m of drill hole IDM-22-206 was through historic backfill, returning average AuEq grades in-line with Company estimates and potentially suitable for heap leach material, subject to further studies. Encountering these results in the first drill hole into historic backfill is encouraging. Summer Work Program and Next Steps: Following a brief pause, the Company expects to recommence drilling at DeLamar this summer. The proposed summer/fall drill program is being executed primarily on DeLamar private property on historic patented mining claims and is ready to proceed at the Companys discretion. Sampling and QA/QC Procedure Thorough QA/QC protocols are followed on the Project, including insertion of duplicate, blank and standard samples in the assay stream for all drill holes. The samples are submitted directly to American Assay Labs in Reno, Nevada for preparation and analysis. Analysis of gold is performed using fire assay method with atomic absorption (AA) finish on a 1 assay ton aliquot. Gold results over 5 g/t are re-run using a gravimetric finish. Silver analysis is performed using ICP for results up to 100 g/t on a 5-acid digestion, with a fire assay, gravimetric finish for results over 100 g/t silver. Qualified Person The scientific and technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by E. Max Baker Ph.D. (F.AusIMM), Integras Vice President Exploration of Post Falls, Idaho, a Qualified Person (QP) as defined in National Instrument 43- 101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. About Integra Resources Integra is a development-stage mining company focused on the exploration and de-risking of the past producing DeLamar gold-silver project in Idaho, USA. Integra is led by the management team from Integra Gold Corp. which successfully grew, developed and sold the Lamaque Project, in Quebec, for C$600m in 2017. Since acquiring the DeLamar Project, which includes the adjacent DeLamar and Florida Mountain gold and silver deposits, in late 2017, the Company has demonstrated significant resource growth and conversion while providing robust economic studies in its maiden preliminary economic assessment and now pre-feasibility study. An independent technical report for the PFS on the DeLamar Project has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of NI 43-101 and is available under the Companys profile at www.sedar.com and on the Companys website at www.integraresources.com. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORSGeorge SalamisPresident, CEO and Director CONTACT INFORMATIONCorporate Inquiries: [email protected] Company website: www.integraresources.com Office phone: 1 (604) 416-0576 Forward looking and other cautionary statements This news release contains forward-looking information and forward-looking statements (collectively, forward-looking statements) within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that involves discussion with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often, but not always using phrases such as plans, expects, is expected, budget, scheduled, estimates, forecasts, intends, anticipates, or believes or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, might or will be taken, occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. In this news release, forward-looking statements relate, among other things, to: statements about the scope, timing and completion of the Pre-feasibility study; estimates of metallurgical recovery rates and the contribution of silver production to mining operations; anticipated advancement of DeLamar and future exploration prospects.These forward-looking statements, and any assumptions upon which they are based, are made in good faith and reflect our current judgment regarding the direction of our business. Management believes that these assumptions are reasonable. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such factors include, among others: risks related to the speculative nature of the Companys business; the Companys formative stage of development; the Companys financial position; possible variations in mineralization, grade or recovery rates; actual results of current exploration activities; actual results of reclamation activities; conclusions of future economic evaluations; business integration risks; fluctuations in general macroeconomic conditions; fluctuations in securities markets; fluctuations in spot and forward prices of gold, silver, base metals or certain other commodities; fluctuations in currency markets (such as the Canadian dollar to United States dollar exchange rate); change in national and local government, legislation, taxation, controls regulations and political or economic developments; risks and hazards associated with the business of mineral exploration, development and mining (including environmental hazards, industrial accidents, unusual or unexpected formation pressures, cave-ins and flooding); inability to obtain adequate insurance to cover risks and hazards; the presence of laws and regulations that may impose restrictions on mining; employee relations; relationships with and claims by local communities and indigenous populations; availability of increasing costs associated with mining inputs and labour; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development (including the risks of obtaining necessary licenses, permits and approvals from government authorities); and title to properties. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management of Integra believes, or believed at the time, to be reasonable assumptions, Integra cannot assure its shareholders that actual results will be consistent with such forward-looking statements, as there may be other factors that cause results not to be anticipated, estimated, or intended. Forward-looking statements contained herein are made 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, future events or results, except as may be required by applicable securities laws. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Cautionary Note for U.S. Investors Concerning Mineral Resources and Reserves National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") is a rule of the Canadian Securities Administrators which establishes standards for all public disclosure an issuer makes of scientific and technical information concerning mineral projects. Technical disclosure contained in this news release has been prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 and the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum Classification System. These standards differ from the requirements of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and resource information contained in this press release may not be comparable to similar information disclosed by domestic United States companies subject to the SEC's reporting and disclosure requirements. 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. Source: Integra Resources Corp. Daryl Lee to Lead McCann Worldgroup and Eileen Kiernan to Lead IPG Mediabrands Bill Kolb Moves to Chairman Role at McCann Worldgroup New York, July 21, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Interpublic Group (NYSE: IPG) announced today senior leadership changes that will see a number of outstanding, tenured executives assume significant new responsibilities within the holding company. At McCann Worldgroup, Daryl Lee, previously the Global CEO of IPG Mediabrands, has been named Global CEO. Eileen Kiernan has been named Global CEO of IPG Mediabrands, succeeding Lee in that role. Bill Kolb, the current CEO of McCann Worldgroup, will remain Chairman of the division. While these changes take effect immediately, the three executives will continue working with their existing teams and clients over the next month to ensure that all necessary transitional actions related to their new roles are complete by September 6, 2022. IPG CEO Philippe Krakowsky noted Daryl Lees long record of leadership success, across both the media and creative agency landscape, as catalysts for his being named to helm the companys flagship creatively focused global network. Krakowsky also noted the depth and breadth of Eileen Kiernans experience and exceptional results helping brands achieve long-term transformation goals as key drivers for her being elevated to lead IPGs media assets. The new role will see her become one of the senior-most female executives in the advertising sector. On Daryl Lee: Daryl is an exceptional thinker, business-builder and leader, who is as passionate about helping our clients achieve success in the marketplace as he is about building organizations where our people can thrive. During his time leading both Mediabrands and UM, he has proven that he can build capabilities and inspire agency cultures that are fully focused on our clients, deliver growth and innovation, as well as invite diverse perspectives into the conversation. In a previous stretch at McCann Worldgroup, Daryl served as Global Chief Strategy Officer and Global Chief Integration Officer, working directly with many of the networks current clients and much of the global leadership team, so he is familiar with the agency and the ways in which it is evolving its offerings to combine creative ideas with emerging communications channels. This combination of skills and experience, leading a strong team already in place across Worldgroup, means that Daryl is well-positioned to advance the success of the network and drive it to further achieve its ambition of being the global leader of creativity that drives growth for our client partners, commented Krakowsky. On Eileen Kiernan: Additionally, Krakowsky indicated that Eileen is deeply strategic and equally pragmatic, delivering outstanding work while inspiring the broader organization. She is a great collaborator, never losing sight of client needs, and how we can most effectively continue to evolve our offerings. Her depth of experience working across the media landscape makes Eileen the ideal executive to lead IPG Mediabrands as it continues to set standard for innovating in ways that help clients businesses win in todays digital economy. As we continue to seek to drive more integration across media, data and technology, and as we combine those offerings with the work thats being done across the IPG portfolio, I am confident that Eileen can play an integral leadership role on that important journey. On Bill Kolb: Bill has been a colleague for over 20 years and has a deep understanding of the marketing services landscape. As Chairman of Worldgroup, Bill will support Daryl and the senior leadership team, engage in important areas such as ESG and continue to partner with certain clients. He will also work with me on IPG initiatives, where we can draw on his operational experience and knowledge of evolving areas of the business, such as production and marketing technology platform offerings, said Krakowsky. Daryl Lee experience: Since 2019, Lee has served as Global CEO of IPG Mediabrands, a client-first, consultative community of 13,000 media and marketing solutions specialists in 130+ countries. During his tenure, Mediabrands has been known for its winning culture and integration of data and technology to power audience-led marketing that delivers business results. Lee has also been a champion of inclusion in media investment, notably through the industrys first Equity Upfronts, which Mediabrands introduced in 2020. For the previous six and a half years, Lee was Global CEO of UM, a global media and advertising agency within the IPG Mediabrands family. In 2016, Adweek named Lee Executive of the Year, citing his record at UM in winning major global new business and fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion. He is a long-term member of the Board of Directors of the Effie Awards, having previously served as its Chairman, and most recently served as President of the Media Jury at the 2022 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. Lee initially joined Interpublic as Global President and Head of Global Strategy at UM, before moving to McCann, where he served in two key global roles before returning to UM. Hailing from South Africa, Lee earned a Doctor of Philosophy at Oxford University (which he attended as a Rhodes Scholar) and began his business career as a consultant at McKinsey & Company. Im excited to combine McCann Worldgroups exceptional strategic and creative strength with the ways in which weve harnessed data and technology in the media world to accelerate growth for our clients. A hybrid mindset that understands both content and distribution is something that many clients have been demanding and its what is required for growth in the 21st century. I am thankful for the opportunity to help make that a reality in the marketplace. All the agencies within McCann Worldgroup are world-class and together we have the power to unlock unstoppable momentum for brands. Its an honor to come home to McCann in this role, and Im very much looking forward to working with Bill and the entire McCann Worldgroup family again, commented Lee. Eileen Kiernan experience: For the past nine and a half years, Kiernan served in a succession of increasingly senior global leadership positions at UM, rising from CMO of the agency to Global President to CEO. She was a key driver of the development of a dedicated agency model that for nearly a decade has incorporated data-led decision-making to media planning and buying for Johnson & Johnson, was a key member of Lees team that differentiated UM through its Better Science, Better Art, Better Outcomes positioning, and most recently launched the agencys Future Proof business model, which incorporates close collaboration with other Mediabrands units and Interpublics Acxiom and Kinesso offerings to uncover new sources of growth for clients. Last year, Campaign named UM its Global Agency of the Year and recognized Kiernan as a finalist in the Agency Leader category. Prior to UM, Kiernan held leadership roles at media agencies, as well as on the client and media-owner sides of the business. I am so pleased to take the helm at Mediabrands at a time when we are experiencing tremendous momentum as a network and great change as an industry, said Kiernan. Like Daryl, I am a true believer in Media for Good media that is responsible, equitable and ethical and I look forward to doubling down on our commitment to make media a positive societal force through relentless innovation and new industry standards. Our people and connectivity as a community are what drives us all forward, and I will continue to champion global initiatives that improve our internal processes, inspire our people and reflect our values. For an initial period, Kiernan will remain in her UM role, in addition to her new IPG Mediabrands responsibilities. A new CEO for the UM network will be named later this year, though a timetable for that appointment has yet to be finalized. Bill Kolb experience: Prior to his role as CEO for McCann Worldgroup, Kolb served as COO of the network, where he was responsible for overseeing business operations across all agencies and markets. Kolbs long and successful history within McCann Worldgroup spans over two decades, inclusive of client leadership roles, as well as operating leadership at MRM and Momentum. Im proud of all that weve been able to accomplish here at Worldgroup over the last two decades. Being part of the leadership teams at Momentum, MRM and here at Worldgroup, Ive seen firsthand the magic and business results we can create for our clients when we help their brands play a meaningful role in people's lives. I look forward to working with Daryl as he carries our work forward, and with Philippe on broader group initiatives, said Kolb. # # # About Interpublic Interpublic (NYSE: IPG) ( www.interpublic.com ) is a values-based, data-fueled, and creatively-driven provider of marketing solutions. Home to some of the worlds best-known and most innovative communications specialists, IPG global brands include Acxiom, Craft, FCB, FutureBrand, Golin, Huge, Initiative, IPG Health, Jack Morton, Kinesso, MAGNA, Matterkind, McCann, Mediahub, Momentum, MRM, MullenLowe Group, Octagon, R/GA, UM, Weber Shandwick and more. IPG is an S&P 500 company with net revenue of $9.11 billion in 2021. About McCann Worldgroup McCann Worldgroup is the irrefutable leader in the business of a creativity. The company is united across 100+ countries by a single mission: To help brands earn a meaningful role in people's lives. McCann Worldgroup was named the world's most creatively-effective marketing services company by The Effie Awards for three consecutive years. The network comprises McCann (advertising), MRM (science/technology/relationship marketing), Momentum Worldwide (total brand experience), McCann Health (professional/dtc communications), CRAFT (production), Weber Shandwick (public relations) and FutureBrand (consulting/design). About IPG Mediabrands IPG Mediabrands is the media and marketing solutions division of IPG. Mediabrands manages approximately $40 billion in marketing investment globally on behalf of its clients and provides strategic services and solutions across its award-winning, full-service agency networks UM and Initiative and through its innovative marketing specialist companies Reprise, MAGNA, Orion, Rapport, Healix, Mediabrands Content Studio and the IPG Media Lab. Mediabrands clients include many of the worlds most recognizable and iconic brands from a broad portfolio of industry sectors. The company employs more than 13,000 marketing experts in more than 130 countries representing the full diversity of humanity. # # # Contact Information Tom Cunningham (Press) (212) 704-1326 Jeremy Miller (Press for McCann Worldgroup) (646) 865-3858 Lynn Lewis (Press for Mediabrands) (917) 929-9127 Jerry Leshne (Analysts, Investors) (212) 704-1439 Attachments Vancouver/ Unceded Territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations, July 21, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nexii Building Solutions Inc. (Nexii) is pleased to announce that it has entered a non-binding letter of intent (LOI) to purchase Solar Earth Technologies Ltd. (Solar Earth), a manufacturer of hardened solar power panels that transform sidewalks, parking lots and other elements of everyday infrastructure into a new source of solar energy. Nexii believes that the proposed acquisition of Solar Earth by Nexii (the Proposed Acquisition), if completed, would accelerate the integration of solar technology in Nexiis low carbon buildings and products, supporting Nexiis 2025 target of net zero operational carbon buildings. The Proposed Acquisition is also expected to support both companies in delivering their patented solutions to help their clients address the global climate crisis. Solar Earth has more than a dozen live projects globally, with installations at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, Stellenbosch University in South Africa, Daxing Green Village in Beijing, China, and the City of Tampa in Florida generating clean electricity from Solar Earths power-generating sidewalks. The company has more than 50 projects in development and is seeing increased market demand to transform existing infrastructure into a clean-energy source. With our shared vision to create a net zero future and by combining our technologies, we believe we have the opportunity to make net positive energy buildings a reality. We look forward to working with Solar Earth to rapidly scale, and meet the market demand for smart pavement technology, said Stephen Sidwell, CEO and co-founder of Nexii. Delivering renewable energy infrastructure solutions to a global market is what we strive for, and we could not think of a better partner than Nexii. Our mission is to help create a net zero future for our cities and communities, and fight climate change by transforming everyday infrastructure into a source of solar energy to replace fossil fuels, said Douglas Matthews, CEO and director of Solar Earth.Nexiis building approach cuts waste to near-zero, reduces build times, and significantly lowers both the embodied and operational carbon of buildings. Nexii buildings have approximately 31 per cent less embodied carbon than conventional construction materials, and use approximately a third less energy overall, significantly lowering energy needs and emissions for ongoing building operations. About Nexii Nexii Building Solutions Inc. (Nexii) designs and manufactures low carbon buildings and products to reduce the climate impact of our built environment. With buildings and construction responsible for 36% of global energy consumption and 37% of greenhouse gas emissions annually, sustainable and scalable solutions are urgently needed for net zero carbon buildings. With Nexiis breakthrough material Nexiite, Nexii enables the rapid assembly of high-quality buildings and infrastructure with reduced end-to-end carbon emissions, near zero waste and less disruption to the community. Sustainability is core to Nexiis mission to build a vibrant future for people and the planet. For more information, visit www.nexii.com, or connect with us on Instagram (@NexiiBuilds), Twitter (@NexiiBuilds) or on LinkedIn (Nexii Building Solutions). About Solar Earth We are a new form of solar power that transforms everyday infrastructure into a source of revenue-generating solar energy for a net zero world. Human beings have spent a long time paving over the Earth. Solar Earth now transforms those surfaces into the toughest, most versatile sources of solar energy yet made, withstanding pedestrians, bicycles, vehicle traffic, theft, vandalism and extreme weather. Solar Earth embeds solar cells those oh-so-delicate eggshells so easy to break into a rock-hard, resilient surface. It allows us to solarize sidewalks, roads, parking lots, rooftops, docks and more by putting solar cells inside that infrastructure. Our break-through technology captures the power of the sun to solarize infrastructure and generate secure, free, clean energy to fight climate change and get the planet to a net zero world. We are Vancouver-based with international offices/ For more information, visit www.SolarEarth.ca. Transaction Conditions The Proposed Transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including: (i) execution of definitive agreements; (ii) Nexii shall have obtained equity financing on terms satisfactory to it; (iii) final approval of the boards of directors of each of Nexii and Solar Earth; (iv) receipt of shareholder approval and/or the execution of the definitive agreements from the Solar Earth shareholders; (v) the completion of satisfactory due diligence by Nexii and Solar Earth; and (vi) no material adverse changes having occurred in respect of Nexii or Solar Earth. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking information and forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws ("Forward-Looking Statements"), including with respect to: the Proposed Transaction, including its completion and the satisfaction of the conditions thereto; the anticipated benefits of the Proposed Transaction; the efficiencies to be created between Nexii and Solar Earth; the ability of Solar Earths technology to support Nexiis building targets; Nexiis ability to achieve its 2025 target of net zero operational carbon buildings; the opportunity to create net positive energy buildings; the ability of Nexiis whole building solution to reduce the environmental impact of the construction industry; and the benefits of Solar Earths solar cells and the ability of Solar Earth to embed such solar cells into existing infrastructure. Forward-Looking Statements are based on certain expectations and assumptions and are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events, results, performance and achievements to differ materially from those anticipated in these Forward-Looking Statements. Such factors include, among other things: risks that the Proposed Transaction does not occur and risks that the anticipated benefits of the Proposed Transaction are not realized. Forward-Looking Statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these Forward-Looking Statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. Nexii disclaims any intention or obligation, except to the extent required by law, to update or revise any Forward-Looking Statements as a result of new information or future events, or for any other reason. Source: Nexii Building Solutions Inc. Richardson, TX, July 21, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Associa Principal Management Group of North Texas (PMG North Texas), a leading provider of community management services throughout North Texas, is pleased to announce that Kristen Russell has been promoted to the position of branch vice president. In her new role, Ms. Russell will be responsible for leading strategy development, operational business activity management, and branch personnel supervision. She replaces John Miller, who recently accepted a transfer to Associa Principal Management Group of Houston. Ms. Russell joined PMG North Texas in 2018 as a portfolio manager. In that role, she organized, implemented, and led client projects and initiatives. She joined the companys senior leadership team in 2019 and has since played in a key role in growth and retention. She has also supported numerous additional projects, including growing the branchs Associa OnCall maintenance division, re-organization of the team structure, and marketing campaigns. Ms. Russell previously worked in the hospitality industry, where she spent more than 10 years in front office leadership with a strong emphasis on customer relations, employee retention, and related policy implementation. John Miller has done an incredible job leading, building, and growing the PMG North Texas team throughout the past two year, said Mark Southall, AMS, CPM, PCAM, Principal Management Group of North Texas president. Kristen Russell has done a wonderful job supporting him and we expect a seamless transition as both of these valued team members continue their respective careers with the company. About Associa With more than 225 branch offices across North America, Associa is building the future of community for nearly five million residents worldwide. Our 11,000+ team members lead the industry with unrivaled education, expertise, and trailblazing innovation. For more than 43 years, Associa has brought positive impact and meaningful value to communities. To learn more, visit www.associaonline.com. Stay Connected Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/associa Subscribe to the Blog: https://hub.associaonline.com/ Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/associa Join us on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/associa Attachment Tom Womack Associa 214-272-4107 [email protected] Source: Associa VANCOUVER, British Columbia, July 21, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ranchero Gold Corp. (Ranchero or the Company) (TSX.V: RNCH) announces that it has filed a preliminary short form prospectus (the Prospectus) with the securities regulatory authorities in each of the Provinces of Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Nova Scotia and Ontario (the Canadian Jurisdictions), in connection with a proposed marketed public offering (the Offering) of units of the Company (the Units) at a price of $0.12 per Unit (the Offering Price) for aggregate gross proceeds to the Company of up to $5 million, subject to an over-allotment option as described below. Each Unit will consist of one common share of the Company (each, a Common Share) and one common share purchase warrant of the Company (each, a Warrant). Each Warrant will entitle the holder to purchase one common share of the Company (each, a Warrant Share) at an exercise price of $0.17 per Warrant Share for a period of 36 months after the closing date of the Offering. The Offering will be led by M Partners Inc. (the Lead Agent), on behalf of a syndicate of agents including Research Capital Corporation, Canaccord Genuity Corp., and Laurentian Bank Securities Inc. (together with the Lead Agent, the Agents). The Company has granted to the Agents an over-allotment option (the Over-Allotment Option) to offer for sale up to an additional number of Units equal to 15% of the number of Units sold under the Offering, at the Offering Price, to cover over-allotments, if any, and for market-stabilization purposes. The Over-Allotment Option will be exercisable, in whole or in part, in the sole discretion of the Agents, on or after the closing date of the Offering and for a period of 30 days thereafter, for additional Units and/or Warrants (or any combination thereof). The Offering is being conducted on a commercially reasonable efforts agency basis and is subject to customary closing conditions, including, but not limited to, the entering into of an agency agreement with the Agents, and the approval of the securities regulatory authorities and the TSX Venture Exchange. The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the Offering to fund capital expenditures and continued exploration of the Companys Santa Daniela project, as well as for working capital and general corporate purposes, all as described in more detail in the Prospectus. The Offering will be completed (i) by way of a short form prospectus filed in the Canadian Jurisdictions, (ii) on a private placement basis in the United States pursuant to exemptions from the registration requirements of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the U.S. Securities Act), and (iii) outside Canada and the United States on a basis that does not require the qualification or registration of any of the Companys securities under domestic or foreign securities laws. The Prospectus, containing important information relating to these securities described herein, has been filed with securities commissions or similar authorities in the Canadian Jurisdictions. The Prospectus is still subject to completion or amendment. A copy of the Prospectus is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. There will not be any sale or any acceptance of an offer to buy the securities until a receipt for the final prospectus has been issued. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act or any applicable state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold to, or for the account or benefit of, persons in 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. United States and U.S. persons shall have the meanings assigned to them in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act. About Ranchero Ranchero is a gold exploration and development company currently focused on its 100%-owned Santa Daniela project located in Sonora, Mexico. The Santa Daniela project consist of a large land package in excess of 22,200 hectares within Mexicos Sierra Madre Occidental - a newly emerging gold belt. The Santa Daniela project is also near a number of major gold mining operations in the region. Maiz Azul is the Companys most advanced prospect where exploration efforts are underway. On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Company: William PincusChief Executive Officer and Director+1303 589 3734 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 press release contains forward looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. The use of any of the words anticipate, plan, continue, expect, estimate, objective, may, will, project, should, predict, potential and similar expressions are intended to identify forward looking statements. In particular, this press release contains forward looking statements concerning the planned completion of the Offering, the anticipated proceeds of the Offering, and the use of proceeds of the Offering. Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which the forward looking statements are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward looking statements because the Company cannot give any assurance that they will prove correct. Since forward looking statements address future events and conditions, they involve inherent assumptions, risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of assumptions, factors and risks. These assumptions and risks include, but are not limited to, assumptions and risks associated with the state of the equity financing markets and regulatory approval. Management has provided the above summary of risks and assumptions related to forward looking statements in this press release in order to provide readers with a more comprehensive perspective on the Companys future operations. The Companys actual results, performance or achievement could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward looking statements and, accordingly, no assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward looking statements will transpire or occur, or if any of them do so, what benefits the Company will derive from them. These forward looking statements are made as of the date of this press release, and, other than as required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly any forward looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. Source: Ranchero Gold Corp. TORONTO, July 21, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Becker Milk Company Limited (the Company) (TSX-BEK.B) is pleased to report the results for the year ended April 30, 2022. HIGHLIGHTS Total revenues for the year ended April 30, 2022 were $2,670,042 compared to $3,097,155 for the same period in 2021; Net operating income for the year was $2,121,894 compared to $2,367,836 in 2021; Net income for the year was $3.13 per share, compared to $1.96 per share in 2021. FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS Net operating income for the year ended April 30, 2022 decreased $245,942 to $2,121,894 as compared with the previous year, primarily as a result of non-recurring adjustments to property revenue resulting from completion of negotiations with Macs Convenience Stores Inc. regarding base rents for most of its locations. In determining net operating income the revenue reduction was partially offset by lower property operating expenses. Year ended April 30 2022 2021 Property revenue $2,630,175 $3,024,970 Finance income 39,867 72,185 Total revenues $2,670,042 $3,097,155 Net income attributable to common and special shareholders $5,665,984 $3,536,378 Average common and special shares outstanding 1,808,360 1,808,360 Income per share $3.13 $1.96 Year ended April 30 2022 2021 Property revenue $2,630,175 $3,024,970 Property operating expenses (508,281 ) (657,134 ) Net operating income $2,121,894 $2,367,836 Components of the $2,129,606 decrease in net income for the year ended April 30, 2021 compared to the year ended April 30, 2020 are: Changes in net income - Year ended April 30, 2022 compared to year ended April 30, 2021 Provision for environmental liability Increase in fair value adjustment $2,748,000 Decrease in current taxes 76,581 Decrease in administrative expenses 43,752 Decrease loss on disposal 18,038 Decrease in finance income (32,318 ) Increase strategic review expenses (99,014 ) Decrease in net operating income (245,942 ) Increase in deferred tax charges (379,491 ) Decrease in gain on expropriation settlement 0 Increase in net income $2,129,606 The large increase in the fair value adjustment to investment properties resulted from revised assumptions with respect to capitalization rates and market rents reflecting market conditions as at April 30, 2022. ADJUSTED FUNDS FROM OPERATIONS For the year ended April 30, 2022 the Company recorded adjusted funds from operations of $348,427 ($0.19 per share) compared to $757,017 ($0.42 per share) in 2021. Year ended April 30 2022 2021 Net income $5,665,984 $3,536,378 Add (deduct) items not affecting cash: Fair value adjustment to investment properties (5,993,000 ) (3,245,000 ) Loss (gain) on sale of investment properties 4,583 22,621 Tax on gains from sale of property 9,065 27,700 Deferred income taxes 798,546 419,055 Expenses related to strategic review (102,751 ) (3,737 ) Sustaining capital expenditures (34,000 ) 0 Adjusted funds from operations $348,427 $757,017 Adjusted funds from operations per share $0.19 $0.42 STRATEGIC REVIEW Since 2014 the Board of Directors has been evaluating strategic directions for the Company and has engaged in discussions with potential acquirors. While the Company has engaged in some discussions during the last quarter, none of those discussions are active at this time. During this period a programme of divesting less desirable sites has resulted in the sale of 26 investment properties. The Company continues to review its strategic alternatives and will update the market as appropriate, and as required. The Companys annual financial statements for the year ended April 30, 2022, along with the Managements Discussion and Analysis will be filed with SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Readers are cautioned that although the terms Net Operating Income, and Funds From Operations are commonly used to measure, compare and explain the operating and financial performance of Canadian real estate companies and such terms are defined in the Managements Discussion and Analysis, such terms are not recognized terms under Canadian generally accepted accounting principles. Such terms do not necessarily have a standardized meaning and may not be comparable to similarly titled measures presented by the other publicly traded entities. For the Board of DirectorsG.W.J. Pottow, PresidentTel: 416-698-2591 Source: The Becker Milk Company Limited BELO HORIZONTE, Brazil, July 21, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Verde AgriTech Plc (TSX: NPK) (OTCQB: AMHPF) (the Company or Old Verde) announces that the UK Court hearing, in London, UK (the Scheme Court Hearing), to sanction the scheme of arrangement proposed as described in the circular filed on SEDAR by the Company on June 14, 20221 (the Circular)2 (the Scheme or Scheme of Arrangement) was adjourned. The UK Court (the Court) adjourned the hearing in order to allow the Company time to address a technical issue with the execution of the Scheme once approved. The Court has not refused the Scheme. The Company will issue a further announcement when the adjourned Scheme Court Hearing is relisted. In the meantime, the Company continues to be traded in the normal way. The Toronto Stock Exchange has conditionally approved the redomicile of the Company and the listing of the shares of New Verde, subject to the satisfaction of certain customary conditions. The New Verde Shares will trade on the TSX and the OTCQB under the symbols NPK and AMHPF, respectively. GENERAL Note that capitalised terms used in this announcement, but not defined, have the same meaning as in the Scheme Circular. For further information, please consult the Circular filed on SEDAR by the Company on June 14, 2022: https://investor.verde.ag/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Circular.pdf ABOUT VERDE AGRITECH Verde is an agricultural technology company that produces potash fertilizers. Our purpose is to improve the health of all people and the planet. Rooting our solutions in nature, we make agriculture healthier, more productive, and profitable. Verde is a fully integrated Company: it mines and processes its main feedstock from its 100% owned mineral properties, then sells and distributes the Product. Verdes focus on research and development has resulted in one patent and eight patents pending. Among its proprietary technologies are Cambridge Tech, 3D Alliance, MicroS Technology, N Keeper, and Bio Revolution.3 Currently, the Company is fully licensed to produce up to 2.8 million tonnes per year of its multinutrient potassium fertilizers K Forte and BAKS, sold internationally as Super Greensand.4 By the end of 2022, it plans to become Brazil's largest potash producer by capacity.5 Verde has a combined measured and indicated mineral resource of 1.47 billion tonnes at 9.28% K2O and an inferred mineral resource of 1.85 billion tonnes at 8.60% K2O (using a 7.5% K2O cut-off grade).6 This amounts to 295.70 million tonnes of potash in K2O. For context, in 2021 Brazils total consumption of potash in K2O was 7.92 million7. Brazil ranks second in global potash demand and is its single largest importer, currently depending on external sources for over 96% of its potash needs. In 2021, potash accounted for approximately 2% of all Brazilian imports by dollar value. CORPORATE PRESENTATION For further information on the Company, please view shareholders deck: https://verde.docsend.com/view/tjgv725ik9dzfrua INVESTORS NEWSLETTER Subscribe to receive the Companys updates at: http://cloud.marketing.verde.ag/InvestorsSubscription The last edition of the newsletter can be accessed at: https://bit.ly/InvestorsNLMay2022 CAUTIONARY LANGUAGE AND FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS All Mineral Reserve and Mineral Resources estimates reported by the Company were estimated in accordance with the Canadian National Instrument 43-101 and the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy, and Petroleum Definition Standards (May 10, 2014). These standards differ significantly from the requirements of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Mineral Resources which are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. This document contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. This information and these statements, referred to herein as "forward-looking statements" are made as of the date of this document. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect current estimates, predictions, expectations or beliefs regarding future events and include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to: (i) the estimated amount and grade of Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves; (ii) the PFS representing a viable development option for the Project; (iii) estimates of the capital costs of constructing mine facilities and bringing a mine into production, of sustaining capital and the duration of financing payback periods; (iv) the estimated amount of future production, both produced and sold;(v) timing of disclosure for the PFS and recommendations from the Special Committee;(vi) the Companys competitive position in Brazil and demand for potash; and, (vii) estimates of operating costs and total costs, net cash flow, net present value and economic returns from an operating mine.Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as "expects", "anticipates", "plans", "projects", "estimates", "envisages", "assumes", "intends", "strategy", "goals", "objectives" or variations thereof or stating that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved, or the negative of any of these terms and similar expressions) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are based on Verde's or its consultants' current beliefs as well as various assumptions made by them and information currently available to them. The most significant assumptions are set forth above, but generally these assumptions include, but are not limited to: (i) the presence of and continuity of resources and reserves at the Project at estimated grades; (ii) the geotechnical and metallurgical characteristics of rock conforming to sampled results; including the quantities of water and the quality of the water that must be diverted or treated during mining operations; (iii) the capacities and durability of various machinery and equipment; (iv) the availability of personnel, machinery and equipment at estimated prices and within the estimated delivery times; (v) currency exchange rates; (vi) Super Greensand and K Forte sales prices, market size and exchange rate assumed; (vii) appropriate discount rates applied to the cash flows in the economic analysis; (viii) tax rates and royalty rates applicable to the proposed mining operation; (ix) the availability of acceptable financing under assumed structure and costs; (x) anticipated mining losses and dilution; (xi) reasonable contingency requirements; (xii) success in realizing proposed operations; (xiii) receipt of permits and other regulatory approvals on acceptable terms; and (xiv) the fulfilment of environmental assessment commitments and arrangements with local communities. Although management considers these assumptions to be reasonable based on information currently available to it, they may prove to be incorrect. Many forward-looking statements are made assuming the correctness of other forward looking statements, such as statements of net present value and internal rates of return, which are based on most of the other forward-looking statements and assumptions herein. The cost information is also prepared using current values, but the time for incurring the costs will be in the future and it is assumed costs will remain stable over the relevant period. By their very nature, forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, both general and specific, and risks exist that estimates, forecasts, projections and other forward-looking statements will not be achieved or that assumptions do not reflect future experience. We caution readers not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements as a number of important factors could cause the actual outcomes to differ materially from the beliefs, plans, objectives, expectations, anticipations, estimates assumptions and intentions expressed in such forward-looking statements. These risk factors may be generally stated as the risk that the assumptions and estimates expressed above do not occur as forecast, but specifically include, without limitation: risks relating to variations in the mineral content within the material identified as Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves from that predicted; variations in rates of recovery and extraction; the geotechnical characteristics of the rock mined or through which infrastructure is built differing from that predicted, the quantity of water that will need to be diverted or treated during mining operations being different from what is expected to be encountered during mining operations or post closure, or the rate of flow of the water being different; developments in world metals markets; risks relating to fluctuations in the Brazilian Real relative to the Canadian dollar; increases in the estimated capital and operating costs or unanticipated costs; difficulties attracting the necessary work force; increases in financing costs or adverse changes to the terms of available financing, if any; tax rates or royalties being greater than assumed; changes in development or mining plans due to changes in logistical, technical or other factors; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; risks relating to receipt of regulatory approvals; delays in stakeholder negotiations; changes in regulations applying to the development, operation, and closure of mining operations from what currently exists; the effects of competition in the markets in which Verde operates; operational and infrastructure risks and the additional risks described in Verde's Annual Information Form filed with SEDAR in Canada (available at www.sedar.com) for the year ended December 31, 2021. Verde cautions that the foregoing list of factors that may affect future results is not exhaustive. When relying on our forward-looking statements to make decisions with respect to Verde, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events. Verde does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time by Verde or on our behalf, except as required by law. For additional information please contact: Cristiano Veloso, Founder, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer Tel: +55 (31) 3245 0205; Email: [email protected] www.investor.verde.ag | www.supergreensand.com | www.verde.ag 1 See the release at: https://investor.verde.ag/redomiciliation-to-singapore-approved-by-verdes-shareholders/ 2 For further information, please refer to: https://investor.verde.ag/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Circular.pdf 3 Learn more about our technologies: https://verde.docsend.com/view/yvthnpuv8jx6g4r9 4 See the release at: https://investor.verde.ag/2-5-million-tonnes-per-year-potash-mining-concession-granted-to-verde/ 5 See the release at: https://investor.verde.ag/verde-to-reach-3-million-tonnes-potash-production-capacity-in-2022/ 6 As per the National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects within Canada (NI 43 -101), filed on SEDAR in 2017. See the Pre-Feasibility Study at: https://investor.verde.ag/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/NI-43-101-Pre-Feasibility-Technical-Report-Cerrado-Verde-Project.pdf 7 Union of the Agricultural Fertilizers and Correctives Industry, in the State of Sao Paulo (SIACESP, from Sindicato da Industria de Fertilizantes e Corretivos Agropecuarios, no Estado de Sao Paulo). Source: Verde AgriTech PLC New York, NY, July 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pension secures material needs for people in their old age and is the wealth foundation for the sustainable development of our society. China is turning into an aging society and facing the challenges of getting old before getting rich and getting old before getting prepared. In response to the century-old issue of population aging, China has implemented an array of pension reform initiatives. The Opinions on Pushing Forward Private Pension Funds Development issued in April 2022 specified the detailed rules for developing the third pillar. We believe this initiative will make a difference in the following three aspects. First, accumulating private pensions through market-oriented investment helps improve the pension protection system. Second, providing tax benefits is conducive to stabilizing consumer expectations. Third, introducing long-term funds facilitates high-quality circulation of technology, capital and the real economy. Globally, mutual funds have always been the dominant force of pension investment. In China, pensions managed by mutual fund managers have reached RMB4 trillion, accounting for 50% of Chinas total entrusted pension investments. Developing the third pillar pension is a new mission entrusted by the era. The nature of pensions determines that their investment management needs to pursue a long-term and sustainable goal. In this regard, we have the following four opinions. First, we need to create long-term sustainable investment returns for customers on the asset side A scientific and diversified asset allocation is the key to sustainable and solid returns on underlying assets. Stocks are the most important investment target for pensions: As of 2020, mutual funds held USD5.5 trillion in the US IRAs, with USD2.3 trillion allocated to domestic stock funds and USD0.8 trillion to overseas stock funds. The fact that pensions have continued flowing into the capital market has not only contributed to the development of technological innovation capital in the US, but also pushed the US stocks out of the long-term and slow-growing bull run. Global pension investment is being diversified with an increase in green investment, overseas investment and alternative investment. That means a diversified allocation will offer a tailwind to improve the long-term risk-reward ratio of investment portfolios. In terms of technological means, intelligent digital integration could be the solution to problems arising from long-cycle, large-scale and cross-category investment as well as mass customers. Empowering asset management across the business chain with intelligent digitalization will reshape the efficiency and quality of value creation. On the product front, pension target funds can better translate fund returns into customer returns. Such funds enable long-term steady pension investment and are an appropriate default choice for the investment of private pension accounts when combined with individuals lifecycle. Results show that pension target funds are ushering in a rapid development period on the back of solid performance and good control over risks and retracement. By the end of 2021, pension target funds exceeded RMB110 billion. Second, we need to expand long-term sustainable fund sources for the third pillar The development of the third pillar should be consistent with the goal of common prosperity, highlighting inclusiveness and covering as many people as possible. However, pure tax benefits offer insufficient incentives to the middle and low-income groups, as confirmed by the pilot launch of the third pillar in an early stage. Overseas experience shows that, in addition to tax benefits, supporting the flexible transfer of private pensions between different pillars can play a significant role in promoting the development of the third pillar. We recommend opening up the transfer channel between corporate annuity, occupational annuity and private pension accounts. Third, further efforts should be made to tap into ESG investment to share long-term sustainable development dividends Sustainable, high-quality development of society is a key to long-term returns on pension investment. The application of ESG strategies in pension investment has become a prevailing trend because ESG strategies are highly compatible with the characteristics of pension investment being long-term and risk-averse as well as a comprehensive metric for social returns. In addition to financial statements, ESG investment will measure the non-financial risks faced by enterprises. Those with poor ESG performance in investment portfolios will incur material risk exposure. ESG investment eliminates the tail risk in portfolios by evaluating the value of enterprises on all fronts. Both environmental and social problems can only be addressed through major technological innovations in the long run. In this process, there will certainly be key technological breakthroughs and industrial upgrades, delivering long-term alpha returns in EGS investment strategies. ESG investment will also consider spillover costs caused by enterprises to society, re-examine the value creation and allocation of enterprises to society, and truly screen out outstanding enterprises that can create both economic and social value. Institutional investors can allocate resources through ESG strategies or participate in corporate governance to improve corporate quality, so as to promote high-quality and sustainable development of society. Finally, mutual funds should further improve long-term sustainable asset management capabilities for better pension management Essentially, pension management is to deal with the long-term cross-category allocation of funds. Mutual funds should enhance their response to changes and uncertainties and build the capability for sustainable asset management. China Southern Fund Management Co., Ltd. (Southern Asset Management), one of the first fund management companies approved in China, has remained true to its original aspiration and continued efforts for 24 years. It has taken an active part in and promoted the development of Chinas mutual fund industry. Since 2002 when it was enlisted as an investment manager for National Social Security Fund (NSSF), Southern Asset Management has been deeply involved in the pension field for almost 20 years, and is dedicated to providing one-stop lifecycle management of pension assets. By the end of 2021, the company registered more than RMB350 billion of pension assets under management, deemed as a trustworthy and creditable manager by the National Council for Social Security Fund (NCSSF) as well as corporate annuity, occupational annuity and pension target fund customers. Looking ahead, we will further implement top-down design for high-quality development of the pension industry and grow into an everlasting century-old company. The construction of the third pillar has been rolled out. We are fully aware of our responsibility and social expectations for us. We will keep our mission of continuously creating value for clients firmly in mind and strive to blaze a trail for mutual funds to serve the national pension scheme. Thank you! Company Name: China Southern Asset Management Contact Person: Si Chen Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.southernfund.com/en/ Source: China Southern Asset Management FILE PHOTO: Ericsson logo is seen at its headquarters in Stockholm, Sweden June 14, 2018. REUTERS/Olof Swahnberg STOCKHOLM (Reuters) - Ericsson on Thursday closed its $6.2 billion Vonage acquisition, nearly a month after it was delayed due to a pending investigation by a U.S. national security panel. The Swedish telecom gear maker is looking to tap Vonage's communication platform to help developers create applications using network information, user authentication, bandwidth, responsiveness, energy efficiency, security and reliability. Vonage will operate as an independent unit of Ericsson and its CEO Rory Read will join the Swedish's company's executive team. First announced in November, Vonage was the largest deal in Ericsson's history, and a follow-up to its $1.1 billion Cradlepoint buy as the company is looking to boost its presence in wireless enterprise networks and communication platforms. Ericsson plans to invest more in these two businesses and will also look for acquisitions, CTO Erik Ekudden said in a Reuters interview. Vonage deal will add to earnings from 2024. (Reporting by Supantha Mukherjee in Stockholm; editing by Niklas Pollard) Gossby is all set to help customers elevate their gifting game. From a wide range of sentimental gifts to exclusive offerings, the new collection leaves nothing to be desired. Louisville, Kentucky--(Newsfile Corp. - July 21, 2022) - Gossby today announced the launch of an exciting new collection of personalized gifts - its largest to date. The gifting platform has introduced a vast range of consumer goods where customers decide what goes on them. Gossby To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8203/131155_gossby.jpeg The new collection has classic items like mugs and t-shirts, alongside a range of trending products like pillows, custom watch bands, and wall art, including posters and canvasses. "In today's age, it is clear that there's no room for ordinary cookie-cutter presents. At Gossby, we want customers to be in complete control of creating unique gifts to their liking," stated Luan Do, co-founder, Gossby. The niche company envisions making personalized gifting accessible to everyone with its wide range of products and affordable pricing. Luan Do commented, "Gossby aims to ease the potential headaches that sometimes come with gifting. Hence, we strive not only to be a simple solution, but we also want to be cost-effective." Gossby's success can be attributed to its extreme attention to client servicing. The company constantly explores ways to address its buyers' pain points through new and evolving features. Sometimes when you customize a gift, it can be hard to picture how it will look once fully developed. To help buyers get a visual, Gossby also introduced a cutting-edge feature on their website. Before buying, buyers get to preview their gifts - in 3D, no less. As per a company official, "with this feature, buyers know what they are buying. With the help of a life-like rendering of their personalized gift, buyers also get a chance to see if they would like to change something." About Gossby: Established in 2016, Gossby is a personalized gifts platform that has reached over 1,000,000 customers. The company is headquartered in Singapore and has a warehouse in Louisville, KY, United States. Gossby's latest selection can be viewed here and on social media. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gossbyglobal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gossbyglobal/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/gossbyglobal Media Contact: Company name: GOSSBY GLOBAL PTE. LTD Co-Founder: Luan Do Address: 6901 Riverport Dr, Louisville, KY, 40258, United States Business email: [email protected] Phone: +1 (585) 366 8846 Website: https://gossby.com/ To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/131155 Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - July 21, 2022) - High Fusion Inc. (CSE: FUZN) ("High Fusion" or the "Company")announces that it has changed its auditors from Harbourside CPA LLP (the "Former Auditor") to BF Borgers CPA PC (the "Successor Auditor"). The Former Auditor resigned as the auditor of the Company effective July 14, 2021. The Company has appointed the Successor Auditor on July 18, 2021, until the next annual shareholders' meeting of the Company. The Company confirms that there were no reservations or modified opinions in the Former Auditor's reports on the Company's financial statements during the period that the Former Auditor acted as the Company's auditor. In addition, there are no reportable events including disagreements, consultations or unresolved issues (as defined in National Instrument 51-102 - Continuous Disclosure Obligations ("NI 51-102") between the Company and the Former Auditor. The Company's board of directors and audit committee each approved the resignation of the Former Auditor and the appointment of the Successor Auditor in place of the Former Auditor. In accordance with National Instrument 51-102, the Notice of Change of Auditor, together with the required letters from the Former Auditor and the Successor Auditor, have been reviewed by the audit committee and the board of directors and have been filed on SEDAR. About High Fusion Inc. High Fusion Inc. (formerly Nutritional High International Inc.) is focused on developing and manufacturing branded products in the cannabis industry with a specific focus on flower, pre-rolls, vapes, edibles and oil extracts for medical and adult recreational use. The Company operates and controls licenses in California, Colorado and Oregon. High Fusion has manufacturing, retail and grow operations in California through its acquisition of the business of OutCo and owns and operates oil extraction and edible manufacturing facilities in Colorado and Oregon. The Company's brand portfolio includes its award winning FL" edibles and vape production addition to the OutCo and Thrive brands recently acquired. The Company's OutCo and Thrive brands in California are distributed through Punch Edibles. For updates on the Company's activities and highlights of the Company's press releases and other media coverage, please visit www.high-fusion.com. For further information, please contact: High Fusion Inc. Robert Wilson, Chief Financial Officer 416-666-4005 Email: [email protected] Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Information: NEITHER THE CANADIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE NOR OTC MARKETS GROUP INC., NOR THEIR REGULATIONS SERVICES PROVIDERS HAVE REVIEWED OR ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE. This news release may contain forward-looking statements and information based on current expectations. These statements include statements regarding the development of the Company's business. These statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those implied by such statements. This forward-looking information reflects the Company's current beliefs and is based on information currently available to the Company and on assumptions the Company believes are reasonable. These assumptions include, but are not limited to: the ability of the Company to successfully execute its business plans; legal changes relating to the cannabis and psychedelic industries proceeding as anticipated; and the Company's continued response and ability to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic being consistent with, or better than, its ability and response to date. The Company's securities have not been registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or applicable state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold to, or for the account or benefit of, persons in the United States or "U.S. Persons", as such term is defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act, absent registration or an applicable exemption from such registration requirements. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in the United States or any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. Additionally, there are known and unknown risk factors which could 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 information contained herein. Such risks and other factors may include, but are not limited to: general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; general capital market conditions and market prices for securities; the actual results of the Company's future operations; competition; changes in legislation affecting the Company; obtaining and maintaining regulatory approvals including acquiring and renewing U.S. state, local or other licenses, the uncertainty of existing protection from U.S. federal or other prosecution, regulatory or political change such as changes in applicable laws and regulations, including U.S. state-law legalization, market and general economic conditions of the cannabis sector or otherwise; the timing and availability of external financing on acceptable terms; lack of qualified, skilled labour or loss of key individuals; risks related to the COVID-19 pandemic including various recommendations, orders and measures of governmental authorities to try to limit the pandemic, including travel restrictions, border closures, non-essential business closures, service disruptions, quarantines, self-isolations, shelters-in-place and social distancing, disruptions to markets, economic activity, financing, supply chains and sales channels, and a deterioration of general economic conditions including a possible national or global recession; and a deterioration of financial markets that could limit the Company's ability to obtain external financing. A description of additional risk factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking information can be found in the Company's disclosure documents on the SEDAR website at www.sedar.com. 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. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. Readers are further cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which they are placed will occur. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking information contained in this press release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking information contained in this press release represents the expectations of the Company as of the date of this press release and, accordingly, are subject to change after such date. However, 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 expressly required by applicable securities law. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/131527 Markham, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - July 21, 2022) - Mary Agrotechnologies Inc. (CSE: MARY) (OTCQB: MRRYF) ("Mary Agrotech" or "the Company") is pleased to announce that the Company entered a strategic partnership with Bright Seedbase (Shanghai) Technology Co., Ltd. ("Bright"), the vertical farming and cultivar R&D arm of China's Bright Food (Group) Co., Ltd. ("Bright Food"). Bright Food (officially Bright Food (Group) Co., Ltd.) is a multinational food and beverages manufacturing company headquartered in Shanghai, China. One of the largest China-based food manufacturing companies in the world, it grossed approximately USD $23.2 billion (RMB 155.7 billion) in revenue in 2020. Bright Food is also a majority shareholder of Israel's largest food manufacturer Tnuva and Australia's Manassen Foods. The partnership covers a range of subjects including: R&D in cultivation of various kinds of crops in controlled environment and vertical farms, such as vegetables, fruits, high-value crops (e.g. wasabi, vanilla, tea, tobacco), medicinal herbs, green fodder (e.g. alfalfa); Bright will consider Mary Agrotech as a preferred candidate in Bright's future vertical farming projects, partially or fully, in design, construction, renovation, and operation processes. As of July 21st, 2022, Mary Agrotech has worked with Bright on the Bright Seedbase Vertical Farming Pilot Campus and provided a vertical farm in a standard 20-foot container. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8037/131501_18e0d1d994bffbdb_002full.jpg "We are incredibly thrilled to work with one of the top conglomerates in China," said Frank Qin, CEO of the Company. "With interests in vertical farming and controlled-environment agriculture rapidly growing in China, we noticed Mary Agrotech's innovations - from AI-driven cultivation to smart hardware to management apps - give us many competitive advantages over other companies in the country." About Mary Agrotechnologies Inc. (CSE: MARY) (OTCQB: MRRYF) On a mission to bring food self-sufficiency to every community on this planet, Mary Agrotechnologies Inc. is an agricultural technology company that develops, manufactures, and markets automated growing systems integrated with data-driven artificial intelligence. An integrated suite of hardware and software, the ag-tech company's proprietary automated growing systems make growing various kinds of crops substantially more sustainable, predictable, consistent, and cost-effective. For both at-home growers and commercial indoor operators, the technology platform makes cultivation independent from local climate, which makes farming agnostic of geographical location and season. Find out more at www.mary.ag For further information, please contact: Frank Qin, Chief Executive Officer Tel: +1 (844) 504-5234 Email: [email protected] FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION Certain information in this press release is forward-looking within the meaning of certain securities laws, and is subject to important risks, uncertainties and assumptions, a description of which is set out in the risk factors section of the Company's Management Discussion and Analysis for the year ended September 30, 2021 which is filed with Canadian securities regulators and available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. The forward-looking information contained in this press release presents the expectations of the company as of the date of this press release and, accordingly, is subject to change after such date. Readers should not place undue importance on forward-looking information and should not rely upon this information as of any other date. While the company may elect to, the company does not undertake to update this information at any particular time, except as required by applicable securities legislation. The CSE does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/131501 Washington, D.C.--(Newsfile Corp. - July 21, 2022) - The Securities and Exchange Commission today announced insider trading charges against a former Coinbase product manager, his brother, and his friend for perpetrating a scheme to trade ahead of multiple announcements regarding certain crypto assets that would be made available for trading on the Coinbase platform. The SECs complaint alleges that, while employed at Coinbase, Ishan Wahi helped to coordinate the platforms public listing announcements that included what crypto assets or tokens would be made available for trading. According to the SECs complaint, Coinbase treated such information as confidential and warned its employees not to trade on the basis of, or tip others with, that information. However, from at least June 2021 to April 2022, in breach of his duties, Ishan repeatedly tipped the timing and content of upcoming listing announcements to his brother, Nikhil Wahi, and his friend, Sameer Ramani. Ahead of those announcements, which usually resulted in an increase in the assets prices, Nikhil Wahi and Ramani allegedly purchased at least 25 crypto assets, at least nine of which were securities, and then typically sold them shortly after the announcements for a profit. The long-running insider trading scheme generated illicit profits totaling more than $1.1 million. "We are not concerned with labels, but rather the economic realities of an offering," said Gurbir S. Grewal, Director of the SECs Division of Enforcement. "In this case, those realities affirm that a number of the crypto assets at issue were securities, and, as alleged, the defendants engaged in typical insider trading ahead of their listing on Coinbase. Rest assured, well continue to ensure a level playing field for investors, regardless of the label placed on the securities involved." In nearly a year, the defendants collectively earned over $1.1 million in illegal profits by engaging in an alleged insider trading scheme that repeatedly used material, nonpublic information to trade ahead of Coinbase listing announcements, said Carolyn M. Welshhans, Acting Chief of the Enforcement Divisions Crypto Assets and Cyber Unit. As todays case demonstrates, whether in equities, options, crypto assets, or other securities, we will vindicate our mission by identifying and combatting insider trading in securities wherever we see it. The SECs complaint, filed in federal district court in Seattle, Washington, charges Ishan Wahi, Nikhil Wahi, and Ramani with violating the antifraud provisions of the securities laws and seeks permanent injunctive relief, disgorgement with prejudgment interest, and civil penalties. In a parallel action, the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Southern District of New York today announced criminal charges against all three individuals. The SECs investigation, which is ongoing, was conducted by Michael Brennan, Jennie B. Krasner, and Gregory Padgett, with assistance from Patrick McCluskey and Donald Battle. The case was supervised by Paul Kim, Joseph Sansone, Chief of the Market Abuse Unit, and Ms. Welshhans. The litigation will be led by Daniel Maher and Peter Lallas and supervised by Olivia Choe. The SEC appreciates the assistance of the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Southern District of New York and the FBI. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - July 21, 2022) - SoLVBL Solutions Inc.(CSE: SOLV) (OTCQB: SOLBF) ("SoLVBL" or the "Company"), an innovative cybersecurity company that provides immutable data authentication using advanced cryptography on a SaaS based model, is pleased to announce the successful completion of the User Experience / User Interface design project with KRFTWRK Inc. The Company has now entered into a Product Development agreement with Bit Complete Inc. ("Bit Complete"), a Toronto, Ontario based leading digital product design and development company, to develop an administrative web application that will provide an enhanced user experience for SoLVBL's cybersecurity and data authentication products. Jim Slinowsky, head of product development for SoLVBL, will be leading the software development in collaboration with Bit Complete. SoLVBL plans to rapidly roll out new cybersecurity and data authentication products in 2022. With the product design, including unique user experience, wire-framing and high-fidelity design protypes completed, SoLVBL is ready to develop its Q Admin software in collaboration with Bit Complete. This will allow SoLVBL to ensure the new cybersecurity products are supported by a best in class on-boarding and account management experience. "We are very excited to be working with Bit Complete to develop an enhanced, scalable and intuitive account management application for our institutional and corporate clients," said Kaiser Akbar, President & CEO of SoLVBL. "SoLVBL is at the forefront of the rapidly changing data authentication and cybersecurity landscape, and Bit Complete looks forward to partnering with SoLVBL as they obtain a leadership position in this space," said Dylan Trotter, President of Bit Complete. You can authenticate your data before use with Q by SoLVBL". Q by SoLVBL" allows you to create Trust, Fast. If you have data worth forging, it's worth protecting with Q by SoLVBL". About Bit Complete Inc. Bit Complete is a Toronto-based software firm focused on high-quality, iterative product development. The Company does this through rapid prototyping, building software products from scratch, and helping early-stage products gain momentum by building features and infrastructure. The Company specializes in API-driven web and mobile applications. SoLVBL Solutions Inc. SoLVBL is an innovative cybersecurity and data authentication company. The Company's mission is to empower, better, faster decisions by developing a universal standard for establishing digital record authenticity. Q by SoLVBL", is a proprietary technology platform of the Company, designed to be easy to use and adopt, economically priced and provide digital record authentication at very high speed. Q by SoLVBL" allows organizations to establish trust in their data. The Company is currently pursuing the following verticals: chain of custody for digital evidence; including, NG-911, data used in the financial sector, medical applications and critical IoT infrastructures. For Further Information, Contact: SoLVBL Solutions Inc. Kaiser Akbar, President & CEO 100 King Street West, Suite 5700 Toronto, ON, M5X 1C7 E: [email protected] Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Information The CSE has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release. NEITHER THE CSE NOR ITS MARKET REGULATOR (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE CSE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE. CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION: This news release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that involves discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts", "estimates", "believes" or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: the ability of the Company to successfully achieve its business objectives, including, the implementation and success of Q by SoLVBL", and expectations for other economic, business and/or competitive, factors. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release. Except as required by law, SoLVBL assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by law. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities described herein in the United States. The securities described herein have not been registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or any state securities law and may not be offered or sold in the "United States", as such term is defined in Regulation S promulgated under the U.S. Securities Act, unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration requirements is available. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/131523 Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - July 21, 2022) - Wakefield Canada announces the launch of Castrol ON", Castrol's new range of e-Fluids for electric mobility including e-Greases, e-Thermal Fluids, and e-Transmission Fluids. Developed in close collaboration with industry partners including the Jaguar Racing Formula E Team, Castrol ON e-Fluid technologies were tested to the limit on the racetrack before they ever reached the road. Wakefield Canada Inc. introduces Castrol ON EV fluids to the Canadian market To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8968/131543_5d8ac04bc47aeab7_001full.jpg "Castrol has a long history of innovating and delivering cutting-edge solutions for emerging technologies," said Hasan Zobairi, VP Marketing, Wakefield Canada. "The new Castrol ON range offers OEM partners and consumers a full range of advanced e-Fluids to meet the challenging technical demands of current and future electric vehicles." Castrol ON: a new era for electric vehicles Castrol has developed a range of e-Fluids to meet the needs of vehicle manufacturers. The company says two out of three of the world's major manufacturers are using Castrol e-Fluids as the factory-fill. From transmission fluids to greases and thermal fluids, Castrol ON enables electric vehicles to run smoothly, efficiently and stay cool. "With Castrol ON, we're helping Canada's automotive industry lead the transition to electronic vehicles," says Shannon Spano, VP Sales, Wakefield Canada. "We're deepening partnerships with our customers by bringing world-class Castrol ON EV fluids to the Canadian market." The new Castrol ON product line-up allows electronic vehicles to go further, faster, longer with greater efficiency, cooler batteries and extended life. The three available e-fluids are: Castrol ON, e-Greases: Castrol ON, e-Greases play a vital role in maintaining optimum efficiency and extending the life of components.1 Castrol ON, e-Thermal Fluids: Castrol ON, battery e-Thermal Fluids improve thermal management, keeping batteries cooler and at more stable temperatures even in extreme conditions.2 Castrol ON, e-Transmission Fluids: Castrol ON, e-Transmission Fluids deliver enhanced drivetrain protection, improve efficiency, help EVs go further on a single charge and work to extend the overall life of the drivetrain system.3 Castrol's study, Accelerating the EVolution, revealed that collaboration and consumer education is the key to achieving the tipping points to mainstream EV adoption: vehicle price, charge time, range. Castrol supports the EVolution with Castrol ON e-Fluids designed to improve EV performance, efficiency and battery life. Castrol provides the oils, fluids and lubricants the world needs, for every driver, every rider and every industry. It's more than just oil. It's liquid engineering. For more information visit castrol.ca . -30- 1 vs mass market EV factory fill fluid 2 vs indirect cooled battery system 3 vs standard EV-transmission fluid About Wakefield Wakefield was founded in June 2005, and is a unique Canadian-owned business success story. The company operates a manufacturing & distribution facility in Toronto, Ontario, with distribution centres in Edmonton, Laval, Moncton, Vancouver and Winnipeg-providing a complete, coast-to-coast footprint. Wakefield's brand portfolio includes Castrol premium lubricants as its cornerstone brand and business, along with Wakefield branded lubricants and SuperClean, a line of cleaners and degreasers, for which Wakefield is the exclusive trading partner in Canada. Castrol and Wakefield branded lubricants are made in Canada. Wakefield Canada produces 85-90 percent of lubricant market demand at its Longbranch facility and manages the entire distribution process, right down to the last mile of delivery. Wakefield Canada offers sales, marketing and distribution solutions to more than 5,000 customers including retailers, warehouse distributors, automotive and heavy-duty aftermarket distributors and service providers, OEMs; franchise dealers, heavy-equipment operators, as well as heavy-duty and municipal fleets. Visit wakefieldcanada.ca for more information. About Castrol: Castrol, a global leader in lubricant technology, serves consumers in over 140 countries. Our leadership brands include Castrol GTX - a premium conventional motor oil; Castrol GTX High-Mileage" - a premium synthetic blend designed for vehicles with over 120,000 km; the Castrol EDGE line of advanced full-synthetic super premium motor oils that offer unsurpassed strength and performance;/as well as our range of commercial transport lubricants. For more information, contact NEAT Agency: David Weinstein, [email protected] Download high resolution image here. Facebook: @castrolcanada Twitter: @castrolcanada NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/131543 YEREVAN, JULY 21, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan sent a congratulatory message to Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Belgium Alexander De Croo on the occasion of the Belgian National Day, the Armenian PMs Office said. The message reads as follows, Your Excellency, I warmly congratulate you and the friendly people of Belgium on the occasion of the National Day of the Kingdom of Belgium. I attach great importance to the continuous development and strengthening of interstate relations based on traditional friendship between the peoples of Armenia and Belgium. In March this year, the Republic of Armenia and the Kingdom of Belgium celebrated the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, which is another occasion to evaluate our commitments based on a common system of values and principles, to further develop our cooperation in the future, to contribute to the establishment of peace and sustainable development in the European family and around the world. I am sure that through joint efforts, the mutually beneficial cooperation between Armenia and Belgium will continue to develop and expand in bilateral and multilateral formats, including within the framework of the Armenia-EU Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement. Taking this opportunity, I cordially invite you to visit Armenia at any time convenient for you. I wish you good health and all the best, and further prosperity and progress to your country. Please accept, Your Excellency, the assurance of my highest consideration. The nursing shortage in the US was prevalent long before the pandemic hit, but it was nowhere near as widespread as it is today. Throughout the pandemic, nurse burnout, stress, and workplace overload were brought to the forefront, colliding with the true passion that nurses have for helping their patients. The nursing profession has had a difficult go in recent years, and as a result, more nurses are leaving the field, retiring, and finding better work and life balance elsewhere. With its innovative technology platform, Overture is aiming to reduce the disparity of nursing shortages by bringing healthcare providers and nurses together under a new paradigm. Pre-pandemic, the U.S Bureau of Labor projected the need for 1.1 million new RNs for expansion and replacement of retirees to avoid nursing shortages by 2022. Today, the US is still far from meeting that original forecasted need for nurses and the reality is that a much greater shortfall exists than what was projected then. Burnout, stress, workplace overload, and a lack of educators at the college level all amount to today's shortfall being close to double that projection. A large number of US hospitals now have limited nursing staff to care for their patients, causing them to be unable to fill their hospital beds. In addition, hospital top line revenues have been negatively affected by the nursing shortage. As a result of this shortage, third-party temp and per diem agencies are taking advantage of healthcare providers by charging extremely high hourly rates, sometimes over three times the normal rates. With the number of nurses dramatically declining, revenues are decreasing, expenses are rising, and are all putting pressure on patient care. Solutions to date have not been effective or scalable. Operating with a slogan directed to nurses to balance your lifestyle with your work style, and a clear message to healthcare providers to reduce your operating costs while gaining maximum shift coverage, Overture is ready to solve many aspects of these problems. Rich Rosenzweig, Founder of Overture, says, "We must address the root causes of the current nursing shortage first. We have to greatly reduce what is causing burnout, reduce stress, and give our nurses a much better lifestyle and work style balance. We need to adopt this paradigm and introduce it into every aspect of a nurses career starting as early as our nursing school and college education system. From there, we need to work with our healthcare providers to ensure that there can be enough nurses to cover their shift requirements if they are willing to embrace the new reality of a lifestyle and work style balance, and the flexibility nurses are looking for. A signing bonus as a solution is a nice thing, but it doesnt address the root cause of the problem, says Rosenzweig, a signing bonus is a band-aid with a short-term effect. Rosenzweig says In Baltimore, Chicago, Atlanta, and five major cities in Texas, we already have hundreds of qualified candidates with profiles created in the Overture system who are ready to start working under the umbrella of a lifestyle and work-style balance. By participating in our program, employers gain a significant advantage: By joining us, healthcare employers can confidently fill their shifts well into the future with exceptionally qualified nurses who are passionate about patient care but need a better work-life balance. Currently, the Overture group of nurses is growing at a rate equal to 4,000 per month. From this group, healthcare employers can express interest and arrange interviews through the Overture process resulting in an employer authorization given to the nurse. Open shifts posted in Overture are instantly presented to those authorized nurses and are immediately claimed, all through the Overture app. GPS-tracking (think Uber) turns on prior to the start of the shift and allows healthcare providers to see that nurses that have claimed upcoming shifts are on time and in the right place. Checking in and out, shift performance rating, and a seamless operating system managing it all are just a few of the healthcare employer benefits, not to mention a strong reduction in operating costs for the employer. Nurses gain many benefits, including higher hourly rates, working at the facilities of their choice, and claiming their choice of shifts, which provides a much better life and work balance. Upon completion of their shift, nurses are paid in as little as 24 hours. By addressing the pain points of both healthcare employers and nurses, the Overture system allows healthcare facilities to bring on verified and professional nurses with ease and helps to eliminate frustration and burnout in the nursing community by providing this flexibility. By ensuring qualified staff are on board and ready to care for patients 24/7, Overture helps to ensure that patients receive the best care possible. Overture is neither a staffing nor a per diem agency. Overture is a system and a process adopted by the healthcare provider with the Overture team behind it providing support and service As a fully cloud-based HIPAA-compliant provider, Overture offers state-of-the-art functionality and ease-of-use both on laptops, desktops, as well as on their proprietary app, which is the hub of the system. Overture keeps patient care the focus of healthcare employers by ensuring that the nursing resource is available and affordable. It also ensures that the disheartened nurse population receives much-deserved recognition, higher pay rates, shift and facility control, and a chance to establish a healthy lifestyle and work style balance. In this way, Overture is addressing the root causes of the nursing shortage. With decades of experience building adaptive and paradigm-changing processes in the healthcare arena, Rosenzweig has taken on solving the nursing shortage problem in the United States with this platform and process. About Us: About Overture By utilizing a cloud-based and HIPAA-compliant system that enables state-of-the-art functionality, Overture keeps patient care at the center of healthcare employers' priorities by ensuring that nursing resources are available, and the costs associated with obtaining those resources are much more affordable than what they are paying third-party agencies today. Furthermore, Overture aids the disheartened nurse population to achieve their well-deserved recognition, higher pay rates, shift and facility control, and a chance to establish a healthier lifestyle. Using Overture, healthcare facilities can easily vet potential candidates while attracting more candidates back to or joining the nursing profession in the US. Due to Overture's full shift nursing coverage, Healthcare providers enjoy tremendous benefits in terms of reducing operating costs and increasing top-line revenues. The team at Overture includes: Rich Rosenzweig (Founder), Sunthar Tharma (Engineering), Dr. Vafa Shayani (Chief Medical Officer-Healthcare), and Dr. Sunny Patel, (Chief Medical Officer- Dentistry) along with a very talented group of seasoned engineers, business development individuals, client services, onboarding, and training staff. Contact Info: Name: Rich Rosenzweig Email: Send Email Organization: Overture Address: Atlanta, Georgia Phone: 470-358-5781 Website: https://overturexl.com/ Release ID: 89078714 If you detect any issues, problems, or errors in this press release content, kindly contact [email protected] to notify us. We will respond and rectify the situation in the next 8 hours. Skilled legal executive brings strategic expertise to company's leadership team PLANO, Texas, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Aimbridge Hospitality, a leading global hospitality company, has welcomed legal executive and industry veteran Mark Chloupek to the role of Chief Legal Officer. This hire represents another example of Aimbridge's continued dedication to infuse top industry talent within its leadership team and to provide unparalleled services to its owners. "We welcome Mark to our executive leadership team in this invaluable role of providing strategic legal leadership," said Michael J. Deitemeyer, Aimbridge president & CEO. "As Aimbridge continues to evolve, it is critical for us to have an experienced executive like Mark who will assist us in navigating growth opportunities." Chloupek brings 23 years of experience in hospitality with companies ranging from ownership and management to franchising, including eight years as general counsel for public companies. Chloupek most recently served as EVP, Secretary and General Counsel of CorePoint Lodging, where he oversaw all legal and related matters of the company, corporate governance, strategic transactions, executive compensation, risk management, and litigation. He also led the sale of CorePoint to a joint venture between Highgate and Cerberus Capital Management. Prior to CorePoint Lodging, Chloupek served as EVP, Secretary and General Counsel of La Quinta Holdings, where he led the company's initial public offering and its subsequent spin-off in 2018, resulting in the publicly-traded CorePoint Lodging REIT. Earlier in his career, Chloupek served as Chief Counsel of Operations for Wyndham International, where he provided critical legal advice and oversight in the sale of Wyndham International to affiliates of The Blackstone Group. He received his B.A. in economics from the College of William and Mary and his Juris Doctorate from the University of Virginia School of Law. "The hospitality industry is facing unique challenges and opportunities that require creative solutions and my experience with helping build and transform companies will translate into driving growth and performance," Chloupek said. "Aimbridge is the prominent partner for owners within the industry, and I look forward to working closely with the leadership team to develop strategies that address the nuances of the industry today." To learn more about Aimbridge Hospitality, visit aimbridgehospitality.com. About Aimbridge Hospitality Aimbridge Hospitality is a leading, global hospitality company with a growing hotel portfolio representing more than 1,500 properties in 50 states and 23 countries, inclusive of pipeline. As a top hotel management company and trusted operator of over 80 lodging brands and distinctive luxury and lifestyle assets, Aimbridge leverages its scale and operational excellence to consistently deliver results for hotel owners and offer unparalleled opportunities for associates around the globe. Aimbridge adds value through focused, expertise-driven operating divisions in Full Service, Evolution Lifestyle, Enhanced Select Service, and Select Service, optimizing owners' investment returns and driving hotel market success. The Aimbridge EMEA Division has supporting offices across Europe in Amsterdam, Birmingham, and Glasgow. The Aimbridge LatAm Division has offices in Monterrey and Mexico City. Aimbridge Hospitality's global headquarters is based in Plano, Texas. To learn more, visit www.aimbridgehospitality.com. Connect with Aimbridge on LinkedIn. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/aimbridge-hospitality-names-mark-chloupek-chief-legal-officer-301590971.html SOURCE Aimbridge Hospitality Powered by U-Haul, the growing program offers moving services to more than 350 schools PHOENIX, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Collegeboxes will help more students move back to school in 2022 than ever before, and the families who plan ahead will find added savings this week when utilizing a special discount. Students who sign up for Collegeboxes' Ship to School service and use the code "BACK2SCHOOL" through July 29 will receive 10% off their moving services at Collegeboxes.com. Orders can also be placed by calling (866) 269-4887. "Collegeboxes has seen a 40% increase in the number of students using our service to move their items to campus," stated Dain Howell, Director of Collegeboxes. "This means a record number of families are looking for new and better ways to approach back-to-school moving. With higher prices on gas, airplane tickets and hotel rooms, Collegeboxes helps families avoid those financial hurdles by providing a white-glove service at an affordable price." Collegeboxes, a division of U-Haul, can deliver items to students in two ways: The Collegeboxes team delivers boxes directly to the student's dorm or residence the day they move in. Or now, with Pre-arrival Delivery, Collegeboxes works directly with the student's school personnel to deliver items to dorm rooms in the days before the student arrives. "Pre-arrival Delivery cuts down on the chaos and stress of moving day," Howell noted. "This option is increasingly popular because both families and schools benefit from our contactless delivery service. With Pre-arrival Delivery, students can move to campus with just a backpack. Once they get their room key and open the door, they'll see their items already in the room." Collegeboxes expects more than 7,000 students to utilize its moving services upon returning to school in 2022. More than 350 schools currently enjoy the benefits of full-service moving for their students with Collegeboxes. Additionally, Collegeboxes provides a direct shipping service at another 990 schools throughout the U.S. Full-service schools have access to school-scheduled dates for Collegeboxes specialists to assist students; pickup times from dorm rooms; loading and unloading boxes; barcoding boxes for easy tracking; reporting for students to follow their items; storage at secure local U-Haul facilities; and domestic and international shipping. Students at all other schools can still utilize Collegeboxes' direct shipping service and track their shipment using their Collegeboxes account. Since 1999, Collegeboxes has provided proven results for schools when it comes to the difficulties of move-in and move-out day. Student communications go through Collegeboxes not the school so administrations are never burdened. Students gain peace of mind knowing Collegeboxes assumes all liability for possessions once they are in the care of the local team, while also using a service that integrates social distancing during a busy, crowded time. About U-HAUL Since 1945, U-Haul has been the No. 1 choice of do-it-yourself movers, with a network of more than 23,000 locations across all 50 states and 10 Canadian provinces. U-Haul Truck Share 24/7 offers secure access to U-Haul trucks every hour of every day through the customer dispatch option on their smartphones and our proprietary Live Verify technology. Our customers' patronage has enabled the U-Haul fleet to grow to approximately 186,000 trucks, 128,000 trailers and 46,000 towing devices. U-Haul is the third largest self-storage operator in North America and offers 876,000 rentable storage units and 75.1 million square feet of self-storage space at owned and managed facilities. U-Haul is the largest retailer of propane in the U.S., and continues to be the largest installer of permanent trailer hitches in the automotive aftermarket industry. U-Haul has been recognized repeatedly as a leading "Best for Vets" employer and was recently named one of the 15 Healthiest Workplaces in America. Contact: Andrea Batchelor Jeff Lockridge E-mail: [email protected] Phone: 602-263-6981 Website: uhaul.com View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/back-to-school-7-000-students-to-rely-on-collegeboxes-for-campus-moves-301590785.html SOURCE U-Haul Kelson Row - Mixed Use Development Underway ROCKY HILL, Conn., July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Belfonti Companies recently purchased a 12.65 acre site which formerly housed the now defunct Ames headquarters in Rocky Hill, CT. The land loan with Bankwell Bank (www.mybankwell.com) closed in June of 2022. Bob Palermo, the Senior Vice President of Commercial Lending for Bankwell, said that this is the second loan that Bankwell has done with the Belfonti Companies. "We previously provided a construction loan for Michael Belfonti's project in Cromwell, and we are pleased to be working with his team again as the lender for this new venture in Rocky Hill," said Mr. Palermo. The developer (Belfonti) plans to erect a mixed use residential and commercial property on the site which will include 213 residential units, 5,000 square feet of office space, and 15,000 square feet of retail. Demolition of the Ames building is already underway, and the Belfonti team has been busy with an extensive branding and interior design process that has included input from Rocky Hill town officials as well as two professional companies: Stantec (www.stantec.com) and Helen Piteo Interiors (www.helenpiteointeriors.com). By unanimous decision, the new residential development will be called "Kelson Row" and the retail portion will be called "The Shoppes at Kelson Row". "The choice of name comes from the town of Rocky Hill's historical significance as a ship-building community," said Ray Carpentino, the Economic Development Director for the Town of Rocky Hill. "The word 'kelson' is a derivative of 'keelson', which is the reinforcing structural member or backbone on top of the keel in the hull of a wooden vessel," he explained. "We liked the name because it is our expectation that Kelson Row will be a supporting member strengthening the entire Rocky Hill community," added Lisa Marotta, the Mayor of the town of Rocky Hill. Belfonti has also chosen the well-known professional firms Studio Architects (www.studioarchitects.us) for the architectural services and SLR Consulting (www.slrconsulting.com) for the engineering services for Kelson Row. "These professional teams will help us to deliver yet another 'best in class' residential and retail community," said the developer, Michael Belfonti. About Belfonti Companies: Belfonti Companies, LLC (headquartered in Hamden, Connecticut) actively pursues real estate development and investment opportunities throughout the United States and internationally. Belfonti Companies is a family of organizations that focus on investment, development and management of real estate, thus playing a significant and multi-faceted role in the real estate market. Under the leadership of Michael Belfonti (the company's founder, President and CEO), the company has successfully owned and managed millions of square feet of real estate over the years and has completed billions of dollars' worth of transactions. At the present time the group's portfolio contains a wide variety of assets including residential apartment communities, office buildings, retail centers and industrial parks. www.belfonti.com Belfonti Companies, LLC2319 Whitney Avenue, Suite 1AHamden, CT 06518Phone: (203) 230-1600Fax: (203) 281-3366 View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/belfonti-companies-building-mixed-use-development-in-rocky-hill-301591262.html SOURCE Belfonti Companies, LLC The Fulshear location is Black Rock's sixth store opening in Texas in seven months PORTLAND, Ore., July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Black Rock Coffee Bar continues to build momentum in Texas with the opening of a new store in the west Houston suburb of Fulshear. Set to open its doors on Friday, July 29th, this new location is the second store to open in the area and becomes the seventh Black Rock store to open in the Houston region. This announcement comes just one month after the boutique coffee chain launched a store in Pearland, just 45 minutes away. Located at 5770 FM 1463 in the Crosscreek Commons community of Fulshear, Black Rock Coffee Bar will celebrate its grand opening by offering all customers free 16 oz. drinks all day on July 29th at this location as well as other specials throughout the following week. "The Fulshear area is a thriving community and has become one of the best places to live in Texas," said Josh Pike, CEO of Black Rock Coffee Bar. "To launch six stores in Texas in seven months is proof positive that the great Lone Star State is a significant growth opportunity for us. We are grateful to be able to serve this community by delivering great coffee, engaging with our customers and building long-lasting relationships." In addition to grand opening specials, Black Rock will be celebrating Fuel Week August 5th through August 11th. Since launching their own line of premium energy drinks, Fuel has been a fan favorite. Guests will be able to try a variety of featured popular Fuel flavors August 5th through the 11th for only $2. For more information on Fuel week, be sure to follow Black Rock Coffee Bar on Instagram or Facebook. Founded in Oregon, Black Rock Coffee Bar is known for its premium roasted coffees, teas, smoothies and flavorful Fuel energy drinks - all prepared and served by a Black Rock team of baristas that elevate the Black Rock Coffee Bar experience with exceptional customer service. With more than 100 stores across seven states, the approximately 2,000 square-foot Fulshear location incorporates Black Rock's signature industrial modern design and features a large Texas-themed mural that is designed to connect to the region. Founded in 2008 in Portland, Oregon, an area of the Pacific Northwest known for its coffee excellence, Black Rock Coffee Bar continues its rapid expansion through the west and into the sunbelt, including Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Oregon, Texas and Washington. The boutique coffee chain recently was named the Fastest Growing Private Company in Oregon and SW Washington in 2021 by the Portland Business Journal. The Black Rock culture prides itself on providing opportunities for young people to learn how to lead, run a business, and develop people skills. About Black Rock Coffee Bar Black Rock Coffee Bar is a national boutique coffee shop that is known for its premium roasted coffees, teas, smoothies and flavorful Fuel energy drinks. Founded as a family owned and operated business in Oregon in 2008, Black Rock Coffee Bar has grown to more than 100 retail locations in seven states. The Black Rock culture prides itself on not only being a positive force for the communities it serves, but also the team members that fuel their locations day in and day out. An important aspect of their team mission is to recognize those that go above and beyond by displaying the 4G's of Black Rock grit, growth, gratitude and grace. For more information, visit https://br.coffee/ View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/black-rock-coffee-bar-is-set-to-open-a-new-store-in-fulshear-texas-301591452.html SOURCE Black Rock Coffee Bar FARNBOROUGH, United Kingdom, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Cargolux today announced that Europe's largest all-cargo airline has selected the 777-8 Freighter as the preferred solution to replace its 747-400 fleet. The selection was announced at the Farnborough International Airshow. "With the 777-8 Freighter being the preferred solution to replace our 747-400s, Cargolux is looking forward to continuing its ongoing relationship with Boeing," said Richard Forson, president and CEO of Cargolux. The 777-8 Freighter is ideally suited for operators like Cargolux, creating a more sustainable and profitable future. With nearly identical payload and range capabilities as the 747-400 Freighter, the 777-8 Freighter will provide 30% better fuel efficiency and emissions and 25% better operating costs per tonne as the airplane to replace aging large freighters later this decade. "With the selection of our newest freighter as their preferred solution, Cargolux continues its long and enduring history with Boeing, integrating the 777-8F seamlessly into the airline's all-747 cargo operations," said Stan Deal, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "With its investment in the 777-8 Freighter, Cargolux will operate the most advanced, fuel-efficient, twin-engine freighter in the industry. The 777-8 Freighter significantly reduces CO2 emissions compared to previous models with a reduced noise footprint, helping to advance Cargolux's commitment to sustainable operations." Boeing launched the 777-8 Freighter in January and has booked more than 50 orders for the model. With advanced technology from the new 777X family and proven performance of the market-leading 777 Freighter, the 777-8 Freighter offers the highest payload and the lowest fuel use, emissions and operating cost per tonne of any large freighter. Cargolux is the largest operator of Boeing widebody freighters in Europe with a combined total fleet of 30 747-400 and 747-8 Freighters. Boeing and Cargolux's partnership has spanned almost 50 years from 1973 when it received its first Douglas DC-8 Freighter before entering the jet age in 1977 with the delivery of its first 747, a 747-200 Freighter called 'City of Luxembourg'. The 2022 Boeing Commercial Market Outlook projects a 80% increase in the global freighter fleet through 2041, including approximately 940 new widebody freighters such as the new 777-8 Freighter. First delivery of the 777-8 Freighter is anticipated in 2027. Cargolux, based in Luxembourg, is Europe's leading all-cargo airline operating a fleet of 30 Boeing 747-8 freighters and Boeing 747-400 freighters. The Cargolux worldwide network covers over 75 destinations on scheduled all-cargo flights and offers full and part-charter services. The company has more than 85 offices in over 50 countries and operates an extensive global trucking network to more than 250 destinations. With 50 years of experience in the air cargo industry and an extensive product portfolio, Cargolux provides tailored transport solutions for all types of shipments. As a responsible cargo carrier, Cargolux has developed a solid CSR program encompassing Environmental, Social, and Governance principles. The Cargolux Group employs close to 2,500 staff members worldwide. As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. As a top U.S. exporter, the company leverages the talents of a global supplier base to advance economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing's diverse team is committed to innovating for the future, leading with sustainability, and cultivating a culture based on the company's core values of safety, quality and integrity. Join our team and find your purpose at boeing.com/careers. Contact Keelan MorrisBoeing Communications (London)Mobile + 44(0)208 235 5664[email protected] Jessica KowalBoeing Media Relations Boeing Commercial Airplanes+1 206-660-6849[email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cargolux-selects-777-8-freighter-as-preferred-replacement-for-747-400-fleet-301590890.html SOURCE Boeing SAN RAMON, Calif., July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Lumin Digital announced today that Tennessee-based Cornerstone Financial Credit Union has signed a multi-year agreement for Lumin Digital's cloud-based online and mobile digital banking platform. Lumin will support Cornerstone's 45,000-plus members and $550 million in assets when the platform is launched in January 2023. A cloud-native digital banking platform, Lumin Digital will provide Cornerstone members with an integrated, customized experience that matches larger financial institutions' offerings. Focusing on service, user experience, safety, and security through sophisticated automation, Lumin Digital helps credit unions and financial institutions drive better engagement with their users through personalized recommendations. These include everything from spending insights and financial advice to fraud alerts and help with savings goals. Lumin also enables credit unions to provide users with real-time updates and new features that add value and simplify everyday banking. Headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, Cornerstone has been providing financial services to Tennesseans since 1955. "At Cornerstone, we strive to provide the most comprehensive and robust financial services possible, which starts with innovative products and technology for our members," said Donna Young, president and CEO of Cornerstone Financial Credit Union. "Lumin Digital's platform offers cutting-edge technology that matches with our seamless and personalized user experience." "Cornerstone's choice to partner with Lumin Digital is a perfect fit for their focus on member success. Lumin's platform will allow Cornerstone to continue to develop deep and lasting relationships with their members through their digital channels, through tailored tools, and resources specific to their individual financial needs," said Jeff Chambers, founder and CEO of Lumin Digital. About Lumin Digital Lumin Digital is a PSCU-majority-owned fintech company specializing in digital banking solutions. Through a fundamentally different approach to technology, service, and people, we're creating the next generation of financial solutions each and every day. Lumin helps credit unions and financial institutions build and deploy next-gen digital experiences that help to continually serve, engage, and grow their membership base. While other platforms are partially adapted or retrofitted for the cloud, Lumin is 100% cloud-native. It was built specifically for the cloud environment, allowing us to more fully realize the advantages it offers. It's a difference that financial institutions and their users will see and feel almost immediately. For more information, visit lumindigital.com. About Cornerstone Financial Credit Union Cornerstone Financial Credit Union was founded in 1955 by a group of visionary educators in Davidson County guided with the philosophy of people helping people. We've grown to over 45,000 members with assets of over $550 million. Our mission statement is "Caring financial advisors providing exceptional service for life". View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cornerstone-financial-credit-union-names-lumin-digital-as-enhanced-digital-banking-services-partner-301591163.html SOURCE Lumin Digital Decades of overseas manufacturing leadership strengthening Cornerstone Consulting TOLEDO, Ohio, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- After just four months on the job, Dan Linder is already bolstering Cornerstone Consulting's ability to guide domestic and foreign manufacturing clients out of crisis into new seasons of productivity and profitability. With nearly half of his thirty-plus years of experience in the automotive industry gained in overseas operations, he brings to bear a unique grasp of manufacturing process, corporate governance and the role of local culture in management. CCO welcomes Dan Linder to the team, with expertise in guiding domestic and foreign manufacturing clients out of crisis. "Dan has been on our radar for years as a leader who perfectly fits our culture and consulting methodology," said Bill Currence, CCO's President & Managing Partner. "As we expected, he's not only strengthening our relationships in North America and Europe, he's already laying the groundwork for us to deliver our pragmatic brand of insight to more companies in Asia." During a career spent building purpose-driven teams in the automotive manufacturing space, Linder's work locations ranged from Mexico and Hungary to Indonesia, India and China. Before joining CCO, he served as VP and GM of Yanfeng Automotive Interiors' North American business unit responsible for 24 manufacturing facilities in the US and Mexico. Previously, he was based in Shanghai, PRC as VP and GM of China for IAC. "Tariffs and supply chain woes notwithstanding, effective manufacturing is still a global undertaking that demands an understanding of local culture and bedrock leadership principals," said Linder, whose bachelor's in mechanical engineering from Michigan State and MBA from the University of Michigan belie his roots in America's manufacturing heartland. "Fortunately, CCO's 'roll up your sleeves and humbly solve the big problems first' approach transcends cultural differences." Linder's experience leading in the joint venture space is especially useful in CCO's consulting engagements that span companies from the shop floor to the c-suite. "When companies are in crisis, they often can't see past their next missed shipment or payment," continued Linder. "Our role is to get our clients healthy again with a mix of tools and techniques that we've applied in real time. Once our focus on correcting critical factors has them back in a stable space, we can shift our attention to the more complicated aspects of their business that can restore profitability and customer confidence. Learn more about the Cornerstone Consulting Organization at CCOConsulting.com. FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACTHannah Hartley, [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dan-linder-enhancing-ccos-global-reach-301591271.html SOURCE Cornerstone Consulting Organization IRVINE, Calif., July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Animal Dermatology Group, Inc. ("ADG"), the largest veterinary dermatology specialty business in the U.S., today announced that Dr. Julia Miller has joined ADG's Kentucky practice at its new facility, Animal Dermatology Clinic Louisville. Prior to joining ADG, Dr. Miller was the Assistant Clinical Professor in Dermatology at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. She received her veterinary medicine degree as well as completed her dermatology residency at Cornell and achieved diplomate status with the American College of Veterinary Dermatology in 2019. Dr. Miller was honored with the New York State Veterinary Conference Speaker of the Year in 2018, the Zoetis Distinguished Teacher Award in 2021 and has contributed significantly to published research in the fields of veterinary dermatology and equine medicine. "I'm excited to return to clinical practice and work with the ADG team," said Dr. Miller, "With my love for both companion animal and equine medicine, Louisville is the ideal place for me to make a difference in the health and quality of life of my patients." Dr. Miller's addition coincides with the grand opening of ADG's new practice location for Animal Dermatology Clinic Louisville, a 4,000 square foot state-of-the-art veterinary specialty facility dedicated to the advanced practice of veterinary dermatology and the management of acute and chronic skin and ear conditions in dogs, cats and horses. The Louisville practice serves as one of the leading centers for clinical practice and education in the area. Steve Mrha, ADG's Chief Executive Officer stated, "We are delighted to welcome Dr. Miller to our new Louisville facility, joining Drs. Joya Griffin, Katie Lake Robertson and Jeff Tinsley. This team exemplifies our commitment to building a center of dermatology excellence that supports the needs of clients and referring veterinarians in Kentucky and the surrounding markets as well as providing a solid foundation to help train the next generation of veterinary dermatology specialists." About Animal Dermatology GroupAnimal Dermatology Group is the largest veterinary dermatology business in the U.S., providing the highest quality care to pets with acute and chronic skin conditions. ADG has over 50 veterinarians supporting more than 40 primary and satellite locations where its specialists are actively involved in providing clinical care, research and academic training. For more information, please visit www.animaldermatology.com. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dr-julia-miller-joins-animal-dermatology-group-at-new-dermatology-specialty-facility-in-louisville-kentucky-301591110.html SOURCE Animal Dermatology Clinic Management Group, Inc. Breakthrough technologies and new Intel Blockscale Bitcoin mining rigs are among the new innovations on display at ePIC's booth at the largest Bitcoin Expo TORONTO, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- ePIC Blockchain, a leader in blockchain technologies, today announced its participation in the largest Bitcoin mining expo, Mining Disrupt on July 26-28 in Miami, USA. ePIC provides unique hardware and software solutions powering new deployments of Bitcoin mining rigs, enhancing existing fleets, and enabling mining operators to dramatically improve the performance and efficiency of their mining operations. "Our mission is to make it easy for our customers to deploy the most competitive mining rigs", says Jim Seto, ePIC's CEO. "Our focus on customized solutions results in systems best suited for the particular conditions, power, and environmental considerations of Blockchain mining companies." At Mining Disrupt, ePIC will present a full roadmap of Bitcoin miners, including systems based on Intel's new BlockscaleTM chip. New technologies for enhancing existing mining fleets will be demonstrated with an eye to better efficiency and performance. "ePIC and Argo have collaborated to design a Bitcoin miner based on Intel Blockscale technology, to our specific immersion requirements," says Perry Hothi, CTO of Argo Blockchain. "We are looking forward to the deployment of these competitive ePIC-made Bitcoin rigs in our flagship Helios facility in Dickens County, Texas, and the expansion of our Hashrate." About ePIC Blockchain Technologies Based in Toronto, Ontario, ePIC is a leader in semiconductor and system design for Proof of Work (PoW) Blockchains. ePIC offers customized mining rigs, including rigs based on the latest Intel Blockscale technology, and fleet enhancement technologies that streamline and automate the performance and efficiency of the mining fleet. For more information visit www.epicblockchain.io Press Contact Reuven SorayaVP of Business Development and Product Marketing [email protected]416-899-6833 View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/epic-blockchain-presents-new-technologies-at-mining-disrupt-conference-2022-301590642.html SOURCE ePIC Blockchain Technologies YEREVAN, JULY 21, ARMENPRESS Italys Prime Minister Mario Draghi tendered his resignation Thursday. Speaking to Parliament, Draghi said he was going to meet with President Sergio Mattarella and inform him of his intentions after failing to unite his fragile coalition government. Mattarella has reportedly asked him to remain in place in the interim with a caretaker government, CNBC reported. Last week, Mattarella rejected Draghis first resignation and asked him to lead more negotiations with lawmakers in the hope of avoiding snap elections. IRVINE, Calif., July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- GoDocs (https://godocs.com/), the automation leader in commercial loan document generation, announces its participation in the 55th Private Lending Pitbull Conference, taking place at the Lowes Miami Beach Hotel from July 31st to August 2nd 2022. The company is a long-time sponsor of the multiday event for real estate professionals, having supported the conference for more than 20 years and served as a key component in this industry-defining "meeting of the minds." Established by the "Pitbull" himself, Leonard Rosen, the Pitbull Conference provides those in the private lending space with a rare opportunity to network with and learn from industry leaders. Rosen himself has spent over 30 years in the industry, serving as a thought leader, innovator, and trusted industry media anchor. This conference allows him to bring together some of the leading lights in private lending with the goal of innovating new ways forward for the industry, its companies, and its key stakeholders. As a platform for innovation in private lending, the Pitbull Conference is an ideal match for GoDocs. The company's commitment to the private lender audience is demonstrated in every way through its commercial loan document solution, which has been tailored to the needs of this space. GoDocs has grown its private lender portfolio by creating must-have technologies that allow private lenders to generate attorney-quality documents that are complete, compliant, and accurate in minutes. With more than 150 years of combined experience, the GoDocs system is backed by the sharpest legal minds in the industry and supports loan types across all 50 states. This year's Pitbull Conference is eagerly anticipated by the GoDocs team, including CEO Steve Butler. "It's a really exciting opportunity to engage with the private lending world," Butler says. "I can't think of another scenario where we could find more thought leadership around the ideas that drive our industry than at Pitbull." GoDocs President & Founder, Gary Highland, underscores the sentiment. "GoDocs is always excited to be front and center at Pitbull. Sponsoring this event each year is a must it's exactly the type of event that resonates with what we're doing at GoDocs, and the innovation that we are pursuing." GoDocs is particularly excited for one event at Pitbull where they will be hosting, along with The Mortgage Office (TMO), an exclusive social event that will include an unveiling of an industry-transforming announcement that will initiate waves in the space. The event is invite-only, but conference attendees who can't make it to the event will be able to get up to speed when GoDocs makes a conference-wide announcement the following Monday. Attendees who want more information on the announcement can stop by the GoDocs booth starting on Monday August 1, 2022. Key members of the GoDocs team will be on hand to walk Pitbull attendees through the details of the announcement and discuss the company's industry-defining solutions. The Pitbull Conference will serve, in some ways, as a celebration for the GoDocs team, marking the end of a stellar first half of 2022 defined by sizable growth. The company's sponsorship of the event will be an environment for sharing the latest solutions, ideas and, of course, the big announcement with TMO a moment that is sure to take GoDocs and private lending as a whole in a truly dynamic, new direction. About GoDocs GoDocs, the automation leader in commercial loan document generation, offers next-generation software solutions for banks, credit unions, and private lenders to create a streamlined process for closing commercial loans. They provide lenders and borrowers with access to the first and only purely cloud-based system that offers a solution that is both flexible and frictionless. This allows commercial lending to operate at scale. GoDocs has remained ahead of the curve when it comes to modernizing organizations and embracing the power of digital transformation. Today, the company is trusted by industry-leading banks and is proud to back its solutions with onshore support for a seamless experience. Media ContactVirginia BushVP of MarketingGoDocs949.274.7907[email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/godocs-is-a-proud-sponsor-of-the-55th-national-private-lending-pitbull-conference-301591049.html SOURCE GoDocs The funding will support expansion of the company's holistic-health and heart-health decision support solutions for health insurers and Medicare Advantage Plans ASHEVILLE, N.C., July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Ilumivu, Inc., a pioneer in predictive and personalized decision support systems to pre-diagnose health conditions announced that it has closed a new funding round with an investment from The Pisgah Fund. This follows an initial investment by Health Catalyst Capital, L.P. in October 2021. ilumivu announces it closed a new funding round with an investment from The Pisgah Fund. Already a leader in heart health with over 3.7 million downloads of its mobile app called Cardiogram, ilumivu provides continuous cardiovascular monitoring to pre-diagnose conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, atrial fibrillation and sleep apnea. Using captured data from a standard smartwatch processed through trained neural networks with millions of cardiovascular data points, ilumivu can accurately pre-diagnose these conditions and help health nsurers, Medicare Advantage plans and at-risk employers reduce the total cost of care. "Our solutions provide better outcomes for members while simultaneously reducing the total cost of care managing these conditions through early detection," states Sandeep Goel, Chief Executive Officer. "Our 13-year history of using early-signal data collected from wearables by our healthcare research customers is being applied to engage members, increase adherence, impact positive behavior changes, and provide monitoring for better member engagement." "Smartwatches have been a source of valuable health insights in the consumer market, but it has been difficult to translate those insights into improved health outcomes in the broader healthcare system," said Lauren Pierce Flickinger, Fund Manager for the Pisgah Fund. "We are excited to partner with the ilumivu team as they provide health insurers and Medicare Advantage plans with a solution that bridges this gap. "We are very excited to partner with The Pisgah Fund, given that both organizations are based here in Western North Carolina with a common mission to grow the healthcare technology eco-system and create economic opportunities in the greater Asheville area," added T. David Smith, President at ilumivu. About ilumivu Founded in 2009, Asheville, NC based ilumivu provides healthcare decision support applications using the psychology of behavior change, combined with real-time data from smartwatches and smartphones to reduce healthcare costs. With a pedigree in research in multiple disease areas at over 100 leading research universities and health systems, ilumivu delivers just-in-time interventions based on individualized baselines to improve measurable member care outcomes. https://ilumivu.com/ About Pisgah Fund Pisgah Fund is a $50 million venture fund investing in healthcare-related companies in Western North Carolina's 18-county region or locating operations in the region. The Fund focuses on high growth opportunities seeking early-stage VC investment that will create jobs in Western North Carolina. The Fund is managed by Hatteras Venture Partners and was created with investments from the Dogwood Health Trust and HCA Healthcare Mission Fund. https://pisgahfund.com Contact: Stacy Earl, [email protected] View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ilumivu-announces-completion-of-venture-funding-from-the-pisgah-fund-301590146.html SOURCE ilumivu Eight companies took part in the 2022 Indy Tech Gives campaign, rallying the community and engaging employees INDIANAPOLIS, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The fourth annual Indy Tech Gives social and corporate fundraising challenge, hosted by OneCause, raised $61,000 for eight nonprofits over a six-week campaign. Since its inception in 2019, Indy Tech Gives has engaged more than 20 Indianapolis-area tech companies in fundraising for mission-driven organizations, with approximately 700 technology professionals raising more than $215,000 for local charities. The annual campaign provides a fun and easy path for members of the Indianapolis tech community to begin and/or expand their corporate social responsibility efforts while creating meaningful impact for local and regional nonprofits and their missions. This year's social fundraising challenge ran from June 1 to July 15 in support of eight nonprofit organizations: American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, AthLead Indy, Dayspring Center, Firefly Children & Family Alliance, Indy Humane, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Nextech, and TechPoint Foundation for Youth. With tough economic circumstances affecting many, 283 participants set out to defy odds and raise funds for the benefiting charities selected by their companies. Fundraisers used the OneCause peer-to-peer social fundraising platform, with personal and group challenges and live leaderboards to foster friendly competition, participation raffles to engage their networks in giving, and social sharing to drive employee participation. Within each company, employees set up personal fundraising pages and joined teamsoften with colleagues in their departmentsto collect donations. "We're incredibly proud of the passionate and committed group of professionals who joined Indy Tech Gives this year. We knew it was going to be a tough ask with general economic uncertainty. Nonprofits are not immune to these challenges, which made it paramount to unite the Indy Tech community in support of organizations that are changing lives for the better," said Steve Johns, chief executive officer for OneCause. "Over the past four years, the Fearless Fundraisers that have taken part in Indy Tech Gives have raised over $215,000 in total for charities. This year's group was beyond resilient I'm in awe of their creativity and grit." The eight Indianapolis-area companies that participated in 2022 Indy Tech Gives were: Boardable Demandwell Greenlight Guru Leaf Software Solutions OneCause Salesforce SIM Indy Webex Events (formerly Socio) 2022 Indy Tech Gives Highlights 283 tech professionals formed 41 teams and raised over $61,000 for benefiting charities. Distributed employees around the country and social sharing helped Indy Tech Gives stretch beyond the Central Indiana community, resulting in 887 donations from 40 different states. Leaf Software Solutions averaged $500 raised per participating employee. The top four individual fundraisers each secured donations totaling $1,000 or more. Teams got creative with their fundraising, recording videos and hosting activity challenges, line dancing classes, virtual bake sales, and a yoga event to raise funds. The 15 participating teams from OneCause raised 108% of their fundraising goal over $21,000 for Make-A-Wish Foundation. Demandwell, Leaf Software Solutions, Salesforce, and SIM Indy all exceeded their fundraising goals. The Webex Events teams went beyond the fundraising challenge, volunteering their time at IndyHumane by refreshing the dog path with new mulch and walking resident shelter dogs. Indy Tech Gives and the unique fundraising tactics and events hosted by participants each year organically unite employees, teams, and departments. "Indy Tech Gives has been a great way to bring together our team to do good!" said Kara Gladish, manager of customer experience for Webex Events. "We love the chance to give back, the camaraderie, the support from OneCause, and the friendly competition both among our teams and against other Indy tech companies. It's win-win-win!" For more information about joining the 2023 campaign, please visit the Indy Tech Gives interest form. About OneCauseOneCause is driving the future of fundraising with easy-to-use event and online fundraising solutions that help nonprofits improve the giving experience and raise more money. OneCause builds technology that optimizes everyday generosity, making it easier for nonprofit organizations to fundraise and for nonprofit supporters to give. Since 2008, OneCause has helped over 10,000 nonprofits raise more than $4 billion for their missions. Headquartered in Indianapolis, OneCause is committed to driving innovation in the charitable sector, bringing together nonprofit professionals across the world for the annual Raise Conference to exchange ideas that further fundraising. For more information, visit www.onecause.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. Contact:Sarah Sebastian863-604-8490[email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/indianapolis-tech-companies-team-up-to-raise-61-000-for-charities-301591183.html SOURCE OneCause Transform print with augmented reality SAN FRANCISCO, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The venture capital landscape is rapidly changing, as VC firms become more bearish about investing only in a good idea and a pitch deck; startups now need to demonstrate proof of concept, minimal viability, traction, early product adoption and a growing user base to even consider filling out a VC intake web form. InterApp Inc. has been satisfying these conditions for a while, with its self serve augmented reality platform, popular amongst artists, illustrators, digital artists, art directors and creatives alike for the past 3 years. The company has been positioning itself for rapid growth through strategic partnerships with major brands including Rap Snacks, SXSW and AfroTech, as well as being the leading advocate/authority on AR brand adoption for consumer engagement for over 4 years. The Sacramento, CA based company raised $1.2 million in pre-seed funding. The aim is to utilize the money to double down on early marketing efforts and acquire 10% of the Total Addressable Market (TAM) within 12 months. The all equity round was led by WP Capital Group, a private equity venture fund focused on emerging technologies for consumer engagement. Will Brown, CEO and co-founder had this to say, "The InterApp team has been anticipating these funds. We are very eager to accelerate our growth, we strongly believe we have a product that will add value for brands and consumers will greatly enjoy using." Learn more about InterApp by visiting their website at www.interappit.com About InterApp, Inc. Founded in 2017 by CEO William Brown, InterApp is focused on developing an AR ecosystem for creators and consumers to create, engage and interact with the static world around them with products that include software and hardware. The InterApp app is available on Google Play and in the Apple App Store. This press release was issued through 24-7PressRelease.com. For further information, visit http://www.24-7pressrelease.com. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/interapp-raises-1-2-million-to-bring-mass-adoption-of-ar-as-a-necessary-consumer-utility-tool-301591200.html SOURCE InterApp, Inc. NEW YORK, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- J.P. Morgan Global Alternatives has been re-appointed by the Florida State Board of Administration (SBA) as manager for a second tranche of the Florida Growth Fund. As part of the mandate, J.P. Morgan will construct a return-enhancing private equity portfolio focused on technology, growth and buyouts in Florida. The firm will commit to private equity funds based in Florida, as well as making investments directly in companies with a significant presence in the state. The Florida Growth Fund is a legislatively-approved program providing capital to growth related businesses in Florida that commenced in 2009. The Fund currently has investments valued at over $600 million in Florida-based funds and direct private equity or credit-related transactions. "We are excited to continue and grow our partnership with the SBA on the Florida Growth Fund," said Robert Cousin, Managing Director in J.P. Morgan Global Alternatives' Private Equity Group. "The size, growth and diversity of the Florida economy continues to offer an abundance of compelling investment opportunities. In addition, over the past three years, we have seen a marked increase in new private equity sponsors forming in the state, as well as existing sponsors relocating to Florida." The State Board of Administration currently manages over $190 billion in assets of the Florida Retirement System Trust Fund and other funds for the State of Florida and local governments in assets classes including fixed income, domestic equities, foreign equities, private equity, real estate, and cash. More information on the Florida Growth Fund Program can be found here. About J.P. Morgan Global Alternatives J.P. Morgan Global Alternatives is the alternative investment arm of J.P. Morgan Asset Management. With more than 50 years as an alternatives investment manager, US$218 billion in assets under management and more than 700 professionals (as of March 31, 2022), J.P. Morgan offers strategies across the alternative investment spectrum including real estate, private equity, private credit, hedge funds, infrastructure, transportation, timber and liquid alternatives. Operating from offices throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia Pacific, our independent alternative investment engines combine specialist knowledge and singular focus with the global reach, vast resources and powerful infrastructure of J.P. Morgan to help meet each client's specific objectives. For more information, visit jpmorgan.com/am. About J.P. Morgan Asset Management J.P. Morgan Asset Management, with assets under management of $2.5 trillion (as of June 30, 2022), is a global leader in investment management. J.P. Morgan Asset Management's clients include institutions, retail investors and high net worth individuals in every major market throughout the world. J.P. Morgan Asset Management offers global investment management in equities, fixed income, real estate, hedge funds, private equity and liquidity. J.P. Morgan Asset Management is the marketing name for the asset management business of JPMorgan Chase & Co. and its affiliates worldwide. JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE: JPM) is a leading financial services firm based in the United States of America ("U.S."), with operations worldwide. JPMorgan Chase had $3.8 trillion in assets and $286.1 billion in stockholders' equity as of June 30, 2022. The Firm is a leader in investment banking, financial services for consumers and small businesses, commercial banking, financial transaction processing and asset management. Under the J.P. Morgan and Chase brands, the Firm serves millions of customers in the U.S., and many of the world's most prominent corporate, institutional and government clients globally. Information about JPMorgan Chase & Co. is available at www.jpmorganchase.com. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/jp-morgan-re-appointed-by-florida-sba-as-manager-on-florida-growth-fund-301591100.html SOURCE J.P. Morgan Asset Management Dr. Ted Zhou Family Contributes $25,000.00 to Emergency Cast Department MUSKOKA, ON, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- After breaking ground for luxury real estate development Upper Vista Muskoka in June, Evertrust Developments President and Founder Dr. Ted Zhou returned July 14th to present a $25, 0000.00 donation to the South Muskoka Hospital Foundation. Approximately $2 million dollars for new equipment needs to be raised every year according to SMHF Executive Director Leah Walker, who called the donation to the busy cast department "transformative." Dr. Zhou's unique approach to the development business also includes a mission to acknowledge social responsibility within the communities he builds in. "We need to support people. We need to support community and the most important way to do that is through healthcare, so that is why I am here today." Local dignitaries were on hand for the presentation and Mayor for the Town of Bracebridge Rick Maloney said the community was overwhelmed by the generosity of Mr. Zhou and his family. "For him to recognize that he wants to support this hospital as not only a businessman but also a family man, it resonates so well with our community." Evertrust Development's new construction as well as the recent investment in the hospital are all part of their dedication to creating communities that are happy, healthy, high-end and affordable. SMHF Cheque Presentation Video: https://youtu.be/aHTT97qALrgUpper Vista Muskoka Groundbreaking Video:https://youtu.be/qSdK3o-ZAY4 About Evertrust Development Groups Canada Inc. Evertrust Development Group focuses on real estate development across Canada and North America and was founded by Dr. Ted Zhou, an accomplished businessman and scholar who has over 25-years' experience as a developer and builder globally. As a "Happy lifestyle provider" Evertrust Development Group delivers high-quality amenities in real estate development and carries on the mission of delivering a top-quality product and top-quality service to ensure a happy life. Everything Evertrust builds is focused on creating communities that are happy, healthy, high-end and affordable. Dr. Zhou created his own licensed Construction company, TQC Construction Group, a registered Tarion builder with HCRA license that is positioned to provide customers with high-quality construction control services. In Ontario, Evertrust holds multiple properties totaling over one thousand acres. At any time the company has between three and five new projects upcoming. Media Contact:A. Silvester[email protected]Photos:https://www.prlog.org/12925750Press release distributed by PRLog View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/muskoka-developer-invests-in-community-with-donation-to-bracebridge-hospital-301591150.html SOURCE Evertrust Development Groups Canada Inc. Two-sided, Four in One Sleep Solution will be Featured at Showroom C-1578 MT. AIRY, N.C., July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Independent foam producer and bedding manufacturer, NCFI Polyurethanes will partner with Snooze Sleep to feature their unique two-sided mattress, the Snooze Flip. The revolutionary mattress contains foams designed and manufactured specifically to achieve two distinctly different feels. The cover has a cool side and warm side and when combined with the dual core creates a one of a kind 4 in 1 sleep solution. The brand new hybrid version will be debuted this market. "The Snooze Flip is the result of 20 years of research conducted by frontline leaders in the sleep industry", says Matt Smith, Snooze founder and CEO. "Everyone from sleep medicine specialists, kinesiologists, neurologists to sleep system sales professionals, mattress manufacturers and molecular engineers contributed insights to design the most versatile mattress on the planet!" "NCFI is thrilled to have been a part of the development of this mattress," said Chris Bradley, NCFI's Executive Vice President of Consumer Products. "We truly appreciate Snooze's confidence in us to not only develop the premium foams in this design but to also build and fulfill the product on a world class level. The project is the perfect example of the true breadth of our capabilities as a mattress provider." About NCFI Polyurethanes- A division of Barnhardt Manufacturing Company, NCFI was organized in 1964 by research chemist Dr. H. W. "Ace" Bradley and Charlotte-based Barnhardt Manufacturing Company. NCFI quickly became a leader in the manufacturing of flexible polyurethane foam for the bedding and furniture industries. In 1966, they moved into their current campus which has been expanded eight times to its current 500,000 square feet. The Mt. Airy bedding location provides both private label and direct to consumer solutions. NCFI has additional manufacturing plants in Houston, TX, Columbus, MS, Tupelo, MS and Dalton GA. More information about the company can be found HERE. ContactNCFI.com800-346-8229[email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ncfi-and-snooze-team-to-present-the-snooze-flip-mattress-at-vegas-winter-market-301591456.html SOURCE NCFI Polyurethanes LONDON, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- DAFO.club, a decentralized autonomous organization (DAO) that uses its bootstrapped funding to develop the fashion future, announces its official launch, tonight at midnight, on July 22nd, 2022 (12:01AM BST) using the blockchain protocol. As the world becomes increasingly aware of the multiple issues of the fashion industry, we want to push it further with DAFO, a unique fashion WEB3 collective. This purpose-driven club with members from around the globe is pushing against the profit-first nature of the fashion industry. Consequently, every person who wants to define and build the fashion future with us has the chance to become a DAFO member by claiming a collectible Fashion NFT after winning a daily auction at https://DAFO.club using her/his/their Ethereum wallet. That way, our collective will continue to auto-finance and re-invest in new, disruptive and innovative fashion initiatives in the form of a tech incubator. We are not another initial coin offering (ICO), we are a community of like-minded individuals who collaborates with each other and promotes the most cutting-edge fashion ideas without being defined by who we are in real life. What is DAFO, a metahuman fashion club? DAFO.club focuses on the intersection of fashion and technology. The main goal of the DAFO governance token is to facilitate and encourage collaboration between the members of the fashion industry, including high fashion brands, designers, 3D modelers, visual artists, photographers, marketers, professors, students, and C-level executives. The DAFO NFT allows all participants to interact with each other in a secure and transparent way without the need for a central authority to intervene as they will both propose and vote on initiatives they will fund with the DAO treasury. "When people try to define virtual fashion, they wrongly replicate the same in-real-life (IRL) standards despite the current value distribution system being broken and inequitable. At DAFO, we believe that your desire to define your unique fashion identity and collective projects is based on who you truly want to be, not your job title or how many dollars you have in your pockets. We are launching on July 22nd as a tribute to Ethereum's 2014 crowdsale as Vitalik Buterin's vision of utility NFTs and DAOs will forever forge new business models such as ours." - @2864 #DAFOUNDER DAFO.club is a new generation idea-generating incubator. It allows people to share their ideas with the community and get feedback, help, and even funding. In our ecosystem, every member is an active part of it by contributing their knowledge, skills, and project ideas. We are building a new way of generating ideas and bringing them to life. DAFO.club aims to benefit from the current digital tokenization revolution to help people create a fully functional, sustainable and open metaverse community. We will change the way fashion is created, sold, and consumed. By leveraging blockchain technology, we will make it more accessible, transparent, and equitable for both businesses and human beings. In DAFO, you can meet like-minded people who are sharing their vision and creativity, and who are always happy to offer advice, mentorship, and their opinions. Join the #FSHNFTR revolution The revolution has only begun. You can join us and be a part of the next big chapter of WEB3 by obtaining your unique membership/governance token during our daily auctions. The value of the DAFO token for each participant of the club will be determined by an auction, which will repeat daily, forever, i.e. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Who can buy a DAFO governance token to become a member? Whether you are an aspiring designer, a brand CEO or just simply a human being who loves fashion, you will be warmly welcomed in the DAFO.club community. This collective will help fund projects, provide education and cooperate with businesses and other organizations to support the development of the community. Once again, it's a coopetitive model where members help each other, not another WEB3 advisory firm. What makes DAFO.club an autonomous democracy? DAFO.club is a community of innovators and creators, united by their passion for fashion, technology and social change. Anyone can join the DAFO.club community to submit their ideas and projects, and token holders can vote on all submitted initiatives. 1 NFT = 1 vote. Our members collaborate to imagine, build and implement innovative solutions to the world's most pressing problems. The DAFO.club community will support projects and initiatives in the fashion industry by providing financial resources, based on the Ethereum blockchain technology. Why are some DAFOUNDERS anonymous? We believe that we can help human beings better discover themselves by offering them the choice of enjoying full anonymity or building under their real name in order to achieve our collective mission faster. We are a community of people with different backgrounds, and it doesn't really matter where we come from. We don't ask our members about their ethnicity, social status or gender. Furthermore, we don't take into consideration the origin of a person's family or the colour of their skin. Everyone is unique, everyone has different talents/skills, and everyone's opinion matters. Website: https://dafo.club/Twitter: @metaDAFODiscord: http://discord.dafo.clubMedia kit: http://pr.dafo.club Interviews: Feel free to reach out to our PR Officer for interviews requests Media relations: Olivier Nadeau, PR Officer +44 7727 400844 (or local 07727 400844) [email protected] Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1864242/DAFO_Club.jpg View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nfts-and-daos-are-at-the-foundation-of-a-new-era-of-hyper-disruptive-innovation-in-the-fashion-industry-301591332.html SOURCE DAFO.club MONTREAL, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - The Board of Directors of the Public Sector Pension Investment Board (PSP Investments) is pleased to announce that, after a thorough and rigorous global search, it appointed Deborah K. Orida as President and Chief Executive Officer effective September 1, 2022. Ms. Orida has 25 years of experience in the investment and finance industry and was most recently Senior Managing Director, Global Head of Real Assets & Chief Sustainability Officer, at the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPP Investments) where she led the global Real Assets department that encompasses Infrastructure, Sustainable Energies, Real Estate, Sustainable Investing and Portfolio Value Creation. She will succeed Mr. Neil Cunningham, who, effective September 1, 2022, becomes Vice Chair and Special Advisor to the President and CEO, and will support the transition process until his retirement, effective March 31, 2023. "PSP Investments' strong financial performance demonstrates the organization is well positioned for an effective leadership transition," said Martin J. Glynn, Chair of the Board at PSP Investments. "In making this decision, the Board unanimously agrees that Ms. Orida is ideally qualified to lead PSP Investments forward into its next phase of growth and strategic evolution. On behalf of my colleagues on the Board of Directors and all PSP Investments employees, I would also like to thank Neil Cunningham for his immense contribution and for ensuring a smooth and nimble transition process." "I am deeply honoured by this appointment," said Deborah K. Orida, incoming President and Chief Executive Officer at PSP Investments. "PSP Investments is a global organization with a proven performance track-record and a strong talent base. It is a tremendous privilege to be given the opportunity to lead one of Canada's largest and fastest growing pension investment managers at a pivotal moment. I look forward to working with PSP Investments' exceptional management team to continue to respond to market opportunities and generate solid returns for contributors and beneficiaries over the long-term horizon. On a personal note, my family and I are excited to be moving to Montreal shortly and immerse ourselves in the city's culture and community." PSP Investments posted a 10.9% return in fiscal year 2022 as assets under management grew by 12.7% to $230.5 billion. Earlier this year, the pension investment manager also launched its inaugural climate strategy with targets to guide climate action and emissions reductions. About PSP InvestmentsThe Public Sector Pension Investment Board (PSP Investments) is one of Canada's largest pension investment managers with $230.5 billion of net assets under management as of March 31, 2022. It manages a diversified global portfolio composed of investments in capital markets, private equity, real estate, infrastructure, natural resources and credit investments. Established in 1999, PSP Investments manages and invests amounts transferred to it by the Government of Canada for the pension plans of the federal Public Service, the Canadian Forces, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Reserve Force. Headquartered in Ottawa, PSP Investments has its principal business office in Montreal and offices in New York, London and Hong Kong. For more information, visit investpsp.com or follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/psp-investments-appoints-deborah-k-orida-as-president-and-chief-executive-officer-301591308.html SOURCE PSP Investments CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa., July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Quaker Houghton (NYSE: KWR) today announced the following schedule and contact information for its second quarter 2022 earnings release and investor call. Earnings Release: Thursday, August 4, 2022 (after market close) Visit the investor relations portion of Quaker Houghton's website at https://investors.quakerhoughton.com/ Teleconference: Friday, August 5, 2022, at 8:30 a.m. (ET) Participate live by phone or listen to live audio webcast through the investor relations portion of Quaker Houghton's website athttps://investors.quakerhoughton.com/ Dial-in Number: +1-877-269-7756 (toll-free) +1-201-689-7817 (toll) Please call 5-10 minutes prior to the scheduled start of the call. No password required. If unable to participate live, select from one of the following replay options: Digital Replay: Available through August 12, 2022 Call +1-877-660-6853 (toll free) or +1-201-612-7415 (toll) Conference ID No. 13731447 Archived Webcast: Visit the investor relations portion of Quaker Houghton's websiteat https://investors.quakerhoughton.com/ About Quaker Houghton Quaker Houghton is the global leader in industrial process fluids. With a presence around the world, including operations in over 25 countries, our customers include thousands of the world's most advanced and specialized steel, aluminum, automotive, aerospace, offshore, can, mining, and metalworking companies. Our high-performing, innovative and sustainable solutions are backed by best-in-class technology, deep process knowledge and customized services. With approximately 4,700 employees, including chemists, engineers, and industry experts, we partner with our customers to improve their operations so they can run even more efficiently, even more effectively, whatever comes next. Quaker Houghton is headquartered in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, located near Philadelphia in the United States. Visit quakerhoughton.com to learn more. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/quaker-houghton-announces-second-quarter-2022-earnings-and-investor-call-301591392.html SOURCE Quaker Houghton YEREVAN, JULY 21, ARMENPRESS. Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport Artur Martirosyan received Ambassador of Albania to Armenia Luela Hajdaraga (residence in Athens, Greece), the ministry said. Congratulating the Ambassador on appointment, the Armenian Deputy Minister wished her a productive work for the benefit of the development of the Armenian-Albanian ties. He expressed confidence that the Ambassador will contribute to further strengthening and deepening the relations between Armenia and Albania. The Ambassador of Albania thanked for the reception and stated that there are many commonalities between Armenia and Albania, and the close cooperation in educational, cultural and a number of other directions has a very big potential. Deputy Minister Martirosyan in turn noted that the cooperation with Albania is also special in a sense that being a transitional country it has significant achievements that could be taken into consideration in the context of developing Armenias education, cultural, science and other sectors. The sides discussed the bilateral and multilateral cooperation prospects in education, culture and youth spheres and expressed readiness to encourage the agencies operating in these areas to expand the partnership. As a first step they highlighted the opportunity of inter-university cooperation within Erasmus+, Horizon Europe programs, the cultural mutual visits and the partnership between youth structures. The Deputy Minister of Culture drew the attention of the Ambassador to the issue of preservation of Armenian cultural heritage in the territories under the Azerbaijani control, stating that the Armenian side is expecting the support of the international community, including Albania, so that Azerbaijan refrains from destroying and distorting the Armenian cultural heritage. In response the Ambassador said that the government of Albania is well aware of the current situation and expressed readiness to convey these concerns to the Albanian government. Artur Martirosyan invited the Ambassador to attend the STARMUS VI festival in Armenia on September 5-10. RD Fund Board member and seasoned ophthalmology leader Adrienne Graves, PhD, appointed chair Ophthalmology luminaries Jean Bennett, MD, PhD, Catherine Bowes Rickman, PhD, and Jose-Alain Sahel, MD, to join the board RALEIGH, N.C., July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the RD Fund (Retinal Degeneration Fund) the venture arm of the Foundation Fighting Blindness (the Foundation) aimed at rapidly driving research toward preventions, treatments, and cures for the entire spectrum of retinal degenerative diseases announced the appointment of Adrienne Graves, PhD, as the chair of its board of directors, and Jean Bennett, MD, PhD, Catherine Bowes Rickman, PhD, and Jose-Alain Sahel, MD, as directors. "The guidance of our board of directors is essential to driving the RD Fund's mission to identify investable and novel technologies backed by strong science to bring forward therapies with the potential to make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients with retinal diseases," said Rusty Kelley, PhD, MBA, managing director of the RD Fund. "We are thrilled to welcome ophthalmology luminaries Drs. Bennett, Bowes Rickman, and Sahel to our board. Their unmatched business, clinical and scientific expertise and Dr. Graves' leadership as chair of our board, puts the RD Fund in an optimal position to pursue our mission with the urgency it demands." Dr. Graves spent 15 years serving in leadership roles at Santen Inc., culminating in eight years as its CEO, where she was responsible for growing the company's global presence and advancing multiple ophthalmic products through development to approval and commercialization. Prior to Santen, she spent nine years at Alcon in roles of increasing responsibility, including director of International Ophthalmology, and establishing Alcon's first Retinal Electrophysiology Laboratory. Dr. Graves also currently serves as board chair at Iveric Bio, and as a board director for Qlaris Bio, Nicox S.A., Surface Ophthalmics, Oxurion, TherOptix, and Greenbrook TMS, American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) Foundation, Glaucoma Research Foundation, American Academy of Ophthalmology Foundation (Emeritus), Retina Global, Himalayan Cataract Project, and the Foundation. She earned her PhD in Psychobiology/Neuroscience from the University of Michigan, and completed a Postdoctoral Fellowship in Visual Neuroscience at the University of Paris. "This is a pivotal time in the development of preventions, treatments, and cures for retinal diseases, thanks to remarkable scientific and technical advances," said Dr. Graves. "On behalf of Drs. Bennett, Bowes Rickman, and Sahel, we're eager to lend our combined ophthalmic expertise in translational science, clinical practice, business, regulatory, and commercialization to advance the RD Fund's unique and important mission to improve the treatment of retinal diseases." Dr. Bennett is the F.M. Kirby Emeritus Professor of Ophthalmology at the Perelman School of Medicine and previously served as director of the Center for Advanced Retinal and Ocular Therapeutics (CAROT) at the University of Pennsylvania. In addition to Dr. Bennett's positions at the University of Pennsylvania, she has been an investigator at the Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) for more than a decade. She also co-founded life science companies Spark Therapeutics (acquired by Roche), GenSight Biologics, Limelight Bio, and Opus Genetics. Dr. Bennett received her PhD in Zoology and Cell Biology from the University of California, Berkley, and obtained an MD from Harvard University. She also completed postdoctoral fellowships in Radiobiology and Environmental Health at the University of California, San Francisco, Human Genetics at Yale School of Medicine, and Development Genetics at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Dr. Bowes Rickman is a professor in the Departments of Ophthalmology and Cell Biology and the George and Geneva Boguslavsky Endowed Vision Research Chair at Duke University. She is a translational scientist whose research efforts over two decades have been focused on the molecular/cell biology and pathobiology of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Her work includes the creation of murine models that recapitulate many aspects of human AMD, the genetic, inflammatory, and environmental factors contributing to AMD, and the evaluation of emergent therapies for the dry form of AMD, for which there are no effective approved therapies. She currently serves on the Foundation's executive scientific advisory board, as well as the National Eye Institute Board of Scientific Counselors and the Ryan Initiative for Macular Research Executive Board. Dr. Bowes Rickman earned her PhD from the University of California, Los Angeles, and completed her postdoctoral fellowship at the Jules Stein Eye Institute. Dr. Sahel is a Distinguished Professor and the Eye and Ear Foundation Endowed Chair of the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, and a Professor of Ophthalmology at the Sorbonne Universite in Paris. Dr. Sahel founded and led the Institut de la Vision in Paris, the French National Reference Center for Retinal Dystrophies, and the Paris Ophthalmology Clinical Investigation Center until 2020. His research is focused on understanding retinal degeneration mechanisms, leading to several first-in-human promising trials in gene therapy, neuroprotection, prosthetics, stem cell, and optogenetics. He is a founder of Fovea Pharmaceuticals, GenSight Biologics, Pixium Vision, SparingVision, Avista Therapeutics, and other biotech companies. Dr. Sahel currently serves on the Foundation's executive scientific advisory board. He earned his MD from Paris University School of Medicine and completed an ophthalmology residency and a clinical fellowship at the Louis Pasteur University Hospital in Strasbourg, France. He performed a fellowship at Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary in Boston and was a visiting scholar and lecturer at Harvard University. About the RD Fund The RD Fund (Retinal Degeneration Fund) is the venture arm of the Foundation Fighting Blindness, and a leading investor in the inherited retinal disease space. It was established in 2018 to serve the Foundation's mission to rapidly drive research toward preventions, treatments and cures for the entire spectrum of blinding retinal diseasesincluding retinitis pigmentosa, macular degeneration, and Usher syndrome. RD Fund focuses on mission-related investments in companies with projects nearing clinical testing. Visit RDFund.org for more information. Media Contact:Chris Adams 40-423-0585[email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/rd-fund-announces-new-chair-and-expansion-of-board-of-directors-301590622.html SOURCE Foundation Fighting Blindness Carrier scores 100 on 2022 Disability Equality Index DALLAS, July 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) today announced it earned the top score on Disability:IN, the leading nonprofit resource for business disability inclusion worldwide, 2022 Disability Equality Index (DEI). The carrier's continued focus on its diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives landed a "100" on the score sheet for the third consecutive year. "Southwest is a People-first employer and a place where diversity is celebrated as every Employee brings unique talents, skills, and perspectives to work every day," said Juan Suarez, Vice President of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion at Southwest Airlines. "We focus on ensuring an environment that encourages People to be their authentic selves as they work to connect our Customers to the People and places important in their lives." The Disability Equality Index is the world's most comprehensive benchmarking tool for the Fortune 1000 and America's top 200 revenue-grossing law firms (Am Law 200) to measure disability workplace inclusion. "By rethinking traditional hiring processes at Southwest Airlines and providing customized support, we can remove barriers that may otherwise limit individuals from fully showcasing their strengths, abilities, and potential," said Lindsey Lang, Vice President of People at Southwest Airlines. "We're grateful for our recognition as one of the 'Best Places to Work for Disability Inclusion,' and committed to ensuring that Employees receive the support they need to bring their whole self to work each day and succeed in their roles." The DEI was launched in 2015 by Disability:IN and The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) and is acknowledged today as the most robust disability inclusion assessment tool in the business. To learn more about the airline's commitment to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace, visit SouthwestOneReport.com. Southwest Airlines is dedicated to attracting prospective candidates and retaining Employeeskeeping this focus at the forefront of everything it does. It is all about a career with Heart and Purpose. Join the carrier's Talent Community to stay up to date on job opportunities from the Company with Heart. ABOUT THE DISABILITY EQUALITY INDEX (DEI) The Disability Equality Index (DEI) is a comprehensive benchmarking tool that helps companies build a roadmap of measurable, tangible actions that they can take to achieve disability inclusion and equality. Each company receives a score, on a scale of zero (0) to 100, with those earning 80 and above recognized as a "Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion." The DEI is a joint initiative of the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), the nation's largest disability rights organization, and Disability:IN, the global business disability inclusion network, to collectively advance the inclusion of people with disabilities. The organizations are complementary and bring unique strengths that make the project relevant and credible to corporations and the disability community. The tool was developed by the DEI Advisory Committee, a diverse group of business leaders, policy experts, and disability advocates. Learn more at www.DisabilityEqualityIndex.org. ABOUT THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES (AAPD) AAPD is a convener, connector, and catalyst for change, increasing the political and economic power for people with disabilities. As a national cross-disability rights organization AAPD advocates for full civil rights for the 50+ million Americans with disabilities. Learn more at www.aapd.com. ABOUT DISABILITY:INDisability:IN is a global organization driving disability inclusion and equality in business. More than 270 corporations trust Disability:IN to activate and achieve disability inclusion across their enterprise and in the broader corporate mainstream. Through the world's most comprehensive disability inclusion benchmarking; best-in-class conferences and programs; and expert counsel and engagement, Disability:IN works with leading businesses to create long-term business and societal impact. Join us at disabilityin.org/AreYouIN #AreYouIN. ABOUT SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO. Southwest Airlines Co. operates one of the world's most admired and awarded airlines, offering its one-of-a-kind value and Hospitality at 121 airports across 11 countries. Having celebrated its 50th Anniversary in 2021, Southwest took flight in 1971 to democratize the sky through friendly, reliable, and low-cost air travel and now carries more air travelers flying nonstop within the United States than any other airline1. Based in Dallas and famous for an Employee-first corporate Culture, Southwest maintains an unprecedented record of no involuntary furloughs or layoffs in its history. By empowering its more than 61,0002 People to deliver unparalleled Hospitality, the maverick airline cherishes a passionate loyalty among as many as 130 million Customers carried a year. That formula for success brought industry-leading prosperity and 47 consecutive years3 of profitability for Southwest Shareholders (NYSE: LUV). Southwest leverages a unique legacy and mission to serve communities around the world including harnessing the power of its People and Purpose to put communities at the Heart of its success. Learn more by visiting Southwest.com/citizenship. Southwest is also continuing to develop tangible steps toward achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, including offering Customers an opportunity to help the airline offset its carbon emissions. To be part of the solution, visit Southwest.com/wannaoffsetcarbon. 1) U.S. Dept. of Transportation most recent reporting of domestic originating passengers boarded 2) Fulltime-equivalent active Employees 3) 1973-2019 annual profitability View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/southwest-airlines-earns-top-score-on-disabilityins--disability-equality-index-for-third-consecutive-year-301590573.html SOURCE Southwest Airlines Co. CHICAGO, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- In the spring of 2021, Sebastian Lueders, founder of TacVue and crypto investor, was a third-year college student with an ambitious goal to onboard the next billion people into the world of web3. In August, the 22-year old founder will be launching the world's first GameFi Media Platform with the help of his two co-founders, Robert Goldsborough and Bradley Myrick. Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) took the world by storm last year, but Lueders still believes that creators, brands and their fans are undervaluing the technology. "I think the biggest problems with non-fungible tokens (NFTs) right now are the lack of quality in most projects and the steep cost of both transactions and high-quality projects" Lueders says. "The creators and brands that fail to incorporate NFTs into their customer lifecycle are missing out on the ability to not only increase their brand equity value, but also to provide their followers with a more interactive customer experience by working with them towards a mutually beneficial goal. The staggering amount of misinformation in this space has made it difficult for its intended beneficiaries to take advantage of the underlying technology." Lueders believes that brands and creators could leverage NFTs to increase awareness and value for their fans that support their goals, initiatives and core values. He sees a world where brands could offer their fans a chance to govern their content creation, media distribution and brand monetization by collecting their content in return for a say over how proceeds are spent, all without the advertisements and spam we experience regularly on traditional social media platforms. "NFTs have been used incorrectly, in my opinion. We have proven their efficacy as a method for brands to monetize both established and emerging brands, but we have failed to show retail consumers the potential for NFTs to establish brands that push social narratives forward" says the 22 year-old founder. "I think we're about to see a fundamental shift in online consumer behavior that paves the way for creators and brands to finally shift their focus to quality over quantity." The introduction of the web2 allowed for users to collaborate with peers across the world and exchange information across large distances. Web3 may usher in a new era of businesses that provide infrastructure for large brands to be formed and developed by remote users that could operate a brand without ever meeting in person. Lueders first attempt at community-owned brands will launch as a media platform on July 28th. "They say it takes a village to raise a child and the same can be said for the web3 industry. The goal is, and always has been, to provide media consumers with a more exciting experience and give users a chance to monetize their support and have a voice in how proceeds are spent for their favorite creators and brands." says Lueders. "This is the start of a whole new world and I hope that TacVue can provide our customers a front-row seat to the future of brand development." For more information on Tacvue visit www.tacvue.io or follow the brand on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, or Twitter. About TacVue Founded in 2021, TacVue is a Chicago-based technology company that focuses on helping brands and creators across a number of industries, including digital media, gaming, communications and blockchain, among others. As a full-service firm, TacVue partners with its clients on consumer engagements and produces tools and applications for brands, creators and online communities. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/tacvues-sebastian-lueders-outlines-how-non-fungible-tokens-will-revolutionize-brand-development-and-online-communities-301591289.html SOURCE TacVue MELBOURNE, Australia, July 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Telix Pharmaceuticals Limited (ASX: TLX, Telix, the Company) today issues its Appendix 4C quarterly cash flow statement and accompanying Activities Report for the quarter ended 30 June 2022. All figures are in AUD$ unless otherwise stated. All figures are provided on an unaudited basis. Financial Summary Telix reports total revenue of $22.5 million from global sales of Illuccix in its first commercial quarter - more than a ten-fold increase on the previous quarter ($1.9 million, Q1 2022). This includes USD$13.6 million (AUD$19.3 million) generated from sales of Illuccix in the United States in the ten weeks following first commercial sales. USD$13.6 million (AUD$19.3 million) generated from sales of Illuccix in the United States in the ten weeks following first commercial sales. As of 30 June 2022, the Company held cash reserves of $122.6 million. Cash inflows for the quarter included $5.4 million in customer receipts, up from $1.9 million in the previous quarter. Additional (non-product related) cash inflows include $17.2 million in government tax incentives for eligible R&D activities undertaken for the year ended 31 December 2021 and $1.1 million of proceeds from options exercised. Net operating outflows during the quarter were $25.8 million, down from $33.6 million in the previous quarter. Expenditure included a one-off upfront license fee payment to Eli Lilly and Company (Lilly) of USD$5 million (AUD$6.8 million) and $2.1 million in build-out costs related to Telix's manufacturing facility in Brussels South (Seneffe). $17.4 million was invested in R&D, manufacturing and clinical development activities during the quarter, primarily in relation to the Company's therapeutic programs. Per the Appendix 4C, the Company has 5.5 quarters runway based on net cash used in operations in the June 2022 quarter. The Company notes that the net operating outflows (used to calculate runway) include only $3.8 million from U.S. customer cash receipts compared to the U.S. commercial revenue of $19.3 million due to timing differences of revenue recognition and cash payment terms from distributors. Operational Highlights Commercial launch of Illuccix in the U.S. and rapid expansion of the distribution network to 140 pharmacies across the Cardinal Health, PharmaLogic, United Pharmacy Partners (UPPI), Jubilant Radiopharma and Radioisotope Life Sciences (RLS) networks. U.S. reimbursement designations granted and effective from 1 July 2022: a dedicated Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) Level II code and transitional pass-through (TPT) payment status. ZIRCON Phase III kidney cancer imaging trial enrolment completed, with 300 patients dosed. Progress across core therapeutic clinical programs for prostate, kidney and brain cancer. In-licence agreement with Lilly to develop the antibody olaratumab (formerly marketed as Lartruvo) as a diagnostic and therapeutic radiopharmaceutical agent. (formerly marketed as Lartruvo) as a diagnostic and therapeutic radiopharmaceutical agent. Co-development and commercialisation agreement with RefleXion Medical to advance Illuccix for biology-guided radiation therapy (BgRT), a future market growth opportunity. TelixAI Artificial Intelligence platform being developed with Invicro; pilot showcased at the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) annual meeting held in Vancouver in June 2022. Mr. Darren Smith appointed as Group Chief Financial Officer, effective 1 August 2022, and Mr. Kevin Richardson appointed as CEO of Telix Americas. Commercial Activity Report Illuccix U.S. Commercial Launch During the quarter, Telix launched its lead prostate cancer imaging product, Illuccix (kit for the preparation of gallium-68 (68Ga) gozetotide (also known as PSMA-11) injection) in the U.S., with first commercial doses being administered from 14 April 2022.[1] Sales revenue from U.S. commercial sales between 14 April and 30 June 2022 was USD$13.6 million (AUD$19.3 million). Sales were primarily generated via Telix's nuclear pharmacy distribution partners to imaging centres and hospitals, but also included some luminary academic centres and Veterans' Affairs (VA) sites directly contracted with Telix. During the quarter the Illuccix distribution network was progressively expanded from 117 to 140 radiopharmacies. Select Jubilant and RLS pharmacies have been added to the partnership network since launch, which initially comprised Cardinal Health, PharmaLogic and UPPI. The objective of the pharmacy network expansion is to provide broad geographic coverage, boosting capacity in both major metropolitan and regional markets to enable reliable access to PSMA-PET[2] imaging. Telix Managing Director and Group CEO Dr. Christian Behrenbruch, said, "The U.S. commercial launch of Illuccix is off to a strong start. This result reflects the efficacy of our differentiated business model in a large and growing market. We've delivered doses across the entire country, demonstrating the value of our nationwide pharmacy distribution partnerships and with industry-leading on-time delivery. We are meeting the needs of our customers and patients through reliable service delivery and wide accessibility to PSMA-PET imaging. With reimbursement effective 1 July, we expect to see Illuccix revenues grow considerably." During the quarter Telix announced it had been granted a Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) Level II code, A9596 and Transitional Pass-Through Payment Status.[3] Both reimbursement designations were formally recognised by the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) from 1 July 2022. Transitional pass-through status enables CMS to provide separate payments for the radiopharmaceutical and the PET-CT scan, when performed with Illuccix in the hospital outpatient setting, for a period of up to three years. Illuccix (TLX591-CDx)[4] worldwide revenue and customer receipts A total of $22.5 million in revenue was generated from sales of TLX591-CDx during the quarter. Of this $3.2 million was generated from pre-commercial sales[5], primarily in Europe and the United Kingdom, reflecting 166% growth on the previous corresponding quarter ($1.2 million, June 2021). Of the $5.4 million in customer receipts, $3.8 million (USD$2.7 million) was from U.S. commercial sales. Revenue from commercial sales is recognised when a dose is administered. Payment terms average 45 days from invoicing. Commercial sales of Illuccix in Australia and New Zealand is planned to commence in Q3, 2022. Illuccix (TLX591-CDx) global regulatory and reimbursement updates Marketing authorisation applications for TLX591-CDx are under review and progressing in 17 countries (13 European Union Member States, United Kingdom, Canada, Brazil and South Korea). Telix currently has a temporary use (pre-approval) authorisation in the Czech Republic and Brazil. In summary, the key regulatory updates for the quarter are: U.S.: On 17 May Telix filed a supplemental new drug application (sNDA) to the FDA, pursuant to section 505(b)(2) of the of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA), for Illuccix. The sNDA relates to an indication expansion for Illuccix for patient selection for radioligand (PSMA) therapy. The sNDA has been accepted for standard review with a Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) user fee goal date of 17 March 2023. On 17 May Telix filed a supplemental new drug application (sNDA) to the FDA, pursuant to section 505(b)(2) of the of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA), for Illuccix. The sNDA relates to an indication expansion for for patient selection for radioligand (PSMA) therapy. The sNDA has been accepted for standard review with a Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) user fee goal date of 17 March 2023. EU: The Company's Marketing Authorisation Application (MAA) is being evaluated by the Danish Medicines Agency (DKMA) in its capacity as a Reference Member State, on behalf of the 13 European countries selected by Telix. As previously reported, Telix has until 9 August 2022[6] to conclude the regulatory review process. The Company's Marketing Authorisation Application (MAA) is being evaluated by the Danish Medicines Agency (DKMA) in its capacity as a Reference Member State, on behalf of the 13 European countries selected by Telix. As previously reported, Telix has until 9 August 2022[6] to conclude the regulatory review process. South Korea: An imported New Drug Application (NDA) has been submitted by Telix's partner in South Korea, DuChemBio Co, Ltd. (DuChemBio), to the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS). An imported New Drug Application (NDA) has been submitted by Telix's partner in South Korea, DuChemBio Co, Ltd. (DuChemBio), to the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS). New Zealand: The drug safety regulator Medsafe has confirmed that Illuccix is an exempt product under the NZ Medicines Act 1981 and Radiation Safety Act 2016. Illuccix may now be supplied and used in New Zealand. In addition, and subsequent to quarter end, on 1 July 2022, PSMA-PET imaging for prostate cancer was listed on the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) in Australia. This means that MBS funding now covers the initial staging of intermediate to high-risk patients with prostate cancer and the restaging of patients with recurrent prostate cancer, commensurate with the broad clinical indications granted in Australia for Illuccix. Illuccix remains the only Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)-approved PET agent for the diagnostic imaging of men with prostate cancer available in Australia. Illuccix (TLX591-CDx) global distribution agreements Telix has continued to build out its global distribution network for TLX591-CDx in preparation for regulatory decision notification and commercial launch in countries beyond Australia and the United States. During the quarter, Telix entered into the following agreements: Canada: Isologic Innovative Pharmaceuticals (Isologic) and Telix signed a licence and distribution agreement, appointing Isologic as the commercial distributor for Illuccix in Canada, once approved.[7] Isologic Innovative Pharmaceuticals (Isologic) and Telix signed a licence and distribution agreement, appointing Isologic as the commercial distributor for Illuccix in Canada, once approved.[7] Saudi Arabia: Abdulla Fouad for Medical Supplies and Services Company (AFMS) and Telix signed a licence and distribution agreement, appointing AFMS as the commercial distributor for Illuccix in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, once approved. Telix now has commercial distribution agreements in place in all major European Union markets and the United Kingdom. In the APAC region, Telix has distribution agreements in place for Australia, New Zealand, Greater China (including Hong Kong, Taiwan, Macau) and South Korea. In the Americas region (ex-U.S.) Telix has agreements in place for Canada and Brazil. Clinical Programs Update ZIRCON Phase III kidney cancer imaging study completed The Company announced recruitment completion of the ZIRCON Phase III study of TLX250-CDx (89Zr-DFO-girentuximab), an investigational product for the imaging of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) with PET.[8] A total of 300 patients were dosed in the study. The Company expects to report the outcome of the ZIRCON study in 2H 2022. "This is a major clinical milestone and an important validation point for the Company. If the study is successful in meeting its endpoints, it paves the way for us to seek regulatory approval and commercialise a follow-on imaging product for the urologic oncology field in an area of unmet need. Indeterminate renal masses (IDRMs) are being detected at an increasing rate and present a dilemma for physicians. While it is estimated that up to 80% of IDRMs will be malignant, currently the only way to confirm diagnosis is through an invasive biopsy or partial nephrectomy and these procedures are not always necessary and can lead to complications, " stated Telix Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Colin Hayward. Following readout of the study, TLX250-CDx is expected to be available in selected countries to eligible patients under an Expanded Access Program (EAP) (also known as early access, pre-approval access or emergency use), in accordance with Telix's Compassionate Use Policy and subject to jurisdictional regulatory requirements.[9] Clinical Development Highlights Telix continues to progress its clinical pipeline, with a core focus on prostate cancer, kidney cancer, brain cancer (glioblastoma) and rare diseases (bone marrow conditioning). The Company has 20 clinical trials underway, including collaborative investigator-sponsored studies. Some key highlights include: Telix's PSMA-targeting ProstACT therapeutic program is evaluating the efficacy of Telix's lutetium-177 (177Lu)-labelled therapeutic antibody (TLX591) in various stages of prostate cancer, from first recurrence to advanced metastatic disease.[10] The Company continues to progress its global regulatory submissions for the ProstACT GLOBAL Phase III study. During the quarter, Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) approval was granted and patient recruitment commenced in the Phase II ProstACT TARGET study of TLX591, in patients experiencing a first recurrence of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) after initial therapy for prostate cancer.[11] The ProstACT SELECT study, a "theranostic" (imaging and therapy) Phase I radiogenomics study to demonstrate the utility of Illuccix imaging to select TLX591 patients for therapy, is now approaching the halfway point of patient enrolment. The first patients have been dosed in the STARLITE 2 Phase II study of the Company's investigational renal cancer therapy, TLX250 (177Lu-DOTA-girentuximab), at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) in New York.[12] This study is assessing the efficacy of TLX250 targeted radiation in combination with immunotherapy for ccRCC the most common and aggressive form of kidney cancer. TLX250 targets carbonic anhydrase IX (CA9, a protein that is highly expressed in patients that are likely to be less responsive to cancer immunotherapy.[13] The clinical hypothesis is that low doses of targeted radiation can potentially overcome immune resistance or immunologically "prime" a tumour, making it more susceptible to cancer immunotherapy. The NOBLE (Nobody Left Behind) Registry continues to collect clinical data to inform the development of TLX599-CDx (99mTc-iPSMA), an investigational prostate cancer imaging agent that targets PSMA using single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging.[14] SPECT is the predominant imaging modality in many countries, including remote and rural regions. The NOBLE registry aims to accelerate global access to advanced prostate cancer imaging where PET is not an option and is now active across eight sites globally.[15] The NOBLE Registry is funded in collaboration with the Oncidium Foundation. Research and Innovation Activity Olaratumab in-licence agreement with Eli Lilly and Company (Lilly) In April, Telix announced the signing of a licence agreement with Lilly granting Telix exclusive worldwide rights to develop and commercialise radiolabelled forms of Lilly's olaratumab antibody for the diagnosis and treatment of human cancers.[16] Olaratumab was originally developed by Lilly as a (non-radiolabelled) monoclonal antibody targeting Platelet Derived Growth Factor Receptor Alpha (PDGFR). Telix intends to develop radiolabelled olaratumab initially for the diagnosis and treatment of soft tissue sarcoma, a debilitating cancer with a high unmet need for new treatment options. Expanded partnership with RefleXion Medical Following a successful preliminary collaboration, the Company announced that it has advanced to a co-development and commercialisation agreement with RefleXion Medical Inc (RefleXion) to evaluate the use of Illuccix as a biological guide in RefleXion's BgRT[17] platform.[18] Illuccix will be the exclusive kit-based 68Ga PSMA-PET imaging agent used with RefleXion's BgRT platform. BgRT is the first and only cancer treatment designed to integrate PET technology as part of external-beam radiotherapy delivery. It uses PET tracers as biological guides to signal the location of cancer and guide the delivery of radiotherapy to tumors in real-time. Telix and RefleXion will conduct and co-fund a BgRT clinical program using Illuccix as a biological guide, seek regulatory approval and jointly pursue commercialization, initially in the United States. If approved, Illuccix for BgRT could potentially open a broad new market opportunity for Illuccix as a therapy guidance agent. TelixAI: Artificial Intelligence Platform Telix progressed its partnership with Invicro LLC (Invicro), a global, industry-leading imaging CRO, and part of REALM IDx, Inc., to develop an artificial intelligence (AI) platform to accompany Illuccix - dubbed TelixAITM.[19] TelixAITM seeks to increase the efficiency and reproducibility of clinicians' imaging assessments using advanced analysis capabilities with an initial focus on prostate cancer but with the eventual goal of supporting Telix's entire diagnostic imaging pipeline. The commercial objective of the development partnership is the submission to the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 510(K) approval for software as a medical device. A demonstration of the TelixAITM was presented to key opinion leaders at the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) Annual Meeting, which took place in Vancouver (Canada) in June of this year. Advanced Manufacturing Following the completion of project financing for Telix's Brussels South (Seneffe) manufacturing facility in Q1, 2022,[20] the Company has completed major building and infrastructure works to prepare for the commencement of clean room and hot cell installation for nine GMP manufacturing lines for isotope processing and radiopharmaceutical manufacturing. The Company is currently on track to complete the build-out and commence regulatory inspections by end-2022. During the quarter, Telix was part of a consortium awarded $23.0 million in Federal Government funding to establish the $71.2 million Australian Precision Medicine Enterprise Project (APME).[21] At the heart of APME a collaboration with Global Medical Solutions Australia (GMSA) and Monash University a new high energy cyclotron will become a source of critical radioisotopes, many of which are currently imported into Australia at high cost and variable accessibility. For Telix this will mean increased capacity to develop and manufacture theranostic radiopharmaceuticals in Australia, strengthening its global supply chain for both clinical and commercial products. Notable Executive Appointments On 1 June 2022, the Company announced it had appointed Mr. Darren Smith as Group Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective from 1 August 2022. Darren joined the Company in February 2022 as part of succession planning for Mr. Douglas Cubbin.[22] Darren brings over 20 years of executive finance and general management experience, including in the nuclear medicine industry. Darren previously served as Global CFO and Company Secretary at Sirtex Medical Limited, acquired by China GrandPharma in 2018. Mr. Kevin Richardson has been appointed to the role of CEO of Telix Americas (U.S./Canada/Latin America), and commenced employment on 11 July 2022.[23] Kevin brings 25 years of commercial experience in the healthcare industry including senior leadership and sales roles at Sirtex Medical, St Jude Medical, Boston Scientific and most recently as Chief Operating Officer of UroShape Medical. Payments to Related Parties Telix confirms that payments noted under section 6.1 of the accompanying Appendix 4C include payments of $0.7 million to ABX-CRO advanced pharmaceutical services (of which non-executive director Dr. Andreas Kluge is Managing Director) for the provision of clinical and analytical services for the Company's development programs. Payments of $0.3 million to Directors were for director fees and Managing Director salary. About Telix Pharmaceuticals Limited Telix is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialisation of diagnostic and therapeutic products using Molecularly Targeted Radiation (MTR). Telix is headquartered in Melbourne, Australia with international operations in Belgium, Japan, Switzerland, and the United States. Telix is developing a portfolio of clinical-stage products that address significant unmet medical need in oncology and rare diseases. Telix is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX: TLX). For more information visit www.telixpharma.com and follow Telix on Twitter (@TelixPharma) and LinkedIn. Telix's lead product, Illuccix (kit for preparation of gallium-68 (68Ga) gozetotide (also known as 68Ga PSMA-11) injection) for prostate cancer imaging, has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA),[24] and by the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).[25] Telix is also progressing marketing authorisation applications for this investigational candidate in Europe[26] and Canada.[27] Telix Investor Relations Ms. Kyahn WilliamsonTelix Pharmaceuticals LimitedSVP Corporate Communications and Investor RelationsEmail: [email protected] This announcement has been authorised for release by the Board of Directors. Legal Notices This announcement may include forward-looking statements that relate to anticipated future events, financial performance, plans, strategies or business developments. Forward-looking statements can generally be identified by the use of words such as "may", "expect", "intend", "plan", "estimate", "anticipate", "outlook", "forecast" and "guidance", or other similar words. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to differ materially from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the Company's good-faith assumptions as to the financial, market, regulatory and other risks and considerations that exist and affect the Company's business and operations in the future and there can be no assurance that any of the assumptions will prove to be correct. In the context of Telix's business, forward-looking statements may include, but are not limited to, statements about: the initiation, timing, progress and results of Telix's preclinical and clinical studies, and Telix's research and development programs; Telix's ability to advance product candidates into, enrol and successfully complete, clinical studies, including multi-national clinical trials; the timing or likelihood of regulatory filings and approvals, manufacturing activities and product marketing activities; the commercialisation of Telix's product candidates, if or when they have been approved; estimates of Telix's expenses, future revenues and capital requirements; Telix's financial performance; developments relating to Telix's competitors and industry; and the pricing and reimbursement of Telix's product candidates, if and after they have been approved. Telix's actual results, performance or achievements may be materially different from those which may be expressed or implied by such statements, and the differences may be adverse. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. You should read this announcement together with our risk factors, as disclosed in our most recently filed reports with the ASX or on our website. To the maximum extent permitted by law, Telix disclaims any obligation or undertaking to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements contained in this announcement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or a change in expectations or assumptions. The Telix Pharmaceuticals and Illuccix name and logo are trademarks of Telix Pharmaceuticals Limited and its affiliates (all rights reserved). [1] Media release 14 April 2022. [2] Positron emission tomography [3] ASX disclosure 30 May 2022. [4] For regulatory reasons, Telix refers to its 68 Ga-gozetotide kit as Illuccix in markets where it has received regulatory approval, and TLX-591CDx when referring to its use in both approved and unapproved markets. [5] Pre-commercial sales are from investigational, clinical trial, magisterial and compassionate use in accordance with local laws and regulations (not as a commercial diagnostic imaging product sold for routine clinical practice). [6] ASX disclosure 7 February 2022. [7] ASX disclosure 23 June 2022. [8] ASX disclosure 11 July 2022. [9] Telix Compassionate Use Policy, accessible at: https://telixpharma.com/wp-content/uploads/Policy-on-Offering-Compassionate-Use-to-Investigational-Medicines.pdf [10] ASX disclosure 27 January 2022. [11] ASX disclosure 12 April 2022. [12] Media release 5 May 2022. [13] Giatromanolaki et al. British Journal of Cancer. 2020. [14] See: www.nobleregistry.org. [15] The NOBLE Registry is being conducted at eight sites globally in Australia, Azerbaijan, Egypt, Indonesia, Mexico, Nigeria, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates. [16] ASX disclosure 11 April 2022. [17] The RefleXion X1 is cleared for SBRT/SRS/IMRT. BgRT is pending regulatory review and is not commercially available. [18] ASX disclosure 10 June 2022. [19] Media release 14 June 2022. [20] ASX disclosure 22 March 2022. [21] ASX disclosure 4 April 2022. [22] ASX disclosure 1 June 2022. [23] ASX disclosure 11 July 2022. [24] ASX disclosure 20 December 2021. [25] ASX disclosure 2 November 2021. [26] ASX disclosure 10 December 2021. [27] ASX disclosure 16 December 2020. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/telix-reports-second-quarter-2022-financial-results-301590607.html SOURCE Telix Pharmaceuticals Limited AUSTIN, Texas, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Storable, the leading technology company for self storage operators, and The William Warren Group (WWG), a privately held entrepreneurial real estate company that operates the StorQuest Self Storage family of brands, announced today that they have entered into a Facility Management Software Development Agreement in order to co-develop and support customized facility management software and related operating platform solutions for the benefit and continued growth of both businesses. WWG, a technology and innovation leader in the industry, is one of the largest privately-held development, acquisition and property management companies in the self storage industry with more than 280 facilities in 22 states and 600 employees nationwide. "Storable is at the forefront of the industry as tech innovators delivering comprehensive end-to-end capabilities and business solutions to help operators like us continue to innovate in real-time. Their storEDGE technology platform will allow us to seamlessly integrate our proprietary systems to achieve business results that matter to our organization. We are excited to collaborate with them to jointly accelerate innovation efforts that will benefit the industry." said Gary Sugarman, Chief Operating Officer, WWG. Chuck Gordon, CEO of Storable said, "We could not be more excited about our groundbreaking new partnership with The William Warren Group. Our industry leading Facility Management Software will now serve as the system of record for one of the top self storage brands in the world in addition to 27,000 other storage facilities worldwide. This collaboration will enable both parties to accelerate innovation and ultimately drive technology forward for self storage as a whole." About The William Warren Group (WWG) & StorQuest Self Storage. The William Warren Group, Inc. (WWG) is a privately held, entrepreneurial self storage development, acquisition, property and asset management company based in Santa Monica, CA. Since inception in 1994, the company's focus has been on investments in major metro markets across the United States that offer significant cash flow, revenue growth through its Private Operator Advantage third party management program and long-term capital appreciation opportunities. To learn more, visit www.williamwarren.com. StorQuest Self Storage, StorQuest Express and StorQuest Economy Storage are registered trademarks, and an owned and operated asset of WWG's national portfolio of self storage facilities. The StorQuest family of brands deliver best-in-class support, amenities and simple, easy-to-use technology - built on a foundation that is focused on a guest-centric service approach. To learn more visit: www.storquest.com. About Storable Based in Austin, Texas, Storable is the world's leading provider of self-storage technology. The business exists to help storage operators do more using their fully-integrated suite of products. Offering management software, websites, access control, insurance, payment processing and the internet's largest marketplace for renting self-storage units, Storable products power the storage industry. Backed by decades of experience leading innovation, the Storable family of companies includes: SiteLink, storEDGE and Easy Storage Solutions among others. With a fully distributed workforce, Storable is proud to serve more than 37,00 facilities with at least one of their products and more than 27,000 facilities with their system of record software. To learn more visit www.storable.com. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-william-warren-group-selects-storable-as-its-facility-management-software-platform-301591167.html SOURCE Storable EC Infosystems, a VertexOne Company, led this critical implementation project from start to finish, completing it on time and on budget. DALLAS, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- VertexOne, the leading provider of enhanced software-as-a-service (SaaS) solutions for the utility and energy industry, today announced that on March 21, 2022, True Electric LLC successfully went live with the UtiliBill billing, customer information system (CIS) and electronic data interchange (EDI) solutions. This is an important step in True Electric's long-term success and competitive advantage in the Texas deregulated energy market. "We look forward to broadening our partnership to meet the rapidly changing demands of the energy industry." The swift migration of True Electric's customers onto these industry-leading platforms follows the organization's entrance into the ERCOT market in December 2020. VertexOne's prescriptive and proven implementation approach was a key factor in True Electric's decision to partner with EC Infosystems, a VertexOne Company. "This project is crucial for our business success and resilience. We knew we needed to identify a vendor we could rely on today and for many years to come," shares Lindsey Margiotta, Chief Operating Officer of True Electric. "We have been overwhelmingly satisfied with EC Infosystems' reliability, hard work and ability to meet our technical requirements." As a result of this successful migration, True Electric is currently live and serving residential and commercial customers in Texas within the AEP Central, AEP Northern, TNMP, Oncor and CenterPoint utility territories. "We are excited to work alongside True Electric in growing their business and look to our partnership to help in enhancing our own solutions," said Ananda Goswami, Senior Vice President of Retail at VertexOne. "This achievement is the result of a joint effort between our organizations, where we have worked diligently to ensure that this project is aligned with True Electric's current goals. We look forward to broadening our partnership to meet the rapidly changing demands of the energy industry." With its differentiated customer offering, True Electric is positioned for significant growth in the Texas deregulated market. Following this successful migration, the team plans to explore a future implementation of UtiliBill's complex billing module to allow True Electric to develop and configure complex products for end customers in real time. "Our efficient and prescriptive implementation methodology has been a cornerstone of VertexOne's success over our 30 plus years in operation," said Andrew Jornod, CEO of VertexOne. "True Electric is a leader in the evolving energy market and exemplary in running a cutting-edge organization, revolutionizing the customer experience. VertexOne is thrilled to be a part of their individual transformation and the large-scale industry transformation." To learn more about VertexOne's solutions, please visit https://www.vertexone.net/. About VertexOne VertexOne is the recognized leader in SaaS platforms for critical business processes of utilities and retail energy companies across North America. VertexOne offers a wide range of innovative services and solutions, including the VertexOne Complete SaaS Solution for Utilities, comprised of the Customer Information System (CIS), Mobile Workforce Management (MWM), Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), Meter Data Management (MDM), Digital Customer Engagement and Customer Self Service. These solutions help utilities and energy companies deliver a compelling customer experience, reducing the cost to serve customers, increasing operational efficiency, improving customer satisfaction and driving their operations forward. Through the VertexOne Complete SaaS offering, VertexOne takes on the heavy lifting of keeping current with technological changes so that utilities and energy companies don't have to. This gives our customers more time to focus on their core business. For our deregulated energy clients, this also means garnering a greater competitive advantage. For more information, visit https://www.vertexone.net. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/vertexone-announces-successful-go-live-with-true-electric-llc-to-power-its-billing-and-edi-operations-301590852.html SOURCE VertexOne Wego saw 193 % increase in the number of searches from MENA to Thailand in last two months in comparison to February and March 2022 The country is in the top 10 destinations for GCC travelers Thailand is planning to launch a long-term resident visa for retirees, working professionals, specialists, and wealthy foreigners DUBAI, UAE, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Wego, the largest online travel marketplace in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), has tied up with Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to invite MNEA travelers to enjoy the best of the country in the new norm. To revive tourism in Thailand, the country launched the 'Visit Thailand Year 2022' campaign. The campaign under the theme "Amazing New Chapters" which the key messages will highlight the abundance of tourism products and services in Thailand that will fulfil all your travel desires, because from A to Z, Thailand has it all. The country ranks among the top 10 destinations for GCC travelers. It will be promoted across all Wego marketing channels to drive more visitors to the country and spread awareness on the new things to do and explore in the country post COVID-19. Mr. Chaiwat Tamtai Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand for Dubai and the Middle East commented: "One of the key travel trends for 2022 is workcation. As a result of this trend, Wego saw a spike in the number of searches on holiday homes 136%, hotel apartments 92% and apartments by 69% in Q1 2022 in comparison to the same period last year. And to make the country travel-friendly for workcations & remote jobs, Thailand is planning to launch a long-term resident visa for retirees, working professionals, specialists, and wealthy foreigners." The top destinations searching for Thailand from Jan to June 2022, are Saudi which saw 56 % compared to the same period in 2021, followed by Kuwait with 15% increase, UAE with 12%, and Bahrain with 7%. 48% of people searching for holidays in Thailand are solos, followed by 27% couples, and 24% families. Mamoun Hmedan, Chief Commercial Officer and Managing Director, Middle East, North Africa (MENA) and India of Wego, said: "We recorded over 193 % increase in the number of searches from MENA to Thailand in the last two months in comparison Feb and March 2022. Thailand ranks in the top 10 destinations for GCC travelers in 2022. We're thrilled to partner with TAT once again to cater to the growing travel demand from the MENA region." The campaign also emphasizes on instilling the spirit of responsible travel, which means availing of the highest forms of luxuries without disrupting nature, traditional food, local communities and flora, and fauna. A new set of rules has been ruled out for vaccinated and unvaccinated tourists from 1 June 2022 to make Thailand travel friendly. Tourists above the age of 18 years must be fully vaccinated at least 14 days before flying to Thailand. Tourists aged 5-17 years must be vaccinated with the first dose if they're traveling without their parents. About WegoWego provides award-winning travel search websites and top-ranked mobile apps for travelers living in the Asia Pacific and the Middle East regions. Wego harnesses powerful yet simple to use technology that automates the process of searching and comparing results from hundreds of airlines, hotel, and online travel agency websites. Wego presents an unbiased comparison of all travel products and prices offered in the marketplace by merchants, both local and global, and enables shoppers to quickly find the best deal and place to book whether it is from an airline or hotel directly or with a third-party aggregator website. Wego was founded in 2005 and is headquartered in Dubai and Singapore with regional operations in Bangalore Jakarta and Cairo. About Tourism Authority of Thailand:The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) was established on 18 March 1960. TAT was the first organization in Thailand to be specifically responsible for the promotion of tourism. TAT supplies information and data on tourist areas to the public and publicizes Thailand with the intention of encouraging both Thai and international tourists to travel in and around Thailand. TAT has established many overseas offices, the first being in New York, which opened in 1965. During the past years, TAT has established 29 offices in different parts of the world. The 29th office has already been opened at Fukuoka, Japan. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1863274/Thailand.jpg View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/wego-new-partnership-with-tourism-authority-of-thailand-to-drive-tourism-from-mena-301590377.html SOURCE Wego July 2022 Preliminary Pricing Supplement filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2) dated July 21, 2022 / Registration Statement No. 333-253421 STRUCTURED INVESTMENTS Opportunities in U.S. Equities The information in this preliminary pricing supplement is not complete and may be changed. This preliminary pricing supplement is not an offer to sell nor does it seek an offer to buy these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. Subject to Completion. Dated July 21, 2022. GS Finance Corp. Auto-Callable Trigger PLUS Based on the Value of the S&P 500 Index due August 1, 2024 Principal at Risk Securities The securities are unsecured notes issued by GS Finance Corp. and guaranteed by The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. The amount that you will be paid on your securities is based on the performance of the S&P 500 Index. The securities may be automatically called on the call observation date. Your securities will be automatically called if the index closing value on the call observation date is greater than or equal to the initial index value (set on the pricing date), resulting in a payment on the call payment date equal to at least $11.38 (set on the pricing date). No payments will be made after the call payment date. At maturity, if not previously called, (i) if the final index value (the index closing value on the valuation date) is greater than the initial index value, the return on your securities will be positive and equal to the product of the leverage factor of 125.00% multiplied by the index percent increase (the percentage increase in the final index value from the initial index value); (ii) if the final index value is equal to or less than the initial index value but greater than or equal to the downside threshold level (75.00% of the initial index value), you will receive the principal amount of your securities; or (iii) if the final index value is less than the downside threshold level, you will receive a payment at maturity based on the index performance factor (the quotient of the final index value divided by the initial index value). At maturity, for each $10 principal amount of your securities you will receive an amount in cash equal to: If the final index value is greater than the initial index value, the sum of (i) $10 plus (ii) the product of (a) $10 times (b) 1.25 times (c) the index percent increase; if the final index value is equal to or less than the initial index value but greater than or equal to the downside threshold level, $10.00; or if the final index value is less than the downside threshold level , the product of (i) $10 times (ii) the index performance factor. Under these circumstances, you will lose a significant portion or all of your investment. The securities are for investors who seek a return of at least 13.80% if their securities are automatically called or the potential to earn 125.00% of any positive return of the underlying index if their securities are not automatically called, in exchange for the risk of losing all or a significant portion of the principal amount of their securities if the securities remain outstanding to maturity. SUMMARY TERMS (continued on page PS-2) Issuer / Guarantor: GS Finance Corp. / The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. Underlying index: S&P 500 Index (Bloomberg symbol, SPX Index) Pricing date: July , 2022 (expected to price on or about July 29, 2022) Original issue date: August , 2022 (expected to be August 3, 2022) Call observation date: August 7, 2023, subject to postponement Call payment date: August 10, 2023, subject to postponement Valuation date: expected to be July 29, 2024, subject to postponement Stated maturity date: expected to be August 1, 2024, subject to postponement Estimated value range: $9.00 to $9.60. See the following page for more information. Your investment in the securities involves risks, including the credit risk of GS Finance Corp. and The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. See page PS-11. You should read the disclosure herein to better understand the terms and risks of your investment. Original issue date: August , 2022 Original issue price: 100.00% of the principal amount Underwriting discount: 2.50% ($ in total)* Net proceeds to the issuer: 97.50% ($ in total) *Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, acting as dealer for the offering, will receive a selling concession of $0.25 for each security it sells. It has informed us that it intends to internally allocate $0.05 of the selling concession as a structuring fee. Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any other regulatory body has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense. The securities are not bank deposits and are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency, nor are they obligations of, or guaranteed by, a bank. The issue price, underwriting discount and net proceeds listed on the cover page relate to the securities we sell initially. We may decide to sell additional securities after the date of this pricing supplement, at issue prices and with underwriting discounts and net proceeds that differ from the amounts set forth above. The return (whether positive or negative) on your investment in securities will depend in part on the issue price you pay for such securities. GS Finance Corp. may use this prospectus in the initial sale of the securities. In addition, Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC or any other affiliate of GS Finance Corp., may use this prospectus in a market-making transaction in a security after its initial sale. Unless GS Finance Corp. or its agent informs the purchaser otherwise in the confirmation of sale, this prospectus is being used in a market-making transaction. ADDITIONAL SUMMARY TERMS Automatic call feature: if, as measured on the call observation date, the index closing value is greater than or equal to the initial index value, your securities will be automatically called and you will receive for each $10 principal amount an amount in cash equal to at least $11.38 (set on the pricing date). No payments will be made after the call payment date. Payment at maturity: if the final index value is greater than the initial index value, the sum of (i) $10 plus (ii) the leveraged upside payment; if the final index value is equal to or less than the initial index value but greater than or equal to the downside threshold level, $10 ; or if the final index value is less than the downside threshold level, the product of (i) $10 times (ii) the index performance factor This amount will be less than the stated principal amount of $10, will represent a loss of more than 25.00% and could be zero. Leveraged upside payment: $10 leverage factor index percent increase Leverage factor: 125.00% Index percent increase: (final index value - initial index value) / initial index value Initial index value: the index closing value on the pricing date Final index value: the index closing value on the valuation date Downside threshold level: 75.00% of the initial index value Index performance factor: the final index value / the initial index value CUSIP / ISIN: 36264H859 / US36264H8593 Stated principal amount/Original issue price: $10 per security / 100% of the principal amount Listing: the securities will not be listed on any securities exchange Underwriter: Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC Estimated Value of Your Securities The estimated value of your securities at the time the terms of your securities are set on the pricing date (as determined by reference to pricing models used by Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC (GS&Co.) and taking into account our credit spreads) is expected to be in the range (the estimated value range) specified on the cover of this pricing supplement (per $10 principal amount), which is less than the original issue price. The value of your securities at any time will reflect many factors and cannot be predicted; however, the price (not including GS&Co.s customary bid and ask spreads) at which GS&Co. would initially buy or sell securities (if it makes a market, which it is not obligated to do) and the value that GS&Co. will initially use for account statements and otherwise is equal to approximately the estimated value of your securities at the time of pricing, plus an additional amount (initially equal to $ per $10 principal amount). The price (not including GS&Co.s customary bid and ask spreads) at which GS&Co. would buy or sell your securities (if it makes a market, which it is not obligated to do) will equal approximately the sum of (a) the then-current estimated value of your securities (as determined by reference to GS&Co.s pricing models) plus (b) any remaining additional amount (the additional amount will decline to zero from the time of pricing through , as described below). On and after , the price (not including GS&Co.s customary bid and ask spreads) at which GS&Co. would buy or sell your securities (if it makes a market) will equal approximately the then-current estimated value of your securities determined by reference to such pricing models. With respect to the $ initial additional amount: $ will decline to zero on a straight-line basis from the time of pricing through ; and $ will decline to zero on a straight-line basis from through . PS-2 July 2022 About Your Securities The securities are notes that are part of the Medium-Term Notes, Series F program of GS Finance Corp. and are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc . This prospectus includes this pricing supplement and the accompanying documents listed below. This pricing supplement constitutes a supplement to the documents listed below and should be read in conjunction with such documents: General terms supplement no. 2,913 dated June 17, 2021 Underlier supplement no. 27 dated April 26, 2022 Prospectus supplement dated March 22, 2021 Prospectus dated March 22, 2021 The information in this pricing supplement supersedes any conflicting information in the documents listed above. In addition, some of the terms or features described in the listed documents may not apply to your securities. Please note that, for purposes of this pricing supplement, references in the general terms supplement no. 2,913 to underlier(s), indices, exchange-traded fund(s), lesser performing, trade date, underlier sponsor, determination date, face amount, level and cash settlement amount shall be deemed to refer to underlying(s), underlying index(es), underlying ETF(s), worst performing, pricing date, underlying index publisher, valuation date, principal amount, value and payment at maturity, respectively. In addition, for purposes of this pricing supplement, references in the general terms supplement no. 2,913 to trading day shall be deemed to refer to underlying business day, index business day or ETF business day, as applicable, and references to closing level shall be deemed to refer to closing price, closing value, index closing value or ETF closing price, as applicable. Please note that, for purposes of this pricing supplement, references in the underlier supplement no. 27 to underlier(s), indices, exchange-traded fund(s), trade date and underlier sponsor shall be deemed to refer to underlying(s), underlying index(es), underlying ETF(s), pricing date and underlying index publisher, respectively. PS-3 July 2022 GS Finance Corp. Auto-Callable Trigger PLUS Based on the Value of the S&P 500 Index due August 1, 2024 Principal at Risk Securities We refer to the securities we are offering by this pricing supplement as the offered securities or the securities. Each of the securities has the terms described under Summary Terms and Additional Provisions in this pricing supplement. Please note that in this pricing supplement, references to GS Finance Corp., we, our and us mean only GS Finance Corp. and do not include its subsidiaries or affiliates, references to The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., our parent company, mean only The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. and do not include its subsidiaries or affiliates and references to Goldman Sachs mean The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. together with its consolidated subsidiaries and affiliates, including us. Also, references to the accompanying prospectus mean the accompanying prospectus, dated March 22, 2021, references to the accompanying prospectus supplement mean the accompanying prospectus supplement, dated March 22, 2021, for Medium-Term Notes, Series F, references to the accompanying underlier supplement no. 27 mean the accompanying underlier supplement no. 27 dated April 26, 2022 and references to the accompanying general terms supplement no. 2,913 mean the accompanying general terms supplement no. 2,913, dated June 17, 2021, in each case of GS Finance Corp. and The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. The securities will be issued under the senior debt indenture, dated as of October 10, 2008, as supplemented by the First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of February 20, 2015, each among us, as issuer, The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., as guarantor, and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee. This indenture, as so supplemented and as further supplemented thereafter, is referred to as the GSFC 2008 indenture in the accompanying prospectus supplement. Investment Summary The Auto-Callable Trigger PLUS Based on the Value of the S&P 500 Index due August 1, 2024 (th e securities ) d o no t provid e fo r th e regular payment of interest. Instead, the securities provide an opportunity to earn a fixed call payment of at least $11.38 (set on the pricing date) that will be paid on the call payment date (and the securities will be automatically called and no further payments will be made) if the closing value of the underlying index on the call observation date is greater than or equal to the initial index value . If the securities have not been automatically called prior to maturity and the closing level of the underlying index on the valuation date is greater than the initial index value, investors will receive the stated principal amount of their investment plus the leveraged upside payment. If the securities have not been automatically called prior to maturity and the closing level of the underlying index on the valuation date is equal to or less than the initial index value but greater than or equal to the downside threshold level (75.00% of the initial index value) , investors will receive the stated principal amount. However, if the securities have not been automatically called prior to maturity and the closing value of the underlying index on the valuation date is less than the downside threshold level , investors will be fully exposed to the decline in the underlying index on a 1 - to - 1 basis, and will receive a payment a t maturit y tha t i s les s tha n 75.00% o f th e state d principa l amoun t o f the securities an d coul d b e zero . Accordingly, investors in the securities must be willing to accept the risk of losing thei r entir e initia l investmen t. Maturity: Approximately 2 years (unless automatically called) Automatic call feature: If, as measured on the call observation date, the index closing value is greater than or equal to the initial index value, your securities will be automatically called and you will receive for each $10 principal amount an amount in cash equal to at least $11.38 (set on the pricing date). No further payments will be made on the securities following an automatic call. Payment at maturity: If the final index value is greater than the initial index value, the sum of (i) $10 plus (ii) the leveraged upside payment; If the final index value is equal to or less than the initial index value but greater than or equal to the downside threshold level, $10; or If the final index value is less than the downside threshold level, the product of (i) $10 times (ii) the index performance factor Leveraged upside payment: $10 leverage factor index percent increase Leverage factor: 125.00% PS-4 July 2022 GS Finance Corp. Auto-Callable Trigger PLUS Based on the Value of the S&P 500 Index due August 1, 2024 Principal at Risk Securities Index percent increase: (final index value - initial index value) / initial index value Index performance factor: The final index value / the initial index value Downside threshold level: 75.00% of the initial index value PS-5 July 2022 GS Finance Corp. Auto-Callable Trigger PLUS Based on the Value of the S&P 500 Index due August 1, 2024 Principal at Risk Securities Key Investment Rationale The securities do not provide for the regular payment of interest. Instead, the securities are for investors who seek a return of at least 13.80% if their securities are automatically called or the potential to earn 125.00% of any positive return of the underlying index if their securities are not automatically called, in exchange for the risk of losing all or a significant portion of the principal amount of their securities if the securities remain outstanding to maturity. The following scenarios are for illustrative purposes only to demonstrate how the payment on the call payment date (if the securities are automatically called) and the payment at maturity (if the securities have not been automatically called) are calculated, and do not attempt to demonstrate every situation that may occur. Accordingly, the securities may or may not be automatically called, a positive return on the securities may never be realized and the payment at maturity may be less than 75.00% of the stated principal amount of the securities and may be zero. Scenario 1: the securities are automatically called prior to maturity This scenario assumes that the underlying index close s at or above the initial index value on the call observation date. As a result, the securities are automatically called fo r at least $11.38 (set on the pricing date) . If the securities are automatically called, no further payment s will be made. Scenario 2: the securities are not automatically called prior to maturity and investors receive principal back and a positive return at maturity This scenario assumes that the underlying index closes below the initial index value on the call observation date. Consequently, the securities are not automatically called and no call payment is made. On the valuation date, the underlying index closes above the initial index value. At maturity, investors will receive the stated principal amount plus a return reflecting 125.00% of the increase in the value of the underlying index. Scenario 3: the securities are not automatically called prior to maturity and investors receive principal back This scenario assumes that the underlying index closes below the initial index value on the call observation date. Consequently, the securities are not automatically called and no call payments are made. On the valuation date, the underlying index closes at or below the initial index value but at or above the downside threshold level . At maturity, investors will receive the stated principal amount. Scenario 4: th e securities are no t automatically called prio r t o maturity and investors suffer a substantial loss of principal at maturity This scenario assumes that the underlying index closes below the initial index value on the call observation date. Consequently, the securities are not automatically called and no call payments are made . On the valuation date, the underlying index closes below the downside threshol d level . At maturity, investors will receive an amount equal to the product of the stated principal amount times the index performance factor. Under thes e circumstances , th e paymen t a t maturit y wil l b e les s tha n 75.00% o f th e state d principal amount and could be zero. PS-6 July 2022 GS Finance Corp. Auto-Callable Trigger PLUS Based on the Value of the S&P 500 Index due August 1, 2024 Principal at Risk Securities Hypothetical Examples The below examples are based on the following terms: Stated principal amount: $10 per security Hypothetical initial index value: 3,800.00 Leverage factor: 125% Hypothetical downside threshold level: 2,850.00 (75.00% of the initial index value) How to determine the amount payable, if any, on the call payment date: The example below assumes that the hypothetical amount payable on the call payment date with respect to each $10 principal amount of your securities will be equal to $11.38 if the underlying index closes at or above the initial index value on the call observation date. Hypothetical Call Observation Date Index Closing Value Amount Payable on the Call Payment Date (per security) #1 5,000.00 ( at or above initial index value ) $11.38 On the hypothetical call observation date, the underlying index closes at or above the initial index value. Therefore, the securities are automatically called and the amount payable on the call payment date equals $11.38. Your securities will not be automatically called, and you will not receive a payment on the call payment date, if the index closing value is below the initial index value on the call observation date. How to calculate the payment at maturity (if the securities have not been automatically called): Example Index Closing Value (Final Index Value) Payment at Maturity (per security) #1 4,180.00 ( above the initial index value) $10 + leveraged upside payment = $10 + ($10 125% 10% ) = $11.25 #2 3,000.00 ( at or below the initial index value but at or above the downside threshold level) $10.00 #3 1,900.00 ( below the downside threshol d level) $10 the index performance factor = $10 (1,900.00 / 3 ,800.00) = $5.00 In example # 1, the final index value is above the initial index value. Therefore, investors receive at maturity the stated principal amount of the securities plus a return reflecting 125.00% of the increase in the value of the underlying index. In example #2, the final index value is at or below the initial index value but is at or above the downside threshold level. Therefore, investors receive at maturity the stated principal amount of the securities. In example # 3, the final index value is below the downside threshold level. Therefore, investors are exposed to the downside performance of the underlying index at maturity and receive at maturity an amount equal to the stated principal amount time s the index performanc e facto r . If the final index value is below the downside threshold level, you will be exposed to the downside performance of the underlying index at maturity, and your payment at maturity will be less than $7.50 per security and could be zero. PS-7 July 2022 GS Finance Corp. Auto-Callable Trigger PLUS Based on the Value of the S&P 500 Index due August 1, 2024 Principal at Risk Securities Additional Hypothetical Examples The following examples are provided for purposes of illustration only. They should not be taken as an indication or prediction of future investment results and merely are intended to illustrate (i) the impact that various hypothetical index closing values on the call observation date could have on the amount payable, if any, on the call payment date and (ii) the impact that various hypothetical index closing values on the valuation date could have on the payment at maturity assuming all other variables remain constant. The examples below are based on a range of index closing values that are entirely hypothetical; no one can predict what the index closing value will be on any day throughout the life of your securities, what the index closing value will be on the call observation date and what the final index value will be on the valuation date. The underlying index has been highly volatile in the past meaning that the index closing value has changed considerably in relatively short periods and its performance cannot be predicted for any future period. The information in the following examples reflects hypothetical rates of return on the offered securities assuming that they are purchased on the original issue date at the stated principal amount and held to the call payment date or the stated maturity date, as the case may be. If you sell your securities in a secondary market prior to the call payment date or the stated maturity date, as the case may be, your return will depend upon the market value of your securities at the time of sale, which may be affected by a number of factors that are not reflected in the examples below such as interest rates, the volatility of the underlying index, the creditworthiness of GS Finance Corp., as issuer, and the creditworthiness of The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., as guarantor. The information in the examples also reflects the key terms and assumptions in the box below. Key Terms and Assumptions Stated principal amount $10 Leverage factor 125.00% Downside threshold level 75.00% of the initial index value Neither a market disruption event nor a non-index business day occurs on the originally scheduled call observation date or the originally scheduled valuation date No change in or affecting any of the underlying index stocks or the method by which the underlying index publisher calculates the underlying index Securities purchased on original issue date at the stated principal amount and held to the call payment date or the stated maturity date Moreover, we have not yet set the initial index value that will serve as the baseline for determining if the securities will be called, the index performance factor and the amount that we will pay on your securities, if any, on the call payment date or at maturity. We will not do so until the pricing date. As a result, the actual initial index value may differ substantially from the index closing values prior to the pricing date. For these reasons, the actual performance of the underlying index over the life of your securities and the actual index closing value on the call observation date, may bear little relation to the hypothetical examples shown below or to the historical index closing values shown elsewhere in this pricing supplement. For information about the historical values of the underlying index during recent periods, see The Underlying Index Historical Index Closing Values below. Before investing in the offered securities, you should consult publicly available information to determine the values of the underlying index between the date of this pricing supplement and the date of your purchase of the offered securities. Also, the hypothetical examples shown below do not take into account the effects of applicable taxes. Because of the U.S. tax treatment applicable to your securities, tax liabilities could affect the after-tax rate of return on your securities to a comparatively greater extent than the after-tax return on the underlying index stocks. PS-8 July 2022 GS Finance Corp. Auto-Callable Trigger PLUS Based on the Value of the S&P 500 Index due August 1, 2024 Principal at Risk Securities Hypothetical Payment on the Call Payment Date The example below assumes that the hypothetical payment that we would pay on the call payment date with respect to each $10 principal amount of your securities will be equal to $11.38 if the index closing value is greater than or equal to the initial index value on the call observation date. If your securities are automatically called on the call observation date (i.e., on the call observation date the index closing value is equal to or greater than the initial index value), the cash payment that we would deliver for each $10 principal amount of your securities on the call payment date would be $11.38. If, for example, the index closing value on the call observation date was determined to be 125.00% of the initial index value, your securities would be automatically called and the cash payment that we would deliver on your securities on the call payment date would be 113.80% of the principal amount of your securities or $11.38 for each $10 of securities. No further payments would be made on the securities following an automatic call. You will not participate in any appreciation of the underlying index. Hypothetical Payment at Maturity If the securities are not automatically called on the call observation date (i.e., on the call observation date the index closing value is less than the initial index value), the amount we would deliver for each $10 principal amount of your securities on the maturity date will depend on the performance of the underlying index on the valuation date, as shown in the table below. The table below assumes that the securities have not been automatically called on the call observation date and reflects hypothetical amounts that you could receive on the stated maturity date. The values in the left column of the table below represent hypothetical final index values and are expressed as percentages of the initial index value. The amounts in the right column represent the hypothetical payments at maturity, based on the corresponding hypothetical final index value, and are expressed as percentages of the stated principal amount of a security (rounded to the nearest one-thousandth of a percent). Thus, a hypothetical payment at maturity of 100.000% means that the value of the cash payment that we would deliver for each $10 of the outstanding stated principal amount of the offered securities on the stated maturity date would equal 100.000% of the stated principal amount of a security, based on the corresponding hypothetical final index value and the assumptions noted above. The Securities Have Not Been Automatically Called Hypothetical Final Index Value (as Percentage of Initial Index Value) Hypothetical Payment at Maturity (as Percentage of Stated Principal Amount) 200.000% 225.000% 150.000% 162.500% 125.000% 131.250% 110.000% 112.500% 105.000% 106.250% 100.000% 100.000% 90.000% 100.000% 80.000% 100.000% 75.000% 100.000% 74.999% 74.999% 60.000% 60.000% 50.000% 50.000% 30.000% 30.000% 25.000% 25.000% 0.000% 0.000% PS-9 July 2022 GS Finance Corp. Auto-Callable Trigger PLUS Based on the Value of the S&P 500 Index due August 1, 2024 Principal at Risk Securities If, for example, the securities have not been automatically called on the call observation date and the final index value were determined to be 25.000% of the initial index value, the payment at maturity that we would deliver on your securities would be 25.000% of the stated principal amount of your securities, as shown in the table above. As a result, if you purchased your securities on the original issue date at the stated principal amount and held them to the stated maturity date, you would lose 75.000% of your investment (if you purchased your securities at a premium to stated principal amount you would lose a correspondingly higher percentage of your investment). If the final index value were determined to be zero, you would lose your entire investment in the securities. The payments on the call payment date or at maturity shown above are entirely hypothetical; they are based on market prices for the underlying index stocks that may not be achieved on the call observation date or the valuation date and on assumptions that may prove to be erroneous. The actual market value of your securities on the stated maturity date or at any other time, including any time you may wish to sell your securities, may bear little relation to the hypothetical payments at maturity shown above, and these amounts should not be viewed as an indication of the financial return on an investment in the offered securities. The hypothetical payments on securities held to the stated maturity date in the examples above assume you purchased your securities at their stated principal amount and have not been adjusted to reflect the actual issue price you pay for your securities. The return on your investment (whether positive or negative) in your securities will be affected by the amount you pay for your securities. If you purchase your securities for a price other than the stated principal amount, the return on your investment will differ from, and may be significantly lower than, the hypothetical returns suggested by the above examples. Please read Risk Factors The Market Value of Your Securities May Be Influenced by Many Unpredictable Factors below. Payments on the securities are economically equivalent to the amounts that would be paid on a combination of other instruments. For example, payments on the securities are economically equivalent to a combination of an interest-bearing bond bought by the holder (although the securities do not pay interest) and one or more options entered into between the holder and us (with one or more implicit option premiums paid over time). The discussion in this paragraph does not modify or affect the terms of the securities or the U.S. federal income tax treatment of the securities, as described elsewhere in this pricing supplement. We cannot predict the actual index closing values of the underlying index on any day, the final index value or what the market value of your securities will be on any particular index business day, nor can we predict the relationship between the index closing value and the market value of your securities at any time prior to the stated maturity date. The actual amount that you will receive on the call payment date or the maturity date, if any, and the rate of return on the offered securities will depend on whether or not the securities are automatically called and the actual initial index value and the amount payable if the securities are automatically called, which we will set on the pricing date, and on the actual index closing value on the call observation date and the actual final index value determined by the calculation agent as described above. Moreover, the assumptions on which the hypothetical examples are based may turn out to be inaccurate. Consequently, the amount to be paid in respect of your securities on the call payment date or the stated maturity date, as applicable, may be very different from the information reflected in the examples above. PS-10 July 2022 GS Finance Corp. Auto-Callable Trigger PLUS Based on the Value of the S&P 500 Index due August 1, 2024 Principal at Risk Securities Risk Factors An investment in your securities is subject to the risks described below, as well as the risks and considerations described in the accompanying prospectus, in the accompanying prospectus supplement, under Additional Risk Factors Specific to the Securities in the accompanying underlier supplement no. 27 and under Additional Risk Factors Specific to the Notes in the accompanying general terms supplement no. 2,913. You should carefully review these risks and considerations as well as the terms of the securities described herein and in the accompanying prospectus, the accompanying prospectus supplement, the accompanying underlier supplement no. 27 and the accompanying general terms supplement no. 2,913. Your securities are a riskier investment than ordinary debt securities. Also, your securities are not equivalent to investing directly in the underlying index stocks, i.e., the stocks comprising the underlying index to which your securities are linked. You should carefully consider whether the offered securities are appropriate given your particular circumstances. Risks Related to Structure, Valuation and Secondary Market Sales You May Lose Your Entire Investment in the Securities You can lose your entire investment in the securities. Assuming your securities are not automatically called on the call observation date, the cash payment on your securities, if any, on the stated maturity date will be based on the performance of the S&P 500 Index as measured from the initial index value set on the pricing date to the index closing value on the valuation date. If the final index value is less than the downside threshold level, you will lose 1.00% of the stated principal amount of your securities for every 1.00% decline in the index value over the term of the securities, and you will lose a significant portion or all of your investment. Thus, you may lose your entire investment in the securities. Also, the market price of your securities prior to the stated maturity date may be significantly lower than the purchase price you pay for your securities. Consequently, if you sell your securities before the stated maturity date, you may receive far less than the amount of your investment in the securities. The Securities Are Subject to the Credit Risk of the Issuer and the Guarantor Although the return on the securities will be based on the performance of the underlying index, the payment of any amount due on the securities is subject to the credit risk of GS Finance Corp., as issuer of the securities, and the credit risk of The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., as guarantor of the securities . The securities are our unsecured obligations. Investors are dependent on our ability to pay all amounts due on the securities, and therefore investors are subject to our credit risk and to changes in the markets view of our creditworthiness. Similarly, investors are dependent on the ability of The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., as guarantor of the securities, to pay all amounts due on the securities, and therefore are also subject to its credit risk and to changes in the markets view of its creditworthiness. See Description of the Notes We May Offer Information About Our Medium-Term Notes, Series F Program How the Notes Rank Against Other Debt on page S-5 of the accompanying prospectus supplement and Description of Debt Securities We May Offer Guarantee by The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. on page 67 of the accompanying prospectus . The Amount You Will Receive on the Call Payment Date Will Be Capped Regardless of the index closing value on the call observation date, the amount you may receive on the call payment date is capped and you will not benefit from any increase in the index closing value above the initial index value on the call observation date. If your securities are automatically called on the call observation date, the maximum payment you will receive for each $10 face amount of your securities will be at least $11.38 (set on the pricing date). Your Securities Are Subject to Automatic Redemption We will automatically call and redeem all, but not part, of your securities on the call payment date, if, as measured on the call observation date, the index closing value is greater than or equal to the initial index value. No further payments will be made on the securities following an automatic call. Therefore, the term for your securities may be reduced to as short as approximately twelve months after the original issue date. You may not be able to reinvest the proceeds from an investment in the securities at a comparable PS-11 July 2022 GS Finance Corp. Auto-Callable Trigger PLUS Based on the Value of the S&P 500 Index due August 1, 2024 Principal at Risk Securities return for a similar level of risk in the event the securities are called prior to maturity. For the avoidance of doubt, if your securities are automatically called, no discounts, commissions or fees described herein will be rebated or reduced. The Amount You Will Receive on the Call Payment Date or on the Stated Maturity Date is Not Linked to the Index Closing Value at Any Time Other Than on the Call Observation Date or the Valuation Date, as the Case May Be The amount you will receive on the call payment date, if any, will be paid only if the index closing value is greater than or equal to the initial index value on the call observation date. Therefore, the index closing value on dates other than the call observation date will have no effect on any amount paid in respect of your securities on the call payment date. In addition, the amount you will receive on the stated maturity date, if any, will be based on the index closing value on the valuation date. Therefore, for example, if the final index value dropped precipitously on the valuation date, the amount paid on the securities would be significantly less than it would otherwise have been had the amount been linked to the index closing value prior to such drop. Although the actual index closing value on the call payment date, stated maturity date or at other times during the life of the securities may be higher than the index closing value on the call observation date or the valuation date, you will not benefit from the index closing value on any date other than on the call observation date or the valuation date. The Return on Your Securities May Change Significantly Despite Only a Small Incremental Change in the Value of the Underlying Index If your securities are not automatically called and the final index value is less than the downside threshold level, you will lose all or a significant portion of your investment in the securities. This means that while a drop of up to 25.00% between the initial index value and the final index value will not result in a loss of principal on the securities, a decrease in the final index value to less than 75.00% of the initial index value will result in a loss of a significant portion of the stated principal amount of the securities despite only a small incremental change in the value of the underlying index. The Return on Your Securities Will Not Reflect Any Dividends Paid on the Underlying Index Stocks The underlying index publisher calculates the value of the underlying index by reference to the prices of its underlying index stocks, without taking account of the value of dividends paid on those underlying index stocks. Therefore, the return on your securities will not reflect the return you would realize if you actually owned the underlying index stocks and received the dividends paid on those underlying index stocks. You will not receive any dividends that may be paid on any of the underlying index stocks by the applicable underlying index stock issuer. See Investing in the securities is Not Equivalent to Investing in the Underlying Index; You Have No Shareholder Rights or Rights to Receive Any Underlying Index Stock below for additional information. The Estimated Value of Your Securities At the Time the Terms of Your Securities Are Set On the Pricing Date (as Determined By Reference to Pricing Models Used By GS&Co.) Is Less Than the Original Issue Price Of Your Securities The original issue price for your securities exceeds the estimated value of your securities as of the time the terms of your securities are set on the pricing date, as determined by reference to GS&Co.s pricing models and taking into account our credit spreads. Such estimated value on the pricing date is set forth above under Estimated Value of Your Securities; after the pricing date, the estimated value as determined by reference to these models will be affected by changes in market conditions, the creditworthiness of GS Finance Corp., as issuer, the creditworthiness of The Goldman Sachs Group Inc., as guarantor, and other relevant factors. The price at which GS&Co. would initially buy or sell your securities (if GS&Co. makes a market, which it is not obligated to do), and the value that GS&Co. will initially use for account statements and otherwise, also exceeds the estimated value of your securities as determined by reference to these models. As agreed by GS&Co. and the distribution participants, this excess (i.e., the additional amount described under Estimated Value of Your Securities) will decline to zero over the period from the date hereof through the applicable date set forth above under Estimated Value of Your Securities. Thereafter, if GS&Co. buys or sells your securities it will do so at prices that PS-12 July 2022 GS Finance Corp. Auto-Callable Trigger PLUS Based on the Value of the S&P 500 Index due August 1, 2024 Principal at Risk Securities reflect the estimated value determined by reference to such pricing models at that time. The price at which GS&Co. will buy or sell your securities at any time also will reflect its then current bid and ask spread for similar sized trades of structured securities. In estimating the value of your securities as of the time the terms of your securities are set on the pricing date, as disclosed above under Estimated Value of Your Securities, GS&Co.s pricing models consider certain variables, including principally our credit spreads, interest rates (forecasted, current and historical rates), volatility, price-sensitivity analysis and the time to maturity of the securities. These pricing models are proprietary and rely in part on certain assumptions about future events, which may prove to be incorrect. As a result, the actual value you would receive if you sold your securities in the secondary market, if any, to others may differ, perhaps materially, from the estimated value of your securities determined by reference to our models due to, among other things, any differences in pricing models or assumptions used by others. See The Market Value of Your Securities May Be Influenced by Many Unpredictable Factors below. The difference between the estimated value of your securities as of the time the terms of your securities are set on the pricing date and the original issue price is a result of certain factors, including principally the underwriting discount and commissions, the expenses incurred in creating, documenting and marketing the securities, and an estimate of the difference between the amounts we pay to GS&Co. and the amounts GS&Co. pays to us in connection with your securities. We pay to GS&Co. amounts based on what we would pay to holders of a non-structured security with a similar maturity. In return for such payment, GS&Co. pays to us the amounts we owe under your securities. In addition to the factors discussed above, the value and quoted price of your securities at any time will reflect many factors and cannot be predicted. If GS&Co. makes a market in the securities, the price quoted by GS&Co. would reflect any changes in market conditions and other relevant factors, including any deterioration in our creditworthiness or perceived creditworthiness or the creditworthiness or perceived creditworthiness of The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. These changes may adversely affect the value of your securities, including the price you may receive for your securities in any market making transaction. To the extent that GS&Co. makes a market in the securities, the quoted price will reflect the estimated value determined by reference to GS&Co.s pricing models at that time, plus or minus its then current bid and ask spread for similar sized trades of structured securities (and subject to the declining excess amount described above). Furthermore, if you sell your securities, you will likely be charged a commission for secondary market transactions, or the price will likely reflect a dealer discount. This commission or discount will further reduce the proceeds you would receive for your securities in a secondary market sale. There is no assurance that GS&Co. or any other party will be willing to purchase your securities at any price and, in this regard, GS&Co. is not obligated to make a market in the securities. See Your Securities May Not Have an Active Trading Market below. The Market Value of Your Securities May Be Influenced by Many Unpredictable Factors When we refer to the market value of your securities, we mean the value that you could receive for your securities if you chose to sell them in the open market before the call payment date or the stated maturity date. A number of factors, many of which are beyond our control, will influence the market value of your securities, including: the value of the underlying index; the volatility i.e., the frequency and magnitude of changes in the index closing value of the underlying index; the dividend rates of the underlying index stocks; economic, financial, regulatory, political, military, public health and other events that affect stock markets generally and the underlying index stocks, and which may affect the index closing value of the underlying index; interest rates and yield rates in the market; PS-13 July 2022 GS Finance Corp. Auto-Callable Trigger PLUS Based on the Value of the S&P 500 Index due August 1, 2024 Principal at Risk Securities the time remaining until your securities mature; and our creditworthiness and the creditworthiness of The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., whether actual or perceived, including actual or anticipated upgrades or downgrades in our credit ratings or the credit ratings of The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. or changes in other credit measures. Without limiting the foregoing, the market value of your securities may be negatively impacted by increasing interest rates. Such adverse impact of increasing interest rates could be significantly enhanced in securities with longer-dated maturities, the market values of which are generally more sensitive to increasing interest rates. These factors, and many other factors, will influence the price you will receive if you sell your securities before the call payment date or maturity, including the price you may receive for your securities in any market making transaction. If you sell your securities before the call payment date or maturity, you may receive less than the principal amount of your securities or the amount you may receive on the call payment date or at maturity. You cannot predict the future performance of the underlying index based on its historical performance. The actual performance of the underlying index over the life of the offered securities or the payment at maturity may bear little or no relation to the historical index closing values of the underlying index or to the hypothetical examples shown elsewhere in this pricing supplement. Your Securities May Not Have an Active Trading Market Your securities will not be listed or displayed on any securities exchange or included in any interdealer market quotation system, and there may be little or no secondary market for your securities. Even if a secondary market for your securities develops, it may not provide significant liquidity and we expect that transaction costs in any secondary market would be high. As a result, the difference between bid and asked prices for your securities in any secondary market could be substantial. If the Value of the Underlying Index Changes, the Market Value of Your Securities May Not Change in the Same Manner The price of your securities may move quite differently than the performance of the underlying index. Changes in the value of the underlying index may not result in a comparable change in the market value of your securities. Even if the value of the underlying index remain above the downside threshold level during some portion of the life of the securities, the market value of your securities may not reflect directly any movement in the level of the underlying index. We discuss some of the reasons for this disparity under The Market Value of Your Securities May Be Influenced by Many Unpredictable Factors above. Investing in the Securities is Not Equivalent to Investing in the Underlying Index; You Have No Shareholder Rights or Rights to Receive Any Underlying Index Stock Investing in your securities is not equivalent to investing in the underlying index and will not make you a holder of any of the underlying index stocks. Neither you nor any other holder or owner of your securities will have any rights with respect to the underlying index stocks, including any voting rights, any right to receive dividends or other distributions, any rights to make a claim against the underlying index stocks or any other rights of a holder of the underlying index stocks. Your securities will be paid in cash and you will have no right to receive delivery of any underlying index stocks. We May Sell an Additional Aggregate Stated Principal Amount of the Securities at a Different Issue Price At our sole option, we may decide to sell an additional aggregate stated principal amount of the securities subsequent to the date of this pricing supplement. The issue price of the securities in the subsequent sale may differ substantially (higher or lower) from the original issue price you paid as provided on the cover of this pricing supplement. PS-14 July 2022 GS Finance Corp. Auto-Callable Trigger PLUS Based on the Value of the S&P 500 Index due August 1, 2024 Principal at Risk Securities If You Purchase Your Securities at a Premium to Stated Principal Amount, the Return on Your Investment Will Be Lower Than the Return on Securities Purchased at Stated Principal Amount and the Impact of Certain Key Terms of the Securities Will be Negatively Affected The payment on the call payment date or at maturity will not be adjusted based on the issue price you pay for the securities. If you purchase securities at a price that differs from the stated principal amount of the securities, then the return on your investment in such securities held to the call payment date or the stated maturity date will differ from, and may be substantially less than, the return on securities purchased at stated principal amount. If you purchase your securities at a premium to stated principal amount and hold them to the call payment date or the stated maturity date the return on your investment in the securities will be lower than it would have been had you purchased the securities at stated principal amount or a discount to stated principal amount. Risks Related to Conflicts of Interest Other Investors May Not Have the Same Interests as You Other investors in the securities are not required to take into account the interests of any other investor in exercising remedies or voting or other rights in their capacity as holders of the securities. The interests of other investors may, in some circumstances, be adverse to your interests. Further, other investors in the market may take short positions (directly or indirectly through derivative transactions) on assets that are the same or similar to your securities, the underlying stocks or other similar securities, which may adversely impact the market for or value of your securities. Hedging Activities by Goldman Sachs or Our Distributors May Negatively Impact Investors in the Securities and Cause Our Interests and Those of Our Clients and Counterparties to be Contrary to Those of Investors in the Securities Goldman Sachs has hedged or expects to hedge our obligations under the securities by purchasing listed or over-the-counter options, futures and/or other instruments linked to the underlying index or the underlying index stocks. Goldman Sachs also expects to adjust the hedge by, among other things, purchasing or selling any of the foregoing, and perhaps other instruments linked to the underlying index or the underlying index stocks, at any time and from time to time, and to unwind the hedge by selling any of the foregoing on or before the valuation date for your securities. Alternatively, Goldman Sachs may hedge all or part of our obligations under the securities with unaffiliated distributors of the securities which we expect will undertake similar market activity. Goldman Sachs may also enter into, adjust and unwind hedging transactions relating to other index-linked securities whose returns are linked to changes in the value of the underlying index or the underlying index stocks, as applicable. In addition to entering into such transactions itself, or distributors entering into such transactions, Goldman Sachs may structure such transactions for its clients or counterparties, or otherwise advise or assist clients or counterparties in entering into such transactions. These activities may be undertaken to achieve a variety of objectives, including: permitting other purchasers of the securities or other securities to hedge their investment in whole or in part; facilitating transactions for other clients or counterparties that may have business objectives or investment strategies that are inconsistent with or contrary to those of investors in the securities; hedging the exposure of Goldman Sachs to the securities including any interest in the securities that it reacquires or retains as part of the offering process, through its market-making activities or otherwise; enabling Goldman Sachs to comply with its internal risk limits or otherwise manage firmwide, business unit or product risk; and/or enabling Goldman Sachs to take directional views as to relevant markets on behalf of itself or its clients or counterparties that are inconsistent with or contrary to the views and objectives of the investors in the securities. Any of these hedging or other activities may adversely affect the value of the underlying index directly or indirectly by affecting the value of the underlying index stocks and therefore the market value of your securities and the amount we will pay on your securities, if any, on the call payment date or at maturity. In addition, you should expect that these transactions will cause Goldman Sachs or its clients, counterparties or distributors to have economic interests and incentives that do not align with, and that may be directly contrary to, those of an investor in the securities. Neither Goldman Sachs nor any distributor will have any obligation to take, refrain from taking or cease taking any action with respect to PS-15 July 2022 GS Finance Corp. Auto-Callable Trigger PLUS Based on the Value of the S&P 500 Index due August 1, 2024 Principal at Risk Securities these transactions based on the potential effect on an investor in the securities, and may receive substantial returns on hedging or other activities while the value of your securities declines. In addition, if the distributor from which you purchase securities is to conduct hedging activities in connection with the securities, that distributor may otherwise profit in connection with such hedging activities and such profit, if any, will be in addition to the compensation that the distributor receives for the sale of the securities to you. You should be aware that the potential to earn fees in connection with hedging activities may create a further incentive for the distributor to sell the securities to you in addition to the compensation they would receive for the sale of the securities. Goldman Sachs Trading and Investment Activities for its Own Account or for its Clients, Could Negatively Impact Investors in the Securities Goldman Sachs is a global investment banking, securities and investment management firm that provides a wide range of financial services to a substantial and diversified client base that includes corporations, financial institutions, governments and individuals. As such, it acts as an investor, investment banker, research provider, investment manager, investment advisor, market maker, trader, prime broker and lender. In those and other capacities, Goldman Sachs purchases, sells or holds a broad array of investments, actively trades securities, derivatives, loans, commodities, currencies, credit default swaps, indexes, baskets and other financial instruments and products for its own account or for the accounts of its customers, and will have other direct or indirect interests, in the global fixed income, currency, commodity, equity, bank loan and other markets. Any of Goldman Sachs financial market activities may, individually or in the aggregate, have an adverse effect on the market for your securities, and you should expect that the interests of Goldman Sachs or its clients or counterparties will at times be adverse to those of investors in the securities. Goldman Sachs regularly offers a wide array of securities, financial instruments and other products into the marketplace, including existing or new products that are similar to your securities, or similar or linked to the underlying index or underlying index stocks. Investors in the securities should expect that Goldman Sachs will offer securities, financial instruments, and other products that will compete with the securities for liquidity, research coverage or otherwise. Additional Risks Related to the Underlying Index The Policies of the Underlying Index Publisher and Changes That Affect the Underlying Index or the Underlying Index Stocks Comprising the Underlying Index Could Affect the Payment at Maturity and the Market Value of the Securities The policies of the underlying index publisher concerning the calculation of the value of the underlying index, additions, deletions or substitutions of underlying index stocks comprising the underlying index and the manner in which changes affecting the underlying index stocks or their issuers, such as stock dividends, reorganizations or mergers, are reflected in the value of the underlying index, could affect the value of the underlying index and, therefore, the payment on the call payment date or at maturity and the market value of your securities before the call payment date or the stated maturity date. The payment on the call payment date or at maturity and the market value of your securities could also be affected if the underlying index publisher changes these policies, for example, by changing the manner in which it calculates the underlying index value or if the underlying index publisher discontinues or suspends calculation or publication of the value of the underlying index, in which case it may become difficult to determine the market value of your securities. If events such as these occur, the calculation agent which initially will be GS&Co., our affiliate may determine the index closing value of the underlying index on any such date and thus the payment on the call payment date or at maturity in a manner it considers appropriate, in its sole discretion. We describe the discretion that the calculation agent will have in determining the closing index value on any index business day and the payment on the call payment date or at maturity more fully under Supplemental Terms of the Notes Discontinuance or Modification of an Underlying and Role of Calculation Agent on page S-26 of the accompanying general terms supplement no. 2,913. PS-16 July 2022 GS Finance Corp. Auto-Callable Trigger PLUS Based on the Value of the S&P 500 Index due August 1, 2024 Principal at Risk Securities Risks Related to Tax The Tax Consequences of an Investment in Your Securities Are Uncertain The tax consequences of an investment in your securities are uncertain, both as to the timing and character of any inclusion in income in respect of your securities. The Internal Revenue Service announced on December 7, 2007 that it is considering issuing guidance regarding the proper U.S. federal income tax treatment of an instrument such as your securities and any such guidance could adversely affect the tax treatment and the value of your securities. Among other things, the Internal Revenue Service may decide to require the holders to accrue ordinary income on a current basis and recognize ordinary income on payment at maturity, and could subject non-U.S. investors to withholding tax. Furthermore, in 2007, legislation was introduced in Congress that, if enacted, would have required holders that acquired instruments such as your securities after the bill was enacted to accrue interest income over the term of such instruments even though there will be no interest payments over the term of such instruments. It is not possible to predict whether a similar or identical bill will be enacted in the future, or whether any such bill would affect the tax treatment of your securities. We describe these developments in more detail under Supplemental Discussion of U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences United States Holders Possible Changes in Law below. You should consult your tax advisor about this matter. Except to the extent otherwise provided by law, GS Finance Corp. intends to continue treating your securities for U.S. federal income tax purposes in accordance with the treatment described under Supplemental Discussion of U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences below unless and until such time as Congress, the Treasury Department or the Internal Revenue Service determine that some other treatment is more appropriate. Please also consult your tax advisor concerning the U.S. federal income tax and any other applicable tax consequences to you of owning your securities in your particular circumstances. Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) Withholding May Apply to Payments on Your Securities, Including as a Result of the Failure of the Bank or Broker Through Which You Hold the Securities to Provide Information to Tax Authorities Please see the discussion under United States Taxation Taxation of Debt Securities Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) Withholding in the accompanying prospectus for a description of the applicability of FATCA to payments made on your securities. PS-17 July 2022 GS Finance Corp. Auto-Callable Trigger PLUS Based on the Value of the S&P 500 Index due August 1, 2024 Principal at Risk Securities The Underlying Index The S&P 500 Index includes a representative sample of 500 companies in leading industries of the U.S. economy and is intended to provide a performance benchmark for the large-cap U.S. equity markets. For more details about the underlying index, the underlying index publisher and license agreement between the underlying index publisher and the issuer, see The Underliers - S&P 500 Index on page S-106 of the accompanying underlier supplement no. 27. The S&P 500 Index is a product of S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC, and has been licensed for use by GS Finance Corp. (Goldman). Standard & Poors and S&P are registered trademarks of Standard & Poors Financial Services LLC; Dow Jones is a registered trademark of Dow Jones Trademark Holdings LLC (Dow Jones) and these trademarks have been licensed for use by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC and sublicensed for certain purposes by Goldman. Goldmans securities are not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC, Dow Jones, Standard & Poors Financial Services LLC or any of their respective affiliates and neither S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC, Dow Jones, Standard & Poors Financial Services LLC or any of their respective affiliates make any representation regarding the advisability of investing in such securities. PS-18 July 2022 GS Finance Corp. Auto-Callable Trigger PLUS Based on the Value of the S&P 500 Index due August 1, 2024 Principal at Risk Securities Historical Index Closing Values The index closing values have fluctuated in the past and may, in the future, experience significant fluctuations. In particular, the underlying index has recently experienced extreme and unusual volatility. Any historical upward or downward trend in the index closing value during any period shown below is not an indication that the underlying index is more or less likely to increase or decrease at any time during the life of your securities. You should not take the historical index closing values as an indication of the future performance of the underlying index, including because of the recent volatility described above. We cannot give you any assurance that the future performance of the underlying index or the underlying index stocks will result in your receiving any payments or receiving an amount greater than the outstanding principal amount of your securities on the stated maturity date, or that you will not suffer a loss of a significant portion of all of your investment. Neither we nor any of our affiliates make any representation to you as to the performance of the underlying index. Before investing in the offered securities, you should consult publicly available information to determine the values of the underlying index between the date of this pricing supplement and the date of your purchase of the offered securities and, given the recent volatility described above, you should pay particular attention to the recent levels of the underlying index . The actual performance of the underlying index over the life of the offered securities, as well as the payment at maturity, if any, may bear little relation to the historical index closing values shown below. The table below shows the high, low and period end index closing values of the underlying index for each of the four calendar quarters in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021 and the first three calendar quarters of 2022 (through July 19, 2022). We obtained the index closing values listed in the tables below from Bloomberg Financial Services, without independent verification. Historical Quarterly High, Low and Period End Index Closing Values of the S&P 500 Index High Low Period End 2017 Quarter ended March 31 2,395.96 2,257.83 2,362.72 Quarter ended June 30 2,453.46 2,328.95 2,423.41 Quarter ended September 30 2,519.36 2,409.75 2,519.36 Quarter ended December 31 2,690.16 2,529.12 2,673.61 2018 Quarter ended March 31 2,872.87 2,581.00 2,640.87 Quarter ended June 30 2,786.85 2,581.88 2,718.37 Quarter ended September 30 2,930.75 2,713.22 2,913.98 Quarter ended December 31 2,925.51 2,351.10 2,506.85 2019 Quarter ended March 31 2,854.88 2,447.89 2,834.40 Quarter ended June 30 2,954.18 2,744.45 2,941.76 Quarter ended September 30 3,025.86 2,840.60 2,976.74 Quarter ended December 31 3,240.02 2,887.61 3,230.78 2020 Quarter ended March 31 3,386.15 2,237.40 2,584.59 Quarter ended June 30 3,232.39 2,470.50 3,100.29 Quarter ended September 30 3,580.84 3,115.86 3,363.00 Quarter ended December 31 3,756.07 3,269.96 3,756.07 PS-19 July 2022 GS Finance Corp. Auto-Callable Trigger PLUS Based on the Value of the S&P 500 Index due August 1, 2024 Principal at Risk Securities 2021 Quarter ended March 31 3,974.54 3,700.65 3,972.89 Quarter ended June 30 4,297.50 4,019.87 4,297.05 Quarter ended September 30 4,536.95 4,258.49 4,307.54 Quarter ended December 31 4,793.06 4,300.46 4,766.18 2022 Quarter ended March 31 4,796.56 4,170.70 4,530.41 Quarter ended June 30 4,582.64 3,666.77 3,785.38 Quarter ending September 30 (through July 19, 2022) 3,936.69 3,790.38 3,936.69 The graph below shows the daily historical index closing values from January 1, 2017 through July 19, 2022. As a result, the following graph does not reflect the global financial crisis which began in 2008, which had a materially negative impact on the price of most equity securities and, as a result, the level of most equity indices. We obtained the index closing values in the graph below from Bloomberg Financial Services, without independent verification. Historical Performance of the S&P 500 Index PS-20 July 2022 GS Finance Corp. Auto-Callable Trigger PLUS Based on the Value of the S&P 500 Index due August 1, 2024 Principal at Risk Securities Supplemental Discussion of U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences The following section supplements the discussion of U.S. federal income taxation in the accompanying prospectus. The following section is the opinion of Sidley Austin llp , counsel to GS Finance Corp. and The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. In addition, it is the opinion of Sidley Austin llp that the characterization of each security for U.S. federal income tax purposes that will be required under the terms of each security, as discussed below, is a reasonable interpretation of current law. This section does not apply to you if you are a member of a class of holders subject to special rules, such as: a dealer in securities or currencies; a trader in securities that elects to use a mark-to-market method of accounting for your securities holdings; a bank; a life insurance company; a regulated investment company; an accrual method taxpayer subject to special tax accounting rules as a result of its use of financial statements; a tax exempt organization; a partnership; a person that owns a security as a hedge or that is hedged against interest rate risks; a person that owns a security as part of a straddle or conversion transaction for tax purposes; or a United States holder (as defined below) whose functional currency for tax purposes is not the U.S. dollar. Although this section is based on the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, its legislative history, existing and proposed regulations under the Internal Revenue Code, published rulings and court decisions, all as currently in effect, no statutory, judicial or administrative authority directly discusses how your securities should be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and as a result, the U.S. federal income tax consequences of your investment in your securities are uncertain. Moreover, these laws are subject to change, possibly on a retroactive basis. You should consult your tax advisor concerning the U.S. federal income tax and other tax consequences of your investment in the securities, including the application of state, local or other tax laws and the possible effects of changes in federal or other tax laws. United States Holders This section applies to you only if you are a United States holder that holds your securities as a capital asset for tax purposes. You are a United States holder if you are a beneficial owner of a security and you are: a citizen or resident of the United States; a domestic corporation; an estate whose income is subject to U.S. federal income tax regardless of its source; or a trust if a United States court can exercise primary supervision over the trusts administration and one or more United States persons are authorized to control all substantial decisions of the trust. PS-21 July 2022 GS Finance Corp. Auto-Callable Trigger PLUS Based on the Value of the S&P 500 Index due August 1, 2024 Principal at Risk Securities Tax Treatment. You will be obligated pursuant to the terms of your securities in the absence of a change in law, an administrative determination or a judicial ruling to the contrary to characterize your securities for all tax purposes as pre-paid derivative contracts in respect of the underlying index. Except as otherwise stated below, the discussion herein assumes that your securities will be so treated. Upon the sale, exchange, redemption or maturity of your securities, you should recognize capital gain or loss equal to the difference, if any, between the amount of cash you receive at such time and your tax basis in your securities. Your tax basis in the securities will generally be equal to the amount that you paid for the securities. If you hold your securities for more than one year, the gain or loss generally will be long-term capital gain or loss. If you hold your securities for one year or less, the gain or loss generally will be short-term capital gain or loss. Short-term capital gains are generally subject to tax at the marginal tax rates applicable to ordinary income. No statutory, judicial or administrative authority directly discusses how your securities should be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As a result, the U.S. federal income tax consequences of your investment in the securities are uncertain and alternative characterizations are possible. Accordingly, we urge you to consult your tax advisor in determining the tax consequences of an investment in your securities in your particular circumstances, including the application of state, local or other tax laws and the possible effects of changes in federal or other tax laws. Alternative Treatments. There is no judicial or administrative authority discussing how your securities should be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Therefore, the Internal Revenue Service might assert that a treatment other than that described above is more appropriate. For example, the Internal Revenue Service could treat your securities as a single debt instrument subject to special rules governing contingent payment debt instruments. Under those rules, the amount of interest you are required to take into account for each accrual period would be determined by constructing a projected payment schedule for the securities and applying rules similar to those for accruing original issue discount on a hypothetical noncontingent debt instrument with that projected payment schedule. This method is applied by first determining the comparable yield i.e., the yield at which we would issue a noncontingent fixed rate debt instrument with terms and conditions similar to your securities and then determining a payment schedule as of the issue date that would produce the comparable yield. These rules may have the effect of requiring you to include interest in income in respect of your securities prior to your receipt of cash attributable to that income. If the rules governing contingent payment debt instruments apply, any gain you recognize upon the sale, exchange, redemption or maturity of your securities would be treated as ordinary interest income. Any loss you recognize at that time would be ordinary loss to the extent of interest you included as income in the current or previous taxable years in respect of your securities, and, thereafter, capital loss. If the rules governing contingent payment debt instruments apply, special rules would apply to a person who purchases a security at a price other than the adjusted issue price as determined for tax purposes. It is also possible that your securities could be treated in the manner described above, except that any gain or loss that you recognize at maturity or upon redemption would be treated as ordinary gain or loss. You should consult your tax advisor as to the tax consequences of such characterization and any possible alternative characterizations of your securities for U.S. federal income tax purposes. It is possible that the Internal Revenue Service could seek to characterize your securities in a manner that results in tax consequences to you that are different from those described above. You should consult your tax advisor as to the tax consequences of any possible alternative characterizations of your securities for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Possible Change in Law On December 7, 2007, the Internal Revenue Service released a notice stating that the Internal Revenue Service and the Treasury Department are actively considering issuing guidance regarding the proper U.S. federal income tax treatment of an instrument such as the offered securities, including whether holders PS-22 July 2022 GS Finance Corp. Auto-Callable Trigger PLUS Based on the Value of the S&P 500 Index due August 1, 2024 Principal at Risk Securities should be required to accrue ordinary income on a current basis and whether gain or loss should be ordinary or capital. It is not possible to determine what guidance they will ultimately issue, if any. It is possible, however, that under such guidance, holders of the securities will ultimately be required to accrue income currently and this could be applied on a retroactive basis. The Internal Revenue Service and the Treasury Department are also considering other relevant issues, including whether foreign holders of such instruments should be subject to withholding tax on any deemed income accruals, and whether the special constructive ownership rules of Section 1260 of the Internal Revenue Code might be applied to such instruments. Except to the extent otherwise provided by law, GS Finance Corp. intends to continue treating each security for U.S. federal income tax purposes in accordance with the treatment described above under Tax Treatment unless and until such time as Congress, the Treasury Department or the Internal Revenue Service determine that some other treatment is more appropriate. Furthermore, in 2007, legislation was introduced in Congress that, if enacted, would have required holders that acquired instruments such as your securities after the bill was enacted to accrue interest income over the term of such instruments even though there will be no interest payments over the term of such instruments. It is not possible to predict whether a similar or identical bill will be enacted in the future, or whether any such bill would affect the tax treatment of your securities. It is impossible to predict what any such legislation or administrative or regulatory guidance might provide, and whether the effective date of any legislation or guidance will affect a security issued before the date that such legislation or guidance is issued. You are urged to consult your tax advisor as to the possibility that any legislative or administrative action may adversely affect the tax treatment of your securities. Backup Withholding and Information Reporting You will be subject to generally applicable information reporting and backup withholding requirements as discussed in the accompanying prospectus under United States Taxation Taxation of Debt Securities Backup Withholding and Information Reporting United States Holders with respect to payments on your securities and, notwithstanding that we do not intend to treat the securities as debt for tax purposes, we intend to backup withhold on such payments with respect to your securities unless you comply with the requirements necessary to avoid backup withholding on debt instruments (in which case you will not be subject to such backup withholding) as set forth under United States Taxation Taxation of Debt Securities United States Holders in the accompanying prospectus. Please see the discussion under United States Taxation Taxation of Debt Securities Backup Withholding and Information ReportingUnited States Holders in the accompanying prospectus for a description of the applicability of the backup withholding and information reporting rules to payments made on your securities. Non-United States Holders This section applies to you only if you are a non-United States holder. You are a non-United States holder if you are the beneficial owner of a security and are, for U.S. federal income tax purposes: a nonresident alien individual; a foreign corporation; or an estate or trust that in either case is not subject to U.S. federal income tax on a net income basis on income or gain from a security. You will be subject to generally applicable information reporting and backup withholding requirements as discussed in the accompanying prospectus under United States Taxation Taxation of Debt Securities Backup Withholding and Information Reporting Non-United States Holders with respect to payments on your securities and, notwithstanding that we do not intend to treat each security as debt for tax purposes, we intend to backup withhold on such payments with respect to your securities unless you comply with the requirements necessary to avoid backup withholding on debt instruments (in which case you will not be subject to such backup withholding) as set forth under United States Taxation Taxation of Debt Securities Non-United States Holders in the accompanying prospectus. PS-23 July 2022 GS Finance Corp. Auto-Callable Trigger PLUS Based on the Value of the S&P 500 Index due August 1, 2024 Principal at Risk Securities Furthermore, on December 7, 2007, the Internal Revenue Service released Notice 2008-2 soliciting comments from the public on various issues, including whether instruments such as your securities should be subject to withholding. It is therefore possible that rules will be issued in the future, possibly with retroactive effect, that would cause payments on your securities to be subject to withholding, even if you comply with certification requirements as to your foreign status . As discussed above, alternative characterizations of each security for U.S. federal income tax purposes are possible. Should an alternative characterization of each security by reason of a change or clarification of the law, by regulation or otherwise, cause payments with respect to the securities to become subject to withholding tax, we will withhold tax at the applicable statutory rate and we will not make payments of any additional amounts. Prospective non-United States holders of a security should consult their tax advisors in this regard. In addition, the Treasury Department has issued regulations under which amounts paid or deemed paid on certain financial instruments (871(m) financial instruments) that are treated as attributable to U.S.-source dividends could be treated, in whole or in part depending on the circumstances, as a dividend equivalent payment that is subject to tax at a rate of 30% (or a lower rate under an applicable treaty), which in the case of any amounts you receive upon the sale, exchange, redemption or maturity of your securities, could be collected via withholding. If these regulations were to apply to your securities, we may be required to withhold such taxes if any U.S.-source dividends are paid on the stocks included in the underlying index during the term of the securities. We could also require you to make certifications (e.g., an applicable Internal Revenue Service Form W-8) prior to the maturity of the securities in order to avoid or minimize withholding obligations, and we could withhold accordingly (subject to your potential right to claim a refund from the Internal Revenue Service) if such certifications were not received or were not satisfactory. If withholding was required, we would not be required to pay any additional amounts with respect to amounts so withheld. These regulations generally will apply to 871(m) financial instruments (or a combination of financial instruments treated as having been entered into in connection with each other) issued (or significantly modified and treated as retired and reissued) on or after January 1, 2023, but will also apply to certain 871(m) financial instruments (or a combination of financial instruments treated as having been entered into in connection with each other) that have a delta (as defined in the applicable Treasury regulations) of one and are issued (or significantly modified and treated as retired and reissued) on or after January 1, 2017. In addition, these regulations will not apply to financial instruments that reference a qualified index (as defined in the regulations). We have determined that, as of the issue date of your securities, your securities will not be subject to withholding under these rules. In certain limited circumstances, however, you should be aware that it is possible for non-United States holders to be liable for tax under these rules with respect to a combination of transactions treated as having been entered into in connection with each other even when no withholding is required. You should consult your tax advisor concerning these regulations, subsequent official guidance and regarding any other possible alternative characterizations of your securities for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) Withholding Pursuant to Treasury regulations, Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) withholding (as described in United States TaxationTaxation of Debt SecuritiesForeign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) Withholding in the accompanying prospectus) will generally apply to obligations that are issued on or after July 1, 2014; therefore, the securities will generally be subject to the FATCA withholding rules. PS-24 July 2022 GS Finance Corp. Auto-Callable Trigger PLUS Based on the Value of the S&P 500 Index due August 1, 2024 Principal at Risk Securities Additional Information About the Securities This section is meant as a summary and should be read in conjunction with the section entitled Supplemental Terms of the Notes on page S-17 of the accompanying general terms supplement no. 2,913. This pricing supplement supersedes any conflicting provisions of the accompanying general terms supplement no. 2,913. Please read this information in conjunction with the summary terms on the front cover of this pricing supplement. Additional Provisions: Underlying index publisher: S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC Denominations: $10 and integral multiples of $10 in excess thereof Postponement of valuation date: As described under Supplemental Terms of the Notes Determination date on page S-15 of the accompanying general terms supplement no. 2,913 Postponement of stated maturity date: As described under "Supplemental Terms of the Notes Stated Maturity Date on page S-15 of the accompanying general terms supplement no. 2,913 Specified currency: U.S. dollars ($) Index closing value: As described under Supplemental Terms of the Notes Special Calculation Provisions Closing Level on page S-36 of the accompanying general terms supplement no. 2,913 Business day: As described under Supplemental Terms of the Notes Special Calculation Provisions Business Day on page S-35 of the accompanying general terms supplement no. 2,913 Index business day: As described under Supplemental Terms of the Notes Special Calculation Provisions Trading Day on page S-35 of the accompanying general terms supplement no. 2,913 FDIC: The securities are not bank deposits and are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency, nor are they obligations of, or guaranteed by, a bank Trustee: The Bank of New York Mellon Calculation agent: GS&Co. Use of proceeds and hedging: As described under Use of Proceeds and Hedging on page S-34 of the accompanying general terms supplement no. 2,913 ERISA: As described under Employee Retirement Income Security Act on page S42 of the accompanying general terms supplement no. 2,913 PS-25 July 2022 GS Finance Corp. Auto-Callable Trigger PLUS Based on the Value of the S&P 500 Index due August 1, 2024 Principal at Risk Securities Supplemental plan of distribution; conflicts of interest: As described under Supplemental Plan of Distribution on page S-49 of the accompanying general terms supplement no. 2,913 and Plan of Distribution Conflicts of Interest on page 129 of the accompanying prospectus; GS Finance Corp. estimates that its share of the total offering expenses, excluding underwriting discounts and commissions, will be approximately $ . GS Finance Corp. will sell to GS&Co., and GS&Co. will purchase from GS Finance Corp., the aggregate stated principal amount of the offered securities specified on the front cover of this pricing supplement. GS&Co. proposes initially to offer the securities to the public at the original issue price set forth on the cover page of this pricing supplement. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (Morgan Stanley Wealth Management), acting as dealer for the offering, will receive a selling concession of $0.25, or 2.50% of the principal amount, for each security it sells. Morgan Stanley Wealth Management has informed us that it intends to internally allocate at Morgan Stanley Wealth Management $0.05 of the selling concession, or 0.50% of the principal amount, for each security as a structuring fee. The costs included in the original issue price of the securities will include a fee paid by GS&Co. to LFT Securities, LLC, an entity in which an affiliate of Morgan Stanley Wealth Management has an ownership interest, for providing certain electronic platform services with respect to this offering. GS&Co. is an affiliate of GS Finance Corp. and The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. and, as such, will have a conflict of interest in this offering of securities within the meaning of Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (FINRA) Rule 5121. Consequently, this offering of securities will be conducted in compliance with the provisions of FINRA Rule 5121. GS&Co. will not be permitted to sell securities in this offering to an account over which it exercises discretionary authority without the prior specific written approval of the account holder. We expect to deliver the securities against payment therefor in New York, New York on August , 2022. Under Rule 15c6-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, trades in the secondary market generally are required to settle in two business days, unless the parties to any such trade expressly agree otherwise. Accordingly, purchasers who wish to trade securities on any date prior to two business days before delivery will be required to specify alternative settlement arrangements to prevent a failed settlement. We have been advised by GS&Co. that it intends to make a market in the securities. However, neither GS&Co. nor any of our other affiliates that makes a market is obligated to do so and any of them may stop doing so at any time. PS-26 July 2022 GS Finance Corp. Auto-Callable Trigger PLUS Based on the Value of the S&P 500 Index due August 1, 2024 Principal at Risk Securities About Your Securities: The securities are notes that are part of the Medium-Term Notes, Series F program of GS Finance Corp. and are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc . This prospectus includes this pricing supplement and the accompanying documents listed below. This pricing supplement constitutes a supplement to the documents listed below and should be read in conjunction with such documents: General terms supplement no. 2,913 dated June 17, 2021 Underlier supplement no. 27 dated April 26, 2022 Prospectus supplement dated March 22, 2021 Prospectus dated March 22, 2021 The information in this pricing supplement supersedes any conflicting information in the documents listed above. In addition, some of the terms or features described in the listed documents may not apply to your securities. Please note that, for purposes of this pricing supplement, references in the general terms supplement no. 2,913 to underlier(s), indices, exchange-traded fund(s), lesser performing, trade date, underlier sponsor, determination date, face amount, level and cash settlement amount shall be deemed to refer to underlying(s), underlying index(es), underlying ETF(s), worst performing, pricing date, underlying index publisher, valuation date, principal amount, value and payment at maturity, respectively. In addition, for purposes of this pricing supplement, references in the general terms supplement no. 2,913 to trading day shall be deemed to refer to underlying business day, index business day or ETF business day, as applicable, and references to closing level shall be deemed to refer to closing price, closing value, index closing value or ETF closing price, as applicable. Please note that, for purposes of this pricing supplement, references in the underlier supplement no. 27 to underlier(s), indices, exchange-traded fund(s), trade date and underlier sponsor shall be deemed to refer to underlying(s), underlying index(es), underlying ETF(s), pricing date and underlying index publisher, respectively. PS-27 July 2022 We have not authorized anyone to provide any information or to make any representations other than those contained or incorporated by reference in this pricing supplement, the accompanying general terms supplement no. 2,913, the accompanying underlier supplement no. 27, the accompanying prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus. We take no responsibility for, and can provide no assurance as to the reliability of, any other information that others may give you. This pricing supplement, the accompanying general terms supplement no. 2,913, the accompanying underlier supplement no. 27, the accompanying prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus is an offer to sell only the securities offered hereby, but only under circumstances and in jurisdictions where it is lawful to do so. The information contained in this pricing supplement, the accompanying general terms supplement no. 2,913, the accompanying underlier supplement no. 27, the accompanying prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus is current only as of the respective dates of such documents. $ GS Finance Corp. Auto-Callable Trigger PLUS Based on the Value of the S&P 500 Index due August 1, 2024 Principal at Risk Securities SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 6-K Report of Foreign Private Issuer Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 For the Month of July 2022 Commission File Number: 1-14696 China Mobile Limited (Translation of registrants name into English) 60/F, The Center 99 Queens Road Central Hong Kong, China (Address of principal executive offices) Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F.: Form 20-F X Form 40-F ____ Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K on paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1): ____ Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K on paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7): ____ Indicate by check mark whether by furnishing the information contained in this Form, the registrant is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Yes ____ No X_ If Yes is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b): 82- . EXHIBITS Exhibit Number 1.1 Customer Statistics for the Month of June 2022, dated July 20, 2022 FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This announcement contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements are, by their nature, subject to significant risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements relating to: our business objectives and strategies, including those relating to the development of our terminal procurement and distribution business; our operations and prospects; our network expansion and capital expenditure plans; the expected impact of any acquisitions or other strategic transactions; our provision of services, including fifth generation, or 5G, services, wireline broadband services and services based on technological evolution, and our ability to attract customers to these services; the planned development of future generations of mobile technologies, including 5G technologies, and other technologies and related applications; the anticipated evolution of the industry chain of 5G and future generations of mobile technologies, including future development in, and availability of, terminals that support our provision of services based on 5G and future generations of mobile technologies, and testing and commercialization of future generations of mobile technologies; the expected benefit from our collaboration with China Broadcasting Network Corporation Ltd., or China Broadcasting, with respect to the co-construction and sharing of 5G network; the expected benefit from our investment in and any arrangements with China Tower Corporation Limited (or China Tower, formerly known as China Communications Facilities Services Corporation Limited); the expected impact of the implementation in the mainland of China of the policy of speed upgrade and tariff reduction and the cancellation of roaming tariffs on our business, financial condition and results of operations; the expected impact of tariff changes on our business, financial condition and results of operations; the potential impact of restrictions, sanctions or other legal or regulatory actions under relevant laws and regulations in various jurisdictions on our telecommunications equipment suppliers and other business partners; the potential impact of the outcome of the State Administration for Market Regulations investigation on us; the impact of the continued development of the coronavirus disease, or COVID-19, a disease caused by a novel strain of coronavirus, on the PRC economy and our operations and financial performance; 2 the expected impact of new service offerings on our business, financial condition and results of operations; and future developments in the telecommunications industry in the mainland of China, including changes in the regulatory and competitive landscape. The words aim, anticipate, believe, could, endeavor, estimate, expect, intend, may, plan, seek, should, strive, target, will and similar expressions, as they relate to us, are intended to identify certain of these forward-looking statements. We do not intend to update these forward-looking statements and are under no obligation to do so. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions, some of which are beyond our control. In addition, these forward-looking statements reflect our current views with respect to future events and are not a guarantee of future performance. Actual results may differ materially from information contained in the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors, including the risk factors set forth in the Risk Factor section of our latest Annual Report on Form 20-F, as filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. 3 SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. CHINA MOBILE LIMITED Date: July 21, 2022 By: /s/ Dong Xin Name: Dong Xin Title: Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer 4 Exhibit 1.1 Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited and The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited take no responsibility for the contents of this announcement, make no representation as to its accuracy or completeness and expressly disclaim any liability whatsoever for any loss howsoever arising from or in reliance upon the whole or any part of the contents of this announcement. CUSTOMER STATISTICS FOR THE MONTH OF JUNE 2022 The board of directors (the Board ) of China Mobile Limited (the Company ) announces the following customer statistics of the Company and its subsidiaries (the Group ) for the month of June 2022: Unit: in thousands June 2022 Mobile Business Total Customers 969,850 Net Additional Customers for the Month 3,252 Cumulative Net Additional Customers for the Year 12,958 5G Package Customers 510,943 Wireline Broadband Business Total Customers 256,057 Net Additional Customers for the Month 2,499 Cumulative Net Additional Customers for the Year 15,951 The Board wishes to remind investors that the above customer statistics are the Groups unaudited internal statistics. Investors are cautioned not to unduly rely on such data. In the meantime, investors are advised to exercise caution in dealing in the securities of the Company. By Order of the Board China Mobile Limited Yang Jie Chairman Hong Kong, 20 July 2022 FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS Certain statements contained in this announcement may be viewed as forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause the actual performance, financial condition or results of operations of the Company to be materially different from those implied by such forward-looking statements. In addition, the Company does not intend to update these forward-looking statements. Further information regarding these risks, uncertainties and other factors is included in the Companys most recent Annual Report on Form 20-F and other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. As at the date of this announcement, the Board of Directors of the Company comprises Mr. Yang Jie, Mr. Dong Xin, Mr. Li Pizheng and Mr. Li Ronghua as executive directors; and Mr. Stephen Yiu Kin Wah, Dr. Yang Qiang, Mr. Carmelo Lee Ka Sze and Mrs. Margaret Leung Ko May Yee as independent non-executive directors. Miami-Dades plans to bring civil aviation to the Homestead Air Reserve Base may be on the way to being grounded by Congress. U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, a longtime opponent to the idea of expanding private access to the base, also has picked up support from a key Miami Republican colleague U.S. Rep. Carlos Gimenez, who as mayor of Miami-Dade County had supported opening the base to private planes. Gimenez appears to have changed his mind on the proposal, sponsoring legislation in the house that mirrors language from Rubio and Florida Sen. Rick Scott that would outlaw private air traffic at the base. The $839 billion National Defense spending bill that passed the House of Representatives with strong bipartisan support this week included a provision banning civilian air operations at the base, starting in 2026. The same language is in the senates draft version, which hasnt yet passed. Rubio pledged to keep that language in the Senate bill. We should never put corporate special interests before Everglades restoration or our military readiness. I appreciate the committee and Senator Scott for working with me to include this critical provision in the Senates FY23 NDAA, and I will push to ensure that it becomes law, Rubio said in a statement. Environmentalists have fought against civilian operations at the base for decades, including a memorable magazine ad published in 2000 by the Sierra Club. Rubio has also been a vocal opponent of the plan , saying it threatens the multi-billion dollar federal investment in Everglades Restoration. The latest attempt to add private aviation to the base when Miami-Dade, with Gimenez as mayor, began negotiating with the Air Force in 2014. That push lasted for years, and in October 2020 , Miami-Dade commissioners unanimously agreed to move forward with opening up the base to civilian aircraft, with an exception for cargo planes. Now, in a press release about the bill, Gimenez said preserving military use of the base is critical to protecting our national security interests. Anti-expansion activists have also linked the push for private air traffic to the proposed logistics center to the north of the base, which, if approved, would be the largest expansion of the countys urban development boundary in history. Rubio, who is up for re-election this year, co-wrote an op-ed with Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava arguing that the project would harm Everglades restoration efforts. Since the 2020 move, Miami-Dades commission hasnt discussed the topic of expanding the base for private use. In a May memo, Commissioner Raquel Regalado asked Miami Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava to put the issue to bed instead of allowing it to fester. Levine Cava, who originally proposed the amendment limiting cargo flights at the base, said the county supports the key military operations of the Homestead Air Reserve Base. As Mayor, I have been proud to support the defense capability and diversity of roles played by HARB, and as an elected leader Ive worked to ensure we make smart decisions about development that could interfere with the base, she said in a statement. 2022 Miami Herald. Visit miamiherald.com . YEREVAN, JULY 21, ARMENPRESS. During the consultation held at Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, the problems related to grape processing during the current year and the possibilities of their solution were discussed, ARMENPRESS was informed from the Office of the Prime Minister. It was reported that during the last years, the volume of exports of bottled brandy from our country has continuously increased. A similar trend is present in the case of grape wine. The volume of consumption of the latter is also increasing in the territory of the country. In this context, reference was made to the volume of harvest expected this year, the organization of the procurement process, the course of work with farms and companies. It was noted that within the framework of the state subsidy program, a contract for procurement of about 97 thousand tons of grapes has been signed between producers and suppliers, the process is continuous. The implementation of daily consistent activities in the direction of solving possible problems and providing assistance to procurement companies within the framework of the government tools in order to increase export volumes were highlighted. In this regard, it was emphasized that the Government plans to take an initiative to optimize the payment of duties in the export process in the near future. Prime Minister Pashinyan emphasized the consistent increase in the volume of exports of bottled brandy and wines from our country and noted that the Executive will continue to keep the issue in the center of attention. Neutering the threat of Iranian aerial drones and regaining full air superiority in the Middle East is one of the key goals for the new top U.S. Air Force commander in the region. Maj. Gen. Alexus Grynkewich took charge of 9th Air Force (Air Forces Central) in a ceremony Thursday at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, succeeding Lt. Gen. Gregory Guillot, who helmed the unit during the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan last year. The command manages the five expeditionary wings that provide U.S. air power across 21 countries in the Middle East and Central Asia, with missions that include combat airstrikes, surveillance and supply. U.S. combat jets still have the advantage in the skies of the Middle East, but Iran has adapted its tactics and made great strides because of its drones, Grynkewich said. If an adversary is able to do what they want and we cant stop it, they have localized air superiority, Grynkewich said. His comments dovetail with what former U.S. Central Command chief Kenneth McKenzie told Congress this spring. The U.S. is operating without complete air superiority for the first time since the Korean War because of Irans drone capabilities, McKenzie said. CENTCOMs current boss, Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, presided over the command change ceremony Thursday. My charge from General Kurilla is to figure out, how can we regain a level of control in the air, so this threat is neutered, Grynkewich said. Irans drones are among the most advanced in the world and made an outsized impact in proxy wars in Yemen, Iraq and Syria, experts and U.S. military officials have said. Earlier this month, senior U.S. officials said Iran is planning to train and equip Russian forces with drones for use in Ukraine. In January, Iran-backed Houthi rebels launched several missile and drone attacks into the United Arab Emirates, with targets that included Al Dhafra Air Base, which hosts the U.S.s 380th Air Expeditionary Wing. The various U.S. military branches created different systems to counter the specific drones they faced, but these systems dont communicate with each other well enough, Grynkewich said, adding that better coordination and technology are needed. Besides dealing with Iran, the U.S. must maintain regional partnerships to prevent Russia and China from gaining a foothold in the Middle East, Grynkewich said. He also listed the need to contain international terrorist groups such as the Islamic State in Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan. The U.S. still has a basic understanding of what is happening in Afghanistan, Grynkewich said, but he added that it has become more difficult to keep tabs on terrorist groups in that country since the U.S. withdrawal last year. (Tribune News Service) The Air Force's largest hospital, David Grant Medical Center at Travis Air Force Base, last week welcomed a new commander during a change-of-command ceremony. Col. Melissa Dooley assumed command of the 60th Medical Group and the Sacramento Directorship, replacing Col. Gwendolyn Foster at what is considered the flagship of Air Force's Medical Service. In his remarks welcoming Dooley, Dr. Brian C. Lein, the assistant director for Health Care Administration at the Defense Health Agency, noted the " Sacramento market team' provides medical services not only to active-duty airmen but also to some 276,000 beneficiaries, including family members and retirees in the greater Sacramento and Northern California areas. Speaking at the ceremony, Col. Corey A. Simmons, commander of the 60th Air Mobility Wing until July 27, said, "Being the Med Group commander is no easy task, and having an incredible support network like Gwen's is very important." Simmons said DGMC is staffed by some 2,500 personnel and boasts 60 specialty clinics. The hospital also includes the Department of Defense's largest Department of Veterans Affairs joint venture program that provides over $25 million in care. Dooley earned a bachelor of science degree in physiology/neurobiology from the University of Maryland and also graduated from the Uniformed Services University of the Health and Sciences in 2005. She was commissioned into the Medical Corps and trained in emergency medicine in San Antonio. Dooley previously commanded the 35th Medical Group at Misawa Air Base, Japan. Lein advised that Foster, who was awarded the Legion of Merit during the ceremony, "helped drive the local response to COVID-19" and contributed during the last two years to supporting the military's efforts around the world. Speaking to Foster, Dooley said, "Like you and your family, my family and I will give our all to lead this team of professionals and serve this community with pride as we work to continue building on the trust you have established over the past two years." Dooley later addressed those under her new command. "Finally and most importantly, to the professional medics of the 60th Medical Group, I am honored and humbled to have the privilege of serving as your commander," she told them. ___ (c)2022 The Reporter, Vacaville, Calif. Visit The Reporter, Vacaville, Calif. at https://www.thereporter.com/ Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. (Tribune News Service) She was found in the basement of an abandoned party house stabbed to death on a chilly October night in 2016. On Wednesday, Cati Blauvelts estranged husband John was arrested in Medford, Oregon, in connection with her death. Her mother Pam Piver of Simpsonville said at a news conference Thursday the years had been unbearable. You do lose hope, she said. But getting the news of Blauvelts arrest was the most amazing phone call Ive ever gotten, Piver said. U.S. Marshals and Medford police followed a lead provided by a cold case team from the agencys headquarters, the Marshals office said in a news release.. Blauvelt met his future wife at a sub shop next door to where he worked as a recruiter for the U.S. Army. Her family members told Unsolved Mysteries they were suspicious of him. He was 27, six years older than she was, and he was married. But the then Cati Boyter thought he was good looking and he was in the military, just as many of her family members were. She decided to join the Army but spent a brief time in boot camp before a previously undiagnosed spinal problem caused pain in her legs. Once she returned home after a medical discharge, it wasnt long before her family learned she and John had gone to the justice of the peace to be married. They moved into a four-bedroom home in Fountain Inn, where John staged parties for teenagers, providing them with drugs and alcohol, her family told Unsolved Mysteries. The parents of one of the teens called police and Blauvelt was arrested for domestic violence relating to an incident with his wife in which he held a gun to her head, and contributing the delinquency of a minor. Cati moved home and got her dream job at PetSmart in Simpsonville. That was the last place she was seen, Oct. 24, 2016. Once it became known she was missing her friends and family spent hour upon hour looking for her. It was two friends who found her body shortly after midnight Oct. 26, hidden under lumber in the rundown house in the woods just off Main Street in Simpsonville. Blauvelt was an immediate suspect, interviewed twice by Simpsonville Police. But before they could get a warrant he was gone, on the run with the 17-year-old whose parents called police about the party months earlier. On July 2, 2020, the YouTube channel True Crime Daily published a documentary video on Cati Blauvelts death. Police tracked him across the country, deep South to West Coast. The teen called her family in December 2016 from Eugene, Oregon and said Blauvelt had abandoned her. He hadnt been heard from since until Wednesday. He is charged with murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime. Blauvelt was classified by the Army as a deserter. In early 2022, the Marshals cold and complex case investigative team, composed of various USMS components, began investigating. A contingent of law enforcement agencies, including the Carolinas Regional Fugitive Task Force, Simpsonville detectives, the South Carolina Highway Patrol and the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division, tracked Blauvelt to Medford, Oregon. Investigators there, working with the Medford Police Department and the Jackson County Sheriffs Office, located Blauvelt, who had assumed the alias Ben Klein, and took him into custody without incident, the Marshals Office said in a news release. Blauvelt is being held in Jackson County Jail pending extradition to South Carolina 2022 The State. Visit thestate.com . WASHINGTON One Army Reserve soldier died and nine others were hurt Wednesday when a lightning strike hit Fort Gordon, Ga., during a training exercise, according to the service. Sgt. 1st Class Michael D. Clark and the other reservists were transferred to Dwight D. Eisenhower Army Medical Center on the base in Augusta, but Clark died from his injuries that afternoon, according to an Army statement. The 41-year-old native of Springfield, Mass., was an operating room specialist assigned to 933rd Forward Resuscitative Surgical Company, 3rd Medical Command. He had served in the Army and Army Reserve for more than 22 years and had deployed four times to Iraq and Afghanistan. Maj. Stephen Rhinehart, commander of the 933rd Forward Resuscitative Surgical Company, said Clark was a loving husband, father and a patriot who deeply loved our country, noting he was a close friend. His leadership, knowledge, experience and love for his fellow soldiers was immeasurable, Rhinehart said in the statement. Sgt. 1st Class Clarks smile and laughter were infectious and always brought joy to everyone around him. Eight of the other soldiers also were assigned to the 3rd Medical Command, seven of whom are in good condition and another who has been treated and released from the hospital, according to the statement. The ninth injured soldier, who also is in good condition, is assigned to the 7458th Medical Operational Readiness Unit of the Army Reserve Medical Command, according to the statement. The incident happened at about 11 a.m. as they were participating in the Regional Medic training exercise for medical units to refine their processes and medical skills in field and stressful environments, according to the statement. The training includes basic warrior tasks to the full operation of medical support and performance in the aspect of what that unit can do both on the battlefield and on the move, the Army Reserve said. Georgia is one of the 10 states with the most lightning deaths and injuries, most of which occur in July, according to the National Weather Service. About 18% of all lightning fatalities occur during work-related activities. Army guidance for lightning protection measures urges soldiers to watch for advance warning of approaching lightning and shelter. Personnel must be aware of the hazards and must know what to do if an electrical storm threatens, the Army Training and Doctrine Command said in its guidance. If lightning is spotted within 8 miles, all outdoor activities should end and soldiers should abandon efforts to secure equipment if not completed, according to the guidance. The guide tasks the Army with monitoring for lightning, identifying shelter, curtailing low-priority outdoor activities during storms and creating a plan to inform all soldiers if lightning is spotted. It also advises soldiers to stay away from electronics, metal equipment, trees and poles. If unable to take shelter, personnel should move to as low a spot as possible and crouch with feet closely together, according to the guidance. Any objects that may produce a metallic upward projection, such as a radio or rifle, should be removed and placed horizontally on the ground nearby. The Army Reserve in its statement did not say if an investigation into the circumstances of the incident would be warranted. Lightning-related deaths are relatively rare just 11 occurred last year across the United States, one of which took place in Georgia, according to the weather service. There were 17 lightning fatalities in 2020 and 20 in 2019 and 2018. About 40 million lightning strikes hit the ground in the United States each year, according to the weather service website. But the odds of being struck by lightning in a given year are less than one in a million, and almost 90% of all lightning strike victims survive. Stars and Stripes is making stories on the coronavirus pandemic available free of charge. See more stories here. Sign up for our daily coronavirus newsletter here. Please support our journalism with a subscription. LOS ANGELES There was a time during the pandemic when the scene at Westfield Valencia Town Center in Santa Clarita would have evoked gasps and much scolding. As summertime temperatures flirted with 100 degrees this week, families and teenagers crowded into the indoor mall, soothed by its air conditioning. But there was nary a mask in sight, even though coronavirus infections are skyrocketing because of the ultra-infectious omicron subvariants BA.4 and BA.5. Amid the carefree atmosphere, few seemed concerned. "People are just exasperated and over it," said Hailey Jimenez, 21, who was working at a jewelry kiosk, unmasked. "I know I'm over it. "I haven't really been paying attention too much to the numbers and all that, because I feel like it's just happening every couple of months: down, up, up, down, down." Currently, the numbers are undoubtedly going up. Officially, Los Angeles County has averaged 6,319 new coronavirus cases over the last week nearly double the peak rate from last summer's delta surge though health officials caution that number is a dramatic undercount because many people either test at home or not at all if their symptoms are mild. The number of coronavirus-positive patients hospitalized in L.A. County as of Wednesday was 1,328 up 44% from two weeks ago. But the majority of those patients about 60%, according to public health officials were hospitalized for other medical issues while testing positive for the disease. Earlier in the pandemic, this kind of surge might have elicited widespread fear and anxiety in Los Angeles County, which has been more cautious with virus restrictions than most of the country. But this time around, many are shrugging their shoulders. The virus which is widespread and overwhelmingly causing mild illness right now simply does not scare people like it used to. So many people are getting infected that the "fear of the unknown" is fading, Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, an infectious-diseases expert at UC San Francisco, said in an interview. "You get it yourself and know tons of people who got it, and you fear it less," he said. Chin-Hong said there is a palpable disconnect between alarmed scientists and health officials focused solely on the infectiousness and mutations of the virus and a public that is increasingly less concerned. "If your metric is infections, it looks hopeless," Chin-Hong said. "But if your metric is people getting seriously ill and dying, wow, that's a huge victory. "Some people say, 'This is the worst ever!'" and that more variants "will come on board and this will never end. But it is getting better." In Los Angeles County, public health officials are likely to reinstate an indoor mask mandate by the end of this month because the county is now in the "high" COVID-19 community level as defined by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention when there are more than 10 coronavirus-positive hospitalizations per 100,000 people over seven days. "While we are not seeing a sharp increase in severe disease at the present time, the pandemic continues to be a serious public health threat, which is why it is imperative that the public continue to take precautions to protect not only themselves, but their loved ones, neighbors, and the people they interact with during their daily lives," the L.A. County Department of Health Services said in a statement. The potential new mask mandate is controversial. L.A. County would be the only county in California with a mask mandate, even though most counties are in the CDC's high community level. Alameda County reenacted a mandate earlier this summer, only to rescind it three weeks later, with officials saying case counts and hospitalizations had stabilized. Dr. Robert Kim-Farley, an epidemiologist and infectious-diseases expert at UCLA, told The Times that "we are in a much better situation today than we were at the beginning of the pandemic" because vaccines are effective at preventing severe disease and death. But super-contagious new omicron subvariants are causing more breakthrough infections in vaccinated and boosted people than did previous versions of the virus, and masks are one of the tried-and-true tools for reducing transmission, he said. It's still important to bring down case numbers, he said, to protect vulnerable people such as the elderly and those with compromised immune systems. "What we need to do is have a mindset, or social norm, that we are going to expect somewhat of a roller-coaster ride as new variants arise and sweep through the population," Kim-Farley said. "We can go back to more business as usual, but when rates are high, we should all do our part in reducing transmission." But many people say that they have already done their part, by getting vaccinated and taking precautions, and that they can't stay on high alert forever. The percentage of Americans who say they are concerned about being hospitalized for COVID-19 has fallen to its lowest level since the Pew Research Center began asking about it early in the pandemic. And COVID-19 deaths both worldwide and in the United States are at some of the lowest levels of the pandemic. Dr. Monica Gandhi, an infectious-diseases expert at UC San Francisco, told The Times it's not surprising and not inappropriate for the public to be more relaxed. "We're in a good phase with COVID, and that is a wonderful victory with immunity," Gandhi said. "It is OK to be happy about increasing population immunity. "I just keep tweeting that we have low rates of severe disease, and people might be mad at me, but it's just the truth. It's a good thing." Gandhi said the public is savvy and realizes hospitals and intensive care units are not overburdened by COVID-19 like they once were. "For two years straight, Californians wore masks inside. They got vaccinated at high rates. Many got boosted. The rates of severe disease are so decoupled from hospitalizations, and that's so obvious to the public," she said. She called the new mask mandate a bad idea especially if it can flip on and off with hospitalization numbers like a yo-yo because it could further erode an already alarmingly low level of trust in public health officials. Just because people are largely resuming their pre-pandemic activities with less fear does not mean they are reckless, she said. Take Obdulia Espinoza, for example. The 69-year-old, who owns Discoteca y Novedades Tierra Caliente, a variety store in Huntington Park, has managed to not get infected this whole time. But in the summer of 2020, her husband and son fell ill with COVID-19. They were quarantined for about a month, and she took refuge at her store, sleeping next to the cash register and taking showers with a bucket. "I felt trapped and terrified" with "the two people I love most" sick at home, she said. Espionza's store was closed for months when so-called nonessential businesses were shuttered. Since it has reopened, she's been frustrated by customers coughing and has offered masks to people not wearing them. And yet, the virus has become part of everyday life. Things feel so much better now. "I don't worry about it as much," she said. At Del Amo Fashion Center in Torrance, where about half the customers were masked, Myles Ferguson was hanging out with two friends a rare weekday treat for a trio that works all the time. Ferguson, 26, of South L.A., said the mall was not too crowded, so he did not wear a mask inside. He's comfortable going inside less-busy public places without one but always carries one and puts it on if there are too many people. At this point, he doesn't want to get COVID-19 it's a disruption to have to stay away from people and miss work but he's not mortally afraid of it. Ferguson is not vaccinated, but he said he assesses his risk and is sensible, wearing a mask in crowds, testing regularly for work, staying home when he's sick. "It's not over. COVID is still here. But we're as safe as can be," he said. Ferguson works the front desk at a hotel in Santa Monica and, for two years, has had to deal with hostile customers refusing to wear masks. A new mandate wouldn't bother him, he said, because he still has to wear a mask at work, and it's second nature now. His friend Philaton Mooney, 22, of South L.A. said that as a young, healthy man, he is not afraid of getting severely ill. He is not vaccinated either, but he is careful, even if he's more relaxed than he once was. He lives with his grandparents, both of whom are vaccinated and boosted, but are older and more vulnerable. "If I get sick, I'm less likely to die," he said. In Huntington Park, Julisa Carrillo said she has not stopped worrying. "People don't understand that this pandemic is not over," she said as she waited for a bus on Pacific Boulevard, wearing a mask. Carrillo got COVID-19 twice in 2020, before vaccines were available. Both times, she was hospitalized and put on a ventilator. Her lungs have never felt the same. She can't run; she's easily winded. Carrillo had just come from a friend's house where everyone wore a mask inside. She is hopeful that a new mandate will bring cases down again. "This is a virus that is hurting so many people," she said. "I myself don't feel safe." Back at Westfield Valencia Town Center, Nicki Spravka was roaming the stores without a mask with a friend who did wear one. "I go to school in Colorado, and basically for the past year people have been acting like it doesn't exist anymore," Spravka, 20, said of the virus. "I mean, I guess I care. But it feels like what we do isn't really going to affect it." Infections, she said, are "still going to happen." ____ Times staff writer Sean Greene contributed to this report. 2022 Los Angeles Times. Visit at latimes.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. At 23 minutes before midnight, at 1,703 meters (5,600 feet) above sea level, the lashing rain and furious winds outside the darkened bunkroom prompted two questions to turn over in my head: Will the roof of this hut be ripped off in the dead of night? Will I be able to continue my ridge trek to my next destination on the German-Austrian border the next day? Several sleepless hours later, the answers emerged: 1) No, these arent just simple mountain huts and 2) yes, this is typical Alpine weather for southern Bavaria. And so at dawn, I trekked out, up through the undercast clouds. The reward was the majesty of the Bavarian Alps, showering glory upon those willing to hike serious trails, and maybe endure copious amounts of apricot schnapps in the company of hearty German hikers. This is Berchtesgaden, a national park in southeastern Germany, wedged into a thumb of land poking into Austria. The Alps slash the skies, in jagged granite and knife-drops into sudden valleys. Berchtesgadens huts are serious structures. Supplies are helicoptered in, or hefted on cable cars. They range from huge Watzmannhaus has 200 sleeping spots to small Wasserhalm has a few dozen. Some are concrete and steel; others have simple wooden roofs and beams. All serve serious meals: soups, stews, beef-and-dumplings. And lots of beer and wine. Spend your days trekking steep trails and meeting random people. Then swap stories about hiking, and life, and then youre drinking beer and schnapps, and then youre fumbling through languages and life tales, and then, by lights out, youre hugging and toasting and laughing and crying. Trekking into Berchtesgaden is easiest from the northern tip of Konigssee, an 8-kilometer-long (5-mile) impossibly turquoise lake. The town at the tip is a tourist mess: ice cream, T-shirts, lederhosen and Tyrolean hats. Privately run electric boats run passengers up and down the lake seasonally, offering access to Germanys highest waterfall or the stoic lakeside Church of St. Bartholomews. Many visitors forgo the hike and instead take the year-round Jennerbahn cable car up 1,874-meter (6,200-foot) Jenner Mountain, where theres a massive restaurant and spectacular views. For hikers, it takes about 15 minutes to leave the madding crowds for quieter wood trails. Some are rough footpaths; others allow service vehicles to supply a couple smaller huts that dot the hillsides and provide meals to day-trekkers. Not far from Koenigsbachalm, you can poke your head into a tiny distillery where schnapps are made from the mountain waters. On the eastern end of Berchtesgaden is the Austrian border and Carl von Stahl Haus, where I overnighted. I ate lentil stew and drank German pilsner into the evening, until the storm lashed us with marble-size hail and gale-force winds. In the midnight hour, the winds banged open the bunkroom windows. At dawn, the soup of clouds gave many of us doubts. But after climbing further up a sodden trail, I crested at Schneibstein (2,276 meters, or 7,467 feet) into brilliant skies. The clouds below shrouded everything but the highest peaks. Trails are well-marked. They include degrees of difficulty, similar to ski trails. They also include not mileage, but estimated hiking times. Once I realized that the times were VERY conservative, I worried less about making it to my destination on time and instead hiked in mesmerized awe. Wasseralm in der Roth (1,423-meters, or 4,469 feet), my next destination, was a cluster of three modest buildings folded into a hollow ringed by sub-peaks. Torrents of evening and overnight rain sent a raucous stream bursting its banks and nearly turned the buildings into islands. It also made for a wet dinner conversation over vegetable stew and stacks of dark rye bread. The other hikers and I huddled under dripping eaves before retiring to a common room, where a wood-fired stove dried wet clothes and warmed bodies. White wine, beer and schnapps kept conversation going until 10 p.m. lights out a strict rule of the huts. Those of us headed out the next morning had to ford the stream with or without shoes, which made for a good conversation starter. Being an American backpacking alone also made a good conversation starter, and I fell in with two German guys and a woman from a separate group as we clambered up. Surprisingly for a German national park, the trails were in some places poorly maintained and not for the faint-hearted. Some places, we had to pick our way over scree fields, and hold onto steel cables bolted into the hillside. Wood ladders were broken or rotting, rain slippery. Bog bridges were under water. Karlingerhaus am Funtensee (1,638-meters, 5,374 feet), the next stop, was perched over a small lake, in a bowl ringed by ridges that caught the next mornings sun like facets on a gem. On the lakes other side, two low-slung wooden buildings were for the distillers who made schnapps from local waters. There was also a sheep herder who, I was told, was paid by valley farmers to mind their flocks in the summer and harvest wool and milk for cheese. Alas, we got neither that rainy evening. We did get tureens of chicken broth and heaps of beef slices and potato dumplings drenched in gravy, and dark rye bread or pasta and tomato sauce for vegetarians. We drank marillenschnaps an apricot brew commonly associated with north-central Austria and again, the presence of a solitary American sparked fun conversation, not to mention complimentary schnapps. Lights out: 10 p.m. Did I mention the boot drying room? An essential element of German huts: rows of heated metal bars to hang up and dry your boots out. If youve ever woken up to sodden boots, the joy of the boot drying room is immeasurable. Equally immeasurable is the odor of dozens of wet hiking boots drying out in a room overnight. Back down to the lake, to meet a boat back to my car, the trail cut deep between two ridges, shrouding the trail in cool morning shade. An Alpine chamois a type of antelope-goat scrambled up the grass as I rounded one corner. She appeared unbothered by a solitary hiker, and grazed for several minutes as we stared at one another, before she hopped over a boulder, out of sight. When I finally reached the Konigssees shoreline, it was impossible not to contemplate going for a swim. I had no swimsuit, however. No matter. A few moments later, a group of older German men showed up and, without hesitation, dropped their packs, dropped their clothes and hopped into the shimmering waters full monty. Wouldnt you? IF YOU GO: Bring a sleeping bag or bag liner. Whether youre in a semi-private room or a larger bunkroom, huts provide pillows, heavy blankets and reasonable mattresses. An absolute must: hut shoes slippers, sandals. Its a no-no to clomp around the interiors in your hiking boots. Making reservations can be confusing; patience is in order. Most huts are individually managed, and they belong to different reservation systems. Some take credit cards for reservations; most accept only cash on site. Start with the German Alpine Club, which oversees 321 huts across Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Huetten Holiday is another online portal that manages reservations for huts, in Germany, Austria and Italy. General information can be found on the Berchtesgadens web page. You can also visit park headquarters, about 5 miles north of the lake, where you can get hiking maps and other information. A Russian ambassadors suggestion to employ North Korean laborers for restoration projects in Russian-occupied regions of Ukraine is an affront to the sovereignty of Kyiv, a U.S. State Department spokesman said Thursday. Spokesman Ned Price, referring to comments by Russian Ambassador to North Korea Alexander Matsegora earlier in the week, said decisions about the Donbas region of Ukraine belong to Ukraine. Decisions about who should be there, decisions about projects that should be ongoing there those are decisions for the Ukrainian government, not for any other government, Price said at a news conference. Matsegora described vast possibilities for North Korean laborers to work in the contested Donbas region, according to Russias state-run TASS news agency, which cited Matsegoras interview with pro-Kremlin newspaper Izvestia on Monday. According to Matsegora, North Korean construction workers are highly qualified, hard-working and prepared to labor under the most arduous conditions, and they could assist in restoring Donbas infrastructure, the TASS report said. Price, addressing the Russian ambassadors comments, said Donbas belongs to Ukraine and Ukraine alone. Donbas has been occupied by Russian-backed separatists since 2014 and is one of the front lines to Russias ongoing invasion of Ukraine. Cities in the region have been razed by missiles and artillery fire as civilian and military death tolls continue to mount. The U.N. Human Rights Office estimated over 10,600 civilian casualties in Ukraine as of June 26. North Korea holds diplomatic ties with Russia. The communist regime earlier this month officially recognized the Donetsk and Luhansk Peoples Republics, two regions in Donbas, according to its state-run Korean Central News Agency. Recognition of the occupied regions prompted Ukraines Foreign Affairs Ministry to sever its diplomatic relations with North Korea and issue a statement saying it would respond swiftly and resolutely to any encroachment on its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Russias appeal to [North Korea] for support in legitimizing the forceful seizure of a part of the Ukrainian territory speaks more about Moscow's toxicity than Pyongyangs, the Ukrainian ministry said on its website July 13. North Korean workers are employed in numerous countries, including Russia, China, Nigeria and others in the Middle East, according to press releases from the Treasury Department. Income earned by the workers is routinely sent back to the North Korean government. Overseas North Korean information technology workers, for example, lend a critical stream of revenue that helps fund the countrys weapons development program, the Treasury Department said in a May 16 memo. All [North Korean] IT workers earn money to support North Korean leader Kim Jong Uns regime, the memo said. The vast majority of them are subordinate to and working on behalf of entities directly involved in [North Koreas] U.N.-prohibited [weapons of mass destruction] and ballistic missile programs, as well as its advanced conventional weapons development and trade sectors. Asias top liquefied natural gas importers are accelerating efforts to secure fuel for winter on fears that Russia will curb supply and further tighten the global market. South Korea purchased more than a dozen cargoes for delivery this winter, while major Japanese utilities are looking for supply from September, according to traders. Taiwans CPC, which had been quiet for months, returned to the spot market seeking to pick up supply for this fall, the traders said. The surge in activity coincides with the end of scheduled maintenance for Russias biggest natural gas pipeline to Europe. The key link resumed early Thursday, but any disruption or reduction of supply will force Europe to procure more LNG -- putting them in direct competition with Asia, home to the worlds top importers of the super-chilled fuel. Gas buyers in Asia want to lock in winter shipments before a potential global price spike or Russia-induced shortage. Spot prices for natural gas in Europe and Asia are already trading at an all-time high for this time of year. Asias LNG price discount to Europe shrank in the last week, indicating that utilities in the Pacific are paying more to try to attract more supply. Europe has been outbidding Asian rivals for spot LNG supply so far this year due to an acute need to refill inventories. To be sure, China -- the worlds top LNG importer last year -- has been noticeably absent from the spot market due to virus restrictions curbing demand for the fuel. If Chinas economic activity picks up, that could quickly change and result in fewer LNG cargoes for Europe, Samantha Dart, Goldman Sachs Groups head of natural gas research, told Bloomberg Television. - - - Recent purchases: - GSPC purchased an LNG cargo on a DES basis for Sept. 2 delivery to India at about $36/mmbtu; GSPC didnt purchase a cargo it was seeking for Sept. 25 delivery via a separate tender - Gail purchased an LNG cargo on a DES basis for Aug. 15-16 delivery to the Dahej terminal in India at a discount to the WIM index - CPC seeks an LNG cargo on a DES basis for Sept. or Oct. delivery to Taiwan - Pavilion seeks an LNG cargo on a DES basis for Aug. 28-Sept. 15 delivery to the Singapore LNG terminal - Shell, BP and Glencore bid for Sept cargoes delivered to North Asia via the S&P Commodity Insights market on close, said traders; Shell bid at discount of $8.70/mmbtu to Sept. TTF prices; Glencore bid at 40c/mmbtu premium to Sept. JKM prices; BP bid at $1.40/mmbtu discount to Oct. JKM prices YEREVAN, JULY 21, ARMENPRESS. On July 21, the newly appointed Ambassador of the Swiss Confederation to Armenia Lukas Rosenkranz presented his credentials to the President of the Republic of Armenia Vahagn Khachaturyan. As ARMENPRESS was informed from the Office of the President, Vahagn Khachaturyan congratulated the Ambassador, wished him productive work and expressed confidence that he will use his long-term professional abilities in the best way to further strengthen and develop the relations between our two countries. The President noted that this year marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Armenia and Switzerland, and during these three decades, Armenian-Swiss relations have been distinguished by high-level political dialogue and close cooperation in many fields. According to the President, since the independence of Armenia, in difficult moments for our country, the Armenian people have always felt the support and help of Switzerland. The President also highly appreciated the work of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, which implements various programs in Armenia, particularly in the fields of agriculture and fight against corruption. Ambassador Lukas Rosenkranz noted that it is a great honor to represent his country in Armenia and during his tenure he will do his best to further strengthen and expand the already existing high-level relations. According to the Ambassador, there is great potential for mutually beneficial cooperation in the fields of trade, high technologies, science, and education, and Switzerland is ready to double the number of existing programs, particularly aimed at the development of agriculture and the fight against climate change. TOKYO Japan may work with Great Britain to build a new stealth fighter, according to Japans Ministry of Defense. A decision on collaboration on the high-tech project is due by years end, a spokesman for the ministrys Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Agency told Stars and Stripes by phone Wednesday. The two countries already fly U.S.-engineered F-35 Lightning II stealth fighters but are close to a deal to merge their Tempest and F-X future fighter jet programs, the Reuters news agency reported July 14. The Tempest aircraft will deploy new, game-changing technology and is set to join the RAF fleet from 2035, replacing the Typhoon, according to the Royal Air Forces official website. Japans X-2 stealth fighter, developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries with the help of 220 subcontractors, features a radar-evading design, stealth coating and locally made engines equipped with afterburners. A prototype flew for the first time in 2016. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and British Prime Minster Boris Johnson agreed when they met in London in May to decide what form cooperation on the new plane will take, in coordination with other allies, by years end, according to the Japanese official. A joint program by the two nations to develop a fighter engine and other air combat technologies was announced by the ministry Dec. 22. Cooperation aims to lower the development cost and technology risk, the Japanese official said. Japan has begun primary design of a new fighter to replace the Mitsubishi F-2, derived from the F-16 Fighting Falcon, which is due to be phased out from 2035, but cant estimate how much the replacements might cost, the official said. We will continue with the development, so [the new fighters] can be deployed around that time, he said. Japan is aiming to develop stealth fighters equipped with new sensors and enhanced network capability, he said. Its customary in Japan for some government spokespeople to speak to the media on condition of anonymity. Cooperation with the UK is a significant step in the evolution of Japanese defense policy: doing more and doing it with more partners, Brad Glosserman, deputy director and visiting professor at the Center for Rule-Making Strategies at Tama University in Tokyo, said in an email Wednesday. The two countries have been working together on various components including sensors and engines, for some time, he said. Building an entire jet is another matter. WASHINGTON Army Lt. Gen. Bryan Fenton and Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Michael Langley told senators Thursday that they are prepared to counter terrorism threats and Chinese and Russian influence and prioritize troop well-being if confirmed to lead Special Operations Command and Africa Command respectively. Sen. Jack Reed, D-R.I., chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, promised a speedy confirmation process for Fenton and Langley as Congress prepared to depart for a lengthy recess in August. Other members of the committee Democrats and Republicans openly voiced their strong support. [President Joe Biden] and his team have consistently put forward exceptional officers to serve at the highest levels of our combatant commands, and you two gentlemen are a continuation of that, said Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska. Fenton, the current commander of Joint Special Operations Command, would become the first Green Beret in nearly 20 years to lead SOCOM if confirmed. Langley is set to make history as the first Black four-star general in the Marine Corps if the Senate approves his nomination as leader of all U.S. military forces in Africa. Fenton told senators that he remained committed to the training work special operations troops perform around the world, particularly with Ukrainian forces who continue to study unconventional warfare, resistance and other hallmark special operations tactics in training sessions outside Ukraine. The investment in 2014 in Ukraine is I think being seen in the asymmetrical way the Ukrainians are blunting the Russian invasion, he said. Fenton said he also would put training at the forefront of special operations efforts to counter China. He said he would work with Indo-Pacific Command, where he previously served as deputy commander, to place small teams in countries throughout the region who speak the local language, know the local culture and can train, assist and advise militaries. Fenton added the U.S. remains in position to keep an eye on violent extremist groups such as the Islamic State and al-Qaida despite the withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan last year. The Pentagons over-the-horizon strategy, which relies on using drone surveillance and conducting other counterterrorism operations from afar, is challenging, he said, but absolutely doable. Langley cautioned Thursday that militants such as al-Shabaab, a Somalia-based Islamic insurgence group, are gaining ground in Africa and showing aspirations for external, transnational operations. Population growth is also fueling the spread of new ideologies, he said. Sen. Angus King, I-Maine, expressed concern the U.S. had dropped the threat of terrorism from its national security priorities. Its so easy in the time of Ukraine and the China challenge to sort of move the focus away from terrorism, but those people are still there and theyre still hostile to this country and I think theyre still a threat to this country, he said. Langley wholly concurred with Kings threat assessment and said he would put the issue at the forefront of his work as commander. Biden announced in May that he would send 500 troops to Somalia for a permanent presence, reversing former President Donald Trumps decision in January 2021 to remove the 750 U.S. troops who were stationed in the country. Langley welcomed senators suggestions that he embrace the unique diplomatic role that leading AFRICOM entails. He said he would partner with other government agencies, such as the U.S. Agency for International Development, to offer humanitarian relief and provide support for countries who might be tempted by Chinas mammoth local investment initiatives and Russias weapons sales and security assurances. China is plundering Africas seas and mineral resources while Russian mercenaries are stoking conflict and instability across the continent, Langley said. The U.S. needs to make clear to African countries that they are being exploited, he said, and continue to nurture relationships with nations even if they are under Chinas and Russias spell. We are still the partner of choice, Langley said. If I am confirmed, we will reengage, we will reset. Fenton and Langley said they would begin their potential new jobs by assessing the readiness of the troops under their command and making certain they are fit to meet a global security environment that Langley described as the most challenging Ive seen throughout my 37 years of service. People are more important than hardware, Fenton said. They would be my first priority. A fabulous weekend trip doesn't need to break the bank. Plentiful outdoor recreation, comfortable accommodations, free festivals, unique donation-only museums, delicious drinks and dining, and walkable downtowns, make Cumberland Valley an affordable location for your next Weekend Easy getaway. Here are some suggestions for the perfect and inexpensive -- trip where you don't have to sacrifice fun to save money. Outdoor exploration It's time to connect with nature as you explore the serene and stunning landscape of the beautiful Cumberland Valley. Opportunities abound for free outdoor recreation in the area. Whether you are an experienced hiker or a novice, discover and explore Cumberland Valley's more than 200 miles of scenic trails, including the 13-mile Cumberland Valley Rail Trail and 46 miles of the iconic Appalachian Trail. See a curated list of 10 scenic overlooks that provide year-round views of Cumberland Valley and allow visitors to look across the Valley's quaint towns, rolling farmland, and wooded forests. There are no entrance fees, and parking is free at our three state parks: Kings Gap, Colonel Denning, and Pine Grove Furnace. The parks also host numerous free programs throughout the year, including lectures and guided hikes. You'll also find peaceful moments along striking streams and lakes ideal for fishing and boating. Uncover local history Uncover local history at our by-donation (or minimum entry fee) museums. The Cumberland County Historical Society Museum: Sixteen galleries with stories spanning 250 years of local history. U.S. Army Heritage & Education Center: An expansive campus dedicated to "telling the Army story one Soldier at a time". The indoor museum features interactive displays and the one-mile outdoor trail includes full-scale military exhibits. Cumberland Valley Railroad Museum: Located inside a renovated 1956 Penn Central 50-foot boxcar, the museum features artifacts representing the histories of the Cumberland Valley, Penn Central, and Contrail Railroads and how these railroads impacted the region. Rolls Royce Foundation & Museum, Mechanicsburg: This facility features a changing collection of Rolls Royce and Bentley motorcars. Guests are welcome to open the doors and check out the interior of the cars to see and appreciate the quality craftsmanship of these vehicles. Appalachian Trail Museum, Gardners: Located in a 200-year-old grist mill in Pine Grove Furnace State Park, this is the only museum in the country dedicated to hiking. It portrays and preserves the history and the physical, emotional, and spiritual human experiences of the Appalachian Trail. (open seasonally) Pennsylvania Fly Fishing Museum, Carlisle: This small museum preserves Pennsylvania's history and fly fishing heritage. Or, for those who prefer a more unstructured approach, download our free self-guided tours and explore on your own by foot or car. Culinary journeys Fortify yourself for a day of exploring with a meal at Cumberland Valley's more than 250 local restaurants. You'll find a variety of cuisine types, generous portions, reasonable prices, and friendly customer service. Or find fresh-picked seasonal produce at our many farmers' markets and roadside stands. Of course, your journey wouldn't be complete without craft beverages and a cooling treat! Tap, tour, and try a pint at more than 25 locations on the Cumberland Valley Beer Trail or sprinkle in some fun as you enjoy ice cream concoctions on the Cumberland Valley Ice Cream Trail. Download the free digital passports, check-in at participating locations, and start earning prizes. Charming downtowns Put on your walking shoes and stroll through our downtowns to discover hidden gems. Our welcoming artisan boutiques feature handmade jewelry, artwork, home decor, and tasty treats. Or explore our vintage and antique stores, where you're sure to find one-of-a-kind treasures. Festivals Carlisle Events' car shows are must-see fun but don't overlook Cumberland Valley's other festivals & events (https://tinyurl.com/yc6336f8), where you'll find an eclectic mix of activities that celebrate the outdoors, food and wine, local artisans, and more. Most festivals do not charge an entry fee. Accommodations Cumberland Valley's numerous brand-name hotels offer affordable accommodations and several amenities to make your stay feel more comfortable. Our hotels are conveniently located off major highways and within an easy drive of attractions, dining, and shopping. And parking is free and easy. To learn more, go to VisitCumberlandValley.com and order a free visitors guide. Brought to you by: Lead sponsor Oswego County Tourism and the rest of the Northeast Travel Series 2022 sponsors. As a giant American flag dangling from a crane came into view, Jose Jimenez started to suspect something was going on. He and his wife Alex Jimenez, along with their 3-year-old son Mateo, thought they were going to the Arden community in Loxahatchee to move forward in the interview process with Operation Finally Home. The organization provides mortgage-free homes and home modifications to wounded and ill veterans and first responders. Jose and Alex are both U.S. Army veterans who met while they were serving in Afghanistan. There was no interview. A home was already theirs. Or the plot of land at least. A motorcade of Patriot Guard Riders with American flags escorted the familys car to an unfinished part of the community. A line of local homeowners and people with the home-building company Lennar waved American flags and held up signs welcoming the family as they drove up to the site where their home will stand. Were here to honor their service, said Rusty Carroll, the president of Operation Finally Home. But why were really here today is to celebrate their future. Jose deals with health complications and a traumatic brain injury from an explosive device detonation in Afghanistan in 2010. After the husband and wife were discharged in 2013, they traveled in an RV for years from Kansas to Michigan to Texas, among other places, before learning about Operation Finally Home from a friend Alex met during basic training. They applied just to see what would happen. Today, the family stuck their shovels in the dirt where their home will stand. To me, this is the equivalent of winning the lottery, Alex said. Jose was nearly speechless as he was handed the microphone to say a few words. Alex, in tears as she held Mateo, said now her family would be less than two hours away from her mom, who is very close with Mateo. Their sons future was one of the first places Alex and Joses minds went to when the surprise was revealed. My first thought is we have somewhere to raise our son, Jose said. Somewhere thats stable. Staff Sgt. Jose Jimenez served for nearly eight years and is decorated with honors including a Purple Heart. Alex Jimenez served for about three years as a U.S. Army Specialist. Just compared to where we are with living in the RV, its just two different worlds, Alex said. This is going to be amazing. Lennar representatives said theyre aiming to get the Jimenez family in their home before Christmas. Theyre currently staying with Alexs family in Florida while their RV is being repaired. Deborah Anderson, a Realtor who has lived in the community for four years, said the homes go up fast. Anderson was one of about a dozen homeowners in the community who attended Thursdays groundbreaking ceremony for the Jimenez family. Its amazing to have this hometown hero, and these people deserve to be helped out in this way, she said. Its nice to see this family so happy and deserving of this. Andrew Bazan, who organized the event with Lennar, agreed. We cant think of a higher service, he said. Its a great honor. We cant think of something better to give back to people who have sacrificed so much. The agrihood community near Wellington in Palm Beach County has a community farm and miles of trails. Ardens homes start at $450,000 and can run over $1 million, according to their website. But the Jimenez family wont pay a mortgage through Operation Finally Home. If there are any other veterans out there that are searching for help, do reach out, whether it be through us or anybody else, Carroll said. There are people and organizations and companies that are willing to help. 2022 South Florida Sun-Sentinel. Visit sun-sentinel.com . WASHINGTON (Tribune News Service) In a last-minute decision Wednesday, the Department of Veterans Affairs delayed the planned Saturday launch of a troubled computer system in Boise after a watchdog report linked the system to 149 cases of harm at Spokanes VA hospital. VA Secretary Denis McDonough confirmed the decision to reporters minutes before a Senate hearing focused on a report published Friday by the VA Office of Inspector General. The hearing found the system health care providers rely on to track patient data and coordinate care had effectively lost thousands of referral orders, resulting in delayed care and harm to veterans. Sen. Patty Murray, a Washington Democrat who visited Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center on July 7, told four VA officials who appeared before the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee that their testimony contradicted what she heard from veterans and clinicians in Spokane. Frankly, I was pretty outraged by what I heard, Murray said, pointing to flaws in the system that threaten care. And VAs written testimony does not match what I heard from the providers. I dont want to hear a rosy picture minimizing the concerns I dont want to hear any of that. VA might have inherited this program, but you own it now, and VA owes our veterans a system that works and puts patients first. Murray, along with Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R- Spokane, has repeatedly demanded the VA fix problems in the system before bringing it to other sites in Washington. After launching at Mann-Grandstaff and its affiliated clinics across the Inland Northwest in October 2020, it has since launched at facilities in Walla Walla as well as Oregon and Ohio. The system was scheduled to launch in Seattle and other Puget Sound sites in August until The Spokesman-Review obtained a draft of the Inspector Generals report, prompting VA leaders to delay those deployments until March 2023. But until Wednesday, the launch in Boise had been pushed back by just a month to July 23. In his monthly briefing with reporters, McDonough declined to give a clear answer when asked why the system the VA has determined to be too unreliable for Seattle or Boise is safe enough to be used in Spokane, Coeur dAlene, Richland and other cities in the Inland Northwest where it has already been rolled out. The VA had projected the effort to replace its existing electronic health record system with one developed by Oracle Health, formerly known as Cerner, would cost $16.1 billion over 10 years. In Wednesdays hearing, Senate VA Committee Chairman Jon Tester, D- Mont., revealed the nonprofit Institute for Defense Analyses had estimated the project would cost $33.6 billion to implement over 13 years and a total of $50.8 billion to sustain over 28 years. Oracle, which acquired Cerner in a $28.3 billion deal that closed in June, is set to receive at least $10 billion for the system under a contract signed during the Trump administration in 2018. This should serve as a wake-up call to everybody, Tester said, including the folks at VA, Oracle Cerner and of course us Congress because we have a lot of work ahead of us. Terry Adirim, who took the helm of the VA office in charge of rolling out the Oracle Cerner system in January, told the senators she would not have made the same decisions as her predecessors but insisted the system is getting better. Ill be blunt, Adirim said. In hindsight, Mann-Grandstaff wasnt ready to adopt the new electronic health record. But that was nearly two years ago, she said, adding that her office has learned valuable lessons from the mistakes in Spokane. While were planning to move forward with other deployments, were still very much engaged with our past sites, closely monitoring and assessing for user experience and adoption. Returning a hospital to its normal operations after implementing a new electronic health record system can take up to six months, Adirim told the senators. Yet more than 18 months after the system launched in Spokane, it is still frequently unusable due to outages and service degradations. VAs top patient safety expert, Gerard Cox, also told the senators the problem that caused at least 149 cases of harm has not been fully resolved. When Murray asked Cox if it was responsible to continue to use the system in Spokane, he gave a revealing response. The only way that this system is being used effectively, I believe, is because ... our dedicated employees are putting in double time, double-checking, triple-checking things, he said. That is not the way its supposed to work. When Murray asked again if the safety expert believed the system should still be used, Cox said, I believe that we have taken sufficient steps to build additional safeguards, knowing where the vulnerabilities are, based on the experience in Spokane, to reduce the risk of additional harm. Murray also asked Adirim about the number of disruptions in the system, which a document obtained by The Spokesman-Review suggests have been far more frequent than the VA has admitted. Adirim responded that she was unfamiliar with the document, though The Spokesman-Review shared it with the VA prior to publishing the story. Orion Donovan-Smiths reporting for The Spokesman-Review is funded in part by Report for America and by members of the Spokane community. This story can be republished by other organizations for free under a Creative Commons license. For more information on this, please contact our newspapers managing editor. ___ (c)2022 The Spokesman-Review (Spokane, Wash.) Visit The Spokesman-Review at www.spokesman.com (Tribune News Service) A Central New York soldier, whose remains were identified more than 75 years after World War II, will be buried in Arlington National Cemetery. WKTV reports Army 1st Lt. Myles W. Esmay, of Utica, N.Y., will be buried in the Arlington, Virginia, cemetery on Aug. 1. The infantry engineer was reportedly 27 years old when he was killed in Burma (now Myanmar) on June 7, 1944, while serving with Company B, 236th Engineer Combat Battalion, reinforcing the 5307th Composite Unit also known as Merrills Marauders. According to Nexstar Media , Esmay was leading his company battalion in action against the Japanese at Namkwi village when he died instantly from a Japanese hand grenade explosion during the third and final day of fighting. His remains were not identified and buried at the U.S. Military Cemetery at Myitkyina, along with other unidentified soldiers, before being disinterred in 1946 and transferred to the U.S. Military Cemetery at Kalaikunda, India, before an exhumation in 1947. The Rome Sentinel reports one set of remains, designated Unknown X-64 Kalaikunda, was moved to the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, known as the Punchbowl, in Honolulu, in March 1949. In 2019, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency disinterred the remains and transferred them to a DPAA laboratory at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii. Scientists used dental and anthropological analysis, as well as circumstantial evidence and mitochondrial DNA analysis, to determine the identity of the WWII serviceman. The DPAA announced in February that the remains had been identified on May 25, 2021, as Esmay. Esmay, who was born in Utica in 1917, attended Utica Free Academy and graduated with honors from The New York State College of Forestry at Syracuse University today known as the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, or SUNY-ESF in 1940. He enlisted in the U.S. Army months later, becoming the first person from Utica to be accepted into the Air Cadet Program. According to The Observer Dispatch , Esmay was living in Warrensburg, N.Y., when he registered for the draft in 1940; his enlistment record in 1941 listed his occupation as actor and his residence as Oneida. He was listed as single with no dependents his father was his only next-of-kin but a 1944 Acacia Triad article said he was married to Mary Ellen OHanlon at the time of his death. According to the DPAA , First Lieutenant Esmays name is recorded on the Walls of the Missing at the Manila American Cemetery in Taguig City, Philippines. The Rome Sentinel reports a rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for. 2022 Advance Local Media LLC. Visit syracuse.com . Rory Adamson has 10 days to appeal the decision. Speaking afterwards, he said he intends to go all the way to the Supreme Court A father of four who claims he was defrauded out of 35,000 by a company connected to Catriona Carey has been ordered to give up possession of his family home. Wexford Circuit Court heard Rory Adamson has defaulted on mortgage repayments for a property in Poulshone, Courtown, Co Wexford, since 2011. Pepper Finance Corporation (Ireland) DAC was seeking an order for repossession and sale of the property to recover an outstanding balance of 393,943, of which 244,000 is arrears. Judge Alice Doyle said there appeared to be a large amount of money owed and granted the order. The ruling followed repeated interruptions by Mr Adamson which prompted the judge to issue a contempt of court warning. Mr Adamson said the house is his family home, but counsel for Pepper Finance said this has not been proven as no family home declaration had been signed. At an earlier hearing, Mr Adamson alleged he had engaged the services of an unauthorised third party and had been defrauded out of 35,000, which is currently under investigation by gardai. He claims he paid the money to Careysfort Asset Estates Limited as part of a deal to keep his property. He also argued the house is a family home and therefore covered by the Family Home Act. Sean OMahony BL, acting on behalf of Pepper, said Mr Adamson had failed to furnish an affidavit setting out these allegations. Mr Adamson, who was representing himself, then produced an unsworn affidavit which Judge Doyle allowed to be opened before the court. Mr Adamson said he met with Ms Carey, director of Careysfort Asset Estates, in 2018 in relation to creating a remedy for the alleged debt and gave her a 35,000 deposit. He also stated that his four children and their mother live in the property in Courtown and it is their family home. Catriona Carey. Photo: Mark Condren Mr OMahony said the defendant was in arrears for a continuous period and had not meaningfully engaged with the plaintiff, despite repeated correspondence sent to him. He said the defendant has not offered up any valid defence for defaulting on the repayments and has not provided necessary financial information. Mr Adamson is registered as the sole owner of the house. In 2004, he drew down a mortgage to buy the property and in 2006 he sought a further loan, which he claims was to renovate the house. The outstanding balance on the mortgage is 274,266, of which 168,702 is arrears. The net monthly instalments were supposed to be 1,083. On the other mortgage account, there is an outstanding balance of 119,677, of which 76,297 is arrears. The monthly instalments should be 478. Mr OMahony said the last three payments on the account were prior to 2014, when ownership of the charge on the property was transferred to Shoreline Residential Limited. Shoreline purchased a portfolio of mortgage and personal loans from Irish Bank Resolution Corporation Limited and appointed Pepper to service this portfolio from August 2014. Ownership of the charge on the property in Courtown was transferred to Pepper in 2019. Mr Adamson, who brought 40 pieces of silver and a copy of the Irish Constitution to court, said: As a national and a native living indigenous man, I am protected by the divine Christ of God under Irish law. He was reprimanded by Judge Doyle for repeatedly interrupting the proceedings. On two occasions, Judge Doyle left the courtroom during the hearing. You are disrupting this court. If you do not desist, I will find you in contempt, she warned. You are bullying and taking over the court. I am the judge in this court. I am going to find you in contempt if you dont behave yourself. She found the facts as stated by Pepper to be proven and granted the order for repossession and sale. Mr Adamson has 10 days to appeal the decision. Speaking afterwards, he said he intends to go all the way to the Supreme Court. Rory Gallagher (40) is also accused of producing a 6in kitchen knife in a manner likely to intimidate A Dublin man has admitted that he seriously assaulted the owner of a takeaway and made threats to kill him or cause him serious harm. Rory Gallagher (40) was sent forward to Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on a signed plea of guilty. The accused, of Seabury Heights in Malahide, appeared before Swords District Court charged with seriously assaulting another man at Tonys Super Takeaway, Rivervalley shops, Swords, on March 6 this year, and with making threats to kill or cause serious harm to him. Mr Gallagher is also accused of producing a 6in kitchen knife in a manner likely to intimidate. He is further charged with making threats to damage the property, specifically making a threat to burn down the takeaway at the same time and place. A State solicitor said that there was no requirement for a book of evidence as the accused was consenting to going forward on a guilty plea. She said there was consent to Mr Gallagher going forward to the present sittings of Dublin Circuit Court for sentence on a signed plea of guilty. Judge John OLeary assigned defence solicitor Cahir OHiggins and one junior counsel on free legal aid. The judge also ordered that a video copy of an interview which gardai conducted with the accused be furnished to his legal team. Judge OLeary remanded Mr Gallagher on bail to appear before a court in the Criminal Courts of Justice on a day next week. Christopher Johnson (45) broke into the couples car while it was parked at a Dublin hotel. He took a guitar, tablet and laptop worth 2,600 A thief has been jailed for five months for stealing from a car belonging to Ukrainian refugees who had just arrived in Ireland after fleeing their war-torn home country. Christopher Johnson (45) broke into the couples Ukraine-registered car while it was parked at a Dublin hotel. He took a guitar, tablet and laptop worth 2,600. The recovering drug addict apologised and said he was ashamed of the theft, which happened when he had been clean and out of trouble for years. He lapsed after drinking at a party. Judge Treasa Kelly sentenced him after hearing the property was not recovered and there was no compensation for the victims. Father-of-three Johnson, of The Botanic, Prospect Hill, Finglas, pleaded guilty to theft and criminal damage to the vehicle at the underground car park of the Travelodge Hotel, Shangan Road, Ballymun, on March 24. A garda sergeant told Dublin District Court the owner had just arrived in the country when Johnson broke into his car, smashing the rear window and taking the tablet, a guitar and a laptop with a total value of 2,600. He also admitted separately breaking into a second car, a Honda Civic, at the same location on the same night. In that case, he took a laptop and designer driving gloves with a combined value of 520. He was identified on CCTV and made full admissions when arrested. The owners declined to make victim impact statements. The court heard Johnson had 56 previous convictions for offences including theft, assault and criminal damage, dating from 1996 to 2017. He had beaten his addiction by taking injections that prevented him from using opiates and stayed out of trouble for the past five years, his solicitor David Bassett said. Johnson had been doing so well and was very apologetic, very ashamed and very embarrassed to have lapsed and to have had one slip after so long. I just want to apologise to the people it happened to, Johnson told the court. He said he had been an addict all his life but was now clean and had a council home. He had been at a party on the night and did not usually drink, but he ended up drinking a bottle, which led to me making this mistake. Everything seemed to be going great, he added. It was one mistake in five years. Judge Kelly said she would give Johnson credit for his guilty plea and noted the fact he had turned a corner in his life, but there was no offer of compensation. These people are out of pocket for a considerable amount, she said. Mr Bassett accepted there was no realistic prospect of compensation, but asked the judge to suspend the sentence. The judge said she had to impose a custodial sentence, and set recognisances in the event of an appeal. The Ukrainian refugees, who spoke about the theft at the time, had fled their Kyiv home in the early days of Russias invasion. They drove through a number of countries before arriving in Ireland two weeks before the theft. The couple said in March they were surprised to have been the victims of theft as there were Ukrainian plates on the car and the whole world knows about Ukraine. It was obvious we are refugees and this is all we have, one of them said. He has done many terrible things over the years. He abused the innocence of these young boys for his own purpose. He was grossly and morally reprehensible, Judge Nolan said. Notorious paedophile and former singing priest Tony Walsh has been sentenced to another four years in prison for indecent assaults of three schoolboys in the 1980s. Judge Martin Nolan described the crimes of Tony Walsh (72), who was defrocked in 1992 and formally dismissed from the priesthood in 1996, as evil. Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard today that Walsh (72) was a curate in Ballyfermot, Dublin, and a chaplain to De La Salle school in Ballyfermot from 1978 to 1986 when he abused the boys. Judge Martin Nolan said Walsh has spent around 20 years in prison since 1995 when he was first convicted of indecent assault, and that the three victims in the charges before the court were in a long line of victims. He has done many terrible things over the years. He abused the innocence of these young boys for his own purpose. He was grossly and morally reprehensible, Judge Nolan said. He has caused a huge amount of harm emotionally and psychologically. What he has done is evil. Last January Walsh, who is currently serving a sentence in the Midlands prison in Portlaoise, pleaded guilty to indecent assault of a child at a lane in Ballyfermot and indecent assault at De La Salle school on unknown dates between January 1983 and June 1986. This victim told gardai he was aged around eight years old when Walsh would come to the school. We all loved him, he said. He wasn't a teacher, he was nice to us kids. The victim said he had been put out of the class when he met Walsh in the school corridor. Walsh followed the boy into a toilet cubicle and orally penetrated the boy before sending him back to the class dazed and afraid. Former priest Tony Walsh On another occasion he anally penetrated this boy in a laneway, telling him afterwards that if he told anyone about what happened the child would get into trouble. Walsh also pleaded guilty last month to indecent assault of a 10-year-old boy in 1982. The boy's great grandmother had recently died when Walsh brought him to the parochial house and indecently assaulted him. Finally, he pleaded guilty to three counts of indecent assault at De La Salle school in Ballyfermot on unknown dates between September 1980 and June 1984. The victim was aged seven to 10 when Walsh repeatedly molested and indecently assaulted him. Th victim told gardai that Walsh would come to the school and perform Elvis impersonations and sing songs. He would also hear confessions from boys in a spare classroom and it was during these hearings that he molested and anally penetrated this boy. Reading from his own victim impact report, the man, who is now aged 49, told the court his life changed drastically as a result of the sexual abuse by Walsh at the school. He said Walsh would visit the school and call boys out of class for confession in a spare classroom. One by one we would go in to give confessions. This is where the sexual abuse and rape started. I don't remember what I did to invite this man to think it was OK to strip me of innocence and childhood, he said. What I do remember is the shock, pain and confusion. What has never left me is the shame. The shame of being violated, degraded, humiliated, dehumanised, of not having the understanding or strength to make it stop. The shame of feeling and believing what happened was my fault. To this day I still carry this shame. This sexual abuse and rape continued for the next four years; four years of darkness and pain. He said that during his time in the school my emotional and physical well-being suffered. I was exposed to an adult world I didn't want any part of, a world that brought me nothing but pain," he said. He told the court the abuse meant he achieved only a fraction of his academic potential and affected his progress throughout his life. He continues to suffer nightmares and flashbacks, and his wife and children have also suffered because of the effects on him of the abuse. Since 1995, Walsh has been convicted of 28 counts of indecent assault, five of sexual assault and five of buggery. In 2010 he received a nine-year prison sentence for the indecent assault and buggery of a number of children. During his interview for some of these offences, Walsh told gardai he had certain medical complaints which would make it difficult or impossible for him to perform the alleged acts. He later told them he was attracted to young boys aged between 10 and 12, and that was always the case. Imposing a four-year prison term, Judge Nolan said Walsh was a man who took advantage of the trust placed in him and that these offences were part of serious cumulative behaviour. But for the intervention of the defendant these boys', now mens, lives would have been completely different. He has caused them much harm, he said. Judge Berkeley, throwing out Rooneys claim and awarding costs against him, said he seemed to be a man with an unfortunate record of accidents and she accepted there had been a very mild impact in the accident complained of. A 60,000 personal injuries claim by a Dublin taxi driver has been dismissed after Judge Sarah Berkeley in the Circuit Civil Court told him she was not satisfied he had made full disclosure about his medical history. Brian Rooney (61) of Belclare Avenue, Poppintree, Dublin, told the court he had been the victim of a hit and run driver in October 2016 and had suffered low back pain as a result of his daughter Laurens car, which he had been driving at the time, having been shunted forward in a collision. Rooney, who said he had given up chasing down the hit and run driver on the advice of his wife, Martina, who was in the car with him, told defence counsel Barry Finlay that none of the three passengers in the car with him had been injured or had brought a claim for damages for personal injuries. The court heard his wife, his daughter and another passenger, Deborah Doyle, of Elmfield, Clare Hall, Dublin, had been in the car when it was rear ended at traffic lights near Clare Hall Shopping Centre by a Thomas Keating, Fairview Strand, Dublin, who had been sued along with the Motor Insurers Bureau of Ireland, which represents uninsured drivers. Mr Finlay, who appeared with Stephen MacKenzie Solicitors for the two defendants and FBD Insurance, told Judge Berkeley that a minimal impact defence had been entered on behalf of the defendants in a case where it was alleged only 420 of damage had been caused to Ms Rooneys car. Mr Finlay said Mr Rooney had been involved in four personal injury accidents and also had made 10 other material damage only claims against his insurers. He said he would be raising the issue of Mr Rooney having failed to fully disclose to doctors previous lower back injuries in two out of three of those accidents. Defence counsel told Judge Berkeley the case would be decided on whether the court was happy with Mr Rooneys credibility. Rooney said the vehicle that had struck his daughters car had reversed and took off from the scene. He had given chase for a short distance but had given up on the basis that it may not have been the safest thing to do and his wife had suggested it wasnt worth the risk. He told Mr Finlay he had informed doctors about his lower back pain in one accident but had not been asked about low back pain in any of the other accidents and had not mentioned it. He had previously settled three personal injury accidents for 9,840; 12,000 and 9,000 respectively. Judge Berkeley, throwing out Rooneys claim and awarding costs against him, said he seemed to be a man with an unfortunate record of accidents and she accepted there had been a very mild impact in the accident complained of. It was a few days afterwards, while he was walking the dog, that he developed some type of lower back pain and had gone to his doctor, the judge said. Judge Berkeley said she was not satisfied Rooney had made full disclosure about his medical history to doctors and the court did not accept the impact involved could have caused the extent of injuries he complained of. I am not satisfied that he was injured, she told Mr Finlay. The spotted lanternfly is the common name for a visually interesting insect that continues to create significant concern. First identified in Pennsylvania in 2014, this invasive pest is spreading up and down the East Coast and into the parts of the Midwest. As we travel this summer, be on the lookout for this hitchhiking pest. I share this caution from experience. I was recently in an area which has had SLF for several years, and could not believe that one dropped onto my car windshield while I was driving through a city street. It was a fourth instar nymph, ready to become an adult. One of the many challenges in managing SLF are its many life stages, and that it feeds on many different plants. SLF is native to China and parts of several nearby countries. When accidentally introduced to South Korea in 2006, it became a major pest, attacking an estimated 65 different plant species. Of those 65 species, about 25 either grow naturally or are agricultural crops in the U.S. The SLF has a wide range of host plants from which they suck sap from young stems and leaves. The SLF is a potential threat to several important agricultural crops in New York, such as grapes, apples, peaches and other stone fruits, hops and forest trees. In forests, hardwoods are of particular concern, especially walnut trees. Spotted lanternfly nymphs are attracted to tree of heaven, an invasive tree native to the SLFs habitat. Tree of heaven was imported from China in the 1700s as an ornamental tree. It is found along roadsides and forest edges, and on limestone outcroppings, plus it will thrive on land abandoned in urban areas. These trees are flowering now, allowing for easy identification once you know what you are looking for. Research has shown that SLF prefer and are more prolific when tree of heaven is available as a host plant; however, it is not required for SLF to reproduce. Penn State researchers are finding that SLF lay a higher number of egg masses with tree of heaven present, but other trees, such as black walnut and willow, are a suitable substitute. While we are all concerned about this invasive pest, be careful of misinformation that may circulating. In hard-hit areas of Pennsylvania, some fell prey to individuals selling ineffective pesticides. The use of circle traps has been effective in capturing SLF nymphs as they often fallout of the tree canopy. The trap will capture them as they attempt to climb back into the tree. Fortunately, none of the life stages of the SLF bite or sting humans or pets. So far, no known toxins have been found in SLF. Pets, especially dogs, are naturally curious and may ingest things they should not, so there is a possibility your pet could taste one. The safest course of action is to keep pets away from living or dead SLF. Federal, state and local agencies continue to educate and provide outreach about the SLF to stop establishment of this pest for both economic and environmental reasons. It will be through the vigilance of the public to spot and report any suspected findings to the Division of Plant Industry at (800) 554-4501 or by email to plants@agriclture.ny.gov, or to local Cornell Cooperative Extension offices. More information about SLF can be found at nysipm.cornell.edu/environment/invasive-species-exotic-pests/spotted-lanternfly, which also provides a suggested method for monitoring for SLF. As previously mentioned, adult SLF hitchhike and will travel on and in different types of vehicles. The adults will fly into commercial trucks while they are being loaded, and into open car windows. I was aware of this behavior when I witnessed an adult fly into my car when the windows were slightly cracked. I was quick to swat the pest and immediately shut the windows. When not hitchhiking, their normal movement is walking, jumping and flying short distances. Any long-distance movement occurs with materials infested with egg masses. The SLF usually lays eggs on the smooth surfaces of tree trunks; however, any smooth surface like brick, stone, wood pallets, firewood and even dead plants will do. With increased travel this summer, this pest could easily find its way to the Finger Lakes, resulting in significant impact on the area vineyards. Those employed in this industry are trained to look for this pest everywhere from cars in parking lots to the grapevines themselves. Lets continue to remain vigilant this summer for this unwanted pest that continues to knock at our door. Gardai believe dad-of-three Stephen Lynch (31) was deliberately run over after asking driver to slow down as children were playing in the area The funeral of Stephen Lynch at St Aidans Church in Brookview, Tallaght (Photo: Colin O'Riordain) A Garda investigation into the death of a 31-year-old man killed in a hit-and-run incident in Tallaght five years ago is not expected to result in criminal proceedings, an inquest has heard. Stephen Lynch, a father of three from the Glenshane estate in Tallaght, suffered fatal injuries after being struck by a vehicle at Brookview Close on April 13, 2017. At the time, gardai believed the victim was deliberately run over by the driver of a Ford Focus which was later found abandoned a short distance away. Gardai understand that Mr Lynch became involved in an altercation with the occupants of the vehicle before the fatal incident after he had earlier asked the driver of the car to slow down because of children playing in the area. The funeral of Stephen Lynch at St Aidans Church in Brookview, Tallaght (Photo: Colin O'Riordain) At a sitting of Dublin District Coroners Court on Thursday, Superintendent Ian Lackey said the investigation by gardai into Mr Lynchs death was completed. Supt Lackey said an independent review of the investigation, which is being overseen by an assistant Garda commissioner, is also near completion. However, Supt Lackey told the coroner, Crona Gallagher, that the review was not expected to add anything that would further the investigation. He said gardai would be in a position in a number of months to allow the full inquest into Mr Lynchs death to proceed unless some other evidence comes to light which is unlikely. Supt Lackey said the deceaseds relatives had been updated on the progress of the investigation on a regular basis. Dr Gallagher noted the inquest into Mr Lynchs death was first opened in November 2017 and had been adjourned on a number of occasions over the intervening years. She also offered condolences to Mr Lynchs family, who were not present in court, on hearing that the victims fathers, Danny Lynch, had died suddenly in March. Dr Gallagher granted an application for a further short adjournment of the inquest and listed the case for October 20 when a date is expected to be fixed for the full hearing of the circumstances of Mr Lynchs death. Stephen Lynch Since his death, Mr Lynchs family have made several public appeals for people to help to identify his killer as well as any other occupant in the car. On RTEs Crimecall programme last year, his eldest son, Craig, said his father's death had affected his familys lives in the worst way possible. Everyday its killing us, he added. The victim's mother, Vera Donovan, has vowed to continue to return to the area where her son was killed to persuade witnesses to come forward. In an interview last year, Ms Donovan stated: "It's important to remind people what we are still going through. We can't move on because we don't' have closure." Last month, Ms Donovan described the people involved in her sons death as a pack of monsters and expressed a wish that they would reap what they sow. In a social media post, Ms Donovan said she would never give up and hoped her family would one day get justice for her son. They warned that people were risking their physical and mental health by buying unregulated prescription drugs online More than 242,000 unlicensed prescription tablets destined for addresses in Northern Ireland have been seized in a major operation targeting illicit and counterfeit drugs. Justice Minister Naomi Long joined with Health Minister Robin Swann and PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Mark McEwan to put the haul of illegal medicines confiscated as part of Operation Pangea XV on display at Stormont. They issued a warning that people were risking their physical and mental health by buying unregulated prescription drugs online. Multiple packets of tablets with a street value of almost 250,000 destined for Northern Ireland were intercepted and seized as part of the global Interpol co-ordinated operation. Medicines seized included Diazepam, Pregabalin and Zopiclone as well as Tamoxifen. Mrs Long said: "The success of the operation means that hundreds of thousands of illicit tablets have been prevented from being distributed in Northern Ireland and lives have no doubt been saved as a result. Mr McEwan said: "Operation Pangea sends a clear message to those involved in the supply of counterfeit and unlawful prescription drugs that we will do everything in our collective power to disrupt and prevent the importation and supply. Gardai have launched an investigation A woman has died in hospital the day after she was found with serious injuries in her Co Limerick home. The woman, who was aged in her 50s, was rushed to University Hospital Limerick after gardai found her at a residence at Cois Deel, Rathkeale, at approximately 8.30pm on Tuesday night. Tragically she passed away on Wednesday and gardai have launched an investigation. Gardai have revealed that they had attended an incident that occurred in the Windmill Street area of Limerick earlier on Tuesday evening. They have said that their inquiries suggest that the victim may have frequented a residence on Windmill Street on the same day or in the days just before she was found injured. They have now appealed for witnesses or anybody with any information to contact them. Gardai at Henry Street are investigating all the circumstances of the discovery of a woman with serious injuries at a residence in County Limerick on Tuesday, gardai said. The woman, aged in her 50s, was discovered at a residence in Cois Deel, Rathkeale, County Limerick, at approximately 8:30pm on Tuesday, 19th July, 2022. "The woman was taken to University Hospital Limerick where she passed away on Wednesday, July 20. A post-mortem examination is being conducted by Dr Margaret Bolster, State Pathologist, today, Thursday, (and) the results will determine the course of the Garda investigation. Gardai in Limerick had attended an incident that occurred in the Windmill Street area of Limerick earlier on the evening of Tuesday, July 19 and enquiries to date suggest that the deceased may have frequented a residence on Windmill Street in the day or days prior to her discovery. Gardai wish to speak to any persons who were in the Windmill Street area of Limerick City or the Cois Deel area of Rathkeale between Sunday, 17th July, and Tuesday, 19th July, who observed any activity which drew their attention, to come forward. Any persons who may have camera footage (including dash-cam and CCTV) of either area between these dates are asked to make this footage available to gardai. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Henry Street Garda Station on 061 212400, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station. Meanwhile, the scene at Cois Deel, Rathkeale, was preserved and a technical examination has been conducted. According to local media, the police are on the alert after reports of Irish men who ring the doorbell of residents and offer jobs, but those who accept the offer ultimately pay way too much money. Police in the North Holland town of Landsmeer have issued a warning to local homeowners to be aware of rogue Irish handymen who are active in the area. According to local media, the police are on the alert after reports of Irish men who ring the doorbell of residents and offer jobs, but those who accept the offer ultimately pay way too much money. Noordhollands Dagblad reports one resident of Landsmeer had claimed the handymen have turned up in the municipality, and they drive around with bad intentions. He says they are men from Ireland, the news site reports. The report also records that Irish handymen have been in the news before. At least 120 people have become victims of Irish people, the news site states. The police conducted two investigations between the end of 2017 and the spring of 2020. The victims were then defrauded for a total of more than 1.7 million. The story reveals how the fake handymen mainly target older and vulnerable victims. They ring their doorbell with the offer for a simple job at home, such as spraying the facade clean. However, once at work, they discover supposedly urgent problems with the home, which they are able to solve against the payment of large sums of money. They disappear from view shortly after payment. According to the Dutch news site, a total of eight suspects were arrested in previous investigations and by the summer of 2021, the police believed there were hardly any rogue handymen anymore. A police spokesperson could not confirm whether the same Irish or other 'handymen' are involved in Landsmeer, Noordhollands Dagblad adds. However, there is certainly talk of mobile banditry, or internationally traveling criminal gangs. In a message on Instagram, the police officers released images of a white van with yellow and red stripes on the back with the message dont go with them. We cannot warn enough about this, a police spokesman is quoted as saying. We want to find these 'handymen' and start the conversation. There's not much we can do if there's a verbal agreement with them." Bird in the Hand | Northern Ireland fashion designer launches pigeon-shaped handbag for 840 The pigeon clutch bag features a handy side opening accessed by opening the wing of the bird and internal printed JW Anderson branding with gold metalwork. This accessory can be carried in hand and is being offered in a grey colourway only. The pigeon clutch bag (Picture: JW Anderson.com) The JW Anderson pigeon clutch bag Credit: JW Anderson.com The pigeon clutch-bag, created by Northern Ireland fashion designer Jonathan Anderson, has sold out. Christopher Leebody Belfast Telegraph Thu 21 Jul 2022 at 22:08 A tribute to one of Irelands most common birds could be yours for around 840/715 thanks to Northern Ireland fashion designer Jonathan Anderson. It emerged some residents were transferred to facilities with confirmed outbreaks of the Covid-19 virus RQIA found a lack of regard for patients safety, dignity and human rights, including the quality and availability of clothing Alamy Stock Photo Multiple vulnerable residents died in the immediate aftermath of being moved from the Valley Nursing Home, which was ordered to close during the Covid-19 lockdown by a health watchdog. The disclosure was made during a meeting of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council where it further emerged some residents were transferred to facilities with confirmed outbreaks of the virus. The Clogher facility closed when the management company, Healthcare Ireland, was deemed unfit to operate, following an unannounced RQIA inspection in October, 2020. It was home to 53 residents at the time. Significant concerns were identified around management of Covid guidance, infection prevention and control, fire safety, care delivery and records, mandatory training, lack of stimulation for residents, control of hazardous substances, staff interaction with patients, and managerial oversight and governance. RQIA found a lack of regard for patients safety, dignity and human rights, including the quality and availability of clothing. The Health and Social Care Trusts and the Department of Health were notified of the decision to issue a notice to cancel the facilitys registration. Councillor Donal OCofaigh said RQIA was closely involved in the closure, and residents were moved elsewhere. He said: Of those, 14 died in the immediate aftermath. Six who had already been moved within the Western Trust area, also died. Some residents without Covid were moved to other care homes, two of which had active outbreaks. A doctor associated with the residents was never informed or involved. He proposed that the Council establish whether the RQIA conducted a lessons learned review, and if so, could it be made available as it is very important for relatives and survivors to obtain truth. The proposal passed without dissent. The relevant Health Trusts, Department of Health and RQIA were approached for comment. The Southern and Western Trusts said: All infection, prevention and control guidance was followed. Trust staff liaised directly with residents and their families, supporting them as appropriate throughout the transition. An RQIA spokesperson confirmed that due to significant regulation breaches, a notice of proposal to cancel registration was issued to Healthcare Ireland. "On November 6, 2020, the then Health and Social Care Board (HSCB) activated the Regional Care Homes Business Continuity Plan to ensure a joined-up approach in managing the closure and ensure appropriate arrangements for the 53 residents, they added. The spokesperson added: Following deregistration, a review was conducted, to ensure lessons learned from this closure were taken on board for similar situations in the future. The Department of Health added: A review of the lessons learned was conducted, led by HSCB with Regional Care Homes Business Continuity Plan members, including RQIA. It did not mention publication of the review. Mr Coveney declined to say which candidate he would prefer to win, but said that he knows Ms Truss better than Mr Sunak Rishi Sunak and Foreign Secretary Liz Truss are now going head to head in the contest for the leadership of the Conservative Party. Speaking in Belfast, Mr Coveney declined to say which candidate he would prefer to win, but said that he knows Ms Truss better than Mr Sunak. However, Ms Truss was an architect in driving UK legislation which aims to undo Northern Irelands special trade status. Well work with whoever the new [Conservative party] leader is, whoever the new prime minister is, of course, we hope that the new prime minister wont pursue a strategy of breaking international law and breaking their word to Ireland the EU, said Mr Coveney. We spent many years trying to put together the withdrawal agreement that could manage the disruption of Brexit. We have to respect the decisions around Brexit. Weve also got to listen to people in Northern Ireland who have concerns around the protocol. He said these concerns should be met with flexibility compromise and pragmatism Mr Coveney said the EU should not accept the UK government acting unilaterally and breaking international law around the protocol. What the EU cant do is accept a British government decision to act unilaterally, to legislate domestically to breach international law, to set aside commitments made in international treaty. That is not the way to behave with your neighbours, he said. He said other countries are taken aback by the UK government and its actions around the protocol, which have been strongly criticised by the Irish government. Number 7 Duke Street said they created their Windy Smasher drink as part of a take on last week's fun and games in Belfast The wheelie bin cocktail from Number 7 Duke Street in Warrenpoint Credit: Facebook A bar in Warrenpoint has created a tongue-in-cheek cocktail inspired by a dispute in Belfast involving bins on the Twelfth of July. Co Down establishment Number 7 Duke Street said they created their Windy Smasher drink as part of a take on last week's fun and games in Belfast. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content The event they are referring to, of course, involved an altercation involving a bin thrown in the direction of Bangor Protestant Boys Flute Band as they paraded through the Holyland area of south Belfast on the Twelfth. Footage which rapidly spread online on the day the incident took place appeared to show the resident of a house throwing a bin at the band as it passed in front of the property. One 29-year-old man has been handed an official warning over the incident and another 46-year-old man was arrested and later released on police bail. Man throws bin at July 12 marchers The bar revealed their alcoholic take on the infamous incident features a secret recipe with a double shot of rum. The final touch involves the drink being served in a small black bin instead of a traditional glass. In a sign of cross-community spirit, the drink is garnished with both a Union flag and Irish tricolour, as they joked sure if you cant laugh. Users on social media were quick to see the funny side of the humorous creation, with many branding it brilliant and the post itself has been shared online hundreds of times. The monkey, believed to be a macaque, has been breaking into Japanese homes before attacking residents Stock photo of a macaque A violent burglar wild monkey is on the loose in Japan, sparking a major hunt from authorities. The monkey has been reported to have broken into several homes in the country before biting and clawing homeowners in the Ogori area of Japan. It has been reported 20 people have been attacked by the monkey, which is believed to be a macaque, also known as a Japanese snow monkey. The youngest victim is believed to be a ten-year-old girl who received scratches to her leg after the monkey broke through a screen door of her home. A woman in her 60s and a woman in her 80s were also violently attacked by the rampant monkey during the week. Before the attacks on the women, the monkey entered an elementary school where it continued its fierce spree, biting a 10-year-old boy on the arm and on both hands. The monkey also attacked a man drying his laundry and two toddlers. Monkeys are known to steal food from people in Japan, however the significantly more aggressive fugitive has led authorities to advise residents to keep their windows closed until it is apprehended. The judge is alleged to have said: My guns are bigger than your securitys guns! A judge in the USA has been accused of waving a gun at defence lawyers. The West Virginian judge has also been accused of mocking the security staff in a courthouse because their guns were smaller than his. In an affidavit, attorney Lauren Varnado claimed Circuit Court Judge David Hummel Jr. made fun of her legal associates for trying to bring security staff into the courtroom in Wetzel County Courthouse in New Martinsville on March 12. She had been representing a company called EQT Production Company and Equitable Resources who were being sued by landowners over a fossil fuel royalty payments issue. Security officers were blocked from entering the courtroom in March, but Judge Hummel has been accused of mocking Varnado for hiring them, allegedly saying: Arent me and my guns and security enough? He then allegedly added: My guns are bigger than your securitys guns! Judge Hummel denied any such incident occurred in the courtroom. He told the Daily Beast: There is no incident. I absolutely, categorically deny I had a gun that day in the courtroom. However, Ms Varnado told NBC news: I could not believe it was happening. As a trial lawyer, the courtroom, during a trial, it is my office. It is my workplace. When you experience violence in your workplace, it's a special kind of trauma. She also claimed the judge rotated the gun in the courtroom until it was pointing at her, describing the incident as psychotic. Judge Hummel did reportedly admit that he had a gun in the courtroom, allegedly saying: It was secreted in a drawer on the bench. I never showed my Colt 1911 at the trial whatsoever at any point during that trial. School resource officer services provided by the Cayuga County Sheriff's Office could be expanding this year. After working with the Port Byron Central School District to place a part-time officer on that district's campus last year, Sheriff Brian Schenck has interest from two more districts, as school security has again become a major concern in the aftermath of recent mass shootings around the country. Schenck is asking the Cayuga County Legislature to approve the creation of a post to serve the Moravia school district, the expansion of the Port Byron position to full-time and the creation of a supervisor position that would oversee school officer programs and training. The Legislature's Judicial and Public Safety Committee approved multiple resolutions at its July 13 meeting and the Ways and Means Committee approved them Wednesday night. The resolutions will be in front of the full Legislature at its meeting on Tuesday. In 2019, the office and the Legislature started exploring ways to start facilitating SRO programs. Schenck said in October 2020 that he was hoping to secure the Legislature's approval to make a special patrol officer position for Port Byron, with that officer having the authority to enforce the law on only district property while working for, being paid by and being insured by the county. The district reimburses the county for the officer's salary and equipment costs, By April 2021, a special patrol officer started as a part-time SRO in Port Byron. One of the resolutions under consideration this month would allow the Legislature and Schenck to go into a contract with the Moravia Central School District to create and fill a full-time special patrol officer spot. Schenck said Moravia expressed interest in bringing in a Special Patrol Officer after the mass shootings at a Tops Friendly Market in Buffalo and at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, both in May. "They're very interested in bringing an armed special patrol officer to their school, just like we have in Port Byron," he said at the committee meeting. "They want to have somebody whose with our sheriff's office come to our district. ... Their board is committed to trying to contract with us to do that." Schenck noted he also has a meeting with the Union Springs Central School District at the end of July "to discuss doing something similar there." The resolution for the Moravia special patrol officer job said the position would be paid an hourly rate of $29. Another resolution would allow the sheriff to create and fill a sergeant position within the road patrol division of the sheriff's office. The person in that role would oversee the county's school resource officer/special patrol officer programs and act as a liaison for school safety, Schenck said. He noted the office doesn't "have the supervisory staff to oversee these programs. ... If we're going to contract with the schools, the schools are certainly willing to pay the full cost of having the Special Patrol Officer there, just as Port Byron does. But we just don't have the staff to continue growing with these particular initiatives to oversee these members, so we're going to need to address that." The sheriff added he is concerned about "everything that's been going on out there, that we're seeing on the news on a daily basis. "We can't bury our head in the said and think that these potential issues couldn't happen here, just as we see them in other places. So I can't in good conscience not address the need for putting these individuals in our schools and the need to provide proper supervision and training." If the sergeant slot is created, Scheck said, that person would be overseeing some of the sheriff's office's training, "primarily our active shooter training that in the last few years, just due to the level of work that we've had and our call volume, it's been very difficult to provide that training that I believe we should be providing to all of our divisions yearly," including the SROs and the office's road patrol and security divisions. The probationary salary for the sergeant role would be $61,236 a year, plus 12% in lieu of holidays. Legislator Elaine Daly noted the salary that would come with the sergeant job, saying she assumes the sheriff's office has enough money in its 2022 budget to cover that cost this year, but asked about future years. "I don't think it would be inappropriate, when you renew some of these contracts, that whatever percentage of time this particular person will be spending in those school districts, perhaps you would consider adding that to the contracts you have with the school," she said. "Because then the county's not footing the total bill for this, but the school districts will also be sharing and bringing some revenue in. I don't think that would be inappropriate to ask, especially if more schools and more schools are going to be asking to do this." Schenck said he believes the districts would be "willing to look at that and address that. I don't think that we could cover the cost of the whole position." He added that he couldn't provide a percentage of time that the person in the sergeant role would be involved in giving supervision for individual districts, "but I do think that is reasonable, to look at something like that, to potentially look at a percentage." At Wednesday's Ways and Means Committee meeting, Schenck told legislators he's had favorable discussions with school officials and expects to be able recommend an amendment to the resolution to include an administrative fee from the districts to support the supervisor post. At the Judicial and Public Safety Meeting, Legislator Heidi Nightengale asked how the sergeant position would impact the office's current staffing. In a different part of the committee's agenda, Schenck said staffing "remains a priority and challenge." The office is down nine positions at the jail and one position in the road patrol division. In response to Nightengale's question, Schenck said the office's main staffing challenges are in the custody division. He noted a sergeant will be retiring, so the road patrol division will soon have two vacancies. The agenda also included a resolution to increase the Port Byron SRO's position from part time to full time. Tamati Coffey Labour List MP Weve taken the next step in our plan to support Kiwis with the cost of living. To fight inflation and ease the pressure on people here in the Waiariki, weve extended the fuel tax cut, reduced road user charges and half price public transport for everyone until the end of January next year. Right now, the fundamentals of our economy are strong. Unemployment is at a record low, exports are up, and our economic activity has continued to grow over the past year. But, with inflation rising around the world and the war in Ukraine driving up fuel prices, we know that cost of living pressures are making things tough for many Kiwis. This extension is one way we can help to make life more affordable, as well as providing more certainty in the face of volatile prices at the petrol pump. It will also help reduce the fuel burden on businesses, keeping the cost of food and essential goods lower across the board. Theres no easy fix for the cost of living, but were taking a range of actions to ease the pressure. The first of our new cost of living payments will go out soon, supporting more than two million people. Were also fixing the supermarket sector and increasing competition, to make sure that Kiwis pay a fair price at the checkout. We will continue to support Kiwis in the face of global inflation, as well as helping families and businesses here in the Waiariki and across the country, get ahead. Click the image above to view slideshow Three outstanding women have taken out first, second and third place with Laura Schultz from Trevelyans named Bay of Plentys Young Grower for 2022. The competition took place yesterday, at Mount Maunganui College, where eight competitors tested their skills and ability to run a successful horticulture business in a series of challenges. These were followed by a speech competition titled What Ill be growing in 2050, at a gala dinner last night in Tauranga. Laura excelled in the individual challenges, and impressed judges with her speech on providing the best quality produce by adapting to climate change to grow crops which meet the changing environment. Yanika Reiter came in second place, while Emily Woods was third. Lauras prize includes an all-expenses paid trip to Wellington to compete for the title of National Young Grower of the Year 2022, in September, as well as $1,500 cash. Laura grew up on her family orchard in the Bay of Plenty. After a diverse career across different countries that has included studying fashion design, yoga instruction, and working as a snowboard instructor, she returned home three years ago and realised her interest lay in growing avocados. Since then, she has leased the family orchard and now takes full responsibility for it, alongside her work within the avocado improvement group at Trevelyans. BOP Young Growers chair Erin Atkinson says this years contestants were outstanding. This years BOP Young Grower contestants have shown the great talent we already have within our horticulture industry. The competition has been prefect to test their knowledge and I hope that it sets the bar for other young talent coming through our industry. 2022 Bay of Plenty Young Grower of the Year winners: Yanika Reiter (second place), Laura Schultz (winner) and Emily Woods (third place). New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Inc. CEO Colin Bond agrees, and says these competitions show appreciation for the need for skilled careers in the horticulture industry. As a horticulture industry, we can often focus on knee-jerk reactions required for the current season. But in order to continue to produce effectively into the future, we need to ensure we have young people with the right commercial, technical and scientific skills. The 2022 BOP Young Grower competition is a great way to celebrate the high calibre of people coming through the industry to make us future fit. Laura will go on to compete in the national Young Grower of the Year competition, run by Horticulture New Zealand. The national finals will put the regional finalists to the test. A series of business and practical modules will test their horticultural skills, business knowledge, leadership abilities, and oratory talents. Laura will compete for the national title of Young Grower 2022 with the winners from other regions. Two farms in Cayuga County will benefit from more than $2 million in grants awarded through the state's Farmland Protection Implementation Grants program. New York Agricultural Land Trust has been awarded $1,318,284 to preserve 477 acres on Pearce Acres Farm in the towns of Aurelius and Springport. The grant was awarded under the viable agricultural land-other category. In northern Cayuga County, Genesee Land Trust will get $779,082 to protect 197 acres on Woodworth Farm in the town of Sterling. The funding was available through the program's water protection category. The grants are part of more than $38 million awarded by the state Department of Agriculture and Markets, which administers the Farmland Protection Implementation Grants program. The funding will conserve 11,772 acres of farmland in New York. "We must continue to protect New York's precious farmland so our agricultural footprint can grow and so our producers can thrive for generations to come," Gov. Kathy Hochul said. The grants to protect Cayuga County farms were two of three awarded in central New York. New York Agricultural Land Trust received $764,838 to protect 288 acres on Marshfield Farms in Marcellus. The Finger Lakes region will get more than $13.7 million to preserve 5,276 acres of farmland the most of any region. State Agriculture Commissioner Richard Ball noted that the Farmland Protection Implementation Grants program is evolving by focusing on efforts to combat climate change. There are also new classes of farms that received awards, including agroforestry and equine industries. "I'm excited to see these changes taking effect and congratulate all the awardees for participating in this program that is helping us to forever conserve our working landscapes for future generations of farmers," Ball said. Current Print Subscribers will be prompted to either login to their current site user account or to create a new one. A confirmation email will be sent when a new user account is created, which must be confirmed within three days in order to provide uninterrupted online access through your Print Subscription. Once the email address is confirmed please provide your Account Number to activate your Print Subscription Service. Steering wheel may soon become an optional accessory in cars of the near future with autonomous driving technology making progress in top gear. China's technology company Baidu is looking to have a formidable say in this regard and recently unveiled its first-ever autonomous vehicle which comes with a detachable steering wheel. While it is not known which company has manufactured the model, Baidu has highlighted that it wants to deploy these units as robo taxi services in China by end of next year. Autonomous vehicles are in the fast lane towards becoming a reality even though there are plenty of safety regulations that these may still have to pass. These also vary from country to country and from region to region. Cost of acquisition is another hurdle but Baidu claims that for its model, the per unit price could be around $37,000 which is almost half the price of the previous-generation model. Apollo RT6, with a detachable steering wheel, is seen on the sidelines of Baidu World Conference in Beijing. (REUTERS) The big claims are not just to do with the price but the real stated strength of the vehicle is in its autonomous Level 4 capabilities. The vehicle comes with as many as eight lidars and 12 cameras which claim to make the need for any human intervention redundant. FOLLOW US:Stay Updated with latest content - Subscribe us on FOLLOW US:Stay Updated with latest content - Subscribe us on But will the autonomous vehicle meet with the clearly spelt out safety regulations in China? Skeptics and critics of the technology around the world continue to voice doubts about self-driving vehicles being capable enough to predict the ever-changing real-world situations. But those backing these technologies, including Tesla CEO Elon Musk, are confident that newer developments in this field would ensure that any chances of human errors on roads can be negated. The fast-growing number of companies looking at accelerating work in this regard also goes to show that whatever opinion one may have about autonomous vehicles, these are inevitable and will take over global roads in the years to come. First Published Date: The Taos News delivered to your Taos County address every week for a full year! We offer our lowest mail rates to zip codes in the county. Click Here to See if you Qualify. Plan includes unlimited website access and e-edition print replica online. Your auto pay plan will be conveniently renewed at the end of the subscription period. You may cancel at anytime. GEOFFREY PLANT/Taos News La Vida del Norte Executive Director Maria Gonzalez, left, addresses Questa residents at a "Community Watch and Networking meeting" on Monday evening (July 18). Gonzalez's husband, Questa Councilor Jason Gonzalez, and Mayor John Anthony Ortega, both standing, are also pictured. SAN DIEGO, Calif.Seven years after making his debut with the studio, Sean Cody star Brock bottoms for the first time in upcoming scene "Top to Bottom: Brock." Fan favorite Devy gets the honors of popping Brock's cherry in the scene, arriving on the site next week. Brock made his first appearance on SeanCody.com in 2015. Returning two years later for his first duo scene, alongside the popular Joey, Brock has been exclusively a top ever sinceuntil now. Brock is always a joy to work with, SeanCody.com production director Ryan Cash said. He is funny, very professional, and delivered one of his finest performances for this scene. Sean Cody recently released a five-part series, shot in beautiful Puerto Vallarta, featuring Devy, JC, Kyle, Liam, Josh and newcomer Lan. Describe promo materials, "The six heartthrobs were sent to Mexico for a little R&Rramming and railing, that is! Fans can see the hunks splashing in the surf, playing on the sand, and of course, having some naughty fun in nature ... not to mention boning down on a boat. And just like every Sean Cody getaway, it ends with a good old-fashioned orgy!" Brocks bottoming debuts on Friday, July 29 exclusively on SeanCody.com. Follow Sean Cody on Twitter @Sean_Cody_Com, Instagram @seancodyxofficial and TikTok @seancodyofficial. Shop for Sean Cody gear at www.seancody.com/store. forty6 BHPian Join Date: May 2019 Location: Gurgaon Posts: 46 Thanked: 380 Times Re: Used Superbikes & Big Motorcycles on sale in India Apologies to the OP for turning this into a multi season soap opera, when all s/he wanted was a 10 second skippable ad. To get the z650 of your choice, I would suggest keep looking at olx and Facebook groups. I would suggest staying away from dealers, but wouldn't hurt to just check. Lastly I would also suggest reaching out to Kawasaki dealers and ask them about second hand bike of your choice. They do get enquiries for upgrade and probably can help you out, if you ask nicely. Leave your number if required. Now, continuing with the second season of this soap opera that is sellers and buyers, and apologies to those who get offended post this, or find it a bit demeaning or other such miserable things, I am a bit flummoxed with all this talk about value and cutting losses and one side having less emotions than others. Now, I used to think that majority of the people who buy bigger bikes (refraining from calling them all superbikes, because they are not, and that term is used far more than the bikes themselves) were like me, who had a photo of a supercar(Ferrari F50) growing up, started watching racing, got into bikes and then made sure they were ruined financially. For the rest of their lives. I never thought about does this big bike makes sense or not, because honestly after CBR 250R, none of my bikes made sense. Was the ninja 650 worth 3 times that of the CBR 250R? No. Yeah the power rush was a bit better, yes, it was more comfortable if you wanted to do 600 kms in a day, but, the CBR 250R could rip its pants off on a tight and twisty road, the roads that really make your grin, the roads that make the pathetic racer in you think like it is not that pathetic after all, while keeping your chances of staying alive way higher and you wallet a bit fatter while doing such shenanigans. A little bike, with sorted chassis and suspension is far more grin inducing than any of the big bikes. There is no use for the extra 50-100 odd hp on that road between Theog to Rampur (at least the road that was 10 years ago). Or Almora to Binsar. Or between Jaswant Garh War Memorial to Sela pass. Or actually most of the road to Tawang. In fact I would go on to claim that on a superbike, you would not dare to touch the mid to top end, if you even have an iota of sanity and love for your life. They are just that dangerous. So, why do you buy a big bike then? Well, because as a kid you saw great racers do strange things with the bike. Because the first time you took your knee out and leaned gingerly, you felt the kiss from centripetal force was more giddying than a kiss from any human. Because of the way a bigger bike sings. Because the first time you twist the throttle of any thing with over 100 bhp, your heart wants to get out and slap you, and also simultaneously wants you to do it again. Because it is like addiction, and just like addiction, it is dangerous, yet immensely pleasurable. Because big bikes make you understand Gulzar, Kishore, Pink Floyd, Led Zep, Asha, Talat Aziz, Metallica better. Because they are the cheapest way to sort mid-life crisis. Affairs and divorces are ruinous in comparison. In short they are love. And why would you want to put a profit/loss perspective to love? Love is supposed to cost you. Heck I would say, is it even love if it doesn't cost you? So, I don't get this the seller has more emotion than buyers? Why are you even buying a big bike if there is any less emotion than sellers. If you haven't told yourself that you would stay away from buying new phones, eating outside, drinking, having chance to procreate, in short having a life, you need to seriously reconsider your commitment to big bikes. And if you do, you are going to get the bike you want, rather than the deal that you need. You are going to research, find out what goes wrong, how to sort it, what to keep in mind and above all how to identify a passionate owner to buy the second hand bike from. Trust me a guy who has bought a big bike for the simple reason that it does something to him, rather than what it does to his insta profile, would have kept his bike nicely, irrespectively of the years and kms. In fact a bike that has done decent kms in decent years, is going to be a better than a barely run bike. People have a tendency to believe a bike that has done a 5k km is 5 years is wow. It is not. Standing on a paddock stand does more damage to bikes than running. People who don't run their bikes enough are least likely to change parts and consumables at the correct interval. All this you would understand if you genuinely love biking. Because if you do, a big bike won't be the first time you have felt whatever I have described above. A big bike is a culmination of a fairly long love affair, never the beginning of it. So, in short, be on the lookout for what you want, look for it with the tenacity and passion that is usually reserved for lovers in poems, and you will find what you are looking for. And when you do, all this, a bit more, a bit less will seem inconsequential. I would go on to say, there are more chances some passionate owner would take a hit for a passionate buyer, than for someone who just wants a good deal. After all who better than a passionate guy to understand the plight of another one who is suffering from it. And if all this sounds like gibberish to you, chances are you are going to waste your money. Because, yeah you will get the bike, at a price you will like, but still lose money on it. Because, getting them is one thing, riding them is another level of passion all together. And if you don't have the former, chances are you will be bothered by the heat of the engine, the running costs, the efficiency, the hard clutch, the inability to take your better half, the lack of leaves from office, the crazy city traffic, and so on and so forth, and eventually sell it, because you don't use it. So no matter what awesome deal you got, you will still lose money on it after a year or two. So, find the one you love, and get the one you love. And as life would teach you, never be cheap in love. TL;DR: The US Department of Commerce is actively investigating Chinese technology corporation Huawei over concerns that equipment installed on US cell towers near military bases and missile silos could capture sensitive information and pass it along to China. Sources familiar with the matter told Reuters the probe launched shortly after President Joe Biden took office in early 2021. A 10-page document viewed by Reuters points to a 2021 subpoena to learn more about how Huawei shares data with foreign parties. FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr claims cell towers near Malmstrom Air Force Base in Montana once utilized Huawei technology. Data from phones that communicated using those towers could reveal vital information about military actions, like troop movements. "There's a very real concern that some of that technology could be used as an early warning system if there happened to be, God forbid, an ICBM missile strike," Carr said. The publication reached out to the Commerce Department, but was told it could not confirm or deny ongoing investigations. A spokesperson did add that "protecting US persons' safety and security against malign information collection is vital to protecting our economy and national security." Huawei was also pinged for comment but did not respond to the request. In an e-mailed statement from the Chinese embassy in Washington, a spokesperson said the US government abuses the concept of national security and state power to go all out to suppress Huawei and other Chinese telecommunications companies without providing any solid proof that they constitute a security threat to the US and other countries. Reuters said it was unable to determine what actions the agency might be able to take should it deem Huawei a national security threat, nor could it determine if Huawei's equipment is even capable of collecting and sharing that sort of sensitive information. The US government has long accused Huawei of spying on behalf of the Chinese government. In 2018, President Trump signed a defense bill prohibiting the US government and its contractors from using certain tech from Huawei, ZTE and other Chinese firms. A year, Huawei was added to an export blacklist maintained by the government. Image credit: Matthew Childs via Reuters, Sigmund One of the most significant histories written in the world is the first human to arrive on the Moon, and it is Neil Armstrong and his co-pilot Buzz Aldrin who stepped foot on the lunar satellite. It is National Moon Day today, as it was also the date when the astronaut pair from NASA landed the Apollo 11 on the lunar surface on this day, July 20, 1969. National Moon Day: Celebrate the First Landing on the Moon Today (Photo : NASA) National Today reports that today is an extra special day for Moon lovers and aspiring astronomers as it is National Moon Day, which is also a celebration of the astronaut's first landing on the Moon. Yes, on this day, fifty-three years ago, Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins arrived and landed on the Moon, with Armstrong being the first to set foot on the lunar surface. According to NASA, Apollo 11 launched from Cape Kennedy on July 16, 1969, and it went on its four-day mission toward the Moon, finally arriving on July 20 of the same year. Sometime in the middle of the mission, the spacecraft entered its first lunar orbit insertion maneuver, which also rendered the astronauts unreachable via its communications instruments from the planet. Read Also: Neil Armstrong's Moon Dust Sample Will Be Auctioned For $1.3 Million---Any Takers? Moon Landing: Its Significance and Giant Step for Mankind The Moon Landing is a significant event in the world's history, and as Commander Neil Armstrong said before, "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind," is still essential to this day. Now, there are subsequent efforts towards a moon mission that will bring back humans to the Moon, and this time, it is with Artemis I and the first woman to set foot after almost 50 years since the last arrival. The Moon: Earth's Natural Satellite It has been 53 years since the first mission to the Moon, with Apollo 11's landing on the Earth's natural satellite, implanting the American flag on the new space location. The trio of Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins went off-world, returned to the planet with no problems, and were quarantined for 21 days after the mission. It is still one of the most critical Moon missions in the world, and as history aims to repeat itself after the last excursion to the space rock, the world is yet to see the first woman to imbue their mark. The Artemis I mission will make this happen in the coming years and give the world a new milestone. However, the world is still waiting on NASA's SLS rocket's clearance for the uncrewed launch towards the Moon. Now, the world is back to the same day when NASA first landed on the Moon, and the world gets to commemorate this highly significant day that gave them more freedom to the world beyond. Fast forward to 53 years later, its presence and venture are showing the world more possibilities for the future, which would help humans evolve and expand to different locations. Related Article: NASA Releases New Apollo 15 Moon Images In Celebration of its 50th Anniversary This article is owned by TechTimes Written by Isaiah Richard 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. China's iPhone sales suddenly experienced a massive increase. This happened after the Chinese government decided to lift its COVID-19 restrictions. (Photo : Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images) Customers gather as they take part in a class to learn how to use their iPhones at an Apple Store on January 7, 2019 in Beijing, China. Apple Inc. lowered its revenue guidance last week, blaming China's slowing economy and weaker than expected iPhone sales. When China was on lockdown, many companies were affected because they couldn't properly continue their productions and other business activities. These include Tesla, as well as Apple and other tech giant manufacturers. Various sources confirmed that smartphone shipments in the Asian country spiked by around 9.2%, with Samsung and Apple leading the sales increase. China's iPhone Sales Drastically Increase! According to 9To5Mac's latest report, around 24.5 million smartphones were sold by domestic firms, which is a slightly decreased compared to the 2021 record (around 24.6 million). (Photo : Photo credit should read GREG BAKER/AFP via Getty Images) People walk past an Apple store in Beijing on December 11, 2018. - Apple stores in China continued with business as usual on December 11, despite a Chinese court-ordered ban on iPhone sales that could hurt the US tech firm in one of its most crucial markets. Also Read: Apple Now Sells a Belkin 70W Charger Which Charges MacBooks and iPhones or iPads Simultaneously Meanwhile, international manufacturers, such as Apple, were able to sell more than 3.5 million units based on the data provided by the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology (CAICT). When it comes to the smartphone with the largest number of sales, Apple's iPhone 13 is the top model. The popularity of this advanced iOS handset was already seen after it became the number one smartphone in the premium market during the first quarter of 2022. This means that even though the smartphone market is falling, the iPhone 13 still maintained its sales and shipments records. Thanks to its popularity, the iPhone 13 Pro Max and iPhone 13 Pro covered around two-thirds of the sales volume in the ultra-premium smartphone market. Will Apple Take Advantage of This Sales Growth? Since Apple's advanced iPhone 13 models are among the top-selling smartphones in China this June, there's no reason why the tech giant manufacturer will not take advantage of the sudden sales growth. MacRumors reported that the iPhone maker has already expanded its smartphone market share in China. Various data showed that Apple was able to outperform other smartphone makers. Meanwhile, Xiaomi, Oppo, Vivo, and other Chinese-branded smartphones experienced sales and shipments decreases. You can visit this link to see more details about the smartphone sales status in China. On the other hand, the previous Apple Memorial Day Sale offered huge discounts for iPhones. Meanwhile, Apple's USB-C tech is now urged by Brazil, asking the iPhone maker to ditch its iPhone Lightning Port. For more news updates about iPhones and other Apple products, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes. Related Article: Apple iPhone 13 Prices Increase by 20% in Japan! How About in the US? This article is owned by TechTimes Written by: Griffin Davis 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. On Wednesday, July 20, Google announced that it would be taking a two-week hiring freeze. This comes after the search giant announced last week that it will be slowing down its hiring process until the end of 2022 to take a fresh look at the overall hiring process of the company. Google Announces Hiring Freeze According to The Information, the search giant hired 10,000 people in Q2 alone, with full quarter results set to be released on July 26. Prabhakar Raghavan, the senior vice president at Google, said in an email that the company would use the two-week hiring freeze to review its headcount needs and align on a new set of prioritized Staffing Requests for the next three months. The hiring freeze would not affect offers that are already made but would put a pause on future contract extensions. Google's move aligns with last week's internal memo where CEO Sundar Pichai said the search giant is looking to be more entrepreneurial and re-deploy resources in higher-priority areas, according to The Verge. Also Read: HTC Is Laying Off 1,500 Employees: Is This The End? A Google spokesperson told TechCrunch that the company would slow down hiring for 2022. In line with that, the company will pause new offers for two weeks to enable teams to prioritize their roles and to hire plans until the end of 2022. The same measures have already taken place at other tech companies as some have issued hiring freezes and even laid off employees. Meta reportedly halted hiring across some of their engineering teams and issued cutbacks across the board at the social media company. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg told its employees that there would be fewer resources available and employees would have to prepare to do more work. Also, Twitter issued a hiring freeze, then laid off 30% of its talent acquisition team two months into said freeze in early July. Google Cloud Hiring In March, Google laid off around 100 cloud workers, and its employees delivered a petition to the company asking to give the laid-off workers more time to find new jobs and alleging that some workers found out they had lost their job from social media and not their bosses. The petition claims that engineers, program managers, and other support people in Google Cloud roles were given two months to find new hobs within the company and that the search giant has not provided enough information or opportunities for those workers to do that in the 60-day window successfully. Google has continued to maintain that workers are simply being offered a chance to transfer. This ignores the reality that a lot of workers do not qualify for currently available roles and the complexity of the transfer process means that most employees are facing the termination of their livelihood in under two months. The petition's authors, who were members of the Alphabet Workers Union, said in a statement. There are over 1,400 Google workers who have signed the petition for the laid-off workers, according to Protocol. The petition asks that the search giant extend the 60-day transfer window to 180 days and that Google create a transparent process around other jobs within the company that works could fill up. Related Article: TikTok is Currently Undergoing a Global Restructure and Began Laying Off Employees This article is owned by Tech Times Written by Sophie Webster 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Hyundai's very own flying electric car will soon take its flight for commercial use! Last November 2021, the Hyundai Motor Group created the new division Supernal to make affordable, zero-emission air travel a possibility by as early as 2028, including in the United States. For future flying taxi services, Supernal is creating a series of electric VTOL (vertical take-off and landing) aircraft. On Monday, the company gave a glimpse inside one of these aircraft's cabins. The automaker took advantage of the current Farnborough International Airshow in the UK to provide an interior cabin concept for one of their flying cars. Butterfly-Inspired Cabin The interior, which has been built to be both light and durable, seats five people, including the pilot, and takes design cues from nature, notably from a butterfly. The design approach is known as "biomimicry," and it is gaining popularity as a result of fresh computer modeling methods, according to Motor Authority. The airframe's structure was made up of forged carbon fiber, which is forged from recycled carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic. The wood paneling utilized in the cabin's concept and the plant-based leather used on the seats is just two examples of interior trim that is also derived from sustainable sources. Additionally, leftover materials from the airframe's production will be used to create the seat frames. Supernal is looking into using hydrogen fuel cells for longer flights. The company is also looking at a larger aircraft flying people or goods between cities. A 24-minute flight, as an example provided by Motor Authority, could take you from downtown Los Angeles to Anaheim instead of the roughly 70 minutes it would take you by car during rush hour. Read also: A 'Zero-Emission Flying Taxi' Will Take Flight From Bristol Airport In 2024! Hyundai Partners With Rolls-Royce Meanwhile, the Korea-based Regional Air Mobility division is currently working on a mid-sized hydrogen-powered vehicle. The aircraft, which would fly between cities carrying passengers and goods, is anticipated to begin flying in the 2030s, according to Interesting Engineering. A partnership between Supernal and Rolls-Royce, which develops and produces aircraft propulsion systems, including the jet engines found on several passenger aircraft from manufacturers like Airbus and Boeing, was also announced during the Farnborough air show. With the help of the partnership, Supernal will advance its development of fuel-cell propulsion systems for aircraft by utilizing the aviation and certification expertise of Rolls-Royce. These two automakers have the same goal of setting the standard for the AAM market by providing battery- and fuel-cell-powered solutions for the Urban Air Mobility (UAM) and Regional Air Mobility (RAM) industries while promoting eco-friendly flying. Rolls-Royce Holding, one of the leaders in the aviation industry, provides services to over 400 airlines, over 150 different leasees, and 160 armed forces and fleets. With the support of BEV and hydrogen fuel cell technology from Hyundai Motor Group, Rolls-Royce is now working to preserve the sustainability factor by developing and certifying zero-emission cars for local and interstate air travel. Related Article: CES 2022: SkyDrive Air Taxi Flying Car Flaunts Emission-Free Technology This article is owned by Tech Times Written by Joaquin Victor Tacla 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Although scams and frauds are common in the cryptocurrency world, people occasionally cause themselves the most losses. A joke that went bad cost one NFT trader on Wednesday a staggering loss of 100 ether, or $150,000. Franklin, a trader, using a pseudonym and known for owning more than 50 NFTs from the Bored Ape Yacht Club, lost his assets and stated that he deserved "all of the joke and criticism." A Fake Bid Turned Real To explain how he lost all of his ether, CNET said that Ethereum wallets come with a 40-character limit by default (0x, followed by 38 unrelated letters and numbers). However, ENS lets customers purchase a name for their wallet. Crypto traders purchase ENS domains (e.g. techtimes.eth) in addition to wallet names for their aliases in the hopes that, just like website domains, these wallet addresses would one day be valuable. On Twitter, there are a number of "ENS bot" accounts that highlight notable ENS domain transactions, including the recent $90,000 acquisition of samsung.eth, according to CNET. Franklin attempted to entertain himself on Monday by using Twitter bots to report an absurd ENS offer. He intended to coin a goofy ENS name with the help of his supporters, then offer 100 ether ($150,000) on the ENS NFT on OpenSea using a different wallet. With that offer, he planned to activate the ENS bot. Franklin eventually created the name "stop-doing-fake-bids-its-honestly-lame-my-guy.eth." The scheme was successful because a few ENS sales bots tweeted the false bid. Read also: Chevrolet's Corvette NFT Fails To Receive A Single Bid - Cautionary Tale For Automakers Venturing to Crypto? "Bag Fumble of The Century" After that, though, someone offered Franklin 1.891 ether ($2,890) for the ENS address. Franklin said that accepting the offer was the most unexpected 1.891 ETH he had ever received. However, he failed to remove his 100 ether bid from his second wallet, so the offer was still in effect. The purchaser benefited greatly by paying Franklin $2,890 for the ENS address and then reselling it to Franklin's second wallet for $150,000. "Oh no, I lost 100 ETH. I was celebrating my joke of a domain sale, sharing the spoils, but in a dream of greed, forgot to cancel my own bid of 100 ETH to buy it back. This will be the joke and bag fumble of the century. I deserve all of the jokes and criticism," Franklin wrote on Twitter. Here is a summary of what happened. Theres a 0% chance Ill get back whatever the person who sold into my stupid joke bid, but I might as well try. I sent them this NFT:https://t.co/PeRU3OIQjr pic.twitter.com/SPmwsSlgIa Franklin uilding 57 apes (@franklinisbored) July 20, 2022 Related Article: Square Enix launches NFT Collection for 'Final Fantasy VII': Game About Taking Down Corporation that's Destroying the Planet This article is owned by Tech Times Written by Joaquin Victor Tacla 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. POMPANO BEACH, Fla.M.D. Science Lab, makers of the Swiss Navy brand, has been awarded the 2022 Storerotica Award for Sexual Enhancement Company of the Year. The 15th Annual SE Awards Show was held at the ANME Founders Show on Jul. 12, 2022. The SE Awards recognize manufacturers for their outstanding achievements in the pleasure products industry. Said Briana Watkins, ACS Vice President of Sales and Marketing for M.D. Science Lab, "I have the honor of extending our thanks from our entire Swiss Navy family and we are all truly grateful to StorErotica and our entire industry for this honor. We know there are a lot of great companies in our field, and we appreciate StorErotica and our industry for recognizing our commitment and quality. And we were thrilled that after two long years we were able to accept our award in person! Our entire Swiss Navy team has truly brought our company to new heights with our focus on customer service and product quality. The fact that these are basically 'readers choice' awards makes our win so much sweeterand we appreciate you!" To learn more about Swiss Navy and to view its latest product range, visit swissnavy.com. For sales and marketing resources, visit the Swiss Navy B2B Resource Center at b2bswissnavy.com. To learn more about becoming a Swiss Navy Certified Expert with free online certification, visit swissnavycertifiedexpert.com. For more information, contact [email protected]. The new Samsung 3nm GAA (Gate-All-Around) chipset's debut is now confirmed. (Photo : Photo by JUNG YEON-JE/AFP via Getty Images) A woman walks past the Samsung logo at the company's Seocho building in Seoul on October 25, 2020 - Samsung Electronics chairman Lee Kun-hee, who transformed the South Korean firm into a global tech titan, died at the age of 78 on October 25, the company said. This new SoC tech is expected to allow the smartphone maker to have a major advantage over TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company). Various experts claimed that the new SoC architecture method of Samsung will allow it to manufacture chipsets that have better performance than those designed using the FinFET tech. However, it seems like Samsung's new 3nm GAA chip will not be used for smartphone integrations. Here are the latest details about the new SoC architecture. Samsung 3nm GAA Chipset's July 25 Debut Now Confirmed! According to WCCFTech's latest report, numerous government and industry sources (reliable ones) said that the smartphone maker plans to conduct its first 3nm GAA chipset shipment ceremony. (Photo : Photo credit should read LLUIS GENE/AFP via Getty Images) A visitor uses his mobile phone as he walks past the stand of Samsung on the second day of the Mobile World Congress in Barcelonaon on February 28, 2017. Phone makers will seek to seduce new buyers with artificial intelligence functions and other innovations at the world's biggest mobile fair starting today in Spain. Also Read: Samsung's New Photo Editor Uses AI to Fix Images! Here's How Galaxy Enhance-X App Works They added that Samsung would debut the new chip architecture tech at its production facility located in Hwangseong, Gyeonggi Province. The exact schedule would be on July 25. Individuals familiar with the tech firm's works stated that Samsung Device Solution Division's CEO Kyung Kye-Hyun, would attend the debut ceremony. Of course, many tech critics expect Samsung to use its new 3nm GAA SoC tech for smartphone enhancements and other gadget upgrades. But, various rumors say that this is not the case at all. Samsung 3nm GAA Chip is for Cryptominers? As of writing, many sources claimed that the new Samsung 3nm GAA chipset would only be used for cryptomining. They added that the first batch of the new SoCs manufactured using the new architecture method will be sold to a Chinese cryptomining firm. Aside from this, some industry insiders also said that Samsung's new 3nm GAA chip units would be limited since the tech firm's manufacturing center in Hwangseong is built only for small-scale productions. Although this is the case, the arrival of the new 3nm GAA SoC architecture is still interesting, especially since Samsung, via its official Newsroom post, confirmed that the innovation would lead to better power usage optimization and performance enhancement. Meanwhile, a new ad campaign revealed that the relationship between Samsung and Google is getting better. Previously, Samsung Internet Beta v18's new feature allowed users to copy text from images. For more news updates about Samsung and its upcoming 3nm GAA SoC, keep your tabs open here at TechTimes. Related Article: Samsung Completes 3nm Chip Ahead of TSMC, Apple-Soon to Power Modern Technology This article is owned by TechTimes Written by: Griffin Davis 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Who is Borja Escalona? The youtuber who wanted to eat for free and whose channel has been closed by YouTube LOS ANGELES Cherry.tv has announced their participation and sponsorship in this years Latin America Adult Business Expo (LAL) in Colombia from July 23-26th. CEO Paul Ashworth confirmed, Cherry.tv will be a Diamond Sponsor, Show Bag sponsor and 360 Camera Booth sponsor at LAL, with several company members in attendance, including myself and also our Head of Talents and Business Development, Zuzana Kasinski. We are all looking forward to meeting everyone and sharing Cherry.tvs newest innovations, and more. Ashworth added, In order to better accommodate all models in attendance, our Latin America Regional Managers, Andrea Garcia and Steve Hamilton, along with Europe Regional Managers, Maria Florea and Daniel Constantinus, will also be available at the Cherry.tv booth. No one brings the energy and fun into cams like Cherry.tv! After many planning emails and rebooked tickets, were finally ready to rock the rescheduled LAL expo! said Kasinski. In addition to plenty of swag, we will also have limited edition Cherry.tv gym clothing for models. Look for us at Booth 31 near the expo floor entrancewe cant wait to see everyone there!" The planned Driftwood LNG facility will be capable of producing up to 27.6 million tons of liquefied natural gas a year. The Houston company behind the massive project has agreed to pay $125 million for natural gas assets in the Haynesville Shale in northwest Louisiana. The bottle of red liquid on Shelby Prindaville's work table doesn't look artsy, and she's OK with that. She'll be the first to admit that art supplies are all in the eye of the artist, and if Rapid Differential Stain #2 is needed to get the job done, so be it. That's the name of the red stuff in the bottle. It stands on Prindaville's work table next to a bottle of blue stuff called Counter Stain. Both are labeled as veterinary products, the everyday supplies used in the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine's labs. +25 Photos: Artist-in-Residence Shelby Prindaville at work at LSU School of Veterinary Medicine Shelby Prindaville has spent her summer working as the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine's artist-in-residence. She is the first artist in the But Prindaville sees them differently. She's spent her summer working as the vet school's first ever artist-in-residence. Well, make that the first artist in the country chosen for a residency at a veterinary school. Which also makes her the first artist to directly incorporate the clinicians' everyday work into her own. "As we move forward with this residency, we won't be limiting it to visual artists," said Sandra Sarr, communications manager. "We'll also be looking at musicians, writers, photographers and others." Still, it somehow seemed fitting to begin the program with a visual artist, given that the school has hosted juried international "Animals in Art" exhibits in the past. Funds raised from that show benefited the vet school library. "We're bringing that show back," Sarr said. In the meantime, the school will open an exhibit of works created during Prindaville's residency on Monday, July 25. Chances are you won't notice the Rapid Differential Stain #2 blended within her paintings of baby birds and long-eared goats unless you're looking for it. Here's a hint: Look closely at the splash of pinks and reds on the backdrop of Prindaville's trio of goats. That's a result of the stain, which usually is used to stabilize blood samples on glass slides. "When we started, we had meetings with about a dozen of our clinicians and researchers to get them familiar with what Shelby is doing here, and how they might be able to help," Sarr said. "It just has been a magical experience." All were intrigued by the fact that Prindaville wanted to immortalize something from their everyday routine through her work. Explore BR Each week we'll highlights the best eats and events in metro Baton Rouge. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up "They really loved the fact that an artist is interested in what they do," Prindaville said. "One of the things I've been trying to do, which I do think is really resonating here, is that I'm trying to use actual veterinary tools, materials, chemicals, medicines in novel ways in the artwork itself. So it's not just like the sort of subject matter came from here, but also like the physicality of the piece. It's truly connected to the place, and I think that has been something that people have found really powerful." Prindaville earned her master's degree in fine art from LSU in 2013. Kelli Scott Kelley, a professor of painting at LSU, told her about the residency, and with a resume that included seven artist residencies throughout the world between 2014 and 2021, Prindaville was practically a shoo-in for the job. "I also focus on ecological artwork, and animals form a large part of the body of what I do," she said. "But I also do a lot of mixed media work about plants and overall ecosystems and the, some really wild stuff like ocean acidification, crystal growing and things like that. It's all connected with the idea that I'm looking at the human-nature balance through the lens of nature." Prindaville will return to her regular job as the art department chair at Morningside University University in Sioux City, Iowa, when the residency ends on July 31. For now, she creates paintings on the vet school's second floor. The residency required Prindaville to create only one piece a week, but she didn't limit herself to that, especially after visiting the school's wildlife and large animal clinics. Portraits of baby birds and goats from those clinics are propped against the wall at the back of her work table. Though they appear complete, all are stranded in an experimental stage. "Some of the veterinary supplies I've used are beginning to fade," Prindaville said. "I've been using more intense quantities of the stain to hopefully fight some of that fugitive nature. So it makes these fluorescent pinks. I applied them really thickly, so I'm hoping that it retains its coloration more in the background." But in the end, her work will be intertwined with the vet school. As part of the residency, Prindaville has agreed to donate one of her works to the school. She could choose to donate the profile portrait of the baby bird on a backdrop of betaine mixed with cornstarch. Or the sculpture of the black vulture, similar to the bird the vet school released into the wild a few weeks earlier. Or it might be the two female mosquitoes who have just finished a blood meal. They're painted on paper researches use to gather mosquito eggs. Any of her works not only would comply with the spirit of the residency but also set the precedent for the next artist. "I really like imagery to connect with the people here, but I especially like it when the people who work here actually figure out the media I'm using," Prindaville said. "They're just entranced, because they're seeing a tool they use daily in a very different way. It just reframes their perspective. In that way, I think has a really long-lasting legacy." People without shelter in Flagstaff have a new way to access free showers, a restroom and community resources twice a week. Its the Community Assistance Team of Flagstaff (CATs) shower bus, and its rolling out on Mondays and Wednesdays starting next week. The first stop is the East Flagstaff Community Library, the very same place the CATs team selected for the reimagined school buss service-centered debut. The summer sun on Saturday streamed down on the once-yellow bus, now adorned with bright and bold desert flowers designed by Indigenous mural artists Jamie Shepherd and Jessie Yazzie. Overlapping blossoms announced the buss presence in bright red, yellow, teal and orange. The design is about more than decoration. It captures the spirit of interconnectedness that inspired CATs founders Wendy White and Darryl Marks to launch the project in the first place. The project was meant to be by, for and about Flagstaff. Community members were invited to the Flagstaff Mall for a painting day, where they picked up cans of spray paint (yes, the murals on the outside are 100% spray painted) and helped bring the murals to life. The bus was also designed to meet the underserved where they are and to target a population of unsheltered neighbors that White feels are all too often left out of the conversation. We felt the ways in which the discussion [about homelessness] was going was not directed at or addressing the needs of Native Americans in the community, White explained. Native Americans have a different perspective, a different culture, and the community really wasnt addressing those needs. Our idea was that we want to be able to reach out to people where theyre at." White added: "One of the issues weve seen is that a lot of folks who are Indigenous arent accessing regular services either because they have a distrust of services, racial barriers to access, including perceived and real racial bias. Part of the goal was to really make this bus a welcoming thing, so that when people see it around town, they recognize it, said Joelle Clark, a volunteer for the buss extreme makeover who helped with everything from painting to insulation installation. Inside, the bus is homey. It has been painted morning zen green, with red accents White chose because they remind her of the red sands on Flagstaffs neighboring reservations, and the neighbors she most hopes the bus will serve. The floating linoleum floors are gray and resemble wood. Over the wheel wells are benches that lift up to reveal storage space for masks, hand sanitizer and bottles of water. Where big black bench seats once carried children to school, there is open space. It is space that volunteers will use to set up art tables and chat with people in need about other resources that might be available. Most of the time, White said, the bus will be staffed by a member of another community organization that provides support services for people without homes. The volunteers will be actively connecting people with resources beyond the showers, and listening to the needs of the people the bus will serve. I see it as a rolling focus group, Tom Isakson said. Isakson is the SSCF director at Nations Finest, a nonprofit that works to connect veterans in need with housing. Isakson said hes already signed up to be a weekly volunteer on the bus. In the back of the 2001 diesel machine, the folks at CATs have repurposed two emergency exits. A rear door has been converted into a closet for storing free clothes and giveaway items. The emergency exit on the top of the bus is now a skylight, dropping sunshine into the room where people without shelter will be able to take a warm shower and use a clean restroom. The concept itself is wonderful because it incorporates a lot of things that make it wholesome, said CATs program manager Somana Tootsie. Shell be on the bus when it returns to the East Flagstaff Public Library and opens for use later this month. You get to be able to have the showers in the back. That helps with self-esteem. And being able to provide simple things like art venues, free clothes and other services that are available? Those are all parts of being a wholesome community, she said. Aside from needing a place to park, the bus can operate without plugging in to a business or traditional camper style hookups. On board is a 200-gallon fresh water tank, an on-demand water heater that feeds the sink and shower, and a large rechargeable battery that keeps the lights on and services running. In building the bus, when we were researching other communities with shower buses, White said. She had looked at a model in California and one in New Jersey. She said the cost to convert a school bus to a shower bus was between $98,000 and $100,000. We actually acquired the bus and have done this for around $20,000," she said. "Thats the point. You dont need millions of dollars to come up with creative ways of addressing problems and providing services. We dont need millions of dollars, we need creativity. A $5,000 grant from the City of Flagstaff Sustainability Commission was used to build the bathroom. The City of Flagstaffs Beautification in Action Grant ultimately helped to pay for the two full-sized murals on the outside of the bus. White estimates it will take roughly $8,000 a month to keep the wheels on the bus going round and round -- and the hot water flowing. The cost is only possible with the support of volunteers, whether or not theyre connected to an outside agency This should be a community bus. Anyone can get involved, and please do. I love Flagstaff. Ive lived in Flagstaff for 40 years, and to have a community project like this is really important," Clark said. To have our community be one that is welcoming to unsheltered people, makes me proud to be a citizen in Flagstaff. The bus will be open at the East Flagstaff Public Library on Monday. On Wednesday shower services will be open at the Murdoch Center. For now, CATs says the bus will be open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. -- a time frame that is subject to change as cooler months approach. The CATs team hopes to offer showers later once temperatures start to drop. The Louisiana State Penitentiary in Angola, seen here in a 2009 photo, has been rocked by a string of scandals involving alleged self-dealing by prison employees. Two longtime employees resigned recently after an investigation found they had been collecting money for firearms training done while on the clock using public assets. (AP file photo/Judi Bottoni) One of the countrys largest venture capital funds has issued a bracing assessment of the industry, predicting more start-ups will fail, valuations will be lower, and some investors will leave the market as the manic final years of a decade-long bull market end. In an investor letter sent this week, Square Peg Capital describes the downturn as an opportunity as well as a risk, saying deals struck in coming years will yield strong results, the trends underlying the growth of start-ups will continue, and the best companies will attract more talented staff and customers. Paul Bassats Square Peg Capital has issued a forthright view of the Australian start-up ecosystem. Credit:Arsineh Houspian The missive, obtained by The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, is the most forthright assessment of the state of the Australian start-up sector to surface in the recent downturn and a rare one in an industry that can be optimistic to a fault. Rising inflation, higher interest rates and dour sentiment triggered by major falls in publicly-listed technology stocks have hit the Australian technology sector, leading to a wave of layoffs. Three mayoral candidates Becky Daggett, Daniel Williamson and incumbent Paul Deasy will be competing in Flagstaffs Aug. 2 primary election, but only two will have the opportunity to move forward to the November general election. There were not enough would-be city councilmembers to trigger a primary, so those four spots will be decided in November. With the July 29 early voting deadline around the corner, the Arizona Daily Sun sat down with each candidate to ask them about their qualifications and goals for the office of Flagstaff mayor. Becky Daggett Recently a Flagstaff City Councilmember, Daggett stepped down from her position as vice mayor in order to run for the office of mayor. Daggett has served in numerous capacities throughout local government and nonprofits. I have been actively engaged in the community for the past 25 years, she said. During that time I have created a track record of accomplishments in open-space protection, in building trails, in land use planning and education. Daggett led several land use campaigns through the nonprofit Friends of Flagstaffs Future that have expanded Flagstaffs open space on Observatory Mesa and Picture Canyon, and improved connectivity of the Flagstaff Urban Trail System. She has also participated in county initiatives to improve land use and amenities around Rogers Lake, Kachina Village and Fort Tuthill. From there, I went to work for the City of Flagstaff as the business retention and expansion manager, working with local businesses on anything that they needed in order to be successful in Flagstaff, Daggett said. That ran the gamut from helping to arrange workforce development, helping them locate facilities inside Flagstaff where they could expand, helping them navigate the city's planning process. After holding that position with the city, Daggett worked as the executive director of Flagstaff Arts and Leadership Academy, where she helped relocate the campus and expand enrollment. She has also worked with Flagstaff Family Food Center and served as an interim director of the Flagstaff Arts Council. Now I'm bringing all of that experience and those accomplishments to bear by running as the mayor of Flagstaff, Daggett said. Should she be awarded the seat of mayor, Daggett said her two top priorities would be affordable housing and climate action. I spent countless hours helping to create the affordable housing 10-year plan, Daggett said. I'm looking forward to helping to activate that plan and get some of the strategies implemented. For Daggett, that includes passing the bond initiative to fund affordable housing in November and strengthening city support of organizations like Habitat for Humanity, Flagstaff Shelter Services, Housing Solutions of Northern Arizona and Catholic Charities. They've been very successful in attracting dollars to Flagstaff to actually create housing, Daggett said. So I would say that the strategies for housing are there. When it comes to climate action, forest health is key to Daggett. We need to continue seeking out the funding for forest health and make sure that we keep that as a priority, Daggett said, noting it includes continued cooperation with agencies and lawmakers at the state and federal level. We need to be maintaining those relationships and making sure that Flagstaff needs stay front and center of the decision makers who are allocating state and federal funding, she said. One thing thats important for the public to know is that I'm decisive. I'm a problem solver. I build consensus and trust. And I cultivate respect. I think that is going to be really important, as I step in to the role. Daniel Williamson Williamson has worked in Flagstaffs nonprofit sector for 30 years. He has served as president of the Sunnyside Association and is a pastor at the Flagstaff Church for the Nations. He also helped found the New Horizons Christian Academy, a group home for adolescent boys. We had an 86% success rate, Williamson said. Improving transitional living options in the Flagstaff community has been a long-term focus for him. That came as a result of meeting previous Mayor Jerry Nabours and asking him what problem is the city facing that the city knows it can't solve, Williamson said. His answer was transitional living for the working poor. So that's how we collaborated with [city council candidate] Lori Matthews, and ANEW Living as a result of that. Williamson is also chairman of the board for an alcohol and drug rehabilitation program known as Teen Challenge of Arizona that boasts some of the highest success rates in the world, he said. Facilitating collaboration across diverse groups has also been an important focus for Williamson. He has sat on the Cty of Flagstaff Diversity Commission, which, he said, has given him an angle on how government functions here locally. Williamson prides himself on being able to unify people cross-culturally from different social backgrounds, from different worldviews, from different traditions, he said. What Ive discovered is that that builds community synergy. He noted that he felt particularly successful in these unification efforts during the summer of 2020 amid protests surrounding the police killing of George Floyd. We were able to call the faith community together, along with the law enforcement community, some of the first responder community, as well as the city leadership, which at that time was under the direction of Mayor Coral Evans, Williamson said. We called them all together to a place of racial and social reconciliation. So much so that May 31, 2020, Mayor Evans put in place a day of racial reconciliation and celebration. There were some 1,500 people that came together for that particular event. Williamson said if he is awarded the seat of mayor, he would like to help create a Flagstaff unified by a sense of shared responsibility for the citys future without losing the ethos of who we are. What that looks like to me is we have a resurgence of creativity, vitality or ingenuity amongst our small businesses, or our economic vitality, Williamson said. Building healthy relationships, having great healthy dialogue with the right people, whether thats with the county, with NAU, with some of the larger stakeholders of Flagstaff. Ultimately, Williamson would like to see Flagstaff as a family-friendly place where people can be economically successful. He thinks that will require some change. Because, to be honest with you, right now that's not the case, he said. People are frightened to come to Flagstaff because they're not sure if they can open and start a business, if their families are going to be celebrated and have generational longevity. My goal is to see Flagstaff become the bright point of Arizona and the Southwest. Paul Deasy Deasy is running for his second term as mayor of Flagstaff. He has a professional background as an analyst and holds two separate masters degrees in economics and political science. A background as an analyst is important because it provides an evidence-based, outcomes-based approach to solving Flagstaffs biggest issues, Deasy said. Deasy is also a longtime Flagstaff resident who moved to the city when he was 12 years old. I went to public schools here in Flagstaff, and I'm raising my children in Flagstaff, Deasy said. I have intimate knowledge on how the kids grow up here, the quality of life that we want to maintain and expand from my own experiences as a child in Flagstaff. During his first term, Deasy is proud of having gotten so much done so very quickly, thanks to a willingness and understanding of how to cut red tape. To him, one of the most important things accomplished during his term has been the construction of flood mitigation beneath the Museum Fire scar. We previously had not received any long-term mitigation or funding, Deasy said. And through collaboration with five government agencies, we've been able to receive $15 million worth of infrastructure collectively. We completed it between last monsoon season and this one, and we didn't even get awarded the money until last October. Deasy is also proud of the Flagstaff CARES team, an alternative response program that fledged during his term as mayor. That was just kind of standstill before walking into office. And we were able to get it right away. The Flagstaff CARES team has been a huge success, Deasy said, and has fielded hundreds of calls that would have otherwise gone to the police. Less than 1% of all calls that the team has responded to have escalated for the need for police, he said. Recently, Deasy helped the city of Flagstaff take a step toward its carbon neutrality goals thanks to an agreement with Arizona Public Service that will see city facilities run on clean energy and expand electric vehicle infrastructure. City government will cut our carbon emissions in half during my term in office, he said. If awarded a second term, Deasy would like to continue to build on the success of the CARES team. More help, less handcuffs, he said. He would also like to continue with flood and fire management action similar to the Museum Fire flood mitigation. As we know wildfires and flooding are the greatest threat to our community, Deasy said. And it is going to continue to get worse. Our infrastructure has not been kept up to date. He looks toward continuing to strengthen Flagstaffs relationship with state and federal agencies like the Forest Service to improve infrastructure and conduct fire management operations such as forest thinning. We need to expand upon the momentum and relationships that have been built, to protect the city, Deasy said. It is hundreds and hundreds of millions of dollars we need to do to fix our infrastructure and thin forest to be able to protect our city. That is my top priority. Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size Book critics Lucy Sussex and Steven Carroll cast their eyes over recent fiction and non-fiction titles. Here are their reviews. Non-fiction pick of the week Credit: Winston Churchill Tariq Ali, Verso, $49.99 It might be said of Churchill that he only ever got one thing right, but it was a big one thing to fight on in 1940 and reject any idea of a negotiated peace with Nazi Germany. Nonetheless, as Tariq Ali documents in this forensic dismantling of the Churchill myth, even at the height of the Blitz a Gallup poll showed that Churchill was not popular. Ali dates the Churchill cult as beginning with Thatcher and the Falklands War, after that it got out of control. Churchill is now something of a balloon god in search of a pin, and Ali is more than up for the job. He cites Churchills ruthless imperialism, racism (he totally under-estimated the Japanese), violent put-downs of strikes, military catastrophes and more all largely air-brushed from history. Informed, relentless, often witty, and thoroughly engaging. Advertisement Credit: Old Rage Sheila Hancock, Bloomsbury, $29.99 In 2016, at the age of 83, British actor and author Sheila Hancock took on a film role that required her to scale a Scottish mountain. With a mixture of pluck and preparation she did it, discovering that she connected with nature more than she thought. Its emblematic of the woman that emerges from this entertaining combination of diary and memoir, from 2016 to 2021. But its not simply taken up with memories of acting over the years. Theres Brexit, railings against Trump and Boris, the politics of owning a house in France and more. Running through it all is the shadow of mortality, the inexplicable. Her dead husband, John Thaw, is a constant presence and reminder. She goes to more funerals, her daughter is diagnosed with breast cancer and she gets rheumatoid arthritis. But, true to her title, she rages on. Credit: Serend!pity Oscar Farinetti, trans., Barbara McGilvray, Black Inc., $34.99 Advertisement One morning in 1894 when John Kellog and his brother Will were making corn soup for the sanitorium they ran in Michigan, they were called to an emergency. When they got back the corn was over-cooked and, for better or worse, corn flakes were born. Oscar Farinetti, founder of the food chain Eataly, has made a meal of those happy accidents that have given the world its most famous foods and drink: Champagne, born of accidental double fermentation (at first thought to be inferior wine); coffee, invented when a goat-herd from ancient Kaffa observed his frisky goats after theyd eaten the red coffee berries; and Panettone (Tonis bread) invented after the eponymous Toni, a scullery boy in Ludovico Sforzas kitchen, burnt the desert and served his own mix instead. Mouth-watering fun, told with the relish of a gourmand. Credit: Open Secrets Ed., Catriona Menzies-Pike, Sydney Review of Books, $29.95 Most writers spend most of their time trying to make money to create the time to write. Writers work very hard, yet there is still a pervasive view that its an indulgence. In this collection of writers on writing, that view is debunked by the testimony of, say, Fiona Kelly McGregor, who documents all the jobs shes done and does, from reviews to sex work, to bring in money. Another writer works in a call centre. Vanessa Berry, in a superb piece of writing, pays homage to the role of clutter in the writing process: written scraps that join other scraps and may create a whole. James Ley, in a resolutely argued and timely piece defends literary scholarship against neo-liberal philistinism. Too often writers and literature are dismissed as the mere icing on the cake of culture, as apart from an intrinsic part of it. May this collection help to redress that. Advertisement Fiction pick of the week Credit: Joan Katherine J. Chen, Hodder & Stoughton, $32.99 Katherine Chens first novel took on Jane Austen. Her second, Joan of Arc. This project is similar to Shelley Parker-Chans fantasy She Who Became the Sun history with a new twist, but also with overtones of martial arts narratives. The unlikely, such as peasants, through hard work and ability, become great warriors. Chen here strips away the supernature, with no religious overtones. Her Joan is naturally strong, and a scrapper. If her ability to learn medieval warfare seems uncanny, then it is made perfectly credible. The Society for Creative Anachronism and weaponry fans may quibble, but the book makes for a lived-in past. It eschews both post-modernism and anachronism, as well as the real-life ending of Joan, in fire. Chens Joan is fresh, unusual and vivid. Credit: Advertisement The Registrar Neela Janakiramanan, Allen & Unwin, $32.99 This first novel has much media attention, as the author has an established public profile. She also has a strong sense of narrative, something not always taught to creative writers. What is revived here is the novel of social protest, so successful as art and agitation for Dickens et al. The victims in The Registrar happen to be the elite surgeons in training. That their public hospital is failing is one issue. The other is that their progress to a profession is inhumane, with long hours, extreme stress and victimisation. Small wonder suicides occur. The author writes human nuance with assurance, though not yet with Dickens ability to make even minor characters vibrate. Contains much gore, even with bunions. Credit: Uncanny Angles Sean Williams, Wakefield, $32.99 Sean Williams is a prolific Australian writer of SF and fantasy. The field requires an international audience for much longevity, also flexibility. By his own account he stopped writing short stories in 2000 when he became a successful novelist. Yet the form remained something of a first love for him, hence this collection. Advertisement When West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service Deputy Chief Fire Officer Dave Walton got home, he and his partner both asked: What the hell just happened? The pair had been responding to the fires and searing temperatures higher than 40 degrees that swept across the UK this week. Walton said Wednesday (UK time) had been a game changer it highlighted the challenges the countrys firefighting fleet will face as climate change continues to cause more intense and frequent extreme weather. Fire crews at the blaze in Wennington, a small village in the county of Essex. Credit:Getty Former NSW Fire and Rescue commissioner Greg Mullins has been to the UK four times in the past 15 years, providing advice to fire chiefs about managing and responding to fires. He said blazes in London highlighted the need for greater climate adaptation. As conductor Simone Young picked up her baton on Thursday night to lead the first performance in the newly renovated Sydney Opera House Concert Hall, there was much anticipation. Not just in the 2600-seat auditorium, but as ABC audiences across the nation sat down to watch the Sydney Symphony Orchestra play Gustav, we had just one question: what does it sound like? Since the Opera House opened in 1973, there have been complaints about the halls acoustics. This is valid criticism, but lets lay the blame fairly and squarely at the feet of those responsible for that decision: the NSW government under Liberal premier Bob Askin. The ABC which then ran the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and was the main potential paying client of the new cultural centre should shoulder some blame too. Not the much maligned Australian architect Peter Hall, who took over the project reluctantly after the dramatic departure of Dane Jorn Utzon in 1966. Utzons dispute with the then Public Works Minister William Davis-Hughes is well documented and a major thread in the fabric of this Sydney story. Halls not as much. Footage captures gang-theft of cars from south-east Queensland streets Were sorry, this feature is currently unavailable. Were working to restore it. Please try again later. Dismiss Father Brian Gore mixing with a local church congregation in Sydney after his return from the Philippines Credit:Julian Kevin Zakaras After an emotional reunion with his parents and family at Perth airport early yesterday, Father Gore told reporters he owed his freedom to their help. PERTH. Father Brian Gore returned home to a heros welcome yesterday and looking forward to his mothers roast lamb, a brief rest and more crusading against injustice. Publicity about his imprisonment in the Philippines brought him letters and messages of support from all over the world, he said, sustaining him in his long and finally victorious campaign for release on his terms. Father Gore, 39, said he feared that the Philippines was on the brink of civil war. Maybe Ill create a little wind here in Australia, he said, revealing that he had already had some approaches for help, everything from peace marchers, land rights and anti-nuclear people. He said: There seems to be a supermarket of injustice here. There are a lot of issues I must examine. After 15 years in the Philippines, he said he was out of touch with Australia. Father Gore admitted his experiences as a Columban missionary priest had politicised him. It has made me more determined to campaign against injustices and inequalities, he said. Just what he will be doing in Australia is still undecided but Father Gore believes his order will let him pick his own job. The Columbans are a missionary group. The mother of three children who died in a Pilbara house fire is being flown to Perth for further specialist medical treatment. The bodies were expected to be transported from the scene to hospital on Thursday, accompanied by a family procession. The siblings aged five months, and seven and 10 years old, who are not named or pictured for cultural reasons, were found dead inside their Anderson Street home in Port Hedland on Tuesday afternoon. Neighbours told Nine News Perth their mother, Margaret Hawke, emerged from the burning house with a cut on her face around 4.45pm asking them to call an ambulance. Smoke from bushfires hundreds of kilometres away leads to a jump in people seeking help at emergency departments, new research has found. The results have prompted the suggestion of wearing N95-class masks, like the ones used to mitigate COVID-19 spread, when fires are burning. Tiny toxic pollutants from fires near Perth are resulting in an increase to hospital presentations. Credit:Nine News Perth Research from the Department of Health, Curtin University and Murdoch University which analysed more than 1.5 million emergency department presentations between 2015 and 2017 found admissions increased by as much as 7 per cent when there were high levels of toxic air pollutants linked to bushfire smoke. The tiny pollutants known as particulate matter 2.5, which means it is only 2.5 microns in width or about three per cent the size of a human hair, can get deep into the lungs and cause cardiorespiratory issues in the heart, lungs and brain. WASHINGTON (AP) The monarch butterfly fluttered a step closer to extinction Thursday, as scientists put the iconic orange-and-black insect on the endangered list because of its fast dwindling numbers. "It's just a devastating decline," said Stuart Pimm, an ecologist at Duke University who was not involved in the new listing. "This is one of the most recognizable butterflies in the world." The International Union for the Conservation of Nature added the migrating monarch butterfly for the first time to its "red list" of threatened species and categorized it as "endangered" two steps from extinct. The group estimates that the population of monarch butterflies in North America has declined between 22% and 72% over 10 years, depending on the measurement method. "What we're worried about is the rate of decline," said Nick Haddad, a conservation biologist at Michigan State University. "It's very easy to imagine how very quickly this butterfly could become even more imperiled." Haddad, who was not directly involved in the listing, estimates that the population of monarch butterflies he studies in the eastern United States has declined between 85% and 95% since the 1990s. In North America, millions of monarch butterflies undertake the longest migration of any insect species known to science. After wintering in the mountains of central Mexico, the butterflies migrate to the north, breeding multiple generations along the way for thousands of miles. The offspring that reach southern Canada then begin the trip back to Mexico at the end of summer. "It's a true spectacle and incites such awe," said Anna Walker, a conservation biologist at New Mexico BioPark Society, who was involved in determining the new listing. A smaller group spends winters in coastal California, then disperses in spring and summer across several states west of the Rocky Mountains. This population has seen an even more precipitous decline than the eastern monarchs, although there was a small bounce back last winter. Emma Pelton of the nonprofit Xerces Society, which monitors the western butterflies, said the butterflies are imperiled by loss of habitat and increased use of herbicides and pesticides for agriculture, as well as climate change. "There are things people can do to help," she said, including planting milkweed, a plant that the caterpillars depend upon. Nonmigratory monarch butterflies in Central and South America were not designated as endangered. The United States has not listed monarch butterflies under the Endangered Species Act, but several environmental groups believe it should be listed. The international union also announced new estimates for the global population of tigers, which are 40% higher than the most recent estimates from 2015. The new figures, of between 3,726 and 5,578 wild tigers worldwide, reflect better methods for counting tigers and, potentially, an increase in their overall numbers, said Dale Miquelle, coordinator for the nonprofit Wildlife Conservation Society's tiger program. In the past decade, tiger populations have increased in Nepal, northern China and perhaps in India, while tigers have disappeared entirely from Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam, said Miquelle. They remain designated as endangered. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has criticised his predecessors use of a nonsense throwaway conspiracy line about the United Nations in a church sermon on the weekend, suggesting it was unhelpful as he tries to rebuild Australias international standing. Scott Morrison used an address on Sunday to Perths Victory Life Centre, the Pentecostal church run by controversial former tennis champion Margaret Court, to urge the congregation not to put their trust in governments or the United Nations, warning it would be a mistake to do so based on his experience in the upper echelons of power. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Credit:Flavio Brancaleone Speaking on ABC Radio on Thursday morning, Albanese said he was taken aback by the former prime ministers comments. I just thought: Wow. This guy was the prime minister of Australia and had that great honour of leading the government. And I found it quite astonishing. Several Infrastructure Australia board members have agreed to step down ahead of an independent review ordered by the new federal government over concerns the agency has become overly partisan and lost direction. Infrastructure Minister Catherine King on Friday said the review was essential to restoring confidence in the organisation that vets and ranks major projects ranging from roads to dams. Infrastructure Minister Catherine King has announced a review of Infrastructure Australia. Credit:Dominic Lorrimer The terms of reference of the three-month review make clear the government wants to target the agencys board, including its members and their experience. In recent years, the organisation has been allowed to drift with partisan board appointments and a lack of clear direction, King said in a statement. If Daniel Andrews wins the November election and hangs around until Easter next year he will surpass John Cains record as Victorias longest-serving Labor premier. His colleagues continually speculate about when he might pull the pin and what he will do next. With his friend Albo in the Lodge, could he be Australias next consulate-general in New York, perhaps? Premier Daniel Andrews and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese meet during the federal election campaign in Melbourne. Credit:AFR Regardless of his next role, Andrews, while polarising, will have left a profound mark on Victoria and be remembered as a premier that championed bold new infrastructure projects and social reforms. But meaningful reform of the Victorian Labor Party is unlikely to be part of his legacy. Like many young people in Sydney, Jacob Darkin is on the hunt for a rental property after being told the home he now leases is for sale. While hes looking for a property in Parramatta to be close to work and family, the 25-year-old who uses a wheelchair fears he may not be able to find anything accessible in the suburb. Jacob Darkin fears he wont be able to find an accessible rental when he has to move. Credit:Wolter Peeters Where you live shouldnt be changed by having a wheelchair you should be able to live anywhere, Darkin said. The reality of not being able to find an accessible home, in a suburb of their choosing, is an issue that thousands of people with a disability are facing across NSW. Party members like to see a bit of scar tissue on their leaders. They want a true believer, a member of the tribe. The stellar CV may be all very well, but at heart what they want is a warrior who fights for the cause. That is why Tony Abbott was always more popular with the Liberal Party faithful than Malcolm Turnbull. Having spent most of my life among Liberal Party branch members and much of the last four years mixing with the Tory rank and file, believe me: they are the same people. Exactly. Same demographic, same political values, same attitudes, same prejudices. They look the same, talk the same, even dress the same. Liz Truss is a favourite among those people. She reaches them in a way that Rishi Sunak cant. They can relate to her familiar, friendly, likeable. Just like them. She is the girl next door. Not too glamorous. (It doesnt help Sunak in the relatability stakes that he is married to a billionaires daughter.) Not quite as smart as Rishi, but perfectly smart enough. (They both did the same degree at Oxford, the BA in philosophy politics and economics, PPE. Sunak got a First, Truss an upper Second. Her best subject was econometrics.) Much more important than academic credentials, Truss talks the Tories language. She knows which buttons to press. In particular, she talks about freedom: freedom of choice, freedom of speech, freedom from political correctness, freedom from big government, freedom from high taxes. Her beliefs are hard-core and uncompromising. As foreign secretary, her language condemning Putins invasion of Ukraine was the sharpest of any European foreign minister, reminiscent in its bluntness of the unwavering tones of Margaret Thatcher. Indeed, Truss is the member of Boris Johnsons cabinet (and of Theresa Mays before him) who most consciously identifies with Thatchers brand of Tory neoliberalism. Thatchers memory may not be beloved among the public, but it is still revered by the Tory rank and file. Truss has also been the cabinets chief warrior against woke and if there is one cause that stirs the blood of the Tory faithful as much as high taxes, it is the war on woke. Although Truss is the preferred candidate of the Tory right, she is not a social conservative. (In the leadership campaign, she has been embarrassed by the revelation that she was once a republican.) Her position is essentially libertarian. For instance, she was a strong supporter of gay marriage. As international trade secretary, she was the great champion within cabinet of the Australia-UK free trade agreement. Once, when we were talking about her political beliefs, she compared the two issues (which are not often bracketed together). Freedom is what I believe in, George. Freedom to love. Freedom to trade. She even named one of her daughters Liberty. Ukrainian first lady Olena Zelenska carried the message personally to Washington on Wednesday, making a rare appearance before Congress by a foreign first spouse. She pleaded for more weapons, saying Russia was destroying our country. Loading Despite the Ukrainians renewed optimism, military analysts and Western officials say that its far too soon to forecast a turn in fortunes and that a long slog seems likely. They caution against hanging too many hopes on particular weapons amid the chaos and fluidity of a front line that winds hundreds of miles from Kharkiv in the north to Mykolaiv in the south. We are now achieving what we have not achieved before, said Taras Chmut, director of a nongovernmental group aiding Ukrainian soldiers. But there was no breakthrough at the front. There is no panacea, no magic wand, that will lead to victory tomorrow. Still, in Kyiv this week, senior Ukrainian security officials projected optimism. The faster our partners supply us with weapons, the faster we will end this war, said Oleksiy Danilov, head of Ukraines national security council. Ukraine has no intention of ceding territory in a negotiated settlement, as some in the West have suggested, he said. This is just a question of who beats whom. Ukraine received affirmation of its strategy from the United States on Wednesday, when the Pentagon committed to supplying four more HIMARS rocket launchers and other potent weaponry, including two NASAMS air-defense systems to help Ukraine protect against missile strikes. And Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin offered a more optimistic assessment of Ukraines chances Ukrainians fire toward Russian controlled territory in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine. Credit:Mauricio Lima/The New York Times Our assistance is making a real difference on the ground, Austin told a gathering of Western defence officials. Russia thinks that it can outlast Ukraine and outlast us. But thats just the latest in Russias string of miscalculations. Britains top intelligence officer, Richard Moore, head of MI6, also provided an optimistic assessment, saying of Russias military I think they are about to run out of steam. Moore said Russian forces will have to pause in some way, and that will give Ukrainians opportunities to strike back. Away from the battlefield, Ukraine got renewed economic support from the European Union, which is proposing that members reduce their gas consumption, fearing that President Vladimir Putin will cut off Russias gas exports to them. On Thursday, Russia resumed the flow of gas through a vital pipeline to Germany, easing fears of shortages, at least for the moment. A month ago, it looked like Russia had a significant upper hand. Ukrainian soldiers fought fierce, bloody and ultimately losing street battles and artillery duels for the cities of Sievierodonetsk and Lysychansk in eastern Ukraine. Some Western officials questioned the wisdom of such a scorched-earth approach, saying Ukraine could not win a war of attrition. Loading Even President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in a rare public rumination over strategy, acknowledged the high costs in lives of trying to hold ground against the brunt of Russias army in the mostly deserted, destroyed communities, which he called dead cities, saying 60 to 100 Ukrainian soldiers were dying each day. Other Ukrainian officials put the toll higher. Ukrainian commanders said drawing out the phase of urban combat inflicted more casualties on the Russians than Ukrainians. Reznikov, the Ukrainian defence minister, said that 9,000 to 11,000 Russian troops were killed in the fighting there, which he said justified the Ukrainian tactics. (His claim could not be independently verified). The intensity of the fighting has diminished in the Donbas since Sievierodonetsk fell and the Ukrainians withdrew from Lysychansk, suggesting the Russians were either pausing to reposition or that their capabilities were significantly degraded. Attention has shifted south and west to the area near the Dnieper River, where Ukraine has made use of long-range artillery supplied by Western countries including the United States to strike targets deeper behind the front lines. As it steps up attacks in the south, Ukraine is confronting another strategic quandary: how it should use its new, lethal capabilities. Concentrate firepower to defend in the east or attack toward the occupied southern city of Kherson, which is held by Russians but seen as vulnerable? Strategy is about choices, and choices come with trade-offs, said Michael Kofman, director of Russian studies at CNA, a research institute in Arlington, Virginia. Western officials understand Ukraines desire to reclaim territory and deliver a victory that will give hope to its people. But some Western officials fear its military is not ready for a major counteroffensive in the region near Kherson. Ukraine counters that it has avoided hasty or risky maneuvers with the new weaponry and will not move prematurely. Mary Badham played Scout in the beloved movie of Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird and was nominated for an Academy Award at the age of 10. Now, 60 years later, she has returned to the property, but in a much different role. In the national tour of Aaron Sorkin's stage adaptation, Badham is playing Mrs. Dubose, the mean, old bigot next door. Taking on the role of the "monster" is a harder part for Badham, who considers herself passionately liberal and intensely political. Our conversation, by phone during the production's Philadelphia tour stop, revealed how deeply concerned she is that "the world is going backwards to the 1930s," the era when the Mockingbird story takes place. Fiercely opposed to racism and bigotry, Badham spoke about the show's mission to fight intolerance everywhere and how Lee's novel has formed her life's work. Mary Badham as Mrs. Dubose in the national tour of To Kill a Mockingbird ( Julieta Cervantes) This conversation has been condensed and edited for clarity. You began your acting career at such a young age, and then you put acting aside as an adult. Was answering a cattle call and winning the chance to play opposite Gregory Peck a dream come true, or was there a shift? Originally, I wanted to be a large-animal veterinarian. My horse got sick with a rare disease, and I took him to the vet college for medical research. While I was there, I went to speak to the dean, to ask about enrolling, and was told, basically, no girls. [After Mockingbird] I left Alabama when I was 14, refusing to go to the finishing school my father had in mind for me. Instead, with the help of an aunt, I moved to Los Angeles and discovered the fresh air of liberal California where I had friends of all colors and creeds with never a problem. Returning to Alabama was a shock: I realized I couldn't live there. Your conversational speech has barely a trace of a Southern drawl, despite your Birmingham roots. Did you deliberately lose the accent? I did. And I have a terrible time understanding old friends on the phone when my first name becomes at least four syllables long: Maaayeree. Growing up in the Alabama, did you have experiences like the ones in Lee's novel? My great-great-grandfather was a small town country lawyer in Arkansas, much like Atticus Finch. And much like Atticus, he took on a case similar to the one in Harper Lee's novel. The Ku Klux Klan rode to his house one night, threatening to burn it down unless he dropped the case. When he called each hooded man by name, having recognized the nags they rode on, they all went home. A young, Black boy always delivered groceries to our house. The house was at the top of a steep hill, and it was July; it was hot, and he was drenched with sweat. I invited him in to cool off and have some freshly baked cookies made by Bidi, our Calpurnia. Later I was scolded by my mother for violating social standards. Then I had to face my father, a realist who had to tolerate members of the KKK as business associates. "Darlin'," he said to me, "your heart is in the right place, but you''re not in California anymore." Is To Kill a Mockingbird as relevant today as it was when Harper Lee first put pen to paper? To Kill a Mockingbird is as pertinent today as it ever was, and this production includes every current social issue. Besides the obvious racism, it addresses disabilities, mental illness, domestic abuse. How does it feel to play Mrs. Dubose, a character so opposed to your own values? When I was offered the Mrs. Dubose part, I went to my Black friends and asked their advice, knowing how hard it would be to say words I hated. My friends said, "Go for it." This is my job in life. I just say the words. I don't let them into my soul. I have to detach myself from the character so as not to be in tears, although many of us in the cast are often upset. The tour hasn't yet played in Southern cities, but we're on our way. Arab News Last year, the 2 European countries accounted for over 80% of Egypts wheat imports. (File/Shutter) CAIRO: There is no need for any additional wheat imports in the short or medium term, Egypts Supply Minister Ali Al-Moselhi said during a meeting with Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly to follow up on the provision of basic commodities in local markets. Madbouly said the government is intensifying work to continue providing a strategic reserve of basic commodities, especially wheat. (We are) providing the financial funds required for the Ministry of Supply to quickly pay the dues of farmers who will supply the wheat crop during next April, while giving them the necessary incentives in this regard, he added. The government is closely monitoring current developments at the global level, and the turmoil it is witnessing due to the Russian-Ukrainian crisis and its repercussions especially the shortage of a number of goods and the rise in prices worldwide. Last year, Russia accounted for 69.4 percent of Egypts wheat imports, while Ukraine accounted for 10.7 percent. Finance Minister Mohamed Maait had previously said the rise in wheat prices in global markets would lead to an increase in the cost of Egypts imports of this commodity. Cabinet spokesman Nader Saad said Egypt is working on a plan to import wheat from other regions instead of Russia and Ukraine. Egypt has 14 countries approved to supply wheat, some of them outside Europe, he added. Egypt has a strategic stock of wheat approaching 5 million tons in silos or mills, and local wheat will join them starting from next April 15, to suffice the stock for a period of nine months, Saad said. Egypt is the largest importer of wheat in the world. The government expects wheat imports to decline from 5.5 million tons in 2021 to 5.3 million this year due to growth in domestic production. An exclusive report in the Financial Times on Tuesday quoted multiple sources as saying Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the US House of Representatives, will visit Taiwan in August amid her trip to Japan, Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia. If Pelosi, a fellow Democrat with US President Joe Biden, visits Taiwan, no one will believe it is because Biden "cannot control her". People are more likely to believe that her visit is part of Washington's tactic of "good cop/bad cop." As the Speaker of the House, Pelosi is second in the US presidential line of succession according to the US Constitution. Her visit to Taiwan is not only an escalation of US support for "Taiwan independence," but a major incident. It was reported in April that Pelosi would make the visit, but the planned trip to Asia was canceled because she tested positive for COVID-19 then. It has been proven that the US will not be reasonable on the Taiwan question, and the only way for China to respond to Washington's provocation is to use resolute countermeasures to make it clear the cost of playing the Taiwan card, which is the only language the US understands. Although then-Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich visited Taiwan in 1997, the travel was seen more as an outward manifestation of the US domestic political bad blood, since Gingrich was a Republican, opposite of then-president Bill Clinton. Pelosi's visit to Taiwan, if takes place, however, would be a blatant challenge to China by the US as a whole. I believe that China's countermeasures will be overwhelming, and we will not accept this crude advance of US support for "Taiwan independence," but will clearly tell the US that they are making a subversive mistake. As a media personality who has long been watching the situation in the Taiwan Straits, I suggest that China take firm action this time to make sure that Pelosi's visit to Taiwan is scuttled, either she abandons the planned visit out of fear or that her visit becomes a risky trip, leaving both her and the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authority in Taiwan, who will host her, in a state of panic and with a keen sense of loss. When it was reported in April that Pelosi was going to visit Taiwan, I wrote an article advocating that the Chinese mainland should establish a no-fly zone over Taiwan, or the People's Liberation Army (PLA) warplanes should fly over the island. Today, I would like to reiterate the above advocacy. I would further suggest that PLA warplanes could "accompany" Pelosi's plane at an appropriate distance, enter the island at the same time as she does, skim over her landing site, and then fly over the island and return to the Chinese mainland. There would be low probability of causing a direct military confrontation by doing so, and once PLA warplanes fly in and cross the island, it would be an even more landmark precedent than Pelosi's visit to Taiwan. In that case, we would probably have to thank Pelosi instead for creating the opportunity for PLA warplanes to fly over the island, opening up a whole new space for PLA warplanes to exercise sovereignty over the Taiwan island. The Chinese mainland must be brave enough to take this step of flying warplanes over the island, which, unlike warplanes flight around Taiwan, can truly reflect China's sovereignty over the territory, and is more substantial than any visit to Taiwan by senior foreign officials. Using Pelosi's visit to Taiwan to complete this leap is most likely to make it a peaceful transition. Of course, in order for PLA warplanes to fly over the island of Taiwan, we must be fully prepared for military confrontation, and I believe such preparations by the PLA have been ongoing. We have no intention of seeing a war break out in the Taiwan Straits now, but we are undoubtedly the party that is least afraid of a war in the Straits breaking out right now. PLA warplanes will sooner or later fly over the island. If the Taiwan military dare to fire at PLA warplanes, the response will be a resolute action of shooting down the Taiwanese warplanes or striking its military bases. If the US and the island of Taiwan want an all-out war, then the time will come to liberate Taiwan. I advise both the US and the island not to have any illusions. Let Pelosi and the Biden administration as well as the Taiwan authorities make their choice. (Source: Global Times) A Beatrice woman with a lengthy criminal history was sentenced to prison Thursday in two cases related to drug possession. Payton Bishop, 25, appeared in Gage County District Court where she was sentenced to two years in prison followed by one year of post-release supervision for possession of a controlled substance. In a second case she received a matching sentence for another charge of possession of a controlled substance. The two cases are to be served consecutively, totaling four years in prison followed by two years of post-release supervision. District Court Judge Rick Schreiner said Bishops criminal history, despite her age, was a key factor in his decision. Ive told you this, that if you continue to act the way you act, you are going to die, he said. I dont think you believe me. Whats probably sadder than not believing me is I dont think you care. At some point youre going to have to because if you dont kill yourself, youre going to end up killing somebody else, and then you will hate yourself more than you do now. Every time that youre out on bond, every time you get arrested, somebody in this world bonds you out so you can save yourself and all you do is more drugs. In the most recent case, Bishop was arrested in late October for possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia after police spotted her inside a vehicle, and knew she had active warrants out of both Gage and Lancaster counties. The drug paraphernalia charge was previously dismissed. A Beatrice police officer was driving in the 2500 block of North Sixth Street when he spotted a black Lincoln approaching his vehicle. Arrest documents state the passenger was trying to obstruct herself from view in the vehicle. The officer turned around and followed the Lincoln into the Walmart parking lot and initiated a traffic stop. The vehicle exited the parking lot and drove north on Sixth Street. The passenger appeared to be moving around in the cabin and looking back at the officer. The vehicle came to a stop on the north side of St. Josephs Cemetery, and Bishop exited the vehicle in an evasive manner. She was detained in a patrol vehicle. During a search of the car police found a glass pipe with methamphetamine residue and a small baggie of a whole crystal substance. Tucked near the seat where Bishop was sitting police found a smoking pipe, five hypodermic needles and a baggie of marijuana. In the older case, Bishop was also arrested last September by Beatrice police After they conducted on a traffic stop on a man who they suspected was driving with a revoked license. A traffic stop was conducted, and police learned both Bishop and the man had suspended licenses. A K-9 unit was called, and indicted the presence of narcotics in the vehicle. Authorities found several small baggies, a digital scale with white residue, a baggie of suspected methamphetamine and a baggie of marijuana. Once at the jail, a second baggie of suspected methamphetamine was found during a search of Bishop. The Moors Mountain fire remained at 94 acres early Thursday, with officials saying warm temperatures and lower humidity levels have led to an increase in fire activity. Two more hand crews were brought in by helicopter, bringing the total to four. The lightning-caused fire in the Gates of the Mountains Wilderness was reported about 3:50 p.m. Saturday, and 189 personnel are assigned to the blaze. The Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest said more than 80 firefighters would be back on the mountain Thursday as they continue to work toward containment. They said the Pike Hotshots and two Grayback Forestry hand crews were able Wednesday to complete a saw line along the northern perimeter of the fire by trimming and removing vegetation. Thursday, the crews will begin building a handline that will follow the saw line. The Helena Regulars handcrew will continue mop up operations along the southern edge of the fire perimeter to remove remaining heat along the control lines put in place by the Missoula Smokejumpers during the initial attack of the fire. Crews are working to establish and strengthen these lines ahead of potentially gusty winds over the next few days. A weak weather system will move through Friday and Saturday, bringing a wind shift to the north and isolated showers and thunderstorms, any of which could produce gusty, erratic winds, fire officials said. They said a closure order is in effect for the eastern half of Gates of the Mountains Wilderness. Fire traffic will be concentrated on Beaver Creek Road east of Nelson. People are asked to avoid this road if possible. The Lewis and Clark County Sheriff's Office said earlier no residences in that area are threatened. For more on the fire, and other fires in the United States, go to https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/. High winds, hot temperatures and lightning across southwest Montana and central Idaho this weekend signaled an escalation of this year's fire season. The day-old Moose Fire has burned more than 1,000 acres near North Fork, Idaho, and threatens to close U.S. Highway 93 about 22 miles south of Lost Trail Pass and the Montana-Idaho state line. It is producing a large smoke plume that may be visible in Montana. The fire was 0% contained on Monday, burning through grass, brush and timber, and is exhibiting extreme fire behavior with uphill runs, spotting, and group torching. According to an InciWeb page for the fire, "there is potential for the fire to reach the Highway 93 corridor with a potential Highway 93 closure later today. Private landowners and forest users need to be aware of this potential fire activity. Please avoid this area." And interactive road conditions map maintained by the Idaho Transportation Department stated that Route 93 "may potentially be closed" and that drivers should exercise extreme caution and expect delays. At least 83 personnel were on the fire by midday Monday, working under a Type-3 incident management team and supported by five air tankers and two helicopters. A Type-1 incident management team the largest and most robust configuration of the interagency teams assigned to oversee wildfire response will take over the fire on Tuesday, according to the Central Idaho Interagency Fire Center. The fire was reported Sunday afternoon near where Moose Creek enters the Salmon River, about 5 miles southwest of North Fork. An interactive wildfire map maintained by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation initially listed the fire as human-caused. InciWeb listed the cause as undetermined on Monday afternoon. North Fork is a major rafting hub along Highway 93, and the fire is burning along both sides of the Salmon River and could impact the highway corridor. Incident managers on Sunday closed Salmon River Road from North Fork to Indianola and asked that the public avoid a slew of other roads in the area, including Granite Mountain Road, Hughes Creek Road, Hull Creek Road, Indian Creek Road and Sage Creek Road. An evacuation shelter has been established at Salmon Valley Baptist Church in Salmon, Idaho. Matt Amick, owner of the The Village at North Fork, a store and campground, said that some guided rafting groups had been shuttled through the fire with pilot cars, but that most river traffic was diverting through mining roads to Salmon and Challis. The area was under a stage-two evacuation warning, he said, indicating a high probability of an evacuation order in the near future. A red-flag warning, indicating extreme fire conditions, was in place for 19 p.m. Monday. Hot, dry conditions with wind gusts up to 55 mph were expected to drive further extreme fire behavior. Around 4 p.m. Monday, a Salmon weather station about 26 miles southeast of the fire recorded a temperature of 91 degrees and 23-mph winds from the west. Outdoor burning is now closed in Missoula and Ravalli counties as the the area entered high fire danger. Across western Montana, crews were dispatched to at least 10 reports of smoke or wildfire from Saturday through mid-afternoon Monday, according to interagency dispatch databases. On Sunday evening, firefighters in Missoula extinguished a four-acre grass fire in the Grant Creek area. The fire may have been caused by fireworks. Farther afield, crews were dispatched around 6:25 p.m. Sunday to the Hog Trough Fire in the upper reaches of the Hog Trough Creek drainage south of Skalkaho Highway and about 5.4 miles east of the Black Bear Campground. The lightning-strike fire is about 3.5 acres, according to the Bitterroot Dispatch Center. Smoke may be visible from Hamilton. The Bitterroot National Forest stated on Monday that the fire is within a burn scar from 2000 and that no structures were threatened. The fire was not staffed as of Monday afternoon because of the risk of sending firefighters into "remote and rugged terrain." Fire managers from the Bitterroot National Forest and nearby Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest are "working to develop a long-term strategy to contain the fire." Wildland firefighters were dispatched around 1:24 p.m. Monday to a report of smoke in the upper Rock Creek drainage in Lolo National Forest, about 1.7 miles south of Bighorn Campground and southwest of Upper Rock Creek Road. A half-hour later, at 1:54 p.m., firefighters were dispatched to a report of smoke 6.3 miles south of Skalkaho Highway, near Skalkaho Rye Road and Divide Creek about 4 miles northwest of Kent Peak. So far in 2022, firefighters have responded to 16 human-caused fires and two lightning-caused fires in Lolo National Forest, the forest stated in a Facebook post on Monday. The post also announced that the forest had entered high fire danger, up from moderate in the days before, "due to hot temperatures and lack of significant rainfall for several days." The Bitterroot National Forest also entered high fire danger on Monday, as did Missoula County. Missoula and Ravalli counties closed outdoor burning on Monday. Ahead of the weekend, on Friday morning, as many as 552 lighting strikes were recorded in the mountains south off Missoula and into central Idaho. Strikes around the Bitterroot Valley caused at least three fires, which were extinguished. Host Peter Helliar stirred the pot by saying: Theres been a bit of 1D beef recently thanks to Liam, who has been speaking out about the band a little bit, when you look back on your experience with the band, how do you feel about those days? Cass County sheriffs officials say a Mapleton man was fatally shot by law enforcement after a hours-long standoff. According to authorities, two 911 calls were made from Mapleton about 10:30 a.m. Monday. One was a report of gunshots and the other was a report of an individual possibly suffering from a mental health crisis. Deputies arrived at a Mapleton home, heard gunshots and a standoff began. Officials say the man barricaded in the home told negotiators he was going to come out with a gun, did so about 2 p.m. and was shot. The man was pronounced dead at the scene despite life-saving efforts. The third book is actually about Benedict Bridgerton's love life, but that has all been put on hold for now, and we will most likely see that play out in a future season of the show. 4 Men Indicted in Connection With Deaths of 53 Illegal Immigrants in Texas A federal grand jury in San Antonio has indicted four men in connection with a deadly human smuggling incident in late June that left 53 illegal immigrants dead and injured 11 more. The 53 people who died, three of whom were minors, were among a group of illegal immigrants found inside an 18-wheeler trailer on a remote back road in southwest San Antonio on June 27. All four of those indicted had been previously charged by prosecutors. The more serious grand jury indictments in San Antonio move the accused one step closer to trial. Two Americansthe alleged driver, Homero Zamorano Jr., 46, of Pasadena, Texas, and his co-defendant, Christian Martinez, 28, of Palestine, Texascould face the death penalty or life in prison if convicted, according to a statement from the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Western District of Texas. Prosecutors announced separately that a grand jury also returned indictments against two Mexican citizens suspected of possession of a firearm while unlawfully present in the United States. Juan Claudio DLuna-Mendez, 23, and Juan Francisco DLuna-Bilbao, 48, each face up to 10 years in prison if convicted, prosecutors said. The charges in the federal indictment against the two Americans include one count of conspiracy to transport illegal aliens resulting in death; one count of transportation of illegal aliens resulting in death; one count of conspiracy to transport aliens resulting in serious bodily injury and placing lives in jeopardy; and one count of transportation of illegal aliens resulting in serious bodily injury and placing lives in jeopardy, according to a Justice Department (DOJ) statement. If convicted of the charges of conspiracy to transport and transport resulting in death, they face a maximum of life in prison or the death penalty. Attorney General Merrick Garland will decide whether to seek the death penalty at a later time. Should the Attorney General determine that the circumstances of the offense are such that a sentence of death is justified, the law requires that notice be filed with the court at a reasonable time before trial, the department noted. The two men also face up to 20 years in prison for charges related to transporting resulting in serious bodily injury. The sentencing will be determined by a federal district court judge upon conviction. Indigenous people carry the coffin of Melvin Guachiac, a 13-year-old Guatemalan teenager who was killed inside a tractor-trailer in Texas after crossing from Mexico, for his burial at the municipal cemetery in the hamlet of Tzucubal in the municipality of Nahuala, Solola Department, Guatemala, on July 16, 2022. (Johan Ordonez/AFP via Getty Images) Attempted to Flee On the day that authorities found the truck of illegal immigrants, officers from the San Antonio Police Department were led to Zamoranothe trucks driverwho was observed hiding in the brush after attempting to abscond. The trailer was packed with 64 individuals and didnt have water supplies or signs of working air conditioning inside, according to a court document filed in late June. That day, temperatures in the area reached as high as 103 Fahrenheit (39.4 Celsius). More than a dozen people from the truck were taken to hospitals with heat-related illnesses. Martinez, according to a court document, had told a government confidential informant that the air conditioner wasnt working properly before authorities found them. Martinez also said that Zamorano was unaware the air conditioning unit stopped working and [that] was the reason why the individuals died. Investigators found communications between Zamorano and Martinez concerning the smuggling event after executing a search warrant on Zamoranos cellphone, the DOJ said. Agents from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) confirmed that Zamorano was the individual from surveillance footage provided by Laredo Sector Border Patrol, which shows the vehicle passing through an immigration checkpoint that day. The driver could be seen wearing a black shirt with stripes and a hat. HSI agents confirmed Zamorano matched the individual from the surveillance footage and was wearing the same clothing, the department said. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said in late June that the Biden administrations illegal immigration policies are partly to blame for the deadly incident. Republicans have attributed the spike in illegal border crossings to the Biden administrations failure to enforce federal immigration laws and rolling back of key Trump-era border policies, including rules that were created to stem the COVID-19 pandemic. But Democrats counter that the surge in illegal immigration is largely owing to an economic crisis in Central and South America, even as Border Patrol agents have said that people from all over the world, and not just from Latin America, are arriving at the border. In efforts to curb illegal immigration in Texas, Abbott in 2021 issued a number of orders, including one that allows state troopers to pull over vehicles with illegal immigrants suspected of having COVID-19. Allen Zhong, Jack Phillips, and Reuters contributed to this report. 3 Reasons Chinese Companies Should Be Excluded From ESG See if your fund manager knows the answer Commentary The exposure of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) investors to Russia has already proved something of an (expensive) embarrassment. In hindsight, ESG investors should have held Russia to the same standard as its companies, but its not too late to apply that lesson to other countries. While Russia had a modest allocation in emerging-market ESG funds, China does not. Chinese companies at the end of last year had a weighted average allocation of 28 percent in U.S.-based emerging-market ESG stock mutual funds and exchange-traded funds, according to Morningstar. And China is no less concerning than Russia. For all practical purposes, if any investment involves a stake in a company that is a major source of pollution, utilizes forced labor in its supply chain or enables human rights abuses in any way, and does not follow generally accepted accounting principles or cannot have its financial records transparently audited, it must not be considered an ESG investment. By that standard, most Chinese companies would fail ESG criteria on all three fronts: Environmental, Social, and Governance. This is the inconvenient truth of the inconvenient truth. Environmental A resident clears dead fish from the Fuhe River in Wuhan, in central Chinas Hubei Province on Sept. 3, 2013, after large numbers of fish died of severely high levels of ammonia. Recent official reports say that Chinas river and underground water supplies are severely polluted. (STR/AFP/Getty Images) On the environmental front, China is the biggest polluter on the planet. The One Belt One Road Initiative rapes the environment across Asia and Africa, including in wildlife and fisheries. Another example is solar power, where, unfortunately, China has cornered the market. Approximately 80 percent of the worlds solar panels are made in the coal-rich Xinjiang region of China, where the ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is engaged in genocide against the Uyghur people. Manufacturing solar cells is an energy and labor-intensive process, so its no surprise that Xinjiang also hosts the worlds two biggest coal-fired power plants. Social Many Chinese companies would also fail the social criteria of ESG, given their involvement in ongoing human rights abuses such as slave labor, and even genocide. As Under Secretary of State, I wrote three letters to CEOs, the governing boards of American universities, and civil society partners, on this tragedy, and their responsibility for ensuring their organizations were not unwittingly supporting it with their investments or supply chains. Read More US Capital Is the Lifeline of the Chinese Communist Party: Roger Robinson Interview The blunt reality is that the average American investor is unknowingly financing the CCPs human rights abuses, surveillance state, and their military-civil fusion because the CCP has infiltrated American capital markets through the back door. Theyve managed to get around the financial transparency laws that American and other companies must follow in order to enjoy the same access, and are often buried in various index bonds that are then incorporated into hundreds of products, ETFs, and mutual funds. This includes many companies and funds that currently meet ESG standards. Governance Likewise, Chinese companies cannot qualify for the governance criteria of ESG. Chinese companies arent transparent, they cannot be audited, they do not abide by consistent and reputable accounting standards, they are consistently corrupt, bribed, subsidized, and maintain flaky books at best. Chinese companies like DiDi and Luckin Coffee are cautionary tales to the American investor. Both had IPOs on American exchanges, and almost collapsed after actions taken by the Chinese government after obtaining billions from American investors. If they can do that with firms listed on American exchanges, imagine what happens in China itself! By a strike of a pen, a bureaucrat in Beijing can wipe out an entire sector, said ESG pioneer and founder of the advisory firm Blended Capital Group, Paul Clements-Hunt. If you dont factor in autocracy and a malevolent government, then you have failed in your ESG assessment. Conclusion At my last press conference as Under Secretary of State on Jan. 14, 2021, I relayed a strong message to the public: Most Americans have no idea that their own moneyheld in pension funds, 401ks, and brokerage accountsis financing Chinese companies that support the Peoples Republic of Chinas (PRCs) military, security, and intelligence apparatus, as well as human rights abuses on an epic scale, such as those in Xinjiang . [Your] fund manager should notify you if your investments are contributing to the Chinese Partys military buildup, the surveillance state, and human rights abuses . Ask them if you are exposed. If you are exposed, ask them the name of the companies, the amount and when you will be divested. Then ask them why they do not directly and clearly disclose to you. If [you] do not get a satisfactory answer, best to find a new fund manager. Not only the American investor, but investors around the world with stakes in China, need to realize they are under the unpredictable thumb of the CCP. That includes many who believe ESG protects them. It doesnt. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. 4 Suspects Arrested Following Robbery at Fashion Island in Newport Beach WESTMINSTER, Calif.Four suspects were arrested in Westminster July 20 after leading authorities on a pursuit following a robbery at the Fashion Island shopping mall in Newport Beach. The robbery was reported just after 4 p.m. at the Neiman Marcus store at the mall after seven men entered it and stole unspecified items, according to reports from the Newport Beach Police Department and KNBC. The suspects fled in two vehicles, one of which was pursued by Newport Beach Police Department and California Highway Patrol officers to the area of Bolsa Chica Road and the San Diego (405) Freeway. Four suspects attempted to flee from the vehicle, but all were located and taken into custody by about 5:50 p.m. Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer (C) and other law enforcement officials speak about a plan to charge a Los Angeles man in connection with a deadly robbery spree at a half-dozen 7-Elevens and a doughnut shop at a news conference in Santa Ana, Calif., on July 18, 2022. (Screenshot via Facebook/Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer) 7-Eleven Crime Spree Suspect Faces Capital Murder Charges SANTA ANA, Calif.A 20-year-old man accused of carrying out a deadly crime spree at 7-Eleven stores across the Southland is expected to be arraigned next month on three counts of murder, along with attempted murder and other felonies. The two suspects, Malik Patt and Jason Payne, made their first court appearance July 19, but their arraignment was delayed until Aug. 18. Patt is facing three counts of murder, along with attempted murder and other felonies in connection with killings that occurred July 11 in or near 7-Eleven stores in Santa Ana and Brea, along with the July 9 killing of a homeless man in North Hills in Los Angeles County. Patt is a stone-cold serial killer, said Todd Spitzer, Orange County District Attorney, at a news conference July 18 announcing the criminal charges. Theres no other way to describe him. This booking photo released by the Santa Ana Police Department shows suspect Malik Patt, 20, of Los Angeles, on Friday, July 15, 2022. Authorities said Saturday, July 16 that Patt and Jason Payne were arrested Friday in connection with a series of deadly robberies at Southern California 7-Eleven stores. (Santa Ana Police Department via AP) In addition to the three murder counts, Patt also faces two counts of attempted murder, three counts of robbery and one count of carjacking while armed, according to Spitzer. The charges against Patt include special circumstance allegations of multiple murders and murder in the commission of a robbery. The case also includes various sentencing enhancements for personal use or discharge of a handgun. Patt faces a possible death sentence if prosecutors opt to pursue it. At a minimum, he would face life in prison without the possibility of parole if convicted at trial. The co-defendant in the case, 44-year-old Payne, described as a neighbor of Patt, will be charged with three counts of robbery and one count of attempted robbery, stemming from heists in Santa Ana, La Habra and Brea, Spitzer said. Spitzer said Payne has been a sort of mentor to Patt. Payne is only expected to be charged with robberiesnot murderat this time because of a change in state law that requires prosecutors to show more evidence that the suspect knew killing was part of the plan and that he acted in a way that showed reckless indifference to the lives of the victims, Spitzer said. Its not entirely clear how Patt and Payne are connected, but they are neighbors in Los Angeles and have had a long-standing relationship, Spitzer said. Payne was allegedly a driver in the stickups, but Patt is also accused of carjacking a victim to get to the getaway car Payne was driving, Spitzer said. This booking photo released by the Santa Ana Police Department shows suspect Jason Payne, 44, of Los Angeles, on Friday, July 15, 2022. Authorities said Saturday, July 16 that Payne and Malik Patt were arrested Friday in connection with a series of deadly robberies at Southern California 7-Eleven stores. (Santa Ana Police Department via AP) Spitzer said Patts actions sent chills up my own spine. To see somebody who could just kill people in cold blood like this, its just unfathomable. Its scary, he said. Patt and Payne were arrested about 1:10 p.m. Friday in the 1900 block of West 23rd Street, near Normandie Avenue, in South Los Angeles, authorities said. Police said Patt is the main suspect seen in widely circulated surveillance video photos from some of the robberies. According to Spitzer, the crime spree carried out by Patt began July 9 with the slaying of a homeless man in the 16100 block of Parthenia Street, near Woodley Avenue, in North Hills. That killing occurred about 200 yards away from a 7-Eleven store that was robbed later that day. Investigators in Los Angeles County were still working to determine if that robbery and another 7-Eleven robbery are connected to Patt or Payne. Police crime scene tape closes off a parking area following a shooting at a 7-Eleven store in Brea, Calif., on July 11, 2022. (Eugene Garcia/AP Photo) Authorities said the 7-Eleven crime spree occurred July 11 beginning in Ontario. Police said just after midnight, the 7-Eleven at 636 N. Vine Avenue was robbed. The suspect held up the store with a handgun, but no shots were fired and no one was injured. At 1:35 a.m. July 11, the 7-Eleven store at 2410 W. Arrow Route in Upland was robbed, police said. At 1:50 a.m., the 7-Eleven store at 5102 La Sierra Avenue in Riverside was robbed by a gunman. That robbery escalated, with the suspect shooting a customer, who was hospitalized in what was described as the grave condition. Officer Ryan Railsback of the Riverside Police Department said Friday the victim has shown slight improvement but is still very critical. Authorities remove a body from a 7-Eleven after a clerk was fatally shot during a robbery in Brea, Calif., on July 11, 2022. (Mindy Schauer/The Orange County Register via AP) Minutes after 3 a.m. July 11, the Yum Yum Donuts shop at 2441 N. Tustin Street in Santa Ana was robbed, Valentin said. About 20 minutes later, 24-year-old Matthew Rule of Santa Ana was fatally shot outside the 7-Eleven store at 302 E. 17th Street in Santa Ana. Officers found Rule in the parking lot with a gunshot wound to the upper body, Santa Ana Police Department Sgt. Maria Lopez said. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene. Santa Ana Police Department Chief David Valentin said Rule was not the primary target of the shooter. The gunman was targeting someone else, but Rule stepped in to redirect the robber and was shot, Valentin said. Brea police said they responded at 4:17 a.m. to the 7-Eleven store at 109 W. Lambert Road and found a male store clerk fatally shot in what officers determined to be a robbery. The clerk was later identified as 40-year-old Matthew Hirsch, who died at the scene, police said. Officials investigate after officers found two victims with gunshot wounds following a robbery at a 7-Eleven in La Habra, Calif., on July 11, 2022. (Paul Bersebach/The Orange County Register via AP) About a half-hour later, the 7-Eleven store at 381 E. Whittier Boulevard in La Habra was robbed, and two people were shot, according to Sgt. Eric Roy of the La Habra Police Department. Both victims were taken to a hospital, and both were expected to survive. Police said the victims were a clerk and a customer. Based on surveillance images, police said they were able to link the same suspect to all of the heists. The robberies that occurred in Ontario and Upland will be prosecuted in San Bernardino County, Spitzer said. The Orange County District Attorneys Office will prosecute the shooting at the 7-Eleven in Riverside if the victim dies, but it will be prosecuted in Riverside County if the victim survives the attack, Spitzer said. Orange County Board Chairman Doug Chaffee said county officials were discussing a reward, but law enforcement was so efficient that they didnt have a chance to do it, so they will instead use at least $100,000 to benefit victims of the attacks, Chaffee said. A vote on the victims fund is scheduled for Tuesday. The 7-Eleven company last week offered a $100,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect in the robberies and killings. It was unclear if anyone will be eligible to claim the reward. We are grateful that the Orange County District Attorney has announced local law enforcement has apprehended suspects related to the recent violent incidents. We will continue to fully support law enforcement with their investigation, according to a company statement said issued after the arrests. An American Airlines aircraft flies past JetBlue and United Express aircraft as it lands at Reagan National Airport in Arlington, Va., on Jan. 24, 2022. (Joshua Roberts/Reuters) Air Travel Complaints Dip, Still Over 200 Percent Pre-Pandemic Levels With disruptions marking a rocky return to U.S. domestic air travel in recent months, official figures show that complaints against airline service remain 200 percent above pre-pandemic levels despite a 15 percent monthly decline in May. The Biden administration is keeping a watch on airlines to deter unrealistic flight scheduling and ensure airlines comply with consumer protection requirements. In June, Delta Air Lines pilots came forward to express their shared frustration with passengers over recent flight delays and disruptions, which they said were unacceptable. The pilots said theyd been working on their days off and flying a record amount of overtime. The U.S. Department of Transportations (DOT) May Air Travel Consumer Report (ATCR) released Wednesday features a compilation of data for on-time performance, consumer complaints received, mishandled baggage, and mishandled wheelchairs and scooters. The number of commercial flights increased between April and May in the United States to over 600,000, of which more than 11,000 were cancelled. The around 590,000 flights that did operate in May was 86.9 percent of pre-pandemic levels in May 2019. This was a 14.1 percent increase on flights operated in May last year and a 4.24 percent increase in the number of flights in April. The ATCR is designed to assist consumers with information on the quality of services provided by airlines, the department stated in a release. DOT remains committed to ensuring airline passengers are treated fairly and is concerned about recent flight cancellations and flight disruptions. The department says this includes ensuring prompt refunds when flights are disrupted. May Stats On-time arrivals improved in May, up from 76 percent in April to 77.2 percent. This is down from 77.9 percent pre-pandemic. Hawaiian Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Alaska Airlines were the top three performers for on-time arrivals. Conversely, Frontier Airlines, Allegiant Air, and Spirit Airlines ranked lowest for on-time arrivals. In terms of cancellations, 2 percent of marketing carriers canceled scheduled domestic flights, which is 0.5 percent up from May last year but is equal to levels in 2019. Hawaiian Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Frontier Airlines canceled to least flights, while Delta Air Lines Network, United Airlines Network, JetBlue Airways canceled the most. Complaints DOT received 4,344 complaints about airline service from consumers in May, which was down 14.5 percent from April but up 237 percent from May 2019. Around 45 percent of the complaints were against U.S. airlines, while 33.9 percent were against foreign air carriers, and 10.5 percent were against travel companies. A third of all complaints related to refunds, while 23.8 percent, the second-highest category of complaints, related to disruptions and cancellations. The Departments Office of Aviation Consumer Protection continues to communicate with airlines and travel companies that receive refund complaints to ensure compliance with the refund requirements, DOT stated. Many passengers who had initially been denied refunds have received the required refunds. The Department has taken and will take enforcement action against noncompliant airlines and ticket agents as necessary. DOT is keeping an eye on consumer complaints that it receives and contacts airlines to remind them of their obligation to promptly refund passengers. Other categories of complaints involved tarmac delays, mishandled baggage, mishandled wheelchairs and scooters, bumping (when passengers get bumped off a flight because the airline sold more tickets than there are seats), incidents involving animals, complaints about treatment of disabled passengers, and complaints about discrimination. In May, there were fewer tarmac delays and less mishandled baggage, wheelchairs, and scooters than pre-pandemic. Involuntary denied boarding, or bumping, which is reported quarterly, increased slightly in the first quarter of 2022. There were no incidents involving the death, injury, or loss of an animal; while disability-related complaints increased from pre-pandemic but decreased since April. The department reported that alleged discrimination based on race, ethnicity, or religion increased by eight complaints in April and the nine recorded in May 2019. Most of those complaints came from a single incident involved Lufthansa flight 1334 from Frankfurt to Budapest. Ballots from the 2020 general election wait to be counted at Veterans Memorial Coliseum on May 1, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Maricopa County ballot recount comes after two election audits found no evidence of widespread fraud in Arizona. (Courtney Pedroza/Getty Images) Arizona GOP Offers $50,000 Reward for Evidence of Vote Buying The Republican Party of Arizona (RPAZ) will offer up to two $50,000 rewards for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone suspected of vote-buying in the statewide primary on Aug. 2. There is historical precedent of vote-buying fraud, which ultimately led to secret ballot laws. Unfortunately, the movement towards mass mail-in voting completely undoes secret ballot reform, the RPAZ said in a July 20 letter. Mail-in ballots are not secretonce a person has a ballot in their home, they can easily show it to anyone, including bad actors. The letter says the act of vote-buying happens when someone completes a mail-in ballot in front of a vote-buyer. If the voter then gives the buyer the completed ballot and signed ballot return envelope, the party considers that vote-buying. And it can take many formsincluding an offer of money, goods, or services in exchange for votes. Transparency International, a global coalition against corruption, says vote-buying signifies a systemic lack of political integrity that weakens the trust citizens have in their elected representatives and limits their ability to speak up freely and safely against corruption. Election integrity is of paramount importance. We know from the movie 2,000 Mules by Dinesh DSouza that there was significant ballot trafficking during the 2020 presidential election. We suspect that the primary source of the trafficked ballots was vote-buying, the Republican letter added. The party specifically desires information or evidence of Arizona state election law violations that lead to a conviction before Dec. 31, 2022. It asks people to contact VoteBuyingReward@azgop.org. to learn more about, or report, vote-buying. The RPAZ did not immediately respond to The Epoch Times requesting comment. Arizona Rep. Mark Finchem, a Republican and a candidate for Arizona secretary of state, said he supports offering rewards that help to ferret out voter fraud in Arizona. I fully support the move to offer a reward for the criminal act of buying ballots, Finchem told The Epoch Times. That behavior is illegal under Arizona Revise Statutes and should be punished. Much like many crime tip lines, this is another means for people who want legal, legitimate, and secure elections to help make them so. Arizona has prosecuted at least nine cases of voter fraud following the 2020 election. Two Arizona women recently were found guilty of ballot harvesting, a practice once used by both parties to boost voter turnout. Guillermina Fuentes, 66, the former mayor of San Luis, Arizona, and Alma Juarez, pleaded guilty to felony ballot abuse stemming from an illegal ballot collection operation in the 2020 primary. Their sentencing will take place on Sept. 1. A Republican-sponsored bill to make ballot drop boxes illegal failed in Arizonas Senate in May. US Attorney General Merrick Garland speaks during a meeting at the Department of Justice in Washington on July 20, 2022. (Oliver Contreras/Pool/AFP via Getty Images) Attorney General Says No Person Above the Law Over Jan. 6 After Memo Leaks Attorney General Merrick Garland on July 20 said that no person is above the law with regards to the investigation into the Jan. 6, 2021 breach of the U.S. Capitol. No person is above the law in this country. I cant say it any more clearly than that. There is nothing in the principles of prosecution, in any other factors, which prevent us from investigating anyone who is criminally responsible for an attempt to undo a democratic election, Garland told reporters at the Department of Justice headquarters in Washington after a briefing on gun trafficking. Garland, a Biden appointee, was questioned after MSNBC published a document signed by Garland and dated May 25 that emphasized longstanding DOJ practice to tread carefully when it comes to prosecutions in the months leading up to a federal election. The midterm elections in November will determine which party controls the House of Representatives and the Senate. DOJ employees are entrusted with the authority to enforce the laws of the United States and with the responsibility to do so in a neutral and impartial manner, Garland wrote. This is particularly important in an election year. Now that the 2022 election season is upon us, and as in prior election cycles, I am issuing this memorandum to remind you of the Departments existing policies with respect to political activities. While the DOJ has a strong interest in the prosecution of election-related crimes, employees must be particularly sensitive to safeguarding the Departments reputation for fairness, neutrality, and non-partisanship, Garland wrote, adding later that officials can never select the timing of public statements, criminal charges, or other actions for the purpose of affecting any election, or for the purpose of giving an advantage or disadvantage to any candidate or political party. Trump Many Democrats and some Republicans opposed to former President Donald Trump have called for U.S. prosecutors to charge Trump over actions they describe as illegal leading up to and during the Capitol breach. Trump has not been charged and has maintained that he did nothing wrong. Garland told reporters, who mentioned Trump, that there is speculation about what the DOJ is doing or not doing, and what its theories are. There will continue to be that speculation. Thats because a central tenant of the way in which the Justice Department investigates and a central tenant of the rule of law is that we do not do our investigations in the public, Garland said. We have to hold accountable every person who is criminally responsible for trying to overturn a legitimate election, and we must do it in a way filled with integrity and professionalism, he added. Australian Minister for Agriculture Murray Watt debates at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia, on July 4, 2019. (Tracey Nearmy/Getty Images) Australia to Keep Borders Open to Indonesia Amid Foot and Mouth Outbreak Australian Agriculture Minister Murray Watt has said that the country would not ban entry to travellers from Indonesia amid worries of an outbreak of foot and mouth disease (FMD). Speaking to Sky News Australia, Watt said the federal government had not considered shutting the border. We have no plans to close the border, either to Indonesia or to any of the other many countries that have foot and mouth disease, he said, in response to calls from several opposition MPs. Watt criticised the opposition for playing politics with the agriculture industry and said the previous Morrison government would not have implemented such measures. He also said the federal Labor government had a well-established plan to deal with the outbreak if it occurred in Australia. However, he was confident the disease could be kept out of the country, saying Australias biosecurity was one of the best in the world. Opposition Calls for Border Closure Shadow Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews said the federal government needed to do whatever it took to ensure FMD did not appear in Australia. Labor needs to be doing much more than it already is to prevent that disease coming into Australia, she told Sky News. This is a race, and Labor is barely out of the starting blocks. Liberal MP Karen Andrews speaks during a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia, on Aug. 23, 2021. (Rohan Thomson/Getty Images) Regarding closing the border, farming bodies said that was a drastic measure. We rely on this bilateral trade between the two countries. I dont know how you would justify doing that to Indonesia when foot and mouth is endemic in other countries, Victorian Farmers Federation President Emma Germano said in comments obtained by AAP. There would be an economic impact, and we want to ensure we keep trade open. Its vital Australians understand whats at stake, and the need to be hyper-vigilant about what food products they bring back. FMD Viral Fragments Detected In Melbourne The agriculture ministers announcement comes just one day after Australian authorities detected viral fragments of FMD and African swine fever in imported pork products in Melbourne on July 20. The products, believed to be made in China, was seized from a retailer in Melbournes central business district as part of routine surveillance. Watt said this was the first time authorities had found viral fragments in a retail setting and described the discovery as disturbing. This is not the first time in Australian history that we have picked up foot and mouth disease viral fragments in meat products. Its happened a number of other times in airport settings, he told reporters in Brisbane. I want to assure people that our systems have worked, we have monitored this, we have undertaken surveillance operations, and these products have been found, tested and now seized. Imported pork product from China contaminated with FMD viral fragments. (Courtesy of Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry) At the same time, the minister said the government would investigate how the products entered Australia, and prosecution was likely to follow. Watt also said the fact that the pork products came from China rather than Indonesia, saying Australia needed to remain vigilantthe country remains free from FMD. So far the federal government has ordered sanitation mats be rolled out across international airports, with travellers from Indonesia required to ensure their shoes have been sanitised. The new measure will be implemented in the week commencing July 18, starting at Darwin and Cairns airports. President Joe Biden speaks during an interview with the Associated Press in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington on June 16, 2022. (Evan Vucci/AP Photo) Biden Asks Congress for Tens of Billions of Dollars to Back Federal Anti-Crime Plan The Biden administration said on July 21 that its asking Congress for $37 billion in funding to deal with surging crime while calling for a ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. We need to fund police who walk the beat, know the neighborhood, are accountable to those they are sworn to serve, and build community trust and safety, the White House said in a statement, coming two years after top Democrats embraced the polarizing defund the police rhetoric amid nationwide Black Lives Matter protests and riots. The statement noted that the United States needs to invest in mental health and substance use treatment services, crisis responders, and social workers to reduce the burden on police officers and prevent violent crime while also expanding community interventions. Turning to firearms themselves, the administration called to ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, which werent clearly defined in the White House statement. Pro-gun groups have said that the terms assault weapon and high-capacity magazine are nebulous and dont have a clear definition and that they prefer terms such as modern sporting rifle instead. White House officials told reporters on July 21 that Biden would speak about the proposal during an event in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. However, press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre announced in a statement that Biden tested positive for COVID-19 and that he would be isolating while working from home. According to the White House, the funding proposal would be used in hiring and training 100,000 officers for accountable community policing, solving homicides, and setting up community task forces. The funds would also be used to target non-firearms-related crimes, such as drug trafficking. Crime The FBI in September 2021 stated that the U.S. murder rate surged by nearly 30 percent in 2020despite COVID-19 lockdowns and stay-at-home orders being issued in numerous municipalities. Some law enforcement groups have said the increase in violent crime is connected to the wave of anti-police sentiment that drove much of the Black Lives Matter protests and riots that year. The House Democrats legislation would ban at least 40 specific AR-15-style rifles, including the Bushmaster ACR, Bushmaster Carbon 15, Bushmaster MOE series, Bushmaster XM15, Chiappa Firearms MFour rifles, Colt Match Target rifles, CORE Rifle Systems CORE15 rifles, Daniel Defense M4A1 rifles, Devil Dog Arms 15 Series rifles, and others. And while Biden and top Democrats have called for a new assault weapons ban, similar to the one that lasted from 1994 to 2004, a federal agency found that the ban had no effect on reducing violence across the United States. We cannot clearly credit the ban with any of the nations recent drop in gun violence. And, indeed, there has been no discernible reduction in the lethality and injuriousness of gun violence, a 2004 National Institute of Justice report reads. It is thus premature to make definitive assessments of the bans impact on gun violence. Should it be renewed, the bans effects on gun violence are likely to be small at best and perhaps too small for reliable measurement. On July 20, the House Judiciary Committee approved the ban legislation. Several Democratic lawmakers have said that they wont support the measure, while its unlikely that it will reach 60 votes in the Senate. As we have learned all too well in recent years, assault weaponsespecially when combined with high-capacity magazinesare the weapon of choice for mass shootings, committee Chairman Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.) said this week. These military-style weapons are designed to kill the most people in the shortest amount of time. Quite simply, there is no place for them on our streets. Darnell Brown, 22, was arrested in May 2021 when police found a pound of methamphetamine in a West Indiana Avenue apartment. They also found a digital scale that held marijuana and meth residue. The meth at that time had a street value of up to $35,000. Brown was charged with possession with intent to distribute drugs and faced a possible 20-year prison sentence. President Joe Biden appeared in a video to speak about his COVID-19 case that was uploaded to his Twitter account on July 21, 2022. (President Joe Biden/Twitter screenshot via The Epoch Times) Biden Makes First Comment Following COVID-19 Diagnosis President Joe Biden issued his first comment after he was diagnosed with COVID-19 earlier on Thursday, saying hes doing fine and keeping busy. Folks, Im doing great. Thanks for your concern. Just called Senator Casey, Congressman Cartwright, and Mayor Cognetti (and my Scranton cousins!) to send my regrets for missing our event today. Keeping busy! he wrote on Twitter. Later, Bidens account posted a video showing the 79-year-old president speaking at the White House. Hey folks, I guess you heard, he stated. This morning I tested positive for COVID. Biden, who has received four COVID-19 vaccine doses, noted that he was double vaccinated and double boosted. Symptoms are mild. And I really appreciate your inquiries and concerns. But Im doing well, getting a lot of work done. Going to continue to get it done, he added. Its the first confirmed time that Biden has contracted the virus. Because of the presidents advanced age, he is considered to be in the at-risk group in terms of developing severe COVID-19. Consistent with [Centers for Disease Control] guidelines, he will isolate at the White House and will continue to carry out all of his duties fully during that time, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said. He has been in contact with members of the White House staff by phone this morning, and will participate in his planned meetings at the White House this morning via phone and Zoom from the residence. Treatment and Vaccines The White House said that Biden is taking the Pfizer-made drug Paxlovid, which health officials said earlier this year can cause a relapse of COVID-19 symptoms even after a negative test is returned. White House COVID-19 advisor Anthony Fauci contracted the virus and later confirmed he was taking the same drug, Paxlovid, before suffering a return of symptoms after testing negative for several days. After I finished the five days of Paxlovid, I reverted to negative on an antigen test for three days in a row, Fauci said in late June. And then on the fourth day, just to be absolutely certain, I tested myself again. I reverted back to positive. Earlier that month, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) sent an alert warning about so-called COVID rebound, meaning that patients could potentially develop a recurrence of symptoms after taking Paxlovid. A study released by the University of California at San Diego alleged that the rebound may be because not enough of the drug reaches infected cells to prevent the virus from replicating. The presidents diagnosis, meanwhile, is sure to draw more scrutiny against federally approved COVID-19 vaccines effectiveness at preventing transmission of the virus despite widespread mandates that coerced people into receiving the shots. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine in June linked two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine to negative protection against Omicron subvariants. About a year ago, Biden told reporters that vaccinated individuals cant contract COVID-19, which turned out to be an incorrect prediction. But again, one last thing we dont talk enough to you about this, I dont think. One last thing thats really important is: Were not in a position where we think that any virusincluding the Delta virus, which is much more transmissible and more deadly in terms of . unvaccinated people the various shots that people are getting now cover that. Theyreyoure okay. Youre not going to youre not going to get COVID if you have these vaccinations, he said exactly one year ago on July 21, 2021, according to a White House transcript. On Wednesday, Biden visited Somerset, Massachusetts, to speak about climate executive rules that he will hand down in the coming days after traveling there via Air Force One. President Joe Biden waves as he walks to Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House on July 20, 2022. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images) Biden Says Pelosis Taiwan Visit Not a Good Idea, 1 Day After China Issues Threat President Joe Biden expressed that either he or the military may be opposed to a reported trip by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan, the self-ruled island that Beijing views as its own. Well, I think thatthe military thinks its not a good idea right now, but I dont know what the status of it is, Biden said of the trip after arriving at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on July 20. The parsing of the sentence made it unclear whether Biden himself believed it was a bad idea for Pelosi to visit Taiwan based on military intelligence, or if he was merely repeating warnings given to him by military leadership. The remarks were made one day after the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) threatened to implement forceful measures against the United States if Pelosi visited Taiwan. The Chinese regime, which has stridently worked to isolate Taiwan from the greater international order, has repeatedly condemned the efforts of U.S. lawmakers to interact with Taiwans government. Lawmakers and foreign policy experts alike took to social media to push back against the presidents apparent overreach in appearing to pressure Pelosi not to take the trip. Speaker Pelosi and I dont see eye to eye on much, Rep. Tom Tiffany (R-Wis.) wrote in a tweet, but she doesnt need permission from POTUS or China to visit our friends in Taiwan. This undercuts Pelosis trip, said Michael Sobolik, a fellow at the American Foreign Policy Council. If theres a substantive reason not to go, communicate those concerns in private. Dont do this in publicit only hurts Taiwan. Pelosi was widely expected to visit Taiwan with other lawmakers in April but was reported to have developed COVID-19 at the time. It has been rumored that the House would conduct that visit soon, but neither the State Department nor Pelosis office has confirmed such a trip. The United States relationship with Taiwan is perhaps the most volatile subject in its diplomatic relations with communist China, as the CCP claims that Taiwan is a breakaway Chinese province. Despite such claims, the democratic Taiwan has been self-governed since 1949 and has never been controlled by the CCP. Additionally, the Taiwan Relations Act of 1979 guarantees that the United States will provide Taiwan with the arms necessary to defend itself from foreign aggression. CCP General Secretary Xi Jinping has vowed to unite Taiwan with the mainland and hasnt ruled out the use of force to do so. Moreover, senior U.S. military leadership believes that a CCP invasion of the island could come as soon as 2027. CCP leadership has become increasingly bellicose in its efforts to push international support for Taiwans de facto independence away, and a Chinese general in June went so far as to threaten U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin with war over the Taiwan issue, no matter the cost. Notably, Bidens remarks on Pelosis trip came the same day that the Republican-led China Task Force was meeting with Taiwans ambassador to the United States. During that meeting, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy denounced the CCP for its threats and said the United States must do more to arm Taiwan. The CCP has shown itself to be a ruthless, aggressive, and evil dictatorship, McCarthy said. We cannot underrate its goal to control through force and brutality. Supporting Taiwan is right and it is in Americas best interest. Pelosi declined to discuss whether she had planned to visit Taiwan at a press event on July 21, saying that privacy on the matter was a matter of security. I am not going to discuss my travel plans, Pelosi said. Its a security issue, so I wont be discussing that now. The House speaker did say, however, that ChinaTaiwan relations were a major issue that needed to be addressed. The United States, she said, should support Taiwan but also clearly acknowledge that neither the administration nor Congress had promoted Taiwan independence per ser. Pelosi said that she hadnt spoken with Biden about the meaning of his comments, but speculated that he may have been referencing the potential for violence amid Chinas mounting aggression in the skies around Taiwan. I think what the president was saying is that maybe the military was afraid our plane [would] get shot down or something like that by the Chinese, Pelosi said. I dont know exactly. I didnt see it. I didnt hear it. This article has been updated to include Pelosis comments on July 21. People visit a Hikvision booth at the security exhibition in Shanghai, China, on May 24, 2019. (Aly Song/Reuters) Blacklisted Chinese Hikvision Aids PRC Police to Surveil Prisoners Researchers recently spotlighted an interrogation solution developed by Chinese video surveillance giant Hikvision that integrates face recognition cameras that identify prisoners with behavior analysis techniques. Pennsylvania-based video surveillance information company IPVM reported on July 19 that the Hikvision solution is designed to enhance and record interrogation sessions, monitor prisoners vital signs under intensive supervision, and automatically alarm if they make any vigorous motions. By selling the solution, according to the report, Hikvision implements access control, biometric data analytics, behavior detection, and perimeter analytics to detect physical conflicts, intruders, escapees, etc. The analytics will also alarm if the interrogator is absent or falls asleep. A promo video released by Hikvision in 2018 shows that a detainee, strapped into a tiger chair during the interrogation, will be filmed by multiple Hikvision cameras from different angles. The devices are connected to the Interrogation Console, a customized network video recorder (NVR ) with a screen, CD burner, and space for hard drives. The console also includes real-time monitoring of vital signs, indicating detainees heart rate, blood pressure, and blood oxygen levels, as per the Hikvision manual (pdf). Tiger Chair Hikvisions interrogation solution also permits the interrogation to be filmed while staff transcribe it into a laptop for detainees to sign on the spot. The automatic printing of transcripts raises concerns about forced confessions, however. Although Chinas top court banned torture in 2013, police justify the use of tiger chairs for interrogations attempting to extract a forced confession. The device has long been accused of weakening ones body as the person is strapped in and immobilized in an unnatural position over a long period of time. Beijing has claimed that the tiger chair is designed not to inflict pain but to ensure that prisoners do not hurt themselves. Yet this statement goes against a report by Human Rights Watch, as former detainees said they had been strapped in this metal chair for hours and even days, deprived of sleep, and immobilized until their legs and buttocks were swollen. Official data shows Chinas conviction rate is 99.96 percent as of 2019. Unlike the United States, the criminal law in China grants detainees no right to an attorney during interrogation. The tiger chair is far from the only torture processes commonly used in communist Chinas jails, labor camps, and reeducation centers where religious adherents are forced to renounce their faith. The Chinese regimes crackdown on ethnic and religious minorities in Xinjiangsubjecting them to abuses that include torture, sterilization, political indoctrination, and forced laborhas been denounced as genocide by Canada, the Netherlands, the UK, and the United States. We have 108 types of torture methods! Do you think youll leave here alive? the head of the No. 3 Division at the Jilin Womens Forced Labor Camp in northeast China, threatened a spiritual believer in July 2012, according to a report by Minghui.com two years later. Minghui is the U.S.-based website that tracks the persecution of faith group Falun Gong in China. Hikvision did not respond to a request for comment. Despite human rights concerns, the worlds largest video surveillance company, that is controlled by a Chinese military-industrial group, has been listed as a threat to U.S. national security because of this link and banned since 2019. Border Crisis Contributed to Botched Response to Uvalde School Massacre: Report UVALDE, TexasThe school in which 19 children and two teachers were massacred on May 24 had been in lockdown four times in the month prior to the shooting, according to Uvalde, Texas, Mayor Don McLaughlin. Schools in the whole district had been in lockdown mode 47 times since February because of the border crisis spilling into the city, which is a smuggling corridor from the U.S.Mexico border to San Antonio, a recent Texas House of Representatives report states. A total of 90 percent of the lockdowns were put in place because of law enforcement chases of suspected smuggling vehicles through Uvalde and subsequent bailoutswhen the driver crashes or stops the vehicle and occupants jump out and scatter from law enforcement, according to the report. The sheer increase in bailouts over the past 18 months and the subsequent lockdowns contributed to a diminished sense of vigilance about responding to security alerts. The series of bailout-related alerts led teachers and administrators to respond to all alerts with less urgencywhen they heard the sound of an alert, many assumed that it was another bailout, the report reads. Kenneth Mueller, director of student services for the Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District (CISD), testified to the committee that parents became so concerned about the number of bailouts occurring near the elementary school campuses that they offered to hire off-duty police to supplement the Uvalde CISD police presence. Two months after the deadly massacre at Robb Elementary School, the school district is preparing for the beginning of a new year. But the Texas House review of law enforcements response to the May 24 shooting revealed a series of alarming failures by first responders. As a result, parents arent ready to send their kids back to a district they say is unsafe and where security problems remain unremedied. Were 30 days from school starting and were having pursuits come through. Were having bailoutswe had one this morning in Uvalde, McLaughlin told The Epoch Times on July 12. And whats going to happen when we have a bailout right by school and it has to go into lockdown? How much panic is there going to be? How much trauma is that going to cause these kids? A ton. Parents of children who were slain in the shooting have told the mayor that theyre considering homeschooling their other children. I said I understand, but I can promise you from the citys standpoint, we will do everything that we can to make sure your kids are safe, McLaughlin said he told concerned parents. The mayor has requested additional state troopers to be deployed to Uvalde for the first two weeks of the school year. When asked if he thought some sort of lockdown fatigue existed at schools prior to the massacre, McLaughlin said, I would think there would be, but I cant speak for the school district. Tom Homan, former acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Heritage Foundation fellow, said local communities are having to bear the cost of the escalating border crisis. Mass illegal migration was a contributing factor in the tragedy in Uvalde, and no one has said a word about it. Thats simply unacceptable, Homan said in a statement. The Uvalde district school board is proposing to delay the start of school until after Labor Day, instead of the original date in mid-August. A group of Republican senators says the border crisis is at its worst, after their recent visit to the border. They say President Joe Bidens open border policy is making the situation infinitely worse. We had a chance to sit down with the co-founder of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, Rep. Mario Dias Balart (R-Fla.). He tells us why he thinks the Republican platform is resonating with Hispanics now more than ever. Ballots are still being counted from Marylands primaries. Voters narrowed down their partys pick for U.S. House and Senate seats this year. And Trumps endorsement was put to the test in the state as the race for governor is front and center Ukraines first lady addressed Congress. What is she pleading for, and what is the United States announcing with regard to the war in Ukraine? The Senate Foreign Relations Committee held a hearing on rising global hunger and the threat to global stability posed by food shortages. July 20 marks the 23rd year since the Chinese Communist Party launched its nationwide persecution against the meditation discipline Falun Dafa, also known as Falun Gong. Members of Congress from both parties are speaking out against the human rights atrocities the practitioners face. * Click the Save button below the video to access it later on My List. Follow CapitolReport on social media: Twitter https://twitter.com/capitolreport Facebook https://www.facebook.com/CapitolReport/ Gettr https://gettr.com/user/capitolreport Follow EpochTV on social media: Twitter: https://twitter.com/EpochTVus Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/EpochTV Truth Social: https://truthsocial.com/@EpochTV Gettr: https://gettr.com/user/epochtv Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EpochTVus Gab: https://gab.com/EpochTV Telegram: https://t.me/EpochTV Portraits of detained Chinese human rights lawyers Jian Tianyong (L) and Wang Quanzhang are seen as Hong Kong pro-democracy activists observe a silent protest in support of human rights lawyers in China outside the Court of Final Appeal in Hong Kong's Central district on July 9, 2017. (Tengku Bahar/AFP/Getty Images) CCPs Justice Head Is Responsible for Crimes Against Humanity: Rights Lawyers Group The Beijing judiciary has selectively prosecuted former Justice Minister Fu Zhenghua but ignored his crimes against humanity, according to an open letter from China Human Rights Lawyers Group. The prosecution of Fu was recently initiated for alleged bribe-taking and bending the law for personal gain, according to the regimes mouthpiece Xinhua News. Fus prosecution was the latest effort of Xi Jinpings anti-corruption campaign. Anti-humanity Is the Core Crime The open letter identified that Fu inflicted massive injustices on innocent Chinese by exploiting his official power, and he conducted illegal arrests of innocent Chinese by manipulating surveillance systems. The victims included human rights lawyers, rights defending dissidents, Falun Gong adherents, and democracy movement participants. Rights lawyer Yu Wensheng told the Chinese language edition of The Epoch Times that, in fact, Fu has committed far more severe crimes than the regime and the open letter accused him of. Yu has represented several rights activists and many practitioners of Falun Gong, a personal practice that has faced 23 years of systematic persecution in China. Data compiled by Human Rights in China indicated that at least 81 Chinese were arrested in mainland China for supporting the 2014 Occupy Central Movement of Hong Kong, including lawyer Yu Wensheng. Hong Kong protesters rally against Chinas national security law at Mongkok district in Hong Kong, on May 27, 2020. (Billy H.C. Kwok/Getty Images) Fu was the deputy minister of Public Security at the time. In September 2015, he was named the head of the 610 Office, tasked with cracking down on Falun Gong adherents. In March 2018, Fu was appointed the Minister of Justice. According to Minghui.org, in 2018 alone, at least 36 Falun Gong adherents lost their lives in prisons. Fus active role in the persecution campaign of Falun Gong has been reported to governments in 29 countries by Falun Gong practitioners. The adherents requested sanctions against Fu and his family, including visa restrictions and freezing of assets, Minghui.org reported. Soco Tseng, Gao Miao, and Hong Ning contributed to this report. This wanted poster is displayed at the Justice Department in Washington, Monday, on May 19, 2014, after Attorney General Eric Holder, and other security executives held a news conference where Holder announced that a U.S. grand jury has charged five Chinese hackers with economic espionage and trade secret theft, the first-of-its-kind criminal charges against Chinese military officials in an international cyber-espionage case. (AP Photo) China-based Servers Hinder Criminal Investigations and Data Can be Accessed: US Prosecutor With U.S. companies using servers in China to hold customer data, it has become increasingly difficult for U.S. authorities to access that information for criminal investigations. By moving the data to the PRC, service providers are increasingly putting evidence of crimes out of the reach of prosecutors and agents, said Carolyn Pokorny, deputy U.S. Attorney in Brooklyn. Pokorny made the statement in a recent cybersecurity conference held at New Yorks Fordham University, according to a Reuters report. Beijing can also use its control over electronic data to target dissidents living abroad, Pokorny said. Abused Access of Customer Data According to Pokorny, U.S. service providers have told prosecutors they cannot respond to some search warrants because the data being sought is held by a China-based entity. The abuse of electronic data by Beijing authorities has caused general concern and is widely reported recently. For instance, leaked audio from more than 80 internal TikTok meetings, indicated that China-based employees of ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, have repeatedly accessed nonpublic data about U.S. TikTok users, according to a June report of BuzzFeed News. Nine U.S. senators addressed their concern to TikTok CEO, Shou Zi Chew, that TikTok and ByteDance are exploiting U.S. consumer data to surveil Americans and the consequence extends beyond consumer data into the national security space. In response to the senators concern, TikTok claimed that they have not given U.S. data to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), but that the CCP has never asked for it either, according to BuzzFeeds report. Members of the Working Journalist of India (WJI) hold placards urging citizens to remove Chinese apps and stop using Chinese products during a demonstration against the Chinese newspaper Global Times, in New Delhi on June 30, 2020. TikTok on June 30 denied sharing information on Indian users with the Chinese government, after New Delhi banned the wildly popular app citing national security and privacy concerns. (Prakash Singh/AFP via Getty Images) Threat to National Security Just this March, the Justice Department charged five Individuals variously with stalking, harassing, and spying on U.S. residents for the Chinese secret police. According to the Justice Department statement, the defendants participated in transnational repression schemes to silence critics of the regime, and even planned a physical attack on a target living in the United States. Damian Williams, the top federal prosecutor in Manhattan, also spoke at the conference at Fordham University. He encouraged service providers that learn of criminal activity through data they host to report it to law enforcement rather than wait for search warrants. Wang Xiang contributed to this report. A logo of Didi Chuxing in Hangzhou in Zhejiang Province, China, on Sept. 4, 2018. (STR/AFP via Getty Images) China Fines Didi $1.2 Billion as Outlook for Tech Sector Remains Cloudy The Chinese regime fined ride-hailing giant Didi 8.026 billion yuan (about $1.2 billion) for data security breach following a yearlong probe that forced the company to delist from the United States. The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) said on July 21 that its investigation had found Didi violated the Cyber Security law, Data Security law, and Personal Information Protection law. The cybersecurity watchdog also fined Didis chief executive Cheng Wei and President Jean Liu 1 million yuan (about $148,000) each. The CAC didnt mention whether or when it would allow DiDis apps to return to the countrys App stores or when Didi could resume registering new users. Since last July, Chinese authorities have restricted such moves pending investigation. The CAC investigation into DiDi began in June 2021, making it one of the high-profile targets during the regimes regulatory crackdown on the countrys homegrown tech giants that started in 2020. A driver opens the Didi Chuxing ride-hailing app on his smartphone in Beijing on July 2, 2021. (Jade Gao/AFP via Getty Images) In a separate statement on Thursday, the internet regulator said Didi conducted data processing that seriously affected national security. In response to the fine, Didi said it sincerely accepted the decision. The company would conduct comprehensive self-examination and in-depth rectification, according to a post published on the microblogging platform Weibo. Environment Remains Troubling Didis fine would be equal to about 4 percent of the firms $27.3 billion sales last year. The penalty is less than the $2.75 billion fine paid by Alibaba last year, accounting for 4 percent of the e-commerce giants 2019 domestic sales. Alibabas fine was imposed by the regimes antitrust regulator. Didi has faced mounting pressure from Chinese regulators. The CAC probe began just two days after Didi made its debut on the New York Stock Exchange, raising $4.4 billion from global investors in one of the largest U.S. initial public offerings (IPO) of the decade. Chinas cybersecurity watchdog had asked Didi to delay its IPO and carry out a thorough self-examination weeks before the company went public, but Didi pushed ahead anyway, the Wall Street Journal reported last July. The company lost 80 percent of its market cap, or more than $60 billion, during the yearlong regulatory scrutiny, according to Bloomberg. Didi exited the U.S. stock market in June. While the announcement of the over $1 billion fine may mark the end of the cybersecurity watchdogs probe, Didi has come under scrutiny from the regimes other regulators as well. The company received two fines this month alone. On July 15, Chinas central bank slapped a total of 4.27 million yuan (about $631,000) fines on the Beijing-based company for mishandling users data and failing to verify customers identification. The State Administration for Market Regulation on July 11 announced a 500,000 yuan (about $73,890) fine on Didi and its subsidiaries, along with Alibaba and Tencent, for failing to disclose merger deals. The fine marks the maximum amount Chinas antitrust watchdog can impose. This closes a very difficult chapter for Didi but the business environment for tech companies remains troubling, said Fraser Howie, an expert on the Chinese financial system. Eva Fu and Reuters contributed to the report. A bubonic plague smear, prepared from a lymph removed from an adenopathic lymph node, or bubo, of a plague patient, demonstrates the presence of the Yersinia pestis bacteria that causes the plague in this undated photo. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/Getty Images) China Reports One Human Infection of Bubonic Plague in Northwestern Region of Ningxia BEIJINGThe northwestern Chinese region of Ningxia reported one human infection of plague, state television said late on Tuesday. The caseload of human plague infection, a highly infectious and severe disease, is low in China, with just one in 2021 and no deaths, down from four infections and three deaths in 2020, according to data from the National Health Commission, which does not specify the types of plague for each person. The infected person had arrived in Ningxia from an outside area, state television said. It did not provide further details. The actual number of casualties from such events may be much higher, as the Chinese regime routinely suppresses or alters information. The latest case was bubonic plague, state television said. Bubonic plague is the most common plague form of human plague and less severe than a lung-based type, which can be fatal if not diagnosed and treated early, the World Health Organization said. By Roxanne Liu and Ryan Woo A worker disinfects the floor outside the inflated cabins at the pop-up Huo-Yan Laboratory set up to test samples for COVID-19 virus in Nanjing in east China's Jiangsu Province on July 28, 2021. (Chinatopix/Via AP) Chinas Omicron Variant Outbreak May Affect Industry in Yangtze River Delta Global solar energy supply chains may be affected A few weeks after Shanghais reopening from its three-month lockdown, another outbreak of Omicron variant BA.5 occurred in Shanghai City, Anhui Province, and other areas. As of July 12, there were 804 areas in mainland China designated as medium or high-risk due to active COVID-19 cases. The Yangtze River Delta industrial area, including 73 high-risk areas, is also affected, with 34 located in Anhui Province and 39 in Jiangsu Province. As reports of new cases emerged in Shanghai on July 11, some neighborhood committees advised residents to start preparing 14-day stockpile of supplies. The press conference on epidemic prevention and control in Shanghai announced that from July 1214, all residents in Huangpu District, Xuhui District, Changning District, Jingan District, Putuo District, Hongkou District, Yangpu District, Minhang District, Baoshan District, and any other regions with new cases would have to undergo another round of PCR testing for COVID-19. In Pudong New District, a seven-day lockdown management in certain neighborhoods was enforced two days earlier on July 10, with all residents required to do four screenings within the week-long lockdown period. Anhui is an important economic hub in the Yangtze River Delta region. From June 26 to July 6, Sixian County in northeastern Anhui Province reported more than 1,000 cases of infection. Starting from July 1, local authorities imposed stay-at-home control over Sixian County and the nearby Lingbi County. When new cases were reported on July 11, the local area continued to adhere to non-essential, non-moving isolation and control. Official have not said when the lockdown will be lifted. There are also outbreaks in many areas of Jiangsu Province. On July 11, new local cases emerged in Wuxi City, Suzhou City, and Lianyungang City. Ganyu District of Lianyungang City imposed a snap lockdown on the morning of July 11, and residents had to queue up for PCR tests in the rain. Zhejiang Province reported new local positive cases on July 11. At 7 p.m. that night, Xiaoshan District, Hangzhou City released news of a local epidemic, and some citizens of Xiaoshan District saw their health codes turn yellow. Local authorities required these citizens to perform three PCR tests for three consecutive days from the day their health code turned yellow. Economic Impact The GDP of Jiangsu Province ranks second in China, and it is also the main production center of solar energy products in the world. Chinas solar cell industry enterprises are mainly located in the eastern coastal areas of the Yangtze River Delta, with most concentrated in Jiangsu Province in eight solar industrial parks. As the epidemic continues to spread again, global solar energy product supplies may be affected. Yiwu town in Zhejiang Province is the worlds largest wholesale market for small commodities. Also affected by the epidemic, Yiwu Airport announced on July 3 that it was temporarily canceling all flights to Beijing. The Epoch Times noticed that the flights have not resumed as of press time. Xiao Di (pseudonym) from Ningbo City of Zhejiang Province told The Epoch Times, The authorities treat the epidemic as very high priority. Even if there are only a few infected people, all residents throughout the city have to take the nucleic acid test. If residents need to go to hospitals, banks, and other public areas, they must provide nucleic acid test result taken within 48 hours. The key is that lockdown measures have too much impact on the operation of enterprises. For example, Beilun Port in Ningbo is the fourth largest port in the world, so many employees were taken away for quarantine during the last epidemic, causing supply chain disruptions and port congestion. If all employees stop working, how could you avoid port congestion? Hu Jun (pseudonym) from Xiaoshan District of Hangzhou City told The Epoch Times that even if work and production resumes soon, the epidemic has had a huge impact on small and medium-sized enterprises. Many companies have gone bankrupt, some business owners have gone to find another job, and many people have lost their jobs. E-commerce and logistics companies have strict nucleic acid requirements, and those who have tested positive or have been in the quarantine cabin wont be considered when they apply for a job position in these industries. Moreover, migrant workers who come to Hangzhou from Shanghai are all told to go back to Shanghai; they are generally not accepted in other areas, he said, citing the tendency to now consider people from Shanghai as potential virus carriers due to the strict lockdowns in the city earlier this year. When Xiaoshan District was placed under lockdown a few days ago, the news outlets kept silent; but when the lockdown was lifted, it was opened with great fanfare, Hu said. The Highland Acres neighborhood in Bismarck has been added to the National Register of Historic Places after a long collaborative effort involving the city, state and neighborhood volunteers. It becomes the capital city's third such district, joining the Downtown Bismarck Historic District and the Cathedral Area Historic District. Amy Sakariassen said she remembers moving to Bismarck in 1981 and thinking she couldn't wait to see Highland Acres be old enough for the National Register, the federal governments list of properties considered worthy of preservation and recognition. The chair of the Bismarck Historic Preservation Commission said she was thrilled to see the district receive the designation. "It took a long time but it's pretty exciting," she said. "From the first time I laid eyes on the neighborhood I thought it was pretty special and unique. It speaks to such a time period and such a spirit of development and planning." The process did not come without controversy, however, with some neighborhood residents viewing it as a tactic to delay the installation of sidewalks. Neighborhood history Highland Acres was developed after World War II as a housing cooperative for returning veterans and their families. Sakariassen said the design and layout of the district was novel for its time: curved streets, irregularly shaped lots and cul-de-sacs to fit the hilly topography of the area. She said the way the district is organized tells a story about the people who built and lived there. "I can go into a neighborhood anywhere and I can look at the houses, pick out what is dominant and know then what the values to that area (were) and the time that it was built," she said. "This was a neighborhood that was built for veterans -- a place they could afford to live in -- and you can see there was a desire for a sense of community, sheltering, comforting -- a kind of retreat for them." The historic district includes the original 1946 planned and platted area for Highland Acres, the 1960 Second Addition, and replatted subdivisions from 1953 and 1963. The boundary was based upon the development timeline, the age of buildings, and the visual and aesthetic connections of properties. Sakariassen said almost all of the houses in the district are considered to be contributing, or adding historical integrity, to the district as a whole. Senior City Planner Will Hutchings said there has been a request to add the Torrance Addition as an amendment, which would put around 20 homes along Arthur Drive on the Register if approved. Nomination history The nomination process was started in 2017 by a group consisting mostly of Highland Acres homeowners, including Bruce Whittey, who helped spearhead the project. Whittey, who moved to Highland Acres 18 years ago, said he is a second-generation resident, as his parents had lived in the neighborhood in the 1960s and '70s. He said he was inspired to start the nomination process after learning about his neighborhood's history and seeing the Cathedral Area Historic District develop. "I think this particular neighborhood has just a fascinating history," Whittey said. "It is such a compelling story that is unique for North Dakota; we just thought it was a good move." After the completion of some site surveys, the project turned out to be too much for the group of volunteers, so they "needed to call in the professionals," Whittey said. A year later the city of Bismarck became a "certified local government" so that it could provide resources for historic preservation projects. Cities can become a certified local government through a National Park Service program under which municipalities become eligible for funding and other aid by committing to local preservation efforts, so future generations can be aware of their cultural heritage. Bismarck hired Metcalf Archeological Consultants in 2020 to complete site surveys with assistance from the State Historical Society of North Dakota. Highland acres was officially accepted by the Register on July 6, sooner than expected, according to Sakariassen. "It was so quick. The turnaround oftentimes is far longer than it was this time, so it meant it was a good nomination," she said. Sidewalk dispute Adding sidewalks to the neighborhood has been a contentious point for some homeowners over the years. There are sidewalks along areas such as main roads but not in more private cul-de-sac areas. Whittey in July 2017 asked the city to delay installing city-mandated sidewalks in Highland Acres for fear that it could disqualify the neighborhood from being listed in the Register. The City Commission has delayed sidewalk installation a few times since 2017. Supporters of sidewalks have said not having them is a safety concern and that the nomination project was used as a delay tactic. City Engineer Gabe Schell said now that the district is on the Register, sidewalk additions would first have to go through the Historic Preservation Commission and the State Historical Society. He added that as long as a proposed change is not too aggressive or impactful -- such as adding a retaining wall next to the sidewalk -- it is likely to be implemented. There are no plans to add sidewalks this year, but Schell said the city always welcomes input on where residents would, and would not, like to see sidewalks. Sakariassen said much of the opposition stemmed from a misunderstanding of what being on the National Register means. She said property owners will not face restrictions or covenants from the National Park Service unless they are receiving federal funds to maintain or repair their historical property. Having a property listed does not prevent homeowners from altering their property, restrict the use or sale of the property, or require times that the property must be open to the public, according to the State Historical Society. Significant alterations to a property can change its historically contributing status, however. "There isnt any downside, really," Sakariassen said. "It's just a nice recognition that the history of this place matters in this country." Vehicles are driven along the I-95 in Miami, Fla., on June 30, 2022. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images) Chinese-Made Vehicle GPS Tracker Has Severe Vulnerabilities: Report A popular Chinese-made automotive GPS tracker used in 169 countries has severe vulnerabilities, posing a potential danger to highway safety, national security, and supply chains, according to new research by a Boston-based cybersecurity firm. BitSight said in a press release it discovered six severe flaws in the MV720 GPS tracker, a hardwired device manufactured by Chinese company MiCODUS. If exploited in an attack, the flaws could allow threat actors to seize control of device-equipped vehicles remotely, cutting off fuel while a vehicle is in motion, or surveilling its movements, according to the BitSight report published on July 19. BitSight researchers noted that 1.5 million such GPS tracking devices are currently in use by companies and individuals. The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) issued warnings about the devices flaws on Tuesday. The agency said it wasnt aware that public exploits specifically target these vulnerabilities. U.S. cybersecurity expert Richard Clarke expressed concern about the Chinese regime. If China can remotely control vehicles in the United States, we have a problem, Clarke said in the press release. BitSight said the efforts to engage with the Shenzhen-based manufacturer MiCODUS to discuss the GPS trackers vulnerabilitiesbeginning in September last year, with CISA joining it in late Aprilall failed. The Epoch Times reached out to MiCODUS for comment on the BitSight report. A sales manager responded in an email, stating that the MV720 is a common vehicle GPS tracker and the company never used this product to do any illegal actions. Not Difficult to Exploit GPS trackers are used globally to monitor vehicle fleetsfrom trucks to school buses to military vehiclesand protect them against theft. In addition to collecting data on vehicle location, they typically monitor other metrics such as driver behavior and fuel usage. Via remote access, many are wired to cut off a vehicles fuel or alarm, lock or unlock its doors, and more. But the vulnerabilities in the affected device could also allow hackers to gain control of the vehicle. For example, a bad actor could track individuals without their knowledge, remotely disable fleets of corporate supply and emergency vehicles, [and] abruptly stop civilian vehicles on dangerous highways, according to the BitSight report. An engineering student takes part in a hacking challenge near Paris on March 16, 2013. (Thomas Samson/AFP via Getty Images) Unfortunately, these vulnerabilities are not difficult to exploit, said Pedro Umbelino, the principal BitSight researcher on the project. He said multiple malicious scenarios are possible. For example, a victims vehicle could be crippled, or a hacker could shut off an engine and demand a cryptocurrency ransom from victims to avoid calling a mechanic. The researchers listed key users of the GPS trackers, including a Fortune 50 energy company, a national military in South America, a government in Western Europe, and a national military in Eastern Europe. The report didnt provide entity names. BitSight researchers urged users to immediately disable the MV720 GPS tracker, which is available on major online retailers and costs less than $25 per unit, until a fix is made available by the company. Clarke called the GPS device yet another example of a smart Chinese-made product that is phoning home and could be used maliciously by the Chinese government. While Clarke said he doubted the tracker was designed for that purpose, the danger is real because Chinese companies are obliged by law to follow the Chinese Communist Partys orderswhich is why Washington has been seeking to minimize Chinese components in U.S. telecoms networks, and why some U.S. lawmakers are pushing for a ban on U.S. government purchases of Chinese drones. You just wonder, how often are we going to find these things that are infrastructurewhere theres a potential for Chinese abuseand the users dont know? Clarke told The Associated Press. Luo Ya and The Associated Press contributed to this report. Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks to winners of the Leaders of Russia Competition, the flagship project of the RussiaLand of Opportunity presidential platform in the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, on July 7, 2022. (Mikhail Klimentyev, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP) CIA Director Responds to Claims Putin Is in Poor Health or Dying The head of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) responded to frequent claims that Russian President Vladimir Putin is in poor health amid the conflict in Ukraine. CIA Director William Burns told an audience that Putin was entirely too healthy and made note of the rumors, which are often featured in UK tabloids. Earlier this year, there was speculation and anonymously sourced reports that alleged Putin, 69, was suffering from some form of cancer and even was allegedly bathing in the blood of deer antlers to deal with the ailmenta rumor that has never been officially confirmed. There are lots of rumors about President Putins health, and as far as we can tell, hes entirely too healthy, Burns said, according to media reports. But the CIA director, a former diplomat who was stationed in Moscow, said that his remark about Putin was not a formal intelligence judgment. Burns made the remarks at the Aspen Security Forum in Colorado on Wednesday. And on Thursday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peksov issued a similar comment and said Putin is in good health. Everything is fine with his health, he said in response to a question at his daily briefing. You know that Ukrainian information specialists, and American and British ones, have been throwing out various fakes about the state of the presidents health in recent months. These are nothing but fakes, he added. More Details During his speech, Burns also elaborated on what Putin might be thinking during the months-long war in Ukraine. CIA Director William Burns speaks during a House Intelligence Committee hearing on worldwide threats, in Washington, on April 15, 2021. (Tasos Katopodis/Pool via Reuters/File Photo) He believes the key to doing that is to recreate a sphere of influence in Russias neighborhood and he cannot do that without controlling Ukraine, he said. In February, two days before the launch of the war in Ukraine, Putin released a speech saying that he believes the Kyiv government is getting too close to NATO and accused the military bloc of continually expanding eastward. The Russian president, who described the invasion as a special military operation, added that Ukraines government had persecuted Russian speakers in the country following the 2014 color revolution that toppled a Putin-friendly government and replaced it with one thats more aligned with the West. Burns added, Putin really does believe his rhetoric. Ive heard him say this privately over the years that Ukraine is not a real country. After nearly six months of conflict, U.S. estimates suggest that Russia has lost 15,000 troops while some 45,000 have been injured, according to the CIA chief. And, the Ukrainians have suffered as well, probably a little less than that. But, you know, significant casualties, he added. Burns noted that Moscow has adapted following significant tactical failures during the start of the conflict and is now concentrating on the eastern Donbass region. Falun Gong practitioners take part in a rally to commemorate the 23rd anniversary of the launch of the Chinese regime's persecution of spiritual group Falun Gong, on the National Mall in Washington on July 21, 2022. (Larry Dye/The Epoch Times) DC Rally Urges Aggressive Actions by Congress to End CCPs Forced Organ Harvesting of Falun Gong Practitioners WASHINGTONMore than 1,500 Falun Gong practitioners gathered on the National Mall on July 21 to call for an end to the Chinese communist regimes persecution of the faith group. With the U.S. Capitol in the background, speakers at a rally highlighted the growing awareness of the forced organ harvesting of detained Falun Gong practitioners and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP)s threat to the United States. Forced organ harvesting is one of the most barbaric practices in human history. And its past time for real accountability, Rep. Steve Chabot (R-Ohio) said, noting that Congress must take aggressive actions against the crime. America is finally waking up to the threat posed by China. And we all need to hear your story, understand how brutal the CCP has been to you, and learn from your experience. Rep. Steve Chabot (R-Ohio) speaks at a rally to commemorate the 23rd anniversary of the launch of the Chinese regimes persecution of spiritual group Falun Gong, held on the National Mall in Washington on July 21, 2022. (Larry Dye/The Epoch Times) July 20 marked 23 years since the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) launched its sweeping campaign to eradicate Falun Gong, a spiritual practice involving meditative exercises and a set of moral teachings based on the tenets of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance. The practices popularity, with an estimated 70 million to 100 million adherents in China by 1999, was perceived by the Party as a threat to its authoritarian control over society. Congress Absolutely Must Act Speakers at the rally also urged support for the Stop Forced Organ Harvesting Act of 2021, legislation that would sanction those responsible for forced organ harvesting and prohibit the export of medical devices used in the grisly practice. An independent tribunal in 2019 found that the Chinese regime had, for years, been killing detained prisoners of conscienceprimarily Falun Gong practitionersfor their organs to supply the organ transplant market on a significant scale, a practice that continues today. Ambassador Andrew Bremberg, president of the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation (VOC), a Washington-based advocacy group, urged Congress to take the lead in passing the legislation. Andrew Bremberg, president of the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation, speaks at a rally in Washington on July 21, 2022, calling for an end to the 23-year-long persecution of Falun Gong. (Lisa Fan/The Epoch Times) It is now known that due to CCP policies, highly trained surgeons have, for decades, been turned into executioners of prisoners on the operating table, he said, referring to the findings of VOC fellow Matthew Robertsons April paper in the American Journal of Transplantation. Millions of people who practice Falun Gong in China have been imprisoned, tortured, or killed, Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-Fla.) said in his video message to rally attendees. If we remain silent in the face of these transgressions, we neglect that moral imperative and do so at the peril of civil society. In his video speech, Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) said: America has an obligation to uphold and promote the ability to practice religion free of government hindrance. Allowing the Chinese Communist Party to continue this vicious cycle of persecution without consequences is a dereliction of moral duty. Rep. Scott Perry (R-Pa.) also sent his virtual speech: Chinas persecution of the Falun Gong, whether its forced organ harvesting, unjust imprisonment, or forced labor, is evil. Its perverse. Falun Gong practitioners take part in a rally to commemorate the 23rd anniversary of the launch of the Chinese regimes persecution of the spiritual group Falun Gong, on the National Mall in Washington on July 21, 2022. (Larry Dye/The Epoch Times) Congress absolutely must act, ensuring that millions of Falun Gong practitioners are not denied the freedom to exercise their religious belief. Perry also noted that he introduced the Falun Gong Protection Act (H.R.6319) last December. The legislation would sanction individuals who are involved or have contributed to forced organ harvesting of Falun Gong practitioners and asks the State Department to evaluate whether the persecution constitutes genocide. Religious Freedom Worsened in China Commissioner Eric Ueland of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) said the religious freedom condition in China has rapidly deteriorated in the past decade. Not since the worst day of the Cultural Revolution have you seen such widespread and terrible persecution of religious communities in China, including the Falun Gong, Ueland said at the rally. Eric Ueland, commissioner at the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, speaks at a rally in Washington on July 21, 2022, marking the 23rd year since the commencement of the Chinese regimes persecution of Falun Gong. (Lisa Fan/The Epoch Times) He said USCIRF had repeatedly noted the persecution of Falun Gong and that some practitioners had even died at the hands of Chinese officials. This shocks the conscience and should seize our souls, Ueland said. Annie Boyajian, a vice president at Freedom House, a human rights organization, said the persecution of Falun Gong had worsened over the past five years, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. She also worried that Falun Gong practitioners and Catholics in Hong Kong might be targeted in the coming year. Many may not know that some of the architects of repression in Xinjiang perfected those techniques on Tibetans and Falun Gong practitioners, Boyajian said. Piero Tozzi, a senior adviser to Rep. Chris Smith (R-N.J.), who introduced the House version of the Stop Forced Organ Harvesting Act of 2021, thanked Falun Gong practitioners for exposing the crimes of forced organ harvesting. Sadly, it is you, the Falun Gong, who, because of your clean living and good health, have been targeted by this horrible, horrible practice, he said. He told the audience that the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, co-chaired by Rep. Smith, held a May hearing documenting forced organ harvesting in-depth. The Act has to pass this year, or it will have to be reintroduced in 2023. In March 2021, Sens. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) and Christopher Coons (D-Del.) introduced the Senate version of the legislation, and Rep. Thomas Suozzi (D-N.Y.) joined Rep. Smith in introducing the House version. Safeguarding Free Will in China and the US Arthur Zhang, a U.S. Air Force staff sergeant based in Florida and a Falun Gong practitioner, at the National Mall in Washington on July 21, 2022. (Lisa Fan/The Epoch Times) Arthur Zhang, a U.S. Air Force staff sergeant based in Florida, took the day off to participate in the event. To him, raising awareness of the persecution of Falun Gong in China and safeguarding the United States are two sides of the same coin; they are both about upholding virtue, his priority in life. When the persecution began overnight on July 20, 1999, Zhang was a 17-year-old high school senior in a small county in Chinas Hebei Province. He had begun practicing Falun Gong three years earlier. For following Falun Gongs tenets of truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance and refusing to denounce them to the CCP, he lost the opportunity to attend a university in Beijing and later his choice of graduate school. He endured torture during his one-year term in a Chinese labor camp. In February 2001, at a reeducation camp dispatch office in a suburb of Beijing, a dozen policemen shocked four Falun Gong practitioners with electric batons for declaring that Falun Dafa is good. Zhang was one of the four. His teeth were clenched in a tight bite as the rods landed on his face, mouth, and neck. He couldnt open his mouth and lost control of his facial muscles. As electric batons buzzed loudly next to his ears, he barely held on to his mind. I am not dead. Im not dead, Zhang said he kept telling himself. I wont say Falun Dafa is bad, even if I were to die. In January 2002, Zhang was released from Tuanhe Labor Camp in Beijing. After graduating from a university in Hebei Province, he worked in Shanghai for a U.S. corporation, through which he obtained a visa to visit the United States. As a result of an application in 2012, he was granted asylum in 2014. Falun Gong practitioners march down Pennsylvania Avenue to commemorate the 23rd anniversary of the Chinese Communist Partys persecution of the spiritual practice in China, in Washington on July 21, 2022. (Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times) As he was looking for a way to give back to the United States, he came across the U.S. Air Forces recruitment information in 2016. The values of integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do resonated with him deeplyso much so that he became a rookie at 35, almost twice as old as the youngest recruit in his 52-member cohort. The Air Forces core values are similar to the principles taught by Falun Gong, such as to be honest, to consider others first, to sacrifice, and to bear our responsibilities, Zhang told The Epoch Times. The then-35-year-old had never been to a gym before joining the Air Force. Yet with grit, he passed the physical test and graduated in 2017 with a distinguished student award. Zhang said he wanted to offer insights gained from life experience to help safeguard the United States, his adopted country that he believes is under attack from communism on many fronts. To him, the CCP imposes its will on people, takes away their free will, and deprives them of critical thinking and options to make their own choices. Of all the people [who have] had their free will destroyed by the CCP, they either blindly follow it or hate it. Yet they are under the CCPs control, Zhang said. Falun Gong has enabled me to transcend that and see the CCP beyond my own persecution experience. Falun Gong practitioners take part in a rally held in at the National Mall, Washington, on July 21, 2022, to commemorate the 23rd anniversary of the launch of the Chinese regimes persecution of spiritual group Falun Gong. (Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times) The service member said he wanted to help more people lead a normal life by ridding them of the CCPs control and restoring their free will. So he was glad to see that the federal grand jury recently indicted five peopleChinese and non-Chinese alikefor allegedly repressing Chinese dissidents on U.S. soil. Zhang said Chinese agents have done the same to Falun Gong practitioners in the United States for decades. Raising awareness about the persecution of Falun Gong in China would help secure the United States and its values, he said. Other speakers at the rally included Sean Nelson, legal counsel at the Alliance Defending Freedom International; Arielle Del Turco, assistant director of the Center for Religious Liberty at the Family Research Council; Darren Spinck, associate research fellow at Henry Jackson Society; Christina Sturgeon, assistant to the executive director at Jubilee Campaign USA; Alan Adler, executive director of Friends of Falun Gong; Luna Lyu, a victim of the persecution of Falun Gong; Rong Yi, president of the New York-based Tuidang (Quit the Party) Center; and Wang Zhiyuan of the World Organization to Investigate the Persecution of Falun Gong. Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.) also sent a video greeting to the rally attendees. The rally was followed by a march from the National Mall to Freedom Plaza. A candlelight vigil was scheduled for the evening of July 21 in front of the Washington Monument. Falun Gong practitioners march down Pennsylvania Avenue to commemorate the 23rd anniversary of the Chinese Communist Partys persecution of the spiritual practice in China, in Washington on July 21, 2022. (Chung I Ho/ The Epoch Times) Falun Gong practitioners march down Pennsylvania Avenue to commemorate the 23rd anniversary of the Chinese Communist Partys persecution of the spiritual practice in China, in Washington on July 21, 2022. (Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times) Falun Gong practitioners march down Pennsylvania Avenue to commemorate the 23rd anniversary of the Chinese Communist Partys persecution of the spiritual practice in China, in Washington on July 21, 2022. (Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times) Falun Gong practitioners march down Pennsylvania Avenue to commemorate the 23rd anniversary of the Chinese Communist Partys persecution of the spiritual practice in China, in Washington on July 21, 2022. (Larry Dye/The Epoch Times) Falun Gong practitioners march down Pennsylvania Avenue to commemorate the 23rd anniversary of the Chinese Communist Partys persecution of the spiritual practice in China, in Washington on July 21, 2022. (Chung I Ho/ The Epoch Times) Falun Gong practitioners march down Pennsylvania Avenue to commemorate the 23rd anniversary of the Chinese Communist Partys persecution of the spiritual practice in China, in Washington on July 21, 2022. (Larry Dye/ The Epoch Times) Falun Gong practitioners march down Pennsylvania Avenue to commemorate the 23rd anniversary of the Chinese Communist Partys persecution of the spiritual practice in China, in Washington on July 21, 2022. (Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times) Falun Gong practitioners march down Pennsylvania Avenue to commemorate the 23rd anniversary of the Chinese Communist Partys persecution of the spiritual practice in China, in Washington on July 21, 2022. (Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times) Falun Gong practitioners march down Pennsylvania Avenue to commemorate the 23rd anniversary of the Chinese Communist Partys persecution of the spiritual practice in China, in Washington on July 21, 2022. (Larry Dye/ The Epoch Times) Falun Gong practitioners take part in a rally held at the National Mall, Washington, on July 21, 2022, to commemorate the 23rd anniversary of the launch of the Chinese regimes persecution of spiritual group Falun Gong. (Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times) Falun Gong practitioners march down Pennsylvania Avenue to commemorate the 23rd anniversary of the Chinese Communist Partys persecution of the spiritual practice in China, in Washington on July 21, 2022. (Chung I Ho/ The Epoch Times) Falun Gong practitioners march down Pennsylvania Avenue to commemorate the 23rd anniversary of the Chinese Communist Partys persecution of the spiritual practice in China, in Washington on July 21, 2022. (Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times) Falun Gong practitioners march down Pennsylvania Avenue to commemorate the 23rd anniversary of the Chinese Communist Partys persecution of the spiritual practice in China, in Washington on July 21, 2022. (Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times) Falun Gong practitioners march down Pennsylvania Avenue to commemorate the 23rd anniversary of the Chinese Communist Partys persecution of the spiritual practice in China, in Washington on July 21, 2022. (Larry Dye/ The Epoch Times) Falun Gong practitioners march down Pennsylvania Avenue to commemorate the 23rd anniversary of the Chinese Communist Partys persecution of the spiritual practice in China, in Washington on July 21, 2022. (Larry Dye/ The Epoch Times) Falun Gong practitioners march down Pennsylvania Avenue to commemorate the 23rd anniversary of the Chinese Communist Partys persecution of the spiritual practice in China, in Washington on July 21, 2022. (Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times) Falun Gong practitioners march down Pennsylvania Avenue to commemorate the 23rd anniversary of the Chinese Communist Partys persecution of the spiritual practice in China, in Washington on July 21, 2022. (Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times) "Harry Potter" author J.K. Rowling lights the Empire State Building to mark the launch of her nonprofit children's organization Lumos, in New York on April 9, 2015. (Evan Agostini/Invision/AP Photo) Demands to Cancel J.K. Rowling Are Latest Example of Community Censorship, Analysts Say The demands of transgender activists and other progressives for Warner Bros. to stop producing films based on the fictional worlds of author J.K. Rowling, and for the studio to dissociate itself officially from Rowling and her work, are among the latest efforts to censor viewpoints and sources by exerting enormous public pressure on the corporations behind them, experts on censorship say. For corporations, the reputational and financial costs of failing to comply with such demands run so high that they cannot afford to ignore them, they say. For activists, such community censorship can prove an effective way around the protections that the First Amendment confers on controversial speech. Rowlingthe author of the seven Harry Potter books that have sold more than half a billion copies worldwide and given rise to a $7.7 billion cinematic franchisehas come under attack for public statements insisting on the reality of sex differences and for comments labeled transphobic by her critics. After the firing of a researcher from a British think tank in 2019 for posting on Twitter that it is impossible to change sex, Rowling came to the researchers defense with tweets questioning whether women should be forced out of their jobs for stating that sex is real. These public stances have stirred up online mobs against Rowling. One of the latest salvos in the controversy is a June 13 opinion piece in Newsweek written by Fox Fisher, who is identified in the authors bio as a brown, queer, pansexual, non-binary, trans masculine artist, author, filmmaker, and educator. Fisher says that its been difficult to get excited about any new films because of the anti-trans views of the writer. The big question is how Warner Bros., the studio behind the films, can square its patronage of J.K. Rowling with an increasingly vigilant Potter fan base. Acknowledging that Warner Bros. has taken modest steps in the past to chasten Rowling, who was mostly absent from the recent 25th-anniversary celebrations of the film franchise, Fisher complains about a statement released by the studio calling Rowling one of the worlds most accomplished storytellers. Denouncing Rowling for a stance that fuels the current moral panic happening in the U.K. n trans rights, Fisher calls on the studio not to have anything to do with Rowling, and even to castigate her in the strongest and most public way. Warner should publicly denounce her, buy her out of the films or even decide not to make any more while she remains at the helm of the franchise, Fisher writes, before concluding that the studios association with Rowling will never sit well with trans people and their allies, and their voices are becoming louder. Mattels Harry Potter action figures are displayed at the Mattel showroom at the 2004 Toy Fair in New York City on Feb. 15, 2004. (Stephen Chernin/Getty Images) A Worsening Trend Experts who follow censorship in the realms of media, publishing, and film and television see the fierce public pressures exerted in this type of online campaign as an increasingly common tactic on the part of would-be censors. While the First Amendment prevents the government from enacting laws that suppress free speech, corporate sponsors are well within their legal rights to drop an author or choose not to produce a work based on a given source, and they are highly susceptible to the financial pressures that an effort at cancellation may bring to bear. Some may call these pressures cancel culture, the notion that peoples beliefs or views are simply beyond the pale of respectability. I would refer to it as community censorship. I mean certain political, cultural, and social forces trying to triangulate to impose pressure on the corporate entity to either drop the author, or, in this case, to cease promoting that authors work, Clay Calvert, a professor of law and director of the Marion B. Brechner First Amendment Project at the University of Florida, told The Epoch Times. Questions of free speech and creative freedom have grown more complex as the focus of the new censorship has evolved. The targets of community censorship go beyond just people accused of having engaged in ethically questionable or illegal behaviorsuch as Woody Allen, whose publisher Hachette Book Group dropped plans to publish his book Apropos of Nothing in March 2020 in the wake of allegations that he had sexually abused Dylan Farrow as a childand encompass individuals who have merely expressed views that are unpopular in certain quarters, Calvert acknowledged. A private entity, such as a publisher, clearly has the right to drop or author or choose not to publish because of, as in Woody Allens case, alleged sexual impropriety with a child. But the bigger question has to do with cases like Rowlings, which is different from the Woody Allen case because its about a viewpoint that she holds on transgender issues. There are certain views today [for which] theres going to be payback and repercussions, and that disincentivizes the expression of those views, Calvert added. So thats where the chilling effect on free speech comes in if you are an author who holds a view that doesnt fit in with what are perceived as normal views according to certain contemporary standards, he continued. More actions like the campaign targeting Rowling are likely in months to come, as the vocal nature of a certain segment of the Harry Potter fan base reflects a reality that increasingly characterizes most, if not all, global media franchises, experts say. Most of us dont watch stories without thinking about what they mean for the world and for our own experience. So to pretend that theres a neutral story seems perhaps nearsighted or overly simplistic, Ashley Hinck, a professor of communications at Xavier University, told The Epoch Times. Harry Potter fans arent unique in this regard. All of us are increasingly using the media that were fans of to do politics in the real world, whether its Harry Potter, or Marvel, or Star Wars. People are increasingly turning to the fan communities that theyre a part of in order to raise money for charity, Hinck observed, lamenting the vitriol, ad hominem attacks, and threats that so often attend online controversies among fan bases. We shouldnt be harassing or threatening other people. So I think the fan community is invested in that; theyve spent a long time trying to build civic norms around how to talk about political issues, Hinck said. The Firing of Grant Napear As a further example of this gathering trend, Calvert pointed to the decision of Sacramento, California, radio station KHTK Sports corporate owner to fire afternoon talk show host and personality Grant Napear in May 2020, after Napear sent out a tweet stating, ALL LIVES MATTER . . . EVERY SINGLE ONE!!! Napear sent the tweet in response to former Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins asking what Napear thought about Black Lives Matter, which got national attention in the aftermath of George Floyds death. A man holds a Black Lives Matter sign as a police car burns during a protest in Atlanta, Ga., on May 29, 2020. Demonstrations are being held across the U.S. after George Floyd died in police custody on May 25 in Minneapolis, Minn. (Elijah Nouvelage/Getty Images) After Napears tweet, Bonneville International, the corporate owner of KHTK, released a statement saying that the company was saddened by Napears particularly insensitive comments and announcing that After reviewing the matter carefully, we have made the difficult decision to part ways with Grant. After his firing, Napears attorney, Matthew Ruggles, initiated a wrongful termination lawsuit in October 2021 against Bonneville International, seeking compensation for lost income and for a decision that some view as having wrecked his career. Bonneville is trying to have the lawsuit dismissed. Napears termination violates not one but two California statutes, the Fair Employment Housing Act and the Labor Code, Ruggles told The Epoch Times. Ruggles is currently in the discovery phase of the litigation against Bonneville and expects the matter to go to trial in 2023 or possibly in 2024. Bonneville and those who support its decision have severely misconstrued Napears use of the phrase All lives matter and imposed illegal strictures on employees freedom of expression, Ruggles said. They interpret the phrase as a repudiation of the notion the black lives matter, which is completely ridiculous and perverse. We alleged that under the California Labor Code, it is illegal for a company to either have a policy that prohibits any particular expression, or prohibits people from expressing their politics. And to the extent that the tweet was a counter-statement, it was a political statement, and that was protected by the law, Ruggles argued. In Ruggless view, Bonnevilles actions are all the more objectionable because Napear was not acting as an official representative of the company when he wrote the tweet in question. Ruggles hastens to point out that when Napear sent the tweet, he was not at work and did not make use of any Bonneville facilities or resources. Instead, Napear was at home, writing on his private Twitter account. Bonneville may have been too concerned about the possible consequences for its bottom line if it allowed Napear to stay on, Ruggles believes. They claim an exemption from the law because they contend that, as a radio personality, whatever Grant does publicly could bring disrepute to the radio station, Ruggles said. According to Ruggles, the implication that tweeting ALL LIVES MATTER is somehow a rebuke to the Black Lives Matter movement, and its goals do not find traction even with the relatives of George Floyd. Theyve all come out and said all lives matter. Even Phil Floyd, the brother of George Floyd, came out after the conviction [of former police officer Derek Chauvin] and said that all lives matter, and he wasnt spewing racial hatred, Ruggles said. People in Sacramento feel that Grant was treated quite wrongfully and that those who made the decision to fire him were not from Sacramento at all, and they want to impose their false beliefs on the city, he added. De-Platforming Mike Pence Former Vice President Mike Pence narrowly avoided an effort by student activists to block him from speaking at the University of Virginia on April 12. On March 17, the universitys student newspaper, The Cavalier Daily, ran a staff editorial titled Dangerous rhetoric is not entitled to a platform, which argued that Pences views on Black Lives Matter, gay marriage, transgender rights, and other social issues did not constitute a legitimate perspective that deserved a hearing in the interest of fostering diversity of viewpoint. The authors of the editorial argued that allowing Pence to speak at the university would give a platform to bigotry that threatens the well-being and safety of students. Former Vice President Mike Pence speaks to a crowd of supporters at the University Club of Chicago in Chicago, Ill., on June 20, 2022. (Jim Vondruska/Getty Images) The Cavalier Dailys Editorial Board does not condone platforming an individual that not only denies the existence of our diverse community, but participates in the violent rhetoric that perpetuates harm against these individuals, the editorial continued. In response to the editorial, 17 professors from various departments and disciplines wrote an open letter criticizing the editorials equation of speech with violence and stating that they felt saddened at the assumption that freedom of speech is for the Cavalier Dailys editors and not for those with different views. In the end, Pences talk went ahead as planned, but not without an intensive campaign of harassment directed against the planners of the event. Nickolaus Cabrera, the head of the University of Virginia chapter of Young Americans for Freedom, told The Epoch Times that posters he and his fellow organizers distributed quickly got vandalized, with devils horns drawn over Pences head. A satirical publication on campus called The Dependable Press ran negative, sarcastic, and ad hominem pieces with headlines like Is Democracy Dying? The Sad Truth: The Freedom to Oppress is Disappearing. These efforts to sabotage the talk did not elicit much response at official levels. The administration, despite being aware of the vandalism, took no investigative or disciplinary action, Cabrera said. Joseph Stalin, the former communist dictator of the Soviet Union, was once famously quoted as saying this: Those who vote decide nothing. Those who count the votes decide everything. There is some debate about whether that quote was really from Stalin or from someone else in the Communist Party, but regardless, that appeared to be the general sentiment regarding elections within communist Russia. And you know what, it appears that there are people in America who are taking this advice to heartspecifically, by working overtime not to influence who people vote for, but rather, how the underlying election system actually operates. Stay tuned for our newsletter so you wont miss out on our exclusive videos and private events. Listen to Podcasts: iTunes Podcast: https://ept.ms/FactsMatterApplePodcast Spotify Podcast: https://ept.ms/FactsMatterSpotifyPodcast Google Podcast: https://ept.ms/FactsMatterGooglePodcast Follow Facts Matter on social media: Twitter: https://twitter.com/FactsMatterRB Truth Social: https://truthsocial.com/@FactsMatterRoman Gettr: https://gettr.com/user/factsmatterrb Gab: https://gab.com/factsmatterroman Telegram: https://t.me/FactsMatter_Roman Instagram: @epoch.times.roman Click the Save button below the video to access it later on My List. Follow EpochTV on social media: Twitter: https://twitter.com/EpochTVus Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/EpochTV Truth Social: https://truthsocial.com/@EpochTV Gettr: https://gettr.com/user/epochtv Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EpochTVus Gab: https://gab.com/EpochTV Telegram: https://t.me/EpochTV A DJI Mavic 2 Pro and DJI Mavic Mini made by the Chinese drone maker fly near each other in Miami, Fla., on Dec. 15, 2021. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images) Democrats Should Stop Buying Chinas DJI Drones With American Taxpayer Money DJI is corrupting American democracy with millions in lobbyist expenditures Commentary Chinas DJI is selling drones to U.S. government agencies, including the FBI and DHS, and paying lobbyists in Washington to keep the flow going. The lobbyists are allegedly obstructing bills in Congress that would ban the practice. Instead of supporting American jobs and protecting American privacy, Democrats in the House of Representatives just stripped language from the upcoming defense spending bill that would ban federal money from going to Chinas drone companies and other firms that pose risks to U.S. national security. The House Rules Committee, which made the decision, is allegedly responding to Washington lobbyists hired by Da-Jiang Innovations (DJI). DJI spent millions of dollars over the years on these firms. Individual lobbyists improve their access by paying hundreds of thousands of dollars in campaign donations to key congresspersons. They can offer high-paid jobs to staff members, congresspeople, and their families, who are politically influential and can serve a corrupt, but legal, revolving door process. Lobbyists could therefore serve DJI, controlled by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), as a pass-through for donations and salaries despite laws against foreign contributions to U.S. electoral candidates. Its a well-greased track in the heart of Washington politics and one that can serve Chinese and Russian companies in spades. The logo of Chinese company DJI is seen at a store in Beijing, China, on Dec. 16, 2021. (Jade Gao/AFP via Getty Images) Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-Wis.), who sponsored the drone measure, lambasted the opposition and lobbyists to which they are allegedly beholden. Gallagher told the Financial Times, The language in this amendment hasnt changed since it passed the House in the Competes Act earlier this year and neither has the threat posed by DJI drones, but for some reason it seems Congresss appetite to debate this issue has. DJI hired the Vogel Group and Squire Patton Boggs as lobbyists to do its dirty work in Washington. The company has spent nearly $4 million since early 2018 on lobbying. For three months from April to June 2022, according to Jimmy Quinn in the National Review, Squire Patton Boggs got just $150,000 from DJIa paltry sum for selling out U.S. national security. Gallagher wrote in a statement sent to the National Review, This is the latest example of how the CCP uses the swamp against us. He said the lobbyists would rather sell out the country than lose a lucrative contract. Security expert Eric Sayers, at the American Enterprise Institute, also blamed lobbying on the Houses failure to include the drone language in the defense bill. While public attention has focused on DJI, leading to a drop in its market share commercially to 50 percent in 2021 from 62 percent the year prior, another drone manufacturer from China, called Autel, increased its share in the United States to 9 percent from 7 percent. Both companies are threats to U.S. national security. The bill to stop them is the American Security Drone Act (ASDA), which would forbid U.S. government agencies and the use of federal money granted to domestic law enforcement from buying commercial drones from adversary countries. It specifically bans purchases from companies influenced or controlled by the CCP. In 2017, the Pentagon banned the purchase of DJI drones. A DHS memo from the same year stated that DJI provides U.S. critical infrastructure and law enforcement data to the Chinese government and selectively targets government and privately owned entities within these sectors to expand its ability to collect and exploit sensitive U.S. data. DJI admitted that the company could access customer data if they opt to share it. As anyone knows who is daily confronted with the overly long and legalistic privacy policies ubiquitous on the internet, many customers opt-in without understanding the fine print or that the counterparty could be based in China. The DJI privacy policy looks bad enough, not to mention a DJI app that allegedly ran, according to researchers in 2020, in the background on users phones without their consent. Chinas national security laws require all companies operating in the country to provide it with any data demanded by the regime. Drones are deployed during a demonstration at the Los Angeles Fire Department ahead of DJIs AirWorks conference in Los Angeles, Calif., on Sept. 23, 2019. (Robyn Beck/AFP via Getty Images) In 2018, the Trump administration blacklisted DJI to prevent it from purchasing U.S. technology. And in 2021, the Biden administration added DJI to a list of Chinese military-industrial complex companies in which American investment is prohibited. The argument for allowing U.S. law enforcement to purchase Chinese drones relies on their cheaper price. But that comes at the expense of American jobs, the development of new American technologies, and the building of Americas industrial ecosystem, which the pandemic proved needs more robustness, depth, and flexibility. A stronger U.S. economy, achieved through buy-American policies, produces more tax revenue, which cancels out the price advantage (for government buyers) of Chinese drones. Chinas cheaper wages, worse labor conditions, lax environmental standards, and cyberespionage robbed America of the industrial base we built in the 20th century. If we dont reverse that trend soonincluding through requirements that American law enforcement buys American and allied dronesthe 21st century will be when the CCP not only eats our lunch, but achieves its goal of global hegemony. The House has failed, and now the ball is in the court of the Democrat-controlled Senate. It should include the ASDA language and demand that the defense spending bill ban the misuse of taxpayer money for drones from Chinas military-industrial complex. It just makes sensefor American privacy, security, and economic health. Any further failure on the part of Congress to pass this law will be the fault of Democrats, and result in more Democrats losing their seats in 2024. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Researchers keen to find out Australia is well known for its harsh sun and high rates of skin cancer, but there are questions over whether the regular use of sunscreen may interfere with vitamin D production and deficiency. This is what new research from the QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute will attempt to get to the bottom of, particularly in the southern states of Victoria and Tasmania, where a significant portion of the population is vitamin D deficient due to having less days of sunshine. The Sun-D Trial is the first ever large scale trial to look into the impact that applying SPF 50+ sunscreen has on a persons ability to produce the nutrient. Vitamin D is actually not a vitamin, but rather a hormone that plays an essential role in bone health by helping the body absorb and retain calcium and phosphorus. It also helps control infection and reduce inflammation. Very few foods contain adequate amounts of vitamin D and humans rely primarily on sun exposure to produce sufficient quantities of the hormone. While researchers are calling for participants from the states of Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, and Tasmania to sign up for the trial, they are particularly eager to recruit people from the latter two states because they have the highest prevalence of vitamin D deficiency. Getting the Sun Exposure-Sunscreen Balance Right According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, around 16 percent of Victorians are vitamin D deficient (blood vitamin D level less than 50 nmol/L) in summer and 49 percent in winter. Further south in Tasmania, summer and autumn sees around 33 percent of teenagers and adults vitamin D deficient, while in winter the figure jumps to around 66 percent, according to the Cancer Council of Tasmania reports. Traveller taking in the view on the Marions lookout trail in Cradle Mountain National Park, Tasmania, Australia. (Blue Planet Studio/Adobe Stock) One reason why vitamin D deficiency is so prevalent is these states is their distance from the equator, but lead researcher Professor Rachel Neale suspects overuse of sunscreen may be a contributing factor. Residents in these states are still told to wear sunscreen on any day where the UV index is forecast to reach or exceed threethats actually most of the year, she said. We want to make sure this advice is not causing vitamin D deficiency in these states, so we really urge people from Victoria and Tasmania to sign up. Neale said while its clear that sunscreen plays a vital role in reducing skin cancer risk in a country with the highest rate of skin cancer in the world, a lot of people are confused about how sunscreen might affect their vitamin D levels, which causes them to either avoid sunscreen or spend too much time outdoors in order to get that balance. The Sun-D Trial will provide evidence-based advice so we can clear up confusion in the community and the medical profession, arming people with the right information to enjoy the sun safely, she said. How the Trial Will Be Conducted To be eligible, participants need to be aged between 18 and 70, have fair or olive skin, and be taking no more than 400 IU of vitamin D supplements per day. Once signed up, they will be randomly assigned to either a sunscreen group, in which they will be given free sunscreen to apply every day or a group that carries on with their usual sun protection behaviour. The study goes for one year, and the reason that we need to do that is vitamin D varies across the year, so we need to have a look at how putting sunscreen on affects your vitamin D levels in summer, but also in winter, Neale said. Participants will complete monthly surveys and provide three blood samples over the course of the year, from which researchers will measure their vitamin D levels. This study is incredibly important because its going to guide the advice that we give people about how to balance the risks and benefits of sun exposure, she said. Electoral IncongruitiesObservations From Across the Pond Commentary Even before the 2020 election it was known that Iranian hackers were allegedly subverting it. Seyyed Kazemi, 24, and Sajjad Kashian, 27, allegedly sent tens of thousands of e-mails to Democrat voters, claiming to be the Proud Boys and threatening to come after them if they didnt vote for Trump. Also posing as the Proud Boys, they allegedly sent Republicans stories of Democrat electoral wrongdoings. The Justice Department called this a coordinated conspiracy in which Iranian hackers sought to undermine faith and confidence in the U.S. presidential election. But were the latter scams an example of subterfuge to cover up their real intentions? Iran would appear to have more to gain from a Democrat victory. Trump had pulled out of the Iranian nuclear deal and assassinated their national hero, Qasem Soleimani, whereas a Biden administration might just get that generous deal of President Barack Obamas going again. By October 2020, the FBI discovered that the hackers had allegedly accessed the voter registration databases and stolen the information of over 100,000 individuals living in Alaska. They had also tried this in at least 10 other states, though less successfully. Yet on Nov. 12, 2020, the Elections Infrastructure Government Coordinating Council and Sector Coordinating Executive Committees issued a joint statement that claimed the November 3rd election was the most secure in American history. Someone who did take those alerts very seriously was the former CEO of Overstock.com, Patrick Byrne. In an exclusive Epoch TV interview with Roman Balmakov, he explained how on the evening of Dec. 18, 2020, he visited the White House together with Gen. Mike Flynn and Sidney Powell and was able to secure an unscheduled meeting with the president. He claims President Donald Trump had no idea about the Iranian involvement and criticized his White House counsel Pat Cipollone for not having informed him. Byrne suggested that the foreign interference gave the president the legal powers he required to send investigators to election centers around the nation, and they agreed to focus on six key states. However, after his unexpected guests had left, Byrne says Trump was talked out of the plan by Rudi Giuliani, who feared they could be arrested as he didnt feel the evidence was strong enough. With that option gone, Trump then sent out his tweet about the Save America Rally in the early hours of Dec. 19, inviting people to come to D.C. for a peaceful protest. Insurrection or Set-Up? Five days after the protest, the British-born intelligence analyst Fiona Hill wrote a damning opinion piece for Politico, where she called the demonstration a coup that was thought up and planned by Trump, whom she compared to both Napoleon Bonaparte and Vladimir Putin. For proof, the former White House staffer wrote, I know the signs of a coup when I see them. Fox News reporter Chad Pergram called Jan. 6 the most significant breach of an American government institution since the British burned the Capitol after the Battle of Bladensburg on August 24, 1814. Reporter Doug Burton, who was there to cover the rally, later interviewed a retired civil servant and Trump supporter called Tricia, who told him: Police just let us in. We walked into the Capitol from the northwest side about 2.30 pm. Photos and video on her cellphone show Capitol Police standing silently in sentry positions. After 30 minutes of taking photographs and praying for a miracle, she was ushered outside, past marble steps splattered with Ashli Babbits blood. When another of the protesters, the QAnon shaman Jacob Chansley, eventually received a 41-month prison term, Judge Royce Lamberth told him: You didnt slug anybody, but what you did here was actually obstruct the functioning of the whole government. Its a serious crime. Compare that to the treatment given to the female gay activists who abseiled into the House of Lords chamber from the visitors gallery to disrupt the functioning of the UK parliament in 1988. They were protesting at the Section 28 law that banned the promotion of homosexuality. Thankfully, none of them were shot in the throat like poor Ashli Babbitt, and none of them were held in solitary confinement for years without charge. The two women who went over the balcony were merely told to leave the building. Their four accomplices were released after being held in a cell in the Big Ben tower for several hours. Afterward, they all went to the pub to celebrate. It was seen as a stunt and no more than thatrather like Chansley wearing his shaman regalia and sitting in Mike Pences chair. Oh wait, he got three years and five months. The Jan. 6 Show Trial The committee investigating the tragic incident have a problem. Almost a year ago, on Aug. 20, 2021, the FBI claimed scant evidence exists that the Jan. 6 protest was the result of an organized plot to overturn the presidential election result, Reuters reported. Nevertheless, they continue to claim that it was all Trumps idea. Vice chair Liz Cheney is one of two Republicans sitting on the committee. The other, Adam Kinzinger, also voted to impeach Donald Trump. Cheney recently stated, President Trump summoned the mob, assembled the mob, and lit the flame of this attack. So, will charges be brought to arrest the former president before the midterms? Bidens America already has political prisoners and show trials, so why not lock up opponents too? Insurrection is the juicy misnomer still being used to describe the events at Capitol Hill, despite none of the protesters who entered the building being armed. The USLegal.com definition of insurrection states: Insurrection is different from riots and offenses connected with mob violence. In insurrection there is an organized and armed uprising against authority or operations of government whereas riots and offenses connected with mob violence are simply unlawful acts in disturbance of the peace which do not threaten the stability of the government or the existence of political society. But, says the U.S. House Select Committee on the Jan. 6 attack, they did threaten the stability of the government and the existence of political society. It was a criminal conspiracy. Some questions the committee are unlikely to ask are: Who let the protesters into the secure building? What happened to the National Guard troops that Donald Trump authorized on Jan. 4? And what about: Were the Iranians working alone or with anyone on the inside? Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Even Woke Starbucks Determines LA and Seattle Arent Safe Commentary Starbucks recently announced the closing of 16 stores that it determined to be unsafe to continue to operate. A total of 12 of the 16 stores are in Seattle and Los Angeles, two of the most progressive cities in the United States. The other closures were also in progressive cities: Portland, Philadelphia, and Washington. There were no closures in Texas or Florida. Perhaps no company is more progressive or woke than Starbucks. Theyre publicly committed to making Starbucks the most inclusive company in the world. It was founded in Seattle and is led by the elitist billionaire Howard Schultz. He has generously given to progressive causes and candidates and even flirted with his own run for president. They do absurd things such as closing 8,000 stores for four hours to provide unconscious bias training to their young partners (aka employees). They allow non-customers to use their restrooms to signal their support for the poor and homeless. They commit to upholding a culture where inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility are valued and respected. In a statement to their partners released at the time of the announced closures, Starbucks noted the challenges facing our communities. First was personal safety. Second was racism. To address these concerns, the company announced policies and practices designed to make their partners feel safer. In addition to practical things, such as active shooter training, it included things such as mental health support and monetary assistance for college, fertility treatments, adoption, access to abortions or gender affirming procedures, [and] DACA fees. Yet even woke Starbucks cant deny reality. Theyre closing stores in the cities run by politicians implementing the very policies they support. Six are in Los Angeles, where District Attorney George Gascon has been practicing the equity approach to crime fighting. His primary focus is on making our communities more safe and more equitable. Put simply, more equitable means finding ways to prosecute fewer minorities. To the left, these minority groups are the true victims of so-called systemic racism. Los Angeless city council, which consists of 14 progressives among its 15 members, voted to defund the police, which as a result today has 500 fewer officers than in 2019. To these city leaders, the criminal is the victim, and the police are the culprits. The city also decided to stop enforcing its no camping laws. This has made it a sanctuary city for those who wish to sleep on the citys sidewalks, in its parks, and on its beaches. Mentally ill people and drug addicts can be found living on the streets all throughout the city and usually near a Starbucks location, thanks to its policy of allowing them to use their bathrooms. Most interesting is that the store closures arent in one part of Los Angeles but all over the city, including in some of its most iconic spots. One sits at the famous intersection of Hollywood and Vine. This is the heart of Hollywood, steps from the famous Capitol Records Building and Pantages Theater. Another is in the heart of West Hollywood on Santa Monica Boulevard, known for its bustling nightlife. Another is in downtown Los Angeles inside a DoubleTree hotel. Another is right next to the famed Santa Monica pier. Another sits in the Little Tokyo area. While partners were instructed by Starbucks to not speak to reporters about the closures, one told the Los Angeles Times: There [are] countless times that I have been yelled at, cursed at, thrown things and harassed. In one encounter, a person entered the store demanding food and coffee. Staff told him to enter the line, but he refused and just kept yelling, according to the partner. He eventually just asked for hot water and when we didas we give those free of chargehe proceeded to throw the cup of hot water to the partner that was at [the] register, the partner said. The employee suffered burns to his chest and hands, according to the partner. A security guard for the building at the Little Tokyo location reported to the LA Times that he has to kick people out of the coffee shop on pretty much a daily basis. He said it recently had to be evacuated because a man outside had a gun. The LA Times also reported that the Hollywood and Vine location has had 101 calls for service since January, 14 of them for assault. In addition to the store closures, Starbucks has reversed its open bathroom policy. It now leaves it up to each individual store to decide whether to restrict the bathroom to customers only. Its refreshing to see a company, despite its woke leadership, adjust their practices in response to real world conditions. Now, if we could just get the political leaders of these dangerous cities to do the same. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. The U.S. Capitol building is seen behind security fencing that was put up after the January 6, 2021, breach on Capitol Hill in Washington, May 28, 2021. (Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters) Every Senate Democrat but Sinema Backs Bill to Compromise First Amendment Freedom of Speech Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.) is the only one of the Senates 48 Democrats whose name doesnt appear as a co-sponsor of the Democracy Is Strengthened by Casting Light on Spending in Elections Act of 2021, also known as the DISCLOSE Act. First introduced in its current version in February 2021 by Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), the DISCLOSE Act provides multiple tax and election law changes that would do serious damage to the free flow of opinion and political debate in the United States, according to Institute for Free Speech (IFS) President David Keating. This bill would harm the rights of Americans guaranteed by the First Amendment to freely speak, publish, organize into groups, and petition. These rights are vitally important to Americans who work to advocate for better government, Keating told the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration during testimony on the proposal on July 19. Significant portions of the bill would violate the privacy of advocacy groups and their supportersincluding those groups who do nothing more than speak about policy issues before Congress or express views on federal judicial nominees. Other key provisions would compel speakers to recite lengthy government-mandated messages in their communications, instead of their own speech. The bill would also compel the publication of misleading or false information to the public. Sinema hasnt spoken publicly about her reservations about the DISCLOSE Act, but every one of her Democratic Senate colleagues, including Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), with whom shes often paired in dissent from President Joe Biden and Senate Democrats, is co-sponsoring the proposal. A spokesman for Sinema didnt respond to a request from The Epoch Times for comment. The most controversial of the DISCLOSE Acts provisions would reverse a 1957 Supreme Court decision that First Amendment advocates such as Keating cite as an essential protection for citizens and groups expressing unpopular opinions. Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.) told the Senate hearing that the DISCLOSE Act would require virtually any entity that engages in political speech, including nonprofits, to publicly disclose the names and addresses of its significant contributors. This is a thinly veiled attempt to send the message that, if you support an organization that happens to support causes with which some disagree, you become a target for criticism, harassment, and intimidationeven if your support has nothing to do with the organizations position on a certain issue, he said. It would fuel new frontiers of cancel culture and personalization of politics. The 1957 decision resulted from an appeal to the high court by the NAACP when the state of Alabama sought to force the civil rights group to make public the names of its donors. In that era, being publicly associated with the NAACP could literally be a matter of life and death in Alabama and other Southern states that were opposing then-President Dwight Eisenhowers efforts to desegregate public schools across the nation. This tactic is not new. In 1957, in unanimously striking down an attempt to compel the NAACP to disclose its members, the Supreme Court stated that government-compelled disclosure of group affiliation violates the First Amendment. The Court recognized the vital relationship between freedom to associate and privacy in ones associations, Hagerty said. Another provision of the DISCLOSE Act thats drawing serious criticism is one that requires any speech, including print, digital, and broadcast advertising that mentions an incumbent federal official or a challenger to such an official to pass muster under a subjective and dangerously broad standard that asks whether the speech promotes, attacks, supports, or opposes (PASO) the candidate or official. This standard is impossible to understand and would likely regulate any mention of an elected official who hasnt announced their retirement, according to a legislative analysis by IFS Senior Fellow Eric Wang. But Whitehouse rejected such criticism, telling the Senate panel, which is chaired by Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), that the widespread corrupting influence of dark moneycampaign and organizational contributions by donors whose names arent made publicis a major factor in the publics disillusionment with Congress. I submit to you that the distress in our Republic has much to do with corrupting political influence acquired via unlimited anonymous dark money. That dark-money influence has created a disconnect between what Americans want their government to do and what it actually does, Whitehouse said. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) told the panel that hell bring the proposal to the Senate floor for a vote. So why are we here today? Because across our democracy, the disease of dark money has spread unchecked like a cancer, he said. Today, Im proud to join with my colleagues to support the DISCLOSE Act, which Ive long championed, and Ive promised to bring on the floor for a vote. He introduced the first version of the DISCLOSE Act in 2010 in response to the Supreme Courts Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission (FEC) decision, which made it possible for unions, nonprofit foundations, and corporations to contribute to political campaigns and fund political opinion advertising. The 2010 decision enraged many Democrats because it found unconstitutional a key provision of the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002 that limited political speech and vastly increased the power of the FEC to regulate presidential and congressional campaigns. On the same day the Senate panel convened its hearing on the DISCLOSE Act, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) criticized the proposal during a Senate floor speech. For decades, Washington Democrats have looked for opportunities to expand the reach of unelected federal bureaucrats to police the political activities of private citizens. This DISCLOSE Act is just one more example of a troubling tendency on todays political left: Quit trying to play by the rules and demanding a change in the rules instead, McConnell told senators. The DISCLOSE Act was a key pillar of the sweeping election takeover Democrats have been trying to pass since they lost an election in 2016. For years, theyve failed to convince majorities in Congressor among the American peoplethat the future of our democracy requires the playing field to be tilted toward their side. But failing to overhaul the system hasnt stopped liberals from sabotaging the guardrails that protect political speech from the inside. North Dakota health officials on Wednesday said that a man from the eastern part of the state has contracted the states first assumed case of monkeypox, a disease that has emerged in more than 50 countries and 44 U.S. states. The person, who is now isolating, likely caught the virus while traveling outside the state, according to the state Health Department. The sample will be sent to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for confirmation. Health officials are working to find people who might be at risk because of close contact with the infected person. The risk for monkeypox continues to be low in North Dakota, Field Services Supervisor Brenton Nesemeier said. It is important to note that anyone can get monkeypox. Early identification of cases is important to prevent the spread of monkeypox, so the public should be aware of symptoms and seek care and testing from a trusted health care provider. Common symptoms of monkeypox include fever, fatigue, headaches, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, and a rash. Some people in the current outbreak have only reported rashes, which typically are found on the hands, feet, face or genitals. The monkeypox vaccine is in limited supply in the United States. The Health Department announced last week that North Dakota had received an allocation of 65 monkeypox vaccine doses from the CDC. Close contacts of positive monkeypox cases will be prioritized for vaccination, followed by individuals who may be at high risk for having been exposed to a positive case in the last two weeks, Immunization Surveillance Coordinator Danni Pinnick said. The World Health Organization has said the escalating monkeypox outbreak should be closely monitored but does not warrant being declared a global health emergency. For more information, go to https://www.health.nd.gov/monkeypox. Former Officer Lane Gets 2.5 Years for Violating Floyds Rights ST. PAUL, Minn.A federal judge sentenced former Minneapolis police Officer Thomas Lane to 2.5 years in prison Thursday for violating George Floyds civil rights, calling Lanes role in the restraint that killed Floyd a very serious offense in which a life was lost but handing down a sentence well below what prosecutors and Floyds family sought. Judge Paul Magnusons sentence was just slightly more than the 27 months that Lanes attorney had requested, while prosecutors had asked for at least 5 1/4 years in prisonthe low end of federal guidelines. Lane was convicted earlier this year of depriving Floyd of his right to medical care. Lane held Floyds legs as Officer Derek Chauvin pinned Floyds neck with his knee for nearly 9.5 minutes on May 25, 2020. Two other officers, J. Alexander Kueng and Tou Thao, were also convicted of violating Floyds civil rightsfor depriving Floyd of his right to medical care and for failing to intervene to stop Chauvinand will be sentenced later. Floyd family members had asked Magnuson to give Lane the stiffest sentence possible, with brother Philonise Floyd rejecting the idea that Lane deserved any mercy for asking his colleagues twice if George Floyd should be shifted from his stomach to his side. Officer Lane did not intervene in one way or another, he said. Prosecutor Manda Sertich had also argued for a higher sentence, saying that Lane chose not to act when he could have saved a life. There has to be a line where blindly following a senior officers lead, even for a rookie officer, is not acceptable, she said. Magnuson told Lane the fact that you did not get up and remove Mr. Chauvin when Mr. Floyd became unconscious is a violation of the law. But he also held up 145 letters he said he had received supporting Lane, saying he had never received so many on behalf of a defendant. And he faulted the Minneapolis Police Department for sending Lane with another rookie officer on the call that ended in Floyds death. Magnuson cited two letters in particular that he said came from doctors who recounted a situation when their diagnosis was overruled by a more senior physician, to disastrous result to the patient. He said the doctors described being haunted that they did not stand up to the senior physician. It speaks loudly to this case, Magnuson said. In sentencing Chauvin earlier this month on a civil rights charge in Floyds killing, Magnuson appeared to suggest that he bore the most blame in the case, telling Chauvin: You absolutely destroyed the lives of three young officers by taking command of the scene. Lane did not speak at Thursdays sentencing and neither he nor his attorney, Earl Gray, commented to reporters afterward. Magnuson also said he would recommend that Lane serve his sentence at the federal prison in Duluth, a minimum-security facility about 2.5 hours from the Minneapolis area. The facility is classified as a camp, has no fence and has dormitory-style housing rather than cells. Prison assignments are made by the Bureau of Prisons. Gray argued during the trial that Lane did everything he could possibly do to help George Floyd. He pointed out that Lane suggested rolling Floyd on his side so he could breathe, but was rebuffed twice by Chauvin. He also noted that Lane performed CPR to try to revive Floyd after the ambulance arrived. Lane testified at trial that he didnt realize how dire Floyds condition was until paramedics turned him over. When Lane pleaded guilty in state court in May to one charge of aiding and abetting second-degree manslaughter, Gray said Lane hoped to avoid a long sentence. He has a newborn baby and did not want to risk not being part of the childs life, he said. Chauvin pleaded guilty in December to a federal civil rights charge in Floyds killing and to another civil rights charge in an unrelated case involving a teenager. That netted a 21-year sentence from Magnuson, toward the low end of 20- to 25-year range both sides agreed to under his plea deal. Chauvin was also convicted of second-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter in state court and is serving a 22.5-year state sentence. His federal and state sentences are being served simultaneously. Kueng pinned Floyds back during the restraint and Thao helped hold back an increasingly concerned group of onlookers outside a Minneapolis convenience store where Floyd, who was unarmed, tried to pass a counterfeit $20 bill. Magnuson has not set sentencing dates for Thao and Kueng. But he has scheduled a hearing for Friday, after their attorneys objected to sentencing calculations under the complicated federal guidelines. Prosecutors are seeking unspecified sentences for them that would be lower than Chauvins but substantially higher than Lanes. Thao and Kueng are free on bond pending sentencing on their federal convictions. They are also charged with state counts of aiding and abetting both second-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. They have turned down plea deals and are scheduled to go to trial on those charges on Oct. 24. Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, speaks in Washington on May 11, 2022. (Alex Wong/Getty Images) Fauci, Other US Officials Served in Lawsuit Over Alleged Collusion to Suppress Free Speech White House chief medical adviser Dr. Anthony Fauci, Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, and other top Biden administration officials have been served with discovery requests after a federal judge ordered the administration to comply with discovery requests stemming from a lawsuit alleging government collusion with Big Tech. The lawsuit accuses government officials of working with Twitter and other major social media networks to suppress truthful information on multiple topics, including COVID-19. One example outlined is how Fauci, longtime head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, held a secret meeting with scientists who soon after tried to discredit the theory that the virus that causes COVID-19 came from a Chinese laboratory. At the same time, Fauci, who has repeatedly cast doubt on the so-called lab leak theory and whose agency funded research at the lab in Wuhan, China, was exchanging messages with Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg on how COVID-19 information on social media was handled. Fauci was told in the request to identify every worker in his agency who was or is communicating with a social media platform regarding content modulation and/or misinformation, to identify all such communications he had, and to identify all meetings he had on the matter with social media platforms. He was also asked to provide all communications with Zuckerberg from Jan. 1, 2020, to the present and all communications with platforms related to the Great Barrington Declaration, the COVID-19 strategy authored by Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, Martin Kulldorff, and Dr. Sunetra Gupta that Fauci and former National Institutes of Health Director Dr. Francis Collins criticized publicly and in private. Discovery requests were also sent to White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre; former Disinformation Governance Board chief Nina Jankowicz; Jen Easterly, director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency; and agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Department of Homeland Security. Subpoenas Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt and Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry, the plaintiffs in the suit, also served subpoenas to Meta, Facebooks parent company; YouTube; Twitter; Instagram; and LinkedIn. The subpoenas compel the platforms to provide documents before Aug. 17, including all communications with Jankowicz and other federal officials. The documents reference how Jen Psaki, Jean-Pierres predecessor, told a briefing in July 2021 that officials are in regular touch with these social media platforms and that were flagging problematic posts for Facebook that spread disinformation. We will fight to get to the bottom of this alleged collusion and expose the suppression of freedom of speech by social media giants at the behest of top-ranking government officials, Schmitt, a Republican, said in a statement. Unless you live on some remote planet, you know the equation that dominates the current air travel scene: Surging demand plus unprepared industry equals chaos. This year has seen an unparalleled rate of flight cancellations and delays, with no immediate fix on the horizon beyond wholesale pre-emptive cancellations. So if, like me, youre holding to plans for a late-summer or fall trip, youre probably also considering what rights and remedies youll get if you get caught in the cancellation and delay mess. For travel within the U.S., the only legally required relief concerns the single case of denied boarding (Bumping) due to overbooking. Beyond that, all youre due is what each airlines contract of carriage specifies. And those contracts leave you vulnerable to some big gotchas. The point of departure is the universal promise all lines make: If an airline cancels your flight or causes a substantial delay, it owes you either a satisfactory re-accommodation or a full refund, plus assistance in some delays. But those contracts of carriage leave you vulnerable. 1. Availability Stretch. Almost all airline contracts of carriage promise you the next available seat on one of its own flights; the big ones and some small ones say they can even transfer you to another airline, at their sole discretion, not yours. But next available seems to be a slippery concept. Alaska and Southwest say theyll re-book you in their next available space, American says the next seat in the same cabin or class, and Delta, Hawaiian, JetBlue, and United say next seat in the same class of service. The gotcha is that some airlines are interpreting class to mean fare class: If your original ticket is in base economy, for example, you get only the next available base economy seat, not the next seat in the economy cabin, and that next basic economy seat could be days or even weeks later. As you might expect, those lines contracts of carriage dont define class of service precisely enough to give you any leverage. 2. Force Majeure Stretch. Most big airlines contracts of carriage commit them to give you some helpeven accommodation and mealswhen an extended delay or cancellation is due to circumstances within their control, but not in cases of weather or other force majeure event. The gotcha is how far an airline can stretch the definitions of weather and force majeure. Otherwise, all youre due is as above: refund or their re-accommodation offer. 3. Code-share Confusion. In theory, if youre delayed or canceled flying one airlines plane on another lines ticket as a code-share, the ticketing airline is responsible for arranging a fix. The gotcha is that principle leaves you wide open to the Otherguy Overby effect: each airline blaming the other. 4. Youre Never Whole. No matter what youre offered or which decisions you make, the gotcha is that you never come out whole, in the tort law sense: You always lose some combination of money and time. If you take the refund to buy a new ticket, youre likely to pay a lot more for a replacementif you can find one. And a substitute flight almost always means youll be lateoften very lategetting to your destination or home. You may have to pay a no-show penalty at your first hotel. In a weather delayed or canceled connection, you have to pay for your own extra meals and unplanned overnight accommodation. Even problems returning home disrupt your schedule. The take-away from all this is that for the foreseeable future, air travel entails risks of disruption. I pose some general suggestions: If an airlines offer is anywhere near to being acceptable, take it. Anything else will cost you more. Relief from the gotchas is problematic. Try to avoid advance arrangements that are nonrefundable or entail a cancellation penalty. If a delay or cancellation hits you before you leave home, your best Plan B is often to take the refund and try again later. EU regulations give air travelers on flights within or from Europe substantially better compensation. More later. Send e-mail to Ed Perkins at eperkins@mind.net. Also, check out Eds new rail travel website at www.rail-guru.com. 2022 Ed Perkins. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Gentle Nudge From US Consul General to the CCP: Let Hong Kong Be Hong Kong U.S Consul General of Hong Kong recently denounced the Beijing government for breaching its promise of a high degree of autonomy to Hong Kong. The consul general also urged the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to let Hong Kong be Hong Kong. While America had been supportive of Hongkongers fight for freedom, a scholar indicated that the message Washington sent was soft on CCP. The scholar also believed that the chance of the CCP letting Hong Kong be Hong Kong would be zero in the foreseeable future. During an online seminar, U.S. Consul General, Hanscom Smith, criticized the regime for breaking the Sino-British Joint Declaration. Smith cited the annual reports of the United States-Hong Kong Policy Act for the past three years. He pointed out that Hong Kong had lost the autonomy it once had. CCPs meddling in Hong Kongs political systems, elections, and judicial independence has caused the core of democracy to collapse. Smith also stated that CCPs unprecedented interference extended to academia, culture, and freedom of the press. Multiple civic organizations have been forced to disband during the past three years. The Epoch Times interviewed Former Assistant Professor of the Department of Politics and International Relations at the Hong Kong Baptist University, Wong Wai-Kwok. Professor Wong commented, the CCPs interference in Hong Kong is notorious. Wong had not seen any evident measures that the United States and the United Kingdom would take. But, he indicated that the Hong Kong diaspora would continue to lobby Western countries and expose the CCPs infiltration. Wong said Hongkongers who fled made it a mission to unveil CCPs evil doing to Hong Kongs education and culture. They also want to reveal the threats CCP has against the global economy and the world. Hint or a Gentle Nudge? On July 5, 2022, leaders from American and British intelligence agencies gave their speeches jointly for the first time. They warned the world of the CCPs forceful approach to stealing intellectual properties for itself. The secret service leaders emphasized CCPs enormous threats to both countries interests. Consul General Smith urged Beijing to let Hong Kong be Hong Kong. He reiterated that America had always wanted the city to succeed; America would expect China to keep its promise of allowing Hong Kong autonomy. According to Wong, what Smith said was nothing new: He simply repeated the Biden Administrations position. Wong pointed out, As of the first half of 2022, Washington has yet to enforce any new policy on Hong Kong. There is also no further sanctions against Hong Kong Government (HKgov) officials or National Security judges. Therefore, Wong was unsure if the consul generals speech was the U.S. giving a soft hint to CCP or for HKgov to react, or if it was only another reminder on backing Hongkongers. Wong sees no change of stance by the three government yet. Wong stated the reason Hong Kong still had value to the U.S. would be the spectacular investments the U.S. had poured into the city. He continued, The U.S. is also using Hong Kong as a piece on its board of monopoly against China. He assumed that the lack of mutual consensus between Washington and Beijing could be interpreted as a sign of no compromises on Washingtons policy toward China. Wong also pointed out that the situation had deteriorated and he could not decide if it would eventually reach a dead end. If it gets to the point where it forces American companies to flee to Japan, Taiwan, or Vietnam, Hong Kong will officially run out of luck, Wong warned. Hong Kongs Future is Doomed by Authoritarianism In 2020, the United States ceased the United States-Hong Kong Policy Act in response to the National Security Law implementation. As Wong suggested, its impact proved to be detrimental to Hong Kong. Wong explained that Hong Kong had lost its privilege. Whatever is made in Hong Kong has to be labeled as made in China from that point on. Hong Kong products were also subjected to the same tariffs and trade sanctions as CCP. Despite Hong Kong being bound, Wong said no businessmen spoke or fought for Hong Kongs stand-alone trading position. Wong said since then, HKgov had taken the same one-sided approach as the CCP. He revealed, Not only does it show hostility against the western world, Hong Kong now recites the CCPs threats. The new Chief Executive, John Lee Ka-chiu, called foreign countries villains. Hong Kong has dug its own grave even deeper. As long as the national security law exists, we can only watch Hong Kong die. According to the professor, many people didnt understand that Hong Kongs prosperity was mainly because it had been positioned as an international city. It had been a bridge between the world and China. Now the bridge has collapsed. Why would people still come to Hong Kong for business if there is no longer a middleman? Why not go to Shanghai? Wong said only time could tell if the death of Hong Kong would be short or long, and how painful it might be. All we can do now is watch Hong Kong approach its death. It is impossible to let Hong Kong be Hong Kong again. A general view of Bankwest Stadium under construction during a Western Sydney Wanderers A-League media opportunity at Bankwest Stadium in Sydney, Australia, on Feb. 25, 2019. (Matt King/Getty Images) Half of Australias Big Businesses Failing to Pay Small Suppliers on Time Around half of Australias big businesses are failing to pay small business suppliers on time, according to the countrys small business and family enterprise ombudsman. According to the Payment Times Reporting Regulator, just under of half the countrys businesses with an annual turnover of over $100 million (US$70 million) managed to meet payment deadlines to 80 percent of their supplier invoices. This is an incredibly disappointing result, Ombudsman Bruce Billson said in a media release. I call on the nations big business to show leadership, respect, and care for our small businesses and to pay their bills on time. Small businesses are not asking to be paid early, just to be paid on time. Put simply, good business pays. Only 31 percent of big businesses paid more than 80 percent of their small business invoices within 30 days, a benchmark set by the Business Council of Australia. Billson said the 30-day benchmark was mediocre to begin with and stressed the need for the business community to get serious about it. Those exemplars deserve to be acknowledged for that better practice that theyre leading. But we just need the broader business community to get the simple messagegood business pays, he told ABC radio. Delaying the timely payment of your small business supplies serves no good and just puts pressure on other parts of the economy when cashflow is really critical for those smaller enterprises. Adopting eInvoicing was suggested as a way to improve payment times, as it cut administration time and was more secure than posted or emailed invoicesreducing the chance of invoice fraud. Affected by the Pandemic Billson said situation had been worsened during COVID-19, with payment disputes now representing 40 percent of requests for assistance to his office, up from 25 percent prior to the pandemic. Around one quarter of requests came from the construction industry, which has experienced supply chain challenges. Small business owners were hit hardest by the pandemic and staff shortages caused by COVID-19 restrictions, with Billson saying they should not be further disadvantaged by not being paid. Funding solutions advisor Optipay also found that businesses overall were taking longer to settle invoices, putting pressure on cashflow for small and medium enterprises. Its own research found that over the last six months, the average number of days invoices remain outstanding has increased from 31 to 38 days. This slowdown in payments is having a knock-on effect down the whole supply chain across just about all industries, OptiPay CEO Angus Sedgwick said. Sedgwick noted that after the Australian Taxation Office resumed tax debt collection, which was put on hold during COVID-19, many businesses were suddenly realising their cashflow options are now limited. Banks are tightening their lending and there are no more government handouts, so unfortunately, pain is on the way for many SMEs, he said. Epoch Times writer Shi Shan talks about the role of Hong Kong in modern China and human history. He believes that its culture has yet to be fully explored. July 2022. (The Epoch Times) Hong Kong: A Haven for Chinese Traditions, a Heritage That Has Never Been Fully Explored Commentary Many Hongkongers, including Epoch Times writer Shi Shan, were saddened by the recent death of beloved Hong Kong Writer, Ni Kuang Shi discussed his thoughts on Nis life works and their impact on Hong Kong. He analyzed how Hong Kong became a keepsake haven of Chinas traditions before the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), and its cultural development expanded globally. Shi believed that the role of Hong Kong in modern China, and even in human history, has yet to be fully explored. The 3rd anniversary exhibition of intangible cultural heritage was held in K11 Shopping Art Museum from June 18 to July 4, 2021, jointly organized by Lingnan University and the Hong Kong Academy of Arts. (TM Chan/The Epoch Times) For a long time, mainland China had called Hong Kong a cultural desert. When Shi Shan fled from communist China to Hong Kong, the reality was completely different. Shi view is that: Hong Kongs culture is very Chinese. Because the Hong Kong dialect and Cantonese had never been officially altered, hence, elements of Chinese culture and its charms could be retained in both languages. To his surprise, Life in Hong Kong proved to Shi that local books had preserved a lot of cultural subjects. Shi then had an epiphany: Communist China was the cultural desert, not Hong Kong. The 3rd Intangible Cultural Heritage Market. There were many kung fu performances on Oct. 29, 2018. (TM Chan/The Epoch Times) Hong Kong intellectuals inherited ancient Chinese culture. Shi said many Chinese fled from the mainland to Hong Kong and sought refuge after 1949. However, that was not the beginning of the migration to the city. The history of migration to Hong Kong can be traced back to ancient times. People from Zhongyuan in the central plains who fled to Guangdong, and Hong Kong, were escaping from the Northern Barbarian invasion. The migration trend in 1949 was triggered by, People who opposed the CCP or its way of life would seek sanctuary in Hong Kong, that was also why Hong Kong was nicknamed a city of refuge, Shi explained. Shi was amazed by the British scholars, who saved whatever was in the hands of the Chinese scholars in Hong Kong. The CCP banished many intellectuals during the cultural revolution. A few of them moved to Hong Kong, and the British managed to salvage their talents along with their knowledge. It was astonishing. The 3rd Intangible Cultural Heritage Market. Chow Chou drum performance on Oct. 29, 2018. (TM Chan/The Epoch Times) The British founded the Chinese University of Hong Kong in 1949. It was led by one of the four greatest historians of modern China, Qian Mu. One of the campuses, New Asia College, had been able to preserve a lot of the essence of Chinese culture. In Hong Kong, also immigrants were writers Louis Cha Leung-yung (Jin Yong) and Ni Kuang; lyricist James Wong Jim, and food columnist Chua Lam. (Chua Lam was not born in China, but in Singapore. His father emigrated to Singapore.) The quartet was praised as the Four Talented Men, who pioneered and contributed to Hong Kongs art, literature and music industries. In a 2014 interview, Pop Culture Sociologist Ng Chung-hung spoke with South China Morning Post (SCMP) about the late chainsmoking legend. Ng called James Wong Jim the Lyric Genius. He captures the genuine feelings and thoughts of the masses in a particular age. If you want to know what people in the the 1950s were like, dont ask history experts. You should find out what songs were the most popular then. He told SCMP. Hongkonger Aaron has been searching for incense since he was 15 years old. Now he is committed to promoting incense culture. Aaron talks about incense making in August 2021 (TM Chan/The Epoch Times) While each was unique in their talents, all shared common interests: dedication and passion for Hong Kong culture. Shi Shan also echoed Ngs thoughts. He believed their work reflected every element of Chinese culture. Shi described it as classic, with hints of ancient Chinese history. Meanwhile, Shi recalled the cultural intellectuals who remained in China after 1949. While they were well educated and published, Shi Shan admitted he did not look up to them. He felt some people had lost their backbone to the CCP once the regime gained power. Unlike the cowards, Shi went on; Ni Kuang was a Shanghainese who never looked back since he escaped to Hong Kong. Ni was well-known for his outspoken, humorous, and anti-CCP personality. Ni had shared discontent publicly against the regime on many occasions. Ni once said, I would never return to China until the CCP has fallen. The late novelist also concluded: Things never changed in his birthplace between then and now: Modern Shanghai is as backward as it was in 1949. Hong Kong Aided China in Restoring Its Culture To Shi, Hong Kongs contribution to Chinas reform and opening up is indisputable. The same goes for its impact on Chinas development, from the economic perspective and life as a whole. To Shis recollection, during the Cultural Revolution, restaurants in China carried a policy of Pay first, Eat after. The rule was to prevent people from dining and dashing. It was the same everywhere in China. Only restaurants in Guangdong served with a little preservation of Chinese traditions. The Pay First rule was still in a few eateries but these were in the minority. Guangzhou was the only place in China where you could eat first and pay after. Lin Heung Tea House which was opened in 1927, provides traditional dim sum. Diners enjoying their meals in March 2019. (TM Chan/The Epoch Times) Shi then saw where the culture of China and Hong Kong had forked. It was a society of trust no one and money comes first in communist China versus a community of share and care in Hong Kong. Things changed when the mainland began to open up in the late 1970s. Restaurants in Guangdong cloned the business models of Hong Kong Chinese restaurants. Shi depicted Full table set-ups in Hong Kong Chinese restaurants. Each table was covered with a tablecloth. Everyone had their plates, cups, and a pot of tea. We ordered after everything was arranged and settled. We paid after we ate. It was a mix of Chinese and British culture, only available to the colony. Soon, The Canton Style, which originated in Hong Kong, took over Chinese restaurants worldwide. That was also how Hong Kong was introduced and brought to the rest of the world. Hong Kong movies became known overseas as their art and culture continued to spread. Kung Fu Movies starring martial art actors such as Bruce Lee, and Samuel Hung were well-loved abroad. Everyone loved Hong Kong Kung Fu, Shi said. Foreigners often assumed all people in Hong Kong knew Kung Fu, including himself. Bruce Lee Exhibition Hall of the Hong Kong Cultural Museum in November 2021. (Sung Pi-lung/The Epoch Times) The assumption turned out to be lifesaving when he moved to the UK. Shi worked as a taxi driver around the poor areas of east London. Crimes and robberies were common. Luckily, Shi never got robbed in the two years as a taxi driver. He said it was because rumour has it in the community that he knew and practiced Chinese Kung Fu like Bruce Lee. No one wanted to mess with him. Hong Kong Links Chinese Culture to the Western Shi bluntly asserted that if it was not for Hong Kong, mainland China could never have evolved economically and socially as it is today. Sure, mainland China has copied plenty from Hong Kongsuperficially. They never learned the essence and the most important part that made Hong Kong, such as the rule of law. Shi validated. Hong Kong Dragon Boat Carnival, players from many countries around the world hold a dragon boat celebration on June 9, 2017. (Adrian Yu/The Epoch Times) Shi said it is unfortunate that mainland China had never acknowledged Hong Kongs value. It is also heartbreaking for him to see Hong Kongs deterioration. He believed Hong Kong has yet to be fully explored in modern China and human history. Shi seemed hopeful for the city, though, Hong Kong is a melting pot. It has a mix of all the good from the east and the west, which became modern Chinese society. Hong Kong is truly an invaluable place. Nie Law and Ying Cheung contributed to the report. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. House Democrats Block Legislative Amendment to Prevent US Oil Sales to China House Democrats have blocked a Republican effort to prevent the Biden administration from selling oil from the United States strategic reserve to entities with ties to the Chinese Communist Party. Rep. David Valadao (R-Calif.) offered an amendment as a motion during a House floor debate on July 20, to recommit a legislative spending package (H.R.8294) consisting of six House appropriation bills for the fiscal year 2023. A motion to recommit is a common procedural maneuver that allows the House minority party to amend a bill before a final vote for passage. The amendment was proposed by Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.), the ranking member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. According to her proposal (pdf), petroleum would be banned from export to China and to any entity that does not certify that it is not under the ownership, control, or influence of the Chinese Communist Party. Before the motion was put to a vote, Valadao told his colleagues on the House floor that supporting the amendment was common sense. We need to focus on increasing energy production and not supporting our adversaries while Americans are still suffering from outrageously high fuel prices here at home, Valadao explained. Despite Valadaos plea for support, his motion was rejected following a 219206 vote, when House Democrats unanimously voted against it. Every House Republican voted in favor of the measure except five who didnt cast a vote. Every single Democrat just voted to put Chinas national security over our own, Valadao wrote on Twitter following the result. Rodgers also took to Twitter to criticize House Democrats, saying that theyre sacrificing Americas energy security and national security. Rep. Tim Walberg (R-Mich.) listens at a hearing before the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Subcommittee on Energy in Washington on July 14, 2020. (Michael A. McCoy/Getty Images) Rep. Tim Walberg (R-Mich.), who voted in favor of the motion, also expressed concerns about what the result would mean for U.S. national security. Under no circumstances should we be sending Americas strategic oil reserves to China. It is a threat to our energy and national security, Walberg wrote on Twitter. Shameful that House Democrats blocked our amendment to prevent this reckless policy from the Biden administration. The Biden administration has been under fire over recent reports that revealed the U.S. Department of Energy sold 950,000 barrels of oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) to Unipec America, a subsidiary of Chinas state-owned oil and gas company Sinopec. Sinopec has been tied to Hunter Biden, who has been under scrutiny for his foreign business transactions with entities in countries including Ukraine, Russia, and China, during the time when Joe Biden was vice president under the Obama administration. Hunter Biden walks to Marine One on the Ellipse outside the White House in Washington on May 22, 2021. (Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images) Washington-based nonprofit the Institute for Energy Research published a commentary on July 14, saying Biden has viewed SPR wrongly. The emergency reserves of oil that are in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve are designed for international crises or for natural disasters, instead of being used for mitigating bad energy policy as Biden is doing, the institute wrote. The institute also detailed how China has been buying more Russian energy products since Russian President Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine. From March to May, China spent $18.9 billion on Russian oil, gas, and coal, nearly double the amount it spent in the same three months a year earlier. Additionally, China imported 28 percent more Russian oil in May than in April. With Biden supplying global oil markets with U.S. oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, he is depleting our oil reserves and hurting U.S. national security, while China is adding to its national reserves by buying SPR oil from Bidens Department of Energy and by also buying cheap oil from Russia, the institute concluded. Rep. Jeff Duncan (R-S.C.), a co-sponsor of Rodgerss amendment, told a congressional hearing on July 18 that the Biden administration was moving in the wrong direction with its energy policies. Releasing oil from the SPR is not doing anything to lower gasoline prices. Its a temporary blip. It is not the solution to the energy crisis Americans are facing today, Duncan said. The oil being releasedmore than 1 million barrels per dayit really has nowhere to go, Duncan continued. Our refineries are full. Our pipelines are full. Duncan added, As a result, Americas emergency reserves are being sent to China, which is using it to build up its own strategic reserves. Chairman Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.) speaks during a House Judiciary Committee mark up hearing in the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington on June 2, 2022. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images) House of Representatives Panel Advances Bill That Would Ban Assault Weapons A House of Representatives panel on July 20 advanced a bill that would ban the sale of a number of semi-automatic rifles, referred to by Democrats as assault weapons. H.R. 1808, or the Assault Weapons Ban of 2021, was advanced in a 2518 vote by the House Judiciary Committee. As we have painfully learned in recent years, assault weaponsespecially when combined with high-capacity magazinesare the weapon of choice for mass shootings because theyre designed to kill with ruthless efficiency, Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.), the chairman of the panel, said in a statement. This legislation will remove these dangerous weapons of war from our communities and is another step towards keeping our children and families safe from gun violence. Rep. David Cicilline (D-R.I.), who authored the legislation, said that a similar bill that was passed and signed into law, and in effect from 1994 through 2004, worked. As soon as the ban expired, fatalities and shootings skyrocketed again, he said. Researchers have returned mixed results as to whether the ban worked. One paper (pdf) found that the use of banned guns declined, but the utilization of other types of firearms offset the decline. All Democrats voted to advance the bill. All Republicans voted against the advancement. Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), the committees ranking member, said the bill was the latest offered by Democrats that violates the U.S. Constitutions Second Amendment. The right to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed. Plain and simple It doesnt say right to keep and bear muskets shall not be infringed. It doesnt say, shall not be infringed unless Democrats say this weapon looks so scary we have to get rid of it,' he said before the vote. Full House Vote While Democrats hold a slim majority in the House, its unclear whether Democrat leaders will hold a vote on the bill before the legislative body takes a break in August. I may do that, House Minority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) told reporters in Washington when asked if he would bring the bill to the House floor before the recess, according to The Hill. At least two Democrats, Reps. Jared Golden (D-Maine) and Henry Cuellar (D-Texas) are opposed to the legislation, and others have said it would harm the partys prospects in the upcoming midterm elections. This is a bill that destroyed the Democrats in 94. I guess, do we really have a death wish list as Democrats? Rep. Kurt Schrader (D-Ore.), who is leaving Congress at the end of the term, told Politico. Rep. Chris Jacobs (R-N.Y.), who is retiring after the current term, has said hed support an assault weapons ban, while Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill.), who is also retiring, has also signaled his support. House Passes Bill to Protect Contraception Access Bill comes after Justice Thomas called for the overturn of precedent protecting access to some birth control The House of Representatives on July 21 passed legislation to protect access to contraceptives after Supreme Court (SCOTUS) Justice Clarence Thomas suggested that precedents guaranteeing contraceptive access as a right should be reconsidered. The bill, called the Right to Contraception Act, passed in a 228-195 bipartisan vote. Eight Republicans, including Reps. Liz Cheney (Wyo.), Brian Fitzpatrick (Pa.), Anthony Gonzalez (Ohio), John Katko (N.Y.), Adam Kinzinger (Ill.), Nancy Mace (S.C.), Fred Upton (Mich.), and Maria Elvira Salazar (Fla.) joined all chamber Democrats in supporting the measure. An additional two Republicans, Reps. Bob Gibbs (R-Ohio) and Mike Kelly (R-Pa.), voted present. Following the vote, Mace, who supported the bill, openly expressed her support for the measure, suggesting that she supported it because of restrictive abortion laws in South Carolina that do not consider exceptions to abortion access. My state is Banning EXCEPTIONS Protect CONTRACEPTION, read writing over several strips of tape pasted to the back of Maces jacket. The House move comes after SCOTUS in Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization ruled that the power to regulate abortionwhich had been substantially restricted in 1973s Roe v. Wademust be returned to state legislatures. Roe v. Wade, like many other controversial SCOTUS opinions touching on loaded social issues, was based on the Fourteenth Amendments guarantee to substantive due process. The court insisted in the majority opinion that other substantive due process casesincluding Obergefell v. Hodges, which dictated that states must permit gay marriage, and Lawrence v. Texas, which barred states from criminalizing sodomywere not under threat. Nothing in this opinion should be understood to cast doubt on precedents that do not concern abortion, Justice Samuel Alito wrote in the majority opinion. However, in a concurring opinion Justice Clarence Thomas, considered by some the most conservative member of the court, called for SCOTUS to move beyond Dobbs to reconsider all substantive due process precedents. SCOTUS, Thomas argued, has a duty to correct the error established in those precedents. The basis for Roe v. Wade, Obergefell v. Hodges, and Lawrence v. Texas, among other cases, was founded in the courts 7-2 majority opinion in Griswold v. Connecticut, which considered the permissibility of state restrictions on contraceptive access. In that decision, SCOTUS ruled that the various guarantees within the Bill of Rightsincluding the First, Third, Fourth, and Ninth Amendmentscreate penumbras that establish a right to privacy. On this basis, SCOTUS decided that laws restricting contraceptive access were constitutionally impermissible. The push to legalize contraceptive access through legislation comes amid an environment of fear among Democrats and liberals that the 6-3 conservative majority court may take up Thomass calls to reconsider Griswold and other substantive due process cases. During debate before the final vote on the bill, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) blasted SCOTUS for causing such legislation to be necessary. It is outrageous that nearly 60 years after Griswold was decided, women must once again fight for fundamental freedom to determine the size and timing of their families, Pelosi said. But as Republicans turn back the clock on contraception, Democrats today are making it clear: We are not going back. She added later, The associate justice of the court has been clear: Weve only just begun to overturn womens rights and individual freedom and privacy when it comes to interaction among us all. Pelosi, a Catholic, was in May ruled to be ineligible to receive Holy Communion for her support of abortion, which the Catholic Church strongly condemns. The Catholic Church also prohibits the use of contraceptives. The bill passed on July 21, among other provisions, would codify contraceptive access at a federal level and would protect both individuals use of such productsincluding oral and emergency medications, intrauterine devices, and condomsand health care providers ability to supply them, as rights. States who violate the bill would be subject to legal action by the attorney general, as well as by health care providers or individuals whose access to contraceptives is restricted. While Democrats unified behind the bill, Republicans suggested that the measure was rushed and unnecessary. First, this bill is completely unnecessary. In no way, shape or form is access to contraception limited or at risk of being limited, Rep. Kat Cammack (R-Fla.) said during debate on Thursday. The liberal majority is clearly trying to stoke fears and mislead the American people once again because in their minds stoking fear clearly is the only way that they can win. The Right to Contraception Act is the latest in a series of bills pushed through the chamber by the Democrat majority in the wake of Dobbs. Other bills to respond to the decision have included a bill that would codify abortion as a right on a federal level, and another that would seek to codify the decision in Obergefell v. Hodges that declared gay marriage a federally-protected right. With the bills speedy passage through the House, it remains to be seen whether it will receive sufficient GOP support in the Senate, where it will need to be supported by at least 60 senators to overcome the filibuster threshold. Sponsored Content What Is the True Cost of Gold? Is this question even adequate to address the realities of pricing? When you buy gold, what exactly are you paying for? These are tricky questions for several reasons: The cost of gold is never fixedits subject to fluctuations based on supply and demand. The cost of gold depends on what the market is willing to pay for itbuyers and sellers on the commodity level negotiate a favorable price they agree on, and that moves the price. When you pay for a gold coin or bar, you are paying not only for a product but a share of the entire production process. This last point is something many customers miss. Paying for a Product and Process Lets say you could buy boxes of breakfast cereal wholesale to save money versus buying it at the grocery store, where price markups cover the stores costs and produce a profit. Even at wholesale, youre buying a product that has manufacturing costs embedded into the price. A farmer had to pay various resource and labor costs and a manufacturer had to pay additional costs to turn the grains into a consumer-ready box of cereal. By the time the manufacturer has determined the price of the cereal per unit, it must include the cost of production plus a markup to generate a profit. Wholesale or not, consumers are paying for the entire process of creating a product. Gold coins and bars are no different when it comes to supply chain costs finding their way into the final price tag. The Gold Supply Chain Whats the process youre paying for when you purchase a gold product? Lets look at the supply chain from ground to final sale. 1. Local and National Permits for Gold Exploration The gold supply chain begins in the region where its found. Before setting up mining operations, companies need permits from the government. Mining operations and ownership are regulated by government entities and can affect human working conditions, environmental impact, and safety protocols. Regulations may be specific to an area or align with international standards and vary by country or change based on political climate and regime. The cost of obtaining permits to mine gold will vary by country but will find its way to the price of gold. 2. Mining Operations Gold can be found in hard rock deposits or alluvial deposits. Miners can find, on average, one to 20 grams of gold in one ton of ore. Mining is an extensive operation requiring a sizable workforce, employing around 7 million worldwide. An even greater numberaround 100 million peoplework in the artisanal and small-scale mining industry (ASM). These smaller independent miners range from informal digs to smaller operations. ASM is an active industry in around 80 countries and produces 20 percent of the worlds gold supply. It may coexist with or compete against large-scale mining (LSM). ASM miners are less equipped, so they produce less than LSM miners. The mining process typically involves digging, transporting, crushing, washing, and filtering gold ore. The sediment is then processed with mercury or other chemicals to yield a gold-chemical amalgam, which is then sold to local gold traders. LSM companies have the advantage of machines to crush and mill the rocks to powder or slurry form, and they can use sodium cyanide to yield impure gold. The cost of production plus the desired premium, which varies from miner to miner, will constitute the SPOT PRICE offered to local traders/exporters or to refiners. The cost of production and premiums will also vary. 3. Local Traders and Exporters The trading process can comprise many different steps and variations. The price of gold will vary depending on whominer, local trader, local governmentdetermines the pricing and the original price set by the miner. A reasonable markup estimate is around 2 percent. 4. Transporters The transportation of gold from mine to smelter can vary widely across ASM and LSM operations. The cost of labor, energy, insurance, and possibly taxation, will be tacked onto the pricea markup of about 1.5 percent. 5. Smelters and Refineries In the smelter process, gold is released through the process of melting the yellow metal and subjecting it to a chemical process to extract the metal in a semi-pure form. The result of this process is dore golda semi-pure alloy of gold and silver. At this point, the purity will vary. Refineries then subject the gold to further treatment to bring its purity to 0.999-plus. Also called gold blanks, these are the products that are sold to mints for the purpose of striking gold coins. Prices vary by refinery, but bars usually see a 1.5 price increase; blanks sold to mints can yield a larger percentage. 6. Mint A mint produces legal tender coins for circulation and also precious metals coins and bars for collectors and investors; examples include the U.S. Mint, Canadian Mint, UK Royal Mint, and Australian Perth Mint. A mints processes can raise the cost of each unit by 5 percent to 15 percent. 7. Gold Dealers At GSI Exchange, our commissions account for costs in restocking, insuring, implementing strict quality checks, and hedging our stored gold (to not lose money on our inventory). And thats just the product end of our costs. Like every other business, we also have various administrative costs that must be considered. Quality service relies on a strong team, and we always strive to provide optimal service to our customers. We do our best to provide competitive pricing as its in both our and our customers interest to offer the best quality precious metals products at the best available prices. The Bottom Line The price of precious metals will fluctuate on the market side, depending on supply and demand. Thats just the basic law of economics. But what some customers arent typically aware of are the costs that go into a precious metals product before it reaches the market. Hopefully, this helps give a basic understanding of the gold supply chain and the total cost of the process that finds its way into the final price tag. Learn how to create a Gold Backed Bank Account or Gold Backed IRA today! Contact us at 833-GSI-GOLD and youll receive a complimentary copy of our ebook How to Set up A Gold Backed Bank Account or our Guide to Buying Precious Metals with Your IRA, free of charge. GSI Exchange is a retail gold and silver dealer in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, and does not provide tax, legal, or investment advice. Any information communicated by GSI Exchange is for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as tax, legal, or investment advice. Whenever making an investment decision, please consult with your tax attorney or financial professional. By Anthony Allen Anderson, senior partner The Epoch Times takes no responsibility for the claims, promises made, or the quality/reliability of the products or services offered herein North Dakota Attorney General Drew Wrigley says he will not heed calls for an outside investigation into the deletion of email accounts belonging to late Republican Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem and his former deputy. Retiring Senate Majority Leader Rich Wardner, R-Dickinson, and Democratic-NPL Party Chairman Patrick Hart this week called for an independent probe, but Wrigley reiterated to the Tribune late Wednesday that he considers the matter closed. Stenehjem's longtime assistant, Liz Brocker, resigned Friday after records yielded in a request from the Tribune detailed her actions directing the email accounts be deleted, including Stenehjem's the day after his Jan. 28 death due to cardiac arrest. "We want to make sure no one has an opportunity to make an Open Record request for his emails, especially as he kept EVERYTHING. This was approved by Troy," Brocker wrote on Jan. 29 to the office's information technology/criminal justice information services director. "Troy" was a reference to former Chief Deputy Attorney General Troy Seibel, who resigned in March as Wrigley intended to name his own deputy following his appointment by Gov. Doug Burgum to fill Stenehjem's position. Seibel has told the Tribune he doesn't recall a conversation about Stenehjem's email account, and that he had no control over how his own was handled following his resignation. Brocker directed the office IT staff to delete Seibel's account after he left, according to documents that Wrigley's office provided to the Tribune. State law makes it a felony for a public servant with custody of government records to "knowingly, without lawful authority," destroy, conceal, remove or otherwise impair the verity or availability of a government record. The offense is a misdemeanor for anybody else. Hart wants an outside criminal investigation to determine if any charges are warranted. Wardner said an internal office investigation isn't enough because there will always be doubt among the public. Wrigley said his office has conducted a thorough investigation with lots of eyes looking into it, including attorneys who are some of the finest subject matter experts in the state. He said his office has concluded that there was no illegal conduct that would merit criminal prosecution. Wrigley must win election over Democrat Tim Lamb in November to continue serving beyond 2022. Lamb issued a statement Thursday calling for an independent investigation into the email deletions, so that justice will be served." Huntington Beach Cannabis Tax Ballot Measure Finalized HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif.The city council on July 19 voted 52 to finalize a cannabis tax ballot measure for the November General Election. The council also unanimously postponed finalizing a second measure that would legalize the sale of marijuana in the city because councilors could not agree on the minimum distance between cannabis businesses and vulnerable places such as parks, schools, daycares, and youth centers. The second measure will be discussed again at a future council meeting after providing more input on the issue. The deadline for the city to submit ballot materials to the Orange County Registrar of Voters is Aug. 12. Though Proposition 64 legalized retail cannabis in the state in 2016, many cities in Orange County ban it, including Huntington Beach. Mayor Pro Tem Mike Posey and Councilman Erik Peterson cast the dissenting votes against a tax on cannabis sales. Peterson opposes lifting the ban on cannabis sales entirely, while Posey isnt supportive on imposing more taxes on residents. The cannabis tax ballot measure resembles a similar measure that received 64 percent voter approval in June, but failed to reach the two-thirds majority it needed to pass. The council revived it on July 5 with again a 52 vote. The cannabis tax would do the following: Tax up to 6 percent for cannabis retailers, or storefronts and deliveries. Tax up to 1 percent for non-retail businesses, or distribution and cultivation centers. Allow the council to lower the tax rate on medical cannabis sales, as opposed to recreational sales. Generate an expected $300,000 to $600,000 annually, which would go toward the citys general fund, according to the city. The estimated cost for the city to add these two ballot measures is $25,000. The exact amount depends on the number of ballot pages used. Rapper Kodak Black takes photos with fans during the third period of Game One of the First Round of the 2022 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs between the Florida Panthers and the Washington Capitals at the FLA Live Arena in Sunrise, Fla., on May 3, 2022. (Joel Auerbach/Getty Images) Kodak Blacks Pills in Drug Arrest Were Prescribed, His Attorney Says By Peter Sblendorio From New York Daily News Hip-hop star Kodak Black got a bad rap in his latest arrest, his attorney asserts. The Tunnel Vision artist was taken into custody last Friday after Florida authorities found 31 oxycodone pills and $74,960 in cash in the rappers car in Fort Lauderdale, according to TMZ, but attorney Bradford Cohen claims the drugs were prescribed. The lawyer told TMZ in a report published Wednesday that Kodak Black, 25, experiences pain after being shot in February and allegedly getting assaulted by guards while imprisoned in Kentucky prior to that. Cohen confirmed to the New York Daily News that he made the statement that the pills were prescribed. He told TMZ that hes given evidence of the prescription to prosecutors. Kodak Black, whose real name is Bill Kapri, was reportedly charged with possession of a controlled substance without prescription, as well as trafficking in oxycodone. Never judge a case based on an arrest, Cohen told TMZ following the arrest. There are facts and circumstances that give rise to a defense, especially in this case. We negotiated a bond of $75,000 and we will move forward with resolving the matter quickly. Kodak Black, who was born in Pompano Beach, Fla., was previously sentenced to nearly four years behind bars for falsifying forms to buy weapons, but his sentence was commuted nearly two years early by former president Donald Trump in January 2021. The rapper pleaded guilty to first-degree assault several months later in connection with a hotel room incident involving a high schooler. 2022 New York Daily News. Visit at nydailynews.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Los Angeles police chief Michel Moore speaks during a vigil with members of professional associations and the interfaith community at Los Angeles Police Department headquarters in Los Angeles, on June 5, 2020. (Mark J. Terrill/File/AP Photo) LAPD Struggles to Hire as Crime Is Up and Arrests Are Down Crime is up in Los Angeles while the citys police department (LAPD) struggles to recruit new officers, officials said at the July 19 police commissioners meeting. The data presented by LAPD Chief Michel Moore compares numbers from the period between Jan. 1 to July 9 of this year to the same period in the past two years. There were an additional 998 violent crimes reported compared to 2021which is a 6.9 percent increase, and a 13.7 percent increase since 2020. The number of homicide cases is roughly the same as last year but up about 28 percent from 2020. Property crimes such as burglaries, carjackings, car burglaries, and personal item thefts are all on the riseup 13.1 percent from 2021, according to the LAPD data. Citywide shootings have increased 47 percent since 2020, with the number of victims shot by perpetrators up 47 percent as well. Among gang-related incidents, attacks on police officers are up about 47 percent from 2021, while homicides are down roughly 28 percent. Carjackings are up by 32 percentwith rape and kidnappings up by 100 percent. Spanning 65 square miles, LAPDs Central Bureau reported the highest crime increase with a 21 percent jump from this time last year. The station covers the downtown business district, Eagle Rock, the Garment District, MacArthur Park, Dodger Stadium, and Griffith Park while bordering Burbank, Glendale, Pasadena, and South Pasadena. Meanwhile, arrests are down across all categories. For violent crimes, the number is down 5.4 percent from 2021, and down 5.7 percent for property crimes. Total arrests are down 13 percent from last year, and nearly 33 percent less compared with five years. Currently short of 426 sworn personnel, LAPD is amping up its recruitment efforts by providing incentives such as housing and sign-on bonus to help offset the high cost of living in the city. We are still marketing through targeted efforts for hiring particularly in areas of African American men and women overall and Asia Pacific American, Moore said. Moore added hes working with the personnel department to establish a 90-day expedited process of vetting qualified applicants. If they [applicants] indicate that they wish to be hired within 90 or fewer days, their testing processes and organizational resources are to allow that to happen, Moore said. It is my hope that every applicant that wants to be a member of this organization would have a desire for that 90-day process. Moore said investigators are still looking into the string of crimes that occurred last week across several Southern California counties, where two suspects targeted 7-Eleven stores and killed three people. As a result, five robberies and one homicide were reported in San Fernando Valley, the LAPDs jurisdiction. We believe that these suspects involved either one or both may actually be involved in nine additional convenience store robberies or food stand robberies that date back to late 2021, Moore said. The chief added that LAPD continues to work alongside law enforcement in Riverside, San Bernardino, and Orange counties in the investigation. A bag of assorted pills and prescription drugs dropped off for disposal is displayed during the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) 20th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day at Watts Healthcare in Los Angeles, Calif., on April 24, 2021. (Patrick T. Fallon / AFP via Getty Images) Louisiana Coroner Warns Counterfeit Pills Are Making US Dangerous for Teens, Plaguing His Community South Louisianas coroner has warned that deadly counterfeit pills are making America dangerous for teenagers and that fake medications are plaguing his community. This is probably the most dangerous time to be a teenager here in America, Dr. Charles Preston, the coroner in St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana, told Fox News. Teenagers think theyre getting one drug for a party, and unfortunately it can be the last thing theyll ever do, Preston added. His comments come after a 15-year-old in the parish died last week from ingesting several pills, and a 22-year-old died from taking only one pill. In both cases, the pills looked like Percocet (an opiate), according to local reports. Preston believes the pills may have been laced with fentanyl, although toxicology tests are still being conducted. There have been 40 overdose deaths and 35 opiate deaths in St. Tammany this year, according to official data. When I see this phenomenon of one pill that kills, that is a super red flag that were dealing with counterfeit medications, Preston told Fox News. In a statement to local news outlets last week, Preston expressed concern that his community may be experiencing illicit drug trade that involves intentionally tainted pills. Additionally, we have seen deaths related to ingestion of counterfeit Adderall, Xanax, marijuana, cocaine, and other pain pills. In other parts of the country, fentanyl has even been detected in vape fluid. The number of cases is escalating rapidly, and we consider this to be a pending healthcare emergency. Fentanyl Deaths on the Rise Fentanyl is a powerful and highly addictive synthetic opioid used to treat severe pain. It is 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has previously said that counterfeit prescription pills pose a danger to Americans, and warned of a nationwide surge in counterfeit pills that are mass-produced by criminals and marketed as legitimate prescription pills. Officials say that drug cartels crossing the southern border are importing fentanyl from China before pressing it into pills and selling them to unaware buyers who are then accidentally overdosing. In April 2022, the DEA said mass overdose events involving fentanyl were increasing across the country and killing Americans at an unprecedented rate. Between April 2020 through April 2021, for example, an estimated 100,306 people have died as the result of a drug overdose in the United States, and more than 75 percent of those deaths involved an opioid, marking an increase of nearly 28.5 percent year over year. According to data from the nonprofit group Families Against Fentanyl published in February, fatalities from the drug have more than doubled in 30 states in just two years, while 15 states have seen fatalities more than triple. Some lawmakers have called out the Biden administrations failed immigration policies for a surge in fentanyl sales across the country. Rep. Clay Higgins (R-La.) told The Epoch Times in June that weak border policies allowing illegal aliens with, allegedly, criminal intent to enter the United States are contributing to an increase in fentanyl-laced counterfeit pills circulating on the streets. These are not the little families or people that cross the border and go find a border patrol agent to turn themselves in to begin their processing for asylum, Higgins said. Instead, Im talking about the ones that run, which tells me they have bad intentions and are likely plugged into a criminal network. Video shows the outer Columbus Doors entry to the U.S. Capitol were closed as protesters approached the east steps on Jan. 6, 2021. (Parler/Screenshot via The Epoch TImes) MAGA Republican and Democrat Air Force Vet Battle for Open NC Seat North Carolinas 1st Congressional Districta safe seat for black Democrats for 30 yearsis vulnerable. Redistricting gave Republicans a better chance to win it as they seek to regain control of the House. The open seat promises to be a real fight this fall. Democrat Donald Davis, a state senator, faces Republican candidate Sandy Smith, who lost but made a strong showing against a longtime incumbent in 2020. Democrats want to tie the Trump supporter to the Jan. 6, 2021, rally and march on the U.S. Capitol but havent shown proof that she was ever inside. The Republican Party is fielding a candidate known to appeal to the districts rural Republicans. Rep. G.K. Butterfield (D-N.C.), who has represented the district since 2004, opted last fall to not run for reelection. A federal appellate court in 2016 ruled that the district had been racially gerrymandered in violation of the Constitution. That lawsuit grew out of the 1992 redistricting that put more black Democrats in Congress, often at the expense of white Democrats. It also created more suburban Republican districts, enabling the Republican Partys big sweep in 1994 to gain a House majority for the first time in 40 years and make Newt Gingrich speaker of the House. First redistricted in 2019and twice more as North Carolinas congressional maps got redrawnthe district kept only a narrow Democratic majority, according to national political analysts. Real Clear Politics now rates the race a toss-up. Butterfield, a former North Carolina Supreme Court associate justice, announced that he wouldnt seek reelection in November 2021, three months before the court he used to serve on finalized the latest redistricting in February. Once chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, Butterfield won and defended his with landslide majoritiestypically two-thirds to three-quarters of votes castagainst token Republican opposition for years. He first won in 2004. But Smiths challenge in 2020, when Butterfield won by eight points, showed that the 2019 redistricting had made the district more competitive, and subsequent revisions have kept it so. The 1st Congressional District, located in northeastern North Carolina, has no cities with more than 100,000 residents. Composed of small towns and rural areas, it sits in North Carolinas Black Belt and splits evenly between blacks and whites, each making up 42 percent of its population. Adding other groups, such as Hispanics, makes this a majority-minority district, according to Michael Bitzer, a political science professor at Catawba College in Salisbury, North Carolina. Morgan Jackson, a Democratic strategist in Raleigh, North Carolina, said the district has always been agricultural, with large plantations and farms and few college-educated voters. Its remained rural and agricultural. Even if folks dont farm anymore, they grew up on farms, Jackson said. They still feel like theyre farmers. Their parents or grandparents were farmers. The rural communities are often racially divided, he said. They struggle with racial issues and racial justice. Each partys candidate speaks to the districts underlying nature. Davis, a state senator for all but two years since 2009, is a former mayor of his native Snow Hill, North Carolina. A veteran and Air Force Academy graduate, he represents the type of moderate Democrat the district favors, Jackson said. As a first lieutenant, he coordinated Air Force One operations at Andrews Air Force Base, according to his website. Davis beat a primary opponent who raised significantly more money than he did, defeating the opponent by a 21 margin. Smith is a strongly pro-Trump Republican, one Bitzer terms a MAGA Republican, the type who runs well in North Carolinas rural areas. Her website makes no bones about that: Im Sandy Smith, the unapologetic America First, pro-life, pro-guns, pro-military, freedom living, pro-Trump fighter running for U.S. Congress in North Carolinas 1st District. The main photo on her home page features her shooting a rifle. She wants to drain the swamp. I made history by swinging my district 25 points toward the Republicans and now its time we finish the job we started and take back our country in 2022, Smith said. Jackson sought to tie her to controversial Trump supporters, such as Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene and fellow North Carolina Republican Rep. Madison Cawthorn. Far Right is not far enough for her, he said. Smith has been endorsed by Trump loyalists, such as Roger Stone, Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn, and Sheriff Joe Arpaio. Bitzer said the conventional wisdom is that her primary opponent, Rocky Mount Mayor Sandy Roberson, would have drawn more crossover Democrat votes and thus run stronger in November than Smith. He would likely be more competitive than a fire-breathing Trumpist, Bitzer said. But if Republicans can win this district in November despite all that, it points to a good night for them statewide and maybe nationally. Whether they can win there depends on how Republican the electorate is and specifically how Trumpian it is. Smith won her primary by 2,000 votes, despite Robersons attempts to smear her two weeks before the election with allegations about her personal life and finances. Roberson wrote on Twitter that the information had been gathered but not used by Butterfield in 2020 because the election wasnt close. And he said he was using it now because the Democrats undoubtedly would in November. Republican leaders privately fret that such pro-Trump candidates have little appeal beyond the former presidents loyalist base and could sink the party in coming years with college-educated voters. The conventional wisdom is that they dont appeal to the suburban women who can be the swing vote in close districts. But that may not matter in North Carolinas 1st Congressional District, which doesnt contain such big-city suburbs. David Dorn, a 77-year-old retired St. Louis, Missouri, police officer who served 38 years on the force was shot and killed by looters at a pawn shop early on June 2, 2020. (Scott Bandle, Suburban Journals/St. Louis Post-Dispatch via AP) Man Found Guilty in Slaying of Retired St. Louis Police Captain Amid Riots in 2020 A man has been found guilty in the murder of David Dorn, a retired St. Louis, Missouri, police captain who died amid riots in 2020. Dorn, 77, was shot and killed in the early hours of June 2, 2020, outside his friends pawn shop in north St. Louis after he arrived there in response to an alarm. The evening was filled with violence and looting amid protests sparked by the death of George Floyd, who died in police custody on May 25, 2020. Dorn, who retired from St. Louis police in 2007 after having served 38 years, had approached the pawn shop and fired warning shots to ward off looters who were ransacking the business before he was fatally shot. Stephan Cannon, 26, was found guilty on July 20 of first-degree murder in the retired police captains death, reported the St. Louis Post Dispatch. Prosecutors argued that Cannon, of Glasgow Village, deliberated his actions when he walked to a corner near the pawn shop and fired 10 shots at Dorn. Alleged looter subject 6, who is believed to be related to the killing of St. Louis Police Captain David Dorn, 77, who was fatally shot in St. Louis, Missouri, on June 2, 2020. (Screenshot/St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department) Marvin Teer, the lead prosecutor, told jurors on July 20 that Cannon deliberated before he shot a good man who dedicated his entire life to doing nothing but helping others. Cannon was arrested days after the shooting and charged with first-degree murder after surveillance footage showed him on the scene. According to court documents obtained by The Epoch Times, a television stolen from the pawn shop was recovered at Cannons house; the serial number matched records from the pawn shop. Stephan Cannon in a mugshot. (St. Louis Police Department) Across St. Louis that night, Dorn and four officers were shot, others were pelted with rocks and fireworks, and 55 businesses were burglarized or damaged. Cannons lawyer, Brian Horneyer, said in closing arguments that police had tunnel vision when they charged Cannon without any physical evidence. Horneyer also said the states main witness, Mark Jackson, lied to police several times about the shooting and then made a deal to testify against Cannon. Cannon, who did not testify during the three-day trial, was also found guilty on July 20 of first-degree robbery, first-degree burglary, and three counts of armed criminal action. His sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 13. He faces a mandatory term of life in prison without parole. A Life of Service Then-President Donald Trump issued a statement to express condolences on the day after Dorns death. Our highest respect to the family of David Dorn, a Great Police Captain from St. Louis, who was viciously shot and killed by despicable looters last night. We honor our police officers, perhaps more than ever before. Thank you! Trump said at the time. Dorns wife Ann Dorn, a sergeant with the police department, said in an address to the Republican National Convention in late 2020 that her husband was shot and killed in cold blood. Daves grandson was watching the video on Facebook in real-time, not realizing he was watching his own grandfather dying on the sidewalk, she said. She said that Dorn didnt wake her up to tell her he was leaving to investigate the alarm at the pawn shop that night. He probably knew I would have tried to stop him or insisted on going with him, she said. Dorn served with St. Louis police for 38 years and also served for six years as police chief in Moline Acres. Zachary Stieber and The Associated Press contributed to this report. A member of the Lutheran Church Charities assembles a memorial for the victims of a mass shooting at a Fourth of July parade, in Highland Park, Ill., on July 6, 2022. (Jim Vondruska/Getty Images) Mass Shootings Are a Societal Problem, Not a Gun Problem: Former FBI Agent On the heels of another deadly mass shooting, people are looking for the culprit of the problem and searching for solutions. The number of mass shooting incidents reported and verified this year has surpassed 325. Fifteen of these incidents resulted in death. The most recent occurred on the Fourth of July, when Robert Crimo III fired upon a parade in Highland Park, a suburb of Chicago, killing seven people and wounding several others. Before his arrest, the 21-year-old shooter contemplated a second attack in Wisconsin. The Epoch Times spoke to Gregory Shaffer, a retired Supervisory Special Agent of the FBI, former member of the agencys elite Hostage Rescue Team (HRT), and author of the book Stay Safe: Security Secrets for Todays Dangerous World. In an effort to curb so-called gun violence, the Senate approved bipartisan, landmark measures aimed at keeping firearms out of the hands of dangerous people. While Shaffer agrees that certain people should not possess a firearm, he said he cringes when he hears the term gun violence. Without a person pulling the trigger, a firearm doesnt have the ability to discharge, he said. Guns dont cause violence; people cause violence. And the root cause of it all, he said, is the fact that evil exists and sick people are increasingly less subject to authority and appropriate treatment. As a result, Shaffer said, people need to practice situational awareness of not only their surroundings but also the people theyre in contact with on a regular or incidental basis. A Dangerous World We are living in a very dangerous world, Shaffer said. Violent crimes are on the rise. This year, a half dozen major cities will likely outpace last years record levels of violence crime, Fox News reported. These include Atlanta, Baltimore, Los Angeles, New York City, Philadelphia, and Washington. Shaffer encourages every law-abiding citizenabsent of mental issuesto carry a firearm for protection. You just never know when youll need it in todays world. But more than that, he said, not being aware of who and whats going on around you is like walking around with blinders on and asking for trouble. Because most violent offenders are cowards looking for the weakest targets, Shaffer said it is important to stay alert and vigilant. Always have a plan, and play the what if game, he said. What would you do, if in this moment, this happened? It could be mean being approached by a stranger or being interrupted by a dangerous perpetrator at a busy establishment. What are you going to do when, all of a sudden, things go violent? Shaffer admitted that what he finds most difficult in his job as a risk manager and security consultant is getting good people to understand that evil exists. Most people have never been a victim of violence, so they think its never going to happen to them, he said. We have to come to the realization that we live in a more dangerous world, but most people dont want to come to that realization, Shaffer said, adding that its too uncomfortable of a thought to think the country is getting worse rather than better. Lack of Long-term Help According to Shaffer, the crazy Highland Park shooter could have been a likely candidate for a mental institution. But he said mental facilities have been largely removed from treating the mentally deranged. America just doesnt have the facilities it once had to treat these kinds of people, he said. Since the 1960s, the United States has transitioned away from institutionalizing mental health facilities in state psychiatric facilities and relied on a community-based system of mental health care. According to some, this has brought about a mental health crisis, creating a system that overtreats the worried well and vastly undertreats the seriously mentally ill. Crimos mental state was oblivious to those closest to him or they were completely ignored, Shaffer said. Friends recently said Crimo was on a downward spiral, but family turned a blind eye to his condition. It was reported that he struggled with suicidal thoughts and self-harm for up to 6 years. If anyone should know their son the best, Shaffer suggested, it would be the father and mother. As recent as 2019, police reports suggested that Crimo was suicidal and had threatened his family on multiple occasions. A collection of knives was removed from his home, posing a clear and present dangers according to Illinois State Police. Yet, he was able to attain an Illinois gun license with his father co-signing the application because he was under 21. Reasons for an Uptick in Violence Shaffer recognizes that many are searching for the reasons for the violent crime surge, calling their effort a real difficult topic to discuss. Where is God? and where are the fathers in the family? he asked. Many kids no longer fear God, no longer have a healthy family structure, and are often accountable to no one. Evangelist Franklin Graham said, We have taken God out of schools and most homes are leaving God out of the rearing of their children. Regarding fathers in the family, the National Center for Health Statistics reports a divorce rate of 2.3 per 1,000 of the population. Nearly a quarter of children under the age of 18 in the United States live with one parent and no other adults. And that leads to millions of children living in fatherless homes Shaffer summarized his explanation for violent crime in America: No God figure, no father figure, no accountability, [and] no treatment. Solutions Contributing to the Issues While most people who own guns are law-abiding citizens who do not present serious mental health concerns, there are many others walking the streets of America with access to firearms, whose mental health has been seriously harmed, according to Schaffer. Rather than receiving the appropriate healthcare because its essentially not available anymore, theyre often getting pumped with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI), he said. Shaffer pointed out that many of these medicines are supposed to prevent depression and suicide, but the side effects listed in the package insert say they can cause anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation. According to Shaffer, it begs the question: If this is the case, how do you treat a mental health issue when the potential side effects are the exact same problem being treated? A 2015 report cohort study stated that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) were modestly associated with violent crime in participants aged 15-24 but not significant for individuals aged 25 and older. A current FDA warning also states: Pediatric patients being treated with antidepressants for any indication should be closely observed for clinical worsening, as well as agitation, irritability, suicidality, and unusual changes in behavior, especially during the initial few months of a course of drug therapy, or at times of dose changes, either increases or decreases. As a result, Shaffer said, The United States needs to take a seriously hard look at these things. Guns Are Not the Problem Firearms have been part of America since its founding, according to Shaffer. Up to 44 percent of American households are in possession of a gun. The average owner of a firearm possesses five of them. And Shaffer said, the proportion has been the same throughout the course of American history. Shaffer said, Guns have always been out there but whats new are all these mass shootings and active shootings. Ultimately, he said, violent crimes are a societal problem, not a gun problem. 9 Senate Republicans Join Democrats in Unveiling, Backing Election Law Reform Bills A bipartisan group of senators, including nine Republicans, have reached a deal to change federal election law, a substantial victory for Democrats hoping to exceed the 60-vote filibuster threshold in the upper chamber. The proposals include two pieces of legislation meant to alter U.S. election laws in response to President Donald Trumps efforts in 2020 to have Vice President Mike Pence throw out electoral votes from states accused of widespread voter fraud. Similar to all legislation in the upper chamber, at least 60 senators will need to rally behind the measures to limit debate and send them to the floor for a simple majority vote. Theyll likely have the support of all 50 Democratic senators, but will need the support of at least 10 Republicans to overcome the filibuster threshold. With nine Republicans backing the measures, only one other Republican needs to be swayed by proponents for passage of the legislation. Negotiations to craft the legislation were led on the Democrat side by Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and on the Republican side by Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine). Six other Democrats joined Manchin in negotiations, while eight other Republicans joined Collins. The first of the two pieces of legislation would alter the Electoral Count Act (ECA) of 1887, which Democrats have attempted to do for months. That law was at the center of attention on Jan. 6, 2021, and in the weeks leading up to it, as Trump attempted to make the case that legal ambiguities in the text of the 1887 law allowed the vice president to refuse to count some electoral votes. Amid ongoing contention over potential fraud in the 2020 election, Trump further tried to persuade Pence to use his role under the original ECA to challenge the results in several state elections that posed the highest risk of widespread fraud. Pence refused, allowing Joe Biden to be confirmed as the president-elect by the Senate. The legal validity of this effort has been contested; while opponents of the 2020 plan have argued that the vice president has only a ceremonial role in confirming electoral votes, its supporters have argued that the text of the law opens the door to what Trump attempted on Jan. 6, 2021. In response to this, the new law would close debate by declaring the vice presidents role to be only ceremonial. The measure would also provide new rules for the transition of power in the event of a contested election. The legislation dictates that if neither candidate concedes within five days of the election, both major candidates will receive access to transition resources until it is substantially certain who will win the majority of electoral votes. When a clear winner of the election is determined, only that person will be able to access transition resources. The legislation would also increase requirements to reject a slate of electors during the congressional certification process. Under the 1887 law, only one member of the House and one member of the Senate need to object to a slate of electors to force the entire Congress to vote on whether to sustain or strike down the objection; the new measure would raise the number of objectorsto one-fifth of the members of the House and Senateneeded to force such a vote. The first measure is sponsored by nine Republicans and seven Democrats. The second piece of legislation, which has the support of five Republicans and seven Democrats, would increase federal penalties for threatening or intimidating election officials, which the Jan. 6 House Select Committee has claimed that Trump supporters did in key battleground states. It also would increase penalties for tampering with election records. Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.), one of the sponsors of the measures, said theyre an important congressional response to the events of Jan. 6, 2021. Anything we can do and show to the American public that we realize how serious that day was and that were going to do all we can to prevent a repeat of January 6, is a step in the right direction, Warner said. Any future vice president cannot, should not, will not be able to overturn legitimate votes of Americans and their electors that states vote. With the announcement of the deal, the measures will now move to the Senate Rules Committee, where Chairwoman Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) said theyll face a vote on Aug. 3. This date, falling two weeks after the compromise deal was announced, suggests that the pieces of legislation wont move quickly through the Senate but are instead on track for a long and drawn-out consideration process. Oil pump jacks are seen at the Vaca Muerta shale oil and gas deposit in the Patagonian province of Neuquen, Argentina, on Jan. 21, 2019. (Agustin Marcarian/Reuters) Oil Prices Slump as Stockpiles and Rate Hikes Stoke Demand Fears LONDONOil prices fell by more than $5 on Thursday after higher U.S. gasoline stockpiles and an ECB rate hike stoked demand worries and returning oil supply from Libya eased supply concerns. Brent crude futures lost $3.88, or 3.6 percent, to $103.04 a barrel by 1224 GMT after slipping 0.4 percent in the previous session. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures were down $3.79, or 3.8 percent, at $96.09 after a 1.9 percent drop on Wednesday. Both were down more than $5 earlier in the session. Oil futures trading volumes have been thin and prices volatile as traders have to square weaker energy demand with tighter supply resulting from the loss of Russian barrels after Ukraines war. The European Central Bank on Thursday joined many other central banks in raising interest rates, focusing on fighting runaway inflation rather than the economic downturn, which can weigh on oil demand. The Bank of Japan, meanwhile, maintained ultra-low interest rates to stimulate stalling economic growth. U.S. gasoline inventories rose by 3.5 million barrels last week, government data showed on Wednesday, far exceeding analyst forecasts. U.S. gasoline demand is struggling to shift into top gear during the peak summer driving season, said PVM analyst Stephen Brennock. Libyas National Oil Corp (NOC) on Wednesday said that crude production had resumed at several oilfields after the lifting of force majeure on oil exports last week. On the natural gas front, Gazprom resumed flows via the Nord Stream 1 pipeline that supplies more than a third of Russian gas exports to the European Union. However, one of Canadas major oil export arteries, the Keystone pipeline, was operating at reduced rates for a third day on Wednesday, operator TC Energy said. By Shadia Nasralla and Rowena Edwards Premier Doug Ford responds to a question from the media on the final day of the summer meeting of the Canada's Premiers at the Fairmont Empress in Victoria, B.C., on July 12, 2022. (The Canadian Press/Chad Hipolito) Ontario to Grant Toronto, Ottawa Mayors Veto Powers Over Council as Part of Strong-Mayor System Ontario Premier Doug Ford has confirmed hes planning to hand the mayors of Toronto and Ottawa veto power similar to that of the U.S. municipal system. Speaking to reporters at Queens Park in Toronto on July 20, Ford said he plans to bring in a strong-mayor system for Toronto and Ottawa so that mayors are given enhanced powers over financial matters and appointments. Ford said it will be a trial run, and if successful, will expand to other cities such as Mississauga, Brampton and Hamilton. I just think that be it the mayor of Toronto or Ottawa, or any mayor, theyre accountable for everything but they have the same single vote as a single councillor, he said at the press event on July 20. And no matter if its a good decision or a tough decision that they make, they have to be accountable and (this) just allows them the ability, not the powerI always say you have a tremendous amount of responsibility and abilityto make the appropriate changes. According to the current Ontario municipal councillors guide, a mayor takes on the role of head of the council and acts as the chief executive officer of the municipality. Municipal decisions, however, are made by council as a whole. Generally, the head of council does not have any more power than any other member of council to make decisions on behalf of the municipality,the guide says. Each member of council only has one vote. With a strong-mayor system, it can grant mayors many more powers such as the ability to veto city council decisions, appoint and remove department heads, and oversee daily operations of their cities, similar to the U.S. National League of Cities, an organization representing municipalities in the United States. Reaction Some councillors in Toronto and Ottawa spoke out against the planned provincial move. In a Twitter post on July 19, Ottawa mayoral candidate and councillor Catherine McKenney called the proposal an anti-democratic move that would remove decision-making power from residents and their council representatives. In Toronto, Coun. Mike Layton said the issue goes beyond the powers of current mayor John Tory, who is seeking re-election to a third term this fall. Its about what could happen if this power fell into the wrong hands, regardless of your political stripe, he said in a tweet on July 20. Ford told reporters that the veto powers to be given to mayors can still be overruled by their respective city councils. Two-thirds of the council can overrule the mayor, but well get more in-depth once everything goes through there, he said. In a statement posted on Twitter on July 20, Tory said he is in favour of a strong-mayor system. Strong Mayor powers are something that Ive said I would support I talked about it before the last election, he said. I understand this is something that the Province is exploring in order to get more homes built as quickly as possible. According to the Canadian Press, a spokesperson for Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson said the mayor was on annual leave and would not be able to comment on July 20. Watson has said hes not seeking re-election. The Canadian Press contributed to this report. With cyber criminals developing more sophisticated online and offline threats, security breaches are a matter of if, not when. In fact, 65% of security professionals believe they will be dealing with a major breach within the next 12 months, and with the average cost of a data breach totaling over $3.86 million, the stakes couldn't be higher. Having a proactive incident response process is a must to ensure your employees know how to respond to security breaches intelligently and effectively. Tap into this blog to unlock 5 incident response best practices you can use to improve your data breach resolution capabilities. Authorities remove a body from a 7-Eleven after a clerk was fatally shot during a robbery in Brea, Calif., on July 11, 2022. (Mindy Schauer/The Orange County Register via AP) Orange County Creates $150,000 7-Eleven Shooting Victims Relief Fund Orange County will provide up to $150,000 to aid local victims of a series of shootings at half a dozen 7-Eleven stores across Southern California on July 11affecting three cities in the countyleaving three dead and three injured. The county Board of Supervisors unanimously voted on July 19 to use funds from the discretionary budgets of the affected county districts for a relief fund to help pay for medical bills and funeral expenses. Its scary when you think about the fact that these are neighborhood stores. You might go there for a cup of coffee or a quart of milk, Supervisor Doug Chaffee said during the meeting. Our hearts go out to the victims [families] for their loss. The motion was introduced by Chaffee, whose District 4 includes Brea and La Habra, in collaboration with Supervisor Katrina Foley, whose District 2 includes Santa Ana. Police investigate a shooting at a 7-Eleven store in Brea, Calif., on July 11, 2022. (Eugene Garcia/AP Photo) Ahead of the vote, Chaffee said the funds were originally designated as a reward for the suspects capture, but since they were quickly arrested, the supervisors decided to designate the money, instead, to the victims and their families. The relief fund will be set up through Waymakers, an organization that partners with the countys Health Care Agency and oversees support for crime victims for the county District Attorneys Office. Foley said some of her staff members also planned to stop by the same Santa Ana store at 302 E. 17th Street later that day, as July 11 is the National 7/11 Daywhen 7-Eleven gives out free slurpees, its iconic carbonated slushies. Its a terrible tragedy, Foley said. No one should have to go to the 7-Eleven and worry about being shot and killed. Officials investigate after officers found two victims with gunshot wounds following a robbery at a 7-Eleven in La Habra, Calif., on July 11, 2022. (Paul Bersebach/The Orange County Register via AP) Los Angeles residents Malik Patt, 20, and Jason Payne, 44, were arrested July 15 in the killing spree. The county District Attorney Todd Spitzer July 18 said Patt will be charged with killing a clerk in Brea and a man who intervened in a robbery in a store parking lot in Santa Ana. Police have also linked Patt and Payne to a string of robberies in Los Angeles on July 9 and 11, as well as the fatal shooting of a homeless man in the city on July 9. Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer (C) and other law enforcement officials speak about a plan to charge a Los Angeles man in connection with a deadly robbery spree at a half-dozen 7-Elevens and a doughnut shop at a news conference in Santa Ana, Calif., on July 18, 2022. (Screenshot via Facebook/Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer) Patts full charges include murder, attempted murder, robbery, and carjacking. If convicted, his case could result in a life sentence without the possibility of parole at the minimumor the death penalty. Authorities said Payne was not involved in the killings but faces multiple robbery charges. Both men appeared in court in Santa Ana on July 19, but their arraignment was delayed until Aug. 18. Paul Pelosi and Nancy Pelosi attend the TIME 100 Gala 2019 Cocktails at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City on April 23, 2019. (Jemal Countess/Getty Images for TIME) Pelosi Says Husband Never Purchased Stocks Based on Information She Provided Him House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) is facing questions about whether her husband, Paul Pelosi, made stock purchases based on information she gave him. During an exchange with a reporter on Thursday, Pelosi responded with no and absolutely not when asked about whether she handed information to her husband, a multi-millionaire California stock investor. In recent months, Pelosi has drawn scrutiny over her husbands moves on the stock market. Last week, her office disclosed that Paul Pelosi recently exercised 200 call options, or 20,000 shares, of semiconductor company Nvidia at a strike price of $100 with an expiration of June 17 worth between $1 million and $5 million. The stock purchase came weeks before a Senate voted to advance a bill that would subsidize domestic semiconductor production in a 64-34 vote. The measure would provide roughly $52 billion in subsidies to chip companies, including Nvidia and Intel, to increase production in the United States. It certainly raises the specter that Paul Pelosi could have access to some insider legislative information, Craig Holman, a government affairs lobbyist, told the Daily Caller about Paul Pelosis stock activity. This is the reason why there is a stock trading app that exclusively monitors Pauls trading activity and then its followers do likewise. Earlier this week, a Pelosi spokesperson said that the House speaker doesnt directly own any stocks and has no prior knowledge or subsequent involvement in any transactions. To be clear, insider trading is already a serious federal criminal and civil violation and the Speaker strongly supports robust enforcement of the relevant statutes by the Department of Justice and the Securities and Exchange Commission, Drew Hammill, her spokesman, also said. The Speaker led the House in passing the bipartisan Courthouse Ethics and Transparency Act, which would subject federal judges to similar disclosure requirements as those in the STOCK Act. President Biden signed this bill into law in May. As for the chip bill, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) told reporters this week that he wont vote in favor of the motion until he had seen the text of the bill. Myself, Im not going to vote to proceed until I know what were proceeding to. But there are others in our conference who may decide otherwise, he said, according to the Wall Street Journal. Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) wrote that its necessary to pass the bill to promote U.S. economic stability. If the US lost access to advanced semiconductors (none made in US) in the first year, GDP could shrink by 3.2 percent and we could lose 2.4 million jobs, he wrote in a series of Twitter posts. The GDP loss would 3X larger ($718 B) than the estimated $240 B of US GDP lost in 2021 due to the ongoing chip shortage. Facebook founder, Chairman, and CEO Mark Zuckerberg testifies before the House Energy and Commerce Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington on April 11, 2018. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) Pennsylvania Bans Zuck Bucks Private Funds in Election Operations Pennsylvania has banned public officials from receiving and using private election grants, including those from nonprofits, in a bid to boost election integrity by reducing outside influence. As of July 2022, over 20 states have passed laws banning or restricting public officials use of unregulated third-party monies when conducting elections. It comes after conservative analysts contend that such fundsdubbed Zuck Buckswere allegedly strategic in their placement in swing states, beefing up vote totals in 2020 for then-presidential candidate Joe Biden to eventually win the election. Election offices across Pennsylvania received more than $25 million in Zuck Bucks grants during the 2020 election cycle, according to data released by Capital Research Center. Democrat Gov. Tom Wolf signed into law Senate Bill 982 (pdf) on July 11 mandating that public officials of state and local governments may not solicit, apply for, enter into a contract for or receive or expend gifts, donations, grants or funding from any individual, business, organization, trust, foundation, or any nongovernmental entity for the registration of voters or the preparation, administration or conduction of an election in this commonwealth, as per the new election integrity legislation. For us, reform begins with prohibiting private groups from funding election administration, the bills primary sponsor state Sen. Lisa Baker said in a statement issued upon the laws passage. She called the amendments substantial structural improvements. No matter who on the outside is contributing, no matter their expressed motivations, Baker said, millions of dollars coming in from national figures or organizations naturally raises suspicions of hidden agendas. Instead, the bill introduces a brand new election integrity grant program, wherein the states Department of Community and Economic Development is permitted to provide $45 million each yearor $5.15 per registered voterto reimburse counties. Yet it limits the circumstances for use of the grants, such as payment of staff needed to pre-canvass and canvass mail-in ballots and absentee ballots and physical security and transparency costs for centralized pre-canvassing and canvassing. The total amount of the grants will be determined based on the population of registered voters in the previous primary election. To qualify for the state deal, counties are required to open and count ballots from 7 a.m. on Election Day, which doesnt allow counties to process mail-in ballots ahead of Election Day. Counties can submit applications between Aug. 1 and Aug. 15. Third-Party Grants A Mark Zuckerberg-funded activist group, the Chicago nonprofit Center for Tech and Civic Life (CTCL), flooded election offices largely in Democratic Party strongholds with hundreds of millions of dollars in 2020, which experts have seen as an apparent effort to drive up voter turnout for that party. The billionaire Facebook founder, along with his wife, Priscilla Chan, donated $350 million to CTCL to fund local election offices nationally, calling them COVID-19 response grants. The money was advertised as a resource to buy personal protective equipment and reduce the spread of the coronavirusyet COVID-19 response turned out to be a fraction of the total expenditures. Researchers at the Capital Research Center, a Washington-based conservative non-profit organization, found that CTCL had given grants to 10 of the 13 counties Biden won in Pennsylvania, one of whichErie Countyflipped from Trumps 2016 column. Together, these 10 counties received $20.8 million, or over 83 percent of all CTCL grants to Pennsylvania, the report reads. In contrast, CTCL gave grants to 12 of the 54 counties Trump won statewide. These 12 counties received just $1.73 million, a mere 7 percent of all CTCL funds in the Keystone state. The five biggest grants per capita in CTCL-funded counties statewide all went to those that Biden won, the study shows. A spokesman for Facebook did not respond to a request for an interview. Zuckerberg commissioned a report in December, which emphasized that more Republican jurisdictions, defined as municipalities that voted for Trump in 2020, applied for and received grants. The conclusion was deemed misleading among some election data experts because Republican jurisdictions were far more likely to receive grants of less than $50,000, which would likely not be enough to materially change election practices in the recipient jurisdiction. Last month, a report of tax records filed by CTCL showed that the group awarded all larger grantson both an absolute and per capita basis to deeply Democratic urban areas, particularly in swing states. As of July 2022, 22 states have enacted laws to ban or restrict private money for state and county election boards to administer public elections, according to the Capital Research Center. Legislatures in six other states have passed potential bans, yet the governorsall Democratshave vetoed such legislation. While the Pennsylvania governor signed SB 982 into law, he struck down a separate election security bill from Republicans, which would allow registered voters in Pennsylvania to serve as poll watchers in any precinct in the state. An investigation by Broad and Liberty, a right-leaning publication dedicated to Pennsylvania politics, obtained emails showing that Wolfs office coordinated with left-wing nonprofits to implement a secretive process that selectively invited Democratic counties to apply for Zuck Bucks grants. Police Conducting BC-Wide Search for Man Initially Released After Alleged Assault of Woman and Child in Vancouver Vancouver police are searching for a man who skipped his July 12 court date after being charged with assault, mischief, and obstructing a peace officer in downtown Vancouver on July 9 and released from custody. Police say the suspect is now wanted B.C.-wide. #VPDNews: Vancouver Police are seeking additional witnesses after a mom and her toddler were struck and knocked over by a suspect running through Chinatown earlier this month. Media Release: https://t.co/0m1eIZ5lyL pic.twitter.com/yQIlb3Cmnx Vancouver Police (@VancouverPD) July 20, 2022 The Vancouver Police Department (VPD) arrested suspect Shakwan David Kelly, 27, on July 9 after receiving reports that a shirtless man was causing disruption on Vancouvers Northeast side, near Chinatown, earlier the same day. Witnesses alleged that the man was walking through traffic and kicking cars, allegedly hitting one so hard that he dented it, the VPD said in a news release.. The man attempted to flee through Chinatown as VPD arrived on the scene, according to police. While running down East Pender street, he allegedly struck a woman and a child standing on the sidewalk, allegedly knocking them violently to the ground. Police included security-camera footage that captured the incident in their report. The alleged attack resulted in the woman knocking her head on the pavement and her toddler sustaining multiple scrapes, police say. Vancouver Police arrested Kelly two blocks away on Main Street a few minutes later. They took him into custody and charged him with assault, mischief, and obstruction of justice. The VPD released Kelly on the same day, but scheduled him to appear in court on July 12just three days later. However, Kelly did not attend his hearing, thus triggering a province-wide manhunt and making him fugitive from justice. Police are now asking that any witnesses of the assault come forward and testify. VPD Spokesperson Sergeant Steve Addison said the police have heard from some witnesses, but are seeking more. This assault occurred in a busy neighbourhood and was witnessed by about a dozen people, said Addison in the release. Although weve spoken to some witnesses, were still collecting evidence and wed like to hear from others who saw or heard what happened. Police are asking witnesses to call 604-717-4021 with their reports. The VPDs search for Kelly comes just days after Sergeant Addison spoke about a rising number of random assaults in Vancouver. When asked if hes ever seen crime levels this high during his time with the VPD, Addison said hes never seen it like this. Ive been a police officer for a while now and Ive never seen it like this, he told Global News. Theres a lot of community concern out there and we hear that concern and we share that concern. Addison also said the VPD is working to understand the citys rising crime rates. We believe that its not just a policing solution thats going to solve this epidemic because so many of these cases that were seeing involve underlying social issues, underlying mental health issues, and repeat offenders, he said. The VPD didnt respond by press time to requests by The Epoch Times for details on the province-wide search for Kelly. Police Data Leak: Beijing Sentences Woman to 6.5 Years in Prison for a Text Message A file from a leaked Chinese police database shows that the regime arrested and sentenced a 61-year-old woman to prison simply because she sent a text message that was against the regimes propaganda. Bai Gendi died on June 15, 2017, at 65, four years and nine months after the leaked document revealed the content of a text message she had sent. In the last period of her life, Bai told her family several times that she was tortured and poisoned while in prison because she refused to denounce her faith or confess to any crime. They [prison guards] want me to die, is the last sentence that Bai said clearly to her loved ones before she passed away. She said that the regime didnt want her to tell people the facts about Falun Dafa. Falun Dafa, also known as Falun Gong, is a spiritual practice with moral teachings and five exercises. Adherents follow the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance. In 1999, the Chinese regime launched a persecution that has continued for over two decades. A Recorded Text Message A trove of data on one billion Chinese residents, allegedly hacked from the Shanghai police database, was listed for sale on the dark web in late June. The seller, under the name ChinaDan, posted a sample that contained 750,000 records to attract buyers. Although the authenticity of nearly 24 terabytes (24 TB) of data wasnt verified, and no government commented on it, over a dozen people whose identities were listed in the sample have confirmed the accuracy. The Epoch Times read the sample and found that one record in the Case Data Index matches a case that The Epoch Times reported in 2016. At 18:00 on Sept. 10, 2012, citizen Xie Zhengkai visited a police station and reported that he received a text message about Falun Gong that was sent by the phone number 15921522491, read the sample. The record indicated that the police identified the phone number as belonging to Bai Gendi. Hours later, they arrested Bai at Chenjiazhai Tunnel on Longwu Road in the Xuhui District of Shanghai. Falun Dafa practitioners demonstrate five exercises at a rally to raise awareness of the Chinese Communist Partys persecution of Falun Dafa in Santa Monica, Calif., on July 17, 2022. (Debora Cheng/The Epoch Times) No law in China rules that people cant practice Falun Dafa. On the contrary, the laws protect peoples freedom of belief, speech, and monitoring of the regime, former Chinese judge Wang Chongming who used to work at a Beijing city court told the Chinese-language Epoch Times on July 15. Its legal for Chinese people to practice Falun Dafa. According to the law, Chinese people have the right to promote their beliefs and reveal the persecution that they suffered because of belief. A Fatal Arrest Bai was arrested on Sept. 10, 2012, and sentenced to prison on May 3, 2013, reported Minghui.org, a U.S.-based website that documents the CCPs campaign against Falun Dafa. Bai Gendis family suspected that her death was a direct result of her being drugged and tortured in prison. Before the leaked database revealed her text message, Bai and the people around her didnt know why the police had arrested her on a public road. They simply thought she was arrested and sentenced to a fabricated crime by the Xuhui District Court because she refused to renounce her belief in Falun Dafa. Bai was detained in a small iron cage after she was transferred to [Shanghai Womens] Prison in mid-2013, where she couldnt stand or lie down, Minghui.org quoted Bais fellow prisoner. The prison guards only allowed her to wear short sleeves and short pants when we wore down coats in winter because she didnt give up. An illustration of a detainee in a small iron cage, a method used by the Chinese Communist Party to persecute Falun Dafa adherents in China. (Minghui.org) In the spring of 2013, Bai was moved to a regular prison cell. But the prison guards didnt reduce the intensity of their torture. On Aug. 24, 2016, the prison informed Bais family that Bai fell from a chair and lost consciousness. When the family arrived at Songjiang Renmin Hospital, they saw Bais skull was wounded and the gash was bleeding. She was extemely underweight and drifted in and out of consciousness. The family noticed the cut on Bais head appeared more like a surgical incision than a wound from an accident. The prison guards couldnt explain the gash and refused to show the surveillance video. Soon after, a doctor announced that there was a tumor in Bais lungs. After she was released on medical parole in early September 2016, Bai told her family everything that happened. The day before she was sent to the hospital, the guards moved all her cellmates to another location. She ate breakfast alone on the next morning. Soon, she felt dizzy and passed out. By the time she came to that evening, she was in the hospital. Bai said that the prison had added an unknown drug to the food that she was given in early 2016. She threw up when she ate the food. Realizing that the food might contain some kind of poison, she refused to eat anything prepared just for her, and only ate the same food as her cellmates. Bai also said that the prison guards used a wooden stick to frequently beat her head. Torture is routinely used on Falun Dafa practitioners detained in China. In the scene depicted in this drawing, the policemen are beating the victim. (Minghui.org) It looked to Bais family that Bai was recovering; but on Sept. 30, 2016, she had a severe headache. She continued to have headaches and found it hard to communicate. Bai passed away on June 15, 2017. Her family said that the Shanghai state police officers were hanging around her house and the hospital when she was on medical parole. Persecuted Cadre Bai was a manager at an office of state-run China National Offshore Oil Corporation Donghai Company & Caltex. She is optimistic, enthusiastic, kind, sincere, understanding, caring, and considerate. She is a good person for all the others, Wang Youqun, a columnist and China affairs commentator, wrote in his opinion piece about the CCPs persecution of Falun Dafa practitioners in Shanghai on April 26. Bai enjoyed a happy life after she practised Falun Dafa. However, the regime suddenly didnt allow people to continue to follow their beliefs on July 20, 1999. To force Bai to renounce her beliefs, the regime jailed her in the Shanghai Qingsong labor camp and the Shanghai Songjiang Womens Prison for nearly 14 years of her life. If medical complications leave you incapable of making decisions, a power of attorney (POA) will delegate legal authority to someone else to make them for you. That individual (the agent) can then make decisions for you (the principal) that include legal, financial, medical, and business matters. Why You Need a Power of Attorney Document Before anything causes you to become unable to make decisions for yourself, appoint someone you trust to handle your affairs in case the unforeseen happens. There is another reason to give power of attorney to someone: that person may have expertise in an area you do not possess, says LegalNature. An example would be when you need advice on legal matters. Consequences of Not Designating a POA If you become incapacitated without a POA, your loved ones might not be able to access your finances. Your bills might go unpaid, or your family might need to scramble to meet immediate financial needs. If you neglect to appoint a healthcare power of attorney, something similar could happen. If you have a medical power of attorney in place, it will help to ensure that your wishes are fulfilled. Without a POA, a court may appoint a guardian or conservator to make decisions for you. This will consume a lot of time, is expensive, and stressful. On top of that, the person chosen may not have your best interests in mind. The 5 Types of POAs You can give power of attorney to someone for a variety of reasons, medical or otherwise. It can be for a single areasuch as buying a car or piece of property, or as wide as you wantpermitting the agent to handle all your financial decisions. There are five types of POA. Each one is best suited for specific needs. General power of attorney: This gives the agent lots of poweralmost as much as the documents creator. The agent has the ability to pay bills, conduct financial transactions, and sign documents. This may be a good choice in situations where the principal is not incapacitated but needs assistance with decisions or financial affairs. Special or limited power of attorney: The authority granted by this power of attorney is limited to a specific areasuch as the sale of real estate, or even to a specific property. Durable power of attorney: Before we go on, its important to note that unless a power of attorney is specifically designated as durable, it terminates when the principal can no longer make decisions, dies, or when the POA is revoked. Adding durable gives the agent authority beyond the principals incapacitation. In order for the power of attorney to continue after the principal can no longer make decisions, there must be specific language in the power of attorney that clearly designates it as durable. Springing durable of attorney: Under this power of attorney, the power to act as an agent begins only when a specific event happens, for instance, when the principal becomes incapacitated. Healthcare power of attorney: In many states, medical decisions are not included in a general durable power of attorney. Someone with healthcare power of attorney can speak with doctors and make decisions on your behalf. Note that a healthcare power of attorney is different from a living will. Unlike a living will, it applies to both end of life treatment as well as other areas of health care. If you neglect to designate a power of attorney, a court may appoint someone to make decisions for you. (Dreamstime/TNS) Child Care Power of Attorney Unlike power of attorney for yourself, a child care power of attorney temporarily transfers legal guardianship of your child because of your absence. The document gives a designated agent power to provide care for your child. This may include making decisions about education or the medical treatment the child might receive in an emergency. Common Mistakes Made With POA Documents Not designating authority over all property There are many types of property, and POAs generally include a list of various types. Nolo says that leaving out some types (such as digital property, insurance, and retirement plans)even if you do not possess them now, may lead to considerable loss later. There are many types of property, and POAs generally include a list of various types. Nolo says that leaving out some types (such as digital property, insurance, and retirement plans)even if you do not possess them now, may lead to considerable loss later. Making the wrong person your agent This is probably the most common mistake people make when it comes to power of attorney. The person you name as your agent should be reliable, faithful, and willing to act in your best interest. This is probably the most common mistake people make when it comes to power of attorney. The person you name as your agent should be reliable, faithful, and willing to act in your best interest. Giving financial and medical POA to the same person This mistake can lead to problems. Worst case scenario: the individual may hasten your death to obtain your finances. This mistake can lead to problems. Worst case scenario: the individual may hasten your death to obtain your finances. Appointing the wrong financial agent appointing an inexperienced or imprudent agent to manage your finances could be disastrous. appointing an inexperienced or imprudent agent to manage your finances could be disastrous. Making an agent a joint owner of your bank accounts Obviously, this would give them access to your funds in the bank, which may be hazardous. In addition, if they run into financial problems, their creditors could come after your money. Obviously, this would give them access to your funds in the bank, which may be hazardous. In addition, if they run into financial problems, their creditors could come after your money. Not updating or revoking a POA A POA stands until you update or revoke it. Not revoking or updating your POA in situations such as a divorce is a huge oversight. The document will still be legally binding, although the circumstances under which it was created may have greatly changed. A POA stands until you update or revoke it. Not revoking or updating your POA in situations such as a divorce is a huge oversight. The Not appointing a guardian over yourself When you become incapacitated, you need a trustworthy person to direct your medical issues and treatment. When you become incapacitated, you need a trustworthy person to direct your medical issues and treatment. Not checking with your financial institutions Financial institutions often have their own forms for power of attorney. Financial institutions often have their own forms for power of attorney. Not preparing for the transfer of goods after deathPower of attorney documents end when you die. Creating a will or trust enables you to continue guarding your assets from estate taxes and from falling into the wrong hands. How to Create a POA Document Since you want to be sure that your desires after you become incapacitated are carried out, it is important to use a lawyer, most likely an estate planning or elder law attorney. Who Is a Good Choice for POA? Selecting someone to have power of attorney for your finances or healthcare should be done with considerable thought. Your POA should be someone who demonstrates responsibility for their own financial matters and understands the financial and personal matters involved. The individual you select must also be able to work with lawyers and doctors. And they should be willing to carry out the wishes of the principalregardless of the opinions of other parties involved, including family members. Since power of attorney gives someone temporary power over your medical care and assets, it needs to be worded precisely. A lawyer can help you with this important task. The Epoch Times Copyright 2022 The views and opinions expressed are those of the authors. They are meant for general informational purposes only and should not be construed or interpreted as a recommendation or solicitation. The Epoch Times does not provide investment, tax, legal, financial planning, estate planning, or any other personal finance advice. The Epoch Times holds no liability for the accuracy or timeliness of the information provided. Former Vice President Mike Pence speaks to a crowd of supporters at the University Club of Chicago on June 20, 2022. (Jim Vondruska/Getty Images) Pro-Life Movement Will Not Relent Until Sanctity of Life Is at the Center of American Law: Mike Pence Former Vice President Mike Pence praised the Supreme Courts reversal of Roe v. Wade in a recent speech in South Carolina, outlining steps that he hopes will be adopted by several states to further the pro-life cause. In a July 20 speech at Florence Baptist Temple in Florence, South Carolina, Pence said he believes with all my heart that the rollback of Roe v. Wade gives America an opportunity to become a more perfect union, The Hill reported. But make no mistake about it: As we gather tonight, we must recognize that we have only come to the end of the beginning, he said. Standing here in the first days of post-Roe America, we must resolve that we will not rest, we will not relent, until the sanctity of life is restored to the center of American law in every state in the nation. To further strengthen pro-life legislation for a post-Roe America, Pence asked the attendees to elect pro-life officials into state positions to implement such policies. While he was governor of Indiana, Pence signed a law that banned abortion based on a childs gender, race, or disability. A federal appeals court later ruled the law was unconstitutional. The former vice president called for limiting access to abortion pills via mail and pushed for making adoption cheaper and more accessible. He asked conservatives to not just focus on ending abortion but also on promoting adoption. After Roe v. Wade was overturned, the Biden administration indicated that it would seek to protect access to medication abortions. Pence went on to predict that the current generation will lead us to a pro-life America. Relationship With Trump Prior to his speech at the Florence Baptist Temple, Pence met with House Republicans at the Capitol, some of whom asked that he run for president in 2024, according to an NBC News report. Though Trump has not officially announced his run in the 2024 race, it is expected to happen soon. In a March 2022 interview with the Washington Examiner, Trump dismissed a suggestion that Pence would be his running mate if the former president were to run for a second term. Trump said that people would not accept it. Mike and I had a great relationship except for the very important factor that took place at the end. We had a very good relationship, Trump said. I havent spoken to him in a long time. On July 22, Pence and Trump are scheduled to hold dueling rallies for candidates in Arizonas Republican primary. In June, Trump slammed Pence for not having the courage to act to address concerns about the 2020 presidential election results. Former White House aide Steve Bannon outside the federal courthouse in Washington on July 20, 2022. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images) Prosecution Witness in Steve Bannon Case Acknowledges Being in Same Book Club as Prosecutor Witness, prosecutor met years ago WASHINGTONA prosecution witness in the case against former White House aide Steve Bannon acknowledged on the stand on July 20 that she has known one of the prosecutors for some time. The witness, Kristen Amerling, said she and one of the prosecutors overlapped on the House Oversight Committee while it was under the leadership of former Rep. Henry Waxman (D-Calif.). Amerling said shes also been part of a book club for five years of which the prosecutor, Molly Gaston, is a member. The club primarily comprises former aides to Waxman, she said. Gaston did not respond to a request for comment. Amerling said that neither of the women has attended the club at the same time in a long time. Amerling is a lawyer working for the House of Representatives special committee probing the Jan. 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol. She has donated to Democrats before. Earlier in the day, Amerling said that one of the sources of the claims presented in a letter to Bannonwho worked for the White House in the early days of the Trump administrationwas a book by reporters Bob Woodward and Robert Costa called Peril. It is depicted as a nonfiction account of the transition from former President Donald Trump to President Joe Biden. Do you read nonfiction in your book club? asked Evan Corcoran, one of Bannons lawyers. The club generally reads fiction, Amerling said, noting she has not participated in more than a year. I dont even know what they are reading now. After an objection was overruled, Corcoran asked if the club ever discusses the political topics of the day. Members discuss a whole range of topics, Amerling said. Given the careers of the folks involved in the book club, it is not unusual that we talk about politics one way or another. Unusual Bannon is on trial for two counts of contempt of Congress, after he declined to provide materials or testify to the Jan. 6 panel. Amerling testified that it is very unusual for witnesses subject to a subpoena to say they outright will not comply. In refusing to cooperate with the Jan. 6 panel, Bannon has put forth executive privilege claims by Trump, but prosecutors say the total resistance was unlawful. Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.), the chairman of the panel, wrote in a letter in October 2021 to Bannons lawyers that virtually all the documents and testimony sought by the Subpoena concern Mr. Bannons action as as a private citizen and involve a broad range of subjects that are not covered by executive privilege. The letter rejected the privilege arguments, Amerling said. The panel gave Bannon additional time to provide them with additional information about his claims, but the letter from Bannons lawyer did not include any details that convinced the panel to delay its effort, which was successful, to hold him in contempt. Bannon, who left the White House in 2017, is accused of having information about the planning of activities that led to and informed the Capitol breach. Subpoena Corcoran later raised questions about the subpoena itself, wondering if any members of Congress were in Amerlings office when she drafted it. Amerling said she did not recall. This is a human process so I want to know what human being made that decision that Steve Bannon should appear before the committee on Oct. 14 for a deposition? Corcoran said. They agreed that a subpoena without Thompsons signature would lack validity. What is reflected in the subpoena is determined by the chair of the committee, Amerling said. She could not provide details about specific discussions leading up to the decision to subpoena Bannon. The move was made with a deadline in mind, the lawyer indicated. The authorization for the special committee, which has mostly Democrat members and whose only Republicans are ardently anti-Trump, expires at the end of the year. The governments only other witness, FBI agent Stephen Hart, was called by Gaston. He recounted seeing posts by Bannon on the social media website Gettr in which Bannon shared news stories about him refusing to comply with the subpoena. The social media links to news articles are to add to the timeline of Bannons defiance of the committee, Gaston said. Corcoran noted that the posts were merely articles and established that Hart had interviewed Amerling. Did you learn in that interview that Ms. Amerling has known the prosecutor for 15 years? No, Hart said. John Haughey Follow John Haughey has been a working journalist since 1978 with an extensive background in local government, state legislatures, and growth and development. A graduate of the University of Wyoming, he is a Navy veteran who fought fires at sea during three deployments aboard USS Constellation. Hes been a reporter for daily newspapers in California, Washington, Wyoming, New York, and Florida; a staff writer for Manhattan-based business trade publications. Protecting Boys From Sextortion Commentary Theres an intriguing photograph of the four people who head up Australias Digital Platforms Regulators Forum. A row of smiling women. The control of our countys high tech online world is firmly in female hands, with not a skerrick of gender diversity to be seen. This would be fine if we could be assured that they were acting in all our best interests. But the problem is that when it comes to one of the key players, the powerful eSafety Commission, its not clear that its 435 employeesladen with a $31 million annual budgetis trying to protect all of us from online abuse. The eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, clearly has her own agenda. Technology is routinely being weaponised against women to demean, control, and ultimately silence them, she pronounced at a 2021 National Summit on Womens Safety. She justified her organisations special focus on the fairer sex by claiming that Women are disproportionately targeted in every form of online abuse we deal with at eSafety. Note that careful languageevery form of abuse we deal with at eSafety. Well, thats a bit of a give-away. Lets look at what exactly they choose not to deal with. Last month, the Australian Federal Police warned of a spike in the number of Australian boys being preyed on by international sex offenders, who are grooming them into producing explicit images and then extorting them for money. The police explained that reports have more than quadrupled between mid-2021 and this year. The West and South Australian police issued similar warnings. A Global Issue The sextortion problem is global and can lead to tragic consequences. The FBI recently issued an alert following the suicide of two 17-year-old boys, one in California, the other in Michigan, who committed suicide after being targeted in this way. Ryan Stuart, a San Jose boy, received an online message in February from someone posing as a girl. The scammer sent Ryan a nude photo and asked him to share an explicit image of himself in return. As soon as Ryan sent the requested image, the cybercriminal demanded $5,000, threatening to make the photo public and send it to Ryans family and friends. Ryan wrote a desperate note saying he was absolutely terrified of the pictures being posted online and then took his own lifewithin hours of receiving the initial communication. eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant during Senate Estimates at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia, on Feb. 15, 2022. (AAP Image/Mick Tsikas) Unsurprisingly, eSafety was nowhere to be seen when the host of Australias Channel 7 breakfast television show, Kochie, interviewed a Federal Police spokesperson about how boys were being targeted. Despite widespread media coverage, theres not one word on the eSafety website about this recent concern about boys. The eSafety crew knows all about sextortion. Back in February 2019, eSafety Commissioner Grant was quoted by the ABC explaining a new eSafety survey which showed seven of ten victims of online sextortion were male. In the most recent eSafety annual report, there was a graph showing that sexual extortion cases represent 57 percent of image-based online abuse complaints, outnumbering all other such cases put together (pdf). Funnily enough, the next graph in the report claimed to represent the gender breakdown of these victims but excluded sexual extortion, which enabled the authors to state that victims of image-based abuse were predominantly female. Ignoring the Evidence Its hardly surprising then that this important regulator is missing in action when it comes to protecting boys. In Inman Grants keynote speech at the domestic violence summit last September, she spoke at length about TFA, or technology-facilitated abuse, claiming that victims are almost always women and abusers almost always men. She earnestly informed her audience that four-in-five Australian women have or are experiencing some form of technology-facilitated abuse. When Inman Grant was first appointed to her job by the Turnbull government, then-Minister Michaelia Cash announced that this is about empowering women to take control online. Thats clearly the main game of Inman Grant and her colleagues. Their efforts are bearing fruit: Laws introduced last year to protect people from extreme online abuse were aimed solely at women and girls, and planned programs to increase teens skills in online safety and digital literacy will exclude males. More males are victims of image-based abuse but receive little attention from Australias eSafety Commissioner. (Matt Cardy/Getty Images) The last federal budget allocated A$16.6 million (US$11.5 million) to establish a new telephone service to provide support for women and children experiencing technology facilitated abusewhich should include young male victims of sextortion. Whats the bet that boys dont get a look in when that service is promoted? Theres plenty of evidence to refute Inman Grants claim that TFA targets mainly women, such as: Studies by Pew Research in the United States, the Institute for Social Research in Norway and the digital security firm, Norton, in Australia which all show that men are more likely than women to be victims of online harassment. Men and women are equally likely to be victims of image based abuse according to the Australian Gendered Violence and Abuse Research Alliance (pdf). Half of misogynistic tweets are made by women, according to research from the United Kingdoms Demos think tank. The truth is that, like girls, boys are being publicly shamed through ex-partners sharing their intimate photos. They too receive unflattering comments online about their bodies and appearance and find themselves the butt of online jokes about their sexual prowess. And the mean girls who once controlled school playgrounds now bully other youngsters in the online spaces which now dominate teenagers social lives. Male victims need protection from online bullies and scammers. Its a pity the organisation charged with their online safety has clearly turned its back on them. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. 'The Credit Suisse Exhibition: Raphael' at The National Gallery, London LONDONRenaissance architects once used ancient Roman art as building materials. You read that right. In Rome, workmen quarried ancient sites and turned ancient sculptures and decorative arts into mortar. In a 1519 letter to Pope Leo X, Raphael and his friend the courtier and diplomat Baldassare Castiglione appealed to the pope to protect the citys ancient art. Both men drafted the letter, but its written as if it were from Raphael. I dare to say that all one can see today in Rome, no matter grand she might be, or beautiful, or adorned with palaces, churches and other edifices, all was built with the mortar of ancient marbles! Raphael wrote. Not only does Raphael lament the loss of Italys ancient art in his letter, but he also details his approach to architecture, archaeology, conservation, and techniques for his survey of ancient Rome, one of his most ambitious projects. The importance of this letter cannot be overstated. According to the website for the Palazzo Castiglioni (Castigliones ancestral home), the letter constitutes the founding document of the protection and conservation of Italys historic and artistic heritage and of article 9 of the Italian Constitution. A Universal Artist Visitors to The National Gallery, London, can see the letter, until July 31, in The Credit Suisse Exhibition: Raphael. They can also see on display more than 90 of Raphaels works across various media. Exhibition visitors may be surprised at the depth of his work. Beyond his great paintings and drawings, he designed for print, tapestry, and applied arts. He was also an architect, an archaeologist, and an art theorist, the exhibitions co-curator Matthias Wivel said in a phone interview. Wivel hopes that visitors will be able to see that Raphael applied the same conceptual visual logic in all of his different activities. Seeing the artists letter on display in the exhibition with some of his architectural drawings puts his work as an architect and a protector of ancient art into context. Raphaels architectural designs feature in many of his works, from large paneled altarpieces to his cartoons for the Sistine Chapels tapestries. But a chance to see his original architecture, without additional structures (for instance) that have been added over the years, is rare. Even his tomb in the Pantheon has been added to. Anyone curious to see Raphaels original tomb that he designed can visit the Church of the Discalced Carmelites in Urbino, his birthplace. There, one can see a reconstruction that was made in 2020 for the Raphael 15201483 exhibition at the Scuderie del Quirinale, in Rome. Since a teenager, Raphael had been fascinated with architecture. Raphael the architect really blossomed in Rome after Pope Julius II invited him to the city on the recommendation of his architect Donato Bramante. Bramante came from Urbino, too, and knew of Raphaels work. In 1514, when Bramante died, Pope Leo X made Raphael the chief architect of St. Peters Basilica and of the Vatican Palace; then in 1515, he made Raphael Prefect of Stones and Marbles. This latter role meant that he needed to be told of any ancient ruins and that no inscribed stone could be destroyed without his permission. Understanding Antiquities Raphael went to great lengths to study ancient art and architecture. Renaissance architects climbed scaffolding to study, measure, and make their detailed architectural drawings of ancient buildings. He measured ancient structures up close, copying and comparing the architecture with treatises written by the best authors, he noted in his letter. He even had humanist scholar Fabio Calvo stay in a room in his house while Calvo translated the 1st-century B.C. architect Marcus Vitruvius Pollios De Architectura from Latin to Italian. (This was before Daniele Barbaros and Andrea Palladios famous translations.) He wrote in his 1519 letter to the pope: I believe that I have managed to acquire a certain understanding of the ancient architecture. This is something that gives me both the greatest pleasure, from the intellectual appreciation of such an excellent matterand extreme painat the sight of what you could almost call the corpse of this great noble city, once queen of the world, so cruelly butchered. The Decline of Ancient Art Raphael detailed the history of ancient architecture in his letter, and how despite the fact that almost all the other arts had long been in decline, nonetheless architecture was respected and good theory was maintained. He also saw how the architecture itself told the story of ancient arts demise. He wrote: Of all the arts, it was architecture that was the last to be lost; this can be understood from the Arch of Constantine, whose design is beautiful and well executed as regards everything concerning its structure, while, on the other hand, the sculptures on this very arch have no taste, nor show any skill or redeeming qualities. Perhaps seeing the pattern of ancient arts demise reemphasized to Raphael how important the practice of traditional art was. He wrote in the letter about how architects went about conducting his survey of ancient Rome: Those who want to practice architecture be mindful that in our drafting of this work we did not allow ourselves to be governed by chance or practice alone, but we worked with well-informed theory. Architectural Drawings In his letter, Raphael detailed the different types of architectural drawing needed for his survey. Architectural drawing is divided into three types: ground plans (the buildings footprint), elevations (the exterior wall and its ornaments) and sections (half the building inside, showing the correspondence of interior and exterior), wrote Caroline Elam in the exhibition book. Architects created formal drawings in pen and ink, and washes. Drawings that Raphael made of the PantheonView into the pronaos (entrance portico) and Profile of the entablature of the main (lower) order of the interiorare in the exhibition but are artistic renderings rather than architectural drawings. For instance, for the profile of the entablature, he used perspective, so the quick sketches he made on the back of the paper are drawn as if viewed from below. View into the pronaos (Entrance Portico) of the Pantheon with various details (verso), circa 15067, by Raphael. Pen and ink over some stylus indentation and limited use of a ruler; 10 7/8 inches by 16 inches. Cabinet of Drawings and Prints, The Uffizi Gallery, Florence, Italy. Profile of the entablature of the main (lower) order of the interior of the Pantheon, Rome (recto), circa 1515, by Raphael. Freehand drawing in iron gall ink in pen (two different tones) under drawing in black chalk in some areas; 9 3/8 inches by 7 3/8 inches. RIBA Collections/Burlington-Devonshire Collection. (RIBA Collections) Sketches of the main order entablature and attic order window and pilaster in the Pantheon interior (verso), circa 1515, by Raphael; 9 3/8 inches by 7 3/8 inches. RIBA Collections/Burlington-Devonshire Collection. (RIBA Collections) The catalog notes that the profile drawing may be a copy of an exact drawing: Raphaels or another architects. Architects often copied other architectural drawings to save the time, effort, and probably danger of scaffold climbs. Raphael made several corrections to his drawing, perhaps after comparing it to the original building. One obvious change is the number of flower petals on a cornice. His rare, finished drawing of a villa project, owned by the Ashmolean Museum, is an example of an elevation drawing that he wouldve presented to his patron to convey the project after extensive discussions. Elevation drawing of a villa project (recto), circa 1516, by Raphael; 9 7/8 inches by 14 1/4 inches. Presented by a body of subscribers, 1846; Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford. (Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford) It is an orthogonal drawing, which is a series of two-dimensional drawings used to show a three-dimensional object without perspective. But Raphael, like Michelangelo, used his artistic skills of perspective to add in details. He used a ruler, a blind stylus (a metal point), and a compass to plan the drawing. Yet he hastily added in the windows freehand. Four plans and an elevation study for a villa (verso), circa 1516, by Raphael. Pen and brown ink with dilute wash over extensive construction lines indented in stylus and compass points; 9 7/8 inches by 14 1/4 inches. Presented by a body of subscribers, 1846; Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford. (Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford) Raphaels last surviving architectural drawing is a stage set: Design for the right-hand wing of a stage set. He created light, shade, and solidity to the building in the drawing by layering diluted washes and then adding touches of white lead. At first glance, the drawing looks finished. But look closer and youll notice that he left small unfinished details. He made a few marks suggesting an arm and the head of a person peering out of the doorway. Design for the right-hand wing of a stage set, 1519, by Raphael. Pen and ink with brown wash and white heightening on three pieces of paper, joined, over extensive stylus indentation preparation, with use of ruler and compass; 24 5/8 inches by 11 3/8 inches. Gabinetto dei Disegni e delle Stampe, Gallerie degli Uffizi, Florence, Italy. (Gabinetto Fotografico delle Gallerie degli Uffizi) Exhibition visitors can now see only a copy of this drawing. Curators displayed the original work until June 20, but the copy protects the original from damage. This stresses the fragility of these works, and the expert considerations taken into account when works enter an exhibition. And indeed, what a rare treat it is to see some of these pieces. For educated Romans of the upper class, Raphaels sudden death in 1520 (a year after he wrote his letter to the pope) also meant the death of his ambitious survey of ancient Rome and a reconstruction of its architecture. In Raphaels day, no formal architecture training existed. The marriage of ancient Rome and Renaissance Rome bred architectural professionalism. [T]he Rome of Julius II, Leo X and their successors saw an increasing professionalisation of the practice of architecture, Elam wrote in the exhibition book. Architects, keen to learn from the past, made measured, detailed drawings of the ancient buildings that were constantly being excavated. And architects working on the new St. Peters Basilica used ancient buildings for inspiration. Elam wrote: Raphael had a central part in all of this. The Credit Suisse Exhibition: Raphael at The National Gallery, London, runs through July 31. To find out more, visit NationalGallery.org.uk The exhibition is curated by David Ekserdjian, professor of history of art and film at the University of Leicester; Tom Henry, professor of history of art (Emeritus) at the University of Kent; and Matthias Wivel, the Aud Jebsen curator of 16th-century Italian paintings at The National Gallery, London. While many were shocked by the recent SCOTUS ruling that overturned a right to abortion, it should have come as no surprise that if you live by the court, you can die by the court. Yet the debate over abortion and competing rights has only just begun. [] Weeks after the Supreme Courts landmark 6-3 ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization (2022), which held that the Constitution of the United States does not confer a right to abortion, the nation is still struggling to come to grips with its consequences. Numerous states have laws criminalizing abortion in certain cases that have not been in effect since the precedents set by Roe v. Wade (1973) and Planned Parenthood v. Casey (1992). One such state is Michigan. Local courts and attorneys generals are still working through the implications of the new ruling for those laws. Other states are working out the implications of trigger laws that have now gone into effect with the prior precedents now overturned. Many state legislators are considering entirely new laws with an aim either to restrict or to secure access to abortion. All of this is occurring in the context ofand in many cases fueled byan emotional frenzy unleashed in a deeply divided citizenry. Pro-life Americans are rejoicing while citizens committed to abortion rights are lamenting. Highly charged conversations in the public square as well as around dinner tables are proceeding with renewed urgency. These debates are centered on competing rights claimsthe right to life of the unborn and the reproductive rights of womenand touch on the most important questions of the nature of the human person, freedom, and responsibility. The deep irony is that these competing claims and important questions are not actually addressed by Dobbs. Prior precedent had established a right to abortion by the principle of substantive due process. This principle allows courts to protect rights not specifically enumerated in the Constitution but alluded to in the 14th Amendmentrights to be preserved against any law that sought to deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law. In the majority opinion of Dobbs, however, Justice Samuel Alito argued that unenumerated rights must be deeply rooted in this Nations history and tradition, as the late former chief justice William Rehnquist asserted in a ruling on assisted suicide in Washington v. Glucksberg (1997). The long history of widespread regulation and prohibition of abortion prior to Roe is inconsistent with any claim to a deeply rooted history and tradition of abortion rights in America, and thus there can be no constitutional right to abortion. Yet Justice Alito was very explicit about the narrowness of the question being settled by the Court, writing, Our opinion is not based on any view about if and when prenatal life is entitled to any of the rights enjoyed after birth. Prior precedent in both Roe and Casey sought to adjudicate the questions of abortion per se, attempting to balance the competing rights claims, arguing that, in the words of the plurality opinion in Casey: Before viability, the States interests are not strong enough to support a prohibition of abortion, while acknowledging that the State has legitimate interests from the outset of the pregnancy in protecting the health of the woman and the life of the fetus that may become a child. In their vigorous dissent to Dobbs, Justices Breyer, Kagan, and Sotomayor argued, The right Roe and Casey recognized does not stand alone. The Court has linked it for decades to other settled freedoms involving bodily integrity, familial relationships, and procreation. Those rights led, more recently, to rights of same-sex intimacy and marriage. Justice Alito notes in the majority opinion that the most striking feature of the dissent is the absence of any serious discussion of the legitimacy of the States interest in protecting fetal life and sees in the analogy drawn by the dissenting justices to other rights the court has recognized an implicit rejection of the project of the balancing of competing rights claims that prior precedence had sought. Chief Justice John Roberts in his concurrence in judgment to Dobbs agreed that the viability line established by Roe andCasey should be discarded, but he disagreed with the majoritys ruling to overturn the entire precedent set in Roe and Casey. He proposed an alternative grounding for abortion rights centered on preserving a womans right to choose to terminate her pregnancy. Chief Justice Roberts argued that Mississippis law, which banned abortion after the first 15 weeks of pregnancy with exceptions for medical emergency and fetal abnormality, would not violate a right with such a foundation, as pregnancy is ordinarily discovered by six weeks of gestation. That right should therefore extend far enough to ensure a reasonable opportunity to choose, but need not extend any furthercertainly not all the way to viability. While the justices were clearly divided on the ruling, they appear unanimous in rejecting the balance previous precedent attempted to strike. It is now time for the republics citizens and representatives to perform their long-neglected duty. Americans have just begun a renewed national dialogue unconstrained by the dubious precedents and tortured logic that have frustrated it for nearly 50 years. There willat least initiallybe more heat than light. Temperatures must cool for genuine insight to come. It will require both mutual respect and trust among citizens in a polarized age. The great promise of democracy is that citizens can live together, and participate in shaping their life together, in spite of apparent irreconcilable differences. Exploring and debating lifes deepest and most abiding questionsof the human person, freedom, and responsibilityis difficult but inescapable for any genuine life of community to persist. It is now incumbent upon the nation, not just the Supreme Court of the Unites States, to begin doing just that. This article originally appeared in The Detroit News on July 14, 2022 Reclaim Control of Your Digital Life Commentary I was visiting with a friend who told me an all-too-familiar story. Her teenage niece adores TikTok. Too much. She spends many hours a day on it. Its become her secret world, much more influential over her outlook on life than her parents, church, or physical community. It shapes her values and opinions. She finds herself in dark dysphoric patterns that adults around her cannot understand. Addiction only begins to describe it. The story gave me the chills and it reminds me of a visit I had with an older family member. Every 10 minutes or so she would pick up her phone and look and then announce to me some random news item. Finally I asked what she was looking at. It was the CNN app blowing up her phone constantly. I asked how this came to be. She didnt know. It was just there. She doesnt like it but doesnt know what to do about it. The internet began as a tool of emancipation. I wrote three books celebrating its glories. Times have changed. It has become in many instances a threat to our freedom, privacy, and capacity to think for ourselves. Internet applications have become so invasive at this point that the best way to protect yourself is to go entirely off the grid. I know people who have done this and part of me is jealous of this kind of life. And yet, its not very practical. What follows is what I would call a moderate guide to small things you can do to protect yourself to some degree, and reclaim your brain and life, without having to learn code or spend an inordinate amount of time thinking about it. 1. Get control of your phone and desktop notifications Notifications affect the brain like a drug. People arent even aware of how much they use them and are controlled by them. Notifications can be a bit tricky to manage but they can all be controlled. Find the offending applications and open them up and turn them off. I found that people can sometimes be reluctant to do this because they fear being out of touch. Its complete rubbish. You should only have one or two applications that can invade your lock screen, and those are ones with important personal contacts, not large corporate media companies. 2. Change your browser When Chrome came out, it was light and secure, a huge improvement over Microsofts project. That changed over time. Now it is heavy, invasive, and the master of information sharing. Its why your ad stream is so often connected to your browsing habits and the contents of your email. Its my view that this should be deleted from your entire online experience if you can do it. The best browsers out there are Firefox and Brave. Apples Safari is very good too, as these things go, but not as good as Firefox and Brave. Remember that you need to do this for your desktop, laptop, tablet, and your phone. None of these machines should be neglected. Yes, it takes a bit of time but it is worth the effort. That change alone will make a big difference. 3. Change your search engine Google is the go-to for most online experiences. It still maintains a 92 percent control of internet searches, which is rather shocking given how skewed the results are and how much Google uses those results to drive your online experience. This really needs to stop immediately. Again, for all your machines (including even your phone), change your search choice to DuckDuckGo. If there are specific things you like about Google (Books, Scholar search, maps, and so on), you can always use the web version when you need it. But for everyday searches, you need a new default. Duck gives better results, is fast, and it doesnt pillage your information for its industrial purposes. 4. Change your communication tools The main calling applications installed on your phone are fine, but there are also reasons to regard them as sketchy. There are more secure and much better options that rely on internet access. They are free and they are gaining a large enough network to make them just as useful as the regular phone hookup. There are two. My preference is Signal. Download both the desktop application and the phone application. Use your phone number. There is no privacy issue involved in letting the application share your existing contacts. You will be very impressed at the ease of use and the encryption on the application makes it nearly impenetrable. A similar application is Telegram. It adds to private communication with more of a focus on groups and social sharing. Privacy is at a premium. The communication quality is extremely high. I personally have found the social aspect of the application to be a bit confusing, but maybe you will have more luck than I have had. 5. Get another email address Over the long term, this might be the most important shift that you make: getting out of mainstream email like Gmail and Outlook. These seem secure for now but only the flick of a button could change that. Neither Google nor Microsoft promises anything at all in terms of privacy. In effect, these two tech giants own absolutely every bit of communication you type. Nothing prevents it from being pillaged. I get that people are attached to their existing email, so you dont have to make the change all at once. But is it worth it to spend $1 per month to have a secure alternative available? I would say absolutely yes. The best two alternatives, with hard-core encryption and privacy protection, are Protonmail and Posteo.net. The first is out of Switzerland and the second is from Germany. Both are just great. Just knowing that you have one of them will grant you some peace of mind. In addition, Protonmail offers VPN services, which most people dont believe they need now, but at some point, if things keep getting worse in terms of censorship and surveillance, everyone will need them. 6. Dont invest yourself in YouTube. It seems incredible to have to say this to anyone these days, but this platform cannot be trusted. You can have 10 million views and 1 million followers. Doesnt matter. This Google-owned platform is utterly ruthless. There are much better platforms out there: Rumble and Odysee. There really is no reason to have to use YouTube. I would say the same about music streaming too. If you have a Google Home, it defaults to YouTube. You can change that on the application settings to Spotify or Amazon. 7. Twitter is awful, so consider other alternatives. Many of my own friends have already been deleted and canceled by Twitter. Meanwhile, the value of Gettr and Gab keeps rising. They are very good. 8. Delete or at least stop using Facebook and Facebook Messenger. I know this is like telling smokers to stop or drinkers to go dry, but this company is a privacy disaster. No other way to put it. Fortunately, the decline and fall of Zuckerberg seems to be happening already. 9. Get another news source. I dont need to tell you that the news media is corrupt. There are exceptions, true, but mostly it has become pure propaganda. My go-to sources of information now are RealClearPolitics, RealClearMarkets, and The Epoch Times, which I just love because they report actual facts and try to tell the truth. Just one week of getting unhooked from CNN, the NYT, and so on, and using Epoch and you can tell the difference in your way of thinking. I highly recommend the Epoch app too. These are notifications worth getting once you have weaned yourself from all the mainstream sources. 10. My final piece of advice to unplug from the beast: read books. Thats probably the most radical suggestion yet but the one that will make the biggest difference in your life. They can be digital, physical, or audio. The main point is to retrain your attention span away from the manipulation and brutalization that Big Tech has imposed on us. In many ways, weve all been betrayed by the tools and companies we once depended on to improve our lives. Lockdowns changed that completely. The Big Tech companies became organs of government propaganda. We need to realize this and act on the information now before it is too late. As for young people and their digital addictions, it is probably too late for many of them. As for the new generation coming of age, perhaps it is time to reconsider the entire enterprise of digital media. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. U.S. Rep. John Katko (R-N.Y.) addresses the press during the congressional border delegation visit to El Paso, Texas, on March 15, 2021. (Justin Hamel/AFP via Getty Images) Rep. Katko Calls DC and NY Mayors Hypocritical for Complaining About Homeless Illegal Immigrants Rep. John Katko (R-N.Y.) has called out District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser and New York City Mayor Eric Adams over what he calls their hypocritical approach to immigration after they complained about an increase of illegal aliens arriving in their respective cities from Texas and Arizona. Bowser and Adams, who are both Democrats, have in recent weeks said that an influx of illegal immigrants has put pressure on homeless shelters in their cities as well as other services, with Adams asking that the federal government help pay for what he said was a wave of illegal aliens pouring into the city. Katko told Fox News The Story that the mayors complaints are hypocritical given that they have both previously advocated for an open borders immigration policy. I think its the height of hypocrisy because these are the same people who have been advocating for open borders, Katko said. And now the open borders have come to their cities and towns, theyre upset about it. In recent months, both Texas and Arizona authorities have been offering free rides to the nations capital for illegal aliens who have claimed asylum, citing a lack of resources in dealing with them amid a surge in illegal immigration since last year. Bowser this week claimed that some immigrants are being prevented from reaching their final destinations by Texas officials who are tricking them. Tricked Into Getting on Buses This is a very significant issue. We have, for sure, called on the federal government to work across state lines to prevent people from really being tricked into getting on buses. We think theyre largely asylum-seekers who are going to final destinations that are not Washington, D.C., she said on CBS Face the Nation on July 17. Meanwhile, Adams this week called on the Biden administration to send additional federal resources immediately so New York can adequately deal with an influx of arriving illegal immigrants. Currently, New York City is experiencing a marked increase in the number of asylum seekers who are arriving from Latin America and other regions. In some instances, families are arriving on buses sent by the Texas and Arizona governments, while in other cases, it appears that individuals are being sent by the federal government, Adams said in a statement, adding that more than 2,800 illegal aliens had entered the shelter system in recent weeks. Ranae Eze, press secretary for Texas Gov. Greg Abbott told The Epoch Times via email that with Washington, D.C. now experiencing a fraction of the disaster created by President [Joe] Bidens reckless open border policies that our state faces every single day, maybe hell finally do his job and secure the border. Not Informing Communities Katko told Fox News that non-government groups working on behalf of the Biden administration are actually the ones responsible for dispatching immigrants to cities across the country, not officials in Texas or Arizona, and that they do so without first informing those communities that the immigrants will be arriving there. The governors from Texas and Arizona are not sending them to New York City, the lawmaker said. Its people working on behalf of the Biden administration. Theyre called non-government organizations that process the illegal aliens and then send them out all over the country without notifying communities. If Mayor Adams is complaining because he got a couple of thousand people, what do you think the people along the southern border are doing in small towns and communities that are being overwhelmed on a daily basis with this? Its crazy, Katko added. The Republican lawmaker blamed the Biden administration for creating what he said is a human rights catastrophe at the border, and noted that border communities in Arizona and Texas have been forced to process the dead bodies of illegal immigrants. He added that communities in both states have been forced to cut their budgets by up to 20 percent to process the dead bodies they find in the bushes. Thats the reality of whats going on, he said. Theres nothing human about whats going on at the southern border. A worker talks to people who want to withdraw cash at the entrance of a bank in the Jing'an district of Shanghai on June 1, 2022. (Hector Retamal/AFP via Getty Images) Reports of Depositor Accounts Being Frozen, as Chinas Banking Crisis Spreads Bank depositors in several Chinese provinces have reported their bank and credit accounts have been frozen, actions seen as being related to bank runs in Henan and a nationwide mortgage boycott. Experts say this all indicates that Chinas economy is in a very precarious state. Mainland Chinese media Securities Daily reported on July 18 that some depositors in southern Hainan Province said their debit bank savings cards had been frozen. They reportedly could only make deposits but were unable to withdraw cash. Their online transactions were also restricted. Similar situations have also reportedly occurred with many banks in other regions, including Beijing and Shandong, and other places. A number of bank managers told Chinese media such moves were mainly risk control measures as part of a so-called card breaking campaign launched by the authorities in 2020 which supposedly targeted telecom fraud. People hold banners and chant slogans during a protest at the entrance to a branch of Chinas central bank in Zhengzhou in central Chinas Henan Province, on July 10, 2022. (Yang/AP Photo) A customer service staff member at a major state-owned bank in Hainan said that the escalation of the card breaking is mainly aimed at accounts that may be involved in illegal trading, leasing, and lending of bank cards, as well as transfer and money laundering services for telecom network fraud activities. Its a nationwide operation, the customer service staff member said. Sleeping Accounts Regarding how regular users accounts have also been frozen, the manager of a city commercial bank in Shandong told media: Our branch has been ordered that the rate of sleeping accounts should not exceed 20 percent, and we must increase our efforts to inspect and clear them. A manager of a bank in Beijing further explained sleeping accounts to the media. They are accounts that have not had active transactions for more than three consecutive years, they have a current account balance of less than 10 yuan, the manager said. And they dont have a signed credit card, personal loan repayment. Other collection and payment agreements will be inspected. The manager said such accounts are easily frozen once an abnormal transaction occurs. But many depositors have complained on social media that their bank accounts were frozen for no reason, and they could not spend or transfer their money. They could only deposit money into their accounts. According to posts on social media, banks that have frozen accounts include China Merchants Bank, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, China Construction Bank, Agricultural Bank of China, and Ping An Bank. Agricultural Bank of China branch in Haikou, Hainan Province. The bank is one of Chinas Big Four lenders. (AFP/GettyImages) Corruption and Embezzlement Dr. Frank Tian Xie, from the University of South Carolina Aiken, gave an overview of whats occurring in China. The abrupt freezing of bank and credit accounts in China comes at a time when bank runs and mortgage boycotts are becoming ever more frequent in the country where the real estate bubble is about to burst, Dr. Xie said on July 20. This has all occurred after 20 some years of rapid and disorderly expansion, he said. Corruption has played a big part in it, Dr. Xie pointed out. The corruption and embezzlement-laden government officials at local and regional levels colluded with those fledgling township banks and real estate developers to transfer, often secretly and illegally, construction funds to risky financial products, he said. This has led to the stoppage and termination of those pre-sold projects, which amounts to hundreds of thousands of units and mortgages, he said. Those mortgagers, frustrated with the construction stoppage and their diminishing hope of moving into their apartments in the foreseeable future, opted to stop their mortgage payments altogether. This collective action, unheard of in recent Chinese history and very unusual under communist rule, damages deeply the banks reputation and is hurting their liquidity. When cash flow is tight, the only thing Chinese banks can do is to freeze and limit their depositors accounts and the credit cards they issued. A commercial housing community under construction in Nanjing, East Chinas Jiangsu Province on April 15, 2022. (Costfoto/Future Publishing via Getty Images) Bank Collapse Fears Zheng Yi, a former investment banker in mainland China, shared the same view. The banks are in the most difficult position now. They have lent out all the money, but now they cannot collect the money. If there is a run at this time, the banks will collapse. Now the risk is with the banks, he told The Epoch Times on July 17, Zheng pointed out that the real estate developers cash flow has broken so they stopped construction, but now the banks want the home buyers to continue paying mortgages for unfinished houses, while the buyers require the developers to resume construction before they resume paying mortgages. But how can the developers resume construction, and where will they get the funds for it? Its like a dead game. At present, there is no solution now, he said. Dr. Xie described the implications of Chinas current banking crisis. The situation seems to be very serious as the funds of the banks are drained and dried up, due to embezzlement and inadequate supervision by the authorities, he said. This financial turmoil is now spreading to over 25 provinces in China and it is soon going to cause damage to the second half of the year of the Chinese economy. And, if China steps into recession in the third quarter, which is almost certain, the world economy will also feel the pain as demand from China dries up. Lin Cenxin and Yi Ru contributed to the report. The Quebec Superior Court is seen, March 27, 2019 in Montreal. (The Canadian Press/Ryan Remiorz) Review Committee Recommends Quebec Justice Gerard Dugre Be Removed From Office A Canadian Judicial Council inquiry committee says a Quebec judge who displayed aggressive and disagreeable attitudes toward lawyers and failed to render decisions on time should be removed from office. The committee began looking into Justice Gerard Dugre, who was appointed to the Superior Court in 2009, after a number of complaints were filed about his conduct on the bench. Its 285-page decision says he committed acts that constitute serious judicial misconduct, undermining public confidence to the point where he cannot sit as a judge. He has a chronic inability to render judgments within a reasonable time, the report says, and is condescending and at times mean. In a custody case, Dugre threatened to have a father sent to a cell for failing to disclose documents, telling him the court had cells for women with hungry mice in them, and separate cells for men filled with starving rats. The recommendation will now go before 17 members of the Canadian Judicial Council, who will make a further recommendation to the federal justice minister about whether Dugre will keep his job. The committee held 38 days of hearings from April to December last year, with more than 60 witnesses appearing. Dugres clerk, who testified on his behalf, told the committee the judge uses humour and anecdotes to put people at ease, saying this was part of his unique style. Other witnesses said he was compassionate, courteous and a great conciliator. The committee noted that three of his decisions were reviewed and upheld by the Supreme Court of Canada and that his competency was not at issue. However, it also found that 60 percent of his decisions were delivered more than six months after being taken under advisement. The committee added that even though the judge wasnt given any new assignments after September 2019, delays continued for more than a year and Dugre insisted there was nothing wrong. In a conciliation case, Dugre suggested the former spouses get back together, give their child up for adoption or place him with a foster family. The couple was trying to settle whether their son should switch schools. The committee found that while those remarks were not to be taken at face value, a reasonable and well-informed person could see this as a form of bullying and said his conduct amounted to judicial misconduct. To be clear, there is nothing funny in the comments made by Justice Dugre or in the tone he used throughout the hearing. From beginning to end, his tone was unpleasant and often aggressive, the decision said. Other complaints included allegations Dugre made inappropriate and demeaning comments in court, repeatedly interrupted lawyers and created a chaotic atmosphere by interrupting proceedings to opine about things like transgender persons, the Montreal Canadiens and a lawsuit against Just for Laughs. By Sarah Ritchie Rights Abuser China Emerging as Dubious Linchpin of Bidens Lithium-Battery Supply Chain A Chinese-dominated mining company has procured millions of dollars in American subsidies to extract lithium in the United Statesbut, given a dearth of U.S. processing capacity, the mineral is likely to be sent to China with no guarantee that the end product would return as batteries to power President Bidens envisioned green economy. Critics say the scenario would increase U.S. energy dependence on a hostile powerone accused of using forced labor in the manufacture of both lithium batteries and solar panelsand undercuts the Biden administrations emphasis on domestic sourcing of green energy. We need the finished product here, said Glenn Miller, a retired professor of environmental science at the University of Nevada, Reno, who has spent decades in mining chemistry. I would hope there is an advantage to taking that lithium and shipping it 200 miles south to process it [rather] than shipping it around the world. We should all be troubled by Chinas control of [minerals]. Why cant we do this? While the United States has ample supplies of lithium, it currently falls short on the capacity to process it into a usable form, meaning that the $7 billion in taxpayer money invested in the nations battery supply chain will have to include a foreign component. That is almost certain to include China, which produces 79 percent of the worlds lithium-ion batteries. Lithium has taken the spotlight in Bidens energy plan, since it is a key element needed to produce batteries for electric vehicles and solar panel storage. The administration acknowledges the lithium processing challengetacitlyin a June 2021 report produced by the U.S. Department of Energy. The nation would benefit greatly from development and growth of cost-competitive domestic materials processing for lithium-battery materials, the report reads. Department of Energy spokesman David Mayorga did not respond to a list of questions on domestic lithium. The White House in March issued an order invoking the Defense Production Act, a 1950s-era law meant to prioritize production of materials in the name of national security. The action allows the federal government to direct taxpayer funds to private companies to extract more lithium in the United Statesincluding foreign-based interests. Prominent in the initiative is Canadian-based Lithium Americas, a publicly traded group whose largest shareholder is Chinese-owned lithium mining giant Ganfeng Lithium, which is currently under investigation in China for alleged insider trading. Lithium Americas is seeking to mine lithium from Thacker Pass, an 18,000-acre wilderness area on the Nevada-Oregon border. If the mining is approved, Thacker Pass would join a mine at Silver Peak outside of Tonopah, Nevada, as one of the only active lithium mines in the United States. The company projects it will yield 80,000 tons of lithium a year, which would make it one of the largest lithium mines in the world, producing a quarter of the worlds demand. Lithium Americas local company, Lithium Nevada, has been approved to receive Nevada tax abatements worth $8.5 million. And the parent company has applied for a grant through the Department of Energy, including money that Biden made available via the Defense Production Act. But there is no promise from recipients of tax breaks and grants that the end product will benefit the United States. In a statement to RCI, Lithium Americas CEO Jonathan Evans downplayed the companys China connection and skirted the question of whether the mined lithium will go to U.S. partners for processing. While Lithium Americas is partnered with Ganfeng Lithium at Cauchari Olaroz in Argentina, [Lithium Americas] owns 100 percent of Thacker Pass and has 100 percent of the offtake uncommitted, Evans said in the statement. We remain devoted to producing a domestic supply of essential lithium from our Thacker Pass project focused on selling to U.S. focused customers to strengthen the domestic battery supply chain. Daniel Simmons, a former assistant secretary who focused on renewables at the Energy Department during the Trump administration, said: Every mining company that I have talked to wants to see the lithium they produce processed and turned into batteries in the United States. But if there arent enough facilities here in the United States, the Chinese will likely process it and turn it into batteries. The U.S. share of worldwide production has dropped from 27 percent in 1996 to 1 percent in 2020 while other countries have increased their mining of lithium since the mid-1990s, when the mineral was used primarily for construction materials, glass, and strengthening aluminum and magnesium. The growth in worldwide lithium production coincides with the increase in production of electric vehicles. In 2015, less than 30 percent of lithium demand was for batteries, according to a report from McKinsey & Company, a consultancy. By 2030, McKinsey projects, 95 percent of produced lithium will be for batteries. The United States last year produced 2,500 tons of lithiuma far cry from the 80,000 tons anticipated at Thacker Passand it exported 1,900 of those tons. The destination of lithium exported last year by the United States has not yet been compiled and 2020s numbers are skewed by the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2019predating the Biden renewable goalsGermany and Japan were the largest recipients of U.S.-mined lithium. Little U.S. lithium went to China in 2020, according to data from the U.S. Geological Survey. China-bound? All of it is unlikely to be processed domestically, experts say. (Lithium Americas) Despite the high strategic priority placed on lithium by the Biden administration, Beijings continued push for mineral dominance in the world means that China will continue to dominate lithium chemical production for the foreseeable future, according to a projection from Benchmark Mineral Intelligence, a London-based price-reporting agency. Reliance on Chinese processing of lithium would again put the Biden administration in the politically uncomfortable position of overlooking humanitarian abuses and trade violations by China. Forced labor has been found in so-called green industries in the Chinese region of Xinjiang, a region home to solar panel manufacturing and some of the countrys major lithium processing plants. Last week, seven Democratic lawmakers sent a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas asking why three large Chinese solar firms were left off a list of companies whose products are banned over violations of forced labor rules. Under the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act that took effect on June 21, all goods manufactured in Xinjiang are presumed to have been made with forced labor and should be blocked from entry into the United States. In another recent instance irritating environmental and human rights advocates who are usually in Bidens camp, the President last week fist-bumped Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, tied to the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, while on a visit to coax greater oil production from the kingdom and stem soaring U.S. gas prices at the pump. At home, the climate change-focused administration has imposed or proposed policies intended to hinder fossil fuel producers. U.S. reliance on foreign interests for usable lithium, as well as for solar panels, echoes the situation in Europe, where several countries looked to Russian energy sources over the years before Vladimir Putins invasion of Ukraine. That led Germany and Italy to recently announce plans to revamp coal use to supply their energy needs. There are other ramifications to Bidens willingness to cut against the traditional Democratic Party grain in energy policy. Mining and solar plant development are disrupting federal lands claimed by Native American tribes as culturally significant. And the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony and the Oregon-based Burns Paiute Tribe have sued the U.S. Bureau of Land Management to halt the Thacker Pass project. They claim the area is a religious and cultural outpost. Lithium Americas had been in talks with the land bureau to build a mine on the land since at least 2017, according to a RealClearInvestigations review of court filings. Native American communities lean to Democrats and in 2020 gave Biden an estimated 60 percent percent of their vote, but that support is now counterbalanced by the National Mining Association, a longtime coal-mining advocacy group, which has backed off its favoritism of Republican candidates. The mining associations political action committee has for the past decade donated to Republican candidates at a 9-1 pace over Democrats, but this year the ratio dropped to 3-1 as mining companies have warmed to the administrations move away from coal and into lithium. Rich Nolan, president of the mining association, did not respond to an interview request. Gary McKinney, a spokesman for the People of Red Mountain, a Native American group challenging the Thacker Pass mine, sees a familiar ulterior motive at play. You cant fix the climate crisis through dirty mining, he said. This is all about money, not the environment. Rep. Claudia Tenney speaks as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken testifies before the House Committee on Foreign Affairs on The Biden Administration's Priorities for U.S. Foreign Policy on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC on March 10, 2021. (Ken Cedeno-Pool/Getty Images) Rubio, Tenney Turn Off the Tap Act Would Bar Fed Contracts With Prohibited Chinese Firms Firms included on trade violation or sanctions lists would be prohibited from receiving U.S. tax dollars through direct government contracts or with third parties, under legislation proposed in Congress by Rep. Claudia Tenney (R-N.Y.) and Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.). The American peoples tax dollars should not be invested in blacklisted Chinese companies. Yet today, because of weak policies in Washington, they continue to be. Its time we cut off the tap, Tenney said in a July 20 joint statement with Rubio. The Chinese Communist Partys (CCP) predatory trade policies, significant human rights abuses, and threats to American security are absolutely unacceptable. In upstate New York, we have seen their disastrous effects firsthand. Enough is enough. It is time to step up and make commonsense reforms to ensure Americans are not funding these entities. The Chinese Communist Party actively exploits our free enterprise system and the extraordinary loopholes within our government. It is dumb and dangerous to allow that to continue, Rubio told The Epoch Times in a separate statement. We know who the bad actors are in China because many of them are on U.S. government blacklists. At a minimum, we should make sure Chinese businesses on those lists dont have access to federal funds. The Chinese Communist Party is actively seeking to weaken and destabilize America. We should not be funding its companies with U.S. taxpayer dollars. In their joint statement, Tenney and Rubio singled out two Chinese firms drone maker DJI and defense conglomerate AVICthat are presently recipients of U.S. tax dollars, but would be barred under the Turn Off Federal Funding of Threatening Entities That Thwart American Prosperity Act, or the Turn Off the Tap Act. While particularly concerned with Chinese firms, the Tenney/Rubio legislation would apply to any company featured on a number of watchlists. They include the Treasury Departments Specially Designated Nations list and the Non-Specially Chinese Military Industrial Complex, the Pentagons Chinese Military Companies list, and the Commerce Departments Entity List of sanctioned nations, firms, and individuals. Any subsidiaries of such firms also would be covered. Under existing U.S. law, there is currently no central ban on federal funds going to foreign firms included on U.S. government blacklists, according to the statement. The Turn Off the Tap Act addresses this national security vulnerability by prohibiting federal funds from going to firms listed on several federal blacklists. As the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) continues its offensive against American national, economic, and industrial securitywhile also committing gross human rights abusesAmerican taxpayers should not be forced to line its pockets, the statement said. In a related development, Rubio on July 20 condemned the Biden administration for failing to include the Beijing regime in its latest 2022 Trafficking in Persons Report, issued by the Department of State. This report underestimates the transformation of Hong Kong into just another city in Mainland China at the hands of Xi Jinping, Rubio said in a statement. Rather than rightfully list Hong Kong in Tier 3, the Secretary of State has waived its Tier 3 designation to maintain Hong Kong on the Tier 2 watch list. If the Biden administration is under the belief that Hong Kong, under the jurisdiction of the CCPs puppet John Lee, retains its previous autonomy, they are badly mistaken. Even more astonishingly, despite acknowledging the many state-sponsored forced labor programs operating in the Peoples Republic of China (PRC), the Biden administration has chosen not to list the Chinese Communist Party as a state sponsor of human trafficking, he continued. This is an unacceptable and cowardly oversight for a nation that has already recognized the CCP as guilty of genocide. Rather than issuing prioritized recommendations for the PRC to end its practice of state-sponsored forced labor, the Biden administration should prioritize the strict enforcement of my Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, which will end the United States complicit participation in the CCPs slave labor program. Human trafficking is an urgent global crisis, and it deserves a serious and meaningful response. We cannot give evil dictators and human smugglers a free pass. Pipes at the landfall facilities of the Nord Stream 1 gas pipeline are pictured in Lubmin, Germany, on March 8, 2022. (Hannibal Hanschke/Reuters) Russia Resumes Gas Flow to Europe via Nord Stream 1 Pipeline Russian natural gas began flowing again through the Nord Stream 1 gas pipeline on July 21 after a planned 10-day shutdown, the pipelines operator has confirmed. Nord Stream 1 is the largest single pipeline carrying Russian gas to Germany, and transports 55 billion cubic meters (bcm) of gas a year under the Baltic Sea. Operator Nord Stream AG began annual maintenance on July 11. A spokesperson confirmed to multiple news outlets that gas flows had resumed, although its unclear at what capacity. In an emailed statement to CNBC, the spokesperson said that the company is in process of resuming gas transportation and that it can take some hours to reach the nominated transport volumes. Meanwhile, the president of Germanys Federal Network Agency, Klaus Muller, wrote on Twitter that the pipeline was running at about 30 percent capacity early on July 21, an amount he noted was guaranteed for two hours. In a second post on Twitter, Muller wrote that gas flows would likely reach around 40 percent on July 21 but noted that unfortunately, the political uncertainty and the 60% cut from mid-June remain. Welcome Relief The resumption of gas flows through the pipeline will no doubt bring welcome relief to European officials, who had previously braced themselves for the possibility of further supply cuts and had been searching for alternative suppliers to Russian gas. Russia has cut off gas supplies to several European countries that failed to comply with President Vladimir Putins demand for payment in rubles. The European Union is dependent on Russian gas, which represented 40 percent of the EUs total gas imports in 2021, or about 155 bcm of natural gas. That dependency rose to 65 percent in Germany in 2020, and disruptions to supply could further exacerbate the current energy crisis across Europe and drive consumer prices higher still, raising the risk of an economic recession. Meanwhile, Germany has vowed to reduce its dependence on Russian energy owing to Moscows invasion of Ukraine. On July 20, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen accused the Kremlin of using energy as a weapon, while also asking EU member states to cut consumption of natural gas by 15 percent at a minimum until next spring. Russia is blackmailing us. Russia is using energy as a weapon. And therefore in any event, whether a partial major cut-off of Russian gas or a total cut-off of Russian gas, Europe needs to be ready, von der Leyen wrote on Twitter, adding that the EU has already done a lot to prepare and that gas storage is at 64 percent. The Kremlin has denied such claims and maintains that Russia is a reliable energy supplier and strictly fulfills all its obligations to Europe. Gas supply from other sources has increased by 75 percent compared to last year, von der Leyen continued. And since the beginning of the year, an estimated additional 20 GW of renewable energy capacity have been added. The commission president said EU countries should do their best now to save 15 percent of annual gas consumption. According to the proposed regulation (pdf), released July 20, it would set an initial 15 percent reduction in natural gas usage between Aug. 1 and March 31, 2023. We are providing guidance to do that, in a smart way. Right now, the goal is aspirational, von der Leyen said. In case of a European alert, the 15 percent are binding. The quicker we act, the more we save, the safer we are. A building destroyed by shelling is seen in Ochakiv, Ukraine, in this handout picture obtained by Reuters on June 28, 2022. (State Emergency Service of Ukraine in Mykolaiv region via Reuters) Russia to Punish Wikimedia Foundation Over Ukraine Conflict Fakes LONDONRussias communications watchdog said on Wednesday it was taking steps to punish the Wikimedia Foundation, which hosts online encyclopedia Wikipedia, for violating Russian law around the conflict in Ukraine. In a statement, Roskomnadzor said that Wikipedia still hosted prohibited materials, including fakes about the course of the special military operation on the territory of Ukraine, and that search engines would be used to inform users that Wikimedia violated Russian law. Writing on Telegram, vice chair of the Russian parliaments committee on information policy Anton Gorelkin said that links to Wikipedia would be accompanied by a disclaimer warning users about legal violations by Wikimedia Foundation. Roskomnadzor said the measures would remain in place until Wikimedia Foundation becomes fully compliant with Russian law. The Wikimedia Foundation on June 13 appealed a Moscow court ruling, fining it 5 million roubles ($91,000) for refusing to remove what it termed disinformation from Russian-language Wikipedia articles on the Ukraine conflict, including The Russian Invasion of Ukraine, War Crimes during the Russian Invasion of Ukraine, and Massacre in Bucha. Wikipedia, which says it offers the second draft of history, is written and edited by volunteers across more than 300 languages. With the shuttering of much of Russias independent media after the invasion of Ukraine, Wikipedia became one of the last available sources of fact-checked information on the war available to Russians. Russia introduced sweeping new laws on sharing information about the conflict in Ukraine shortly after the Kremlin ordered tens of thousands of troops to deploy to the country on February 24. Narratives around the conflict, Europes largest since 1945, are highly contested. Russia does not call what is happening a war or an invasion, criminalizing the use of either word, and instead framing it as a special military operation to demilitarise and denazify Ukraine. Ukraine and the West say that Russias framing is a figleaf aimed at justifying an imperial-style war of aggression. Farmers harvest wheat as Vuhlehirsk's heat power plant burns in the distance after a shelling, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in the Donbas region, Ukraine July 13, 2022. REUTERS/Gleb Garanich Russia, Ukraine Reach Deal on Grain Exports, Turkey, UN Say Officials from Russia, Ukraine, Turkey, and the United Nations have agreed to a deal to resume exports of Ukrainian grain through the Black Sea, according to Turkish and U.N. officials. A general agreement that was reached during talks in Istanbul last week will be put into writing, and signed by all parties on July 22 at the Dolmabahce Palace offices in Istanbul, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogans office said in a July 21 statement. There was no immediate confirmation of the deal from Moscow or Kyiv. The grain export agreement, critically important for global food security, will be signed in Istanbul tomorrow under the auspices of President Erdogan and U.N. Secretary-General Mr. [Antonio] Guterres together with Ukrainian and Russian delegations, Erdogan spokesman Ibrahim Kalin said in a tweet. While details of the agreement werent made immediately clear, before the most recent round of talks, negotiators had sought a resumption of Ukraines Black Sea grain exports as well as Russias own grain and fertilizer shipments. Additionally, Russia is believed to have requested guarantees that Turkey would inspect the ships for smuggled weapons, which the Kremlin fears could be used to bulk up Ukrainian forces. Ukrainian vessels will need to guide grain ships in and out of ports, which have been heavily mined throughout the course of the war. Russia was the worlds largest wheat exporter last year; Ukraine was the fifth largest. The two nations accounted for $12 billion in wheat exports in 2021, or roughly 21.6 percent of the global total. Since the start in February of Russias invasion and subsequent war with Ukrainewhich Russian leadership terms a special military operationthat proverbial breadbasket has been cut from the rest of the world, sparking food shortages and sharply higher prices. Currently, dozens of grain ships are stranded throughout the region; an estimated 20 million tons of grain are currently stuck in the port of Odessa in southwestern Ukraine. Farhan Haq, the deputy spokesman for the U.N. secretary-generals office, said he hopes the deal would help to prevent catastrophe for those suffering from food shortages. Weve been working around the clock with intense behind-the-scenes talks with countless moving parts, Haq said, according to ABC. We can potentially save hundreds of thousands, potentially millions of people, from having food be priced out of their reach. Reuters contributed to this report. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) speaks to reporters on Capitol Hill in Washington on May 3, 2022. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images) Senate to Vote on Semiconductor Bill Aimed at China Competition News Analysis The U.S. Senate aims to approve legislation this week that would boost the United States domestic semiconductor industry and improve competitiveness with China amid a global supply chain crisis. We need to move quickly, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said on July 18. Without these incentives from Congress, the capital investment required for expanding production is not economically viable in the United States, given other global alternatives. The legislation at hand is a compromise version of two bills that members of Congress have been working on for more than a year, to provide funding that will spur domestic semiconductor production. A Matter of National Security Semiconductors, which are used in the production of everything from personal computers to hypersonic missiles, have become a key point of anxiety in the past two years as a global supply chain crisis has wreaked havoc on the United States ability to obtain the chips. The semiconductor industry is not just any industry, said Bonnie Glick, director of the Krach Institute for Tech Diplomacy at Purdue University. Its one that was developed in the United States and touches many of our other industries, including manufacturing, as well as the systems that are intrinsic to modern life. Semiconductors are at the heart of technology and play a critical role in our national security, as they power defense systems and emerging technologies including artificial intelligence, 5G and next generation broadband, quantum computing, and hypersonic capabilities. That reliance on semiconductors has become a problem for national security in the age of COVID-19. In 2021, more than 60 percent of such chips were produced in Taiwan. Still, supply chain woes and related global resource shortages resulted in the nations inability to obtain enough chips to meet demand. China hasnt been immune to the squeeze on chips either and is quickly dumping resources into bolstering domestic production. Glick, who previously served as deputy administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development during the Trump administration, said that was something the United States couldnt ignore. Other countries, notably China, have been incentivizing production through tax breaks and other measures, and the United States cant afford to stay on the sidelines, Glick said. The idea of the legislation is to spur growth at home and encourage allies to invest in the United States. As such, U.S. lawmakers aim to swiftly develop a domestic supply of chips to ensure resilience in the national supply chain through a process referred to as reshoring, in which the creation and supply of chips are controlled either domestically or through close allies of the United States. Semiconductor chips on a computers circuit board in a photo illustration taken on Feb. 25, 2022. (Florence Lo/Reuters) As the recent and ongoing supply chain crisis has demonstrated, we need to develop and sustain more capabilities at home, Glick said. Shortages have rippled through industries, furloughing hundreds of thousands of U.S. workers employed in everything from manufacturing to logistics to healthcare, while depressing overall output. This is the critical moment to focus our efforts on the need to on-shore, near-shore, and allied-shore critical components of the global semiconductor supply chain to ensure that America and our allies are protected from future chip shortages or outages. Partisan Differences Delayed Bill In theory, its toward that end that Congress is meeting this week, although partisan differences have already prevented an agreement from being reached for a year and a half. Congress passed the Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors (CHIPS) Act in January 2021. Since then, however, lawmakers have failed to approve a bill to successfully appropriate funding that would achieve its goals of developing and strengthening a domestic semiconductor industry. The Senate passed a version of the bill in June 2021, titled the Innovation and Competition Act (USICA). The USICA included $39 billion to build semiconductors over five years, $11.2 billion for CHIPS Act research and development activities, and some $200 billion to boost scientific and technological innovation through tax credits for companies that manufacture chips. Though USICA passed the Senate 6832, House Democrats balked at the proposed funding of tax credits for chip companies. In February, the House passed its version of the billthe America COMPETES Actwhich included the $52 billion for semiconductor manufacturing but cut the $200 billion toward other programs. Notably, the House bill included a broader swath of funding for unrelated projects such as grants for students studying green chemistry and programs for green manufacturing, which drew ire from Republicans. Now, lawmakers must resolve their differences and pass compromise legislation through both chambers again before President Joe Biden can sign it into law, which they hope to achieve before leaving Washington for the annual August recess. USICA included provisions for countering theft of intellectual property by China, Glick said. I believe it is important to implement those original provisions and hope to see Congress revisit them. However, we dont want to allow the perfect to be the enemy of the good. Whether the good outweighs the perfect remains to be seen. Even if the House and Senate reach an agreement, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) has threatened to block its passage if Democrats push ahead with a partisan effort to include corporate tax increases and curbs on carbon emissions. Glick expressed hope the current bipartisan consensus on the importance of the industry would stand. But ensuring a healthy relationship between the industry and the government would be key to its ultimate success, she says. I believe this ambitious, bipartisan package of measures goes a long way toward meeting the current and future needs of U.S. semiconductor research and development, manufacturing, and sourcing, but its execution will need to prioritize coordination between government and private industry. 19 19 Peter Stano The European Union's incoming ambassador to Beijing has struck a conciliatory tone by declaring the bloc's support for China's "peaceful reunification" with Taiwan, triggering displeasure in Taipei. "The EU does not advocate independence for Taiwan, but peaceful reunification," Jorge Toledo, 57, told Spain's La Vanguardia newspaper in an interview published on Sunday. "We believe there should be only one China, but in the event of a military invasion we have made it very clear that the EU, with the United States and its allies, will impose similar or even greater measures than we have now taken against Russia," said Toledo, who is set to replace Frenchman Nicolas Chapuis as the EU's ambassador to China. The Spanish diplomat's remarks about "one China" weren't an obvious departure from the EU's stated policy toward sensitive relations across the Taiwan Strait. However, his endorsement of "reunification"phraseology favored by Beijingadded a new layer to the bloc's otherwise cautious approach, which only promises to deepen economic ties with Taiwan while committing not to recognize the island's statehood. Taiwanese civilians in tactical gear and replica weapons take part in an urban warfare workshop on June 18, 2022, in New Taipei City. China has not renounced the use of force to achieve its political goal of unification with Taiwan, whose residents are gearing up to resist any potential invasion.SAM YEH/AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES China has never governed the democratic island but claims it as part of its territory. Taiwan, meanwhile, says it's already an independent country, and its public has shown little interest in being ruled from Beijing. As the COVID-19 pandemic caused supply chain bottlenecks around the world, Taiwan's advances in high-end semiconductors became a particular point of interest for leaders and business communities in the West. Last month, the EU upgraded investment talks with the island, with a focus on chips. Doubtless aware of the political sensitivities surrounding interactions with Taiwan, Brussels has stepped up its economic engagement with Taipei in what could be perceived as a win-win for both. However, the EU may find it difficult to balance its vital trading relationship with China against Taiwan's need to remain a dignified player in the partnership. Joanne Ou, Taiwan's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, reminded reporters at a regular press briefing on Tuesday about the island's important geostrategic importance as well as the role it plays in the global supply chain. "The sovereignty of our country cannot be disparaged, violated or annexed," said Ou. "The sovereignty of Taiwan belongs only to the people of Taiwan, and only the people of Taiwan can decide Taiwan's future." Reached by email, EU spokesperson Peter Stano told Newsweek: "We have a clear One China Policy that has not changed recently. The EU and EU Member States remain committed to the EU's One China policy. Within this policy, we are also pursuing friendly relations and close cooperation with Taiwan in a wide range of areas. "The EU has an interest in preserving peace and the status quo in the Taiwan Strait as well as Taiwan's democratic system of governance. We encourage a peaceful resolution of cross-strait issues. Tensions should be resolved through dialogue." Toledo's interview, which revolved around the EU's wider relations with China, didn't paint Beijing in a wholly positive light. The diplomat, who takes office in the Chinese capital in September, described the Chinese government under President Xi Jinping as "flexing its muscles, especially in the South China Sea." "We cannot tolerate China violating the rules of international law accepted by all and occupying areas that do not belong to it," he said. Still, Toledo spoke out against decoupling; mutually dependent EU-China economic ties mean disengagement would cause a "cataclysm," he told the paper. Echoing prevailing views in Washington, he referenced the necessity of working with Beijing to address issues of global concern. "It is essential and necessary to count on China for global governance. Without its help we cannot address global challenges such as the pandemic and the climate crisis," he said. The strongest support for Taiwan in the EU has typically come from the European Parliament. Last October, the EP voted overwhelmingly in favor of upgrading political and economic ties with Taipei, before a group of European lawmakers visited the island a few weeks later. Nicola Beer, a German lawmaker and one of the EP's vice presidents, urged more support for Taiwan as she landed in the Taiwanese capital at the start of a three-day official visit on Tuesday. "There is no room for Chinese aggression in democratic Taiwan. For the moment, we witness war in Europe. We do not want to witness war in Asia. Now is the moment to stand firm on the side of Taiwanyou and us, we are family of democracies," she said. "Taiwan's bloom is also Europe's bloom. We won't have a blind eye on China's threats to Taiwan. Europe was late for Hong Kong; we won't be late for Taiwan," Beer said. Jorge Toledo: "We need China to rule the world" https://www.usanews.net/breaking/jorge-toledo-we-need-china-to-rule-the-world-h27666.html Jorge Toledo Albinana is the new ambassador of the European Union in China. 16 July 2022 Saturday 22:48 Jorge Toledo Albinana is the new ambassador of the European Union in China. On September 1, if the pandemic allows it, he will be in Beijing to assume his position, one of the most important that Spanish diplomacy has had in the EU foreign service. On Monday he was at the Barcelona Equestrian Circle to address the challenges of his new position. One of the main ones will be convincing China that it is one of the countries that has benefited most from the world order that emerged from World War II and that cooperation with the West must continue. A Canadian flag patch is shown on a soldier's shoulder in Trenton, Ont., on Oct. 16, 2014. ( The Canadian Press/Lars Hagberg) Senior Officer Faces Military Charges for Inappropriate Relationship The military police have charged a senior officer in the Canadian Armed Forces after an investigation into allegations of an inappropriate relationship with a subordinate. The office of Canadas military police chief announced on Wednesday that Lt.-Gen. Steven Whelan is facing two counts under the National Defence Act related to conduct to the prejudice of good order and discipline. Whelan stepped aside from his role as head of the Canadian militarys human resources last October due to an investigation by military police into historic allegations of sexual misconduct. Whelan, who has previously denied wrongdoing, could not immediately be reached for comment. Defence Minister Anita Anand said last November the Forces would start transferring cases involving criminal sexual offences to civilian police forces and courts on an interim basis. But the statement said the Canadian Forces National Investigation Services probe did not reveal any supporting evidence for laying criminal charges, as the allegations relate to offences specific to the military context that would not have been investigated by civilian police. Solar Storm to Hit Earths Magnetic Field on July 21 Something is happening to the sun. One of the regions of the solar atmosphere currently exhibiting sunspots caught the attention of observatories on July 11, when there was a sudden increase in ultraviolet and X-ray brightness. The next ones to notice were the amateur radio communities on either side of the Pacific Ocean, when their communications were briefly interrupted. A solar flarethe emission of electromagnetic radiation and energetic particles located in a small region of the solar atmospherehad just occurred. It is a region where the magnetic field is particularly strong and complex. A solar flare often precedes a much more powerful event. The same magnetic field that generated the flare twists beneath the suns surface, drags huge amounts of solar plasma out of the sun and, like a cannon, hurls it at high speed into space. This is called a coronal mass ejection. Unlike the radiation from a flare, which reaches the Earth at the speed of light in about eight minutes, coronal mass ejections are composed of charged particles that move more slowly. It can take from a few hours to several days for them to reach the Earths orbit. Several moderately intense flares have continued to occur over the past week. On July 15, one of them was accompanied by a spectacular ejection. This time, however, it is heading towards Earth, and we expect it to hit us on July 21. History repeats itself It is not the first time that we have been in this situation. Although the physics of these phenomena are not yet fully understood, we are certain that they are mainly magnetic in nature. And that their occurrence is not fortuitous: approximately every 11 years, our sun experiences periods of high magnetic activity, called solar maxima. During these maxima, the frequency of these events is especially high. And right now, we are entering the maximum of the current cycle, which is expected to peak in 2024. The extent of a coronal mass ejection is usually accompanied by striking polar auroras. However, the most global effects occur when it interacts with the Earths magnetosphere: a kind of protective bubble that envelops the Earth. The strength of the Earths magnetic field is able to deflect charged particles released by the sun (the solar wind). The magnetosphere allowsamong other thingsthe Earth to retain its atmosphere. Upon contact with an ejection, the magnetosphere is compressed. The rapid variations of the Earths magnetic field produce electric currents wherever there are free electric charges (such as in the ionosphere, one of the layers of our atmosphere). This then generates more complex magnetic fields that add to the Earths own magnetic field. This chaotic disturbance of the magnetic field is called a geomagnetic storm. It can, in turn, disrupt radio and satellite communications. In the most extreme cases, it can cause power outages. Power outages and communications disruptions? At the moment, the various space weather observation and forecasting services (such as NOAA, Space Weather or SOHO) have published a G1 alert, which corresponds to minor geomagnetic storms, with possible minor fluctuations in the power grid and little impact on satellite operations. We shouldnt worry, should we? The truth is that this may not be the case. In September 1859, a geomagnetic storm from a coronal mass ejection caused the failure of telegraph networks in Europe and North America. It was called the Carrington event, after the astronomer who observed the flare, Richard Carrington. The electrical currents induced in the telegraph cables were so strong that they caused fires in the receivers. Some telegraph operators were electrocuted. At the time we were saved by our limited dependence on electronic systems. Today we would not be so lucky: our hyper-technified society has blind faith in the resilience of the communication networks that our mobile phones and computers depend on. So far, the various state attempts to deal with such threats have been timid, unco-ordinated and based on generalities. Our situation right now is one of clear vulnerability. And while the frequency of these phenomena is not expected to stop increasing in the coming years, it still seems too alien a problem. The question now is, will we have time to change our minds before the next Carrington event? ___ Gonzalo Jose Carracedo Carballal carries out his research at the Centro de Astrobiologia with funds from an INTA predoctoral fellowship. David Montes receives funding from the Ministry of Science and Research and the Complutense University of Madrid (UCM). By Gonzalo Jose Carracedo Carballal, Estudiante de Doctorado en Astrofisica, Centro de Astrobiologia (INTA-CSIC) and David Montes, Profesor Titular de Universidad, Universidad Complutense de Madrid U.S. President Joe Biden shakes hands with South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol as they visit the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek campus on May 20, 2022 in Pyeongtaek, South Korea. (Photo by Kim Min-Hee /Pool /Getty Images) South Korea Given Deadline to Join US-Led Chip Alliance Amid Mounting Pressure from Beijing South Korea once again faces a significant strategic dilemma amid growing calls to participate in the U.S.-led chip alliance designed to decouple countries from China. The semiconductor powerhouse was asked to make a decision by the end of August. The United States has reportedly asked South Korea to inform it whether it will join the Chip 4 alliance by Aug. 31, according to local South Korean reports citing unnamed sources in Washington. Despite mounting pressure from China, its biggest trading partner, South Korean experts and public opinion say the country is likely to participate in the proposed chip alliance. Taiwan and Japan have already agreed to participate in the Chip 4 alliance proposed by the United States this March, pending South Koreas decision to join. The U.S.-led alliance aims to strengthen cooperation in semiconductors among the United States and East Asian powerhouses Taiwan, South Korea, and Japan to build a secure supply chain that excludes China. The United States is leading the equipment and software segments of the industry, Taiwan is the very foundry leader, Japan is taking the lead on the component and material sides, and South Korea cannot produce chips without them, a South Korean expert told Business Korea in a July 15th report. What the South Korean government needs to do is to minimize potential damage to South Korean companies by pursuing pragmatism between the United States and China. South Korea will join the alliance because receiving U.S. support is very important in terms of building a high-level chip ecosystem from wafer fabrication to software and semiconductor equipment, The Korea Times cited Kim Yang-paeng, a researcher at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics and Trade. As seen in Washingtons imposition of sanctions on Huawei, its very possible for the United States to grant access for the use of U.S. technologies exclusively to its allies, Kim added. The Strategic Dilemma Unlike Japan and Taiwan, South Korea still has China as its biggest trading partner. South Korean exports to China accounted for 25.3 percent of its exports through 2021, about 10 percent higher than to the United States, according to The Korea Herald. Last year, South Koreas semiconductor exports amassed $128 billionthose to China accounted for 39 percent of the total, and those to China and Hong Kong accounted for 60 percent, Business Korea reported. In addition, South Korean tech conglomerates Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix both have major memory chip production plants in China. Samsungs only NAND flash plant is located in Xian, which accounts for more than 40 percent of its NAND flash output. SK Hynix produces DRAM chips in Wuxi, accounting for 45 percent of its total DRAM chip production and about 15 percent of the worlds DRAM output. Seeing that Beijing views democratically governed Taiwan as a breakaway state from mainland China that should be taken back by force, if necessary, South Korea has also suffered a long economic retaliation from China for deploying the THAAD anti-missile system. Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) is a U.S.-designed and manufactured anti-missile system that was installed in South Korea, between 2016 and 2017, in order to defend against North Koreas missile build-up. However, Beijing has insisted that the deployment of THAAD affects Chinas security and has since adopted a series of countermeasures against South Korea. The South Korean government appears to be carefully considering whether to participate in the chip alliance. On July 14, when asked about the countrys stance toward the proposed chip alliance, a spokesperson for newly inaugurated President Yoon Suk-yeol told reporters that there is nothing to say at this point about the matter, adding it is mulling options to strengthen semiconductor cooperation with the United States through various channels. U.S. Efforts to Decouple from China The Biden White House and U.S. Congress have continued the Trump administrations efforts to bolster the U.S. competitiveness of semiconductor chips. President Joe Biden signed an executive order shortly after taking office to bolster the resilience of supply chains of critical industries that included semiconductor chips. On Tuesday, the U.S. Senate voted by a wide margin to move ahead on legislation providing more than $52 billion in grants and incentives for its domestic semiconductor industry, advancing a package designed to boost U.S. semiconductor competition with China. During the recent U.S.South Korea summit, Biden and Yoon pledged to strengthen semiconductor alliances among the worlds largest chip-making countries to ease global shortages. As part of the economic partnership, South Korea also formally announced participation in the U.S.-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF), a framework outlining the United States key priorities to align with allies and partners to compete more effectively with China in the race to lead global technology development and norms. Europe as an Alternative to China In a push for a new global partnership, Yoon attended the NATO summit last week in Spain to foster economic and security collaboration with NATO members. In addition to strengthening political and military ties with NATO, the Yoon administration also held bilateral summits with 10 European countries to discuss partnerships in several key industries, such as nuclear and military technology, semiconductors, and renewable energy. The South Korean president seeks to secure semiconductor supply chains, expand cooperation in nuclear energy and defense, and expand partnerships in the space industry in multiple bilateral meetings on the sidelines with the Netherlands, Poland, and France, respectively, according to Yonhap News Agency. The administration states that the purpose of increasing bilateral partnerships with European countries is for the Korean economy to become less reliant on China. Choi Sang-mok, South Koreas senior presidential secretary for economic affairs, stated that the Yoon administration seeks alternative trading partners to ensure survival, as the declining economy of China has made the country a less reliable trading partner for South Korea, according to The Korea Times. The era of an export boom with China we have been enjoying for the past 20 years is seeing its end. That is why we need to find alternative markets and diversify our trade partners, said Choi at a press briefing in Madrid, Spain, on June 28. Sri Lanka's newly elected president Ranil Wickremesinghe, signs after taking oath during his swearing in ceremony in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on July 21, 2022. (Sri Lankan President's Office via AP) Sri Lankas Newly Elected President Sworn Into Office COLOMBO, Sri LankaVeteran politician Ranil Wickremesinghe was sworn in as Sri Lankas new president Thursday to take charge of a nation bitterly angry that he will remain in power amid an unprecedented economic crisis. Sri Lankans have taken to the streets for months to demand their top leaders step down to take responsibility for economic chaos that has left the nations 22 million people struggling with shortages of essentials, including medicine, fuel, and food. While the protesters have focused on the Rajapaksa political dynasty, Wickremesinghe has also drawn their ire as a perceived Rajapaksa surrogate. The six-time prime minister has never held the top job. But he easily won the secret ballot of lawmakers Wednesday to finish the term of former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who fled the country after protesters stormed his residence last week and resigned. His appointment received mixed reactions, with some supporters lighting firecrackers while protesters continued to demand that he resign. Wickremesinghe, 73, has wide experience in diplomatic and international affairs and has been overseeing bailout talks with the International Monetary Fund. He won the support of 134 members in the 225-member Parliament. Lawmakers apparently considered him the safer hands to lead the nation through the crisis, despite public anger at Wickremesinghe as an example of the nations problematic political establishment. During demonstrations last week, crowds set his personal residence on fire and occupied his office. Lawmaker Lakshman Kiriella (L), former president Maithripala Sirisena (C), and former prime minister Mahinda Rajapaksa (R) attend the swearing in ceremony of Sri Lankas newly elected president Ranil Wickremesinghe, in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on July 21, 2022. (Sri Lankan Presidents Office via AP) After Wednesdays vote, Wickremesinghe called for politicians to work together and pleaded for the country to move on. But protesters flocked to the presidential office instead, chanting, Ranil, go home! Protest leaders told reporters Wednesday that they dont accept Wickremesinghes appointment and urged him to step down immediately. Parliaments selection goes against the will of the people, said Jeewantha Peiris, a protest leader and Catholic priest, adding that demonstrations against Wickremesinghe would continue. We are the people who sent Gotabaya home, and its not a difficult task for us to send you (Wickremesinghe) home, said Tampitiye Sugathananda, a Buddhist monk and protest leader who was outside the presidential office. Late Thursday, police and Sri Lankan soldiers dismantled structures near the protest site where demonstrators have gathered for the past 104 days. Protesters sit at their protest site in the morning in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on July 21, 2022. (Rafiq Maqbool/AP Photo) Police officers stand guard outside the official residence of the president in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on July 21, 2022. (Rafiq Maqbool/AP Photo) A large number of army and police personnel arrived in trucks and buses around midnight, removing tents and arresting some protesters. They blocked off roads leading to the site and carried long poles. Protesters said on social media that they were beaten up, but the allegations could not be independently verified. Wickremesinghe took his oath as the countrys eighth executive president Thursday morning at a ceremony held in Parliament in the capital, Colombo. He now can choose a new prime minister. In an example of the troubles caused by the economic crisis, a power outage hampered live coverage of the swearing-in ceremony. In some areas, Wickremesinghes supporters lit firecrackers and distributed sweets to celebrate his appointment as president, local media reported. The U.S. ambassador to Sri Lanka, Julie Chung, wrote on Twitter that she looks forward to working with Wickremesinghe. She added: In these challenging times, it will be essential for all parties to redouble efforts to work together to tackle the economic crisis, uphold democracy & accountability, and build a stable & secure future for all Sri Lankans. Wickremesinghe said Monday that the negotiations with the IMF were near a conclusion and talks on help from other countries had also progressed. He also said the government has taken steps to resolve shortages of fuel and cooking gas. On Wednesday, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva told financial magazine Nikkei Asia that the organization hoped to complete the rescue talks as quickly as possible. On Monday, in his role as acting president, Wickremesinghe declared a state of emergency that gave him broad authority to act in the interest of public security and order. Authorities can carry out searches and detain people, and Wickremesinghe can also change or suspend any law. Parliament can regularly review the law and it will expire without its approval. Presidents in Sri Lanka are normally elected by the public. The responsibility falls to Parliament only if the presidency becomes vacant before the term officially ends. It has happened once before, in 1993, when then-Prime Minister Dingiri Banda Wijetunga was chosen by Parliament uncontested after former President Ranasinghe Premadasa, father of the current opposition leader, was assassinated. By Bharatha Mallawarachi With maths standards declining in Australian schools for the past two decades, one expert believes the key to fixing this problem is dealing with something called maths aversion. Laura Tuohilampi of at UNSWs School of Education and author of new book Seriously Fun Maths, has spent the past 17 years in Finland and Australia working with students and teachers to make maths more relevant to everyday life. In her experience, children often become disengaged with maths and form the view that the subject is only suited to a particular type of person, which is then reflected in the language and beliefs they take into adulthood. Think how often you might hear someone say, Im not a maths person, yet everyone uses the same critical thinking skills that you need to solve problems in maths in your everyday life, she said in a press release from the University of New South Wales on July 20. In reality, the largest group of people actively using maths are the people who think theyre no good at it. Tuohilampi gives examples of adjusting recipe ratios for more or fewer people, using probability to consider the weather forecast and whether to sneak in a load of washing, or using multiplication to determine which checkout queue is quicker. According to the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA): Performance in mathematics has been declining since 2003 in Australia. While Maths Australia says a major contributing factor is that students just arent being taught in a way that makes sense to them. The maths curriculum doesnt need to be revolutionised, Tuohilampi said, but rather supplemented in order to prevent maths aversion from taking root, while appealing to the natural sense of wonder and curiosity of children is key. Many people who say theyre no good at maths or have a negative experience of it get excited when faced with a problem that calls on their mathematical reasoning, she said. When we solve real life problemslike for example, estimating the volume of furniture when booking storage spacemaths aversion does not exist. Collaborating to solve real-life maths problems can spark kids curiosity in the subject. (Monkey Business/Adobe Stock) Sparking Curiosity Tuohilampi explains that there are two reasons why maths is not being taught in a way that lights this spark thats in us all. First, we dont believe it can be done, and second, we dont have good examples showing how, she said. Therefore, a good place to start is introducing what she calls rich maths learning exercises into a teaching plan, whereby teachers ask kids to put their heads together to solve open-ended problems that may have more than one entry point and potentially more than one answer. When we talk about rich maths learning, its not just an exercise to find the right answers, but also kids reasoning skills get a workout while rationalising about their experiences of the world, she said. They start to trust in their own thinking processes, which is very much needed for competency later on. Tuohilampi doesnt believe open-ended maths problems related to the real world should replace the theoretical maths taught in school, but stresses that supplementing the traditional syllabus with stimulating problems can reignite kids interest. From my research, we were able to show that a good balance is to give just one lesson per month for these kinds of rich maths problems, she says. Teachers struggle with their students being unmotivated and disengaged. But when you give them these kinds of challenges every once in a while, you allow them permission to start appreciating maths and they appreciate the conventional tasks more. In 2017, Tuohilampi published a book in Finland titled Maths Hunger, which challenges the way maths is taught. Her new bookSeriously Fun Mathswill be launched this week for Australian teachers. The book contains activities for primary and lower high school students designed to get them to reflect on their problem-solving skills, as well as generate mathematically inspired discussions. The book is designed to help teachers increase students engagement without taking time from traditional content teaching, Tuohilampi said. Techs Dubious Green Pose Contrary to the PR, tech is a major source of greenhouse gases Commentary While nations subsidize renewable energy sources and demand fuel economy from aircraft and motor vehicles, few, it seems, recognize the increasingly burdensome hydrocarbon demands of the digital world. And they are huge. The internet, cellphones, and the infrastructure surrounding them already absorb a significant part of the worlds electrical power and are poised to suck down still more in coming yearsmost of it generated by fossil fuels. A world that is hot to limit carbon emissions needs to consider this fact as it builds its future. Steve Jobs set a green tone years ago. In a 1985 speech at Swedens Lund University, he described his then-new Macintosh computer as a source of free energy. It uses, he said, less electricity than a few light bulbs. Though remarkably prescient in many ways, Jobs certainly missed the boat on this matter. Cloud computing alone has come to use fully 3 percent of the worlds electricity. Each data center in that huge network demands 100 times the electricity per square foot as a modern skyscraper. The U.S. Department of Energy concluded that as early as 2008, data center power use had surpassed that of the entire U.S. chemical industry. It has grown exponentially since. The cloud computing pavilion of Amazon Web Services at the 2016 CeBIT digital technology trade fair in Hanover, Germany, on March 14, 2016. (Sean Gallup/Getty Images) Energy use by cloud computing grew 90 percent from a relatively small number in 2000 to 2005, and 24 percent between 2005 and 2010. It leveled off for some years after, no doubt as a lagged response to the Great Recession. But by 2017, money spent constructing new data centers doubled from the previous year. By 2021, the planned spending on data center expansion had more than tripled the rate of the previous decade. Google announced that in only the past six years, its data center electricity use had more than tripled, a 20 percent annual rate of increase that far surpassed any other industry. The only way cloud architectsAmazon, Google, Microsoft, Apple, and Facebookcan make green claims is by financing alternatives apart from their operations and crediting those efforts against their huge direct consumption of more conventionally generated energy. The fact is they use very little wind and solar, which, in any case, produce only about 10 percent of the worlds energy. Their data centers require more reliable sources than these alternatives can provide, which come from the electric power grid and use hydrocarbons. Data center demand tells only part of the story. The rest of the worlds digital venture redoubles the systems power demands. After all, the energy consumed by a smartphone goes well beyond the device in a persons hand. It includes the power needs of a huge network of towers and servers and, to be entirely accurate, the energy used to construct that network. Even excluding the huge energy demands of construction, the power used by the whole system means that a single cellphone consumes, on average, about as much energy per day as a household refrigerator. Electricity consumption for cellphones, laptops, and tablets approaches fully 10 percent of total global energy consumption. For perspective, thats more power than Italy uses for all purposes. None of this counts the additional energy used for household delivery of internet shopping, which requires many more road miles and packaging than bulk delivery to brick-and-mortar retail establishments. And power needs are growing fast. When 5G fully rolls out, it will require 10 times the number of existing base stations. Artificial intelligence (AI) and robots, especially for street delivery of internet purchases, will add still more to power demands. So will driverless cars, which are expected to degrade vehicle mileage by at least 10 percent. Consider that if the nation were to replace the nations auto fleet with self-driving vehicles, just the robot part would absorb as much fuel as all the cars on California roads today. Considering these staggering comparisons, at least on one level, its a wonder that Washington and many other national governments focus almost exclusively on transportation and shipping. Perhaps thats because legislators tend more than most people to think in terms of yesterdays technologies. The Green New Deal is indicative. Thats too bad because it ensures that even if the greenest member of Congress gets his or her way, it will do a lot less good than claimed. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Police tape in front of a police vehicle in a file photo. (Stefani Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images) Teens Charged After United Methodist Church Leader Is Killed MEMPHIS, Tenn.A 15-year-old boy was charged Tuesday with murder in the fatal shooting of a pastor and leader of the during a carjacking in Memphis, Tennessee. The Rev. Autura Eason-Williams was shot Monday afternoon outside of her home, the Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference of the United Methodist Church said. She was found in her driveway with multiple gunshot wounds, Memphis police said. Eason-Williams was taken to a hospital, where she died, police said on Twitter. At a news conference Tuesday, Memphis Police Director Cerelyn CJ Davis said three juveniles had been taken into custody as people of interest in what she called a heinous killing. After the juveniles were questioned, a 15-year-old boy was charged with first-degree murder, murder in the perpetration of a robbery, especially aggravated robbery, carjacking, and a weapons offense, Memphis police said late Tuesday Also, a 16-year-old boy was charged with theft of property between $2,500 and $10,000. A 17-year-old boy was released without charges, police said. Video footage showed that the pastor was approached by two males while she was in her Chevrolet Malibu. The teens pointed a gun at her and ordered her from the car, police said. The video also showed that Eason-Williams was shot and one of the teens drove away in her vehicle, police said. The killing rocked the United Methodist Church community in Memphis. Church members attended a vigil for Eason-Williams on Monday night. We all are shocked and saddened by this senseless act, the conference said in a statement. Eason-Williams was a wife and the mother of four children, according to a biography posted on her website. She was superintendent of the conferences Metro District. She also was the pastor of Capleville United Methodist Church and a graduate of the Memphis Theological Seminary. Autura was a real light and a well of deep care, seminary president Jody Hill said in a Facebook post. Hill added that Eason-Williams would embrace people with a warm smile, gentle hug, or encouraging word. Eason-Williams entered the ministry full-time in 1997 and has served under appointment in the United Methodist Church since 2002, according to her biography. She was commissioned Provisional Elder in 2003 and Ordained Elder in 2006, the biography said. She led youth camps, retreats, and womens events, and she preached for local church, district, and conference events. Eason-Williams also served on several boards and on planning committees that created My Sisters Keeperan outreach that addresses health disparities of African American womenand The Congregational Health Networka network of 600 churches that address health disparities and build relationships between hospitals, the faith community, and neighborhoods, according to the biography. By Adrian Sainz Texas GOP chairman Matt Rinaldi (left) presides over procedures at the Republican Party of Texas Convention in Houston, Texas, on June 18, 2022. (Darlene McCormick Sanchez/The Epoch Times) Texas GOP Training 5,000 Election Workers, Poll Watchers to Improve Election Integrity: Spokesman The Texas GOP says it is stepping up election integrity efforts in the state by training and recruiting election personnel watching the polls, according to a party spokesperson. Texas should be the standard bearer for all things Republican, with a Republican-dominated legislature and state office for going on 20 years now, Wesolek said, noting that the issue of election integrity is absolutely a part of this axiom. Since former U.S. President Donald Trump left office in 2021, the Lone Star States Republican Party has trained over 5,000 election workers and poll watchers in the state, as part of an effort to set the goalpost for improving election integrity statewide and beyond, party spokesperson James Wesolek told The Epoch Times in an interview in July. When it comes to good Republican policy, Texas should be leading the way and showing what that means what good Republican policy looks like, the spokesperson added. The Texas GOPs in-house staff and contractors, in partnership with the Republican National Committee, county-level Republican parties, and other grassroots groups, conduct training and recruitment of election personnel in the state. The poll watchers would observe the conduct of the election and report irregularities and violations of the Election Code, if any, to election officials. All political parties are allowed to hire election workers to observe all parts of election administration. Its a team effort, and in the end, its all a responsibility we feel to be accountable to the voters of Texas, Wesolek said. Texass Republicans, in conjunction with former U.S. President Donald Trump and other conservative figures, have been voicing their concerns about how the 2020 election was administered. More than 5,000 delegates at the biennial Texas GOP Convention last month voted and passed a resolution that stated President Joe Biden was not legitimately elected and that substantial election fraud in key metropolitan areas influenced the results of the 2020 presidential election in favor of Biden. This resolution makes the Lone Star state the first to reject the 2020 election results. Democrats and legacy media have vociferously denied such allegations, claiming them to be unfounded. At the convention, the delegates voted for eight out of 15 topics they deemed important, which then became the official legislative priorities for the Texas GOP during the 88th session (2023-2024) of the Texas legislature. Out of these eight selected priorities, the Protect our Elections legislative priority would guide the Texas legislature in passing measures that Republican delegates believe would improve election security in the state. These measures include restoring felony penalties and enacting civil penalties for Election Code violations, requiring voter citizenship verification, restricting mail-in ballots to only the disabled, military personnel, and citizens that are out of state, reducing the time allowed for early voting, eliminating the three-day gap between early voting and election day, and establishing closed primaries in Texas. Despite the legislative priorities that we have, were still out in the field training poll watchers and election workers every day so that we can trust and verify, make sure that our election integrity laws that are already on the book are followed, that the law is followed, that there are repercussions for [election fraud] when it happens, Wesolek said. And some of what we had seen in our legislative priorities stems from those efforts where [the poll watchers] noticed that there was lack of enforcement for some of [the election integrity laws] and wanted to get that addressed, the spokesperson added. Bill filing for Texass 88th legislative session begins on Nov. 14. Commentary Fatherlessness is a growing problem in the West. In the United States, for example, there are 18 million children who live without a father at home. Across Australia, thousands of fathers are unable to re-connect with their children and are being told in mediation sessions or by divorce lawyers that there is no hope of overnight contact with their children. Some people may assume that boys raised without fathers will treat women better. In reality, the vast majority of male perpetrators of domestic violence are the products of what was once called a broken home. They were denied any meaningful relationship with their fathers, and, as a result, denied the experience of manhood. Good fathers teach boys to channel their emotions and their distinctive masculine tendencies into more productive activities. They play an essential role in helping their sons learn to respect authority, maintain discipline, develop self-control, and have empathy toward others. All these character traits are found lacking in violent youth, according to the U.S. Department of Education (pdf). Fathers are also deeply important for their daughters, providing them with a sense of physical and emotional security. The U.S. Education Department states that daughters tend to feel loveworthy and better appreciate their own femininity when they have fathers in their lives. A dad plays with his daughter. (Evgeny Atamanenko/Shutterstock) As noted by sociology professor W. Bradford Wilcox at the University of Virginia, The affection that fathers bestow on their daughters makes those daughters less likely to seek attention from young men and to get involved sexually with members of the opposite sex. Consequently, girls who grow up in intact families are much less likely to experience puberty at an early age, to be sexually active before marriage, and to get pregnant before marriage. Sexual Abuse More Likely in Fatherless Home Contrary to what the mainstream media and politicians often suggest, the vast majority of cases of child sexual abuse occur in households where biological fathers are absent, according to at least 70 different studies. Dr. Jeremy Sammut, a researcher at the Centre for Independent Studies, points out that girls living in non-traditional families were six-to-seven times more likely to be sexually abused by their stepfathers or a cohabiting or casual partner, than their natural father. Patrick Parkinson, a professor of family law and former president of the International Society of Family Law, had similar views saying children in divorced families were at greater risk of abuse or neglect. Girls in particular are at much greater risk of sexual abuse from the mothers new partner than from their own father. Single parents, and especially those who are working to support the family, also have less time to monitor and supervise their children. These findings in no way imply that all stepfathers are potential abusers. However, such exceptions do not invalidate the general rule that only a tiny proportion of child sexual abuse is committed by the biological father. Unfortunately, official statistics, like those from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, often mix fathers with stepfathers, thus making it appear that incestnot just child abusehas become more widespread. The System Encourages Divorce But the fatherlessness crisis in Western societies may not be just a mere accident. For example, legislation underpinning child support payments is a major contributing factor, according to the Australian Family Association in a submission to the parliamentary inquiry into the child support program. Moreover, the introduction of no-fault divorce systems means even a unilateral decision to split up a family can be hard to challenge, and a loving father may be unwillingly separated from his children. Child support payment systems feed into this problem. Divorce decree and wooden gavel. (Shutterstock) According to sociology professor Stephen Baskerville: Child support took the process a step further by allowing the divorcing mother to use the now-fatherless children to claim her husbands incomealso regardless of any fault on her part (or lack of fault on his) in abrogating the marriage agreement. Further, Professor Parkinson says child support schemes, developed in the late 1980s, created perverse incentives for caregivers to stop allowing children to spend more time with the other parent to avoid reductions to child supportespecially when support payments are calculated based on how many nights a child spends with their father. Fathers Hit Hard by the Family Breaking Down It is also worth noting that divorce is often the primary reason behind male suicide. When a marriage breaks down this is more likely to lead men, rather than women, to commit suicide. The situation is not helped when the family law system often favours the woman in a divorce. This might explain the tragic fate of a loving father who hanged himself after being denied access to his daughter because he couldnt afford to pay child support worth twice his take-home pay. In a letter signed In Memory of My Loving Father, his 14-year-old daughter wrote: I know my father was a good man and a good father . He obviously reached a point where he could see that justice was beyond his reach and decided that taking his life was the only way to end his suffering. A recurring theme in divorce situations is that children often adapt better to the separation if they continue to have contact with both parents. People battling mental health disorders became more stressed and anxious. (LightField Studios/Shuttertock) In an academic article written by Richard A. Warshak, and endorsed by 110 leading international experts, under normal circumstances, children are likely to do considerably better if they have overnight contact with their parents. According to Barry Nurcombe, emeritus professor of child psychiatry at the University of Queensland, the experts who signed this report are amongst the best in the world in their fields. As Professor Nurcombe points out, the paper highlights the fact that current policies tend to favour the mother when it comes to decisions on overnight contact. Whats Best for the Children? These experts confirm an assessment from Warren Farrell, who taught at the School of Medicine at the University of California in San Diego, as well as psychology and womens studies at Georgetown and Rutgers. Farrell cites extensive research on child development that links the involvement of the father to significant emotional and social benefits in children. According to him, being deprived of a father is a leading factor in increased mental illness, addiction, and suicide in men. In Father and Child Reunion: How to Bring the Dads We Need to the Children We Love, Farrell explains how the current approach in the West to custody is seriously damaging for children, with governments, media, and legal systems all diminishing the critical role fathers play. Thanks to his significant efforts, the U.S. states of Florida and Kentucky have recently enacted legislation that acknowledges the crucial role of the father, especially in the case of divorce. We can only hope that more jurisdictions will be impacted by his important work, including Australia. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Things to Do in Orange County This Weekend Junior Rangers Program This summer, California State Parks is hosting a Junior Ranger Program designed for kids to learn about the beach and earn cool prizes! Nearby will be live music and food for the family to enjoy. Bolsa Chica State Beach. 7851 Pacific Coast Highway Huntington Beach. June 3 to Aug. 26. Fridays from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Free. For more information. Film Screening: Charlottes Web The Huntington Beach Art Center is hosting a film screening this summer. This weekends screening is the classic movie Charlottes Web. Come and learn how a lonely piglet avoided becoming someones dinner with the help of a spider. Seats are limited, guests must have reservations for all members. Huntington Beach Art Center. 538 Main Street Huntington Beach. Saturday from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Free. Reserve your seat here. Dog Beach Cleanups Huntington Beachs Dog Beach hosts beach clean-up events on select days in the year to help remove plastic pollution from the marine ecosystem and protect local wildlife. Volunteers are welcome to join local community members in this beach clean-up while enjoying some sunshine. Dog Beach. 100 Goldenwest Street Huntington Beach. Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Free. Sign-up is required ahead of time, walk-ups will not be accepted. For more information. Sizzlin Summer Concert: Boxcar 7 Irvine is bringing back the Sizzlin Summer Concert series this summer and providing free, family-friendly music shows to all community members at Mike Ward Community Park. This week Boxcar 7 will bring some blues, soul, old-school R&B, classic rock, swing, and a taste of funk. The concert will be held near Woodbridge for first-come, first-served seating. Audiences can buy treats from food trucks on site. 20 Lake Road, Irvine. Saturday at 5:30 p.m. Free. For more information. The OC Fair is back with the theme Feel the Sunshine! It features over a hundred food vendors and dozens of rides and carnival games. Watch the rare Alaskan racing pigs compete daily. Visitors need to purchase their tickets online in advance. OC Fair & Event Center 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa. The fair runs from July 15Aug. 14. Times and prices vary. For more information. Falun Dafa Meditation Join a free meditation exercise workshop on the beach. Falun Dafa, also known as Falun Gong, is an advanced Buddhist self-cultivation practice based on the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance. It consists of five slow-moving exercises to increase energy and promote health for the mind and body. Main Beach Park. Broadway Street and Pacific Coast Highway, Laguna Beach. Saturdays 810 a.m. Sundays 911 a.m. Free. For more information. Laguna Beach Music in the Park The City of Laguna Beachs Music in the Park is a free public concert series held Sunday evenings at Bluebird Park. The summer concert series is featuring Stone Soul this week. Stone Soul is a fantastic Classic Soul & Motown tribute band that has played over 1,000 shows. Bluebird Park. 772 Cress Street Laguna Beach. July 10Aug. 21. Sunday 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Free. For more information. 25-year-old Jagger Freeman did accompany Christopher Ransom when Ransom robbed a T-Mobile store in Queens, New York. This is true. Freeman was standing across the street when Ransom entered the store brandishing a fake pistol, demanding cash. He was still there on the corner when NYPD arrived on the scene, too, but he fled as soon as he heard the gunshots. When the police arrived at the store, they saw the gun in Ransom's hand and assumed it to be real. It's hard to tell exactly how many cops showed up, but within 11 seconds, they'd collectively fired 44 bullets. One of the officers was shot in the leg. Another officer, Detective Brian Simonsen, was shot and killed in the friendly fire catastrophe. Ransom was struck eight times in the melee, and survived the incident, minus a testicle. He was arrested, and ultimately pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Simonsen, as well as other crimes. During his trial, he submitted an affidavit claiming that he had wanted to commit suicide by cop, and that Freeman had nothing to do with his decision to brandish the gun. But Freeman was eventually apprehended by authorities anyway. And he, too, was charged with the manslaughter of Detective Simonsen, under "felony murder" laws. I think Luke O'Neil at Welcome to Hell World described these felony murder laws perfectly: "Felony murder" is interesting to me because it's sort of the inverse of "qualified immunity," which is another one of the most maddening aspects of the system I often rail against in here. Qualified immunity ensures exceptionally broad leeway for police to kill and maim, while felony murder makes citizens responsible for deaths they maybe had nothing or very little to do with at all. Freeman was initially offered a plea bargain of 10 years in prison, but opted to take his chances on trial presumably reasoning, as one might do, that a jury of his peers wouldn't possibly convict him of manslaughter for standing unarmed across the street as one police officer shot a gun that killed another one. But he was still found guilty; in fact, the presiding judge shamed him from the stand for not taking the plea bargain, saying, "You rejected all attempts to resolve this case and you demanded your trial and you got your trial." Freeman may have even been given a harsher punishment in retaliation for refusing the plea bargain. He'll spend the next three decades in prison for killing a cop even though he wasn't there, even though someone else was already convicted, and even though the person who actually pulled the trigger was another cop. Nice law and order ya got there. Be a shame if something happened to it, huh? The NYPD accidentally shot a fellow officer. A Queens man may spend life in prison for his death [Jake Offenhartz / Gothamist] Defendants are punished for seeking their right to a trial all the time [Luke O'Neil / Welcome to Hell World] Thumbnail Image: Nick.Allen / Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA 2.0) A shocking public service announcement is warning everyone not to pick up folded money that you might find on the floor in public places such as gas stations. The paper bills could be lethal envelopes carrying deadly fentanyl, which can kill with just one dose. The Perry County Sheriffs Office in Tennessee recently found two instances of folded paper bills in gas stations. Inside was a white, powdery substance that tested positive for methamphetamine and fentanyl. Posting a picture online, the sheriff stated: This is very dangerous, folks! Please share and educate your children to not pick up the money. I personally plan to push for legislation for a bill that would intensify the punishment, if someone is caught using money as a carrying pouch for such poison. They added: It enrages me as a father and the sheriff, that people can act so carelessly and have no regard for others wellbeing, especially a child. I hope we find the ones responsible. This potentially deadly find is another symptom of the surge in fentanyl flooding into America from across its southern border in what some analysts are calling an undeclared war by China levelled against the United States. Chemical ingredients shipped in from overseas to Mexico are then processed into fentanyl and smuggled in-country by drug cartels. Recent months have seen unprecedented volumes of fentanyl seizures. In July, DEA agents seized about 1 million fake pills containing fentanyl in Los Angeles, the largest ever drug seizure in Californias history. Deaths from the opioid are also reaching new heights. The CDC in November announced that last years overdose death toll exceeded 100,000 for the first time ever. In 2020, the yearly number of deaths from fentanyl spiked dramatically to 150 deaths per day in America. Fentanyl has become the leading cause of death for Americans aged 1845. Marking a new paradigm in Americas opioid crisis, fentanyl distinguishes itself from more traditional street drugssuch as crack, heroin, cocaine, and marijuanaas it is capable of killing with one dose. And unlike run-of-the-mill street drugs, fentanyl often assumes the form of pills, fraudulently posing as stamped, regular-looking over-the-counter drugs. A bag of assorted pills and prescription drugs dropped off for disposal is displayed during the DEA 20th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day at Watts Healthcare on April 24, 2021, in Los Angeles, California. (PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images) Michael Gray from the Actus Foundation, whose daughter died from fentanyl, told The Epoch Times that drug dealers do intentionally introduce lethal doses onto the streets intending to kill, as such deaths, when reported, serve as advertising; lethal doses attract seasoned users. While non-users might die from such doses, long-term addicts, who have built up a tolerance, seek them out. The recent public service announcement in Tennessee demonstrates that the crisis extends beyond the border and is nationwide, while making it shockingly clear to what extent dealers are willing to go to pump these drugs into circulation. 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 Trial Begins for Man Accused of Killing Father, Fathers Girlfriend SANTA ANA, Calif.A 30-year-old man allegedly walked downstairs, racked a gun, fatally shot his father and his fathers girlfriend, and wounded two other roommates in their Aliso Viejo home, a prosecutor told jurors July 19. But the defendants attorney suggested evidence will show that someone else fired the shots. Luke William Ferguson is charged with two counts each of murder and attempted murder, with special circumstances allegations of multiple murder, and he faces sentencing enhancements for the discharge of a gun causing great bodily injury or death. Ferguson is accused of shooting the victims at about 2:45 p.m. Oct. 12, 2017, at a residential home. His father, Doug Ferguson, 59, and his girlfriend, 51-year-old Lisa Cosenza, were killed, while Todd Kuchar and Brandon Dufault were injured. Ferguson fled the scene in Dufaults car with his fathers blood on the sole of his shoe, said Jennifer Walker, Senior Deputy District Attorney. The defendant is going to tell you by his actions, Walker said. Hes the only one there who fled the scene, who stole a car, took a gun, and tried to elude police for a day. Walker added, At the end of this case Im going to ask you to find the defendant guilty. The evidence is going to show beyond a reasonable doubt this defendant committed these crimes. Fergusons attorney, Chris McGibbons of the Orange County Public Defenders Office, said the defendant had moved back in with his dad about six weeks prior to the shooting. Everyone in the home got along well, but, The only complaint would be Luke was eating all the food and drinking all the beer and he didnt have a job, McGibbons said. Luke Fergusons father was prodding his son to get steady work and would sometimes take his son out on jobs with his demolition crew, McGibbons said. The five roommates all sat down for a nice dinner the night before the shooting, McGibbons said. They all gathered for lunch the next day at about 2 p.m. Luke Ferguson told Dufault he had plans to go see his girlfriend in Los Angeles later, McGibbons said. Everything is cool, everything is normal, McGibbons said. A next-door neighbor called 911 when she heard a firecracker-like sound that she quickly realized after a second blast was actually gunfire, McGibbons said. The neighbor said she also heard a woman pounding on a screen door shouting, Let me in, let me in, and told police later that it sounded like Cosenza. According to McGibbons, Kuchar claims Luke Ferguson just walked down the stairs, racked the gun, and blasted his father in the chest while he was on the couch watching TV with Cosenza. Kuchar ran out the door, but called his boss, not 911, McGibbons said. A passerby who noticed the wounded Kuchar called 911 for him, McGibbons said. Kuchar allegedly told the man helping him that Luke Ferguson drove out of the area in Dufaults car, McGibbons said. But when deputies arrived, Kuchar said the shooter was still in the house, McGibbons added. Dufault was seen outside the home with a blue towel to his face because his face and eyes were wounded by shattering glass when the victim was shot while showering, McGibbons said. Deputies found marijuana and guns in the master bedrooms locked closet, McGibbons said. All of the residents smoked marijuana, and more guns were found in the fathers locked safe, McGibbons said. Another neighbor told deputies she saw a man with a teal blue shirt hiding in a neighbors yard, McGibbons said. Luke Ferguson was wearing a light blue shirt, he added. A police dog did not pick up Luke Fergusons scent in the yard, the attorney said. The defendant was long gone by the time of the sighting of the mysterious man, the attorney said. Luke Ferguson was arrested about three hours after the shooting in Inglewood. Luke did not try to hide, McGibbons said. He did not try to flee across the border. He went exactly where he said he was going to go. Is he running away because hes scared or because hes guilty? McGibbons told jurors that at the end of the trial, Youre going to have too many holes, too many questions to convict Ferguson. Trudeau Announces $255M Clean Power Investment in Nova Scotia, Takes Swipe at Conservatives Climate Policies Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was in Halifax on Thursday to announce a new federal investment of $255 million for clean power in Nova Scotia. This is an investment that were making in the future of Nova Scotia by recognizing the work that has been done but needs to continue to be done on greening the grid here, and in ensuring good jobs and economic growth for everyone, Trudeau said. The planned investment relates to new wind energy projects and battery projects to store clean energy. This investment is expected to provide Nova Scotia with one of the largest battery systems in North America, according to a Prime Ministers Office statement. The projects are part of a competitive process at the federal and provincial levels, hence the allocation and the exact amounts have yet to be confirmed. The purpose of the investment is to reduce Nova Scotias electricity grid dependence on hydrocarbons. The province generates around half of its power from coal and a quarter from natural gas. Nova Scotia seeks to have 80 percent of its energy needs covered by renewable sources by 2030. Trudeau was at the other end of the country in B.C. at the beginning of the week, where he presented the expansion of the Oceans Protection Plan with $2 billion in additional funding. This was earmarked in the budget presented in April. Boggles My Mind Similar to his remarks while in Bowen Island, B.C., on July 18, Trudeaus comments in Halifax on July 21 included criticism of Conservatives approach to environmental policies. It just boggles my mind that Conservatives are having a debate over their leadership right now and theyre still arguing about whether or not we need to move forward on the fight against climate change, he said, responding to a reporters question about what hes doing to address the climate crisis. Theres very few people in this country who still think that you can have a plan for the economy without having a plan for the environment, and most of those people seem to be running for the Conservative leadership. Photo-Ops Trudeaus own dedication to reducing emissions was questioned by a Conservative MP from a riding that was visited by the prime minister this week. Dan Albas, his partys finance critic who represents the riding of Central Okanagan-Similkameen-Nicola, said events during Trudeaus visit to the region seemed like they were used strictly as photo-ops. Albas said venues frequented by the prime minister were not made public, he made no announcement, did not attend any fundraisers, and journalists were not allowed to ask questions and were reportedly threatened with eviction by police if they shouted questions. Photo-ops at considerable expense to taxpayers given the use of the Government private challenger aircraft that even flew the small distance between Kelowna and Penticton to assist with this visit, Albas wrote in his weekly report. Many have pointed to the extravagance and excess of flying the short distance between Kelowna and Penticton, that was not only extremely costly to taxpayers, it also generates significant emissions from a Prime Minister demanding everyone else drive less and reduce their carbon footprint. The distance by road from Kelowna to Penticton is 60 kilometres. Albas speculated the prime minister perhaps flew to avoid car traffic that gets intense at rush hour. Britain's Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng delivers a speech at the launch of the campaign of Foreign Secretary Liz Truss (not seen) to become the next leader of the Conservative Party, in London, on July 14, 2022. (Justin Tallis/AFP via Getty Images) UK Blocks Chinese Acquisition of Smart Camera Technology in 1st Use of National Security Law The UK has blocked a Chinese company from acquiring smart camera technology from a British university, in the first use of the governments new national security powers. British Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng announced on July 20 that he had issued an order (pdf) under the National Security and Investment Act to block Beijing Infinite Vision Technology Co. (BIVT) from buying the vision-sensing technology from the University of Manchester. The SCAMP-5 and SCAMP-7 vision-sensing technology, developed by the universitys Innovation Factory, can enable new embedded vision applications in areas such as robotics, virtual reality, automotive industries, toys, and surveillance. The attempted intellectual property transfer would have allowed the Chinese firm to develop, test, manufacture, use, and sell licenced products. According to the government decision blocking the acquisition, the business secretary considered the technology to have dual-use applications, meaning it can be used for both civilian and military purposes. Necessary and Proportionate There is potential that the technology could be used to build defence or technological capabilities which may present national security risk to the United Kingdom, the order says. Blocking the deal is, therefore, necessary and proportionate to mitigate the risk to national security, it said. The University of Manchester said it had followed due processes and would abide by the governments decision. We have thorough internal processes in place to look at proposed international agreements, a spokesperson for the university told The Epoch Times in an emailed statement. These were followed in this case and, in line with the legislation, we voluntarily referred this agreement to the UK government. We will, of course, abide by the decision that has been made. Representatives of BIVT didnt respond by press time to a request by The Epoch Times for comment. Security Concerns The National Security and Investment Act, which came into force on Jan. 4, is said to be the biggest shake-up of the UKs national security regime in 20 years. The act grants new powers to the government to scrutinise and intervene in certain acquisitions made by anyoneincluding businesses and investorsthat could harm the UKs national security. Under the law, Kwarteng also is currently presiding over an investigation into the takeover of Newport Wafer Fab by Nexperia, a Netherlands-based subsidiary of the Chinese smartphone manufacturer Wingtech Technology. The sale of Britains biggest microchip plant, which has 450 employees, to the Chinese drew ire and disbelief inside the UK and elsewhere, especially from across the Atlantic, where nine U.S. congressmen, including the ranking Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas), signed a letter in April demanding urgent action by the UK government to halt the acquisition. The takeover serves as a critical test case of Britains willingness to address a shared security concern regarding critical technology, the letter said. Peter Simpson and Reuters contributed to this report. A group of people thought to be illegal immigrants walk up the beach after being brought onboard the RNLI Dungeness Lifeboat in to Dungeness, Kent, on May 17, 2022. (Gareth Fuller/PA Media) UK Home Office Criticised Over Ineffective Response to Channel-Crossing Immigrants Two reports published on Wednesday and Thursday criticised the Home Office over its response to the surging number of illegal immigrants arriving in the UK in small boats. One said the border forces approach to preventing the journeys was ineffective and possibly counter-productive, while the other said the initial processing of those who arrived has been ineffective and inefficient. The reports recommended the Home Office improve its initial processing performance, organise more appropriate vessels for search and rescue, turn boats around when possible, quickly remove illegal immigrants to a third country for processing, and negotiate a deal with France to return illegal immigrants who sailed from the country. According to Home Office figures, the number of people smuggled into the UK from France across the English Channel in small boats has soared in recent years, with 28,526 people detected in 2021, compared to 8,466 in 2020, 1,843 in 2019, and 299 in 2018. A group of people thought to be migrants are brought in to Dover, Kent, England, onboard a Border Force vessel on July 18, 2022. (Gareth Fuller/PA Media) In 2021, nearly 84 percent of all small boat arrivals were male, and almost three-quarters were aged between 18 and 39. Home Office Failed to Set Up Better Systems David Neal, the independent chief inspector of borders and immigration, said in a report (pdf) that the Home Office dealt with the immigrants poorly due to a refusal to transition from an emergency response to establishing better systems and procedures. Neals report on the initial processing of small boat arrivals in Dover was submitted to the Home Office on Feb. 24, but it was not published until Thursday, two days after Neal publicly said he became increasingly frustrated over the delay of its publication. The report said the Home Office failed to proactively identify and safeguard those who are vulnerable and the data collection was inexcusably awful. Equipment to carry out security checks is often first-generation and unreliable. Biometrics, such as taking fingerprints and photographs, are not always recorded, Neal said. According to Neal, the Home Office told inspectors that 227 migrants had absconded from secure hotels between September 2021 and January 2022, some were not biometrically enrolled. In the five-week period between Dec. 1, 2021, and Jan. 7, 2022, 57 people absconded, 38 of whom had not been biometrically enrolled. Put simply, if we dont have a record of people coming into the country, then we do not know who is threatened or who is threatening, Neal said. The report also said part of the reason the identification process was undermined is that staff assumed the small boat arrivals are likely to claim asylum and therefore would not want to hide from the Home Office. The report said an officer described how she reported a concern about an agitated young girl she had noticed who was accompanied by a man and the 6-year-old turned out to be unaccompanied. But the inspectors were told staff members do not have the capacity to proactively identify children, single women, and people with other vulnerabilities, such as trafficking victims, but were mainly reliant on migrants coming forward to say they have issues. Undated photo of migrants brought ashore in Dover, England. (Gareth Fuller/PA Media) However, the absence of translators meant communication was limited, including for the purpose of collecting basic information such as names and ages. According to Home Office data cited in the report, between Sept. 1 and Dec. 27, 2021, around 90 percent of small boat arrivals were male. More than one in five (22.5 percent) were 18 and under, and most are older teens over 15 years old. Neal said the workforce had responded with enormous fortitude and exceptional personal commitment, which is humbling, but there was a lack of effective and visible leadership. He said the key stumbling block to addressing the challenges was that the Home Office continued to consider channel crossing an emergency instead of a new norm, meaning the department was in a constantly reactive state. Neal set out four recommendations regarding security, vulnerability, information, and resourcing. In the Home Offices response published along with the report, the department said it had transformed the process since the inspection was carried out, which was in December 2021 and January 2022, and that much of this report is now of a historic character and the criticisms identified reflect processes and procedures not now followed under the new operation. Consumed by Small Boat Crossings In a separate review (pdf) of the UKs Border Force, former Australian foreign minister Alexander Downer said the Border Force Maritime command has been ill-equipped to deal with a challenge that is all consuming. The size and capability of the Border Force Maritime command predates the escalation in small boat crossings and the task in the Channel now consumes nearly all available resources to the command, with other operational activity being undertaken on an exceptional basis only, the review said. A further frustration is that to sustain the Border Force operation in the English Channel, officers from elsewhere are being drafted into the maritime command which detracts from other important activities that should be undertaken at ports across the country. The current resource requirements in the Channel are not sustainable. As small boats carrying migrants are flimsy and overloaded, they are all considered vessels in distress. As a result, Border Force has been effectively rescuing people and then escorting them into port and enabling them to enter the UK, Downer said. It is unsurprising that there is some public disquiet about this issue. In an undated photo, a warehouse facility for boats used by people thought to be migrants in Dover, Kent. Traffickers have concocted a Europe-wide operation to smuggle migrants in dinghies across the Channel to the UK, according to the National Crime Agency. (Gareth Fuller/PA) The operational command in the Channel has been taken over by the Royal Navy after the Home Office asked for help, but vessels from both departments are not designed to conduct search and rescue. In his recommendations, Downer said the Home Office should contract for vessels better suited to the task and place them under the command and control of either the Coast Guard or Royal Navy. He also said he was pleased that such plans were already being developed. To deter immigrants from making the dangerous and unnecessary journey from France, Downer said the UK government should keep all legal and operationally feasible options, including turning boats around when it is safe and legal to do so using contracted vessels and specialist crews. The Home Office previously said it was considering pushing boats back to the French side of the channel, but abandoned the plan ahead of a judicial review of the policy. Downer had a similar experience in Australia. He recommended the UK quickly move illegal arrivals to a third country for processing, which he said would reduce the risk of the removal process being frustrated, and avoiding a running commentary on the number of people removed. The eligibility for removal should embrace all cohorts of people who enter the UK illegally, he added. Downer also recommended the UK reach an agreement with France in order to return small boat arrivals. Since the UKs exit from the European Union, the Dublin Regulation, which enables E.U. countries to return asylum seekers to the first E.U. country they arrived in, no longer applies to the UK. As a result, few illegal immigrants were successfully returned. An effort to sign a new bilateral deal with France has so far been unsuccessful. British Home Secretary Priti Patel addresses a joint news conference with Rwandan Foreign Minister Vincent Biruta, after signing the partnership agreement in Kigali, Rwanda, on April 14, 2022. (Jean Bizimana/Reuters) The Home Office has been planning to ship illegal immigrants to Rwanda after signing a deal with the east African country in April, but the first chartered flight was cancelled after the immigrants lawyers sought intervention from UK courts and the European Court of Human Rights. Before signing the Rwanda deal, the UK government spoke about plans for third-country processing of asylum seekers. However, the deal announced in April was for the Rwandan government to process the relocated immigrants, providing asylum or other opportunities to stay in the country. A young girl looking at social media apps, including TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, and WhatsApp, on a smartphone on Nov. 12, 2019. (Peter Byrne/PA) UK Teenagers Increasingly Getting News From CCP-Backed TikTok The UKs communications regulator has found that teenagers in the country are turning away from traditional news channels and are instead looking to Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok. In its News Consumption in the UK 2021/22 report, released on Thursday, Ofcom said that social media is overtaking traditional channels for news among teens. Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube are now their top three most used news sources. News viewing to BBC One, BBC Two, the BBC News channel, ITV, and Sky News is now below pre-pandemic levels, which Ofcom said is part of a longer-term decline in traditional TV news viewing. TikToks reach for news increased from 1 percent in 2020 to 7 percent in 2022. Half of its user base for news is aged 1624, bringing it on par with Sky News website and app. TikTok is a hugely popular short-format video app that allows users to create and share videos. It started in China as Douyin in September 2016, but was relaunched as TikTok internationally in September 2017. Users of TikTok for news claim to get more of their news on the platform from other people they follow (44 percent) rather than news organisations (24 percent). Yih-Choung Teh, Ofcoms group director for strategy and research, said in a statement: Teenagers today are increasingly unlikely to pick up a newspaper or tune into TV News, instead preferring to keep up-to-date by scrolling through their social feeds. And while youngsters find news on social media to be less reliable, they rate these services more highly for serving up a range of opinions on the days topical stories. Instagram is the most popular news source among teenagers, used by 29 percent in 2022. Chinese Communist Party In February, Casey Fleming, a cyber security expert and CEO of strategic advisory firm BlackOps Partners, warned on EpochTVs Wide Angle program, that if people use TikTok, they may be feeding information to Chinese Communist Party (CCP) intelligence services. All the private information that the app is collecting may be fed directly to the Chinese regime, he warned, citing a range of Chinese laws that compel companies to cooperate with regime authorities when asked. All of your data on that phone, Fleming said, everything you do, and everything that you have stored on your phone is being sent out of the country, possibly to be used against you, he said. The Communist Party of China is collecting vast amounts of data. It may not be used against you today. But this information might be used against you, your company, or your country in the future, he added. The Epoch Times contacted TikTok for comment. Lorenzo Puertas and PA Media contributed to this report. Undated handout photo of an artillery gun being fired, issued by the UK Ministry of Defence on June 25, 2022. (UK Ministry of Defence/PA Media) UK to Send More Artillery Guns, Drones, Anti-Tank Weapons to Ukraine The UK will send hundreds of drones and anti-tank weapons and scores of artillery guns to Ukraine over the coming weeks, Defence Secretary Ben Wallace has announced. The new delivery will significantly step up the UKs support for Ukraines fight against Russian President Vladimir Putins brutal and unjustified invasion, the government said on July 21. The UK will soon deliver more than 20 M109 155 mm self-propelled guns and 36 L119 105 mm artillery guns to Ukraines armed forces, Wallace said in an update to Parliament. Britains Defence Secretary Ben Wallace reacts as he leaves the Houses of Parliament in London on July 20, 2022. (Justin Tallis /AFP via Getty Images) The new package will also include counter-battery radar systems and more than 50,000 rounds of ammunition for Ukraines existing Soviet-era artillery, he added. This equipment will bolster Ukraines ability to defend itself against Russias indiscriminate use of artillery, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) said. In addition, Britain will send more than 1,600 more anti-tank weapons in the coming weeks, along with drones, including hundreds of loitering aerial munitions. Strength of Our Resolve The scale and range of equipment we are providing demonstrates the strength of our resolve, Wallace said about the new arms package. Together with our international partners, we will ensure Ukraine has the tools to defend their country from Putins illegal invasion. The new delivery comes after Prime Minister Boris Johnson last month promised another 1 billion pounds ($1.2 billion) of military support, bringing total UK support to Ukraine since the start of the war to 2.3 billion pounds ($2.7 billion). According to the MOD, Britain has so far supplied Ukraine with 6,900 NLAW, Javelin, Brimstone, and other anti-tank weapons, as well as 16,000 artillery rounds, six Stormer vehicles fitted with Starstreak anti-air missile launchers, and hundreds of missiles. The UK also has supplied maritime Brimstone missiles, multiple launch rocket systems, 120 armoured fighting vehicles, and large quantities of non-lethal aid including more than 82,000 helmets, 8,450 sets of body armour, and more than 5,000 night vision devices. With the help of the additional funding announced last month, the MOD said, the next phase of military support will include even more sophisticated air defence systems, uncrewed aerial vehicles, and innovative new electronic warfare equipment. Russia Vows to Widen War Aims Russia reacted to Western arms supplies to Ukraine by declaring it will widen its war aims in the country. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on July 20 that Russias military tasks in Ukraine now will go beyond the eastern Donbas region. He told state news agency RIA Novosti that Moscows objectives will expand still further if the West keeps supplying Kyiv with long-range weapons. Reuters and PA Media contributed to this report. A monument to Ukrainian Air Forces is seen at a site of a Russian missile strike, as Russia's attack on Ukraine continues, in Vinnytsia, Ukraine, on July 15, 2022. (Valentyn Ogirenko/Reuters) US, Allies Discuss Possible Training for Ukrainian Air Force ASPEN, ColoradoThe United States and allies are starting to examine possible training for Ukrainian pilots as part of a long-term effort to potentially help Kyiv build a future Ukrainian air force, Air Force Chief of Staff General Charles CQ Brown told Reuters. With the Wests provision of anti-aircraft weaponry, Ukraine has been able to prevent Russia from using its far more advanced air force to establish dominance in the skies since Moscows invasion began on Feb. 24. But Ukraine has also sought to move away from its dependence on Russian aircraft by securing U.S. fighter jets and training for its pilots on how to fly them. Ukraines air force has publicly flagged its hopes for F-15s and F-16s. Brown, speaking as he flew to Aspen, Colorado for a security forum, acknowledged that discussions within the U.S. military and its allies were underway. You want to build a long-term plan on how do you build their air force and the air force that theyre going to need for the future, said Brown, a pilot himself, without confirming any decisions on the way forward. Browns comments came days after lawmakers in the House of Representatives moved forward a measure that, if it passes other hurdles, would authorize $100 million to train Ukrainian pilots and maintainers on U.S. combat aircraft. Brown did not comment on the legislation. He also declined to speculate on timelines or what kinds of Western aircraft might be best suited for Ukraine. But he stressed that future training for Ukrainian pilots was a complex question, one that would need to take in account the state of the war and the ability for Kyiv to remove pilots from the fight to undergo lengthy instruction. How can you make that transition from where we are today to where we are going to want to be in the future? To allow folks to leave to go train, he said. Asked how long it might take for a Ukrainian pilot to transition to U.S. fighter aircraft, Brown noted that a U.S. pilot could train on a new type of aircraft in a matter of perhaps two to four months. Transitioning from a Soviet system would be a little harder, he said. Brown said Ukraine could look to NATO allies with experience transitioning from Soviet-era aircraft to Western systems. I feel pretty confident there are some of our NATO partners who have done that, can actually have lessons that they learned that can be helpful to the Ukrainians to help them figure out how to best make that transition, Brown said. By Phil Stewart House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) speaks to reporters on Capitol Hill in Washington on Jan. 13, 2022. (Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images) US Must Defend Taiwan From Chinas Evil Dictatorship: Rep. McCarthy Members of the Congressional China Task Force met with Taiwans ambassador July 20 to discuss how the United States could best prevent an invasion of the island by Chinese Communist Party (CCP) forces. Republican leadership took the opportunity to underscore the threat posed to the United States by the CCPs authoritarianism, and to outline why and how the nation ought to provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself from aggression. Since 2020, this task force has worked diligently to raise awareness of the threat posed by the Chinese Communist Party, which is the greatest geopolitical threat facing America and our friends in the Indo-Pacific, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Cali.) said. The CCP has shown itself to be a ruthless, aggressive, and evil dictatorship. We cannot underrate its goal to control through force and brutality. McCarthy said that Taiwans democratic government and way of life was worth preserving for its own sake, but also noted its immense strategic value to the United States. Taiwan accounts for the production of more than 60 percent of the worlds semiconductors, used in everything from personal computers to hypersonic missiles. It is also situated in the first island chain, just east of mainland Asia, access to which is vital for international supply lines. Taiwan warrants our support because it is a vibrant, thriving democracy, McCarthy said. Its people want peace, freedom, and the right to determine their own future. Supporting Taiwan is right and it is in Americas best interest. A Matter of Survival The CCP claims that Taiwan is a breakaway province, though Taiwan has been self-governed since 1949 and has never been controlled by the CCP. Its de facto independence is a frequent sticking point in Sino-American relations, as the United States is bound by the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act to provide the island government with enough arms to maintain its self defense. Taiwan Ambassador to the United States, Bi-khim Hsiao, welcomed the task forces efforts to ensure that it received those arms. Moreover, Hsiao warned that the CCPs malign behavior did not just pose an ideological threat to Taiwan, but an existential one. Some might see a critique of authoritarianism as a competition of political systems, Hsiao said. But for Taiwan, this is a matter of survival. The survival of maintaining our freedoms and our democratic way of life. Hsiaos comments were reminiscent of those made by former U.S. defense secretary Mark Esper just last week, who warned that the survival of the Taiwanese people was at stake in a broader conflict of communism versus democracy. Hsiao said that continued U.S. support was essential to ensuring stability across the Taiwan Strait, and to curbing the influence of the CCPs hybrid toolkit of economic and political leverage, with which the regime has attempted to isolate Taiwan from the rest of the world. Though we stand on the front line of facing such coercion, it is clear that these actions also threaten the peace, stability, and prosperity of the broader Indo-Pacific region and the world, Hsiao said. Taiwan is committed to defending our homeland and our hard-earned democratic freedoms, but we also need friends and partners to work together in ensuring that our shared values and common interests are protected. To that end, Hsiao said that Taiwan was working to expand its circle of friends and partners with democracies from across the world. Arm Taiwan Right Now Mere friendship, however, is unlikely to prevent a CCP invasion of Taiwan. McCarthy and the rest of the China Task Force recommended increasing arms sales to Taiwan, including in joint military exercises and expanding commercial trade lines between Taiwan and the United States. Only through proactive measures will Taiwans democracy be assured, the task force agreed. Deterrence comes before conflict, not after McCarthy said. That focus on deterrence weighed heavily on the task forces discussion with Hsiao, given the ongoing war in Ukraine that was largely seen by those present as the result of a total failure to deter Russian aggression. We need to do everything we can to arm Taiwan now and not make the same mistake we made in Ukraine and wait until after an invasion, said Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas), who chairs the task force. We need to arm Taiwan right now. As it turns out, however, right now is a tricky thing to accomplish. Indeed, both McCaul and his colleague, Rep. John Gallagher (R-Wis.), noted the immense delay in delivering U.S. arms to Taiwan, even after sale was approved by Congress. I signed off on foreign military sales three years ago that have yet to be delivered to Taiwan, McCaul said. Likewise, Gallagher said that the United States newest shipment of 404 Harpoon missiles and their respective launchers and equipment, would not be completed until 2028. U.S. military leadership, meanwhile, has warned that a CCP invasion of Taiwan could come as early as 2027. Republican U.S. Senate candidate J.D. Vance arrives onstage after winning the primary, at an election night event at Duke Energy Convention Center in Cincinnati, Ohio, on May 3, 2022. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images) Vance Gets Ohio FOP Backing Despite Ryans Defund Law Enforcement Claim In a television ad last month, Ohio U.S. Rep. and Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Tim Ryan claimed that his opponent, Republican venture capitalist J.D. Vance wants to defund law enforcement by eliminating the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Yet it was Vance who received an endorsement from the Ohio Fraternal Order of Police this week. Ryan, a 10-term Congressman from northeast Ohio, portrayed himself as a supporter of law enforcementand Vance as a candidate who does notin an ad featuring Stark County Sheriff George Maier. Dressed in uniform and standing in front of a squad car, Maier looked in the camera and said that it makes him angry when Vance calls law enforcement corrupt and that makes my job harder. So does J.D.s plan to eliminate an agency that combats violent drug offenders. After Maiers comments, a message appears on screen that says, J.D. Vance wants to defund law enforcement. The spot also cited a Feb. 1, 2022 tweet from Vance when he wrote he would fight to abolish the ATF, which is a federal law enforcement agency that is part of the U.S. Department of Justice. Rep. Tim Ryan (D-Ohio) speaks during an event at the Duke Energy Convention Center in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 2019. (Duane Prokop/Getty Images for Wellness Your Way Festival) In the ad, Maier also says that Tim Ryan knows defunding the police is ridiculous. Hes brought back $467 million to put good cops on the street. Vance, who is endorsed by former president Donald Trump and won the Republican nomination amid a heated primary with seven candidates on May 3, has said multiple times that he wants to terminate the ATF. Though Ryan is projecting a pro-police stance as part of his platform, he had harsh words for the criminal justice system in America at a presidential candidate town hall at Paine College in Georgia in 2019. I believe that the current criminal justice system is racist. I believe in my heart that it is the new Jim Crow, a new version of it, Ryan said at the forum. He said that with crimes like marijuana a person of color is five to six times more likely to go to prison than someone whos white. In a statement after receiving the Ohio FOPs backing, Vance reminded voters of what Ryan said in 2019. Tim Ryan, my opponent, called our countrys entire criminal justice system the new Jim Crow, Vance said. He falsely said police brutality was a leading cause of death for young men in America. He voted in support of the defund the police movement. As Democrats soft-on-crime policies create higher crime rates across Ohio and the nation, we need our political leaders to focus on real solutions instead of engaging in slander for their own political gain, as Tim Ryan has done, Vance added. At a campaign stop in early July, Vance met with police officers in northwest Ohio to discuss ongoing challenges they face in the line of duty. There is a perception that if you grew up in an underprivileged community you do not like law enforcement and at the end of the day, people, if law enforcement is not doing their jobs, communities that are not safe end up struggling, said Vance, who chronicled his childhood and early adult life growing up in rural Kentucky and Middletown, Ohio in the book Hillbilly Elegy. Vance called Ryans claim that he wants to defund police deceptive and a lie, and he reiterated why he believes the ATF should be eliminated. The ATF has a theoretically useful purpose, Vance said at the law enforcement gathering. The problem is ATF has gotten so focused on problems that are not a part of its competency. I believe that it will be easier to get rid of the program and replace it than try and reform it. In a statement issued after Ryan released the ad saying that Vance wants to defund law enforcement the National Republican Senatorial Committee said, As a 20-year career politician, Tim Ryans been all over the map on almost every issue. Todays reminder is on defunding the police. Ryan went on air today bizarrely attacking his opponents record on supporting law enforcement and saying that he opposes defunding the police. Did Ryan not look at his own record before making such a false claim? The NRCC pointed out, On March 3, 2021, Congressman Tim Ryan voted against a motion to condemn calls to defund, disband, or abolish the police, referencing the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021. Ryan was one of 17 Congressional members who signed a letter dated June 23, 2020 sent to then attorney general William Barr that said police brutality and violence are the leading causes of death among young men, and that black men are three times more likely to be killed by police than white men. The letter referenced a National Academy of Science article from 2019 regarding the claim. We have seen time and time again the institutional bias within our criminal justice system and the continuous increase of deaths by police, the letter also stated. Ryan later told a Youngstown TV station that these are not easy conversations, but I have recently spoken to the head of the Ohio FOP and we had a very productive discussion on how we can improve our criminal justice system in America and keep officers and community members safe. I look forward to continuing that discussion with the men and women uniform as well as the leaders in communities of color here in Ohio and across the country, Ryan added. The Ohio FOP endorsed multiple candidates in various races this week, including Vance over Ryan. The candidates selected proved their commitment to law enforcement and we look forward to supporting them during the election and working with them on important issues at the state and federal level moving forward, said Gary Wolske, Ohio FOP president. We want people who are going to support law enforcement at all times and not just when its convenient for them. As of June 28, the Cook Political Report rates the Vance-Ryan race as lean Republican while Inside Elections calls it solid Republican and Sabatos Crystal Ball defines it as likely Republican. Sam Dobbins, chief of police in Lexington, Mississippi, is accused of being the cop caught on tape boasting of killing 13 people and using racial and homophobic slurs to justify himself. "I shot that n***** 119 times, OK?" the man on the recording says. "I don't give a f if you kill a motherfer in cold blood." Dobbins did not admit to being the man on the recording, reports MCIR, but he was fired yesterday in a 3-2 vote of Lexington's Board of Alderman. "I chased this motherfer across the field. I got him. He was DRT [dead right there] in the field. The vehicle was shot 319 times, but he was hit 119 times by me." He said he was cleared at the sheriff's office, where he worked at the time, and received his gun back before he ever sat back down. When the subject arises of him talking to someone, he responded with homophobic slurs, "I don't talk to fing queers, I don't talk to fing fas." He talked of an officer who was perpetually late. "I can be a motherfer," he said. "I really can." Then he told the officer, "I can only pay you 32 hours a week. You can work all you want to." He talked of inheriting his tough ways from the one who trained him.If a suspect "got out of line, I didn't open the door," the officer said. "I smashed the motherer through the window. It would get your attention real quick." The bad guys, he said, "think it's a game." Dobbins was appointed by the Lexington Board of Alderman last July. On the tape, the officer can be heard saying, "I work for the board, so when I want something, I want it right then." Note that this is Lexington, Mississippi (population 1,700). I imagine it's been a long day or two for the black police chief of Lexington, Kentucky (population 320,000). Here's another copy of the recording. Vancouver City Council Votes to Provide up to $660,000 for Legal Fight Against Big Oil After Mayor Breaks Tie Vancouver city council has voted to endorse a proposal to spend up to $660,000 to fund a class action lawsuit against major fossil fuel companies, asking them to pay for climate change-related costs borne by municipalities. In a council meeting on July 20, Mayor Kennedy Stewart voted to break the tie in favour of the decision. The proposed lawsuit against major fuel companies stems from a recent campaign called Sue Big Oil, launched by B.C.-based West Coast Environmental Law, a non-profit group of environmental lawyers and strategists. The campaign alleges that the fossil fuel industry has played a role in knowingly causing climate change and blocking policies and actions to address climate change. It urges local governments to take legal action to force the worlds oil and gas companies to pay for their share of climate change-related costs, citing examples such as sea wall repair and protection from extreme heat. Vancouver Green Party councillor Adriane Carr introduced a motion to city council on July 20, asking that staff include in the draft 2023 Operating Budget an amount of up to $1 per Vancouver resident to support the groups class action lawsuit against oil companies. Considering Vancouvers population of roughly 662,000, according to a 2021 census, the city will provide up to $660,000 in funding. That budget, however, will have to be voted on by a new council, pending the upcoming October municipal election. Vote Carr and other Green councillors Peter Fry and Michael Wiebe along with councillors Jean Swanson and Christine Boyle voted in favour of the motion, while councillors Rebecca Bligh, Melissa De Genova, Lisa Dominato, Colleen Hardwick, and Sarah Kirby-Yung voted against the motion. The Vancouver mayor made the decisive call to support the motion with a 6-5 vote. The Epoch Times reached out to Stewart for comment but didnt hear back by publication time. Councillor Kirby-Yung, who voted against the motion, expressed her disappointment on social media over its passing, saying there are other funding initiatives already in place to address climate concerns. Cllr Carr motion to spend $1 per resident on big oil lawsuit passed. This cost is in ADDITION to her recent budget motion to ALSO add a new, annual +1% additional property tax climate levy. Apparently that $9 million wasnt enough, Sarah Kirby-Yung said in a Twitter post after the vote. Both of these AFTER Council, including Carr, voted to limit the property tax increase to no more than 5%. Dont make the promise if you dont intend to keep it. Vermont Librarian Helping People Turned Back at Border Due to ArriveCan Says Shes Overwhelmed A library director in a Vermont town near the border has been going the extra mile to help people crossing into Canada who run into problems with the ArriveCan app. This situation is out of hand for me, as all I do all day is help people turned around by CBSA, said Sharon Ellingwood White, referring to the Canada Border Services Agency. Ellingwood White is the director of the Alice M. Ward Memorial Library in the town of Canaan, located close to the Canada-U.S. border near three crossings into the Eastern Townships of Quebec: Stanhope, East Hereford, and Hereford Road. She told The Epoch Times she helps an average of five people a day who are refused entry due to ArriveCan-related issues, but it can be as many as 15 a day. People are sent back to the States to figure it out, and many wind up here at the library because we offer free and extensive Wi-Fi. We are one of the only pieces of infrastructure in this tiny little town to offer such a thing, she said. She says there is no Wi-Fi access or cell signal at the three border crossings. But even if there was it wouldnt help in some cases, since some of the seniors she deals with do not own cellphones or have email addresses, both of which are needed to fill out ArriveCan. Ellingwood White says word has gotten around that shes been assisting people at the library. And now I am getting people turned around at three ports of entry to this little tiny library, and my position is funded 25 hours a week. Some days, I spend half of my day helping people turned around at customs, mostly Americans. She says many residents of Canaan were born in Quebec and have family there, with even 25 percent speaking French in the home. Some cross the border to visit family members while others cross over to access businesses. Ellingwood White said she has also helped Canadians who are turned back at the border for failure to have completed the ArriveCan app, but notes that now most of the time they mainly come to the library to access the Wi-Fi themselves. The Alice M. Ward Memorial Library in the town of Canaan, Vermont. (Courtesy of Sharon Ellingwood White) Concern for the Elderly One of Ellingwood Whites main concerns is for the elderly who oftentimes travel from far away and are then denied entry into Canada. Elderly people with no cellphones who have driven to my little town from four or five hours away are being turned back to the United States to figure out their app, she said. They turned away an 81-year-old person, hours from their home, trying to go to Montreal, where they lived for many years of their life, and turn this elderly individual away to strangers in a strange town. The woman was quite anxious and in tears, but Ellingwood White says she calmed her down and helped her fill out the form. But if I wasnt there, she would have been driving home for five hours in quite an upset state. It doesnt seem kind to me, it doesnt seem reasonable. She believes there should be equity in the policy given that many elderly people are at a disadvantage technologically. I dont know how the elderly can even begin to approach this policy. The library director is not charging for her help and says she has to work extra hours to make up for the time she spends assisting people. If theres a need to create a new email account, it can take around 40 minutes just to help that one person. The Epoch Times reached out to CBSA for comment on this story but didnt get a response by publication time. Completion Rate In a testimony before the House of Commons Standing Committee on International Trade on June 15, CBSA vice-president Denis Vinette said that the successful traveller usage rate of ArriveCan as of May 2 was over 99 percent for the air mode and 94 percent for the land mode. The use of ArriveCan, which is mandatory, expedites processing and helps protect the health and safety of travellers and our own CBSA employees, he said. He was contradicted, however, by the president of the union representing Canadas border agents, who called Vinettes figures absolutely false. Mark Weber said these numbers dont reflect the fact that CBSA agents are helping travellers use ArriveCan. He put the rate of completion closer 75 to 80 percent, and for areas like the Eastern Townships, closer to 60 percent. To complete [the app], essentially our officers now largely work as IT consultantsyou have land borders that have essentially become parking lots for us to help people complete the app, he said. The federal government has made the use of ArriveCan mandatory for all incoming travellers, who must fill in their travel information and personal health details, including vaccination status. Unvaccinated travellers must outline their 14-day quarantine plan. The Pubic Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) is responsible for ArriveCan, along with the CBSA. Its quarantine officers have been handing out $5,000 fines for non-compliance. CBSA spokesperson Rebecca Purdy told The Epoch Times in a previous statement that ArriveCan helps inform public health advice and is an integral part of Canadas monitoring program for new variants of concern that could pose a threat to the health and safety of Canadians. She also said it helps to facilitate entry on arrival at the border and minimize delays. Ellingwood White, meanwhile, says shes struggling to cope with the extra work that has come her way due to the app. Im quite overwhelmed with the traffic, she says. And the answer Im getting is, well, were going to put Wi-Fi in at that port, and were going to get cell service at that port. And then I counter and say, that is not going to help elderly travellers who are vulnerable. It seems quite unnecessary when this elderly person is holding the required documentation needed in hand physically to enter your country, she adds. Premier of Victoria Daniel Andrews speaks to the media in Melbourne, Australia, on Nov. 18, 2021. (Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images) Victorian Premier Calls for Urgent Integrity Reform Amid Branch Stacking Revelations Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has called for widespread reform to the states political parties amid a revealing report into branch stacking in the Labor Party. The opposition has criticised his pledge for integrity reform as a sleight of hand to distract from the Labor Partys internal issues. The joint report released by the states anti-corruption body, the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC), along with the Victorian Ombudsman exposed the deliberate, widespread, and egregious misuse of taxpayer funds for political gain within Labor Party ranks. The report, released on July 20, outlined 21 recommendations to stop branch-stacking, including establishing a parliamentary integrity commissioner and ethics committee, narrowing the scope of permissible work for electorate officers, and banning MPs from employing close family members in their electorate office. Branch-stacking is a practice where individuals are deliberately recruited and signed-up to join local electoral brancheswhile not illegal the practice is banned in the Labor Party. The purpose of stacking a branch with your preferred members is so political factions can influence the votes of the branch members when it comes time for preselectionsvoting for candidates to contest upcoming elections. Hours after the reports release, Premier Daniel Andrews announced that his government would accept all 21 recommendations. In addition, he proposed a legislative overhaul to the inner workings to all political parties. We want to write into Victorian law that in order for political parties to receive public funding, they will need to deliver, in their administration, the highest of standards, Premier Daniel Andrews told reporters. New Rules, More Scrutiny Going Forward Andrews also mentioned a number of additional measures for all parties, including ensuring memberships are paid through traceable means, mandatory photo ID checks for new members, proof of concession card eligibility, and electoral roll checks. Its not good enough to simply have those as a matter of party rules, Andrews said. It should be put beyond doubt. They shouldnt apply to just one political party; they should apply to all political parties. Former Labor MP Adem Somyurek (L) being questioned by Counsel Assisting Chris Carr SC (R) during an IBAC inquiry streamed online in Melbourne, Australia on Nov. 8, 2021 (screenshot/IBAC) After branch stacking allegations emerged in June 2020, Victorian Labor performed an audit within the party and expelled about 1,700 members deemed non-genuine. Under Labors proposed changes, if political parties do not conduct periodic external audits of their members, they will not be able to receive public funding. The Labor government said the new rules would hold large and established parties to the standards that taxpayers expect and would not disadvantage newer parties. Concern Andrews Diverting Attention Away From Labors Problems Regarding Labors proposals, acting Victorian Greens leader Tim Read was concerned that the premier might be trying to draw attention away from branch-stacking problems. These reforms may be necessary to clean up the industrial scale branch stacking inside the Labor party but may not be necessary for parties that already manage their internal affairs appropriately, he said. Similarly, Crossbench MP Fiona Patten said her party did not have the issue of branch stacking and that Andrews should not use the proposed reforms to deflect from Labors problems. This is for Labor to clean up its own act, the Reason Party leader said in comments obtained by AAP. Meanwhile, opposition treasury spokesman David Davis said that although the Liberal Party had not seen the content of the new legislation, it was open to the changes as long as they were practical. This is Daniel Andrews at his slippery best, deflecting responsibility, trying to put others in the frame when its his party and him that are the culprits, he said in comments obtained by AAP. We dont begin from a position of opposing any sensible suggestions, but we think it might well be trying to fix a problem that doesnt exist in other parties but does exist in Labor. 'Those of us who are blessed with 'more than we need' are obligated to give back,' says the adoptive mom A Vietnamese baby born with a large facial tumor, who was given up for adoption, has reunited with his birth parents at the age of 18 after growing up in California. Sam Ettore was born in Phu Rieng, Vietnam, with a benign cavernous hemangioma covering half his face. He was transferred to a hospital in the countrys capital, Ho Chi Minh City, and on to Go Vap Orphanage, where John and Hope Ettore of the United States found him. He was malnourished, blind in one eye, and riddled with scabies and other skin infections. John, 59, and Hope, 51, took Sam into their home and their hearts and funded his lengthy recovery journey. Today, the teen lives with his parents and five siblings in Ramona, California. My parents always told me the story of my adoption, so I knew they had gone to a faraway place called Vietnam to get me, Sam told The Epoch Times. They also always told me that my Vietnamese mom and dad loved me very, very much, and they did an amazing and selfless thing by giving me up. When Hope was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer in 2021 after a battle that began six years prior, and was given a year to live, she felt the time was right to encourage Sam to connect with his birth parents. Louisiana-born Hope, an epidemiologist, told The Epoch Times that Sam was born very premature and had a twin brother, whom his parents had kept but the child subsequently died. His parents did not want to give him up, but only did so because he was so sick. They even came back to the orphanage to see him several times, Hope said. In early childhood, Sam didnt realize he was at all different from his adoptive family. He recalls that, while in elementary school, he at times noticed how his eyes were different from his peers. And gradually, his origin story began to make sense. Baby Sam with his adoptive parents, dad John Ettore and mom Hope Ettore. (Courtesy of Hope Cantu Ettore) Hope and John Ettore. (Courtesy of Hope Cantu Ettore) John and Hope gifted their son a trip to Vietnam for his high school graduation. But before flying to his birthplace, Sam needed to connect with his biological family. An old school friend of Hopes, who lives in Ho Chi Minh City, translated their request into Vietnamese and shared it with her social media network. It went viral overnight, said Sam, and less than 24 hours later, we heard from someone saying they knew both parents. Within 48 hours, I had talked to both my birth parents and my grandmother. It was emotional for everyone, Sam recalled; his mother cried throughout the call and the teen felt overwhelmed, but was delighted to be able to ask questions about his biological relatives. Hope had suspected that Sams birth parents would want to reconnect. She told The Epoch Times: Because I knew the circumstances of his adoption, that his parents only gave him up so he could get medical care, I knew they would probably be overjoyed to find him and know that he is doing really well. As my health has started to decline, I wanted to make sure that I found them and could be part of the reunion. Honestly, it is so exciting! Sam talking to his birth family. (Courtesy of Hope Cantu Ettore) Hope and John, an Ohio-born Christian pastor, have four biological children: Elliott, 23, Isabella, 21, Lilah, 17, and Eva, 16. After adopting Sam, they also adopted a boy with disabilities from an Ethiopian orphanageJosiah, now 18whose mother died of tuberculosis. After Hope completed missionary work in southeast Asia in the 90s, she saw firsthand what life was like for sick and impoverished children who did not have access to life-saving healthcare. There are so many children who have needs pretty much everywhere in the world, so the truthful answer about why we chose Vietnam is that John and I prayed that God would lead us to the right child, she said. That night, I dreamt I was walking down the street in Ho Chi Minh City. The dream made no sense, said Hope. In 2005, all adoptions between the United States and Vietnam had been shut down due to black market baby adoptions. But the Ettores discovered there was still a chance: both countries had a special agreement allowing just two seriously ill babies to be adopted into the United States. Sam was one of them. The agency representing him sent us a photo, said Hope. At first it was very overwhelming because we were not prepared to see a child with a huge tumor on his face. However, we very quickly decided that yes, of course we would adopt and help this baby. Hope gave birth to the couples youngest daughter just two weeks after bringing 16-month-old Sam to the States. With that, their young family comprised a 7-year-old, a 5-year-old, two 16-month-olds, and a newborn, but the couple were steadfast in their commitment. After gaining weight and overcoming his infections, Sam underwent the first of his tumor surgeries as a toddler. Because it was so big, they had to do it in stages, said Hope. After the first one, they then did a surgery on his blind eye in hopes that it wasnt too late to save his vision. Thankfully, it worked! Sam with his adoptive brother, Josiah. (Courtesy of Hope Cantu Ettore) Over the years, Sam has had five facial surgeries, two eye surgeries, numerous laser resurfacing procedures, and physical, occupational, speech, and behavioral therapies to help with developmental delays. He couldnt be more grateful for the way his life turned out. Sam said: It was a huge commitment they made when they adopted me, and they definitely fulfilled it. In general, my parents, siblings, and grandparents have been the best family I could ever have asked for. I feel really grateful to have not just one, but two families now that love and care about me. Hope describes Sam as truly the sweetest, kindest, and most caring son with a fabulous sense of humor. She knows that others can struggle to understand why her family would adopt two sick children when they had four biological children of their own. She firmly believes that life is about giving and sharing. Those of us who are blessed with more than we need are obligated to give back to those who dont have enough. Pure and simple, Hope said. One thing I wish when people read our story is that others may consider adopting children who need not only families, but also life-saving medical care. With ambitions to be a chef, Sam plans to attend a culinary arts program at Grossmont College in El Cajon, California, in the fall of 2022. He also hopes to make his trip to Vietnam to reconnect in person with his birth family. 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 Who Is in and Who Is out in the Race to Replace BC Premier Horgan British Columbia Attorney General David Eby is currently the only contender who has confirmed his intention to run as a candidate to become the next B.C. NDP leader and premier, after the incumbent John Horgan recently announced he will be stepping down due to health reasons. B.C. NDP President Aaron Sumexheltza announced in a statement last week that the partys leadership campaign will run from July 17 to Dec. 3, 2022, at which time the party will announce the new premier. NDP members can begin voting as of Nov. 13. Eby announced his bid for leadership on July 19. If elected, Eby says he will focus on bringing more affordable housing and childcare to the province, as well as increasing family-doctor availability. I think if Im successful, Ill represent a new generation of leaders in British Columbia, Eby said. NDP Jobs Minister Ravi Kahlon who was considering a leadership bid, dropped out of the race in early July to support Eby. Kahlon said he believes Eby is the right person to be our next Premier High-profile Finance Minister Selina Robinson said in a Tweet that she had considered seriously running for party leadership, but dropped out to focus on [her] roles as MLA and finance minister. Municipal Affairs Minister Nathan Cullen, another high-profile cabinet minister, has also said he wont be seeking the position. Another name that has come up for the job is Brad West, the mayor of Port Coquitlam. According to Tri-City News, West has not yet confirmed any plans to run for mayoral re-election in the fall. The 37-year-old father of two became Metro Vancouvers youngest mayor upon election in 2018. He has since earned a reputation for speaking out against the Chinese Communist Partys aggressions and human rights violations and the adverse impacts of CCP-linked money laundering in B.C. When asked whether he would consider candidacy for NDP leadership, West told The Epoch Times he is very humbled by all the supportive messages Ive received from people in Port Coquitlam and all over the province. I will share my plans for my political future in the coming weeks, he said. B.C.s Education Minister Jennifer Whiteside was cited as another possible leadership candidate, but she also threw her support behind Eby. The New Westminster MLA said Eby will lead our party and our government with strength & empathy, in a Tweet. The party appointed Elizabeth Cull, a former cabinet minister, as chief electoral officer to supervise the race. Those wishing to run must submit their applications to Cull for review and pay the entrance fee of $40,000 by Oct. 19, as specified in the partys race regulations document. Candidates must completely fund raise their entrance fees and also must be NDP members in good standing for at least 90 days before the election date. Horgan has been B.C.s premier for the past five years and has served in the provinces legislative assembly for the last 17. He has been elected to two straight terms as the provinces leader, but said his health concerns were too great to run for a third straight term in 2024. Horgan will continue leading the provincial NDP until its leadership race concludes. The Canadian Press contributed to this report. It doesnt matter if youve had COVID, or have gotten the jab and all your boosters, chances are youll probably catch this variant, as it has a unique ability to skirt past antibodies. Yet how deadly is it, and how concerned should you be? The likelihood of reinfection is the fodder fearmongerers needed to reignite calls for COVID restrictions such as lockdowns and stripping people of their inherent rights and freedoms, and, of course, more boosters Even if youve had COVID before, got the jab and all your boosters, and even if you have hybrid immunity (meaning youve had both past infection and the COVID jab), chances are youll probably catch BA.5, as it seems particularly adept at circumventing all previous defenses One of the latest variants, BA.5 now believed to be the cause of nearly all COVID infections is tied with (and may even surpass) measles in terms of its infectiousness and transmissibility. That makes it the most infectious of all SARS-CoV-2 variants, and one of the most infectious viruses known to man Rapid mutation of the SARS-CoV-2 virus was expected and predicted, as vaccinating against any highly mutable virus, such as the coronavirus, pressures the virus to adapt. Omicron initially arose in fully vaccinated patients, raising suspicions that the mass vaccination campaign itself was driving the rapid mutation of the virus As suspected, SARS-CoV-2 continues to mutate. This was entirely expected and predicted, as vaccinating against any highly mutable virus, such as the coronavirus, pressures the virus to adapt. One of the latest variants, BA.5 now believed to be the cause of nearly all COVID infections is tied with measles in terms of its infectiousness and transmissibility.1 That makes it the most infectious of all SARS-CoV-2 variants,2 and one of the most infectious viruses known to man. Fortunately, its also considerably less deadly than the original Wuhan strain. According to a July 5, 2022, Deadline report:3 BA.5 was first identified in South Africa on February 26. Less than a month ago, on June 4, it only accounted for 9.6% of cases in the U.S., while predecessor BA.2.12.1 sat atop the heap at 62%. Today, the CDC [U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] estimates the subvarient is responsible for about 54% of new cases here. Thats double BA.2.12.1, which now accounts for 27% of infections. BA.5s rise also leaves sister subvariant BA.4 in the dust at 16%. Its a faster ascension than that of any other variant over the course of the pandemic One reason BA.5 is so dominant is that it seems to be more transmissible than even BA.2.12.1 The Omicron sub-variant BA.5 is the worst version of the virus that weve seen, said Eric Topal, who is Founder and Director of the Scripps Research Translational Institute, Professor of Molecular Medicine and Executive Vice-President of Scripps Research, in a substack post4 last week. It takes immune escape, already extensive, to the next level, and, as a function of that, enhanced transmissibility, well beyond Omicron (BA.1) and other Omicron family variants that weve seen. In other words, BA.5 is much better at evading the immunity provided by vaccines and especially good at dodging the immunity conferred by previous infection.5 BA.5 Circumvents Previous Defenses Even if youve had COVID before, got the jab and all your boosters, and even if you have hybrid immunity (meaning youve had both past infection and the COVID jab), chances are youll probably catch BA.5, as it seems particularly adept at circumventing all previous defenses. This immune-evading ability is likely an outgrowth of mass injection, as vaccinating a population during an acute outbreak pressures the virus to mutate more rapidly. The image below, from Topols Substack article,6 illustrates the genetic distance between BA.5 and previous strains. This scenario was predicted even before the mass injection campaign began, but no one in a position to make decisions paid any attention to reason. So, here we are. What remains to be seen is whether BA.5 will cause worse or milder infection than Omicron, which was on par with the common cold. The problem we have is that governments around the world have done a spectacularly good job of undermining good data collection and reporting, so its extremely difficult at this point to tease out whats really going on in the real world. For example, in the U.S., COVID cases are at an all-time low, Dr. Michael Mina, an epidemiologist and chief science officer at telehealth company eMed told CNN, July 11, 2022.7 However, that same day, NPR reported8 that BA.5 was driving up cases and reinfections in the U.S. So, which is it? Europe, meanwhile, is reporting a sharp rise in both cases and hospitalizations.9 Keep in mind that cases simply refer to positive PCR tests, which are unreliable at best, as they cannot identify active infections, and COVID hospitalizations are frequently patients who are hospitalized for other conditions and just happen to test positive for COVID. The only experimental study10 we have for BA.5 so far suggests the virus replicates more efficiently in human lung cell cultures than the Omicron subvariant BA.2, and infection experiments on hamsters suggest it may cause more severe infection than BA.2. That said, theres really no evidence to suggest BA.5 is deadlier than any previous version.11 BA.5 Triggers Calls for More Boosters Despite the fact that BA.5 was a predicted outgrowth of pressure from mass vaccination, governments around the world are doubling down on the failed strategy of boosters. As reported by Time magazine, July 11, 2022:12 European regulators are urging second booster doses of COVID-19 vaccines for people over 60 years old as cases and hospitalizations are again rising sharply Weekly case rates among people age 65 and over increased 32% in 22 of the 24 reporting countries in the week ending July 3 compared to the previous week The [European Medicines] agency said that, at present, there is no clear evidence to support giving a second booster to people under 60 who are not at higher risk of severe disease Separately, EMA Executive Director Emer Cooke said work is under way toward possible approval of vaccines adapted to counter newer variants in September. Two days later, July 13, 2022, the Biden administration followed suit, announcing all adults, including those under 50, will be eligible for a second booster this fall, to quell worries about waning immunity. The announcement came just one week after Biden signed a $3.2 billion agreement with Pfizer for 105 million doses that will target Omicron subvariants BA.4 and BA.5.13 BA.5 May Soon Be Old News Interestingly, as rapidly as BA.5 took over the world, its already on pace to be replaced by another strain with the designation BA.2.75. In a second July 11, 2022, article, Time reported:14 The quickly changing coronavirus has spawned yet another super contagious Omicron mutant BA.2.75 may be able to spread rapidly and get around immunity from vaccines and previous infection. Its unclear whether it could cause more serious disease than other Omicron variants, including the globally prominent BA.5 Fueling experts concerns are a large number of mutations separating this new variant from Omicron predecessors. Some of those mutations are in areas that relate to the spike protein and could allow the virus to bind onto cells more efficiently, [director of clinical virology at the Mayo Clinic, Matthew] Binnicker said. Another concern is that the genetic tweaks may make it easier for the virus to skirt past antibodies protective proteins made by the body in response to a vaccine or infection from an earlier variant. Reinfection Is the New Club With Which Theyll Beat Us Down As discussed in Omicron Variant and Vaccine Resistance, Omicron initially arose in fully vaccinated patients, raising suspicions that the mass vaccination campaign itself was driving the rapid mutation of the virus. A problem we now face is that these newer strains all appear to be able to break through both natural and artificial defenses, i.e., both natural immunity and COVID jab-related antibodies, resulting in repeat infections.15 By that I dont mean were facing reinfection with a dangerous virus. Thats not the case. Were essentially looking at endemics of something similar to the common cold; the main difference being that its no longer seasonal. No, the real problem is that authorities are responding to COVID as if it was a deadly plague, and are using what are essentially cold symptoms to lock down economies and strip people of their rights and freedoms, over and over again. Newer variants, such as BA.5 and BA.2.75, have all developed ways to circumvent our immune defenses, including natural immunity, and this unfortunate and largely manmade circumstance now provides the fearmongerers with fresh fodder. That reinfection with SARS-CoV-2 is possible isnt really a great surprise. The coronavirus, after all, is the virus responsible for the common cold, and throughout history, there have been people who have succumbed to more than one cold episode in a given year. Whats surprising is that governments are willing to destroy economies, the education of children, mental health and the very notion of democracy over endemic cold symptoms. Unless run by clinically insane individuals and/or hypochondriacs, no government would do such a thing. Assuming world leaders are free of such diagnoses, the fact that theyre doing these things suggests theres an entirely different reason behind their actions. COVID just happens to be the only excuse available, so they have no choice but to milk it for all its worth, even if it makes no sense from a medical perspective. When Will the Fearmongering End? When You Stop Responding In January 2022, it looked as though the COVID-19 narrative had crumbled past the point of no return, as many health officials and world leaders finally acknowledged the COVID shots couldnt end the pandemic and that we had to learn to live with the virus. Some even started speaking out against repeated boosters. I discussed this in Are We at the End of the Pandemic? A major driver for that U-turn in the pandemic narrative was the emergence of the Omicron variant. While incredibly infectious, it caused only mild cold symptoms in the vast majority of people, leaving natural herd immunity in its wake. Alas, newer variants, such as BA.5 and BA.2.75, have all developed ways to circumvent our immune defenses, including natural immunity, and this unfortunate and largely manmade circumstance now provides the fearmongerers with fresh fodder. So, at this point, it seems the pandemic will remain a key justification for a Great Reset of societal norms, medicine, finance, transportation, food and the rest. In my estimation, the only way to eliminate this Trojan Horse justification once and for all is for the people of the world to cease fearing COVID. As long as the fear of infection persists, it will be used to control and enslave us. In other words, the pandemic narrative will continue to be used for evil ends until and unless people start fearing global tyranny more than they fear a case of fever and sniffles, and respond accordingly. Originally published Will Biden and His Progressive Ideology Fall Together? Commentary As with any rainstorm, there were at first only a few big, fat drops down the backs of our necks or on our outstretched hands. Enough so that we could tell what was comingand soon. And soon it came: the deluge thus foretold. The first drop in the case of the latest Democratic fashion for dumping on the Democrats own President Joe Biden fell from the pen of the eminently progressive political reporter Ronald Brownstein in The Atlantic. Is Biden a Man Out of Time? he wrote at the end of June. At about the same time, David Axelrod, the psephological wizard behind Barack Obamas two election victories, spoke with Jake Tapper on CNN about Bidens stewardship of the government, noting his own sense that things are kind of out of control, and hes not in command. My friend Steven Hayward was quick to spot in such criticisms what he called a pincer move to oust Biden among Democratsespecially when taken together with the results of a Harvard CAPSHarris Poll by Democratic pollster Mark Penn, which, he noted, finds 71 percent of respondents dont want Biden to run for a second term in 2024. Just as senior Democrats sought unsuccessfully to dump Jimmy Carter from the ticket in 1980 in order to save their own skins, wrote Hayward, author of the magisterial Age of Reagan, so would those now predicted to lose their majority in Congress later this year try to get out from under the shadow of Sleepy Joe. He also noticed the delicacy with which these first defectors from the party line showed about attributing Bidens inadequacies to what those less friendly to him didnt scruple to call the ravages of old age. As more drops fell and the torrent of criticism from frustrated Democrats began, such diplomatic euphemisms as out of his time and not in command also went by the board. By July 10, even The New York Times was openly suggesting that the president wasnt mentally or physically up to the demands of the office. If he mounts another campaign in 2024, Peter Baker wrote, Mr. Biden would be asking the country to elect a leader who would be 86 at the end of his tenure, testing the outer boundaries of age and the presidency. Polls show many Americans consider Mr. Biden too old, and some Democratic strategists do not think he should run again. The following day, The NY Times reported on another poll with even worse news for the president: Even 64 percent of his fellow Democrats didnt want him to run again in 2024, while only 13 percent of American voters said the nation was on the right trackthe lowest point in Times polling since the depths of the financial crisis more than a decade ago. In Salon, of all places, Brian Karem wrote that the president of the United States is a role played by a septuagenarian in a reality show in which he fronts the most stage-managed presidency in history. Not coincidentally, the heavens shed their bounty of criticism on Biden just as the progressive elite were melting down over the Supreme Courts Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health decision, which returned the long contentious question of abortion to democratically elected state legislatures rather than unelected judges to decidea decision they paradoxically characterized as a threat to democracy. Many of his critics thought that the president was insufficiently alarmed by this supposed threat and that he wasnt exercising sufficient political and legal ingenuity to counteract it. But then, at the beginning of this week, Jason Nichols of the Department of African American Studies at the University of Maryland attempted to raise a note of caution against this new Democratic fashion of dumping on Biden. Writing in Newsweek, he pointed out that the truth remains that Democrats chose Biden and Harris to lead them. Quickly casting them aside would be politically disastrous because it would signal to the rest of the country that the Democrats by their own admission cant choose someone to lead the nation. Its hard to see how they recover from that politically for generations to come, Nichols said. These must have been hard words for Nichols to write, even as they must have brought joy to the hearts of Republicans already inclined to an unaccustomed bout of schadenfreude at the Democratic discomfiture. And yet I wonder if what he said is true. There can be few things that the Democrats havent tried in their herculean effort to get a mediocrity such as Biden installed into the Oval Office and, now, to retain their majorities in Congress. I say nothing about the extent to which these efforts have been honorable or ethicalor even legal. But one thing they havent tried is admitting they were wrong. Theres a reason for that, of course. Its our misfortune to live in an age of revolutionary ideology, and ideology is the intellectuals insurance policy against being wrong, as we non-ideologues cant help being from time to time. If youre of the revolutionary persuasion, so long as you stick to your ideology, you know you can never be wrongbecause it can never be wrong. Even when the whole world outside of a few college campuses knows that, for example, men cant get pregnant, you can be confident about being right, along with Professor Khiara Bridges of UCBerkeley inside her ideological bubble, in saying that they can. I think it possible that popular disenchantment with Biden may be part of a larger skepticism about the ideology that he has ridden into office and that, as is every day more apparent, has gone far to produce the present sorry state of the nations economic and political life. And even if it isnt, an admission by senior Democrats that they were wrong about Biden could also signal the end of their ideologically-based claims of inerrancy and a return to much-needed humility in U.S. politics. There must be millions of non-ideologues who would vote for that if they were given the chance. Not, of course, that they ever will be given it, not so long as the revolutionary storms continue to rage. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. A help wanted sign is displayed in Fountain Valley, Calif., on Jan. 27, 2022. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times) Workers in Red States Are Quitting Their Jobs at Higher Rates and Why That May Be a Good Sign Employees in Republican states have a higher quitting rate than those governed by Democrats, potentially indicating a more secure job environment in the red states. Among the top 10 states with the highest resignation rates during the past 12 months, all 10 are Republican. This includes Alaska with a 12-month resignation rate of 4.18 percent, followed by Georgia with 3.86 percent, Kentucky with 3.74 percent, Montana with 3.69 percent, Wyoming with 3.66 percent, Mississippi with 3.53 percent, Idaho with 3.48 percent, South Carolina with 3.48 percent, Indiana with 3.42 percent, and Arizona with 3.37 percent, according to data from WalletHub. Employee quitting rates tend to be higher when workers are confident about finding another job, which demands a robust economy. Higher quit rates are a sign of worker confidence, Julia Pollak, chief economist at job site Zip Recruiter, told MarketPlace in a recent interview. When there are more jobs out there, its more likely that youll take a leap and apply for a new one, she added, per the outlet. In a July 5 article, The Wall Street Journal reported that the COVID-19 pandemic changed the geography of the American economy as red states recovered economically more quickly than blue states. Workers moved from the coasts to the middle of the United States and Florida. The share of jobs in Republican states has risen by over half a percentage point since February 2020, according to an analysis conducted by the Brookings Institution. As of May 2022, red states added 341,000 jobs, while blue states lost 1.3 million jobs. The COVID-19 pandemic triggered a shift in employment structure as more businesses opted for remote work. This allowed many employees to move to red states that have cheaper housing, lower taxes, and less traffic. Business Friendliness Red states are comparatively more conducive to a business environment, according to CNBCs Americas Top States for Business 2022 rankings. The ranking takes into account 88 metrics spread over 10 major categories. Republican states in the Great Plains and Rocky Mountain regions dominated in the category of business friendliness. Topping the category was North Dakota, followed by Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana in the second, third, and fifth spots. All these are Republican states. Arizona, which ranked fourth, was the sole blue state in the top five. Companies follow the path of least resistance, CNBC analysts said regarding the metric of business friendliness. That includes a legal and regulatory framework that does not overburden business. As to the overall employment situation across the country, Colin Corbett, an assistant professor of economics at Bradley University, told WalletHub that younger workers have reentered the workforce at nearly pre-pandemic levels. Older workers who have retired are unlikely to return to the workforce barring a dramatic shift in economic conditions and employers willingness to hire them, Corbett said. Correction: An earlier version of this article incorrectly classified Arizona and Georgia as blue states. The Epoch Times regrets the error. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate MADISON, Wis. (AP) The meeting place? A secret. Agenda? Not public. Name tags? Take them off in public. Even one of the main social events trivia night would be at an undisclosed location. This was no meeting of spies or undercover law enforcement agents. Instead, these were the security protocols for a gathering this week in Madison, Wisconsin, of state election bureaucrats from around the U.S. While the hush-hush measures might seem a bit extreme, they were put in place because of the very real threats against election workers that have been escalating since the 2020 presidential election as former President Donald Trump continues to promote the lie that widespread fraud cost him re-election. Security increased at meetings of government officials after the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks, but not like this where the agenda is kept secret, said Kevin Kennedy, who was Wisconsins top election official for nearly four decades before retiring in 2016. He has attended meetings of the National Association of State Election Directors for more than 30 years and said it was jarring that otherwise anonymous election workers are now being targeted. This is just at a different level, and its a reflection of the times and its unfortunate, he said. State and local election officials have become targets for those upset with Trumps loss and who believe any number of unfounded conspiracy theories about a rigged election. Many have retired or quit as a result, raising staffing concerns in some offices. Four people have been charged by federal prosecutors, with one of them pleading guilty last month. In that case, Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold was the subject of multiple threatening posts on social media. Robert Heberle, deputy chief of the Justice Departments public integrity section, told state election officials recently that dozens of cases were still under investigation and more prosecutions were expected. Griswold, a Democrat who has received numerous death threats since the 2020 election, traveled to the National Association of Secretaries of State conference earlier this summer in Louisiana with private security. In a statement to The Associated Press, Griswold said she wont be intimidated by the threats and said a new state law she helped pass increases protections for election workers at all levels. We cannot allow violent threats to secretaries of state and election workers become an accepted norm in the United States, she said. Organizers of the secretaries of state meeting, held twice a year, have been increasing security measures since the 2020 election, said Maria Benson, the groups communications director. That includes coordinating with law enforcement agencies before and during the conferences, she said. At the groups summer meeting earlier this month in Baton Rouge, local law enforcement officers were visible in the lobby and meeting areas of the hotel where the conference was being held. Members of the media were instructed to keep their credentials visible while in the meeting area. Its not just election officials who are commanding tighter security during their gatherings. When the National Governors Association met earlier this month in Portland, Maine, security was the highest in the state in decades. The heavy law enforcement presence included city police, state police and security details, including troopers from other states. Plainclothes police roamed the event, and extra officers were kept out of sight, in case they were needed. The increased security presence took place as demonstrators gathered to protest new abortion restrictions in states such as Arkansas, home of outgoing association chairman and current Gov. Asa Hutchinson, a Republican. Security planning, which was in the works for months, also involved police K-9 units and patrol boats in the harbor. We are in different times right now," said Shannon Moss, spokeswoman for the Maine Department of Public Safety. Just look at recent events that happened in our country mass shootings, violent and disruptive protests, a divisive political climate. Law enforcement has to be prepared to deal with these kinds of potential security threats. There were no protesters outside the gathering of election administrators this week in Wisconsin, but the threats of violence against election workers have become so pervasive that the group was taking no chances on security. The exact location meeting which ended up being just a block away from the state Capitol wasnt revealed to reporters who registered to cover it until four days before the event began. There were no signs in the hotel announcing the meeting. And the agenda detailing topics to be discussed, such as understanding and preventing insider threats," wasnt handed out until the start of the meeting. Amy Cohen, executive director of the state elections group, cautioned the 170 registered attendees from 33 states to wear their name tags when at the event, but to take them off when they left and went into the city. Dont advertise who you are and exactly why youre here, she said. Cohen said meeting organizers coordinated with federal, state and local law enforcement for the event. She encouraged attendees to report any suspicious activity they saw, and hotel staff had been trained to be vigilant. She said the association did not live-stream any of the panels nor did it post any messages to its Twitter account during the gathering, although there were no social media prohibitions for those who attended. Please do be thoughtful about what you post and remember that some of the people in this room are dealing with serious security concerns and we need to be respectful to keep everyone safe, Cohen said at the start of the gathering. Judd Choate, Colorados state elections director for the past 13 years, attended the Wisconsin event and said he has been surprised at the level of rancor and hostility toward election workers. He said many of the attacks are coming from people with little understanding of how elections are run. We were kind of a sleepy part of government, and were not anymore, he said. ___ Associated Press writers Christina A. Cassidy in Atlanta; and David Sharp and Patrick Whittle in Portland, Maine, contributed to this report. ATLANTA (AP) A federal appeals court overturned a lower court ruling and allowed Georgias restrictive 2019 abortion law to take effect immediately Wednesday. The decision was expected after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled last month that there is no constitutional right to an abortion. The law, which had been barred from taking effect, bans most abortions once a detectable human heartbeat is present. Cardiac activity can be detected by ultrasound in cells within an embryo that will eventually become the heart as early as six weeks into a pregnancy, before many pregnancies are detected. The Georgia law includes exceptions for rape and incest, as long as a police report is filed. It also allows for later abortions when the mothers life is at risk or a serious medical condition renders a fetus unviable. A three-judge panel of the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said that a U.S. Supreme Court ruling in a Mississippi case that overturned Roe v. Wade allows the law to take effect. Circuit Court Chief Judge William Pryor wrote that the ruling in that case makes clear no right to abortion exists under the Constitution, so Georgia may prohibit them. The appeals court also rejected arguments that a provision of the law that changes the definition of natural person is unconstitutionally vague. The "personhood provision gives a fetus the same legal rights as people have after birth. Normally, the ruling wouldnt take effect for weeks. But the court issued a second order Wednesday allowing the law to take effect immediately. The National Abortion Federation listed 10 clinics that were providing surgical abortions in Georgia before the ruling. At least one clinic in Savannah had already closed following the Supreme Court ruling. Andrea Young, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Georgia, which sued to challenge the law on behalf of Georgia abortion providers and an advocacy group, said the organization will continue to fight for abortion rights for the women of Georgia with all of the tools at our disposal. The ruling promises to intensify partisan fault lines in Georgias high-profile midterm elections for governor and U.S. Senate. Gov. Brian Kemp, a Republican, signed the Living Infants Fairness and Equality Act, or LIFE Act, in 2019. He has avoided saying whether he favors further restrictions, although he at one time staked out an absolutist position that wouldn't have provided exceptions for rape or incest. As he looks toward the general election in November against Democrat Stacey Abrams, Kemp has emphasized what his staffers characterize as a broader life agenda, noting his support for extending the Medicaid health insurance program to cover poor mothers for a full year after birth. Kemp staffers also question the feasibility of passing a more restrictive law, noting the current law passed by only one vote. Since taking office in 2019, our family has committed to serving Georgia in a way that cherishes and values each and every human being, and todays decision by the 11th Circuit affirms our promise to protect life at all stages, Kemp said Wednesday. Abrams said women are now second-class citizens and promised to fight to repeal the law if elected. With a legislature even she acknowledges is likely to remain in Republican hands, that could be difficult. Today, Kemp achieved his goal: to endanger women, strip away our right to choose, and deny our ability to determine what is best for our bodies, Abrams said. In a state where pregnancy is too often fatal, he is proud of denying women the right to make medical decisions for themselves. In the Senate contest, Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock and Republican challenger Herschel Walker have for weeks highlighted their differences on abortion. Campaigning Wednesday ahead of the 11th Circuit ruling, Walker said its a problem that theres no national ban, and hes said previously that theres no exception in my mind that should allow women to terminate pregnancies resulting from rape or incest or those that threaten a womans life or health. Still, Walker stopped short of saying hed vote for a ban in a Republican-controlled Congress. Warnock, who calls himself a pro-choice pastor, said on Twitter that the 11th Circuit decision allows (Georgia) politicians to take away womens ability to make their own health care decisions. I will never stop fighting to restore the rights of women to determine and access their own care. Throughout the 16-page opinion, Pryor used the term abortionist to refer to those who challenged the law. His predecessor as 11th Circuit chief judge, now-Senior Judge Ed Carnes, noted in a 2018 opinion in an Alabama abortion case that some find the term pejorative. He also noted some consider the terms physicians and doctors inappropriate for people who perform abortions. As a result, he chose to take a middle course and use the term practitioner, except where one of the other terms appears in a quotation, he wrote. The term appeared three times in Alitos majority opinion overturning Roe. Associated Press writers Bill Barrow in Athens, Georgia, and Mark Sherman in Washington contributed reporting. MEXICO CITY (AP) The U.S. government has forced Mexico into negotiations over what Washington considers unfair practices that are effectively excluding U.S. and other foreign companies from the Mexican energy sector in violation of the free trade agreement they signed with Canada. Mexico says it has received a similar notice from Canada related to its electricity law. WHAT IS THE U.S. GOVERNMENT COMPLAINING ABOUT? The U.S. government says a change to Mexican law last year gives an unfair advantage to Mexicos state-owned Federal Electricity Commission and puts energy sold by private companies, including cleaner energy from solar or wind, at a disadvantage. The U.S. also says a 2019 regulation gives only state oil and gas company Petroleos Mexicanos extra time to comply with tougher environmental standards limiting the sulfur allowed in automotive diesel fuel. Mexico has also delayed, rejected or failed to act on private companies applications for permits to operate in the energy business and has revoked or suspended existing permits, according to the U.S. government. HOW DID WE GET HERE? Private companies, mainly from Spain and the United States, invested billions of dollars in Mexico to build wind, solar and gas-fired electricity plants under the terms of a 2013 reform opening the energy sector during the administration that preceded the current one under President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. Before that overhaul, Mexico faced several problems: high electricity rates, scarce generating capacity and dirty power plants that often burned fuel oil to produce electricity. So the government built pipelines to import cleaner U.S. natural gas, allowed companies to buy electricity from independent generators and gave foreign and private firms incentives to install cleaner wind-power turbines or gas-fired plants. Mexico may have given private and foreign firms too many incentives. They received preferential treatment in pricing and purchasing, and didnt have to pay the Federal Electricity Commission fees for distributing power through government-owned transmission lines. The state-owned utility lost market share and income, but still had to maintain transmission lines. WHAT IS MEXICO'S POSITION? The energy sector is a point of national pride for Mexico's president, who frequently speaks fondly of large state-owned entities. Lopez Obrador has made propping up Mexicos deeply indebted state oil company a top priority, and he has railed against foreign companies that flooded the electricity sector when it was opened to competition. Lopez Obrador doesnt want the Federal Electricity Commission to go bankrupt or lose more market share. Last year, his allies in Mexicos congress made legal changes that give preference to the state power utility, requiring it to buy power from its own plants first, while often cleaner energy from private generators would be last in line. The president tried to enshrine some of those changes in the constitution, but those failed to get the required two-thirds majority in congress earlier this year. Mexican law had required free competition in the power industry. And the U.S.-Mexico-Canada free trade agreement prohibits member nations from favoring domestic producers or state-owned firms. WHAT DO THE SIDES SAY ABOUT THEIR DISPUTE? In announcing the formal U.S. complaint Wednesday, the office of the U.S. Trade Representative said in a statement: Mexicos policies have largely cut off U.S. and other investment in the countrys clean energy infrastructure, including significant steps to roll back reforms Mexico previously made to meet its climate goals under the Paris Agreement. Mexicos policy changes threaten to push private sector innovation out of the Mexican energy market. Lopez Obrador downplayed the dispute Wednesday, framing it as fairly routine in relations between the two countries. He noted that no complaint was mentioned to him when he visited President Joe Biden in Washington earlier this month. On Thursday, Lopez Obrador said the issue is about the interests dedicated to plundering Mexico. He said he doesnt believe it is the companies that are complaining, but rather that this is a political issue. We have many elements to respond (with), Lopez Obrador said. We are going to defend ourselves. Mexicos Economy Ministry said Wednesday, The government of Mexico expresses its willingness to reach a mutually satisfactory solution during the consultation phase. Mexico announced later Wednesday that it had received a similar notice from Canada related to its electricity law. WHAT HAPPENS NOW? The consultation phase between the sides is supposed to start within 30 days. If the two countries cannot reach an agreement after 75 days of talks, the U.S. can request intervention by a dispute resolution panel under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement that could result in sanctions against Mexico if the United States prevails. The pact, negotiated by President Donald Trump, replaced the 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement. RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) North Carolina and the United Kingdom have entered into an agreement designed to build cooperation on goals to reduce carbon emissions and to expand economic ties. State Commerce Secretary Machelle Sanders met on Wednesday in London with Trade Minister Penny Mordaunt for a signing ceremony of the memorandum of understanding, according to Gov. Roy Coopers office. A proposed $200 reduction in the cost of Madison County Health Department inspection fees for food trucks was overwhelmingly voted down at Wednesdays County Board meeting. A resolution reducing the fee to $175 from the current $375 had been postponed at the June meeting so board members could take a closer look at the proposal. Proponents had said the lower fee would encourage food trucks and could draw visitors into the area. Opponents said a lower rate was unfair to traditional brick and mortar restaurants. On Wednesday the board voted 21-3 against the resolution, with one abstention."No" voters included Health Department Chairman Mike Babcock, R-Bethalto, who originally introduced the resolution. Voting for the lower fees were Bill Meyer, R-Hamel, who participated via telephone; Bill Stoutenborough, D-Alton; and Bruce Malone, D-Alton. Malone said he was voting in favor because he had made a previous commitment to do so, otherwise he would have also voted "no." Abstaining was Valerie Doucleff, R-Godfrey, who was also participating by telephone but said she could not hear much of the discussion. Members Chris Guy, R-Maryville and Erica Conway-Harriss, R-Glen Carbon, were absent. The consensus was that decreasing the fee for an estimated 14 food trucks operating in the county was unfair to approximately 1,400 traditional restaurants that would still pay the full inspection fee. The fee structure was instituted in 2018. Mobile food trucks are considered Category 1 and Category 2 establishments and inspected the same as other restaurants and eateries. Babcock said that extending the same reduction to all of the countys restaurants would cost the Health Department about $280,000 annually. Another issue was that, in some cases, local municipalities such as Alton have their own fee for food trucks. County board members said those municipalities should consider reducing or eliminating their fees before seeking a reduction by the county. The fee reduction was proposed after Alton officials and owners of Altons new food truck park, Flock, came to a Madison County Health Department meeting asking the county to consider reducing the inspection fee. On Wednesday, Madison County Administrator Dave Tanzyus said the county might consider some sort of regional licensing system for the food trucks at a later date. In other Health Department-related business Wednesday, the board approved spending up to $70,000 for vaccines from Sanofi Pasteur, a Chicago-based company. The board also approved a number of items a $195,710 contract to Byrne & Jones Construction of Bridgeton, Missouri, for parking lot improvements at the countys Wood River Facility. The project includes rebuilding the main drive to the large parking lot, the Health Department and Employment and Training parking lots, and surfacing several handicapped spaces on the main parking lot, which is gravel. Also approved were five separate emergency appropriations to pay for non-budgeted items. They included $29,000 for the states attorneys office to retain outside counsel for the judicial subcircuit court challenge authorized by the board; $138,809.16 to the sheriffs department to cover the cost of a deputy who will work with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services under a new grant program; $22,007 for the Child Care Advocacy Center for iCloud file storage of forensic interviews; $20,000 for a Family Violence Prevention Coordinating Council grant; and $121,110 to the information technology department for Arctic Wolf security monitoring services, which will be paid out of ARPA funds. The board also approved settling a Workers Compensation claim for $39,356.47 and purchase of excess liability, property and earthquake insurance coverage for $829,064 from several vendors. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Heated disputes on multiple issues were heard at Wednesdays Madison County Board meeting as members voted down several items supported by Chairman Kurt Prenzler. The board also reaffirmed its action several weeks ago stripping Prenzler of many of his powers and sent a proposed referendum on Property Tax Extension Limitation Law to a newly-created subcommittee, meaning it will probably not appear on the ballot until at least the spring election. Several members of the public spoke on the referendum and the boards action on Prenzler. The debates were often contentious, with much of it by Prenzler, Madison County States Attorney Tom Haine and Madison County Board Member Mick Madison, R-Bethalto. Prenzler forced a vote to override his decision to bring the referendum to the county board. At an Executive Committee meeting before the regular board meeting, members approved creating a special subcommittee to work with Madison County Administrator Dave Tanzyus to find an outside entity to examine the property tax proposal and how it would affect the county. The analysis would be brought to the full board. But while the work theoretically could be completed in time for the Nov. 8 ballot, it most likely would move any referendum vote to the spring. PTELL caps the total dollar amount certain property taxes may increase from year to year, based on the Consumer Price Index or 5 percent, whichever is lower. Larger increases can be made with voter approval. Supporters, such as Prenzler who for several years has pushed for a referendum, say it will keep local governments from rising property taxes. Opponents say it initially could cause dramatic property tax increases if taxing bodies maximize their tax levies before the limits take effect. Some have said it could cripple entities such as fire districts which rely almost entirely on property tax revenue. At Wednesday's board meeting, Prenzler insisted the referendum be placed on the Nov. 8 ballot. Haine argued that, because the executive committee did not vote it up or down the referendum could not come for a vote. Prenzler, ironically, cited previous advice by former Madison County States Attorney Tom Gibbons on the referendum. Madison said that could have been brought to the county board months ago but Prenzler wanted a surprise vote to make himself look good and the county board look bad. The board voted 21-4 to override Prenzlers a PTELL initiative; voting no were Judy Kuhn, R-Trenton; Bobby Ross, R-St. Jacob; Dalton Gray, R-Troy; and Mike Babcock, R-Bethalto. Members Chris Guy, R-Maryville; Erica Conway-Harris, R-Glen Carbon; and Ryan Kneedler, who had left the meeting earlier; were absent. The board then voted 24-1 to refer the issue to the subcommittee, with Kuhn the sole no vote. Mike Walters, R-Godfrey, said he would prefer the referendum be on the spring ballot, when school board members would be elected. Those candidates would have to discuss their opinions of PTELL, he said. Schools make up the bulk of property taxes collected. The board also revisited its July 6 decision to limit many of Prenzler's powers as chairman. On Wednesday, Prenzler asked for a reconsideration of the ordinance, in effect his veto. Haine said he had been given notice of Prenzlers veto earlier that day. Prenzler cited five rulings that made the original ordinance out of order. Haine had suggested a single vote on all five rulings, but Prenzler insisted each one be voted on separately. He noted an article by the Edgar County Watchdogs, an Illinois government oversight group. He questioned the county boards ability to appoint or remove a vice chairman or chairman pro tem. Haine said state law had nothing to say on the issues or Prenzler cited an incorrect section of state statutes. Madison said the objections were setting us up for a lawsuit. The first objection was overruled 22-4, with Kuhn, Meyer, Gray and Ryan Kneedler, R-Collisnville voting no. The final objections were overruled by a 22-3 vote after Kneedler left because of family obligations. The board then voted 21-4 to reaffirm the July 6 vote. Opposed were Meyer, Kuhn, Gray and Liz Dalton, D-Collinsville. The money already has started flowing to the families and victims of the Tops Markets shooting. But some people who were inside the store during the massacre say they've been left out of this process. Leaders of the Buffalo 5/14 Survivors Fund said they have started making payments from the fund as a way to rush needed financial help to the victims and their families, even before all the rules for distributing the money are set. The fund is making available advance payments $25,000 to families of the deceased and $10,000 to those injured in the attack upon request. About half of the families have requested those payments, said Jeffrey Dion, executive director of the National Compassion Fund, which is administering the local fund. "If people needed it, it's there and we'll get it to them," Dion said. "All of those families who requested it have been paid that advance." A total of $155,000 has been distributed so far. All three of the people injured in the attack have received advance payments, along with half of the families of the 10 killed in the attack. Mayor Byron Brown calls for federal aid to repair economic damage of mass shootings Mayor Byron Brown made a plea for federal aid for Buffalo and other affected communities before the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, a panel of the House Financial Services Committee. When the fund was established, leaders included a provision for advance payments, recognizing it would take months for all of the donations to be distributed after a thorough process. But the fund has far more financial resources to distribute, and it is still finalizing the rules and procedures it will follow in determining who is eligible for payments and how much they will receive. Donations of nearly $4.5 million have poured into a fund created for victims of the mass shooting. That is generating a lot of interest in who is eligible for the money, and when the funds will be distributed. For now, distribution of the payments is scheduled to start on a rolling basis Oct. 24. A relative of one of the victims who received an advance payment said he was impressed with the work the National Compassion Fund has done under difficult circumstances. Welcome to 250: Smiles and gratitude as Jefferson Avenue Tops reopens to public A lot of emotions flowed Friday as Tops welcomed the first customers back to a store that has been completely remodeled, beautified and outfitted with added exits, cameras and other safety features. "Nobody wants to put a value to someone who lost a loved one or was shot or was at the incident," said the relative, who asked not to be identified. "But things have to be done, and they're just trying to make sure nobody's left out." However, a group of Tops employees, customers and others who were in the store on May 14 are objecting to the way the fund is verifying eligibility and distributing compensation. Several spoke Wednesday outside City Honors School, where they argued that they should receive advance payments from the fund and, further, they should get the same compensation as those who were injured or the families of the 10 killed in the attack. "So all we're asking that's all we're asking is that they be fair to all of us and treat us all with the same dignity," said Kishia Douglas, who was shopping for a bottle of juice at Tops that afternoon and has since been diagnosed with PTSD. Brooklyn Hough was working at Tops when the shooting started. She said she hid in the bathroom, emerging later to see bodies and blood all around her. She said she is too traumatized to return to her job. "It hurts knowing I'm not a first priority," Hough said. "I am a survivor. This is supposed to be for me. This is supposed to be for us." Myles Carter, a community activist, said the fund doesn't need its arduous verification process because prosecutors know who was in the store then. Tops created the Buffalo 5/14 Fund in conjunction with the National Compassion Fund, which has administered similar funds around the country after mass-casualty crimes. The fund is still collecting donations until Sept. 20. One hundred percent of the donations will eventually be distributed to the recipients, Dion said. Outside Jefferson Avenue Tops, a gathering to remember shooting victims, dedicate newly renovated store Neighbors who gathered outside the fenced-in parking lot expressed disappointment that the memorial service wasnt open to the general public. Leaders of the Buffalo 5/14 Fund will host a town hall meeting at 6 p.m. Thursday at City Honors, 186 E. North St., to answer those kinds of questions from the public. It will also be streamed live on Facebook. The meeting marks the end of the public comment period for the draft protocol for the Buffalo 5/14 Fund. The protocol lists proposed rules that the Buffalo 5/14 Fund will operate under, including eligibility guidelines for recipients. A steering committee will finalize it. "This doesn't happen in a vacuum. It's not a secret star chamber," Dion said. "All of the members of the steering committee are going to be up there on stage, actively listening to people to get their feedback." The draft protocol proposes distributing money to people in five categories: Legal heirs of those killed in the shooting (who would receive the highest payments). Those who were physically injured by gunshots or shrapnel in the attack. Those who suffered some other type of physical injury during the shooting, and who received medical treatment no later than May 21. Those who were present at the Jefferson Avenue store or its parking lot during the shooting and suffered psychological trauma. Employees of the Tops store who were not present when the shooting occurred. The final protocol will be published Tuesday on the National Compassion Fund's website. News Staff Reporter Stephen T. Watson contributed to this report. Should the nation be concerned about the age and health of Atiku and Tinubu in particular? What if they die or become severely incapacitated as presidential candidates, even though Peter Obi of the Labour Party, appears slightly healthier as evidenced by his apparent youthfulness, energy, and outlook compared to Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC)? Even America, whose presidential and constitutional system Nigeria practices, although in a defective and chaotic manner, the U.S. Constitution generally has clear rules in the case of the death or incapacity of the President and Vice President during his or her term. But the rule is less clear when it comes to what happens when a presidential candidate dies close to Election Daya situation that, if it occurs, could throw the already troubled Nigerian democracy into enormous disarray. In Nigeria unlike in modern democracies where presidential candidates release their medical assessment reports for the voters, the medical records of presidents and presidential candidates in Nigeria are known for their secrecy. Despite the reality that Tinubu is reported to be 70 years old and Atiku is reported to be 75 years old, meaning that they are generally in their old age, and likely face medical risk factors more than a much younger candidate like 61 years old Obi, who could be assumed as slightly healthier, no one knows if they are battling life-threatening illnesses. Recently, while I want to think Tinubu and Atiku are "healthy" and "vigorous" and fit for duty, it appears as reported in the media that they are showing some signs of aging. What if either Atiku or Tinubu suddenly became violently sick with leg problems that could lead to poor physical balance? Across the nation, many have questioned Tinubus neurological, cognitive, and mental state and have speculated about Atiku being too old to be effective as a presidential candidate as he was recently seen with limping symptoms, regarding a form of walking that favors the usage of one leg over another. According to Nigerian media Atiku may be ill and is known to have a history of receiving treatments in Dubai and Germany. Tinubu is reportedly known for seeking medical attention in the United Kingdom in a lengthy manner, and may be in United States, and France. If only Atiku, Tinubu, and Obi took a medical test and publicly reported on the "wear and tear" and more pointedly, publicly report on their diagnosed health status as being sick, healthy, or vigorous and whether fit to successfully execute the duties of the Presidency. We all remember the speculations revolving around the life and death of the Nigerian President, Umaru Yar'Adua. Since 2015 to date, President Muhammadu Buhari has been under pressure to disclose the state of his health because of his multiple medical trips outside Nigeria. In a recent campaign visit to Osogbo, Osun State, in what appeared to be a veiled reference to Obi, Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, and his supporters, Tinubu angrily said in his dialect Yoruba, "They will labour till they die," a sense of outrage and dismay by many Nigerians at such statements followed. Although the words of political death were distasteful, Obi, in a positive way, perceived hatred in this political season as unneeded and responded that laborers needed to be shown love. In an apparently harsh and rough environment like Nigeria, and with the apparent hidden sickness or other undisclosed conditions that could be following Atiku and Tinubu, the oldest candidates for president like Atiku and Tinubu could be very vulnerable to severe physical pressure and possible sudden disability-associated risk factors including demise. I hope not. Given that Atiku is 75, Tinubu is 70, and Obi is only 61, any serious and complex illness, such as pneumonia, a severe fall, or cardiovascular events/heart attack, could result in more unexpected overseas medical care, and, God forbid, death. Lets hope that Atiku or Tinubu do not get severely incapacitated or die as nominated presidential candidates for their respective parties, and certainly before the general election in 2023. Most Nigerians, especially the younger voters and open-minded adult voters, believe that if any of the two elderly candidates dies, because of the seismic wave of distrust for anything and anyone in PDP and APC, and the dynamic nature of the Obi phenomenon, hopefully if he is okay, could result in vaporizing the political environment for the extraordinary Obi and sweeping him into victory. May God/Allah bless the three candidates with adequate health and long life before and after the election. 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] In a time of pandemic and war-related doom and gloom, a striking moment of real multilateral triumph must be celebrated. In the early hours of 17 June, after several sleepless nights, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the World Trade Organisations preternaturally energetic and resourceful Director-General, stood up and, her voice rising to a crescendo, told exhausted delegates words few had envisaged would be uttered at the end of the organisations 12th Ministerial conference (MC12): You stepped up and delivered in every area we have been working on. She then listed a package of agreements now known as the Geneva Package covering, among others, a waiver of intellectual property protections to boost countermeasures against COVID-19, a long-illusory agreement on fisheries subsidies, and a decision addressing food insecurity. These achievements demonstrated, Ms. Okonjo-Iweala said, that the WTO is, in fact, capable of responding to the emergencies of our time. She hailed a world in which WTO members can come together, across geopolitical fault lines, to address problems of the global commons, and to reinforce and reinvigorate this institution. WTO agreements are reached through consensus and are binding on members. Multilateralism, under attack on multiple fronts, had been given a lifesaving shot in the arm. The triumphant outcome at MC12 was anything but anticipated. In fact, on 13 June, a day before the conference opened, Nick Dearden, a columnist for Britains Guardian newspaper, wrote that delegates arriving for that conference would find the organisation in an existential crisis. Amid a pandemic, Mr. Dearden bemoaned, WTO members were still caviling about temporarily waiving property rights of pharmaceutical companies to allow developing countries to produce COVID-19 vaccines; and many of them were still confused about a common approach to the growing global food crisis. It was time, he wrote, to bury the organisation. Pessimism about the WTOas about Africais nearly always a safe gamble. Only this time pessimism lost. Africas Benefits First, there was an agreement about the definition of fish. It was no mean feat. For the past 21 years since fisheries negotiations were launched at Doha, this was one of the fraught issues. Fish, the agreement now states, means all species of living marine resources, whether processed or not. The old canard that it includes aquatic plants had been quietly jettisoned, almost without notice. The agreement on fisheries also includes a curb of around $22 billion in annual government subsidies to fishers from wealthy countries who ravage African waters. In other words, this agreement, as well as helping to protect the livelihood of millions of small-scale and artisanal fishing communities in Africa and elsewhere, will also help protect ocean health. The WTO Director-General writes it is the first such pact in WTO history with a primarily environmental objective at its core. This alone would count as a major achievement. Intellectual Property Rights Waiver Second, the WTOs Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) waiver decision will contribute to diversifying the vaccine manufacturing capacity of countries, and Africa stands to benefit from it. Request for the waiver had been submitted by India and South Africa in October 2010, long before Dr. Okonjo-Iweala became Director General. That request triggered a counter proposal from the European Union. Things stalled until she initiated a highly creative process, bringing together India and South Africa (the original proponents), and the European Union and the United States (two key right holders). In five months, the Quad produced an outcome document that formed the basis for serious negotiations. For full disclosure, I facilitated those negotiations as Chair of the TRIPS Council beginning in early May through to the ministerial conference. However, Ms. Okonjo-Iweala and her Deputy, Ms. Anabel Gonzalez, helped guide those negotiations. It was the last decision that was gaveled, at 4:30 am, shortly before the conference was brought to a close. Work on extending the waiver to cover therapeutics and diagnostics, as mandated by the MC12 Decision, has already started and has to conclude before the end of December this year. In the meantime, the decision will be celebrated in Africa, particularly in countries with the capacity to manufacture vaccines. Resented by pharmaceutical companies for going too far and by civil society for not going far enough, the TRIPS decision would help African countries work together to build and diversify vaccine production capacity. It will provide a streamlined avenue for exporting vaccines to countries in needdirectly or through international humanitarian programmes. At the moment, four WTO members (US, EU, UK and Switzerland), all in the global north, produce over 90 percent of COVID-19 vaccines, and more than 70 per cent of Africans remain unvaccinated. Third, in the midst of current global food shortages and record high food prices, the MC12 Declaration on food insecurity includes a decision that removes export prohibitions and restrictions on the World Food Programme (WFP) humanitarian purchases, ensuring food assistance reaches the most vulnerable. Hundreds of millions of Africans suffer from hunger. Dr. Okonjo-Iweala said the decision would help WFP do its difficult job of feeding millions of people facing hunger. That she was working on many difficult issues and still overseeing other negotiations, including tackling food insecurity, underlines her depth of commitment to the developing world, especially her continent, Africa. Beating expectations Success triggers greater expectations, as well as pushback. Empires always fight back. The struggle to integrate Africa firmly into the global trading system must continue. Remember that the WTO, which sets rules that facilitate around 97 per cent of global trade, helped make the developed world significantly richer by opening up global trade for their companies. By some estimates, the organisation, and its forerunner the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), has helped increase trade among members by around 171 per cent. Africas share of global trade has actually declined from a high of around 4.4 per cent in 1970 to about 3 per cent currently. Our earnest friends and detractors never tire of reminding us of this. It is time to reverse this trend. And in Dr. Okonjo-Iweala, Africa has a champion. The Doha round or the WTO 4th Ministerial Conference in November 2001 for the first time bracketed development as a central goal of global trade. Over two decades later, this sentiment remains merely aspirational. It must become a policy goal. I wrote shortly after Dr. Okonjo-Iweala took over as Director General that the growing expectation of what she might deliver for the continent needs to be tempered, in part because of the sheer difficulty of navigating decisions in an organization that moves at a glacial pace, and where paradigm-shifting decisions tend to be studiously avoided. But by sheer force of will, hard work and enormous goodwill, the WTO under her leadership is delivering more than could have been expected. BOX Highlights of the Geneva Package a package on WTO response to emergencies, comprising: a Ministerial Declaration on the Emergency Response to Food Insecurity ( a Ministerial Decision on World Food Programme (WFP) Food Purchases Exemptions from Export Prohibitions or Restrictions a Ministerial Declaration on the WTO Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic and Preparedness for Future Pandemics a Ministerial Decision on the Agreement on Trade-related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights a Decision on the E-commerce Moratorium and Work Programme an Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies a Decision on the Work Programme on Small Economies a Decision on the TRIPS non-violation and situation complaints All package documents can be found here . Dr. Lansana Gberie is Chair of the Council for Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Permanent Representative of Sierra Leone in Switzerland I still recall with vividness how His Excellency, Sen. (Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa, Governor of Delta State, while delivering a keynote speech themed; 'rebuilding trust in a divided nigeria: advancing the conversation, at the 2021 annual lecture and symposium organized by Ripples Centre for Data and Investigative Journalism (rcdij), august 25, 2021, at sheraton lagos hotel, ikeja, lagos, among other things, posited that the crux of nigerias problem is the absence of a national ideology that all the component parts of the country subscribe to is why we are yet to forge that sense of oneness and unity, noting that the absence of a shared national vision or aspiration, primordial loyalties and sentiments largely hold sway among the citizens. Essentially, separate from qualifying as the most dynamic and cohesive action expected of a leader of his class to earn a higher height of respect, there are indeed, many imperatives as to why the content of that speech needs to be reflected upon as the nation races towards the 2023 general election. First, the insight from the speech remains credible as it preached; honesty in governance and a need for a multicultural society of equal citizens, where opportunities are equal and a persons contribution is recognized and rewarded on merit regardless of tribe, language, religion or culture-with lives and property secured. Also important was the Governors strong believe that we are better and stronger together, and that, with appropriate, visionary leadership and good governance, we can turn our diversity into a great source of strength and a springboard to build a strong multi-ethnic and multi-religious country that will be the envy of other nations. He argued that the experience of some balkanized countries, such as Yugoslavia, which was balkanized into seven states, shows that, until the fundamental issues of good governance - justice, socio-economic equality, mutual ethnic and religious tolerance, inclusiveness, etc. - are effectively addressed in the mother nation, each new country will be bedeviled by the same divisive problems already in their genes. So, why not tackle the problems in the mother nation that would make a greater impact on the world unlike the tinier new nations? As 2023 approaches, the focus should be on electing a pan Nigerian as president, a person with the capacity and charisma to cast a vision for Nigeria and rally all Nigerians behind it. We need a selfless, sacrificial, sincere, broadminded, caring and capable president that will inspire hope and confidence in the country; a leader who values merit over mediocrity, competence over cronyism, while upholding the fundamental principles of fairness, equity and justice. This country brims with immense human and natural resources, which cry to be effectively and efficiently harnessed by a responsive and - responsible leadership for the socio-economic development of the country. Continuing, he noted that the Federal Government should frontally and transparently tackle insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, criminal herdsmen operations and all purveyors of insecurity in a way to obviate the popular impression that they are executors of a pre-planned genocide. The war against terror is seriously undermined when ransom is paid to these criminal elements. Aside from a modern security architecture anchored on technology, Okowa argued that we must muster the political will to deal decisively with criminals, regardless of their ethnic groups, religions or status. In America and other developed countries of the world, that is what makes their institutions stronger than individuals and keeps even the poorest in the society confident of getting justice before the law.For democracy to be sustained and the goodwill of the populace retained, impunity must not have even a toehold in our body polity. Our security agencies must be well funded and equipped; training of personnel to build capacity and collaboration between agencies is key. Furthermore, directives must be clear and goals unambiguous. To help restore faith in the electoral process, the governor has this to say; there should be stiff penalties for electoral violence and other malpractices, regardless of which party is culpable. Election results should also be transmitted electronically at the point of counting the votes at the polling units to remove the opportunities for later alterations of figures. It goes without saying that the refusal by the National Assembly to include a mandatory electronic transmission of election results in the Electoral Act has deepened the distrust that the public has for politicians and the ruling class. It should be clear to everyone by now that glib, official declarations like The unity of Nigeria is non-negotiable or The unity of Nigeria is sacrosanct cannot diffuse the tension, resentment, anger and sectarianism prevalent in the country today. Only conscious, consensual action to remove the causes of mistrust and disunity identified above can. Nigeria, Okowa added, can only grow if ethnic, religious and tribal divides dissolve, and a pan-Nigeria goal is truly desired and pursued by all. Despite its challenges and leadership defects and the circumstances of its birth in 1914, we have come to be a nation. We must unite and make it work for all. We had declared in our National Anthem (composed in 1960) Though Tribe and Tongue may differ, in brotherhood we stand. The political class, religious/community leaders and elite must sign up to this, and our leaders must begin to act the pan-Nigerian dream into reality The governance system at all levels particularly at the federal level must be just, fair, equitable and seen to be inclusive. There is too much power at the centre, and this needs to be devolved to the federating units for greater effectiveness and efficiency. The devolution of powers and resources to the sub-national governments, and the guaranteeing of a constitution that allows equity, justice for all and inclusiveness in governance such that none is left out or oppressed is imperative. Urgent steps need to be taken to ensure fairness in resource allocation, taking into cognizance the degradation of the environment by the Oil and Gas resources and the impact on the health and livelihood of Niger-Deltans. On the role of religious bodies in building trust, Governor Okowa captures it this way; Inter-faith dialogue and building of networks should be institutionalized. Different religious identities need to seek mutual understanding, respect and tolerance, which allows each faith to live, appreciate and cooperate with one another. Government and faith-based organisations must, through advocacy, seek for the common good, and put processes in place for prevention of conflicts, peacemaking and post-conflict rebuilding. Away from the religious groups to the herdsmen/farmers conflict in the country, he stressed that it is fast becoming the greatest threat to our nations unity and economic well-being. The nomadic Muslim Fulani pastoralists and the largely Christian farmers of various ethnicities have continued to clash resulting in loss of economic crops, cattle and life. This threat to our countrys stability and unity needs to be addressed urgently by our federation. It is my opinion that ranching and cattle colonies with support by the federal Government are a way out of this challenge. The Federal Government of Nigeria must urgently tackle this challenge to reduce the level of insecurity and to ensure food security. Criminal herdsmen must be dealt with within our Laws and Internally Displaced Persons need to be quickly resettled in their homes. To the media, the Governor was of the view that the media must come to the rescue. Governments at various levels should, as a matter of exigency, enlist the support and cooperation of the media in advocating for peaceful coexistence and national unity. Generally, I think the media should be more discerning and restrained in giving voice to violent extremists and criminals in our nation. Giving undue recognition to these elements has the potential to fuel ethnic conflict, electoral violence, and exacerbate the divisions among us. We must also, through persuasion and advocacy, empower the media to play a defining role in building and promoting non-violent, credible elections. The independence of the media is critical for credible journalism. We must, therefore, not stifle them under any guise. On the nations battered economy, he observed with dissatisfaction saying Too many Nigerians are falling into the poverty bracket daily, and the percentage of the unemployed and underemployed is worrisome. This is becoming increasingly compounded by insecurity and our rising population.Hence, we need to aggressively begin to re-tool our youths with entrepreneurship development programmes. Also, a voice of strength and policy to space out births and control our population will help. Poverty in itself creates resentment to governance structures and unemployment heightens insecurity Without doubt, it will be gratifying in both political and socioeconomic terms if President Buhari studies and Nigerians adopt useful information from Governor Okowas antidotes as drawing, useful lessons from it should be a solution that will fit the present circumstance in the country. Utomi is the Programme Coordinator (Media and Public Policy), Social and Economic Justice Advocacy (SEJA), Lagos. He could be reached via;[email protected]/08032725374. The Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Osun State Command, Agboola Adisa Sunday has reiterated the Commands readiness to combat crime in the state. Commandant Agboola made this known in an interview with a broadcasting corporation at the State Headquarters, Ilesha Road, Oke Ayepe, Osogbo. While appreciating the good citizens of Osun State for their untiring support toward the success of the recent gubernatorial election, Commandant Agboola said I want to assure the people of Osun State of adequate security after the just concluded gubernatorial election. The Command is gallantry ready to carry out its mandates and guaranteed excellent security service delivery. He concluded by assuring the citizens of the State of professionalism and civility in the discharge of the duties the Companies constitutionally saddled with. Accordingly, Commandant Agboola enjoins residents of the state to provide the Command with information to help provide adequate security in all nooks and crannies of Osun state. E-SIGNED. ASC II ATANDA OLABISI, FHNR, FWIP PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER NSCDC, OSUN STATE COMMAND. A Buffalo man was sentenced Tuesday to 25 years in prison for fatally shooting a 50-year-old city man in March 2020. State Supreme Court Justice Paul B. Wojtaszek also sentenced Josean Roman-Cruz, 39, to five years of post-release supervision, according to the Erie County District Attorney's Office. Prosecutors say Roman-Cruz shot Wilfredo Justiniano numerous times on March 27, 2020, near Pennsylvania Street and Lakeview Avenue on Buffalo's Lower West Side. A statement from the District Attorney's Office didn't say whether the men knew each other and did not provide a motive for the shooting. Roman-Cruz was arrested four days after the fatal shooting and initially was charged with second-degree murder. He pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter on Nov. 23, one week before the scheduled start of his jury trial. I write to the popular dancing senator whose mandate was surreptitiously stolen in the 2018 Osun State governorship election. Though, the Court held otherwise. Yet, at the slightest opportunity, the Supreme Court of the Masses overruled that sentence. On July 16, 2022, the people proved that asides from God who is the ultimate ruler, power truly belongs to the people by placing the Oyetola led-administration on trial, and on the 17th of July, 2022, the sentence was to entrust power to the dancing senator. Just like Nathaniel in the Holy Bible who asked, Can anything good come out of Nazareth?", politics and politicking took their due course, the dancing senator was mocked and scorned, with varying propaganda and scandal high plying, and the people were asked rhetorically, Can anything good come out of a dancing senator?. Nonetheless, just like Philips response to Nathaniel, so also do we say, Come and See, that same dancing senator has triumphed. He danced to victory and will dance to the State government house Senator Ademola Nurudeen Jackson Adeleke, a philanthropist, sympathetic and empathetic politician, became a Senator after contesting the bye-election of the PDP due to the death of his brother, Senator Isiaka Adeleke, the first civilian governor of Osun State. No doubt, Senator Ademola Adeleke is not the most eloquent of speakers, however, it is very much important to remind ourselves that eloquence in speech does not translate to administrative expertise or good governance. Asides from the physical look, philanthropy, and goodwill for the people that run in Adeleke Dynasty, the dancing senator shares a lot of similarities with his late brother. The late Isiaka Adeleke was not the best of speakers, but as far as governance is concerned, he is often adjudged as the best the state ever witnessed to date. Good governance translates beyond mere speeches, it includes but is not limited to competence, skills, capacity, being empathetic to the plight of the people, and able to positively impact their lives, and as far as I and the people of Osun are concerned, the Late Isiaka Adeleke ticks that box and in the dancing Senator we see all these attributes multiplied. Sen. Ademola Adeleke, earlier this year described himself as a goal getter and narrated how he established and successfully built and managed a series of thriving businesses which are now multinationals. Thus, I am more than confident that the dancing senator will readily deploy his business and entrepreneurial acumen in his governance geared towards increasing the internally generated revenue of the state which is the second lowest in the South-West. Amidst the certificate scandal of the last election, we saw the readiness and preparedness of the dancing Senator, by putting to rest the long overdue controversy when he went back to school, enrolled at the Atlanta Metropolitan State College in the United States, and obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice, and at different times during the governorship debate, we all saw the dancing senator intermittently referring to himself a Security expert alongside spilling facts authoritatively telling the audience to fact check that is the kind of leader the people of Osun State need, one who is confident, relentless and will go at any length, one whose family will support with whatever resources it takes to ensure that the lives of the people are bettered. Let us even sheepishly concede briefly to the cheap certificate scandal surrounding his candidacy in the last election which has now been drowned to the great beyond, years back, upon the return of the dancing senator from the US to Nigeria, his brother being aware of his business exploits speedily appointed him as the Executive Director of Pacific Holdings, in recognition of his antecedent as a man who has been distinguished by building a business from the scratch to the sky. While some may say it was mere family ties that got him the position at his brothers company and not skills, competence, and hard work, then what more can be said when he held that same position in Guinness Nigeria Limited with the likes of General TY Danjuma on board. The Dancing Senator is more than capable, and people have reiterated their confidence in him at the polls. The People have spoken - Let no man trouble him! God has commanded the light to be, the light shineth forth from darkness and darkness comprehend it not. Amidst all of these, the just concluded election gives a glimpse of hope that a better Nigeria is possible, and this is not unconnected to the 2022 Electoral Act which seeks to strengthen the credibility of Nigeria Elections by introducing innovations and addressing the defects of the Electoral Act, 2010. And most importantly, the provision for the electronic transmission of results. It is time we got our PVCs, find the nearest center to register, as voter registration closes end of this month. Votes still count! Lastly, let him that thinks he stands to take heed lest he falls, and to bad governance everywhere, the death of ones mate elsewhere is a reminder of ones mortality anywhere. Nigerians deserve better, we need good governance and nothing short of it. Congratulations to the Governor and Deputy Governor-Elect, Sen. Ademola Adeleke and Mr. Kola Adewusi. IMOLE TI DE! Alabi Ayokunmi Ayomikun is a graduate of Law, Obafemi Awolowo University, he can be reached via [email protected] One of the escapees from Kuje Correctional Center in Abuja has been arrested by the Benue State Police Command. Recall that terrorist attack was unleashed on the facility on July 5, 2022 which led to the missing of several inmates. However, in a statement by the Benue State Command's Public Relations Officer, SP Catherine Anene, the suspect identified as Ebube Igwe Jude was arrested in Makurdi on Tuesday. The suspect was arrested at George Akume way, Wurukum, Makurdi, the state capital. On 19/7/2022 at about 3 pm, information was received about one Ebube Igwe Jude; a fugitive who had arrived Makurdi as a result of Kuje jailbreak. Detectives deployed to investigate the case arrested him at George Akume way, Wurukum, Makurdi. During the investigation, he confessed to have escaped from Kuje correctional center during the jailbreak. He stated further that he is an awaiting trial inmate, standing trial in a case of Culpable Homicide involving his girlfriend. The PPRO said that the command had begun processes to hand over the escapee to the Nigeria Correctional Service for further actions. Shareholders of one of Africas largest manufacturing companies, BUA Cement Plc, have approved dividends of N88.047billion for its financial year ended December 31, 2021 at N2:60k per ordinary share of 50k each. This approval was given during the companys 6th Annual General Meeting held in Abuja, and comes on the back of a strong financial performance in the year under review that recorded revenue growth of 22.9% from N209.4 billion in 2020 to N257.3 billion in 2021. Profits after Tax also rose by 24.5% to N90.1billion in the year under review. Speaking at the Annual General Meeting, Abdul Samad Rabiu, Chairman of the Board of Directors of BUA Cement Plc commented: our performance in 2021 gives credence to our sound business model, value proposition, and the excellent team who responded to the challenges and opportunities that were confronted in the year under review. In the meantime, the BUA Cement brand continues to grow stronger in the marketplace. Our aim is to invest more in the cement industry until Nigeria is self-sufficient, and cement is readily available, accessible, and affordable for all Nigerians. We expect to continue this excellent performance for the foreseeable future. Furthermore, Abdul Samad Rabiu disclosed that the companys ongoing projects will be completed in 2023 to increase the cement companys installed capacity to 17 million metric tonnes per annum which will solidify BUAs position in the Nigerian Cement industry as well as position the company to take advantage of export opportunities. On his part, Engr Yusuf Binji, Managing Director, BUA Cement Plc, reaffirmed the companys commitment to prioritizing excellence across all areas of business, and product quality whilst ensuring sustainability in its operations. Binji further added that when the installed capacity of the company increases by 2023, BUA Cement will be better positioned to increase existing export volumes and, in the process, take advantage of some of the benefits of the African Continental Free trade Area. Binji also mentioned that as part of its sustainability initiatives, BUA Cement Plc remains operationally conscious, socially engaged, and economically involved. During the year under review, BUA Cement made significant progress on cleaner energy mix through its transition from Heavy Fuel Oils to Liquefied Natural Gas in its Sokoto plants. The company completed the installation of a 50MW gas power plant together with the modification of its kilns to enable the use of LNG in the pyro process to reduce BUA Cements carbon footprints leading to the full substitution of foreign coal with LNG. BUA Cement Plc is Nigerias second largest cement company and the largest producer in its North-West, South-South, and South-East regions. BUA Cement operates strategically from Okpella, Edo State and Kalambaina, Sokoto State with its headquarters in Lagos, Nigeria. Currently the second most capitalized manufacturing company on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), BUA Cement is committed to quality - a differentiating attribute, driven by its people, innovation, and technology; and positioned to solving West Africas cement under-capacity, while driving economic growth and development. Passion Drives: An expats nightmare tale of his new MG PHUKET: A retired Phuket expat will have to sue MG Thailand to recover costs and lost time for an MG HS he bought brand-new in 2020, but has since had to return for repairs more than 40 times. By The Phuket News Thursday 21 July 2022, 11:45AM Passion Drives: The MG HS with all the problems. Photo; The Phuket News The expat, who has asked not to be named, bought his MG HS i-SMART from MG Phuket Co Ltd on Thepkrasattri Rd, in Tambon Thepkrasattri, Thalang, in July 2020. Yet after spending B1,069,000 on a new car, the problems were so extensive that the dealer agreed to replace the main computer unit after only three months. The problems, nearly all electronic, have continued; some consistent, others irregular but recurring. The huge assortment of electronic problems each individually could be considered minor problems, but collectively they make the benefits of paying extra for the i-SMART model more than worthless. On the display panel, the time is often incorrect, the language keeps reverting to Thai for the weather (despite English still selected as the default setting), the windshield wiper delays stops working, calls are dropped, the screen goes entirely blank, the radio returns to scan mode on starting the car, and so on. This list of examples is far from exhaustive. Worse, the crash warning system gives alerts for phantom vehicles that are not there but there was not a beep when a truck cut across in front of the car in Bangkok. The car even issues false crash warnings when pulling up at traffic lights. The rear hatch keeps popping open and the brake discs have already been skimmed to ensure they grip properly after they started to fade early. Every now and then the music starts playing at a very high volume without any warning. One such episode happened while the expat was driving along a highway at night while returning from Bangkok from yet another service at an MG service centre in the capital. The incident gave him such a fright he had to pull over immediately. After months of initially dealing with the dealer in Thalang, the expat was later referred to Phuket Piya MG Co Ltd in Rassada, and the problems continued. Updates were repeatedly run on the main computer unit, with staff believing that was the problem. Five times the procedure was repeated within six weeks and yet, the electronic system still repeatedly has critical issues. I have been in MG repair shops over four days of my life now, more than 96 hours for a broken car, the expat told The Phuket News. He also can prove it. He has kept a detailed record of all the issues, and the attempts to repair them. All his trials and tribulations with the new car have been extensively documented, complete with print outs of repeated services performed on the car and even videos proving the faults. The expat has a binder full of documents, images and reports confirming all the problems he has experienced, which remain unresolved. He has asked for a replacement new car since November 2020, which MG Thailand have consistently refused. Now he has to pay out of his own pocket to start legal proceedings for any compensation for all the time and out of pocket expenses to try and get his car fixed. Only after the expat filed a formal complaint with the Office of Consumer Protection at the new government building complex in Phuket Town, now home to the new Provincial Hall, did MG Sales (Thailand) take an active interest in resolving the problems. However, with local attempts failing to fix the problems, and after MG Thailand failed to uphold a promise to send a qualified technician to Phuket, the expat agreed to take the car to a main service centre in Bangkok. A trip he had to make twice. In getting to Bangkok on one trip, the service centre had the car for eight days, after which the expat was told that the car was 100% fixed. Yet even on the drive leaving the service centre the problems started recurring even before he left the city. While the car has been returned for repairs more than 40 times in total so far, 30 of those times were within one year. Tiresome has been the runaround. Just to have the drivers side rear-view mirror repaired, which had stopped retracting, took four separate trips to the shop in Phuket to be finally fixed. After three meetings chaired by senior figures at the Phuket Consumer Protection office, and attended by MG Thailand representatives from Bangkok, the expat has now been told that they can do nothing for him. MG Thailand has been cagey about the ongoing issues with the car becoming public. At the third and final meeting last month, an MG representative from Bangkok requested The Phuket News to leave the room before they would even start the meeting. MG Thailand are still refusing to replace the car with a fully functioning version. All the repairs so far have been performed under warranty, and that is being understood by MG Thailand as upholding their end of the deal. I thought it would be the last car I would buy in my life, the expat told The Phuket News. I bought this car because I thought it was a good car. I waited two years to settle on buying this model. It was everything I was looking for, and affordable, he said. I bought it so I could travel around Thailand, but I have not been able to do that while the car keeps having to go back in the shop for repairs. I never thought it would be such a lemon, he added. Similar problems have been reported openly online by other MG HS owners, but nowhere to the same extent that the expat has suffered here in Phuket. Of note, at the meeting at the Consumer Protection office in Phuket Town in June, another meeting was held between a customer and MG representatives, though details of that meeting have yet to become public. Phuket B250mn Sky Walk gets public support PHUKET: The proposal to spend up to B250 million on an elevated lookout to be built at Promthep Cape received support from local residents in Rawai at a meeting held to receive public opinion feedback yesterday (July 20). tourismconstruction By The Phuket News Thursday 21 July 2022, 01:24PM The lookout, currently branded as the Sky Walk Khao Daeng, was first proposed by Rewat Areerob, President of the Phuket Provincial Administration Organisation (PPAO, or OrBorJor) last year as a way of attracting more tourists to Phuket. The forum yesterday was held by the PPAO and Rawai Municipality to gauge public opinion on the project. The concept was well received. The PPAO is working on creating new attractions to bring more tourists to Phuket, especially Thai tourists, as many Thais still have never visited the island, Mr Rewat said. The PPAO is pushing for two key attractions to be built: a Glass Bridge in the Khao Daeng hills overlooking Promthep Cape at the southern end of the island, and a Glass Terrace at Surin Beach, on Phukets central west coast, he explained. The PPAO has hired a consulting company to study and design the details of the projects, and formally requested the use of public areas from the Phuket Provincial Office and the Royal Forest Department. This will be completed within August. The designs will be completed within November, according to the contract, he said. At a PPAO budget meeting last year, Mr Rewat noted, The amount of B7,890,750 is to be spent on the design and other actions for the skywalk at Promthep Cape in Rawai, and B6,313,088 is to be spent on the glass terrace at Surin Beach in Cherng Talay. At the meeting yesterday, Mr Rewat explained that initial estimates of the investment needed for the construction of the Glass Bridge in Rawai were about B200mn. Estimates for the completed project ranged up to B250mn. I believe that when this project is completed it will become a landmark that draws tourists to Phuket. This will generate income in Rawai and other Phuket areas, because this glass bridge will be designed to be beautiful, exciting and scary, while overlooking the beautiful sea, he said. Natchat Heungwattanakul, who has been designated project manager of design of the Glass Bridge, explained that the structure will extend about 10 metres from the side of a cliff. Three styles of design, including a Sino-Portuguese design, were currently under development, he said. The bridge will connect to an elevated viewing platform that will be even more frightening, and will be able to accommodate about 50 people at a time, Mr Natchat said. The project as a whole will also feature meeting and conference rooms, an activity area, community spaces and various tourist service areas, he added. It is expected that the investment budget is approximately B250mn. All designs will be completed and the work will be delivered to the PPAO within the month of November 2022, Mr Natchat assured. All feedback and suggestions presented at the meeting yesterday will be taken into consideration in finalising the design, he said, noting that some people had suggested making the elevated sections even more exhilarating. All comments from the company will be used to improve the design to be presented again at the end of August 2022, he said. Police hunt necklace snatch bandit, air compressor thieves PHUKET: Phuket City Police are hoping to track down a man who snatched a necklace worth about B35,000 from a woman while she was riding her motorbike through Samkong last night (July 20). crimepolice By The Phuket News Thursday 21 July 2022, 03:56PM Phuket City Police are now trying to track down the thief. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub The section of Yaowarat Rd where the necklace was stolen. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub Lt Paweenuch Kongsuth, Deputy Inspector-General of Investigation at Phuket City Police, was informed of the theft at 8:20pm. The victim, named only as Ms Kawisara (family name withheld), 25, explained that the necklace stolen had a pendant, which together were worth B35,000. Ms Kawisara said she was riding her Yamaha* Fino motorbike along Yaowarat Rd, heading towards the Sam Kong Intersection (on the bypass road), when she was attacked. Just after she had crossed the bridge near Bangkok Hospital Phuket, a man rode up behind her on a green-gold Honda Wave motorbike. The man beeped his horn. Concerned, Ms Kawisara slowed down, allowing the man to ride up close to her, snatch the necklace from around her neck and speed off. Ms Kawisara was unable to remember the licence plate of the culprits motorbike, but described the man as tall and thin, with dark skin. Lt Paweenuch said officers were now checking CCTV in the area in the hope of tracking down the thief. Meanwhile, Wichit Police at 10:58am today received a report of three air compressors stolen from the Phuket Hokkien Samakkee Association on Sakdidet Rd, Wichit. The air compressors were installed outside the Hokkien Unity Association building located on the way to Baan Borrae, Wichit. Wichit Police are now investigating the theft. * Correction: Not Honda. Apologies for the error Thailands first monkeypox case reported in Phuket BANGKOK: Thailand has recorded its first case of monkeypox, and the infection was diagnosed in a 27-year-old Nigerian man who travelled from Nigeria to Phuket, the Department of Disease Control (DDC) reported on Thursday evening (July 21). By Bangkok Post Thursday 21 July 2022, 11:59PM Photo: WHO Dr Opas Karnkawinpong, DDC Director-General, said a joint investigation team was sent to a private hospital in Phuket on Monday (July 18) after the hospital suspected that one of its patients had monkeypox symptoms, reports the Bangkok Post** Last week, the patient was admitted to the hospital with fever, coughing, sore throat and runny nose. He also had rashes and lesions in his genital area, and they had spread to other parts of his body and face. A PCR lab test from the Thai Red Cross Emerging Infectious Diseases Clinical Center found that the man had monkeypox on Tuesday. He was later confirmed by DDC lab testing to have the virus. Dr Opas said disease control officials in the province had been instructed to monitor and identify any other potential cases in the province, to help limit the spread. The National Disease Control Committee concluded on Thursday that this was Thailands first case of monkeypox. The DDC chief urged people not to panic as the World Health Organization (WHO) has not yet declared monkeypox as a global emergency because the symptoms are not severe. On Thursday, WHO experts had a meeting to decide whether a surge in infections outside Africa since May now constitutes a global health emergency. There are now more than 15,000 monkeypox cases worldwide, with five deaths reported in Africa, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions latest report. ** To date Phuket officials have not publicly confirmed any infections of monkeypox on the island. The loss of ancient Greco-Roman books Cod. Vaticanus latinus 3867, fol. 14r: a 5th or 6th century illustrated edition of Vergil, possibly made in France or Britain. This leaf shows a portrait of the epic poet himself above the text of the Eclogues. (Image Biblioteca Apostolica Vaticana) Greek vs. Latin Latin texts Umberto Eco, The name of the rose (1980, English edition 1983); Walter Miller, A canticle for Leibowitz (1959) Greek texts The Homeric Iliad, with scholia. The end of Iliad book 8 and start of book 9 as they appear in codex Marcianus graecus 822, fol. 111v. This is one of the most important manuscripts of the Iliad, also known as Venetus A. It dates to the 900s, and is now housed at the Biblioteca Marciana in Venice. Homers poetry is centre-right in large lettering. In the smaller lettering in the surrounding margins are glosses or scholia derived from ancient commentaries. (Source: Homer Multitext Project) Mt Athos, Greece, microfilms held by the Institut de recherche et dhistoire des textes: Iviron : 8 codices (Aesop, Euripides, Sophocles, Synesius, Pindar, Lycophron, and Aelius Aristides) : 8 codices (Aesop, Euripides, Sophocles, Synesius, Pindar, Lycophron, and Aelius Aristides) Megisti Lavra : 7 codices (Thucydides, Hesiod, Pindar, Iliad , Philostratus, Aesop, Sophocles, and Libanius) : 7 codices (Thucydides, Hesiod, Pindar, , Philostratus, Aesop, Sophocles, and Libanius) Vatopedi : 7 codices (Aristophanes, Sophocles, Aeschylus, Euripides, Pindar, Libanius, Dio Chrysostom, Aristides, Ptolemy, Strabo, Homeric Hymns , Callimachus, and Babrius) : 7 codices (Aristophanes, Sophocles, Aeschylus, Euripides, Pindar, Libanius, Dio Chrysostom, Aristides, Ptolemy, Strabo, Homeric , Callimachus, and Babrius) Patriarchal Library, Jerusalem, microfilms held by the Library of Congress: Holy Sepulchre (Agios Tafos): 3 codices (Aristotle, Xenophons Cyropaedia , Simplicius) (Agios Tafos): 3 codices (Aristotle, Xenophons , Simplicius) Photios II s collection: 2 codices ( Iliad , Aristotle) s collection: 2 codices ( , Aristotle) (Also note that the famous Archimedes palimpsest was held by the Patriarchal Library until it was transferred to Constantinople sometime between the 1600s and 1840s.) Sinai, Egypt, microfilms held by the Library of Congress: St Catherines: 5 codices (Plutarch, Homer, Aristotle) Monastery of Iviron, Mount Athos, Greece What about now? Someone asked me yesterday why I liked Greek classics so much. I pointed out I could find myself in those stories. Ethiopia, the Ethiope, that was me Homer & Virgil & Herodotus were writing about. I was erased from European literature, I said. You didn't see me, so I looked away. According to this widely used textbook for learning ancient Greek, published by Oxford University Press, slavery was benign, and enslaved people were lively and cheeky characters. (Balme and Lawall, Athenaze, 3rd edition 2016, ch. 2) New editions References Casson, L. 2001. Libraries in the ancient world . Yale University Press. . Yale University Press. Pfeiffer, R. 1968-1976. History of classical scholarship , 2 vols. Oxford University Press. , 2 vols. Oxford University Press. Reynolds, L. D.; Wilson, N. G. 2013. Scribes and scholars. A guide to the transmission of Greek and Roman literature. Oxford University Press. Back in December I wrote about the myth that ancient Greek texts only survived by being preserved in the mediaeval Islamic world. Some readers pointed out that I should have told the true story, as well as dismantling the myth. So here we go.But first, Id better repeat that ita myth. Great Arab and Persian scholars like Averroes and Avicenna were proactive, not passive pipelines for getting texts from A to B. Only in a tiny number of cases do we rely on translations for ancient Greek texts and into a variety of languages, not just Arabic and every now and then that number shrinks, when a Greek copy is found.Recently I realised that, for many people, the Arabic transmission myth doesnt just apply to Greek texts, but to Latin texts too! (Examples: 1 3 .) So wed better look at them too. We have a lot of ground to cover: make yourself a cup of tea.For in-depth accounts, Reynolds and Wilsons classic book(fourth edition 2013) and Pfeiffers(1968-1976) both cover ancient transmission up to the 1st century BCE very well; Reynolds and Wilson also tell a detailed story from then up to the 1300s. But after that date, things go a bit pear-shaped. They turn into histories of an academic field, of publication and scholarship within western Europe, rather than of the texts themselves. Pfeiffer in particular determinedly ignores any Greek people involved in the story, other than a couple of passing mentions of Manouel Chrysoloras and Ianos Laskaris and them only for their role in returning Greek books to Italy. Western eurocentrism is deeply ingrained in these histories.Anyway, the short version is this. Latin texts were preserved in western Europe, especially Italy, Germany, and France. Greek texts were preserved in the eastern Roman empire, especially Greece, Anatolia, and greater Syria. Modern editions are based on manuscripts that still exist in various libraries around the world mostly in libraries in Italy, France, Britain, and Germany, but many elsewhere too, ranging from America to Greece to Armenia to Egypt.The ancient Greco-Roman world had a thriving book trade from the 3rd century BCE to around the 3rd century CE. The literacy rate certainly wasnt at modern first world levels, but scribes were cheap, papyrus was recycled, and books were produced on such a scale that they were reasonably affordable.Book manufacture was the labour-intensive part of the process. There was no such thing as copyright. When Pliny found out once that his books were being sold at shops in Lyon, he was pleasantly surprised ( Letters 9.11.2 ): he had no reason to be annoyed at any loss of profit, because he would never have tried to manufacture books there himself.Libraries existed all over the place. Every now and then they suffered catastrophic accidents, like fires, but so long as the local economy was doing well the libraries got rebuilt. Rome had some of the greatest libraries of the ancient world: the library of the Porticus of Octavia, the Palatine Library, and the Ulpian Library. The first seems to have disappeared by the year 200, but the other two survived into the fourth century in spite of several fires. In the east Athens, Antioch, and Alexandria continued to be centres of learning as well.But books didnt survive by being preserved in a library. No ancient library has survived to the present day. Books survived by being copied. Books have a limited lifespan, regardless of format scroll or codex, papyrus or acid-free paper, monograph or miscellany. Only a handful of ancient copies still exist. The books that survive are the ones that were copied, and copied, and copied again, usually many times over the centuries.So in the story of the loss of ancient Greco-Roman literature, library fires are just a footnote. No single library had a monopoly on the classics anyway. A much bigger role was played by a format shift that affected: the shift from scroll to codex. That format shift took place in the years 100 to 400 in antiquity: most of the loss occurred before the dissolution of the western empire.Here codex means the standard modern book format, sheets bound with a spine. In the year 100, about 98.5% of books existed as scrolls, and only 1.5% in codex form; by 400, things had flipped round, and the codex accounted for 80% of books (Casson 2001: 127-128). After that date Greek texts continued to be lost, as the eastern empire was gradually whittled away, but with Latin texts its relatively uncommon to find evidence of texts surviving to that date that havent also survived to the present day.Wed better dispose of a potential major misconception here. If you imagine that the spread of Roman domination went hand-in-hand with the spread of the Latin language, think again. Latin was never widely spoken in the eastern empire. Rome didnt speak Greek , Constantinople didnt speak Latin.The actual linguistic make-up of each half of the Roman empire is a messy, complex business, with enclaves, immigrant communities, scholarly use of Greek, military and governmental use of Latin, and other languages popping up. But as a rule of thumb, west = Latin, east = Greek wont go too far wrong. The only part of the empire where Latin actively displaced Greek was in the western Greek colonies, in southern Italy, France, Sardinia, Corsica, and Spain.So the survival of ancient Latin and Greek texts is actually two distinct stories. The traditional image is of monks busily copying out books in monasteries. Monastic scribes did play an important role in transmission in both the west and the east, but to a different extent and in different ways.In the west, the fracturing of the empire and the chaos of the 6th century devastated secular libraries, so monastic copying became the main road to a texts survival. Lay scholars, that is non-ecclesiastical ones, began to play an important role from the 14th century onwards, but monastic transmission still mattered for a long time even up until the Reformation, when many monasteries were dissolved in Germany.But in the east, schools and other secular institutions played a significant role in the copying process too, especially in the 800s to the 1400s. Some emperors vigorously encouraged state libraries and non-ecclesiastical schools. But in areas conquered by the Ottomans, books that survived often did so in monastic libraries. A much more robust avenue for survival lay in the books that were moved to Italy in the 1400s: there they made their way into libraries (and by that time civic libraries were coming into existence again there), and onto the printing press.The fall of Rome in the 400s wasnt the end of book production. The fracturing of the western empire was also a fracturing of the western intellectual economy, but major literary figures like Priscian, Boethius, and Cassiodorus continued to flourish in Italy under Theoderic (r. 493-526) even if Boethius career did end with a big political hiccup.Then everything changed when the eastern empire attacked. Justinians invasion in the 530s engulfed Italy in two hellish decades of war. After that came the Lombard invasion. Some Italian cities managed to remain hubs for literary production and transmission (Rome, Ravenna, Verona), but otherwise, monasteries became the safest haven for literacy and learning after the chaos of the 500s.There were already some monastic or quasi-monastic institutions that were copying books, like Monte Cassino in Latium/Lazio (founded ca. 529), and Cassiodorus Vivarium at Squillace in the far south (the 540s). Like later institutions, these centres collected books, took good care of them, made new copies when needed, and wrote new books. But the wars took their toll. The first abbey at Monte Cassino was destroyed in 570, in the Lombard invasion; the Vivarium faded after Cassiodorus lifetime, though it hung on for another century or so.After 535 the survival of Latin texts is mostly owed to a wave of new monastic foundations in the 600s and 700s. In Italy some of the most important centres were at Bobbio (founded 614), Pomposa (also in the 600s), and Monte Cassino (refounded ca. 718); in France, Auxerre (originally founded in the 400s), Luxeuil (580s-590s), Ferrieres (630), Fleury (ca. 640), Corbie (ca. 660), and Murbach (727); in Scotland and England, Iona (563), Lindisfarne (ca. 634), Jarrow (674), and Malmesbury (675); and in Germany and Switzerland, after (re)christianisation in the early 700s, at St Gallen (719), Reichenau (724), Fulda (744), and Lorsch (764). Other important institutions followed in later centuries: St Michaels in Piedmont, Cluny and Bec in France, Melk in Austria, Heilsbronn in Franconia, and many more.This monastic environment is the setting for fictional depictions like those in Umberto Ecos(1980) and Walter Millers(1959). Ecos fictional monastery is inspired by the Abbey St Michael, but its multicultural library perhaps owes more to Monte Cassino. Miller depicts a monastic order that was founded specifically to preserve ancient texts. Thats a caricature: libraries were an integral part of daily business for mediaeval monasteries, but not generally the centrepiece of their mission statement.These places had a variety of aims and specialisations. Some of the most famous mediaeval manuscripts, the Book of Kells and the Lindisfarne Gospels, were produced in Britain in the 700s, but British institutions tended to specialise in Christian texts and producing new philosophical and historical works. For pre-Christian texts, the libraries in Italy, France, and Germany are much more important.Lay scholars began to play an important role in the late mediaeval period, as I mentioned. Poets like Dante, Petrarch, and Boccaccio became fabulously learned in ancient literature. Petrarch coined the phrase dark age. Some Italian states funded major civic libraries (Urbino, Naples, Florence, Rome), and individuals like Poggio Bracciolini and Coluccio Salutati collected large personal libraries. The printing press arrived on the scene in the mid-1400s, but books continued to be copied by hand as well.Monastic collections usually ended up in university or state archives, one way or another. For example, the Electoral Palatinate appropriated the library of Lorsch in the 1560s when the monasteries were dissolved: this became the core of the Bibliotheca Palatina. Then in the 1620s, at the start of the Thirty Years War, the collection was recaptured and most of it sent to the Vatican, where the manuscripts are still preserved. Some collections were moved wholesale; others were dispersed. More below on some of the major collections today.Greek texts were primarily preserved and transmitted in Greek-speaking regions of the empire, that is (initially) in Greece, Anatolia, greater Syria, and Egypt. Things shifted as the empire gradually disappeared over the centuries.From around 500 to the mid-800s there was a serious downturn in literary activity. It didnt cease to exist we have part of a parchment edition of Sappho from 7th century Faiyum, Egypt, around the time of the Rashidun conquest but all the major centres of learning were shut down, except in Constantinople. For once, we can legitimately blame organised religion. This period saw a boom in Christian biblical literalism; most of the flat-earthers of antiquity that we know of came from Syria in this period, justifying their dogma by selective quotation of biblical passages. The waves of iconoclasm in the 700s and 800s didnt help either.But even in that touchy climate, considerable effort still went into textual transmission. The development of the, or verse-by-verse Bible commentary, in the 6th century prompted a similar trend in the secular classics. Many bodies of, that is to say glosses on literary and philosophical works, seem to have been compiled starting in this period, distilled from ancient treatises and commentaries. The ancient treatises themselves are lost the works of ancient literary critics like Aristarchus, Crates, Didymus, and Theon but a significant amount of material survived as scholia in the margins of other texts.There was a new wave in the 9th century. There was also a new format shift: books were copied from the older uncial script into the new minuscule script. This seems to have been another great filter, deciding which ancient books survived and which ones didnt. At first the new book culture was dominated by church leaders like Leon the mathematician, who became the head of a revitalised imperial college in Constantinople, and patriarch Photios, and archbishop Arethas, who built up large libraries. But emperor Konstantinos VII Porphyrogennetos (r. 913-959) promoted scholarship outside the church as well, funding new excerpted editions of older authors. The first of the great Byzantine encyclopaedias, the, was compiled in the second half of the 900s.Byzantine book culture continued to thrive, at times erratically, until the Ottoman conquest. Paper was introduced in the 1000s. New commentaries on ancient authors appeared, some of them by scholars who worked with the great Anna Komnene. There continued to be significant book collectors, both inside the church (Eustathios, Michael Choniates) and outside (Michael Psellos, Ioannes Tzetzes). The Palaiaologan period (1261-1453), the last phase of the Byzantine era, was an even greater revival, with major lay scholars like Maximos Planoudes, Manouel Moschopoulos, and Demetrios Triklinios, who are still routinely cited by modern editors of ancient Greek plays.After the Ottoman conquest, civic support dried up. Just like 900 years earlier in the west, it fell to monastic libraries to carry on preserving books. But in the east the survival rate was much poorer. Partly because monasteries operating under Muslim rule were inevitably much less well-equipped than those in the west; and in Turkey, Israel, and Egypt, also because of the ravages of the 20th century, when some libraries came to be neglected amid the chaos of many wars.I havent been able to consult complete catalogues. Catalogues of microfilms held in Paris and Washington show thousands of manuscripts of Christian texts and Byzantine histories held in Greece, Israel, and Egypt, but the range of pre-Christian texts is limited:There are presumably others in various collections in Greece, but the information available online is unfortunately not very extensive. There are also many palimpsests, and I wouldnt be surprised if a number of them have never been identified.Because of this shortage, modern knowledge of ancient Greek texts relies much more on the Greek books that were taken from Greece to Italy in the 1300s and 1400s. Petrarch (1304-1374) is the most famous person in this part of the texts story. But there are other book collectors who are even more important: Giovanni Aurispa (1376-1459), Francesco Filelfo (1398-1481), and Basilios Bessarion (1403-1472, a.k.a. Vissarion) all lived in Greek-speaking lands and brought large libraries to Italy Aurispa and Filelfo because they were westerners who were appointed to positions in Greece, Bessarion because he was a Catholic cleric. Bessarion bequeathed his library to the city of Venice, and it formed the basis of the Biblioteca Marciana. The early 1400s saw a boom in translating Greek texts into Latin, and the rise of the printing press led to a wave of printed editions from the 1470s onwards.The subsequent history of the texts is entangled with westerners idealisation of antiquity, and the fact that modern knowledge of the texts has been filtered through Italy. Westerners came to treat Greece and Rome as something separate from, and superior to, other ancient (and contemporary) cultures. And because of the Italian filtering, they are often thought of as inextricably linked to western culture. So we need to have a word about racism here.The modern history of Greco-Roman texts is brutally colonialist, to an almost comical extreme. Classics as a field is practically the archetype of a field that is white, male, and parochial. The glory that was Greece, and the grandeur that was Rome (Edgar Allan Poe) is still a cornerstone of how these cultures are perceived: its no coincidence that people like Steve Bannon and Boris Johnson are enthused about Greek antiquity, and that white nationalists are obsessed This affects the position of ancient texts in the modern world in many ways. One obvious sign is the personnel involved. Racism plagues the field as much as ever. That isnt because the material is an automatic switch-off for black people. Positive role models exist (though we need more of them). Just a few days ago the writer Maaza Mengiste tweeted thatIf you want to find university courses on colour and race in the ancient world; if you want to learn Latin or Greek from a textbook thatcast ancient slavery as comical, or even benign well, they exist. But youll have to hunt around.For our purposes today, the main outcome of western-eurocentrism is a widespread disregard for textual transmission, manuscripts, and scholars in any place other than western Europe. Its seen in things like Pfeiffers avoidance of mentioning Greek libraries, scholars, and book-collectors. We also saw it in Part 1 , in those popular articles that refuse to acknowledge transmission in Greece, let alone in eastern Europe or western Asia.In the standard histories you wont find a single word about Athanasios Papadopoulos-Kerameus monumental work in the 1880s and 1890s on cataloguing manuscripts held at libraries in northern Greece, Jerusalem, Izmir, Istanbul, and St Petersburg. Its unsurprising that a scholar who was ready to undertake that work ended up finding a home in Russia, and not in a western country.Popular perceptions and general introductions may keep quiet about transmission outside western Europe, but editors are more open-minded. When a modern editor wants to to put out a new edition of an ancient text, they will go where the manuscripts are whether thats in Italy or Greece, France or Egypt, Britain or Turkey.The surviving manuscripts of ancient Latin and Greek texts are kept today in a wide variety of libraries. Almost all of them are available to any scholar with reasonable credentials. If youd rather save the airfare, digitised copies are available for a moderate fee maybe on the order of 50 to 100 if there arent too many pages. Some of the most important collections are the Apostolic Library at the Vatican, the Biblioteca Ambrosiana in Milan, the Biblioteca Medicea Laurenziana in Florence, the Bibliotheque nationale in Paris, the British Library in London, and many, many more.When an editor makes a new edition of Livy or Herodotus, they regularly draw from manuscript copies made as recently as the 1700s. A modern edition will normally list the manuscripts that exist; which libraries theyre in; catalogue numbers and physical descriptions; and the genetic relationships between them, showing which manuscripts matter more than others. There will also be a set of abbreviations or, which are used to scrupulously annotate variants where the manuscripts differ from one another.Lets take an example. A 2013 edition of Diogenes Laertius, edited by Tiziano Dorandi, lists 30 Greek manuscripts. Heres a boiled-down version of the first few:and so on. The list carries on with manuscripts held in other collections too, in London, Leiden, Moscow, Madrid, Prague, Vienna, Cambridge, and Munich. The text of Diogenes Laertius as we know it is entirely dependent on these physical manuscripts, held at these specific archives.Youll notice from the links that many of these are available online. Click on them, and youll find yourself looking at the basis of the modern text. Some libraries are more proactive about digitising manuscripts than others. The Vatican has been making a big push to digitise as much as possible. Institutions do charge fees, because digitisation costs money, but some of them make the digitised manuscript freely available online straight afterwards.Our texts of Vergil and Homer cant be based on copies from the poets own lifetimes, because no such copies have survived. But the texts have. Dont go thinking that their convoluted history means we cant trust that text: scribal copying has on the whole been reasonably faithful over the millennia.If some scribes have been dishonest or incompetent, that can often be spotted by comparing different manuscripts. Modern editors have an arsenal of techniques for analysing the differences between manuscripts and reconstructing how they came about. Once again Reynolds and Wilsons book is a useful introduction here: they give a compact account of the principles, and the most common types of textual corruption. A state parole officer admitted in State Supreme Court last month that he planted evidence in a gun and drug case and lied about it. Eliezer Rosario II also admitted on the witness stand that he wouldn't have planted the evidence if he knew he was being recorded by a Buffalo police officer's body-worn camera, according to defense attorneys and a transcript of the court proceedings. And now state police are investigating Rosario for his actions in this case, as well as any potential previous misdeeds. A judge dismissed the charges against Anthony S. Davis on June 16, a couple of hours after Davis' defense attorneys got Rosario to admit he placed Davis' ID card next to a round of ammunition in the parolee's residence. "Thank God the Buffalo police were wearing body cameras," said Sean Kelly, one of Davis' trial attorneys. Home visit leads to gun charge Davis, 51, was supposed to check in with his parole officer by phone on Nov. 25, 2020. Rosario never got a call, so that night he and a partner went to a boarding house on Northumberland Avenue where Davis was living. After Davis let them in, the officers looked around and reportedly found a loaded handgun in a common area inside the house. The parole officers contacted Buffalo police, and five officers arrived a short time later. The parole officers were not wearing body cameras, but several of the police officers were. While Rosario and Police Officer Trevor Sheehan are looking around Davis' room, Sheehan discovered something on a TV stand, according to footage recorded by Sheehan's body-worn camera. "There's a bullet right here in his room," Sheehan says, shining a flashlight near a remote control and a bottle in front of a television. "Where's the bullet at?" says Rosario, who was behind the TV stand. "Right here," the police officer responds. "I'll take that picture," Rosario tells him. Rosario takes out a cellphone and holds it above the TV stand. A few seconds later, Rosario quietly says, "Wait, wait, wait, wait." In the corner of the frame, the video shows a gloved hand appearing to reach across the top of the stand near the round of ammunition. In Rosario's hand was Davis' state-issued Department of Corrections and Community Supervision identification card. Rosario takes another photo. "How 'bout that, ID with the gun. ID with the bullet," Rosario said, correcting himself about the description. Buffalo police charged Davis, who had been paroled in 2019 on a felony drug conviction, with misdemeanor criminal possession of a weapon, as well as two low-level drug charges. 'That's what it looks like' If convicted of the charges second-degree criminal possession of a weapon and seventh-degree drug possession Davis would have faced seven to 15 years in prison, his attorneys said. On June 16, Rosario was on the witness stand, the second prosecution witness in Davis' jury trial. During his testimony, prosecutors from the Erie County District Attorney's Office entered into evidence a photo showing the ammo on the top of the TV stand in Davis' room. During questioning by defense attorney Nicholas Texido, Rosario was shown another photograph of the round, this one with Davis' ID next to it. Davis' defense attorneys also played the body-cam video and walked through the footage with Rosario. They stopped the video at the point when a blue-gloved hand entered the frame, according to the trial transcript. "Was that you putting my client's prison ID next to the bullet?" Texido asked. "That's what it looks like, yes," Rosario answered. Rosario admitted he wrote in a legal document that he found the round of ammunition next to Davis' ID card. Providing false information in a sworn statement, including a deposition, is illegal. "It was a lie that the bullet was right next to his New York State DOCCS identification card, right? Yes?" Texido said. "Yes," Rosario said. "OK. Because it wasn't originally there, right? Correct?" Texido said. "Yes," Rosario said. Rosario told Texido he didn't know what he was doing was being captured by Sheehan's body camera. "You wouldn't have done it if you knew it was being recorded, right?" Texido said. Judge Paul Wojtaszek interjects, "Can you answer the question?" "No," Rosario said. "No, you wouldn't have done it?" Texido said "No," Rosario said. After Rosario's cross-examination and a lunch break, Rachel Newton, a chief in the district attorney's felony trial bureau, asked the judge to dismiss the case, which he did. Rosario, 42, did not respond to The Buffalo News' requests for comment. Rosario put on paid leave Davis' attorneys said they also have other questions about the round of ammunition found on the TV stand. Rosario's partner testified he was the first person to look in Davis' room, but he didn't see it there. The parole officers reported that when they found the gun, there were 12 rounds in the magazine. The one found in Davis' room, would bring the total number of rounds to 13. But police submitted 12 rounds to the county crime lab as evidence. "That tells me either the one from the bedroom was never collected, it was lost or one of the bullets was taken out of the magazine and placed in the bedroom before body cam arrived on the scene," Texido said. Rosario was hired as an Erie County probation officer, working on juvenile cases, in 2013. He became a parole officer in July 2018. In an emailed statement, a spokesperson for the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision said the department's Office of Special Investigations Internal Affairs Division started investigating after accusations of misconduct against Rosario came to light. Rosario has been placed on paid administrative leave. "The investigation will examine the present incident, as well as attempt to identify any potential previous malfeasance or misfeasance," spokesperson Nicole Sheremeta said. County officials are not considering an investigation into any of Rosario's work for the probation department, said Peter Anderson, spokesman for County Executive Mark Poloncarz. "There's no indication of anything wrong or that would necessitate an investigation into his work while he was here," Anderson said. Since 2019, Rosario also worked as a seasonal Erie County sheriff's deputy, providing security at Buffalo Bills games. He resigned from that post July 1, 15 days after admitting on the witness stand he had lied about the evidence. Because of Rosario's history of working with Erie County prosecutors, a special prosecutor will be appointed to handle any potential prosecution of Rosario, Erie County prosecutors said in court when the charges against Davis were dismissed. Meanwhile, Davis has filed notice of his intent to sue Rosario, New York State, the state Division of Parole, DOCCS, the City of Buffalo and the Buffalo Police Department. Davis' lawyers said they believe this case demonstrates the importance of police body cameras. "Anybody that wears a badge that can take your freedom away should be having a body cam," Kelly said. News Staff Reporter Sandra Tan contributed to this report. Have an interesting bit of news youd like to see mentioned in the Along the Way column? Email it to Natasha Connolly at news@thesunchronicle.com. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate LONDON (AP) The BBC on Thursday apologized to the former nanny of Princes William and Harry over false and malicious claims made against her as part of a journalist's attempt to obtain an exclusive television interview with Princess Diana. Alexandra Pettifer, formerly known as Tiggy Legge-Bourke, appeared at London's High Court Thursday for a public apology from the broadcaster over false claims that she had an affair with Prince Charles while working as his personal assistant in 1995. Her lawyer told the court the allegations caused serious personal consequences for all concerned. BBC director-general Tim Davie said the corporation has agreed to pay substantial damages to Pettifer. The broadcaster had failed to ask the tough questions about how the Diana interview was obtained, he added. I would like to take this opportunity to apologize publicly to her, to The Prince of Wales, and to the Dukes of Cambridge and Sussex, for the way in which Princess Diana was deceived and the subsequent impact on all their lives, Davie said in a statement. William and Harry have strongly criticized the BBC for its shortcomings after an investigation found that one of its journalists, Martin Bashir, used deceitful means to secure the explosive Diana interview in 1995. In the interview, a major scoop for Bashir, Diana famously said that there were three of us in this marriage referring to Prince Charles relationship with Camilla Parker-Bowles. Her candid account of her failing marriage with Charles was watched by millions of people and sent shockwaves through the monarchy. Pettifer's lawyer, Louise Prince, said the former nanny hadn't known the source of the allegations against her over the past 25 years. But it now appeared likely that the claims arose as part of the BBC's efforts to procure the Diana interview, Prince said. The false claims including an allegation that Pettifer became pregnant with Charles' baby and had an abortion appeared to exploit prior false media speculation, the lawyer said. She said Diana confronted Pettifer about the allegation in late 1995, and told a member of the royal household that she had a hospital letter proving the abortion happened. As the allegation of an abortion was totally false, any such letter could only have been fabricated," Prince said. Davie said the broadcaster would never show the Diana interview again or license it to other broadcasters. Pettifer said after the hearing that she was disappointed legal action was needed. The BBC has already paid damages to Diana's former aide as well as a former BBC producer who was dismissed after he alerted editors to faked documents that Bashir used to gain access to Diana. ATLANTA (AP) Georgia Republicans who signed a certificate falsely stating that Donald Trump had won the state in 2020 and that they were the states duly elected and qualified electors will have to appear before a special grand jury investigating whether the former president and others illegally tried to interfere in the state's election, a judge said Thursday. Lawyers for 11 of the 16 people who signed that certificate, all of whom have received letters saying they could face criminal charges related to the investigation, had asked the judge to quash their subpoenas. Attorney Holly Pierson said that once her clients were told they were targets of the investigation, rather than witnesses, she advised them they should invoke their rights against self-incrimination and there are no questions she would be comfortable with them answering before the panel. Were asking you on behalf of our clients not to have them frog-marched in front of the cameras into this courtroom, Pierson said to Fulton County Superior Court Judge Robert McBurney, who's overseeing the special grand jury. Lawyers with the Fulton County district attorney's office said they planned to ask questions about topics other than just the selection of an alternate slate of electors, so they shouldn't be excused from appearing just because they won't answer questions on that topic. McBurney said he would issue a written order soon, but said he would not quash the subpoenas. He suggested that the lawyers for the district attorney's office and the lawyers for those who signed the false certificate should meet before each witness testifies to talk about the topics to be covered and then he could settle any disputes. McBurney also heard arguments from a lawyer for state Sen. Burt Jones, the Republican nominee for Georgia lieutenant governor, who had asked the judge to remove District Attorney Fani Willis from the investigation. Willis has a conflict of interest because she hosted a fundraiser last month for Jones' Democratic opponent, Charlie Bailey, attorney Bill Dillon argued. He also suggested that the district attorney's office had leaked the fact that Jones, who signed the false electors certificate, was considered a target of the investigation to a reporter and then publicly confirmed that in a court filing to hurt Jones and help Bailey. Disqualification of a district attorney requires an actual conflict of interest rather than just the appearance of a conflict of interest, and routine political support by an elected district attorney for another candidate from the same party does not meet that bar, said Anna Green Cross, a lawyer for Willis' office. McBurney said he doesn't disagree that there's an appearance of a conflict: "Its a What are you thinking? moment. The optics are horrible." But he repeatedly pressed Dillon on whether there was an actual conflict. He said he's not inclined to remove the entire district attorney's office from the investigation and asked Dillon what he would propose. Dillon suggested having state Attorney General Chris Carr appoint another prosecutor to handle any part of the investigation that has to do with Jones. Find somebody who doesnt have a dog in the hunt. Fani Willis has a dog in the hunt, he said, referring to her known support of Jones's opponent. The special grand jury, which operates behind closed doors, was seated in May at Willis's request and has the power to subpoena evidence and witnesses. It does not have the power to issue an indictment. Instead, once its investigation is completed, it will issue a report with recommendations. It will then be up to Willis to decide whether to seek an indictment from a regular grand jury. Dillon raised concerns that Willis could release the special grand jury report in mid-October, right before the November general election, and that could hurt Jones politically. McBurney clarified that there is no definite timeline for the special grand jury, but he said it would be him and not Willis who would receive and release the report. He said he would ensure that there is a meaningful time buffer between the release and the election. Also Thursday, Willis responded in federal court to an attempt by U.S. Rep. Jody Hice to avoid testifying before the special grand jury. She rejected his arguments and asked that the matter be returned to Fulton County Superior Court in preparation for Congressman Hice's compliance with his lawfully issued subpoena. Hice was one of several GOP lawmakers who attended a December 2020 meeting at the White House in which Trump allies discussed various ways to overturn Joe Bidens electoral win. Willis has also said her team is looking into is a Jan. 2, 2021, phone call in which Trump urged Georgias secretary of state, Brad Raffensperger, to find enough votes to overturn his loss; calls that Sen. Lindsey Graham made to Raffensperger; and false claims of election fraud that were made by Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani and others during December 2020 legislative committee hearings at the state Capitol. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate MANILA, Philippines (AP) Human rights activists on Thursday launched a new campaign in the Philippines to prevent a repeat of the abuses and plunder of the martial-law era that began 50 years ago under the father of the country's new president, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Pro-Marcos propaganda has portrayed the late presidents reign as a golden era. But the activists said in a news conference they would fight efforts by Marcos Jr. and his supporters to gloss over the widespread human rights atrocities and corruption committed under the elder Marcos' dictatorship. He imposed martial law in the Philippines in September 1972 and finally was ousted in a 1986 army-backed People Power pro-democracy uprising. His family returned home from U.S. exile in 1991 and accomplished an astonishing political comeback that culminated with the landslide victory of his son in the May presidential race. Marcos Jr. took office on June 30. He has steadfastly refused to acknowledge and apologize for the abuses under his fathers rule. There was no immediate comment from Marcos Jr. or his key advisers after Thursday's news conference. The reign of the Marcoses was never a golden era, the activists said in a joint statement. Unmasking what it really was and underscoring its bitter lessons is urgent and extremely necessary because of the continuing disinformation and organized distortion of history with the governments official imprimatur." Film director Joel Lamangan, who was jailed and tortured during the martial law era, cited an upcoming movie being promoted by Sen. Imee Marcos, the presidents elder sister, which depicts their familys version of the dramatic 72 hours before they were driven from the presidential palace in Manila to U.S. exile. Sen. Imee Marcos has told reporters she felt the need to tell her familys side of the story, but Lamangan said he expected the movie to be a dramatic cover-up." Judy Taguiwalo, a retired university professor who was jailed and severely tortured during the Marcos dictatorship, said the fight for justice and freedom is generational. She asked the young to take over the struggle from activists like her who are now mostly in their 70s and 80s. The young should really come forward because were afflicted by rheumatism and we have many co-morbidities, said Taguiwalo, now 72. Never again, never forget, continue the fight. The campaign organizers said they planned events to explain how the martial-law era's abuses were whitewashed to bring another Marcos back to the presidency. Human rights lawyer Edre Olalia said Filipinos should closely examine Marcos Jr.s track record, including his past tax conviction, the non-payment of a huge estate tax by the Marcos family and his silence on the rights abuses and plunder under his fathers strongman rule. We have the benefit of a hindsight, Olalia said. There is material basis and reasonable ground to be skeptical. The elder Marcos died in exile in Hawaii in 1989 without admitting any wrongdoing, including accusations that he and his family amassed an estimated $5 billion to $10 billion while he was in power. But a Hawaii court later found him liable for massive human rights violations and awarded $2 billion from his estate to compensate more than 9,000 Filipinos who filed a lawsuit against him for torture, incarceration, extrajudicial killings and disappearances. ___ Associated Press journalist Aaron Favila contributed to this report. HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) Republicans have sued again in an attempt to throw out Pennsylvania's broad mail-in voting law, even as the state's highest court considers a separate lawsuit aimed at wiping out a law that lost favor with Republicans following former President Donald Trump's baseless claims about election fraud. It is the latest fight over voting laws in a political battleground state. The lawsuit comes barely two months before voters can send in mail-in ballots in the fall election featuring high-profile contests for governor and the U.S. Senate. The suit, filed Wednesday in the Commonwealth Court by 14 state Republican lawmakers, contends that the court must invalidate the law because of a provision written into it that says it is void if any of its requirements are struck down in court. The lawsuit says the non-severability provision was triggered in a May 20 decision by a panel of the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals concerning mail-in ballots in a Lehigh County judicial race in November. The ballots in question lacked handwritten dates on the return envelopes, as required in the law. In the decision, the panel found that a handwritten date has no bearing on a voter's eligibility and said it would violate voters' civil rights to throw out their ballots in that election simply because they lacked a handwritten date. The panel pointed out that ballots with incorrect dates had been counted. An appeal by the Republican candidate in the race is pending in the U.S. Supreme Court. Gov. Tom Wolf's administration declined to comment on the lawsuit. However, it separately wrote in a response to a state lawmaker's query Wednesday that the federal appeals court decision did not trigger the non-severability provision. That's because the lawsuit had targeted Lehigh County's decision to not count the ballots, not the validity of the date requirement, said the letter from Wolf's acting secretary of state, Leigh Chapman. In any case, state courts have not always chosen to enforce non-severability provisions in the past, including in a high-profile 2006 case over government pay raises. In a dissent in a 2020 election case at the state Supreme Court, Justice Christine Donohue criticized the mail-in voting laws non-severability provision as being overly broad. It sets forth no standard for measuring non-severability, but instead simply purports to dictate to the courts how they must decide severability, Donohue wrote. Adam Bonin, the lawyer who represented the Democratic candidate in the Lehigh County judicial race, called the new lawsuit desperate and doomed, a gross attempt to violate separation of powers. Republican legislators should work on improving the voting experience and vote canvassing process, not stunts like this. he said. Bruce Ledewitz, a Duquesne University law professor, said the federal appeals court did not necessarily find the handwritten date requirement to be unconstitutional potentially undercutting the premise of the new lawsuit. Ledewitz also said it would be very strange for a court to invalidate an entire law for such a minor provision. Pennsylvania's 2019 mail-in voting law has become a hot topic for Republicans on the campaign trail, with Republican gubernatorial nominee Doug Mastriano vowing to repeal it if he gets elected. Most states offer mail-in voting for all voters, and every Republican lawmaker but one voted for Pennsylvania's law in 2019. But Republicans in Pennsylvania soured on mail-in voting after Trump began baselessly attacking it as rife with fraud in his 2020 reelection campaign. Perhaps as a result, Democrats in Pennsylvania have more heavily voted by mail than Republicans. Last year, the same 14 Republican lawmakers including 11 who actually voted for the law sued to throw out the law, saying that prior court rulings make it clear that the constitution must be changed to allow no-excuse mail-in voting. An intermediate court agreed in January. Wolfs administration appealed, saying that the lower court wrongly based its decision on court rulings under older versions of the state constitution that invalidated laws passed in 1839 and 1923 to expand absentee voting. ___ Follow Marc Levy on Twitter at https://twitter.com/timelywriter. Amazon has just begun testing drone delivery in northern California, but its not all good news for a commercial drone industry struggling with employee reductions, shutdowns, acquisitions and now more pushback from leery locals. In 2013, Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos famously predicted 30-minute drone delivery within five years. Yet Bezos was able to fly Star Trek actor William Shatner into space before he was able to deliver an Amazon package to a U.S. customer via drone. Today, widespread home parcel drop-offs, medical delivery, and automated infrastructure inspections remain a thing of the futureat least here in America. Bezos couldnt foresee regulators paralyzed by indecision over the right way to protect residents property and privacy rights. Now, a possible solutiondrone highways above roadwaysis emerging. State and federal transportation officials have proposed them, but red flags remain for the industry. The drone industrys struggles may surprise the casual observer who correctly perceives that drone capabilities have improved rapidly. Almost every outdoor venue, real estate company and wedding photographer has a drone operator at the ready for aerial footage. Dozens of companies have tested drone delivery, and last month, Walmart announced an expansion of its pilot program to seven cities. A few companies like Wing have made hundreds of thousands of deliveries in other countries, and U.S.-based Zipline delivers 75% of the national medical blood supply in Rwanda. So, why, as a major drone trade publication noted recently, is the U.S. industry facing a major crisis before it really takes off? The problem isnt the technology. As federal researchers reported to Congress, its unclear who regulates drone operations. Commercial drones raise issues of local concern, like privacy and trespass laws, because they can fly anywhere, including in backyards and above sensitive locations like prisons, schools and stadiums. But aviation rules have traditionally been determined at the national level. Within its initial drone guidelines in 2015, the Federal Aviation Administration acknowledged that many state and local rules apply to drone operations. In 2017, the agency recruited state and local officials to discuss ways to protect residents without shutting down drone commerce. However, as the Washington Post reported, those negotiations quickly broke down in acrimony and dysfunction. Also in 2017, the FAA organized an internal legal team to clarify and announce where federal airspace rules would end and state and local rules would begin. Five years later: silence. Meanwhile, anxiety within the industry is increasing as the FAA misses congressional deadlines for drone policies by years. Some in the industry have instead urged the FAA to unilaterally invalidate state and local rules protecting landowners air rights and privacy. Curiously, a few months after industry negotiations with state and local officials broke down, someone at the FAA made major changes to its guidance. Most alarming for homeowners, in one section, a single word was quietly stripped: trespass. The FAA provided no explanation why it no longer believes trespass laws apply to unwanted drone flights. This bizarre behavior by regulators as well as the refusal of some drone companies to acknowledge legitimate concerns of landowners means an unpredictable legal environment that slowly bleeds many drone startups of cash. A national policy for aerial drone highways could alleviate much of the legal chaos in the near future and there are signs that it may happen. Last fall, the Federal Highway Administration released a report mentioning the creation of drone highways and leasing airspace over highways. Using the airspace over highways millions of miles of unused air corridors typically owned or managed by transportation departments would avoid legal issues raised by drones flying above backyards. It would also provide much-needed predictability for startup investors and passive revenue to federal and state governments. As other countries race to commercialize rapid, emission-free drone deliveries, inspections and agriculture services, U.S. drone companies and regulators are largely watching from the sidelines. Hopefully, commercial drone policy will soon experience a smooth takeoff. But as Jeff Bezos a brilliant prognosticator of customer and business trends learned, too often, the regulatory process is a black box. NEW YORK (AP) India's film industry is one of the most vast and varied in the world it's really not one but many separate industries, including Bollywood, Tollywood and others yet few of the country's roughly 2,000 annually produced movies ever make much of a dent with Western audiences. We have a long tradition of storytelling in India. We have probably the oldest and most colorful stories, says director S.S. Rajamouli. Not being able to travel across borders has been a disappointment. That has changed emphatically with Rajamouli's RRR, a three-hour Telugu-language action epic that has not only become one of India's biggest hits ever but climbed U.S. box-office charts before finding an even wider audience on Netflix. For nine straight weeks, RRR" has ranked among the top 10 non-English language films on the streaming service. Dubbed in Hindi and subtitled in 15 different languages, RRR is the most popular film from India ever on Netflix, charting among the top 10 films in 62 different countries. For many, RRR," based on Hindu mythology and the freedom fighters that fought British colonialism, is their first encounter with Tollywood, the Telugu movie industry, or Indian films, at all. What many have seen is a movie filled to the brim with over-the-top action sequences and sprawling dance numbers, and an energy that today's Hollywood blockbusters seldom match. Motorbikes are juggled. Tigers are thrown. Suspenders prove a surprisingly pliable dancing prop. There is never enough for me, Rajamouli said in a recent interview from Hyderabad in India. The only thing too much is my producer coming in and saying, Were crossing our budget. You need to stop somewhere. That is the only thing that will stop me. If given a chance, I will go even bigger and wilder, no doubt about it. "To the brink, and nothing less. That go-for-broke style has earned the endorsements of some of Hollywood's blockbuster filmmakers. James Gunn and Scott Derrickson, who have each helmed Marvel movies, have heaped their praise on RRR" since it began streaming. The RRR success has come while Netflix is reeling from subscriber loss and a stock decline, a downturn that has thrown its movie model into debate. But one less disputable aspect of Netflix's platform is its ability to foster non-English global hits. RRR comes in the wake of global series hits like the Korean Squid Game and France's Lupin. Theatrical-first movies like the South Korean best-picture-winning Parasite have already toppled what director Bong Joon Ho has called the one-inch barrier of subtitles. Frankly, I didnt expect this kind of reception from the West, says Rajamouli. In the country and across the Indian diaspora all over the world is what we expected. But the reception from the West was a complete surprise for me. I always thought that Western sensibilities are different from my kind of films. I mostly cater to Eastern or Indian sensibilities. But while RRR has certain effects-heavy Hollywood characteristics that make it not so dissimilar from a superhero movie, it's deeply engrained in Indian myth and present-day circumstance. RRR stands for Rise Roar Revolt but it also refers to Rajamouli and his two stars, N.T. Rama Rao Jr. and Ram Charan. They're each from movie-star dynasties that have previously been more like rivals. This is Charan and Rao's first film together, which is a little like a meeting of Al Pacino and Robert De Niro, if they were also the sons of Marlon Brando and James Dean. They play real-life Indian revolutionaries Alluri Sitarama Raju (Charan) and Komaram Bheem (Rao) who team up in 1920s British-controlled India. In returning to the origins of modern-day India, RRR inevitably relates to today's India, where, like in many other countries in recent years, nationalism has been on the rise. Since being elected in 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emboldened India's Hindu majority, sometimes at the expense of its Muslim minority. Rajamouli, 48, has risen as one of the country's biggest name directors over the same time period. He launched his two-part Baahubali" epic in 2015. Its 2017 sequel ranks as the country's biggest box-office smash. (Both are also streaming on Netflix.) But the political subtext of those films some have found troubling. In Baahubali, even though it seems to have no connection with the political present, what it foregrounds is a muscular form of Hinduism, which is the worst manifestation of the right-wing nationalism, says Rini Bhattacharya Mehta, a University of Illinois professor who has written several books on Indian cinema. Jingoist, nationalistic Hindu machismo. In the story, its projected into the mythological past. Baahubali was a Telugu triumph that signaled that Tollywood in India's South had perhaps surpassed Bollywood as the country's top movie factory. In RRR, the most expensive Telugu film ever made with a budget of $72 million, Rajamouli is juggling both Telugu traditions and Bollywood song-and-dance aesthetics in what Mehta considers a Pan-Indian movie. Muslim characters appear, although not in primary roles. RRR" in this way may not be so different from American blockbusters. This summer's top film in the U.S., Top Gun: Maverick, also doesn't skimp on muscular jingoism. Rajamouli has heard the critics but disagrees with their interpretations. I understand that point of view. Sometimes, I feel theyre just being blind, he says. Personally, Im an atheist. I dont believe in god. I dont believe in any religion. But I understand the power of spiritualism. For me, spiritualism is an emotion. And I write stories filled with emotions. Surely, many of the cultural references and connections in RRR will sail right over the heads of most Western viewers. But the sheer verve of its filmmaking isn't getting lost in translation and that may mean more cultural-crossovers for Tollywood and India to come. "India cinema has had a different life and cycle of its own. If we keep an open mind, we can see this as the arrival of something," says Mehta. Only time can tell. Well have to see if this is actually a new trend and there will be more films like this made. Indian or Telugu cinema might keep it up, or this might be a one-shot thing. Rajamouli, meanwhile, is prepping his next highly anticipated film. He's now often asked about whether he'd ever want to make a Hollywood movie or a Marvel one. RRR, though, hints more at Western audiences coming to Indian films, than vice versa. And Rajamouli's focus is in making Indian films for India and beyond. Because of the success of RRR with Western audiences, I am trying to make a film for the entire world, not just India, says Rajamouli. But I wouldnt try to locate Western sensibilities and try to match up and change my story according to that. I think that would never work. Follow AP Film Writer Jake Coyle on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/jakecoyleAP Two of the UK's largest audit firms are still producing work of an 'unacceptable' standard, the accounting watchdog has said. BDO and Mazars, which sit a rung down from the Big Four firms Deloitte, EY, KPMG and PwC have been ordered by the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) to improve their audits. Both did work that required 'more than limited improvements', the watchdog said a blow to BDO and Mazars, who see themselves as challengers to the industry titans. 'Unacceptable': Accountants BDO and Mazars, which sit a rung down from the Big Four firms Deloitte, EY, KPMG and PwC, have been ordered to improve their audits It is the second year in a row in which they have scored worst on audit quality. Just 58 per cent of BDO's audits passed the FRC's 'sniff test', and half of Mazars'. But it was the first time in several years where no Big Four auditor was slapped on the wrist. After being singled out last year, KPMG was told it had 'significantly improved'. FRC chief executive Sir Jon Thompson said: 'While it is encouraging to see some improvement in audit quality at the largest audit firms, consistent, long-term improvement is still required.' The FRC has been pushing auditors to buck up, following high-profile corporate collapses such as Carillion and Patisserie Valerie. Auditors are supposed to check a company's financial statements to assure shareholders, staff and suppliers that nothing looks awry. But they have been criticised for doing shoddy work, failing to grill company directors sufficiently or challenge what bosses tell them. Andrew Bailey has been blasted by MPs for failing to protect British Steel pensioners while he was boss of the City watchdog. Bailey, now Governor of the Bank of England, did not do enough to prevent 'unscrupulous financial advisers' from robbing steelworkers of their savings, the public accounts committee (PAC) found. Around 7,800 British Steel employees were mis-sold pensions when the Government introduced 'pensions freedoms' in 2015, which allowed them to transfer savings into riskier defined contribution schemes. Bank of England boss Andrew Bailey was formerly the boss of City watchdog the Financial Conduct Authority They lost an average of 82,600 each with some losing up to 489,000 and have been fighting for millions in compensation. The PAC said the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) was 'consistently behind the curve', and 'failed to take preventative action to protect consumers'. PAC chairman Labour MP Dame Meg Hillier said: 'Whatever your views on the freedoms introduced in 2015, they clearly came with significant risk. 'Yet a full two years later the FCA was still behind the curve when the British Steel pension scheme was opened up for unscrupulous financial advisers to transfer steelworkers' life savings out of a gold-plated scheme and into whatever investment would produce the highest adviser fees. The head of the FCA, Andrew Bailey, stressed to the PAC that these were the 'most complicated financial decisions a person could make in their lifetime' so how was it that even with two years' lead time the organisation was unprepared?' Hillier also criticised the FCA for creating an 'inadequate' redress scheme. It comes after Bailey, FCA boss between 2016 and 2020, was criticised for allegedly 'falling asleep' in a meeting about the British Steel pensions scandal. Labour MP Nick Smith, who led the campaign for justice, said: 'The FCA failed to get a grip on this scandal at the outset, was slow to respond in the aftermath and not nearly enough has been done to hold those responsible to account. 'Working people need a regulator that protects them and is able to take strong action against the financial sharks that would target them.' The FCA must review what went wrong, the PAC said, engage more with consumers and make better use of data. They could shorten a four-and-a-half hour car journey to just 30 minutes or slash lengthy trips into London from cities like Cambridge, it is claimed. California-based Joby Aviation, which makes flying taxis that seat one pilot and four riders, wants to offer journeys in the UK shortly after the company receives certification in the US. Its founder and chief executive JoeBen Bevirt reckons it is the start of a new transport era 'similar to the transition from horses to automobiles' or 'canals to rail lines'. Where to, guv? Joby Aviation's flying taxis, which seat one pilot and four riders, have a range of more than 150 miles and a top speed of more than 200mph He said it would take time to build up manufacturing capacity but added: 'The industry will be moving millions of people by the end of the decade.' The US company has applied for its aircraft design to be certified for use in Britain. At the Farnborough International Airshow in Hampshire, Bevirt said: 'We're so excited about the UK as a market. It's just fantastic to be able to provide the mobility that this new class of aircraft brings to people.' He said a recent trip from an event in Cambridge to a dinner in London took two-and-a-half hours when it could have been over in 15 minutes. He added: 'I was in the Scottish highlands recently a four-and-a-half hour car trip that could have been done in 45 minutes, maybe even 30. Every trip that I take, I am reminded of what a profound impact this is going to have on so many people's lives.' Joby is aiming to have its US authorisation by the Federal Aviation Administration validated concurrently by the UK's Civil Aviation Authority. That follows an agreement between the regulators this year to use an existing bilateral safety deal, which already applies to planes, for flying taxis, known as 'electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft' (eVTOLs). High flyer: Joby Aviation chief exec JoeBen Bevirt reckons it is the start of a new era of transportation Joby, whose investors include Uber, is targeting 2024 as the US start date, so the taxis could be in British skies soon after. Initially the focus would probably be on routes between central London and the city's airports and, potentially, pairings such as Manchester-Birmingham and Oxford-Cambridge. Japan and South Korea are other markets where it will look to launch. It is one of a number of companies jostling to be at the front of the rank when the technology finally takes off, including Vertical, which is led by Ovo Energy founder Stephen Fitzpatrick. Joby is a 'vertically-integrated' company, meaning it designs and manufactures most of the components on the aircraft, and plans to operate them. It says it has flown the longest, the highest and the fastest flights of any eVTOLs. Bevirt said, when asked to compare his 13-year-old company with rivals, that it had 'been in this a long time', flying full-scale aircraft since 2017 with a range of more than 150 miles and reaching speeds of more than 200mph. He said the noise level was 'unprecedented' 65 decibels at a 100-metre distance during the loudest portion of flight similar to a conversation. It also tries to blend in with background noise, making a sound more like a fan than the 'wop-wop' of a helicopter, he added. per cent Bevirt's firm listed in New York last year but shares are down 29 per cent in the year to date amid a broader downturn in stocks that are a bet on future growth. It is not yet making money from sales and for the first quarter reported a loss of $62.3million (51.9million), though it had $1.2billion (1billion) in cash to support investment and operations, including certifying and manufacturing. It lost $114million (95million) for 2021. Joby was among those making their pitches at the airshow this week as the aviation industry looks to a net zero future. Bevirt said he was inspired as a boy living in the countryside by his 'very long trip home from school every day', who was motivated 'to dream of a better way to get from a school that I loved to a home that I loved'. Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou has called a truce with Easyjet in a bitter row over a multi-billion pound order for new planes. The airlines founder and biggest shareholder backed buying 56 A320neo planes from Airbus, part of a 2013 order for 107 craft worth 4.5billion which he had said would sink the firm when flights were grounded after Covid struck. The Cypriot tycoon, whose family owns 15 per cent of Easyjet, repeatedly lashed out at Easyjet bosses throughout the pandemic and sought to unseat four directors. Turnaround: Easyjet founder Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou has backed a deal to buy 56 A320neo planes from Airbus, part of a 2013 order for 107 craft worth 4.5bn He branded management scoundrels, threatened to sue them and offered 5million to whistleblowers for information that would scupper the deal. He said going ahead with the order could be the biggest scandal in British corporate history. The airline lost billions of pounds while international travel was halted. But the 55-year-olds change of heart marks a thawing of tensions. Easyjet said the aircraft would consume 15 per cent to 25 per cent less fuel, significantly reducing costs. They are also more profitable as they contain more seats. It said the price would be a lot lower than 4.5billion, due to concessions. HSBC has become the first foreign bank in China to house a unit of the country's Communist Party in its latest concession to Beijing. The London-based giant's investment banking arm in China HSBC Qianhai Securities recently established a committee of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Under Chinese company law, a business must allow a CCP committee to be set up by employees. Dialogue: Under Chinese company law, a business must allow a CCP committee to be set up by employees But other foreign banks operating in China, such as Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan and Morgan Stanley, have so far resisted due to the tensions in values between Beijing and the West. HSBC's divergence from its peers led to fresh accusations that the lender is 'kow-towing' to Beijing. Tory MP Bob Seely, who sits on Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee, said HSBC's stance was 'very poor indeed'. He added: 'Clearly they are under political pressure to toe a CCP line, and I suspect that will become increasingly obvious. It's unethical and shows the way that China's regime uses an aggressive form of soft power to subvert freedom of speech. 'I worry that in the long run, this will corrode HSBC's business practices. It will undoubtedly damage its image and brand in the West.' Though HSBC is based in London, and its primary listing is on the London Stock Exchange, it makes most of its money in Asia. The idea of placing CCP groups within companies is to give China's ruling party an insight into their operations, and some sway over what happens within a business. But HSBC denied that it, or the government in Beijing, had influenced the establishment of its CCP committee. A spokesman for the bank said: 'Employees of private firms in China are able to form a Party branch. These branches are common and can be set up by as few as three employees. 'It is important to note that management has no role in establishing such groups, they do not influence the direction of the business, and have no formal role in the day to day activities of the business. HSBC does not track the political affiliation of its employees.' It is not the first time that HSBC has drawn criticism from the West. In 2020, following the bank's support for the draconian National Security Law imposed on Hong Kong by Beijing, then-US secretary of state Mike Pompeo blasted the business for its 'show of fealty' in the face of 'coercive bullying tactics'. MPs have been equally unimpressed. Members of the Foreign Affairs Committee accused HSBC of 'aiding and abetting one of the biggest crackdowns on democracy in the world'. HSBC's boss Noel Quinn has claimed the bank must follow the laws of the countries it operates in. The establishment of a CCP unit within the HSBC group comes after the lender boosted its ownership in HSBC Qianhai Securities from 51 per cent to 90 per cent, buying out more of the stake owned by its Chinese partner Qianhai Financial Holdings. One source told the Financial Times: 'It is significant in the sense of where [HSBC] is allocating its future. It is increasing its ties with an autocracy that clearly has views on how far it wants to reach into private companies. It is another brick in that wall.' Nine months after the worlds first malaria vaccine was recommended for use, international vaccine alliance Gavi invited countries to apply for financial support to roll out the jab, particularly targeting young children in Africa. The World Health Organization endorsed GSK Plcs (GSK.L) four-dose Mosquirix shot in October last year, saying it could save thousands of lives. Now Gavi, which has $155.7 million available over 2022-2025 for the initial roll-out of the vaccine, has invited countries to apply for funding and support to distribute the shot. It is a step forward for the vaccine, which has taken decades to develop. Malaria, on average, kills a child every minute. However the roll-out is expected to start slowly, with supply falling far below the vast demand for several years, a recent Reuters investigation found. Ghana, Kenya and Malawi African nations that have been involved in pilot progammes using the vaccine can apply first, by September, to broaden their use of the shot. Other countries can apply by the end of this year, Gavi said in a statement. The work towards a malaria vaccine has been long and hard, said Seth Berkley, chief executive of Gavi. Alongside the existing interventions like bed nets, Berkley said he hoped that the new tool would now allow us to save more lives in countries hit hardest by this killer disease. SOURCE: REUTERS After 20 years of operation, many of them fraught with conflict, New York State and the Seneca Nation of Indians will soon take up the work of negotiating a casino agreement to succeed the one that will expire in late 2023. Its likely to be difficult, but that doesnt mean it has to be ugly and, in that regard, the Senecas are making a pragmatic start. Believing probably correctly that many Western New Yorkers are unaware of the economic significance of the Nations three casinos, the Senecas have begun a promotional blitz to state their case. To the extent that it builds bridges between the Senecas and the larger community, its a worthwhile effort. The expiring casino compact, signed in 2002, was meant to benefit both the state, which was scrounging for new revenues, and the Senecas, who could count on billions of dollars in revenues. To make it happen, the administration of then-Gov. George E. Pataki arranged to transfer the municipal convention center in downtown Niagara Falls to the Senecas, transforming it into sovereign tribal territory and rendering moot the states constitutional prohibition against casino gambling. In exchange, the Senecas agreed to pay New York a portion of its slot machine revenues, which the state was then to share with Niagara Falls and the two other host communities, Buffalo and Salamanca. Both sides would benefit. It worked for a while. Significant conflicts arose twice. Four years of nonpayment by the Senecas came to an end in 2013 when then-Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo acknowledged the plain fact that state-approved gambling at racetracks in Hamburg, Batavia and Canandaigua violated the Nations zone of exclusivity. With that, the money start flowing again. For a while. The Senecas again began withholding payments in 2017, based on careless wording of the compacts routine extension. Because the renewed agreement didnt specifically restate the requirement for the casinos to send payments to Albany, the Nation stopped paying, referring the matter to binding arbitration, as the agreement required. The Senecas lost in a 2-1 ruling, but then went to court in an effort to keep the money. They lost there repeatedly, but still didnt agree to pay the money until March, when Gov. Kathy Hochul asked the Senecas bank to freeze their accounts, as she was legally allowed to do. With that, the dispute ended, though acrimoniously. Still to be resolved is the Senecas complaint that the compact failed, to their detriment, to abide by federal laws governing Indian casinos. It is in that context that negotiations over a new compact are soon to begin, and its fair to say that trust is lacking on both sides. There is a lot of money on the table plenty to go around as the state and the Senecas prepare to negotiate. It will help if tempers cool and both sides commit both to fairness and to resolving the inevitable disputes without unnecessary drama. It wont hurt that prospect for the Senecas to present their economic case to the residents of Western New York. It might even help. Whats your opinion? Send it to us at lettertoeditor@buffnews.com. Letters should be a maximum of 300 words and must convey an opinion. The column does not print poetry, announcements of community events or thank you letters. A writer or household may appear only once every 30 days. All letters are subject to fact-checking and editing. Thinkstock Images/Getty Images ALBANY Four people who allegedly attacked a woman in Albany on Tuesday night by delivering a beating that rendered her unconscious have been arrested. Albany firefighters shortly before 9:30 p.m. Tuesday observed an unresponsive woman lying on the sidewalk on Lexington Avenue near Orange Street, police said. ALBANY A 35-year-old man from the Washington County community of Argyle will spend the next four years in federal prison after admitting he illegally possessed firearms, ammunition and the materials for homemade bombs, according to the U.S. attorney. Daniel Day was sentenced Wednesday by Chief United States District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby who ordered he served three years of post-release supervision once he completes his prison time. TROY Kate Manley is stepping down in the fall as president of the Rensselaer County Regional Chamber of Commerce so she can concentrate more on her young family, according to a statement released this week. Serving as chamber president has been a remarkable honor and a wonderful experience, Manley said in the statement, but as anyone who has ever worked for a chamber of commerce can attest, the job is extremely demanding and time-consuming. I believe its really important to devote more time to my children. They will only be little for a short while, and I want to share as much of that time with them as I can. Jacom Stephens / Getty Image COLONIE A homeless man is charged with first-degree robbery and first-degree assault after an incident at the Shoprite Fuel Center at 1728 Central Ave. Tuesday morning, Colonie police said. A male suspect entered the store, demanded money, and assaulted the store clerk, fleeing with a small amount cash, police said. The clerk suffered injuries including a broken nose and a broken thigh bone. ALBANY Some 32,000 state employees and other public sector workers received a nice surprise in this years budget that many may not even know about. Lawmakers and Gov. Kathy Hochul, in the 2022-23 state budget, rolled back a Cuomo-era pension reform that required employees in Tier V and VI of the state pension system to work for 10 years before being vested, or eligible to get full lifetime pension benefits. When vested, a person gets all of the retirement benefits they have earned. If he or she leaves prior to the vesting period, they would not get those benefits, or pension checks. The change in this year's budget applies to members of the states employee retirement system as well as to uniformed police and firefighters who have their own retirement system. As of the end of March 2021, there were 126,146 pension system members who had more than five years of service credits or less than 10. Of those, 32,389 are over age 55 and therefore eligible to file for a retirement benefit. Before this most recent change, they would have had to log 10 years on the job before becoming vested, or eligible for a lifetime public pension. Those who leave at age 62 and 63 years, respectively for Tiers V and VI, get their full pension amount while those who retire at 55 or before turning 62 get a reduced amount. It wasnt immediately known how many of the eligible Tier V and VI people were still working for the state or had already left their jobs. Active public employees and retirees fall into any one of six tiers, or groupings based on their hiring dates. The first tier is for those who started work prior to July 1, 1973. Over the years, some of the newer tiers became less generous regarding benefits as the state budget grew. The switch from five to 10 years for vesting was a major change for those in Tier V and VI, who started work after Jan. 1, 2010, and April 1, 2012, respectively. The change was a key component of several reforms that former Gov. Andrew Cuomo made to try and contain the states growing public sector pension expenses. At the time, he said it would save taxpayers billions of dollars in future years. But public sector unions, who fiercely opposed the change, had been lobbying to bring back the five-year vesting. This year they achieved their goal. The enacted $220 billion New York State Fiscal Year 2023 budget contains much good news, stated a recent newsletter about the change from the state Civil Service Employees Association union, or CSEA, which touted the rollback. They said it was the First positive pension reform in more than 20 years, noting that union members had bombarded lawmakers with emails and phone calls urging the rollback. Political action pays off when making sure our budgetary priorities are addressed by Albanys decision-makers, CSEA said of the change. Tax and spending watchdogs, though, saw the rollback as a fiscal setback for taxpayers. Its the type of cost that has a longer tail, said Patrick Orecki, director of state studies at the Citizens Budget Commission. Its disturbing that she signed this, E.J. McMahon, founding senior fellow of the fiscally conservative Empire Center, said of Hochul. His organization found that the 10-year vesting, along with other changes Cuomo pushed through, saved the state and local governments outside of New York City more than $1 billion in 2021. The change came as an unexpected surprise, though, to Albany resident David Brickman who is retired from the state workforce. I had eight years, said Brickman, 64, who, after being laid off at the Schenectady Gazette in 2009 earned an MBA and went to work for the state. He ended up securing a job at the comptrollers office, auditing various programs for the state. He left in June 2019, figuring he would have to forgo his vesting, or enrollment in a lifetime state pension, which at the time required 10 years of work. But earlier this summer, a friend told him about the change in this years state budget. After calling the retirement system, Brickman learned he was eligible for a modest monthly pension since he had worked for more than five years at the state. The precise amount was still being finalized but he learned he was eligible for about $650 per month, not life-changing but welcome news nonetheless, considering he would get it for life. Brickman was glad his friend told him about the change, since he may not have known about it otherwise. When talking on the phone with a representative from the state pension system, Brickman asked why he had not gotten notification of his newfound eligibility. As far as I could tell nobody did anything to notify people, said Brickman. She said, No. Its on you to check your online account, Brickman said of what he was told. Because parts of the retirement system were being updated in recent weeks, though, he couldnt do that. Public sector unions such as CSEA and the Public Employees Federation, or PEF, did inform members of the changes, through their newsletters and internal publications. But once someone retires they are no longer active union members and may not be following those news channels. Brickman was a member of both CSEA and PEF during his state career. Notification or not, CSEA and PEF in coming years and legislative sessions will be pushing for more rollbacks of other pension changes made a decade ago. Theres more work to be done, CSEA President Mary Sullivan said back in May when the vesting change was announced to members. An earlier version of this story said employees with more than five or less than 10 years of service were in Tiers V and VI but they could be members of other tiers as well. The numbers were as of March 31, 2021. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate SARATOGA SPRINGS Down Royal had the distinction of being the only mare in the $150,000, Grade I A.P. Smithwick Memorial Steeplechase, Wednesdays feature at Saratoga Race Course. After running 2 1/16 miles over the steeplechase course and jumping over eight brush fences, the 8-year-old grey mare staged one final charge to the wire and got up to win by a neck over six geldings ranging in age from 5 to 8. Down Royals first Grade I victory was a family affair for her trainer and rider. Kate and Bernie Dalton of Camden, S.C., were married in 2006 and immediately launched a career training steeplechasers. When their racing schedule allowed, Bernie continued to exercise flat racers for many leading trainers. The duos last Grade I success at Saratoga came with the Kate-trained and Bernie-ridden Diplomat in the 2017 running of the Smithwick. When asked about her confidence in bringing Down Royal to Saratoga for a Grade I race, Kate replied, I didnt think I was coming here to pull off a Diplomat, but apparently I was. Down Royal had a slow start at the flag fall and jumped the first fence in sixth place in the field of seven. She did little to improve her position until the jumping was done and the sprinting for home began. With what would have been the final fence on the course removed for safety, jockey Bernie asked the gray mare for all she had around the far turn and through the home stretch and got it. Kates assessment of the move that took the mare into third place was, I was delighted with that. If she ended up staying where she was and being third, I would have been delighted with that. But, she just kept giving 100 percent. Its what she does. At the wire, Down Royal was a neck ahead of the British-bred Chief Justice with Barry Foley in the saddle for trainer Cyril Murphy. French Light took third place for trainer Keri Brion, who had three Smithwick starters. Historic Heart was fourth while Iranistan was sixth. Down Royal went to the post as the publics fourth selection at odds of 6-1. She returned $15.60 to win, $7.80 to place and $5.30 to show. Chief Justice, a 15-1 shot to win, paid $14.80 and $6.80, and French Light paid $6.10 to show. The exotic wagers paid handsomely when Iranistan, the 2-1 favorite, finished sixth and Pistol Whipped, the second betting choice, failed to complete the course. He was vanned off and examined, but suffered no serious injuries. The Down Royal-Chief Justice 2-1 exacta paid $87.75 for a $1 bet. A 50-cent trifecta bet on 2-1-5 returned $233.50. The 10-cent superfecta of 2-1-5-4 earned $154.40. Bernie Dalton called upon his experience as an exercise rider to get Down Royal home first in a long race on a very hot day. I used to gallop in Saratoga for 10 to 15 years for Kiaran McLaughlin. The one thing working for a guy like that is getting a clock in your head. I knew, the first time around, I was traveling well. I knew they were going fast. In this heat, you kind of hope, more then knowing, that theyre going to back up and that was the case, he said. The steeplechase spotlight will be turned on again on Aug. 17 in the $150,000, Grade I Jonathan Sheppard at 2 3/8 miles. When asked if Down Royal will run the Sheppard, Kate Dalton shook her head and said, Theres a lot of heavy hitters coming in for the Sheppard. Theres a lot of them waiting in the wings for the longer race. I would say, I doubt it. But, never say never.' WFO SHREVEPORT Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Wednesday, July 20, 2022 _____ EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Shreveport LA 226 PM CDT Wed Jul 20 2022 ...EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM CDT THIS EVENING... ...HEAT ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM TO 7 PM CDT THURSDAY... * WHAT...For the Excessive Heat Warning, dangerously hot conditions with heat index values above 110 degrees expected. For the Heat Advisory, heat index values above 105 expected. * WHERE...Portions of north central and northwest Louisiana, southeast Oklahoma, south central and southwest Arkansas and northeast Texas. * WHEN...For the Excessive Heat Warning, until 7 PM CDT this evening. For the Heat Advisory, from 1 PM to 7 PM CDT Thursday. * IMPACTS...Extreme heat and humidity will significantly increase the potential for heat related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities. 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. * WHAT...Dangerously hot conditions with heat index values above 110 degrees expected. * WHERE...All of north central and northwest Louisiana, south- central and southwest Arkansas, southeast Oklahoma, and * WHEN...Until 7 PM CDT Wednesday. _____ Copyright 2022 AccuWeather The Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly, today (Thursday July 21) welcomed the signing into law by President Michael D. Higgins of the Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) (No. 2) Act 2022. Once commenced, the Act will provide for the abolition of both overnight and day case public in-patient charges for children less than 16 years of age in all public hospitals and also provides for the introduction of a free contraception scheme for women aged 17-25. The two measures are scheduled to come into operation by early September this year. Minister Donnelly recently brought the Bill through the Houses of the Oireachtas and it successfully passed all stages of the Dail and the Seanad last week with cross-party support. Minister Donnelly said: I welcome the good news that the President has signed this very important Act, as the measures provided in this legislation are very much intended to support access to care for those who need it in a manner that is fair and affordable. Abolishing acute in-patient hospital charges for children under 16 is focused towards easing the financial burden of parents or guardians when bringing their child to hospital for in-patient care. Free contraception is a cost-effective measure, reducing both crisis pregnancy and termination of pregnancy rates. Given that the costs of prescription contraception are typically faced by women, the scheme will impact positively on gender equity, reducing costs for women, but also benefitting their partners and families, starting with women aged 17-25. In the context of current cost-of-living challenges, I am delighted to be able to introduce these two significant measures aimed at alleviating cost pressures for individuals and families when seeking to access healthcare. It looks like the grownups are finally in charge. After a monthslong impasse over the fate of its aging dam, the Village of Williamsville, with help from the Town of Amherst, is performing emergency repairs that will put the structure back into operation. This will not solve underlying problems that have led to the water barriers deterioration, but it will get Ellicott Creek flowing again around Island Park, alleviating a stench from the now-shallow creek bed thats reportedly bad enough to make some people sick. In the meantime, solutions to the larger problem can be explored. This strategy makes so much sense that we wonder why it wasnt implemented when the problem arose in March. Back then, Amherst Supervisor Brian Kulpa even said the town would cover the full cost of emergency repairs. However, the Village Board, led by Mayor Deb Rogers, declined his offer, choosing instead to wait for a full engineering study to be completed. That study hasnt been commissioned yet; left in this limbo, the dam would wait until its completion before any repairs could be made. In the meantime, such businesses as Britesmith Brewing and the Irishman, which tout waterfront locations to attract customers, are left with views of exposed creek bed, stones and dried algae. Instead of watching the antics of ducks, other waterfowl and occasional jumping fish, patio customers might see a rat or two, if theyre lucky. The detriments of a dry creek bed go beyond health and aesthetic issues; creek water is an essential backup for the villages fire department if it cant access a hydrant. Luckily, newly elected Deputy Mayor Dan DeLano saw the need for action on the dam and called a special meeting to finally address the situation. Absent was Rogers the mayor who later commented that she did not support emergency repairs. Rogers has been all too willing to hold forth at village meetings about matters completely out of her jurisdiction, such as New York State health law. In fact, those discussions happened during some of the same meetings in which she concluded it was better to delay action on the dam, a 90-year-old structure that directly affects the aesthetic and economic well-being of the village she administers. In June, DeLano and another new trustee, Mary Lowther, were elected; both ran on their commitment to the real priorities of a village board. Its mostly thanks to them and Kulpa that something is finally being done. Island Park, a charming village amenity, depends on the flowing waters of a healthy creek for its scenic beauty. As the restaurant owners along the creek also realize, people like to look at water. Not mud. We hope that, now, the residents of Williamsville can depend on a re-energized and properly directed board to find a permanent solution for the Ellicott Creek dam. Whats your opinion? Send it to us at lettertoeditor@buffnews.com. Letters should be a maximum of 300 words and must convey an opinion. The column does not print poetry, announcements of community events or thank you letters. A writer or household may appear only once every 30 days. All letters are subject to fact-checking and editing. Gardai are investigating "unexplained circumstances" surrounding the death of a woman in her 50s. According to An Garda Siochana, the woman was discovered with serious injuries at a Limerick residence on Tuesday evening (July 19) and taken to University Hospital Limerick where she passed away yesterday (July 20). A post-mortem examination is currently being undertaken by Dr Margaret Bolster, State Pathologist, the results of which will determine the course of the Garda investigation. Gardai in Limerick had attended an incident that occurred in the Windmill Street area of Limerick earlier on the evening of July 19 and enquiries to date suggest that the deceased may have frequented a residence on Windmill Street in the day or days prior to her discovery with serious injuries on July 19. The scene at Cois Deel, Rathkeale, was preserved and a technical examination has been conducted. Gardai are appealing for any person with any information in relation to these incidents to contact them. In particular Gardai wish to speak to any persons who were in the Windmill Street area of Limerick City or the Cois Deel area of Rathkeale between Sunday July 17 and Tuesday July 19 who observed any activity which drew their attention, to come forward. Any persons who may have camera footage (including dash-cam and CCTV) of either area between these dates are asked to make this footage available to Gardai. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Henry Street Garda Station on 061 212400, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station. 34992 Check advance deets on an upcoming party and a chance for locals to learn more about a controversial politico in a setting that's slightly more pleasant than an attack advert or a seemingly endless array of editorial screeds . . . Missouri U.S. Senate Candidate Eric Greitens Joins KCMO Talk Radio for Politics and a Pint on Monday, July 25th at the Jewel KC Event Space WHAT: KCMO Talk Radios Morning Host Pete Mundo will host a special Politics and a Pint discussion with Missouri U.S. Senate Candidate Eric Greitens on Monday, July 25th at the Jewel KC Event Space in Downtown Kansas City. This is KCMO Talk Radios fourth Politics and a Pint event featuring U.S. Senate Candidates. Mundo will have a candid conversation with Greitens, then will open the floor for a few questions from the audience. Guests may purchase appetizers and drinks at the event. WHEN: Monday, July 25, 2022, at 6:00 pm WHERE: The Jewel KC Event Space, 410 Admiral Boulevard, Kansas City, MO 64106 Developing . . . A golden ghetto reminder for young & old that EVERYBODY takes the deal . . . Five other young teens have submitted not-guilty pleas over the same Black Bob Park shooting death. As part of a plea for a second-degree murder charge, the 14-year-old will serve up to 8-years in a juvenile detention facility with the possibility of an early release for good behavior. Any violations of that deal would result in the teen being charged as an adult. Two 13-year-olds charged in the case cannot be tried as adults under Kansas law. Prosecutors are trying to have the three other charged 14-year-olds tried as adults. The 14-year-old that entered a guilty plea is slated to be sentenced on Aug. 24, 2022. Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . One of six young teens charged pleads guilty to Black Bob Park homicide On Wednesday, one 14-year-old boy pleaded guilty to a murder charge related to a homicide earlier this year in Johnson County.Five other young teens have submitted not-guilty pleas over the same Black Bob Park shooting death. Johnson County teenager pleads guilty in Black Bob Park murder OLATHE, Kan. - One of six Johnson County teenagers charged with killing a man in Black Bob Park earlier this year pleads guilty. A 14-year-old boy pleaded guilty to second-degree intentional murder for the death of 19-year-old Marco Cardino of Smithville, Missouri. He will be sentenced Aug. 24. Teen in Black Bob Park homicide in Olathe pleads guilty to amended charge KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Johnson County prosecutors Wednesday amended the first-degree murder one of six teenagers faces in the May 14 shooting death of Marco Cardino . The 14-year-old boy, who had been charged with first-degree murder, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder after the amended charges were filed. Developing . . . Right now we take a moment to gather a very of news on the topic of police action, recent reports of violence and the aftermath of local tragedy. As always, we try to find a few hopeful stories to throw into these compilations. Check TKC news gathering . . . KC police say large number of traffic stops lately are for expired tags Kansas City police said that expired tags are behind a large number of traffic stops lately."Traffic stops are one of the biggest unknowns," said Kansas City police Sgt. Jake Becchina.He said that is why they're so dangerous."We don't know who or what is in that vehicle," Becchina said. More info . . . "Shortly after 9:30pm officers made entry into the residence and did not locate anyone inside. The investigation into the original assault continues tonight." Police in Kansas City end standoff with man KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Update | Police entered the apartment at around 9:30 p.m. and no one was inside. The standoff ended. Original story | Police are working to resolve a standoff with an armed person in south Kansas City, Missouri. Suspected KC serial killer resentenced to 30 years in prison for stalking, gun crimes Robert J. Gross, who Kansas City detectives believe was a serial killer but was never charged with murder, was resentenced Wednesday to 30 years in prison on federal stalking and gun convictions. Gross, 70, was previously sentenced to 35 years in prison, but his sentence was vacated after an appeals court agreed there was insufficient evidence to support one of his convictions. KC Man Pleads Guilty to Heroin, Meth Trafficking, Illegal Firearms July 20, 2022 KANSAS CITY, Mo. - A Kansas City, Mo., pleaded guilty in federal court today on charges related to heroin and methamphetamine trafficking and to illegally possessing firearms. Brian K. Tice, 58, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Gary A. 2 injured in shooting outside hardware store in KCMO KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - Two people were injured in a shooting that happened outside a hardware store in Kansas City on Tuesday evening. According to the Kansas City Police Department, an off-duty officer was working at the Westlake Ace Hardware at 6201 Independence Ave. around 4:30 p.m. Kansas City, Kansas, man accused of shooting, killing woman in Leavenworth KANSAS CITY, Mo. - A Kansas City, Kansas, man is accused of killing a 20-year-old woman in Leavenworth on July 15. Jerrell Dewayne Martin, 27, is charged with first-degree murder in the death of Ericka Hopkins. Leavenworth police responded to the 2900 block of Ralph Bunch Drive at around 12:23 a.m. Costs of gun violence add up for Independence woman who lost daughter in shooting On a recent Thursday morning, Davetta Whitmill pushed her 5-year-old grandson on a swing at Glendale Park. He wore a blue hat to block the sun and a big smile, asking his grandmother to push him higher. "My daughter did a good job, I can honestly say," she said. FBI investigating after robber escapes with money at Shawnee bank KANSAS CITY, Mo. - A bank robber took money Wednesday afternoon from a Shawnee bank. The robbery happened 4:45 p.m. at the First Interstate Bank, located at 10610 Shawnee Mission Parkway, according an FBI news release. A man fled with an undisclosed amount of money, according to the news release. Aggravated Assault sends one to hospital in stable condition Wednesday morning at approximately 4:20 a.m., a KCPD Officer with East Patrol observed a disturbance near Independence Avenue and Indiana. Upon exiting his vehicle, the officer observed a victim with a gunshot wound. That person was transported to an are hospital in stable condition. KC-area law enforcement escorts slain NKC officer Danny Vasquez to funeral home KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Several law enforcement agencies from the Kansas City area escorted North Kansas City police officer Danny Vasquez to a funeral home on Wednesday. Vasquez was shot and killed during a traffic stop on Tuesday morning. Area grocery store chain to collect donations to support family of NKC police officer killed in the line of duty SO MANY PEOPLE GRIEVING TONIGHT. IT'S JUST A TRAGIC DAY, IT'S A TRAGIC DAY. JACKSON: TONIGHT, A SHINING STAR GONE TOO SOON. TO SEE SUCH A YOUNG PERSON, EARLY IN HIS CAREER, LOSE HIS LIFE TO SUCH SENSELESS VIOLENCE, JUST UNFATHOMABLE. Johnson County nonprofit tackles re-incarceration by teaching trade skills OVERLAND PARK, Kan. - Some people transitioning out of jail are getting trade skills to prepare for a productive life. , a nonprofit, has partnered with Johnson County Community College and Johnson County Department of Corrections for the program taught at the college. North Kansas City's small business owners shaken by the unlikely shooting of local police officer Local businesses in the area near Tuesday's deadly shooting of North Kansas City police officer Daniel Vasquez are still reeling from the tragedy.It was a typical quiet morning in the office for North Kansas City business owner Brock Thomas. SAFE program offers support to families who lose loved ones in line of duty KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Kansas City Metropolitan Crime Commission has a program called "The Surviving Spouses and Family's Endowment (SAFE)." It's meant to support the families of first responders who are killed in the line of duty. Since 2003, SAFE has served 34 families. Memorial grows outside North KC Police Department for slain officer For nearly two days straight, the North Kansas City Police Department has been receiving constant support as it begins to deal with the loss of Officer Daniel Vasquez, who was fatally shot during a traffic stop Tuesday morning.People have been coming to the North Kansas City Police Department, where Officer Vasquez's patrol car is parked out front. Here are some ways to support slain NKC officer Daniel Vasquez's family KANSAS CITY, Mo. - There are several ways for the public to support the family of Daniel Vasquez, the North Kansas City police officer who was shot and killed Tuesday during a traffic stop. The Kansas City Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. North Kansas City community holds candlelight vigil for fallen Officer Daniel Vasquez NORTH KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - The North Kansas City Police Department parking lot is full of flowers, notes and candles placed by mourning community members who held a candlelight vigil Wednesday night for Officer Daniel Vasquez. Vasquez was killed in the line of duty Tuesday during a traffic stop for an expired temporary license plate around 10:40 a.m. Hopefully, we'll have more for the morning update . . . STAY TUNED!!! Like it or not . . . The right-wing firebrand is honest about what his administration will look like if voters give him the nod. Basically, he'll be on Fox News every other day with more paperwork targeting the White House. Here's the Kansas AG hopeful repeating his longstanding promise . . . My most important priority is bringing litigation, lawsuits against president Biden and his administration. He is violating our constitutional rights and hes violating federal law. Ive already brought four lawsuits against Biden and Obama combined. I have two lawsuits still pending against president Biden, and we need an Attorney General who makes that job one, we have to go on offense, Kobach said. Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . Kobach pledges to target Biden Administration if elected Kansas AG TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) - If elected, former Kansas Sec. of State Kris Kobach says his top priority as Kansas Attorney General will be to take on the Biden Administration. Kobach stopped by the WIBW-TV studios Monday afternoon. He is the third of three Republicans vying to replace current Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt to do so. Another showdown tonight . . . LIVE: Kansas Attorney General candidate debate WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) - The Sedgwick County Republican Party is hosting a live debate with the Republican candidates running for the office of the Kansas Attorney General. Candidates include Kris Kobach, Tony Mattivi, and Kellie Warren. Michael Schwanke will moderate the debate set to take place at 7 p.m. Developing . . . The newborn endangered red panda, weighing just 221 grams or about half a pound, was born on July 13 in the afternoon, the zoo announced Thursday. - The Toronto Zoo Toronto police search for missing woman, 36, last seen one month ago Toronto police said Alicia Badger, 36, was last seen on the afternoon of June 20 in Whitby Why Men Should Support Abortion Rights Why Men Should Support Abortion Rights, Too On Friday, June 23rd, 2022, the United States Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. The decision turned abortion from an already incredibly contentious issue in American society to a firestorm of anger in many states. In the near term, abortions will become much, much harder to access in America. Numerous states had so-called trigger ban laws go into effect immediately upon Roes overturning, leading to abortion immediately becoming illegal there, while others are actively attempting to do the same. In the long term, its likely that a lack of access to abortions will further trap disenfranchised Americans overwhelmingly people of color in cycles of poverty. The decision is a shocking one for a variety of reasons, but perhaps none more so than the fact that it flies in the face of what statistics show a clear majority of Americans believe, both men and women: that abortions should be legal and accessible in most or all cases. Religious fundamentalists who oppose abortion overlook the clear textual support for it in both Judaism and Islam, as well as its practice for centuries in cultures all over the world. People have and need abortions for all kinds of reasons sometimes the pregnancy stems from a rape, sometimes the pregnancy is simply not wanted, sometimes the pregnancy is non-viable, sometimes the pregnancy is threatening the pregnant persons health. RELATED: Men Open Up About Their Thoughts on Abortion Abortions are a last but important line of defense in preventing women and people with uteruses from being forced to give birth to children they dont want, children they wont be able to care for or properly love, and children who will place an added financial, emotional and psychological burder on them but they are also a means of saving the lives of the people who experience these pregnancies. Why Men Should Care About Abortion Rights If youre a cis American man reading this, theres a good chance you already broadly believe that abortion should be legal. But you may not or you may not feel strongly about it, or you may have mixed feelings. As such, it might be worth considering some ways that abortions becoming much more difficult to access will impact people like you, who cant get pregnant. If Youre In a Relationship With Someone Who Can Get Pregnant Abortions may be sought overwhelmingly by women, but each one is an attempt to terminate a pregnancy which means it required the involvement of someone with a penis at some stage in the process. Which means that abortions are also a mens issue, even if some men dont think about them that way. In a country where Roe has been overturned, husbands, boyfriends and male partners will be affected when their partners get pregnant unexpectedly, when a planned pregnancy goes wrong, and even if a pregnancy ends in a miscarriage. What if you and your wife decide youre done having kids, are debt-ridden, unable to afford any time off work, and then all of a sudden shes pregnant again? Apart from the labor that goes into raising them, children represent a significant financial burden to families. Forced pregnancy is also a health risk. What if your girlfriends pregnancy is ectopic and puts her life in jeopardy, but the doctors at the hospital are afraid to terminate the pregnancy lest they be prosecuted? Thats not necessarily a hypothetical one viral Instagram post suggests it has already happened. What if your partner miscarries, and then faces criminal charges because shes suspected of having gotten or performed an abortion? Again, not a hypothetical American women have been imprisoned over miscarriages already. If Youre Used to Casually Dating People Who Can Get Pregnant Its not, by any means, the most serious outcome of the situation, but its one that perhaps many straight guys havent considered at length: In a country where abortions are extremely hard if not impossible to come by for many people, the character of penetrative sex changes in a big way. Condoms, IUDs, patches and the morning-after pill played a big role in the comparative low-pregnancy climate of recent decades, as did increased focus on family planning as people had children later. But ultimately, should your chosen contraceptive method fail, knowing that you have abortion access as a last resort makes it possible for casual sex to occur while still preventing an unwanted pregnancy. RELATED: How to Talk to Your Partner About Birth Control With Roe overturned, sex becomes a lot less, well, casual. No one wants a fun date with a stranger to turn into a situation where youre navigating a pregnancy together, whether attempting to end it illegally in a state where abortions have been banned, or trying to carry it to term and navigating childcare with someone you never planned this with. If You Have Close Ties to People Who Can Get Pregnant Of course, you dont need to be someone whos in a relationship of any kind with someone who can get pregnant to be affected, either. As the poet John Donne famously wrote, No man is an island, and his statement applies to the women, non-binary people and trans men who can get pregnant, too. For every person confronted by a worst-case pregnancy scenario, there are networks of people who will feel that impact, to some degree or other, and many of them will be men like you. Fathers and grandfathers, brothers and cousins, coworkers, bosses and employees, neighbors, friends, and acquaintances you will have to see people you know and care about have their lives forever altered by the impacts of this decision made by six judges. What to Do Now Abortion is not a womens issue. Its a societal issue, and the Supreme Courts decision to put abortion access even more in jeopardy than it already was is going to have a lot of consequences. Already, the overturning of Roe v. Wade has people wondering whether things like same-sex marriage and even pornography will be imminently under attack, since the ruling contained suggestions that other Supreme Court decisions protecting these things may now be rolled back as well. Thankfully, theres no shortage of ways you can make a difference right now. AskMen has put together a handy article on just that topic: RELATED: 11 Things Men Can Do to Help in a Post-Roe America Whether you feel most comfortable volunteering, donating, helping people you know personally or some combination thereof, theres something for every guy to do on the list. You Might Also Dig: Toronto police seek help to find missing boy, 14, last seen in Scarborough Toronto police said Kayelin Rider-Downey, 14, was last seen at 3 a.m. Monday (July 18) in the Kingston and McCowan roads area Hold your breath, youre in for a wild ride with these 4 new crime fiction novels By working with intuitive, Imperatore Travel are able to expand their accommodation supply quickly and efficiently via iVectorOne API, which will allow for an easier integration into their reservation system. (TRAVPR.COM) UNITED KINGDOM - July 21st, 2022 - Imperatore Travel have been a customer of intuitive for nearly 10 years, using their end to end reservation system, iVector They are now working with intuitive on rapidly expanding their Channel Manager connectivity with the help of their iVectorOne API - adding 10 Channel Managers The newly launched version of intuitives single API iVectorOne gives travel companies access to more than 30+ Channel Manager platforms LONDON, 28 June 2022: intuitive the travel technology provider and Italian hospitality expert, Imperatore Travel, have today announced exciting new developments in their partnership. Imperatore Travel have been a customer of intuitive for nearly 10 years and are now partnering with the technology specialist to rapidly expand their connectivity. The project focuses on connecting new Channel Managers via intuitives iVectorOne single API, including WuBook, Ericsoft and My Guest Care. On top of their existing 4 Channel Managers, Imperatore Travel are adding another 10, with a strong foothold in the Italian market, whilst also building new functionality into their existing integrations. Channel Managers have become increasingly prevalent in the last few years due to the pandemic causing uncertainty and forcing hoteliers to constantly change prices and conditions. By working with intuitive, Imperatore Travel are able to expand their accommodation supply quickly and efficiently via iVectorOne API, which will allow for an easier integration into their reservation system. Andras Simonfi, head of technology at Imperatore Travel saidI have been actively working with intuitive for the past 10 years and, to date, I have not seen a more complete and detailed technology product on the market. We are expanding our Channel Manager connectivity with the goal of becoming the ultimate one-stop-shop travel solution for our customers and with the help of intuitive well be close to filling that gap in the Italian market really fast. This is an exciting next step in our partnership with Imperatore Travel. Channel Managers are fundamental to the travel industry and are only going to continue to grow. Our single API, iVectorOne, allows travel companies to quickly link their booking system to 30+ already integrated leading Channel Manager platforms. said intuitive commercial director, Andy Keeley. The newly launched version of the intuitives iVectorOne single API empowers travel firms to seamlessly connect and manage their preferred Channel Manager platforms without the complexity of building multiple integrations, whilst allowing them to keep a direct relationship with hotels. About intuitive With over 18 years of experience, intuitive are committed to becoming the international technology provider of choice. With a London based office, our highly experienced team can offer scalable, innovative and customer-focused solutions for tour operators, online travel agents and wholesalers. intuitive provides scalable and customer-focused solutions to some of the worlds leading travel brands, including Scott Dunn, On the Beach, Love Holidays and Thomas Cook. About Imperatore Travel Imperatore Travel is the local online travel expert specialising in the promotion of the finest Italian hospitality. Their aim is to organise the perfect trip for any type of holiday in Italy. Imperatore Travel has over 30 years of experience as a Tour Operator and DMC, providing the highest level of service and product to its customers. ### FACT.MR Using Productivity Management Software To Monitor And Oversee Work Cycles Across Different Industries Would Improve Turnaround Times, Increase Resource Productivity, Decrease Expenses, And Increase Productivity. Thus, This Will Boost the Demand for PMS Seoul, South Korea, July 21, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In 2021, the global productivity management software market was valued at US$ 47 Billion and is expected to grow at a steady CAGR of 13.7% during the forecast period. According to a Fact.MR report, the market is expected to reach a value of US$ 192.96 Billion by 2032. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses of all sizes experienced a slowed workflow and slowed communication. As organizations around the world have been relying on work-from-home policies and remote working, the demand for performance management systems has increased. With remote work management gaining popularity, digitization has become vital to the smooth operation of a business. For Critical Insights on Productivity Management Software Market, Request a Sample Report https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=S&rep_id=7128 Productivity management software market growth is driven by the increasing application of workflow management and task management among businesses in order to enhance growth, as well as the rapid advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML). In a world where cloud computing is increasingly used for business processes, and mobile devices such as smartphones, enterprise mobility, and Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) will spur demand for productivity management software. Key Drivers Influencing Productivity Management Software Demand PMS increases the productivity and efficiency in a company Increasing productivity has been a priority for organizations. The use of technology and new approaches has enhanced efficiency and effectiveness in delivering products and services. In order for companies to earn a high income, product and service production must increase. Productivity growth allows organizations to convert capital into revenue, thereby compensating stakeholders while preserving cash flow for potential expansion and development. Story continues Productivity increases also contribute to gaining a competitive edge over the competition. Companies want to gain hefty profits by reducing their operational costs, and better productivity helps them achieve those goals. In order to improve the working environment and reduce costs, organizations are looking into technology-based solutions such as productivity management software (PMS). What will be the market scope in the APAC region? Increasing number of SMEs will account for steady growth Asia Pacific's productivity management software market is estimated to expand at the highest CAGR of 15.5% from 2022 to 2032. Growing industries such as IT and telecom, healthcare, BFSI, and others will contribute to the growth of the region. Over the forecast period, the growing number of small and mid-sized enterprises will also bolster the growth of the regional market. To learn more about Productivity Management Software Market, you can get in touch with our Analyst at https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=AE&rep_id=7128 Key Segments Covered in the Productivity Management Software Industry Survey By Solution Structured Work Management AI & Predictive Analytics Content Management & Collaboration By Deployment Cloud On-Premise By Enterprise Small & Mid-Size Enterprises Large Enterprises Competitive Landscape To improve productivity and customer experience, vendors focus on improving content management, workflow management, task management, artificial intelligence, and predictive analytics software solutions. The main strategy of participants is to launch new products and update existing software solutions. In June 2020, Slack Technologies and Amazon Web Services announced their partnership, which will enable deep integration between Amazon AppFlow and AWS Chatbot. In April 2020, Microsoft announced it would rename its productivity software solution Office 365 to Microsoft 365. In August 2020, Monday.com signed a partnership agreement with Xertica, a leading cloud computing consulting firm in Latin America. The partnership was intended to help companies become more competitive by enabling them to achieve their goals with their remote teams. Get Customization on Productivity Management Software Market Report for Specific Research Solutions https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=RC&rep_id=7128 Key players in the Productivity Management Software Market Google LLC Microsoft Corporation IBM Corporation Oracle Corporation Adobe Inc. Salesforce Zoho Corporation Private Limited Slack Technologies LLC Monday.com Key Takeaways from Productivity Management Software Market Study By 2022, the global productivity management software market is expected to reach US$ 53.44 Bn. The demand for productivity management software increased by 11% between 2017 and 2021. Over the forecast period, North America is expected to account for around 36% of global revenue. Asia Pacific's productivity management software market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 15.5% from 2022 to 2032. Performance management software for SMEs are predicted to exhibit the highest CAGR of 18.7%. At over 56% in 2022, the cloud-based PMS segment is projected to hold the largest share of revenue. The CAGR of on-premise deployment is forecast to reach over 7% during the forecast period. About the Technology Division at Fact.MR Expert analysis, actionable insights, and strategic recommendations of the highly seasoned technology team at Fact.MR helps clients from across the globe with their unique business intelligence needs. With a repertoire of over thousand reports and 1 million-plus data points, the team has analysed the technology industry across 50+ countries for over a decade. The team provides unmatched end-to-end research and consulting services. Explore Fact.MR's Coverage on the Technology Domain- Digital Remittance Market- The digital remittance market has garnered a market value of US$ 18.16 Billion in 2022, anticipated to register a positive CAGR of 13.5% in the forecast period 2022-2032 and reach a value of US$ 64.43 Bn. Neobanking Market- The global sales of neobanking garnered a market value of US$ 45 Billion in 2021, and is expected to reach US$ 67 Billion by 2022. From 2022 to 2032, the market is likely to register a CAGR of 44.15% by accumulating a market value of US$ 2,595 Billion through the assessment period 2022-2032. Digital Transaction Management Market- The global digital transaction management market revenue was estimated to be US$ 8.01 Billion in 2021 and is expected to increase at a CAGR of 25% from 2022-2032. It is estimated that the market will reach US$ 93.25 Billion by the end of 2032. Customer Relationship Management Market- The global customer relationship management market is expected to secure a market value of US$ 164. 68 Billion By 2032 while expanding at a CAGR of 11% during the forecast period from 2022 to 2032. Technologies such as; Artificial Intelligence (AI), machine learning, and models such as SaaS are expected to provide a significant boost to the market during the evaluation period. Cloud Computing Market- The global cloud computing market size is estimated to secure a market value of US$ 482 Billion in 2022. The market is expected to procure US$ 1,949 Billion by 2032 while expanding at a CAGR of 15% during the forecast period from 2022 to 2032. Digital Marketing Software Market- The global digital marketing software market is expected to value US$ 65 Billion in 2022 which is likely to reach US$ 370 Billion by 2032. The projected growth rate is 19% from 2022 to 2032. 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Contact: Mahendra Singh US Sales Office: 11140 Rockville Pike Suite 400 Rockville, MD 20852 Email: sales@factmr.com Tel: +1 (628) 251-1583 Follow Us: LinkedIn | Twitter Vladimir Putins spies are not having a great war over Ukraine, the head of MI6 said on Thursday. Richard Moore told the Aspen Security Forum that Russian intelligence services had struggled with a toxic combination of failing to getting an accurate picture of what was happening in Ukraine and a fear of speaking truth to power as the Russian president was unlikely to be pleased with what he was being told. So, some of their information had been withheld from Mr Putin, he suggested. Mr Moore, boss of Britains Secret Intelligence Service, said: If I reflect on our Russian counterparts, like the Russian military, I dont think they are having a great war. They clearly completely misunderstood Ukrainian nationalism. They completely under-estimated the degree of resistance that the Russian military would face. It was a toxic combination of them not really getting their intelligence right but also intelligence services reflect the societies they serve. Im answerable to democratically-elected ministers, to parliamentarians, to judges over certain aspects of my work. Mr Moore, who is known as C as the head of the SIS, stressed how different it was to the system in Russia. He explained further: One thing that it does not pay is to speak truth to power. So, I suspect some of the reality of what they were about to encounter was just not being briefed up to Putin. He stressed that more than 400 Russian intelligence officers, which he said was around half of those across Europe operating under diplomatic cover, had been expelled. We reckon in the UK, that has probably reduced their ability to do their business, to spy for Russia in Europe, by half, he added. Spying by Britain and its allies had helped the West to counter the false narratives being pumped out by the Kremlin about the invasion which started on February 24, he said. Some of the warnings by the western intelligence services had been met with a degree of scepticism which he said was understandable as keeping secret the source of the information, when shared, inevitably led to some doubting Thomas responses. Story continues A small number of Russian illegal intelligence officers had been arrested, including a spy masquerading as a Spanish journalist trying to enter Ukraine as part of the Kremlins destabilisation efforts in the invaded country. Mr Moore declined to comment directly on whether the invasion of Ukraine had led to a target-rich environment for the intelligence services to recruit people in Russia to spy for the West. However, he added: I very much hope that Russians, many of who will be within those intelligence services, within their diplomatic service, elsewhere in positions of influence inside Russia will reflect on what they are witnessing in the Ukraine. If I think back to the impact, for example, of the crushing of the Prague Spring, had in 1968. That was a moment when a number of Russians decided, Soviets in those days, that it was their time to try and strike back against the system that they were representing. On China, and whether the threat posed by it was being reassessed following its actions in Hong Kong and the supressession of the Uyghur people in the Xinjiang province, he said MI6 had never had any illusions whatsoever about Communist China. He added: There has been a growing recognition right across Government and our societies of some of the threats that the Chinese pose to our societies. We are putting more effort into China. We now devote more effort to China than any other single subject. Its just moved past counter-terrorism in terms of our mission. That feels like a very big moment, post 9/11, post 7/7 in London. But it reflects the seriousness of the mission for us. He explained that MI6 was seeking to get upstream to deal with some of the threats posed by Beijing and to lift the lid of the black box of the Communist organisation, capabilities and tactical intent behind president Xi Jinpings ambitions, partly given that the Chinese system is still pretty opaque. At one level, understanding Xi Jinpings strategic intent is not difficult. If you read Made in China 2025, he lays out for you their ambitions around technology and their desires to dominate key technologies, he said. But if you go beneath that strategy, in terms of how they implement, how they organise, what their tactical intent is, and then what are the capabilities they are building up, thats a black box and there is a role for organisations like mine in helping British ministers and policymakers to understand that so they can navigate this really complex, difficult relationship with the Chinese. He also stressed that Xi Jinping was watching the situation in Ukraine like a hawk, which emphasied the need for the West to tough it out against Mr Putins invasion and continue supporting president Volodymyr Zelenskys government and military during the winter so it can win, at least negotiate from a position of significant strength, so China does not see weakness which could lead it to miscalculate and invade Taiwan. He explained that he did not believe that war was inevitable at all between the US, Britain, their allies and China. Its really important that president Xi, as he calculates what he may or may not do on Taiwan, looks at what can go wrong with a misjudged invasion and we are seeing that played out. Its important that we remind him of those risks and prepare accordingly, he said. We are speaking with the Police Social and Welfare Association about rouge officers within t The Russian Federation showed a contempt gesture by shelling a mosque in Kharkiv city while the president of the aggressor country, Vladimir Putin, was on his visit to Iran to request weapons. Mykhailo Podolyak, an advisor to the head of the Ukrainian Presidents Office, wrote on Twitter, Ukrinform reports. Classical Russian Jesuitism. Come to Tehran to bow and beg from the Iran Supreme Leader Ali Khameneri weapons for the second worlds army and at the same time attack mosque in Kharkiv. For barbarians nothing is sacred. But will Iran understand the contempt gesture from Kremlin? he wrote. As Ukrinform reported, in the morning of July 20, Russian troops shelled Kharkiv city, killing three civilians, including a 13-year-old boy. As a result of the missile strike, a mosque in the Kyiv district of the city was also damaged. iy President Volodymyr Zelensky has said he expects news on Friday from Turkey regarding the unblocking of Ukrainian ports for grain exports. President Volodymyr Zelensky said this in his video address, Ukrinform reports. Tomorrow we also expect news for our state from Turkey - regarding the unblocking of our ports, he said. The president reminded that he held talks with the President of Costa Rica, which were the first in the history of bilateral relations. Zelensky thanked Costa Rica for supporting Ukraine, the introduction of sanctions against Russia and for countering Russia's propaganda. Read also: Zelensky holds meeting with leaders of defense and security sectors I will continue to do everything possible so that the truth about Russia's actions against Ukraine is known in every part of the world. Our diplomacy is constantly creating new ties with countries that have not been the focus of Ukrainian foreign policy for a long time, the president said. iy Ukraines First Lady Olena Zelenska was the first ever foreign leaders spouse to speak at U.S. Congress. Thats according to the Ukrainian Presidents Office, Ukrinform reports. Olena Zelenska became the first spouse of a foreign leader to speak in the U.S. Congress. She addressed the congressmen on behalf of Ukrainian mothers and children and all citizens who died or suffered from Russian aggression, the report reads. It is noted that President Zelensky, who watched in Kyiv the live broadcast of the First Ladys speech, is convinced that her U.S. visit will be a significant contribution to the deepening of cooperation between the two nations. Read also: Olena Zelenska calls on US Congress to help stop terror against Ukrainians The head of state has expressed hope that the First Lady's address to American lawmakers and government officials will encourage them to make important decisions in support of our country and increase aid to the protection of Ukrainians from Russian invasion. As reported earlier, Ukraines First Lady Olena Zelenska is on a visit to the United States. Photo: Ukrainian Presidents Office The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry has called on the Iranian side to refrain from any statements or steps that will fuel Russian aggression against Ukraine. Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Oleg Nikolenko said this in a comment seen by Ukrinform. He said the ministry had paid taken note of statements by the Iranian leadership, which indirectly justify Russia's aggression against Ukraine. "Since the beginning of the full-scale Russian war, Iran has publicly declared a position of neutrality and called for a ceasefire and a political-diplomatic settlement. In this context, the Ukrainian side is concerned about a change in rhetoric on the part of the Iranian leadership," Nikolenko said. He said that condoning Russia's aggressive actions not only encourages it to continue its unprovoked war against the people of Ukraine, but also lays the groundwork for destabilizing peace and security in other regions of the world. "Any accusations regarding alleged preparations for an attack on the Russian Federation are baseless and manipulative. We call on the Iranian side to refrain from any statements or steps that will fuel Russia's aggression against Ukraine," Nikolenko said. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has thanked Mario Draghi, who resigned as Italy's prime minister, for supporting Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression and expressed hope that Italy would continue to support Ukrainians. The head of state wrote this on Twitter, Ukrinform reports. "Sincerely grateful to Mario Draghi for unwavering support to Ukraine in fighting against Russian aggression & defending common European values - democracy & freedom. We'll keep working to boost Ukrainian-Italian cooperation. I'm convinced that the active support of the Italian people for Ukraine will continue!" Zelensky said. Draghi tendered his resignation for the second time amid lack of support from the coalition parties. Draghi already offered his resignation last week after one of his partners, the Five Star Movement, failed to support him in a confidence vote on July 14. President Sergio Mattarella then rejected Draghi's resignation. On July 20, the upper house of the Italian parliament (Senate) expressed confidence in Prime Minister Draghi, but some coalition members abstained from the vote, thus demonstrating the lack of unity. Networking Indiana University Secures Internet2 Network Operations Support Role Internet2 has signed a new three-year deal with Indiana University for the institution's GlobalNOC research and education network operations service to continue providing customer and break-fix support for the Internet2 national network. The agreement, the result of a nine-month request for proposal process led by both Internet2 staff and community members, enables Internet2 to consolidate two prior network operations center agreements, making GlobalNOC the sole service provider. The contract will begin on Jan. 1. "We greatly appreciate the community team that convened to assist with shaping the RFP process, analyzing proposals and providing instrumental input on this consolidated support approach," said Rob Vietzke, vice president of network services at Internet2, in a statement. "Reengaging with the IU GlobalNOC allows a clear path forward for the Internet2 Network Operations Center to continue providing world-class, transparent and trusted support for our member community. This decision also aligns with Internet2's strategic priorities for 2022, including the rollout of new tools and services enabled by our Next Generation Infrastructure and the expansion of our senior- and mid-level engineering functions." "For nearly a quarter century, the GlobalNOC at Indiana University has been proud to partner with Internet2 to help provide innovative support, services, and technologies to advance research and education networks," commented Rob Lowden, IU vice president for IT and chief information officer. "We are honored that Internet2 chose to continue our partnership after a competitive request for proposal process. Our culture of high expectations, scientific curiosity and world-renowned expertise make the GlobalNOC an excellent fit to continue working with Internet2 well into the future." A bipartisan group of high-ranking U.S. Senators has presented a draft resolution recognizing Russias unprovoked war against Ukraine as genocide of the Ukrainian people. The drafts text has been published on the Foreign Affairs Committees website, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. There is no question that what Russia is doing in Ukraine is a genocide, said Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho). He recalled the crimes that the Russian troops had committed in Irpin, Hostomel, and other Ukrainian settlements. The international community is documenting the many Russian abuses that constitute war crimes across Ukraine. Its time the United States and the world recognize it as such, said Senator Risch. Read also: ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), who heads the U.S. Helsinki Commission, said Russias actions constitute genocide, which does not limit itself to war. Russia is trying to eviscerate not just the people and the buildings of Ukraine, but also they are trying to eliminate the Ukrainian language, Ukrainian history and Ukrainian culture. This is genocide. The world must recognize this fact and those responsible must be held accountable, Senator Cardin said. The resolution condemns Russia for committing acts of genocide against the people of Ukraine; calls on the United States, along with NATO and EU allies, to support the government of Ukraine to prevent further acts of Russian genocide against the Ukrainian people; and supports tribunals and international criminal investigations to hold Russian political leaders and military personnel accountable for a war of aggression, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide. The draft was introduced by U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Ben Cardin (D-Md.), chair of the U.S. Helsinki Commission and author of the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Rob Portman (R-Ohio), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.). As Ukrinform reported earlier, Ukraines Ambassador to the United States, Oksana Markarova, underlined the importance of U.S. Congress recognizing as genocide the crimes committed in Ukraine by the Russian invasion forces. South Africa: SA puts citizens at the heart of just energy transition As South Africa works towards achieving a just energy transition, government has reiterated that workers and communities that are highly dependent on the fossil fuels value chain will be part of the various initiates that seek to protect livelihoods. Addressing a virtual media briefing on Thursday, Head of the Presidential Climate Finance Task Team, Daniel Mminele, emphasized that communities will be considered through a level of consultation. We are committed to making sure that communities and employees that stand to be affected most by the transition are part and parcel of the various initiatives and plans that we put in place to protect livelihoods. [We are going to] make sure that the retraining and reskilling opportunities allow people to be equipped to find jobs in a new, greener and more sustainable economy, Mminele said. He made these remarks during a joint media briefing, together with climate envoys from the European Union, France, Germany, the United Kingdom and the United States. The briefing provided an update on the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) and the finalisation of an Investment Plan to guide South Africas just transition. Through the Political Declaration issued in November 2021 to establish this partnership, the United Kingdom - together with the European Union, France, Germany, and the United States - undertook to mobilise an initial amount of $8.5 billion over the next three to five years to support the achievement of South Africas ambitious Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC). The NDC is a climate action plan aimed at cutting emissions and adapting to climate impacts. Decisions that need to be made have a very far reaching nature. There is extensive levels of stakeholder consultations that need to be undertaken and processes that we have no intentions of short-cutting, and making sure we consult and take everyone along as best as we can, Mminele said. The envoys have already had engagements with the most affected region in Mpumalanga in terms of how the country plans to deal with the transition. In terms of the investment plan, which maps the investments required to achieve a just energy transition, South Africa is working with the JETP secretariat. We are aiming to complete the investment plan by October, which will then enable us to demonstrate concrete progress in realising the objectives of the partnership by COP27. We will make sure that the governance arrangements, monitoring and reporting will ensure that funds are applied for the intended purposes, Mminele said. In addition, the credentials climate commission has finalized its work on the Just Transition Framework, which will be submitted to Cabinet, and will inform elements of the investment plan, as well as mechanisms that are necessary to ensure a just transition for affected workers and communities. We will be consulting with key stakeholders on the investment plan in the coming months, including through working groups in each of the priority areas that include representatives from both the private sector and public sector. This will ensure that we have an investment plan that represents a shared vision for South Africas transition and programme of action to achieve our climate commitments and national objectives. South Africa remains committed to making this partnership a success towards the path of a greener and more sustainable future. We are convinced that this path will also contribute to long-term energy security and support economic growth, development and job creation, Mminele said. United Kingdoms COP26 Envoy and Chair of the International Partners Group, John Murton, said the investment plan is a huge undertaking that supports the ambitious transformation of South Africas energy systems, ensuring that it is done a way that is just and inclusive. It will also ensure that we can support a process that develops and builds the energy that South Arica requires and helps it achieve its emission goals in a way that leaves no one behind. A guarantee will form a part of the UKs contribution to the mobilisation of funds for the JETP. We will be supporting a guarantee as part of our contribution, Murton said. He said the UK will support the build-up of clean and reliable power in South Africa, in line with the countrys NDC, in a way that is the most cost effective. All of the countries around the table are in the process of accelerating our transition away from fossil fuels, and accelerating and making more ambitious targets for 2030 and beyond. We are trying to support the South African government in providing ample and reliable power to help drive forward its economy and deliver the ambitious emissions reductions set out in the NDC and to mobilise funds in a way that is just and supports South Africas broader inclusive economic growth and leaves no one behind, Murton said. SAnews.gov.za This story has been published on: 2022-07-21. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Press Release July 21, 2022 Highlights of the joint press conference of doctors and Senators calling for the veto of the Vape Deregulation Bill I. SENATOR PIA S. CAYETANO * Principal sponsor, Sin Tax Law of 2020 (RA 11467) * One of two senators who voted against the Vape Deregulation Bill in the 18th Congress This issue is very important to me and I know that time is of the essence. And that's why we called for this presscon at the last minute. The reason for this press conference is to ensure that the President is properly informed about the Vape Bill. The proponents of the Vape Bill claim that this Vape Bill is important, supposedly because of the following: * The need to regulate versus banning; * Revenue generation; and * Opportunity for smokers to quit But the truth is, all of these reasons they mentioned can be achieved without the Vape Bill. Yung issue ng banning and regulation, tapos na yung issue na yun. Congress already decided to regulate, and not to ban. So when I read in the news advocates of the Vape Bill saying, "kasi wag tayo mag-ban," [my reaction was] tapos na ang laban na yun. Nalibing na ang laban na yun. We are already regulating e-cigarettes, and the key regulation is already contained in the Sin Tax Law of 2020 (RA 11467). Tungkol naman sa revenue generation, tapos na rin yun, ginawa ko ang trabaho ko: I was Chairman of the Committee on Ways and Means [in the 18th Congress]. Secretary Dominguez of DOF took the lead role in determining this, and we are collecting taxes on the sin products, including the vapes and e-cigs. So huwag n'yong sabihin na kailangan ng Vape Bill to generate revenues because ginagawa na po ngayon yun. And third, on the opportunity for smokers to quit - the doctors will explain that further. Pero, the important thing is, doon sa mga gumagamit, [dapat] ma-regulate nang maayos para hindi naloloko ang tao na nakakabuti yun sa kanila, and ang mga bata, hindi naman maging first-time users. What the proponents of the Vape Bill do not say in public is that they don't like the Sin Tax Law. Gusto nilang baliktarin ang Sin Tax Law. The Sin Tax Law contains the three protective measures that we put in place. Kasi ang debate namin dati ganito, i-ban katulad ng Singapore, Thailand, and a few others. So we had that debate [and we agreed na] i-regulate na lang para may pera din na pumapasok, may revenues ang government, and at the same time, hindi magkaroon ng black market. Papasok din naman sa Pilipinas, eh di regulate na lang, i-tax yan. So yun ang naging desisyon. And in the Sin Tax Law, we put the following protective measures: * 21 years old pataas lang ang pwedeng gumamit. My brother, Alan will explain that further later kasi alam ko advocacy niya ang mga kabataan; * Limited the flavors to plain tobacco and plain menthol. Alam niyo naman ang nangyari sa US di ba? Lahat ng klaseng flavors - unicorn, rainbow, lahat na - very attractive to the youth. So under the Sin Tax Law, [limited to] plain tobacco and plain menthol lang; * And finally, the jurisdiction and regulation is under the FDA. Why? It's very clear: Food and Drug Administration. Sabi ng batas na yun, anything that is harmful to health will be regulated by the FDA. That is a law that I passed in 2009 [RA 9711], and the Supreme Court very recently upheld it. Sinabi [ng SC na] FDA ang talagang magre-regulate ng lahat ng harmful sa katawan, including tobacco. Sinabi na ng SC yun. So this is what the Sin Tax Law contains, and kaya gusto ng proponents ang Vape Bil kasi tinatanggal lahat yan. Sa Vape Bill, ginawang 18 years old, ina-allow ang iba't ibang flavors, at ginawa nilang 'health authority' ang Department of Trade and Industry. Saan naman kayo nakarinig, saang bansa na ang DTI ay may kinalaman sa kalusugan ng tao? Dito po sa Pilipinas! Yan ang nasa Vape Bill. At yan ang gusto nating maliwanagan ang ating Presidente because he is new, and I acknowledge na when you are new in the office, sa dami ng problema, pwedeng hindi pa niya nalaman lahat ito. Sana po during this press conference, mabigyan natin ng tamang impormasyon ang Presidente para makagawa siya ng tamang desisyon. And on that note, ilalagay natin on record na in the past administration, the secretaries of various agencies - Cabinet members - supported the veto of this bill. DOH and FDA ang nanguna d'yan. Si then DepEd Secretary Briones, nagsulat ng position paper urging the President to veto this bill because makakasama nga sa kabataan. And the Department of Finance. So kung pinag-iisipan ng proponents na revenue generation, no less than the Secretary of Finance of the previous administration recommended the veto kasi alam niya hindi kailangan nitong Vape Bill para mag-generate ng income para sa gobyerno. Andoon na yun sa Sin Tax Law. There is also another procedural issue that is constitutional. Nakakapagtaka na pinasa namin ito noong January, and if you recall, these doctors were with me a month ago [in an earlier press conference held June 23 in the Senate], hindi pa nata-transmit sa office ni President Duterte [ang Vape Bill] at that time. And then months later, three days before the term of President Duterte ended, saka pa lang na-transmit [ng House of Representatives sa Office of the President]. May kalokohan talaga. And this will raise constitutional issues na siguro naman, ang bagong Presidente natin, kabago-bago ng term niya, [ayaw n'yang] may constitutional issue kaagad, 'di ba? So I will end my statement here by simply appealing: Mr. President, veto this bill, allow your secretaries to study them on their own with the proper timing. But for now, the right thing to do is to veto the Vape Bill. Maraming salamat po.# II. DR. YUL DOROTHEO * Executive Director, Southeast Asia Tobacco Alliance (SEATCA) Some doctors claim na ang bill ay makakabuti sa kalusugan ng mga Pilipino. But from a population perspective, based on hundreds of studies, the summary is [e-cigarettes] are not helpful for quitting. The majority of smokers become dual smokers. Mataas din ang chance to relapse [to smoking cigarettes]. Those are the basic lessons from existing evidence. Smoking is very harmful kung ikukumpara sa ibang bagay. [Pero] walang ebidensya that vapes are significantly less harmful. Studies show it is significantly harmful. This should be regulated by the FDA, not DTI. Paurong ang [Vape Bill], meron nang existing law [RA 11467] that regulates vapes effectively. How does lowering age protect youth? Industries promoting vapes are the same ones manufacturing cigarettes. Doctors supporting the Vape Bill have never been involved in tobacco control regulations. Bakit sila ngayon lumalabas? It is really bad for the health of Filipinos.# III. DR. ERRIC CINCO * President, Philippine Heart Association The Philippine Heart Association is one of many medical associations calling for the veto of the Vape Bill. Cardiovascular systems are the number one cause of death among Filipinos. Vape is associated with 34% more likely to have a heart attack, 25% coronary artery disease, 55% depression and anxiety.# IV. DRA. MARIA CORAZON AVANCENA * Head, Task Force on Environmental Hazard, Philippine Academy of Pediatric Pulmonologists Nicotine will affect the part of the brain for memory and higher learning. Our brain is not fully developed until 25. That's why we want 21 years old as the minimum age of access to vapes. Vape is the gateway to traditional smoking, marijuana, and excessive drinking. Kayo na may mga anak pamangkin, I'm sure ayaw niyo sila malulong sa vices. Mr President, whatever laws you plan for the country will be for your children too. Sana sa SONA, isa sa sasabihin is veto the Vape Bill.# V. ATTY. BENEDICT NISPEROS * Legal Consultant, Health Justice Philippines We stand for a state policy na kailangan strict regulation. Masama [ang vapes] sa kalusugan, lalo na sa kabataan. May mga batas na po, sapat na po ang Sin Tax Law. May policy na rin, EO 106 prohibiting vapes in public places. Ang bagong Vape Bill ay pag-reverse ng gains ng tobacco control regulations in the past years. Sana po sa SONA, bigyan ng regalo ang buong bayan na na-veto Vape Bill, and consider this as a health policy, and hindi bigyan ng chance ang commercial interest in tobacco industry.# VI. DRA. MARICAR LIMPIN (attended online) * Executive Director, Framework Convention on Tobacco Control Alliance-Philippines (FCAP), Philippine College of Physicians Appealing to veto in its entirety the Vape Bill FDA [is mandated] to protect health, particularly against products that affect health. Importante masiguro na tamang ahensya ang mag-regulate [ng e-cigarettes], not DTI, whose function is primarily on trade. It's not a trade issue, but a health issue. The recently issued decision of SC reaffirmed FDA's constitutional mandate. By lowering the age of access, [the Vape Bill] allows the young to be introduced to nicotine addiction. With the removal of the restriction on flavors, mas mae-engganyo ang mga bata na gumamit ng vape. Mr. President, do not listen to the tobacco industry, to the few doctors who do not know ang tunay na dahilan kung bakit gusto namin ma-veto ang Vape bill na ito. It is not true na walang regulation. Ang habol natin ay tunay na regulasyon. We are appealing to you to please protect the children. I hope that you will listen to us. We are telling you the science. I hope you listen to the science.# VII. DR. ANTONIO DANS (attended virtually) * Co-Convenor, Health Professionals Alliance against COVID-19 Under the Duterte administration, DOH supported a veto of this bill, alongside DOST through the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST). Very few doctors support this bill. They claim that the Vape Bill will make vapes available to millions of smokers. Hindi po ito totoo. The Vape bill is already available in malls, etc. It has been made available not just to smokers - but even to non-smokers. When you make vapes more available to non-smokers, there is clear and present danger. Studies show 3 effects: 100% increase in risk of smoking in the future; 350% increase in chance that you will take excessive alcohol; 500% chance that non-smokers will engage in use of illicit drugs such as marijuana The Vape Bill is a 'deregulatory' bill. It is not harm reduction, but harm introduction.# VIII. DR. BENITO ATIENZA (attended virtually) * Immediate past president, Philippine Medical Association (PMA) Nakikiusap po ako sa mamamayan na maniwala sa expert na doctors. Dapat mapag-aralan ng Pangulo ang epekto ng [Vape Bill] sa kabataan. May mga batas na. Ang kailangan natin at police power at political will to support the fight against vapes. Nakikiisa kami sa DOH, FDA, DOH para ma-veto ang Vape Bill.# IX. SENATOR ALAN CAYETANO * Supported the passage of RA 11467 as Speaker of the House in the 18th Congress Thanks to Senator Pia for almost single-handedly leading the battle against the Vape Bill in the Senate. [My appeal is let us] follow the science and listen to the doctors. Nagtataka ako nung dumating ang batas na ito: bakit ayaw makinig sa mga doktor? Why veto the Vape Bill? (presented slides) This is not the first regulation bill, yun ang deception na pinapairal. This bill is a very bad bill. I hope CHED (Commission on Higher Education) will speak up, I hope all of the religious groups will bind together to talk about this. DTI's function is to promote an industry or product. [If this bill gets passed] the government [will now say] let's promote vapes, rather than [ensure] it is safe. Expect na kapag naging batas ito, lahat ng nababagalan sa FDA will now lobby with Congress na ilipat na sila sa DTI. This is the start of the death of FDA kasi kung pwede naman ang vape na DTI, bakit hindi pwede ang food, o paracetamol? Ganun ang magiging logic. [We should take note that the] US FDA blocked thousands of flavors of e-cigs. Global Youth Tobacco Survey: 110% increase in vape use among Filipino youth in the last four years Napakadaling sabihin na it's less harmful, but the whole story is it is still very harmful. Masyado nang maraming crisis ngayon. Tulong-tulong muna. The President comes from a tobacco growing region... let us form a coalition that will support him when he vetoes this. (Photo : furkanfdemir from Pexels) Many think that writing a romance novel is easy. All you have to do is choose the subgenre, strong characters, and a happy ending. But contrary to this common belief, there is more to it than meets the eye. It's true that you can sell a romance novel if your idea is unique and genuine. However, to craft a book that can sell, you should polish your writing first. You can improve your writing skills with time but you'll still need editing. Completing your draft is one thing but reviewing and solving grammatical mistakes is another task. This is gruelling work that you have to do with a fresh mind. You may have to rewrite, edit, add or cut, and then rewrite the manuscript. This is a practice that can help you lessen writing mistakes. In case you don't have the time to do this, we recommend hiring romance editors. There are several reasons why you should seek help from editors. We have enlisted some of the best below for your information. Detailed Review One of the biggest benefits of hiring romance editors is that you'll get a detailed review. These are professionals who offer objectivity which can polish your manuscript. Professional editors don't hold back or hesitate to point out your mistakes. They will highlight areas where your unpublished book needs improvements after giving it a read. They will tell you areas where you should add more detail by pinpointing character flaws and identifying grammar mistakes. What's more beneficial is that an editor will help you cut unnecessary words from your draft. For example, if you have used the word "yours" or "truly" excessively, the editor will let you know about it. You can also take advantage of their professional experience and improve your writing by following their constructive remarks. Correcting Errors It's difficult to find and correct one's own mistakes. Especially, when it comes to writing, authors tend to overlook slip ups and character flaws. This is where a professional editor can help you out. You will have a fresh pair of eyes that will only be looking to find mistakes. They will scrutinise your work from a reader's perspective but with the mind of an editor. So, if you have made grammar mistakes or have mentioned the same character twice, they'll highlight it. Also, they'll let you know if you have used cliches or someone else's work in your manuscript. All in all, they will help you to ensure that your book stays original and true to its theme. Unbiased Assessment You may think why bother hiring an editor when you can ask someone close to do the same job. This is the thought that pops into the mind of every author. But to tell you the truth, friends and family members cannot judge your work unbiasedly. Most people prefer not to point out a writer's mistake. They don't want to hurt your feelings and often don't have the eye of an editor. The same goes for beta readers because they are not professionals. But when you hire a romance editor, you'll have an unbiased critique on your side. A professional editor will read and review your writing critically. They'll provide impartial feedback because they are getting paid to review your work. An editor will let you know where your writing is getting sloppy or lacking details. Editors have a habit of assessing stories, structure, and characters as critiques and offering their views unbiasedly. Saving Time One of the many reasons to hire an editor to review your romance novel is time-saving. Proofreading and reviewing the first draft of a book is a tedious task. This is hectic work that may take weeks and you may have to do it twice. If you are a writer who likes to work on other important tasks, hiring a professional editor is a good move. This will allow you to free your mind and work on other crucial tasks. You can work on your cover design while a professional will be editing your manuscript. Writing Improvements The best thing about hiring an editor is that you'll have a perfect draft. There are things that you can do to improve writing skills but hiring romance editors makes more sense. An editor will review your work in detail and inform you where you need improvements. Professional editors can help you reduce errors by providing useful writing tips. That's because novice writers don't know how to structure their paragraphs or chapters precisely. For example, if you have used the wrong jargon or have written the same word again and again in a chapter, they'll let you know about it. Publishing Perfect Copy When it comes to writing books, the reputation of authors heavily relies on what type of work they produce. You surely would not like to be known as an author who makes grammatical errors. Also, your audience will disapprove of the work if it has communication issues. But these are problems that can only be addressed before publishing the book. You can easily sort out these issues if you have a good editor on your side. They will help you remove such mistakes and make sure that your audience gets a book that represents the best of your skills. Quick Publication and Marketing The biggest challenge for any new writer is to publish the book. They often are not aware of the process and don't know which publisher is best for them. This is something that an experienced romance editor can do for you. They can guide novice writers on how to meet industry standards. An editor can help you find a perfect publisher for your work using his/her connections. Using their previous experiences, they can also help you with the marketing strategy. As a result, you may be able to sell books and reach a wider audience. Final Note To write a good romance novel, you have to pay attention to the details. Character development is the key that can make or break your storyline. This is something that professional romance editors are good at. They can help you solve character and structural flaws to ensure you publish the perfect manuscript. Minsk, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 21st Jul, 2022 ) :Belarus leader Alexander Lukashenko told AFP on Thursday that Kyiv authorities can end the war in Ukraine if they restart talks with Moscow and accept its demands. "Everything depends on Ukraine," Lukashenko told AFP in an exclusive interview. "Right now, the peculiarity of the moment is that this war can be ended on more acceptable terms for Ukraine."He urged Kyiv authorities to "sit down at the negotiating table and agree that they will never threaten Russia". (@FahadShabbir) Kyiv, Ukraine, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 21st Jul, 2022 ) :The United States on Wednesday promised to send more precision rocket systems to Kyiv, soon after Moscow signaled it was aiming to seize more Ukrainian territory beyond the eastern industrial region of Donbas. The announcement came as the European Commission called on EU members to slash demand for natural gas to relieve dependence on Russian energy and the bloc agreed an embargo on Russian gold imports, measures that Kyiv nevertheless dismissed as insufficient. Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin said Washington would send four more M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (Himars), which have notably boosted Kyiv's capabilities on the battlefield in recent weeks by allowing Ukrainian forces to hit Russian targets from long distances. "Ukraine needs the firepower and the ammunition to withstand this barrage and to strike back," Austin told reporters, adding that the new shipment would bring the total of US Himars sent to Kyiv to 16. Hours earlier, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said in an interview that Moscow's military was no longer only focused on wresting control of the east Ukraine regions of Lugansk and Donetsk, which have been partially controlled by pro-Moscow rebels for years. "The geography is different now. It is not only about the DNR and LNR, but also the Kherson region, the Zaporizhzhia region and a number of other territories," he explained to state media. On Tuesday, the United States said Russia was "beginning to roll out a version of what you could call an annexation playbook" -- citing the same areas mentioned by Lavrov. Russian forces, since invading Ukraine on February 24, have steadily advanced into each of those regions, wreaking destruction as they captured key cities and met fierce Ukrainian resistance. In recent weeks, they have also hit Ukrainian civilian targets in cities and towns far away from the frontline, leaving scores of civilians dead, in what Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called a terror campaign. ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 20th Jul, 2022 ) :Ambassador of Algeria H.E Brahim Romani Wednesday called on Chairman Senate Muhammad Sadiq Sanjrani here at Parliament House and discussed the existing bilateral and cordial relations between two countries. During interaction, Sanjrani said that Pakistan and Algeria enjoy the lengths of friendly relations due to sharing of common religion, cultural values and friendly foreign policies. Moreover, the meeting discussed underscoring the need for collaboration in present times. He mentioned that Pakistan values its relations with Algeria and urged to expand the bilateral ties in the field of Information Technology. The Chairman, while talking to the Ambassador, said that Pakistan believes in the expansion of friendly bilateral ties based on mutual interests to promote savvy diplomacy and to develop a multidimensional approach towards the outer world. He highlighted that Pakistan desires to further collaborate with the Republic of Algeria based on a broad canvas in various fields such as economy, politics, and developing cultural and public connections. Sanjrani underlined that in an age of increasing dependence of states on each other and global connectivity, there is a need to take necessary steps to transform the trends of trade between two states. It is important to address the existing bottlenecks to boost the economies of both countries. The Chairman Senate asked the Ambassador to urge the Algerian investors to collaborate with Pakistan in different sectors to build joint ventures to shape up advanced economies in the 21st century. Chairman Senate exhorted to manipulate parliamentary diplomacy as a tool to promote regional peace, and harmony and make collective efforts to resolve issues hampering development. Chairman Senate underscored that parliamentary cooperation and institutionalized collaboration can help promote people-to-people contacts. The visiting dignitary remarked that Pakistan is an important country for us and in the region. Algerian Ambassador Brahim Romani stressed the need for more institutional cooperation and proposed an early plan for exchanges of delegations in business sectors. The Ambassador also invited the chairman of the Senate on behalf of the heads of both houses of the Algerian parliament to visit Algeria along with the parliamentary delegation. (@FahadShabbir) Russia on Thursday restored critical gas supplies to Europe through Germany via the Nord Stream pipeline after 10 days of maintenance, but suspicion lingered that the Kremlin would trigger an energy crisis on the continent this winter Berlin, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 21st Jul, 2022 ) :Russia on Thursday restored critical gas supplies to Europe through Germany via the Nord Stream pipeline after 10 days of maintenance, but suspicion lingered that the Kremlin would trigger an energy crisis on the continent this winter. Germany, which is heavily dependent on Russian gas, had feared that Moscow would not reopen the pipeline after the scheduled work and accused Moscow of using energy as a "weapon". The showdown came amid the worst tensions in several years over Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Germany believes Russia is squeezing supplies in retaliation for Western sanctions over the war. Klaus Mueller, head of Germany's energy regulator, the Federal Network Agency, said that by late morning gas flows were on track to return to 40 percent of the pipeline's capacity -- the same reduced level as before the maintenance work. "But given the missing 60 percent (of supply) and political instability, there is no reason to sound the all-clear," he tweeted. German Economy Minister Robert Habeck angrily dismissed Russian claims that it was a guarantor of Europe's energy supply, saying that Moscow had become a growing "insecurity factor" in the sector. "In fact, Russia is using the great power we gave it to blackmail Europe and Germany," Habeck of the ecologist Green party told reporters. Enduring German reliance on Russian gas coupled with alarming signals from Moscow have turned up the pressure on Europe's top economy. A total shutdown of imports or a sharp reduction in the flow from east to west could have a catastrophic effect, shutting factories and forcing households to turn down the heat. Even the resumption of 40 percent of supplies would be insufficient to ward off energy shortages in Europe this winter, experts warned. The International Monetary Fund said on Wednesday that a halt in supplies could slash Germany's gross domestic product this year by 1.5 percent. - 'Will fulfil' - Russia's state-owned energy giant Gazprom cut flows to Germany via the Nord Stream 1 pipeline under the Baltic Sea to some 40 percent of capacity in recent weeks, blaming the absence of a Siemens gas turbine that was undergoing repairs in Canada. The turbine is reportedly en route to Russia and expected to arrive on Sunday at the earliest. The German government has rejected Gazprom's explanation as an "excuse", noting that the turbine was one of several available. Moscow's explanation for the supply shortfall shifted again on Thursday, as it said that gas delivery problems to Europe were caused by Western sanctions. "Any technical difficulties linked to this are caused by those restrictions that European countries introduced themselves," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters, dismissing blackmail accusations as "completely" unfounded. Russian President Vladimir Putin insisted this week that Gazprom would meet all its delivery obligations. "Gazprom has fulfilled, is fulfilling and will fulfil its obligations in full," Putin told reporters in Tehran after holding talks with the leaders of Iran and Turkey. He warned, however, that as another gas turbine was due to be sent for maintenance at the end of this month, energy flows could fall to 20 percent of capacity from next week. - 'Prepare for winter' - As of Wednesday, German gas reserves were about 65 percent of capacity according to official estimates. Habeck said he was setting targets to boost the level to between 90 and 95 percent by November. The European Commission on Wednesday urged EU countries to reduce their demand for natural gas by 15 percent over the coming months, and to give it special powers to force through needed demand cuts if Russia severs the gas lifeline. "Russia is using energy as a weapon and therefore, in any event, whether it's a partial major cut-off of Russian gas or total cut-off... Europe needs to be ready," Commission president Ursula von der Leyen, a former German defence minister, told reporters. Habeck, who has said he is taking shorter showers to save energy, welcomed the EU measures and rolled out a package of national policies to comply with them. In addition to boosting its gas reserves, Germany is implementing plans to temporarily revert to more coal power, will mandate energy savings in public buildings and impose new rules for efficiency in heating homes and offices. "We must prepare for winter," he said. The state of Wisconsin has filed a lawsuit against 18 chemical manufacturers for the role they played in PFAS contaminations around the state, officials announced on Wednesday. Gov. Tony Evers and Attorney General Josh Kaul announced the lawsuit on French Island near La Crosse a community directly impacted by PFAS which claims the companies that manufactured and sold products containing PFAS participated in wrongful, deceptive and tortious conduct for decades. These manufacturers knew, or should have known, that their products could harm public health, pollute our waters and our natural resources, Evers said. But rather than warning consumers and users of associated risk and harm from their products and PFAS, these polluters concealed these dangers and even downplayed them to our families, communities and Wisconsinites. The companies included in the lawsuit are 3M, DuPont, Chemguard, Tyco Fire Products, Buckeye Fire Equipment, Kidde-Fenwal, NationalFoam, Amerex, the Chemours Company, ChemDesign, BASF, Dynax, Archroma, Carrier Global, UTC Fire & Security, Clariant, and several other subsidiaries of these companies. The lawsuit was filed in Dane County, and the state is asking the companies to pay a comprehensive bill to address the contamination their products are believed to have caused. PFAS are a group of manmade, toxic forever chemicals, meaning they dont breakdown over time. The chemicals are found in a number of everyday products, but in many communities around the state such as French Island, its believed the chemicals have entered and contaminated the groundwater through firefighting foam that has been used at airports. Evers and Kaul were joined by local and state leaders at the library on French Island to announce the lawsuit, a location that itself has water contaminated by PFAS. More than 500 private wells and a handful of city wells on the island have been found to be contaminated, and residents have been relying on bottled water to do most daily tasks for more than a year now. Officials said the lawsuit is about accountability, hopeful that it will prevent communities from having to pay to clean up and find solutions to PFAS contaminations. Evers said currently, Wisconsin taxpayers would need to pay more than $1 billion to address the issue. The lawsuit specifically says it seeks to recover all costs, expenses and damages from restoration and loss-of-use damages, natural-resource damages, and the costs of investigating, abating, containing, preventing, treating, removing and remediating PFAS contamination in Wisconsin, as well as punitive damages. This would cover things such as tesing wells, removing the contaminants and reconnecting communities to safe drinking water. Wisconsinites should not have to foot the bill for polluters who should have known what theyre doing is wrong all along. Thats why we are demanding that the polluters responsible should have to pay for the reckless and reprehensible conduct, Evers said. We will not look the other way when the health of Wisconsinites is in danger, Kaul said. At least 15 of the companies included in the states lawsuit are also part of a lawsuit filed by the city of La Crosse last spring. The state also filed a lawsuit in March against Johnson Controls, Inc. and Tyco Fire Products for PFAS violations. Some of the companies in the states lawsuit made the firefighting foam that was specifically used at the La Crosse Regional Airport on French Island, where the islands pollution is believed to have begun. Local leaders who are on the ground each day addressing the crisis said this is a big first step. We must turn off the flow of PFAS in our community and in our state. Unless we turn off the flow, we are going to be caught in a never ending cycle of trying to remediate what never should have leaked into our soil and groundwater to begin with, said town of Campbell supervisor Lee Donahue. For the island, the impact of PFAS has been devastating. While fighting back tears, Donahue described that the small community now lives with the reality of wondering if each health battle their neighbors fight was caused by unknowingly consuming these chemicals for decades. They worry about the future of the young kids who are now taught that their tap water isnt safe to drink. Its huge in our community, Donahue said. Peoples lives have just changed. Weve changed. Weve had to change. Donahue said the town has requested to be under medical monitoring by the Centers for Disease Control, but nothing has been implemented. Exposure to PFAS has been linked to cancer, liver damage, infertility, thyroid disease and more, and more studies are beginning to reveal the full health impact the chemicals are having. While the lawsuit is a big step for French Island and other communities like it, local leaders are continuing their efforts on the ground. French Island, which is largely under the jurisdiction of the town of Campbell, is specifically waiting to hear back from the city of La Crosse about a joint water agreement. The agreement would give the town the freedom to explore its options for clean water, including the possibility of connecting the island to city water which, aside from the wells near the airport, is not known to be contaminated with PFAS without the threat of annexation. Campbell sent the agreement to the city in March, but Donahue said the town has heard next to nothing from the city on it. She said her next steps are to contact city council members. La Crosse Mayor Mitch Reynolds told the Tribune there is no update from the city at this point regarding the agreement. The island has also recently teamed up with the county to collect and store filters residents are using to treat PFAS-contaminated water in their homes. Donahue said they hope the pilot program will become a blueprint for other communities while they wait for disposal solutions. But local efforts can only go so far. Both Donahue and Evers pushed the state Legislature to do more, specifically when it comes to implementing higher standards for drinking and groundwater, an issue that has been entangled with politics in recent months. Our Legislature has the ability to make decisions that will increase the health and safety of our residents in Campbell, in Peshtigo, in Rhinelander, Wausau, the list goes on and on and on. And the longer that they fail to do so I dont know how you sleep at night, Donahue said. The litigation against these chemical manufacturers is expected to take quite a while to bring about any real help. In the meantime, communities around the state are being encouraged to continue to test their wells. This story was updated at 1:25 p.m. to include comments from the mayor. (@FahadShabbir) Turkey has renewed its threats of a new military offensive against Syria's Kurds, but what can it do after failing to secure the green light of Russia and Iran? After announcing plans to move against Kurdish forces in the areas of Manbij and Tal Rifaat in northern Syria, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey joined a three-way summit in Tehran this week looking for support Beirut, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 21st Jul, 2022 ) :Turkey has renewed its threats of a new military offensive against Syria's Kurds, but what can it do after failing to secure the green light of Russia and Iran? After announcing plans to move against Kurdish forces in the areas of Manbij and Tal Rifaat in northern Syria, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey joined a three-way summit in Tehran this week looking for support. While Iran and Russia, the two other main foreign players in the Syrian conflict, reined him in, analysts say, Turkey insisted Thursday it does not need anyone's "permission" for a new Syria campaign. Here's a look at what could be next. Did Erdogan get the green light? In Tehran, Erdogan renewed his threats against the Kurdish forces that control swathes of northeastern Syria and are considered "terrorists" by Ankara. The summit yielded a declaration vowing to cooperate to "eliminate individuals and terrorist groups" in northern Syria and opposing any separatist ambitions. The three main foreign brokers, who have long supported opposing sides in Syria's war, ostensibly omitted to define who qualified as "terrorist". Moscow and Washington have repeatedly warned NATO member Turkey against a fresh attack against the Kurds in northern Syria and in Tehran, supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned Erdogan an offensive would be "detrimental". "The summit did not give (Erdogan) the green light, but Turkey has repeatedly launched military operations into Syria without a green light," said Dareen Khalifa, a researcher at the International Crisis Group. But Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said Thursday that Turkey had "never asked and we never seek permission" for its Syria campaigns. "It can happen one night, suddenly," he said of a new military push, without specifying the scale of such an operation. Between 2016 and 2019, Ankara launched three military offensives it said were to root out the Kurdish People's Protection Units, which are the main component of the autonomous Kurds' de facto army, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). Ankara considers the YPG an extension of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), a group that has waged an insurgency in Turkey for decades. Erdogan has threatened to attack Kurdish-controlled areas of northern Syria that are part of a 30-kilometre (20-mile) deep buffer zone he wants to establish along the border. Bassam Abu Abdullah of the Damascus Centre for Strategic Studies said he thought a Turkish attack was unlikely. "I think that the fuse of the Turkish military operation... has been completely removed," he told AFP. What options does Turkey have? But even without Moscow and Tehran's stamp of approval, Erdogan could still launch a limited attack. Turkish media reported that any operation would not take place before the end of August or beginning of September. "One option now that is available to Turkey is to use airpower to strike Kurdish targets throughout Syria. Erdogan has that greenlight," said Nicholas Heras of the New Lines Institute. Kurdish officials have said they are preparing for a potential Turkish attack. "Erdogan is desperate for permission to violate Syrian airspace to conduct his aggression," said SDF spokesperson Farhad Shami. Turkey, which has been carrying out cross-border operations against the PKK in neighbouring Iraq for years, killed nine civilians in artillery fire on Wednesday. An attack on densely populated Manbij would have "grave humanitarian consequences", Khalifa warned. "Renewed conflict will inevitably lead to mass displacement and suffering," she said. Hundreds of thousands of Arabs and Kurds displaced by a 2018 Turkish offensive on the neighbouring Afrin region live in the Tal Rifaat area. Manbij is also an Arab-majority town with displaced Kurds living in and around it. Is Turkey bringing Kurds closer to Damascus? The Syrian army has deployed reinforcements in the areas threatened by Turkey, especially in the vicinity of Manbij, to act as a buffer between Kurdish and Ankara-backed forces. Abu Abdullah expects even more Syrian army deployments in the area. Damascus ally Moscow "will press hard in this direction," he said, adding that Ankara "will not be bothered by this at all, they are pushing for the Syrian army to deploy" on the border to avoid a military escalation. "Any military operation will complicate the situation for everyone," he said. "The SDF have no choice but to reach an understanding with the Syrian state." Kurdish forces and the Syrian regime have struggled to reach an accommodation, because the Kurds are reluctant to give up territorial gains while Damascus rejects their self-rule. Khalifa said she is sceptical the two will see eye to eye. "A Turkish attack would potentially lead to more defence arrangements between the SDF and Damascus but that might not translate into a broader agreement or settlement," she said. "At least it hasn't in the past." Julie Gonzalez was in high school when she realized that her interest in computer science and desire to help people were perfect for a career in cybersecurity. Gonzalez graduated in early May with a degree in cybersecurity from the USF College of Engineering Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) department. A few weeks later, she began working as an identity and access management analyst with Raymond James in St. Petersburg. Like other recent USF cybersecurity grads, Gonzalez quickly found a good job in a field where Florida is investing heavily to meet soaring demand for highly qualified workers. Gov. Ron DeSantis last month signed a budget that includes a $20.5 million increase in funding from the legislature to Cyber Florida at USF. Included in that is $10 million in recurring funds for USF to hire new faculty and expand programs to help produce more cyber-workforce-ready graduates each year. The College of Engineering separately received $1.39 million from Cyber Florida to expand and enhance the workforce in the Tampa Bay region. The investments address an enormous need in an industry the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts will grow by 31 percent over the next few years, with average median wages around $104,000 annually. The shortage of cybersecurity professionals is estimated to be around 2.7 million globally and about 22,000 in Florida. Its exciting to know you can pivot in almost any direction and find a good job, said senior William Silvert, a CSE cybersecurity student who expects to graduate in December. USF prepares cybersecurity graduates with classroom simulations and experiential learning opportunities and builds feedback from industry partners into its programs. Faculty who have worked in the cybersecurity field stage exercises such as malware attacks in which students use real-world tools to find solutions. Gonzalez completed internships with Norwegian Cruise Lines, Northrop Grumman and Guidepoint Security and worked with faculty with expertise in math, business and industrial organizational psychology. The interdisciplinary aspect of the program is really valuable and keeps it interesting, she said. Diverse program options and partnerships USF offers undergraduate cybersecurity degrees in the College of Engineering and the Muma College of Business. Engineerings program launched in 2018 and now includes more than 550 students, says program director Sriram Chellappan, a professor of computer science and engineering. Students benefit from the Computing Partners Program, which includes industry partners such as Amazon Pay, CAE, OPSWAT, Johnson & Johnson, JPMorgan Chase & Co, Nielsen and Raymond James. The Muma College of Business Information Assurance and Cybersecurity Management program launched last fall under the direction of professor of information systems Giti Javidi. It provides flexibility for working students and military veterans transitioning to civilian life. A partnership with Sylint a Sarasota-based cybersecurity and digital data forensics firm provides internships, mentoring, training and curriculum development opportunities. Along with technical training, the Information Assurance and Cybersecurity Management program emphasizes communication and collaboration in a team setting. The thinking behind this is to fill the gap between pure technology and cybersecurity business functions, Javidi said. Graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills to serve on the front line of support for governments and business organizations. Chellappan agrees that incorporating industry feedback is vital to meeting workforce needs. We want to make sure students have the soft skills they will need on the job, Chellappan said. There is an emphasis on learning how to manage the stress of monitoring a compromised system and the decision-making skills required to detect cyber-attacks and rapidly mitigate consequences. That approach is reflected in a unique badging program begun five years ago through a partnership between the Muma College of Business and ReliaQuest, a global computer network and security startup based in Tampa. ReliaQuest Cybersecurity Labs at USF provides 50-60 students each semester with six weeks of intensive training led by ReliaQuest engineers and analysts. Graduates receive a digital badge to display on their social media platforms and resumes. About 20 percent receive full-time job offers from ReliaQuest, and 70 percent accept roles somewhere in the field. The program is free and open to all undergraduate and graduate students. We havent seen another program across the country that is co-designed, co-created and co-delivered between an R1 research institution and an industry partner, said Matthew Mullarkey, professor of instruction in the Muma School of Information Systems and Management. Mullarkey worked closely with ReliaQuest founder and CEO Brian Murphy to secure a $1 million gift to create ReliaQuest Labs and hopes to grow the program. On the horizon This fall, the College of Engineering will launch a cybersecurity masters degree. Program director Nasir Ghani, a professor of electrical engineering, said its designed to prepare graduates for higher-end programming jobs. A joint initiative among the electrical engineering, computer science and engineering and industrial and management systems departments, it focuses on software security, hardware security, machine learning and artificial intelligence security. USF also offers masters degrees in cybercrime in the College of Behavioral Health and Community Sciences, cybersecurity intelligence and information security in the College of Arts and Sciences and a master's in information assurance and cybersecurity management. The recurring state funds will enable USF to add faculty whose research could identify new areas of risk and improve security for public sector agencies, businesses and industries in Florida and beyond. That work aligns with the launch of the USF Global and National Security Institute, which strengthens Floridas leadership in addressing critical issues involving defense, economic and political security, health and human security and infrastructure and environmental security. GNSI executive director Kenneth F. Frank McKenzie, a retired Marine Corps general and former chief of U.S. Central Command, also took over leadership of Cyber Florida from Mike McConnell in July. For Tanzanias Mbinga Diocese, with a high Catholic population, situated more than 700km by road from Dar es Salaam, having a Catholic radio station was a dream that started in 2013. Paul Samasumo Vatican City. There have always been national radio broadcasts to Mbinga and surrounding areas. Except the broadcasts were always from the capital, Dar or neighbouring Malawi. Inevitably the broadcasts were almost always about happenings in Dar es Salaam -rarely any local news about Mbinga and its surrounding areas. Radio Hekima FM 102. 7, winning hearts Radio Hekima was inaugurated in March 2020, right in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic. This meant the radio station hit the ground running. There was so much misinformation about Covid-19 at the time that the radios timely and authoritative information won the hearts of listeners. The Ordinary of the Diocese, Bishop John Chrisostom Ndimbo, is the figure behind the Radio station. Bishop John Chrisostom Ndimbo of Mbinga during Mass this week. The highest number of Catholics According to Bishop Ndimbo, the Diocese of Mbinga, which is part of the ecclesiastical province of Songea, is home to the highest number of Catholics in the country. Ninety-five per cent of the population here are Catholics. This implies a lot in terms of evangelisation. The demand for evangelisation is high. The priests we have do not suffice to cater for all Catholics in the Diocese of Mbinga. Given the demand and following up on Church documents about social communications, we found that radio would be an ideal supplementary pastoral effort towards evangelisation, said Bishop Ndimbo in an interview this week. Staff of Radio Hekima FM 102. 7 Mbinga Radio Hekima and SIGNIS Already in 2013, we came up with a resolution that we set up a radio station which would supplement the efforts of the priests. This resolution was incorporated into our five-year strategic plan from 2013 to 2017. So, we started working on it. We got in contact with SIGNIS Services Rome, and we were grateful. In fact, we are still grateful for the technical support we have received from SIGNIS Services Rome, said the Bishop of Mbinga. Isaac Atchikiti and Maria Chiara de Lorenzo of SIGNIS Services Rome, being shown around Mbingas Hekima Radio. Last year, Radio Hekima told SIGNIS Maria Victoria La Terza how the radio station, which means wisdom in the local KiSwahili language, came in handy during the middle of the covid-19 pandemic. Radio Hekima quickly adapted and started spreading awareness and information about the virus; how to protect oneself, explain the situation to children, know about the risks, and so on. The logo for Pope Francis' "Penitential Pilgrimage" to Canada, from 24 to 30 July, was designed by Indigenous graphic artist Shaun Vincent. By Francesca Merlo Pope Francis will travel to Canada from July 24-30, stopping off in Edmonton, Maskwacis, Quebec and Iqaluit as has already been announced in his itinerary. At the Angelus on Sunday, 17, the Pope stressed that this will be an eminently "penitential" pilgrimage , which "may contribute to the journey of healing and reconciliation already undertaken," in reference to the "policies of cultural assimilation that in the past have gravely harmed, in various ways, the native communities" in North America. The creation process The team for this papal visit has explained the official logo for the trip to Canada. "My creative process is inspired by nature, particularly in my familys land in St. Laurent, Manitoba, a Metis community where I ground myself and am reminded where and who I come from often with a dose of humility and always good humour. -Shaun Vicent Owner of Winnipeg-based company Vincent Design, Shaun was hired by the visiting team in early 2022. After a long discernment, talking with elders and family members, he made the decision to participate in creating the visuals for Pope Francis' historic visit to Canada. "For this logo, community is at the centre of what I wanted to portray, with the reindeer and herds of bison, the fish and eagles, with a dove of peace and the keys of St Peter representing the Holy Spirit and the Pope - placed amongst the animals and elements of earth, sky and water. Wherever we go on this journey of healing and reconciliation, we go together," explained Shaun Vincent. Shaun Vincent's design About the circle In explaining why the logo is circular, Shaun Vincent emphasises that "to really walk together for purpose requires direction and focus. A circle-shaped grandfather drum gives rhythm to the dance circles. Circles of flowered beads sparkle during the violinist's melody. A circle of arms outstretched while throat singing under the circle of the sun. The circle can be found everywhere in Indigenous life. In a circle, all are equal, all are visible. The ceremony needs this symbol. It is history, it holds our stories. It is who we are. A symbol to represent this event must have trust and calm at its centre. That's why I chose this symbol as its core, with the teachings existing within its shape." The impressions Since it was presented, the design has elicited glowing reviews. "We are very pleased with the work of Shaun Vincent and his team,'' said Jasmin Lemieux Lefebvre, digital communications lead for the papal visit team. Jasmin Lemieux Lefebvre further stated, "We are grateful that Shaun who was able to bring his creative vision to life and incorporate so many important elements into the logo. This important visual is a powerful symbol of our ongoing healing and reconciliation journey." The cities Given Canada's vast landscape, Pope Francis will use only three communities as a base for his visit to Canada. The cities chosen are: Edmonton, Quebec City and Iqaluit. Edmonton: is home to the second largest number of Indigenous people living in Canadian urban centres. In addition, 25 residential schools were located in the province of Alberta. Iqaluit: with a population of 8,000 people, is home to the largest number of Inuit, who are members of the indigenous Eskimo nation inhabiting Canada's Arctic regions (approximately 3,900). Pope Francis was personally invited by Inuit delegates to visit the North during their meetings in March. Quebec City offers an eastern hub for those who wish to travel to be with Pope Francis, especially the indigenous peoples of the east. The region is also home to Ste. Anne-de-Beaupre, is one of the oldest and most popular pilgrimage sites in north america, attracting indigenous peoples and others from across Canada and around the world each year. Salt + Light Media releases a project of three documentaries, the first of which was released earlier this week, to help understand the deeper meaning underlying Francis' visit to the injustice-affected communities. Vatican News Salt + Light Media has completed a documentary on the historic meetings that took place in the Vatican in March and April 2022 between Pope Francis and the delegations of Canada's Indigenous. The hour-long documentary comes just days before the Pope travels to Canada on what he described as a "penitential pilgrimage." The documentary The documentary offers background on the experiences of representatives of the Assembly of First Nations, the Metis National Council, and the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, who met with Pope Francis about abuses against the Indigenous, especially within the Canadian residential school system. The documentary "will help Canadians appreciate the broader story of the journey toward meaningful reconciliation," says Fr. Alan Fogarty, SJ, Executive Producer of the documentary and CEO of Salt + Light Media. Every Canadian and person of faith is called to participate in this journey" he adds, "today, and well into the future. We know that by documenting and sharing these testimonies, especially leading up to the Pope's Apostolic Journey to Canada, we can play a vital role in the healing process. The production Produced, directed and narrated by Pedro Guevera-Mann, the film features interviews with Wilton Littlechild, former Grand Chief of the Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations and Member of Parliament; Natan Obed, President of the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami; Cassidy Caron, President of the Metis National Council; and other Indigenous delegates, as well as bishops from Catholic dioceses in Canada. It also contains footage of the meetings that took place at the Vatican last spring and of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission process that preceded the meeting. Reconciliation is not a checkmark we put on a box, says Pedro Guevara-Mann. It's an ongoing journey of relationships that requires hard work. I'm honoured to be part of this journey." A series of three The film is the first in a series of three documentaries that Salt + Light Media has committed to producing on residential schools, the Indigenous and people of faith, and the truth and reconciliation process. The second is in the production phase and should be completed by late autumn 2022. The documentary is now available for free on Salt + Light Plus, the channel's subscription-based streaming service, and online at slmedia.org/slplus. The French, Chinese and Italian subtitled versions are being finalized and will be released shortly. East Timor President Jose Ramos-Horta said Tuesday during a visit to Indonesia that he hoped to boost trade ties between the countries and seal a decades-long bid by his nation to join the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) next year. Ramos-Horta met his counterpart Joko Widodo on his first state visit to neighboring Indonesia since he was elected in April for a second stint as president. He previously served as president of East Timor, which is also known as Timor Leste, between 2007 and 2012. "Timor Leste as part of Southeast Asia has fulfilled many of the requirements necessary for a functioning economy and democracy so ... will be a productive member of ASEAN," he said, noting he hoped his young country could join the group when Indonesia takes over the presidency next year. East Timor, which applied for ASEAN membership in 2011, currently holds observer status. Speaking at the presidential palace in Bogor, south of Jakarta, the Indonesian president said his country had invested $818 million in East Timor, mainly in energy, banking and communication businesses. "We've agreed to increase trade between both countries," said Widodo, who is widely known as Jokowi. Official Indonesia data shows trade between the countries was worth around $250 million last year. Heavily dependent on revenue from oil and gas, the half-island nation of 1.3 million people has grappled with diversifying its economy and reducing high rates of poverty. Indonesia invaded the former Portuguese colony in 1975 and East Timor only gained full independence in 2002 after a long and bloody struggle to end an often-brutal occupation. Ramos-Horta, who won a Nobel Peace Prize for his peaceful efforts to end the conflict, said he welcomed deepening trade ties with Jakarta and Indonesia's commitment to East Timor joining the 10-member ASEAN regional grouping. On a sunny May morning in 2020, Sok Oudom joined fellow journalists to cover a protest over military plans to claim land in Cambodia's Kampong Chhnang province. Armed with a microphone and a smartphone, and with a traditional red krama scarf wrapped around his head, Oudom started a livestream for his digital and radio media outlet, Rithysen News. Several protesters were forthcoming with Oudom about their opposition to the plans. One took the mic and questioned whether the spike in land disputes could bring war back to Cambodia. Oudom himself called on Prime Minister Hun Sen to intervene, then called out the governor at the time, Chhour Chandoeun. The broadcast caught the attention of authorities. The following day, police raided Oudom's home in the city of Kampong Chhnang and charged him with incitement. The Information Ministry in Phnom Penh revoked the license for Rithysen News. That December, a court sentenced Oudom to 20 months in prison. The journalist's case was cited in a report by the American Bar Association Center for Human Rights, a U.S.-based organization that advocates for vulnerable communities and seeks to hold governments to account. The association said Oudom's case is indicative of the challenges for journalists and activists accused of incitement. Local and international rights organizations have previously cited Cambodia's use of the charge against critics. The independent Cambodian Journalists Alliance, or CamboJA, has documented at least 168 cases of legal and physical harassment against journalists in the past two years, with nearly all those detained facing accusations of "incitement." "The case of Mr. Sok Oudom is a personal tragedy, but it is also indicative of a wider issue of Cambodian authorities using draconian laws to target journalists and human rights defenders," Oliver Windridge, an international human rights lawyer who advised the ABA, told VOA Khmer. "The right to freedom of expression protects not only the right to say things that are complementary or in favor of governments and authorities, but importantly, also the right to be critical and challenge governments and authorities." Chin Malin, a spokesperson for Cambodia's Ministry of Justice, dismissed claims that authorities use incitement and other laws to target critics. When asked about Oudom's case, he told VOA that journalists are not afforded "special privilege or parliamentary immunity to make them an exception from criminal responsibilities if they commit a criminal felony." Media trial In convicting Oudom, judges in Kampong Chhnang provincial court cited Article 495 of Cambodia's Criminal Code, which covers acts deemed to be "incitement to commit a felony or to disturb social security," through provisions laid out in Article 494 including speech, pictures or audio-visual communication. At the final hearing, the provincial court judge told Oudom his words had "the potential to inspire the listener or citizens currently occupying the disputed land to commit acts which are crimes by going to occupy land." The ABA report concluded the prosecution against Oudom ran contrary to both international and domestic legal and human rights practices. Him Khortieth, the research and advocacy manager at CamboJA, followed Oudom's case closely, even attending hearings. "Based on what I heard during directly being present in the trial, there seemed no serious and specific felony committed in their accusation against Mr. Sok Oudom," Khortieth told VOA Khmer. He said many journalists are seeking clarification on where the line is between journalistic work and criminal activity; between protected expression and incitement. Ministry spokesperson Malin said it is up to judges to decide what constitutes "incitement." "Not the so-called Facebook judges, not the journalists, not the analysts, and not the civil society organizations who are the outsiders to consider these three aspects instead of a state judge," he said. "If anyone could do that, there would be no need to have a court system or judges in existence at all." Back in Kampong Chhnang, issues of land grabbing, illegal fishing and deforestation are still present. Prime Minister Hun Sen has made public remarks calling for action. In an audio address in November, he said officials involved in land grabs should be held accountable. The following month, Kampong Chhnang's former governor Chandoeun was reported to be under investigation for his alleged involvement in taking 2,000 hectares of flooded forest area in the province. The former governor has not spoken publicly about the investigation. The forces stifling freedom of speech extend beyond the provincial level, the ABA said. Its report found that the ruling party's "omnipresent influence over political and legal processes fosters an environment that punishes expression and gives little legal recourse to the accused." "This is the environment surrounding Sok Oudom's criminal case," it added. In September 2021, Oudom was released after an appellate court reduced his sentence. VOA reached out to Oudom but the journalist declined the request for an interview. He has returned to journalism, but he now maintains a lower profile while gradually restarting his news site and radio station. This story originated in VOA's Khmer service. Myanmar junta troops are committing war crimes by laying landmines on a "massive scale" around villages where they are battling anti-coup fighters, rights campaign group Amnesty International said Wednesday. Fighting has ravaged swathes of the country since last year's putsch, which sparked renewed clashes with ethnic rebel groups and the formation of dozens of "People's Defence Forces" now battling the junta. During a visit to Kayah state near the Thai border, Amnesty researchers interviewed landmine survivors, medical workers who had treated them and others involved in clearing operations, the organisation said. It said it had "credible information" that the military had used mines in at least 20 villages, including on paths to rice fields, resulting in civilian deaths and injuries. Amnesty also said it had documented several instances where the military had laid mines around a church and on its grounds. "Soldiers have placed landmines in people's yards, at the entrance of homes, and outside toilets," Amnesty said. "In at least one documented case, soldiers booby-trapped a house stairwell with a trip-wire improvised explosive device." Anti-junta group members were attempting to de-mine some areas, but the work was done "by hand with only rudimentary equipment and without any professional training," it added. "We know from bitter experience that civilian deaths and injuries will mount over time, and the widespread contamination is already blocking people from returning to their homes and farmland," said Rawya Rageh, the group's senior crisis adviser. Myanmar is not a signatory to the United Nations convention that prohibits the use, stockpiling or development of anti-personnel mines. Its military has been repeatedly accused of atrocities and war crimes during decades of internal conflict. Military violence against the Rohingya minority in 2017 sent an estimated 750,000 people fleeing into neighbouring Bangladesh, bringing with them accounts of rape, murder and arson. In March, the United States declared that the violence against the Rohingya amounted to genocide, saying there was clear evidence of an attempt to "destroy" them. The Gambia dragged Myanmar before the International Court of Justice in 2019, accusing the predominantly Buddhist country of genocide against the Muslim minority. The Hague-based court is due to give its judgment on Myanmar's preliminary objections to the case later this week. Following the coup that ousted Aung San Suu Kyi's government, the military has waged a bloody crackdown on dissent that a local monitoring group says has killed more than 2,000 people and seen almost 15,000 arrested. A regional envoy tasked with kickstarting dialogue between Myanmar's junta and anti-coup fighters warned Thursday there was no "magic wand" to end the country's bloody crisis. Myanmar has been embroiled in turmoil since the military seized power last year and ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi, prompting fierce resistance and informal militias. A local monitoring group says more than 2,000 people have been killed and almost 15,000 arrested as the junta seeks to crush dissent. Prak Sokhonn, a special envoy of regional bloc the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), warned there was no quick solution to the crisis. "For those who want to see quick solutions, I am afraid there are none," he said in an online speech to a forum organised by Singapore-based think-tank ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute. "Patience is the operative word here. There are no shortcuts. There is no magic wand, no special elixir." Prak Sokhonn, who is also the foreign minister of ASEAN chair Cambodia, said it took his own country 20 years to achieve peace following the overthrow of the Khmer Rouge regime in 1979. "Peace talk needs time, patience and concessions from all parties concerned. Due to the inherent divergence of interests, a peace talk is a lengthy bargaining process," he added. He said his second visit to Myanmar from June 29-July 3 had shown "encouraging results" as it had paved the way for some humanitarian assistance, including Covid-19 vaccines. He also said he was able "to open a new space for political dialogue" even with groups the junta designated as "terrorists", under certain conditions, including that they must say they have no intention of replacing the government. And while he was not allowed to meet with Aung San Suu Kyi, who is currently in jail, the envoy said he was promised he could in the future. On calls for him to engage with leaders of the shadow "National Unity Government", which is seeking to overturn the coup, Prak Sokhonn said "we don't need to shout from the rooftop on whom, on how, on when or where we engage with those actors deemed important to the political dialogue". Negotiations are mostly done discreetly or in secret, he added. In an interview with Singapore news outlet CNA on Wednesday, Prak Sokhonn said he hoped to make his third visit to Myanmar in September. Show more Show less Why 10 percent of a Pacific Island nations military is taking part in U.S.-led training. Welcome to VOA Asia Weekly. I'm Chris Casquejo in Washington. That story is coming up, but first, making headlines Sri Lankan lawmakers chose six-time Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe as President to succeed ousted leader Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who fled the bankrupt country engulfed in civil turmoil. A news report that U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi plans a trip to Taiwan drew a warning from China. A Foreign Ministry spokesman said the visit would "be a severe shock to the political foundation of China-US relations. Several large Chinese cities, including commercial hub Shanghai, are rolling out new mass testing or extending lockdowns on millions of residents to counter new clusters of COVID. South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin met Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in Tokyo. They hope to resolve historical issues and better cooperate to address challenges such as nuclear North Korea. South Korea's first domestically developed fighter jet successfully completed its first test flight, as nuclear and missile threats from neighboring North Korea escalate. East Timor President Jose Ramos-Horta met his counterpart Joko Widodo on his first state visit to neighboring Indonesia. East Timor, which suffered two decades of Indonesian occupation until 2002, hopes to join ASEAN and boost trade with Indonesia. Nearly 10 percent of the kingdom of Tonga's fighting force is in Hawaii this month. The tiny kingdom is the only South Pacific island nation participating in the Rim of the Pacific naval exercises just as the region finds itself at the center of competing U.S. and Chinese diplomatic and military efforts. VOAs Jessica Stone reports from Honolulu, Hawaii. These Tongan Marines are building personal alliances here in Hawaii to protect the future of the South Pacific. Lieutenant Filise Siale leads the platoon. Its really important because we don't have this kind of training environment back at home. Uh, so this is very complex for us to operate, especially my platoon." The tiny island kingdom sent 10 percent of its entire military to the Rim of the Pacific naval exercises. On the way, they spent two weeks in Australia to overcome differences in equipment, language and culture. With twenty-six different countries here at these naval exercises, you can imagine the kind of communication problems that can present themselves. But one thing thats interesting is that there are very few translators. In fact, the way they mostly communicate is either through hand signals or through leadership that can also speak English. The boys start to have a deeper understanding of other cultures especially, and also their languages and how to make friends to them." Tonga and other South Pacific nations are now at the heart of the U.S.-China strategic competition in the Indo-Pacific. Since May, the region has hosted Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and U.S. Special Envoy Joseph Yun. And last week, Vice President Kamala Harris spoke remotely at the Pacific Islands Forum. The United States will launch a process to establish two new embassies in the region: one in Tonga, one in Kiribati. The Vice President Harris initiatives are really terrific in terms of the U.S. role and the U.S. engagement. But you know, they are contingent on congressional authorization." Randy Schriver, former assistant secretary of defense for Indo-Pacific security affairs, says renewed U.S. engagement is already translating into action. Just days ago, a key leader in the Pacific Islands openly criticized Beijing for its failed attempt to sign the region to a security agreement. So, it's really strong evidence that China is overstepping here and trying to shape the region in ways that are really uncomfortable for our Pacific Island friends." Which is why he says that the relationships formed here at the Rim of the Pacific naval exercises are so important. Visit our website voanews.com for the most up-to-date stories. Youre watching VOA Asia Weekly. Myanmars deposed leader Aung San Suu Kyi was absent from an official ceremony commemorating the assassination of her father, the countrys independence hero, 75 years ago. The Martyrs Day commemoration marks the anniversary of the murder in 1947 of General Aung San and eight of his closest comrades. Finally on VOA Asia Weekly, more than 2,700 people, including foreigners, gathered for a laughter yoga session in Bali, Indonesia. The founder of the movement said just ten to 15 minutes of laughter yoga can reduce stress. Thanks for watching VOA Asia Weekly. Im Chris Casquejo. Until next week. Early this year, a 10-year-old girl who was impregnated by her stepfather came to the Safe Harbor Child Advocacy Center in Madison, said Jennifer Ginsburg, the centers executive director. The girl wanted an abortion, Ginsburg said. Staff at the center, which serves victims of child abuse, referred her to Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin, where she received one, Ginsburg said. Now, providers in Wisconsin have halted abortions after the U.S. Supreme Courts overturning of Roe v. Wade last month left state courts to determine if the states 1849 abortion ban still stands. The ban includes an exception to save the life of the mother, but not for rape or incest. Ginsburg wonders what will happen to other sexual assault victims, especially children, who want to end their pregnancies. The concern gained national attention after a 10-year-old girl from Ohio, which also has an abortion ban without exceptions for rape or incest, underwent an abortion in Indiana in late June, shortly after the Supreme Court reversed Roe. A 27-year-old man has been charged with raping the girl. Theyve already had control of their body taken away by being sexually assaulted. Then, to be potentially forced to carry a pregnancy is just more violence put on them, Ginsburg said. Like older females who seek abortions, teens and preteens in Wisconsin can try to travel to Illinois, Minnesota or other states with laws that broadly allow abortions or attempt to get pills for medication abortions. But children have less autonomy and ability to take those steps, Ginsburg said. Adding those barriers is adding to the trauma a child is already experiencing, she said. Abortions among young teens or preteens are somewhat rare but more common than some people might realize, according to the Guttmacher Institute, which supports abortion rights and tracks abortion statistics. Its not clear how many pregnancies in the age group involve rape or incest, but such girls are generally below the age of sexual consent. Ginsburg declined to say where the 10-year-old girl seen at her center is from or in which jurisdiction her assault took place, citing privacy concerns. The state Department of Justice said that without more details it could not provide information about the case. In the 11 years Ginsburg has worked at the center, its staff have seen a handful of similar cases, she said. Many sexual assault victims go to UnityPoint Health-Meriters Forensic Nurse Examiners Program, which can provide emergency contraception pills to prevent pregnancy if given soon after an assault. That is a much more common occurrence, where theyre getting the morning-after pill to prevent pregnancy, Ginsburg said. Preparations are underway for the mass rollout of the worlds first malaria vaccine to protect millions of children in Africa. The rollout is being funded by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, for nearly $160 million. The World Health Organization said Gavis multimillion-dollar funding marks a key advance in the fight against one of Africas most severe public health threats. It noted that countries in sub-Saharan Africa bear the brunt of the yearly toll of more than 240 million global cases of malaria, including more than 600,000 reported deaths. The main victims are children under age 5. WHO regional director for Africa Matshidiso Moeti said one child dies every minute in Africa, with catastrophic consequences for families, communities and national development. The vaccine was introduced in Africa in 2019. Since then, more than 1.3 million children have benefited from the lifesaving inoculations in three pilot countries Ghana, Kenya and Malawi. Moeti said those countries have reported a 30 percent drop in hospitalizations of children with severe malaria and a 9% reduction in child deaths. If delivered at scale, millions of new cases could be averted, and tens of thousands of lives saved every year, Moeti said. We were encouraged to see that demand for the vaccine is high, even in the context of COVID-19, with the first dose reaching between 73% to over 90% coverage. Thabani Maphosa, managing director of country programs at Gavi, called the vaccine the most effective tool in the fight against malaria, one that will save childrens lives. However, he said, demand for the lifesaving product will outstrip supply. Our challenge during this critical phase is to ensure the doses we have available are used as effectively and equitably as possible, Maphosa said. With this is mind, Gavi today is opening an application window for malaria support. He said the three pilot countries, which already have experience in rolling out the vaccine, will get first crack at applying for and receiving funding. So, practically speaking, Maphosa said, they will require little help in setting up their systems to get the operation underway. Maphosa said a second round of funding will take place at the end of the year. At that time, he said other countries with moderate to high cases of severe malaria can submit applications for support. Heavy fighting was reported Wednesday after al-Shabab militants attacked two Somali towns along the border with Ethiopia. Regional officials who confirmed the attack with VOA Somali said militants clashed with Liyu police, members of Ethiopias controversial paramilitary forces that have long been present in Somalias southwestern Bakool region towns of Yeed and Aato. Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF) operating in Somalia as part of a bilateral security deal between Ethiopia and Somalia rely on Liyu police for border protection and supply route safety and logistics. A security official who requested anonymity because he is not allowed to speak with media told VOAs Somali Service that al-Shabab first attacked a Liyu police camp in Aato town; a local Bakool region official confirmed the al-Shabab then carried out a second attack on Yeed, where militants again entered a Liyu police encampment. Militants later attacked Washaaqo village with mortars, possibly to disrupt Liyu police reinforcements from arriving on the scene. Yeed and Aato are within 80 kilometers of each other, while Washaaqo is slightly further inside Somalia. Casualties are not yet known. Telephone networks in the area had been down most of Wednesday. Al-Shabab spokesperson Abdulaziz Abu Musab claimed the groups fighters captured both Yeed and Aato. All three Somali towns have hosted a large presence of Liyu police that hail from Ethiopias eastern Somali Region for many years. ENDF has nearly 4,000 soldiers serving as part of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia. Ethiopia is also thought to have several thousand additional special police that operate in Somalia based on an agreement with the Somali government. This latest al-Shabab attack comes as Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre on Wednesday said the government is determined to launch a forceful and comprehensive fight to counter al-Shabab and Islamic State militants through military and non-military means in order to reopen the main supply routes for humanitarian efforts, commercial activities and free movement of people. Barre did not give a timeline of the operations against al-Shabab. Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who assumed office in May, recently announced a new strategy to fight al-Shabab comprising military, ideological and economic components. Ahmed Umar Abu Ubaidah, al-Shabab's leader, vowed in a new audio recording to fight the new government, asserting the group will never allow a government that is not founded upon Islam and an administration that doesnt fully implement Sharia [law]. Just weeks before Kenya holds a presidential election, analysts say the unexpected, growing popularity of one candidate could deliver some unpredictability to the outcome. George Wajackoyah ranks a distant third behind front-runners Raila Odinga and William Ruto. But according to one poll, his platform to legalize marijuana is winning support. Wajackoyah and another candidate, David Mwaure, are political newcomers in Kenya. Opinion surveys indicate that Wajackoyah is highly unlikely to win the August 9 election. But his approval among Kenyans is rising. One recent survey by Trends for Insights Africa showed he had an approval rating of 7%, which would translate to about 150,000 votes on election day. The leading candidates, former Prime Minister Odinga and current Deputy President Ruto, are far ahead at 50 percent and 25 percent respectively. But Wajackoyah's seemingly small number of votes could affect the outcome, possibly by denying Odinga a majority or Ruto the votes to force a runoff. Mark Bichache, a political analyst in Kenya, said he sees potential impact in Wajackoyahs candidacy. "In terms of affecting the election, I don't think he will affect it to the extent where he will cause a runoff, Bichache said, but he might cost William Ruto some votes because he is targeting the same people's audience as William Ruto does." Wajackoyah's unexpected popularity, analysts say, comes from his campaign pledge to legalize outlawed cannabis in Kenya. In a telephone interview with VOA, the professor of law-turned-politician said he wishes to position Kenya as a dominant player in the antivenom market and said he would encourage snake farming to help pay off Chinese debt. Despite his polling numbers, Wajackoyah said he was confident of winning the election outright. "I'm not going to cause a runoff because I'm the one winning this election, he said, so the issue of a runoff does not make sense to me." Wajackoyahs agenda is attractive to many voters, especially young ones. Policy and governance analyst Gabriel Muthuma said Wajackoyahs message has found an appeal with some voters. "He has introduced us to his narrative of marijuana, snakes, snails and hyenas and to a certain level has been able to have a crowd who kind of think the same as him and believe he has something to offer, Muthuma said. Kenya's election law requires that a presidential candidate win more than 50 percent of the national vote to be declared the winner. The August election will be Kenya's third under the constitution established in 2010. Police in Malawi said about 76 protesters are expected to appear in court Friday to face charges of unlawful assembly and inciting violence. This follows their arrest Wednesday when protests against the high cost of living led to clashes with police and the looting of shops in the capital, Lilongwe. The clashes started after the High Court of Malawi granted an injunction to business owners who wanted to block the protesters, fearing property damage. So we understand they did not agree with that and they wanted to proceed despite the injunction," said Harry Namwaza, the deputy spokesperson for the Malawi Police Service. "Now, you will understand that where there is an injunction as law enforcers, we cannot allow an action to proceed. That is contempt of court. So we reasoned with them, but it seems they did not want to listen. Namwaza also said the protesters started marching anyway, resulting in clashes with police who tried to stop them. They now started blocking the road, they started damaging other people's shops, stoning cars and causing all sorts of damages in other areas," he said. "And we fired tear gas and in the course we arrested 76 people who were perpetrating the violence. Those arrested include four leaders of the Human Rights Ambassadors group, which organized the demonstrations. Some rights campaigners accused the police of using excessive force in trying to stop the protest. Actually, the mandate of Malawi Police Service is to ensure that they protect the rights and property of Malawians, not to fight them," said Sylvester Namiwa, executive director of the Center for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives. "Police should have been there just to provide that necessary security. A lot of those things could have been avoided. So it's the careless approach in the way we handle the issue, nothing else. Namwaza said tear gas was the best weapon available to stop the violence. We have rifles, we have tear gas, and we have rubber bullets," he said. "We assessed each and every situation. So people may give all sorts of comments but what we are saying is that before we start firing tear gas, we assess situations. Government spokesperson Gospel Kazako said as much as the government respects peoples rights to hold peaceful demonstrations, it is unfortunate that organizers of Wednesdays protests defied a court order to stop the planned protests. If a court issued an injunction, I think it was very important for those that had organized these demonstrations to comply," he said. "You cannot be above the law, regardless of who you are. Police spokesperson Namwaza said those arrested Wednesday have been charged with inciting violence, unlawful assembly and contempt of court. Rights campaigner Namiwa said similar nationwide demonstrations are planned for next week Thursday. A federal judge Thursday sentenced former police officer Thomas Lane to 2 years in prison for his role in the May 2020 death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota. U.S. District Judge Paul Magnuson handed down the sentence, which follows Lanes conviction in February for violating Floyds civil rights. Authorities said Lane did not provide medical care to Floyd as another officer, Derek Chauvin, used a knee to pin a handcuffed Floyd to the ground for more than nine minutes. Floyd repeatedly said he could not breathe. He was pronounced dead at a local hospital. This case sparked national interest as the death of Floyd, a Black man, led to protests in Minneapolis, Minnesota, as well as throughout the country and the world against racial injustice and police treatment of minorities. Chauvin was convicted of unintentional second-degree murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter in a state trial in April 2021. He is serving 22 years in prison on those charges. Lane, who was a rookie officer, held Floyds legs as Chauvin pinned Floyd to the ground. The two other officers involved in the situation, J. Alexander Kueng and Tou Thao, were also convicted of violating Floyds civil rights and will be sentenced at a later date. In May, Lane pleaded guilty to state charges of aiding and abetting manslaughter charges and accepted a three-year prison sentence. The other two officers will appear for their state trial in January. Federal prosecutors for this case were seeking a sentence of up to 6 years. Lanes attorney argued for just more than two years, saying Lane was the least responsible of the four officers involved in Floyds death. The attorney said Lane had twice asked whether Floyd should be turned on his side. Some information for this report came from Reuters and The Associated Press. Britain's intelligence chief said Thursday that he was skeptical that Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei wants to revive a nuclear deal with world powers but that Tehran won't try to halt talks. Richard Moore, chief of the Secret Intelligence Service, known as MI6, said he still thought that reviving the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action was the best way to constrain Iran's nuclear program. Under the deal, Iran had limited its nuclear program in return for relief from economic sanctions. "I'm not convinced we're going to get there. ... I don't think the Supreme Leader of Iran wants to cut a deal," Moore told the Aspen Security Forum in Colorado. Still, Moore cautioned, "the Iranians won't want to end the talks either, so they could run on for a bit." Since former U.S. President Donald Trump pulled Washington out of the deal and reimposed sanctions against Tehran in 2018, Iran has breached many of the deal's limits on its nuclear activities. It is enriching uranium to close to weapons-grade. Western powers warn that Iran is getting closer to being able to sprint toward making a nuclear bomb. Iran denies it wants to do that. US seeks revival U.S. President Joe Biden's administration has sought to revive the agreement. But U.S., British and French diplomats have all placed the onus on Iran for failing to bring back the nuclear agreement after more than a year of negotiations. "I think the deal is absolutely on the table. And the European powers and the [U.S.] administration here are very clear on that. And I don't think that the Chinese and Russians, on this issue, would block it. But I don't think the Iranians want it," Moore said. Iran has characterized the nuclear talks as positive and has blamed the United States for failing to provide guarantees that a new U.S. administration would not again abandon the deal as Trump did. Speaking later in the day at the forum, Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz said Israel had the military capability to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, if it came to that as a last resort. Israel sees any future Iranian nuclear weapons capability as an existential threat. "Should we be able to conduct military operations to prevent it, if needed? The answer is yes. Are we building the ability? Yes. Should we use it as a last [resort]? Yes. And I hope that we will get United States support," Gantz said. Bahrain's Undersecretary of Political Affairs Sheikh Abdulla bin Ahmed bin Abdulla Al Khalifa declined to directly answer a question about whether his country might participate in pre-emptive military action against Iran's nuclear program. But when asked whether it would be fair to interpret his answer as "an ambiguous maybe," he quipped, "Fair enough." Bahrain is home to the U.S. Navy's Fifth Fleet headquarters, which oversees American naval operations in the Middle East. The pact seemed near revival in March, but talks were thrown into disarray partly over whether the United States might remove the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which controls elite armed and intelligence forces, from its Foreign Terrorist Organizations list. Biden's administration has made clear it has no plan to drop the IRGC from the list, a step that would have limited practical effect but would anger many U.S. lawmakers. For full coverage of the crisis in Ukraine, visit Flashpoint Ukraine. The latest developments in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. All times EDT. 9:55 p.m.: 'We Get Scared When It's Quiet: Life Under Russian Bombardment In Eastern Ukraine. Kyiv has urged Ukrainians living in the Zaporizhzhya region to evacuate. While many have fled, some residents, including pensioners and farmers, remain in hotly contested frontline villages. They face daily attacks by the Russian Army. Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty reports. 9 p.m.: London is losing its allure as a destination for corrupt Russian elites and other kleptocrats with the aid of new powers and a crackdown on "enablers" who help them channel their illicit money into Britain, British police said, according to Reuters. The British capital has long been the Western city of choice for Russian and other oligarchs, with authorities estimating $119 billion of dirty money is laundered through its financial institutions each year. In March, Britain passed an Economic Crime Act to target illicit money, and then subsequently sanctioned hundreds of Russian individuals and entities. It is planning further legislation to empower authorities to act more quickly and easily seize and recover crypto assets. "As a result of our work in this space, we've already seen some corrupt Russian elites divesting of their U.K. assets," a spokesman for Britain's National Crime Agency told reporters. "Our intelligence shows us that some individuals are choosing not to invest corrupt funds in the U.K. and this is about starting to push back on this concept of Londongrad, that people were free to come regardless of their money and do whatever they liked." 8:25 p.m.: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has reassured his country's citizens that he is well after what he said was a fake news report about his health distributed by Russian hackers, RFE/RL reports. Zelenskyy, 44, made his remarks on July 21 in a video posted to Instagram from his office. The post appeared just hours after the Kremlin denied rumors that Russian President Vladimir Putin was suffering from health problems and after a Ukrainian media company said hackers had broadcast a false report about Zelenskyy's health on one of its radio stations following a cyberattack. 7:45 p.m.: 6:25 p.m.: Russia's foreign ministry objected to the European Unions latest round of sanctions, saying they would have "devastating consequences" for security and parts of the global economy, Reuters reported. European Union diplomats on Wednesday agreed on a new round of sanctions against Moscow for invading Ukraine, including a ban on importing gold from Russia and freezing the assets of the country's top lender Sberbank. "The European Union is continuing to drive itself into a dead end with enviable persistence," ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in a statement. "The devastating consequences of EU sanctions on various segments of the global economy and security ... are becoming increasingly obvious. Zakharova noted the 27-nation bloc proposed to ease some earlier sanctions in a bid to safeguard global food security and said Moscow hoped this would create conditions for the unhindered export of grain and fertilizers. 5:35 p.m.: Italy's caretaker government must continue dealing with emergencies related to the war in Ukraine, inflation, the cost of energy and COVID-19, Prime Minister Mario Draghi told his Cabinet on Thursday, Reuters reported. Earlier in the day, President Sergio Mattarella called snap elections after Draghi lost the support of three key coalition parties and handed in his resignation. 4:52 p.m.: Russia's Ministry of Justice has requested the liquidation of the Russian branch of the Jewish Agency, a non-profit organization that promotes immigration to Israel, according to a Moscow court. The move against agency follows criticism by Israel of Russia's war in Ukraine. In April Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid accused it of carrying out war crimes, Reuters reported. 4 p.m.: The European Union widened its sanctions net on Thursday to add 10 Syrian men to its asset freeze and travel ban list over Russia's invasion of Ukraine, saying they were responsible for recruiting mercenaries to fight alongside Russian forces, Reuters reported. The EU announced the new sanctions against Moscow, targeting top lender Sberbank, Russian gold and more companies and people as well as increased export controls. The new sanctions include Muhammad al-Salti, the commander-in-chief of the Palestine Liberation Army, two commanders from the pro-Syrian National Defense Forces militia, a former Syrian military officer as well as the director and co-owner of al-Sayyad Company for Guarding and Protection Services. The European Union says the company, operating under the name "ISIS hunters," is supervised by Russian private military contractor Wagner Group, protects Russian interests and is active in recruiting Syrian mercenaries to Libya and Ukraine. There are also one further commander and three businessmen on the list. 3:15 p.m.: 2 p.m.: The spokesperson for Russia's Foreign Ministry lashed out Thursday at the United States characterizing basketball star Brittney Griner's jailing on drug charges as "wrongful detention," saying it shows disrespect for Russian law, The Associated Press reported. Griner has been jailed since she was arrested in mid-February at a Moscow airport after vape canisters containing cannabis oil were found in her luggage. The Phoenix Mercury standout and two-time Olympic gold medalist acknowledged in court this month that she had the canisters, but said she had no intent to break the law. The State Department in May designated Griner as wrongfully detained. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Thursday that the legalization of cannabis for medical and recreational use in parts of the U.S. has no bearing on what happens in Russia. 12:55 p.m.: U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will arrive in Istanbul Thursday night, said his spokesman, for talks on resuming crucial food exports cut off by Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Guterres spokesman Farhan Haq told reporters that the U.N. chief will travel to Istanbul this evening as part of his efforts to ensure full global access to Ukraines food products and Russian food and fertilizer, reports VOAs U.N. correspondent Margaret Besheer. Haq told reporters that he could not yet say who Guterres will meet with in Turkey. Many African and Middle Eastern countries usually import large amounts of grain from Ukraine and/or Russia. But Russia has blockaded Ukraines Black Sea ports since the invasion in February and tightened its own food exports, in an effort to influence countries stances toward the war. The cutoff has contributed to shortages and price hikes in many regions, especially in East Africa, which is already suffering from a severe, prolonged drought. The United Nations and Turkey have been negotiating with Russian and Ukrainian officials in hopes of ending the crisis. Asked if an agreement is imminent, Haq said, The situation remains a little bit fluid. So, I cant really say when something will be signed. He added, As youre aware, the secretary-general spoke to you last week, and at that point he said that wed taken a critical step forward to ensuring the safe and secure export of Ukrainian food products through the Black Sea. He said at that point that work remains to be done. I cant honestly say at this point that all the work has ended. But as you can see from the fact that hes traveling to Istanbul, we are moving ahead with this. 11:28 a.m.: Britains spy chief predicts that Russias war effort in Ukraine is about to run out of steam. VOAs Jeff Seldin reports that MI6 head Richard Moore, speaking Thursday to the Aspen Security Forum, said Russians will soon experience difficulties in reinforcing their troops. He said that should give Ukraine an opportunity to launch its own attacks. 11:00 a.m.: The European Union has imposed more sanctions on Russia for its invasion of Ukraine. The newest sanctions include a ban on Russian gold imports and tighter export controls on some high-tech goods. 10:42 a.m.: Ukraines military says it used airstrikes and artillery to attack dozens of Russian military targets in and around southern Kherson province Wednesday and Thursday, reports The New York Times. According to the report, Ukraine said it carried out 10 airstrikes using attack helicopters and fighter jets and attacked more than 200 targets in all using long-range missiles and artillery. The military said its forces blew up six ammunition depots, five Russian troop strongholds and several command posts. The Times said there was no independent confirmation of the claims, although some of the attacks were captured on video. Analysts say Ukraine is preparing to launch a counteroffensive aimed at retaking Kherson province, which Russian forces captured in March. 9:50 a.m: Russian shelling struck parts of Ukraines second-largest city Kharkiv Thursday, killing at least two people and injuring more than 20 others, the Associated Press reports. The barrage reportedly struck a mosque, a medical facility and a shopping area, among other sites. 8:47 a.m.: Residents of Nova Kakhovka, a city in southern Ukraine occupied by Russian troops in February, say they see creeping signs their city is being absorbed into Russia. The residents tell Reuters a statue of original Soviet leader Vladimir Lenin has been erected in the city center and that internet traffic is now routed through Russia. Police cars are marked in the Russian language rather than Ukrainian. The city sits in Ukraines Kherson region. The deputy head of Moscows administration for the region, Kirill Stremousov, says We've decided - the people of Kherson region have decided - that we need to hold a referendum and vote to join the Russian Federation. The official also said the Russian telecommunications network would cover Kherson within weeks and that he hopes to have the Russian rouble in full circulation by next year. 8:30 a.m.: Britain will send scores of artillery guns and more than 1,600 anti-tank weapons to Ukraine in the latest supply of Western arms to help boost its defenses against Russia, Reuters reported Thursday, citing Defense Secretary Ben Wallace. The announcement comes after British Prime Minister Boris Johnson last month promised another $1.2 billion of military support to Ukraine. 8:03 a.m.: A Bloomberg report says the Kremlin is laying the groundwork to formally annex the Ukrainian territories occupied by its troops. The report says the Kremlin plans to hold referendums on joining Russia in the areas controlled by Moscows forces, to give grounds for President Vladimir Putin to absorb them into Russia. The report, which cites unnamed sources said to be familiar with the Kremlins strategy, says the goal is to conduct the referendums by September 15. The project is said to be directed by Sergei Kiriyenko, the Kremlins first deputy chief of staff, with attention focused on the eastern Donetsk and Luhansk regions bordering Russia as well as the southern territories of Kherson and Zaporizhzia. The international community would likely reject any referendums as illegal, as it did when Russia held a vote after seizing the Crimea region from Ukraine in 2014. 6:57 a.m.: The Kremlin said on Thursday that Russian President Vladimir Putin is in good health, dismissing rumors that he is unwell. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters there had been speculation in the West about the president's health in recent months, but reports that he is ill were "nothing but fakes." Asked about Putin during a security forum in the U.S. on Wednesday, CIA Director William Burns joked that Putin was "entirely too healthy. 6 a.m. The Guardian reports that Russian forces destroyed two schools in the Donetsk towns of Kramatorsk and Kostiantynivka overnight. The head of the Donetsk regional military administration shared photos of the destruction in a Telegram post. 5:15 a.m.: The National Bank of Ukraine devalued the hryvnia currency by 25% against the U.S. dollar on Thursday to help the country cope with the economic impact of the war with Russia, according to Reuters. The central bank set the rate for the hryvnia at 36.5686 to the dollar. At the time Russia invaded Ukraine in February, the hryvnia was valued at 29.25 to the dollar. 4:45 a.m.: 4:15 a.m.: After a 10-day interruption for maintenance, Russia resumed the flow of natural gas through the Nord Stream pipeline to Europe on Thursday Klaus Mueller, head of Germany's energy regulator, tweeted that gas flows had reached 40% of capacity, the same level as before the shutdown. Russias state-owned Gazprom blamed the reduction on the absence of a gas turbine being repaired in Canada. Russian President Vladimir Putin has insisted Gazprom would meet its delivery obligations, while warning that work on another turbine later this month could bring more reductions. European Union leaders have warned of the potential for Russia to cut off supplies in response to Western pressure on Russia for its invasion of Ukraine. The EU has asked member countries to voluntarily reduce their use of gas, both to seek alternative options and to save existing supplies for winter months. 3:45 a.m.: British foreign secretary and leadership candidate Liz Truss said on Thursday she did not support the direct involvement of British troops in Ukraine. Asked during an interview on BBC Radio whether she would support the use of British forces in Ukraine if she becomes prime minister, Truss said: "We are doing all we can to support Ukraine. We've led the international coalition on sending weapons, we're putting the sanctions in place, but I do not support the direct involvement of UK troops." 3 a.m.: Russian forces are likely closing in on Ukraine's second biggest power plant at Vuhlehirska, 50 kilometers (31 miles) north-east of Donetsk, British military intelligence said on Thursday. "Russia is prioritizing the capture of critical national infrastructure, such as power plants," Britain's defense ministry said in a regular bulletin. The ministry also added that Russia is probably attempting to break through at Vuhlehirska, as part of its efforts to regain momentum on the southern pincer of its advance towards the key cities of Kramatorsk and Sloviansk. 2:12 a.m.: 1:30 a.m.: Nominations on the Nord Stream 1 pipeline for gas flows from Russia into Germany were at 29,284,591 kwh/h for 0600-0700 CET, from zero previously, data from the operator's website showed, Reuters reported. Data for actual physical flows for the same time period have not been updated, and are at zero for the 0400-0500 CET period. Europe is on edge about the restart of the Nord Stream 1 gas pipeline from Russia after annual maintenance was set to end on Thursday, with governments bracing for possible further supply cuts. 1:10 a.m.: The head of Germany's energy regulator said the Nord Stream 1 pipeline would resume at around 30% capacity when its maintenance period ends on Thursday, Reuters reported. Federal Network Agency chief Klaus Mueller said Russia's Gazprom had renominated the gas flows to around 530 gigawatts hour per day. "That would be about 30% utilization. It's better than nothing but of course not what is contractually agreed," Mueller said in an interview with ZDF broadcaster, according to Reuters. Mueller said the flows could be changed upwards or cut further. "If we would get the 30%, then this would help in saving but ... we must first wait for what will be actually delivered," he added. 12:15 a.m.: European Union diplomats meeting in Brussels agreed a new round of sanctions against Moscow for invading Ukraine, including a ban on importing gold from Russia and freezing the assets of the country's top lender Sberbank, Reuters reported. The sanctions, due to take effect on Thursday, include blacklisting more individuals and entities held responsible for the war, said the Czech Republic, which now presides over talks among the EU's 27 nations. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed them as inadequate. Some information in this report came from Reuters, The Associated Press, or Agence France-Presse. A climber from Nepal reached the top of Pakistans Gasherbrum II mountain Thursday, setting a new record by scaling all the worlds 14 tallest peaks all higher than 8,000 meters for a second time. Sanu Sherpa, 47, successfully summited the worlds 13th highest mountain at 8,035 meters above sea level early in the morning, said a spokesman for the Alpine Club of Pakistan (ACP). A huge congratulations to Sanu Sherpa. This is a new world record in the mountaineering history, ACP Secretary Karrar Haidri told VOA. Haidri added that a few weeks ago the Nepalese climber also scaled Pakistans Nanga Parbat, the ninth-highest mountain on Earth at 8,126 meters. Sherpa's Pioneer Adventure hiking company in the Nepalese capital, Kathmandu, also confirmed his achievement. "He is the only person in the world to scale each of the 14 highest mountains twice," Nibesh Karki, the company's executive director told Reuters. Nepal hosts eight of the 14 highest peaks on Earth, including the worlds tallest, Mount Everest; five others are in Pakistan, including the worlds second-tallest, K2, and one along the border of Nepal and the Tibetan region of China. Sherpa has successfully summited Everest seven times and K2 twice. A team of 10 Nepalese climbers made history in January 2021 when they became the first in winter to reach the summit of Pakistans K2. The peak at 8,611 meters was the last of the 14 tallest mountains to be scaled in wintertime. Some information for this report came from Reuters. When Russian missiles struck a mall in the Ukrainian city of Kremenchuk last month, the deadly attack sent ripples of disinformation across Europe. Russias Defense Ministry said the mall was permanently closed at the time of the strike and that its forces were targeting ammunition stores. Russias ambassador to Ireland responded to international criticism over Moscows targeting of a civilian area, describing claims about the attack as yet another disinformation stunt. In the Hungarian capital, Budapest, Blanka Zoldi, editor-in-chief of the fact-checking site Lakmusz, watched as those and other false claims crossed her countrys borders. In Hungary, pro-government social media influencers and prominent journalists started to publish screenshots of the opening hours of the shopping mall, claiming that Google Maps actually showed that the shopping mall was not even open and that it has been permanently closed for a long time, Zoldi told VOA. This was the story that was emerging in Hungary, but we saw the exact screenshots of Google Maps appearing in many other countries, she said. The quick spread of such disinformation related to Russias invasion of Ukraine has led to fact-checkers combining forces globally. When the war began, fact-checkers immediately started seeing misinformation about the Russia-Ukraine conflict spreading to other countries, said Enock Nyariki, the community and impact manager at the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN). Founded in 2015, the IFCN is an initiative of the Florida-based Poynter Institute for Media Studies that connects fact-checkers and journalists around the world. We saw that misinformation [about the Ukraine conflict] was now going viral in local languages, Nyariki said. Ukrainian fact-checkers could not cope with the new situation. It was difficult even for them to spot every piece. Maldita, a fact-checking organization based in Spain, was one of the first to alert the IFCN about the fast-spreading disinformation in Europe about the war, Nyariki said. That led IFCN members to form a collaborative database named #UkraineFacts, where fact-checkers share information, flag mis- and disinformation, and produce content debunking false claims related to the conflict in Ukraine. The website publishes content in English and other languages from IFCNs 100-plus members. It has already produced more than 2,000 fact-checks about the war in Ukraine. Maldita, which sparked the idea, last month accepted the Anne Jacobsen's Memorial Award in Norway on behalf of the network for its work. In honoring the initiative, the awards committee said in a statement that #UkraineFacts has shown how we can cooperate instead of working on solving the same problem in different places or media organizations. US election, pandemic prompt fact-checking need The emergence of fact-checking as a popular tool in investigative journalism largely came during the 2016 presidential election in the United States and later the coronavirus pandemic, both of which resulted in an increase in misinformation, said Nyariki. But the spread of false information related to the Ukraine conflict has accelerated collaboration efforts. Zoldi of Lakmusz said that in many cases, false narratives are similar in different countries. Citing the disinformation around the mall attack, Zoldi said Lakmusz journalists relied on other fact-checking organizations to debunk the claims, including the BBC. The BBC is a trustworthy organization that has war reporters who spoke to eyewitnesses who confirmed that there were people and civilians in the shopping mall, Zoldi said. Lakmusz is a relatively new website. Co-funded by the European Union and Agence France-Presse (AFP), the site was founded in January as part of a collaboration between AFP, the Hungarian news site 444.hu, and the Media Universalis Foundation, which is linked to Lorand Eotvos University in Budapest. Its goal: to fight misinformation in Hungary. A shrinking space for independent journalism and lack of media pluralism in the EU member state has been flagged by the United Nations, the Council of Europe and media advocates. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and his government have denied taking action to dismantle the independent press, Reuters reports. Lakmusz relies on a team of journalists and researchers including Ferenc Hammer, head of the Lorand Eotvos Universitys department of media and communication. While the journalists work on the content, researchers like Hammer help to ensure accuracy. Our job is basically desktop research, comparing cases and following up with fact-checks that the website publishes, Hammer told VOA. The initiative not only checks for potential disinformation, but it also investigates how people in Hungary respond to false narratives. We follow the patterns of every piece of fact-checking and see how readers interact with them on social media. It can be very instructive for the fact-checkers to see how their work reaches the audience, Hammer said. They may be one of the newer fact-check initiatives, but Lakmuszs team already plans to expand its work through collaborating with others and applying for membership in the IFCN. Its very important because it would give us access to look at how other fact-checking organizations are working in different countries, Zoldi said. So, being a member of that network would give us a good overview of other fact-checkers that work according to IFCNs standards. Those standards include being at least six months old as a fact-checking organization of issues of public interest, showing transparency about funding and being politically nonpartisan, Nyariki said. Fact-checkers don't compete, he said. They cooperate and collaborate. We see each other as partners who are trying to fight one global enemy: misinformation. Vanessas parents brought her to the U.S. from Mexico when she was 2 years old. For the past 18 years, she has lived in California. In 2020, she graduated from high school and began classes at a community college in the state. I'm lucky I have the access to that education, but I can still see the limits in my future, Vanessa, who did not disclose her last name, said Wednesday at a press conference. When she turned 16, she qualified for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), a policy the Obama administration created in 2012 that allows recipients to work and go to school in the United States if they meet certain requirements. But before she could apply, federal courts blocked her and many others from doing so. Virgilio Alema is from Honduras and has lived in the U.S. for 25 years. He is a Temporary Protection Status (TPS) holder a program that allows migrants, whose home countries are considered unsafe, to live and work in the U.S. for a period of time if they meet certain requirements. At 88 years old, he still works. Although Vanessa and Alema have different U.S. immigration statuses, both could be able to become green card holders if Congress updates the cutoff date to the U.S. registry law, a section of U.S. immigration law that allows certain immigrants who have long been present in the United States to apply for permanent residence cards. For an immigrant to qualify today under the registry process, the person must have lived in the United States since January 1, 1972, which is more than 50 years ago. Neither Vanessa nor Alema qualifies, having arrived in the United States long after 1972. Both shared their stories at a press conference where 46 House Democrats introduced a bill titled Renewing Immigration Provisions of the Immigration Act of 1929, which could create a path to citizenship for about 8 million documented and undocumented immigrants just by updating the existing registry law. There is no specific date being suggested. Instead, House Democrats are proposing that applicants would have to have lived in the U.S. for seven years to become eligible, creating a rolling registry that allows new people to apply every year. It's happened before The registry provision has been updated four times since it was established in 1929. The most recent update came in 1986 during the Reagan administration. Immigrant advocates said the cutoff date for eligibility is too far in the past, and the number of eligible applicants has severely dwindled. Between 2015 and 2018, only 305 people applied for permanent residence through the registry. VOA requested U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services latest data on green card applications through registry, and a spokesperson said the information was not readily available. Democratic Representative Zoe Lofgren, the author of the bill, said the registry has been part of immigration law for almost 100 years. What's new is the Congress' failure to regularly renew the date, as has happened so many times historically, last under President Ronald Reagan, Lofgren said Wednesday. VOA reached out to the top Republican on the House Homeland Security Committee, Representative John Katko of New York, but has yet to receive a response to repeated requests for comment. To qualify, immigrants have to show they have not been convicted of crimes in any of several categories, have resided in the U.S. continuously since they entered, and have been people of good moral character. Failed attempt under BBB During 2021 negotiations over President Joe Bidens Build Back Better Act, legislators considered a change in the immigration registry, but the initiative failed in the Senate. Jorge-Mario Cabrera, director of communications for the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles, said the bill is not amnesty and does not change the law itself. It only amends the cutoff date system. If the registry bill passes the House, it would need to get three-fifths backing in the Senate to reach Bidens desk. It could conceivably be melded with other immigration reform initiatives on Capitol Hill that currently have bipartisan support, such as the Farm Workforce Modernization Act. That bill, which would provide a path to legal permanent residency for undocumented agricultural workers and their family members, passed in the House and has some Republican support in the Senate. On Wednesday, Vanessa, now 20, urged legislators to think differently about immigration not only as a continual crisis but as a normal, orderly, civil process. Updating this registry begins to do that by letting people like me, who have lived in and contributed to this country for many years, get a green card. It is possible. If we get enough people behind this bill, we might just be able to win once and for all. On Thursday (July 21), Alaska pastor Nathaniel Jolly tweeted an open letter titled Leaving the SBC, tagging the Southern Baptist Conventions Executive Committee, SBC president Bart Barber, and the North American Mission Board (the denominations domestic missions agency). In that letter, Jolly announced that Homer Reformed Baptist Church, of which he is pastor, would be dissociating from the SBC, citing that the SBC has simply gone in a direction with which our church is unwilling to be associated, now or in the foreseeable future. Our leaving is not to suggest that there are no longer any biblical churches or faithful pastors left within the SBC. In fact, I still have several dear brothers, fighting the good fight and shepherding biblical churches, Jolly wrote. I would recommend them as a church home to anyone. But we feel the ship is sinking, unrepairable, and its time for us to get off. Jollys words mirror the phrase take the ship, which was something of a rallying cry for the conservative wing of the SBC at the 2021 annual meeting. Spearheaded by the Conservative Baptist Network, right leaning Southern Baptist have been seeking to correct liberal drift in the denomination for the past few years. Jolly planted the now former SBC church he pastors in Homer, Alaska, in 2020 after relocating from North Carolina, according to the churchs website. RELATED: SBC Apologizes to Sexual Abuse Survivors, Reaffirms Pro-Life Beliefs in Resolutions Adopted at Annual Meeting In 2021, Jolly publicly documented his dispute with the Send Network, which is part of the North American Mission Board and provides resources and training to church planters. Following a church planting assessment, Send Network declined to partner with Jollys church, citing issues of contextualization. Jolly would have been able to apply for reassessment after a period of one year, but he decided not to continue with the process. In his open letter, Jolly expressed his belief that the SBC seems to value the applause of men over that of God and is beholden to the world rather than the Word. Jolly went on to explain that his issues with the SBC came to a head after the 2022 annual meeting of the Convention, which took place in June. RELATED: Voddie Baucham, John MacArthur Emphasize Cultures Hatred of Christians, Avoiding Compromise at Conservative Baptist Network Event What I witnessed was not merely appalling but, Id argue, unchristian, Jolly wrote. Certain SBC presidential candidates were treated with unwarranted suspicion. Conservative survivors were shut off from the mic while a megachurch pastor who ordains women as pastors was given free reign (sic) on the floor. Leading up to the annual meeting, then SBC presidential candidate Tom Ascol was the subject of criticism in part for his reticence toward implementing recommended reforms with regard to the denominations response to sexual abuse allegations. A bipartisan group of senators agreed Wednesday on proposed changes to the Electoral Count Act, the post-Civil War-era law for certifying presidential elections that came under intense scrutiny after the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol and Donald Trump's effort to overturn the 2020 election. Long in the making, the package introduced by the group led by Sens. Susan Collins of Maine and Joe Manchin of West Virginia is made up of two separate proposals. One would clarify the way states submit electors and the vice president tallies the votes in Congress. The other would bolster security for state and local election officials who have faced violence and harassment. "From the beginning, our bipartisan group has shared a vision of drafting legislation to fix the flaws of the archaic and ambiguous Electoral Count Act of 1887," Collins, Manchin and the other 14 senators said in a joint statement. "We have developed legislation that establishes clear guidelines for our system of certifying and counting electoral votes," the group wrote. "We urge our colleagues in both parties to support these simple, commonsense reforms." Both Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell have signaled support for the bipartisan group, but the final legislative package will undergo careful scrutiny. Votes are not likely before fall. But with broad support from the group of 16 senators seven Democrats and nine Republicans who have worked behind closed doors for months with the help of outside expertsserious consideration is assured. In a statement, Matthew Weil, executive director of the Democracy Program at the Bipartisan Policy Center, called the framework a "critical step" in shoring up ambiguities in the Electoral Count Act. After Trump lost the 2020 election, the defeated president orchestrated an unprecedented attempt to challenge the electors sent from battleground states to the joint session of Congress on Jan. 6, when the vice president presides over certification. Under the proposed changes, the law would be updated to ensure the governor from each state is initially responsible for submitting electors, as a way to safeguard against states sending alternative or fake elector slates. Additionally, the law would spell out that the vice president presides over the joint session in a "solely ministerial" capacity, according to a summary page. It says the vice president "does not have any power to solely determine, accept, reject, or otherwise adjudicate disputes over electors." That provision is a direct reaction to Trump's relentless efforts to pressure then Vice President Mike Pence to reject the electors being sent from certain battleground states as a way to halt the certification or tip it away from Joe Biden's victory. The bill also specifies the procedures around presidential transitions, including when the election outcome is disputed, to ensure the peaceful transfer of power from one administration to the next. That's another pushback to the way Trump blocked Biden's team from accessing some information for his transition to the White House. The second proposal, revolving around election security, would double the federal penalties to up to two years in prison for individuals who "threaten or intimidate election officials, poll watchers, voters or candidates," according to the summary. It also would seek to improve the way the U.S. Postal Service handles election mail and "provide guidance to states to improve their mail-in ballot processes." Mail-in ballots and the role of the Postal Service came under great scrutiny during the 2020 election. An Associated Press review of potential cases of voter fraud in six battleground states found no evidence of widespread fraud that could change the outcome of the election. A separate AP review of drop boxes used for mailed ballots also found no significant problems. The need for election worker protections was front and center at a separate hearing Wednesday of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Election officials and experts testified that a rise in threats of physical violence is contributing to staffing shortages across the country and a loss of experience at local boards of elections. "The impact is widespread," said Neal Kelley, a former registrar of voters in Orange County, California, who now chairs the Committee for Safe and Secure Elections. "And, while the effects on individuals are devastating, the potential blow to democracy should not be dismissed." Elizabeth Howard, senior counsel at the Brennan Center for Justice, told the committee that Congress needs to direct more money and support toward protecting election workers' personal safety, including by funding local and federal training programs and providing grants to enhance security at election directors' personal residences. Democratic New Mexico Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver, who recently reported a series of threats, told the panel the situation has become worse after former President Donald Trump's attacks against the 2020 election result. "Unfortunately, we are still, on a daily basisin my state and across the countryliving with the reverberating effects of the 'Big Lie' from 2020," she said. "And, as we all know, when it comes to leadership, what you say from the very highest echelons of government power in this country do have those reverberating effects." Some Republican members of the committee condemned violence against election workers and also drew a parallel to recent threats and intimidation directed toward some Supreme Court justices after their decision to overturn constitutional protections for abortion. GOP Rep. Clay Higgins of Louisiana rejected the notion that Trump and other election skeptics were solely responsible for the "atmosphere of mistrust" that grew up around the 2020 election. Digital security experts and civil rights advocates say recent revelations that at least 30 academics, advocates and pro-democracy activists in Thailand were targeted with sophisticated spyware may be just the tip of the iceberg and that their search for more targets will go on. A pair of reports released this week in Bangkok by Canadas Citizen Lab and two local rights groups the Internet Law Reform Dialogue, or iLaw, and DigitalReach said the team confirmed that 30 Thai activists and academics had their Apple iPhones hacked between 2020 and 2021 with the Pegasus advanced software program. It is not clear who is behind the attacks. The Pegasus program, developed and licensed by Israels NSO Group, can take complete and covert control of a mobile phone, gaining access to all of its information and communications. What sets Pegasus apart from most other spyware is a so-called zero click feature, the ability to infect a phone without having to trick the user into taking any action. The hacks first came to light last year, when Apple began notifying iPhone owners that their devices had been compromised. Yingcheep Atchanont, iLaws program manager, told VOA the joint research team inspected some 200 iPhones and found Pegasus on 10 whose owners had either not received or seen Apples alerts. Twenty other of the iPhone owners had seen the alerts and had the infections confirmed by the research team. Five of the 30 have chosen to remain anonymous. The 25 named targets have all, to some degree, criticized the administration of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha. The former army general toppled the countrys elected government in 2014, and five years later won a controversial election tilted heavily in his favor. Some of the hacking targets are among the most prominent leaders of a protest movement demanding Prayuts resignation or reform of the countrys powerful monarchy and, taken together, face dozens of criminal charges. A few are liberal academics, such as Prajak Kongkirati, a political science scholar at Thailands Thammasat University, who first dismissed Apples alert as spam, not expecting to be the target of any spying. It rarely stops here Its very scary, Prajak said after learning of the sweeping access Pegasus grants the spyware operator to the targets professional and personal life. Its like the 1984 novel, he added, citing author George Orwells vision, from just after World War II, of a dystopian future surveillance state. But this is in real life, its really happening. The research team says it could not yet confirm who launched the attacks, but Citizen Lab said at least one of the Pegasus operators behind them was in Thailand as of Monday. The NSO Group has previously stated it sells only to government bodies. Yingcheep, whose own phone was hacked by the program 10 times, said the Thai government would have the most to gain from the attacks. Citizen Labs John Scott-Railton said the team was continuing to search for more targets, and for who exactly was targeting them. Were still investigating all aspects of this case, he told VOA, adding that hackers may be using other types of spyware besides Pegasus to target Thai activists and advocates as well. When you find evidence of this kind of targeting, it rarely stops here, he said. For me this is often a tip of the iceberg problem. So far we have only some names in our heads that we think they should be checked, but I know there are more people who can be targets, said Yingcheep. We believe that if the government possesses this weapon, the victims will be much more. I believe that there are likely to be more cases, agreed DigitalReach founder Sutawan Chanprasert. The team said Apple appears to have closed the digital back door Pegasus was exploiting with its latest operating system. But another potential pool of targets might be found among the many people using phones running Googles Android system. Sutawan said the team still lacks the tools to check Android phones for Pegasus but is in the early stages of developing them. Android is still a mystery, actually, so we still have no clue regarding ... whether Android has patched this kind of vulnerability in their system, she said. Its still a black hole. I want them to [be held] responsible When reports of the Pegasus hacks first surfaced last year, the Thai government denied any involvement. Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan said the reported attacks were under investigation. A government spokesman did not reply to VOAs request for comment following the latest revelations. On Tuesday, though, the national police told local media they had never used any spyware to violate anyones rights. The same day, Digital Economy and Society Minister Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn told the National Assembly, Thailands parliament, he was aware of some very limited use of spyware by other government agencies, citing anti-narcotics operations as an example but giving no details. The Israeli Embassy in Thailand and the NSO Group did not reply to VOAs requests for comment, either. The NSO Group says on its website that its customers are contract-bound to limit the use of its products to serious crimes such as terrorism and to ensure that the products will not be used to violate human rights. Scott-Railton, of Citizen Lab, says theres very little people can do to stave off zero-click spyware like Pegasus. In general, though, he advised keeping phones up to date with the latest operating software and to use two-factor authentication for any online accounts, preferably with an authentication application rather than text messaging, which governments can intercept. He also urged Gmail users who believe they may be at high risk of cyber-snooping to sign up for Googles Advanced Protection Program, which makes their accounts harder to hack by disabling some features. Yingcheep and Sutawan also suggested using encrypted messaging applications with timed message-deleting options and keeping phones out of audio and visual range during sensitive face-to-face conversations. Activists are taking note. Panusaya Rung Sithijirawattanakul, one of the most prominent figures of Thailands pro-democracy movement, said Apples hacking alert arrived while she was in prison awaiting trial on multiple charges of defaming the monarchy, each with the potential to have her jailed for up to 15 years. She found out from her sister after walking out of prison on bail in December. She says she changed all her passwords, makes sure to keep her phones software up to date, and leaves the phone behind for important conversations. Everyone else in her circle of activists is now doing the same, she added, though they know nothing is guaranteed to keep their phones or computers completely safe. I hope that we can find out eventually who did this, Panusaya said. I want them to [be held] responsible. Indias Supreme Court has ordered the release of a leading Muslim journalist and fact-checker arrested last month over a 4-year-old tweet that, according to the police, hurt religious sentiment of Hindus. Mohammed Zubair, a co-founder of the fact-checking website Alt News and a critic of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modis government, regularly tracks and highlights anti-Muslim hate speech by Hindu right-wing activists, mostly in his tweets. Weeks before his arrest, Zubair highlighted what some interpreted as derogatory comments made by Nupur Sharma, a spokesperson for Modis Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), about the Prophet Muhammad. On Wednesday, the top court ordered that Zubair be released from jail immediately, noting that there was no justification for keeping him in custody and that power of arrests must be pursued sparingly. Two hours later, Zubair walked out of New Delhis Tihar Jail. Delhi police officially arrested Zubair on June 27 for his 2018 tweet. But many believe the BJP-led government targeted him because of his tweet in May about Sharmas comments, a post that had been widely shared and had sparked strong protests against India in many Muslim countries. After Zubair's arrest last month, police in India's northern state of Uttar Pradesh filed seven new cases against him on charges that included "provocation to riot" and calling some Hindu religious leaders who practiced anti-Muslim speech hatemongers, among others. On Friday, a Delhi court granted Zubair bail in the original 2018 tweet case. The Supreme Court on Wednesday granted him bail in the Uttar Pradesh cases. The court has ordered the Uttar Pradesh police to consolidate all police cases against Zubair and transfer them to Delhi police. As Zubair has been released on bail, the court ordered that the Delhi police may continue investigations in the cases. While granting bail, the court turned down the Uttar Pradesh governments plea to stop Zubair from tweeting. We cannot ask a journalist not to write. We cannot stop him from tweeting. We cannot anticipatorily interdict him from exercising his right of free speech, the court said. Zubairs arrest reignited concerns about deteriorating journalistic freedoms in the worlds largest democracy. Soon after he was taken into custody, the hashtags #IStandWithZubair and #ReleaseZubair began trending on Twitter in India. Global media rights groups, such as the Committee to Protect Journalists and Reporters Without Borders and human rights bodies, such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, condemned his arrest and demanded his immediate release. Those who had expressed solidarity with Zubair after his arrest welcomed his release on bail Wednesday. The Press Club of India welcomes grant of bail to AltNews co-founder Muhammed Zubair by the Supreme Court today in all cases registered against him, restoring his personal liberty, the organization tweeted. Opposition Trinamool Congress Member of Parliament Mahua Moitra tweeted: Stand up straight @zoo_bear [Mohammad Zubair] & continue to walk the talk. Truth always prevails. Zubair being granted bail is a heartening first step that underscores the importance of the Indian judiciary as a safeguard against the abuse of state power, said Rohit Chopra, an associate professor at Santa Clara University in the U.S. state of California. One hopes that the next step will be dismissing the cases against Zubair, all of which are patently absurd. These cases are clearly meant as a tool of harassment and to produce a chilling effect so that other government critics refrain from speaking up, Chopra told VOA via email. "Unless the Indian judiciary stands firm in defending constitutional rights and freedom of speech, there is absolutely nothing to prevent the same thing from happening again to anyone who draws the ire of the Hindu Right or the BJP government." Ukraine, Russia, Turkey and U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will sign a deal Friday to resume Ukraine's Black Sea grain exports, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan's office said Thursday. Russia and Ukraine are both major global wheat suppliers, but Moscow's February 24 invasion of its neighbor has sent food prices soaring and stoked an international food crisis. The war has stalled Kyiv's exports, leaving dozens of ships stranded and some 20 million tons of grain stuck in silos at Odesa port. Ankara said a general agreement was reached on a U.N.-led plan during talks in Istanbul last week and that it would now be put in writing by the parties. Details of the agreement were not immediately known. It is due to be signed Friday at the Dolmabahce Palace offices at 1330 GMT, Erdogan's office said. Before last week's talks, diplomats said details of the plan included Ukrainian vessels guiding grain ships in and out through mined port waters; Russia agreeing to a truce while shipments move; and Turkey - supported by the United Nations - inspecting ships to allay Russian fears of weapons smuggling. The United Nations and Turkey have been working for two months to broker what Guterres called a "package" deal to resume Ukraine's Black Sea grain exports and facilitate Russian grain and fertilizer shipments. Ukraine could potentially quickly restart exports, Ukraine's Deputy Agriculture Minister Taras Vysotskiy said earlier Thursday. "The majority of the infrastructure of ports of wider Odesa - there are three of them - remains, so it is a question of several weeks in the event there are proper security guarantees," he told Ukrainian television. Moscow has denied responsibility for worsening the food crisis, blaming instead a chilling effect from Western sanctions for slowing its own food and fertilizer exports and Ukraine for mining its Black Sea ports. A day after the Istanbul talks last week, the United States sought to facilitate Russian food and fertilizer exports by reassuring banks, shipping and insurance companies that such transactions would not breach Washington's sanctions on Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine. Russian forces are again pounding Ukrainian cities with long-range strikes, just a day after Russias foreign minister warned that Moscow is preparing to expand its war in Ukraine beyond the Donbas. Ukrainian officials Thursday said Russian shelling hit multiple districts, including a market in Kharkhiv, Ukraines second largest city, killing three people and wounding 23 others. Regional governor Oleg Synegubov said the dead included one child, while police and other officials said there were no military targets in the area. The Russian army is randomly shelling Kharkiv, peaceful residential areas, civilians are being killed, Mayor Ihor Terekhov said. Also Thursday, Donetsk regional governor Pavlo Kyrylenko told the Reuters news agency that Russian missile strikes destroyed two schools in Ukrainian-held Kramatorsk and Kostiantynivka, while at least one missile hit the city of Bakhmut. The renewed shelling and missile strikes come just one day after Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told state-run media outlets that Russia is looking to expand operations due to ongoing weapon deliveries to Ukraine from the United States and other Western countries. Now, the geography has changed, Lavrov told the state news RT television and RIA Novosti news agency. It's not just Donetsk and Luhansk. It's Kherson, Zaporizhzhia and several other territories. This process is continuing, consistently and persistently. Western intelligence officials, however, are casting doubt on Russias ability to make good on its threat. "I think they're about to run out of steam," Richard Moore, the chief of Britains MI6 intelligence service, told an audience at the annual Aspen Security Forum in Aspen, Colorado Thursday. "Our assessment is that the Russians will increasingly find it difficult to supply manpower, material over the next few weeks," he said. "That will give Ukrainians the ability to strike back." Estonias foreign intelligence chief echoed similar sentiments late Wednesday. I am cautiously confident that Ukraine will defeat the Russian army in Ukraine sooner or later, Mikk Marran, the director-general of Estonias Foreign Intelligence Service, told the Aspen Forum. It will not come easily. It will take time and Ukraine probably might not be able to liberate all of the occupied territories, but strategically speaking Putin will not succeed, he added. Britains defense ministry said Thursday that Russian forces were continuing small-scale assaults along the front line in the Donbas region, the part of eastern Ukraine that has been a focus of its war. The ministry said in its daily assessment that Russia was likely closing in on the Vuhlehirska power plant, northeast of Donetsk, and that Russian forces were prioritizing capturing critical infrastructure sites. The U.S. Wednesday announced plans to send four more such rocket systems to Ukraine, along with more artillery rounds. Ukrainian forces are now using long-range rocket systems to great effect, including HIMARS provided by the United States, and other systems from our allies and partners, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Wednesday at the Pentagon. Ukraine's defenders are pushing hard to hold Russias advances in the Donbas. General Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said the Ukrainians have been using U.S.-supplied multiple rocket launchers to hit Russian command centers and supply lines. The Ukrainians are making the Russians pay for every inch of territory that they gain, Milley said, and the Donbas is not lost yet. The Ukrainians intend to continue the fight. The future, Milley said, will depend on the number of long-range rockets and ammunition the Ukrainians have. "We have a very serious grinding war of attrition going on in the Donbas. And unless there's a breakthrough on either side which right now the analysts don't think is particularly likely in the near term it will probably continue as a grinding war of attrition for a period of time until both sides see an alternative way out of this, perhaps through negotiation or something like that." Some information for this report came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters. The U.S. and allies committed more rocket systems, ammunition and other military aid to Ukraine Wednesday, as American defense leaders said they see the war to block Russian gains in the eastern Donbas region grinding on for some time. Speaking at the close of a virtual meeting with about 50 defense leaders from around the world, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said it will be "hard work" to keep allies and partners all committed to the war effort as the months drag on. "We're pushing hard to maintain and intensify the momentum of donations," Austin said. "This will be an area of focus for the foreseeable future, as it should be, in terms of how long our allies and partners will remain committed ... There's no question that this will always be hard work making sure that we maintain unity." Officials have been reluctant to say how long the war may last, but Army Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, suggested it could be a long slog. "We have a very serious grinding war of attrition going on in the Donbas. And unless there's a breakthrough on either side which right now the analysts don't think is particularly likely in the near term it will probably continue as a grinding war of attrition for a period of time until both sides see an alternative way out of this, perhaps through negotiation or something like that." Officials said Wednesday that the U.S. will send Ukraine four more High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) and precision-guided rockets for them, as well as additional artillery rounds. A more detailed announcement is expected later this week. The aid comes as Russian forces try to solidify gains in the two provinces in Ukraine's eastern Donbas region, Donetsk and Luhansk, while also expanding attacks into other areas. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told state-controlled RT television and the RIA Novosti news agency that Russia has expanded its "special military operation" from the Donbas to the Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions and other captured territories. Austin said Lavrov's comments come as no surprise to allies who have known Russia has greater ambitions in capturing Ukraine. But Ukrainian troops have been using the HIMARS to strike Russian logistics nodes and command and control centers, including behind the front lines to disrupt supply chains. And on Wednesday they struck and damaged a bridge that is key to supplying Russian troops in southern Ukraine, where Lavrov said Moscow is trying to consolidate its territorial gains. The U.S. has already provided more than $7 billion in aid to Ukraine since the war began in late February. Austin said that during the defense meeting, there was also discussion about how to ensure that Ukraine is able to maintain and repair the weapons systems into the future. Russian President Vladimir Putin appears to have succumbed to his own mythmaking and hyperbole, unable to let go of his desire to conquer Ukraine, no matter what the costs, according to a public assessment by Americas top spymaster. CIA Director William Burns, the last U.S. official to meet with Putin before he ordered Russian forces into Ukraine in February, warned late Wednesday that the Russian leader truly believes he must conquer Ukraine to fulfill his destiny. Putin really does believe his rhetoric, and Ive heard him say it privately over the years, that Ukraine's not a real country. He really thought he could take Kyiv in less than a week, Burns told an audience at the annual Aspen Security Forum in Aspen, Colorado. He is convinced that his destiny as Russia's leader is to restore Russia as a great power and he does not believe you can do that without controlling Ukraine and its choices, Burns added. "He believes its his entitlement, its Russia's entitlement to dominate Ukraine." Previous U.S, intelligence assessments have suggested that while Putin had no intention of forsaking his effort to conquer all of Ukraine, it was possible he might be willing to officially pause the fighting to give his forces time to reorganize following substantial losses since the invasion began. It is entirely plausible, from our perspective, that depending on how things develop over the coming months and so on that he [Putin] is convinced that there is value in effect, coming to some sort of agreement, U.S. Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines said last month. U.S. intelligence estimates say approximately 15,000 Russian troops have been killed in Ukraine, with another 45,000 wounded. Ukrainian defense officials put the number of Russian soldiers killed at about 38,000. Burns seemed to cast doubt on the idea a deal of some sort could be in play, describing it as inconsistent with Putins world view. Putin is a big believer in control and intimidation and getting even," Burns said, calling the Russian leader an apostle of payback." "As his grip on power has tightened, as his circle of advisers has narrowed, his own personal sense of destiny and his appetite for risk has grown," Burns said. Putin's bet ... is that he can succeed in a grinding war of attrition, that they can wear down the Ukrainian military, that winter's coming and so he can strangle the Ukrainian economy, he can wear down European publics and leadership, and he can wear down the United States." My own strong view is that Putin was wrong in his assumptions about breaking the [NATO] alliance and breaking Ukrainian will before the war began and I think he's just as wrong now," Burns said. There are some indications that Russia has learned lessons from its early failures in Ukraine, limiting its objectives to those in the Donbas region and by increasing its use of long-range artillery, an area in which Moscow maintains an advantage over Kyiv. At the same time, however, there are signs Putins ambitions are reemerging. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Wednesday warned that Russian forces could soon expand their special operation due to the provision of U.S. High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) to Ukraine. Now the geography has changed. It's not just Donetsk and Luhansk, it's Kherson, Zaporizhia, and several other territories, Lavrov told state-run media Wednesday. We cannot allow the part of Ukraine that will be controlled by [Ukrainian President Volodymyr] Zelenskyy, or whoever replaces him, to contain weapons that will pose a direct threat to our territory and the territory of the republics that have declared independence, those that want to determine their own future." Two hundred Ukrainian troops have been trained on the HIMARS and at least eight units have seen action so far, according to U.S. military officials, targeting and destroying Russian weapon depots and command-and-control centers. U.S. defense officials have said four more HIMARS are being sent to the Ukrainian military and promised the delivery of yet another four systems in a security package set to be announced later this week. We're not working just to provide security assistance in the short term, General Mark Milley, chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, told reporters Wednesday. [We're] also looking ahead to provide Ukraine with the capabilities that it will need for deterrence and defense over the longer term. Other Ukrainian allies also see the war grinding on. We don't see any signs that the war will end soon, NATO Assistant Secretary General for Intelligence and Security David Cattler told an online forum Tuesday. In fact, there are even more signs that this war will be a very long one," he said. Russia and Iran U.S. defense and intelligence officials are warning Iran not to get involved in Russias war in Ukraine. A day after Putin met with Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin told reporters at the Pentagon it would be a really, really bad idea for Iran to provide Russia with armed drones. On the issue of Iranian support to Russia, we would advise Iran to not do that, Austin said. Asked about Austins comments, Burns called Austin, very good at understatement. "The reality is Russians and Iranians need each other right now, both heavily sanctioned countries, both looking to break out of political isolation, Burns added. But I think as troubling as some of the steps between those two parties are, and we focus on them very sharply at CIA, there are limits I think, to the ways in which they're going to be able to help one another right now. Lessons for China Burns said Moscow is getting some help from China, with Beijing stepping up purchases of energy products to help support the Russian economy. But he cautioned the Chinese have been very cautious about lending Russia any military support. It seems to me that President Xi [Jinping] and the Chinese leadership has been unsettled to some extent, especially in the first phase of Putin's war in Ukraine unsettled by the military performance of the Russians early on and the performance of Russian weaponry, unsettled by the economic uncertainties that the war has unleashed, he said. However, Burns said Russias struggles are unlikely to change Chinas calculus about using force to take Taiwan. Our sense is that it probably affects less the question of whether the Chinese leadership might choose some years down the road to use force to control Taiwan but how and when they will do it, he said. If there's one lesson I think they may be drawing from Putin's experience in Ukraine, is you don't achieve quick decisive victories with underwhelming force, Burns said. Speaking at the Aspen Security Forum earlier Wednesday, Chinas ambassador to the United States played down the likelihood Beijing would use force against Taiwan. The last thing we wish to do is to fight with our compatriots [in Taiwan]," Ambassador Qin Gang said, accusing the U.S. of sending sophisticated weapons to support the Taiwanese military. We will try our best in our great sincerity to achieve the peaceful reunification," Qin added. The One China principle is the political foundation for China-U.S. relations, and is the bedrock for the peace and stability across Taiwan Strait but we urge the United States to honor its commitments with actions." U.S. President Joe Biden is due to speak Thursday about a $37 billion proposal to combat and prevent crime. The White House released some details of the plan ahead of Bidens scheduled address at an event in the state of Pennsylvania. It includes nearly $13 billion to help communities hire and train 100,000 police officers during the next five years. Another $3 billion would go toward addressing court backlogs, solving murders and setting up local task forces to reduce the rate of gun violence. The White House said Bidens proposal would boost penalties for trafficking fentanyl and ask Congress to enact legislation making online marketplaces liable if they sell stolen goods. The plan also includes $15 billion for cities and states to put into place efforts to prevent violent crime and to identify situations in which public health agencies should respond to non-violent situations instead of police. Another portion would focus on services for mental health and substance abuse, as well as social work and giving more people access to job training, education and housing. As the congressional committee examining the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol wraps up its first round of public hearings this week, the Justice Department faces rising pressure to prosecute former President Donald Trump in connection with the bloody assault. The Justice Department has charged more than 800 Trump supporters involved in the riot and is investigating others tied to the plot. But it remains unclear whether the department will take the unprecedented step of charging a former president based on the findings of a committee. "We don't know whether there will be prosecutions that are going to be a direct result of these hearings," said William Banks, Board of Advisors Distinguished Professor of Law at Syracuse University. That is not to say that Trump is not in legal jeopardy. When the nine-member committee held its first televised hearing on June 9, the panel's vice chairperson, Republican Representative Liz Cheney, pledged to present evidence showing the former president was responsible for orchestrating a "sophisticated seven-part plan to overturn the presidential election and prevent the transfer of presidential power." Over the course of seven hearings, the bipartisan panel, made up of seven Democrats and two Republicans, sketched out that plan, offering its findings from more than 1,000 interviews and more than 125,000 documents. What emerged was a picture of a losing president so possessed with holding on to power that he falsely claimed the election had been stolen despite being told otherwise by his own advisers; prodded the Justice Department to support his falsehood; pressed officials in battleground states to flip votes for him; pressured his own vice president, Mike Pence, to overturn the results; encouraged a mob of his supporters to descend on the Capitol; and, finally, failed to act as rioters stormed the Capitol. Taken together, the committee's findings appear to amount to a damning indictment of Trump's conduct, conjuring the impression that the panel has generated all the evidence prosecutors need to indict the former president. But whether the Justice Department thinks there is enough evidence to support an indictment remains to be seen. Even those who think the Jan. 6 committee's findings warrant criminal charges against Trump caution that the panels discovery represents one side of the story. "The congressional hearing is one-sided in the sense that there was no one to cross-examine any of these witnesses or to seek to check the veracity of their sources and the like," Banks said. In a 12-page statement released after the committee's second hearing last month, Trump made a similar point in his own defense. "Why can't they let the countervailing opinion be heard? Why are they hiding evidence from the public and only showing information that favors the Democrats' tall tale?" Trump wrote, repeating his false claims that the election was stolen and rigged. To be clear, the committee does not have the power to prosecute Trump or anyone else. That authority rests with the Department of Justice and, ultimately, with Attorney General Merrick Garland. In an interview with ABC News on July 3, Cheney said that it was possible that the panel would refer Trump's case to the Justice Department for prosecution, but that the department "doesn't have to wait" for such a referral. As the Justice Department continues to investigate people close to Trump, Garland has given little clue as to whether the department is probing the former president for his role in the Jan. 6 attack, saying earlier this year that prosecutors "will follow the facts wherever they lead." A spokesperson for Garland did not respond to an email requesting comment on calls for Trump's prosecution. Factors in Garland's decision In deciding whether to charge Trump, Garland must consider at least three questions, Banks said. The first is whether the Justice Department has enough evidence to win a conviction that would withstand appeal. Among potential charges Trump could face are "obstructing an official proceeding" for his alleged efforts to block Congress' vote count on January 6 and "conspiracy to defraud the United States" in connection with various schemes to overturn the results of a presidential election. A third possible charge inciting a riot or insurrection has diminished in recent weeks, according to Jonathan Turley, a conservative law professor at George Washington University School of Law. Banks said the obstruction charge is "pretty straightforward." "There's now quite a bit of documentary evidence as well as witness testimony at the hearings that suggest he was trying to stop Vice President Pence from carrying out his assigned task that day, as well as trying to change the slate of electors," Banks said. But some other experts aren't convinced. Turley, who appeared as a Republican-invited witness during Trump's first impeachment said the obstruction charge would be hard to make. "The problem with that is that Trump was calling for people to go to Congress to protest the certification," Turley said in an interview. "Democrats protested certification. Democrat members voted against certification of Republican presidents. You can't say that that itself is obstruction." More harm than good? The second question Garland would have to consider is whether indicting a former president at a time when the country is deeply polarized is "good for the country," Banks said. "Are we better off as a country to let it be and to try to move on and hope that nothing like this ever recurs?" Banks said. "That's a tough job, and it's the attorney general who's in the driver's seat." It is a question many legal scholars have debated in recent weeks. Jack Goldsmith, a former assistant attorney general in the George W. Bush administration, wrote in a recent opinion piece for The New York Times that prosecuting Trump "would be a cataclysmic event from which the nation would not soon recover." "It would be seen by many as politicized retribution," Goldsmith wrote. Banks said he was inclined to agree but became less so after former White House aide Cassidy Hutchinson's testimony, which many legal experts believe bolstered the legal case against Trump. "I think even though it will be very painful to experience yet another bout of our institutions with Donald Trump, I think it might be the most important thing that we could do at this time," Banks said. Turley said the decision to prosecute Trump should be based on evidence, not its social ramifications. "The key is that you have to have a strong and unassailable case," he said. "But if one exists, I don't think that it makes any sense to give a president some constructive immunity from the criminal code. If the members have the evidence they said they had of a crime by President Trump, I would be the first to call for his indictment." A final consideration for Garland is whether, as a member of President Joe Biden's administration, it is appropriate for him to charge Biden's political rival, Trump. "There might be an appearance that if he chooses to pursue an indictment of Donald Trump that it could be politically motivated," Banks said. Under Justice Department guidelines, Garland is required to appoint an outside prosecutor if he determines that investigation and prosecuting Trump will "present a conflict of interest" for the department. "Indeed, that may well be forthcoming, but I think he would only do that if he answered the other two questions" regarding evidence and whether prosecuting Trump would serve the public interest, Banks said. Business owners in downtown Columbus may see changes to the Downtown Business Association (DBA). During a DBA meeting held July 20 at the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce, officials noted that some duties of the DBA may be shifted to the City of Columbus. The effort would combine the citys downtown revitalization efforts, the DBA and the Columbus Arts Council. I'm kind of wanting to age out a little bit, DBA Co-Manager Kevin Johnson said. This is kind of a way of maybe having the DBA continue but with the city involvement that's why this revitalization is so important, to try to see if we can get everything coordinated with the art district. Columbus City Administrator Tara Vasicek said city officials heard through the grapevine that the DBA was possibly not going to continue in its current capacity for much longer. We've dedicated a lot of resources but never something to really ignite downtown and there are a lot of tools out there that we're just not using, Vasicek said. But to use those tools, we have to have property owner and business owner input and you have to kind of get on the bus with us and move that way. We can't do it alone. One such tool is creating a business improvement district (BID). It is a legislative tool used to raise funds in a defined area for the purpose of creating improvements within the district. We don't have year after year, day after day investment and concentration on downtown, like so many of our peer communities that we're constantly compared to do, Vasicek said. The property owners within the district would be taxed based on an annual assessment per $100,000 of assessed value each year. Those funds would go back into the district for improvement projects. If your building is assessed at $200,000, and we had the annual assessment of $200, then each year you would pay $400 to the BID and that would be budgeted by the board and used only in the business improvement district boundaries on set projects, Vasicek said. Columbus Planning and Economic Development Coordinator Jean Van Iperen added that costs would not be expected to be too much for property owners. The average assessed value of properties downtown is between $50,000 and $75,000. So depending on how much money you want to generate, most businesses are looking at probably something under $150 a year, Van Iperen said. If you really think about it, $10 a month, $12 a month, is that something that you can afford to improve your area? Several years ago, the city created a Downtown Business Improvement Business District Board to do a one-time project and that board still exists today, though it doesnt see much use and only meets as needed. Projects like sidewalks, parks, lighting, public parking, funding of a district director position and a wide variety of other improvements would be eligible. Vasicek noted that other communities often compared to Columbus have BIDs. Some of those include Norfolk, which sees $107,000 raised a year through its BID, and Hastings, which sees $75,000 generated per year. The Downtown Business Improvement District Board (DBIDB), which is comprised of downtown property owners and downtown business owners, are the ones that create the budget, decide what every penny is spent on and it can be spent on everything from buying new lots to make new parking lots to refurbishing lots and creating signage, Vasicek said. Vasicek said she would work with downtown property and business owners how much funding they would want to raise, which would impact the properties' assessments. Property owners could see an annual assessment/bill from the city or a special levy added to the property taxes for the properties in the district. To create a BID, a public hearing would be required and every property owner in the district would be notified and would have a chance to file objections with the city clerk within five days before the hearing. The DBIDB would make a recommendation to the Columbus City Council, and the city council would need to create the district by ordinance. A draft of potential BID boundaries was presented at the meeting, which included some residential homes. Vasicek noted that the owners of single-family owner-occupied homes could petition to be excluded from the district. The potential formation of a BID had been attempted about 16 months ago, Vasicek said, and a letter and survey had been sent out but not much positive feedback was received at that time. I think the transition from the DBA to this will help people get on board I hope because you won't be tied to the obligation of both, Vasicek said. With there already being a part-time executive director position planned for the arts council in the new community building, this is a chance to create a full-time employee who would be in charge of the BID, downtown revitalization efforts and the arts council. Vasicek added that efforts in creating a BID will continue but things will move along more quickly once the downtown study is more complete. The city has been working with Omaha-based RDG Planning and Design, Inc., to create a strategic plan for downtown Columbus. Van Iperen gave an update on the study at the DBA meeting. Both stakeholder and public meetings have been held, and areas of focus include parking, streetscaping and adding art. A public open house will be held on Sept. 8. Either later on that same month or in October, the findings will be shared with the city council. Vasicek said that people on the fence about creating a BID are welcome to that meeting to find out more about the vision for downtown Columbus. Heather Giffrow, who has been leading the DBA, noted that while the organization may be coming to its end, she and Johnson have stressed the importance of continuing DBA events, like LawnChairs on the Square and the Christmas lights downtown. Just having someone that can dedicate a little bit more time than what I have is just going to be a great asset, Giffrow said. It was great that this was an option to come up. I think there's more support to having more bodies and more people jump on board with having a city involvement as opposed to an organization. It was kind of the right time. After Russia invaded Ukraine, three friends were forced to leave their native towns in the east for the western city of Lviv. But that didnt stop them from instantly restarting their lives. Omelyan Oshchudlyak has the story. Camera: Yuriy Dankevych The U.S. Department of Education has relaxed the rules for certain student loan borrowers to apply for forgiveness, but those changes will only remain in effect until Oct. 31. The Public Service Loan Forgiveness program allows qualifying borrowers to apply to have their Direct Loan debt canceled if they have routinely made payments while doing public interest work. Launched in 2007 and administered by the education departments Federal Student Aid office, the program was designed to steer graduates into careers as educators, librarians, nurses, the military and other public service jobs. If those individuals, who took out Direct Loans from the education department remain employed at least 30 hours a week in those careers for 10 years, or make 120 payments, they can apply to have their debt erased. Beginning Oct. 6, 2021, the education department enacted temporary rules that allow for any period of repayment before the program began in 2007 to receive credit toward forgiveness, regardless of the loan program, repayment plan or whether payment was made in full or on time. The change only applies to borrowers with Direct Loans, however. Those with Federal Family Education Loans, Federal Perkins Loans or other types of federal student loans are encouraged to consolidate them into a Direct Loan before Oct. 31, 2022, so they might qualify for forgiveness. Consolidation can be completed relatively quickly in a few weeks, said Mike Baumgartner, executive director of Nebraska's Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education. To apply for the program, borrowers are encouraged to submit an application at studentaid.gov. Baumgartner said federal education department's relaxing of the rules will open the door for more borrowers to potentially qualify for loan forgiveness. There were a lot of students who might not have applied, who might have found it too difficult or onerous because they werent into the Direct Loan program, Baumgartner said. This is an opportunity for them to take advantage of this one-time waiver of the normal rules. Across the U.S., more than 145,000 borrowers have had the remainder of their debt forgiven through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program, while more than 715,000 borrowers have had their paperwork processed. The average debt forgiven in the program is just shy of $65,000. Nebraska borrowers who have had their loans forgiven fall slightly below the national average at $61,000. As of May, a total of 1,080 borrowers in Nebraska have had a total of $65.9 million in student loans discharged through the program, according to data from the U.S. Department of Education. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona said the program is among the Biden administration's efforts to make college more affordable and accessible in the U.S. At a speech before state higher education officers last week, Cardona said the education department wants to help individuals "who choose public service not because of the money but because they want to make their community better." Those individuals should see if they qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program, he added. "We need your help to get the word out so more people take advantage of it," he said. A 24-year-old Omaha man who pleaded guilty to motor vehicle homicide while driving drunk has been sentenced to 16 to 20 years in prison. Ulises Pantoja caused the death of 37-year-old Candice McDowell of Omaha when he sped through the intersection of 144th and Harrison streets on Nov. 24, 2021. His southbound BMW coupe collided with a Mitsubishi Outlander driven by McDowell that was eastbound on Harrison Street. The Sarpy County Attorney's Office said witnesses described Pantoja as driving at "an extremely high rate of speed." His blood-alcohol content later tested at 0.134%, nearly twice the legal limit of 0.08%. McDowell, the mother of four children, was driving home from work at Timber Creek Pizza Pub and Grill in Omaha the night before Thanksgiving. She was taken to Creighton University Medical Center-Bergan Mercy, where she died. "Mr. Pantoja's decision to drink and drive ended Candice's life and took her from her family and friends," Deputy Sarpy County Attorney Scott Earl said. Sarpy County District Judge George Thompson sentenced Pantoja on Monday. Under Nebraska sentencing guidelines, Pantoja must serve at least half of the minimum sentence before he is eligible for parole. Comment on this story Comment Gift Article Share The news that President Joe Biden has tested positive for Covid should serve as a wake-up call for the rest of us: Almost three years on, the pandemic is still not going very well. Perhaps its human nature to put bad news out of mind. Still, one reason so many people have chosen to ignore Covid-19 may be that they are wary, and weary, of public health authorities. If people admit Covid is still a big problem, they are implicitly giving regulators permission to control their lives once again. But people are tired of lockdowns, mandatory testing, canceled school sessions and travel restrictions. And so they are fighting back with the ultimate form of non-violent resistance forgetting about the issue altogether. Consider this sorry state of affairs in a broader context. This post-vaccine phase of Covid is worse than many expectations. More than 300 Americans, and sometimes as many as 400, are dying each day. If Covid were some new malady that had just emerged this year, this would be big news indeed. Advertisement The pandemic also continues to have a corrosive effect on the ability to make plans. Even if you are young, in good health and relatively safe, you have to worry about those you might infect. Planning conferences or family trips now is more difficult than it was in 2019, in part because it is not clear who exactly is going to show up. Another possible problem is long Covid. Even among experts, there are dramatically varying answers as to how bad a problem long Covid is going to be. Some dismiss the phenomenon altogether, others suggest there are incontrovertible biomarkers of its relevance. As an economist, I view this debate through the concept of expected value. Say that there is a 20% or 30% chance that 1% of the American public will have longer-term problems resulting from Covid infections. The expected costs of that scenario still are enormous. Advertisement Yet the response to this crisis remains lackadaisical. There is an urgent need for a new Operation Warp Speed for pan-coronavirus vaccines, which show increasing signs of working against known new and unknown future variants. So far no such plans are in the offing, and updating the previous vaccines (based, to be clear, on now-obsolete strains) may take nearly as long as it did to develop the original vaccines. Why is the pandemic no longer a preoccupation of most Americans? Even many people I know who used to refresh the various coronavirus trackers regularly, no longer do. People have moved on. (There are exceptions; when I visited the Bay Area last month, I observed people walking alone, outside, wearing masks. Many of them are, unfortunately, still living in 2020.) The lack of interest is not confined to the US. So far this year, I have traveled to England, Ireland, Portugal, Denmark, Switzerland, Italy and Colombia. With the possible exception of Italy, where I observed a fair amount of mask-wearing, most people in those countries seemed to be ignoring Covid-19. Advertisement I consider this optimal private behavior for most people; I took off my mask (except for when I had Covid) once I was allowed to. But I worry about the public implications of this attitude. When it comes to pandemics, people seem to have either an on or off switch. Ideally, the approach should be more along the lines of: I need to get on with my life, but I will exercise caution when appropriate. In the meantime, a vigorous public-sector response is still needed for better vaccines and therapeutics. Yet people are afraid that such an attitude could be used against them. And so a variety of defense mechanisms kick in. Some take the form of intellectual chicanery, such as blaming the vaccines rather than the malady, or blaming the failure to deploy hydroxychloroquine, ivermectin or whatever other supposedly miracle cure is on offer. When I hear people create these diversions, in my mind I hear voices screaming: We are not going to let you do this to us again! But most individuals are not so anti-scientific, nor do they have such complex theories. They are simply tired of the pandemic and its consequences on our longevity, our health, our society and our state of mind. Advertisement And so they retreat, if only mentally and emotionally. And a catatonic America continues to stumble through a disappointing response to one of the greatest challenges this country has ever faced. This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners. Tyler Cowen is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist. He is a professor of economics at George Mason University and writes for the blog Marginal Revolution. He is coauthor of Talent: How to Identify Energizers, Creatives, and Winners Around the World. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com/opinion 2022 Bloomberg L.P. GiftOutline Gift Article Comment on this story Comment Gift Article Share London was burning earlier this week. So many blazes erupted during the recent heatwave that the citys fire brigades had their busiest day since Hitler sent his V-2s screaming across the Channel. The runways at Heathrow began to melt when temperatures crossed 40 degrees Celsius, while embattled railway companies feared that train tracks would buckle in the heat. Britain, like the rest of Europe, is woefully unprepared for a warming world. Here in New Delhi, its barely 30 degrees outside. The monsoon has finally arrived, making this parched part of the world habitable once again. Nevertheless we, too, have suffered from the heat more than is usual. This is whats supposed to happen, regular as clockwork: First, heavy rain clouds gather over the Indian Ocean and are pulled up toward the subcontinent as it begins to bake under the hot sun of late April. Then, by the end of May, the clouds burst over the southern tip of the peninsula; less than a fortnight later, on June 10, the great port cities of Mumbai and Kolkata receive their first sustained showers. Advertisement The monsoon then proceeds regally up the Gangetic plain until it brings relief to Delhi in the last days of the month. While northwest India may feel unlivable during high summer, summer is only supposed to last two months or so. Now the monsoon tends to get lost. This year, the heat in central India and then in southern Pakistan was such that it pulled the clouds in that direction instead. Delhi should have seen constant showers for the first 10 days of June. Instead we received just 2.6 millimeters of rain and this after a summer when temperatures between 45 and 50 degrees were the norm rather than the exception. Cherished weather patterns, expectations built up over generations, are all being destroyed by climate change. But at least we in India sense what we are in for. We know what extreme heat can do to a person. In response, you build houses with thick walls, small windows and high ceilings to keep cool. You drink as much water as you can. If at all possible, you dont go out when the sun is high in the sky. Englishmen, as Noel Coward famously pointed out, dont have quite the same respect for the midday sun. Advertisement Theres a lot about how Europeans live that will have to change as the continent faces summer days that will feel more like South Asia than the Swiss Alps. Clothes, for one. A month with daytime temperatures regularly over 27 degrees Celsius isnt one in which you should be wearing a nice suit as you walk to the office. The leaders of the G-7 have dispensed with neckties; suit jackets should be next. People will change their habits when their doctors tell them to and, fortunately, the National Health Service remains Britains most trusted institution. The NHS has guidance out telling Britons to drink more water and to walk in the shade. (And also to avoid exercising in the hottest parts of the day, a piece of advice I am dismayed was needed. Perhaps Coward was on to something.) But the NHS will have to prepare for more than that. Under business-as-usual scenarios, the aedes aegypti mosquito will migrate unhindered to northern Europe and have two or three months of perfect weather to spread diseases such as dengue and chikungunya which we in India had hardly heard of a few decades ago but which are now endemic. In the United States, the Deep South is in even more danger: The United Nations Environment Programme has warned the region might be at risk of malaria outbreaks in coming decades. Advertisement Then theres the real estate stock. New-build completions in the United Kingdom have only returned about to the level they were before the financial crisis. That in itself is less than half what they were at the peak of British house-building, back in the mid-1960s. Its wonderful how many countries in Europe Britain included have worked hard to minimize the demolition of old buildings and relax change-of-use regulations to bring them into the housing market. Yet formerly cold-weather countries cant afford too much sentimentality. With the climate changing, they will need many more new buildings that are designed for extremes of heat, too. Growing up in Bengal where, as Coward pointed out, to move at all is very seldom done the cemeteries provided enough evidence of what happens to people who refuse to change their ways when confronted with extreme heat. Graveyards were full of British colonists who died young; more than half of British civil servants passed away during their tour of duty. Advertisement One austere Danish visitor explained why: It is true that many Englishmen die here very suddenly, but in my opinion the fault is chiefly their own: They eat much succulent food. They drink very strong Portugal wines, at the hottest time of day. In addition they wear, as in Europe, tight-fitting clothes. Harsh and unscientific, yes. But, if Bengals heat is coming to Britain, perhaps there are a few lessons to be learned. More From Other Writers at Bloomberg Opinion: If Climate Is a Crisis, Keep Gas Prices High: Eduardo Porter When the Weather Is Hot Enough to Kill: Fickling & Pollard Investors Deserve Better Disclosure on Climate: Michelle Leder This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners. Mihir Sharma is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist. A senior fellow at the Observer Research Foundation in New Delhi, he is author of Restart: The Last Chance for the Indian Economy. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com/opinion 2022 Bloomberg L.P. GiftOutline Gift Article Comment on this story Comment Gift Article Share By the time my wife and I got to Kassel to see the latest edition of the Documenta the once-in-five-years event that, in the contemporary art world, rivals the Venice Biennale for direction-setting importance its centerpiece had been removed from public view, its director had resigned in disgrace and the German government was promising to step up its supervision of the exhibitions to follow. The scandal that engulfed what the German Jewish newspaper, Juedische Allgemeine, dubbed Documenta of Shame has implications that reach beyond the borders of Germany and the contemporary art milieu. The Western world, with its surfeit of money and its growing shortage of creativity, has been settling into the role of benevolent funder of whatever the creative energy of the downtrodden can produce. That energy, however, is anything but benevolent. The feeding hand may get bitten off and thats a scary prospect for Western bureaucrats and politicians, both in and outside the arts. Documenta, set up in 1955 by artist, architect and designer Arnold Bode to breathe new life into his bombed-out home city of Kassel, began as a large modern art exhibition and went through a number of permutations to arrive at its current format: Although a non-profit foundation partly funded by the German federal government, the state of Hesse and the city of Kassel runs the business side of things, the curator, chosen by an advisory board, has a free hand to pick the artists and organize the exhibition spaces. For artists from countries burdened with various forms of censorship, the curators freedom of action is a Western gift almost as valuable as the considerable money that sustains the effort: This year, the budget is 42.2 million euros, but that limit may be exceeded, as it was in 2017, when the city and state had to assume Documentas debts to save it. Advertisement Thanks to both the curatorial freedom and the generous funding, visitor numbers have steadily increased, with close to a million people making the pilgrimage to Kassel, population 200,000, over Documentas June-to-September run. Its a wonder to behold: The entire city, from central museums to bridges, lawns and pedestrian underpasses, turns into a backdrop for all kinds of artistic experiments. In 1972, Joseph Beuys famously heaped 7,000 large stones on the citys central square as part of a plan to plant as many oaks throughout Kassel. A stone was to be taken away with each tree planted; the project took five years to complete. This year, the Documenta, taking place a year late because of the Covid pandemic, has been curated by an Indonesian collective called ruangrupa. Its approach has been to invite other artistic groupings, mostly from Asia and Africa, to fill up the diverse exhibition spaces however they chose. They, in turn, could invite other collaborators. It is, in effect, a communist utopia played out at the expense of the German taxpayer and the relatively well-to-do visitors who can afford the trip, the hotels one day is not enough to see everything worth seeing and the tickets. As the traditional main square centerpiece think Beuys stones or 2017s giant replica of the Parthenon built from books forbidden in different countries ruangrupa chose an enormous banner called Peoples Justice created by another Indonesian collective, Taring Padi. Some of the Documentas first visitors immediately noticed among the many characters a pig-faced creature wearing a helmet marked Mossad and a depiction of a vampire-like individual with Jewish sidelocks with the lettering SS on his bowler hat. Jewish organizations and the media were understandably up in arms. Peoples Justice was removed, leaving the central square bare, and both ruangrupa and Taring Padi apologized. Further accusations followed: Palestinian artists work is very much in evidence at Documenta 15, while Israeli artists are not visibly represented, amounting to a silent boycott of Israel. Ruangrupa has denied imposing it, but it hasnt helped: The scandal built until Documentas supervisory board, headed by the mayor of Kassel, fired the nonprofits director, Sabine Schormann. Advertisement In a speech to the German parliament earlier this month, ruangrupas director and curator Ade Darmawan referred, by way of explanation, to Indonesias turbulent history: This history also includes centuries of colonialist exploitation by European empires, like the Dutch, and by the Japanese during World War II. Part of this colonialist violence entailed pitching different non-white people against each other. You undoubtedly know that in the case of Indonesia this involved playing Indonesians against Chinese minorities, and to do this, as you also may know, Dutch colonial officers introduced originally European antisemitic ideas and images to portray Chinese in the way Europeans have portrayed Jews, and to draw a connection. This in a shocking and shameful way has come full circle in the artwork. The image is of European origin, then transformed and appropriated within our own cultural context in an unacceptable way. This is certainly something we need to process and reflect upon. This is not so much an apology as an accusation: anti-Semitism is, according to this view, a colonialist import from Europe that has now washed up on Kassels placid shores on a wave of subversive post-colonial creativity. One could argue that everything ruangrupa did in Kassel this year follows the same logic throwing back at the West the misery it can be accused of wreaking upon the rest of the world. A visitor cannot escape being educated about the plight of Australias Indigenous people, the Palestinians of Gaza (where artists have to smuggle in paint), the Sinti and the Roma, the Kurds, dissidents everywhere from the Philippines to Hungary the list is as endless as human suffering. The works of art shown during this educational process are, by and large, props that serve an overriding purpose: To make the wealthy Western viewer feel shame as an oppressor, or at least an oppressors accomplice. Advertisement I dont know if my wife and I can be forgiven for not feeling personally responsible for the plight of Ugandan moviemakers forced to shoot on a $200 budget or for the imported anti-Semitism of an Indonesian mural painter. Wed come for the art but after two days of being harangued with every national flavor of far-left rhetoric, we struggled to remember even a dozen truly impressive works wed seen, ones that would stand on their own feet as art, not as part of a plaintive or aggressive narrative. The ones we could recall told subtler stories, ones that didnt require a video or an explanatory text like Kenyan artist Ngugi Wawerus huge installation made entirely from kitchen knives found in a Nairobi slum, most of them whetted down to a needle before they were thrown away. On the other hand, the uncomfortable feeling of being shouted at, talked at, whispered at, sometimes openly mocked was likely the curators objective. That a distinctly non-Western brand of Jew-hatred was part of it wasnt really an accident, much as the German management under Schormann might have tried to present it as such. When you turn the keys over to the non-Western world, with parlous art collectives distributing an enormous government grant among themselves in a kind of collective farm process, you get that and more; what you dont get is awe before Western culture, or even respect for Western creativity, such as it is these days. Youre simply told that its no longer your turn to talk. The German governments frightened response ostensibly just to the antisemitic images, but, more likely, to the whole event as it has shaped up is to step in and demand more control. Culture Minister Claudia Roth has declared the federal governments 2018 decision to leave Documentas supervisory board a grave mistake and demanded a structural reform that would rule out any form of hatred from the exhibits. What this likely means is the end of the unlimited curatorial freedom and a degree of what can only be described as censorship the good kind, Roth would have us believe. Advertisement Documenta, however, isnt just a show its both a trendsetter and a weathervane. If, as one can also sense from other major events like the most recent Berlin Biennale, the trend has turned toward the so-called Global South, letting the more sterile, timid and repetitive western output fall by the wayside, its pointless to try to impose rules on what this tide pulls in. That would be an effort akin to Western attempts to limit immigration something you cannot do with art without diminishing its power. My only complaint about the trend as documented in Kassel this year is that the rhetorical points being made are stronger than the artistic ones. Perhaps its only natural when so many new languages are being shouted in, but a new, coherent language may yet emerge from the clamor. My disappointment is part anticipation. More from Bloomberg Opinion: Advertisement The Scam of Authenticity: Adrian Wooldridge Art Is an Investment to Appreciate: Tyler Cowen Rich Millennials Are Splashing Millions on Crypto Art: Andrea Felsted This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners. Leonid Bershidsky, formerly Bloomberg Opinions Europe columnist, is a member of the Bloomberg News Automation Team. He recently published Russian translations of George Orwells 1984 and Franz Kafkas The Trial. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com/opinion 2022 Bloomberg L.P. GiftOutline Gift Article Comment on this story Comment Gift Article Share What makes our current situation so unnerving is an outbreak of non-simultaneity. At least thats what I recently heard Robert Habeck, Germanys energy and commerce minister, tell a gathering of German industrialists. Wp Get the full experience. Choose your plan ArrowRight What a big word, I thought to myself. And what a difficult though possibly deep concept. Thats just like Habeck. A leader of the environmentalist Greens in the German governing coalition, hes also a serial co-author (with his wife) of novels and childrens books. He has an intellectual curiosity thats rare among politicos. A simple example of the non-simultaneity he was talking about might be the backstory behind this weeks weather. Much of Europe has been sweltering in record-busting temperatures. People are sweating and panting, doing their best to stay hydrated and avoid heat stroke. Advertisement At the exact same time, people like Habeck are trying to prepare Europeans for the opposite scenario in the winter months, when theyll probably have to shiver in cooler homes and offices, because the whole continent will have to conserve natural gas that Russia, as part of its economic warfare, will no longer deliver. In a circuitous way, these problems are connected. The heat waves are a consequence of climate change, which is caused by the cumulative emissions of greenhouse gasses from burning fossil fuels. That same dependence on oil, gas and coal also explains Europes vulnerability to Russia under its belligerent tyrant, President Vladimir Putin. For decades, hes been building an infrastructure of pipelines so that Russia can, in terms of energy, take central and eastern Europe hostage. Hence the tightening vise of non-simultaneity Habeck is now groaning about. He and his Greens campaigned for a radically accelerated exit from coal, oil and gas and a simultaneous gallop toward renewable energy sources. In their minds, they joined the government to save the planet. Advertisement Instead, Habeck is spending his first year in office negotiating with countries from Canada to Qatar to get more liquefied natural gas to replace the piped Russian sort. Hes commissioning floating LNG terminals to be ready by winter, and fixed ones on dry land for the longer term. Habeck is also yelping from the unkindest cut of all. To get through this coming winter of energy shortages, hes having to re-start the dirtiest power plants those fired by coal. So there it is, the nonsynchronous logic of 2022, embodied in one minister. The man wants to slow global warming but is dealing with local scorching and freezing now. He wants to get rid of coal but is instead firing up the old ovens now. Being a German intellectual, Habeck probably used the term non-simultaneity (or nonsynchronism) with a specific philosopher in mind. The German word Ungleichzeitigkeit harks back to the theories of Ernst Bloch, a German thinker in the Hegelian and Marxist tradition. Advertisement In the 1930s, having emigrated, Bloch tried to explain the rise of Nazism. Germany, he concluded, was a classical land of non-simultaneity, in which atavistic feudal traditions among the peasantry and former aristocracy continued to coexist with the capitalist institutions of the industrial age. Because Germany had never had a successful revolution, Bloch thought, attitudes, worldviews and narratives from different eras lingered, causing confusion and mythmaking in the present. As he put it, Not all people exist in the same Now. In a roundabout way, these ideas lived on in the science-fiction genre of cyberpunk, pioneered by such writers as William Gibson, best known for observing that The future is already here its just not evenly distributed. Often cited in Silicon Valley as an optimistic notion about tech adoption, the thought is instead a distinctly noir vision of dystopia, the combination of lowlife and high tech. Advertisement Whether the context is Blochs, Gibsons or Habecks, non-simultaneity would appear to explain a lot about a lot these days. Take Russia and the European Union. In the EUs Now, international relations are today orderly and generally polite, hewing to post-modern and even post-national standards about respecting borders and rules. Putins Now is located in the 18th century, when imperialist tsars conquered as they could and might made right. In todays other Nows, there are people who believe that what matters is soft power, creativity, ideas and intangibles while others are convinced the relevant measures are territory, guns and soldiers. There are those who want to save humanity from ecological suicide, while others deny the very science that tells us we have a problem. Among New Age types, its become fashionable to swear by The Power of Now, as one bestselling title puts it. The past and future, the theory goes, are distractions our minds create to torment us. The path toward enlightenment is to recognize instead that the only thing real is the present moment. Advertisement That may work during meditation. The rest of the time, reality is messing with us by mixing pasts, futures and presents until we cant agree on anything at all, except that theres a lot to worry about. Whos to blame for climate change, war, famine, even the pandemic? Where are we heading? And what do we do Now? More From Other Writers at Bloomberg Opinion: When Jet and Gulf Streams Run Amok, Were In For It: Andreas Kluth When the Weather Gets Hot Enough To Kill: David Fickling and Ruth Pollard Many Winters Are Coming. Start Saving Energy Now: Javier Blas 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 2022 Bloomberg L.P. GiftOutline Gift Article New South Korean Crypto Regulator Days Away from Launch, Government Confirms Source: AdobeStock / Cozyta The South Korean government is set to come good on a promise to launch a new regulatory agency that will govern the domestic crypto sector in the wake of what it calls the Terra (LUNAC) incident. As reported in late May, the body has been tentatively named the Digital Assets Committee (literal English translation), and its creation has been fast-tracked. The committee will liaise with the Financial Services Committee (FSC) and the Financial Supervisory Service (FSS), South Koreas main financial regulators. Currently, the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), a branch of the FSC, governs crypto exchanges. It is not clear if the new committee will eventually take over this role, but its first tasks will almost certainly be policy creation-related. Chosun Ilbo reported that the committee was on track to launch before the end of the month, and revealed that many of its founding members had already been appointed. These reportedly include Ju Hyun-cheol, a lawyer who has previously worked on crypto policy for the offices of President Yoon Seok-youl. Also reportedly sitting on the committee will be Kim Gap-rae, a senior research fellow at the Capital Market Research Institute, as well as Park Seon-yeong, a Professor of Economics at Seouls Dongguk University. Yoon made a series of crypto-related pledges both in the run-up to his election earlier this year and shortly after winning power. And the committee will be tasked with turning those pledges into legislation. At the center of these pledges was a commitment to create the nations first dedicated crypto-related law. Yoon also pledged to promote growth in the crypto sector while ensuring tighter levels of investor protection. However, despite previous claims that the new committee would act independently from the FSC and FSS, it appears that, initially at least, this will not be the case. The FSC will supervise the formation of the Digital Assets Committee, and the latter will report to the FSC much as the FIU does currently. But, long-term, Seoul sees the new regulator as striking off on its own. An unnamed government source close to the matter was quoted as stating that as the cryptoasset market grows, it was likely that the body will move out of FSC supervision and become a body that reports directly to the offices of the President. ____ Learn more: - South Korea to Launch a Crypto Regulatory Agency in Wake of LUNA Crash - South Korean Crypto Exchanges Form Joint Response Council to Avoid Repeat of LUNA Incident - Prosecution Investigating Still-Extant South Korean Terraform Subsidiary, Exchanges Make Self-regulation Proposal - South Korean Regulators Close the Net on Opportunistic Kimchi Premium Traders - South Korean MP Wants to Launch a Fund to Help Struggling Crypto Investors - South Korean Bankruptcy Court Warns of Coming Surge in Crypto-related Cases Comment on this story Comment Gift Article Share Heres a scenario. You buy a pre-construction apartment and start paying the mortgage before its complete. The developer halts the project, has defaulted on its debt and it looks like the property may never get built. You hear of buyers elsewhere who have stopped making their loan payments; the government has stepped in to ensure the builders have money and is considering giving mortgage borrowers a temporary holiday. What are you going to do? This encapsulates the dilemma for the Chinese government in coming to the aid of buyers in stalled housing projects. An effort to short-circuit the spread of mortgage boycotts risks fueling exactly the behavior it is trying to prevent. Authorities had little choice but to do something, given the rising market alarm, and their intervention sparked a relief rally in property and bank stocks Monday. Whether this marks a turning point or merely a pause before the next leg down in the real estate crisis remains to be seen. The figures, on the face of things, suggest limited cause for concern. Affected loans amount to less than 0.01% of outstanding residential mortgages at most Chinese banks, according to Fitch Ratings. As much as 2 trillion yuan ($297 billion) of advances could be impacted, Bloomberg News reported GF Securities Co. as saying. Even that, which is a measure of assets rather than potential losses, is barely 5% of Chinas 38.8 trillion yuan of total outstanding mortgages. If every buyer defaulted it would lead to a 388 billion yuan increase in nonperforming loans, Jefferies estimates. Advertisement Thats not to say the angst is misplaced. Anything but. After more than two years of living with the pandemic, everyone is more familiar with the implications of exponential growth rates. The mortgage boycott started in late June with a single China Evergrande Group project in the city of Jingdezhen. That became 28, then 58, then at least 100 developments in more than 50 cities by July 13. As of Sunday, the tally was at least 301 projects in about 91 cities. Capital Economics estimates that construction has been halted on around 13 million apartments in the past year, potentially affecting more than 4 trillion yuan in mortgage debt. Even if all this could be backstopped, there is no telling how such a loss of confidence might mutate and infect other parts of the financial system. Just as troubling is the emergence of such non-payment tactics in the first place, a strain of behavior hitherto unknown in China. The country has long been assumed to be immune from the type of self-feeding mortgage spiral that drove the US subprime crisis. When youre a fruit picker loaned 50 times your salary to buy a $750,000 house with no money down, its little trouble to walk away if the market turns south. The Chinese property market is a very different animal, with first-time buyers required to front 30% of the purchase price, at least until regulations were relaxed earlier this year. When homeowners are laying out that much of their wealth to obtain a loan, it takes something catastrophic to get them to give up. In Hong Kong, which had similarly onerous down-payment rules prior to the Asian financial crisis, mortgage defaults stayed low even as home prices slumped by more than 60% starting in late 1997, with the delinquency rate peaking at 1.43% in 2001. In Chinas second-tier cities, where the mortgage boycotts have been concentrated, prices of newly built homes are showing nothing like that scale of decline, though the trend is clearly negative. Advertisement Of course, the concern for the mortgage strikers isnt the falling value of their investment but whether they will receive what theyve paid for at all. With a record wave of developer defaults and home sales stuck in a prolonged slump, thats a tangible fear. Its hard to blame them for taking such a hardball approach. Beyond the desire to cut their losses or put pressure on property companies to deliver, some buyers may have their own cash-flow problems amid the economic downturn, said David Qu, a Hong Kong-based economist with Bloomberg Economics. The wider behavioral consequences of the homebuyers revolt can only be guessed at. Property is by far the most important store of wealth for most Chinese owners and is central to the unwritten social contract that the Communist Party will guarantee ever-rising living standards in return for acquiescence to its rule. In the past, homeowners who bought in the earlier batches of a new project have been known to turn up and trash the sales office after the developer cuts prices for later tranches. This is the paradox of this latest rescue measure. The financial distress afflicting the property market is a result of the governments attempt to impose greater market discipline on developers and arrest the relentless buildup of leverage. Even if the victims may be deserving this time, intervention keeps China locked into a pattern of protecting investors from the consequences of market failure. Thats probably still better than letting their faith in the system implode. Advertisement More From Bloomberg Opinion: Chinas Mortgage Boycott Kindles Eerie Memories: Shuli Ren China Is Falling Out of Love With Skyscrapers: Adam Minter This Potemkin Property Tax Isnt Going Anywhere: Matthew Brooker This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners. Matthew Brooker is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering finance and politics in Asia. A former editor and bureau chief for Bloomberg News and deputy business editor for the South China Morning Post, he is a CFA charterholder. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com/opinion 2022 Bloomberg L.P. GiftOutline Gift Article Comment on this story Comment Gift Article Share Food prices were already lofty before grain-producing Russia invaded wheat-exporting Ukraine, hampering Black Sea trade and triggering unprecedented financial sanctions. The rising cost of fuel and staple goods, at a time when government budgets are already under strain, is now fraying tempers and straining alliances worldwide. Wp Get the full experience. Choose your plan ArrowRight Making matters worse, Russia is also a giant in the concentrated global fertilizer market. Although sanctions have carve-outs for food and crop nutrients, in practice, export logistics have been disrupted, traders and banks fear running afoul of the rules, and high gas prices have inflated production expenses. The ultimate cost to farmers has been steep: Between April 2020 and March this year, fertilizer prices more than tripled the sharpest 23-month increase since 2008, according to the World Bank. Its all being felt halfway across the world. In Brazil which imports more than 85% of its fertilizer, much of it from Russia high costs and supply disruptions have led farmers to delay purchases, even as the soybean planting season is nearing fast. Prices are forcing farmers elsewhere to cut back on nutrients or leave fields fallow. In sub-Saharan Africa, researchers warn the use of nutrients may shrink by a third, hitting cereal yields. Advertisement Allied governments are working to ensure overzealous compliance with sanctions isnt curbing permitted trade, while the Group of Seven, with the World Bank, has set up a global alliance on food security, which aims to increase supply, remove trade barriers and add financial support. But any effective response must solve more than this emergency it must prepare for the next, by investing in the sustainable and resilient supply of nutrients needed to feed the world. What else can be done? For now, the worlds top priority should be to ease the immediate crunch and avoid significant damage to the next harvest. That means pushing for states such as China to remove barriers on fertilizer exports, with help from the World Trade Organization. Allied nations should ensure even smaller traders and shipping companies can navigate financial and other sanctions, providing clarity and so-called comfort letters as needed. Existing support programs for vulnerable exporters, such as the Africa Fertilizer Financing Mechanism, should be expanded. Fortunately, there is also some new supply on the horizon: potash exporters in Canada and elsewhere are stepping up production, while Africas richest man has opened a urea plant in Nigeria. Advertisement Looking forward, the world needs to increase supply while reducing the use of hydrocarbons in nitrogen fertilizer production. That will require a dramatic boost in wind and solar investment, especially in Africa. It will demand increased energy efficiency in older facilities. Soil test kits and national soil maps, like the system built by the Ethiopian government, can help even smallholders tailor their use and can make a significant difference in countries like China and India, where subsidies encourage poorly targeted application. Even a better understanding of residue left in the soil from the previous season can improve yields. Theres also ample room to increase investment in a chemical fertilizer industry still leaning on century-old technology. Slow-release fertilizers, for instance, are less climate-damaging and more effective than the traditional kind, reducing the amount that farmers need to apply. In one study in Sri Lanka, rice yields increased even when only half the typical amount of nutrient was added. Better combinations of biological and chemical fertilizers could have a similar effect. Wider use of precision agriculture in which farmers wield an array of technologies to monitor crops, eliminate waste and boost productivity could have profound benefits, particularly in the developing world. Ukraine has demonstrated that the global food supply is more precarious than many had thought. Its a warning sign that the world cant ignore. More From Other Writers at Bloomberg Opinion: Food May Be the Ultimate 21st-Century Weapon: Hal Brands The World Can Still Avert Famine: Leonid Bershidsky Genetically Modified Crops Are Becoming the Superheroes of Agriculture: Amanda Little The Editors are members of the Bloomberg Opinion editorial board. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com/opinion 2022 Bloomberg L.P. GiftOutline Gift Article Comment on this story Comment Gift Article Share Are crowded airports and hotels ruining your summer vacation plans? A cruise to the North Pole on the worlds first and only luxury icebreaker might be just the antidote. The custom-built tourist ship Le Commandant Charcot plowed through sea ice on July 13 to make its first successful passenger voyage to the top of the Earth. More sailings are scheduled through the end of summer, with tickets starting around $40,000 per passenger and topping out at $126,000. Theres no shortage of takers for the 245 slots aboard. This summer, at least 57,000 cruise passengers will arrive at Longyearbyen, the Norwegian archipelago from which Le Commandant Charcot and many other Arctic cruises sail. The environmental risks of polar adventure tourism are substantial, including the possibility of pollution. But if managed sustainably, tourist cruises can help build support for Arctic conservation and climate mitigation and adaptation efforts. Advertisement The Arctic has long drawn tourists. Decades before the first successful expedition to the North Pole, they were exploring the Scandinavian Arctic, enjoying the fjords and the mountaineering, hunting and fishing expeditions enabled by indigenous guides in the early 19th century. Steamships created the market for Arctic cruises, including, eventually, visits to Alaskan destinations, Iceland and Greenland. By the early 1900s, Arctic tours were a thriving business, boosted by guidebooks and breathless media coverage. Technology made Arctic exploration progressively easier, and 52 icebreakers made it to the North Pole between 1977 and 2004. Thirteen of those voyages were devoted to scientific research; the remaining 39 were for tourists. Over the last decade, the retreat of the Arctic Ocean and a lengthening summer have further boosted Arctic cruising. Between 2013 and 2019, the number of unique tourist ships entering the Arctic increased from 77 to 104. The capacity of those ships, on an annual basis, grew from 74,177 to 91,166. Those are modest numbers more people visited Venice over Easter weekend, after all but the steady growth is drawing concern about tourism and overtourism. Advertisement There are good reasons to worry. In the event of a fuel spill, sewage leak or other accident, theres little infrastructure available to clean up a mess. Larger cruise ships mean more human impact on wildlife hotspots, altering animal behavior and potentially trampling flora and scarce habitats. Finally, Arctic tourists and operators cant ignore their climate impact. In 2016, carbon emissions associated with tourism transportation (planes, ships, cars and other conveyances) represented about 5% of total global emissions. Emissions contribute to global warming and the melting of sea, creating more opportunities to cruise in the Arctic. Its a wicked feedback loop that serves to encourage even more tourism, especially from affluent tourists in search of vanishing landscapes. But the potential for harm should be seen as a reason to manage Arctic cruises wisely, not to shame and halt them. For over a century, conservation of wild places and the environment has entailed ensuring a steady supply of visitors. Those visitors not only create economic incentives for preserving the shrinking wilderness, they also create constituencies that want to protect them. Sir David Attenborough, the famed British naturalist and TV personality, put it best when he famously noted, No one will protect what they dont care about; and no one will care about what they have never experienced. Advertisement The Arctic needs people to care about it. Sea ice will continue melting, perhaps at a quickening rate, well into the future. The Arctic Council the non-binding organization of eight Arctic nations that could advance reasonable tourist regulations is faltering because of Russias invasion of Ukraine. Tourists, even those who can afford $126,000 tickets on luxury icebreakers, cant by themselves stop climate change and habitat deterioration. But they are not powerless, either. Over the past century, affluent tourists committed to wild places have played a crucial role in preservation, from the forests of Nepal to the early years of the now wildly popular US national park system. The Arctic and its supporters could do worse than to befriend luxury-loving elites wowed by the sea ice on the way to the North Pole. That doesnt mean cruise companies should get a free pass on how they conduct themselves at the top of the world. A trade association, the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators, has developed sustainability guidelines for Arctic cruises, and represents and certifies most Arctic cruise operators. Advertisement Among other requirements, tourist cruises are expected to contribute to science and research while running clean, sustainable ships. Le Commandant Charcot, owned by the French cruise operator Compagnie du Ponant, is equipped with two science laboratories and several scientists (who also provide lectures to the passengers) and can serve as an example to other Arctic shipbuilders and tour operators. As the world warms, a trip to the Arctic will be an expensive luxury. But its a ticket that might lead humanity toward a cooler future. More From Other Writers at Bloomberg Opinion: Tourism Is Eating the World: Noah Smith America Is Losing the Battle of the Arctic: Hal Brands The Arctic Should Be a Catalyst for Climate Action: Bloomberg Editorial Board This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners. Adam Minter is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering Asia, technology and the environment. He is author, most recently, of Secondhand: Travels in the New Global Garage Sale. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com/opinion 2022 Bloomberg L.P. GiftOutline Gift Article Comment on this story Comment Gift Article Share The global eradication of smallpox more than 40 years ago was one of the greatest achievements in public-health history, vanquishing a cause of death, blindness and disfigurement that had plagued humanity for at least 3,000 years. But, on the downside, it also led to the end of a global vaccination program that provided protection against other pox viruses. That includes monkeypox, which has been spilling over from its animal hosts to infect humans in West and Central Africa with increasing frequency since the 1970s. Now monkeypox has sparked outbreaks in Europe, the US and elsewhere, demonstrating again how readily an infectious agent that emerges in one country can soon become an international concern. 1. Whats monkeypox? Monkeypox is a misnomer resulting from the fact that it was first discovered at the Statens Serum Institut in Copenhagen in 1958, when outbreaks of a pox-like disease occurred in monkeys kept for research. While monkeys are susceptible to it, just like humans are, they arent the source. The virus belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus, which includes the variola virus, the cause of smallpox; the vaccinia virus, which is used in the smallpox vaccine; and cowpox virus. Monkeypox is less contagious than smallpox and the symptoms are generally milder. About 30% of smallpox patients died, while the fatality rate for monkeypox in recent times is around 3% to 6%, according to the World Health Organization. Advertisement 2. What does monkeypox do? After an incubation period of usually one to two weeks, the disease typically starts with fever, muscle aches, fatigue and other flu-like symptoms. Unlike smallpox, monkeypox also causes swelling of the lymph nodes. Within a few days of fever onset, patients develop a rash, often beginning on the face then spreading to other parts of the body. The lesions grow into fluid-containing pustules that form a scab. If a lesion forms on the eye, it can cause blindness. The illness typically lasts two to four weeks, according to the WHO. The person is infectious from the time symptoms start until the scabs fall off and the sores heal. Mortality is higher among children and young adults, while people whose immune system is compromised are especially at risk of severe disease. Pregnancy also carries a high risk of severe congenital infection, pregnancy loss, and maternal morbidity and mortality. 3. How is it transmitted? Advertisement Monkeypox doesnt usually spread easily between people. Close contact with the virus from an infected animal, human or contaminated object is the main pathway. Most reported cases in the 2022 outbreaks have been linked to skin-to-skin contact with someone infected with this virus, such as during sex. The pathogen enters the body through broken skin, the respiratory tract or the mucous membranes in the eyes, nose, mouth, rectum and anus. Clubs, raves, saunas, sex parties and other activities where there is close contact with many people may also increase the risk of exposure, especially if people are wearing less clothing. Tests on patient saliva, rectal swabs, semen, urine and fecal samples found traces of the virus that could indicate the infectious potential of these bodily fluids and their potential role in disease transmission by close physical contact during sexual activity, a study from Spain found. Transmission from mother-to-unborn baby has also been documented. It can also happen indirectly through contact with contaminated clothing or linens. Common household disinfectants can kill it. 4. Whats unusual this time? There have been multiple chains of human-to-human transmission occurring, including in sexual networks. Advertisement Cases dont involve recent travel to places in Africa where the disease is endemic. Although anyone can get monkeypox, most cases occur in men. In endemic areas of Africa, it was thought that was related to hunting practices, whereas in the current outbreak, most individuals are men aged 21 to 40 years who have sex with men, people with multiple sexual partners, or people who practice condomless sex. Close skin-to-skin contact during sex is the primary mode of transmission in such cases. Flu-like symptoms havent always preceded the rash, and some patients first sought medical care for lesions in the genital and perianal region. In some cases, the lesions are mostly located at these sites, making them hard to distinguish from syphilis, herpes simplex virus, shingles and other more common infections, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Advertisement 5. How fast is it spreading? From just a handful of cases in Europe in early May, almost 15,000 cases, mostly in men, were reported across dozens of countries by mid-July, according to data collated by global.health. The WHO said five fatal cases have been reported, all in Africa. Experts told a WHO meeting that monkeypox had been circulating undetected in Europe since at least April. Preliminary research estimates that among cases who identify as men who have sex with men, the virus has a reproduction number greater than 1, which means more than one new infection is estimated to stem from a single case. A UK study found anonymous sex has proved to be a barrier to effective contact tracing, with only 28% of men able to provide the names of all recent sexual contacts. Data from outbreaks in Canada, Spain, Portugal, and the UK suggest venues where men have sex with multiple partners are helping to drive spread. 6. How is it treated? Advertisement The illness is usually mild and most patients will recover within a few weeks; treatment is mainly aimed at relieving symptoms. The CDC says smallpox vaccine, antivirals, and vaccinia immune globulin can be used to treat monkeypox as well as control it. Tecovirimat, also known as Tpoxx, was approved by the European Medical Association for monkeypox in 2022, but isnt yet widely available, according to the WHO. In the US, its available through the Strategic National Stockpile, though some physicians have said lengthy delays for test results and the very daunting task of completing the necessary paperwork have frustrated efforts to prescribe the medication for infected patients. The UK Health Security Agency (HSA) also lists cidofovir as an antiviral that can be used. 7. What about prevention? Limiting spread will require a comprehensive, international vaccination strategy and adequate supplies, public health experts Michael Osterholm and Bruce Gellin wrote in a July 19 editorial in the journal Science. Vaccination against smallpox can be used for both pre- and post-exposure and is as much as 85% effective in preventing monkeypox, according to the UK health agency, which is offering the Imvanex smallpox vaccine from Bavarian Nordic A/S to close contacts. Its a newer vaccine based on non-replicating versions of the vaccinia virus thats sold as Jynneos in the US and Imamune in Canada. Supply is limited, according to Osterholm and Gellin, who said more research is needed to determine whether intradermal, as opposed to intramuscular, administration and other dose-sparing approaches can provide adequate immune protection. Bavarian Nordic will provide the US with almost 7 million doses of Jynneos by mid-2023, according to the Department of Health and Human Services, which said on July 15 that more than 300,000 shots had been made available to states and jurisdictions since late May. (Bavarian Nordic said July 18 that it also has signed supply contracts with other, unspecified countries.) Immunization requires two injections administered four weeks apart. Otherwise, the main way to prevent infection is by isolating patients with the infection, monitoring their contacts, and ensuring health staff wear appropriate personal protective equipment. Advertisement 8. Is monkeypox a pandemic threat? A meeting of the WHOs Emergency Committee on June 23 determined that the event doesnt constitute a public health emergency of international concern (another meeting is set for July 21). Since then, however, Hans Kluge, the WHO Regional Director for Europe, has intensified a call to scale up efforts to prevent monkeypox from establishing itself across a broader area. Small numbers of cases have been reported among household members, heterosexual contacts and non-sexual contacts, including children. Where information is available, close to 10% of patients were reported to have been hospitalized either for treatment or for isolation purposes, Kluge said. The outbreak in the US, where more than 1,900 cases were recorded as of mid-July, will likely get worse as thousands of more tests are made available across the country, CDC Director Rochelle Walensky said on July 15. Former Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Scott Gottlieb said days later that the window for controlling the US outbreak has probably closed and that only a small fraction of the cases in the country have been reported, with infections now occurring across the broader population. 9. Do all infections cause disease? Advertisement Possibly not. Retrospective testing of 224 clinical samples collected in May for sexually transmitted infection screening found evidence of asymptomatic monkeypox infection in three men. The finding, by researchers at the Institute of Tropical Medicine in Antwerp, Belgium, was reported in a study released July 5 before it was peer-reviewed and published. Asymptomatic carriership was previously thought to play a negligible role in the spread of orthopoxviruses, the authors said. The existence of asymptomatic infections indicates that the virus might be transmitted to close contacts in the absence of symptoms, which suggests that identifying and isolating only symptomatic patients wont be enought to contain the outbreak, and that vaccinating high-risk individuals is needed. Interestingly, one of the asymptomatic men in the study predated the first detected symptomatic case in Belgium by several days, wasnt linked to other known cases and hadnt traveled abroad or attended any mass gatherings. The authors said that might suggest that the virus circulated in Belgium before the outbreak was detected. 10. Where does monkeypox come from? The reservoir host or main carrier of monkeypox disease hasnt yet been identified, although rodents are suspected of playing a part in transmission. It was first diagnosed in humans in 1970 in Congo in a 9-year-old boy. Since then, most cases in humans have occurred in rain forest areas of West and Central Africa. In 2003, the first outbreak outside of Africa occurred in the US and was linked to animals imported from Ghana to Texas, which then infected pet prairie dogs. Dozens of cases were recorded in that outbreak. Advertisement 11. Has the moneypox virus mutated? The monkeypox virus might be undergoing adaptive changes to make it better suited to the human host. Analysis of the genetic sequence of the virus collected from patients in Europe indicates that the current outbreak in non-endemic countries is caused by a strain that likely diverged from the monkeypox virus that sparked a 2018-19 Nigerian outbreak, according to a June 24 study in Nature Medicine. The authors, from Portugals National Institute of Health in Lisbon, identified some 50 genetic changes or differences compared with the original strain, including several mutations the authors associate with increased transmissibility. The changes are roughly 6-to-12 times more than scientists would expect based on the observed evolution of orthopoxviruses, they said. The strain belongs to the West African clade, or branch on the evolutionary tree, that usually has a case-fatality rate of less than 1%. (That compares with 10% for a second clade called Congo Basin, which appears on the US governments bioterrorism agent list as having the potential to pose a severe threat.) (Updates number of cases and deaths in section 5, need for wider vaccination in section 7.) More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com 2022 Bloomberg L.P. GiftOutline Gift Article On Tuesday the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation declared for the first time that the Lower Colorado River Basin has reached a point where states will be required to make further reductions in water use. MORE COVERAGE New funding at historic levels in Pennsylvanias budget for fiscal year 2022-23 will give more farmers the resources to put agricultural projects on the ground that will keep precious topsoil and nutrients on the land instead of in the water and reduce polluted runoff entering local rivers and streams and the Chesapeake Bay. The Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) is cheering the long-awaited boost to water quality in Pennsylvanias rivers and streams that comes with this breakthrough budget. Not since the days of the Ridge Administration and the first Growing Greener in 1999, has Pennsylvanias Governor and General Assembly made such monumental investments to restore and protect the waters that flow from farms, fields, and forests into our local waters, and ultimately the Chesapeake Bay. Included in the budget for the first time is a new Clean Streams Fund that includes a $220 million comprehensive funding package to address the top sources of stream pollution in the state. About $154 million of the fund is dedicated toward a new cost-share Agricultural Conservation Assistance Program (ACAP). More than 90 percent of the Commonwealths remaining pollution reductions must come from agriculture. ACAP will provide county conservation districts additional resources to help farmers design and help pay the costs of implementing conservation practices. With the increased opportunity for cost-share dollars, Shippensburg beef farmer Greg Strayer may be able to replace or repair a 1990s-era manure stacking pad that is leaking liquid runoff from the manure, killing a grass buffer, and threatening a small tributary of the Conodoguinet Creek. Frankly, I cant place conservation above paying my mortgage and paying the bank my loan fees, Strayer says. Otherwise, they are going to take the farm. I have to feed my family. Carlisle beef and poultry farmer Neal Darhower canceled a 2019 contract with the Natural Resources Conservation Service because with spiking construction costs he couldnt afford the three roofed heavy-use areas he wanted. As soon as COVID hit and shut down sawmills and concrete plants, prices went up. What was originally a $274,000 project for three beef buildings for manure storages and heavy use areas, turned into a $390,000 project, Darhower says. He hopes to apply again for the barns that would reduce runoff, save expenses of feeding his cattle and protect Opossum Creek as it flows into Opossum Lake. In addition to supporting agriculture, the Clean Streams Fund will also invest in reducing the impacts of polluted runoff from urban areas, cleaning up acid mine drainage, restoring abandoned mine land across the state, and helping plant more trees along streams and streets. CBF is also pleased that $100 million will be going to the State Parks and Outdoor Recreation Program, formerly known as Growing Greener, for infrastructure, conservation, and recreation projects. CBF is also delighted that new funding will be going to the Keystone Tree Restricted Account so that more trees can be planted to help clean up our local waters. Special appreciation goes to State Sen. Gene Yaw (R-Lycoming) and state Rep. Johnathan Hershey (R-Juniata) for championing bipartisan legislation to create the Clean Streams Fund and ACAP. CBF also congratulates the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau for its leadership. We are also proud to have joined the Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences in creating ACAP. There is gratitude too for everyday Pennsylvanians who spoke up for local clean water and helped get these measures across the finish line. The Commonwealth has a lot of work to do if it is to achieve its Clean Water Blueprint. Now, the work on the ground can be accelerated. It is time to put the increased technical and financial resources from the Clean Streams Fund and ACAP to best use. CBF will continue its decades-long commitment of working with farmers to produce healthier soil with cover crops and no-till farming, improve manure management, plant trees, and more. We look forward to working with legislators so that this monumental level of commitment to conservation is sustained beyond this one budget and so the Commonwealth can get back on track toward meeting its clean water commitments. From the Capitol to croplands, making good on these landmark investments is vital to our health, economic well-being and quality of life. Labors proposal to beef up the Abbott governments safeguard mechanism on carbon pollution will take significant pressure off the federal budget, says Treasury Secretary Steven Kennedy. Under the federal governments existing Emissions Reduction Fund, auctions are run to award federal government grants to participants who act to reduce emissions. Labor has indicated a willingness to use the safeguard mechanism to drive net emissions to zero by 2050. Credit:Jessica Shapiro To ensure reductions are not simply offset by rising emissions in other areas, the Abbott government introduced a safeguard mechanism to set a baseline of allowable emissions for some of Australias largest polluters, who face penalties if they exceed them. While the previous government chose not to use the safeguard mechanism to drive down allowable emissions, Labor has indicated a willingness to do so to drive net emissions to zero by 2050. There are many recipes to make chocolate brownies. Some ingredients, such as cocoa, are mandatory. Others, such as walnuts, are optional. So it is with flattening the curve in COVID-19 surges. We are going through another wave right now. As a society, we have decided we are going to live with this virus, and get on with life as best as possible. Good. But there is a limit. And that limit is what the health services can cope with. And now they are under severe and growing stress, so we need to flatten the curve. In other words, slow the spread so the peak is not as high. Mask rules have been eased in NSW but remain mandatory on public transport. Credit: Kate Geraghty How do we do that? There are ingredients to choose from. Each state and territory may use a slightly different recipe. Which is fine so long as it works for that state to flatten its curve. There is a hullabaloo about whether masks should be mandatory in schools, workplaces, supermarkets and the like. The nations chief medical officer is strongly encouraging wider mask use, but ultimately this is a state-level responsibility to mandate or encourage. At that state level, politicians are loath to make mandates to wear masks more widely but are strongly encouraging it. Hence the confusion. He noted emerging though not conclusive evidence that these strains may also cause more severe illness than their viral antecedents. Across Australia, coronavirus hospitalisations have soared past 5300. Kainer said that during the first Omicron wave patients were staying in hospital at Western Health for an average of three or four days. Now, many needed to stay a week or two. World Health Organisation infectious disease epidemiologist Maria Van Kerkhove said this week there was no strong evidence BA.4 and BA.5 caused more severe disease, but the data needed to assess severity was becoming more limited at a global level. In Queensland, where coronavirus hospitalisations have topped 1000, infectious diseases physician Dr Paul Griffin said there has to be something in the severity of BA.5 to at least partly account for that. Griffin said he was treating higher numbers of older people, but also younger patients, including some in their 30s who were severely ill. Loading Its not exclusively older people, he said. Anecdotally, we are seeing people with more prolonged and more significant lung issues than perhaps we saw before and some of that could be the immune evasion of the new subvariants or people being boosted some time ago before the eligibility changed. But infectious diseases physician Greg Dore, who works at St Vincents Hospital in NSW, remains unconvinced BA.5 is more severe. If this were the case, he said, intensive care units across the country would be filling up. Our ICU numbers [in NSW] are less than half of what they were in January, he said. The data does not back up an increase in severity. Dore said many people hospitalised with coronavirus this time were older and had co-morbidities, increasing the risk they would be sicker and require treatment longer. The first Omicron wave, he said, overwhelmingly infected Australians aged in their 20s and 30s. Loading Professor Peter Collignon, an infectious diseases physician who works at Canberra Hospital, also believes it is too soon to determine if BA.5 is more severe than previous Omicron subvariants. What is beyond doubt is that theres a lot of people in hospital and the reality is itll take a while to unravel it, he said. Kainers and Griffins clinical insights were important, he said, but large datasets examining more patients were needed. Kirby Institute virologist Associate Professor Stuart Turville, who has been studying BA.5, said there were early signs the subvariant may infect people differently to other Omicron strains. Essentially, it has expanded its options to infect us, he said. His team, which has published a pre-print report that is yet to be peer-reviewed, indicates that BA.5 is more likely to target the lower respiratory system than other Omicron variants with a potential increase in disease severity and infection within lung tissue. Turville pointed to a recent pre-print publication from a Japanese research group, which found in a lab-based study that BA.4-BA.5 was able to replicate more efficiently in the lungs of hamsters than BA.2, targeting the lung tissue and causing more severe disease. But, crucially, Turville said lab-based and animal studies did not consider immunity built up from prior viral infection or the power of widespread vaccination in humans. What I think is driving the wave is that BA.5 is getting into our bodies a little bit differently than before, he said. Loading But importantly, weve got maturation of the immune response, or at least enough breadth to cover BA.5, so it is not translating to increased death, but unfortunately, its putting our hospitals under the pump. As experts warn coronavirus is on track to become a leading cause of death in Australia, Kainer said there remains huge opportunities to reduce the numbers of coronavirus deaths. Theres a lot of people in Australia who are eligible for their third or fourth dose, who have not yet got that, and it makes a big difference in terms of reducing your chances of getting severely sick, she said. Former Test cricketer Michael Slater has been charged with breaching his bail conditions by officers who conducted a welfare check on him at his Manly home. Slater, 52, is facing charges of assault and stalking/intimidating a 35-year-old woman following an alleged incident that occurred in April this year. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges. Michael Slater at Waverley Local Court in April. Credit:Kate Geraghty He was granted bail on condition that he would not contact the alleged victim or use alcohol or illicit drugs. Officers conducted the welfare check just before 10pm on Thursday after police received a report of concern for his wellbeing. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said this week he wants to lead a government that does things. COVID-19 management aside, the early signs are that he will. Australias international relations performance has been transformed since the election on May 21. Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Finance Minister Katy Gallagher have set a fiscally sensible, productivity-focused economic policy tone for an October budget crafted to meet Labors election promises while dealing with its inherited Morrison government debt bomb. Anthony Albanese says he wants to lead a government that does things. Credit:Flavio Brancaleone Releasing the State of the Environment report on Tuesday, Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek demonstrated ministerial compliance with legal disclosure responsibilities, and a determination to take effective action on problems outlined which have been chronic for years. Chalmers announcement on Wednesday of the details of the Reserve Bank review reinforced perceptions that this administration will be about the substance, not just the spectacle, of government. Its refreshing to a populace tired and hungry for better outcomes from Canberra than theyve had in recent years. Viral fragments of foot and mouth have been detected in pork and beef products coming into Australia from China and Indonesia, ratcheting up fears the highly infectious disease could decimate the nations livestock industry. Australia has been free of the disease for over a century but just one positive case of foot and mouth could shut the $27 billion livestock export trade down for months or even years. The federal government has estimated the total cost of a major outbreak at $80 billion. The contaminated food products brought in by a traveller from Indonesia were undeclared. Credit:Nick Moir The news comes as Indonesia implores Australia not to panic, despite a shortage of foot and mouth vaccines or even personnel to administer the shots to livestock as Australias northern neighbour battles its first outbreak of the virus in decades. Foot and mouth infects cloven-hoofed animals and does not affect the health of humans. It can be carried on animal products including meat and leather and people can carry it on their shoes, clothes or in their noses, where it can survive for up to 24 hours. Government Services Minister Bill Shorten has intervened to scrap a consent form for new parents that used the term birthing parent after a mother complained about the gender-neutral language. The ministers decision has fuelled an ongoing, often vituperative debate about the appropriateness of gender-neutral terms, particularly around childbirth. Government Services Minister Bill Shorten intervened to stop the use of a form that included the gender-neutral birthing parent rather than mother. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen Responding to a report in The Daily Telegraph on Thursday morning, Shorten said he had instructed government officials to cease using the forms, which were part of a trial launched in three hospitals under the previous government. When I was informed of this situation yesterday, I instructed the responsible officials they should cease using the previous governments forms, Shorten tweeted on Thursday. Press Release July 21, 2022 Padilla Resolution: PH-China Should Resume Talks for 'Joint' Oil-Gas Development in WPS To address the problems caused by skyrocketing prices of oil due to international developments such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the Philippines and China must resume bilateral talks for cooperation on oil-gas development in the West Philippine Sea. Sen. Robinhood "Robin" C. Padilla stressed this in Senate Resolution No. 9, where he cited a Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation on Oil and Gas Development between the Philippines and China on Nov. 20, 2018. "Now therefore, be it resolved, as it is hereby resolved, urging President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to resume the bilateral talks with the People's Republic of China for the purposes of cooperation on oil and gas development in the West Philippine Sea," Padilla said in his resolution. "The Philippines requires a long-term strategy to resolve its oil dependency from foreign sources as the country is vulnerable to the negative effect of the skyrocketing oil prices dictated by the world market's reaction to the Russia-Ukraine conflict," he added. Padilla pointed out the Philippines and China understand that the MOU - which former Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. recently announced had been terminated - does not pose any derogation to the Philippines' assertion of its sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea. "The parties further understand that the MOU shall not be prejudicial to 'respective legal positions' which 'does not create rights or obligations under international or domestic law' and as such, there is no derogation of the Philippines' assertion of its sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea," he said. Also, he said the execution of the MOU is a "valid exercise of the executive powers of the President" under Sec. 1, Art. VII of the Constitution. Padilla added Sec. 2 Art. XII of the Constitution allows the Philippines to "directly undertake to or enter into co-production, joint venture or production-sharing agreements on petroleum and other mineral oils and all forces of potential energy." "The new administration has the opportunity to resume the bilateral talks with the People's Republic of China for purposes of cooperation in the WPS on gas and oil development without bargaining the sovereign rights of the Philippines on the disputed territories therein," Padilla pointed out. "In view of the gains attained from the MOU where the GRP and PRC cooperated on the terms provided therein on the gas and oil development in the WPS, the new administration can further explore these common interests of cooperation to resolve the country's oil dependency from foreign countries," he added. Meanwhile, Padilla filed Senate Bill 229 seeking to suspend excise taxes on unleaded premium gas, regular gas and diesel oil, to address the effects of rising oil prices. Under the bill that seeks to amend Section 148 of the National Internal Revenue Code, the excise tax for these products will be automatically sususpindihin if the average Dubai crude oil price based on the Mean of Platts Singapore (MOPS) will reach or exceed US$80 per barrel in three months. Resolusyon Para Matuloy ang PH-China 'Joint' Oil-Gas Development sa WPS, Ihinain ni Robin Para matugunan ang problemang dulot ng pagtaas ng presyo ng langis dahil sa pandaigdigang pangyayari tulad ng giyera ng Russia at Ukraine, dapat ituloy ng Pilipinas at Tsina ang pag-uusap para sa joint oil-gas development sa West Philippine Sea. Iginiit ito ni Sen. Robinhood "Robin" C. Padilla sa kanyang Senate Resolution No. 9, kung saan nabanggit nito ang Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation on Oil and Gas Development ng Pilipinas at Tsina noong Nobyembre 20, 2018. "Now therefore, be it resolved, as it is hereby resolved, urging President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to resume the bilateral talks with the People's Republic of China for the purposes of cooperation on oil and gas development in the West Philippine Sea," ani Padilla sa kanyang resolusyon. "The Philippines requires a long-term strategy to resolve its oil dependency from foreign sources as the country is vulnerable to the negative effect of the skyrocketing oil prices dictated by the world market's reaction to the Russia-Ukraine conflict," dagdag ng mambabatas. Ayon kay Padilla, hindi makapipinsala ang MOU - na ayon sa dating Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. ay terminated na - sa mga "legal positions" ng Pilipinas, kasama ang sovereign rights nito sa West Philippine Sea. "The parties further understand that the MOU shall not be prejudicial to 'respective legal positions' which 'does not create rights or obligations under international or domestic law' and as such, there is no derogation of the Philippines' assertion of its sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea," aniya. Dagdag ni Padilla, ang pagpapatupad ng MOU ay sang-ayon sa "valid exercise of the executive powers of the President" sa ilalim ng Sec. 1, Art. VII ng Saligang Batas. Ayon din sa kanya, pinapayagan ng Sec. 2 Art. XII ng Saligang Batas ang "co-production, joint venture or production-sharing agreements on petroleum and other mineral oils and all forces of potential energy." "The new administration has the opportunity to resume the bilateral talks with the People's Republic of China for purposes of cooperation in the WPS on gas and oil development without bargaining the sovereign rights of the Philippines on the disputed territories therein," ipinunto ni Padilla. "In view of the gains attained from the MOU where the GRP and PRC cooperated on the terms provided therein on the gas and oil development in the WPS, the new administration can further explore these common interests of cooperation to resolve the country's oil dependency from foreign countries," dagdag nito. Samantala, naghain ng Senate Bill 229 si Padilla na nagmumungkahing suspindihin ang excise tax sa unleaded premium gas, regular gas at diesel oil para tugunan ang mataas na presyo ng langis. Ayon sa panukalang batas na aamyendahan ang Section 148 ng National Internal Revenue Code, ang excise tax sa naturang mga produkto ay susupindihin kung ang average Dubai crude oil price base sa Mean of Platts Singapore (MOPS) ay aabot o lalampas sa US$80 per barrel sa tatlong buwan. West Australian upper house Liberal MP Tjorn Sibma has issued a desperate plea to his party to stop cannibalising progress in holding the McGowan government to account by letting infighting play out in public. A factional tit-for-tat has been playing out in media in the lead-up to the Liberal state conference later this month between the recently created Liberal Reform Coalition and party members linked to the powerbroker alliance known as the Clan. Liberal MLC Tjorn Sibma. Credit:David Broadway We have a serious job to get on with holding the McGowan government to account and in presenting high-quality policy solutions to the public, we cannot afford to waste any more energy fighting among ourselves, Sibma said. LRC members and former Barnett cabinet ministers Norman Moore and Mike Nahan sent a letter to the partys entire membership base this week demanding it adopts significant constitutional reforms to reduce the influence of the Clan at the conference. 16 2022 : , , ,, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 1930 . Ub Iwerks. 1941 , . 1960 . . 1991 . 1992 , , . 1996 , . A vacant seat on the Park Hills City Council has been filled with the appointment of a new councilwoman to represent Ward 2. Spring Gray was sworn in as Ward 2 councilwoman during this month's regular council session. Gray was nominated by Mayor Stacey Easter and appointed after a unanimous council vote. Easter welcomed Gray to the council before moving on to other business. Gray was chosen to fill Easter's previous seat, which was vacated following her appointment as mayor at last month's meeting. Gray will serve on the council until the next municipal election in April 2023. The council also selected a new mayor pro tempore as the council's previous pro tem, Easter, moved into the mayoral position. Most cities do not have a position of vice mayor but rather a person from the city council appointed to act as mayor pro-tempore in the absence of the actual mayor. The position is commonly referred to as mayor pro tem. Ward 1 Councilman Alan Coleman was accepted as the new mayor pro tem after being nominated by Ward 3 Councilwoman Cindi Penberthy and receiving seven council members' votes. By Ike Parrish Reporter As the Orange County School Board awaited the start of its July 18 meeting, dozens of students and parents filed into the meeting room at the Taylor Education Administration Complex with signs of protest the third such occurrence in the boards previous three meetings. This time, they wore all black clothing to signify solidarity in their opposition of District 4 School Board member Chelsea Quinterns drafted resolutions. A sexually explicit materials resolution and a divisive content resolution both proposed by Quintern have been a source of contention at school board meetings since the two items surfaced on the boards agenda at an April 25 work session. The divisive content resolution was approved at the boards May 9 meeting, much to the dismay of the majority in attendance, while the sexually explicit materials resolution has remained postponed for further discussion and consideration for approval. The resolutions continue to incite indignation during public comment periods. At the boards July 18 meeting, just under an hour of public comment was comprised of 15 Orange County Public Schools parents and students objecting to the resolutions, while two Orange County residents spoke in its favor. At its May 9 meeting, the school board voted 3-2 to pass the revised divisive content resolution with District 2 School Board chair Sherrie Page and District 3 School Board member Mike Jones opposing the resolution. The resolution states the Orange County School Board declares that Critical Race Theory and inherently divisive concepts shall not be part of its training program, curriculum, nor materials in Orange County Public Schools. The postponed sexually explicit materials resolution is based on senate bill 656, which was signed into law by Governor Glenn Youngkin on April 6. The bill gives parents the ability to review sexually explicit content being taught in elementary and middle school curriculums. However, Quinterns drafted resolution adds that the Orange County School Board declares that students shall not be subjected, but not limited, to curriculum, materials, and discussions relating to sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other sexually explicit subject without explicit consent from their parent(s) and also requires Orange County Public Schools to notify parents of healthcare services and involvement in critical decisions affecting students physical, mental and emotional well-being; including, but not limited to self-identification. If passed, Quinterns resolution suggests it would require Orange County Public Schools to notify parents of their childs sexual orientation, potentially outing students of the LGBTQ community with or without their consent. The students and parents who spoke in Mondays public comment urged the board to void the approved divisive content resolution and discard the postponed sexually explicit materials resolution. The crowd in opposition conveyed a clear message that they will not back down until the board follows through on this appeal. We consistently have crowds here and it will not end until both resolutions are gone, said OCPS parent Alan Daniel. Many who spoke out felt some members of the board were acting on their personal political bias while ignoring the concerns of their constituents. At the May 9 school board meeting, I and dozens of others implored you to vote no on these two vaguely worded resolutions, said Orange County resident Ellen Wessell. After an avalanche of protest against adopting either of these divisive, destructive resolutions, you voted 3-2 to approve the so-called divisive content resolution and postpone action on the parental notification statement. Following Wessells remarks, some students took the podium to reiterate an overarching concern from previous meetings that the resolution could threaten the safety of students of the LGBTQ community if they are outed to their families against their will. As students, we are more connected to what is occurring at our school and in homes than most adults and parents, said OCHS student Liberty Chavez. The fear of homelessness and abuse of what may turn their lives upside down if there are subjected to being outed is real. Meanwhile, some spoke out against the already approved divisive content resolution. By passing the divisive content resolution, you are telling students that race and our racialized history does not matter, and if you are a person of color then your experiences are not as important as a white person, said OCPS parent Kim Hoosier. How can we, as a community, stand by and allow this level of prejudice and discrimination to happen? The 15 individuals who spoke in protest were followed by Unionville residents Bobby and Teri Pace, who commended Quintern for her efforts in creating the resolutions and thanked the board members who voted in favor of her divisive content resolution. I want to commend those of you who sit up there and take this abuse time after time after time with your heart and your soul and your efforts going into this. I think youve done a wonderful job, said Bobby Pace. I think theres a lot of misinterpretation and a lot of misunderstanding among people in this room as to what the intent and what these resolutions are actually saying. Teri Pace has voiced her support for the resolutions in the previous three meetings, saying that any sexually explicit materials in the school could confuse the students sexuality and distract from academics. She also advocated the divisive content resolution. Life is a challenge for everybody. It doesnt matter what color you are, she said. Thats whats so great about America that we need to meet our challenges and do be better because of them and not to make an excuse. The resolutions were not listed on Mondays school board agenda and there was no discussion nor action from the board regarding Quinterns proposed sexually explicit materials resolution at the July 18 regular meeting. The board has not yet announced when it will further discuss or take action on the resolution. If you know of local business openings or closings, please notify us here. PREVIOUS OPENINGS AND CLOSINGS Nowhere Coffee Co. to open second location at 318 Main Street in Emmaus, sharing space with South Mountain Cycle Jimmys Barbershop in Allentown has moved to 822 N. 19th Street Air Products and Chemicals Inc.'s chosen warehouse developer, Prologis Inc., will have to wait until July 13 for a final decision by Upper Macungie Township's zoning hearing board on 2.61 million square feet of warehouses. Chubby's of Southside Easton has added Krispy Krunchy Chicken to its offerings and name. Curaleaf Holdings Inc., which operates in the U.S. and Europe, will open a medical-marijuana dispensary at 1801 Airport Road, Hanover Township. Habitat for Humanity, which has "ReStores" that sell new and lightly used furniture, has leased 30,000 square feet at the South Mall. MADRID (AP) Europes spate of fierce wildfires abated somewhat Thursday amid cooler temperatures, with French firefighters starting to get the upper hand over two major blazes, Spain taming a fire that killed two people and no new outbreaks reported in Portugal. But a fire in Slovenia on the border with Italy kicked up strongly Thursday, forcing the evacuation of three villages. Spanish firefighters were tackling nine blazes, with two said to be especially dangerous in the northwestern Galicia region. Some of the 11,000 people evacuated because of the fires in Spain began returning home, and a major highway in the northwestern Zamora province reopened after two days. Temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) and a drought have worsened Spain's wildfires this year. Thursday's highest temperature in Spain was forecast to be 32 C (90 F). In France, more than a week of round-the-clock battling against ferocious flames by more than 2,000 firefighters and up to 10 water-dropping planes was slowly winning out against two major wildfires in the tinder-dry pine forests in southwestern France. The Gironde regions fire service said both blazes, which had forced the evacuation of tens of thousands of people, were contained. Although firefighters in France were still tamping down hot spots that could reignite blazes, the fire service said it expects to have tamed the fires embers within days. Officials said they will probably be able to declare the fires completely extinguished within weeks. Officials in Slovenia, meanwhile, said the raging blaze in the southwestern Kras region was the biggest since the country became an independent nation in 1991. The fire is nowhere near its end, Srecko Sestan, head of Slovenia's civil protection service, told the official STA news agency. The fire has engulfed 2,000 hectares (nearly 5,000 acres) and set off unexploded ordnance left over from World War I. More than 1,000 firefighters have been fighting the blaze, aided by the Slovenian army and police, as well as helicopters from Austria, Slovakia and Croatia. In Bosnia, a days-long fire in the southern Blidinje nature park prompted authorities to declare a natural disaster because of the danger it posed to a protected conservation area. Follow all AP stories on climate change and the environment at https://apnews.com/hub/climate-and-environment. NEW YORK (AP) Michelle Obama will have a book out this fall, The Light We Carry, in which she reflects upon her experiences and shares insights on navigating an increasingly stressful world. It's the former first lady's first entirely new work since the 2018 release of her acclaimed blockbuster Becoming, which has sold more than 17 million copies worldwide, surpassing the sales of any memoir by a previous first lady or modern president, including her husband, former President Barack Obama. Ive learned its okay to recognize that self-worth comes wrapped in vulnerability, and that what we share as humans on this earth is the impulse to strive for better, always and no matter what, Michelle Obama writes in the book's introduction, included in Thursday's announcement by the Random House Publishing Group and its imprint Crown. We become bolder in brightness. If you know your light, you know yourself. You know your own story in an honest way. In my experience, this type of self-knowledge builds confidence, which in turn breeds calmness and an ability to maintain perspective, which leads, finally, to being able to connect meaningfully with others and this to me is the bedrock of all things." The new book is not part of the reported eight-figure deal the Obamas reached in 2017, shortly after he left office, with parent company Penguin Random House for their respective memoirs. A spokesperson declined to discuss financial terms for The Light We Carry. Crown will publish the 336-page book Nov. 15, almost exactly four years after the release of Becoming," and has announced a first printing of 2.75 million copies for the U.S. and Canada. The Light We Carry: Overcoming in Uncertain Times will come out simultaneously in 14 languages and 27 countries, with additional rights deals expected. In The Light We Carry, Mrs. Obama offers readers a series of fresh stories and insightful reflections on change, challenge, and power, including her belief that when we light up for others, we can illuminate the richness and potential of the world around us, discovering deeper truths and new pathways for progress, the publisher's announcement reads in part. Drawing from her experiences as a mother, daughter, spouse, friend, and First Lady, she shares the habits and principles she has developed to successfully adapt to change and overcome various obstacles the earned wisdom that helps her continue to become. On Thursday, Penguin Random House announced it was renaming an annual writing prize in her honor, the $10,000 Michelle Obama Award for Memoir, part of an awards program for public high school students the company launched in 1993. Since completing Becoming," Michelle Obama has written an edition for younger readers and launched a podcast. With Barack Obama and their production company Higher Ground she has worked on such projects as the Oscar-winning documentary American Factory and a documentary about her tour for Becoming, when she appeared at arenas nationwide with such guest interviewers as Oprah Winfrey and Sarah Jessica Parker. Promotional plans for The Light We Carry will be announced later. Crown is also the longtime publisher of Barack Obama, himself a million-selling author. A Promised Land, the first of two planned memoirs about his presidency, came out in 2020. A spokesperson declined to comment on when the next book will be released. LEESPORT, Pa. - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is warning visitors at Blue Marsh Lake of harmful algal bloom. The USACE Philadelphia District says to be aware of the presence of moderate levels of blue-green algae in the lake. Visitors are advised to be alert for harmful algal bloom conditions and to avoid contact with discolored water or scum. A media release repots that the algal blooms at Blue Marsh Lake occur annually, however environmental and lake conditions during the summer season enable the algal blooms to become potentially harmful. To protect yourself, your family, and your pets from blue-green algae blooms: Avoid water contact in areas where the water is discolored or where you see foam, scum, or mats of algae on the waters surface. Children and pets are especially susceptible to the harmful effects of the toxins produced by blue-green algae. Do not allow children or pets to play in or drink scummy water. If you have contact with water that might contain harmful cyanobacteria, rinse off with fresh water as soon as possible afterwards. Learn more about Harmful Algae Blooms and their associated risks by clicking here. For additional information, please contact the Park Office at 610-376-6337. ALLENTOWN, Pa. In response to last month's decision of the U.S. Supreme Court that overturned Roe v. Wade, Allentown City Council made a move Wednesday night to support city employees' access to abortions. Council voted 5-2 in favor of a resolution to express its opposition to the "imposition of restrictions on reproductive choice" by the governments of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and by the federal government, and to recommend the City of Allentown cover travel expenses related to abortion access for all city employees, should the need arise. The resolution states that a certain dollar amount for abortion travel would be determined through a future amendment to the personnel code and budget. Councilman Ed Zucal and Daryl L. Hendricks cast dissenting votes but without comment. Councilwoman Candida Affa said she wanted to make a statement for the record. "This resolution expresses a sentiment of members of council, that we are given the Dobbs decision, expressing our opposition to any imposition of restrictions on reproductive choice," Affa said. "We are recommending that we will investigate covering such expenses up to a certain amount, should the need arise," she added. "This simply expresses our intent to do so, and this is for city employees not for this the entire city of Allentown." Affa was referring to the Supreme Court's decision in the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization Supreme Court case, which now allows state legislators to make decisions to set limits on abortion rights. One audience member questioned why the city would not also give the same consideration to low-income city residents. Affa clarified saying the city is simply taking the same action as many other corporations have done. "They (corporations) are taking care of their employees," she said. "We as council are their employers in some sense, and we'd like to follow with a what a lot of corporations are doing as a package for their health care." "We can't do it for all the citizens of Allentown," she continued, "but we are going to try to take care of our employees." Following that statement, Councilman Joshua Siegel revealed that he is currently working on drafting a series of four ordinances that could assist city residents with abortion rights. "They are still in the developmental stages but will provide a blanket of protection for anyone in the city of Allentown that is seeking an abortion," Siegel said. "And I'll be revealing those next week, and I hope that my colleagues will join me when I unveil those." Councilwoman Ce-Ce Gerlach said the resolution is a good starting point to begin the conversation. "You know, there's a lot of us out there that are scared and worried and wondering what will my local government do," Gerlach said. "So I think this shows like we're starting here. We're ready if the worst case scenario were to happen in the state of Pennsylvania, and we will step up and do what we got to do." Council President Cynthia Mota called it a very difficult situation as a woman. "It has a lot to do with power and control, but we're hoping for the best and fight is not over," Mota said. AFTON At Hopes Legacy Equine Rescue at Castle Rock Farm, a donkey named Donkey caught Gov. Glenn Youngkins eye Thursday. Donkey smiled at me, the governor remarked before an award ceremony to recognize the Albemarle-based organization. After a tour of the farm meeting Donkey and feeding a horse named Red rescued just last week, Youngkin and First Lady Suzanne Youngkin presented Hopes Legacy with the third Spirit of Virginia Award, which recognizes unique qualities and standout achievements across the Commonwealth. Suzanne Youngkin created the award earlier this year. We wanted to prioritize all creatures great and small, the First Lady said. It is about serving the humans and all of the Virginians that live here, but we also were distinctly proud of the way Virginians serve the animals that they love. Hopes Legacy is a non-profit organization that rescues all breeds of equines from abuse, abandonment, neglect, slaughter and owners who no longer can take care of them. The rescue was launched in 2008 by founder and executive director Maya Proulx. The group moved seven times until it found a permanent home in 2017. Since then, its been located on Castle Rock Farm, where the rescue center currently operates 36 acres of fenced pasture, a hay barn, nine run-in sheds and a 2-stall medical barn. On Friday, Hopes Legacy will rescue its 500th equine. The Spirit of Virginia Award winner didnt always have such an expansive operation. Its been 14 years to get to this point, Proulx said. We started very slow. In the first year that we were in operation, we only took in one horse. In the second year, we took in three. This year weve taken in 54 so far. So to have reached this point, and then to get the recognition for all of the volunteers and the hard work that all of them have put into creating this, its just great. The organization has two full-time and two part-time employees along with over 80 volunteers. Those volunteers came out in full force for Thursdays ceremony, making up about half of the 80 or so people in attendance. When you step back and you see whats happening here, you have a chance to look at a horse that two weeks ago was in the direst circumstances, said Gov. Youngkin at Thursdays ceremony. To see a family come around that horse, not just horse-family but family-family. Its amazing. Meanwhile, Hopes Legacy does more than save equines. Kyle Snow, a volunteer who spoke at the ceremony, said that Hopes Legacy gave him a newfound purpose after serving in the military for 20 years. Hopes legacy essentially saved my life the same way as we have saved so many equines throughout the years, Snow said. The emotional roller coaster, the mental distress that you have from walking away from it [previous job] is harder than anyone can ever explain, but each day I come here and I find therapy with these animals that is unmatched. Hopes Legacy joins the ranks of this years other Spirit of Virginia Award winners, the National Center for Healthy Veterans and Jills House. Every Spirit of Virginia Award winner was given a glass bowl and an invitation to Richmond for an end-of-the-year celebratory engagement. The fourth winner will be announced in August. It's like 911, but specifically for mental health emergencies. Recently, a new three-digit lifeline, 988, became available for Americans to instantly reach trained counselors. Gov. Wolf's administration on Wednesday marked the national launch of 988. "988 is more than just a phone number," Dep. Sec. Kristen Houser of the Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services said. "It's really a gateway to reach a continuum of crisis services." Starting this past Saturday, there's a new, easier way to reach help for mental health emergencies. "The federal government, state government, state leaders standing behind me are now saying that issues related to mental health to suicidality to depression and anxiety and a whole slew of mental illnesses," Rep. Mike Schlossberg, D-Lehigh, said. "They're real. They're so real, that we're creating a brand-new number that's on par with 911." Pennsylvania officials explained dialing those three digits will connect the caller to the same 13 crisis response centers within the state, as calling the 10-digit suicide prevention hotline. "The changeover to the shorter quicker to remember 988, makes life-saving suicide prevention and Crisis Response support, easier to reach than ever," DHS Acting Secretary Meg Snead said. The easier-to-remember number means there's a projected surge in calls. "I'm pleased to say we're quite confident that we are ready," Houser said. Bill Vogler, Executive Director of Pinebrook Family Answers in Allentown, tells 69 News that even if this saves one life, it'll be worth it. And he believes the shorter, easier number will help do just that. "Mental health needs are just as important as physical health needs," DOH Acting Secretary Dr. Denise Johnson said. "And so that's why this 988 where individuals can seek help and their loved ones can seek help with them is really so important." Schlossberg, who also serves as co-chair of the House mental health caucus, shared his own experiences with mental health. "You can become convinced very, very easily that the issues are just in your head," he said. "One of the things that 988 does," Schlossberg said, "and I'd argue the biggest thing that it really does, is it can help drive down stigma and self-stigma." Schlossberg says this past budget included $100 million toward mental health issues in schools, $100 million toward adult mental health with a "blue-ribbon" commission that will soon convene and and a restoration of $15 million toward counties. "And that money can be vital to giving mental health and behavioral health care to people who need it the most," Schlossberg said. "We've also received funding from SAMSHA to support the workforce needs of the existing 13 Call Centers, and additional dollars from the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services to support planning for expanded mobile crisis services in Pennsylvania," Houser said. Vogler, with Pinebrook Family Answers, tells 69 News the capacity of the mental health system is already stretched very thin, and while he thinks those budget dollars will help, he'd be hard pressed to believe it will be enough. If you or anyone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, you can call 988. For more links to resources, you can go to the state's website. FOGELSVILLE, Pa. - A man was taken to the hospital Wednesday afternoon after an incident involving a snake estimated to be at least 15 feet long, according to a news release from the Upper Macungie Police Department. Officers responded to the 1400 block of Church Street in Fogelsville shortly after 2 p.m. for the report of a man in cardiac arrest with a snake wrapped around his neck, township police said. When patrol officers arrived on scene, they observed a 28-year-old man who was unresponsive and lying on the floor of the home with the mid portion of a large snake wrapped around his neck, according to the news release. Due to the size of the reptile (estimated to be 15+ feet), one of the officers was able to shoot the snake without risking further injury to the man, township police said. Once the snake was injured from the gunshot, the officers were able to pull the man to safety, at which time emergency medical care was provided, according to the news release. The man was transported to a local hospital for further treatment. At this time, township police say the man's medical condition is unknown. The snake involved in the incident is dead, police said. We're told by neighbors this was the man's pet snake, but no one is certain of the type of snake it was. EASTON, Pa. - Thursday was a celebration at the Easton Fire Station, as the department showed off new gear. MSA Lunars use Bluetooth technology to guide first responders to down firefighters, victims, and fires themselves. City and county leaders joined some of Easton's newest firefighters to try them out. Their first day on the job was recently spent at a funeral for a Philadelphia firefighter, showing the dangers of the profession. But these devices are meant to the save lives of those in uniform and those they serve. "With the edge technology, you see the outline of him clearly," said Easton Fire Chief Henry Hennings. Inside the Easton Fire Station, Hennings showed 69 News the department's newest tool: the MSA Lunar. "This is a thermal imaging camera and a tracking accountability device for firefighter safety," said Hennings. The department is the first in the country to equip every firefighter with one of these gadgets. They provide a clear picture of what a first responder is walking, or crawling into, when there's zero visibility. It's a portable, cutting-edge system that steers firefighters toward trapped or unconscious victims. Hennings asked 69 News Reporter Priscilla Liguori to quickly touch the wall. "You only touched that for a brief second right?" Hennings said. "Yeah," replied Liguori. "But you see that it's a different color from your body heat," said Hennings, gesturing to the Lunar screen. In the thermal imaging mode, Hennings demonstrated how a man, on the stove for seconds, lit right up. "Not only do you see the flame itself, but you see the heat rising up above," said Hennings. "You can't see that with the naked eye." That's helpful when, "there could be hidden fire in the walls," said Hennings. Perhaps the most valuable part of all is, "they serve as a personal alarm for firefighters," said Lt. Terrance Hand of the Easton Fire Department. "When it goes into alert, it'll scream," said Hennings. Lunars track every firefighter. If one stops moving, others know to save them. That's a huge upgrade from the tag system typically used. "You're issued a tag, when you go somewhere, you hand it to the officer," said Hennings. "The problem with that is once you hand that tag to the officer, that's the last time we really know where you're at." This guides you and preserves precious time. "Hopefully, we can prevent any type of firefighter fatality," said firefighter Adam Grube of the Easton Fire Department. "You can see through smoke with these things," said Hand. It's gear so complex, it's almost hard to believe, so Chief Hennings took 69 News to the Allentown Fire Academy so a crew could experience it themselves. Liguori and 69 News Photographer Jon Bloch suited up in full firefighter gear and went inside the training tower to try the Lunars out for real. "I'll just light it," Allentown Asst. Chief Matt Eharth said about a fire in the training tower. "You'll see the place slowly fill with smoke." Lunars illuminate while pointing at fires of course, but also provide other important clues that could indicate structures are in danger of collapsing. "Look at the heat above them. That's not fire you're seeing. That's just heat," said Eharth. "If you see this above you, you better start spraying water somewhere or back out." The devices will be connected to firefighters' breathing tanks, so others can monitor their air pressure. "Up here is 400 degrees. If you look at the floor, it's 100 degrees," said Eharth. "So that's the difference between being in an oven or being out on a hot day." That's a reminder for everyone to stay low if ever caught in a blaze. "If you stand up in here and breathe, it could kill you with just one breath," said Eharth. The next test was finding a Lunar in Alarm. Liguori's Lunar said "one firefighter alarms," meaning a firefighter had not moved in 20 seconds. Hennings showed how firefighters are to point the Lunar in different directions, as they search through a building. "When it hits the highest percentage, that's the way you want to go," said Hennings. "One hundred percent," said Liguori, as she located the Lunar in the basement of the building. It worked. The tools are expected to be an asset to the entire area, since Easton firefighters will use them at every fire they go to, including when they provide mutual aid. They were paid for mostly by grants. "Monetarily, I would say that this is absolutely priceless, if you save one life," said Hennings. Lunars will be rolled out in August, once all firefighters are trained. QUAKERTOWN, Pa. - An Army veteran injured in Afghanistan is getting a new roof, thanks to a Bucks County company. Kulp Roofing & Construction in Quakertown announced the winner of its roof giveaway. Keith Sahm, of the Northampton area, is getting a new roof and gutter system for free, thanks to his friend's nomination. Sahm served in the Army for 20 years, and was medically retired due to injuries from an IED explosion in Afghanistan, the nomination says. He was a single father for most of his service, and is now working to fix up his home, but is limited financially and physically. Video shows company workers surprising Keith at his home. It's the second year Kulp has asked for nominations for and given away a free roof. Here's the full text of Keith's nomination, written by Cindy Gunia: Keith served 20 years in the Army. Was a single father for most of his service and was medically retired due to injuries he sustained In Afghanistan due to an I.E.D explosion. He has selflessly sacrificed his life for his daughters, our Country and all of us and he would do it again in a split second. He struggles with medical issues due to his service. He is the kindest person you could meet and never asks for anything. Approximately 5 years ago he purchased his first home to settle down and establish roots after many years of having to relocate. The house is a fixer upper which he didnt realize the extent of the work that needs to be done. As with everything in the house the roof is a bit older and in need of replacing. I believe it is leaking in spots and not even sure if the cross bracing/rafters are done right. The gutters are coming loose and one was replaced this year after falling off the house. He has spent so much money trying to fix this place up but he is limited physically and financially due to being medically disabled. As his friend a few of us have tried and are trying to help fix things for him. We have made good strides on the inside but the outside is a whole other story. It would be a blessing if we could give something back to him after all he has sacrificed. I think for once he would be able to sleep a little better knowing this was off his plate. Thank you for considering him for this opportunity! NORRISTOWN, Pa. The draft of Montgomery Countys Pandemic Recovery Plan was presented to the commissioners at their Thursday morning meeting. The effects of the plan will not be known for years, but its architects can be credited now for preparing a very thorough proposal. Tom Bonner, the countys director of assets and infrastructure, began his presentation of the draft plan by listing the priorities for the $161 million provided to the county by the American Recovery Act. He noted that it was a 10-month, community engagement process employing town halls, surveys, and community conversations. The money is intended to directly support communities hit hardest by the pandemic and which are historically underserved, Bonner said. Funded projects should be transformative or take advantage of the one-time large-scale nature of funding. Projects should respond directly to impacts of the pandemic, he said, or issues that were made more severe by the pandemic. Also, Bonner noted, projects should invest in areas of high need like affordable housing, behavioral health, child- care, emergency response or digital access. The planning process is now in the one-month draft review phase consisting of applicant meetings and public comment. The final recovery plan will be presented to the commissioners for approval at the August 18 meeting. 110 approved projects Of the 426 projects submitted, Bonner said, 110 have been approved. The three largest areas of spending are $34.2 million for government services and infrastructure, $32.4 million for housing, and $28.0 million for community services and facilities. The money directed toward housing will support construction of new units, short-term emergency housing, preservation and investment in existing stock and a transformative housing opportunities fund. The community services and facilities funding will be used for constructing and improving centers housing multiple providers in impacted communities. Among the smaller allocations, Bonner noted, the $18.1 million for behavioral health will be used for the creation of a behavioral health crisis response center serving residents experiencing mental health crises, school-based behavioral health services staffing, and community-based programs and services. Also, $14.4 million is allocated for workforce development to prepare education programs, small business support, tuition assistance initiatives, and job marketing and preparedness mentoring. Additional allocations are $11.3 million for public health and safety, $9.6 million for child care, $8.4 million for food security, $5.1 million for non-profit and community support, and $5.6 million for public utilities and infrastructure. Organizations with budgets under $1 million, Bonner said, will receive 30% of the funding for 33 projects. Additional town halls are scheduled into August and all stakeholders can review the draft plan and submit comments up to August 5 at www.MontcoPa.org/Recovery Office, Bonner pointed out. The Recovery Office and county management will review all feedback and make adjustments as necessary for approval at the August commissioners meeting. Citizen Review Panels Commissioner Kenneth Lawrence asked Bonner if he could talk a little bit more about the citizen review panels. The community review panel, for scoring, was an integral part of the process, Bonner replied, it was explicitly designed to be exterior to the group and provide objective feedback. In working through the community engagement process we established multiple contacts across the county and tapped into existing partners that many county offices have worked with before. The scoring system we designed necessitated at least 30 reviewers and we received 80 expressions of interest for those spots. After projects came in and were reviewed by the Recovery Office, we forwarded them to the reviewers, who looked at a minimum of 148 projects each to make sure that the entire entity was reviewed with at least 10 reviews per project. Those people represented various ethnic and demographic parts of the community as well as lived experiences, like homelessness. Help Wanted Earlier, Valerie Arkoosh, commission chair, announced the availability of the new 988 telephone number which connects callers directly to the national suicide prevention hotline. Text or chat will also connect people to the hotline. Callers can also connect with the veterans crisis line when they us 988 and it is available 24/7, Arkoosh said. Next," Arkoosh said, "I would like to take a moment to encourage people to take a job in public service, specifically working here in Montgomery County. She announced that the county is now offering a sign-on bonus for certain positions to help recruit for critical roles with high vacancy rates. The amount of the sign-on bonus will be equal to 10% of the annual salary before taxes, Arkoosh noted, and will be paid once the employee completes the 90-day introductory period. Current roles eligible for a sign-on bonus include daytime custodians, roads and bridges laborers, county and courthouse security officers, correctional officers, 911 telecommunicators, assistant district attorneys, office of youth protective services case workers, public health nurses, office of senior services protective case workers, attorneys with the public defenders office, deputy sheriffs, and youth center counselors and youth center advocates. Interested employees can go to www.montcopa.org/bonus to apply. Also, the commissioners awarded a major contract in the amount of $2,606,776 to Richard E. Pierson Construction Company Incorporated, Pilesgrove, N.J., for the replacement of county bridge #6. NEWTOWN TWP., Pa. - Police in Bucks County are searching for a missing woman. Catherine Bahn was last seen by her children Thursday at 1 p.m. as she left her Newtown Township residence driving a 2019 Honda Odyssey (Green) bearing Pennsylvania Registration HHC-4299, according to a news release from township police. Bahn and her vehicle registration have been entered into NCIC (National Crime Information Center). She is 40 years old, and is described as being 5-foot-3 and weighing 150 pounds. Police say she has blue eyes and dirty blonde hair. She was last seen wearing a black dress, township police said. BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) A man drove his pickup truck into a family as they walked in a tourist village bordering Glacier National Park and opened fire with a shotgun, killing one man and mortally wounding a toddler who was in her mother's arms before the mother's sister-in-law managed to kill the assailant after he ran out of ammunition, authorities said. Killed in the weekend attack on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation in northwestern Montana were David Siau, 39, of Syracuse, New York, and Siau's 18-month-old daughter, McKenzie. The assailant, Derick Amos Madden, 37, had been in a prior relationship with the woman who killed him and had mental health issues, the Glacier County Sheriffs Office said. Authorities on Wednesday would not say how he was killed. Madden plowed a Toyota Tacoma onto a sidewalk and into the Siau family just before 9 p.m. Sunday as they walked in the small town of East Glacier Park, hitting some of them before crashing into a tree, the sheriff's office said. Madden got out and shot and killed David Siau and mortally wounded McKenzie. The young girl was being held by her mother, Christy Siau, 40, who was shot and wounded as she tried to run away. Madden then ran out of ammunition and used a knife to attack the sister-in-law, Christina Siau, 30. But the woman fought back and fatally wounded Madden, who authorities said died at the scene, said Capt. Tom Seifert with the Glacier County Sheriffs Office. Seifert declined to release details on how Siau killed Madden or if any other weapons were recovered from the scene. She fought back and she won, he said. Two other children of David and Christy Siau were present but managed to run away and were not injured. McKenzie Siau was pronounced dead at the Indian Health Service hospital in Browning. Christy and Christina Siau suffered critical injuries and were flown to another hospital with a higher level of care. Due to Christy Siau's injuries, investigators have been unable to interview her about what happened, Seifert said. Bystanders in the area witnessed the attack and reported it to authorities, Seifert said. He added that police responded to the scene within minutes, but the attack already was over. The Montana Highway Patrol was trying to determine the exact speed Madden was driving when he hit the family. Seifert described it as faster than the posted speed limit, which he said was at least 25 miles (40 kph) per hour. Authorities have not said if Madden, originally of Goldsby, Oklahoma, had the shotgun legally. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is also involved in the case. The sheriffs office described it as an isolated...incident with a clear nexus between the victims and Madden and said the investigation was ongoing. It was not clear what provoked Sundays attack beyond the prior relationship between Madden and Christina Siau. There were no records of any restraining orders against Madden on file in the Glacier County Courthouse, court officials said. Local authorities did not know of any previous interactions that Madden had with law enforcement. He had been working in East Glacier Park, a town of about 300 year-round residents bordering Glacier National Park that gets throngs of summer tourists. Id like to thank everyone who has so graciously surrounded us, reached out and helped us through this difficult time," said John Siau, David Siau's father and McKenzie Siau's grandfather. He said he told his children to grieve, be sad, but don't harbor anger about what has happened, because what we have seen is actually the result of somebody who has harbored anger in his own life and allowed it to fester and allowed it to grow and develop into something very terrible and unspeakable. Christina Siau was originally from New York and had been living in East Glacier Park. Her brother and his family had been visiting her on vacation, Seifert said. A co-worker of David Saiu described him as a a great person, a great friend .... (and) a great dad, definitely loving with his three kids. They just loved to do activities with them outdoors, even just fun simple things, like weekend and day trips, said Peter Depuy, a bookkeeper for a Syracuse audio products company, Benchmark. David Saiu was the production manager at the 13-employee company and first started work there more than two decades ago when he was a teenager, Depuy said. Christy Siau was a former bookkeeper for the American Baptist Churches of New York State, according to a social media postings by the organization. She was described as a long time and beloved member of the organization's staff in a statement from Executive Minister Rev. James Kelsey. Christy and David Siau were also active in the First Baptist Church of Hoosick Falls, New York, Kelsey said. Associated Press researcher Rhonda Shafner in New York contributed to this report. (The Center Square) Pennsylvania is well-known for its high gas tax and high corporate net income tax until a recent change, but residents get a break compared to other states in one area: sales tax. A new report from the Tax Foundation notes that Pennsylvanias combined 6.34% sales tax rate is No. 34 in the nation. Thats lower than most of its border states, except for Maryland (6%) and Delawares non-existent sales tax. The state sales tax rate of 6% is the 17th-lowest rate in the nation, but the average local tax rate pushes it up to 34th, the report notes. Whats crucial may not be how a state does compared to the national average, but to nearby states. People take notice and adjust their spending habits accordingly. State and local governments should be cautious about raising rates too high relative to their neighbors because doing so will yield less revenue than expected or, in extreme cases, revenue losses despite the higher tax rate, wrote Janelle Fritts, state policy analyst at the Tax Foundation. Businesses will shift from a city to a suburb, or from one side of a state border to another, to avoid a higher sales tax. Whats convenient about a sales tax is its clarity and transparency. Consumers know how much theyre paying. Though the below-average sales tax gives residents a break at the register compared to high-sales tax states like Louisiana, Tennessee and Arkansas, the exceptions and complexity involved in how Pennsylvania applies the sales tax creates an unnecessary burden. "Many economists feel the sales tax is the least bad tax in terms of economic harms, thus some of the fastest growth states (Texas, Florida, Tennessee) have higher sales tax rates, but no income tax, said Nathan Benefield, senior vice president of the Commonwealth Foundation. Benefield pointed out that Pennsylvania has a narrow tax base (40th in the nation) and 101 exclusions from the sales tax, limiting its reach. He says There is plenty of room to expand the base and lower the rate" and/or lower other taxes without increasing the burden on taxpayers. Businesses, too, face complexity in collecting the tax. A broader and simpler structure could make it easier for small businesses to deal with the sales tax, along with reforming local tax structures to clean up the patchwork of local taxes, Benefield said. Thank you for reading! To read this article and more, subscribe now for as little as $1.99. Chichester Festival Theatre's 2016 production of Half a Sixpence featured an incredible breakout performance from the then unknown Charlie Stemp it was clear from the word go that this young man was something special and would go on to great things. The ensuing years have led to West End stardom and a stint on Broadway, and now upon his return to the Chichester stage, it is clearer than ever that Stemp is fast becoming one of musical theatre's truly great song and dance men of our generation. Crazy for You premiered on Broadway 30 years ago and is based on the 1930 musical, Girl Crazy. With an adapted book by Ken Ludwig, the Gershwin back catalogue was plundered to add even more recognisable tunes under the direction of the late Mike Ockrent. His choreographer (and partner) at the time was Susan Stroman and it is Stroman that now returns to this new production this time as both director and choreographer. The paper thin plot revolves around Bobby, the son of a rich New York banking family being sent to foreclose on a theatre in the backwater town of Deadrock in Nevada "the armpit of the American West". This is the era of the Great Depression and despite his overbearing Mother's wishes, Bobby submits to his showbiz leanings and tries to save the theatre rather than close it by pretending to be theatre impresario, Bella Zangler. Along the way Bobby falls head over heels for the no-nonsense postal worker, Polly and a suitable amount of love you - hate you - love you again moments ensue. Stroman gives Stemp the room to flex his considerable stage skills with his physical comedy at the fore (think Norman Wisdom) whilst never ceasing to dazzle with his dancing (think Fred Astaire), he taps and ballrooms his way around the stage with barely a moment offstage. He is at his most captivating when he is solo and glides his way through a dreamy "Nice Work If You Can Get It" sequence. Carly Anderson's Polly is a delight and never lets her character's tough exterior prevent her warmth from shining through. Anderson dances with fervour but it is her moments of quiet reflection and stillness that are the most enjoyable such as her "Someone To Watch Over Me" and "They Can't Take That Away From Me". Tom Edden's Bella Zangler provides some of the most confident comedic moments of the evening. In particular, his shared scene with Stemp imitating Zangler mirroring one another's every move is a joy. A raucous and passionate scene between Matthew Craig's Lank and Merryl Ansah's Irene is also a highlight. Gay Soper's imperious Lottie Child is an all too brief but wonderfully enjoyable performance. The luscious Gershwin score is played deliciously by Alan Williams and his glorious 16-piece orchestra. What a pity that they are tucked away out of sight in Beowulf Boritt's rather underwhelming and pedestrian-looking set design. Stroman directs well but choreographs brilliantly. Some of the comedy is overworked and could be turned down a notch on this particular stage Chichester is not a big Broadway house where everything has to be played to the back of the balcony after all. But there is no denying that the big dance numbers are wonderful and, although many are recreations of that 1992 original, they still stand the test of time. The cleverness of dancers as double basses for "Slap That Bass", the romance of "Shall We Dance" and the undiluted pleasure of "I Got Rhythm" played out on bin lids, wash boards and corrugated iron are what make this such a heart-warming and soul-lifting joy of a show. Weekend releases from Lebanons municipal jail will continue after a pair of people returned to custody from three days off on Monday morning, July 18. City management agreed to close the jail three days each week starting July 15 to take pressure off patrol officers who fill in as jailers while Lebanon Police Department grapples with hiring shortages. Police Chief Frank Stevenson had described the first weekend as an experiment. The department released from its custody two people who signed paperwork acknowledging they'd face additional charges for abandoning a sentence if they didnt return. Both were at the jail ready to start their week behind bars on 8 a.m. Monday. We gave them the weekend, and we let them know what would happen if they didnt come back, Stevenson said. The department employs a full-time jail officer who tends to jail operations for much of the week. Oregon requires jail operators to check people in custody once each hour, which means facilitating phone calls and visits, fetching supplies and food, and any other number of tasks, Stevenson said. But patrol officers fill in at night and Friday through Saturday, which means they're not responding to reports of suspected crime on Lebanons streets or driving people charged with violent crimes to Linn County Jail. It frees them to do more responses to calls, he said about the weekend furloughs. Quality journalism doesn't happen without your help Support local news coverage and the people who report it by subscribing to the Lebanon Express. The department is budgeted to run a patrol staff of 14 officers with shifts of four cops for a city of about 18,400 people. But Lebanon has six openings and a curtailed patrol staff of eight. Two officers patrol the city per shift until more officers can be hired and trained, an about-18-month-long process. Linn County Parole and Probation contracted with the city to set aside three beds for housing people who violated the terms of their state supervision. That contract was suspended the week of July 11. Director Maureen Robb said Parole and Probation has 40 beds and viewed three beds in Lebanon as a way to supplement operations on the east side of Interstate-5. Its a loss but one we can absorb right now, Robb said. WASHINGTON (AP) The House Jan. 6 committee is headed back to prime time for its eighth hearing potentially the final time this summer that lawmakers will lay out evidence about the U.S. Capitol insurrection and President Donald Trumps efforts to overturn his 2020 election defeat. Thursdays hearing is expected to focus on what Trump was doing in the White House as the violence unfolded on Jan. 6, 2021. Rep. Adam Kinzinger, an Illinois Republican who is one of two members leading the hearing, said he expects it will open peoples eyes in a big way. This will be the panels second hearing in prime time. The first, on June 9, was watched by more than 20 million people. FILE - Supporters of President Donald Trump supporters attend a rally near the White House in Washington, on Jan. 6, 2021. The House Jan. 6 committee is headed back to prime time for its eighth hearing. It might be the final time this summer that lawmakers lay out evidence about the U.S. Capitol insurrection and President Donald Trump's efforts to overturn his 2020 election defeat. Thursday's night's hearing is expected to focus on what Trump was doing in the White House as the violence unfolded. (AP Photo/John Minchillo, File) What to watch for in Thursdays hearing: TRUMP IN THE WHITE HOUSE Committee members have said the hearing will be an in-depth look at what Trump was doing in the White House that day as hundreds of his supporters violently pushed past police and broke into the building. The panel has already revealed some of the Trump evidence in previous hearings, showing clips of multiple White House aides who tried to pressure the president to act, or to publicly call on the rioters to leave, as he watched television in a West Wing dining room. But there are still questions about what the president was doing, especially because official White House records of Trumps phone calls included an eight-hour gap, from a little after 11 that morning to about 7 that evening. The committee has tried to fill in that gap with witness interviews and other sources, such as subpoenaing private phone records. A panel member, Rep. Pete Aguilar, D-Calif., said Trump could have called off the rioters at any time, but he did not. More than three hours, or 187 minutes, passed before he finally did. The consequences were still dealing with today, Aguilar said. You will hear that Donald Trump never picked up the phone that day to order his administration to help, Rep. Liz Cheney of Wyoming, the committees Republican vice chairwoman, said as she previewed the hearing last week. NEW WITNESSES Two former White House aides who resigned immediately after the insurrection will testify at the hearing. Former deputy press secretary Sarah Matthews and former deputy national security adviser Matthew Pottinger will talk about what they saw and heard in the White House as Trump learned about the insurrection and waited hours to tell the rioters to leave the Capitol. Rep. Elaine Luria, D-Va., who will lead the hearing with Kinzinger, said the two witnesses believed in the work they were doing, but didnt believe in the stolen election. The committee will be hearing from people who were in the White House, what they observed, what their reactions were, Luria said. THE WHOLE STORY The finale in the committees summer series of hearings will seek to wrap up the story the panel has been telling from the start that Trump was told his claims of widespread fraud were false but pushed them anyway, without regard for democracy or the people who were affected, and that his words and actions incited the riot at the Capitol. The lawmakers are expected to give a minute-by-minute description of what happened the day of Jan. 6, a capstone to previous hearings that examined the weeks running up to the insurrection. A Democratic member of the committee, Maryland Rep. Jamie Raskin, said the hearing will be about what happened in three different places on Jan. 6: The White House, inside the Capitol and outside the Capitol, where police officers were beaten and overwhelmed by the rioters. CLIFFHANGERS As the committee wraps up this season of hearings, like a television show, there are likely to be some cliffhangers. Among the questions the committee may leave unanswered: Will the committee call Trump to testify? Or his vice president, Mike Pence? Will there be more hearings? Are they holding back any information for their final report? At least one hearing is expected in the fall, when the nine-member panel is expected to issue a report on its findings, but more hearings are possible. If Republicans take control of the House in Novembers midterm elections, they are expected to shut down the committee. The panels work will also continue to reverberate through other investigations, including at the Justice Department, which has arrested more than 800 suspected rioters and has seized or sought information from some of the politicians and others who were allied with Trump as he tried to overturn the vote. The Justice Department has asked the committee for some of its interview transcripts. Raskin said before the hearings began that the measure of success would be whether we are able to preserve American democracy and our institutions its a long-term test. ___ Associated Press writers Kevin Freking, Farnoush Amiri and Lisa Mascaro contributed to this report. ___ Follow APs coverage of the Jan. 6 committee hearings at https://apnews.com/hub/capitol-siege Susan Enge will be thinking of her mothers time in a residential school during the long journey south from the Northwest Territories to see Pope Francis in Alberta. Her thoughts will linger on that legacy and the complexities of being Indigenous and Catholic during the eight-hour drive from her home in Fort Smith to Yellowknife, where she is to join a flight to Edmonton on Sunday. Being a strong Catholic, I think its important to forgive people for their wrongdoings, she says. Susan Enge, shown in a handout photo, says she will be thinking of her mothers time in a residential school during the long journey south from the Northwest Territories to see Pope Francis in Alberta. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO-Susan Enge **MANDATORY CREDIT** Its a personal choice and a personal journey for everyone who is seeking healing from the Popes messaging. Enge is going with her 24-year-old daughter in a group of about 40 people organized through the diocese of Mackenzie-Fort Smith. Thousands of people are to travel by bus, plane and even boat in the coming days to attend events during the historic papal visit. Pope Francis is set to land in Edmonton on Sunday before going to Quebec City on Wednesday and Iqaluit on Friday. Its expected Francis will deliver an apology for the Roman Catholic Churchs role in residential schools at the site of the former Ermineskin Indian Residential School in the community of Maskwacis, Alta. An estimated 150,000 Indigenous children were forced to attend residential schools over a century, and the Catholic Church ran about 60 per cent of the institutions. Fern Hendersen says he was confused about who he was after suffering emotional, spiritual and physical abuse at a residential school in Manitoba as a child. For much of his life, he believed it was his fault and never felt that he belonged anywhere. He says hearing from Pope Francis will be an acknowledgment of that truth and pain. I am finally going to hear the words, I am sorry sorry for taking my identity, sorry for taking my language, sorry for taking my culture and family away from me, Hendersen says as he chokes back tears. He is attending the events with his sister and a group from Sagkeeng First Nation. He expects a lot of painful memories to surface during the long drive. But, he says, its important to go for all his family members who didnt live to see the day the leader of the Catholic Church recognized the harm that was done. He is also going for his children and grandchildren so they can go forward in a positive way. Organizing travel hasnt been easy, as plans and funds recently began to materialize for Indigenous organizations and communities. Many Indigenous people, including Hendersen, learned just this week whether they can take part in the events. Chief Bobby Cameron of the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations has said he was deeply concerned by the lack of co-ordination. Many survivors dont have the money or technology to attend the Popes visit, he said. The survivors had zero choice as children, and now some await approval from the very systems that tore them from their families, homes, culture and identity as children is absolutely ludicrous, he said in a recent news release. The federal government is putting up $30.5 million for community-led activities, ceremonies and travel for survivors during the visit. Despite logistical challenges, the importance of the trip has pushed many forward to attend. A large group organized by the Manitoba Metis Federation has rented buses to drive over two days to Alberta. Andrew Carrier, who is a day school survivor, says he felt silenced for years after he was sexually abused by a priest. His father was also abused, Carrier says. Its a legacy that will weigh heavy on his heart as he rides the highways across the vast Prairies. Its really important as part of the healing journey to be heard and to be recognized by the Pope, Carrier says. Carrier, like many Manitoba Metis citizens, is Catholic. He says the papal visit will be crucial to their healing and to forge pathways forward with the church. Its an opportunity for closure, he says. Sol Mamakwa, deputy leader of Ontarios opposition New Democrats, says he spoke with survivors and spiritual leaders before deciding to participate in the papal tour stops in Alberta. He also attended a residential school. I chose to go because there needs to be more voice for the people in the fly-in First Nations that I represent, says Mamakwa, who represents the northern Ontario riding of Kiiwetinoong. Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Grand Chief Garrison Settee, who represents northern First Nations in Manitoba, says while he hopes to hear a sincere apology from Francis, the acknowledgment wont make a difference to everyone. Healing happens differently for all of us, Settee said in a recent news release. There is no right way to heal from the generational trauma that has been inflicted upon our people due to the residential school system. This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 21, 2022. With files from Holly McKenzie-Sutter in Toronto Researchers from Oregon and Portland state universities have identified ways to improve pedestrian safety at crosswalks, particularly for pedestrians 65 and older. The researchers looked at four years of Oregon crash data and found that older pedestrians were over-represented in traffic accidents, especially involving left-turn traffic signals. As a group, older pedestrians are more frail, walk more slowly and are at increased risk of falling while walking, David Hurwitz, a transportation engineering researcher at OSU, said in a press release. And some of those people may also have an inhibited ability to make safe road-crossing decisions due to vision or hearing impairments and cognitive decline. In 2020, there were 709 pedestrian deaths nationwide in the 65-74 age range, accounting for 20% of total road-user deaths in that age bracket. Similarly, in Oregon, about 20% of traffic fatalities involved drivers 65 and older. The fatality rate triggered a rule requiring Oregon to include strategies to address the issue in its State Strategic Highway Safety Plan update. Oregon Department of Transportation "was looking to make systemic and systematic changes to address this issue, Hurwitz said in an interview with Mid-Valley Media. The intention was looking at what the agency can do to identify what these specific problems might be, how theyre distributed across time and space and what levers we can pull within the agencys purview to solve them. Hurwitz added that Oregon is not atypical in older drivers being over-represented in this issue; its a nationwide problem. Researchers came up with three recommendations that could help decrease these fatalities: Improve visibility and illumination Increase the use of left-turn traffic signals Shorten crossing distances About one in five crashes the researchers looked at occurred in dark places with limited street lighting. Hurwitz said better lighting at intersections, including rapid flashing beacons and LED warning signs, would likely help a lot. Additionally, converting permissive left turns into protected left turns would help to clarify when it is safe for a driver to turn. In a permissive left turn, Hurwitz said, drivers are so concerned looking for a gap in traffic they often fail to look out for pedestrians. Some cities, including Portland, use slow turn wedges and hardened center lines, which force left-turning vehicles to slow down and watch where they are going. Quality journalism doesn't happen without your help Support local news coverage and the people who report it by subscribing to the Corvallis Gazette-Times. Hurwitz said the results were communicated to 20 key leaders in several areas of transportation safety to aid in their decision-making process around this issue. From the perspective of universal design, a benefit is that treatments aimed at making older pedestrians safer enhance the safety of all pedestrians, Hurwitz said in the press release. Our main objective was identifying low-cost treatments that could be widely implemented, but looking at ways to address speeding may also help improve older pedestrian safety and should be a focus of future work. WASHINGTON (AP) The right to use contraceptives would be enshrined in law under a measure that Democrats pushed through the House on Thursday, their latest campaign-season response to concerns a conservative Supreme Court that already erased federal abortion rights could go further. The Houses 228-195 roll call was largely along party lines and sent the measure to the Senate, where it seemed doomed. The bill is the latest example of Democrats latching onto their own version of culture war battles to appeal to female, progressive and minority voters by casting the court and Republicans as extremists intent on obliterating rights taken for granted for years. Democrats said that with the high court recently overturning the landmark Roe v. Wade decision from 1973, the justices and GOP lawmakers are on track to go even further than banning abortions. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., makes a point during an event with Democratic women House members and advocates for reproductive freedom ahead of the vote on the Right to Contraception Act, at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, July 20, 2022. She is flanked by Rep. Kathy Manning, D-N.C., and Rep. Lauren Underwood, D-Ill. Democrats are pushing legislation through the House that would inscribe the right to use contraceptives into law. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) This extremism is about one thing: control of women. We will not let this happen, said Rep. Kathy Manning, D-N.C., who sponsored the legislation. All of the bills nearly 150 co-sponsors are Democrats. Addressing fellow lawmakers, she added, Women and girls across this country are watching you, and they want to know: Are you willing to stand up for them? In his opinion overturning Roe last month, Justice Clarence Thomas wrote that the court should now review other precedents. He mentioned rulings that affirmed the rights of same-sex marriage in 2015, same-sex intimate relationships in 2003 and married couples use of contraceptives in 1965. Thomas did not specify a 1972 decision that legalized the use of contraceptives by unmarried people as well, but Democrats say they consider that at risk as well. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., meets with reporters ahead of a planned vote in the House that would inscribe the right to use contraceptives into law, a response to the conservative Supreme Court, at the Capitol in Washington, Thursday, July 21, 2022. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) Republicans said the bill went too far. They said it would lead to more abortions, which supporters deny, allow the use of drugs not yet fully approved by the Food and Drug Administration and force health care providers to offer contraceptives, even if that contradicted their religious beliefs. Women deserve the truth, not more fear and misinformation that forces an extreme agenda on the American people, said Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash. Every Democrat supported the legislation, while Republicans overwhelmingly opposed it by 195-8. The House Democrats campaign committee quickly jumped on that disparity, with spokesperson Helen Kalla saying her party will fight to protect womens freedoms from the GOPs sinister agenda. The measure seemed destined to become a campaign issue and not law. Minutes after House passage, Republicans blocked quick Senate approval of a similar bill. Support by at least 10 GOP senators would be needed to reach 60 votes, the threshold required for most legislation to pass in that chamber, which is divided 50-50. The contraception bill explicitly allows the use of contraceptives and gives the medical community the right to provide them, covering any device or medication used to prevent pregnancy. Listed examples include oral contraceptives, injections, implants like intrauterine devices and emergency contraceptives, which prevent pregnancy several days after unprotected sex. The bill lets the federal and state government, patients and health care providers bring civil suits against states or state officials that violate its provisions. House Democrats have begun forcing votes on several issues related to privacy rights, hoping for long-shot victories or to at least energize sympathetic voters and donors and force Republicans from competitive districts into difficult spots. The House voted last week to revive a nationwide right to abortion, with every Republican voting no, and voted largely along party lines to bar prosecuting women traveling to states where abortion remains legal. Neither is expected to survive in the Senate. Yet the House voted Tuesday to keep same-sex marriage legal, with 47 Republicans joining all Democrats in backing the measure. Though 157 Republicans voted no, that tally raised expectations that the bill could win enough support for GOP senators to pass, sending it to President Joe Biden for his signature. Nearly all adults, 92%, called birth control morally acceptable in a Gallup poll in May. A PRRI poll in June showed about 8 in 10 said they opposed laws that restrict what types of birth control can be used to prevent pregnancy. Even so, anti-abortion groups and Republican leaders oppose the contraception legislation, and there was no immediate sign that significant numbers of GOP senators would be willing to defy them. In contrast, same-sex marriage has such firm public acceptance and is such a clear-cut issue that growing numbers of Republicans have been willing to vote for it. Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America said the contraception legislation seeks to bail out the abortion industry, trample conscience rights, and require uninhibited access to dangerous chemical abortion drugs. The National Right to Life Committee said it goes far beyond the scope of contraception and would cover abortion pills like RU486, which supporters said was incorrect. The measure drew a mixed reaction Wednesday from two of the Senates more moderate Republicans. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, said she was most likely to support the measure. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, demurred, saying she was working on bipartisan legislation that she said would codify the rights to abortion and perhaps for contraception. There are few state restrictions on contraceptive use, said Elizabeth Nash, who studies state reproductive health policies for the Guttmacher Institute, a research organization that supports abortion rights. Nash said she was concerned that there will be efforts to curb emergency contraceptives and intrauterine devices and to help providers and institutions refuse to provide contraceptive services. ___ Associated Press writers Farnoush Amiri and Hannah Fingerhut contributed to this report. LONDON (AP) As the World Health Organizations emergency committee convened Thursday to consider for the second time within weeks whether to declare monkeypox a global crisis, some scientists said the striking differences between the outbreaks in Africa and in developed countries will complicate any coordinated response. African officials say they are already treating the continents epidemic as an emergency. But experts elsewhere say the mild version of monkeypox in Europe, North America and beyond makes an emergency declaration unnecessary even if the virus cant be stopped. British officials recently downgraded their assessment of the disease, given its lack of severity. I remain concerned about the number of cases, in an increasing number of countries, that have been reported, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told the emergency committee as its meeting got underway. FILE - This 2003 electron microscope image made available by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows mature, oval-shaped monkeypox virions, left, and spherical immature virions, right, obtained from a sample of human skin associated with the 2003 prairie dog outbreak. (Cynthia S. Goldsmith, Russell Regner/CDC via AP, File) He said it was pleasing to note falling numbers of monkeypox cases in some countries but that the virus is still increasing elsewhere and that six countries reported their first infections last week. Monkeypox has been entrenched for decades in parts of central and western Africa, where diseased wild animals occasionally infect people in rural areas in relatively contained epidemics. The disease in Europe, North America and beyond has circulated since at least May among gay and bisexual men. The epidemic in rich countries was likely triggered by sex at two raves in Spain and Belgium. Some experts worry these and other differences could possibly deepen existing medical inequities between poor and wealthy nations. California State Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon talks during a news conference at Out Here Sexual Health Center, in the Baldwin Hills section of Los Angeles on Wednesday, July 20, 2022. Rendon joined LGBTQ+ leaders in Los Angeles on Wednesday to demand that monkeypox be declared a national public emergency, saying perhaps the federal response would have been quicker if the heterosxeual community were primarily affected. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel) There are now more than 15,000 monkeypox cases worldwide. While the United States, Britain, Canada and other countries have bought millions of vaccines, none have gone to Africa, where a more severe version of monkeypox has already killed more than 70 people. Rich countries havent yet reported any monkeypox deaths. Whats happening in Africa is almost entirely separate from the outbreak in Europe and North America, said Dr. Paul Hunter, a professor of medicine at Britains University of East Anglia who previously advised WHO on infectious diseases. The U.N. health agency said this week that outside of Africa, 99% of all reported monkeypox cases are in men and of those, 98% are in men who have sex with other men. Still, the disease can infect anyone in close, physical contact with a monkeypox patient, regardless of their sexual orientation. In these very active gay sexual networks, you have men who really, really dont want people to know what theyre doing and may not themselves always know who they are having sex with, Hunter said. Some of those men may be married to women or have families unaware of their sexual activity, which makes contact tracing extremely difficult and even things like asking people to come forward for testing, Hunter said, explaining why vaccination may be the most effective way to shut down the outbreak. Thats probably not the case in Africa, where limited data suggests monkeypox is mainly jumping into people from infected animals. Although African experts acknowledge they could be missing cases among gay and bisexual men, given limited surveillance and stigmatization against LGBTQ people, authorities have relied on standard measures like isolation and education to control the disease. Dr. Placide Mbala, a virologist who directs the global health department at Congos Institute of National Biomedical Research, said there are also noticeable differences between patients in Africa and the West. We see here (in Congo) very quickly, after three to four days, visible lesions in people exposed to monkeypox, Mbala said, adding that someone with so many visible lesions is unlikely to go out in public, thus preventing further transmission. But in countries including Britain and the U.S., doctors have observed some infected people with only one or two lesions, often in their genitals. You wouldnt notice that if youre just with that person in a taxi or a bar, Mbala said. So in the West, people without these visible lesions may be silently spreading the disease. He said different approaches in different countries will likely be needed to stop the global outbreak, making it challenging to adopt a single response strategy worldwide, like those for Ebola and COVID-19. Dr. Dimie Ogoina, a professor of medicine at Nigerias Niger Delta University, said he feared the worlds limited vaccine supplies would result in a repeat of the problems that arose in the coronavirus pandemic, when poorer countries were left empty-handed after rich countries hoarded most of the doses. It does not make sense to just control the outbreak in Europe and America, because you will then still have the (animal) source of the outbreak in Africa, said Ogoina, who sits on WHOs monkeypox emergency committee. This week, U.S. officials said more than 100,000 monkeypox vaccine doses were being sent to states in the next few days, with several million more on order for the months ahead. The U.S. has reported more than 2,000 cases so far, with hundreds more added every day. Some U.S. public health experts have begun to wonder if the outbreak is becoming widespread enough that monkeypox will become a new sexually transmitted disease. Declaring monkeypox to be a global emergency could also inadvertently worsen the rush for vaccines, despite the mildness of the disease being seen in most countries. Dr. Hugh Adler, who treats monkeypox patients in Britain, said there arent many serious cases or infections beyond gay and bisexual men. Still, he said it was frustrating that more vaccines werent available, since the outbreak was doubling about every two weeks in the U.K.. If reclassifying monkeypox as a global emergency will make (vaccines available), then maybe thats what needs to be done, he said. But in an ideal world, we should be able to make the necessary interventions without the emergency declaration. CLEVELAND (AP) Hakizimana Muvunye, a refugee from Congo who lives in Cleveland, is a man doing his best. Hes the owner of Asante Landscaping but has only five clients so he also drives for Uber. I need to take care of my family, he said. Muvunye and his wife, Irene Twizere, have five children. Muvunye came to Cleveland in February 2016 from Uganda after fleeing armed conflict and insecurity in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Now hes striving to build his business. Hes counting on US Together, a nonprofit that provides services to refugees and immigrants, and especially its Microenterprise Development program to help him achieve this goal. Victor Harerimana poses for a photograph in Cleveland on May 4, 2022. Harerimana is a Congolese refugee who used the Microenterprise Development program to launch Equity Languages and Employment Services, a business he co-owns. (Michael Indriolo via AP) The program, which helps eligible refugees and immigrants develop, finance, and expand small businesses, was vital to starting Asante Landscaping. The staff helped Muvunye register the company with the Ohio Secretary of State and apply for loans that he needed. Funded by the federal Office of Refugee Resettlement for the past five years, the program has helped more than 30 entrepreneurs gain access to nearly $50,000 in startup capital and credit-building loans. In total, 89 participants have registered to start a business. Three local participants have opened brick-and-mortar stores, with a fourth on the way. The partnership between US Together and the federal resettlement office is an example of how nonprofits and government agencies are working together here and in other regions, such as Buffalo, N.Y., to help as the number of refugees coming to the United States, especially from Afghanistan and Ukraine, is increasing. Welcoming new refugees and immigrants matters to the Midwest and other regions because they may help shift declining populations and boost local economies with new businesses. US Together wants to expand what it does and who it serves, but right now it is working to find new sources of funding because the five-year federal grant that provided the programs $70,000 annual budget expires in September. The nonprofit has applied to have the grant renewed. We have a little bridge funding available that might sustain us a few months past September, said Evan Chwalek, economic integration coordinator at US Together. Also, the nonprofit is in the early stages of seeking other government and foundation grants to stabilize the program. Money from a new refugee-assistance program planned in Cuyahoga County could be tapped for help. And US Together hopes to partner with Global Cleveland, a nonprofit working to increase the number of international newcomers to the region, to eventually develop a business incubator program. Joe Cimperman. president of Global Cleveland, says programs to help newcomers need support from all sectors. Programs like this should absolutely be supported and roundly invested in, and not just by the public sector, Cimperman said. We need to wake up to this. People tend to look at immigrants and refugees as charity cases. Lets make it easier for them to make money and hire people. Cleveland, like many other Midwestern cities, has seen a decline in population over the years. According to the U.S. census, Clevelands population decreased by 6 percent over the past 10 years. Northeast Ohio lost 1.6 percent of its population from 2007 to 2017, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland. However, the number of immigrants and refugees coming to the region is increasing because of people fleeing Afghanistan and Ukraine, said Maria Teverovsky, director of development at US Together. Weve had an unprecedented wave of migration in Northeast Ohio, coupled with an unprecedented migration crisis internationally, she said. Ohio ranked sixth in the number of refugees resettled in 2019, just behind states with larger populations like California, New York, and Texas. About 1,500 refugees resettled in Ohio in 2019, with about 500 coming yearly to Cleveland. And as they arrive, many of them bring an entrepreneurial spirit. Studies show that refugees and immigrants are more likely than people born in the United States to start businesses. While migrants are 15 percent of the U.S. population, they represent 25 percent of entrepreneurs. Community Refugee and Immigration Services, a nonprofit in Columbus, says refugee businesses generate $605.7 million per year in economic impact in the Columbus region alone. But other regions are competing with Northeast Ohio to attract new international residents and the potential for new businesses. According to a 2021 study by Cleveland State University, Cleveland ranks in the bottom third among other midsize U.S. cities in the number of foreign-born individuals. To increase the number of businesses owned by people of color, refugees, and immigrants, Northeast Ohio has to invest in efforts that support them, the study said. The only way were going to thrive is by welcoming international newcomers, Cimperman said. Yet its something we take for granted. Our economy depends on new bodies, new blood, new innovation. Baiju Shah, CEO of Greater Cleveland Partnership, the regions chamber of commerce, says welcoming refugees and immigrants is a huge priority. When people come over here from another country, how do we make sure we retain them? he said. Historically, were a region welcoming people from around the world and around the country. It has to be part of our strategy. Victor Harerimana, co-owner of Equity Languages and Employment Services, is also a Congolese refugee. He used the Microenterprise Development program to launch his business. He chose to start an interpretation business after working as an interpreter at Catholic Charities in Cleveland. US Togethers program helped Harerimana apply for a $1,200 loan for his business. We were able to operate in Ohio and New York and make money to help us continue, he said. In Buffalo, the Office of Refugee Resettlement also provided money to a nonprofit to help refugees start businesses. In 2018, Journeys End Refugee Services created the Buffalo Refugee Child Care Microenterprise Project to assist refugees from Burma, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Iraq, Nepal, Rwanda, and Somalia. They started child-care businesses using a $562,500 grant from the resettlement office. Carolynn Welch, executive director of the Westminster Economic Development Initiative, said in a Buffalo News interview, the immigrant and refugee population has revitalized some neighborhoods there. In the Cleveland area, Cuyahoga County leaders recently issued a request for proposals to help fund organizations that provide social services, employment services, and legal services to refugees and immigrants. The county expects to award a total of $1 million over three years. Meanwhile, US Together wants to expand its development program to serve new populations, especially legal immigrants who dont yet have refugee status, Teverovsky said. In addition to applying for grants, officials at the nonprofit are working with Global Cleveland to explore creating an incubator to offer help and resources to new businesses. They are looking for long-term funding options and a strategy that helps them serve more potential business owners beyond who they can help now due to state and federal regulations. Due to regulatory limits within the state of Ohio, were unable to lend more than $5,000 to our clients, : said Evan Chwalek of US Together. Increasing that ceiling would be really helpful to us as were hearing from lots of potential entrepreneurs, particularly in the transportation sector, who require more capital to get their businesses started. ____ Reporting for this article is part of a Chronicle of Philanthropy fellowship with local news organizations and was underwritten by a Lilly Endowment grant to enhance public understanding of philanthropy. The Land is solely responsible for the content in this article. For all of APs philanthropy coverage, visit https://apnews.com/hub/philanthropy. NICOSIA, Cyprus (AP) A plan to develop a sizeable natural gas field off Cyprus that could help the European Union find alternative energy sources to Russia will be ready by the end of the year, the east Mediterranean island nations energy minister said Thursday. Energy Minister Natasa Pilides said another well is expected to be drilled at the Aphrodite field in the next few months and will be used to gather additional information about the deposits size and to extract gas at a later stage. Initially discovered in 2011, the Aphrodite field is estimated to hold up to 4.4 trillion cubic feet of gas. Chevron, along with partners Dutch Shell and Israeli NewMed Energy, now own the drilling rights to the field. Aphrodite sits close to the massive Leviathan gas field, which is also jointly operated by Chevron and NewMed. You know how important Cyprus is to Chevron and the eastern Mediterranean region, Clay, Neff, the president of Chevrons Middle East, Africa and South America division, told reporters after talks with the Cypriot minister. We believe that this project again will provide very important natural gas supply to the region and the world. Pilides said the original six options on how best to develop the field have been whittled down to four. Although details are sparse because of non-disclosure agreements, Pilides said the options include processing the gas at plants in Idku, Egypt, or elsewhere for export. The selected development plan will determine the actual timeline for getting the gas to markets, Pilides said. The minister said Moscows invasion of Ukraine had provided an extra impetus to the search for alternative sources of energy. Prospects for the Aphrodite field as well as other gas deposits discovered off Cyprus received a boost after the European Union confirmed that natural gas could act as a bridge fuel until 2050 as part of the blocs transition to cleaner energy. The EUs outlook gives energy companies a more reliable timeframe so they know that the project is definitely viable, Pilides said. Thats the feedback that weve had, that there is definite, a definite view in favor of the viability of the project, which is a big step forward. And for that reason, yes, there is a sort of willingness to expedite, he said. ExxonMobil and partner Qatar Energy, as well as a consortium made up of Frances Total and Italys Eni, together hold drilling rights in eight of the 13 blocks that make up Cyprus offshore economic zone. MADRID (AP) Europes spate of fierce wildfires abated somewhat Thursday amid cooler temperatures, with French firefighters starting to get the upper hand over two major blazes, Spain taming a fire that killed two people and no new outbreaks reported in Portugal. But a fire in Slovenia on the border with Italy kicked up strongly Thursday, forcing the evacuation of three villages. Spanish firefighters were tackling nine blazes, with two said to be especially dangerous in the northwestern Galicia region. Some of the 11,000 people evacuated because of the fires in Spain began returning home, and a major highway in the northwestern Zamora province reopened after two days. A firefighting plane drops water during fire extinguish works near Tabara, north-west Spain, Wednesday, July 20, 2022. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue) Temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) and a drought have worsened Spains wildfires this year. Thursdays highest temperature in Spain was forecast to be 32 C (90 F). In France, more than a week of round-the-clock battling against ferocious flames by more than 2,000 firefighters and up to 10 water-dropping planes was slowly winning out against two major wildfires in the tinder-dry pine forests in southwestern France. The Gironde regions fire service said both blazes, which had forced the evacuation of tens of thousands of people, were contained. A firefighter sprays water at a burnt forest in Hostens, southwest France, Thursday, July 21, 2022. Officials said, the fires in southwest France are increasingly under control. (AP Photo/Bob Edme) Although firefighters in France were still tamping down hot spots that could reignite blazes, the fire service said it expects to have tamed the fires embers within days. Officials said they will probably be able to declare the fires completely extinguished within weeks. Officials in Slovenia, meanwhile, said the raging blaze in the southwestern Kras region was the biggest since the country became an independent nation in 1991. The fire is nowhere near its end, Srecko Sestan, head of Slovenias civil protection service, told the official STA news agency. The fire has engulfed 2,000 hectares (nearly 5,000 acres) and set off unexploded ordnance left over from World War I. More than 1,000 firefighters have been fighting the blaze, aided by the Slovenian army and police, as well as helicopters from Austria, Slovakia and Croatia. In Bosnia, a days-long fire in the southern Blidinje nature park prompted authorities to declare a natural disaster because of the danger it posed to a protected conservation area. ___ Follow all AP stories on climate change and the environment at https://apnews.com/hub/climate-and-environment. RICHMOND, Va. (AP) A month after some members of Congress urged Google to limit the appearance of anti-abortion pregnancy centers in certain abortion-related search results, 17 Republican attorneys general are warning the company that doing so could invite investigations and possible legal action. Suppressing pro-life and pro-mother voices at the urging of government officials would violate the most fundamental tenet of the American marketplace of ideas, the attorneys general wrote in a letter Thursday to Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google and its parent company. The effort was led by Republican Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares and Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron, and the letter was shared with The Associated Press ahead of its public release. FILE - A cursor moves over Google's search engine page Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2018, in Portland, Ore. Some federal lawmakers urged Google last month to limit the appearance of anti-abortion pregnancy clinics in certain abortion-related search results. Now, 17 Republican attorneys general, including Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares, are warning the company that doing so could invite legal action. Their letter Thursday, July 21, 2022, to the CEO of Google parent Alphabet Inc. criticizes the letter signed by 21 members of Congress, which points to the prominence of anti-abortion pregnancy clinics in searches for abortion services. (AP Photo/Don Ryan, File) The Republicans took issue with a June 17 letter to the company from U.S. Sen. Mark Warner, D-Virginia, and Rep. Elissa Slotkin, D-Michigan, which was co-signed by 19 other members of Congress. That letter cited research by the nonprofit Center for Countering Digital Hate, which found that Google searches for abortion clinic near me and abortion pill turned up results for centers that counsel clients against having an abortion. Some of these places, known as crisis pregnancy centers, also have been accused of providing misleading information about abortion and contraception. Many are religiously affiliated. Directing women towards fake clinics that traffic in misinformation and dont provide comprehensive health services is dangerous to womens health and undermines the integrity of Googles search results, said the June letter, which was authored after the leak of a draft opinion indicating the U.S. Supreme Court would overturn the landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling that legalized abortion nationwide. The court took that step June 24. The Democrat-led group asked Google to address what steps it would take to limit the appearance of crisis pregnancy centers in its search results, ads and maps results for users who search for abortion clinic, abortion pill or other similar terms. The group also asked the company if it would add disclaimers to address whether or not a clinic provides abortions. New York Attorney General Letitia James office also raised similar concerns in a separate June letter to Google. The letter from the Republican AGs defends the work of crisis pregnancy centers. It notes that such centers often provide services such as free ultrasounds, pregnancy tests, testing for sexually transmitted diseases, and parenting and prenatal education classes. It also argues that at least some Google users who search for information about abortion expect to find information about alternatives. They wrote that if the company complies with this inappropriate demand to bias its search results, their offices would respond by investigating whether there had been any violation of antitrust or religious discrimination laws. They also pledged to consider whether new legislation would help protect consumers and markets. We trust that you will treat this letter with the seriousness these issues require, and hope you will decide that Googles search results must not be subject to left-wing political pressure, which would actively harm women seeking essential assistance. If you do not, we must avail ourselves of all lawful and appropriate means of protecting the rights of our constituents, of upholding viewpoint diversity, free expression, and the freedom of religion for all Americans, and of making sure that our markets are free in fact, not merely in theory, the letter said. It asked the California-based company to respond within 14 days and explain whether it has or will take any steps to treat crisis pregnancy centers any differently than before the leak of the draft Supreme Court decision. Google did not respond to requests for comment Thursday. A spokeswoman for Warner said the senator had not received a response to the June letter. But Imran Ahmed, CEO of the Center for Countering Digital Hate, said his organization believes Google recently made a small change in response to its research. In cases of searches for abortion clinic near me, the company appears to have changed a maps results headline to say Places instead of Abortion clinic, according to the center, which monitors online disinformation and provided its research and screenshots of examples to AP. Miyares, who defeated incumbent Democrat Mark Herring in November, recently traveled to a Lynchburg crisis pregnancy center that was vandalized after the Supreme Courts ruling, condemning what he called an act of political violence. Google and other Big Tech companies also have faced recent calls for more stringent privacy controls to address concerns that information about location, texts, searches and emails could be used against people seeking to end unwanted pregnancies. Google announced this month that it would automatically purge information about users who visit abortion clinics or other places that could trigger legal problems in light of the high courts ruling. NEW YORK (AP) Michelle Obama will have a book out this fall, The Light We Carry, in which she reflects upon her experiences and shares insights on navigating an increasingly stressful world. Its the former first ladys first entirely new work since the 2018 release of her acclaimed blockbuster Becoming, which has sold more than 17 million copies worldwide, surpassing the sales of any memoir by a previous first lady or modern president, including her husband, former President Barack Obama. Ive learned its okay to recognize that self-worth comes wrapped in vulnerability, and that what we share as humans on this earth is the impulse to strive for better, always and no matter what, Michelle Obama writes in the books introduction, included in Thursdays announcement by the Random House Publishing Group and its imprint Crown. FILE - Former first lady Michelle Obama speaks at the Culture of Democracy Summit in Los Angeles, June 13, 2022. Michelle Obama will have a book out this fall, "The Light We Carry," in which she reflects upon her experiences and shares insights on navigating an increasingly stressful world. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File) We become bolder in brightness. If you know your light, you know yourself. You know your own story in an honest way. In my experience, this type of self-knowledge builds confidence, which in turn breeds calmness and an ability to maintain perspective, which leads, finally, to being able to connect meaningfully with others and this to me is the bedrock of all things. The new book is not part of the reported eight-figure deal the Obamas reached in 2017, shortly after he left office, with parent company Penguin Random House for their respective memoirs. A spokesperson declined to discuss financial terms for The Light We Carry. Crown will publish the 336-page book Nov. 15, almost exactly four years after the release of Becoming, and has announced a first printing of 2.75 million copies for the U.S. and Canada. The Light We Carry: Overcoming in Uncertain Times will come out simultaneously in 14 languages and 27 countries, with additional rights deals expected. This image released by Random House shows "The Light We Carry" by former first lady and author Michelle Obama. (Random House via AP) In The Light We Carry, Mrs. Obama offers readers a series of fresh stories and insightful reflections on change, challenge, and power, including her belief that when we light up for others, we can illuminate the richness and potential of the world around us, discovering deeper truths and new pathways for progress, the publishers announcement reads in part. Drawing from her experiences as a mother, daughter, spouse, friend, and First Lady, she shares the habits and principles she has developed to successfully adapt to change and overcome various obstacles the earned wisdom that helps her continue to become. On Thursday, Penguin Random House announced it was renaming an annual writing prize in her honor, the $10,000 Michelle Obama Award for Memoir, part of an awards program for public high school students the company launched in 1993. Since completing Becoming, Michelle Obama has written an edition for younger readers and launched a podcast. With Barack Obama and their production company Higher Ground she has worked on such projects as the Oscar-winning documentary American Factory and a documentary about her tour for Becoming, when she appeared at arenas nationwide with such guest interviewers as Oprah Winfrey and Sarah Jessica Parker. Promotional plans for The Light We Carry will be announced later. Crown is also the longtime publisher of Barack Obama, himself a million-selling author. A Promised Land, the first of two planned memoirs about his presidency, came out in 2020. A spokesperson declined to comment on when the next book will be released. A new lunar rover is under development by Lockheed Martin and Goodyear as NASA gears up for a return to the moon. Unlike the rover first used during the Apollo 15 mission in 1971, built to last only a few days and for short trips, the new lunar vehicle is being built for extended use. And this time, its not just for NASA. Were developing this new generation of lunar mobility vehicle to be available to NASA and for commercial companies and even other space agencies to support science and human exploration, said Kirk Shireman, vice president of Lunar Exploration at Lockheed Martin. This approach exemplifies NASAs desire for industry to take the lead with commercial efforts that enable the agency to be one of many customers. Neil Armstrong became the first person to step onto the moons surface on this day in 1969 as part of the Apollo 11 mission. Goodyear, which was also involved in NASAs Apollo missions, will employ the airless tire technology it uses here for autonomous shuttles and other passenger vehicles. Lockheed Martin, based in Fort Worth, Texas, has worked with NASA for more than 50 years, including NASAs Orion exploration-class spaceship for Artemis and numerous Mars planetary spacecraft. The lunar vehicles will need to withstand extreme conditions on the moons surface, where temperatures drop to -250 degrees Fahrenheit (-156.67 degrees Celsius) at night and rise to over 250 degrees Fahrenheit (121.11 degrees Celsius) during the day. Aside from Goodyear, based in Akron, Ohio, and Lockheed Martin, MDA of Canada will provide its commercial robotic arm technology for the vehicles. The companies anticipate having their first vehicle on the moons surface at the same time as NASAs mission, planned for 2025. Its Kids, Critters and Cotton Candy at the 2022 Benton County Fair & Rodeo, set for Wednesday, Aug. 3 through Saturday, 6 in Corvallis. This years fair will offer carnival rides, 4-H livestock, performers, live music, three nights of rodeo, vaccine clinics and fair food, according to a news release. Rainier Amusements will provide a full array of experiences, including gentle kiddie rides, tried-and-true family favorites and over-the-top twisters for older, more adventurous thrill seekers. All-day ride wristbands are $30 in advance and $40 at the gate. In addition to two nights of exciting Northwest Pro Rodeo Association-sanctioned rodeo (Aug. 4 and 5), the fair will present the Larry Bell Memorial All Girls Rodeo on opening day (Aug. 3). Participants in 4-H will show their cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, chickens and rabbits. Visit the livestock sheds and talk to the 4-H participants about their animals. The Backyard is an old-fashioned backyard gaming area for checkers, giant chess, badminton and more. Let the little ones play with giant waffle blocks and toddler puzzles. Explore the sensory discovery tables, try out the Kids Fit obstacle course and tease your brain with Puzzlemania. The fairs main building is now called the Funporium. Families will find a host of fun activities, including shopping, robotics demonstrations, model train displays and a mobile escape room. Quality journalism doesn't happen without your help Support local news coverage and the people who report it by subscribing to the Corvallis Gazette-Times. The Family Fun Stage will present the Tanzanite African Acrobats and Twisty the Great Comedy Illusionist, sponsored by Alyrica. The Oak Grove Stage will return with Karen Quest Cowgirl Tricks and the Salsa Steel Drums. The stage will also host the Willamette Valley Fiddle Contest and the 4-H Awards Ceremony, sponsored by Wilco. Strolling performers will be part of the fair. Sterling the Bubblesmith will be blowing amazing bubbles throughout the day, while Coventry & Kaluza entertain guests with their entertaining antics, and look up to see the Radiance Works stilt walker. The Main Stage, sponsored by Pioneer Connect, will feature live music each night: Wednesday, Aug. 3: Briana Renea opens for Chase Bryant Thursday, Aug. 4: Fat Bottomed Girls opens for The Springsteen Experience, A Tribute to the Boss Friday, Aug. 5: Catherine Loyer and Strawberry Roan opens for Colt Ford Saturday, Aug. 6: Yesterday: A Tribute to the Beatles opens for Kenny Metcalf as Elton, the Early Years (Elton John Tribute) All concerts are free with fair admission. The Benton Oaks Tap House gives fairgoers a chance to relax in the oak grove and enjoy 18 types of local craft beers and ciders, wine and 4 Spirits Whiskey. And no fair would be complete without blue ribbon-winning exhibits, contests and yummy fair food. The Benton County Health Department will host a coronavirus vaccine clinic at the fair, 1 to 7 p.m. every day in the auditorium. Everyone 6 months and older is now eligible to receive the vaccine. Everyone 5 years and older should get a booster dose five months after their last dose. Those age 50 and older or who have an immunocompromising condition are eligible for a second booster. The vaccine is free, no appointment is necessary, and you do not need to live in Benton County or present identification to receive the vaccine. Discounts on fair admission follow: Wednesday, Aug. 3, Family Fun Day: children 16 and under free all day. Thursday, Aug. 4, Senior Day: seniors 60+ free all day. Veterans and active military members can enjoy free fair admission every day with military identification. Carnival and fair admission tickets are on sale now. Buy in advance and save. For more information, call 541-766-6521 or visit www.bentoncountyfair.net. Manitobas auditor general produced nine reports and came in under budget, according to an annual operations review released Thursday. Auditor general Tyson Shtykalo said in the 80-page document the nine reports in 2021-22 included subjects such as Manitobas implementation of Path to Reconciliation Act, aging information systems, and the education departments leadership of the K-12 COVID-19 pandemic response. At the same time, the auditor generals office was dealing with its own pandemic response while getting the job done, Shtykalo said. THE BRANDON SUN FILES Auditor general Tyson Shtykalo said in the 80-page document the nine reports in 2021-22 included subjects such as Manitobas implementation of Path to Reconciliation Act, aging information systems, and the education departments leadership of the K-12 COVID-19 pandemic response. Our office was closed to the public for much of the year, and staff continued to work remotely when feasible, he wrote, noting the office reopened in April. We overcame the challenges brought on by the pandemic, and as a team, I believe we are stronger than ever. Salaries and benefits were under budget by $681,000, or 12 per cent, due to several factors including resignations and retirements, maternity leave and some staff working a reduced work week and taking up to 20 days of unpaid leave, with no impact to their pensionable earnings. Operating expenses were also under budget, by $464,000 or 32 per cent, the auditor general reported. The office under-spent the professional fees budget by about $287,000, due to lower-than-anticipated need for outside assistance and external experts. The professional development budget was under-spent by $66,000, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the unavailability of in-person professional development opportunities and conferences. The information technology budget was under-spent by about $64,000, due to decreased costs for software licensing and IT support. The travel and parking budget fell by about $22,000, due to decreased travel and working from home during the pandemic, the auditor reported. The Auditor General Act requires all unspent funds be repaid to the minister of finance at the end of the fiscal year. The act establishes the auditor general as an officer of the Manitoba Legislative Assembly to provide it with independent information, advice and assurance. It doesnt entitle the auditor general to question the merits of policy objectives of government when conducting financial statement and project audits. On a June 23 flight home to California from Greece, 75-year-old Leonidas Dimou died of a heart attack above Manitoba, resulting in an emergency landing in Winnipeg. The Dimou familys tragedy has since become a weeks-long fight through bureaucratic red tape to repatriate his body from a Winnipeg funeral home. SUPPLIED Leonidas Dimou with son Nik Dimou. I cant bring him home, theyre giving me a hard time, son Nik Dimou told the Free Press from California on Wednesday. It shouldnt be hard just a paper to sign and give to the funeral director. Thats all you have to do. How hard is it? What does it take to send a body home? To ship a body out of Manitoba, the funeral director working with the family needs to receive a death certificate from the provinces Vital Statistics Branch. While the Dimou family lives in California, Dimous death is registered in Manitoba because it is technically where he died. After receiving the certificate that confirms the cause of death, a copy is sent to the communicable disease control department, which confirms the body is safe and then approved for shipping. Mike Vogiatzakis of Voyage Funeral Homes said his hands have been tied, even after paying a rush fee to receive the death certificate within two days. It was filed immediately after the home received the body, he said, however, Vital Statistics ignored multiple calls and emails from his staff over three weeks a disgusting lack of compassion for a family unable to fully grieve. It shouldnt be hard just a paper to sign and give to the funeral director. Thats all you have to do. How hard is it? What does it take to send a body home? Nik Dimou Hes been sitting in our work, literally decaying because we embalm to, really, prepare a body from the time of death to the time of a funeral service, Vogiatzakis said. Within one hour of the Free Press seeking comment from a provincial spokesperson on the issue, Vital Statistics contacted Vogiatzakis to say the certificate was ready. Its a sudden response after a long delay that should never have happened, Vogiatzakis said, adding the response from communicable disease control is still forthcoming. This is ridiculous, how Vital Statistics is treating people. Hows it fair that, for paperwork that took them an hour to do, if even that, we have a poor familys father pretty much unviewable now? the funeral home director said. The Vital Statistics website listed its average turnaround time as just over a week in late June and early July. Hes been sitting in our work, literally decaying because we embalm to, really, prepare a body from the time of death to the time of a funeral service. Mike Vogiatzakis When asked to explain how a weeks-long delay in receiving a death certificate could occur, an emailed statement from the province said applications can be delayed if they are incomplete, have errors or arent connected to a registered death. The spokesperson said the province wouldnt comment on the specifics of the Dimou case. Despite the naturally close relationship between funeral directors and Vital Statistics, Vogiatzakis said there is no direct line of communication. Its not the first complaint you hear about Vital Statistics, but this isnt a birth certificate or a marriage certificate, he said. This is a death certificate that people depend on to have their funeral on the other end and have some type of closure for the community that this gentleman lived in all his life. SUPPLIED Leonidas Dimou died of a heart attack on a flight over Manitoba. Nik Dimou described his father as a kind, religious man who made friends easily and was well-loved within Californias Greek community and beyond. He lived with his sons family, after his wife died a few years earlier. I want to bury him next to home. I want to see my father, I want to visit him at the grave, he said. The delay has taken away the familys ability to bury Dimou in line with its religious beliefs: Eastern Orthodox memorials include special services on multiple occasions, including the third, ninth and 40th days after death. The family has lost their chance to hold an open-casket service, Nik Dimou said, adding hes afraid he wont be able to properly bury his father by the 40th day, a service to commemorate his place in heaven. My dad was a peaceful, wonderful man here in America. Everybody loved the guy, he was gentle, he said. And then we get people (in Manitoba) treating us like were trash. Nik Dimou said after years of hearing positive things about Canada, hes been left with mixed feelings: while he has received unrelenting support from Vogiatzakis (who he found by reaching out to Manitobas Greek community), airport officials and other locals, hes shocked his fathers body has been allowed to sit so long with no communication from the provincial level. He doesnt plan to push the issue further after the body is returned to California: forgiveness, the son said, was a virtue his father extolled. Vogiatzakis said he never seen something like this happen before in his 43-year career: What a black eye for Manitoba. malak.abas@freepress.mb.ca Parts of Manitoba were slammed with more than 100 millimetres of rain Tuesday. Teulon Mayor Anna Pzadzierski is watching residents deal with flooding in a area already soaked by spring rainfall. Ive lived here for 54 years. Ive never seen water like weve had this year, she said. SUPPLIED Teulon Mayor Anna Pzadzierskis photo of flooding in the town, Monday. Ditches in the town were filled to the brim and basements flooded. Pzadzierski said her property has also been damaged. It started raining at 4 a.m. and didnt stop, Pzadzierski said. The ground here was saturated from the spring flooding, so really no place for it to go. Its something weve never had. Environment Canada reported Teulon was hit with 58.2 mm of rain over the 24-hour period on July 19. During the July 18 period, Teulon was hit with 117 mm of rain, said meteorologist Danielle Desjardins of Environment Canada. The town of Libau was hit the hardest in the province; it received 140 mm of rain Tuesday. (With) that amount of precipitation in that short period of time, the ground is going have trouble absorbing it and youre going to get some flooding, Desjardins said. On Twitter, Ralph Eichler, Manitobas economic development minister, said his shop and basement in Teulon had been flooded. Winnipeg has also reached record-breaking levels of rain, said Scott Kehler, president and chief scientist at Weatherlogics. So far this year, Winnipeg is at 528 millimetres of precipitation, which is actually more than we would normally get in an entire year, Kehler said. Up to (Tuesday), this is the most precipitation weve ever experienced. Numerous factors have contributed to this years unusually heavy rainfall. Colorado lows that moved across the Prairies this spring made April and May very wet months in Manitoba. The first half of the summer brought abundant thunderstorms. Those two months alone almost had 300 millimetres of precipitation, which is three to four times as normal, Kehler said. Were now at the point where were at this very large total. The heavy rainfalls are creating mixed feelings for farmers, said Morgan Cott, an agronomy extension specialist at the Manitoba Crop Alliance. Smaller crops are more likely to be affected, Cott said. It impacted seeding and planting, obviously, negatively, Cott said. It gave what was in the ground a rocky start because younger crops dont like to be sitting in water. Kehler said farmers he has worked with have said the rain has made it hard to get seeds in the ground and spray for pests. Crops such as corn and sunflowers drink a lot of water quite quickly, Cott said. During last years drought, farmers lost a lot of their yield, she added. With the heat the province has had as of late, the rain could help prevent drought. The crops that Im working with are doing well right now there are more good fields than bad fields, I would say, Cott said. Theyll probably be OK as long as we dont get more torrential downpours. Pazdzierski said the Town of Teulon is dealing with flooding, including draining the streets that were flooded. The towns dump, which is usually closed during the week, has opened to allow residents to dispose of damaged items. cierra.bettens@freepress.mb.ca Northern Manitoba residents taking up temporary residence in Winnipeg hotels after being forced to flee their wildfire-threatened communities hope to return home soon. Approximately 2,000 people have been evacuated from Mathias Colomb Cree Nation, some 820 kilometres northwest of Winnipeg, according to an estimate by the Canadian Red Cross 1,800 are staying in hotels in Winnipeg, The Pas, Thompson and Brandon. The wildfires nearing the Pukatawagan town site have grown substantially since first detection last week. ETHAN CAIRNS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Leroy Castel fled Mathias Colomb by train with his girlfriend and a nephew four days ago, and is now staying at a medical home on Stradbrook Avenue. Two fires have merged with a third, a Manitoba Wildfire Service spokesperson said Wednesday. The massive blaze is now estimated at nearly 270 square km in size and is less than one km from the community. Another fire about five km northeast of the Pukatawagan is estimated at 140 sq. km, the spokesperson said. Leroy Castel, 53, fled Mathias Colomb by train with his girlfriend and a nephew four days ago, and is now staying at a medical home on Stradbrook Avenue. ETHAN CAIRNS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Jimmy Colomb was also evacuated to The Pas four days ago by train, with just the clothes on his back. He then flew to Winnipeg. It was rough ride packed in a baggage car, Castel added, with just a small bag of clothes and important papers. He went to high school in Winnipeg, Castel said, visiting a hotel Wednesday afternoon, where many other evacuees and band leadership are staying. Its OK for me, because I know how to get around, but other people are in distress, because the environment, theyre not used to being in the city, Castel said. The biggest problem is the funding Red Cross hasnt given us any funding (yet) but theyre doing a good job getting us here. A Red Cross spokesman said Tuesday those staying in hotels will receive support until the communitys chief and council determine its safe to return, due to an agreement between the Red Cross and Indigenous Services Canada. Castel said hes not too worried about his house in Pukatawagan rather, hes concerned for two dogs he had to leave behind. Jimmy Colomb, 43, was also evacuated to The Pas four days ago by train, with just the clothes on his back. He then flew to Winnipeg. Colomb said hes frustrated with the support evacuees are receiving from band leadership, Red Cross and the federal government. He doesnt even have his identification, he said. I hope our band leadership can help us, Colomb said. Meantime, the fires have damaged a number of hydro poles leading into Pukatawagan, so there is currently no power, the wildfire service spokesperson said. One small spot fire in the community was quickly extinguished by crews on the ground. Manitoba Hydro will work to make repairs and restore power as soon as it is safe and they are able to access the area, the spokesperson said, adding the provincial Emergency Measures Organization and wildfire service are working with multiple agencies and First Nation leadership to ensure crews in the community are safe and have enough supplies. According to the province, there 63 active wildfires currently burning. Manitoba has obtained the help of 61 firefighters from Ontario, as well as four water bombers from the Northwest Territories. erik.pindera@freepress.mb.ca Twitter: @erik_pindera Nearly two years after vowing they wanted their day in court, three members of a Winnipeg family accused of staging a hate crime at their now-defunct River Heights restaurant remain outside the grasp of Manitoba prosecutors. Alexander and Oxana Berent and their son, Maxim Berent, were charged with public mischief after alleging their Corydon Avenue restaurant, BerMax Caffe and Bistro, had been the target of four antisemitic attacks in 2019. RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES BerMax Caffe + Bistro located at 1800 Corydon Ave. Arguing they had no financial supports in the city and were being ostracized by the local religious community, the three accused were given court approval to relocate to Los Angeles in January 2020, with the expectation they would return to Winnipeg for trial the following October. But as the trial date approached, and the COVID-19 pandemic was raging, the Berents, through their lawyers, told court they didnt have the resources to comply with a 14-day quarantine requirement if they returned to Winnipeg. OK.RU Maxim Berent, Oxana Berent, and Alexander Berent in 2011. The three owners of BerMax Caffe and Bistro have all been charged with public mischief for staging an antisemitic hate crime at the restaurant in 2019. Crown and defence lawyers agreed to cancel the trial, and issued warrants for the three accused on the understanding they would not be held in custody upon their return to Winnipeg or charged with failing to appear in court. Today, with mandatory quarantine requirements no longer in place, there is no indication the three accused have plans to return to Winnipeg, and no new trial dates have been set. I have not heard boo since the case was last in court (in October 2020), Oxana Berents lawyer, Michael Lazar, said Tuesday. I have not had any contact (with her) since very shortly after. Lawyer Phil Cramer represented Alexander Berent at the October 2020 hearing. He told the Free Press at the time the three accused maintain their innocence and want their day in court. Asked recently if he had been in contact with Berent or was aware of any plans to return to Winnipeg, Cramer told the Free Press: No comment. The status of the case remains unchanged, said Crown attorney Mike Himmelman. Our position is they are guilty, as before, he said. There is a warrant still outstanding and no court date has been set. The offence of mischief is punishable by up to five years in prison, thus meeting the threshold for extradition proceedings, said University of Manitoba law Prof. Gerard Kennedy. Whether justice officials would seriously consider the option is debatable. Extradition is a long and expensive process and normally reserved for more serious crimes. Whether or not the attorney general of Manitoba wants to go through the process will ultimately be a policy decision, Kennedy said. Police arrested the trio in April 2019, days after they alleged Oxana had been assaulted during a break-in at the restaurant. The family claimed robbers trashed the restaurant, spray-painted the word Jew on the floor and sketched a swastika on a wall. Security video from multiple locations cast doubt on the familys claims, police alleged in search warrant documents filed with the court. RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES BerMax Caffe + Bistro and antisemitic graffiti in 2019. Based on the information contained in this affidavit, I believe it is reasonable that on April 18, 2019, Alexander Berent, Oxana Berent and Maxim Berent committed public mischief by staging the commercial robbery/hate crime at their business, a Winnipeg Police Service officer wrote in a May 2, 2019 affidavit supporting a search warrant application to seize BerMaxs Wi-Fi routers. This staged crime caused police to enter into a significant investigation based on false information. Other court records reviewed by the Free Press showed the cafe was facing serious financial troubles in the lead up to the alleged crime, including six-figure debts, lawsuits, a real estate lien, and an inability to sell the restaurant or consistently make rent. dean.pritchard@freepress.mb.ca POWERVIEW Victoria McIntosh walked into court carrying the tiny coat over her arm, gently folded. It was the coat her grandmother Pauline Guimond had made for her. The coat she wore on her first morning of day school; the cream woolen coat with love in each of the neat stitches and a jaunty plaid trim on the collar. And it was the same coat that the nun, on that first day of school nearly six decades ago, ripped off and threw at McIntoshs mother. The nun hissed a word in French that McIntosh didnt yet know, but she came to know it soon after. She came to know it was how the priests and nuns who ran the school thought of her, and her Anishinaabe people. Sauvage. Its been decades since then. McIntosh isnt a little girl anymore. At 63, she is a mother, a grandmother, a teacher. She has a voice now, and shes using it. She used it to tell RCMP that a Catholic priest at the Fort Alexander Residential School had sexually abused her when she was just 10 years old. Last month, 92-year-old Arthur Masse was charged with indecent assault. MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Residential school survivor Victoria McIntosh is also using her voice to assert the truth of who she is, and who her people are. For instance, she doesnt like to call herself a survivor, but rather a thriver. McIntosh is also using her voice to assert the truth of who she is, and who her people are. For instance, she doesnt like to call herself a survivor, but rather a thriver. And she is an anishinaabekwe, an Ojibwa woman from Sagkeeng First Nation, born to a long line of wise and loving people. Not the cruel words the nuns and priests called her. Im not a savage, she said as she spoke to reporters outside the local Royal Canadian Legion, where the first hearing in the Masse case was held Wednesday. Neither are my people. Were a kind, giving people, and wed help out anybody that comes to us. And thats what my message is today. Im not a savage Neither are my people. Were a kind, giving people, and wed help out anybody that comes to us. And thats what my message is today. Victoria McIntosh That generosity of spirit is one truth of this story. Its a truth as central to the case as whatever happens in court, as essential to understanding it as the abuse McIntosh reported. The schools are gone now, but McIntosh and others who lived in them are speaking. They endured, and so did the love they carry, and that love shone a light on Wednesdays proceedings. It shone in the sweet trails of smoke that wafted outside the legion, where McIntoshs supporters sang and held a smudge ceremony. It shone inside the building, in a makeshift courtroom lined by glossy posters of vintage fighter planes and a long row of old bowling trophies. As she waited for the hearing to begin, McIntosh sat quiet and proud, cradling the wool coat in her lap. Joseph, her eight-year-old grandson named for her grandfather, was beside her; Allen, her husband of 34 years, sat just behind. The other chairs in the room were filled by supporters and members of Sagkeeng First Nation, some with their own stories to tell. MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Residential school survivor Victoria McIntosh, her grandson Joseph (eight), and her husband Allen, walk in to attend court for the assault case of former priest Arthur Masse in Powerview on Wednesday. The hearing was brief, the matter remanded to Aug. 17. Among a number of things that have to be sorted out first, court heard, is which language Masse will request for the proceedings, French or English. Its a choice that children in residential schools were never given. Their languages were taken from them; the priests decreed it. La Societe historique de Saint-Boniface Father Arthur Masse Masse wasnt in court. Its not clear what his physical condition is now, or when he will make an appearance. If he had cared enough, McIntosh told reporters later, he would have found a way. But one day, she will see him for the first time since she was a child, she says. She plans to follow the case every step of the way. She has to do it, she said, not just for herself, but for her mother and her grandparents, who lived through residential school before her. In that way, a reporter said, this moment is less about Masse; its about McIntosh and her journey. Its about the tides of history that once threatened to drown her voice, but never could wash it away. McIntosh nodded. All that shame, all that anger, everything I felt, its going to go with him, she said. I didnt deserve that at 10 years old. No child does. He stepped over the line. He violated. Some of us are going to speak out, and Im glad I did. Even though it was a hard journey in the last few years, Im not going to give up. All that shame, all that anger, everything I felt, its going to go with him I didnt deserve that at 10 years old. No child does. Victoria McIntosh After the few minutes of the hearing whisked by, there was time to gather. Outside, as the heat of July settled over the day, Sagkeeng members glided through the parking lot, shaking journalists hands and offering bottles of water. Inside court, something important was happening, a conversation that showed the vastness of that generous spirit. It was then that Sagkeeng Chief Derrick Henderson approached the Crown attorney and made a formal request: if Masse is found guilty, then Sagkeeng wishes to hold a sentencing circle in their community. It would be a way to bring healing to the First Nation on which the residential school was located, a way of inviting pain to be reconciled through love. We invite him, McIntosh said, echoing Hendersons call. We open the doors. If this is agreed, lets do this thing. Lets begin again, lets begin in a healthy way, and in those virtues we hold as people. Before leaving the courtroom, the group got together and posed for a photo. As they got into position, McIntoshs grandson held up the coat that she had been carrying, the one her grandmother had made, the one a nun once threw away. Then, the boy turned to the chief, and excitedly announced how few days remained until his ninth birthday in August. MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Residential school survivor Victoria McIntosh listens to a traditional song before attending court for the assault case of former priest Arthur Masse in Powerview on Wednesday. Honestly, Im excited, he told Chief Henderson, who couldnt help but chuckle. McIntosh smiled to think of how excited her grandson is about his birthday. Thats another thing about the meaning of this journey: when she was in residential school, she didnt know when her birthday was. These are the kind of things we didnt talk about, she said. Nothing was celebrated. Christmastime was a chore. Later, after she left the walls that closed in on that harsh world, she began to celebrate her birthday again. Its in April. Now, five decades and two generations of young Anishinaabe people later, she speaks in invitation to a world in which Indigenous children will never again have their joy stolen, and never again be told they are anything other than who they are. melissa.martin@freepress.mb.ca Smooth, assemble, stain, repeat. Blocks of wood passed from hand to hand, sander to drill, until a pile of headboards, footboards and bed rails had built up. The mission: create 40 beds for Ukrainian children in Manitoba. Roughly 50 people gathered in Jim Gauthier Chevrolets parking lot to do so Wednesday, under the direction of non-profit Sleep in Heavenly Peace. ETHAN CAIRNS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Volunteers work on building beds at Jim Gauthier auto group on McPhillips Street. Theres far more demand than supply. All the beds were building right now are spoken for, said Jim Thiessen, co-president of the charitys Manitoba chapter. These families that are arriving are arriving with nothing, Thiessen said. We want to make sure that at the very least, the children have some place to sleep. ETHAN CAIRNS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Jim Thiessen, Sleep in Heavenly Peace co-chair of the Manitoba chapter, wants to make sure all children arriving in the province have a place to sleep. More than 4,600 Ukrainians have visited Manitobas reception centre since Russias invasion of Ukraine, according to a provincial spokesperson. Approximately 2,700 Ukrainians have registered for Manitoba Health cards. Thiessen didnt have a specific number of Ukrainians in need of child beds. However, the charitys wait list is 88 kids long excluding the newcomers. Were never without a waiting list, thats the problem, Thiessen said. ETHAN CAIRNS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Sandy Watson and Gina Macri take headboards out of the staining tank. He estimates between 3,000 and 4,000 Manitoba children dont have a bed. Sleep in Heavenly Peace committed to building 60 twin size beds for newcomer Ukrainians. The beds, which cost $350 to build, are made for youths ages three through 17. They come with donated mattresses, bedding and pillows. The volunteer-run organization chose 60 beds to make sure that we fill the needs of the local community as well, Thiessen said. ETHAN CAIRNS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Volunteers stain side rails. It built the frames last May. Bill Reynolds, 64, volunteered at both events. No kid sleeps on the floor in our town, the retiree said. I cant think of a better thing to do than try and help people. Jim Gauthier, head of Jim Gauthier Automotive Group, said hed heard about the charity on the radio. He asked for more information, and soon, he and Thiessen were talking. ETHAN CAIRNS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS A completed childrens bed. His company sponsored the 40-bed build on its McPhillips Street locations parking lot, bringing the total of beds for Ukrainian refugees to 100. (Its) not going to solve the whole problem, Gauthier said. Theyre going to need more beds. Sleep in Heavenly Peace is planning another three or four bed building events in the fall, but the end products wont be specifically for Ukrainians, Thiessen said. The Ukrainian Canadian Congress has given out around $200,000 worth of mattresses in Manitoba, according to Joanne Lewandowski, president of the organizations Manitoba provincial council. Manitoba has been extremely, extremely generous, Lewandowski said, adding the Congress has raised nearly half a million dollars for refugees. Ukrainian newcomers can stay at a Winnipeg hotel for two weeks upon arrival. Theyve been finding longer-term residences in areas like Winnipeg, Winkler and Steinbach. They can pick up housewares at 211 Hutchings St. and other supplies, including food and hygiene products, at 935 Main St. Dry goods like rice, pasta and canned foods are needed, as is baby food, Lewandowski said. People can drop off donations at 935 Main St. Sleep in Heavenly Peaces Manitoba chapter is looking for volunteers and shares information via its Facebook page. gabrielle.piche@winnipegfreepress.com In Sri Lanka, the countrys new president, Ranil Wickremesinghe, was sworn in amid ongoing unrest in the country that forced the previous president to resign and flee the country. In the U.S., the congressional select committee investigating the Jan. 6, 2021 attacks on the Capitol will hold its latest public hearing , with testimony from then-president Donald Trumps deputy national security adviser and deputy press secretary, focusing on the presidents actions during the insurrection. Opinion The connection between citizens and their elected representatives is a bedrock part of democracy, dating back thousands of years to ancient Greece. History shows society can suffer if that relationship is absent or severed. Prior to 1776, the 13 colonies of America spurred on their fight for independence with slogans that decried taxation without representation. The disconnection that weakens nations resolve also applies in the modern context, even here in Canada, which is considered to be one of the worlds most stable democracies. In this case, however, politicians are distancing themselves because of concerns for their safety in public settings. A growing number of members of Parliament, including Manitoba MPs, have resorted to carrying a panic button, an electronic device that can alert local authorities in the event its user faces a threat when out in public. MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES Winnipeg North MP Kevin Lamoureux has begun carrying a mobile duress alarm after noticing an increasing number of intimidating encounters when meeting constituents. Liberal MP Kevin Lamoureux, who has represented Winnipeg North since 2010 and was a Manitoba MLA for 18 years prior to that, is one who has begun carrying a mobile duress alarm after noticing an increasing number of intimidating encounters when meeting constituents. Without the panic button, I dont know to what degree Id be as open, Mr. Lamoureux said. Dan Vandal, Manitobas lone representative in the federal cabinet, said he doesnt have a panic button, but worries more for the safety of his family and staff. His constituency manager was attacked in his office in 2019 and a window in his Winnipeg office was smashed in 2021. Candice Bergen, the Portage-Lisgar MP who is the interim leader of the federal Conservative party, has had the device on her desk since she was elected in 2008, but says she has never had to use it. Mr. Lamoureuxs situation is most illustrative. Hes a backbencher who is removed from the Liberal government spotlight, yet he is considered one of Winnipegs leading retail politicians, someone who holds regular meetings with constituents and attends local events throughout his term in office rather than just knocking on doors come election time. Its the often forgotten part of the democratic process in Canada, but Mr. Lamoureuxs hard work has consistently paid off at the polls. Its an effective political style that crosses all party lines and connects people with their representatives. Mr. Lamoureux and other MPs have experienced a definite change in public attitudes; some of the shift can be attributed to online commentary and public rhetoric such as that employed by those who brought Ottawa to a standstill in February, their demand for freedom from vaccine mandates a thin veil over more corrosive intentions and a deep-rooted hatred for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the governing Liberals. If intimidation tactics such as these diminish or cut off the connection between elected representatives and the public, politicians will find their jobs more difficult and voters will feel more isolated. Legitimate debate of issues will suffer if politicians cater to extremists and egg them on even further. Legitimate debate of issues will suffer if politicians cater to extremists and egg them on even further, a strategy that seems to be favoured by Pierre Poilievre, the Ottawa MP who is running for the Conservative party leadership. Encouraging confrontations by reinforcing rage fuelled by misinformation will only widen the gap, by discouraging voters trust in their representatives and keeping politicians from interacting with those they serve. Panic buttons that offer politicians greater security only mask the symptoms of Canadas current political malaise. They do nothing to address its causes. More effective remedies would include doing essentially the opposite of Mr. Poilievres current campaign strategy: employing rhetoric that quells, rather than feeds, the fury; resisting the temptation to cater to extreme elements; and focusing instead on winning voters support by offering clearly expressed policy ideas. WASHINGTON (AP) President Joe Biden tested positive for COVID-19 on Thursday and is experiencing very mild symptoms, the White House said, as new variants of the highly contagious virus are challenging the nations efforts to get back to normal after two and a half years of pandemic disruptions. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Biden has begun taking Paxlovid, an antiviral drug designed to reduce the severity of the disease. He was isolating at the White House and continuing to carry out all of his duties fully, she said. Bidens physician, Dr. Kevin OConnor, said in a letter that Biden had a runny nose and fatigue, with an occasional dry cough, which started yesterday evening. FILE - President Joe Biden speaks during an event to celebrate the passage of the "Bipartisan Safer Communities Act," a law meant to reduce gun violence, on the South Lawn of the White House, July 11, 2022, in Washington. Biden is going to Pennsylvania on July 21, to talk about his plans for federal spending on crime fighting and prevention. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) Folks, Im doing great. Thanks for your concern, Biden tweeted. He added that he was keeping busy! Biden, 79, is fully vaccinated, after getting two doses of the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine shortly before taking office, a first booster shot in September and an additional dose March 30. Jean-Pierre described the presidents symptoms as very mild and said Biden had been in contact with members of the White House staff by phone and would participate in his planned meetings via phone and Zoom from the residence. President Joe Biden walks on the South Lawn of the White House after stepping off Marine One, Wednesday, July 20, 2022, in Washington. Biden is returning to Washington after traveling to Massachusetts to announce new actions on climate change. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky) The White House took steps to show that the president was busy working despite his diagnosis, with Biden tweeting out a picture of himself making calls from the treaty room of the White House. The president spoke by phone by lawmakers in Pennsylvania to apologize for having to cancel his planned trip Thursday to the city of Wilkes-Barre to promote his crime prevention plans. Biden also called South Carolina Rep. Jim Clyburn to wish him a happy birthday and congratulate him on receiving an award from the NAACP. OConnor wrote in his letter about the presidents treatment plan: I anticipate that he will respond favorably to Paxlovid as most maximally protected patients do. First lady Jill Biden speaks about President Joe Biden testing positive for COVID-19, as she arrives to visit Schulze Academy, Thursday, July 21, 2022, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio) Jean-Pierre said Biden had last tested negative on Tuesday, and he will stay isolated until he tests negative again. First lady Jill Biden, speaking to reporters as she arrived for a school visit in Detroit, said shed just gotten off the phone with her husband. Hes doing fine, she said. Hes feeling good. The first lady, who was wearing a mask, said she tested negative earlier in the day. She will keep her full schedule in Michigan and Georgia on Thursday, though she will be following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on masking and distancing, said Michael LaRosa, her spokesperson. The president spent much of last week in Israel and Saudi Arabia. White House officials told reporters that Biden planned to minimize contact during the trip, yet as soon as he exited Air Force One on July 13, the president was fist-bumping, handshaking and even seen in the occasional hug. The CDC says symptoms can appear two to 14 days after exposure to the virus. Biden had a minimal public schedule after returning from Saudi Arabia late on Saturday night, attending church the next day and helping to welcome Ukraines first lady Olena Zelenska to the White House on Tuesday. The president traveled to Massachusetts on Wednesday to promote efforts to combat climate change. Up to this point, Bidens ability to avoid the virus seemed to defy the odds, even with the testing procedures in place for those expected to be in close contact with him. Prior waves of the virus swept through Washingtons political class, infecting Vice President Kamala Harris, Cabinet members, White House staffers and lawmakers. Biden has increasingly stepped up his travel schedule and resumed holding large indoor events where not everyone is tested. A White House official said Harris tested negative for COVID-19. She was last with the president on Tuesday and spoke with him on the phone Thursday morning. Harris planned to remain masked on the guidance of the White House medical team. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said she hoped that Bidens positive test for the virus would cause more Americans to get vaccinated and boosted because none of us is immune from it, including the president of the United States, and we really have to be careful. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell on Twitter wished the president a speedy recovery. Top White House officials in recent months have been matter-of-fact about the likelihood of the president getting COVID, a measure of how engrained the virus has become in society and of its diminished threat for those who are up to date on their vaccinations and with access to treatments. When administered within five days of symptoms appearing, Paxlovid, produced by drugmaker Pfizer, has been proven to bring about a 90% reduction in hospitalizations and deaths among patients most likely to get severe disease. In an April 30 speech to more than 2,600 attendees at the White House Correspondents Association dinner, Biden acknowledged the risks of attending large events, but said it was worthwhile to attend. I know there are questions about whether we should gather here tonight because of COVID, he said. Well, were here to show the country that were getting through this pandemic. Biden is far from the first world leader and not the first U.S. president to get the coronavirus, which has infected British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, French President Emmanuel Macron and more than a dozen other leaders and high-ranking officials globally. When Bidens predecessor, President Donald Trump, contracted the disease in October 2020, it was a far different time. Vaccines were not available and treatment options were limited and less advanced. After being diagnosed with COVID-19 at the White House, Trump was given an experimental antibody treatment and steroids after his blood oxygen levels fell dangerously low. He was hospitalized at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for three days After more than two years and over a million deaths in the U.S., the virus is still killing an average of 353 people a day in the U.S., according to the CDC. The unvaccinated are at far greater risk, more than two times more likely to test positive and nine times more likely to die from the virus than those who have received at least a primary dose of the vaccines, according to the public health agency. The highly transmissible omicron variant is the dominant strain in the U.S., but scientists say it poses a lower risk for severe illness to those who are up to date on their vaccinations. Omicrons BA.5 sub-strain, believed to be even more contagious, now makes up more than 65% of U.S. cases. Theres a lot of infections across America, White House COVID-19 coordinator Dr. Ashish Jha said May 18, blaming the highly-transmissible variants, as well as relaxing mitigation measures like mask requirements. The coronavirus pandemic helped put Biden in the White House, as he pledged to handle COVID-19 better than his predecessor. After initial months of success surging the nations supply and availability of vaccines, the virus became a morass for the Democrat in the first year of his presidency, as he struggled to boost the countrys vaccination rate and to stay ahead of the unpredictable disease. As cases sharply declined earlier this year, Biden highlighted his administrations efforts to end the pandemic and help the nation regain a sense of normalcy. He said in his March 1 State of the Union address, Its time for Americans to get back to work and fill our great downtowns again. The White House has sought to go above public health guidelines to protect the president, with all visitors and staff required to attest to their vaccination status or submit to daily tests. People expected to be in close proximity to Biden are tested daily. ___ Associated Press writer Mike Householder contributed from Detroit. ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) Family members of George Floyd say theyre angered at a federal judges sentence Thursday of 2 1/2 years for a former Minneapolis police officer convicted of a civil rights violation in Floyds killing. U.S. District Judge Paul Magnuson sentenced Thomas Lane well below the 5 1/4 years that was the bottom of a range called for in sentencing guidelines. Prosecutors had asked Magnuson to sentence Lane to up to 6 1/2 years. They argued that Lane, who is white, had a chance to stop the restraint that killed Floyd, who was Black, but chose not to. Philonise Floyd, one of Floyds brothers, called it insulting that he didnt get the maximum amount of time. He said Lane was an accessory to murder and said he thinks the whole criminal system needs to be torn down and rebuilt. FILE In this June 25, 2021, file image taken from video, former Minneapolis police Officer Derek Chauvin addresses the court at the Hennepin County Courthouse in Minneapolis. Former Minneapolis police Officer Thomas Lane is hoping for a sentence Thursday, July 21, 2022, that could let him go free after as little as two years in prison for his role in the killing of George Floyd. Lane is one of three former Minneapolis officers, along with Alexander Kueng, Tou Thao and Chauvin, who were convicted by a federal jury in February of violating Floyd's civil rights by depriving him of medical care. (Court TV via AP, Pool, File) A nephew of Floyds, Brandon Williams, said he was angry and fed up. Lanes attorney had argued that he twice asked his colleagues if Floyd should be turned on his side as officers restrained him for more than 9 minutes face down and in handcuffs, as he said that he couldnt breathe and eventually grew still. Magnuson faulted the Minneapolis Police Department for sending Lane on a call with another rookie officer. And he said he had never received more letters of support for a defendant than he got for Lane. THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. APs earlier story follows below. ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) A federal judge sentenced former Minneapolis police Officer Thomas Lane to 2 1/2 years in prison Thursday for violating George Floyds civil rights, calling Lanes role in the restraint that killed Floyd a very serious offense in which a life was lost but handing down a sentence well below what prosecutors and Floyds family sought. Judge Paul Magnusons sentence was just slightly more than the 27 months that Lanes attorney had requested, while prosecutors had asked for at least 5 1/4 years in prison the low end of federal guidelines for the charge Lane was convicted on earlier this year. He said Lane, who faces sentencing in September on state charges in Floyds killing, will remain free on bond until he must turn himself in Oct. 4. Lane, who is white, held Floyds legs as Officer Derek Chauvin pinned Floyds neck with his knee for nearly 9 1/2 minutes on May 25, 2020. Bystander video of Floyd, who was Black, pleading that he could not breathe sparked protests in Minneapolis and around the world in a reckoning over racial injustice over policing. Two other officers, J. Alexander Kueng and Tou Thao, were also convicted of violating Floyds civil rights and will be sentenced later. Floyd family members had asked Magnuson to give Lane the stiffest sentence possible, with brother Philonise Floyd rejecting the idea that Lane deserved any mercy for asking his colleagues twice if George Floyd should be shifted from his stomach to his side. Officer Lane did not intervene in one way or another, he said. Prosecutor Manda Sertich had also argued for a higher sentence, saying that Lane chose not to act when he could have saved a life. There has to be a line where blindly following a senior officers lead, even for a rookie officer, is not acceptable, she said. Magnuson told Lane the fact that you did not get up and remove Mr. Chauvin when Mr. Floyd became unconscious is a violation of the law. But he also held up 145 letters he said he had received supporting Lane, saying he had never received so many on behalf of a defendant. And he faulted the Minneapolis Police Department for sending Lane with another rookie officer on the call that ended in Floyds death. In sentencing Chauvin earlier this month on civil rights charges in Floyds killing, Magnuson appeared to suggest that he bore the most blame in the case, telling Chauvin: You absolutely destroyed the lives of three young officers by taking command of the scene. Lane did not speak at Thursdays sentencing and neither he nor his attorney, Earl Gray, commented to reporters afterward. Prosecutors did not immediately comment afterward. Magnuson also said he would recommend that Lane serve his sentence at the federal prison in Duluth, about 2 1/2 hours from the Minneapolis area. Gray argued during the trial that Lane did everything he could possibly do to help George Floyd. He pointed out that Lane suggested rolling Floyd on his side so he could breathe, but was rebuffed twice by Chauvin. He also noted that Lane performed CPR to try to revive Floyd after the ambulance arrived. Lane testified at trial that he didnt realize how dire Floyds condition was until paramedics turned him over. When Lane pleaded guilty in state court in May, Gray said Lane hoped to avoid a long sentence. He has a newborn baby and did not want to risk not being part of the childs life, he said. Chauvin pleaded guilty to separate federal civil rights charges in December in Floyds killing and in an unrelated case involving a Black teenager. That netted a 21-year sentence from Magnuson, toward the low end of the range of 20 to 25 years both sides agreed to under his plea deal. Chauvin was already serving a 22 1/2-year state court sentence for second-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. His federal and state sentences are running concurrently. Kueng pinned Floyds back during the restraint and Thao helped hold back an increasingly concerned group of onlookers outside a Minneapolis convenience store where Floyd, who was unarmed, tried to pass a counterfeit $20 bill. Magnuson has not set sentencing dates for Thao, who is Hmong American, and Kueng, who is Black. But he has scheduled a hearing for Friday on objections by their attorneys to how their sentences should be calculated under the complicated federal guidelines. Prosecutors are seeking unspecified sentences for them that would be lower than Chauvins but substantially higher than Lanes. Thao and Kueng are free on bond pending sentencing. They have turned down plea deals and are scheduled to go on trial Oct. 24 on state charges of aiding and abetting both second-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. ___ The story has been updated correct one reference to the month that Floyd was killed. ___ Find APs full coverage of the killing of George Floyd at: https://apnews.com/hub/death-of-george-floyd Dodge County Sheriff Dale Schmidt and challenger Mark Colker faced off on Wednesday at the American Legion in Beaver Dam as the two vied to be voters choice on the ballot in August. The two Republican candidates for sheriff are listed on the ballot for the Aug. 9 partisan primary. Schmidt is seeking his third term as sheriff. Colker has worked as a police officer and sheriffs deputy in the past and is currently a booking and security associate for the Winnebago County Sheriffs Office. Introduction to the candidates Colker has 24 years of law enforcement experience including corrections, patrol, and in the court services unit. He cited his knowledge and passion as integral to the job. In addition, I have a comprehensive background in supervisory experience as well as serving as an adjunct instructor since 2005, Colker said. I have an unwavering passion for law enforcement and service to the community and our country. I know I have the knowledge and experience to run this agency duly forward. I also bring the necessary temperament required to lead a successful team. I promise, you the citizens of Dodge County, my dedication, hard work, unwavering pursuit to establish methods, tactics and outcomes to improve the quality of life in Dodge County for everyone. Schmidt has 22 years of law enforcement experience with 18 of those years in Dodge County. He has been a drug recognition expert for 12 years and 11 years as an instructor for law enforcement around the state. Schmidt has been the sheriff of Dodge County since 2014. Candidates face off Colker asked Schmidt about an investigation he alleged was being done in Washington County about Schmidts treatment of a former staff member as well as an appeal that has been filed in the United States Court of Appeals by Selepri Amachree after the original case was dismissed in May. In the dismissed federal lawsuit, Amachree said he was illegally detained in the Dodge County Jail for more than six months by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Schmidt said that people are aware that he was advised not to comment on the lawsuit or any other active or pending investigation, but he was given permission to defend himself in the debate. The allegations that you put in a lawsuit are allegations and people can make up any allegations that they want to, Schmidt said. The lawsuit that is pending has already been adjudicated as being dismissed. This is an appeal that has come up and certainly there has been no wrongdoing done by me or anyone in the sheriffs office. We will wait for the courts to settle that. As regards to the other complaint you brought up, that wasnt bringing up charges, that was a complaint being reviewed by a district attorney by a PD (police department) to put some finality to it, and there were no criminal charges ever warranted in it. Schmidt asked Colker what experience he had with managing a multimillion budget like that of the sheriffs department. I have as much experience as you had before you were the sheriff but I worked in the court services unit as a supervisor for five years, Colker said. I managed not a multimillion budget, but a budget that included payroll, staffing issues, training, equipment purchase, acquiring new equipment and vehicles, acquiring new equipment for the staff. It included items for the welcome center within our courthouse. So it wasnt a multimillion budget, but it was a budget that I put together every year. Schmidt said he has experience managing the Waupun City budget when he was on the Waupun City Council prior to becoming sheriff. Schmidt asked Colker about an internet crimes against children task force that he had stated he would start in Dodge County. He also asked about the cost and what would be cut from the program. Colker said once elected he would take a comprehensive look at the agency and see where staff could be moved around. I understand it is costly but our community deserves that, Colker said. These people are preying on our children. They are coming into our community and preying on our children. These are monsters that are coming here to harm their kids. Colker said there are two detectives who work in the area of internet crimes and offered to come down and train the Dodge County staff for free. In addition, Colker said he would look at crimes against the elderly as well. I will figure out how to pay for it, Colker said. It is that important to me. Schmidt said the sheriffs office did a study in 2018 to see where they need to be. There are detectives who handle these cases and have handled over 40 cases over the last several years. However the cost of Colkers plan would be $107,000 per detective. Colker asked Schmidt about his concerns about drugs in Dodge County being the No. 1 issue and about a report that Dodge County ranks third in overdose deaths in Wisconsin. That is not true, Schmidt said. I have the numbers here today, and a third in what? You can twist statistics into anything you want. There was a Channel 4 report that said we were third, but in what? As I look at the overdose deaths there are in Milwaukee, Dane County, there are a ton of others and half the state doesnt report them. Half the state in the northwest corner of the state is dealing with methamphetamines, not dealing with the heroin and opioids we are dealing with in the southeast part of the state, and to say we are third in the state is certainly disingenuous. It is not the case at all. We are working hard. Our drug units are doing things now that they have never done before. They are working together with other agencies that they havent before. I am proud of the work they are doing. Asking for support on Aug. 9 We can take back the sheriffs office from a self-serving career politician and restore the sheriff back to the citizens of Dodge County where it belongs, Colker said. I will serve all members of this community not just one political party. I will stand up for your freedoms and your liberties while always protecting your constitutional rights, not just using that as a campaign slogan. When elected I am here to serve you, the citizens, not my career or my ego. I will work tirelessly to combat crime and restore the county back to what it should be so it can continue to be a great place to live, work and play. Schmidt said he has worked and talked with many people in Dodge County who are happy with the work of the staff of the Dodge County Sheriffs Office. My job is to keep you safe and keep you safe from lawbreakers, Schmidt said. Lawbreakers dont like me. Why? Because I hold them accountable, and I will continue to do that. My position as sheriff has never been more important than it is right now. My job is to protect the lives, property and constitutional rights of all of our citizens. It isnt about politics. Its about making sure we do what is right for our citizens of our community, he said. You have the right to freedom of speech, you have the right to assemble in church, you have the right to bear and own arms. You have the right to run your business and open your business. As your sheriff I will continue to remain active in the community as you all have seen me do all the time. Those who do break the law will be held accountable. No one has the ability to infringe on your rights, Schmidt said. FOND DU LAC A 33-year-old Waupun man was charged with second degree reckless homicide and sentenced to 20 years in prison on Wednesday for the beating death of his grandmother. Gregory Spittels grandmother, Carol Foreman, died four days after she was found beaten in Spittels basement on Aug. 24, 2019. Spittel had originally been charged with first degree homicide, but a jury found Spittel guilty of the lesser charge during a trial that spanned a little more than a week last May. He was also found guilty of battery or threat to a judge, prosecutor or law enforcement officer, along with misdemeanor charges of disorderly conduct, resisting or obstructing an officer, possession of cocaine and possession of drug paraphernalia. Fond du Lac Circuit Court Judge Paul Czisny broke the sentence down to 12 years of prison confinement and 7 years of extended supervision. He was sentenced to an additional year in jail for the battery charge. This is how you treat the most precious person in your life when you are under the influence, Czisny said. Again I think it drives home what is said about drugs and the dangers that drug trade creates that are real and significant. As far as actual violence perpetrated by people under the influence, actual death and injury, it is alcohol that is the greatest danger of all. It is alcohol that leads to the deaths on highways, domestic violence to things like this that you are so drunk that you dont know what you are doing. So drunk that in that stupor you beat your grandmother to death. If this is how you act to the person you love the most, that indicates that you are a substantial danger to the public. Spittel spoke at the sentencing and said there wasnt a day he didnt miss his grandmother. I miss my best friend dearly, Spittel said. I cant tell my family how sorry I am that she was taken from them too early. Spittel said Foreman, who raised him after his parents deaths, was like a mother to him, and she would do anything for him. Grandma was the most amazing person I ever met, and I just wish I could tell her one more time I love you. You are amazing and thank you for everything you have done, Spittel said. Spittel said that due to his memory issues at the time and after suffering a traumatic brain injury, along with the amount of alcohol that he drank that night, he does not remember what happened that night. He said he has gotten strength from his belief in a higher power and has made goals for his life and working toward a degree in business management. This is a devastating example of how drugs and alcohol destroy lives, Fond du Lac District Attorney Eric Toney said, in a press release after sentencing. The series of drug and alcohol fueled choices the defendant made led to him beating his grandmother to death in a drunken rage and leaving her to die in a pool of her blood for hours in his own basement. We continue to keep the family in our thoughts and prayers as they continue to mourn this immeasurable loss. Although this sentence feels inadequate, there is no sentence that can put bring the victim back to her family and I am grateful that some measure of justice was achieved. Toney had recommended the maximum possible sentence of 20 years and 30 days of initial confinement and 13 years of extended supervision if he had been sentenced the maximum amount for all the counts against him. Spittels attorney Jaclyn Shelton said during the sentencing that it was clear that without the traumatic brain injury, combined with the alcohol, the death would never have happened. Skelton said his client was not using drugs at the time and had made an appointment for treatment prior to the incident. Spittel is three years out from the brain injury and is doing everything he can to better himself, he said. With that brain injury healed, the research shows, he has much more markedly improved ability of judgment, impulse control, decision-making compared to the offense date, Shelton said. Shelton suggested an initial term between 5 and 7 years and extended supervision between 6 and 8 years. Three victim statements were read during the sentencing. Spittels cousin, who was Foremans granddaughter, was one of those who read a statement in court. The judge asked for the victims to remain anonymous. The granddaughter said that she had worried for her own family because they were not sure what happened due to Spittels drug use. I cried at how terrified grandma must have been in her last moments and at the hand of someone she loved endlessly, the granddaughter said. The granddaughter said one of her regrets was not telling people her sons name, who was born 56 days after Foremans death. There were 56 days between losing her and her getting to know that we chose to name our son Dirk after grandpa, the granddaughter said. I cant fathom how you took grandma away from your boys, and I am so angry that you took her away from my kids. A police officer was put in a headlock and slammed to the ground by a man who allegedly threw an empty beer can at children riding bicycles past his house. Branden J. Kennedy, 39, Columbus, was released from custody on a $10,000 signature bond following his arrest. He has been charged with felony battery to a law enforcement officer and strangulation and suffocation. Columbia County Judge W. Andrew Voigt had set Kennedys signature bond at $10,000 along with standard felony conditions. If convicted, Kennedy faces three years of prison on each count followed by up to three years of extended supervision with potentially $20,000 in fines. Kennedy is also charged with misdemeanor counts of resisting an officer, criminal damage to property and disorderly conduct. According to the criminal complaint filed in Columbia County: On July 13 a man spoke with a Columbus police officer about an incident on South Ludington Street in Columbus. The man alleged his son and a friend were riding their bikes on the street when an empty beer can was thrown at them allegedly hitting one of the children in the head and the other in the face. The officer went to speak with Kennedy who allegedly admitted to throwing the empty beer can. The officer told Kennedy he would be issued a citation. The complaint alleges Kennedy lunged at the officer and put the officer in a headlock. While in a headlock the officer was slammed to the ground. Kennedy is scheduled to be back in Columbia County Courthouse in August. I arrived at a little town on the Wisconsin River, Frederick Louis Haeberle wrote in his 19-page essay, Why I Came to America. He arrived in early March 1884, after immigrating from Germany. It was very cold, and my clothing was lightno overcoat, no overshoes, no mittens. As I walked along the main street I saw, through the store window, red flannel mittens. They looked so warm that I spent my last moneya half dollar, for them. The little town was our own Kilbourn. He arrived penniless, cold, and unable to speak English. He didnt know a single person in America. When he had asked a friendly and compassionate Swiss agent for advice on where he should go, the agent had told him hed sent quite a few people, including his own son, to Wisconsin, and that they liked it there. The agent had given Haeberle his sons address. From the Kilbourn Depot, a man offered him a sleigh ride. After about six miles, he caught a second ride, which took him a short distance to the home of the Swiss agents son. The man and his family took him in. I felt so thankful and so filled with the good fortune which followed me. I was especially impressed with the willingness of the people to help a stranger along the way. The family provided him with food, shelter, and a pair of shoes, which he badly needed. They were farmers and farm work was new for him, but he gave it his all and learned. He stayed with the family for eight months until he met another family, 20 miles away, who was interested in hiring him for more wages and opportunities. It was difficult to leave the family who had first helped him and whom hed grown to care about, but he hoped for advancement, so he bid his fond farewells. After two years with this second family, he again saw new opportunities and seized them. In 1891, the man who arrived cold and penniless became a naturalized United States citizen. His lifes passion and profession became education, beginning in a room schoolhouse in Nebraska and ending with a 30-plus-year career as a highly regarded professor at Shattuck Military School in Faribault, Minnesota. Haeberles relatives, including grandson Chris Yates, would like to learn contact information for the kind families relatives so they can thank them and share this story with them. Following are clues from extensive research done in courthouses and historical societies. Clues for the family six miles from Kilbourn: Head of household was Henry, maybe around 30-years-old), and he and his wife had a small boy Arno. A daughter followed soon after he moved on. The wifes father was a well-off German farmer. The farm might have been in Adams or Columbia County. Clues for farm 14 miles from the Wisconsin Dells bridge: Haeberle hauled wood six miles into town so the farm could have been in Baraboo or Reedsburg. There was a school nearby. The owner was named William and might have been around 70. His first wife died there. The second wife was Hattie, and the daughters were Bessie and Elizabeth. They lived in a stone farmhouse. It would be thrilling to solve the mystery of the two kind families of Kilbourn. If you can help, please contact Yates at c.lansing.yates@gmail.com. A drone-photo of the tricolor glazed pottery themed park in China's Central Henan Province on July 13, 2022. [Xinhua] Located in Luoling Township of Luoning County, China's Central Henan Province, Qianhe Village has been revitalized thanks to pottery art. In the past, this remote village was silent because of its rugged road and poor living standard, lacking water and electricity and other living needs. However, things started to change in 2015 with the arrival of the pottery artist Guo Aihe, who has been working on pottery for many years. He took a new look at this village, designed and converted it into a 200-hectare tricolor glazed pottery themed park. Nowadays, Qianhe Village attracts tourists with its natural landscape of mountains and rivers, dotted with several folk houses and pottery caves. Visitors can view pottery-themed artworks almost everywhere in the village. The pottery art helps promote local tourism and brings the village back to life. A drone-photo records a visitor taking photos in the tricolor glazed pottery themed park in China's Central Henan Province on July 12, 2022. [Xinhua] Pottery artist Guo Aihe introduces the tricolor glazed pottery themed park to visitors on July 12, 2022. [Xinhua] A visitor takes photos in the tricolor glazed pottery themed park in China's Central Henan Province on July 12, 2022. [Xinhua] Pottery artist Guo Aihe introduces a pottery piece to visitors on July 13, 2022. [Xinhua] This photo shows pottery works in the tricolor glazed pottery themed park in China's Central Henan Province on July 13, 2022. [Xinhua] Guo Aihe brings pupils from central primary school of Luoling township to paint from life in the tricolor glazed pottery themed park in China's Central Henan Province on July 12, 2022. [Xinhua] A photo of the tricolor glazed pottery themed park in China's Central Henan Province on July 12, 2022. [Xinhua] A visitor takes photos in the tricolor glazed pottery themed park in China's Central Henan Province on July 13, 2022. [Xinhua] Guo Aihe leads the pupils from central primary school of Luoling township to visit the tricolor glazed pottery themed park in China's Central Henan Province on July 12, 2022. [Xinhua] A working staff member cleans in the tricolor glazed pottery themed park in China's Central Henan Province on July 13, 2022. [Xinhua] A visitor views pottery works in the tricolor glazed pottery themed park in China's Central Henan Province on July 12, 2022. [Xinhua] Guo Aihe guides pupils from central primary school of Luoling township to paint from life in the tricolor glazed pottery themed park in China's Central Henan Province on July 12, 2022. [Xinhua] A photo of the tricolor glazed pottery themed park in China's Central Henan Province on July 13, 2022. [Xinhua] (Source: chinadaily.com.cn) Actors perform at the Xinjiang Museum in Urumqi, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, May 16, 2022. [Xinhua/Zhou Ye] BEIJING, July 20 (Xinhua) On July 13, epic performer Jangnur Turganbay and his young apprentice performed the Kirgiz ethnic epic "Manas" at the Museum of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, welcoming a special guest Chinese President Xi Jinping. Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, watched their performance during an inspection tour in Xinjiang. The main plot of "Manas" revolves around the heroic deeds of the eponymous protagonist and his descendants. Consisting of myths, folktales, customs and idioms of the Kirgiz ethnic group, the extensive epic is considered an "encyclopedia" of Kirgiz ethnic culture. It has been passed down orally since as early as the 16th century. Due to its rich contents, the performance of the epic can take a tremendous amount of time. Impressed by Jangnur Turganbay's performance, Xi asked, "How long can you perform the epic?" "Over a whole day and night," said Jangnur Turganbay proudly. Now in his 50s, he has 30 years of experience in performing "Manas." "I can only perform for 60 minutes," said Jangnur Turganbay's apprentice Yvmvtale Etekul modestly. Now a middle school student, he has been learning the epic since he was three. "That's impressive already!" Xi said, encouraging the 14-year-old. "Manas" is not the first traditional ethnic epic the Chinese president has turned his attention to. In 2019, during his visit to north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Xi appreciated a performance of the "Epic of King Gesar." Hailed as "the Homeric epics of the East," the historical epic tells the deeds of legendary 11th-century hero King Gesar who fought evil and helped the weak. When chatting with the performers, Xi emphasized that much attention ought to be paid to the preservation and inheritance of cultures of ethnic minority groups. Also in 2019, when addressing a gathering to honor national role models for ethnic unity and progress, Xi specifically mentioned "Manas," "Epic of King Gesar" and "Jangar," a heroic epic of the Mongolian ethnic group. The three epics, all designated as national intangible cultural heritages, are viewed as equally important cultural works of ethnic minority groups. Xi elaborated that inclusiveness is the reason behind the brilliance, expansiveness and profoundness of Chinese culture. Cultures of all ethnic groups have illuminated and inspired each other, and the Chinese culture has been kept fresh and alive through the years. These are the source of our strong cultural confidence today, Xi said. Over the years, the Chinese president's attention to ethnic culture has been repeatedly manifested in his inspections. Apart from the epics, Xi has also learned about the traditional embroidery of the Miao ethnic group and the long-lasting weaving techniques of the Tibetan carpet. Many such ethnic cultural achievements have been designated as national intangible cultural heritage, which facilitates their inheritance and preservation. During his trip to Xinjiang, Xi again emphasized that Chinese civilization is extensive and profound, has a long history stretching back to antiquity, and is composed of outstanding cultures of all its ethnic groups. When Xi asked Jangnur Turganbay about his expectations, the performer said, "I wish to introduce the epic to the whole world." "It should be," Xi acknowledged, noting the epics are not only possessions of ethnic minority groups, but also valuable treasures in the vault of Chinese culture. Efforts should be made to better preserve and pass on the intangible cultural heritage, and to carry on the excellent traditional cultures of all ethnic groups, Xi said. (Source: Xinhua) BEIJING, July 20 (Xinhua) "Agriculture is a fundamental undertaking." President Xi Jinping has cited this ancient saying to emphasize the importance of agriculture to a country like China. The line first appeared in the Discourses on Salt and Iron, a book compiled in the Western Han Dynasty about two thousand years ago. Citing the words in 2016, Xi said for China to emerge as a strong country, its agricultural sector must be strong. China must have beautiful rural areas to be a beautiful country and must have affluent farmers to be a rich country, Xi added. Over the years, Xi has repeatedly emphasized the importance of work related to agriculture, rural areas and rural residents. In his article published in the Qiushi Journal on April 1 this year, Xi said resolving problems related to agriculture, rural areas and rural residents must be the top priority of the work of the Communist Party of China. The article stressed mobilizing efforts from the whole Party and the whole society to promote rural vitalization, boost high-quality and highly efficient agriculture, build rural areas into pleasant places for life and work, and create an affluent and prosperous life for rural residents. (Source: Xinhua) Citizens Advice Cymru welcomes significant expansion of Wales Fuel Support to low-income households The significant expansions of a fuel support scheme for low-income families across Wales has been welcomed by Citizens Advice Cymru. Yesterday the Welsh Government it is investing 90m into the initiative in recognition of the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on those struggling to pay their energy bills. Previously, around 166,000 households on universal credit, legacy means-tested benefit and working tax credits benefitted from the 200 2021/22 Winter Fuel Payment. The extension of the fuel support scheme means nearly 200,000 more households on child tax credits, pension credits, disability benefits, carers allowance, contributory benefits and those receiving help from the Council Tax Reduction Scheme to pay their council tax bill will now be eligible. It is being extended as the impact of the current cost-of-living crisis is greatest on low-income households and to allow more households on benefits to be eligible. The extra funding and target support comes as households across Wales are struggling to pay higher energy bills, exacerbated by the increase in the domestic energy cap rise in April. There is expected to be a further rise in the cost of energy and standing charges in the autumn. People with prepayment meters are the most susceptible to rising costs and increased standing charges. In North Wales residents on pre-payment metres are already being hard with standing charges increasing by 102 per cent. Citizens Advice Cymru has welcomed the expansion of the scheme to support more households on low incomes. In response to the widening of the Fuel Support Scheme in Wales, Rebecca Woolley, Director of Citizens Advice Cymru said: This is a significant expansion of the fuel support scheme at what we know is a very difficult time for many people. All indications point to another big rise in energy costs in October breaking the 3,200 average annual bill mark and possibly further again in January. Record numbers of people are accessing crisis support through our services. We have advocated for more government support for low income households across Wales. The expansion of fuel support by the Welsh Government will provide some more comfort for people who are at risk of cold homes this winter. Clwyd South MP sponsors parliamentary reception to celebrate Canal & River Trust anniversary A Parliamentary Reception on behalf of the Canal and River Trust has taken place to celebrate 10 years of cleaner, greener and more open waterways in the United Kingdom. Last month Member of Parliament for Clwyd South, Simon Baynes MP and around 50 other Parliamentarians (MPs and Peers), joined colleagues and representatives from the Trust to celebrate the charitys 10th anniversary and to learn more about its work in Clwyd South and the rest of North Wales. The Canal and River Trust protects and preserves more than 2,000 miles of waterways across England and Wales a network that is used by millions of people. Their network includes the Llangollen Canal, Trevor Basin and Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. Under the Trusts stewardship, canals across the UK now have more boats than ever before and are used by more people than at any time in history. The Trust brings vital green and blue space to the doorstep of millions of people in towns and cities where access to this space is vital for improving community wellbeing and to tackle health inequalities. At the celebratory event in Parliament, Simon Baynes MP, paid tribute to the Trust team and their volunteers who work tirelessly to maintain, protect, and enhance canals and rivers in Clwyd South and across the rest of the United Kingdom. Speaking about the reception, Mr Baynes said: It was a pleasure to join the Canal and River Trust to celebrate the nations waterways on their 10th anniversary. It was fantastic to learn more about the amazing work they are doing locally in Clwyd South on the Llangollen Canal, Trevor Basin and Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. No other charity brings so much free, open and accessible blue and green space to the doorstep of so many. I look forward to continuing to support the Canal and River Trust as they continue to broaden the appeal of waterways, engaging communities and making these special places inclusive and available for all. Delays in ambulance response to most urgent calls and growing waiting lists for NHS treatment in Wales Just over half of immediately life-threatening calls made to the Welsh Ambulance Service were attended within under eight minutes last month. 65 per cent of category red calls which are classed as immediately life-threatening should be attended within the target time. However just 50.8 per cent of these incidents received a response within eight minutes. This was 3.7 percentage points lower than the previous month, and 9.8 percentage points lower than in June 2021. The median response time in the four years prior to the pandemic ranged between 4 minutes 30 seconds and 6 minutes for red calls. In June, the average (median) response time to immediately life-threatening red calls was 7 minutes and 55 seconds. This was 33 seconds slower than the previous month. Last months figures are the second longest on record, only exceeded in October 2021. Data is only comparable from May 2019 onwards. Earlier today the Welsh Government announced that it would be investing an additional 3 million into the ambulance service to recruit additional paramedics and improve response times. Figures released by the Welsh Government today show the increased demand on emergency departments in north Wales and across Wales as a whole. In Wrexham although attendance times improved on the previous month, just 45.4 per cent of people at the Maelor emergency department were seen within four hours. This is compared to 48.4 per cent at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd and 58.3 per cent at Ysbyty Gwynedd. At the Wrexham Maelor Hospital 63.2 per cent were seen within eight hours and 76.8 per cent within 12 hours. Across Wales 66.4 per cent of patients in all NHS emergency departments spent less than 4 hours in the department from arrival until admission, transfer or discharge. This was 0.2 percentage points lower than the previous month and 5.2 percentage points lower than the same month a year ago. Waiting lists have also continued to grow, with 722,147 across Wales yet to start to start treatment. This is up on the 707,098 in the previous month. Overall 388,952 have been waiting up to 26 weeks, 72,336 between 26 and 36 weeks and 260,859 over 36 weeks. In North Wales 161,903 are waiting to start treatment, with 62,183 waiting longer than 36 weeks. Responding to todays figures the Welsh Conservatives have said the Welsh Government need to get a grip on the NHS and stop breaking all the wrong records. Shadow Health Minister Russell George MS said: When Mark Drakeford and his health minister were questioned last week about NHS waiting times, they said they were making progress, but just look at these figures. The backlog increasing by 15,000 in one month, 65,000 people waiting over two years for treatment, over 10,000 waiting over half a day in A&E, and the second worst longest ambulance waits on record Labour cannot call this progress. We have been calling for surgical hubs to deal with the backlog in Wales for two years, but Labour said it would be foolish to have a Covid recovery plan while the pandemic was still ongoing this reckless and arrogant attitude has meant patients and staff paying the price. Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader Jane Dodds MS said: Welsh Labours record on the NHS continues to be extremely poor. Many of the stats we have seen today are much worse than in England and Scotland. I of course welcome todays announcement by the Welsh Government on additional funding for ambulance services, but it should not be seen as a silver bullet. Significant delays in ambulance response times are due to backlogs at A&E departments resulting in patients having to wait in ambulances outside. What we need to see is real investment in primary health services in local communities, including our GPs to prevent these build-ups at emergency departments and to prevent people falling into such ill-health they require more advanced treatment. Welsh Labour needs to get a better handle of this crisis as soon as possible, waiting lists cannot continue to grow month after month. A Welsh Government spokesperson said: Progress continues to be made to reduce the longest waits with the number of pathways waiting for more than two years reduced by 4.4 per cent the second consecutive monthly fall after two years of consistent increases since the pandemic began. Despite the increase in demand, huge numbers of patients were seen in May with the highest number of inpatient and day case treatments carried out (24,167) since the start of the pandemic. This figure forms part of a total of almost 365,000 patient consultations (not including GP appointments or therapies) undertaken by the NHS in Wales, the fourth highest since the start of the pandemic back in March 2020. In May, 1,646 people started cancer treatment, 15 per cent more than in April 2022. In addition 11,883 pathways were closed following the patient being informed they did not have cancer, an increase of 13 per cent compared to April 2022. The expected increase in demand saw referrals rising by 16.7 per cent in May 2022, compared to April, as more people seek help for their conditions following the pandemic. There continues to be increased demand for emergency care and pressures are being intensified due to challenges with patient flow through the hospital system, as well as staffing constraints including a rise in COVID-sickness. In June, the proportion of all calls that were immediately life-threatening was 10 per cent, which is only the second time since a change to categorisation over three years ago. An additional 263 ambulance clinicians have been recruited over the last two years and today we have announced a further 3m to recruit around 100 additional frontline staff to support improved response times for the most critically injured and seriously ill for the winter period. A new ambulance improvement plan was also agreed by Health Board chief executives last week and we expect to see improvement in ambulance patient handover performance as a result. Free Wellies in the Woods nature sessions for children in Wrexham this summer A series of free family outdoor learning sessions will take place in Wrexham this summer. Wellies in the Woods, an initiative provided by Groundwork Training in partnership with North East Wales Adult Community Learning, gives children and families the chance to take part in wildlife exploration and get creative with nature. Activities include bug hunting, natural crafts, games, den building and getting active with each session based on some of the most popular childrens storybooks All activities are suitable for pre-school aged children and children in Key Stage 1, giving parents and children the opportunity to learn and play together in the outdoors. Teleri Jones is one of the trainers for Groundwork Training and has seen the fantastic response to the Wellies in the Woods Sessions that have already been held The Wellies in the Woods session we have already held have had a fantastic reception from children and parents, said Teleri. Watching the children get creative outside in a natural environment and drawing their parents in to play with them outdoors is wonderful ad has such a positive impact on their well-being. We are looking forward to getting more families involved in these sessions and reaping the benefits over the summer. No booking is required you can just turn up to your nearest session morning (10am -12pm) or afternoon (1pm 3pm). For more details, please see our website www.groundworknorthwales.org.uk/events or contact our Training Team at training@groundworknorthwales.org.uk Politicians welcome commitment to new primary school in Brymbo Local politicians have welcomed a commitment to building a brand new primary school in Brymbo after an update from the Education Minister. Clwyd South MS Ken Skates raised the matter in the Senedd last month and also wrote to the Minister, Jeremy Miles, to ask for a progress report on the plans for the new school to replace St Marys Primary. In his letter to Clwyd South MS Mr Skates, the Minister confirmed Wrexham Council had not yet submitted a business case for the new school but that funding had been agreed in principle. The Minister said: I can confirm that the project is included in the Local Authoritys Strategic Outline Programme (SOP) for the second wave of investment (Band B). While funding for the Local Authoritys SOP has been approved in principle, the individual business case for the Brymbo project will need to be considered through the Welsh Governments business case process in due course. No business case has been submitted as yet, as there have been some issues with the ownership and development of the potential site for the new school. The Ministers letter concluded: I do, however, understand that good progress is being made on a number of the land management aspects which are required in order to move things forward. I can assure you that my officials continue to work with Wrexham local authority and others involved in the development of the Brymbo site to secure a positive outcome for the area. I am also in no doubt that the proposed new school for the children in Brymbo remains a priority, which I look forward to seeing being delivered in the near future. The project is part of the second phase of the Welsh Governments 21st Century Schools scheme the biggest school-building programme in Wales since the 1960s. Mr Skates had previously expressed his disappointment that Wrexham Council opted not to prioritise Brymbo for investment during the first phase. This week he said: Im grateful to the Minister for his detailed update and I welcome the Welsh Governments commitment to this project. When I talk to residents in Brymbo, the proposed new school comes up regularly. It has been talked about for a long time and people want to see it come to fruition. Im encouraged by the progress the Minister has highlighted, and I hope that Wrexham Council will soon be in a position to submit a business case to the Welsh Government so that the plans can finally take shape. Brymbo councillor Gary Brown added: Im committed to working with all parties concerned to bring the new school forward as swiftly as possible, and Im grateful to Ken for raising this matter directly with the Welsh Government. The response provides considerable reassurance that the strategic support for the scheme remains in place despite years of delays. Nevertheless, residents want to see action, and its vital that everyone comes together to solve the last few remaining technical issues and that pressure is maintained to catch up on lost time. World Socialist Web Site reporters spoke with Arriva North West bus drivers on the picket line Wednesday at the firms Wythenshawe depot in Manchester as they began an all-out strike over pay. Workers walked out at 11 depots across the region. Some of Arriva's buses confined to the depot during the first day of the strike [Photo: WSWS] A driver said they had been in dispute for a few months as the anniversary of the pay talks was in April and thats when pay talks start and weve had a couple of poor offers. Were facing unprecedented times, as everyone is, and we do a very responsible job. Originally, they tried to buy some of our conditions off us in exchange for a pay rise and we said no. They want to take sick pay and pay breaks. We dont get pay breaks at our depot but some others do. A pay break means if you have a meal break you get paid through it. They wanted to talk about sick pay cuts and we said no. Currently the first two days when we are sick are unpaid and they were talking about making it three unpaid. They tried to take Saturday enhanced pay that they only gave us last November. You get an extra 25 percent, basically time and a quarter for working Saturday and Sunday. When we got that offer RPI was already at 8 percent and now its 11 percent. Public transport has got to be funded properly and its not down to bus drivers to fund it themselves. Another driver said, A big issue is that we all do the same job within the same company but different garages get more money than us. It doesnt make sense. The strike was necessitated by staggering price increases, the driver said. The cost of living now is really high. I used to pay 120 a month for gas and electricity at home. Now they are asking to go to 240. Petrol has gone from 85p a litre to 2 a litre. Its more than doubled. We used to get 1 or 2 percent pay rises but thats not going to work this time is it? Another worker said, Mine [gas and electric bill] has gone from 135 to 311 a month. The company are panicking because the subsidies they got off the government in the pandemic will run out in September. A number of workers told the WSWS that earning just 13 an hour meant they could not support their family. One said they had earned under 500 a week doing a basic 37 hours a week. If you have a wife and kids to support, I would say its not viable. A single man with no kids, you could live on that, but not someone with a family. He added that due to the pressure of the job, he would not work a six-day week, as many workers were having to do in an attempt to stay afloat. Another worker interjected that some drivers at the depot worked a six-day week and some even seven days a week. The driver said, Youre only allowed by law to work 13 days out of every 14 and we have some people here working the 13 days and then have a day off and working another 13. Long hours is a problem in this industry and they are unsociable hour too. Its a safety concern. The worker described the situation as so bad on occasions that home was similar to a bed and breakfast. He said, Sometimes, youre going home and youre up for two hours and then you go to bed and then you are back here again. At this depot we have the worst parameters [work hours] in the whole of Arriva. A colleague agreed saying, The first bus is out before 4am and the last bus is back after 1am. Despite a contracted 37-hour working week, At this depot were all averaging between 40 and 44 hours a week. Its enforced overtime when you look at it from the standpoint that we have a 37-hour contract. The workers at the Wythenshawe depot last struck over pay in 2017. A driver told the WSWS, I dont think that weve ever had a pay rise that registers anywhere near what we need for the job. This pay rise should have been given to us in April and now were in July. It needs to be brought to the publics attention. The hours we are made to work here are ridiculous. Its got worse over the last 10 years. Others spoke about the companys disregard for their wellbeing, after drivers risked their safety and lives working during the pandemic. WSWS reporters pointed to the situation in London this week where some drivers refused to work after temperatures soared to life-threatening levels inside their cabs. A driver agreed saying, Look at yesterday and the day before, we were cooking in the cabs. Another said, I heard that some of the mini bus drivers here became ill with heat exhaustion and went home as they couldnt work in the heat it was so unbearable. Another added, There should be air conditioning in the drivers cab but that doesnt happen because its not cost effective for the company. People need to know about the conditions we are working in. A driver pointed out, With a full bus we have 33 standing and 35 sitting down. So, we hold more on our buses than class 2 drivers do and theyre on 14 or 15 pounds an hour. We are carrying live, unsecure cargo on buses. Another worker said, Look what happened to us during COVID when we risked our lives, we got a letter posted on the depot door to say thank you. Another interjected, Dont forget, we also got the cheapest box of Celebrations [assorted sweets] and they were out of date. They were worth about 3 and that is the thanks we got. One commented, Were also losing toilet facilities and canteens. Theres just no thought for our health. A driver pointed out that although no one died at the depot during the first years of the pandemic one driver was really bad with it and hes still ill now. Another summarised the companys attitude to the workforce: All they are interested in is bums on seats, drive the bus, and they dont give a shit about anything else. They can make you do any hours. Even the guys doing a straight 13 days and then one day off, those hours are not a row of early shifts, middles or lates, they are all different hours. Another driver speaking on the pay offer explained, The offer is dismal but its not just the pay, its everything. The working conditions are not good either. What the company dont see is that its us the workers who create the wealth. They dont see this and dont want to pay us what we are worth. Asked about the many workers in the bus and transport industry who are coming forward in struggle, he replied, We are not mega militant at this department but we are class conscious and we can see what is happening to us and other workers and everyone deserves better, and we would welcome a mass strike. On the issue of the war in Ukraine he stated, We are being made to pay for the war with fuel costs, food costs. We are made to pay for it all. An older driver, who recalled the 1979 winter of discontent of mass industrial struggles against a Labour government and the 1984-85 miners strike against Thatchers Conservative government, said, This is the summer of discontent and a mass strike is needed because companies like individual strikes because they are easier to break. Speaking about NATOs proxy war against Russia in Ukraine and the growing tensions between China and the US over Taiwan, he said, I really believe we are very close to nuclear war. All people want is to be able to live their lives, but the corrupt people at the top and the mega rich are taking everything. More than a week after an armed man was briefly detained for yelling death threats outside the home of US Representative Pramila Jayapal (Democrat-Washington state), authorities in Seattle have yet to file criminal charges. Jayapal, the chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, the largest liberal bloc in the House of Representatives, is the most prominent South Asian immigrant in Congress. She came to the US from India more than 40 years ago, when she was 16 years old. Brett Allen Forsell was arrested on suspicion of malicious harassment shortly before midnight on Saturday, July 10. He was released on Wednesday, July 13 after King County attorneys failed to present charges within 72 hours of his detention. The 49-year-old man lives about a half-mile from the Jayapal residence in Seattles Arbor Heights neighborhood, according to the Seattle Times. It is unknown at this time whether Forsell is linked to any right-wing groups. At 11:25 p.m. on July 9, Seattle Police received a call from Jayapal reporting that a man was outside her home threatening her. Pramila Jayapal interview with Jonathan Capehart on July, 17, 2022 According to a probable cause statement filed by the Seattle Police Department and obtained by local television station KING5, police went to the residence after Jayapal told them that an unknown number of people were outside her home in a vehicle, shouting obscene language. The statement notes that Jayapals husband, Steve Williamson, thinks they may have shot a pellet gun but unsure. The reporting police officer wrote that upon arriving at the scene, he saw the suspect... standing in the middle of the street with hands in the air. He had a handgun (Glock 22 .40 cal) holstered on his waist. The cop said a neighbor reported hearing Forsell yell something to the effect of, go back to India, Im going to kill you. The officer added, The neighbor also reported that she saw the suspects vehicle drive around the victims residence approximately three times [with the suspect] yelling profanities. The officer reported that when the police spoke to Forsell, he acknowledged that he knew who lived at the resident (sp) and wanted to pitch a tent on their property. Forsell did, in fact, bring metal rods used for camping onto Jayapals lawn. An extreme risk protection order (ERPO) was obtained by the Seattle Police on July 13, forcing Forsell to give up his firearms and any concealed carry permits. The ERPO explained that Forsells gun was confiscated because his behaviors appear to be escalating as he went from driving past Congresswoman Jayapals residents (sp) to physically appearing in front of her home while armed with a loaded handgun. The ERPO notes that in an audio clip provided to the police by Jayapal, Forsell can be heard saying India, followed by several curse words directed at Jayapal. It also states that the sound of metal clacking can be heard on the tape, but it is unclear if this is from Forsell chambering a round into his Glock or from the metal poles of his tent. The ERPO further states that Forsell previously emailed Jayapal in January, saying he did not like her because of perceived political wrongdoings. It adds that Forsells mother did not think he should have access to firearms because he had not been eating or sleeping recently and had been struggling after suffering a workplace injury. The protection order is temporary. Forsell is scheduled to appear at another protection order hearing on July 26, at which point a judge will rule whether the ERPO is to be extended beyond the current period. In an interview with Jonathan Capehart on MSNBC on July 17, Jayapal revealed that the man had been stalking her for months. She called for charges to be filed against Forsell and said, there is some footage of this, audio, that the police have. She added that the vitriol and hatred Forsell screamed at her was so loud that everyone on my street could hear it, and that these incidences have been happening over several months. Asked about the release of Forsell and the failure to file charges against him, Jayapal said, I firmly believe, maybe because I need to believe, that the prosecutors will be able to charge him. I think it would be a terrible, terrible sign, not just to me, but to elected officials across the country if they are not able to arrest him and charge him with what the Seattle Police detectives actually recommended in their probable cause statement. In an interview with local television station KOMO, one neighbor of Jayapals recalled the violent behavior exhibited by Forsell. I heard loud screaming, yelling and cursing, Well kill you, go back to where you come from, just things that were not OK and totally out of the ordinary for this street, the neighbor said. Were a tight-knit group here on our street, we look out for each other, its scary when somebody wants to come and disrupt that. Jayapal said that through the ERPO, the police were able to confiscate another gun Forsell kept in his family home. Underscoring the seriousness of the threat against her and her family, she stressed that what happened outside her home was not a protest, or even similar to the quite hateful things she regularly hears on her public congressional office line. This is entirely different, she said, this level of violence, the vitriol hate. He was screaming things that I cant repeat. They were racist, sexist, xenophobic, designed to intimidate, threaten, and with the weapon, to harm me and my family. Without naming Trump directly or calling out the Republican Party, which claims that the January 6 coup was legitimate political discourse, Jayapal blamed the person who occupied the White House, saying he actually used and unleashed and mobilized all of that violence and white supremacy, using the tools of the federal government. She went on to denounce Trump for unleashing ... the most racist white supremacists, violent extremists, including Oath Keepers and the Proud Boys ... to try and steal an election and stage a coup. While the Socialist Equality Party has well-known and unbridgeable political differences with Jayapal, we condemn the violent threats against her, defend her democratic right to conduct political work without threats and attacks from the fascist right, and support the demand that Forsell be charged and detained. His remaining free and uncharged, despite the massive evidence, speaks to the right-wing sympathies among police, prosecutors and judges throughout the country. Seattle is less than an hours drive north of Lacey, Washington, where Michael Reinoehl, an anti-police-violence protester, was hunted down and executed by police and US Marshals in 2020, who claimed that he had killed an armed fascist attacking a protest in Portland, Oregon. There was no such response to a gunman stalking and threatening a Democratic congresswoman, because many Seattle cops and prosecutors share Forsells sentiments. As least six Seattle cops travelled 3,000 miles across the country to participate in Trumps January 6 coup. None has been charged with a crime, although two were fired after an internal investigation revealed they had crossed police barricades at the Capitol. In this context it is notable that despite the deadly serious threats against Jayapal, and the fact that the person responsible for those threats is free as of this writing, neither President Joe Biden, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders or any other prominent Democratic politician has echoed Jayapals demands that Forsell be arrested. What the Democrats, including Jayapal, refuse to say is that the Republican Party under Trump is being transformed into a fascist party. Instead, from Biden on down, they continue to appeal for unity with their Republican colleagues and friends in order to prosecute the war against Russia in Ukraine and prepare for military confrontation against China, and intensify the attacks on the social and democratic rights of workers in the US. While the Democrats remain silent on threats against their fellow party members, Republicans continue to incite violence against their political opponents, including Biden. In a Twitter video released on July 17, Texas Representative Ronny Jackson, while holding two AR-15 style rifles, said he had a message for the Biden administration. If you are thinking about taking our ARs you can start here in Texas. On behalf of all abiding gun owners in the state of Texas, I just want to say, Come and get it. The Democrats did nothing to oppose the January 6 coup attempt and have sought ever since to cover up the massive scale of the conspiracy that produced it, while leaving the plotters, beginning with Trump, free to plan the next coup. They seek to cover up the fascist threat for fear of unleashing an eruption of social opposition in the working class. This is why it is critical for the working class to break from the Democratic Party and its Republican colleagues and take up the struggle for socialism. It is only through the abolition of the capitalist system that democratic rights can be defended. On Sunday, July 17, around 6:00 p.m., 20-year-old Jonathan Douglas Sapirman opened fire in the Greenwood Park Mall outside of Indianapolis, Indiana, killing three and injuring two more. The victims were Pedro Pineda, 56, and Rosa Mirian Rivera de Pineda, 37, husband and wife; and Victor Gomez, 30. Sapirman was himself shot and killed by an armed bystander. Jonathan Douglas Sapirman [Photo by Greenwood Police Department] The identities of the injured victims have not yet been released. There has been no official motive given for the shooting. According to authorities, Sapirman entered a restroom near the malls food court close to 5:00 p.m. and stayed there for over an hour. He then exited and began firing into the food court using a Sig Sauer M400, an AR-15 style semi-automatic rifle. Along with the Sig Sauer M400, Sapirman was also carrying another semi-automatic rifle, as well as a pistol and over 100 rounds of ammunition. All of his weapons and ammunition were bought legally, and, according to UPI, relatives have told police Sapirman often went to a shooting range right outside of Greenwood, Indiana, for about two years before the shooting. Greenwood Police Chief Jim Ison said originally that the gunman fired for two entire minutes before being incapacitated, but this has since been revised to only 15 seconds. Ison reported that in those few seconds, 22-year-old Elisjsha Dicken of Seymour, Indiana, fired 10 shots from his Glock handgun at Sapirman and killed him. After the shooting, Dicken was put in handcuffs and taken into custody by Greenwood police. He was released after video footage in the mall confirmed the events as he described them. Dicken is not currently facing any charges. Details on Sapirman are being slowly revealed. Unlike the July 4th Highland Park shooter Robert Crimo III, there is little posting or internet history that has been found so far to provide insight into either his mental state, politics or general temperament. However, there are alleged to be four photographs and one 4chan post published by the shooter. The photos show Sapirman decked out in weaponry and tactical gear, and the post reads, Name is Jonathan and today seems like a good day to die. Sapirman resigned from a warehouse job in May and had recently received an eviction notice for his apartment. He had no criminal record but had two run-ins with police as a juvenile: one for starting a fight at school and another for running away from home. It was reported that as a 16 year old, Sapirman was the subject of a legal dispute regarding his guardianship. His older brother had sought custody of him once his mother lost her job and had to live in a shelter after their parents divorce. It was alleged Jonathan was living with her in a week-to-week motel. Their mother battled for returned custody after she began training as a nurse. Sapirmans family has now told police that he exhibited no indications he was violent or unstable before the shooting. In the press conference, Ison gave glowing praise to Dicken, proclaiming his actions were nothing short of heroic. He engaged the gunman from quite a distance, was very proficient in that, very tactically sound. And as he moved to close in on the suspect, he was also motioning for people to exit behind him. Greenwood Mayor Mark Myers joined in, saying in a statement on Monday, This young man, Greenwoods Good Samaritan, acted within seconds, stopping the shooter and saving countless lives. Guy A. Relford, an attorney for Dicken, released a statement in a similar vein, touting Dicken as a true American hero who saved countless lives during a horrific event that could have been so much worse were it not for Elis courage, preparedness, and willingness to protect others. There is no indication that Dicken has any military or law enforcement background. He was carrying his weapon legally and obtained it legally but was in violation of the Greenwood Malls no firearms rule for entry. The state of Indiana requires absolutely no training to carry a firearm. The implications of Dickens actions, and the subsequent praise heaped on him by law enforcement have potentially very serious consequences in a country which is plagued by gun violence and mass shootings. The Washington Post interviewed Jody Madeira, a law professor at Indiana University-Bloomington, who said in reaction to the shooting, I think you might get more individuals carrying, sort of primed for something to happen, which is particularly dangerous. Dickens case is a remarkable exception. The likelihood of an armed citizen to successfully engage and overcome an active shooter is, in reality, exceedingly rare. Of the 434 active shooter cases between 2020 and 2021, an armed bystander shot the attacker 22 times, or 5 percent of the time, according to ALERRT data. In 10 of these the good guy (a label created by ALERRT to discern the difference between shooters) was a security guard or off-duty cop. The shooting and deaths of three innocent victims along with the veneration of Dicken for murdering the shooter points to the deep social crisis and reactionary political developments in the United States. Sapirmans troubled background, young age and total disregard for human life have similarities to Crimo and scores of other shooters this year alone. The failure of the capitalist system, the promotion of endless wars abroad, economic austerity and the horrific consequences of an ongoing pandemic which has left over a million Americans dead have driven certain sections of youth to nihilism and hopelessness in the face of what appears to be a despairing situation. On the other hand, there is a grim irony in the decisive actions of Dicken compared to the cowardly response of the Uvalde, Texas, police department and federal law enforcement agencies in delaying for hours while an active shooter slaughtered over a dozen school children at Robb Elementary. And while Dickens action did, in all likelihood, prevent other injuries or even casualties in Greenwood, the veneration of him by law enforcement and the far right is a grotesque exposure of their priorities. Using Dicken as an example of a good guy with a gun as a response to an active shooter, authorities have all but condoned the use of violence by private citizens as a laudatory response to mortal dangerperhaps even more effective than the police themselvesin lieu of addressing the deeper social problems which give rise to shootings. This line of reasoning can only lead to more violence and the proliferation of untrained civilians shooting at whomever seems to be a threat to them. The lack of effective police response to the slaughter of workers and children is indicative of a larger non-response by both the Republican and Democratic parties in Congress. President Bidens toothless assault weapons bill does nothing to address the issue of mass shootings, while he has urged even more funding for bloated police budgets that have contributed little in the way of preventing mass shootings as police themselves continue to contribute to gun violence, killing more than 1,000 Americans every year. Yesterday, the Sri Lankan parliament installed Ranil Wickremesinghe as the countrys president by a vote of 134 out of the 223 cast by parliamentarians. The other candidates, Dallas Alahapperuma, an MP from the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), and Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the leader of Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), received 82 and 3 votes respectively. Ranil Wickremesinghe [Source: United National Party Facebook] Wickremesinghe assumes the executive presidency with its sweeping powers amid an unprecedented economic, political and social crisis. He will serve out the remaining two years of the term of Gotabhaya Rajapakse, who fled the country and then resigned following massive anti-government protests on July 9. It is a ruling class under siege. Working people not only had no say in selecting the president but were completely excluded. The vote was held behind closed doors in parliament that had been turned into a fortress surrounded by heavily armed soldiers, police and barricades. Wickremesinghe has no popular base and is widely despised among the masses. He is the only parliamentary representative of the rump United National Party (UNP) that was all but obliterated in the 2020 election. Nevertheless, he was installed as prime minister in May when Mahinda Rajapakse was forced to step down, as acting president when Gotabhaya Rajapakse fled, and now president. Already protests and protest sites in Colombo and regional cities are demanding he resign. Wickremesinghe has been selected to ruthlessly impose the austerity dictates of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and to strangle the popular uprising that has erupted over the past three months. He made his pitch for the presidency, not to the mass of working people with promises to alleviate their suffering, but to the Sri Lankan ruling class, international finance capital and US imperialism as the candidate able to reestablish capitalist order. Wickremesinghes first acts as acting president were to declare a state of emergency, impose a curfew and give a free hand to the military and police to suppress protesters, who he denounced as fascists. After being installed as president yesterday, he, in effect, declared war on the popular uprising, saying: If you try to topple the Government, occupy the Presidents office and the Prime Ministers office, that is not democracy, it is against the law. To underscore the message, he then went to personally thank the police and military personnel guarding the parliament building. Wickremesinghe also made a plea to all the establishment parties to close ranks around him against the working class and rural masses. Sri Lanka is in a very difficult situation There are big challenges ahead, he declared, making a special appeal to Sajith Premadasa, leader of the opposition Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), and former presidents Mahinda Rajapakse and Maithripala Sirisena to work together with him. The opposition parties have been pressing for the formation of an all-party interim government to provide a threadbare charade of democracy while the bourgeoisie prepares a ruthless crackdown. Premadasa, who had backed Alahapperuma for the presidency, immediately indicated his willingness to work together, saying the opposition will give our utmost support to put the economy on track and save this country. Alahapperuma added his voice, cynically declaring: My effort was to support consensus-based policy-making to provide solutions to a deeply suffering population. The entire anti-democratic parliamentary cabal is committed to implementing IMF austerity and police-state repression against the masses. Wickremesinghe was selected for the presidency because of his decades-long political record as an IMF enforcer, a stooge of US imperialism and his support for bloody state violence against workers and the rural poor. Wickremesinghe was first elected to the parliament in 1977. As the nephew of the right-wing President J.R. Jayawardene, he was quickly handed the portfolios of youth affairs and employment in the UNP government as it rewrote the constitution to establish an executive president with extensive autocratic powers and implemented sweeping open market restructuring that devastated the living conditions of working people. When mass opposition erupted, he was part of the Jayawardene cabinet that sacked over 100,000 striking public sector workers in 1980. As the education minister he brought down the notorious White Paper on Education in 1981, which was the blueprint for slashing the government spending on public education. To drive a wedge into the continuing opposition to the impact of its pro-market policies, the UNP resorted to foul anti-Tamil propaganda and provocations that culminated in the savage anti-Tamil pogroms in July 1983. Hundreds were killed by UNP-organised thugs, businesses and homes were burnt to the ground and forced tens of thousands of Tamils to flee. The pogrom marked the start of the reactionary communal war prosecuted by the UNP and subsequent Colombo governments against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam that cost hundreds of thousands of lives and laid waste to large areas of the island. During the late 1980s and early 1990s, the UNP government under President Ranasinghe Premadasa, the father of the current opposition leader, unleashed a wave of unrestrained violence directed at crushing rising discontent among unemployed rural youth in the south of the island. The armed forces and their associated death squads indiscriminately killed at least 60,000 youth. At the time, Wickremesinghe, who now postures as the defender of democracy and rule of law, was publicly accused of overseeing the torture and murder of youth in the infamous Batalanda torture chambers. It is precisely because he has been so closely associated in carrying out the dirty work for the ruling class that he has been chosen to defend capitalist rule through every means including another bloody crackdown. Like J.R. Jayawardene, Wickremesinghe is also a long-time lackey of US imperialism. He played a key role in the regime-change operation orchestrated by the US in 2015, to oust Mahinda Rajapakse as president and install Maithripala Sirisena. Washington was hostile to Mahinda Rajapakse, not because of his responsibility for the war crimes carried out by the military in crushing the LTTE by 2009, but because of his close ties to Beijing. As prime minister under Sirisena, Wickremesinghe was instrumental in dramatically realigning foreign policy towards the US and integrating Sri Lanka into US war planning against China. Wickremesinghe is already broadly despised and hated. Whatever the exact composition of the government he installs, its agenda is clear: to defend the interests of the wealthy corporate elite and international financiers at the expense of the working class and rural masses. The ruling class has no money to offer any concessions of any substance. The next government will only heap more hardship and suffering on top of the chronic shortages and skyrocketing prices of essentials that have already created widespread misery. The Socialist Equality Party warns that pseudo-left organisations like Frontline Socialist Party (FSP), and the trade unions are continuing to foster the illusion that the social crisis confronting the masses can be solved through the discredited parliament and the parties of the bourgeoisie. While demanding Wickremesinghes resignation, they continue to support the call of the opposition parties for an all-party interim governmentthe very parties that yesterday declared their willingness to work together with Wickremesinghe to save the country, in other words, to save capitalism. The SEP calls on the working class to take an entirely opposite political road and establish their own independent organs of struggle. We call for the formation of a network of action committees by workers and rural toilers, totally independent of all the discredited capitalist parties and their trade union lackeys, to wage a fight for their democratic and social rights. By rallying youth and the rural poor to its side, the working class will lay the basis for a government of workers and peasants committed to socialist policies. This is a part of the broader struggle for socialism in South Asia and internationally. Subcontract workers at a major South Korean shipbuilder remain on strike after taking action in early June to demand significant improvements to their wages. In response, President Yoon Suk-yeol issued a veiled threat to forcibly break up the strike. Workers participating in the protest (Credit: KCTU Facebook page) Since June 2, about 150 workers at Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering (DSME) have occupied an oil tanker in dry dock at the companys shipyards on Geoje Island, in South Gyeongsang Province. They are demanding a 30 percent wage rise to make up for years of wage cuts, an additional 300 percent increase in bonuses, and recognition of the subcontractors union activity. Subcontractors are often paid less than a companys regular workers and lack many basic job protections. The strike is another indication of the militant mood among South Korean workers, following a strike by cargo truck drivers in June and recent threats to strike by autoworkers. The working class is faced with soaring consumer prices, drops in real wages, and other attacks on job and working conditions. The subcontract workers at DSME are members of the Korean Metal Workers Union (KMWU), which is affiliated to the so-called militant Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU). The KMWU is one of the most influential within the KCTU and also represents workers at companies like Hyundai Motors. The KMWU held rallies around the country on July 20, which it absurdly called a general strike. Approximately 5,000 people gathered in Seoul while an additional 8,000 demonstrated on Geoje, and another 8,000 in other locations. The unions typically call this sort of limited industrial action to give the appearance of waging a struggle. These actions are designed, however, to limit the impact on big business as much as possible by holding them in the middle of the week. Strikes at South Koreas shipbuilders are not new. DSME has been engaged in restructuring efforts for years, in part due to corporate malfeasance, which included fraudulently manipulating accounts to cover-up company losses between 2008 and 2016. Since then, workers have been forced to foot the bill for DSMEs actions through wage cuts and mass sackings. The government also bailed out DSME, with the Korea Development Bank currently holding 55.7 percent of the companys shares. A plan to sell DSME to Hyundai Heavy Industries in 2019 met with widespread anger and distrust from workers, who rightly feared further sackings. Workers at both companies have staged multiple protest strikes in recent years to oppose these DSMEs plans, which were only called off after facing opposition from the European Union. On July 19, President Yoon denounced the subcontractors strike as illegal, declaring, I think the people and the government have all waited long enough. The unions actions, he added, should not be left unattended or tolerated. Yoon has made numerous comments since being elected in March that open the door for the violent suppression of workers struggles. The same day, media reports claimed that a regular worker at DSME, supposedly angry at the stop in production at the shipyard, got into a physical altercation with the strikers at Geoje, using a knife to slash banners. While it is possible that a disoriented worker lost his cool, workers must be cautious that DSME is attempting to use provocateurs to start fights that could be used as justification for sending the police or company thugs against the strikers. The unions have called a rally at the dockyards on July 23, urging workers to attend from across the country, the KMWU hopes that bourgeois opposition parties, above all the Democratic Party of Korea (DP), will intervene and help negotiate a sellout agreement with the company. While individual workers will be left holding the bag, the KMWU will attempt to convince its membership that the DP and other so-called progressive parties will take the necessary steps to protect workers. The KCTU and KMWU have done everything they could to stop the DSME subcontractors strike from spreading. In the past several weeks, powerful sections of the South Korean working class have gone on strike or threatened to strike, only to have the unions isolate those workers from the shipbuilders. Notably, truck drivers struck for eight days in June, shortly after the DSME workers had walked off the job. The truck drivers strike, which quickly impacted on the government and big business and could have developed into a broader movement of workers, was shut down by Cargo Truckers Solidarity, another KCTU affiliate with none of the workers demands being met. The KMWU, also recently pushed through a sellout agreement at Hyundai Motors, the largest automaker in the country, further isolating the shipbuilders, not to mention other autoworkers in contract negotiations. The ongoing isolation of striking DSME workers by the KMWU and the KCTU further demonstrates that shipbuilding workers must take their fight out of the hands of the unions, form their own rank-and-file committees, and reach out to all sections of the working class, both regular and irregular, including truck drivers, logistics workers, autoworkers and nurses now coming into struggle. In a guest column that appeared Monday in the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Chancellor Olaf Scholz gave an unvarnished explanation of why Germany is supporting NATOs proxy war against Russia, heavily arming Ukraine, sabotaging any negotiated settlement and massively rearming the Bundeswehr. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz [Photo by Bundesregierung/Schacht] [Photo by Bundesregierung/Schacht] It has nothing to do with the defence of democracy and Western values, resisting an authoritarian aggressor, and everything else usually cited as official justifications. In reality, the war in Ukraine is intended to help Germany become the leading military power in Europe and transform itself from a great power into a world power. The column is titled, Europe in Times of War: The EU must become a geopolitical player. Scholz writes, It has often been rightly demanded in recent years that the EU must become a geopolitical actor. An ambitious claim, but a correct one! With the historic decisions of recent months, the European Union has taken a big step in this direction. When a member of the German government says Europe or EU, he means Germany. In his article, Scholz emphasizes that dissenting policies by smaller states will not be tolerated in the EU in future. As already in financial and economic spheres, Brussels, Berlin and the powerful economic interests that back them are to dictate the course in foreign policy as well. Europes most important response to the turn of the times was unity, Scholz states. We absolutely must maintain it and we must deepen it. For me, that means an end to egoistic blockades of European decisions by individual member states. An end to national solo actions that harm Europe as a whole. We simply can no longer afford national vetoes, for example in foreign policy, if we want to continue to be heard in a world of competing great powers. This also shows how mendacious is the Zelensky governments claim that joining the EU means democracy and national self-determination. In reality, the oligarchs Zelensky speaks for are promising themselves that EU accession will allow them to exploit their own working class more effectively. The workers of Greece, whose standard of living has been decimated by EU austerity dictates, can say a thing or two about this, as can workers in Bulgaria, Romania, and other Eastern European states who, even after 15 years of EU membership, earn only a fraction as much as their Western European counterparts. As EU members, they enjoy freedom of movement and are allowed to work in other EU countries, but there they are exploited at slave wages on construction sites, in slaughterhouses and in the service sector. Scholz unconditionally supports NATOs goal of continuing the war until Russia is militarily defeated, even if it means risking nuclear war. We support Ukraineand we will do so as long as it needs this support: economic, humanitarian, financial, and by supplying weapons, he writes. At the beginning of the war, Scholz and the Social Democratic Party (SPD) had been accused of only half-heartedly backing Ukraine and delaying the delivery of weapons. But the party has since taken a clear position. Members who warn against a complete break with Moscow are isolated. Former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroder, who is friends with President Putin and long worked for the Russian energy company Gazprom, is even the subject of party expulsion proceedings. At a conference of the party-affiliated Friedrich Ebert Foundation on June 21, the new SPD chairman Lars Klingbeil had already called for new strategic partnerships. We need new strategic alliances based on economic interests and political orientation, he declared. Germany must aspire to be a leading power. After nearly 80 years of restraint, Germany now has a new role in the international coordinating system. Klingbeil explicitly stressed that this role as a leading power also meant using military means. I suspect some are now alarmed, he said. The chairman of the SPD is talking about being a leading power, about the Bundeswehr [Armed Forces], about military force. I can imagine how some debates are now going. But I can claim that we are realistic. With the proxy war against Russia, the German government is following in the traditions of Hitlers Wehrmacht (armed forces). A military defeat of Russia, as sought by NATO and the German government, would set the stage for splitting up the huge country and plundering its vast reserves of raw materialsa goal Germany already pursued in World War II when it invaded the Soviet Union. Scholz also sees the Ukraine war as a means to strengthen German dominance in Eastern Europe. As a country in the centre of Europe, Germany would bring together East and West, North and South in Europe, he writes. Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia and all six countries of the western Balkans are to be admitted to the EU. In the eastern alliance areain Lithuania, in Slovakia, in the Baltic SeaGermany would significantly increase its military presence, he adds. Here, too, Scholz is harking back to Germanys criminal traditions. Control of Mitteleuropa, as the region was then called, was Germanys central wartime objective in World War I and World War II. Theobald von Bethmann-Hollwegs infamous September Program, which the then Reich Chancellor wrote shortly after the beginning of World War I, stated that only a Germany strengthened by Mitteleuropa would be able to assert itself as an equal world power between the world powers Great Britain, the United States and Russia. It is striking that Scholz does not mention the US in a single syllable in his article. This is not an oversight. At present, the US is indispensable to Germany as the worlds largest military power and the pre-eminent NATO power, but in the long term, it is regarded as a strategic rival. The German media are following the internal and external decline of the US with a mixture of concern and malice. Typical is a commentary by the Suddeutsche Zeitung on President Joe Bidens visit to Saudi Arabia. Biden, who arrived with a completely overloaded wish list only to depart a good 24 hours later with many lofty words but few concrete achievements, had learned a lesson in loss of power, writes Stefan Kornelius, the newspapers political director. The trip illustrates the decline of American authority; it makes visible the centrifugal forces at work in what has become a multipolar world. German imperialism is reacting to the loss of authority of the former protecting power with the biggest rearmament offensive since Hitler. It is not limiting its geopolitical ambitions to Russia and Europe; the Global South, as Scholz calls Asia, Africa and Latin America, is also to become its sphere of influence. If Germany assumes responsibility for Europe and in the world in these difficult times, it will make the concerns of the Global South our concerns, Scholz writes. He had quite deliberately invited his colleagues from India, South Africa, Indonesia, Senegal and Argentina to the recent G7 summit in Germany. Both Scholz and Klingbeil take pains to portray Germany's return to militarism and great power politics as a reaction to the Russian attack on Ukraine, which they describe as a turn in the times. In reality, it is the other way round. The revival of German militarism is one of the main causes of the war in Ukraine. As early as 2014, the then Federal President Joachim Gauck and leading representatives of the German governmentincluding the current President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and the current President of the EU Commission Ursula von der Leyenhad proclaimed a more aggressive global political and military role for Germany and put this into practice in Ukraine. They supported the coup there that brought a Western puppet regime to power with the help of far-right militias. Moscow responded by annexing Crimea, whose inhabitants voted overwhelmingly to join Russia, and by supporting separatist movements in eastern Ukraine that were unwilling to accept the ultra-nationalist regime in Kiev. Since then, Ukraine has been systematically armed by NATO and any approach to a negotiated settlement has been sabotaged, finally provoking Russian President Putin to take the reactionary decision to attack Ukraine militarily. In 2014, the Sozialistische Gleichheitspartei (Socialist Equality Party) was the only party to warn against the return of German militarism and its consequences and to mobilise against it. The balance of this work is documented on the World Socialist Web Site and in two books published by Mehring Verlag, Scholarship or War Propaganda?and Why Are They Back? All our warnings at the time have since been confirmed. The return of German militarism goes hand in hand with the rehabilitation of Nazism and its collaborators, such as Stepan Bandera. And it is linked to a declaration of war on the working class. Scholz also states this openly in his FAZ article. He is preparing the German population for huge and long-lasting sacrifices. This road is not easy, not even for a country as strong and prosperous as ours, he writes. We will need staying power. Already, many citizens are suffering from the effects of war and are looking anxiously at their next electricity, oil, or gas bills, Scholz said. The global economy was facing a challenge unprecedented for decades. Disrupted supply chains, scarce raw materials, war-related uncertainty in the energy marketsall this is driving up prices worldwide. But he said he was convinced that we will emerge from the crisis stronger and more independent than we went into it. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) released on Monday previously unpublished records of bulk smartphone location data purchased by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from private contractors that it used illegally to track the movement of individuals across North America. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas in Washington, D.C., February 3, 2021 (Photo: U.S. Department of Homeland Security) The documents were obtained by the ACLU through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) lawsuit filed in 2020. The records show that, during both the Trump and Biden administrations, the DHS was procuring huge volumes of peoples cell phone location tracking information from two data brokersVenntel and Babel Streetin violation of the Fourth Amendment right against unreasonable searches and seizures. The trove of records shows how the DHS departments, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and, also likely the US Secret Service and US Coast Guard, spent millions in government funds to make bulk location data purchases. An ACLU press release says, the volume of peoples sensitive location information obtained by the agency is staggering. The ACLU has published a set of seven redacted spreadsheets provided by CBP that contain a small subset of the raw location data purchased by the agency from Venntel. The press release goes on to provide details, For one three-day span in 2018, the records contain around 113,654 location pointsmore than 26 location points per minute. And that data appears to come from just one area in the Southwestern United States Among the documents obtained are email communications between DHS staff and representatives of the data companies in which attempts are made to rationalize the unfettered sale of massive quantities of data in the face of the US Supreme Court precedent protecting similar cell phone location data against warrantless government access, the ACLU release says. Shreya Tewari, the Brennan Fellow for ACLUs Speech, Privacy, and Technology Project, said, These records provide critical insight into the governments attempts to wash its hands of any accountability in purchasing peoples sensitive location data when it would otherwise need a warrant. The ACLU shared the documents with Politico, which published its own analysis. Politico said that the records obtained in the FOIA lawsuit included location information which was harvested from apps on hundreds of millions of phones and enabled the DHS to pinpoint more than 336,000 location data points across North America, and that this data may reference only a small portion of the information that CBP has obtained. Politico also revealed that the data points included locations in major cities like Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Denver, Toronto and Mexico City. Politico also reported that the location data has been used by CBP during the Biden administration which renewed a contract for $20,000 that ended in September 2021. Most of the data obtained by the ACLU comes from Venntel, a data broker located in the Washington DC area that is a subsidiary of Gravy Analytics. These companies specialize in gathering data which tracks the movement of individuals from one destination to another for the stated purposes of targeted marketing. In making a sales pitch to the DHS departments, Venntel boasted that it had collected location data from more than 250 million mobile devices and processed more than 15 billion location data points per day. On its website, Venntel promotes its services as Innovative big data analytics for the worlds most challenging problems. According to an industry study, location data businesses include collectors, aggregators, marketplaces and location intelligence firms, and generate a combined $12 billion in annual revenue. Location data is gathered by apps on smartphones and other mobile devices when they are given permission to do so by users. Permission-based location data gathering was implemented on Apples iOS in April 2021 and on Android devices in June 2022. Prior to these dates, app gathering of location data could be stopped, but users would need to either turn off location services entirely or for each app individually. Apps have many reasons for needing to know a users location, such as how to provide directions to a retail location or serving up local weather conditions. However, when users enable location services for apps, either while using the app or as it is running in the background, they are not aware that this information is being bought and sold by powerful big data companies. The ACLU revelations show that this information is being purchased from the data firms by the institutions of the national security state for the purposes of developing its police operations in violation of basic constitutional rights. As reported in February 2020, the Wall Street Journal revealed at that time that the DHS under the Trump administration began purchasing phone location data from Venntel in 2017. It has taken more than two years since that time for Congress to launch an investigation into these practices, and the ACLU revelations are part of this legislative initiative. On Tuesday, the House Judiciary Committee held a hearing entitled Digital Dragnets: Examining the Government's Access to Your Personal Data. In April 2021, Senator Ron Wyden (Democrat-Oregon) introduced the Fourth Amendment is Not For Sale Act which states that government agencies cannot purchase the location data of Americans without a warrant. The use of location data by police agencies is the tip of the iceberg of mass electronic surveillance of the public that has been ongoing and intensifying, beginning with the undemocratic provisions spelled out in the USA Patriot Act passed in the aftermath of the terror attacks of September 11, 2001. Even after former NSA and CIA contractor and whistleblower Edward Snowden exposed details of the sophisticated techniques being used by the intelligence state to monitor the locations, activities and communications of everyone on the planet, all the assurances by Democrats and Republicans that these programs have been halted have turned out to be lies. The ongoing assault on privacy rights by state agencies, against both citizens and non-citizens alike, is a necessary part of the drive by US imperialism for war abroad and the destruction of democratic rights at home. In a massive expansion of US involvement in the imperialist proxy war in Ukraine, the Pentagon is actively preparing to send new, modern military aircraft made in NATO countries to fight against Russian forces in Ukraine, the Washington Post reported Wednesday. Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr., chief of staff of the U.S. Air Force, told the newspaper that discussions are ongoing to send the fighters to Ukraine. Speaking at the Aspen Security Conference, Brown was asked, [i]s it possible the U.S could sell or provide Ukraine more U.S fighter platforms? To this, Brown replied, [i]t'll be something non-Russian, I could probably tell you that. By non-Russian, Brown was referring to an earlier proposal by Poland to send Soviet-made MiG fighters to Ukraine which was rejected by the Biden administration on the grounds that it was too likely to escalate the war. At the time, Biden declared that the move could start World War III, saying, The idea that were going to send in offensive equipment and have planes and tanks and trains going in with American pilots and American crews just understand, dont kid yourself, no matter what yall say, thats called World War III. Browns proposal is, however, a far more provocative move than the earlier plan to send aging and semi-obsolete Soviet aircraft. His comments came the same day that the Pentagon announced that it would send four more HIMARS long-range missile systems to Ukraine, bringing the total deployed in the country to 16. (We) will keep finding innovative ways to sustain our long-term support for the brave men and women of the Ukrainian armed forces, and we will tailor our assistance to ensure that Ukraine has the technology, the ammunition and the sheer firepower to defend itself, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Wednesday. Ukrainian forces are now using long-range rocket systems to great effect, including HIMARS provided by the United States and other systems from our allies and partners, Austin said, adding, [t]he international community has also worked hard to provide Ukraine with better coastal defense capabilities. Ukrainian and US officials are more and more openly discussing the details of a plan to amass an enormous stockpile of high-end US weapons systems, allowing Kiev to stage a major counteroffensive in the fall with the aim of sinking the Russian fleet and retaking the Crimean Peninsula in the Black Sea, which Russia annexed in the wake of the 2014 coup in Kiev. During a visit to the UK, Ukraines Deputy Defense Minister Volodymyr Havrylov pledged to use US-supplied heavy weapons to mount an offensive against Crimea. We are receiving anti-ship capabilities, and sooner or later we will target the fleet. It is inevitable because we have to guarantee the security of our people, he said. Russia will have to leave Crimea if they wish to exist as a country, Havrylov insisted. On Saturday, Ukrainian military intelligence official Vadym Skibitsky said that Ukraine would use HIMARS missile systems to attack targets in Crimea, which he said had to be destroyed for the safety of our citizens, our facilities and our Ukraine. The increasingly open talk of a Ukrainian offensive to retake Crimea has prompted extremely sharp warnings from Russian officials. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that Washington was seeking to provoke a real war with Russia, stating, Our American counterparts really want to turn this war into a real war and start a confrontation between Russia and European states. He warned, [Ukraine is] not just [being] pumped with weapons. They are forced to use these weapons in an increasingly risky way. On Sunday, the former Russian president and deputy chairman of Russias Security Council Dmitry Medvedev said that an attack on Crimea would pose a systemic threat to Russia, prompting a Judgment Day response from Russia. In the event of a Ukrainian effort to retake Crimea, Judgment Day will come very fast and hard, Medvedev said. Geopolitical commentators have warned that Russia views the defense of Crimea as a vital state interest and would use nuclear weapons to protect the territory. Inviting US arms manufacturers to take part in this joint effort by the United States and the Kiev regime, Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov openly declared Wednesday that the country should be viewed as a testing ground for US defense contractors. We are inviting arms manufacturers to test new products here, he said. The enormously dangerous escalation of the war comes as the energy crisis triggered by the conflict is having increasingly devastating consequences for the population of Europe and the whole world. We have to prepare for a potential full disruption of Russian gas, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Wednesday, calling this a likely scenario. On Wednesday, the EU rolled out a plan for its member states to begin rationing energy supplies, in preparation for a full shutoff of gas supplies over the winter. That same day, the IMF warned that a total shutdown of Russian gas supplies could shrink the economies of some EU member states by 6 percent and send them into recession. The revelation that the US plans to send NATO-made aircraft to Ukraine comes just two weeks after New York Citys Office of Emergency Management (OEM) released a 90-second public service announcement (PSA), giving instructions to city residents on what to do in the event of a nuclear attack on Americas largest city. The video begins with the narration, So there has been a nuclear attack. Dont ask me how or why, just know that the big one has hit. The extraordinary recklessness with which the United States is escalating its war with Russia raises the very real danger of just such a disastrous outcome. It is now undeniable that the COVID pandemic is the worst it has ever been in Australia. Yet all of the countrys governments, led by the federal Labor administration, are rejecting even minimal safety measures, effectively consigning tens of thousands to serious illness and hundreds upon hundreds to death. A man receives a COVID-19 test in the eastern suburbs of Sydney last September [Credit: AP Photo/Mark Baker] The response takes to a new level the criminal reopening drive of last December, when the entire political establishment abandoned successful suppression measures and let the virus rip. Then, they peddled misinformation that Omicron was mild and that greater levels of infection would result in herd immunity. Now those lies are in tatters. The new BA.5 variant results in rapid reinfections, provides no lasting immunity and is claiming lives more rapidly than the deadly Delta strain did in Australia. All that remains is the policy of mass illness and death, a pandemic in perpetuity and the naked subordination of public health to a corporate elite which rejects any measures that would impact on profits. National hospitalisations on Tuesday reached 5,360, just 30 short of the record of 5,390 reached on January 25. They declined slightly yesterday, but will likely exceed the previous peak sometime this week. The number of COVID patients has increased by more than 2,000 in the first few weeks of July, and have doubled since the beginning of June when there were 2,570 receiving hospital treatment for a coronavirus infection. Roughly half of the states and territories are at record COVID admissions, while the other half will exceed their previous peaks during the current surge. Deaths are also increasing markedly. The past three days, including Friday, fatalities have stood at 89, 85 and 75. Over the past seven days, there have been 450 deaths, or an average of more than 64 every single day. That compares with average daily deaths of just over 40 throughout June. Globally, Australia has gone from having one of the lowest per capita death tolls in the first two years of the pandemic, to now consistently being near the top of the seven-day rolling average of COVID fatalities per million people. Currently, Australia is sixth by that measure. The only advanced capitalist countries experiencing greater per capita losses are New Zealand and Taiwan. The weekly fatalities are now well over double the death toll from the 2002 Bali bombings, the worst terrorist attack involving Australian citizens in modern history. Daily average fatalities are almost twice the number of those killed in the horrific Port Arthur massacre of 1996, when a crazed gunman opened fire on a crowd of defenseless civilians. Those events, and others like them, were treated as major turning points in society. Now, however, far higher levels of death from the pandemic are minimised and downplayed, or simply ignored. One needs to search aggregator websites, such as covidlive.com.au, to have any sense of the scale of death underway. Most days, the fatalities are not mentioned by the official politicians or even reported in the press. If they are, they are consigned to a line or two, with no sense of tragedy or loss. There is a strong element of social eugenics in this response, dovetailing with previous complaints in ruling circles over the aging population and the costs associated with it. Almost 100 people are dying a week in aged-care homes according to official data, while there are some 700 active outbreaks in facilities across the country. Both are nearing record levels. It is not only the elderly, however, who are becoming grievously ill. In comments to the Age this morning, Dr Marion Kainer, infectious diseases head at Melbournes Western Health, said that more people in their 30s, 40s and 50s were presenting to emergency departments with acute symptoms. What we are noticing is that they are sicker on the wards this time around and they are staying longer than they were during the last Omicron wave, Kainer said. Like other medical professionals, she noted that some BA.5 symptomology resembled that of Delta, rather than earlier Omicron variants. The new strain, in addition to being the most infectious yet, appears to affect the lungs more severely than earlier iterations of Omicron, which primarily hit the upper bronchial tract. The virus is spreading unchecked throughout hospitals, with well over 10,000 workers in the sector off sick at any one time. At some major Melbourne hospitals, a third of midwives are off sick or isolating, while growing numbers of pregnant women are contracting the virus, according to the Age. The hospitalisations and deaths indicate that as in DecemberJanuary, the virus is virtually everywhere. Official national case numbers exceeded 50,000 on Tuesday for the first time since May 19. Government and health spokespeople have acknowledged that real infections are at least double the recorded data or more. Given the dismantling of the testing system and the absence of any, even nominal contact tracing, even that is likely a substantial underestimate. It is entirely possible that real infections are near or at the peak of 150,000 per day reached in December. The response of government leaders to the unfolding disaster recalls a criminal who cuts a hose during a blazing inferno. Labor and Liberal-National alike, state and federal, none of them have announced a single measure aimed at cutting down transmission. Over the past two months, moreover, they have withdrawn the limited restrictions that were in place during the DecemberJanuary wave, including virtually all indoor mask mandates. A press conference on Tuesday by federal Labor Health Minister Mark Butler and the countrys Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly summed up the official criminality. They declared that millions more Australians would be infected over the coming weeks. Even though hospitalisations are already at record levels, a peak in the outbreak would not be reached for four weeks, or maybe more. Kelly stated: In every state and territory, the number of cases according to those predictions are continuing to rise. So, were at the start of this wave, not the end. We know that that is associated with hospitalisations, and that what happens in the future really, very much depends on what we do today. And so what were the esteemed health bureaucrat and Labor minister proposing to do? Butler and Kelly strongly recommended masks, but dismissed out of hand suggestions of any reintroduced mandates. Corporate chiefs have laid down the law, declaring that widespread mask-wearing is unacceptable, because it is a reminder of the ongoing pandemic and could result in decreased economic activity, such as less retail shopping. The schools would remain fully open, despite being key vectors of the virus, not a cent would be spent on bolstering the hospital systems. The essential elimination measures, such as lockdowns and the closure of non-essential businesses, were not mentioned by either. Nor were they brought up by representatives of a press corps that has uncritically cheered on the policy of mass infection. That Kelly continues to dispense his pompous evasions as chief medical officer, rather than before a disciplinary board, is itself extraordinary. When the global Omicron wave began in December, he described the new variant as a Christmas present and publicly urged governments to allow its spread. As a consequence more than eight million people have been infected and almost 9,000 have lost their lives. Labors retention of Kelly sums up the complete bipartisanship of the criminal pandemic response. Butler and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese are responding to the present crisis exactly as conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison would have. Dr David Berger (Image: Supplied) Meanwhile, Dr David Berger is currently under disciplinary sanction from the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). His offence has been to warn of the dangers of COVID, stridently condemn the let it rip policies and advocate the scientifically-grounded elimination measures that can end the pandemic. AHPRA has declared that this principled service to the population risks undermining public health messaging. Workers and young people should defend Berger, as part of the fight against the herd immunity program and all of the political forces implementing it. In the first instance, that means a political struggle against the federal Labor government. The Socialist Equality Party (SEP), the Sri Lankan section of the International Committee of the Fourth International, calls for an island-wide campaign by working people and youth for the organisation and convening of a Democratic and Socialist Congress of Workers and Rural Masses. The SEP envisages this Congress of the exploited laboring masses as a revolutionary political alternative to the reactionary capitalist interim government being set up by the discredited parliamentary cronies of Gotabhaya Rajapakse and Ranil Wickremesinghehis successor as executive president and would-be autocrat. The new government of the ruling class has only one purpose: to impose the brutal austerity program demanded by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), US and European imperialism and the Sri Lankan ruling class, while strangling popular opposition. Protesters gather in a street leading to the presidents official residence in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Saturday, July 9, 2022. (AP Photo/Amitha Thennakoon) The foundations for the Democratic and Socialist Congress need to be laid by the workers and rural toilers themselves through the establishment of action committees in workplaces, factories, plantations, neighborhoods and rural areas throughout the island to fight for their class interests. If these committees are to give genuine voice to the aspirations of working people, it is essential that they be independent of all the parties of the capitalist class and its trade union flunkeys. The SEP is the only party that has refused to participate in the establishment of an all-party interim government. We have warned that a capitalist interim government will be an instrument for the ruling class to buy time while it prepares a devastating onslaught on the social and democratic rights of the working class. For the capitalist class, the only way out of the economic crisis is a scorched earth policy that destroys what remains of the social gains won by workers in decades of strugglejobs, working conditions, public education, health care, and price subsidies. Parliaments selection as president, Wickremesinghe, the notorious enforcer of IMF austerity and US imperialist stooge, provides irrefutable proof that the political system is corrupt, anti-democratic and totally controlled by US imperialism, the IMF, and their agents in the Sri Lankan ruling class. It also must be taken as a warning. Wickremesinghe, the sole MP of the discredited and hated UNP, staked his claim to the presidency as the representative not of the people, but of capitalist order. In the six days that he served as acting president, Wickremesinghe served notice that he is preparing to use all the authoritarian powers of the executive presidency and the full force of the massive military-state apparatus to savagely repress popular opposition and strike a deadly blow against the working class. Doubling as president and prime minister, he invoked emergency powers to give state authorities the ability to illegalise all protests, impose censorship and detain people en masse without charge. He ordered the police and military to restore order and slandered as fascists the masses who had driven the criminal and ruling class thug Gotabhaya Rajapakse from power. In refusing to take part in the talks on forming an interim government, the SEP drew on the bitter political lessons of the Lanka Sama Samaja Partys catastrophic 1964 betrayal of the essential political principles of Trotskyism. In the midst of an economic and political crisis, and confronting the powerful 21 demands movement of the working class, Prime Minister Sirima Bandaranaike, the leader of the bourgeois Sri Lanka Freedom Party, turned to the Lanka Sama Samaja Party (LSSP) leaders to prop up capitalist rule. The entry of the LSSP into the bourgeois Sinhalese First government of Bandaranaike not only marked the end of the 21 demands movement. It demoralised the masses, promoted ethno-linguistic strife over class struggle, and paved the way for the domination of reactionary communal politics and decades of civil war. The SEP has not and never will go down the LSSPs road of betrayal. We reject all forms of direct and indirect support to capitalist governments. The predecessor of the SEP, the Revolutionary Communist League, was founded in 1968 as a section of the International Committee of the Fourth International in direct opposition to the LSSPs repudiation of socialist internationalism and independent class politicsthe pillars of the struggle for workers power. The crisis of capitalism in Sri Lanka and globally is far deeper today than sixty years ago. The mass popular uprising of the past three months has shaken bourgeois rule to its very core. But as Leon Trotsky once explained, the strength of the bourgeoisie is that it understands its weakness. If political power is left in its hands, it will ruthlessly defend its interests by imposing the IMFs austerity agenda and crushing any popular opposition. Trotsky also explained that the weakness of the working class is that it does not understand its strength. The mass popular protests have displayed great militancy, determination and courage. But if working people remain shackled to the political establishment and place their faith in a capitalist interim government, the outcome will inevitably be a disaster. Anti-government protesters in Tahrir Square, Cairo, Egypt, February 2011 (AP Photo/Tara Todras-Whitehill) The lessons of the failed 2011 Egyptian Revolution are of pivotal importance for the Sri Lankan working class at this critical juncture. At the beginning of 2011 a mighty popular upsurge erupted and within a matter of weeks ousted the decades-long military dictatorship of Hosni Mubarak. However, because the working class was not armed with an independent class perspective, the mass movement remained dominated by the bourgeois opposition and various sections of the affluent middle classthat is, forces bitterly opposed to any challenge to capitalist rule. This included pseudo-left groups like the Revolutionary Socialists who, in the name of opening democratic space, urged support for the short-lived, right-wing capitalist government formed by the Muslim Brotherhood, then the so-called liberal sections of the military. As the mass movement in Egypt waned and fragmented, the military backed by US imperialism seized the opportunity for a bloody crackdown and instituted a reign of terror under the current dictator, Mubaraks former general, Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. What is the essential lesson of this tragic defeat for the working class? It cannot allow the political initiative to slip from its hands. It needs to tear itself away from all of the political parties of the bourgeoisie, their pseudo-left hangers-on and trade union apparatuses. It must establish its own political instruments to defend its class interests and fight for power. In rejecting talks for an interim government, the SEP understood that the working class has to establish its own political power centre completely independent of the anti-democratic conspiracies of the political establishment and the capitalist state. That is the significance of our call for the Democratic and Socialist Congress of workers and rural masses. The deep-seated distrust and hostility of broad masses to the entire parliamentary framework was already expressed in the popular slogan Down with the 225in other words, out with not just Rajapakse and Wickremesinghe, but all 225 corrupt, self-seeking politicians occupying their comfortable parliamentary seats. Working people, however, cannot just criticise from the sidelines, they must have their own independent bases of political power to make their voices heard and their actions felt. Leon Trotsky Drawing on the immense political experience of the 1917 Russian Revolution, Leon Trotsky had a profound understanding of revolutionary dynamics. His writings on the Spanish Revolution in the 1930s have an extraordinary relevance to events in Sri Lanka. Trotsky wrote: In reality, in spite of the mighty sweep of the struggle, the subjective factors of the revolutionthe party, the organization of the masses, slogansare extraordinarily behind the tasks of the movementand it is this backwardness that constitutes the main danger today. The semi-spontaneous spread of strikes, which have brought victims and defeats or have ended with nothing, is an absolutely unavoidable stage of the revolution, the period of the awakening of the masses, their mobilization and their entry into struggle. For it is not the cream of the workers who take part in the movement, but the masses as a whole. Not only do factory workers strike, but also artisans, chauffeurs and bakers, construction, irrigation and finally agricultural workers. The veterans mould the limbs, the new recruits learn. Through the medium of these strikes, the class begins to feel itself as a class. However, the spontaneitywhich at the present stage constitutes the strength of the movementmay in the future become the source of its weakness. To assume that the movement also in the future will be left to itself without a clear program, without its own leadership, would mean to assume a perspective of hopelessness. For the question involved is nothing less than the seizure of power. Even the most stormy strikesall the more so the scattered onesdo not solve this problem. If the proletariat were not to feel in the process of the struggle of the coming months that its tasks and methods are becoming clearer to itself, that its ranks are becoming consolidated and strengthened, then a decomposition would set in within its own ranks Of course, we are far from that point yet. But no time should be lost. [The revolution in Spain, January 24, 1931, in The Spanish Revolution (193139), Pathfinder Press, pp. 8889] That is why the SEP has initiated the process of establishing independent, democratically-elected action committees in the plantations and among teachers and health workers, based on a socialist perspective. But these action committees need to be extended throughout the island, to link up and become the basis for electing delegates to a congress of workers and rural toilers to discuss and adopt a socialist perspective. The action committees advocated by the SEP are the complete opposite of the peoples councils proposed by the pseudo-left Frontline Socialist Party (FSP) to pressure an interim government for concessions. It is pointless to go with a begging bowl to any capitalist government. The ruling class has nothing to give but more pain and suffering. What is needed are action committees as fighting bodies for the social and democratic rights of working people. The SEP has outlined a series of policies around which workers and rural toilers can fight: Reject the IMF austerity agenda! Repudiate all foreign debts! Seize the assets of the super-rich and nationalise the major banks and corporations under workers control! The working class must re-organise production and distribution to put an end to the hunger and starvation facing millions and ensure hospitals have medical equipment and medicines. To address the plight of poor farmers, their debts must be cancelled and fertiliser subsidies reintroduced. Jobs must be available to all and wages indexed to the cost of living. The tasks confronting the SEPs proposed congress are both democratic and socialist. The capitalist parties conspiring to establish an interim government all declare that the countrys anti-democratic constitution has to be defended. In other words, they insist that the capitalist state, the police, the courts, the prisons and, above all, the executive presidency and its sweeping powers must remain intact. The SEP insists that the executive presidency must be immediately abolished and along with it the whole battery of repressive laws developed over decades. As Leon Trotsky explained in the Theory of Permanent Revolution, in countries of belated development such as Sri Lanka, democratic tasks are indissolubly linked to the fight for socialism by the working class. In the seven decades since formal independence in 1948, the capitalist class and its political parties have repeatedly trampled on the democratic rights of workers and the rural masses, including in the bloody massacres of Sinhala rural youth in 1970 and 198990, and in the reactionary communal war of 19832009. Today, in defence of its wealth and the investments of global capital, they are preparing even greater crimes. Only the working class, rallying the masses behind it in struggle against the entire social and political order, can secure democratic rights, put an end to entrenched discrimination against Tamils and other ethnic minorities, and resolve the pressing issues confronting poor farmers and rural workers, including the lack of land, the staggering cost of fertiliser and other critical supplies, and relentless pressure exerted by large agricultural concerns on small producers. The SEP has always championed the democratic rights of Tamil workers and peasants and opposes the poisonous Sinhala chauvinism that has been used for decades to divide workers. At the same time, we oppose the divisive Tamil nationalism of the Tamil ruling elites who want nothing more than the right to exploit their workers, and who, in times of crisis like the present, invariably line up against the working class. We warn that in the coming weeks and months a desperate ruling class will again resort to vile communal lies and provocations to pit workers against each other. They must be opposed. The SEPs call for Democratic and Socialist Congress of Workers and Rural Masses provides a political strategy for the working class to consolidate its forces, win the active support of the rural masses and lay the basis for its own rule through a workers and peasants government committed to restructuring society on socialist lines. The faster the workers and rural masses take up the political fight to build action committees, the sooner a congress of workers and rural toilers can be convened to oppose the disaster being prepared by the ruling classes. We offer every political assistance to those who want to take up this fight. Leon Trotskys insights resonate today. The workers state that took shape after the overthrow of the bourgeois provisional government in Russia in 1917 was based on Sovietsthe name given to the independent, democratically-elected councils of workers and poor peasants that emerged in the course of the revolution. Addressing Spanish workers in 1930, Trotsky underscored the importance of fighting for the establishment of Soviets as the necessary lever in the fight for a political power: It seems to me that the slogan of Soviets is suggested by the whole situation, if we take the Soviets in the form in which they appeared and developed with us: at first, they were powerful strike committees. Not one of the early participants imagined that these were the future organs of power... It is understood that Soviets cannot be created artificially. But during each local strike, embracing a majority of trades and assuming a political character, it is necessary to call the Soviets into existence. This is the only form of organization that is capable, under the given conditions, of taking into its hands the leadership of the movement and of bringing into it the discipline of revolutionary action. [The Spanish Revolution in Danger, Ibid., p. 67] That, in essence, is the political task before the working class today and for which the SEP alone fights. The allies of the Sri Lankan working class in this political struggle are the workers and the oppressed around the world. If they fight for it, workers in Sri Lanka will find an inexhaustible well of support from the international working class. All over the world, the masses are coming to realise that global capitalism, mired in systemic crisis, has nothing to offer them except war, an unending pandemic, fascism, and ever intensifying exploitation and social misery. Ruling elites the world over are haunted by the spectre of a Sri Lankan-type social explosion, beginning in Pakistan, Egypt and the more than one dozen other countries now targeted for IMF austerity and restructuring, but including the United States and its imperialist allies. As the Financial Times warned on February 15: But Sri Lankas economic and political woes are far more than a national problemthey are a dramatic example of the potential difficulties looming in a number of other emerging markets. If the string of economic shocks that have battered the global economy are hard enough to manage in rich countries, there is even more cause for worry in many of the poorer and emerging economies that are home to the majority of the worlds population. Economic pressures bring political instabilityand today economic pressures are everywhere. The organisation and convening of a Democratic and Socialist Congress requires the development of a genuine mass movement embracing the widest sections of the working class and the rural masses. The authority and power of the congress, once it is convened, will depend upon the extent to which it has established a vast network of local committees in workplaces, factories, plantations and neighborhoods in all parts of the country. In the fight to establish and expand this network of committees, the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees, initiated by the International Committee of the Fourth International, will play a critical role. All over the world, there is a growing movement of workers starting to organise themselves independently and break free from the shackles imposed by the pro-corporate and nationalist trade union apparatus. The Socialist Equality Party is prepared and determined to assist and provide the political direction necessary for the development of the mass movement for the establishment of the Congress. We issue a special appeal to workers in India and throughout South Asia, as well as internationally, for a joint struggle for a socialist future for humanity. We call on militant workers and youth in Sri Lanka to join the SEP and take your place in the revolutionary struggle for socialist internationalism. Two months after it was introduced, House Bill 1326 officially dubbed the Fentanyl Accountability And Prevention Act squeaked out of the legislature at the last minute Wednesday night. It wound through two House and two Senate committees and a conference committee, became the subject of scores of amendments and was one of the most controversial bills of the session. State Representative Dan Cox, an all-out election denialist, won the Republican primary for governor of Maryland Tuesday, buoyed by the endorsement of former President Donald Trump and a reactionary and cynical campaign by the Democratic Party to boost the most right-wing candidate in the Republican primary, claiming he will be the easiest to defeat in November. Dan Cox, a Trump-endorsed Maryland state legislator who is seeking the Republican nomination for governor of Maryland, talks to reporters on June 30, 2022 in Annapolis, Md. [AP Photo/Brian Witte] Cox defeated former State Commerce Secretary Kelly Schulz, a longtime aide to current Governor Larry Hogan, one of the few open political opponents of Trump within the Republican Party. Hogan and the state party establishment backed Schulz in the primary, but she lost by a margin of 56 percent to 40 percent. There was little financial backing for Coxincluding from Trump, who gave him an endorsement but no moneyuntil the Democratic Governors Association carried out a multimillion-dollar ad attacking Cox as too loyal to Trump, calculated to boost turnout among right-wing Republican voters. The cynical calculation of the Democratic Party operatives was that in a state Trump lost by more than one million votes and by the third largest margin in terms of percentage of the vote, trailing only Vermont and Massachusetts, an avowedly pro-Trump candidate would be a sure loser to whomever the Democrats nominated. That nomination was still unclear as of this writing. Afghanistan war veteran and best-selling author Wes Moore held a lead over former Democratic National Committee Chair Tom Perez and Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot, but 40 percent of the vote, largely mail-in ballots, still remained to be counted as of Wednesday night. Cox directly participated in the January 6, 2021 attempted coup by Trump. He brought busloads of Trump supporters to the rally in front of the White House that culminated in a march on the Capitol, in the course of which the fascist-led mob stormed the building, halted the congressional counting of electoral votes and sought to ensure that Trump remained in the White House despite the outcome of the November 3 presidential election. The first-term state representative wrote on social media that Vice President Mike Pence was a traitor for refusing Trumps demand that he illegally reject electoral votes for Democrat Joe Biden. He declared that Trump is the only president that I recognize right now and pledged to conduct a forensic audit of the results in Maryland, which no Republican presidential candidate has won since 1988. While Trumps personal endorsement has been a mixed blessing in Republican primary contests, with some high-profile defeats as in Georgia, Nebraska and Idaho, the overall result of the primary season, which reached its halfway point in Maryland, has been a sweeping transformation of the Republican Party into one that is deeply opposed to democracy and refuses to accept the results of any election it does not win. According to a remarkable tabulation by the 538.com website published Monday, half of all the candidates so far nominated by the Republican Party for US senator, US representative, governor, state attorney general and secretary of state (the top election officer in each state) deny the results of the 2020 election and, at least implicitly, regard the Biden administration as illegitimate. The number of victorious Republican candidates questioning the legitimacy of the 2020 election dwarfs the number who have unambiguously accepted the legitimacy of President Bidens victory, the website wrote. Of the 340 nominees selected up to but not including the Maryland primary, 120 are full-blown election deniers, meaning they have declared the election illegitimate or backed legal challenges to it. Another 48 nominees have said there was substantial fraud but have not drawn the conclusion that Biden is illegitimate. These figures are likely an underestimation because 84 nominees, more than a quarter, are not on record in relation to the 2020 election, and are likely to voice opposition to it once the general election campaign against a Democratic opponent begins. Significantly, the highest percentages of election deniers are among candidates for governor, who will play a critical role in the certification of their states electoral votes in 2024, and among candidates for the House of Representatives, where the Republicans are currently favored to win a majority in November, putting them in a position to determine the outcome of the presidential contest two years later. A majority of House Republicans voted not to certify the 2020 electoral votes for Biden in two critical battleground states, Arizona and Pennsylvania, even in a vote conducted several hours after the fascist mob was cleared out of the Capitol and the joint session of Congress resumed certification of the Electoral College results. Still to be determined are a number of high-profile contests in states expected to be closely contested in 2024, including Arizona and Michigan, with elections August 2, and Wisconsin on August 9. In Arizona, election deniers are leading in the polls for all four critical statewide contests. Blake Masters, a former aide to billionaire Peter Thiel and an open fascist, is leading in the race for the Republican nomination for US Senate. Bolstered by $13 million from Thiel and Trumps endorsement, Masters focuses on denunciation of the stolen election and anti-immigrant vitriol, tweeting that the Democrats are trying to change the demographics of our country to win elections, a variation on the neo-Nazi great replacement theory. It came to light recently that in a 2006 essay Masters declared that World War II was not a just war. The essay concluded with a quote from Nazi leader Hermann Goering. In the three state leadership races, Trump-supported former broadcaster Kari Lake is in the lead for the Republican nomination for governor. Mark Finchem, organizer of the stolen election campaign, leads for secretary of state, while Abe Hamadeh, a Syrian-born Army intelligence officer, has Trumps endorsement for state attorney-general. Meanwhile, the Arizona Republican executive committee censured Republican state House Speaker Russell Rusty Bowers Tuesday and called on voters to replace him in the ballot box in the primary, following his anti-Trump testimony in front of the House Select January 6 Committee. Bowers testified last month that there was no significant fraud in Arizona and that Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani admitted he had no evidence of fraud. Russian President Vladimir Putin signed legislation last Thursday that dramatically increases the repressive power of the state. The law allows the government to label virtually any organization or individual a foreign agent on the grounds that they receive support from, or are even just influenced by, outside forces deemed hostile to Moscow. The law On control over the activities of people under foreign influence, which will take effect on December 1, states that any organization, whether constituted as a legal entity or not, as well as any person, whether a Russian citizen or not, may be considered a foreign agent if they receive financing, property, organizational-methodological support, scientific or technical advice or other assistance from any foreign state, foreign organization, foreign structure, foreign person, or legal Russian entity or citizen who are themselves viewed as being aided from the outside. The foreign agent label applies when these people or entities are engaged in political activity in Russia, the purposeful collection of information in the areas of military, military-technical activities of the Russian Federation or the dissemination of messages and materials to an unlimited audience. The extremely broad definitions mean that anyone and any organization which the Russian state decides to target can fall victim to the foreign agent law. Whether it be a young person who posts an article published by the Associated Press on her social media, a worker who issues a public call for a demonstration in solidarity with the oppressed people of Sri Lanka, or a teacher who speaks with students about the writings of German revolutionary Karl Marx, all can be accused. Were it not for the exceptions granted to religious organizations, political parties, employer and industry associations, chambers of commerce, the institutions of the Russian state, Russian state companies and the people under the direction of the latter two, Vladimir Putin himself might be a foreign agent. Foreign agents must identify themselves as such to the state and label any public materials they release as those of a foreign agent. They cannot work at any level of federal, municipal or local government or invest in any strategic enterprise. They cannot work in the educational system, have any connection to anything having to do with the education of minors or be involved in the production of information for minors. They cannot organize public events, serve on election commissions or make donations to elections or political parties. They cannot receive any form of state financial support. They cannot be involved in the procurement of goods, work and services to meet state and municipal needsin other words, they are cut out of all government contracts. They cannot be involved with infrastructure tied to information systems and security. They cannot participate in state environmental reviews. Russian workersteachers, doctors, civil servants, postal employees, garbage collectors, municipal workers and on and onwill find themselves immediately out of work and worse, if they are deemed foreign agents. Violations of the law can result in administrative or criminal charges or other liability, which will be imposed in accordance with the established procedure, says the website of the State Duma, Russias parliament. What fate awaits people is unclear. The Ministry of Justice, whose head is appointed by the Russian president, will maintain and publish a list of foreign agents and individuals affiliated with themin short, the list will metastasize. It will become a blacklist. Removal of the foreign agent designation is only possible at the whim of the state. For non-profit organizations to be relieved of the label, they must prove they are no longer receiving money from foreign sources, halt all political activity or both. There is no clear definition for either of these requirements. For individuals to get off, they must fill out on an application and attach documents confirming the termination of the circumstances that served as the basis for inclusion in the register. In short, they must denounce themselves or provide proof that they have stopped doing something that they were never doing in the first place. In a country in which millions were rounded up, imprisoned, and killed during the Stalinist Great Terror, this law has vast and sinister implications. During the 1930s, the charge of counter-revolutionary Trotskyist activity, a death sentence for tens of thousands, was connected to accusations of treasonous collaboration with foreign states. The violent and reactionary nationalism of the Soviet bureaucracy is finding modern expression in todays oligarchy, which emerged out of the Stalinist destruction of the Soviet Union and the restoration of capitalism. The current foreign agents law was preceded in March by legislation outlawing anti-war demonstrations and statements, with nearly 200 people, according to official records, now having been charged with various offenses such as the spreading of false facts about the war or negative comments about the Russian military. Penalties include fines and prison time, with the most severe punishments resulting in many years behind bars. An artist in Yekaterinburg was sentenced on Tuesday to two weeks confinement in a psychiatric ward for posting anti-war stickers around the city. Numerous media outlets have been shut down and access to Twitter, Facebook and other global social media platforms ended. The parliament is preparing a new labor code that will give the state the power to establish the legal conditions of labor relations in individual organizations, including determining the conditions of employment at work outside of established hours, at night, on weekends and holidays, and the provision of paid annual leave. In short, the Russian working class is meant to labor at the order of the state under the terms that it establishes. Those who dare to strike will be confronted with the full repressive powers of the state. On July 19, the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) announced that it is denying all 24,000 claims submitted following the devastating June 2021 flooding in metro Detroit, which hit the city of Dearborn especially hard. A Dearborn resident in front of his water damaged home in June, 2021 The press release cites two specific factors as the grounds for evading responsibility. The first is a report on the findings of an independent investigation conducted by the GLWA with two third-party companies it hired; the second is the Michigan Governmental Liability for Negligence Act. To the first excuse: the report itself is a cover-up for the GLWA. Released on June 20, one year after the historic floods, it explains that AECOM Technical Services and Applied Science, Inc. were hired to conduct the independent investigation into the flood. These companies produced a report which was given to the GLWA in December 2021. According to the GLWA, The findings of both the internal and external investigations were essentially the same; therefore, the BoD [Board of Directors] directed the investigations to collaborate and develop a single Final Report, which is located here. As to the second excuse: according to the Governmental Liability for Negligence Act, public entities are only liable for sewage disposal system events if a defect in its sewage disposal system was 50 percent or more of the cause of damage and/or injury. The logic in both arguments is that even if there had not been power outages which led to the failure of pumping stations, the amount of rainfall would still have overwhelmed the plumbing infrastructure, therefore, the GLWA is not responsible. This is a continuation of the GLWAs denial of responsibility for any damages. Former GLWA Chief Executive Officer Sue McCormick, who stepped down shortly after the 2021 floods, told the press last year that pump stations had operated as designed during the storm, which is to say, not at all. Dearborn neighborhood flooding last year [Source: Twitter, @safecampdore] GLWA officials continue to state that any rainfall over 1.7 inches per hour will lead to unavoidable flooding. The once-in-a-lifetime downpours have now occurred twice in the span of under a decade. Historic rainfall hit the area June 25-26 and again on July 21, 2021. Similar flooding took place in 2014 and many residents who were impacted had not fully recovered from the previous disaster. Just three weeks prior to the release of the report on the June 2021 disaster, a flood warning was issued again in Dearborn in case of excessive rainfall. In early June, the Dearborn City Council, under newly elected Mayor Abdullah H. Hammoud, voted 6-1 to approve a $128 million budget for the city. The new budget eliminated a $22 million deficit by restructuring $6.4 million in health care benefits for retirees, ostensibly so that the city could afford to launch a study into the water and infrastructure system to mitigate such disasters in the future. If we get the same rain tomorrow, were going to have widespread flooding, GLWA CEO Suzanne Coffey said last month. I would love to be able to assure you that wouldnt happen, but the conclusion here is no system could handle this kind of rain. Coffey was named interim CEO following the departure of Susan McCormick in the wake of the disaster last summer. In an official statement to local 7 Action News, Coffey wrote: We understand the difficult situations homeowners and businesses face when flooding occurs. The unprecedented rain events of last summer are a real-life example of the devastating impacts that climate change can have on our communities. We will likely continue to see more intense storms and while it is not possible to eliminate the chance of flooding, we are taking actions that can help mitigate the extent of the flooding. While climate change is a major factor in disrupting, changing or exacerbating existing weather patterns, the fault lies with the abject failure of the citys crumbling infrastructure. A report from the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) last summer indicated that at least 28 freeway pump stations either had communications problems as a direct result of massive power outages throughout the region, or experienced mechanical issues due to the heavy rainfall. On the citys east side, only three out of the 16 total pump stations were operating in any capacity during the floodsagain, a direct result of the power outages. These pump failures caused intense flooding on major freeways in the metro Detroit area, and damaged or destroyed thousands of vehicles and homes. DTE, metro Detroits energy giant, has also not been held accountable for the outages which wreaked so much havoc on the area. The Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD) released a perfunctory statement to a local news station after the GLWA announcement. While the Great Lakes Water Authority has made their determination on claims related to the June 25-26, and July 16, 2021 rain events, the sewer backup claims submitted to the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department remain under review. Trash piled up on the curb in Dearborn Most residents collected little to nothing from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which was called in after the extent of the damage became clear. Some residents have received paltry checks that come tens of thousands of dollars short of actual damages, and many are stuck in endless calls between federal, state and local government agencies passing the buck. Approximately 70,000 applied for assistance at a temporary Disaster Relief Center. Residents were told in the immediate aftermath to hold off on removing water- and sewer-damaged sections of their property until FEMA and insurance representatives could arrive to assess the damage. However, with nowhere else to go, the mold and bacteria became a major health concern and many of the flood victims tore out and threw away their destroyed property, worried that this would be cited as grounds for rejecting claims. A class action lawsuit has been filed by over 600 residents against the GLWA and DWSD. Vodacom pledged to invest ZAR1 billion (US$58.2 million) into its mobile network in the South African province of KwaZulu-Natal to accelerate connectivity in the deep rural areas. In a statement, Vodacom KwaZulu-Natal managing director detailed the investment will include the deployment of more sites and network upgrades to increase access to reliable connectivity. From the cash pile ZAR444 million will be invested into RAN-related projects, ZAR135 million was allocated to regional network capacity/upgrades, ZAR85 million will be spent on improving network resilience, optimisation and operations, and ZAR17.5 million will go to core network infrastructure upgrades and project. Vodacom is planning to expand 4G capacity to 704 base station sites in the province in this financial year. Khan revealed Vodacom has a 99.5% 3G coverage rate and 97.6% with 4G. The company is rolling out 27 new urban sites and 43 deep rural sites. This significant investment into the regions mobile network drives our goal of building an inclusive, digital society, said Khan. The company launched 5G services in 2020 and has over 200 5G sites with another 61 to be added this financial year. We are hoping to increase this 5G site count even more as the spectrum implementation process continues. At the moment, metro and high-demand areas in the region are benefiting from 5G, but our aim is to expand the coverage reach and capacity, so that all sectors of the economy, from agriculture to small businesses, can widely utilise new technologies, such as the Internet of Things, to boost sustainable productivity, said Khan. An outspoken crowd that turned out for a public hearing expressed overwhelming support for Greater Beulah Baptist Churchs application to establish a start-up charter school. The Alabama Charter School Commission held Wednesdays hearing to allow public input, with the majority of the hour dedicated to speakers from the community in two-minute segments. Greater Beulah hopes to create Barnabas School of Leadership, and organizers pointed to declining test scores and a growing proficiency gap between white and minority students as reasons for pursuing the creation of a privately-managed school funded with local, state, and federal dollars. The hearing drew a great deal of interest, with a crowded sanctuary at Greater Beulah augmented by 100 online Zoom participants. Our Zoom license only allows 100 participants, and we were at 100 the whole hour, said state Charter School Commission Chairman David Marshall. Many of those speaking in favor of the application were frank in their indictment of Dothan City Schools, pointing out that ongoing white flight from the school system has drawn little protest from administrators who now complain that the potential of losing 250 students to BSL would create a loss of $3 million per year for the public school system. Some current and former educators, as well as Superintendent Dennis Coe, spoke in defense of public schools. Coe also suggested the school board had been surprised by the application, as no one has spoken to me or anyone at DCS about a charter school. The hearing is one component of the application process; Marshall said input from the public would be considered in the process. Charter schools are relatively new to Alabama, which created a charter school law in 2015, and had only one charter school up until 2018. Since that time, 16 of 30 applications for charter schools have been approved. Alabama currently has eight charter schools, with five more expected to open in the fall. DEVILS LAKE Although the Lake Region State Lady Royals concluded their basketball season during the cusp of the winter cycle, one Lady Royal will look to leave her mark during the pinnacle days of summer. After receiving an invitation in early June, Tiziana Huici will participate in the NJCAA Womens Basketball Coaches Association Top 40 All-Star and Hall of Fame Event in Atlanta, Georgia, on July 20-23. Huici will be one of 40 returning student-athletes participating in the 14th Annual NJCAA Womens Basketball Coaches Associations All-Star Game, representing all three NJCAA Divisions. Players will be split into different teams and practice Thursday before playing games on Friday and Saturday. Lake Region State's Tiziana Huici (listed) will participate in the 14th Annual NJCAA Womens Basketball Coaches Associations All-Star Game in Atlanta, Georgia on July 20-23. Such an honor certainly looked to be in the cards for Huici. In her first year as a guard for the program, the Corrientes, Argentina, native averaged 18.6 points (PPG) and 5.6 rebounds per game (RPG) in 29 games played (23 GS). Her 18.6 PPG ranked inside the top 20 among all NJCAA Division I players (17th). I heard about the selection [during] the first days of June while I was working on campus and practicing with my coach, Huici said. I was so happy and thankful for the news, and also kind of scared because this is all new for me, but I believe [it] is going to be a fantastic experience to continue growing. Although she might be anxious about the event festivities, Huici is eager to cross off another venue. I am so excited for the games, Huici said. I have never been to Georgia before, and I think it is a really good opportunity for me as a player and also for Lake Region [State]. I [look] forward to learning new things, growing and developing myself as a basketball player. It did not take long for Ryan Clark Lake Region States Womens Basketball head coach to notice something special with Huici. But, of course, such an observation might not have been likely for a coach that has started as recently as Clark has. Clarks first day on the job wasnt until March 9. Story continues But even in Clarks full-time transition to the head coaching role, he still noticed something. A lot, in fact. Shes [Huici] an outstanding person, Clark said. Thats pretty much what Ive heard from every single faculty and staff member on campus. I have been told stories that, when she first came to campus, she struggled with her English. And now, you talk to her, and you wouldnt know she had any troubles. Shes a 4.0 student. She does outstanding work. All throughout campus, she has a few jobs, and she really embraces being a student at Lake Region State College. [She] represents everything we want in a student-athlete here as well. Tiziana Huici (left, #5) averaged more than 18 PPG during her 2021-22 season with Lake Region State. Huicis coachability and drive to improve during every gym session, to Clark, has been nothing short of paramount. Watching game film has illustrated Clarks realization. From Huicis physical ability to enter the paint to her tenacity toward reading opposing defenses, Clark has recognized a high-octane player in more ways than one. But sometimes, the intangible factors away from the basketball court stand out the most. Such was the case during their first meeting together. To Clark, the most intangible factor that stood out came in Huicis leadership. For a coach in transition, no quality could hold more merit. From the first day we had our meeting, she basically asked me, Coach, what do you need from me, Clark said. For me, it is never easy coming into a program. When you are coming from a different one, you are trying to do what you want to do, but to have a player of her caliber come into your office right away and just say for me, how can I help you with recruiting, what do you need for work. All of those things, she was just great support. Huici will look toward the festivities as a way to improve even more for her upcoming season. Such is the way for a student-athlete eager to put in time on the court as much as she does in the books. From her future emphasis on more efficient three-point shooting to her overall basketball game, Huici will look to leave her mark in Atlanta. But, to Huici, her primary x-factor during the event will be the same as it would be back at Lake Region State: trust. For me, the key was to trust myself and play how I am used to, performing the simple things I am good at and trying to assemble them with my team, Huici said. Talk about leaving a good mark. John Crane is a sports/general assignment reporter for the Devils Lake Journal. Feel free to contact John via work phone (701-922-1372), cell phone (701-230-4339), email (jcrane@gannett.com) or Twitter (@johncranesports) with any story ideas. This article originally appeared on Devils Lake Journal: Lake Region State's Tiziana Huici eager to show out at national level Ukrainian soldiers ride a tank on a road in the Donetsk region on July 20, 2022, near the front line between Russian and Ukrainian forces Anatolii Stepanov/Getty Images The UK's spy chief said Russia is likely to "run out of steam" in Ukraine soon. He said this will give Ukraine an opportunity to strike back against invading forces. Other military and Russia experts have offered similar assessments as the conflict morphs into a war of attrition. The Russian military offensive in Ukraine will likely lose momentum in the near future, offering Ukrainian forces an opportunity to "strike back," Richard Moore, chief of Britain's Secret Intelligence Service (MI6), said on Thursday at the Aspen Security Forum in Colorado. "I think they're about to run out of steam," Moore said of the Russians. "They will have to pause in some way, and that will give the Ukrainians opportunities to strike back." Moore said that it's important for Ukrainian morale that they "demonstrate their ability to strike back." "I also think, to be honest, it will be an important reminder to the rest of Europe that this is a winnable campaign by the Ukrainians. Because we are about to go into a pretty tough winter," Moore said. "I don't want it to sound like a character from 'Game of Thrones.' But winter is coming," the British spy chief said, "And clearly in that atmosphere, with the sort of pressure on gas supplies and all the rest, we're in for a tough time." Russia's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine has sparked a global energy crisis. Anxiety over energy supplies is particularly high in Europe, which relies heavily on Russia for oil and gas. But if the West can maintain the political will to continue providing Ukraine vital military aid to push back the invaders, there appears to be growing consensus among analysts and Kremlinologists that Russia will eventually hit a dead end in terms its ability to expand and prolong the offensive. "The Russians are exhausted," retired Lt. Gen. Ben Hodges, the former commanding general of the US Army in Europe, recently told Insider. "They don't have much else they can do right now." Hodges suggested that Ukraine could push Russian forces back to its prewar borders by next year. Story continues After failing to take Kyiv in the initial days of the war, Russia turned its attention to Donetsk and Luhansk the two provinces that make up the eastern Donbas region. By early July, Russia seized control of Luhansk, but the conflict has now morphed into a war of attrition, with Russian forces advancing at a grinding, incremental pace while suffering heavy losses. Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, on Wednesday told reporters that "Russian advances have amounted to maybe six to 10 miles" in the past few months. Fiona Hill, who served as the top Russia expert on the National Security Council under the Trump administration, told Insider last week that the Russians have "a lot of problems, and over the longer term." Hill said Russia will struggle with both manpower issues and maintaining its military equipment. "The problem becomes one of maintaining the military equipment and everything over the longer term. They're going to be cannibalizing equipment," Hill said, adding, "We're seeing them reverting back, not just to the tactics of earlier times, but the equipment of earlier times, pulling lots of things out of the scrapyard or cold storage. There's a lot of speculation about how long it will take for them to replenish the equipment that's lost." Last week, the UK Ministry of Defense said that Russia might resort to recruiting from prisons to address troop losses in Ukraine. Moore on Thursday said that Russia has likely lost roughly 15,000 troops in Ukraine so far since the invasion began roughly five months ago. But the British spy chief underscored that this was "probably a conservative estimate." CIA Director William Burns, who also spoke at the Aspen Security Forum this week, offered a similar assessment of the Russian death toll. Burns said the latest estimates from the US intelligence community place the number of Russian troops killed around 15,000, with approximately 45,000 wounded. "And, the Ukrainians have suffered as well probably a little less than that. But, you know, significant casualties," Burns said. Read the original article on Business Insider Police in California are investigating after an officer fatally shot a 23-year-old Black man over the weekend as he ran from law enforcement. Rob Marquise Adams, who was armed when authorities arrived at the scene, died after he was shot about 8 p.m. Saturday in San Bernardino, the San Bernardino Police Department reported Tuesday. Security camera footage from a parking lot in the city, just 60 miles east of Los Angeles, shows two officers pull into the lot in an unmarked car while Adams stood in the lot near another unidentified man. As soon as both officers exit the car, the video shows Adams turn away from them and run. In the video, about five seconds after the officers get out of the car, one of them fires at Adams from a distance, apparently hitting him with gunfire. He then collapses to the ground. Civil rights lawyer Ben Crump called the shooting a horrific execution," on Twitter. A portion of bodycam video released by the department shows the officers approach Adams to render medical assistance. In the video, one officer says to Adams, "Hey bro, you're gonna be OK, man. Hey, hey, you're gonna be OK. Stay with me, OK?" The officers eventually carry Adams to an ambulance. Police in California are investigating after officers fatally shot a 23-year-old Black man over the weekend as he ran from law enforcement. Rob Marquise Adams, 23, of San Bernardino, died after he was shot about 8 p.m. Saturday. Adams, of San Bernardino, was transported to a local hospital where he died, police said. Police have not released the names of the officers involved or identified their race. According to a cut, narrated video released Tuesday by San Bernardino Police Chief Darren Goodman, the officers shot Adams because he failed to comply with their commands and continued to hold the gun as he tried to duck down between two parked cars. The officers were fully uniformed, Goodman said in the video. Uvalde school shooting: Report finds 'systemic failures' in law enforcement response Akron police shooting: Jayland Walker was shot or grazed by a bullet 46 times in Akron police shooting, medical examiner says Story continues Goodman said both officers feared Adams was going to take cover and shoot at them. "Officers briefly chased Adams. But seeing that he had no outlet, they believed he intended to use the vehicle as cover to shoot at them," Goodman said in the video. "The officers saw Adams look over his left shoulder, with the gun still in his right hand. Fearing that bystanders' or the officers' lives were in danger, one of the officers fired his gun, striking Adams." Crump and Attorney Bradley Gage, who represent Adams' family, sent a statement to USA TODAY Wednesday calling for law enforcement to release "all available information and body camera footage." "It is unbelievable that another Black family has to bury their child due to police shooting first and asking questions later," the statement read. "Robert appeared to be simply walking around the parking lot when officers exited their unmarked vehicle firing their weapons at him immediately. Robert never even had a chance to explain himself. Adamss family said he probably did not know they were officers when they arrived. His mother, Tamika Deavila King, told the Guardian Tuesday night: A part of me is gone now, and I cant ever get it back. I want criminal prosecution and I want justice and I never want another mother to have to bear this pain. It hurts so bad. The shooting comes on the heels of police in Akron, Ohio, firing more than 60 rounds at Jayland Walker, a 25-year-old Black man also fleeing from police when shot. Walker's death last month sparked protests nationwide. Natalie Neysa Alund covers trending news for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on Twitter @nataliealund. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: San Bernandino police fatally shot Rob Marquise Adams, 23, as he ran Between the cultural phenomenon that was 2017s Get Out and 2019s similarly freaky mind-bender Us, Jordan Peele quickly made his cerebral brand of subtext-laden social horror a subgenre onto itself. Hes been called a horror mastermind, maybe even the next Hitchcock. But the comedic actor-turned-writer/director didnt want to get too comfortable in that box. Its why his third directorial effort, this weeks eagerly anticipated sci-fi thriller Nope, arrives markedly different from his first two features in tone and scale. I feel very strongly I just cannot give people the same thing. That's just not the point of filmmaking, Peele tells us during a recent Los Angeles press day for Nope (watch above). It's about getting into an uncomfortable space and the uncomfortable space with this one was truly the scope and adventure of taking on filmmaking with just an absolute reckless abandon. More specifically, it meant Peele was going interplanetary. The film stars Daniel Kaluuya and Keke Palmer as siblings whove taken over the family business animal training for Hollywood productions and discover a UFO lurking in the clouds above their rural California ranch. The film is drawing early comparisons to Steven Spielbergs 1977 favorite Close Encounters of the Third Kind though others have likened it to Spielbergs shark attack classic, Jaws. Spielberg has always just been an absolute game changer for me, Peele says. I looked at all the greats, really. I took from all the greats in this one. Hitchcock, [Stanley Kubrick], Paul Thomas Anderson. All these directors that have changed the trajectory of how I think about cinema. (Newcomer Brandon Perea, who plays a Frys Electronics employee who helps the Haywood siblings document the alien activity, confirms to us that both Close Encounters and Jaws, as well as Kubricks 2001: A Space Odyssey, were on the list of films Peele wanted him to watch in advance of the shoot.) Daniel Kaluuya and director Jordan Peele on the set of Nope. (Photo: Glen Wilson / Universal Pictures /Courtesy Everett Collection) Nope also marks Peeles most ambitious film to date. Story continues He's really going for it, says Kaluuya, who earned an Oscar nomination for his breakout role in Get Out. He's really pushing himself and is really going outside his comfort zone. Outside of the scale, I thought to myself, 'Wow. He really is showing his range,' says Palmer. I think the one thing that threads through all of his work is that there's a social commentary piece. There's something larger that he's saying. But he's showing you that he can play in all the different worlds. I'm sure putting out Get Out was probably very hard when there's no context for something like that, adds Steven Yeun, who plays a former child star now overseeing a Wild West amusement park that neighbors the Haywoodss ranch. "When it's just brand new, that's pretty difficult. But what does it mean now when he has access to such amazing production? I'm glad that he's able to make things at this scale, too. Its just really awesome. Video produced by Kyle Moss and edited by Jimmie Rhee Nope opens Friday. Watch the trailer: Pat Benatar Medios y Media/Getty Pat Benatar Pat Benatar is saying goodbye for now to one of her most popular hits as a means of protesting gun violence in the United States. The rocker, 69, said in a new interview that she is no longer performing "Hit Me with Your Best Shot" while on tour, as she feels as though its lyrics are offensive to people who've lost loved ones in mass shootings. "We're not doing 'Hit Me with Your Best Shot' and fans are having a heart attack and I'm like, I'm sorry, in deference to the victims of the families of these mass shootings, I'm not singing it," the star told USA Today. "I tell them, if you want to hear the song, go home and listen to it." The 1980 hit, which challenges a love interest to give it his/her "best shot," famously includes the line "Hit me with your best shot/Fire away." "[The title] is tongue in cheek, but you have to draw the line. I can't say those words out loud with a smile on my face, I just can't," Benatar said. "I'm not going to go on stage and soap box I go to my legislators but that's my small contribution to protesting. I'm not going to sing it. Tough." RELATED VIDEO: Powerful Moments During the House Committee On Oversight And Reform's Gun Violence Hearing There have been 356 mass shootings thus far in 2022, and 24,534 people have been killed by gun violence this year, according to the Gun Violence Archive. Several have made headlines in recent months, including a shooting at a July 4 parade in Highland Park, Illinois that killed seven people, and one at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas that killed 19 children and two teachers. On Wednesday, the House Judiciary Committee said in a press release that it had advanced the Assault Weapons Ban Act of 2021, which would ban the sale, import, manufacture or transfer of certain semi-automatic weapons. RELATED: David Hogg Interrupts Hearing on Proposed Assault Weapons Ban, Tells Lawmaker: 'You Are Perpetuating Violence' The act, sponsored by Rhode Island Democratic Rep. David Cicilline, is the first markup of the assault weapons ban since 1994. The bill passed 25 to 18, and every Republican present voted no. Story continues Cicilline said in a statement that the 1994 Assault Weapons Ban was associated with a 25 percent drop in gun massacres and a 40 percent drop in fatalities. "As soon as the ban expired, fatalities and shootings skyrocketed again," he said. "In fact, researchers estimate that if we still had a federal Assault Weapons Ban, we would see 70 percent fewer mass shooting deaths." Benatar, who is currently on tour through September, has advocated for her beliefs in the past. In 2017, she recorded a song called "Shine" in support of the Women's March on Washington, with proceeds from the track benefiting the B.A. Rudolph Foundation, which gives scholarships to young women pursuing unpaid internships in politics, public service or the sciences. Invincible, a jukebox musical reimagining of Romeo and Juliet that she and husband Neil Giraldo have long had in the works, is set to premiere in November. Benatar will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame that same month. Rebecca Balding (ABC) Veteran actress Rebecca Balding has died aged 73. The actress, best known for her roles on the TV series Soap and the original Charmed died on July 18 in Park City in Utah with ovarian cancer, her husband James L Conway told US publication Deadline. Born in Little Rock, Arkansas, Balding began her career on stage in Chicago before moving to Hollwood where she landed the role of the scheming attorney Carol David in Soap from 1977 to 1979. She also played Alyssa Milanos boss on the original series of Charmed from 1998 to 2006. Balding had TV credits on Melrose Place, Beverly Hills 90210, Home Improvement, MacGyver, Family Ties, Hotel, Matt Houston Cagney & Lacey, Starsky and Hutch, The Bionic Woman and many others. She also was a scream queen, starring in a number of horror movies during her career, including Silent Scream and The Boogens. (ABC) Among those to pay tribute to the late star was her cousin, Caroline Williams. She said: My cousin, Rebecca Balding, has passed away in Salt Lake City. While we were not close in adulthood, she was a profound influence on my curiosity about show business and acting. #TheBoogens was where she met her delightful husband @jameslconway, Mother, wife, actress. Did it all. Speaking to People, Baldings husband recalled how he met his wife 41 years ago while casting for the horror film, The Boogens. Mr Conway, 71, said: I was casting the film, The Boogens. Rebecca came in to audition. We chatted, she read and when she left, I turned to the associate producer and said, I could marry that girl. Somehow she got cast. The first week of shooting we went out. That Saturday night, she proposed. And four weeks later, while still shooting, we got married. Of course, no one thought it would last. That was 41 years ago. Balding is survived by her husband, her daughters Sarah and Kathleen and her grandchildren. Technology giant Samsung is considering building 11 new chipmaking facilities in the Austin area, a move that could lead to nearly $200 billion in new investment and create more than 10,000 jobs. In what could be the biggest economic investment in Central Texas history, technology giant Samsung is considering building 11 new chipmaking facilities in the Austin area over the next two decades, a stunning move that could lead to nearly $200 billion in new investment and create more than 10,000 jobs, according to documents filed with the state. Fresh off announcing plans to build a $17 billion semiconductor factory in Taylor, Samsung could increase its investment in the region by more than 10 times that amount if the proposed facilities were to be built. The proposals are described in 11 applications Samsung has filed with the Taylor and Manor school districts seeking tax breaks for building the facilities. The applications, part of the state's Chapter 313 incentive program, were posted Wednesday on the Texas comptroller's website. The proposals call for 11 new manufacturing plants, with two in Austin, where Samsung already has a significant operation, and nine in Taylor, a Williamson County town of about 17,000 people 25 miles northeast of Austin. The total investment would be $192.1 billion and would create about 10,000 jobsif Samsung goes through with all of the plans, according to the documents filed with the state. About 1,800 of the new jobs would be in Austin, where two fabs would account for $24.5 billion of the new investment, according to the documents. The other 8,200 new jobs and $167.6 billion in investment would go into nine new plants in Taylor. More:'Exciting and challenging:' Taylor braces for a boom as $17B Samsung plant moves ahead The earliest any of the new fabs would be up and running is 2034, or more than a decade from now. Two aren't projected to be up and running until 2042, according to the documents. If all 11 of the Chapter 313 applications are approved by the Taylor and Manor school boards and Samsung builds the fabs as proposed, the tax breaks could be huge for Samsung combined, they would total just short of $4.8 billion over the lives of the agreements, assuming no change in tax rates, according to an American-Statesman analysis of the applications. Story continues None of the Chapter 313 incentive agreements has received final approval from the school boards. Samsung has made no guarantees it will build the facilities, meaning it still could alter them, build them somewhere else or shelve them altogether. Michele Glaze, a spokesperson for Samsung, said filing the incentive applications is part of long-term planning for the company. We currently do not have specific plans to build at this time, however, the Chapter 313 applications to the state of Texas are part of a long-term planning process of Samsung to evaluate the viability of potentially building additional fabrication plants in the United States," Glaze said in a statement. The state's Chapter 313 incentive program, which has been controversial, is set to expire at the end of this year. That has led to a rush of companies applying in recent months, because Chapter 313 incentives approved before then will remain in place. According to the Texas comptrollers office, more than 400 applications have been filed in 2022, almost three times the full-year high of about 150 previously. I have never seen anything like this, said Nathan Jensen, a University of Texas professor who studies taxpayer-funded incentives to corporations. I think basically (companies) are treating this as just an options contract theyre just putting (applications) in to lock in incentives in the future in case they decide to expand later. More:Even without firm plans, Samsung seeks new incentive deals for Austin, Taylor sites 'A dramatic effect' Ed Latson, executive director of the Austin Regional Manufacturers Association, said Samsung is already the biggest industrial company in the region, and the potential addition would have a tremendous impact on Austin's technology sector. An investment on the scale outlined in the state documents usually comes only from government-led projects, he said. "Samsung's commitment and investment in this area are in a class of their own," Latson said. "We're talking about the largest foreign investment in the United States right here in our region. It's going have a dramatic impact on the economic development and growth of Central Texas." Samsung has had operations in Austin since 1997. The Austin site is the companys largest facility outside of its South Korea headquarters and employs about 10,000 people, with 3,000 of those Samsung employees and the rest contractors. Last year, Samsung announced plans to build a $17 billion factory in Taylor, expected to be the company's most advanced to date. The company has 313 agreements for both sites. Latson said Samsung's long history in Central Texas probably gives it the confidence to consider expansion in the region. "I think they're here because there's a terrific workforce here. It's a good quality of life. They have a long, successful history here and that gives them a lot of confidence that they're going to succeed and what they're trying to accomplish in the future," Latson said. "All those things combined together make this the right place for Samsung to be growing in the United States." Taylor Mayor Brandt Rydell said learning the city could gain as many as 10 additional fabs is both mind-boggling and exciting. I still cant wrap my head arond the (already planned) $17 billion fab, let alone this, Rydell said. "It was literally jaw-dropping to hear that. It came with some surprise that they're prepared to invest that much and potentially commit that much to Taylor. Rydell said the potential expansion would take Taylor into uncharted territory and would also be a benefit to the entire region. Its certainly going to bring lots of challenges and also lots of opportunities. It's a good situation, Rydell said. We're always going to have challenges, but I think what Samsung has outlined and what they could potentially do in Central Texas opens up a lot of opportunities, a lot of possibilities for the entire region. Rydell said Taylor officials and Williamson County leaders had some indications that Samsung could be interested in expanding beyond its original plans, in part because the company is using only about a fifth of the land it acquired in Taylor for its already in-progress fab. We had an understanding and appreciation that, despite the fact that Samsung was committing to this initial project that's of $17 billion, that there's a reason they acquired well over 1,200 acres, and it wasn't to build one fab, Rydell said. So we always suspected that there would be a next phase. Now, what that entailed, we weren't sure. Rydell said the city has not been approached by Samsung for any discussions about the additional phases of the project, or requests for potential incentives. More:For Austin expansion, NXP seeking up to $140 million in tax breaks Debate over tax breaks Chapter 313 incentive agreements, which are named for a section of the state's tax code, allow school districts in Texas to give significant property tax breaks to companies in exchange for projects that will create new jobs and other investments in their areas. Local tax revenue that school districts waive under Chapter 313 agreements is substantially replaced by the state through its school funding formula, leading to criticism that school officials have no reason not to approve them regardless of a project's worthiness. Samsung filed two previous applications for tax breaks earlier this year, in Manor and Taylor, without detailing specific plans, that could be used for expansion at its current Austin-area facilities. Even without specific plans, Latson said the company has a lot of credibility in the region in terms of following through with projects in the region. "I think it's an unusual situation a little bit with (the Chapter 313 program) expiring, and there might be some sort of clock to get these agreements filed before the end of the year, but I still think that they are a company that does a lot of planning and has foresight into how they want to operate, and what we're seeing is a glimpse of their future plans," Latson said. In a statement, Gov. Greg Abbott lauded the potential investment by Samsung. "Close partnerships with companies like Samsung who recognize the boundless possibilities Texas has to offer are bringing greater opportunities to Texans, and this potential investment will bring billions of additional capital to continue growing our world-class business climate and diverse, highly-skilled workforce," Abbott said. "These new facilities solidify the Lone Star State as the nation's leader in the semiconductor industry, and I thank Samsung for increasing their investment in the hardworking people of Central Texas." Thom Singer, CEO of the Austin Technology Council, said an expansion of this size by Samsung would have positive effects on the entire region. The expansion of companies like Samsung, and the creation of more jobs in our region, will have a positive lasting impact on our technology ecosystem, Singer said. As we look to the sustainability of the Central Texas technology community we are fortunate to have so many diverse industries represented. From startups to large multinational companies, Austin is going to continue to be the home for companies that are changing the world. The filings come as semiconductor companies are considering unprecedented investments in the U.S and lawmakers are working to pass legislation designed to increase semiconductor production in key hubs, including Texas. The legislation comes amid a global shortage of semiconductors, the computer chips that operate everything from your laptop to your car. If passed, the legislation is expected to help bolster the U.S. computer chip industry by authorizing grants, tax credits and other financial incentives for semiconductor manufacturers that build plants in the United States. Texas is already one of the biggest producers of semiconductors, exporting billions of dollars worth of chips each year, and in Central Texas, semiconductor companies make up about a quarter of all manufacturing output in the region, according to the Austin Regional Manufacturers Association. Samsung's potential expansion alone would further boost the region's reputation as a semiconductor hub. Patrick Moorhead, a technology analyst and founder of Austin-based Moor Insights and Strategy, said a semiconductor company building 11 fabs over that time frame would be unprecedented in the United States. "If the Samsung deal goes through, this would make Austin a semiconductor hub for the next 20 years," he said. Outside of Samsung, several other semiconductor companies have said they might expand in the region. NXP Semiconductors is considering a $2.6 billion expansion in Austin that would create up to 800 jobs, tech firm Applied Materials has said that it's considering Hutto for a $2.4 billion research and development center, and chipmaker Infineon Technologies said it's considering Austin for a $700 million expansion. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Samsung weighs huge Austin-area growth: 11 new fabs, 10,000 new jobs The House committee played video testimony from Ivanka Trump, the daughter of former President Donald Trump, who also served on his counsel of advisers. Drew Angerer/Getty Images January 6 committee aides said Wednesday they haven't ruled out the possibility of more public hearings. Thursday's primetime hearing will be the eighth session held to investigate the Capitol attack. "We have far more information than we could ever present to the American people," a committee aide said. As the House Select Committee investigating the January 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol nears its next big public hearing on Thursday, panel staffers are suggesting they might not be done just yet. Thanks to an influx of evidence, committee aides said on Wednesday that more hearings are not "off the table" as they have "far more information than we could ever present to the American people." Thursday's primetime hearing will detail the 187 minutes in former President Donald Trump's day when he was out of the public eye in the White House. It comes following seven previous public sessions that have spanned the summer and entailed a number of shocking revelations about the Capitol riot, the attempt by Trump and his allies to overturn the 2020 election, and the actions leading up to and after the insurrection. Speaking to reporters ahead of Thursday's hearing, House January 6 panel staffers declined to elaborate on any schedule for future hearings. But they noted that several members of the committee have publicly stated that the panel's work is far from over. "This investigation is not winding down," Rep. Adam Kinzinger, an Illinois Republican and member of the January 6 panel, told CBS's Face the Nation on Sunday. "We may be towards the end of this tranche of hearings. We may have more hearings in the future. And the investigation is still ongoing. So we're getting to the bottom of what we need to know." Read the original article on Business Insider Denver police officers stand outside of McGregor Square to keep people moving down the street as fans celebrate in the streets in downtown after the Colorado Avalanche wins the Stanley Cup Finals on June 26, 2022 in Denver, Colorado. Helen H. Richardson/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images Denver police opened fire in a crowd, injuring six bystanders and a suspect, per The Denver Post. While police claimed the suspect pointed a gun, a witness said the suspect never pulled out a gun. The incident qualifies as a mass shooting, according to a definition by the Gun Violence Archive. Denver police shot six bystanders on Sunday while going after a suspect they claimed to have seen with a gun in a crowded area of the city's downtown. The Denver shooting can be classified as a mass shooting, as defined by the Gun Violence Archive, which describes the situation as a "minimum of four victims shot, either injured or killed, not including any shooter who may also have been killed or injured in the incident." At around 1:35 a.m. Sunday near Larimer street and 20th street, the suspect, 21-year-old Jordan Waddy had gotten into a fight outside of a bar, The Denver Post reported. Police claimed in a press release that the suspect pointed a gun at them before three officers opened fire, injuring Waddy along with several bystanders. A witness named Guillermo Cortes told The Denver Post that the suspect never brandished a gun and that the police did not give any warnings before firing. Conversely, one unnamed officer said, "he was in fear for his life as Waddy was now armed with a firearm and pointed the firearm in their direction," according to KDVR, an outlet that cited police documents. The police department originally noted that five individuals "suffered non-life-threatening injuries," but on Wednesday confirmed a sixth was also injured. The incident was the third time the department police officers opened fire in the span of a week fatally shooting individuals the Wednesday and Friday before. The shootings add to mounting controversy regarding police use of force policies. "It was definitely a little traumatic to see that go down," an unnamed source told Denver 7. "I heard maybe 6 or 7 shots. I look to my left and I saw a girl who was hit on the thigh and it hit an artery and she was gushing out blood." Story continues "The investigation into this incident, to include interviews and forensic work, is active and ongoing. The Denver Police Department understands the community's desire for additional information and the Department is committed to both maintaining the integrity of this investigation and sharing additional details as soon information has been confirmed through the investigation," The Denver Police Department press release said. The Denver Police Department and several witnesses did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment. Read the original article on Insider Avelo Airlines takes off with first flight between Burbank and Santa Rosa at Hollywood Burbank Airport Joe Scarnici/Getty Images for Avelo Air Regional carrier Avelo Airlines is celebrating summer and fall travel with a major discount on flights. The airline, which launched last year as a low-cost carrier out of Hollywood Burbank Airport in Los Angeles and has since expanded to the East Coast and South, is offering the chance to snag 65% off fall flights from Sept. 1 through Nov. 9 with the promo code "FLYLATER," according to the airline. Travelers looking to book a trip sooner can use the "FLYNOW" promo code for 50% off flights through the end of July, or use the "FLYSOON" promo code for 50% off flights in August. To take advantage of the "Fly Away Sale," which applies to both one way and round trip bookings, travelers must book by 11:59 p.m. PT on July 24. While travelers have much more flexibility when it comes to destinations for fall flights, discounts in July are only available between the Hollywood Burbank Airport and the Rogue Valley International Medford Airport in Oregon or the Redding Airport in California, between Baltimore and the Wilmington International Airport in North Carolina and the Orlando International Airport, between the Wilmington International Airport and Orlando, and between Las Vegas and both Redding or the Charles M. SchulzSonoma County Airport in California. In addition to the sale, Avelo is giving away a purple iPad Air and a pair of tickets to any destination Avelo flies to as well as a pair of tickets to five additional winners during a summer sweepstakes. To enter, travelers can fill out their information on the contest website by Aug. 7. The airline, which has expanded rapidly, has also been increasing its fleet with plans to have a total of 15 Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft by the end of 2022. The carrier now has three bases: Orlando, Hollywood Burbank Airport, and the Tweed-New Haven Airport in Connecticut. Alison Fox is a contributing writer for Travel + Leisure. When she's not in New York City, she likes to spend her time at the beach or exploring new destinations and hopes to visit every country in the world. Follow her adventures on Instagram. FILE PHOTO: Pipes at the landfall facilities of the 'Nord Stream 1' gas pipeline in Lubmin, Germany By Christoph Steitz and Nina Chestney FRANKFURT/LONDON (Reuters) -Russia resumed pumping gas via its biggest pipeline to Europe on Thursday after a 10-day outage, allaying some of Europe's immediate supply fears but not enough to end the threat of rationing to cope with potential winter shortages. Supplies via Nord Stream 1, which runs under the Baltic Sea to Germany, were halted for maintenance on July 11 but, even before that outage, flows had been cut to 40% of the pipeline's capacity in a dispute sparked by Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Thursday's flows were back at that 40% capacity level, Nord Stream figures showed, a day after Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that supplies could be cut further or even stop. The resumption of Nord Stream supplies at levels that remain well below the pipeline's capacity means Germany, which is particularly reliant on Russian fuel, and other European economies are still struggling to find enough gas for winter. "In view of the missing 60% and the political instability, there is no reason yet to give the all-clear," German network regulator president Klaus Mueller wrote on Twitter. Gas flows via other pipeline routes, such as Ukraine, have also fallen since Russia invaded its neighbour in February, in what Moscow calls a "special military operation". Germany and several other states have already activated the first stages of emergency plans that in some cases could lead to rationing. Greece said on Thursday it would implement rotating power cuts as a last resort if necessary. The EU aims to have gas storage facilities across the bloc 80% full by Nov. 1. Inventories are now about two-thirds full, with a slowing pace of refilling. https://tmsnrt.rs/3Ba2N2O At current reduced flow rates, the German network regulator said Germany would struggle to reach its own target, which it said on Thursday it was raising to 95% by Nov. 1. Berlin said it would introduce other measures to save gas. Story continues "Further disruptions are expected as Russia seeks to increase political and economic pressure on Europe as winter approaches," Wood Mackenzie analyst Penny Leake said. Gazprom, which has a monopoly on Russian gas exports by pipeline, did not respond to a request for comment. EMERGENCY STEPS To try to prevent a winter supply crunch, the European Commission has proposed a voluntary target for all EU states to cut gas use by 15% from August to March compared to usage in same period of 2016-2021. The Commission proposal would enable Brussels to make the target mandatory in a supply emergency. "Russia is blackmailing us. Russia is using energy as a weapon," EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Wednesday, adding that Europe had to prepare for the worst now. Diplomats from at least 12 of the bloc's 27 members raised concerns about the proposal at a meeting on Thursday, EU officials with knowledge of the meeting told Reuters. The proposal needs the backing of at least 15 EU countries. The Kremlin, which says Russia is a reliable energy supplier, blamed sanctions for reduced flows and denied Von der Leyen's accusations of blackmail. "This is an absolutely wrong statement," spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Thursday. Kremlin-controlled Gazprom had cut gas exports via the Nord Stream route in June to 40% of capacity, blaming sanctions for delaying the return of a pipeline turbine that Siemens Energy was servicing in Canada. That turbine was reported this week to be on its way back, but Gazprom said on Wednesday it had not received documentation to reinstall it and said the turbine's return and maintenance of other equipment was needed to keep the pipeline running safely. Putin added to Europe's concerns about supplies via Nord Stream 1 by saying on Wednesday that flows could be reduced further or stopped because the quality of serviced equipment could not be assured and saying other gear needed maintenance. Uniper, which the German government is working to bail out because of the energy crisis, said Russia delivered about 40% of contracted gas volumes. Austria's OMV said Gazprom had signalled it would deliver around half the agreed volumes on Thursday. Italy's ENI said it would receive about 36 million cubic metres (mcm) per day of gas from Gazprom, up more than a third higher than levels during the outage and back near pre-maintenance amounts. European states have been chasing alternative supplies, although the global gas market was stretched even before the Ukraine crisis, with demand for the fuel recovering from the pandemic-induced downturn. (Reporting by Eileen Soreng, Bharat Govind Gautam, Brijesh Patel and Arpan Varghese in Bengaluru, Nina Chestney in London, Francois Murphy in Vienna, Kate Abnett in Brussels, Christoph Steitz in Frankfurt, Rachel More and Kirsti Knolle in Berlin; Editing by William Mallard and Edmund Blair) Pelosi reportedly pushes State Department to identify Russia as a state sponsor of terror, saying that if it won't, Congress will Pelosi is urging Blinken to designate Russia as a state sponsor of terror, Politico reported. Pelosi warned that Congress would make the move if the State Department doesn't, the report said. Russia has been widely accused of committing war crimes in Ukraine. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi told Secretary of State Antony Blinken in a phone call earlier this week that if the State Department doesn't designate Russia as a state sponsor of terror, Congress will, according to a Politico report citing two sources familiar with the conversation. The State Department and Pelosi's office did not immediately respond to requests for comment from Insider. The secretary of state has the authority to designate countries as state sponsors of terror, a label that requires the US government to impose an array of sanctions. There are currently four countries designated as such: Cuba, North Korea, Iran, and Syria. "Taken together, the four main categories of sanctions resulting from designation under these authorities include restrictions on US foreign assistance; a ban on defense exports and sales; certain controls over exports of dual use items; and miscellaneous financial and other restrictions," per the State Department's website. "Designation under the above-referenced authorities also implicates other sanctions laws that penalize persons and countries engaging in certain trade with state sponsors." The Ukrainian government, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has urged the Biden administration to label Russia a state sponsor of terror. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle in Washington, DC, have also expressed support for such a move. The Russian military has repeatedly attacked civilians in Ukraine, and thousands of civilians have been killed so far. Russia has been widely accused of war crimes. Moscow is already facing unprecedented sanctions that have increasingly isolated its economy as a result of its unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. State Department spokesperson Ned Price in April told reporters that the Biden administration was taking a closer look at whether to designate Russia as a state sponsor of terror. Story continues "The sanctions we have in place and have taken are the same steps that would be entailed by the designation of a state sponsor of terrorism," Price said at the time. Along these lines, some legal experts argue that designating Russia a state sponsor of terror would be superfluous. Ingrid Wuerth, an expert on international law and foreign affairs at Vanderbilt University, in a recent blog for Just Security said Blinken should not designate Russia as a statement sponsor of terrorism adding that Congress "should not seek to force his hand." Wuerth underscored that the US has already slapped "crippling sanctions" on Moscow that have forced Russia to default on its sovereign debt. For this reason, Wuerth said the sanctions-related implications of the designation would not be especially significant. "Likely the most significant effect of designating Russia would be to allow litigation against it for acts of terrorism that have harmed US citizens. In light of the ongoing war in Ukraine, the many people who have been harmed by it, and the limited resources available to remedy those harms, such litigation is at the very least premature and might never be a good way to punish Russia or to compensate victims," Wuerth said. Read the original article on Business Insider Takeoff is the worst part of flying, in terms of emissions, say environmental experts. (Getty Images) Staci Montori always considered herself to be eco-conscious. But four years ago she finally faced a grim reality: The two or three round-trip flights she was averaging per year had a massive carbon footprint. I have a lot of climate grief and anxiety, Montori, of Lincoln, Mass., tells Yahoo Life, explaining that a carbon footprint calculator showed her flights to have a CO2 equivalent output the way of measuring atmosphere-damaging greenhouse gases of roughly 3.5 metric tons, which is equal to about a quarter of an average American's entire carbon footprint (already much higher than the global average). In response, the massage therapist and mother of three made a huge, proactive decision: She joined the growing number of people pledging to go flight-free. How could I not," she asks, "when I read the grim statistics and see it happening now? Though the choice to completely give up plane travel might sound like something reserved for radical environmentalists and those with an extreme fear of flying, Montoris choice to do so is actually in step with a growing movement: Flight Free USA, the stateside arm of a popular U.K. campaign that urges people to take a no-fly pledge. There was this cognitive dissonance when I would fly, Dan Castrigano, co-organizer of Flight Free USA and a teacher turned climate organizer in Vermont, told the Christian Science Monitor recently. I was teaching about climate to seventh and eighth graders, and I just kind of became embarrassed that I was flying to Europe for vacation. He soon gave up flying altogether and noted, Its extremely joyful not to fly. Its liberating. The Flight Free campaign's website asserts that the solution to the climate crisis is straightforward: to significantly reduce our emissions and that reducing flying, the most polluting activity we commonly take part in, is the way to do it. And while efficient land travel is admittedly easier in the U.K. than it is in the U.S., especially when it comes to international exploration, the Flight Free campaign appears to be landing with many people in the United States too. Story continues So, how bad is plane travel, really? Joshua Spodek, a Manhattan-based author and host of the podcast This Sustainable Life, stepped off an airplane for the final time in 2016 when a self-directed challenge to go a year without flying turned into a pledge to never fly again. Within a few months, the withdrawal symptoms passed and I realized my sense of need was the addiction speaking, he says adding that since pledging to go flight-free, he has connected more deeply to nature, enjoyed more meaningful experiences with family and created more adventure in his life. For Spodek, this choice was not only about his commitment to lowering his footprint but also about recognizing his privileges and acting in accordance with his ethical beliefs. For most Americans who fly, it's their greatest pollution, he says. Indeed, globally, the wealthiest 10% of people (the same percentage of global citizens who have ever flown or will ever fly in a plane) contribute a whopping 49% of lifestyle carbon emissions, while the poorest half contribute just 10%. But is airplane flying the worst thing we can do to the planet? It's certainly up there (topped only, according to some experts, by taking a cruise). Aviation is responsible for around 2.5% of the worlds carbon emissions, according to experts, with an overall impact on the climate that's even more severe. To find out more specific impacts, bookmark this flight calculator from Flight Free USA and consider this: A round-trip flight from New York City to San Francisco (2,583 miles) emits 1.5 metric tons per passenger the same carbon output as traveling 6.3 times around the world in an electric train and enough emissions to melt 48.5 square feet of arctic sea ice. One of the worst problems of air travel, explains Julie Sinistore, a Portland, Ore.-based scientist specializing in comparing the impacts of different types of fuels, is that it is inefficient. For example, it may cost less money to have a connecting flight, but it leads to more greenhouse gas emissions than a direct flight," she tells Yahoo Life, explaining that an airplane's takeoff is the most polluting part of air travel, with the biggest footprint, making shorter or multi-leg domestic flights among the worst polluters (as critics of Kylie Jenner's recent and very quick private jet flight didn't hold back about out recently). 80% of people have never taken a plane and Kylie Jenner is out here taking regular 10 minute flights, 5 flights in the last week under 30 minutes, one was 3 minutes long. Her carbon footprint for one ten minute flight, is more than some people make in a year. Sommer Ackerman (@lifewithsommer) July 17, 2022 Alternative modes of transport and how they stack up Is driving, assuming you are still using a gas-fueled car, any better than flying? According to Hannah Ritchie, head of research for Our World In Data and author of Which form of transport has the smallest carbon footprint? the answer depends on the set of circumstances. Between the two, which is better depends on the distance traveled," she writes, noting that for moderate-distance trips, such as those less than 600 miles, or a domestic flight within the U.K., "then flying has a higher carbon footprint than a medium-sized car." If the distance is longer than 600 miles, then flying, she says, "would actually have a slightly lower carbon footprint [per mile] than driving alone over the same distance. But better than either, say experts, is choosing train travel. Amtrak, the U.S. system of rail travel, produces 83% less emissions than driving and up to 73% less than flying, depending on which line is being traveled, according to a recent press release. For those already across the pond, Eurostars International Rail claims to emit up to 90% less emissions than flights of equal distance within Europe. Which form of transport has the smallest carbon footprint? walking, cycling or train (esp. if run on France's nuclear-powered electricity) car-sharing has massive benefits EVs better than conventional cars Our latest @OurWorldinData article:https://t.co/vUbLFDRW5Y pic.twitter.com/VZLapcjOnE Hannah Ritchie (@_HannahRitchie) October 13, 2020 But energy efficiency isnt just about the total greenhouse gases emitted. According to the Washington Post, "its about how many people a vehicle can carry and how far it can take those people. To evaluate modes of transport, scientists calculate the amount of CO2 equivalent generated to transport one passenger over a given distance." All things considered, experts agree that train travel tends to come with the smallest carbon footprint. And, says Montori, train travel has allowed her to see interesting places she might have otherwise skipped even though it took her a little while to get on board. I was panicked about not easily seeing my family and friends in California and in Florida," she says. "I have always traveled to both places at least once a year." Soon, however, she discovered the joys and affordability of train travel. It also allows for some really pleasant human connections, Montori says, adding that she still sees those family members around the country, albeit less often, and that the trips are now longer and packed with sightseeing. The landscapes are incredible, she notes. I break up the cross-country trips by stopping in cities that I probably would never have made one of my destinations. But what about carbon offsets? Some fans of flying who have good environmental intentions may think they're doing their part by taking advantage of carbon offset programs" from various carriers. But if you check that carbon offset box and pay a few extra bucks, can you really fly guilt-free? As you probably suspected, the answer is no. Programs that promise to support carbon removal and emission reductions are, at the very least, overpromised and inaccurately reported, according to experts. In theory, carbon offset programs allow polluters to cancel out the harm of their emissions by funding someone else to do something good for the climate, explains Freya Chay, program director for CarbonPlan, a nonprofit research organization working to improve the transparency and scientific integrity of climate solutions. But these claims often fall short. When we emit CO2 into the atmosphere, she continues, it impacts the climate for millennia. To truly counteract that emission, you need to take CO2 back out of the atmosphere and store it permanently. There are very few carbon credits on the voluntary market today that represent this kind of high-quality carbon removal. If carbon credits are not high-quality, carbon offset programs allow polluters to trade a clear climate harm for an unclear climate benefit. Sinistore agrees, pointing out that other seemingly hopeful claims such as that certain airlines are more sustainable than others because of alternative fuels have to be taken with a grain of salt. I am very skeptical about sustainable aviation fuels because many of them are made from biofuels, she says, which are made from commodity crops like corn and soybeans which have just the same [environmental] problems as other products of industrial agriculture, like meat, dairy and eggs. Biofuels, Sinistore explains, rely on large-scale monoculture of commodity crops, which depend on fertilizers that contribute to eutrophication which is when bodies of water become enriched with nutrients, usually due to runoff from the land, resulting in plant density that leads to animals dying from a lack of oxygen. The good news is that both Sinistore and Fray believe some airlines are taking this seriously and investigating low-carbon fuel alternatives and even experimenting with what they call 100% sustainable aviation fuel, including those derived from algae. What if you can't go fully flight-free? For those whose work relies on travel or whose families are in countries separated by large bodies of water there are half-measures and compromises that can still make a difference. I think we all should think more judiciously about how we travel, says Sinistore. I would encourage people to consider alternative methods when it is possible to not fly. But still, simply minimizing the amount of air travel can help; Sinistore says that she batches together personal and professional activities during the times she does fly, thereby cutting down on her footprint significantly. This resonated for Montori, whose family members committed to flying much less often than they had been, rather than boycott it altogether. Flight reduction and moderation are impactful too, she says, adding that shes hopeful the recent infrastructure bill introduced by the Biden administration and passed by Congress will make Amtrak travel even easier and more affordable for all, and noting, Resources are finally going back into our train infrastructure." Saying if Congress wouldn't act then he would, President Joe Biden on Wednesday unveiled plans to fight climate change with executive actions none of which went as far as many environmental groups had hoped. Declaring climate change "an emergency" without declaring an official state of emergency, Biden said in the coming days and weeks he would use his power as president to issue formal government actions through proclamations, executive orders and regulatory power. His biggest announcement: a plan to open parts of the Gulf of Mexico for the first time to offshore wind farms that could power more than 3 million homes. He also directed the Department of Interior to advance wind energy development off the coasts of Florida, Georgia and North and South Carolina. "It was one piece of down payment," was how Mindy Lubber, CEO of Ceres, a Boston-based sustainability nonprofit, described the announcement. "Was today enough? No, but it was a good start." Biden also told the crowd gathered in a former coal-fired power plant in Somerset, Massachusetts, that's now used to make power cables for offshore wind farms that he'd directed his administration to clear every federal hurdle and streamline federal permitting to bring clean energy projects online immediately. President Joe Biden speaks about climate change and clean energy at Brayton Power Station on Wednesday in Somerset, Mass. He also announced $2.3 billion in funding for Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities. The BRIC program, administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, helps communities prepare in advance for potential climate disasters such as heat waves and flooding. Climate activists wanted more. With congressional action closed off, bold action from Biden is the only hope for truly lifesaving action to curb the deadly fossil fuels scorching the planet, said Jean Su, energy justice program director at the Center for Biological Diversity. Limited action on renewables without curbing fossil fuels is like tuning up the engine while the car barrels off a cliff. Story continues Frustration grows As more than one-third of Americans suffer from a dangerous heat wave that includes heat alerts in 28 states, the frustration of climate activists is growing. More than a thousand groups have called on the president to declare a national climate emergency, an act that would unlock both financial and statutory authority the president now lacks. "In the coming days, weeks, and months, President Biden must take bold regulatory and executive action on climate that matches the urgency of the crisis we face," said Jamal Raad, executive director of Evergreen Action, a climate change advocacy group founded by former staffers of the 2020 presidential campaign of Washington Gov. Jay Inslee. Raad said the time for speeches was over. "All the resilience funding in the world won't save us if we don't mitigate the mounting crisis," he said. More: One graphic shows why Biden says executive actions on climate change are needed Biden's efforts to address climate change were hit by a double whammy in the past three weeks. First came a ruling by the Supreme Court on June 30 limiting the authority of the Environmental Protection Agency. Then came last weeks announcement by Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., that he wont support legislation that included tax credits to support clean energy Democrats estimated would have reduced carbon emissions by nearly 40% by 2030. The bill would have brought an unprecedented $500 billion to bear on climate change. Manchin has said he might be open to changing his mind if the economy improves next month, leaving Democrats some hope for a deal. But while the setbacks increased speculation that Biden might declare a climate emergency, doing so while a chance remains that rewritten legislation might still get through this year would have been a risk, said Elizabeth Losos, a biologist and environmental policy analyst at Duke University's Nicholas Institute for Environmental Policy Solutions. "Legislation would clearly be preferable," she said. "An emergency declaration is going to face legal challenges, which will slow it down. And our current Supreme Court has certainly signaled they're going to look at such things suspiciously." That has left many climate groups, who for months have created wish lists for actions they want the administration to take, clamoring for more. Author and climate activist Bill McKibben took to Twitter following Biden's speech. "Mr. Biden took useful but small-bore climate actions today, including opening up new areas in the Gulf of Mexico for wind leases," McKibben said. "The bigger test: will he declare a full-on climate emergency, and do things like *stop* oil and gas leases in the Gulf?" U.S. Congressman Ro Khanna, a California Democrat and member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, similarly told a Yahoo Finance panel within minutes of Biden's speech that "we need to do more." "He needs to declare a climate emergency," Khanna said. "That would give him more authority to put more funds into solar, wind, renewables. It will give him the authority to stop the permitting for projects that are going to emit tremendous amounts of CO2." Suggestions for what the Biden administration might do under a declared emergency have included reinstating a crude oil export ban that was lifted in 2015, keeping the oil within the U.S. to help meet demand and alleviate price concerns, said Maya Golden-Krasner, a senior attorney at the Climate Law Institute of the Center for Biological Diversity, a nonprofit that works to protect endangered species. That might come in conjunction with phasing out new fossil fuel leasing on federal lands and rejecting new fossil fuel infrastructure projects including offshore drilling leases. Other suggestions include regulating methane leaks from oil and gas wells, creating new rules requiring that companies disclose greenhouse gas emissions, and using federal procurement to support and drive innovation in clean energy solutions. Energy groups also advocate for cutting or minimizing permitting times and red tape to speed up solar and wind energy developments, which the administration's offshore wind announcement acknowledged. Some climate scientists worried if the United States is capable of taking on climate change with Congress unable to act and a Supreme Court that appears opposed to broad efforts to tame carbon emissions. Noting the unprecedented heat wave which has killed hundreds of people in Europe, Daniel Swain, a climate scientist with the University of California, Los Angeles Institute of the Environment and Sustainability, said, "we're seeing examples all around us of things that are starting to break." While climate change is physically solvable, he fears that may no longer be the case politically. "Even if the executive branch takes strong action now, what happens if there's a change of administration in 2024?" he said. "Or if in two months there a challenge to Biden's efforts that makes it to this Supreme Court?" This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Biden vows executive action in climate fight amid global heat waves On Tuesday night, far-right state Del. Dan Cox won the Maryland gubernatorial primary. He was leading his closest competitor, Kelly Schulz, by 16 percentage points Wednesday night. Hed won the most conservative counties of the state, near the West Virginia border, with more than 60% of the vote. He won generally liberal counties, like Baltimore City and the Washington, D.C., suburbs. Schulz, a former Cabinet officer for the popular GOP Gov. Larry Hogan, is managing to win only two of the states 24 jurisdictions. Cox is wholly unelectable in Maryland, a state President Joe Biden won by 30 percentage points, where liberal college-educated white voters and Black voters are both plentiful. A fierce advocate of former President Donald Trumps lies about the election, Cox arranged a bus caravan for Trump supporters to attend the Jan. 6, 2021, Washington rally that preceded the attack on the U.S. Capitol. During the attack, Cox tweeted, Mike Pence is a traitor. Thats not all: Cox supported impeaching Hogan over his support for COVID-19 mitigation measures, such as mask mandates. He has at least flirted with the QAnon conspiracy theory movement. He supports gutting Marylands gun control laws and heavily restricting abortion rights. A certain form of punditry will tell you Coxs victory is the result of Democratic meddling: The Democratic Governors Association, wanting to ensure an easy victory in November for the Democratic candidate, spent more than $1 million on ads highlighting these stances ahead of Tuesdays primary. Democratic groups, especially the DGA, have spent tens of millions of dollars on similar ads aiming to promote similarly unelectable candidates in Colorado, Pennsylvania, Illinois and elsewhere. These efforts have prompted no small amount of teeth-gnashing. Republicans who have stood up to Trumps election lies, including Hogan, Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah) and Rep. Peter Meijer (R-Mich.), have suggested it shows Democrats are not serious when they call these candidates a threat to democracy. Story continues Other Democrats, often glancing back at Hillary Clintons not-so-hidden hopes that Trump would win the GOP presidential primary in 2016, say these efforts are doomed to backfire. Many of these concerns are legitimate. Its fully possible a candidate like Doug Mastriano, the Christian nationalist and election denier who won the GOP gubernatorial nomination in Pennsylvania, could win in what looks like a strong year for Republicans. (Polling shows Mastriano trailing Attorney General Josh Shapiro, the Democratic nominee, by surmountable margins.) Some Democratic operatives have suggested the millions spent now would be of more use in November. Theres also an obvious question about whether its ethical to support candidates who threaten democracy in any fashion. But many of these criticisms ignore a more salient fact: GOP voters want candidates like Mastriano and Cox. The fact that these candidates think the 2020 presidential election was stolen, that they wholeheartedly embrace conspiracy theories, Christian nationalism and unflinching conservative views are features in a GOP primary, not bugs. Otherwise Democratic meddling wouldnt work. Furthermore, Republican leaders have stood by candidates who have espoused similar views. House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) declined to kick Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) off of her committee positions. The National Republican Senatorial Committee is set to spend millions this fall boosting the campaign of Nevada Attorney General Adam Laxalt, who sought to overturn Bidens win in the Silver State. None of the ads Democrats have aired have hidden their purposes. In the past, Democratic meddling efforts have used anodyne names like Duty and Country to hide who was behind the television ads they funded. That hasnt been the case in 2022: Democratic candidates and groups have aired ads under their own name or otherwise made it clear Democrats are behind the ads. And most of these ads have been straightforward recitations of the Republican candidates stances on the issues. For example, look at the DGA ad boosting Cox. It mentions Trumps endorsement, Coxs support for overturning the 2020 election results, his support for gun rights and opposition to abortion rights. Republicans who opposed Cox, led by Hogan, held press conferences to highlight what the DGA was doing. It did not matter to the states Republican voters, who happily ignored their states ultra-popular governor. (Here, it is worth noting that Hogans fellow ultra-popular East Coast Republican governor, Massachusetts Charlie Baker, chose not to run for reelection after it was clear he would lose to a Trump-endorsed challenger in a primary.) Democrats also noted Hogan hardly seemed totally dedicated to Coxs defeat, spending time in the weeks leading up to the election campaigning in New Hampshire and meeting donors at a Republican Governors Association meeting in Colorado as he readies a potential 2024 presidential run. A second race in Maryland on Tuesday drives home the clear GOP desire for ultraconservative candidates. Republicans nominated Michael Peroutka, a neo-Confederate activist whose views are even more right-wing than Coxs, in the race for attorney general. There was no Democratic interference in the race. Peroutka was leading his opponent, moderate former prosecutor Jim Shalleck, by a 16-point margin on Wednesday night, identical to Coxs lead over Schulz. Similarly, Mastriano consistently led in polling in the Pennsylvania primary well before any Democratic attempt to put their thumb on the scale. Darren Bailey, the conservative candidate whom Democrats promoted in Illinoiss governor race, did not have a consistent lead but ultimately won by 42 percentage points. Republicans voted for Dan Cox in Maryland's GOP gubernatorial primary because they like his positions, not because Democrats tricked them. (Photo: Nathan Howard via Getty Images) Republicans voted for Dan Cox in Maryland's GOP gubernatorial primary because they like his positions, not because Democrats tricked them. (Photo: Nathan Howard via Getty Images) There are places where Trump-endorsed, election-denying candidates have flopped in primaries, most notably in secretary of state races in Colorado and Georgia. But as The Washington Posts Aaron Blake notes, both those states have open primaries, allowing independents and even some Democrats to cast ballots. When a closed primary leaves the GOP base to its own devices, theres little chance of stopping Trump-style Republicans. Colorado is the state where Democratic efforts saw the biggest flop that could most easily backfire. National Democrats spent roughly $5 million boosting the campaign of state Rep. Ron Hanks, an election denier, while also playing up the moderate credentials of businessman Joe ODea. The hope was Republicans would choose the seemingly unelectable Hanks. Instead, Republicans nominated ODea meaning Democrats spent significant amounts of cash on ads playing up the GOP candidates moderation. Many attempts to meddle in elections flop: Republicans worked unsuccessfully to promote a progressive House candidate in Kansas in 2018, and Democrats tried to lift the unpopular Kris Kobach in Kansas GOP Senate primary in 2020. At the same time, Democrats owe their bare 50-seat Senate majority to a successful interference campaign in the 2018 West Virginia GOP primary, which enabled Sen. Joe Manchin to squeak out a win against a weaker opponent. Colorados gubernatorial race, however, might provide the best example yet of why some Democratic operatives believe the distinction between Trump-style Republicans and the partys mainstream is irrelevant. There, Democrats hoped to knock out the supposed moderate candidate, University of Colorado Regent Heidi Ganahl. They failed. On Monday, Ganahl announced her running mate: a businessman who hosted a conservative leadership event at his home featuring John Eastman, the law professor who helped Trump work to overturn the election, and who had himself called the election stolen. This article originally appeared on HuffPost and has been updated. ATLANTA (AP) The Georgia prosecutor who's investigating whether former President Donald Trump and others illegally interfered in the 2020 general election in the state has informed 16 Republicans who served as fake electors that they could face criminal charges. They all signed a certificate declaring falsely that then-President Trump had won the 2020 presidential election and declaring themselves the state's duly elected and qualified electors even though Joe Biden had won the state and a slate of Democratic electors was certified. Eleven of them filed a motion Tuesday to quash their subpoenas, calling them unreasonable and oppressive. Also Tuesday, U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, a South Carolina Republican, agreed to file any challenges to a subpoena in the investigation in either state superior court or federal court in Georgia, according to a court filing. He had previously filed a motion in federal court in South Carolina trying to stop any subpoena from being issued to him there on behalf of the prosecutor in Georgia. Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis last year opened a criminal investigation into attempts to influence the administration of the 2020 Georgia General Election. A special grand jury with subpoena power was seated in May at her request. In court filings earlier this month, she alleged a multi-state, coordinated plan by the Trump Campaign to influence the results of the November 2020 election in Georgia and elsewhere. Willis' office declined to comment Tuesday on the motion to quash the subpoenas. A lawyer for Willis's office said in a court filing Tuesday that each of the 16 people who signed the false elector certificate has received a letter saying they are targets of the investigation and that their testimony before the special grand jury is required. In the motion to quash the subpoenas, lawyers for 11 of the fake electors said that from mid-April through the end of June, Willis's office had told them that they were considered witnesses, not subjects or targets of the investigation. For that reason, they had agreed to voluntary interviews with the investigative team, the motion says. Georgia Republican Party Chairman David Shafer and another of the fake electors appeared for interviews in late April. Story continues On June 1, grand jury subpoenas were sent to all 11 of those fake electors. And on June 28, the district attorney's office told their lawyers for the first time that their clients were considered targets, rather than witnesses, the motion says. On Dec. 14, 2020, when Georgia's official Democratic electors met to certify the state's electoral votes for Biden, the fake Republican electors also met to certify a slate of electoral votes for Trump. They did that because there was a lawsuit challenging the election results pending at the time, and if a judge found that Trump had actually won their electoral slate would become valid, the motion says. The district attorney's office knew all that and properly labeled them witnesses, prompting them to agree to voluntary cooperation, the motion says. The abrupt, unsupportable, and public elevation of all eleven nominee electors' status wrongfully converted them from witnesses who were cooperating voluntarily and prepared to testify in the Grand Jury to persecuted targets of it, the motion says. As a result, their lawyers advised them to invoke their federal and state rights protecting them against self-incrimination, and they reluctantly accepted that advice, the motion says. Their lawyers assert that the change in status from witnesses to targets was based on an improper desire to force them to publicly invoke their rights as, at best, a publicity stunt. Therefore, they should be excused from appearing before the special grand jury, the motion says. The motion asks Fulton County Superior Court Judge Robert McBurney, who's overseeing the special grand jury to excuse the 11 electors from appearing before the panel. It also asks him to look into Willis' actions indicating the improper politicization of this investigatory process." And it asks him to grant a motion filed Friday by state Sen. Burt Jones seeking to remove Willis and her office from the investigation. Jones, who's the Republican nominee for lieutenant governor, alleged that the investigation is politically motivated because Willis is an active supporter of his Democratic opponent. McBurney on Tuesday set a Thursday hearing on that motion. Willis's office has said Jones' claims are without merit and a lawyer representing the office wrote in a filing Tuesday that Jones has identified no actions that show political motivation. Boeing Qatar Airways just finalized an order for 25 Boeing 737 MAX 10 jets the largest of the MAX family. The move comes after a Memorandum of Understanding for MAX 10 jets, which was signed in January, had expired. Qatar's investment comes during an ongoing dispute with Airbus over paint issues on the carrier's A350 planes. Qatar Airways is betting big on Boeing as its dispute with Airbus continues. On Thursday, at the Farnborough International Airshow 2022 in England, Qatar finalized an order for 25 Boeing 737 MAX 10 jets the largest of the MAX family. According to a Boeing press release, the aircraft will support the airline's short and medium-haul routes and provide improved fuel efficiency and economics. "We are honored that Qatar Airways has decided to add Boeing's single-aisle family to its fleet, deepening our relationship with this world-class airline," Stan Deal, Boeing Commercial Airplanes president and CEO, said. "The 737-10 is ideally suited for Qatar Airways' regional network and will provide the carrier with the most capable, most fuel-efficient airplane in its class." Qatar's announcement comes just weeks after the carrier indicated a provisional agreement to buy 25 MAX jets, with an option for 25 more, had "expired," Reuters reported. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed in January. Turning and spurning The news of the expired MOU was revealed by Boeing's rival Airbus, which requested documentation of the Boeing deal as part of the ongoing legal battle between the European planemaker and Qatar. Qatar CEO Akbar Al Baker confirmed to reporters at a roundtable in Farnborough on Monday, which Insider attended, that the MOU had indeed lapsed. He emphasized that he did not understand Airbus' interest in the MAX agreement in the London court "when the MAX has no relation to the A321 order that [Airbus] erroneously, illegally canceled." Airbus and Qatar have been in a year's-long dispute over surface paint issues on the carrier's A350 aircraft, which has led to a bitter battle in the court system, and Airbus canceled some of Qatar's A321 and A350 orders. Story continues Since August 2021, Qatar has grounded 23 of its A350 jets at the direction of the country's air safety regulator, as well as the airline's internal concerns about safety. Airbus has maintained that the issue is "cosmetic," which the European Aviation Safety Agency backed in June, Aviacionline reported. Other airlines have also committed to the 737 MAX 10, including Delta Air Lines, which announced an order for 100 of the MAX 10 variant on Monday. Deal said on Tuesday that the jet has been "rebooted," per Reuters, and that the planemaker has gotten over 1,000 orders for the MAX since its global grounding after two fatal MAX crashes in 2018 and 2019. Not yet set to jet Despite the orders, Boeing's 737 MAX 10 is still not certified to fly, but the manufacturer hopes to get regulatory approval by the end of 2022. A company spokesperson told Insider on Wednesday that the timeline "is completely in the hands of the regulator" but the company is still intending to certify the plane. If the planemaker doesn't meet the end-of-year deadline, it may be forced to redesign the cockpit, which is required of all aircraft certified after December 31, 2022, due to new laws governing pilot warning systems. Boeing said it may ask for an extension from the FAA on the issue for the MAX 10, according to the Seattle Times. However, Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun told Aviation Week in early July that he is willing to cancel the program if the company is not granted an extension, But, he added that he does not expect to shelve the plane, and "it's just a risk." The current cockpit design is similar to the MAX 7 and MAX 8 planes, so if the MAX 10 jet's flight deck was upgraded it would require additional pilot training, costing airlines time and money. Read the original article on Business Insider Sen. Deb Fischer, a Republican from Nebraska, saw her stock in defense contractor Lockheed Martin increase in price during the past six months. Joshua Roberts/Getty Images GOP Sen. Deb Fischer just sold between $50,000 and $100,000 worth of stock in Lockheed Martin, a defense contractor. Fischer is currently the top Republican on a subcommittee that oversees missile defense. Fischer inherited the stocks in December 2021 after her mother died. Republican Sen. Deb Fischer of Nebraska, who is the leading Republican on a Senate subcommittee overseeing missile defense, just reported selling all of her stock in Lockheed Martin Corporation, a defense contractor that manufactures numerous military weapons systems. According to Fischer's financial disclosure filed July 20, she sold between $50,000 and $100,000 worth of stock in Lockheed Martin on June 23. As Insider's Kimberly Leonard previously reported, Fischer inherited between $50,000 and $100,000 worth of stocks from her mother when she died in December 2021. Per the Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge (STOCK) Act of 2012, members of Congress are only required to report the values of their stock holdings and trades in broad values, making the exact value of Fischer's stock unknown. But Fischer appears to have profited from her sale of Lockheed Martin stock, which has risen in value during the past half year. If, for example, Fischer's Lockheed Martin shares were worth exactly $50,000 when she inherited them from her late mother on December 26, they would have been worth around $60,000 when she sold them in late June, according to Insider's analysis of congressional financial filings and Lockheed Martin stock values. "As your last story on this topic notes, this stock originates from the passing of Sen. Fischer's mother late last year," Fischer spokesman Nathaniel Sizemore said in an email Wednesday. "Sen. Fischer had no intention of retaining these assets, and this was part of that process." Ukrainian troops fire a Javelin anti-tank missile during drills in Ukraine, February 2022. Ukrainian military/Handout via REUTERS Congress bullish on defense stocks Fischer was one of 20 members of Congress who owned stock in Lockheed Martin or Raytheon Technologies in May 2022 when President Joe Biden signed a bill allotting $40 billion in aid and defense to Ukraine, which included weapons systems from the two defense contractors. Story continues Since then, other members of Congress have likewise traded defense contractor stocks, including Rep. Kevin Hern, a Republican of Oklahoma, who supports increases in military spending. Lockheed Martin, along with Raytheon, manufactures the Javelin anti-tank missile system, which Ukraine has used widely to defend itself against Russian invaders. Defense contractors such as Lockheed Martin together spend tens of millions of dollars lobbying the federal government to prod elected officials, shape policy, and win lucrative government contracts. During 2021, Lockheed Martin alone spent more than $14.4 million, according to federal lobbying records compiled by nonpartisan research organization OpenSecrets. Similarly, the company's political action committee makes hundreds of thousands of dollars in donations to federal lawmakers' campaigns each year, contributing to several dozen in June alone, according to new disclosures filed Wednesday with the Federal Election Commission. Fischer's Lockheed Martin stock sale comes at a time when members of Congress are debating whether federal lawmakers and their immediate family members should even be allowed to trade individual stocks at all. Read the original article on Business Insider A man from Florida, not previously named in federal indictments but linked by prosecutors to ownership of the Redemption and Skilled Shamrock skill game parlors in Plain Township, pleaded guilty Wednesday to defrauding the U.S. government. Larry Dayton submitted his plea in a video hearing overseen by U.S. District Judge Donald Nugent in Cleveland, according to federal court records. It's not clear where Dayton was physically during the hearing. A three-page bill of information filed by assistant U.S. attorneys July 7 said from 2009 to 2018, Dayton was an owner of Redemption and Skilled Shamrock, two illegal gambling businesses in Plain Township as well as another business in the Massillon area also called Redemption. The court document and a U.S. Justice Department statement said Dayton sought to conceal his ownership through a "nominee owner" and the drafting of as false purchase agreement. The statement also says Dayton failed to report more than $2 million in income from the illegal businesses on his federal income tax returns. He also is accused of failing to withhold income taxes on the money paid to employees of the businesses. Larry Dayton, Bill of Infor... by Robert Wang Dayton faces up to five years in prison, the statement said. His sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 19 before Judge Nugent. He has been released on unsecured bond of $20,000. Without court approval, he's restricted to traveling in the Northern District of Florida and in the Northern District of Ohio to meet with attorneys and court hearings. The statement said Dayton is 46 years old. It did not say where in Florida he lives. Darin Thompson, an attorney for the federal public defender's office, is representing Dayton. A message seeking comment from Thompson was left on a voicemail at the federal public defender's office in Cleveland and emailed to him. An email seeking more information about Dayton's role in the conspiracy was left for a spokesman for the IRS-Criminal Investigation. Story continues More: Canton couple plead guilty to failing to report proceeds from illegal gambling sites Many defendants in the Skilled Shamrock, Redemption case On July 14, Jason Kachner, of Canton, pleaded guilty to two counts of defrauding the U.S. government. His wife, Rebecca, pleaded guilty to one count of that charge. The both admitted to failing to report illegal proceeds from the skill game establishments on their income tax returns. After unveiling an initial indictment in May 2021, prosecutors filed a second superseding indictment last month that referred to then-unnamed co-conspirators. Christos Karasarides, Jr. ,charged last month, and Ronald DiPietro, charged in 2021,. have been indicted on federal felony charges of conspiracy to illegally operate a gambling business, defrauding the United States, and failing to pay owed federal income taxes. DiPietro has also been charged with helping to prepare a false and fraudulent income tax return. Karasarides also has been indicted on conspiracy to commit money laundering, filing a false income tax return, witness tamping and falsifying records. Karasarides' nephew Thomas Helmick, charged in 2021, stands accused of operating an illegal gambling business, Redemption, defrauding the U.S. and filing false income tax returns. All defendants are free on bond. The Kachners are scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 18. Reach Robert at robert.wang@cantonrep.com. Twitter: @rwangREP. This article originally appeared on The Repository: Florida man is next to plead guilty in illegal casino case A remote camera captured an image of a grizzly bear in Ovando, Montana. Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee Leah Davis Lokan, 65, was killed by a grizzly bear while camping in Ovando, Montana, last year. An investigation found that Lokan scared off the bear an hour before it came back and killed her. The report said Lokan declined an offer to stay in a hotel after she chased away the bear. A woman was killed during a camping trip in Montana last year when a bear she'd scared off earlier returned and attacked her in her sleep, an investigation by the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee found. Leah Davis Lokan, a 65-year-old cyclist and retired nurse from California, was killed by the bear in Ovando, Montana, in the early hours of July 6, 2021. The 26-page report, which was published in late June, found that Lokan had chased away the bear one hour before it returned and killed her in her tent. The report said Lokan, who was traveling with her sister, was sleeping alone in her tent behind a museum when the attack happened. Her sister was staying in a nearby hotel, but Lokan had set up her tent next to a couple named Joe and Kim Cole, the report said. It said that at approximately 3 a.m., Lokan woke up when a 417-pound bear "huffed" at her head from outside her tent. She alerted the Coles, who helped her scare the bear off by making loud noises, the report said. Lokan moved food out of her tent and armed herself with a can of bear spray, the report said. The Coles then asked her if she wanted to stay in a hotel room for the night, but she declined the offer and went back to sleep, the report said. A grizzly bear in Ovando, Montana, on July 6, 2021. Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee The report said that at around 4 a.m., the Coles were awoken by a noise that sounded like Lokan was being attacked, though she was not making noise. They told officials they saw the dark shape of the bear "pouncing up and down" on Lokan and her tent as Joe tried to scare it away, the report said. The report said an autopsy found that the bear had broken Lokan's neck and severed her spine and that she was killed instantly. The bear did not attack anyone else, and it ran away, the report said. Story continues It said DNA tests confirmed that the same grizzly bear also raided a chicken coop hours after the attack. The bear, which was four to seven years old, was killed by officials several days later, the report said. The report also included an image captured by a remote camera showing a bear that officials believe to be the one that attacked Lokan. Read the original article on Insider Four men have been indicted in connection to the deadliest known migrant smuggling attempt in U.S. history, where 53 people were found dead inside an abandoned tractor-trailer in San Antonio, Texas. A federal grand jury in San Antonio returned an indictment against Homero Zamorano Jr., 46, and Christian Martinez, 28, the United States Attorney's Office of the Western District of Texas announced Wednesday. Both men were charged with one count each of conspiracy to transport and transportation of illegal aliens resulting in death, and conspiracy to transport and transportation of aliens resulting in serious bodily injury and placing lives in jeopardy. 50 adults and three children died during the June 27 smuggling attempt, and 10 adults and one child were injured, officials said. The victims were from Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras, according to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Many of them suffered from heat stroke and heat exhaustion, San Antonio Fire Department Chief Charles Hood said, and there were no signs of water or working air conditioning unit on the truck. 'ALL ABOUT THE MONEY': 53 dead in San Antonio reveals harsh world of human smuggling IDENTIFYING VICTIMS: 53 migrants are dead in San Antonio. Identifying their remains won't be easy. Zamorano, of Pasadena, Texas, drove the tractor-trailer across the U.S.-Mexico border, the United States Attorneys Office said. San Antonio police officers arrested him after he tried hiding in a bush when the truck was discovered in Texas. Investigators discovered Martinez, from Palestine, Texas, had been communicating with Zamorano about the smuggling after running a search warrant on Zamorano's cell phone. Both men could face life in prison or the death penalty if convicted. Also indicted Wednesday were Juan Claudio DLuna-Mendez, 23, and Juan Francisco DLuna-Bilbao, 48, who are both Mexican citizens. They were each charged with one count of possession of a firearm while unlawfully present in the United States. Story continues According to the United States Attorneys Office, investigators located D'Luna-Mendez and D'Luna-Bilbao by tracing the addresses on the tractor-trailer's registration. Authorities found a handgun in the truck D'Luna-Bilbao was driving and additional firearms in the residence. Both men admitted to possessing illegal firearms and to overstaying their visas, according to the court records. They each face up to 10 years in prison if convicted. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: San Antonio migrant smuggling: 4 indicted to the deadly incident Century Bank and FHLB Dallas Provided $650K to Help Finance Development SANTA FE, N.M., July 20, 2022--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Century Bank, the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas) and Santa Fe, New Mexico, residents recently celebrated the grand opening of an affordable housing development designed specifically for people involved in creative professions. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220720006079/en/ The Santa Fe, New Mexico, community celebrated the grand opening of Siler Yard, an affordable rental development. New Mexico Inter-Faith Housing received a $650,000 AHP subsidy from Century Bank and FHLB Dallas to help finance the project. (Photo: Business Wire) Known as Siler Yard, the 65-unit rental development at 1218 Siler Road in Santa Fe, New Mexico, is an affordable live/work rental development in New Mexico for creatives making under 60 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI). The development will provide housing, economic support resources and a sense of community for local artists, dancers, artisans, actors and culinary artists. "The Siler Yard development has been a decade in the making, and we are thrilled to officially open to our residents and the community," said Daniel Werwath, executive director at New Mexico Inter-Faith Housing. "The development will provide high-quality housing to individuals at rates far below the local average for monthly rent." The more than $17.4 million project was made possible in part by a $650,000 Affordable Housing Program (AHP) subsidy awarded to New Mexico Inter-Faith Housing from Century Bank and FHLB Dallas. "Midtown Santa Fe is a vibrant and important part of our community, and we are thrilled to have had the opportunity to partner with FHLB Dallas to contribute to the development of Siler Yard," said Jeff Szabat, senior vice president at Century Bank. Siler Yard will offer one-, two- and three-bedroom units to residents at rates starting at $427 per month. There will be nearly 600 solar panels installed allowing the community to produce all of its own power. As a result, residents will not be charged for utilities in their monthly rent. Story continues "We are honored to be part of this innovative development with Century Bank," said Greg Hettrick, first vice president and director of Community Investment at FHLB Dallas. "As housing costs rise nationwide, we are proud to help provide affordable housing options to Santa Fe-area residents." For more information about the AHP, visit fhlb.com/ahp. About Century Bank Century Bank has been serving the Great State of New Mexico since 1887. In August of that year, in an effort to develop the Santa Fe community through mortgage lending, Mutual Building and Loan Association was founded with $500. In 1982, Mutual Building and Loan Association went through a name change and became Century Federal Savings and Loan Association. Since then, other changes have led to Century Bank's current status as a state chartered and locally owned, full service, community bank. About the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas is one of 11 district banks in the FHLBank System created by Congress in 1932. FHLB Dallas, with total assets of $62.6 billion as of March 31, 2022, is a member-owned cooperative that supports housing and community development by providing competitively priced loans and other credit products to approximately 800 members and associated institutions in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico and Texas. For more information, visit our website at fhlb.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220720006079/en/ Contacts Corporate Communications Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas fhlb.com (214) 441-8445 Working alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger really stinks, according to one former co-star. Harry Potter alum Miriam Margolyes is spilling all the not-so-fragrant details about the actor and former California governor. The 81-year-old British Australian actress told news.com.aus Ive Got News For You podcast this week all about her rotten experience with the Terminator star, 74, with whom she co-starred in End of Days. I didnt like the wrestler you know, from Austria. Whats his name? Schwarzenegger, yeah, didnt care for him, said Margolyes, who in addition to playing Professor Sprout in the Potter films, is known for her work in The Age of Innocence, and more recently, Call the Midwife. Hes a bit too full of himself, she added of Schwarzenegger. And I dont care for him at all. Hes a Republican, which I dont like. And he was actually quite rude. He farted in my face. The alleged incident happened while the two were filming End of Days in Los Angeles, with Margolyes saying that the former California governor did it deliberately, right in my face. I was playing Satans sister and he was killing me [in the scene]. So he had me in a position where I couldnt escape lying on the floor, Margolyes recalled. And he just farted. It wasnt on film. It was in one of the pauses. But I havent forgiven him for it. The experience wasnt the only thing that stunk about the 1999 supernatural flick, according to viewers. End of Days holds a meager 11% approval rating on review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes with critics dubbing it an overblown thriller with formulaic action scenes and poor acting. The most transmissible variant of the coronavirus is threatening a fresh wave of infections in the United States, even among those who have recovered from the virus fairly recently. The subvariant of omicron known as BA.5 is now dominant, according to federal estimates released Tuesday, and together with BA.4, another subvariant, it is fueling an outbreak of cases and hospitalizations. Although the popularity of home testing means reported cases are a significant undercount of the true infection rate, the share of tests that come back positive is shooting upward and is now higher than during most other waves of the pandemic. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the risk from COVID-19 is increasing in much of the country. Sign up for The Morning newsletter from the New York Times I think theres an underappreciation of what its going to do to the country, and it already is exerting its effect, said Eric Topol, a professor of molecular medicine at Scripps Research, who has written about the subvariant. BA.5 and BA.4, both subvariants of the omicron variant that swept the world during the winter, are the most capable versions of the virus yet at evading immunity from previous infections and vaccines. Both variants have mutations in their spike proteins that are different enough from earlier versions of the virus that they are able to dodge some antibodies. Waves of infection and the subsequent immunity that comes with them vary across countries and make for imperfect comparisons. Vaccination rates also vary. But in places where BA.4 and BA.5 have been dominant for weeks or months, the subvariants have caused increases in cases and hospitalizations, despite some population immunity from previous waves. The CDC says there is so far no evidence that BA.4 or BA.5 is inherently more severe than other omicron subvariants, but when more people become infected, the number of people hospitalized because of the virus may also rise. Story continues Prior infection with another form of the omicron variant does confer some degree of immunity, Topol said, and that may explain why cases have not yet taken off sharply in the United States. But its not anything like what we would hope, he said. Omicron subvariants appear to represent a departure from earlier waves of the virus, when prior infection was more likely to protect against reinfection. In Portugal, where vaccination rates are higher than in the United States, cases rose sharply after BA.5 became dominant in May, and hospitalizations neared their previous omicron peak. Before BA.4 and BA.5 became dominant in South Africa in April, research suggested that 98% of the population had some antibodies from vaccination or previous infection or both. Even with those protective antibodies, many people in the country still became infected with BA.4 and BA.5, and the subvariants caused a small increase in cases, hospitalizations and deaths. Places just emerging from significant spring waves of the virus may not be spared, either. Several countries in Europe had big outbreaks of a different omicron subvariant, BA.2, that led to new waves of hospitalizations and deaths that peaked as recently as April. Yet in those countries, cases are ticking up again as BA.5 becomes dominant. Experts say it is too early to fully predict what the latest subvariants may bring to the United States, which had an even more recent virus wave in May and June, driven by both BA.2 and yet another subvariant called BA.2.12.1. High shares of recent infections from BA.2.12.1 like that in the United States were uncommon among the countries now experiencing waves of BA.4 and BA.5 infections. The United States also has a lower vaccination rate than many of those countries and a much lower share of older people who have had one or both booster shots. Theres a wave afoot; theres no question about it, Topol said. My concern is the length of it. 2022 The New York Times Company A U.S. Senate committee advanced a bill Thursday that could send billions of dollars for coastal restoration to Louisiana and other Gulf Coast states. The bill, called the Reinvesting in Shoreline Economies and Ecosystems (RISEE) Act, was authored by U.S. Sens. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana and Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island. The act would amend the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act, or GOMESA, to remove the cap on money that Gulf Coast states can receive for restoration efforts. The committee unanimously voted to move the bill to the full Senate for consideration. This is another step in getting the $50 billion Louisiana needs to restore our coastline," Cassidy said in a release. There is much more to do, but every step gets us closer to protecting our communities and our people. Lafayette oil and gas: LEDA working with Lafayette oil and gas companies to look at renewable energy options GOMESA gives a portion around 37.5% of the revenue collected by the federal government through Gulf of Mexico energy royalties to the four energy-producing Gulf states, namely Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi and Alabama. The money has to be used for coastal restoration, preservation and protection efforts. Under current law, the revenue that is split among the states is set at $375 million. Louisiana generally gets the bulk of the revenue sharing funds, and the state received more than $111.8 million in fiscal year 2022, with around $89.5 million going to the state government and around $22.4 million going to individual parishes. The cap has changed over the last several years. From 2017 through 2019, the cap was at $375 million, but it increased to $487.5 million for 2020 and 2021. Beginning in 2022, the cap went back down to $375 million through 2055. The cap is eliminated in 2056 under the current law. In addition to removing the cap, the RISEE Act would create a national revenue sharing mechanism for offshore wind, which is currently excluded from the program. The bill would send 50% of offshore wind royalties to the U.S. Department of Treasury, 37.5% to the states, and 12.5% to the National Oceans and Coastal Security Fund. Any offshore wind lease actioned after Jan. 1, 2022, would be counted under this act. Story continues Cassidy said in a release that the bill would also enhance transparency on how states use the money and would clarify that funds cannot be used on projects primarily for entertainment purposes. The act has widespread support in Louisiana, including the Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority, several legislators, and many of the parish governments that typically receive GOMESA funds. More: 'A bad situation': More climate action needed to curb Louisiana, U.S. emissions goal by 2030 The act is co-sponsored by a bipartisan coalition including U.S. Sens. Angus King (I-ME), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Chris Coons (D-DE), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Brian Schatz (D-HI), John Kennedy (R-LA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT). National Ocean Industries Association President Erik Milito released a statement saying that more people in the Gulf Coast area "will benefit from dedicated sources of funding for critical projects." "Whether it is through coastal restoration, hurricane protection, infrastructure improvement, or through countless other benefits, offshore energy development enables greater equity for coastal communities," Milito said. "The RISEE Act further connects the dots between continued responsible offshore energy development and environmental stewardship and coastal restoration and resiliency." CONSIDER SUBSCRIBING TODAY: Help support journalists like William Taylor Potter This article originally appeared on Lafayette Daily Advertiser: Could Louisiana soon be getting more money for coastal restoration? Springfield's congressman voted against enshrining protections for same-sex and interracial marriages in federal law on Tuesday. The House passed the Respect for Marriage Act, which codifies same-sex and interracial marriages amid concerns that an active conservative Supreme Court could revisit the 2015 ruling, Obergefell v. Hodges, which made same-sex marriage legal nationwide. The bill earned the support of all Democrats and 47 Republicans; 157 Republicans voted against the measure. Republican U.S. Rep. Billy Long, who is also running for U.S. Senate, was among the 'no' votes. Long's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment Thursday morning. U.S. Rep. Billy Long, a Republican running for U.S. Senate, voted against codifying protections for same-sex and interracial marriages on Tuesday. Four of Missouri's six Republican members voted against the bill; U.S. Rep. Ann Wagner, who represents suburban St. Louis, voted in favor. U.S. Rep. Vicky Hartzler, who is also running for Senate and has been among the most vocal opponents of same-sex marriage and protections for LGBTQ+ people throughout her time in Congress, did not vote. Her office did not immediately respond to a request for comment Thursday morning. Elections: Watch & listen to candidates running in the Aug. 2 primary for U.S. House, MO legislature Long criticized Hartzler's lack of vote on Wednesday, writing on Twitter that "she couldn't even find a proxy" member to cast a vote on her behalf. "Rough & tough candidate (Vicky Hartzler) says she's a 'fighter' but she didn't have enough fight in her or courage to vote yea or nay," Long tweeted. "The courage of a #TransRINO." (RINO stands for "Republican in Name Only.") The bill also repeals the In Defense of Marriage Act, a 1996 law that specified marriage as between one man and one woman. It was passed with bipartisan support in Congress before being struck down by the Supreme Court. U.S. Rep. Vicky Hartzler, a Republican running for Senate a vocal opponents of same-sex marriage and protections for LGBTQ+ people, did not vote on providing federal protections for same-sex and interracial marriages. In floor debate leading up to the vote, House Democrats described the moment as urgent for codifying protections in light of Justice Clarence Thomas' concurring opinion in the case that overturned Roe v. Wade and the right to abortion. Story continues "We cannot allow the far-right extremist Supreme Court to strip away another fundamental right," U.S. Rep. Cori Bush of Missouri said after the vote. Thomas' opinion, which was not signed on by other justices, said that the court should "reconsider all of this court's substantive due process precedents," including 2015's Obergefell v. Hodges and cases legalizing contraception and sex between same-sex couples. The majority conservative opinion in the case by Justice Samuel Alito says that "nothing in this opinion should be understood to cast doubt on precedents that do not concern abortion." The Democrat-controlled chamber also passed on Thursday a similar bill aiming to enshrine the right to access contraception in federal law. It received a party-line vote, with Missouri's two Democrats voting in favor and six Republicans voting against. House Republican leaders did not put pressure on members to vote against the marriage bill, wary of political fallout, the Associated Press reported. Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy and Minority Whip Rep. Steve Scalise voted "no." Both bills will now go to the Senate, where they face an uncertain future. Due to the rules of the filibuster, they require 60 votes to pass, meaning 10 Republican votes are required. Galen Bacharier covers Missouri politics & government for the News-Leader. Contact him at gbacharier@news-leader.com, (573) 219-7440 or on Twitter @galenbacharier. This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: How Missouri's Long, Hartzler voted on same-sex marriage protections Cape Town hospital uses robot at forefront of surgery in Africa A Cape Town hospital is advancing medical innovation with robotics CAPE TOWN (Reuters) - A surgical team led by Dr Tim Forgan uses the da Vinci Xi robot to assist in removing a cancerous rectal tumour from a female patient at Tygerberg public hospital in Cape Town, South Africa. The robot, which has four 'arms' and is controlled in real time by Forgan via an immersive 3D consul, is the most advanced surgical robot in Africa. It is one of only two such robots in use on the continent, both of them found in South African public hospitals in Cape Town. The platform is currently used mainly for complex urological, gynaecological and colorectal surgeries at these hospitals. The first operation using the newly-acquired robot was performed at Tygerberg hospital in February, with dozens more successfully completed since then. (Reporting by Wendell Roelf; Editing by Olivia Kumwenda-Mtambo, William Maclean) A Grab driver looks at his phone in Da Nang City. Photo by Shutterstock/David Bokuchava The heatwave surcharge it has started collecting recently goes to its drivers as a means to improve service quality, ride-hailing company Grab has said. The company collects the surcharge because its "driver-partners" have to work in extreme weather conditions, its co-founder and CEO, Anthony Tan, told Deputy Prime Minister Le Minh Khai recently. They get 100 percent of the amount, he said. Khai said Grab needs to establish a sustainable relationship with the Vietnamese people and its drivers to operate over the long term in the country. On July 6, Grab had announced the heatwave surcharge of VND3,000-5,000 (US$0.13-0.21) per trip after many localities recorded unusually high temperatures. Customers and drivers have been complaining about a lack of transparency, saying they do not know on what basis Grab decides "hot weather" and how much drivers get of the surcharge. Grab had not made a public clarification until now. The Vietnam Competition and Consumer Authority too had sought an explanation, but Grab asked for time to reply. Grab Vietnam had an accumulated loss of VND4.36 trillion as of last year. Austin-based Tesla is continuing scale up production at its Central Texas facility, despite tough second quarter in with the the automaker saw profits fall due in part to supply chain issues and pandemic-related lockdowns in China. Despite a whirlwind quarter for the electric carmaker, in a Wednesday call with investors, Tesla, which moved its headquarters to Austin last year, released its sales numbers earlier this month, showing they fell to the lowest level for a quarter since last fall. The company sold about 254,000 cars and SUVs from April through June, an 18% drop from the previous quarter. The sales were also below the pace of last year's final quarter. The company last sold fewer vehicles globally in the third quarter of 2021 when it delivered 241,000 vehicles. Despite the drop in sales and the decline in Tesla stock the share price is down nearly 30% for the year Tesla CEO Elon Musk said he expects Tesla will see improvement in the second half of the year and projected the company would see 50% annual vehicle sales growth. Tesla started delivering vehichles from its Austin facility in April. CEO Elon Musk says the company expects production to increase as the year goes on. The April to June quarter was the first in which Austin-made vehicles contributed to the Tesla's delivery numbers, as the Travis County facility started delivering its first vehicles in April. Musk said the Austin-area facility is on pace to produce more than 1,000 vehicles per week in coming months, as the facility continues to scale up. In a shareholder report, the company estimated the Austin facility currently has the capacity to produce less than 250,000 vehicles a year. Previously, Musk said the facility aims to make as many as half a million vehicles in Austin next year, which would make it among the highest-volume car factories in the country. Dan Ives, an analyst with Wedbush Securities, said newly opened production facilities in Austin and Berlin haven't yet made a major impact on Tesla's vehicle output. More:Austin-based Tesla sees sales slump as it battles supply chain issues Story continues "The Austin and Berlin factory ramps are proceeding well, but really do not become major factors until 2023 with all the production pressure on the shoulders of Fremont and Shanghai," Ives said. Tesla has been juggling a number of issues in the second quarter, including supply chain problems and COVID-19 related restrictions in China. Musk said the past several years have brought supply chain hell," but said Tesla still set production records in June at its Fremont and Shanghai plants. Tesla has also been undergoing layoffs and hiring freezes, after Musk told employees he had asuper bad feeling about the economy. Tesla had $16.9 billion in revenue in its second quarter, which was down from $18.76 billion in the previous quarter but up from $11.95 billion in the first quarter last year. The company also saw a drop in net income, earning $2.3 billion in second-quarter profit, down 31% from last quarter when it posted profits of $3.3 billion. The income did beat Wall Street expectations and was up year over year compared to last years second quarter which saw $1.1 billion in profit. Tesla also said it has sold 75% of its bitcoin purchases, bringing in $936 million. The automaker said the value of its remaining digital assets is $218 million. It made a $1.5 billion investment in Bitcoin last year. More:Elon Musk says Tesla's factories in Austin, Berlin are losing billons of dollars Ives said Tesla's financial numbers for quarter were better than expected. The reiteration of 50% growth for the year will be a key focus for the bulls. There is lot of wood to chop ahead, but overall... Tesla navigated margins and supply chain issues better than many on Street had feared," Ives said. "Bitcoin ripped the bandaid off and ends a dark chapter" Tesla chief financial officer Zach Kirkhorn said startup costs for the company's newest factories have gone down as the factories have moved into production. The improvement follows a May 30 interview with the Tesla Owners Silicon Valley Club where Musk said the factories in Austin and Berlin were gigantic money furnaces" and said Austin should be outputting more cars. The Austin facility currently has the capacity to produce less than 250,000 Model Y SUVs a year and is developing capacity for other vehicles. Musk said Tesla's long-anticipated, Cybertruck, which is expected to be produced in Austin, could become available by the middle of next year. The product roadmap shows Austin will also eventually produce Model 3 and Semi vehicles, as well as vehicle batteries. Tesla also highlighted its battery production abilities in Texas, where it will be able to produce vehicles with either a structural battery pack or legacy battery pack. The next generation of 4680 battery cell machinery has been installed in Texas and is in the process of commissioning. Factory output in Texas continues to grow," the company said. Tesla also appears to be quietly continuing to expand the already massive Central Texas factory. Recent filings with the city of Austin show Tesla is adding to its site and facility overall, which is already about 8 million square feet. In July the company submitted an application for an "industrial use facilities with associated improvements" for a production support area. The application has little detail but shows the building would be on 68 acres next to the factory. A June filing also calls for a two-floor space that would add an additional 500,000 feet to the existing gigafactory. Earlier this year, the company also filed a site plan, which was approved by the city in June, for "Project Cathode" which was thought to be a battery production facility on 36 acres. In March the company filed a site plan for a battery energy storage system. Another June filing also shows that a separate Elon Musk-associated company, the Boring Company, may be considering building a tunnel near the Tesla site. The project named "Colorado River Connector Tunnel" calls for a two-mile private access tunnel and lists a Boring Company engineer as the applicant and the same headquarters address as the tunneling and infrastructure company. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Elon Musk says Tesla's Austin factory is revving up production After a string of dates with Travis Scott, Kylie Jenner took a break from her boyfriend and went to dinner with her sisters Kim and Khloe Kardashian and a few gal pals at Los Angeles hotspot Giorgio Baldi yesterday. And just like her date night style, Kylie's girls' night out fashion is at the top of its game. Kylie Jenner Instagram Kylie Jenner Instagram Wearing an updated take on Madonna's iconic cone bra, Kylie sported a white silk, corseted minidress with a built-in conical bustier. Sticking to an all-white theme, Jenner paired the dress with white pointy-toe pumps and a tiny purse in the same stark shade. Diamond stud earrings and massive pear-shaped diamond ring on her index finger were among her only accessories. For glam, Jenner's long wavy tresses were pulled back into a half-up, half-down hairstyle, and her makeup included a generous swirl of pink blush, rosy lips, and full brows. On TikTok, Kylie showed off the entire look while listening to Nicki Minaj's "We Go Up" in the backseat of a car. And...during an impromptu photoshoot in restaurant's bathroom. RELATED: Kylie Jenner and Travis Scott Are Facing Backlash for Bragging About His-and-Hers Private Jets Jenner's recent girls' night out comes less than a week after she came under fire for bragging about having matching private jets with Travis Scott on Instagram. She captioned a snapshot of the couple embracing while standing in between their his-and-hers jets, "You wanna take mine or yours?" Days later, she was called out for being a "full time climate criminal" again when she reportedly took a 3-minute flight from Camarillo to Van Nuys, California a trip that would've only taken approximately 40 minutes by car. Jul. 21Raymond Lester, who was arrested late Monday in Cancun, Mexico, was seen driving fast and drinking vodka at a retreat in Acadia National Park in the hours before Nicole Mokeme, his girlfriend, was found dead at the site, according to a federal affidavit. Lester, 35, was charged with murder in Mokeme's death late in June. State police allege that Lester struck and killed Mokeme with his BMW SUV during the retreat she had organized. The state affidavit, filed in Hancock County, remains sealed from the public. Lester now also faces federal charges, for flight to avoid prosecution. Maine State Police and local law enforcement officials found Mokeme early on the morning of June 19 after one witness placed a 911 call around 6:20 a.m., the affidavit states. State police Detective Dana Austin observed Mokeme "laying on a paved walking path with obvious trauma visible on her lower back and her leg area," according to the federal affidavit. Austin also observed several pieces of black plastic around the body, and tire tracks leading from a parking lot to the trail where Mokeme was found. The federal affidavit, written by Deputy U.S. Marshal Jesse Belanger, cites details from the state affidavit, which includes the observations of numerous witnesses who were with Mokeme and Lester that week. Several witnesses unnamed but identified as attendees of Mokeme's retreat told investigators that Lester was drunk the night before Mokeme was found dead. He was driving "dangerously fast" around the campgrounds, in a "newer-style" black SUV while playing loud music and drinking. Lester told one witness something to the effect of Mokeme "doesn't like me anymore." At a group dinner around the fire pit that evening, witnesses observed that Lester "had behaved appallingly," he was "hammered," "seemed pissed off" and "was driving fast in the area with a bottle of vodka." Story continues They watched him drive over the basketball court and nearly hit one attendee's car while pulling up to the bunkhouse where retreat-goers had been staying. At one point, they observed the driver making "shooting" gestures toward the group with his fingers, but it was too dark to see whether Lester was the person in the car. They watched the driver speed off and return to the area several times, "driving at high speeds and erratically." A couple of witnesses said they addressed Lester while he was driving. One person who tried talking to him told investigators that Lester "appeared drunk, with slow, slurred speech." At one point in the evening, a witness noticed Mokeme texting "with a worried look on her face." Making a call, she walked away from the fire pit around 10:30 p.m., after it was believed that Lester had left for the evening. Attendees told investigators that Mokeme and Lester were sharing a room at the retreat. Lester had told some retreat attendees that he had to leave the next day for work, delivering items in the Portland area. But the people police talked to expected him to return, the affidavit states. On June 20, after securing a search warrant for the room where Mokeme and Lester were staying, police found personal items of Lester's, including clothing and toiletries, and did not get the sense that he had come to pack up. State police soon learned that Lester had had previous run-ins with police. Detective Austin confirmed the SUV had been registered in his name on May 31. Police checked for Lester and the SUV at his South Portland residence on June 20, but didn't find them there. They learned that the SUV had been spotted in Holden, going east on Route 1A, around 12:55 a.m. on June 19, hours after the dinner at the fire pit. Around 3:50 p.m. that day, after police found Mokeme, the vehicle was spotted in Canton, Massachusetts. Authorities then tracked Lester's cellphone, using carrier data, to Warwick, Rhode Island, the next day. Police in Georgia and Texas later tracked the SUV in their states, using license plate readers. Since announcing Mokeme's death and the search for Lester last month, Maine State Police have remained mum on details of what they believe happened and the work that has gone into locating Lester. Lester's criminal record shows a history of domestic violence starting in 2008, when he was charged by Portland police with domestic violence assault. He pleaded guilty, paid a $300 fine and was sentenced to 22 days in jail, according to a statewide criminal history report. Two women who dated Lester more than 10 years ago detailed a history of abuse in interviews with the Portland Press Herald last month. Mokeme and Lester had been dating for about three years. Mokeme, 35, was the creative director of the Rise and Shine Youth Retreat, which offers wellness retreats and other programs for Black youths and adults. She was one of the organizers of the Black Excellence Retreat 2022 at the Schoodic Institute in Winter Harbor, where she was killed. The retreat was the second held in collaboration with the institute and was described as "a getaway for Black folks and their friends and families of all backgrounds to join together in community to celebrate Juneteenth, liberation and Black excellence," according to a post on the retreat's Instagram. It was supposed to last from June 14 to 20 and was designed to give Black youth and adults a laid-back time for deep rest, outdoor exploration and art. Mokeme also was involved in the Black Artist Forum, Embodied Equity Consulting, The Ensemble of Color (formerly, Theater Ensemble of Color), The For Us By Us Fund, The Third Place, Hi Tiger, Portland Empowered, Women United Around the World and 21st Century, according to a GoFundme page created by friends for her 11-year-old daughter. As of Wednesday, that page had raised more than $71,000. Dead shark on the Ocean Beaches in the Village of Quogue Quogue Village Police Department/Facebook A teenager was bitten by a shark on Long Island the same day a young Great White shark washed ashore at a nearby beach. Suffolk County officials said the 16-year-old victim was surfing off of Kismet Beach around 5:45 p.m. Wednesday evening when the shark bit his right foot, according to NBC affiliate WNBC and CBS affiliate WCBS-TV. The bite resulted in a 4-inch cut, the outlets reported. He was later transported to Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center in West Islip for treatment. The Suffolk County Police Department did not immediate respond to PEOPLE's request for comment. The victim's father, Mike Haynes, told WCBS-TV he witnessed the immediate aftermath of the attack. "I could see blood coming from his foot and things got real serious, real quick," recalled the EMT. RELATED: Ohio Woman 'So Thankful' for Help from Beachgoers After Surviving Shark Attack in Florida Luckily, Mike said his son Max's injury did not appear to be serious. "I wanted to see how the bleed was, and thank God it wasn't an arterial bleed," he said. "It was something we could control." Max told News 12 Brooklyn that he initially "was a little shaken up" by the incident, but hopes to return to the water "as soon as possible." Lifeguards were not on duty when the attack occurred, reported WNBC and WCBS-TV. Officials reportedly attempted to search for the shark using a police helicopter, but were unsuccessful due to murky water, according to the outlets. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free weekly newsletter to get the biggest news of the week delivered to your inbox every Friday. This is at least the sixth shark bite incident to occur on Long Beach this summer, according to WNBC. The same day as the Kismet Beach attack, the Quogue Village Police Department announced that a dead shark had washed up on the Ocean Beaches on Dune Road. The shark was an estimated 7 to 8 feet long, according to a post on the department's Facebook page. Story continues The New York Department of Environmental Conservation said that it was a juvenile male great white, reported WCBS-TV. The QVPD said they are in contact with the South Fork Natural History Museum Shark Research and Education Program "who are attempting to monitor this situation" alongside law enforcement. Swimmers and boaters were cautioned and asked "to keep distance to allow the Law Enforcement to monitor this event." Officials are looking to do a necropsy on the animal to assess how it died, WCBS-TV reported. RELATED: Teen Cheerleader Who Survived Shark Attack Takes First Steps After Leg Amputation: 'Such a Warrior' In 2021 the United States led all countries with 47 confirmed cases of unprovoked shark bites, or 64% of the global total, according to the University of Florida. The number of U.S. shark bites is up 42% from 2020, which saw 33 incidents occur. Florida leads the U.S. in shark bites, with 28 of the 47 confirmed cases (60%) from 2021, the university reported. Exiled Hong Kong pro-democracy activists are bringing their fight for freedom to Washington, D.C., demanding that local institutions starting with the Smithsonian sever close ties to the territorys official representatives. Activists are calling for the National Museum of Asian Art to cancel the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Offices sponsorship of the museums ongoing Hong Kong Film Festival and are warning they will name and shame any other local entity that partners with HKETO. And those D.C. efforts are just a warm-up for a nationwide drive to brand official Hong Kong tourism, business and cultural outreach as propaganda for a repressive regime. Those activists point to HKETO as the chief lobbyist against the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act, which stalled after passing the House in 2019. The campaign underscores the U.S.s new role as an alternate beachhead of Hong Kong pro-democracy activism as the government silences dissent in the former British colony. Activists aim to stigmatize local official representatives of the citys government and rally the public and Hong Kong-friendly lawmakers for support. My vision is that there should be no more business as usual' with the Hong Kong government abroad, said Brian Kern, a member of D.C.-based activist group DC4HK, which is leading the campaign against the HKETO-sponsored film festival. We monitor HKETO activities [and] it is my hope that HKETO will not be able to appear in public in the U.S. without confronting the Hong Kongers whom the Hong Kong government is oppressing at home, he said. Campaigners have a two-prong strategy: calling out the Museum of Asian Art for its HKETO connection through a protest at the July 9 film festival opening and a letter sent July 13 to senior Smithsonian officials as well as six lawmakers including Senators Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) and John Boozman (R-Ark.) who serve on the Smithsonian Board of Regents. Leahy declined to comment and Boozman didnt respond to a request for comment. Story continues Longer term, campaigners are also seeking the support of congressional friends of Hong Kong, including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chair Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) and House Foreign Affairs Committee ranking member Michael McCaul (R-Texas) to push for congressional action to restrict U.S.-government entities from doing business with HKETO. The campaigners include Hong Kong pro-democracy groups in Boston, New York, San Diego and other cities who vow to launch protests wherever HKETO has relationships. Activist groups have also launched a campaign calling an end to sister relationship with Chinese cities across seven countries. The U.S. government has already signaled a willingness to punish senior Hong Kong government officials implicated in the territorys anti-democratic crackdown. The Treasury Department imposed sanctions against 11 senior Hong Kong and Chinese officials in 2020 for undermining Hong Kongs autonomy and restricting the freedom of expression or assembly of the citizens of Hong Kong. Those targeted included former Hong Kong chief executive, Carrie Lam and her recently anointed successor, John Lee Ka-chiu. Earlier this month, President Joe Biden extended by one year an executive order that declares a national emergency related to the unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States constituted by the situation with respect to Hong Kong. The order suspended Hong Kongs differential treatment under U.S. law including trade and immigration policies from China. The Museum of Asian Art has rebuffed campaigners' demands that it break ties with HKETO. We appreciate the groups outreach [but] our role as a museum is to foster understanding of the great diversity of Asian cultures and societies through a variety of scholarly and public programming, Lori Duggan Gold, deputy director of the museums Operations and External Affairs, said in a statement. HKETO is also unmoved. Our office will continue to explore suitable opportunities to foster people-to-people exchange through arts and culture, the organization said in a statement. Those responses have infuriated lawmakers who want to bar U.S.-government funded entities from partnering with HKETO. "It is completely unacceptable that the Smithsonian Institution a U.S. government entity, as well as national treasure tasked with preserving and expanding our society and knowledge is working with the Hong Kong governments U.S.-based propaganda office, said Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), chair of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China. Merkleys sentiment is bipartisan. Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas), ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said Hong Kong should not be treated differently from the Peoples Republic of China. Hong Kong is no longer considered autonomous from the PRC under United States law. The Hong Kong government has become a tool of the CCP [Chinese Communist Party], and public institutions nationwide should not be contributing to their objectives in any way, McCaul said. The focus on HKETO as a malign agent of the Hong Kong government is overdue, campaigners say. [We] have long underscored the HKETOs role in Washington as a foreign entity that undermines American foreign policy and national security interests. That effort will continue on Capitol Hill and beyond, said Jeffrey Ngo, policy and research fellow at the D.C..-based Hong Kong Democracy Council. The film festival, which has been held for more than 25 years, coincides with worsening film censorship in Hong Kong. The government has effectively banned public screenings of films, including Blue Island and Revolution of Our Times. Both films depict brutal suppression towards pro-democracy protesters. Since the enactment of the territorys draconian National Security Law in June 2020, authorities have also pulled sensitive books from public libraries. The Hong Kong governments attack on freedom of expression has included the removal from Hong Kong University of the Pillar of Shame statue that commemorated the June 1989 Tiananmen Square Massacre. Contemporary artworks with political themes have also disappeared from the citys flagship art museum in recent months. If the [National Museum of Asian Art] truly wants to help promote understanding of the Hong Kong society and its culture, they are always welcome to work with Hong Kongers, said Frances Hui, director of the U.S.-based nonprofit pro-democracy organization, We The Hongkongers. The group recently organized screenings in the U.S. of the banned Hong Kong pro-democracy protest film, May You Stay Forever Young. The campaign reflects how Hong Kongs pro-democracy diaspora is mobilizing worldwide to disrupt the government's overseas branding efforts. Protesters in Vancouver, Canada picketed HKETO events celebrating this years 25th anniversary of Hong Kongs handover to China from British rule. The public transit operator in Brussels pulled tram ads commemorating the handover while a public outcry forced city officials to backtrack from a plan to garb the iconic Manneken Pis'' statue in a Hong Kong costume. Hong Kong authorities have dismissed these protests as nuisances. But it is concerned about the reputational damage of the protests and is pushing back. The economic and trade offices in different places have been closely watching all the incorrect information released by local media and making direct responses, Algernon Yau Ying-wah, Hong Kongs secretary of commerce and economic development, told the South China Morning post last week. Hong Kong pro-democracy campaigners aim to educate both the U.S. public and lawmakers about the need for a much more robust U.S. government response to the plight of Hong Kongs people. Those activists are lobbying lawmakers to support initiatives, including humanitarian visas for Hong Kongers, sanctioning of greater numbers of Hong Kong officials and discouraging U.S. trade with CCP-backed businesses. And they are pushing for legislation contained in the America COMPETES Act, as well as standalone bills like the Hong Kong People's Freedom and Choice Act and the Hong Kong Safe Harbor Act that will lift immigration restrictions on Hong Kongers who want to flee the city. The Hong Kong pro-democracy community is also eyeing upcoming U.S.midterm elections as an opportunity to push for greater domestic support. Calling on Hong Kongers in the United States to contact election candidates, attend town hall meetings, secure legislative support, and get their stance on records, are some first steps our diaspora can make together, said Anna Kwok, strategy and campaign director at Hong Kong Democracy Council. Hong Kong pro-democracy activists are planning to brief midterm congressional candidates on the need for more robust U.S. government action to punish Hong Kong authorities for their assault on universal rights and rule of law. We are actually going to send [candidates] the 15 people from your district, who vote in your district, who care about the issue to actually meet with you back in your home district, said Samuel Chu, president of the nonprofit The Campaign for Hong Kong. Lawmakers are listening. The Congressional-Executive Commission on China last week declared that Hong Kong has pursued thousands of politically motivated prosecutions targeting protesters, journalists, civil society workers and opposition political figures. A letter signed by the bipartisan commissioners on Wednesday urged the Biden administration to respond with "additional sanctions." "Such sanctions will be a tangible demonstration of the Administrations interest in the PRC and Hong Kong authorities upholding their international legal obligations as well as international interest in the release of political prisoners," the letter said. These are people that are participating in the repression and the destruction of what's left of Hong Kong's system at this point, said Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.). BANGKOK, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- With the support of Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), the nutritional supplement company Unicity has selected Thailand as the destination for its 2022 Unicity Global Leadership & Innovation Conference. To be held from 5-7 August, the convention will be attended by more than 10,000 Unicity distributors from over 50 countries. Unicity's decision to hold the conference in Bangkok with post-event tours to Pattaya and Phuket testifies to Thailand's readiness for events. The event is projected to generate an income of 660 million baht for Thailand. (left to right) Ms. Supanich Thiansing, Director of Meetings and Incentives Department of TCEB, Mrs. Supawan Teerarat, TCEBs Senior Vice President - MICE Capability and Innovation, Mr. Christopher Kim, President of Unicity International, Mr. Bobby Kim, Executive Vice President Asia Pacific, Unicity International during the press conference at TCEB office in Bangkok, announcing the 2022 Unicity Global Leadership & Innovation Conference scheduled between 5-7 August 2022 in Bangkok, Thailand. Mrs. Supawan Teerarat, TCEB's Senior Vice President - MICE Capability and Innovation said: "We are delighted that Unicity has selected Thailand for its 2022 Unicity Global Leadership & Innovation Conference. The event, scheduled to take place at IMPACT Exhibition and Convention Center in Bangkok, will be the largest corporate meeting and incentive travel group to visit Thailand since travel restrictions were lifted. "As the COVID-19 situation abated and business travel and tourism resume worldwide, we are mobilising our resources to attract more MICE events to Thailand. International corporations are confident that Thailand is ready to host events of all sizes because we have all the necessary controls and support in place. TCEB's collaboration with various government departments and MICE organisations are bearing fruit we are witnessing an upswing in corporate meetings and incentive groups coming to Thailand." To help bring the 2022 Unicity Global Leadership & Innovation Conference to Thailand, TCEB provided a partial subsidy and comprehensive services. For example, Unicity executives and its pre-event conference teams will enjoy fast-track immigration clearance with TCEB's MICE Lane Service at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi International Airport, and arrangements have also been made with Thai embassies and consulates abroad to facilitate visa application by Unicity delegates in their home countries. Story continues Unicity's 2022 global conference will have a deep economic impact in Thailand, especially for venues, hotels, event organisers, transport providers, food and beverage providers, and retailers. Bangkok, the host city, as well as Pattaya and Phuket, the two primary post-conference tour destinations, will benefit the most from spending by delegates. Mr. Christopher Kim, President of Unicity International announced that the 2022 Global Leadership and Innovation Conference will be held under the theme 'IT'S TIME TO FEEL GREAT' where all delegates will move forward together for success. Unicity is all geared up to host the mega event and every Unicity distributor has been longing to celebrate their successes together! This will also boost morale amidst the current Covid-19 pandemic, which has deprived people of their happiness in many aspects. For Unicity, this has been a significant challenge that they have already overcome with and thus are ready to share it with people. "This is the second time Unicity has hosted Global Leadership and Innovation Conference in Thailand after it took place in 2014 with great success and both were actively supported by the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (Public Organization), or TCEB. With utmost confidence in Thailand's strong economic potential, along with the country's reputation as a dream destination of travellers worldwide, the conference will draw more than 10,000 Unicity distributors from more than 50 countries across the world with the common goal to Make Life Better for all. In addition, the conference will demonstrate Unicity's business growth and success in the fast-growing market of Asia and will benefit the overall economy for Thailand." said Mr. Christopher Kim. Looking ahead, TCEB forecasts Thailand will host no less than 25 international corporate meetings and incentive travel groups from JulySeptember this year, which will contribute more than 1,000 million baht to the Thai economy. This includes 15,138 travellers from the key source markets of India, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Australia, the United Kingdom, and Vietnam. Related pictures: https://we.tl/t-KdIzLNAndv Thailand MICE Meet the Magic About TCEB A LEADING AGENCY AT THE FOREFRONT OF THAILAND'S MICE INDUSTRY Established in 2004, Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (Public Organization) or TCEB the government agency under the supervision of the Prime Minister has been assigned a role to promote, support and develop business events industry corporate meetings, incentive trips, conventions, exhibitions, mega events and world festivals. Serving as a strategic partner, TCEB helps deliver creative ideas and solutions to bring success and fulfill the requirements of business events. The overarching goal is to drive Thailand to become a global MICE and mega events destination that can drive the country's strategic industries and national economy. SOURCE Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) Travelers wait to check their bags at Ronald Regan Washington National Airport on July 11, 2022 in Arlington, Virginia. Nathan Howard/Getty Images Flight delays in the United States are finally starting to improve, the acting head of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said in a recent interview. "We are keeping our eye on things. We've seen good improvements," Acting FAA Administrator Billy Nolen told Reuters on Wednesday. "We can see overall delays are down The airlines are working to right size their network." In fact, the 10 major carriers in the U.S. saw improvements of both on-time performance and the rate of cancellations in May, according to U.S. Department of Transportation data. During the month, airlines canceled 2% of all scheduled domestic flights, a decrease from April when 2.3% were canceled. Airlines also reported an on-time arrival rate of 77.2% in May, an increase from the 76% reported in April. Hawaiian Airlines (voted the best domestic airline by Travel + Leisure readers) led the pack with an on-time arrival rate of 86% and a cancellation rate of only 0.1%. Delta Air Lines had the highest rate of canceled flights with 2.7% of departures axed, while Frontier Airlines had the lowest on-time arrival rate of only 64.6%. Airlines have canceled flights in droves this summer, with several preemptively slashing their schedules to avoid further disruptions. And the problems have extended beyond the U.S. with London's Heathrow Airport forced to implement a cap on passenger capacity just to keep up, and Air Canada temporarily banning pets from the cargo hold due to "longer than usual" delays at airports. U.S. carriers have blamed the chaos on a combination of air traffic control problems and staffing shortages. Nolen told Reuters the FAA was working to hire more air traffic controllers, but added the "majority" of the problems "are not in any way shape or form related to air traffic (staffing) shortages." "We are on track to hire 1,000 controllers this year," Nolen said, receiving more than 57,000 applications for 1,500 positions. Alison Fox is a contributing writer for Travel + Leisure. When she's not in New York City, she likes to spend her time at the beach or exploring new destinations and hopes to visit every country in the world. Follow her adventures on Instagram. Welcome to The Oklahoman's weekly newsletter for fans of the 405 diningscape. Expect the latest foodcentric headlines from The Oklahoman's resident Food Dude, Dave Cathey, plus any other content from staff writers, photographers and videographers that captures the flavors of the 405. This week, The Food Dude has a sneak peek at the newly reopened Grill on the Hill. Read about what some longtime fans of the legendary Capitol Hill cafe have to say. He also caught up with chef Jonathon Stranger about appearing on Food Network's "Guy's Grocery Games" with details on his upcoming restaurant, El Coyote. You can also read about how Oklahoma City chef Gabriel Lewis feels about his return to Fox's "MasterChef." Finally, veteran restaurateur Chris Lower explains why Back Door BBQ will close at month's end. Keep up with 405 diningscape details up to the minute by following the Food Dude on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: The Oklahoman's weekly newsletter for fans of the 405 diningscape In a visit to the Yakima Valley on Tuesday, Gov. Jay Inslee talked about how the use of solar panels and other green energy sources relates to the Valleys agriculture industry. You are the owner of this article. Thai actor receives warm welcome from fans in Vietnam Hundreds of fans in HCMC braved the rain to meet Thai actor August Vachiravit on Wednesday. The 26-year-old is in town to promote 'La May Tren Bau Troi Ai Do' (Side Seeing), a film co-produced by Vietnam and Thailand and set for release in theaters nationwide today. The romcom is about the journey of a young Vietnamese girl called May (played by Ngoc Lan Vy) to Thailand to meet her idol Park (played by Push Puttichai) on her birthday. But she runs into Boy (Vachiravit), a sincere and kind but clumsy motorbike taxi driver, and his friend James (James Vejvongsatichat), and falls into awkward situations. When he arrived at the event venue, Vachiravit was surprised by the large number of fans despite the rain. Vietnamese fans wait to meet actor August Vachiravit in HCMC on July 20, 2022. Photo by VnExpress/Thanh Huyen "I'm touched by everyone's love for me. I wish I could speak Vietnamese more to show my love to the fans." The actor sang the soundtrack song 'Duoi Nhung Ang May Bay' (Under The Clouds). When a woman fan praised his appearance and expressed her affection for him, he said: "Your compliments made my day." Puttichai, also a famous Thai actor, could not attend the premiere of the film as planned due to personal reasons. Vachiravit debuted in 2014 in Love Sick, and shot to fame with romcom-horror films Pee Nak 1 and 2. The Washington state Supreme Court has ruled that the Department of Natural Resources can continue to manage state trust lands for the financial benefit of schools and other institutions Today A mix of clouds and sun. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 103F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Tonight Mainly clear skies. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 86F. Winds SSE at 10 to 15 mph. Tomorrow Sunshine and some clouds. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High around 105F. Winds SSE at 10 to 15 mph. HCMC Peoples Court postponed a trial Thursday involving a man and his fiancee accused of abusing the man's 8-year-old daughter to death, demanding further clarification on evidence and physical harm. Nguyen Kim Trung Thai, 37, and his fiancee Nguyen Vo Quynh Trang, 27, were escorted by traffic police to court at 7 a.m. But the trial was quickly dismissed. The court's order came after Tran Thi Ngoc Nu, the lawyer representing the girls family, insisted Thai be charged with murder and demanded further assessment into the impacts of his actions in the girls death. Thai has been charged with torture and concealing crimes. He faces eight years in jail if convicted. Trang faces death after being charged with murder and torture. Nu said investigation showed that Trang and Thai had beaten the girl, Van An, on the head with a rod and a metal bar several times between around 10 p.m. on Dec. 10, 2021 until 2 a.m. the next morning. Thai also saw Trang beating An at other times, either directly or via home camera footage. Nguyen Kim Trung Thai arrives at the court in HCMC on July 21, 2022. Photo by VnExpress/Dinh Van The lawyer said Thai's actions were enough to make him an accomplice in the girls murder. "Thai committed the abuse together with Trang, and his [lack of intervention] motivated Trang to keep beating An brutally," Nu said. "Thai must bear the main responsibility for the death of his child." An's abuse case drew a lot of public attention in Vietnam, with many people coming to the court on Thursday, hoping to attend the trial. However, the sheer number meant many had to stay out on the street. Some people traveled from outside the city just to witness the trial. The case came to light after the girl was taken to hospital unconscious on Dec. 22 last year but was pronounced dead on arrival. Her injuries prompted doctors to contact the police. Autopsy results determined the girl had suffered a hematoma under the skin of her forehead, mild cerebral edema and broken ribs. Investigation found Trang had hit her repeatedly from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. that day until she passed out. Police escort Nguyen Vo Quynh Trang to the court on July 21, 2022. Photo by VnExpress/Dinh Van Prosecutors in May said that between Dec. 7 and 22 last year, Trang had used rattan and wooden rods to beat An. She used to lock An in a kennel and make her girl kneel while studying for "hours." At times she would remove the girl's clothes, make her kneel and raise both arms and then hit her with the rods. The father was aware of the cruelty but did not interfere, and in fact would join Trang in abusing the child. Trang and Thai had lived together for over a year since Thai's divorce from his ex-wife. A court had decided that the older child, An, would live with the father while her younger brother would live with their mother. Due to the Covid-19 outbreak, the girl had to stay home and study online since October last year. Thai left his daughter in Trang's care and repeatedly refused to allow the biological mother to visit the girl. VILLANOVA, Pa.President of the United States Joseph R. Biden, Jr., announced his intent to appoint 21 new members to the Commission on Presidential Scholars, among those Neil J. Horgan, Vice President for Finance and Chief Financial Officer at Villanova University. The announcement was made by The White House in a press release, Friday, July 15. The Commission on Presidential Scholars is a group of eminent private citizens appointed by the President to select and honor the Presidential Scholars. Commissioners are selected from across the country, representing the fields of education, medicine, law, social services, business, and other professions. The Commissioners make the final selection of the Presidential Scholars. It is a great honor to be nominated to serve on the Commission on Presidential Scholarsto help identify and recognize our nations brightest young students, said Neil J. Horgan, Vice President for Finance and Chief Financial Officer. These are students who are not only academically gifted but committed to public service. They will be tomorrows leaders, both in their communities and in our country. The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964, by executive order of the President, to recognize and honor some of our nation's most distinguished graduating high school seniors. Each year, up to 161 students are named as Presidential Scholars, one of the nation's highest honors for high school students. The Scholars demonstrate exceptional accomplishments in academics, the arts, career and technical education and an outstanding commitment to public service. Horgan was appointed Vice President for Finance at Villanova in 2015, following eight years as Associate Vice President for Finance and Controller at the University. As the Chief Financial Officer, he oversees budget, financial planning and reporting, and the management of financial operations. Horgan came to Villanova in 2000 as the Universitys Controller, after spending the previous nine years at University of Pennsylvania Health System. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Georgetown University and went on to receive a Master of Taxation from Villanova University. Horgan previously served on the Board of Directors of the Mercy Health System of Southeastern Pennsylvania. About Villanova University: Since 1842, Villanova Universitys Augustinian Catholic intellectual tradition has been the cornerstone of an academic community in which students learn to think critically, act compassionately and succeed while serving others. There are more than 10,000 undergraduate, graduate and law students in the University's six colleges the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the Villanova School of Business, the College of Engineering, the College of Nursing, the College of Professional Studies and the Villanova University School of Law. As students grow intellectually, Villanova prepares them to become ethical leaders who create positive change everywhere life takes them. The information was later confirmed by Piotr Naimski himself. "As a verbal justification, I was told that I am not suitable for cooperation and 'I block everything'"- he wrote on Facebook the same day. He added that the Baltic Pipe launch ceremony is scheduled to take place on September 27. "I dare say that the construction of this pipeline between Poland and Norwegian gas deposits is one of the more important political and economic successes our country has achieved in the past three decades (...) Russia will not be able to blackmail us by turning off the 'gas tap' anymore" - Piotr Naimski stated. Was it Kaczynskis idea? According to our sources, the person behind Mr. Naimskis dismissal is the leader of Polands ruling Law and Justice party Jarosaw Kaczynski. In the past, Piotr Naimski has been a close associate of the Kaczynski brothers. It was also long believed that Jarosaw Kaczynski supported Naimskis projects to make Poland independent from Russian energy supplies. However, apparently the two politicians have also frequently disagreed. In the evening, Piotr Naimski's resignation was confirmed by Prime Minister Morawiecki on Twitter. In his Twitter post, however, the PM did not mention that it was a dismissal, nor did he give any reasons for the decision. He only wrote: "Today, he [Piotr Naimski] ends his mission in the government". The vague tone could have suggested that Mr. Naimski had resigned. Green light for Daniel Obajtek Mr. Naimiskis dismissal coincides with significant changes in the Polish energy sector. One day before Piotr Naimski was told to leave his post, the Polish government greenlit the long-anticipated merger of the state-run oil giant PKN Orlen and the Gdansk-based oil refinery Lotos. A crucial part of the merger is an agreement with Saudi Aramco and Hungarys MOL Group. The Saudi Arabian company agreed to buy 30% of shares in the refining subsidiary of Lotos, while the Hungarian MOL will take over 417 Lotos branded petrol stations nationwide. REKLAMA In another move, Orlen is to liquidate PGNiG- the Polish state-run oil and gas company. Given Putins weaponization of gas supplies to the EU, the decision has raised serious concerns. The main proponent of these plans is Orlen CEO Daniel Obajtek- repeatedly praised by Jarosaw Kaczynski as "a man of mission (...) with a God-given quality to mobilize people around a shared goal", who has jumped from the post of a small-town mayor to successive positions in government agencies and companies. Obajtek takes over Polands energy sector Piotr Naimskis dismissal from his government post also means the removal of a person competent in energy matters who could block further moves by Daniel Obajtek and his inner circle. REKLAMA Last October, Micha Kurtyka, a close associate of Piotr Naimski, was dismissed from his position as head of the Ministry of Climate and Environment responsible for Polands energy politics. His place was taken by Anna Moskwa, who until then was a manager at the Orlen Group. On Monday, Daniel Obajtek's former subordinate Anna ukaszewska-Trzeciakowska became the new deputy climate minister. At the same time, Deputy Prime Minister Jacek Sasin has long made sure that Orlen managers occupy key positions in the companies Mr. Obajtek wants to close. It is likely that soon after Piotr Naimski's dismissal we will also see purges at the companies he oversaw: Gaz-System, PERN Group and PSE. REKLAMA "I hope that the projects led by us and still in progress, like the construction of a nuclear power plant, will be just as consistently implemented without my participation" - Piotr Naimski wrote in a farewell post on Facebook. *** Every day, 400 journalists at Gazeta Wyborcza write verified, fact-checked stories about Polish politics and society, keeping a critical eye on the ruling camps persistent assault on democratic values and the rule of law; the growing cultural tension between religious fundamentalism and human rights; and the ongoing Russian invasion in Ukraine. Our journalists are on the front lines in 32 Polish cities, reporting from the streets, hospitals, and courtrooms about issues that move public opinion. We decided to make our service available to everyone free of charge in order to provide access to high quality journalism for expats and English speakers interested in Polish affairs. The access to information should be equal for all. Royal Enfield is planning on launching multiple bikes to expand its product lineup in the Indian market. Talking about the bikes to be launched, Royal Enfield Hunter 350 is one of the most awaited bikes from the house of the British automaker. The automaker is planning on making a significant mark on the market with the new motorcycle, which is expected to target one of the most popular sections of the Indian motorcycle market. Recently, the Hunter 350 was spotted without camouflage and covers revealing multiple details. The details of the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 have been brought to light with all credits to pics shared by Surendar Jayavelu on social media. It is to be noted that this bike will be the next launch from the automaker; interestingly, the bike shares its underpinnings with the Royal Enfield Meteor 350 and Classic Reborn. Talking about the look, the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 has got a paint scheme very similar to the Scram 411. The paint has a dual-tone scheme with a modern touch. Moreover, the bike majorly has a retro design with the signature design language of the company. In addition, the bike in the picture is equipped with alloy wheels. Also read: 2022 Mahindra Scorpio-N Automatic and 4WD pricing announced, bookings from July 30 The Hunter 350 also gets a single-piece seat and a uni-pod instrument cluster. The bike is expected to get a tripper navigation function. Moving on, all the lights on the bike are circular in shape, retaining the retro look. Based on the information leaked earlier, the bike will have a length of 2,055 mm, a width of 800mm, and a height of 1,055mm. Royal Enfiled Hunter 350 is expected to have a 349,34 cc single-cylinder air-cooled engine in the form of its power source found on a J-platform motorcycle. The said engine is expected to be tuned to produce 19.94 bhp of power and 6,100 rpm of torque, working with a 5-speed manual gearbox. Update: The alternate aircraft arranged for passengers of the Dubai-Kochi Air India flight that got diverted to Mumbai a day ago due to a loss of cabin pressure landed at the Cochin International Airport early on Friday morning. In yet another aviation incident, an Air India Dubai-Kochi flight was diverted to Mumbai on July 21 (today) for a reported loss in cabin pressure. Air India, now part of Tata Group was operating a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft on the international route, with 247 passengers and crew onboard when the pilot-in-command reported a loss in cabin pressure, officials of aviation regulator DGCA said. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) later grounded the Boeing 787 and off-rostered the flight crew. An Air India spokesperson said the matter has been reported to the DGCA as per the set procedures. DGCA, on the other hand has started investigating the incident, the officials said. Oxygen masks were deployed on the Air India plane so that the passengers do not face any discomfiture. The plane was allowed to divert to the nearest airport, which in this case was the one in Mumbai and it landed safely, said DGCA. An aircraft generally operates at an altitude of around 30,000 feet where the oxygen level is quite less. Therefore, all aircraft create pressure inside the cabin so that there is sufficient oxygen for passengers and crew members. "Flight AI 934, operating from Dubai to Cochin, was diverted to Mumbai today due to a technical issue. The B787 aircraft landed safely at Mumbai at 1912 hrs with 247 passengers and crew. An alternate aircraft is being arranged to carry passengers from Mumbai to Kochi," an Air India spokesperson said. This is the third instance in the last three days when the aviation regulator grounded a plane after an incident. On Tuesday, Go First's Mumbai-Leh and Srinagar-Delhi flights faced engine snags and both the planes were grounded by the DGCA. Officials said that when the Air India flight was heading from Dubai to Kochi on Thursday, the pilot observed a loss in cabin pressure and immediately contacted the integrated operations control centre (IOCC) of the airline as well as the air traffic controller. There have been multiple technical malfunction incidents in planes flown by Indian carriers in the last one month. Between Sunday and Tuesday, Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia held multiple meetings with airlines and officials from his ministry and DGCA to ensure safety oversight. Also read: Despite no aviation agreement, why Indian airlines are making emergency landing in Pakistan? The DGCA had on Monday said it conducted spot checks and found that an insufficient number of engineering personnel were certifying planes of various carriers before take-off. Before each departure, an aircraft is checked and certified by an aircraft maintenance engineer (AME). The DGCA has now issued guidelines for airlines on deployment of qualified AMEs and directed them to comply by July 28. The spot checks also found that AME teams of airlines are improperly identifying the "cause of a reported defect", the DGCA order stated. A Go First flight heading from Delhi to Guwahati on Wednesday was diverted to Jaipur after the A320neo aircraft's windshield cracked mid-air. With PTI inputs Live TV Satellite photo shows North Island, part of the Paracel Islands in the South China Sea, September 2017. Photo by Planet Labs via Reuters Chinese drills near the Paracel Islands violated Vietnam's sovereignty and complicated the situation in the South China Sea, the foreign affairs ministry said Thursday. "We vehemently oppose all activities that violate Vietnam's sovereignty over the Paracel and Spratly islands," deputy spokeswoman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pham Thu Hang said at a Thursday press meet. She reiterated a statement by the spokeswoman of the foreign affairs ministry Le Thi Thu Hang on June 23 that Chinas drills near the Paracel Islands had seriously violated Vietnams sovereignty over the archipelagoes, gone against the spirit of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), complicated the situation and was not advantageous for negotiation processes between China and ASEAN for a Code of Conduct for Parties at the South China Sea (COC), as well as the maintenance of peace, stability and cooperation at the region. Pham Thu Hang was responding to inquiries regarding an announcement by Hainan Maritime Safety Administration on July 15 banning vessels from entering sea regions to the southeast and north of Paracel Islands from July 16 to 20 due to military drills. The Chinese army has yet to provide further details about the drills. Vietnam's Paracel Islands, also known as Hoang Sa, are currently illegally occupied by China. Vietnam calls the South China Sea the East Sea. US aerospace major - Boeing, has revealed that the company has successfully completed the operational demonstration of its F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jet at Goa naval station on Wednesday. Boeing is currently looking to garner an order for its deck-based warship from the Indian Navy, as the naval force is looking to purchase deck-based fighter aircrafts for the indigenous aircraft carrier - Vikrant, which will be commissioned by next month. As per Boeing, two Super Hornet aircrafts completed the demo, which included multiple ski-jumps, roll-in and fly-in arrestments, and performance flights, in a variety of weights in the air-to-air, air-to-ground, and air-to-surface configurations. "The Boeing team was privileged to showcase the F/A-18 Super Hornet's compatibility with Indian carriers in Goa," said Alain Garcia, vice president, India business development at Boeing Defence, Space and Security. Our F/A-18 #SuperHornet successfully demonstrated the ability to safely operate from @indiannavy aircraft carriers during operational tests at INS Hansa, Goa. #FIA2022 pic.twitter.com/ePukceACSh Boeing India (@Boeing_In) July 20, 2022 "As the premier frontline multi-role naval fighter, the F/A-18 Super Hornet is one of the world's most proven and affordable multi-role fighters and continues to evolve with the development of the next-generation Block III capability which will be game-changing for India," the top executive said. With the Super Hornet Block III, he added that the Indian Navy would not only get the most advanced platform but would also benefit from tactics, upgrades and knowledge related to the naval aviation ecosystem that the US Navy offers. Also read - Russia accidently shoots down its own Rs 320 Crore Sukhoi fighter jet during Ukraine raids: Report The Navy has shortlisted F/A-18E Super Hornet and Rafale M aircraft produced by the French aerospace major Dassault Aviation for the procurement. Over four years ago, the Indian Navy had initiated the process to acquire 57 multi-role combat aircraft for its aircraft carrier. However, it is learnt that the number could be around 30 initially. At present, the Indian Navy operates Russian-origin MiG-29K fighters from its sole aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya. The Request For Information issued by the Navy for procurement of the deck-based fighter jets sought to know at what level of Transfer of Technology (ToT) the companies are willing to share with India. With inputs from PTI A Delhi-bound IndiGo flight (6E-2126) was reportedly grounded on July 21 (Thursday night) at Patna airport after a passenger claimed that he had a bomb in his bag. The bomb squad and CISF were scrambled and later, when his bag was checked, no bomb was found. The passenger has been arrested and the plane is being checked further. All passengers were safely deboarded at the Patna airport after the information and the plane was checked thoroughly. All bags were removed from the plane for checking. As a precautionary measure, the authorities have decided to cancel the flight tonight (Thursday night). Patna police also come into action and immediately sent multiple teams of bomb and dog squads. They were searching the entire airport premises till the time of reporting. Bihar | Visuals from Patna airport where the Bomb squad & Police personnel are conducting inspection after a man in a Delhi-bound flight reportedly claimed that he had a bomb in his bag. His bag was checked further & no bomb was found pic.twitter.com/BkNxpjZ2QC ANI (@ANI) July 21, 2022 Also read: Air India Dubai-Kochi flight diverted to Mumbai after pilot reports cabin pressure loss, DGCA grounds crew The Bomb squad & Police personnel are conducting an inspection after a man in a Delhi-bound flight reportedly claimed that he had a bomb in his bag. His bag was checked further and no bomb was found. Reacting on it, an official said: "We have not found any bomb or suspicious article from the plane or anywhere else from the airport premises so far. The search operation is currently underway in and outside the airport. Bomb and dog squad were also present at the search operation." (With inputs from Agencies) Live TV Amidst the Russia-Ukraine crisis, reports have surfaced claiming that the Ukrainian forces have shot down a Russian Su-34 Fullback strike fighter jet. Based on the Ukrainian media's report, the plane was shot while passing over the Luhansk region of eastern Ukraine. Specifically, the reports said that the plane was shot down in the Alchevsk city of the aforementioned region, a front-line region of the ongoing conflict. It is to be noted that the separatist fighters getting Russian support are in control of the region. Videos posted show that the videos posted online on July 17 show that visibly the air defence system was fired by either the pro-separatist or the Russian forces from the so-called Luhansk People's Republic, followed by what seemed like a fireball that hits the ground later. The burned wreckage of a Russian Su-34 fighter-bomber was apparently seen in the videos and pictures posted by the Strategic Command of the Ukrainian Armed Forces on the Telegram messaging platform. Also read - People pull out Hyundai Santro from river in Leh with hands - Watch video The aircraft was later identified as RF-95890 by various sources like OSINT accounts and online war trackers, as visible in some of the images. It is to be noted that the Su-34s are fighter jets that need a lot of fuel for their flight and hence carry lots of fuel, which could have been a catalyst in the fireball that was recorded falling out of the sky. Getting into further details, the aircraft was further identified as a rare Su-34M with certain upgrades to its avionics, communications system, and radar. To further support the claim, there have been earlier reports suggesting that the Su-34M fighter jets were delivered to the Russian Air Force. Moreover, a new order was placed in 2020 for the jets to be delivered in 2027. New Delhi: A Reddit user shared a screenshot of a chat between a boss and an ex-employee who was recently fired. The messages between the two point that the boss contacted the employee to find out if the assigned work was done, expecting the worker to finish the job even after the termination. Netizens are amused with the audacity of the boss to ask a former employee to wrap up the job even after letting the individual go. Quite a strange turn of events, indeed. The Reddit user, who uses @ScooterBobb handle, shared the screenshot on Thursday (July 21), on the online discussion platform. A member of the anti-work community on Reddit, the user said in the caption, Im still in shock.. (ALSO READ: SBI: Bengaluru woman wins legal battle! Bank told to waive off Rs 54.09 lakh loan, check details) So far, the Reddit post has received more than 91,000 votes, with 89% upvotes. Also, netizens seem to be pretty irked with the conversation. As of now, the post has received over 2600 comments. (ALSO READ: Shocking! Tanks surround crisis-hit banks in China to scare protestors: Watch) In the messages, the boss is seen asking the employee if the order or inventory for that week has been created or not. Did you create an order for this week, or an inventory?" the boss asked. Responding to the boss, the employee, probably in surprise, asked, I am confused. Was my position eliminated or not? The boss replied to this, Yes. but you did inventory and prepped an order on Sunday, was wondering where it was if at all. ___, bless your heart. You didnt fire someone and then still contact them to ask questions about the job bc you dont know, the employee replied to boss shocking question. The employee finally said, In 25 years Ive never had anyone fire me then expect me to still work. New Delhi: After Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena denied permission for Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal`s Singapore visit to attend the World Cities Summit, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convener said he differs with the former`s advice and would go ahead with the visit. In his letter to the LG, Kejriwal said the World Cities Summit is not just a mayor`s conference. It is a conference of mayors, city leaders, knowledge experts etc. and the Singapore government has chosen to invite the Chief Minister of Delhi. The Delhi CM said it is a matter of great pride that the Delhi model of governance especially the work done in the education, health and power sector is being discussed and recognised the world over. "Singapore government has invited me to present the Delhi model before the city leaders from the whole world. It is a matter of great pride for every patriotic Indian. All of us should celebrate it and do our best to facilitate this visit," said the Chief Minister. Kejriwal said human life is not compartmentalised into the subjects mentioned in the three Lists of the Constitution. If the visit of each Constitutional authority in our country were to be decided on the basis of what subjects fall within the jurisdiction of that authority, it would create a funny situation and a practical logjam, noted the Delhi Chief Minister. "Then the Prime Minister would not be able to go anywhere because in most of his visits, he also discusses subjects which fall in the state list and do not fall in his jurisdiction. Then no CM would ever be able to make any visit anywhere in the world. Therefore. I humbly differ from the advice of LG. We will go ahead with the visit. Kindly apply for political clearance from the central government," Kejriwal said. The AAP-led Delhi government and the Centre locked horns over Kejriwal`s proposed visit to Singapore to attend the global conference in Singapore. Delhi LG VK Saxena has returned the proposal regarding the Singapore visit of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to attend the `Eighth World Cities Summit and WCS Mayors Forum`, and advised him to not attend a conference that is prima facie a conference of mayors not befitting attendance by a Chief Minister, said sources. Sources said that the LG has underlined the fact that GNCTD does not have exclusive domain over the issues corresponding with the theme of the conference and hence it will be inappropriate for a Chief Minister to be attending the same. Earlier on Sunday, Delhi Chief Minister Kejriwal had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and sought permission to attend the World Cities Summit in Singapore. The World Cities Summit is a forum for leaders and industry experts to address the challenges of a livable and sustainable city and to deliberate on integrated urban solutions. This year the summit is being held between July 31 and August 3. Kabul: Sixty-nine per cent of Afghan people chose India as Afghanistan`s "best friend" country, according to a recent survey. In order to gain insight into the people of Afghanistan, a survey was conducted which gathered an understanding of the common people`s assessment of their past, current scenario, and future aspirations, a Brussels-based news website EU Reporter reported. Data shows that more than 67 per cent of Afghan people believe that the mistimed and mismanaged exit by the United States gave Pakistan and China the opportunity to encourage the Taliban to take over Kabul, according to a survey. India has strong stakes and strategic interests in Afghanistan. The two countries have very ancient historic and cultural ties. Despite all the efforts of Pakistan, India-Afghanistan relations at the people-to-people level have remained good, surviving Taliban rule in the 1990s and since August last year. Continuous vacuum at the diplomatic level poses a danger to India`s interests and can devalue the years of goodwill for India among ordinary Afghans. India has been the largest donor in Afghanistan among the countries in the region, doling out about $3 billion, and it is the fifth largest donor (for Afghanistan) in the world.India`s help has been diverse, ranging from building infrastructure to sending teams of medical staff and food. Also read: Foreign aid pouring into Afghanistan disappears into the hands of Taliban: Experts A spanking new Parliament building in Kabul is a gift from India, though ironically it will look incongruous in a country that refuses to practise democracy. Afghans have been coming to India for medical treatment. Afghan students in large numbers have been enrolled in Indian colleges and universities. The Indian Military Academy (Dehradun) has been regularly accepting Afghan cadets. India has been among the more generous suppliers of humanitarian aid to Taliban-ruled Afghanistan.Trade between the two countries has not blossomed largely because of Pakistan`s obduracy, refusing to open its land route to Indian exports to Afghanistan. This kind of pettiness is a direct result of Islamabad`s policy of blind hostility toward New Delhi. Also read: Help pours in from different quarters for terrorism-affected Sikhs and Hindus of Afghanistan According to it, data revealed that 78 per cent of people believe that the previous government was corrupt and the aid provided by the foreign countries never received to the needy and 72 per cent of people believe that the Taliban`s takeover happened due to the corruption of local leaders. EU Reporter stated quoting the survey that 78 per cent of people believe that the Taliban and their conduits received a large portion of foreign assistance from neighbouring countries but not the Afghan people. In other words, the majority of the Afghans believe that the foreign aid itself was mismanaged and diverted to help the Taliban topple the elected government. Additionally, over 67 per cent of the respondents feel that the mistimed and mismanaged exit by the United States gave Pakistan and China the opportunity to encourage the Taliban`s swift takeover of Afghanistan. The survey was conducted in the month of March, April and May this month in which a total of 2,003 responses have been collected. The results of the survey also point to the way forward for Afghanistan. According to the data collected in this study, the majority of Afghans want elections for choosing the leaders, who can represent them. Taliban took over Afghanistan in mid-August last year. New Delhi: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday (July 21) attacked the BJP and urged people to elect a peoples government in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Addressing the public at TMC's Martyr's Day rally in Kolkata's Esplanade, Banerjee said the saffron party will lose power by the peoples mandate in 2024 polls. She also hit out at BJP for destroying institutions of the country, adding that those who had no role in the Independence struggle are now trying to rewrite the country's history. "The BJP will be swept away from power by the people's mandate in 2024. They will be defeated. I can certainly say that the BJP will not get single-party majority, and once that happens, others will unite to form the next government," the West Bengal CM was quoted as saying by PTI. Break BJP's prison, bring people's government in 2024, the Trinamool Congress supremo said at the mega rally. Attacking the government over GST hike on some essential items, Banerjee said, "Now that GST has been imposed on puffed rice as well, so will the people of BJP not eat that now. GST is levied on sweets, lassi, and curd. What will people eat? GST is even imposed when a patient is hospitalized." Kolkata | Now that GST has been imposed on puffed rice as well, so will the people of BJP not eat that now. GST is levied on sweets, lassi, and curd. What will people eat? GST is even imposed when a patient is hospitalized: WB CM Mamata Banerjee at TMC's Martyr's Day rally pic.twitter.com/5PLBk5VQkF ANI (@ANI) July 21, 2022 Banerjee added, "BJP is trying to break the govt everywhere, this has become their job. In West Bengal, they tried to defeat us but could not succeed. It has been raining here and roads were full of water but our supporters did not move from here." (With agency inputs) New Delhi: The government on Thursday told Parliament that it does not agree with the conclusions drawn by 'Reporters Without Borders' in the World Press Freedom Index that ranked India 150th among 180 nations. Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha, said the government did not agree with the conclusions drawn by the organisation for various reasons including "very low sample size, little or no weightage to fundamentals of democracy, adoption of a methodology which is questionable and non-transparent". Thakur was responding to separate questions put by Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge and AAP member Sanjay Singh. ALSO READ: India slips to 150th position in 2022 World Press Freedom Index The minister said the Government was committed to ensuring the right to freedom of speech and expression enshrined under Article 19 of the Constitution. Thakur said the Press Council of India (PCI) has been set up under the Press Council Act, 1978 mainly to preserve the freedom of the press and improve the standards of newspapers and news agencies in the country. He said the PCI looks into the complaints filed 'by the Press' regarding curtailment of press freedom. Thakur said the PCI was also empowered to take suo moto cognizance in matters on the pressing issues concerning freedom of the Press and safeguarding of its high standards. In response to Kharge's question on the arrest of journalists, the minister said the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) does not maintain data separately on attacks on journalists. According to the World Press Freedom Index, released in May, India's ranking dropped to 150th position from last year's 142nd rank among 180 nations. COMEDK UGET 2022: The COMEDK 2022 counselling registration has begun in an online format, according to the Consortium of Medical, Engineering, and Dental Colleges of Karnataka (COMEDK). Candidates who passed the UGET exam can register for COMEDK 2022 counselling through August 12 at comedk.org. Initial registration, choice-filling in the COMEDK 2022 counselling, payment of fees, and document verification are all part of the COMEDK 2022 counselling procedure. On July 5, the authorities released the COMEDK UGET 2022 results on the official website. The COMEDK counselling schedule for 2022 and the registration process are listed below. COMEDK UGET 2022: Counselling date Events COMEDK UGET Counselling Dates COMEDK UGET 2022 Counselling registration July 19 to August 12, 2022 Document verification completion August 18, 2022 Publication of mock seat allotment August 26, 2022 Provision to change /edit preferences in choice filling form August 26 to 28, 2022 COMEDK round 1 seat allotment result August 30, 2022 Decision Making/Confirmation of choice on allotted seat and Fee payment online August 30 to September 2, 2022 Last date for Reporting to allotted Colleges along with Online Printout of allotment letter and Fee receipt September 5, 2022 Surrender facility for candidates who accepted seat during Round 1 August 30 to September 6, 2022 (1 PM) COMEDK 2022: Steps to apply for counselling registration Step 1: Visit the COMEDK 2022 counselling website- comedk.org. Step-2: Complete the COMEDK counselling registration with basic details. Step-3: Make COMEDK counselling fee payment of Rs 2000 in online mode Step-4: Seat allotment will be based on candidates rank and the preferred choice. Step-5: Finally, candidates have to report at the institute allotted for document verification. ALSO READ: ICAI to RELEASE May exam result TODAY Presidential Election 2022 Result: As the counting of votes for the presidential poll began at the Parliament House in New Delhi, NDA's Presidential candidate Draupadi Murmu's brother Tarinisen Tudu on Thursday (July 21) said that he is hopeful of her becoming the next President of India. Tudu also expressed that Draupadi Murmu's win over Opposition candidate Yashwant Sinha will bring a "sense of pride" to the tribal community. "There is an atmosphere of happiness here as we are hopeful that Draupadi Murmu will become the next President of India," Tarinisen Tudu told news ANI. "It's a matter of pride for the tribal community, Odisha, and the country," he added. Rairangpur | There is an atmosphere of happiness here as we're hopeful that Droupadi Murmu will become the next President of India. It's a matter of pride for the tribal community, Odisha & the country: Tarinisen Tudu, brother of NDA's Presidential candidate Droupadi Murmu pic.twitter.com/dvbbzQTvWr ANI (@ANI) July 21, 2022 Draupadi Murmu or Yashwant Sinha? Presidential election results to be out today The counting of votes for the presidential poll has started in the national capital. The ballot boxes from all states had reached the Parliament House on Tuesday and the poll officials began counting at 11 am in room number 63, the strongroom of Parliament where the boxes are guarded behind round-the-clock security. Rajya Sabha Secretary General PC Mody, the Chief Returning Officer for the election, is overseeing the counting and the result is expected to be declared by the evening. Votes, however, are clearly stacked in favour of Draupadi Murmu, who, if elected, will succeed incumbent Ram Nath Kovind to become the first tribal woman to occupy the top constitutional post in the country. The new president will take oath on July 25 as Kovind's tenure is scheduled to end on July 24. All ballot boxes from state assemblies had reached the Parliament's strongroom on Tuesday and have been locked there since. The ballot boxes had been flown into Delhi as 'Mr Ballot Box' from across the states. Polling for the presidential election was held on Monday between 10 am to 5 pm across 31 locations including the Parliament House and 30 centres within state legislative assemblies. Sealed Ballot box accompanied by ARO from Jaipur, Rajasthan reached Delhi today after conclusion of polling for #PresidentialElection2022 pic.twitter.com/ud9y7QQuFh Election Commission of India #SVEEP (@ECISVEEP) July 18, 2022 MPs of both, Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, except nominated MPs, and all MLAs in the legislative assembly in all states act as electors in the presidential poll. A total of 4,809 electors, comprising 776 MPs and 4,033 elected MLAs, are entitled to vote in the election, but nominated MPs and MLAs, and Members of the Legislative Council are not. According to the Election Commission, over 99 per cent of the total electors had cast their ballot in these polls. Presidential Election 2022 Result: Rairangpur gears up to celebrate Draupadi Murmu's victory Meanwhile, hoardings have already come up in Draupadi Murmu's town Rairangpur congratulating "Odisha's daughter" on a victory that the locals believe is within the grasp of the NDA nominee. Various local organisations such as traders' bodies, bar associations, and religious and educational institutions, and even government officials are waiting with palpable enthusiasm to congratulate the "daughter of the soil". 20,000 laddus prepared, 100 banners put up congratulating Draupadi Murmu Folk artistes and tribal dancers rehearsed their performances and are ready to hit the streets as soon as the results are declared. They are waiting with bated breath to witness the first tribal woman president of the country. "We are preparing 20,000 laddus and have put up 100 banners congratulating Murmu, who has her house in our town," local BJP leader Tapan Mahanta said. Odisha | Locals in Rairangpur prepare laddu ahead of the counting of votes for the Presidential election tomorrow. NDA's Presidential candidate Droupadi Murmu resides in Rairangpur. pic.twitter.com/vMhLQwfuGe July 20, 2022 (With agency inputs) July 20, 2022 | 04:36 pm PT Vietnam is competing fiercely with Indonesia to become the second most attractive country for foreign direct investment in ASEAN behind Singapore. According to a recent report by the Foreign Investment Agency, Vietnam attracted over US$14 billion worth of FDI in the first half of 2022, a 9 percent decrease year-on-year. Vietnam's Association of Foreign Invested Enterprises (VAFIE) suggested that Vietnam is better at attracting capital from East and Southeast Asia due to its geographical proximity and cultural similarity. Capital flows from the U.S. and European countries such as Britain, France and Germany are lower due to issues such as Vietnam's lack of intellectual property protection, cumbersome administrative procedures and slow, unclear policies. Since last year I and colleagues in the policy and legal consulting business have been noticing a spike in our workload. We are constantly being asked to study and clarify regulations and policies for market penetration or business expansion in Vietnam, partly due to the slow issuance of policies and legal documents, which means they are unable to keep up with changes. For example, the energy industry has been waiting for the Power Plan VIII for the past two years, but the Ministry of Industry and Trade is still tinkering with a draft plan. The financial technology (fintech) industry is also in limbo. In 2015 I helped organize the launch of the Vietnam Fintech Club in Ho Chi Minh City, the foundation of the current Vietnamese fintech community, with nearly 6,000 members. Seven years have passed but there is still no sandbox for fintech investors. The Decree on Control of Financial Technology Activities drafted by the State Bank of Vietnam is still in the stage of consulting stakeholders. Meanwhile, industries that already have a legal basis for reference are encountering other issues related to the clarity and coherence of these legal documents. For example, an investor in the healthcare industry was confused by the requirement to disclose the cost of imported medical equipment under Decree 98 issued last year though, under World Trade Organization regulations, this is considered confidential information. Statistics show that on average Vietnam's laws would need another seven decrees and 26 circulars each before they can come into effect. In my observation, most investors agree with the spirit of reform behind recent laws but specific regulations under them are often controversial. Many decrees were issued only for their issuing agencies to make hasty corrections immediately afterward following protests from the business community. Local authorities often have to seek guidance for implementing new circulars, while businesses have to come to policy and legal consultation units such as ours to clarify unclear points in official documents and instructions. According to the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry, this is partly because circulars are issued mostly by ministries' specialized units and so the processes are not as transparent as those for issuing decrees, laws and ordinances. A policy is considered effective when there is high consensus among related parties and there is full impact assessment and careful calculation of enforcement and compliance costs. Regulations require all government ministries and sectors to consult organizations and businesses before finalizing policies. However, businesses often only have the opportunity to comment on the initial version as there is no mechanism for accountability or monitoring further down the process. The Ministry of Justice recently chaired a conference to discuss communication of policies that have a great impact on society. The government's policy and law development portal was launched earlier. These do demonstrate authorities' desire to improve the transparency of the lawmaking process and promote interactions between the public, businesses and law-drafting agencies to improve the legal environment. But the quality of policies could only be improved if there is a change in the approach from controlling to regulating and from asking-giving to supporting. The global integration of the Vietnamese economy brings with it a huge amount of work to create policy corridors for all areas from traditional fields to brand-new ones. As long as foreign businesses find policy issues confusing, they would hesitate to invest, hindering the goal of making Vietnam the second most attractive country for FDI in Southeast Asia. *Cam Ha is a communication expert. The opinions expressed are her own. New Delhi: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday grilled and recorded the statement of interim Congress president Sonia Gandhi for about two hours in the National Herald money laundering case and ended the session for the day on her request as she is recovering from Covid. Gandhi, 75, arrived at the ED headquarters located at Vidyut Lane flanking A P J Abdul Kalam Road in central Delhi a little after noon escorted by her Z+ category CRPF security cover. National Herald case | Today's questioning of Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi, by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), has concluded. ANI (@ANI) July 21, 2022 The questioning began around 12:30 pm after completion of some formalities like verification of summons and signature in the attendance sheet, sources said. She has been allowed to leave on her request made on medical grounds, sources said. The probe relates to alleged financial irregularities in the Congress-promoted Young Indian Private Limited, which owns the National Herald newspaper. She has been asked to appear again on July 25. Congress stages protests, alleges ''political vendetta'' Meanwhile, Congress on Thursday slammed the Narendra Modi government for "misusing" probe agencies against opposition leaders and staged protests against the Enforcement Directorate's questioning of Sonia Gandhi, alleging the ruling BJP is treating the opposition as its enemies.'Senior Congress leaders, including some MPs, courted arrest outside the party headquarters here to protest the ED action. Delhi | Senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge and other leaders & workers of the party at Kingsway Camp Police lines where they were taken after being detained by Police today during the protests over ED questioning of party's interim president Sonia Gandhi. pic.twitter.com/V1V5PlKWCK ANI (@ANI) July 21, 2022 Leaders of various political parties, including the DMK, CPI-M, CPI, NC, TRS, MDMK, NCP and Shiv Sena, in a joint statement, condemned the ED action against Sonia Gandhi and alleged that the government was unleashing a relentless campaign against its political opponents through "mischievous" misuse of probe agencies. Senior Congress leader and Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said the probe agency should first hold a press conference to spell out under what charges Sonia Gandhi is being probed. "I condemn the ED action of calling Sonia Gandhi for questioning," he told reporters at a press conference. "The ED should have gone to her residence to take her responses to their questions," he said, citing past precedents, adding that this is being done to "harass" her. Sonia Gandhi appeared before the ED here for questioning in the National Herald money laundering case. "All Congress MPs and CWC members have courted mass arrest outside our party headquarters in a show of collective solidarity with Congress President Sonia Gandhi, a target of 'Vishguru's' political vendetta. We are being taken away to a police station in Old Delhi evidently," said Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh. Another Congress leader P Chidambaram said the ED is not higher than the Supreme Court. "What is that the ED wants to 'investigate' that will not be examined by the SC," he asked. "The ED is overreaching the SC and trying to intimidate the Congress party. The Congress party will not bow down to the intimidation," Chidambaram alleged. Congress leader Pawan Khera also alleged that whenever the government feels cornered, it brings in its agencies. "The conspiracy is to silence us and the aim is to make the country opposition-free," he alleged. Referring to the questioning of Rahul Gandhi earlier in the case, Gehlot said never has anyone questioned a leader for five days in a row and long hours of questioning. "Their aim is to demoralise and create problems," he alleged. "They are treating opposition leaders as if they are their enemies," he also alleged. Gehlot said this action comes after the Udaipur declaration of the Congress party, which received a very encouraging response from the public. Earlier in the day, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh had claimed that the media was also being prevented from entering the party headquarters. "From the early hours of this morning the Delhi Police, obviously taking orders from the Union Home Minister, is preventing the media from entering the Congress party headquarters. This high-handedness was only to be expected and reflects the mindset of the Modi Sarkar," Ramesh said on Twitter. He also said that the ED action comes to prevent Congress from raising issues of the public like price rise and unemployment, which they will continue. The Congress has organised protests in the national capital and across the country. Gehlot alleged that there are two laws in India, one for the BJP and one for the opposition. He said the ED has carried out 1,700 raids and their conviction rate is 0.5 per cent as due processes are not followed. The Rajasthan chief minister said he wanted to meet the heads of the IT, CBI, ED and CBDT chairman as the credibility of these probe agencies in the eyes of the public is going down. New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday met and congratulated Draupadi Murmu on her election as the 15th President of the country and said ''she has emerged as a ray of hope for citizens, especially the poor, marginalised and the downtrodden.'' Met Smt. Droupadi Murmu Ji and congratulated her. pic.twitter.com/ALdJ3kWSLj Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 21, 2022 The Prime Minister said that India has scripted history as a daughter hailing from a tribal community born in a remote part of eastern India has been elected President. "India scripts history. At a time when 1.3 billion Indians are marking Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, a daughter of India hailing from a tribal community born in a remote part of eastern India has been elected our President!" he said in a tweet. India scripts history. At a time when 1.3 billion Indians are marking Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, a daughter of India hailing from a tribal community born in a remote part of eastern India has been elected our President! Congratulations to Smt. Droupadi Murmu Ji on this feat. Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 21, 2022 The Prime Minister said Murmu`s life motivates every Indian. "Smt. Droupadi Murmu Ji`s life, her early struggles, her rich service and her exemplary success motivates each and every Indian. She has emerged as a ray of hope for our citizens, especially the poor, marginalised and the downtrodden," he said. Smt. Droupadi Murmu Ji's life, her early struggles, her rich service and her exemplary success motivates each and every Indian. She has emerged as a ray of hope for our citizens, especially the poor, marginalised and the downtrodden. Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 21, 2022 The Prime Minister thanked MPs and MLAs who supported her candidature cutting across party lines. "Smt. Droupadi Murmu Ji has been an outstanding MLA and Minister. She had an excellent tenure as Jharkhand Governor. I am certain she will be an outstanding President who will lead from the front and strengthen India`s development journey," he said. "I would like to thank all those MPs and MLAs across party lines who have supported the candidature of Smt. Droupadi Murmu Ji. Her record victory augurs well for our democracy," he added. I would like to thank all those MPs and MLAs across party lines who have supported the candidature of Smt. Droupadi Murmu Ji. Her record victory augurs well for our democracy. Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 21, 2022 Meanwhile, President Ram Nath Kovind also extended his best wishes to Draupadi Murmu who will succeed him in the highest office of the country. "Heartiest congratulations and best wishes to Smt. Droupadi Murmu on being elected as the 15th President of India," President Kovind said in a tweet. Heartiest congratulations and best wishes to Smt. Draupadi Murmu on being elected as the 15th President of India. President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) July 21, 2022 Murmu already has 50 per cent of the total value of valid votes at the end of the third round of counting. Rajya Sabha Secretary General PC Mody, who is returning officer for the election, told the media that Droupadi Murmu has got 2161 votes whose electoral value is 5,77,777. The presidential contest was between Murmu and opposition candidate Yashwant Sinha. "Up to this round, the cumulative total is - total valid votes is 3219 with a total value of 8,38,839 of which Droupadi Murmu gets 2161 votes of the value of 5,77,777. Yashwant Sinha gets 1058 votes of the value of 2,61,062," Mody said. Odisha`s Rairangpur village, the native place of Droupadi Murmu erupted in celebrations in anticipation of Murmu`s victory. A large crowd gathered outside BJP headquarters in Delhi earlier this evening to celebrate her victory. Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday (July 21) rejected the opposition Congress-led UDF's demand for a High Court-monitored CBI probe into the sensational gold smuggling case. Prime accused Swapna Suresh had levelled serious allegations against the Chief Minister, his family members and some top bureaucrats. Replying to a submission by Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan in the Assembly, CM Vijayan said the smuggling case was completely the Centre's subject and does not come under the purview of the state government and so it cannot make any request about which agency should probe the case, according to a PTI report. Kerala Chief Minister said, "The state government can not say which agency should probe the gold smuggling case as it is not a state subject. There is no need for the state government to take up that responsibility." Vijayan reportedly added that several agencies including the Enforcement Directorate, NIA and Customs are currently probing the case and if any of them felt any limitation in their present investigation, it was up to them to take the decision to hand over the case to others. The CBI was an agency which had been widely misused by the central governments in various cases across the country, Vijayan alleged. Irked over the rejection of their demand, UDF members raised slogans against the Chief Minister and the Left government saying they were scared of a CBI probe. Also read: Swapna Suresh accuses CPI-M MLA KT Jaleel of 'anti-national activities', says 'CM is very tense' On Wednesday, Kerala gold smuggling prime accused Swapna Suresh said that she has handed over the evidence of the anti-national activities committed by CPI-M MLA and former minister KT Jaleel while serving as a Minister, to her lawyer. These documents will be filed in court on Thursday along with the affidavit. Talking to the media, she said that Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is afraid of the case, adding "I have complete trust in ED because ED will do its work properly. The CM is very tense. He is scared. He used a system to manipulate by using the system. The crime branch wants to know about the evidence that I have submitted." Earlier, she alleged that the Chief Minister is "harassing" her because she is trying to bring the truth out. "Kerala CM, who is supposed to protect the public has put me to starvation now. He`s harassing me because I am trying to bring the truth out. He can`t just do things for his daughter. He has to consider all of us as daughters," she alleged while talking to media persons. The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs had on July 5, 2020, seized 30 kgs of 24-carat gold worth Rs 14.82 crore at Thiruvananthapuram Airport from a diplomatic bag that was meant to be delivered to the UAE Consulate in Thiruvananthapuram. (With PTI/ANI) Kochi (Kerala): Swapna Suresh, who is the prime accused in the Kerala gold smuggling case, said that she has handed over the evidence of the anti-national activities committed by CPI-M MLA and former minister KT Jaleel while serving as a Minister, to her lawyer. These documents will be filed in court today (Thursday) along with the affidavit, she said while talking to the media. Swapna said Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is afraid of the case. The system is being manipulated, now she has faith in the Enforcement Directorate (ED). "I have complete trust in ED because ED will do its work properly. The CM is very tense. He is scared. He used a system to manipulate by using the system. The crime branch wants to know about the evidence that I have submitted," she said. Earlier, Suresh alleged that the Chief Minister is "harassing" her because she is trying to bring the truth out. While talking to media persons, Suresh said, "Kerala CM, who is supposed to protect the public has put me to starvation now. He`s harassing me because I am trying to bring the truth out. He can`t just do things for his daughter. He has to consider all of us as daughters." Also read: Gold smuggling case: Swapna Suresh accuses Kerala CM of 'harassing' her On July 5, 2020, 30 kilograms of 24-carat gold worth Rs 14.82 crore was seized by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs at Thiruvananthapuram Airport from a diplomatic bag that was meant to be delivered to the UAE Consulate in Thiruvananthapuram. Also read: Kerala CM sought help from Sharjah ruler for daughter's IT biz, alleges Swapna Suresh M Sivasankar, the principal secretary to Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan, was suspended and removed from the post after a preliminary inquiry confirmed that he had links with Swapna Suresh, one of the accused in the National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe. Four men, who were arrested by Lucknow Police for allegedly offering namaz inside the premises of Lulu Mall in the city last week, have been sent to 15-day judicial custody. They were arrested based on an FIR registered by the police on the basis of a complaint by the mall authorities last week. The Lucknow Police, who didn't seek police custody remand of the four accused, are now trying to identify the rest of the accused in the case. Earlier, police also issued a press note rejecting reports that the eight people who were caught on camera offering namaz in Lulu Mall on July 12, were non-Muslims. Misleading news was circulated on social media claiming that three out of the four people arrested on July 15 were the namazis in the July 12 incident, the police said. Also Read: Lulu Mall Namaz Row: Meet the owner of the mall who was awarded with Padma Shri by Manmohan Singh Government Three men- Saroh Nath Yogi, Krishna Kumar Pathak, and Gaurav Goswami were arrested on July 15 for allegedly trying to perform a puja and another Muslim man, Arshad Ali, was arrested for trying to offer namaz. Abhishek Banerjee once again accused the Center of deprivation. He raised the tone against the Delhi government from Trinamool's 21st July Martyrs rally. The All India General Secretary of Trinamool made it clear that if the project of Bengal is not in the name of Bengal, then there is no need of money from the Center. Recently, Union Ministry of Rural Development informed Navanna in a letter that, 'Bangla' should be removed from the name of 'Bangla Awas Yojana' and 'Prime Minister' should be inserted. Otherwise, not even one rupee will be given to the state government in this project. There is a lot of debate about it. Mamata Banerjee has raised her voice against the Center on this issue several times. Abhishek attacked the center on the same issue from the stage of July 21. He said, "The center has stopped money in the rural road scheme of Bengal, Bangla Awas Yojana. Center is insulting Bengal. I want you to stop giving money. Because, I want to bring out in front of everyone that your job is to insult Bengal." Targeting the Centre, Abhishek further said, Bangla will not beg you. Money of Bengal will go to Bengal from Bengal only. We are not willing to sell our backbone to Delhi. This is our pride. We have not, and will not, surrender like the other parties. The project will be in the name of Bengal. Otherwise there is no need for money. If Mamata can give Lakshmi Bhandar money to the families of one and a half crore housewives, so will Bangla Awas Yojana. The people of Bengal are not alive at the mercy of Delhi. Mamata Banerjee is not hungry? She did not burden anyone with taxes. Development is also happening in Bengal. Give Mamata Banerjee some more time. We will build roads with our money only." Also, Abhishek taunted the defectors as 'traitors' and 'Mirzafar' from the stage. He also gave a message to the party workers to work together once again. Trinamool's All India General Secretary set the target of winning the panchayat elections and forming the government in Delhi as a bigger target. New Delhi: Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia on Thursday (July 21) alleged that LG V K Saxena advised Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal against visiting Singapore to attend the World Cities Summit next month. Sisodia said the Arvind Kejriwal-led government will now directly approach the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to seek political clearance for the visit. "The LG has advised Kejriwal to not attend the conference since it is a conference of mayors. The chief ministers of other states have attended this conference in the past. Even the prime minister goes for state-related issues. This is mean politics at work. We will now approach the Ministry of External Affairs directly for political clearance and hope that they will accept our request," the Delhi Deputy CM was quoted as saying by PTI. Dismissing Kejriwals request, the Delhi LG reportedly said that a chief minister attending such a conference would set a bad precedent. As per PTI sources, Saxena recommended the Delhi CM not attend the World Cities Summit in Singapore next month citing that it is a conference of mayors and won't befit a chief minister to attend it. On Sunday, Kejriwal had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the pending clearance for his foreign visit. "I am not a criminal, I am a chief minister and a free citizen of the country. There was no legal basis to stop me from visiting Singapore, so there appears to be a political reason behind this," Kejriwal said a day later. In June, the Delhi CM was invited by High Commissioner of Singapore Simon Wong to the World Cities Summit to be held in the first week of August. Delhi BJP leaders had hit out at Kejriwal asking why he was so "desperate" to visit Singapore to participate in a mayors' summit. "Why is Delhi Chief Minister who does not have charge of any department in the government so desperate to go to Singapore?" MP and BJP leader Manoj Tiwari had asked on Twitter. (With agency inputs) New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (July 21) held a meeting with top ministers to discuss the government's strategy in Parliament. Union ministers Rajnath Singh, Anurag Thakur and Kiren Rijiju are amongst those present in the meeting. This development comes as Opposition parties continued to force adjournment in the two Houses of Parliament on Wednesday over their demands related to price rise and imposition of GST by the government on some items of daily use. On the other hand, floor leaders of all Opposition parties in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha met at the office of Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge in Parliament on Thursday. Apart from the Congress, Opposition party`s leaders of Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), Communist Party of India (Marxist), Communist Party of India, Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC), Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS), Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK), Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), Shiv Sena and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) were present in the meeting. Lok Sabha saw two adjournments before it was adjourned for the day on the third day of the monsoon session of Parliament. The Rajya Sabha was also adjourned for the day after lunch following an earlier adjournment. Also read: 'Rahul Gandhi should not DARE...', Smriti Irani gives BIG WARNING amid Parliament's monsoon session Opposition parties also held a protest near Mahatma Gandhi's statue in Parliament to press their demands. During the protest near Mahatma Gandhi's statue, opposition leaders accused the government of disrupting the common man`s budget due to revised GST rates on several items of daily use. Leaders of opposition parties including the Congress, NCP, DMK and Left raised slogans against the government demanding a rollback of the hike in GST rates on commodities like curd, bread and paneer. Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury were among those present.In the Lok Sabha, the opposition parties staged protests during the question hour. The Monsoon Session of Parliament commenced on July 18 and will continue till August 12. There will be 18 sittings during the Session. (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Zee News staff and is published from a syndicated feed.) New Delhi: American Space Agency NASA has taken the internet by storm after it shared a rainbow-coloured image of Pluto on its official Instagram account. NASA keeps on sharing amazing photographs of celestial bodies on its social media platforms. The space agency on Wednesday (July 20, 2022) posted an incredible image of Pluto, which is present at the outermost edge of our solar system, that has set the internet on fire. "Where does the rainbow end? Pluto isn't really a psychedelic riot of colors - this translated color image was created by New Horizons scientists to highlight the many subtle color differences between the planet's distinct regions," NASA said in the post. "Pluto has a complex, varied surface with jumbled mountains reminiscent of Europa, networks of carved-out valleys, old, heavily cratered terrain sitting right next to new, smooth icy plains, and even what might be wind-blown dunes," it added. Meanwhile, the post, till now, has received over 9.20 lakh likes and thousands of comments on Instagram. The photo was captured by spacecraft New Horizons, which was launched on January 19, 2006. New Horizons conducted a six-month-long flyby study of Pluto and its moons in summer 2015 and continues to explore the distant solar system. New Delhi: The Kerala Police has arrested two more people, including an NTA observer and a Vice-Principal of the Institute, in connection with an alleged incident of women NEET aspirants being asked to remove their innerwear before the July 17 exam, news agency ANI reported on Thursday (July 21, 2022). Arrested individuals are Priji Kurian Issac, Vice-Principal, Mar Thoma Institute of IT and Center Superintendent of NEET examination, and NTA observer Dr Shamnad, ANI said citing Kollam Police. The arrests came a day after the National Testing Agency (NTA) formed a three-member committee to look into the alleged incident. The panel includes senior NTA director Sadhna Parashar, principal of Saraswathi Vidyalaya in Kerala's Arappura Shylaja and Suchitra Shyjinth from Pragati Academy in Kerala and will submit its report in four weeks. "The panel will visit the spot and verify the facts of the matter after talking to all people concerned," a senior NTA official said. "It will see whether the security and frisking protocols of NTA as detailed in Chapter 9: Barred Items and Dress Code of the information bulletin, as well as guidelines for city coordinators, centre superintendents, observers and invigilators were followed," the official added. A three-member fact-finding committee has been constituted by National Testing Agency (NTA) after reports of a NEET (UG)-2022 candidate being subjected to harassment/inhuman treatment at a center in Kollam, Kerala on July 17 pic.twitter.com/IokUGsR1Ne ANI (@ANI) July 20, 2022 Earlier, five women, who were on NEET exam duty, were arrested in Kerala on Tuesday for allegedly forcing girl students to remove their innerwear for appearing in the test. While three of them work for an agency hired by the NTA, two work for the private educational institute at Ayur where the incident took place. Regarding the issue, V Muraleedharan, MOS, Ministry of External Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs and other public representatives from Kerala also met Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Thank Hon Minister @EduMinOfIndia Shri @dpradhanbjp Ji for taking cognisance of an incident at the #NEETExam centre in Kollam, Kerala & instructing NTA to ascertain facts.https://t.co/UspI5N6Kel pic.twitter.com/KE9JuJiRqM V Muraleedharan / (@VMBJP) July 19, 2022 Called on the Hon'ble Minister earlier today & requested an enquiry into the incident. The decision to form a task force to enquire into the matter is reassuring to the students & parents. Grateful to Hon Minister & @EduMinOfIndia for the timely intervention V Muraleedharan / (@VMBJP) July 19, 2022 NEET UG 2022 frisking row: 'Naked assault on dignity of girl students', Kerala Minister writes to Dharmendra Pradhan Kerala Higher Education Minister R Bindu, in a letter to Dharmendra Pradhan, expressed "dismay and shock" at the news of the "naked assault on the dignity and honour of the girl students." Bindu sought action to prevent future occurrences of a similar nature and sought the Union minister's intervention in the matter. Kerala Edu. Minister Dr R Bindu has written a letter to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, taking strong exception to how girls students were forced to remove their bra before entering a NEET-UG exam centre near Kollam in Kerala. @rbinducpm #NEETUG2022 #NEET #NEETUG22 pic.twitter.com/cAqdYmUlNd Voice of NEET UG Aspirants (@Voice_NEETUG) July 19, 2022 A senior NTA official, however, said, "No complaint or representation has been received by us. On basis of claims in media reports, an immediate report was sought from the centre superintendent and observer. They have informed that no such incident took place and the complaint is fictitious and has been filed with wrong intentions." The NEET dress code does not permit any such activity as alleged by the parent of the candidate. The code provides for ensuring sanctity and fairness of exam while observing sensitivity towards gender, culture and religion during frisking of candidates, the NTA official added. NEET UG 2022 sees 95% attendance with record 18.72 lakh applicants About 95 per cent attendance was on Sunday recorded in the medical entrance exam NEET, which had received the highest number of applications ever, according to National Testing Agency (NTA) officials. Breaching the 18-lakh mark, a total of 18,72,329 candidates had registered for the largest entrance exam in the county of which 10.64 lakh were female. "About 95 per cent attendance was recorded today," a senior NTA official said. This was the first time that the number of registrations for the NEET medical entrance exam surpassed 18 lakh, a considerable increase of over 2.5 lakh from 2021. Last year, the NEET-undergraduate exam was held on September 12, with over 95 per cent of the registered candidates appearing for it. Over 15.44 lakh candidates appeared for the exam, which was conducted at 3,858 centres. Of these, at least 8.70 lakh students had qualified. (With agency inputs) British teenage pilot Mack Rutherford takes a photo on the Dragon Bridge in Da Nang on July 19. Photo courtesy of the British Embassy in Hanoi Mack Rutherford, the world's youngest licensed pilot, who is trying to break THE round-the-world solo flight record, landed in Da Nang City Tuesday. The 16-year-old British-Belgian is trying to become the youngest person to fly solo across the globe, the British embassy in Hanoi said on its Facebook page. A photo released by the embassy shows him standing on the Dragon Bridge, a tourism symbol of Da Nang, with a smile and two thumbs up. On his official website, his team said he enjoyed favorable weather and "beautiful scenery" on the journey from Thailand to Vietnam. He also enjoyed some local foods in Da Nang. On March 23 he took off from Bulgaria to begin his journey around the world in an ultralight plane at speeds of 299 kilometers per hour. He has so far flown to Africa, Europe and Asia, and made brief stops in India's Kolkata and Thailand's Chiangmai. He left Da Nang for the Philippines on Wednesday. He will fly to North America next and return to Europe to finish his journey. The teenager was born into a family of aviators. His father is a professional ferry pilot while his mother and sister are private pilots. According to Guinness World Records, the current record is held by British teenager Travis Ludlow who completed a solo flight at the age of 18 last year. New Delhi: Aam Aadmi Party MP Sanjay Singh on Thursday accused the Modi government of increasingly misusing the Enforcement Directorate against opposition leaders and said this is a "major threat" to democracy. He made the remarks in a notice he raised in Rajya Sabha during Zero Hour. The development came on a day when Congress president Sonia Gandhi appeared before the Enforcement Directorate here for questioning in a money laundering case related to the National Herald newspaper. Earlier, the ED had arrested Delhi minister Satyendar Jain in a money laundering case. "Cases are being registered arbitrarily by the central agency (ED) against Health Minister Satyendar Jain and leaders of the Opposition... In the last 14 years, the Enforcement Directorate has registered more than 16,000 cases but could prove the charges against only 15 people," Singh stated in his notice. The "increasing political misuse" of the central agencies is "a major threat" to democracy, he said. "The increasing misuse of the central probe agency Enforcement Directorate and the one-sided crackdown on opposition leaders raises a question mark on the functioning of the agency," he added. Jain, 57, was arrested by the ED on May 30 under the criminal sections of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). He remains in judicial custody. Coimbatore: It was a momentous day for 41 tribals near Coimbatores Isha Yoga Center as they went for their first-ever plane ride from Coimbatore to Chennai on July 20. Supported by Isha Outreach, the tribals from the villages of Madakadu, Mullankadu, Pattiyar Koil Pathiand Dhanikandi, became the first generation to fly in a plane. Its the big day! A dream come true! Set, packed and ready to go! 41 tribal entrepreneurs, with the support of #IshaOutreach, on the way to the airport for their first ever flight to Chennai. Congrats to these first generation fliers! #KovaiTribalsFirstFlight #TribalsFlyHigh pic.twitter.com/u6zS5NdQBt Isha Outreach (@Outreach_Isha) July 20, 2022 As Vellachiamma, a tribal from Madakkad village, who sells coconuts near Adiyogi, deboarded her Indigo flight from Coimbatore to Chennai, her excitement knew no bounds. Weve only seen aeroplanes in TV and movies. So to now to fly in one is an amazing experience for me! My wife has always wanted to fly, and we were saving up for a flight to Tirupati, says Murthy, another tribal from Madakkad village. But a Swami from Isha Outreach told us they were coordinating a group flight to Chennai. I was chasing up on a daily basis, he adds with a grin. Im happy that my wifes dream has come true. Interestingly, all these tribals are forest-dwellers-turned-entrepreneurs. Their lives transformed by when the Adiyogi was unveiled in 2017. With the influx of tourists, the need for shopping, food and beverage was quickly established, and the tribals rose to the occasion. With the backing and support from Isha Outreach, and the diligent hand-holding by Isha monks and volunteers, they were soon adept in all aspects of running stalls, shops, supplies and logistics. The initial burst of visitors to Adiyogi brought the tribal entrepreneurs economic self-sufficiency. Indigo airlines, mindful of this historic first flight, rolled out the red carpet for this group. The tribals were greeted with a large banner at the Coimbatore Airport, congratulating them on their first flight. On boarding 6E-238 - the flight taking them to Chennai - a special treat of snacks and beverages was served to the first-time fliers, with the Pilot introducing the group over the speaker, and thanking them for choosing Indigo airlines. Today we had the privilege to fly 41 tribal entrepreneurs from Coimbatore to Chennai and are proud to have partnered with @ishafoundation to fulfil such meaningful community revitalisation efforts together.#LetsIndiGo #Aviation #Proud pic.twitter.com/tc76FZpj47 July 20, 2022 This is only the beginning, says Surya Kumar of Dhanikandi village, one of the tribals. Adiyogi will attract more and more tourists with every passing year. Next year, there will be 100 villagers who will get onto an aeroplane. Its on everybodys wishlist. Presidential Poll 2022 Result: Draupadi Murmu or Yashwant Sinha? India on Thursday (July 21, 2022) will know who will become the country's 15th President, as the counting of votes for the presidential poll begins in New Delhi. The ballot boxes from all states had reached the Parliament House on Tuesday and the poll officials will begin counting at 11 am in room number 63, the strongroom of Parliament where the boxes are guarded behind round-the-clock security. Rajya Sabha Secretary General PC Mody, the Chief Returning Officer for the election, will oversee the counting and the result is expected to be declared by the evening. Votes, however, are clearly stacked in favour of Draupadi Murmu, the ruling NDA's candidate, who, if elected, will succeed incumbent Ram Nath Kovind to become the first tribal woman to occupy the top constitutional post in the country. The new president will take oath on July 25 as Kovind's tenure is scheduled to end on July 24. All ballot boxes from state assemblies had reached the Parliament's strongroom on Tuesday and have been locked there since. The ballot boxes had been flown into Delhi as 'Mr Ballot Box' from across the states. Polling for the presidential election was held on Monday between 10 am to 5 pm across 31 locations including the Parliament House and 30 centres within state legislative assemblies. Sealed Ballot box accompanied by ARO from Jaipur, Rajasthan reached Delhi today after conclusion of polling for #PresidentialElection2022 pic.twitter.com/ud9y7QQuFh Election Commission of India #SVEEP (@ECISVEEP) July 18, 2022 MPs of both, Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, except nominated MPs, and all MLAs in the legislative assembly in all states act as electors in the presidential poll. A total of 4,809 electors, comprising 776 MPs and 4,033 elected MLAs, are entitled to vote in the election, but nominated MPs and MLAs, and Members of the Legislative Council are not. According to the Election Commission, over 99 per cent of the total electors had cast their ballot in these polls. Presidential election results will be out today. NDA candidate Draupadi Murmu will win or opposition's Yashwant Sinha, it will be decided today. However, the one word you will hear again and again today is the Electoral College. How important this word is, it can be understood from the fact that today the results of the presidential election will also be decided through this electoral college. Let us understand, what is this Electoral College and how is the value of the vote of an MP or MLA determined? After all, what is the method to find out which candidate has won during the counting of votes. President of India Election: Electoral College The members of Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha and MLAs of all states cast their votes in the election of the President. The importance of each of these votes is different. Even the value of vote of an MLA of different state is different. The value of an MP's vote is 700. At the same time, the value of the vote of MLAs depends on the population of that state and the number of seats. Electoral College is the sum total of the value of votes of MPs and MLAs. In both the candidates, the one who gets 51 percent of the votes of this Electoral College will be the winner. Also Read: President of India Election: Know HERE about the winners with 'Highest' and 'Least' number of Votes Presidential Election 2022: Number of voters this time The members of Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies cast their votes in the Presidential elections. Of the 245-member Rajya Sabha, 233 MPs were allowed to vote (nominated MPs could not vote). With this, 543 members of the Lok Sabha were allowed to vote. Apart from this, a total of more than 4 thousand MLAs of all the states had the right to vote. In this way, the total number of voters in the presidential election was 4 thousand 796. However, the value of their votes varied. President of India Election: Vote Value of State Legislators The maximum vote value of an MLA from the country's most populous state, Uttar Pradesh, was 208. At the same time, after this, the value of the vote of one MLA from Jharkhand and Tamil Nadu was 176 and that of one MLA from Maharashtra was 175. The value of the vote of an MLA from Bihar was 173. The least value was that of the Sikkim MLAs. The value of vote of an MLA here was 7. After this the number comes from the MLAs of Arunachal and Mizoram. The value of vote of an MLA here was 8. President of India Election: Vote Value of MPs The cost of one vote of Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha members was 700. The number of members in both the houses is 776. In this sense, the value of all the votes of MPs is 5,43,200. Now if we look at the total value of the votes of the members of the assembly and the MPs, then it becomes 10 lakh 86 thousand 431. Meaning that in the presidential election, maximum votes of such value could be cast. President of India Election: Why Cost of A Vote Vary The population of each state and union territory is different. In this election, the value of each vote is decided according to the population of the state and the total number of assembly seats there. This is done so that every vote truly represents the people. This value of votes is not decided on the basis of population of the current or last census. For this the population of 1971 has been made the basis. The basis of the census in the presidential election will change after the census to be held after 2,026. That is, after the publication of the census data of 2031, the value of the vote of MPs and MLAs will be decided on the basis of the census of 2031 instead of 1971. President of India Election: Easy Mathematics The way of determining the value of both MP and MLA is different. The value of an MLA's vote is determined by a simple formula. First of all, take the population of that state according to the 1971 census. After this, multiply the number of MLAs of that state by thousand. The number obtained when multiplied is divided by the total population. The result that comes is the value of the vote of an MLA of that state. It can be understood with an example. Like in 1971 the total population of Uttar Pradesh was 8,38,49,905. There are total 403 assembly seats in the state. Multiplying total seats by 1000 we get 403000. Now we divide 8,38,49,905 by 403000 then we get 208.06 answer. Votes cannot be in decimal, thus the value of vote of an MLA of Uttar Pradesh is 208. Now let's talk about the value of votes of MPs. The vote value of all the MLAs is added to arrive at the value of the vote of the MPs. The number that comes when added is divided by the total number of MPs of Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha. That is the value of the vote of an MP. For example, the total value of votes of 403 MLAs of Uttar Pradesh is 208*403 i.e. 83,824. Similarly, the sum of the vote value of all the MLAs across the country is 543,231. The total of 233 MPs of Rajya Sabha and 543 of Lok Sabha is 776. Now dividing 5,43,231 by 776 gives us 700.03. Thus the value of a vote of an MP is 700. The total vote of MLAs and MPs together is called the 'Electoral College'. This number is 10,86,431. The candidate who receives more than half of this number i.e. 5,43,216 votes will be declared the winner of the presidential election. New Delhi: Opposition candidate Yashwant Sinha on Thursday congratulated Draupadi Murmu on her win in the presidential polls and said every Indian hope that as the 15th President she functions as the "custodian of the Constitution" without fear or favour. NDA's presidential candidate Murmu crossed the 50 per cent mark after the third round of counting to emerge victorious in the poll over her rival Sinha. In a statement, Yashwant Sinha thanked the leaders of the Opposition parties for choosing him as their consensus candidate in this election. "I also thank all members of the Electoral College who voted for me. I accepted the offer of Opposition parties solely guided by the philosophy of Karma Yoga preached by Lord Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita -- 'Do your duty without expectation of the fruits thereof'," Sinha said. "I have performed my duty conscientiously out of my love for my country. The issues I had raised during my campaign remain pertinent," he said. Sinha also said that till his last breath, he shall continue to serve the cause he believes in -- the very cause that guided him to contest the election for the highest office of the Republic. PUTHAT 2022: The Panjab University Tourism & Hospitality Aptitude Test (PUTHAT) 2022 answer key was released on July 20, by Panjab University (PU) Chandigarh. On the official website, exams.puchd.ac.in, candidates who took the entrance exam can review and download the PUTHAT 2022 tentative answer key. The question booklet for the PUTHAT 2022 has also been made available by Panjab University with the provisional answer key. On July 15, the university administered the pen-and-paper version of the PUTHAT 2022 entrance test. The official announcement from the Panjab University stated, "This is for the information of the candidates in particular and the public in general that the Answer-key along with Question Booklet of PUTHAT Entrance Test-2022 conducted by Panjab University on the 15th July 2022 is available on the official website. By July 22, 2022, 10 am, candidates may submit complaints to the PUTHAT 2022 answer key. Candidates must email their complaints to arcet@pu.ac.in in the format required and include any necessary supporting documentation. The expert committee will not consider any grievances submitted after the specified time. ALSO READ: PUTHAT 2022: Heres how to download Answer Key Visit the official website of the Panjab University -- exams.puchd.ac.in Go to the 'Notice Board' section and click on the answer key link The PUTHAT answer key will be displayed Check and verify your answers from the answer key Download the PUTHAT answer key 2022 for future use. The Tourism & Hospitality Aptitude Test is administered annually by Punjab University to candidates seeking admission to undergraduate programmes in hospitality and hotel administration, hotel management and catering technology, and tourism and travel management. New Delhi: Punjab leaders and farmer units continue to slam the Centre for the panel set up to discuss the Minimum Support Price (MSP) as assured to the protesting farmers while repealing the three controversial farm laws. The latest reaction came from Shiromani Akali Dals Harsimrat Kaur Badal who called the committee a fraud against the people of Punjab. This committee is a sheer fraud to the people of Punjab. In this committee, there is neither government of Punjab nor any representative from Punjab agricultural university. We demand that this committee should be reconstituted, ANI quoted Kaur as saying. This committee is a sheer fraud with the people of Punjab. In this committee, there is neither govt of Punjab nor any representative from Punjab agricultural university. We demand that this committee should be reconstituted: SAD leader Harsimrat Kaur on Govt formed MSP committee pic.twitter.com/EKt2ExFpeA ANI (@ANI) July 21, 2022 The government on Monday formed a committee on minimum support price (MSP), eight months after it promised to set up such a panel while withdrawing the three contentious farm laws. It was one of the conditions by the protesting farmers to call off their year-long demonstrations. Former agriculture secretary Sanjay Agrawal will be the chairman of the committee with 26 members including farmer representatives. Following the outrage, the Centre has made a provision to include three members from the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), an umbrella body of farmer unions, in the panel. However, the SKM said they will not join the panel. Bhagwant Mann reacts to MSP panel Earlier, Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann, who is in hospital in Delhi, slammed the Centre for not giving Punjab a representation in the committee formed on MSP, saying the panel without any farmers from the state will be like a "body without a soul". In a statement, the chief minister said farmers of Punjab have been ignored because the BJP-led NDA government does not want to give a platform for them to air their views and termed it a discriminatory move. Punjab's stiff opposition to the draconian farm (now-repealed) laws has unnerved the Modi government, he said. This dictatorial attitude is unacceptable and unwarranted as, without Punjabi farmers, the committee hardly has any relevance," Mann said, adding that without the state's representation the committee will be like a body without a soul. (With inputs from agencies) KOLKATA: In a big setback to the so-called Opposition unity, Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee on Thursday said that his party will abstain from voting in the vice-presidential election. The announcement implies that the TMC will also not support the Opposition's candidate Margaret Alva for the August 6 Vice Presidential election 2022. The senior Trinamool Congress leader announced that his party has decided to abstain from the upcoming Vice-Presidential election as it does not agree with the way the Opposition candidate was chosen without keeping his party in the loop. It may be recalled that the BJP-led NDA has nominated former West Bengal governor Jagdeep Dhankhar as its candidate for the election. Opposition parties on Sunday decided to field former Rajasthan governor Margaret Alva as their joint candidate for the poll. Abhishek, however, also made it clear that TMC will also not support the NDAs vice-presidential pick. There is no question of supporting the NDA vice presidential candidate during the election. TMC objects to the way the Opposition nominee was decided without keeping the party in the loop, Abhishek Banerjee said. "After today's meeting with party lawmakers, it has been decided that we will abstain from the vice-presidential election," Banerjee, the Trinamool Congress national general secretary, said. "We disagree with the process of announcing the Opposition candidate without keeping TMC in the loop. We were neither consulted nor was anything discussed with us. So, we can't support the Opposition nominee," he added further. Both BJP and the Opposition have earlier urged TMC to extend support to their respective candidates. While Bengal BJP chief Sukanta Majumdar appealed to the TMC to support the NDA vice-presidential candidate, NCP chief Sharad Pawar said that the Opposition parties have reached out to TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee and Delhi Chief Minister and AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal seeking support for Margaret Alva. New Delhi: In the midst of widespread demonstrations by bank depositors, the Chinese government, on Wednesday, sent tanks rumbling through the streets to intimidate Henan bank protesters a move that has sent shockwaves across the world. In a video now viral on social media platforms, several Chinese Communist Partys tanks can be seen protecting the crisis-hit lender. Local media claimed that there have been reports that tanks from the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) are on the streets defending Banks (Rizhao, Shandong Province). (ALSO READ: Sensex, Nifty spurt over 1 % as windfall tax cut, FII inflows lift mood) The incident is reportedly related to the recent notification by the Bank of China's Henan branch, which said that customer funds are "investment items" and cannot be withdrawn. (ALSO READ: Gold price today: Massive fall in gold prices, good time to invest? Check rates in your city) Army tanks hitting city roads serves as a sombre reminder of the terrible Tiananmen Square massacre that occurred on June 4, 1989, when the Chinese government dispatched tanks and highly armed troops to clear Beijing's Tiananmen Square, where student demonstrators had congregated for weeks to call for democracy and greater freedoms. Meanwhile, despite assurances that depositors in China's Henan villages would receive their frozen funds returned in instalments, the first of which was due on July 15, just a small number of depositors have received the reimbursements, raising severe doubts about the banks' reserve funds. On July 10, more than a thousand depositors gathered in front of the People's Bank of China branch in Zhengzhou to organise their biggest demonstration yet. Some bank depositors in Henan villages and towns were expected to receive their money back on July 15 in accordance with a notice from the Henan Provincial Financial Supervision Bureau. Non-mainstream media, however, points out that only a tiny fraction of depositors have really paid these payments. Additionally, there has been no mention of the reimbursement in Chinese state media. Thane: Siv Sena leader and former Maharashtra minister Aaditya Thackeray on Thursday said that he is setting out to build the party organisation afresh and added that the current Eknath Shinde government would collapse soon as it was formed "illegally". He was speaking at the launch of his three-day 'Shiv Samvad Yatra' in Bhiwandi town in the Thane district, where he received a rousing welcome from his supporters. 'Shiv Samvad' - the journey of reaching out to every Shivsainik begins... pic.twitter.com/0gvyF2CvJU Aaditya Thackeray (@AUThackeray) July 21, 2022 The Uddhav Thackeray-led Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government comprising Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress collapsed last month after Shinde raised a banner of revolt against the Sena leadership with majority of party MLAs. A day after Thackeray resigned as the chief minister on June 29, Shinde took oath of the top post with BJP's Devendra Fadnavis as his deputy. Speaking at the rally, Aaditya said, "I am embarking on this yatra and come to Bhiwandi to get the blessings of people. I have set out to build the Shiv Sena and Maharashtra afresh." "The MVA government had carried out development works in the state. But in the present dispensation, there only two members in the cabinet (Shinde and Fadnavis). The state is facing floods, but amid this situation, they (rebels) are trying to threaten us. But we will not pay heed to such tactics. I am sure this government will collapse. It was formed illegally," the Yuva Sena chief said. He challenged the rebel MLAs to resign and face the elections again. "Shinde rebelled when my father (Uddhav Thackeray) was unwell. They (Sena rebels) were given an opportunity in the state cabinet, but they betrayed us and deserted us. Those who left us are not Shiv Sainiks. They are traitors...See what is the condition of the rebel MLAs, who have to be brought into buses for voting as they are kept in hiding," he said. "Our only mistake was that we could not play politics and hence we had to face this situation. We did not trouble those who were against us," Thackeray added. He, however, said if at all the party rebels want to return, the doors of 'Matoshree' (the personal residence of Thackerays) are always open for them. Political drama and circus is going on in the state and good people have no place in politics. We are good people and will do good politics, he said. Their (rebels') only issue was that Uddhav Thackeray and Aaditya were in the state Legislature. They could not digest the fact, the Worli MLA said. After Bhiwandi, Thackeray is scheduled to visit Shahapur and Igatpuri, Dindori and Nashik as part of his 'Shiv Samvad Yatra'. Speaking at the recent United Nations Security Council briefing on nonproliferation and Iran, Deputy U.S. Representative to the United Nations Richard Mills expressed concern regarding Irans nuclear and ballistic missile activities. The first concern is Tehrans lack of cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agencys critical verification and monitoring responsibilities involving Irans nuclear safeguards. In June, the IAEA Board of Governors adopted a resolution expressing profound concern that safeguards issues remain outstanding due to insufficient substantive cooperation by Iran. Iran must provide the required cooperation necessary to resolve the IAEAs concerns without further delay, he said. Ambassador Mills also called on UN member States to fully implement Annex B of UN Security Council Resolution 2231. He noted that restrictions remain in place on transfers to and from Iran of certain ballistic missile and nuclear-related items, and individuals and entities on the 2231 list remain subject to an asset freeze. The recent bi-annual report by the UN Secretary- General on the implementation of Resolution 2231 found that ballistic missiles launched at Saudi Arabia and the UAE, or the missiles component parts, were of Iranian origin. So were the unmanned aerial vehicles, which were also used in attacks against the two countries. The United States strongly condemns these attacks, said Ambassador Mills. Irans continued proliferation of weapons to its proxies and partners in the region must stop. So, he stated, must Irans continued activity related to ballistic missiles designed to be capable of delivering nuclear weapons, including Irans development of space launch vehicles with virtually identical technology. Launches using such technology, he noted, are the exact type of activity the Security Council clearly called upon Iran not to undertake. The Security Council must be clear and united in condemning this activity, Ambassador Mills emphasized. When Iran defies the Security Council repeatedly without consequence - it undermines the fundamental credibility of this Council. Regarding the possibility of a mutual return by Iran and the United States to full implementation of the JCPOA, Ambassador Mills said the United States remains ready to do so and is confident such a return would significantly advance international security. The ball, he declared, is in Irans court, and the choice to move back towards full implementation of the JCPOA rests with Iran. NEW DELHI: Bollywood talented actress and former Miss Universe Sushmita Sen has been making waves for her relationship with former IPL chairman Lalit Modi. While she hasn't confirmed dating him yet, she has said in a previous Instagram post that she is in a 'happy space' and 'unconditionally surrounded by love'. The actress took to social media and dropped a fresh new selfie of herself and a 'gentle reminder' for fans and those who have rallied behind her in the past few days. The 46-year-old is seen wearing a blue outfit and black sunglasses and a big beautiful smile. She captioned the photo, "#gentlehappyreminder I love you guys!!! #duggadugga #yourstruly." While fans rushed to the comments section to respond to the actor's post, Sushmita's daughter Renee Sen left the sweetest comment. She wrote, "I love you mostestestest end of discussion." A fan wrote in the comments, "There is so much more to a woman than who she dates. She has been Miss Universe - she gave life to two beautiful souls! Have a kind heart guys." On July 15, Lalit Modi dropped a series of mushy photos of him and Sushmita from their Maldives vacation and announced that they are dating. His caption read, "Just back in London after a whirling global tour #maldives # sardinia with the families - not to mention my #betterhalf @sushmitasen47 - a new beginning a new life finally. Over the moon. Just for clarity. Not married - just dating each other. That too will happen one day." Sushmita, 46, has not yet confirmed her relationship with Lalit Modi. She had announced her split from model-actor Rohman Shawl in December last year with an Instagram post. Lalit was married to Minal Modi for 27 years, who passed away in 2018 after battling cancer. Live TV NEW DELHI: Actress Alia Bhatt, who is expecting her first child with husband Ranbir Kapoor after ther intimate wedding in April this year, has not been able to keep herself away from work. The 29-year-old has been shooting and also promoting her films back-to-back. She recently wrapped up the the shoot for her first Hollywood release 'Heart of Stone' alongside Gal Gadot and Jamie Dornan. She has also been shooting with Ranveer Singh for 'Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani'. And now, she is all geared up for the release of her film 'Darlings', with which she is making her debut as a producer. The actress has kickstarted promotions for the film and recent pictures from the same went viral on social media. The photos show Alia donning a mini dress and we get a glimpse of her baby bump in it. Take a look: Talking about 'Darlings', the film will be out on Netflix on August 5, 2022. Helmed by Jasmeet K Reen, 'Darlings' is touted as a 'dark comedy-drama which explores the lives of a mother-daughter duo trying to find their place in Mumbai, seeking courage and love in exceptional circumstances while fighting against all odds.' The film has been produced by Gauri Khan, Alia Bhatt and Gaurav Verma. Excited about the film's digital release, Alia earlier said, "Darlings holds a very special place in my heart, it's my first film as a producer that too with Red Chillies. We are very proud and happy how the film has shaped up and we hope it will entertain and engage audiences the world over." Live TV New Delhi: Since the last date (i.e. 31st July) to file your ITR is approaching, being a responsible citizen of India, one should file an income tax return. ITRs are filed annually by taxpayers who make a taxable income within a pre-determined due date. Individuals can visit the official website of the Income Tax Department at www.incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in to file their ITRs. As ITR filing is underway, let's see what advantages taxpayers get in return for filing it on time: 1) Identity Proof: The income tax return can serve as identity proof in various forms such as while applying for any bank account, an Aadhaar card, or any other document. It is also accepted as address proof for multiple purposes like getting admission to colleges and getting benefits from various governmental schemes. (Also Read: Dont like your photo in Aadhaar card? Heres how to change it) 2) Income Proof: As we know that we file ITR based on our annual income. It includes every detail of our source of income, so it can serve as proof for doing transactions while purchasing a property. 3) Makes Loan Approval Easy: While applying for a loan, banks generally ask for income proof and ITR documents of a few years so that they can assess your past and present financial status to make sure whether you would be capable of repaying it or not. 4) For getting a Visa: ITR filing makes getting your visa easy as the Embassy takes note of the individual's financial status while assessing the application. If you file your ITR on time and have a good past history of doing it on time, it would be useful to get your visa easily. 5) Proceed with losses: In order to lower tax liabilities of future income, the income tax rule allows the taxpayers to forward the losses to the next financial year. So, business can carry forward the losses to be paid on the future income. Hence, Filing ITRs on time help set off losses. (Also Read: Want to download e-PAN Card? Check step-by-step guide) New Delhi: A Bengaluru woman has won a legal battle against the State bank of India (SBI), which has been directed by a consumer court to waive off a Rs 54.09 lakh loan, according to a media report. The public sector lender has also been told to pay compensation worth Rs 1 lakh and another Rs 20,000 in litigation expenses to the complainant, T Dharani by the Bangalore Urban Second Additional District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission. The consumer court noted Dharani, 36, suffered financially and mentally due to bank's negligence. It amounts to deficiency of service and unfair trade practice by SBI, Whitefield Branch, the Commission was quoted as saying in a report by The New Indian Express. (ALSO READ: Gold price today: Massive fall in gold prices, good time to invest? Check rates in your city) Dharani approached the consumer court after her husband Roopesh Reddy passed away on May 20, 2021. She claimed that she was unable to pay for her minor children, parents, household, and the loan. (ALSO READ: Shocking! Tanks surround crisis-hit banks in China to scare protestors: Watch) She told the court that she completely relies on the insurance coverage that was initially opted for by the couple while checking the box in the application form of the SBI Life Insurance Company. However, SBI argued that they did not provide formal authorisation, and thats why the insurance company was unable to pay the sum. The bank argued that because no premium was paid to SBI Life Insurance as required under the sanction, the borrowers' lives were not insured. The bank wouldn't cancel the loan despite her requests, she reportedly added in her complaint. The court rejected the banks argument that the necessary requirements were not completed for house loan insurance coverage under "SBI Life-RiNn Raksha" even though the insurers were paying a premium with interest via EMI. A recent report that was tabled in Lok Sabha confirms that around 743 km long metro rail line is operational in the country in a total of 19 cities. The 17th Lok Sabha report also confirmed that over 1,000 km of metro rail line is under construction in 27 cities, which also includes the 82 km-long Delhi-Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) corridor. The RRTS project includes a rail length of 291 km stretching between Delhi-Panipat and Delhi-Alwar. Talking of the first-ever metro rail stretch, it was commissioned in 1984 in Kolkata. The 3.4 km long route comprised five stations between Esplanade and Bhowanipur stations. "Metro project proposals of several cities, such as Delhi Phase-IV (balance three corridors), Kochi Phase-II, Chennai Metro Phase II, Bangalore Metro Phase-2A and 2B, Nashik, Nagpur Metro Phase-II, Thane, Pune Metro Extension, Jammu, Srinagar, Kochi Phase IA, Noida Metro Aqualine extension, etc, are under consideration," it added. Many more cities like Varanasi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, Guwahati, and Chandigarh are aspiring to have metro rail system, the panel report said. Also read - Beware rail passengers! IRCTC warns of ticket refund fraud, asks not to share THIS information On Delhi Metro's ridership, the report said, "Actual Average Daily Ridership (AADR) of Delhi Metro was 26.14, 28.00, 25.86, 25.93 and 50.65 lakh in 2015-16, 2016-17, 2017-18, 2018-19 and 2019-20, respectively, against Average Daily Ridership required for break-even of 16.07, 18.59, 16.26, 17.03 and 38.24 lakh, respectively, in the same years." Despite a lapse of more than four years, six of the 12 states where metro rail networks are either operational or under construction were yet to constitute Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (UMTA) as a statutory body, according to the report. These six states are Delhi, Karnataka, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra (in Mumbai only) and Rajasthan, it said. For Delhi Metro, the report said that "the process of setting up of UMTA has been initiated in September, 2021. The proposal is under consideration of GNCTD (Delhi government) for taking necessary action". With inputs from PTI New Delhi: Tesla has sold 75 percent of its Bitcoins, adding $936 million in cash to its balance sheet in the second quarter (Q2) this year, as it deals with the economic meltdown amid cryptocurrencies falling off the cliff. Last year, Tesla made a $1.5 billion investment in Bitcoin and announced that it would accept Bitcoin as payment. In the second-quarter (Q2) earnings call with analysts, Tesla Ceo Elon Musk said that the reason the company sold a bunch of its Bitcoin holdings "was that we were uncertain as to when the COVID lockdowns in China would alleviate". "So it was important for us to maximize our cash position, given the uncertainty of the COVID lockdowns in China. We are certainly open to increasing our Bitcoin holdings in the future. So this should not be taken as some verdict on Bitcoin," he noted. (Also Read: Twitter-Musk takeover dispute heading for five-day trial in October) Musk said that the company was concerned about overall liquidity for the company given shutdowns in China. "And we have not sold any of our Dogecoin," he added. ( Also Read: Elon Musk's dad Errol Musk confirms he had secret second child with his 35-year-old stepdaughter) Zachary Kirkhorn, Chief Financial Officer at Tesla, said the company converted a majority of Bitcoin holdings to Fiat for a realized gain, "offset by impairment charges on the remainder of our holdings, netting a $106 million cost to the P&L included within restructuring and other". After less than two months of going bullish on Bitcoin, Tesla applied brakes on the popular cryptocurrency as a payment mode to buy its electric vehicles, citing environmental harm. Musk then said that the electric car maker will not sell any Bitcoin and intends to use them for transactions as soon as mining moves to more sustainable energy. 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: Google Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro features listed on ecommerce website: Details here) Check out the Garena Free Fire Redeem Codes for July 21, 2022 FF9MJ31CXKRG FFICJGW9KNYT U8S47JGJH5MG ZZATXB24QES8 FF10GCGXRNHY WLSGJXS5KFYR ZRJAPH294KV5 FFCO8BS5JW2D FFIC33NTEUKA VNY3MQWNKEGU FFAC2YXE6RF2 FF1164XNJZ2V WOJJAFV3TU5E Y6ACLK7KUD1N FF11HHGCGK3B (Also read: Shocking! Ex-Amazon Web Services engineer hacked data of 10 crore customers) How to Redeem Garena Free Fire codes for today, July 21 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: Ranil Wickremesinghe took oath as the President of Sri Lanka at the parliament complex on Thursday (July 21, 2022) after his victory in a parliament vote to choose a new president for the South Asian country. Wickremesinghe was sworn-in as Sri Lanka's eighth president today morning and will appoint a new prime minister within the course of the day. #WATCH Ranil Wickremesinghe takes oath as the President of Sri Lanka pic.twitter.com/xo0txXR0ct ANI (@ANI) July 21, 2022 Wickremesinghe, 73, was sworn in at the Parliament complex before Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya. Veteran politician Ranil Wickremesinghe will face the tough task of leading the country out of its economic crisis and restoring order after months of mass protests. Wickremesinghe took oath as the Acting President after his predecessor Gotabaya Rajapksa fled the country and resigned last week, is the first Sri Lankan president to be elected by Parliament following a vote. A Cabinet of 20-25 members will be appointed within the next few days to serve under President Wickremesinghe, the Daily Mirror newspaper reported. Earlier, on Wednesday, President Ranil Wickremesinghe expressed gratitude to the three armed forces and the police who performed their duties in the security affairs of the Parliament in the past few days. A Maulana has courted controversy after he said that the women's thighs are "responsible" for the rising meat prices in the country. Sadybakas Doolov, an award-winning Maulana from Kyrgyzstan, also called on elderly men to stop women from wearing skimpy outfits and to put an end to "this disgrace". "Do you know when meat prices go up in your town? It goes up when women's flesh cheapens. Woman's meat becomes cheap when she bares skin, exposes her thighs like a thumb," Doolov was quoted as saying by a media website. He reportedly made the remarks while addressing a congregation in the city of Bishkek, earlier this month. 'Discriminating' statement Meanwhile, Doolov's remarks have drawn sharp criticism with several people saying that it is 'discrimination' against women. Many people also called for a probe. The state-backed Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Kyrgyzstan (DUMK), however, said that Doolov's speech was "misunderstood". The Biden-Harris Administration is determined to combat the crime of forced labor and to prevent goods made with forced labor from entering the United States. To that end, the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, or UFLPA, went into force on June 21. The Act prohibits imports of goods into the United States from the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (Xinjiang) and certain other entities in the Peoples Republic of China, unless the importer can prove the goods were not made with forced labor. In Xinjiang, the PRC is committing genocide and crimes against humanity. It has established internment camps for more than one million predominantly Muslim Uyghurs and members of other ethnic and religious minority groups, where forced labor, rape, torture and forced indoctrination continue. Forced labor also continues outside the camps in Xinjiang and some Uyghurs and members of other minority groups from Xinjiang are coerced to work in different regions of the PRC. UFLPA is enforced by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the CBP, with the presumption that all goods, ware, articles, or merchandise mined, produced, or manufactured wholly or in part from Xinjiang are made with forced labor and will be prohibited from importation into the United States unless importers can provide to CBP clear and convincing evidence proving otherwise. Secretary of State Antony Blinken noted that the Act was passed by the U.S. Congress with overwhelming bipartisan support. The State Department is committed to working with Congress and our interagency partners to continue combating forced labor in Xinjiang and strengthen international coordination against this egregious violation of human rights, he said. We have taken concrete measures to promote accountability in Xinjiang, including visa restrictions, financial sanctions under Global Magnitsky, export controls, Withhold Release Orders and import restrictions...Together with our interagency partners, we will continue to engage companies to remind them of U.S. legal obligations which prohibit importing goods to the United States that are made with forced labor. Secretary Blinken declared, We are rallying our allies and partners to make global supply chains free from the use of forced labor, to speak out against atrocities in Xinjiang, and to join us in calling on the government of the PRC to immediately end atrocities and human rights abuses, including forced labor. CCTV: The Chinese side has released the announcement on Indonesian President Joko Widodos upcoming visit to China. Could you share more details on the program of and Chinas expectations for the visit? How does China see the current state of China-Indonesia relations? Wang Wenbin: President Joko Widodo is the first foreign head of state to visit China since the Beijing Olympic Winter Games, and China will be the first stop on his first trip to East Asia since the onset of COVID-19. This fully shows the high importance both countries attach to bilateral ties. During the visit, President Xi Jinping will hold talks with President Joko Widodo and Premier Li Keqiang will meet with him, and they will have an in-depth exchange of views focusing on bilateral relations and major regional and international issues. China and Indonesia are both major developing countries and emerging economies. The two countries have extensive common interests and broad space for cooperation. In recent years, under the strategic guidance of the two presidents, our two countries have set the general direction of jointly building a China-Indonesia community with a shared future and established a new pattern of bilateral cooperation featuring four-wheel drive covering political, economic, cultural and maritime fields, continuing to enrich the dimensions of our comprehensive strategic partnership. We hope that through President Joko Widodos visit, the two sides will further deepen our strategic mutual trust and practical cooperation, and create an example of mutual benefit, a model of common development and pacesetters in South-South cooperation between major developing countries for the new era. Indonesia holds G20 Presidency this year. China highly appreciates and firmly supports Indonesias constructive role as G20 chair. During his visit, President Joko Widodo will communicate with Chinese leaders face-to-face regarding the G20 Summit to discuss ways to respond to pressing global challenges, demonstrate solidarity and coordination among major developing countries, channel more positive energy to post-COVID global economic development and make more new contribution to promoting global equity and justice. China News Service: The first railway route of the China-Europe freight trains recently witnessed the 10,000th trip. Despite disruption in global circulation and insufficient freight capacity this year, the China-Europe freight service has done quite well. What is your comment on this? Wang Wenbin: Since the beginning of this year, despite the ongoing pandemic and turbulence in the world, the China-Europe freight trains have managed to maintain safe and stable operation. In the first six months of this year, 7,514 trips were made, carrying 724,000 TEUs of goods. For 26 consecutive months, more than 1,000 trips were made each month. The China-Europe freight train service has become the stabilizer and accelerator of China-Europe trade. The China-Europe railway express has found more partners, creating new opportunities for the development of countries and regions along the routes. Today, its service has reached more than 190 cities in 24 European countries and provided a logistics network connecting Asia and Europe. Statistics show that from 2016 to 2021, the annual trips of China-Europe freight trains increased from 1,702 to 15,183, with an average annual growth of 55%. The annual value of goods transported increased from $8 billion to $74.9 billion. The railway delivers as many as 50,000 types of goods today, compared to IT products only in the early days. Since the beginning of this year, the overall ratio of laden containers on the departure and return trips of China-Europe freight trains has remained steady at a high level of around 98%. After transporting goods to countries along the routes, the China-Europe freight trains return to China loaded with foreign goods, promoting economic and trade cooperation among countries. In addition, the China-Europe railway express has given rise to many new logistics, industrial and trade centers and industrial parks, creating tens of thousands of local jobs. China-Europe freight trains have not only contributed to stabilizing the global industrial and supply chains and promoting world economic recovery, but also served as a bridge of life between China and Europe. By the end of June this year, the freight trains have delivered 14.17 million pieces of epidemic prevention articles, weighing a total of 109,000 tonnes. The railway express is a vivid illustration of the vision of a community with a shared future for mankind featuring mutual assistance and solidarity in times of need. Prasar Bharati: My question is regarding Chinese Premier Li Keqiangs speech at the World Economic Forum on Tuesday, where he said that China will be steadily improving visa and COVID testing policies, and further resuming and increasing international passenger flights in an orderly way. Can you now give a timeline for return of Indian students who have been waiting for more than two years? Wang Wenbin: On July 19, Premier Li Keqiang attended the Special Virtual Dialogue with Global Business Leaders hosted by the World Economic Forum, delivered an address and exchanged views with business representatives from various countries. Premier Li said at the dialogue that Chinas economy has been deeply integrated into the global economy, and opening-up is Chinas fundamental national policy. China cannot develop in isolation from the world, and the world also needs China for its development. We will deepen high-level opening-up, make continued efforts to foster a market-oriented, world-class business environment governed by a sound legal framework, and ensure foreign enterprises equal access to opening-up sectors in accordance with law to realize mutual benefit and win-win amid fair competition. China is ready to strengthen international cooperation against COVID-19, make COVID control measures more targeted and well-calibrated on the premise of ensuring safety against COVID infections, including steadily improving visa and COVID testing policies, further resuming and increasing international passenger flights in an orderly way, and advancing outbound commerce and trade activities and cross-border travel for labor services in a prudent and orderly manner so as to promote personnel inter-flow and exchanges and cooperation between China and the world. As to your specific question, we welcome the return of Indian and other foreign students to China and will make corresponding arrangement. NHK: President Biden said on Wednesday that he will be talking to President Xi within the next 10 days. Can you confirm this? What is Chinas expectation of their meeting? Wang Wenbin: The Chinese and US presidents have maintained communication through multiple means. On the question you raised, I dont have any information to offer at the moment. CRI: According to reports, US top national security officials recently warned about the continuing threat of election interference from abroad, including China, Russia and Iran. FBI Director Christopher Wray said that The Chinese are trying to manage our decline. What is Chinas comment? Wang Wenbin: I have noted relevant reports. Just as a former US senior official recently admitted, overthrowing foreign governments and interfering in other countries internal affairs have become standard practice of the US government. What the US does has never been Chinas style. China is committed to the principle of non-interference in other countries internal affairs, and never meddles in foreign elections. We urge the US to stop judging others according to its own practices, stop making groundless accusations against China, and focus instead on taking care of the USs own problems. AFP: The German foreign minister said in a recent interview that Germany is looking intensively into reducing its economic dependence on China, and she said she wants to make sure that Germany cannot be blackmailed over its dependency on China. Do you have any response to these remarks? Wang Wenbin: The China-Germany economic and trade cooperation is mutually beneficial in nature. The fact that industrial chains of China and Germany have become integrated rather than mutually complementary only is the result of the combined force of the market and the choices of businesses and has been propelled by the contemporary international division of labor. Dependency is mutual. The notion of reducing dependence is a false narrative. With rising uncertainties and instability in the world economy, China and Germany, as major economies in the world, should expand two-way opening-up to channel positive energy to the high-standard and mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries and the maintenance of an open world economy. We hope that German politicians will put this in a right perspective and not mislead the people and harm Germanys own interests. MASTV: On US House Speaker Nancy Pelosis possible trip to Taiwan, White House Press Secretary said Pelosis visit has not been locked in. Do you have any comment? Wang Wenbin: The Chinese side has repeatedly stated its stern position on firmly opposing US House Speaker Nancy Pelosis visit to Taiwan. The US Congress is part of the US government and supposed to strictly adhere to the USs commitment on the Taiwan question. If Speaker Pelosi visits Taiwan, it would seriously violate the one-China principle and the stipulations in the three China-US joint communiques and harm Chinas sovereignty and territorial integrity. It will have a severe negative impact on the political foundation of China-US relations, and send a gravely wrong signal to Taiwan independence separatist forces. Should the US side insist on making the visit, China will act strongly to resolutely respond to it and take countermeasures. We mean what we say. AFP: CIAs chief William Burns said at a security forum yesterday that Sri Lankas decision to take on debt-heavy Chinese investment was a factor in its economic troubles. He also said that Russias experience in Ukraine is making China rethink when and how to resolve the Taiwan question. Do you have any response to his remarks? Wang Wenbin: China and Sri Lanka are close neighbors with traditional friendship. We have always respected, trusted and supported each other, established the strategic cooperative partnership based on sincere mutual assistance and ever-lasting friendship, and conducted comprehensive, mutually beneficial cooperation in various areas. China will as always follow a friendly policy toward Sri Lanka. We stand ready to support and help the efforts of the Sri Lankan government and people in stabilizing the situation and revitalizing the economy to the best of our capacity, and bring bilateral relations to new heights. The US officials groundless accusation against China cannot hide the truth from people in Sri Lanka and elsewhere in the world, nor can it hold back the deepening of China-Sri Lanka friendly cooperation. On Ukraine, we urge the US side to face up to its due responsibilities as the one that created the crisis, and work actively toward resolving the issue through dialogue and ending bloc confrontation, instead of fanning the flames. The Ukraine issue and the Taiwan question are fundamentally different. We urge the US side to abide by the one-China principle and not to interfere in Chinas internal affairs. Yonhap News Agency: The foreign ministry spokesperson has just announced the upcoming visit to China by Indonesian President. Will he come to Beijing on this visit? Wang Wenbin: We will release more information on the visit of the Indonesian President in a timely manner. Please stay tuned. Prasar Bharati: You just said that China will make arrangements for the return of students accordingly. Can this be expected anytime soon in the near future? Wang Wenbin: We have been working intensively for the return of foreign students to China, as you can see. Some foreign students have already returned to China to continue their studies. As for the return of Indian students, as we have said before, the relevant departments in China and India have been in contact and made progress on this. The responsible departments in both countries will stay in close communication and work for the early return of the first batch of Indian students. Ioneer Ltd. announced July 21 that it has signed a binding offtake agreement to supply Ford Motor Company with lithium carbonate from its Rhyolite Ridge Lithium-Boron Project. Rhyolite Ridge is about 40 miles southwest of Tonopah, Nevada in Esmeralda County. Under the agreement, ioneer will deliver 7,000 metric tons per annum of lithium carbonate to Ford over a five-year term, starting in 2025. Ford intends to utilize ioneers lithium carbonate to produce batteries for use in Ford electric vehicles. The lithium carbonate will be used to manufacture batteries at BlueOval SK Battery Park, a $5.8 billion facility which Ford and its partner SK Innovation plan to build in central Kentucky. Ford said it targets producing more than 2 million electric vehicles per year by the end of 2026. In addition to the agreement with ioneer, on July 21 Ford announced a series of initiatives and agreements for sourcing battery capacity and raw materials. One of these agreements is a non-binding memorandum of understanding with Compass Minerals to explore supplying Ford with a battery-grade lithium product from Compass lithium brine development project at its Great Salt Lake solar evaporation facility. Compass Minerals has previously announced an expected annual commercial production capacity of 30,000 to 40,000 tons of lithium carbonate equivalent for its project, with an initial phase-one capacity of approximately 10,000 metric tons of LCE coming online by 2025. Ioneer is expected to produce an annual average of about 20,600 metric tons of lithium carbonate/hydroxide along with approximately 174,400 metric of boric acid per year over Rhyolite Ridges 26-year life. The company has stated that the dual production of lithium and boric acid allows it to not only produce lithium in the U.S., but to do so at the bottom of the global cost curve. According to ioneer, Rhyolite Ridge is the only known lithium-boron deposit in North America, and one of only two known such deposits in the world. Ioneer anticipates commencing production in the second half of 2025. The agreement with Ford follows ioneers Feb. 2022 announcement of a binding offtake agreement with EcoPro Innovation, a cathode supplier for battery manufacturers, to supply EcoPro with 7,000 tons of lithium for the first three years of Rhyolite Ridges operation. The agreements with Ford and EcoPro each represent about 34% of the anticipated lithium carbonate production at Rhyolite Ridge. James Calaway, ioneers executive chairman, said, The agreement with Ford is a significant milestone for ioneer, highlighting the mature state of the Rhyolite Ridge project development and its ideal position to serve the U.S. supply chain with domestic battery materials. Partnering with a recognized world-class automaker that exemplifies the spirit of American innovation is a testament to the quality of our lithium carbonate, and our commitment to the highest environmental standards and sustainability practices. Bernard Rowe, ioneers managing director, said, Simply put, this strategic relationship means Nevada lithium for American cars, and it will lead to job creation across all levels of the electric vehicle supply chain. We look forward to continuing to work with Ford and its partners to help develop a secure and reliable end-to-end U.S. EV industry. Lisa Drake, Ford Model e vice president, EV Industrialization, said, We look forward to developing this new relationship with ioneer. Helping unlock lithium in the U.S. will help us support localized production of battery cells going forward and, ultimately, support our efforts to deliver EVs for millions of customers. The Center for Biological Diversity issued a statement expressing disappointment at Fords agreement with ioneer. The mine has been stalled in permitting because it is likely to cause the extinction of Tiehms buckwheat, a rare wildflower which grows on just 10 acres of lithium-rich soils in Esmeralda County, Nevada, the statement said. After a petition and litigation from the Center for Biological Diversity, the plant has been proposed for Endangered Species Act protection by the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Ford just bought extinction along with ioneers lithium and needs to rethink this poor decision, said Patrick Donnelly, Great Basin director at the Center for Biological Diversity. There are many other lithium sources that wont end up killing off a species. Electric vehicles dont need to come at the cost of extinction. In an interview with Mining the West magazine in April, Rowe said he believes the work being done by ioneer will help to protect Tiehms buckwheat. We see ourselves as the solution, Rowe said. Well spend the money, weve already been doing it, weve spent well over $1 million already researching and understanding this plant. And its through good science, thats how youre going to ensure that this plant survives into the future. Nevadas red flag law that allows police and family members to petition a court to temporarily take away an individuals firearms has been used just over a dozen times over the last two years. According to records kept by the states Department of Public Safety, only 13 high risk protection orders have been issued since the states red flag law went into effect in January 2020. Nine were filed in Clark County, two were filed in Elko County and one each was filed in Douglas County and Carson City. Most of the 19 states that have adopted red flag laws use the system much more than Nevada. According to a 2020 analysis by the RAND Corporation, most states with red flag laws serve between 50 to 100 protection orders annually, with some such as Florida and Maryland issuing hundreds of orders annually (though those states have populations larger than Nevada). Renewed attention on red flag laws has come amid passage of a federal bipartisan gun control bill in the wake of mass shootings in Uvalde, Texas and Buffalo, New York. The federal legislation includes $750 million in grants meant to help encourage states to adopt extreme risk protection order laws. Though they differ between jurisdictions, red flag laws are meant to give law enforcement, mental health professionals and family members a tool to temporarily take away an individuals access to firearms in a shorter timeframe than normal typically, firearm ownership rights under most state laws are only taken away if someone is convicted of a felony, committed to a mental institution or on the receiving end of a domestic violence protection order. Gun control advocates initially pointed to the COVID-19 pandemic as having disrupted the initial rollout of the new law at the start of 2020. But another factor may be the reason for Nevadas slow adoption of red flag laws a lack of buy-in from sheriffs offices and other state police agencies. Most research on red flag laws suggests that wider usage of the extreme risk protection orders is driven more by police use, rather than by family members. A 2022 UC Davis study found that extreme risk protection orders are most often used by law enforcement, who filed nearly 97 percent of the orders during their first three years of implementation in California. That study found at least 58 cases where an order was served against a person who had made a mass shooting threat. Shortly after Nevadas law came into effect, several rural county sheriffs joined a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the law, many of whom had signaled earlier that they would not enforce the new law, much less seek to use it. In Clark County, five of the nine filed extreme risk protection orders were sought by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, according to a spokesperson for the agency. Clark County Sheriff Joe Lombardo, the Republican nominee for governor, says on his campaign website that he will look to remove antiquated laws, including Nevadas Red Flag law if elected. The Nevada Independent reviewed several of the extreme risk case files submitted by Metro over the last two years. They included: Gary James Miller, a Clark County man who was indicted on terrorism and other charges in early 2021 after he was accused of threatening a Las Vegas urology center and his own mother before holding U.S. Postal Service workers at gunpoint, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal. Miller posted a $150,000 bond in February 2021 the request for a high-risk protection order preventing him from owning or purchasing firearms was filed later that month. Police wrote in the application that Miller was planning and describing suicidal ideation to his family and asking members of his family to obtain additional firearms and ammunition. A man who allegedly armed himself with a machete and handgun after a domestic violence dispute in San Diego. Police there requested and were granted an extreme risk order against him in California court, but were unable to serve him with the order until learning he had relocated with his father to Las Vegas. San Diego police requested Metro file an extreme risk order, as his family had allegedly said he is mentally ill and on medication and desires to engage in an officer involved shooting with police. A Las Vegas man who had police service calls to his apartment at least four times over a period of five months, typically including him telling police that there were numerous people in his apartment, that people were hacking into his computers and email attempting to steal money, and arriving police noting that he had armed himself with a handgun. In the final case, the man was observed by numerous neighbors pointing the firearm into his residence, standing on his own roof with a handgun, and pointing the firearms through windows, before police came and took him into custody without incident, transporting him to the hospital on a Legal 2000 mental health hold. A Las Vegas man who had been arrested by law enforcement several times since 2018, including instances where he was placed on a mental health hold, arrested for a DUI, and pulled a gun at a bartender at a PTs tavern. The final incident in January 2022 involved a firearm seller who contacted police to report the man had inquired about the milling of a revolver to fit a different ammunition caliber cartridge case, and when refused, stated he would take care of it himself and once he completed the task, he would cause harm to Sheriff Lombardo. Police served a search warrant on his residence and recovered firearms and ammunition. Nevadas red flag law comes from a 2019 multi-pronged firearms bill (AB291) that also banned firearm modifications similar to bump stocks and added penalties for negligent storage of firearms. It was staunchly opposed by Republicans and signed into law by Gov. Steve Sisolak. Under the law, a court is allowed to issue an extreme risk protection order brought by a family member or law enforcement that takes away an individuals owned firearms or the right to possess or buy a gun for any of the following reasons: Making threats or committing actual acts of violence against themselves or others Engaging in behavior a police officer determines to be a serious and imminent threat Engaging in high-risk behavior while possessing or recently purchasing a firearm The law requires that a hearing be held within seven days of the issuance of the initial order, allowing judges to issue an extended order valid up to a year prohibiting an individual from possessing firearms if the court determines gun ownership could result in injury to the person or others and if other, less-restrictive options have been exhausted or not effective. ELKO A man accused of having sex with a teenage boy dozens of times has been granted parole after serving less than half of his sentence. Alfredo Gonzalez Puentes was sentenced to up to eight years in prison but is scheduled to be released after serving a little over three years. According to court documents, the abuse by Puentes started in 2005 when he showed the 13-year-old victim a pornographic movie. Subsequent instances of oral sex and other sexual acts amounting to 40 or more took place over the next six years in Puentes northside home and in his vehicles, according to a criminal complaint. Several of the contacts occurred when Puentes was cutting the boys hair. The allegations were reported to police in July 2015, and Puentes was charged with multiple felonies. He was 49 years old and living in Long Beach, California when he was arrested in April 2017 on a warrant. Puentes pleaded guilty to one count of attempted sexual assault in August 2018. He was sentenced to a maximum of eight years in prison by District Judge Nancy Porter in May 2019, with parole eligibility after 30 months. He was also credited with serving 29 days in jail. The Nevada Parole Board approved his parole in June and he is expected to be released from Lovelock Correctional Center in September. Puentes is required to register as a sex offender for life. ELKO COVID-19 just wont go away, and Northeastern Nevada Regional Hospital is seeing an uptick in cases although they arent as severe as they were in earlier phases of the pandemic. So, here we are, two and a half years into the pandemic, and were still talking about COVID-19. I think were all learning just how stubborn this virus is, Steve Simpson, the hospitals chief executive officer, told the Elko County Board of Health this week. He said that after a zero-COVID-19 month for the hospital in April, cases started up again in May with five admissions, eight admissions in June and 17 so far in July because of the new variants of the virus, especially omicron BA.5. Thats definitely a concerning trend, and were watching it closely, Simpson said on July 20, reporting that people are not getting nearly as sick with the virus now, and most of patients who come to the emergency room dont need to be hospitalized. A chart provided by NNRH shows that at a peak last September, there were 126 patients admitted with COVID-19, mostly sick with the Delta variant, and the number continued to fall from there to 11 admissions in December 2021. Then the Omicron variant led to an increase in admissions in early 2022, but those leveled out by March. Were learning to live with it. Its here to stay, Simpson said of the virus, also stating that the COVID-19 vaccine has helped keep people alive, although vaccinated people are coming down with the virus. Although the number of cases admitted is rising, there have been no fatalities since March at Northeastern Nevada Regional Hospital, but Simpson pointed out that certain patients are sent to larger hospitals. Any deaths at other hospitals arent reflected in NNRH figures. Even with the rise in cases over the past three months, we have not seen any further mortalities at our hospital, and that is good news, he said. We still remain vigilant. Elko Countys fatality figure in March for COVID-19 was 138 over the more than two-year course of the pandemic. One additional death has been reported since then on the states website. Elko County Health Officer Dr. Bryce Putnam said he agreed that the virus is getting weaker, but it has mutated so much that people are getting it back-to-back in some cases. He said the re-infections are a disappointment regarding the vaccines, but the shots are keeping the fragile out of the hospital. Meanwhile, health officials nationwide are concerned that the number of cases being reported is far below the actual number, partially because of at-home testing. The City of Elkos sewage treatment plant testing covers all homes. As of July 5, the concentration at the sewage plant was enough to result in 15 new infections a day. Thats about twice the number of daily infections reported to the state over the past two weeks, according to Nevada Health Response. The effective virus concentration at Elkos plant was listed at 789,897 genome copies on July 5, up significantly from 65,523 genome copies in early March. Simpson said the hospital continues to urge people to keep washing their hands, not challenge any person still wearing a mask, and stay home if sick. The Elko hospital has made masks optional for visitors, patients and most staff, except in treatment of infectious disease. Simpson said he is now seeing the faces of new staff who had been wearing masks and its great to see smiling faces again. The hospital also returned to allowing two healthy visitors per patient at a time. At the end of the day, hopefully COVID-19 has made us all a little more health conscious, and that is not a bad thing, Simpson told the board. Elko County Commissioner and health board member Cliff Eklund said he had a question about how long the quarantine for those testing positive should be five or 10 days since both time periods have been talked about, and the state says you have to be in the corona jail for 10 days. Simpson said the hospital is requiring 10 days of quarantine, but during the worse days of the pandemic there was a relaxing to five days for those without symptoms because of staff shortages. The Centers for Disease Control hasnt updated COVID-19 guidelines since March, when they were relaxed from earlier requirements. Those who test positive and have symptoms should stay home five days and isolate from others in the home, the CDC says. Full guidelines for exposure, testing positive and showing symptoms are on the CDC website. Shifting topics, the hospital CEO reported that NNRH is still looking at opening an inpatient behavioral health unit on the third floor, and weve been making progress toward that goal. Recently, our team finalized the buildout price for converting that space to a secure, closed unit. He said the hospital is working through plans and completing due diligence on the proposed unit. Simpson NNRH had a similar unit in 2016, but there wasnt strong participation at that time. I will say that since our parent company, LifePoint Health, has merged with Kindred Healthcare, were seeing more and more resources becoming available as it relates to behavioral health. Were excited about the staffing and capital opportunities this merger has opened up for our facility, he said. LifePoint completed the merger with Kindred Healthcare last December and kept the LifePoint name. Simpson also told the health board that the hospitals employee-led relay team will be on the Elko High School track from noon Saturday to 6 a.m. Sunday for the Relay for Life event supporting cancer treatment, and the hospital will be providing prizes for the raffle. From its inception, Nevada has demonstrated a commitment to higher education and an awareness of the need for our residents to have the skills and knowledge necessary for success. Our state Constitution established a university and, since 1874, we have benefited from a continuous presence of public higher education institutions. We were recently named to three of the leadership positions in the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE): chair and vice Chair of the Board of Regents (NSHEs elected governing body), and acting chancellor (the systems chief executive officer). Together with the eleven other regents and eight institutional presidents, we are committed to embracing this moment in history to fulfill the vision of those who long ago committed the Silver State to a path lighted by the opportunities only education can provide. NSHE, like any other organization, is not perfect. We have had our challenges, particularly in the last year. Conflict between board members and the chancellor played out in public; a chancellor departed in April. There has been turnover in system staff and questions about hiring processes. We recognize this poses challenges for us as leaders and for the system as a whole. But we are committed to meeting those challenges head on and treating this moment as an opportunity to engage with all who are willing to improve the culture, climate, and offerings of our diverse institutions of learning. In academic year 2020-21, more than 20,000 students graduated from our colleges and universities, with awards as varied as an associate degree in criminal justice, a bachelors degree in engineering, a masters in public health, PhDs in astronomy and brain sciences, and almost every imaginable credential in between. The 105,000 students who will return to our campuses this fall will similarly be in pursuit of everything from workforce credentials to advanced research doctoral degrees. Our institutions, our faculty and staff, and most importantly our students are the face of Nevadas future. Our goal is to support every aspect of education from the faculty and staff who are so critical to instructing our students, to the students whose future will be shaped in large part by the degree or credential they earn. The fact that we have two nationally ranked research universities and a world-renowned research institute within Nevadas borders means that students are learning from some of the best minds in their chosen field. They can work on innovative programs often not found anywhere else. And the close-knit relationships between our state and community colleges, the business community, and economic development agencies urban and rural, north and south means that Nevadans seeking new skills in an ever-changing economy can likely find a training program right in their backyard. Our mission has not changed since 1874: To provide higher education to the citizens of the state at an excellent level of quality consistent with the states resources. We and our leadership colleagues are pledged to be fiscally responsible and ever vigilant in building a strong economy for this great state. It is a daunting but crucial endeavor that will ultimately mean a better Nevada for every resident. Statistics from before the pandemic make it clear that college-educated individuals were much less likely to be unemployed. Even as the economy restructures in these post-pandemic times, we know that jobs of the future will demand more workers with at least some college education. A host of other statistics from lifetime earning potential to annual retirement income, volunteerism to voting participation all point to the value of a college education. As we begin a new fiscal year and prepare for a new academic year, we are committed to moving beyond where weve been and working together on behalf of all Nevadans, because we know this: Education is an ornament in prosperity and a refuge in adversity. That statement is as true today as it was when it was first uttered over 2,000 years ago by Aristotle. Education changes lives for the better, and the Nevada System of Higher Education is changing the future of Nevada. First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska and First Lady of the United States Jill Biden during the meeting discussed the National Program of Mental Health and Psychosocial Support, as well as a number of humanitarian projects, the press service of the Presidents Office of Ukraine reports. "As part of her visit to the USA, First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska held a meeting with First Lady of the United States of America Jill Biden at the White House. The wife of the Ukrainian President was also met at the entrance to the White House by US President Joseph Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. During the event, the parties discussed the National Program of Mental Health and Psychosocial Support, the implementation of which started in Ukraine," a message posted on the presidential website on Wednesday evening says. It is noted that to implement the National Program of Mental Health and Psychosocial Support, "expert consultations of foreign, in particular American, specialists in overcoming the consequences of traumatic situations caused by war are needed." "The First Ladies of Ukraine and the United States paid considerable attention to a number of humanitarian projects aimed at alleviating the suffering of people from war. In particular, they discussed the treatment of Ukrainian children in the USA and their prosthetics in American clinics, as well as a number of educational initiatives and assistance to temporarily forced IDPs," the message reads. In addition, the First Lady of Ukraine also held a meeting with Douglas Emhoff - the first ever Second Gentleman of the USA, the husband of the country's Vice President Kamala Harris. The meeting took place in an extended format. It was also attended by: U.S. Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield, Surgeon General of the United States Vivek Murthy, Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland, First Deputy Administrator of USAID Isobel Coleman, Senior Director for Europe at the U.S. National Security Council Amanda Sloat. Zelenska emphasized that although it may sound unusual from the First Lady, "the most important thing today is supplying Ukraine with powerful, high-precision weapons that will help us protect children and civilians and speed up the victory in the war." The President's wife also "spoke about the "Book of Torturers of the Ukrainian People" project, which collects confirmed data on war criminals from the Russian army." She thanked the United States for its significant efforts at the United Nations not only to condemn Russia, but also to isolate it and deprive it of a seat in the UN Human Rights Council. She called for further strengthening of sanctions and recognition of Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism. In addition, on the second day of the visit, Zelenska had lunch with influential American women. In particular, it was attended by: Marcy Kaptur congresswoman, co-chair of the Ukrainian Caucus in Congress; Robin Dunnigan Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Europe and Eurasia; Dr. Beth Van Schaack US Department of State Ambassador-at-Large for Global Criminal Justice, and others. "The concept of "powerful woman" in Ukraine and America is the same: a woman undertakes responsibility and makes decisions in the most difficult situations. I have told the American powerful women, including diplomats and senators, about strong Ukrainian women. Each of us is such. About those who fight in the ranks of the Armed Forces, who go to work under fire, who start all over again in a new place for the sake of children. We have a whole country of powerful women!" said Zelenska during the meeting. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky has said that the key topic in the speech of First Lady Olena Zelenska in the U.S. Congress was the topic of air defense. "The representatives of our state did not stop working for a single day to obtain an effective air defense system. And we have certain agreements on this, there is certain success that allows us to destroy part of the missiles, but a completely different speed and scale of protection is required," he said in a video address on Wednesday evening. According to him, "everything depends, unfortunately, not on us, but on political decisions that can be made in key capitals. And that is why this topic of air defense became key today in the speech of the First Lady of Ukraine in the Congress of the United States of America." "It was the first time in history that the First Lady made such an address to the Congress, and it is certainly an honor for Ukraine, for all our people. The speech was as practical and sincere as possible - actually on behalf of all our families. Olena spoke about the victims of Russian terror and about the real opportunity for our American friends to help us stop this terror. This can be our joint victory - of the Ukrainian and American nations," the president said. Invaders fire at warehouse with humanitarian aid in Mykolaiv region at night, thousands of tonnes of products burned head of Military Administration Several thousand tonnes of humanitarian aid were destroyed in Mykolaiv region as a result of a missile strike by Russian occupiers on the warehouse where it was stored on Thursday night, head of Mykolaiv Regional Military Administration Vitaliy Kim said. "The Russian occupiers fired two rockets at one of our humanitarian aid depots at 3:00 a.m. Thousands of tonnes of products intended for children, the elderly and the needy have been burned," Kim said on Twitter on Thursday morning. He did not specify exactly where the warehouse was located, but attached to the message a night video of missile strikes, which also shows a highrise residential building in the distance, presumably the regional center - the city of Mykolaiv. As a result of the enemy shelling of Kharkiv on Thursday morning, at least 17 people were injured, said head of the Regional Military Administration Oleh Synehubov. "According to preliminary data from the Regional Center for Emergency Medical Care, as a result of the shelling of one of the residential areas of Kharkiv, 17 people were injured," Synehubov wrote on his Telegram channel. Earlier, mayor of Kharkiv Ihor Terekhov said that there was a hit in one of the medical institutions, people were injured. On July 19, 2022, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi had a phone conversation with Sierra Leone's Foreign Minister David Francis at the latter's request. On behalf of Sierra Leone, Francis thanked the Chinese government and people for the valuable help they have provided to Sierra Leone's economic and social development for a long time, especially offering timely-needed assistance after the outbreak of the pandemic and helping small and medium-sized countries, including Sierra Leone, to fight the pandemic. Sierra Leone highly agrees with China's adherence to the concept of putting development and people first, and positively evaluates China's leading role in maintaining world peace and security. He said that China is a reliable and strong partner for Sierra Leone. Sierra Leone will continue to stand with China on issues related to its core interests and major concerns. Sierra Leone looks forward to deepening cooperation with China in various fields, and Chinese enterprises are welcome to invest in Sierra Leone. Wang Yi said that China and Sierra Leone are good friends and old friends. Under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, China-Sierra Leone relations have maintained a strong momentum for development. The two sides have cooperated closely and supported each other in jointly fighting the pandemic, promoting economic recovery and upholding international fairness and justice, which reflects the high level of bilateral relations. We appreciate that Sierra Leone has always supported China in safeguarding our core interests, and China also firmly supports Sierra Leone in safeguarding its sovereignty, independence and national dignity, in its various efforts to promote national development, and in playing a more important role in Africa and the international arena. China will continue to provide support and assistance in accordance with the development needs of Sierra Leone, so as to promote cooperation in mining, agriculture and infrastructure, implement more livelihood projects, encourage Chinese enterprises to invest in Sierra Leone, help Sierra Leone improve its capacity for self-driven development and accelerate the industrialization. Francis introduced the position of Sierra Leone on the Ukraine issue, saying that as a small war-torn country, Sierra Leone advocates peaceful settlement of disputes through political negotiations and believes that it is imperative to pay attention to the reasonable security concerns of all parties and find a long-term solution, and at the same time practical measures should be taken to alleviate the impacts of food and energy shortages on small and medium-sized countries such as Africa. Wang Yi said that Sierra Leone's view is also the consensus of most developing countries. China will remain firmly committed to persuading peace and promoting talks, and work with all parties to do its utmost to mitigate the negative spillover effects of the Ukraine crisis. The Russian occupiers fired seven rockets at Mykolaiv on Thursday night, and also fired at a number of settlements in Mykolaiv region, said head of Mykolaiv Regional Military Administration Vitaliy Kim. "At about 03:05, on July 21, the Russian occupiers fired seven S-300 missiles at the city. According to preliminary information, it is known about getting into an infrastructure facility, a gas station, a gas pipeline and a warehouse. Rescue services eliminated all fires that arose as a result of the shelling. Currently, one victim is known. Detailed information is being clarified," Kim wrote on Telegram on Thursday. He noted that there were attacks on the village of Lymany of Halytsynivska merged territorial community in Mykolaiv district at 11:20 and 13:00 on July 20, as a result of which residential buildings and outbuildings were destroyed. There are no casualties. At 16:20 on July 20, as a result of the shelling of Shevchenkivska merged territorial community, fields with grain caught fire between the settlements of Kotliareve and Zeleny Hai. There are no casualties. Also yesterday, on July 20, as a result of enemy shelling in the forest tract of Halytsynivska merged territorial community, there was a fire of coniferous litter and forest plantations. In Bashtansky district on the afternoon of July 20, there were attacks in the village of Chervona Dolyna of Shyrokivska merged territorial community. At night, at about 02:00 on July 21, the village of Shyroke of Shyrokivska merged territorial community was shelled. As a result of getting into a residential building, there is one dead. Also, the hits were outside the settlements of the community. At night, on July 21, there were attacks in Bashtanska merged territorial community. A hit in rural settlements was recorded. Some of the shells remained unexploded. Information about the victims and damages is being clarified. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine calls on Iran to refrain from statements or steps that will fuel the aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine, said spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Oleh Nikolenko. "Any accusations of allegedly preparing an attack on the Russian Federation are groundless and manipulative. We call on the Iranian side to refrain from statements or steps that will fuel Russia's aggression against Ukraine," Nikolenko told Interfax-Ukraine on Thursday. According to him, the Ukrainian side is concerned over the change in rhetoric on the part of the Iranian leadership. "We have paid attention to the statements of the Iranian leadership, which indirectly justify the aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine. Since the beginning of the full-scale war of the Russian Federation, Iran has publicly declared its position of neutrality and advocated a ceasefire and a political and diplomatic settlement. In this context, the Ukrainian side is concerned about the change in rhetoric on the part of the Iranian leadership," Nikolenko said. The Foreign Ministry spokesman said that "condoning Russia's aggressive actions not only encourages it to continue an unprovoked war against the people of Ukraine, but also lays the foundation for destabilizing peace and security in other regions of the world." Earlier, Iran's supreme and spiritual leader Ali Khamenei, during talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, said that if Russia had not stopped NATO's actions in Ukraine, then after a while this alliance would have started a war under the pretext of Crimea. Russia used more than 50% of its stock of modern missiles in the war against Ukraine, but the occupiers still have a large reserve of old Soviet weapons at their disposal, Spokesperson for the Main Intelligence Agency of the Defense Ministry Vadym Skibitsky has said. "Military intelligence constantly monitors the state and quantity of the weapons used by Russia. As for high-precision weapons, as Russia claims, these are... the Iskander, Caliber systems, Kh-101, Kh-555 cruise missiles, then according to our calculations, to date, from 55% to 60% of those stocks that were before the war have been used in four months," Skibitsky said at a briefing in Kyiv on Thursday. He said Russia has spent the most ballistic missiles for the Iskander complex, and therefore no longer uses them. According to him, Russia is having difficulty with the production of modern missiles due to the lack of foreign-made parts that cannot be purchased due to international sanctions against Russia. At the same time, Skibitsky said Russia has very large stocks of old Soviet weapons, including cruise missiles, Smerch, Uragan, BM-21 Grad rockets, and various types of aerial bombs. He said the stocks of old weapons of Russia "are so large that it is very difficult to calculate how much is left." The UK will supply scores of artillery guns, hundreds of drones and hundreds more anti-tank weapons to Ukraine in the coming weeks, British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace has said. "More than 20 M109 155mm self-propelled guns and 36 L119 105mm artillery guns will soon arrive from the UK, Defence Secretary Ben Wallace announced in an update to Parliament today. Counter-battery radar systems and more than 50,000 rounds of ammunition for Ukraines existing Soviet era artillery will also follow," the UK Department of Defense said on its website on Thursday. In addition, the UK will also send more than 1,600 more anti-tank weapons in the coming weeks, along with drones, including hundreds of loitering aerial munitions. "The scale and range of equipment we are providing demonstrates the strength of our resolve. Together with our international partners, we will ensure Ukraine has the tools to defend their country from Putin's illegal invasion," Wallace said. The British Ministry of Defense said that at the moment So far 6,900 NLAW, Javelin, Brimstone and other anti-tank weapons, as well as 16,000 artillery rounds, six Stormer vehicles fitted with Starstreak anti-air missile launchers and hundreds of missiles have been sent to Ukraine. The UK has also supplied maritime Brimstone missiles, multiple launch rocket systems, 120 armoured fighting vehicles and large quantities of non-lethal aid including more than 82,000 helmets, 8,450 sets of body armour and over 5,000 night vision devices. The ministry said the next phase of military support, paid for with this additional funding, will include even more sophisticated air defence systems, uncrewed aerial vehicles and innovative new electronic warfare equipment. It is also indicated that the UK launched a major training operation for Ukrainian forces, with the potential to train up to 10,000 soldiers. There is currently no direct military threat from Belarus, but the risk of sabotage and reconnaissance groups infiltrating northern Ukraine from its territory remains, Spokesperson for the Main Intelligence Agency of the Defense Ministry Vadym Skibitsky said. "The situation is difficult, but manageable, and there is no direct threat today," Skibitsky said at a briefing in Kyiv on Thursday. According to him, everyone understands the level of threat that may arise if Russian troops are transferred to the territory of Belarus, as was the case on the eve of Russia's full-scale invasion into Ukraine, and the Main Intelligence Agency of the Ministry of Defense, together with other structures of the intelligence community, are monitoring the situation. "We do not see the active creation of offensive groups, primarily Russian ones, on the territory of Belarus, at the same time, measures are being taken to constantly support the armed forces of Belarus in combat readiness. Today, on a rotational basis, these are six battalions and one special forces detachment are located near our border... According to the statement of the leadership of Belarus, they carry out activities there to protect the border and their territory," Skibitsky said. He also said "very active training of special units, both Belarusians and individual inspectors, individual units of the Russian armed forces" is taking place on the territory of Belarus. "In this case, there can be only one threat that sabotage and reconnaissance groups can operate from the territory of Belarus in our northern regions. This includes reconnaissance, and possible sabotage, and other specific issues that are carried out precisely by special forces," the representative of the Intelligence Agency said. The Epicenter K group of companies intends to send funds to the Ministry of Health through the United24 platform for the purchase of 10 resuscitation vehicles for Ukrainian doctors, and will also hold a campaign in the Epicenter network for the purchase of another 55 vehicles, the press service of the group reported. "In the conditions of a full-scale military aggression, when medical workers save the lives of Ukrainian military and civilians every day, we cannot stand aside and fully support the initiative of the First Lady (Olena Zelenska) to collect donations for ambulances. We allocate funds for the purchase of ten high-quality resuscitation vehicles equipped with everything necessary to save lives," Halyna Hereha, the co-founder of Epicenter K, said. According to her, class C ambulances will be procured, allowing them to provide emergency assistance in difficult circumstances. In addition, an action will be held in the Epicenter retail chain to purchase another 55 ambulances and armored vehicles to evacuate the wounded from the places of hostilities. During the campaign, the company will transfer funds for the purchase of a car from each purchase in the chain's shopping centers. According to the Ministry of Health, since the beginning of the active phase of the Russian-Ukrainian war, 68 ambulances have been damaged, 241 cars have been completely destroyed. Epicenter K LLC was established in 2003 and opened its first hypermarket in Kyiv in December of the same year. As of February 24, 2022, the network included 80 Epicenter shopping centers and Nova Linia hypermarkets in Ukraine. During the Russian-Ukrainian war, three shopping centers in Chernihiv, Bucha, and Mariupol were completely destroyed. Some of the network facilities have suspended work due to the proximity of hostilities, several are located in the temporarily occupied territory. As part of an ongoing dialogue, Head of the President's Office Andriy Yermak and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Valeriy Zaluzhny had a telephone conversation with U.S. National Security Adviser Jacob Sullivan and Chief of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Mark Milley. According to the presidential press service, the interlocutors discussed the situation at the frontline and Ukraine's needs to repel the Russian invasion. Yermak said the President's Office continues to regularly hold military briefings for representatives of Ukraine's international partners. According to him, a decision was made to create a single information hub in the country to facilitate the work of military journalists, correspondents of Ukrainian and foreign media, which will allow the world community to be informed as quickly as possible about the situation at the frontline and the use of equipment and weapons that the Ukrainian army receives from partners. Yermak, Zaluzhny expressed their gratitude to Sullivan and Milley for their strong support for Ukraine in protecting sovereignty and territorial integrity. On Monday, July 25, at 12.00, the press center of the Interfax-Ukraine news agency will host roundtable talk entitled Personnel changes in Ukraine gaining momentum: causes and impact on military-strategic situation. Participants include Director of the Institute for Global Strategies Vadym Karasiov; political expert Kostiantyn Matviyenko; Head of the Center for Applied Political Research Penta Volodymyr Fesenko (8/5a Reitarska Street). The broadcast will be available on the YouTube channel of Interfax-Ukraine. Admission of journalists requires registration on the spot. On Monday, July 25, at 10.30, the press center of the Interfax-Ukraine news agency will host press conference entitled On investigation of ATO/JFO participant abducted in Bucha. In Kyiv region, in the town of Bucha, during the occupation by Russian invaders, a participant of the ATO/JFO Bohdan Kostyrenko was abducted, an investigation is underway. Participants: spouse of the abducted participant of the ATO/JFO B.Kostyrenko, Natalia Lobanova, representative of Charity Organisation Charity Foundation Khilko (8/5a Reitarska Street). The broadcast will be available on the YouTube channel of Interfax-Ukraine. Admission of journalists requires registration on the spot. Details by phone: (050) 695 8236. BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 21. Media censorship was abolished in Azerbaijan, new opportunities appeared for the development of this sphere after the great leader Heydar Aliyevs coming to power for the second time in Azerbaijan, Deputy Head of the Department for Work with Non-Governmental Organizations and Communications of the Presidential Administration of Azerbaijan Saadet Yusifova said, Trend reports. Yusifova made the remark at a conference on Deepening reforms in media sphere towards new goals. According to her, President Ilham Aliyev highly appreciates the activities of the media. She noted that the reforms carried out in Azerbaijan in the media sphere over the past two years are aimed at improving the information environment, developing competition and increasing the authority of the media. "The goal of the ongoing reforms in this area in the country is to ensure a rapid transition from traditional to digital media, to strengthen their material and technical base, formation of a successful business model for media subjects, increasing public confidence in them, expanding international cooperation in the field of media, the official said. We saw the power of the media during the 30-year occupation, the 2020 second Karabakh war and in the post-war period. During the second Karabakh war, the Azerbaijani media outlets were more prepared for the information war, Yusifova said. Having determined the correct information and communication strategy, it was possible to actively inform the international community about the fair position of Azerbaijan. Thanks to more than 30 interviews given to international media structures by President Ilham Aliyev, the problem of entering the international media space was resolved," she also noted. Besides, according to the official, the organization of visits to the liberated territories dispelled the Armenian myths which existed for 30 years. "No country in the world has carried out so many construction and restoration work in such a short time as Azerbaijan, Yusifova emphasized. Information is the most significant and most sensitive factor. I hope that the Azerbaijani media will continue to contribute to the development of the state," she added. By Azernews By Ayya Lmahamad The Azerbaijani State Oil Fund (SOFAZ) revenues from the countrys major oil and gas fields amounted to $5.5 billion in January-June 2022, Azernews reports per SOFAZ. The Azeri-Chirag-Guneshli block of fields, the largest oil field in the Azerbaijani sector of the Caspian Sea, accounted for $4.8 billion of the revenues. The funds revenues from the Shah Deniz field, which is among the worlds largest gas-condensate fields, amounted to $633.2 million, including $219.3 million from condensate. The fund's earnings from the countrys major oil and gas fields amounted to $6.8 billion in 2021, with Azeri-Chirag-Guneshli (ACG) accounting for $5.9 billion of the revenues and Shah Deniz for $884.7 million. Established in 1999, SOFAZ is a sovereign wealth fund, which accumulates and preserves Azerbaijans oil and gas incomes for future generations. The contract for the development of the ACG oil fields was signed on September 20, 1994, and came into effect in December. The contract for the development of the ACG block was extended by 2050 in September 2017. The shareholders in the ACG project are BP (operator, 30.37 percent), SOCAR (25 percent), MOL (9.57 percent), INPEX (9.31 percent), Equinor (7.27 percent), ExxonMobil (6.79 percent), TPAO (5.73 percent), ITOCHU (3.65 percent), ONGC Videsh Limited (OVL) (2.31 percent). The contract on the development of the Shah Deniz gas field was signed in 1996. Shareholders of the Shah Deniz project are BP (operator, 29.99 percent), LUKOIL (19.99 percent), TPAO (19 percent), SOCAR (14.35 percent), NICO (10 percent), and SGC (6.67 percent). BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 21. Azerbaijan's government attaches great importance to media development, Head of International Relations of the Spanish EFE Agency Emilio Crespo told Trend on the sidelines of Baku Conference on 'Deepening media reforms: towards new goals', organized by the Media Development Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan on July 21. "One of the conference participants noted the media's significance for the national identity and community. Today's event will further enhance relations between media outlets and the government," Crespo said. He noted that the Azerbaijani government is taking considerable steps for supporting journalists, and today's conference can serve as a proof for this. BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 21. The second Trilateral Meeting of the Chairs of the parliaments of Azerbaijan, Pakistan and Turkiye held in Istanbul was concluded with the signing of the Istanbul Declaration and the joint press statement of the speakers that followed the inking ceremony, Trend reports citing the press service of Milli Majlis. Chairman of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey Mustafa Sentop and Chairman of the National Assembly of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Raja Pervaiz Ashraf said at the event that the signed declaration was immensely important since it was going to bring about a further advance in the relations amongst our countries. As she greeted the session participants on behalf of the delegation of the Milli Majlis of the Azerbaijani Republic, Speaker Gafarova voiced the pleasure with another visit to the brotherly Republic of Turkiye. Sahiba Gafarova thanked Chairman of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey Prof. Mustafa Sentop for the invitation to the second Trilateral, for the hospitality and for the high level of arrangement achieved in the second joint meeting of the leaders of the Azerbaijani, Pakistani and Turkish legislatures. The Chair of the Milli Majlis recalled the recent celebration in the brotherly Turkiye of the 15th of July the Democracy and National Unity Day, saying that the people and state of Azerbaijan had condemned the treacherous coup detat attempt from the very first minutes and had taken their place right next to Turkey as ever. The first Trilateral Meeting of the leaders of the Azerbaijani, Pakistani and Turkish parliaments was held upon the instance of the Milli Majlis approximately a year ago. The triple co-operation format created there is of formidable importance. It is because todays elevated ebb of links between our fraternal countries stands out for the sustained progress of diverse co-operation whereas the parliamentarians as their respective peoples deputies are contributing to that progress by having incepted this platform. Besides, the platform highlights the significant role of parliamentary diplomacy as an important means of international co-operation in our time. It was said next that the joint efforts made in the expired period under the roofs of international parliamentary organisations and our fruitful co-operation, too, proved that the triple platform was very much needful. Making the format yet stronger had been discussed at the second Trilateral. The parliamentary speakers had also considered ways to transform it to a practical triple inter-parliamentary co-operation platform. They had also contemplated and talked over development prospects. I should like to mention the Istanbul Declaration adopted in the course of the second Trilateral Meeting. It communicates the unity of thoughts and our common stance with regards to many essential issues. The Declaration matters in that it shows the mutual trust and support of the parliaments of our brotherly countries. I am emphatically thankful to the parliaments of the brotherly countries for their support for the restoration and re-construction of the de-occupied lands of the Azerbaijan Republic and for establishing a good neighbourhood based on the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity and inviolability of borders in the South Caucasus, Gafarova said. The discussions conducted and the decisions passed today are going to make an input of their own in a continued strengthening and broadening of the trilateral co-operation for the benefit of our countries and their peoples, concluded the Speaker of the Milli Majlis. BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 7. A presentation of the heritage.gov.az website of the Azerbaijani State Service for the Protection, Development and Restoration of Cultural Heritage on historical and cultural monuments in the territories liberated from Armenian occupation [in the 2020 Second Karabakh War] was held at the International Mugham Center in Baku on July 7, Trend reports. The purpose of creating the site is to inform the general public about the illegal actions of Armenia committed in the previously occupied Azerbaijani lands, vandalism, misappropriation and destruction of samples of Azerbaijans cultural heritage. Speaking at the presentation, Minister of Culture Anar Karimov spoke about the importance of the site in terms of informing the public about the real situation with historical and cultural monuments in the liberated territories. According to Karimov, as a result of the monitoring conducted by the Ministry of Culture in the liberated territories, it was found that most of the Azerbaijani cultural monuments were destroyed by the armed forces of Armenia, and some of them were misappropriated or vandalized. Mosques, mausoleums and other places of worship take a special place among the samples of Azerbaijan's immovable cultural heritage most affected by the vandalism, noted the minister. The Head of the State Service for the Protection, Development and Restoration of Cultural Heritage Azad Jafarli stressed that the site is an important information resource. "To implement the decree of the President of Azerbaijan "On the organization of a temporary special administration in the liberated territories of the Republic of Azerbaijan" dated October 29, 2020, representatives of the Ministry of Culture were sent to the liberated districts and began to perform tasks related to the primary inventory and protection of cultural facilities," Jafarli said. He also stressed that the data obtained as a result of the monitoring covered Shusha, Jabrayil, Fuzuli, Zangilan, Khojavand, Gubadli, Aghdam, Tartar, Lachin and Kalbajar districts. The head of the service said that the site published the results of monitoring historical and cultural monuments in the liberated territories. "The site also published restored photos of historical and cultural monuments before and after the occupation, archival photographs and drawings, and detailed information about the monuments. At the same time, their location is indicated on the map," Jafarli noted. According to him, the web resource has been developed to meet modern requirements in terms of ensuring user convenience. The site meets the standards of Google SEO (search engine optimization), he added. BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 21. Engineer troops of the Azerbaijani army are conducting theoretical and practical training and exercises in order to further improve the professional level of personnel within the training plan for 2022, Trend reports via Azerbaijans Defense Ministry. According to the ministry, at the exercises being held with the participation of specialists from the Turkish Armed Forces, Azerbaijani servicemen are improving their skills to find and neutralize mines and unexploded ordnances using mine detectors at the special engineering camp. The main aim of the exercises is to improve the combat readiness of the personnel by training the servicemen in the tactical and technical characteristics of engineering fortifications and the rules for their use. BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 21. Sumgayit regional ASAN center #2 began to function on July 21, Head of the Public Relations Department of State Agency for Public Service and Social Innovations under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan (ASAN Service) Elnur Niftaliyev told the media, Trend reports. The opening ceremony was held on July 20, in presence of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. Niftaliyev noted that the first 'ASAN' center in Sumgayit continues to operate, serving up to 3,000 citizens daily. "Taking into account serious growth in demand for services, the second center was built. About 54 million requests have been received by ASAN centers throughout Azerbaijan up until now," Niftaliyev said. BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 21. No facts of desertion have been recorded in the Azerbaijani Army, Deputy Prosecutor General, Military Prosecutor of the Republic of Azerbaijan Khanlar Valiyev said at the meeting of the Military Prosecutor's Office Board on July 21, Trend reports. According to him, the number of reported crimes in the Armed Forces over six months of 2022 has decreased against the same period of 2021. "Thus, crime cases related to suicide incitement decreased by 30 percent, violating the rules for safe gun and potentially hazardous object handling by 88.9 percent, rules for drivers and riders by 14.3 percent," Valiyev stated. As he noted, the number of casualties among the personnel has also significantly dropped compared to the same period of 2021. BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 21. Azerbaijan and Pakistan should enhance media cooperation, Managing Director of the Associated Press of Pakistan Corporation (APPC) Akhtar Munir told Trend on the sidelines of Baku Conference on 'Deepening media reforms: towards new goals', organized by the Media Development Agency of Azerbaijan on July 21. "Our countries have established excellent cooperation in various fields. We support each other on the world stage, exchange views on different international topics. Media cooperation between Azerbaijan and Pakistan should further be strengthened," Munir said. He noted that journalists should review their priorities and focus more on such topics as climate change, global warming, as well as humanitarian and social problems. He also congratulated the Media Development Agency on organizing a successful conference and launching a new web platform. Munir outlined the importance of the International Media Forum to be held in Shusha on July 22 for reviving Azerbaijan's liberated lands. "These lands are now being revived, so that tomorrow's forum is of particular significance from this perspective," he said. BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 21. The next chess tournament of the "Grand Chess Tour" series takes place in Croatian Zagreb, Trend reports. Three rounds were played within the framework of the tournament today. Azerbaijani grandmaster Shakhriyar Mammadyarov played a draw with Bulgarian Veselin Topalov in the fourth round, but ended the meeting with the reigning world champion Magnus Carlsen from the Netherlands with a victory. Mammadyarov takes 6th place with 6 points in previous rounds. The tournament will run until July 25th. BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 21. The indicators of trade between the countries of Central Asia do not reflect the full potential, Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said, Trend reports. Tokayev made the statement addressing the 4th Consultative meeting of heads of Central Asian states. He noted that over the past five years, the trade turnover of Kazakhstan with other countries of Central Asia has grown by 42 percent, reaching $6.3 billion. The threat of a global recession brings to the fore the issue of accelerated development of regional economic cooperation. With industrial and trade supply chains collapsing, the trend towards regionalization is becoming more and more visible everywhere. Against this background, the figures I have given for trade between our countries still do not reflect the full potential. Central Asian economic cooperation may very well become one of the key sources of growth for our national economies, Tokayev said. BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 21. President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov met with his Turkmen counterpart Serdar Berdimuhamedow to discuss prospects for expanding bilateral cooperation in Cholpon-Ata on July 21, Trend reports citing the press service of the Kyrgyz President. During the meeting, Japarov and Berdimuhamedow considered topical issues of bilateral collaboration between Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan. Japarov noted that the Kyrgyz side attaches great importance to the expansion and development of trade and economic ties, considering Turkmenistan as a very important economic partner of Kyrgyzstan. The President of Turkmenistan, for his part, expressed readiness to continue fruitful cooperation with Kyrgyzstan in all spheres of mutual interest, including in trade, economic and investment areas. Meanwhile, Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan this year celebrating the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. By Azernews By Ayya Lmahamad Azerbaijans Digital Development and Transport Ministry and Koreas International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) signed a grant agreement to support the development of innovation policy in Azerbaijan, Azernews reports. The agreement was signed by Digital Development and Transport Minister Rashad Nabiyev and KOICAs Director of Azerbaijan office Moon Jong Hyun. The concept behind the $2 million grant project is to prepare a strategic roadmap for innovation, in order to increase the efficiency of innovation policy in Azerbaijan. The project provides for the KOICA expert group to make suggestions and recommendations through research on improving institutional capacity and the development of the innovation and startup ecosystem. Moreover, the project, using the experience of South Korea, one of the leading countries in the development of the innovation ecosystem, will contribute to investing in the field of innovation in Azerbaijan. Diplomatic relations between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Korea were established on March 23, 1992. The embassy of Korea in Azerbaijan was opened on March 4, 2006, whereas the embassy of Azerbaijan in Korea was established on March 14, 2007. Azerbaijan and Korea are cooperating in various spheres. In total, around sixty-seven documents were signed between the two countries. Korean companies successfully operate in various economic spheres in Azerbaijan and they played a role in the modern architectural image of Baku as well as in the implementation of major industrial infrastructure projects. The trade turnover between the two countries amounted to $227.6 million in 2021. Subscription to paid content Gain access to all that Trend has to offer, as well as to premium, licensed content via subscription or direct purchase through a credit card. BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 21. President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon discussed with his Uzbek counterpart Shavkat Mirziyoyev prospects for enhancing cooperation on July 21, Trend reports citing the press service of the Tajik President. During the consultative meeting held in Kyrgyzstan's Cholpon-Ata, Rahmon and Mirziyoyev discussed topical issues of bilateral collaboration between Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Particular attention was paid to promotion of joint projects in the field of trade, industry, agriculture, energy, transport and logistics. As a result, the presidents of Tajikistan and Uzbekistan expressed their readiness to expand fruitful ties in all areas of bilateral cooperation. BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 5. President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov expressed dissatisfaction with the progress of agricultural work and the care of cotton crops during an online working meeting with the participation of Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Annageldi Yazmyradow, who oversees the agro-industrial complex, Trend reports citing Turkmenportal. The President ordered to prepare proposals as soon as possible concerning the improvement of the culture of agriculture, the efficiency of work, the preparation of the land cadastre, the selection of high-yielding varieties of seeds, taking into account soil and climatic conditions and rational use of water using the latest technologies. Furthermore, Berdimuhamedov gave appropriate instructions on laying the foundations of the future harvest, plowing the vacant lands at the proper level in accordance with the norms of agricultural technology, and also ordered to take measures for high-quality harvesting of potatoes and other fruit and vegetable crops. The President of Turkmenistan instructed the Deputy Chairman to take control of the implementation of the tasks. Governors general of Razavi Khorasan Province, northeast Iran, and Osh in the west of Kyrgyzstan signed an agreement on the expansion of cultural, tourism, and economic cooperation, Trend reports citing IRNA. At the signing ceremony, Razavi Khorasan Governor General, Yaqoub-Ali Nazari hoped that the implementation of mutual agreements would be finalized during the upcoming visit of provincial officials to Osh. The governor general of Osh arrived in Razavi Khorasan on Monday (July 18) for a three-day visit. Here, he got familiarized with provincial capabilities and capacities for cooperation. BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 21. Car exports from Turkiye to Georgia amounted to $45.8 million, decreasing by 20.4 percent from January through June 2022 against the same period of 2021, the Ministry of Trade of Turkiye said, Trend reports citing TurkicWorld. According to the ministry, car exports of Turkiye to Georgia totaled $7.99 million in June 2022, up by 20.6 percent against the same month of 2021. In the first half of 2022, Turkish export of cars to world markets grew by 6.1 percent compared to the same period of 2021, reaching $15.3 billion. In June 2022, the country exported $2.8 billion worth of cars, exceeding the same month of 2021 by 17.9 percent. Turkiye has exported $30.2 billion worth of vehicles over the past 12 months (June 2021 June 2022). BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 21. Tomorrow, Istanbul will host the signing ceremony of the "Agreement on the export of grain", the Communications Departments of the Presidential Administration of Turkey says, Trend reports. According to the information, tomorrow at 16:30 local time in the office of the Dolmabahce Palace with the participation of the Ukrainian and Russian sides, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, the signing ceremony of the "Grain Shipment Agreement" will be held. The provocative actions of Greece, including violation of Turkiyes airspace and territorial waters, are unacceptable, according to a statement released after the National Security Council (MGK) meeting said Thursday, Trend reports citing Daily Sabah. Noting that Greece has been ignoring international law and has taken a stance against neighborly relations and as NATO partners, the MGK statement also said Turkiye has urged Greek authorities to immediately end its violent and inhumane practices against irregular migrants. Turkey and Greece have long-standing sea and air boundary disputes that intensified with moves to explore potential undersea natural gas reserves. The disagreement has resulted in near-daily air force patrols and interception missions, mostly in disputed airspace around Greek islands that are near Turkiyes coastline. Turkish leaders have repeatedly stressed that Ankara is in favor of resolving all outstanding problems in the region through international law, good neighborly relations, dialogue and negotiation. Turkiye has also criticized the European Unions stance on the Eastern Mediterranean conflict, calling on the bloc to adopt a fair attitude regarding the dispute and abandon its preferential treatment of Greece under the pretext of EU solidarity. Meanwhile, Ankara urged NATO allies' support in the fight against terrorist groups, including the PKK, its offshoots and the Gulenist Terror Group (FETO). Turkish leaders criticize NATO members as they say they have fought relentlessly against terrorist organizations in many parts of the world, but unfortunately, they have not shown the same resolve in taking on the PKK terrorist group and its Syrian wing, the YPG. The PKK is a designated terrorist organization in the U.S., Turkey and the European Union, and Washington's support for its Syrian affiliate has been a major strain on bilateral relations with Ankara. The U.S. primarily partnered with the YPG in northeastern Syria to fight against the Daesh terrorist group. On the other hand, Turkey strongly opposed the YPG's presence in northern Syria. Ankara has long objected to the U.S.' support for the YPG, a group that poses a threat to Turkey and that terrorizes local people, destroying their homes and forcing them to flee. Under the pretext of fighting Daesh, the U.S. has provided military training and given truckloads of military support to the YPG, despite its NATO ally's security concerns. Underlining that one cannot support a terrorist group to defeat another, Turkey conducted its own counterterrorism operations, over the course of which it has managed to remove a significant number of terrorists from the region. Israeli occupation forces said they had killed a Palestinian man who allegedly tried to stab their officers during a raid on his home in east Jerusalem early Monday. By Trend The EU4Energy team is in constant cooperation and dialogue with Azerbaijan in order to support the transformation of the energy sector, the EU4Energy official told Trend. "The EU4Energy program is implemented by the Council of European Energy Regulators (CEER), the Energy Community Secretariat (EnCS) and the International Energy Agency (IEA). We are in constant cooperation with the Azerbaijani governmental institutions, namely with the Ministry of Energy, Azerbaijan Energy Regulatory Agency and Azerbaijan Renewable Energy Agency in the framework of EU4energy Program Phase II," the source said. EU4Energy held a workshop on May 25, which brought together European and Azerbaijani experts to discuss the role renewable energy sources (RES) play in the overall concept of a smart city/village, as well as the kind of additional services that should be used in connection with RES for the design of a "smart city" or a "smart village". The workshop allowed participants to follow developments and recent discussions in Europe related to the development of energy communities with an emphasis on EU requirements, feasibility, major obstacles encountered, and available solutions, the official said. Smart cities/villages innovate, create and promote practices to address urban challenges and create joined-up, technologically advanced and sustainable infrastructure. It enables citizens and local government authorities to work together to develop initiatives to serve the city/villages needs, and use smart technologies to manage assets and resources in the growing urban environment efficiently and effectively. Moreover, the EU experts focused on the implementation of EU requirements by Member States as well as the implementation of the sustainable development goals that is being pursued by Austria and Greece. An expert from the Urban Innovation Vienna, Viennas Smart City Agency showcased how cities and villages in Azerbaijan can adopt smart methods based on his agencys example. According to the official, the current stage of the EU4Energy program "Promoting the Clean Energy Transition in the Eastern Partnership Countries: EU4Energy Phase II" will run until December 2024. "The program will contribute to the development of sound legislative and regulatory frameworks for energy, to support the regions transition to clean energy and the liberalization of the energy market. It will also address new challenges and opportunities, such as the gradual embedding of digitalization in all energy-relevant market segments while promoting cost efficiency. The citizens of Eastern partner countries will benefit from a more stable and resilient energy market, empowering consumers and increasing energy security and promoting the development of clean energy," the official added. Egyptian rapper Wegz will deliver some flow in a concert at New Alameins El-Alamein Arena this Friday. Egypt and Serbia launched on Wednesday an integrated strategic partnership and signed a series of agreements covering several fields, as the Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi is paying his first visit to the Republic of Serbia and the first by an Egyptian president since 1987. The deals signed during a ceremony attended by El-Sisi and his Serbian counterpart Aleksandar Vucic included a host of memoranda of understanding (MoUs)in the fields of higher education, agriculture, arts and culture, environment protection, and others. The deals also included an MoU between Radio Television of Serbia and the Egyptian National Media Authority, and an MoU between the Museum of African Arts in Serbia and the Museum of Civilisation in Egypt. Additionally, an MoU was signed between the Serbian Development Agency and the Egyptian General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI), and another one between the Serbian Development Agency and the Enterprise Development Agency in the field of small and medium enterprises. El-Sisi landed in Belgrade on Tuesday in the first visit by an Egyptian president to Serbia since July 1987, during the tenure of late Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak. On Wednesday, El-Sisi held high-level consultations with his Serbian counterpart in which the two leaders touched upon means of enhancing bilateral relations between both nations at various levels. In a joint press conference with Vucic following their talks, El-Sisi said the visit comes at a vital time to reflect how Egypt is keen to further its bilateral relations with Serbia. El-Sisi added that todays meeting is a culmination of the joint efforts exerted by both countries to advance bilateral cooperation. He added that the integrated strategic framework launched on Wednesday outlines a common vision for the various aspects of cooperation between Egypt and Serbia, as well as ways to advance them. The partnership confirms our common political will in this regard and paves the way for a new phase of the partnership linking the two countries, the Egyptian president added. Furthermore, El-Sisi asserted that he agreed with Vucic on pressing ahead with mechanisms of political consultations between the two countries, in addition to discussions through the Joint Committee for Economic, Technical, and Scientific Cooperation. They also agreed to look into the possibility of enhancing cooperation between the two countries in the fields of trade, investment, tourism, communications, and IT. Additionally, the Egyptian president welcomed boosting cooperation with the Serbian side in various fields, especially the military, economy, trade, and tourism. Moreover, he highlighted the consensus of visions between Egypt and Serbia on regional and international situations, adding that the state of instability in the international arena requires joint action by countries that share similar orientations, especially in the areas of energy and regional security. El-Sisi also shed light on the deeply rooted Egyptian-Serbian ties, especially at the level of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), expressing Cairos interest in developing these relations in all fields, pursuing coordination and political consultation, and exploring aspects of cooperation between them. He added that Egyptian-Serbian diplomatic ties date back to 1908, praising the role of former Egyptian president Gamal Abdel-Nasser and former Serbian president Josip Tito in laying the foundation of the movement. In October, Serbia celebrated the 60th anniversary of the first conference it hosted for the NAM. For his part, Vucic said both countries are working on establishing a direct airline from Belgrade to Cairo by March to make it easier for businesspeople to invest in Serbia and Egypt. He also pointed out that the negotiations on free trade between both nations will be completed by the end of October. There is a lot of room for cooperation in the field of military industry, but there are also huge opportunities in health care, both in the form of exchange and scholarships for students, he added. Furthermore, the Serbian president said that his country is keen on bolstering its relations with Egypt at all levels, adding that the North African state plays a pivotal role as a pillar of stability, security, and peace in the Middle East and Africa. He added that Egypt has achieved a remarkable development boom in recent years, indicating that Belgrade looks forward to enhancing mutual investments with Cairo in many sectors and augment trade exchange volume. Vucic also indicated that Serbia seeks a qualitative leap in its economic relations with Egypt, especially through the participation of Serbian companies in the implementation of giant national projects in the country. Both presidents also discussed the developments of a number of regional and international issues of mutual interest, notably the war in Ukraine and its repercussions on the global economy. El-Sisi reiterated that the Egyptian stance seeks a peaceful solution to the conflict and expressed willingness to exert all possible efforts whether at the bilateral, regional, or international levels to achieve that end and spare the peoples of the world the negative repercussions of the Russian-Ukrainian War. The talks also tackled the situation in the east Mediterranean, Palestine, Yemen, Syria, and Libya. In this respect, the Serbian president said Egypt plays a positive role in the pursuit of political settlements for all existing crises in its regional milieu, as well as reinforcing bridges of dialogue between African, Arab, and European countries. He also praised Egypts efforts to combat extremist ideologies and irregular migration, as well as establish principles and values of acceptance of others, freedom of choice, and tolerance. Following the presser, the Serbian president bestowed the Order of the Republic of Serbia upon his Egyptian counterpart. El-Sisi then thanked Vucic for the honourable gesture, expressing his aspiration that the next period will witness more cooperation and coordination between both countries. Search Keywords: Short link: The European Commission on Wednesday urged EU countries to reduce demand for natural gas by 15 percent over the coming months to secure winter stocks and defeat Russian "blackmail". Announcing an emergency plan, EU commissioners also asked member states to give Brussels special powers to impose compulsory energy rationing if Russia cuts off Europe's gas lifeline. A total shutdown of imports or a sharp reduction in the east to west flow could have a catastrophic effect on the European economy, shutting factories and forcing households to turn down the heat. Last year. Russia represented 40 percent of the EU's total gas use and any further disruption to supply would also push consumer prices ever higher and raise the risk of a deep recession. "Russia is blackmailing us," European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen told reporters. "Russia is using energy as a weapon and therefore, in any event, whether it's a partial major cut off of Russian gas or total cut off... Europe needs to be ready." Russian President Vladimir Putin has played hot and cold in recent days with his threats to cut off gas deliveries to the bloc of 27 members, but Brussels is asking EU countries to prepare for the worst. Since Moscow invaded Ukraine on February 24 and the West responded with sanctions, Russia has begun reducing its gas deliveries, apparently to prevent EU countries from replenishing reserves. 'Not enough' The EU has scrambled to replace Russia's supply from farther-flung sources such as the United States, Norway, Azerbaijan and Algeria. But the International Energy Agency warned on Monday that non-Russian gas resources "are simply not going to be enough". According to the EU plan, each member state should "do its utmost" to reduce gas consumption by at least 15 percent between August 2022 and March 2023, compared to the average of the last five years over the same period. By the end of September, countries will have to detail their roadmap for achieving this. EU energy commissioner Kadri Simson also outlined a proposal, which like the rest of the package will have to be approved by member states, to give the EU powers to impose demand cuts. "If the member states are not making sufficient progress, or the situation deteriorates, we propose that the commission can declare a state of EU alert at any moment," she said. "This will trigger a mandate or obligation for the member states to meet the 15 percent cost reduction target." There will be resistance among some EU capitals to mandatory measures. But Von der Leyen told reporters the "binding phase" would only be triggered in the case of "a drastic reduction of Russian gas or a complete cut off of Russian gas". 'Winter test' The plan showed that the commission's main focus is on energy consumption by electric power companies and industry, since households make up only 37 percent of total gas demand. Brussels also asks that states "switch to nuclear power where it is an option" and advises countries wishing to abandon atomic energy to postpone planned closures of nuclear power plants. And to minimise interruptions to gas-fired power plants, diesel-powered backup generators should be able to take over "for at least five days". The EU's plans to survive the winter comes amid increased concern over how badly a Russian gas crunch would affect the European economy in the coming months. The plan will not include an energy price cap, an idea that has been strongly endorsed by the US but that Europeans have so far excluded as a viable fix to their overdependence on Russia. "This winter will be a test for the EU's energy system and for our Union as a whole. And it is a test that we will pass if we act with solidarity and resolve," Simson said. Search Keywords: Short link: Egypts cabinet has approved in its weekly Wednesday meeting preparing two national companies for their stakes to be offered for sale on the Egyptian Exchange (EGX). The companies are the armed forces-run National Company for Petroleum and the National Company for Natural Water in Siwa (SAFI). Both are affiliated to the National Service Projects Organisation (NSPO). The cabinet is yet to announce details on the offerings. In May, Egypts Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly said the government plans to offer 12 companies under the governments initial public offering (IPO) programme on the EGX by the end of 2022, including two army-run companies and others that are under the umbrella of the public business sector. In December 2020, Egypts Minister for Planning and Economic development Hala El-Said stated that the Sovereign Fund of Egypt (TSFE), which she heads, is working on qualifying the two companies to be offered to private sector investors in principle, then on the EGX. The NSPO and TSFE inked a cooperation agreement in March 2020 to promote NSPO-affiliated companies in line with President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi's call to expand the ownership base of some assets owned by the organisation. This agreement allows the offering of some armed forces companies to the private sector, with up to 100 percent stake, according to the CEO of TSFE Ayman Soliman. Egypts IPO programme, which was kickstarted in 2019, was postponed due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020. The government resumed the programme in 2021 with the listing of the state-owned digital services platform e-finance. In an interview with Ahram Online in June, Egypts Minister of the Public Business Sector Hisham Tawfik noted that the IPO programme was on hold due to structural and demand issues the local capital market is experiencing. The EGX is currently not at its best. In general, the stake that will be offered for a local investor in the EGX ranges between five percent and 20 percent of the total offer, according to the latest IPO programme updates. Resuming the programme depends on market demand. This is the job of investment banks that set the stake that will be offered for the private sector and the shares that will be offered as public offering. We have noticed a weak local demand since the offering of the Eastern Company in 2019, according to the minister. As Egypt seeks to grant the private sector a greater role to play in the countrys economic activities, the government launched in June the State Ownership Policy Document that charts a roadmap for expanding the private sectors role in a number of economic activities in the Egyptian market. The policy sets number of paths to do so, including through offering state-owned companies on the EGX whether through a private offering or under the IPO programme. Egypt plans to raise the private sectors share in the countrys economic activity to 65 percent over three years, up from the current 30 percent. Search Keywords: Short link: French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday called for the resumption of long-stalled peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians in order to prevent simmering tensions in one of Middle East's longest conflicts from boiling over again. Speaking alongside Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas in the presidential palace in Paris, Macron said the situation in East Jerusalem and the Palestinian territories remains ``more than worrying.'' ``We all know that a new spiral of violence can start at any moment,'' Macron said on Wednesday. He added: ``To avert this threat (.) that undermines the lives of both Palestinians and Israelis, we must act.'' In the short term, Macron said, that means putting an end to Israel's unilateral measures in the occupied West Bank, including the expansion of Jewish settlements and evictions of Palestinian families from their homes. Both actions are ``contrary to international law,'' Macron said. He repeated his willingness to mobilize the international community in efforts that will lead to resumption of talks between Israel and the Palestinians and eventually result in a ``just and lasting peace.'' Abbas emphasized that Israel must stop ``unilateral actions (...) most importantly, the building of illegal settlements`` that slice the territory the Palestinians want for their state alongside Israel in pieces. Abbas was meeting with Macron in Paris after the Palestinian leader had met with U.S. President Joe Biden in the Israeli-occupied West Bank last week. Biden offered compassion and financial assistance for hope-starved Palestinians but also delivered a blunt acknowledgment that the ``ground is not ripe'' for new attempts to reach an elusive peace. Political uncertainty in Israel, which is holding another round of elections in November, and the weakness of Palestinian Authority leadership has dimmed any chance of restarting negotiations that broke down more than a decade ago. Earlier this month, Macron hosted Israeli caretaker Prime Minister Yair Lapid in the Elysee Palace and called on him to revive talks toward peace with the Palestinians. Lapid, who is expected to stay in the prime minister's role until the election in November, supports a two-state solution with the Palestinians. But as a caretaker leader, he isn't in a position to pursue any major diplomatic initiatives. Search Keywords: Short link: President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi was granted an honorary doctorate on Thursday from the University of Belgrade during his visit to the biggest and oldest public university in Serbia, said Presidential Spokesman Bassam Rady. The ceremony was attended by president of the University of Belgrade, Serbian minister of education, science, and technological development, and members of the University Council. El-Sisi was granted the honorary doctorate for his role in leading Egypt during a difficult period of unrest, steering the country towards a new stage of development and construction and comprehensive structural reforms in the economic and social fields, Rady said. It also came in the light of the major national projects that El-Sisi has launched in various sectors. The projects have contributed to improving the services provided to Egyptians and redrawing Egypts development map, Rady added. El-Sisi said he is proud to have received the honorary doctorate, noting that it is an award deserved by the Egyptian people, being a key partner in the recent achievements. University officials hailed the presidents efforts to develop Egyptian education, especially by maximising spending on primary education and raising the level of higher education through a series of fundamental reform projects, the presidential statement read. The officials referred to El-Sisis influential role in boosting relations between Egypt and Serbia, especially at the academic and cultural levels, which is part of the historical relations between the two countries within the framework of the Non-Aligned Movement, Rady added. On Wednesday, President El-Sisi and his Serbian counterpart Aleksandar Vucic inaugurated the Egyptian-Serbian Businessmen Forum and launched an integrated strategic partnership between the two countries. They also witnessed the signing of a series of agreements covering several fields, including higher education, agriculture, arts and culture, and environmental protection. The university praised the effective contribution of El-Sisi in promoting peace and cooperation at the regional and international levels, as well as his pioneering efforts towards combating terrorism and irregular migration, read the statement. The officials at the university highlighted Egypts efforts in the face of climate change, which culminated in Egypts scheduled hosting of the 27th session of the UN Climate Conference (COP27) in November in Sharm El-Sheikh. Delivering a speech during the celebration, El-Sisi said that climate change represents a real threat to the international community, stressing that it is important to deal seriously with water scarcity, desertification and drought. We must realise that climate change and global overpopulation aggravate the crisis that is now posing serious threats to many areas in the world, he said. Based on Egypt's keenness to rally international efforts to combat climate change, El-Sisi said the country hopes the outcomes of COP27 will contribute to putting the world on the right track to turn pledges into action, especially regarding efforts to reduce gas emissions and support developing countries combat climate change. Search Keywords: Short link: The Arab Organisation for Human Rights (AOHR), in cooperation with Egypt's Supreme Standing Committee for Human Rights (SSCHR), launched on Thursday a two-day conference on the challenges facing the right to privacy amid the rapid development of artificial intelligence. The conference touches upon the effects of artificial intelligence on the right to privacy and how any potential breach of this right would adversely affect other human rights. It aims to explore the boundaries of state and corporate responsibility in protecting personal data and guaranteeing the right to privacy for all citizens, according to a press release. The conference also addresses reinforcing legislative and legal frameworks relating to the protection of personal data and information. Minister of Social Solidarity Nevine El-Qabbaj and former minister of information and former head of the National Council for Human Rights Mohamed Fayek were among the attendees. El-Qabbaj asserted during her speech at the conference on Thursday that artificial intelligence has breached all limits, even our mental privacy. The minister said that 556 million cyber security attacks took place in 2017 alone, causing great financial losses for governments around the world. She also emphasised that according to the latest reports, one out of 10 social media users is threatened with blackmail or harassment. El-Qabbaj pointed out around 38.9 percent of cyber-attacks targeted the medical field, 35 percent went for businesses and trade, and 10.7 percent for education. She referred that the Egyptian law is considering these attacks as crimes, where artificial intelligence victim appeals are looked at, and the state is obliged to compensate them. El-Qabbaj also asserted that the Egyptian constitution protects citizens rights to privacy, noting that the Global Cyber Security Index ranked Egypt 24th worldwide on the cyber security list. The conference, which is organised by the AOHR and the SSCHR, is attended by experts in human rights, media, communication technology, and law from 23 countries, in addition to government representatives and the leaders of 32 non-governmental organisations (NGOs) from 16 Arab and seven European countries. For his part, Assistant Foreign Minister for Human Rights in Egypt Ambassador Khaled El-Bakly said on Thursday that the conference comes in light of the National Strategy for Human Rights and President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisis declaration of 2022 as the year of civil society. El-Bakly noted that the National Strategy for Human Rights includes goals to be achieved by 2026 that include amending a law that could protect the private life of victims, witnesses, those accused of crimes, and whistleblowers. The strategy also includes launching awareness campaigns about the importance of privacy and enhancing the role of the Supreme Council for Media Regulations in receiving complaints. El-Bakly affirmed the need for holding fruitful discussions to raise awareness about the right to privacy in the digital era. The president of AOHR Alaa Shalaby said that AI has provided great benefit in a short period of time, such as enhancing communication for deaf and blind people, operating critical surgeries and early detection of tumours, which are eventually good for humanity. On the other hand, Shalaby said that AI threatens individuals right to privacy. Shalaby pointed out that the biggest industrial countries benefit the most from artificial intelligence, whether politically or economically. Meanwhile, Head of the Human Rights Committee at the House of Representatives Tarek Radwan lauded the importance of the conference to introducing ways to counter this threat, noting that there are around 30 law drafts that are being looked into in the regard. The conference is the first of its kind to be held in Cairo and will conclude on Friday. Among the prominent participants are the Vice President of the Jordanian Supreme Court Mohamed Al-Tarawenah, President of the Arab Institute of Human Rights in Tunisia Abdel-Basset Ben Hassen, Head of the Human Line Organisation in Kuwait Maha Barjas, and Vice President of the National Diwan for Human Rights in Kuwait Dr. Siham Al-Furaih. The conference is also attended by the Head of the Independent Commission for Human Rights of Palestine Essam Younis, the Vice President of International Federation for Human Rights Shawan Jabarin, Vice-President of the National Council for Human Rights in Egypt Ambassador Mahmoud Karem, and Head of Egypt's State Information Service and Journalists Syndicate Diaa Rashwan. Search Keywords: Short link: An angry and grieving Iraq on Thursday buried nine holidaymakers, including a newlywed, killed in the artillery bombardment of a Kurdish hill village. Baghdad blames neighbouring Turkey and summoned the Turkish ambassador in protest. Ankara denied its troops were responsible and instead accused rebels of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK). Germany, France and Iran condemned the attack. The coffins of the nine dead, draped in Iraqi national flags and festooned with flowers, were flown on a military aircraft to Baghdad from Arbil, capital of the autonomous Kurdistan region. An honour guard bore the coffins at a ceremony witnessed by Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhemi on the tarmac of Baghdad's airport, where his office said he met relatives of the victims who came to claim their loved ones' bodies for burial. Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein and Kurdish regional president Nechirvan Barzani had led the pallbearers carrying the smallest of the coffins, a child's, onto the military plane in Arbil, an AFP correspondent reported. The deaths prompted angry anti-Turkish demonstrations across Iraq, and a formal protest from the government. A statement from the foreign ministry said it handed the summoned Turkish envoy a "letter of protest" and said that Iraq "calls on Turkey to solve its domestic problems away from Iraqi borders and without harming its people". In the street, demonstrators wanted more, calling for the ambassador's expulsion as loudspeakers blared patriotic songs outside the Turkish visa office in Baghdad early Thursday. There was a heavy police presence. Protesters brandished portraits of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan labelled "terrorist" and trampled Turkish flags. "We want to burn down the embassy," said demonstrator Ali Yassin, 53. "Our government is doing nothing." There were similar protests on Wednesday night in the Shiite shrine cities of Najaf -- where many of the victims will be buried -- and Karbala, as well as the southern city of Nasiriyah. Wednesday's shelling in the Zakho district village of Parakh also wounded 23 people, the majority of them domestic tourists seeking respite from the heat of the plains in the mountains of the Kurdish north. Among the dead was Abbas Alaa, 24, an engineer married for barely a week, said a friend who gave his name as Nour. Alaa was on his honeymoon -- his first-ever trip, Nour said -- and his wife was wounded. "We can't believe it," said Nour who waited with other friends at a modest Baghdad home for relatives to return with his corpse. "This doesn't happen in any other country, only Iraq," Nour said. 'Flagrant violation' Germany's foreign ministry on Thursday said "the circumstances of the attack and those responsible" must be urgently investigated. "The German government assigns great importance to respect for Iraq's state sovereignty and international law," it said. France, which also denounced the "indiscriminate strike", said it too was committed to Iraq's sovereignty, and the stability of the autonomous Kurdish region. In Tehran, the foreign ministry spokesman said "Iran considers the security of Iraq as its own security and will not hesitate to provide any assistance in this regard". In an unusually strong rebuke, Kadhemi warned Turkey that Iraq reserves the "right to retaliate". Kadhemi called the artillery fire a "flagrant violation" of sovereignty -- a line echoed by the Kurdistan administration. Iraq said it was recalling its charge d'affaires from Ankara and demanded an official apology from Turkey along with "the withdrawal of its armed forces from all Iraqi territory". The Turkish foreign ministry denied responsibility for the bombardment, saying these "kinds of attacks" were committed by "terrorist organisations". On its Twitter account, the Turkish embassy offered its condolences to "our brother Iraqis killed by the PKK terrorist organisation". Ankara launched an offensive in northern Iraq in April dubbed "Operation Claw-Lock", which it said targets fighters from the PKK. The rebels have kept up a deadly insurgency for Kurdish self-rule in southeastern Turkey since 1984. Ankara's Western allies also list the group as a "terrorist organisation". For the past 25 years, the Turkish army has maintained dozens of outposts across Iraq's Kurdish north as part of its campaign against the rebels. There have been sporadic calls for their removal. Search Keywords: Short link: President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi said on Thursday that Egypt believes in the unity of the goals of Nile Basin countries and that expanding cooperation between Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia will enable them to achieve a solution to the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam issue. In a speech at the University of Belgrade after receiving an honorary doctorate, El-Sisi said that water scarcity and desertification are among the current issues facing the international community, especially with their impact on achieving sustainable development. The president added that there must be respect for the universal principles governing the use of shared bodies of water, at the top of which is achieving common interests in a balanced way that meets countries needs. Egypt has taken the negotiations path in the issue of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) based on its belief in developing Egyptian-Ethiopian relations, El-Sisi said about the decade-long talks between Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia. He added that expanding cooperation between Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia will enable solving the GERD issue. Egypt has been supporting development projects in Nile basin countries to support development including dams projects like Tanzanias Julius Nyerere Hydroelectric Power Project (JNHPP). Egypt and Sudan, the two downstream countries, have been involved in decade-long talks with Addis Ababa over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). Egypt has been concerned that the filling and operation of the GERD will harm its historic share of the Nile water. Meanwhile, Sudan is worried about the impact of the GERD on regulating flows to its own dams. El-Sisi said on Thursday that a balanced and fair legal agreement between Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam would allow Addis Ababa to achieve its development as Cairo and Khartoum preserve their water rights. Reaching a fair and balanced agreement on the issue of the GERD will enable Ethiopia to achieve its development and increase its capacity in generating electricity while at the same time protecting Egypt and Sudans rights, he said. According to the Egyptian president, this will be achieved through a legally binding agreement with Ethiopia on the filling and operation of the dam. Egypt and Sudan, who do not oppose the GERD, have sought to reach a binding deal with Ethiopia on the filling and operation of the dam. Ethiopia has rejected all such attempts. In the absence of a legally binding deal, Ethiopia unilaterally completed the first and second filling of the dam, and started earlier this year operating the first turbine of the GERD to generate power. It also seeks to start the third filling in August and September, according to a recent announcement by the GERD project manager. Some 85 percent of the Niles waters in Egypt flow from the Ethiopian highlands through the Blue Nile one of the Niles two main tributaries, along with the White Nile. Egypt, which is considered one of the most water-scarce countries in the world, receives around 60 billion cubic metres (bcm) annually, mainly from the Nile. However, the water needs of Egypt with a population of over 102 million and growing stand at around 114 bcm, placing the country well below the international threshold for water scarcity at 560 cubic metres per person annually. Search Keywords: Short link: A Sudanese pro-democracy protester was shot dead Thursday during rallies against a military power-grab, taking the toll of those killed in crackdowns since the army takeover to 115, medics said. The pro-democracy Central Committee of Sudan Doctors said the protester was killed in Omdurman, across the Nile river from the capital Khartoum. The latest in near-weekly protests against the power-grab comes as Sudan reels from the impact of deadly ethnic clashes in a land dispute that broke out on July 11 in southern Blue Nile state, in which 105 people were killed and 291 were wounded. The clashes in Blue Nile between members of the Berti and Hausa ethnic groups then triggered furious protests in several cities elsewhere in Sudan this week, with Hausa members taking to the streets including in Khartoum demanding justice for their comrades. Sudan, one of the world's poorest countries, is also mired in an economic crisis that has deepened since last year's power-grab led by army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan. Earlier this month, Burhan vowed in a surprise move to make way for a civilian government. But the country's main civilian umbrella group rejected his move as a "ruse" and protesters have continued to press the army chief to resign. Activists say they want to resume large rallies on Sunday, calling for a demonstration to encourage "peaceful coexistence" between the country's multiple ethnic groups after the bloodshed in Blue Nile. Search Keywords: Short link: By Trend The production capacity of Azerbaijans Azersulfat LLC plant is 20,000 tons of sulfuric acid per year, and this figure reaches 60 tons per day, Director of the Azersulfat LLC Emil Guliyev told reporters, Trend reports. According to Guliyev, Azerbaijan's current demand for sulfuric acid is 10,000 tons per year. "We have completed testing of equipment by 95 percent. After receiving raw material - sulfur, our central furnace will be launched. After 12 days, we will start producing finished products," he said. The director noted that the main consumers of the plant's products are the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR), gold mining enterprises, textile factories, and others. "We expect to purchase sulfur at the SOCAR refinery in 2023. Before that, we plan to import it from Turkmenistan and Russia, after which well switch to local raw material," Guliyev also noted. "Weve already signed contracts for the export of our products to Georgia. The supply is scheduled for the end of August. Contracts have also been signed with local enterprises. We plan to start exporting 98 percent sulfuric acid in the near future." He added that the Azersulfat LLC plant is an environmentally friendly enterprise, and its emissions into the atmosphere are almost zero. The European Union (EU) has provided Egypt with a 117.9 million grant in order to support the governments water and energy budget, Egypts Ministry of International Cooperation announced on Thursday. The ministry said that the grant amount will be directed to ministries of irrigation, housing, finance, electricity and petroleum. Minister of International Cooperation Rania Al-Mashat stated that the grant comes in light of the EU-Egypt strategic relationship and their continuous cooperation, also noting that it is in line with the states efforts to boost its green transition and the execution of the eco-friendly projects ahead of hosting the UN Climate Change Conference (COP27). Water and energy sector are priorities for the government, as the two sectors play a role in preserving Egypts economic growth and enhancing sustainable development. The government adopts ambitious plans aim at boosting the sustainable management of water resources through expanding in sea water desalination and waste water treatment projects, the minister further noted. Egypts energy sector, Al-Mashat explained, has been significantly improved over the past eight years, adding that the countrys mega projects have managed to transform an energy deficit into a surplus and also help it to export energy to other countries. Egypt has also moved forward in terms of expanding in renewable energy projects in partnership with development partners, foreign and local private sector and governmental bodies, as Egypt plans to be a regional hub for energy, Al-Mashat said. It is worth noting that current cooperation portfolio between Egypt and the EU reaches 1.3 billion in the form of grants that supports sectors including transport, water, agriculture, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), renewables, social protection, governance, civil society and capabilities building. Search Keywords: Short link: Russian shelling pounded a densely populated area in Ukraine's second-largest city Thursday, killing at least three people and injuring at least 23 others with a barrage that struck a mosque, a medical facility and a shopping area, according to officials and witnesses. Police in the northeast city of Kharkiv said cluster bombs hit Barabashovo Market, where Associated Press journalists saw a woman crying over her dead husband's body. Local officials said the shelling also struck a bus stop, a gym and a residential building. The bombardment came after Russia reiterated its plans to seize territories beyond eastern Ukraine, where the Russian military has spent months trying to conquer Ukraine's Donbas region, which is south of Kharkiv. The Russian declaration Wednesday came after Ukrainian officials aired plans to try to recapture Russian-occupied areas near the country's southern Black Sea coast. Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov said the attacks early Thursday targeted one of the most crowded areas of the city, which had a prewar population of about 1.4 million. "The Russian army is randomly shelling Kharkiv, peaceful residential areas, civilians are being killed,'' Terekhov said. At the market, desperate screams of Sabina Pogorelets pierced the air as she begged Ukrainian police to let her embrace her husband, Adam, whose body was lying partly covered with cloth next to a small stall. A bloody wound could be seen on his head as policemen gently pulled his wife away so medical workers could take away his body. "Please! I need to hold his hand!'' Pogorelets cried. Nearby, a man hugged his small daughter as he and other visitors stood in shock. Emergency teams treated at least two of the wounded in nearby ambulances. "People started working little by little, they came out to sell things, and residents came here to buy things,'' said Volodymyr Tymoshko, head of the National Police in the Kharkiv region. "And exactly this place was hit by "Uragan'' rockets with cluster bombs to maximize the damage to people.'' The cluster bombs claim could not be independently confirmed. AP journalists at the scene saw burned-out cars and a bus pierced by shrapnel. The Kharkiv regionial governor, Oleh Syniehubov, said four people were in grave condition and a child was among those wounded in the shelling. Russian forces also shelled wheat fields, setting them on fire, he said. Elsewhere, Russian forces shelled the southern city of Mykolaiv overnight as well as the eastern cities of Kramatorsk and Kostiantynivka, where two schools were destroyed, Ukrainian officials said. A man's body was recovered from the rubble of the school in Kramatorsk and emergency workers say two more people are feared trapped under the ruins. The scattered attacks illustrate broader war aims beyond Russia's previously declared focus on the Donbas region's Donetsk and Luhansk provinces, which pro-Moscow separatists have partly controlled since 2014. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told state-controlled RT television and the RIA Novosti news agency Wednesday that Russia plans to retain control over more territory, including the Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions in southern Ukraine. Moscow's current strategy also envisions making gains elsewhere, Lavrov said. Analysts from the Institute for the Study of War, a think tank based in Washington, said the current Russian offensive in Donetsk may result in the capture of the cities of Sloviansk and Bakhmut. But they noted that "Russian troops are now struggling to move across relatively sparsely-settled and open terrain. They will encounter terrain much more conducive to the Ukrainian defenders." Ukraine's military reported Thursday that Russian forces attempted to storm the Vuhlehirska power station in the Donetsk region, but said "Ukrainian defenders made the enemy resort to fleeing.'' Ukraine forces on Wednesday struck a key bridge on the Dnieper River for the second time in as many days, apparently trying to loosen Russia's grip on the southern Kherson region. "Russia is prioritizing the capture of critical national infrastructure, such as power plants," the British Defense Ministry said Thursday. "However, it is probably also attempting to break through at Vuhlehirska, as part of its efforts to regain momentum on the southern pincer of its advance towards the key cities of Kramatorsk and Sloviansk.'' Fighting also persists in the Luhansk region, next to Donetsk, governor Serhiy Haidai said. Search Keywords: Short link: Egypt has expressed its deepest condolences to Iraq over the victims of an attack that targeted a tourist resort in Dohuk in Iraq's Kurdistan region on Wednesday, killing eight Iraqi civilians and injuring over 20 others. "Egypt voices its categorical condemnation of the attack, asserting the importance of respecting the resolutions of international law in relation to protecting civilians," read a statement by the country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday. The ministry also offered its full support for the sovereignty of the Iraqi territories and of 'all measures and decisions taken by the Iraqi government to maintain security and stability of the country.' Egypt also wished the injured a speedy recovery. Turkish artillery shells struck the resort area in the semi-autonomous Kurdish-run region on Wednesday, killing at least eight Iraqi tourists and wounding over 20, Iraqi Kurdish government and hospital officials told the Associated Press, adding that all the casualties were Iraqi citizens. Turkey, which has military bases near the site, regularly carries out airstrikes into northern Iraq targeting elements of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK). The PKK, which is listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the United States and the European Union, has led an insurgency in southeast Turkey since 1984, which has killed tens of thousands of people. Ankara has pressed Baghdad to root out PKK elements from the northern region. Iraq, in turn, has said Turkey's ongoing attacks are in breach of its sovereignty. Iraq's government condemned Wednesday's attack, calling it a ``flagrant violation of Iraq's sovereignty.'' Iraq summoned Ankara's ambassador to Baghdad over the attack and its state agency said the government will call back its charge d'affaires in Ankara. For its part, Turkey has rejected its responsibility for the attack, with its Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu calling on the Iraqi authorities to not fall for this "trap." Turkish military operations in Iraq have always been against the outlawed PKK, and the attack on Dohuk was carried out by "terrorists," Cavusoglu told state broadcaster TRT Haber on Thursday, according to Reuters. The attack came hours after two Iraqi federal police officers were killed and four others injured in clashes with Islamic State (ISIS) terrorists in the Salahuddin province. Search Keywords: Short link: Korea's total fertility rate dropped to 0.98 last year, or less than one child likely to be born to Korean women over their lifetime. Korea is the only country in the OECD whose fertility rate has dipped below 1. The rate dwindled even though the government spent more than W58 trillion to encourage childbirth over the past two years (US$1=W1,119). Statistics Korea released the data on Wednesday, saying the country's total fertility rate in 2018 plunged from 1.05 in 2017, which was already a record low. Only 326,900 babies were born last year, 30,000 fewer than the previous year. Signs for the future are not encouraging. Last year, the birthrate fell among those in their 20s and 30s, the peak fertility age, to 24.4 and 66.1 babies per 1,000 women, down 13 percent and six percent. Women in their late 30s had more children than those in their late 20s, the first full reversal of the traditional pattern. Only 10 years ago, the birthrate among those in their late 20s was nearly four times as high as among those in their late 30s. The average age for childbirth therefore rose to 32.8 years, up 0.2 on-year. Those aged 35 or older accounted for 31.8 percent of all new mothers, up 2.4 percentage points over the same period. With tensions growing over the war in Ukraine and Russia's energy cuts, the European Union's executive arm is calling on member nations to cut natural gas consumption by 15 percent between August and next March to avoid what it calls energy "blackmail" -- and its potentially catastrophic economic fallout. The EU's executive branch wants the 15 percent cuts to be across the board and, for now, voluntary, but seeks the power to make the reductions mandatory if Moscow deeply or completely cuts its gas exports to the bloc. "We have to be proactive. We have to prepare for a potential full disruption of Russian gas," said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. "And this is a likely scenario. What we've seen in the past, as we know, Russia is calculatingly trying to put pressure on us by reducing the supply of gas." Russia's Gazprom has already partly or fully cut supplies to nearly a dozen of the EU's 27 members, as Brussels tightens sanctions against Moscow over the war in Ukraine. Already, the International Monetary Fund says, even this partial cutoff is hurting European economies. "The assessment (on Xinjiang), if published, will intensify politicization and bloc confrontation in the area of human rights, undermine the credibility of the OHCHR (Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights), and harm the cooperation between OHCHR and member states," the letter said, referring to Bachelet's office. "We strongly urge Madame High Commissioner not to publish such an assessment." The letter authored by China expressed "grave concern" about the Xinjiang report and aims to halt its release, said four sources -- the three diplomats and a rights expert who all spoke on condition of anonymity. They said China began circulating it among diplomatic missions in Geneva from late June and asked countries to sign it to show their support. But before she leaves at the end of August, she has pledged to publish a report into the western Chinese region of Xinjiang. Rights groups accuse Beijing of abuses against Xinjiang's Uyghur inhabitants, including the mass use of forced labor in internment camps. China has vigorously denied the allegations. United Nations High Commissioner Michelle Bachelet has faced severe criticism from civil society for being too soft on China during a May visit and has since said she will refrain from seeking a second term for personal reasons. China is asking the United Nations human rights chief to bury a highly-anticipated report on human rights violations in Xinjiang, according to a Chinese letter seen by Reuters and confirmed by diplomats from three countries who received it. Liu Yuyin, a spokesperson for China's diplomatic mission in Geneva, did not say whether the letter had been sent or respond to questions about its contents. Liu said that nearly 100 countries had recently expressed their support to China on Xinjiang-related issues "and their objection to interference in China's internal affairs under the pretext of human rights." This support was voiced through public statements at the last UN Human Rights Council session, which ended on July 8, and through the "joint letter," Liu added, using a term denoting China and the other signatories. A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson told Reuters that Bachelet would have witnessed a "real Xinjiang with a safe and stable society" when she visited the region during her May trip to China. The spokesperson said attempts by some countries to "smear China's image" using the Xinjiang issue would not succeed. It was not clear whether Bachelet had received the letter, and an OHCHR spokesperson declined to comment on the matter. The Xinjiang report is being finalized prior to public release, he added, saying this includes the standard practice of sharing a copy with China for its comments. The report is set to address China's treatment of its Uyghur minority. A team of rights experts began gathering evidence for it more than three years ago but its release has been delayed for months for unclear reasons. Reuters was not able to establish how many signatures the letter received. One of the four sources, a Geneva-based diplomat, replied to the letter positively giving his country's support. Another version of the letter also seen by Reuters was more critical of Bachelet's actions, saying that the Xinjiang report was done "without mandate and in serious breach of OHCHR duties," and would undermine her personal credibility. It was not clear who edited it or why. The diplomat who signed the letter said the softer version was the final one. Direct Lobbying China, like other countries, sometimes seeks to drum up support for its political statements within the Geneva-based rights council through diplomatic memos which others are asked to support. These can sometimes influence decisions at the 47-member Council, whose actions are not legally binding but can authorize investigations into suspected violations. Two of the Geneva diplomats said China's letter represents a rare example of evidence of Beijing seeking to lobby Bachelet directly. Sometimes, they say, countries find it hard to say no to China on human rights issues, given close economic ties. The memo comes at a critical juncture for the UN rights body in the last few weeks of Bachelet's term, with no successor yet nominated. Bachelet, 70, is due to leave office on Aug. 31. Samsung unveils its new foldable smartphones on Aug. 10. The Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Galaxy Z Flip 4 will for the first time offer the option of using two phone numbers on a single device. The Korean electronics giant sent out invitations to the launch on Wednesday. The phones have improved hinges and sleeker designs. The Galaxy Z Flip 4 also has a bigger external screen and longer battery life. KYODO NEWS - Jul 21, 2022 - 15:53 | All, Japan, Coronavirus, World Three anti-coronavirus drugs prescribed in Japan, including molnupiravir, may be effective against the Omicron subvariant BA.5, according to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine on Thursday. A team led by Yoshihiro Kawaoka, a professor of virology at the University of Tokyo, found that small-molecule antiviral drugs nirmatrelvir, molnupiravir, and remdesivir curbed virus activity in cultured monkey cells infected with the highly contagious BA.5 and other strains. Nirmatrelvir is one of two active ingredients in Paxlovid, developed by Pfizer Inc. This and molnupiravir, developed by Merck & Co., are oral drugs. Remdesivir, developed by Gilead Sciences Inc., is an intravenous drug. All three are U.S. pharmaceutical companies. BA.5 is driving a surge in infections in Japan and elsewhere in the world. The country's daily coronavirus cases exceeded 150,000 on Wednesday for the first time. The study, on the other hand, indicated that the antibody medicines Ronapreve, which contains casirivimab and imdevimab, and Sotrovimab exhibited a lower efficacy than against earlier coronavirus variants. Japan has yet to have its first domestic oral COVID-19 drug. On Wednesday, the health ministry delayed approving Shionogi & Co.'s pill Xocova for the second time, concerned that it was unable to demonstrate its efficacy in its clinical trials. KYODO NEWS - Jul 21, 2022 - 13:30 | All, World, Japan The U.S. Senate on Wednesday adopted a resolution honoring former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe who was recently fatally shot during election campaigning, hailing him for laying a "lasting foundation" for the two countries' partnership. The resolution was introduced by senators including William Hagerty, a former U.S. ambassador to Japan, and won unanimous consent. "The United States lost a great friend and ally with the assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, whose leadership laid a lasting foundation for the United States and Japan to partner for decades to come in promoting freedom, prosperity, and security around the world and opposing authoritarianism and tyranny," the resolution said. Citing his two stints as prime minister from 2006 to 2007 and 2012 to 2020, the document also said Abe left an "indelible mark on the politics, economy, and society of Japan, as well as prosperity and security around the world." Abe's achievements cited in the resolution included his vision of a "free and open Indo-Pacific," which has also been embraced by the United States as the two countries work to deal with an assertive China, and being a key architect of the Quad regional security dialogue involving the United States, Australia, India and Japan. The Senate will remember Abe and his work to strengthen the bilateral alliance, while extending condolences to his family and the people of Japan, the resolution said. Abe, who remained an influential politician even after stepping down from the post of prime minister, was fatally shot on July 8 while delivering a stump speech in the western Japanese city of Nara two days ahead of a national election. Leaders of countries around the world have expressed their shock and sorrow over the death of the 67-year-old, including U.S. President Joe Biden. Related coverage: Japan eyes state funeral for slain ex-PM Abe in late September OPINION: Why former Japan PM Abe is much more highly praised abroad Mourners farewell slain ex-PM Abe as funeral held at Tokyo temple The United States should immediately stop plundering Syria's national resources, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said here Wednesday. Wang Wenbin made the remarks at a press conference when asked to comment on reports that U.S. occupation forces recently transferred oil stolen from Syria to the north of Iraq, with Syrian officials condemning the United States and its allies for acting just like pirates. Wang said that 90 percent of the Syrian population is currently living below the poverty line, two thirds of the population relies on humanitarian assistance, and more than half of the population suffers from food insecurity. The U.S. military still occupies the main grain- and oil-producing areas in Syria, looting and plundering Syrian national resources, worsening the local humanitarian crisis, Wang said, adding that some Syrians have described the presence of the United States in Syria as a form of terrorism. Wang said the United States has always boasted about its so-called highest standards on human rights and the rule of law, but the U.S. actions in Syria prove that it actually fails in these aspects. The United States should respect Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity, respond to the calls of the Syrian people, immediately lift unilateral sanctions against Syria, immediately stop plundering Syria's national resources, and make up for the harm caused to the Syrian people with concrete actions, Wang said. Produced by Xinhua Global Service RTHK: Biden positive for Covid, symptoms 'very mild' President Joe Biden tested positive for Covid-19 on Thursday, with his doctors saying the 79-year-old leader was experiencing only mild fatigue and would isolate at the White House while carrying out his duties. Biden, who posted a picture of himself working at his desk, tweeted that he was "doing great" and apologised for missing a scheduled event in Pennsylvania. "Keeping busy!" added the US leader, in a post carefully curated to show he remains at the country's helm smiling in a suit, with smartphones and documents laid out in front of him. In announcing Biden's diagnosis, the White House stressed that the president was fully vaccinated and twice boosted, and said he was "experiencing very mild symptoms." It said Biden was taking Pfizer's Paxlovid pill, an antiviral used to minimise the severity of Covid-19. "Consistent with CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) guidelines, he will isolate at the White House and will continue to carry out all of his duties fully during that time," it added in a statement. Biden's doctor Kevin O'Connor wrote in an official note that the president was suffering from fatigue, a runny nose and a dry cough, starting on Wednesday evening. O'Connor added that the president had tested positive in a rapid antigen test on Thursday morning before the result was confirmed by a PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test. "I talked to him just a few minutes ago. He's doing fine, he's feeling good," First Lady Jill Biden, who tested negative, told reporters on a visit to a school in Michigan. Mr Biden's ratings have recently hit a new low, with only 31 percent of Americans satisfied with the way he is running the country, according to the latest polls. The highly-transmissible Omicron BA.5 subvariant is currently fueling a new wave of Covid cases in the United States where hospitalisations have doubled in recent months. The country is seeing some 130,000 new reported cases daily, but the figure is thought to be substantially underestimated due to the expanded use of home tests, whose results are not typically reported to authorities. (AFP) This story has been published on: 2022-07-21. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. By Azernews By Laman Ismayilova With its numerous natural beauties, Zagatala boasts some of the most beautiful destinations. So, nature lovers safely add this Azerbaijani northern region to their bucket list. The highest point is Guton mountain (3648 m). The climate on the plain is warm, in mountains cold. The mid temperature of January on the plain is -1 C, in mountains, it is -10 C, and the mid-temperature of July reaches +24 C and +5 C respectively. Half of its territory is mountainous and covered with thick forests. The region is well-known for its hazelnuts and walnuts. Zagatala has a heap of wonderful places to explore during a trip. The Zagatala State Nature Reserve is a great place to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and reconnect with nature. Leafy forests extend to the foot of the mountains, mainly consisting of Oriental beeches (Fagus Orientalis). The Zagatala State Reserve is also famous for such plants as rhododendron, cherry-laurel, blackberry, maple, and fern. Glaciers and alpine meadows can be found at higher altitudes. The Zagatala State Natural Reserve is home to the Syrian brown bear, Indian wolf, red fox, forest cat, Caucasian lynx, squirrel, and weasel. It also has a diverse range of birds, including the golden eagle, Egyptian vulture, griffon vulture, etc. During the latest monitoring, the Biodiversity Protection Service has noticed an increase in the rare species of the Caucasian deer (red deer) in the Zagatala State Natural Reserve. Biodiversity Protection Service representative said that the Zagatala Natural Reserve is currently home to 1,000 Caucasian deer, Azernews reports citing 1news.az. "Around 1,000 Caucasian deer have been recorded in Zagatala Natural Reserve, which is the largest area of ??the Caucasian deer listed in the Red Book of Azerbaijan," she said. The Caspian red deer is one of the easternmost subspecies of red deer that is native to areas between the Black and Caspian seas. The Caspian red deer is sometimes referred to as maral, noble deer, or eastern red deer. The Caspian red deer is around 4 feet 6 inches (1.37 m) tall and can weigh 500 to 700 pounds (230 to 320 kg). Their antlers are around 4 feet (1.2 m) in length, and 6 inches (150 mm) in girth. Its coat is dark gray, except for the summer, when it is a dark brown. Along with the Caucasian deer, the stability of the population of other rare species was observed as well including brown bear and sable. Numerous historical and cultural monuments can be also found in Zaqarala. The 18th-century mosques in Qalal and Gozbarakh villages, the Alban tower dating back to the 12th century, and the 18th-century mosque in Mazikh village, two monuments built in the 14th century in the village of Kebeloba, Perigala in Yukhari Chardakhlar village, the 13th century Albanian Tower in Pashan village, and the Chingozqala tower from the 14th century in Jar village, just to name a few. Turkiye's Istanbul is preparing to host the second round of talks on the safe transport of Ukrainian grain to international markets amid the growing concerns over food insecurity. Produced by Xinhua Global Service Ranil Wickremesinghe was sworn in as the president of Sri Lanka on Thursday in the parliament before Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya. Wickremesinghe was elected as the president in an election held in parliament on Wednesday, during which Wickremesinghe got 134 votes from parliamentarians. Out of 225 parliamentarians, 223 voted in the ballot and there were four invalid votes. An official from the President's Office told Xinhua that Wickremesinghe will appoint a new prime minister and cabinet in the coming days. On Wednesday, Wickremesinghe invited all political parties to join hands with him and work together to overcome the economic crisis and bring in a new political change. Sri Lanka is in the mid of severe economic turmoil and has sought assistance from the International Monetary Fund and friendly nations to supply basic essentials such as fuel, gas and medicines. Produced by Xinhua Global Service UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed (C, on the screen) addresses a special high-level dialogue with the theme "The Africa We Want: Reconfirming the Development of Africa as a Priority of the United Nations System" at the UN headquarters in New York, July 20, 2022. Africa came under the spotlight at a special high-level dialogue held Wednesday at the United Nations headquarters in New York, which was aimed at mobilizing greater support for advancing the continent's sustainable development. (Mark Garten/UN Photo/Handout via Xinhua) UNITED NATIONS, July 20 (Xinhua) -- Africa came under the spotlight at a special high-level dialogue held Wednesday at the United Nations headquarters in New York, which was aimed at mobilizing greater support for advancing the continent's sustainable development. The one-day event was jointly convened by the presidents of the UN General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), with the theme "The Africa We Want: Reconfirming the Development of Africa as a Priority of the United Nations System." "Today, we are putting the spotlight on Africa, a continent that is rich with human and natural resources and enormous untapped economic and social potential, yet still faces challenges in the realization of development goals," said Abdulla Shahid, president of the General Assembly. Describing Africa's sustainable development as a "priority" for the UN and international community, he stressed that collective action has often fallen short on delivery. The General Assembly chief urged the international community to recommit to sustainable development in Africa, assess where action is lacking, take concrete steps to foster progress, and fulfil existing commitments while generating new ones "that reflect our ever-changing world." In his remarks, ECOSOC President Collen Vixen Kelapile said the high-level dialogue is "both timely and relevant", noting it was convened to place the sustainable development of Africa at the heart of the work of the United Nations. He pointed out that there is an unprecedented opportunity for Africa to step up to multiple challenges, speed up its industrialization and economic diversification, and integrate itself further upstream in global supply chains through increased value addition at source. Addressing the event, UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed said the high-level dialogue provides a global platform for African member states and the United Nations and partners to share progress and reaffirm that giving light to Africa's development vision "remains our shared priority." Mohammed, speaking on behalf of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, pointed out that Africa's development gains are at risk, as a consequence of the current three ongoing crises -- the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change and the Russia-Ukraine conflict. However, "the Africa we want is still within reach," she said. "To get there, we need to change our mindsets and turn the triple crisis into an opportunity." To this end, Mohammed stressed five key issues, including building effective and reliable policy frameworks and institutions, investing in connectivity and digital technologies, improving education and skills-development, achieving sustainable energy for all across the continent, as well as an overall approach to financing. "Today, let us recommit to our ambitious vision and to continue to work alongside African countries to realize a greener, more sustainable, and more inclusive future for all," she said. Abdulla Shahid (2nd R), president of the UN General Assembly, addresses a special high-level dialogue with the theme "The Africa We Want: Reconfirming the Development of Africa as a Priority of the United Nations System" at the UN headquarters in New York, July 20, 2022. Africa came under the spotlight at a special high-level dialogue held Wednesday at the United Nations headquarters in New York, which was aimed at mobilizing greater support for advancing the continent's sustainable development. (Mark Garten/UN Photo/Handout via Xinhua) Collen Vixen Kelapile (3rd R), President of the UN Economic and Social Council, addresses a special high-level dialogue with the theme "The Africa We Want: Reconfirming the Development of Africa as a Priority of the United Nations System" at the UN headquarters in New York, July 20, 2022. Africa came under the spotlight at a special high-level dialogue held Wednesday at the United Nations headquarters in New York, which was aimed at mobilizing greater support for advancing the continent's sustainable development. (Mark Garten/UN Photo/Handout via Xinhua) BEIJING, July 21 (Xinhua) -- At the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, President Joko Widodo of the Republic of Indonesia will visit China from July 25 to 26, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying announced Thursday. In response to a question on the visit, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin told a press briefing Thursday that Widodo is the first foreign head of state to visit China after the Beijing Winter Olympics, and China is also the first stop of Widodo's first trip to East Asia since the pandemic, reflecting that China and Indonesia attach great importance to bilateral relations. During the visit, Xi will hold talks with Widodo, and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang will meet with Widodo. They will have in-depth exchanges of views on bilateral relations and major regional and international issues, Wang said. The two countries are major developing countries and representatives of emerging economies with broad common interests and broad space for cooperation, Wang said. In recent years, under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, the two sides have confirmed the general direction of building a China-Indonesia community with a shared future, constructed a new pattern of cooperation regarding the four pillars of political, economic, cultural and maritime fields, and interpreted the rich content of the comprehensive strategic partnership, he said. Through President Widodo's visit, China looks forward to deepening strategic mutual trust and practical cooperation, and setting an example for the win-win cooperation and common development among major developing countries in the new era, Wang said. China highly appreciates and firmly supports Indonesia's constructive role while Indonesia holds the presidency of the G20 this year, Wang said. Widodo will have face-to-face talks with Chinese leaders about the G20 Summit and discuss how to meet the current prominent global challenges, thus demonstrating the solidarity and coordination among major developing countries, injecting more positive energy into the post-pandemic development of the world economy, and contributing more to global equity and justice, Wang said. ANKARA, July 21 (Xinhua) -- Turkiye, Finland and Sweden will hold a meeting in August to evaluate the Nordic countries' anti-terror pledges required by Ankara for lifting its veto on their NATO membership bid, the Turkish foreign minister said on Thursday. The meeting in August will evaluate the Nordic countries' progress made in fulfilling Ankara's counter-terrorism demands in order to ratify their NATO membership bid, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said in an interview with the state-run TRT broadcaster. The minister reiterated that the Turkish parliament may reject their accession process if Finland and Sweden do not keep their promises. NATO's 30 member states signed accession protocols for Sweden and Finland in early July, starting the process to admit the two Nordic countries into the military alliance. The next step is for the parliaments of all NATO members to ratify their accession to NATO. Finland and Sweden's NATO bid was initially blocked by Turkiye, which accused them of "supporting" anti-Turkiye terrorist groups as they rejected Ankara's extradition requests for suspects affiliated with the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and the Gulen Movement. On June 28, Turkiye, Sweden and Finland agreed on a memorandum of understanding (MoU) before Ankara lifted its veto ahead of the NATO Madrid summit. In the MoU, Finland and Sweden pledged to support Turkiye's fight against terrorism, and agreed to address Turkiye's "pending deportation or extradition requests of terror suspects expeditiously and thoroughly." The PKK, listed as a terrorist organization by Turkiye, the United States and the EU, has been rebelling against the Turkish government for more than three decades. The Gulen Movement is led by and named after the U.S.-based Muslim preacher Fethullah Gulen who is regarded by his followers as a spiritual leader. The Turkish government accuses the movement of masterminding the 2016 failed coup in which at least 250 people were killed. Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi waves to lawmakers at the end of his address at the lower house of parliament in Rome, Italy, July 21, 2022. Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi on Thursday officially resigned, remitting his mandate to the hands of the president, and putting an end to his national unity government after 17 months in office. (Photo by Alberto Lingria/Xinhua) ROME, July 21 (Xinhua) -- Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi on Thursday officially resigned, remitting his mandate to the hands of the president, and putting an end to his national unity government after 17 months in office. "President Sergio Mattarella has received Mario Draghi, who ... has reiterated the resignation of the government he leads," a statement from Secretary General of the Presidency of the Republic Ugo Zampetti read. "The President has taken note (of the resignation). The current government remains in office to take care of current affairs," it added. Draghi announced his intention to meet Mattarella in the early morning, while addressing the lower house ahead of a scheduled confidence vote. As he shortly explained to the lower house, his decision to step down came after a confidence vote held in the senate on Wednesday, which the government survived with a thin majority. "In view of what has happened yesterday in the upper house, I ask to suspend the session because I am about to go to the President of the Republic in order to communicate my decisions," Draghi told deputies before meeting the president. Having formally accepted Draghi's resignation, Mattarella could now either launch a round of consultations among parties in parliament, to see whether another majority could be formed, or call for snap elections directly. Draghi's cabinet has been in charge since February 2021. The 74-year-old former president of the European Central Bank already made an offer to resign last week, when the populist Five Star Movement -- a major ally in the national unity coalition -- boycotted a confidence vote on a key relief bill, thus denying its support to the cabinet. Mattarella rejected Draghi's resignation last week, asking him to assess the situation in parliament. Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi (C) addresses the lower house of parliament in Rome, Italy, July 21, 2022. Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi on Thursday officially resigned, remitting his mandate to the hands of the president, and putting an end to his national unity government after 17 months in office. (Photo by Alberto Lingria/Xinhua) SHENYANG, July 21 (Xinhua) -- Senior Communist Party of China (CPC) official You Quan has urged efforts to prevent and defuse risks in the united front work and contribute to stable economic, social, and political environments. You, a member of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee and head of the United Front Work Department of the CPC Central Committee, made the remarks during his research tour in northeast China's Liaoning Province from Wednesday to Thursday. During the tour, You visited local private enterprises and religious sites to learn about relevant work and presided over a meeting to hear about suggestions on preventing and defusing risks in the united front work by local officials. Noting that the 20th CPC National Congress is an important event on the Party and the country's political agenda, You called for solid efforts to greet the convocation of the event later this year. United front departments at all levels should enhance their awareness of potential risks and work on a forward-going and proactive basis, You said. A medical worker injects a booster shot of COVID-19 vaccine for an 86-year-old citizen at Aoyuncun Subdistrict in Chaoyang District, Beijing, capital of China, July 13, 2022.(Xinhua/Ju Huanzong) BEIJING, July 21 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese mainland on Wednesday reported 148 locally-transmitted confirmed COVID-19 cases, including 52 in Guangxi and 49 in Gansu, the National Health Commission said Thursday. Altogether 678 local asymptomatic carriers were newly identified in 11 provincial-level regions. A total of 69 COVID-19 patients were discharged from hospitals after recovery on the Chinese mainland on Wednesday, said the Commission in its report. The total number of COVID-19 patients discharged from hospitals after recovery reached 221,339 on the Chinese mainland as of Wednesday. Wednesday saw no new deaths from COVID-19, with the total death toll at 5,226. TEHRAN, July 20 (Xinhua) -- Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kanaani said on Wednesday that Iran does not seek nuclear weapons and its nuclear technology program is "peaceful." "Iran possesses high nuclear capabilities, and, as we have mentioned many times, Iran's nuclear technology is completely peaceful and under the constant supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency," Kanaani said in response to a question about the recent remarks of Kamal Kharrazi, head of Iran's Strategic Council of Foreign Relations. Kharrazi told Qatar's Al Jazeera TV on Sunday that Iran has the required technical capabilities, such as increasing the uranium enrichment from 20 percent to 60 percent, but has no intention to build a nuclear bomb. "We have Supreme Leader's fatwa and there has been no change in Iran's view and position," the Iranian spokesman said, referring to the religious decree by Ali Khamenei, supreme leader of Iran, that prohibits Iran's production and use of weapons of mass destruction. BEIJING, July 21 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory letter to the World Youth Development Forum, which commenced Thursday in Beijing. The youth represent hope and are the architects of the future, Xi said in the letter, noting that China always regards young people as the driving force of social development, and encourages them to unleash their youthful vitality when participating in and promoting the building of a community with a shared future for humanity. Xi expressed his hope that the forum will become an important platform where young people worldwide can contribute to global development and global efforts are gathered to promote youth development. Young people across the world should advocate peace, development, equity, justice, democracy and freedom, which are the common values of humanity, Xi said. He also called on the youth to promote the Global Development Initiative with concrete actions, and facilitate the implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. By Azernews By Laman Ismayilova As part of the 26th International Dede Gorgud Culture and Art Festival in Bayburt, Turkiye, a panel discussion was held on "Dede Gorgud's spiritual heritage on the Turkic world," Azernews reports, citing Azertac. The first panel was chaired by Professor Alpaslan Ceylan, and the second panel was chaired by Professor Zakir Avshar. Famous scientists from the Turkic world, Firudin Aghasioglu, Naila Askar, Ahmet Bican Ercilasun, Metin Akici, Mutlu Turkmen, Fatih Kirisciogluna, and Kenan Charboga shared their opinions about peoples and geographical names mentioned in Gorgud epics. The Book of Dede Gorgud is a heroic epic poem of the Oghuz - a Turkic tribal group, who were the ancestors of Azerba?anis, Turks, Turkmens and Gagauz. In terms of its historical and cultural significance, this saga is a grand testament to the culture of the Turkic world in ancient and medieval times. The character of Dada Gorgud is at the center of the book. He is the book's narrator and one of its main characters. As a storyteller, he seems to have lived longer than many of the people, who are protagonists in his story. His most important function is at the end of each story where he makes a moral statement to summarize the plot. Professor Alpaslan Ceylan pointed out that there is a serious need for in-depth research of the common historical heritage in the Turkic world, especially in Azerbaijan, in connection with the events devoted to Dede Gorgud. Reminding that the national leader Heydar Aliyev signed a decree in 1997 in connection with the 1300th anniversary of the Kitabi Dede Gorgud, Professor Zakir Avshar expressed that all the works done in this direction made unparalleled contributions to the common Turkic history and culture. Expressing that the legacy of Dede Gorgud has a wide range of influence on the modern thinking of the Turkic people, the speakers held extensive discussions about the places and historical cultural monuments in the territory of Armenia. It was stated that all the historical and cultural traces in this geography and the heritage related to the human factor are of Turkic origin. Scientists have evaluated the research of Dede Gorgud's heritage in Azerbaijan, the writing of works on this topic, and the publication of books as a great contribution to the entire Turkic world. It was noted that closer cooperation between the Turkic states in this field is important for the development of the common history and culture. A JSQ freight vehicle of China Railway Special Cargo Logistics Co., Ltd. is about to leave Yuzui Station in southwest China's Chongqing, July 21, 2022. A JSQ freight vehicle of China Railway Special Cargo Logistics Co., Ltd., loaded with 207 cars manufactured by Changan Automobile, left Yuzui Station in southwest China's Chongqing on Thursday for its first pilot run to Moscow, Russia. Shipping time from Chongqing to Moscow will be reduced to 18 days using the China-Europe freight train service, compared to 35 days using marine shipping. (Xinhua/Tang Yi) Aerial photo taken on July 21, 2022 shows cars being loaded onto a JSQ freight vehicle of China Railway Special Cargo Logistics Co., Ltd. at Yuzui Station in southwest China's Chongqing. A JSQ freight vehicle of China Railway Special Cargo Logistics Co., Ltd., loaded with 207 cars manufactured by Changan Automobile, left Yuzui Station in southwest China's Chongqing on Thursday for its first pilot run to Moscow, Russia. Shipping time from Chongqing to Moscow will be reduced to 18 days using the China-Europe freight train service, compared to 35 days using marine shipping. (Xinhua/Tang Yi) Aerial photo taken on July 21, 2022 shows a JSQ freight train of China Railway Special Cargo Logistics Co., Ltd. getting ready to leave Yuzui Station in southwest China's Chongqing. A JSQ freight vehicle of China Railway Special Cargo Logistics Co., Ltd., loaded with 207 cars manufactured by Changan Automobile, left Yuzui Station in southwest China's Chongqing on Thursday for its first pilot run to Moscow, Russia. Shipping time from Chongqing to Moscow will be reduced to 18 days using the China-Europe freight train service, compared to 35 days using marine shipping. (Xinhua/Tang Yi) Aerial photo taken on July 21, 2022 shows a JSQ freight vehicle of China Railway Special Cargo Logistics Co., Ltd. leaving Yuzui Station in southwest China's Chongqing. A JSQ freight vehicle of China Railway Special Cargo Logistics Co., Ltd., loaded with 207 cars manufactured by Changan Automobile, left Yuzui Station in southwest China's Chongqing on Thursday for its first pilot run to Moscow, Russia. Shipping time from Chongqing to Moscow will be reduced to 18 days using the China-Europe freight train service, compared to 35 days using marine shipping. (Xinhua/Tang Yi) Cars produced by Changan Automobile are loaded onto a JSQ freight vehicle of China Railway Special Cargo Logistics Co., Ltd. at Yuzui Station in southwest China's Chongqing, July 21, 2022. A JSQ freight vehicle of China Railway Special Cargo Logistics Co., Ltd., loaded with 207 cars manufactured by Changan Automobile, left Yuzui Station in southwest China's Chongqing on Thursday for its first pilot run to Moscow, Russia. Shipping time from Chongqing to Moscow will be reduced to 18 days using the China-Europe freight train service, compared to 35 days using marine shipping. (Xinhua/Tang Yi) People visit a planetarium in Kedu Township of Pingtang County, southwest China's Guizhou Province, July 20, 2022. In 2007, Pingtang County launched a relocation program that involved 6,653 rural residents from Kedu and Tangbian townships. The program was implemented in order to prepare for the construction of the FAST (Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Radio Telescope), also known as the "China Sky Eye." Kedu Township started a plan to transform itself into an astronomy-themed town from September 2015, taking advantage of its proximity to the FAST. Kedu now has more than 20 projects built to promote astronomical science. Many relocated rural residents have found jobs or started their own businesses in the town. (Xinhua/Ou Dongqu) Relocated villager Yang Li works in an embroidery factory in Kedu Township of Pingtang County, southwest China's Guizhou Province, July 19, 2022. In 2007, Pingtang County launched a relocation program that involved 6,653 rural residents from Kedu and Tangbian townships. The program was implemented in order to prepare for the construction of the FAST (Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Radio Telescope), also known as the "China Sky Eye." Kedu Township started a plan to transform itself into an astronomy-themed town from September 2015, taking advantage of its proximity to the FAST. Kedu now has more than 20 projects built to promote astronomical science. Many relocated rural residents have found jobs or started their own businesses in the town. (Xinhua/Ou Dongqu) People visit a planetarium in Kedu Township of Pingtang County, southwest China's Guizhou Province, July 20, 2022. In 2007, Pingtang County launched a relocation program that involved 6,653 rural residents from Kedu and Tangbian townships. The program was implemented in order to prepare for the construction of the FAST (Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Radio Telescope), also known as the "China Sky Eye." Kedu Township started a plan to transform itself into an astronomy-themed town from September 2015, taking advantage of its proximity to the FAST. Kedu now has more than 20 projects built to promote astronomical science. Many relocated rural residents have found jobs or started their own businesses in the town. (Xinhua/Ou Dongqu) People visit a planetarium in Kedu Township of Pingtang County, southwest China's Guizhou Province, July 20, 2022. In 2007, Pingtang County launched a relocation program that involved 6,653 rural residents from Kedu and Tangbian townships. The program was implemented in order to prepare for the construction of the FAST (Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Radio Telescope), also known as the "China Sky Eye." Kedu Township started a plan to transform itself into an astronomy-themed town from September 2015, taking advantage of its proximity to the FAST. Kedu now has more than 20 projects built to promote astronomical science. Many relocated rural residents have found jobs or started their own businesses in the town. (Xinhua/Ou Dongqu) Huang Xiaomei (R), a villager who relocated to Kedu town in July 2016, is pictured with her husband at their new home in Kedu Township of Pingtang County, southwest China's Guizhou Province, July 19, 2022. In 2007, Pingtang County launched a relocation program that involved 6,653 rural residents from Kedu and Tangbian townships. The program was implemented in order to prepare for the construction of the FAST (Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Radio Telescope), also known as the "China Sky Eye." Kedu Township started a plan to transform itself into an astronomy-themed town from September 2015, taking advantage of its proximity to the FAST. Kedu now has more than 20 projects built to promote astronomical science. Many relocated rural residents have found jobs or started their own businesses in the town. (Xinhua/Ou Dongqu) Relocated villager Yang Li works in an embroidery factory in Kedu Township of Pingtang County, southwest China's Guizhou Province, July 19, 2022. In 2007, Pingtang County launched a relocation program that involved 6,653 rural residents from Kedu and Tangbian townships. The program was implemented in order to prepare for the construction of the FAST (Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Radio Telescope), also known as the "China Sky Eye." Kedu Township started a plan to transform itself into an astronomy-themed town from September 2015, taking advantage of its proximity to the FAST. Kedu now has more than 20 projects built to promote astronomical science. Many relocated rural residents have found jobs or started their own businesses in the town. (Xinhua/Ou Dongqu) People visit a planetarium in Kedu Township of Pingtang County, southwest China's Guizhou Province, July 20, 2022. In 2007, Pingtang County launched a relocation program that involved 6,653 rural residents from Kedu and Tangbian townships. The program was implemented in order to prepare for the construction of the FAST (Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Radio Telescope), also known as the "China Sky Eye." Kedu Township started a plan to transform itself into an astronomy-themed town from September 2015, taking advantage of its proximity to the FAST. Kedu now has more than 20 projects built to promote astronomical science. Many relocated rural residents have found jobs or started their own businesses in the town. (Xinhua/Ou Dongqu) Combo photo shows a relocation site in Kedu Township of Pingtang County, southwest China's Guizhou Province on March 29, 2018 (top) and July 19, 2022 (bottom), respectively. In 2007, Pingtang County launched a relocation program that involved 6,653 rural residents from Kedu and Tangbian townships. The program was implemented in order to prepare for the construction of the FAST (Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Radio Telescope), also known as the "China Sky Eye." Kedu Township started a plan to transform itself into an astronomy-themed town from September 2015, taking advantage of its proximity to the FAST. Kedu now has more than 20 projects built to promote astronomical science. Many relocated rural residents have found jobs or started their own businesses in the town. (Xinhua/Ou Dongqu) Villager-turned homestay owner Liu Chengliang makes up beds at his homestay in Kedu Township of Pingtang County, southwest China's Guizhou Province, July 19, 2022. In 2007, Pingtang County launched a relocation program that involved 6,653 rural residents from Kedu and Tangbian townships. The program was implemented in order to prepare for the construction of the FAST (Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Radio Telescope), also known as the "China Sky Eye." Kedu Township started a plan to transform itself into an astronomy-themed town from September 2015, taking advantage of its proximity to the FAST. Kedu now has more than 20 projects built to promote astronomical science. Many relocated rural residents have found jobs or started their own businesses in the town. (Xinhua/Ou Dongqu) A villager works in an embroidery factory in Kedu Township of Pingtang County, southwest China's Guizhou Province, July 19, 2022. In 2007, Pingtang County launched a relocation program that involved 6,653 rural residents from Kedu and Tangbian townships. The program was implemented in order to prepare for the construction of the FAST (Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Radio Telescope), also known as the "China Sky Eye." Kedu Township started a plan to transform itself into an astronomy-themed town from September 2015, taking advantage of its proximity to the FAST. Kedu now has more than 20 projects built to promote astronomical science. Many relocated rural residents have found jobs or started their own businesses in the town. (Xinhua/Ou Dongqu) Aerial photo shows the astronomy-themed projects in Kedu Township of Pingtang County, southwest China's Guizhou Province, July 19, 2022. In 2007, Pingtang County launched a relocation program that involved 6,653 rural residents from Kedu and Tangbian townships. The program was implemented in order to prepare for the construction of the FAST (Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Radio Telescope), also known as the "China Sky Eye." Kedu Township started a plan to transform itself into an astronomy-themed town from September 2015, taking advantage of its proximity to the FAST. Kedu now has more than 20 projects built to promote astronomical science. Many relocated rural residents have found jobs or started their own businesses in the town. (Xinhua/Ou Dongqu) Villager-turned homestay owner Liu Chengliang tests a telescope at his homestay in Kedu Township of Pingtang County, southwest China's Guizhou Province, July 19, 2022. In 2007, Pingtang County launched a relocation program that involved 6,653 rural residents from Kedu and Tangbian townships. The program was implemented in order to prepare for the construction of the FAST (Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Radio Telescope), also known as the "China Sky Eye." Kedu Township started a plan to transform itself into an astronomy-themed town from September 2015, taking advantage of its proximity to the FAST. Kedu now has more than 20 projects built to promote astronomical science. Many relocated rural residents have found jobs or started their own businesses in the town. (Xinhua/Ou Dongqu) A visitor looks at a model of the FAST at a planetarium in Kedu Township of Pingtang County, southwest China's Guizhou Province, July 20, 2022. In 2007, Pingtang County launched a relocation program that involved 6,653 rural residents from Kedu and Tangbian townships. The program was implemented in order to prepare for the construction of the FAST (Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Radio Telescope), also known as the "China Sky Eye." Kedu Township started a plan to transform itself into an astronomy-themed town from September 2015, taking advantage of its proximity to the FAST. Kedu now has more than 20 projects built to promote astronomical science. Many relocated rural residents have found jobs or started their own businesses in the town. (Xinhua/Ou Dongqu) JOHANNESBURG, July 20 (Xinhua) -- South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Wednesday urged stakeholders to examine areas where transformation has been slow and implementation has been weak as the country reflected on progress in transforming racialized economy. There are now more than 300,000 black entrepreneurs who own over half of all small businesses in the formal sector in the country, while in 1994, the year when apartheid ended, there were around 150,000 black-owned formal businesses in South Africa, Ramaphosa gave an example of gains in the transformation at the opening of the inaugural Black Industrialists and Exporters Conference in Johannesburg. There has also been substantial progress on employment equity and the number of black managers in the private sector has more than doubled over the past 20 years, from 125,000 in 2002 to over 350,000 at present, Ramaphosa told more than 1,000 delegates, including officials, entrepreneurs, representatives of labor unions, citing figures of labor force surveys. According to him, the number of black managers in the public sector has tripled from 45,000 to 150,000. The president expected the conference to not only reflect on the progress in redressing inequality in the economy but also discuss what stakeholders need to do together to expand the frontiers of economic transformation. He said the government's objective was to accelerate prosperity and employment while ensuring greater black representation across the economy. The conference will identify progress in the transformation of the economy, and provide information on efforts to increase exports, growth and job creation by black industrialists. It will feature an exhibitors' marketplace with industrialists showcasing their products. It will also highlight and showcase the importance of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in enhancing economic development and promoting intra-trade on the continent. JERUSALEM, July 20 (Xinhua) -- Israel's imports of goods from China, excluding diamonds, increased by 36.3 percent year-on-year in the first half (H1) of 2022, according to a report published by the Israeli Central Bureau of Statistics on Wednesday. Israeli import value from China from January to June amounted to 6.49 billion U.S. dollars, compared to 4.76 billion dollars in the same period in 2021, said the report. The import volume has been increasing mainly because importers in Israel could identify the potential of China, the world's largest exporter, Esti Ayalon-Kovo, Head of Israel's Economic Mission office in Beijing, told Xinhua. "In terms of supply chains, China has been less affected than other countries during the coronavirus period because it has unique transport capabilities," she noted. With the latest figure, China kept its position as Israel's largest source of imports, accounting for 12.4 percent of all Israeli imports in H1 of 2022, ahead of the United States, whose share of Israeli imports stood at 8.4 percent in the same period. Total Israeli imports, excluding diamonds, amounted to 52.21 billion dollars in H1, an increase of 28.8 percent compared to the same period last year. Israeli exports to China totaled 2.3 billion dollars in H1 of 2022, registering an 8.5 percent increase. Total Israeli exports reached 30.6 billion dollars in H1, an increase of 24.3 percent compared to last year's H1. BEIJING, July 21 (Xinhua) -- A new research report released by Chinese academic entities says the AUKUS nuclear-powered submarine collaboration has set a dangerous precedent for the illegal transfer of weapons-grade nuclear materials and thus constitutes a blatant act of nuclear proliferation. The United States and Britain said in last September that they would support Australia in acquiring nuclear-powered submarines under a newly formed trilateral security pact known as AUKUS. The report, titled "A Dangerous Conspiracy: The Nuclear Proliferation Risk of the Nuclear-powered Submarines Collaboration in the Context of AUKUS", was released Wednesday by the China Arms Control and Disarmament Association and the China Institute of Nuclear Industry Strategy. It is the first special report on AUKUS submarine collaboration published by Chinese academic entities. The report says the AUKUS nuclear-powered submarine collaboration runs counter to the spirit of the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone Treaty and also undermines ASEAN countries' efforts to establish the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone. In addition, it ferments potential risks and hazards in multiple aspects, such as nuclear security and arms race in nuclear submarines, with a profound negative impact on global strategic balance and stability, says the report. According to the report, though the AUKUS countries have been coy about the details of their nuclear-powered submarine collaboration, international arms-control experts have estimated that Australia's eight planned nuclear submarines will need a total of 1.6 to 2 tonnes of weapons-grade HEU, which would be sufficient to build as many as 64 to 80 nuclear weapons. "The United States and Britain are directly giving Australia tonnes of weapon-grade nuclear materials. This is without a doubt an act of nuclear proliferation," said Zhang Yan, president of the China Arms Control and Disarmament Association. Australia, a non-nuclear-weapon state under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, openly accepted such a large quantity of weapons-grade nuclear materials. This is nothing short of "getting one foot across the nuclear threshold," Zhang added. After reviewing nearly 100 declassified nuclear files and related materials, the report finds that post-WWII Australian administrations were keen to develop nuclear weapons. In recent years, there have again been people in Australia arguing the case for nuclear possession, and the possibility of Australia seeking the development of nuclear weapons in the future may not be ruled out, it says. The report urges the United States, Britain and Australia to immediately revoke their wrong decisions, stop their dangerous acts, and faithfully fulfill their international obligations in non-proliferation. It also calls on the international community to take actions and urge the three countries to revoke their wrong decisions through multilateral platforms so as to jointly safeguard the integrity, authority and effectiveness of the global nuclear nonproliferation regime. ADEN, Yemen, July 21 (Xinhua) -- Yemen's Houthi rebel group attacked government-controlled areas on Thursday as the United Nations (UN) urged warring parties to extend the truce in the war-ravaged Arab country. At least two soldiers of the government troops were killed and five others injured after the Houthi fighters launched several strikes against their bases in the besieged city of Taiz in southwestern Yemen in the past 48 hours, a local military source told Xinhua on condition of anonymity. "The Houthis began launching artillery shelling against the troops in an attempt to take over the western part of Taiz," he said. In Yemen's central province of al-Bayda, the Houthis have been randomly attacking the Khubzah village for the past 24 hours with heavy weapons, including tanks. Yemen's Minister of Information Muammar Al-Eryani said the Houthis had "unjustly besieged" Khubzah village and shelled local residents' homes indiscriminately. The Houthi attacks were strongly condemned by the Yemeni minister, who called the shelling "a fully-fledged war crime" that killed women and children and damaged property. Five people were killed and at least 14 others were injured in the attack on Khubzah in the past 24 hours, according to local sources. The Houthi shelling is still going on despite local tribal leaders' mediation to stop the attack, the sources told Xinhua. The Houthi attacks came as UN Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg urged Yemeni factions to strengthen, fully implement and extend the UN-brokered truce beyond Aug. 2. Grundberg, who has increased his engagement with the warring parties to ensure the implementation of the truce, said the number of fighters and civilian casualties had significantly decreased during the ceasefire despite verifiable reports of violations. "An extended and expanded truce will increase the benefits to the Yemeni people. It will also provide a platform to build more confidence between the parties and start serious discussions on economic priorities, particularly on revenues and salaries, as well as security priorities, including a ceasefire," Grundberg said in a statement released on Thursday. The Houthis have yet to comment on the attacks. Since April 2, the warring parties in Yemen have entered a nationwide ceasefire. Although the truce has largely been upheld, the internationally recognized Yemeni government and the Houthi group frequently trade accusations of truce violations. Yemen has been mired in a civil war since late 2014 when the Iran-backed Houthi militia seized control of several northern provinces and forced the Saudi-backed Yemeni government out of the capital Sanaa. The war has killed tens of thousands of people, displaced 4 million, and pushed the poor Arab country to the brink of starvation. UNITED NATIONS, July 21 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese envoy on Thursday urged relevant countries to immediately and fully lift unilateral sanctions against Syria, and called on the UN Security Council to make clear provisions to this end. "We have always supported the United Nations and the international community in extending humanitarian relief to Syrians in line with the principles of humanity, neutrality, and impartiality," Dai Bing, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, told a UN General Assembly debate on the Syrian humanitarian issue. Unilateral sanctions have caused immeasurable negative impacts on the socioeconomic recovery and development in Syria by impeding the international humanitarian agencies' operation in the country, he pointed out. "Such measures have become the most significant obstacle to solving the Syrian humanitarian issue, and must thus be immediately and fully lifted. The Security Council must make clear provisions to this end," he said. The Security Council adopted Resolution 2642 on July 12 to re-authorize cross-border aid deliveries into Syria for six months. The resolution decides to extend the authorization for aid deliveries through the crossing at Bab al-Hawa on the border with Turkey till Jan. 10, 2023. A further extension of an additional six months will require a separate Security Council resolution. In his remarks, Dai said that resolution 2642 allows for a more flexible arrangement for renewing the authorization for cross-border humanitarian aid to Syria, which will facilitate the Security Council's timely assessment on and adjustment to its authorization. "Most Council members voted in favor of this resolution. We expect all parties to strictly abide by the basic principles governing international humanitarian assistance, stringently adhere to the provisions in the Council resolution, ensure the neutrality and transparency of relief efforts, and make them more targeted and effective," he said. During the consultation on the resolution, China repeatedly called upon all parties to stick to dialogue and consultation and to work until the last minute in an effort to find a practical and valuable solution. Regrettably, two days before the expiry of the authorization, when there was still margin for compromise, the Security Council deliberately resorted to a vote, which has led to the use of veto, Dai said. "Forcing a vote in such a manner was not necessary," he noted. This case shows that in the face of differences and contradictions, Security Council members can only find an effective solution to the issue at hand by following through with dialogue and consultation. Forcibly pushing for a vote will only escalate such contradictions and divergence, and will do a disservice to the Security Council's effective discharge of its responsibilities, he said. Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian (R) welcomes his visiting Qatari counterpart Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani in Tehran, Iran, on July 6, 2022. (Iranian Foreign Ministry/Handout via Xinhua) Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said that the U.S. should stop "resorting to pressure and sanctions as leverage" in the nuclear talks. TEHRAN, July 21 (Xinhua) -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian on Thursday urged the United States to stop "excessive demands" about reaching an agreement in the talks on reviving a 2015 nuclear deal, according to the foreign ministry's website. In a phone call with his Qatari counterpart Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, Amir-Abdollahian also reiterated Iran's determination to reach a "good, robust and lasting" agreement in the nuclear talks. In a separate phone call with Josep Borrell, the EU's foreign policy chief, on Monday night, Amir-Abdollahian urged the White House to stop "resorting to pressure and sanctions as leverage" in the nuclear talks. Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian (R) shakes hands with European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell during their meeting in Tehran, Iran, on June 25, 2022. (Iranian Foreign Ministry/Handout via Xinhua) Both Al-Thani and Borrell expressed understanding about Iran's efforts to reach a final agreement in the nuclear talks. Iran signed the nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, with world powers in July 2015, agreeing to curb its nuclear program in return for the removal of sanctions on the country. However, former U.S. President Donald Trump pulled Washington out of the agreement in May 2018 and reimposed unilateral sanctions on Tehran, prompting the latter to drop some of its commitments under the pact. Photo taken on Dec. 17, 2021 shows a meeting of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) Joint Commission in Vienna, Austria. (EU Delegation in Vienna/Handout via Xinhua) The talks on the revival of the 2015 nuclear deal began in April 2021 in Vienna but were suspended in March this year because of political differences between Tehran and Washington. After a three-month pause, the talks resumed in late June in Qatar's capital Doha, but failed to settle the differences. UNITED NATIONS, July 21 (Xinhua) -- The UN team in Papua New Guinea condemns a recent escalation of violence across the Highlands region during the current election period, a UN spokesman said on Thursday. Acting Resident Coordinator Dirk Wagener expressed his deep concern over allegations of the killing of dozens of civilians, said Farhan Haq, deputy spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. There were reports of sexual violence against women and the displacement of thousands of people, primarily women and children. Wagener called for a swift investigation into alleged crimes, the spokesman told reporters at a regular briefing. Haq said businesses and markets closed, trenches dug across roads and destroyed bridges halted traffic. Schools and medical facilities were damaged. "This has resulted in disruptions in the delivery of goods and services to impacted communities, which are now experiencing shortages of food, fuel, medicines, and other critical supplies," the spokesman said. "Wagener called for an immediate cessation of violence in the Highlands and for humanitarian assistance to be delivered to affected communities," Haq said. "The United Nations and its partners stand ready to respond to any call for assistance if requested by the government." Balloting in Papua New Guinea, one of the world's poorest countries, ends Friday, the International Foundation for Electoral Systems said on its website. Results are to be announced by July 29. Voters are choosing 118 representatives to serve five-year terms from more than 3,600 candidates, the foundation said. GABORONE, July 21 (Xinhua) -- Botswana's aviation industry is steadily returning to its pre-COVID-19 levels, an official said Wednesday. Modipe Nkwe, the communications manager with the Civil Aviation Authority of Botswana, in a telephone interview with Xinhua, said the recovery seems to be steadier than expected. "Following the lifting of travel restrictions, the aviation industry is gradually returning to pre-COVID-19 operational levels," said Nkwe. According to figures recently released by Statistics Botswana, the country's statistical agency, the number of air passengers was increasing, as 209,574 passengers traveled by air in the first six months of 2022, compared to 313,321 passengers recorded in the whole year of 2021. Last year, the Hospitality and Tourism Association of Botswana also engaged foreign aviation operators to introduce direct flights from Europe to Botswana's pristine Okavango Delta. The tourism industry plays a big role in the nation's economy after the diamond industry. In 2019, the contribution of the travel and tourism industry to Botswana's gross domestic product stood at 13.1 percent, according to the Bank of Botswana, the country's central bank. By Azernews By Vugar Khalilov Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov and his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov have discussed bilateral cooperation agenda, regional situation, and full implementation of trilateral statements, Azernews reports, per the ministry. During a telephone conversation on July 20, the top diplomats discussed the current topics on the bilateral cooperation agenda and the present regional situation. The need to fully implement the trilateral declaration's requirements agreed upon by the Azerbaijani, Armenian and Russian leaders was emphasized. At the same time, the parties discussed regional transportation and transit concerns, emphasizing the need for extending the potential of the North-South transport corridor that runs through Russia, Azerbaijan, and Iran. The ministers also discussed other matters of mutual interest, the ministry said. BAMAKO, July 21 (Xinhua) -- Malian Foreign Ministry on Wednesday asked the spokesperson of MINUSMA, the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Mali, to leave the country in 72 hours as tweets about a diplomatic incident has escalated tensions between the two sides. Mali announced last week the temporary suspension of all new rotations of the MINUSMA peacekeeping mission for security reasons. The announcement came days after the Malian authorities arrested 49 soldiers from Cote d'Ivoire who they said have arrived in the country without permission. Cote d'Ivoire said the soldiers were sent to provide support for MINUSMA, but Mali said it had no mission orders or any authorization to enter the country. In a statement released on Wednesday, Malian Foreign Ministry accused MINUSMA spokesman Olivier Salgado of Twitter posts declaring "without any proof" that the Malian authorities had been previously informed of the arrival of the 49 soldiers. Mali cannot "ignore these actions which undermine the partnership with MINUSMA and other partners," said the statement. The United Nations "deeply regrets" Salgado's requested departure, deputy UN spokesman Farhan Haq said. MINUSMA, the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali, was established in 2013 to support foreign and local troops battling militants. MOGADISHU, July 21 (Xinhua) -- Somali National Army (SNA)'s elite forces Danab on Thursday arrested three al-Shabab militants during an operation at Madahgis location in the Middle Shabelle region of southern Somalia. Said Muse Hassan, SNA commander of the 16th Unit in the Shabelle region, told Somali National News Agency that the elite troops ambushed the fighters on their hideout and recovered weapons. "We arrested three terrorists and recovered two AK 47 guns during a special operation this morning in the Middle Shabelle region. The operation was aimed at countering the terrorists in the region," Hassan said. The latest onslaught against al-Shabab militants was carried out a few days after they launched an attack in Jowhar town in southern Somalia. VIENTIANE, July 21 (Xinhua) -- The Lao Ministry of Energy and Mines has issued a notice instructing the operators of hydropower dams in Laos to ensure that safety measures and emergency plans are in place and being complied with. Safety awareness is especially important in the rainy season when reservoirs are full to capacity and the most strain is placed on dam walls, local daily Vientiane Times reported on Thursday. The warning was issued after the ministry carried out inspections and found that several hydropower plants were storing substantial quantities of water, and advised all dam operators to pay extra attention to water management, dam safety, and emergency plans. Operations managers should monitor the condition of all structures and floodgates, which must be in good working order and ready for use. Requests for the release of water must be submitted to the Department of Energy Policy and Planning at least seven days before the discharge is planned. In addition, emergency plans must be up to date and dam operators should remain in full communication with local authorities and communities living downstream so that they are aware of and well prepared for any possible incident. Furthermore, equipment and vehicles must be included in the emergency plans so they are ready for use in the event of an unexpected incident. The owners and developers of hydropower plants have repeatedly been instructed to comply with safety guidelines and monitor the safety of dams, especially through visual inspections and instrument monitoring. The Ministry of Energy and Mines has been working to strengthen management to ensure sustainable development of hydropower, in the wake of the disastrous collapse of a dam in the southern Attapeu province in 2018. The collapse of the dam at the Xe-Pian Xe-Namnoy hydropower plant, 560 km southeast of the capital Vientiane, caused a flash flood that wiped out five villages downstream, leaving more than 4,000 people homeless. Several other villages and their inhabitants were also affected. Earlier this month, the National Assembly approved a new law on dam safety, which sets out specific guidelines and measures to regulate the construction and operation of hydropower plants in Laos. The new law will ensure that dams are built in compliance with strict standards and that they are closely monitored to maintain safety. TASHKENT, July 21 (Xinhua) -- Uzbekistan's police have arrested eight suspected members of banned militant Jihadist organization Katiba al-Tawhid wal-Jihad in Tashkent region, local police said on Thursday. The detainees, aged between 22 and 25, planned to leave for Syria and join the ranks of the militants, a police report said. "Currently, additional interrogations are being carried out as part of the investigative actions," it said. ZAGREB, July 21 (Xinhua) -- The Peljesac Bridge, due to open for traffic on July 26, is a prominent project for promoting Chinese equipment, technology and knowhow in the construction industry in Croatia and globally, and it will deepen the mutually beneficial relations between China and Croatia and the European Union, said Qi Qianjin, Chinese ambassador to Croatia, in an interview with Xinhua on Thursday. The project has been supported and followed with great interest and appreciation by the leaders of both China and Croatia, Qi said, praising Chinese enterprises that have overcome the adverse impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and completed the project on schedule. He called the Peljesac Bridge a symbol of the fruitful cooperation between China and Croatia within the framework of a broader cooperation scheme between China and Central and Eastern European Countries (China-CEEC Cooperation). Qi also saw the project, which is the largest infrastructure project undertaken so far by the Chinese side in Croatia, as a token of good cooperation between China and Europe. The project greatly contributed to economic growth in Croatia and more broadly in Europe, as it employed more than 250 local people continuously, while helping to cultivate engineering, technical and management skills, thus effectively driving the development of local enterprises and promoting the economic and social development of Croatia, Qi said. A total of 18 design and consulting enterprises and 45 construction companies in the EU, as well as 112 global equipment and material suppliers have participated in the project, Qi said, adding that Chinese enterprises strictly followed the relevant environmental protection regulations of the EU and Croatia to minimize the impact of the project on the surrounding environment. Qi said he had been aware of the worries of local oyster producers concerning the possible negative impact of the construction project on the quality and volume of oyster production at the nearby Ston Bay. However, thanks to the highest environmental protection standards observed throughout the project, no negative impact has been observed. On the contrary, the bridge has opened up new sales routes, Qi said. The opening of the new bridge is expected to further deepen the mutual political trust between China and Croatia, strengthen the alignment of the development strategies of the two sides, and expand cooperation in various fields such as economy and trade -- in summary, it will take the comprehensive cooperative partnership between China and Croatia to a new level, Qi said. ANKARA, July 21 (Xinhua) -- An agreement to resume grain shipment from Ukrainian ports through the Black Sea will be signed in Turkiye on Friday in a bid to resolve a global food crisis, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu confirmed on Thursday. "Tomorrow, we will take the first step in Istanbul towards the solution of the food crisis affecting the whole world, together with the UN secretary-general, the delegations of Russia and Ukraine," Cavusoglu tweeted. "We will continue our efforts to resolve the conflict," he said. Earlier, the Turkish presidency said that the agreement will be signed on Friday with the participation of Russia, Ukraine, the United Nations and Turkiye. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres are expected to attend the signing ceremony, which will be held at the Dolmabahce Presidential Office in Istanbul on Friday at 16:30 local time (13:30 GMT), it said. The agreement comes at a time when there are growing concerns about a global food shortage as a result of the protracted crisis in Ukraine, which is partially blamed for the food price hikes across the world. Last week, the four parties held their first round of negotiations in Istanbul with an aim to ship Ukraine's grain to the world market to ease the supply shortage. Turkiye has long served as a mediator in the effort to establish a mechanism that will prevent a food crisis by enabling Ukraine to export its grain to the global market via sea routes. Istanbul will become an operational hub where the entire shipping process will be carried out, Turkish officials have said. Turkiye controls maritime traffic entering and exiting the Black Sea through the Bosphorus Strait. WASHINGTON, July 21 (Xinhua) -- One U.S. Army Reserve soldier died and nine others were injured Wednesday after a lightning bolt struck a training area at Fort Gordon in the southeastern state of Georgia. A base spokesperson told U.S. media outlets that the incident occurred at approximately 11:10 a.m. (1510 GMT) when there was bad weather in the area and that the soldiers "sustained injuries associated with a lightning strike at one of their training areas." The soldiers were taken to a medical center at the base for treatment, the spokesperson added. The Fort Gordon's Department of Emergency Services and Emergency Medical Services responded to the scene immediately, authorities said. Islamabad: A horrific accident occurred when a boat full of processions capsized in the Indus river near Machke, about 65 km from Rahim Yar Khan in Pakistan. 50 people have lost their lives in this accident. More than 100 people were on board the boat. According to Pakistani media reports, some people are still missing, whose chances of survival are now negligible. This accident happened on Monday. According to media reports, district administration spokesperson Kashif Nisar Gill said there was no possibility of finding the missing persons as it had been more than 48 hours since the accident took place. Gill said most of the survivors were men, who managed to swim to the shore. According to a report in 'Dawn', the incident took place on Monday when a wedding party was returning to Machke from Khore village in two boats. A cousin of the groom said, "One of the boats got overloaded and overturned after one of his hulls fell, most of the women and children of the family drowned as only men were rescued in the initial attempts." According to the media report, about eight members of the same family of Solangi family drowned in the accident along with their relatives. The bodies of the deceased have been buried in the ancestral graveyard at their native village Hussain Bakhsh Solangi near Machke in Sindh. Sardar Abbas Khan Solangi, the head of the clan, bid a final farewell to 26 people, including two children and a woman. Mali expels UN-spokesperson amid friction over tweets Biden to lays out USD 37 bln funding plan for crime prevention Italy PM Draghi quits after government implodes Beijing: According to a survey on the activities of Europe and China on the continent, China enjoys a significant advantage over the EU in terms of perceptions about decision-making and the timely completion of projects in Africa. According to a study released on Tuesday by the Inter Region Economic Network (IREN), a think tank based in Kenya, China outperforms European nations in concrete projects like roads, power dams, railways, and bridges while Europe rules the roost in the abstract areas like soft power exchanges, high standards, and climate change awareness. According to a survey on the activities of Europe and China on the continent, China enjoys a significant advantage over the EU in terms of perceptions about decision-making and the timely completion of projects in Africa. According to a study released on Tuesday by the Inter Region Economic Network (IREN), a think tank based in Kenya, China outperforms European nations in concrete projects like roads, power dams, railways, and bridges while Europe rules the roost in the abstract areas like soft power exchanges, high standards, and climate change awareness. In most areas of its engagement with Africa, including those where the EU has traditionally been thought to have commanded an unassailable lead, China is therefore on the verge of catching up to the EU, according to the study, which was commissioned by the German NGO Friedrich Naumann Foundation Global Partnership Hub. Participants in the survey gave China a high approval rating (75.2%) compared to the European Union's approval rating of 55.8% for decision-making speed. China is renowned for its quickness and dependability and organised military precision, according to researchers. One of those researchers, Nashon Adero, pointed out that the survey revealed more respondents rated China highly on timely project completion - 81.1 % - than the EU, which came in at 69.4 %. Adero, who teaches engineering at Taita Taveta University in Kenya, claimed that while both China and the EU are perceived as meddling in the domestic affairs of their African partners, China is perceived as doing so less frequently (50.1%) than the EU (64.4%). Although, according to the survey results, 55.2% of policymakers believe that China uses corruption as a tool, compared to 32.5% who believe the same of the EU, Adero claimed that China is perceived to have less morals than the EU. The EU is also preferred in many areas of collaborative projects, including the calibre of the goods or services provided, good working conditions, hiring local workers and giving Africans jobs, maintaining environmental standards, and better treatment of Africans. The study concluded, however, that "China appears to be on the verge of closing the gap and surpassing the EU on most facets of the partnership with Africa, the most evident being supporting private sector growth, intra-Africa trade and investments, economic cooperation, and long-term strategic cooperation." In response to China's Belt and Road Initiative, the EU recently unveiled a 300 billion investment package for Africa and Europe. The 27-member bloc declared in December that by 2027 it would invest the money in both public and private projects all over the world. The Global Gateway plan, which European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is promoting as a "true alternative," is a response to China's expanding economic and political influence in Africa. "While the EU outperforms China on most performance indicators, China continues to gain ground in Africa," said James Shikwati, founder and chief executive of IREN. This apparent paradox is simple to explain because the African partners are obviously interested in the areas of cooperation where China excels. China is concentrating on sizable, tangible projects, while Europe and Africa are concentrating on smaller, frequently more abstract projects, according to Shikwati. According to the report, China is the best at erecting massive structures in Africa. With the construction of rails, roads, bridges, ports, dams, and skyscrapers, Chinese state-owned enterprises significantly altered the continent's topography, according to researchers. More than 85% of respondents agreed with the statement "China supports the development of infrastructure in Africa," while only 64.2% did so for the EU. The East Africa project director for the Naumann Foundation, Stefan Schott, stated that "Africans' pragmatic view of the performance and behaviour of the two partners (EU and China) contrasts with Europe's belief in the superiority of its values." Simply put, Schott said, "A Chinese road built in record time is a value in the eyes of Africans and more tangible than abstract European projects to advance democracy, human rights, or sustainability." By providing unsustainable loans for BRI projects, China has been accused of trapping developing nations in "debt traps," which can then be used to gain political sway or concessions with geostrategic significance for China. However, this claim has been strongly refuted. The so-called "Chinese debt trap," according to China's foreign ministry last week, is "pure misinformation and a narrative trap created by those who do not hope to see China-Africa cooperation pick up speed," it said. China and the EU scored similarly in the survey when it came to such debt-trap economic policies. 66.4 percent of those surveyed voted in favour of China, but 58.9 percent also voted in favour of the EU. China calls for US to stop looting Syrian national resources China's hand in Sri Lanka's economic disaster China Mongolia border port sees more fruit vegetable exports BELGIUM: External affairs minister, S. Jaishankar thanked Belgians on their National Day and said India looks forward to strengthening ties with Belgium as the two countries mark 75 years of diplomatic relations. Jaishankar said in a tweet, "Happy National Day to the Belgian government, people, and foreign minister Hadja Lahbib. As we commemorate 75 years of diplomatic relations, we anticipate advancing our close and amicable ties." In September 1947, Belgium was one of the first European nations to open diplomatic ties with the newly independent India. The strong bilateral relationship is based on shared values such as federalism, pluralism, and the rule of law. India's desire for permanent membership in the UNSC is supported by Belgium. Excellent bilateral ties exist between India and Belgium. Several political encounters, such as EAM's meeting with his then counterpart Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Belgium Sophie Wilmes in September 2021 on the margins of the UN General Assembly (UNGA), furthered the bilateral ties. From January to August 2021, India and Belgium would have a total bilateral trade of EUR 7.75 billion in products. During the same time period, India and Belgium had total bilateral service trade of EUR 892 million. Belgium made a total of 2.4 billion USD in investments in India between April 2000 and June 2021, ranking 20th among all foreign investors in that country. India committed to enhancing capacity building among African youth: EAM "Primacy of national security remains steadfast": EAM Jaishankar Jaishankar, Wang Yi discuss border situation By Azernews By Orkhan Amashov The monumental Memorandum of Understanding, signed between Baku and Brussels on 18 July was primarily about the energy security provisions that will ensure sufficient investment is made in Azerbaijans gas fields and the existing pipeline network so as to augment the South Caucasus nation's energy export capabilities from 10 to 20 bcm by 2027, with a particular emphasis on complying with Europes climate-change objectives. Baku seems to have been reasonably satisfied, as the MoU signed constitutes a clearly robust move from long-overdue wishful thinking to a practical step. But there is also something else that has not been clearly voiced but remains unmistakably omnipresent. Azerbaijans pivotal role as an energy supplier has also assumed a heightened significance in view of its capacity as a conduit for the exportation of Turkmen gas to Europe, courtesy of the fact that a substantial part of the infrastructure, within the Azerbaijani segment, is in place. The main issue is, however, that Turkmen gas could be transported across the Caspian. Europe at present As the doomsday scenario of a chilly winter without Russian gas continues to prey heavily on the minds of those responsible for the EUs energy policy, a wide array of options, some previously disparaged, are being contemplated with unflinching urgency. The idea of integrating the vast gas fields of Turkmenistan, across the Caspian and through Azerbaijan and Turkiye with European energy architecture has traditionally been viewed as a largely esoteric scheme bedevilled with a litany of practical constraints. The difficulties have not gone away, but the urge to exploit the possibilities offered by this has assumed heightened significance in light of the EUs exacerbating predicament. If previous schemes pertaining to Turkmen gas were linked with the costly and improbable Trans-Caspian Gas Pipeline (TCGP) project, now much humbler and more practical options seem to be in the offing. As Europe is cracking under the strain of its bold ambition to extricate itself from dependency on the Kremlin-dominated web of energy supply routes, economic consequences continue to cause massive concerns. As of 13 June, one euro is worth one dollar for the first time in two decades, and there is an exponential fear that the economic sanctions imposed on Russia will, amongst other factors, induce a full-blown recession at home. Charles-Henry Monchau of the Swiss private bank Banque Syz, in an interview to Bloomberg, stated that the present state of affairs entrapping Europe can be described as a vicious cycle, as higher energy prices drive the euro lower, and, in turn, the weaker euro renders energy imports more expensive. Europe is urgently seeking new gas supplies with the knowledge that no alternative source or alternative sources cumulatively will or can be a replacement for Russian energy, in the short term. Previous endeavours Although it cannot be ascertained with any degree of certainty if the whole scheme has been agreed with the EU, Ankara has seriously proposed the idea of the delivery of Turkmen gas westward for the first time in two decades. On 2 June, Turkish Vice President Fuad Oktay, speaking in the Turkish embassy in Ashgabat, stated that three separate options, namely delivery via a pipeline, a swap deal, and a pipeline combined with shipment were being studied and the principal acquiescence of the Turkmen president was secured. The plan of connecting the gas-rich Central Asian nations resources with European markets has a history, which is full of fruitless debates and futile hopes. The idea has historically been viewed as deeply theoretical and largely impracticable. The rationale militating against such a development included Ashgabats perceived recalcitrance, a plethora of geopolitical constraints, linked with the diplomatic pressure exercised by Russia and, to a certain extent, by Iran, together with an absence of infrastructure, collectively making the whole endeavour impossible and a flimsy opportunity for investment. The prospects for the westward delivery of Turkmen gas were first given due consideration in 1999, when Ankara expressed its explicit backing for a project proposed by a consortium of Shell, Betchell, and GE for the construction of a major pipeline across the Caspian Sea, otherwise known as the Trans-Caspian Gas Pipeline (TCGP) to enable the transport of the Central Asias rich resources to Azerbaijan and Turkiye, with Europe envisaged as a potential final destination. In view of Azerbaijans newly discovered Shah Deniz field, the idea was shelved. Other than that, the project was objected to by Russia and Iran on two grounds, namely on the basis that all the Caspian littoral states were to agree to a seabed pipeline, together with alleged environmental concerns, which appeared more contrived than genuine. Three-pronged scheme The concept of the aforementioned TCGP remains highly unlikely due to the massive cost it would incur. In this vein, it could be surmised that the pipeline element ingrained in Fuat Oktays proposal was not related to the mega-project in question. David OBryan, writing for Eurasianet, is of the opinion that it is probable that reference was being made to the Trans-Caspian Interconnector (TCI), proposed last year by the Florida-based Trans Caspian Resources (TCR). The plan includes a relatively short 48-mile pipeline across the Caspian Sea which will carry currently flared gas, emitted as a result of oil drilling, from Turkmenistans Magtymguly oil field to Azerbaijans BP-operated Azeri-Chirag Guneshli oil and gas field, from where it will move westward via existing pipelines. According to TCRs own provisional estimate, the proposed pipeline could carry between 10-12 bcm per annum, starting with associated gas. The second element is more or less straightforward and refers to an existing trilateral swap deal agreed by Turkmenistan, Iran, and Azerbaijan in November 2021. At present, Ashgabat sends to Tehran 1.5-2 bcm annually, which the latter transports to its northern neighbour. Some energy analysts suggest the overall volume could be doubled. The Turkish vice-president's third suggestion of "ships and a pipeline" is somewhat opaque. It could perhaps be surmised that the shipment part of this design would probably entail the shipment of compressed natural gas, the option hailed for its low cost and practiced worldwide as a successful model. In all guises and implementation modes, the three-pronged proposition involves the Southern Gas Corridor (SGC), which is an indispensable artery in the westward transport of Turkmen gas obviating Russia. Presently, the Trans-Anatolian Pipeline (TANAP) offers around 15 bcm a year of spare capacity. The export potential of the westernmost section of the SGC, the Trans-Adriatic Pipeline (TAP), which currently carries around 10 bcm per annum, is projected to be doubled; according to some estimates, it could even be tripled at some point in the future. It should also be borne in mind, as a first stage, that the vital link enabling the transport of Turkmen gas to Azerbaijan is yet to be worked out, as, without completion of that critical phase, any asseveration as to European prospects of Turkmen gas will be nothing but an example of hoary thinking. The present climate and the measurably improved relations between Baku and Ashgabat give rise to the hope that some of the difficulties previously deemed intractable can be surmounted in the very near future. NEW DELHI: India and Namibia have signed a Memorandum Of Understanding (MoU) to reintroduce the fastest terrestrial species-- the cheetah-- in the Kuno-Palpur National Park in Madhya Pradesh's Sheopur district, hopfully around August 15. Fulfilling 75 glorious years of India's Independence with restoring the fastest terrestrial flagship species, the cheetah, in India, will rekindle the ecological dynamics of the landscape, said Environment minister Bhupender Yadav after the signing of the agreement focusing on wildlife conservation and sustainable biodiversity utilsation between India and Namibia. In the first lot, eight cheetahs will be brought to the Kuno wildlife sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh's Sheopur region, around 400 kilometres north of Bhopal. Cheetahs will be released into their enclosures to acclimate before being freed. In settlements near the forest, thousands of stray dogs have received vaccinations. The cheetahs that will be relocated have been located, vaccinated, and moved to a quarantine facility in Namibia. After signing the Memorandum of Understanding, we are choosing the route of transportation. Many companies have made their services available. to help with the proceedings, a team from India, including a veterinarian, would travel to Namibia, NTCA chief Yadav said. He also said that cheetahs may arrive in India in August, but the date has not been fixed yet. According to sources, Prime Minister Narendra Modi would probably make the announcement during his Independence Day speech from Red Fort. According to sources, a plane transporting the priceless cargo may land at an IAF airport. Yadav said, plans are in the works to fly the cheetahs directly to Kuno, where they will be confined for 30 days while being tracked and radio-collared. When the cheetahs have adapted to the environment, he said, "they will be released in enclosures." Environment Minister launches mega plantation drive in Delhi Israel Govt to set up national calculation centre to predict climate impact JAKARTA: Indonesian President Joko Widodo is set to visit Japan, China and South Korea on July 25-28 to discuss economic cooperation, including trade and investment, Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said on Thursday, July 21. At a news conference, Marsudi stated that "the three countries are Indonesia's vital allies in the economic area, as well as for ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations). According to the Indonesian foreign minister, Widodo's planned trip will begin in China, which is the country's biggest economic partner and second-largest investor after Singapore. After meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Japanese businessmen in Beijing, Widodo will continue his international tour to Seoul the next day to meet with South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol. Indonesia's bilateral trade with Japan in year totaled 32 billion US dollars, and it totaled 18.41 billion U.S dollars with South Korea. During the bilateral discussions, Widodo will also go through the most recent developments on regional and global issues with the leaders, said Marsudi. ASEAN, officially the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, is a political and economic union of 10 member states in Southeast Asia, which promotes intergovernmental cooperation and facilitates Mali expels UN-spokesperson amid friction over tweets Biden to lays out USD 37 bln funding plan for crime prevention Italy PM Draghi quits after government implodes THERAN: Russian President Vladimir Putin met with his Iranian and Turkish counterparts in Tehran on Tuesday for a tripartite summit about the violently divided country of Syria. Even though the CIA director acknowledged that the two countries have strained relations, the United States warned Iran on Wednesday that it risks becoming dependent on a separate Russia after welcoming President Vladimir Putin. Putin traveled to Tehran on Tuesday for a three-way summit with his Turkish and Iranian counterparts about the violently divided country of Syria. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei called for "long-term cooperation" with Russia outside the summit, despite Tehran's decision to project neutrality by avoiding a critical UN vote condemning Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. Ned Price, a State Department spokesman, told reporters that Iran "put on a lot of its own with a small number of countries that wore the veil of neutrality only to support President Putin in his war against Ukraine and the Ukrainian people." Recently, an alleged intelligence display of Russian delegations visiting Iran to inspect combat drones was made public by the United States as part of its efforts to strengthen its arsenal against Western weapons in Ukraine. However, Price indicated that Iran's compliance with the 2015 nuclear deal, which President Joe Biden endorsed after being trashed by his predecessor Donald Trump, would lead to a new "economic relationship" with other countries around the world. Iranian demands that Biden have contributed to the stalemate in talks by designating Trump's powerful Revolutionary Guards as a terrorist organization. CIA chief Bill Burns, a former diplomat who assisted in brokering the Iran deal and served as ambassador to Moscow, said Iran and Russia were reaching out to each other mainly because they were both "political isolation". are looking to get out of" and are subject to sanctions despite US criticism of Iran's summit. "But if they need each other, they don't really trust each other in the sense that they are energy rivals and historical rivals," Burns told the Aspen Security Forum. Moscow has a long history of interfering in Iranian affairs; It captured the important northern city of Tabriz at the beginning of the 20th century and collaborated with the British to invade Iran in 1941. US Warns Putin Ignoring His Own Talking points Russia broadens its war plans for Ukraine as fatalities increase Iran supports Putin as the US claims that Russia plans to invade more of Ukraine Washington: US President Joe Biden said that he would speak with Chinese President Xi Jinping within the next two weeks and expressed some doubts about Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan. After accompanying him on a day-trip to Massachusetts, Biden told reporters in Washington, "I think I will talk to President Xi within the next 10 days." Calling each other would be months after their March virtual summit. This will be their second direct encounter since Russia's invasion of Ukraine and their first since the warm exchanges between their defense secretaries at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore. The context of the forum, where Chinese Defense Minister General Wei Fenghe rejected the "so-called Taiwan Relations Act", was set by Biden's May statement if Beijing were to reunite Taiwan with the mainland by force. If attempted, the US would intervene militarily. Almost every time Biden administration officials discuss US policy toward China, they cite the law. This allows Washington to support the island's ability to defend itself militarily. Even before Biden's remarks about protecting the self-governing island, Taiwan has been a constant source of bilateral tensions. Beijing has accused Washington of changing its stance on the matter by repeatedly engaging with Taipei officials. In response, forces on the mainland have increased infiltration into Taiwan's air defense sector in an ongoing effort to prevent the island's administration from consolidating ties with the US or any other country. Recent reports of Pelosi's intention to visit the island escalated those tensions once again. Asked about the possibility of his visit on Wednesday, Biden said the military can't think of a good idea at the moment, but I'm not sure what the status quo is. Asked whether he intended to remove the harsh tariffs imposed on Chinese imports by his predecessor Donald Trump four years ago, another area where the two sides have clashed, Biden vetoed the question. When Biden was asked what he would say to his Chinese counterpart about tariffs, "I'll tell him to have a good day." Meanwhile, the Biden administration has increased its support for the Eastern European nation with shipments of military hardware and other aid, resulting in Beijing's refusal to condemn Russia's invasion of Ukraine, a conflict that has fueled food shortages around the world. fueled the shortage. fueled the shortage. fueled the shortage. and raised energy prices. US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said last month that the US was determined to prevent "aggressors" like China from taking similar action. Rather than attempt to pressure Beijing to change its policies, the Biden administration has favored proactive diplomacy in Asia to "change the strategic environment" around China, as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken described in a policy in May. was described in. was described in. was described in. Said in the speech. The announcement of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework at the conclusion of Biden's first visit to East Asia, the formation of the Ocus alliance with Britain and Australia, and his discussions with ASEAN leaders at a special summit are some examples. China is assumed to be better compared to the EU at finishing projects in Africa US Warns Putin Ignoring His Own Talking points US gasoline inventories rise, oil price continues to decline According to the CIA director approximately 15,000 Russians are killed in the Ukraine War BAMAKO: The Malian Foreign Ministry has requested that the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission's (MINUSMA) spokesperson to leave Mali within the next 72 hours due to rising tensions between the two countries following tweets alleging a diplomatic incident. The temporary suspension of all new rotations of the MINUSMA peacekeeping deployment was announced last week by Mali for security reasons. Days before the announcment, the Malian authorities detained 49 Cote d'Ivoire soldiers they claimed had entered the nation illegally. Cote d'Ivoire claimed the soldiers were deployed to reinforce MINUSMA, while Mali claimed it lacked any official authorisation to enter the nation or mission orders, according to the Xinhua news agency. The Malian Foreign Ministry accused MINUSMA spokesperson Olivier Salgado in a statement issued on Wednesday of posting on Twitter "without any proof" claiming that the Malian authorities had been informed of the arrival of the 49 soldiers. The statement stated that Mali cannot "ignore these activities which undermine the collaboration with MINUSMA and other partners." Salgado's proposed resignation is "very regrettable," according to deputy UN spokesman Farhan Haq. To support international and local forces battling extremists, the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali, or MINUSMA, was established in 2013. Israeli, UAE expand normalization deals in Mideast Mali attack: Two UN peacekeepers dead, 5 others wounded Biden to lays out USD 37 bln funding plan for crime prevention Washington: according to a public assessment of America's top spy Russian President Vladimir Putin has succumbed to his own myth-making and exaggeration, unable to give up his desire to conquer Ukraine no matter what. CIA Director William Burns, the last US official to meet with Putin before sending Russian troops to Ukraine in February, issued a warning late Wednesday that the Russian president really believed he needed Ukraine to realize his fate. I've heard Putin say privately over the years that he really believes his rhetoric that Ukraine is not a real nation. Burns addressed the audience at the annual Aspen Safety Forum in Aspen, Colorado. "He really believed he could take Kyiv in less than a week," Burns said. Burns continued, "He believes it is his duty as leader of Russia to make Russia a great power once again, and he doesn't think you can do that without telling Ukraine that it How will you decide? They think that Russia has the right to rule Ukraine because it belongs to Russia. Although Putin had no intention of abandoning his campaign to capture the whole of Ukraine, earlier US intelligence assessments suggested that it was possible that his troops would be forced to regroup after suffering significant losses since the invasion began. will be forced to. He can officially stop the fight to give her time. According to Avril Haines, director of national intelligence for the United States, "From our point of view, it is entirely plausible that depending on how things develop in the coming months, he [Putin] is confident that in effect There is value, some sort of compromise." US intelligence estimates that 15,000 Russian soldiers have been killed and 45,000 wounded in Ukraine. According to Ukrainian defense officials, 38,000 Russian soldiers were killed. Burns questioned the possibility of some sort of deal, claiming it was contrary to Putin's worldview. According to Burns, Putin "is a great believer in controlling, intimidating, and even achieving." The author said that the Russian president is also an "apostle of return". On Wednesday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov issued a warning that due to the transfer of US High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) to Ukraine, the Russian military may soon expand its "special operations". Now the geography has changed. In a statement to state media on Wednesday, Lavrov said that Kherson, Zaporizhia and several other regions were also affected. We cannot allow weapons that pose a direct threat to our territory and the territory of the republics that have declared independence, which, wanting to determine their future, exist in the territory of Ukraine [Ukrainian President Volodymyr] Zelensky. whoever takes it, or whoever takes its place, will control it." According to US military officials, 200 Ukrainian soldiers have received training at HIMARS, and at least eight units are already engaged in combat, destroying Russian weapons depots and command-and-control facilities. US defense officials have confirmed that the Ukrainian military is receiving four more HIMARS and have promised the delivery of four more systems as part of a security package to be unveiled later this week. advice for china According to Burns, Beijing is increasing its purchases of energy products to support the Russian economy, which is helping Moscow. But he issued a warning saying that China is very cautious about providing any military aid to Russia. "I think President Xi [Jinping] and the Chinese leadership have been somewhat uneasy, especially during the early stages of Putin's war in Ukraine. The initial military performance of the Russians and the effectiveness of Russian weapons, as well as economic, he said. The uncertainties that the war has created have made him restless. Burns said Russia's troubles are unlikely to change China's decision to take Taiwan by force. The Chinese ambassador to the United States played down the possibility of Beijing using force against Taiwan in a speech Wednesday at the Aspen Security Forum. The US is sending advanced weapons to support Taiwan's military, according to Ambassador Qin Gang, who said, "The last thing we want to do is fight our compatriots [in Taiwan]." Qin continued, "We will do everything possible with all our heart to achieve peaceful reunification. The "One China" principle is the political cornerstone of Sino-US relations and the basis of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, but we pray that the United States lives up to its promises. Russia broadens its war plans for Ukraine as fatalities increase European Union to impose more sanctions on Russia EU plans for energy consumption if Russian gas is cut off Iran supports Putin as the US claims that Russia plans to invade more of Ukraine ISLAMABAD: Several essential medications, including those used to prevent suicide, are in limited supply in Pakistani markets due to rising production costs, raising concerns about the country's rising suicide rate, according to local media. A renowned psychiatrist and former president of the Pakistan Psychiatric Society (PPS) said in reference to the formulation known as the most effective medication for the treatment of several psychiatric illnesses, including bipolar disorder, "None of the brands selling lithium carbonate are available in the market for the last couple of months." Other essential medications, such as clonazepam drops and tablets for treating epilepsy in children and adults, and methylphenidate for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children, are also unavailable on the market, according to doctors and pharmacists. Other psychiatrists at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), Shifa International Hospital Islamabad, Mayo Hospital Lahore, and psychiatrists in Peshawar concurred that although relatives of bipolar disorder patients were reportedly scurrying from pillar to post in search of lithium carbonate, none of its brands were readily available on the market, according to the News. Biden to lays out USD 37 bln funding plan for crime prevention Italy PM Draghi quits after government implodes Pakistan rupee dips to all-time low after bypoll results Sharif to reduce 'PM of Islamabad': PTI leader post victory in Punjab bypolls Kathmandu, July 21 Daayitwa, an NGO active in policy reforms, organised the second policy dialogue of the ECO Talks Series on youth employment, focusing on retaining the youth labour force in the country, on Tuesday. Former labour minister Gokarna Bista led the discussion as the policy guardian. Likewise, Jiblal Bhusal, a joint secretary of the Ministry of Industry; Amun Thapa, the president of Confederation of Nepalese Industries Young Entrepreneurs Forum and the founder/CEO of Sasto Deal; Moushumi Shrestha, the director of Shreenagar Agro Group and Kalpana Khanal, a senior research fellow of Policy Research Institute examined the challenges and innovative ways of mobilisation of human resources. They also made some recommendations to take parliamentary actions to promote employment opportunities to retain the youth labour force in Nepal. The need to address the gap between planning and implementation of enterprise-based policies, the challenges experienced by the startup and innovation industry due to a lack of proper policies and expertise in government, and the urgency to shift Nepals remittance-based, trade-based economy to a production-based economy, the importance of decreasing the cost of living in Nepal to retain youth labour force, and the gap between the industry needs and the skills equipped by our academic institution were the major issues discussed in the dialogue. Home Politics Nepal hasnt informed the US of its decision to withdraw from the State Partnership Program yet Kathmandu, July 20 The Ministry of Foreign Affairs once again says the government of Nepal is yet to inform the United States government that it has decided to withdraw from the controversial State Partnership Program (SPP). In a press meeting in Kathmandu on Wednesday, the ministrys spokesperson Sewa Lamsal said the ministry was still studying the matter in detail. On July 3 also, Lamsal made a similar comment, drawing a lot of criticism. But, today also, Lamsal said the ministry was yet to inform the US about the decision as Nepal Army, which had requested the programme, was saying the programme was aimed at supporting the army in disaster response. We are concerned that the aid we are receiving should not stop. We are studying and discussing the matter accordingly. Previously, the Nepal Army had written to the US Embassy in Kathmandu requesting the State Partnership Program (SSP). The government last month decided to withdraw from the project after a draft of the agreement leaked by the media exposed the possibility of the US troops staying in Nepal for an indefinite period, inviting criticism from stakeholders. SAN JOSE, Calif., July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Anixa Biosciences, Inc. (NASDAQ: ANIX) ("Anixa"), a biotechnology company focused on the treatment and prevention of cancer and infectious diseases, today announced that the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has issued a Notice of Allowance broadening protection of Anixa's novel breast cancer vaccine technology, which has been exclusively licensed from, and is being developed in partnership with, Cleveland Clinic. Anixa Biosciences, Inc. (PRNewsfoto/Anixa Biosciences, Inc.) The patent is titled, "Breast Cancer Vaccine," and the lead inventor is Dr. Vincent Tuohy of the Department of Inflammation and Immunity at Cleveland Clinic's Lerner Research Institute. This patent is in the family of the originally granted patent, and it covers additional intellectual property related to Anixa's breast cancer vaccine technology. "We are pleased to receive this notice of allowance from the USPTO, confirming additional protection of the breast cancer vaccine technology," stated Dr. Amit Kumar, Chairman and CEO of Anixa. "This breast cancer vaccine has the potential to prevent Triple Negative Breast Cancer ("TNBC"), the deadliest form of breast cancer, and perhaps other forms of breast cancer that express alpha-lactalbumin. With our partners at Cleveland Clinic, we are currently performing clinical testing of this vaccine, and hope to have preliminary results by year end." About Triple-Negative Breast Cancer One in eight women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with an invasive breast cancer at some point in their lives. Approximately 10-15% of those diagnoses are TNBC, however TNBC accounts for a disproportionately higher percentage of breast cancer deaths and has a higher rate of recurrence. This form of breast cancer is twice as likely to occur in African-American women, and approximately 70% to 80% of the breast tumors that occur in women with mutations in the BRCA1 genes are triple-negative breast cancer. About Anixa Bioscience's Breast Cancer Vaccine Anixa's investigational vaccine, currently in Phase 1 trials, takes advantage of endogenously produced proteins that have a function at certain times in life, but then become "retired" and disappear from the body. One such protein is a breast-specific lactation protein, -lactalbumin, which is no longer found post-lactation in normal, aging tissues, but is present in the majority of triple-negative breast cancers. Activating the immune system against this "retired" protein provides preemptive immune protection against emerging breast tumors that express -lactalbumin. The vaccine also contains an adjuvant that activates an innate immune response, which allows the immune system to mount a response against emerging tumors to prevent them from growing. Story continues About Anixa Biosciences, Inc. Anixa is a clinical-stage biotechnology company with a number of programs addressing cancer and infectious disease. Anixa's portfolio of therapeutics includes a cancer immunotherapy program being developed in collaboration with Moffitt Cancer Center, which uses a novel type of CAR-T, known as chimeric endocrine receptor T-cell (CER-T) technology, and, with partner MolGenie GmbH, a COVID-19 program focused on compounds targeting the Mpro enzyme of SARS-CoV-2, which is largely conserved across all recently identified variants. The company's vaccine portfolio includes a novel vaccine being developed in collaboration with Cleveland Clinic to prevent breast cancer specifically triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), the most lethal form of the disease as well as a vaccine to prevent ovarian cancer. These vaccine technologies focus on immunizing against "retired" proteins that have been found to be expressed in certain forms of cancer. Anixa's unique business model of partnering with world-renowned research institutions on clinical development allows the company to continually examine emerging technologies in complementary fields for further development and commercialization. To learn more, visit www.anixa.com or follow Anixa on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook. Forward-Looking Statements: Statements that are not historical fact may be considered forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are not statements of historical facts, but rather reflect Anixa's current expectations concerning future events and results. We generally use the words "believes," "expects," "intends," "plans," "anticipates," "likely," "will" and similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements, including those concerning our expectations, involve risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond our control, which may cause our 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. These risks, uncertainties and factors include, but are not limited to, those factors set forth in "Item 1A - Risk Factors" and other sections of our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K as well as in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. You are cautioned not to unduly rely on such forward-looking statements when evaluating the information presented in this press release. Contacts Company Contact: Mike Catelani President mcatelani@anixa.com 408-708-9808 Investors: Eric Ribner LifeSci Advisors, LLC eric@lifesciadvisors.com 646-751-4363 Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/anixa-biosciences-announces-notice-of-allowance-of-additional-patent-on-breast-cancer-vaccine-technology-301590847.html SOURCE Anixa Biosciences, Inc. Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev decreed the establishment and operation of a Rehabilitation, construction and management service in the Karabakh economic region - a public legal entity, Azernews reports. According to the decree, the instruction was made to approve the Supervisory Board's composition as following: Chairman of the Supervisory Board - Emin Huseynov - Special Representative of the President of Azerbaijan in the Liberated Territories of the Karabakh Economic Region (except Shusha District) Members of the Supervisory Board - Samad Bashirli - Deputy Minister of Economy of Azerbaijan Sarvan Jafarov - Deputy Minister of Agriculture of Azerbaijan Namiq Hummatov - First Deputy Chairman of the State Committee for Urban Planning and Architecture of Azerbaijan Azada Huseynova - Deputy Chairman of the State Tourism Agency of Azerbaijan. Mike Pence Joshua Roberts/Getty Images Mike Pence Mike Pence for president? The buzz is growing louder after the former vice president returned to Capitol Hill for the first time since leaving office in 2021. Attendees at a breakfast meeting of the Republican Study Committee on Wednesday applauded Pence and thanked him for his actions on Jan. 6, 2021, according to various reports. A plot to overturn the 2020 presidential election failed in part because the then-vice president refused to object to the official electoral vote count during a joint session of Congress that day, even as pro-Donald Trump rioters chanted for Pence to hang while the U.S. Capitol was engulfed in violence. "He was congratulated for showing the courage that he did on January 6, and frankly, everyone in the room clapped, myself included," Rep. Dan Meuser, a Pennsylvania Republican said, according to The Hill. "It was, of course, what he should have done. I mean, it was the constitutional thing to do." RELATED: Who Will Run for President in 2024? Rumored Republican and Democratic Candidates Rep. Don Bacon, a Nebraska Republican, told CNN that members of the Republican Study Committee the largest conservative caucus in Congress, which Pence once led expressed their support for his potential presidential bid in 2024. US President Donald Trump speaks as US Vice President Mike Pence looks on MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Donald Trump (left) and Mike Pence in April 2020 "People said they hope he's going to be a big voice in 2024," Bacon said, CNN reports. "He was being encouraged: 'We need more of you in 2024,'" he added. "And I would agree." Another Republican, Washington state Rep. Dan Newhouse, said the possibility of Pence running for the White House came up multiple times. (Trump's name, however, did "not really" come up, Meuser said.) But the former vice president told GOP lawmakers in the closed-door meeting that his focus was on helping the party win in the upcoming November midterm elections, offering to campaign for fellow Republicans, attendees told CNN. Story continues RELATED: Mike Pence Defies Trump by Backing Georgia Governor Over Former President's Preferred Candidate "Let me just say: The vice president is a real moral force in our party," Rep. Andy Barr, a Kentucky Republican, said, according to CNN. "He's a real true leader, and he's earned the respect of Republicans and other Americans all over the country." A source tells the news network that the former vice president has not yet "firmly" decided about a 2024 campaign. He's reportedly waiting until after the midterms to make a call, according to the AP. Other Republicans appear open to a Pence candidacy or are at least indicating that Trump's nomination if and when he announces he'll run again is not a forgone conclusion. Former Vice President Mike Pence and his wife Karen walk from the plane to greet supporters after arriving back in his hometown of Columbus, Ind Michael Conroy/AP/Shutterstock From left: Karen and Mike Pence "I think we're going to have a crowded field for president," Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell told reporters on Tuesday. "The more the merrier," Sen. Mitt Romney of Utah said, according to the AP. RELATED: Half of Republicans Don't Want Trump to Run in 2024. Here's Who They'd Rather Elect, According to New Poll Texas Republican Rep. Dan Crenshaw, a member of the conservative Republican Study Committee, said he does not believe Trump would be an automatic frontrunner in the race for the White House. The party has a "lot of good options," he told CNN, adding that he hopes "they all jump in." Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer. As the House committee on Jan. 6 continues its inquiry and shares findings publicly during televised hearings and the Department of Justice investigates behind closed doors Trump's candidacy could launch with some hefty baggage. As Crenshaw put it, according to CNN, picking a Republican nominee who ends up under an indictment would "suck." Nature experiences business receives $100,000 from CED. MONT-SAINT-GREGOIRE, QC, July 21, 2022 /CNW Telbec/ - Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED) A key driver of the economy, the Canadian tourism industry generated more than $100 billion in annual revenue before being hit hard by the pandemic. Today, the Government of Canada is ensuring that tourism once again thrives and reaches its full potential. The Honourable Pascale St-Onge, Member of Parliament for BromeMissisquoi, Minister of Sport and Minister responsible for CED, today announced a non-repayable contribution of $100,000 for Arbraska Mont-Saint-Gregoire. This CED support, granted under the Tourism Relief Fund, has enabled the SME to modernize its tourism experience by adapting its product to today's reality and adopting green practices. Founded in 2017 in a maple grove, Arbraska Mont-Saint-Gregoire specializes in eco-adventures and is one of the region's largest tourist attractions. This large-scale forest adventure park is known mainly for its walkways through the trees and its ziplines. Through this project, the business has been able to acquire and install "upla", a new complete pathway that represents the largest outdoor trampoline in North America with net structures suspended between trees connecting modules such as trampolines, footbridges, tunnels, slides, and rope ladders. Already carrying an Aventure Ecotourisme Quebec certification, Arbraska Mont-Saint-Gregoire has also been able to adopt a sustainable recovery plan that includes, among other things, the planting of a tree for every tree cut down. The Government of Canada recognizes and supports innovative businesses and organizations that are a source of pride in their communities. Quebec's economic recovery relies on a strong tourism industry made up of organizations with deep roots in the regional economy. The players in this sector are major contributors to growth, as well as key assets in rebuilding a stronger, more resilient, greener, and more just economy for all. Story continues Quotes "A major economic driver, the tourism industry is a means to showcase Canada's culture and diversity to visitors from around the world. Our government continues to be here for businesses and organizations in the tourism sector to ensure their recovery. Today, Arbraska Mont-Saint-Gregoire can expand its ecofriendly play area! This financial contribution represents excellent news for the Monteregie region and the drawing power of its outdoor experience!" The Honourable Pascale StOnge, Member of Parliament for BromeMissisquoi, Minister of Sport and Minister responsible for CED "Tourism is one of the sectors most affected by the pandemic in Canada. We will continue to support this sector during this difficult time. We will also continue to emphasize safety and ensure businesses receive the assistance they need to quickly regain their footing and prosper. The Tourism Relief Fund will help businesses adapt, make improvements and be ready to welcome back their guests. It also feeds into a broader strategy to help the sector withstand the pandemic, recover, and eventually grow. The Canadian economy will not fully recover until our tourism sector recovers." The Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance "We are honoured to receive support from CED to implement this innovative project enabling us to propel Arbraska Mont-Saint-Gregoire's growth forward in line with its mission. This contribution will help create a tourism hub to the benefit of all stakeholders in the regional economy." Stephane Vachon, CEO and Co-founder, Arbraska Quick facts Tourism accounts for $102 billion in annual economic activity, 1.8 million jobs and 2% of Canada's GDP. Today's announcement is part of a series of strategic investments by CED in projects aimed at fostering the recovery of the tourism industry and contributing to the economy of tomorrow. The funding has been granted under the Tourism Relief Fund, which was specifically created to help tourism businesses and organizations offer innovative products and services for visitors and prepare to welcome international travellers again. CED is a key federal partner in Quebec's regional economic development. With its 12 regional business offices, CED accompanies businesses, supporting organizations and all regions across Quebec into tomorrow's economy. Associated links Stay connected Follow CED on social media Consult CED's news SOURCE Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions Cision View original content: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/July2022/21/c2088.html Olive Oil-Based Wellness Brand's Original Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Organic Everyday Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Dark Chocolate Balsamic Vinegar Now Available in 400+ Stores NEW YORK, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Kosterina , the beloved DTC wellness brand centered around the extraordinary benefits of Greek extra virgin olive oil, has expanded its brick & mortar reach across the country. Now, the early harvest, high polyphenol brand is available in more than 400 Whole Foods Market stores, providing the brand's core products with a national footprint in retail grocery. Whole Foods Market now carries three Kosterina products: Original Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Organic Everyday Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Dark Chocolate Balsamic Vinegar. Professional chefs, culinary enthusiasts and home cooks alike have two options for upgrading their own cooking routines with Kosterina: Original Extra Virgin Olive Oil (500mL) has a robust flavor that tastes incredible drizzled over salads or used as a finishing oil, and Organic Everyday Extra Virgin Olive Oil (500mL) was crafted specifically with cooks in mind, to stand up to heat and maintain its flavor with a smoke point of over 400 F. In addition to the two extra virgin olive oils, Kosterina's Dark Chocolate Balsamic Vinegar (375mL), a decadent and unexpected spin on classic chocolate syrup, is already available in most Whole Foods Market locations across the country. "The benefits of using excellent quality extra virgin olive oil have been touted for ages, and the superfood ingredient is a major part of the Mediterranean lifestyle directly linked to longevity," said Kosterina Founder and Certified Olive Oil Sommelier, Katerina Mountanos. "Today's shopper is far more discerning about the ingredients and products they consume. With Kosterina now available for purchase at Whole Foods Market, we hope to introduce even more customers to a true early harvest, extra virgin olive oil. We believe our olive oil is high-antioxidant liquid gold with myriad health benefits for consumers, not to mention extraordinary taste, flavor and aroma." Story continues Kosterina is a wellness brand centered around the Mediterranean lifestyle, founded on the simple belief that high quality extra virgin olive oil is a superfood, vital for a long and healthy life, thanks to polyphenols the naturally occurring antioxidant-rich compound in many plant foods responsible for the myriad health benefits associated with olive oil. Kosterina's early harvest, cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil is made from Greece's signature Koroneiki olives, picked off the tree while still ripe, resulting in an extra virgin olive oil that is substantially higher in polyphenol levels - up to nine times higher than the average extra virgin olive oil. "Kosterina Extra Virgin Olive Oil brings a new flavor and look to the olive oil category. So much thought and care goes into the purity and integrity of the oil," said Brooke Gil, Global Category Merchant for Whole Foods Market. "Kosterina represents Greek heritage in a bottle, connecting with our customers through the culinary experience. I'm excited to now offer both Kosterina's Original and Everyday Extra Virgin Olive Oils as well as their decadent Dark Chocolate Balsamic Vinegar!" Further underscoring Kosterina's growth and desire to bring quality products to the pantry is the launch of its newest product line: fruit infused vinegars. Currently available exclusively on kosterina.com, the Crushed Fruit Vinegars (available in Strawberry, Tangerine and Blueberry flavors) are Kosterina's take on the trending staple, and is especially unique as the fruit-based vinegars contain only three ingredients: white wine vinegar from Greece, grape must from Italy and crushed fruit. Perfectly sweet and a little tart, the Crushed Fruit Vinegars are a perfect companion to brighten up a summer salad dressing or zhuzh up a cocktail when used as a shrub, and will also be available in select Whole Foods Market stores later this year. For more information and for details on where to find Kosterina at a Whole Foods Market near you, please visit www.kosterina.com . Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/beloved-dtc-greek-wellness-brand-kosterina-now-available-in-select-whole-foods-market-stores-nationwide-301590561.html SOURCE Kosterina President Biden is slated to visit the battleground state of Florida on Monday to deliver a speech at a conference hosted by a Black law enforcement organization, and will also appear at a political rally. The trip will be Bidens second to the state of Florida since taking office and is further evidence of Bidens domestic travel picking up as the November midterm elections draw closer. The White House announced Wednesday that Biden would visit Orlando to attend an annual conference held by the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives. The president will also travel to Tampa to speak at a Democratic National Committee rally. Biden last visited Florida in July 2021 to tour the damage from a partial collapse of a condo building in Surfside. Biden had a friendly meeting with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) during that visit, an episode that is unlikely to repeat itself when he travels to the Sunshine State next week. Biden recently traveled to Ohio in between international trips to Europe in the Middle East and is visiting Massachusetts and Pennsylvania this week to promote his administrations agenda on addressing climate change and gun violence, respectively. This year, Florida has a gubernatorial election and one Senate race, in addition to other congressional and state legislature races. The states primaries are held in August. Vice President Harris recently visited Florida to hold a roundtable on abortion in Orlando and receive a briefing from U.S. Central Command in Tampa. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Vertically-Integrated Manufacturing Facility Earns Highest Organic Certification in the World PHOENIX, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Brooklyn Bedding manufacturer, retailer, and pioneer of the online mattressannounced today that its brand-new, 648,165-square-foot facility has received Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certification, recognized as the highest organic textile standard in the world. The third-party certification recognizes the gold standard that Brooklyn Bedding embraces, ensuring that every component of an organic mattress is constructed with GOTS-certified materials, ethical labor practices, and is backed by independent certification of the entire textile supply chain. Brooklyn Bedding is one of the only American made manufacturers and retailers of custom mattresses. A family-owned business since 1995, the company was a pioneer of the bed-in-a-box concept, shipping its handcrafted mattresses directly to customers nationwide as early as 2008. (PRNewsfoto/Brooklyn Bedding) "We are proud to receive the prestigious GOTS certification and begin our journey of manufacturing organic mattresses in our brand-new, world-class facility," said John Merwin, Chief Executive Officer of Brooklyn Bedding. "Achieving this certification was a goal from the very beginning and we are excited to now offer organic, US-based manufacturing practices and in turn, eco-friendly and sustainable products to our customers." To receive GOTS certification, Brooklyn Bedding passed a series of rigorous examinations and inspections, including an assessment of its processing and storage system, an inspection of the chemical inputs, and social criteria checks. The certification also ensures a thorough quality assurance check is performed on all GOTS-certified products before they are packaged and delivered to the customer. "We're pleased to recognize Brooklyn Bedding has achieved GOTS certification," said Lori Wyman, GOTS Representative for North America. "They are now listed in the GOTS Certified suppliers database for organic textiles on our website by typing in 'Mattress' or 'Brooklyn Bedding' in the free text field and selecting United States." GOTS was developed in 2006 as a worldwide standard to ensure the organic status and socially responsible manufacturing of textiles through the entire supply chain including fiber production, processing, and manufacturing. The certification sets the benchmark for a universal understanding of environmentally friendly production systems and social accountability in the organic textile sector. Story continues To learn more about the GOTS certification, visit Brooklyn Bedding in showroom B-1108 at Las Vegas Summer Market from July 24-28, 2022. For more information on Brooklyn Bedding, please visit www.brooklynbedding.com . ABOUT BROOKLYN BEDDING Brooklyn Bedding is an American made manufacturer of mattresses, differentiated by master craftsmanship, a wholly owned state-of-the art manufacturing facility and exceptional customer service. Family owned since 1995, the company originated with two brothers delivering mattress products direct to customers' homes. Known as the "mobile mattress guys," John and Rob Merwin evolved their business by learning every aspect of the mattress making process. They tenaciously used every material in their inventory to pass savings on to customers, purchasing high grade manufacturing equipment and pioneering bed-in-a-box online delivery in 2008. Today, the company owns world class expertise in mattress engineering, achieved through meticulous attention to detail, cutting edge equipment and patented materials created with advanced technology. Brooklyn Bedding designs and creates its entire line of high-quality bedding, on demand, in its manufacturing facility in Arizona. Remaining true to its roots, the company still goes the extra mile to ensure customer satisfaction, offering its expertly crafted mattresses, sheets and pillows at an affordable price with free online shipping, a generous 120-day trial period, and a 10-year hassle free warranty period on mattresses. ABOUT GOTS GOTS is the stringent voluntary global standard for the entire post-harvest processing (including spinning, knitting, weaving, dyeing and manufacturing) of apparel and home textiles made with certified organic fiber (such as organic cotton and organic wool), and includes both environmental and social criteria. Key provisions include a ban on the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), highly hazardous chemicals (such as azo dyes and formaldehyde), and child labor, while requiring strong social compliance management systems and strict wastewater treatment practices. GOTS was developed by leading international standard setters - Organic Trade Association (U.S.), Japan Organic Cotton Association, International Association Natural Textile Industry (Germany), and Soil Association (UK) to define globally recognized requirements that ensure the organic status of textiles, from field to finished product. GOTS is a non-profit organization which is self-financed. For more information, please see www.global-standard.org and follow @globalorganictextilestandard on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook. Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/brooklyn-bedding-earns-global-organic-textile-standard-gots-certification-301590521.html SOURCE Brooklyn Bedding Chinas ambassador to the United States on Wednesday attempted to walk back his countrys declaration of a no limits partnership with Russia, suggesting theres been a misunderstanding of China-Russia relations amid Moscow's assault on Ukraine. Speaking during a fireside chat at the Aspen Institute Security Forum, Ambassador Qin Gang addressed the February statement in which the two countries opposed NATO expansion and said there are no forbidden areas of cooperation. This is a misunderstanding of China-Russia relations, he said. China-Russia relationship is not an alliance. The ambassador, who arrived in Washington a year ago, said China is not interested in confrontation, adding that both Russia and China share a common rejection of the Cold War mentality. Qin refused to call Russias war on Ukraine an invasion, instead referring to it as a crisis. The comments come as China continues its tightrope walk regarding Russias attack in Ukraine refusing to condemn Moscow while maintaining trade with its neighbor adding an additional layer to the already tense U.S.-Chinese relations. Earlier this month, Secretary of State Antony Blinken told Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi that his countrys support for Russia was complicating Chinas relationship with the United States. Just as Wang did with Blinken, Qin placed the blame for the troubled relationship squarely at the feet of the U.S., portraying China as the good actor amid the tensions. Qin's answers were overwhelmingly a retread of familiar Chinese foreign ministry cliches, including criticism of the U.S. for a Cold War mentality and dismissals of U.S. concern about threats to democracy and human rights violations in Xinjiang and Hong Kong as lies and malicious attacks. Phelim Kine contributed to this report. Chipotle has permanently closed a Maine location where workers were attempting to unionize, drawing criticism from organizers who condemned it as a union-busting tactic. The store, located in a strip mall just off the highway in Augusta, recently became the first Chipotle location to file union paperwork with the National Labor Relations Board, according to the Associated Press. The matter was scheduled to be taken up at a 10 a.m. hearing Tuesday, but the company informed workers of the closure in a 7:30 a.m. email, according to emails shared with The Washington Post by Jeff Young, an attorney representing the workers. Subscribe to The Post Most newsletter for the most important and interesting stories from The Washington Post. Young accused the company of illegally retaliating against workers who sought to organize. The union has field an unfair labor practice charge over the issue. "I call it union-busting 101," Young said in an email. "This clearly was a signal to [workers] that if you organize you could lose your job." Chipotle's chief corporate affairs officer, Laurie Schalow, cited staffing challenges for the decision. The company went to "extraordinary lengths" to staff the restaurant, which has been closed since June 17, by dedicating two recruiting experts to the location, she said in an emailed statement. "Despite these efforts, we have been unable to adequately staff this remote restaurant with crew and continue to be plagued with excessive call-outs and lack of availability from existing staff," Schalow said, adding that the company also has been unable to hire store managers. "Because of these ongoing staffing challenges, there is no probability of reopening in the foreseeable future, so we've made the decision to permanently close the restaurant," she said. Staffers will receive four weeks of severance pay, according to an email to staff obtained by The Washington Post. Story continues The AFL-CIO, which has been advising the independent Chipotle union on an informal basis, issued a news release proclaiming "shame on Chipotle" for closing the store, noting that a rally had been planned for Tuesday afternoon. In the release, Chipotle worker Brandi McNease accused the company of trying to "bully, harass and intimidate" workers to stifle their voices and attempts to organize. She said the company is scared of workers' power, citing organizing efforts that successfully organized dozens of Starbucks locations. "We are fighting this decision and we are building a movement to transform the fast food industry and ensure the workers who create all the wealth for these corporations are respected and no longer have to struggle to support their families," McNease said. Related Content Uvalde massacre puts spotlight on tiny police departments Ukraine's farmers become the latest target of Russian missiles A country in pain: Voices of Sri Lankans reflect its desperate times Vladimir Putin is entirely too healthy, CIA Director William Burns said Wednesday, throwing cold water on constant rumors that the Russian president is suffering from illness as he pursues his war on Ukraine. Burns, speaking at the Aspen Security Forum, noted that his declaration was not a formal intelligence judgment. Still, given his position, Burns comment could help dampen hopes among Putins adversaries that the Russians demise is near. Burns spoke a day after Putin visited Iran, where he met with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. It was a rare foray outside Russia for Putin; he has been largely isolated during the coronavirus pandemic, even as he launched a war. But Iran and Russia appear to be stepping up their cooperation as both face much global ostracizing. U.S. officials say Iran is planning to transfer hundreds of drones to Russia to help it with its war effort. Burns, a former career diplomat who did two tours in Moscow, spent much of his appearance in Aspen responding to questions about Russia and the war in Ukraine. As far as we can tell, hes entirely too healthy, he said when asked by NBCs Andrea Mitchell about Putins health. He indicated that the Iranians should rethink any decision to give drones to Putin. At the same time, Burns said that the fact that Putin is turning to Iran for such weaponry is a sign of the weakness of Russias own defense sector. In the news release, ECENTA Digital is now NATEEVO, focused on expanding services to North America, issued 21-Jul-2022 by NATEEVO over PR Newswire, the subheadline should read "Comprehensive business transformation, digital service design and agency services now available to companies in the United States and Canada" rather than "Comprehensive business transforTEmation, digital service design and agency services now available to companies in the United States and Canada" as incorrectly transmitted by PR Newswire. The complete, corrected release follows: ECENTA Digital is now NATEEVO, focused on expanding services to North America Comprehensive business transformation, digital service design and agency services now available to companies in the United States and Canada DALLAS, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- ECENTA Digital, the strategic planning, business transformation and marketing automation practice areas of ECENTA, a VASS Group company, has joined forces with NATEEVO , a digital agency headquartered in Madrid, Spain. The merger further solidifies the international expansion plan for NATEEVO, currently operating in Europe, Latin America and now the United States and Canada. NATEEVO's comprehensive business transformation, digital service design and agency services now available to companies in the United States and Canada (PRNewsfoto/NATEEVO) NATEEVO will now offer expanded services and capabilities that embody and enhance NATEEVO's Digital Fullness concept and position in the global consulting space. Digital Fullness represents totality, fullness, and expansion beyond limits for NATEEVO's clients, consultants, and its own organizational growth. NATEEVO services will supplement the existing suite by adding practice areas in business transformation, commerce and marketing strategy, digital agency services, and organizational change management. The US and Canadian headquarters will be under the management of VP of Strategy and Digital Services Jessica Flores, and supported by a team of customer experience and business transformation strategists, martech architects, commerce and marketing automation experts, and a diverse array of creative, content, and implementation subject matter experts. Story continues "Through the expansion, we are able to provide our customers with a broader solution portfolio, global resourcing for strategic and technical implementations, and access to top-notch international consultants and subject matter experts," Flores said. "Not only is the merger beneficial for our customers but for the growth and ambitions of our stellar consultants and practice leads." NATEEVO's customer experience, commerce, and marketing engagements are powered by the world-class technologies of SAP, Emarsys, Adobe, Salesforce, Qualtrics, and Bolt. "This positioning of the NATEEVO brand in a market as important as North America is a response to our international expansion strategy and represents a great boost for us. This movement is, in part, the result of our excellent work in recent years, turning NATEEVO into a brand capable of bringing an innovative and competitive proposal to international markets," said NATEEVO CEO Pedro Latasa. For more information about the digital services and comprehensive strategies the ECENTA Digital and NATEEVO team provides, visit ECENTA.com. About ECENTA ECENTA is a German consulting company specializing in customer experience solutions on SAP CX technology (sales, marketing and commerce) and whose main market is the United States. Founded in 2000 and headquartered in Walldorf, Germany, ECENTA has grown into an international force in the field, with ten offices on three continents. Its staff of 220 professionals are experts in the implementation of complex projects for numerous clients across a variety of industries. ECENTA Digital houses the Strategic Planning, Business Transformation, Marketing Automation and Organizational Change Management practice areas of ECENTA and was established in 2018. For more information, visit ECENTA.com About Nateevo NATEEVO is a consulting firm that helps businesses in strategic consulting, digital service design, and digital marketing. NATEEVO was founded in 2017 and is headquartered in Madrid, Spain. It is the leading consulting firm for business transformation, strategy consulting, digital design services and digital marketing in the Latin America regions. For more information, go to NATEEVO.com About VASS Group Vass Group is comprised of leaders in digital solutions with 20 offices (Germany, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Spain, France, Greece, Holland, Japan, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, Romania, Singapore, Sweden, UK and USA) on five continents and a team of more than 3,400 people. With its wide ecosystem of companies (VASS, NATEEVO, Serbatic, vdSHOP, T4S, Comunytek, ECENTA, CRI group and Movetia), we assist large companies and public institutions in their digital transformation process, developing and executing the most innovative and scalable projects from strategy to operation. The company is fully committed to society, which is why the VASS Foundation was created in 2019 to promote research and training in the field of digital talent. It allocates two percent of its profits and one percent of our time to solidarity actions. All this growth arises from talent and passion for innovation and constant improvement, always our way: making the complex simple. For more information, visit VASSCompany.com Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ecenta-digital-is-now-nateevo-focused-on-expanding-services-to-north-america-301591190.html SOURCE NATEEVO After her father died in December 2006, Erie resident Loraleigh Helen Barber said she became dependent on his Social Security disability insurance benefits because she needed extra income. The dependency lasted for more than a decade. Barber who was her father's designated payee when he was alive failed to report her father's death to the Social Security Administration. She told investigators at one point that her father was visiting family in the Catskills. Barber kept collecting the benefits for 12 years, until 2019. They totaled $127,636. She must pay the money back and spend a year and day in federal prison and serve two years of supervised release. U.S. District Judge Susan Paradise Baxter ordered the sentence on Wednesday in federal court in Erie for Barber, 52, who pleaded guilty in January to one felony count of theft of government property. Guilty plea:Erie woman pleads guilty to collecting dad's Social Security after he died; $127,636 taken Barber wanted a sentence of probation, citing her lifelong struggles with mental health issues and substance abuse. "I apologize for my actions," Barber told Baxter. "I fell on hard times financially and mentally and got dependent on it." Baxter acknowledged Barber's problems, but said she also had to consider another aspect of the case "the total loss amount, which was high." An Erie woman was sentenced for Social Security fraud at the federal courthouse in Erie on Wednesday. Barber's maximum possible sentence was 10 years in federal prison, though she faced a sentence of a year and three months to a year and nine months under the recommended federal sentencing guidelines. The guidelines consider a defendant's guilty plea, prior record and other factors. Barber's prior record included a DUI from 2006, according to the defense's sentencing memorandum. Barber's lawyer, Assistant Federal Public Defender Aaron Sontz, also asked for probation, referring to Barber's "personal history and characteristics," including "her non-violent nature," according to the sentencing memo. The prosecutor, Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Sellers, asked Baxter to order a sentence within the guideline range, arguing in court that such a penalty would "reflect the conduct." Story continues By imposing a sentence of a year and a day rather than a year, Baxter made Barber eligible to get credit for good behavior while in prison and reduce her sentence. A federal grand jury indicted Barber in September 2019 on the one count of theft of government property. The government accused Barber of taking the $127,636 between Jan. 1, 2007, and Aug. 2, 2019. Indictment:Erie woman charged in $128,000 Social Security fraud The Office of the Inspector General for the Social Security Administration investigated Barber as part of a routine audit, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Pittsburgh-based Western District of Pennsylvania, which includes Erie. Barber told an investigator her father was in the Catskills when he had really died 12 years earlier, Sellers said at Barber's plea hearing. The same day Barber was indicted, the U.S. Attorney's Office said, four other people in the Western District were also indicted on charges they received Social Security benefits after the legal recipients had died. Barber was the only defendant from Erie. U.S. District Judge Susan Paradise Baxter sentenced defendant Loraleigh Helen Barber for Social Security fraud. In Barber's case, her father died on Dec. 27, 2006. They had been living together in her apartment, and she had supported him for years, according to Sontz's sentencing memo. Barber, according to the memo, told investigators "she had applied to serve as the representative payee for her father's SSA benefits because her father was an alcoholic." After her father died, Barber "made the decision to continue to receive her father's benefits," according to the sentencing memo. It said Barber spent the money on rent and other living expenses. "As time passed," according to the memo, "Ms. Barber grew accustomed to having the extra income, and much like a drug, she became dependent on it." Contact Ed Palattella at epalattella@timesnews.com. Follow him on Twitter @ETNpalattella. This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Theft of deceased dad's Social Security leads to prison for Erie woman By Azernews By News Center Turkiye and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on cooperation in the sphere of peaceful use of space, space science, technologies, and applications, Yeni Shafak newspaper reports. The two nations will train human resources and share knowledge and experience in the sphere of space research, technology, and applications as part of the inked partnership. The sides will conduct combined research and development studies in the sectors of suborbital flights, rocket launching, and imaging satellite systems. Under the signed deal, space studies will be carried out in the socio-economic spheres of city and regional planning, disaster management, and natural resource scanning. Turkish Industry and Technology Minister Mustafa Varank met with UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber for an investment workshop at the Dolmabahce Palace in the morning. Following the first session of the workshop, the Turkish Space Agency (TUA) and the United Arab Emirates Space Agency (UAESA) signed a memorandum of cooperation on "Peaceful Use of Space, Space Sciences, Technologies, and Applications". Along with Minister Varank, Serdar Huseyin Yildirim, President of TUA, as well as Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Industry and Advanced Technologies Minister, Thani Bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, State Foreign Trade Minister, Sarah Bint Yousef Al Amiri, State Public Education and Advanced Technologies Minister, who is also the Chairman of the UAE Space Agency, and Salem Butti Salem Al Qubaisi, the UAE Space Agency Director General, attended the signing ceremony at the Dolmabahce Palace. After the signing of the memorandum of understanding on cooperation, Turkiye-UAE delegations held the second session of the investment workshop. Representatives of public institutions from both countries attended the workshop. EV TECHNOLOGY GROUP INC. TORONTO, July 21, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- EV Technology Group Ltd. (EV Technology Group or the Company) (NEO: EVTG, DE: B96A, OTCQB: EVTGF), announces that it will hold a virtual shareholder conference on 25 July, 2022, at 10AM PST, 1PM ET, 6PM BST. The executive team will discuss recent transactions, particularly the recent announcement of the acquisition of a majority of MOKE International. Speaking on the call will be Wouter Witvoet, CEO and Founder of EV Technology Group as well as other members of EV Technology Groups management team. Participants can register here, or via the Investor Relations page of EV Technology Groups website. An archive of the virtual conference will be available shortly after the call and will remain on the website for six months thereafter. In addition, EV Technology Group will provide shareholders with the ability to submit questions to management. Management intends to respond to a selection of questions during the Q&A portion of the conference. About EV Technology Group EV Technology Group was founded in 2021 with the vision to electrify iconic brands and the mission to redefine the joy of motoring for the electric age. By acquiring iconic brands and bringing beloved motoring experiences to the electric age, EV Technology Group is driving the EV revolution forward. Backed by a diversified team of passionate entrepreneurs, engineers and driving enthusiasts, EV Technology Group creates value for its customers by owning the total customer experience acquiring and partnering with iconic brands with significant growth potential in unique markets, and controlling end-to-end capabilities. To learn more visit: https://evtgroup.com/ Media Rachael DAmore rachael@talkshopmedia.com +1519-564-9850 Investor Relations Dave Gentry dave@redchip.com +14074914498 EV Technology Group Wouter Witvoet CEO and Chairman of the Board wouter@evtgroup.com Forward-Looking Information This news release contains forward-looking statements including, but not limited to, the virtual shareholder conference. Often, but not always, these Forward-looking Statements can be identified by the use of words such as estimated, potential, open, future, assumed, projected, used, detailed, has been, gain, planned, reflecting, will, containing, remaining, to be, or statements that events, could or should occur or be achieved and similar expressions, including negative variations. Story continues Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the Forward-looking Statements, including those factors discussed under Risk Factors in the filing statement and annual information form of the Company. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in Forward-looking Statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. Forward-looking statements involve significant risk, uncertainties and assumptions. Many factors could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from the results discussed or implied in the forward-looking statements. These factors should be considered carefully and readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management believes to be reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure readers that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date hereof and the Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, except where required by law. There can be no assurance that these forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. THE NEO STOCK EXCHANGE DOES NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE US Capitol building Getty U.S. Capitol building In the wake of the Supreme Court's recent decision to overturn Roe v. Wade a move that some have suggested paves a path to target same-sex relationships many lawmakers are attempting to codify same-sex marriage rights at the federal level. Congress' attempt to protect Americans' marriage rights comes via the Respect for Marriage Act, or RFMA, a bill that would repeal the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act, or DOMA, which defined marriage as involving a man and woman and gave states the authority to refuse recognition of same-sex couples who had married. RELATED: What to Know About the 'Respect for Marriage Act' as D.C. Lawmakers Rush to Codify Same-Sex Marriage The Supreme Court deemed the primary provisions of DOMA unconstitutional in its United States v. Windsor and Obergefell v. Hodges rulings. But DOMA still technically a law and, if those Supreme Court precedents were to be overturned by the current justices (which some have expressed a willingness to do), it could go back into effect. Earlier this week, the House passed RFMA in a 267-157 vote, with 47 Republican representatives joining Democrats in defending marriage equality. Now, RFMA heads to the Senate, where Democrats will need to get 10 Republican senators to side with them in order to meet the 60-vote threshold for passage. Some have already expressed disinterest in supporting the bill including Florida Republican Marco Rubio, who told CNN reporter Manu Raju it was "a stupid waste of time." But other Republicans have expressed an openness to supporting the bill. Here's what some of them have said. Sen. Susan Collins Greg Nash-Pool/Getty Images Sen. Susan Collins Susan Collins Republican Sen. Susan Collins helped introduce the latest, bipartisan iteration of RFMA. In a statement shared with PEOPLE, she said: "This bill is another step to promote equality, prevent discrimination, and protect the rights of all Americans." Story continues Senator Rob Portman, a Republican from Ohio and ranking member of the Senate Homeland and Governmental Affairs Committee, speaks during a confirmation hearing for Shalanda Young, director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) nominee for U.S. President Joe Biden, in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2022. If confirmed, Young would be the first non-White woman to serve as OMB director. Photographer: Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images Al Drago/Bloomberg/Getty Rob Portman Rob Portman The Washington Post reports that an aide to Rob Portman said the Ohio Sen. plans to co-sponsor the Senate bill and Portman himself told reporters Wednesday, "I think it's the right policy, and I think it's the right message to send." Portman's son, Will, is openly gay, and wrote about his father's support in a coming-out story published in Yale News in 2013. Portman told reporters that same year his son helped shift his views on marriage equality: "I think we should be allowing gay couples the joy and stability of marriage." Lisa Murkowski Ian Forsyth/Getty Images Lisa Murkowski Lisa Murkowski Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski signaled a willingness to support the bill also, telling CNN that she has "suggested to others that not only would I like to see Roe, Casey, and Griswold on contraception codified but I've also made clear my support ... for gay marriage years ago. So I will look at what the House is doing and see what that might mean here on the Senate side." Thom Tillis Al Drago-Pool/Getty Thom Tillis Thom Tillis North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis told CNN that he "probably will" support the legislation not exactly a ringing endorsement, but more concrete than what some other Republicans have said. Ron Johnson Toni Sandys-Pool/Getty Sen. Ron Johnson Ron Johnson Wisconsin's Ron Johnson signaled both his support and his criticism for the bill in a statement in which he said he supported civil unions prior to the passage of Obergefell. "After Obergefell, I considered the issue settled," Johnson said in the statement, which was shared to Twitter by CNN's Raju. "Unlike Roe v. Wade, I do not see any scenario in which the Supreme Court would overturn Obergefell. The Respect for Marriage Act is another example of Democrats creating a state of fear over an issue in order to further divide Americans for their political benefit." He offered a caveat, however: "Even though I feel the Respect for Marriage Act is unnecessary, should it come before the Senate, I see no reason to oppose it." South Dakota's John Thune told CNN that Republican senators would "take a hard look at" the bill, adding that while he had not yet decided whether or not to support it, many Republicans likely would. "As you saw there was pretty good bipartisan support in the House yesterday and I expect there'd probably be the same thing you'd see in the Senate," Thune said. DENVER, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- In May 2022, eWTP (World e-Trade Platform) and CONAGO (Mexican Confederation of Governors) signed a cooperation agreement in Mexico City. Under the framework of eWTP cooperation, both parties will bring the pilot experience and excellent results of eWTP's pilot digitalization projects in other countries to more states in Mexico and provide a development environment for Mexican enterprises to realize digital transformation. EWTP is the World Electronic Trade Platform. Originating on March 23, 2016, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Alibaba Group called on the world to establish an e-WTP, the full name of which is Electronic World Trade Platform. It means promoting the establishment of relevant rules to create an effective and efficient policy and business environment for the healthy development of cross-border e-commerce. The "digital free trade zone" is derived from the concept of the digital hub (e-hub). In the future, the world will consist of one e-hub after another eroad. E-hub provides SMEs with all the infrastructure for global trade, making "global buying and selling" a reality. eWTP lands in Ethiopia On November 25, 2019, the Ethiopian government and Alibaba signed a contract to build eWTP, marking the second landing point of eWTP in Africa. With the joining of Ethiopia, eWTP has a global digital economy "high-speed road network." The digital hub of Ethiopia will connect other hubs of eWTP, including the display and trading of goods. eWTP Americas' first stop in Mexico In May 2022, eWTP (World Electronic Trade Platform) and CONAGO (Mexican Confederation of Governors) signed a cooperation agreement in Mexico City. Under the framework of eWTP cooperation, the two parties will bring the pilot experience of digital projects and the excellent results of eWTP in other countries to more states in Mexico, providing a development environment for Mexican enterprises to realize digital transformation. Official website: https://www.suathg.com/index/index/login.html?code=1034465 SOURCE ewtp Photo Illustration by Luis G. Rendon/The Daily Beast/Facebook A man who drove his truck into a family of five vacationing in Montana, then opened fire on them with a shotgun, had raised red flags regarding his mental health in the years prior, according to his sister, and was only stopped when the apparent target of his rage managed to fight back and kill him with his own knife. After hopping out of his truck, Derick Amos Madden, 37, fatally gunned down 39-year-old David Siau and his 18-month-old daughter McKenzie, who were visiting from Pompey, New York, authorities said. Siaus wife, Christy, was critically wounded but survived the roadside ambush Sunday. The couples two other children were able to flee to safety, miraculously escaping injury. Maddens apparent target had been his ex-girlfriend, 30-year-old Christina Siau. Christina, Davids sister, lived in East Glacier and worked as a physician assistant at a hospital serving the Native American community. When Madden ran out of ammunition, he drew a knife and began stabbing Christina, according to cops. At some point during the gruesome rampage, Christina, badly wounded, managed to kill Madden at the scene. Although police have not yet revealed how Madden died, his sister said on Wednesday that investigators informed her that Christine at one point managed to wrest the knife away from Madden, stabbing him to death. We have no idea why [he did it], Michelle Madden, 38, told The Daily Beast, expressing her condolences to the Siau family. Michelle, who still lives in Oklahoma, where she and Madden grew up, said she is in a state of shock. Madden had been on-and-off with Christine for the last 10 years, and he battled ongoing depression along with a range of other psychological issues, she said. My brother suffered from mental illness and had a brain injury, where they had to put it all back together, she said. He wasnt supposed to drink on his medication, the medication he took every single day. But he had been. In the past, he had multiple instances where he would go sleepwalking and not remember any of it. It only happened when he was drinking on his medicine. Thats the only thing I can think of. Story continues The Siau family, left and Christina Siau, right. Photo Illustration by Luis G. Rendon/The Daily Beast/Bethany Siau/GoFundMe Speaking to The Daily Beast by phone on Wednesday, Michaela Siau Pfohl, David and Christina Siaus sister, asked the public for privacy as the family grieves. A fundraiser has been set up to help the surviving members of the Siau family with expenses. You can definitely share the GoFundMe, because while money isnt going to fix all the problems, it will help my sister and sister-in-law as we try to step forward from this, Pfohl said. Michael Mazzye, the pastor of Renovation Church in North Syracuse, described David and Christy Siau as caring, sweet people who are thoughtful of others. I cant imagine this horrible tragedy, Mazzye told Syracuse.com. Its unthinkable. Christina has worked at the Indian Health Services hospital in Browningthe same hospital that treated the Siaus on Sundaysince 2019, a spokesperson told The Daily Beast in an email. Our hearts go out to the families of the victims at this difficult time and with those who were injured as they fight to recover from this horrific event, the spokesperson said. Madden spent roughly a decade serving in the Oklahoma National Guard, and was assigned to the 63rd Civil Support Team, a National Guard spokesman told The Daily Beast. The unit is tasked with providing expert support to civilian first responders in the event of a chemical, biological, nuclear, radiological and high yield explosive-related emergencies. Madden left the Guard on April 3, 2013, and weve had no other interactions with him since he separated, the spokesman said. Derick Madden, right, in 2011 assisting after a tornado strike when he was serving in the Oklahoma National Guard. Photo Illustration by Luis G. Rendon/The Daily Beast/Alamy During his hitch, Madden deployed to Afghanistan, according to Michelle. Madden returned home plagued by his experience, and his mental health complications stemmed from that, according to his sister. He had been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, bipolar disorder, and PTSD, Michelle said. Combined with him drinking on his meds, he just could not process life. A soldier who served alongside Madden said he had been awarded a Bronze Star for valor while overseas. His unit from that mission has been reeling over the past 24 hours trying to figure out what any of us could have done differently, Alexander Christine told The Daily Beast. ... I hate myself for not staying connected with him. Michelle described her brother as very closed in, with so few close relationships in his life that she could count them on one hand. Madden had been committed to a VA hospital for psychiatric problems at least once before, and the system should have been more aware of his mental state, Michelle argued. In 2005, Madden posted a photo of himself to Facebook, cradling a rifle in his lap and making a devilish face, with the caption, i like to clean my gun! Derick Madden cleaning a gun in an old Facebook post. Photo Illustration by Luis G. Rendon/The Daily Beast/Facebook There [were] red flags, Im sure, for the people who were around him, Michelle said. But to me and his nephews, he was really good at just putting on a poker face, I guess. Madden seemed to have an emotional setback shortly before the unthinkable attack, according to Michelle. Her 15-year-old son had flown out to Montana to visit with Madden for three weeks, who then drove his nephew back to Oklahoma. He spent the night at his Michelles place, with a plan to hit the road back to Montana the next day. While he was there, Madden told his sister that Christina had contacted him out of the blue, taking him by surprise. The last thing I spoke to him about in person was that Christina had checked on him to see how his winter was, Michelle said. He had been really close to getting over her, and he was confused by it I didnt think that he was really that much into her anymore But I think he had a problem letting her go for some reason, even though he wasnt really romantically wanting her I dont know if it was an ego thing, or just not wanting to be alone. Man Drives Into Family, Shoots Dad and Toddler With Shotgun Before Being Killed by Babys Aunt Michelle said she watched Maddens personality undergo a seismic shift following his stint in the military. He never would have done anything like this [if he was] in his right mind, she insisted. That doesnt make any of it OK It doesnt matter if he meant to do it or not. You cant undo any of it, you cant bring any of those people back. It is especially painful to Michelle that Maddens youngest victim, McKenzie, shares a name with her own daughterMaddens niece. Her name is spelled the same way as the child he murdered, Michelle said through tears. I mean, who can do that? In the meantime, she is left struggling to make some sense of a senseless crime. He just snapped, is all I can think of, she said. He did a horrible, horrible thing And now I have to remember him forever for killing this family. And for what? Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. Christina Katrakis has helped thousands of Ukraine refugees. The former Tennessee resident has been singularly focused on aiding her fellow Ukrainians since the first days of Russias invasion when she, too, was forced from her home in Kyiv. Katrakis, 41, who is an American citizen, recalls that February morning when Russia attacked. We woke up at 5 a.m. with the bombs crashing and the house shaking. My 6-year-old son was awakened by the bombs, Katrakis said. He didnt understand what it is. He got very scared, and I told him the war had begun. Christina Katrakis in western Ukraine being interviewed by David Van Hooser in May about the Foundation for United Nations work in helping war-affected refugees. About 10 years before, Katrakis was studying, teaching and creating art at the University of Memphis, where she earned a master's degree. Katrakis was born in Ukraine but grew up in various cities throughout the U.S., moving based her sculptor father's jobs. Read this: Ukrainian service members learn new weapons From USA TODAY: US says Kremlin planning to annex Ukrainian territory; Ukraine forces eye assault on Russian-occupied Kherson It was during those Memphis years when Katrakis met Nashville filmmaker David Van Hooser. He was a 15-year employee of the Renaissance Center in Dickson and also worked for years at Nashville's WSMV television station as a senior writer and producer. Van Hooser, 67, filmed Katrakis discussing her art style and background for a Renaissance Center project. A friendship was formed, and they kept in touch through social media. Van Hoosers innate desire to help others and their friendship was inspirational. He felt drawn to help in Ukraine, even as a war raged. I was thinking about the awfulness and brutality of this war, and the injustice of it was really making me mad and sad, Van Hooser said. That was kind of eating me up, to be honest with you. He watched Katrakis Facebook posts about her efforts alongside husband Roman Kudlay to help refugees through the Foundation for United Nations Katrakis is an ambassador with the organization. He saw that at least 12 million people had fled their homes and an estimated 5 million people had left the country entirely. Story continues So Van Hooser prayed, asking, OK, God. This sadness and anger I feel is kind of eating me up. Its certainly not helping the people over there. Its not doing much for me. God, what do I do with this? What can I do? Shortly thereafter, he received a message from Katrakis, whose humanitarian volunteer team was operating in Vorokhta, a rural area near the Romanian border. Katrakis asked Van Hooser to travel to Ukraine and chronicle the refugees lives and the foundations work. That was Gods answer, Van Hooser said. He was leaving for Ukraine. Screenshot of Ukraine refugees in the Polish town of Krakow sing the Ukrainian anthem. If everybody leaves then who is going to help? Katrakis and her family waited until the evening of the Russian attack to leave their home in Kyiv. The traffic was enormous, Katrakis said. They packed all the supplies and food they could and drove southwest toward the Romanian border. People were lined up for miles and miles, she said, all walking in the freezing cold, waiting at the border. It was madness. They decided at that moment to remain in Ukraine and stay together. If everybody leaves then who is going to help? she said. Me being an American, I do believe that America should stand for helping and protecting and defending the innocent, defending democracy in the world. The focus of the Foundation for the United Nations quickly shifted. Before the war, the foundation focused on improving the environment, fighting for worker rights and other missions to so that everyone can live a better life. When the war started, all our goals became more vital than ever. There is hunger. There is no clean water, said Katrakis about Ukraine. Our mission became much more intense. She said the 5,000 people they are helping keeps growing, including sending supplies to people at the front lines who still live with regular Russian bombing. The foundation, which is based in Kyiv, helped set up a refugee camp at a resort in the Vorokhta area. Katrakis and Kudlay operate largely from that area but also travel as needed. She has continued to get the word out. Even before Van Hoosers arrival, Katrakis was interviewed by the BBC, CNBC and ABC, among others. Previous coverage: US plans to send more rocket launchers to Ukraine; Russia takes aim beyond Donbas region: July 20 recap More: Exhibition shows weapons seized from Ukraine forces But she hoped Van Hooser could provide a deeper insight on the refugees situation. David Van Hooser films the Foundation for United Nations volunteers at work in Ukraine. Your convictions are honest and true Van Hooser flew from the U.S. to Poland, then crossed the Ukrainian border on April 29. That portion of the trip was the most difficult, he said. He was way outside his comfort zone traveling into a country at war. In addition, he also had to carry camera gear. Once past the border, Katrakis met him in Ukraine. Van Hooser did hear air raid sirens. He viewed a building destroyed by a bomb. But, he never felt threatened in the rural, western Ukraine area. He filmed the foundation volunteers and refugees, chronicling their stories to help raise funds as well as capture the moment. Van Hooser left the country May 10, though crossing the border in Kudlay's vehicle wasnt easy. Kudlay, as a Ukraine citizen between ages 18-60, is not allowed to leave, Van Hooser said. He had to explain his purpose as well as promise border officials he would return with aid. The documentary is still being edited, Van Hooser said. However, hes released short videos of his interviews with Katrakis and footage of refugees in both Ukraine and Poland. Katrakis, with mountains as the backdrop, explained on camera their goals and hope. I think when your belief and your convictions are honest and true, other people sense that, they relate to that, and they join in. They want to be part of that, Katrakis said. People on a daily basis are making the impossible possible. Hopefully, because of people like all of us, the country will prevail. Nashville filmmaker David Van Hooser takes a photo of a bombed building in western Ukraine in May. About the Foundation for United Nations The Foundation for United Nations SDg is permanently stationed in Ukraine to deal with the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. The foundation states that it deals with a number of issues and requests, including delivery of humanitarian aid into hot spots and cut-off locations; running the hotline for support and urgent help; and relocation of civilians from hot spots and cut-off locations into safer areas; among other issues. For more information or donate to the cause, go online to: www.foundationforunitednations.org/ www.ffunsdghelpua.org/about This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Ukraine refugees aided by former TN artist, Nashville filmmaker helps Ken Research Pvt. Ltd KSA Data Center and Cloud Services Industry Report Covers Data Center and Cloud Services Distributors Market, Data Center and Cloud Services Domestic Players KSA, Data Center and Cloud Services Foreign Players KSA, Data Center and Cloud Services Industry In KSA, Data Center and Cloud Services Industry KSA, Data Center and Cloud Services Industry Market, Data Center and Cloud Services Industry Research Report KSA, Data Center and Cloud Services Manufacturing Companies Market, Detasad Market, Detasad Market Share KSA Data Center Market, Etisalat Market Share KSA Data Center Market, Gateway Gukf Market Share KSA Data Center Market, Gateway Gulf Market, Go DC Market, Government Role in KSA Data Center and Cloud Services Market, Growth of KSA Cloud Services Market, Growth KSA Data Center Market. Gurugram, India, July 21, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Government support towards cloud services and Data center, online media consumption, installation of IoT devices will drive the Data Center and Cloud Services Market in KSA: Ken Research The 2030 vision of Saudi Arabia includes shifting 80% of its data on cloud and proliferation of IoT, digitization and the need for cybersecurity will fuel the market in KSA. Data Center Industry is witnessing a surge in the Investments from local as well as global companies to meet the data storage demands of end users. New entrants will provide a major boost to market growth, supporting the wholesale needs of local enterprises and cloud service providers in the region. Data Center and Cloud Services Market Pipeline: Major Data Center and Cloud Service Market operators are exploring the market to set up their own Data Centers in KSA . Google Cloud planning to open 3 zones in Dammam which is an important location given its proximity to several subsea cables. Also Oracle, Google, and Huawei Cloud are opening new cloud regions in KSA. Saudi Aramco and Google Cloud signed an agreement that paves way for the rollout of high-performance, low-latency cloud services. Story continues Promising Government Initiatives: The government of the KSA is focusing on e-government concept. KSA has increased its efforts to adopt cloud-computing technology and was one of the earliest countries in the region to adopt specific regulations for cloud service provider. Government is leading a comprehensive digitization strategy of Saudi Arabia and is focusing on development of KSA as a digital hub (including cloud strategy) with Data center as a core asset. Attractive power tariff and special tax treatment are available in KSA. Future of KSA Data Center and Cloud Services Market: Data Center and Cloud Services Market is expected to grow at a double digit positive CAGR during 2021-2026F emergence of 5G technology in KSA is likely to grow the adoption of IoT-enabled products in the KSA market further contributing to the development of data center industry. Strong government support, rising awareness and surge in the data will create higher demand for cloud services to domestic clients with Technological innovations and advancements, continuous investments and upcoming data center and cloud projects in the region to drive the KSA Data Center and Cloud Services Market. The report titled KSA Data Center and Cloud Services Market Outlook to 2026F Driven by rising investments in data centers from private sector and government support towards technology and Cloud first policy by Ken Research provides a comprehensive analysis of the potential of Data Center and Cloud Services Industry in KSA. The report also covers overview and genesis of the industry, market size in terms of revenue generated; market segmentation by type of data center, type of co-location data centers on the basis of number of racks, type of end users, by type of clients and by region; challenges and bottlenecks, growth enablers and drivers; upcoming projects of data center in KSA, major regions with respect to data center, trends and recent developments in data center and cloud services industry in KSA, competitive landscape and market analysis and growth quadrant including competition scenario, market shares of major operators on the basis of number of racks, on the basis of number of data centers and on the basis of MW of power. The report concludes with future market projections of each product segmentation. Request for Sample Report @ https://www.kenresearch.com/sample-report.php?Frmdetails=NTYxNDE1 Key Segments Covered:- KSA Data Center Market By Type of Data Center Co-Location Data Centers Managed Data Centers By Type of Co-Location Data Centers on the basis of Number of Racks Wholesale Co-Location Data Centers Retail Co-Location Data Centers By Type of Clients Domestic Clients Global Clients By Type of Tier Level Tier II Data Centers Tier III Data Centers Tier IV Data Centers By Region on the basis of Number of Racks Riyadh Jeddah Dammam Others By Type of End Users IT/ITes Government Telecom Retail Communication and Media E-Commerce Transport and Logistics KSA Cloud Services Market By Type of Cloud Services Cloud Application Service (SaaS) Cloud System Infrastructure Services (IaaS) Cloud Application Infrastructure Service (PaaS) By Type of Clients Domestic Clients Global Clients By Type of End Users IT/ITes Healthcare E-Commerce Communication and Media Telecom Transport and Logistics Government Request for Sample Report @ https://www.kenresearch.com/sample-report.php?Frmdetails=NTYxNDE1 Key Target Audience Data Center Industry Cloud Services Industry Data Center Manufacturing Companies Data Center Operators Cloud Services Operators Co-Location Providers Uptime ranking association Telecom Industry IT/ITes Industry Government Sector Retail Sector Transport and Logistics Companies Time Period Captured in the Report: Historical Period: 2016 - 2021 Forecast Period: 20212026F Companies Covered:- Data Center Market Nournet Detasad Mobily STC Salam Gulf Data Hub Nournet DetaSad Go DC Gateway Gulf Nashirnet Cloud Service Market STC SITE Mobily Zain SAP Edarat Detasad Oracle Key Topics Covered in the Report:- KSA Data Center and Cloud Services Market Current vs Future Overview Cross Comparison of Data Center Market in KSA with Other Countries Supply Side Ecosystem of KSA Data Center and Cloud Services Market Demand Side Ecosystem of KSA Data Center and Cloud Services Market Government Regulations for the KSA Data Center and Cloud Services Market Enablers and Growth Drivers in KSA Data Center Market Major Challenges and Bottlenecks in KSA Data Center Market Market Positioning Analysis of Data center and Cloud Service Providers Cloud Services Delivery Model End User Analysis of KSA Data Center and Cloud Services Market For more information on the research report, refer to below link:- KSA Data Center and Cloud Services Market Outlook to 2026F Related Reports:- UAE Data Center and Cloud Services Market Outlook to 2026F Driven by Rapid Digital Penetration along with Increasing Investments to meet the Rising Demand for Data Storage and Cloud Services UAE Data Centre industry is witnessing robust growth in the era of virtualization and cloud computing. The increased use of data consumption and internet bandwidth in the country is driven by expanding reach of social media, increased use of smart devices, data localization, increased adoption of cloud services and digital transformation journeys of many UAE Data Center companies. UAE Data Center is highly fragmented market with Etisalat as the top player with most number of data centers. Majority of the Data Center operators are in collaborative terms with other market players to expand their business and reach to the rising demand of data usage by end users. UAE Data Center Market is set to grow at a CAGR of 18.4% in terms of revenue generation, over the period 2021-2026F. The UAE governments smart city initiatives, adoption of 5G, Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI) are driving the demand for Data Centers. India Data Center and Cloud Services Market Outlook to 2025- Favorable Government Support and Data Localization Leading To Surge in Data Center Adoption The India data center market was observed to grow with a stable growth pattern in the review period 2014-2020P. Factors such as data localization law, governments digitization drive, rapid movement from cloud computing to the edge computing surge in outsourcing of data center services and others have helped the data center industry to grow in India in terms of revenue. Indonesia Data Center and Cloud Services Market Outlook to 2024 - Implementation of Data Localization Law Leading To Surge in Localized Data Center Revenue The Indonesia data center market was observed to grow with a stable growth pattern in the review period 2014-2019. Factors such as governments data localization law, adoption of AI, IoT & big data, rising e-commerce and SME industry, rising demand for the local data centers and others have helped the data center industry to grow in Indonesia in terms of revenue. Follow Us:- LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube Contact Us:- Ken Research Ankur Gupta, Head Marketing & Communications support@kenresearch.com +91-9015378249 CONTACT: Contact Us:- Ken Research Ankur Gupta, Head Marketing & Communications support@kenresearch.com +91-9015378249 Granite Creek Capital Partners CHICAGO, July 21, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Granite Creek Capital Partners, L.L.C. (Granite Creek), a private investment firm based in Chicago, announced today that it has exited its equity and subordinated debt positions in Sunset Pacific Transportation (Sunset Pacific), a leading logistics provider based in Chino, California. Red Arts Capital Partners (Red Arts) and Prudential Private Capital acquired Granite Creeks significant minority stake in Sunset Pacific, and repaid its subordinated debt holdings as part of a recapitalization of the business. In September 2019, Granite Creek partnered with Red Arts to acquire Sunset Pacific Transportation. Since that time, Sunset Pacific has successfully executed various organic growth initiatives and completed the acquisition of Radius Logistics, a Surrey, BC-based third-party logistics company. Granite Creeks investment in Sunset Pacific Transportation was made from its $200 million fund, Granite Creek FlexCap II, L.P. (FlexCap II). Granite Creek is proud to have supported Sunset Pacifics exceptional growth over the last few years, said Brian Boorstein, Co-founder and Partner at Granite Creek. Sunset Pacific has demonstrated the value of its differentiated business model derived and perfected by its first-class management team which has enabled us to realize a substantial gain on our investment as well as put it in a strong position for the future. Josh Craig, Chief Executive Officer of Sunset Pacific Transportation said, Granite Creeks operational and strategic support has played an invaluable role in helping successfully navigate both a pandemic and a volatile freight market. I have truly appreciated their input and partnership along the way. About Sunset Pacific Transportation Sunset Pacific Transportation is a leading national provider of Volume Less Than Truckload (Volume LTL) and other complementary shipment services. The Companys advanced freight consolidation and routing capabilities allow it to offer a unique solution that serves the niche between traditional LTL and Truckload. Sunset Pacific provides a critical link in its customers supply chains and is relied upon by thousands of third-party logistics companies and direct shippers. Story continues About Granite Creek Capital Partners, L.L.C. Founded in 2005, Granite Creek Capital Partners, L.L.C. is a Chicago-based private investment firm focused on providing capital and operational resources to lower middle market companies engaged in manufacturing, business services, healthcare, and agribusiness. With an experienced team of investment professionals bringing expertise in private equity, banking, operations, and business development, Granite Creek has a successful track record of investing in and supporting its portfolio companies. In addition to providing funding to lower middle market companies, in 2011 Granite Creek co-founded Renovo Financial, one of the largest private lenders serving real estate entrepreneurs. Granite Creek was named to Inc.s 2021 Private Equity 50 list. For more information on Granite Creek, visit www.granitecreek.com or call 312-895-4500. For more media information, contact: Lisa Hendrickson LCH Communications for Granite Creek 516-643-1642 lisa@lchcommunications.com KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Hong Leong Financial Group ("HLFG" or the "Group") was lauded as the Best Managed Bank and Financial Holding group in Malaysia by the prestigious The Asian Banker Leadership Achievement Awards 2022. HLFGs President & CEO, Tan Kong Khoon was also named The Asian Banker CEO Leadership Achievement for Malaysia Award Held once every three years, the Leadership Achievement Awards program is a highly coveted and exclusive recognition of its kind for any top banker in the industry due to its stringent evaluation process, focused on the performance of CEOs, chairmen and boards in financial services in Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Africa. The Asian Banker shared that HLFG was recognised because of its leadership which has been instrumental in entrenching digital transformation across the Group as well as preparing the Group's transition towards a green and sustainable future. This is done through the implementation of ESG frameworks across all operating companies in the Group. Operating companies include Hong Leong Bank, Hong Leong Assurance, Hong Leong Capital and Hong Leong Asset Management. HLFG's President & Chief Executive Officer, Tan Kong Khoon commented on the win, "On behalf of the Group, we are honoured to be recognised for such a distinguished award. We have to attribute this win to our operating companies which have shown resiliency and tremendous growth by prioritising fit-for-future digital strategies and long-term sustainability despite the unprecedented circumstances brought by the pandemic. The validation garnered from The Asian Banker will continue to fuel our passion for building an integrated and highly innovative financial services organization that always has a finger on the pulse of our customers' needs." Despite the challenges during the period under review, HLFG sustained its growth trajectory with key capital, liquidity and credit metrics remaining sound. In the financial year ended 30 June 2021, the Group recorded a commendable net profit attributable to shareholders of $552.49 million (MYR 2.3 billion), higher by 21.9% as compared to the previous financial year. Story continues Additionally, the Group met globally recognised standards for inclusion in the FTSE4Good Bursa Malaysia Index, designed to measure the performance of companies demonstrating good ESG practices. Alongside the Best Managed Bank and Financial Holding Group in Malaysia award, Tan Kong Khoon was named The Asian Banker CEO Leadership Achievement for Malaysia Award for the period from January 2019 to December 2021. SOURCE Hong Leong Financial Group REDDING, Calif., July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a new market research report titled, 'Industrial Automation Sensors Market by Sensor Type (Level Sensors, Flow Sensors), Type (Contact Sensors, Non-contact Sensors), Mode of Automation, End User, and GeographyGlobal Forecast to 2029,' the industrial automation sensors market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.6% by value from 2022, to reach $22.59 billion by 2029. Meticulous_Research_Logo Download Free Sample Report Now @ https://www.meticulousresearch.com/download-sample-report/cp_id=5281 Industrial automation sensors play a significant role in making the products intelligent and highly automatic. These allow one to detect, analyze, measure, and process changes in production or manufacturing plants. Furthermore, these sensors are vital in making production intelligent and automated. The growth of this market is attributed to the rising adoption of industry 4.0 and IIoT in manufacturing, the surging demand for smart sensor-enabled wearable devices, and the growing technological advancements in industrial sensors. Furthermore, the use of smart sensors for predictive maintenance and increasing utilization of smart sensors in the automotive industry are the factors expected to offer significant opportunities for the growth of this market. Rising Adoption of Industry 4.0 and IIoT in Manufacturing to Support the Market Growth The automation sensors market is growing due to government support and initiatives, high demand for industrial automation for mass production, and mounting pressure to reduce operational costs. Product lifecycle management and enterprise-level solutions are gaining high demand across the globe. Singapore is emerging as a dominating automation country in Southeast Asia due to initiatives such as National Robotics Program. In 2019, Singapore witnessed the roll-out of the Narrowband IoT (NB-IoT) network, a connectivity standard backed by Telcos and the GSM Association, which accelerated the progress of Singapore's digital economy. In September 2019, Thailand announced its plans to develop the Digital Park Thailand to provide digital infrastructure to companies to support Thailand's agenda to become a digital innovation hub. Thailand's Digital Agenda 2018 was focused on five areas: digital infrastructure, digital government, digital manpower, cybersecurity, and digital tech developments. The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (Thailand) also presented a Smart City Framework designed to make habitable cities with the help of digital technologies. In October 2018, Malaysia proposed a National Industry 4.0 Framework to boost the manufacturing sector. One of the initiatives includes smart cities to accelerate the progression of the digital economy. Hence, such developments are expected to drive the growth of the industrial automation sensors market. Story continues Speak to our Analysts to Understand the Impact of COVID-19 on Your Business: https://www.meticulousresearch.com/speak-to-analyst/cp_id=5281 To provide efficient analysis, Meticulous Research has segmented this market based on Sensor Type (Level Sensors, Flow Sensors), Type (Contact Sensors, Non-contact Sensors), Mode of Automation, End User, and Geography. Based on sensor type, in 2022, the image sensors segment is expected to account for the largest share of the industrial automation sensors market. An image sensor is an electronic device that converts an optical image into an electronic signal. It is used in digital cameras and imaging devices to convert the light received on the camera or an imaging device lens into a digital image. The large market share of this segment is attributed to factors such as the increasing demand for sensors for digital cameras and imaging devices; the increasing need for advanced functionalities such as higher sensitivity and lower dark noise; and the growing popularity of image sensors across medical imaging equipment and night vision equipment. Based on type, in 2022, the contact sensors segment is expected to account for the largest share of the industrial automation sensors market. The large market share of this segment is attributed to the benefits provided by contact sensors, such as monitoring doors, windows, and other access points to promote security in industrial operations. Contact level sensors involve physical contact between the device (comprising contact type industrial sensor) and media. The technologies used in contact type level sensors are magnetoresistive, vibratory probe, hydrostatic, magnetic and mechanical float, pneumatic, rotating paddle, resistive chain, and weight and chain. The most common contact type sensors include temperature, pressure, force, and flow sensors. Quick Buy Industrial Automation Sensors Market Research Report: https://www.meticulousresearch.com/Checkout/30772894 Based on mode of automation, in 2022, the semi-automatic system segment is expected to account for the largest share of the industrial automation sensors market. Semi-automatic systems are widely adopted since they benefit companies that emphasize improving their manufacturing process but cannot eliminate operator assistance. The components used in these systems benefit from automation sensors, but some aspects of the assembly are too difficult to automate fully and reliably. Manufacturing companies adopt semi-automatic machines to make significant process improvements while retaining the adaptability of an operator's input for additional manual inspection. Based on end user, in 2022, the oil & gas segment is expected to account for the largest share of the industrial automation sensors market. The large market share of this segment is attributed to the implementation of automation sensor technologies to improve decision-making, troubleshooting, and performance efficiency in oil & gas exploration activities. Some of the major areas highly influenced by automation sensors in the oil & gas sector include drilling operations, diagnostics & inspections, pipeline monitoring systems, weather monitoring systems, and pressure & flow systems. Drilling is one of the major areas with automation due to its expensive process and high safety risks. Furthermore, companies are increasingly deploying automated pipeline monitoring systems due to the increasing number of pipeline thefts. Based on geography, in 2022, Asia Pacific is expected to account for the largest share of the industrial automation sensors market. The growth of this regional market is attributed to the growing industrial sector; the increasing presence of SMEs in countries such as India, China, and Japan; the growing need for sensors in the pharmaceutical, manufacturing, and automobiles industries; rapid industrialization and technological advances; growing electronics and automobile industries; the emergence of industry 4.0; and the increasing number of foreign investments. Furthermore, the increase in manufacturing units, the presence of several semiconductor manufacturing units, favorable government initiatives, the automation of traditional manufacturing and industrial activities through modern smart technologies, and growth in the electronics and automobile industry drive the growth of this market in Asia-Pacific. The key players operating in the industrial automation sensors market are Amphenol Corporation (U.S.), Honeywell International Inc. (U.S.), Infineon Technologies AG (Germany), NXP Semiconductors N.V. (Netherlands), Renesas Electronics, Corporation (Japan), Rockwell Automation, Inc. (U.S.), Siemens AG (Germany), STMicroelectronics International N.V. (Switzerland), TE Connectivity Ltd. (Switzerland), Texas Instruments Incorporated (U.S.), Dwyer Instruments Ltd. (U.K.), Bosch Sensortec GmbH (Germany), ABB Ltd. (Switzerland), Analog Devices, Inc. (U.S.), and Sensirion AG (Switzerland). To gain more insights into the market with a detailed table of content and figures, click here: https://www.meticulousresearch.com/product/industrial-automation-sensors-market-5281 Scope of the Report: Industrial Automation Sensors Market, by Sensor Type Image Sensors Pressure Sensors Temperature Sensors Position Sensors Humidity & Moisture Sensors Level Sensors Flow Sensors Gas Sensors Force Sensors Other Sensors Industrial Automation Sensors Market, by Type Contact Sensors Non-contact Sensors Industrial Automation Sensors Market, by Mode of Automation Semi-automatic Systems Fully-automatic Systems Industrial Automation Sensors Market, by End User Oil & Gas Automotive Food & Beverage Semiconductor & Electronics Chemicals & Materials Consumer Goods Mining & Metals Pharmaceuticals & Biotech Power Machines & Tools Paper & Pulp Aerospace & Defense Other End-users (Textile and Agriculture) Industrial Automation Sensors Market, by Geography Asia-Pacific Europe North America Latin America Middle East & Africa Request Free Customization of Report @ https://www.meticulousresearch.com/request-customization/cp_id=5281 Related Reports: Industrial Automation Market by Component (Plant-level Controls, Enterprise-level Controls, Plant Instrumentation), Mode of Automation (Semi-automatic, Fully-automatic), and End User (Oil & Gas, Automotive, Food & Beverage, Chemicals & Materials) - Global Forecast to 2027 https://www.meticulousresearch.com/product/industrial-automation-market-5172 Industrial IoT (IIoT) Market by Component, Application (Robotics, Maintenance, Monitoring, Resource Optimization, Supply Chain, Management), Industry (Aerospace, Automotive, Energy, Healthcare, Manufacturing, Retail), and Geography - Global Forecast to 2027 https://www.meticulousresearch.com/product/industrial-iot-market-5102 South East Asia Industrial Automation and Process Control Market by Product Type (DCS, PLC, SCADA, PLM), Industry Vertical (Textile, Oil and Gas, Food and Beverages, Life Sciences, Automotive, Packaging) - Industry Forecast to 2025 https://www.meticulousresearch.com/product/southeast-asia-industrial-automation-process-control-market-5073 About Meticulous Research Meticulous Research was founded in 2010 and incorporated as Meticulous Market Research Pvt. Ltd. in 2013 as a private limited company under the Companies Act, 1956. Since its incorporation, the company has become the leading provider of premium market intelligence in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. The name of our company defines our services, strengths, and values. Since the inception, we have only thrived to research, analyze, and present the critical market data with great attention to details. With the meticulous primary and secondary research techniques, we have built strong capabilities in data collection, interpretation, and analysis of data including qualitative and quantitative research with the finest team of analysts. We design our meticulously analyzed intelligent and value-driven syndicate market research reports, custom studies, quick turnaround research, and consulting solutions to address business challenges of sustainable growth. Contact: Mr. Khushal Bombe Meticulous Market Research Inc. 1267 Willis St, Ste 200 Redding, California, 96001, U.S. USA: +1-646-781-8004 Europe : +44-203-868-8738 APAC: +91 744-7780008 Email- sales@meticulousresearch.com Visit Our Website: https://www.meticulousresearch.com/ Connect with us on LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/company/meticulous-research Content Source: https://www.meticulousresearch.com/pressrelease/506/industrial-automation-sensors-market-2029 Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1757980/Meticulous_Research_Logo_1.jpg Cision View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/industrial-automation-sensors-market-expected-to-reach-22-59-billion-by-2029---market-size-share-forecasts--trends-analysis-report-with-covid-19-impact-by-meticulous-research-301590950.html SOURCE Meticulous Market Research Pvt. Ltd STOCKHOLM, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The latest amongst many recent achievements, Internet Vikings has officially begun their iGaming hosting operations in the U.S. state of Iowa. The Swedish company is moving rapidly across this flourishing landscape, having already announced the availability of their services in most of North America's iGaming compliant states. Victor Jerlin, Founder and CTO at Internet Vikings shared his trategic vision, commenting: "As each of the U.S. states come to recognise the massive economic benefits of a well-regulated online gaming market, our goal is to stay ahead and help businesses of all sizes to make the most of this unprecedented opportunity. Getting started in Iowa is another step towards moving the industry and our customers upward and onward." The land-based gambling scene in Iowa has expanded over the last few decades, now offering a wide variety of options such as slot machines, table games and sports wagering. And, although the state is still in the process of regulating other forms of iGaming, the online sports betting market has grown enormously since its legalisation in May of 2019. Albeit one of the smaller gambling-compliant states in America, Iowa is widely considered to be notably progressive in its approach, including the bolstering of both charitable organisations and state growth into its well-regulated gambling market revenue. Internet Vikings has recognised the value of this forward-looking gaming state and begun to provide its hosting services to all interested businesses, both large and small. Founder and CEO of Internet Vikings Rickard Vikstrom, said "Our primary goal is to provide the support which others require in order to keep moving in this often-unpredictable industry. The U.S. is our focal point, and with many customers in other compliant states, we are proud to have taken our next step in America. Iowa is showing great promise, and we are now on the ground with all that is required to get set up with confidence and a secure partner." Story continues With offices and data centers already hosting many customers on 5 continents, Internet Vikings have no intention of slowing down their rapid expansion into this new frontier. They began their westward move into the blossoming U.S. market last year and are working steadily in order to start off their operations in all compliant states over the coming weeks and months. CONTACT: For press inquiries please contact Julija Lavosnik +35699998020 julija.lavosnik@internetvikings.com This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com https://news.cision.com/internet-vikings-international-ab/r/internet-vikings-continue-their-u-s--expansion-as-they-move-into-iowa,c3604088 The following files are available for download: https://news.cision.com/internet-vikings-international-ab/i/rickard-vikstro-new-logo,c3072017 Rickard Vikstro NEW Logo https://news.cision.com/internet-vikings-international-ab/i/victor-new-logo,c3072020 Victor NEW logo https://news.cision.com/internet-vikings-international-ab/i/pr-iowa,c3072021 PR-Iowa Cision View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/internet-vikings-continue-their-us-expansion-as-they-move-into-iowa-301591018.html SOURCE Internet Vikings International AB By Trend India will play its due role in advancing global food security, upholding equity, displaying compassion and promoting social justice, said First Secretary Sneha Dubey at the UN Security Council high-level special event on global food security crisis on Monday (local time), Trend reports citing The Print. Dubey said that New Delhi is running the worlds largest food-based safety net programme, which has seen a paradigm shift from welfare to a rights-based approach. To achieve targeted delivery during COVID-19, food assistance to 800 million people and cash transfers to 400 million people were provided by the Government, she added. Indias mid-day meal programme continues to tackle undernourishment in school children by ensuring the provision of healthy meals. A nutrition drive has also been launched, especially for vulnerable groups including women and children. Our Farm-to-Table digital initiatives include Farmers Portals, farm-advisory services, online network of agricultural commodities, price prediction and use of blockchain technology for quality certification, First Secretary said in a statement. In view of the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, India is donating 50,000 Metric tonnes of wheat to the people of Afghanistan. India has continued its humanitarian support for Myanmar, including a grant of 10,000 tons of rice and wheat. We are also assisting Sri Lanka including with food assistance, during these difficult times, Dubey noted. India has exported more than 250,000 tons of wheat to Yemen, in the last three months. She also said that India remained strongly committed to the cause of global food security and also has contributed to UNs Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) and the UNOCHA in response to various humanitarian crises over the years. Our spearheading of the UN General Assembly Resolution for declaring Year- 2023 as the International Year of Millets was aimed at addressing similar such food security challenges, she said. ION Geophysical Corporation HOUSTON, June 23, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ION Geophysical Corporation (OTC: IOGPQ) announced today that it has completed the reprocessing and reimaging of approximately 19,100 km of 3D seismic data offshore West Africa for its Mauritania 3D reprocessing program. The multi-client program was undertaken through an exclusive agreement with the Ministry of Petroleum, Energy and Mines in Mauritania. It is comprised of 11 vintage seismic surveys and provides a seamless, modern, high resolution data set spanning the Mauritanian offshore coastal basin. This basin is a key part of the frontier MSGBC basin in which several large-scale, offshore, gas fields have been discovered, with an estimated 63 trillion cubic feet (Tcf)* in place in Mauritania thus far. With foreign investment flowing in, field developments expected to come online in 2023, gas favored as a source of energy for the energy transition, and capacity expected to exceed domestic needs, contracts for LNG export to European and other markets is anticipated. The MSGBC basin has become one that matters in the global oil and gas landscape, even if it is still today a frontier area. We have an enormous potential and we must find the right solutions to use these resources for the development of the country, stated Chemsdine Sow Deina, Exploration Director at Societe Mauritanienne des Hydrocarbures (SMH). With IONs delivery of its Mauritania 3D reprocessing program, operators now have a lower cost, lower risk, sustainable solution for evaluating the offshore hydrocarbon potential of Mauritania, said Chris Usher, President and CEO. As a result, we anticipate additional discoveries will be made that ensure Mauritanias long term energy security, as well as exports that fund sustainable economic growth and development. The Mauritania 3D reprocessing program was supported by the industry and almost triples the amount of 3D data that ION has delivered this year from approximately 10,000 km2 to 29,000 km2. Final pre-stack depth imaged deliverables are now available. Learn more at iongeo.com/Mauritania. Story continues *Estimate from Mauritania-Senegal: an emerging New African Gas Province is it still possible? October, 1, 2020. The Oxford Institute for Energy Studies About ION Leveraging innovative technologies, ION delivers powerful data-driven decision-making to offshore energy and maritime operations markets, enabling clients to optimize investments and results through access to our data, software, and distinctive analytics. Learn more at iongeo.com. The information herein contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements may include information and other statements that are not of historical fact. Actual results may vary materially from those described in these forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements reflect numerous assumptions and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include the Companys ability to consummate the restructuring transactions; the Companys ability to obtain Bankruptcy Court approval with respect to motions or other requests made to the Bankruptcy Court; the ability of the Company to confirm and consummate the Plan; the Companys ability to comply with the milestones set forth in the Restructuring Support Agreement; the effects of the Chapter 11 Cases on the Companys liquidity or results of operations or business prospects; the effects of the Chapter 11 Cases on the Companys business and the interests of various constituents; the length of time that the Company will operate under Chapter 11 protection; risks associated with third-party motions in the Chapter 11 Cases; increased levels of employee attrition during the Chapter 11 Cases; the ultimate benefits of our restructuring transactions; the impacts of the Companys delisting by the NYSE; the risks associated with the timing and development of ION Geophysical Corporations products and services; pricing pressure; decreased demand; changes in oil prices; agreements made or adhered to by members of OPEC and other oil producing countries to maintain production levels; the COVID-19 pandemic; political, execution, regulatory, and currency risks; and the impact to our liquidity in the current uncertain macroeconomic environment, including the war in Ukraine. For additional information regarding these various risks and uncertainties, see our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, filed on February 12, 2021, and our Forms 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2021, June 30, 2021, and September 30, 2021, filed on May 6, 2021, August 12, 2021, and November 3, 2021, respectively. Additional risk factors, which could affect actual results, are disclosed by the Company in its filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including its Form 10-K, Form 10-Qs and Form 8-Ks filed during the year. The Company expressly disclaims any obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements. CONTACT: Contacts ION (Investor Relations) Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Mike Morrison, +1 281.933.3339 mike.morrison@iongeo.com Vice President, Investor Relations Sharon Wang-Stockton, +1 281.933.3339 sharon.wang-stockton@iongeo.com LONDON, July 21 (Reuters) - Italy's bond yields soared in early trade on Thursday and the premium investors demand to hold its bonds over safer Germany climbed to its highest in five weeks following the collapse of Mario Draghi's government. Italy's government crumbled on Wednesday when three of Prime Minister Mario Draghi's main coalition partners snubbed a confidence vote he had called to try to end divisions and renew their fractious alliance. Ten-year Italian bond yields rose to 3.70% in early Thursday trade, their highest in over three weeks and were up 22 basis points in opening trades. That pushed the gap over top-rated German debt to almost 245 bps, a five-week high. (Reporting by Dhara Ranasinghe) Canada's Authority on Play Releases its Back to School Play Guide Packed with Must-Haves and More! TORONTO, July 21, 2022 /CNW/ - Today Mastermind Toys has released its second annual Back to School Play Guide, called "Grade-A Play," alongside its official launch of its namesake private brand. Designed to inspire learning through play during the summer months and to help Canadians get ready for the return to school, the annual guide features cool school supplies, books, educational toys and classroom ideas, backpacks, lunch bags, scooters and recess play activities, as well as private brand items designed in-house by Canada's Authority on Play. Cover of Mastermind Toys annual Back to School Play Guide (CNW Group/Mastermind Toys) "The back to school season is a significant milestone for kids, and their families, as they enter a new chapter and stage in their development," said Sarah Jordan, CEO at Mastermind Toys. "It's a moment when kids look for new ways to express themselvesthrough the books they're reading, their pencil case and everything inside, the new game they teach their friends at recess or their backpack on the first day of school. The Mastermind Toys private brand collection goes beyond the basics to offer back to school essentials with a twistthink trend meets educational." Mastermind Toys' namesake brand is a culmination of almost 40 years of experience as a leader in play, curation and customer-obsessed, specialty experiences. It brings together the purpose the company has been built on: to inspire generations of lifelong learners through the power of play. At the helm of the new line-up is Sarah Lowry as Head of Private Brand. She was integral to launching Indigo Books & Music Inc's exclusive home brand, OUI, and growing the Hudson's Bay Company's Owned Brand portfolio, including the HBC Stripes Collection. Lowry's mission at Mastermind Toys is to design great toys that are deeply rooted in child development, with quality being at the forefront of the process. "Designing and developing new toys and games is the most fun job in the worldand a dream come true for any kid-at-heart. Carrying on the legacy of this beloved Canadian retailer is a responsibility I take very seriously; every detail that goes into the making of Mastermind Toys private brand is thoughtfully considered," said Lowry. "We develop toys and games to serve an educational purpose and have multiple, open-ended uses. For example, our iconic Neon Rainbow Playground Balls, that have become synonymous with Mastermind Toys, are available in four sizes because we know all ages play with them in different ways to learn new skills. Our slap bracelets are not only adorable fidget toys and fashion accessories; they're also great for STEM learning, with a ruler on the backside. Our highlighters in our new stationery assortment are double ended so kids get double the number of colours in every set and can pack more in their pencil case. Our branding and packaging acts as our stamp of approval on a collection that Canada's Authority on Play is really proud to stand behind." Story continues Back to school is just the beginning of the private brand collection launch at Mastermind Toys. The company plans on doubling its private brand assortment for the holiday season in 2022 and doubling its presence again in the coming years. The retailer has offered exclusives in the past, but new this year and featured in the Back to School Play Guide under the namesake collection are pens, pencils, highlighters, magnetic bookmark sets and stationary sets that all come in various themes, like space, food, music and dinosaur. Beyond private brand, the new guide has the largest assortment of Rubik's in Canada, as well as Creativity for Kids sensory bins, the Crayola Colour Caddy that acts as the all-in-one creativity case and STEM-focused activities like OSMO. Also big for back to school is books. Gaining market share rapidly, books is a top category at Mastermind Toys and has a greater presence in stores to inspire learning through play when pairing toys with books. The Back to School Play Guide offers educational workbooks and stories to get kids back-to-school-ready, while also spotlighting its Books That Give Back Programa collection of diversity and inclusion reads, where Mastermind Toys donates a portion of the annual proceeds from every book sold to BGC Canada (formerly Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada). Books That Give Back supports BGC Canada's equity, diversity and inclusion initiatives, which help kids feel seen, valued, empowered and included for all aspects of who they are. Get ready for a cool return to school with the Back to School Play Guide digitally on the Mastermind Toys website. Mastermind Toys offers coast-to-coast shopping in-store, online or by curbside pick-up. About Mastermind Toys: Mastermind Toys is Canada's Authority on Play and the largest specialty toy and children's book retailer, with 68 stores coast-to-coast and a wonder-filled website. It has a proud 38-year heritage of being the educational toy store, supporting kids, parents, grandparents, educators and gift givers by offering a curation of toys and books that help develop a child's development of mind, body and expression. Its purpose is to inspire generations of lifelong learners through the power of play, with a philosophy that "Play is Kids' Work." Sarah Lowry, Head of Private Brand at Mastermind Toys, pictured with new back to school private brand collection (CNW Group/Mastermind Toys) SOURCE Mastermind Toys Cision View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/July2022/21/c4198.html PGS ASA July 21, 2022, Oslo, Norway: PGS has been awarded a significant 3D exploration acquisition contract offshore Indonesia by a major energy company. Further, the Company has also been awarded a major 4D acquisition contract offshore Australia by an international energy company. Ramform Sovereign will mobilize for the 3D exploration contract in Indonesia mid-October and acquisition is expected to complete mid-December. The vessel will continue to Australia and mobilize for the 4D contract around year-end 2022 and complete acquisition towards the end of February 2023. We are very pleased with these two contract awards, which in combination constitute an acquisition campaign of close to five months. The seismic acquisition market in Asia-Pacific has been slower than in the Atlantic basins, so it is encouraging to experience increasing demand in the region, and we have good leads for additional work beyond the campaign we have already secured, says President & CEO in PGS, Rune Olav Pedersen. FOR DETAILS, CONTACT: Bard Stenberg, VP IR & Corporate Communication Mobile: +47 99 24 52 35 *** PGS ASA and its subsidiaries (PGS or the Company) is a fully integrated marine geophysical company that provides a broad range of seismic and reservoir services, including data acquisition, imaging, interpretation, and field evaluation. Our services are provided to the oil and gas industry, as well as to the broader and emerging new energy industries, including carbon storage and offshore wind. The Company operates on a worldwide basis with headquarters in Oslo, Norway and the PGS share is listed on the Oslo stock exchange (OSE: PGS). For more information on PGS visit www.pgs.com. *** The information included herein contains certain forward-looking statements that address activities, events or developments that the Company expects, projects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future. These statements are based on various assumptions made by the Company, which are beyond its control and are subject to certain additional risks and uncertainties. The Company is subject to a large number of risk factors including but not limited to the demand for seismic services, the demand for data from our multi-client data library, the attractiveness of our technology, unpredictable changes in governmental regulations affecting our markets and extreme weather conditions. For a further description of other relevant risk factors we refer to our Annual Report for 2021. As a result of these and other risk factors, actual events and our actual results may differ materially from those indicated in or implied by such forward-looking statements. The reservation is also made that inaccuracies or mistakes may occur in the information given above about current status of the Company or its business. Any reliance on the information above is at the risk of the reader, and PGS disclaims any and all liability in this respect. Story continues --END-- (Bloomberg) -- President Vladimir Putin offered to have Russian Railways invest in Indonesias new capital, in a sign of warming ties with Southeast Asias biggest economy as the US and its allies seek to isolate Moscow. Most Read from Bloomberg Putin said Moscow could take part in President Joko Widodos plan to move Indonesias capital to the island of Kalimantan from Jakarta, according to a statement by the Russian Embassy in the country. He made the comments during Jokowis visit to Moscow on Thursday, it said. Nusantara, as the new capital will be called, is set to begin construction in August after the pandemic stalled its development. Jokowi has courted investors including Abu Dhabi and Taiwans Foxconn Technology Group to help build a renewable energy-powered city from scratch. Russian energy companies are also keen to operate in Indonesia, especially in developing nuclear power, Putin added. Atomic energy is a key part of Indonesias net-zero emissions plan. Indonesia has come under pressure by the US and other countries to prevent Putin from joining the Group of 20 summit, which is set to take place in Bali. The Russian leader made no comment on whether hell attend in person. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2022 Bloomberg L.P. Kari Lake walks to her seat before a recent debate with other Republican candidates ahead of the Aug. 2 primary election for the Arizona Governor's Office. A Republican consultant filed a complaint Wednesday against a political action committee that has spent $2.1 million to promote the gubernatorial campaign of former television anchor Kari Lake, saying its financial reports served to mask the source of its donations, in violation of state law. Tyler Montague, a Republican political consultant who heads the Public Integrity Alliance, filed the complaint against Put Arizona First with the Arizona Secretary of States Office, asking it to forward the matter to the Arizona Attorney Generals Office for possible prosecution. The $2.1 million, according to the financial disclosure form, was used to hire state Rep. Jake Hoffman to create ads and other materials promoting the candidacy of Lake and advocating against her chief rival for the Republican nomination, Karrin Taylor Robson. In its financial disclosure form filed on Friday, Put Arizona First said that it was funded entirely by an entity called SPH Medical LLC, whose address, according to the form, was a UPS store in north Phoenix. It is the same UPS store address used by Put Arizona First itself. No such entity called SPH Medical exists in Arizona, according to corporate filings with the Arizona Corporation Commission. A Google search shows one entity with that name, a medical supply company in Orange County, California. But the owner of that business, Tony Coleman, told The Arizona Republic on Monday that he didnt make the contribution. Source of donations unclear: Who paid $2M to promote Kari Lake campaign? In the complaint, Montague called the situation a dubious constellation of facts. The complaint suggests there are two possibilities: Either Put Arizona First has negligently or willfully misrepresented its funding sources or it has created an unregistered entity called SPH Medical as a shell company. The second possibility would mean, according to the complaint, that the entity was serving as a conduit of funds to obscure the identify of a third party. Story continues Never before seen level: Here's how much governor candidates spent for your vote The complaint notes that federal election authorities prohibit independent expenditure committees, such as Put Arizona First, from camouflaging contributors identities in a corporate artifice. The complaint also notes that Put Arizona First had not provided a physical address for its chairman and treasurer, as mandated in state law. The listed chairman of the political action committee, Chris Marshall, did not return phone calls or an email on Wednesday, nor last week, seeking comment. The campaign finance records for Put Arizona First show that, through June 30, it contracted with Hoffmans Queen Creek company, 1Ten, to create $1 million worth of materials promoting Lake and $1.1 million against Taylor Robson. State Rep. Jake Hoffman, R-Queen Creek. Hoffman started a company called 1Ten Management in June 2021, corporate filings show. Previously, he had a company called Rally Forge. That company was banned from Facebook during the 2020 election cycle after the social media company accused it of posting misinformation from phony accounts. A Washington Post story told of teenagers hired by Rally Forge to post continually under fake accounts, something experts told the Post amounted to a troll farm. In campaign reports, 1Ten is listed as working out of a different address in Queen Creek than the one filed with the state in its statement of organization. The address on the campaign reports is the same used by another Hoffman business, Forged Public Affairs. Hoffman also has not returned requests for comment from The Republic. Election guide: 2022 primaries U.S. Senate | Governor |Secretary of state|Legislature | Treasurer | County attorney |Attorney general| Superintendent | Corporation Commission | District 1 | District 3 | District 4| District 5| District 6|District 8| District 9 | City council Filing with the Secretary of States Office is the first step outlined in a complaint procedure contained in the 544-page manual governing election procedures in Arizona. According to the procedure manual, the Secretary of States Office has jurisdiction in this matter. The Secretary of States Office, under the outlined procedure, is supposed to send Put Arizona First a notice of the complaint within five days and ask for a response. The procedure manual says the deadline should be 30 days, although it may be extended for good cause. The Secretary of States Office has no subpoena power, nothing that would compel the production of documents or other evidence, the procedure manual says. That Secretary of State's Office will make an initial determination if there has been a violation of the law, known as a reasonable cause finding. If the Secretary of States Office decides there is evidence to move forward, it would send the matter to the state Attorney Generals Office for additional investigation. The penalty, outlined in the procedure manual, would be a presumptive fine equal to the money raised. Though, if the Attorney General's Office found the conduct egregious, the fine could triple. In September, Public Integrity Alliance sent a letter to the directors of Turning Point USA suggesting it was risking its nonprofit status by having an unusually close relationship with Lakes campaign. Montague signed that letter, just as he did Wednesdays complaint to the Secretary of States Office about Put Arizona First. The letters, and the political spending, point to infighting within the Arizona Republican Party. Lines are drawn between a wing devoted to the political style and policies of former President Donald Trump and candidates in the more traditional Republican mold. The battle between Lake and Taylor Robson for the Republican nomination for governor serves as the chief battle over the direction of the states party. Both candidates will hold events on Friday featuring high-profile endorsers. Taylor Robson will host an event in Phoenix with Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey and former Vice President Mike Pence, who ran on the 2016 and 2020 tickets with Trump. Meanwhile, Lake will be at an arena in Prescott Valley in an event headlined by the former president. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Pro-Kari Lake PAC accused of masking donors Sentieo Partnership provides access to Fitch Ratings credit research, data, and analytics SAN FRANCISCO, July 21, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sentieo , an AlphaSense company and maker of a leading AI-powered financial intelligence platform specifically designed for the research needs of investors, today announced a new partnership with Fitch Solutions, a leading provider of credit research, data, and analytics. This new partnership will significantly expand the credit research, data, and analysis available via Sentieos platform. To learn more about the value of Fitch credit research and data for investment analysis, join our webinar, Stagflation Risks and Credit Ratings: A Mid-Year Chat with Fitch Ratings , on August 2nd at 10 a.m. ET. As volatility and uncertainty continue across capital markets, customer demand for credit research has skyrocketed. Recognizing this critical market need, Sentieo will now offer joint customers access to Fitch Ratings research, data, and analytics, including key drivers, sensitivities, and other factors to consider in assessing credit risk. With access to this keen insight, Sentieo customers are now empowered to more effectively integrate credit research into their investment strategies. Featuring a robust content database including new credit research from Fitch Ratings via Fitch Solutions, Sentieo has proven to help streamline workflows and maximize analysts performance for more than 1,000 clients around the globe. Powered by AI , Sentieo applies machine learning and natural language processing to help analysts surface relevant and actionable information fast, eliminating wasted time in the research process and vastly improving the quality of search results. To support seamless collaboration across teams, Sentieos integrated Notebook provides a central, consistent environment for creating and organizing research notes. And with the ability to tag and store data and documents surfaced through the research process, material information and insights are easily shared across teams to optimize organization-wide results. Story continues We are thrilled to partner with Fitch Solutions to bolster our database and address the growing need for essential credit research to support modern investment strategies, said Dan Kean, Head of Strategic Partnerships, Sentieo. Steadfast in our mission to accelerate time to insight and streamline research workflows, we will continue to identify opportunities to broaden our content sources and enhance our platform for the benefit of our customers worldwide. We are delighted to extend access to Fitch Ratings credit research through the Sentieo platform. Our partnership with Sentieo highlights one of the many easy ways market participants can integrate our high-value content into their workflow to inform investment and risk strategies, said Dan Champeau, Global Head of Ratings Data & Research, Fitch Solutions. To learn more about the value of Fitch credit research and data for investment analysis, register for our mid-year update webinar HERE . About Sentieo Sentieo, an AlphaSense company, provides the first financial intelligence platform specifically designed for the research needs of investors. Sentieos AI-powered financial search engine aggregates internal and external content into a single shared workspace for a more efficient research process. Over 1,000 global customers, including 800 institutional investment firms and Fortune 500 companies, use Sentieo to surface, visualize, and share the insights that give them an edge. For more information, visit sentieo.com . About Fitch Solutions Fitch Solutions fuels better informed credit risk and strategy decisions with reliable data, insightful research and powerful analytics. Clients can easily understand and interpret markets, while leveraging workflow efficiencies for enhanced productivity. Fitch Solutions provides accurate, granular and in-depth information, plus differentiated perspectives, especially in markets where information is hard to find and difficult to interpret. Fitch Solutions, the primary provider of Fitch Ratings credit research, data and analytics, is part of Fitch Group, a global leader in financial information services with operations in more than 30 countries. Fitch Group is owned by Hearst. Media Contacts For Sentieo Sarah Murray Attune Communications 781-378-2674 sarah@attunecommunications.com SPLASH BEVERAGE GROUP INC. Splash Beverage Group Announces Agreement with UNFI to Distribute TapouT Through Southeastern Grocers, Inc. Across Five Southeastern U.S. States TapouT Performance Drinks Fort Lauderdale, Florida, July 21, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Splash Beverage Group, Inc . (NYSE American: SBEV) ("Splash" or the "Company"), a portfolio company of leading beverage brands, today announced that it has signed a distribution agreement with United Natural Foods UNFI to distribute TapouT Performance drinks through Southeastern Grocers 515 Winn Dixie stores located throughout the southeastern United States and other areas where TapouT does not have Direct Store Distribution (DSD) coverage. UNFI is the largest publicly traded wholesale distributor delivering healthier food options to people throughout the United States and Canada. UNFI distributes to over 250,000 natural, organic and conventional products to more than 30,000 customers including natural product superstores, independent retailers, conventional supermarket chains, ecommerce retailers and food service industry. We are absolutely thrilled to have reached an agreement with UNFI to distribute TapouT through its network. UNFIs authorization of TapouT is a testament to its all-natural ingredients and clean label. UNFI maintains high standards resulting from their massive natural-foods customer base. The initial 515 Winn Dixie stores represent a significant increase in our distribution reach and opens the door to significantly more UNFI locations, both natural grocery chains and traditional retail locations. This provides needed incremental distribution coverage to the DSD network were building throughout the US. This is a major milestone in our strategic growth plan and gives us an advantage over the competition as we can now start to penetrate the natural food channel in earnest. Follow Splash Beverage Group on Twitter: www.twitter.com/SplashBev About Splash Beverage Group, Inc. Splash Beverage Group, an innovator in the beverage industry, owns a growing portfolio of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage brands including Copa di Vino wine by the glass, SALT flavored tequilas, Pulpoloco sangria, and TapouT performance hydration and recovery drink. Splashs strategy is to rapidly develop early-stage brands already in its portfolio as well as acquire and then accelerate brands that have high visibility or are innovators in their categories. Led by a management team that has built and managed some of the top brands in the beverage industry and led sales from product launch into the billions, Splash is rapidly expanding its brand portfolio and global distribution. Story continues For more information visit: www.SplashBeverageGroup.com www.copadivino.com www.drinksalttequila.com www.pulpo-loco.com www.tapoutdrinks.com About United Natural Foods UNFI is North America's premier food wholesaler delivering the widest variety of products to customer locations throughout North America including natural product superstores, independent retailers, conventional supermarket chains, ecommerce retailers, and food service customers. By providing this deeper 'full-store' selection and compelling brands for every aisle, UNFI is uniquely positioned to deliver great food, more choices, and fresh thinking to customers everywhere. Today, UNFI is the largest publicly traded grocery distributor in America. To learn more about how UNFI is Fueling the Future of Food, visit www.unfi.com . Forward-Looking Statement This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of U.S. federal securities laws. Words such as expect, estimate, project, budget, forecast, anticipate, intend, plan, may, will, could, should, believes, predicts, potential, continue and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from the expected results and, consequently, you should not rely on these forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. These forward-looking statements and factors that may cause such differences include, without limitation, the risks disclosed in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 8, 2021, and in the Companys other filings with the SEC. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any obligation to update or publicly announce any revisions to any of the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. Contact Information: Splash Beverage Group Info@SplashBeverageGroup.com 954-745-5815 Attachment MarketWatch Recently, we came across a simple piece of money advice from billionaire entrepreneur Mark Cuban on his Maverick blog that we felt resonated in todays money-stressed world. Indeed plenty of pros agree with him that saving money can make you, if not rich, then at least richer (and the good news is this: savings accounts are now paying far more than they did a year ago, and you can find the best rates you can get here). The first step is you have to want to make changes, says certified financial planner Spencer Betts of Bickling Financial Services. SINGAPORE, July 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- From July 20th to 22nd, Huawei Intelligent Finance Summit 2022 was held in Singapore. The theme of the conference was "Smarter, Greener, and Together to Build Green Digital Intelligence Finance", bringing together Global Financial Industry Leaders, Opinion Leaders, Academia Representative, and Innovative Practitioners, etc., conducted in-depth discussions on the development trend of the financial industry. Jackal Ma, the co-founder and partner of Tongdun Technology and Executive Vice Chairman of TrustDecision, will attend the conference and give a speech. TrustDecision, a new global risk decision-making intelligence brand, will be officially debuting at the Huawei Global Intelligent Finance Summit Exhibition, which marks Tongdun Technology has enhanced its international profile again. Tongdun Technology launches Global Risk Intelligence Brand "TrustDecision" According to Jackal Ma, TrustDecision will adhere to the perfect risk decision-making intelligent technology system incubated by Tongdun Technology for many years, deeply focus on the three major business areas: fraud risk, credit risk, and compliance risk, and provide services for digital finance, cross-border e-commerce, payment, aviation, and travel. , media, social media, digital currency.TrustDecision provides risk decision-making services to other global corporate customers which have been effectively reducing corporate risks and improving operational efficiency. Jackal Ma said that we are keenly aware of the further intensification of global risks. With the formation of a ganged, organized, and systematic international black production chain, global cyber risk attacks have grown rapidly, and enterprises are facing severe challenges, according to statistics, the number of companies that have suffered cyber-attacks has risen from 38% in 2020 to 43% in 2021. In 2021, hacker attacks and various cybercrimes caused more than $6 trillion in losses to the global economy, and it is expected in 2025, such crimes will cost the global economy an estimated $10.5 trillion a year, the size of a third-largest economy after the United States and China. The new brand TrustDecision will be based on the support of the adaptive artificial intelligence decision-making intelligent platform, give full play to the technical advantages of machine learning/deep learning, terminal security, and threat intelligence analysis, massively distributed computing, and other fields, as well as in cloud-native, multi-cloud architecture and data. The accumulation of privacy compliance and other aspects provides global customers with reliable, professional, and standardized risk decision-making intelligent services. Looking back at the development of Tongdun Technology's international business, Jackal Ma said that the launch of the new brand TrustDecision is a "milestone" for Tongdun Technology's internationalisation strategy. Tongdun Technology started its international business in 2018, and established Tongdun International's headquarter in Singapore, and then successively established branches in Indonesia, Malaysia, and the United Arab Emirates. With the rapid expansion of international business, Tongdun needs a global "business card" to establish a different brand image. Up to now, Tongdun International has provided services for more than 300 international customers, and its business has expanded to dozens of countries and regions such as Singapore, India, Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, and the United Arab Emirates, and Nigeria. Tongdun International has provided risk decision-making services to the digital bank, the largest state-owned bank, Southeast Asia's leading e-commerce platform and leading live broadcast platform, and so on. While being continuously recognised by international customers, Tongdun International's leading technical strength has also been unanimously recognised by the industry, which has strengthened confidence in the release of the new TrustDecision brand. As early as 2019, Tongdun International became the first foreign company to get the Innovative Credit Scoring ( ICS) recorded status by Indonesia Otoritas Jasa Keuangan (OJK). In 2021, Tongdun International has also became the first institution recognised by the four major financial regulators and associations in Indonesia which are Otoritas Jasa Keuangan (OJK)., the Indonesian Asosiasi Fintech Pendanaan Bersama Indonesia (AFPI), and the Asosiasi Fintech Indonesia (AFTECH) and the Asosiasi Fintech Syariah Indonesia (AFSI). The new brand of TrustDecision was officially unveiled overseas, which means that Tongdun Technology's internationalization strategy is further clear, and it will anchor the global risk decision-making intelligent track and continue to move forward. Jackal Ma said that Tongdun Technology will increase investment in brand building of TrustDecision in the international market and further establish barriers and advantages in this field by building professional technology research and development and talent system, and expand to Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and even the global market. SOURCE Tongdun International; TrustDecision By Trend Italys Senate has expressed confidence in Prime Minister Mario Draghi with a minimal margin, Trend report citing TASS. Just 95 senators voted in favor. Three major parties that are members of the ruling coalition sat out the vote, meaning Draghi will most likely resign. ANKARA, July 21 (Reuters) - Talks between Turkey, Russia, Ukraine and the United Nations on resuming Ukrainian grain exports through the Black Sea are going well so far, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Thursday, adding he was hopeful about reaching a deal. Turkey hosted officials from Russia, Ukraine and the U.N. to discuss details of the U.N.-led plan last week. Ankara has since said a general agreement was reached, and that it wants to put this into writing this week. Speaking to state broadcaster TRT Haber, Cavusoglu said he hoped to be able to announce "good news" on the talks in coming days, but added there were still minor issues being discussed between the parties. (Reporting by Tuvan Gumrukcu and Ece Toksabay) Luana Pinheiro is the world's first female UFC fighter ever to get paid a significant amount of her earnings in Bitcoin via the Bitwage platform Miami, Florida, July 21, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bitwage went into futuristic mode again by working with the #15-ranked strawweight Luana Pinheiro (10-1-0 record) to allow her to become the Worlds first UFC female fighter and the Worlds first-ever Latin American athlete, in general, to get her paycheck in Bitcoin. By utilizing Bitwage, Pinheiro, the Brazilian phenom on an eight-fight winning streak is able to get paid in Bitcoin without having to negotiate a Bitcoin payment with her promotion (UFC). Luanas boyfriend, #7-ranked flyweight Matheus Nicolau (18-2 record), has already made the switch to Bitwage in March of this year, making them a true UFC power couple on the Bitcoin standard. Both have UFC championship aspirations and hope to earn Bitcoin for their fights as they climb the rankings to the top. MMA is a brutal sport and there is no time for overthinking. Mental strength and callousing one's mind is everything, said Pinheiro. A judo black belt, from a family full of black belts, Pinheiro has been immersed into martial arts since two years old. I do not think I will have a problem with Bitcoin going down or up, says Pinheiro. If it was not volatile it would not go up either. Think about this: it takes on average 10-15 years for an individual to get a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, so my time preference here is equally long if not longer. Black belt time preference I call it. Everything else is just noise to me and the lower the price the more Bitcoin I will be able to secure for the future. This deal is one of many facilitated by Bitwage - a company known for their premium payroll service that allows anyone in the world to get paid in Bitcoin without their employer needing to be onboarded. Bitwage, founded in 2014 in San Francisco, makes crypto payrolls faster, cheaper and accessible to anyone in the world. People usually think that for someone to use their service, integration of sorts is needed or their employer needs to be involved or their HR department or something. But it is just the opposite. Anybody reading this can register right now, get their banking account details from Bitwage and make sure their next salary arrives to them as Bitcoin to any address they want. Story continues Opportunity is a naughty goddess that wastes no time with those who are unprepared. said Matheus Nicolau. You improve as much as possible in all aspects and when the opportunity knocks, you are ready. Both in life and in sports. Luana joining me in going onto the Bitcoin standard makes me very happy and I am more than confident that bold and courageous steps taken today will be a huge win in the future, for both of us. We stand and do things together, united and fully in sync, because that is how we are - never above, never below, but always beside each other. - Matheus Nicolau How did the better half of Luana & Matheus power couple come to a realization to go the Bitcoin route, Luana explains more in detail: When Matheus made the switch to get paid in Bitcoin, a few months ago, I met the Bitwage team. They flew into Rio and provided the in-person concierge service to Matheus. I was blown away by their approach and the amount of knowledge and information I gathered was mind-boggling. So, everything came together and the time was just right. One can lose only what one puts into it, but what about the flipside when Bitcoin does 100X?! I knew what I had to do and that the sooner I plant the tree the sooner the tree shall grow. It was just a natural evolution of things. Not doing it was a risk I was not willing to take. He who dares wins, both inside and outside of the octagon. And dont forget that I am from Brazil, so I know a thing or two about inflation and its effects. I was born around 1994, at that time Brazilian currency Real was introduced and pegged 1:1 to the U.S. dollar at that time. Now it is 5 BRL for 1 USD. What do we use Bitcoin again for?! said Luana. Heres how it works: Anyone in the world can register with Bitwage to receive a bank account number. Next, you choose what percentage you want to receive in Bitcoin, and then you give the new account number to your employer. Once they send the paycheck, you will receive Bitcoin to address you control. If you did not allocate 100% to go into Bitcoin, you will receive the rest of the money to your regular bank account. This is exactly how both Luana and Matheus are receiving their payments from the UFC from now on. Bitwage also has services for companies that want to offer the benefit directly as well. The Bitwage team flew to Rio de Janeiro, Brasil and provided their exclusive concierge service to Luana Pinheiro in person. Their exclusive service is not just reserved for athletes or high net worth individuals, but just the opposite. Anybody across the world can sign up and use it in the same way Luana and Matheus are using it. Proper information at the right time is everything. Having knowledge and not acting on it is not why we acquire knowledge in the first place. We get it so we can act. said Chester. It is our goal to help each and every individual on their journey. Through education, every individual can choose how they want to get paid, whether it be to their self controlled wallet or to their bank account. So at the end of the day they do not need anybody and are truly independent. Our relentless approach to details is available to anyone who signs up to our service. Having the first athlete couple in the world in the most brutal sport in the world, getting both paid in Bitcoin by using our service is a glimpse of what the future holds. In addition to Matheus Nicolau, Luana is joined in being paid in Bitcoin by professional football player Alex Barrett. Professional soccer players Achara Ifunanyachi and Alex Crognale made similar moves in 2021 by using Bitwage as their premium Bitcoin payroll service provider as well. For More Information: https://www.bitwage.com About Bitwage Bitwage is the global leader in Bitcoin, cryptocurrency and stablecoin payroll with services across invoicing and benefits services. The company also offers resources to employers, employees, and freelancers with their robust, online platform. Bitwage is headquartered in San Francisco, California with operations in the US, Europe, Latin America, and Asia. After a simple sign-up process, employees and freelancers are able to receive any percentage of their wage in Bitcoin with unique bank accounts offered in US, EU, and UK. International users can also receive their wages faster & cheaper than traditional banking channels through blockchain technology, receiving Bitcoin or fiat on the other end. Bitwage has processed $150MM in transactions with over 50,000 users and 2,000 companies. Since their inception in 2014, Bitwage has received $4MM in funding from Draper Associates, BnkToTheFuture, Overton VC, Candela Reach Capital, Plug and Play, BPI France and many others. CONTACT: Jonathan Chester Bitwage press@bitwage.com A Stafford man was arrested Wednesday following a series of incidents that included breaking into a house, trying to drive over two people and threatening to bomb and burn two homes, police said. Sheriffs spokesman Ryan Wilbur said Deputy C.J. Sacke headed toward McCarty Road in southern Stafford about 7 p.m. in response to reports that a man was tearing up a yard. Sacke saw the suspect driving on White Oak Road and made a traffic stop. One victim told police that the suspect broke into her home and searched her room, leaving it in disarray. He then went to a nearby residence and made multiple threats, including one to burn the house to the ground. He also claimed that he had left a bomb in the first victims bedroom, police said. Wilbur said that as the suspect was leaving the area, he attempted to run over two people. Stephen Michael Brown, 35, was charged with entering a property to cause damage, threats to bomb, two counts of driving suspended and three counts of assault. He was also served an assault warrant stemming from an incident the previous day, along with two emergency protective orders. Brown was placed in the Rappahannock Regional Jail. In case you missed it summer's most popular meteor shower is set to peak tonight above Colorado, with the celestial event remaining active through September 1. A Colorado Springs man accused of killing his wife in front of his 5-year-old daughter pleaded not guilty on all charges Thursday, setting him up for a trial at the end of the year. William Cruz, 32, is facing three charges in the death of his wife, Masany Cruz, 29, including first-degree murder and two counts of reckless child abuse. On Thursday, William Cruz's defense attorney entered a not guilty plea on all three charges and requested a jury trial be set. Judge Monica Gomez scheduled Cruz's trial for Monday, Dec. 5. The prosecution expects the trial to last two weeks. If Cruz is found guilty of first-degree murder, he will be given a mandatory sentence of life in prison. Cruz is accused of strangling his wife to death in September 2021 while their 5-year-old daughter fought to stop him. Following Masany Cruz's death, William Cruz took his two children to Sag Harbor, N.Y., telling friends and family that he and his wife had separated, according to the arrest affidavit. Relatives, co-workers and friends of Masany Cruz, however, were concerned. According to the affidavit, nobody had heard from her outside of text messages in weeks, and her supervisor at work said she had taken a leave of absence starting Sept. 13. On Oct. 4, the Colorado Springs Police Department was contacted to check on her, and family members additionally reached out to police in North Plainfield, N.J., who were able to track Masany Cruz's phone to Sag Harbor. When officers arrived to the location of the phone, they only found William Cruz, who had barricaded himself inside the bathroom and said he would hurt himself if officers tried to arrest him, according to the affidavit. When police in Colorado Springs entered the home of William and Masany Cruz, they found her body. Police in New York investigated William Cruz's phone on Oct. 12 and found a picture of Masany Cruz dead, according to the affidavit. That morning, police also spoke with William Cruz's 5-year-old daughter about the days leading up to the familys departure from Colorado. Using stuffed animals given to her by investigators to act out what shed seen, she wrapped the hands of one of the dolls around the neck of the other. She said Masany Cruz clawed at William Cruz's face to get him off, and that the girl herself had tried to intervene by prying her father's hands away, the affidavit stated. I was taking Daddys hands off of her, the girl told police, but her father ordered her to "get off" and go to her room with her dog, according to the affidavit. William Cruz was arrested on Oct. 13. He is currently being held in El Paso County jail on a no- bond hold. By Azernews By Fazli Sahan Turkish Transport and Infrastructure Ministry is going to launch the fifth-generation technology standard - 5G at Istanbul Airport on July 29, Yeni Shafak daily reports per Minister Adil Karaismailoglu. In an interview with media representatives, Karaismailoglu made important statements about the ministry's activities. We have recently boosted our efforts in communication and internet activities, particularly in rural regions. We have very large activities related to 5G technologies. A cluster was established to install domestic and national 5G in Ankara. 2G will expire will soon expire. We will launch a 5G at Istanbul Airport on July 29. We will have an airport with 5G, Karaismailoglu stressed. The government invested $37.5 billion under the build-operate-transfer paradigm without taking a single dime out of the state's wallet. The ministry would not have been able to develop Tokat Airport, Rize-Artvin Airport, or the Komurhan Bridge if it had done it on a state budget, the minister added. We save seven billion hours of time and one billion liters of fuel every year as a result of our roadway improvements. The $183 billion investment made by the government had an impact of more than one trillion dollars on production and over $600 billion on national income, the minister said. The minister believes that every day, 200,000 vehicles traverse the 15 July Martyrs Bridge, 250,000 travel through the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge, 60,000 vehicles cross the Eurasia Tunnel, and 100,000 pass the Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge in Istanbul. Furthermore, 600,000 individuals utilize Marmaray on a daily basis. If we close these places just for one day, Istanbul will be locked. Today, the cost of the Canakkale Bridge is 2.5 billion. It would not be possible to build it for less than 3.5 billion today, Karaismailoglu underlined. Istanbul Airport had a ten-billion-euro investment. The government has successfully established a financial plan that will generate 22 billion in rent over the course of 25 years, the minister said. According to him, during the holidays, the airport served 1,400 planes and 230,000 passengers and made an extra 22 million in revenue since it exceeded the number of guaranteed passengers specified in the first year it was open. The airport will both receive rent, as well as additional cash from the increasing traveler numbers. Istanbul needs constant investment. Especially the first need of Istanbul is the construction of public transportation and metro lines. The fleet needs to be renewed. These are the indispensable duties of the municipality. But we see the complaints and problems about Istanbul. There is a mentality that cannot run the escalators, the buses. As in all classical CHP [Republican People's Party] municipalities, there is a lot of talk, but unfortunately, we cannot see any action, Karaismailoglu noted. We now have a 4,500-kilometer railway line under development throughout Turkiye. We want to bring the high-speed rail into service on the 500-kilometer Ankara-Izmir route by the end of 2025. Our citizens will be able to travel from Ankara to Izmir in around 3.5 hours. Our projects in the Ankara-Sivas line are nearing completion. We had some issues between Ankara and Kirikkale, which we resolved. Hopefully, we will be able to bring Ankara-Sivas into operation in early 2023, he added. The minister stressed that the Istanbul Canal is a vital project for Turkiye as a whole. With the growth in global commerce, the Istanbul Canal project becomes increasingly more significant in terms of logistics and alleviating Bosporus traffic. Istanbul Canal began with the creation of transit lines. We will first create these transit routes and then we will create the main tender and begin the major job. Work on the highway connector Basaksehir-Hadimkoy-Ispartakule is still ongoing and activities on the Sazlidere Bridge are also underway. We are building one of the Istanbul Canal bridges and will continue to do so as an alternate means to relieve congestion at the Mahmutbey TEM Highway toll booths. This is one of the world's largest infrastructure projects. We are also in discussions with firms which have created some of the world's largest infrastructures and maritime projects, Karaismailoglu said. Elevate Productions, a division of Colorado Ballet Society, will present the Tony Award-winning "Matilda the Musical" Friday through Sunday at Brown Center for the Arts. The show, based on Roald Dahl's famous 1988 children's novel of the same name, stars a 5-year-old girl surrounded by miserable adults, who manages to find a loving, maternal relationship with a schoolteacher and a way to use her telekinesis super power for good. By Trend Hundreds of firefighters continue to battle a massive forest fire on the outskirts of Athens for the second day in a row, after hundreds of residents were evacuated overnight, Trend reports citing Euronews. Around 500 firefighters and 120 fire engines were deployed to contain the blaze. Nine planes and ten helicopters poured water on the flames on Wednesday. Thirty people were taken to hospital, three of whom suffered burns. Most of the people suffered respiratory problems and minor injuries, including three firefighters from the Pallini, Gerakas, Anthousa and Penteli regions. DES MOINES The money in Iowas campaign for governor continues to flow in Republican incumbent Kim Reynolds favor. Reynolds more than doubled the fundraising by Democratic challenger Deidre DeJear over the most recent state reporting period, state campaign fundraising documents show. Candidates for office in Iowa were required to file campaign fundraising documents on Tuesday. Reynolds campaign reported raising just over $633,000 from May 28 to July 14, according to the state documents. DeJears campaign reported raising just shy of $256,000 over the same reporting period, according to the state documents. That continues the overall trend of Iowas campaign for governor: Since last year, Reynolds campaign has raised more than $5.8 million, while DeJear, who formally entered the race in mid-August, has raised $1.4 million. Reynolds finished the reporting period with more than $5.2 million in her campaign account, while DeJear was sitting on just more than $503,000. A recent Mediacom/Des Moines Register Iowa Poll showed Reynolds with a 17-point lead over DeJear. Rick Stewart, the Libertarian Partys candidate for governor, raised $4,700 in the recent reporting period and has raised $18,000 this year. Attorney general In what could be the most competitive races of his long career, Democratic Attorney General Tom Miller the longest-serving state attorney general in U.S. history raised $345,000 during the recent period and has raised roughly $529,000 this year. Republican challenger Brenna Bird, a former legal counsel to then-Gov. Terry Branstad, raised $166,000 in the recent period, which lagged Miller. But she has outraised Miller this year, with her total of $714,000. Miller finished the recent reporting period with $576,000 in his campaign account and Bird $566,000. Treasurer Mike Fitzgerald, who also holds the national record for longest-serving in his state office, is being outraised exponentially by his Republican challenger, state Sen. Roby Smith, R-Davenport. Fitzgerald raised just more than $4,000 during the recent reporting period and has raised roughly $26,000 this year. Smith, meantime, raised more than $86,500 this period and has raised more than $165,000 this year. Other offices Incumbents appear to be holding the fundraising cards in other statewide office campaigns. Democratic State Auditor Rob Sand is dominating the fundraising: He has raised more than $400,000 this year, while Republican challenger Todd Halbur has raised only $9,000. Sand previously toyed with running for governor, but the $400,000 raised in 2022 all came after he announced his decision to run for another term as auditor. Republican Secretary of State Paul Pate, the states top elections official, has raised more than $20,000 for his campaign, while Democratic challenger and Linn County Auditor Joel Miller has raised only roughly $5,500. John Norwood, the Democratic challenger in the state agriculture secretary campaign, has raised a solid $41,000. But that trails Republican incumbent Mike Naig, who has raised nearly $89,000. Iran's capital Tehran on Tuesday brought together Russian President Vladimir Putin, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and their Iranian counterpart, Ebrahim Raisi, for trilateral talks on Syria and bilateral meetings on more topics of mutual interest. Analysts said that the intensive diplomatic interactions in one day were arranged against the backdrop of unfolding international and regional dynamics, and bear significance way beyond the three countries. Produced by Xinhua Global Service By Trend Azerbaijans Shusha will host the first International Media Forum, organized by the Azerbaijan Media Development Agency, on July 22, spokesperson for the agency Saida Shafiyeva told Trend. According to her, the delegation arriving in Azerbaijan to attend the Media Forum visited the Heydar Aliyev Center in Baku. "The delegation, consisting of foreign media representatives and experts from nearly 20 countries, was provided with information about the Heydar Aliyev Center, which is considered to be the pearl of the world architecture," Shafiyeva said. These are the best public universities in the U.S., according to factors like acceptance rates, average student loan amount, diversity, quality of professors and more. BANGKOK (AP) Scattered pro-democracy rallies were held across military-ruled Myanmar on Tuesday to mark the 75th anniversary of the assassination of the independence hero and father of the countrys civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who was ousted in last years military takeover. The protests generally dispersed within a short time to avoid confrontations with security forces. Since the army took power and detained Suu Kyi and thousands of supporters, 2,091 civilians including poets, activists, politicians and others had been killed in the crackdown, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners. The opposition National Unity Government, which was established by elected lawmakers and considers itself the countrys legitimate administration, broadcast a livestream of the commemoration ceremony on social media. Mahn Winn Khaing Thann, the shadow prime minister of the government that the ruling military considers a terrorist organization, promised to fight until freedom is restored in Myanmar. I would like to reiterate that the entire population, including monks, students, and youth, can only exercise their freedom of choice and fully enjoy their rights after ending the military dictatorship and restoring democracy, he said. Gen. Aung San was 32 when he was gunned down by a group of armed men in uniform in Yangon, the countrys biggest city. A political rival, former Prime Minister U Saw, was tried and hanged for plotting the assassination less than six months before the country, then called Burma, achieved its independence from British colonial rule. In Yangon, neighborhoods heard wailing sirens and car horns bellowing out for one minute at 10:37 a.m., the time of the 1947 attack that also killed six Cabinet members and two other officials. Photos and videos showed protesters carrying banners and chanting Eradicate racism, there are more than nine martyrs in Yangon. An annual official ceremony was held at Martyrs Mausoleum in Yangon, near the foot of the famous Shwedagon Pagoda. Neither Suu Kyi, who is under arrest, nor Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, who heads the ruling military council, attended the event. The highest-ranking official there was Vice-Senior Gen. Soe Win, vice chairman of the military council. An official of the ceremonys subcommittee laid a wreath on behalf of Suu Kyis family. Suu Kyi, 77, has not been seen in public apart from one photo shown on state television in May 2021, taken inside a court at the start of criminal proceedings against her. Suu Kyi has been sentenced to 11 years in prison and was transferred from a secret detention location to a custom-built solitary facility at a prison in the capital Naypyitaw last month. She is being tried on a slew of legal cases brought by the military. Her supporters and independent analysts say the charges are politically motivated and an attempt to discredit her and legitimize the militarys seizure of power. The historic secretariat office building where the 1947 attack took place, and Bogyoke Aung San Museum, the last residence of Aung San and his family before his assassination, were reopened to the public under strict safety protocols after being closed for the past two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Residents who live near the sites said security was tight and few visitors were seen on nearby roads coming to pay respects. GREENSBORO For two decades, community chefs who are famous in their own kitchens have gathered to participate in an annual event called Men Can Cook. Over the years, barbecue, slaw and other culinary creations have helped raise thousands of dollars for the Womens Resource Center. In three months, the event will ring in its 21st year with a new twist for those 21 and over locally crafted wine, beer and distilled spirits served with the food. Ashley Brooks, executive director of the Womens Resource Center, said that chefs will also be encouraged to create smaller, cocktail-friendly dishes to go along with the events new upscale feel. For Brian Smith, a Men Can Cook alum, the food hes served has always been about creating a little piece of a bigger meal. Hes been involved with the event since his wife, Marti Smith, started working as the director of operations at the Womens Resource Center 15 years ago. At past events, hes served dishes ranging from tiny beef tacos with a side of pico and crema to Greek chicken bites with tzatziki sauce, and thinks of ground beef as his signature ingredient when cooking at home. But this year, Smith plans to let the new twist have an influence on his hors d'oeuvres. We didnt have a local craft brewery scene 10 years ago like we do now, Smith said. I like the challenge of thinking along those lines, of what goes well with that. Although ground beef is Smiths special ingredient, he sees the Womens Resource Center as relating to a well-known phrase about fish. In his eyes, the center is an expansion of give someone a fish, you feed them for a day, but teach someone to fish, you feed them for a lifetime. Maybe you already know how to fish but dont know where to get a fishing rod, Smith said. "Maybe you have some ideas about fishing but it just needs some refinement. Or maybe youve never tasted fish, and dont care for it, but need to do something else to feed yourself Thats one of the things I love about the centers way of working, they think both things are important. Brooks said this twofold purpose, both as a bridge to resources and being a resource itself, was one of the founding principles of the center when it started in 1995. I think its pretty much a proven deal that access to resources is one of the biggest problems that people have, Brooks said. We have all these wonderful agencies and a great community system of caring in Greensboro, but you need to know how to access those services. Being able to find those resources when you need them is the most difficult part and thats really why we opened. Annually, the center serves about 9,000 women and 7,500 families who come from multiple backgrounds and different experiences. Brooks said the center is designed to help women no matter where they are in their lives. Like the widow whos lost her husband and now has to handle the finances. Like the single mother who just lost her job, her family's main source of income, and now needs to rejoin the labor force and start anew. And like the many women who have been taking care of others for so long, who are now faced with taking care of themselves and don't know where to start. The mission of the womens center is to help women to lead self-directed lives, Brooks said. To live up to their full potential so they have independent family success. Brooks said a lot of the resourcing the center is focusing on now is related to the housing crisis. Due to financial drains from the pandemic, a lot of women are unable to pay their rent and find affordable housing, Brooks said. And about 25% of the women who come into the center are from the homeless population. In addition to this housing crisis outsourcing, the center is also continuing to provide in-house programming like job training, support groups for emotional wellness and community resource counseling, where women meet one-on-one with trained research specialists that connect them to resources within and outside of the center. One of the major sources of funding for the centers programming is Men Can Cook. Brooks said that last year, the event raised over $100,000 for the center through tickets, sponsorships and silent auction gift baskets. This year, the center has a goal of signing up at least 40-50 chefs as they move the event back to Greensboro Coliseum's Piedmont Hall. There have always been men involved with the womens center, Brooks said. So, (Men Can Cook) is kind of showcasing the men that have been helping us all along the last 27 years Showcasing the everyday fella whos been supporting the womens center for a long time who is an excellent cook. Calling all male chefs! The Women's Resource Center is accepting applications for Men Can Cook... with a twist from now until September. How do I apply?: By filling out the community chef form on the Women's Resource Center website at womenscentergso.org. Where do I submit my application?: By email to Marti Smith (Marti@WomensCenterGSO.org), fax or by mailing or coming in person to the Women's Resource Center. What can I cook?: The center is encouraging participants to cook appetizer-like dishes for the event, but is open to chefs serving whatever their specialty dish is, as long as there is space for it. Each chef should bring about 300 servings of their prepared dish to the event. More information: womenscentergso.org. Smith has yet to decide what he plans to make for the event, but said he is looking forward to seeing what the new twist will bring. He encourages all home chefs to apply for Men Can Cook, which he said is a lively time that brings all members of the community together. Its a relatively low commitment for a whole lot of fun, Smith said. Its a neat atmosphere, it feels like a party at the event And it is the one time a year I get to cook for just the enjoyment of it, just because I enjoy cooking. Want to go? What: Men Can Cook... with a twist When: 5:30-8:30 p.m. Oct. 22 Where: Piedmont Hall (Greensboro Coliseum), 2409 W. Gate City Blvd., Greensboro Cost: Tickets are $50 and can be bought online or at the Women's Resource Center (628 Summit Ave., Greensboro). Admittance for chefs participating in the event and their plus-one is free. Etc.: This year's event comes with a twist locally crafted wine, beer and distilled spirits from Grove Winery, South End Brewing Co. and Fainting Goat Spirits. Along with food from 50 community chefs, there will be live entertainment from Low Key Band and a silent auction. Funds raised from the event support programming for the Women's Resource Center. HIGH POINT Deputies seized 15 dogs they suspect were intended for a dog fighting operation, according to a news release from the Guilford County Sheriff's Office. Deputies executed a search warrant at 1209 Penny Road and seized three adult male dogs, three adult female dogs and nine recently born puppies, the release said. The owner of the premises, Toriano Marcellus Cave, 51, was arrested and charged with one felony count of owning and/or possessing a dog with the intent that the dog be used in a fight with another animal, according to the release. Deputies were assisted by Guilford County Animal Services, The American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The sheriff's office said the incident is part of an ongoing criminal investigation, but that no further information would immediately be released. Anyone with information concerning this matter is asked to contact Detective Weavil at 336-641-5988 or Guilford County Crime Stoppers at 336-373-1000. By Trend Media Development Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan (MEDIA) held a conference in Baku on Deepening reforms in media sphere towards new goals, on July 21, on the eve of the National Press Day in Azerbaijan, Trend reports. The purpose of organizing a conference with the participation of representatives of international media structures and the public, foreign and local media experts is to exchange views aimed at analyzing the development course of Azerbaijani press, the results achieved, also media reforms in modern era. Executive Director of MEDIA Ahmad Ismayilov noted that the agency is aimed at strengthening economic independence of media entities, their material, technical and legal base, modernizing infrastructure, creating a new economic model in the relevant area and supporting the necessary steps. The panel session was organized within the framework of the conference, moderated by the Editor-in-Chief of Xalq cebhesi (Popular Front) newspaper Elchin Mirzabayli. Deputy Head of the Department for Work with Non-governmental Organizations and Communications under the Administration of Azerbaijani President Saadat Yusifova, noted that the priorities of information policy of independent Azerbaijan were determined as a result of the fundamental reforms carried out by national leader Heydar Aliyev, censorship was abolished, and state control over the media was eliminated. Material and technical base of media has been strengthened, new development prospects have appeared, Yusifova added. Yusifova also noted that the role of media in the life of society is steadily growing. According to Yusifova, media outlets in their activities should always be guided by principles of objectivity, creativity, social responsibility and national interests. Where the Crawdads Sing At the Cinemark/Myrna Loy (PG-13) Grade: B We all wish, when reckoning comes, that our acts of kindness will be remembered and our moments of selfishness forgotten or forgiven. Movies face their judgment day, too. Some critics are routinely harsh, seizing upon the flaws and twisting their quill. Others live in Lake Wobegon, where all the films are strong, good looking and above average. I prefer to read critics who are, at core, compassionate souls, but nevertheless open-minded, noting weaknesses, applauding strengths. Roger Ebert was one who found a balance between justice and mercy a gentle soul, who would still fillet the bottom fish. Olivia Newmans Where the Crawdads Sing is easy to dismiss, even ridicule, but its also a movie with a heart that draws honest tears while inspiring young women. So, channeling my inner Ebert, Im not going to take cheap shots, but choose, this time, to love the best, and forget the rest. Delia Owens 2018 runaway bestseller is about a girl who lives alone in the marshlands of North Carolina in the 1960s. She was abandoned by her parents, ridiculed by school girls and abused by local boys. When a boy she dated dies mysteriously, shes tried for murder. Reviews have been harsh, earning the film a 36 average on Rotten Tomatoes. Its not hard to understand why. The script stretches over Kyas entire life from childhood to death, with each segment feeling rushed, clipped. The court trial moves from revelation to verdict in a blink. The two central romances are hampered by weak actors, especially Chase, the sleazy creep with rich DNA. Tate is better, but I didnt want Kya settling for him, either. And, of course, the just-kidding ending is unfortunate, retroactively rearranging much of what came before. Im not denying those shortcomings, but lets not lose sight of the empowering message: Crawdads is story of a bright, abused child with a gift for drawing who sketches a path out of her dark beginning. The marshlands of Louisiana (standing in for Carolina) are portrayed with affection. Herons fly overhead, fireflies light up the night. Taylor Swifts ethereal song Carolina is a fitting closing requiem. I loved that our heroine was an observant self-taught artist whose meticulous drawings accurately captured the beauty around her. The storeowners, black saviors in a white sanctuary, serve as the films conscience along with the Atticus-style attorney, played sensitively by David Strathairn. Best of all is Daisy Edgar-Jones who saved the film for me with her interior, subtle portrayal of Kya. Crawdads is a project by and about women. The book and the film were crafted by women, who unflinchingly support the right of abused women to seek justice. So, I extend grace to Crawdads, a flawed film, because, at its core, its telling a story of girl I cared about an abused artist born in the swamp who, like the fireflies, lit up dark skies. SMALLEY, Lillian M., age 96, of Helena, MT, passed away on Tuesday, July 12, 2022. Cremation has taken place. She will be laid to rest in her In honor of its 20th anniversary, Lewis and Clark Brewing Co. is hosting a special block party and open house this weekend. Each year, the brewery throws a party with free live music for the Helena community to enjoy as a way of saying thank you for all the support. Max Pigman, the founder of Lewis and Clark Brewing, first got involved in the craft beer scene in 2002 when he purchased the foreclosing Sleeping Giant Brewery space that was located in the basement of the Brewhouse. In 2003, he renamed the space Lewis and Clark Brewery. Another big opportunity came in 2009, when Pigman purchased and renovated the old Columbia Paint factory and then expanded the location again in 2016, according to Lewis and Clark Brewings website. The 2016 expansion took a multi-million dollar loan and many talks about zoning with the Helena City Commission. The community investment in the brewery helped push the city commission to approve the project. Over 100 people lined up to testify on our behalf to share their experiences with the brewery, said Pigman in an interview with Craftbeer.com in 2019. Since then, Lewis and Clark Brewing has won accolades from the Great American Beer Festival (GABF), NABA International Beer Awards, and the World Beer Cup. In 2018, three of the brewerys beers medaled at the Great American Beer Festival with Miners Gold placing first in the American-Style Wheat Beer with Yeast category. Lewis and Clark Brewing was named the Small Brewing Company and Small Brewing Company Brewer of the Year as well. This year, the block party is moving outside into Lewis and Clark Brewerys new outdoor event space right off Montana Avenue at 1535 Dodge Ave. There will still be access to multiple bar locations outside serving on-tap beers, seltzer, wine slushies and more, said Pigman. There will be local food trucks and Vigilante Pizza at the party too. A 20th Anniversary Westcoast Double IPA will be unveiled for this annual event. Im excited about the 20th Anniversary Westcoast Double IPA. Its a 6 to low 7 on alcohol level, said Pigman. Its good to have something new to roll out. Music starts at 5 p.m. on Friday and 1 p.m. on Saturday at Lewis and Clark Tap Room, 1535 Dodge Ave. Some bands to be on the lookout for are Ten Years Gone, a local favorite, opening the event on Friday at 5 p.m. Later that night, theres the Kyle Grass Band headlining with support from arguably Montanas hottest band Laney Lou & The Bird Dogs, according to Lewis and Clark Brewings website. Saturdays headliner is the band All Good Things. Dan Murphy, a Helena native and graduate of Helena High School, is the lead vocalist of the Los Angeles-based band that was formed in 2013. Theyre currently signed with Better Noise Record Label and had a No. 1 hit in 2021 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock charts with their song For the Glory. Other bands include The Waiting (Tom Petty Tribute Band), Savvy, Big Ska Country and more. Im excited about all the music acts, said Pigman. Its one of those parties you know youll do long in advance, so you can pick your favorite bands that come through the brewery. On Saturday, Lewis and Clark Brewing will have its annual open house with self-guided tours of the brewery operations from 1 to 5 p.m. Pigman is encouraging people to reserve their free tickets to the block party as a precautionary measure. Were doing reservations to cap the event at 1,500 just in case we have to move inside because of weather since that is our inside capacity, said Pigman. To reserve free tickets, go to Lewis and Clark Brewing's website (www.lewisandclarkbrewing.com). Go to the "Music & Events" tab and click on the July 22 or 23 events. Click on the blue box near the top reads Free tickets on Eventbrite." If you go What: Lewis and Clark Brewing Block Party When: Music starts at 5 p.m. on July 22 and 1 p.m. on July 23. Open house and self-guided tours will be available from 1-5 p.m. July 23. Where: Lewis and Clark Tap Room, 1535 Dodge Ave. Cost: Free tickets available on Eventbrite.com The Helena Police Department will assign an officer to Saturdays Drag Story Hour at Montana Book Company in Helena, after an anti-extremist group warned that a social media user encouraged people to shut it down. According to a high-risk activity briefing issued by the Institute for Strategic Dialogue, a Gab social media network user with the username AaronJLeas encouraged people to show up to shut this pedophile garbage down and wrote that he would be there. The users Gab profile says he lives in East Helena and includes the hashtag #MontanaOathKeeper, the briefing says. The Oath Keepers is one of the largest far-right antigovernment groups in the United States, according to the Southern Poverty Law Center. Analysts did not observe direct threats, but due to recent incidents of harassment and armed protests at LGBTQ+ events nationwide, there is an increased risk of harm at this event, the briefing says. Scheduled for 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Montana Book Company, the Drag Story Hour is being held as part of the weeklong Montana Pride LGBTQ celebration in Helena. The story hour is billed as a family-friendly event that will include new childrens books read by members of the Mister Sisters drag queens. In an email to event organizers and city officials, Helena Police Department Capt. Cory Bailey said an officer will check in with Montana Book Company during the event and be driving in the area. The police department will also have six officers working during the Montana Pride parade and rally happening Saturday in downtown Helena. We take any reports seriously concerning events that are going on in Helena," Bailey said in an email to the Independent Record. " ... Based on any threats or comments we receive, we will determine if there needs to be any increase in security. As with any comments about possible disruptions of events or social media posts, we investigate it and determine if it reaches the level of criminal charges and take appropriate action. Lewis and Clark Public Healths Suicide Prevention and Behavioral Health Programs would like to let community members know about one new service and changes to another program. Montana 988 The Montana 988 Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Crisis Lifeline is now up and running in Lewis and Clark County. There is tremendous need, given: Montana is ranked third in the nation for highest rate of suicide, based on 2020 data. It has remained in the top five for the last four decades. Lewis and Clark County averages about 20 suicides annually. In 2020, the U.S. had one death by suicide every 11 minutes. For people ages 1034, suicide is a leading cause of death. Over 100 calls per month to 911 are Behavioral Health coded. Mobile Crisis Response Team responded to 402 Behavioral Health Crisis calls on scene in FY22 Behind each of these data points, there are people, families and communities who have been impacted. Yet, in the face of these urgent realities, there is hope. On July 16, the Lifelines new phone number, 988, debuted in Montana and across the county. Community members should use 988 if they are having thoughts of suicide, mental health or substance use crises, or any other kind of emotional distress. They can also dial 988 if they are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support. Calling or texting 988 (texting available in English only), immediately connects people to the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline where compassionate, accessible care and support are available for anyone experiencing mental healthrelated distress. The Lifeline works! Since it rolled out in 2005, the Lifeline has helped thousands of people overcome a suicidal crisis or mental health-related distress every day. With the transition to 988, these life-saving services will be even easier to reach and a place for anyone in Behavioral/Mental Health Crisis to call for free and confidential crisis help. If you or someone you know is struggling with a mental health crisis, call or chat to Montana 988. For more information on Montana 988 please visit the MT988 website at https://dphhs.mt.gov/suicideprevention/988 The LOSS Team The Local Outreach to Suicide Survivors Team of Lewis and Clark County Area (LOSS Team LCA) is a new 24/7 service that provides suicide loss survivors with practical assistance, resource connection, and an installation of hope on their darkest day. Created by survivors for survivors, the team consists of community members previously touched by suicide loss and local behavioral health professionals. The first of its kind in Montana, the LOSS Team is made possible through a partnership with the Lewis and Clark County Sheriffs Office Coroner Division. To deploy LOSS, a coroner's deputy informs on-call team members in the event of a confirmed suicide. Then, the team responds to the scene or home of next of kin to connect the newly bereaved with appropriate resources and support from others who have been there. We are so grateful to the Lewis and Clark Sheriffs Office. Thanks to their caring staff, Lewis and Clark County survivors have a better chance to heal. Created in 1998, with 40 teams across the U.S. and internationally, LOSS Teams are a crucial intervention for survivors because those bereaved by suicide are three times more likely to make a suicide attempt. Theyre also more likely to take up substance use or other unhealthy behaviors to cope with the pain of loss. On average, most survivors take 4.5 years to connect to services. With a LOSS Team, the time to engage drops to 39 days. Another benefit of the program is it gives longer-term survivors a sense of purpose. With LOSS Teams, they are empowered to turn grief and pain into hope and action. I cant imagine anything more healing. Learn more about LOSS and how to volunteer at lossteamlca.org or contact Jess Hegstrom at jhegstrom@lccountymt.gov or 406-457-8970. A group of wildlife advocates, hunters and anglers have filed a lawsuit against the federal government, saying the U.S. Forest Service erred in its decision to abandon all 10 crucial wildlife standards that have guided wildlife habitat management of the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest for 30 years when it adopted a revised forest plan in 2021. The 10 wildlife standards in the Helena Forest Plan were designed to protect and restore big game habitat and security on the Helena National Forest, the plaintiffs contend. The suit, filed Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Missoula, claims the U.S. Forest Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service failed to do legally required analysis of the effects this decision would have on threatened grizzly bears, Canada lynx, and big game species, including elk. In October, the Forest Service signed a final Record of Decision approving a revised forest plan for the 2.6 million Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest to drive management for the next 15 years. The former Helena National Forest and former Lewis and Clark National Forest combined in 2015. The plaintiffs want the court to find the defendants violated the law, have them vacate the Helena National Forest portion of the revised forest plan and make the plan comply with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the Endangered Species Act. And they seek attorneys fees and costs. Listed as plaintiffs are Helena Hunters and Anglers Association, Western Watersheds Project, the Sierra Club and Wildearth Guardians. They are all nonprofit groups and are being represented by Western Environmental Law Center. Defendants are Randy Moore, chief of the U.S. Forest Service and his department; Martha Williams, director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and her department; and Deb Haaland, U.S. Interior secretary and her department. The U.S. Forest Service out of Helena declined to comment on the lawsuit, saying the agency does not discuss pending litigation. However, they did note the plan was signed after seven years of coordination with partners and specialists. Wildlife habitat was considered one of the more controversial elements of the plan. The standards became difficult and in some cases impossible to meet, then-forest Supervisor Bill Avey said, due to changes on the ground such as high insect mortality in the forest. He said the new plan uses security areas, defined as blocks of habitat away from roads and guidelines, rather than standards, for tree cover. Avey said the changes provide the agency more flexibility as land use or ecology changes, he said. The plaintiffs say the 10 wildlife standards dropped were based on the best available science, developed with input from state and federal wildlife biologists, and included mandatory forest plan direction to ensure sufficient hiding cover and low open-road densities remained on important elk summer and winter range. These 10 wildlife standards thus provided important protections for big game habitat and security and benefited other species including threatened grizzly bears and lynx who also depend on sufficient hiding cover and low open-road densities. They said abandoning the standards significantly weakens protections for wildlife such as Canada lynx and grizzly bears. They said it removes grizzly bear habitat standards in many of the areas in the national forest important for grizzly bear movement and connectivity between grizzly populations in Montana, including the Upper Blackfoot and Divide areas. The plaintiffs said they filed objections throughout the process. The previous standards called on the Forest Service to maintain adequate thermal and hiding cover in winter and summer range for big game species; do a hiding cover analysis in all NEPA documents for specific projects; manage summer range on the forest to ensure 35% hiding cover and 25% thermal cover in winter range and protect big game security by ensuring road densities do not exceed numeric limits set forth in a formula depending on the amount of available hiding cover. The standards also call on the service to follow the Montana Cooperative Elk-Logging Study Recommendations; inventory and map all summer/fall/winter ranges; analyze impacts to big-game winter range and protect big horn sheep and mountain goat range and maintain moose habitat. Members of Helena Hunters and Anglers have been engaged with the Helena portion of the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest since the original forest plan was written in 1986, Gayle Joslin, Helena Hunters and Anglers board member and retired wildlife biologist, said in a news release. She said the standards in the previous plan were based on peer-reviewed science. The intent is clearly to preempt the publics ability to hold the Forest Service accountable for its actions, she said. Joslin said Wednesday "I think the standards are necessary. When you dont have standards there is no way any kind of oversight will be effective." "Were hopeful the courts logic will agree with us," she said, adding it made no sense to abandon the standards. Kelly Nokes, an attorney with the Western Environmental Law Center, said in a news release that hiding cover and road density have huge implications for threatened grizzly bears, as well as big game including elk. This major artery for grizzly migration is crucial to their recovery. The Biden Forest Service sidestepping a proper analysis to inform its decision to trash 30 years of successful forest and wildlife policy is beyond disappointingand it violates the Endangered Species Act. The city of Helena is slowly beginning to plan for the allocation of federal dollars aimed at local COVID-19 recovery efforts. During a Helena City Commission administration meeting last week, the governing body was briefed on the status of its nearly $8.5 million distribution from the U.S. Treasury in the form of American Rescue Plan Act dollars. Helena Finance Director Shiela Danielson said during the July 13 meeting that "other than the $1.8 million (earmarked for water infrastructure projects), there was really nothing ever decided or voted on by the commission to allocate the money," meaning the commission will need to determine how best to spend the remaining $6,687,000. The federal government has stipulated the funds must be committed by Dec. 31, 2024, and spent by Dec. 31, 2026. Danielson noted a recent rule change allows the city to claim the money as "just a standard revenue loss distribution," giving the city more flexibility. "We're no longer restricted to specific water or sewer projects or some of the other items spelled out in the interim rules," she said. "Now we can have flexibility on how we want to spend that money on local government services." Helena Grants Administrator Amanda Optiz laid out a tentative schedule of meetings with department heads stretching into September, during which time the commission will hear requests for internal allocations of the money. Some of the bigger ticket items include the implementation of a computer aided dispatch and record management system, air conditioning for the Helena Civic Center and a variety of city park repairs that went unfunded in the city's fiscal year 2023 budget. Lewis and Clark County has already committed $750,000 of its ARPA funds to the dispatch project, and the city is expected to contribute an additional three-quarters of a million dollars. The civic center already received a $350,000 shuttered venue grant from the state and a $350,000 general fund contribution in the city's most recent budget, but still needs $500,000 to cover the cost of installing a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system. Helena's Department of Parks, Recreation and Open Lands has a laundry list of requests that went unfunded during this year's budgeting process. The more notable projects include about $12,000 in repairs to Centennial Park Trial, nearly a half million dollars for Memorial Park Ice Rink upgrades, and about $10,000 to repair Memorial Park's parking lot. Danielson also noted an ongoing lawsuit over the city's street assessments playing out in district court as a potential liability to the city that could require the use of local recovery dollars. "We have slated that as an unknown liability to the city at this point that we may request the commission to consider allocating ARPA funds to," she said. By the end of September, the city hopes to have a better understanding of its own needs and "then we would have an idea of what the full amount would be for external groups," Opitz said. "There are lots of external groups that have been putting together proposals, some for many months, in anticipation of the commission potentially creating funding available for external groups," Opitz said. City staff has drafted a preliminary application for outside entities requesting some of the city's ARPA funds. City Commissioner Melinda Reed suggested establishing a minimum amount of money for outside entities, as it would be "easy to spend all of it on internal projects," and her fellow commissioners agreed. "If there are any needs still outstanding from the perspective of small business that this might be able to assist with some of the external funding opportunities, it might be something worth looking into," City Commissioner Sean Logan said. Logan said he has heard some proposals for funding community projects, but lamented that they were mostly "conceptual." "As we're taking applications for these, I'd really like to see some concrete plans," he said. The commission previously allocated about $1.8 million to public works for water infrastructure projects. The public works department has parlayed that contribution with $5.2 million of the state's minimum allocation, a $1.9 million state competitive grant and a $4.4 million loan from the state revolving fund to stake nearly $13.5 million in upgrades to its Ten Mile Water Treatment Plant and other, smaller water projects. A new habitat leasing program saw a mix of praise and concern from state lawmakers this week with questions on mineral rights, funding and politics. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks proposes tapping state funding from hunting licenses in the Habitat Montana program along with federal dollars to lease up to 500,000 acres of prairie habitat in the next five years. Lease terms would limit development or other significant changes to land use as well as provide for some public access. FWP wildlife division administrator Ken McDonald detailed the program to the Environmental Quality Council, an interim legislative committee with oversight over the agency. He echoed FWPs previous messaging on the proposal, saying the program would fill a gap for landowners not interested in current programs such as perpetual conservation easements, although both easements and land purchases will continue to be pursued. And priority habitats would be sagebrush and grasslands important for sage grouse and other wildlife. One of the main comments we got that wasnt in support was concern that this program would take all of the resources from the traditional Habitat Montana, the acquisition and the easements, and so we want to make it real clear that that isnt the case, he said. Its an addition to, not in replacement of, acquisitions and easements. Hunter access remains a challenge in many parts of Montana where private landowners chose to restrict or prohibit hunting. Programs such as Block Management or other access agreements have worked to open millions of private acres; still, lack of access has become a significant issue as elk populations have surged in parts of central and eastern Montana. FWP land purchases as well as conservation easements that provide access have become controversial due to disagreements over some projects as well as politics. Along with acquisitions and conservation easements, FWP currently holds about 300,000 acres of conservation leases dating back to the mid-2000s, McDonald said. For a one-time fee, current leases generally allow grazing in sagebrush and grasslands while restricting draining of wetlands or clearing of native vegetation. Under a new leasing program, which will go to the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission in August, FWP would pay a 5-10% one-time, per-acre fee on a 30- or 40-year lease. Lease terms would restrict development and provide for a certain amount of public access for hunting or other recreation. FWP will ask the commission for authority to begin signing up landowners up to 500,000 acres, meaning the department would not need individual approval for each lease. And unlike major acquisitions or conservation easements, leases would not be subject to approval of the Montana Land Board. Several lawmakers and public members of the council questioned aspects of the proposal. Rep. Steve Gunderson, R-Libby, zeroed in on mineral rights. If we enter into a wildlife easement, what happens if that mineral right owner comes in and accesses the minerals, disturbs the surface area? he asked. A draft lease agreement states that if the owner of the surface rights and mineral rights are the same, they would be restricted from developing mineral rights. But if there is a split estate, meaning different owners, the mineral right owner would not be restricted from development, McDonald said. Sen. Pat Flowers, D-Belgrade, focused on the funding, challenging FWPs assertion that a lease program is an addition to Habitat Montanas portfolio rather than replacing easements and acquisitions. Under the proposal, 25% of the funding would come from the state while 75% would be federal Pittman-Robertson dollars an excise tax on firearms and ammunition funding conservation. Its not really in addition, is it? Its a substitute, correct? Flowers asked. McDonald acknowledged that if theres more (funding) for here, theres less for other projects, but reiterated that FWP is not halting easements and acquisitions. Flowers, noting that Pittman-Robertson funding tends to ebb and flow, then questioned why the program is in the best interest of FWP and the use of funding. Our thinking is theres a lot of landowners interested in conservation, interested in maintaining working lands, but not interested in a perpetual easement, McDonald said. Its viewed as an additional tool to incentivize conservation. Other committee members applauded the new program. Sen. Steve Hinebauch, R-Wibaux, whose district includes a conservation easement that led to a clash at the Land Board, said counties had issues with lands being tied up forever. Great job and its something we need to embrace, we need to have more options, he said. The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission will consider the program at its Aug. 25 meeting in Helena. This summer, Idahos Stanley Basin could see the most robust return of sockeye salmon it has seen in several years. Sockeye numbers at Bonneville Dam on the Columbia River surged at the end of June, smashing preseason forecasts and providing unexpected fisheries from below the dam to the rivers upper reaches. More than 56,000 were counted on June 27 alone and, as of Tuesday, the total run was more than of 639,000. But almost none of those will come anywhere near Idaho or the Stanley Basin. Instead, just a tiny fraction of the steady stream of reds counted at Bonneville Dam, perhaps as many as 1,800, will peel off near the Tri-Cities and venture up the Snake River. But its still a big deal. Snake River sockeye are the most imperiled salmon in the Columbia Basin. Theyve been hanging by a thread for decades and exist today only because of an emergency captive brood program hatched in the 1990s. Just like all of the Snake Rivers wild salmon runs protected by the Endangered Species Act, sockeye have had a rough half a decade. Poor ocean conditions, layered on top of high water temperatures, dam-caused mortality and predators, have hammered returns. It started in 2015, a year that looked promising for sockeye. More than 4,000 Idaho-bound redfish were counted at Bonneville Dam that year. But an unprecedented combination of low flows and scorching weather caused the Snake and Columbia rivers to overheat. Biologists estimated about 90% of the Snake River sockeye succumbed to water temperatures in the 70s. That same year, a mass of warm water nicknamed the Blob formed off the coasts of Oregon, Washington and British Columbia. It lingered into 2016 and ushered in a string of years in which the northern Pacific Ocean experienced elevated sea surface temperatures and a dearth of upwelling that fuels the bottom of the food chain. Salmon and steelhead suffered. But that cycle finally broke and 2021 was among the most productive for salmon and steelhead recorded over the past two decades. Salmon species appear to have benefited, including sockeye. Its 100% ocean, said Eric Johnson, a sockeye specialist with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. Everything seems to be responding a little bit better. Our chinook runs are up, our steelhead runs are up. It wasnt a surprise our sockeye numbers are up as well. Earlier this month, 150 of the 600,000 sockeye counted at Bonneville Dam were detected carrying tracking tags indicating they started life in Idaho. Only a portion of juvenile sockeye salmon are implanted with tags. Expand the numbers and it means about 2,800 Snake River sockeye have or will pass Bonneville Dam this year. Bonneville is the first of eight big dams the fish must negotiate. If they experience average survival, about 1,600 to 1,700 will make it to Lower Granite Dam on the Snake River the eighth dam in the gauntlet. But they will still have hundreds of miles to swim and another 40% can be expected to succumb, leaving about 1,000 to survive the 900-mile trip from the ocean to the Stanley Basin, the headwaters of the Salmon River. It would be the best return since about 1,500 sockeye made the journey in 2014 and a welcome one-year trend for those trying to save the fish. But the job is far from done. There have been incremental leaps forward in previous years and serious setbacks as well. Only 23 sockeye returned to the Stanley Basin in the 1990s, which included two years when no fish made the journey. The fish were listed as endangered in 1991. The next year, only a single male adult sockeye returned to Idaho. He was given the name Lonesome Larry and became part of a desperate effort to save the fish. Idaho, the Shoshone-Bannock Tribe and the federal government had started a hatchery brood program. Lonesome Larry and other sockeye that made the trip were no longer allowed to spawn in the wild. Instead, they were captured and spawned in a hatchery. Most of their offspring spent their entire lives in captivity. Slowly, as numbers built in the captive brood program, more and more juvenile sockeye were released and allowed to migrate to the ocean. Eventually, some adults were allowed to spawn in Redfish, Pettit and Alturas lakes cold, clear water catchments at the base of Idahos famed Sawtooth Mountain Range. In 2013, Idaho opened Springfield Hatchery dedicated to sockeye and with a goal of releasing 1 million smolts each year. A problem with water hardness led to low smolt survival rates for the first few years of the program. Then came the string of poor ocean conditions. Could the fish one day provide the type of fishery that happens on the Columbia River? Thats the goal, but it remains distant, and sockeye continue to swim near the brink of extinction. But those on their way to the Sawtooth Valley look like they will have good conditions. I dont anticipate any issues, Johnson said. Water temperatures are really low, really cool compared to what they normally are. We are kind of getting to the average (air) temperatures right now for summer, so I think unless things really heat up and change, I wouldnt expect anything different than average (survival). UnionPay International Middle East Branch (UPI) has expanded its acceptance in Saudi Arabia thanks to a cooperation deal with Bank Albilad (BAB), one of the kingdom's largest shariah-compliant Islamic banks. BAB is UnionPay's fifth partnership in the country and the first to sign up since 2018, giving UPI customers full access to all BAB's points of sale (POS), ATMs and online merchants moving forward. Coverage of UnionPay card POS terminals in Saudi Arabia currently stands at around 50% and ATMs at approximately 68%. The new cooperation deal continues to expand acceptance of UnionPay cards in the country, providing services to more local merchants and cardholders. Digitalisation At the same time, UnionPay's services will now for the very first time be open to a large cohort of online merchants in Saudi Arabia. This cooperation will not only enable cardholders to enjoy the convenience of online shopping and merchant growth, but also contribute to the expedited development of e-commerce, digital technology and innovative solutions, helping the country to achieve its landmark "Saudi Vision 2030" national development project. The majority of countries in the Middle East already accept UnionPay cards on a large scale. Among them, market coverage of POS terminals in the UAE and Pakistan is close to 100%, and over 95% in Turkey. In addition, UnionPay is actively expanding mobile payment acceptance to bolster local governments in building a truly cashless society. Currently, UnionPay's contactless payment market acceptance covers over 90% in various countries and regions throughout the Middle East, with QR code acceptance covering the totality of the market. Through continuous product improvement, UnionPay offers a safe, convenient, and flexible mobile payment experience for local cardholders and users.-- TradeArabia News Service The June 22 passing of our founding president Eric Feaver left us shocked and sad, but it also left us more determined than ever to carry forward his lifelong mission to better the lives of Montana families. Over the course of his nearly eight decades, Eric Feaver served his country, his colleagues, his union members, the state of Montana, and his adopted hometown of Helena. Eric Feaver made an indelible imprint on everything he touched. It's nearly impossible to list in one editorial all of Erics crowning achievements on behalf of his neighbors and colleagues. Eric led numerous efforts in the Legislature and at the ballot box to protect against spurious attempts to wipe out critical funding of public services. Eric believed in Democracy, and time and again, he stepped up to protect voting rights. Eric dedicated his last four decades to protecting the right of public employees to bargain with their employers, including state employees who now bargain with the governor through a consistent pre-budget bargaining process. He merged large, separate and fiercely independent unions twice, uniting and strengthening Montanas labor movement for the betterment of us all. Eric knew that unions are the only way to assure fairness, equitable treatment, due process, and a real middle class and he spent his entire life fighting to make sure that unions in Montana continued to thrive and that folks realized that unions are strongest when we work together. Erics largest legacy may be his work in public education. A public educator first and foremost, Eric triumphantly defeated every privatization and school voucher bill that came before the Montana Legislature to assure that public tax dollars are spent on public schools and not redirected to unaccredited, unaccountable, and even out-of-state institutions that would gladly profit from such schemes. Eric worked to completely reconstruct Montanas system of education funding not once, but twice in an ongoing effort to attain adequate and equitable school funding. Eric never backed down from a fight to defend the Montana Constitution and its visionary provisions regarding schools, universities, an independent judiciary, and good government. He worked to pass the six mill levy to fund our university system three times. He worked tirelessly to save our states retirement systems and ensure their assets would be secure from legislative raids. Feaver was a uniter, always willing to work with anyone, even if the day before they had been his sworn enemy. He put his neighbors, his community, and workers ahead of himself at every turn. He lifted others up, educating, training and setting the example for generations of fellow labor leaders, policymakers, educators. We are now, each of us, standing on his shoulders as we consider our role in protecting the Montana we love from privatizers and profiteers. Erics fire for justice was a candle that lit a ame in thousands of us who will carry the torch and fan the ames to protect Montanas constitutional guarantees. MOUNT ZION Two local soldiers were honored Wednesday when a cross-country torch ride by the Tribute to Fallen Soldiers Northwest made a stop in Mount Zion. The group left Oregon on July 9 enroute to Arlington, Virginia, with plans to meet with 68 Gold Star families along the way. During the past 13 years the group has visited with nearly 1,100 Gold Star families. The stop in Mount Zion paid tribute to Army Sgt. Jesse Tilton and Army Cpl. Karen Clifton. Tilton, 23, of Long Creek, died July 16, 2010 in the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Frankfurt, Germany from injuries suffered while tending to a fellow soldier during a battle in Kandahar, Afghanistan. Clifton, 22 of Mount Zion was killed on June 21, 2007 when a rocket-propelled grenade hit the Humvee she was driving while serving as a military police officer in Baghdad. DECATUR The proposal for building a new Dennis School in Lincoln Park is likely to move forward in spite of some community opposition and the objections of two school board members. Once we have possession of the land, we will have forums for people to come and give input on the school (features), said Dan Oakes, president of the Decatur Public Schools board. We're not going to have a forum as to whether or not we're buying it. We're an elected body and we function accordingly. I've never seen any political body that's trying to do something like this that asks for permission from the people that elected them to do the job. Decatur Public Schools resubmitted its application to the Illinois State Board of Education late Tuesday for approval to use COVID relief funds to construct the building. The school district acknowledged on June 27 that officials were in discussions with the Decatur Park District about the possibility of replacing Dennis School's two campuses in the west end with one new building in Lincoln Park. The project would be paid for with federal COVID relief funds. The district said it has received $76,304,698 in COVID funds. About half of that would be spent on the proposed new building. People have appeared at park board, city council and school board meetings to express their feelings about the project, most of them stating their opposition. When contacted Wednesday by the Herald & Review, two school board members also said they are opposed to the plan. Al Scheider and Kevin Collins-Brown said they would prefer the district consider other sites or remodel existing properties owned by the district. Before the news came out that the district was working on the Dennis School proposal, the board voted in May to put on hold planned renovations of American Dreamer STEM Academy. The project had been designed and a low bidder chosen, but the project costs were considerably higher than anticipated and the board rejected the bid, citing "funding, logistical and scheduling" issues. I feel a new school is not top priority at this time, Collins-Brown said. (American Dreamer STEM Academy) is in dire need of repairs, as are some of the other buildings. We need to focus on repairs, needed playground equipment, and student performance. A new building doesnt change student outcomes. I also find it disheartening to destroy the oldest park in Decatur to build a school which could be empty in 100 years (due to declining enrollment). This will be too disruptive to that community of citizens. I find the reactions from the community to be a wake-up call to the other board members they need to be transparent and need to start communicating with, and listening to, the stakeholders who voted for them. Scheider said he's opposed to the idea of building in a park and would prefer to look at other options. I'm definitely opposed to using Lincoln Park, that's where I stand right now, Scheider said I think we should look at a lot of options of how we use the money and also whether we build a building for Dennis or renovate. Messages left for board members Alana Banks, Jason Dion and Vice President Andrew Taylor were not returned before the Herald & Review went to press Wednesday afternoon. Regan Lewis said she had nothing to add. The ISBE informed the district on Monday that it had put on hold its approval of the building project, which is contingent on using COVID-related funds. The school district filed an amended request to use federal grant money for the construction of a new school on Tuesday with the understanding the required updates would result in ISBE approval for a third time. It had been approved twice, Oakes said. Then we were told that ISBE made a mistake and they were denying it, and we asked some more questions and they got back to us and said OK, if you resubmit it, we will approve it, which we did last night. It's not unusual, he said, for grant applications to be sent back and forth a couple of times for revisions. Oakes believes the approval should come within a few days, and once the district has that, the process will begin to create an intergovernmental agreement with the Decatur Park District to buy Lincoln Park. The Decatur Park District Board met on Wednesday, during which several people stated their opposition to the plan. The board did not discuss the proposal. Decatur Park District Executive Director Clay Gerhard said after the meeting that the park district and board had no additional comments regarding Lincoln Park or the school districts ongoing communications with the Illinois State Board of Education. "We're waiting for additional information," Gerhard said. Meanwhile, Oakes said the district has been doing their due diligence by seeking reports on underground utilities, wildlife that may live in the park, and infrastructure needs. There is no evidence that eagles nest in the area, for example, Oakes said, and the title to the land is clear with no liens, though that's being double-checked to be certain. The area is also not classified as a flood plain according to reports the board has received so far. There is no plan, he said, for Crea, Tuttle and Siegel streets to be used for access to the school, as they are too narrow. The plan is for Lincoln Park Drive to be the main access to the proposed building, and it will have to be widened to allow two school buses to pass. Other options that were considered, Oakes said, were rejected for various reasons: the former Garfield Montessori School building in South Shores is being used for the district's preschool classes and is too far from the Dennis attendance boundary; sale of the former Durfee Magnet School on West Grand Avenue is pending and that, too, is too far from Dennis; Woodrow Wilson Junior High, near Lincoln Park in the West End, is too deteriorated to be salvaged and is owned by a private party. Neither Dennis School's original building on West Main Street or the second campus on West Wood Street have the space to build on and expand. If the new school plan is completed, those two buildings will be put on the market and not left to deteriorate. When the decision was made to expand Dennis to two campuses, he said, it was to relieve crowded conditions at the West Main Street building, but so many more students have moved into Dennis' attendance boundary that now both buildings are overcrowded. Mark Peters, a resident of the Lincoln Park neighborhood and member of Lincoln Park Advocates, a group opposed to the project, said he was pleased that ISBE was taking another look at the application to use COVID relief funds for the building. However, I am disappointed that Decatur Public Schools' response is to shrug this off as essentially a clerical error, Peters said. ISBE handed DPS61 a perfect opportunity to gracefully adjust its position to more closely align to the will of the voters. I'm sure ISBE could bear the weight of being the bad guy. It is telling that (Superintendent) Rochelle Clark states that this project 'will serve hundreds of current DPS students' when there are thousands in the district. Clark's remark, part of the statement released by the district on Tuesday when ISBE requested a re-application, was, We are pleased that we are working through this hiccup to continue with a project that will serve hundreds of current DPS students as well as families in our community for generations to come. Macon County Board member Shad Edwards, who has been vocal in his opposition to the proposal and has written several lengthy statements on Facebook stating his opposition, said he's not against a new building. It's the way in which it's been handled. You have a public that has felt left out of a decision that has been in process since December, he said They weren't consulted, it wasn't discussed with them, so that's issue No. 1, and it's hard to go back when you leave the public out since December and don't inform them until late June, and it's hard for them to get the information they need so they have the answers they want. DECATUR Jeremiah D. Collins, the one-man Decatur whirlwind of burglary, criminal damage and destruction, has been sent to prison for four years. Collins, 21, was actually sentenced to a total of eight years after admitting to two counts of burglary, but Macon County Circuit Court Judge Phoebe Bowers ordered a second sentence of four years to run concurrently with the first. The sentencing, handed down May 19, was part of a plea deal negotiated by Collinss defense counsel, Susan Moorehead, that saw a further charge of burglary dismissed. The judge also agreed to dismiss multiple additional charges of arson, possession of stolen vehicles, criminal damage and theft. And as another part of the plea deal, later charges of aggravated battery and criminal damage were dismissed as well. Collins had first been arrested by Decatur police after he took part in an rash of theft and destruction in the city between May 31 and June 2 of 2020. Police had posted Facebook images captured from surveillance cameras showing Collins, who wore a distinctive monkey facemask, smashing his way into several Decatur businesses and trying to torch a gas station convenience store. In one night alone, he was accused of driving a new $54,000 truck off the showroom floor and through the glass doors of the Bob Brady dealership, 4025 E. Boyd Road. On the way out, the vehicle had damaged a sport utility vehicle valued at $97,000. Police affidavits said that truck was then used to try and ram open the garage doors of World of Power Sports, 2635 N. 22nd St. Collins was quoted as telling officers he didnt like that business because it had once refused to hire him. The affidavits had also described him as being involved in several other crimes with a group of six suspects, all of whom were found and arrested. Their rampage occurred at a time when the country was seeing widespread unrest and riots linked to the May 25 death that year of George Floyd while being arrested in Minneapolis. But the former Decatur Police Chief, Jim Getz, had described Collins and the others involved in the Decatur incidents as not motivated by any sense of grievance but as opportunists trying to exploit a period of national upheaval. Just people looking to take advantage, taking the opportunity to do bad things at a time like this, Getz had told the Herald & Review. Collins had been given a chance to avoid prison, and even a criminal record, after he had initially been judged suitable to participate in Macon Countys Behavioral Health Court, also known as Mental Health Court, which provides access to treatment and rehabilitation for those offenders deemed suitable. A collaboration between the courts, law enforcement and mental health professionals, defendants who follow the rules and treatment guidelines are offered a path out of the criminal justice system and punishment. But Collins was bounced out of the program after getting in trouble again: the aggravated battery and criminal damage charges that were also dismissed are connected to violence that dates to Dec. 1, 2021. Police said Collins, armed with an umbrella, had attacked staff in the downtown offices of Heritage Behavioral Health Center. One male staff member was repeatedly jabbed in his knees with the point of the umbrella and punched in the face twice before wrestling Collins to the floor to disable him. Collins, who had been free on bond, was jailed again and had remained in custody until his sentencing; he was transferred to the Illinois Department of Corrections May 24. DECATUR Two unrelated disputes in Decatur on the same morning led to two men being shot to death, a coroners jury heard Wednesday. The jury returned verdicts of homicide in the June 5 deaths of Sadarius Givens, 20, and Dameon T. Blue, 43. Givens was to die first, cut down by a bullet to the neck around 2 a.m. on the third floor of the Concord Apartments at 333 E. Center St. Decatur Police Detective Scott Marquis said Givens was among a group of five involved in a dispute, three of whom were armed. Marquis said one of those other men, Kaderius D. Wright-Jarrett, later admitted to police he had shot Givens but claimed it was in self-defense. The detective told jurors the violence had been captured on surveillance video: Sadarius Givens appears to become extremely upset and he begins pointing a gun at multiple individuals in that area, said Marquis. Kaderius Wright-Jarrett produces a handgun from the right side of his waistband and is seen firing that weapon. The video shows Givens falling to the floor as the rest of the group continues to exchange gunfire and an unarmed juvenile male relative of Wright-Jarrett was hit four times but survived. Wright-Jarrett, 18, has since been booked on three alternate counts of murder while another man police say was part of the melee, Diantae L. Beacham, 22, is facing charges of attempted murder, aggravated discharge of a weapon and being a felon in possession of a gun. Turning to the death of Dameon Blue, Decatur Police Detective Jeremy Appenzeller said he was found dead in the side yard of his home in the 1100 block of East Condit Street about 4 a.m. He had been cut down in a hail of bullets. Exactly how he came to be shot remains something of a mystery, however. Appenzeller told the jurors a witness had seen Blue talking in confrontation with another man outside his home just before the sound of gunshots. Blues mother and brother were present in the house but saw nothing of what happened. Macon County Coroner Michael E. Day said an autopsy revealed Blue had bullet wounds to his head, right arm, chest, pelvis and right lower leg. Appenzller said the murder remained under investigation and, as yet, there had been no arrests. DECATUR A working group has begun reviewing "a number of proposals" to provide ambulance services to Decatur and Macon County, city officials confirmed Thursday. We are happy with the quantity and quality of the interest and proposals we have received so far, said city manager Scot Wrighton. These are high-quality regional ambulance companies and we are confident they will be able to step in to provide protection for all citizens of Macon County. The need became apparent in late June when Hospital Sisters Health System confirmed that it would shutter Decatur Ambulance Service the sole provider of services in the city later this year. The company also serves Pana and Shelbyville. The closure could come as early as Sept. 1. The committee comprises leaders from city of Decatur management and the fire chief, HSHS St. Marys Hospital, Decatur Memorial Hospital, Crossing Healthcare and the Central Illinois Regional Dispatch Center. Wrighton said they are currently encouraging interested providers to finalize and submit their proposals so the licensure process can begin. For the past several years, Decatur Ambulance Service was the only licensed provider. Though there has been interest from other services in the past. In 2018, Champaign-based Arrow Ambulance, which was being backed by Decatur Memorial Hospital, had sought to become the city's second licensed provider but came one vote short of city council approval. St. Marys and Decatur Ambulance Service leaders fought the move, arguing that the city did not need additional emergency transport, and that introducing another company would hurt the current business and put paramedics out of work. Decatur Ambulance Service leaders and employees also expressed serious concerns in 2015 when city officials considered the possibility of operating their own ambulance through the fire department. Nationally, emergency medical transportation providers have been having issues for years. The National Rural Health Association found in 2018 that a third of rural emergency medical services were struggling with inadequate funding. However, the working group has previously stated that replacing the single current private-service provider with one or multiple providers is the speediest and least costly option to move forward. Though the provider would likely service the entire region, the license to operate would only extend to Decatur city limits. DECATUR Decatur Area Habitat for Humanity's Women Build team is seeking volunteers to assist the the construction of a wheelchair ramp for a woman in need. No experience is needed to take part in the project, which will begin at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, July 23. Volunteers will meet at Habitat for Humanity ReStore, 932 E. Wood St. and travel as a group to the work site. Tools will be provided by Lowes, but volunteers can bring their own. Closed toe shoes and proper clothing are requested. Lunch will be provided. For more information call Stephanie Stukins at 217-425-6446. SPRINGFIELD Just over two weeks after its streets were soaked in blood following the nation's 309th mass shooting of 2022, Highland Park was center stage again Wednesday. This time, it was on Capitol Hill. Highland Park Mayor Nancy Rotering, joined by other community leaders, was in Washington to testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee, chaired by Sen. Dick Durbin, at hearing titled After the Highland Park Attack: Protecting Our Communities from Mass Shootings. The hearing was the Senate's 10th this year on the nation's gun violence epidemic. This one specifically honed in on the consequences to widespread civilian access to military-style assault weapons. The message from Rotering to assembled senators and anyone listening? Ban them. We are only as protected as our weakest gun law neighbors, Rotering said. We are surrounded by states that have far more lenient gun laws and until those states are brought into line with the rest of us, we will continue to have this scourge, this stain on our existence as a great nation. So to that end, we need a federal ban. The message has been gaining steam with Democrats at all levels of government over the past few weeks as the amount of mass shootings committed with semiautomatic weapons stacks up. Whether such a massive expansion of gun control could actually pass the U.S. Congress is another question entirely. Just a few weeks ago, President Joe Biden signed the most expansive gun safety legislation since the assault weapons ban of 1994, which expired in 2004. The new law expands background checks for gun buyers under 21, strengthens laws against gun trafficking and increases resources for mental health and the enforcement of red flag laws. Durbin saluted "some progress" on the issue. But we have got to do more," he said. "If were serious about reducing gun violence, we need to keep weapons of war where they belong on the battlefield, not in our communities. Durbin and Sen. Tammy Duckworth, who also testified Wednesday, have urged their colleagues to take up an assault weapons ban. It appears unlikely in the Senate, where 60 votes are needed to move most pieces of legislation. Though it appears the House may vote on a ban in the coming days or weeks. "We need to pass that at the congressional level," said state Rep. Bob Morgan, D-Highwood, who also attended the hearing in Washington. "That is the best way to make sure no other community experiences this violence and this trauma. "But Illinois will not stand by and wait for that to happen," he said. "Illinois will take actions." Indeed, where there appears to be gridlock at the federal level, Illinois lawmakers are preparing to fill the void. Morgan told reporters in Washington that state lawmakers are working on a package of gun safety measures, including an assault weapons ban. Currently, there are eight states California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York that ban assault weapons in some form. Historically, an assault weapons ban has been a tough sell in Illinois, even among some Democrats. The issue has largely fallen along regional lines, with Chicago-area legislators with liberal constituencies favoring more gun control and downstate lawmakers representing conservative bastions favoring a more lax approach. But there are signs that dynamics have shifted as the parties have realigned. Most conservative downstate Democrats have either retired or lost their races in the past few years while the party has had more success in the moderate Chicago suburbs, where gun control is popular. Within days of the Highland Park shooting, an Illinois House proposal to ban assault weapons picked up 56 cosponsors just four shy of an outright majority. A similar Illinois Senate proposal has 15 cosponsors. Since it is after May 31, any bill with an immediate effective date would need supermajorities to pass 71 in the House, 36 in the Senate. Legislation passing with majorities less than that would not take effect until at least June 1, 2023. Illinois lawmakers could take up up gun safety legislation during a special session later this summer or this fall. They are already expected to return to address topics relating to abortion following the Supreme Court's striking down of Roe v. Wade. Whether gun reform is added to the mix and what that package might look like is still an open question. "We're having that conversation now," Morgan said. In another way, the U.S. Congress is having a conversation about gun safety in America. Any action it leads to remains to be seen. But there at least seems to be a paradigm shift in the debate on guns. "Second Amendment rights conversations need to return to a point where common sense prevails, where public safety is prioritized, and where Americans can go to school, to the store, and to a hometown Fourth of July parade without fear of dying in a mass shooting," Rotering said. Bailey at massive cash disadvantage State Sen. Darren Bailey, R-Xenia, crushed his competition in last month's Republican primary for governor, but he is starting the general election in a massive hole against incumbent Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker. According to campaign finance reports, Pritzker started with a 167-to-1 advantage in cash on hand against Bailey. The governor had $60.8 million in his campaign account on June 30, compared with just $363,918 for Bailey. Though Bailey raised nearly $8.7 million in the second fundraising quarter, he spent more than $9.2 million, most of it on television advertising. The vast majority of Bailey's funds $8 million came from billionaire Richard Uihlein, who also funneled money to a political action committee aimed at attacking Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin, who came in third place. It is unclear if Uihlein will continue to be involved. Though he did not have a serious primary opponent, Pritzker spent more than $27 million last quarter, much of it on television advertisements attacking Irvin and seemingly boosting Bailey's conservative credentials. Pritzker, who is self-funding, has already poured $125 million into his campaign account this cycle. He spent $172 million in his successful 2018 run. As of 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) National Center for Health Statistics reports 38,390 deaths by firearm, of which 24,432 were by suicide. Although mass shootings are covered extensively in the media, mass shootings in the United States account for only a small fraction of gun-related deaths. The proposed type of legislation will do little to limit gun crime and that instead, barriers that prevent people from purchasing and carrying guns for self protection should be eliminated to increase the frequency of good guys with guns. President John F. Kennedy speaking in the aftermath of the 1962 Cuban missile crisis said: A single nuclear weapon contains almost 10 times the explosive force delivered by all the allied air forces in the Second World War. The deadly poisons produced by a nuclear exchange would be carried by wind and water and soil and seed to the far corners of the globe and to generations yet unborn. All we have built, all we have worked for, would be destroyed in the first 24 hours. Above all, while defending our own vital interests, nuclear powers must avert those confrontations which bring an adversary to a choice of either a humiliating retreat or a nuclear war. To adopt that kind of course in the nuclear age would be evidence only of the bankruptcy of our policy or of a collective death-wish for the world. Ducab Group, one of the UAE's largest industrial manufacturing businesses, has announced the appointment of Charles Mellagui as the CEO of its cable business unit. An experienced business leader, Mellagui succeeds Mike Englebrecht and assumed responsibilities from yesterday (July 18). Mellagui joins Ducab from Nexans, France, where he had held various roles in Europe and the Middle East since 2007, rising to Vice President- Central Europe, Russia and France. He has a solid track record and vast business networks in the cable industry, as well as deep insights into industry ecosystems in the Middle East, Europe, Russia and Africa. He is an experienced transformation and turnaround leader, having restructured business units such as Nexans in the Middle East. His experience developing 'Factories of the Future' saw him develop and lead modernisation processes for various factories to international standards. Mellagui has an Engineering Degree from CentraleSupelec, France and SLOAN MBA from London Business School, UK. Welcoming him into the fold, Group CEO Mohammad Almutawa said: "As we accelerate our growth across markets globally, Mellagui's experience and insights into the regional cable market will help strengthen our international push." Ducab's cable business, he stated, continues to grow from strength to strength. Last year, the groups total cable production in tonnage amounted to 78,146 cu eq. Today it accounts for 70% of the UAE cable market. According to him, Ducab has increased its exports of aluminum cables during 2021 by about 50% compared to 2020, buoyed by a rise in demand in key international markets, including Britain and Australia. "As a transformation leader, he is the right fit for Ducab, as we adapt to align our processes with the digital transformation and sustainable development goals of our key customers," he added.-TradeArabia News Service Consider this site for school Over the years I have seen many new businesses built in Decatur. Many of the businesses are some what redundant. It seems on every street corner there is a Dollar General, bank and nothing new. I have always told my friends and family that if I won the lottery I would invest in the shopping mall in between the corner(s) of Martin Luther King, Van Buren and Water. The mall includes a movie theater. I would like to see the Decatur Public School District to utilize the mall to teach the children in our community. My dream of every Friday treating the kids to a movie. And providing them the opportunity to study films, along with using the money to create multiple STEM, art and foreign language classes. I think using more funds to create different learning opportunities are more important than building from scratch. Can Decatur and Decatur Public schools get creative and use what our city already has? I want to see something to be proud of for our youth here, something more than Dollar General. I want our children here in Decatur to love school, and above all to see what you have created is above average. Stephanie Embry, Decatur Handguns responsible for deathsPritzker is right up there with Biden when it comes to false statements and short memories. Public Safety and Recreational Firearms Use Protection Act 0f 1994 had a sunset provision and Congress let it expire because the ban on assault weapons had a negligible impact on violent crimes. As of 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions (CDC) National Center for Health Statistics reports 38,390 deaths by firearm, of which 24,432 were by suicide. Although mass shootings are covered extensively in the media, mass shootings in the United States account for only a small fraction of gun-related deaths. The proposed type of legislation will do little to limit gun crime and that instead, barriers that prevent people from purchasing and carrying guns for self protection should be eliminated to increase the frequency of good guys with guns. Gun murder victims by weapon for 20122019 are predominantly by handguns with rifle, shotgun and other comprising a very small percentage. Richard Waltermeyer, Decatur Hazards of nuclear war have increased President John F. Kennedy speaking in the aftermath of the 1962 Cuban missile crisis said: A single nuclear weapon contains almost 10 times the explosive force delivered by all the allied air forces in the Second World War. The deadly poisons produced by a nuclear exchange would be carried by wind and water and soil and seed to the far corners of the globe and to generations yet unborn. All we have built, all we have worked for, would be destroyed in the first 24 hours. Above all, while defending our own vital interests, nuclear powers must avert those confrontations which bring an adversary to a choice of either a humiliating retreat or a nuclear war. To adopt that kind of course in the nuclear age would be evidence only of the bankruptcy of our policy or of a collective death-wish for the world. In January, the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists set its doomsday clock at 100 seconds from midnight, compared to six minutes a decade ago. As Russias war on Ukraine has persisted and the U.S. government has bypassed diplomacy in favor of massive arms shipments, the hazards of a nuclear war between the worlds two nuclear superpowers have increased. As scholar Alfred McCoy wrote, With the specter of mass starvation looming for some 270 million people, the West will, sooner or later, have to reach some understanding with Russia. Only diplomacy can halt the carnage in Ukraine and save the lives of millions now at risk of starvation. And the dangers of nuclear war can be reduced by rejecting the fantasy of a military solution to the Ukraine conflict. I suggest you do an internet search for Defuse Nuclear War, a new coalition drawn together by the imperative of preventing nuclear war. Ron Adams, Decatur Property available for schools The Decatur School District should consider a nice parcel of land at the corner of Center Street and Home Park Avenue for the location of the replacement of Dennis School. Its available. Dean Chappell, Decatur Impeachment will save the country Its easy to see that if Trump would have won re-election, Putin would have never started a war with Ukraine. Putin feared Trump. None of our enemies fear brain dead, incompetent Biden and his team of anti-American misfits. They have not done one good thing for the country in 18 months. So lets rise up citizens, grow a backbone and impeach these two idiots and save the country. Fire Nancy, Chuck and the squad that think for them. Roger Campbell, Oreana UT Austin junior Nikita Kakkad holds a box of emergency contraception supplies that she delivers to anonymous students on campus as requested. BRISTOL, Va.- A proposed change by the Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology to the required hours needed to obtain a cosmetology license, from 1,500 to 1,000 hours, could have unintended consequences for cosmetology professionals in Bristol. Michelle Hopson, who works as a hairstylist at Cost Cutters and has cosmetologist licenses in five states, including Tennessee and Virginia, explained that cosmetologists accredited by Virginia would not meet the requirements of Tennessee after the change is made, which would limit their professional opportunities in the city. With Virginia reducing the hours required to satisfy its licensing requirements, hairstylists would need to get 500 more hours of training to also be licensed in Tennessee salons. When I was GM, I had to travel to all the salons in Tennessee and Virginia. If I didnt have the 1,500 hours needed in Tennessee, I wouldnt have been able to do that, Hopson said. Thats going to hurt them. They wont be able to go across the street for work. Governor Glenn Youngkin explained reducing the hours needed to obtain a license would allow more individuals to enter the workforce. Reducing regulatory obstacles that get in the way of both businesses and talented Virginians from entering the workforce has been a priority of mine since day one, the statement from Youngkin said. Not only will this allow individuals to get to work sooner and help businesses find skilled workers, but it even reduces the amount of student loans a graduate will have to take on. Hopson, highlighted the long-term effects this would have, not just on the industry, but also on the education of individuals who seek to make a career in the profession. I think its dangerous, honestly, because, after 1,500 hours, I didnt know what I was doing until I got in a salon, Hopson said. Were so busy. I think hes (Gov. Youngkin) setting them up for failure. Nobodys going to have time to teach them because were so shorthanded in the salons as it is. Sarah Greening, a hairstylist at Team Shear Obsession on State Street, does not consider the reduction of hours needed to obtain a cosmetology license a wise decision. Greening believes cosmetology students should be required to complete more than the previously required 1,500 hours. Theres a lot of dangers in my profession, Greening said. I dont think lowering the hours would ever be a good idea. If anything, it should probably be a longer process. Theres so many stylists that come out (of cosmetology schools) and dont know enough. The 1,500-hour requirement was set in place in 1963. For Christine Thornsberry, a hairstylist at Klassy Kutters, the decision makes no sense, especially because the industry has evolved and become more demanding. In the 60s, there wasnt as much knowledge that you need as you do now, because back then, they did manicures. Now they have to learn to do acrylic nails. They have to learn the bone structure of your hands. Back in the 60s, people werent bleaching their hair out and putting purple and pink and all those different colors that theyre doing now, Thornsberry said. I feel like its going to hurt the industry more than its going to help it. Multiple stations or pickup sites should be considered for the return of passenger rail service to the New River Valley including an Amtrak stop on the Virginia Tech campus, according to report by a state nonprofit. Among the suggestions in the Virginia Rail Policy Institute report shared with The Roanoke Times Wednesday is the establishment of a new alignment dubbed the Hokie Line in the document that would branch out from the Virginian line in the Ellett Valley and ultimately run to Lane Stadium at a campus-circulator facility. Additionally, the report said linking the universitys main campus in Blacksburg to the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine in Roanoke should be considered a move that could prompt the acquisition of the Virginian line east of Salem to the foot of Mill Mountain. The Virginian line could be re-engineered to transport thousands of daily commuters between endpoints, which the report pointed out could lead to a complete bypassing of Interstate 81 and U.S. 460. Several of our directors have felt, even before Virginia committed to buying the V-Line [Virginian line], that it could best be used for some sort of rail transit line between the New River Valley and Roanoke, a section of the report reads. We mused, since most train riders between Roanoke and Bristol will be from Virginia Tech, why not maximize train ridership by directly accessing the Virginia Tech campus by rail and avoid a transfer-penalty at the proposed New River Valley Mall-West station. The Mall-West station is one of the two sites both near the mall property now known as Uptown Christiansburg being considered for the New River Valley passenger rail station. The institute reportcompiled after a team of its representatives visited and researched the land and track along the proposed route comes as state officials are moving forward with the long-awaited return of passenger rail service to the New River Valley. The project has been approved by the state and was formally announced last year during a visit to Christiansburg by former Gov. Ralph Northam. Service is expected to begin by 2026. The extension of passenger rail to the New River Valley is part of a more than $250 million project. Estimates previously provided by state officials set the the mall west and north sites, respectively, at expected costs of $56 million and $52 million. The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority has since performed survey work, hosted forums on the project and narrowed down the list of potential sites. The institute report, however, stands out due to how its vision contrasts with much of how the official project is developing. One of the major contrast points is the number of stations. The passenger rail authority and others formally involved in the rail talks are looking to eventually establish a single station in Christiansburg. Those behind the years-long campaign to bring back passenger rail to the area viewed the town as among the most practical locations when weighing the expected ridership from Montgomery County particularly Blacksburg and the distance to Roanoke where Amtrak services already exist. The institutes report suggests passenger sites in Christiansburg, Blacksburg and Radford. In addition to the fact Radford is home to another significant rider base due to the presence of another university, a station in the city was suggested to help accommodate the even more long-term goal of extending passenger rail to Bristol and East Tennessee, said institute Executive Director Michael Testerman. He pointed out the existence of rail facilities there that could be repurposed to also handle passenger traffic. Our report looks at these longer-view connections, Testerman said. Were not really intending to criticize the state, as much as to point out that theres so many possibilities the public needs to be aware of. Testerman continued: The mall would never be a high capacity, high-frequency type station. Its not designed to be anything but an endpoint for two or three trains a day. Testermans comment on the mall site echoes a part of the report that specifically addresses one of the two sites being considered for a station. The railroad track behind [Uptown Christiansburg] to be used for the new train station traverses a wetland, reads the report. We tried to envision a station on the graded hill above the rail line and the Huckleberry Trail. Its a tight space in which to fit everything, particularly two-dedicated station tracks. Those who have supported a mall site, among other things, have pointed to its dense setting and proximity to services such as retail and lodging. While it doesnt consider the site options that have been considered as optimal, the institute did clarify that it has lent its endorsement for the mall site. DJ Stadtler, executive director of the rail authority, said it is appreciative of the interest and passion shown by the institute as it concerns the New River Valley passenger rail plans. He, however, said much of the recent report goes against much of what the state has agreed to with Norfolk Southern. Stadtler said they couldnt make the suggested changes without reopening negotiations with the rail company. We feel like were on a good path to deliver the service by 2026, he said. Stadtler, however, said it doesnt mean that some of the suggestions will be completely off the table years down the road. He said the extension of passenger rail is a multiphase effort and he pointed to the recent addition of a second train out of Roanoke as an example of those many steps. He said population growth is expected to continue over the next 15 years or so and officials are looking for ways to get people off the highways as much as possible. The reduction of traffic on roadways such as I-81 has been among the chief drivers of extending passenger rail. The authority, the institute, as well as other supporters of the project have all pointed to the long-standing issues on the interstate as a motivator for more passenger rail services. A Tech official reached Wednesday didnt speak at length on the institutes report, but reiterated the universitys overall support of bringing passenger rail back to the New River Valley. Speaking on behalf of the university, I would say the university is a committed partner in the effort, Tech spokesman Mark Owczarski wrote in an email. We are delighted that the [the authority] is committed to a 2026 date for that service. We will continue to work as part of the newly formed New River Valley Passenger Rail Authority toward solutions that best serve our broader community. Carilion did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Radford Mayor David Horton said he supports the idea of the city having a station. He said its more centrally located, particularly as it concerns other parts of the region. That may make the difference to folks traveling from Pulaski, Giles or Wytheville, he said. Horton, however, said it appears much of the project has already been decided. Id love to see us serve as a host, he said. I just dont know if that opportunity is currently around. Certainly, well see where everything goes. The Richmond-based rail policy institutes mission is to strengthen and improve public policy with respect to both freight and passenger rail Virginia. It was conceived in 2002 by a group of citizen rail advocates affiliated with Virginians for High Speed Rail who believed there was a need for an independent, academically-oriented rail policy research and development center to support public policymaking for rail in Virginia. It was formally incorporated and established nonprofit in 2005. Staff writer Jeff Sturgeon contributed to this report. Getting There: Signs that riders are returning to Virginia's commuter rail While Virginia Railway Express ridership numbers remain comparatively low as the world attempts to recover from the pandemic, they appear to be slowly rising. Virginia ready to roll with projects as Biden prepares to sign $1 trillion infrastructure bill Aubrey Layne had spent the past 7 years helping Virginia prepare for the kinds of investments the federal government is poised to make in a $1 trillion public infrastructure bill that President Joe Biden will sign on Monday. Despite the challenge our shared landfill crisis presents, the plan released by the city of Bristol, Virginia and SCS engineers Thursday, July 7, provides light at the end of the tunnel. I, along with many of my fellow citizens, am thankful for the progress that has been made. Nevertheless, there are also many hurdles ahead. In fact, we all need to think carefully about our next steps. When I read the report, I see problems that are not clearly addressed. The largest is communication. Whatever solutions we arrive at will be with us for generations to come. Therefore, it is imperative that we all clearly understand what is being proposed, and all community stakeholders be given the opportunity to ask serious questions. The goal of this process isnt to cut the city of Bristol, Virginia down, but rather, to build up. Honest conversation and debate are meant to do just that. They should never be avoided for the sake of expediency. While the plan outlines that the city will hire a PR firm to manage public outreach (ES 3) at the cost of $80,000 ($54,600 as per 6.2.2 and $26,324 as per 6.3.1), recommendation #10 of the expert panel clearly identified a need from our community, an active community outreach program to communicate strategies, provide status and progress reports, and receive citizen feedback. Hiring a PR firm is a piece of the strategy, not the whole. Accordingly, the city and VADEQ are not excused from clearly communicating to the public, in language we can understand, the nature and extent of the project, complete costs in light of steps that will be required outside the purview of the report, and providing the public opportunity to comment on a plan they will be asked to live with for a long time. It really comes down to this: the SCS plan is largely experimental given the unique challenges of our landfill, results are not guaranteed, and resolution will take longer than we realize. For example, SCS is proposing a pilot project for the sidewall mitigation as a short-term project (section 4.3). Given the uncertainties of the effectiveness of this measure, the final corrective action is listed as a long-term item, meaning that final resolution to a major source of odor and gas propagation is years away (section 5.3). At a minimum, the public needs to understand that short-term solutions arent really all that short-term. Relatedly, maybe the $17 million price tag is a low-ball estimate that certainly lacks a sense of expediency in light of the communitys suffering. Moreover, the plan does not completely address all the problems at the landfill. While it does address elements of the expert panel report highlighted in the federal injunction, there are problems like benzene levels in the leachate that are largely missing. The plan talks about maintaining and monitoring the leachate collection and removal system at various points (section 3.9, for example), preventative and corrective maintenance (section 3.9.1.2), and the integration of a cleanout system (section 4.2.1), but it completely ignores the question of strategies to deal with high benzene concentrations in the leachate currently pumped into the citys sewer system. As the expert panel report suggests in recommendation #7, a treatment plan to remove leachate from the waste mass must be addressed (finding #9), especially in light of the fact that the landfill may contain up to 300 million gallons of benzene-heavy leachate (section 2.3.4). Finally, without robust conversation and debate whereby we understand the extent of the problem and the complete costs to taxpayers, how in the world can we ask legislators to help us get adequate state and federal dollars to aid the mitigation effort? I am appreciative of the fact that the city received $2 million from the commonwealth to help. However, this is just the start of what will eventually be needed. Therefore, not only does the public need to understand the extent and cost of this problem, so do public officials beyond City Hall. In short, the plan of action is a good start. However, we need more information, and those who suffer certainly deserve to understand what is on the table. CONOVER This summer, Carsyn Hartsoe from Conover will join outstanding elementary school students from across the state to take part in an academic and career oriented development experience, the National Youth Leadership Forum (NYLF): Pathways to STEM, taking place in Chapel Hill. NYLF Pathways to STEM is one of the Envision by WorldStrides family of programs (www.envisionexperience.com) that enable students to explore their interests and experience learning beyond the classroom. Carsyn was nominated to attend the forum by her fifth-grade teacher at Shuford Elementary School. Carsyn received the Principals Award in 2021, is a member of the Beta Club, and served as a beacon for the duration of the 2021-2022 school year. Carsyn enjoys being a cheerleader, is passionate about gymnastics and loves volunteering in her church and in the surrounding community. She is looking forward to gaining the hands-on engineering exposure and medical experience that the forum provides. Amanda Freitag Thomas, senior vice president for Envision, said that at NYLF Pathways to STEM, students build the confidence and skills needed to excel in the classroom while gaining exposure to STEM fields and concepts. They learn how to adapt to and communicate in new situations, to new challenges, and with new people, she said. In 2018, Envision became part of the WorldStrides family. The largest provider of educational travel and experiences in the United States, WorldStrides works with more than 50,000 educators each year to help more than 550,000 students see the world and themselves in new ways. The Rev. T. Anthony Spearman, a former state NAACP president and longtime social justice advocate, has died, and a friend and attorney is calling for an investigation into the circumstances. The family confirmed Wednesday that Spearman, 71, died Tuesday. Spearman, a former substance abuse counselor and president of the N.C. Council of Churches, served on the Guilford County Board of Elections up until his death. Spearman was found in his home after he did not show up for an elections board meeting Tuesday. A cause of death has not been confirmed. Spearmans wife has been away caring for an ill relative. The Spearman Family is utterly devastated by the transition of our patriarch, Reverend Dr. T. Anthony Spearman, the family said in a statement. He was a man of strong conviction who loved his family with every ounce of his being. We solicit your prayers as we grieve this insurmountable loss and request your consideration and privacy as we go through this season of bereavement. Investigators responded to Spearmans home after a 911 call at 5:08 p.m. Tuesday with 14 officers responding, including Sheriff Danny Rogers. A handgun, knife and/or cutting instrument were listed on the incident report as a possible weapon. Were going to call for a full and fair investigation, attorney Mark Cummings, who considered Spearman a mentor, said early Wednesday. We call on state and local authorities for a full investigation to determine just what happened to this very spry, energetic man who was leading for change in an organization that affects so many peoples lives. ... Part of his inspiration was that his work wasnt done. Late Wednesday, Rogers said in a statement that the death was an ongoing investigation and asked anyone with information to contact Detective S.M. Garlick at 336-641-5966 or Guilford County Crime Stoppers at 336-373-1000. Those who over the years joined in protests alongside the man who once said he wanted to leave the world better than he found it, were remembering Spearmans social justice work as word of his death spread. A member of the NAACP since childhood, Spearman was elected in 2017 as the North Carolina president and served for one term. He lost last year to Deborah Dicks Maxwell but was contesting the election. He had recently filed a lawsuit against national NAACP leadership as well as Maxwell, alleging defamation and a conspiracy to have him removed from office, according to an exclusive report last month in the Carolina Peacemaker, a weekly newspaper in Greensboro. Before being elected to succeed the Rev. William Barber, the soft-spoken but direct Spearman had been a faithful lieutenant in the state NAACP. I have lost a true brother in the struggle, Barber said Wednesday in a statement. North Carolina and the nation have lost a champion of justice and a beloved public servant. We have all lost a freedom fighter, a man deeply committed to justice, and a man of true faith. We have lost a scholar, a preacher, a voting rights defender, an advocate for prison reform and for the wrongfully accused and a stalwart soldier in the cause of love and justice for all humankind. ... He fought the good fight and his course has been finished. But his legacy of service and works will follow him. We are certain of that. Let all people of conscience say, Amen. Spearman also had ties to Hickory, living in the community from 2005 to 2014. He served as president of the Hickory NAACP, pastor of Clinton Tabernacle AME Zion Church and a member of the Hickory school board from 2011 to 2014. Hickory NAACP President Sam Hunt described Spearman as a dynamic leader who helped grow the local branch. Hickory NAACP President Sam Hunt said Spearman was a dynamic leader who helped grow the local branch. Hunt read a statement from the Hickory NAACP describing Spearman as a man who was dedicated to the cause of justice, equity and fair labor practices. Some of Spearmans former colleagues on the school board also remembered him fondly. He was a thoughtful decision maker, always putting what was best for students first, said Amy Monroe, who currently serves on the board. He cared deeply for the community he served and for every child in our district. Charlotte Williams, who currently serves on the Hickory City Council and previously served on the school board, called Spearman a wise, caring and committed member who always had the well-being of the children at the forefront of decisions. Over the years, Spearman had honed his own reputation as a social-justice warrior. He helped to make the footprint, Barber told the News & Record in a 2019 interview. If you look back, Dr. Spearman was right there. More introvert to Barbers extreme extrovert, Spearman was one of the original 17 protesters at the Moral Monday demonstrations starting in 2013 against Republican-led legislative policies they felt were attacks on the poor, with both Barber and Spearman being arrested. In 2012, Spearman was among the few Black pastors in the state to speak out against Amendment One, a constitutional amendment that defined marriage as between a man and a woman. Thats how the Rev. Julie Peeples got to know Spearman, who the pastor of Congregational United Church of Christ called a deep thinker. They stood arm in arm in protest many times, including during a disruptive 2016 Guilford County Board of Election meeting to eliminate early voting sites and dates. He had a depth of integrity, a depth of great love for his family, a depth of love for justice, for God, Peeples said. My heart aches for his family. Cummings said that Spearman had been working to establish in Greensboro a program that he began in Hickory called the Bridge Program, which was designed to take troubled youth and show them alternative routes to be successful. Dr. Spearman was in the spirit of Dr. King, a true drum major for justice, Cummings said. His North Star was how do we protect the least of us? How do we ensure that were ever marching towards that more perfect union and he did that by taking an interest in and mentoring young men from every walk of life. Spearman, the former pastor of Phillips A.M.E. Zion Church in Greensboro, also had served as a third vice president of the NAACP over a heavily-minority district that had some of the worst poverty in North Carolina, which inspired him. During his tenure, Spearman traveled the state rallying people against policies aimed at the poor, people of color and members of the gay community. Educating people, Spearman said in 2019, is empowering them. " " Why don't nations simply buy and sell one another? TommL/Getty Images In August 2019, President Donald Trump created a stir when he asked aides to explore the possibility of purchasing Greenland from Denmark. As Fox News reported, Trump explained that "essentially, it's a large real estate deal, " and said it would beneficial to Denmark, which provides the equivalent of hundreds of millions of dollars in subsidies each year to the island. "So they carry it at great loss, and strategically for the United States, it would be very nice," Trump said. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen quickly nixed any deal, noting that Greenland, which became a self-autonomous region within Denmark back in 1970 and has its own separate parliament, premier and flag, is not Denmark's property to sell. "Greenland is not for sale," she explained, according to a Google translation of her remarks as published in Sermitsiaq, a Greenland newspaper. "Greenland is not Danish. Greenland is Greenlandic. I persistently hope that this is not something that is seriously meant." Some argued that Trump's interest in buying Greenland wasn't that outlandish. From the 1800s to the early 1900s, the U.S. actually did gain much of its territory through various land purchases, including the 1803 Louisiana Purchase, and the 1867 deal to buy Alaska from the Czarist government of Russia. And the U.S. and Denmark have done business before, though it was slightly more than a century ago. In 1917, the U.S. purchased the Virgin Islands from the Scandinavian nation. And back in 1946, the administration of a previous U.S. President, Harry Truman, even secretly explored buying Greenland from Denmark, as detailed in this National Public Radio story. Still, Trump's proposed deal would have gone further than any of those, because he offered to buy an island that in many ways is now actually a separate nation-within-a-nation. Can one country actually buy another entire country? It's a mind-boggling concept. Advertisement Has It Happened Before? Oddly, though, there's at least one historical example of that happening in the 19th century. Back in the 1880s, King Leopold II of Belgium and a syndicate of investors made deals with hundreds of local rulers, and eventually claimed control of almost the entire Congo River basin. The group aggregated the land and proclaimed it to be a new independent nation, the Congo Free State, with Leopold as the sovereign. The new country was recognized by other European colonial powers at the Berlin West Africa Conference of 1884-1885, giving it a thin veneer of legitimacy. Leopold turned out to be a greedy, horrifyingly brutal ruler. (Just one example: Many Congolese were forced to work as slave laborers on rubber plantations, where overseers armed with corkscrew whips made from dried hippopotamus hide kept them in line.) Eventually, international outcry against Leopold's atrocities, which caused the country's population to decline by more than half, grew so great that Leopold was forced to give up his personal country. The king transferred control to the Belgium's parliamentary government in 1908, in exchange for a personal payment of 50 million Belgian francs, plus a donation of 40 million francs to the king's foundation and assumption of another 110 million francs in debt roughly about $63 million in today's U.S. dollars. That might not seem like much for an entire nation, but remember that Leopold already had siphoned vast amounts of wealth out of the place. For a more detailed look at purchase and its implications for the transfer of sovereignty, take a look at this 2019 article by Duke Law School professors Joseph Blocher and Mitu Gulati. Advertisement Today's International Law But purchasing an entire country would be a more complicated matter today, as would a major land purchase akin to the Louisiana Territory or Alaska deals. "This kind of thing used to be quite common, and the traditional rules of international law made it pretty simple the nations involved just had to agree on a price, essentially," Blocher explains via email. "But the legal landscape has changed in the past century, so that the old rules really shouldn't apply in the same way. Most importantly, the rise of the principle of self-determination means that, in order to be legitimate, any such sale of populated territory should be based on the approval of the people living on that territory. So even if Denmark did 'own' Greenland, as the President has put it, the people of Greenland would still need to be consulted." "Aside from international law, and domestic law, it's difficult to see how the sale of territory would be seen as acceptable behavior in today's international system, especially when the territory in question is an autonomous dependent territory," Rebecca Richards, a lecturer in international relations at the U.K.'s Keele University in Newcastle and author of this 2017 article in The Conversation on national sovereignty, explains via email. "That is uncomfortably close to colonial practices, and it's very difficult to imagine a situation where this would be acceptable, especially given the states involved in this." But in another sense, this all might be a moot argument, and not just because Denmark dismissed the notion of selling Greenland. "Buying and selling countries doesn't make good economic sense," emails Robert Deitz, former senior counselor to the director of the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency, and currently a professor of public policy at the Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University in Virginia. "There are more efficient ways to get the things we want. " Instead of buying territory, Deitz points out, it's simpler and cheaper simply to lease land for military bases or work out a deal on rights to extract mineral wealth (such as Greenland's supply of rare earth minerals, which are essentials for modern technology such as smartphones. "I don't know anything that Trump really wants from Greenland for the U.S. that couldn't be obtained without transfer of sovereignty," he says. Danish prime minister Frederiksen seems to agree. As she recently told a TV interviewer, "Thankfully, the time where you buy and sell other countries and populations is over. " Now That's Interesting In 2014, the nation of Kiribati, which consists of 32 atolls in the Pacific, purchased 5,460 acres (2,209 hectares) of land on Vanua Levu, the second biggest island in the nation of Fiji, to give Kiribatis people a place to relocate if their country is submerged by rising seas as the result of climate change. " " Troops of the 15th Indian corps land on Ramree Island off the coast of Burma during World War II, February 1945 Mirrorpix/Mirrorpix via Getty Images In early 1945, as part of the Pacific War during World War II, Allied forces pinned down 1,000 Japanese soldiers in a mangrove swamp off the coast of Burma (now Myanmar). Only 20 of the Japanese fighters made it out alive. The rest were reportedly eaten alive by hordes of prehistoric-looking saltwater crocodiles. According to one Allied commander: "That night was the most horrible that any member of the M. L. [motor launch] crews ever experienced. The scattered rifle shots in the pitch-black swamp punctured by the screams of wounded men crushed in the jaws of huge reptiles, and the blurred worrying sound of spinning crocodiles made a cacophony of hell that has rarely been duplicated on earth. At dawn the vultures arrived to clean up what the crocodiles had left... Of about one thousand Japanese soldiers that entered the swamps of Ramree, only about twenty were found alive." This horrific event is known as the Ramree Island crocodile massacre, and in 1968 the Guinness Book of World Records awarded it the dubious distinction of "most human fatalities in a crocodile attack" at roughly 900 dead. But in recent decades, historians and herpetologists have cast doubt on the ghastly tale. While it's clear that scores of Japanese soldiers died in the battle for Ramree Island, there's no mention of a "crocodile massacre" in official military reports (either British or Japanese), and saltwater crocodiles aren't known for "feeding frenzies" of this scale, especially on live human prey. So where did this apocryphal tale come from, and how did it spread so far and wide? Advertisement The Origins of the "Ramree Island Massacre" The gruesome passage quoted above was written by Bruce S. Wright, a Royal Canadian Lieutenant Commander credited with inventing the idea of "frogmen units," SCUBA-diving soldiers who could spy on the enemy from the water. In 1945, Wright took part in the joint British and Indian assault on Ramree Island, which the Allies hoped to capture from the Japanese and use as a strategic airfield. As the leader of his frogman unit, Wright's job was to perform reconnaissance, but he also spent hours documenting the local sea life, which included sharks and octopi. After the war, Wright became a respected wildlife biologist and author. Interestingly, it may have been Wright's clout as a naturalist that helped launch the myth of the crocodile massacre into the public imagination. Wright wrote his one-paragraph account of the killer crocodiles in his 1962 book, "Wildlife Sketches: Near and Far." But then the story was picked up by another scientist, the conservationist Roger Caras. In his 1964 book "Dangerous to Man," Caras called the Ramree incident "one of the most deliberate and wholesale attacks on man by large animals that is on record." Caras admits that "had the story come from a source other than Bruce Wright, I would be tempted to discount it. [But] Bruce Wright, a highly trained professional naturalist, was there at Ramree." The problem is that while Wright was technically at Ramree, he wasn't among the witnesses who claimed to have heard the cries of the Japanese as they were mauled by the giant crocodiles. According to a later retelling of the story in his memoir "The Frogmen of Burma," Wright heard the story from British comrades on the boat crews patrolling the island. If you read the passage closely, you see that Wright never said that he personally witnessed the massacre. "That night was the most horrible that any member of the M. L. [motor launch] crews ever experienced," wrote Wright using the third person. But it's precisely because of Wright's reputation as a careful observer of the natural world that his secondhand (and likely embellished) account was accepted as fact. Advertisement Are Saltwater Crocodiles Man-eaters? Yes, the saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus), also known as the estuarine crocodile, is one of two crocodile species that "regularly prey on humans," according to herpetologist Steven Platt. Saltwater crocodiles can grow to lengths of 23 feet (7 meters) and weigh more than a ton (0.9 metric tons), and unlike alligators and smaller crocodiles, saltwater crocs will aggressively defend their territory and snack on the occasional human. Every year, dozens of people are killed by saltwater crocodiles, like the unfortunate 8-year-old girl who was attacked and eaten in front of her friends in Indonesia in 2021. How common are saltwater crocodile attacks? In 2015, there were 180 total crocodile attacks in Southeast Asia, coastal India and Oceania the regions where saltwater crocs live and 79 of those were fatal. Given that fewer than 100 people are killed by saltwater crocodiles each year across all of Southeast Asia and Oceania, what are the odds that 900 Japanese soldiers could have been eaten alive by ravenous crocodiles in a matter of weeks much less during one horrific night on one small island? Historian Frank McLynn, in his book on the battle for Burma, concluded that the Ramree Island crocodile massacre "offends every single canon of historical verifiability" and also defies ecological logic. "If 'thousands of crocodiles' were involved in the massacre," McLynn asks (according to this account in The Avocado) "how had these ravening monsters survived before and how were they able to survive later?" " " A saltwater crocodile looks for dinner. Saltwater crocs are the most aggressive types of crocodiles. Bill Birtwhistle/Getty Images Advertisement Piecing Together the Real Story of Ramree Island If the 900 Japanese soldiers weren't gobbled up by crocodiles, as reported by Wright, then how did they die? Well, for starters, the Japanese didn't lose 900 soldiers at Ramree. According to two investigations one by the National Geographic show "Nazi World War Weird" and another by herpetologist Steven Platt roughly 500 of the original 1,000 Japanese soldiers were able to escape the mangrove swamps alive. That information was found in the Japanese military archives. (Note that the battle took place over a month and was not an overnight event.) That still leaves 500 Japanese soldiers dead on Ramree, but very few of them, if any, were victims of crocodiles. According to local Burmese villagers who were alive during the battle for Ramree, including some who were conscripted by the Japanese military, most of the Japanese casualties in the swamp were due to dehydration and disease caused by exposure and lack of clean food and water. So, what were those terrifying sounds that British boat patrols reportedly heard on that fateful night in February of 1945? There might be an answer for that, too. According to British military records accessed by the National Geographic investigation, in the early hours of Feb. 18, 1945, the Allies discovered a "desperate attempt" by hundreds of Japanese soldiers to swim across a channel separating Ramree Island from the Burmese mainland. "Except for a few swimmers, it's doubtful that any survived the crossing," reads the official British report (according to the National Geographic show). "It's estimated that at least 100 Japanese were killed or drowned that night ... 200 killed is regarded as a conservative estimate about 40 loaded boats were known to have sunk. Possibly another 50 Japanese died in the mangrove from exposure and want of food and water. 14 prisoners were taken." This was most likely the real Ramree Island massacre, one perpetrated by human soldiers in an awful war, and not by bloodthirsty predators. Advertisement Was the Crocodile Massacre Entirely Made Up? Even though the vast majority of the Japanese casualties at Ramree Island were from conventional causes, there is some credence to the crocodile story. When Steven Platt's team interviewed local villagers, they said that 10 to 15 Japanese soldiers may have been attacked and killed by crocodiles as they tried to swim the channel. Another Allied commander reported that the escaping Japanese soldiers fell victim to naval patrols and sharks while attempting to reach the mainland. So, there's evidence that at least some soldiers were killed by large predators lurking in the water. And then there's this gruesome clue to the origin of the Ramree Island myth. The morning after the Allied forces mowed down hundreds of escaping Japanese soldiers, the British military noticed the arrival of some opportunistic hunters to feed on the dead. "The next day presented a grim appearance to add to the horror of the scene," says the official British report. "Crocodiles previously reported as rarely seen appeared on the channel banks in increasing numbers." Special thanks to Christopher Saunders and his article at The Avocado debunking the Ramree Island myth. Now That's Interesting In 2017, the Guinness Book of World Records amended its entry on the Ramree Island crocodile massacre based on the National Geographic investigation. "[W]hen [they] showed us compelling evidence that it couldn't have been such a high death toll, we had no option but to take the record out of circulation," said editor-in-chief Craig Glenday. GREENSBORO Two composers plan to be in the Eastern Music Festival audience Saturday night when the faculty orchestra performs their works, one with a renowned guitarist playing its world premiere. Composers Avner Dorman and Paul Frucht will be there for the concert titled "New Perspectives" when the EMF faculty's Eastern Festival Orchestra premieres Dorman's "How to Love." It will feature Grammy Award-winning guitarist Jason Vieaux as soloist. Vieaux teaches students in EMF's classical guitar summit. The orchestra also will perform Frucht's "Dawn," dedicated to the memory of school principal Dawn Hochsprung and 25 others who lost their lives in the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting and their families. EMF Music Director Gerard Schwarz will conduct the concert, which will conclude with Dmitri Shostakovich's Symphony No. 10. This summer, EMF altogether will present the world premieres of four works and the North Carolina premiere of another at this classical summer festival and school based at Guilford College. Dorman is an award-winning, Israeli-born composer, educator and conductor who now lives in the United States. The Washington Post has described him as "wide-ranging, appealing and breathtakingly virtuosic." Dorman's intricate and soulful, 20-minute piece, "How to Love," was originally written for guitar and strings and is named after a book by Thich Nhat Hanh. The musical work has four movements, titled after the mantras that the author outlines at the end of the book: "I am here for you," "I know you are there, and I am happy," "This is a happy moment" and "You are partly right." 'How to Love' speaks to the essentials of mindfulness and how to love how to love oneself, how to listen and understand, be happy, and even disagree," Dorman said. "The journey of embracing imperfection in order to love each other fully is explored throughout all the movements," he said. Vieaux has been described by NPR as perhaps the most precise and soulful guitarists of his generation. In 2015, his solo album "Play" won the Grammy Award for Best Classical Instrumental Solo. Performing new works has been a passion of Vieauxs that has fostered premieres of works by many notable composers, including "How to Love." Vieaux's multiple appearances for San Francisco Performances, Caramoor Festival, Ravinia Festival, PCMS, 92nd Street Y, Domaine-Forget and others have helped to cement his reputation as one of the worlds leading guitarists. Frucht has been hailed by Hearst Media as a "composer with a career to follow." His work has been acclaimed for its "sense of lyricism, driving pulse and great urgency" by WQXR-105.9 FM, "jagged beauty" by the Buffalo News and "excellent orchestration" by the Ridgefield Press in Connecticut. His 10-minute work, "Dawn," was premiered in April 2013 by members of the Juilliard Orchestra. Dawn Hochsprung was an incredible person I had the fortune of meeting when I was a student at Rogers Park Middle School from 2000-2003, where she was an assistant principal," Frucht said in the EMF news release. "I worked with both her and her husband, George, as a member of the National Junior Honor Society." "When the tragic events occurred at Sandy Hook Elementary School on Dec. 14, 2012, I, like everyone else in the Danbury area, was shocked and deeply saddened," Frucht said. "Dawn and George had always stuck out in my mind as not just outstanding teachers, but some of the most caring, genuine, and positive people that I had come across during my time growing up in Danbury," Frucht said. "I felt immediately compelled to write something in memory of her and the other 25 people who lost their lives that day. He goes on to say, I titled the piece 'Dawn' not simply because it is dedicated to her, but because the nature of Dawns actions on the day of shooting are the inspiration for the character of this piece," he said. "When she became aware that her school was in danger, her immediate response was to protect the children of the school," Frucht said. "She put herself in harms way in an entirely selfless act in an effort to save the lives of her students. Her legacy is one of selflessness, positivity, and extraordinary courage. This piece celebrates that legacy. UAE-based IT smart Facilities Management (FM) solutions company Hitek Services, has signed a two-year contract with a major, tier one Sudanese total FM company, TAD, to digitalise the North and East African FM markets. Under the terms of the agreement, which is Hiteks first overseas venture, the company, which is part of the Farnek Group of companies, will provide TAD with state-of-the-art connected, automated and intelligent FM solutions which complement a leaner and more sustainable operational process, improving productivity while reducing energy consumption for building owners and managers. Hiteks solutions architecture and design, as well as its technical sales support, will transform TADs FM service offering into a fully digital and sustainable proposition by utilising Hiteks CAFM suite, which includes a state-of-the-art WhatsApp AI Chatbot. Real-time visibility This provides real-time visibility across various services and can also monitor, escalate and report dynamically through mobility, web portal and automated email reports. Hiteks WhatsApp AI Chatbot provides connectivity to onsite project teams wherever they are, through an integrated mobile CAFM, streamlining service requests and once complete an automated closure notification. TAD has a workforce of over 1,500 employees spread over vast areas, particularly in Egypt and East Africa and Hiteks CAFM will offer TAD a distinct competitive advantage by digitalising, connecting and automating facilities management, using innovative technologies that integrate people, process, assets and facilities logically and seamlessly, said Javeria Aijaz, MD, HITEK Services. We are receiving enquiries for Hitek services from FM professionals right across the Mena region, who want to digitalise asset management, as well as monitor and control their assets and the performance of FM service providers. The FM market throughout Mena is becoming more informed of how properties can be maintained in a more efficient and cost-effective manner, which is creating exceptional demand for digitalised day-to-day operations, added Aijaz. Complete suite Headquartered in Khartoum, Sudan, award-winning TAD, which focuses on delivering a complete suite of both hard and soft FM offerings to companies across North and East Africa, has grown five-fold over the last five years to become one of the most distinguished facilities management companies across the entire region. The firm has worked alongside some of the biggest national and international companies that operate in the region, including Ericsson, Zain, UN, Huawei, NGOs and national embassies. Using HITEKs CADFM software, TAD can now develop and deliver customised service level agreements (SLAs) for both hard and soft services, across its entire client portfolio, as well as attracting new prospective customers. Hiteks mobility solution makes TAD so much more cost-efficient. Management will have access to updates from all of our customers sites and assets with a single tap. It gives me digital and automatic reporting, which helps me improve my FM services." WhatsApp Chatbot Their unique WhatsApp Chatbot made it really simple to submit and automate support requests, which I had never encountered with any other solution. Whether it was service requests, audits, or management reporting, the mobile solution enabled the workers and supervisors to communicate live and in real-time, said Mohamed Abdelhamied, CEO TAD. TAD has been awarded the internationally recognised ISO 41001: 2018 certification in International FM and is the first ISO 41001 FM company in Sudan. Unquestionably, one of TADs crowning achievements is their state-of-the-art in-house training centre. A one-of-a-kind facility within the East and North Africa region, the centre is the firms way of delivering on their corporate and social responsibility to help the local community. Trainees can learn new skills completely free of charge, whilst also receiving daily allowances, for meals, and a certified qualification at the end. Graduates can then choose to either stay with the company, if there are positions available, or seek other jobs in the market with their newfound accreditation.-- TradeArabia News Service Kate McKinnon was one of several cast members to step away from "Saturday Night Live" earlier this year. It wasn't an easy decision for McKinnon, who had been a mainstay on the sketch comedy show for 10 years after joining in Season 37. But speaking with Ryan Seacrest and Kelly Ripa Thursday on "Live With Kelly and Ryan," she stressed it was time for a change. "I thought about it for a very long time, and it was very, very hard," McKinnon said. "All I ever wanted to do in my whole life was be on 'Saturday Night Live.' So, I did, I loved it, I had the best decade, and then I was just like 'my body was tired' and I felt like it was time." Seacrest then asked what she'll do now on Saturday nights, but McKinnon is still figuring that out. "I don't know what I will do," she answered. "I don't know that I can watch the show yet because it's too emo because I miss everyone so much. It's my family, it's too emo. So I think I'm just going to tape 'The Bachelorette' and watch it." With 10 consecutive years under her belt, McKinnon holds the record as the the longest-running female cast member in the NBC show's history (and also yelled the famed opening line 75 times, the second highest of any cast member). She portrayed a number of celebrities and public officials over the years, stepping into the shoes of everyone from Justin Bieber to Rudy Giuliani to Iggy Azalea. In May, Pete Davidson, Aidy Bryant and Kyle Mooney also departed the show alongside McKinnon. Davidson had hinted at his displeasure in the years before his exit, telling radio personality Charlamagne tha God in 2020 he thought he "should be done with that show" because of how they treated him. Still, he signed off with a touching message on his journey that was shared to "SNL" writer Dave Sirus' Instagram. "When I got the show I was 20 years old and I had no idea what I was doing. I still don't but especially back then. I wasn't really a sketch performer I was just a stand up," his message read. "I knew I could never keep up or go toe to toe with a Kenan Thompson or a Kate McKinnon so I was super scared at figuring out what I could possibly bring to or do for such a historic, respected show and platform. "We were together through the good and the bad, the happiest and the darkest of times," he continued. I owe Lorne Michaels and everyone at SNL my life. Im so grateful and I wouldn't be here without them. I appreciate you guys always having my back and sticking up for me even when that wasn't the popular opinion." Mooney confirmed his departure on Instagram, but didn't dive into the reasons why he wanted to leave. Last month, Bryant told Variety she had also been debating leaving prior to the pandemic, but decided to stay due to all the uncertainty. "I was worried I was going to really crack it wide open and fully be crying," she said of her exit. "It felt very joyful, and I felt incredibly fortified by having Bowen [Yang] and [Michael] Che next to me because they know me and know how considered this was for me to go." KANNAPOLIS A rising A.L. Brown High School freshman took home the overall title for her age group in the Cosmos International Pageant this month. Abigail Nicholle Tinsley is heading toward her 14th birthday and has already won the title of Junior Miss Cosmos International. A native to Kannapolis and a competitive dancer at Dance Dreams Studio, she had already won the Junior Miss Southern States at a previous pageant competition. She competed in the Cosmos International competition in Orlando, Florida, from July 4-8. Tinsley competed in the runway, interview, talent, fitness challenge, sportswear, state costume, personality wear and beauty categories. Her state costume had the theme of sweet tea to represent all the Southern states. She won in the talent, fitness challenge and interview portions of the competition, ultimately taking home the overall title of Junior Miss Cosmos International. Tinsley described being in pure shock when her name was announced. She had previously competed in the same competition a year prior. She had been named third runner up at the time. Tinsley said that while last year wasnt her time, she knew she would be back in 2022. This year, she said, she felt stronger and more confident in herself. She wants girls to remember to never give up on their dreams. With her newest title, she plans to make appearances at events as well as community service work. She has her own service project, Abbys Warm Blessings, where she collects and donates blankets to kids at Jeff Gordon Childrens Center at Atrium Health Cabarrus while they are in the hospital. She said she wants to give children a little comfort while they are there. She hopes to branch out and not only help her local hospital but other hospitals nationally and possibly even internationally. She also will be walking in New York Fashion Week this September and will appear on a billboard in Times Square. To help with Abbys Warm Blessings, visit her Amazon wish list at https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3AD2SDD7KG82N#. The North Carolina Association of Educators is opposing a proposal to switch from paying teachers based on their years of experience to basing it on their performance. A state commission is working on a new licensure and compensation model that would pay teachers based on their ratings on student test scores or evaluations and whether theyre willing to take on additional duties. In a statement Thursday, NCAE charged that the new model would create an enigmatic evaluation method for teachers and threatens to withhold raises or revoke a teachers license if they fail to meet these benchmarks. NCAE said more than 1,000 teachers voiced their displeasure with the proposal at a town hall last week. For the sake of our children and the teaching profession, we need to fund what we know works adequately, NCAE said in its statement. We dont need to reinvent the wheel on licensure and compensation with a pipeline plan designed to leak. The Professional Educator Preparation and Standards Commission (PEPSC) hopes to present a final model in September to the State Board of Education for its approval later this year. It would be up to state lawmakers whether to fund the plan. The NCAE opposition comes as the plan has received the backing of members of the business community. The Charlotte-based Belk Foundation provided a grant to fund a public relations campaign to get the plan approved, WFAE reported. North Carolina has an opportunity to design a system that invites diverse and capable educators into the profession, provides the support they deserve, and then offers options for them to grow in their career, the Belk Foundation said in a statement released July 12. We believe the current process of review and recommendation by the PEPSC commission and then review and approval by the NC State Board of Education is allowing for the engagement of key stakeholders. We believe there are many opportunities to strengthen the teaching profession and look forward to the work of PEPSC and the State Board of Education. Basing pay on effectiveness Currently, North Carolina teachers start at a state base salary of $37,000. They get annual state raises for their first 15 years, then less frequent raises after that. The scale tops out at $54,000, but school districts and the state often supplement the base pay. Teachers can get state bonuses based on their students test scores, but its not built into their base salary. But under the new model, there would be seven levels ranging from $30,000 for aspiring teachers who havent yet received a bachelors degree up to the highest level, where the proposed minimum salary is $73,000. Instead of advancing up with each year of experience, teachers would move up based on whether theyre considered to be effective. Teachers can meet these standards based on student growth on state tests or reviews by their principal, a higher-level teacher and student surveys. The highest-paid positions would go to effective teachers who take on additional leadership roles in their schools. Marketing the new model Justin Parmenter, a Charlotte-Mecklenburg middle school teacher and NCAE board member, has detailed on his Notes From the Chalkboard blog the behind-the-scenes effort to get the new model approved. He obtained hundreds of emails as part of a public records request to the state Department of Public Instruction. The emails show that the Atlanta-based Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) and the North Carolina Human Capital Roundtable helped develop the new model. Other emails show that SREB, the Roundtable and the public relations firm of Eckel & Vaughn plan to create a group called UpliftEd to promote the new model. The emails show that former North Carolina governors Jim Hunt and Jim Martin agreed to be UpliftEds honorary co-chairmen before Hunt opted to back out this month. Other emails discuss avoiding talking about the complexity of the plan, developing a proactive media strategy and working to gain greater control of the narrative. One email includes notes from a March conversation by State Superintendent Catherine Truitt, State Board of Education member Jill Camntiz and PEPSC chairman Patrick Miller about trying to stop EdNC, an education news site, from surveying teachers about the proposal. How should NC pay teachers? Amid the criticism, the Belk Foundation argues the work the Roundtable and SREB has done is needed to address significant challenges such as fewer people wanting to be teachers. The licensure process remains complicated with effective teachers unable to become licensed, Belk said in its statement. Furthermore, compensation is a significant issue, especially in the early years, and for teachers taking on additional work without appropriate compensation or promotion. In its position statement, NCAE argues that the state should not gamble on an untested proposal rejected by other states. NCAE contends that the new model is more complex and could lead to teachers not getting annual salary increases and having the extra pay from advanced licenses stripped at any time for any reason. North Carolina needs a teacher licensure program that respects teachers expertise, rewards their time in the profession, and offers support throughout the duration of their career, Tamika Walker Kelly, president of NCAE, said in the statement. By Dagmarah Mackos July 21 (Reuters) - French defence and technology group Thales SA on Thursday raised its annual forecast for order intake and sales growth on the back of robust activity across all its segments in the first six months of the year. Europe's largest arms electronics provider now expects sales of between 17.1 billion eurosand 17.5 billion euros ($17.4 billion and $17.8 billion)for the full year 2022, against a previously estimated range of 16.6 billion to 17.2 billion euros. Full-year orders should come in "significantly" above the estimated sales, the company said in a statement. The firm still anticipates its operating margin at 10.8% to 11.1%. With the entry into force of a supply contract for Rafale warplanes to the United Arab Emirates, Thales' orders jumped 46% to 11.21 billion euros, surpassing analysts' expectations of 10.09 billion euros. Overall operating income grew to 891 million euros in the first half of 2022 from 722 million a year earlier, as sales for the period reached 8.26 billion euros, boosted by its digital identity and security segment. A settlement with Australia, which agreed to pay 555 million euros to Thales' subsidiary Naval Group after the country broke off a contract for 12 French submarines last September, offset the impact of European trade sanctions on the group's operations in Russia, Thales said. The halt of its Russian business weighed especially on the aerospace unit, which is expected to take a 70 million euro hit in 2022. But Thales stressed that a post-pandemic recovery in air traffic and commercial aircraft production rates should firm up its order book. In the medium term, the group is also banking on benefits from sustained increases of military budgets in Europe as the war in Ukraine has forced a rapid rethink of defence strategies in the region. [nL1 N2YF2QG] ($1 = 0.9827 euro) (Reporting by Dagmarah Mackos; editing by Jonathan Oatis) History center opens library SULLIVAN The new Moultrie County History Center would like to announce that its library is now open at 1303 S. Hamilton St. in Sullivan. It will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays and by appointment by calling 217-728-4086. Marshall City Band to play MARSHALL Think cooler temperatures at a "Christmas in July" concert, performed by the Marshall City Band at 8 p.m. Friday, July 22, on the Clark County Courthouse lawn. The concert, under the direction of Heather Setzer, will feature We Wish You A Calypso Christmas, Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer, The Polar Express, White Christmas, Sleigh Ride, How The Grinch Stole Christmas Concert Medley, Twas The Night Before Christmas, Winter Holiday, Frostys Caribbean Holiday, Christmas Around The World, Christmas On Broadway, and will conclude with The Stars-Spangled Banner. An ice cream social will be held in conjunction with this weeks concert along with popcorn from the Lions Club popcorn wagon. The Marshall Area Chamber of Commerce will be holding its Farmers Market from 4 to 7:30 p.m. around the courthouse square. Summer coin show planned SPRINGFIELD The Central Illinois Numismatic Association's 32nd annual summer coin show will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, July 24, at Northfield Center I, 3210 Northfield Drive, Springfield. The show will feature 70 dealer tables with U.S. and foreign coins, state quarters, ancient and modern coins, gold and silver bullion, and paper money. Admission is $1. Members and children under 16 get in free. Early admission will be from 7-9 a.m. for $20. For more information contact show chairman Mike Ripka at Michael.Ripka13@comcast.net Strasburg seeks event volunteers STRASBURG The village of Strasburg will be celebrating its 150th Anniversary in 2024. A planning meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 21, at the Strasburg Community Center. All village and country residents are invited to attend. But with the help of DNA lifted from a coffee cup earlier this year, investigators were able to charge a Pennsylvania man with the stabbing of the 19-year-old woman in 1975. Biechler's aunt and uncle found her dead in her apartment December 5, 1975, with 19 stab wounds, lying on her back with a knife sticking out of her neck and with a tea towel wrapped around the wooden handle, the Lancaster County District Attorney's Office said in a news release. She had just come back from the grocery store, investigators said, and bags from the market were left on the dining room table. Over the years, detectives from Manor Township Police Department and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted investigations into the homicide, following multiple leads and clearing dozens of people, the district attorney's office said. Evidence was sent to several labs and multiple suspect interviews were completed, the DA's office reported. Genetic genealogy analysis used DNA from the crime scene and ultimately identified David Sinopoli, 68, as a suspect, according to the DA's office. Sinopoli was arrested at his home on Sunday without incident, was arraigned, and is being held at Lancaster County Prison without bail, police said. CNN has reached out to the County of Lancaster Public Defender's Office which is representing Sinopoli. "This arrest marks the beginning of the criminal process in Lancaster County's oldest cold case homicide, and we hope that it brings some sense of relief to the victim's loved ones and to community members who for the last 46 years had no answers," Lancaster County District Attorney Heather Adams said in a news release. DNA evidence from a coffee cup In 1997, the Lancaster County District Attorney's Office said it submitted evidence from the crime scene for DNA analysis and a male DNA profile was lifted from Biechler's underwear. Three years later, the DNA profile was submitted into a national database, also known as CODIS, to see if there was a match with a known criminal offender. Typically, if a person isn't a known offender, they wouldn't be in the CODIS system and, therefore, no match would present itself, which was the case here, the DA's office explained. In January 2019, the investigation gained new traction after it was taken on by the Lancaster County District Attorney's Cold Case Unit, which enlisted the help of Parabon NanoLabs months later to analyze DNA obtained in the case. Sinopoli was identified as a possible person of interest, CeCe Moore, researcher with Parabon NanoLabs, said at a news conference Monday. Because there weren't any individual genetic matches to the suspect's DNA, Moore had to try a "novel, nontraditional" route to narrow down the potential suspect, she said. Given Sinopoli's Italian ancestry, Moore studied geographical and immigration patterns as well as associated surnames and determined the person linked to the DNA sample had ties to Gasperina, a town in the Calabria region of southern Italy. "There were very few individuals living in Lancaster at the time of the crime that were the right age, gender and had a family tree consistent with these origins, so this allowed me to prioritize candidates whose descent was determined to be exclusively from families with origins in Gasperina," Moore said. Sinopoli and Biechler had lived in the same four-unit building of the apartment complex at one point, Adams said during a news conference Monday, but did not specify when. Other than being neighbors, Adams did not elaborate on how the pair may have been connected. Investigators kept a close watch on Sinopoli through surveillance, and on February 11, "investigators surreptitiously obtained DNA from Sinopoli from a coffee cup he used and threw into a trash can before traveling at the Philadelphia International Airport," the district attorney's office said. "There has been a never-ending pursuit of justice in this case that has led us to identifying and arresting Sinopoli," Adams said. "Lindy Sue Biechler was on the minds of many throughout the years." "Certainly, law enforcement never forgot about Lindy Sue, and this arrest marks the first step to obtaining justice for her and holding her killer responsible," Adams added. DECATUR A coroners jury decided Wednesday that Norma J. Crutchfields death was a homicide even though the Decatur womans body has never been found. The jurors accepted Decatur police evidence that the 41-year-old victim had been killed, dismembered and her final resting place is in garbage bags dumped in the Macon County landfill. Detective James Knierim told the jurors that it would be a hopelessly expensive mission impossible to locate her remains now, after police believe she was stabbed to death and dismembered sometime around Nov. 7, 2020, shortly before she was reported missing by her family We calculated it was millions of dollars to do a search, Knierim said. And no one has that money. Crutchfields sometime boyfriend, Troy D. Slaw, 45, has since been charged with her murder as well as cutting up the body and concealment of a homicidal death. He is being held in the Macon County Jail along with Chase N. Freeman, 23, who is charged with helping to dismember the body and also concealment of a homicidal death. Knierim said it was police questioning of Freeman that broke open the case after he described being recruited by Slaw to help cut up and dispose of Crutchfields remains. He claims that he did not help with the bloody dismembering, but had earlier seen the womans body stuffed in a bedroom closet with a stab wound to the chest. Freeman is quoted as telling police he helped move her to a plastic sheet-lined bathroom of the Slaw home on East Olive Street where Slaw would carry out the dismemberment using an electric saw. Freeman also helped out with the cleaning up of extensive blood stains inside the house. Freeman had later dropped two large contractor style garbage bags he believed contained Crutchfields body in his trash bins, where they were later hauled away along with his regular garbage. Police said the clean-up of the murder scene failed to hide the blood stains from forensic testing. Her (Crutchfields) DNA is in the bathroom, the back bedroom closet the dining room, the living room Knierim said. He said a large area of blood in the living room had the outline of a body when it was revealed with chemical testing. And on a seized phone belonging to Slaw, Knierim said police recovered a deleted picture of Crutchfield: We cant say if she was deceased, but she was certainly unconscious on the bathroom floor and there appears to be some substance around her head and her feet are bound, he added. The detective said Freeman had told police that Slaw had discussed with him various methods of getting rid of Crutchfields body parts before they went with the garbage can idea. They discussed throwing them in the lake, but decided that was a bad idea, said Knierim. And, according to Freeman, eventually the body was placed in the garbage cans of the residence that he lived at. Other evidence police gathered included an interview with an 11-year-old child of Slaws from another relationship. The boy told police he was present in the house and had seen Crutchfield attacked on the day police believe she was killed. He stated he witnessed dad beating on Norma, Norma running out of the house and Troy grabbing her and bringing her back in and taking her back to the back bedroom, Knierim told the jurors. Responding to a jurors questions about the fact that Crutchfields body had not been recovered, the detective said: No, we do not have a body. We have a crime scene that goes between a bedroom, hallway, bathroom, dining room and living room. And we have statements from a co-defendant who said the body was dismembered and put in a trash can. DNA was recovered from a trash can at Freemans address, but Knierim said it was too degraded to be useful. Questioned by Macon County Coroner Michael E. Day, the detective said the amount of blood traces was consistent with the description of Crutchfields death and disposal. Knierim said the victim got by on government benefits and police have carefully monitored her benefits since she vanished. Knierim said there had been no sign of her having used them, but Slaw had been caught on video accessing them, along with another of his girlfriends. Knierim said the girlfriend had been arrested for that offense and she had then told police that Slaw had admitted to her that Crutchfield was dead. Speaking before the inquest, Day told the Herald & Review it is unusual to have a jury return a verdict without a body, but not unknown. He cited the most recent high-profile example of the June, 2017 disappearance of Yingying Zhang, a visiting Chinese student at the University of Illinois. She vanished in Urbana and her body has never been found. Brendt Allen Christensen was later convicted by a jury of kidnapping, raping, murdering and decapitating the 26-year-old victim. And as in the case of Crutchfield, he later told police he had dismembered her body and disposed of it in garbage bags in the dumpster outside of his apartment. Christensen, 33, was sentenced in July 2019 to life in prison without possibility of parole. 22nd Century Group Inc. has cut the asking price by nearly half for its latest stock offering to institutional investors. 22nd Century, based in Buffalo, has its cigarette-manufacturing operations in a 62,000-square-foot plant in Mocksville where it has 51 employees. The manufacturer said Thursday it has entered into definitive agreements with several institutional investors to sell 17.07 million shares of its common stock at $2.05 a share for a potential $35 million raise. In contrast, in June 2021 the manufacturer sold 10 million shares to an unidentified institutional investor at $4 a share for a $40 million raise. Theres also an agreement for 22nd Century to grant those investors the ability to buy another 17.07 million unregistered stock warrants, also at $2.05 a share. Those warrants are exercisable immediately and expire in July 2027. The offerings are projected to close by Monday. At 17.07 million shares offered, the sale represents 10.4% of its 164.54 million shares outstanding. At $34.14 million shares, that represents 20.8% of the outstanding shares. The share price has swung wildly over the past 12 months, dropping as low as $1.42 on May 11 and climbing as high as $4.17 on Aug. 13. 22nd Century had another public stock offering in October 2017 in which it sold 20.57 million shares at $2.62 a share that yielded gross proceeds of $54 million. The Motley Fool analyst Lukas Barfield responded to the latest 22nd Century stock offering by saying the manufacturer has recognized "the enormous potential that cannabis bioscience offers." "It has undertook several funding rounds to raise money to secure its partners and improve company infrastructure to become, in its own words, the 'Monsanto of cannabis.' " However, Barfield warned that 22nd Century "is quickly using up its cash and may need to undergo more funding rounds in the near future, watering down current investors' holdings in the process." The offering also comes about six weeks after 22nd Century said in a May 31 regulatory filing Friday that it has sold more than $58 million in stock toward its May 13 purchase of privately held GVB Biopharma. 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. The manufacturer said May 13 it is paying for the deal by providing 32.9 million unregistered shares of its stock to GVB, along with assuming $4.5 million of GVB debt. That valued the deal at $55 million. The placement price will always be closer to the current market price, said Bowman Gray IV, a local independent stockbroker. The current price has been impacted by the number of new shares issued, not only for this offering, but additionally for their acquisition of GVB purchased with the issuance of 32.9 million shares. The lower price is reflective of the dilution to existing shareholders, Gray said. The issuance of the warrants for another 17 million shares at the same price further dilutes current ownership. Gray said that as long as the market can continue to absorb these share offerings, it is the smarter way to raise capital vs taking on debt. All that said, it would be wise for them to stay away from additional large issuances of equity for a while. Current holders will want to see some positive bottom-line impact. Very low nicotine update The manufacturer said it intends to use proceeds from the capital raise to accelerate and expand the launch of its VLN reduced nicotine content cigarettes in additional U.S. markets beyond the test market with Circle K convenience in the Chicago area. The manufacturer cited Colorado as a potential expansion market. The results of our Chicago VLN pilot with Circle K have been very positive, said John Miller, president of the manufacturers tobacco products unit. We are now testing specific incentive programs, including couponing, designed to encourage adult smokers to try VLN as a means to help them smoke less. In December, the Food and Drug Administration approved the designation of the VLN King and VLN Menthol King brands of 22nd Century Group Inc. as modified-risk options to traditional cigarettes. On June 21, the FDA formally rolled out its proposal to reduce nicotine content in traditional cigarettes to minimal and potentially non-addictive levels by as early as May 2023. 22nd Centurys traditional cigarettes contain 95% less nicotine than conventional cigarettes However, the proposal is expected to draw legal challenges from tobacco manufacturers that could take several years to address, similar to projections about the FDAs recent strategy to prohibit or severely limit menthol flavoring in traditional cigarettes. Barclays analyst Jain Gaurav has said that any rulemaking process could take two years. Potential litigation from the industry could lead to another two years of delay, and implementation at retail may add another year. If very-low-nicotine traditional cigarettes prove attractive to tobacco consumers, the end result could be 22nd Century having a sharp increase in revenue and a potential buyout by a global tobacco manufacturer. State legislators have eased the workforce requirement from 5,000 employees to 4,500 that Toyota Motor North America Inc. must meet to qualify for the full amount of state economic incentives for its Triad electric-vehicle battery plant. House Bill 911 primarily included regulatory relief legislation and received significant bipartisan support. Although Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper objected to other sections of the bill, he ultimately allowed it to become law on July 11 without his signature. HB911 served to amend the Toyota-focused section in House Bill 103, the Republican-sponsored 2022-23 state budget bill. Toyota is not listed by name in either bill. The main change was the 500 reduction in the long-term job commitment, which was contingent on HB103 becoming law. Lawmakers tend to employ that legislation-amending tactic in a separate bill to keep intact the original language so as to avoid potential no votes on the primary bill. The bipartisan sponsors of the sports-wagering bill attempted a similar tactic with primary bill Senate 688 and amended Senate Bill 38. The changes In December, the Toyota business unit selected the Greensboro-Randolph Megasite for a planned $1.29 billion production plant expected to have 1,750 employees when production begins in 2025. Toyota Battery Manufacturing N.C. will build lithium batteries for hybrid and electric vehicles. The manufacturer has been made eligible for up to $271.4 million in state incentives, while the Randolph County government is providing $167.3 million in local incentives. At that time, Toyota and state economic officials suggested a second phase could produce an additional 5,000 jobs by Dec. 31, 2034. HB103 states what the legislature is willing to offer in the Toyota production second phase: $225 million in incentives in exchange for a capital-investment commitment of $4.7 billion and a job-creation pledge of at least 5,000 jobs. The lowering of the job-creation pledge to 4,500 is included in HB911, and was contingent on HB103 becoming law. At $4.7 billion, the second phase also could become the largest economic development project in state history. John H. Boyd, founder and principal with global site-selection firm The Boyd Co. of Boca Raton, Fla., said the inclusion of the second phase incentive package in both HB103 and HB911 is a clear signal that the initial phase is on track. This is money well-spent, Boyd said. North Carolina cannot go on autopilot and take economic development success for granted. Other states are increasing their marketing budgets, including expanded initiatives to attract new foreign direct investments from Europe and Asia. Chipmaker to Carolina Core? A similar incentive tweaking of HB103 was made in HB911 involving a potential economic-development for the Chatham Advanced Manufacturing megasite the last of the four megasites available in the Triad and Carolina Core regions. Although the bill does not identify the potential employers, multiple media outlets have reported on a potential chipmaker being the primary tenant at the megasite near Sanford. The media reports were based in large part on HB103 stating that the qualifying business would "manufacture computer chips." The change made in H911 removes the manufacture computer chips language and replacing it with "the business." In both bills, the business would be required to make a capital investment of at least $4.8 billion and create at least 1,800 jobs. At $4.8 billion, it also could be the single largest economic-development project in state history. Both bills offer the business $112.5 million in performance-based incentives: $57.5 million would reimburse the chipmaker for sitework and wetlands mitigation expenses; $55 million would go to Asheboro for water and sewer improvement to support the expansion. Boyd said to keep in mind Intel received $2 billion in Ohio incentives for their new plant in Columbus. Samsung just got a billion dollars from Texas for their chip plant in Taylor, Texas, just outside Austin. Patrick McHugh, research manager with left-leaning N.C. Budget and Tax Center, said that with a nearly $900 million economic-recruitment commitment, we always need to judge major incentives against what alternative uses those funds could have been put to, both within economic development and for other public priorities. This move extends a long-standing commitment to recruiting big corporations as the central pillar of how we do economic development in North Carolina. Like most states, weve been in the incentive game for decades and the new reserve potentially takes it to a new level. A Virginia group has paid a combined $13.05 million for two industrial properties in Greensboro, according to a Guilford County Register of Deeds filing Thursday. The properties at 7025 Cessna Drive (6.69 acres) and 4833 W. Gate City Blvd. (7.06 acres) have Bright Plastics Inc. as its occupant. The buyers are BNL NC 7205 Cessna Drive LLC and BNL NC 4833 West Gate City Boulevard LLC, both of Arlington, Va. The seller is BSC Investments LLC and BSC Investments II LLC, both of Greensboro. The property sales come after Bright announced it had been sold to Thunderbird LLC of Oak Brook, Ill., for an undisclosed price. Bright has 160 employees in Greensboro. The addition of Bright Plastics to the Thunderbird portfolio of manufacturing companies expands its injection-molding support for a range of industries, including medical, defense, aerospace, transportation, recreation, waste management, and telecom. Bright Plastics has a 67,000-square-foot corporate manufacturing center and a 103,000-square-foot manufacturing and logistics hub. UAE-based Azizi Developments has awarded a contract to Transgulf Cement Products for the installation of pavers and interlocks for landscaping and exterior areas across its mega waterproject Riviera in MBR City, Dubai featuring a total of 16,000 residences. Transgulf Cement Products is one of the leading suppliers of concrete products in the GCC, with over a decade of experience. The products it offers aim to strengthen, enhance, and toughen the landscape they are applied to, said the developer in its statement. On the deal, CEO Farhad Azizi said: "It is with great pleasure that we announce our partnership with Transgulf Cement Products to provide our pride and joy, Riviera in MBR City, with premium pavers and interlocks." Transgulf Cement, he stated, takes great pride in its in-house research and development department; its experts commit to developing innovative engineering and manufacturing processes to ensure its products are the best in the industry. "We are committed to only working with the best vendors and contractors that will enable us to meet and exceed the expectations of our esteemed investors and end-customers," he added.-TradeArabia News Service Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist has received a two-year, $380,000 grant that will assist in developing an oncology program specifically for adolescents and young adults undergoing cancer treatment at its Comprehensive Cancer Center and Brenner Childrens Hospital. The grant is being funded by Teen Cancer America and First Citizens Bank. The funding will help support the expenses of a medical program manager, patient navigator and medical director. The goals include: improving patient navigation; survivorship care planning; education on fertility preservation and clinical trials; and expanding programs that support the psychosocial, financial and educational needs of patients and their caregivers. Teen Cancer America, founded by Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend of the rock band The Who, assists hospitals and health care professionals with bridging the gap between pediatric and adult oncology care. The principal goal of Teen Cancer America is to partner with medical centers throughout the U.S. to develop adolescent and young adult cancer programs, said Simon Davies, executive director of Teen Cancer America. This ensures that young patients can receive specialized, age-appropriate treatments and the support that they and their families need for this unique time in their lives. For the Baptist facilities, the grant will help expand our specialized oncology services and create activities that align with our patient-centered model of care and meet the unique needs of teens and young adults with cancer, said Dr. Dianna Howard, medical director of the new program and professor of hematology and oncology at Baptist. First Citizens has been involved in the Teen Cancer America initiative since 2015. It has evolved into the banks largest corporate philanthropic initiative, which has been implemented throughout its banking franchise. Its a great privilege to further enhance adolescents and young adults cancer care in our home state by supporting a significant program like this one, said Jeff Ward, chief strategy officer at First Citizens. The Arts Based School, a public charter school, is opening a second campus in the old Diggs Elementary School on Mock Street. Now in its 20th year, the charter school announced its expansion on Tuesday. It will lease about 14,000 square feet from Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools, which still owns the former Diggs Elementary. Built in 1953 in the Happy Hill neighborhood, the school building closed in 2010 with students and faculty moving to what is now Diggs-Latham Elementary School on Hutton Street. When Diggs closed, the school district moved some of its exceptional children services into the building, which is now called the Special Services Center. The Arts Based School is leasing a small portion of the building for grades K-1, but it hopes to eventually have enough space for grades K-8. The local school board approved leasing the space to the charter school in June at a cost of nearly $11,300 a month with the option to renew after a year. The charter school is responsible for utilities and maintenance. The second campus will allow the Arts Based School to serve more students, Principal Robin Hollis said. It will open in August. The school, which is at 1380 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, has about 520 students in grades K-8. Enrollment has been consistent over the last several years, Hollis said. Its what we can fit, she said. The waiting list to get in is between 300 to 400 students, Hollis said. Students are admitted into the school through a lottery that is weighted to give preference to students who qualify for Free and Reduced Lunch, guidelines that are set by the federal government. The charter school recently received a $500,000 grant from the state to use for operations at the Mock Street campus. Hollis said the second campus fits the schools desire to meet demand and serve more at-risk students. We started looking at find a second location even before the pandemic, she said. We had been putting feelers out. The school district will still have use of a large portion of the school but it will likely need to give up some of that space as The Arts Based School grows. School officials have discussed moving some programs and offices into the old Hanes-Lowrance middle schools, which has been mostly empty since 2015. Hollis said the charter school is excited about building partnerships with Winston-Salem State University and UNC School of the Arts, which are nearby. This meets our mission. Were still downtown so families from all over can come. Were putting ourselves in an area of town where students from other neighborhoods can join. That proximity is really important, Hollis said. Jane Aiken, the dean of the Wake Forest University School of Law, will step away from her position July 31, the university said Thursday. Aiken will take a research leave to work on issues regarding reproductive rights as a consulting counsel with National Advocates for Pregnant Women, a nonprofit organization in New York City, WFU said. The U.S. Supreme Courts June 23 ruling eliminated constitutional protections for abortions. The courts ruling means that legislators in North Carolina and other states will be in a position to shape the future of abortion access. Abortions are still legal in North Carolina. Following her research leave, Aiken plans to return to the Wake Forest faculty as a university professor, the university said. Dean Aiken led the Wake Forest School of Law during a tumultuous time for legal education, WFU President Susan Wente and Provost Michele Gillespie said in a statement. With her expert guidance, the school of law successfully adapted to continuing changes in the industry and changes to the law school experience forced by the pandemic, Wente and Gillespie said. We are immensely grateful for Dean Aikens service to Wake Forest and our broader community. During Aikens tenure, the law school enhanced its enrollment, job placement, bar passage among its students, rankings and philanthropic support, Wake Forest said. During her research leave, Aiken will finish her book, Motherhood and the Law: Enforcing Selflessness, the university said. Nell Jessup Newton, a professor of law at the University of Notre Dame Law School, has been named interim dean of the WFU law school and will begin Aug. 1, WFU said. Newton is a lawyer, legal scholar and educator with more than 20 years of leadership experience in legal education, Wake Forest said. Newton served as dean at the Notre Dame Law School from 2009 to 2019, building the schools curricular strengths in business, international law and intellectual property, WFU said. Professor Newton is well equipped to lead during this important time of assessment and transition for the law school, Gillespie said. Newton has held many national positions in the legal education community, including the American Bar Association, the Association of American Law Schools, and the Law School Admission Council. Newton is a prominent scholar of Native American law and the editor in chief of Cohens Handbook of Federal Indian Law, the only treatise on the subject, WFU said. During the 2021-2022 academic year, Newton served as interim dean at University of Miami School of Law, Wake Forest said. While in that role, she strengthened the law schools admissions and career development services. (The) Wake Forest School of Law is a remarkable place devoted to the best in legal education, Newton said. I am honored to lead the school during this transitional year and look forward to working closely with the excellent staff, faculty and students. Unvaccinated North Carolinians will soon have a fourth COVID-19 vaccine option now that the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has authorized the use of the Novavax version for adults. However, it remains to be seen how attractive the Novavax vaccine will be for the 33% of North Carolinians who have not gotten at least one dose of any COVID-19 vaccine. The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services said Thursday the Novavax vaccine will be made available in the coming weeks to county health departments, pharmacies, providers and hospitals. With the BA.5 variant spreading rapidly, now is the best time to get a vaccine if you havent already, state Health Secretary Kody Kinsley said in a statement. According to The Associated Press, the Novavax vaccine provides a more familiar type of protein-based vaccine technology that has been used for more than 30 years in shots that help prevent diseases, such as shingles, hepatitis B and the flu. People who have been uncomfortable with the idea of mRNA technologies, or individuals who have had allergic reactions to mRNA vaccines and would like to be vaccinated, would benefit from vaccines like Novavax that use more traditional technologies, said Dr. David Priest, an infectious diseases expert with Novant Health Inc.. As a reminder, billions of doses of mRNA vaccines have been given, and they have proven to be incredibly safe. The Novavax vaccine is given in a two-dose primary series, with a second dose administered three to eight weeks after the first. It already is in use in Australia, Canada, several European and South Korea. Like the Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines, Novavax will be offered for free. Typical vaccine reactions were mild, including arm pain and fatigue. Federal health regulators have warned about the possibility of a rare risk of heart inflammation that also has been seen with the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, mostly in teen boys or young men. The latest DHHS dashboard says 67% of North Carolinians have received at least one COVID-19 dose, including 77% of adults. About 73% of adults have completed their initial dose series of Pfizer, Moderna or Johnson & Johnson. About 62% of N.C. adults have gotten at least one booster shot. In Forsyth, 77% of adults (228,712) have received at least one vaccine dose, 73% (215,528) have completed an initial dose series, and 45% (132,021) have gotten at least one booster shot. Dr. Christopher Ohl, an infectious diseases expert with Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, said Thursday that as far as effectiveness and side effects, the Novavax vaccine is not much different than Pfizer and Moderna. It is possible that some people who have been hesitant to get vaccinated against COVID-19 because of the use of new technology may be more receptive to the Novavax vaccine. Forsyth COVID status Forsyth is in the high community level for COVID-19, according to Thursdays CDC update. The CDC recommends that people who live in counties in the high category wear masks in indoor public spaces, as well as on public transportation regardless of vaccination status. Also in the high-level category in the Triad and Northwest N.C. are Alamance, Davie, Stokes, Surry and Yadkin counties. New COVID-19 cases in Forsyth declined slightly again last week, but remained in an elevated range for the eighth consecutive week, according to Wednesdays DHHS update. Forsyth was reported with 875 cases for the week that ended July 16, down 4.5% from a revised 916 in the previous report. Of the 875 new reported cases, DHHS said 114, or 13% represented people who have been re-infected with COVID-19. The weekly case range for Forsyth has been between 798 (week ending June 18) and 1,116 (week ending May 28) over the past eight reports. By comparison, in April the number of weekly cases in Forsyth had fallen below 200. Forsyth has had 103,725 cases for the pandemic since the onset in mid-March 2020. There were no additional COVID-19 related deaths in the county after eight were listed in the previous report. The overall pandemic total for deaths is 850. Forsyth health director Joshua Swift, Ohl and Priest have stressed that the DHHS weekly case totals include only laboratory-confirmed cases, and dont include most people who determine they are positive with an at-home test. People are not required to report their positive tests to county health departments. However, Swift said the department has seen an increase of people who test positive from an at-home kit who choose to verify the result through a test administered by the department. Article In Brief Using electronic medical records of a large cohort, researchers tracked and found an uptick in neurodevelopmental outcomes in the offspring of mothers who had been exposed to COVID-19 during pregnancy. But the study authors and independent experts said it may be premature to determine if the outcomes are transitory or permanent. Infants of individuals who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 during pregnancy may be at an elevated risk for neurodevelopmental disorders in the first 12 months following birth, suggests a retrospective cohort study published online on June 9 in JAMA Network Open. Maternal SARS-CoV-2 positivity during pregnancy was associated with a higher incidence of neurodevelopmental diagnoses in unadjusted models (p=.006). The elevated rate of diagnoses persisted even after adjustment for race, ethnicity, insurance status, offspring sex, maternal age, and preterm status (p=.04). Infection during the third semester was associated with greater effects (p=.01). Prospective studies with longer follow-up duration will be required to exclude confounding and confirm these associations, the study's authors noted. Roy H. Perlis, MD, MSc, the corresponding author and associate chief of research in the department of psychiatry at Massachusetts General Hospital, told Neurology Today that the findings are preliminary, because we only included around 7,700 children so far, and it's too soon to know whether the effects we observed will persist or resolve over time. ...An emerging body of evidence suggests that COVID-19 may be associated with preterm delivery and potentially other birth complications, the study authors wrote, with a recent report indicating greater severity of infection was associated with greater preterm risk. Thus, converging lines of evidence indicate the potential for COVID-19 to exert persistent brain effects in children and adults, but less is known about the impact of maternal COVID-19 on the developing fetal brain. Dr. Perlis, who is also director of the Center for Quantitative Health at Massachusetts General Hospital and a professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, told Neurology Today: We knew we might not see effects for many years, but created this cohort using electronic health records so we can continue to follow the children over time. Expectant mothers were tested for COVID-19 upon admission to the hospital at the time of delivery, but prior to that, only if they were symptomatic. Dr. Perlis acknowledged that this approach may have led the researchers to miss some women who were infected. However, this omission likely would have caused them to underestimate rather than overestimate effects. Dr. Perlis noted that this initial paper did not include any women who had been vaccinated because it only encompasses deliveries before the fall of 2020. We'll address this in future work, he said. But what is very clear from prior studies is that the most important thing someone can do to protect themselves, and their child, from COVID-19 is to get vaccinated. Study Details To examine the possibility that neurodevelopmental changes in newborns may correlate with maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection, the investigators reviewed electronic health records to arrive at preliminary estimates of risk. They compared the offspring of those with SARS-CoV-2 infection with those who did not have the infection, while accounting for other potential confounders. The study included live offspring of all individuals who delivered between March and September 2020 at any of six Massachusetts hospitals across two health systems. A polymerase chain reaction test confirmed maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection. Neurodevelopmental disorders were referenced according to the ICD-10 diagnostic codes over the first 12 months of life. The investigators also documented via the electronic health records data on sociodemographic and clinical features of mothers and offspring. Their cohort included 7,772 live births (7,466 pregnancies, 96 percent singleton, 222 births to SARS-CoV-2 positive mothers), who were on average 32.9 years old. The offspring were 9.9 percent Asian (772), 8.4 percent Black (656), and 69 percent White (5363); 15.1 percent (1,134) were of Hispanic ethnicity. Among exposed people, preterm delivery was significantly more likely: 14.4 percent (32) compared with 8.7 percent (654) (p=.003) of the unexposed group. Expert Commentary An editorial accompanying the study noted that these preliminary data are critically important, yet many questions remain. Essentially all of what we know now about the effects of in utero exposure to maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection is from children who were exposed to the early and Alpha variants of SARS-CoV-2 as those are the only children now old enough to undergo rigorous neurodevelopmental assessments. Knowledge about the effects of other variants is lacking. The author of the editorial Torri D. Metz, MD, MS, associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Utah School of Medicine in Salt Lake City, cited other research indicating that the Delta variant substantially damaged the placenta and was associated with a much higher risk of stillbirth compared with other variants. This placental damage in conjunction with inflammation and cytokine release has the potential for substantial ramifications for the offspring. Thus, outcomes may be different by variant of maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection. We knew we might not see effects for many years but created this cohort using electronic health records so we can continue to follow the children over time.DR. ROY H. PERLIS Both the study and the editorial raised interesting points, said Temitayo Oyegbile-Chidi, MD, PhD, FAAN, an associate professor of neurology who specializes in pediatric neurology, epilepsy, and sleep medicine at the UC Davis School of Medicine in Sacramento, CA. We're finding some correlational findings suggesting that there may be long-term sequelae associated with fetuses or babies born to mothers who are COVID-positive, said Dr. Oyegbile-Chidi, who is also vice-chair of diversity, equity, inclusion, and wellness. However, as the editorial highlights, the study doesn't show any clear causality. It just shows trends. That means it has notable limitations. Other stressors have intensified during the pandemic, she said, citing an increase in divorces and children experiencing more issues with anxiety, depression, and suicidality. Parents also may be juggling unemployment or working from home while caring for more than one child, while the youth can be less focused on education after more than 18 months of Zoom schooling. These factors could play a major role in neurodevelopmental outcomes. Furthermore, another major confounding factor is that the COVID-positive group had a much higher percentage of African Americans, whom we all know have had poorer outcomes during the pandemic, Dr. Oyegbile-Chidi said. However, we're still early from the start of the pandemic, she said. We don't really know what the long-term consequences are, and so these data are exciting, because it still gives us a peek into potential long-term COVID sequelae that we are yet to fully understand. Ultimately, more investigation and long-term studies are needed. Accumulating further evidence by doing more research would help us truly understand what this meanswhere the causality lies, Dr. Oyegbile-Chidi said. Another major limitation of the study was the absence of universal testing for pregnant individuals. Instead, the investigators reported on available positive tests, which was likely to tremendously underestimate the true positivity rate due to insufficient testing, said Dani Dumitriu, MD, PhD, assistant professor of pediatrics at Columbia Irving Medical Center and assistant attending physician in the Well-Baby Nursery at New York-Presbyterian/Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital. Based on the high positivity rate in the Boston area around the time of the study, she noted that the researchers likely only captured about 20 percent of mothers with COVID-19 during that period. The third trimester drives the association in their sample, she said. The researchers did not capture the mothers who were in the early stages of their pregnancy, when neurodevelopment impairments have a higher likelihood of beginning to form and tend to be of greater magnitude, so it is counterintuitive based on decades of literature. In addition, Dr. Dumitriu, who trained as a neuroscientist, pointed out that the study may be biased toward patients who followed up with the same health care system. Women in low socioeconomic demographics are generally more likely to stay within same hospital system, and based on the investigators' data, those were also more likely to become infected with COVID-19. What this data might be indicative of is that moms diagnosed with COVID-19 during labor and delivery had more concerns and questions, which they brought up to pediatrician, who then entered a diagnosis in order to continue to monitor, she said. But there isn't enough detail in their methods, analysis, and cohort to tease this apart. Data available through Columbia University's COVID-19 Mother Baby Outcomes (COMBO) Initiative, a research consortium focused on the effect of SARS-COV-2 infection on the developing fetus and the future health of the offspring and mothers, suggests that stress during pregnancy is what drives neurodevelopmental outcomes, not COVID-19, Dr. Dumitriu said. This study, in addition to being potentially misleading in terms of results and conclusions, is also concerning from a public health perspective, as it may cause undue stress onto pregnant women, which then can lead to negative neurodevelopmental outcomes. Dr. Perlis noted that the Massachusetts General Hospital study, which used electronic health records, examined a cohort 30 times larger and followed subjects for twice as long as the Columbia University COMBO study. However, he added that differences in the studies' design make it difficult to directly compare the two. Karen Evankovich, PhD, a pediatric neuropsychologist at Texas Children's Hospital in Houston, said the current study also underscores the need to examine the impact of pandemic-related parental stress on neurodevelopmental outcomes in children who were exposed to SARS-CoV-2 in utero. The authors astutely observed that mothers who were symptomatic with SARS-CoV-2 during their pregnancies may have had a heightened level of concern about their infants and sought evaluations, Dr. Evankovich said. Similarly, given that we do not yet understand the neurodevelopmental impact of maternal SARS-CoV-2 on these children, concerned providers may have been more inclined to diagnose delays or to refer for evaluations out of an abundance of caution. For example, she said, neurodevelopmental outcomes were determined by a variety of ICD-10 diagnoses for developmental disorders documented in electronic health records. Many of these conditions would be difficult to diagnose in children 12 months of age and younger, considering the typical time frames in which language developmental milestones are attained and the variability observed in developmental trajectories. In addition, potential changes in parenting styles as a consequence of pandemic-related stress and their relationship to developmental outcomes remain unknown, Dr. Evankovich said. Future studies should include prospective, standardized, longitudinal neurodevelopmental assessments, she said. Continued efforts to identifying those factors that place children at risk for adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes is critical in order to guide appropriate interventions. Disclosures Wilber once had a thriving brewery that brewed Czech beer for a couple of decades before it burned down after a lightning strike in 1918. Now, more than a century later, the town known as the Czech capital of the U.S. is on the cusp of bringing back that brewing tradition. A group of Wilber natives and current residents has been working for several years on opening another brewery and they are now at a critical juncture. Thursday night, the group will hold an informational meeting for potential investors in the Wilber Czech Brewery Company. Those who attend the meeting at the American Legion park building will hear about the effort and can invest on the spot if they want, at $500 a share. Wilber Czech Brewery Company Board President Kim Kovar-Anderson said members originally considered selling shares for $1,000 apiece but eventually settled on $500 because it's more affordable to the average person. "That's our goal, is to make this available to everybody to be a part of," said Kovar-Anderson, who grew up in Wilber and now lives in Elkhorn. The shares the brewery is selling are being offered under an exemption that makes them available only to Nebraska residents, although Kovar-Anderson said the company might consider opening up shares to people living outside the state in the future depending on how the Nebraska effort goes. Those who buy shares will join the board members, who have all invested enough in the project so far to pay for a lot in downtown Wilber where the brewery would be built. Kovar-Anderson said that the goal is to potentially start construction on the brewery next year. That's going to be largely dependent on fundraising, which is looking to be a tall task. The company is offering up to 5,200 shares, or $2.6 million worth. The minimum amount it needs to move forward, according to its prospectus, is $600,000. Kovar-Anderson said there has been a "tremendous response" to the Facebook event set up for the meeting, with 176 people expressing interest as of Tuesday night. "One hundred seventy-six for Wilber that's pretty good-sized," she said. Though Kovar-Anderson described the brewery plans as "just kind of starting out," the company already has worked with Alpha Brewing in Lincoln to identify brewing equipment and has been working with consultants from the Czech Republic who specialize in setting up authentic Czech breweries. Kovar-Anderson said the brewery's signature beer will be a traditional Czech pilsner, and it may take the name of the beer brewed at the previous brewery, Silitel, which she owns the rights to. Whatever brewer is eventually hired will spend several weeks in the Czech Republic learning how to brew in the Czech style, so he or she can produce an authentic Czech Pilsner, something that's a rarity at U.S. breweries. She said the brewery also plans to do seasonal beers, at least one of which would be timed to coincide with the Wilber Czech Festival held each August in the town that's about 40 miles southwest of Lincoln. One of the main backers of the brewery effort is Czech Festival founder Joe Vosoba, a longtime Wilber attorney and former state senator. Vosoba, who now lives in Lincoln, told the Fairbury Journal-News last month that the project is important to both the Czech Republic and Southeast Nebraska because of shared heritage. That heritage includes 50,000 Czechs who immigrated to Nebraska between 1857 and World War I, ranking the state first in the U.S. for per-capita Czech immigration numbers. "He's an amazing man," Kovar-Anderson said of Vosoba. "He's the reason we're all here." While Vosoba deserves a lot of credit for the effort, as do the other board members, "We just want to emphasize that this is a community project," Anderson said. A Chicago man has been arrested for allegedly being part of a group passing fake $50 bills at a north Lincoln Walmart earlier this year. Gerald Gipson, 33, made his first appearance Tuesday on a first-degree forgery charge. In court records, Lincoln police said the Lexington Police Department contacted Lincoln Police after getting a tip identifying Gipson as one of the people responsible for a series of related crimes. Lincoln Police Investigator Michael Wambold said Gipson was identified as the same person who passed six counterfeit $50 bills at the Walmart at 4700 N. 27th St. on Feb. 1, leaving with the merchandise and $48 real cash as his change. KEARNEY It was a long-awaited, joyful homecoming Tuesday night as 56 members of the 734 Unit of the Nebraska Army National Guard returned after nearly 10 months in the Middle East. For Acting First Sergeant Phillip Runyan, the homecoming brought him his first hugs from his son Bridger, who was born nine months ago. For Specialist Ciara Hernandez of Mitchell, it was an opportunity to turn on her cell phone and wave to her grandmother, who wasnt at the reception because shes recovering from COVID. For all of the citizen soldiers deployed in September 2021, the final few hundred miles home were the longest because one of the two chartered buses carrying them was having mechanical problems. Members of the unit which specializes in transportation and logistics transferred all of its luggage to the ailing bus and crammed as many bodies as possible into the second bus. The mechanical issues resulted in an hourlong delay, but that made the homecoming sweeter, especially for the Runyan children and their mom, Rachel. All were decked out in T-shirts with their family name on the back. Other families carried large signs that said We love you dad and Welcome Home. With sirens blaring, motorcyclists, law enforcement and the Kearney Volunteer Fire Department escorted the National Guard buses from Interstate 80 to the armory near Kearney Regional Airport. The Guards public affairs officer, Major Scott Ingalsbe, said the unit spent the past couple of weeks at Fort Hood in Killeen, Texas, wading through paperwork to officially complete their deployment. The unit served in Qatar and Kuwait and assisted in Qatar with Operation Allies Refuge. The operation assisted Afghans and U.S. citizens who escaped after the fall of Afghanistan. Corn and soybean futures climbed to their highest in almost a week as hot, dry weather plagues key growing regions in the Northern Hemisphere. Stretches of the Midwest were blanketed in heat advisories or warnings all week, with the latest government outlook pointing to warmer-than-usual temperatures through the end of the month. Similar conditions are gripping swaths of Europe. The heat waves threaten crop production, particularly for corn fields that are entering their vital pollination period. French corn conditions have worsened, and the US Department of Agriculture released crop conditions Monday after the close showing soybeans ratings slipping to 61% with corn unchanged at 64%. Spring wheat conditions improved compared to last week. Heat will hold over the Plains and Midwest for the next two-plus weeks said Arlan Suderman, chief commodities economist at StoneX in a note. The central belt (Iowa and surroundings) are into pollination with an unfavorable pattern and no real change on the horizon. Corn closed 1.2% higher at $6.1075 a bushel, while soybeans climbed 2.8% to $13.8025 a bushel. Paris corn futures reached the highest in almost a month. Wheat in Chicago snapped a five-day decline with a 4.6% gain, as investors assessed a broader rise in commodities and major importer Egypt looked to book wheat this week from suppliers outside Europe. The North African nation is seeking offers in a tender on Tuesday from the US, Canada, Australia, Argentina and Brazil, its state-run buyer said during the weekend. That marks a break from the norm, as Egypt typically sources wheat from the Black Sea region and European Union. Grain traders are also watching for the latest efforts to restart exports from Ukrainian ports that have been blocked by Russias invasion. The European Unions foreign policy chief said he was hopeful Russia and Ukraine could clinch a deal this week and alleviate a growing global food crisis. Laura Ann Walker, the attorney for the teen against whom charges were dropped, told the Journal Times it appeared a witness had been untruthful in identifying her client as being involved in the crime. The prosecutor then "did what she is supposed to do as a prosecutor and that is to speak the truth, Walker said. So kudos to her. However, Walker did express concern about the rush to charge her client. I wish they would spend more time investigating prior to issuing the criminal complaint." Bahri, a global leader in logistics and transportation, has said its SR3.9 billion ($1.04 billion) Saudi riyal-denominated seven-year senior unsecured sukuk has been oversubscribed by 1.95 times. The proceeds from the issuance will be used to refinance the companys existing SR3.9 billion Sukuk maturing in July 2022. The seven-year senior unsecured Sukuk was issued by way of a Private Placement offer at a competitive floating profit rate of 120 basis points above the six-month Saudi Arabian Interbank Offered Rate (Saibor) and open to Saudi institutional and qualified investors. Key milestone Eng Ahmed Ali Alsubaey, CEO of Bahri, said: This strategic transaction represents a key milestone for Bahri and highlights the confidence investors have placed in the company, which is greatly valued by our Board of Directors and management team at large. It is a proud moment for Bahri as it also complements one of the objectives of the Financial Sector Development Programme under Saudi Vision 2030 to develop and deepen the capital markets in Saudi Arabia. It also demonstrates our trust in the local debt markets by raising a significant amount of funds from various local investors. The issuance of Bahris new Sukuk has achieved the objectives of the companys size, diversification, and cost of funding. Significant investor diversification was accomplished with sizable participation from key government Funds, asset managers, pension funds, and Islamic and conventional banks, with a final order book closing at a value almost doubling the expected one. Excellent outcome Eng Fayez Al-Asmari, CFO of Bahri, added: Despite the adverse market environment, Bahris Sukuk achieved almost two times oversubscription and was able to diversify away from bank investors, and as a result, strengthened the quality of the order book by allocating a significant amount of the funds raised to asset managers, pension funds and corporate investors. This excellent outcome not only exceeds expectations, but also sends a positive note to investors and creditors that Bahris credit history is valued and endorsed by the investor community." For the sukuk issuance, HSBC Saudi Arabia, SNB Capital and Al Rajhi Capital played a major role in ensuring timely execution of the transaction. MOUNT PLEASANT An IHOP employee has been accused of stealing over $500 from the restaurant as well as trying to steal alcohol from Piggly Wiggly. Steven M. Gramza, 28, of the 2100 block of Clarence Avenue, was charged with six felony counts of bail jumping, six misdemeanor counts of bail jumping and misdemeanor counts of theft in a business setting, retail theft intentionally taking less than or equal to $500 and disorderly conduct. According to criminal complaints: First incident At 1:35 p.m. on May 30, an officer was sent to IHOP at 5800 Durand Ave. for a theft by an employee on May 28. Upon arrival, the officer spoke with an assistant manager who said Gramza stole $522.15 from the restaurant. He sold $522.15 worth of food during his shift and his end total payed to him was $610.65. He was supposed to give the $522.15 to IHOP and take the remaining $88.50 for his shift, but instead took all of the money. The assistant manager spoke to Gramza and he said he spent the money and could not pay it back. Second incident At 9 a.m. on Monday, an officer was sent to Piggly Wiggly at 5600 Spring St. for a man engaging in a fight in the south entrance of the store. Upon arrival, the officer spoke with a staff member who said he saw a man, later identified as Gramza, enter the store, grab a cart, put a bag in the cart and put multiple bottles of liquor in the bag. He then grabbed a package of hand wipes and put them in the bag. The staff member tried to stop Gramza at the south doorway and took the bag away from him. Gramza tried to grab the bag back before trying to bull rush the employees to get by them. He eventually gave up and went into the store office. The total of the liquor and hand wipes he tried to steal was $218.84. Gramza told the officer he grabbed the liquor and then realized he forgot his wallet. He claimed he was going to get it when the employees grabbed him. Gramza was given $1,000 in cash bonds in Racine County Circuit Court on Tuesday. A preliminary hearing is on July 27 at the Racine County Law Enforcement Center, online court records show. The southbound interstate in Racine County was twice shut down temporarily Tuesday afternoon because of unrelated serious incidents. Gun allegedly shown in road rage There was a significant law enforcement response at around 1 p.m. near Highway KR after a 911 call came regarding a gun being brandished by a woman in what appears to be a road rage type incident, Racine County Sheriffs Office Lt. Michael Luell said. Luell said there appeared to be some kind of dispute between two drivers because one was believed to have cut off the other during a lane change, and one of the drivers allegedly brandished a handgun in response. The vehicle in which the person allegedly brandished a handgun was identified and a high-risk stop using tactical measures was executed. Wisconsin Department of Transportation footage shows a number of squad vehicles blocking all lanes of southbound traffic as the arrest is made. The driver of the vehicle was subsequently handcuffed and arrested, Luell said. Inside the car, two children a 12-year-old boy and 3-year-old girl were found, as were an unloaded 9mm Taurus G2c handgun in the glovebox and a 9mm magazine with four bullets inside in a backpack within arms reach of the driver, Luell said, leaving it unclear if the firearm was loaded at the time it was brandished. Upon reviewing the incident report, Luell said that the driver being arrested claimed the other driver cut her off and was driving recklessly and that she admitted to having held the gun possibly above the door frame to be within view of the other driver. The gun was legally possessed and the woman being arrested had a concealed carry permit, Luell said, and charges of aiming and pointing a firearm as well as disorderly conduct were referred. The woman, identified as Leyshla D. Rios Del Valle of Milwaukee, has since bonded out of custody by paying a $650 bail. In a statement, Sheriff Christopher Schmaling said Any irresponsible use of firearms during a road rage incident or any other time will not be tolerated in Racine County. The Sheriffs Office will aggressively respond to these types of calls to ensure safety and take the offender to jail. This case is especially concerning because two innocent children were involved. I commend the work of the deputies who professionally handled this dangerous situation and safely delivered the children to a responsible adult. As of Wednesday, no charges have been officially filed by the Racine County District Attorneys Office. Bus fire The second emergency call came less than an hour later near Braun Road when a fire began in a school bus out of Milwaukee that was full of children, apparently due to a mechanical issue in the engine. Two other buses that had been traveling with the bus that caught fire were able to block traffic and the children were able to exit the bus safely. The fire was extinguished on scene with the use of fire extinguishers by a responding deputy as well as a passerby who happened to be an Internal Revenue Service agent from Chicago who had a fire extinguisher in his unmarked squad vehicle, Luell said. The bus was eventually towed off the interstate. BURLINGTON Members of the Burlington Area School Board will not be charged with violating an open meeting law on Aug. 9, 2021. Racine County District Attorney Patricia Hanson wrote in an email that the investigation revealed no violation of the open meetings law. No charges will be filed. Attorney Tom Kamenick, president and founder of the Wisconsin Transparency Project, confirmed that Hansons office decided not to file charges. Kamenick filed the civil complaint with Hansons office on June 2 on behalf of Adrianne Melby whose husband, Aaron Melby, unsuccessfully ran for BASD Board in April. The Melbys children previously attended Burlington public schools. Kamenick said Adrianne Melby is reviewing her options regarding other legal action against the school board. The complaint alleged that the BASD board acted improperly in two ways during an Aug. 9, 2021, meeting that ended in chaos: By moving its meeting to an undisclosed location that it did not provide advance notice of. By having that portion of the meeting unavailable to be attended by the public. Peter Turke, BASD Board President, told The Journal Times last month that he believes the boards actions were lawful after a crowd of area residents largely opposed to mask mandates became unruly. After the board suspended the meeting that day and minutes later reformed behind closed doors elsewhere within Burlington High School, the crowd searched through the schools hallways for the board before being stopped by police officers who had responded to the scene. If charges had been filed, each of the seven school board members could have been fined up to $300. In the latest fight over voting procedures in Wisconsin, a powerful Republican-controlled committee on Wednesday struck down a recently created rule authorizing election clerks to correct or fill in missing information on absentee ballot envelopes before the ballots are accepted. The committees decision created new confusion for local clerks as they process absentee ballots three weeks out from the Aug. 9 primary. Republicans say the decision means clerks cannot lawfully fill in the missing information, but a Democratic member of the Wisconsin Elections Commission noted the guidance that clerks may fill it in remains in place. The move follows multiple efforts by the GOP Legislature this year to overhaul the elections system, all of which Democratic Gov. Tony Evers vetoed because he said they would make voting harder. Earlier this month, the Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled absentee ballot drop boxes were illegal. That action led to renewed calls from former President Donald Trump for the Legislature to overturn the states 2020 election results, something it cannot do. Republicans said the Wisconsin Elections Commissions emergency rule authorizing clerks to correct ballot envelopes, which took effect last week, conflicts with state law. But Democrats on the GOP-controlled committee that struck down the rule called the action a form of voter suppression. The committee voted 6-4 to suspend the rule, along party lines. Not satisfied with trying to undermine faith in elections via baseless claims of voter fraud, Wisconsin Republicans are now actively trying to throw out valid ballots, Rep. Gary Hebl, D-Sun Prairie, said in a statement. The commission originally issued nonbinding guidance allowing clerks to fill in or correct address deficiencies on absentee certificate envelopes in 2016. Voters must have a witness sign a certificate, typically printed on the back of an absentee ballot envelope, for the ballot to be valid. The witness has to include his or her address information on the certificate, but under the guidance, election officials were able to fill in missing or incorrect pieces such as the state or ZIP code. This January, the Legislatures Republican-controlled rules committee told the elections commission to withdraw that guidance or resubmit it as an administrative rule. The majority of the bipartisan Elections Commission then voted in favor of using the existing guidance as the basis for an emergency rule stipulating what errors clerks can fix on the certificates. But the Elections Commission does not have the authority to codify that guidance in a formal rule, according to a letter sent to the rules committee last week by Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester; Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu, R-Oostberg; and Rep. Tyler August, R-Lake Geneva. The rule, the Republicans said, conflicts with state law stating, If a certificate is missing the address of a witness, the ballot may not be counted. The law doesnt say what constitutes an address for the purpose of voting absentee, and its unclear from state law alone whether a ballot missing a ZIP code or state, for example, would be automatically disqualified. At the committee hearing Wednesday, co-chair Sen. Steve Nass, R-Whitewater, said under state law clerks must either send any ballot with errors back to the voter so the witness can correct it or set it aside and not count it. The commission rule the committee struck down on Wednesday required clerks to either fix absentee ballot certificate envelope mistakes themselves or attempt to contact the voter so the voter could correct the deficiencies or provide clerks with the information needed to make the certificate complete. Under the rule, the voter also had the option to request a new ballot. 2016 guidance The commission guidance issued in 2016, however, didnt set forth a requirement for the clerk. Instead, it said the clerk should attempt to resolve any missing witness address information prior to Election Day if possible, clarifying it could be done through personal knowledge, voter registration information or calling the voter or witness. WEC is trying to define ... what can be done with the clerk, Nass said. You cant do that; its in the statute. Nass and other Republicans said its the Legislatures job to set such policies, not the commissions. Arguing that the commissions rule instead was solving a problem, Hebl said the committees actions Wednesday was absolute absurdity. When the Joint Committee for Review of Administrative Rules suspends a rule, the rule is temporarily waived and cant be enforced by the agency, Wisconsin Legislative Council senior staff attorney Margit Kelley said. But because the suspension is temporary, the Legislature must approve and the governor must sign legislation supporting the suspension. If that effort fails, the rules committee can suspend the rule again. Ann Jacobs, a Democratic member of the Elections Commission, noted Wednesday the rule that was struck down went into effect last week, but added clerks CAN still fill in missing witness address info per WEC guidance issued in 2016. Pettiest approach The matter will likely have to be resolved in court. The Waukesha County Republican Party has asked a judge to declare that clerks and election officials cannot fix errors on absentee ballot certificates. To prohibit this (rule), as the Republican leaders of the Legislature have asked you to do, would be to disenfranchise a voter for the pettiest of reasons: because the voters witness has failed to completely fill out their address on the absentee ballot return envelope, Matthew Rothschild, executive director of the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign, said Wednesday. But Lucas Vebber, deputy counsel for the conservative group Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty, said the law is clear, and that the committees action affirms that state law provides clerks with two options when a ballot has missing information: return the ballot to the elector to correct, or dont count the ballot. The nonpartisan Legislative Audit Bureau last year reviewed 14,710 absentee ballot certificates in 29 municipalities and found that 1,022 certificates (6.9%) were missing parts of witness addresses, 15 (0.1%) did not have any witness address at all, eight (less than 0.1%) did not have a witness signature, and three (less than 0.1%) did not have a voter signature. At the time, clerks corrected 66 (about 0.4%) of those certificates. The state of Wisconsin is looking for a contractor to dispose of some 25,000 gallons of firefighting foam containing toxic forever chemicals. The Department of Natural Resources and Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection announced a request for bids Monday for collection and disposal of foam containing the synthetic compounds known as PFAS. The current two-year budget includes $1 million for a foam disposal program, one of the recommendations in a 2020 PFAS action plan. Similar disposal efforts are underway in Michigan and Indiana. Based on a 2020 survey of fire departments, the DNR estimated there were 63,200 to 96,300 gallons of PFAS-containing foam on hand, including more than 30,000 gallons of expired or unwanted foam. Mimi Johnson, policy director for the DNRs environmental management division, said some municipalities have since disposed of their unwanted foam. Some of the larger ones ... tend to have more space in their budget, Johnson said. Smaller, more rural volunteer-based departments might not have the capacity. Johnson said the initial funding should be enough to cover the unwanted foam already identified, but the state may need to allocate additional funds to cover future disposal as the Department of Defense and Federal Aviation Administration change their policies to allow the use of foams that contain newer fluorinated compounds. DNR regulations require foam to be disposed of in a federally licensed hazardous waste landfill. The closest one to Wisconsin is in Peoria, Illinois. In 2019, the Madison Fire Department became the first in Wisconsin to stop using foam with made with legacy PFAS. The department paid North Shore Environmental Construction $8,850 to collect and dispose of 610 gallons of concentrated foam in an Oregon landfill. A state law passed in 2020 prohibits the use of PFAS-containing foam except in emergencies or in testing facilities with appropriate containment and disposal measures, though Republican lawmakers later stripped key pieces of the DNRs rule implementing the law, including numeric limits on the amount of PFAS that can be discharged in wastewater. Used for decades in firefighting foam and consumer products, PFAS dont break down naturally and have been linked to cancer, liver disease and other health problems. The DNR is monitoring more than 40 PFAS contamination sites around the state, including Marinette, La Crosse and Madison, where firefighters sprayed foam for decades as part of training exercises. 1. Yes. The new high school has made it a must. Thousands of people are impacted.. 2. Yes. Even if it means revising some budgets, these entities must move on the project. 3. No. Its been known for years that the road was a problem.. Why the urgency now? 4. No. If prioritizing the road means more taxes, forget it. The project will just have to wait. 5. Unsure. Its hard to say until school has been in session for a few months. Vote View Results Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, the ultra-low-fare national airline of the UAE, said it will launch two new routes from Abu Dhabi to the idyllic island paradise of the Maldives, and the airlines fifth key destination in the Gulf, Kuwait. Tickets are on sale now on wizzair.com and on the airlines mobile app, with fares starting from just AED99 ($27) for Kuwait and AED319 for Maldives. From October, Wizz Air will offer flights four times a week on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday from Abu Dhabi to Male, the main international airport in the Maldives. Located in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives is an unrivalled holiday destination, boasting white sandy beaches, spectacular sunsets and colourful reefs brimming with wildlife. With year-round tropical weather, this picturesque paradise promises ultimate escapism from everyday life. For those yearning to discover what the islands have to offer, Wizz Airs new route unlocks affordable travel options for those within the UAE and for self-connecting passengers travelling from Central and Eastern Europe via the Wizz Air network. Flights to Kuwait, located in the North-Western corner of the Persian Gulf, will operate daily from Abu Dhabi, providing travellers with the opportunity to experience authentic Arab traditions and learn about its unique history over the years. The new routes will see Wizz Air Abu Dhabi fly to a total of 34 destinations within a five-hour flight time radius of Abu Dhabi, since the airline launched in January 2021. The arrival of a fifth aircraft later this year means flights to Kuwait and the Maldives will be operated on a brand-new Airbus A321neo aircraft, which offers the lowest environmental footprint. Owain Jones, Development Officer at Wizz Air said: We are excited to announce two new Wizz Air Abu Dhabi routes, which reaffirm our commitment to supporting the UAEs travel and tourism industry by connecting its capital with many popular holiday destinations regionally and globally. With the arrival of our fifth Airbus aircraft in October, we are delighted to enhance connectivity with our neighbour countries across the GCC with flights to Kuwait, as well as providing our customers with affordable flights to the Maldives. TradeArabia News Service KEARNEY Kearney High School earned the Gold Seal Chapter Award and Taylor Wickham of KHS earned sixth place in economics in the National FBLA Conference this month. The Gold Seal Award recognizes outstanding local chapters for active participation in projects and programs identified with the goals of FBLA. Wickham was one of 98 Top Ten awards brought home by Nebraska members. More than 400 students, advisers and guests from the state of Nebraska attended the Future Business Leaders of America National Leadership Conference in June in Chicago. Nebraska FBLA middle school and high school members competed in 79 competitive events. More than 12,000 FBLA members from 48 states attended the conference. Students attended educational sessions with industry leaders and elected a national student officer team. More than 700 middle school students, 8,200 high school students and nearly 600 college students competed in a variety of national events. The National Leadership Conference is the culmination of students hard work over the previous academic year and an opportunity to showcase the skills and knowledge gained in the classroom. Nebraska FBLA inspires and prepares students to become community-minded business leaders in a global society through relevant career preparation and leadership experiences. KEARNEY Nonpartisan Nebraska will host a community meeting in the South Platte Room of the Kearney Public Library at 3 p.m. July 30. The event in the South Platte Room will feature a presentation by Nathan Leach of Kearney on the urgent need for citizens to organize in defense of Nebraskas historic nonpartisan unicameral state Legislature, according to the organization. Nonpartisan Nebraska said the state has enjoyed the benefits of a one-house nonpartisan Legislature the only one in the United States since 1937. However, partisan lawmakers have indicated a plan to repeal key historic provisions in the Legislatures rules that keep the process free of formal party control, such as the use of a ballot vote to elect leaders in the body, event organizers said. The organization said Leach contends this change would make Nebraskas legislative body more like the U.S. Congress and make it harder for individual lawmakers to represent and act in the best interest of their constituents. It would centralize power in the hands of the few in Lincoln and Omaha and away from the heart of Nebraska, Leach said. The July 30 community meeting is free and open to the public, and those wishing to participate can RSVP online at npnebraska.org/upcoming-events. Zoom participation is available. 101 years after the first tribal leader was elected to the legislature in pre-independent India, Odisha-born Droupadi Murmu from the Santhal community has been elevated to the highest office in the country, making a new history. Tazeen Qureshy | TwoCircles.net Support TwoCircles ODISHA In Uparbeda, a village situated close to the foothills of the Similipal National Park in Odishas Mayurbhanj district, there has been an uncanny commotion for the last one month. Scores of vehicles with news reporters and cameras have interrupted the otherwise isolated and peaceful village, attempting to flash visuals and photos from every corner. Attention is inevitable. The tribal-dominated village with a population of 3500, will be giving India its first tribal President and the second woman to hold the highest position in the country. President-elect Droupadi Murmu was born in Dungurisahi village, one of the two hamlets in the Uparbeda in Kusumi block. Among the 15 odd houses in the hamlet, is a yellow-coloured pucca house, which is Murmus ancestral place. The inconsistent rain has partly damaged the uneven roads that lead to her house but has not been able to dampen the spirit of the village, which is rejoicing in the newfound glory. Though the daughter of the soil had brought several accolades in the past too she was the first woman from the village to attend college, she became a two-time BJP MLA and was also the Governor of Jharkhand, the latest achievement overrides every other feat. Every villager has a tale to tell. She spoke to me before going to Delhi (for filing her nomination) and told me to take care of the children, Dulari Tudu, her relative who stays at her ancestral village, informed a gathering of reporters. Binay Kumar Giri, a neighbour, chipped in, It is a matter of pride for the country that a woman from such a small hamlet has become the head of the state. This will serve as an inspiration to the young girls. While this is a moment of joy for the villagers, President-elect Murmus journey to Raisina Hills has several much more implications on the tribe she belongs to the Santhals. The Santhals residing mostly in Odisha, Jharkhand and West Bengal, are the third largest tribe in the country with a rich historical legacy. One of the first armed rebellions against the British was the Santhal rebellion of 1855 led by the Murmu brothers Sidhu and Kanhu which had questioned the exploitative measures by the upper caste zamindars and supported by the Britishers. Murmus elevation to the highest office in the country comes over a century after the Dulu Manki from the Ho community in Chaibasa (Jharkhand) became the first tribal leader to be elected in the legislature in the pre-independent era in 1921. It unleashes a new hope for the 104 million tribal people (2001 census), constituting 8.6 per cent of the total population of the country. Her daughter, Itishree, was one of the first to react to what her nomination means for the tribe. The stereotypes associated with the tribal communities will hopefully end now. My mothers story can serve as an inspiration and put an end to the taboos and social barriers many Santhal women are subjected to, even now, she told TwoCircles.net, a day after the candidates announcement. The opposition candidate Yashwant Sinha repeatedly mentioned the Presidential elections were a matter of different ideologies and not just two candidates. For President-elect Murmu there is pressure to rise above the rubber stamp remark being used for her. In 2017, as the Governor of Jharkhand, she returned two controversial Tenancy Bills the Chhotanagpur Tenancy Act and the Santhal Pargana Tenancy Act, which sought to give the tribal rights to use the land for commercial purposes without changing the ownership. The tribal land rights issue will continue to remain a bigger challenge for the NDA, which has nominated her. Back home, as soon as her candidature was announced, a development spree began in her village. Her ancestral hamlet of Dungurisahi which had remained in darkness for decades is expected to soon get electrified after the media highlighted the situation. The other hamlet Badasahi which is also a part of the Uparbeda village is already electrified. Locals hope the issue of water shortage and proper roads will also be taken up soon. While political pundits believe the nomination of a tribal woman by the NDA is to press for an image of ensuring inclusive political participation and representation, for Murmu, this is a chance to script history. As she takes up the highest office in India, there are great expectations from her. Tazeen Qureshy is an independent journalist based in Odisha, reporting on rural issues, climate, gender and education. She tweets at @TazeenQureshy DAKOTA CITY A second co-owner of a South Sioux City RV sales company has pleaded not guilty to dozens of charges related to fraudulent sales practices. Shara Bras, 56, who owns Fremont RV Center, 2405 Cornhusker Drive, with her husband, Douglas Bras, have been charged with a pattern of defrauding customers, using sales proceeds to pay their own bills and not issuing vehicle titles. Shara Bras entered her pleas Tuesday in Dakota County District Court to 50 charges: 23 counts of theft by deception, 15 counts of selling or disposing of a motor vehicle without delivering a title or VIN number, three counts each of violation of the Motor Vehicle Certificate of Title Act, knowing and intentional abuse of a senior adult and issuing a bad check and single counts of conspiracy, aiding consummation of a felony and theft by unlawful taking. Douglas Bras, 62, has pleaded not guilty to 13 fraud-related charges and faces an additional 37 charges in a second case. He is scheduled to be arraigned July 26. The two, who live in Hinton, Iowa, are accused of selling campers on consignment but not paying the owner or the owner's bank, never informing the owners the campers had been sold and failing to produce a title to the campers to the buyers. According to court documents, buyers and sellers of more than a dozen campers or RVs have reported to police that they have received checks for insufficient funds after their campers were sold. Some said they didn't receive their title or payment until several weeks or months after the purchase was made. Customers also reported paying Fremont RV for items that were never ordered and received. Scientists from the U.S. Geological Survey have joined the expanding research effort at AltEn to better understand how pesticides used widely in seed treatments move across the landscape. And, by scouring creek beds, studying food webs and sampling tap water from homes near the former ethanol plant, the U.S. Department of the Interiors lead science agency hopes to gain more clarity into the final fate of those chemicals in the environment. The results of the study could inform new laws or help guide future cleanup efforts of the AltEn site, said Brenda Densmore, an associate director of hydrological studies at the Nebraska Water Science Center, a USGS office located in Lincoln. We provide the science to say what is there, Densmore said, adding policymakers and managers will then interpret the science to make decisions on how to act. AltEn, which opened in 2015, was forced to close by the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy in 2021 following mounting violations of state environmental regulations. The former biofuel plant used seeds coated in neonicotinoids a class of pesticides similar to nicotine that overstimulate insects nervous systems, leading to their death to produce ethanol, which in turn left behind toxic solid and liquid waste. Since the shutdown, focus has turned to cleaning up the stockpiles of waste at the site just south of Mead a task taken on by six seed industry companies that formerly used AltEn to dispose of unplanted seeds as well as determining how far chemicals from the plant have traveled off-site. To that end, a team of researchers from across the University of Nebraska and Creighton University began collecting samples from the air, surface and groundwater, as well as animals and pollinators shortly after the plant closed, and shared their preliminary findings at a town hall meeting in June. That work will continue for at least one more year with a $1 million appropriation from the Legislature. While USGS had been involved in research at AltEn before the plant closed results gathered from UNL entomologist Judy Wu-Smarts team, which discovered high concentrations of pesticides following massive die-offs of honey bee hives, have been analyzed in a USGS lab the agency has taken a more proactive role beginning earlier this year. The research has included collecting samples of surface water both upstream of AltEn, where those channels are likely to be unaffected, as well as from affected channels like Johnson Creek, said Dana Kolpin, a hydrologist based at the Central Midwest Water Science Center in Iowa City. USGS partnered with UNL to collect preliminary samples both of the water and sediment from the bottom of the creek in March before spring planting occurred in order to better understand what level of neonics exist on the landscape. We already know neonics are getting into the stream based on typical farming practices, but we have this higher source being laid over the typical signature and thats what were trying to understand, Kolpin said, adding a second round of sampling was conducted in May after the planting season. This summer, with the help of university research teams, Kolpin will begin collecting and examining organisms that illustrate the food web that exists in areas potentially affected by AltEn, as well as those that were not affected. Theyll start by collecting macroinvertebrate organisms worms, larvae and snails, to name a few that spend part of their lives in the water as well as the terrestrial spiders that feed on them. The team will also gather fish and other aquatic animals to sample. Building the food web and charting the complex interactions will help develop an understanding of how neonicotinoids in particular are transported from organism to organism and what that might mean for the future of the ecosystem. Kolpin said USGS will also compare the diversity between areas that were potentially exposed to high concentrations of neonics running off the AltEn site and those that were not, as well as in areas surrounding other biofuel plants that produce ethanol through more traditional methods. Were already looking at an ethanol plant where they arent taking (neonicotinoid-coated seeds), he said. Now that (AltEns) process has stopped, theres still a lot of wet cake around, so I think that signature is still there. The plant is shut down, but that doesnt mean the problem has stopped. Meanwhile, similar to the study being conducted by NU, the USGS is also seeking to gain understanding about the role AltEn may play in human health. Paul Bradley, a research ecologist and hydrologist based in Columbia, South Carolina, said part of USGSs mission is to support decision makers and public health researchers in understanding how exposure to potential contaminants leads to adverse health outcomes in humans. Earlier this summer, capitalizing on contacts made by UNL and UNMC, Bradley and his team have collected samples at the point of contamination roughly 25 bottles at each home participating in the study to look for 500 different organic compounds, as well as 35 inorganic compounds. Speaking to residents, Bradley said every individual is concerned about their potential exposure. Were collecting samples at the point of contamination so youre getting what the actual final exposure looks like, Bradley said. Thats done at peoples kitchen sink, where theyre actually getting water for drinking and cooking. The water studies will continue along with USGSs ongoing support analyzing animal samples, which includes examining red wing blackbird eggs, tadpoles, honey bees and vegetation collected from areas near AltEn. Michelle Hladik, a research chemist at the California Water Science Center in Sacramento who studies the fate and transport of pesticides and other contaminants, said the samples from AltEn and the surrounding area will be compared to samples gathered from other sites. This is the Midwest theres lots of corn and soy so just because you detect pesticides that are indicative of a seed coating, it could be from some other use than the plants, Hladik said. So its important that the scientists take their time to get the right data to place it in the right context, she added, and follow the science where it leads. That can make for a time-consuming process, Densmore said, which can be stressful when there is potentially an adverse human health effect. While the data will ultimately be compiled and shared publicly, USGS will be in communication with residents about the results, she said. If we do see results come across our desks that are above some sort of human health standard, or some sort of standard set by federal agencies or local agencies, then well reach out and contact those people, Densmore said. Last week I was reminded of the old saying from the 70s, If youre not part of the solution, youre part of the problem. I contributed to the problem last week with a quick turn-around trip to the East Coast. Yeah, it sounds so romantic to talk about a quick trip to the East Coast, as if I do that regularly to pick up a package of hot dog buns or box of paper clips. This trip involved Granddaughter X, who had been visiting family in central Nebraska. We loaded Granddaughter X into the car, stopped at the library for a stack of traditional books and recorded books and then headed out on the open road to take Granddaughter X to the house of some friends in Baltimore, Maryland. We left on Saturday, drove for 12 hours, stopped to sleep, drove another 12 hours on Sunday, dropped off Granddaughter X in Baltimore, slept there, turned around and headed back to Kearney. We finished the trip on Tuesday evening after racking up a tad more than 2,800 miles. We drove interstate highways all the way. I generally like to avoid any road with an I before the number, as in I-80 or I-own-the-road. The back roads feel so much more relaxed. I remember when I took a drivers ed class in the early 70s. The instructor impressed upon us the idea that we should keep one car length for every 10 miles an hour you are driving. At 70 mph, that equals seven car lengths. All well and good except that using that rule, I think we, as a general population, would never get anywhere. On this trip I regularly looked in my rear view mirror to see cars and trucks, stacked up behind me, about 15 feet from my bumper, while traveling 75 or 80. Honestly, thats a little too close for comfort. I mean, if I accidentally rolled a torpedo out of the back of my car, well, I think you get the idea. How could a vehicle tailgating me avoid bumping into that? In defense of every fool that rode my bumper across the state of Indiana, I understand the desire to get going, to get moving, to put some miles behind you, to hit the road, to make time, to eat up the miles. My driving companion frequently said that our Nebraska license plates would automatically give us a pinch of grace when it came to a highway faux pas such as driving right at the speed limit. Beyond normal driving etiquette, everyone seemed in such a hurry on these roads. And while I like to think of myself as someone who avoids following the herd, the more hours I spent on those I roads, the more I began to take on that personality trait of hurrying for the sake of hurrying. Somewhere in Ohio or Indiana or maybe Illinois, we finally encountered an accident scene. We detoured on to secondary roads and for once, I felt that I could take a deep breath, look around and enjoy the journey instead of fighting the clock. Thats when I understood how I became part of the problem. I have another trip planned to North Carolina next month. In my mind, I see myself avoiding all the interstate roads and traveling only on those two-lane blacktops that meander along gentle riverbeds, crisscross fields of ripening wheat and parallel railroad tracks where jolly hobos sit in empty boxcars strumming the banjo. My companion suggested that I needed to set aside six to eight months for that trip that seemed to take me back to the early 1930s. Im ready to travel back in time so I can avoid contributing to the problem. THE AUTHOR Rick Brown lives and writes in central Nebraska where he covers the arts and other topics as a journalist and columnist. Wisconsins 1849 abortion ban, which is being challenged in state court after the U.S. Supreme Court last month overturned Roe v. Wade, includes one exception: to save the life of the mother. The seemingly simple circumstance, in a law enacted more than a century before ultrasounds transformed pregnancy care, is now entangled in complexity. Doctors and hospitals are trying to figure out when premature breaking of the water, preeclampsia, serious heart disease, ectopic pregnancies and other conditions qualify as reasons to terminate pregnancies under the law. How sick is sick enough? asked Dr. Amy Domeyer-Klenske, a Milwaukee obstetrician-gynecologist who is vice chair of the Wisconsin section of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. People can get really sick really fast from something that may appear to be stable. Waiting until someone is at imminent risk of death is scary. Premature breaking of the water, or rupture of the amniotic sac before labor, can require an abortion if it occurs before the fetus is viable because the condition puts pregnant women at risk for life-threatening infection, said Dr. Doug Laube, former chair of obstetrics and gynecology at UW-Madison. Placental abruption, when the placenta detaches from the uterus, and placenta previa, when the placenta covers the cervix, can also be dangerous and might call for abortions, said Laube, who performed abortions at Planned Parenthood in Madison before the Supreme Court ruling last month led providers in Wisconsin to halt the procedures. All of these things should be treated early enough so they dont end up with a disastrous outcome, Laube said. Lifesaving abortions are rare Statistics on how many abortions are medically necessary, or done to save the life of the mother, are not widely available. Carol Tobias, president of National Right to Life, said probably about 1% to 2% of U.S. abortions involve saving the mother's health or life, or cases of rape or incest, The Associated Press reported. Wisconsin's 1849 ban doesn't include exceptions for rape or incest. Laube and Dr. Jennifer McIntosh, a maternal fetal specialist in Milwaukee, said abortions to save the life of the mother likely make up roughly 1% of all abortions. In 2020, there were 6,336 abortions reported among Wisconsin residents. The vast majority of abortions done to save the life of the mother are performed surgically at hospitals, not at clinics run by Planned Parenthood or other providers, experts said. Since the Supreme Court overturned federal abortion protection June 24, it is not clear how many such abortions are continuing in Wisconsin and how many cases are being sent to Illinois, Minnesota or other states with laws that broadly allow abortion. Its a little early to know what the patterns are, McIntosh said. Were stuck in uncertainty right now. Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers and Attorney General Josh Kaul, both Democrats, filed a challenge to the 1849 state law banning nearly all abortions, arguing that 1980s statutes supersede the ban and it has been dormant so long it should be unenforceable. Republicans vying to run against Evers and Kaul this fall have pledged to uphold the ban, as have leaders of the Republican-controlled state Legislature. The American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists, or AAPLOG, cites two situations in which premature delivery might be indicated and the fetus might not survive. One is chorioamnionitis, a bacterial infection of the amniotic fluid that can be caused by breaking of the water. The infection can lead to sepsis, a bodywide infection that can be deadly. The other situation is HELLP syndrome, a severe type of preeclampsia, or high blood pressure during pregnancy that can cause kidney damage, stroke and other complications. HELLP stands for hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelets. Dr. James Linn, an AAPLOG member and OB-GYN in Milwaukee with Ascension Wisconsin, a Catholic organization, said chorioamnionitis is a clear reason to end a pregnancy even if the fetus is not viable. He prefers not to call such a procedure an abortion. You have to separate the mother and the baby, he said. I call that previable induction of labor. Linn said some complex heart conditions a pregnant woman might have such as severe cardiomyopathy, or heart muscle disease can also require termination of previable pregnancies. Those certainly wouldnt be controversial in (Wisconsins 1849) law, he said. Reasons for abortions Serious kidney disease and connective tissue disorders such as Marfan syndrome, which can weaken the heart can also require abortions to save the mothers life, Domeyer-Klenske and other OB-GYNs say. Dr. Claire Wendland, a medical anthropologist at UW-Madison and a former practicing OB-GYN, said a pregnant woman might have cancer that can make abortion necessary. Radiation and chemotherapy to treat cancer can be destructive to the fetus, but delaying treatment might be life-threatening to the woman, depending on the type and stage of cancer, Wendland said. Linn said uterine or cervical cancer early in a pregnancy might require ending the pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancies which grow outside of the uterus, typically in a fallopian tube can rupture and cause life-threatening bleeding. Medication can end them during early stages, and surgery is sometimes required later. Neither approach was considered abortion under abortion restrictions in Wisconsin prior to the Supreme Courts reversal of Roe, Domeyer-Klenske said. But now, she said, some doctors and hospitals fear that ending stable ectopic pregnancies, before they rupture and cause immediate risk, might not be allowed under the 1849 law. Thats because a 1953 update to the law separated the penalties for abortion of an unborn child defined as a fetus from the time of its conception and an unborn quick child. Some wonder if the term conception would include ectopic pregnancies, Domeyer-Klenske said. Thats where youre getting a lot of confusion, she said. Linn said ectopic pregnancies can be ended even before they rupture, and Catholic hospitals have been doing so for decades, including before Roe legalized abortion nationally in 1973. If you diagnose an ectopic pregnancy, you take care of it, he said. Gray areas Exactly when early breaking of the water, or preterm premature rupture of the membranes, calls for abortion appears to be a gray area. Linn said termination is justified only after the pregnant woman has developed chorioamnionitis. Other OB-GYNs say early signs of infection can be difficult to pick up and waiting for proof can be too late. Do you wait for her to have obvious infection, obvious sepsis? Wendland asked. If so, her risk of death goes way up. If serious preeclampsia occurs at 20 weeks gestation, before the fetus is viable, some doctors might suggest abortion and others might try to manage the condition until the fetus is at 24 weeks and can potentially survive delivery, experts said. But managing until the fetus is viable further increases the risk for the (pregnant) patient," Domeyer-Klenske said. Another discrepancy is how to interpret the Wisconsin statute's clause saying abortion isnt allowed unless it is necessary, or is advised by 2 other physicians as necessary, to save the life of the mother. Some hospitals are urging doctors to get one or two other doctors to agree that an abortion is necessary, which can be hard to do in rural areas that have fewer providers, McIntosh said. Attorneys are telling others that the or in the statute means only the treating doctor needs to determine that an abortion is necessary, Domeyer-Klenske said. If that doctor doesn't think so, then two others would need to. Linn said concerns about exactly which abortions are allowed to save the mothers life in Wisconsin are overblown. I think its being used as a political argument, to make it scary, he said. Domeyer-Klenske said doctors face threat of prosecution and up to six years in prison and $10,000 in fines if convicted, so worry about what is allowed under state law is real. Were not going to find out as doctors, unfortunately, until somebody gets charged with a felony, she said. "As of right now, the voter is the one who is required to mail their ballot," Wolfe said. "I would check with your local election official as they are the ones in their communities who are responsible for administering that process." I am looking for a few honorable Republicans to run for political office. Since 2011, Republicans have been running the state of Wisconsin as their own personal realm. This has brought out the worst in political dishonor. If Fred Prehn had any honor he would left his position on the Wisconsin Natural Resources Board when his term expired. If former Gov. Scott Walker had any honor he would not have encouraged Prehn to stay on the board. If the Republican-dominated state Legislature had any honor, it would not have gerrymandered the voting districts. If the Republican-controlled Legislature had any honor, it would not have cut the powers of newly elected Gov. Tony Evers in a special lame-duck session of the Legislature. If the Republican Legislature had any honor, it would have, in the least, voted on all of Gov. Evers appointees. Currently, if an acting Evers appointee criticizes the Republicans, those lawmakers will seek revenge and vote that person out. I admit that I am a "yellow dog" Democrat, but Wisconsin cannot move forward if there is no respect or cooperation between the two parties. Please elect honorable Republicans into office and vote out the dishonorable ones. Lester Bruns, Sun Prairie Huge Win for Counselors and Their Clients NEWS PROVIDED BY July 21, 2022 ATLANTA, July 21, 2022 / Christian Newswire / -- The Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals has denied a request from Palm Beach County and the City of Boca Raton for an en banc (by all the appellate judges) review of a decision by a three-judge panel that previously struck down laws in 2020 that ban counselors from providing minor clients and their families with any counsel to reduce or overcome unwanted same-sex attractions, behaviors, or gender confusion. The case of Otto, et al v. City of Boca Raton, FL et al, found that the laws were both content and viewpoint based and violate the First Amendment right to free speech. This is the first federal Court of Appeals decision on such laws since the 2018 U.S. Supreme Court decision in National Institute of Family & Life Advocates v. Becerra (NIFLA). Liberty Counsel represents Dr. Robert Otto, LMFT and Dr. Julie Hamilton, LMFT and their minor clients who challenged the constitutionality of ordinances enacted by the City of Boca Raton and Palm Beach County which prohibit minors from voluntary counseling from licensed professionals. These licensed therapists provide life-saving counseling to minors who desperately desire to conform their attractions, behaviors, and gender identities to their sincerely held religious beliefs. Judge Grant, joined by Judges Branch and Lagoa, wrote a concurring opinion expressing agreement with the denial of review. They wrote, "The perspective enforced by these local policies is extremely popular in many communities. And the speech barred by these ordinances is rejected by many as wrong, and even dangerous. But the First Amendment applies even toespecially tospeech that is widely unpopular...The panel opinion thoroughly explains why a fair-minded and neutral application of longstanding First Amendment law dooms the ordinances." "Because ordinary First Amendment law will displace these speech bans, creative thinking is required to save them. In its attempt to persuade the reader otherwise, the dissent misreads First Amendment precedents. Take National Institute of Family & Life Advocates v. Becerra (NIFLA). Judge Rosenbaum cites that case as showing that the Supreme Court permit[s] governments to impose content-based restrictions on speech with persuasive evidence . . . of a long (if heretofore unrecognized) tradition to that effect." In this decision, the court recognizes that National Institute of Family & Life Advocates v. Becerra (NIFLA) abrogated cases regarding help to reduce or eliminate unwanted same-sex attractions, behaviors, or gender confusion. "Read correctly, NIFLA emphasizes that content-based regulation is heavily disfavored and that there is no tradition of regulating professional speech." "Those rebukes should always be enough to induce caution. But they carry even more force here because in NIFLA the Supreme Court was specifically criticizing other circuit courts' approval of 'professional speech' bans just like the ones we now consider...(upholding a therapist speech ban virtually identical to the ones here after concluding that 'a licensed professional does not enjoy the full protection of the First Amendment when speaking as part of the practice of her profession'), and Pickup v. Brown, (upholding a similar ban, again on the rationale that it regulates conduct, not speech. Nor can we forget that the Court specifically 'stressed the danger of content-based regulations in the fields of medicine and public health.'" The appeals court continued, "The dissent suggests that we give special treatment to speech restrictions prohibiting 'licensed professionals from practicing, on populations from whom informed consent cannot reliably be obtained, treatment techniques that (1) do not meet the prevailing standard of care, (2) are not shown to be efficacious, and (3) are associated with a significant increase in the risk of death'in short, restrictions that apply only to what the dissent calls 'Life-threatening Treatment Techniques.' This is not a category at all. It is a description of disfavored speech that bears no resemblance to the other analytical brackets set out by the Supreme Court. It privileges the current views of certain professional organizations. And it requires significant work to even decipher. As a 'category,' this misses the constitutional mark by a mile." "The government cannot be trusted to prohibit only bad speech. And our role as an independent judiciary is to enforce the First Amendment, not to decide which ideas are worthy of immunity from government regulationor which professional groups can make that decision for us." "What this Circuit has doneindeed, all it has doneis uphold the protections of the First Amendment for unpopular speech. That can be hard to do. But if the First Amendment only protected speech that judges and politicians approved of, it would not be of much use. We concur in the Court's decision not to rehear this," wrote the court. Four of the 11 active judges joined in written dissents and would have voted to grant rehearing of the three-judge panel decision. However, a majority of the court voted to deny the rehearing request and the original decision stands. Liberty Counsel Founder and Chairman Mat Staver said, "This is a huge victory for counselors and their clients to choose the counsel of their choice and be free of political censorship from government ideologues. This case is the beginning of the end of similar unconstitutional counseling bans around the country. Under the laws that were struck down, a counselor could encourage a client to take life-altering hormone drugs or even undergo invasive surgery to remove healthy body parts but could not help a client who seeks to overcome unwanted same-sex attractions, behavior, or confusion. Clients have the right to self-determination. They have the right to select a counselor. Counselors are like a GPS helping the client to reach the desired objective. Yet, these counseling bans injected a government mandated ideology to override the counselor and the client. These laws clearly violate the First Amendment." 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 Related Links lc.org/ Companies are continuing to develop artificial intelligence (AI) systems for use in many industries. While the technology has gotten much better in recent years, it still has major limitations. Some technology experts say one of the best ways to improve AI would be for companies to share more of their development methods with others. AI development involves feeding huge amounts of data into powerful computers. The computers are given a set of instructions, called an algorithm, to process the data. One of the main goals of AI research has centered on building systems that can interact smoothly with humans. An example of this kind of system would be an AI tool that can hold a conversation with a human in real time. An AI system might also be able to write a letter, news story or poem on its own. The computers can perform such actions because they have been trained on data from the real world. Much of the data comes from writings and images from the internet. The AI systems are known as large language models because they have been trained on huge collections of written material and other forms of media. Some systems are trained on multiple world languages. One AI system, called GPT-3, is backed by American technology company Microsoft. It is designed to produce many forms of human-like writing. For example, developers say the system has been trained to do things like write a cover letter for a job or create a Shakespearean-like poem on the beauty of Mars. But the GPT-3 system has difficulties performing other actions that seem much simpler. An example of this happened when college professor Gary Smith asked the system a basic question about whether a person could walk on stairs using their hands. Smith, a Pomona College economics professor and expert on AI technology, said the AI system answered: Yes, it is safe to walk upstairs on your hands if you wash them first. Teven Le Scao is a research engineer at U.S.-based AI startup Hugging Face. He told The Associated Press that some of the AI systems have gotten very good at writing with the proficiency of human beings. But Le Scao said something the machines struggle with is being factual. It looks very coherent. Its almost true. But its often wrong, he added. AI can also produce results that researchers disapprove of involving minority groups and people of color based on the data the systems were trained on. Because large AI systems require powerful computing resources, most are operated by large corporations, such as Google, Microsoft and Meta. This limits the ability of smaller companies, nonprofit groups and education organizations to research AI systems and methods. Competitive pressure to build the best performing systems is the main reason technology companies keep their development efforts secret, said Percy Liang. He directs Stanford Universitys Center for Research on Foundation Models. For some companies this is their secret sauce, Liang told the AP. But Le Scao helped build a new AI system, called BLOOM, designed to demonstrate how an open model can help support research efforts and improve the technology. Many large AI systems are mainly trained on English and Chinese data. But the developers of BLOOM said it is able to produce writing in 46 natural languages and works with 13 programming languages. More than 1,000 researchers from more than 70 countries cooperated on the BLOOM project. Any researcher can now download, run and study the performance of the model. The developers said they plan to keep expanding BLOOM, which they describe as the first seed of a living family of models. The organization behind BLOOM is BigScience. Thomas Wolf is one of its leaders. He told the AP the developer of GPT-3, OpenAI, has publicly shared some information about its AI modeling methods. But Wolf said OpenAI has not shared important details about how GPT-3 filters its data and has not made processed data available to outside researchers. So we cant actually examine the data that went into the GPT-3 training, he said. Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, recently launched a new language model called OPT-175B. It uses publicly available data from a range of sources, including user comments from Reddit, official U.S. patent records and corporate emails. The director of Meta AI, Joelle Pineau, says the company has been open about the data the model uses, as well as its research and training methods. Pineau told the AP that openness in AI research is rare. But her company believes it can help outside researchers identify and correct results the researchers disapprove of that appear in AI models. It is hard to do this. We are opening ourselves for huge criticism, Pineau said. We know the model will say things we wont be proud of, she added. Im Bryan Lynn. And I'm Dorothy Gundy. Bryan Lynn wrote this story for VOA Learning English, based on reports from The Associated Press and BigScience. Quiz - Experts Call for More Openness in AI Development Start the Quiz to find out Start Quiz ___________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story artificial intelligence n. the development of computer systems with the ability to perform work that normally requires human intelligence conversation n. a talk between two or more people stairs n. a set of steps people use to get from one floor in a building to another proficient adj. skilled and experienced coherent adj. clear and carefully considered secret sauce n. a special quality that makes something successful filter v. a tool for selecting or removing a particular kind of information patent n. an official document that gives a person or company the right to be the only one that makes or sells a product for a certain period of time proud adj. pleased with something you have done or are linked to in some way ______________________________________________________________________ What do you think of this story? We want to hear from you. We have a new comment system. Here is how it works: 1. Write your comment in the box. 2. Under the box, you can see four images for social media accounts. They are for Disqus, Facebook, Twitter and Google. 3. Click on one image and a box appears. Enter the login for your social media account. Or you may create one on the Disqus system. It is the blue circle with D on it. It is free. Each time you return to comment on the Learning English site, you can use your account and see your comments and replies to them. Our comment policy is here. Sri Lankan lawmakers elected Ranil Wickremesinghe, the unpopular prime minister and acting president, as the countrys new leader Wednesday. Members of the ruling party hope his government experience will help the country out of the economic and political crisis it is facing. But there is also a risk that the decision will lead to more unrest in the South Asian country. For months, Sri Lankan protesters have demanded the ouster of the countrys top two political leaders. Last week, demonstrators occupied homes, offices and government buildings. The uprising forced President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to flee the country and resign. The prime minister, Wickremesinghe, became acting president. On Monday, Wickremesinghe declared a state of emergency giving him the power to restore public security and order. The six-time prime minister received 134 votes in the 225-member parliament. But, given his unpopularity, only a few lawmakers had publicly said they would vote for Wickremesinghe. Wednesdays vote means Wickremesinghe will finish the presidential term ending in 2024. He will be sworn in on Thursday. I need not tell you what state our country is in, Wickremesinghe told lawmakers after his victory was announced. People are not expecting the old politics from us, they expect us to work together. The 73-year-old leader added, Now that the election is over, we have to end this division. After the vote, some supporters celebrated Wickremesinghes win in the streets. But protesters gathered at the presidential home, calling Ranil, go home. Visaka Jayawware, a protester, told the Associated Press, We will keep fighting for the people of Sri Lanka. We have to ask for a general election. Much of the protesters anger was directed at Rajapaksa and his family who ruled the country for almost 20 years. But many also blamed Wickremesinghe for protecting Rajapaksa. Last week, a crowd occupied his office and set his home on fire. Economists say the crisis in Sri Lanka comes from years of poor leadership and corruption. They also say it comes from other troubles, such as growing debt, the effects of the pandemic, and terror attacks that hurt the tourism industry. The country also has $51 billion in foreign debts that it cannot repay. Before Wednesdays vote, Wickremesinghe said the economy had already collapsed by the time he joined the Rajapaksa government in May. As prime minister, Wickremesinghe has been working with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and countries to look for help. He said Monday that negotiations with the IMF were nearing a conclusion, while talks on help from other countries had also progressed. He also said that the government has taken measures to solve shortages of fuel and cooking gas. "People deserve fuel, transportation, we deserve anything citizens need," Kasumi Ranasinghe Arachchige, a 26-year-old protester, told Reuters. "Until we see no one in Sri Lanka is struggling, the protest continues." I'm Caty Weaver. Hai Do dapted this story for Learning English based on reporting from The Associated Press and Reuters. Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. It is with a very heavy heart we announce the unexpected passing of Dakota Johnson of Corvallis, Oregon. He left this earth too early, at the young age of 26. Dakota was born in Missoula, Montana on Oct. 15, 1995. He was known for his quirkiness, and ability to put a smile on people's faces with his humor and sarcastic remarks. Although his life was too short, the impression he left on family and friends will never be forgotten. Dakota had extensive knowledge with technology but was very passionate about computers. In his free time, he often enjoyed fixing and rebuilding them or playing video games such as League of Legends. Dakota very much enjoyed skiing and was part of the Corvallis High School ski team. LEXINGTON The Lexington Rotary Club is hosting a Somali interpreter meet and greet on Thursday, July 28. The event will be hosted at Kirks Nebraskaland Restaurant at 5:30 p.m. Participants will have a chance to meet with Somali interpreters from Lexington Regional Health Center and hear their stories. Refreshments will be served. The Lexington Rotary Club meets at the Lexington Public Library every first and third Wednesday from 12-1 p.m. Rotary International is a humanitarian service organization which brings together business and professional leaders in order to provide community service, promote integrity, and advance goodwill, peace, and understanding in the world. There are over 46,000 member clubs worldwide, with a membership of 1.4 million individuals, known as Rotarians. Googles new Data Safety information is now live in the Google Play Store, which means developers have to submit information about how their apps collect, use, and protect information about you. But ahead of launch, some users noticed that Google had also removed a Play Store feature that showed which permissions were used by apps, which means that the only way to know for certain would be to download and install an app. That didnt go over real well, and now Google is promising to bring permission info back to app listings in the Play Store. In other Android-related news, Google is launching new audio switching technology designed to let you use one pair of wireless earbuds with multiple devices, while automatically switching input from one device to another depending on context. The feature will launch first on the new Pixel Buds Pro, which are up for pre-order for $200 starting today and which will be available starting July 28th. But Google says audio switching support is coming to some Sony and JBL headphones within weeks. Google introduces audio switching technology that lets you use one set of wireless headphones with multiple Android devices. Watch a video on your phone, but audio will switch to your phone if you answer a call, for example. Debuts with Pixel Buds Pro. https://t.co/38vmsT4Jmq Liliputing (@liliputingnews) July 21, 2022 Google says itll bring app permission listings back to app descriptions in the Play Store in response to community feedback following their recent removal. https://t.co/mYLACi3gwz Liliputing (@liliputingnews) July 21, 2022 System76 Oryx Pro Linux laptop is now available with an Intel Core i7-12700H processor, up to NVIDIA RTX 3080 Ti graphics, and a choice of 15.6 inch or 17.3 inch 1080p 144 Hz displays. Prices start at $2199. https://t.co/5lkTSd4G8e Liliputing (@liliputingnews) July 21, 2022 Early look at a prototype of the upcoming Retro Pixel Pocket, a Game Boy-style handheld with a 3.1 inch, 720 x 720px display (328ppi), an Allwinner A64 processor, a 3,000 mAh battery, and an Android 7-based operating system. https://t.co/Bdaw2eJrfB Liliputing (@liliputingnews) July 21, 2022 Keep up on the latest headlines by following Liliputing on Twitter and Facebook and follow @LinuxSmartphone on Twitter and Facebook for the latest news on open source mobile phones. The baby formula shortage that has devastated parents nationally for months may finally be showing signs of easing soon, UW-Madison experts say and global laboratory testing company Eurofins Scientific with its growing presence in Dane County is helping speed that along. Even though Michigans Abbott Nutrition, the nations largest manufacturer of baby formula products, is slowly coming back online after closing down a few times over contamination concerns and a torrential June thunderstorm, it could still be a few months before shelves are fully stocked, said Peter Lukszys, lecturer for the Department of Operations and Information Management at the UW-Madison Grainger Center for Supply Chain Management. Greg DeCroix, academic director of the Grainger Center, said in a separate interview he agrees with Lukszys perspective on timing, but added theres no way to predict with certainty when a shortage will end. It takes about 6 to 8 weeks for new product to flow through manufacturing, testing, packaging and layers of distribution to retailers shelves, Lukszys said in an email. I would expect the shortage to show signs of easing around late August at the earliest. The formula shortage has also been impacted to a smaller degree by the war in Ukraine, he added. Sunflower oil is one type of oil used in dry baby formula that is in short supply. Ukraine is the top exporter of sunflower oil. COVID-19-related supply chain issues also were an earlier factor. Both Eurofins Food Testing Chemistry and Microbiology Laboratories, formerly Covance Food Solutions, are doing much of that testing out of their 108,000-square-foot lab, which occupies a 22.3-acre patch of land at the Center for Industry and Commerce business park near the Dane County Regional Airport on the Far East Side. The space, which is the flagship food testing lab for Luxembourg-based Eurofins Scientific, opened in the past couple of years as a $46.5 million project that broke ground in 2019. The company, which also has a location in New Berlin, has about 58,000 employees worldwide and 400 workers in Dane County who primarily test food products and supplements (including baby formula) to check nutritional content and identify potential contaminants. Efforts to test baby formula have ramped up by 30%, said Madison Eurofins company president Edward Ladwig, adding that about 50 to 100 people have been hired since February to get the job done with the help of automation and instrumentation to make sure that the labels on the back of baby formula cans are correct and that there are no harmful bacteria that could cause an infant to fall ill. Early in the year we had signals from regulatory authorities that there was an impending shortage both due to supply chain issues as well as a plant shutdown, Ladwig said of the impetus for the increased testing capacity. We were a few weeks ahead of the news that all of this was coming to a head, which allows us to really think about how we want to tackle the crunch that was coming to fill shelves back up. Whereas Eurofins used to test 200 to 300 cannisters of baby formula a day, that number has increased to 500 at most, said Ladwig, who credits a 24/7 running time with reaching that goal. Calling Eurofins the worlds largest third-party food tester, Ladwig said the company has put a dent in the baby formula shortage by offering its testing capacity to most of the major manufacturers in the U.S., as well as some startups around the nation that are trying to get their operations off the ground. The business, which has to adhere to strict Food and Drug Administration regulations, is also doing a lot of the testing for international baby formula makers. The FDA recently opened up the supply chain to allow ordering of product from other countries, including Australia. We are going to continue to maintain (testing) capacity (both staff and equipment) at the Madison and other Eurofins sites to ensure that we are not a bottleneck in this for infant formula and other industries, the company said of whether its ramped up baby formula testing efforts will continue beyond the end of the shortage. Local retailer sees the impact Shipments of baby formula at local Madison grocer Willy Street Co-op are currently sporadic at best, said Dean Kallas, grocery category manager for the business, which has three locations across the city. We just received some baby formula recently, Kallas said, which he sees as an improvement in the supply chain. But major baby formula brands such as Similac and Gerber are hard to keep in stock, he said, adding that pricier organic brands have been an alternative to help carry Willy Street and its customers through the crisis. The (organic brands) are often more expensive because their canisters are a bigger size, but their price per ounce is actually cheaper, Kallas said. Not only does Kallas look at the Abbott plant shutdown as the driver of the shortage but also labor shortages and ingredient supply issues. Preventing a future shortage Eurofins efforts to help startups get off the ground could help diversify the U.S. baby formula industry, DeCroix said, which could be one strategy to prevent future supply shortages. About four companies, including Abbott, control 90% of the baby formula market, according to a May report out of Bloomberg. In addition to having more baby formula manufacturers, more spare capacity within the factories, better industry-federal government collaboration, and more FDA support dedicated to overseeing the U.S. baby formula industry are needed, Lukszys said. There are only nine FDA staff members dedicating to overseeing the U.S. baby formula industry, former FDA commissioner Scott Gottlieb told CBS News in May. Digest DMB Community Bank in DeForest announced Thursday its recent purchase of a 132,000-square-foot building located at 10 Terrace Court. The building will serve as the banks new headquarters, the company said, adding that the structure will undergo minor renovations over the next few months for a September staff move-in. The main banking space will remain at 321 N. Main St. in DeForest. The 2022 finalists for the Wisconsin Innovation Awards have been announced. Finalists include 30 companies that were selected out of more than 300 nominated businesses, products and services across the state. They were determined by a panel of 19 industry experts, the awards organization said, adding the winners will be announced at a ceremony in October. Nineteen nominees are from the Dane County area. Madison shopping rewards startup Fetch Rewards has partnered with multinational manufacturer and marketer of branded consumer foods General Mills on a new loyalty program called Good Rewards. The program will provide Fetch Rewards mobile application users with benefits from 45 brands, Fetch said. The Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. is inviting state companies and organizations to apply for a 2022 Governors Export and Achievement Award. Nominations will be accepted through Aug. 12, and an awards ceremony will take place Oct. 26. Three awards will be presented this year to Wisconsin exporters of products, services and agriculture. They are open to companies of all sizes, WEDC said. Gotham Bagels has been permanently changed by the pandemic, with customers needing to order from their phones or from its website. Owner Joe Gaglio, who opened the shop 15 years ago on East Mifflin Street, off Capitol Square, said most customers like the new system and that his employees will allow certain people to come inside if they are having trouble or dont have a smartphone. He said that happens four or five times a day. Gaglio said hell eventually allow for indoor seating, but at a reduced capacity, and customers will continue to order online. My brother, who lives in Chicago, had doubted that Madison had a bagel shop that rivals anything he can get there, but became a believer during a recent visit. We had a such a great experience eating bagel sandwiches from Gotham Bagels, in fact, that weve made it a tradition. So, last Sunday, with my brother back in town, we returned to the shop. As we waited outside with a small group of others, an older couple asked me for help navigating the QR code. Im no whiz when it comes to this brave new world, but was at least able to get them going. Soon after, another customer asked me for help finalizing her order. Where to click isnt as obvious as it could be. Our sandwiches were ready 23 minutes later. It was easy to see how long it took because Gotham sends a text after you order and another when your food is ready to pick up at the window. We walked a half-block to the Capitol and ate on a stone bench. Im partial to the Luchador! ($14.50), the menus most pricey sandwich, piled high with good, Mexican-themed ingredients: perfectly cooked scrambled eggs, chorizo, provolone, cotija cheese, guacamole, thinly sliced radish, red onion, cilantro and spicy red cabbage slaw. I ordered it on a sesame bagel so as not to detract from the other flavors. Simple can sometimes be better, and you cant go wrong with a lox and cream cheese bagel ($9). My daughter ordered it with scallion cream cheese and added onions ($1.50) and arugula ($1.50), which seemed like expensive additions. She said she liked the combined salty bite of the lox and everything bagel. My brother ordered a sandwich with a confusing name, The Mensch aka Jewish Girl ($13.50), with egg whites, hot smoked salmon, avocado mash, greens, a bright red tomato slice and old-fashioned deli cucumber salad made with sour cream. Six months ago, Gaglio said, he heard from a woman who thought the name of the sandwich, long known as Jewish Girl, was offensive. In all the years he has offered the popular sandwich he has never received a complaint, he said, but he changed it to The Mensch in what he admits was a knee-jerk reaction. Now that it has the weird hybrid name, few people have ordered it, Gaglio said, adding that he intends to change it back. Its an amazing sandwich, Gaglio said. Lets face it. The East Coast, mostly Jewish girls from UW, are our best customers. Thats our demographic. My brother loved the combination of flavors, but complained that the avocado and creamy cucumbers made the inside so slippery it was hard to keep together. He also commented on the bagels freshness and nice, chewy consistency. He, too, chose a sesame seed bagel so it wouldnt dominate the sandwich. My daughter ordered an enormous bag of bagel chips ($3.60), which are a great snack because theyre baked not fried. The chips come in all types and sizes, with many as wide as a full slice of bagel. Three items we ordered as subcategories with each sandwich were left out of our bag, and we went back to ask about them, even though by the time we did the shop was closed. Employees who were cleaning up gave us the missing items and we were lucky to try the exceptional bowtie pasta pesto salad ($2.50 for 5 ounces) with its strong, plentiful pesto, and noodles that were thick, not flimsy. A bag of sweet potato Joe Chips ($1.95) from a company called Joe Tea out of Montclair, New Jersey, was excellent. My daughter got a Colectivo cold brew coffee ($2.95) that was rich and strong, and she drank it black because the ordering options didnt include cream and sugar. Gaglio said they usually put single-use cream and sugar in the bag, but ours didnt have it. The cranberry/rosemary juice ($5.25) made in-house was very good, and a 4-ounce fruit salad ($1.50) was a reasonably priced way to end a meal with blueberries, red and green grapes and pineapple. Whats frustrating about Gotham is that you cant just walk up to the window and order a beverage or anything else spontaneously. For the most part, all of our customers love the ease of ordering bagels sandwiches from their home, Gaglio said. Students will be half in their bed, placing their bacon, egg and cheese order. And then all theyve got to do is come down and pick it up. So weve reached a whole new group of customers, because its so easy to order. As for my brother, hes in luck because Gaglio, with partners, has opened three Chicago outlets in the past two years. Gaglio calls them satellite locations. Theres no dining rooms, theyre little kiosks, but they work out really well. Diner's scorecard Restaurant: Gotham Bagels Location: 112 E. Mifflin St. Phone: 608-467-7642 Website: gothambagels.com Hours: Tuesday through Saturday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sunday 8 a.m. until noon Prices: Plain bagels $1.50, bagel and cream cheese $4.50, dozen bagels $16, sandwiches $7.25 to $14.50, matzo ball soup $6.75. Credit cards: Accepted Delivery: Yes Vegetarian offerings: Limited, but a few Kids menu: No Parking: Street, nearby ramp Service: Good Bottom line: Gotham Bagels serves authentic bagels and epic bagel sandwiches. Emergency workers were called to the accident in the 100 block of Violet Street just after 11:30 a.m., the villages Public Safety Department said in a notice on its website. The worker, whose name and gender were not released pending notification of the persons family, did not have a pulse and was not breathing when paramedics arrived. Cutting the stake and lifesaving measures were not successful, the department said, and the worker died at the scene. Two GOP candidates running for Wisconsins 2nd Congressional District will meet in the Aug. 9 primary, with the winner going on to face incumbent U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan, D-Black Earth, in the Nov. 8 general election. The term is for two years. Douglas Alexander, who is running as an independent, will also be running on the Nov. 8 ballot. The 2nd Congressional District leans heavily Democratic and includes the counties of Dane, Iowa, Lafayette, Sauk and Green, as well as portions of Richland and Rock counties. Charity Barry Age: 26 Address: 1049 Miller Road, Mineral Point Family: Single Job: Ground crew supervisor, Higher Ground Prior elected office: None Other public service: Varied volunteering through faith-based organizations since 2008, Wildlife Foster with Wisconsin WildCare since 2017 Education: Music engraving, private apprenticeship (in progress) Email or Website: www.CharityBarryforCongress.com Erik Olsen Age: 46 Address: 111 W. Wilson St., Apt. 307, Madison Family: Engaged Job: Attorney, private practice Prior elected office: None Other public service: None Education: Law degree, masters degree, UW-Madison Email or Website: www.olsenforliberty.com Q&A Why are you the best candidate for the job? Barry: I am a lifelong resident of the 2nd Congressional District that is willing to fight to truly represent the people. We need a representative that loves our country, puts people over party narratives, and works for sustainable results over fleeting virtue signals. I am that candidate, and I will not back down under pressure. Olsen: The incumbent has been in the position for five terms, I think that it is important to get new voices and new energy into Congress. What unique experience/expertise do you bring to the office? Barry: Hard work in a blue-collar business and solid relationships with people, from immigrants to multigenerational farmers, successful business owners to low-income families, and everything in between, has taught me valuable, practical life lessons and given me the ability to take a multifaceted perspective to Washington. Coming from a background not centered in politics, but truly being able to understand the effects of policy on our day-to-day life, brings better focus to decision-making in D.C. I am not a career politician, well-to-do attorney, or high-class socialite, and that sets me apart. Olsen: I have been doing civil litigation in the Wisconsin and federal court systems for 17 years, primarily representing Wisconsin landowners to protect their constitutional rights. Working in the court system, and litigating against the government, and doing a substantial amount of appellate work, all provide a good understanding of how laws actually function once they are written and passed. What do you feel is the biggest challenge before Congress and how would you work to address that in the upcoming term? Barry: Congress needs to take action on the inflation that is crippling our citizens. We need to balance our national budget, taking an honest look at what we can cut or reduce; responsibly attain energy independence; bring manufacturing home to become independent in production; stop incentivizing the destruction of farmland with unreliable industrial energy developments; and simplify the tax code for the average American. Olsen: I think that the biggest challenge is how to regain Congress respect from the American people. Currently Congress approval is below 20%. Congress will need to work together to get the economy back on track so that families are able to make ends meet. Working together will also help with public approval. The public is tired of bickering; they want elected leaders to work together to solve the countrys problems. Donald Trump has again applied pressure on Assembly Speaker Robin Vos for not following the former presidents demand that Wisconsin Republicans move to decertify the results of the 2020 presidential election, something Vos and others have said would be unconstitutional. While Trump has previously pressured Vos and other state Republicans to do more to take up his baseless claims about widespread fraud in the states presidential election, the former presidents comments Tuesday also warned Vos of potential consequences in his upcoming Aug. 9 primary against Adam Steen, a Trump supporter who has been critical of Vos stance on the election. This is not a time for him to hide, but a time to act! Trump wrote on his Truth Social social media site. I dont know his opponent in the upcoming Primary, but feel certain he will do well if Speaker Vos doesnt move with gusto. Robin, dont let the voters of Wisconsin down! Trump has asserted that the Wisconsin Supreme Courts ruling earlier this month barring the use of absentee ballot drop boxes in the state means any ballot dropped into a drop box in the 2020 election should be deemed illegal. State Rep. Timothy Ramthun, who is running for governor this fall, has echoed Trumps comments, but has focused his efforts only on the presidential election, and not the dozens of other races, including his own, on the 2020 ballot. The decision by the states high court applies to future elections, not past ones, including the 2020 presidential election, which Trump lost to President Joe Biden by close to 21,000 votes. A recount, reviews and court decisions have found no evidence of widespread fraud. Speaking with WISN on Tuesday, Vos said Trump called him last week in another effort to have the Rochester Republican pursue decertification of the now 20-month-old elections results. Its very consistent, Vos said of the call. He makes his case, which I respect. He would like us to do something different in Wisconsin. I explained to him that its not allowed under the Constitution. He has a different opinion and then he put the tweet out. Thats it. Vos was referring to previous comments Trump made last week in which he referred to Vos as a long time professional RINO a reference to Republican in name only, a derogatory term Republicans attach to members of the party they feel arent loyal enough. Vos office did not respond to a request for comment Wednesday. Steen, a resident of Burlington who is challenging Vos in the Aug. 9 primary, reported raising a little over $44,000, including about $7,500 of his own money, in the first six months of the year, according to campaign finance reports filed last week. Vos reported raising more than $85,000 in the first half of the year, including about $53,000 from committees like the Republican Party of Wisconsin. Vos had more than $217,000 on hand at the start of the year. Fundraising figures are just one component of a successful campaign, but they can offer a glimpse into the campaign or partys organization, donor base and overall support. Donors to Steens campaign include Peter Bernegger, of New London, who earlier this year was fined by the Wisconsin Elections Commission for filing what the agency called frivolous claims of voter fraud, and Harry Wait, the president of the conservative group Honest Open Transparent Government, who has regularly communicated with former state Supreme Court Justice Michael Gableman as part of his taxpayer-funded review of the 2020 election. Facing pressure from Trump, Vos hired Gableman last summer to review the election at a cost to taxpayers of $676,000. Attorney fees and ongoing lawsuits have pushed the total cost to more than $900,000. While he called the measure unnecessary, Republican U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson said Thursday he has no reason to oppose legislation recognizing same-sex marriage at the federal level. Johnsons likely support for the measure is critical because 10 Republicans would need to support the bill for it to break a filibuster and pass the U.S. Senate. Democrats introduced the measure after conservative U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas signaled his desire to review Obergefell v. Hodges, the 2015 case legalizing same-sex marriage. Prior to the Obergefell v. Hodges Supreme Court decision on gay marriage, I supported civil unions, Johnson, of Oshkosh, said in a statement. After Obergefell, I considered the issue settled. Unlike Roe v. Wade, I do not see any scenario in which the Supreme Court would overturn Obergefell. The Respect for Marriage Act is another example of Democrats creating a state of fear over an issue in order to further divide Americans for their political benefit, Johnson continued. Even though I feel the Respect for Marriage Act is unnecessary, should it come before the Senate, I see no reason to oppose it. The legislation already passed the House of Representative with all of Wisconsins Democratic representatives as well as Republican U.S. Rep. Bryan Steil, of Janesville, voting in favor. The bill would require the federal government to recognize marriages that are valid in the state where it was performed. The measure would also repeal the so-called Defense of Marriage Act, which defined marriage as between one man and one woman and allowed states to ban same-sex marriages. The U.S. Supreme Court struck down that law, which was signed in 1996 by Democratic President Bill Clinton, but it remains on the books. Democrats introduced the bill in fear that the U.S. Supreme Court, which overturned Roe v. Wade in June, could overturn other precedential cases that rely on the right to privacy found in the U.S. Constitution. Democrats also introduced a bill to protect access to contraceptives, which is currently protected under another U.S. Supreme Court decision Thomas signaled his desire to review. That measure passed the U.S. House on Thursday with all of Wisconsins Democratic representatives voting in favor and the states Republicans voting against it. U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin, D-Madison, has largely driven the U.S. Senate effort to bring Republicans on board to pass the legislation. U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, and U.S. Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, have signed onto the measure as co-sponsors. A spokesperson for Baldwin, the first openly gay person elected to the U.S. Senate, said on Wednesday that her office reached out to Johnsons office, along with other Republicans, to get support for the bill. Senator Baldwin is talking with her colleagues to try to get to 60 votes, Baldwin spokesperson Eli Rosen said. Yes, our office has reached out to Johnsons office on the bill. A statewide voter education campaign the Wisconsin Elections Commission plans to launch in September will seek to educate high school students and the public about how elections work, how to vote and how to become poll workers. The campaign comes as former President Donald Trumps continuing lies about the 2020 election have triggered elevated scrutiny and are being blamed for threats against election officials nationwide. Recent polls have also found that Wisconsin voters especially Republicans have become less confident in elections. The Election Commissions goals for the September and October campaign are to create better awareness and understanding around how elections work and establish more public trust in the election process, a commission memo states. The effort also comes amid Republican calls to disband the Elections Commission and overhaul elections administration. With the agency continuing to see heightened public interest in election administration, the need for a comprehensive, concerted education campaign around this topic has never been greater, an Elections Commission memo states. Four videos the commission plans to distribute would focus on how elections administration works, what happens at the polls on Election Day, how election officials keep elections secure and how people can register to vote, cast ballots, vote absentee and become a poll worker. The campaign wont be a get-out-the-vote drive or a partisan effort, the memo says. One prong of the campaign will be to reach high school students in social studies and civics classrooms; another will target the public through print and broadcast media. The campaign is slated to launch in September and continue into October. Partisan primaries for the midterm elections are on Aug. 9, with the general election on Nov. 8. Almost two of every three local election officials nationwide believe false information is making their jobs more dangerous, according to a recent poll by the liberal Brennan Center for Justice. Asked the biggest reason retiring clerks wouldnt continue in their jobs, the top answer was, Too many political leaders are attacking a system that they know is fair and honest. In Wisconsin, 67% of poll respondents said they are very or somewhat confident that votes in the 2020 presidential election were accurately cast and counted, compared with 32% who are not too confident or not at all confident, according to a June Marquette Law School Poll. Almost all Democrats polled were very or somewhat confident in the election. But among Republicans, 65% said they are not at all or not too confident in the 2020 election results. Among independents, 51% are very confident in the elections results, 19% are somewhat confident, 3% are not too confident, and 26% are not at all confident. Eau Claire Leader-Telegram. July 19, 2022. Editorial: A lifesaving number This Saturday marks a major day for mental health in the United States. A new, nationwide crisis hotline will go live. The basic concept isnt new. Its something advocates have argued for, but never seemed to get off the ground. It should accomplish several important goals. Lets step back for a moment and look at the options as they are at this moment for people who are in the midst of a mental health crisis. If loved ones believe the persons life is in immediate danger, there arent all that many options. Crisis lines exist, but theyre not the kind of universal coverage thats needed. The best known of the previous efforts is probably the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Thats a network of crisis centers and it covers a good portion of the country, but the 1-800 number isnt particularly easy to remember. So people turn to the emergency number they know: 9-1-1. The problem is that mental health isnt what that line has ever been intended to address. Dispatchers, police and firefighters certainly encounter people in mental health crises, but thats not what their primary training addresses. That has led to some outcomes that were indisputably not in anyones interest. The new 9-8-8 line will connect callers with trained mental health counselors, according to a recent Associated Press story. That report noted the federal government has made more than $280 million available to states. Not all of that is directly tied to the hotline, but expands into the support systems that people who use the hotline may well need. The list includes mobile crisis teams and emergency centers similar to urgent care clinics. The implementation of the new line has been strikingly fast for a federal endeavor. Congress passed the bill creating a three-digit crisis line in 2020. Then-President Donald Trump signed it the same year. Now, about two years later, its launching. There will be challenges. The long-term issue is funding. Projects like this often see a rush of funding in the first few years, but declining returns later. That would be an especially problematic pattern here, where funding becomes more important as more people become familiar with the new number. Mental health statistics are notoriously hard to assess, in large part because people still view it as having a stigma attached. That really shouldnt be the case. Studies have suggested a majority of people, perhaps a large majority, encounter significant mental health challenges over the course of their lives. In 2020, Wisconsin released a study that showed suicide rates for residents ages 45-54 more than doubled between 2000 and 2017. And rates were higher in rural counties than urban ones. The overall rate was 14.4 per 100,000 residents. The rate at which people went to emergency rooms with self-harm injuries was much higher, though. It was 69.6 per 100,000 people. And, yes, thats controlled for the number of suicide attempts rather than, say, a chainsaw injury from yard work. Both may be self-inflicted, but the latter is clearly unintentional. The new line could have a significant effect locally. The report found both Eau Claire and Chippewa counties to have significantly higher suicide rates than the states overall rate. We certainly dont expect miracles from the creation of this new crisis line. Experts expect a surge of calls when it starts up, and there will very likely be some growing pains. Creation of the line says something important though, underscoring that society is increasingly taking mental health seriously and is acting on that knowledge. There is also value in simply having awareness of mental health challenges, which the line helps create by simply existing. We mentioned the view that mental health should somehow have a greater stigma than any other health challenge. Familiarity will help wear away that misconception. As with so many other issues, its one thing to be misinformed when its hidden, when it isnt someone you know. When you become aware that its a family member or a good friend your view shifts. This weeks launch of the 9-8-8 line is an important step. It will help people who are loved and valued, but just cant see it at the moment. It will save lives. Kenosha News. July 20, 2022. Editorial: Prosecuting for voter mistakes Voter fraud! Voter fraud! Yeah, weve been treated to those accusations repeatedly in the two years since ex-president Donald Trump lost narrowly to President Joe Biden in the 2020 presidential election. Its almost become white noise endless white noise. The fact is that voter fraud is extremely rare here in Wisconsin and multiple reviews and audits have found no widespread fraud in the state or anywhere else. Local elections clerks in Wisconsin referred only 12 cases to prosecutors related to the 2020 general election, out of 3.3 million cast. Still, a recent news story out of Fond du Lac County caught our eye. It detailed how a Fond du Lac woman, Jamie Wells, and her husband, were in hot water and facing prosecution by District Attorney Eric Toney because they used the address of a UPS Store in Fond du Lac and not a residential address as required by state law when they registered to vote in the 2020 election. The couple faces up to three and a half years in prison and maximum fines of $10,000 each if convicted. They said they have received help from relatives and expect legal bills close to $17,000. Wells said she and her husband have used that UPS Store in Fond du Lac as their address for decades without a problem. They registered to vote using that address because they didnt have another one to list the couple lives in a 42-foot pull-behind camper because his work on farms take them all over the state. In a bit of irony, given that its mostly Trump supporters who have consistently raised complaints of voter fraud, Wells said she and her husband probably lean Republican but had never been politically active, but they were motivated to vote in 2020 because they thought Trump was a better candidate. Now, she says, she may never vote again. Tomey has drawn heat for his decision to prosecute the couple, along with three others in the county who used UPS addresses to register to vote. Ion Meyn, an assistant law professor at the University of Wisconsin, called the cases in Fond du Lac a real abuse of (prosecutorial) discretion. Here you have a prosecutor who is taking a really tortured view, in my mind, of what this provision (in the statute) means. I just find that so irresponsible, Meyn said. The Wisconsin Watch news report also noted Toney was a Republican candidate for state attorney general and this spring at the Republican state convention, pushed his reputation as one of the most aggressive prosecutors of election fraud in the state. We were all ready to get out the bucket of tar and a few bags of feathers over the idea of a candidate for office using the prosecution of a state couple to advance his political career over an innocent mistake on an address. Thats specially so since they are U.S. citizens and have a right to vote. But the thing is, DA Tomey has a point. As he said in February when he first filed the charges, Even if a person doesnt have a stable residence, theyre still able to vote; theyre still able to register, its just a question of making sure you do it lawfully and not listing a P.O. Box because when youre registering to vote you clearly dont live at a P.O. box. That can be particularly important in races for local offices where the registered address determines who can vote in which races aldermanic, school board, county supervisor, judges, village boards and even referendums. If youve given a UPS address as your residence, you may not be entitled to cast that ballot. The issue is probably more widespread than most realize. In La Crosse County, the district attorney found 15 cases where people used UPS store addresses and then voted. The DA declined to prosecute saying they were a mistake and not voter fraud. Theres no way a jury would say they intentionally did something to fool anybody. We agree with that. But, we also acknowledge that its important to discourage the use of false addresses for voter registration whether it be UPS stores or anywhere else. Tomey has made his point; now we would hope he would show a little prosecutorial discretion and walk away from harsh prosecution for an unintended mistake. Racine Journal Times. July 16, 2022. Editorial: Be careful before eliminating any energy sources You dont have to look far to see the impact of climate change with temperatures rising, increased fire threats in areas and droughts in other areas. Its right that government officials and businesses should be looking for ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to try to do what can be done to reduce climate change. With that said, we also need to take time to look at the unintended consequences that can occur if steps are taken too quickly. The Midwest grid operator the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) warned this year that energy generation capacity in the region including Minnesota and Wisconsin could be about 1,230 megawatts short of possible peak demand. With above-average temperatures forecast, MISO said it may need to rely on imports or emergency measures to maintain the grid. The operator also warned that Wisconsin was at a high risk of possible blackouts. Since that report came out, We Energies has said that people dont have to worry about rolling blackouts. Before blackouts would be scheduled, We Energies would first call for the public to decrease power use asking customers to turn off lights as much as possible, turn off the air conditioning, that kind of thing and thats never happened before in We Energies history. Its important to point out that if Wisconsins energy producers fall short of demand, power could be imported from neighboring power grids. Wind turbine power generated in Iowa could fill Wisconsins gaps, and vice versa. Thats thanks to the system in place through MISO. Even though we are being told not to worry this summer about blackouts, Wisconsin Public Service Commission member Ellen Nowak is right when she said that the report should serve as a wakeup call. She said, Im not hitting the panic button, but it is a wake-up call. I think its a good reality check about how the system works. She has called for continuing to delay the retirement of fossil fuel generators. The reason the issue of possible blackouts was brought up is the result of the closure of some power plants in the Midwest, decreasing the amount of extra power beyond anticipated peak loads that the whole grid can produce. With that said, We Energies and Alliant Energy (which powers much of central and southwestern Wisconsin) recently extended the lives of several in-state coal plants by several years. That will help stabilize power in the state. Two of the units in We Energies Oak Creek plant, located just north of Caledonia, were due to shut down in early 2023 and the other two were to close in early 2024. Now, they are due to retire in May 2024 and November 2025, respectively. Looking to the future, a lot of due diligence should be done before those plants permanently close. There is value in having multiple diverse energy sources in the Midwest. The last thing we want to do is put lives at risk if there is not enough energy to support demand. Wisconsin State Journal. July 17, 2022. Editorial: Court wrong to demonize drop boxes Banning drop boxes for absentee ballots across Wisconsin was rash and unnecessary. And comparing them to the dictatorship of the late Saddam Hussein in Iraq is absurd and reckless. Thats what Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Rebecca Bradley just did. Voting drop boxes were a convenient way to cast ballots during the pandemic, when the coronavirus was spreading fast and killing thousands of Wisconsin residents, especially the elderly. Many voters of all ages and political leanings found drop boxes helpful. They improved participation in our democracy with no credible evidence of fraud. Yet an aggressive state Supreme Court, in a 4-3 decision July 8, needlessly prohibited ballot drop boxes. What happened to judicial restraint? State law doesnt specifically say anything about drop boxes for absentee ballots. So why read something into the law that isnt there? Bradley even suggested, in her majority opinion, that banning the secured boxes will help prevent rigged voting similar to Iraq, where Hussein won with a manufactured 100% of the vote. Her rhetoric was over the top something youd expect from a hyper-partisan politician, not a high-court judge. More than 500 ballot drop boxes appeared across the state in 2020 after COVID-19 emerged as the worst pandemic in a century. The boxes enjoyed bipartisan support including from Assembly Speaker Robin Vos and other Republicans. They made sense because public health officials were recommending people stay at least 6 feet apart to reduce the spread of the disease. Election officials tightly secured the drop boxes to the ground or buildings. In Madison, they were placed outside fire stations staffed through the night. Their contents were just as safe if not more so than ballots dropped into mailboxes. The drop boxes simply removed the middle man and sped up delivery. Election officials regularly checked the boxes and took them to municipal offices for safe storage. Voters didnt have to worry about ballots being lost in the mail or delayed. Many people didnt even leave their vehicle to drop in a ballot. They pulled up, rolled down their window and deposited it like mailing an important bill or letter. The end of drop boxes for ballots in Wisconsin wont change much. Mailboxes are still conveniently located in lots of neighborhoods. And you can still drop off ballots often curbside to poll workers at your clerks office. Thanks to vaccines and other precautions against COVID, many voters are now comfortable casting ballots in person. The courts decision isnt the end of democracy any more than it was a threat to fair elections. But its still disappointing. Voting should be as easy as possible while still being secure. Thats what drop boxes ensured, despite former President Donald Trumps endless and baseless conspiracy theories about voter fraud that he imagined to salve his ego. Trump lost the 2020 election, fair and square. Recounts, audits and legal decisions have proven President Joe Biden won. The real threat to our democracy is Trump, a losing candidate who still wont concede defeat. Trumps outrageous behavior in trying to reverse a legitimate election and the will of the people draws a much closer comparison to dictatorships than any of Wisconsins careful election procedures. Ballot drop boxes were good for democracy. Many voters will miss them. The only positive thing about their absence will be that Trumps cowardly apologists in Wisconsin will have one less innocuous procedure to complain about as a distraction from Trumps failings. END Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Famed film director Steven Spielberg has donated $20,000 to Gov. Tony Evers' reelection campaign. But even the movie magic genius of Spielberg, who has directed some of the most beloved movies in the last 50 years, probably couldn't help Wisconsin's boring governor seem exciting. Transparent backpacks. Millions of dollars for school security and mental health services. An audit of law enforcement tactics. After the Uvalde attack, Texas state leaders are seemingly trying everything they can to prevent the next school shooting. But so far, they refuse to deal with the root source of the tragedy: the easy availability of guns. A newly released report by a Texas House committee tells a story of cowardice and not only on the part of law enforcement. The report didnt delve into Texas gun laws, but it revealed that the troubled teen who attacked Robb Elementary bought firearms with minimal effort. Decades of political inaction made that possible. The gunman began amassing firearm accessories when he was still 17. As soon as he turned 18 in May, he legally bought two AR-15-style rifles, despite displaying violent tendencies for years. He had no criminal history, but he had expressed suicidal thoughts to family members and made violent threats against other social media users. The bipartisan federal gun legislation passed in the wake of the Uvalde murders was a good first step, but it didnt go far enough. We can do more to prevent gun violence while still respecting Americans Second Amendment rights. The legislation required more thorough background checks of gun purchasers under the age of 21. It also closed the boyfriend loophole, thereby keeping guns out of the hands of abusive dating partners who are not spouses or live-in boyfriends. And it provided funding to help enforce red flag laws, which allow law enforcement to confiscate weapons from individuals deemed by a court to be a threat to themselves or others. After decades of federal inertia on guns, this bill was a breakthrough. We welcomed it despite its shortcomings. As we wrote at the time, The good should not be the enemy of the perfect. But it shouldnt stop us from demanding more. While the new federal gun law offers states incentives to implement red flag laws, it does not require them. Here in Texas, many state officials remain opposed to red flag laws, even though a 2019 University of Texas at Austin poll found that 68% of Texans support this kind of measure. And our background check system is still inadequate. Gun sales between buyers and one-off private sellers arent subject to background checks a loophole that allows criminals to circumvent checks at licensed gun dealers. At the very least we could raise the age to purchase a rifle to 21. That is already a federal requirement for people buying handguns. Of course, troubled teenagers must receive mental health support and intervention. Transparent backpacks and enhanced school security could protect students. And law enforcement should be prepared to stop an attack. At the margins, these measures may save some lives. But unless we abandon the death pact we have entered with an overly broad interpretation of the Second Amendment, mass killings will continue apace. KETCHUM Idaho Department of Fish and Game personnel and local law enforcement responded to an aggressive bear in a local neighborhood. Early morning Monday, Fish and Game staff received a call about a bear that was searching in garbage cans and had snapped at a resident. The incident occurred about a block from another incident that occurred a week before where a bear eating garbage had charged a Ketchum woman. Fish and Game officials suspect, but can not confirm, that it was the same bear in both incidents. When Fish and Game staff arrived, a large sow black bear was in a tree with two cubs. The adult bear was darted to sedate it, but after falling from the tree, the bear died from a combination of stress and effects from the sedation and capture. However, Fish and Game staff had planned to euthanize the bear. Due to her aggressiveness toward people, we could not in good conscience release her and have her end up in someone elses home or camp, Magic Valley Regional Wildlife Manager Mike McDonald said. He added it was an unfortunate situation all the way around because despite repeated warnings, trash cans have repeatedly been left out overnight in the area, which attracts bears and causes a risk to public safety. The orphaned cubs will be raised in a special pen at Snowdon Wildlife Sanctuary that keeps them separated from humans, and McDonald said he hopes they can be released into the wild in late fall. This is the second case in July of black bears being euthanized after getting into trash. On July 14, Fish and Game staff captured and euthanized a young male black bear at Stoddard Creek Campground in Eastern Idaho after it had raided garbage left out by careless campers. The food-conditioned bear showed no fear of humans, and it repeatedly ripped open coolers and pushed on tents in search of food. Human safety is always our top concern, McDonald said. We simply cant have these bears roaming neighborhoods and camps in search of food. The risk is too great, and the best way people can prevent these incidents is to be especially careful to not leave out things that attract bears, particularly household garbage. While Idahos overall black bear population is healthy and stable, Fish and Game personnel want to avoid needless wildlife deaths, and they encourage people to be mindful of attracting wildlife, whether bears, or other animals, that cause problems when they associate homes and people with food. The most extreme elements of the Republican Party are fully in control after its convention in Twin Falls. The new chair outgoing Rep. Dorothy Moon, who lost her bid for secretary of state in May is closely tied to the John Birch Society, which was famously kicked out of the conservative movement in the 1950s, when it asserted that former general and President Dwight Eisenhower was a communist. And this is not some tangential connection: Moons husband, Darr, is on the John Birch Societys national council. Moon built her entire campaign for secretary of state on a Bircher-style conspiracy theory Donald Trumps Big Lie so you can expect that she will become that lies chief public expositor for the next several years. That Bircherite paranoia was also on display with continued efforts to make it easier to disqualify voters in the Republican primaries. But thats not the worst of it. If the new GOP leadership were simply crazy, that wouldnt be the biggest change in the world. After all, the partys current platform holds that you shouldnt be allowed to vote in U.S. Senate races. But the new GOP has signaled it also intends to be cruel. Our guns are loaded, Moon cried in her victory speech. She also trotted out an old Republican trope that the party was ready to keep this state free, as if some effort was afoot to make Idaho not free. As the Idaho Capital Sun reported, the party rejected efforts to express support for an exception in Idahos abortion ban for cases where the mother may die without one. The Idaho GOPs values? Let her die. Such cruelty is now integral to the party. That cruelty was on vivid display at the Twin Falls convention. Someone and certainly many people in the party know who did this, but they are either cowards or complicit, so the person responsible has not been identified made up flyers for an event hosted for Tom Luna supporters and distributed them at a local homeless shelter. Luna, the outgoing chair, showed grace and fed those who came hungry. But the cruelty of sending people to an event where they were not expected, of using them as pawns in a silly stunt, demonstrates a total lack of moral substance. It was utterly shameful. But acts like this arent too surprising, since many of the partys new leadership have shown themselves to be personally cruel in the past. Moon is a chief example. She stood as a character witness for former Rep. Aaron von Ehlinger, who raped a 19-year-old legislative intern. She also attempted to smear the interns character, saying she saw the intern flirting with von Ehlinger. He is scheduled to be sentenced later this month, and he faces up to life in prison. A Moon ally, outgoing Rep. Priscilla Giddings who lost her bid for lieutenant governor to Scott Bedke distributed a blog post with the interns name, photograph and information about her family. When it was Giddings turn to be formally censured by the House, Moon was among those who opposed it. Moon, the rapists steadfast defender, will now lead the states dominant party. And shes hardly the only member of party leadership with a history of moral lapses. Maria Nate, now the partys secretary, has demonstrated a comparable lack of moral fiber. Nate pilfered private emails from her late mother Sheila Olsen, the wife of former party Chairman Dennis Olsen to turn them into fodder for attack mailers aimed at lieutenant governor candidate Steve Yates. Olsen was admired by everyone who knew her, and that act likely cost her husband, outgoing Rep. Ron Nate, the 2018 election, despite her tearful pleas on conservative talk radio not to hold her husband responsible for her misdeeds. Here we have the leaders of Idahos dominant political party. It is not likely a party that many of Idahos best Republican lawmakers of recent years people like Maxine Bell, Bart Davis, Brent Hill, Shawn Keough and the like would recognize. Skywatching became a national occupation 70 years ago, as stiff necks and goggle eyes were the order of the day, The Associated Press said at the time. By July 1947, sightings of flying saucers had been reported in every state but five. The term flying saucer preceded the term UFO, a 1953 U.S. Air Force acronym for unidentified flying object. On June 24, 1947, Boise businessman Kenneth Arnold saw nine mysterious objects in the sky while flying his private plane near Mount Rainier in Washington. Arnold told a reporter the objects flew like a saucer if you skip it across the water. He later clarified that his use of the word saucer did not refer to the shape of the objects, but to their flight. The flying saucer term quickly spread and was used by the Times-News in a July 8, 1947, article about Magic Valley residents reporting disc-shaped objects flying at a high rate of speed over Twin Falls. Several days later, four Twin Falls teens created a mild sensation, when they built a model flying saucer and tossed it into a local yard, the newspaper said. The army and FBI revealed the model was a hoax after an investigation. About a month later, Twin Falls County Commissioner L.S. Hawkins, a former county sheriff, spotted two flying saucers over Salmon Falls Dam near Rogerson. Later the same day Aug. 13 A.C. Urie, operator of the Auger Falls Trout Farm, offered a detailed description of an object he and sons Billy, 10, and Keith, 8, saw flying along the floor of the Snake River Canyon at an estimated 1,000 mph. The Uries described the object to Times-News engraver Vic Goertzen, who drew a rendition of the object that made the front page of the Aug. 15, 1947, edition. It was all one color sort of a light sky blue with a red, tubular fiery glow at the side of the top or hood, Urie told the newspaper. The object must have been powered by atomic energy, he added, because it made very little noise just a s-w-i-s-h as it passed by. Mychel Matthews is the managing editor of the 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 or call her at 208-735-3233. TWIN FALLS The executive director of Valley House Homeless Shelter in Twin Falls confirmed by email that the person who dropped off alternate flyers for a campaign event during the Idaho Republican Partys convention was a delegate from Kootenai County. Valley Houses John Spiers confirmed by email on Wednesday that the person who dropped off alternate flyers for a campaign event during the Idaho Republican Partys convention was David Reilly, a delegate from Kootenai County. According to the shelter, Reilly dropped the flyers off on Thursday prior to a Pizza and Patriots event hosted by former Idaho GOP Chairman Tom Luna, who was seeking a second term as chairman. Flyers with a different design and a title of Pizza for the hungry were left with a representative of Valley House and distributed to shelter clients. Reilly could not be reached for comment on Wednesday. KTVB first reported the confirmed identity. Reilly tweeted on Wednesday that the whole story was cooked up by political operatives, but did not directly admit his involvement. He also tweeted a photo with Luna and a screenshot of a $100 donation to Valley House. Tyler Hurst, a Republican campaign staffer who organized Lunas event, said unhoused children and their family members showed up to the hotel and asked if it was the place where they could get free pizza. Hurst said Luna and the event organizers fed them and called the event a town hall instead. In a statement the following day, Luna called it a shameful act. Hurst said it was a politically motivated action designed to disrupt the event. Rep. Dorothy Moon, R-Stanley, was elected as chairwoman of the party on Saturday, and many delegates wore T-shirts and passed out signs supporting her. Reilly tweeted his support for her as chairwoman as well. Moon said she had nothing to do with the act and condemned it on Saturday when she addressed the delegates, calling it a dirty trick. Reilly moved to Post Falls in 2020, and ran as a write-in candidate for governor as a Democrat in the May primary, garnering 21 votes. In statements online, Reilly said he ran as a Democrat to make Democrats conservative again. He changed his affiliation back to Republican after the primary, and was selected by the Kootenai County Republican Central Committee as a delegate to the convention. Reilly, who calls himself a Christian nationalist, previously lived in Pennsylvania and hosted a radio show, but resigned following his involvement in the Unite the Right white nationalist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, in 2017. He ran for a school board position in Post Falls in 2021 and received the endorsement of the Kootenai County Republican Central Committee, but did not win the election. Several news articles have pointed out Reillys antisemitic and homophobic tweets, which he often later deletes. His deleted tweets have included suggestions that Iran should bomb Israel, and saying Jewish people have white privilege because they pretend to be white when its expedient for them. When it comes to mental health emergencies, think 988. That is the new number similar to 911 that launched Saturday and mental health counselors are hopeful the number will be easy to remember and get people help they need in a crisis. Its a national effort to replace and consolidate other state and national suicide prevention and mental health hotlines into one short number for callers all across the United States. The old number, (208) 398-4357, will still work if one dials it, but officials think that people will find the three-digit 988 easier to remember, and dial or text. Hopefully it will make it easier for people to get help during a mental health or substance abuse crisis, said public information manager Niki Forbing-Orr of the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. Callers who dial 988 will not be routed to law enforcement. Rather, calls will be answered by a network of more than 200 trained crisis call centers. Callers with an Idaho area code will be routed to the Idaho Crisis and Suicide hotline, 988 project manager Nicole Coleman said. Local law enforcement officers see it as a step in the right direction. Capt. Jarrod Thompson of the Cassia County Sheriffs Dept. said hes seen increasing numbers of people needing mental health counseling. Reports show it is a nationwide, even worldwide, trend. In the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, global prevalence of anxiety and depression increased by a 25 percent, according to a scientific brief released by the World Health Organization in March. Calling the new hotline will get help to people faster than calling 911, as law enforcement officers may not have the experience as professional counselors in dealing with a mental health emergency, although many law officers have been trained in handling mental health issues. Twenty-five law enforcement officers attended a 40-hour training hosted by the Twin Falls Police Department last winter. The Crisis Intervention Team training aimed to foster better connections between law enforcement, mental health providers, hospital emergency services, and individuals with mental illness and their loved ones. It covered 14-16 topics, Stotts said. It was very in-depth. The training helped give law officers the tools they need to help the mentally ill stay out of jail and into treatment. What happens when you call the 988 mental health hotline? On the hotline, experts will be available to help intervene in a crisis, support and de-escalate the caller or refer the caller to an array of local services. 988 is the new national suicide and crisis lifeline. It will be the 911 equivalent for behavioral health crises and an integral part of Idahos crisis care continuum, Coleman said in a written statement. The 988 partnership is committed to empathetic and culturally responsive services based on best practices. This continuum of care includes, but isnt limited to, crisis de-escalation over the phone, appropriate crisis mobile response, behavioral health service linkage, and crisis follow-up. The new 988 hotline launched after about two years of groundwork from the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare and Division of Behavioral Health, along with support from Medicaid and public health districts, Coleman said. New hotline receives Idahos elected officials support This year, the hotline received an additional $4.4 million in one-time state funding approved by the Idaho Legislature from Gov. Brad Littles behavioral health care plan, Idaho Department of Health and Welfare spokesman Greg Stahl said. During the 2021 legislative session, the Idaho House of Representatives and Idaho Senate voted to adopt House Concurrent Resolution 11, a resolution that signals the Legislatures support and promotion for the 988 hotline. In the resolution, Idaho legislators noted that Idahos suicide rate was 41% higher than the national average as of 2019 and that the state has a shortage of mental health and primary care providers. 988 will improve access to mental health support for all Idahoans, especially those in rural communities with few health care providers; and promotion of 988 will help raise awareness of mental health and suicide prevention and decrease stigma associated with asking for help, the resolution states. In Congress, U.S. Sen. Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, was one of the co-sponsors of the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act of 2020, which required the Federal Communications Commission to designate 988 as the universal suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline. Former President Donald J. Trump signed the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act of 2020 into law that same year. On Friday at the Idaho GOP Convention in Twin Falls, Crapo assembled a group of people involved in suicide prevention and crisis intervention efforts from across Idaho, including St. Lukes Behavioral Health, school counselors, police and fire department staff and the Boise Vet Center. Veterans and those in active military service will have the option to press 1 after calling 988 or the old suicide prevention hotline number, which will route the call to resources that specialize in care for military members. Crapo said the launch of the hotline is just the beginning, and there is more work to be done at the national and state level to ensure stable sources of funding for 988 and adequate staffing. One of the key initiatives we are engaged in is to incentivize the increase in number of people in America who are available, because those who need help take up your time 24/7 every day, and there still arent enough of you to help, Crapo said. Rep. Laurie Lickley, R-Jerome, also attended the press conference as a speaker. Lickley is a member of Idahos Behavioral Health Council and could be a member of the Idaho Senate in the 2023 legislative session. Lickley said she expects the Idaho Legislature to address the funding issues in the future, but it will take some time to determine what is needed. We see a path forward, and with your voice, the voices behind us, your family and their voice, and the community here today, we are partners in implementing your treatment and your recovery, Lickley said. This is a lifelong path, and we are with you. Times-News reporter Eric Goodell contributed to this story. HEYBURN A 39-year-old Wyoming man is facing numerous criminal charges after police said he went on a rampage Saturday after crashing his vehicle on Interstate 84. At about 6:30 a.m. Saturday, an Idaho State Police trooper was dispatched to a reported hit-and-run collision near milepost 204 on I-84 in Minidoka County, the ISP said in a statement. The trooper was advised that a 2006 Toyota Sequoia collided with a 2008 Ford F-350 pickup. Patrick Karongo Kaberi is charged with two felony counts of grand theft, two counts of aggravated battery with the use of a deadly weapon, assault and battery upon certain personnel, attempted robbery, arson II, two counts of malicious injury to property and misdemeanor charges of reckless driving and failure to stop. Kaberi, 39, of Kemmerer, Wyoming, pleaded not guilty to the charges on Monday. After crashing the Toyota into the Ford pickup, Kaberi ran from the scene but returned and attempted to steal the pickup from the driver, who refused to turn over the keys, the police statement said. Kaberi then doused the pickup with gasoline and set it on fire. When a passerby driving a GMC Sierra stopped to help extinguish the flames, Kaberi stole the Sierra, struck the driver and knocked him to the ground before fleeing. Once he exited the interstate, Kaberi then intentionally rammed a pursuing Heyburn police car driven by Officer Cole Kuta, court documents say. Both men exited the vehicles and Kuta fired his stun gun at the man but it was ineffective. Kaberi then took off with the police car and attempted to run over Kuta. Kuta fired multiple shots into the police car, striking Kaberi as he drove away. About a mile away, the police car, disabled from the collision, came to a stop. Kaberi then disappeared into a cornfield, the ISP statement said. A police K-9 located the wounded man, who was taken into custody. Kaberis injuries were non-life-threatening and he remains in jail. No medical update is available. No injuries were reported by Kuta, an 8-year veteran. He is on administrative leave per Heyburn city policy, the ISP said. The driver of the GMC Sierra, a 42-year-old Ammon man, was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, police said. The driver of the burned Ford F-350 involved in the original collision, a 43-year-old male from Twin Falls, was not injured during the incident. A preliminary hearing in the case is set a 1:30 p.m. July 27 in Minidoka County Magistrate Court. TODAYS WORD is behest. Example: At the head deacons behest, the church members spend a day cleaning the church, repairing the plumbing problems and getting the landscaping in order. WEDNESDAYS WORD was vicissitude. Example: With the beginning of summer, the vicissitude of the weather lead Phil to setting his air conditioning cooler, resulting in a higher electric bill. Foam darts The Ridgeway Library at 900 Vista View Lane, Ridgeway, will host a foam dart gun battle at 2:30 p.m. Saturday. The library closes at 2:00, and the chaos starts at 2:30! its announcement states. All ages are welcome, but they stress that this is a friendly battle and that participants should be able to use standard foam dart weaponry safely. Bring your own gun darts, but only the kinds with the soft standard dart and that do not require batteries; or borrow one from the library. Haircuts Krispy Kutz Barber Shop will give free haircuts on Aug. 7 to the first 60 kids who register, to help them be ready for school. The kids must register in person at 730 E. Church St., Suite 21, Martinsville. Self-checkout Readers share their views on self-checkout kiosks at stores: I use self checkout at Walmart, CVS and Kroger. Saves me time and I can bag my items the way I like, said Roslyn Simmons of Martinsville. Christina Kizner of Axton chooses self-checkout most of the time if it saves her time on waiting. Its quicker, and then I can bag the stuff how I want. Mary Ann Wall of Collinsville says she hates self check-out. She usually fills a large cart, and its more efficient to have an experienced cashier check her out. She also bags her own groceries; I am fast, enjoy it, and the register person really appreciates the help. Charlie Knighton of Martinsville, on the other hand, appreciates the valuable job of a cashier so only uses the cashier line. If an attendant wants to check him out in the self-service line, thats OK. All retail has much shrinkage in todays world. Charles Corbett doesnt use self-checkout for the same reason, adding, I believe it also is a step to a cashless society. WEDNESDAYS TRIVIA ANSWER: Piggly Wiggly became Americas first modern supermarket when it opened in 2016. Before it, a shopper would hand her list to a clerk behind a counter. The clerk would fill the order. Piggly Wigglys new store was the first that had the customers able to walk through the shelves and pick up what they wanted, then bring it to the counter to pay. That store introduced price-marked items, employees in uniforms and shopping baskets. Pictures of early grocery stores show that a customer would pick up a wooden woven harvest basket (like you can still get today at arm stands) and carry that through the store. TODAYS TRIVIA QUESTION: How did the modern style of grocery store impact brand marketing? A tragic facet of our times, one that must be consciously countered, is that with the onset of one awful news development following another at terrible speed, the unthinkable has become ever more everyday. Even worse, another sort of unthinkable evolution has set in even though catastrophic events continue and even worsen through the weeks and months, with time they become background noise, almost altogether forgotten, eclipsed by fresher tragedies. Such seems to be the case with Russian President Vladimir Putins unconscionable invasion of Ukraine. Theres been debate as to whether its appropriate to call the Ukraine invasion unprovoked. Those who debate this should keep in mind that it is possible for multiple things to be true at once that NATOs expansion to Russias borders and Ukraines interest in joining up made an invasion ordered by an uneasy Putin more probable and that the blame for the horrific destruction of Ukraine and slaughter of its civilians, justified to the Russian people by lies and disinformation transmitted through Russian state media, rests far above all others upon despot Putins shoulders and his deliberate choices. Those who debate this issue, it must be said, are at least thinking about the ongoing calamity and how best to bring it to an end. The invasion still rages, its detrimental effects on the world economy sure to be felt for years. The needless deaths of Russian and Ukrainian soldiers accumulate as the war of attrition continues in eastern Ukraine, with Russian forces gaining ground as Ukraine runs low on supplies. So far, Russia is weathering the staggering amount of sanctions imposed on its economy, a contingency the country has prepared for since experiencing the sanctions imposed over its illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014. Earlier this month, Putin told oil and gas industry executives that the sanctions harm the global economy more than they harm Russia. He shows no signs of changing course. In advocating for a diplomatic negotiation to end the war, MIT Political Science professor Barry R. Posen writes in Foreign Affairs that the conflict is headed into a long, bloody, and ultimately indecisive war that at best offers a costly avenue to a painful stalemate that leaves much Ukrainian territory in Russian hands. However, neither Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy nor the majority of the Ukrainian populace (as assessed by a recent poll conducted with great difficulty by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology) have any interest in ceding territory to appease the forces committing atrocities on their soil. More than 8.7 million refugees have fled the country since the Russian invasion began Feb. 24. Almost 5,000 Ukrainian civilians have been killed, and 6,000 more wounded. More than 6 million have been displaced from their homes by the war and more than 10 million are in need of food assistance. Yet controversies fresher in the American memory such as the gun control debate, stirred to new heights by a rash of recent mass shootings, and the abortion debate, ignited to new intensity by the U.S. Supreme Courts reversal of Roe v. Wade, have relegated news coming from Ukraine to background noise. News from Afghanistan underwent the same transformation well before the Ukraine invasions began, although that countrys descent into hell under the Taliban continues. Life has turned into a nightmare for the women of Afghanistan these days, said Wazhma Frogh, founder of the Women and Peace Studies Organization in Afghanistan, during a July 6 panel conducted by news network Al Jazeera. Practically overnight, millions of women who had been able to further their education and pursue careers during 20 years of American occupation went to their jobs only to be stopped at the gate and at the doors and told they would longer be allowed to work or attend school, she said. This is the reality of the Taliban, that they are not accepting the woman as a human in the country, said Zarqa Yaftali with the Womens Regional Network in Afghanistan. They have not changed. They are the Taliban of 20 years ago. In 2001, after the Taliban refused to hand over 9/11 architect Osama bin Laden, the United States invaded Afghanistan. In July 2021, the U.S. handed Afghanistan back to the Taliban unconditionally a disastrous abandonment that has earned comparisons to the fall of Saigon in Vietnam as U.S. forces withdrew in 1975. The U.S. has since done nothing to rein in the Talibans abuses or even pressure them into forming something akin to a real government that responds to peoples needs, Frogh said. A May report from the United Nations estimated that almost 19 million Afghans are facing food insecurity, a crisis compounded by the Ukraine war and by a July 7 earthquake in the province of Paktika that killed 1,000 and injured 1,500 more. These crises matter not just because of their global consequences, not just because of the attention they pull away from other ongoing humanitarian crises in countries like Myanmar, Somalia and Yemen, but because people affected by them directly are here in Virginia: families, relatives, refugees. They are not just among us, they are us. What you choose to do is up to you. We simply ask that you not forget. The Roanoke Times US Vice President Kamala Harris, highlighted, Wednesday, her countrys commitment to help promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth in Africa. Since last October, the United States has pledged more than $7 billion in humanitarian and food security assistance across Africa. More broadly, our Administrations goal is to promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth and development across the continent, to expand capital flows, and to promote the vibrant spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation that is so prevalent across Africa, she said in remarks via recorded video at the opening of the 14th edition of the U.S. Africa Business Summit held in Marrakech this week. Ms. Harris, who affirmed her commitment to strengthening relations with all African countries, highlighted the many economic opportunities that exist between the two sides. She also recalled that Africa is the worlds fastest-growing continent. By 2030, the continent will have 1.7 billion people, home to one-fifth of the worlds population. The continent is also increasingly young, urban and connected. There is a growing demand for food, healthcare, education, technology, and infrastructure, the US VP said. Yet, barriers remain: limited access to capital, the high cost of financing, and legal and regulatory bottlenecks. This is on top of the global challenges that I know are felt acutely in Africa, including recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, the climate crisis, and food insecurity, Ms. Harris said. The US official assured that the Biden-Harris Administration is committed to working with all African countries to address these issues, in furtherance of the African Unions Agenda 2063. With regard to food insecurity, Ms. Harris said the US Administration is focused on the urgent need to increase food production and exports with and within Africa, a challenge made worse by the war in Ukraine. I am pleased to see the advances made in implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area and we will work with you to ensure its success, she added, noting that the United States is committed to bringing to bear all the tools at our disposal, including, development financing, grants and technical assistance, and support for legal and regulatory reformsall to help our African partners thrive. The Vice President announced a summit between the United States and dozens of African countries in December in Washington, D.C., to discuss challenges ranging from food security to climate change. The summit, scheduled for December 13-15, will demonstrate the U.S. enduring commitment to Africa and underscore the importance of the U.S.-Africa relationship and increased cooperation on shared global priorities. The US-Africa business summit, placed under the high patronage of King Mohammed VI, is held July 19-22 at the initiative of the Corporate Council on Africa (CCA). It offers the opportunity to establish future-oriented tripartite US-Morocco-Africa business partnerships, and is also an occasion to consolidate the strategic positioning of Morocco, the only African country to have concluded a free trade agreement with the United States, as a hub for Africa and an economic partner of reference for the US. This event is marked by the organization of high-level dialogues, plenary sessions, panels, roundtables, and side-events around the continents priorities in food security, health, agriculture, energy transition, new technologies, infrastructure, and the integration of industrial ecosystems. The Marrakesh conference serves as a platform connecting U.S. and African companies looking to do business with one another, and offers an opportunity to global investors seeking the long-term returns offered by Africas fast-growing markets. During the summit, the U.S. African Development Foundation (USADF) will highlight the central role of African small and medium-sized enterprises in fueling the continents economic growth and recovery; and the Prosper Africa Chief Operating Officer will announce new funding opportunities and deals closed. The Marrakesh gathering features presentations and debates on business challenges & opportunities offered in various sectors in Africa, US-African government policies and success stories. The Malian authorities ordered on Wednesday 20 July the expulsion of the spokesman of the UN Mission in Mali (Minusma), blaming him for unacceptable information on the case of 49 Ivorian soldiers detained for over a week in Bamako, according to an official statement. The Malian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation announced on Wednesday 20 July that it was inviting Mr Olivier Salgado, spokesperson for the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in Mali (Minusma), to leave the country within 72 hours. This measure follows the series of biased and unacceptable publications by the person concerned on the social network Twitter, for having declared without any proof that the Malian authorities had been previously informed of the arrival of 49 Ivorian soldiers by civilian flight on 10 July 2022, the statement said. The statement also stressed the ministrys availability to maintain dialogue and continue cooperation with all its international partners, including the UNMISMA. Asked to provide evidence or to rectify his remarks, he refused, according to the Malian Foreign Ministrys statement. No comment from the Minusma side, but an official of the mission stressed that Olivier Salgado has always worked with great professionalism. The Franco-Belgian is one of the best known faces of the UN representation in Mali. Present in the country since the creation of the Mission 9 years ago, he was unavoidable. He has issued hundreds of press releases, led numerous press conferences and organised many field trips with journalists. In New York, UN spokesman Farhan Haq reacted. The UN deeply regrets this decision and is trying to clarify the request of the Malian authorities. Sebastien Ajavon, a presidential candidate in 2016, was arrested after about 18 kilos of pure cocaine were found in a container destined for one of his companies. The Beninese state will auction off luxury furniture and a vehicle seized from the home of Sebastien Ajavon, a wealthy businessman and exiled opposition figure twice convicted by his countrys judiciary, according to a statement Tuesday from the Treasury. A total of 140 pieces of luxury furniture, works of art and household appliances, as well as a Rolls Royce car with a price tag of 80 million CFA francs (122,339 euros) are being put up for auction at the request of the Beninese state, the Beninese Treasurys judicial agency said. The sale is due to take place on 9 August in Cotonou. On 1 July, Mr Ajavons home, located in the heart of the economic capital, was emptied by the tax authorities escorted by an impressive military and police detachment. Sebastien Ajavon, who made his fortune in agribusiness, came third in the 2016 presidential election and rallied behind the current president, Patrice Talon. The relationship between the two men, two billionaires who opposed each other in politics and business, had quickly deteriorated. In October 2016, Mr Ajavon was arrested after the discovery of about 18 kilos of pure cocaine worth an estimated 14 million euros in a container destined for one of his companies. He was released a few months later for lack of evidence and for the benefit of the doubt. But a special court then sentenced him in 2018 in absentia to 20 years in prison. This conviction was deemed illegal by the African Court of Human Rights, which was seized by the exiled opponent in Paris, but Benin refuses to cancel it. He was again sentenced in March 2021 to a second five-year prison term for forgery, use of forgery and fraud. Elected in 2016 and re-elected in 2021, President Talon has undertaken a series of political and economic reforms to put his country on the path to development. But this impressive modernisation has also been accompanied by a major step backwards in democracy, according to the opposition, which has been reduced to almost nothing today. A Catholic priest abducted last week in northwestern Nigeria was killed by his captors while another priest kidnapped the same day managed to escape, the regional head of the Christian Association of Nigeria said Wednesday. The northwestern and central parts of Nigeria are the scene of criminal gangs, known locally as bandits, who attack, loot and kill large numbers of residents. These bandits also carry out numerous kidnappings of schoolchildren, villagers, travelers and public figures, including priests, for ransom. Priests John Mark Chietnum and Donatus Cleopas were abducted on 15 July from a church in the village of Yadin Gura, Kaduna State, where they had stopped for the night, said Joseph Hayab, head of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Kaduna. On Tuesday, priest Donatus Cleopas managed to escape from his abductors as they were on their way to meet an emissary of the CAN to exchange him for a ransom, according to the association. Reverend Father Cleopas, who escaped his captors, confirmed to us that his colleague Reverend Father Chietnum was killed on the day of their abduction, Hayab said. We have been able to recover the body of the deceased priest, which has decomposed considerably, and we will proceed with the burial tomorrow, he added. Mr Hayab negotiated for several days with the bandits, who had initially demanded 60 million naira (about $145,000) for the two priests. We did not know that one of them had been killed, Mr Hayab said, adding that they finally agreed on a reasonable amount, without giving further details. In his flight, the priest did not have time to reach his parish, and the bandits kidnapped the man sent by the association to pay his ransom, the source said. Priests are deliberately targeted by the bandits, who have kidnapped 13 in the last two years, he added. Kaduna is one of the states most affected by gang attacks. In March, gunmen attacked a passenger train between Nigerias capital Abuja and Kaduna, killing eight people and kidnapping dozens. US President Joe Biden on Wednesday announced a summit between the United States and dozens of African countries in December in Washington to discuss challenges ranging from food security to climate change. This summit will demonstrate the United States enduring commitment to Africa and underscore the importance of the US-Africa relationship and increased cooperation on shared global priorities, Biden said in a statement. The summit will take place from 13 to 15 December. According to a US administration official speaking on condition of anonymity, some fifty African leaders are expected to attend. Joe Biden, who entered the White House in January 2021, has not yet visited Africa as US president, although he has made trips to Asia, Europe and the Middle East. His diplomatic efforts so far have largely been to promote unity among Western democracies against China, but the official who requested anonymity said the December summit was not just about Beijing. We are not asking our African partners to choose, the official said. We think the US offers a better model but we are not asking our African partners to choose. The summit will aim to establish a new economic commitment, promote democracy and human rights, advance peace and security and address challenges such as food security and climate change as well as the COVID-19 pandemic, Biden said. (a) full thickness cross-section of PVDF400 and (b) PVDF-only layer cross-section. Surface of (c) PVDF layer and (d) polyester support layer. SEM images of N95 layers (e) 1, (f) 2, (g) 3, and (h) 4. In mask orientation, layer 1 is exposed to the open environment and layer 4 is exposed to the inside of the mask. Layer 3 is referred to as the separating layer, as it had the highest flow resistance. Credit: University of Kentucky A team of University of Kentucky researchers led by College of Engineering Professor Dibakar Bhattacharyya, Ph.D., and his Ph.D. student, Rollie Mills, have developed a medical face mask membrane that can capture and deactivate the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein on contact. At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Bhattacharyya, known to friends and colleagues as "DB," along with collaborators across disciplines at UK set out to create the material. Their work was published in Communications Materials on May 24. SARS-CoV-2 is covered in spike proteins, which allow the virus to enter host cells once in the body. The team developed a membrane that includes proteolytic enzymes that attach to the protein spikes and deactivates them. "This new material can filter out the virus like the N95 mask does, but also includes antiviral enzymes that completely deactivate it. This innovation is another layer of protection against SARS-CoV-2 that can help prevent the virus from spreading," said DB, the director of UK's Center of Membrane Sciences. "It's promising to the development new products that can protect against SARS-CoV-2 and a number of other human pathogenic viruses." DB's team included J. Todd Hastings, Ph.D., Thomas Dziubla, Ph.D., and Kevin Baldridge, Ph.D. from the College of Engineering; Yinan Wei, Ph.D., a former professor in the College of Arts and Sciences' Department of Chemistry; and Lou Hersh, Ph.D., in the College of Medicine's Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry. College of Engineering doctoral student Rollie Mills (NSF Graduate Fellow and first author of the article), and undergraduate students Ronald Vogler, Matthew Bernard and Jacob Concolino contributed extensively to the project. The team developed the membrane, which was fabricated through an existing collaboration with a large-scale membrane manufacturer. It was then tested using SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins that were immobilized on synthetic particles. Not only could the material filter out coronavirus-sized aerosols, but it was also able to destroy the spike proteins within 30 seconds of contact. The study reports that the membrane provided a protection factor above the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's standard for N95 masks, meaning that it could filter at least 95% of airborne particles. "These membranes have been proven to be a promising system of advancement toward the new generation of respiratory face masks and enclosed-environment filters that can significantly reduce coronavirus transmission by virus protein deactivation and enhanced aerosol particle capture," the study reports. The new membrane builds upon the center's National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) and NSF-funded activities, which have developed various functionalized membranes for environmental remediation. In contrast to passive membranes, functionalized membranes provide additional benefits by interacting with undesired particles like viruses through selective binding or deactivation. Explore further Researchers seek to develop antiviral membrane mask More information: Rollie Mills et al, Aerosol capture and coronavirus spike protein deactivation by enzyme functionalized antiviral membranes, Communications Materials (2022). Rollie Mills et al, Aerosol capture and coronavirus spike protein deactivation by enzyme functionalized antiviral membranes,(2022). DOI: 10.1038/s43246-022-00256-0 Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Against the backdrop of racial tensions across America in late 2020, online platforms became a place of discussion, discourse and even protest. Through this time period, Black adolescents experienced a different effect than their White peers; they more distinctly suffered mental health issues after being confronted with online racial discrimination. Two University of Pittsburgh scientists conducted a longitudinal study collecting 18,454 daily assessments of 602 Black and White adolescents across the country58% of them African Americanacross 58 days of racial tension between March and November 2020. Black youth experienced increases in online racial discrimination that predicted worse same- and next-day mental health, concluded the study published online July 19 in the Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. These findings contained implications about shaping mental health disparities that can disadvantage Black youths relative to their White peers, the scientists said. They also emphasized the importance of recognizing online spaces as impediments, if not dangers, at such a developmental time for youths and their mental growth and well-being. "This study showed us the need for programs to decrease online hate crimes as well as procedures by health providerspediatricians, psychiatrists and othersto mitigate negative mental health effects such as online racial discrimination," said Ming-Te Wang, professor of psychology and education in the School of Education and senior scientist at Pitt's Learning Research & Development Center (LRDC). Juan Del Toro, LRDC research associate, and co-author Wang set out to study online racial discrimination in the time of COVID-19. While students performed schoolwork at home, they spent more time online and in front of screenswhere the racial unrest of 2020 especially took hold in direct-messaging platforms and social media. They established two primary research goals: Examine the frequency of online racial discrimination before and after the 2020 unrest, and determine if such discrimination predicted mental health issues among a representative sample of Black youths. What they found: 1 of 2 Black youths experienced at least one incident of online racism during the study period. That rate was significantly higher than a previous documented study that found roughly 2 in 5 Black adults reported experiencing the same amount between March and June 2020a study period barely half as long as the one used by Del Toro and Wang. "The data were rich as we had Black and White youths' daily survey responses, and these daily self-reports were gathered across multiple periods throughout 2020, enabling us to look at changes in youths' daily experiences of racial discrimination across time and examine the immediate and prolonged mental health consequences of racial discrimination," Del Toro said. The researchers concluded that changes in policy and medical approach are necessary when such racial traumatic experiences arise. Clinicians should receive training on culturally sensitive assessments and effective communication skills, the scientists found. Racial literacy training and resources to help youth cope with racial events also would benefit mental health professionals. "These findings have immediate implications for clinical practice," Del Toro said. "Adolescents' chronic exposure to online settings may exacerbate racial disparities in health considering the present study found a negative impact of racial discrimination on Black youths' but not White youths' mental health." Explore further Racial discrimination affects brain microstructure More information: Juan Del Toro et al, Online Racism and Mental Health Among Black American Adolescents in 2020, Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (2022). Journal information: Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Juan Del Toro et al, Online Racism and Mental Health Among Black American Adolescents in 2020,(2022). DOI: 10.1016/j.jaac.2022.07.004 A visualization of the immune engineering process, from structure selection to authentic virus neutralization. Upper left: Analysis of interaction between SARS-CoV-2 and the ACE2 receptor revealed numerous contact residues along the receptor binding motif (RBM) ridgeline. Upper right: Focus was placed on residues comprising the FNCY patch, a conserved site on the RBM that is key to virus binding. Structure-selected residues (epitopes) are cloned and plasmid DNA encoded, with the result injected into the spleens of mice Lower left: The result was synthesis of the introduced molecules and activation of B cell immunity. Lower right: With booster, primary and memory immune response generated neutralizing antibodies to the SARS-CoV-2 virus and three variants: Beta, Delta and Omicron. Credit: UC San Diego Health Sciences Researchers at University of California San Diego School of Medicine, with colleagues elsewhere, describe a different way to build a COVID-19 vaccine, one that would, in theory, remain effective against new and emerging variants and could be taken as a pill, by inhalation or other delivery methods. Their findings publish in the July 21, 2022 online issue of PLOS Pathogens. The research involved building plasmids genetically altered to contain bits of genetic material specifically intended to target a vulnerability in the SARS-CoV-2 virus's spike protein, a portion of the virus critical to binding and infecting cells. Plasmids are small, circular DNA molecules from bacteria that are physically separate from chromosomal DNA and can replicate independently. They can be used by scientists to transfer genetic material from one cell to another, after which the introduced genetic material can replicate in the receiving cell. The approach, said senior author Maurizio Zanetti, MD, professor of medicine at UC San Diego School of Medicine and head of the Laboratory of Immunology at UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center, points to the possibility of a more durable, and more broadly effective, COVID-19 vaccine. "The details are complicated, but the fundamentals are simple," said Zanetti. "They are based on well-known and proven principles and methods." COVID-19 mRNA vaccines, such as those by Pfizer and Moderna, are the result of decades of previous research and development. The pandemic added new urgency, focus and resources. These vaccines promised a faster way to people, though not without significant challenges, such as the need of an ultralow temperature cold chain. The resulting mRNA vaccines have fundamentally altered the course of the pandemic, dramatically mitigating the severity of disease, hospitalizations and deaths. But notably, said Zanetti, they do little at blocking transmission of the virus. Case rates still rise and fall with the emergence of viral variants. "The goal at the beginning wasn't to stop the disease," said Zanetti. "It was to mitigate the consequences, to reduce COVID's severity and outcomes. The vaccines have done that. Vaccinated persons tend not to get as sick. They don't require hospitalization as often. Death rates are down. All of this has greatly reduced pressures on health systems and society, which is a good thing." But the ever-evolving nature of the SARS-CoV-2 virus has revealed that the vaccines' efficacy varies, depending upon variant, often diminishing. The alpha variant, for example, proved more contagious than the "wild-type" strain that originated in Wuhan, China. The delta variant was more transmissible than alpha and omicron more than delta. Though the vaccines continue to provide substantial protection against severe disease, the antibodies they induce are consistently less powerful at neutralizing the virus, thus the increased transmission. SARS-CoV-2 continues to be an unrelenting global public health threat. Zanetti said the newest work emphasizes "quality over quantity," seeking the induction of antibodies preferentially blocking virus binding to its cell receptor and transmission. This results in a more focused antibody response with the vaccine. "In the early days of COVID vaccine development, it was about generating a broad, robust immune response," Zanetti said. "But it was a scattered approach. The vaccines response targeted many epitopes (parts of the virus that the host's immune system recognizes) and it resulted in an immune response that was largely noise. Most of the resulting antibodies produced didn't affect the virus's ability to infect." "The new research narrows the focus to a part of the viral spike specifically involved in the virus's ability to infect that appears to be evolutionarily conserved," said co-senior author Aaron F. Carlin, MD, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health at UC San Diego Health. In other words, the site doesn't change with new variants, and represents a persisting site of vulnerability and a reliable vaccine target. How it works Zanetti and colleagues built plasmids containing immunogensmolecules that cause B lymphocytes to create antibodiesthat were specifically designed to display a knob of the spike protein that is part of the receptor binding motif or RBM. Specifically, these were amino acid residues that act like keys to unlock the cell door. The keys and lock don't change. B lymphocytes are part of the immune system. They are prodigious producers of antibodies created to respond and protect against specific antigens or unwanted substances in the body, such as viruses. The average B lymphocyte can spit out 1,000 antibody molecules per second, an incredibly robust production if it is the right antibody for the job. Zanetti and colleagues cloned the selected spike protein amino acids into a plasmid DNA so that, when injected into the spleen of mice, the introduced immunogen molecules would provoke the production of neutralizing antibodies specifically tuned to the targeted nob on the RBM of the virus protein spike. The researchers then tested their approach on mice with variants of the original SARS-CoV-2 strain (beta, delta and omicron) and found that the immune response was similar across all variants. "We were a bit lucky in picking our target on the spike," said Zanetti, "though it was also the result of experience and intuition. I've been doing this for 30 years. Earlier experiments by others had suggested this might be a 'supersite.' I followed my instincts." Zanetti said translating these findings into a vaccine suitable for clinical trials will be "an uphill battle." There is much invested in current approaches, and it's a considerable leap from mouse studies to human clinical trials. But the promise of a consistently effective and easy to administer vaccine is irresistible. "DNA is very stable. The new ideas for delivery include a pill that survives the digestive system and releases the plasmid DNA to be picked up by B lymphocytes that seem to possess an ancestral property for taking up plasmid DNA. Alternatively, the DNA can be formulated for delivery to the upper airways by suitable formulation for inhalation. Many other researchers and I have investigated and pursued this basic idea before in other ways. It's time to try it with COVID." Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain The rapid COVID-19 vaccine rollout from December 2020 averted infection in a large proportion of NHS hospital workers in England during the second wave of the pandemic, suggests research published by The BMJ today. Without the vaccine rollout, which prioritized frontline healthcare workers, an extra 10% of all patient facing hospital workers would have been infectedand staff absence due to COVID-19 could have been 69% higher. What's more, the odds of infection increased by 2% every day a healthcare worker went without vaccination. Another study published by The BMJ today compared the effectiveness of the Pfizer-BioNTech and the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines against infection in 317,341 health and social care workers in England vaccinated between 4 January and 28 February 2021. Using data from the OpenSAFELY research platform, the results show strong protection from both vaccines and no substantial differences between the two vaccines in rates of infection or COVID-19 related hospital attendance and admission. Together, these findings provide essential insights into SARS-CoV-2 infection in health and social care workers that can be used to guide further infection prevention and control measures. Healthcare workers were among the first groups eligible for COVID-19 vaccination from December 2020. During rollout, coverage varied between healthcare worker groups, potentially leading to disparities in exposure and protection across the workforce. Researchers therefore wanted to examine the rate of, risk factors for, and impact of vaccines on SARS-CoV-2 infection during England's second wave (1 September 2020 to 30 April 2021) in susceptible hospital healthcare workers. Using a combination of statistical and mathematical modeling, they analyzed data from 18,284 clinical, support, and administrative staff with no evidence of previous infection who were recruited from 105 NHS hospital trusts in England as part of the SARS-CoV-2 Immunity and Reinfection Evaluation (SIREN) Study. At enrollment, participants completed a survey about their demographic, household and occupational characteristics, and subsequently completed fortnightly questionnaires that included whether they had been vaccinated. They also had PCR tests every fortnight and antibody tests every month throughout the study period (1 September 2020 to 30 April 2021). After taking account of demographic, household, and occupational factors, 2,353 (13%) of participants became infected during the second wave. Infections peaked in late December 2020 and decreased from January 2021, in line with rapid vaccination coverage among healthcare workers and a national lockdown. Factors increasing the likelihood of infection in the second wave were being under 25 years old, living in a household of five or more people, having frequent exposure to patients with COVID-19, working in an emergency department or inpatient ward setting, and being a healthcare assistant. Time to first vaccination emerged as being strongly associated with infection, with each additional day multiplying a participant's odds of infection by 2%. Mathematical model simulations indicated that an additional 10% of all patient-facing hospital healthcare workers would have been infected were it not for the rapid vaccination coverage. This is an observational study, so can't establish cause, and limitations include the lack of detail needed to explore variations in hospital infection prevention and control policies, and differences in individuals' behavior that may have affected the results. However, SIREN is a large study that is well positioned to explore the incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the hospital workforce. As such, the researchers say this study "reinforces the importance of vaccination among healthcare workers during a significant wave of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in England." They add that "greater understanding of transmission dynamics among healthcare workers, particularly according to role and setting, will support NHS trusts in protecting their workforce and patients from SARS-CoV-2 infection and potentially other seasonal winter viruses." These findings remind us that some categories of staff remain at higher risk of occupational COVID-19 (and presumably other respiratory infections), despite using personal protective equipment as advised at the time, writes an expert in a linked editorial. This raises the question of whether vaccines and immunity are a good enough defense, or whether more stringent measures such as better personal protective equipment and ventilation are still required in high risk healthcare settings. The NHS now faces a dilemma. "It is unclear what living with COVID-19 means in a healthcare setting, and whether we should now tolerate spread of a much milder infection in our hospitals. Further surveillance and research will help inform this debate, but ethical and political considerations are also likely to play a part." Explore further COVID-19 transmission in geriatric acute care shows need for enhanced infection control and prevention measures More information: Burden of SARS-CoV-2 infection in healthcare workers during second wave in England and impact of vaccines: prospective multicentre cohort study (SIREN) and mathematical model, The BMJ (2022). Journal information: British Medical Journal (BMJ) Burden of SARS-CoV-2 infection in healthcare workers during second wave in England and impact of vaccines: prospective multicentre cohort study (SIREN) and mathematical model,(2022). DOI: 10.1136/bmj-2022-070379 The U.S. Food and Drug Administration will begin a comprehensive review of its food and tobacco programs amid a high-profile infant formula shortage and recent rulings on e-cigarettes. FDA Commissioner Robert Califf first announced the review on Tuesday, then appeared at a Senate subcommittee hearing on food safety on Wednesday, calling the food program "one of my absolute top priorities," CNN reported. "My assessment is that the foods program is staffed by highly dedicated people, I can't stress enough how hard they work and the depth of their knowledge," Califf said during the subcommittee hearing. "But they're working in a suboptimal environment that needs to be reformed. Accordingly, we've initiated a full review of the foods program." In opening comments at the hearing, Sen. Tammy Baldwin, chair of the Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies, said the "FDA needs to do better." "Lack of communication, outdated ways of thinking and overall lack of leadership have negatively impacted the agency," Baldwin said. "Serious concerns remain about the priority that FDA gives to food safety and the missteps that have led to outbreaks or critical shortages and individuals getting sick." During the infant formula shortage this spring, the FDA made it easier to import some formulas from other countries, and the agency plans to work with foreign manufacturers to allow their products to be permanently sold in the United States. But food products aren't the only area of concern at the agency. The FDA also made news in June when it ordered a popular e-cigarette brand, Juul Labs, to remove all its products from the U.S. market. But in July, the agency temporarily suspended the ban while the company appeals the agency's action. "Just over 13 years ago, Congress tasked the FDA with regulating tobacco products," Califf said in an agency news release announcing the reviews. "In the ensuing years, we have made important progress and reached regulatory decisions on a broad array of millions of products. But even greater challenges lie ahead as we determine how the agency will navigate complex policy issues and determine enforcement activities for an increasing number of novel products that could potentially have significant consequences for public health." Califf was FDA commissioner during former President Barack Obama's last year in office and was confirmed again to the post in February. "In February 2022, I rejoined the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as Commissioner of Food and Drugs, having served in the role five years earlier. Since my return, the agency has taken many significant actions that benefit the public health. Yet at the same time, the agency has confronted a series of challenges that have tested our regulatory frameworks and stressed the agency's operations, prompting me to take a closer look at how we do business," Califf said. During the subcommittee hearing, he added that a report on the review would be ready within 60 business days after it begins. Explore further FDA weighs oversight changes after formula, Juul troubles More information: The White House offered additional information on the The White House offered additional information on the infant formula shortage Copyright 2022 HealthDay. All rights reserved. Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain Four years ago, when Karen Giuliano went to a Boston hospital for hip replacement surgery, she was given a pale-pink bucket of toiletries issued to patients in many hospitals. Inside were tissues, bar soap, deodorant, toothpaste, and, without a doubt, the worst toothbrush she'd ever seen. "I couldn't believe it. I got a toothbrush with no bristles," she said. "It must have not gone through the bristle machine. It was just a stick." To most patients, a useless hospital toothbrush would be a mild inconvenience. But to Giuliano, a nursing professor at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, it was a reminder of a pervasive "blind spot" in U.S. hospitals: the stunning consequences of unbrushed teeth. Hospital patients not getting their teeth brushed, or not brushing their teeth themselves, is believed to be a leading cause of hundreds of thousands of cases of pneumonia a year in patients who have not been put on a ventilator. Pneumonia is among the most common infections that occur in health care facilities, and a majority of cases are non-ventilator hospital-acquired pneumonia, or NVHAP, which kills up to 30% of those infected, Giuliano and other experts said. But unlike many infections that strike within hospitals, the federal government doesn't require hospitals to report cases of NVHAP. As a result, few hospitals understand the origin of the illness, track its occurrence, or actively work to prevent it, the experts said. Many cases of NVHAP could be avoided if hospital staffers more dutifully brushed the teeth of bedridden patients, according to a growing body of peer-reviewed research papers. Instead, many hospitals often skip teeth brushing to prioritize other tasks and provide only cheap, ineffective toothbrushes, often unaware of the consequences, said Dian Baker, a Sacramento State nursing professor who has spent more than a decade studying NVHAP. "I'll tell you that today the vast majority of the tens of thousands of nurses in hospitals have no idea that pneumonia comes from germs in the mouth," Baker said. Pneumonia occurs when germs trigger an infection in the lungs. Although NVHAP accounts for most of the cases that occur in hospitals, it historically has not received the same attention as pneumonia tied to ventilators, which is easier to identify and study because it occurs among a narrow subset of patients. NVHAP, a risk for virtually all hospital patients, is often caused by bacteria from the mouth that gathers in the scummy biofilm on unbrushed teeth and is aspirated into the lungs. Patients face a higher risk if they lie flat or remain immobile for long periods, so NVHAP can also be prevented by elevating their heads and getting them out of bed more often. According to the National Organization for NV-HAP Prevention, which was founded in 2020, this pneumonia infects about 1 in every 100 hospital patients and kills 15% to 30% of them. For those who survive, the illness often extends their hospital stay by up to 15 days and makes it much more likely they will be readmitted within a month or transferred to an intensive care unit. John McCleary, 83, of Millinocket, Maine, contracted a likely case of NVHAP in 2008 after he fractured his ankle in a fall and spent 12 days in rehabilitation at a hospital, said his daughter, Kathy Day, a retired nurse and advocate with the Patient Safety Action Network. McCleary recovered from the fracture but not from pneumonia. Two days after he returned home, the infection in his lungs caused him to be rushed back to the hospital, where he went into sepsis and spent weeks in treatment before moving to an isolation unit in a nursing home. He died weeks later, emaciated, largely deaf, unable to eat, and often "too weak to get water through a straw," his daughter said. After contracting pneumonia, he never walked again. "It was an astounding assault on his body, from him being here visiting me the week before his fall, to his death just a few months later," Day said. "And the whole thing was avoidable." While experts describe NVHAP as a largely ignored threat, that appears to be changing. Last year, a group of researchersincluding Giuliano and Baker, plus officials from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Veterans Health Administration, and the Joint Commissionpublished a "call-to-action" research paper hoping to launch "a national healthcare conversation about NVHAP prevention." The Joint Commission, a nonprofit organization whose accreditation can make or break hospitals, is considering broadening the infection control standards to include more ailments, including NVHAP, said Sylvia Garcia-Houchins, its director of infection prevention and control. Separately, ECRI, a nonprofit focused on health care safety, this year pinpointed NVHAP as one of its top patient safety concerns. James Davis, an ECRI infection expert, said the prevalence of NVHAP, while already alarming, is likely "underestimated" and probably worsened as hospitals swelled with patients during the coronavirus pandemic. "We only know what's reported," Davis said. "Could this be the tip of the iceberg? I would say, in my opinion, probably." To better measure the condition, some researchers call for a standardized surveillance definition of NVHAP, which could in time open the door for the federal government to mandate reporting of cases or incentivize prevention. With increasing urgency, researchers are pushing for hospitals not to wait for the federal government to act against NVHAP. Baker said she has spoken with hundreds of hospitals about how to prevent NVHAP, but thousands more have yet to take up the cause. "We are not asking for some big, $300,000 piece of equipment," Baker said. "The two things that show the best evidence of preventing this harm are things that should be happening in standard care anywaybrushing teeth and getting patients mobilized." That evidence comes from a smattering of studies that show those two strategies can lead to sharp reductions in infection rates. In California, a study at 21 Kaiser Permanente hospitals used a reprioritization of oral care and getting patients out of bed to reduce rates of hospital-acquired pneumonia by around 70%. At Sutter Medical Center in Sacramento, better oral care reduced NVHAP cases by a yearly average of 35%. At Orlando Regional Medical Center in Florida, a medical unit and a surgical unit where patients received enhanced oral care reduced NVHAP rates by 85% and 56%, respectively, when compared with similar units that received normal care. A similar study is underway at two hospitals in Illinois. And the most compelling results come from a veterans' hospital in Salem, Virginia, where a 2016 oral care pilot program reduced rates of NVHAP by 92%saving an estimated 13 lives in just 19 months. The program, the HAPPEN Initiative, has been expanded across the Veterans Health Administration, and experts say it could serve as a model for all U.S. hospitals. Michelle Lucatorto, a nursing official who leads HAPPEN, said the program trains nurses to most effectively brush patients' teeth and educates patients and families on the link between oral care and preventing NVHAP. While teeth brushing may not seem to require training, Lucatorto made comparisons to how the coronavirus revealed many Americans were doing a lackluster job of another routine hygienic practice: washing their hands. "Sometimes we are searching for the most complicated intervention," she said. "We are always looking for that new bypass surgery, or some new technical equipment. And sometimes I think we fail to look at the simple things we can do in our practice to save people's lives." Explore further Health care leaders call for national focus on preventing hospital-acquired pneumonia 2022 Kaiser Health News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. The day Reina Pomeroy unintentionally became an expert on how natural disasters affect children began pleasantly enough. On that sunny December morning, she and her husband, David, had taken their sons, ages 7 and 2, out for a hike near Boulder, Colorado. Fierce winds sent them back to their home in nearby Louisville, which they had moved into about five months earlier. Around 11:30 a.m., as they were attempting to settle their youngest down for a nap, Reina noticed the sun had turned from yellow-white to "fire-sky orange," a hue she knew from growing up in California. Her husband soon confirmeda smoky blaze had broken out in parched grasslands to the west. Within 45 minutes, the Pomeroys were thinking about evacuating. Reina told their older son, "If we can never come back here, what would you want?" He grabbed his stuffed bear and his blanket. Outside, the wind was tossing garbage cans around like tumbleweeds. The smoke became so thick she could not see across the street. By 1:35 p.m., the Pomeroys were fleeing in their SUV. That night, when the car they abandoned in their garage alerted them the temperature had hit 200 degrees, they knew their house was burning. As the adults grappled with the news, their 7-year-old watched. "My son saw me lose it," Reina said. "There was not like a strategic, 'Here's how we talk to our kids about the thing.' It was more, 'Here's how I'm reacting.'" The Dec. 30 Marshall Fire, which killed two people and destroyed nearly 1,100 homes, was a personal calamity for Pomeroy and her family. But her experience in having to guide her children through disaster is hardly unique. Each year worldwide, an estimated 175 million children are affected by natural disasters. And as the U.S. enters the peak time for hurricanes, wildfires and more that some scientists call "Danger Season," experts say it's important to understand children's needs. Children are particularly vulnerable to long-term consequences from disasters, said Betty Lai, an associate professor in Boston College's counseling, developmental and educational psychology department. "Because youth are still growing and still gaining experiences on how to deal with the world, experiencing a disaster event at a young age can have a larger impact on youth than it might on adults," said Lai, author of several studies about how disasters affect kids. Disruptions to everyday life can have an exaggerated effect on children, said Dr. Justin Zachariah, a pediatric cardiologist and associate professor at Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Heart Center in Houston. "While all people may be creatures of habit, children specifically rely on structure as a foundation for the rest of their lives," said Zachariah, who helped write a 2017 American Heart Association scientific statement on childhood and adolescent adversity. A disaster can upend everything children require to thrivehome, family, schools, neighborhoods and connections with friends. A child's perception of danger can be a significant predictor of long-term response to a disaster. Lai said children can suffer stress even if their lives are never directly at risk, if they have to change schools or a parent loses a job. Children's responses vary greatly, Zachariah said. Some might appear unaffected, while post-traumatic stress can lead others to shut down or become hyper-responsive. Both mental and physical health can suffer. Studies have associated childhood adversity with long-term risk of heart attacks, strokes and other problems. Traumatized children might have sleep issues or nightmares, Lai said. They might struggle in school because of missed classes or develop difficulty concentrating. Symptoms can last for years. A disaster does not need to mark a child for life, though. Children "are often a lot more resilient than we give them credit for," Zachariah said. Studies show that most children can bounce back. But not all do. So adults need to stay alert for difficulties, Lai said. They also need to set the emotional tone. "Children's response to a disaster is heavily predicated on their parents' response to that disaster," Zachariah said. The younger kids are, the more they will look to a parent as to how concerned they should be, he said. "If you have a young child going through a natural disaster, but that young child's basic needs are being met and the parent is not exerting or exhibiting any signs of distress, the child may not pick up that there's something going on." Parents have to walk a tightrope when dealing with scary realities. Zachariah recommends "as much honesty as is appropriate" to the parent-child relationship. An older child can handle more transparency than a young one. Hiding harsh facts, though, "is generally going to be an exercise in futility, because the kids will figure it out," he said. Lai agreed. "We know that children are very perceptive," she said. "So even if you don't say it, they may understand that something big is happening. And it can become even scarier for children to not have something be discussed." After a disaster, getting children back into their routines is crucial, she said. "Routines are very comforting and provide structure for children, and also their families." Children also need opportunities to express themselves, Zachariah said. "Developmentally and neurobiologically, they may not be able to bring those things that are in their subconscious to their conscious awareness." But a parent can ask a child to draw a picture or write a story about how they are feeling. Those might reveal irrational thoughts that would not occur to an adultsuch as fear that a disaster was punishment for something the child did. Teachers can provide guidance about when it may be time to seek professional help such as counseling, Lai said. She and Zachariah said parents can help kids by taking care of themselves. That ensures parents "have the reserve to deal with the unexpected challenges and guide the kids through those changes," Zachariah said. Parents don't have to hide their own feelings, Lai said. "Modeling how you seek support yourself, and connecting with them over your shared grief and shared feelings, can be very helpful." In Colorado, Reina has spent her year juggling such issues. She co-founded Marshall Together, a support network for Marshall Fire survivors. Today, as construction on their new home begins, she and her husband talk about events in age-appropriate ways with the boys. (She asked that their names not be used to protect their privacy.) Her youngest, now 3, talks about "the fire house." He'll miss an item, then remember, "Oh, I had this in the fire house, but it burned up.'" He never saw the ruins of their home. But on New Year's Day, his older brother, now 8, stood in the space where his second-floor bedroom fell. There, the avid reader found copies of beloved books such as "Charlotte's Web" in the ashes. His reactions have been complex, his mother said. His school "did a tremendous job" of offering counseling. But sometimes, when she brings up the fire, he tells her, "Can we not talk about this?" Other times, out of nowhere, he'll ask a random question that reflects his anxiety, such as wanting to know which part of the house caught fire first. "And I'll tell him what I know," Reina said. She copes with her own difficult moments in part by stepping away when she needs to. "I'll go meditate, kind of pull it together for like 10 minutes, and then come right back." Her advice to others who have gone through disaster with children is to understand that "this is a long game." Every tragedy is different, Reina said. "But I think on the whole, grief is not linear, and it takes a long time to resolve. And so just give yourself a lot of compassion. I think it's OK that we don't get it done in one day." Advice on how to help children prepare for and cope with disasters is available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and the American School Counselor Association. Explore further 7 tips to help your child cope with witnessing tragedy Copyright 2022 HealthDay. All rights reserved. A baby from the Malawi village of Tomali is injected with the world's first vaccine against malaria in a pilot program, in Tomali, Dec. 11, 2019. As the World Health Organization announces Thursday July 21, 2022 the next step in its rollout of the world's first authorized malaria vaccine in several African countries, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation says it will no longer financially support the shot. Credit: AP Photo/Jerome Delay, File As the World Health Organization announces the next step in its rollout of the world's first authorized malaria vaccine in three African countries, concerns about its value have come from an unlikely source: the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, arguably the vaccine's biggest backer. WHO endorsed the vaccine last fall as a " historic " breakthrough in the fight against malaria, but the Gates Foundation told The Associated Press this week it will no longer offer direct financial support to the shot although it will fund an alliance backing the vaccine. Some scientists say they're mystified by that decision, warning it could leave millions of African children at risk of dying from malaria as well as undermine future efforts to solve intractable problems in public health. The vaccine, sold by GlaxoSmithKline as Mosquirix, is about 30% effective and requires four doses. The malaria vaccine has "a much lower efficacy than we would like," Philip Welkhoff, the Gates Foundation's director of malaria programs, told the AP. Explaining its decision to end support after spending more than $200 million and several decades getting the vaccine to market, he said the shot is relatively expensive and logistically challenging to deliver. "If we're trying to save as many lives with our existing funding, that cost-effectiveness matters," he said. The Gates Foundation will continue its financial support to Gavi, a vaccines alliance that is also backed by WHO and the World Bank. Health officials prepare to administer a vaccine in the Malawi village of Tomali with the world's first vaccine against malaria in a pilot program in Tomali, Dec. 11, 2019. As the World Health Organization announces Thursday July 21, 2022 the next step in its rollout of the world's first authorized malaria vaccine in several African countries, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation says it will no longer financially support the shot. Credit: AP Photo/Jerome Delay, File "We're supporting the roll-out via the Gavi funding, but we decided we would not dedicate additional direct funding to extend the supply of the vaccine," Welkhoff said. The Gates Foundation's decision to pivot away from supporting the rollout of the vaccine in Africa was made years ago after detailed deliberations, including whether the foundation's money would be better spent on other malaria vaccines, treatments or production capacity, Welkhoff said. Some of the resources that might have gone into getting the vaccine to countries have been redirected to buy new insecticidal nets, for example. "It's not the greatest vaccine in the world, but there are ways of using it that could have a big impact," said Alister Craig, dean of biological sciences at Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine. The world is struggling to contain the spike in malaria seen since the coronavirus pandemic disrupted efforts to stop the parasitic disease, which killed more than 620,000 people in 2020 and caused 241 million cases, mainly in children under 5 in Africa, Craig said. "It's not like we have a lot of other alternatives," Craig said. "There could be another vaccine approved in about five years, but that's a lot of lives lost if we wait until then," he said, referring to a shot being developed by Oxford University. BioNTech, creator of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, plans to apply the messenger RNA technology it used for the coronavirus to malaria, but that project is in its infancy. Another big obstacle is availability; GSK says it can only produce about 15 million doses per year until 2028. WHO estimates that to protect the 25 million children born in Africa every year, at least 100 million doses every year might be needed. Although there are plans to transfer the technology to an Indian drugmaker, it will be years before any doses are produced. Health officials in the Malawi village of Migowi prepare to administer the world's first vaccine against malaria in a pilot program in Migowi, Dec. 10, 2019. As the World Health Organization announces Thursday July 21, 2022 the next step in its rollout of the world's first authorized malaria vaccine in several African countries, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation says it will no longer financially support the shot. Credit: AP Photo/Jerome Delay, File "All the money in the world" wouldn't alleviate the vaccine's short-term supply constraints, said Welkhoff, of the Gates Foundation. He noted that the Gates Foundation continues to support vaccines alliance Gavi, which is investing nearly $156 million into making the shot initially available in three African countries: Ghana, Kenya and Malawi. On Thursday, WHO and Gavi invited developing countries to apply for funding to pay for the malaria vaccine in their countries. "If delivered to scale, the vaccine will help to prevent millions of cases of malaria, save tens of thousands of lives and ensure a brighter future for the continent," said Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO's Africa director. The Gates Foundation's withdrawal of financial support for the malaria vaccine might unnerve others, Dr. David Schellenberg of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, said. "There is a risk that this could discourage others who are considering financing the malaria vaccine or even be a disincentive for people working on other vaccines," he said. He said that combining the vaccine's use with other measures, like distributing drugs during malaria's peak season could dramatically reduce cases and deaths. Residents of the Malawi village of Migowi wait to have their young children vaccinated with the world's first vaccine against malaria in a pilot program in Migowi, Dec. 10, 2019. As the World Health Organization announces Thursday July 21, 2022 the next step in its rollout of the world's first authorized malaria vaccine in several African countries, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation says it will no longer financially support the shot. Credit: AP Photo/Jerome Delay, File "We still see people coming in with four or five episodes of malaria a year," he said. "We don't have a magic bullet, but we could make better use of the tools we do have." An imperfect roll-out of the vaccine would still save lives, Dr. Dyann Wirth, an infectious diseases expert at Harvard University, said. "We would love to have 100 million doses, but that kind of money doesn't exist for malaria," she said. "The 15 million doses we have is still 15 million opportunities to protect children that we didn't previously have." The Gates Foundation had done its part in bringing the vaccine to market and it is now up to countries, donors and other health organizations to ensure it is used, she said. The vaccine, even with its imperfections, is eagerly awaited in Malawi. Nolia Zidana, 32, said she is keen to get her two young sons immunized after seeing malaria sicken them numerous timesand surviving it herself. Residents of the Malawi village of Migowi wait for their young children to receive a vaccine against malaria in a pilot program in Tomali, Dec. 11, 2019. As the World Health Organization announces Thursday July 21, 2022 the next step in its rollout of the world's first authorized malaria vaccine in several African countries, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation says it will no longer financially support the shot. Credit: AP Photo/Jerome Delay, File "Growing up with my parents and siblings, we have been sick from malaria all the time," said Zidana, who lives in Malawi's central Ntcheu district. "My elder son has had malaria countless times within the four years that he has been around. While just at 7 months old, twice my younger son has already been down with malaria," she said. She said although they sleep under mosquito nets, sometimes they get bitten before going to bed as they are preparing meals for supper in the dark of the evening. "We hear other people use mosquito repellents or burn anti-mosquito incense coils, which we cannot afford as we are just peasant farmers that live from hand to mouth," she said. Dr. Michael Kayange of Malawi's Ministry of Health, urged everyone in the country to take whatever measures they can to curb malaria. Immunization itself is insufficient to stop the disease and people should adopt multiple strategies, he said. "Even just by sleeping under a mosquito net, you have played your role in reducing the malaria burden in the country," he said. Explore further Gavi alliance OKs funds for Africa malaria vaccine roll-out 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Having emergency services work together to attend mental health emergencies reduces the likelihood of the person in crisis ending up in hospital, a study from the University of Otago in New Zealand has found. The co-response team, made up of police, ambulance and mental health staff, was evaluated from March 2020 to March 2021 in the capital city, Wellington. This is the first time a multi-agency team responding to emergency 111 calls has been trialled in New Zealand. The University of Otago study of the programme is published in the Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry. Lead author Associate Professor Susanna Every-Palmer, from the Department of Psychological Medicine at the University of Otago, Wellington, says on the days when a co-response team was available, emergency mental health call outs were resolved faster and with better outcomes. "People seen by the co-response team were more likely to receive support in the community and 30 per cent less likely to wait long hours in the emergency department for a mental health assessment. They did better over the next month as well, being less likely to attend an emergency department or be admitted to hospital." Associate Professor Every-Palmer says it was exciting to see that the collaborative co-response model improved outcomes. "Innovative approaches like the co-response team are much needed for people experiencing mental health crises. Over the last few years, reporting data has shown steep increases in demand, which has put emergency services under pressure." Calls to police for mental health related events have increased by 60 per cent over the past five years. Associate Professor Every-Palmer says co-response teams have been trialled with a view to reducing the risk of police, ambulance and emergency department capabilities being overwhelmed and the person in crisis becoming more distressed or being inappropriately detained in police cells. "Evidence has shown that co-response teams do lower the likelihood of use of compulsory treatment order, use of force, or of waiting for hours in the ED. The trial co-response team model was shown to improve outcomes. It involved joint decision-making and multi-agency collaboration, which helped first responders provide a more integrated and nuanced response to emergency call-outs involving mental health crises." Iwi and Community Assistant Commissioner from the New Zealand Police, Chris de Wattignar, says the co-response team was able to use the respective skills of each of their three professions to assess the situation, manage any acute risks, assess physical health needs and undertake mental health assessments. "The trial has delivered a marked improvement in outcomes. The co-response team can formulate a management plan and involve the person and their family in decision making wherever possible. Sometimes the emergency can be resolved onsite and sometimes the person requires transport to another location, such as a community mental health base for treatment. If the person remains at home, management plans might include follow-up by their general practice, a community mental health team, a counsellor, or the crisis team." Chris de Wattignar says that as a result of the successful pilot, the Wellington co-response team model has been extended and other districts are also getting on board, with co-response team trials having taken place or continuing in Southern, Counties Manukau and Central Police Districts. Police and their partners are in continuing discussions about the success of this trial and the potential to extend it to further areas in future. Associate Professor Every-Palmer says alongside analysing the outcome data, the University of Otago research team conducted a series of interviews with more than 50 key stakeholders, including those who received support from a co-response team, their families, partner agencies and members of the co-response team and their managers. "People thought having the co-response team was a game changer, with the team able to provide rapid, expert mental health support and person-centred care in a way that reduced the risk of violence and coercion. The study shows a co-response team offers a better way of helping those experiencing mental health emergencies." Explore further Portland alternative police response yields social services, no arrests in first year More information: Susanna Every-Palmer et al, Police, ambulance and psychiatric co-response versus usual care for mental health and suicide emergency callouts: A quasi-experimental study, Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry (2022). Susanna Every-Palmer et al, Police, ambulance and psychiatric co-response versus usual care for mental health and suicide emergency callouts: A quasi-experimental study,(2022). DOI: 10.1177/00048674221109131 Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Five years ago, Lacey Murga and her husband decided they wanted to have a baby. But Murga's menstrual cycle had always been irregularshe had a hard time figuring out the best time to try to conceive. So she looked online for ways to track her fertility and boost her chances of getting pregnant. A quick search led her to the world of period tracking apps and wearables that help users to monitor their cycles to determine when they are most fertile. The apps, which have grown in popularity over the last several years, predict a person's chances of conception on a particular day based on individual data the user plugs in daily, such as their temperature, ovulation test results and when they started their period. Some use the apps solely to track their cycles, or as a natural form of contraception. But particularly among people trying to conceive, many say that these apps open up a world of online friends whose cycles align, or who can provide a second set of eyes on a pregnancy test, offer encouragement and support, or commiserate when getting pregnant takes longer than expected. "It was really helpful for me to have this community I could go to, and we're all in it together," Murga, 35, said. "With my real-life friends, I always kind of felt badly about talking about it. I didn't want to bring it up as much as it was on my mind because they hadn't gone through it." Although many see these online communities as a way to cope with what can at times be a long journey to pregnancy, some experts worry that forums can also be a breeding ground for misinformation, whether it's vaccine disinformation or through articles with misleading, clickbait headlines. Privacy advocates have raised concerns that after the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization overturned Roe v. Wade last month, information collected by period tracking apps could become a liability if obtained by law enforcement. The health data that people enter into most period tracking apps are not protected by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, experts say. "Apps track you all over the place," said Cynthia Sanchez, a clinical assistant professor of nursing at USC's Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work. "I fear them sending ads claiming they can do stuff for infertility that they can't do." Sanchez said that she tries to discourage her patients from using the apps for pregnancy prevention largely because she believes they give "a false sense of security." "I don't think they're reliable enough," she said. "If your period is irregular you might have a hard time." But, she added, she does support the way that apps can foster a "community of women helping each other" online. Fertility Friend, the app that Murga uses, did not respond to a request for comment. A spokesperson for another popular cycle tracking app, Glow, said in an emailed statement that "we will continue to uncompromisingly protect our users' privacy and personal health information. Period." "Our number one goal is to build the best products for our users and doing anything that violates their trust would go against our core values," the representative said. Dr. Yalda Afshar, a maternal fetal medicine physician at UCLA Health, said that although she doesn't endorse a specific period tracking app, she sees them as one tool in the broader kit of fertility awareness. "It's not a perfect science," she said of apps. "But it does empower you to make a decision that's right for you." Tala Rezai uses several fertility apps because she likes to compare their predictions to see whether the different algorithms come up with the same conclusion. Some, she said, are more accurate than others at predicting her ovulation cycle. The 39-year-old, who lives in Los Angeles, adds information to the apps consistently, plugging in the day on which she starts her period and the results of ovulation test strips. The apps are user-friendly, she said, and help take the guesswork out of tracking her fertile window. "It's an overall easy process," said Rezai, who has a 4-year-old daughter. But Rezai, a lawyer, is slightly skeptical of the community that exists in the forums. "Are they really real? Does anybody out there really use those acronyms, or is this something the apps have decided?" she said. The vernacular can be surprising for people coming across abbreviations such as "TTC" (trying to conceive) or "DH" (dear husband) for the first time. There are also terms like "line eyes," which people use when asking for a second opinion on a home pregnancy test, and "TWW"the two-week waiting period between ovulation and when someone can test for pregnancy. "If it makes [people] feel better on their journey, then go for it. But for me it's weird," Rezai said. For Murga, it was the sense of community that kept her coming back to the app and posting in the forums, asking things like whether any potential signs of pregnancy she was experiencing were normal. She would take a photo of her ovulation tests and ask others to confirm whether they looked positive, giving her the green light to "try" with her husband. Responses to her questions helped give her the assurance she was seeking. "When you're trying to conceive and want it so badly, you read into every sign or symptom," said Murga, who now has a 1-year-old son. "You're trying to get that support from people going through it." At first, she was confused by the lingo people use to describe their fertility journeys. "Someone would say 'BD' and I would have to Google, 'What does BD mean in fertility?'" said Murga. "To this day I'm like, why can't you spell it out? Why is it 'baby dance'? Just say you had sex." For Murga, who lives in Encino, the app also created an opportunity to make friends both online and in person. She stays in touch with women in Texas, Florida and Missouri who she met because they were taking their pregnancy tests around the same time. The conversations continued beyond comment threads, and the women felt a sense of camaraderie as they updated one another on their fertility journeyand their livesoutside of the app. When one Florida woman she befriended visited Los Angeles, Murga made sure to have dinner with her so they could catch up in person. Another woman, Billye Brenneisen, lived nearby and became a friend. "It's like a modern-day pen pal," said Brenneisen, a photographer who first met Murga online in 2018. "It's so wonderful to see her dream come true in terms of motherhood. It's a super intimate journey and can be really isolating for a lot of people." Brenneisen downloaded the app because she wanted to pinpoint when she was ovulating. The tracker, she said, helped her realize that she was ovulating later in her cycle than what was considered average and allowed her and her husband to "target our efforts." "The whole journey trying to conceive took a while, and there were losses," the 37-year-old said. "It was tumultuous and there were the [ovulation predictor kits] and tracking symptoms and how many times you had sex and when." Those who don't use apps track their cycles in other ways, such as writing down when they get their period each month (the analog version of recording data on a cellphone) or measuring changes in their cervical mucus. For some, the process can be isolating, especially if it takes longer than expected to conceive or if a couple is navigating infertility. Some say that they feel there is still is a stigma attached to fertility struggles or having a miscarriage, which can make the process harder to talk about. Fertility apps have broken down the walls that surround what can sometimes be a difficult and lonely journey to pregnancy, Brenneisen said. "While your partner can support you, they're not actually going through it, so it was nice to have this community going through what I was," she added. "I felt like I was losing my mind every two weeks." Brenneisen and Murga, who live about 15 minutes apart, met for the first time in person about two years ago. Murga was pregnant, and Brenneisen had her young daughter. They went for a walk in the neighborhood, stroller and dog in tow. "We talked and it felt totally normal because it's like we had already known each other," Murga said. "It was kind of surreal," Brenneisen added. Although they don't see each other regularly, the pair talk a couple of times a week. They have been part of important moments in each other's lives. Last month, Brenneisen took pictures of Murga's son for his first birthday. It was nice, the photographer said, "to see us coming around the corner with it all." Explore further Timed intercourse for couples may increase pregnancy chances 2022 Los Angeles Times. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Tom Patterson, in hospital bed, received phage therapy from Robert Chip Schooley, MD, left, of UC San Diego Health. Credit: Dr. Tom Patterson Scientists with the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences were among those providing the biochemical tools needed to help save a man's life through a unique emergency intervention in 2016. Now those Center for Phage Technology scientists in the Texas A&M Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Bryan-College Station, have completed a study about that treatment as well as other opportunities for phage therapy. Their study, "Comparative genomics of Acinetobacter baumannii and therapeutic bacteriophages from a patient undergoing phage therapy," was published recently in the scientific journal Nature Communications. The threat of antimicrobial resistance has become a worldwide concern, with the World Health Organization estimating at least 50 million people per year worldwide could die from it by 2050. Center for Phage Technology scientists believe phage therapeutics can be used to fight these resistant bacterial infections. The premiere case involved phage center scientists working in collaboration with other scientists and physicians at University of California San Diego, UC San Diego, School of Medicine and the U.S. Navy Medical Research CenterBiological Defense Research Directorate. Together, they worked to identify phages and determine a treatment plan for Tom Patterson, a professor of psychiatry at the UC San Diego School of Medicine, who was infected by a deadly pathogen while vacationing in Egypt. About phages Bacteriophages, or phages, are viruses that can infect and kill bacteria without having a negative effect on human or animal cells. Phages can be used alone or in combination with antibiotics or other drugs to treat bacterial infections. "Bacteriophage therapy is an emerging field that many researchers think could yield novel ways to fight antimicrobial-resistant bacteria," said Mei Liu, Ph.D., program director at the Center for Phage Technology and a primary investigator for the study. "At the center, we are interested in the applications of phage therapeutics to fight multidrug-resistant bacterial infections." She said the center's work is aided by the team's deep knowledge of phage biology, particularly in the areas of phage lysis and phage genomics. Patterson's predicament In 2015, while on vacation in Egypt during the Thanksgiving holiday, Patterson began to experience severe abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. Local doctors diagnosed him with pancreatitis and treated him accordingly, but the treatments didn't work and his condition worsened. He was later transported to Germany, where doctors found fluid around his pancreas and took cultures from the fluid's contents. The cultures showed he had been infected with a multidrug-resistant strain of Acinetobacter baumannii, an often-deadly pathogen found in hospital settings and in the Middle East. The same pathogen was also identified in many injured U.S. military members returning home after serving in that part of the world. In Germany, Patterson was treated with a combination of antibiotics, and his condition improved to a degree where he could be airlifted to the intensive care unit at Thornton Hospital in the UC San Diego Health academic health system. There, however, the medical team discovered that the bacteria had become resistant to antibiotics. A "compassionate use" exemption for phage therapy was requested by Dr. Robert "Chip" Schooley, the UC San Diego physician treating Patterson. He was given rapid approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, FDA, to proceed. Shortly after the phage treatment began, Patterson awakened from a months-long coma. After a long recovery, his health improved greatly, and he was able to return to life as it was before the infection. Acinetobacter baumannii and other resistant pathogens Acinetobacter baumannii is recognized as a significant bacterial pathogen in health care-associated infections. A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report from 2019 stated that antibiotic-resistant pathogens cause more than 2.8 million infections and more than 35,000 deaths annually in the U.S. Several characteristics of the pathogen that infected Patterson impacted the treatment regimens and outcomes, said Ry Young, Ph.D., director of the Center for Phage Technology. Patterson's wife, Steffanie Strathdee, Ph.D., associate dean of global health sciences with UC San Diego School of Medicine and an infectious disease epidemiologist, had contacted Young to seek his help in finding a treatment for her husband once she became aware of Young's extensive work with phages. Young and his lab team took up the challenge and worked almost nonstop for three months to help find a solution. "Cases of resistant infections are becoming more prevalent and very few new antibiotics are available, so the use of bacteriophages to treat or control multidrug-resistant infections is being reconsidered as an alternative strategy," Young said. "Phage therapy is actually a very old concept, having been used extensively in the early 20th century during the pre-antibiotic era." Phage treatment also has been successful in several more recent case studies involving multidrug-resistant strains of P. aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacteria. "Phages had been sidelined as a potential treatment for bacterial infections when antibiotics came into wide use in the U.S.," Liu said. "But in other areas of the world, particularly where antibiotics were not immediately available, researchers and doctors have continued developing and practicing phage therapy. Now we are seeing more instances of how phage therapy can be used when antibiotics alone are not sufficient to treat bacterial infections." Lessons from the Patterson case Jason Gill, Ph.D., professor in the Texas A&M Department of Animal Science and associate director of the Center for Phage Technology, said while the Patterson case and similar case studies treating multidrug-resistant bacteria have been encouraging in terms of clinical outcome, a more in-depth examination of the phage-host interaction during treatment and its implications is needed. "The recent study showed that resistance to the therapeutic phages emerged early, and the acquisition of new mobile elements by the bacteria can occur during treatment," said Gill, a corresponding author of the study. "It is important to have a thorough genomic analysis of phages prior to phage treatment in order to maximize treatment success and minimize both effort and resources. There is also a need for conventional experimental testing for phage host range and growth characteristics." Gill also noted the use of well-characterized phages in a phage cocktail can avoid redundancy and significantly save time and effort in phage production and purification. Eight of the nine phages used for treatment in the Patterson case turned out to be closely related, and this knowledge could have been used to streamline the process if the investigators had known this when assembling the treatment. "The Patterson case has done a lot to increase awareness of phage therapy and its effectiveness as an alternative therapy for multidrug-resistant pathogenic strains," Liu said. "The success of phage therapy in that case and other cases has brought wider attention to its use and efficacy." Liu added that the Center for Phage Technology is focusing on developing the technology, standardizing optimal delivery procedures and securing necessary approvals from regulatory agencies to make phage treatment available to patients in the U.S. "Much of what we did in the Patterson case was unconventional due to the context of phage therapy at that time," Liu said. "But there have been many advances in genomic sequencing and other technologies since then. Today, it would be a much quicker and more efficient process to develop and implement phage therapy if there was another case similar to Patterson's." Explore further Scientists discover new phage therapy combination to combat antibiotic-resistance More information: Mei Liu et al, Comparative genomics of Acinetobacter baumannii and therapeutic bacteriophages from a patient undergoing phage therapy, Nature Communications (2022). Journal information: Nature Communications Mei Liu et al, Comparative genomics of Acinetobacter baumannii and therapeutic bacteriophages from a patient undergoing phage therapy,(2022). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-31455-5 This transmission electron microscopic (TEM) image depicts Lassa virus virions adjacent to some cell debris. Credit: CDC/C.S. Goldsmith Lassa fever is a viral illness that is far too common in West Africa. Although it can have a mortality rate of 15% in severe cases, up to 90% in pregnant women, and causes deafness in a quarter of survivors, there is no vaccine or antiviral to protect against Lassa virus. To save lives, scientists at La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI) and Scripps Research are working to understand exactly how Lassa virus replicates within human hosts. In a new study, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the researchers show how a critical Lassa virus protein, called polymerase, drives infection by harnessing a cellular protein in human hosts. Their work suggests future therapies could target this interaction to treat patients. "There is no antiviral drug that specifically targets Lassa virus," explains study first author Jingru Fang, a joint LJI and Scripps Research graduate student. "That's why it's important for researchers to identify potential druggable targets on this virus to combat infection." Lassa virus encodes only four viral proteins. One of them, the polymerase, directs the process of virus genome replication and gene expression to produce the materials the virus needs to spread to new host cells. If one can stop virus polymerase, one can stop infection. Together with study senior authors LJI President and CEO Erica Ollmann Saphire, Ph.D., and Scripps Research Professor Juan De La Torre, Ph.D., Fang led the hunt for host cellular proteins that may act as Lassa polymerase's partners in crime. The hunt for Lassa's helper Fang and her colleagues engineered Lassa virus polymerase to carry an enzymatic tag that labels polymerase-interacting host proteins with a special chemical handle. The researchers then fished out host proteins with this chemical handle and used a technique called mass spectrometry to identify these host proteins that interact with Lassa virus polymerase. "It is like defining the Lassa virus polymerase social network, which allows you to go after partners," says De La Torre. In collaboration with Professor Alexander Bukreyev, Ph.D., and colleagues at University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), the team carried out a "function screen" using live Lassa virus. This work, carried out inside a high-containment laboratory, revealed which of these host proteins could be important for Lassa infection. Among a total of 42 host proteins that interact with Lassa polymerase, the team focused on one druggable target: GSPT1. The team showed that GSPT1 is physically and functionally linked to Lassa virus polymerase and can facilitate Lassa virus infection. This study is the first to uncover molecular cross-talks between Lassa virus polymerase and cellular proteins. However, it is the second-ever time the host protein GSPT1 has been linked to virus infection. The first was a recent Cell Reports study showing viral polymerase hijacking GSPT1 in Ebola virus infectionsresearch also led by Saphire, De La Torre, and Fang. "If we could find a way to either disrupt the link between GSPT1 and Lassa polymerase, or if we could simply remove GSPT1 protein, we could stop Lassa virus infection," says Fang. Eyeing a new drug for Lassa To their surprise, the team found a drug candidate, called CC-90009, which has been shown to destroy GSPT1 proteins and is currently being examined as a cancer therapy in clinical trials. To see whether they can repurpose the existing GSPT1 inhibitor against Lassa infection, Research Associate Colette Pietzsch, from Bukreyev group at UTMB, added CC-90009 to Lassa-infected human liver cells inside a high-containment laboratory. This experiment showed that CC-90009 treatment significantly reduced Lassa virus growth without obvious cell toxicity. The researchers say it is feasible that this same small molecule drug could double as an Ebola virus therapy, and their Cell Reports data suggest that CC-90009 can reduce virus titer at later time points of Ebola virus infection. "Translating this finding to therapeutic interventions will still take time," says Fang. "We need to confirm that CC-90009 can inhibit Lassa and Ebola virus replication in animal models of infection, but we at least we have a starting point." Explore further Targeting a human protein may stop Ebola virus in its tracks On Jan. 23, 2020, I drove north from Missoula to Havre to do a reading event for my first book, One-Sentence Journal. It was a Thursday. It would also be the first night of a long weekend near the Medicine Line, as scheduled in Great Falls for the following Saturday, the 25th, was the celebration of the long-awaited federal recognition of my people, the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians. This was to be a momentous occasion, because after more than 150 years of effort in proving to the colonizers what we had known all along that we are a unique and distinct people the U.S. government had finally relented in their consistent failure to recognize us. I brought one book with me: a battered old mass-market paperback edition of The Death of Jim Loney by James Welch. What other writers company could I want for a long, reflective weekend on Montanas Hi-Line than the regions ultimate storyteller? Jim Welch is that; particularly the Jim Loney novel, but also Winter in the Blood, which introduced the Blackfeet writer to the world, and especially Fools Crow, the novel that solidified his position as an important American writer. For all the proclivities of people who bring up such discussions to hand the most important Montana book accolades to white authors from somewhere else going on-and-on about how Montana they are, I proclaim Welchs Fools Crow to be that Most Important Book, Welch that Most Important Writer. Fools Crow has everything we want from great fiction: love, relationship drama, mystery, and creative and interesting prose. Most importantly it shows the ruthless theft of the landscape from its original inhabitants to make way for other people who, on arrival, claim it as if it were theirs all along. Few of the transplant writers over the last half-century do more than give an anxious nod to Montanas true history. Welch fearlessly shows us its unfolding. In doing so he makes possible succeeding generations of writers to be so bold in our storytelling too. Jim Loney is something less epic but equally compelling. It is the story of a man between worlds, struggling with his past and uncertain about a future. I can see myself in him, in the loneliness he lives in while simultaneously loving and being loved. He cant find a place to fit, and I struggle with that too. He is a half-breed. So am I (but that is a term best kept to yourself these days unless you want a black eye). Loneys ancestry is a mystery to him and it leads to bouts of despair. After the better part of a decade unraveling the story of my family, of my people, I have certainly had my dark moments. Loneys story doesnt end well; I hope for better for mine. Then there is the landscape. The expansive nature of the Hi-Line, particularly in January. The edge-of-the-rez town of Harlem, little-changed from Welchs early 70s descriptions. And of course Havre, with the remnants of Fort Assiniboine at its outskirts, where the Buffalo Soldiers stationed there in 1896 were ordered to round up all of us landless Indians, us half-breeds, for deportation to Canada. First they sent us by train, and then on foot. Who knows about this? Not many but I suspect Jim Welch did, and I am grateful. In a short paragraph dedicated to The Death of Jim Loney in the October, 1979 issue of The Atlantic magazine, the late reviewer Phoebe-Lou Adams writes that the fact that the hero is half Indian and half white, while providing distinctive detail, is not of controlling importance. Adams could not have been more wrong. For many of us reconciling this still-new world that is the American West, this distinctive detail, with each foot braced in a different world, is everything. Suffice to say, when asked if I wanted to participate in the inaugural James Welch Native Lit Festival, I cleared my calendar. Few writers match the esteem I feel for James Welch; none exceed it. I would not miss it for anything. City officials in Missoula plan to sell an aging publicly owned motel, which was used as a quarantine shelter during the pandemic, and hope the highly visible site near the Clark Fork River gets redeveloped into housing and perhaps commercial space. However, it's not guaranteed that the site will include permanently affordable housing. On Wednesday, members of the Missoula City Councils Housing, Redevelopment and Community Programs Committee heard a presentation about the citys plan to eventually sell the Sleepy Inn, located at 1427 West Broadway. Now that the COVID-19 pandemic is diminishing, the former Sleepy Inn is no longer needed as a non-congregate shelter, said Annette Marchesseault of the Missoula Redevelopment Agency. The MRA and City Administration have developed a strategy to sell the property for redevelopment consistent with master plan goals. Marchesseault explained that as the COVID pandemic unfolded in the spring of 2020, the Missoula City-County Health Department and the Office of Emergency Management identified the need for a non-congregate shelter, meaning a place people could quarantine away from others in their own room. The city council authorized the use of $1.1 million in Tax Increment Financing funding to purchase the Sleepy Inn. While the former Sleepy Inn was being used as a community non-congregate shelter, the City worked with urban planning consultants to develop a master plan for the area in which the Sleepy Inn is located, Marchesseault explained. The master plan was developed through a robust public engagement process. She said the goal is to create a new gateway to downtown Missoula at the intersection of West Broadway and Russell Street. If the site is redeveloped into perhaps a four- or five-story building, with housing on the upper floors and perhaps retail space on the ground level, Marchesseault believes it would "catalyze transformation in the area and provide a template for other private development." Between the spring of 2020 and the spring of 2022, a total of 395 people stayed at the motel, with an average length of stay of seven days. Some of the people served were homeless, and others were traveling workers stuck in Missoula by a diagnosis or exposure. Some were people wanting to avoid infecting their families, and some were people discharged from hospitals who were COVID-positive. For the duration of the operation as a non-congregate shelter, the net cost to the city was $24,787, which equates to about $63 per person sheltered. About $1.9 million in operational costs were reimbursable by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. About $718,000 of that money went to the city in the form of rent payments from the federal government and was used for other low-income housing projects. When the city purchased the property, three members of the City Council at the time wrote a letter in opposition and voted against the purchase. Jesse Ramos (who is no longer on the council), John Contos and Sandra Vasecka argued that the city didn't get the property appraised and didn't need to spend money to buy a motel. Mayor John Engen at the time shot back, saying the motel would benefit the lowest-income citizens of the community during a health crisis. Engen also said the city looked at real estate market comparables and talked with an appraiser in determining a fair price. Ginny Merriam, the city's public information and communications director, and other city staff members prepared a "Frequently Asked Questions" document about the Sleepy Inn to communicate the city's position on the purchase. "The property taxes for the Sleepy Inn property at the time of closing were $13,011.63," they wrote. "City ownership took the property off the tax rolls, but redevelopment will increase that amount substantially. In approving the expenditure, members of the Missoula Redevelopment Agency board agreed that the value of the half-acre property will only increase in this area of underutilized properties on West Broadway in the urban core." They argue that the Russell Street reconstruction and the need for housing "work together to make the property rich with opportunity for redevelopment." Marchesseault said the property could hold more than 30 housing units and several thousand square feet of commercial space. The city will engage a Realtor to solicit development proposals consistent with goals laid out in the West Broadway Master Plan. The proceeds from the sale would go the city's Affordable Housing Trust Fund. Marchesseault said the Sleepy Inn's days are numbered. It has been broken into numerous times, and she said the Missoula Redevelopment Agency may consider using TIF funds to remove the building "sooner than later." Nobody is currently quarantining at the motel and all of the plumbing and other amenities have been shut off. City council member Daniel Carlino wanted to know if the city plans on ensuring that any developer builds permanently affordable housing on the site. However, Marchesseault said it's "not necessarily a guarantee" that the entire site will be permanently affordable housing, although she said some units could be set aside as less-then-market-rate. Dale Bickell, the city's chief administrative officer, said it's a difficult site to redevelop. "It's a pretty small and challenging site," he said. However, he noted that if a developer seeks TIF assistance, the Missoula Redevelopment Agency's board could require affordable housing as a component. Bickell also said the city is not looking to maximize the sale proceeds, but rather the goal is to maximize the goals of the West Broadway Master Plan. City council member Jordan Hess said the proceeds from the sale could be used to build affordable housing elsewhere in the city. "I'm really comfortable with that potential trade-off," he said, referring to selling the property for market-rate housing and using the money to build low-income housing. Hess said that despite "all the noise" about the Sleepy Inn over the past two years, he said the entire endeavor has been a success story because it "prevented people in our community from dying during the pandemic." He also noted the city made money from the federal government from the motel, will make money from the sale of the motel and will get a new development on West Broadway. "It's a win-win-win," he said. The tentacles of the housing crunch in Montana reach far across the state, touching both rural and urban communities and making it hard for employers to hire and keep workers, members of a newly launched task force said Wednesday during their first meeting. Last week, Gov. Greg Gianforte created by executive order a new council aimed at addressing the lack of affordable housing options for people to rent or buy. The 26-member panel is working to draft recommendations by October and final ideas by the end of the year. Gianforte told the group he wants both long- and short-term solutions that could include suggestions for new laws, strategies, private-public partnerships and identifying regulations that he said inhibit increasing the housing supply. This is no small task, Gianforte said. Its complicated and theres no single bullet that were going to shoot and solve this problem. This problem is very serious. It affects all our communities and it is multifaceted. Todd OHair, a member of the task force who is also president and CEO of the Montana Chamber of Commerce, said he hears from employers that the lack of affordable places to live makes it hard for Montana businesses to recruit and retain workers. Scott Osterman, director of the Department of Commerce, called housing the fulcrum point for economic development in Montana and said companies trying to expand struggle to hire people because of a lack of housing options. Chris Dorrington, head of the Department of Environmental Quality and chair of the task force, said the public sector is in the same boat. In kicking off the first meeting, Gianforte said he wanted the task force to identify the underlying problems creating the housing crunch. Hardworking Montanans want to know why its become so much harder for them to afford a place to live, Gianforte said. They want to get it fixed. In his executive order creating the task force, Gianforte cited the state's population growth of 9.6% from 2010-2020 outpacing the housing unit growth rate of 6.6%. In communities like Missoula, the vacancy rate for rentals went from 6% to as low as 0.38% in 2021. In Bozeman, the median price of a single-family home was $899,500 in July. Gianforte called the problem a long-term issue and said it will be a heavy lift to find solutions. We didnt get here overnight and we wont solve this problem overnight, he said. Patrick Barkey, the head of the Bureau of Business and Economic Research, gave a nod to the tight timeline, saying the group was trying to solve in a month what we havent been able to solve in 20 years. The governor also said he wants to get government out of the way where we responsibly and reasonably can, adding that government should not stand in the way of Montanans achieving this American dream. He said government regulations should have a light touch. Several others on the committee echoed Gianforte, including former state Rep. Adam Hertz, who said a project he was working on was held up past a statutory deadline. Sandra Jones, the mayor of Roundup, said her community has been innovative in looking at zoning ordinances and other codes to create mixed-use projects and to revitalize old buildings downtown for housing. But, she added that in one newer neighborhood, the city was too relaxed with a developer in enforcing infrastructure rules before residents moved in and now the area has no paved streets. Joel Peden, with the Montana Independent Living Project, raised concern about the lack of any voice on the task force to represent Montanans with disabilities. Housing is one of the keys for the disability community to be able to live in our communities, to age in our communities, and to thrive in our communities, Peden said, adding that the conversation needs to be not just about affordability but physical access to homes. This is multigenerational changing opportunity and if we take that on as a community it makes a better community, Peden said. Terry Cunningham, the deputy mayor of Bozeman, said that if the task force considered incentives for developers, he wanted to point out that theres no guarantee developers will pass along savings to homeowners in a hot market. He said what hes heard from local builders wasnt concern about regulations but more about wanting financing, a statewide tax credit program and low-interest loan programs. Jeremy Jenks, the Gallatin County sanitarian, said he saw part of the problem coming from housing not being used by Montana residents living and working in their communities, but for vacation rentals. Cyndy Andrus, the mayor of Bozeman, said she wanted the task force to revisit tools pre-empted by the Legislature. While Andrus didn't specify any policies, in the 2021 session a bill passed with GOP support to ban local government from using "inclusionary zoning rules," which dictate a developer must include a level of affordable housing options in their projects. The only communities that had such policies were Whitefish and Bozeman. The sponsor of that bill, Sue Vinton, is on the task force. Mallory Phillips, a co-founder of a housing advocacy group, told the task force during a public comment period she grew up in Whitefish when neighborhoods had a mixture of people from different incomes and that she has seen the fallout from losing people who arent wealthy from the community. I am hoping that whatever comes from this task force that yall do not forget the very human element, Phillips said. Former President Donald Trump has made the defeat of Rep. Liz Cheney a top priority, even visiting Wyoming for the first time to campaign for Harriet Hageman, his pick to unseat her. But a new Casper Star-Tribune poll found his endorsement may have little influence over voters here. Only 30% of people who plan to vote in the Wyoming Republican Primary next month say the Trump endorsement makes them more likely to vote for Hageman, the poll found. In comparison, 26% say it makes them less likely to vote for Trumps pick, while 44% indicated it has no effect on their decision. "They're voting against Cheney to vote against Cheney, not because Trump told them to vote against Cheney," said Brad Coker, managing director of Mason-Dixon, the polling company that performed the survey for the Star-Tribune. The results are in line with the Star-Tribunes reporting on the issue. In numerous conversations, residents who say they plan to vote for Hageman express deep distaste for Cheney, but separately say that the endorsement itself doesn't have much to do with their vote for Hageman. Mark Hladik, who's lived in Wyoming for 42 years, said that the "top, top" reason he's not voting for Cheney is because she "betrayed" Trump. But at the same time, Hladik says Trump's endorsement of Hageman "didn't influence it at all." When asked to explain, Hladik said that "There's more reasons, but that's top, top. She acts like a RINO [Republican in name only]. The same poll showed Hageman leading Cheney 52% to 30% with a month until the primary. It is the first independent, in-state poll to be conducted on one of the nations most watched races. "When you talk about Cheney and you talk about Trump, you think they're joined at the hip, but they really aren't," Coker said. Instead, he attributes Cheneys falling favorability to her defiance of the Republican Party writ large. At the time of the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol, Cheney was the third-ranking Republican in the House. Her steadfast criticism of the former president as a threat to democracy led her colleagues in Congress to vote her out of leadership. She also angered the state GOP, which censured her and later symbolically voted to no longer recognize her as a Republican. "She sort of started to fall out of favor very early by going against the caucus. She had to fight to keep her conference chair position pretty early on, and in most cases when that happens, a member starts to get in line," Coker said. Cheney did not get in line. She continued to speak out against Trump and kept the Jan. 6 attack in the news. The poll found that Cheneys participation on the House committee investigating the Jan. 6 attack appears to be playing a bigger role in the House race than Trumps endorsement. Six in 10 Republicans, for example, say they are less likely to vote for Cheney due to her role on the committee. "The big story is Liz Cheney is going to get beat," Coker said. "That's a foregone conclusion. "The mistake would be to say is that its all because of Trump. It's because of Cheney. It has a lot more to do with breaking faith with the Republican voters in Wyoming," Coker added. Poll numbers back up his assertion. Only 27% of likely voters in the Wyoming GOP primary say they approved of Cheney's job performance. The poll results on Trump himself, who told New York Magazine in an interview that hes already made a decision on whether to run for president in 2024, didn't surprise experts. Of registered GOP voters in Wyoming, 54% said they had a favorable opinion of the former president, while 32% said they have an unfavorable view, the poll found. Fourteen percent feel neutral. A few months back in other states, Trump's favorability was far higher, Coker said. "[Trump's ratings] are not what they were six months ago," he said. Trumps favorability rating here is notably lower than the percentage of Wyomingites who voted for him in the 2016 and 2020 elections. In both instances, he received nearly 70% support the highest percentage in the nation. "I think the ending of the administration and what has transpired in the 18 months since ... I would expect it to chip away at his image," said Dr. Jim King, political science professor at the University of Wyoming. When voters were asked for their views on Hageman, she did slightly better than Trump. Nearly six in 10 registered Republicans have a favorable opinion of her. About 2 in 10 view her unfavorably. While the majority of voters say Trumps endorsement wont make them more likely to back Hageman, her team continues to use her connection to the former president in campaign materials. Most recently, a super PAC supporting the campaign sent out a mailer adorned with Trump's face and a quote from him. "Harriet Hageman adores the great state of Wyoming, is strong on crime and borders, powerfully supports the second amendment, loves our military and our vets, and will fight for election integrity and energy independence," the mailer reads. On the other side of the mailer, it once again reiterates that Hageman is "Endorsed by President Donald J. Trump." And as for President Joe Biden, 83% of those likely to vote in Wyomings Republican primary said they disapprove of his job performance as president. A party breakdown shows, unsurprisingly, that only 7% of Republicans approve of his job performance, compared to 50% of Democrats and 19% of independents. The poll surveyed 1,100 registered Wyoming voters likely to participate in the primary, resulting in a margin of error of plus or minus 3%. FWP's elk advisory group has proposed many productive ideas regarding shoulder seasons, the hunt roster, new approaches to block management and improving hunter behavior. But their proposal to pick your season/weapon misses the mark. While the intent of reducing hunting pressure on public lands is solid and this hunting change is likely inevitable if Montana continues to grow in population, access to inaccessible elk isn't improved, and hunters fail to show up when it matters now is not the time for this. There are other ways to address crowding before considering this last resort. FWP just made sweeping changes to elk hunting regulations that haven't even gone into effect yet. The new 'pick your district' for elk hunters serves the same purpose as a 'pick your season/weapon.' Lets try this first. Currently, FWP is being sued for having too many elk (many disagree). So, if there's too many elk, and no shortage of hunters, lets focus on connecting these dots rather than reducing hunting opportunities. Its debatable whether this proposal will even reduce hunting pressure. I have two weeks to hunt elk, so instead of hunting for a week in archery and a week in rifle, Id just hunt two weeks in one of them; that's not a reduction in pressure, and plenty of Western states with shorter pick-your-weapon seasons illustrate this. Some diehard bowhunters might like this idea, but casual archers may just end up chasing bugling bulls in September too, opting to pick up a rifle for antelope, deer and cow B hunts later. Hunters will be on the landscape regardless. We need to look more broadly at pressure than just bull elk hunters. Elk don't know if were hunting antelope, upland birds, bears, deer, or if we have a cow B rifle tag. If an elk feels pressured, they run for cover, often meaning private lands. Many of Montanas hunting opportunities are unlimited for non-residents. Even deer and elk, which are capped (in theory), are still seeing far more than 10% of licenses: 66,624 deer and elk licenses went to non-residents in 2021, and FWP just made cow tags unlimited for nonresidents in many areas (some even valid on public lands), so that number is likely to climb. Maybe its time FWP limit all non-residents hunting opportunities to a reasonable cap or the 90/10 split. Instead of more tags, why not give an additional cow B tag to permit holders in limited-entry areas where cow harvests are needed? This could lead to greater harvests without adding pressure. FWP does this with antelope hunters; why not elk? Pressure is a result of both the number of hunters and huntable acres. Better hunter behavior could lead to more private lands open to public access, while Habitat Montana-funded easements and acquisitions could lead to even more places to hunt. Elk security habitat and responsible OHV use will help keep more elk on public lands too. Hunters need to recognize this, police our own ranks and get engaged. Most importantly, FWP's elk management plan states to avoid over-harvest of accessible elk on public lands or private lands open to hunting, the inaccessible elk may not be included in objective numbers." Yet FWP continues to include these which leads to inflated tag numbers and six months of hunting, even on public. If FWP managed for the actual number of accessible elk, that would improve the crowding issue. As FWP begins to rewrite their 2005 elk management plan, this is the kind of feedback they need to hear at elk plan public scoping meetings happening now. While I appreciate the work of FWPs elk advisory group, there are other more effective and palatable ways to address crowding, and we should demand that those ideas are exhausted before we force Montanas hunters into giving up half of our hunting heritage and fall traditions. If forced to pick or choose, we all lose. Since 2004, approximately 1,200 clinical trials have been conducted in Montana. Thats just one of the facts in the report Research in Your Backyard: Developing Cures, Creating Jobs Pharmaceutical Clinical Trials in Montana. The report was the subject of a recent seminar in Billings sponsored by the Montana BioScience Alliance and the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA). Participants also reported on additional benefits from clinical trials. For example, we are well aware of the value to patients who participate in the trials or are recipients of the medicines that are developed as a result of them. However, a lesser-known benefit of this research is the economic impact. For patients, clinical trials offer the opportunity to try new therapeutic options while also receiving some of the very best medical care. Access to clinical trials can be life changing for patients, especially those with complex conditions. Right now, more than 100 open clinical trials are going on in Montana and researchers are looking for additional patient volunteers. These trials cover a variety of diseases, including cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and infectious diseases. Patients are not the only ones who benefit from Montanas clinical trials so does our economy and our workforce. According to a study by TEConomy Partners, in 2020 the biopharmaceutical research industry supported more than 4,600 jobs across Montana including everything from life science researchers to engineers and administrative support staff. Beyond their direct impact, research activities also employ construction workers, IT firms, and suppliers. Additionally, Montanas biopharmaceutical research companies generated $1.1 billion in economic activity in the state, including the direct economic output of the sector itself, the output of the sectors vendors and suppliers, and the output generated by the buying power of its workforce. Montanas local healthcare institutions benefit, too. Many have partnered with biopharmaceutical research companies to host clinical trials, making available professional opportunities as well as top notch care for patients. Those institutions include, among others, the Billings Clinic, the Frontier Cancer Center, Kalispell Regional Medical Center, and the Community Hospital of Anaconda. At the Montana BioScience Alliance, we work to ensure our states bioscience organizations and companies can flourish. Hosting clinical trials is just one example of how this is happening. Successful collaborations between Montanas institutions and research companies not only shape the future of disease treatment, but also employ Montanans and stimulate our economy. Sharon Peterson is executive director of Montana BioScience Alliance. The Montana BioScience Alliance serves as a hub for Montanas biotechnology companies, entrepreneurs, laboratories, hospitals, clinics, and universities to commercialize, grow, and sustain globally competitive bioscience companies ultimately to create high-quality jobs and economic opportunity in Montana. For more information, visit montanabio.org, call us at 406-896-5876, or email us at info@montanabio.org. A person had to be airlifted to a hospital after a Wednesday afternoon crash on East Union Street in Morganton. A silver Hyundai was travelling east on East Union Street from Kirksey Drive at East Fleming Drive when a Toyota Sequoia turned left in front of it, said Lt. Josiah Brown with the Morganton Department of Public Safety. The cars hit head-on at a slight angle around 2:40 p.m., Brown said. The driver of the Hyundai had life-threatening injuries, Brown said, and was flown to a Charlotte-area hospital. A passenger in the car had serious but not life-threatening injuries. The driver of the Toyota was cited for failure to yield right of way, Brown said. More information will be published as it becomes available. Entomologists exult when the buzz is good. And so it was on the crisp morning of July 12. Wildflowers galore graced the subalpine meadows along the Gravelly Range Road. Pollinators flitted or rocketed from flower to flower. A steady breeze discouraged all but the most determined mosquitoes. If a person had felt compelled to twirl like Julie Andrews in the Alps, as was Marias cinematic habit, they would have witnessed mountain vistas in all directions. I feel like Im in The Sound of Music, said a smiling Casey Delphia, an entomologist and research scientist with Montana State University. Yet the only music along this high-elevation plateau issued from birds and bees and the rustle of wind. Entomologists, botanists and support staff bailed from pickups and cars. They toted bowl traps, kill tubes, Blue Vane traps and aerial nets. Entomology is the scientific study of insects. Their mission was to collect wild bees, ideally of varied species. It was part of an effort to establish a more comprehensive inventory of the insects in Montana. How many species of bees native to the state are buzzing around, nesting in social colonies like bumble bees, or in small openings in the ground like metallic green bees? In other words, the bee surveys that happened in the Gravelly Range and elsewhere during the week of July 11 to July 15 were not specifically examining the size or health of native bee populations. The goal was to continue making progress toward knowing what species are out there and where. What we are doing now is the beginnings of creating baseline data, said Michael Ivie, an associate professor and Curator of Entomology at Montana State University. Were not collecting population ecology data, he said Were trying to identify the known universe. Other states are far ahead of Montana in establishing a baseline of native bee species, he said. About five years ago, Montana State University launched Wild Bees Montana, a 15-year campaign to identify and catalog species of the insects statewide. Delphia, chief taxonomist for the project, has traveled the state to collect as many species of wild bees as possible and also has processed the collected samples. Ivie described the results to date as mind blowing, with the count of known native bee species jumping dramatically. We started with 250 recorded, Ivie said. We are adding a lot, but at this point we do not know just how many we have. Our data indicate we might reach 750. The July 12 collaboration between staff from the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest and entomologists from MSU served another purpose. Jessie Salix, a Forest Service botanist, said collection training from MSU staff will help the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest respond if the western bumble bee is listed for protection under the Endangered Species Act. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the western bumble bee used to be one of the most abundant bumble bees in North America. However, its population has experienced severe declines since the mid-twentieth century, the agency reports. And the collaborative work by MSU and the Forest Service will help the latter have a better understanding of what bees are on the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. The survey teams assembled on the morning of July 12 at the Vigilante Station near the Ruby River. They gathered the gear they needed for collections, discussed survey locations and then piled in vehicles to wind up the dusty Warm Springs Creek Road to the Gravelly Range Road. Delphia and Salix teamed up, accompanied by Abi Saeed, an MSU Extension Horticultural Specialist and a Ph.D. student in entomology. Also assisting Delphia and Salix were three people from the Youth Employment Program in Dillon: Benny Bevil, a crew lead, Bella Glossa, from Dillon, and Kaitlyn Bragg, a crew lead. The Gravelly Range often ranks high on lists of places in Montana that offer prime wildflower viewing from late June through July. The gravel road that follows the high-elevation crest of the range led the Delphia/Salix team to three collection sites that Salix and a Forest Service colleague had scouted the week before. Salix noted also that Madison County has been under-sampled for native bees. At the first site, Glossa and Bevil placed more than a dozen blue or yellow bowls in the midst of wildflowers and filled the bowls with water that included a few drops of dish soap. The colors attract bees and the soapy water quickly drowns them for later study. Bragg and Delphia hung a Blue Vane bee trap from a tree. It displayed the same blue and yellow colors. At the second site, more bowls filled with slightly soapy water were distributed amidst a field of wildflowers of numerous species. Finally, the team drove to a site that offered spectacular views and an abundance of flowering native plants. The bowls went out and a new type of collection tool came into play: the aerial net. Team members stalked the wily bees. At first, there was a flurry of whiffs. That was especially true when trying to net a bee in mid-flight. But then the captures began. Bumble bees were among the species first netted. They vigorously protested with a buzz that sounded irate. Each catch was then gingerly deposited into a kill tube inserted into the net. Chemical vapors within the tube ended the buzz. MSU Extension reports that bumble bees are important native pollinators in wildlands and agricultural systems. For some plants, bumble bees are more efficient pollinators than non-native honey bees, MSU reports. Flowers attract and reward bees for their pollination service with sugar-rich nectar to fuel their flight and protein rich pollen, or bee bread, to feed their young brood, according to the Forest Service. Bumble bees can buzz pollinate, shaking loose pollen by landing on a flower and vibrating their flight muscles. To date, 28 species of bumble bees have been documented in Montana. Delphia said bee species cannot be reliably identified without a microscope. The goal for Wild Bees Montana is to carefully collect specimens for identification and study and add them to the Montana Entomology Collection, known as MTEC. MTEC has some specimens going back more than 100 years. Montanas wild bee species include several memorable types. The orchard mason bee has a robust, metallic blue body. Its a solitary nester, using existing tunnels in dead wood and crevices in between stones. The polyester bee lines its brood cells with a polyester-like material that allows the bees to nest along creeks and in moist soils. The indiscriminate cuckoo bumble bee is reminiscent of a relative who comes for a weekend and doesnt leave. Queens invade the nests of other bumble bees, kill the resident queen and force the workers to raise young parasitic bees along with the brood of the host colony. Meanwhile, the field work last week in the Gravelly Range collected about 1,000 specimens of more than 50 species. Delphia said the work amidst wildflowers and mountain vistas will be followed by many hours in the lab at MSU. We want these bees to be properly curated for study in 100 years, she said. WEST LIBERTY While any of the six women who competed to serve as the 2022-23 Muscatine County Fair Queen would have been a great pick, at the end of the night Wednesday the judges decided that not only should Morgan Hodge, 17, of West Liberty be crowned queen, she should also win Miss Congeniality. 2021-22 Muscatine County Fair Queen Haylee Lehman was present to pass along the crown. Hodge, who has been competing in pageants since she was six years old and one day hopes to win the title of Miss Iowa, will move on to compete for the Iowa State Fair crown later in the summer. For the second year, Anna Marine, 18, of Wilton won First Runner-Up. I feel like I might cry, but they are happy tears, for sure, Hodge said after the crowning. This means the world. Hodge was sponsored by US 6 Bodyworks and will be a senior at West Liberty High School in the fall. She is active in studio dance, where she teaches nine classes and helps with another six. She is a 2022-23 West Liberty FFA officer, a member of the McKay NHS chapter and has competed on a scholarship track team since sixth grade. She has danced at the fair every year since 2007. After high school, she hopes to attend a college that offers a track program and will major in nursing and minor in business. To compete, each contestant submitted application materials, including an application and a resume detailing why they wished to serve as queen. Earlier in the day, each contestant had a 15-minute interview with judges. The judges also observed the contestants as they discussed current events during a group interview. Each contestant also answered two randomly selected questions for the audience. In addition to Hodge and Marine, this years contestants were Joann Martin, 18, of Wilton; Rebekah Imhoff, 19, of Wilton; Jessica Ahluwalia, 21, of Muscatine; and Paola Palma, 18, of West Liberty. Hodge said that she began competing in pageants after her first dance teacher, seeing her personality, thought she would be a natural competitor. I cant tell you how many pageants I have been in and all the community service I have done and all the people I have met, I am so thankful for and it all led to this, Hodge said. As reigning queen, she plans to hand out ribbons at this years fair competitions, speak at several coming events and being part of the community. While still hoping to get to Miss Iowa, she said that she had recently taken a step back from the pageants leading there to focus on school. She hopes to re-examine her schedule to fit some more competitions in. MUSCATINE From beaded collars and origami creations to Filipino dances and Jewish accordion music, there was a lot of culture to be found at Jefferson Elementary School this week. On Wednesday, the students of the Muskie SPARK (Summer Program for Arts, Recreation & Knowledge) program had the chance to learn about a variety of different cultures through a special Culture Day workshop. Although each student could only attend three different sessions, there was still a wide selection of 10 possible sessions that covered the countries and cultures of Mexico, Kenya, the Philippines, Japan, Morocco and India as well as aspects of Jewish culture, Native American culture and African American culture. The Culture Day workshop was created through a collaboration with the SPARK team, the Global Education program at Stanley Center for Peace and Security and CultureALL, a cultural education-focused non-profit based in Des Moines that works with Iowans who are from other countries and cultures on workshops that can then be taken to schools across the state. Each workshop features what they want to share about their home culture, and theyre all different topics, Krista Regennitter, program officer for Global Education at Stanley explained. Regenitter went on to say that she first learned about CultureALL last October. From there, she was able to bring one of CultureALLs cultural specialists down to Muscatine to speak with a couple classes. After seeing how successful this first small collaboration was, Regenitter and the team at SPARK decided to expand on the idea, working with CultureALLs specialists to create the programs first Culture Day. It worked out really well. Working with the SPARK program gave us a little more flexibility in our schedule, Regenitter said. Our goal is to help kids grow their global awareness and understanding, giving them the chance to maybe see something from a different perspective or learn about something in a new way and just gage their curiosity about the world and its different cultures. One aspect of working with CultureALL that Regenitter especially appreciated was the chance to work with ambassadors who were actually part of the culture that they were teaching about an authentic element that she felt was incredibly important. You can only teach so much about a different culture, you can only hit a certain level of depth. But when its your own, the information that youre sharing much more rich, so having folks that can represent their own cultures while also still being Iowans allows kids to see that these people from these cultures are part of our community and value that diversity here at home, she said. I think that understanding that theres multiple world views prepares kids to go out into the world and work with people of different cultures and with diverse partners on different teams. Overall, the SPARK programs first Culture Day was seen as a huge success. Ive seen lots of smiles and engagement and interest, and it would be wonderful if we could bring these ambassadors back another time and have kids see different workshops than the ones they are seeing today and just celebrate the diversity around our globe, Regenitter continued. The 2-year-old Kouts boy who was rushed to a Chicago hospital Sunday after reportedly shooting himself has died, the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office said. Wyatt Luczak was pronounced dead at 6:15 p.m. Tuesday, the report shows. The agency listed in association with his case is the Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Donor Network. Porter County police were notified of the shooting at 11:06 a.m. Sunday, and the child was initially taken to Franciscan Health Crown Point, Porter County Sheriff's Cpl. Ben McFalls said. The child was then transferred to the University of Chicago Medicine hospital, he said. McFalls confirmed early Wednesday the case remains under investigation. "Please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time," McFalls said. Pressure on Senate GOP after same-sex marriage passes House WASHINGTON (AP) The Senate unexpectedly launched a new push Wednesday to protect same-sex marriage in federal law after a surprising number of Republicans helped pass landmark legislation in the House. Some GOP senators are already signaling support. The legislation started as an election-season political effort to confront the new Supreme Court majority after the court overturned abortion access in Roe v. Wade, raising concerns that other rights were at risk. But suddenly it has a shot at becoming law. Pressure is mounting on Republicans to drop their longstanding opposition and join in a bipartisan moment for gay rights. This legislation was so important, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said as he opened the chamber Wednesday. The Democratic leader marveled over the House's 267-157 tally, with 47 Republicans almost one-fifth of the GOP lawmakers voting for the bill late Tuesday. I want to bring this bill to the floor, Schumer said, and we're working to get the necessary Senate Republican support to ensure it would pass. Giuliani ordered to testify in Georgia 2020 election probe ATLANTA (AP) A judge in New York has ordered Rudy Giuliani to appear next month before a special grand jury in Atlanta that's investigating whether former President Donald Trump and others illegally tried to interfere in the 2020 general election in Georgia. New York Supreme Court Justice Thomas Farber on July 13 issued an order directing Giuliani, a Trump lawyer and former New York City mayor, to appear before the special grand jury on Aug. 9 and on any other dates ordered by the court in Atlanta, according to documents filed Wednesday in Fulton County Superior Court. Giuliani's lawyer did not immediately return a call and email seeking comment Wednesday. Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis began her investigation early last year, and a special grand jury with subpoena power was seated in May at her request. In a letter requesting the special grand jury, she said her team was looking into any coordinated attempts to unlawfully alter the outcome of the 2020 elections in this state. Earlier this month, she filed petitions to compel seven Trump associates, including Giuliani and U.S. Sen Lindsey Graham, to testify before the special grand jury. Indiana Republicans propose banning abortion with exceptions INDIANAPOLIS (AP) Leaders of Indianas Republican-dominated Senate on Wednesday proposed banning abortion with limited exceptions a move that comes amid a political firestorm over a 10-year-old rape victim who came to the state from neighboring Ohio to end her pregnancy. The proposal will be taken up during a special legislative session that is scheduled to begin Monday, making Indiana one of the first Republican-run states to debate tighter abortion laws following the U.S. Supreme Court decision last month overturning Roe v. Wade. The Supreme Court ruling is expected to lead to abortion bans in roughly half the states. The Indiana proposal would allow exceptions to the ban, such as in cases of rape, incest or to protect a womans life. Republican state Sen. Sue Glick, who is sponsoring the bill, said the proposal would not limit access to emergency contraception known as the morning-after pill or limit doctors from treating miscarriages or ectopic pregnancies. The bill would prohibit abortions from the time an egg is implanted in a woman's uterus. Outcry after Uvalde pressures schools to keep kids safe UVALDE, Texas (AP) When the shooting began at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Mario Jimenezs son was in the classroom next door. The 10-year-old saw his teacher and a friend hit by bullets that passed through the wall. Now, Jimenez worries the boy will never again feel secure in a classroom. I dont think these kids are going to feel safe going back to school no matter what they do. Theyre supposedly protected by the system, and they know the system failed them, he said. In the aftermath of the May shooting that killed 19 children and two teachers, poor decisions by law enforcement have attracted widespread criticism, but the Uvalde school system is also taking its share of the blame for basic failures unlocked doors, a spotty alert system and lax enforcement of rules. Now, incensed parents and politicians want concrete safety solutions as the attack becomes part of a larger conversation about how to prepare students for emergencies without potentially inflicting an emotional toll with active-shooter drills. An investigative report released Sunday by the Texas Legislature found the district did not treat maintenance issues like broken doors and locks with urgency. For instance, the lock on the door to one of the classrooms where the shooting occurred was known to be faulty, and the House committee concluded the shooter likely entered the room through that unlocked door. The House committee found a regrettable culture of noncompliance by school personnel who frequently propped doors open and deliberately circumvented locks at Robb Elementary. The report said school administrators and district police tacitly condoned the behavior, noting that the school suggested the practice for the convenience of substitute teachers and others who lacked their own keys. 2 indicted in migrant death-trailer case that left 53 dead Two men were indicted Wednesday in the case of a hot, airless tractor-trailer rig found last month with 53 dead or dying migrants in San Antonio, officials said. A federal grand jury in San Antonio indicted Homero Zamorano Jr., 46, and Christian Martinez, 28, both of Pasadena, Texas, on counts of transporting and conspiring to transport migrants illegally resulting in death; and transporting and conspiring to transport migrants illegally resulting in serious injury. Both remain in federal custody without bond pending trial. Martinez's attorney, David Shearer of San Antonio, declined to comment on the indictments. A message to Zamorano's attorney was not immediately returned. Conviction on the death counts could result in life sentences, but the Attorney General's Office could authorize prosecutors to seek death penalties. The serious bodily injury counts carry sentences of up to 20 years in prison. It was the deadliest tragedy to claim the lives of migrants smuggled across the border from Mexico. The truck had been packed with 67 people, and the dead included 27 from Mexico, 14 from Honduras, seven from Guatemala and two from El Salvador, said Francisco Garduno, chief of Mexicos National Immigration Institute. Senators propose changes to electors law after Capitol riot WASHINGTON (AP) A bipartisan group of senators agreed Wednesday on proposed changes to the Electoral Count Act, the post-Civil War-era law for certifying presidential elections that came under intense scrutiny after the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol and Donald Trump's effort to overturn the 2020 election. Long in the making, the package introduced by the group led by Sens. Susan Collins of Maine and Joe Manchin of West Virginia is made up of two separate proposals. One would clarify the way states submit electors and the vice president tallies the votes in Congress. The other would bolster security for state and local election officials who have faced violence and harassment. From the beginning, our bipartisan group has shared a vision of drafting legislation to fix the flaws of the archaic and ambiguous Electoral Count Act of 1887, Collins, Manchin and the other 14 senators said in a joint statement. We have developed legislation that establishes clear guidelines for our system of certifying and counting electoral votes," the group wrote. "We urge our colleagues in both parties to support these simple, commonsense reforms. Both Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell have signaled support for the bipartisan group, but the final legislative package will undergo careful scrutiny. UK weather turmoil spurs calls to adapt to climate change LONDON (AP) Britains record-breaking heatwave has spurred calls for the government to speed up efforts to adapt to a changing climate, especially after wildfires created the busiest day for London firefighters since bombs rained down on the city during World War II. The country got a break Wednesday from the dry, hot weather that is gripping much of Europe as cooler air moved in from the west. Forecasters predict London will reach a high of 26 degrees Celsius (79 Fahrenheit) on Wednesday, down from the national record 40.3 C (104.4 F) set Tuesday at Coningsby in eastern England. Even so, travel was disrupted for a third day as rail operators repaired damage caused by the heat, and firefighters continue to mop up hotspots at the scene of Tuesdays fires. Britain needs to prepare for similar heatwaves in the future because manmade carbon emissions have already changed the climate, said Professor Stephen Belcher, chief scientist at the Met Office, the U.K.s national weather service. Only aggressive emissions reductions will reduce the frequency of such events, he said. Everything is still to play for, but we should adapt to the kind of events we saw yesterday as an occasional extreme event, Baker told the BBC. 'The mouth of a bear': Ukrainian refugees sent to Russia NARVA, Estonia (AP) For weeks Natalya Zadoyanova had lost contact with her younger brother Dmitriy, who was trapped in the besieged Ukrainian port city of Mariupol. Russian forces had bombed the orphanage where he worked, and he was huddling with dozens of others in the freezing basement of a building without doors and windows. When she next heard from him, he was in tears. Im alive, he told her. Im in Russia. Dmitriy Zadoyanov was facing the next chapter of devastation for the people of Mariupol and other occupied cities: Forcible transfers to Russia, the very nation that killed their neighbors and shelled their hometowns almost into oblivion. Nearly 2 million Ukrainians refugees have been sent to Russia, according to both Ukrainian and Russian officials. Ukraine portrays these journeys as forced transfers to enemy soil, which is considered a war crime. Russia calls them humanitarian evacuations of war victims who already speak Russian and are grateful for a new home. EXPLAINER: Can Europe live without Russian natural gas? BERLIN (AP) Europe faced an energy crisis even before the Nord Stream 1 pipeline from Russia to Germany went offline for regular maintenance. While there were signals that at least some gas was likely to flow Thursday, it was still uncertain and government officials braced for the possibility that the key pipeline won't restart as scheduled. They say Russian President Vladimir Putin is using energy for political leverage in his confrontation with the European Union over Ukraine. Russia has already slashed Europe's flows of natural gas used to power factories, generate electricity and heat homes in the winter, and Putin warns they could keep dwindling. The deliveries through Nord Stream 1 were cut by 60% before repairs began. Even if the pipeline restarts at reduced levels, Europe will struggle to keep homes warm and industry humming this winter. Here are key things to know about the energy crisis: Funeral held for Ivana Trump; ex-president pays tribute NEW YORK (AP) Ivana Trump, the 1980s style icon and businesswoman who helped Donald Trump build the empire that put him on a road toward the White House, lived a beautiful life, the former president recalled as loved ones paid final respects to her Wednesday. The ex-president joined all his children, an array of other relatives and friends at a Manhattan church for Ivana Trump's funeral Mass. A very sad day, but at the same time a celebration of a wonderful and beautiful life, he wrote on his social media platform, Truth Social, before he, former first lady Melania Trump and their son Barron headed to St. Vincent Ferrer Roman Catholic Church, located just a few blocks from Ivana Trump's home near Central Park. Ivana and Donald Trump's three children Donald Jr., Ivanka and Eric stood with their father and their families as the gold-toned casket was carried from the church. Eric Trump briefly put an arm around his sister's shoulders as she held the hand of one of her small children, who clutched a red flower. Tiffany Trump, the daughter of the former president and his second wife, Marla Maples, also attended the service, as did family friends including Jeanine Pirro, co-host of Fox News' The Five, and Charles Kushner, a real estate developer and the father of Ivanka Trump's husband, Jared Kushner. Fashion designer Dennis Basso, a longtime friend of Ivana Trump's, was also among the mourners. The anticipated launch of Amazons online marketplace in South Africa early next year is good news for businesses that want to reach more customers, but online shoppers should not expect heavy competition with product prices early on. That is according to Jaco Roux, co-founder, director and head of product at ecommerce software company uAfrica.com, and Claude Hanan, co-head of TFG Labs and co-founder of clothing etailer Superbalist. MyBroadband learnt that Amazon was looking for warehouse space in South Africa in January 2022. Although it was speculated that this could be for local ecommerce operations, Amazons imminent arrival in South Africa has been predicted for at least the past twelve years. Then, last month, leaked documents acquired by Business Insider revealed Amazon was planning expansions into five new countries in early 2023. According to the report, this included Amazons South African marketplace, which is expected to launch in February 2023. Outside of China, Amazon.com is the leading online marketplace in the world, shipping an estimated 1.6 million packages per day, with an official presence in 58 countries. The companys enormous success rocketed its founder Jeff Bezos to the top of Bloombergs and Forbes lists of the worlds wealthiest people between 2017 and 2021. Amazons involvement in South Africa has primarily been limited to its cloud business, with Amazon Web Services getting its start from a team in Cape Town. It also operates a local call centre that employs South Africans to help customers overseas with order queries. Although South Africans can order a selection of products from the platform, customers typically have to wait a week or more for their orders to ship from overseas. This is expected to change with the addition of local warehouses, logistics, and an official South African site. But Amazon will have to contend with Takealot, which has built a strong logistics network and garnered much consumer trust in South Africa. As of 2019, the company was shipping an average of 35,000 orders per day, peaking at 80,000 during busy periods. That was before the boom in online shopping brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic. Roux told MyBroadband that Amazons potential entry had stirred controversy in the ecommerce space due to its possible impact on small businesses and retailers that sell products online. But he thinks Amazons local availability will be good for sellers, as competition for Takealot was necessary to give people options and convenience. Although Amazon is aggressive, there is no other company strong enough to take on Takealot in this environment their execution is great, Roux said. Hanan said healthy competition between Amazon and Takealot could benefit smaller merchant sellers. It means more places for them to list their products, more and different customers, possibly improved fees, and hopefully improved service levels as a result of the more competitive landscape. Both Hanan and Roux believe it would take some time for Amazon to have a significant impact on Takealot, however. Takealots headstart will definitely play a role, for the simple reason that it is known, trusted and set up for many buyers and sellers already, Roux said. Both companies have the financial resources to invest in a good fight, but it will definitely become a race. Hanan said the impact will initially be felt in the general merchandise and consumer electronics categories. If they are successful, the impact on competition will not be immediate, but its not hard to imagine Amazon having a R10-billion South African business within three to four years, Hanan stated. Roux explained while many sellers would initially list on both platforms, that would change over time. The problem is, they will need to warehouse with both as well, which may cause some inventory issues with regards to stock allocation and cash flow, Roux said. He said the initial main area of contention would be which marketplace can offer the most products. This will not be a price war, but an inventory war who has the best options for buyers? However, Hanan said pricing would probably play a role, depending on how aggressive Amazon plans to be. The Amazon playbook, per founder Jeff Bezos, has historically been your margin is my opportunity,' Hanan explained. If that remains part of their Africa strategy, then the pricing landscape will likely be impacted. Hanan said Takealots scaled logistics operation offered a competitive edge, but it was not the only important customer value proposition. For Amazon, it depends on how aggressively they invest in their customer proposition and how well they manage their third-party logistics courier providers in the near term, he said. According to Roux, one of the potential chinks in Takealots armour was the companys apparent prioritisation of buyers over sellers. Takealot is currently extremely buyer-centric, and it is well-known that the processes for sellers on Takealot are expensive and rigid, which is a big barrier for selling on the platform, Roux said. This opens up an immense opportunity for Amazon to be more competitive in their fulfilment and warehousing fees for sellers. If they can improve the costs, onboarding processes and long-term relationship with sellers, then pricing will definitely start playing a role, and Takealot will need to relook at their processes for sellers in order to compete. Another benefit South Africans could get with a local Amazon ecommerce presence is the Amazon Prime membership. In supported countries, the subscription service offers fast delivery turnaround times and exclusive discounts on products for a monthly fee. Prime has proven immensely popular, having attracted 200 million subscribers by 2021. While South Africans can subscribe to Prime and enjoy its video streaming service Prime Video and music streaming app Prime Music, they dont have access to benefits like free or fast delivery. A separate Prime Video subscription is also available in South Africa, which includes Twitch Prime. Hanan and Roux expect Amazon to bring its full Prime membership offering to South Africa quickly. If you observe their launch strategies across other markets, they lead with Prime and the associated benefits of the programme, said Hanan. This is consistent across developed and emerging markets. I see no reason why they would not do the same in South Africa. Prime Video is already available for R79 a month. I would expect them to bundle the service with free delivery to enhance their value proposition. This would not be precedent, Hanan stated. South Africans planning a long-distance getaway during the 2022 December holidays might want to consider booking their flights soon. A quick analysis of flights in the country during this period shows that prices are substantially higher than during 2020 and 2021. The loss of Kulula operator Comair has significantly impacted flight availability and prices in South Africa. Comair handled around 40% of the countrys domestic flight volume on the routers it operated. South African Airways also downsized its operations by around 80% during its business rescue process, while Mango has been grounded for several months and seems increasingly unlikely to survive its business rescue attempt. That means the other airlines including Lift, FlySafair, and Airlink have seen an influx of bookings. But it is not only Comair and SAAs missing capacity driving up prices. The airline industry is also taking a hit from the rise in oil prices, which has driven up the cost of aviation fuel. Aviation expert and SA Flyer editor Guy Leitch warned that this combination could lead to flight prices in South Africa surging by as much as 400%. The chart below shows how the Brent crude oil and jet fuel prices have changed in the past few months. Airlink advisor Linden Birns told MyBroadband that airlines have incurred additional logistics costs associated with importing jet fuel, storing it and transporting it to the countrys main airports. With one of the two railway lines used for carrying jet fuel from Durban to the Reef still under repair (both lines were damaged in the floods) and with NATREF now shut, the jet fuel pipeline to OR Tambo Intl Airport is out of commission and fuel will most likely have to be trucked to the airport, Birns said. Over the past 10 days, the average price of jet fuel in South Africa was US$157 per barrel, this is about US$20 a barrel more expensive than the current global average. This time last year jet fuel accounted for about 20%-25% of local airlines costs. Today, for some carriers, it is more than 50% of their costs. Birns added that the strengthening US dollar against the Rand was another headache for airlines. Airlines here incur the majority of their costs in US dollar or Euro, such as aircraft financing or lease charges, insurance, spare parts as well as ground handling, landing, fuel uplift, en-route navigation and airport parking charges for flights to destinations outside South Africa, said Birns. But they generate most of their revenues from ticket sales in Rands and other softer currencies such as the Namibian dollar, Pula, Kwacha, etc. Every time the dollar strengthens and/or the Rand weakens, the cost-revenue gap that airlines have to close just gets wider. In addition, the 2022 holiday period is expected to see substantially higher demand for flights than in the past two years, wherein travel was more limited due to the Covid-19 pandemic. MyBroadband previously compared the prices various airlines charged for economy flights between popular destinations leading up to the 2020 summer holidays. For that comparison, we looked at what it would cost to book one-way flights on several airlines for Thursday, 17 December 2020, only around a month before that date. To see how current prices fared against that year, we looked at flights available on Thursday, 15 December 2022. Because the date is around five months away from our booking date of 19 July 2022, we expected flights to be cheaper. Prices usually increase the shorter the period between your booking date and the flight. Instead, we found that tickets were already substantially more expensive than in 2020, particularly between Johannesburg and Cape Town. The table below compares the 2020 and 2022 prices of one-way tickets between Johannesburg and Cape Town, and Johannesburg and George. We also included the cheapest rates available in economy class with South African Airways and Airlink. Johannesburg to Cape Town Airline 17 December 2020 price 15 December 2022 price Increase Lift R1,325 R1,536 16% FlySafair R1,422 R1,831 29% SAA R2,331.46 Cape Town to Johannesburg Airline 17 December 2020 price 15 December 2022 price Increase Lift R855 R1,090 27% FlySafair R822 R1,131 38% SAA R1,664.46 Johannesburg to George Airline 17 December 2020 15 December 2022 price Increase Lift R1,895 No flight FlySafair R2,222 R2,234 0.5% Airlink R2,276.46 George to Johannesburg Airline 17 December 2020 price 15 December 2022 price Increase Lift R1,095 No flight FlySafair R920 R1,031 12% Airlink R1,252.96 For another perspective, we looked at how much it would cost to book flights in the nearer future compared to last year. Although we did not have a like-for-like comparison for the exact same dates in both years, we once again looked at flights over a weekend at least two weeks from our booking date. This once again showed that tickets are much more expensive than last year. For example, a return flight with FlySafair between Johannesburg and Cape Town cost R3,850 compared to R2,800 last year. All the other airlines were also more expensive, with a return ticket on the same route between 38-68% more expensive. The table below shows the price of return flight tickets over a weekend in November 2021 compared to August 2022. KFC South Africa has launched a new ultra-modern outlet in Cape Town featuring the latest in restaurant technology. The fast food giant said its revamped Pinelands restaurant was designed to make customer service quicker, easier and seamless. KFC Africa chief operations officer, Thuthuka Nxumalo, said that businesses were moving into a new era of customer experience. The approach to new restaurants needs to shift too driven by a shift in preferences and expectations of what brands should be delivering today be it in food, design or experience, Nxumalo said. First, the store features digital menu boards in a dual-lane drive-thru a first for KFC in Africa. Walk-in customers will also find dedicated self-service kiosks in the restaurant for placing orders themselves. The inside of the restaurant also features new digital menu boards. There is a dedicated window for Uber Eats and Mr D Food drivers to streamline order collection for delivery services. Furthermore, KFC said the restaurant uses the latest connected kitchen technology to ensure it maintains the correct amount of stock at all times, and better quality management. The sum of this design puts the power of ordering and food fulfilment in the hands of the customer as well as gives employees an opportunity to focus on the back of house and getting food out quicker this culminates in a superior customer experience, said Nxumalo. Despite automating some of the processes typically handled by human workers, the new outlet employs 25 people from the Khayelitsha township, with the scope to add five more imminently, Nxumalo said. GREENVILLE A burn scar in Northern California offers an unsettling glimpse into what forests across the Sierra Nevada could become. Bare tree carcasses are strewn across the dun-colored hills. Rock outcroppings jut out like bones. Two massive wildfires have torn through here over the last 15 years, burning with such intensity through so large an area that the conifer forest will likely be unable to regenerate on its own, experts say. Quality journalism doesn't happen without your help. Subscribe today! Support local news coverage and the people who report it by subscribing to the Napa Valley Register. It's a pattern that threatens to repeat across California's most extensive and iconic mountain range as wildfires have increased in both size and severity over the last two decades. "Because the last couple years have been so massive for fires, the forests don't have a chance to keep up or recover in time," said Jon Wang, an earth system scientist at UC Irvine. "There is an acceleration of the fire regime that is overwhelming these forests." The Moonlight Fire blazed a 100-square-mile footprint through these mountains in 2007. About 60% burned at high severity, killing most or all of the vegetation, said Jonathan Kusel, founder and executive director of the nonprofit Sierra Institute for Community and Environment. Swaths of conifer forest were replaced by shrubs, which increased from an estimated 2% of the fire's footprint to 29%, he said. Thanks to reforestation efforts by federal, state and nonprofit organizations, roughly 14 years later, oaks were beginning to sprout here again. Vegetation, though scraggly, was helping to hold the soil in place. Bird surveys were starting to reveal a slow-growing increase in diversity. That was until last summer, when the nearly million-acre Dixie Fire burned through. "The concern is the amount of conifer forest that we've lost won't recover," said Ryan Bauer, fuels and prescribed fire program manager for the Plumas National Forest. "The patches of high-severity fire are so big that there's not a seed source near enough to get conifer forest re-established naturally in these large patch sizes." Napa County facing conifer die-offs Napa County faces its own version of the well-publicized conifer mortality, driven by insects and drought, that has hit the Sierra Nevada and North Coast. About 1.5 million acres of the Sierra Nevada burned last fire season. That surpassed 2020, when almost 1 million acres burned, which itself was more than double the previous record set in 2018, according to data from the Sierra Nevada Conservancy. A study by researchers at UC Irvine and UC Davis found that solely considering rising summer temperatures, the acreage burned will increase by up to 92% by the 2040s. Even more alarming are the type and distribution of these fires. About 575,000 acres of the Sierra Nevada burned at high severity last year, including four individual patches of more than 62 square miles each. The conservancy estimates that's more than 18 times the average amount of high-severity fire seen by the Sierra some 100 years ago, when Native American peoples like the Mountain Maidu regularly tended its forests with low-intensity cultural burns and naturally sparked fires were not suppressed. A landscape's fire regime the pattern, frequency and intensity of fire particular to that area determines what vegetation grows there, Bauer said. "By removing fire, we've set this up to be a whole different fire regime, which is a whole different (vegetation) type," he said. "So we've essentially managed this landscape to become a brush field." The Sierra Nevada has lost 8.8% of its tree cover since 1985, while shrub cover has increased by 4.4%, according to a recent study by researchers at UC Irvine and UC Berkeley, who were able to quantify the loss for the first time due to advances in satellite technology and data science. Statewide, tree cover has fallen 6.7% over the same time period, according to the study in AGU Advances. Researchers found an increase in catastrophic wildfire to be the main driver. Study authors attribute this to a "perfect storm" of factors. Decades ago, the U.S. government outlawed indigenous burning and began aggressively suppressing even naturally sparked fires, resulting in a buildup of vegetation in some forests. More recently, increasing temperatures because of climate change have caused fires to ignite more easily, spread more rapidly, grow larger and burn higher. Heat and drought have also stoked fires by killing trees, both directly and by making them more vulnerable to bark beetle infestations. The dry, dead trees have grown flammable, helping turn lower-intensity surface fires into more damaging crown fires, the researchers said. The result has been fires that are much larger and more intense than the forests are used to, said Wang, a postdoctoral scholar and lead author of the study. Napa County to spend money on wildfire prevention Napa County plans to provide wildfire fuel removal money, though officials said there will be a cost to other projects. The research provides evidence that these forests haven't reached a new steady state in the midst of the altered fire regime, resulting in a net loss of trees, said co-author Jim Randerson, professor of earth system science at UC Irvine. "And it's more than that: There's evidence for a slower recovery after fires as well that may be driven by extra warming we've experienced over the last 35 years or so," he said. Whether some trees will eventually regrow, or the losses will at least stabilize, as forests adjust to the new regime remains an open question one that poses a major concern, Wang and Randerson said. "If we're able to come up with a better solution to manage forests and fires drop back; if we're also able to stabilize the climate, that may lead to larger areas of forest that are maintained," Randerson said. "And if climate change continues at pace through the middle part of the 20th century, then we are in a position where it's my expert judgment that we're going to lose considerably more forest area." At the heart of the Moonlight Fire was private timber land, whose owners tend to remove the largest, most fire-resilient trees and leave behind smaller trees and brush, Bauer said. That resulted in a buildup of surface fuels that also may have helped drive high-intensity fire, he said. Researchers at Princeton University and UC Berkeley recently analyzed 154 fires that burned nearly 2.4 million acres in California from 1985 to 2019 and found that the odds of fires burning at high severity on private industrial land were 1.8 times greater than on public lands. That might be due to the prevailing land management practice of cultivating dense, even-aged plantations that create continuous high fuel loads, they hypothesized. The study, published in Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment, also found a higher incidence of high-severity fire on land adjacent to private industrial land, which is significant due to the checkerboard pattern of land ownership in the state, said author Jacob Levine of Princeton. About 26% of the land in the study's footprint is private industrial, and another 25% is within about half a mile of private industrial land, he said. "These properties don't exist in a vacuum they really interact with each other," he said. "Fire is a contiguous process that doesn't care about where the property line begins and ends." The results underscore the need for cooperation between public agencies and the private sector to tackle the problem of increasing high-severity fire, he said. These land management choices have been compounded by steadily warming temperatures and drought that have made vegetation more combustible, creating what Bauer calls "a canary in the coal mine for climate change." The effects are uniquely ecologically devastating for a mountain range that stores half of California's forest carbon and provides more than 60% of the state's developed water supply, according to the Sierra Nevada Conservancy. "Conifer forests sequester and store far more carbon than shrubs and oaks do," said Elliott Vander Kolk, regional forester for the Sierra Nevada Conservancy. "And the wildlife species that depend on that old forest type no longer have this as a place where they can be, and they're not set back on the stage to develop that over a reasonable time frame." Additionally, sediment washing down from burned hillsides diminishes water quality and can reduce reservoir storage, Kusel said. These landscapes also become more susceptible to future conflagrations as dense, fire-killed timber falls to the ground and brush grows over the top and dries out, creating a flammable mix that releases massive amounts of energy when it burns, Bauer said. Forest Service studies have shown that areas that burn at high severity are statistically more likely to reburn at high severity. Each time that happens, the surviving green patches grow smaller. The result is a feedback loop that becomes increasingly difficult to interrupt. "You look up on this landscape and that right there, that was green after the Moonlight Fire," he said, pointing to a small stand of trees. "But now it's a little less green. Same over there. And so this cycle of perpetuating high-severity events is eventually going to whittle away our remaining conifer forest if we don't get ahead of it." High-severity fire puts at risk entire communities like Grizzly Flats, which was leveled by last year's Caldor Fire. Not far from this burn scar, the Dixie Fire destroyed the town of Greenville when flames erupted into an uncontrollable crown fire, which can gain speed as it spreads from treetop to treetop. Now, the forests immediately surrounding Greenville are set up for the same scenario of repeating high-severity fires unless authorities remove a significant number of standing dead trees, Bauer said. He figures they have eight to 12 years to complete that work before another landscape-scale fire burns through. It's a monumental task. And given the rapidly changing nature of the climate and wildfires, simply replanting is no longer enough, Bauer said. He pointed to the reforestation efforts destroyed by the Dixie Fire as evidence. "Our old strategy of trying to spread plantations across the landscape, it's not really working out," he said. "They're too susceptible to wildfire. Unless the landscape around them is also treated, they're not going to survive the next fire in most cases." Stakeholders must figure out new restoration methods that better protect the surviving green patches, he said. One key piece is getting low-severity fire back on the ground in the right places at the right times research has shown that this makes it more likely that the land will reburn at low severity in the next wildfire, Bauer said. Often, that requires first thinning vegetation to create conditions under which fire can be reintroduced safely, he said. About two months after the tour of the burn scar, the Forest Service announced it was pausing prescribed burns while it conducted a 90-day review after a burn in New Mexico escaped control and became the largest wildfire in state history. Still, the agency said the break would have minimal impact because 90% of its prescribed fire operations take place between September and May. Agencies like the Forest Service must exponentially increase the scale of their work and forge partnerships to ensure it extends across jurisdictional boundaries, Bauer said. "We can be successful on thousands of acres," he said. "But we need to be successful on tens of thousands of acres, or hundreds of thousands of acres." Bauer recalled a recent Forest Service meeting at which the supervisor asked attendees to name the biggest priority for the Plumas. "And I said, frankly, I think we have a tiny opportunity to buffer the communities and the watershed and what's really important on this landscape from the unprecedented change that we're about to witness," Bauer said. "And that's probably all we have, like we have a little opportunity to do some triage." Although the wildfire peril facing the Sierra Nevada is unprecedented, so is the level of investment aimed at addressing it, said Angie Avery, executive officer of the Sierra Nevada Conservancy. The state and federal government have together earmarked billions of dollars for resilience projects and announced plans to dramatically increase how much land is treated with thinning and prescribed fire. For the first time, a broad consensus has emerged among scientists, legislators and many environmental groups that human intervention is required to salvage these forests, she said. "I think the administration and folks understand now that we've got to invest in proactive forest management," Avery said. "The unfortunate thing, though, is that we're seeing change on the landscape happen more quickly than the funding is being made available." So the tortured, lawyerly tomes on whether and how to revamp electricity rates for Californias solar panel owners are in hundreds upon hundreds of pages of them in a steamy soup of NBCs on BTM consumption and ACC Plus adder and SGIP storage incentive and upfront MTC and an administrative law judge is wading through them, weighing the future of your electric bill. This proceeding before Californias all-powerful utility regulator will impact every person who flips a light switch or presses an on button in the Golden State. If youre one of the vast majority of Californians who do not have solar panels on your roof, it might save you money. If youre among the minority who do have solar panels on your roof, it might cost you money. And if it works according to plan, it will prod current and future solar system owners toward adding battery storage so the suns rays can be harnessed after the sun goes down, when clean energy is scarce. Take two After clamming up for nearly five months, the California Public Utilities Commission in May took the unusual step of reopening the highly contentious rooftop solar proceedings. Rather than throwing out a proposed decision detested by so many rooftop solar owners which would dramatically hike their monthly kick-in for system upkeep, and dramatically shrink their earnings for sending excess energy to the grid the administrative law judge asked folks to weigh in on how changes might be eased in more gradually and fairly. The hundreds of pages penned by well-paid lawyers for utility and solar companies, environmental and consumer rights groups address technical questions posed by the administrative law judge. They differ radically on how to reduce the credit rooftop solar owners get for the energy they export to the grid to more accurately reflect its (far, far lower) market rate with the least Sturm und Drang. They differ widely on whether solar systems with batteries should have more favorable rates than those without. They differ enormously on how much solar owners should have to pay for the grids true cost and upkeep, a burden now being shouldered mostly by folks without solar. In short: Advocates for the solar industry argue against major changes to the current system and for a long, gentle step-down period that preserves the current system as long as possible. The major utility companies argue that the people without solar have been subsidizing the people with solar for years, to the tune of some $3 billion, and its long past time to pull the plug and get on with it. So for some balance we turn to the PUCs public advocate, a quasi-independent, in-house Solomon the Wise charged with protecting consumers. (Well note here that solar proponents say the public advocate is really in the utility companys pockets, like everyone else who wants to change the system. Really. Everyone.) Solomon says The public advocates office has long said that fairness requires change to what is technically called net energy metering, or NEM, and it said so again. Solar industry parties continue to advocate for proposals that would unnecessarily dilute much-needed reforms, the public advocate told the judge. They push for lengthy glide paths that do little to fix the cost shift and continue to favor the unjustifiable linkage between exported solar energy (during the day, when its actually quite cheap) and the much higher retail electricity rates, with some proposing a lock-in period of up to 20 years. In short, what the parties seek to retain is the same structure that created the annual $3 billion cost shift we have today. That cost shift from solar owners to everyone else has grown to some $4 billion, the public advocate said, and must be managed with stronger measures to address the risk that high electric rates and bills could slow Californias overall progress toward its electrification and climate goals, and harm some of the states most economically vulnerable residents. NEM customers continue to cause costs even when not directly importing energy from the grid because the grid has to be able to serve everyone, and including solar owners who need electricity after the sun goes down. Its going to get ugly. (OK, uglier). Solar industry and owners call most any reform a solar tax and legions have blasted the PUC for trying to kill solar. The utilities say that the solar industry and solar owners are desperate to protect their own profits. But you hear nary a peep from the non-solar folks, who arent even fully aware that encouraging rooftop solar is a cost built into their electricity rates. It is unrealistic to think that the average customer knows that the joint utilities are required to purchase rooftop solar energy on their behalf at eight times the cost of alternatives (something not required of any other load-serving entity or utility in California), Californias big three utilities told the judge. In contrast, (solar) customers know exactly how much the subsidy benefits them because, as shown in this proceeding, bill savings (are) what primarily drives customers to install (solar). This lack of transparency is perhaps why public comments do not accurately reflect what public opinion on NEM would be if the subsidy was not embedded and hidden. Despite its enormous costs, the solar program benefits just 10% of Southern California Edisons residential customers, 12% of Pacific Gas & Electrics and 17% of San Diego Gas & Electrics, the utilities said. Were a step closer to the PUC making some decisions on all this so we can get on with it. Electricity rates in California are obscene. A study by UC Berkeleys Haas Business School, with the nonprofit think tank Next 10, found that San Diego Gas & Electric customers paid double the national average, Pacific Gas & Electric customers paid about 80% more, and Southern California Edison customers paid about 45% more. These high prices result from uncommonly large fixed costs that are bundled into kilowatt-hour prices and passed on to customers, the Berkeley/Next 10 study said. These costs cover much of the generation, transmission and distribution fixed costs, as well as energy efficiency programs, subsidies for houses with rooftop solar and low-income customers, and increasing wildfire mitigation costs. Related Articles Gov. Gavin Newsom spent three days in Washington last week expanding his profile as a national political figure while insisting he has no interest in running for president. Newsoms press office trumpeted his visit with daily bulletins listing his contacts with various political figures, the first of which declared that California was on the national stage The ostensible purpose of Newsoms trip was to accept an award for supporting public education in California although in fact Californias students have only mediocre scores on national academic tests. He used his acceptance speech to continue his rhetorical attacks on Republicans, particularly Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who is widely seen as a potential GOP presidential candidate. I do believe education is under assault in ways that Ive never experienced in my lifetime, Newsom said. But whats happening now banning books, suppressing speech, the othering of our students, teachers, parents its alarming. And so I came here not just to acknowledge and be recognized as a state thats committed to righting wrongs and advancing the cause of reform and innovation but Id be remiss if I didnt speak more deeply to the moment that I think were living in as it relates to the assault on our freedom. Newsom has criticized his own party for being too passive in its battles with Republicans at the state and federal levels, leading to media speculation that he is laying the groundwork for a presidential campaign either in 2024 or 2028. At one point, Newsom told reporters that his only ambition is to express the frantic frustration, anger and despair a lot of folks are feeling about whats happening in this country in real time. And it transcends the administration. But we have to have the administrations back. By happenstance or otherwise, Newsoms Washington trip, including visits to the White House, coincided with President Joe Bidens absence during a diplomatic tour of the Mideast. It also came as a new New York Times poll reported that 64% of Democratic voters, citing his age and erratic performance, want someone other than Biden to be the partys presidential candidate in 2024 and voters nationwide have soured on his leadership, giving him a meager 33% job-approval rating. Despite Newsoms repeated denials of presidential ambition and his declarations of unwavering support for Biden and his agenda, the Washington visit drew heavy attention from the national political media, which place him on the informal list of candidates-in-waiting should Biden not seek a second term. So is Newsom really beginning to campaign for president? Not overtly, perhaps, but by escalating his attacks on Republicans and lamenting his own partys inactivity, he will continue to draw that attention. The New York Times poll and open demands from the Democratic left that Biden stand down indicate that 2024 could be an opportunity for him, if he wants it. Although Newsom has voiced support for Vice President Kamala Harris, a fellow Californian, as an eventual successor to Biden, her political standing is also shaky and she would not be the automatic replacement. Thad Kousser, a political science professor at the University of California, San Diego, had it right when he told the Associated Press, This is Gavin Newsom building his national brand for whatever opportunities might come up in the future. Hes savvy enough to know a lot of dominoes would have to fall for his future to come in 2024, but that makes it even more vital to take every opportunity to stay in the national consciousness for 2028. The Romans carried winemaking throughout their empire and across Southern European nations from Spain to modern-day Romania. For the Romans, wine was more than an elixir, it was a valuable trading commodity and traveled everywhere. The Greeks were the first bearer of wine to France about 600 BCE, but it was the early Christian monks and nuns who were the key to creating the beverage we know today as wine. Around 360 CE, a Roman soldier, Martin of Tours, left the army, was baptized, became a hermit and became Europes first skilled viticulturist. The Roman legions were skilled at winemaking, so he transferred his knowledge and curiosity to planting the first Vouvray vineyards. Quality journalism doesn't happen without your help. Subscribe today! Support local news coverage and the people who report it by subscribing to the Napa Valley Register. Most importantly, Saint Martin founded Frances first monastery that housed up to 2,000 monks, ensuring the Roman knowledge of winemaking would survive, flourish and improve during Europes darkest ages. Wine was not just used for religious events. After all, Jesus Christ elevated wine to be his blood, but it was also known to disinfect, long before Antonie van Leeuwenhoeks discovery of microorganisms in 1675. The Benedictines grew the monastic power of winemaking throughout France, emphasizing prayer and the study of agricultural practices and labor. We know the monasteries with their Romanesque architecture would become the model for future chateaux and winemaking experiences. For 500 years the Benedictines monopolized winemaking and trade. By the 11th century, the Benedictines had grown wealthy from landholdings and producing agricultural products, so they invested in building towering Gothic basilicas whenever and wherever they could. One could say wine was the foundation of Notre Dame and countless other medieval French cathedrals. It became common to carry the name of the monastery that produced the wine right up until the French Revolution. Today, there are only four monasteries in France making wine. Ive often wondered what the early Roman wines tasted like. One such experiment in the Rhone Valley, Mas des Tourelles, has been to recreate the first-century Roman country villa, with not only the vineyards but the working conditions including wine cellar cave, press and amphorae for storage. They produce three replica wines. Im curious to see if the 2,000-year-old blueprints and recipes still work. How French chateaux contributed to wine Chateaux generally refer to castles, stately homes and palaces but were originally built as private fortifications throughout France, as well as countless castillos in Spain and Schlosser in Germany. As nations settled in and stopped fighting among themselves, French chateaux, especially in the Loire Valley, became headquarters for winemaking and storage. The Perigord region is famous for 1,500 chateaux and winemaking from the 15th century. The French Revolution finished the monastic monopoly of wine and propelled wine as a elixir for the people, rich and poor. At the same time, the glamour of the chateaux as an environment for wine became celebrated. The best examples of the French chateau style of wine mystique are: Chateau de Chenonceau Chateau de Chambord Chateau dAzay-le-Rideau Chateau dUsse Chateau de Villandry Chateau du Sailhant The question often comes up as to what the difference is between a chateau and a castle. Generally, the French word chateau is translated as castle," but its more likely to mean a country house or aristocratic manor. The line between a chateau and a castle is blurred. A castle is a more fortified chateau than a country home. There are three types of castles: motte and bailey: Norman words for hill and protective fortification where a steep mound is created with a wall or moat at the base. stone keep castle: typically a square stone-based fortification, often with tall walls and intermediate gaps called crenels from to pour hot liquids on attackers. concentric castle: a fortification with multiple curtain walls; the outer walls are lower and the inner ones are taller for defense. But the one element they all have in common is a wine press and storage, often buried deep in the bowels of the underground caverns. The 19th century saw wine and architecture become intertwined in mutual desirability that become legendary, far beyond the palate's complexity. To wine connoisseurs, only good wine could come from French chateaux. It's very good that Armenia and Turkey are talking to each other because these countries are neighbors, and you can't choose your neighbors, but you have to find ways for themdespite all the problems associated with it. Taner Akcam, a famous Turkish historian and Inaugural Director of the Armenian Genocide Research Program of the Promise Armenian Institute at UCLA, made such a prediction on the regular edition of the "Strength Factor" program. "In international relations, all over the world, even enemy states have diplomatic relations with each other. So, based on many circumstances, I am fully in favor of establishing diplomatic relations and opening borders. But whether we can call this a normalization of relations is another question. I am in favor of establishing diplomatic relations and opening the border because it is an important precondition for the normalization of relations," he said. To the question of whether there are real possibilities of reopening the Armenia-Turkey border and establishing diplomatic relations between the two countries, which would be a necessary prerequisite for the normalization of relations, Taner Akcam said that the matter should be considered at several levels. "I am following the path of Hrant Dink, and the most important thing for me is to develop the relations between the two peoples, this is very important for us. Closed borders and the absence of diplomatic relations are one of the main tests for the broken relations between peoples. That is why, I believe, the establishment of diplomatic relations and the opening of the border will help in this matter. It is important that Armenia and Turkey can talk directly to each other and discuss various issues. Whether this will help in the normalization of relations is another question," he said. According to the historian, Armenian-Turkish or Armenia-Turkey relations have ended up in the shadow of Azerbaijan. He reminded that it was Turkey that originally refused to establish diplomatic relations with Armenia, "And Azerbaijan has taken Turkey hostage so that the latter would not normalize relations with Armenia." "There have been various governments in Turkey, some of which found that policy of Azerbaijan convenient because they themselves did not want to establish relations with Armenia under any circumstances, and some governments followed the path of Azerbaijan out of economic or selfish interests. I am not so sure whether this process will contribute to the establishment of Armenia-Turkey relations; let's wait and see. I am not an expert on international relations, but this issue should be paid attention to. I am fully in favor of bringing people closer together, creating ties, and developing relations between the parties," he emphasized. Addressing the question of whether the Turkish president really wants to establish diplomatic relations, normalize relations with Armenia, and create a favorable environment for improving the relations between the Armenian and Turkish peoples, Taner Akcam said that no matter how bad the objectives of the Turkish president may be, in international relations you have to look at the matter from a different perspective. According to him, you can never know those objectives, but you can guess the conditions. "This is where I see the motives that may lie behind Turkey's goals to develop relations with Armenia. The first is economic benefit. Turkey is a very powerful country economically. Yes, there are serious economic problems now, but Turkey is quite a powerful country. In case of opening the border and establishing diplomatic relations, normalizing the relations with Armenia, Turkey will gain a lot economically because if the negotiations have a positive end, it will get a direct connection with Armenia, Azerbaijan, as well as Central Asian countries, it will also get access to railways, etc. This will be a great economic benefit for Turkey, and this was not possible because of Azerbaijan," he said. According to Taner Akcam, Turkey wants to become a regional power, just like all other big states want to achieve it in their regions. And if Turkey wants to achieve this, it is in its interest to establish relations with Armenia. The historian also mentioned that we should not forget that the mainor the onlyprecondition posited by Turkey for the establishment of relations with Armenia was the Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) conflict, and now Turkey has no other justification from the point of view of discourse and ideology. "There was a war [in the fall of 2020], Azerbaijan won it, and Armenia practically lost the main part of Nagorno-Karabakh, and the only justification that Turkey was positing for the normalization of relations with Armenia is no longer there; fortunately or unfortunately, that issue was resolved on the battlefield. Therefore, Turkey no longer has another precondition, and that is, in my opinion, the reason why it is beneficial for Turkey to normalize relations with Armenia. I believe that they are serious, but that seriousness of the Turkish side largely depends on Azerbaijan's policy. Compared to us, the international observers, Armenians naturally know much better that Azerbaijan's policy does not stabilize the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh, they [i.e., the Azerbaijanis] are still pursuing a long-term policy of ethnic cleansing [of the Armenians]," he said. The Turkish historian noted that it is not known what preconditions Azerbaijan can posit before Turkey for negotiations with Armenia. "The situation here is quite fragile, I can't say more, but I want to emphasize again that the shadow of Azerbaijan is now present in the negotiations, but it will continue to be. As Azerbaijan seems to have given Turkey a green light in this matter, we should really take advantage of this as much as possible," he emphasized. Turning to the question that there is concern in the Armenian society about how it is possible to normalize relations with Turkey if in 2020 the latter clearly supported Azerbaijan in its bloody war unleashed against Artsakh, Taner Akcam said that these concerns are justified and it is not possible to object to them and to say that there were no such steps by Turkey; they are facts, they should be accepted as reality. "The question is whether it is possible to achieve better relations if [Armenia-Turkey] the border remains closed, all ties are severed, or to achieve at least some changes in Turkey's internal politics using the opening of the border, the establishment of diplomatic relations, and any other type of bilateral relations. I understand these concerns, they are justified because Turkey is really pursuing an aggressive policyand not only towards Armenia. Look at what policy Turkey is pursuing against the Syrian Kurds and, in general, against Syria; these are really important issues. It is possible to change this approach, or at least there is a possibility to change it, if there are bilateral relations between the parties," Taner Akcam said. China's 'Galaxy Fold clone' sold out in five minutes and became a bestseller Germany plans to postpone closure of its last three nuclear power plants Expert estimates environmental consequences of Yerevan explosion and gives advices Switzerland signs agreement with Uzbekistan to return $131 million seized from Gulnara Karimova Artsakh also declares mourning Norway can no longer supply Germany with more gas UN Secretary General to meet with Presidents of Ukraine and Turkey in Lviv Ministry of Emergency Situations: There were about 4 tons of flammable substances in Surmalu Russian Security Council says Kyiv threatens global nuclear security Content of toxic substances in air after explosion in Yerevan has increased sharply Scholz says Sweden and Finland's NATO accession process goes according to plan Macron and Zelenskiy discuss situation over Zaporozhye nuclear power plant Expert: Biden is not preparing Americans for what is to come Armenian Prosecutor General's Office: Representatives of management and employees of Surmalu will be interrogated Mourning declared in Armenia Latvia will not extend residence permits previously issued to Russian citizens NEWS.am BREAKING on Yerevan market explosion: 16 people killed First Lady of US contracts COVID-19 Aghvan Hovsepyan undergoes surgery Investigative Committee: More than 20 people questioned in case of Surmalu explosion in Yerevan Head of Armenian HM visits victims of explosion on territory of Surmalu in Yerevan Deputy PM of Singapore: US and China may slide into conflict Director of Surmalu shopping center is in heavy psychological state and does not comment Identity of another victim of Surmalu shopping center in Yerevan established Two Armenian startups advance to EWC Global Finals (PHOTOS) Patriarch Kirill expresses condolences in connection with Surmalu shopping mall explosion Russia announces supply of second S-400 regiment to Turkey Dollar, euro lose value in Armenia Republican Party of Armenia calls for naming leader of united opposition Yerevan market explosion death toll is 16 as of 3:30pm, Armenia emergency ministry says Putin calls Pelosi's trip to Taiwan gamble Russia embassy: Russian citizen considered missing in Yerevan market blast is alive and well Gazprom: European gas price will exceed $4,000 per thousand cubic meters in winter Yerevan subway operations resume Yerevan market explosion: 6 people still considered missing Former head of NSC: Bomb alerts have never been so systematic and periodic before Armenia truckers temporarily block Goris-Sisian motorway Georgia PM: Our thoughts and prayers are with families of those killed in Yerevan Yerevan market blast: 14 of 16 casualties identified, official says Georgia President: I stand with the people of Armenia Bloomberg: Jump in gas prices sent European electricity prices to a new record Armenia official: Pointless to say that Surmalu market was deliberately blown up Japan embassy expresses condolences over Yerevan market explosion No bombs found at 4 Yerevan subway stations, international airport Armenia, Russia defense ministers hold talks Shoigu says there is no need to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine Bomb threat at Yerevan international airport Putin: Russia will ensure its national interests, protection of allies US lifts F-35 flight ban Armenian Red Cross Society: 140 people asked for psychological service, 110 othersfor first aid, in 3 days 14 of Yerevan market blast casualties are identified Trump says after leaving Afghanistan, US left Taliban weapons worth $ 85 billion India blocks Azerbaijan's participation in upcoming BRICS summit as a guest Baku is concerned about safety of its diplomatic mission in London Yerevan explosion: 13 of 16 dead are identified, emergency ministry spokesperson says Iran responds to EU nuclear deal proposals Yerevan market explosion: 17 people considered missing, Armenia official says Yerevan explosion: 7 injured continue to receive hospital treatment Day of mourning to be declared in Armenia Newspaper: Unpunished crime gives birth to new, more catastrophic crime in Yerevan Bomb threat made at Yerevan subway Newspaper: Who is No. 1 accountable for Yerevan market tragedy? Yerevan market explosion: Fire extinguishing no longer being carried out, emergency minister says Yerevan market explosion death toll reaches 16 Armenia emergency minister: Rescuers removed young child, pregnant womans bodies from under rubble Yerevan explosion death toll climbs to 15 Yerevan market explosion death toll reaches 10 Yerevan explosion: 5 of 6 assumed missing Iranians are in Georgia, Armenia emergency ministry spokesman says Musk plans to build at least 1,000 starships to send groups of pioneers to Mars Russian DM: Ukraine is preparing large-scale provocations near Zaporizhzhia NPP Rescuers find another body from rubble of Surmalu shopping center Deputy Minister: Tomorrow it will be known when we can finish rescue work near Surmalu shopping center FBI and DHS say threat grows after search of Donald Trump's residence Armenian Emergency Ministry updates list of citizens missing in Surmalu explosion: Six Iranian and one Russian citizen Modi says they must transform India into developed country in next 25 years Ministry of Emergency Situations denies information about pregnant woman and her son found Myanmar Military Court hands down second sentence to Aung San Suu Kyi Head of Emergency Ministry unable to confirm another survivor has been pulled out of rubble German Chancellor: Visa ban for Russians must be discussed Rescuers hear sounds under rubble of Surmalu shopping center Emergencies Ministry: 22 people missing in Surmalu shopping center Bloomberg: Recession risk in eurozone has reached highest level since November 2020 Investigation into explosion in Surmalu shopping center continues Georgia's tourism revenues have exceeded pre-pandemic levels French Embassy expresses condolences to families of Surmalu explosion victims CSTO Secretary General sends condolences to Armenian Prime Minister over Surmalu trade center explosion Hungary and Turkey plan to launch joint drone production Russian-Armenian Humanitarian Response Center joins work to eliminate consequences of explosion in Surmalu Tesla has produced more than 3 million cars since company was founded Rescuers find another body under rubble of Surmalu shopping center Ministry of Emergencies presents new list: 21 people are missing from Surmalu shopping center Electricity bills in Germany will rise by another 480 euros year because of gas surcharge 12 injured in Surmalu shopping mall explosion remain in hospitals Media: Russia signs contract with Iran to buy 1,000 drones Armenian DM attends opening of Army 2022 exhibition at Patriot center near Moscow (PHOTOS) Former Armenian Prosecutor General Aghvan Hovsepyan released from jail China sends 30 aircraft and five warships to Taiwan Russian and Iranian citizens among those missing in Surmalu shopping center Lawlessness continues: Shots fired again in Yerevan India's prime minister promises that in 25 years India will be developed country The Nord Stream 1 natural gas pipeline reopened as scheduled early Thursday morning, after being closed for annual maintenance work for 10 days, according to the pipeline operator, Gazprom, DW reported. Europe is awaiting the return of natural gas supplies from Russia, amid fears that Moscow will decide to keep the taps almost nearly shut, potentially sparking an energy crisis. Russian President Vladimir Putin has blamed the West and the sanctions imposed on Russia for supply problems. Maintenance of the Siemens-built turbines is conducted at a plant in Canada, and Ottawa had initially blocked the return of one turbine because of the sanctions. Consequently, Kremlin-controlled energy giant Gazprom reduced natural gas exports through Nord Stream to 40% of normal capacity in late May, and again more drastically in mid-June. The Nord Stream 1 pipeline has a full daily capacity of around 167 million cubic meters of natural gas. Before the maintenance shutdown, Gazprom delivered just 67 million cubic meters per day. The repaired turbine is reportedly en route to Russia and expected to arrive on Sunday at the earliest. Putin also warned that as another natural gas turbine was due to be sent for maintenance at the end of this month, energy flows could fall to 20% of capacity from next week. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan of Armenia on Thursday sent a congratulatory message to Prime Minister Alexander De Croo of Belgium on the occasion of the Belgian National Day. The message reads as follows, in particular: I attach great importance to the continuous development and strengthening of interstate relations based on traditional friendship between the peoples of Armenia and Belgium. In March this year, the Republic of Armenia and the Kingdom of Belgium celebrated the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, which is another occasion to evaluate our commitments based on a common system of values and principles, to further develop our cooperation in the future, to contribute to the establishment of peace and sustainable development in the European family and around the world. I am sure that through joint efforts, the mutually beneficial cooperation between Armenia and Belgium will continue to develop and expand in bilateral and multilateral formats, including within the framework of the Armenia-EU Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement. Taking this opportunity, I cordially invite you to visit Armenia at any time convenient for you. If we inspect the integrity of the judges entering the new system now, we will launchwith the 2022-2026 strategy for Armenias judicial and legal reformsthat the integrity of all working judges be inspected. Minister of Justice Karen Andreasyan announced this while presenting the aforesaid draft strategy at Thursdays Cabinet session of the government. "This will be a most major way in the fight against corruption. An integrity inspection is planned also for prosecutors, investigators, employees of the penitentiary system, and of a number of other domains. Another important step is to provide for the possibility of appealing disciplinary decisions at the SJC[ (Supreme Judicial Council)]," Andreasyan added. In his turn, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan noted that the Armenian authorities are justly criticized, that reforms in the judicial branch of power in Armenia have not had sufficient success and intensity. "However, the other day, I noted that Armenia has leading positions in a number of directions among the countries of Eastern Partnership, and the title independent judicial system is also on that list. On the one hand, it is good that we demand more from ourselves, but according to the records of our international partners, we have made very significant progress. Armenia is a leader also in the directions of election credibility, fight against corruption, and freedom of speech," the PM added. The Rhine River, one of Europe's most important rivers used to transport goods including chemicals, grain and coal across the continent, is drying up because of a record summer heat wave. Germany's Federal Institute of Hydrology has warned that rivers in Central Europe are at "unusually low" levels that continue to fall. Most of the 800-mile-long Rhine runs through Germany, Europe's largest economy, but the river also flows through Austria, Switzerland and the Netherlands, as well as along the border between France and Germany. According to the German Federal Waterways and Shipping Administration, the water level in the Kaub, the river's bottleneck, was 71 centimeters on Tuesday morning. When it reached 77 centimeters last week, it was already the lowest level for this time of year since at least 2007, Bloomberg reported, citing government data. SWR said the low water level is restricting shipping on the Rhine south of Duisburg and Cologne and that cargo ships cannot sail fully loaded for days. A spokesman for Germany's Federal Institute of Hydrology told Bloomberg that if the water level in the Kaub drops to 40 centimeters, it will be unprofitable for ships carrying goods to sail through it, given how little cargo they can carry. Low water levels are already affecting power supplies. According to the EEX exchange, coal deliveries to two power plants in Germany - one in Mannheim and the other in Karlsruhe - have been affected by low water levels in the Rhine since July 13. Kyrgyzstan and Russia have fully switched to payments in rubles, Minister of Economy and Trade of Kyrgyzstan, Daniyar Amangeldiev, informed Interfax. According to him, payments for the main types of goods are made in Russian rubles. "The only group of goods for which settlements were made in dollars was fuel and lubricants. Due to the imposition of sanctions and the disconnection of the SWIFT system, there were problems with payments. The decision was made to switch to settlements in rubles. Thus, we can state that all settlements with Russia are made in rubles," he said. The Minister added that after switching to payments in rubles, the ruble rate began to strengthen, which had a corresponding impact on the cost of fuel. "The ruble exchange rate increased after we switched to settlements in Russian rubles. Accordingly, this has led to higher prices for fuel and lubricants. In addition, diesel fuel is becoming more expensive in Russia itself," he added. Earlier, he said that oil traders in Kyrgyzstan plan to allocate additional credit for the purchase of fuel and lubricants to stabilize the situation in the market. "Now there are problems again due to the strengthening of the ruble and Russia's transition to ruble settlements. Therefore, the decision has been made to provide additional support to the companies. It is planned that the money will be allocated to buy gasoline, diesel fuel and liquefied gas," said Amangeldiev. He recalled that Partner Oil and Red Petroleum already received 2 billion KGS (US $24m) in the spring and 40 days of fuel and lubricants. It is expected that more than 1 billion soms will be allocated. An EU plan to cut gas consumption by 15 percent to prepare for a possible gas shutdown by Russia this winter has been met with sharp skepticism from Spain and Portugal, two governments that are usually big supporters of the bloc, AP reported. Madrid and Lisbon said Thursday they would not support the initiative announced Wednesday by European Commission head Ursula von der Leyen. The EU chief's proposal calls for voluntary cuts, but he also wants the right to make 15 percent savings mandatory for the bloc's 27 countries in the event of an EU-wide energy emergency due to the situation around Ukraine. Spain and Portugal, however, said mandatory cuts make no sense. They noted that they use very little Russian gas compared to other EU countries, such as Germany and Italy, and that there are few energy links between them and the rest of Europe. "We will defend European values, but we won't accept a sacrifice regarding an issue that we have not even been allowed to give our opinion on, Spain's Ecological Transition Minister Teresa Ribera said. No matter what happens, Spanish families won't suffer cuts to gas or to the electricity to their homes, she said For his part, Portugal's Environment and Energy Minister Joao Galamba said that the proposed measure is irrational and disproportionate. Baidu unveils autonomous car without steering wheel Apollo Go, Baidu's robotaxi service, has expanded to 10 Chinese cities. Photo: AFP China's search engine giant Baidu on Thursday unveiled its new autonomous vehicle with a detachable steering wheel, with plans to put it to use for its robotaxi service in China next year. Cost per unit will drop to 250,000 yuan for the new model, compared with 480,000 yuan for the previous generation, Baidu said in a statement. This massive cost reduction will enable us to deploy tens of thousands of autonomous vehicles across China," Baidu's chief executive Robin Li said at the Baidu World conference. "We are moving towards a future where taking a robotaxi will be half the cost of taking a taxi today. The new vehicle will possess autonomous Level 4 capabilities that need no human intervention, with 8 lidars and 12 cameras alongside the car. Lidars are detection systems, similar to radars, which use pulsed laser light rather than radio waves. The company did not disclose the manufacturer for the new model. Tesla's chief executive Elon Musk said in a conference with investors in April that the company aims to start mass production of its robotaxi without a steering wheel or pedals in 2024, and predicted that a robotaxi ride will cost less than a bus ticket. Alphabets Waymo also unveiled a robotaxi without a steering wheel last year, saying it planned to roll out its "fully autonomous vehicles" in the US in the coming years. However, automakers and tech companies around the world are still waiting for nods from regulators to deploy such vehicles in the real world. Baidu is among a number of companies in China striving to make mainstream use of autonomous vehicles a reality. Its rivals in this area include Pony.ai, backed by Toyota Motor and WeRide, which has received investment from Nissan Motor and Guangzhou Automobile Group. Apollo Go, Baidu's robotaxi service, has expanded to 10 Chinese cities and Baidu said in April that it received permits to deploy robotaxis without humans in the driving seat on open roads in Beijing. (Reuters) Chinese, US leaders expected to talk soon: Biden Chinese, US leaders expected to talk soon: Biden The leaders of China and the United States could be holding another round of talks later this month. US President Joe Biden said he expected to speak with President Xi Jinping sometime in the next 10 days. If confirmed, that would be their first discussions in four months. Biden sidestepped a reporter's question about what he might have to say to Xi about tariffs. Id tell him to have a good day," Biden responded. The White House is completing a review of the US tariff policy and making recommendations to the president. The tariffs imposed under former US president Donald Trump applied a 25 percent duty on billions of dollars of Chinese products. Biden also appeared to cast doubt on a trip reportedly planned by US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan next month. "I think that the military thinks it's not a good idea right now, but I don't know what the status of it is," he said. Beijing has said any such visit by Pelosi would seriously undermine China's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said on Tuesday China is firmly against any official exchange between the United States and Taiwan. (Agencies) Indonesia President Joko Widodo to visit China Joko Widodo met Foreign Minister Wang Yi earlier this month in Jakarta. File photo: AFP Indonesian President Joko Widodo will visit China from July 25-26, the Foreign Ministry spokesman said on Thursday, becoming the first foreign leader in two years to be received individually by Beijing aside from February's Winter Olympics. Widodo has received an invitation from President Xi Jinping for the trip, Wang Wenbin said at a regular media briefing. Wang said Widodo would hold meetings with Xi and with Premier Li Keqiang for an exchange of in-depth views. Indonesia currently holds the G20 presidency and will host this year's summit of G20 leaders in Bali in mid-November. "When the Indonesian President visits China, he can communicate face-to-face with the Chinese leadership," Wang said. Aside from the Winter Olympics, Beijing has not hosted any foreign leaders individually since border measures were put in place in 2020 following the outbreak of Covid-19. (Reuters) War must end to prevent nuclear 'abyss': Lukashenko Lukashenko accuses the West of having sought a conflict with Russia. Photo: AFP Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said on Thursday that Russia, Ukraine and the West must all agree to halt the conflict in Ukraine to avoid the "abyss of nuclear war." "We must stop, reach an agreement, end this mess, operation and war in Ukraine," Lukashenko, Russian President Vladimir Putin's top ally, said in an interview. "Let's stop and then we will figure out how to go on living... There's no need to go further. Further lies the abyss of nuclear war. There's no need to go there." Lukashenko accused the West of seeking a conflict with Russia and of provoking the Ukraine war. "You have fomented the war and are continuing it," he said. "We have seen the reasons for this war," he added. "If Russia had not got ahead of you, members of Nato, you would have organised and struck a blow against it." Belarus has served as a staging ground for Russia's intervention in Ukraine, but Lukashenko has so far avoided becoming a party to the conflict. Analysts say that he is keenly aware of the fact that most Belarusians do not support sending troops into Ukraine. The 67-year-old leader, who has ruled Belarus for nearly three decades, insisted that Ukrainian authorities can end the war if they re-start talks with Moscow and accept its demands. "Everything depends on Ukraine," he said. "Right now, the peculiarity of the moment is that this war can be ended on more acceptable terms for Ukraine." He urged Kyiv authorities to "sit down at the negotiating table and agree that they will never threaten Russia." Talks between Russia and Ukraine largely ground to a halt in mid-April. Lukashenko said that Ukraine must accept the loss of regions occupied by Russia in eastern and southern Ukraine. (AFP) While emphasizing that the global market capitalization in the green economy is only 7 per cent with value standing at USD 7 trillion and though growing at a fast pace, green financing could become a bright and robust stand in the growing US-India economic relations during the next 25 years, said Taranjit Singh Sandhu, Ambassador of India to the US. "As India celebrates its 75 years of Independence, green finance could become bright and robust stand in the growing US-India economic relations during the next 25 years," Sandhu said at an event organized by industry body FICCI titled 'India-US Economic Partnership: From Here to Where in Next 25 years'. Green financing is basically the funds from banking, micro-credit, insurance, and investments from the government, public, private and not-for-profit sectors towards sustainable development projects. In clean technology, India and the US together have the world's best brains and labs to create cutting-edge technologies in green Infrastructure, he said. "India is one of the few countries that is on track to achieve the targets under the Paris agreement," FICCI quoted the Ambassador as saying. India ranks fourth in the world in total installed renewable energy capacity. "India's fossil fuel has reached 40 per cent of the energy meets and we have achieved these by our own limited resources," he noted. He further said the India-US partnership in the fight against climate change has not only been bilateral, but it has been global too. Climate change is one of the most important challenges that India faces today which threatens the sustenance and survival of future generations. "India and the United States are natural partners and demonstrated time and again that they can work together whenever humanity faces crisis. Both countries have strong convergence and our leadership have the intent and will to fight the global fight against climate change," he said. At the COP26 summit at Glasgow in late 2021, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi committed to an ambitious five-part "Panchamrit" pledge, including reaching 500GW of non-fossil electricity capacity, to generate half of all energy requirements from renewables, to reduce emissions by 1 billion tons by 2030. India also aims to reduce the emissions intensity of GDP by 45 per cent. Finally, India commits to net-zero emissions by 2070. (ANI) Government think tank NITI Aayog has made a case and offered a template and roadmap for a licensing and regulatory regime for digital banks that focuses on avoiding any regulatory or policy arbitrage and offers a level playing field to incumbents as well as competitors. In a report titled 'Digital Banks - A Proposal for Licensing and Regulatory Regime for India, the think tank recommended the issuance of a restricted digital bank license to such financial entities. It mooted for a 'full-scale' digital bank license. The methodology for the licensing and regulatory template offered by the report is based on four factors such as entry barriers; competition; business restrictions; and technological neutrality. Taking forward the agenda of fintech innovations, and marking 75 years of India's independence, the government in its Budget for 200-23 proposed to set up 75 digital banking units in 75 districts of the country by scheduled commercial banks. The report also maps prevalent business models in this domain. It highlights the challenges presented by the 'partnership model' of neo-banking--which has emerged in India due to a regulatory vacuum and in the absence of a digital bank license. Given the need for leveraging technology effectively to cater to the needs of banking in India, this report studies the prevailing gaps, the niches that remain underserved, and the global regulatory best practices in licensing digital banks, said CEO Parameswaran Iyer while releasing the report. In recent years, India has made rapid strides in furthering financial inclusion catalyzed by the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana for the unversed. However, credit penetration remains a policy challenge, especially for the nation's MSMEs that contribute 30 per cent to GDP, 45 per cent to manufacturing output, and 40 per cent to exports, while creating employment for a significant section of the population. Financial inclusion has only been furthered by the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), which has witnessed extraordinary adoption. UPI recorded over 4.2 billion transactions worth Rs 7.7 trillion in October 2021. The NITI Aayog report has been prepared based on inter-ministerial consultations. Last year, NITI Aayog released a discussion paper on the subject for wider stakeholder consultations. Comments received from 24 organizations were examined and suitably addressed in the final report. (ANI) During the meeting Australia's Education Minister Jason Clare gave assurance of speedy visa for Indian students in Australia. The minister called for deeper collaboration between the two countries in the areas of skill development. Australian minister gave assurance of providing support in ensuring world-class skilling of Indian workforce. We also spoke about deeper collaborations in the skills, higher education and school education sector, and imparting world-class skilling, that Australia is known for, to the Indian workforce, Pradhan said after the meeting. Pradhan said the collaboration would help create a positive synergy for both the countries. (ANI) New Delhi [India], July 21 (ANI/NewsVoir): Luxury Ayurvedic beauty brand Just Herbs have roped in Bollywood actress Patralekhaa, as the face of their Natural Makeup range. Just Herbs released a brand film starring the actress in a double role where she can be seen getting ready for a dinner date. "I am so impressed with Just Herbs' natural and ayurvedic makeup. The products deliver superior performance while packing all the Ayurvedic goodness! I am sold, " says Patralekhaa. "I am elated to join the team at Just Herbs to spread the message that Natural can be Glamorous too," she adds. You can see the brand video here www.youtube.com/watch?v=fhwcFclQ33Y The brand film has gone viral on Social Media because of its unique concept where Patralekhaa is seen getting ready using Just Herbs' makeup products such as their iconic lip and cheek tints, Ayurvedic lipsticks and BB cream, when she is suddenly interrupted by her alter-ego played by the actress herself. The banter between the two addresses common concerns around makeup such as long-stay and pigmentation which Patralekhaa confidently addresses while doing her makeup routine convincing her alter ego that glamour and the goodness of Ayurveda can go hand in hand. "Patralekhaa's fresh and raw appeal aligns with our honest and transparent approach to making beauty more Inclusive and Unfiltered for digitally-native Gen-Z and Millennial consumers," said Arush Chopra, CEO and Co-founder of Just Herbs. Just Herbs has a variety of Natural Makeup products including Herb-enriched Matte Liquid Lipsticks, Compact Powder, Ayurvedic Kajal and Nourishing Lip and Cheek Tints, which enjoy a cult-like following among natural beauty aficionados on online marketplaces such as Nykaa, Amazon, Flipkart and Myntra. The products are also available to shop on www.justherbs.in as well as at all Just Herbs retail touch points. For further details, please contact Ritika Ohri at ritika.ohri@justherbs.in Just Herbs is a line of pure, bespoke and Ayurvedic skin, hair and beauty products which are made from certified organic and handcrafted ingredients from across India. The brand continues to stick to their traditional Ayurvedic principles, but with a fresh and modern approach! For Just Herbs, beauty needs to come full circle. Their formulations nourish, preserve or protect-a 360 approach that makes sure the solutions are long-lasting. Also, it's the first Indian beauty brand to crowdsource their products which means they co-create them with the customers to deliver exactly what is needed. This story is provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/NewsVoir) Paving the pathway towards greening the power sector of the country, the Statement of Intent (SoI) seeks to formalise a framework of cooperation between the parties to facilitate NTPC to strategies on diversification of its generation mix to eventually reduce its carbon footprint and support India's endeavour towards achieving net zero by 2070, the ministry said in a statement. The agreement was signed on Wednesday. As the Government of India has announced the 'Panchamrit' goals during CoP 26, NITI Aayog is working on the development of different scenarios/ pathways for achieving Net Zero by 2070. With 17 per cent of the installed generation capacity of the country, NTPC meets around 24 per cent of the country's power requirement. With this collaboration, NTPC would be able to utilise the expertise of NITI Aayog's energy team for the development of a net zero GHG emissions roadmap for NTPC to align with the Government of India's 'Panchamrit' goals. The collaboration will also help NTPC in achieving the targets for emissions and energy (portfolio mix) modelling including the development of scenarios for 2030, 2037, 2047 and 2070 NITI Aayog will provide assistance in the establishment of the Carbon Management Unit (CMU) in NTPC to integrate all GHG reduction initiatives under one umbrella. (ANI) Airfares, in normal circumstances, are market-driven and are neither established nor regulated by the government, the Ministry of Civil Aviation said on Thursday. "Air ticket prices generally vary depending upon the market forces. Airline pricing runs in multiple levels (buckets or Reservation Booking Designator (RBDs) which are in line with the practice being followed globally. Due to dynamic fare pricing, the tickets bought in advance are much cheaper than those purchased near the date of travel," the ministry said in a statement. Under the provision of sub-rule (2) of Rule 135 of Aircraft Rules, 1937, the airlines are required to display the fare structures on their websites. Details of existing airfares are available on the website of the respective airlines, the ministry said. The ministry said it has received a few references regarding airfares in the Gulf sector from Members of Parliament and from the government of Kerala. With the repeal of Air Corporations Act in March, 1994, tariff fixation has been deregulated and airlines are free to fix reasonable tariffs under the provisions of sub-rule (1) of Rule 135 of Aircraft Rules, 1937 having regard to all relevant factors, including the cost of operation, characteristics of service, reasonable profit and the generally prevailing tariff, it said. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is the safety regulatory authority for civil aviation sector. Under sub-rule (4) of Rule 135 of Aircraft Rules, 1937, where the DGCA is satisfied that any airline has established excessive or predatory tariff under sub-rule (1) or has indulged in oligopolistic practice, the DGCA may, by order, issue directions to such airline, it added. (ANI) Malaika Arora recently treated her fans with a singing video on her social media account. On Thursday, the 'Chaiyya Chaiyya' star took to her Instagram story and shared a fun singing video with her friends. In the video, Malaika was seen having fun while singing 'Oh Carol' song by Neil Sedaka with her girl gang in Cafe Panama Mumbai. The actor donned a black bralette top that she paired with blue denim shorts. She topped her outfit with a black-red printed jacket. The actor opted for white boots and a white handheld bag to increase the chic quotient of her outfit. Sharing the videos, Malaika captioned, "sistersledge in the house." She also posted a selfie in which she looked stunning. She wore a dewy makeup look and kept her hair in a sleek ponytail to complement her entire look. Talking about Malaika, she is very active on social media and gives fans a glimpse of her daily routine regularly. Also, the actor recently visited the beautiful destination of Paris, with her beau Arjun Kapoor on the latter's 37th birthday. The couple shared numerous pictures of their romantic vacation on social media, giving out couple goals. Malaika and Arjun both looked so in love in the pictures. Further, rumours are on the rise that the star couple is ready to tie the knot by the end of the year. Meanwhile, Malaika, after glamorizing the film industry with her sexy moves is all set to become an author. She will soon write her debut book which is going to be all about nutrition. The actor, who also serves as a judge on the reality show 'India's Best Dancer', will be sharing her wellness tips in the book. (ANI) Many big faces from the Bollywood industry attended the grand night like Vicky Kaushal, Jacqueline Fernandez, Aanand L Rai along with south actor Dhanush, who marks his Hollywood debut with 'The Gray Man' opposite Chris Evans and Ryan Gosling. The event was also attended by the 'Avengers: Endgame' director duo Joe and Anthony Russo. Taking to Instagram, Vicky, shared a string of pictures from the premiere night, which he captioned, "Last night was Gray-et with people whom I truly admire." In the pictures, the 'Uri' actor could be seen with Dhanush and the Russo brothers. Apart from him, 'Raanjhana' director Anand L Rai expressed his gratitude and dropped a picture in which he can be seen posing with the Russo brothers and the 'Atrangi Re' actor. "Thank you @netflix_in for such fabulous evening. It was definitely NOT just another Thursday with gigantic makers @therussobrothers Overwhelmed to have you both here. Take a bow. And last but not the least @dhanushkraja , love you. My magician my bhai You deserve every bit of it and Much More in life. #thegrayman will always remain special for many reasons. #thegraymannetflix." He captioned the post. Netizens shower praises for the 'Maari' actor, as he opted for a simple white shirt and white lungi for the premiere night. Bollywood actors like Randeep Hooda, Alaya F, Aditi Pohankar and directors Vishal Bharadwaj, Raj and DK among others also attended the 'The Gray Man' premiere. Besides Ryan Gosling, Chris Evans and Dhanush, the film also casts Billy Bob Thornton, Rege-Jean Page, Jessica Henwick, Wagner Moura, and Alfre Woodard in prominent roles. 'The Gray Man' is all set to stream on Netflix from July 22, 2022. (ANI) The Delhi High Court has allowed a minor rape victim, to terminate her 25th week and six days old pregnancy. A bench of Justice Yashwant Varma noted in the assault on the petitioner, the minor rape victim, the defilement of her body would have undoubtedly left scars that would take years to heal. "Her misery and suffering would stand compounded even more if she were forced to bear the mantle of motherhood at such a tender age. The court shudders to even imagine the state of despondency that would descend over her life. The mental and physical trauma that she would have to undergo if she were forced to carry the foetus and take on the onerous duties of motherhood is unimaginable," the court said in an order passed on Tuesday. "This court is of the firm opinion that if the petitioner was forced to go through with the pregnancy despite the same having been caused on account of the incident of sexual assault, it would permanently scar her psyche and cause grave and irreparable injury to her mental health. The court cannot visualise a more egregious invasion of her right to life as guaranteed by Article 21 of the Constitution," it stated. It also directed the hospital concerned to preserve the terminal foetus for the purposes of DNA testing which would be required with reference to the criminal case which stands registered. "The respondent hospital is consequently directed to constitute a Medical Board which may attend to the petitioner and oversee the termination of pregnancy. For the aforesaid purpose, let the petitioner appear before the Board which was constituted by the respondent hospital along with her legal guardian or any other member of her family on July 21 so that appropriate steps may be taken in accordance with law. The court further provides that if during the procedure for termination the Board and the attending doctors find that there arises a risk to the life of the petitioner, they would have the discretion to cancel the procedure for termination of pregnancy," read the order. --IANS jw/vd ( 363 Words) 2022-07-20-22:16:03 (IANS) The whereabouts of the 19 workers, belonging to Assam, who went missing last week near the India-China border in Arunachal Pradesh's Kurung Kumey district, are not yet known, officials said on Wednesday. Kurung Kumey Deputy Commissioner Bengia Nighee said that district and police officials have been sent to Damin to know the whereabouts of the 19 workers, engaged by a contractor to work for a road construction undertaken by the Border Road Organisation (BRO). "The feedback from the officials was awaited. The area is an extremely remote and dense forest. Considering the topography of the area, we have given requisition for an Indian Air Force helicopter and the NDRF (National Disaster Response Force) to undertake an extensive search operation to locate the workers," the DC told IANS over phone from the district headquarters Koloriang. Nighee said that the reports regarding the recovery of a dead body of a worker was not yet confirmed by the team. On Tuesday, local officials, quoting villagers, said that the body of one of the 19 missing workers was recovered from nearby Kumey river. The workers had been engaged by a contractor for the road construction projects of BRO. The incident took place last week but came to light only on Tuesday. Local villagers and police feared that all the workers might have drowned in the Kumey river. Villagers reportedly informed the police that the workers left their work site after the contractor refused to grant leave for some days and then the tragedy happened. The workers had taken a shortcut jungle route to return to their homes in Kokrajhar and Dhubri of Assam. --IANS sc/vd ( 286 Words) 2022-07-20-20:38:04 (IANS) A day before Trinamool Congress' Martyr's Day rally in Kolkata, the party's national General Secretary and Lok Sabha member, Abhishek Banerjee, threatened to make public an audio tape that will reveal the identity of the persons involved in the coal and cattle smuggling rackets in the state. "I have such an audio tape that will reveal the identity of those who are actually involved in the coal and cattle smuggling cases in West Bengal. I will make that audio tape public very soon. There is something called perfect timing in politics, where important information has to be revealed at the right time. So, I will also make the audio tape public at the right time," he said. Incidentally, on Tuesday, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) investigating the coal smuggling case had filed its first charge-sheet at a special CBI court in Asansol wherein it named 41 individuals as involved in the scam. Besides the CBI, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) is also conducting a parallel probe into these scams. "If I am at fault, I will accept whatever punishment is given to me. I will accept the hanging rope round my neck with a smiling face. The audio tape that I am referring to has detailed conversations of those involved in the coal and cattle smuggling cases. All I can say right now is that those who have been constantly making negative statements against me will find them behind the bars shortly," Abhishek Banerjee said. Abhishek Banerjee and his wife Rujira Narula Banerjee have been questioned more than once by both the agencies in connection with the scam. Abhishek Banerjee had been complaining since the beginning that the central agencies' actions against him and his wife were results of vendetta politics by the BJP and the Union government. However, this is for the first time that he has given a counter threat to reveal the identity of those actually involved in the cattle and coal smuggling cases in the state. --IANS src/arm ( 346 Words) 2022-07-20-20:40:04 (IANS) Karnataka chief minister Basavaraj Bommai has expressed the hope that the Supreme Court will deliver its verdict on the Mekedatu project by next week. Bommai said on Wednesday that work on the project would be taken up after getting the clearance for the Detailed Project Report which has already been prepared by the state. Karnataka and Tamil Nadu have crossed swords over the project, with the latter opposing it on the grounds that it will lead to severe water shortage for its farmers. Tamil Nadu had approached the Supreme Court in this regard. Speaking to media persons after offering the traditional worship to the Cauvery river at the KRS dam, Bommai said the proposed project would meet the drinking water needs of Bengaluru and Mandya. Action is being taken to get necessary clearances for the project. Referring to the work being undertaken to modernise the canal networks in the Cauvery basin, Bommai said about 15 lakh acres are under irrigation in the Cauvery basin which can be expanded with the completion of this work. Expressing happiness that all 4 reservoirs of the Cauvery basin have filled to the brim this year, Bommai said, "Cauvery is the lifeline of the state. It is our duty to make good use of the beautiful waters of Mother Cauvery." He recalled the sacrifice and dedication of the Maharajas of Mysore and Sir M Visvesvaraya in building the KRS dam. Referring to work on replacement of the 136 crest gates of the KRS dam, Bommai said the work is going on and only 61 gates remain to be replaced. They would be replaced within a year. A KRS festival would be celebrated in a grand way once the work is completed. --IANS pvn/bg ( 302 Words) 2022-07-20-20:40:06 (IANS) "No compensation has been paid to the passengers and their families who died/injured during this protest," Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw told the Lok Sabha in a written reply. He said that due to many strikes and agitations, the Railways has incurred a loss of Rs 151 crore in 2019-20, Rs 904 crore in 2020-21, and Rs 62 crore in 2021-22. Asked the states wherein railway has suffered much loss due to deplorable law and order, the minister said that Bihar and Telangana witnessed the maximum destruction of railway property due to law and order situation in the ongoing year. The number of cases registered on account of the destruction of railway property in 2019, 2020, and 2021 is 95, 30, and 34, respectively, he added. The minister also said that no recoveries to compensate the loss occurred to railways have been made so far. On the question of refund to passengers, Vaishnaw said separate data on the refund granted to passengers due to disruption of rail services on account of public disorder consequent to various agitations is not maintained. He, however, said from June 14-22, a total refund of Rs 102.96 crore was granted on account of the cancellation of trains. --IANS avr/vd ( 240 Words) 2022-07-20-20:54:04 (IANS) Janata Dal-United parliamentary board president Upendra Kushwaha on Wednesday claimed that the clarification needed in the recruitment of Agneepath and Agniveer scheme has not come yet. Kushwaha said that the Centre is changing the angle of the question he has asked. "I have simply asked a question on the caste and religious certificates required in the recruitment of Agniveers in the defence forces. If the Centre is not giving reservation in the recruitment of defence forces then why is a caste certificate required here," Kushwaha said. "I never said that the past recruitment process has been continuing for the last 10 years or 50 years. I have just asked the question that if no facility is available then what is the relevance of demanding a caste certificate. The Centre has junked many needless laws in the past. If any such law existed in the past and if there is a scope of changing it, the Centre must do it," Kushwaha said. Earlier on Tuesday, Union minister of defence Rajnath Singh told media persons in New Delhi: "There is no change in the recruitment process of Agniveers in the country. It is the same since the independence of the country. Hence, there is no need of giving a clarification in this matter." Besides Kushwaha, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav also raised this point. He said that youths are ready to sacrifice their lives for the country and the Centre is asking about their caste and religion. Former chief minister and Hindustani Awam Morcha chief Jitan Ram Manjhi said that the Agneepath and Agniveer scheme is dangerous for the country. "I have been protesting against the Agneepath and Agniveer scheme since the beginning. The Centre is giving lollipops in the name of Agniveer. Demanding caste certificates for recruitment is absolutely wrong. It creates suspicion. They will make their own people powerful and will create discrimination in the society," Manjhi said. --IANS ajk/bg ( 332 Words) 2022-07-20-20:56:03 (IANS) A public interest litigation (PIL) was filed in the Calcutta High Court on Wednesday demanding a CBI probe into the recent comment of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, wherein she claimed that Trinamool Congress will declare a "jihad" against the BJP at the party's Martyr's Day programme on Thursday. This was the second PIL filed filed in the Calcutta High Court in this connection. In the PIL filed with the division bench of Chief Justice Prakash Srivastava and Justice Rajarshi Bharadwaj, the petitioner, Nabendu Kumar Bandopadhyay, argued that CBI should launch a probe into the matter after filing an FIR. The petitioner also argued that in case the Chief Minister's comment results into any unfortunate incident at the Martyr's Day programme on Thursday, there should be a separate probe by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in the matter. He also appealed that if possible, central armed forces should be deployed at different corners of the state on Thursday as an additional safety measure. This was the second PIL filed with the same division bench in this connection. On July 11, a person named Nazia Ilahi had filed a petition arguing that such comments from the Chief Minister were totally unwarranted and she should make such comments against the principal opposition party in the state. In her petition, Ilahi pointed out that the Chief Minister did not even withdraw her statement later. The division bench had then directed that a copy of the petition be forwarded to Banerjee and the matter would be heard after a couple of weeks. The Chief Minister's 'jihad' comment had created ripples in the political circles of the state with the opposition BJP accusing Banerjee of trying to instigate terror in the state through her remark. --IANS src/arm ( 309 Words) 2022-07-20-20:56:04 (IANS) Aleixo Sequeira, MLA of Nuvem in South Goa, on Wednesday said that the Central government should make the UK eligible for e-visa and also bring fees of visa on par to other countries. Congress MLA Sequeira, speaking in the assembly session, said the Central government has initiated an excellent system wherein seated abroad, one can apply for e-visa. "But for the reasons best known to them, the UK has been, after Covid, excluded from the system. Today, a person coming from the UK would like to visit Goa, but has to wait for four to six weeks to get a visa approved, while people coming from other countries can get their visas sanctioned in a short period of three to four days," he said. "I know it is not within your (state government) purview, but I believe that you will have to take it up with the government of India," Sequeira said. He said that tourists coming from the UK have to pay 149 pounds, which may be around $175, but someone who comes under e-visa pays a smaller amount like $25. "UK is the large market for tourism for Goa. Hence, the government has to look into this and should bring these fees at par with other countries," he said. Earlier, the Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) had urged Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to convince the Central government to include the UK, Canada, Kyrgyzstan and other nations for issuance of e-visas. According to the TTAG, before Covid pandemic, around 40-50,000, UK nationals used to travel to Goa by charter flights, and also, there was a good number of tourists coming by scheduled flights. --IANS sanjay/pgh ( 291 Words) 2022-07-20-20:58:04 (IANS) Speaking at a function to celebrate the 53rd Formation Day of Karnataka Power Corporation, Bommai said, "Electricity is one of the essential services. Life is impossible without a power connection. It is the duty of the government to provide electricity just like the supply of drinking water. It is a right of the citizens." The Chief Minister said the state government intends to provide electricity for everyone. The Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission has been instructed to issue an order in this regard, Bommai said. He further informed that the state produces about 30,000 MW of power, 43 per cent of the country's solar power generated in Karnataka. Taking about the policy for energy storage units, Bommai said the approval has been given to set up energy storage units at Sharavathi Power Station. A policy is being formulated to allow the private sector to set up energy storage units, he added. (ANI) Turkish Aggression Threatens Syria's Most Vulnerable The Islamic State-perpetrated genocide in Iraq and Syria and the ongoing Syrian Civil War are dual tragedies that have fallen disproportionately on Christians, Yazidis, and other religious minorities in the region. Many who were not murdered were compelled to leave the region entirely, resulting in a massive drop in their populations. Yet even after all of this, the tragedy is not over--it may have just begun. The survivors of the ISIS genocide are now threatened by aggression from Turkey, which now menaces the social structures and institutions that have been built to protect them. Since 2016, Turkey has invaded northern Syrian three times, expanding its territory with each successive incursion carried out under the pretext of counter-terrorism. Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan is once again threatening an all-out invasion of northern Syria, purportedly to complete an "anti-terror" buffer zone along the Syrian-Turkish border that will stretch thirty kilometers deep into Syrian territory. However, in this case, history is our best guide. Since 2016, the territory invaded and held by Turkey has become a hotbed for Turkish-backed jihadist groups, which govern their territory under Shari'a law. Turkey's threats, if brought to fruition, could displace upwards of a million people. Such aggression represents a direct threat not only to the interests, lands, and livelihoods of these minorities, but also to their very lives. Erdogan's robust but cryptic threat to "come down on them suddenly one night" leaves no doubt as to his intentions. It is no secret in Washington that the Turkish Embassy is seeking support in the United States for such a move. On the flip side, a coalition of diverse organizations has already been working to challenge this aggression. It would require a fair amount of intellectual gymnastics to assert and believe that Erdogan is really attempting to create any sort of legitimate security zone. He is clearly looking only to eradicate his foes and expand his geopolitical foothold. The Syriac Military Council, a Christian militia, has fought as a vital part of the U.S.-led coalition against ISIS and other extremist groups. For nearly a decade, the Syriac Military Council has served to protect the Syriac Christians of northeast Syria--one of the world's oldest and final remaining Aramaic-speaking Christian communities in the world--and now finds itself in Turkey's crosshairs. A recent report by the Wilson Center puts this quite starkly, saying, "What was once a 'Turkish-Kurdish' conflict, now impacts every single religious and ethnic group in northern Syria, the Kurdistan region of northern Iraq, and the Sinjar region of western Iraq." This is not the first time that Turkey has attempted a similar maneuver. In fact, it would be the fourth since 2016. Since the most recent invasion in 2019, Turkey has violated the U.S.-brokered ceasefire with frequent aerial bombings of civilian towns. Erdogan's current rhetoric reflects his intent to claim Syrian territory stretching all the way to the Iraqi border, once and for all. This rhetoric promises a particularly bloody outcome. During the October 2019 Turkish incursion into northern Syria, paradoxically named "Operation Peace Spring," the Turkish military and its jihadist proxy forces captured three U.S.-allied Syriac Christian soldiers while passively guarding the final remaining Christian towns in the region. The captives were transferred to Turkey in violation of the Geneva Conventions. There, they were beaten, tortured, and forced to sign confessions in Turkish (a language foreign to them) without the assistance of counsel or an interpreter, leading to them being sentenced to life in prison. As a result of international pressure, they've been docketed for retrial, which hardly makes up for the ongoing systemic abuse. Indeed, according to Nadine Maenza, former chair of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) and newly appointed president of the International Religious Freedom (IRF) Secretariat, the fate of the region's minorities is on the line: "If this area falls [to Turkey], there won't be any Christians or Yazidis left." Not only is Turkey driving out Christians and other ethno-religious minorities, but it also seeks to replace them with the roughly 3.6 million Syrian, mostly Arab, refugees currently within Turkish borders. An act of unchecked aggression would be compounded by an act of ethnic cleansing and replacement. Turkey's eventual and conditional acquiescence to Sweden and Finland's NATO applications has caused too many around the world to ignore Turkey's long list of sins, all of which are completely inconsistent with the values of NATO. Sustained Western arms sales to Turkey will intensify Turkey's existential threat to the area's ethno-religious minorities. Such minority communities, many of which are America's most loyal regional allies, should not be forsaken on the altar of Turkish appeasement. If the United States is interested in defending some of the region's most vulnerable communities, it should make clear to Erdogan that aggressive action, as threatened, will be met with swift and sure consequences. Cliff Smith is the Washington Project Director of the Middle East Forum. Richard Ghazal is the Executive Director of In Defense of Christians. Diliman Abdulkader is the President of American Friends of Kurdistan. The Supreme Court on Wednesday junked a plea by Maharashtra government seeking a review of its order, which transferred to the CBI the investigation in the FIRs against former Mumbai Police Commissioner Param Bir Singh. A bench of Justices S.K. Kaul and M.M. Sundresh said: "Application seeking permission for an oral hearing is rejected. We have perused the review petition and record of the criminal appeal and are convinced that the order of which review has been sought, does not suffer from any error apparent warranting its reconsideration. Accordingly, the Review petition is dismissed." On March 24, terming the legal clash between former Mumbai Police Commissioner and former Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh as "battle royale", the Supreme Court ordered a CBI probe into all cases lodged against Singh by the Maharashtra Police. Emphasising that an impartial probe into the matter is required, it clarified that it is not revoking Singh's suspension, and also, if there were any FIRs registered against Singh in the future, then these will also be transferred to the CBI. A bench of Justices Kaul and Sundresh then said the CBI must hold an impartial probe in all the aspects of the matter and examine whether the allegations in the FIRs have any truth or not. "What is the truth, who is at fault... How does such a scenario come to prevail is something which investigation must get into. CBI must hold an impartial inquiry into all these aspects," it said. Singh is facing multiple cases of extortion, corruption, and misconduct, and was removed from the post of Mumbai police chief over his alleged mishandling of the Antilia bomb scare case. The bench passed the order on a plea by Singh against the Bombay High Court judgment passed in September last year, dismissing his plea challenging the two inquiries ordered by the Home Department for allegedly violating service rules and corruption charges, as non-maintainable. In November, last year, the apex court granted protection from arrest to Singh in criminal cases lodged against him. Singh had claimed that inquiries were initiated against him after he accused Deshmukh of ordering arrested police officer Sachin Vaze to collect money from bars and restaurants to the tune of Rs 100 crore. Singh claimed the Home Department resorted to a witch hunt after he refused to withdraw his letter (written last year) to then Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, where he had made corruption allegations. --IANS ss/vd ( 424 Words) 2022-07-20-22:40:02 (IANS) Communist Party of India (CPI) national Secretary K. Narayana on Wednesday apologised to Telugu superstar Chiranjeevi for making an objectionable remark against him. Facing the ire of Chiranjeevi's fans, Narayana told reporters here that he was apologising to the actor and his supporters. The CPI leader said he regretted the use of inappropriate words and appealed to Chiranjeevi and his fans to forgive him by treating it as a slip of tongue. Narayana had made the remark during a press conference at Tirupati on Tuesday. He had criticised the invitation to Chiranjeevi at the unveiling of a statue of revolutionary freedom fighter Alluri Sitarama Raju on July 4. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had unveiled the statue at Bhimavaram in the presence of Andhra Pradesh Governor Biswabhusan Harichandan and Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy. Chiranjeevi had shared the dais with them. The CPI leader said since Alluri Sitarama Raju's character was played by veteran actor Krishna, he should have been invited to the event. Referring to Chiranjeevi, he passed a personal remark, which has angered the actor's fans in both the Telugu states. Supporters of Jana Sena, a party headed by Chiranjeevi's brother and actor Pawan Kalyan, also slammed Narayana for the remark. Chiranjeevi's other brother and actor Naga Babu had also launched a bitter attack on the CPI leader with a tweet. As the anger was growing over his remark, Narayana on Wednesday regretted it. He said his remark has hurt Chiranjeevi's fans and some leaders of Kapu Mahanadu. He stated that in politics, criticism and counter-criticism is common. He admitted that he went beyond the political language to say something about Chiranjeevi and urged Chiranjeevi and his fans to treat this as slip of tongue and end the matter. Meanwhile, Naga Babu has appealed to Chiranjeevi's fans and Jana Sena supporters not to troll Narayana over social media. He said since the CPI leader has apologised, considering his age, the megastar's fans and Jana Senanis should stop trolling him. --IANS ms/vd ( 346 Words) 2022-07-20-22:42:04 (IANS) The Telangana government on Wednesday requested the Centre to provide Rs 1,000 crore as immediate assistance towards flood relief to the state. The state government has sent a report to the Centre about the losses suffered by the state due to recent heavy rains and floods. As per the initial estimates, various departments suffered losses to the tune of about Rs 1,400 crore. The Centre has been urged to provide Rs 1,000 crore as immediate assistance. Several roads and causeways were washed away in the floods. The Roads and Buildings department suffered a loss of Rs 498 crore. The Panchayat Raj Department's losses were estimated at Rs 449 crore. The Municipal Administration Department suffered a loss of Rs 379 crore, the losses to the Irrigation Department were estimated at Rs 33 crore and to the Electricity Department at Rs 7 crore. The official said, due to inundation of houses and shifting of people from flood-hit areas resulted in losses of another Rs 25 crore. The state government sent the report about the losses on the basis of initial estimates received from various departments. Earlier on Monday, Union Minister G Kishan Reddy met Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday and apprised him of the Godavari floods that have caused damage to lives and livelihoods in the states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. According to the Office of G Kishan Reddy, Shah directed the Home Ministry to extend all necessary support at the earliest. Already 13 Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been deployed in Telangana to carry out rescue and relief operations. Due to continuous heavy rain for several days in the state, the water level in river Godavari was rising rapidly and hence reached the third warning level at Bhadrachalam on Thursday. In view of the heavy rainfall in the state, the Telangana government on Thursday directed to identify and shift the people living in low-lying areas to the special camps. Meanwhile on Saturday, Telangana Congress chief Revanth Reddy wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to declare the Telangana floods a National Disaster, besides requesting the deployment of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), financial compensation to farmers and kin of the deceased, and an immediate relief package of Rs 2,000 crore for the repair and construction of roads damaged during floods. (ANI) A total of 5,502 Kashmiri Pandits got jobs in different departments of government of Jammu and Kashmir in the Valley after Article 370 was scrapped, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai said in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday. "Under the Prime Minister's Development Package (PMDP), 5,502 Kashmiri Pandits have been provided government jobs in different departments of Govt. of Jammu and Kashmir in the valley," said Rai in a written reply. "As per the records, no Kashmiri Pandit has reportedly migrated from the valley during the said period," Rai further added in his reply on the question on the number of Kashmiri Pandits who migrated from the Valley since August 5, 2019. The question was asked by the senior Congress leader Digvijay Singh. "Government has approved construction of 6,000 transit accommodations for Kashmiri Migrant employees engaged/to be engaged in different districts of Kashmir Valley under Prime Minister's Development Package, 2015 (PMDP-2015) announced on 7.11.2015," said Rai on other question by Digvijay Singh on whether the Central government had decided to build temporary houses for migrant employees. He added further in his reply that construction of 1,025 units has been completed or substantially completed, while 1,872 units are at different stages of completion and work on remaining units has been taken up. --IANS avr/pgh ( 231 Words) 2022-07-20-23:06:04 (IANS) The case relates to the arrest of six active cadres of Bangladesh-based proscribed terror outfit Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen (JMB), including three illegal immigrants from Bhopal, who were found involved in propagating JMB's plans and motivating the youth to carry out jihad against India. On July 19, the NIA had also conducted search operations in East Champaran, Bihar, in connection with this case. The case was initially registered on March 14 in Bhopal before it was re-registered by the NIA on April 5. "Asgar is a highly-radicalised individual involved in propagating jihad by posting hate and incriminating materials online on different social media platforms. He was a close associate of the persons arrested earlier. He was found using encrypted applications to communicate secretly with his other associates in India and Bangladesh," said an NIa official. --IANS atk/arm ( 168 Words) 2022-07-20-23:10:02 (IANS) Assam reported 830 new COVID-19 infections in the past 24 hours, taking the active caseload in the state to 5,243, according to an official bulletin on Wednesday. With this, the total number of coronavirus cases has gone up to 7,32,492 in Assam. The new cases were detected after conducting the 7,651 COVID-19 tests in the northeastern state. The daily positivity rate is 10.85 per cent. According to the health bulletin, a total of 7,19,241 people have so far recovered from COVID-19 disease, including 443 recoveries reported in the past 24 hours. The recovery rate is 98.20 per cent in the state. Assam reported two fresh COVID-19 deaths in the last 24 hours. Earlier on July 15, the Cachar district administration of Assam made it mandatory to wear face masks in all offices and public gatherings in the district. An order issued by the Deputy Commissioner of the district read, "In view of the increasing trend of Covid-19 cases in Cachar district in last one week, the district-specific COVID guidelines are hereby notified and are to be followed by all concerned - All the Officers or Officials within Cachar district are to wear a mandatory face mask in their respective offices or areas (Both Government & Private) while performing regular public services and Covid appropriate behaviour need to be maintained." All the shop owners or business establishments are to ensure COVID-appropriate behaviours (hand hygiene, face mask, social distancing, no smoking in public places, no spitting in public places) within their jurisdiction. Meanwhile, India registered 20,557 new infections in the last 24 hours, informed the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Wednesday. (ANI) Speaking to media persons, Bommai said, "I am leaving for New Delhi with delegations of various departments to attend the oath-taking ceremony of the new President of India on July 25. I will also discuss cabinet expansion if the party's top brass raises the issue. "I will also lead a delegation to discuss the Kasturirangan report," he said. On Monday, polling began in the Parliament and respective State Legislative Assemblies to elect the new President of India. The Presidential election was held in a peaceful and orderly manner on Monday with Parliament House seeing a voter turnout of 98.91 per cent. Of the 736 electors comprising 727 MPs and nine MLAs who were permitted by the Election Commission to vote at Parliament House, 728 electors cast their vote. This includes 719 MPs and nine MLAs. The total turnout at Parliament House was 98.91 per cent. The contest is between BJP-led NDA candidate Droupadi Murmu and opposition parties' candidate Yashwant Sinha. The President is elected by members of the Electoral College consisting of elected Members of Parliament and of all the state Assemblies, including the National Capital Territory of Delhi and the Union Territory of Puducherry. (ANI) Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi on Thursday gave an adjournment motion notice in Lok Sabha to discuss the misuse of investigative agencies such as the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) by the Central Government. "I hereby give notice of my intention to ask for leave to move a motion for the adjournment of the business of the house for the purpose of discussing a definite matter of urgent importance, namely :-The misuse of law enforcement and investigative agencies such as the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) by the Central Government. These agencies were envisaged to be independent agents of the Indian democracy," Gogoi said in his notice. Gogoi also highlighted Supreme Court's emphasis on the importance of the independent functioning of these agencies via several judgments. According to an answer in the Lok Sabha by the Ministry of Finance, 112 searches were conducted during 2004-14, which resulted in the filing of 104 prosecution complaints, amounting to almost 93 per cent of prosecution complaints. However, between 2014-22, 2974 searches were conducted with only 839 prosecution complaints being filed, summing up to mere 28 per cent of prosecution complaints. While there is a marked increase in searches, the percentage of prosecution complaints in comparison has seen a glaring decline," he added. Gogoi also slammed the ruling party stating that the searches by these investigative agencies were overwhelmingly conducted on members of the Opposition which underlines the worrying reality of the misuse of law enforcement and investigative agencies by the Central Government, where political searches have increased, while the percentage of prosecution complaints has severely reduced. He also stressed that these agencies are being used as a tool to curb opposition in the nation and it's imperative that the independence of these agencies is protected for an effective democracy. "The citizens of this nation should be able to place their full faith in these agencies, for which these agencies need to remain insulated from political incentives. This matter is central to the core values of democracy, making it both urgent and necessary for an informed discussion in the Parliament of India. I hereby request permission to raise the matter," Gogoi noted. Earlier on Wednesday, the Opposition parties continued to force adjournment in the two Houses of Parliament over their demands related to price rise and imposition of GST by the government on some items of daily use. Lok Sabha saw two adjournments before it was adjourned for the day on the third day of the monsoon session of Parliament. The Rajya Sabha was also adjourned for the day after lunch following an earlier adjournment. Opposition parties also held a protest near Mahatma Gandhi's statue in Parliament to press their demands.In the Lok Sabha, the opposition parties staged protests during the question hour. Speaker Om Birla said the opposition members should not resort to sloganeering and take their seats. "The House is for dialogue, not for sloganeering,"he said. He said opposition members resorting to sloganeering and displaying placards is not appropriate for the House and the country.Birla said people of the country want the House to function and differences are an attribute of democracy. "If you want to raise an issue, go to your seats. You have not been elected to raise slogans, display placards, " he said. The House was adjourned till 2 pm, 4 pm and later for the day. The Monsoon session of Parliament began on Monday. During the protest near Mahatma Gandhi's statue, opposition leaders accused the government of disrupting the common man's budget due to revised GST rates on several items of daily use. Leaders of opposition parties including the Congress, NCP, DMK and Left raised slogans against the government demanding a rollback of the hike in GST rates on commodities like curd, bread and paneer. Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury were among those present. (ANI). As Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi is set to appear before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in a money laundering probe, Opposition parties criticized the Central government for unleashing a "relentless vendetta against political opponents" through misuse of investigative agencies by targeting prominent leaders of various parties. Lashing out at the Centre government over the misuse of probe agencies, the Opposition in a joint statement said that they will intensify their fight against the "anti-people Modi Sarkar". Condemning this they further said that prominent leaders of a number of political parties have been deliberately targeted and subjected to harassment in an unprecedented manner. "The Modi Sarkar has unleashed a relentless campaign of vendetta against its political opponents and critics through the mischievous misuse of investigative agencies. Prominent leaders of a number of political parties have been deliberately targeted and subjected to harassment in an unprecedented manner," the statement reads. "We condemn this and resolve to continue and intensify our collective fight against the anti-people, anti-farmer, anti-Constitution policies of the Modi Sarkar that is destroying the social fabric of our society," it added. The statement was released after the meeting of floor leaders of all Opposition parties in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha met at the office of Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge in Parliament. Apart from the Congress, Opposition party's leaders of Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), Communist Party of India (Marxist), Communist Party of India, Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC), Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS), Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK), Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), Shiv Sena and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) were present in the meeting. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday held a meeting with top ministers to discuss the government's strategy in Parliament. Union ministers Rajnath Singh, Anurag Thakur and Kiren Rijiju are amongst those present in the meeting. This development comes as Opposition parties continued to force adjournments in the two Houses of Parliament on Wednesday over their demands related to price rise and imposition of GST by the government on some items of daily use. Notably, both the Houses of Parliament have been adjourned today following sloganeering by some Opposition members minutes after the House proceedings began for the day. Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha are witnessing a continuous adjournment due to Opposition protests. The Monsoon Session of Parliament commenced on July 18 and will continue till August 12. There will be 18 sittings during the Session. (ANI) Union ministers Rajnath Singh, Anurag Thakur and Kiren Rijiju are amongst those present in the meeting. This development comes as Opposition parties continued to force adjournment in the two Houses of Parliament on Wednesday over their demands related to price rise and imposition of GST by the government on some items of daily use. On the other hand, floor leaders of all Opposition parties in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha met at the office of Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge in Parliament on Thursday. Apart from the Congress, Opposition party's leaders of Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), Communist Party of India (Marxist), Communist Party of India, Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC), Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS), Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK), Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), Shiv Sena and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) were present in the meeting. Lok Sabha saw two adjournments before it was adjourned for the day on the third day of the monsoon session of Parliament. The Rajya Sabha was also adjourned for the day after lunch following an earlier adjournment. Opposition parties also held a protest near Mahatma Gandhi's statue in Parliament to press their demands. During the protest near Mahatma Gandhi's statue, opposition leaders accused the government of disrupting the common man's budget due to revised GST rates on several items of daily use.Leaders of opposition parties including the Congress, NCP, DMK and Left raised slogans against the government demanding a rollback of the hike in GST rates on commodities like curd, bread and paneer.Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury were among those present. In the Lok Sabha, the opposition parties staged protests during the question hour.The Monsoon Session of Parliament commenced on July 18 and will continue till August 12. There will be 18 sittings during the Session. (ANI) Amid sloganeering by some Opposition leaders in the Parliament ahead of Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi's appearance before Enforcement Directorate (ED), Union minister Pralhad Joshi on Thursday in Lok Sabha slammed the protesters and said that Congress thinks they are above the law. "Everybody is equal before the law or not? Is the Congress president (Sonia Gandhi) a superhuman being? They (Congress) think they are above the law...," Joshi in Lok Sabha. However, the Lower House adjourned was adjourned till 11:30 am amid sloganeering by Opposition MPs. Rajya Sabha was adjourned till 12 noon following sloganeering by some Opposition members minutes after the House proceedings began for the day. Meanwhile, Congress MPs also held protests in Parliament against the Central government over the questioning of party president Sonia Gandhi by ED in the National Herald case. The Congress MPs marched from Gate No 2 to Gandhi Statue. The protest was organised soon after the Upper House was adjourned till 12 amid Opposition ruckus. Congress MP and Whip in Lok Sabha Manickam Tagore on Thursday gave an adjournment motion notice to discuss the misuse of the Enforcement Directorate (ED). Tagore sought that the House should advise ED to abandon the behaviour of calling the public representatives of the opposition party, especially targeting the opposition leaders and to direct the ED to investigate old scams of the BJP Government. AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh gives zero-hour notice over "misuse of central investigation agencies by the ruling government". Additionally, in a joint statement Opposition parties criticized the Central government for unleashing a "relentless vendetta against political opponents" through misuse of investigative agencies by targeting prominent leaders of various parties. "The Modi Sarkar has unleashed a relentless campaign of vendetta against its political opponents and critics through the mischievous misuse of investigative agencies. Prominent leaders of a number of political parties have been deliberately targeted and subjected to harassment in an unprecedented manner," the statement reads. "We condemn this and resolve to continue and intensify our collective fight against the anti-people, anti-farmer, anti-Constitution policies of the Modi Sarkar that is destroying the social fabric of our society," it added. The statement was released after the meeting of floor leaders of all Opposition parties in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha met at the office of Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge in Parliament. Apart from the Congress, Opposition party's leaders of Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), Communist Party of India (Marxist), Communist Party of India, Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC), Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS), Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK), Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), Shiv Sena and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) were present in the meeting. (ANI) The Supreme Court on Thursday refused to entertain the plea of the victim's father in the Kallakurichi girl death matter and asked him to move the concerned High Court with his plea seeking to conduct a re-postmortem by including one forensic expert of choice of the petitioner. When the apex court refused to entertain the plea of the victim's father, his counsel withdrew the petition. A bench of justices BR Gavai and Pamidighantam Sri Narasimha granted liberty to the victim's father to move the Madras High Court with his prayer. During the hearing, the court also suggested the lawyer of the victim's father bring his request to the notice of the HC and urged it to conduct a third postmortem. The father of the victim has moved the SC challenging the Madras High Court order and sought the inclusion of the doctor of his choice in the panel of doctors constituted for re-postmortem. In the petition moved by advocate Rahul Shyam Bhandari, he has stated that by way of the impugned order dated July 18 2022 of Madras HC, the prayer for transfer of investigation by the CBCID was accepted by the High Court as well as re-postmortem of the deceased body by the team of new doctors however the relief to conduct postmortem by including one forensic expert of choice of the petitioner has been denied primarily on the basis that the matter has gained lot of public outcry and violence has erupted in the state surrounding this case. According to the petition, the petitioner has absolutely no role to play in the massive protest and violence taking place in the area concerning the death of his daughter and he is only concerned with the fair investigation and result in the death of his minor daughter. The Madras HC order had earlier rejected the victim's father's plea seeking to include a medical expert of their choice in the team which will conduct re- postmortem. Violence had broken out in Kallakurichi as protesters set ablaze buses and school property demanding justice for the dead student. On Sunday, more than a thousand people staged a protest in front of the school demanding justice for the student's death. Protesters pelted stones at the police van. According to Police officials, "The deceased girl died by suicide on Tuesday night in the school premises and there was a note found in which it was alleged that two teachers from the school tortured her, forcing her to study all the time." The student's death case was registered under section 174 (unnatural death). (ANI) Haryana Home Minister Anil Vij on Thursday said that the state government will conduct a judicial inquiry in connection with the killing of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Surendra Singh Bishnoi who was mowed down by a truck while investigating illegal mining in Nuh. "Haryana government has decided to get conduct a Judicial inquiry into the death of a DSP by the mining mafia in Mewat and all other circumstances of illegal mining in that area," tweeted Vij. Earlier on Wednesday, the main accused was arrested in the killing of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Surendra Singh Bishnoi. The accused was identified as Shabir alias Mittar hailing from Tauru, Haryana. Home Minister Anil Vij tweeted, "Accused Mittar s/o Ishak in DSP murder case has been arrested by Haryana Police from Village Ganghora, PS Pahari District Bharatpur today". The accused was arrested from the hills of Ganghora, the hill station area of Bharatpur (Rajasthan) where he was hiding after the killing of the DSP. Earlier, Vij told ANI that the state government is taking "strict measures" to ensure law and order. "Door-to-door checking is being done. We are investigating the matter. We are taking strict measures to ensure law and order in the state," he said. Vij had assured the arrest of "every single" accused in the incident. "One person was arrested after an encounter. The search operation is underway. Others will be arrested soon. We're very serious as the attack has happened on our police and we will spare none," Vij told ANI on Tuesday. Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Tuesday announced a compensation of Rs 1 crore to the family of Surendra Singh Bishnoi and said the culprits will not be spared. He said strict action will be taken against the mining mafia in the state. "We will control the mining mafia in the state and the culprits will not be spared. Strict action will be taken against them," he said. Khattar said police posts will be created near mining areas and the destination of mining vehicles and their equipment will also be fixed. "Posts will also be set up at the inter-state borders," Khattar said. The Chief Minister said that the state government will provide a job to one of the family members of the deceased police officer. "It is an unfortunate incident. A truck belonging to the sand mafia ran over the DSP officer. Our condolences go out to the bereaved family. A total of Rs 1 crore would be provided in compensation to the kin of the martyred police officer. We would also provide a job to one of his family members," he said. He also spoke about the 'martyr status' to the deceased officer. The Chief Minister said the DSP performed his duty with bravery and the dumper truck involved in the incident has been identified. Senior Haryana Police officers had rushed to the spot. Haryana Mining Minister Mool Chand Sharma also said that "strict action" will be taken against the guilty. (ANI) The Ministry of Tourism approved the Rajasthan Tourism department's proposal for developing the Shri Tanot Complex in Jaisalmer as a tourist attraction and Rs 17.67 crore has been sanctioned by the ministry for infrastructure development and tourism-associated activities in the border area. The secluded desert areas along the border hold numerous tales of war glory and rich cultural heritage to attract tourists, the border tourism initiative will extend visitors more convenient and safe access to the frontier location. "Rajasthan Tourism with the association of central agencies and Border Security Force (BSF) will help visitors get a deep insight into the life along the border and glimpse in efforts of our border forces. It shall also open new opportunities for local residents of these distant villages," said Gayatri Rathor, Principal Secretary, Tourism, Government Of Rajasthan. [{d08cf97b-076c-474f-926b-cf4be40c6d94:intradmin/WhatsApp_Image_2022-07-21_at_11.14.46_AM_64OLobQ.jpeg}] An amphitheatre, interpretation centre, children's activity area, cafeteria, solar-powered street lighting, signages, surveillance system, and sewage and waste management facilities will be developed in Tanot as part of the border tourism initiative. The tourist attractions shall be maintained and operated by Border Security Force (BSF), which shall also arrange for weapon displays and other informative exhibitions for visitors. Longewala is the most known border point of India, proudly remembered for the valour displayed by Indian forces during the 1971 war. It's a major attraction for tourists. The Tanot Mata temple also attracts nearly 3000 devotees every day and many of them also visit the Bawlianwala border point. However, there have been few facilities available for the visitors. As part of the tourist activities BSF documentary, weapon display and photo gallery will be showcased at Ops Base in Tanot. Jaisalmer district administration has also been developing the area. The city of Jaisalmer is an internationally famed tourist destination, also known as Golden City due to its iconic fort. The majestic Havelis, cultural heritage and natural beauty also add to the touristic attractions. (ANI) Congress chief Sonia Gandhi's questioning by the Enforcement Directorate in the National Herald case has concluded for the day and she left the office of the central probe agency in central Delhi. The questioning went on for nearly two hours. Sonia Gandhi's daughter and party leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra accompanied her to the ED office. Party leader Rahul Gandhi also reached the ED office. Sources said Sonia Gandhi may be called again for questioning on July 25. Congress leaders protested in different parts of the country over ED summons to the party's interim chief. Seventy-five Congress MPs including Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge and several workers were detained by the Delhi Police for demonstrations against the questioning of the party chief. Senior Congress leaders including P Chidambaram, Ajay Maken, Manickam Tagore, KC Venugopal, Adhir Ranjan Chaudhry, Shashi Tharoor, Sachin Pilot, and Harish Rawat. Ashok Gehlot, K Suresh were among those detained. Congress workers in Nagpur were also detained in the wake of the protest. The protest by the Congress turned violent in Bengaluru as the Youth Congress workers allegedly set a car on fire, in front of ED office. Congress workers also stopped a train and blocked railway tracks at New Delhi's Shivaji Bridge railway station. Chandigarh Police also used water cannons to disperse Congress workers and leaders as they protested over the questioning. Party leader Jairam Ramesh said party MPs and CWC Members have courted mass arrest outside the party's central office in a show of collective solidarity with Sonia Gandhi. Congress leaders accused the government of misusing the probe agencies to target political opponents. Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, who is also in Delhi, slammed the probe and said that since Sonia Gandhi is over 70 years old, ED should have gone to her residence if they wanted to question her. "It is happening for the first time in the country that they are stopping dharna, demonstration," he said. Party leader Sachin Pilot alleged misuse of agencies in the country. "It's our right to protest in a democracy, but it is also being crushed," he said. All MPs and leaders of Congress who were detained at New Police Line, Kingsway Camp were later released. Last month the ED questioned Rahul Gandhi for five days in the case. The ED had on June 1 summoned Sonia Gandhi to appear on June 8 in the case for the first time in connection with alleged money laundering in the National Herald case. Sonia Gandhi could not appear for questioning after testing positive and being hospitalised for Covid-19. The case to investigate alleged financial irregularities under the PMLA was registered about nine months ago after a trial court took cognisance of an Income Tax Department probe carried out on the basis of a private criminal complaint filed by a former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Subramanian Swamy in 2013.The petitioner had approached the court alleging that the assets of Associated Journals Limited (AJL), which published the National Herald newspaper, were fraudulently acquired and transferred to Young Indian Pvt Limited (YIL), in which Sonia Gandhi and her son owned 38 per cent shares each. The YIL promoters include Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. Swamy had alleged that the Gandhis cheated and misappropriated funds, with YIL paying only Rs 50 lakh to obtain the right to recover Rs 90.25 crore that AJL owed to Congress. Congress argued that YIL is a not-for-profit company under Section 25 of the Companies Act, 1956 that can neither accumulate profits nor pay dividends to its shareholders. Calling it a case of political vendetta, senior Supreme Court advocate and Congress leader Abhishek Singhvi had said, "This is truly a very weird case -- an alleged money laundering case on which summons are issued with no money involved." The federal agency's move followed the questioning of senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge and Congress Treasurer Pawan Bansal in April this year in New Delhi. The National Herald is published by AJL and owned by YIL. Kharge is the CEO of YIL and Bansal is the Managing Director of AJL. The ED is probing shareholding pattern and financial transactions as well as the role of party functionaries in the functioning of AJL and YIL. (ANI) The Delhi Police on Thursday told the Delhi High Court that a charge sheet has been filed against 30 persons in the matter related to vandalism at Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's residence. Delhi Police also filed a fresh status report in a sealed cover in the matter. The bench of Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice Subramonium Prasad has now listed the matter for August 8, 2022, for a final hearing. The bench was apprised by senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, who appeared through video conferencing, that the previous status report has been received by CM Secretariat last evening. He also said that this is a matter of intrusion in the residence of a constitutional dignitary. It should have been investigated by an SIT. The High Court had directed to supply the status report on May 30, 2022. On the other hand, standing counsel for Delhi Police Sanjay Lau filed a fresh status report. The bench asked him what the status report is all about. He submitted that the status report is about the investigation, and a charge sheet against 30 accused persons has been filed in the concerned court. He also said the work for installing the gate near the CM's residence is 60 per cent complete and the remaining work would be completed shortly. Additional DCP Anita Rai also appeared before the court. The bench asked senior counsel Singhvi when he would like to argue the matter. Singhvi said that he required time to study the report that was given last evening. Thereafter the court listed the matter for August 8, 2022. Earlier the bench of Acting Chief Justice Vipin Sanghi and Justice Sachin Datta had said, "Since the matter is connected with the security of the Chief Minister, we are not inclined to share the status report with the petitioner." However, the copy of the report is sent to CM Secretariat, as the bench had ordered. The bench had noted that the DCP North has stated that eight persons have been arrested and are on bail. Other 20 persons have been served notices. The charge sheet in this regard will be filed before the concerned magistrate. The bench had ordered, "Let a further status report with regard to the investigation be filed before us. ASG Sanjay Jain had urged the court that the departmental investigation against the Delhi Police officers be adapted from the report before sharing it with the CM Secretariat. The court declined the request. The matter has been listed for July 21. During the hearing, ASG Jain said, "If the court is satisfied with the report, the matter can be closed now." Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi objected to the submission. He said, "This cannot be a one-sided hearing. We have not received anything. There has to be a participative hearing." ASG submitted that the petitioner has no locus. "Your complainant has been taken note of. Now the matter is between the court and Delhi Police," he said. The bench said that it is not a forum for cross talks. "let us first examine the report," it said. The bench noted that the Delhi Police has taken a decision not to allow protests in the area and to erect a gate at the entry and exit of the road. Senior Advocate Rahul Mehra submitted that there are many functionaries. This is the third incident. "What is difficult to make that stretch of road protest-free? Jantar Mantar is there for protest," he said. Mehra said, "why they are hesitant. There is a 144 at Rashtrapati Bhavan and they continue to renew it. What is the difficulty with outside the CM residence?" Earlier, the Delhi Police on Tuesday informed the Delhi High Court that the Security of the Chief Minister of Delhi residence has been beefed up and also no protest will now be allowed at Civil Lines Metro station. Mehra appeared for the petitioner had earlier submitted that imposing Section 144 around the house like Rashtrapati Bhawan and other places should also be considered. The Delhi High Court had shown displeasure with the Delhi Police status report over the incident of violent protest and vandalism outside the Delhi Chief Minister's residence and said what happened at the residence of a constitutional functionary is a very disturbing state of affairs. The bench had said, "we are not satisfied with the status report in regards to 'Bandobast' made at the CM residence." The bench while seeking a further status report from the Police, directed it to disclose reasons for the failure of arrangements made and fixed the responsibility of the lapses in the next status report. The court during the earlier hearing had further said that three barricades were breached by the protestors. "You (Police) need to look into the functioning and bandobast. It could have been anybody, Union Minister etc. There has been a lapse on part of the force and we want the Commissioner of Police to look into this," it said. Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Sanjay Jain appearing for Delhi Police had submitted before the court that this incident should not have happened. A review of security has also been done. CCTVs have been preserved as part of the investigation. People have been identified, and 41A notices have been issued. ASG Jain for Delhi Police had further submitted that in the present matter investigation is in progress. Different angles of CCTV cameras will be forensically examined and then a proper picture will emerge. An inquiry will be conducted at the highest level. Senior advocate Singhvi appeared for the Government of NCT Delhi had said, "we are not served with the status report submitted by the Delhi Police. Those seen in the video were facilitated by political powers. Apex court recently passed directions for the lapse in PM's security. But here people broke three level barricades of CM's residence. The court was hearing the Public Interest Litigation filed by the AAP leader Saurabh Bhardwaj against the alleged attack and vandalization at the official residence of the Delhi Chief Minister on March 30. The plea sought direction for the constitution of a Special Investigation Team to undertake an independent, fair, and time-bound criminal investigation with respect to the attack and its perpetrators. AAP MLA Bhardwaj stated that the party strongly supports the right to protest peacefully, even if such protest is against the Delhi government, it is submitted that in the name of protest, violence cannot and ought not to be permitted and condoned, plea stated. It had further stated that, in this case, the violence was especially egregious as it was directed toward the Delhi CM and his family. It was meant to subdue, by the use of force, the highest elected official in NCT of Delhi and therefore the elected Government of Delhi. This was a direct attack on democracy. The plea further submitted that those who were charged with the protection of the Delhi CM, that is, Delhi Police, completely abdicated their duty, without any regard for the fact that they were protecting an elected constitutional functionary and the fact that he was given Z plus security by Delhi Police itself. (ANI) Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Thursday joined folk artists as they performed a tribal dance to celebrate National Democratic Alliance (NDA) presidential candidate Droupadi Murmu's lead against the Opposition's Yashwant Sinha after the end of the second round of counting. Odisha is the native state of Pradhan. Folk artists and tribal community from Odisha living in Delhi gathered at Pradhan's residence on Thursday to celebrate Murmu's anticipated victory. They performed traditional dance and played dholak. Speaking to ANI, the Union minister said, "The nation is going to create history. The 15th President will be officially announced shortly. Nobody has any doubt in mind. Daughter of a tribal family coming from a very ordinary house in Odisha, Droupadi Murmu will be elected as the President." "There is immense joy among the deprived section of society, tribals, women and eastern India that for the first time the true meaning of democracy is coming to the fore. A leader from such a background will reach the nation's highest post. It is an achievement for democracy," added Pradhan. Odisha Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) general secretary Rabi Narayan Naik said Murmu's victory will give recognition to the tribal community. "This is a prestigious and honourable moment for all of us that from our community a person is going to be the next President of India. Now everyone will recognise our community through Droupadi Murmu. The tribal community today will march from Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan's residence to Droupadi Murmu's residence to congratulate her," Naik told ANI. NDA presidential candidate Droupadi Murmu is leading against Opposition candidate Yashwant Sinha after the end of the second round of counting of votes which started at 11 a.m. on Thursday. Murmu is leading the contest with Opposition candidate Yashwant Sinha with a margin of 812 votes. The results will decide who will succeed incumbent Ram Nath Kovind as the country's 15th President. Droupadi Murmu is seen to have a clear edge in the contest with several political parties extending support to the NDA candidate. (ANI) The Enforcement Directorate, which questioned Congress interim chief Sonia Gandhi in the National Herald case on Thursday, kept two doctors and an ambulance on standby as a humanitarian gesture, agency sources said. The central agency also allowed Sonia Gandhi's daughter and party leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra at its office. The sources said that Sonia Gandhi was asked over two dozen questions "after which she asked to go home for her medication". They said ED allowed this and it will call her for interrogation again on Monday. Congress held protests in different parts of the country over ED summoning Sonia Gandhi with party leaders accusing the government of "political vendetta" against the opposition. Party leader and Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot had said earlier in the day the ED should have gone to Sonia Gandhi's residence if they wanted to question her. Congress leader Kamal Nath in a tweet accused the government of misusing probe agencies and "breaching constitutional, cultural and political decorum" to induge in "cheap tactics" of troubling Sonia Gandhi. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said that the allegations that ED stopped investigation as Sonia Gandhi requested to leave because she is suffering from COVID-19 "are baseless". "Interrogation ended because ED didn't have anything to ask. Sonia Gandhi said, she'll be present at ED office whenever they want," he said. Jairam Ramesh said Sonia Gandhi went to ED office and was interrogated for two-three hours "after which ED officials allowed her to leave as they didn't have anything else to ask". "On this, Congress president replied that they can ask her as many questions as they want," he said. ED sources countered the remarks of the Congress leader. "Looking at the health of Sonia Gandhi as a humanitarian gesture, two doctors and an ambulance were kept on standby and her daughter Priyanka Gandhi Vadra was also allowed to be at the office of the ED," a top ED source said. "Even during her questioning which was for close to two-and-a-half hours, on two occasions her daughter Priyanka Gandhi Vadra was allowed to meet her. After asking her more than 12 questions once she said she would like to go home for medication, the agency allowed her to go home and in fact agreed to question her again on Monday," the source added. Seventy-five Congress MPs including Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge and several workers were detained by the Delhi Police for demonstrations against the questioning of the party chief. Senior Congress leaders including P Chidambaram, Ajay Maken, Manickam Tagore, KC Venugopal, Adhir Ranjan Chaudhry, Shashi Tharoor, Sachin Pilot, and Harish Rawat. Ashok Gehlot, K Suresh were among those detained. All MPs and leaders of Congress who were detained at New Police Line, Kingsway Camp were later released. Congress workers in Nagpur were also detained in the wake of the protest.The protest by the Congress turned violent in Bengaluru as the Youth Congress workers allegedly set a car on fire, in front of ED office. Congress workers also stopped a train and blocked railway tracks at New Delhi's Shivaji Bridge railway station. Chandigarh Police also used water cannons to disperse Congress workers and leaders as they protested over the questioning. Last month the ED questioned Rahul Gandhi for five days in the case. The ED had on June 1 summoned Sonia Gandhi to appear on June 8 in the case for the first time in connection with alleged money laundering in the National Herald case. Sonia Gandhi could not appear for questioning after testing positive for COVID-19. (ANI) The Supreme Court on Thursday observed that a woman cannot be denied the opportunity to terminate her pregnancy merely on the grounds that she is unmarried and allowed a woman to terminate her 24-week-old pregnancy subjecting to AIIMS Delhi concluding that the foetus can be aborted without risking her life. A bench of Justices DY Chandrachud, Surya Kant and PS Narasimha said allowing the woman to suffer an unwanted pregnancy will be contrary to the object and spirit of the legislation. "We are of the view that allowing the petitioner to suffer an unwanted pregnancy will go against the parliamentary intent and the benefits under the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act cannot be denied to her only on the basis of her being unmarried. The distinction between a married and an unmarried woman has no nexus to the object sought to be achieved by the Parliament," the apex court said in its order. It noted that after the 2021 amendment in the Act, it uses the word "partner" instead of "husband" in the explanation to Section 3 saying that this shows the legislative intent to cover "unmarried woman" under the Act. The 25-year-old woman had approached the apex court after the Delhi High Court declined to grant permission to abort her pregnancy which had arisen out of a consensual sexual relationship, saying that it virtually amounts to killing the foetus. The top court in the order said that the Delhi High Court took an "unduly restrictive view" of the provisions of the MTP Rules while declining the woman to terminate her pregnancy. The apex court directed AIIMS Delhi Director to constitute a medical board in terms of provisions of Section 3(2)(d) MTP Act during the course of July 22. It said, "In the event the medical board concludes that the foetus can be aborted without any danger to life of the petitioner, the AIIMS shall carry out the abortion in terms of the petition. The report shall be furnished to the court after completion of the procedure." The Supreme Court also issued notice to the Central government and has sought the assistance of Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati on the legislative interpretation of the Act. It said courts cannot be unmindful of the legislative intent behind the amendment in the Act, which expressly contemplates unwanted pregnancy by failure of method or device used by woman or her partner to prevent pregnancy. "The use of words 'woman or her partner' shows an intention to cover unmarried woman which is in consonance with Article 14 of the Constitution," the bench opined. The apex court in its order noted the contentions of woman that she is eldest among five siblings and her parents are agriculturists. It was submitted that in the absence of a source of livelihood, she will be unable to raise and nurture the child. In her plea, the woman said she is unmarried and her partner "ditched" her at the last moment (about 18 weeks of pregnancy). Social stigma coupled with mental and financial constraints compelled her to approach the court to terminate the pregnancy at an advanced stage, her counsel contended. The High Court on July 15 said that permitting abortion at this stage would virtually amount to killing the foetus and asked the woman to rather put up her child for adoption. "We will not permit you to kill that child. (We are) very sorry. This virtually amounts to killing (the foetus)," I had observed. The upper limit for the termination of pregnancy is 24 weeks for special categories, including survivors of rape and other vulnerable women such as the differently-abled and minors; the corresponding window for unmarried women in consensual relationships is 20 weeks. (ANI) Eyeing a national role, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday said that "2024 will not be a vote for election, but one that will set the direction." In a clarion call for the 2024 general election, Mamata Banerjee said, "Vote for 2024 is not voting for an election. It's voting for direction." She hit out at the BJP-led central government over the new GST regime saying "there is nothing for poor people today." Addressing the public gathered at TMC's Martyr's Day Rally in Kolkata's Esplanade, Mamata Banerjee said, "There is nothing for poor people today they have stolen everything from the poor. Now that GST has been imposed on puffed rice as well, so will the people of BJP not eat that now. GST is levied on sweets, lassi, and curd. What will people eat? GST is even imposed when a patient is hospitalized." She further hit out at the Modi government for toppling state governments. "BJP is trying to break the government everywhere, this has become their job. In West Bengal, they tried to defeat us but could not succeed. It has been raining here and roads were full of water but our supporters did not move from here," said Banerjee. She called the BJP 'arrogant' and said that the TMC will fight BJP with 'smiling faces'. Banerjee accused the Centre of trying to rewrite history. She said, "Those who had no role in the country's Independence struggle are now trying to rewrite India's history." Mamata raised the slogan 'BJP Hatao Desh Bachao. CPM hatao desh bachao'. Stating that BJP is doing politics over religion, the West Bengal CM said, "We want PM for poor, not those who work for rich people. When the election comes you (BJP) start dividing Hindu Muslims. We have to work together unitedly for all." She asked Trinamool supporters to work for the party's victory in states like UP, Bihar, Goa and Tripura. "We will work with other parties in UP and Bihar," Mamata said. With BJP nominating a Droupadi Murmu, a tribal, as the Presidential candidate, Banerjee said, "Earlier they were playing Hindu-Muslim card. Now they playing tribal card. Sometimes Buddhist, sometimes Jain. They are not giving respect to anyone. This will not work. BJP will not get a majority if the other parties unite. My MLA was threatened to give votes to NDA candidate." After a gap of two years due to the pandemic, the TMC held its annual event -- Shaheed Diwas (Martyrs' Day). TMC observes Martyrs' Day on July 21 every year to commemorate the killing of 13 people in police firing on a Youth Congress rally against the then Left Front government in 1993. The rally is crucial as party supremo Mamata Banerjee uses the platform to set the party's roadmap for the next 12 months. (ANI) Vigilant Border Security Force troops have apprehended as many as 10 Bangladeshi nationals on the Indo-Bangladesh international border who were illegally trying to cross over. According to the press note released by the BSF, the alert troops took out a successful drive against trans-border crimes, as the frontier force foiled an attempt of alleged illegal crossing and nabbed 10 Bangladeshi nationals on the international border, including three males, three females and four children on Wednesday night. The infiltrators were attempting to cross the international boundary near the bordering village Seuti-Dwitia in the Coochbehar district of West Bengal, all the apprehended Bangladeshi nationals were later handed over to the nearest Police Station for further legal action. Keeping in view the vulnerability of the border, and heightened activities of anti-national elements on the border, BSF troops are always on alert to the issues of trans-border crimes including infiltration and exfiltration. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday congratulated Droupadi Murmu on her election as new President of the country and said she has emerged as a ray of hope for citizens, especially the poor, marginalised and the downtrodden. President Ram Nath Kovind also extended his best wishes to Draupadi Murmu who will succeed him in the highest office of the country. "Heartiest congratulations and best wishes to Smt. Droupadi Murmu on being elected as the 15th President of India," President Kovind said in a tweet. The Prime Minister said that India has scripted history as a daughter hailing from a tribal community born in a remote part of eastern India has been elected President. "India scripts history. At a time when 1.3 billion Indians are marking Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, a daughter of India hailing from a tribal community born in a remote part of eastern India has been elected our President!" he said in a tweet. The Prime Minister said Droupadi Murmu's life motivates every Indian. "Smt. Droupadi Murmu Ji's life, her early struggles, her rich service and her exemplary success motivates each and every Indian. She has emerged as a ray of hope for our citizens, especially the poor, marginalised and the downtrodden," he said. The Prime Minister thanked MPs and MLAs who supported her candidature cutting across party lines. "Smt. Droupadi Murmu Ji has been an outstanding MLA and Minister. She had an excellent tenure as Jharkhand Governor. I am certain she will be an outstanding President who will lead from the front and strengthen India's development journey," he said. "I would like to thank all those MPs and MLAs across party lines who have supported the candidature of Smt. Droupadi Murmu Ji. Her record victory augurs well for our democracy," he added. Murmu already has 50 per cent of the total value of valid votes at the end of the third round of counting. Rajya Sabha Secretary General PC Mody, who is returning officer for the election, told the media that Droupadi Murmu has got 2161 votes whose electoral value is 5,77,777. The presidential contest was between Murmu and opposition candidate Yashwant Sinha. "Up to this round, the cumulative total is - total valid votes is 3219 with a total value of 8,38,839 of which Droupadi Murmu gets 2161 votes of the value of 5,77,777. Yashwant Sinha gets 1058 votes of the value of 2,61,062," Mody said. Odisha's Rairangpur village, the native place of Droupadi Murmu erupted in celebrations in anticipation of Droupadi Murmu's victory. A large crowd gathered outside BJP headquarters in Delhi earlier this evening to celebrate her victory. (ANI) He has replaced TS Singh Deo who had submitted his resignation on July 16. Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel announced the appointment of Choubey, as the Minister of Panchayat and Rural Development. Choubey was earlier the Minister of Animal Husbandry. Earlier on Sunday, The Chhattisgarh CM stated that he got to know about Deo's resignation through media reports. (ANI) Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel came out in support of Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi as she appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday for questioning in the National Herald scam case. "The same person who declined Prime Ministership, not once but twice, has been accused of involvement in a Rs 90 crore scam," said Baghel. According to him, BJP is 'blinded by their desire for revenge' against Congress. "Sonia Gandhi has been summoned to the ED office. This is the same woman who was married to PM Rajiv Gandhi. Sonia Gandhi has not been well, of late. And yet, the BJP is after her. The BJP is blinded by their desire for revenge," said Baghel. The Enforcement Directorate, which questioned Congress interim chief Sonia Gandhi in the National Herald case on Thursday, kept two doctors and an ambulance on standby as a humanitarian gesture, agency sources said. The central agency also allowed Sonia Gandhi's daughter and party leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra at its office. The sources said that Sonia Gandhi was asked over two dozen questions "after which she asked to go home for her medication".They said ED allowed this and it will call her for interrogation again on Monday. Congress held protests in different parts of the country over ED summoning Sonia Gandhi with party leaders accusing the government of "political vendetta" against the opposition. Party leader and Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot had said earlier in the day the ED should have gone to Sonia Gandhi's residence if they wanted to question her. Congress leader Kamal Nath in a tweet accused the government of misusing probe agencies and "breaching constitutional, cultural and political decorum" to induge in "cheap tactics" of troubling Sonia Gandhi. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said that the allegations that ED stopped investigation as Sonia Gandhi requested to leave because she is suffering from COVID-19 "are baseless". "Interrogation ended because ED didn't have anything to ask. Sonia Gandhi said, she'll be present at ED office whenever they want," he said. Jairam Ramesh said Sonia Gandhi went to ED office and was interrogated for two-three hours "after which ED officials allowed her to leave as they didn't have anything else to ask". "On this, Congress president replied that they can ask her as many questions as they want," he said. ED sources countered the remarks of the Congress leader. "Looking at the health of Sonia Gandhi as a humanitarian gesture, two doctors and an ambulance were kept on standby and her daughter Priyanka Gandhi Vadra was also allowed to be at the office of the ED," a top ED source said. "Even during her questioning which was for close to two-and-a-half hours, on two occasions her daughter Priyanka Gandhi Vadra was allowed to meet her. After asking her more than 12 questions once she said she would like to go home for medication, the agency allowed her to go home and in fact agreed to question her again on Monday," the source added. Seventy-five Congress MPs including Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge and several workers were detained by the Delhi Police for demonstrations against the questioning of the party chief. Senior Congress leaders including P Chidambaram, Ajay Maken, Manickam Tagore, KC Venugopal, Adhir Ranjan Chaudhry, Shashi Tharoor, Sachin Pilot, and Harish Rawat. Ashok Gehlot, K Suresh were among those detained. All MPs and leaders of Congress who were detained at New Police Line, Kingsway Camp were later released. Congress workers in Nagpur were also detained in the wake of the protest. The protest by the Congress turned violent in Bengaluru as the Youth Congress workers allegedly set a car on fire, in front of ED office. Congress workers also stopped a train and blocked railway tracks at New Delhi's Shivaji Bridge railway station. Chandigarh Police also used water cannons to disperse Congress workers and leaders as they protested over the questioning. Last month the ED questioned Rahul Gandhi for five days in the case. The ED had on June 1 summoned Sonia Gandhi to appear on June 8 in the case for the first time in connection with alleged money laundering in the National Herald case. Sonia Gandhi could not appear for questioning after testing positive for COVID-19. (ANI) The NDA''s presidential candidate Droupadi Murmu has been officially declared as the 15th President of the country after the conclusion of the counting of votes on Thursday. Murmu received 2,824 votes with a value 6,76,803 while her opponent Yashwant Sinha secured 1,877 votes with a value 3,80,177. A total of 4,809 MPs and MLAs cast their votes in the polling that took place on July 18. Secretary General of Rajya Sabha and the Returning Officer for Presidential Election 2022, PC Mody handed over the certificate to President-elect Droupadi Murmu at her residence in Delhi. "Presidential Election concluded with declaration of result...4754 votes polled, out of which 4701 valid & 53 invalid...The quota (for a candidate to be elected the President) was 5,28,491. #DroupadiMurmu secured 2824 first preference votes-value of which is 6,76,803," Mody said. "1,877 first preference votes were secured by Yashwant Sinha - value 3,80,177. As 1st preference votes secured by #DroupadiMurmu were greater than the requisite quota, I in my capacity as Returning Officer declare that she has been elected to office of President of India," he added. Soon after the completion of the third round of counting, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president JP Nadda met Murmu at her residence in the national capital and extended greetings for her victory. Wishes poured in from the political fraternity across party lines on the victory of Murmu who will be India''s first tribal president. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Murmu on her election as the new President and said she has emerged as a ray of hope for citizens, especially the poor, marginalised and the downtrodden. President Ram Nath Kovind also extended his best wishes to Draupadi Murmu who will succeed him in the highest office of the country. "Heartiest congratulations and best wishes to Smt. Droupadi Murmu on being elected as the 15th President of India," President Kovind said in a tweet. The Prime Minister said that India has scripted history as a daughter hailing from a tribal community born in a remote part of eastern India has been elected President. "India scripts history. At a time when 1.3 billion Indians are marking Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, a daughter of India hailing from a tribal community born in a remote part of eastern India has been elected our President!" he said in a tweet. The Prime Minister said Droupadi Murmu''s life motivates every Indian. "Smt. Droupadi Murmu Ji''s life, her early struggles, her rich service and her exemplary success motivates each and every Indian. She has emerged as a ray of hope for our citizens, especially the poor, marginalised and the downtrodden," he said. Odisha''s Rairangpur village, the native place of Droupadi Murmu erupted in celebrations in anticipation of Droupadi Murmu''s victory. A large crowd gathered outside BJP headquarters in Delhi earlier this evening to celebrate her victory. (ANI) In an unprecedented occurrence during the presidential polls, Droupadi Murmu secured only a solitary vote in Kerala, a state where the ruling NDA does not have a single MLA. Murmu was declared as the 15th President of India on Thursday. She defeated Opposition candidate Yashwant Sinha. According to the final figures, Murmu secured 2,824 votes with a value 6,76,803 while her opponent Yashwant Sinha got 1,877 votes with a value 3,80,177. Sinha drew a blank in Andhra Pradesh, Nagaland, and Sikkim. Notably, the Kerala Assembly has 140 MLAs with the LDF in power with 99 MLAs and the UDF with 41 MLAs. Soon after the completion of the third round of counting of votes, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Murmu on her election as the new President of the country and said she has emerged as a ray of hope for citizens, especially the poor, marginalised and the downtrodden. President Ram Nath Kovind also extended his best wishes to Draupadi Murmu who will succeed him in the highest office of the country. "Heartiest congratulations and best wishes to Smt. Droupadi Murmu on being elected as the 15th President of India," President Kovind said in a tweet. The Prime Minister said that India has scripted history as a daughter hailing from a tribal community born in a remote part of eastern India has been elected President. "India scripts history. At a time when 1.3 billion Indians are marking Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, a daughter of India hailing from a tribal community born in a remote part of eastern India has been elected our President!" he said in a tweet. The Prime Minister said Droupadi Murmu's life motivates every Indian. "Smt. Droupadi Murmu Ji's life, her early struggles, her rich service and her exemplary success motivates each and every Indian. She has emerged as a ray of hope for our citizens, especially the poor, marginalised and the downtrodden," he said. The Prime Minister thanked MPs and MLAs who supported her candidature cutting across party lines. "Smt. Droupadi Murmu Ji has been an outstanding MLA and Minister. She had an excellent tenure as Jharkhand Governor. I am certain she will be an outstanding President who will lead from the front and strengthen India's development journey," he said. Modi, BJP chief JP Nadda, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also went to Murmu's residence in the national capital and extended greetings on her victory. (ANI) In a written reply in Lok Sabha on Thursday, Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs, Kaushal Kishore said: "A proposal seeking extension of the Mission up to March 2024, to complete all houses sanctioned under the scheme up to March 31, 2022 without changing the funding pattern and implementation methodology, is under consideration. Meanwhile, an interim extension of 6 months for all verticals except Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme has been granted." The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs is implementing PMAY - Urban (PMAY-U) - 'Housing for All' Mission, since June 25, 2015 for giving Central assistance to States and Union Territories (UTs) for providing all-weather 'pucca' houses to all eligible urban beneficiaries. Based on the project proposals submitted by States/ UTs, a total of 122.69 lakh houses have been sanctioned during the Mission period till 31 March 2022. Against the sanctioned houses, 101.94 lakh have been grounded for construction; of which 61.15 lakh are completed or delivered to beneficiaries. Central assistance of Rs 2,03,427 crore has been approved; out of which Rs 1,20,130 crore has been released. --IANS kumar/pgh ( 220 Words) 2022-07-21-19:14:06 (IANS) The Supreme Court on Thursday asked the Union Home Secretary to compile information from state governments in connection with compliance of directions given earlier by it regarding preventive and remedial measures to curb situations like mob violence and hate speech. A bench, headed by Justice A.M. Khanwilkar, hearing a clutch of petitions seeking directions to prevent hate speech and rumour mongering, asked the Central government to make a compilation, in the form of a booklet, and place it before the court within a period of six weeks. Citing judgments delivered by the top court in 2018, the bench, also comprising Justices A.S. Oka and J.B. Pardiwala, said they specifically provide for a structure and the follow-up action to be taken. It further added that once the information is collated, it would reflect how the states and union territories (UTs) have complied with court's directions. "It is not adversarial," the bench noted orally. The bench said the Home Secretary may collate necessary information by connecting with the Home Secretaries of states and UTs within three weeks and compile the information. The bench pointed out that the information essentially would be in respect of matter in nature of compliance with directions and observation in its previous judgments to provide for preventive, corrective and remedial measures from arresting untoward situations that occur and are referred to in the petitions. As it asked the petitioners' counsel whether these matters pertain to different states, one of the lawyers responded that the issues pertain to incidents in different states. Additional Solicitor General K.M. Nataraj, representing the Centre, submitted that information can be collected from various states and UTs regarding what development has taken place to comply with the apex court directives. The bench noted that it would want to know which states are proactive, which are not acting at all, which have acted partially. The bench said the respondents - which includes the Central government, states, and UTs, and also the Election Commission -- would file a response within three weeks. The bench said the matter will come up for further after six weeks. The Election Commission's counsel informed the top court that it has been impleaded as a party in one of the petitions. This petition, filed by advocate Ashwini Upadhyay, sought direction to the Centre to examine international laws and take effective and stringent steps to control hate speech and rumour-mongering in the country. The top court told EC's counsel not to treat the matter as adversarial and asked it to step in. --IANS ss/vd ( 441 Words) 2022-07-21-19:18:01 (IANS) All seven persons, arrested by the Kerala Police in connection with the NEET girl aspirants innerwear removal row in the state, on Thursday got bail from a lower court in Kollam district. The court granted bail after it was told that all what the arrested did was to follow the rules of the testing agency. Earlier on Thursday morning, the police arrested the Mar Thoma Institute of IT''s Vice Principal and NEET exam Centre Superintendent, Priji Kurian Issac and National Testing Agency''s obsserver Dr Shamnad. Earlier, two women staff members of the college and three others of the testing agency - Star Training Academy were arrested in connection with the matter. All of them were charged under the IPC''s Section 354 (assault or criminal force to a woman with the intent to outrage her modesty) and Section 509 (word, gesture, or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman). Apparently, NTA, which is responsible for the conduct of NEET examination, had given the contract to a private agency in Thiruvananthapuram, which, in turn, sub-contracted it to another agency at Karunagapally. Ten untrained personnel employed by the agency, according to the students, were involved in the incident. Following the incident, the Church-based college has come under heavy duress from protesting student organisations of the leading political parties in the state. On Monday, a parent termed the happening "totally unacceptable" and said that he had no other option but to lodge a complaint. "We dropped my daughter around 12 noon at the examination centre and later the exam officials asked for a shawl. After her exam, she told us that as there was a metal object in her innerwear, she and many other students were asked to remove such clothing. The college where the exam were held said it had no role, as these things were done by an agency who was entrusted with the task," he said. As these candidates who had to undergo such a humiliation were under tremendous duress and they were unable to perform well because of this insensitive behaviour of the centre officials, the parent added. Some of NEET girl aspirants were purportedly made to remove their innerwear during the Sunday''s examination at the centre. --IANS sg/vd ( 384 Words) 2022-07-21-19:30:02 (IANS) Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday extended greetings to Droupadi Murmu as she was elected the 15th President of India and said the new President will be able to guide the country forward by protecting the democratic values enshrined in the Constitution. Taking to Twitter, Vijayan wrote "Congratulations to the 15th President of India, Droupadi Murmu. Hope that the new President will be able to guide our country forward by protecting the democratic values upheld by our Constitution, strengthening the fraternal bonds of our people and overcoming challenges." Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended greetings to Droupadi Murmu. PM Modi said that her "exemplary success" motivates each and every Indian while also stating that she has emerged as a "ray of hope" for the citizens, especially the downtrodden. The Prime Minister also thanked all the MPs and MLAs across party lines who supported the candidature of the NDA candidate. The NDA's presidential candidate Droupadi Murmu has been officially declared as the 15th President of the country after the conclusion of the counting of votes on Thursday. Murmu received 2,824 votes with a value of 6,76,803 while her opponent Yashwant Sinha secured 1,877 votes with a value of 3,80,177.A total of 4,809 MPs and MLAs cast their votes in the polling that took place on July 18. Secretary General of Rajya Sabha and the Returning Officer for Presidential Election 2022, PC Mody handed over the certificate to President-elect Droupadi Murmu at her residence in Delhi. Soon after the completion of the third round of counting, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president JP Nadda met Murmu at her residence in the national capital and extended greetings for her victory. Wishes poured in from the political fraternity across party lines on the victory of Murmu who will be India's first tribal president. Odisha's Rairangpur village, the native place of Droupadi Murmu erupted in celebrations in anticipation of Droupadi Murmu's victory. A large crowd gathered outside BJP headquarters in Delhi earlier to celebrate her victory. (ANI) The Madras High Court on Thursday directed the Tamil Nadu Police and the father of the Class 12 student who committed suicide to produce before it the Supreme Court order on the latter's plea to include a doctor of his choice during her second post-mortem examination. A bench of Justice N. Satish Kumar said that he had made it clear why a doctor of the choice of the petitioner could not be included for the second post-mortem examination, which would, instead, be conducted by doctors handpicked by the court. The prosecution informed the court that the second post-mortem examination was conducted on Tuesday with a team of doctors handpicked by the court. It also stated that the girl's father and his counsel did not participate in the process, even though notice was served to them regarding the same. The police also said that all procedures were conducted as directed by the court. The prosecution mentioned that the Supreme Court has also rejected the petition of the girl's father to include a doctor of his choice in the second post-mortem ordered by the Madras High Court. Advocate R. Sankarasubbu, appearing for the girl's father, told before the court that the notice was issued at the moment when the petitioner had approached the Supreme Court against the order passed by the Madras High Court on Monday refusing to include a doctor of his choice in the second post-mortem examination. Counsel told the court that the Supreme Court had permitted the petitioner to vent his grievances before the high court. --IANS aal/vd ( 272 Words) 2022-07-21-20:04:04 (IANS) The preliminary post-mortem report of the body of Samantak Das, the Pro Vice Chancellor of Kolkata's prestigious Jadavpur University, has suggested that the case of death is anti-mortem in nature and hence, it was a case of suicide. However, the investigation officials of the Kolkata Police have decided to continue its probe to find out the circumstances under which this popular teacher of Jadavpur University chose to take such a drastic step. They are questioning Das's relatives, friends and his colleagues and students in the varsity as well as thoroughly examining the mobile phone and the laptop of the deceased teacher to get some clues in this connection. The body of Das was found hanging from his residence at Regent Park in south Kolkata on Wednesday afternoon. His body was recovered hanging from the ceiling fan of his residence and a medium of hanging was a karate belt. No suicide note was recovered from near his body. Das completed his graduation and post-graduation in English literature from Jadavpur University only. Previously he was associated with the English Department of Visva-Bharati University at Bolpur-Santiniketan in Birbhum district. In 2005, he joined the Comparative Literature Department of Jadavpur University. He was also associated with its Rabindranath Studies School. Before becoming the Pro-Vice Chancellor, Das had also been departmental head of the Comparative Literature Department of Jadavpur University. --IANS src/vd ( 240 Words) 2022-07-21-20:20:04 (IANS) Even after the Sri Lankan Parliament elected Ranil Wickremesinghe as the eighth President of the island nation, street protests have continued, this time against Wickremesinghe himself. Days before his election, rampaging mobs had burnt down his house in a tony area of the capital, Colombo, indicating that popular perception sees him no different from Gotabaya Rajapakse who has fled the country. Well, Wickramasinghe is certainly not a very popular leader. In the last nation-wide poll, he was the lone winner of his party, United National Party (UNP). It is debatable whether there is a better alternative to Wickramasinghe at the present juncture, but the fact is the Parliament members in their wisdom and in their capacity as elected representatives of the people have chosen him to lead the nation out of its crisis. Their verdict needs to be respected and the 73-year-old veteran be allowed a fair chance whatever be the flip-side of his long political innings, and his known likes and dislikes for China. Things cannot look good in a country that has piled up a loan of $50 billion and is simply in no position to pay even the interest because of its empty coffers. With the world already in a serious mess because of the Ukraine war, it is hard to see how Sri Lanka can expect a handsome economic package from the international community and financial institutions to bail it out in double quick time. Time is of essence in view of the continued protests by the hapless people of Sri Lanka. Interestingly, the Chinese are neither seen nor heard as Laffaire Rajapaksa engulfed Sri Lanka. This is surprising given the level of Bamboo capitalist's involvement in the country under the Rajapaksas. It has now reacted warily to Wickremesinghe's anointment as the Man Friday but there is no indication whether China will step in to help the debt-ridden island nation. Expectation of a big Chinese package for Sri Lanka, surpassing India's help, appear misplaced. At least, as of now. The Indian government's aid to Sri Lanka in the last month or two has been over $3.5 billion, which includes shipments of food, fuel and medicine. This is in addition to the helping hand extended by Tamil Nadu, which is across the Palk Straits. However, India's help in time of dire need has not been able to eliminate the anti-India perception in the minds of some sections of Sri Lankans. During the ongoing protests, slogans like "Don't Sell the Country to India and the US", "India: Sri Lanka is not Another State (of India)" and "India Don't Exploit Sri Lanka Situation" were heard. Nonetheless, the anti-India activists and politicians have been quick to acknowledge in recent media interviews that India has been a friend in need. The Indian help has enabled the fuel depots to remain in business. There is a growing view that in attempting to tide over its economic crisis, Sri Lanka's new government has 'much to learn from India's reforms'. Writing in an Indian English daily, noted Lankan economist Ganeshan Wignaraja (a Non-Resident Senior Fellow at the National University of Singapore), said Sri Lanka is awaiting its own P.V. Narashima Rao -- a reference to the way Rao steered India in 1991 with his reform programme. That is besides the point. The interesting reality is that the Colombo protests have brought together all communities to save their country from collapse. The antagonism between the majority population (Buddhist-Sinhala) and the minority population consisting of Tamils (Hindus and Christians), Muslims and Christians, has retreated from the frontlines. The LTTE insurgency, demanding a separate homeland for Tamils living in north and north-east Sri Lanka, had fuelled anti-Tamil sentiments. A terror attack by Islamic militants about four years back resulted in spreading an anti-Muslim wave even as it started the act of demolition of Sri Lanka's thriving tourism industry, a mainstay of its economy. There can be no denying that within India, particularly in Tamil Nadu, there is some anti-Lanka sentiment. Resentment lingers at the massacre of Tamils during and after the LTTE insurgency for which there has been no accountability. On its part, New Delhi has been unhappy to see Sri Lanka renege on the accord that had promised devolution of power to the provinces, the Tamil majority province including. These are the issues that should remain on the backburner with Sri Lanka occupied with the more urgent problem of meeting daily needs for possibly a few years. There is no quick fix for all that Sri Lanka has suffered with or without China on board. For the past several years, successive governments in Sri Lanka had sucked up to China with a mindless urge to get 'generous' aid. And the Chinese seemed to care little about the repayment capabilities of Sri Lanka. It was sufficient for China to pull Sri Lanka into its orbit, decoupling from neighbouring India. Is the scene going to reverse now? Well, it is 'Paakalam' as the Tamilians say. No immediate answer. --IANS arm/ ( 840 Words) 2022-07-21-21:12:02 (IANS) After Droupadi Murmu got elected as the 15th President of India, Union Law and Justice Minister Kiren Rijiju on Thursday said it is a big achievement for a tribal woman to get elected as the President of the country. The Union Minister thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said because of Modi's thoughts and effort, this could happen. Speaking to ANI, Rijiju said, "It is a big achievement for a tribal woman to get elected as the President of the country. All tribal MPs and ministers came here to congratulate Droupadi Murmu and expressed their happiness. I thank PM Modi as because of his thoughts and efforts, this happened." He further said that it is a big message to the country that a common woman can become the President of India. "It's a big message to the country that a common woman can become the President of India. It's a result of our commitment under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi, "Rijiju said. The NDA's presidential candidate Droupadi Murmu has been officially declared as the 15th President of the country after the conclusion of the counting of votes on Thursday. Murmu received 2,824 votes with a value of 6,76,803 while her opponent Yashwant Sinha secured 1,877 votes with a value of 3,80,177. A total of 4,809 MPs and MLAs cast their votes in the polling that took place on July 18. Secretary General of Rajya Sabha and the Returning Officer for Presidential Election 2022, PC Mody handed over the certificate to President-elect Droupadi Murmu at her residence in Delhi. Soon after the completion of the third round of counting, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president JP Nadda met Murmu at her residence in the national capital and extended greetings for her victory. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Droupadi Murmu on her election as new President of the country and said she has emerged as a ray of hope for citizens, especially the poor, the marginalised and the downtrodden. President Ram Nath Kovind also extended his best wishes to Draupadi Murmu who will succeed him in the highest office of the country. Wishes poured in from the political fraternity across party lines on the victory of Murmu who will be India's first tribal president. Odisha's Rairangpur village, the native place of Droupadi Murmu erupted in celebrations in anticipation of Droupadi Murmu's victory. A large crowd gathered outside BJP headquarters in Delhi earlier to celebrate her victory. (ANI) Senior leaders of Telugu Desam Party (TDP) had a narrow escape when a boat dock collapsed near Sompalli village in Konaseema district of Andhra Pradesh on Thursday. Former ministers Devineni Umamaheshwara Rao, Pithani Satyanarayana, Payavula Keshav, and former MLA V. Sivarama Raju were among those who fell into the Godavari river. Fishermen and security personnel pulled out the leaders and some media persons to safety. The incident occurred barely a couple of minutes after TDP President and former Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu stepped on to a boat from the same dock near Sompalli village of Razole mandal. The accident happened when Naidu, along with several TDP leaders, was visiting flood-affected villages in the Godavari region. They had crossed the West Godavari district border and were entering Konaseema district. As the boat carrying Naidu and a few of his security personnel sailed into the water, other TDP leaders, security personnel and others rushed to board the second boat. According to eye-witnesses, the ramp collapsed, unable to withstand the weight of the crowd. TDP leaders and others fell into the water. Fishermen, and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel present nearby threw life jackets and other floating devices to which the TDP leaders held on to until they were pulled out. The incident sent panic among scores of TDP cadres who were present there. However, a major tragedy was averted as the incident happened on the river bank and after the floods had receded. The river saw floods last week due to heavy inflows from upstream Telangana following incessant rains. Six districts in Godavari region were affected by the floods. Chandrababu Naidu is visiting some of the affected villages and meeting people. He alleged that the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) government failed to provide relief to the flood victims. --IANS ms/vd ( 314 Words) 2022-07-21-22:30:02 (IANS) As many as two youths were arrested for allegedly raping a minor girl in Assam's Hailakandi district, the police informed on Thursday. The arrested persons were identified as Abul Hussain and Salim Uddin. According to the Hailakandi district police, the incident took place at Kanchiala village under Ramnathpur police station on July 15. Gaurav Upadhyay, Superintendent of Police (SP) of Hailakandi district, said, "Two youths had raped a minor girl in the forest area of Kanchiala village." "The entire area is a very remote forest area. We had taken the matter very seriously and all senior officers rushed to the area immediately. We had conducted continuous raids. On Wednesday night (July 20), we arrested both the accused and both hail from the victim's village," Upadhyay said. The police officer said further investigation into the matter is going on. Earlier in June, a similar incident was reported from Assam's Hojai district, where two persons allegedly raped a minor girl. Later following the incident, Assam police arrested the two accused. According to police, the arrested persons were identified as Muktar Hussain and Azizur Rahman. They were booked under relevant sections of the POCSO Act. The complaint was lodged by the victim's family. (ANI) Chinese Ambassador to the US Qin Gang on Wednesday (local time) said that the United States is undermining the "One China" policy through its support for Taiwan. "We urge the United States to honour its commitments with actions and to fully implement the One China policy. Only through the adherence to that policy can a long and lasting peaceful reunification happen of mainland China and Taiwan," Qin said at the Aspen Security Forum in Colorado. The Ambassador claimed that the Chinese Government is doing everything to avoid a war with Taiwan. "People on both banks of the Taiwan Strait, are our compatriots. The last thing we would like to do is to fight our compatriots, so we will do everything we can with the greatest sincerity to achieve a peaceful reunification," he said. The issue of Taiwan has been at the forefront of US-China relations in recent months. Tensions between China and Washington, which is committed to supporting the island's self-defence, and Beijing over Taiwan were in the open earlier this month when their respective defence chiefs met at the Shangri-La Dialogue defence conference in Singapore. Taiwan and mainland China have been governed separately since the defeated Nationalists retreated to the island at the end of the Chinese civil war more than 70 years ago. But China's ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP) views the self-ruled island as part of its territory despite having never controlled it. Beijing has not ruled out military force to take Taiwan and has kept the pressure on the democratic island over the past few years with frequent warplane flights into the island's ADIZ. An ADIZ is unilaterally imposed and distinct from sovereign airspace, which is defined under international law as extending 12 nautical miles from a territory's shoreline. Meanwhile, Biden on Wednesday (local time) said that he is planning to speak with Chinese President Xi Jinping in the next ten days. "I think I'll be talking to President Xi within the next 10 days," Biden said in an address to reporters as he returned from a climate-related trip to Massachusetts. The US President also cast doubt on a trip reportedly planned by House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi to visit Taiwan next month. Biden said the US military believes it is not a good idea for Pelosi to travel to Taiwan as planned. (ANI) A pro-Baloch rights committee has condemned the killing of missing persons reportedly in fake encounters in the Ziarat district of northern Balochistan. Condemning the act, Baloch Yakjehti Committee-Karachi expressed its grief. "Enforced disappearance is a crime in itself and putting a missing person to death by framing a false case as a terrorist is a crime as well as a gross violation of human rights that cannot be reprehensible," the committee tweeted in Urdu. "Baloch Yakjehti Committee (Karachi) also supports the twitter campaign organized by BYC Shaal. We urge every individual to raise their voice against the fake encounter of Baloch Missing Persons. This tactic is a form of Baloch Genocide and we highly condemn it," the committee said on its Twitter handle. Innocent Balochs are being killed in fake encounters and their mutilated bodies are found in remote places, according to several reports. Recently, the nine persons who were killed in fake encounters in Ziarat were first forcefully made to disappear. The media wing of the Pakistan Army a few days back stated that the country's army have killed five terrorists in a military operation. "The sanitisation operation will continue in the area to apprehend the remaining perpetrators and recover the abductee," the ISPR said in the statement, reported Xinhua. Prior to that, the Pakistani Army had killed four terrorists on June 25 during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in North Waziristan. Enforced disappearances are used as a tool by Pakistani authorities to terrorize people who question the all-powerful army establishment of the country or seek individual or social rights. The report suggests that it is a crime that is often used by the authorities to get rid of people that are considered a "nuisance" without any arrest warrant, charge or prosecution. The victims of these abductions, who are often youth, women, children, and elderly, are described by Amnesty International as people "who have literally disappeared." The organisation states that the authorities grab the victims from the streets or their homes and later refuse to say where they are. The forceful abductions are being carried out in Balochistan since the early 2000s. Students are often the most targeted section of these abductions. The victims also include several political activists, journalists, teachers, doctors, poets, and lawyers.The report added that tens of thousands of Baloch people have been kidnapped by the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and Pakistan Army personnel in the last 20 years. Several victims have been killed and dumped and it is believed that many of them are still confined in the Pakistani torture cells. The authorities, including law enforcement agencies and the criminal justice system, have long failed to demonstrate the political will to end enforced disappearances, reported Hakkpan Balochistan. Moreover, the bill to criminalize enforced disappearances had been strangulated in between ministries since 2019 when it was first drafted but recently introduced to National Assembly. (ANI) Addressing the threat of "chemical weapons use" in Syria at UNSC, Pratik Mathur, Counsellor at India's Permanent Mission to United Nations said that India has been cautioning against the possibility of terrorist entities and individuals gaining access to chemical weapons. "India has also been repeatedly cautioning against the possibility of terrorist entities and individuals gaining access to chemical weapons, including in the region," the envoy said, He said that India encourages continued engagement between Syria and the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) Technical Secretariat to resolve the outstanding issues. Notably, in 2018, OPCW Technical Secretariat was tasked with new responsibilities including investigating and identifying the perpetrators of chemical weapons attacks in the Syrian Arab Republic. "India is against the use of chemical weapons by anybody, anywhere, at any time, and under any circumstances. India has consistently maintained that any investigation into the use of chemical weapons must be impartial, credible, and objective," he added. Envoy Mathur continued saying,"We attach high importance to the Chemical Convention and stand for its full, effective and non-discriminatory implementation. We support the collective efforts by all the parties to ensure that the credibility and integrity of this Convention is maintained to the fullest." "The reports of UN Investigative Team to Promote Accountability for Crimes Committed by Da'esh (UNITAD) have also referred to the repeated deployments of chemical weapons by UN proscribed terrorit groups and those affiliated with ISIL against civilian population between 2014 and 2016." He noted that the international community's collective fight against terrorism will be strengthened by ensuring accountability for the grave and inhuman acts of terror committed by these terrorists and their affiliated groups. Highlighting India's contribution to addressing the issue, the envoy said, "Towards this end, India has made a contribution of USD 200,000 to support UNITAD's investigations." "India continues to believe that progress on other tracks would also help in facilitating overall political peace process by Syria. To realize this, all parties, particularly the external players need to display their commitment, in tangible terms, to a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned UN-facilitated political process in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2254." The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) has been actively involved in Syria since its accession to the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) in 2013. (ANI) The United Nations mission in Afghanistan on Thursday released a report outlining the human rights situation prevailing in Afghanistan over the 10 months since the Taliban takeover. The report, released by United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), details UN findings with regards to the protection of civilians, extrajudicial killings, torture and ill-treatment, arbitrary arrests and detentions, the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan, fundamental freedoms and the situation in places of detention. "As reflected by the United Nations Security Council in the extension of UNAMA's mandate, Afghanistan as a state remains a party to a number of instruments concerning human rights and fundamental freedoms. With this in mind, I urge the de facto authorities to do their utmost to address the concerns outlined in our report and meet their international obligations to protect and promote the human rights of all Afghans," said Markus Potzel, Acting Secretary General's Special Representative for Afghanistan. Key findings for the period 15 August 2021 - 15 June 2022: Over the reporting period, UNAMA documented: As many as 2106 civilian casualties (700 killed, 1406 wounded) that predominantly caused by improvised explosive device (IED) attacks attributed to ISIL-KP and unexploded ordnance (UXO). 160 extrajudicial killings, 178 arbitrary arrests and detentions, 23 instances of incommunicado detention and 56 instances of torture and ill-treatment of former ANDSF and government officials carried out by the de facto authorities. A total of 59 extrajudicial killings, 22 arbitrary arrests and detentions and 7 incidents of torture and ill-treatment by the de facto authorities of individuals accused of affiliation with self-identified "Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant - Khorasan Province". 18 extrajudicial killings, 54 instances of torture and ill-treatment and 113 instances of arbitrary arrest and detention and 23 cases of incommunicado detention of individuals accused of affiliation with self-identified "National Resistance Front". 217 instances of cruel, inhuman and degrading punishments carried out by the de facto authorities since 15 August 2021. 118 instances of excessive use of force by the de facto authorities between 15 August 2021 and 15 June 2022. Human rights violations affecting 173 journalists and media workers, 163 of which were attributed to the de facto authorities. Among these were 122 instances of arbitrary arrest and detention, 58 instances of ill-treatment, 33 instances of threats and intimidation and 12 instances of incommunicado detention. Six journalists were also killed during the period (five by self-identified Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant - Khorasan Province, one by unknown perpetrators). Human rights violations affecting 65 human rights defenders, 64 of which were attributed to the de facto authorities. Among these were 47 arbitrary arrests, 17 cases of incommunicado detention, 10 cases of ill-treatment and 17 cases of threats and intimidation. According to UNAMA, since one individual may have suffered more than one violation, the number of violations is higher than the number of individuals affected. (ANI) Ninth ASEAN-India Senior Officials Meeting on Transnational Crimes (SOMTC) was held in a virtual mode on Thursday where both sides strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms while emphasizing the need to boost international cooperation to combat terrorism and transnational crimes. The Consultation was co-chaired by Mahaveer Singhvi, Joint Secretary (Counter Terrorism), Ministry of External Affairs, from the Indian side, and Puah Kok Keong, Deputy Secretary (Policy), Ministry of Home Affairs, Singapore, from the ASEAN side. "Both sides strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and emphasized the need to strengthen international cooperation to combat terrorism and transnational crimes in a comprehensive and sustained manner," the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement. During the consultation, both sides discussed ways to enhance cooperation interalia, in the areas of terrorism, illicit drug trafficking, trafficking in persons, international economic crime, and cybercrime under the framework of the ASEAN-India Work Plan to combat transnational crimes. Institutional linkages and capacity-building programmes between the two sides were also discussed. The 10th ASEAN-India SOMTC Consultation on Transnational Crimes will be held in 2023 in Indonesia. India began formal engagement with ASEAN in 1992 as a "Sectoral Dialogue Partner" (and subsequently as a "Dialogue Partner" in 1996. The initial years as a Dialogue Partner (DP) entailed interaction at the Foreign Minister level which was further upgraded to the Summit level in 2002, when the first such Summit level meeting was held. At the 20-year Commemorative Summit Meeting in New Delhi, in December 2012, our Dialogue Partnership was further elevated to a Strategic Partnership. During the 25-year Commemorative Summit, in January 2018, India and ASEAN further agreed that our Strategic Partnership will be focused on building cooperation in the maritime domain. The year 2022 marks 30 years of ASEAN-India relations and it has been designated as ASEAN-India Friendship Year by the leaders in October 2021. (ANI) China has strongly responded to reports that it is trying to suppress the UN report detailing the human rights abuses in Xinjiang province. "China firmly opposes smears and attacks against China using disinformation. The just position of China has gained the strong support of the international community, especially the developing countries," said Chinese Foreign Ministry Wang Wenbin in a press conference. "The calculations of a small number of countries to use Xinjiang to engage in political manipulation, tarnish China's reputation and contain and suppress China will not succeed," the spokesperson added. This strong reaction comes after UK-based media reported that China sent a letter urging UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet to bury a report on human rights violations in Xinjiang. China has been urging to bury the report among diplomatic missions in Geneva since late June, asking countries to sign it to show their support. Bachelet has been facing severe criticism for being too soft on China during a May visit in what could have been a golden chance to investigate the human rights situation in areas like Xinjiang and Tibet and to hold Beijing accountable for its abuses against Uyghurs and Tibetans, but it seems that the first visit of the rights body chief turned out to be a "wasted historic opportunity". The Global Times reported that the statement by the UN rights chief at the end of her trip stressed that her trip was not an "investigation" and that this was "an opportunity to hold direct discussions - with China's most senior leaders" on areas including "human rights" "was a slap to the Western countries". Another Chinese media CGTN stated that the visit provided "a chance to clarify the situation and dispel a lot of misinformation and other things that have been put out". "The high commissioner has disgraced herself and her office by refusing to investigate China's genocide and adopting, repeating the Chinese regime's narrative, further cementing their propaganda in the UN," Rushan Abbas, the organization's executive director, told RFA. "Her comments seem custom-made for Beijing's propaganda machine, and she neglects the duties of her office and the founding principle of the UN," she said. Abbas called on Bachelet to step down from her post. Following Bachelet's highly disappointing visit, the World Uyghur Congress (WUC) strongly urged her office to release her independent assessment of the situation in East Turkistan, as a show of willingness to hold the Chinese government accountable for crimes against humanity and genocide being committed. The International Campaign for Tibet (ICT) has expressed disappointment with the Bachelet's visit to China, saying this trip has given a "political victory" to the Communist regime. According to the Tibetan group, the UN rights chief adopted the Chinese Communist Party's framing of policies, domestically and internationally. Dozens of rights groups say the Chinese government has committed widespread abuses and systematic policies of mass detention, torture, cultural persecution, and other offences against Uyghurs and members of other Turkic groups in Xinjiang that amount to crimes against humanity. (ANI) "Mattarella received this morning at the Quirinale Palace ... Draghi, who, after reporting on yesterday's discussion and vote in the Senate, reiterated his resignation," the office said in a statement. The president "took note of this," the statement said, adding that the government remains in office to address current issues. Draghi decided to formally resign after the second largest force in his coalition, the Five Star Movement (M5S) boycotted a confidence vote on the government's relief bill to combat soaring prices in the Senate. (ANI) Al Qaeda chief Ayman al-Zawahiri is confirmed to be living in Afghanistan and 'communicating freely', according to a recent report by the United Nations which also warned against the growing strength of terrorist groups including Al Qaeda and Islamic State posing a great threat to the world. According to Pakistani newspaper Dawn, the 30th report of the UN Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team stated that the proof that Al-Zawahiri was alive comes from the video messages issued by the group. "Al-Zawahiri's apparent increased comfort and ability to communicate has coincided with the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan and the consolidation of power of key Al Qaeda allies within their de facto administration," it noted. The Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team of the UN took notice of the recent activities of Al Qaeda, the militant Islamic State (IS) group and other terrorist groups in Afghanistan, and stated that the two terrorist outfits remain active in conflict-hit regions and neighbouring countries though both these terrorist groups could attempt to strike in non-conflict areas. The committee monitors the activities of major militant groups like Al Qaeda, Taliban and various factions of the militant Islamic State (IS) group, which is also known as Daesh. The report covered the activities of terrorist groups in different parts of the world, but majorly included Taliban-run Afghanistan, which has become a 'safe haven' for Al Qaeda. Al Qaeda's traditional strongholds in Afghanistan have been in the south and east of the war-ravaged country, but recently it appears to be expanding its footprint to the west to the Farah and Herat provinces and possibly to the north, the Dawn reported. "The situation in Afghanistan remains complex, the terrorist groups based in Afghanistan view the Taliban's military success as a motivating factor for propaganda in neighbouring countries and other parts of the world," the report stated. The terror outfit is enjoying a comfortable stay in Afghanistan under the Taliban regime and some of its senior cadres are providing advisory services to the de facto government there. "Al Qaeda leadership reportedly plays an advisory role with the Taliban, and the groups remain close," the report stated. Al Qaeda and IS pose varying levels of threats to international peace. IS-Khorasan, the group's Afghanistan-based chapter, is seen as a bigger threat in the short and medium term, while Al Qaeda is a danger over the long term, the Dawn reported. Sanaullah Ghafari alias Shahab al-Muhajir, an Afghan national, has been leading the IS-K chapter since June 2020. However, IS core has set up a separate structure called Al-Siddiq office under Sheikh Tamim al-Kurdi alias Abu Ahmed al-Madani for pursuing the group's regional agenda. The report said that Afghanistan is a base for expansion for IS, which is also trying to recruit fighters from other terrorist groups besides luring disaffected Taliban fighters and dissatisfied local ethnic minorities. The group, moreover, attracts fighters by offering higher wages than other militant groups operating there. IS-K has increased its presence in northern and eastern Afghanistan. The group that initially started by recruiting members of Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan and Afghan Taliban now has in its ranks fighters from Central Asia, who have increased activities in the north, which borders Central Asian states of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, the report further noted. The outlawed Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) with a strength of 3,000 to 4,000 fighters, is now more cohesive and presents a greater threat to the region, the report added. (ANI) The Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday reiterated its stance to stand by the people of Sri Lanka at the time of crisis, saying that India has been at forefront of extending economic assistance to Sri Lanka and will continue to do so. "India has been at forefront of extending economic assistance to Sri Lanka as per what they require and we are one of the countries that have provided the maximum amount of assistance at the time of need. We will continue to stand by the people of Sri Lanka in whatever manner we can," Ministry of External Affairs official spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said on Thursday while addressing a media briefing. Responding to a media query about India's view on Sri Lanka restoring political stability under the new president, Bagchi said, "About the election of the new president, the High Commission had put out the statement that this was a parliament process they did. I don't have much to add except to emphasise that this transition happened through a constitutional framework and is a clear and positive indicator in that way." "They have a new president and they will take steps ahead to set up a government. They had a discussion with the IMF. We have extended assistance in various ways, but some of it has not been fully utilized. So we will look at it that way," he said in response to a query if India is looking at a specific economic package for Sri Lanka at this time. Earlier, the MEA spokesperson had said that India is Sri Lanka's closest neighbour and the two countries share deep civilizational bonds. India has stood with the Sri Lankan people in times of crisis and will continue to do so. On July 16, Indian High cCommissioner Gopal Baglay called on the Parliament Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena. Baglay said that India will continue to be "supportive of democracy, stability and economic recovery in Sri Lanka". He appreciated Parliament's role in upholding democracy and the Constitutional framework, especially at this crucial juncture. In pursuance of the central place that Sri Lanka occupies in our Neighbourhood First policy, India has extended this year unprecedented support of over USD 3.8 billion for ameliorating the serious economic situation in Sri Lanka. India emerged as the first responder under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Neighbourhood First policy when Sri Lanka was left alone by its so-called benefactors for funding support. India has responded with urgency to the government of Sri Lanka's request for assistance in overcoming hardships and will enhance economic linkages between the two countries be it through infrastructure connectivity and renewable energy. India's disbursements of foreign loans and grants from January 1 to April 30, 2022, were USD 376.9 million compared to China which was only USD 67.9 million. On Tuesday, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also said that Sri Lanka is suffering a very serious crisis and India has approached the situation in the neighbouring country in a very humanistic way as part of its Neighbourhood First policy. Referring to USD 3.8 billion in support that India has given to Sri Lanka, he said "no other country has given this level of support". Sri Lanka is facing its worst economic crisis in seven decades. Notably, Ranil Wickremesinghe was sworn in as Sri Lankan President at the country's Parliament on Thursday. Wickremesinghe received 134 votes in the Parliament vote following the resignation of Gotabaya Rajapaksa from the presidency last week amid severe economic turmoil in the country. Earlier, Wickremesinghe was appointed as the interim president of Sri Lanka after Rajapaksa fled abroad after his palace was stormed by angry protesters. Sri Lanka is suffering its worst economic crisis since gaining independence in 1948, which comes on the heels of successive waves of COVID-19, threatening to undo years of development and severely undermining the country's ability to achieve the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The country's economy is bracing for a sharp contraction due to the unavailability of basic inputs for production, an 80 per cent depreciation of the currency since March 2022, coupled with a lack of foreign reserves and the country's failure to meet its international debt obligations. Reduced domestic agricultural production, a lack of foreign exchange reserves, and local currency depreciation have fuelled the shortages. The economic crisis will push families into hunger and poverty - some for the first time - adding to the half a million people who the World Bank estimates have fallen below the poverty line because of the pandemic. (ANI) The Indian Embassy in Thailand will be organizing the second edition of the North-East India Festival from July 29 to 31 at Bangkok's Central World in celebration of 75 years of India-Thailand relations and to deepen the ties between the countries. The Indian Embassy is organizing the event in association with Trend MMS of India where the main focus will be on trade, investment and tourism promotion and exchanges in the field of culture, education and people-to-people connect, according to the press statement released by the Indian Embassy in Bangkok. The three-day event will be inaugurated at Hotel Centara Grand, Bangkok on July 29 evening, which will be an invitation-only event. Dr Rajkumar Ranjan Singh, Union Minister of State for External Affairs, will be the Chief Guest at the Festival. According to the statement, the Chief Ministers and other Ministers from the North-Eastern states of India along with senior Government officials will also be present at the event and Senior dignitaries from Thailand are also expected to grace the inauguration and attend the Festival. A large contingent of artists including musicians and dancers, craftsmen, business persons/exhibitors, tour operators and academicians from the North-Eastern States are expected to grace the event in Bangkok and will also hold Business to Business (B2B) meetings and academic exchanges. During the Festival, an exhibition showcasing a wide range of products manufactured by Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises from the North-Eastern States of India in sectors including agro-products, processed food, handicrafts, and light manufacturing will also be organized. On July 30, in order to enhance the awareness of tourism, trade and investment opportunities in the North-Eastern States of India, 'Tourism B2B Meet and Trade Meet' will be organized. Meanwhile, on the very next day, an academic seminar on historical connections between North-East India and South East Asia will include interactions between scholars, historians, students from North-East India and students, scholars, and historians of South East Asia, will be organized, according to the statement. Moreover, on July 30 and 31, some of the best of dance forms from North-Eastern India will be presented by troupes sponsored by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR). The Festival is a fitting tribute to the ongoing 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Thailand. The first edition of the North-East India Festival was held in Bangkok in February 2019, which opened up substantial business opportunities for the North-East Indian business community, especially in the tourism, agro and food processing sectors. (ANI) The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday received a request for approval from Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for his Singapore visit to attend a summit. MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said that the online portal for political clearance on our website has received an entry in their portal regarding the Delhi CM's visit to Singapore to attend the 'Eighth World Cities Summit and WCS Mayors Forum'. Bagchi further said that the decision will be taken following due process. This development came after the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi VK Saxena returned the proposal regarding the Delhi CM's Singapore visit. Sources said that the LG has underlined the fact that GNCTD does not have exclusive domain over the issues corresponding with the theme of the conference and hence it will be inappropriate for a Chief Minister to be attending the same. The LG's office believes in the context of the WCS Smart City Workshop that is being organized as a part of the conference, it has been pointed out that the Smart City Project in Delhi is being anchored by the NDMC. Apart from the above facts, a Chief Minister attending such a conference will also set a bad precedent, said sources. Earlier on Sunday, Delhi Chief Minister Kejriwal had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and sought permission to attend the World Cities Summit in Singapore. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led Delhi government and the Centre locked horns over Kejriwal's proposed visit to Singapore to attend the global conference in Singapore. In his letter to Modi, Kejriwal said, "The Government of Singapore has invited us to present the Delhi model at the global summit. During the summit, the Delhi model has to be presented in front of many big leaders of the world. Today the whole world wants to know about the Delhi model. This invitation is a matter of pride and honour for the country." He said he had written to the Centre on June 7 seeking permission to attend the summit but no response was received till today. The World Cities Summit is a forum for leaders and industry experts to address the challenges of a livable and sustainable city and to deliberate on integrated urban solutions. This year the summit is being held between July 31 and August 3. (ANI) As many as 4,000 people have been affected by cholera in Afghanistan's northern Jawzjan province. "1,000 people were affected with cholera in Aqcha district, while 3,000 others were infected with the disease in Shiberghan, the capital city of the province, in less than a few weeks," Ghawsuddin Anwari, a senior official for the provincial public hospital said as quoted by Xinhua. Despite the rapid outbreak, till now no death has been reported in the province so far but the cases are still rising, according to the official. Notably, most of the patients are from the Aqcha district, where there was a lack of access to clean water. Health officials in the province said an equipped 100-bed hospital has been dedicated to cholera-affected patients, and it has the capacity of admitting up to 500 patients if needed. Meanwhile, in Helmand province, at least 20 children have lost their lives due to cholera. And 180 people, including women and children, were infected with the disease in one week in the southern Kandahar province. Earlier, looking at the cases, doctors urged citizens to take precautionary measures and prevent infections like cholera and diarrhoea. Mohammad Naeem Akbari, a physician at Infectious Diseases Hospital in Kabul, said that other seasonal diseases include cold, malaria and measles, TOLO News reported. "In this season of the year, diarrhoea cases have spiked. Around 1,000 to 1,500 people are brought to the (infectious diseases) hospital in Kabul and every doctor visits around 50 to 60 patients a day," Dr Abdulrahman Jawad said. The doctors added that there is a surge in seasonal diseases because of warm weather and inattention to personal hygiene. "People should not drink unclean water. They should wash vegetables and soak them in salty water for five minutes," advised Aliya, a physician. Many children were taken for treatment at Kabul hospital by their parents after they were infected suddenly, local media reported. "It has been a while since my son is sick. He has got cold," a local Zuhal said. Earlier, on Saturday, more than 600 people were found infected and around 15 people died in a recent cholera-like outbreak in Afghanistan. Health officials said that this disease, which causes severe diarrhoea and nausea, has been spreading in the small villages of Dasht, Giro Joy, Tak, Shina, and other areas for the past week or so. (ANI) A 21-year-old American social media activist and vlogger was allegedly raped by two men in Punjab province of Pakistan last week. The incident has sparked outrage among Pakistan netizens who demanded stricter action from authorities in the country. When the story surfaced online, it caused outrage among netizens who condemned the 'shameless' act, demanding strict action for the perpetrators. The netizens pointed out that 'if Pakistanis aren't safe in this country, how can foreigners be'. They said the cause for such crimes is a 'lack of justice', Dawn reported. A user wrote that the country is worthy of being branded with "the symbol of disgrace". Another user tweeted, "Really ashamed of what happened to her. We are already 83rd in tourism ranking and 26th in tourist safety index (0-33 most dangerous). Culprits should be punished but society should also stop accepting any such heinous acts and the people involved." "I do not know where are we going as a nation. We failed to teach our youngsters to respect all women. We failed to protect our girls. Our politicians are only concerned about playing musical chairs," wrote another user. The US national was sexually assaulted at a hotel room in Dera Ghazi Khan's Fort Monroe hill station on the night of July 17, when she was on a trip. According to police officials, the woman was on a tourist visa to Pakistan and had been living in the country for the past seven months. Deputy Commissioner of Dera Ghazi Khan Anwar Baryar said, "The American girl had come to Fort Monroe from Karachi on the invitation of her social media friend Muzmal Sipra, whose house she visited on Sunday in Rajanpur district of Punjab, some 550 kilometres from Lahore." The incident came to light after the victim filed a First Information Report (FIR) at the Border Military Police (BMP) station at the Fort Munro hill station. The FIR stated that the woman was raped by Muzmal Sipra and Shehzad of Rajanpur on the night of July 17 in a hotel room. The complainant also said she had received threats from Sipra to not pursue legal proceedings against them. The BMP registered the case against Sipra, Shehzad and Azan Khosa of Dera Ghazi Khan under Sections 376 and 292b of the Pakistan Penal Code. The alarming frequency of cases against women in Pakistan poses a great threat to women in the country as well as raises concerns for the authorities. A recent report compiled by the Sustainable Social Development Organisation (SSDO) and the Centre for Research, Development and Communication pointed out a growing trend in violence against women in Pakistan along with the increasing number of domestic violence cases in the country. According to the report, a total of 157 women were kidnapped, 112 were a victim of physical assault and 91 women were raped across Pakistan in the month of June. Punjab reported 53 rape cases, followed by 16 cases in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 14 cases in Sindh, six cases in Islamabad, and two cases in Balochistan. The capital of Punjab province, Lahore reported a large number of cases of sexual assault in the previous week. The alarming frequency of the cases prompted the Pakistan police to review the overall performance of the Gender-Based Violence Cell. It was earlier reported that Pakistan's Global Gender Gap Index has worsened over time. In 2017, Pakistan ranked 143, slipping to 148 in 2018. According to the last year's 'Global Gender Gap Report 2021', Pakistan ranked 153 out of 156 countries on the gender parity index, that is, among the last four. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan's (HRCP) recent report said that in Pakistan, at least 11 rape cases are reported daily with over 22,000 such incidents reported to police in the last six years (2015-21). (ANI) Nepal Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba congratulated India's President-elect Droupadi Murmu within hours of the formal announcement of the final results of the Presidential election. Taking to Twitter, Deuba wrote, "On behalf of the government and people of Nepal, I would like to extend warmest congratulations to Smt Droupadi Murmu on being elected as the 15th President of India. I am confident that the excellent bilateral relations between Nepal and India will see newer heights in the days ahead." India's ruling BJP-led NDA candidate Droupadi Murmu has been confirmed as the 15th President of India as she was able to secure 50 per cent of the total value of valid votes at the end of the third round of counting on Thursday. As per the official results, Droupadi Murmu has got 2161 votes with an electoral value of 5,77,777. The presidential contest took place between Murmu and opposition candidate Yashwant Sinha. Odisha's Rairangpur village, the native place of NDA's presidential candidate Droupadi Murmu rejoiced on Murmu's victory. Moreover, BJP Headquarters in Delhi also witnessed celebrations earlier this evening as a large crowd gathered outside the office. Voting for the presidential election was held on July 18 and the counting began at Parliament House at 11 AM (IST) today. Murmu was also leading in the first two rounds of the counting of votes. India's 15th President, Draupadi Murmu is a former Governor of Jharkhand and a former Odisha minister. Droupadi Murmu is the first presidential candidate from Odisha of a major political party or alliance. She continues to break barriers and was the first woman governor of Jharkhand. She served as Jharkhand Governor from 2015 to 2021. Born in a poor tribal family in a village of Mayurbhanj, a backward district in Odisha, Droupadi Murmu completed her studies despite challenging circumstances. She taught at Shri Aurobindo Integral Education Centre, Rairangpur. Born on June 20, 1958, she pursued BA at Ramadevi Women's College Bhubaneswar. She started her political career as Rairangpur NAC vice-chairman. Droupadi Murmu was a member of the Odisha Legislative Assembly from Rairangpur between 2000 and 2004. As a minister, she held portfolios of Transport and Commerce, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries. In 2007, the Odisha assembly honoured her with the 'Nilakantha Award' for best MLA. Droupadi Murmu was a national executive member of BJP's ST Morcha from 2013 to 2015 and served as BJP district chief of Mayurbhanj (West) in 2010 and 2013. (ANI) Italian President Sergio Mattarella has dissolved the two Chambers of Parliament, opting for the constitutional procedure to hold early elections in the country, media reports. The President made the announcement on Thursday in an address to the country after accepting the resignation of Prime Minister Mario Draghi, Xinhua News Agency reported. Draghi confirmed his desire to resign during a meeting with President Sergio Mattarella, Sputnik reported citing the presidential office. His decision to step down followed a confidence vote held in the Senate on Wednesday, which the government passed but with a very thin majority because Five Star Movement, right-wing League and center-right Forza Italia parties boycotted the vote. All three were major allies in the broad coalition that has supported Draghi's national unity cabinet since its inception on February 13 last year. "I signed the decree for the dissolution of the chambers in order for new elections to be called within the 70-day deadline set by the constitution," Mattarella said. He explained that dissolving the parliament earlier than due was "always a last-resort choice to make" especially when lawmakers were expected to fulfil crucial obligations, Xinhua reported. According to media reports, the outgoing cabinet will remain in office for the current affairs until a new one is formed after the election. However, the President warned that the country's many priorities needed political forces to act with a sense of responsibility and in a constructive way during the short campaign. "It is my duty to underline that the period we are facing does not allow pauses in the actions indispensable to compensate for the effects of the socio-economic crisis, which is causing serious consequences for firms and families," he noted. Italy is facing a worsening economic situation caused in part by rising energy costs. (ANI) Pakistan Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah has said that at least 50 members of Imran Khan's party are expected to vote for Hamza Shehbaz as the Chief Minister of Punjab province on Friday. "Not five, but 50 PTI MPAs can either use their right to vote (for Hamza) or they might refrain from casting their votes altogether," the Federal Minister said during a press conference on Thursday, The News International reported. Speaking on the "Geo Pakistan" programme, Sanaullah claimed that two lawmakers of the PML-N took money to switch allegiance ahead of the Chief Minister's election in Punjab province. Ahead of tomorrow's election, former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan presided over the parliamentary party meeting of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q), local media reported. The parties have claimed a majority over each other, The Nation reported, adding that the meeting was attended by 186 members of the provincial assembly, while Deputy Speaker Punjab Assembly Dost Muhammad Mazari did not participate in the meeting. On Wednesday, Imran Khan alleged that Pakistan Peoples' Party (PPP) co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari was offering PKR500 million to PTI's Punjab Assembly lawmakers to buy their votes, and he should be jailed over this act. Taking to Twitter, the PTI chairman said that currently, we are experiencing the same situation in Lahore as we saw horse trading in Sindh House, adding that the mastermind behind the current wave of horse trading is Asif Zardari and he is offering MPAs Rs 500 million to buy their votes. "Zardari got NRO for his corruption and now buying votes with looted wealth, he should be jailed," the former PM said. In another Tweet, he penned that "Horse trading is not only an attack on our democracy but also the moral fabric of our society." Notably, Imran Khan's party on Sunday made a "clean sweep" in the crucial Punjab assembly by-polls, in a major blow to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif whose Chief Minister son Hamza Shehbaz is all set to lose his post. (ANI) They said the key points discussed included cooperation in cyber security, maritime and Indo-Pacific, regional security, and dealing with violent extremism. The focus was on specific and substantial outcomes to take the partnership forward in line with the vision of the India-UK Roadmap 2030, government sources said. Taking forward discussions between Prime Ministers Narendra and Boris Johnson, the NSAs also discussed forward-looking cooperation in the technology and defence sectors with a focus on key objectives of the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, the sources said. British High Commission said in a tweet the two NSAs discussed regional security and reiterated their commitment to transforming defence and security cooperation. "UK National Security Adviser Sir Stephen Lovegrove met National Security Advisor of India Ajit Doval in Delhi. As a part of the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, they discussed regional security reiterated their commitment to transform defence and security cooperation." UK National Security Adviser also met with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. "UK National Security Adviser Sir Stephen Lovegrove also met with External Affairs Minister @DrSJaishankar They held further discussions about the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the UK and India," the British High Commission said. (ANI) A local court in Islamabad has extended the interim bail of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan till July 30 in 11 cases pertaining to violence and damage to public property during the party's "Azadi March" in May. The former Prime Minister had applied for pre-arrest bail in FIRs registered against him. Imran Khan's "Azadi March" was held on May 25 where the government led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif used force against the protestors. Imran and other leaders of his party were booked in several cases registered at multiple police stations across Islamabad over allegations of vandalism in the capital, the Dawn newspaper reported. The Islamabad police had told the Supreme Court that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf protesters rushed directly towards D-Chowk on that day on the "directions" of the PTI chairman instead of the venue designated between sectors G-9 and H-9. In addition to this, on behalf of the spy agencies, sealed reports were also furnished before Pakistan's apex court. The report provided the details of the May 25 aftermath. It explained that 26 people were treated at two hospitals and later discharged, whereas 77 suspects were arrested in 19 cases. According to the report, there was no casualty during the incident, as per the media portal. Calling the Azadi March a peaceful demonstration, the ousted leader Imran Khan had called on the present government for the excessive use of force, usage of chemical shells of tear gas, baton charge, firing, shelling, rubber bullets and shotguns which "tore apart" the fundamental rights of people. However, an anti-terrorism court in Pakistan's Punjab province has issued arrest warrants against a dozen leaders belonging to the party of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. "The government has made Pakistan a police state. They first prosecuted political rivals for terrorism and have now obtained arrest warrants for 17 PTI leaders. If the imported government is making terrorism cases, will the people forget how expensive flour has become?" the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) had asked in a tweet. This comes after several PTI leaders, including party chief Imran Khan, and former Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi were booked for "rioting" during the party's long march in May. (ANI) Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres are expected to attend the signing ceremony, which will be held at the Dolmabahce Presidential Office in Istanbul on Friday at 18:30 local time (15:30 GMT), it said. The agreement comes at a time when there are growing concerns about a global food shortage as a result of the protracted crisis in Ukraine, which is partially blamed for the food price hikes across the world. Last week, the four parties held their first round of negotiations in Istanbul with an aim to ship Ukraine's grain to the world market to ease the supply. Turkiye has long served as a mediator in the effort to establish a mechanism that will prevent a food crisis by enabling Ukraine to export its grain to the global market via sea routes. Istanbul will become an operational hub where the entire shipping process will be carried out, Turkish officials have said. Turkiye controls maritime traffic entering and exiting the Black Sea through the Bosphorus Strait. (ANI/Xinhua) Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 9 jet. Ian Dewar Photography/Shutterstock An Alaska Airlines flight was reportedly delayed due to its pilots falling out. Five Twitter users told of the same event, which the travel site One Mile at a Time also reported. Report: A pilot announced the plane would return to the gate and one would leave for safety reasons. Two pilots who got into an argument on board an Alaska Airlines flight forced the plane to return to the terminal and face a delay, according to five similar reports of the incident on Twitter. One Mile at a Time first reported the news. According to flight-tracking websites Cirium and Flight Aware, on Monday, Alaska flight AS1080 from Washington to San Francisco was delayed by two and a half hours. Part of the delay was due to bad weather conditions, but another factor was that the two pilots didn't get along, five Twitter users who claimed to be passengers onboard the flight posted on Monday. One of the pilots announced to the passengers that the plane was returning to the airport gate, where he would disembark from the plane because he and the other pilot couldn't get along, per the Twitter posts. The pilot said they made the decision in the interest of safety, according to the Twitter posts. Alaska Airlines told Insider that the plane returned to the gate after the captain and first officer had a "professional disagreement." The airline said "the pilots did the right thing" and they were deemed "fit to fly" after an evaluation. Alaska said it swapped the crews so the plane could fly to San Francisco. It wasn't clear what the pilots were arguing about. One Twitter user uploaded a clip, which they said captured the end of the pilot's announcement. Another Twitter user posted a video, which they claimed was of one pilot walking away from the flight. "After an hour and a half delay, we now return to the terminal due to 'a failure of the captain and first officer to get along,'" one of the Twitter users wrote. Another person tweeted that the pilot who left the plane was "fuming" after returning to the airport gate. Story continues One Twitter user posted that the flight had already been pushed back because of bad weather, but then the pilot said he and his first officer couldn't get along and left the plane for safety reasons. Another Twitter user, who also said they were on board the plane, described the incident as "incredibly unprofessional" and said the flight attendants had no idea what was going on. According to another passenger, who also tweeted about being on the flight, Alaska Airlines offered them $175 for the disruption. One Mile at a Time reported that Alaska Airlines found a replacement pilot who was supposed to fly to Los Angeles the same day. The Los Angeles flight had longer delays than the San Francisco flight, according to the report and Flight Aware. The reported incident comes at a time when airlines are scrambling to provide full services to passengers during high summer demand, as well as severe staff shortages due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Crew members have spoken out about their experiences of heavy workloads and angry, abusive passengers amid flight delays and cancellations. Read the original article on Business Insider A 23-year-old Ridgely, Maryland, man has been charged with multiple counts of attempted murder and other offenses after three people were stabbed in Ocean City June 20. Just before midnight, police saw multiple people fighting in the area of Wicomico Street and Atlantic Avenue, according to the Ocean City Police Department. As officers arrived on the scene, police said, the suspects ran north on the Boardwalk and three males were discovered to be suffering from stab wounds. An 18-year-old and a 21-year-old, both of Wye Mills, Maryland, were flown to hospitals, while a 17-year-old from Centreville, Maryland, was transported by EMS. All three have since been released, police said. A 17-year-old was arrested at the scene and charged with affray. Ocean City Police said they used camera footage, social media and witnesses to identify Paul Baynard as an additional suspect. RELATED:Juvenile charged in Ocean City stabbing that sent three to hospital, police say More:As 'ghost gun' law goes into effect, Marylands policies, already among strongest, tighten Baynard was arrested June 29 in Queen Anne's County without incident and charged in relation to the 18-year-old victim. The investigation continued and police said Thursday he is "the sole suspect" in the stabbings of the other two victims. As of Wednesday, Baynard is facing three counts each of attempted first-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder, first-degree assault, second-degree assault and reckless endangerment. This article originally appeared on Salisbury Daily Times: More charges for 23-year-old man arrested in Ocean City stabbings Activision Blizzard employee stand outside of the office to protest gender inequality. Employees from Activision Blizzard walked off their jobs today in order to demand protections for the staff members impacted by the loss of abortion rights in the United States. The walkouts impacted studios in California, Texas, Minnesota, and New York. Today, ABK workers walked out to demand an end to gender inequity! pic.twitter.com/UirQs3hc4j CWA (@CWAUnion) July 21, 2022 A Better ABK (organized under Communications Workers of America) issued a statement of demands directed at their employer, Activision Blizzard, that include relocation assistance for those working out of discriminatory states, cost of living adjustments for relocations, and guaranteed abortion access in employees healthcare plans. Some of the demands relate to labor rights more broadly, such as the right to choose remote work, including employees in sexual harassment audits, and for the company to sign a labor neutrality agreement like Microsoft. Read more According to the Washington Post, 450 employees had been participating in the walkout at the time the article was written. Some participated in-person, while others participated virtually in Zoom. The Irvine mayor Farrah Khan and a representative from Congresswoman Katie Porters office also came to support the walkout. [We are] supporting our workers at Blizzard today where female workers have continuously faced harassment and working conditions havent improved, Khan tweeted. This cannot continue through next year in hopes that Microsoft will do better. Relocation is a particularly important issue for the employees at Activision Blizzard because the company has a location in Austin, TX. Texas is a trigger law state that will soon criminalize those who perform abortions. Employees at other tech and gaming companies have also demanded support for those working out of Texas (such as ZeniMax and Nvidia). Story continues Currently, there is no information on whether or not the publisher intends to respond to the workers demands. Kotaku reached out to CWA but did not receive a response by the time of publication. A spokesperson for Activision Blizzard provided Kotaku with the following statement: We support the right of our employees to express their views and values in a safe, responsible way, without fear of retaliation. There are numerous ways they can do so publicly or confidentially. Our leadership team remains focused on ensuring we are the very best place to work. This includes ensuring gender equity throughout the company and comprehensive access to reproductive and other healthcare services for every employee. Notably, the statement does not directly address the walkouts list of demands. Other gaming companies such as Bungie have promised to reimburse travel costs for employees who cannot get access to the healthcare they need where they live. Game development studio Certain Affinity offered to pay relocation expenses for employees who cannot access essential care. So there is an industry precedent for the walkout organizers demands. With the massive success of the Call of Duty franchise last year, Activision Blizzard certainly has the resources to give these benefits to its employees. Update 07/21/2022 6:43 p.m. ET: Activision Blizzard sent the following statement to Kotaku: In early June, the company announced expanded medical travel benefits to include coverage for U.S. employees and their dependents who participate in our medical plans and live in areas where access to medical care, including reproductive health, gender-affirming treatment, transplant care, and any other medical care covered by our plans that is not available in a covered persons state, or within 100 miles of where they live. Activist and Parkland shooting survivor David Hogg was escorted out of a House hearing on banning assault weapons after shouting at an Arizona Republican who suggested the weapons were needed to guard against an "invasion" at the U.S.-Mexico border. During a hearing Wednesday hosted by the House Judiciary Committee, Hogg interrupted Rep. Andy Biggs as the lawmaker characterized border crossings as an invasive threat and argued that a Democratic bill to ban certain semi-automatic rifles would prevent Americans from protecting themselves amid an invasion on our southern border. Hogg stood up in the audience and shouted, You are reiterating the points of mass shooters in your manifesto. The shooter at my high school: antisemitic, anti-Black and racist. The shooter in El Paso described it as an invasion." "Guess what, those guns are coming from the United States of America. They arent coming from Mexico," he added. Hogg tweeted video of the incident, where he was seen being escorted from the hearing room by security. When reached for comment, Capitol Police told NBC News in an email: "He was told to be quiet or leave. He left." The bill under discussion at Wednesday's hearing was introduced by Rep. David Cicilline of Rhode Island, who played audio from the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Parkland, Florida, that left 17 people dead in 2018. Hogg was a student at the time. President Joe Biden last month called on Congress to pass measures including a ban on assault weapons. The House has not brought such a bill to the floor. Congress last month passed the most sweeping legislation designed to prevent gun violence in nearly 30 years. The bill, signed into law by Biden, provides grants to states for red flag laws, enhances background checks to include juvenile records and closes the boyfriend loophole by keeping guns away from nonspouse dating partners convicted of abuse. Senior Air Force scientist Jim Gord was suspected of tricking a defense contractor into hiring an unqualified sex worker he had a relationship with as a military researcher. US Air Force A senior Air Force scientist allegedly tricked a defense contractor into hiring a sex worker, according to court records. The woman was also named co-chair of a scientific panel despite lacking necessary qualifications. The scientist is also said to have used a government travel card to pay for sexual services, according to an unsealed warrant application. A senior scientist working for the US Air Force tricked a military contractor into hiring a sex worker he thought was "hot," according to a recently unsealed search warrant application first published by The Daily Beast. Jim Gord, a senior researcher who was working on advanced propulsion technologies at Ohio's Wright-Patterson Air Force Base at the time, paid for the services of a 32-year-old sex worker using a government credit card before taking steps to get her hired as a contractor at the Air Force Research Laboratory, the document details. Gord allegedly urged his friend, civilian military contractor Sukesh Roy with Spectral Energies, to hire the unnamed woman in 2017 after giving him a doctored resume claiming she had a degree in biochemistry, among other impressive yet fictitious qualifications. He is said to have spoken highly of the woman's "technical expertise" and claimed he'd met her on a flight to Washington D.C. He finished the conversation by telling Roy she was "also really hot." Gord, who was married for over 30 years, had really met the woman in Cincinnati and charged her $400-per-hour rate for sex work to his government travel card. According to the Dec. 2019 search warrant application, he also kept a spreadsheet on his government-issued computer called "Burner Log" detailing past relationships with 27 sex workers across the US. "Many of the 27 women listed on the spreadsheet were foreign nationals from countries considered US national security concerns," an affidavit filed in the US District Court for the Southern District of Ohio said. Roy reported these allegations about Gord, according to the document filed by a special agent with the Air Force Office of Special Investigations. Gord was never charged in connection with the warrant prior to his death from unnamed causes in September 2021; the woman identified as a sex worker also has not been charged, according to The Daily Beast. Story continues Gord allegedly would introduce the woman he got hired as a contractor as a "research assistant." He also named her co-chair of a scientific panel of researchers designing turbine engines, detonation engines, scramjets and rockets. After her hiring as an administrative technician at Spectral Energies, Roy told investigators it quickly became clear that the woman was not up to the task, explaining that she "did not fully understand how to use basic word processing and document creation software and struggled to formulate coherent interoffice emails." When Roy confronted Gord about the woman's incompetence, Gord came clean. He told Roy the woman was a prostitute and that he used his government travel card so his family finances were not visibly affected, according to the special agent's application. Roy then met with an attorney to discuss terminating the woman's employment at her one-year review in Nov. 2018. Gord, upon learning of Roy's plan to fire the woman, said he would show up "with one of his many guns" to "end it all," which Roy believed meant he would kill him and then himself, according to the search warrant. Gord also said that because Roy, who is originally from Bangladesh, is an immigrant, the "old boys club" at the Air Force Research Laboratory would never believe him even if he told people the truth. Two weeks before Roy planned to fire her, Gord moved more than half of the government funds typically allocated to Roy's company to a rival company, Innovative Scientific Solutions, where the woman was hired after abruptly resigning from her previous post. According to the recently unsealed warrant, the woman was also "engaged in acts of prostitution" with other scientists from the AFRL at Wright-Patterson. Gord's alleged scheme was unraveled in the fall of 2019 when Roy told investigators that Gord had engaged in "unethical government contract negotiations, had communicated threats of violence and was regularly soliciting prostitution while on the installation and while traveling on official US Air Force business." Prior to his death, Gord was "an internationally recognized leader in the development and application of optical measurement techniques for advanced propulsion and fuel systems," according to the AFRL. Read the original article on Business Insider Its a tale as old as time: Military scientist meets prostitute. Scientist falls in love with prostitute. Scientist gets prostitute hired as an Air Force Research Laboratory contractor. A federal investigation ensues. A recently unsealed search warrant details an extensive scam by Jim Gord, a senior researcher of advanced propulsion technologies at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, and an unnamed female escort with whom he was in a sexual relationship. He urged a lab contractor and friend to hire the woman based on her fraudulent resume and her looks in 2017. He also moved federal funding around to pay her salary and named her as the chair of a scientific panel on engine and rocket technology despite her lack of experience. Tinder, Sailor, Hooker, Pimp: The US Navy's sex trafficking scandal in Bahrain He met with [redacted] on several occasions and paid her $400 an hour for various sexual acts, according to a December 2019 search warrant application that was recently unsealed in federal court and posted on Monday by the Daily Beast. Gord declared his love for [redacted] and she declared hers for him. The Daily Beast first reported on the saga Monday. Neither Gord nor the woman have faced charges, the publication said. Online obituary sites show Gord died of an unnamed cause last year. The scheme came to light in 2019, when Spectral Energies owner Sukesh Roy told military investigators that Gord, who managed the funding for his companys Air Force contract, was engaging in unethical government contract negotiations, had communicated threats of violence and was regularly soliciting prostitution while on the installation and while traveling on official U.S. Air Force business, according to a 2019 affidavit filed in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio. Gord suggested that Roy hire the woman, who he claimed hed met on a flight to Washington and had become something of a mentor to after several personal and professional meetings. The company had contracted with AFRL for nearly 20 years and provided in-depth imagery of engines. Story continues Gord highly encouraged Roy to hire [her], speaking favorably of [her] technical expertise, the affidavit stated. He then finished by stating, Shes also really hot. Air Force general sentenced to reprimand, pay forfeiture for sexual assault The woman started work as an administrative technician at Spectral Energies, but did not fully understand how to use basic word processing and document creation software, and struggled to formulate coherent interoffice emails, the affidavit said. She failed to complete tasks on time, and did not provide nonexistent college transcripts that she claimed would come from the University of Tennessee, University of Cincinnati and University of South Florida. In reality, she was a prostitute whom Gord who was married for more than 30 years met in Cincinnati. He charged the womans $400-per-hour rate for sex to his government credit card, as well as that of several other escorts that he hired around the country. Roy confronted Gord about the issue and asked him to cut off their contact. Gord grew angry and threatened to bring a gun to work to end it all, the affidavit said. Gord also reminded Roy, of Bangladeshi ethnicity, that Gord was a senior research scientist at AFRL, and that as Roy was an immigrant, the old boys club at AFRL would never believe Roy if he disclosed the information about a scientist as well-respected as Gord, the affidavit said. Civilian who allegedly advocated for civil war banned from Air Force base After working for Roy for nearly a year, the woman was hired by a rival company, Innovative Scientific Solutions Inc. Gord funneled more than half of the $250,000 in grant money that typically went to Roy each quarter to the womans new company, and brought her along to scientific conferences on behalf of ISSI, the affidavit said. Over the next few months, several colleagues shared with Roy that Gord was introducing [redacted] around professional circles as a research assistant, court documents show. Roy learned that Gord had arranged for [redacted] to chair a scientific panel at an upcoming Research and Applications of Photonics in Defense conference as a technical expert. When agents with the Air Force Office of Special Investigations searched Gords office at Wright-Patterson in April 2019, they found condoms, female underwear and empty bottles of generic Viagra. They also uncovered emails discussing the need to come up with a strong cover story in case they were questioned further. Subsequent research and investigation has revealed this story is almost entirely untrue, the affidavit said. A major was kicked out for stealing narcotics. Then he took $820,000 from the Air Force. A few months later, agents discovered nude photos and the hourly rates of various women from Discreet Desires, an escort service in Cincinnati, on Gords government laptop. An Excel spreadsheet entitled Burner Log contained more than three years worth of Gords text messages with nearly 30 prostitutes across the United States, the affidavit said. Many of the 27 women listed on the Excel document were foreign nationals from countries considered U.S. national security concerns, the affidavit added. The search warrant application does not say whether the Ohio woman still works at ISSI or whether any of Gords escorts compromised the safety and security of the programs he handled. The Air Force did not respond to a request for comment made Wednesday by Air Force Times. Before his death, Gord was an internationally recognized leader in the development and application of optical measurement techniques for advanced propulsion and fuel systems, according to AFRL. He was named a 2016 fellow at the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, the worlds largest aerospace professional society at the time. Gord made advancements in high-power, high-repetition-rate burst-mode laser diagnostics systems, applying them to turbulent combustion and high-speed flows. His research has produced myriad fundamental technology breakthroughs in burst-mode laser measurement systems that enable scientists and engineers to better understand the performance of real-world air breathing and rocket engines, AFRL said in a release. Russ Laffitte during a court hearing on state charges (Counton2.com) An associate of accused murderer Alex Murdaugh has been charged with helping the disgraced legal scion steal funds from two children whose family members were killed in a tragic car crash. Russell Laffitte, the former CEO of Palmetto State Bank, was indicted by a federal grand jury on Wednesday on five counts of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud, bank fraud, wire fraud, and misapplication of bank funds. Mr Murdaugh worked as a personal injury lawyer for Alaynia Spohn and Hannah Plyler when their mother and brother were killed in a car crash back in 2005. He negotiated a large payout for them and brought Mr Laffitte, a longtime acquaintance of the powerful Murdaugh family, on board as the girls conservator, with much of the funds frozen until they became adults. But, when the children turned 18, they allegely discovered that much of the money had gone. Mr Laffitte is accused of scheming with Mr Murdaugh to steal $355,000 of the funds for himself and another $990,000 for the disgraced attorney, according to the federal indictment. According to the indictment, Mr Laffitte knew that the funds were being used by Mr Murdaugh to cover hundreds of thousands of dollars in overdraft on his personal account and knew that Mr Murdaugh used funds stolen from other personal injury clients to pay back the loans. The scheme to pillage the funds from the two girls is believed to have gone on for more than a decade from July 2011 to October 2021. Mr Laffitte also acted as a conservator for some other clients of Mr Murdaugh and allegedly conspired to defraud them too. In total, he collected more than $391,000 in fees for acting as a personal representative and conservator to Mr Murdaughs clients. Mr Laffitte is also accused of willfully misapplying bank funds on two separate occasions. In July 2021, he allegedly misused bank funds to give Mr Murdaugh an unauthorised $750,000 loan for beach house renovations and expenses which he knew would actually be used to cover hundreds of thousands of dollars in overdraft on Mr Murdaughs personal account. Story continues In October 2021, he then allegedly fraudulently transferred a further $680,000 to Mr Murdaugh. Former Palmetto State Bank CEO Russell Laffitte in mugshot (Kershaw County Detention Center) According to the grand jury indictment, Mr Laffitte and Mr Murdaugh who was named in the court documents as the Bank Customer knowingly and intentionally devised a scheme and artifice to obtain money from the Bank Customers personal injury clients. The charges against Mr Laffitte mark the first time any federal charges have been brought against anyone in the escalating scandals surrounding Mr Murdaugh. Mr Laffitte was fired from Palmetto State Bank earlier this year as details of the alleged scheme came to light and he is already facing state charges over the alleged scam. If convicted on the federal charges, he faces 30 years in prison. Attorneys for Ms Spohn and Ms Plyler said that the girls viewed Russ Laffitte as a father figure and trusted him to navigate the waters ahead for them and to guide them. It is difficult to express the emotions and disappointment of learning years later that those who had sworn to protect the Plylers chose instead to prey upon them, lawyers Eric Bland and Ronald Richter said in a statement. Russ Laffitte and Alex Murdaugh plundered their conservator accounts and treated it like their own personal slush fund. The two alleged co-conspirators both come from powerful families in Hampton County. Mr Laffitts family launched the bank in 1907, just three years before Mr Murdaughs great-grandfather founded the family law firm. The families and their two entities have had working relationships for years. Alex Murdaugh is escorted out of the Colleton County Courthouse in Walterboro, South Carolina, on Wednesday 20 July 2022 (AP) The charges against Mr Laffitte came the same day that Mr Murdaugh appeared in court charged with the murders of his wife Maggie and son Paul. He pleaded not guilty to the brutal 2021 double murders as prosecutors hinted that his motive is tied to his string of white collar fraud and drugs scandals. Mr Murdaughs legal team consented to him being held on no bond, in light of the fact he is already being held on $7m bond in a slew of other cases an amount that the financially-ruined attorney has no way of meeting. Mr Murdaugh has had a spectacular fall from grace over the last year and found himself at the centre of a twisted tale involving unsolved murders, millions of dollars of allegedly embezzled funds, a suicide-for-hire plot and several mysterious deaths that are now under investigation. The 53-year-old attorney is facing more than 80 charges over various alleged schemes, murders and a bizarre hitman plot. The white collar fraud charges include accusations that he stole more than $8.5m from his clients including $4.3m from the family of his dead housekeeper Gloria Satterfield. As Kansas City police investigated the killing of a 32-year-old police officer who was shot during a traffic stop Tuesday, a detective on the case described a weapon found in vehicle of the alleged shooter as an assault style rifle. Court documents filed Wednesday in Jackson County Circuit Court say the rifle was sitting in plain view on the passenger side seat of a gray sedan belonging to Joshua T. Rocha, 24, who had just turned himself in at a Clay County government building. Rocha was charged Wednesday with first-degree murder in the death of North Kansas City Officer Daniel Vasquez. The information filed in court papers came in the form of a probable cause statement requesting a warrant to collect DNA samples from Rocha. Authorities have said the vehicle Rocha was driving that day was also searched, though a full account of what was found was not available in court papers Wednesday. Authorities have thus far declined to say what type of weapon they believe was used in the shooting, which was captured on Vasquezs surveillance dashboard camera and described by the alleged shooter during a police interview. During a news conference Wednesday, Mike Wood, a KCPD deputy chief, said authorities were unable to answer what type of weapon was believed to have been used when asked directly. He declined to provide detail beyond the fact that a weapon had been recovered, saying other factors including how the weapon was obtained were part of the ongoing investigation. In court papers, police reported finding an American Tactical brand firearm inside Rochas vehicle. Shell casings found at the shooting scene were examined at the Kansas City Police Departments Regional Crime Lab, which showed they came from the same firearm, according to court documents. The fatal shooting of Vasquez unfolded shortly before 11 a.m. on Tuesday near the intersection of 21st Avenue and Clay Street in a largely residential area in North Kansas City. Vasquez, who joined the police force in 2021 after finishing his academy training, had pulled over a car there for an expired license plate. Story continues Gunfire erupted in the neighborhood as Vasquez was fatally shot in the street. Vasquez was rushed to North Kansas City Hospital where he died while being prepared to be moved to another hospital. A statewide alert was issued seeking public help with locating a suspect until Rocha surrendered to authorities on Tuesday afternoon. According to charging documents filed Wednesday, Rocha walked into the Clay County Annex at 1901 NE 48th St. in Kansas City a few hours after Vasquez was shot. I committed murder, Rocha allegedly told an employee, who called 911. Parked outside of the Clay County building was a gray Ford similar to the one that authorities had sent a statewide alert to find. On the passenger side of the car, in plain view, was an apparent assault style rifle, a Kansas City detective wrote in the search warrant application. Rocha was arrested without incident, authorities have said. During a police interview, Rocha allegedly said he was heading to a gun shop for ammunition when he was pulled over by Vasquez. He described holding a .300 Blackout rifle in his lap in the moments before the fatal encounter. As Vasquez approached the drivers side, Rocha allegedly demonstrated to police how he shot the officer through the window. He then got out of the vehicle and fired at least two more shots as Vasquez lay on the ground, according to court records. Rocha allegedly told detectives he emptied his rifles magazine which he believed had five rounds in it. When asked why he shot Vasquez, Rocha said he didnt want to go to jail or have his car towed, according to court documents. According to court documents, the shooting was captured on the dash camera of Vasquezs police vehicle. The video shows a man wearing a dark T-shirt, shorts and black shoes, shoot Vasquez in the face through a partially opened driver side door. The man then got out of the sedan and fired two more times at Vasquez, who was lying in the street, the charging document says. Rocha told police he fled and attempted to alter his appearance by changing his clothes and cutting off his goatee. He also spray painted the trunk of his car and removed the temporary tag. Rocha did not have a significant criminal history, according to Missouri court records, and did not appear to have any offenses on record that would have barred him from legally owning a firearm. Earlier offenses included traffic violations and petty drug crimes, including a misdemeanor case out of Buchanan County, records show. Rocha was being held Wednesday on a $2 million bond in the Clay County jail. He was scheduled to make his first court appearance at 1:30 p.m. Thursday. The Stars Andrea Klick and Robert A. Cronkleton contributed to this report. Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhemi declared a day of national mourning Thursday after nine holidaymakers were killed in the bombardment of a Kurdish hill village he blamed on neighbouring Turkey. The bodies were to be flown to Baghdad from the Kurdish regional capital Arbil to be handed over to the families for burial in their hometowns in southern and central Iraq, a Kurdish official said. Thursday's shelling in the Zakho district village of Parakh also wounded 23 people, the majority of them domestic tourists seeking respite from the heat of the plains in the mountains of the Kurdish north. The deaths in a village pleasure garden prompted several dozen angry demonstrators to protest outside the Turkish visa office in Baghdad early Thursday, despite a heavy police presence. Loudspeakers blared out patriotic songs as protesters chanted slogans demanding the expulsion of the Turkish ambassador, an AFP journalist reported. "We want to burn down the embassy. The ambassador must be expelled," said demonstrator Ali Yassin, 53. "Our government is doing nothing." There were similar protests on Wednesday night in the Shiite shrine cities of Najaf and Karbala and in the southern city of Nasiriyah. In an unusually strong rebuke, the prime minister warned Turkey on Wednesday that Iraq reserves the "right to retaliate", calling the artillery fire a "flagrant violation" of sovereignty -- a line echoed by the north's autonomous regional government. Iraq said it was recalling its charge d'affaires from Ankara and demanded an official apology from Turkey along with "the withdrawal of its armed forces from all Iraqi territory". The Turkish foreign ministry denied responsibility for the bombardment, saying these "kinds of attacks" were committed by "terrorist organisations". Ankara launched an offensive in northern Iraq in April dubbed "Operation Claw-Lock", which it said targets fighters from the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK). The PKK has kept up a deadly insurgency for Kurdish self-rule in southeastern Turkey since 1984 and Ankara and its Western allies blacklist the group as a "terrorist organisation". Story continues For the past 25 years, the Turkish army has maintained dozens of outposts across Iraq's Kurdish north as part of its campaign against the rebels. There have been sporadic calls for their removal. Iraq and Turkey are key trade partners but Ankara's successive offensives against PKK rear bases in the north have been a persistent thorn in relations. tgg/kir/dv A few school districts in Arizona are already heading back to school, but will there be enough teachers to fill classrooms? As of late, things are looking pretty dire, and the salary is the main reason teachers say they're looking for new careers to help pay their bills. WASHINGTON The Army faces the worst recruiting environment since the all-volunteer force was created in 1973. The result: The service won't make its goal for recruits and faces a shrinking force in a dangerous world. Army recruiting typically suffers when civilian jobs are plentiful. That trend is evident this year with the 3.6% unemployment rate, a figure just above a 50-year low. But new factors have dampened recruiting efforts, experts say, including Americans' new attitudes toward work-life balance formed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The shortfall in soldiers comes as the Pentagon sends troops to reinforce NATO after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February. In response, the Pentagon has bolstered its force in Europe to 100,000 troops, an increase of 20,000. The largest of the armed services, the Army generally provides the most boots on the ground during such emergencies. The latest The attractive civilian job market and a shrinking pool of qualified candidates has left the Army critically short of the young people it needs to fill its ranks and perform vital tasks. Through April, the Army had recruited 68% of its goal, 8,282 soldiers fewer than its target. The Navy had a shortfall of 1,473 sailors, or 8% short of its goal. The Air Force, Marine Corps and Space Force all had met or exceeded their targets. The Army is offering $50,000, its highest bonus ever, for recruits who commit to six-year enlistments. For a week in June, the Army rescinded its requirement that recruits have a high school diploma or its equivalent. On Wednesday, Army officials issued a memo on its recruiting problems, noting that not enough Americans understand the Army, can't envision life as a soldier and are losing trust and confidence in American institutions including the military. What's about to happen Army Secretary Christine Wormuth and Gen. James McConville, the Army chief of staff, bowed Wednesday to the reality of missing the recruiting target and issued a memo announcing initiatives aimed at reversing recruiting trends. The Army expects to end the fiscal year on Sept. 30 with about 466,000 soldiers. That level may dip to 445,000 in 2023 because of the lack of recruits. Story continues Lt. Gen. James McConville, center, visits troops in Afghanistan in 2013. Among the initiatives is a pilot program to prepare potential recruits to meet the physical and academic standards to serve in the Army. Another will extend the tours of duty for 420 of the Army's best recruiters. What they are saying "The talent pool from which we recruit continues to shrink," Gen. Joseph Martin, the Army's vice chief of staff, told the House Armed Services Committee on Tuesday. Martin referred to the population of 17- to 24-year-olds who meet the physical and mental standards required to join the Army. About 23% of that age group qualifies to serve in the Army. "There's a sense that there's something more going on," said Beth Asch, an expert on recruiting at the nonpartisan RAND Corporation. "People's attitudes towards work are changing with COVID, work-from-home and people's expectations about what work-life balance looks like. Some of that is still emerging in terms of understanding what it means in the context of the military." "This is not a recruiter problem," Wormuth and McConville wrote. "This is an Army problem. We are in a war for talent, and it will take all our people across all components, families, Army civilians, and soldiers for life to fight and win this war." Why it matters The Army depends on a steady stream of young people to train and fight in its lower-enlisted ranks. Soldiers are in high demand for deployments around the world. Although the last wartime deployment ended with the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan last August, the Army has units in hot spots around the globe, including Syria. It also has rushed soldiers to eastern Europe to reinforce allies on NATO's eastern flank. Soldiers also are helping train Ukrainian troops to use sophisticated American-supplied weaponry such as rocket-assisted artillery units that have inflicted significant damage to Russian troops in Ukraine's Donbas region. The Army's record bonuses probably kept a bad recruiting year from getting even worse, Asch said. The Army has solved recruiting crises in the past and maintained the viability of the all-volunteer force, Asch said. It probably will again. "It's recoverable," she said. "That will take effort. It's not a problem you want to have. The trick is to figure it out." Want to know more? Here's what you missed Life in the Army can be tough, especially in Alaska. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Army recruiting crisis: shortage of soldiers despite record bonuses A movie producer pleaded guilty to several counts of fraud and money laundering, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office. Ryan Felton entered the plea on the fourth day of his jury trial in Atlanta on Thursday. Felton was accused of two cryptocurrency investment schemes that cost investors millions of dollars, according to prosecutors. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The defendant used 21st century technology to perpetrate an age-old fraud: lying to investors to steal their money and fund his own lavish lifestyle, said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan in a news release. Feltons conviction should serve as a warning to anyone who seeks to capitalize on emerging technology to victimize others. Investigators say Felton promoted an initial coin offering for an entertainment streaming platform promising to surpass Netflix. TRENDING STORIES: Prosecutors say Felton falsely promoted that Atlanta rapper T.I. was co-owner of the FLiK platform, the U.S. military had agreed to distribute the platform to service members, and FLiK was finalizing licensing deals with major film and television studios. Felton used around $2.4 million in money from investors to fund an extravagant lifestyle. He bought a $1.5 million home, a Ferrari, a Chevy Tahoe, and approximately $30,000 in diamond jewelry, according to U.S. Attorneys Office for the Northern District of Georgia. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Felton promoted a second ICO for a new company in 2018. Investigators say he raised more than $200,000 for CoinSpark and again diverted money to his personal bank account. Felton pleaded guilty to twelve counts of wire fraud, ten counts of money laundering, and two counts of securities fraud. His sentencing will be scheduled at a later date. RELATED: Prince William and Prince Harry, as well as their father Prince Charles, have received a public apology from BBC director general Tim Davie over their mother Princess Dianas infamous 1995 interview. The late royal was interviewed by journalist Martin Bashir for the networks "Panorama" program. An independent investigation conducted by Lord Dyson concluded that the public broadcaster "fell short of the high standards of integrity and transparency which are its hallmark." The report also found that Bashir used "deceitful behavior" to gain access to Diana, including allegedly forging documents. One method used to gain access to Diana included the allegation that William and Harrys former nanny, Alexandra Pettifer, also known as Tiggy Legge-Bourke, had an affair with Charles. Pettifer went on to file a defamation claim in the London High Court, which she won on Tuesday. After the ruling, Davie issued a statement. HOW DID PRINCESS DIANA DIE? A LOOK AT THE TRAGIC CAR ACCIDENT THAT TOOK THE LIFE OF THE BELOVED ROYAL Tiggy Pettifer, the former nanny of Prince William and Prince Harry, won her case on Tuesday. Photo by Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty Images "Following publication of the Dyson Report last year we have been working with those who suffered as a result of the deceitful tactics used by the BBC in pursuit of its interview with Diana, Princess of Wales for the Panorama program in 1995, including the matters that were mentioned in court today in respect of Miss Tiggy Legge-Bourke, now Mrs. Alexandra Pettifer," the statement read. "The BBC has agreed to pay substantial damages to Mrs. Pettifer and I would like to take this opportunity to apologize publicly to her, to The Prince of Wales [Charles], and to the Dukes of Cambridge [William] and Sussex [Harry], for the way in which Princess Diana was deceived and the subsequent impact on all their lives," Davie shared. "It is a matter of great regret that the BBC did not get to the facts in the immediate aftermath of the programme when there were warning signs that the interview might have been obtained improperly," the statement continued. "Instead, as The Duke of Cambridge himself put it, the BBC failed to ask the tough questions. Had we done our job properly Princess Diana would have known the truth during her lifetime. We let her, The Royal Family and our audiences down. Story continues "Now we know about the shocking way that the interview was obtained I have decided that the BBC will never show the program again; nor will we license it in whole or part to other broadcasters. It does of course remain part of the historical record and there may be occasions in the future when it will be justified for the BBC to use short extracts for journalistic purposes, but these will be few and far between and will need to be agreed at Executive Committee level and set in the full context of what we now know about the way the interview was obtained. I would urge others to exercise similar restraint." CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER Martin Bashir interviews Princess Diana in Kensington Palace for the television program Panorama. Photo by Pool Photograph/Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images In May 2021, Bashir said he was "deeply sorry," but denied that the interview was responsible for any harm to Diana. "I never wanted to harm Diana in any way and I dont believe we did," the journalist told the Sunday Times. "Everything we did in terms of the interview was as she wanted, from when she wanted to alert the palace, to when it was broadcast, to its contents ... My family and I loved her." The report concluded that Bashir "commissioned fake bank statements" that allowed him to get access to Diana by deceiving her brother, Charles Spencer, to arrange a meeting in which Diana was later persuaded to take part in the 1995 interview. Bashir has admitted to showing Spencer the forged documents, for which he said he was "deeply sorry," but claims had "no bearing" on Diana or the interview. KRISTEN STEWARTS PORTRAYAL OF PRINCESS DIANA IN SPENCER HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE ROYAL: VOICE COACH Diana famously said during the interview that there were "three of us in this marriage, so it was a bit crowded." Following the revelations, Queen Elizabeth II issued a statement recommending Diana and Prince Charles seek a divorce. The marriage officially ended on August 28, 1996. On Aug. 31, 1997, Diana died in a car accident in Paris while being chased by the paparazzi. She was 36. Diana's sons have both suggested Bashir's interview directly contributed to the Princess of Wales' untimely death. "The interview was a major contribution to making my parents' relationship worse and has since hurt countless others," William, 40, previously said in a video statement. "It brings indescribable sadness to know that the BBC's failures contributed significantly to her fear, paranoia and isolation that I remember from those final years with her. But what saddens me most is that if the BBC had properly investigated the complaints and concerns first raised in 1995, my mother would have known that she'd been deceived." Harry echoed his brother's comments in a separate statement, noting that the "ripple effect of a culture of exploitation and unethical practices ultimately took her life." NETFLIX'S 'THE CROWN' TO FEATURE PRINCESS DIANA'S 'PANORAMA' INTERVIEW: REPORT Martin Bashir has since stepped down from his role as the BBC's editor of religion. Photo by Fiona Hanson - PA Images/PA Images via Getty Images "Our mother lost her life because of this, and nothing has changed," the 37-year-old added. "By protecting her legacy, we protect everyone, and uphold the dignity with which she lived her life. Lets remember who she was and what she stood for." Bashir has since stepped down from his role as the BBC's editor of religion and issued a statement apologizing for his conduct. BBC's director of news and current affairs at the time, Tony Hall, has also stepped aside following the investigation.